Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Shin-ah
January 3
Golden eyes looked out into the starry night. The eyes belonged to Seiryuu Shin-ah. The young man was staying off away from the group of friends that he'd been traveling with for months. It was winter now. According to Yun it was three days since the new year had come. He pulled the fur from his body and looked at Ao, the tiny squirrel was curled up where she was the warmest against his chest. "Ao." He spoke his voice ever so soft as smoke from his breath left his mouth. "Today is my birthday." He said as his eyes turned back towards the sky. He was a year older.
A twig snapped behind him. Shin-ah turned his eyes quickly towards the noise and saw Hakuryuu and Ryokuryuu heading towards him. The two sat down on either side of Shin-ah. He was left to sit outside in the cold in front of the fire and keep watch while everybody else was warm in the cave in their tents. Jae-ha spoke first. "Shin-ah, you shouldn't have to stay out here by yourself."
Kija peered at the younger man. "You could catch your death!" He stated feeling the cold starting to effect his own body.
Shin-ah felt a warmth in his heart at their words. "I will be alright." He said softly before he felt a very warm heavy blanket flung over his shoulders and looked between the two men.
"We're family." Kija stated. "We dragons not only have to look over our King but we must protect each other as well."
"Family." Jae-ha muttered as he felt a tug at his cheeks as a smile formed. "Kija is right. If we're going to be Yona dear's beautiful dragon warriors then we must watch over each other as well." He said as he placed another log on the fire.
"What are you boys talking about?" came Hak's deep voice as he approached them.
"Just talking to Shin-ah, Hak." Jae-ha stated.
"Oh?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "Whatever they're saying, ignore it. White snake and droopy eyes know next to nothing." He teased both men.
"I'm not a snake!" Kija yelled at him causing his blood to boil at the nickname Hak refused to let go.
"Hak, that's mean." Jae-ha said chuckling knowing the raiju didn't mean those words. As Kija went on a rant on what he truly was towards Hak. Jae-ha tapped Shin-ah's shoulder causing wide golden eyes to look towards him under the mask. Jae-ha lean forward. "Happy Birthday." He whispered before standing. Shin-ah continued to look at Jae-ha in shock that somebody knew what today was. "You know," Jae-ha began. "it helps to be the eldest. I felt each of you when you were born. How do you think I could avoid you guys so well?" He looked away from Hak and Kija back towards Shin-ah. He pointed at his head. "I felt it each time. The connection. It appeared each time." He turned to go back to the cave and began to walk away only for Shin-ah to grab his tunic jacket. Looking down Ryokuryuu looked down at Shin-ah.
"Thank-you." The silent blue haired teen said softly.
Jae-ha smiled softly before walking away and going into the cave and laying down next to a very warm fire where he had left his blankets. He was just nodding off when he felt a smaller body lay down next to him. Opening an eye he spotted Shin-ah on one side of him while Kija took up the other side. "Hak said he'd take over watch." Kija explained as he soon fell asleep next to his brother warriors. Jae-ha chuckled before he fell asleep soon after.
Shin-ah laid awake for awhile more before he smiled and took off his mask for a moment and looked over at Jae-ha. "Thank-you for remembering." He said softly before he settled his bare face against the green haired man's shoulder and fell into the deepest sleep he ever remembered falling into.