Work Text:
Nothing could quite prepare them for the exhausting nature of unexpected parenthood.
That was to no surprise, really. Rang avoided people, and specifically humans, at all costs. There was no conceivable situation where he’d want to care for another, let alone a small, defenceless child. Yeon was much the same-- although now, it was beginning to grow on him.
Yeon had stepped out to run some errands, leaving Rang with baby Mi-ho during the evening hours of the day. He’d taken longer than anticipated, forgetting how different baby products were nearly one hundred years ago, and wondering how best to care for the child they had now acquired. With his hands full, Yeon returned to the room he shared with Rang-- unprepared for the sight before him.
Mi-ho was asleep, tucked in securely within her basket. But beside her, on the rolled-out futon, was Rang-- in much the same position. His brother was still dressed in his daily attire, perhaps having dozed off without meaning too, exhaustion clear on his slumbering features. Rang was on his side, slumped a bit awkwardly, with one hand thrown over Mi-ho’s basket in an almost protective manner.
Yeon chuckled softly to himself, loving to see this side of his dongsaeng.
He decided it best to move Mi-ho, picking up her basket gently enough not to wake her, and placing her back down safely on the other side of the room. Ensuring she remained asleep, Yeon turned back to his brother with a heartfelt sigh. He didn’t want to waste anymore time, eager to snuggle up beside Rang and sleep through until the morning.
Crossing the room, Yeon nudged his own futon closer, until it lined up directly next to the other. He kicked off his shoes, removing his belt, and quickly settling atop the bedding. Yeon stilled for a moment, considering what to do next. There was a possibility Rang wouldn’t be too happy with his closeness, but Yeon decided that was a problem to deal with in the morning.
Shuffling over beside Rang, Yeon pulled up the blankets, tucking them both beneath the warmth they provided.
Yeon relaxed, exhaling slowly, and staring at the slumbering face of his brother. Rang appeared so harmless like this, a rare sight for even his own brother. He studied him, appreciating just how handsome Rang had become in adulthood. It was so curious to see him now, the man he’d grown into, feeling as if it was only a few decades ago when Yeon found him as a child, and raised him as family.
And now, the two of them were together-- raising another child who needed that same safety and stability.
Both he and Rang had quickly taken to Mi-ho, even after their initial disinterest and lack of care. Yeon was surprised just how much Rang had changed the last day since she’d unexpectedly arrived on their doorstep, and now, Yeon was becoming attached to the idea. He loved Rang, and wanted to stay with him above all else-- and on top of that, Yeon was beginning to yearn for the concept of a bigger family-- specifically, raising children with Rang.
If he could change the future, and ensure Rang’s safety, then Yeon hoped that could be something they’d be able to share together.
Yeon smiled, closing his eyes, allowing his mind to wander through such possibilities. He couldn’t stop himself from creeping even closer, comforted by Rang’s warmth. Then, the unexpected-- Rang mumbled something, startling Yeon momentarily before he began to move-- but not further away, as Yeon had expected. Instead, Rang closed the distance between them, curling an arm around Yeon’s hip and snuggling into his chest.
Perhaps his feelings weren’t as one-sided as he’d assumed
Yeon’s eyes flew open with a hitched breath, freezing in place. Rang was melting in his arms, and Yeon had realised how much he truly desired this until now. He couldn’t stop himself from returning the embrace, curling his arms around Rang, holding him close as if he’d disappear should they part. His face nuzzled into Rang’s hair, inhaling his scent, reminding Yeon of home-- a comfort he’d long since forgotten.
With a grin on his lips, Yeon felt sleep calling to him, urging his mind into a pleasant, dreamless slumber. With Rang in his arms, Yeon couldn’t deny that this is where he wanted to stay, where he belonged, and hopefully-- where he was needed most.