Work Text:
After a long day filled with work and dance practice, Chan is exhausted and happy to finally get a good few hours of sleep. He collapses onto his bed, and within seconds, he's fast asleep.
Although Chan has trained himself to sleep through loud noises and other disturbances—a skill that can be crucial on busy days—he is always unconsciously on high alert, always aware of his surroundings, especially when he's around his members. It's an instinct, almost like a mother's towards her child.
So, when his door quietly opens and tiny, soft footsteps approach his bed, he jolts awake. The sweet aroma of honey and vanilla fills the air as a familiar figure slips into bed behind Chan, gently pressing his head against Chan's back and wrapping an arm loosely around his torso.
It's unmistakably Felix.
Chan chuckles softly. „In need of some cuddles?“ He murmurs.
Felix remains silent, and if not for the slight nod Chan feels against his back, he would have wondered if the other Aussie had heard him at all.
Chan doesn’t think much of it and certainly doesn’t mind; in fact, he loves getting cuddles. He begins to drift back to sleep.
„Hyung.“ That single word is enough to jolt Chan back to full alertness. It wasn’t just what Felix said, but how he said it. The word comes out choked, as if it pains him to speak. His voice is trembling, and filled with so, so much sorrow. The overwhelming sadness in his voice immediately sets Chan on edge. He instinctively wants to turn around and see what’s troubling the blonde boy, but a gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder holds him in place.
„Felix-“ Chan wants to protest, but Felix's grip tightens, keeping him from moving, and Chan realizes that Felix isn’t ready to face him yet. Understanding this unspoken request, Chan remains in his current position, lying on his side. Felix presses even closer into his back, fisting Chan’s shirt like it’s a lifeline, the only thing keeping him from drowning in a stormy sea. The intensity of Felix's emotions is clear, and Chan can feel the younger's desperation through the trembling of his body and the way he clings to him. It's as if Felix is seeking comfort, using Chan as an anchor in a storm of overwhelming feelings.
„Felix.“ Chan begins again, his voice soft and full of empathy as he stares into the darkness ahead.
„I miss home.“ Felix's voice returns, but there's so much pain in his words that it shatters Chan's heart into a million pieces.
Felix's trembling worsens, and he tries to muffle his cries in Chan's shirt, but Chan hears them clearly. „Oh baby, I know. I do too.“ Chan sighs softly. At this, Felix's sobs grow even more intense.
„Lixie, can I turn around? So I can look at you.“ Chan asks gently. When he doesn't receive a verbal response, he slowly turns, and this time, Felix doesn’t stop him. The room is dim, but a sliver of light from the streetlamp outside filters through the blinds, softly illuminating Felix’s face. His eyes are puffy, and tear tracks stain his cheeks.
"Come here.“ Chan says, opening his arms, and Felix buries his head in Chan’s chest. Chan kisses Felix's ash-blonde hair and holds him until his sobbing starts to quiet down. „Did something happen?“ He asks softly, wiping away the tears from Felix's cheeks with his thumb. „What’s got you so upset, hm? It hasn’t been this bad for a long time, has it?“ Chan speaks calmly, hoping to give him some comfort. Felix sniffles and shakes his head.
„I don’t know. I- I- I just miss them. It's been so long since I last saw them.“ As Felix speaks, Chan places the back of his hand on Felix's forehead, already sensing the heat radiating from him when they hugged. Unsurprisingly, he is running a slight fever. Felix chokes on a sob. "Chris, I miss my mom." Seeing Felix cry like this brings tears to Chan's eyes as well, and a single tear rolls down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away with a swift hand movement.
„Felix baby listen.“ Chan says gently. „You are running a slight fever, which might explain why your emotions are so intense. I will get you some fever reducer okay?“
„No don’t leave, please.“ Felix pleads, clinging to Chan's arm, making it impossible for him to get up. Chan pauses for a moment, considering his options, but since Felix's fever isn't too high, he decides it's more important to stay with the younger boy. „Do you want to call your mom?“ Chan suggests. Felix's eyes light up at this. „C- Call her?“ He stutters in disbelieve. „Yeah, it’s gonna be nice to hear her voice.“ Chan reassures him. „But it's six in the morning over there.“ Felix’s smile is fading.
"Maybe she's already up. It's worth a try, don't you think?“ Chan encourages. Felix slowly nods. „But I don’t have my phone.“ Felix realizes. „You can use mine.“ Chan opens the contact and starts the call, then hands the phone to Felix.
After a few rings, Felix hears the familiar voice of his mother. „Chris, that’s a surprise. Is everything okay?“
„Mum.“ Felix’s voice cracks, and tears well up in his eyes again.
„Felix? Sweetheart, is everything alright?“
„Mum.“ Felix whispers once more as tears stream down his face.
„Felix my love, are you hurt? What's wrong?“ Her concerned voice seeps through the phone and Felix feels guilty for making her worried. He quickly wipes his tears away and sniffles. With a steadier voice and a small smile, he responds. „No I am okay, I just miss you.“
„Oh thank god.“ She sighs relieved. „You scared me.“
„I am sorry mum.“ Felix voice shakes again and he is fighting back tears. „I just miss you so much.“ As he speaks, he curls up, pulling his knees tightly to his chest trying to shield himself from the overwhelming emotions. Chan gently rubs his back, silently reassuring him of his presence as Felix's shoulders shake with silent sobs.
„Oh honey, I miss you too.“ Her voice is soft and comforting. „Are you with someone right now?“
Felix sniffles. „Yeah, Chris is here.“
„That’s good love. He'll be there to support you while I am not around. And it’s important to talk to someone if you are feeling this way, you know that right? It can help a lot.“
„Yeah I know.“ Felix murmurs and his crying calmed down and he seems much more relaxed.
„Are you feeling better love?“ She asks.
„Yeah, thank you mum. I love you.“ Felix says with a soft smile.
„I love you too Felix. And if you want to call again later, just call, okay? I’m always here for you, alright?“
Felix nods, even though his mother can’t see it. „Okay, bye mum.“
„Bye honey. Give Chris a hug from me.“
Felix ends the call and looks up to see Chan smiling at him fondly.
"You okay?" Chan asks gently.
„Yeah, I am feeling much better.“ Felix replies, looking a bit sheepish.
„Hyung?“ He glances up through his lashes. „Thank you.“ His voice is quiet but sincere. „You know, for being here and listening."
Chan smile deepens and he nods, his eyes full of love for the younger member.
„I uh- need to give you a hug on my mother's behalf.“ Felix chuckles. Chan laughs warmly and opens his arms wide. „Then what are you waiting for? Come here!“