Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"H-hello, I'm really happy to meet you all in person."

Zoey perked up. Smiling encouragingly as the fan shifted nervously on her feet, "We're happy to meet you! Would you like us to sign this?" she gestured to the poster in the young woman's hand.

The girl nodded, stepping closer to hand the poster to Zoey. It was from a recent photoshoot collaboration with both Huntr/x and the Saja boys. This one in particular had been a popular print with Baby at the forefront. The other boys gathered behind him. 

Said member was noticeably quiet from where he sat between Zoey and Mystery. Eyes uncharacteristically wide as he gaped up at the now crying fan. She cupped her mouth to muffle her sobs as she saw the clear recognition light up the half-demon's eyes. 

"...J-Jieun?" 

Baby shot up from his seat. Getting the attention of the whole table and subsequently the nearby fans. The remaining group members glanced at each other in confusion. Jinu leaned forward to look over Rumi as he eyed his boyfriend worriedly.

"Baby, are you okay?" His question was met with silence. The other reaper continued gaping at the young woman, who now had tears running down her cheeks. Lacing her hands in front of her, she bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Oppa!" 

Halfway through her answer. Baby vaulted over the table. Ignoring the surrounding gasps and whispers, he swooped the young woman up into a hug. The duo laughed as Baby spun them around before setting her back on her feet. 

Cupping her face, Baby chuckled as he breathed in awe. Using his thumb to wipe away her tears as he took her hand. 

"Come!"

He dragged her away. Ignoring the confused crowd parting to let them through. Camera flashes followed the pair until they disappeared around the corner leading to the venue's exit. 

The remaining members sat in frozen shock. Looking at the forgotten poster left in front of Zoey and Mystery. The rest of the Saja boys had all stood up. Glancing from where their youngest member had been sitting, sharing looks of confusion and worry. 

_

The incident from a week ago was still trending on social media. Bobby had his work cut out for him as he did damage control on the Saja boys' behalf. Using his connections with nearby outlets to bribe them into deleting what they could and censoring fans from making edits of the event. 

Logically, they had all just asked Baby who the woman was. The rapper had leveled them with an unreadable expression and told them not to worry about it. 

Jinu had been the first to press the issue at a rehearsal a few days later. Once again, Baby had brushed the topic off. This time, however, he announced that he had somewhere else to be and promptly left. Leaving the rest of his partners to once again glance amongst themselves in baffled confusion. 

So yes, they were going to worry about it. 

They'd all tried to individually approach Baby on where he went off to with mixed levels of success.  

Asking why he would come in at late hours of the night? retiring to his personal bedroom instead of joining his boyfriend's in their shared one... 

The only person who managed to get a more open response was Mystery. Who, after receiving an apologetic kiss, was invited to join his boyfriend in his bed that night.

. . . 

The younger pushed Mystery's bangs aside as he placed a kiss on the other's forehead. Ushering Mystery to lie against his chest. 

As he absentmindedly rubbed circles against his boyfriend's back, Baby's deep voice filled the space. "It really isn't anything you have to worry about, Hyun-woo. I'll tell you and the others soon," he promised.

. . .

It had been enough for Abby and Romance to ease up a bit. But Jinu was still noticeably on edge. 

It absolutely did not help that a few days later, they ended up having to evacuate their penthouse due to a gas leak in the building. All residents received strict orders that they were not allowed back until further notice. 

Duffel bags in hand and donning their public disguises of hoodies, facemasks, and sunglasses.  They temporarily took up shop at a nearby cafe as they tried to contact their wayward boyfriend. 

Jinu's jaw noticeably clenched as his call was once again sent to voicemail. Cursing in frustration, the device was slammed down onto the cafe table. "Why isn't he answering his damn phone!?" he fumed.

Not for the first time since the morning went to shit, Abby gave an exhausted sigh at his lover's behavior. 

Beside him, taking advantage of their lack of a face mask, Kyung-soo gave the nearby patrons an apologetic smile before rounding on their boyfriend.

Glaring behind their sunglasses, Romance kicked the other's leg. "Jinu, for the 5th time, calm down. You're making a scene!" they hissed. 

Jinu slumped back into his seat. "Why aren't you all concerned with how Ji-hoon has been acting?" he accused. Crossing his arms. 

Beside him, Mystery continued nibbling on the dog treats he prioritized as one of his essentials, thoughtfully biting into the bone-shaped biscuit.

Swallowing with a sigh, Mystery spoke up, "We are worried, Jinu. But Ji-hoon told us he'd explain it all eventually," he mumbled. Eyes exposed but hidden under the shade of his cap.

Jinu rolled his eyes. "He told you that, Hyun-woo. He didn't care to tell the rest of us shit," he sneered. 

Mystery's shoulder slumped as he frowned. Hand stilling from where he was bringing up the biscuit for another bite.

Having half a mind to falter regretfully, Jinu opened his mouth to apologize, only to be cut off. 

"Jinu..."  

Slitted pupils flashing yellow, Abby clicked his tongue in annoyance. Glaring tiredly from behind the shade of his own fitted cap, he continued, "Ji-hoon is not a child-"

"I didn't say-"

"He's allowed his privacy. When he's ready, he'll tell us what's going on. Until then, no one needs you taking your anger out on them," he exasperated. Raising an unamused brow when Jinu slumped back into his seat. Grumbling incoherently under his breath.

Only a few seconds of silence passed amongst them before Jinu's phone rang. 

Mystery swiped the device up, ignoring Jinu's annoyed "hey!"  he perked up as he read the caller ID. 

"Ji-hoon?" he answered, navigating to turn on the speaker. 

"What's this I hear about a gas leak?" 

Before Romance could answer, Jinu cut them off, "Ji-hoon, why the hell haven't you been answering your phone?!" He chided.

"I wasn't near it, hyung." The sound of shuffling could be heard as he continued, "Did you all find a hotel?"

Romance cut Jinu off with a glare as they replied, "No, we wanted to try and call you before making any decisions," they explained. 

"...I know a place we can stay. I'm pulling up right now." 

Jinu's brows furrowed. "What do you mean-" he was cut off as the call ended. 

They all exchanged confused looks before the sound of a horn got their attention. 

Turning, they watched as a black SUV pulled up to park beside them. Engine cutting off, they gaped as the driver's door opened. 

Baby adjusted his hoodie as he rounded the front of the car. Striding over to stand in the space between Romance and Abby. His mirth could be heard from behind his face mask as he greeted them. 

"Yo."

Jinu took a deep breath, fingers coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Ji-hoon, why do you have a car?" He demanded. baby responded with a shrug.

"Why don't you?"

Before Jinu could explode, Abby rose from his seat. Baby stepped back to give him space as he began grabbing everyone's bags.

Turning back to face Baby, he gave the younger a quick once over, "You okay?" He Inquired. tone unreadable.

Baby nodded hesitantly, "I am, Hyung," he breathed. 

Abby refocused on his face, glaring pointedly, "You had us all worried, Ji-hoon. We're all going to have a long talk later, okay?" He decided. Baby sighed

"I know, Hyung."

Eyes softening in amusement, Abby nodded to the back of the car. Effortlessly carrying the bags to the rear, "Open the trunk for me so I can put these in," he called over his shoulder.

Baby's hand shifted in his hoodie pocket before the lights to the car lit up. The trunk hatch rising a beat later. 

Romance stood up as well, pulling mystery along as they headed to the car. Pausing to place a kiss on Baby's cheek as they hopped into the back. 

Turning to Jinu. Baby ignored his boyfriend's glare as he nodded to the car. Reaching out to open the passenger door, "Come on, Hyung. You can ride with me in the front," he offered. Making a show of gesturing with his arm like a valet.  

Rolling his eyes, Jinu stood with a huff. Walking over to slide into the comfortable leather interior.

Once everyone was settled in, Baby reclaimed his place at the front. Turning on the engine, he pulled away from the curb and began driving away from the cafe. 

Jinu blinked, observing how comfortably his boyfriend navigated his way through the streets. Limbs relaxed as if operating on muscle memory. Coming to the first intersection, the car came to a smooth stop.

Jinu gazed out the windshield with furrowed brows. "Can I ask why you know how to drive so well? He wondered.

Baby rolled his eyes as the light turned green. "The same reason why you were shocked when you found out widows can remarry..." he chuckled. Keeping his gaze forward, Baby ignored the weight of Jinu's glare as he continued, "Save the interrogation for later, hyung. Let me focus on driving, please." He muttered. 

__

After an hour's worth of driving, the familiar cityscape slowly transitioned to Villas and quiet, uphill streets. The car coming up on one of the many homes hidden behind a high wall.

After waiting for the gates to open, the car descended into a low-level garage. Parking beside another luxury vehicle. 

Baby directed his confused partners up a flight of stairs that led into a luxurious living room. The high ceiling and shiny hardwood floors decorated with expensive furniture and devices. 

Baby spoke up, shuffling towards the nearby floating staircase, "There are a few rooms on the second floor-" 

"Ji-hoon, enough!" 

Jinu closed the distance between them as he grabbed the younger's wrist. Turning his boyfriend around.

Jinu glared, "I'm tired of this game, Ji-hoon! What the hell is going on!?" He snapped.

Rolling his eyes, Baby snatched his arm back. Opening his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a feminine voice coming from the second level.

"Oppa, are you back already?!"

Everyone turned towards the top-floor landing. To the shock of four, it was the fan from the meet and greet. Happily waving down at them.  

Jinu laughed bitterly as she descended the steps. Taking a step back from Baby with an incredulous glare, "So, this is what you've been doing!?" Markings flaring up, Slitted Pupils met Baby's unimpressed glare "Shacking up with some bitch-" 

Gaping, Romance stepped closer, ignoring their instincts telling them to let the older demon be. 

"Jinu!-"

"SILENCE" 

Whimpering, Mystery shifted to stand closer to a still glaring Romance. The older's expression softened as they pulled the younger closer. 

The air had gotten noticeably heavy. If any of Gwi-ma's lower-level demons were present, they would have since scattered under the assumption that they were about to be subjected to their Master's rage.  

Growling, markings now also on full display, Abby grabbed Jinu's arm. "Watch your tone, Hyung," he warned. His voice equally distorted as he clashed with the other's demonic energy. 

Unfazed, Jinu snarled, snatching his arm back to return his focus to Baby. Baring his now extended fangs, "Honestly, you leave us worried for days and choose now to admit you've been seeing someone else?!" He scolded.

Baby glared up at the other in annoyance. "Jinu-"

"No! What reason could you possibly have to-" Baby groaned loudly, cutting the older reaper off as he gestured pointedly to the younger woman. 

Who, surprisingly, looked unfazed as she stood patiently at the bottom of the staircase. Amusement outlining the edges of her expression. 

Baby took a deep breath before continuing, "I didn't know I needed permission to reunite with my sister, Jinu!!" He snapped.

There was a beat of silence, the only sound coming from the home's central air conditioning cutting on. 

A barely restrained snort came from behind Baby. 

Turning, Baby rolled his eyes at his snickering sister. Sighing before rounding back on the four stunned looks of his partners.

"WHAT?!"

-

Chapter Text

Jieun stepped forward, unfazed by the varying expressions of shock aimed her way as she lowered herself in a bow. Tucking the side strands of her burgundy bob behind her ear "I want to apologise for all the confusion I've caused," she began, rising back up. She gestured to Baby, who was now leaning against the staircase railing

"Ji-hoon has told me your team has been running around to fix a lot of fan content. That must be tiring, "Jieun lamented. Behind her, Baby rolled his eyes.

"Bobby isn't a rookie, Jieun. I'm sure dealing with Huntr/x is worse," he replied somnolently. Stifling a yawn through the other's grumbling of "It's still a lot". Baby shifted on his feet, leaning more of his weight on the railing.

Shoulder's slumping, Jinu's brows furrowed. Sliding his gaze back and forth between the pair before settling on his boyfriend, "You're...siblings," he breathed.

"Yes"

Jinu's frown deepened. His markings transitioned from their deep violet to lavender as he held Baby's unreadable gaze. "Why didn't you just tell us?" he faltered.

Sighing, Baby winced as he pushed away from the banister. Lumbering closer, his expression took on a pinched look. His hand noticeably shaking as it came up to hold the side of his face.

"It's compli..cated, hy.."

Jieun frowned as he trailed off. Rounding on her brother.

"Ji-hoon, are you-OH!" She exclaimed. Staring down wide-eyed at Baby's crumbled form.

Everyone shot forward at once.

"Ji-hoon!"

Quickly moving to crouch next to her brother, Jieun raised her arm in Jinu and Abby's direction. Motioning for them to stop.

Grunting, Abby glowered down at her. Similar to Jinu, his markings were beginning to fade, but his eyes remained their vibrant amber. "Why are you-!"

Ignoring him, Jieun peered at where romance and mystery had also faltered. Her expression guarded as she zeroed in on Romance.

"Kyung-soo, right?"

Blinking, Romance nodded. At a motion to come closer, they quickly closed the distance between them. Crouching down to occupy the space on Baby's other side.

"Your demonic energy is low and won't cause any more disruption," Jieun acknowledged. Helping Romance carefully turn Baby over to lie on his back.

Jinu's brows furrowed, sharing his uncertainty with Abby, "What do you mean by that?" He pleaded.

Jieun sighed, taking a moment to lay the back of her hand on Baby's forehead. "I'll explain in a minute," she assured. Looking towards the patio doors leading to the front yard.

"Let's get Ji-hoon outside; the fresh air will help stabilize him again."

Slipping their arms under Baby's knees and upper back, romance easily lifted the younger.

Everyone trailed behind Jieun. Waiting as she unlocked and slid the doors open to let everyone file through.

Padding over to the lounge chair, Romance carefully sat down. Smiling up at Mystery, who came over to help maneuver Baby's body along the rest of the foam cushion. His head gently lowered into Romance's lap.

Briefly raising his boyfriend's legs to take a seat at the other end. Mystery rested his hands over Baby's lower legs. Watching as Romance began carding their fingers through the other's turquoise bangs.

Jieun collapsed into the adjacent loveseat. Her gaze lingered on her brother and his partners. Smiling warmly at the open display of affection.

Jinu and Abby remained standing. The latter took up post behind Romance. Eyes lidded but sharp as he crossed his arms.

Redirecting his gaze to Jieun, Jinu broke the silence first, "Can you finish explaining now?" He grunted.

Jieun nodded, her expression inscrutable. Gaze lingering on Baby's unconscious form as she spoke, "Yes, but I won't go into too much detail. I would like Ji-hoon to be awake for that" she began. Shifting her gaze to meet Jinu's.

"With the closing of the Honmoon. Ji-hoon explained to me that you all have recovered some of your past-life memories to some extent. Although there are still traces of demonic energy in each of you," Jieun pondered. Tilting her head consideringly at Jinu and Abby.

Abby frowned. "How do you know about the Honmoon? Did Ji-hoon tell you this?" He puzzled.

"Our family has had ties to shamanic abilities for centuries. Though we don't practice publicly anymore," Jieun shrugged. " It's more of a family secret."

Romance tilted their head. "Why is it a secret? I've heard people still use shamans in this day and age," they inquired.

Jieum nodded, "Yes, they do. But our connection to the spirit realm is much more... complicated," she mused.

Jinu crossed his arms, eyeing how Jieun's gaze seemed more weighted as she looked back over to Baby. "Complicated, how?" He challenged.

Jieun didn't answer right away, the corner of her bottom lip briefly disappearing as she fretted the fragile flesh. "Like I said, I won't go into too much detail until Ji-hoon wakes up." She maintained," Our family's connection to Gwi-ma is a lot to explain."

Mystery gaped, "You know about him?" he wondered, sharing an uncertain look with Romance.

Jieun gestured vaguely towards the Villa. "This house was filled with different protection spells and charms against demonic energy," she sighed. "Ji-hoon was adamant in helping me get rid of them. Even though I told him I could handle it myself, "Jieun grumbled. Giving said man the side eye. Tucking her bangs behind her ear.

"But I warned him to be careful when returning to you all. Sometimes there can be residual energy left. Even after the spells are lowered," She imparted, standing up from her seat.

Four pairs of eyes briefly glanced amongst each other before settling on their unconscious lover.

Well, that explained why Baby was so distant.

And probably why they've all been on edge.

Jieun yawned. making a show of stretching her arms and being rewarded with an audible pop as she continued "I was worried when Ji-hoon said he was bringing you all here. We weren't sure if we found all of the wards" she smiled in amusement towards Jinu and Abby "But clearly we got most of them, since you both were able to go super saiyan earlier" she joked

Jinu and Abby mouthed the term in confusion, while Mystery snorted at the reference.

"The second floor should be safe for now-"

Jinu clicked his tongue. Crossing his arms, "Should be? We're not staying here if you're not sure," he groused.

Smirking, Jieun sauntered over to stop in front of the taller man. Resting her hands on her hips as she smirked mischievously up at Jinu, " Are you saying you don't trust me, oppa?" She grinned.

"Don't call me that."

Snickering, Jieun shoulder checked an affronted jinu as she brushed past to reenter the house, "You're definitely one of Ji-hoon's types. Very easy to rile up!" She sang.

Ignoring Jinu's sputtering. She motioned for Abby to follow as well as she called over her shoulder, "Come. I'll show you which rooms to put your things in, "she directed. Making her way towards the staircase

Blinking, Abby glanced over at romance and mystery, who nodded encouragingly.

With that, he retreated inside, not before grabbing the scruff of Jinu's collar. Dragging the still grumbling demon along.

When Baby felt his consciousness slowly float back to the surface. The first thing he heard was the sound of barking.

Shit, did he promise to take Hyun-woo on a walk?

No, that can't be right. They weren't even at the penthouse because of the gas leak thing...

Oh, wait, did he remember to do that thing for Jieun? She won't let him hear the end of it if he did...

Fuck, never mind. Enough thinking. His brain might explode.

Before he could consider going back to sleep to escape his growing headache. Something began gently brushing through his hair and massaging his scalp.

The feeling grounded Baby enough to realize he wasn't only lying down, but his head was resting on someone's lap. Whoever they were, their long fingers and nails felt heavenly.

"Are you done drooling on me, Jagi-ya?"

Partially prying open his lids, Baby gazed up into an amused Romance's face.

His own lips curling up slightly, Baby turned to snuggle his face further into Romance's lap. The older chuckled as a muffled "no" vibrated against their stomach.

Baby grunted when he tried adjusting his legs. Barely managing to shift without wincing, "I feel like someone body slammed me into the floor," he groaned. Above him, Romance raised a brow. Adjusting their glasses on the bridge of their nose.

"... I mean, you're not far off"

Baby scoffed. Recalling his last memory of standing in the house's living room and seeing everyone's horrified faces as the ground sped towards him.

Romance gazed in the general direction of the lawn. Watching Mystery, currently in his dog form, run back and forth in nonsensical patterns, "We learned you've been busy," they hinted. Watching as Mystery began chasing a squirrel.

Turning his head back, Baby sighed.

"Yeah..."

Romance hummed, unfazed by the short response as they continued their ministration.

"I'm sorry, Kyung-soo."

Looking back down, Romance frowned. Meeting Baby's remorseful gaze as tears gathered in the younger's eyes.

Sighing, Romance gently used their thumb to wipe them away. "We were just worried jagi-ya..." Romance assured. Smiling knowingly.

"You know, back when we were reapers, I always wondered why you had such a hard time taking orders from Jinu. Now I know it was just the older brother in you wanting to do the protecting as well."

Baby hummed, "Annoying hyung also makes for pretty good sex too," he chimed. Romance snorted, shaking their head.

"I'm sure it does."

Turning back towards the lawn, Baby craned his head towards the patio doors. "Where are those two anyway?" he asked.

Romance eyed the slightly ajar doors as well. "Jieun is showing them where we can unpack our things," they replied.

Looking down, Romance caught the way Baby's lips pursed before cupping his jaw. Soothingly rubbing their thumb against the younger's cheek, "Jieun didn't tell us a lot, Jagi-ya. She wanted to wait for you to explain when you're ready." Romance reassured.

After a beat, Baby hesitantly nodded.

"Okay."

Romance hummed, returning their fingers to the other's hair. Smiling when Baby once again settled down. Closing his eyes.

Realizing the absence of a blur of shaggy lavender in their peripheral vision, Romance glanced back out to the lawn. Only to click their tongue in annoyance with wide eyes. Glaring at the hind leg in the distance, poised in the air

"Hyun-woo!!, absolutely not. Change back and go inside if you have to use the bathroom!!"

Chapter Text

"So that's where my pregnancy tests went..."

Mi-yeong yelped. Rounding to face the entrance to her bedroom door. She gaped in horror at the figure leaning against the frame.

"Hwa-yeong, I-It's-" Mi-yeong hid the stick behind her back "it's not what it looks like!" She stammered. Shuffling away until her back hit the wall.

Popping the lollipop from her mouth, Hwa-yeong pushed away from the frame. Eyes not leaving the mess of scattered pregnancy test packages and used sticks scattering the bed.

"I mean, don't get me wrong," She continued. Strolling over to get a better look at the used strips. Noting the variations of plus marks and double lines, "it's not that I was planning to use them. I have my hands full with Ji-hoon as it is," She grunted. Unceremoniously pushing aside the comforter to make space for herself to sit.

Unfazed by the other's still stunned face, Hwa-yeong used her lollipop to gesture pointedly in the direction of her friend. "You know I caught that brat almost using my perm on his hair?" she continued, "And instead of a normal response like 'I'm sorry, eomma!' I get 'Well, I think it would look better on me', " Hwa-yeong mimicked. Shaking her head in exasperation. "The balls on that boy, I swear. I have no idea where he gets it from!"

Shoulders relaxing, the edges of Mi-yeong's expression melted into amusement. "I-I heard kids his age enjoy experimenting," She objected. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear to hide her smirk.

Hwa-yeong clicked her tongue." Don't you dare make excuses for him," she bantered. Popping her lollipop back into her mouth.

Shifting more of the covers to the side, she patted the freed up space insistently.

Sighing, Mi-yeong shuffled over. Pulling the pregnancy test from behind her back before collapsing beside her fellow sunlight sister.

Hwa-yeong hummed, gazing down at the white plastic. The stick end of her lollipop made nonsensical patterns in the air as she eyed the digital abbreviation of 'Positive'.

"You know, I always wondered if a demon and a huntress could have a baby," she met Mi-yeong's shocked expression with her amused one.

"Thanks for confirming it for me."

Mi-yeong shook her head in exasperation. "How could you have possibly known-" she faltered. Noticing a familiar lavender glow from the corner of her eyes.

Mouth gaping, Mi-yeong watched the familiar pattern she was taught to attack on sight, slowly snake its way up the side of Hwa-yeong's arm. The pattern not stopping until it reached the other's hairline. Her once brown right eye now glowing a deep amber.

Meeting the youngest's shock with her own sad amusement. Hwa-yeong cupped Mi-yeaong's cheek.

"Surprise?"

Breath stuttering, Mi-yeong let the test drop to the floor. Cupping her friend's face and letting her thumb brush gently over the markings lining her jaw.

"H-hwa-yeong.." Mi-yeong stammered. Leaning closer to try and meet the other's averted eyes, "Why didn't you tell me!?" she exclaimed.

Sighing, Hwa-yeong pulled the lollipop out of her mouth. "Same reason, you didn't tell me," she countered. Letting her hands collapse into her lap.

Mi-yeongs followed suit. Looking away sadly.

A moment passed before Mi-yeong shifted closer. Looping her arm with her sister's before leaning her head on the other's shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

Hwa-yeong hummed, leaning her head to rest on Mi-yeong's crown. "It's not you I was worried about, Mi-yeong-ah," She whispered. Glancing at the open bedroom door.

Mi-yeong cringed, lips pursing, "M-maybe we can get Celine to understand?". At the responding scoff, she pouted.

Hwa-yeong straightened. Motioning the younger to do the same, "We don't tell Celine anything right now, understand?" She insisted. Mi-yeong moved to argue but snapped her mouth shut at the glare she received.

Markings disappearing, Hwa-yeong laid her hands firmly on her sister's shoulders. "Mi-yeong, listen to me. I care about Celine, too. But she's not in a place to see reason. You're going to be a mom. Your main priority from now on is your little one and keeping your family safe." she maintained.

"Understand?"

Mi-yeong gaped before swallowing heavily.

"Y-yes, unnie"

Hwa-yeong took a deep breath. Nodding shakily before pulling her sister into a hug.

Returning the hug just as tightly, Miyeong smiled into Hwa-yeong's shoulder. Letting the uncertain yet comfortable silence surround them.

A moment passed before Mi-yeong broke the silence, lips curling into a knowing smirk, "Hwa-yeong-ah?" she asked

"Hmm?"

Mi-yeong snickered, feeling the familiar tug of the surface strands of her braid. Making her scalp tickle, "Did you get your lollipop stuck in my hair again?" she hinted.

"...No."

Letting out a laugh. Mi-yeong pulled back to see a bashful-looking Hwa-yeong quickly pulling her lollipop closer. Plucking off the few strands of ebony hair from the sticky pink surface.

Mi-yeong shook her head. "You're impossible," she giggled. Mockingly gagging when the other shrugged, popping the candy back into her mouth.

Hwa-yeong smirked, leaning back onto the mattress to rest her weight on her elbows. "You love it," she muttered teasingly. Craning her head back to gaze up at the ceiling in thought.

A moment passed before Mi-yeong perked up. Clapping her hands together, "Oh! Rumi and Ji-hoon can have playdates together!" she squealed. Bouncing excitedly in her spot.

Hwa-yeong furrowed her brows. "Rumi?" she wondered.

Mi-yeong nodded, "Yep! It's a girl, unnie!" She smiled. looking down to rest a hand on her lower stomach.

"I can feel it!"

Hwa-yeong smiled before gazing back up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "I can't promise Ji-hoon will be interested in playing with a girl. But Dae-shim and I do plan on popping out a few more..." she explained, tilting her head.

"I'm sure Rumi would much rather hang out with friends closer in age, too-OOF!" She was cut off by a squealing Mi-yeong, tackling her into another hug.

"Unnie! That'll be great!!"

Hwa-yeong rolled her eyes. "Careful! You got a bun in the oven now, no more parkouring!" she scolded half-heartedly.

Mi-yeong hummed happily, snuggling closer. "Our children will be the best of friends, Unnie!" She promised. Her smile grew when she felt a set of arms wrap around her just as firmly.

Leaning into Mi-yeong's crown, Hwa-yeong breathed in the familiar scent of her sister's shampoo. Nodding.

"I would love that, Mi-yeong."

Hwa-yeong sighed. Gazing wistfully at the name inscription on the grave stone.

"It seems you were right, Mi-yeong," Hwa-yeong laments. Eyes shifting to watch the smoke dance away from the tip of the newly lit incense, "Our children did end up becoming close friends".

With lidded eyes, Hwa-yeong lowered her gaze to the three mini bouquets lined up at the base of the grave.

Swallowing over the lump in her throat, she reached down to the one on the far left. Letting her palm ghost over the surface of the wilted Chrysanthemums.

Gently picking up the small flower pot, she removed them.

Shifting slighting. She looked over to the bag at her side. Reaching in to pick up a fresh bouquet.

Tossing the old ones into the bag, she smiled, setting in the new ones and returning the pot to its place.

Standing, Hwa-yeong shouldered her bag. Shifting her gaze to the clear blue sky.

A gentle breeze rustled the nearby branches. With lidded eyes, Hwa-yeong let the warm gust lift the sides of her bangs.

"I'm so so sorry I wasn't there for you, Mi-yeong-ah," she breathed. Tears forming. She choked out a gasp. Taking note of the familiar raspberry scent lingering in the air.

Hwa-yeong nodded to herself. "Y-you would be so proud of Rumi, My-yeong-ah!" she sobbed. Wiped the stray tears that escaped the corner of her eyes. "She wears her markings beautifully!" she beamed. Smiling at another soft breeze ghosting against her face.

"...She does."

Tensing, Hwa-yeong frowned.

Steeling her expression. She turned in the direction of the new voice.

Raising a brow, Hwa-yeong eyed the two sets of mini bouquets in the other woman's possession. Before shifting her gaze to the painfully familiar face.

It's been a while since they've stood so close.

Years.

Hwa-yeong took in the dark circles hanging off of usually sharp eyes. Confident shoulders now slouched unevenly in a way only years of grief and confusion could cause.

Hwa-yeong tilted her head thoughtfully, meeting the former ex-huntress's gaze. "You look like shit," she snorted.

Celine averted her eyes briefly before shakily meeting her former sister's again. Licking her lips nervously, "It's...good to see you," she whispered.

Another gust of wind blew.

After a moment, Hwa-yeong squared her shoulder.

Celine tensed, watching the right side of the other woman's body glow and a familiar set of markings grace her exposed skin.

Smirking, Hwa-yeong tilted her head mockingly. Her amber glare pierced into Celine's unsteady brown. "Are you sure about that?" she challenged. Voice humming with inhuman layers.

Celine swallowed. Mouth parting to speak, but was cut off by a mist of purple smoke.

Blinking, Celine stared numbly at the now-empty spot.

Lips trembling, her grip on the two bouquets tightening as she whispered into the heavy silence.

"Yes," she choked. Vision blurring. Pulling the bouquets to her chest

"I-I'm sure."

Collapsing to her knees. Celine sobbed into the silence.

Another breeze blew through the area. More gentle. Leaving the scent of raspberries in its wake.