Work Text:
"OUCH-Ji-hoon! What the fuck is your problem!?"
Romance sighed. It wasn't even 11 a.m. yet.
"I don't have a problem, Jinu. You're the one with the problem!"
Okay, just take a deep breath.
"Me!? I'm literally just sitting here!"
In for 3, hold for 3, then out for 3.
"Yes, you. Don't you have some emails to take care of? Or is that office of yours just for decoration?"
In for 3...
"Excuse me? I'm entitled to use the space in the apartment just as much as you!"
Hold for 3..
"This living room is over 1,000 Sqft, and you just had to squeeze in beside, noona!"
"Kyung-soo said it was fine!"
Out for 3-
"Well, Noona lied. So why don't you just Fuck off-"
"Okay, ENOUGH!"
Romance groaned from their spot between the madness. Bringing up a manicured hand to pinch the bridge of their nose.
Flanking them, both Jinu and Baby faltered. Varying levels of shame coating their expressions.
Taking another deep breath, Romance decided to deal with the youngest first. "Ji-hoon, you do not speak for me. I meant it when I said Jinu could sit down" they began.
Baby pouted, eyes downcast. His thumb fiddling with the joystick of his Steam Deck. The portable console's screen still paused. "I know I don't. I just meant-"
"And," Romance continued, "I told you how I feel about you biting just because you're upset. If Jinu is doing something that's bothering you, then explain it to him," they chastised.
Still cradling his hand against his chest, Jinu clicked his tongue. Analyzing the deep teeth marks on the back of his hand. Grumbling under his breath about how he was running out of pain-relieving cream.
Ignoring the ache in their chest watching Baby's shoulders slump. Hazel eyes rounded on the only other alpha in the room.
"And as for you, Jinu," Romance started, crossing their arms. Leveling the other demon with an unimpressed glare.
Jinu gaped, cradling his hand closer as if Romance's accusation was another attack.
"Me?!"
Romance rolled their eyes. "Yes, you. Ji-hoon is going through his first rut. We have to be more mindful of that-"
"Stop talking about me like I'm not here!"
"So," Romance rolled their eyes, "We all have to be mindful of how he views his-" They hesitated. "-space," they finished. Cheeks flushing a similar shade to their hair.
Jinu scoffed, crossing his arms. Muttering under his breath...
Eyes widening, Romance groaned in defeat. Opting to hide their face behind their hands.
Baby's head shot up, eyes flashing amber. "I'm sorry? Can you repeat that, hyung?" he hissed.
Jinu gave the younger alpha an unimpressed up-down. Pupils noticeably thinner, "I said. It's not my fault some runt can't handle a little competition," He smirked. Amusement ghosting the edges of his expression. Watching his younger boyfriend bare his fangs.
From his place leaning against the couch leg, Mystery sighed. Lowering his manhwa to give the steam deck in Baby's hand a nervous glance. Subtle cracks forming at the edge of the screen, "Both of you need to calm down," he tried. Bangs hiding his concern. He shifted his gaze to observe romance's hunched-over form. The omega having maneuvered their hands to begin massaging their temples.
Behind the kitchen counter, Abby continued laboring over the stir-fry at the stove. Shifting his attention from the steaming pan to his phone displaying the recipe, "I agree. Whatever you're doing, Jinu-knock it off," He warned.
Baby growled, "I'm not the one threatened that he's not the only Alpha in our pack anymore-!"
"No one's threatened by you, Ji-hoon!"
"Since when do you feel the need to claim Kyung-soo every chance you get? You just have to make sure your scent is on every. damn. thing!" Baby sneered.
Jinu rolled his eyes, throwing his arms up. "It's not my fault your scent is so weak!" he huffed. Running his fingers roughly through his bangs.
"Excuse me for not being alive for over 1,000 years. I'm still young and my scent is still developing," Baby countered. Ignoring Mystery, who'd given up getting their attention.
Letting go of Baby's pant leg, Mystery returned his attention to his comic. Briefly giving his other boyfriend in the kitchen a wary glance. Taking note of the faint amber glow the other beta's eyes took on as he kept his focus on stirring the skillet's ingredients.
Mystery shook his head, muttering "idiots" under his breath. Relaxing once again against the couch leg.
Baby continued, "You're just scared Kyung-soo will want to spend their heats with me and not some 2,000-year-old alpha from now on." Baby snickered. Watching Jinu's jaw clench.
"I am NOT that old!!"
Romance sighed.
Standing, they gathered the ends of their satin night gown. Ignoring the varying looks of concern.
Baby whined, reaching out while Jinu tried to meet Romance's eyes. Frowning when Romance snatched their hand away and continued maneuvering out of the living room.
"Noona, wait-!"
"Kyung-soo, we didn't-!"
Romance rolled their eyes. "It's too early for this nonsense," they breathed. Rounding the couch and striding towards the hallway.
Romance paused at the opening, expression unreadable. Turning to level the alphas now hunched over in shame, "And to be clear, I don't need you arguing over me like I'm an object. I'm not one of Hyun-woo's chew toys," they clarified. flipping their hair, Romance disappeared down the hallway.
Baby whined, eyes downcast, "I didn't say you were," he muttered. Flinching when the bedroom door slammed.
The tense silence didn't last long. Both alphas flinching at the familiar sound of wood knocking against metal.
From his spot in the kitchen, Abby set the wooden spoon to the side. Reducing the heat before lowering the lid over the steaming pot.
Not bothering to look up, Abby turned to retrieve the dish towel on the oven handle. Pulling down the appliance's door to check on the chicken still baking.
"Jinu and Ji-hoon get over here, now," Abby ordered. Tone severely misplaced by the satisfied smile he gave the poultry's golden brown surface.
"But, Hyung! It's not even my fault this time-!"
"Beom-seok! I really didn't mean to-!"
The sound of the oven slamming shut bounced off the walls. Both alphas snapped their mouths shut.
"I said, get over here, NOW!"