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Aphelios sighed at the situation in front of him, Alune was in a heated argument with the photographer who was saying something about "one isn't enough".
It was just this morning that Ezreal was apologising profusely to Aphelios about not being able to attend the photoshoot later in the day, something about Yone needing his help, how it was urgent. It didn't occur to both of them to call the photographer since it was a duo photo-shoot that one of them will be missing. Nor did it occur to them to tell Alune until the last moment.
It was only moments later that Alune stormed out and grabbed his hand shaking her head.
-I rescheduled, it's - she shook her head- Ezreal will be paying for this.
If she had meant a prank on Aphelios's account or she had thought of something herself, both would have been correct.
-He does that on our birthday too, at least I had a decent excuse for the staff.- she sighs and stops.
Aphelios awkwardly shuffles around and is about to just call it a day and go back to the house, before a phone-call interrupts him.
-Ah - Alune stutters - That's auntie Diana. - She looks back to Aphelios to nod her head and then picks up the phone.
It didn't take long before Alune ushered her brother into the car where she could hear their aunt better, but not before the lyricist sat down his aunt's voice rang through the car's speakers.
-And I was wondering if you wanted to visit us for your birthday - Diana said cheerfully, before something crashed in the background - I might need to go check that one out, but yes, me n Leo got something for you and please come check it out before you go "avenge your bloodline" or whatever that means.
At that Aphelios couldn't help but let himself laugh at that.
He nudged his sister before signing a quick "You think Zoe is giving them a hard time?"
-Oh I KNOW that girl is giving them a hard time - Alune started the engine to get the car ready - That's what they get for adopting someone that young, they got us already in our preteens we were a completely different set of issues.
Aphelios rolled his eyes and turned on a Text-to-Speech option on his phone to speak to Alune.
-We also were much less energetic, at the very least I was. - Alune laughed at that.
It took her a moment to compose herself but what didn't take long was Aphelios continuing that train of thought
-You were always the more open and forward one,- the robotic phone spoke, while Aphel was looking at his sister's face expression - I miss them you know, both of them
Alune grinned and still looking at the Road chuckled.
-Well, thanks to Ezreal's fuck up at least we get to visit them, which good grief - she stopped for a moment and waited until she passed a car on the Road, she didn't dare to speak before she was once again driving straight. - I heard Auntie Leona got us a big gift this year.
Aphelios, looking puzzled was about to type something, before he stopped himself. It seemed they were almost at their aunts' place.
It didn't take long before their house came into view, and with it an unusual scene.
Leona and Diana were chasing a young girl, who was in turn chasing a puppy, which was for some reason weird blue spots on his fur.
-Oh no. -Alune murmured, before parking in front of the Gate, Aphelios getting out to open it up, since their aunts have yet to install the automatic one due to that being too 'hard to understand'.
The moment Aphelios entered the Garden where the chase was happening the puppy ran up to him, hiding behind his legs, Zoe stopping right in front of him, grinning from ear to ear.
It took barely a moment before Leona caught her and scooped her up in her Arms.
-What did I tell you young Lady about the colour of the dog? - She held her up speaking directly to her face, trying to appear serious as Diana was visibly struggling to catch her breath right behind them.
Aphelios shook his Head and motioned for them to move before going to unlock the Gate.
After they gathered themselves Alune finally drove behind the Gate and Aphelios closed it behind her car.
-Happy BIRTHDAY - Zoe's wishes quickly turned into a scream and both of the twins flinched, and looked between one another, while she was being let down on the ground. - LOOK AT SPACE PUPPY!
The puppy in question was a tall Labrador who was, an unfortunate victim to Zoe's apparent obsession with the colour blue. Alune looked at the dog with pity picking him up while Aphelios leaned down to his level to pet him while mouthing a silent why at their aunts.
-It's a dog safe dye - Diana assured - we got some of them after she first got interested in the topic and we did not want to risk her getting into my hair dye so at least it is safe.
Alune just silently acknowledged the information and picked up Zoe.
-You got heavier - She said, dead-pan looking into the kid's eyes.
-Probably so did you - she responded grinning.
Leona took her from Alune, clearly looking ready to scold Zoe, for yet another time today. Alune just brushed it off and offered a quick hug to her aunt, while shoving her towards the door.
-Happy birthday Little Moonlight - Leona affectionately spoke while still carrying Zoe - The moment I finish with this little rascal you are getting the hug you deserve.
Diana shook her head and approached Aphelios, who let down the dog go, letting her hug him.
-Happy Birthday Little Duskpetal - Diana whispered to him, Aphelios cringing at the nickname. - Glad you two made it.
It wasn't like the twins weren't coming home to their aunts at all, they visited often enough, but due to how busy with the band both of them were it was no surprise the visit were very short. And considering that half the time they visited their aunts were busy with the new addition to the family…
Zoe was barely two when she ended up in a system, after her parents were caught with connections to the cult, and the system deemed them unfit to parent, same what happened years ago with the twins. But they were admittedly older when that happened, and both Leona and Diana were much younger. Which is why they ended up in their care in the first place, people that knew about the weird cult they used to be in, understanding the weird religious fanaticism.
The two were not perfect parents, nor did they try to parent them, being fine with label of aunts, no matter if legally they were considered to be their guardians up until they were eighteen. Both of the twins were thankful for their aunts ever since they could comprehend was has happened to them, and why were they in this situation in the first place.
Zoe perked up and ran towards the house.
-LUNIE I CAN SHOW YOU MY NEW TOYS! -She yelled and struggled for Leona to put her down just so she can ran through the door she go up to her room.
Alune laughed at that and looked back towards Diana and Aphelios, both still holding each other.
-Heard you got a present for us - Alune's curiosity took over - Anything we should be excited for?
-Oh yes, so that's why you two visited, of course. -Leona shook her head - Why else would you two come home with how busy you are.
Diana laughed at that and pat Aphelios on the head.
-You too only came for the gift? - She teased him.
Aphelios just lifted his Hands and pushed her away gently so he could sign freely.
"You yourself said you Auntie Leona had a gift for us" He signed exasperated. "Besides we are spending a bit more time today, for our birthday anyways"
The moment was ruined when the four of them heard a crash from inside the house and the forgotten puppy running away towards some of his toys carefree, unlike the rest who quickly entered the house to see what the youngest was up to.
By the time everyone made it upstairs Zoe was laying on the floor among plenty of toys at which Leona and Diana breathed a sigh of relief, making a mess is a much better thing than if something Has happened to her.
Diana kneeled next to Zoe, while shooing the twins and Leona away.
-Phel and Lunie need to see their present, I will Play with you in the meantime, how about that? - Zoe picked up one of her dolls - Just tell me what role I am playing this time around.
Leona motioned for the twins to follow her, and both of them stepped out and obliged.
There she had led them to their childhood bedroom, where on their old beds were two packages, nicely decorated.
-So, Remember when you two were in your Teens, and we wanted to help you two connect with your culture and we all went to Korea? -Leona waited for them to actually get to their packages - We rented you two Hanboks, so you could see how they feel, and me n Dia were thinking back to it recently so…
That stopped Alune who was already mid-tearing into the package and made her look down at the contents, all while Aphelios rolled his eyes and carefully begun unpacking his own present.
The outfit in his package looked beautiful, deep Dark blue, with white under the tunic, and once he touched the material he felt how absolutely soft it felt. Looking at Alune who was now holding hers up, it was quite similar to his, with upper part of it white and lower dark blue, with her bow and collar pink to match her dyed hair (Although it would still fit her natural black hair.)
-Oh it's lovely! - Alune sung and hugged the clothing - but is it going to-
Leona interrupted her.
-It's handmade- she clarified - And tailored to your sizes, I got the specifics towards that from K'Sante.
At that Aphelios shocked let go of the fabric and signed.
"They knew about it?" He confirmed "They knew about it all?"
Leona, looked at him confused.
-Of course they knew Phel, They helped with finding the craftsman for those. - Leona confirmed - I'm not surprised you didn't know considering I did ask for them to keep this a surprise.
Alune looked suspiciously at Leona then back at the outfit, only to look back at her again.
-So THAT'S why K'Sante was insistent on getting my measurements - She whispered bewildered - That makes so much more sense now.
Aphelios let down his hanbok.
"Wait hold on, what did he tell you it was for?" he signed confused. "I didn't even know he asked you for that?"
Alune looked away in something akin to shame.
-He said you asked about them for a dress for a fan-meet of yours cus you guys wanted to do something themed with a new album- Alune buried her face in her hands - I know you are still middle of like writing the new album and should have just confirmed with you.
-You guys do know- Leona coughed to gather their attention - That sometimes it's just nice to get surprised? And not overthink it?
Both of the twins froze and looked at each other then back at Leona.
And then they heard Diana's laughter from the other room and even they started giggling.
"Maybe you are right, sometimes it is nice to be surprised" - Aphelios signed - "At least this time it was a nice surprise"
-Right, Ezreal this morning - Alune deadpanned at that- Ugh, I don't even wanna think about him.
-Are you two gonna stay for dinner at least? - Diana yelled from the other room - No, no Zoe, yes I won't yell anymore.
"Sure" Aphelios signed "I don't mind"
-Glad to have you two- Leona smiled - Now come on and give me a hug.
It was a late evening before both the twins arrived back at the house, Alune insisting she drives him back, just so she can preemptively scold Ezreal before Aphelios starts his grand prank planning.
What she didn't expect was a completely dead house, before she could light up the room she heard whispers.
-Holy, Kayn wake up, they are here- A voice, sounding suspiciously like Ezreal- Wake up holy shit.
A groan was heard and then another voice perked up.
-They are back - that was not Kayn for sure, but not Ezreal either - Get Yone, he had the cake.
As Aphelios stepped inside the apartment confused, at the silence that persisted. Even at this hour Kayn or Ezreal should have been playing games it was not that late for them to all be sleeping.
And then heard the loud yelp.
-THAT WAS MY EAR YOU ASSHOLE- Sett yelled and was up holding his ears.
-Shit. - Ezreal said right before the lights were turned on and a great chaos was revealed.
On the floor, under a blanket there laid Sett with Ezreal, next to them right next to Sett's head stood Kayn, trying to sneak out, on the couch there was a snoring K'Sante, and the whole apartment was decorated with plenty of birthday decorations, In bold letters right above the TV there was a banner with big letter "Happy Birthday Aphelios & Alune!"
Yone ran into the room no cake in sight, in his pyjamas, very distraught.
-Happy Birthday? - Ezreal shrugged awkwardly from his place on the floor.