Archive of Our Own ^beta

Once upon a frosty week, with Christmas on its way,
Hongjoong read Woowie a storybook about Santa on his sleigh.

Then Hwa walked past the story with his hair all snowy-white,
And Woo gasped loud and wondered, ‘Sawnta came eawly… t'night?’

Today marked exactly one week before Christmas arrived, and Woowie could hardly contain the fizzing delight bubbling within his chest- despite having only the foggiest idea about what the celebration actually meant.

That delight, however, only bloomed after Hongjoong had spent the entire morning patiently untangling the younger's initial panic- reassuring him again and again that the mysterious man called Santa wouldn’t be sneaking into their home at night, no matter what the songs claimed.

-

It all began on Wednesday the seventeenth, with seven little boxes left to cross off on the calendar and an impressive amount of wriggle and warmth contained in a snuggly, Woo-shaped cocoon.

The younger woke with that sweet, buoyant happiness that came from knowing he didn’t have to be anything other than small that day.

The world felt predictable in the best way- arms would lift him, voices would find him, and someone would guide each moment before he ever had to wonder what came next.

The clock had barely ticked past eight when the baby monitor came alive, spilling out a half-sleepy, meandering tune sung with wholehearted commitment and very loose adherence to the original melody.

'Fwosty da snowmwen… has a vewy tiny hat,' Woowie sang to no one in particular, the melody bravely wobbling along.

A pause lingered, before a thoughtful addition was added to his masterpiece.

'Wif a cown piwpe an’ a… um. A buttown nose.'

He stopped singing right after, lips pursed while he rocked faintly from where he sat, whispering the tune under his breath like it was a secret code.

'…no… not dat part…' He shook his head, mentally piecing the parts together again and again.

Suddenly, his shoulders lifted with excitement.

'Oh-! Oh! An’ an’ da eyes made fwom uh- gwapes!'

Hongjoong smiled into his pillow, rubbing a tired fist into one eye when another fragment floated through the speaker, even less recognizable than the last.

By the time Woo launched into what might generously be called the second verse-something about snow and happy feet- the older swung his legs out of bed, chuckling quietly while he pulled on a sweater.

The song followed him down the hall in bits and pieces, growing louder when he neared the nursery, until he opened the door to find him standing in his crib, knees wobbling and Boo tucked under one arm while the other waved with great conviction.

'Mowning, Appa!' He beamed, both arms shooting up without hesitation.

Hongjoong’s fatigue melted instantly once he leaned over the crib, hands sliding beneath Woo’s sides to ease him onto his hipbone.

'Good morning, baby.'

The younger went pliant the second he was gathered, cheek tucking into the familiar slope of Joong's shoulder with a satisfied little hum.

One arm curled in, the other rested loose against his collarbone as the older began to sway them gently, smiling to himself.

'Me was doin’ a song,' Woo informed him, voice rich with pride.

'I heard,' the older chuckled softly, pressing a kiss into his hair. 'You were very busy in there, mh?'

Woo perked up just enough to nod. 'Dada singed it wif me… when we make snowman.'

A pause, then quieter, almost on the verge of shy, '-but Woowie don’ know da pawt good yet.'

The older hummed in consideration, reminiscing about all the times Yunho or San had tried to teach him Christmas carols during their one-on-one moments.

'I loved it anyway,' he said easily, tone fond and rather meant to encourage. 'You sang it beautifully.'

He shifted his hold just enough to rest his cheek against Woo’s head.

'And I’m sure Yunho will happily teach you the rest before Christmas comes.' He reassured.

Woo lifted his head from where it rested against his shoulder, eyes blinking once he peeked up at the older.

'Chwistmas?' He asked, the word curious and round.

It caught Hongjoong by surprise, not because it was wrong- but because he had simply forgotten this outcome was a possibility.

The year before, Woo had chosen not to regress around the holidays at all, wanting to experience them fully and clear-minded, without distraction- especially since he spent that time with his family and childhood friends, moments made rare by the demanding pace of idol life.

However, this year was different.

Their schedules were non-existent for once, Christmas Eve and Day blissfully free, no stages or call times waiting for them.

They’d talked it through with the younger, and agreed together that if he felt small this season, he wouldn’t have to push it away.

There was time for it, and none of them minded- not for a second- taking care of Woo a little more closely if that was what he needed.

The thought that he might be a burden during their days off had never crossed their minds, no matter how often it crossed his.

So when Woo continued to peek up at him with puzzlement, still tucked close and waiting, it dawned on Joong that the younger hadn’t brought his usual December-holiday-package with him into this headspace the way he’d subconsciously assumed.

'Yeah, Christmas,' he said, nodding.

'It’s a day many people look forward to every year,' he went on gently, meant to invite curiosity, not overwhelm it.

'Chwis-mas ish pawty?'

Hongjoong’s mouth curved. 'You could think of it like that, yeah,' he agreed. 'A lot of people don’t work that day, so they get to be home and celebrate together. That’s very party-like.'

The younger beamed brightly, delighted by the idea of a party-to-come.

'But- you know, everyone celebrates Christmas a little differently,' Joong explained, voice thoughtful.

'Some people celebrate it for religious reasons,' he went on, trying to keep his explanation simple. 'Others just enjoy the traditions- the food, the time together. And some people make their own. Everyone gets to decide what Christmas looks like for them… or if they celebrate it at all.'

Woo squinted, thinking very hard.

'Chwis-mas is… Boo get banana in mornin’, an’ ‘nother banana later, an’ maybe one more if he good,' he decided, before adding a generous, '-an’ I help eat cookies so Boo not lonely.'

Hongjoong released a fond laugh, reaching out to brush his thumb over Woo’s knuckles.

'So thoughtful of you, too,' he said, humor lacing his tone. 'Helping with the cookies and everything.'

He tipped his forehead briefly towards Woo’s, voice taking on a softer edge while he continued.

'What matters most though, is that people spend it with the ones they care about.'

The younger's gaze followed his mouth as he spoke, lashes fluttering.

'For us, that means we try to make kind and precious memories together. We do that by making our house cozy and inviting- like decorating a tree with lights and shiny bits and gifting eachother personal presents.'

Woo tucked his chin down shyly. 'Woowie wants Appa sing… night sowng when me goes sweep.'

Hongjoong blinked, then blinked again, eyes skidding briefly away as his grip tightened just a little.

'Ah-' he started, stopping himself with a soft huff of a breath. 'Yeah, I can do that.' He agreed.

'We could also bake cookies next week- although we always make more than we mean to,' he added with a smile.

'Twoo many?' Woo echoed, then brightened. 'Snowman can hab some. He don’ hab oven.' The younger reasoned, playing with a strand of hair that had fallen in front of Joong's face.

The older hummed, thinking of other ways to share the extra bunch of cookies if they'd end up baking them.

'We could do that,' he said, voice warm with consideration, '-but I think there might be people who’d love some cookies even more than a snowman would.' He hummed.

'Some friends have Christmas days that feel a little colder than ours.'

He glanced down at Woo, thumb brushing a slow line along his back.

'What do you think, love?'

The younger nodded instantly. 'Woowie wuvs dat.'

Joong simply held him tighter, affection closing around them like a seal.

'That’s my sweet boy,' he whispered, pecking his temple and allowing the snuggle to linger for a breath before continuing where he left off.

'But also, things like building snowmen if the weather lets us or cuddling up with a movie and hot chocolate can be part of our Christmas traditions.'

Woo’s head popped up, eyes widening.

'Wif' mash-a-mellow?' He asked, hopeful already, priorities very clear.

The older hummed, chuckling.

'Singing songs could be one too,' he added, a hint of a smile there. 'Even if you only know some of the words.'

'Me c’n do dat!' Woo announced proudly. 'Woowie know some!'

Joong smiled at that, something tender settling behind his eyes.

'Just like the cookies,' he said quietly, thumb brushing the younger's cheek once, 'Sometimes Christmas is about sharing a little extra. Doing something kind, even if it’s small.'

Woo’s lips pursed in thought before another question popped up.

'Appa magic?' He asked hopefully. 'Magic hewp?'

Hongjoong rocked them once more, smiling down at him.

'Mm… I wish,' he murmured. 'Appa can’t do magic like that, sweetheart.'

He lifted his hand between them, wiggling his fingers where one of his nails was painted with care.

'But I try to help in ways that matter,' he explained. 'This nail polish on my pinky is to help kids who don’t always feel safe where they are.'

Woo’s brows knitted together, mouth tipping down just a bit.

'No… hawppy?'

The older hummed.

'Some children get scared at home, or don’t have grown-ups who keep them safe like they should.' He explained patiently.

'When people see Appa's nails, it's meant to make them more aware of the fact that one in five children suffer from these situations. They could talk about it, with a friend, or online. And sometimes that means help comes faster.'

A beat, then softer still-

'We can’t fix everything,' he went on, voice honest, '-but we can give them warm cookies, or smiles, or time. And sometimes that helps more than we think.'

Woo listened with serious focus, brow furrowing as he thought it through. Then he nodded once, firm and decided.

'Woowie can shware,' he declared. 'Cookies an’ smiles.'

The older laughed under his breath, pressing a kiss into his hair.

'Yeah,' he murmured, adoration wrapping tight around the moment. 'I think you’d be very good at that.'

He caught the subtle sag of Woo’s shoulders against him and knew it was time to lift the moment somewhere lighter.

'Alright,' he murmured, adjusting his grip in order to ease Woo a bit higher on his hipbone, before he turned towards the dresser.

'Let’s get you dressed, hm? You can help Appa pick.'

He nudged the closet door open with his foot, balancing the younger easily against his side while one hand rifled through the neatly folded stacks.

'Okay,' he said while scanning the bunch, pulling one shirt free. 'We’ve got the beige one… with the little zebra on it-'

Woo leaned forward instantly, squinting at the print.

'Dat’s a cow,' he corrected, utterly certain. 'Moo.'

Joong grinned.

'It does look a bit like one, doesn’t it?' He turned it slightly. 'But this one’s actually called a zebra. See? Same colors, different friend.'

Woo frowned at it again, clearly unconvinced, then huffed. 'Stripe cow.'

The older laughed under his breath.

'We’ll work on it.' He hummed in temporary acceptance, reaching for a pair of jeans next.

He grabbed two pairs, letting Woo pat each of them before choosing the softer one almost immediately.

Socks followed- one pair stolen and clutched- and finally a clean onesie and a diaper tucked under his elbow.

Balancing the small bundle against his side, Hongjoong carried them over to the changing table and eased Woo down with practiced care, fingers smoothing over his tummy in a grounding pause before getting started.

'Did you know,' he said casually, like it was just another interesting thought drifting through the morning, '-that there’s a Santa who lives very far away, up at the North Pole?'

Woo blinked up at him, socks still hugged tight.

'Sawnta in da pwole?'

'Mhm,' Hongjoong nodded, smiling as he unfolded a fresh diaper. 'He lives there with a whole bunch of helpers- elves. They make toys all year long.'

Woo’s brows knitted together in concentration.

'Ewves… make toys? Ewves hav da toys fo' Woowie, twoo?'

'They do,' he confirmed. 'And Santa has a very big book at home. With lots of names in it.'

That caught the younger's attention properly.

'Bwook?' He asked, eyes brightening. 'Woowie in bwook?'

Hongjoong chuckled. 'Yeah. The book has kids and littles written in it from all over the world- what they like, what makes them happy, for instance.' He explained.

'But he also notes important details like their favorite foods, toys and people they like to spend time with.'

Woo gasped, small hand lifting dramatically.

'Sawnta knows Woowie likes da cheese bawls?' He asked urgently. 'Da owange ones? Just wike Hwa-ma?'

The older chuckled, fastening the diaper tabs.

'Those too, I’m sure.'

Satisfied, Woo hummed, fingers curling into the edge of the changing mat as he thought it over.

Then his eyes lifted again, bright with a new question.

'An’… Appa say da toys?'

'All kinds,' the older agreed, humming along while he gathered the pair of socks from his hands to put on his feet.

'Stuffies you can hug. Cars that can race miles from here. Blocks for building tall towers-'

He leaned in to press a sweet kiss to Woo’s tummy before reaching for the onesie.

The younger made a pleased little sound as the fabric slipped over his head, arms poking through with assistance.

'Woowie wuvs Boo,' he informed him with great passion.

'I know,' Joong chuckled. 'Santa might know that, too- he's pretty good at knowing things like that,' he speculated.

That earned him a curious look.

'And then,' he continued, still gentle and unguarded, adjusting the onesie down Woo’s sides, '-when it’s Christmas Eve, Santa gets ready to bring those toys.'

'Whewe he go?'

'Well,' Joong said, easing him up to sit, '-he rides on something called a sleigh.'

Woo frowned in confusion.

'Sway?'

'A sleigh,' the older repeated patiently. 'It’s like a big seat that slides… but this one flies.'

Wooyoung's mouth fell open properly this time.

'Fwies?'

'Mhm,' Hongjoong nodded, fastening the last button of his onesie while chucking his jeans nearer. 'Up in the sky. Way up high.'

Woo’s gaze shot to the ceiling, eyes tracking as if he might see it pass right over them.

'Up dere…?' He pointed.

'Hmhm, with reindeers pulling it,' Joong added, voice loving. 'They help him travel really fast, isn't that really convenient for Santa?'

Woo squinted, trying to picture it.

'Wike… big dowgs?'

Joong smiled tenderly. 'Kind of. But they’ve got antlers. And they’re very good at navigating whilst singing Christmas carols. There's even a song about a reindeer with a bright, red nose.'

There was a quiet beat then. Woo clearly tried to absorb it all, thumb drifting to his mouth.

'And Santa,' Hongjoong finished, lifting him gently off the table and settling him against his waist again, '-goes to visit houses to bring the presents to us, so we can find them by the tree on Christmas morning.'

Wooyoung stilled in his arms, eyes wide, the idea landing fully now- curiosity tipping right up to the edge of something more.

His fingers abruptly curled into Joong's shirt.

'Den… how Sawnta gibs?' He asked, voice careful. 'Da pwesents?'

Hongjoong hummed faintly while he pulled the sweater down over his head at last, adjusting it once before resting his hands at the younger’s sides.

'Well, he brings them in his sleigh, and when everyone’s asleep, he sets them down by the tree. Quiet-like. All wrapped up nice for us to find.'

'Sawnta…' Woo murmured, the word losing its wonder. 'He… comes in da houwse?'

'Yeah,' Joong answered without thinking much about it, warmth still threading his voice. 'That’s usually how-'

He stopped when he noticed how negatively affected the younger seemed to feel all of a sudden.

Woo’s lower lip trembled, the breath he took catching halfway through. His eyes shone too fast, panic rising before the tears even fell.

'Woowie… Woowie don’ know da Sawnta,' he whispered, shoulders drawing in on themselves as if the thought alone made the world feel a little less sure.

Hongjoong’s expression softened immediately, understanding dawning- or at least an idea of the issue- as he gathered Woo closer without hesitation.

'Oh, sweetheart,' he reassured, caressing his cheek. 'Santa isn’t someone scary. He’s a very kind man who loves kids, especially little ones like you. He only comes to bring good things, never to frighten anyone.'

The older paused, realizing too late that the comfort he offered hadn’t reached where it needed to go.

Woo continued to look deeply troubled, the fear lingering plainly across his features, unresolved and growing.

Therefore, Joong sat them both down onto the rocking chair in the far corner of the nursery, instinctively drawing him closer, his voice warming as he tried again.

He murmured about Santa being kind, about how he only ever brought presents that they liked, about how there was nothing to be scared of-

He acted with absolute caution and patience, certain that reassurance would settle the worry the way it usually did.

It didn’t.

Confusion tugged at the older for just a second- until Wooyoung’s face crumpled and the revelation came entirely on its own.

‘Sawnta issa stwangeah,’ he cried, voice wobbling as the thought fully took hold.

‘Woowie don’ wike stwanger… don’ want dem in da houwse, Appa-’ The protest broke apart halfway through, fear overtaking his breath as he hid his face.

Joong cradled the younger with a coo, rocking them in a familiar rhythm while Woo’s cries turned breathless and sharp against his neck.

He murmured reassurances through it all- a constant flood of possibility and adjustments, repeating that Santa wasn't a bad person, that he listened, that they could make rules together if something felt scary.

He promised- more than once- that Santa didn’t have to come inside, that they could tell him to leave the presents somewhere else- that Appa would make sure of it.

But the words slid past anxiety without catching.

Woo shook his head hard against his shoulder, delicate hands twisting into the fabric of his shirt to keep him closer.

His cries softened into frantic, breathless murmurs, words tumbling out half-formed and tangled together.

'No Sawnta,' he hiccupped, face lifting from where he had hidden himself in the older's neck to instead get his point across properly.

'Woowie don’ want ‘im. Don’ want pwesents. Don’ want-' His breath hitched. 'Hwama shoo ‘im way. Say go ‘way, Sawnta. No come.' He pleaded desperately.

Joong tried again, paying close attention to the way Woo reacted to every word, every promise.

Whenever the younger flinched, he shifted course, softened the explanation, rebuilt it from another angle- nothing worked.

'Nwo,' the younger whimpered again, shaking his head harder. 'No Sawnta awt all. Woowie wike jus’ Appa. An’ Hwa. An’- an' hyungies. Sawnta no-no'

That was when a solution clicked.

It became more than clear that reassurance alone wouldn’t untangle this knot, otherwise Woo would've calmed down minutes before.

The younger wasn’t reaching for reason or compromises or carefully rephrased rules.

Whatever fear had taken root had slipped past logic entirely. It needed something firmer. Something that felt real enough to hold onto for longer than a few seconds.

Joong exhaled slowly, rocking the younger with one arm while the other slipped into his pocket to find his phone.

Of course, he knew Santa was terribly busy this time of year- not someone you could just call whenever a new idea popped up.

Still… he did happen to know someone who knew one of Santa’s elves. And if anyone could help shuffle plans around just a little, it would be them.

He held his phone in hand for a second, thinking- then drew it out just enough to type with his thumb.

│ Hey Yun. I need a favor. Can you call me real quick? I’ll explain after.

The phone remained hidden in his palm, screen angled away while Woo’s body kept shuddering against him, hiccupped breaths still catching in his chest.

The older didn’t stop rocking. Didn’t stop holding. He waited.

The reply came quickly.

│Of course. Calling now😊

Joong’s breath left him with a pleased huff of relief. He shifted just enough to settle Woo's head more securely against his shoulder when the phone began to buzz.

He glanced down at the screen- then blinked, eyes widening a touch as if surprised himself.

'Well,' he murmured, soft wonder slipping easily into his tone, '-would you look at that.'

He tilted the phone just enough for Woo to see the name lighting up the display.

Santa

The outcome was better than he’d hoped- not just an elf on the line, but Santa himself, listening carefully.

The younger sniffled, peeking out from the safety of Joong’s shoulder, lashes clumped and cheeks damp, though very much interested by the screen in front of him.

Hongjoong glanced down at the caller ID once more, then back at the small bundle tucked against his chest, lips curving despite himself.

'It says…' he hummed thoughtfully, tilting the phone just enough to peek again. 'Santa’s calling.'

Woo’s head snapped up so fast it nearly bonked the older's chin.

'S-Sawnta?' His eyes went huge. 'Ish fo’ Woowie?'

'Looks like it,' Hongjoong said, keeping his voice measured as his thumb hovered over the screen. 'But Appa’s going to talk to him first, okay? Just to… discuss some things.'

He waited until Woo gave a cautious little nod before answering.

'Hello, Santa,' the older said, tone polite yet firm. 'Yes- hi. Thank you for calling- we feel very blessed you made the time.'

There was a brief pause, followed by a voice on the other end that sounded mildly startled, then hurriedly agreeable.

'Mhm,' Hongjoong continued, calmly nodding along since he didn't want Woo to feel intimidated by Santa and rather see him as an equal.

'Yes, that’s right. I’m calling on behalf of a very important little person.'

Woo leaned in closer, listening with his whole body.

'Yes,' he said again, rocking tenderly. 'The presents are very appreciated. Truly. But there’s just one concern we need to clear up.'

Another pause.

'Mhm, yeah. About the house. I'm sure you've already documented some of his issues with that part, haven't you?'

Woo sucked in a tiny breath, eyes fixed on the phone.

Hongjoong glanced down at him reassuringly. 'Santa says he can leave them outside,' he translated softly. 'Right by the porch. No coming in.'

The younger stiffened immediately, shaking his head with urgency.

'Nuh-uh… no Sawnta… by da ouwtside thwee,' Woo protested, brow knitting with earnest determination, correcting a very serious mistake on their side.

Joong blinked once, then again.

'By… the tree?' He repeated, tilting his head slightly as he searched Woo’s face for clarity.

The younger nodded.

'But sweetheart,' he said carefully, keeping his tone hushed so Santa wouldn't hear what they were saying, '-the trees are outside of the porch.'

Woo’s brows drew together in deep concentration, his mouth pursing as the gears turned.

Then, as though the conclusion had always been obvious, he nodded again- slow and wholly convinced.

'Uh-huh,' he said, settling the matter. 'Da big thwee. Far.'

Hongjoong paused, the surprise melting into a helpless smile he couldn’t quite hold back.

'You mean,' he ventured, glancing down at him, '-the one down the road?'

Woo nodded again, this time with even more gravity, as if this detail truly mattered.

'Da one Woowie an' Hwama walk to when we go playgrouwnd,' he clarified. 'Wif sticks.'

There was no mistaking which one he meant.

At the very end of the street stood a single tree, tall and dreamy-brown, its branches wide and patient, dotted with old bird nests and strong enough to hold every present Santa might bring.

Hongjoong cleared his throat, trying valiantly to keep his composure while he lifted the phone again.

'Santa,' he said into the call, polite and sincere. 'We’ve got a small update.'

He listened for a moment, nodding along. 'Yes,' he confirmed. 'He’d actually prefer the presents be left by the tree.'

There was a longer pause this time, Joong’s lips pressing together while he waited.

'Yes,' he added, still perfectly serious. 'That tree.'

Woo edged nearer, eyes flicking between the phone and Hongjoong’s face as if trying to confirm that Santa could really hear him.

He then stage-whispered urgently, concern edging his voice. 'Sawnta no get wost, okay?'

Hongjoong had to cover his mouth, his shoulders shaking just a little when a laugh escaped despite his best efforts.

'He says,' he translated with concentration, voice warm with amusement, '-please don’t get lost.'

Another pause followed- long enough to feel theatrical.

'Mhm,' the older nodded solemnly. 'Yes. Thank you. We appreciate the flexibility.'

He lowered the phone and looked back at Woo, his expression softening completely.

'Santa says that’s okay,' he told him assuringly. 'He promised that he and his elves will leave your presents by the tree you asked for. Far away. Not in our house.'

The change was instant. Woo’s entire body loosened, tension draining from him as if a string had finally been cut.

A shaky breath left him before he tucked his face into Joong’s neck again, a content, relieved sound curling out with it.

'Otay,' he murmured, voice small but peaceful now. 'Fank you, Sawnta.'

Hongjoong smiled into his hair, holding him close while the phone remained warm in his hand, his chest full in a way that nearly caught him off guard.

Their Woowie was such a sweet and sensitive little man.

'Thank you for calling,' he said into the line. 'We really appreciate it- oh and- good luck next week, we'll leave something savory at the tree!'

He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket just as the younger fluidly folded against him- safe, satisfied, and entirely certain that Christmas had been negotiated properly.

-

On the afternoon that followed last week, Seonghwa and Jongho had made a very deliberate detour on their way home.

They’d ducked into the small local bookstore just off the square, breath fogging the glass as they hurried inside, coats still half-open, urgency tucked beneath their calm like a shared secret.

Hongjoong’s message had been simple enough- Woowie had met Santa as a concept, and it had… gone poorly. Not disastrously, but enough that it mattered.

In the end, they agreed it was worth doing just a little more- enough to help Christmas take root as something joyful.

So, they lingered longer than planned in the children’s section, crouched between low shelves and turning pages with care.

They looked for something low-key, perhaps verses that rhymed or had an exciting ring to it- which Woo absolutely adored when read to.

Something that spoke of Christmas without strangers slipping into houses or surprises waiting in the dark, at that.

They found it in a picture book with soft illustrations and rounded words- Santa smiling from a distance, lights glowing safely behind windows, warmth emphasized over spectacle.

It had been Hongjoong who read it to the younger that same night, tone changing with every character that showed up somewhere down the line, Boo tucked beneath one arm while delicate fingers traced the pictures with reverence.

One page showed Santa with hair pale as snow, and Woo had paused there, tipping his head before glancing across the room toward Seonghwa- eyes bright with a familiar recognition that made the eldest chuckle softly as he kept reading.

By the time the story ended, Woo had been leaning sleepily against him, excitement humming underneath his skin like a kid in a candy store.

After that, Christmas no longer felt uncertain.

And so, when Christmas Eve arrived, it came without fuss or fear.

Morning found Woowie already awake and tucked into his highchair, legs swinging in happy little kicks as San perched beside him, one elbow propped on the counter like this was the most serious rehearsal of his life.

‘Okay,’ San said solemnly, hand raised like a conductor’s. ‘We sing it slow. Very calm. Like this.’

He drew out the first words carefully, voice soft and smooth- like he had been doing for over twenty minutes now since Woo had excitedly asked him if he could be taught more Christmas carols.

Of course, the other hadn't been one to deny such a question, and therefore, found himself at the kitchen table, teaching Woo another classic.

‘Siiilent… niight…’ He sang, coaxing the younger to repeat what he was singing line by line.

Woo’s eyes widened. His mouth opened.

‘SIIIIIIEEEEEENT NIIIIIGHHHTTT,’ he announced at full volume, chest puffed with pride.

San startled so hard he nearly dropped the spoon he was holding.

‘Oh- wow,’ he laughed, blinking. ‘Okay. Very… powerful. I meant more in a-’

‘ALL IS CAAAAAAWLM,’ Woo continued happily, clapping once for emphasis.

San shut his eyes for a moment, pained amusement flickering across his face as the consequences of his teaching caught up with him.

Mingi glanced up from his phone.

‘I regret to inform everyone that all is not calm.’

Seonghwa peeked from where he was setting plates down, lips pressing together as he tried not to smile.

‘Baby,’ he said gently, amusement threading his voice, ‘I think Silent Night is supposed to be a little more... silent.’

Woo seemed to get the memo, nodding along before he leaned forward and whispered with dramatic seriousness, ‘…SIIIilent niwghtttt.’

San lost it, laughter bubbling out of him as he reached to steady the highchair. ‘Perfect. Nailed it. Ten out of ten.’

Seonghwa shook his head fondly before stepping closer, caressing a hand through Woo’s hair.

‘Alright, little singer,’ he said, warmth curling around the words while tying a bib around the younger's neck with precision.

San slipped from his seat and filled Woo’s sippy cup at the sink, placing it on the counter in preparation.

‘Since it’s almost Christmas, we’ve got something very special for breakfast today.’

Woo perked up instantly.

‘Spec’ul?’

‘Mhm,’ Seonghwa nodded. ‘Yeosang and I baked something for all of us to enjoy.’

From the kitchen drifted the unmistakable scent of something sweet and home-made; Fruit and vanilla mingling together in the air, the kind of smell they’d all woken up to that morning.

Seonghwa had already been there once the early birds found their way into the kitchen, an apron tied snug around his waist, while Yeosang stood beside him carefully slicing blueberries fresh from the organic market around the corner.

The older reached for the container on the counter and brought it closer, setting it where Woo could peer inside from his highchair.

‘What do you think is inside, love?’ He asked encouragingly. ‘Can you see?’

Woo gasped softly, bouncing in his seat.

‘Me sees cake!’ He announced. ‘Woowie wuvs cake.’

Seonghwa cooed quietly, a smile spreading as he leaned a little closer. ‘You were close, sweetheart,’ he said fondly. ‘It is cake's cousin, we call these muffins- blueberry muffins, to be exact’

He tipped the container just enough for Woo to see better.

‘And because we know how much you love blueberries too, Yeosang and I made sure to add extra to yours.’ Seonghwa explained, pulling a chair closer and sitting in front of him.

He broke the muffin apart and set the pieces on the tray. Woo picked one up at once, chewing with a pleased hum.

‘Fank you, Hwama an' Sangie.’

From the living room came Yeosang’s cheerful call, loud enough to carry easily across the house.

‘You’re very welcome, lovebug!’

Seonghwa smiled, his heart warm, as he glanced over at the younger happily munching away, clearly content.

‘Anytime,’ Seonghwa murmured adoringly, turning back to the muffin container.

He adjusted the pieces on the tray, carefully making sure everything was just right for their Woo.

From the corner of his eye, the eldest caught the way more than a few pairs of eyes lingered on the muffins he was holding.

Seonghwa smiled. ‘Alright- who wants one?’

‘Love one,’ Jongho said, already standing from his chair as he reached for the container in Seonghwa's hands.

‘Obviously,’ Mingi added with a grin, fetching one in record time.

From the living room, Yeosang’s voice rang out, rather enthusiastic, whilst an interested Yunho and Hongjoong followed soon after.

‘Me! Me! Me!’ Sang rushed in, a playful gleam in his eyes as he made a quick run for the muffins.

San glanced up from the sink, a faint smile tugging at his mouth as he raised a hand. ‘I’ll take one too,’ he chuckled, moving in their direction.

Seonghwa couldn’t help but laugh at how quickly they all jumped at the chance, shaking his head as he offered the muffins around a second time after a few minutes.

Once everyone had taken another, he set the container down on the counter where he got them from earlier.

‘They’re there if anyone wants thirds,' he added lightly.

Each of them, in turn, tore into their muffins- peeling back wrappers or breaking off pieces to share.

The sounds of hushed laughter and the rustle of paper filled the room, the ambience growing more joyful with every passing moment.

It promised a Christmas Eve that would carry this warmth with it, long after the morning had passed.

Woo tipped his sippy cup back with both hands, taking the last few determined gulps with caution, cheeks puffing slightly as he swallowed before lowering it onto the tray with a satisfied little clack.

He stared at it for a second, brows knitting as if double-checking that it was truly empty, then nodded once with complete conviction.

‘Dohne,’ he announced, pushing the cup away with both palms in short, decisive shoves. ‘Woowie ish dohne.’

San lifted the empty sippy cup and glanced over the cleared tray, a slow grin tugging at his mouth as he reached for the damp cloth.

‘You finished everything,’ he said while eyeing the tray where a few crumbles and spilt water droplets appeared left on it, clearly impressed.

'I’d say we’re about to have a very energetic, slightly blueberry-tinted Woo on our hands,' he chuckled, nodding toward the wrappers.

'Yesh, Woowie gonna becwome a bwuebewry.’ He beamed while peeking up at San who now had a cloth around his hand.

The moment Woo caught sight of it, his expression collapsed into instant horror.

‘Nwoooo,’ he whined, leaning back in his highchair as far as the straps would allow, shoulders pulling in tight as if retreat alone might save him.

‘Nwo wipey fo' Woo. Nwo need dat.’

San chuckled softly at the dramatics but didn’t stop, lifting the cloth toward him with patience.

‘Just your mouth, baby. You’ve got a little bit of-’

Woo gasped and surged forward, seeing a change to fetch the culprit, both hands shooting out in a frantic grab for the cloth.

His fingers brushed against it once before slipping off uselessly.

‘Nwo!’ He protested again, voice wobbling with offense as he tried a second time, stretching himself forward with all the determination his tiny body could manage. ‘Mine!’

The other laughed quietly, lifting a second, dry cloth just out of reach while using the brief distraction to carefully swipe along Woo’s chin and the corner of his mouth with the right object in one quick, practiced motion.

‘There we go,’ he murmured, unbothered. ‘All clean.’

The younger froze, eyes going wide as the realization caught up with him, then let out a sharp, indignant little huff, twisting in his seat to try and follow the retreating cloth with renewed outrage.

‘Nwo wipe!’ He complained, tugging uselessly at the straps as if that might somehow undo the injustice.

San’s expression shifted the moment he caught the full force of that indignation, amusement sparking in his eyes as he crouched closer instead of backing off, fingers already reaching for the buckles at Woo’s sides.

‘Oh?’ He hummed thoughtfully, clicking the straps loose with deliberate care while lifting him from the highchair. ‘I believe someone might need to fix that silly mouth of yours, mh?’

The younger stiffened in his arms, suspicion dawning far too late as he was settled against his hipbone.

San tilted his head, feigning deep consideration when he adjusted his grip, one hand firm at Woo’s back while the other hovered with theatrical hesitation.

‘Now who could it be…’ he wondered aloud, drawing the moment out just long enough to make the younger squirm.

Then his eyes widened in mock realization.

‘Oh,’ he said brightly. ‘I believe it’s-’

His fingers darted down without warning, finding the sliver of soft tummy peeking out where Woo’s onesie had ridden up beneath his shirt.

‘-the tickle monster!’

Woo shrieked, the sound breaking instantly into helpless laughter as he twisted in San’s arms, hands flying down to protect his stomach while his legs kicked wildly.

‘Nnooo-!’ He squealed, breathless already, ‘Sannie- nwo!’

The older laughed, unabashed, tickling just long enough to send him into hysterics before abruptly easing his hold and setting him down on the floor.

‘Lucky you,’ he chimed, already grinning. ‘The tickle monster allows a five-second head start.’

Woo didn’t need to be told twice.

He scrambled away on hands and knees, giggling so hard he nearly tipped over, shirt riding up further as he made a valiant escape attempt across the living room rug.

San waited exactly three seconds.

Then he lunged.

‘Tickle monster coming through!’ He announced, jogging after him before scooping him up mid-crawl and tumbling them both on the floor with a soft thud.

Woo dissolved completely, laughter shrieking out of him when the older pinned him with exaggerated antics and went right back for his tummy, fingers relentless yet careful not to actually hurt, tickling until Woo’s protests were nothing but breathless giggles.

‘No Sawniieeess!’ Woo howled between laughs, twisting helplessly beneath him, cheeks flushed and eyes shining.

San dipped his head closer, smile warm as he slowed the tickles.

‘Hmm,’ he teased quietly. ‘Tickle monster hears that and says the prize is a cuddle.’

The younger gasped, eyes lighting up as if this was the best deal he’d ever heard.

‘Ohh!’ He chirped. ‘Woowie can do dat! Woowie cawn!’

San cooed softly, all teasing gone, before scooping Woo up from the floor and folding him snug into his arms to claim his hug.

When Woo’s laughter finally settled into shaky breaths and bright-eyed hiccups, the living room was abruptly overtaken by something else entirely.

Footsteps- weighty and very much not sneaky- announced themselves from the hallway, followed by Yunho’s unmistakably loud, dramatically drawn-out singing.

‘Ohhhhhh Christmas treeeee,’ he sang at full volume, voice echoing cheerfully as he waltzed into the living room with an enormous box of Christmas decorations balanced in his arms.

‘Oh Christmas treeeee~’

San glanced up from the embrace, blinking once as the performance registered, and Woo mirrored the movement a heartbeat later, eyes widening as his attention snapped towards the noise.

Yunho continued undeterred, spinning slightly as he navigated around the couch, the box wobbling dangerously.

‘How lovely are your branches-’

‘Yunho,’ Jongho called with a chuckle of his own somewhere behind him.

Right on cue, Mingi followed into the room, grunting softly under the weight of a clearly fake Christmas tree tucked awkwardly under one arm, the pieces clacking together with every step.

‘It still needs to be built,’ he added helpfully, as if this explained everything.

Yunho stopped dead center and posed like he’d just finished a performance, chin lifted.

‘I felt the moment needed music,’ he said with satisfaction.

Woo stared, mouth open, then burst into fresh giggles, pointing excitedly.

‘Thwee!’ He shouted, wriggling beneath San’s hold.

The excitement barely had time to settle before it bubbled right back up again.

Woo climbed off San's lap and bounced over towards Mingi, hopping in place beside him as he broke into a loud, enthusiastic rendition of his own making.

‘Wockin’ awound da Chwistmas thwee,’ he sang at full volume, words tumbling together with joyful confidence, arms flapping as if that alone might summon the decorations into place.

Mingi laughed, looking down at him with amused surprise just as Yunho gasped dramatically.

‘Wait- wait, I know this one,’ he announced, stepping in to join the younger.

He reached for Woo’s hands without hesitation, fingers curling around the small ones as he began to sway them side to side.

‘Rocking around the Christmas tree-’

Woo squealed in delight, letting himself be spun clumsily as his feet barely kept up, giggles breaking up the song as he tried very hard to sing and dance at the same time.

‘Chwistmas pawty hop!’ He added loudly, absolutely certain this was correct.

Yunho leaned fully into the silliness, exaggerating every step and spinning him once more before swaying again, both of them laughing as the tune fell apart into nonsense and hums.

It was right then that Hongjoong appeared in the doorway, sleeves already pushed up, eyes softening instantly at the sight.

‘Now that's what we call a Christmas concert, hm, little bug?' He said fondly, stepping closer. ‘And I came to help with the tree.’

Woo’s eyes stayed fixed on the scattered tree pieces for a long moment, excitement still humming under his skin, before he bounced once in place and looked back up at Joong with renewed determination.

‘Woowie wan’ hewp too,’ he announced, voice earnest and hopeful, as if saying it clearly enough might make the task at hand more simple.

The older nodded once, a subtle, understanding smile touching his mouth once he registered the eagerness behind it.

‘I know you do,’ he said tenderly. ‘And we really want you to help.’ His gaze flicked briefly toward the long pole and bundled branches before returning to Woo. ‘Building the tree can be a bit tough, though- it takes a lot of pushing and holding things secure.’

The younger's mouth tipped uncertainly, fingers curling into his shirt again.

‘So how about this,’ Joong continued, voice thoughtful, offering rather than turning him down.

‘You can watch while we build it, just until it’s standing up nice and strong- and then you can help with the decorating. That’s the best part anyway.’

That earned a pause.

‘Dewcorate?’ Woo echoed.

Hongjoong smiled in return. ‘Mhm. All the ornaments. All the shiny things in the container to your left.’

Wooyoung brightened just a little, interest clearly sparking anew.

The older glanced over at the box full of ornaments, its lid slightly tilted from earlier.

‘Actually,’ he said, voice tilting playfully, ‘I’ve got an important mission for you and San while we’re building the tree.'

Woo’s attention snapped back to him immediately from where he got distracted by Yunho making silly faces.

‘You can help decide which ornaments absolutely have to go on the tree,’ he explained. ‘The really pretty ones.’ He nodded toward the container. ‘Someone needs to inspect them properly.’

San caught on instantly, stepping closer with an exaggeratedly serious nod. ‘That sounds like expert work,’ he said solemnly, offering Woo his hand. ‘We should probably check every single one.’

The younger gasped, delighted by the importance of it all.

‘Woowie chewck,’ he declared firmly.

Joong chuckled softly as San guided Woo toward the container, the others already beginning to sort through the tree pieces behind them.

As the younger knelt beside the box, peering in with wide-eyed concentration, the room filled itself with movement again- branches rustling, voices overlapping- while Woo got busy with his new task, helping them in the exact way that suited him best inside of his current headspace.

Woo’s hands disappeared into the box that shone brightest almost immediately, paper crinkling when he tugged at the first wrapped shape with intrigue.

San eased down beside him on the floor, one knee bent, the other tucked in, close enough that their shoulders brushed whenever Woo leaned sideways to peer deeper inside.

‘Careful,’ the other murmured gently, voice pitched just for him. ‘Some of them are very old. They’ve got stories.’

That caught Woo’s attention once more.

‘Stowies?’ He echoed, eyes lifting.

San smiled and nodded. ‘Mhm. Christmas stories.’

He watched as the younger finally freed an ornament from its wrapping- a small glass one, catching the light just right, flecked with silver and deep blue that shimmered when it moved.

Woo gasped softly, holding it up between both hands like it was something precious.

‘Pwetty…’

‘That one,’ the older said quietly, leaning in a little closer, ‘-used to hang right at the front of the tree every year. It’s supposed to help the tree feel brave.’ He tapped it lightly with one finger. ‘So it knows it’s doing a good job.’

Woo considered this before speaking up again.

‘Da thwee need dat,’ he decided, nodding once.

He held the ornament closer to his chest for a second, protective, before carefully setting it aside.

‘Woowie keep it safe.’

San’s chest warmed at that, a fond hum slipping out of him as he reached over to brush his finger through Woo's hair. ‘I think it already is,’ he said with a fond grin.

The younger beamed at him, then turned back to the box with renewed purpose, paper rustling again as he dug for the next treasure- while San stayed right there beside him, ready with another story whenever Woo pulled one free.

-

What had started as scattered pieces and overlapping voices came together with surprising ease- branches clicked into place, the pole was secured, lights were threaded through in loose spirals by a bit of teamwork- and before Woo quite realized it, the tree was standing tall and full in the corner of the living room, looking proud of itself.

Yunho took a step back, hands settling on his hips while he surveyed their work with exaggerated seriousness.

‘Well,’ he said at last, nodding once, ‘-that was fast.’

Woo, meanwhile, had drifted a little to the side, attention wholly captured by a glittering ornament he’d fished from the box- turning it carefully between his fingers as it caught the light, fascinated by the way it shimmered and flashed.

He crouched down in front of the younger, lowering himself into his line of sight with an easy smile, careful not to startle him out of his focus.

‘That’s a pretty one,’ Yunho hummed, nodding toward the ornament Woo was turning in his hands.

After a beat, he added adoringly, ‘-is that the one you’d like to put in the tree?’

Woo shook his head at once, the answer coming rather quick- determined even.

‘Nuh-uh,’ he said, twisting around on his knees. ‘Woowie got… bettuh.’

He reached toward the near spot where he’d carefully set something aside earlier, fingers closing around it with obvious reverence before lifting it up between them.

The star caught the light immediately.

It was golden, entirely coated in fine glitter that shimmered with every movement, the kind that clung eagerly to skin.

By the time Woo held it up, Yunho could already see the glitter- golden flecks clinging to his fingertips and knuckles, scattered across his skin as if the shine had chosen him instead, dressing his hands like an ornament of their own.

‘Dis one,’ he said, nodding. ‘It pwetty. An’ shiny.’

Yunho hummed approvingly. ‘Excellent choice.’ He glanced back at the tree. ‘So- where do you think it should go?’

Woo’s eyes traveled up the branches shortly, before he pointed towards a spot that felt just right- important enough to matter, visible enough to be seen, but still close enough that it didn’t feel too far away.

‘Dere,’ he decided softly. ‘Bawll can watch Woowie pway wif’ da twains.’

Yunho’s expression warmed instantly. ‘I think that’s a perfect spot,’ he said without hesitation. 'I'll pick you up, love.'

Once in the older's arms, Woo nearly melted against him, habit tugging him closer, but he paused there- hovering- before choosing otherwise, shifting his weight and lifting the ornament instead, priorities clearly reordered.

Unnoticed, Seonghwa raised his phone, preserving the moment as it unfolded- small hands dusted with glitter, Yunho’s sweet hold, the star magically gleaming among the branches- something to keep.

‘That’s it,’ Yunho praised. ‘You’re doing beautifully,’ he said as Woo hooked the ornament onto the branch, fingers sticky with glitter and trembling just a little with concentration.

The younger smiled at the sound of it, a bright, open smile that seemed to light him from within, eyes sparkling like tiny fireflies.

Woo, after all, had always had a soft spot for compliments.

When the ornament finally settled into place, he leaned back in Yunho’s hold to look at it properly, pride adorning his face while he searched the older's eyes for reassurance.

‘Me did it,’ he murmured, pride humming beneath the words.

Yunho smiled down at him immediately, the warmth in his expression answering before his voice did.

‘You did,’ he said softly. ‘And you did it perfectly.’ He gave Woo a small, encouraging squeeze, careful not to jostle him, as if sealing the accomplishment right where it belonged.

That was when Seonghwa stepped closer, hands clasped loosely in front of him, eyes bright with something that looked suspiciously like a secret.

‘You know,’ he said, tilting his head as though the thought had only just occurred to him, ‘there’s actually something very important we still have to do later tonight.’

Woo’s eyebrows lifted at once, wonder flickering across his face as he tightened his hold on Yunho’s shirt.

‘What we gowtta do, Hwama?'

Seonghwa smiled, clearly pleased to be asked.

‘Later tonight,’ he explained calmly, ‘-when it’s dark outside and the Christmas lights are the only ones still on, we’re all going to sit around the tree and sing Christmas carols.’

Woo nodded at first, absorbing the explanation, before hesitation crept in.

‘Buwt…’ he started, voice dipping as his brows drew together. ‘Santa not come in da houwse?’

The room fell quiet for half a beat, not startled so much as attentive.

Hongjoong leaned forward slightly, voice tender and patient when he spoke. ‘That’s right,’ he confirmed. ‘He stays outside.’

Woo relaxed, but only slightly. ‘He still weave dem by da thwee?’

The older nodded, amusement threading warmly through his voice. ‘Mhm. Just like he said the other day.’ He tilted his head. ‘We called him together, remember?’

Woo’s eyes lit up instantly.

‘We diwd,’ he said with great certainty. ‘Santa pwomised.’ He lifted his hand and pointed firmly toward the corner, where the tree stood visible through the window. ‘Dat thwee.’

A few quiet chuckles slipped free around the room- quickly stifled, exchanged through fond looks and hidden smiles- because the care with which he remembered it, the specificity of it all, was simply too adorable.

Woo noticed none of that.

Instead, once the rules felt properly confirmed and the plan safely intact, he turned his attention back to Yunho, fingers tugging lightly at the front of his shirt as he tilted his head up.

He tilted his head, voice small but hopeful. ‘Now snuggle wif you?’

Yunho’s answer came before the question had fully settled, a fond coo slipping from him as he gathered Woo up completely, arms wrapping around him in a way that left no space unclaimed.

He pressed a flurry of kisses across Woo’s cheeks, his nose, his forehead- anywhere he could reach- before pulling back just enough to smile at him.

‘Of course you can,’ he said warmly, brushing his nose against Woo’s. ‘We’ll snuggle properly.’ He tilted his head, eyes bright with a new idea. ‘And I think snuggles like that deserve hot chocolate too.’

Woo’s eyes widened instantly.

‘Wif…’ he started, already smiling, ‘-mash-a-mellow?’

Yunho laughed softly, holding him closer again. ‘With marshmallows,’ he confirmed, like it had never been in question.

-

Dinner passed in that cozy, comfortable way it always did when the day had been full-plates emptied a little messier than usual, voices hushed, Woo growing heavier in Joong's arms with every passing minute.

By the time the table was cleared, his blinks had gone longer, his head tipping briefly against shoulders before popping back up again, stubbornly determined to stay awake just a little more.

That was his cue.

‘Alright,’ Seonghwa said, clapping his hands once to gather attention without startling anyone. ‘Before bath time-’

‘No bath,’ Woo objected immediately, shaking his head. ‘Woowie ish not stinky.’

‘We’ll see about that,’ Seonghwa said, amused. ‘But first- do you remember what I said we had to do once it got dark outside?’

‘Da thwee- sing!’ Woo blurted out happily, bouncing just a little.

‘Mhm,’ Seonghwa confirmed.

‘Since it’s dark outside now.’ He glanced towards the window, where the night had fully settled in, leaving only the glow of the Christmas lights reflected faintly in the glass.

‘I think it’s time we sit around the tree- just like we said.’

He gestured toward the living room floor.

'Hand in hand.’

Jongho huffed under his breath. ‘This is where it stops being about Santa,’ he muttered- already reaching out anyway.

‘Now you’re just pushing it, hyung,’ Hongjoong added at the same time, though he didn’t pull his hand back either.

Seonghwa only smiled, entirely unbothered. ‘Three songs,’ he said calmly, as though this had always been the rule as well. ‘If we sing them together, Santa knows exactly where to stop.’

They settled around the tree slowly, deliberately, the movement unhurried as everyone found their place on the rug.

Hongjoong had taken the spot to the right of the tree first, fingers curled somewhat comfortably around Seonghwa’s.

Seonghwa shifted closer in turn, passing the hold along to Mingi, who accepted it with a small grin before reaching for Woo.

Woo’s hand disappeared easily into Mingi’s, while his other hand found San’s without looking.

San linked them onward to Jongho, who- after another resigned sigh- passed the connection to Yeosang.

Yeosang squeezed Yunho’s hand lightly, and Yunho closed the circle by reaching back to Hongjoong.

A full loop. No gaps.

The tree held the center of the room in warm light, the star glinting faintly above their hands.

Woo looked around once, taking everything in, then nodded with great satisfaction.

‘Cowzy,’ he declared.

He scooted closer and settled properly between San and Mingi, knees bumping into theirs, content and secure.

After a moment, he tipped his head back to look across the circle at Yunho.

‘Sowng?’ Woo asked. 'Which one does we sing?’

Yunho smiled at him immediately, the answer already waiting.

‘How about Jingle Bells?’ he suggested softly. ‘We’ve been practicing that one.’

Woo’s face brightened at once, excitement breaking through the sleepiness in his eyes.

‘Dat one!’ he said eagerly. ‘Woowie know dat sowng!’

Yunho chuckled under his breath, fond and unsurprised.

'What a coincidence, love!'

Seonghwa took that as his cue. He drew in a quiet breath and began the first line, voice low and inviting rather than loud, setting an easy rhythm the rest of them could follow.

The rest of them followed naturally- voices joining in unevenly but earnestly nonetheless, some murmured more than sung, some went all in-

Through all of it, their hands remained linked, shoulders brushing, Woo’s small voice weaving in and out where he remembered the words and filling the gaps with delighted sounds where he didn’t- until the living room felt wrapped up in it all, the glow of the tree reflecting beautifully in the windows.

The golden star above them continued to showcase its light as if it approved, and for those few minutes nothing existed beyond the circle, the song, and the shared certainty that this- this warmth, this togetherness- was exactly what Christmas was supposed to feel like.

When the last notes faded, the circle lingered all the same, waiting for anyone to suggest their second song.

Hongjoong was the first to speak, a grin tugging at his mouth.

'You know,’ he said, glancing between Yunho and Woo, ‘I heard from Yunho that you’ve been practicing something for Jingle Bell Rock.’

Yunho let out a soft laugh, immediately exposed. ‘We might’ve,’ he admitted easily.

Woo perked up at once.

‘Dat one!’ He said again, already shifting where he sat, hips starting to sway side to side without a second thought.

That alone was enough to do it.

Seonghwa laughed before nodding. ‘Alright,’ he agreed, amused. ‘Let’s hear it then.’

The rhythm picked up almost instinctively, a little livelier this time, and as the familiar lines began, Woo jumped right in-

‘Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell wock-’

His voice rang out bright and eager, words a little rounded but unmistakable, as he rocked his hips from side to side with great enthusiasm, feet kicking out just a little while he followed along the way he remembered.

Yunho laughed openly now, pride unmistakable as he joined in beside him, exaggerating the movements just enough to guide without correcting.

‘Okay,’ he said gently between lines, ‘Perfect, love! Now we spin- look, just like Dada.’

Woo attempted a swirl where he stood, arms lifting as he turned as far as his spot allowed, giggling when he wobbled.

‘Good!’ Yunho encouraged. ‘And now we clap!’

Woo clapped on cue, a beat late but completely delighted, the sound sharp and joyful as Yunho clapped along with him, matching his timing on the next round.

Around them, the others laughed and sang along, clapping where they could, watching with fond smiles as Yunho guided him through each move with easy warmth.

‘You remembered all of it,’ he said proudly.

Woo beamed, chest puffing just a little.

They finished with Frosty the Snowman- unsurprisingly Woo’s favorite of the night.

He knew it inside out, sang it loud, laughed at the silly parts, and swayed along like the song had been written just for him.

By the time the last cheerful notes faded, the carols felt complete, the circle loosening with contented sighs and contented chuckles.

Seonghwa was the one to reach for his phone then, setting a quick timer before slipping back into place so they could all gather once more around the tree- hands close, shoulders touching, cherry-flushed cheeks glowing from the singing- capturing the moment before the evening moved on.

After that, the night comfily shifted forward. Bath time came and went. Pajamas replaced day clothes. Laughter softened into yawns.

Later, when the lights were dimmed and the house had eased into nighttime, Seonghwa tucked Woo into bed with loving hands, smoothing blankets and brushing hair back from his forehead.

He stayed there for a while, leaning close, and sang a lullaby made just for him-

Sleep, little star, the night is kind,
Dreams like snow fall soft in mind.
Close your eyes, let the day depart,
Mama’s here, with all my heart.

Sleepy heart, the day is done,
Tomorrow brings another sun.
Rest now, love, so soft, so true-
All of Christmas waits for you.

Woo’s breathing evened out somewhere in the middle of it, the last lines settling softly over him as sleep took hold- Christmas Eve ending the way it had begun, wrapped in warmth, care, and sweet magic.

-

The night’s silence didn’t hold for quite that long.

Their evening had been everything they could've hoped for- bright, fond, filled with hands reaching and voices overlapping in all the right ways.

They had lingered together for a movie night before Woo got tucked in by Hwa, laughed easily, built something warm out of everything they've built together.

Christmas Eve had been full in the best sense of the word.

But joy, especially the kind packed tightly into a single day, came with plenty of stimuli.

And for someone as little as Wooyoung, excitement didn’t always know how to wind itself back down once the world went dark.

Somewhere around three in the morning, Hongjoong stirred, pulled halfway from sleep without really knowing why.

At first, it barely registered- he assumed it was simply a sound out of place.

Then the baby monitor on the nightstand carried it clearly- soft, upset cries that didn’t belong to sleep.

Hongjoong didn’t need to listen twice.

Woo knew how to use his voice through the monitor; he only resorted to rattling the crib when distress had tipped past manageable, when he felt small in a way that scared him.

Seonghwa raised his head when the mattress dipped, blinking through sleep while the crying carried faintly down the hall.

'Mm,' he murmured, voice still rough. 'Poor baby.'

He shifted under the covers, patting the space between them.

'Bring him here when you’re back. He can sleep between us tonight.'

'Yeah,' Joong answered in a whisper, a fond smile sealing his reply. 'Give me a minute. I’ll bring him back.'

Wooyoung stood in his crib when the older found him, shoulders drawn inward as he clung to the rails, body pitched forward like he might topple if he let go.

His lower lip trembled violently, tears streaking down his cheeks as his eyes searched the doorway, glossy and strained with distress that had nowhere left to go.

The second he spotted Joong in the doorway, it tipped.

His face crumpled, a thin, breathless sound escaping as both arms shot up, fingers reaching with raw urgency.

'Awppa- gewt ge-gewt Woowie', he sniffled, the word catching halfway.

'I’ve got you,' Joong murmured right away, moving into his reach in record time. 'I’m here, sweetheart- Appa will make it better.'

His hands slid beneath Woo’s arms and lifted him free of the crib, drawing him close.

The younger sagged against his chest with a relieved sigh, fingers curling into Joong’s sleep-shirt while his face tucked into the familiar slope of his shoulder.

Joong’s body fell into its own rhythm, swaying them back and forth slowly.

One hand held firm at Woo’s back while the other slipped into his hair, all while shushing his tears that continued to fall down his cheeks.

His fingers brushed through it the way Woo liked- light, affectionate strokes that eased tension instead of asking anything of him, coaxing his nervous system back down from where it had spiked.

'You’re safe,' he whispered, pressing a kiss into his hair. 'I think last night and the holidays in general asked a lot of you, mh?'

Pressed in close like this, Woo could feel the humming vibration of the Joong's voice where it traveled through his chest and into the hollow beneath his ear.

The sobs lingered at first, though he instinctively stilled regardless of that fact, cheek tucked against Joong's neck while the older's thumb followed slow, familiar lines along his scalp until the tension in his shoulders softened.

Joong noticed all of it- felt the weight settle more wholly against him, the way Woo’s grip loosened just a fraction.

His own shoulders dropped with it, relief threading through him as he adjusted his hold and swayed on.

After a moment, he tipped his head just enough to murmur, thoughtful and rather gentle, '-Did you have a nightmare, tiny?'

Woo didn’t lift his head. He only hummed against Joong’s skin, a faint, uneven sound followed by a sniffle.

'Aw… Awppa,' he mumbled, clutching the back of his shirt closer with his fingers.

Hongjoong's chest warmed at that.

He pressed a kiss into Woo’s hair and let out a low hum of his own, wordless and easy, letting the sound do some of the work for him.

Then, he steered the subject elsewhere, offering the younger something lighter to think about instead.

'Tonight was good, wasn’t it? The movie… all of us piled in with the blankets you picked.'

He rocked him without pause, voice a whisper. 'Appa slept very deep after that hot chocolate. I think it finally caught up with me,' he grinned carefully.

Woo shifted slightly, listening.

The older smiled to himself and kept his voice casual, yet choosing his words with care.

'You know what I’m looking forward to tomorrow?' He murmured, brushing his thumb along Woo’s cheek as he spoke.

'I think we should build your train station again. With the long rails. The ones that go all the way around the rug, remember?'

Woo’s fingers twitched where they clutched Joong’s shirt, head lifting just a fraction.

'Mmm… twains,' he hummed, the word still damp with sleep.

'Yeah,' Joong said softly. 'I'm always so impressed by how well you can build those, especially the bridges that cross the rivers.'

Woo peeked up at him and gave a compliment in return, because that's how much of a sweetheart he is.

'Awppa make good ''chook-a chook'' souwnds.'

Then, after a thoughtful beat, '-Twain need dat.'

Joong dipped his head a little.

'Thank you,” he said with a genuine smile. 'I’m happy I can do that for you.'

He shifted his grip slightly, preparing to turn toward the hallway and allow themselves a bit more sleep.

'Alright, our Woowie,' he murmured, '-time to go back to sleep now, little one.'

The reaction was instant.

Woo’s hands tightened abruptly in the fabric of Joong’s shirt, fingers bunching hard as a displeased, frightened sound broke from his chest.

'Nwoo-' he whined, breath hitching as he clung on, body tensing all over again. 'Woowie no sweep in da- in da cwib-'

The older stopped immediately, comprehension clicking at once.

He’d eased everything else, tender and kind- except for the promise Woo needed to hear aloud yet.

'Hey,' he soothed, holding him closer. 'No, darling. Not like that.'

Woo’s grip didn’t loosen, legs drawing up as he shook his head, a thin, distressed sound slipping free.

Hongjoong adjusted his hold, tucking him more securely against his chest, one hand firm at his back while the other cradled him.

'I’m not taking you back to the crib,' he explained. 'You’re sleeping next to appa tonight.'

Woo studied him for a long second before asking, carefully, '-Woowie no ’lone?'

Joong caressed his thumb beneath the younger's eye, right above his beauty mark.

'No, sweetheart,' he ensured softly. 'You won't be alone.'

He then cradled him tighter against his hipbone and turned towards the door, easing them out of the nursery and into the hallway beyond.

The apartment lay dim and hushed around them, doors half-closed and shadows pooling faintly along the walls from where mellowed lighting claimed its place.

Woo stayed pressed close, cheek tucked against Joong’s shoulder, listening to the soothing hum of the night as they moved down the hall together.

Halfway there, the younger shifted.

'Bwoo?' He whispered suddenly, fingers tightening in Joong’s shirt as he sensed the absence of soft fur where he usually found his friend, lifting his head just enough to glance back the way they’d come.

The older nudged the bedroom door open with his foot, glancing down at him as the light inside spilled out in a warm line.

'Oh,' he whispered gently. 'Did we leave our friend behind, love?'

Woo’s brows drew together. He hummed, worried, eyes darting back towards the hallway.

'Bwoo ish no wif’ Woowie.'

Joong caught the glance and smiled. 'Mm, I see,' he mumbled while setting the younger down onto the floor.

'Hop on the bed, love, you can snuggle with Hwa while I get Boo from your crib.' He promised, pushing the door open further, the bedroom wholly opening up around them.

Woo blinked, then brightened almost instantly.

Seonghwa was still bundled deep beneath the blankets at the far end of the king-sized bed, the duvet gathered high around his shoulders from where he'd fallen asleep again.

He waddled towards the bundled shape beneath the blankets, pajama feet padding unevenly as he went.

The effort showed in every step, as if his body needed a second to catch up with him.

'Hwa-ma ish hewe?' He asked, voice lifting with delighted disbelief as he reached the side of the bed.

He planted both hands on the mattress and climbed up clumsily, knees finding the blankets before his feet did.

The duvet bunched under his palms as he tugged at the corner, pushing it up and peeking underneath until he found what he was looking for.

Seonghwa’s eyes blinked open at the movement, fondness settling in before he was fully awake.

A half-smile curved across his mouth as he reached out without hesitation, arm slipping around the younger and drawing him in close.

Woo released a surprised giggle as he was pulled under the blankets, the sound bright and breathy from where his cheek got eased against the older's chest.

He peeked up at Seonghwa with wide, shining eyes, adoration flickering there as he wriggled happily into the warmth.

'Hwa-ma,' he breathed, pleased.

'Hi, snugglebug.'

Joong let out a quiet chuckle at the sight, the sound amused and sweet while he lingered by the door.

'I’ll go get Boo now,' he said softly. 'I’ll be right back.'

He stepped into the hallway, leaving the room just as Woo shifted again, curiosity bubbling up beneath the comfort.

He tipped his head, brows knitting slightly while he took in the unfamiliar layout- how Seonghwa was tucked into Joong’s side of the bed, blankets piled high around them both.

'Hwa-ma no cwan sweep wike Woowie? That's why in da bwed?' He asked, eyeing the older.

Seonghwa huffed a quiet, sleepy laugh, eyes crinkling when he answered.

'Yeah,' he murmured. 'Something quite like that.'

The younger hummed, considering for a second, before talking again.

'Hwa-ma sweep hewe wif’ Joongie an’ Woowie 'gether?' He asked, voice small but earnest, as if piecing together a puzzle.

Seonghwa smiled drowsily, thumb tracing a cradling arc along Woo’s back.

'Mhmh,' he agreed. 'You good with that, snugglebug?'

'Yesh,' Woo nodded seriously. 'Woowie wuvs Hwama.'

He snuggled even closer at the same time, cheek pressing further into Seonghwa’s warm chest as if to underline the point.

Seonghwa’s breath hitched just a little before his smile softened completely.

He brushed his lips into Woo’s hair and murmured, fatigued but full of meaning,

'To the moon and back.'

The younger smiled back, satisfied, the words settling over him like a blanket of their own.

Joong returned only moments later, with the stuffed animal, as promised.

He tucked Boo into Woo’s dozing arms with practiced care, guiding the plush until familiar fur rested beneath delicate fingers.

The younger clutched it instinctively, barely stirring, breath already deepening.

Joong climbed in beside them then, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight.

One arm curved around Seonghwa, drawing him nearer, while his legs tucked in just enough to cup the space where Woo lay between them- cozy, held, completely accounted for.

They fit together easily, love binding them close like something warm and unbreakable as sleep found them all.

-

Morning came with warmth.

Not with alarms or hurried voices, but with the soft shuffle of feet on stairs and the quiet hum of a house waking up together.

Wooyoung was carried down in Hongjoong’s arms, still bundled and snug, cheek resting sleepily against his shoulder while he blinked at the light filtering in through the windows.

'Woowie wan' sweep a bit mow'.'

Joong chuckled softly and pressed a kiss into Woo’s cheek.

'I know you do, sweetheart, you've told me five times already- you can take a nap later.'

Then, a little brighter, 'I think you’ll want to see this, though. I heard Yunho found something by the tree further down the street just now.'

Down the hallway, Yunho appeared first, grinning around a box nearly as big as his torso, balanced with exaggerated care in his arms.

He was humming- loudly and only sort of in tune- a Christmas carol that lost its melody halfway through and turned into enthusiastic nonsense.

'Look what came from that treeee~' he sang, then cleared his throat and straightened up, suddenly solemn. 'The one Santa promised,' he said, nodding towards the front door where they've walked through. 'Remember?'

Before Woo could even answer, Yeosang followed behind him, arms stacked high with a second box and a messy bundle of envelopes tucked against his chest, carefully trying not to drop any.

He peeked around Yunho with a small smile.

'These were taped together, so they wouldn't get lost,' he added, peering down at them. 'Santa is very considerate, don't you think, Woo?'

Woo didn’t answer.

His attention had already drifted elsewhere, gaze sliding past Yeosang as movement caught his eye at the end of the hall.

His head tipped, curiosity blooming fast enough to eclipse everything else.

And then Jongho appeared.

He came last with one more box, glancing up just in time to catch Woo staring. Something passed between them then- a shared grin, a flicker of excitement that didn’t need explaining.

Jongho stopped for a second and exhaled like the box had suddenly gained weight.

'These feel important,' he stated, planting a seed of speculation. 'Heavy, too.'

Woo's eyes went impossibly wide as the line of them came to a stop, boxes wobbling, carol still trailing off somewhere behind Yunho’s shoulder.

'…Da thwee,' he breathed, awe creeping in as he leaned forward in Joong’s arms, suddenly much less interested in sleeping.

They gathered by the tree together then- no rush, no exaggerated ceremony.

Someone tugged a blanket around Woo’s shoulders while another scooted closer on the rug.

Hands reached in easily, ready to help when paper proved stubborn or tape refused to cooperate.

The presents weren’t a surprise to any of them, not really.

They had planned carefully this year.

There were gifts for everyone, tucked away for later-things chosen for non-regressed Woo, for shared laughter and inside jokes, for dinner night when they would sit together properly and unwrap them all as equals.

But this morning was different.

This morning was for their Woowie.

For bright paper and simple shapes. For things meant to be held, squeezed, lined up, and loved without explanation.

For gifts chosen with small hands and big feelings in mind.

So, they helped him unwrap those first.

Paper rustled softly as Woo worked through it with earnest concentration, tongue peeking out as he peeled tape away piece by piece.

When the lid finally came free, he gasped.

'Ooohh~ is bwue,' he whispered, intrigue threading his voice as he reached inside.

What he pulled free was bright and fuzzy, bunched strangely in its packaging- two rounded ends sticking out at the sides in a way that looked very familiar.

He turned it over once. Then again.

'…Dis glove?' He asked curiously, holding it up and peering at it.

Carefully, he peeled the packaging back and slid one hand into the opening.

It stopped halfway, bunching around his wrist. He wiggled his fingers, considering this new information very seriously.

'…Glove,' he decided.

He tried the other end next, pushing his hand in with the same care. It fit just as strangely.

He paused, then nodded to himself, utterly satisfied.

'Two glove,' he concluded.

Yunho pressed his lips together, shoulders shaking just a little.

Woo hugged the blue bundle to his chest, pleased with both the color and the outcome.

'Bwue gloves fo' Woo,' he said proudly, as if naming them made it official.

San crouched closer, smile kind and adoring as he reached for the carton. 'Can I see?' He asked.

San slid the socks free and spread them out in his hands, letting the fabric catch the light.

'They do kind of look like gloves, huh?' He said warmly. 'But they’re fuzzy socks.'

He brushed the soft material between his fingers before gently tapping Woo’s foot.

'They’re for your feet,' he explained simply. 'For when it’s cold outside, so your toes stay warm in bed.'

Woo blinked, considering this new information.

'Me thwink is sowcks an’ gloves- Santa knows Woowie well.' He smiled appreciatively.

Jongho hummed thoughtfully, glancing down at the blue fuzz in Woo’s arms.

'Multifunctional,' he said solemnly.

The younger beamed at that, clearly pleased with the endorsement, and hugged the socks tighter like they’d just been promoted to something very important.

And just like that, the moment moved on- one small conclusion made, one more bit of joy neatly tucked into it.

Another box was nudged closer.

Woo eyed it, then glanced up, as if checking whether it was meant for him.

When no one objected, he went for it, tearing the paper with renewed enthusiasm. The lid came off- and he froze.

Red.

Bright, shiny red.

A firetruck stared back at him, lights gleaming, buttons lining the top like an invitation.

Woo inhaled sharply.

'…Fiya twuck,' he whispered, awed.

He pressed one button.

WEE-OOO. WEE-OOO.

The younger gasped, then laughed, a startled sound that turned into pure delight. He pressed it again.

'WEE-OOO!' He echoed proudly, hitting the button a third time just to be sure.

Hongjoong rubbed his face and peeked at the truck again, already smiling despite himself.

'I can’t believe Santa looked at our house and thought, ‘Yes. Sirens. That’s the energy they need.’

Woo, who had been listening very carefully, brightened at the mention- as if reminded of a very important responsibility.

'WEE-OOO!' He announced at full volume, slapping the button with renewed confidence.

'WEE-OOO!'

Seonghwa closed his eyes.

He opened them again slowly, gaze settling on the firetruck, then on Woo, then back to the truck like he was measuring his chances.

'Okay,' he said, very calmly. 'Mama is going to pretend this is charming for the next five minutes.'

He shifted closer, tucking a blanket around the younger with exaggerated care.

'After that,' he added, lips twitching, '-we renegotiate.'

Woo giggled, delighted by both the noise and the attention, and pressed the button one more time- without echoing the sound this time round, like he was testing the boundaries.

Hongjoong laughed under his breath.

'See?' He said. 'He already knows how negotiations work.'

As if on cue, something slipped loose.

A sheet of stickers slid out from beneath the truck, skimming across the rug- tiny firefighters in bright coats and helmets, ladders and hoses and shiny little badges catching the light.

'Wook,' he said with interest, holding the sticker page in front of San's face. 'Peepol.'

San leaned closer, smile sweet. 'Those go on the truck,' he explained patiently. 'They’re firemen.'

He pointed to one of the stickers, tapping it lightly. 'They help when things get scary- putting out fires, helping people, making sure everyone’s safe.'

Woo followed his finger with serious attention.

San smiled at that. 'You can decorate it,' he added. 'They’ll ride along with you.'

He peeled one sticker free with painstaking focus, tongue peeking out as he hovered it over the truck, adjusting the angle millimeter by millimeter. It landed crooked. He stared at it for a long second.

'…Okay,' he decided.

Another followed. Then another.

Soon the firetruck wore its crew proudly- stickers placed at angles only he could understand, ladders climbing nowhere in particular, firefighters bravely guarding wheels and doors.

Jongho nodded, impressed. 'A very busy crew.'

Woo beamed at that, pressed the siren button one more time for good measure, and pushed the truck in a slow, careful circle around the presents.

'Fiyamen go help,' he announced proudly.

After that, he curled up with the firetruck tucked against his chest, fingers wrapped around it like it might wander off if he didn’t keep hold.

He tipped his head up, eyes bright and sincere.

'T'ank you, Sawnta,' he said earnestly.

Then he looked around at the others- at Yunho, at Jongho, at Yeosang- expression thoughtful.

'An’ t'ank you,' he added, nodding at each of them in turn. 'Fo’ bwingin’ Sawnta pwesents fwom da tree.'

'Oh- an' an' t'ank awll you for hawppy Chris-mas.'

They didn’t answer right away. No one needed to.

Woo smiled, content, hugging the truck closer.

'Woowie wuvs you,' he said softly.

A beat, then- just to be thorough-

'An’ Sawnta.'

For a second, the room went quiet in that way that happens when something lands perfectly.

Then Yunho broke first, laughter spilling out as he leaned forward and covered his mouth, shoulders shaking against Mingi who laughed just as loudly.

Yeosang’s smile widened into something helplessly fond, and Jongho let out an amused huff, the corner of his mouth tugging up as he eyed San- a glance filled with 'Only a thing their Woo would say, really.'

Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa, eyes bright with that familiar, full kind of warmth.

'Of course,' he murmured, voice amused. 'And Santa.'

Seonghwa shook his head, chuckling as he reached over to brush Woo’s hair back from his forehead.

'Yeah,' he said, still smiling. 'Can't forget to thank him- that's very thoughtful of you.'

The younger blinked at them, pleased that they seemed to understand the importance of being thorough, and hugged the firetruck tighter.

'And we love you,' Hongjoong said, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek.

'Mm, love you,' Seonghwa echoed, kissing his hair.

Yunho leaned closer too, grin still on his face. 'Love you, Tiny man.'

Yeosang’s voice was gentle, sincere. 'Love you.'

San and Mingi made a show of a double-cheeked peck, smooching Woo's delicate cheeks on both sides before sharing their 'love you's' as well.

Jongho added at last, while he reached to tap Woo’s shoulder lightly. 'Love you, Wooyoungie.'

The words settled around their little like another blanket- familiar, enveloping, completely his- as the tree lights blinked on, and Christmas kept going exactly the way it was meant to.

'Merry Christmas, everyone~'