Archive of Our Own

“This is my fault,” his voice cracked as he held Wolf-Chan to his chest with one hand and the other holding the ice pack against Wolf-Chan’s whole body.  “I knew what happened if I kept pushing and-”

“Chan-hyung.” Lino said softly. “This isn’t just because of you overworking, and you know it…I don’t know why you two fought, but you need to talk.  Wolf-Chan’s fever is getting worse, and if it keeps rising…he might not make it.”

A choked sob forced itself out of Chan’s throat, as he watched his pup pant and whimper. 

***

It was extremely rare for SKZoo familiars to get sick.  Their very existence was tied to their parent’s life force and soul while independently having their own.  If their parents held emotions back then it would get transferred to their SKZoo and they would be the ones experiencing them.  If their parent was sick they would go into what Han had called hibernation.  Their SKZoo would eat more than necessary and sleep for an indefinite amount of time.  Constant skin to skin contact was also necessary so the SKZoo could share their life force with their parent, the closer to their heart the better.

They had figured this out at different stages during the 7 years they had been a group.  Han’s struggles during the Five Star era had been one of the most unfortunate learning moments for them.  The deep hibernation stage had been a scary but crucial turning point for Han to realize he needed help and a day where their SKZoos learned how dangerous it was when their parent went through strong emotional turmoil.  They thought that was as bad as it could get, but as Leebit watched his brother struggle to breathe and his temperature slowly rise he knew this was a new bar.

Leebit had been there with Wolf-Chan and Dalbit when it started. He watched as Appa Chan and Noona’s disagreement turned into an argument and then snowballing into raised voices and finally crumbling into hurtful words that couldn’t be taken back.  He had watched Noona’s eyes water and Appa Chan’s eyes close in regret before she had walked over to his desk to pick up Dalbit and rushed out.  Appa Chan hadn’t even tried to stop her, he had let her leave.  He thinks that’s when it started, he had seen Wolf-Chan place a paw on his chest, a small whimper leave him and Leebit had thought it had been an emotional response.  He could have never predicted it had been a whimper of actual pain.  Two days later Chan and Wolf-Chan had shown up at the practice room looking worse for wear. Chan’s eyes were red rimmed and slightly puffy while Wolf Chan’s ears were actually drooping backwards and his tail was tucked between his legs.  During rehearsals Wolf Chan had stayed curled up against Jiniret in their portable nest, with the white ferret curling completely over him, giving soft purrs and nuzzling his cheek.

“Are you ok Wolf-Chan?” Leebit had chittered softly.

“I might be tired for a while.” Mumbled Wolf-Chan. 

“Was their fight really that bad?” Jiniret asked, tail gently curling over Wolf-Chan’s. “Hyun-appa went to Noona’s last night and got home late. He didn’t say anything but Appa looked disappointed and angry.”

“It was bad-“

“It’s between Noona and Appa.” Wolf-Chan interrupted with a small whine. “We shouldn’t talk about it. They’ll be ok.”

Leebit and Jiniret exchanged concerned glances but decided not say anything. They looked over to where the sound system was and locked glances with Dwaekki.  He titled his chin up with a twitch of his eyebrow and they shook their heads. Dwaekki frowned but nodded.  He glanced at Appa Chan, noting the clenched jaw and the stiffness of his shoulders as he let Lino fix the choreo. He didn’t miss the analyzing glance his appa Binnie sent him before glancing to Lino and giving a quick frown before focusing again.  After a few more minutes their dance coordinator gave them a 30 minute break and the kids dispersed. Felix and Han came over to their side, small frowns on their faces as they noticed Wolf-Chan bundled up with Jiniret.

“He doesn’t look ok.” Felix mumbled while Han gently placed a finger under the pup’s cheek and Wolf-Chan nuzzled against it.

“He’s slightly warm,” Han replied. “Chan-hyung will have to monitor him just in case…and he needs a break himself.”

“Tch, good luck with that.” Seungmin retorted as he joined them with PuppyM perched on his shoulder. The puppy gave a small yip so his dad could place him in the nest and curl up against Wolf-Chan who gave a small rumble of comfort.

“He needs skin to skin contact,” Han replied and Felix gave him an encouraging nudge towards Chan who was by the sound system.

“He might listen if it comes from you.” Seungmin nodded.

Han gave a small wince and an apologetic look to Quokka who was in his shirt pocket. His little Quokka gave a small squeak, patting Han’s chest comfortingly with a smile.

Let’s talk to him Appa, Wolf-Chan needs help. Said Quokka and that was the nudge Han needed to head towards their leader.

“Hyung?” Han questioned as he approached Chan. He looked up from his notes, instantly noting how Han was fidgeting with the bottom edge of his shirt and looking at him wearily while Quokka was looking determined at Chan. So Han was nervous but very determined to talk to him.

“Are you ok? What’s wrong?” He asked, ready to help in any way Han needed.

“Wolf-Chan,” Han started and stopped, thinking, Quokka gave him a tap that got him going again. “He needs skin to skin.”

Chan tensed, looking over to where Felix, Seungmin and now even I.N had joined at the couch where the nest was at. He couldn’t see his pup as he was puppy piled by Jiniret, PuppyM and FoxI.Ny.  He knew, he had noticed how tired Wolf-Chan had looked in the morning and by now he was probably exhausted. But a bigger part of him didn’t want to acknowledge it. Cuz that would mean admitting that sharp tug on his chest and the memory of the heartbroken and disappointed look on her face.

“He’ll be ok, when we break for lunch I’ll hold him.” was Chan's tight response. Han’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. What the hell?

“Chan-hyung…please.” Han’s voice was small, almost scared and when Chan glanced back at him he noticed how his left hand had raised to cup Quokka on his shirt and to his shame saw Han’s little familiar on the verge of tears.  Chan looked away, hand going to his opposite shoulder to squeeze it. He looked at Quokka again before nodding and going over to his pup.  Seungmin saw him coming from the mirror and subtly signaled the others to occupy themselves. He picked up his child, I.N got FoxI.Ny and headed to Changbin while Felix picked up Jiniret so he could go to Hyunjin who was holding Bbokari.  They weren’t as subtle as they thought but Chan chose not to mention it.

His chest clenched in guilt when Wolf-Chan whimpered as they took his siblings, curling in on himself with a shiver.  Chan gently placed his hands under Wolf-Chan whose chest rumbled in relief upon realizing it was him and Chan’s chest gave another sharp tug.

“Mianeh Pup.” Chan whispered softly as he lifted him to his chest.  It wasn’t skin to skin but the pup gave a soft sigh, as if the pain he had been feeling had settled some.

Appa…Chan’s eyes felt watery at how soft and quiet Wolf-Chan’s voice sounded in his mind.  It was so weak. Appa I miss Noona

He inhaled sharply, his chest tugging again and he knew he and Wolf-Chan couldn’t stay in practice.  He grabbed his bag with one hand and left, not saying anything but the message was clear.  When the door closed Lino and Changbin sighed.

“He’s not going to come back.” Changbin stated.

“Definitely not, and even if he tried I’d send him back out.” Lino mumbled.  He looked over to Skijigi and their choreographer and shook his head at their concerned looks. They nodded, understanding that Chan wasn’t going to come back and he was now in charge.

“Should we…should we call Noona?” Seungmin asked.

“No.” Lino shook his head. “This is their mess to figure out. We keep watch, we make sure Wolf-Chan & Dalbit’s health improves.  If they don’t then we step in.”

“They’re too stubborn hyung.” Seungmin countered with a frown.

“Noona isn’t as stubborn as him.” Lino reminded him. “But it’s still his fault, hopefully he realizes that before Wolf-Chan gets worse.”

***

Wolf-Chan did indeed get worse the next two days. Even with longer skin to skin time it wasn’t helping.  Wolf-Chan was having shivering waves and every few hours he would paw at his chest.  Chan was forced by their manager to stay home after his legs had given up on him halfway through dance rehearsal and had even almost passed out as he had tried getting up. 

Lino tried hard not to glare at him, though by the wince Chan had given upon locking eyes with him he knew it hadn’t worked.  Hyunjin had been keeping Chan at arms distance since he knew what had happened between Chan and Noona but Lino could also see the worry in his eyes.  Hyunjin had taken a step towards Chan before hesitating, then glanced at the portable nest to Wolf-Chan as resolution came over his eyes and grabbed his phone before stepping out. Lino knew he was gonna call Noona and so after a silent exchange with their choreographer, he and Changbin helped Chan to his feet while their manager took Wolf-Chan and took them home.  Leebit and Dweakki cuddled with Wolf-Chan on Chan’s lap during the drive while the ride was awkwardly silent.

Wolf-Chan you’re getting worse why isn’t skin to skin helping? Dweakki worriedly nuzzled his brother. They spoke telepathically so as not to break the silence of the car.

I’m…not sick…like when Quokka…was sick. Wolf-Chan replied.  Leebit looked at him with glossy eyes, his brother sounded so weak.  His life force felt like it was slowly leaking out.

Then what is it?! Leebit asked in frustration. Your life force is leaking, it’s like you’re dying!

Appa…is heartbroken…Wolf-Chan replied and both Dwaekki and Leebit’s ears lifted at attention which got Lino’s attention but decided to stay silent for now.

You’re serious? Leebit replied in disbelief.  

Appa loves her…but he’s scared…he pushed her away.

But this isn’t even the first time he’s pushed someone away. Dweakki argued but Wolf-Chan gave a small shake of his head.

Not like this…it’s different…it’s stronger…Noona…she’s his soulmate.

The Skzoo’s froze, eye narrowing and bunny ears twitching. Changbin noticed the change and even Chan who was focused on Wolf-Chan noticed the tension in all three.

“Wolf-Chan? What’s wrong, what’s hurting?!” Chan asked, heart accelerating as he realized the three Skzoo’s have been having a private conversation telepathically.

I’m ok Appa…everything’s hurting the same amount.

“Nothing should be hurting in the first place.” He replied in a small whine. He lifted his shirt just enough so he could gently press Wolf-Chan against his skin and the little Wolf gave a soft purr as the pain lessened again.

They didn't speak again till they got to the dorms, their manager held Wolf-Chan as Lino and Changbin helped Chan lay on the bed.  Once Wolf-Chan was back in Chan’s arms the manager motioned for Lino to follow him to the kitchen while Changbin stayed with Chan.

“They’re not getting any better Lino, I have half a mind to take them both to the hospital.”  Their manager ran a hand through his hair and Lino shook his head.

“They need rest-”

“They need more than that.  I know those two had a fight and it’s affected him more than he’s willing to admit and Wolf-Chan is taking the full brunt of it.  We’ve never had a familiar be in danger of dying, even with what happened with Han!” Their manager sternly interrupted and Lino grimaced at the reminder.  “We need to get her here because I do NOT want to find out how much pain a familiar needs to go through before we can’t bring them back.”

The heaviness of those words hung in the silence of the dorm.  Lino gave a deep inhale and closed his eyes for a second before exhaling and opening them again, his gaze determined and resolute.

“Hyunjin called her as we left.  I don’t know when but I’m positive she’ll show up with Dalbit.  Trust me Hyung, we’ll save them, we won't get to the worst case scenario.”

“I hope so.” their manager replied before his phone started buzzing. He took it out of his pocket and winced upon seeing the caller ID.

DV1 Calling

“I’ll take care of this, you guys help Chan and keep me updated.”

Lino nodded as their manager left, answering the call in a slightly cheerful greeting.  With a sigh he straightened up and went to the freezer, taking out an ice pack and wrapping it in a small cloth.  He headed back to the room and saw that Chan had already taken off his shirt, resting his back on pillows and leaning against the headboard with Wolf-Chan laying over his heart.  Changbin was replying to a message from Hyunjin when Lino walked in.

“That Hyunjin?” he asked.

“Yeah, I told him we got to the dorms safely and that we’re taking care of Hyung and the pup.” Lino sat at the side of the bed by Chan’s side and handed him the ice pack in the cloth.

“This is my fault,” Chan’s voice cracked as he held Wolf-Chan to his chest with one hand and the other holding the ice pack against Wolf-Chan’s whole body.  “I knew what would happen if I kept pushing and-”

“Chan-hyung.” Lino said softly. “This isn’t just because of you overworking, and you know it…I don’t know why you two fought, but you need to talk.  Wolf-Chan’s fever is getting worse, and if it keeps rising…he might not make it.”

A choked sob forced itself out of Chan’s throat, as he watched his pup pant and whimper.  Leebit and Dweakki held on to Changbin’s pants with worry and traded glances.

“I mucked it up,” Chan’s voice cracked. “I…what I said…what told her…” He clenched his eyes shut, thumping his head against the headboard in frustration and Wolf-Chan whined in response to the pain in Chan’s heart.

“You care about her.” Lino bluntly replied and Chan groaned. “You care more than you’re willing to admit and you pushed her away because you thought it was the only way to keep her safe…but you’re wrong Chan-ah.  This time I’m not siding with you.  You need her, you both do.  Wolf-Chan’s condition is proof enough.  The fact skin to skin isn’t working is a big tell too.”

“It’s more than that isn’t it?” This time Changbin directed his response to the other familiars. “You were discussing it in the car privately.  It’s serious.”

Both of their familiars' ears twitched along with their noses.

It is very serious…but Wolf-Chan knows more than we do.  He’s the one who explained it but we don’t think it’s our place to say. Leebit replied, looking up at his dad with a bold gaze that Lino returned.

“Wolf-Chan is in danger and we can’t afford to keep secrets, Leebit.”

We don’t know much…but what we understood is that it’s important Noona comes over with Dalbit.  Because of what Appa-Chan feels we think also having skin to skin contact with Appa-Chan will fix everything.

At that particular detail Chan’s ears turned pink while Lino scoffed and Changbin chuckled.  Dweakki rolled his eyes and gave a halfhearted smack to his Appa’s thigh.

Not that kind of skin to skin contact, Appa! Besides, we also think they need to have Wolf-Chan and Dalbit with them.  Close proximity…and they need to talk about their feelings.  You already know we are affected by the emotions you try to hide so talking about it will also help Wolf-Chan.

“You’re going to have to suck it up and do it.” Changbin told Chan in the firmest tone he’s ever heard him use. “You can’t just hide from it anymore, not this time.  We’re worried about you two and we really don’t want to find out what happens to our familiars when things like this get worse.  Don’t let us find out hyung.”

Chan closed his eyes again, rubbing a hand down his face with a sigh.  The ring of the doorbell brought them all back on alert and Chan flinched, instinctively holding Wolf-Chan a little tighter.

She’s here Appa…I can sense Dalbit…. Wolf-Chan let them know and this seemed to prove Wolf-Chan’s theory of soulmates since familiars can’t sense each other’s presence like this unless they were bonded.  The eight of them bonded a year after SKZ’s debut, but Dalbit had been different.  She had appeared less than a year after Noona met Chan and it should have been impossible.  Skijigi didn’t have familiars and even their manager who’s known them the longest didn’t have one either.  There had been only one possible solution and being a soulmate was the answer.

“I’ll get it.” Lino answered, heading to the front door.  Changbin glanced at Chan and patted his knee as he stood up. Chan gripped his wrist, slight look of panic in his eyes but Changbin gave him a small smile.

“You can do it hyung, you’ve stood up to an entire industry and even the company…this should be a piece of cake.”

“This is different, Binnie. They can’t fire me because we’ve done so much but if I mess this up…” Chan’s voice strained. “If I mess this up…I can’t lose Wolf-Chan…I can’t lose her too.”

“You won’t mess this up.” said Changbin. “We believe in you hyung…just be honest, apologize…tell her how you really feel and let her decide.”  The door to the room opened and she walked in, Dalbit held in her hands looking tired but surprisingly not as bad as Wolf-Chan.

“Noona,” Changbin greeted and gave a small pet to Dalbit who softly hooted in response.  “Thank you for coming.”

“I had to, for Wolf-Chan.” she replied and Chan gave a small wince in guilt.  Changbin gave her shoulder a small squeeze before giving Chan an encouraging look and walking off to the living room where Lino was with Dweakki perched on his shoulder.  Lino was sitting on the couch, bottle of water in his hand and he offered Changbin one which he accepted as he sat next to him.

“He’s terrified isn’t he?” Lino asked drily.

“Beyond measure. The last time I saw him this scared was right before Levanter.” Changbin sighed.  Lino clicked his tongue, brow furrowed in displeasure at the reminder. “But we pushed through…so he’ll push through the same way.”

***

Wolf-Chan felt the painful tug in his heart almost disappear as soon as Noona and Dalbit stepped into the bedroom.  He gave a small whine of relief that was followed by Dalbit’s own trill and sound of feather’s ruffling.

Wolf-Chan…you’re, your essence is leaking. Dalbit hooted in worry that made her eoma and Chan look at Wolf-Chan in shock.

“Pup…why didn’t you say anything?!” Chan’s voice whispered brokenly.

I knew…everything was…gong to be alright. He replied, nuzzling into Appa’s chest.

“He sounds like he’s fading.” Dalbit’s eoma said in worry. 

“It’s my fault,” Chan’s voice cracked.  He locked eyes with her and Dalbit couldn’t help but notice how red and watery his eyes looked but he was trying so hard to hold the tears back.  Dalbit was confused at the fact she could sense Wolf-Chan and his Appa’s life force so clearly when she couldn’t even sense the others.  She could sense it leaking from Wolf-Chan but also from Chan himself but what concerned her the most was the fact that her own essence and her eoma’s was leaking towards them.

Our essence is leaking towards them eoma. Dalbit told her.

We need skin to skin contact… Wolf-Chan informed them.  Appa needs to hold Dalbit…and Noona needs to hold me.

Wolf-Chan eyes opened slightly and he could see Noona’s cheeks turn pink while Chan’s hands around him tensed.  Noona glanced at Chan for a second before sighing and walked over to his side of the bed.  She extended Dalbit over to him with one hand while the other was extended to receive Wolf-Chan.

“Let's switch, hand him over.” she commanded softly but did not lock eyes with him.  He felt a sharp tug in his chest and Wolf-Chan whimpered.  His small whimper moved him to action as he gently lifted him off his chest. She placed Dalbit on his chest and stepped back.  She then surprised Chan as she took off her shirt which left her in just a sports bra, making him choke on air.  She gave him a deadpanned look.

“She said skin to skin.” Chan cleared his throat in apology before he placed Wolf-Chan in her hands and then cupped his hands around Dalbit.

The change was almost instantaneous, both Dalbit and Wolf-Chan felt a surge of energy flow through them.  A loud yip and a hoot left them followed by the rumbling purr of relief as the pain practically disappeared.  The relief surged through both of their humans as well and they both gasped in surprise at the almost euphoric feeling that went through them.

“What the hell?!” She gasped while Chan’s eyes practically rolled in relief.  The fatigue that had been plaguing him disappeared, the drunk-like buzz that had almost knocked him out during rehearsals rolled away.

“Wolf-Chan, how-” she looked at Chan and noticed the look of utter relief on his face.  Hyunjin’s voice of worry jumped back at her.

“Him and Wolf-Chan are not ok.  Wolf-Chan is getting worse and Chan-hyung almost passed out during rehearsals.  You two need to talk.”

“Chris…” her soft voice made him open his eyes halfway but upon seeing her bite her lip in worry he looked down at Dalbit in guilt.

“I’m sorry,” he replied in a small voice and she flinched, tucking Wolf-Chan closer to her.  “What I said…I never meant it…I just-” his words got stuck in his throat and he blinked rapidly, glaring at the ceiling.

“I was scared…” was his reply. “I was scared of how much I care about you.”

Her breath hitched, and Wolf-Chan whimpered.  He nuzzled against her as tears started rolling down his furry cheeks.  At the sight of tears she realized how much it was hurting him to say the words.  However,  that still didn’t instantly erase the words he’d said.  The insecurities she has that he’d exposed and thrown back at her.

“So you threw my own insecurities at me?” she snapped and he hunched his shoulders.  Dalbit gave a small hiss and hoot of sorrow which made Chan bring her up to his heart.

“You didn’t deserve that…and I’ll be making it up to you forever,” he replied. “I’m not apologizing just because of Wolf-Chan and Dalbit…I’m apologizing because I owe you the truth.”

You need to come closer Eoma Dalbit hooted and her eoma gave a small sigh.  She went to the other side of the bed and carefully climbed in till she was shoulder to shoulder with Chan.  Once again the response was almost instant but this time Chan wasn’t able to hold back the groan of relief that left him.  For her however, he only heard a small moan and then a soft exhale.

“How come you’re better off than we are?” he asked her.

“Because I don’t bottle up my feelings and push people away as much as you do.” she mumbled with a slightly bitter tone and he winced again.

“Sorry-”

“Don’t apologize I deserved that.” he sighed. They sat in silence for a while before Chan spoke again.

“I really am sorry.”

“I know you are…”she replied. “Which is why I understand why you did what you did.  Doesn't make it hurt any less though.” 

“I’m-”

“Stop apologizing Chris.”

His lips thinned to stop himself from replying and they settled into silence again.

Appa, you need to tell her. He heard Wolf-Chan’s voice and he could have sworn it sounded slightly disappointed.

“I started caring too much.” He confessed again and he felt her tense next to him.  “At first I told myself it was fine, we were friends but we weren’t too close.  Then the kids met you and you became a constant in our lives…and then Dalbit came.  I knew you weren’t going anywhere and then the pictures happened.”

Dalbit gave a small trill in comfort and he ran his finger through the feathers in her head.  Wolf-Chan gave a small whine and Dalbit’s eoma scratched behind his ear in comfort.

“That wasn’t your fault.” she comforted him. “We couldn’t have known they were following us-”

“I should have done better!” he snapped. “I let my guard down, I got too comfortable…I forgot who I was at the moment and that was a mistake!”

“...it’s not a crime to be yourself Chan.” she sighed. “You deserve to have normal people moments…you have a right to be happy.”

“I’m supposed to be apologizing for the stupid things I said, not talk about-”

“This is the best apology you can give me.” she interrupted. “You’re being honest and telling me what’s been crushing you.  You said the things you said to push me away not because you actually didn’t care.”

“But I still messed up.” he sniffed and when she turned her head to him she finally saw some tears escape.  Gosh she really couldn’t stay mad at him even though he practically broke her heart.  His reasons were fear based and she couldn’t really fault him for acting on them even though the choice had been completely wrong.

“I forgive you.” she said and he snapped his gaze to her in disbelief. “I forgive you, however, I don’t think I’ll be able to trust you the same as before.  At least…for a while.”  A soft sobbed escaped him, one he clearly hadn’t meant to let out and he shook his head.

“I completely understand…it’s more than I deserve.” he croaked.  “I…I just, I really wish I could take it all back.”

“Too little too late for that.” she replied, and then she surprised him by resting her head on his shoulder.  “But I do appreciate the honesty and vulnerability.”

Appa…they might need to stay the night.

What?!  Chan tried not to jump but Dalbit felt his heart flutter.

Our essence is balancing out but it’s still slightly leaking.  We’re gonna need to keep skin to skin so we’re no longer in the danger zone.  At least for us, Dalbit and Noona seem to be more balanced than us.

Chan relayed the info back to her and Dalbit, the latter giving a small scoff and giving the pup a raised eyebrow. The pup merely gave a small huff but she didn’t miss the small ear twitch he usually gave when he was being mischievous.

“It can’t be helped.” she replied in mock surrender.  “Guess we’ll have to stay. Lino-chan!” 

There was a thump as if someone had fallen, followed by the quick shuffle of feet before the bedroom door opened.  Lino looked worried for a second until he let his gaze give them a once over.

“You two are looking much better, especially you Chan-hyung.  You no longer look like you’re dying.”

“Thanks.” Chan mumbled.

“I’ll be staying the night.” she announced. “Wolf-Chan said Dalbit and I need to stay the night so our essence can balance out.  We should be fine by tomorrow.”  A smirk pulled at the corner of his lips and she narrowed her eyes at him in warning.

“That’s fine, I’ll let the others know.  I also ordered take out for you two-and yes hyung I ordered Pho for you and chicken pad thai for you Noona.”

“Thank you Lino-chan~” she sang to him and he rolled his eyes.

“Hai, hai.” before closing the door.  There was a few seconds of silence before they heard Binnie’s shout. 

“FINALLY!!”

They both snorted and looked at each other with smiles on their faces before they slowly lost it.  She was the first one to look away and Chan cleared his throat.

“So…” he began but didn’t continue.

“Where do we go from here?” she offered.

“...Yeah…” he replied.  She made a humming sound and once again, surprised him by taking the hand not holding Dalbit and interlacing their fingers together.

“We take it one step at a time.” she said. “I would be lying if I said it wouldn’t be awkward for a while.”

“Yeah.”

“I might not be comfortable being around you for the foreseeable future.”

“Understandable.” he replied with a wince.

“Do you really want me?” she asked and then sputtered when she realized how it sounded while he choked on air.

“I-”

“NOT LIKE THAT!”she squeaked. “I mean…do you really want me to stay…in-”

“Yes!” he quickly interrupted. “I..I want you in my life-in our lives.  You’re…you’re not a burden, you never were.”

“...ok…I believe you.” she quickly laid her head on his shoulder again just so he wouldn’t see her cheeks flush.

Appa-Chan really cares about her Dalbit.

She does too, you know…I was as sick as you the first two days after the fight.

You were?

Yeah, but somehow..eoma was able to be honest with herself.  Appa Hyunjin visited us and he helped her through it.  I think that’s what helped me recuperate faster.  I just couldn’t figure out why our essence was leaking.

I know why…but I can’t say anything yet.  You’d tell Noona and I don’t think she’s ready to know.  Appa-Chan is definitely not ready to know.

I trust you Wolf-Chan; when you think they’re ready, you’ll let me know.  Why is soulmate business always so complicated?

Wolf-Chan tensed and then sneezed, looking at Dalbit in bewilderment. Dalbit on the other hand gave a small hoot but her eyes were full of mirth.

You sneaky-you knew!

Soulmate familiars always know the moment it happens.  Do you really think it’s only one of the familiars that figures it out?

Wolf-Chan gave a little grumble and covered his face with his paws.  Their parents looked at them in amusement as they realized their familiars were speaking telepathically but decided to let them be.

I feel like a pabo.

It’s ok, you’re Appa-Chan’s kid, it was to be expected.

Yah!

She gave a small trill and now they knew she was messing with him.  By the time Lino checked on them again with Changbin they saw all four of them fast asleep.  They had completely laid down on the bed, with Noona’s head on his shoulder and Chan’s cheek resting against her hair. Their inner hands were intertwined while their outer hands still held on to the other’s familiars.

“Should we wake them?”  Changbin asked.

“Nah, let them sleep, we’ll wake them up later.” He raised his phone and took a picture of them but just enough to only show Chan and Noona’s face since she was without a shirt and only wearing the sports bra and sweatpants. He sent it on their group chat and there was a slew of crying face emojis from everyone.  Even Hyunjin who sent a ‘FINALLY’ gif of Elmo with fire behind him.

“I’ll call our Manager.” Changbin replied.  Lino watched them a little longer, the pressure in his chest finally lifting and he was able to breathe again.  Leebit gave his cheek a small pat from his perch on his shoulder and Lino scratched the top of his head with his forefinger.  The worst was over, now it was time for them to build the bridge back and they would be there to help them out.  It would take work and a lot of patience, but he would not let Chan self sabotage again if it was the last thing he did.  Him and Noona had something special; whether it became the deepest platonic friendship or the cheesiest romantic thing he’d ever seen, he was gonna make sure nothing would get in the way.  Not even themselves.