“Teuk Can I ask—“ 

“I’m not marrying you” 

Heechul froze and tilted his head while puffing his cheeks. The busy parent was holding a few paper sheets and was covered in what looked like a mix of ink and baby powder. 

“Why?” - Heechul blinked thrice- “Nevermind, I wasn’t going to ask you that... actually I...” 

Leeteuk observed the signs Heechul was showing. He was clearly nervous. Heechul often blinked a lot and did awkward face expressions when he was nervous. 

“Whats wrong?” - Leeteuk didn’t want to sound troubled - “Everything Alright?” 

“I...” - Heechul took a deep breath - “I need you to cover for me. Two full days” 

“Where are you going?” - Leeteuk relaxed a bit - “Are you having a secret date?” 

“SHHHHH” - Heechul got scared - “don’t even mention it! If they hear that word, they w—“ 

“ which one?” - Yesung looked like a ghost. Heechul did a squeaking sound out of pure scare - “You were talking about dating, don’t you?” 

“Honey, Whatever your uncle decides to do with his free time—“ 

“Don’t give me that talk” - Yesung poured a glass of juice for him - “I’m old enough to know I don’t ‘own’ him” 

“Interesting the words he chose” - Heechul was still recovering from the surprise 

“Still, I don’t want you to date” - Yesung folded his arms - “Please don’t date” 

“Don’t be silly, Leeteuk was just joking” - Heechul sighed - “I’m going out of town for two days and—“ 

“YOU ARE DATING!” - Yesung cried out loud - “YOU LIED! YOU ARE DATING!” 

“SHHHH” - Leeteuk worried - “You are going to wake up the others! We just managed to make Henry sleep again!” 

“Daddy?” - Donghae was already walking towards them while dragging his nemo plush - “Scary” 

The boy pointed at Yesung. Certainly, Yesung did looked scary. The boy had been having troubles sleeping and it showed. He was pale and had eye bags that only made him look like a ghost.

“Donghae~ go back to bed ok?” - Heechul coaxed - “Tomorrow you have school again and you will regret not sleeping til late on Sunday” 

“Uhum” - Donghae looked around - “Play!” 

“Of course” - Leeteuk sighed - “Why not? I guess adults are the only ones that want to sleep” 

“Go play with your toys” - Heechul urged - “I need to have a talk with Teuk, ok?” 

“Do you have a date?” - Donghae asked cutely - “When?” 

“Honey, I don’t—- Alright” - Heechul sighed - “Listen to me. Pay attention to what I say ok?” 

“Ok” - Donghae nodded 

“I’m not dating nor I want to date right now” - Heechul did his best try to be clear - “You should stop asking me or anyone else about it. If I ever date... I will tell you” 

“Ok” - Donghae nodded - “When?” 

“I dont know” 

Donghae seemed a little sad but he was still half asleep and his young mind couldn’t fight the drowsiness away if he was thinking about his dad’s love matters. He went to distract himself with a few toys while Yesung the tv in a bad mood  after Heechul exiled him from the kitchen. 

“One wants me to date” - Heechul bit his lips -  “and the other one won’t even allow me to breath next a girl” 

“I find funny how the older ones turned out being the most possessive sons” - Leeteuk smiled softly- “The triplets actually tried to get you a date by asking all his teachers if they were single. Eunhyuk even went as far as saying you were ‘really handsome’ and ‘rich’ “ 

“God” - Heechul wanted to laugh and cry at the same time - “Those kids are sure a thing. I believe the twins would be the most jealous ones if I ever bring a woman to meet them. It’s just that right now, they don’t see anyone as a menace” 

“Speaking of which... how do you expect me to survive two full days without you?” - Leeteuk teased - “Ryeowook and Kyuhyun keep testing my patience and Henry has been ‘difficult’ these days” 

“He is crying a lot lately” - Heechul agreed - “and about those two... well, I guess my mom could be a decent match for them. I hope so” 

“Can’t you just send anyone else?” - Leeteuk asked sadly - “You are going out because of work, isn’t it?” 

“Actually...” - Heechul didn’t know how to explain it - “I cant. This is something I need to do by myself” 

“I had to try” - Leeteuk sulked - “We are going to miss you” 

“I’m going to miss you more” - Heechul seemed sad - “I don’t want to separate from the kids... but there is no other way” 

The so called day came. Heechul left to the train station hoping he wouldn’t have to worry more than he already was. He was still trying to focus when he heard a big fuss at the entrance. Apparently, someone’s kid was making a scene. 

Heechul was still immersed in his own thoughts when he heard his name being called by the speakers. 

“What On earth...?” - Heechul scratched his head. He was sure nothing was wrong with his luggage plus he handled the ticket when needed - “Excuse me, what’s— OH MY GOD” 

Yesung was sitting next to a police officer. The tall man in uniform seemed unamused. 

“I’m so sorry for causing troubles” - Heechul apologized in behalf of the quiet boy - “He is my... nephew” 

“I See” - The officer checked the documents- “In that case, I will let him stay. Kids shouldn’t travel without their guardian” 

“I know, and I am so sorry” - Heechul apologized again - “It won’t happen again, I promise” 

Yesung was sure he had earned a good ear pull as soon as they were out of the officer’s sight. He was mentally preparing when he realized Heechul was actually asking something. 

“Are you Alright?” - Heechul seemed paler than before - “I didn’t expect to see you here... you should be at school. I’m pretty much I dropped you at—“ 

“I followed you” - Yesung confessed - “I wanted to see if you...” 

“If I was dating?” - Heechul now understood the magnitude of his new problem - “I’m not” 

“Uhum” - Yesung looked at the floor with sad eyes - “Sorry” 

“Alright... I cant send you back now or I will miss the train” - Heechul shook his head - “You will listen to me, ok? No more running away or being a brat” 

“Sure” - Yesung was happy as he got to stay with Heechul- “I wont disturb your job” 

“CMON” - Leeteuk was about to cry - “You have to be kidding me! I would have killed him!” 

“He is just a curious kid” - Heechul was on the phone - “You just have to worry about eight kids now~ sounds great...” 

“Oh! Sorry I have to go” - Leeteuk was ending the call in a rush - “Kyuhyun and Henry are fighting again” 

“Bye” - Heechul told the lonely phone. 

“How come you two still have energy to fight?” - Leeteuk was separating the boys once again - “Kyu! I have told you several times to be careful with Henry! He is your baby brother!” 

“PFFFFT!” - Kyuhyun turned away - “No Hewy” 

“Why don’t you like Henry anymore? You used to love him” 

“GYUUUU GYUUUU!” - Henry was pulling Kyuhyun’s hair again - “GUUUUUU” 

“ZTOP!” - Kyuhyun protested against it - “Leave Kyu ‘lone” 

Leeteuk freaked out when Kyuhyun pushed Henry away and the boy fell on his . 

“UWAAAA!” 

“Kyu!” 

“Baby cwy” - Kyuhyun folded his arms - “Buah buah” 

“He is going ‘buah buah’ Because you hurt him” - Leeteuk wanted to believe giving a decent explanation to the toddler wasn’t just wasting time - “you are older than him. You are supposed to be a little more understanding with him” 

“PTFFF” - Again, Kyuhyun was being rude to the babysitter. Leeteuk didn’t know why or when, their relation got worse. Kyuhyun was obviously upset about something and the adults had failed figuring it out. Leeteuk often blamed it on Ryeowook absence but today, he was sure it wasn’t just because the shortest toddler wasn’t around. Kyuhyun had started to have more potty accidents than ever and Leeteuk wasn’t happy about it. He seemed to be doing it on purpose. 

“Why are you doing this to me?” - Leeteuk wasn’t happy but he wasn’t mad either - “Please” 

“No happy” - Kyuhyun folded his arms - “Kyu no happy” 

“Why?” 

“Wookie... Dada... Ukwee” - Kyuhyun seemed upset - “You bad” 

“Are we bad? Why? We never did something to bother you” - Leeteuk sighed 

“Kyu Baby” - Kyuhyun pointed at Henry - “Kyu Baby Too” 

“No, Henry is a baby. YOU are a BIG BROTHER now” - Leeteuk made emphasis on it - “Babies use diapers and— do you want to be a baby?” 

“Ung!” - Kyuhyun sulked - “No big boy. Kyu Baby” 

“Whats going on? Not so long ago you told us you wanted to be ‘biiiiig’ like Wookie” - Leeteuk was confused - “don’t you want to be big anymore?” 

“Nuh” 

“Why not?” 

“No daycare” - Kyuhyun sat on the floor - “No potty. No big bowthew” 

“You don’t want to have responsibilities” - Leeteuk glared at the toddler - “Lazy boy” 

“Hphm!”

“What about Ryeowook? He is waiting for you at daycare!” - Leeteuk tried - “If you go back to using diapers then you won’t go to daycare and Ryeowook will be sad” 

“He bad” 

“He already scolded you” - Leeteuk realized it just now - “That’s why today you are in a worse mood than yesterday” 

“Wookie no und’stan” - Kyuhyun pouted - “Bad” 

“He is not bad, you are being selfish” - Leeteuk lectured - “It’s ok to be afraid of school but don’t blame your brother for it. It’s not his fault” 

“Daycare... scawy” - Kyuhyun shivered - “Wookie cwazy” 

Leeteuk felt there was no way Kyuhyun would win that discussion with those arguments. He wanted to prove the boy he was wrong and asked the grandparents for help. He decided to leave Henry with the old couple and take Kyuhyun with him. 

“Whewe goin?” - Kyuhyun asked unamused- “Hold me pwease” 

“I’m not holding you. You are old enough to walk” - Leeteuk twisted his lips - “Don’t be spoiled we are not that far” 

Kyuhyun whined as Leeteuk made him walk. He got a shock when he realized the place they were heading to. 

“NUUUUH! You bad!” 

“Come here, little coward” - Leeteuk was now carrying the boy - “You have to face it. I have been patient, heavens know I tried! But you are the type that need a push” 

“NUUUUH!” - Kyuhyun protested again when Leeteuk crossed the daycare’s entrance - “NO HEWEEEE” 

“I’m not leaving you here. I will stay with you” - Leeteuk kissed the boy - “Lets go search for Wookie ok?” 

“Wookie...” - Kyuhyun gasped - “Ung~” 

“That’s right, Ryeowook will get sad if he sees you crying” - Leeteuk wiped the boy’s tears - “Lets be brave for your brother’s sake” 

Kyuhyun was still scared and holding Leeteuk’s shirt tightly. He really didn’t want to be there but crying wasn’t an option if Ryeowook was around. 

“Oh There we are” - Leeteuk found Ryeowook’s classroom - “Lets go inside and play with Ryeowook’s friends~” 

“Wookie no hewe” - Kyuhyun looked around - “Whewe ‘z twin?” 

“You are right” - Leeteuk was a little concerned - “He should be here. Excuse me ma’am, where is Ryeowook?”

“Ah” - One of the teachers approached Leeteuk - “We weren’t expecting you today but it’s a good thing you came” 

“Uh?” 

“Ryeowookkie...” - The teacher sighed - “We are a little concerned about him” 

Leeteuk felt his heart breaking. He didn’t expect that. He didn’t think Ryeowook was having troubles at daycare... and therefore, he started regretting his choice of taking Kyuhyun with him. 

“Yesung, I think you should stay here in the hotel” - Heechul stretched - “Just promise me you won’t go out of the room and I will go in peace” 

“I wanna go with you” - Yesung rolled on the bed - “Why you don’t want me to go?” 

“You are going to get bored there” 

“Teuk would kill you if he learns you left me here~ all alone... by myself...” 

“You are getting really bratty” - Heechul pinched Yesung’s arm - “Alright. Come with me but don’t complain if you get bored” 

“Can I ask you something?” 

“Do I have another choice? Can I refuse?” 

“Why you told the officer I was your nephew?” - Yesung seemed a little expecting- “You have been calling yourself my father since a few weeks ago and still, you said you were my uncle” 

“Does it matter? Are you confused?” - Heechul haven’t thought of that - “Legally Speaking, I’m your uncle” 

“So... you called yourself my uncle because of a legal document?” 

“Yeah” - Heechul nodded - “Again, it’s not big deal” 

“But what if... we change that...?” - Yesung had wanted to ask for it since long ago - “Like you know... adopting me as your son” 

“Oh” - Heechul shrank his shoulders - “Its not hard to do. I just thought you wouldn’t like that” 

“Why?” 

“I don’t know” - Heechul swayed his head - “I thought you would think I was trying to usurp Gunhee’s place or something” 

“Ah... well I’m fine” - Yesung leaned on Heechul - “I have no problem with you being my dad” 

“I will think about it” - Heechul smiled a bit - “But right now, I have more things to worry about” 

“Why are we going inside a hospital?” - Yesung just noticed the place - “I thought you had work to do” 

“I never said so” - Heechul sighed - “I came for a check up. They are going to drain my blood and run some tests” 

“Uh? Didn’t you have a check up a week ago?” - Yesung still remembered the fuss Heechul made about needles - “You hate getting your blood drained” 

“I do hate it” - Heechul was nervous - “But I realized there are more things to be afraid of. Right now, I’m truly scared” 

“Why?” 

“Nothing” - Heechul tried to smile - “You should wait outside. I wouldn’t like you to see me fainting for a blood test” 

“Ugh... I will go get you something to drink” - Yesung offered - “That will help you”

“That’s my boy” 

Yesung ran to the vending machines. He was having a difficult time finding the number of the drink Heechul liked when he heard a conversation he probably shouldn’t have heard. 

“Poor him” - One doctor commented - “I hope it’s just a mistake. I heard he is nervous because he has kids” 

“I hope so too” - the other one replied - “I’m scared of the test results. If those lab results were right, he is going to have a hard time” 

Yesung froze. He now understood why Heechul was having a second row of blood tests. The first ones didn’t go well. They probably found something odd and wanted to do another checkup just to make sure. 

“Ah! There you are” - Heechul smiled as soon as Yesung got him the bottle - “I didn’t cry! I was a big boy!” 

“Uncle... why are you having another blood test?” - Yesung asked quietly - “Are you sick?” 

“Ehm... could be. We don’t know yet” - Heechul seemed a little sad - “Its Alright. I’m pretty much sure it’s nothing. I want to believe it’s nothing...” 

“What If those results were right? What would you...?” - Yesung’s eyes got watery - “Are you going to die?” 

“Even if those results were true, I wouldn’t just ‘die’ “ - Heechul took another sip of the drink - “I would fight for my life. There are treatments” 

“Do they think you have c-c-cancer?” - Yesung had heard about it before a couple times 

Heechul didn’t want to reply. He just looked at the floor. 

“U-uncle? You are not leaving me right? I don’t want to be a-alone! I can’t lose you too!” 

“Honey listen” - Heechul took a deep breath - “even if I died, you still have a lot of relatives that would love taking care of you. Your grandparents, your uncle Donghee and your aunt Mina... and you have eight siblings! EIGHT! you will never be alone!”

“Please don’t die” - Yesung was already crying - “Uncle!” 

“Don’t do this to me” - Heechul was obviously scared. He had tears as well - “I cant handle it if you are like this. Please” 

“This not fair” - Yesung cried - “You did nothing to deserve this” 

“Actually... I wasn’t that healthy before” -‘Heechul bit his lips - “It’s my fault. I should have been careful... I just... I used to believe that dying young didn’t matter” 

“What changed?” - Yesung got curious- “Why did you stop thinking that?” 

“Because you were born” - Heechul smiled - “I realized I wanted to see you growing up”

Yesung now felt even worse. He didn’t care if his uncle dated three girls at once, he just wanted him to live. Those two hours they had to wait were the longest ones in Yesung’s life. 

“Doctor” - Yesung couldn’t wait any longer - “Is he going to survive? He is m-my dad...” 

“Oh hi~ little friend” - The doctor found cute the boy - “Who is your dad?” 

“Kim Heechul” - Yesung sulked - “I want to know if he is healthy” 

“Let me See... we still don’t have the lab results” - The doctor checked in the computer - “But they will be here anytime. You should go sit and —-“ 

“I heard that you need to be compatible to be a donor” - Yesung continued - “If my dad is sick... please use me” 

“Oh kid” - The doctor was touched - “Lets not worry before time. Maybe your dad is fine” 

“Yesung? Yesung where are you brat?” 

“He is calling you” - The doctor urged - “You shouldn’t make him wait” 

Yesung went back to Heechul with a gloomy face. The boy was clearly worried. Heechul just hugged him. 

“Mr Kim” - A nurse called - “Would you mind?” 

“Wait here” - Heechul told the boy 

Yesung didn’t know why but he pulled Heechul’s shirt almost automatically. He didn’t want to look scared but he ended doing so. 

“Hey” - Heechul patted the boy’s back - “I’m sure everything will be alright” 

“Good luck” - Yesung smiled a bit. He wanted to smile for Heechul’s sake. 

“No schoo’ “ - Ryeowook was leaning on Leeteuk’s shoulder without energy- “Pwease. Home” 

“Honey...” - Leeteuk was still ruffling Ryeowook’s hair as he tried to soothe the toddler - “Its Alright. I understand you” 

Ryeowook was feeling down. He had grown used to play with older kids but never had a bad experience before. He got upset when one older kid not only took away his toy but hit him when he asked him to return it.

“Lets go home, ok?” - Leeteuk kissed the boy - “I’m going to spoil you loooooooots! I will even read that book you like! What do you say Uh?” 

“Kay” - Ryeowook hugged Leeteuk tightly - “Dada” 

“Dada... he is not home now” - Leeteuk pitied the toddler - “But still, we can have lots of fun together” 

Kyuhyun was still looking around daycare. He found the older kid that was playing with Ryeowook’s keychain. It was a special keychain Heechul gifted to the boy when he learned numbers ten to twenty. The older boy had took it from Ryeowook’s backpack and refused to give it back when the toddler asked him for it. 

“Hi” - Kyuhyun approached the older boy - “That’z Wookie kyzhan” 

“It’s mine” - The boy turned away and kept playing with the little frog keychain 

“No” - Kyuhyun spoke firmly - “Wookie’s” 

“I’m not giving it to you” - the boy was getting annoyed - “go away” 

Kyuhyun tried to take it by force but the boy was as big as the triplets. He had no chance against such an older boy. Unlike the triplets, this one actually didn’t care about hurting him. 

“UWAAAA!” - Kyuhyun cried out loud when the older boy hit him 

“Kyu?” - Ryeowook got alert- “Kyu cwy! Hewp!” 

The shortest twin ran faster than the worried babysitter. Ryeowook found Kyuhyun lying on the ground while the older sat on him. 

“ZTOP” - Ryeowook pushed the older kid - “GO ‘WAY!” 

“Uh? You are the baby from before. Go to cry” 

That was actually something Ryeowook would have done if Kyuhyun haven’t got hurt. Situation was pretty different this time. 

“OUCH! HELP! HELP MEE!” 

Leeteuk worried when he spotted the three kids in the playground. Kyuhyun was just staring at the scene while Ryeowook kept hitting hard a kid that laid on the ground crying. 

“Hey Hey” - Leeteuk Carried away the boy - “What are you doing? That’s dangerous!” 

“HE IS CRAZY!” - the older boy ran away crying - “HE BIT ME!” 

“Did you bite him?” - Leeteuk asked the shortest toddler that was covered in sweat 

“Ung” - Ryeowook nodded. He wasn’t going to lie - “Wookie Bad” 

“Lets go home before the kid comes back ok?” - Leeteuk was scared that the parents of the kids would show up - “Kyu are you alright?” 

“Ung” - Kyuhyun seemed happy - “Wookie~ fwoggie hewe” 

Ryeowook smiled when he saw his little keychain in his brother’s hands. The older kid most have dropped it after Ryeowook started hitting him. 

Leeteuk was scared for the boys’s condition but surprisingly both of them seemed in a good mood now. 

“Loo’ iz back” - Ryeowook was showing Leeteuk his little frog - “Hewp me pwease~ Wookie wanna put fwoggie hewe”

“Here?” - Leeteuk got Ryeowook’s backpack - “Alright. I will make sure no one can take it out easily” 

“Ung~” - Ryeowook bounced - “Wookie son fwigwth~ liwe Dada” 

“Yeah” - Leeteuk wasn’t sure of how to address it - “But you know? It’s not good to fight. Next time, you should ask a teacher for help ok?” 

“Kay” - Ryeowook agreed merrily- “Wookie big bwothew~” 

“Kyu’s hero” - Kyuhyun hugged his brother - “Love you” 

“Ize cweam!” - Ryeowook chirped when he spotted the place where Heechul often bought them ice cream - “Pwease! Pwease!” 

“I’m not sure if I should buy you one” - Leeteuk sighed. He didn’t want Ryeowook to misunderstand his actions were totally right and deserved a prize. He did wanted to spoil the twins a little but it didn’t feel quite right to buy them ice cream after getting into a fight with another kid. 

“Let’s buy it later, ok?” - Leeteuk tried - “We can go grocery shopping after lunch and buy ice cream for everyone” 

“Ung! Kay!” - Ryeowook seemed happy Anyway - “Wookie buyz ztuff” 

“Kyu Too!” - Kyuhyun held hands with Ryeowook 

Leeteuk got an idea. 

“Also, There was something Kyu needed to buy at the store” 

“What?” - Ryeowook asked curiously 

“He needs diapers” - Leeteuk whispered softly - “We ran out of diapers of his size and he decided to stop using potty” 

Kyuhyun blushed deeply. He knew that wasn’t true because they had diapers at home. 

“Kyu no baby” - Ryeowook twisted his lips - “No diapey. Big boy undies liwe Wookie” 

“No, I’m afraid he is not wearing big boy’s undies anymore” - Leeteuk observed how Kyuhyun started covering his waistband knowing Ryeowook would check it by himself. 

“HU!” - Ryeowook got a glimpse of Kyuhyun’s pull up waistband - “Kyunnie! Bad bad! No diapey!” 

“Ung... Sowy” - Kyuhyun apologized

Leeteuk didn’t like the idea of using Ryeowook against Kyuhyun but it could work. Maybe it was needed to put an end to Kyuhyun’s irrational fears of growing up. 

“So? So? So?” - Yesung ran to Heechul as soon as the parent went out of the room 

“Uhm, you see—“ 

“I DONT REALLY CARE IF YOU DATE! I SWEAR I WILL BEHAVE AND FINISH MY MEALS! “ - Yesung started crying - “I WILL PLAY WITH MY BROTHERS AND I WILL DO MY HOMEWORK! I WILL BE GOOD WITH—“ 

“Yesung I’m not dying, kiddo” - Heechul couldn’t avoid laughing a bit - “It was just a mistake! They confused my results with someone’s else. I’m healthy as an apple” 

“Uh? Really?!” - Yesung was now extremely excited - “THANKS GOD!” 

“I’m glad to know you truly love me” - Heechul kissed the boy’s head - “And that you are willing to accept the fact I will date” 

“Ugh... I guess I could get used to it” - Yesung lowered his head - “Please don’t date that often?” 

“I was thinking of surprising Teuk and the others by coming back earlier” - Heechul Carried the eight years old - “Lets have lunch and then take a train back home” 

“Why are you carrying me? You are going to injure your back” - Yesung puffed his cheeks - “I’m not a baby” 

“Wrong” - Heechul kissed the boy - “You are my first baby. You will never stop being a baby” 

“Still” - Yesung tried to convince Heechul to stop holding him - “I’m heavier than a baby so put me down” 

“I don’t wanna~” 

Ryeowook was still crying after his grandma scolded him for the fight. The old lady worried about Ryeowook getting hurt for fighting an older kid. The shortest twin was in sorrow after lunch when he realized his dad wasn’t coming home yet. Usually, Leeteuk would have troubles with Ryeowook and his endless curiosity but today, the boy was so down he barely moved. 

“Lets go to the store~ Lets go get that ice cream~” - Leeteuk tried - “Which flavour do you want?”

“OWANGE” - Ryeowook replied automatically. Kim Ryeowook’s love for ice cream saved the day - “WOOKIE LIWES OWANGE IZE CWEAM” 

“What about Kyu kyu?” - Leeteuk tickled Kyuhyun’s tummy 

“PUWPWE” - Kyuhyun said confident 

“That’s not a flavour” - Eunhyuk teased - “It’s a color” 

Kyuhyun seemed confused. 

“The one he likes is grape flavoured” - Kangin explained - “And it’s purple. That’s why he says ‘purple’~” 

“Do you want to come with us?” - Leeteuk asked Kangin 

“I promised Siwon I would help him with his homework since Yesung isn’t home” - Kangin smiled shyly- “I’m the big brother now” 

“Wow! Siwon is so lucky!” - Leeteuk felt proud of the boys - “Well, I guess that the twins and I—“ 

“EHEM” - Eunhyuk cleared his throat 

“Do you need something?” - Leeteuk didn’t get the hint - “Water?” 

Eunhyuk pouted. He didn’t like when adults didn’t understand him. 

“Can triplets go?” - Donghae asked the babysitter - “Please” 

“Triplets stay home with Grandma” - The grandmother replied first - “Poor Teuk cant handle you if Daddy isn’t around” 

“Uhm” - Sungmin was already holding Leeteuk’s hand - “No go?” 

“Actually...” - Leeteuk felt guilty for not taking into account the triplets earlier - “I think we could try. We can to the small store that is not far from here~ that way I won’t have that much troubles” 

“Are you sure you will be alright?” - The old lady twisted her lips - “They are... ehm” 

“I know” 

Leeteuk loved the triplets. He really did. So did Heechul and their grandparents. It was just that the boys were at that age when they caused most troubles. Three years old were tall enough to reach more stuff, stronger than two years old toddlers, faster than their caregivers and full of energy. And the triplets were three. Three. Just thinking about it made Leeteuk shiver. 

To be fair, even if the triplets were the troublemakers of the house, they were also the sweetest kids Leeteuk ever had met. They loved each other so much, they could make anyone wish for siblings like them. They also expressed so much love for their caretakers that even daycare teachers commented on how the kids changed their lives. 

“Let’s hold hands and walk together” - Leeteuk ended taking the twins stroller as he feared for the kids’s safety - “Dont separate from me, ok?” 

“Kaaaay” - Eunhyuk And Sungmin were stuck to the nanny 

“I push!” - Donghae kept asking Leeteuk to let him push the stroller - “Hae big brother” 

“Be careful, if you run you will scare them” - Leeteuk felt unsure of leaving Donghae in charge of the stroller - “They also have motion sickness so make sure they don’t get dizzy” 

It wasn’t completely true yet it wasn’t a lie. The twins never had motion sickness in their stroller but in the bus. Heechul was a good driver and the twins were used to it, but the few times they have taken the bus with Leeteuk, they ended throwing up. Also, Heechul said Ryeowook had troubles when he first rode an airplane and often joked about how he would never take those two to a cruise. 

“We hereeee!” - Donghae stoped pushing the stroller and waited for Leeteuk to give him instructions- “Baby fell asleep” 

“Uh? Really?” - Leeteuk found cute how Ryeowook and Kyuhyun had fallen asleep during that short ride - “Oh Donghae, I’m going to hire you~” 

“Hae is a good brother” - Donghae was proud since the twins fell asleep thanks to him - “Babies love Hae” 

“Sure” - Leeteuk felt warm when he saw Sungmin fixing a blanket for the boys - “You are all so good” 

Leeteuk bit his lips when he realized he wouldn’t be able to accomplish the twins’s wishes. Since he had chosen an smaller store, that also meant less products were available and the ice creams flavours were less as well. 

“No ‘puwpwe’ ice cream” - Eunhyuk pointed at the freezer - “Don’t See it” 

“Uhmm” - Sungmin was also pouting - “No orange popsicle” 

“Mmmm” - Leeteuk felt sorry for it - “Lets just buy different ones so they can choose later” 

“Minnie wants choco cookie” - Sungmin was happy as he found the ice cream he wanted - “Love it” 

Leeteuk was busy picking ice cream when he heard the twins woke up. The kids were just doing their usually “I just woke up blabbering” saying nonsense stuff followed by cute sounds. 

“Hey~ welcome back” - Leeteuk went to greet the kids to make sure they didn’t get scared - “We are at the store~” 

“Pee” - Ryeowook seemed uncomfortable- “Potty” 

Leeteuk felt his good luck went away the very moment Ryeowook asked for the toilet. Yeah, of course. Ryeowook always wanted to pee. Specially after waking up or eating. The babysitter’s nightmare was to take five young kids with him to a public restroom. He couldn’t keep an eye on the five of them while one of them needed help to relieve himself. Leeteuk ended using the big stall that was designed for wheelchairs. It had more space and that he could lock five kids with him without that many problems. 

“Common Ryeowook hurry up” - Leeteuk was holding Ryeowook in an uncomfortable position - “Go pee pee” 

“Sit?” - apparently, Ryeowook was confused because Leeteuk was asking him to pee standing up. The boy wasn’t used to relieve himself like that and kept asking the babysitter for his special toddler seat. 

After what it felt like a long explanation, Leeteuk convinced the boy to pee. He was claiming victory when the triplets announced they also wanted to relieve themselves. Leeteuk sighed. It could had been worse. 

“Now, after I unlock the door, we all are going to wash our hands ok? No running away from me” - Leeteuk worried the kids would run away as soon as he unlocked the stall’s door - “Good boys! That’s it” 

To be honest, Leeteuk thought his trip to the store would be totally stressing. However, even if the kids were kids, he found easier than expected to handle the five boys. 

Leeteuk finished filling their little shopping basket with ice cream when he noticed he could only spot four boys. 

“Sungmin?” - Leeteuk called - “Minnie, where are you? I can’t see you” 

Leeteuk was getting nervous when he felt someone patting his back. 

“Hey~~~” - Heechul was smiling to him. He was holding Sungmin - “Sorry, I should have greeted you first” 

“Oh my” - Leeteuk relaxed - “I thought I had lost him” 

“Papa ice cream too” - Sungmin chirped - “He came to help” 

“Yeah I came to help” - Heechul kissed the cute boy - “We just arrived, but mom told me you had left with five little devils and I couldn’t stop worrying” 

“DADDY” - Donghae pointed at Heechul - “YOU HERE” 

“You make it sound like if I was never home” - Heechul was embarrassed- “Come here” 

Heechul was carrying two triplets at the same time. Two heavy three years old. 

“Me Too” - Eunhyuk pulled Heechul’s shirt - “Daddy~~~” 

“Oh no, you better come with me” - Leeteuk offered - “Your dad’s back will hurt if he—“

Heechul did his best effort to hold all three. Obviously, it didn’t last long but the kids were satisfied. 

“Your back...” - Leeteuk worried - “It must hurt” 

“Not as much as my heart” - Heechul puffed his cheeks - “Haven’t you realized something? Those two basically ignored me” 

Leeteuk froze. It wasn’t normal. Usually the twins would be the first ones to spot Heechul or to run to him. 

“Dada is here” - Heechul tried hugging the twins but got pushed away - “Hey...” 

“Uh? What’s wrong? Ryeowook even asked for you during lunchtime” - Leeteuk couldn’t understand why the twins were upset - “Kids~ your dada is here” 

Ryeowook seemed about to cry. Kyuhyun kept staring at Heechul like expecting something. 

“Did something happen?” - Heechul whispered to Leeteuk looking for help - “I had no time to ask for details before coming here” 

“Ah! Today an older kid took Ryeowookkie’s frog away. He was upset for it and Kyunnie tried to save it but... the older kid pushed him. Ryeowook ended fighting with the kid because of that...”

“Did you get into a fight with an older kid?” - Heechul frowned - “What have I told you?” 

Ryeowook seemed nervous. He kept looking away and breathing oddly. 

“Kim Ryeowook” - Heechul made sure the boy in the stroller looked at him - “You know I dislike knowing you got in troubles. We have discussed this earlier” 

“R-really?” - Leeteuk was shocked to hear that - “Why would you—“

“Because he thinks all kids are like his siblings” - Heechul sighed - “He is innocent and goes around chasing after older kids. He doesn’t understand that they don’t care he is younger when it comes to toys and stuff...” 

“Oh” - Leeteuk worried as well - “Ryeowookkie~ let’s not fight the older kids when they take away your things~” 

“Uhhhh” - Ryeowook was already tearing 

“Stop~ stop~” - Heechul tried coaxing - “Do not cry... do not— oh my boy” 

Ryeowook started crying. He was upset as he knew Heechul was scolding him. He hated getting scolded by his dad. The boy cried all the way back home. His twin seemed unhappy about it. 

“Wookie no cry” - Kyuhyun was trying to calm his brother - “Ice cream” 

“He is even doing his best at speaking” - Leeteuk felt sad for the twin - “Ryeowook is too upset to listen” 

“I have told him several times that I don’t mind buying him the same toys a few times” - Heechul wasn’t happy either - “I prefer buying that stupid keychain thousands of times than Ryeowook getting hurt” 

“NO FWOGGIE!” - Ryeowook was hitting a tantrum now that the triplets managed to take the keychain from the boy’s backpack in a try to calm him down  - “WOOKIE NO FWOGGIE!” 

“UWAAA!” - Donghae cried the very moment the frog landed on his head - “DADDY!” 

“Hey! How many times have I told you throwing things is not nice?!” - Heechul’s voice was sterner than usual - “You are giving us a hard time! I understand you are sad but that doesn’t mean you can go around doing whatever you want!” 

“BUAAAAAAAAH!” - Ryeowook cried louder. He seemed even more upset than before 

“Don’t yell” - Leeteuk understood Heechul’s anger but knew the kid was upset enough - “He is just going to get scared. We don’t want to make it worse” 

“Fine” - Heechul took the little frog from the floor - “I’m taking it with me” 

“N-Nuh...” - Ryeowook gasped - “Dada! Pwease!” 

Kyuhyun looked at his brother and sighed. 

“What are you doing?” - Yesung kept asking Heechul as the parent worked in his office - “Isn’t that Ryeowook’s keychain?” 

“Yeah” - Heechul wasn’t in the mood for talking - “Don’t have anything else to do?”

“I already checked Siwon’s homework” - Yesung said proudly- “He did well even if I wasn’t around. Kangin helped him” 

“That’s nice” 

“You are not in a good mood, are you?” 

Heechul hit the desk when the metal part of the keychain hurt his finger. He left out a resignation sigh and went back to his task. 

“You are doing it wrong” - Yesung pointed out 

“FOR GODS SAKE” - Heechul pulled his hair - “Go to play or something!” 

“Can I try?” - Yesung extended his hand - “You want to replace the ring with this one, isn’t it?” 

“Yes, because that way... it won’t be easy to take away” - Heechul tried to relax - “You saw it yourself; the triplets took it easily and that means any kid of their age can do so” 

“You don’t know how to hold a screwdriver” - Yesung mocked - “This is easy” 

“Yeah right, I will laugh when you— how you did that?!”

“Here” - Yesung smiled - “I fixed it for you” 

“How did you learn to do that?” - Heechul was beyond satisfied - “Yesung, you are my saviour”

“Dad taught me” - Yesung smiled a bit - “I was told you at this and he wanted me to be good so I could help you” 

“I’m thankful you did” - Heechul ruffled the boy’s hair - “I can assure you didn’t inherit that from me. Thanks God you resemble Gunhee as well”

The cheerful conversation was interrupted when a little boy knocked the door. 

“What’s wrong?” - Heechul found hilarious Kyuhyun’s gloomy face. He had that face he did when feeling guilty - “What did you do now? Did you have an accident?”

Kyuhyun shook his head. His eyes were fixed in the little frog Heechul was holding. 

“This? Oh no, I won’t give it back yet” - Heechul shook his head - “Your brother is in such a bad mood I fear for the frog’s safety” 

“Wookie no fauwt” - Kyuhyun left out - “Wookie no bad” 

“I know he isn’t bad” - Heechul tilted his head - “I scolded him because he did something dangerous. He risked himself for a stupid frog” 

“No fwog” - Kyuhyun shook his head again - “Kyu” 

“Uh?” 

“Kyu’s fwaud” - Kyuhyun looked at Heechul with sad eyes - “Wookie no figh’d fwoggie. Wookie hewped Kyu” 

“Oh” - Heechul felt guilty now that Kyuhyun did his best trying to explain what happened - “So, Ryeowook didn’t get into a fight for the frog but because of you?” 

“Uhum” 

“You were the one that chased after the kid” - Heechul realized it made sense. Kyuhyun wasn’t used to playing with other kids - “Ryeowook got involved because you got hurt “

“Uhum” - Kyuhyun nodded - “Wookie good. Wookie hero” 

“That’s nice” - Heechul smiled to the boys - “Having brothers that will protect you” 

“Kyu wanna hewp” - Kyuhyun wasn’t happy yet - “Kyu giwes fwoggie to Wookie” 

The boy pointed at the keychain. Heechul nodded and gave it to him. He felt that Ryeowook would like knowing his twin was trying to cheer him up. 

“Thankz” - Kyuhyun held the frog carefully and ran away. 

Yesung was helping his uncle with some papers when the toddler returned with a frustrated face. 

“I already gave you the frog” - Heechul wondered if the kid had lost it - “Its not here” 

“Wookie cwy. Wookie zad” - Kyuhyun kept trying to drag Heechul with him by pulling his shirt - “Pwease hewp” 

“Uncle, lets go” - Yesung pushed the tired parent 

Heechul found Ryeowook sitting on Leeteuk’s lap while the babysitter tried to distract him with a silly story telling. 

“He is so sad” - Leeteuk warned as soon as Heechul held the boy - “Be careful” 

“Ryeowookkie~ my little bagel~ Dad is not angry at you” - Heechul kissed the boy - “I’m just worried because you won’t listen to me and keep trying to fight older kids when it comes to toys. I have told you several times I don’t care buying—-“ 

“Dada cant buy Kyu” - Ryeowook was upset - “Wookie ‘nly haz one Kyu” 

“Excuse me?” - Heechul couldn’t help but ask 

“Kyu no toy” - Ryeowook shook his head - “Kyu iz Wookie’s twin bwothew. Can’t buy twin” 

Ryeowook had a point. Heechul could buy all the toys he wanted but there was only one Kyuhyun in the world. Unlike toys, if Kyuhyun got hurt, Heechul wouldn’t be able to pay for him getting fixed. He wasn’t a doll after all. 

“You are right” - Heechul agreed - “I cant buy Kyuhyun. I guess you win... it was the right decision” 

Ryeowook gave Heechul a little smile. 

“Brat” - Heechul scoffed - “Now you smile because you know I am not angry” 

Ryeowook giggled. Kyuhyun seemed happy as well. 

“Kyunnie, you are so lucky” - Leeteuk commented - “Having a brother like Ryeowook must be great” 

“Ung!” - Kyuhyun agreed - “Kyu loves Wookie most” 

“What about me?” - Heechul teased 

“Uhmmm” - Kyuhyun showed the number three with his tiny hand 

“THIRD? WHO IS SECOND!?”

“Ukwee~” - Kyuhyun hugged Leeteuk’s leg - “Ukwee two” 

“What? Hey! How come he is in a higher position than me?” - Heechul protested 

“Dada made Wookie cry” - Kyuhyun’s words pierced Heechul’s heart - “No liwe you” 

“I’m going to cry” - Heechul covered his face. He felt tiny hands touching him. 

“No cwy~ Wookie lovez Dada” - Ryeowook tried - “No zad~ no zad~” 

“At least one of my bagels still love me” - Heechul hugged the shortest twin - “I’m first in your heart right?” 

“Dun know” - Ryeowook tilted his head - “Wookie lovez Kyu~ Hewy~ Ukwee~ Gamma~ Gappa~ Wobin~ Yeye~ Minnie~ Hae~ Hyu~ Gin~”

“He is having a hard time remembering all those names” - Leeteuk joked 

“Robin came before most of his siblings” - Heechul laughed - “This little brat” 

Leeteuk never expected what happened the next day. In fact, not even in his craziest dreams he found that possible. 

“Kyu wanna go daycare too” - Kyuhyun was trying to wear Ryeowook’s daycare uniform all by himself - “Kyu go schoo’ “ 

“Planets aligned” - Heechul was staring at the scene without understanding a single bit of it - “He says he is going to school with Ryeowook”

Leeteuk didn’t believe it until the very last second. Kyuhyun seemed just fine when he crossed the classroom’s door holding Ryeowook’s hand. 

“I can’t understand him” - Leeteuk was still

In awe - “Is he really ready?” 

“He even asked me to put him in undies” - Heechul shuddered - “I guess he woke up feeling ‘big’ today. I don’t know. Toddlers are a whole new world for me” 

Leeteuk was still feeling odd when he entered the mansion. 

“Waiaayayagag!” - Henry greeted him from the playpen - “Susgaiaow!” 

“Hi baby” - Leeteuk smiled a bit - “I guess that from now on, it’s only us during mornings” 

“Waaaaaaattatatata!” - Henry liked having conversations even if he couldn’t talk properly - “Shuuuhahahaha” 

“We could work on that” - Leeteuk giggled - “ Improving speech” 

 “Teuk, can I ask you for a favor?” 

“Does it have to do with marrying?” - Leeteuk teased 

“Sort of” - Heechul scratched his head - “I had been thinking...” 

“Oh Wow, I didn’t know you could think” - Leeteuk was having fun teasing Heechul but he realized the man wasn’t in the mood for that - “Sorry” 

“If something ever happens to me” - Heechul had teary eyes - “Would you take care of the kids for me?” 

“What are you saying?” - Leeteuk didn’t understand what was all about - “You mean like...” 

“Would you be their legal guardian?” - Heechul fidgeted with his fingers - “I have been thinking about it and... I think that amongst all options, you are the best” 

“Heechul you are scaring me” 

“Life is short” - Heechul seemed to be depressed - “Gunhee and Hani died unexpectedly. There is no reason to believe I am immune to that. If something ever happens to me... I just want to make sure my kids will be taken care of by someone I trust enough for that” 

“Wow” - Leeteuk felt overwhelmed- “You chose me” 

“They love you too” - Heechul smiled a bit - “At least I could die in peace knowing that they will would be with you” 

“Still, lets not die ok?” - Leeteuk was touched - “I promise that I will take care of them if needed” 

“I will ask my lawyer to do the papers” - Heechul nodded - “You would have full custody” 

“Heechul” - Leeteuk couldn’t avoid worrying - “Are you alright? I thought your medical examinations—“ 

“I’m fine” - Heechul faked a smile - “Its just... Reality hit me hard” 

“Oh... ok” - Leeteuk decided to stop asking. 

Heechul locked the door of his office. As soon as he could, he let himself fall in his chair and cried. He kept glancing at the lab results on his desk. 

————————————————————————

Next chapter is going to be about siblings (focus on triplets and Heechul’s relation with his brothers) 

Have a nice day ~~~