Little Lions

*

            When Chansung finally made it back to the room, after he’d cooled down and was comforted by his father, and made sure that he would be alright, he returned to his room and pulled both Wooyoung and Cho Hee into his arms. Wooyoung stirred only a little bit, but slept on. He knew he would get in trouble for it later, but for now he needed to hide his scent and his distress. While he was able to grab an hour or two of sleep, it wasn’t long until he felt Cho Hee and Wooyoung waking. He could also smell Serenity and Snow in the room now as well.

            “Wooyoung, can I see your ears?” Serenity asked.

            “Of course you can...”

            Chansung watched them fondly.

            “Ah! They’re so soft!” She giggled.

            “Wooyoung, you always smell good.” Cho Hee murmured. “Like family…”

            “Oh!”

            The pain started inside Chansung once more, dull and throbbing, but there was also hope. He had to move passed this now. He would feel it, take it all inside, but then he was going to keep moving forward. Opening his eyes and looking upon Wooyoung and his sisters. Cho Hee looked so much better, and Serenity was smiling brightly. In time they would start to ask questions about what really happened, but for now he just wanted them to be kids, and to be free in who they wanted to be.

            “Oh, you’re awake.” Serenity said as she crawled over to Chansung. “Snow is still passed out.” She laughed.

            Chansung looked behind him and indeed found his brother snoring away.

            “We’re visiting sissy today, right?” Cho Hee asked, not really looking at him.

            “Yeah, that’s the plan.” Chansung answered. Reaching over he smoothed his fingers through Cho Hee’s hair. She curled into Wooyoung even more.

            “No tickles...” She grumbled, but was laughing as Wooyoung sat them up and tickled her all over. “Okay! I give!” She laughed and hugged him tight.

            “Are you and Wooyoung going to have babies one day?” Serenity asked out of the blue.

            Wooyoung went red instantly.

            Chansung groaned at the bluntness of her question. “Why? You wanna be an auntie already?”

            Serenity laughed, “I’m too young!”

            “Yeah, damn right you’re too young.” Chansung said and tickled her neck.

            Serenity pushed him back and tried to get him back.

            “Ah! Bro! You’re crushin’ me!” Snow yelled.

            “Ah!” Cho Hee laughed as she tried to help Serenity.

            “Wooyoung! Help us!”

            Wooyoung of course didn’t and started tickling the rest of them.

            They were all laughing and rolling over the bed. Inside, a part of Chansung was hurting so terribly it made him want to cry, but this: watching them laugh, watching the one he loved so deeply love them just as much and just as hard, only assured him it would be okay. They would be okay.

            When they were all exhausted and lying down, breathing hard, Chansung pulled them all close to him and grinned. “What a good way to wake up!” He cheered.

            Hearing a knock at his door, he looked over to see his father looking upon them proudly. Ae Cha and Kaiden at his sides. He looked so very different than a few hours earlier.

            “Ah! I wanted to sleep with big brudder!” Ae Cha growled as she ran towards them and jumped onto the bed.

            “Good morning my little kittens.” Chung-Hee greeted.

            Serenity and Snow ran over and hugged him tightly. Chansung looked at Cho Hee who was practically leaning over the edge of the bed. Together, Chansung realised, both he and Wooyoung pushed her forward. She looked at them.

            “Go on.” Chansung said.

            Cho Hee slowly stepped onto the floor and made her way over to their father. Chansung picked up Kaiden who giggled.

            “Good morning, sweetpea.” Wooyoung greeted as he hugged Ae Cha tightly.

            Serenity’s question was rolling around in Chansung’s mind and making his heart beat uncontrollably. Watching Cho Hee once more, she was clutching her night clothes and shaking.

            “Papa loves you all so much.”

            Cho Hee gasped and looked up.

            “Will you believe me, Cho Hee, when I say I love you so very much?”

            She seemed to struggle with her answer, but then Snow and Serenity were at her sides.

            “We’ll be okay, sis. Mama won’t be able to hurt you anymore.” Serenity said. “Daddy will make sure, and me too.”

            “Will you?” Cho Hee turned and searched their father’s face.

            “I will, as best I can, I promise you Cho Hee.”

            “I don’t want a promise. I want you to do it.” Cho Hee gripped his hand. “I tried to tell you about her.”

            “I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t listen or do anything. If you let me, I will now.”

            “I’ll try…” Cho Hee whispered.

            Chansung couldn’t help but smile. Who was he to doubt his father? Watching him kiss their cheeks and hug them all just as hard, what was he afraid of?

            “Alright, time to give your brother a break. Every single one of you probably stink!”

            “Ah! Daddy!” Ae Cha huffed.

            Cho Hee giggled, “we do.”

            “I’m stealing them for the morning, you two.” His father announced. “You’re all going to visit Fei this afternoon, right?”

            “Yes.” Chansung answered and looked over his siblings fondly.

            “I don’t wanna bath.” Kaiden grumbled.

            “First one to bathe gets to make cake with me later to give to Fei.” Wooyoung said.

            And, all five blasted off shouting.

            His father looked in on them thankfully and winked. He shut the door behind him and Chansung turned to Wooyoung.

            “Now tell me, my handsome leopard.”

            Chansung blushed.

            “Why are you hiding your scent from me?”

            Closing his eyes as Wooyoung’s fingers trailed over cheek, he reached up and pressed them against his skin.

            “What happened..?”

            “Everything, Wooyoung, everything...” He said shakily.

            Wooyoung looked over him slowly before kissing his forehead. “You don’t have to tell me now if you don’t want to.”

            He smiled and held Wooyoung close. “It hurts but I know it’ll be alright...”

            Wooyoung pulled him into his arms, rubbed his back, and flourished his scent all about them. “Don’t carry it alone forever, okay?”

            Chansung nodded.

            “I really don’t like it when you’re hurt.” Wooyoung whispered and brushed his hands through his hair.

            “Wooyoung...My dad is hurting so much...” He said and gasped painfully. “I...I can’t forgive her! There are so many things she’s done, but she's beyond redemption.” He cried.

            “You don’t need to forgive her.”

            Gripping Wooyoung’s shirt tightly, he shook his head.

            “Our first adventure would be this chaotic.”

            Chansung couldn’t help but laugh, “this place is toxic. I never...I hope we never have to come back here.”

            “Well, we may if your family is here.” Wooyoung said as he brushed his fingers over his cheeks.

            “Wooyoung...”

            “Mm-hmm?”

            “We’re really alike, you know?” His voice was trembling.

            “What do you mean? In what way?”

            “In the way that...you and your siblings have one different parent.”

            Wooyoung stilled for only a second and held his gaze for longer. “Oh,” he said quietly. “You’re all Aurora’s?”

            Chansung nodded.

            “But...you all don’t share the same father?”

            Chansung shook his head and pressed his face against his chest. “I...I didn’t want to know which of them...are his. I don’t want to know.”

            “Well, that’s alright. Nothing needs to change, and that doesn’t need to change anything about your relationship to them or your father. They’re all attached to him. I've only been near him for a short while, but your father loves you all so much.” Wooyoung said as he kissed his forehead. “Doesn’t mean it hurts any less I’m sure.”

            “What makes it worse is...it’s someone I trusted once. I confided in him about things.”

            Wooyoung held him tighter.

            “Now I know why my aunt Mei is here.”

            “She’s your father’s sister, right?”

            Chansung nodded.

            “Not her husband I hope.”

            “No, she’s not married.” Chansung said and sniffled. “It was my uncle...my father’s own brother.”

            Wooyoung rocked him back and forth. “I’m so sorry, Chansung. I’m so sorry.”

            “I’m sorry my family is so messed up-”

            “Don’t apologise for that. You know what happened with mine too. What matters is that they all love you and your father, regardless of who their real parents are, Chansung,” he said as he tilted his head up. “You and your father love so selflessly and so strongly, I have no doubts you will all be alright. Despite the truth, I can tell he loves you all so very much. You are all his cubs, and even if Aurora threatens, she won’t win. Your brothers and sisters know where they want to be, and it is here.”

            “I...I’m so happy you’re here with me.” Chansung said brokenly.

            “I’m very happy to be here with you, to support you, and to tell you that no matter what happens we’ll make it through this together. I know you’re a survivor already, but it makes me so happy that you’re depending on me. You’ve really changed, Chansung.” He said and smiled fondly. “My beautiful kit...”

            Blushing heavily, Chansung met his lips tenderly. “I’m...really tired.”

            “Why don’t you sleep for a bit more?”

            “I can’t...too on edge.” He admitted.

            “Well, will you shower with me then?” Wooyoung cooed and nuzzled him.

            “Can we have a bath instead?”

            “Of course.”

            Hugging Wooyoung close, he sealed his lips over his and kissed him lovingly. “I don’t know what I’m going to do...when I see her again...”

            “You’re going to be strong and show her she can no longer control us or anyone.” Wooyoung said as he pulled him to his feet. “No alpha or omega of mine is going to bend to the whim of some homophobic nincompoop of a mother.”

            Chansung couldn’t help himself, he had to laugh.

            “You laugh but I’m serious.” Wooyoung said as he pulled him close. “I’m not going to let her win. I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of hurting you, me, or our families again, Chansung.”

            Chansung couldn’t help but shiver at the unyielding resolve behind those words. “I should be the one saying that.”

            “You’re moping right now.”

            Chuckling, he kissed him hotly. “You really are my foundation, Wooyoung.” Watching him blush, Chansung kissed him even more passionately.

            Wooyoung never let him get a word in after that.

            *

            Refreshed, and properly caffeinated, Chansung drove them excitedly to Fei’s residence.

            “Do you think Uncle sookie-pants is going to like brudder Wooyoung?” Ae Cha asked.

            “Ah! Ae Cha, you can’t call Fei’s husband that!” Chansung said and glanced back at her.

            Wooyoung was laughing, “did you start this, Cho Hee?”

            “Well, me and Snow.” She admitted.

            “I’m proud of it!” Snow declared.

            “You two saucybutts, I swear.” Chansung grumbled. “Promise me you won’t call him that, or he won’t like Wooyoung.”

            “Okay!” They sang together.

            “Saucybutts.” Ae Cha laughed.

            “You’re a saucybutt too,” Wooyoung teased as he turned around.

            “I am?”

            “Oh yes, a saucybutt sweetpea.”

            “That’s a good one, Wooyoung.” Serenity laughed.

            Wooyoung faced forward and sighed. “Anything I should know about him, kit?”

            “He’s...he’s an alright guy. Kind of stuck up and prejudiced.” Chansung said.

            “He’s pure-bred, isn’t he..?” Wooyoung asked quietly.

            “Yes...”

            “And he’s proud of it.” Snow grumbled.

            Chansung glanced back and looked over his brother.

            “You know he is, bro. He’s getting better I guess, but sis still gets irritated.”

            “I’m surprised she puts up with it.” Wooyoung commented.

            “Uncle sookie-pants really hurt sissy...” Ae Cha said.

            Chansung sighed. “Who told you, babe?”

            “Serenity...”

            “Really Seren?” Chansung grumbled. “I swear, you guys just...”

            “What happened?”

            Chansung glanced at Wooyoung briefly. “Well, one thing he told her was that the place of a purebred omega was in the home taking care of cubs, not in an office working for hybrid rights.”

            Wooyoung’s jaw dropped open. “But...she works for women’s rights right? There’s more isn’t there?”

            Chansung nodded.

            “How’d she stay with him?!”

            Chansung took a deep breath. “She didn’t. She told him unless he changed his opinions, respected her, she was breaking the courtship. It was a really hard time for her. It doesn’t surprise me that her pregnancy has been a little difficult.”

            “I don’t like him already.” Wooyoung grumbled. “He better not try and pull anything with me.”

            “Hmm...” Chansung smiled and gripped his hand. “I’m not worried about you.”

            “What a complete jackass...” Wooyoung covered his mouth. “Sorry kittens.”

            “We didn’t hear anything.” They all chorused together.

            “He got along with...Aurora, before.” Serenity said. “He started changing, but he’s still a jerk.”

            “Bro got into a bad fight with him after he hurt sissy.” Snow shared. “His scars never healed.”

            “I hope you guys don’t point them out.” Chansung huffed.

            “We don’t.”

            “Let no one say you don’t go to the end of the world for those you love.” Wooyoung said with a certain airiness.

            “He does, Wooyoung. That’s why I wanna be like my big bro.” Snow said bashfully.

            Chansung cooed and reached back.

            “No one is stronger than you.” Snow said taking his hand.

            “Dad is pretty strong.” Chansung said.

            “He’s different.” Serenity said but didn’t say anything more.

            “Are we there yet?” Ae Cha huffed. “I wanna see sissy.”

            “Almost,” Chansung laughed.

            When they finally arrived, Ae Cha and Kaiden ran happily up to the door, followed quickly by the triplets. Chansung pressed the buzzer and within minutes it was opening. Of course they would see him first.

            “Oh, I was wondering when you’d come to visit.”

            “Let us in Aaron, I wanna see sissy!” Ae Cha demanded.

            “Hello to you too, Ae Cha.” Aaron said as he opened the door wider.

            They marched inside and hung up their coats.

            “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jang.” Aaron greeted courteously. “Nice to know I don’t have to worry about his intentions anymore.”

            Chansung gripped Wooyoung’s hand tightly when he noticed his eye twitching. “Just how insecure are you that you can’t greet someone properly?” Wooyoung snapped. "All you hoighty-toighty purebred alphas are the same. Let me make myself clear off the bat, I don't take from egotistial pricks like you."

            Chansung wasn’t sure who was more surprised between him and Aaron.

            "I'm Chansung's Significant, and he's mine, so don't worry so much about yours."

            Snow looked at Wooyoung in pure awe and bright eyes, ears and whiskers showing.

            "Now, may we come in?"

            Aaron gave a curt nod.

            “Come on, Wooyoung.” Snow said and pulled him along. "You're so cool!"

            Chansung smiled at Aaron, he was dancing internally. As much as he would have loved to say something, he walked on passed and followed Snow and Wooyoung. Spirits he wanted to kiss him. His cheeks were hot and his leopard was swirling.

            Continuing on down the hall he took a deep breath. Entering, he smiled instantly. Fei was lying with pillows all around her, a neglected book in her hands, and three healthy sleeping kittens to her side. Her eyes flared blue upon seeing him and she grinned brightly.

            “Well, well, fashionably late as always, Paws.”

            “More than fashionably.” He said and came to sit beside her. He hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek.

            “It’s good to see you too, Wooyoung.” She said and beckoned him over. Happy as they embraced one another, Chansung rolled over and lay beside his siblings near the new kittens.

            “You also still have terrible timing. They just settled down for a nap.” Fei informed and looked over them.

            “They’re beautiful, Choco...” Chansung said.

            Wooyoung settled himself against his side and leaned into him.

            “I’m so glad they made it alright.” Fei said quietly. “I was in so much pain. Thanks to your father’s quick thinking and Teri I was able to recover quickly.”

            Chansung looked up at her. “Auntie said you went into labour after their fight.”

            “It was brutal.” Fei said and lay back. “Seren, Snow, and Cho Hee, take Ae Cha and Kai, go tell Uncle Aaron sissy wants three teas and a box of buns from that fancy bakery, go with him to make sure he gets the right ones.”

            “Okay!”

            “Do you want me to go with them?” Wooyoung asked.

            “No, I’d like you to be here.” Fei said with a pained smile. "We both need you here."

            Chansung glanced over her but settled his gaze upon the small little lions once more.

            “They’re so cute, Fei.” Wooyoung said as he came to lay on the other side of them.

            “Aren’t they? I’m so proud.”

            Chansung smiled and sat back up.

            “I...I feel so...disappointed and upset, Paws; I feel betrayed. I never believed Aurora could...it just makes me feel so sick to think about it.” Fei said as she made herself more comfortable. “I don’t – I’ve never seen so much hatred in a person. I never thought she could be like that. I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down.”

            “Did she hurt you?”

            “Of course she hurt me. Everything she said, what she did to Chung-Hee, the very language she used...my beautiful little brothers and sisters, and you, Chansung, you’ve gone through enough.” She said and came to kneel before them. “Come here.” Chansung fell into her arms. “I’m sorry.” She gasped. “To you too, Wooyoung.”

            “You don’t need to apologise to me.” Wooyoung said gently.

            Chansung sat back and brushed at his eyes. “Do you...do you know..?”

            “About Myung-Soo? Yes...”

            Chansung looked away.

            “It doesn’t change anything. They’re your siblings, and they are Chung-Hee’s children.” Fei assured and gripped his wrist. “I’m still...in shock about it all.”

            “Did she say which of them were his?”

            “Yes...” Fei answered.

            “Don’t...don’t tell me, ever.” Chansung said desperately. “I never want to know. Maybe one day, but...I think I already know and I don't want to think about it.”

            “When you're ready, then.” She said and lay back with her kittens.

            “I didn’t know you were a lion, Fei. I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re way more fierce than your lovely husband.” Wooyoung teased, changing the subject.

            Fei laughed. “Indeed, you put him on the hot seat and he’s quite the diva.”

            “Even the birth of his children can’t make him kind.” Chansung grumbled. “Alright, what’re the names of my nieces and or nephews?” He asked, wanting nothing more than to let the topic rest.

            “Two girls, one boy.” Fei said. “We have Aaron junior, of course.”

            Chansung rolled his eyes earning a smack from Wooyoung.

            “And we have precious Lily and Mei.”

            “Oh! After Auntie?”

            Fei nodded. “She’s been very helpful to me throughout my pregnancy, among other things.”

            Chansung lay down around them and couldn’t help but coo. “Uncle Chansung is so happy to see you.”

            "We should have said congratulations first, kit." Wooyoung said as he rubbed his back.

            “I bet the feelings have been intense, haven’t they?” Fei asked looking between them.

            Chansung fanned his face, cheeks hot.

            “Look at him, blushing.” Fei teased and shoved him with her foot.

            “They have been overwhelming.” Wooyoung admitted.

            “Yes, I wonder how different it feels when respect goes both ways.”

            Chansung looked back up at her when he heard her beginning to sniffle.

            “I’m so happy...you’re together. Wooyoung, I can’t tell you how much I love that you’re here with him. He’s been harping on and on since we were little that he was going to find a fox – you, and it’s just - he proved everyone wrong, and you’re here.”

            “Yah! You believed me!” Chansung huffed.

            “Not always, not at first, and even when I did I know it still hurt when no one else was, Paws.” She shot back. “Oh god I’m still so hormonal.”

            “I can honestly say that I never thought this would really happen.” Wooyoung admitted as he sat nearer to Chansung. “I dreamed of it...did I ever dream...” Chansung blushed and met his gaze. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it.”

            “Damnit you both are so cute.” Fei groaned.

            “You know who’s cute, these little bread loaves right here.” Chansung said, trying to get the attention back on the little cubs.

            Wooyoung smacked his leg, “don’t call them bread loaves.”

            “But look at them, little lion buns.”

            The door opened and in poured his siblings.

            “Sissy! We’re back!” Ae Cha announced, carrying the box in. Aaron followed suit and brought in a tray with three cups of tea.

            “Wonderful, thank you so much baby.” Fei said and took the box.

            Kaiden crawled up onto the bed and settled himself between Chansung’s legs.

            “I’ll be in my office.” Aaron said.

            “Alright, thanks hun.” Fei said and opened the box. “Now these don’t compare to the buns papa gets every year, but they should be just as great.”

            Chansung greatly enjoyed seeing Fei and the new members of the family. He also felt immense happiness at Wooyoung and Fei really hitting it off. There was never a dull moment with their energy, wit and their sarcasm. He was emotionally drained though. So much had happened since he’d arrived back in the Capital, too much. He hoped it slowed down a bit now and he got to enjoy being around family and indulging in Wooyoung.

            “How long are you planning to be in the Capital?” Fei asked as she walked with them to the door.

            “I’m not sure, but I don’t want to be here long. We all left in a hurry too so I’m sure Wooyoung and Min-Jun need to get back to the bakery.” Chansung answered.

            “Min-Jun and Taecyeon are planning to head into the country so that Min-Jun can hibernate.” Wooyoung added. “He's been really pushing it but they haven't really told me a timeline yet.”

            “You went to the carnival already right?”

            “We did!” His siblings cheered. “We should go again and go on more rides.”

            “This guy isn’t good with those kinds of things.” Chansung said and gripped Wooyoung’s shoulder, noticing his discomforted expression.

            “Yeah...I’m not even going to try and hide it.” Wooyoung laughed.

            “Motion sickness?” Fei asked.

            “Partially, I’m not a big fan of fast moving things. I get nervous and a little claustrophobic.” He said bashfully.

            “Oh...hmm, well there’s always Aubry Lane.” Fei said.

            Chansung flushed, “Fei-"

            “I am highly recommending it, in fact, I'll arrange it. Get all dolled up and have a fancy time, you both deserve it. Consider it my treat. Just let me know a good day. Taecyeon’s birthday is the 27th, how about the 28th?”

            “No Fei-"

            “Since when are you allowed to say no to a gift, huh?” Fei asked with raised brow.

            Chansung deflated. “Fine-”

            “The 27th is fine.” Wooyoung said. “I know for sure they wanted to stay here in the Capital for then, and Min-Jun has been harping about a special birthday surprise - aka a night for the two of them.”

            Fei grinned, “perfect.”

            “Say later to sissy.” Chansung said.

            “Bye sissy, we’ll see you tomorrow! Santa is coming in a few more days.”

            “So soon! Merry Christmas!”

            “Merry Christmas!”

            Fei hugged Wooyoung and kissed his cheek, “let him pamper you a bit.”

            Wooyoung smiled sheepishly, “he always does.”

            “Ha! Only when you let me.” Chansung said playfully.

            Fei hugged him tightly and he returned it. “I love you, Paws.”

            “I love you, too. Take it easy and keep healing.”

            “I will. Treat Wooyoung, spoil him rotten.”

            Chansung smiled and waved as they left.

            “What’s Aubry Lane?” Wooyoung asked.

            Chansung blushed, “it’s a fancy, formal restaurant.”

            “Oh...” Wooyoung cooed. “I don’t have fancy clothes.”

            “I’m sure we can figure something out.” Chansung assured.

            “So...this would be like a date, right?” Wooyoung asked, cheeks rosier than before. “A real date…”

            Chansung leaned against the car as he helped Kaiden and Ae Cha into their car seats. “Yeah...” He said, just as bashful.

            “Hm,” he smiled and slid into the car.

            “Hey! What was that for?” He asked as he buckled in his siblings.

            “Nothing...” Wooyoung said, but he was still smiling.

            “You...you’re acting really cute right now.”

            Wooyoung laughed and watched Chansung belt himself in.

            “What?” He whined.

            Wooyoung shrugged, eyes wonderfully silver.

            "Wooyoung?!"

*

Next Chapter...The Red Gaze