Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jeonghan and Seungcheol were stunned as they sat at Jeonghan's kitchen table. After the scene in the park, the fathers decided they needed someplace to talk and think things through. Jeonghan had suggested his place as it was the closest. So, while their sons sat on the couch as close as they could get to one another, Jeonghan and Seungcheol watched them, trying to process what was happening.

"I never imagined...I mean he always talked about a hyung, but they told me his family was dead. I just assumed that meant his hyung too." Seungcheol said after a bout of silence.

"I had no idea either," Jeonghan replied. "Wonwoo never talked about his family or his past, but he always seemed to be looking for someone. I thought he was worried about his parents coming back. I never imagined he had a twin."

Seungcheol looked thoughtful for a second. "It would explain a lot. Seokmin always set aside a piece of birthday cake and blew out his candles twice. The child psychologist thought it could have been an imaginary friend."

Jeonghan's face lit up. "Wonwoo does that too!" He exclaimed. "I was wondering why."

He looked over at his son fondly but with a hint of sadness. "It's sad when you think about it, isn't it?"

Seungcheol looked over at Seokmin, remembering the pain his son had experienced in his short life. "Yeah, it is."

Their sons had been through more than most adults and were still standing. They had lost one another but never stopped hoping. They kept each other in their hearts and always thought of their brother. It was a bizarre and unique connection and through a rare chance, they were able to find one another again. It was a lot to take in and process, but they had to. Their sons' happiness depended on it. As if Jeonghan was reading his mind, he turned to look at Seungcheol.

"So, what do we do now?"

Seungcheol ran a hand through his hair with a long sigh. "I don't know." He admitted. "I never expected any of this."

"Me either."

One thing was clear but was left unsaid, they couldn't separate their sons, not again. Seungcheol began to fidget with his hands, an idea forming, one he wanted but was almost too shy to voice.

"I guess we continue to date." He said suddenly.

Jeonghan grinned. "If our sons are the only reason, I'm going to be a little sad." He pouted.

Seungcheol flamed red. "No! That isn't the only reason!" He exclaimed. "I...we...I..you."

Jeonghan took pity on him. "I'm just teasing. Take a breath, Seunghceol."

He forced himself to take a deep breath. "I know we only had one date, but I really like you. I couldn't stop thinking about you and my friends thought I was crazy for today's date, but I didn't care. I wanted to see you again despite what might happen." He rushed out.

Jeonghan's grin shifted from teasing to genuine. He laid a hand atop Seungcheol's shaking ones.

"I'm glad you feel that way because I'm about to suggest something even more insane."

He eyed Seungcheol evenly, ready to gauge his reaction, something similar he did with Wonwoo when they discussed serious things. The other gulped but waited in silent anticipation. He tried to prepare himself, but nothing could prepare him for Jeonghan's suggestion.

"Let's live together, the four of us."

Jeonghan was right. The suggestion was insane. This was the second time they were meeting one another. They had been on one date. They barely knew anything about each other. However, the more Seungcheol thought about it, the more it made sense. They had already concluded they couldn't separate their sons. They were in a fragile state. Seungcheol could only imagine what would happen if he tried to take Seokmin home right now. The thought made him shudder. It was insane, but it made the most sense. Jeonghan could sense Seungcheol's hesitation and he understood. He would be just as stunned if it was the other way around.

"I have a spare bedroom." He informed trying to make it better. "I'm sure Seokmin and Wonwoo will want to share so that leaves the last room for you. It doesn't have to be anything romantic, it'll just be living together."

Seungcheol wanted to say that he wouldn't have minded it being romantic but figured it wasn't the time. Besides, that would be the second most insane thing to say in this situation. He looked over at Seokmin. His son was giggling at something Wonwoo was saying. He looked so relaxed, comfortable, and most importantly, happy. He was the most vibrant Seungcheol had ever seen him. It settled the decision for him. He looked back at Jeonghan who was watching him expectantly.

"Okay, let's live together."

Seokmin couldn't find the words to express how happy he was. He had his hyung back. His twin was in front of him, happy and well. It was more than he could ever ask for. Without saying anything, he knew his brother felt the same way. They stayed close to one another, not letting the other out of his sight for one second. Only one thing was different. Wonwoo wouldn't hold his hand. Seokmin had tried, but Wonwoo gently moved his hand away, acting as if nothing happened. It made Seokmin pout, but he didn't try to do it again. After all, a lot had happened in three years. He was sure he was different too. They were just going to have to learn about each other again. He just hoped they had the time to. He glanced over at their fathers. They were talking in lowered voices. Seokmin wished he could hear what they saying. He lightly tugged at Wonwoo's sleeve.

"Hyung, are we going to be apart again?" He asked with watery eyes.

His twin was quick to soothe him. "No." He answered firmly, sounding almost twenty-seven rather than seven. "My appa is smart. He'll figure it out." He reassured.

Seokmin found himself smiling. Wonwoo always knew what to say to make him feel better. He pushed the worries out of his mind for the moment and curled up closer to Wonwoo as he read to the other from the book he had brought to the park with him. It was filled with big words that Seokmin could barely understand, but Wonwoo breezed past them like they were nothing. Seokmin felt something akin to pride. His hyung was smart.

An hour had passed and their fathers were still talking. Seokmin felt his worries return as he saw the frown on his daddy's face. He often looked like when he was thinking hard about something and couldn't figure it out. What if he made him leave Wonwoo again? What if he left and Seokmin saw him again? He was nearly in tears and didn't notice when Seungcheol was in front of him.

"Seok, we need to talk."

Seokmin couldn't stop his tears. "Please Daddy, don't leave." He sobbed. "I'll be good. Please don't leave me alone."

Seungcheol's frown deepened as did Jeonghan's. Wonwoo was stunned but wrapped a protective arm around his brother. He almost glared at Seungcheol for making his twin cry. Seungcheol tried to find the words to comfort and calm his son.

"Minnie, look at Daddy." He softly ordered.

Seokmin sniffed but managed to look up. The pain and fear that his small eyes held was nearly enough to make Seungcheol's heart break, but he stayed calm as he continued.

"I'm not leaving you. That will never happen." He told him firmly but gently.

Seokmin swallowed hard. "What about Wonwoo?"

That was the only other answer. He was going to have to leave his hyung again. He wasn't sure if he could handle that again, but he couldn't live without Seungcheol either.

"Wonwoo isn't leaving you either. No one is going anywhere."

The twins looked at their fathers in confusion. Wonwoo looked over at Jeonghan for clarification.

"Appa, what's going on?"

Jeonghan smiled softly. "We're going to live together, all four of us." He answered.

Both boys lit up as they hugged each other with excitement. They were getting to stay together as a family. It was more than they could ask for. Both fathers smiled at the sight, pleased to know they had made the right choice.

"Wonwoo, why don't you show Seokmin your room," Jeonghan advised. "He'll need to borrow your things until he can have his brought here."

Wonwoo nodded and led his twin to his room. It was no longer the pale yellow it was when he first arrived. Upon Wonwoo's choosing, it was now painted a muted lavender. Along one wall, sat a large bookshelf, covering the entirety of the wall. One side was full of books while the other housed various video games. Seokmin took it all in with awe. His room at home was nice and he loved it, but it was nowhere near this nice.

"Your room is cool!" Seokmin exclaimed.

"Our room." Wonwoo corrected. "It's yours now too."

Right. Seokmin was going to have to get used to that. Wonwoo moved to his closet, and Seokmin followed close behind. Wonwoo searched for a moment before pulling out two sets of pajamas. They were both decorated with stars but one was blue while the other was red. They were a matching set. When they were younger, Seokmin used to beg for them to wear matching outfits as he wanted to be like his hyung, but their mother always refused to buy matching sets for them. When Wonwoo started living with Jeonghan, he always asked if he could get the same outfit in red, Seokmin's favorite color. Jeonghan, thinking he just liked the outfit, always obliged and so, Wonwoo's closet was full of matching sets, but Seokmin's half was always untouched. It was worth it to see the glee on his brother's face as he grabbed the red set and held it close to him.

"We finally get to match!" He squealed.

Wonwoo smiled. "Yeah, we can wear them tonight." He promised.

They were later called down for dinner and they sat around the table like a family. It was different and a bit odd, but none of them minded. It was also comfortable and warm. As the twins shared food with one another and giggled at inside jokes, their fathers eyed one another with a knowing smile. It would be a lot of effort, but to keep their sons this happy, they would do it over and over again. They were determined to become one happy family, no matter how that looked to others.