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Hongjoong's eyelids fluttered slowly open, his consciousness following equally slow pace as he rose from his slumber. The room was still dim, sun hadn't risen yet and didn't light the room with bright morning rays, making it easier for his eyes to open. He could tell there was a soft mattress under his back and a thick blanket rested over him, offering just the right amount of warmth without being uncomfortable. His head was lying on a pillow that smelled fresh like it'd come straight out of a washing machine, soft under his neck.
Still very much half-asleep, he let his gaze wander lazily over the room, letting his head remain on the pillow. There was a well organized shelf filled with books, small figurines and other decorative items on the other side of the room, probably three steps away from the bed. Beside it stood a strong-legged table, a closed laptop and two potted plants sitting on top and a chair situated in front of it. Some clothes were resting on the chair; something black and gray over the handles, and a pink sweater placed over the back.
Stopping to stare at the pink sweater, Hongjoong frowned, his sleepy brain attempting to think why it looked so familiar. He didn't usually wear such color nor did he own such clothes so whose could this one be if–
Oh, right.
The thought hit him like an actual hand against his forehead, his brain waking up enough to actually process his surroundings, connecting what he was seeing and what had occurred last night.
Last evening.
This wasn't his room, he remembered now.
Shifting to look further to his left, seeing the rest of the bed he was lying on, his gaze landed on the person whose room this was. Sleeping soundly without any worry of the world, face directed mostly at the ceiling with a tiny tilt towards Hongjoong, chest rising and falling steadily in rhythm of deep breaths he was taking.
The remains of sleep in Hongjoong's head cleared at the sight, the memories of the previous day crashing into his mind, forming a heavy feeling in his stomach. He remembered it now, all of it. That confusing moment of their link being restless. The sight of the white wolf wincing in hurt and the clear crimson against the delicate whiteness. That sadness of the other's voice but for a reason that was so pure.
Safe. His wolf told him, and Hongjoong could feel that side of him fully focus on the sleeping man, taking in the other's relaxed face and steady breaths. A sense of satisfaction came from his wolf, approving of the peaceful scene and Hongjoong couldn't agree more. That relief soothed him, like the air in the room was easier to breathe in, easing the heaviness that he felt.
He was so glad everything was alright.
Well, almost everything.
Carefully, trying to not wake Seonghwa up, Hongjoong raised himself just a tad bit with the help of his hands. The blanket that covered them both slipped down from his shoulders due to the move, making him swallow nervously as it also shifted down on Seonghwa's form, enough to reveal his shirt-covered chest. When the mattress dipped noticeably under his weight, Hongjoong stopped. Sitting still he waited for the other's breath to hitch or eyes to open, to tell him good morning and perhaps ask him what he was doing.
But none of it came.
Even their link stayed calm and silent, giving no signs of Seonghwa waking up.
Still, Hongjoong waited, giving it all a moment. The dark lashes rested over the smooth skin, fluttering occasionally as Seonghwa's eyes moved under the eyelids. Otherwise the older's features stayed unmoving though, brows relaxed and lips still, telling that his rest was peaceful and undisturbed.
Deep and relaxed.
Only after being sure that the other wasn't going to wake up, Hongjoong allowed himself to breathe deeply. His chin tilted down as tension in his body melted away but his gaze didn't leave Seonghwa. The calm features were framed with slightly disheveled hair, some loose strands tickling Seonghwa's cheeks while the rest formed a messy dark halo on his white pillow. Those lips were set against each other, the corners lifting just a little bit up in a way that made Hongjoong's heart melt.
Oh how could someone be so...
With caution he pushed his hand against the mattress and maneuvered his way closer to Seonghwa, lowering himself down slowly. Thankful that the bed didn't creak, it still dipped again under him, and he froze once more. For if Seonghwa was even somewhat awake, he'd have felt it no doubt.
Unmoving once again, Hongjoong followed the continuing rise and fall of the blanket over Seonghwa's middle, the tiny sounds of the older's breathing following the same pattern. Hongjoong smiled, listening to the small noises like they were music to his ears.
Protect. He'd always protect his mate, even when he was aware that Seonghwa was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. They were equals, neither stronger nor weaker than the other. Still, if he ever needed to, if he ever saw the other needing it, he would stop at nothing to help.
Nothing could come in his way.
Nothing.
When there was no sign that Seonghwa had noticed him moving, the steady breaths keeping their calmness, Hongjoong lowered himself onto his side. Being as careful as he could he faced the older, putting his left hand under his own head for support and comfort. With his right, he pulled the dark gray blanket back over his form, correcting it over Seonghwa as well until the edge was tucked close to his chin.
In this new spot, so close, he could smell the faint sweetness of the other's scent even clearer, encouraging him to draw in a deeper breath. The scent even in its lightness filled his nose, sending comforting warmth through his entire body.
Mate. His wolf was purring.
He continued to breathe deeply, locking that warm feeling in, cradling it, as the scent meant the other was safe. Right here in front of him.
Perfect.
Sometimes Hongjoong wondered what kind of fate it was that he'd met Seonghwa; he who had given so much of his time to trying to be successful at work and as a pack leader. The mere thought that someday he'd find his actual mate, it had very rarely crossed his mind since he'd given so much of his life and energy to everything else. Before meeting Seonghwa, the topic was just a joke from the members or a curious comment from his parents.
But now, he felt like he'd gained more than he ever could have without the other. The pack had appreciated his efforts before, their relationships had been both strong and good, and they cared for each other. Still, Seonghwa had still managed to bring something with him, something that brought the members closer to each other and something that Hongjoong felt completed him as the pack's leader.
Breath shuddering in his chest, Hongjoong reached forward with his right hand, to the point the back of his forefinger could touch Seonghwa's cheek, then slide slowly down the side of his face. Only to lift off, return back up and start the motion again.
Featherlight and barely there but the act was still filled with so much.
Smiling, Hongjoong let his eyes slip close as another wave of sweetness touched his nose, making him inhale deeply. His finger continued on its short path, tracing the line from Seonghwa's cheekbone to the edge of his jaw, the skin feeling healthy warm under his hand. Letting the finger linger on Seonghwa's chin for a second longer, Hongjoong then slipped the hand under the blanket, bringing his arm slowly over the older's middle and resting his palm on Seonghwa's left side.
The nightshirt Seonghwa wore was this beige colored T-shirt that had two buttons near the collar. Under Hongjoong's palm the fabric was smooth and the shirt was long enough to not ride up easily even during sleep.
Hongjoong's hand formed a gentle grip on the other's waist.
My star.
The pack, its members, the moments they shared, his bonded; those were more valuable than any amount of riches he could ever achieve. Yes, even though the younger ones – minus probably Jongho – could sometimes make a horrendous mess, they still meant so much to him.
Despite still sometimes needing reminders to not work around the clock and multiple days on a row, he still if someone asked, would put his pack first.
Hongjoong didn't notice that while deep in his thoughts his grip on Seonghwa's waist tightened, to the point that his fingers pressed down on the other's form instead of just resting over him. A sudden flutter in the back of his mind actually was the one to bring him out of his thoughts, and as the realization formed, he also noticed how strong his grip had become and instantly relaxed it.
For that flutter had been their link. And if it was showing signs of being active, it meant that Seonghwa was...
Looking up at the older's face, Hongjoong could see a frown forming there, making him wonder if Seonghwa was trying to figure out where the pressure had come from. The older sniffed and his head shifted on the pillow, just a fraction to one side before changing direction as he seemed to climb from whatever dream he was in.
Trying to be patient, Hongjoong watched those movements, wanting to let Seonghwa wake up on his own if he was going to but also offering him a chance to fall back to sleep. Their ability to heal faster than regular human didn't sap their energy reserves any more than natural healing does to humans but still, it was a body trying to correct what was wrong with it.
Meaning, it needed energy, and resting gave them that energy so if Seonghwa decided to continue sleeping, it would be for a good reason. So, willing himself to be patient, Hongjoong waited and gave the invisible reigns over to the other.
Soon the shifting calmed, leaving Seonghwa facing upward and giving Hongjoong a perfect view to see the older's eyes cracking open. Fondly taking in the the sleepy expression, Hongjoong watched how Seonghwa's eyes moved and took in the surroundings, piece by piece registering what was in front of him and where he was. Hongjoong could almost see how gears were turning in the older's head the more he woke up, his brows twitching in both confusion and concentration.
Barely moving his head, Seonghwa's half-lidded eyes slid over Hongjoong's face and the younger watched the brown orbs move around for a second before actually meeting his gaze, seeing who was beside him. While blinking sleepily the corners of Seonghwa's lips tugged upward.
Honjoong matched that tender smile. "Hey."
"Mmh, hi," Seonghwa mumbled, pulling the blanket higher and making it reach his nose. He nuzzled his cheek against the fabric, humming, the sound deep from sleep but velvety. "Mmrnin' already?" Seonghwa's voice came muffled behind the blanket.
Hongjoong strained his hearing, the voice almost too small to make out. "No," he replied once he figured out what had been asked. "Sun hasn't risen yet."
A sniffle came behind the blanket. "Wha' time?"
Not surprised, Hongjoong didn't make a move to check, instead he settled to answer with: "Don't know, too early." Since it was still this dim, they wouldn't be needed anywhere, it wouldn't be necessary to know the time yet. Right?
Well, it seemed that he was wrong.
The look he received was perhaps supposed to be unimpressed and strong, though the two eyes very much seemed like the person who owned them was going to fall asleep in two seconds. Seonghwa looked over the edge of the blanket and Hongjoong chuckled, moving his hand from under the blanket to reach for Seonghwa's face. His fingers smoothed over the older's cheekbone, brushing against the skin that was visible and found the other's gaze wavering.
"I should probably get up," Seonghwa murmured, this time with more clarity in his words.
Hongjoong's hand didn't stop. "No you shouldn't," he insisted softly. "Even if it was closer to midday, you need to rest."
Those tiny traces of sharpness that Seonghwa had tried to keep melted away from his expression. "The members will expect breakfast," he explained.
But Hongjoong shook his head, palm cupping the older's cheek over the blanket. "It's still too early. Plus they shouldn't expect you to always cook for them, especially during time like this."
Seonghwa's gaze remained still for a second longer until he sighed, the blanket rising and falling in rhythm with his breath. "Can you still check the time, please?" he asked, round eyes shining as they looked at the younger, and Hongjoong couldn't suppress a groan when he felt his determination crumble under that look and voice.
"That tone is dangerous, Hwa," he said but didn't wait any longer, turning around to see the alarm clock on the bedside table. The softness of that man's voice, combined with those round and innocent eyes was more effective than any weapon probably could ever be, he could swear it.
"Thank you," came a gentle reply.
Okay, lets add politeness to that combination.
He squinted to see the numbers of the clock.
6:09 am.
"It's six am," Hongjoong answered, letting out a yawn as if saying the time made his body realize just how early it truly was. "No one's gonna be awake this early." Hongjoong turned back to face the other whose gaze drifted down, staying open but unfocused.
"Right," the older murmured and slowly twisted his neck to stretch it, probably stiff after the night.
And possibly after yesterday, Hongjoong realized as well, seeing lines form on Seonghwa's forehead when his brows furrowed. Last night Seonghwa had said that the injuries were fine and nothing to worry about but after recalling the results of the older's encounter with the wolf duo, Hongjoong found himself getting slightly worried again.
He fought to keep his tone even when his lips parted. "Did you sleep well? Did your shoulder or anything else bother you?"
Finishing with the current stretch the lines on Seonghwa's forehead smoothed down. "Nothing bothered me," he said, yawning in the end and blinking slowly. "Having company might have helped."
Hongjoong's eyebrow rose at the hint and his lips twitched, forming a starter of a grin as he caught the playful tone. "Might have?"
Pushing himself up, he reached for the blanket to pull it down from where it covered half of Seonghwa's face. "Let me tell you that my presence very likely helped," he replied teasingly back, though stopped himself from continuing when he came face to face with a sight so bright and soft. Small smile on his lips, Seonghwa even with his messy from sleep hair and after just waking up looked so innocently back at him.
The world stopped for a second as they simply stared at each other.
Suddenly Hongjoong's heartbeat was very clear and loud in his ears, making him almost wonder if the older could hear it too, if the rapid beat was enough to reach the other. And the more he took in the sight in front of him, the louder his heart seemed to beat. Like a dream, truly, that sight. Dropping the blanket from his grip, he brought his hand back to Seonghwa's cheek, just fingertips touching, carefully.
"I'm glad though," he said, finding his voice shaky, a small but clear tremor running through it. "That you slept well."
Seonghwa's smile melted a little, a hint of confusion taking its place and Hongjoong cleared his throat when he realized the older had noticed his moment. Their link pulsed with something Hongjoong couldn't read, like a mere question mark without the actual question.
Like a tilt of one's head with a frown on their face.
The older blinked at him. "Joong?"
But Hongjoong shook his head, brushing some strands of hair off Seonghwa's forehead and then cradling the older's cheek in his palm again. "I'm just so happy that you're here," he answered to the question he could sense lingering in the air.
The confusion vanished, the older's expression relaxing. "It's all alright now," Seonghwa replied, tilting his head a little to meet the touch. "Like I told you yesterday."
"Yeah, I remember," Hongjoong agreed, nodding but biting his lower lip. "But I also remember the red covering your fur, the pain lingering in our link. It keeps coming back." And he hated it. One, because it'd been his bonded who was hurt, and second, he hadn't been there to prevent it. He could take care of the aftermath but he'd prefer to prevent it from happening in the first place.
From under the covers Seonghwa's hand rose and settled over Hongjoong's, both placed over the older's cheek, Seonghwa's fingers squeezing reassuringly. "What can I do? How can I help to stop it?" the older asked.
That's a tricky question, one Hongjoong couldn't answer right a way. Time would eventually clean the memory in his mind, make it more bearable but right now it was still so fresh. He could dodge it here and there but eventually the images would find their way back.
Why? Because he cared.
What he could do, was to blur those dark moments with something better and brighter; moments with someone who was gazing at him right here, waiting for him to answer. Hongjoong's thumb moved over the edge of Seonghwa's cheekbone, a low hum on his lips.
"Just be you," he answered. "Please. That's all."
Seonghwa managed a small nod under their hands. "Aye aye, captain," he said softly.
And it pulled something in Hongjoong's core.
Like floodgates had been opened there was this rush of something in his body and mind, pushing and demanding. Feelings, needs, a mixture of those, instincts; Hongjoong couldn't explain it as it all seemed to come from somewhere so very very deep. All he knew was that it all was suddenly guiding him, telling him to... to...
Closer. They needed to be closer, this wasn't enough even though the distance between them was so short that they could touch each other. No, it wasn't enough. Not enough.
Before he could understand what he was doing, his body was already in motion, all of his senses seemingly telling him to just move, move and move. The blanket was pushed out of the way as he shifted forward, one arm and leg swinging over the older's form smoothly like the move had been well planned instead of being purely impulsively made.
For a second he could see the question of what's happening in Seonghwa's expression, lips parting in surprise and eyes blinking quickly as he tried to follow what Hongjoong was doing. But when all movement stopped, that surprise was wiped away and replaced with a tender look directed only at the figure now over him.
Hovering above the older, Hongjoong looked down at the innocent face that now showed no signs of being disturbed by his sudden act. While Hongjoong's own chest felt heavy and like every breath needed a big heave, Seonghwa looked relaxed, his hand giving a tiny squeeze to Hongjoong's. As if saying that it was alright, that it was okay.
Supported by that look, that small smile and squeeze, Hongjoong felt the corners of his lips curl upward too. A sense of calm washed over him, the sudden urge diminishing and no longer demanding. Not now when he was where he needed and wanted to be, he understood. His thumb caressed Seonghwa's cheek before he leaned down.
He could see how Seonghwa followed him getting closer, the brown eyes closing when their foreheads finally met and noses brushed against each other. The breaths Hongjoong took shuddered in his chest but the calming sweet scent that now floated around him like a cloud made everything so much better. Small sniffs came from them both as they breathed in their familiar scents.
"Hwa." Barely a whisper as their breaths mingled.
"Yes." Seonghwa's tone was airy, his nose nuzzling against Hongjoong's.
Comfort ballooned in Hongjoong's chest, their scents mixing together and creating a combination that could only be described as perfect. Lifting his head, Hongjoong placed a kiss on the tip of Seonghwa's nose, hearing a content hum as a response as he turned his head and began peppering small pecks and brushes on the older's skin. First against the edge of Seonghwa's jaw and then lower to create a path towards his neck.
Seonghwa's breaths reached his ears as the older turned his nose toward Hongjoong's neck in return, equally small touches as well as small sniffs registering in the back of the younger's mind. Pressing and brushing gently, the touches were enough to send shivers down his spine, goosebumps traveling over his arms every time he felt the warmth of the older's breath, the smooth touch of those lips. Every touch between them was made with care, softly and without rush, and filled with adoration that words weren't enough to explain.
From the corner of his eye Hongjoong saw how Seonghwa's free hand reached up to hold him, fingers coming to lay over his shoulder blade. Without pressure the fingers moved up to the back of his neck, running through his hair and then moving down his upper back again, over the black fabric of his nightshirt.
Trailing down the side of the older's neck, covering the skin with featherlight kisses, he found the spot where neck met shoulder and nuzzled there. A hitching breath came from below him but the motions against his own neck didn't cease and their link...
Oh their link...
If it had been something visible, it'd have glowed brightly right then without a doubt. Now though, it radiated warmth and sent out all these sensations of happiness and joy, uplifting and sparkling, enveloping Hongjoong in their tender embrace.
Holding that happiness in his chest, he placed small nips on the skin, just enough pressure to be felt but not anything to leave a mark. The fingers on his back trailed up shakily this time, pressing down harder accompanied by a heavy exhale despite Seonghwa staying otherwise still. Noticing this, Hongjoong placed a kiss to that spot to soothe the sensation, nuzzling it with his nose. The pressure on his back soon let go.
Moving back to the other's jaw, his eyes landed on the collar of Seonghwa's shirt. The two buttons of the collar were open and though Seonghwa's shoulders were completely covered by the fabric, the area from his neck to the upper part of his chest was visible.
From the slender neck Hongjoong slid over the lines of Seonghwa's collarbones, leaving a trail of barely-there touches over the raised lines, thumb caressing the other's face when another sharper breath from Seonghwa reached his ears. The hand over his own let go and soon Hongjoong noticed it appearing over his other shoulder, forming a full embrace around him.
His right hand let go of Seonghwa's cheek and slid down the older's side as he continued to nuzzle against the revealed skin. The fingertips got caught in the small creases of the fabric, smoothing them down as they passed, hand landing on Seonghwa's waist where it'd previously been. While still continuing to give his attention on the delicate collarbones in front of him, Hongjoong's fingers skimmed over the other's waist.
The form under him shuddered, the inhales and exhales audible to the younger's ears but no complaints came. Sniffing the air, Hongjoong still made sure that the scents lingering in the air held their freshness, signaling no distress. And when he found no indication that anything was wrong, only then he allowed his hand to move. Slowly he started to push the hem of the shirt up and up until touch could reach the skin under it, fingers splaying over the hip before moving upward, constantly keeping the touches light.
Slow and gentle, he didn't want to hurt the older in any way.
And everything seemed fine.
Until Seonghwa suddenly let out a high-pitched sound, filled with distress. His form twisted abruptly, trying to escape the touch that had reached his stomach like it'd burned, the embracing hands tensing and fingertips digging into Hongjoong's shoulders like claws. Shaken out of the tender moment, Hongjoong immediately looked up from his spot, stopping his hand and raising himself up.
"What is it?" he asked, seeing how Seonghwa's lower lip was caught between his teeth, brows furrowed and eyes almost squeezed shut.
Concern rushed to the forefront of Hongjoong's mind.
Did I hurt him?
The older's hands relaxed a moment later and absentmindedly smoothed over Hongjoong's shoulders, their link still pulsing in a warm way, managing to ease his surprise at least a little.
Collecting his breath, Seonghwa seemed to sink back against the mattress, blinking up at the younger. "Tickled," he finally murmured sheepishly, looking apologetic and embarrassed at the same time.
Relief washed over Hongjoong and he let out a breath he'd been unconsciously holding, something fluttering in his chest when faced with that look. Everything was alright, he hadn't hit any injuries. It was alright, Seonghwa was fine. He let his head bow down, meeting Seonghwa forehead to forehead.
Seonghwa's fingers danced over his shoulders and back, their moves assuring and apologetic, clearly trying to ease the scare the older had caused. Hongjoong was so glad he'd been wrong after already fearing the worst had happened. His wolf yipped, and Hongjoong caught a sense of relief but also playfulness from that side of him, making him realize that his wolf was amused by Seonghwa's reaction.
After a moment it managed to pull a smirk out of Hongjoong himself too, dread vaporizing from his mind, and he lifted his head.
"Oh you mean this?"
His fingers swiped over the same spot again, under the other's ribs and adding some wiggling for a good measure, causing Seonghwa to let out another surprised high sound, absolutely not having expected that. The older's stomach shrank as he tried to prevent the fingers from touching, his hands landing on Hongjoong's shoulders where they gave a trembling, meager push.
"Please," Seonghwa gasped but Hongjoong could see a hint of smile on those lips, that same look when Seonghwa sometimes wrestled with the younger members. The most important thing, it wasn't a look of hurt.
"Please what?" the younger replied innocently and unleashed another round of small tickles. They made the older squeak, eyes scrunching shut, attempting to push against Hongjoong's shoulders again but when that didn't work his arms just gave up. One of Seonghwa's hands slapped the younger's hand in an uncoordinated way before his arms came around his middle, trying to create a barrier between himself and the attacking fingers, body twisting onto its side.
Seonghwa's breaths came in gasps, loud enough for Hongjoong to hear even when Seonghwa buried his face against the pillow, and Hongjoong simply couldn't continue to tease him. Not when the older curled his legs close to his torso in attempt to shield the sensitive spots and make himself as difficult to reach as possible. Not when his reaction was this adorable. Not when he was still recovering.
"Okay," Hongjoong murmured, bringing his hand back to the older's hip and keeping it there. "I'll stop."
As if moving in slow motion and still breathing hard, Seonghwa removed his face from the pillow and met Hongjoong with a side-eye that had 'I don't trust that' written all over it, suspicion clear in the way Seonghwa's brows were furrowed.
The deep silence that came with the look only supported the message.
"Believe me, I will," Hongjoong rushed to say, though amused by the sight. He lifted himself off Seonghwa and settled onto his knees beside the pack's luna, raising his left hand like he was going to make a serious oath. "I swear it."
Their link, despite Seonghwa's reaction, was free of distress so it kind of convinced him that nothing major had actually happened, however Seonghwa still made a low sound of disapproval. "Tickleattack at six am," he murmured, lips turned down in a pout.
Chuckling, Hongjoong tilted his head. "Well, you're the one who was gonna make breakfast at this hour," he replied back gently.
Giving another short and ineffective side-eye, Seonghwa let out a breath but his form visibly relaxed. "Touché, I guess," he muttered, voice trailing off he nuzzled against the pillow and yawned.
Huffing softly, Hongjoong caressed the spot where Seonghwa's shirt had ridden up, thumb making circles against the hipbone there. The act was automatic, not needing any conscious thought from him, the move soothing and assuring the older of his honesty. A moment of silence settled between them, lasting until Hongjoong shifted to lean forward, supporting himself with his left hand and reaching towards the older. For a split second he could see the moment Seonghwa noticed his approach, eyes getting round before closing a moment after, waiting for whatever was going to happen.
And letting it happen.
Hongjoong's lips met with the older's temple, landing and pressing gently, and then letting go. There was no rush in the act, and he let his nose bump against the spot before lifting himself up, slowly putting some space between them, watching as the older blinked his eyes open.
What leftover side-eye there might have been was wiped away and the corners of Seonghwa's lips curled upward. The only way Hongjoong found himself answering was with a smile of his own.
"Love you," he whispered, voice hushed.
Seonghwa's lashes fluttered and he licked his lips quickly. He remained silent, though through their link Hongjoong could feel flickers of something akin to happiness, something he wanted to hold on to. And never let go.
"I can't even consider being mad at you," Seonghwa murmured.
Hongjoong shook his head. "Nope, you can't," he agreed with mirth.
The answer made Seonghwa hum lightly, the sound happy and mirroring the dreamy look that had settled on his face. Inhaling then audibly, he twisted his body to turn onto his back, shoulders rolling with a sigh.
Looking up at Hongjoong, the corners of Seonghwa's lips stayed up. "Love you too," he said.
Feeling like he might drown into those brown orbs, Hongjoong blinked slowly as his mind grew momentarily fuzzy. However, it was a mere moment later that something very pale caught his attention in the corner of his vision, causing him to turn his head to see what it was.
The collar of Seonghwa's shirt had stretched as a result of his twisting and turning, revealing more of his collarbones and with it, some of his shoulder as well. Most importantly, some of the bandages that'd been placed there yesterday.
The material was a stark contrast to Seonghwa's actual skin tone and very noticeable when the shirt wasn't covering the area. No doubt the marks were already on a good road to recovery but the sight still made Hongjoong stop for a second. Thinking, so many what if's, yet here they were. One woun–
No.
He stopped himself there.
Yes, there were always possibilities and sometimes outcomes weren't those you liked the most. What was important now, was that Seonghwa was recovering and he was safe. And what Hongjoong now needed, was to blur those horrible thoughts with something better, to replace the bad memories with something more beautiful.
With his left hand Hongjoong went to correct the shirt over the bandages. A questioning sound came from Seonghwa as soon as he noticed the hand coming close to his shoulder but he didn't make a move to interfere in whatever the pack's leader was doing. Placing the fabric down, Hongjoong laid his hand over the now shirt-covered spot, fingers spreading over the surface. When he looked back at the other, he was met with a confused stare.
"Just making sure they stay as protected as they can," he explained, the hand placed over the injury smoothing over the area.
The older's eyes held understanding. "They're fine," Seonghwa answered, nodding his head, assurance in his voice.
Hongjoong knew it, yes, he knew it. "I just wished to take care of you," he said. He might not have prevented it from happening but he would be there during the aftermath. "Can I?"
Seonghwa's features softened. "Come here," he said, bringing his arms up, reaching for the younger but not touching him, as if asking for Hongjoong to fall into them.
Thankfulness in his chest, Hongjoong settled down beside the older, taking one of Seonghwa's hands into his as Seonghwa turned onto his side as well, the two of them facing each other. The sheets rustled under their forms but it didn't take long before the two of them were almost nose to nose, their hands clasped together between them, resting near their faces. For a second Hongjoong's eyes were cloudy as he focused on sending out the happiness and comfort through their link, his wolf's presence strong inside him, supporting the feeling.
As if the message had been received, the link soon sang with the warmth of the older's response as well. Making him hum and his wolf soundlessly rumble in delight, Hongjoong focused back to the sight in front of him. Mirroring Hongjoong's half-lidded gaze, Seonghwa was dreamily looking at him.
"Thank you," the older said, pulling Hongjoong's hand closer, tilting his head down until a small kiss could be placed against the fingers.
It sent a very welcomed shudder though Hongjoong's being. "No, thank you," he murmured back, his thumb caressing against Seonghwa's hand in return.
Not taking long in their relaxed state, tiredness soon crept from the back of his mind and started to pull him under once more. And if Seonghwa's expression was anything to go by, he was feeling the exact same. Watching the older trying to keep his eyes open but seeing how it was becoming harder after each passing moment, Hongjoong eventually gathered his thoughts to speak.
"Let's sleep some more. The members will start to make noise in a couple of hours so we still have time."
Seonghwa's eyes closed and he pressed his cheek against the pillow with a sigh. "Mmhm, okay, let's do that," he mumbled, a tiny smile on his lips.
Barely one step away from falling back to sleep, Hongjoong slipped his right hand from where it was cradled in Seonghwa's own and pulled the blanket back over them. For a good measure he pushed some stray hairs off Seonghwa's face and then returned his hand to hold the older's own, pushing their fingers to intertwine with each other.
"Goodnight, Hwa," he murmured.
"Goodnight, Joong," Seonghwa whispered back.
And the room fell silent once again, the first rays of sunlight soon starting to pour through the window.