Archive of Our Own ^beta

Of all the joys in the world, this little furrball had to be one of Yeonoh’s favourites. There were three times in his life where he had felt that sense of absolute love and devotion. First was with his brother, then Jaehyuk and finally, Poireau. Or as he liked to call him, his cat son.

After bringing him home from their little vacation, they introduced the cat to Yeonjun. Having never had a pet before, the teenager had been a bit unsure at first. So it was very unexpected when they came home one day, to find Yeonjun laying on his stomach, playing the console, Poireau sleeping peacefully on his back.

When Yeonoh asked him about it. His brother raised his thumb and said the furrball had “passed the vibe check”. Which was only made funnier by Jaehyuk’s perplexed face.

Everything was going so well, Yeonoh was on cloud nine. 

“Yeonoh. We need to talk.”

Jaehyuk looked sombre as he came home that night and Yeonoh’s heart jumped in his chest. Had something happened?

He followed Jaehyuk, who took his hand and led him to the living room where his brother was sitting at the table, looking sombre himself. But as he glanced between the two of them, Yeonoh didn’t see any sign of distress, and relaxed. His brother had probably messed up a little.

He sat down at the table, opposite his brother and with Jaehyuk on his right. Poireau jumped into his lap right away and started purring as he kneaded his thighs.

“No.” Jaehyuk said, getting up and catching the cat. “I’m mad at you too!” he said before sitting the cat on the high-chair next to Yeonjun, his designated place at the table. 

Then, his boyfriend sat back down next to him, sighing dramatically. Yeonoh had to bite his lip to not let a chuckle out. 

“What are they even being so serious about?!” He wondered, looking fondly at his family.

“Do you know what this is?” Jaehyuk asked him, raising the black card they had given Yeonjun for emergencies, when they were both away.

“The emergency card?” He tentatively said, raising an eyebrow.

“And what is it for?” Jaehyuk asked again.

“Emergencies.” He snorted, not seeing where this was going.

“Right.” Jaehyuk nodded. “Now Yeonjun, what do you think qualifies as an emergency?”

Yeonoh turned to his brother, even more confused. When their eyes met, his brother looked down to his lap, ashamed.

“Life and death situations.” He recited in a monotone voice.

“So tell me.” Jaehyuk said as he grabbed a bag he had left next to his seat, and emptied its content on the table. “Does this constitute an emergency?!” He said accusingly.

Yeonoh stared wide-eyed at the pile of cat clothing and accessories that were hidden away in the bag just a moment ago. There were toys, leashes, harnesses, collars, vests, sweaters, special treats, anything imaginable that was catered to a cat’s needs (and leisure). Yeonoh was unhappy to say the least about his brother’s bad spending habits. He tried to be understanding, as it wasn’t unheard of that someone that had lived in poverty all their life would become an avid spender once they got more means. But it did worry him. 

He was on the other end of the spectrum, the type to spend as little money as possible and to save a maximum, in case of a disaster where he’d lose everything he had. 

“It’s cold in winter.” Yeonjun mumbled. “I was scared he would get cold when we go out on walks.” He said pitifully, pouting his lip as he made eyes at Yeonoh.

“He knows how to get me on his good side. “ Yeonoh noted, feeling himself waver. He just loved the fact that his brother had fallen head over heels for Poireau, like how he and Jaehyuk had. And while spending so much money on the cat wasn’t the best idea, at least he hadn’t selfishly spent it all on non-essential things for himself.

“Does he need three different collars?” Jaehyuk asked, calm but firm.

“It’s so he can wear one that goes with his outfit.” Yeonjun sulked, like he was annoyed that Jaehyuk didn’t get it.

“Why does he need so many outfits in the first place?!” 

“Well, the temperature isn’t all hot or cold, sometimes it's in between.” He said, pursuing his lips.

“He’s a cat, his fur is all he needs.” Jaehyuk crossed his arms against his chest. “I think you were trying to match his look with yours.” 

The accusation sounded dire and serious in his boyfriend’s mouth and Yeonoh had to take a deep breath to remain serious. This was taking an unexpected turn.

“Dog owners do it all the time!” Yeonjun exploded, admitting his real intent. “Why can't’ I do it with Poireau?! He’s much more dignified than those dogs that spend their time sniffing butts!” 

“Cats lick their asses. “Jaehyuk dead panned, earning him an offended gasp from both brothers. “Don’t they?” He insisted, dumbfounded by their reaction.

“Are you going to let him talk about your son like that?!” Yeonjun asked him, trying to get him on his side.

“If that’s all you have to complain about, what does Poireau have to do with it?” Yeonoh turned to Jaehyuk.

“Hey!” Yeonjun exclaimed. “That's unfair, why do you just defend Poireau, what about me?!”

“Cause I'm pretty sure he wasn’t the one using the emergency credit card to pay for all of this.” He said, crossing his arms as his brother had the decency to at least look regretful.

“Look at the cat.” Jaehyuk pointed at Poireau, who was licking his butthole. “He obviously tricked him into it.” 

Yeojun and him exchanged perplexed looks. 

“Right…” Yeonoh said. “Because cats do that.”

“They do.” Jaehyuk nodded his head. “That cat has you both wrapped around his adorable little paws.” He insisted.

Poireau stayed unfazed in front of the accusations, the tip of his tongue hanging out of his mouth as he stared at Jaehyuk. Yeonoh could almost see him roll his eyes at the businessman.

“Okay…” Yeonoh tried to wrap his head around the situation. It was so absurd. “This is the first time such a disgression happened, and I believe you know what you did wrong, Yeonjun?”

“I’ll pay back every cent with the money from my part time job, sorry.” He said, hanging his head low as he apologised to Jaehyuk. 

Yeonoh could see his boyfriend twitch, obviously uncomfortable with the pitiful act his brother was putting on. He chuckled internally, he’d have to scold his brother for trying emotionally manipulate his boyfriend, later.

“That’s okay.” Jaehyuk cleared his throat, ears red. “I just don’t want you to get bad spending habits.”

“I should have asked for permission before using the card, I'll be more responsible from now on and only use it for real emergencies.” Yeonjun raised his head, smiling sheepishly.

“Very well.” Yeonoh nodded. “As for you Poireau, no more manipulating Yeonjun into doing your bidding okay?” 

Poireau stared at him before he blinked his left eye.

“Sorcery.” He heard Jaehyuk mutter.

He couldn’t help the laughter that escaped his lips, smacking his boyfriend’s arm playfully. Why was he so adorable? Who would have thought that the Kwon Jaehyuk had such a cute side to him. Yeonoh would have swallowed him whole if his brother wasn’t in the room with them.

“So, do you guys want to see the looks, or not?” Yeonjun suddenly asked, grinning from ear to ear.

Yeonoh and Jaehyuk exchanged a glance. They couldn’t deny that they were both curious.

“If the look is bad, you have to return the items.”

“Oh come on, not cool!” Yeonjun whined. 

“That seems fair to me.” Jaehyuk approved.

“Yeah? Well prepare to be blown away!” He warned them. “Come on Poireau, I’ll style your hair like mine too.”

Yeonoh was amused, and slightly worried, but seeing his brother acting his age and being silly was more than he could have ever hoped for.

“He escaped punishment again.” Jaehyuk pointed out. 

“Yeah, he and I might be weak to the cat, but you’re definitely weak to him.” Yeonoh chuckled, patting his back in a comforting manner. “I’ll have a talk with him, but don’t let his sad puppy eyes fool you, anymore.”

“They look exactly like yours.” He said, catching his hand and intertwining their fingers. “His eyes. And I can’t bear to make them sad.”

There was a warmth that bloomed in his chest, spreading all the way to his face.

“So cheesy.” He giggled, embarrassed.

“I mean it.” Jaehyuk chuckled, leaning down towards him until their lips touched. 

Yeonoh lost himself to the kiss. It was soft, tender, full of love and affection. He moved from his seat to Jaehyuk’s lap. Strong arms wrapping immediately around him as he ran his hands through the soft black hair. He loved it when Jaehyuk had his hair down for that exact reason. Their lips stayed connected, neither of them wanting to let go. 

It was slowly dawning on Yeonoh that all of this was real. For so long, every little glimmer of hope and happiness he had in his life, was instantly trampled and destroyed. To the point, he became wary whenever things were going too well. Scared that it all would be crushed again. But it was different this time. He had a family, a home to come back to, people to share the good and hard times with. This happiness was real.

“I love you.” He whispered to Jaehyuk, staring straight into his eyes. They looked more grey than blue in autumn, but Yeonoh could lose himself in them all the same.

“I love you too.” Came the soft answer. 

Their lips had just connected when they heard a cough. Yeonoh knew it was his brother before he could even see him.

“You know what, I don’t care what you say, I’m keeping one of the collars for myself.” Yeonjun shook his head in disapprobation. “We need a way for you guys to hear me approach, because I don’t want to see any of that lovey dovey stuff.”

“Yeonjun…” Yeonoh started, rolling his eyes.

“No, I don’t care. It’s actually a matter of life and death for me. I’m serious.”

“Whatever.” Yeonoh snorted, before planting one last kiss on Jaehyuk’s lips. It sent Yeonjun into a dramatical meltdown, and among all his cries he could only make out claims that his eyes were burning. 

Yeonoh chuckled at the antics, hugging Jaehyuk close as Poireau started smacking Yeonjun on the mouth to make him shut up. 

They were a noisy bunch and a bit unordinary to say the least, but Yeonoh wouldn’t exchange his family for any other. They were perfect for him.