1 and 0nly (SVT one shots)

hazards of loving (JeongCheol)

Seungcheol rubbed his temple.

At least it wasn't a child.

(Yet.)

Being a man of power, known to be as capable as he was ruthless - well, one might think a situation like this would be solved with nothing but a firm word. In truth, of course, Seungcheol knew he had lost already. Even as he made his feeble last stand and focused his gaze on Jeonghan's forehead, to escape the full force of his pleading eyes, he knew it was all for naught. "Han. Our lease doesn't allow pets ..."

"Her name is star," said the love of Seungcheol's life, holding the soaked cat protectively in his arms. Once upon a time the poor animal might have been white, but right now was definitely a dirty grey.

Still, the pitiful image really just made it harder to look at Jeonghan. Hair plastered to his face, white shirt plastered to his body in way too tantalising a way - Seungcheol would never get used to his beauty - and his eyes, so full of love and trust, as he gently cradled this small, pitiful creature. "Cheol... she doesn't have anyone. She followed me all the way ..."

Seungcheol couldn't help but feel for a creature with nothing but the harsh streets to beat her down, trailing Jeonghan to find some kind of meaning. And unfortunately, Seungcheol would rather die than disappoint Jeonghan.

What was getting kicked out by their landlord compared to the pain of death ...

He mentally calculated what it'd cost them to move before any such thing happened, and sighed deeply as he extended his hands. "Give her to me. Go take a bath, you'll catch a cold."

"I'll survive a cold," Jeonghan insisted. Seungcheol wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to just shove him into a warm tub. "First we must make sure she's -"

"Unacceptable," Seungcheol declared. He went to lift the cat from Jeonghan's arms, but the little beast started actively fighting him, clawing at him to stay in Jeonghan's embrace. Seungcheol could relate, but he was still offended.

"Excuse me, do you want to be at fault for him catching a cold?" He chided. "Getting sick for his good deed? Don't be ungrateful."

The cat looked him in the eye and gave the smallest, most croaky "Aow." It honestly sounded more like someone strangling a raven.

Jeonghan smiled so wide it would have blinded a lesser man, holding the bedraggled cat more securely. "I think that means she likes you!"

How his beloved could say that a mere minute after the cat had tried to actively kill Seungcheol was beyond him.

Seeing his face, Jeonghan chuckled, a bit sheepish. "She needs some time to learn how to trust, I think." His voice warmed as he looked down at the cat, perfectly calm again as he pressed her against his chest. "I'll get a towel and make sure to dry her off! We still have salmon, right? You can give it to her after and I'm sure she'll love you for it!"

Bribery, huh. Seungcheol was not beneath it to make sure peace would prevail in his own home. But that could wait.

For now, Seungcheol sighed deeply and followed his dearest person into the bathroom, where he watched Jeonghan fuss over the cat with an earnesty that made Seungcheol fall in love all over again. His sigh this time was one of fond exasperation, helpless and lovestruck, as he took up another fresh towel.

Jeonghan made a soft sound of surprise when Seungcheol's fingers gently sank into his wet hair, but immediately leaned into it. "Cheol is so good to me," he sighed, tilting his head so Seungcheol had an easier time untying the elastic holding his hair.

"Mn," Seungcheol hummed, taking his time to run his fingers through the wet tangles at first, smoothing them out before he folded open the towel to pat his hair dry. "Who's gonna take care of you if you won't?"

"My dear Cheol will," Jeonghan hummed back, still towelling the fluffy white cat. The bedraggled beast was purring loudly, and frankly, if he were equipped for it Seungcheol would do the same under Jeonghan's attention.

"You really will be the death of me," Seungcheol murmured, and carefully folded a towel turban for Jeonghan. "Shall I order food in, then? Pet stores are closed for the night ... I bet I could get He Xuan to get something from somewhere, but -"

"No, no!" Jeonghan hurried to say. "Don't bother him with that. It should be fine for the night." He finished towelling the cat, which still looked rather bedraggled, but now took over the work itself, grooming its dirty fur.

Seungcheol reached around him, starting to unbutton his shirt all the way down and slipping it off his shoulders. Jeonghan's skin was damp and chilled, and Seungcheol clicked his tongue. "Can I convince you to take a bath while I care for our new foster cat?"

He knew this cat was theirs now. But, it was about the principle of the thing. He wasn't giving in immediately.

"I'll simply have some tea?" At least he had the courtesy to sound sheepish about it. "I couldn't relax ... I just want to make sure she knows that all the bad times are over now."

Of course he did. That was who Jeonghan was.

Seungcheol unfolded his second towel, rubbing Jeonghan's back dry and trying to get some warmth into his skin at the same time. "I expect you on the sofa and under the blankets with me to warm up, understood?" he said, trying to sound stern rather than indulgent. He folded the towel over Jeonghan's pale, exposed shoulders for the sake of his own sanity. "I'll get our usual, and then we'll look at some flats that allow pets."

Jeonghan turned then, eyes wide and bright. "Seungcheol!"

"Mn?" Seungcheol had his hands on his thighs, ready to push himself up and make tea and prepare blankets for Han, but of course he waited to hear him out.

Instead, a hand took hold of the front of his shirt and strong arms pulled him in. With a soft, startled sound Seungcheol melted into the shape of Jeonghan's smile, pressed against his own lips. It short-circuited his brain, made his hands shake, made his knees weak.

I will never get used to this.

He lifted his hand, settling for fingertips against Jeonghan's jaw, and kissed him back. His lips were cold, but Seungcheol did not mind. The touch still made him feel warm all over.

When he pulled away, Jeonghan looked slightly dazed. Taken aback by his own brazeness. Seungcheol was so proud. "Cheol... thank you." He reached one hand up, balancing the towel on his head properly, cheeks dusted with the loveliest of blushes.

star, who was apparently now the third member of their family, kept up a sputtering purr even as she eyed Seungcheol suspiciously, who she seemed to have figured out was the one at fault for snatching Jeonghan's attention.

"Don't thank me. Not for this. I love you for your kindness - not making space for it in our lives ..." Seungcheol sighed. "It wouldn't do. Just let me warm you up." He did get to his feet now, mostly so he wouldn't hug Jeonghan where he sat on the bathroom floor with this starved-looking cat. Seungcheol would not be letting go anytime soon. "I'm also preparing salmon for our guest. I have a feeling she will be spoiled soon."

"I don't know what you mean," Jeonghan said innocently.

Seungcheol kissed his temple. "Of course you don't. Make sure you're not too long."

Ah, life was just too hard, being in love with the kindest and brightest man this earth had ever produced. Seungcheol whistled a small tune to himself as he set up the kettle, and enjoyed his struggles very, very much.