Destiny Makes Eight

Once You Get To Know Him

(This one has some hard themes, be warned)

It wasn’t until a couple of days later that Yunho finally ventured out of his room again. Doctor Park checked in on him daily and made sure his wound was healing well. The others would visit throughout the day as well, even Seonghwa. Which, to Yunho, was still so surreal that he had a hard time believing he wasn’t dreaming. Yet the more time he spent in the Luna’s presence, the more he wondered how anyone could stand to be away from him. Seonghwa was so kind and gentle with Yunho, in everything he did. The way he moved or spoke was so comforting that Yunho couldn’t help but gravitate toward him. He held the comfort of a mother, something Yunho had sorely been missing.

Yunho watched as Seonghwa patiently calmed an energetic Wooyoung while the servants set down their picnic breakfast in the garden. The smaller Beta had been running around with Mingi until he was tackled down with a screeching laughter that made Yunho smile. The two rolled around for a moment before Seonghwa called them over to eat. While Mingi easily settled next to Yunho, panting heavily from his rough-housing, Wooyoung was still a vibrating ball of energy. Seonghwa’s hand on his neck, rubbing circles into the skin there, settled Wooyoung down soon enough though. As if sensing breakfast was underway, San and Jongho joined the small group and settled on the edge of the blanket.

“Is it okay to join?” San asked with a smile. His hand already reaching out for a piece of watermelon. He plucked the fruit from the bowl and bit into it. A small bit of juice dribbled down his chin. Before he could wipe it, Wooyoung was there, licking at it.

Yunho flushed a bit and turned away, unsure if he was supposed to be witnessing their intimate moment. While he’d been getting more comfortable around the Pack members again, he still had that feeling of being an outsider every now and then. Mingi leaned his head on his shoulder and sighed, easing Yunho’s distress. He didn’t have a scent like the rest of them, but somehow Mingi seemed to always know.

“Of course, love.” Seonghwa smiled gently and slid the bowl a little closer. Wooyoung settled into San’s lap with his back pressed to the Alpha’s chest. San lovingly wrapped his arms around his waist and hooked his chin over his shoulder to wait for another bite. Wooyoung fed him with his fingers, giggling each time the Alpha’s lips closed around his fingertips and the piece of watermelon.

Jongho leaned back on his hands and took in a deep breath. He and San had been in charge of making sure the delivery of goods from the market was complete. It was a duty the Pack took turns with but San usually liked to be there. He could sometimes work out a better deal for them when the merchant came around. They wrapped up just after the servants finished preparing breakfast and chose to follow them into the garden. Seonghwa reached to tap Jongho’s arm and held out a roll with butter and honey. Jongho smiled and took it from him, biting into it. He nodded his head in thanks, ever the quiet man. Seonghwa pat his head then went back to his own food.

Yunho looked around and couldn’t help but relax a bit when he noticed no one else was coming. Mingi noticed easily. Of course he did. The Beta lifted his head up and shifted his body so he could see Yunho easier. “Nervous?”

Yunho’s ears reddened a little at being called out on it. Made worse when the others heard Mingi’s question and looked at him. Yunho stammered and picked up his glass of water to sip at it, feeling parched all of a sudden. Seonghwa quietly waved his hand to get the others to stop staring at the poor man. “I- I just uhm…”

“It’s alright, sweet thing.” Seonghwa scooted a little closer. The pet name made something stir within Yunho and he looked up at the other. Seonghwa’s round eyes looked at him with so much care Yunho nearly teared up. “I’m glad you decided to join us, even if you feel a little anxious. You’re safe, though, okay?”