Our Way ||| Ateez

31

Hongjoong moved everyone off his lap and walked slowly to the front door. Jongho? Is that you? He called out through the link.

Both he and Yeosang held their breaths as they waited for a response. Even Avayla and Theo stared at the front door with wide eyes.

"Stay here with the kids." Hongjoong said, not looking back as he stepped outside. Whoever crossed the line didn't feel hostile, but if it was Jongho then why wasn't he answering?

As he stood on the front porch, he heard the roar of an engine before he saw the lights from the truck as it pulled up in front of the house. It was a military truck, meant for transporting troops...

Hongjoong clenched his fists, prepared to fight if he needed to.

The truck rolled to a short stop and the back door opened.

Two sets of feet crunched in the snow and Jongho appeared around the side of the door, a weary smile on his face.

Hongjoong sighed and ran forward, practically jumping into the alpha's arms. "Why didn't you answer me?" He asked as he clung to the younger.

"Honestly? I just woke up." Jongho answered with a slight chuckle. "We all did. It's been a long drive." Then he hesitated and looked down.

"What's wrong?" Hongjoong asked, his heart sinking.

"We didn't come back in one piece. Are the kids awake? I... I don't know if they should see us right now..."

Hongjoong glanced back at the house and bit his lip. "While I would usually agree with you, they already know something is up. I don't think we could get them to bed even if we tried. What happened?"

"It's a long story." Jongho sighed as a pained look crossed his face.

They stepped back and the older glanced around the door. He gasped and placed his hand over his heart as he saw Mingi and Colonel Gregson helping Yunho down out of the truck. Jongho stepped forward so his mate had something to hold on to as he stepped down. Then Mingi jumped down and supported Yunho's weight.

"Hey Joong." Mingi said, nodding at him.

Yunho tried to give him his usual wide smile, but Hongjoong could tell that he was in a lot of pain.

Seonghwa was the next. He looked drained and... Lifeless. Hongjoong saw him glance at Mingi once before dropping his eyes to the ground again and following silently behind him.

San was the last one out and he was carrying Wooyoung in his arms. The little omega hissed in pain, but he gave Hongjoong an almost embarrassed smile before reaching out and touching his shoulder.

"Guys..." Hongjoong gasped.

"They are home." Colonel Gregson said, patting him on the shoulder. "That's what's important. We did it. Things should hopefully be over."

Swallowing hard, Hongjoong blinked several times before he shook his head. "Please, Colonel, please come in."

The man just nodded and took up his place at the back of the group.

Jongho hesitated on the porch, his hand on the handle was shaking as he glanced back at Yunho. He got a nod from his mate and opened the door.

"Papa!!" Avayla shouted as they all filed into the house.

Jongho quickly moved to support Yunho as Mingi fell to his knees and pulled Avayla into his chest and held her tight. The little girl was sobbing as she threw her arms around the alpha. Then she lifted her head and cried harder when she saw Seonghwa, who collapsed as well and pulled her to him.