✬˖⁺ boardwalk。

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 "Of course you do." He burst into a fit of giggles at his hyeong's reaction. He was laughing so hard that he fell down laughing. "Because I can." And then he stuck his tongue out again. Rolling his eyes, he just shook his head. "Yea, whatever. You keep thinking that. And you're a mom. It is instinctual acording to my mother in-law. If you need help though, I'm sure Minki would be happy to help you." His mate had been a natural mother even before he'd realized it. The moment he'd held their pups, Jiyong had seen the fear in his eyes turn into love and wonder, not to mention protectiveness. "Same with ours." Laughing again, he shrugged. "I know you are. My own was, but geez without us dads you wouldn't be moms." He didn't honestly mind though. Seeing that twitch, he waited for the jokes, but when they didn't come, he was pleasantly surprised. "Alright. I'm sure he will love it and the pups really do to." Ji thought it was a sweet idea for the pups. "I am going to turn our living room into a gallery of pictures for Minki and our pups."

☑ gяєєη zσηє.

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 "Hmm, do I?" Daehyun teased with a bright grin. As soon as he felt a wetness on his fur, he flinched and yowled out. "Ack, gross! Why would you do that, you weirdo?" He snorted at Jiyong's statement. "Wrong. I can call you what I want, when I want. I have that authority over you. I surely hope so. I'm worried that I'm not good with kids. Ahhh, they're such cuties! They are a mixture of both. They have Jongup's nose and eyes, and they have my lips and ears. Gosh, I can't get over their cuteness." Daehyun shot him a glare. "We mothers are protective of our pups. We wanna do everything for them, so shush. It's a mother thing." His lips twitched at Jiyong's smile and then at his words. He thought it was super cute that Jiyong helped out with his sons' delivery. "Strawberry. Noted. I'll bring a lot of strawberry, but also make other flavors, too." Jello wasn't too hard to make, so it shouldn't take him a long time to whip up a lot. "Baby blankets? How cute! That's such a great idea. Jongup and I had decided on a scrapbook. We'll gift it to the kids when they get older."

@✔ ᵒ daehyun✙j。 Jiyong laughed at him. "But you love me anyway." Throwing a paw over the other's back, he his cheek, knowing he'd hate it. "It's not, but no you can't. Only Minki can call me whatever. They will love you and I'm sure I'll love your pups! Do they look like you, Jongup ssi or both?" He was so curious about other kids now that he had his own. "I understand. Right now, I'm trying to do everything for the pups, so Minki can rest, but he's adamant that he can handle it. I swear. You mothers." He shook his head, but his mouth still contained a fond smile as if saying, 'You drive me crazy, but I love you anyway.' That was pretty much the case with his mate lately. "It was, but also really messy. It seemed to calm Minki that I was the one doing it though, so that was a plus." Although he wasn't positive, he was fairly sure the boy was still afraid of his father. In a way he didn't blame him. The man's aura was dark and powerful which scared him too. Not for the same reasons though. For the alpha, he worried one day he'd be the same. "Strawberry is his absolute favorite, but he's been eating it a lot since giving birth. I'm surprised he's not sick of it yet." He chuckled. He'd been doing the same thing. "You should see all the photos I have already. My little brother wants to use them to make baby blankets for both boys. I think it's sweet." Oh boy. Those were the two firsts that worried him most. They'd be into everything, but hopefully they wouldn't like those kids that never stopped talking. "You're my hyeong. Of course. And thank you. I will be sure to tell Minki. I'm sure they will too." The thought that they'd grow up together made him happy.

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 Daehyun rolled his eyes and waved his hand in the air as if to say 'nevermind'. "Aha! I knew it! Gosh, you are such a brat." He snorted at the other's complaint. "Oi, I can call you whatever I want. It's not like it's a bad thing, anyways. I would love to see them! And I will, when we come over. I'll need some time, ad I'm sure Minki does too, though, to recover from the births. That's awesome! I'm sure it was breathtaking." Daehyun was extremely happy for his friend, since he knew that Jongup liked being by his side when he was in the hospital. Daehyun had even asked him to leave, but he didn't budge. "Then I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I'll make a bunch of flavors." He thought it would be a good gift for welcoming him and his family into their home. At least, he hoped it was. "Yeah, that's right. I'm gonna take lots of pictures so I won't ever forget the memories that happen. I can't wait for their first word or their first steps." A ghost of a smile spread across his face. He was grateful to have them, but whenever he thought about his family, it made him depressed. "Thank you. I really appreciate that. You guys are always welcome over our house as well. I'm sure our kids will get along well."

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ *blushes more but smiles happiky as I reach to hold your hand and lace our fingers together*
I'm glad~

@jaehwan l。 Ah, me too~!
*chuckles a bit, turning to face you*
I like spending time with you too.

@✔ ᵒ daehyun✙j。 Jiyong looked confused. "How am I being disrespectful? I said you were right?" He had to bite back his smile though. "But maybe just a bit." Now he did grin. "Thank you. And don't call me cute. I'm not a pup. You should see them though. It was definitely one of the happiest moments. I got to deliver both of them too." Smiling at his hyeong, the alpha nodded. "You're welcome. I believe it. I'm still in awe of Taeji and Minho. Of courese. We'll look forward to it. Great. Surprise him. He likes most flavors, so I think he'll be happy to have some." He knew just the fact that Daehyun had been so thoughtful would make Minki happy. "I understand. You also don't want to take away from spending time with your pups as they grow." He felt the omega's pain. Until he'd found out he had a family he never knew about, he'd felt sorry for any kids he might have one day as well as for himself. "Well, you have me and Minki and I'm sure my father wouldn't object to more pups running around. Nor would my baby brother Taeho. He's omega too and just loves our kids. He helps Minki sometimes." For that, Ji would always be grateful.

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 Daehyun made a biting motion towards Jiyong's tongue as if he was going to nip at it. "Pfft, you just like disrespecting me, don't you?" His tone was light and teasing, though. He knew Jiyong didn't mean anything by it. "Oh, wow! Congratulations, my cute little dongsaeng. That was probably the happiest moment of your life, huh? Or at least one of them?" Daehyun smiled brightly at the other. "Thank you very much. They're such precious angels. I see Jongup in them too, and it just gives me such joy. Oh, really? Then, that's great! I'll make sure to bring them over so they can see their new uncle and aunt. I can whip up some. I just hope it's good! Which flavor is his favorite?" He nodded his head, knowing very well that he should be more patient. "I know, I know. I just can't help it. Babies are so cute and I want more! But you're right. I still want to spend time with my husband. I'll miss him too much." A soft sigh left his lips afterwards. "That sounds like everyone is having a good time then. I love when babies bring families closer. It's adorable. I wish my family was still around to help out."

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ *blinks*
Ah, I like spending time with you..plus like I said before, I'm not alone with you beside me~
*my cheeks turning a dark pink and I bite my lower lip shyly*

@✔ ᵒ daehyun✙j。 Deciding to let him feel like he'd won, Jiyong stuck his tongue out. "You're right ahjussi. You are older." He then grinned, because Daehyun was far from being an ahjussi. "Yes. They were born yesterday. My father taught me how and I actually delivered them. Minki is so happy when he's holding them or looking at them. And I am too." Mostly he was happy that his mate was happy, but he already loved his sons. "Really? Congratulations hyeong!" He could imagine how happy he and Jongup were about it. "Of course you can bring them. I think Minki would love that. That means 2 more babies to fuss over. And yea, I'm not either, but it gives Minki comfort so I make it for him. If you do that, I think he'll love you forever." He chuckled. "It will definitely help him relax some." Thanks to his mother in-law and his own imagination he had finally come up with his proposal. It would have to wait though, since the pups decided to make an appearance when he was going to pop the question. Hearing his hyeong, he laughed. "I think baby fever is going around. Minki and I both agreed we want more too. I can understand what Jongup means though. Besides, you JUST gave birth. Let your pups grow up some before you try for more. Otherwise, you and Jongup will never have a moment together." He shrugged slightly. Life was definitely forever changed but in a good way. "Things are good. Busy, but good. Both our families are excited and my baby brother is hovering and helping Minki like Minho and Taeji are his kids. It's really cute. I can't wait for him to have some." And to say he was happy to have Taeho around would be a massive understatement. He was beyond thrilled.

[No worries. Take your time.]

@jaehwan l。 *shuffles quietly as I turn my focus back to the water*
How come you're happier?

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ *nods agreeing amd smiling. Looks at you curiously*
How come what? Me being alone or happier that you're here?

@jaehwan l。 Of course.. But, never better than best.
*looks away as my cheeks become dusted, lightly red and clears my throat softly*
How come?

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ Mhm.. I mean.. Anyone could always do better right?
*glances at you for a moment before I also look out to the water*
Plus I get pretty bored around here alone...I'm a lot happier now that your with me
*smiles *

@jaehwan l。 *nods in return before draping my arms over the railing and watching the waves cascade over the beach*
Just alright..?

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ *hums lightly as I let go of your hand so I can lean against the railing*
I'm doing alright as well..
*nods gently*

@jaehwan l。 *slumps slightly as I look up at the sky*
I'm alright, how about you?

@ℋ ᵇ minseok☀k。ᴴ *lets out a small laugh and nods as I glance at you swing our hands gently*
So how are you doing?

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 (sorry love ;;;)

"Hm, well, you're younger than me, so I still am able to call you a pup. Don't argue with your elder." Daehyun snorted at the other's comment, but just decided to let it go. "Really? Did you guys have the babies now? I, uh, actually had mine today. You should see Jongup with them. It's so precious the way he looks at the pups. I'm so proud and happy that this was possible." He hummed, tilting his head to the side. "Bring Youngjae? Of course. Can I bring the babies, too? If not, that's alright, but either Jongup or I would have to stay home. Ah, jello...I'm not a huge fan of it myself, but I can makes some for him. Maybe it'll be like, a thank you gift for letting us come to your home." It was understandable that Jiyong wanted to have everything perfect for his proposal. Daehyun didn't blame him. This was a special moment. When Jongup proposed to him, it was like the whole world stopped for a good reason. "I see. I wanna get pregnant again honestly. Jongup said to slow down, though, since we have three kids already." He laughed loudly, a blush dusting his cheeks. He knew that he was being sort of demanding, but he couldn't help but want more children. "Oh, wow! So today! How are things going?"

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 Not even bothering to answer, he laughed. Being childish was always so much fun with Daehyun. "Pup? I haven't been a pup in over 17 years thank you very much. And let's not forget you abuse me too." He rolled his eyes. Now he had to laugh. Was it normal for expecting mothers all so in a hurry? "Minki is the same way! What is it with them? I agree though. They are so cute like that and I have to admit I'm excite about it too. "Oh hyeong! That so wonderful! Will you bring him to dinner too? I know Minki will love to spoil him too. I should warn you all before you come though that Minki LOVES jello. I'm sure that will come up at some point." He didn't want them to be blindsided and then make Minki uncomfortable. The advice his friend was giving him was accurate he knew, but he still wanted it to be special. His mate had grown up without a lot of love so he wanted to make sure he knew now that he'd never be without it again. "I still want to do something special though." With a shy shrug, he laughed. "Yea I have." Oh that was how Minki had gotten pregnant in the first place. "Yea. It was hard doing my rut, but Minki got pregnant during his heat. Thanks hyeong. That means more than you know." He rubbed the back of his neck even feeling slightly embarrassed. "You will be great too and I know you're excited. "June 20th."

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 Daehyun's brow rose. "Excuse me? If I'm no fun, then I should be the one leaving, hm?" Like a child would do, Daehyun stuck his tongue out right back. "Pfft, as if. I could find lots of other things to do than take abuse from an ungrateful pup." A playful smirk quirked on his lips as he spoke. It got him excited being able to speak so carefree about his relationship and future children with his friend. Honestly, there was so much more he wanted to talk about, but the overwhelming sensation of being married with kids was overpowering everything else. "I can hardly describe it. Jongup's been super impatient, and it's pretty funny, yet comforting." He chuckled form the way his fiance acted, always touching his stomach and asking when they were going to come. "We just adopted a child as well. His name is Youngjae. I think he'll be a perfect addition to the family, and I know the twins will love him as an older brother. Ah, proposals. Ours wasn't anything over the top. It was simple and sweet and I'm certain I would've preferred this over something huge and extravagant. Jiyong, you know he isn't going to say no. You both love each other and have kids on the way. Minki will love anything you do. I promise. Just be yourself." Daehyun could tell that the other was upset, so he was hoping to provide some sort of comfort with the words he said. A small chuckle fell from his lips as he nodded, remembering quite well. "And you were smitten ever since, weren't you?" The blush was still prominent on his face, since he wasn't one to usually talk about anything intimate with other people. "Well, we toned it down a bit. I was in heat, so it made it hard. I know you're going to do your best, Jiyong. We've been friends for a long time. I have no doubt that you'll be a wonderful father." He was being genuine, since, after all, they practically grew up together. Daehyun knew how the other acted. "I only have a week and a half before the babies are supposed to pop. When is Minki due?"

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 [Thanks love.]

He couldn't help but laugh. Only Daehyun. "You're no fun." He stuck his tongue out and grinned, happy to have a chance to relax while knowing his mate was still being cared for. With a scoff, he knew the other was joking, but it wasn't so easy to get rid of him, as his family's murderers would have found out. Well, if his father hadn't killed them after the attack. "You would be bored without me and you know it." That worked both ways though. He really did love hanging out with his hyeong. It always helped him relax and feel like he didn't have to be strong all the time. "You're welcome. I remember Minki's initial excitement so I can imagine. It's only going to get stronger." He still loved watching his mate's face when he thought of their pups. "Ours are going to be Taeji and Minho. I can't wait for them to be born. I've actually been thinking about how to propose to Minki, but with all the training my father has had for the two of us, there hasn't been time to do it right. I'm planning to in a couple days though. His mom is helping me with everything." He smiled although his eyes still appeared sad, since he wished his own mom were alive to help him too. Daehyun knew about how his family had been killed, but he still didn't know it had started because his father wanted him back. Only Minki knew that and he knew the alpha hated talking about it. "That's okay. Minki doesn't normally talk, because he has a hard time saying what he means. Remember I told you when we first met, he told me I stink." Even the memory made him smile. It was the beginning of their friendship. With a slight chuckle at the omega's obvious embarrassment, he shook his head. I'm just trying to be cautious. Oh hush. I was close to my mom, so I learned a lot. And I'm going to do my best." He shrugged it off. After all, she'd taught him so much. "I understand. I felt our boys yesterday and it was just amazing."

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 (don't worry about it~ it's all good^^)

Daehyun snort unpleasantly. "Oh please, Jiyong. We both know you're faking. Don't be such a drama queen!" It did feel really good to be messing around with the other after so long. It was almost as if the two had never been apart. "Again with the drama. And of course not. If that were the case, I would've dumped you long ago." He winked teasingly. A bright blush made its way to his cheeks along with a goofy grin. "Thanks man. I'm so excited to be a mom. I can imagine how your mate feels. Sure, I'd love for you to be my kids' uncle. Oh? That would be adorable. And actually, we're having twins as well. A daughter named Chaeyoung and a son named Jonghyun. Plus, we're getting married in about a week. I can't wait!" The happiness was basically radiating off of Daehyun since this was a huge moment for him. Becoming a parent truly meant the world to him. "We would be honored to come over. My Jongup is pretty shy and reserved, so he may have to warm up to you guys first. He's so cute." Daehyun grinned proudly before coughing and scratching the back of his neck. "Oh...well- Jongup and I haven't exactly taken a break yet. We just can't help it. Aww, my dongsaeng is being such a good daddy!" He ruffled the other's hair and winked. "I did feel the babies move today. We both teared up and I just...I can't explain the feelings we had. It was magical."

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 [OMO I'm so sorry. I thought I replied. Mianhae]

Pretending to be hurt, he whimpered. "Maybe I should go home then, since I'm such a bother." Even though Daehyun was an omega, he was still older. For that reason, Ji liked to act the way he had with his nuna. After all, he usually had to assume the role of strong, responsible and intelligent alpha. That was so tiring at times. Laughing, he shook his head. "I'm still breathing. Don't worry. You won't lose me that easily." He was so happy for his hyeong that he nuzzled him. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Does that mean I might get to be an uncle? And your pup can play with me and Minki's twins! Yay!" Even in wolf form he was bouncing in pure joy. "What do you mean my wording wasn't correct? My food is delicious. You and Jongup have to come to dinner one night and you can see for yourself. Besides, Minki's too far along for me to be doing that. I most ly rub his back and feet right now to help with the stress of the babies and the swelling." And he was telling the truth.

The soft course of the waves along the beach were one of the few things actually speaking, the zephyrs whispering promise of another day unto his unhearing ears, the thud of barefeet along splintered and split wooden boards letting him on the path of unyielding want. Cerulean eyes that were once bright with life, sparkling and joyous, calm and chorus, were dulled. Inure seeping in to the very bit of his being while melancholic tendrils make up the very backbone of the mirrors to his soul. The paled hair he was once so fond of was nothing more than an obstruction now, tresses shifting into his sight as he walks to the sunset he no longer holds longing to. Halcyon glimpses of his past just that - the past. Pictures that remind him of the ache that sits still within his chest. To be alone. To actually be alone. To constantly put up the front of smiles and cacchinate tendencies, whipping jokes from left to right were just fate's cruel beleaguer to his unwilling body. That joy was aleatory now, hoping to stumble upon the strands of life that drag him from the very pits of where he no longer wanted to be. Desultory limbs shuffle across the wood now, faded hair frowzy and state of dress unkempt, the cool wind rushing past his form, the zephyrs once more promising him nothing but the cold pinpricks the ocean's front brings in. Even with his eyes closed, the phosphenes that dance behind aren't bright enough to pull him from this. The ring of laughter that falls from children as they indulge in the games upon the boardwalk, the designated fishing area where couples and older person's relax to their heart's content, pleased with the world about them. This was not where he belonged - this was their demesne.

How many times had he closed his eyes and wished to run away? Drapetomania coiling her nails into his shoulders and begging, pleading him to follow, offering promise of something he never knew would turn out. The promise of eternal peace at the very edge of her fingertips, but he never holds on for too long. This was becoming an exhausting imbrication, drifting him into a memory lapse of, erstwhile, his smiles were nothing but pure. Now they were full of stripped exuberance and cromulent reassurance. His lids droop as the sun bleeds to cool tones, not realizing the shift of crystal, salted waters cascading down his face in hot globs. The trail of tears pooling at his chin and dripping along his hand, that was only when he raises his palm to run the swell of his hand along the brim of his eyes. If he kept his eyes closed...

When he opened them, would it be back to normal?

It was all he could wish for. So tired of going to bed with a cold space next to him, missing - missing his best friend. Having to deal with this alone while listening to the constant tacenda of other people's relationships. He was alone - at least they got to hold the one that they loved. Whether it was monachopsis or exulnasis that drags him down in these times, he isn't sure, but it didn't feel ..

Real.

He didn't feel real anymore. That film of ice above him as he bangs fruitlessly against the barrier keeping him from his sanity. The sanity that was fleeting, just out of touch, while someone he didn't know was running his life. Someone who didn't feel was smiling and walking about.

He no longer felt real.

Jimin didn't realize he had been tipping over the barricade of the boardwalk into the dark depths until someone gripped the back of his shirt - a woman with concern flashing in her eyes at his wozzy state. That smile once more seeps onto his lips, reassurance flooding into her as she leaves him with the softest 'be careful,' he'd ever heard in his life. But it was a gentle wake up call. His legs crumple beneath him with grace he didn't think he possessed any longer, the baggy pant clad legs dangling over the edge of the board walk as he holds on to the girth of the wooden pole before him, chin pressed to the support beam. He could relax here. He just needed to remind himself that there would be another day. That there would be actual laughter.

That this was just a time for him where he couldn't seem to delve out of.

He just wishes it would happen sooner.

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 Daehyun hummed. "Love you? Ew, gross- Keep dreaming, Jiyong! I honestly don't know why I put up with you." Hearing all of the questions the other wolf had for him, he laughed a bit loudly. "Whoa, whoa. Calm down! I don't want you killing over because you can't breathe." He looked out at the water, smiling softly. "His name's Jongup. We, um, marked each other officially yesterday, but we've been dating since May 4th. We kinda just started talking, and things clicked. Now...we've trying to have a pup. I have to wait a few days before I go to the doctor's to check." Daehyun patted his stomach and blushed after the confession. He jumped when he felt something cold touch him, shooting the other a look. "Right. FOOD. Don't hide things from me. Plus, the wording you used wasn't correct then. 'Delicious'? Pfft."

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 "Oh right, because I'm soooo unlikable. You know you love me and that's why you put up with me." He laughed. He'd really missed the other boy, but with mating, finding he had a family he didn't know about and then learning he was going to be a dad, well he'd been a bit occupied. This was definitely news to him and he wanted all the details. "Wait...you do? Of course I have to meet him. When did you meet? How did you meet? I want to know everything!" Yes he sounded like a teenage girl, but he didn't care. He wanted to know what he'd missed in his hyeong's life. The other vaguely knew about what had kept him busy. "Hey, I take excellent care of him and I love him, so hush." Howling with laughter, he chased after the other. When he finally caught up, he nudged him with his cold nose. "Get your mind out of the gutter. I'm talking about food. He's eating for 3 after all."

@ᵃ jiyong☪k。 "Because who else would you have to mess around with? No one else would put up with the stuff you do to me, so I feel bad for you." Daehyun said with a wink. He had missed these moments between him and Jiyong. They hadn't had a lot of time to spend with one another in a long time, and it felt good. Lately he had been stressed out, so he was grateful for the chance to unwind. Daehyun flushed a bit. "I, uh- actually have a mate now, Jiyong. You should meet him sometime. And hey, I still have to meet the unfortunate soul who has to put up with you." He joked before his face scrunched up. "Oh god. I didn't need to know that. Sheesh!" Daehyun bolted ahead, making his way down the beach and under the pier only to pause when he saw a few humans nearby. His heart was beating fairly quickly as he waited for Jiyong to catch up.

@ᵒ daehyun✙j。 "If I'm so cruel, why do you still want to hang out with me?" The teasing was something they always did. It was just them. He'd actually had people ask why he talks to the omega if he couldn't stand him. It always made him laugh. He loved Daehyun like a big brother, but this was how they showed their love. "Alright. I'll leave your hair alone today hyeong. Jeez. Are you planning to find a mate today?" He grinned, knowing very well that that wasn't why he was making a fuss. "Ask him. He'll tell you I wake him in a very delicious way." Minki would never throw water on him and even if he did, they'd end up playing because of it. He couldn't be mad at his mate. The most he'd get with him was frustrated, but it had been a while since he'd even felt that. The last time he'd been able to run like this was when he was visiting with his father and brothers. Of course that had been dirt and not sand, so he knew he'd have to wash his fur out later. He wasn't even trying to catch the other wolf though. He just wanted to run.