‣ meadow

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun’s arms tightened instinctively around doyoung, pulling him closer as he felt the smaller alpha tremble in his embrace. the plea that escaped doyoung’s lips struck jaehyun like a bolt of lightning, sending a wave of protectiveness coursing through him. he wasn’t prepared for this level of vulnerability, but in this moment, it didn’t matter.

' doyoung,' jaehyun said softly, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him. he pressed his chin lightly against doyoung’s hair, his hand rubbing soothing circles on his back. ' you don’t have to apologize for any of this. none of it is your fault. none of it.' his voice cracked slightly on the last word, betraying the emotion he was fighting to contain.

he pulled back just enough to look at doyoung, his hands gently resting on his shoulders. ' listen to me,' jaehyun said firmly, his gaze meeting doyoung’s tear-filled eyes. 'you’re my brother. half-brother, full-brother - it doesn’t matter to me. blood is blood. and you…' he paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. ' you’re worth it, okay? you’re worth calling me hyung. don’t ever doubt that.'

the younger alpha’s quiet sniffles tugged at jaehyun’s heart, and he felt the weight of the words doyoung had whispered. ' I’m not leaving you,' jaehyun promised, his tone resolute. ' I’m here. for you. always. we’ve got a lot to figure out, I know, but we’ll do it together. you don’t have to face any of this alone anymore.'

jaehyun brushed a stray tear from doyoung’s cheek, his touch gentle. ' you’re not dreaming,' he said softly, offering a small, reassuring smile. 'I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.' for a moment, the building fell silent except for the sound of doyoung’s soft sobs and jaehyun’s calm breathing. the storm had stopped.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Having this warmth was very unknown to him, unless you were his mother, or Taeyong. Hugs weren’t something he received. Doyoung clung to the warmth that wrapped around him, his eyes closed as he tried focusing on Jaehyun. His half older brother. The alpha shook as his mind wasn’t processing what was actually happening. They shared a father. Thats basically what he was trying to get his mind to understand. Doyoung wasn’t at fault. He and with his brothers were the product of an affair. Was Doyoung even worth calling Jaehyun his older brother? Worries filled his mind, his heart starting to race against his chest. Like a hummingbird. Fast.

One thing Jaehyun needed to prepare for. Doyoung wasn’t a softie. Crier. The alpha sniffles as he cries into Jaehyun’s body. Doyoung clinging to the man who called himself hyung. Was he dreaming? Everything about this felt off. Like it wasn’t real. ‘H-hyung..’ He mutters. ‘I-i’m sorry.. I-i didn’t know..’ Doyoung apologized for something that wasn’t even his doing. ‘P-please don’t leave me.’

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ doyoung trembled in jaehyun's arms like a fragile leaf caught in the fury of a storm. his body shook with an intensity that broke jaehyun’s heart, leaving him to wonder what pain had left doyoung so shattered. what battles had he faced to bring him to this?

jaehyun’s voice remained steady and soothing as he hummed the familiar melody of the mockingbird song, soft and tender. his hand gently patted doyoung’s back, the rhythm calm and grounding, as he rocked them back and forth like a steady tide lapping at the shore.

outside, nature mirrored the shift in their moment. the storm that had once raged began to retreat. the clouds slowly unraveled, revealing patches of soft blue sky. the wind softened its howl to a whisper, and the rain trickled to a stop. yet jaehyun didn’t move. he stayed, a solid shield against the world, wrapping doyoung in the warmth of his embrace.

' hyung is here,' jaehyun murmured, his voice a soft promise, dripping with a gentle reassurance that seemed to seep into the air around them. his chin rested lightly against the crown of doyoung’s head, anchoring him. they remained kneeling there, suspended in a bubble of shared solace. jaehyun’s arms tightened just slightly, a protective barrier against whatever storm had wrecked doyoung’s spirit.

' hyung won’t let anything happen to you,' he whispered again, the words carrying the weight of an unbreakable vow. his chin pressed lightly on doyoung’s head as if to reaffirm that he wasn’t going anywhere, no matter what.
in that moment, they weren’t just two individuals - they were a lifeline to each other.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ This was honestly another episode that Doyoung suffered. But, storms really set off many bad memories. Memories that he still hadn’t healed from, ones that his father ingrained deep into his small child mind. Abandonment. Loneliness. This was a living nightmare, the rain, heavy winds, thunder striking, it reminded him of the neglect his own father did to him. Seeing the look on Jaehyun’s face, he wouldn’t blame the other if he left. Doyoung was used to being alone. Memories of a small Doyoung banging his tiny fists on the house door, begging to be let in after he waited for Taeyong’s return, which never happened. The poor pup was left outside in the cold rain, thunder shaking his whole being as he faced the elements alone and without shelter. Doyoung flinched at the next sound of thunder. Shakily breathing out, he tried focusing on Jaehyun.

The howling of the wind set him off, bug soon he focused on his own breathing, then he heard humming. Doyoung lowered his hands as he listened to Jaehyun hum a soft melody. He focused on that, to keep himself centered.

Soon enough he started breathing normally, body relaxing and Doyoung nuzzled in the moment he was brought in closer. His eyes closing as he accepted this warmth, his own hands clinging to Jaehyun, tears eventually stopping as he started melting into this man’s warmth. “H-hyung..”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ as doyoung’s panic escalated, jaehyun found himself teetering on the edge of his patience. comforting people had never been his forte.- detachment and stoicism had always served him better. the idea of walking away, of washing his hands of the situation, flitted through his mind. yet, something - some instinct buried deep within - rooted him in place. he stayed, his hands steady as they cupped doyoung’s cheeks, his thumbs brushing against tear-streaked skin with a gentleness he didn’t know he possessed.

the wind howled outside, rattling the windows, but jaehyun’s focus didn’t waver. he took a breath and began to hum - a soft, lilting melody that drifted through the tense air like a feather on a breeze. it was a song from his childhood, one his mother used to sing when the nights grew too long and dark. the melody, reminiscent of a mockingbird’s call, was light, soothing, and full of warmth.

as the hum transitioned into a soft whistle, jaehyun felt the tension in doyoung’s frame start to ease. the shaking subsided little by little, and the tightness of his breaths gave way to a more even rhythm. watching this transformation, something unspoken stirred within jaehyun - a fragile yet undeniable urge to protect the man in front of him.

without thinking, jaehyun leaned forward and wrapped his arms around doyoung, pulling him close. the embrace was firm but tender, offering a sanctuary against the storm raging both outside and within. ' it’s okay,' jaehyun murmured, his voice barely audible over the wind. his hand moved in slow, deliberate circles over doyoung’s back, grounding him with each . the world outside faded, leaving only the sound of jaehyun’s steady breathing and the faint echo of his humming. for now, that was enough.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ This was a normal occurrence for Doyoung, when something was not.. Clear to him. When things seemed out of whack or out of his understanding, it caused the alpha to panic immensely. Covering his ears and trembling uncontrollably was his full blown panic taking control. Now one of two things could happen. He throws up and passes out. Or gets a severe nosebleed that still makes him pass out. Out of both. He still goes unconscious. Just depending on the situation, either could occur. Doyoung really hoped for none. But not having Taeyong around to help him, really put things into perspective. His teddy bear was in his dorm so that was out of the question. He was here. With a stranger that somehow was related to him. Jumping when his shoulders are held, his tear filled eyes stared at Jaehyun.

"I-i d-don;t know.. D-don;t understand!" Doyoung flinched when another thunder striked, the sound itself shaking the earth around them. The color had left his face, it felt like the walls were closing in, but the moment he felt warmth on his cheeks, he looked at Jaehyun, why was he being so nice to him? Doyoung's family probably stole their father from Jaehyun, no. This couldn't be real. This suffocating feeling made everything worse, his breathing was uneven, short, anymore of this and he was going to pass out. Listening to Jaehyun's voice, he weakly nodded before following Jaehyun's directions. The alpha did as he was told, taking deep breaths, exhaling before focusing on the scent of the peonies around them.

Doyoung paused. Hyung? Yet, that made him calm down even more. The alpha felt his mind calming down as he held the peonies in his hands. Soon closing his eyes as his body seemed to relax more. "M-my hyung..."

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun knew he was out of his depth, but that didn’t matter now. when doyoung suddenly covered his ears and began to pant, trembling as the weight of the moment crushed him, jaehyun reacted instinctively. he knelt in front of the younger male, his hands steady as they found doyoung’s shoulders. they were sheltered by the quiet solace of the garden house, but the atmosphere felt heavy, suffocating. it was bad. very bad.

' doyoung,' jaehyun murmured, his voice low but firm, cutting through the rising panic. gently, he cupped the other’s face, his palms warm against cool, clammy skin. ' look at me,' he urged, tilting doyoung’s head just enough for their eyes to meet. his smile was soft, a deliberate gesture of reassurance, as his thumbs brushed over doyoung’s cheekbones in soothing circles.

' breathe with me, ' jaehyun continued, his tone calm but full of quiet determination. he inhaled loudly, the sound exaggerated to draw doyoung’s focus, his chest rising with each deliberate breath. ' inhale the scent of the peonies,' he said, pausing for effect, ' and then blow out the candles.' his breath escaped in a controlled exhale, as if extinguishing invisible flames.

jaehyun repeated the rhythm again and again, his movements deliberate and steady, guiding doyoung into the exercise with patience. he hoped - desperately - that it would help.

his gaze flickered briefly to the peonies, discarded and forgotten on the ground. without hesitation, he reached for them, the fragile blooms cradled carefully in his hands. jaehyun took doyoung’s trembling palms, holding them gently from underneath as he placed the flower in his grasp. his thumbs began to trace small, calming circles over doyoung’s skin. ' it’s okay,' jaehyun whispered, his voice soft and steady, like a lullaby meant to quiet the storm. ' ii’m here. hyung is here.'

the words carried a warmth that wrapped around them both, filling the small garden house with a fragile but undeniable sense of safety. jaehyun’s presence was a grounding force, a quiet reminder that doyoung wasn’t alone. he kept his eyes on the other’s, his expression unwavering, offering a silent promise to be there for as long as it took. the fragile scent of peonies mingled with the quiet rhythm of their shared breaths, the moment suspended in the delicate balance of comfort and trust.

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ () i didn't realise you already replied i'm so sorry TT

【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

taeyong smiled softly as doyoung nuzzled his hand, keeping his palm in place for the latter. he shook his head after hearing his childhood friend's apology, typing with one hand on his phone.

'don't apologise. you couldn't have known. you didn't do anything wrong.'

he ran his thumb over doyoung's cheek bone, a quiet inhale entering through his nose at the latter's later comment. his gaze softened, filled with relief and affection.

'i missed you too, doyoung.' the monotonous voice of his phone spoke after he typed in his message. 'i missed you so, so much.'

when doyoung had calmed down significantly, taeyong offered an assuring grin.

'it's been so long since our last encounter. we should catch up.'

taeyong looked around the meadow, chuckling mutely.

'but first, we should switch to someplace else. not gonna lie, it hurts my eyes a bit to be typing on my phone under the sun.'

the grin on his face was cheeky, if a bit abashed.

'are you hungry? i know a cafe nearby with nice food.'

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ The air was thick and heavy, almost as if time had stood still. Doyoung had a sibling he did not have a clue about. This wasn't real. Was it? Some sort of joke this was, but at the same time. There was no denying it. Somehow they were linked. Their father was the link. Obviously Jaehyun was first.. Doyoung. He was the bastard child. How could he possibly think there could ever be some sort of bond to be made? It felt like his chest was on fire, soon clutching his shirt. It was getting hard to breathe. Not even noticing in the shift around them, his mind was spinning with uncertainty. Walls were closing in. The male covering his ears, tears welling and blurring his vision. He was the product of an affair. No wonder. He felt nothing but fear inside.

The icy air brushed all around, Doyoung frozen from the shock. Who was he to ever hope for anything to be solely his. Flinching from the lightning strike, he looks around, boy was he afraid. Doyoung's ears were buzzing and he looks to Jaehyun, not hearing what was said. Stumbling he followed after Jaehyun once his hand was grabbed. Once inside the garden house, he falls after releasing Jaehyun's hands. Panting heavily, again covering his ears. Doyoung hated storms, closing his eyes, he started counting backwards. While Jaehyun had his internal turmoil, Doyoung was spinning. Standing, he paced back and forth. 'C-can't breathe..' Wheezing out, he struggled to find something to focus on.

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun’s hands fell limply to his sides, the hoe slipping from his grip and landing on the ground with a dull thud. time seemed to stretch endlessly as he stood there, his gaze locked on the other male. he was so caught up in the moment that he didn’t notice the shift in the weather.

snow began to fall, delicate at first, but quickly escalating into a swirling blizzard. the air turned icy, and the faint rumble of thunder grew louder, rolling ominously across the fields. jaehyun flinched as a sudden crack of lightning struck the ground uncomfortably close, sending a jolt through him.

'let’s hide!' he yelled over the storm, shielding his face with one hand as he pointed toward the small garden house nearby. he noticed the other wasn’t moving as quickly as him, and without a second thought, he grabbed his hand and pulled him along, urgency overriding hesitation.

the two of them stumbled inside the weathered garden house, the wind slamming the door shut behind them. the place was simple and abandoned, a faint smell of earth and wood lingering in the air. jaehyun reached up, flicking on the single dangling bulb in the center of the room. Its dim light cast long, flickering shadows across their faces.
he turned to the other male, his breathing uneven, not from exertion but from the storm of thoughts raging in his mind. ' you… ' he began, his voice laced with disbelief. his eyes searched the other’s face, looking for answers he wasn’t sure he wanted to find. ' how? because there’s no other explanation. and I know I’m the only child. my father - he traveled a lot for work, but…'

jaehyun’s voice trailed off as realization began to take root. ' it does explain a lot, ' he muttered, his mind racing to connect the dots. the storm outside seemed almost an extension of his inner turmoil, wild and relentless. he took a shaky breath, his hands balling into fists as he tried to steady himself.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ The power he used took a small toll on Doyoung. His palms started to clam up, heat was rushing through his whole body, it was. Intense. Took him longer to breathe, to control whatever he could. The male took in deep and slow breaths, releasing it in small amounts. But, it made a whole difference. His powers radiated throughout the whole meadow, only letting Doyoung appreciate how they seemed to bloom even in the harsh cold breeze and temperature. He would make sure they were alright, even in a freeze.

Doyoung felt a knot in his stomach, not the good kind. Like nerves that wanted to come out and just him throw up. He hated this feeling. The tension could kill between them. They shared a father? But.. How? Then it started sinking, the many months his father would disappear. To “run patrol” the nights of him coming back and smelling like someone else. Doyoung. Was he the product of an affair? Did his mother know? Or was she blinded by her husband? The male looks at Jaehyun, frozen in fear. His lower lip quivering as the words were stuck in his throat. “I-i d-don’t know..”

@☘︎┊nie taeyong ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

How could this be happening to him? Doyoung was like an open book, sobbing uncontrollably. Unable to contain or control his breathing. He was. Livid with himself. How dare he shed so many tears? But, just being around Taeyong. It made everything better. Like he could breathe. (He couldn’t right this moment because of the emotions). Doyoung felt heat rush to his cheeks. He was embarrassed. Crying like a puppy. Soon nuzzling Taeyong’s warm hands.

The words that spilled out, it was a relief. Things that lingered in his mind suddenly disappeared, a catharsis of sorts. It all seemed silly now. Words that were said by his father. How could he not question it? Well, a small child always believed his parents. Doyoung nuzzles Taeyong, calming down. He focuses on Taeyong, nodding silently.

“I-i’m sorry.. for not looking harder.. I missed you.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun stared in awe as his field of peonies bloomed with newfound brilliance. the blossoms, already thriving under his summoned earth power, now pulsated with a vibrant energy that was undeniably doyoung’s doing. even in the heart of winter, the field radiated life, as though defying the season itself. it must have consumed a significant amount of power, jaehyun thought, marveling at the sheer intensity of it.

his thoughts, however, were abruptly interrupted as their gazes met. there was something strikingly familiar in doyoung’s features - the unmistakable imprint of their jin lineage etched in the curve of his jaw, the slant of his eyes. the resemblance was uncanny. their shared history hung heavy in the air between them, undeniable now.

they had the same father. or at least, they shared his name. the stories, the scent, the powers - it all began to fall into place, each fragment clicking together like a long-forgotten puzzle. but as doyoung spoke, revealing the affair that had led to his existence, a sharp spark of anger bolted through jaehyun’s chest. his jaw tightened as the weight of it settled over him. while doyoung was born of a secret, jaehyun’s family - his real family - had been ripped from him, wiped off the earth. the memory of their absence stung, a wound that time had yet to heal. it was unforgivable.

he stood frozen in his daze, anger and confusion churning inside him like a storm, until he finally tore his gaze away from the field and looked at doyoung. his voice, when he spoke, was barely above a whisper, the breathlessness betraying the tumult in his chest.'doesn’t it make sense, though?' jaehyun murmured, his eyes searching doyoung’s as if daring him to deny it. ' the timeline, the powers… the peonies?' the field around them swayed in the cold winter wind, vibrant and alive, though the tension between the two men remained as sharp as a blade.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ A breath of fresh air is exactly what Doyoung needed, moreso just being here with his flowers and the man beside him. Usually his social battery would deplete, but not around Jaehyun. It was weird. But also. Not weird? Maybe Doyoung was overthinking this. Humming, Doyoung watched over the bud, his powers pulsing one last time, it shifted throughout the whole meadow. Allowing the peonies and daisies to flourish even more.

Shakily breathing out, he had done that a little too much. His mind focusing on recollecting his energies. Doyoung took deep breaths and he sighs out in relief when he felt somewhat better. Blinking when the other speaks, his eyes looking down to the peonies before focusing his attention on Jaehyun, flinching when the other touches his scar. Yet, he didn’t dare move away. A sinking feeling washed over him, his eyes widening when he hears what the other had to say. ‘N-Nie Jaehwan.. He’s my father. How.. How do you know that name?” He was baffled, stepping away, he felt his chest tighten. “W-who..? How?”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun stared down at the flowers blooming back to life under his touch, his breath catching. 'holy ,' he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. for a moment, the thought that he might have plant manipulation powers flitted through his mind, absurd yet thrilling.

but then his gaze shifted, landing on the scar. It was faint, but familiar, tugging at the edges of his memory like a persistent whisper. he’d seen it before - somewhere, sometime.

and then it hit him like a bolt of lightning. his father. his father had a mark just like this - a birthmark, unique and unmissable. jaehyun didn’t have one himself; he’d taken after his mother more, but the memory of his father’s stories about their jin lineage surfaced with startling clarity. he could still picture it: his young hand tracing the scar, his father’s voice weaving tales of their family’s legacy, both mystical and ancient.

' where- ' he breathed, his hand moving instinctively toward the mark. his gloved fingers brushed against it, leaving a streak of dirt on doyoung’s neck, but he didn’t notice or care. his mind was racing too fast. 'my father had one!' jaehyun exclaimed, stepping back in astonishment. his eyes widened as he pieced the fragments together, the weight of realization pressing down on him. ' nie jaehwan-?' he whispered his father’s name like a mantra, his voice a mix of disbelief and awe.

the name hung in the air between them, heavy with significance, as jaehyun’s heart pounded against his ribs. the connection was undeniable, but what did it mean? and why now?

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Doyoung was aware, or at least he was aware that these peonies meant more than just.. A simple affection. He could see Jaehyun’s internal turmoil, the clogs turning in his head. The student leans down, sniffing some more before he stood tall. “You may be wary of me. That’s fine with me.. I just.. Don’t want anything happening to them. I can feel everything they are feeling. I know its odd of me to say something but.. Its like.. I can finally breathe again. I’m.. Its..” he was unsure of what to say. Something was building in his chest, anxiety?

Jaehyun was a truly different man that he has ever met. Something about him screamed. Familiar. Maybe the eyes? He has seen them. But something kept poking at him. The symbol on Jaehyun’s right wrist. Smiling softly, he hums. “Yes before becoming Nie. My father always told me where my true lineage was from. Always proud of it.” Doyoung played with his sleeves, a habit he picked up. “My dad.. He.. He would always tell me stories of him growing up with the Jin pack. I loved hearing it. He missed it there. Said he lost a lot.”

Watchinf the other pull out a gold chain, his eyes sadden. “I’m truly sorry for your loss.. It.. I know what it feels like. Although my father wasn’t the best emotionally wise.. He was still my dad.. I.. I can’t help but.. Say sorry. I hate feeling alone with no parents..” he looks down. Soon looking back up, a small whimper left him. No. He shouldn’t cry.

Doyoung wipes his tears, his eyes widening when he is offered a few peonies. His hands instinctively reaching over to delicately hold them, soon wnough his powers radiating feom the tips of his fingers, to the stems. Keeping them alive, his eyes looking down and his feet lightly pulsed, Doyoung had shifted his powers from the tip of his fingers to his feet. The once empty spot, soon blossoming with new buds. Smiling even more when he looks at Jaehyun. “I live them so much!” He chuckles, his eyes becoming crescents from how much he was smiling, turning his head to look ay the other flowers. A branch like scar visibly etched feom the bottom of his ear, snaking down his neck and hidden from sight. “I love them so much.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun listened carefully to the odd student, his sharp gaze unwavering as his hand lingered protectively over the vibrant peonies. they were all he had left, the only remnant of a life that had been torn from him. the war had stolen his family, leaving him with nothing but his status and the delicate blooms he now cherished more than anything.

when doyoung offered to help, jaehyun hesitated. for a moment, he entertained the idea, but distrust curled tightly in his chest. help often came with strings, and jaehyun wasn’t the type to allow anyone to pull his. 'you came from the jin family too? ' he asked, his voice tinged with quiet skepticism. ' not many nie wolves have ties to that clan.'

without waiting for an answer, jaehyun reached beneath his shirt and pulled out a thin gold chain. dangling from it was a golden peony charm, aged but still radiant. his expression flickered, almost imperceptibly, as he noticed the faint smear of dirt that brushed against his skin in the process. his gut twisted at the sensation, and for a fleeting moment, he imagined scrubbing himself raw. but he swallowed the compulsion, forcing himself to focus on the moment.

' this belonged to my mother,' he said, his voice softening despite himself. his fingers grazed the charm as if drawing strength from its presence. ' it’s all I have left of her. '

something unspoken passed between them then - a strange, fragile understanding. doyoung’s quiet demeanor, his words tinged with a shared pain, stirred something deep within jaehyun. he didn’t want to admit it, but he saw a faint reflection of himself in the other man’s eyes.

jaehyun’s hand hovered over the flowers, his internal struggle evident in the clench of his jaw. finally, with great reluctance, he reached down and plucked a few of his prized peonies. the stems trembled in his grasp, their absence leaving empty patches of soil that felt like wounds in his carefully cultivated sanctuary.

he extended the blooms toward doyoung, his movement measured and deliberate, as if parting with the flowers was some great sacrifice. ' here, ' he said, his tone steady but distant. ' for some reason, I feel like you should have these. '

the words lingered in the air, tinged with an unspoken acknowledgment of the rare trust he had just extended. jaehyun watched the flowers leave his hand, and though a pang of loss twisted in his chest, a part of him - a small, quiet part - felt unexpectedly lighter.

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

Doyoung’s breath was shaky, picking up in speed, inhales and exhales paced wrongly. It was a hyperventilation, Taeyong quickly realised. He hushed his childhood friend again, actively making a sound as he ran his thumb over the latter’s cheekbone.

The words spilling from Doyoung’s lips, so full of anguish, broke Taeyong’s heart. He never liked the man who was his childhood friend’s father—having heard numerous stories and none of them painting him in a good light. Though the man was right to not trust his own sire, he was sure the man only had his own gains in mind when he forbade his friend from visiting him. He didn’t want trouble, that much was clear. As a result, he persecuted the spouse and the child too.

Taeyong gently tapped the tears away, even when he knew they would not stop flowing. Once Doyoung’s face was considerably dry (disregarding the fresh tears already forming at the brim), he turned to his phone and typed his response.

‘I never hated you, Doyoung. I can never hate you. You mean the world to me.’

Taeyong smiled gently at Doyoung. Then, he wrote a new message.

‘You’re not at fault for believing that man. He is your father, and you were just a child. There’s not much you could’ve done to protest against him. He had power over you, so you obeyed him. I don’t blame you for believing his words.’

Taeyong pressed his lips into a thin line. There was sternness in his eyes when he held Doyoung’s gaze. The serious expression maintained when he typed on his phone and let it talk for him.

‘There’s nothing wrong with being soft. Being soft isn’t a weakness. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a strength itself. Being vulnerable means you know you have the capacity to be weak, and that’s the first step to becoming a strong person.’

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ There it was. The retracting of the hand, not that he took offense to it. This man meant nothing to him, so why would he be so worried about it. Doyoung couldn’t help but focus on the peonies, they were calling to him. Weird how he could describe anything or put into words what these flowers meant to him. It was.. Bittersweet in a sense. Being in this hidden gem, with a seemingly lunatic professor. It felt. Nice? Which honestly surprised Doyoung, usually he was more. Withdrawn from strangers?

“You know.. I didn’t have a good childhood. Flowers were my escape. Even if my father called me a useless alpha.. He.. He said peonies were.. A liberation for him. A sense of peace and harmony. Then went ahead and beat my brothers and I.. We. We needed to be tough for whatever could come. Said his family were taken from him when he was caught off guard.” Sighing, Doyoung crouched down to touch the soft petals, smiling innocently. He listened to the others words, making sure everything sank into his head. “I’m sorry for what you have lost.” Standing up, he faces Jaehyun. “It might not be much. But we have this beautiful hidden gem and the daisies as well. We can even try growing more? I have the ability to do so.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun shook his head, retracting his hand as quickly as he had extended it. he had reached his limit for human interaction. his gaze shifted downward, following doyoung’s line of sight to the delicate peonies that swayed gently in the breeze. the sight stirred something deep within him, a flicker of memory that painted the edges of his otherwise stoic demeanor.

the revelation of doyoung's connection to peonies raised questions in jaehyun’s mind, ones he wasn’t entirely prepared to ask. yet, the familiarity of it - this shared appreciation for such a tender bloom - struck a chord. for jaehyun, the countryside wasn’t something to be ashamed of. in fact, it was a tether to everything he cherished, a refuge from the unclean realm and its rocky, unyielding scenery.

his fingertips grazed the petals of the nearest peony, their soft texture grounding him in the present even as his mind drifted to the past. ' i grew up on a peony farm, ' he said, his voice softer now. ' my grandmother’s. it was near the border with yunmeng jiang - moist, fertile lands in qinghe nie. cack then, my little feet would stomp through the dirt as soon as I could run, always finding my way to the flowers.'

he paused, the faintest smile tugging at his lips as he let the memory unfurl. ' peonies… they’ve always had a way of calming me. even now, when I tend to them, it feels like I’m finding a piece of what I lost.'

he looked at doyoung again, this time with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. ' my roots come from the jin pack -the one that’s gone now. it was their symbol, you know? the peony.' his voice dipped lower, reverent almost, as he traced the flower’s outline with his gloved fingers. ' it’s strange, isn’t it? ' he added, glancing up at doyoung with a half-smile. ' how something so delicate can carry so much weight. '

@☘︎┊nie taeyong ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

Something about this encounter was a much needed conversation, Doyoung could feel a change in his heart was coming. Maybe he could finally be that bubbly pup he was years prior? The one who loved doing pretty much anything but training? Maybe.. Maybe he could be alright. Now that he was reunited with Taeyong. Things could be okay? Who knows. But he wanted this. He wanted to be with Taeyong for as long as he possibly could. Staying there, catching his breathing, he felt a bit better. Small sighs left him, being in close proximity of Taeyong made everything better. Physical contact was something that always made Doyoung feel better.

in a deep breath, the alpha felt his chest squeeze. The truth. From Taeyong’s perspective, he listened to the robotic voice, how he missed the others voice. Looking into the other’s eyes, he never stopped the contact. He hated everything about his father, now knowing what happened. He was. Heartbroken. To have trusted his father’s words about Taeyong abandoning him. His mind was running laps and miles, it struck a nerve with him. How could his mother lie to him about this as well? Sighing quietly, he looks into Taeyong’s eyes, tears spilling.

“H-he.. He said.” Shakily hyperventilating, the alpha was reminded of those nights he tried storing away. “H-he said you left because I was too soft.. That.. Y-you hated me for making you soft. I was holding you back from being a better alpha.” Now that he said those words. It was a clear lie. But what would a small child know? Parents to a young Doyoung spoke nothing but the truth. “Y-you hated me.” He muttered, tears never ending as he held Taeyong’s hands on his face.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ What was happening right now? Doyoung was baffled by just this interaction. Who was this crazy looking man? The attire worn just. Screamed… Lunatic. Yeah. Doyoung needed to keep his distance from this man. Who knew what he could possibly do. But. Why were his fight instincts not coming up? Did his powers and senses know something he did not know? Doyoung wanted to see what would happen next, his fingers tingling with an unknown comfort. Why. Why did this stranger look familiar to him? Breathing out, he looked away for a moment, wanting to compose himself and not lose his mind. This man looked ridiculous. The other probably knew it.

At the sound of something dropping, Doyoung flinched, soon looking back and warily eyeing the extended hand. Everything was covered. Had to be a germaphobe. Poor thing. Extending his hand, he shook the others hand firmly. “Yes.. A Nie.” This man was asking him a ridiculous question that made him shrink inside, a small whimper left his lips. Why would the other ask something like that? How could he answer that? Doyoung was raised in the countryside. He wasn’t ashamed of his background, but seeing this man. Something about status seemed of importance.

A professor? Who he just used foul language, he froze. Doyoung sighs, pulling his hand away. ‘Countryside born.. Youngest of three.’ He mumbles, fiddling with his fingers. Doyoung looks at Jaehyun. ‘The peonies reminded me of my father.. He loved growing peonies.. Aside from his love of beating me and my siblings to be strong alphas. He.. He loved peonies. Said it reminded him of his family.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ jaehyun was painfully aware of how absurd he must have looked, with his oversized sun hat tilted askew, muddy boots, and a hoe slung carelessly over his shoulder. he towered over the stranger, an undeniable presence, though the outfit did him no favors. but appearances hardly mattered to him - what did was the fact that this unfamiliar man was blatantly ogling his peonies. his peonies.

the irritation softened, though, as jaehyun took a moment to observe the stranger. he was younger - noticeably so - his posture and attire giving away his status as a student. there was something else too, something elusive and familiar about him that tugged at jaehyun's thoughts. but he couldn’t quite place it.

setting the hoe aside with deliberate ease, jaehyun stepped forward, his gloved hand extending in a firm but civil gesture. dirt was an enemy he couldn't tolerate, and the gloves served as both protection and comfort.'a nie, huh?' he mused, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read the man’s entire story from his stance. ' from the capital or the countryside?' his voice carried the natural authority of someone who had spent years commanding both classrooms and battlefields.

the younger man hesitated, but before he could answer, jaehyun offered his own introduction. ' nie jaehyun. ecology professor and a soldier.' the title fell from his lips with a practiced cadence, his tone teetering between formality and self-assurance.

as he spoke, his long sleeve shifted ever so slightly, revealing a distinctive symbol inked into the skin of his right wrist - a qinghe nie mark, elegant yet bold. the branding was a family tradition, an indelible reminder of their shared lineage and values. for a moment, Jaehyun glanced at it, as if weighing the significance it might hold to this stranger. 'your turn, ' he said, voice steady but inquisitive, the smallest hint of a challenge in his words. ' what business do you have with my peonies? '

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ The alpha’s body was buzzing, the chilly air never a deterrent for him. His good for nothing father trained him in all kinds of weather. So this chilly air? Was a tickle to his nose, laying on his back, the male was able to relax, the peonies around his body were reminders of the father he once had. Nothing special. Well maybe just this. He felt at peace with himself. Almost lulling himself to sleep before the peonies gave him a warning of someone approaching. Tiredly looking up after sniffing some more peonies, his eyes narrowed. Swiftly standing up, his eyes thinned with alert. “Minding my own business. Who the are you?”

Taking steps back, being meticulous with each step. Ensuring he was not stepping on any of the flowers, he eyes the oddly dressed male, adorning a hoe in hand. He needed to be alert, this individual seemed unhinged. Doyoung stops in his tracks, the buzzing coming to a complete silence, shocking to him. “Am.. Am I not in danger?” He looks to the peonies, soon looking over to the unhinged individual. “Alright big boy. Put down that… Weapon?” Snorting at the image in front of him. “I’m not here to destroy anything. Just needed a break.” Bowing his head. “Names Nie Doyoung.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ () naur iss ok

jaehyun knelt carefully in the earth, his fingers moving with precision as he tended to the delicate peonies. his garden was his pride, a legacy passed down through the generations of his family. the flowers weren’t just plants to him - they were a living piece of history, nurtured by the love of his family and rooted deeply in his pureblood heritage. every bloom was an expression of patience, care, and devotion.

dressed in his signature garden outfit - bright rainbow-colored attire paired with loose shorts - he looked more like a playful, carefree soul than a person holding the weight of tradition. his sun hat sat jauntily on his head, a contrast to the serious nature of his work. the weather, though chilly, didn’t deter him. jaehyun had been trained in the military to block out discomfort, and though the cold made his fingers stiff, he didn’t let it interrupt his task. the peonies needed him, after all.

with a hoe in his hand, he carefully dug at the roots of an intruding weed, working his way through the rows of blossoms. the flowers were blooming well despite the chill, their vibrant colors standing in defiance of the creeping cold. still, jaehyun couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. the wind had picked up, and with it, an unfamiliar scent - something that wasn’t the sharp, sweet fragrance of his peonies or the earthy smell of the soil.

curious, he looked up from his work, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the garden. there, standing among the blooming peonies, was a stranger. a male, casually sniffing the flowers as if they were his own. jaehyun’s blood ran cold. who dared invade his sanctuary?

without thinking, his body moved into action. his heart pounded in his chest, and his protective instincts flared. ' SHUUSHH!' jaehyun hissed sharply, leaping to his feet like a lion ready to defend its pride. he grabbed the hoe with both hands, eyes locked on the intruder. ' what are you doing here?' his voice was a mix of authority and irritation, but there was also a certain softness - an unspoken plea to protect the garden he loved so dearly.

his feet carried him toward the stranger with quick, purposeful strides. the peonies were his legacy, and no one - not even a stranger with a curious nose - would take that away from him.

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

A gentle smile tugged Taeyong’s lips at Doyoung’s answer, pulling him to properly sit on the ground. He felt that a long conversation was due.

Their knees were bumping, foreheads still connected. Taeyong worried that if he retreated now, Doyoung might break down again. It was as if this skin-to-skin link was the only thing keeping his childhood friend grounded.

Taeyong grasped one of Doyoung’s hand, running his thumb over the knuckles. With his free hand, he typed on his phone.

‘I’m sorry it took me so long to reach you. I wish I could contact you sooner.’

A quiet exhale left Taeyong as he thought about his words—how to talk about the events after the incident.

‘When I was in the hospital, I was in too much pain and sadness to call you. Before I know it, I was leaving with my aunt and uncle. Everything happened so fast, I didn’t have time to process what happened, let alone find you.’

There was a look of guilt in Taeyong’s eyes when they met Doyoung’s. He tore his gaze away to focus on the next message.

‘When I finally remembered to call you, to tell you everything that happened, and to let you know that I was okay, your house number had changed. Aunt and uncle couldn’t get a hold of it, so they told me to focus on my recovery first.’

Taeyong smiled, but it was sardonic. If he chuckled, it would’ve sounded bitter.

‘It seems I’m too late in telling you all that went down. I’m guessing that man said some nonsense about me.’

For the next bit, Taeyong leaned away to cup Doyoung’s face, so that they could see each other’s eyes.

‘What did that man tell you?’

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ (( Don’t kill me. This is the only place I could think of lmao))

Doyoung was itching for a run, running towards the fields he felt at home with. His body ecstatic with purpose, his steps? Practically he was soaring towards the meadows. There was a certain area he had discovered, they weren’t daisies. Oh no. They were peonies. A hidden gem. After mingling in the daisy meadows, his body was drawn away. Like his body had a mind of its own. Doyoung found a peony garden. Something close to home. At first, he was shocked something so beautiful could be hidden away. Away from prying eyes. He could relax and be “home.”

This was his getaway from everything and everyone. Something he would hold dear. It was like the peonies were calling out to him, begging the male to come back. Did he? Heck yeah he did. Doyoung dropped his bag outside of his oasis, ensuring nothing snatched at the beautiful petals. Like a growing pup, he carefully plopped down and sniffed at the flowers. His hands reconnecting with the earth, a pulse leaving the tips of his fingers, reaching out to the whole meadow, including his hidden gem. Almost instantly one could tell the flowers were rejuvenated. Grinning with pride, he laid down in an open space, making sure he didn’t plummet any of the growing buds. He was home. His eyes looking to the peonies, softening as his mind went to his father. Yes, they had a rocky relationship but flowers was the only thing they agreed on. Oh.. It felt weird thinking of his dead father. “I’m okay.”

@☘︎┊nie taeyong ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

It felt like the earth beneath him was being swept from right under him. The shift in emotions hit him like a huge wave crashing him against anything unmoving. He felt like the air was being taken from his lungs, Doyoung wasn’t okay. Memories of him just patiently waiting for Taeyong to come back to him replaying in his head. To his father making it so that Doyoung hated Taeyong immensely. But how could he? Taeyong and him were close, their bond almost inseparable. To one day that burning up in flames. Doyoung wanted to keep that cold front, keeping the other at arms length, but he crumpled to the ground. Unable to think properly.

If his father saw him now. Probably another beating would have come his way. Doyoung sobs even more, hugging, clinging to Taeyong. “I-i sorry.” Hiccuping from time to time, the pain and relief he felt washing over him. Not wanting to let go, the alpha was a blubbering mess.

Doyoung wondered if this was a dream. A vivid dream, taunting him of what would be an older look to his friend. No this possibly couldn’t be it right? Doyoung was alive. Or was he? Maybe he crashed on the way to the academy and this was him reuniting with Taeyong. Yet, at the gentle touch on his face proved otherwise. He was here with Taeyong. Once their foreheads rested against one another, Doyoung started taking deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. Pathetic. That word ringing in his fathers voice, a constant reminder he could never escape his dad.

Wiping his tears, he looks away in shame. “Better.”

@☘︎┊nie doyoung ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

Taeyong held his breath, anticipation replacing the oxygen in his chest. His gut twisted into unintelligible knots while his heart squeezed in nervousness. Still, he stood his ground, gaze unwavering as they locked on Doyoung.

He wasn’t sure what to expect. An explanation? An interrogation?

Whatever guesses his frayed mind conjured, it was certainly not this—his childhood friend falling to his knees and hugging his midsection, apologising while crying like a baby.

It stunned Taeyong, though the reaction quickly melted into panic. He joined the crying alpha on the ground, coming to the same height as the latter. He then cupped Doyoung’s face, wiping away the unending tears, worry swimming in the depths of his eyes.

Taeyong had to make the deliberate act of shushing Doyoung, his lips pursed and parted to let out air between his teeth. He was so accustomed to silence that he forgot how to hush a crying individual.

In the end, he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Doyoung’s. They would do this often when they were younger, finding a silent connection through this simple motion. Taeyong ran his thumbs over his childhood friend’s cheeks, never letting go or pulling away until the other had quieted down.

When the cries had quieted, Taeyong pulled away—just enough to type a simple question on his phone: ‘How are you feeling?’

@☘︎┊nie taeyong ᵃ 【 PAST : 4-5 years ago 】

Something tugged at his heartstrings. Seeing Taeyong was a reminder of what he had lost. Someone he loved for deeply, the pain of coming home one day after training, to not knowing what happened. Standing out through rain and harsh winds. Patiently waiting for his friend to come back to him. To harsher punishments from his father for being weak and showing a soft side. Taeyong was his everything. His sole purpose of wanting to be better. To disappear into thin air. It was a blur after Taeyong left. Multiple weeks on end of harsh punishments from Doyoung’s father. Trying to mold Doyoung to forget. But how could he? Taeyong was the light in his life, a reason to live. How could he move on? Eventually Doyoung gave in to the beatings from his father and brothers. Scarring on his back would prove the “trainings” he went through.

To one day just shutting down. He gave up on his life. No longer caring for the trainings or even eating for a fact. His mother begged the heavens to heal her sons broken spirit, but fate was cruel. The one person who was there, disappeared without a trace. He begged his father to tell him. Only for him to get a reality check, his father had said something about Taeyong leaving because of Doyoung. How Doyoung was rubbing off on Taeyong and that was frowned upon. That made Doyoung detach himself from loving anyone. Now here he was. In front of Taeyong. How? How was this handsome man looking at him like nothing happened?

Stepping away from Taeyong, Doyoung wiped his tears away. He hated feeling so weak. Probably disappointed his father even more now. But what caught his attention was the throaty wheeze. Then. It started clicking. Why wasn’t Taeyong speaking? That noise..? What. What happened to him. Doyoung looks over, his eyes narrowing to see clearer, then it hit him. There was visible scarring on Taeyong’s throat. What happened to him? Seeing the others fingers tap away feverishly made him frown. Doyoung stepped closer, dropping his back and soon dropping to his knees. He slowly wrapped his arms around Taeyong’s waist. Just hugging his friend and hiding in the other’s shirt. Heavy whimpers leaving him.

“S-sorry.”