ᑕᕼᖇIᔕTᗰᗩᔕ ᑭᗩᖇTY

@ｚｅｌｏ ˢⁱʳᵉⁿ @ｏｎｅｗ ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ [img]https://i.imgur.com/oAjnD8a.jpeg[/img]

@ｚｅｌｏ ˢⁱʳᵉⁿ @ｏｎｅｗ ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ My dear boy, I wanted you to grow up, but not rush to grow up. I know you see children as an important part of togetherness—because of me, your mother Boa, and even Hae and Luhan. But there’s no need to hurry and fill your pond to the brim with a clutch of eggs.

Onew, well, he’s not exactly the fathering type, but when the time is right, you will have children—a wonderful clutch of them. Whether it’s just a few or many, it’s important to remember that my brother likely knows what you are and how your kind brings life into the world. He’s probably taking time to consider this carefully. After all, you could have anywhere from one to thousands of eggs, making you, in a way, a mother of monsters.

I imagine he doesn’t want to place that family weight solely on your shoulders. Keeping up with so many children as they grow into independent adults—going off to have their own children, exploring the depths of the sea, or, in your case, even taking to the skies—would be no small challenge.

Take your time, my dear, to truly get to know your husband. You might not realize it yet, but he has a kind and loving heart. He sees you as far more than just someone to bear children. Do you understand?"

Jonghyun’s voice was steady as he spoke to Zelo, his tone filled with warmth and quiet wisdom as he reflected on Onew, Zelo’s mate.

@ｚｅｌｏ ˢⁱʳᵉⁿ Onew felt the weight of his husbands' eyes on him. The elder turned and instantly his eyes locked to Zelo's. The male fully turned towards the other stopping his actions of going towards the library. His eyes staring as if he would burn a whole into his very being. With the mention of blood that was put into the food, that's what broke the concentration moment, and he turned back towards the way of where he was headed.

It really wasn't his cup of tea. Onew was more get married and grow old together type. Making children as much as the rest of the family would be having that to be a lifestyle was something he wasn't focused on. It had nothing to do with what's wrong with the other or that he wasn't good enough. He was more aual then ually active. He loved for love, Not much for kids. Which is why he only have taemin and glory.

If it would have been one child so be it. But thanks to the twin genes that run high on the family was blessed with twins. And those were his only kids. If it was something that was talked about then they would talk. But if that was something that he wanted day and night. Perhaps getting married was for the wrong reason. The male moved walking onwards towards the way of the library. Leaving the talk for father and son.

@ｏｎｅｗ ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ @ｊｏｎｇｈｙｕｎ ᵏʳᵃᵏᵉⁿ This snippet paints a vivid scene with layers of emotion and intrigue, blending whimsical fantasy elements with interpersonal dynamics. Here's a refined and slightly polished continuation of the narrative while preserving its heartfelt tone and thematic essence:

Zelo lingered at the punch bowl, the sweet aroma of fruit and faint citrus wafting up as he watched Baekhyun's children eagerly devour cup after cup like playful koi in a pond. Their joyous energy gave him certainty: the punch was harmlessly sweet, untainted by the mischief he half-expected at such gatherings.

Yet, even amidst the liveliness, a thread of melancholy curled around his thoughts. His eyes flicked across the room, catching sight of his father, but his husband was nowhere to be found. A quiet sigh escaped him. I find one, and the other vanishes, he mused, brushing a strand of hair from his face before turning toward his father.

"Hi, Dad. Long time no see," Zelo greeted softly, the corners of his lips twitching into a fleeting smile. "How is everything? How's Mom? And the newly arrived brothers and sisters? I know it's the season for new eggs."

His father’s serene expression faltered slightly as Zelo's voice grew quieter, his gaze drifting toward the floor. "We..." Zelo paused, his voice softening. "We have no clutch at the moment."

The words tasted bittersweet, a confession tangled with worry. He cast a glance around the festive room before returning his attention to his father, his smile fading into a look of forlorn vulnerability. "Maybe I'm a poor bride choice. If my mate does not desire me, what does that make me?" he asked, his words tinged with self-doubt. "I tried appealing to his vampire nature, even offering blood—putting a sample in his food. But the next thing I know, he vanishes from the dinner table."

Zelo's heart clenched as he searched his father’s face for wisdom, for some hint of solace that might make sense of it all. "Poor me... What have I done wrong?" he whispered. "I want Onew to see me, to stay."

His father’s brows furrowed in quiet contemplation, but before he could respond, Zelo’s gaze shifted, catching a familiar silhouette at the edge of the gathering. There he was—Onew, his husband—drifting quietly toward the study down the hall, his pace unhurried and demeanor as calm as the ocean at dawn.

"There he is," Zelo murmured, a flicker of hope sparking in his chest. "It looks like he's going to the study. Maybe for a book. You know how much he reads."

Zelo hesitated, stealing a moment to steady himself. His heart fluttered with a mix of longing and trepidation. Would he hear me if I followed? Would he listen? Would he stay?

A deep breath. A tentative step forward.

@ｊｏｎｇｈｙｕｎ ᵏʳᵃᵏᵉⁿ Onew wasn't the one for such gatherings, as his time was his solitude. He sometime would go because they were family, but that's been becoming less and less over time. At one point in time, he began going again with his ex-wife. She had a pleasure in going to mingle with the family. It became something of a regular with him. But over time yet again, after her departure, Onew stopped going all together.

He wasn't even fazed by the invitations he would get, he thought they would stop but yet the invitations remained. Now, the opportunity came again when he had a shot gun wedding. And here he is yet again wedded, and with someone who could pass for his child or grandchild. Onew turned outward as the two kept talking. He looked at those around them. Many people, family and non-family. All coming together for this time. It's something that has been going on for at least a good solid two years. Still new to the fact enemies and friends and family were together. Onew held his tongue and delt with it. If nothing spiraled, then there was no reason to get worked up behind such matter.

That's something the twins shared in common. Solitude and keeping away if it doesn't really have a concern. to a certain standpoint.

When his elder brother continued with the catch up. Onew remained his stoic self and agreed and engaged into the conversation as needed. As the topic shifted his much stoic expression never faltered as he looked at his brother speaking.

"It is well known that he has been spoiled and want his father in a bratty sort of way. And yet you are to blame behind that facade that he's come to think of as something good. Including how you perceived him to be what the humans call it. bride material. A puppet" the man shifted his body, a small yet clear sign letting the other knew he was annoyed with the way he was.

Onew looked off into a way which would come off as uncaring, since the style was never his cup of tea. "Well you and I both know that won't be happening. You know that I'm the least to cater to what he wants So here's to say. He won't get what he wants. And he will understand where change is inevitable."

he spoke and then looked at the male walking towards his son. "And hear you talk about how good he looks and when will his children come. I'll find the library. Enjoy the talk" he walked in another direction.

@ｊｕｎｇｋｏｏｋ ˢᵏⁱⁿ ʷᵃˡᵏᵉʳ Malik huffed, a low sound of irritation rumbling in his chest. The elder brother's words barely registered past the boiling frustration in his mind. He better stay his away from Jimin. That was Malik’s mate—his, and no one else had any business even coming close. Not when there were more important things for him to focus on.

He cast a sharp glance in Jungkook’s direction, his voice clipped and brimming with restrained anger. “Stay the away from my mate, Kook,” he growled. “And focus on taking good care of my son.”

There was no point in entertaining the idea of a fight, not with his son involved. Malik had more to worry about than a big fallout in the middle of everything. He didn’t wait for a response, his steps heavy as he his heel and walked off. His fists clenched at his sides, tension coiling through him like a spring, but he forced himself to keep moving.

It wasn’t worth it. Not now. But the warning in his words hung heavy in the air behind him.

@ｊｕｎｇｋｏｏｋ ˢᵏⁱⁿ ʷᵃˡᵏᵉʳ Kia sighed as she watched Yuie vanish into another puff of black smoke. Her daughter never liked walking when she could simply "poof" from one place to another, but the clouds of smoke she left behind were maddening. The hall of the event was packed, and keeping track of her in the chaos was proving impossible. She knew Yuie was searching for her dad, Darden, darting around in her peculiar way. Kia hoped she’d find him soon, if only so she could stop leaving smoke trails for everyone else to step through.

“Yuie,” Kia called, her voice low but firm. “Come back here. Now.”

No response. Of course. Kia sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. That child never listened, especially when she had her sights set on something—or someone. She could only hope Darden had spotted her by now. He was always keeping one eye on Yuie, his constant worrying like a second shadow over Kia’s life.

A second later, Kia felt herself lifted from the ground. Startled, she twisted to see who it was, but the movement stilled when she recognized the familiar face. Her heart lurched, and she blinked in surprise.

“Jungkook,” she said, a smile breaking through her initial shock. “Wow, it’s been some time.”

She wrapped her arms around him instinctively, the relief of a familiar presence washing over her like a balm. For a moment, she forgot the chaos of the hall, Yuie’s disappearing act, and even Darden’s usual hovering. The memory of Darden’s warnings crept in, though, as it always did.

“A dog?” Kia muttered, more to herself than anyone else, the thought slipping out unbidden. She leaned back slightly, looking off to the side as her thoughts caught up with her words. “What dog are you talking about, Darden?” She shook her head lightly, her tone shifting. “He always seems to worry some harm will befall me when I’m around you. That’s why he’s like that. He fears you’ll be the cause of me losing my life.”

Her voice softened, and the weight of the thought lingered. Then she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the moment in front of her. She hugged him again, tighter this time. “But I do miss you, brother.”

The hall’s noise buzzed around her, but in this moment, Kia let herself hold on, not wanting to let the threads of familiarity slip away again.

@ｍａｌｉｋ ⁱⁿᶜᶜᵘᵇᵘˢ Jungkook was unphased by malik and his glaring and words. It could be the same, just because Darden was now married with their sister, doesn't mean he didn't have a connection as well. Regardless, Jungkook had every right to be around her. So it was null and voided for anyone to have a say otherwise, and that goes for Darden. And when did anything of what others mattered to him. Something this family suffers with. Stubborn-ness.

"It's best you speak for yourself. You're worried about me, But Jimin who's wide in the open might also get snatched. And I don't mean by me." he told the other walking off as he's sure his brother heard him since he wants to eavesdrop on a conversation not meant for him.

He saw Caiya and approached her as the husband he still was. He took her in his arms. "It's great to finally see you yet again. I felt you were back here but never took the effort since you were apparently guarded by your guard dog. So, how have things been on your side?

@ｏｎｅｗ ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ Jonghyun spotted Onew approaching, and the brothers met in the middle with warm smiles and brief, familiar pleasantries. Words flowed easily between them—jokes, catch-ups, and the sort of exchanges that came naturally after centuries of brotherhood.

Eventually, as Jonghyun expected, the topic shifted. Onew’s face softened with pride as he began speaking about his beloved new husband and his son, Zelo. Jonghyun raised a brow but let him talk for a moment, waiting for a pause to chime in.

“Zelo is not a baby,” Jonghyun said, his tone both firm and fond. “I mean, yes, he still has the mind of a teenager sometimes, but he’s 180 years old. That’s no little kid by any standard.” He crossed his arms, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “He’s been under my fin since he was just a tiny egg—one single egg, mind you, not even a clutch. Do you know what that means? Spoiled. Rotten. Pampered beyond belief. And he’s loved every second of it.”

Jonghyun chuckled softly, glancing at Onew. “He’s definitely a father’s boy, and being an umma has been his dream since the moment he saw a few of his brothers and sisters being born. It’s not like I threw him out; he saw a chance to grow, and he took it. That’s on him. But don’t think for a second you’re off the hook. If you want to keep him happy, you’d better spoil him just like I did. He’s used to it, and he’s not about to change.”

Jonghyun turned, scanning the room, his sharp eyes narrowing as he searched. “Now, let me find my tall, golden-haired son. There’s no way I can miss those tight blonde curls anywhere.” His gaze caught on a familiar figure in the distance, and he nodded toward it. “Is that him over there? Come on, brother, let’s go,” he said to Onew, already starting to move toward Zelo with the confidence of someone who never needed directions.

@ｊｏｎｇｈｙｕｎ ᵏʳᵃᵏᵉⁿ The elder looked at the siren and looked at the food. This party had all the types of food and types of drinks to cater to everyone's needs. Including blood and normal food for the humans. So the request of the sea salt water and the fish were 100 percent available. "Fresh?" he asked the younger since the fresh was on ice, or cooked fish. which there were different variations of the fish and types.

Hearing him speak about coral green the elder nodded while he made his way over to retrieve what the other needed. "Coral green" he speak while walking off and made his way towards his brother who was admiring the view of everything within the hall. "Hello brother" he spoke to the elder and then looked at him. "There is someone who wish to speak with you." he spoke about the other. "He's waiting for food. You should pick it up and deliver it.so he could see you. Since he said he miss his home. What made you think it was fair to force him out of the ocean to quickly and instantly get into marriage?" he asked his older brother..

@ｊｕｎｇｋｏｏｋ ˢᵏⁱⁿ ʷᵃˡᵏᵉʳ Malik shot Jungkook a soft glare, the tension in his eyes momentarily betraying his reluctance. It wasn’t really his fight, not directly, but the thought lingered in his mind: if someone dared to look at his mate like that, or had a past with them, he’d expect his brother to step in without hesitation. So, against his better judgment, Malik decided to stick his nose in—because that’s what family did, right?

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Malik said, his tone calm but laced with an undertone of warning. “I mean, yeah, granted, you’ve got a kid together. But you know Darden. He’s not exactly what you’d call forgiving when it comes to anyone stepping between him, Kai, and Kia.”

He paused, his lips twitching into a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But, hey, you do you. Just remember—it's your funeral, not mine. And let’s hope Darden’s not carrying his sword today, or things might get messy real fast.”

Malik straightened, turning slightly as though to leave, but his expression remained guarded. He knew Darden would have his back if things went sideways—if push came to shove, Darden would stand with him. That much, Malik didn’t doubt. Even as he walked off, his words lingered, leaving a quiet warning in their wake.

@ｍａｌｉｋ ⁱⁿᶜᶜᵘᵇᵘˢ Jungkook gave Malik a long deep and deathful glare towards the younger when he spoke about it being quality time. But when they came over, his demeanor became much softer to them. "Do you both want food as well?" His attention went to that of the children and then brought them their food. "This should hold you three off for a while" he spoke and gave them their drinks. "If you need me. Uncle Kookie is going to find Your Aunt Caiya. If you need me." he tapped his ear. "Just whistle." they nodded an ate.

@ｏｎｅｗ ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ Zelo looked at his mate, his eyes soft as he considered the situation that had loomed over him for much of his life. Despite the questions and teasing over the years, he’d been assured countless times—he wasn’t anyone’s secret love child. He was just… gifted with height beyond measure. Still, it lingered in his mind, a quiet insecurity.

“Dear mate, is this true?” Zelo asked quietly, his gaze fixed on the elder. He allowed his hand to be taken, the warmth of Onew’s grip grounding him as words were spoken that calmed his heart. He gently rubbed his fingers into Onew’s hand, a subtle habit that helped him center himself, and slowly let go of the urge to keep scanning the room for his father.

“It’s just…” Zelo paused, his voice thoughtful, “On land, I hardly see my family. Being out of the sea is… odd for me.” He shifted slightly, glancing around the room before returning to Onew with a faint, almost playful smile. “I guess we should get something to eat. Do they have fish?” He tilted his head as though considering the options in his mind. “Oh, and I could use a glass of sea salt water. Hmm…”

Zelo’s smile widened slightly as he answered the question his mate had asked just moments ago. “Coral green. That’s my favorite color,” he said, his tone warm and calm now as if the chaotic thoughts of family and belonging had momentarily drifted away.

Onew looked at the younger shaking his head fondly of the taller male. "Relax Zelo. You are tall because of Your grandmother and your great grandparents. My brothers. They are on the taller side. And Kai is as tall as you." he assured where his tallness came from. He didn't have to explain fully of where he gotten his genes from. But on that note, he needed to as he was very precise in his speaking. It's something that's in his nature. "Come on. Let's grab a seat, he will find us." He took the youngers hand and walked inside further to where the tables were. "Tell me, what is your favorite color?"

@ｊｕｎｇｋｏｏｋ ˢᵏⁱⁿ ʷᵃˡᵏᵉʳ “I guess I can thank you for the help, brother,” Malik said, running a hand through his disheveled hair, his tone a mix of gratitude and exhaustion. He shifted his weight, stretching slightly, before letting out a long sigh. “Why don’t you guys go hang out with Uncle Jungkook for a while, huh? My back is creaking, my spine feels like it’s breaking, and these kids…” He glanced down at the little ones running around like chaos incarnate, his voice dropping to a muttered grumble. “…these kids are little demons in the making.”

Malik shot Jungkook a tired but hopeful look, as if silently begging for backup. “Go on, Jungkook. They’re all yours. Think of it as… quality time,” he added, with a faint smirk creeping onto his face, masking the sheer desperation in his plea.

@ｍａｌｉｋ ⁱⁿᶜᶜᵘᵇᵘˢ Jungkook laughed when he listened to the other rhyme about the cake. "Well, well, father of the year." he spoke to the younger. "A jungle gym. Classic." he spoke and moved to pick up the little girl that was swinging with all her might. He picked her up. "How's uncles' sweetheart?" he moved her and walked to bring her towards the table that had the food. "Lets get you something to eat. Could be hunger yeah" he brought her to grab a plate. "Alright i know. mac and cheese, right?" she nodded and pointed towards chicken. "Alright kiddo. Go sit and I'll fix you something to eat" she got down and ran to the table.

Team, do you really want to do this?" Win muttered, pulling off his helmet and brushing his fingers through his hair as he glanced up at the place with a long, disinterested look. "You know I’m not one for family turnouts. What can I even say to the old man, anyway? ‘Hi, Appa. Hi, Umma. It’s me, your missing son. Sorry I prefer living my own life over dealing with two hundred thousand brat siblings.’"

He sighed, his tone laced with sarcasm as he stepped off his bike, giving it a lingering glance like it was his one true ally in all of this. "Being a prince? Yeah, that really doesn’t suit me. And don’t even get me started on being the eldest. ‘Rule them all,’ right? No thanks. I’d rather swim."

Win ran his tongue over his teeth, his lips quirking into a faint smirk as his eyes narrowed. "You sure I’m even a vampire? Because, honestly, I feel more part fish at this point." His gaze flicked toward Team, exhaling sharply. "Alright, fine. Let’s just get this over with before I talk myself out of it.

Do you see my appa anywhere?” Zelo asked, his voice low but laced with a bit of impatience. He leaned closer to Onew, his eyes darting around the room as he tried to peek over the sea of taller figures. “I swear, sometimes I wonder how I got so tall when he’s... well, so short. You’d think he’d be easy to spot because of it, but no.”

Zelo sighed, craning his neck and narrowing his eyes as if that might somehow reveal his father in the crowd. “We’ve got way too many tall people in this family. It’s like looking for a pebble in a forest or something. I must’ve gotten my height from my umma, right? It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

He huffed quietly, standing straighter but still scanning the room. “But seriously, where is he? He better not be hiding just to mess with me—again.”

Malik walked in, a human jungle gym for three or four small children who had decided to climb Daddy like a tree. One boy was latched onto his leg, hugging it tightly as if scaling the trunk, while the others clung to his upper half with gleeful determination.

A young girl had managed to hang off his back, her giggles echoing as she swung slightly, while two more clung to each of his arms. Malik’s balance was visibly wavering under the combined weight, his body tilting forward as he tried to keep everyone secure without collapsing.

"Somebody’s going to fall, and it’s not going to be Daddy’s fault!" he warned, his tone half exasperated and half amused. Glancing toward the table, he added quickly, "Look, look—there’s cake! Who wants cake? And who’s going to give their poor old man’s back a break, for Pete’s sake?"

Despite the chaos, Malik’s grin revealed just how much he adored his little climbers, even as they turned him into their personal play structure.

*making my way inside I grabbed the baby boys who were one and walking. I waved and smiled bringing in two pies. While two small ppl we're strapped to my front and back. *I looked at typhoon* baby. Can you take your brother for me?. *I looked at the rest of the kids* don't fight while we re here. And I need the younger ones to not climb anything. Is that clear? Please don't. *we all walk in. Half of a mini army going in. The kids rush in* yeeeeeeeeeeaaassshhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*they squeal and giggle running in*

*I stop* it's like I didn't even say a word... *I shake my head and walk in letting them free* aigoo. Ty I can get him back. *reaches for the baby he helped me with*

Baekhyun stood off to the side, surrounded by a small whirlwind of children. He was diligently making plates for the picky little ones, their voices chiming in with a chorus of "No, Umma, not that—more of this, please!" Despite the chaos, he somehow managed to keep track of the youngest four, all around four years old, who were darting around like curious fireflies.

For an umma with so many children, Baekhyun looked like a bright ray of sunshine. His smile never faltered, his demeanor light and cheerful as he took everything in stride. He was waiting for his older sons and his grandchild to arrive, though he couldn’t help but wonder where Appa was. Jongki was always nearby, watching him from some hidden spot. Baekhyun could have used a little help, but even without it, his smile never wavered.

He truly was a happy soul, full of love and kindness, even if he mumbled softly to himself, "Ahh, Jongki, where are you?" His eyes scanned the room a few times, hoping to catch a glimpse of his mate.

Instead, his gaze landed on his older son, and his entire face lit up. His excitement was palpable as he waved energetically, like a teenager spotting a friend across the cafeteria.

"Vegas! Here!" Wave, wave. "Vegas!"

His voice was unmistakably that of a proud, doting umma, radiating joy as he beckoned his son over.

@ｐｅｔｅ ᵖʳᵒᶜᵉˢˢⁱⁿᵍ... Hearing the smart tone of his words, Vegas smirked while walking off. "Then you better start running my bunny boy" he spoke and swifted his way back inside leaving the cold behind. All without the mind to look back. Any pleasure-ment that it would give the other.

But on that note, he went inside to mingle with the rest of his family. Even on a time like Christmas, he was able to stay together. Even if it was so often, he would be able to see his family even if it was very few a year. But looking for his father, he searched for his mother. Baekhyun.

@ｖｅｇａｓ ᵖʳᵒᶜᵉˢˢⁱⁿᵍ... Looking up at the other with a sideways glance, he focused on the strands of his hair caught in a rough grasp, the way he was being manhandled, held like some ing object—like a toy to be toyed with. The indignation simmered in him, the urge to kick his mate and brother square in the balls burning bright, if only for the sheer joy it would bring.

But, damn it all, the entire exchange, from start to finish, was oddly pleasurable. It turned him on in a way that made his stomach churn with equal parts annoyance and desire. The bastard didn’t need to know that, though—not the way his half-hardened at the dominance being thrown his way.

Even the puff of smoke that lingered in the air, that cocky timing of his—it was infuriating and arousing all at once. But really? They had just gotten here, and the er was already scheming, probably imagining banging him in some closed-off room or cramped closet.

"I should make you find me," he huffed, his tone low and laced with both defiance and invitation.

Vegas walked up behind Pete who was smoking and taking the last bit of the drag from his stick. Before he could toss the puffer down to crush it, Vegas pulled it from his hands and took in a deeper drag from the bud. A clear sign as the end lighted as if it was about to become a firework.

A hand grabbed Petes hair firmly and pulling back. "So" he blew out the air and held the smoke in his mouth. "You thought you were going to smoke alone?" he stops to breath in that nicotine that stung his lungs, but result made it even more satisfying. He removed the cancer stick and moved to turn Pete's head towards his own and pressing in a kiss down on his lips but, blowing in the smoke he took in.

Vegas pulled back and still with a firm hand to his head he leaned down and along the younger's neck. "You don't need to go anywhere" he pressed his lower half back towards him. "This is what's waiting for you in about 30 minutes time" he moved down to petes ear. "I want you a screaming at this party. Once you make sure the younger is alright. I will be waiting. Don't make me have to come out and find you." he at Pete's ear and biting it before pushing his head away and removing his hand from his locks before moving to walk off and back inside while tossing the bud in the trash after he crushed it out.

Jonghyun wasn’t one to leave the depths of his domain often, but for family—especially when everyone was attending—he made an exception. With his bride by his side, he felt no need to worry about the children. Most of them were grown now, capable of making the trip on their own. Many even had lovers or husbands of their own, carving out lives as full as his had been.

As they arrived, Jonghyun took in the grandeur of the place, his sharp eyes sweeping over every detail.

"Nice, nice. Very nice," he mused aloud, nodding approvingly. "This already seems like it’ll be one of the better get-togethers."

He’d heard the hunters would be there—hunters of mates, as they were often called. Though Jonghyun had always preferred to refer to them as the beasts of the shifter clan, he supposed to each their own. Still, their presence promised to make things... interesting.

Pete walked in after putting out a smoke, the faint scent of nicotine still clinging to him.

"I’m coming, I’m coming," he called to Sunoo, taking one last drag before crushing the cigarette under his boot.

As he exhaled the final plume of smoke, he couldn’t help but wonder if this family could manage just one get-together without something popping off.

Suga entered with his seven-year-old children from Malik, visibly happy. After everything they had been through, this was likely their first time meeting their dad. The kids appeared relaxed and well-behaved for their age. being that they were raised as royalty the two little princes and princes walked around in there designer hanbok

Ku will rama didn’t know what to make of the event. He wasn’t exactly a partygoer—more of a wallflower, the type who clung to the edges of a room, never expecting anyone to come and ask him to dance. Yet here he was, attending a family reunion-style Christmas celebration. He thought he might hide behind his mate, making himself as small and unnoticeable as possible.

But deep down, a part of him wanted to stand front and center. He was proud of his family—proud of his son, Rain, proud of his daughter, and proud of the efforts he’d been making to grow their family further. Most of all, he was proud of his mate, who was more than worthy of every bit of admiration Kurama could give.

Still, there was a quiet insecurity that lingered within him. His mate was everything Karama felt he was not: strong, protective, courageous, and an outstanding provider. He was the backbone of their family, the steady hand that kept everything in order. Kurama often thought to himself that he wasn’t the best parent. Parenting wasn’t a skill he’d been gifted with, nor something he’d learned from his own umma and appa.

As he fussed with his appearance, ensuring every strand of red hair was in place, Kurama found himself appreciating his mate even more. Without him, he wasn’t sure how their family would hold together.

He wondered how the Christmas event would unfold. Would it be filled with joy