#loco: do i.. do.. the same.. i guess? yes.. hello..

Buck sighed. They were in Maddie’s apartment and Buck had sort of whined a bit about how hopeless his crush was. Eddie had to be straight, after all. He had a son and he’d never spoken about liking men and Buck knew his luck and his taste in men. They nearly always turned out to be straight and unattainable. 

“Okay, so if I let you do this and it doesn’t work out then you get off my back?” 

Maddie rolled her eyes. “Yeah...alright,” she said. “But I have a feeling that you’re going to like who I choose.” 

“Not likely,” Buck said. 

Maddie didn’t bring the blind date up again for a few days and then on the night before Valentine’s Day, Buck received a text. 

Your date is tomorrow. Wear that new shirt you bought the other day. And have fun.

Buck just sort of groaned at his phone and shrugged at Eddie when he looked at him questioningly. Chim just sort of laughed at him and nudged Hen which meant that Maddie had definitely told Chim about the blind date and he had of course shared with Hen. 

It was no matter...they would probably all discuss it over dinner or whatever on the shift after Valentine’s Day and his date. That’s how things went at the 118, after all. There were rarely any secrets. Buck was actually a bit surprised that he’d done so well with keeping his crush from everyone. At least, he hoped he had. 

He texted Maddie back. 

You just had to pick Valentine’s Day didn’t you...

Even though he wasn’t thrilled about the date, Buck figured that it was worth a try. He needed to make himself move on from his crush and if that meant going on a blind date that his sister set up, then that’s what it was going to entail. 

Maddie sent him the details on where the date was taking place. The reservation was under her name and she expected Buck to be there on time. 

Despite not being thrilled about the date, Buck still took the time to get ready. He took Maddie’s advice and put on the new shirt, it was button up, short sleeved, and maroon. Buck actually hadn’t been too into it when he saw it but Maddie convinced him to get it. He paired it with his favorite jeans. As he got ready, he couldn’t help but think about the last Valentine’s date he’d had. With Abby. That had been a mess and a half, he only hoped that the person Maddie had set him up with could help him out if he choked again...or better yet that there was no medical emergency at all. 

He arrived at the restaurant right on time. It was busy, but then it was Valentine’s Day. Buck actually ended up waiting in line to get to the host and as he did he took a glance around to try and see if he could find the person that he was supposed to be on a date with but around him were only couples. 

“Hi, can I help you?” 

Buck nodded. “Uh, yeah. Reservation for Maddie Buckley. My sister set up this blind date for me…”

The host smiled at him. “Yes, your date is actually already here.” She motioned for one of the waiters. “Table twelve.”

Buck gulped but he followed the waiter. He had to just hope for the best. If the date went well then it went well and if it went horribly then that’s what happened. Either way, it was one night and a few hours and Buck literally had nothing left to lose. Not even his heart. That kind of already belonged to someone else. 

“Here we are,” the waiter said. “And I will be right back. Enjoy your night.” 

The waiter stepped out of Buck’s way. His date was facing the other way and Buck had a moment to see him because it was definitely a guy. He was nervous, going by the way that his hand kept twitching on the table and it was clear that Maddie had gone through the trouble of finding someone that at least from the back looked a bit like Eddie. She knew what Buck liked. Buck didn’t know if that would be easier or harder. 

Taking a deep breath, Buck stepped forward. 

“Hi, I—” he had no words and his jaw could have been touching the ground for all he knew because this was not what he’d expected…it was not who he expected at all. 

“Buck,” Eddie said. “What are you doing here?”

“I — Maddie set me up on a blind date,” Buck said and he realized that he was in the way when a waiter tried to get past him so he slid into the seat across from Eddie. 

Eddie had sat up in the chair and he was leaning forward. “Chim set me up on a blind date,” he said. He was staring at Buck in wonder.

Buck burst out into laughter and he was sure the people at the tables around them were turning to look at them but he couldn’t help it because it had been a set up. Maddie knew how Buck felt and she’d made this happen as some sort of push to get Buck to admit his feelings and Eddie had been pulled along into the middle of it. 

“So...I guess the good thing about this is that we’re not on awkward dates with randoms,” Buck said. “Spending tonight with your best friend...not a bad way to go.”

Eddie sat back in his chair and his lips were pursed. “Buck...I think we have to be real here. Or maybe I do...I have to come clean. Tengo que decirte esto porque si no lo digo...me voy acer loco.”

[I have to tell you this because if I don’t say it...I’m going to go crazy]

“Eddie...I don’t speak Spanish,” Buck said. “But I know what loco means.”

Eddie sort of hung his head and when he looked back up he just sort of shook his head when he looked at Buck but before he could say anything the waiter was back. 

“Hello,” he said, “can I get you started on anything?” 

“Just water for now, thanks,” Buck said. 

The waiter nodded and walked away.

“So,” Buck said. He was nervous to ask. 

Eddie took a breath and Buck was reassured by how nervous Eddie looked as well. It made him...well, it made him wonder if he’d been wrong. If maybe Maddie had a point and he should have told Eddie. He was just gathering the guts to tell him when Eddie spoke first. 

“I — I like you, Buck. That seems so...juvenile. I don’t know...I’m kind of in love with you. That might be better. And true.”

Buck had no words. There were no words that could describe what he felt. It was lucky the table between them wasn’t that big because Buck leaned over it easily, one hand on the table for balance and the other on Eddie’s shirt, dragging him up so that he could kiss him, slotting their lips together and trying to shove every single emotion at him. All the love he felt for this man...for his best friend. His best friend who loved him back and was kissing back. 

Eddie let out the cutest little whine when Buck pulled back and he moved with Buck, chasing his lips. Eddie’s hands found their way to Buck’s jaw, his fingers brushing over Buck’s cheek and Eddie kissed him. This one was gentler, slower and lingering. 

They both sat down, but their hands met across the table, the need to have contact and to touch imperative.

“So...we could have been doing that all this time,” Eddie said a tad breathless.

“Yeah. I guess we’re both a little bit clueless.”

“Or too stuck in our own heads,” Eddie said.

Buck squeezed Eddie’s hand. “I didn’t want to lose you. Our friendship. And...well, I had no idea you liked men too.”

Eddie chuckled. “I — I’ve never really been with a man before.” He looked nervous admitting that, Buck could tell. 

“Well...you know my past…”

“I do,” Eddie said. “And you know mine.” 

Buck couldn’t help but smile wide. “So we’re doing this…”

Eddie nodded. He was smiling too and it was all teeth, eyes shinning. Buck just loved him so much. And it was the easiest thing in the world to love that man. 

“Well, since we’re here now...I guess this makes it our first date. On Valentine’s Day.”

“What could you possibly have against this day?” Eddie asked.

Buck shrugged. “Nothing really...just I don’t like the cliche that we got together on Valentine’s Day. You know?” 

Eddie laughed. “Would you prefer a different day?”

“Maybe.”

Eddie just laughed again. “Is this because Maddie and Chim now get to claim they got us together? Because, to be honest, they kinda did.” 

“But they’ll be so smug,” Buck said. 

Eddie shook his head and he leaned it onto his free hand just so, staring at Buck and Buck could see nothing but fondness in his gaze. Fondness for Buck. 

“I love you. You love me. I think in the end we win.”

Buck nodded and he wanted to just lean over again and kiss him because he’d been wanting to do that and so much more for longer than he could possibly pin down. Eddie was just delectable...his abs alone had caught Buck’s attention but there was just a lot more to him than that and knowing all of that, it made Buck want him even more. 

“But, that doesn’t mean we can’t mess with them a little,” Eddie said. 

And that was why he was his best friend. “They would deserve it. But that’s plans for another day. Tonight...it’s about us.”

Eddie reached out and with his free hand, he touched Buck’s cheek. Buck leaned into the touch and Eddie chuckled as his thumb swept over Buck’s lower lip. 

“And come to think of it, I don’t think we need to do this whole dinner thing,” Buck said. “You have to get back for Chris tonight right? Well, I’m not really hungry...but I would be down for something else during the time we have?” He raised an eyebrow at Eddie and hoped that he wasn’t pressing his luck. 

Eddie’s eyes narrowed on him and Eddie bit down on his lower lip, eyes never leaving Buck. 

“Good idea?” Buck asked. 

Eddie stood up, never letting go of Buck’s hand. “Let’s go,” he said and it was Eddie that pulled him through the restaurant out to the exit. 

They’d both come in their own cars and leaving one behind wasn’t an option. 

“Meet me at mine?” Buck asked as they walked towards the parking lot.

Eddie nodded but he didn’t let go of Buck’s hand when they’d reached his truck. Instead, he pulled Buck closer and next thing he knew, Buck was pressed against the side of the truck and Eddie was stepping into his space. Their eyes were locked together and then Eddie was kissing him hard and fast and sloppy. Desperate. Buck pressed his body even closer to him, pulling Eddie in by the waist. 

Buck was surprised when Eddie pulled back, stepped back from Buck entirely. His lips were red, his hair just slightly mussed and his eyes looked wild like at any moment he would just pounce on Buck. But he didn’t. Instead, he reached for Buck’s hand and he pulled Buck off the truck. 

“Just a preview,” Eddie whispered. “Go. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Buck had no genuine idea about how he managed to get back to his apartment because he was in a daze. An Eddie induced daze. 

Eddie got there not long after he did and they walked without touching at all to his apartment. It was when the door closed that they grabbed for each other, falling into hard and messy kisses that were part teeth and just a bit off center. Their chests were pressed together and Buck wanted to be touching all of Eddie. He wanted to see all of him. He wanted to know him and be known back. 

It was stumbling that they made it up the stairs, struggling to try and take each other’s clothes off and knocking into each other and the railing of the stairs as they went. But Eddie managed to open Buck’s shirt and immediately his hands were on his skin warm and with lightly callused fingers and Eddie was trailing his mouth away from his mouth down his jaw and neck. Buck held on to any part of Eddie that he could reach, fingers digging into his shoulders and side because it was too much. Having Eddie was too much. 

Somehow they were moving towards his bed. Eddie pushed him to sit and Buck could only watch as Eddie stripped himself of his shirt, throwing it aside. He took off his shoes too and then his hands were on Buck’s neck, tilting his head up. Eddie leaned down and kissed him, a quick brush of their lips before he pushed Buck to the bed. Buck scrambled back, moving towards the headboard and Eddie followed.

Buck shivered when Eddie’s hands landed on Buck’s torso, running up his chest to his shoulders. Eddie kept eye contact right up until he leaned down and he was trailing kisses up Buck’s chest. Buck had to throw his head back onto his pillow, whimpering as Eddie came up his neck, his knees were bracing him on either side of Buck’s hips and Eddie’s teeth nipped at Buck’s neck. 

“Eddie,” Buck gasped. He reached for him, hands landing on Eddie’s sides, his warm skin was almost like silk to the touch and he heard Eddie gasp as Buck’s hands explored. 

They were kissing again a moment later and their chests were pressed together but more importantly so was everything else and Buck could feel Eddie against him. They were both hard and confined in jeans and if Buck wasn’t comfortable then neither was Eddie but Buck couldn’t be the one to push even if he was sure that Eddie wanted it. Eddie had never done this with a man before…

When the kiss ended and they were gasping for breath, Buck rolled them over. He supported his weight over Eddie with his hands on either side of Eddie’s face and looking at him made him lose his breath. He was a beautiful gorgeous man and Buck had him in his bed. 

“Buck? What is it?” 

Buck brushed a piece of Eddie’s hair off his forehead. 

“You’ve never done this before...with a guy, I mean…”

“I haven’t,” Eddie said and there was something bashful about him when he said it but then their eyes were meeting. “Buck, I want everything with you.”

Buck smiled down at him. “But we can take it slow, you know. We have a long time to do everything.”

Eddie pulled him down into another round of kissing and it was Eddie that reached down between them and undid Buck’s pants and then started pulling them off. Buck had to sit up and get up from the bed to take them off completely and in the meanwhile, Eddie worked on his own and seeing him splayed out on his bed in just his boxers with a hard on tenting said boxers and his abs and legs in full display. It was as if he had walked inside his own dreams. 

“God, you’re hot,” Buck muttered as he climbed back on the bed and Eddie was pulling him towards him and then they were kissing again, pressed up together as much as was possible. Buck groaned when their covered erections brushed and Eddie gasped into his mouth and Buck never wanted to forget the way that Eddie sounded when he whined and gasped and tried to hold on to a moan. 

Buck reached between them and he was slow and deliberate as his hand played with the waistband of Eddie’s boxers until Eddie had had enough and he shimmied out of them on his own and Buck barely hesitated before his hand was on Eddie’s cock. 

“Buck,” Eddie groaned, voice guttural and unbelievably hot. 

Eddie whined when Buck began to move his hand, he was bucking up into it and he threw his head back, the line of his throat glorious and long interrupted only by his adam’s apple when he was gulping and taking in air. 

All of it, the emotion and the Eddie of it all was everything. Buck’s hand kept moving on Eddie’s cock and then he moved his body down Eddie’s glistening chest. Eddie was watching him and Buck just shot him a smirk when he’d made it down between his legs. He leaned forward and licked a stripe from tip to bottom. 

Eddie was whimpering through his moans but one of his hands was gripping Buck’s shoulder tight, nails digging in just as Buck took the head of Eddie’s cock in his mouth and he groaned against it because this only happened in his dreams. 

“Buck, oh—” Eddie’s gasps were interrupted and loud and soft. 

Buck wanted to keep hearing him as he took more of Eddie in his mouth, losing himself to his senses, the way that Eddie smelled and tasted and felt against his tongue and how Buck knew when Eddie was just about to come from the way he twitched, but he stayed where he was anyway because he didn’t want even a drop to go to waste. It was all of it, the way that Eddie was looking at him and the feeling of him going soft in Buck’s mouth, spent and happily so...it made everything perfect and when Eddie had recovered enough he was urging Buck to take off his underwear, Buck felt like he wouldn’t be holding on for much longer. And it didn’t take much more than Eddie’s touch and his hands fondling him in an almost reverent way for Buck to feel his orgasm hit. 

They collapsed side by side on Buck’s bed, sweaty and worn out but touching still where they could despite how sticky they felt and how Buck’s cum was starting to dry on his stomach and thighs and where it had landed on Eddie. 

“Wow,” Eddie said, panting and laughing just a little. 

“Okay,” Buck said, “so this may just have been the best Valentine’s Day ever,” Buck said. 

“You can say that again,” Eddie said. 

Quietly, Klaus said, “I’d rather take my chances on the streets than live here a moment longer.”

“We’re not going to do that.” Lilac said simply, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear that had fallen from her ribboned ponytail; she hadn’t had time to put in her braids yet. “Who knows what could happen to us on the streets? At least here we have shelter and food.”

“I wish our fortune could be used now, instead of when you come of age.” Violet said sulkily.

“We could buy a castle and live in it,” Klaus said wistfully.

“With armed guards patrolling outside to keep out Olaf and his troupe.” Nick added.

“We could have an inventing studio,” Violet said. “Filled with gears and pulleys and wires and an elaborate computer system.”

“And we could have a huge library.” Klaus said. “Like Justice Strauss’s.”

“Gibbemus!” Sunny said. “And we could have lots of things to bite!”

“Well,” Lilac said, “That’s not going to happen.”

“We could ask Justice Strauss to adopt us.” Nick said.

“We can’t just ask her to adopt us.” Lilac said. “Adoption isn’t an impulse decision, Nick.”

“We could go to Mr Poe.” Violet said.

“He’s not going to do shit, Vi.” Nick snapped.

Sunny raised a small hand. “Caedis,” she said, which meant, “We could just kill him.” Soli giggled at that.

“Sunny!” Klaus said.

“Hmm. His troupe would notice.” Nick said.

“So we’d need no witnesses.” Lilac said, smiling slightly; it was nice to have a bit of a joke at the time.

“Funus.” Soli laughed. “I could hide the body.”

“How do you know how to do that?” Klaus asked, concerned. Soli shrugged and giggled again, and Nick laughed with her; Klaus wasn’t sure whether this was an inside joke or some other humor he didn’t understand. Lilac seemed to find it funny, though, and even Violet chuckled slightly.

“Well, anyway,” Violet said, “Mr Poe said we could talk to him at the bank if we had a question.”

“We don’t have a question, we have a complaint.” Klaus said reluctantly.

“Who else are we supposed to talk to?” Violet said. “Mr Poe’s in charge of us. If he knew about how horrid Olaf is being to us, he’d probably get us out of here.”

They all thought for a moment about getting to go somewhere else, far away from Count Olaf, and they all nodded. “Okay.” Lilac said. “Let’s get our chore list done, and then find the bank.”

Their chore for the day turned out to be chopping firewood, but Olaf had only provided them two axes. Lilac and Violet took charge, tying back their hair and chopping the provided wood as fast as they could, while their siblings piled everything up. They finished rather quickly, and then Lilac picked up Sunny and Nick picked up Soli and they made their way towards the banking district of the city.

It took them several hours to reach the district and comb through the wide streets and different banks that all looked incredibly similar. When they finally found Mulctuary Money Management, they had to push through a crowd of busy, disinterested adults until they finally found someone who gave them directions to Poe’s office.

“Hello, Baudelaires!” Poe said, a bit puzzled as he looked up from his desk. It was covered in papers, three telephones with flashing lights on the top. “Please come in.”

Lilac stepped inside, dropping Sunny onto a large chair. She gestured for Nick to do the same, but he just glared at her and adjusted his hold on Solitude, who was playing with the hem of his sweater.

Poe coughed into his handkerchief as Violet and Klaus also wandered in, Violet putting her hand on her brother’s arm in some form of comfort. “I’m very busy today,” he said, “So I don’t have much time to chat. Next time, you should call ahead of time when you plan on being in the neighborhood-”

“We don’t know your number.” Nick said.

“Don’t interrupt, Nicholas.” Poe said.

“Nick.”

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

“We’re afraid it’s an urgent situation.” Lilac said.

“Count Olaf is a madman.” Klaus said quickly. “We can’t stay with him.”

“He hit Klaus.” Violet said. “See his bruise?”

Just as Violet spoke, one of the phones rang, and Poe quickly answered it, saying, “This is Poe. What? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. Thank you.” He hung up the phone, then looked up. “I’m sorry, what were we talking about?”

“He has only provided us with one bed.” Lilac said.

“He makes us do a great many difficult chores.” Nick added.

“He drinks too much.” Violet said.

“He calls us orphans.” Klaus said.

“He has horrible friends.” Lilac shuddered.

“For!” Soli called. “He’s clearly after our money!”

“Poko!” Sunny yelled. This didn’t mean anything, she just felt left out of the conversation.

Poe put up his hands, looking a bit tired. “Children, children.” he said. “Now, I’m sorry you didn’t have a good first impression of your guardian, but you must give yourselves time to adjust to your new home. You’ve only been there a few days-”

“We’ve been there long enough!” Nick said. “We’re going to-”

Poe sighed. “Are you familiar with the Latin term ‘in loco parentis’?”

They all looked to Klaus, who thought carefully. “Something about trains?” he guessed.

Poe shook his head. “It means, ‘acting in the role of parent,’ and it is a legal term that applies to Count Olaf. Now that you are in his care, the Count may raise you using any methods he sees fit. I’m sorry if your parents didn’t make you do chores, or if you never saw them drinking alcohol, or if you like their friends better than Count Olaf’s, but these are things you must get used to-”

“But he hit Klaus!” Violet said.

“Just look at his face!” Nick shouted.

As they spoke, Poe pulled out his handkerchief and coughed quite a lot.

“Did he hear us?” Violet asked quietly, sounding upset. Nick just shrugged and huffed, and in his arms, Soli copied him.

“Well, whatever Count Olaf has done,” Poe said, putting down his handkerchief and picking up a pencil to get to work on one of the papers, “He has acted in loco parentis, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Your fortune will be protected by myself and by the bank, but Count Olaf’s parenting methods are his own businesses. Now, I hate to usher you out posthaste, but I have very much work to do. ‘Posthaste’ means-”

“It means you’ll do nothing to help us.” Lilac finished for him. Her siblings were alarmed to see was shaking again, this time from anger. She spun on her heel and walked away, leaving Klaus to pick up Sunny from the chair, and the siblings quickly followed her out.

When they got outside onto the street, Klaus asked, “What are we going to do now?”

Lilac didn’t answer immediately, instead staring up at the sky.

“Lilac?” Violet asked.

“Let’s go back.” Lilac eventually said. “Perhaps we’ll think of something there. We can’t do much thinking in such a loud city.”

“What’ll we do when we get there?” Klaus asked shakily, slipping his hand back into Violet’s.

“We’ll think of something. Nobody’s going to hurt you again.” Lilac promised. “Come on. Let’s just try to avoid Olaf and find something to occupy ourselves.”

“Can we stop by Justice Strauss’s and get books?” Nick asked quietly.

“Yes,” Lilac said, “But you’re not gonna say anything about adoption.”

“Fine.”

Unfortunately, the children didn’t get to see Justice Strauss’s library again as soon as they’d like. As they approached the house, they were very surprised and quite unnerved to see Count Olaf waiting on the porch. Lilac and Klaus both stiffened, and Sunny leaned in closer to her brother, as if she could shield him herself.

They stared a moment, and then Lilac whispered, “Just. Go up to the house. Try to play nice.”

“Play nice?” Nick asked. “Lilac, I really just want to sock him in the face!”

“Play nice, so nobody else gets hurt.” Lilac said, her voice alarmingly panicked. “Nick, Violet, you say nothing. Klaus, don’t speak unless spoken to, cut the bluntness. Soli, Sunny, play cute.”

“No.” Soli said, crossing her arms.

“Please.” Lilac’s voice broke slightly, and she started walking ahead. “Please, just play nice for a little while, we can bitch about him as soon as he’s out of earshot.”

Quietly, Violet said, “Okay.”

“Violet-” Nick began.

“Just be nice for a little bit.” Violet said, glancing at Klaus’s bruise again. “Just a little. Shut up and follow Lilac’s lead.”

Nick hesitantly nodded, clutching Soli a bit tighter, and they all walked up to the house.

When they got to the porch, Count Olaf simply said, “Children, I’d like to speak to you in the dining room.”

Klaus stiffened again, and Sunny glared at their guardian, clenching her tiny fists. Nick slowly stepped towards his brother again, while Violet glanced over at Lilac concernedly. Lilac just stared at their guardian a moment, as if trying to figure out exactly what he was trying to do to them. Then she just nodded, and he turned to walk into the house, and the children followed.

In the dining room, he’d spread out several small cupcakes, raspberries placed on top. The children suspiciously eyed them as they sat, wondering if they might be poisoned.

“I made these for you.” Olaf said, once again taking a seat at the head of the table.

“Ee-yee.” Sunny huffed. “They’re clearly store bought.”

Choosing to ignore her a moment, the children mumbled “Thank you”s. Nick kept staring at the cupcakes as if they might explode, and Count Olaf seemed to notice, because he simply smiled and picked up one of the raspberries, eating it. “Aren’t raspberries delicious?” he said. “They were my favorite berries when I was your age.”

“We’re all different ages.” Violet said, struggling to think of Count Olaf as a youngster.

There was a tense silence for a moment, as Lilac took a deep breath, trying not to shoot a glare at Violet and attempting to look as small as possible. Count Olaf looked to Violet a moment, his face unreadable, and then he sat back in his chair.

“Well,” Count Olaf said, “I received a phone call from Mr Poe, not ten minutes ago. He told me you children had been to see him.”

The children exchanged fearful and annoyed glances with each other. They had rather hoped their visit would be taken in confidence.

“Mr Poe told me,” Olaf continued, “That you appeared to have some difficulty adjusting to the life I have so graciously provided for you. I am very sorry to hear that.”

Klaus reached his hand under the table to grab Sunny’s, as Nick and Violet glanced towards Lilac. She was staring at his face, which looked very serious, except for his eyes, which were shiny and bright, as if he was telling a joke.

“We’re sorry Mr Poe bothered you.” Lilac said carefully.

“I’m glad he did.” Olaf said, and Sunny wrapped her small hand around one of Klaus’s fingers, squeezing tight. “I want you six children to feel at home here, now that I am your father.”

Nick started. “You’re not-”

Lilac slapped a hand over his mouth, struggling to hide her own look of disgust. “Sorry about him.” she said quickly. “Never knows when to shut up.”

Violet and Klaus exchanged a look, also horrified at the idea of Olaf replacing their father, and Sunny and Soli stared hard at the ground.

Olaf ignored them all a moment. “Lately, I believe I may have been a bit ‘standoffish.’”

“Standoffish” was not a word the children would use to describe Count Olaf. Lilac would have been more inclined to use “pure evil” had she not been worried something might happen to her siblings if she did.

“Therefore,” Olaf said, “I’d like to give you children a gift. I’d like to have you participate in my next play. Maybe if you understood my work- our work- you’d be less likely to run off complaining to Poe.”

“Participate?” Klaus asked, wondering what horrible tasks he’d force them to do.

“The play,” Olaf said, his eyes shining again, “Is called The Marvelous Marriage, and it is written by the great playwright, Al Funcoot.”

Nick and Klaus exchanged a look. Neither of them had ever heard of such a playwright.

“We will give only one performance, tomorrow night.” Olaf continued. “It is about a very brave, intelligent, handsome man, played by me. In the finale, he marries the young, beautiful woman he loves, in front of a crowd of cheering people. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

None of the children responded. Lilac much preferred tragedy and horror stories, Nick could barely stand romances at all, Soli and Sunny were too young to quite understand the appeal, and even Violet and Klaus, who liked romantic tales with happy endings, felt they didn’t know enough about the play to have an opinion, although they assumed they would not like any play that Olaf enjoyed.

“You, boys, will play the part of the cheering people in the crowd. The young infants will also be there.”

“What will Violet and I do?” Lilac asked, starting to feel a glimmer of excitement. “May we build the sets?”

“Oh, yes.” Violet nodded, her eyes lighting up at the prospect.

“Build the sets? Heavens, no.” Count Olaf said, his eyes fixed on Lilac. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be working backstage.”

“But I’d like to.” Lilac said. “Violet and I are very mechanically minded.”

Count Olaf raised his one eyebrow slightly, and Lilac shrunk back a little. Then, calmly, he said, “You, Lilac, will have a very important role onstage. You are going to play the young woman I marry.”

Lilac paled, her stomach churning as if she had indeed been poisoned. She stared at the wall again, blanking for a moment, as Count Olaf continued to talk. “It’s a very important role, although you will have no other lines than ‘I do,’ which you just have to say when Justice Strauss asks you if you will have me.”

“Justice Strauss?” Violet asked, shocked.

“Yes.” Count Olaf nodded. “I decided it was a good idea to be neighborly, especially since she’s been so neighborly to you children, so I asked her to participate and play the judge who officiates the ceremony. Violet, you’ll be her maid of honor. You don’t have to say anything, just stand beside her and look pretty.” Violet flinched.

“Count Olaf,” Lilac began.

“What was that?” he turned to her.

Lilac stared at the wall again so that she didn’t have to meet his eyes. “Father,” she said, ignoring Nick flinch beside her. “I’m not sure I’m talented enough to perform professionally. I’d hate to… hate to disgrace your good name, and the name of Al Funcoot, and… I’ll be very busy learning how to make roast beef.”

Slowly, Count Olaf got to his feet, walking around so he was standing beside Lilac, and he reached forwards and stroked her on the chin, staring deep into her eyes. “You will participate in this performance. I would prefer it if you…” he smiled darkly, “Volunteered to perform, but I believe you orphans are familiar with the term in loco parentis. That is a phrase that here means that I can order you to participate, and you must obey.”

Lilac froze up as his fingernails scratched her chin, shuddering under his look. Then, without another word, Olaf let go of her and left the room.

The children waited until they heard his footsteps disappear into the house, and  then Nick and Soli both reached out, putting comforting hands on their sister’s arm. Nick turned to glare at the door, while Klaus slowly picked up Sunny, placing her on his lap and wrapping his arms around her.

“Well,” the younger twin finally said, “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to be in a play. We don’t… we don’t want to get on his bad side.”

“Klaus, you moron,” Nick said sharply, “Do you think he’s actually being nice? He’s clearly up to something.”

“Do you think those cupcakes are poisoned?” Violet asked, looking incredibly uncomfortable.

“No.” Lilac said, her voice shaking. “Count Olaf’s clearly after our fortune. Killing us would do him no good.”

“How can he get our fortune by forcing us into a play?” Klaus asked.

Lilac shut her eyes. “I don’t know.”

“I wish we’d read up on inheritance law.” Klaus said glumly. “So we could use that to figure out what Olaf has planned.”

“We could ask Mr Poe.” Violet suggested quietly. “He knows legal phrases, and he’s in charge of our inheritance.”

“But he’d just tell Olaf.” Nick glared at the table, placing his chin on top of Soli’s head, which caused her to, despite their tense situation, giggle slightly.

“We need to find out more on inheritance law.” Klaus said. “But how-”

“Book?” Soli asked.

They glanced towards her, and then Violet said, “Justice Strauss did say we were free to visit her library.”

“What if she tells Olaf?” Klaus asked.

“Just tell her we want to read law books.” Nick said. “You love that boring shit.”

“So do you!”

“With four of us working,” Lilac said quietly, “We should be able to find something. Let’s try it.”

The boys stood up first, picking up their respective infants and running out of the room to head over to Justice Strauss’s house. As Lilac stood up, though, Violet glanced away and quietly asked, “Li?”  

“Is something wrong?” Lilac asked, concerned.

Violet bit her lip. “I don’t…” she glanced towards the doorway, knowing that they should get moving before the boys realized they weren’t behind them. “I feel weird. Just… when he…”

Lilac clenched her fists, shutting her eyes. “I know.”

“Why? What-”

He looked flustered with embarrassment as he bowed down and said sorry for almost breaking my door.

"Hi, can I have your best flower for today?" he said.

So, I did my best to help him pick the best among the rest - for today.

Also, I remembered that I include an extra red rose that day. It's really something I do on my first-time customer, that made most of them come back. Others even became patrons of the shop.

---

I personally arranged all the beautiful flowers first thing in the morning because he will be picking it up at eight o'clock.

And for the past four years, I have been waiting for a sign.

You see, even for that short time of that special day, I found myself having a feeling for him. First of all, there's this attraction towards him that I can't seem to escape. And everytime the door chime meaning someone came in, my eyes always landed on his smiling face. And his whole aura is so fresh that it's enough to brighten all of my flowers. And the fact that he smells good and dresses well is really my weakness.

And every single time our eyes met, there's this feeling inside me that at first I never believed existed -- butterflies in my stomach chills all over my body, my heartbeat starts pumping so hard and my knees turn to a gelatin and my feet seems rooted on where I stand. And right after he leaves the shop, I know why.

And so I waited for a sign. Any sign from God or whoever. For I wanted to know if having this one-sided feeling towards a man who looks every woman would want and the fact that he has a girlfriend are something I should continue having. I know wishing for him to be mine is like wishing to find a needle under a pool of people. But damn, I'm still a hoping mess.

I know his name -- Christian Yu. Of course, I know because I needed it to put on the receipt. I know that he's 28 years old. He's working at his own startup company and has a girlfriend.

He said that they've been together for almost a year now and he could clearly see her walking down the aisle as if he's picturing a vision and not merely imagining.

The second time he came, he couldn't remember my name. So I reminded him that my name is Sam. He, in reply, called me Sam Soon as a joke. And since then, he will call me Samsoon every time he got a chance.

One, when he joked about my name.

Second, is when the third time he came. He greeted me as SamSoon. He even joked that I might start adding on my pricing because he's been calling me that instead of my real name.

Third, is when he said before he left the shop.

"See ya later, SamSoon."

----

That's the last thing I remembered that he said, for what he meant by later was almost a year after. And in a few more days, it would be Christmas all over again. But this time, I decided that I will make our encounter over the counter memorable.

I don't want him to remember me as this girl at the flower shop who's named SamSoon so he could remember, and the girl who stared googly-eyed him whenever he gets the flowers he ordered for his girlfriend.

I want him to remember me as someone that has the courage to say what she has to even if it's about her having feelings for him.

He might not come back. I might not see him again. But I want to give a shot. It is better to know than not knowing at all. It's better to be hurt now than feeling hurt every time I think of him and every year I see him - buys the flower to you, for someone else.

I prepared the clothes I'll wear on that day. It's red -- as usual... but I decided to dress up a bit. I'll wear this red knitted dress that I'll be pairing with at black heels and a touch of light makeup.

I don't care if I'll be rejected or whatever. If I never see him after that, then I guess I'll just teach this foolish heart of mine the art of letting go.

Two days before Christmas, I stayed up late at the show together with some of my staff. They helped me to arrange the flowers and keep it from the freezing weather. But after a couple of hours, I let them go before it starts raining snow again.

As I looked at the time, it's almost midnight and my eyes started to get droopy. I guess that explains why. So I stand up and decided to close the shop then I'll just continue finishing this later.

This manual labor and the mental stress about Christian is taking its toll. I sighed rather long at that moment.

"Hey there, SamSoon."

Even tho I won't look at my side to know who was that, I know that it was him. Who else dares to call me SamSoon at my own shop? Honestly, that show 'My Name is Kim SamSoon' aired a decade and so today, but he still decides to call me that. I can't help but smile before turning around.

"Hey! What brings you here?"

I saw how he smile and gave me a coffee he's holding, which I'm guessing is from the other coffee shop not far away from here, where I always buy my coffee. Even tho there's a huge Starbucks branch near the shop.

"Coffee?" he inquired.

"Thanks," as I took it from his. I take a sip, thinking how thoughtful he is for bringing me a cup. And good enough, the tiredness I am feeling a while back, somehow drown away just one sip and smelling the aroma of the coffee. So I sip for more.

"Slow down, have you not thought that there might be poised? You're drinking it in one shot."

Now that I think of it, I paused and almost puke after realizing what he meant. But I didn't think he could do that. But I guess when you accept the fact you like someone, you couldn't think ill of them. Even if it sometimes, if they did something wrong, you always forgive and forget.

He then laughed at my facial expression while thinking all that.

"I'm just kidding, Sam."

Then I smiled at him. Finally, he was able to call me by my name.

"Yaah!" I say as I point my index finger at him. "So anyway, what are you doing here? And at this time as well. Are you here to pick up the flower? Oh my, I'm still not done arranging it."

"I know, don't worry." he looked around and walks towards the sofa set good for four that I recently installed there for customers who would like to stay longer just to rest. "I'm actually here to change that."

"Change it?" as we both seat and now facing each other.

He nodded.

"I want a bigger bouquet. Something bigger like this," he said while his hands and arms motioned the size.

And it was like an extra large round pizza. I can't help but be puzzled. Why? Not to mention it was really a last minute change. To think that I had already arranged the flowers for his order and now I need to change and start all over. At a season like this, of course, the flowers I used on arranging are pre-ordered, and what I have on the shop that was ready to buy are not that well for my arrangements.

And I am sure enough that he wouldn't want that to be used for his girlfriend.

"Well, the thing is that I'm not so sure if there would be any available flowers for that big," I told him the truth, there's no use on hiding it.

His gave you that apologetic smile and eyes that are enough to say yes on whatever he might ask.

"Can't you really make it work? I just really, as in really need it."

I sighed.

"Why all of a sudden? You always liked the bouquet I do."

"The thing is," He smiled to himself. "I'm going to propose to her tomorrow."

By hearing that, my ear went red. My whole body stopped functioning for a couple of seconds. Then he gave me that smile of his before I would probably turn the same smile with pleasure. But now, I smiled as I needed to. Even I'm dying inside. I just hope that I don't creep him on my smile.

I drank the hot coffee. So this is where it ends? So much for my courage to confess later. I guess I just spoil myself, taking granted on the past years that I should try to confess.

Now? No way I would dare to say it now after that. I don't want to give him reason to have a pitty feeling towards me. I guess this is for the best. It means that he's not the one for me.

I guess I should start that art of letting go thing. For this is the end. For sure, he will be returning to this shop more frequently -- on their anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's day or just when he feels he wants to be sweet to his wife.

Just thinking about it feels so troublesome -- yeah, envious is a bitch. But no worries... I'm sure I'll find someone else to love.

"I'll try," I finally said to him.

"Thank you so much! I know I can really count on you." He stands and went on the back of the sofa I seated and hugged me from the back.

I try my best to prevent myself from sniffing. I hold strong on the tears that start to fill the corner of my eyes.

For four years, I've been thinking about this man. And every Christmas, I feast myself on looking at him even for a short time. And soon after, I waited for the next time I have the change to see him again. Hoping that it would be sooner than the next Christmas. Because I couldn't tell if he might find a different flower shop that he likes and he'll never come back.

I know, having a feeling for someone who's already in a relationship -- a serious one too. Is really hard and don't to mention how painful it is.

'Your girlfriend is one hell of a lucky woman.' I can't but think when he finally releases me from his hug and decided to seat in front.

"Are you done? Should I help you with anything?" he asked.

"No need. I should start by doing the new arrangements for that bouquet of yours." I smiled -- barely. 'I'll be starting to move on with my feelings for you while I'm at it.'

"Are you sure you'll be okay here?"

"Yeah," I said. "As if it's my first time having someone requesting last minute changes. So go home, and you can pick it up at the same time. Take it easy on driving."

----

After almost four hours of painstakingly putting a beautiful arrangement for the bouquet, I forgot how I manage to get to sleep in my own bed. I woke up with the sound of knocking from outside.

It was one of my staff. It's been a while now that they tried knocking for me to open up for them. I fixed myself. As they arrange the flowers I finished for pickup.

"Sam, the huge bouquet in your table, for who is it? There's no name and it wasn't on the list." Ria asked while I'm changing my clothes.

"Oh, it's for Mr. Yu. He asked to have some changes." there's nothing wrong if I don't mention he came personally to change it.

At 8 am sharp, Christian arrived. All dressed up for the big occasion. Suit and tie. If I were his girlfriend, I would ask myself every time how could I not say 'yes' to this guy, even if he's not asking -- for sure I might be the one asking him the question.

"Good morning," he greeted as his smile plastered on his face.

"Morning. Look at you, you surely know how to dress from the battle ey?" I said to him. I was a bit embarrassed about my outfit.

I took a quickie shower and failed to brush my hair. I know I'm not a pretty sight to look at right now but what can I do? I can't feel that Christmas spirit anymore.

"Well..." he looked around and landed to the only huge bouquet lined up in the near table." Is that it?" as he pointed it out.

I nodded as we both walked towards the table and finally handed it to him.

"Here."

"Wow, stunning as always." He studied it, he hugged it on one arm. "So how much?" as he tried to take out his wallet from his pocket.

I shooked my head.

"It's free."

I saw how his eyes almost popped out and his lips formed a huge O shape.

"Wait, what?" he asked and you nodded. "Are you sure? You must've worked for hours for this!"

"Yea, that I'm not gonna deny. But good luck with your proposal. I hope she says yes and all went well."

Christian said thanks once again and walked out of the shop... and out of my like.

As I slumped back to the sofa I heard the chimes at door.

"Oh? Have you forgot something?" I asked. He nodded and walked closer. And then he handed me the flowers. "Why? Is there a problem with the flowers?" as I inspected the bouquet.

"You still don't remember me, do you?"

I looked up at him. He looked so serious. What did he mean remember him? Why? When did I ever forget about him? I don't get it. How can I forget the only man I think of all these freakin' years?

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.

"Don't you remember?"

"What am I supposed to remember?" my brows are all curled trying to understand what he was trying to impose. I stood up, but when I realize his too close, I stepped back.

He sighed. Then he leaned closer that there's only an inch between our faces. So I tried to step back again.

"Can't you remember this face?" he pointed his face. "Are sure you can't remember?"

"What are you saying, you're my customer, of course I know." I laughed, to ease the tense atmosphere that starting to build up between us and his seriousness. "What is it that I should remember besides that fact?"

"Sam, don't you even have the slightest memory of me... Christian Yu, your boyfriend for seven years?"

My jaw drop. Boyfriend? Him? My boyfriend? For what? For seven years?!

That's impossible, right? It's only four years since I knew him.

"I guess you still haven't fully recovered." he sounded rather sad. "But let me enlighten you..."

And then he went on in saying that we were together for a couple of years when the accident happened. On the night of December 24, he invited me to go with him to Sydney to meet his parents. On our way to the airport, there's this drunk driver who carelessly bumps the taxi we're in.

We were both in a coma but he woke up after four months. I was sleeping for a year. When I finally woke up, I couldn't remember him.

Though I remember everything, except him. There was this blurry image of a man in my dreams that appears once in a while. I mentioned it to my parents and instead, we should go to the doctor for a consultation but I didn't pay attention to it, thinking that it was just some flash memory that the doctor mention before.

And then I met Christian... and I ignored it completely.

Christian also explained to me that for the past four years, he had been looking out for me. And on every Christmas Eve, he would come up to the shop to buy flowers for his girlfriend like he used to --who turned out to be his ex.

Christian mentioned that we met here at my own shop. He has a girlfriend back then and he bought a flower for Christmas Eve for that's the only month his girlfriend went back to Seoul for a vacation from working overseas. And on several occasions throughout the year, he visits my shop for flowers.

When their relationship got bumpy along the way, Christian said that I was the one he talked to about it. He said that little by little, he saw me in a different light. He was gradually falling for me and losing his love for his girlfriend.

And like the natural course of nature, whatever's been nurtured grows and whatever's been neglected dies.

On the Christmas eve, he went to see me and mentioned that it's almost six months since he broke up with her. And now he's ready to be with me.

And the whole year we dated and on the next Christmas Eve, we both made it official.

And on the day before Christmas, that oh so fateful day, that we decided to travel to see his parents and right there he plans to propose. But that went all the drain when the accident happened, and I lost my memories of him.

When he was done explaining, I was still in shock that I couldn't even blink. This guy, whom I was liking from afar, turns out to be mine all along. And I don't know what or how but it felt that I fall for him even more -- if that's possible.

After knowing that he did not give up on me. Waiting for someone who might just die and leave you is hard. And he even has to live knowing that the woman he loves' doesn't remember him.

I still don't remember him until now and it kind of pissed me... especially now that he's crying in front of me.

"I'm willing to wait for you to remember me. Even if it takes a lifetime before you do, I'll wait for you. I know you don't know me and I know you might not feel the same but I believe that I am for you and you are for me alone. And if fate would be so kind, it would let you remember that love you had for me, a long time ago.

I'm not asking you to love me back because I can't force you to do that but please... please let me continue on loving you even for afar until I can't feel it anymore. It hurts, Sam. I'm still hurting but I'm willing to stay by your side as your whatever. I'd be happy knowing that you let me stay with you... even as just a bystander in your life."

Without knowing, I too started crying. Even my staff that being a witness started whipping their eyes.

I may not remember him... but I hell can feel every word that he's saying. He must have loved me so much... And I'm glad to know that even tho I don't remember him and us, fate really made me remember my feelings for him.

I touched his cheek and wiped his tears away.

"I don't remember you... and I hate that I don't remember you. I want to stop the hurt you're feeling but I can't remember how to make you smile when you're feeling sad. I can't even remember the right words to say or things to do to make you happy... It's killing me not knowing, Christian."

And hearing that from me, he cried even more.

I wipe my own tears and hugged him to at least ease the hurt.

"I don't remember anything from the past..." I said as I brushed his back while he buried his face on the side of my neck. "I don't remember us... but I'm willing to make new memories with you. Because guess what?"

I tried to make him face me. And when I did, I smiled. He stopped crying and I wipe his tears while the smile on my face stayed. As I continue with what I'm saying.

"For some unknown reason... I love you... for the second time in a lifetime."

Ki-Tae was very curious and liked to use his hands to explore everything. That’s why he was constantly seen with something on or in his hands. He would cut his baby soft skin when touching things he wasn’t supposed to. Most of the time your purse was filled with band-aids just for him.

“Jagiya it’s me.”

“Oppa” you were so happy to hear his voice. It was barely noon, you had kissed him goodbye this morning before he left to the studio but it felt longer. For days you had been stuck at home with your twins.

“Mommy” the small boy came crying to you after having accidentally touched yogurt. “Get it off.”

“Hold on Kiseok” you put down the phone with a sigh. “Ki-Tae you are such a strange boy. You’ll touch anything but food.” After washing his hands you placed him back onto his own two feet and handed him a new spoon. “Here I don’t know where you left the other one but I’ll find it later.”

He took the spoon with a big smile and ran out of your sight.

When you went back to the living room where you had left the phone you saw Ki-Nam quickly disappear out of your sight. “Ki-Nam whatever you are doing stop!” The only response you got was laughter and not just any laughter. It sounded evil, like he was up to no good.

You picked up the phone and in a very serious manner asked Kiseok a ridiculous question. “Did I drink when I was pregnant?”

“Of course not! Jagiya why would you even ask me that?”

“Why are our kids such energetic troublemakers?”

“Well I can explain the troublemaker part. Also the handsome part is all me.” He smiled when he heard your laughter. It was hard on you to care for two boys at the same time and he knew it. That is why he always thanked you for it. “Jagiya how about I bring them with me tomorrow.”

“Both of them at AOMG” you asked a bit worried. “Can you really handle both of them being there?”

“Jagiya I am offended you even ask. I am their father, I can handle it all.”

                                       [ Ki-Nam & Ki-Tae ]

The next day when Kiseok arrived at AOMG he wondered how to go about with the boys. “So do you two promise to behave or do I need to carry you two?”

“We promise” Ki-Tae responded wanting to run about on his own.

“Promise” Ki-Nam repeated with laughter that caused Kiseok to become uneasy. 

“I think I should carry you two.” 

He walked into AOMG with two squirming boys in his arms. They were ready to run around as they saw  a whole new environment to explore. The last time Kiseok had brought them there was before they could walk on their own.

“I’m going to let you down now but don’t run.”

The boys nodded but as soon as their feet touched the ground they were off.  “I said don’t run.” Kiseok tried following but they went in different directions. Now he was torn between following the smiley troublemaker or the curious quiet one.

“Duck” Ki-Tae yelled as he saw the familiar face of Jukyung. His small feet shuffled across the polished floors as he hurried over to him.”

“Oh which of the little Ki are you” Jukyung wasn’t completely sure which of the kids was which. It was understandable since they were identical twins. They were too young in his eyes to have distinguishing features. After picking up the little boy he began getting attacked. He was pulling his ears where the earrings rested.  “Oh you are Tae.”

Ki-Tae smiled hearing his name. 

“It’s dangerous to have jewelry around you.” He repeatedly tried making Ki-Tae let go of his piercings but there was no use. 

Thanks to the constant back and forth of the two Kiseok was able to find them. “Ki-Tae what are you doing?” Kiseok took him from Jukyung’s arms releiving hims of the constant pulling. 

“What are you doing here” Jukyung asked. 

“I have to record the boys’ voices for the song I’m dedicating to my wife.”

“Ah” Jukyung understood now. He had heard Kiseok talking about bringing the boys over. He didn’t know for what until now. “Well it’s good you only brought the one. If Tae were here you would lose him in an instant.”

“I did bring him.”

“And he did lose him” Jay added as he walked in with Ki-Nam. “I’m guessing you didn’t bring Y/N with you.”

Kiseok shook his head. “Today I’m recording the boys’ voices. It’s going to be a surprise so I couldn’t bring her along. I told her I would take care of the boys today while she got a break.”

“She must really need it. Ki-Nam’s not afraid to get electrocuted, he was unplugging everything and then plugging it back in. He wiggled his way past security but I caught him just before he could go out the front door.”

Ki-Nam smirked knowing he was the topic of conversation.

Kiseok was in disbelief, he didn’t know what Ki-Nam was capable of. “You two are the reason Your Mom never waits up for me.” He look back and forth between the two who were all smiles and got an idea. “Since you two are already here, how about you help me watch them?”

“Uhhhh...” both Jay and Jukyung were hesitant.

“Oh come on you guys it’s not that bad.” 

Jay starred at Ki-Tae’s sweet smile then at Ki-Nam’s devilish smirk. They were already toddlers but didn’t speak much. It wasn’t that they didn’t know how because they did, they were just silent misfits who liked to keep people wondering.

A Few Hours Later

“How did I end up like this?” Loco desperately asked as he was running around the room in circles chasing after Ki-Nam. “No don’t touch that” he sped up to get the toddler to stop going to electrical sockets. “Hyung help me.”With that plea for help Gray joined Loco in the chase for Ki-Nam.

As Kiseok recorded the boys’ voices one by one the other would case trouble for the AOMG crew. Now that they were finished with individual recordings the twins were proving impossible to control.

“Oh my god Kiseok! Ki-Tae is bleeding.” 

“What” Kiseok rushed to Ki-Tae.

Hoody quickly ran out of the room in search for the first- aid kit. 

“No Hoody don’t!” Jay tried to warn Hoody but it was too late. She opened the door before looking back in his direction confused. “Wha-” she gasped seeing Ki-Nam run straight past her at the speed of light. Gray and Loco followed behind him fearing they would lose sight of him.

“One of us should go help them. That kid is fast.” Jay regretted suggesting the idea knowing they would make him go. He immediately took Ki-Nam from Kiseok and sat him on his lap. “Not me.”

Elo and Jukyung starred at each other before suddenly chanting, “Rock, Paper, Scissors!” Elo threw out rock and Jukyung paper.

“Shit!” Jukyung quickly got off the couch.

Hoody was still left in shock at how troublesome the two boys were. “Did you guys just here that evil laugh or is this a side effect of taking care of Kiseok Oppa’s kids?”

“The first-aid kit” Jukyung reminded her of what she was supposed to be doing as he too exited the room.

“Oh right” she ran out leaving Jay, Elo, and Kiseok with a bleeding Ki-Tae. The small boy simply kept playing with Jay’s watch, not a tear in sight.

“You’re pretty brave kid” Elo tussled Ki-Tae’s hair. Looking at the ground just a few feet away he saw a small trail of blood. “I guess I’ll clean that up since you are so busy with Ki-Tae.”

“Thanks I would appreciate it man.” It wasn’t till then that Jay looked around and noticed one of the people responsible for bringing the troublesome duo into the world was no longer around. “Hey where’s Kiseok” Jay asked Elo.

Elo looked up barely noticing it was just them two and the toddler in the room. 

“Outside” Ki-Nam responded. He had seen his father slip out while Jay and Elo discussed the cleanup. “Calling Mommy.”

“Hi guys” your cheery voice was like a sweet melody to Jay and Elo’s ears. “Where’s everyone else?” One look of the room was all it took for you to see that your boys had been too much for these men. 

“Playing a losing game of tag with Ki-Nam.”

“Ah” you nodded taking out a candy from your purse. You handed it to Elo wanting him to go join the game. “When you see him just start unwrapping this and he will come to you.”

Elo nodded “yes sir.”

You then tackled the next problem and took a look at Ki-Tae’s cut. “Baby boy you cut your thumb again? It just finished healing.” 

You rummaged through your bag for your travel size first aid kit but couldn’t find it.

“I got it” Hoody came back with the kit she had gone to look for and was relieved to see you there. “Unnie oh thank god you are here.” She hugged you before handing over the kit to you.

“Nice to see you too” you smiled. This was all new to them but it was just day-to-day stuff for you. “He really doesn’t like the alcohol wipe but I have to disinfect so can you please hold him Jay?” 

Jay nodded and did as he was told. That’s when he saw Ki-Tae wasn’t as gentle as he thought. 

The tag team was finally able to catch Ki-Nam with Elo’s help and went back to join the others.

“How did that work” Loco asked not aware that you had arrived with all the answers to their problems. 

“Did you know how to solve this all along” Gray asked as he opened the door for them.

“I didn’t.”

“Then how?”

You were able to hear their chatter and butted in. “Ki-Nam loves candy.”

“Mommy!” Your voice had also caught Ki-Nam’s attention.

“Y/N!” They rushed to your side thankful to see you. Ki-Tae sat still beside you playing with the many rings on your hand. 

They were all surprised to see how Ki-Nam sat perfectly still on your lap when just moments ago he wouldn’t stop running up and down the halls. He even laid his head against your chest as you ran your free hand up and down his back.

But what was more surprising was the table full of food that had been brought int the room. Jay and Hoody were already eating their fill not wanting to wait for the others. 

“When did this get here?” The others were quick to join feeling hungry and tired after only a few hours with the twins.

“It’s a thanks for helping me out with the boys” Kiseok responded. He had ordered food knowing he owed them after today.

It was late when Kiseok and you finally left the AOMG building. Kiseok carried both of his sleeping boys, one in each arm, out to the car. Kiseok felt bad for calling you. He intended you to take a day-off but in the end he needed you to help him. “I’m sorry Jagiya for giving in and calling you.”

“It’s fine” you smiled. “It was fun to see everyone’s reaction when I arrived. I felt like the star of the show. I fixed all the problems and found out I’m going to have a song dedicated to me.”

With all the commotion it was hard to keep the secret from you. In the end Kiseok had explained why he was at AOMG with the kids after having told you he would be taking them to the park. “I’ve dedicated songs to you before.”

“Yeah but this one is going to have my babies’ voices in it.” Looking at the peaceful sleeping faces of the twins made you forget all the hardships they gave you when they were awake. “I know they are a troublemakers but I love them and I love you for giving them to me.”

This was usually the part where the father thanks the mother as well but this was Kiseok. “You’re welcome” he said jokingly, as if taking the credit. “They are my own personal creation.”

You laughed before flicking his forehead. “I carried them for almost nine months idiot.” This was the man you had fallen in love with. A man who made you laugh, smile, and angry all at the same time. 

“I know” he laughed and even though his hands were full he stood in front of you and stole a kiss. “I love you.”

-end-