Chapter Text
If you were to ask Yoojin how he expected his new life as a monster breeder was, it wouldn’t be playing with monsters for hours on end. He plays with Peace and then he teases Blue and oh, Yoojin isn’t sure how much longer he can do this. Sure, he had to take care of Yoohyun so he finds taking care of the monsters relatively easy, but it has been hours and they show no sign of being worn out yet. Yoojin is lying on the couch covered in a blanket. Sighing as Peace plays with Peep by his feet. Peep stops for a second and Peace eyes Peep, slowly winding up getting ready to pounce. Peace jumps forward landing on Yoojin’s knees and Peep ends up safe on the ground.
Yoojin chuckles as they seem to be getting along and closes his eyes.
Maybe he could go somewhere. Just him Peace and Peep, maybe they could live by themselves. Before Yoojin used the wish stone he was planning on faking his death once he got out of the dungeon and going somewhere far. The only problem is, ever since he saw Yoohyun die in his arms he hasn’t been able to be calm whenever he doesn’t see him for long periods of time.
He thinks that if he manages to go a week without Yoohyun he’d still be worried and might end up having an anxiety attack.
Yoohyun walks into the room and makes his way to the couch armrest. “Hyung,” he pauses, Yoojin opens his eyes and sits up slowly “are you sure you’re taking care of yourself? lately you just keep playing with the monsters.” Yoojin offers him a soft smile and stretches his arms. “Yoohyun-ie, I’m fine really.” Yoojin yawns and leans back on the couch pulling the banket closer to give Yoohyun space.
Yoohyun moves from the armchair to the empty spot on the couch, “Hyung you should really rest. The past few days you’ve been constantly checking me and playing--“ Yoojin interrupts with a weak smile, his eyes drooping. “I’m fine.” Yoohyun sighs and leaves silently.
Yoojin peacefully sleeps on the couch as the sun shines onto him.
Yoojin wakes up a few hours later, his neck sore. As he gets up Peace jumps on his shoulder and makes his way to greet Yoohyun. As he enters the kitchen he can hear a muffled conversation. Song Taewon and Yoohyun are talking, wait, Song Taewon? “Morning Hyung.” Yoohyun says as he glares at Peace. “Morning, why is Taewon-ssi here?” Yoojin yawns and sits down. “To help you.” Yoohyun whispers. What? How would Taewon help him? “The guild master has requested I lower your resist fear skill again.” Eyes wide and sipping on tea, Yoojin croaks out: “why?”
Yoojin knows why, ever since it happened the first time Yoohyun now knows that he keeps running into danger because he is used to it. And just like before he will be fine. He managed to survive for five years without it prior to the regression so why is he so worried?
Taewon comes closer and places his hand on Yoojin’s shoulder. Yoojin shudders as his skill goes down again and breathes in quickly. Yoohyun mutters a thanks and ushers Song Taewon out.
Yoojin feels cold, he stands up quickly and almost falls. Yoohyun rushes over and holds his left arm, “Hyung?” he asks worriedly hoisting Yoojin up, Yoojin’s legs grow weak and his eyes close. Yoohyun rushes him to the couch and checks his breathing, Yoojin fell asleep.
Yoojin can feel a weight in his arms and looks down. Yoohyun, his eyes devoid of any light, his face being caressed by flames.
Yoohyun, only 25 in his arms. How is he a good brother if he can’t even give Yoohyun a proper burial? Yoojin closes his eyes and hugs his brother tight, how could Yoohyun smile? Why did he sacrifice himself for Yoojin? Why did he leave his love unspoken, why did he distance himself so harshly?
Yoohyun shakes Yoojin awake, “Hyung…? Wake up, please...” Yoojin rubs his eyes and notices he’s hugging Yoohyun,” oh sorry...” he smiles solemnly and rubs Yoohyun back. He lets go and makes his way to the bathroom despite Yoohyun’s protests.
Dry tear tracks run down from his eyes to his chin and jaw, his eyes a warm red. He grabs a cloth and runs it under cold water. He must’ve clung onto Yoohyun like a lifeline when he drifted off, he has fabric marks on his left hand. He washes his face and walks out only to be met with Yoohyun dragging him by his arm to a chair. “Yoohyun-ie?” He asks startled. “Hyung, you wouldn’t let go of me and...” He looks down and sits next to me. “I was just finding comfort in hugging you Yoohyun-ie I’m fine, okay?” I hold his hand and smile. “You were crying, and not silently crying. You were screaming silently and…”
Yoojin’s eyes widen, “screaming? Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t…” Yoojin hugs Yoohyun tight and pats his back. “Please don’t rush into things and end up never coming back, you’re younger than me and deserve to live a long life.” Yoohyun hugs Yoojin tighter and Yoojin lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Yoohyun is here, his precious little brother isn’t cold nor is he lifeless. Yoohyun isn’t heavy in his arms and his face is covered by flames.