Fixed

Lights will guide you home. And ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you~ My favorite lines from the song Fix You. I wish someone said this to me. (sighs) I guess I have to fix myself and the story. ^_~ **plays Fix You by Coldplay/ remake by BTS**

Mr. and Mrs. Jones smiled at the young boy who busily moved in the kitchen from side to side. Asa cracked eggs in the pan while handling the bacon in another. His movements looked smooth and effortless even though he was currently multitasking. Mrs. Jones was sitting on the patio, enjoying the morning breeze when Asa came down. He asked for the mother-like lady to help him to arrange the ingredients. She wanted to help him, but the boy told her to sit back and enjoy his cooking. Losing the sense of presence around him, he started humming to a song sweetly. 

Flipping the eggs expertly, he shouted, "Kyle, wake up! Wake the boys too". Mrs. Jones smiled at the homey atmosphere. She was about to remind Asa that the said boy may not be able to hear him, but her husband interrupted, pointing to the staircase. Her jaw dropped as Kyle walked down in a vest and Pjs, scratching his head sleepily. His dimples popped up as he smiled lazily at the view of older, walking straight to him. PS: he didn't notice the couple sitting on the right side of the kitchen counter. He ruffled older's hair before placing a butterfly kiss on his head with a small Good Morning.

Asa's eyes widened comically, ears turning red as his gaze snapped to the older couple. Mr. Jones almost let out a whistle, chuckling throatily while the lady clapped silently. To say that they were flooded with the lovely mood would be an understatement, not that they complained. Extremely flustered, the angel elbowed the other in ribs. Kyle laughed at the reaction before his focus shifted to the awe-struck couple. He choked on his spit, finally realizing that they were here all along. He bowed to them awkwardly before zooming off using the excuse of waking the other two.

Asa's face was as red as a tomato, hands formed into fists. His heart was beating so hard that he felt like it would leap out any moment. He felt happy, but the fear of being treated harshly swirled in his heart. Sensing the unease, Mr. Jones immediately walked to the boy. He felt the boy flinch when his hand rested on the other's shoulder. Asa expected to be treated badly like he suffered in the past. But to his surprise, the elder patted his head with gentle eyes. The boy's big eyes shined with tears when he heard Mr. Jones say, "That was cute. Are you guys dating? Please say Yes!"

He felt as if a huge weight has been lifted off his chest. Not knowing what to do, he hugged the man as he spoke, "Thank you so much, Ahjussi.". The elder rubbed Asa's back, chuckling, "For what, son? This is you. Accept yourself the way you are". Asa nodded as he returned to the task of preparing breakfast. Now that he felt lighter, the boy started singing gracefully for the elderly couple. Kyle smiled from his place on the stairs as he listened to the conversation. Don't get the young Demon wrong for leaving the angel alone. He's just trying to get the older out of his shell. 

After almost three years, he heard the older humming. He had heard Asa singing a handful of times, and each time it turned out to be unforgettable. And now that he sang without any worries, it made Kyle's heart bloom. He planned to keep it that way. He climbed up the rest of the stairs, smiling ear to ear. Kyle knocked upon the door and came in view with an excited Jamie. The short boy was so excited that he not only prepared his but Vantae's stuff too. Typing about the main character, he is still sleeping at the back with no care whatsoever.

Kyle wakened the sleeping boy gently, telling him to get ready for school. The younger groaned but nodded as he proceeded to sit up. His curly brown hair stuck in different directions, eyes half-closed, making him look adorable. His eyes popped open as his ears caught a faint melody. He turned to the older, getting a nod in confirmation. Kyle spoke with adoration in his voice, "He's singing while cooking downstairs. This day is gonna be great!"

Vantae's mouth twitched, his lips curling up as he enjoyed his hyung's faint voice for a few more seconds. Kyle patted the younger's knee before walking to his room. He still had to think about how to explain to Asa about him walking away. He didn't wish for the elder to be mad at him. Not now. Not ever. About twenty or so minutes later, the two younger ones walked down with backpacks in neat and prim uniforms. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jones each cheered the two with an appreciative pat. The lady wiped a fake tear as she joked, "My goodness! You look so handsome. My Tim never wears the uniform properly". Jamie giggled as the older lady pulled him into a side hug. Mr. Jones patted Vantae's back with an encouraging smile. Asa looked past them towards the stairs, waiting for Kyle. He was bouncing slightly on his toes, searching impatiently for the younger. Mrs. Jones nudged the boy as she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

"Hyung is nervously pacing around in the room. He's still trying to figure out a way to explain his actions", Vantae informed with a sheepish smile. Asa's mouth formed an o shape at the realization. "You should go get him down.", Mr. Jones said while sending him towards Kyle. The angel gulped as he stood outside the door, not sure how to approach the demon. He raised his fist to knock on the door but, Kyle opened it first. His fist hung in midair as his cheeks caught a rosy glow. Staring at the younger, Asa's brain went off at the small flash of red that passed the other's eye.

Kyle's mind was frenzied, feeling older's gaze on him. He thought that the angel was mad which made his eyes flicker with red. Damn the emotions! He was about to open his mouth to explain when Asa grabbed his collar. Mrs. Jones and Jamie gasped from behind the wall. "They are gonna kiss!", the woman whisper shouted. Jamie shook his head, whispering back, "Hyung is gonna beat the shit outta him". 

Oblivious to their presence, Kyle wrapped his hands over Asa's, where it held his collar. He opened his mouth again, but the moment his lips parted, he wasn't given a chance to speak. Asa pulled him in and crashed his lips over Kyle's. The younger's eyes widened, heart, beating wildly in his chest. His hands slid to cup the older's red cheeks as he closed his eyes, kissing back. They stood on either side of the door frame, clutching at each other, which somehow depicted their actual situation. Neither of them could cross the frame into the other's world. If the door was to be closed shut, would they be able to hold on to each other? With the thought crossing Kyle's mind, he snaked his arm around Asa's waist, pulling him closer and into the room.

Mrs. Jones covered Jamie's eyes, choking over plain air. Not wanting to intrude more, she pulled a pouting Mochi back downstairs. Asa felt ecstatic, head spinning as he took in the younger's natural scent. He pulled away just enough to breathe, eyes still closed. Kyle opened his red eyes only to be left breathless by the astonishing Angel. Asa's chest rose and fell heavily, eyelashes fluttering with other's breath that hit his face. They didn't have much of a height difference, but at the moment, Asa looked so small in the demon's arms with a red tint splayed beautifully across his face. 

Kyle rubbed a thumb over the older's cheek, causing him to lean into his touch. Asa slowly opened his eyes, pupils dilated to the point where the blue could barely be seen. Kyle smiled as he pulled the boy into a hug. The older chuckled lightly, nuzzling his face in his neck. The demon wasn't being cynical, but he feared losing the older. They knew that they are breaking the rules, and that scared the Angel. The more they tried to push back the feelings, the stronger they gripped over each other. But what can I say? Love is fighting for each second you are willing to spend together. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Jones squealed dramatically as she babbled about the two upstairs. Vantae didn't doubt for a second when Kyle said that this is gonna be a good day. He cleared his throat, catching the couple's attention. Taking a deep breath, he started, "I'm not sure how to show you my gratitude, but it means a lot. I haven't heard my hyung singing in a long time. Thank you so much for everything". With that, he bowed 90º to show his sincerity. Mr. Jones quickly straightened the boy by his shoulder as he spoke, "You see, Tiger, we always wanted a home filled with kids, but destiny decided quite the contrary. We only had Tim until my other son joined him. We couldn't adopt since we are mostly traveling, so let us treat you like our own till you are here".

Jamie turned to the lady on his side, her eyes looking sad. Being the happy pill he is, the boy held onto Mrs. Jones' hands. He sighed and made a puppy face, whining, "I swear if I didn't have my hyungs, I would have agreed to be your son. My hyung is my only eomma". The statement made Mrs. Jones chuckle. She had quite a liking for these boys. She patted the boy's head, seating him on the dining table along with the other two. Just then, Kyle and Asa descended the stairs with warm smiles and blushing cheeks. All of them had breakfast, the couple praising Asa for it. 

After they finished eating, Mr. Jones informed, "Kids, I wanted my son to take you to school, but unfortunately, they couldn't make it home. I'll provide you with the directions. The school is within fifteen minutes walking distance". The two older boys waved it as not a problem as they listened to the instructions carefully. Since it's the first day of Jamie and Vantae's new school, the two older boys decided to see them off. Walking towards the school, they could see more students going on the same track.

Kyle held onto Asa's hand, who was busy rambling about the list of Do and Don't in a school. To say that he was nervous on both of their behalves would fit perfectly. Vantae secretly did an eye roll. He absolutely didn't wish to get his ear pulled, so he pulled out his phone. Entering through the main entrance, Vantae was still reading an article when he felt the same presence as the one he felt at the store. He pushed his phone in the pocket, looking around to see if he can find someone suspicious.

Tuning out his hyung's voice, the boy turned around. His wandering gaze captured a little too familiar face within the group of five people. His vision turned blurry with tears, unable to process anything else. Vantae's breath hitched when the other looked up to meet his eyes. His mouth formed into his signature boxy smile, which he thought was lost forever. He saw the other taking a step towards him, and somehow his feet moved too. After a couple of steps, they both were sprinting in each other's direction.

~~~×~~~

Minter Household:

Timothy woke up as the morning rays fell upon his face. He stretched his arms, sitting up to see others still asleep. Noticing that it was almost 6:30 am, he woke up Scarlet and Sofia. Yes! They all were in the same room. He left the two older boys with a little more time to sleep. By quarter past seven, Scarlet went back to wake the older boys. They wanted Cody and Nathan to sleep, but the two didn't agree. It was the first day of their last semester in high school. As all of them sat at the dining table, Scarlet pushed her hair into a messy bun. Timothy never liked for her to put on those fake freckles. Those nerdy round glasses hid her pretty hazel eyes. He scrunched his nose, complaining, "Scar, why would you do this to your face?"

The said girl pointed over to her brother, raising the bowl of soup to her face. Although the boy understood most of it, he still felt like it wasn't right. Cody sipped on his coffee before replying, "She is saving lives like that. Her words. Not mine". Sofia slapped her hand over her mouth to stop laughing. Nathan took a bite of his toast as he joked, "Hyung, you need to stop scaring the shit out of people for liking her. How is she gonna find a boyfriend at this rate?"

Cody scoffed, "I am not letting anyone unworthy near her. They must pass my standards to be anywhere near my idiot". Others except Scarlet spoke in unison, "And that's never gonna happen, is it?". The girl wiped her mouth as she defended, "Stop bullying my brother, will ya? It's not like I want a boyfriend. Plus, I am not getting one until I feel like I am third-wheeling them", points towards Timothy and Sofia.

The two mentioned blushed silently. Mr. Keats (Cody's dad) whistled, fist-bumping Scarlet as he passed by. Nathan almost spat his juice, trying not to laugh. Trying to play it cool, Timothy spoke, "You know we would never feel like that.". Scarlet stood up, putting on glasses as she sassed, "Aww! I hope you can say it when I walk in on you two kissing". Cody and Nathan cheered from the side while she picked her bag, walking towards the door. Nathan followed her after whispering in Timothy's ear, "Hurry up and Confess!"

On their way to school, Scarlet asked cautiously, "Nate Oppa, how was everything with your dad?" Nathan spoke with a hint of laughter in his voice, "It didn't hurt as much I thought it would. Well, it does feel good to be free". Cody patted his shoulder, quipping, "There. There. I can adopt you anytime". Scarlet made a disgusted face, "Eww! Hell no! That would make me his aunt. I would rather ask dad to adopt you".

Timothy flared his nose, wrapping himself around Nathan. He kicked, "You have Cody hyung. HANDS-OFF MY HYUNG! He's mine. I'll take care of him". Scarlet raised her hands in defeat as she exclaimed, "Jeez! Calm down, Timothy Jones. I am not taking him!" Sofia nudged Nathan, stating, "Your stakes are high, Oppa.". Nathan smiled in a heartwarming way, watching as the two quarreled back and forth. 

As they stood inside the main grounds of the school, Cody asked, "You want us to pick you up." Timothy shook his head, trying to speak sternly, "I think you two should get some proper rest. Don't go to the studio after this. We'll see you at home". The two older nodded. Timothy was about to say something else when he froze in his actions. His big doe eyes went wide and slightly teary. Lips twitching into his infamous bunny smile, he took a step towards the person on the other side and then started to sprint.

Vantae rushed towards Timothy, catching the younger as he jumped over him. Timothy was flooded with relief when he felt the older's touch. The two hugged each other tightly, laughing while their eyes poured tears of happiness. The younger pulled away to see the older's face clearly, holding his hands. It's been two damn years since he saw that boxy smile, those warm eyes. And hell, he missed all of it. His soul would be damned if all this turned out to be part of his imagination. He gripped Vantae's hands firmly, shakily saying, "I have missed you so much, TaeTae hyung. Please, tell me this isn't a dream. Please, hyung!"

Vantae's hand reached up to wipe the boy's tears. His voice was filled with emotions as he repeated, "This isn't, bun. I missed you more. Every single day". Hearing this, Timothy's dam broke. He leaned forward, embracing the older again. Vantae chuckled, feeling happier than ever. He would be lying if he said he didn't wish for the same. He gently wiped tears off the younger's face, smiling at him as he said, "Now Now. We don't wanna start the new school day with tears, do we?"

Timothy shook his head frantically. He looked up at Vantae with hopeful sparkly eyes, asking, "You won't leave me again, right?" Vantae's heart melted at that, "No, you silly bun. We are going to school together. Also, we shifted here, so I'll be around". The younger swayed older's arm happily, asking, "We? Does that me-". He cut himself off at the sight of Asa and Kyle approaching them along with a boy he didn't recognize. Vantae looked at the astonished bunny, pushing him a little towards the older boys. Timothy felt so happy that he couldn't speak. He ran towards the two older, wrapping his arms around them in a single hug. The demon rubbed the younger's head affectionately, and the angel wrapped his arm around him. Timothy looked up with the same bunny smile he had when they first met.

Jamie could half guess that the young boy was the one his friend has been longing for. He watched them with a smile, but it was a little awkward for him. While the three others were looking at the youngest, Jamie noticed Timothy's friends standing at a distance. He noticed a similar friendly girl on the other side. He was mostly sure that she was the same person he met the earlier day at the store. The girl smiled at him as she made a shh action for the boy. Jamie felt a little at ease, and he nodded, smiling back.

As Timothy turned to Jamie, he extended his hand towards him. He smiled, wrinkles forming at the end of his eyes. He cheered, "You must be Jamie. Nice to meet you. Hope we can be friends". Jamie's eyes turned into crescents as he shook the younger's hand, "Tim, right? I guess Tae did tell you about me". The boy nodded, as they said in unison, "Honestly, he wouldn't stop talking about you."

"Yo, Tim! You forgetting us or something?" Scarlet complained from behind, walking towards the group. (the others followed behind). Timothy laughed, walking to her and slinging his arm around her neck. He smiled, declaring, "I can never forget you. You are just jealous". He received a jab in his stomach for that. The others cackled at the pair except for one. His eyes were glued to the girl, feeling overwhelmed with something he didn't recognize. He zoned out, feeling drawn to the girl like an addict to drugs. His heart knew her even if eyes had never seen her before. He could faintly hear Timothy say, "I finally found him, Scar. What you said came true. This is my Tae!"

~~~ End ~~~