The next morning, Vanderwood wasn't in the infirmary.

"He said he had to run some errands. Something about soap," Emille told Yoosung over breakfast.

The Cold was back to normal though, despite Vanderwood's absence. Saeran was up and walking, and often caught Yoosung's eye at breakfast, instantly grinning.

After another group training session with Jaehee, Yoosung and Saeran chatted in the infirmary, the leader lounging on one of the static white beds, absentmindedly running a hand over his bruised torso.

Throughout the day, the infirmary was lazy, the warm sun streaming from the skylights in the ceiling, making everyone drowsy. Until Emille's voice broke the calm silence.

"Hey, Yoosung?" The blonde looked up from his medical book, glancing at Emille, who was suddenly very alert and stiff.

"Yeah?"

"My water just broke."

Yoosung sat, blinking, then sprung from his seat, rushing over to Emille. Saeran sat up, wide-eyed, in his bed, slowly slipped out from under the sheets as his eyes stayed glued to Emille's stomach.

"Vanderwood isn't here, and I don't think anyone else but Yoosung can deliver. I'll go get help though," Saeran said quickly, and Yoosung nodded, gulped down his fear, and knelt next to Emille.

...

One hour later, as women huddled around her, talking in soft whispers, Emille went into labor. Her dark skin was dappled with sweat, and Yoosung was terrified. Saeran stood next to him, encouraging Emille, holding her hand.

"I can't do this," Yoosung whispered, trying to keep his breathing under control. Saeran looked sharply down at him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Keep breathing," his low voice coaxed, and Yoosung felt his head go light, then inhaling deeply, sputtering as Emille's screams tore at his heart.

"You're the only one who can do this, Sungie," Emille managed to gasp, and Yoosung smiled weakly.

...

Aubin was born with a healthy wail, smooth skin matching his eyes, the color of coffee beans.

As soon as Emille was settled with his in her bed, and Yoosung was cleaned up, Saeran lead him out into the hallway, out of sight from the patients, and Yoosung immediately collapsed into Saeran arms, which were already open to catch him, cologne and warmth securing him, leading his brain to the only thought of Saeran.

"I didn't- I've never-,"

"It's okay."

The leader's voice hummed soft and low, one hand pressing Yoosung's head to his shoulder, the other on his back.

This was different from their embrace the previous night; this was security. Yoosung would never say it out loud but he was certain that this was where he belonged. Not in Aithne, not in the castle. Here.

His breath slowed and he lifted a hand to Saeran's cheek, stepping away slightly. And then, for some reason that he couldn't understand yet, he pressed his lips to Saeran's cheek, right above his jawline.

Saeran froze, heart hammering. And then Yoosung drew back, smiled shyly, and walked back into the infirmary.
.
.
.
Was this okay?

...

For the next week, things were normal, bland, and relaxing. Aubin was healthy, and Emille moved from the infirmary to the Family Dorm, a group of her friends cooing over Aubin as she carried him around in a soft pouch she had sewn, secured around her chest.

Saeran and Yoosung made eye-contact as often as they could, mint and violet colliding to make cheeks dust pink with an even mix of admiration and embarrassment.

One night after dinner, Saeran approached a flustered Yoosung and sat down next to him, grinning.

"Hey."

"Hi." Blushing, blushing, blushing.

"Wanna go for a hike tomorrow morning with me? There's a trail over a small mountain that's really nice. It'll be short, but fun."

"Sure!" Yoosung's eyes lit up. He would hike the tallest peak with Saeran if the leader did so with him.

"I'll come for you in the morning, alright?" Yoosung smiled and nodded.

...

Agh it's so short, I'm sorry! Chapter 15 will have some D E E P S H I T about Yoosung though! Love you guys, please leave a vote!