SEONGJOONG (Family AU)

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"Burning Up" (pt.1)

By Yeo_Mama

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OR: The first time Jongho ever gets the flu.

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Sheets, comforter, pillow cases, blankets...

Hongjoong mentally listed off everything that could be found on a bed, double checking that he'd made the twin frame in front of him correctly. Seonghwa had put him in charge of changing it, so it had to be up to par. His husband wouldn't stand for an incomplete bed, let alone at this hour of the night.

Once he was sure that he wasn't going to get scolded for his work, the brunette began cleanup. He gathered the ball of fabric he'd placed by the door, double checking that the soiled sides stayed in. His four-year-old had really managed to do a number on the soft purple of his bedspread. Even Mr. Bear had been within enemy fire, the dark fibers of his coat now matted with a questionable substance. Hongjoong just hoped his stuffed presence would remain unnoticed until he was back in commission. He didn't need an upset preschooler on top of the fact that his son was already incredibly sick to begin with. Tears, snot, and vomit did not make for a lovely combination.

He bundled the dirty sheets up, with Mr. Bear dangling by an unscathed ear, and headed for the laundry room; trying to remain quiet. Most of his boys were heavy sleepers (just like himself), but Wooyoung's sudden eviction out of his and Jongho's shared room had disturbed the flow. The second grader had been pawned off to San in his bunk, which thankfully wasn't much of a challenge on his part. There had been some whining and shuffling around as everyone settled back down, but by the looks of it, the majority of his household had stayed fairly unconscious. It was truly a blessing, and the brunette just prayed it would continue that way. He couldn't imagine the utter shitshow Yeosang and Mingi would create if they found out that their little brother was ill.

Hongjoong padded his way through the dark halls, stumbling slightly at the vague light he had to work with. He practically burned out his retinas as he flipped on the utility room's ceiling fixture, his eyesight going black as he lost his night vision for a moment. Though he recovered fast enough and immediately threw everything in his hold into the washing machine, adding in some detergent before starting it up. Jongho's sheets and comfort toy should be clean by morning at this rate, saving him and Seonghwa from any future meltdowns.

At the thought of his husband, the brunette left the room to do its job and started for his en suite, making sure to close the door behind him to muffle the laundry's noise. The elder had barricaded himself and their youngest inside as a sort of quarantine zone, saving a widespread of germs from contaminating the hallway bathroom everyone seemed to use. One sick kid was better than six anyway.

The brunette gently knocked on the doorframe before he stepped inside, being greeted by the same exact sight he had left not even thirty minutes ago.

"How's it going in here?"

Seonghwa looked up at his voice, his tan skin washed out from the fluorescent light above and emphasizing the deep purple bags currently sat underneath each of his eyes. He was still stationed on the floor, crisscrossed with his back between the edge of the tub and the wall. A blanket-covered bundle laid quietly in his arms.

"Still feeling icky."

He murmured, carefully wiping away the inky mess of black hair that hung over Jongho's brow. The four-year-old shifted in his mother's hold at the feeling, but did not wake, remaining fast asleep for the time being. His poor little cheeks were bright red with fever, along with the tip of his nose. His nostrils were shiny with mucus as he breathed, making him sniffle every so often as it refused to stop running. Seonghwa's hand was constantly reaching up to wipe at it with a crumpled tissue.

"Aish, poor thing."

He cooed, bending down to the pair's level. He instinctively cupped a palm to his son's forehead, frowning at the heat that emanated off his skin. He also frowned at his husband, noticing just how tired he looked. Let alone pale.

"You're gonna get sick too."

The brunette chided, switching to place the back of his hand against the elder's cheeks. Seonghwa swatted at him. Hongjoong quickly pulled back with a huff.

"I've already surrendered to my fate. I've been puked on twice."

His husband sighed, though he seemed rather dismal about it, and who would blame him. Hongjoong cringed when he noticed the large wet patch on the front of his silk pajama top, the fabric no longer a pristine white. He could only imagine the mess that had been to clean up, especially without ending utterly frustrated in the process. Seonghwa really did have the patience of a god. Although, the male didn't let himself dwell on the thought for long as he gestured to their preschooler instead, his husband looking down at the boy as well.

"He's still pretty warm. Have you checked his temperature again?"

He asked, soothing a hand across Jongho's clothed back.

Seonghwa immediately reached for a device sitting on the ledge of the tub, shushing their four-year-old as he gently stuck the end of it into his ear. He held it there for a moment until it beeped to signify that it was done, quickly pulling it out to survey the numbers. He cursed underneath his breath.

"He's not cooling down. It's at 40°C now."

He showed the thermometer to Hongjoong with a worried expression.

Their son's temperature had risen two degrees since they'd last checked, which was never a good sign. He'd only started having symptoms of a fever right after dinner, so they did what any responsible parents would do and gave him some medication, washed and dressed him in cool clothes, and shipped him off to bed early. It had worked...for a bit. The preschooler proceeded to wake them up a couple hours later in tears, burning hot, and sobbing over the mess he'd made in his bed (that was never a fun thing to deal with half-asleep). He'd clearly gotten worse since when they'd originally put him down for the night, and his condition wasn't slowing. Hongjoong gnawed at his lip in thought, staring down at the sleeping boy.

"I think it's time to head to the hospital then."

The brunette concluded, the elder nodding along sedately. There were only so many at-home options they could try before it was completely useless. Seeking medical attention seemed like the next best thing, and the couple recognized that solemnly. Though, it was still never a reassuring feeling to know that your child is sick enough to the point where you can no longer help them, even if they are getting the aid they need.

"I'll handle him. You go back to bed."

Hongjoong reached out for their son, but Seonghwa just pulled him closer.

"No, let me take him. I won't be able to sleep without knowing that my baby's okay."

His husband begged, staring up at him with pleading eyes. Pleading eyes that were bloodshot and drooping with every blink.

"Bunny, you look worse for wear. I don't mind taking him, really."

The brunette urged, but Seonghwa wouldn't budge. He could see it in his face, and the way his arms physically tightened around their son. The elder pushed his lips out into a pout, and Hongjoong knew he was a goner. How could he say no to a face like that?

"Fine, we'll both go. I'll just leave a note and text Yunho-yah where we went. I think he can manage getting the boys ready for school if we're gone for too long."

He compromised, watching the way Seonghwa's face seemed to crumble with relief. His life really did revolve around their children.

"I'm gonna go start the car-"

Hongjoong began, but paused as he swiftly looked the elder up and down.

"-and set you out some new clothes. Barf-stained isn't exactly the next Gucci."

The brunette left the room at that, leaving Seonghwa to handle the swaddled boy in his hold. He struggled to find his footing, let alone feel his knees and ankles as he unwound them from their twisted positions; the joints cracking loudly in the bathroom's oppressive silence as he stood. He hoisted up Jongho with him, settling the four-year-old along his hip. The poor boy was now wheezing with each breath, his nose terribly clogged. Seonghwa urged him to blow it, holding a tissue to his face, but he whined and refused to move his head away from his mother's neck. The blonde sighed. He'd just have to try again later.

Quietly, the pair walked out into the hallway, wooden floors creaking as they headed towards the master bedroom. There Seonghwa grabbed his phone and quickly slipped on a hoodie Hongjoong left out, rerouting back towards the living room once he was done. He shoved his feet into some shoes, slipping on his son's as well, before he was leaving the house. He quickly locked the door and moved towards the car, his husband already behind the wheel.

It was only a minor struggle buckling Jongho in, the boy being rather complacent with his sluggish state. But he still squirmed against the car seat's straps, nearly on the verge of tears as they brushed against his feverish skin. Although Hongjoong had been smart to snag their son's baby blanket (It miraculously survived the war) before leaving, which the blonde hadn't even thought to do. He silently held out the lilac square for him to take in the darkness of their cab. Seonghwa really hoped he could see the utter gratefulness that shimmered in his eyes as he grabbed the comfort item.

One side was a minky fabric. The other a smooth satin that was cool to the touch. He tucked the cold side against Jongho, the boy instantly calming down. He rubbed a single balled fist over his eyes, going for his nose next, but Seonghwa was quick to stop him. He'd rather sacrifice his own sleeve than have his son spread snot all over the car.

"Eomma~"

His son whined, lips pushing out.

"Aigoo, I know."

The blonde cooed, brushing away his bangs. His poor baby looked so defeated, with his blushed cheeks and heavy eyes. Seonghwa couldn't help but touch his lips to Jongho's burning forehead with a gentle peck.

"You're gonna feel better soon, Jjongie. I promise."

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Author's Note: I've been in a Jongho-state-of-mind ever since he dyed his hair purple. Plus he makes for the cutest little kid!💗

Chapter 2 should be out very soon!🫶

Anyways, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!