Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Humming softly to himself, Saeyoung carefully led a blindfolded Saeran down the halls of Magenta. Saeran held tight to his hand, his grip tightening whenever they took a corner as if he didn't trust him. 

Saeyoung knows he did. Saeran wouldn't have put on the blindfold otherwise. He's just a little nervous. 

The older twin had made sure to tell the younger about a special surprise that he had arranged for him. Something for his birthday that he wasn't allowed to peek at for any reason whatsoever. To Saeran's dismay. 

They stoped outside a room and despite Saeyoung's best efforts to keep it a secret, Saeran knew exactly which room they were at. It's a route he had taken often and recognised as they walked to it. 

It was the hall where Saeyoung often arranged meetings and gatherings for the many believers of Mint Eye. A room where Saeran had an intimate knowledge of it. 

They headed inside, Saeran still blindfolded, and Saeyoung lead him over to the large wooden stage that was on the furthest side of the room. 

It was at that point that he removed the blindfold from covering Saeran's eyes. Pocketing it for later use. 

Saeran rapidly blinked for a moment, his eyes getting used to the light once again. His eyes then focused, and a light gasp is pulled from him as he saw the stage piled high with so many wrapped presents. There were even some plants with their pots covered in decorative wrappings and fancy bows. 

And in the middle of it all, sat a cake large enough to feed a party of hundreds. It had several layers. Each one decorated with hand made sugar flowers and intricately painted patterns and icing. It must've been half as tall as Saeran was. 

There was no way he'd be able to eat all of that on his own but he'd be damned not to try. 

"Happy birthday," Saeyoung softly spoke as he took Saeran's hands in his. He looked at his brother with all the love in the world. There wasn't a day where he didn't love Saeran; his beloved other half. 

"Saeyoung... This..." 

Tears started to well up in Saeran's eyes. Rapidly building and threatening to fall. There was so much. It couldn't possibly be all for him. But it was. All of it. 

This was the twin's first birthday together after they had been reunited. It was something special and of course Saeyoung had to go above and beyond. He wouldn't be Saeyoung otherwise. 

"Shh, it's all for you," Saeyoung said as he freed his hands so that he could instead cup Saeran's face. With his thumbs, he wiped away the tears that had started to roll down Saeran's cheeks. "This is the least you deserve after everything. Saeran, you're the reason I'm still sane. If you hadn't of come back to me I... Well, I doubt I'd still be here. The least I could do was get you a few presents, yeah?" 

"A few??" Saeran tried to scoff, tried to sound annoyed or angry but he's anything but and his brother can see right through him. 

He was flattered and maybe even a little embarrassed. The gift he had made for Saeyoung wasn't nearly half as grand as all of this was. It was only a single, boring gift. There was no way his could ever top this. 

Saeran felt kind of bad...

"Yeah, only a few." 

Saeyoung's voice broke Saeran from his thoughts. As did the soft kiss that Saeyoung pressed to his cheek. As well as turning his face a soft pink hue. 

And then Saeyoung took his hand again. 

Leading him up to the stage via the stairs on the side. Saeyoung let him go to motion to one of the presents. 

It was a large gift. Huge even. Neither twin would be able to lift it and Saeran was sure that they'd even struggle together. It was wrapped in wrapping paper that was covered in many different types of cats, all wearing different colored party hats. 

"This is what our followers got for you," Saeyoung started to explain, "They absolutely *insisted* that they get something for you, my beloved assistant. Everyone pitched in for this." 

At this new knowledge, Saeran's face turned crimson. He was so spoilt and he knew it. Both by Saeyoung and by the members of Mint Eye. Why they all liked him so much was a mystery but he wasn't about to complain. 

Kneeling down besides the box, Saeran started to tear away the wrapping paper. Somewhat sad to ruin the pretty paper. 

Inside were many different types, colors and patterns of sweaters. A clothing item that Saeran enjoyed wearing a whole lot. Practically the only thing he'd wear. Even in the blistering heat of summer. They knew him well. 

Little did Saeran know that the believers had also made bets over those very sweaters. Some betted on which one would be worn first and some betted on which would become Saeran's new favourite. 

Saeyoung, also, had made a few. If only to prove to the members that out of them all, it was Saeyoung who knew Saeran the best. 

These were insignificant details that Saeran didn't need to know about. 

Saeran took out one of the sweaters, unfolding it and holding it up to see the picture on the front. It was of a cat looking cute. Not something he'd wear but the thought was nice. 

"This is all so much..." Saeran mumbled as he placed the sweater back into the box with all the others. There were so many and he'd likely have to have the box moved to his room so that he could get a better look at them all. 

"It's because they know you like wearing them," Saeyoung said as he ruffled Saeran's hair affectionately. "At least take them and wear the ones you like. Whatever ones you want to, of course. And don't feel like you have to wear any just because someone bought them for you." 

"Okay." Saeran didn't plan to wear the ones he didn't like. He wasn't that kind of person. Long gone was the Saeran who'd do whatever it took to please the people around him. Now the only person he cared enough to please was Saeyoung and Saeyoung didn't mind what he wore. 

Closing up the box before hand, Saeran stood up and glanced over at the remaining stack of wrapped presents and the table with the cake on it. 

"Are the rest of the presents from you then?" He asked his twin while turning to him. 

The pile was almost intimidating with how many items there were. Saeran, however, would be lying if he said he wasn't excited seeing a few of the plants that were there. Knowing they were ones he had wanted for a while. 

Saeyoung grinned and nodded. Ignoring the look his twin shot his way. "Of course! Only the best for my baby brother on his special day~" 

"Before I open them, can I give you your present?" Saeran then asked as he hugged himself, feeling a little insecure about his gift. It's nowhere near as grand as Saeyoung's. 

Saeyoung, confused, tilted his head to the side as he looked back at Saeran. This was Saeran's day. He hadn't been expecting to get anything in return, even if it was technically also his birthday. 

"You got me a present?" 

"Of course I did, idiot!" Saeran huffed as he playfully nudged Saeyoung's shoulder. "It's not just my birthday today. I know you enjoy spoiling me but I wanted to get something for you, too. It's your day as well, Saeyoung."

In a matter of seconds, Saeyoung started to tear up. The overwhelming amount of joy he felt knowing his brother got him something was too much to contain. 

He then eagerly embraced his twin into a tight hug in which he lifted him off his feet and spun him around. 

"You're so thoughtful, Saeran!" He praised as he continued to spin. "This is why I love you so much! My sweet, thoughtful, little brother! I love you so much!" 

He stopped spinning, not wanting to slip and crush Saeran's presents, but continued to hold him up in the air as he peppered kisses onto any patch of skin he could reach.

Not only that, but Saeyoung had even more happy tears in eyes. Saeran meant the world to him and to know Saeran felt the same was a dream come true. 

"Okay! Okay!" Saeran half giggled and half huffed as he attempted to free himself from Saeyoung's arms. But no luck. His twin was much stronger and held him still with little effort. "Geeze! Calm down! You're going to crush me to death if you keep squeezing me so hard!" 

The assault of kisses stopped before Saeyoung put him down. Then he gave a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Sorry, I'm just so excited to get something from you. I love you. Getting a gift from the other half of my soul-" Saeyoung placed a hand on his chest, over his heart, and a soft smile pulled at his lips. "-That's something I have always dreamed of." 

Fondly, Saeran shook his head and sighed at his twin. His brother got way too excited sometimes. But he couldn't ever be angry at for it. There was a lot more he could do that would annoy Saeran more. 

"Don't expect it to be all that great," he said, "And I didn't get nearly as many presents for you as you did for me. It's only really one present and it's pretty lame. It's not even that-" 

Saeran is promptly cut off by Saeyoung who cupped his cheeks before pressing their lips together. 

The kiss is enough to cause Saeran's mind to blank completely. Any previous thoughts are long forgotten as he leaned eagerly into the kiss, returning it with fever. 

Saeyoung didn't allow the kiss to last long, pulling away with a smirk plastered over his face. Knowing that they'd both get too distracted if he let it last but enjoying it anyways. They had plenty of time for more later. 

"Whatever it is," Saeyoung started as he gave Saeran the most serious look he could pull, "No matter how insignificant you might think it is, I know for a fact that I'm going to love it because it's from you." 

Saeran blushed, averting his eyes as he suddenly felt way too timid. His stomach dancing with butterflies. Saeyoung's words cut right though his self doubt, as they often did. It didn't take much for the older twin to crack Saeran's exterior. 

"... I'll show you then," Saeran spoke after a moment of silence. Mostly because he had to recover from Saeyoung's affection. 

He took Saeyoung's hand in his, lacing their fingers together. 

Saeran was almost about to lead Saeyoung off the stage when his eyes drifted to the magnificent cake displayed on the nearby table. It looked so delicious. It practically called out to him. 

"On second thought..." Saeran mumbled. 

He dragged Saeyoung over to the cake. Without so much as a second of hesitation, he used his free hand to scoop some of the icing onto his finger. Then he popped it into his mouth. 

"Mm!" 

It tasted just as good as it looked. Whoever Saeyoung had gotten to bake the cake really knew what they were doing. And that was only the icing! He couldn't wait to be able to sit down and properly enjoy it. 

Saeyoung smiled as he watched his brother try the cake, knowing that his twin couldn't resist sweets in the slightest. Part of the reason he had gotten a cake so big in the first place. 

"Does it taste good?" Saeyoung asked as he watched Saeran scoop up a little more of the icing to eat it. He could tell what his brother would say without him needing to say it. The look on his face was tell enough. 

Saeran gave a single, small hum in response. It was really good. He'd have to find out who made it so he could get them to make cakes like this more often. Saeran would eat them most days if he could convince Saeyoung to let him. 

An idea then came to Saeran's mind. Quite a devious one, indeed. 

Scooping up some more of the icing on his finger, he ate it. Letting it dissolve in his mouth before swallowing, he then grabbed Saeyoung by the front of his shirt and pulled him in closer. 

And just like that, he pressed their lips together in a somewhat heated kiss. Their lips parting and tongues meeting. 

Just as it had started to get good, Saeran pulled away. He licked his lip and then smirked at his twin. 

"You tell me," He said as he wiped his mouth on his sleeve with an all too smug look. 

Saeyoung was left utterly speechless, his cheeks flushed bright red and his chest heaving as he panted to catch his breath. Saeran was so hot. God. 

Then the question registered somewhere in his mind. 

"It's delicious," he softly answered, a content sigh passing his lips. 

Happy with that answer, Saeran ditched the cake for now. He took Saeyoung's hand again and then lead him off the stage and out of the room. Together they headed back to their shared bedroom. 

As soon as they arrived, Saeran stopped outside the door to the room. He then turned to Saeyoung, letting his hand go. 

"You need to stay here and close your eyes," Saeran told him. If Saeyoung went in he'd ruin the surprise for himself. Saeran knew he wouldn't be able to resist. 

"Alright." 

Saeyoung closed his eyes and Saeran, seeing this, quickly rushed off to grab Saeyoung his present. It had been stashed safely under the bed that he knelt besides to get it out. 

From under the bed he grabbed the wrapped present. It was a small one, no larger than a piece of A4 paper but much, much thicker and much heavier. It was even wrapped in cat print wrapping paper. 

Brining it over to Saeyoung, Saeran said, "Hold out your hands." 

Saeyoung complied and Saeran placed the gift into his hands. Then he took a step back and nervously watched as his twin opened his eyes and inspected the gift, raising an eyebrow at it. 

"What is it?" Saeyoung asked as he turned the gift over and around. He then lifted it to shake it besides his ear to see if he could hear any rattling inside.

Saeran huffed and rolled his eyes. 

"I'm not supposed to tell you, idiot, it wouldn't be a surprise then," he spoke, "Just open it."

"Alright, alright," Saeyoung quickly chuckled. Then he carefully started to unwrap the gift, excited to see what it was that had been gotten for him. Saeran always had been good at surprising him. 

Handing the discarded wrapping paper to Saeran, who put it in the trash can in their room before coming back, Saeyoung looked at the gift in his hands. 

It was a photo album of some sort. The cover was a plain, papery sort of brown. Hard and thick. The outside was rather unassuming. If Saeran hadn't have given it to him, Saeyoung might have assumed it was empty. 

As he opened it a gasp was pulled from him as he found something inside that he had thought he lost a few months ago; various photos of Saeran mostly. All of him at different ages. There were some photos of the both of them but very few compared to the ones of just Saeran. 

Each page had its own theme, too. Some had hand drawn flowers flowing across the pages while others had blocks of writing expressing Saeran's feelings and memories linked to the photos. 

"Yeah, I know..." Saeran mumbled, rubbing his neck as Saeyoung flipped through page after page of the scrap book. Loving every single of them and the contributions his twin had made. 

"Saeran-" Saeyoung's voice cracked, his emotions wanting to break through but he held them back. "It's perfect. I love it. Thank you, Saeran." 

Saeran looked puzzled at how emotional his twin suddenly became. 

"Seriously??" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. He didn't believe his brother in the slightest. It wasn't even that good. It was something Saeran had thrown together on a whim. 

"Yes," Saeyoung answered, tucking the book under one arm before holding his arms open for a hug. "Now come give you big brother his birthday cuddles." 

Saeran rolled his eyes, making Saeyoung chuckle and grin, but did as he was told. As he always did. Wrapping his arms around Saeyoung and waiting for him to do the same in return. Saeran then tucked his head under Saeyoung's chin and gave a small, happy hum. 

"Thank you, Saeran," Saeyoung says softly pressing soft kisses to his head. "I love it so much you don't understand." 

Saeran gives a nervous chuckle. "I'm pretty sure I understand. You're always looking at those photos." 

"That's because they're special. You used to be so cute." 

Saeran huffs, looking at Saeyoung as he pouts and puffs up his cheeks. 

"Are you saying I'm not cute anymore?" 

"No! No no no no!" saeyoung shakes his head rapidly. "You're still cute. You're *cuter* now. What I'm saying is that I love your gift. I don't think mine can stand up to this." 

Saeran smirked as he brought his arms up to snake around Saeyoung's neck. 

"I don't know... That cake came pretty close..." He playfully said. 

Saeyoung flushed. "No way. Yours is better by miles. I could never win. Anyways, let's go and open the rest of your gifts. I got you lots of things you're always complaining that you wanted." 

Saeyoung breaks the hug to take Saeran's hand instead, the scrapbook tucked safely under his arm. Then he leads Saeran out and back to the room they had been in prior. 

Saeran had lots of gifts to open and saeyoung wanted to see him open every single one of them. 

He should have asked someone to come and record it, really. He'd remember for next year.

Chapter Text

Preparing himself for bed, Saeyoung hummed as he finished getting his pajamas on. He then got himself comfortable in bed besides an already fast asleep Saeran.

Today had been a lot for the younger twin and it showed. Although, that didn't mean he hadn't enjoyed it. Being able to open so many gifts and to spent the whole day with Saeyoung's undivided attention had been a dream come true. It had been for Saeyoung, too. Getting to see his precious twin so happy had made all the hard preparations worth it.

Saeran was so cute, Saeyoung couldn't help thinking as he watched his twin sleep for moment. Taking in his form; From the slow rise and fall of his chest, to the way he had his new jumbo shark plushie loosely held to his side, to the way he had picked a large sweater from the huge collection he had been gifted.

The sweater in question was an all black one. Large enough to go down to Saeran's thighs. The bare skin there showing that Saeran had nothing on underneath. On the front of the sweater it had a simple design, that of a cute alien kitten sitting in a space ship. The words below the picture reading "Out of this world".

Saeyoung leaned over to brush away a few stray strands of hair from Saeran's face. Smiling softly to himself as his brother let out a small whine in his sleep and turned his head towards his hand. Almost as if seeking his brother out, even in deep sleep.

What ever did he do to deserve Saeran?

No amount of love he could give would make up for the peace his younger brother brought him simply by staying by his side. Saeyoung would spoil Saeran rotten until the day they died. And then he'd spoil him rotten in whatever afterlife they went to.

Feeling rather sentimental in that moment, Saeyoung reached for his phone from the table besides his bed. With it, he took a few photos of Saeran, sound asleep. Immediately, these photos went into a special folder dedicated only to photos of Saeran that he had captured.

He then looked through the photos he had just taken. Picking out the best one, Saeyoung uploaded it somewhere all his followers would see.

A special forum made just for those that were apart of mint eye. A creation of his and Saeran's to help ease work loads and ensure efficient communication between members. Saeran may have helped to create it but he didn't know about the secret section where everyone but he had access to. Or, if he did know, he hadn't said anything about it.

That was where Saeyoung often shared the photos he had taken of Saeran to gush about his brother and rub his relationship in the faces of his believers. It was his favourite pass time after doting on his twin.

This time, he uploaded the photo he had picked out. The focus more on the sweater Saeran was wearing. With it, the comment "Guess who won the bet?" was added.

It didn't take long for notifications to start buzzing on his phone. Informing him of replies to his post. Many of his followers stalked the forum, seemingly having nothing better to do than to write endless replies.

He gave the notifications a quick glance.

"I KNEW you'd win!"

"He always does"

"rigged lol"

"Savior isn't allowed to join the next bet!! He always wins!!"

"damn hes kinda cute tho 👀 wanna bite those thighs"

It made Saeyoung chuckle to himself. These idiots would never understand the bond that he and Saeyoung shared. Saeran could be blindfolded and he would still pick the one that Saeyoung had chosen.

Saeyoung always won these bets. Sometimes he wondered if his brother somehow just... Knew. Like he had a sixth sense for finding whatever had Saeyoung's influence.

These bets, these games, they always ended the same way no matter what. And neither twin would change it for the world. It was a game both Chois took joy to partake in.

Saeyoung turned his phone off, not wanting the barrage of notifications to wake Saeran, and then placed it back down on the bedside table. He next took his glasses off. After taking a moment to massage the spot between his eyes where his glasses had rested, he placed them down besides his phone.

He then pulled the covers up over himself and Saeran and laid down besides his twin. Saeyoung snuggled closer, putting an arm over Saeran's sleeping form. Thankfully, the shark was on the other side of the younger twin. Else Saeyoung would have had to demote it to sleeping on the floor for the night. Saeran loved it, and Saeyoung loved that he loved it, but he wouldn't let anything get between him and saeran. Not even a fake plush shark.

Pressing a kiss to Saeran's cheek, Saeyoung contently sighed.

"I love you so much," he softly spoke to his sleeping twin. Though he couldn't reply, Saeyoung knew Saeran shared the sentiment. "You don't even realise what I'd do for you, my precious other half."

Saeyoung the closed his eyes as he rested his head against his brother's shoulder, happy to spent the night curled up beside his twin.

They truly were two halves of one soul, bound together forever.