Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Plu assisted Arty with his knee treatment, during which his grandparents brought them snacks. He was glad to see the worry in their eyes ease, which had alarmed him when he returned with Arty's things. Arty's demeanor and his effort to look okay were so perfect that he managed to fool them. They didn't expect Arty to sleep so long and deeply during the day. It wasn't all that surprising when Plu thought about everything Arty had been through in the last few days, but his grandparents didn’t know the details.

When they had finished eating, they began unpacking. Plu helped Arty set up all the electronics. He guessed right that Arty had set up a computer den at his home. Before he could ask anything, Arty started talking.

"My family is rich, and for a long time, our mother bought our love with money. She was my greatest teacher in manipulation. She had a problem with communication and flexibility. For a long time, she couldn't stand not having everything under absolute control. She was always fixated on her own view and didn't accept that it could be different or that she was wrong."

"You talk as if it weren't like that anymore. So why the break from the family?" Plu asked, not understanding where Arty was getting at.

"It got better, but it wasn’t fixed, especially for me. I'm the youngest, and everyone is fixated on me. I don't know when it happened, but I became the link and mediator in our family. With that came a different kind of control and toxic overprotection, this time not only from my mother. It's hard to breathe in my home sometimes.
Anyway, this (Arty pointed at the computer) was my first escape. I became a gamer. I'm good. If I didn't have other interests or opportunities, I would probably make a living from it. Actually, I make a living from it. I wanted to be financially independent because there were times when I got infected with too much manipulation from my mother, and got money from my brothers, exploiting them. Basically, I let myself be bribed. I hated this and wanted something I earned with my skills, not with manipulation.
So, I became a streamer, playing video games, creating guides, commentary, reviews, and the like. After a while, I earned a lot of money. I have many sponsors. My guidance, reviews, and feedback are highly valued and sought after. My videos have millions of views," Arty explained without a hint of arrogance or boasting, simply stating facts.

Plu was fascinated and curious.

"Do you want to see?" Arty asked, probably seeing his interest. "I still have to check if I have everything set up correctly, and frankly, I need to unwind. You can watch me play, but I have to warn you. When I'm in this mood, I usually choose a game that is in the style of Slasher horrors."

"Hahaha, I get it. You can become a Slasher and kill all your enemies in your imagination," Plu laughed.

"Not really, it's more about the horror atmosphere. Ghost spooky games make me think, whereas slasher games are a little different. Although there is a spooky element because the killer usually stalks his victims obsessively."

"I understand why you have so many fans. You haven't shown me anything yet, but you're already talking about everything so passionately that I hang on your every word. Well, show me your skills, Arty," Plu said, making Arty smile widely.

Chapter Text

Non flicked the dust off the stairs and sat down with a pile of papers. It was getting dark, and everything was quiet. He was calmer than he had expected. In fact, he had never been so relaxed when he was so close to his family, even though it was almost across the whole of Bangkok. The oppressive hand that hovered over him from miles away was not reflected in his mind this time.

Much harder than being relatively close to his family was watching Pat leave. Especially because he could see from his boyfriend how much he didn't want to leave him alone in this part of town. He really had nothing to fear. Non had acquaintances here. He would love to say friends, but he couldn't. Many of those who lived here or often appeared here were in a similar situation to him. They were hiding from someone and needed help. This neighborhood was a special secret community that accepted people without question and provided the means it could, whether it was to hide deeper or escape.

It was built by an old Granny who, sadly, Non was not lucky enough to meet because when he got here, she had been dead for several years, but her legacy lived on. As a young woman, she ran away from her abusive husband on the verge of death. She was saved by a passing stranger who treated her wounds without question, gave her food and money, and then disappeared. It was exactly what she needed, and so she swore that she would become a similar stranger for others.

When Non first got here, he was highly suicidal, and if it weren't for these strangers, he probably would have given up. When he recovered a bit, it took him a long time to understand how it was possible to keep this community a secret and how someone hadn't abused it yet. Then he understood that everything was built on trust and pure rumors. Nothing was officially written anywhere. It was an unregistered and unknown shelter. Only when those in trouble, community members, or any stranger who knew about this neighborhood saw that someone needed this place, did they direct them here.

Non helped with money because he couldn't afford to do anything more yet. He hoped that maybe Pat would check on some sick people before they left Bangkok. Non smiled and finally focused on what he was holding in his hand.

He needed to carefully flick through the report his source had left here. It wasn't hard to get detailed reports on the goings-on in the flower empire and his mother's and Uncle Win's company. Before Non disappeared, he had left back doors everywhere. It wasn't like he could get the information he needed with a flick of a button, but he had ways. Unfortunately, due to secrecy, it had to be timed just before he arrived in Bangkok.

Non sighed when he saw the report. Their businesses were collapsing, and by trying to cover it up and quickly patch it up, they were undermining their foundations even more. Non wasn't sorry that they might lose their fortune, but he did mind that so many people would lose their jobs. That was why Non hadn't destroyed his family in the business sector yet, even though he could. He first needed enough money, influence, and courage to destroy his family and save all the innocents involved.

He was faced with sad and uncomfortable moments while checking in on his family. The only thing that encouraged him was a date with Pat that he couldn't wait for.

Chapter Text

When they arrived, Pine's pack was already waiting for them. Pine checked Run and was relieved that he seemed ready for any theater that was going to take place. His pack enjoyed this shenanigans, and given that this was Run's first semi-official appearance as Pine's mate, he expected something stupid from them.

"Hello, let me officially introduce myself. As you know, I'm Run, who is expecting your pack leader's child. I've met some of you before. It's nice to meet you all. Pine talks about you a lot," Run said in a firm voice. Pine was proud of how he handled it.

"I'm sure it’s not always in a good light. I speak for all of us when I say that the pleasure is ours and we are grateful for your presence in our leader's life," Hack said. "And now. Squad, line up!" Hack barked out of nowhere, whereupon all his idiots saluted and lined up in front of Run.

As Pine had expected, his pack was acting theatrical. He just didn't expect them to choose a military performance. Run's face was a mixture of shock, confusion, and amusement. At the end of the introduction, Run was visibly choking on laughter.

"Stop with the theater," Pine commanded when it looked like his pack was going to ask Run stupid questions.

Pine wasn't pleased with this because they were way too touchy with Run, but it brought two positive things. First, they were all relaxed before the unpleasant conversation, and second, Pine confirmed that his pack hadn't noticed any change in them either. Their newly gained harmony belonged only to them.

"What did you find out?" Pine said after everyone calmed down.

“We tracked down the beta. Sadly, he is someone unimportant who was paid and had no idea what he was supposed to deliver. He was convinced it was some prank, and the package was supposed to contain something similar to Jack in the Box. But thanks to how he got the information and how he was paid, we found out that the troublesome bitch…”

“Um, um,” Run interrupted Hack, putting a hand on his belly. He most likely wasn’t pleased with the language in front of their unborn child. Pine had no idea how much their pup could hear, but he wasn’t going to argue with Run.

“Go ahead, but let’s keep the language in check in front of our pup,” Pine said, seeing half of his pack stifling laughter. He glared at them and released a little of his dominant pack leader pheromones, enough to make them afraid. It worked like a pinch to remind them who the leader was.

“I see, I’m sorry,” Hack said to Run.

“A problematic scheamer?” Nathee said, checking Run’s expression before continuing, “She indeed snuck back into Thailand. We haven’t been able to find her yet. She’s using a different identity, but we are searching.”

“What worries us is that we have information that she’s up to something bigger. We don’t want to take any chances even if it’s unconfirmed.” Nanfah said.

“The weird thing is, from what we know about her, she shouldn’t have the money or be smart enough to do it,” Nannam added.

“She stole Pine’s sperm, quite skillfully,” Run noted.

“Yes, it was her idea, but she paid a fortune to have someone arrange it and figure out how,” Wayu said.

“Who said she didn’t do the same now. Some horny rich people are easily manipulated,” Run said.

“Did you look into what she did abroad, who she was hanging out with?” Pine added.

“Not enough, apparently, we’ll arrange it. In the meantime…” Hack began.

“We are going to increase your protection,” Nannam added.

Pine and Run nodded.

When they were leaving, Pine noticed Run was sad. Something inside him told him that this had nothing to do with the troublesome bitch.

"Something's wrong?"

"No, I just realized that I probably won't be going to the theater for a while. I like movies and plays. And when you mentioned theater, I realized that."

"That's not a bad idea. We have time, so let’s go now," Pine suggested.

"Okay," Run agreed, excited.

As Pine got behind the wheel and looked at Run, who was also watching him, they both suddenly realized that this was going to be their first official date. Not just a random date where they stopped for a meal while discussing their situation or on their way to a checkup or something concerning the orphanage.

Chapter Text

They stayed silent for eternity. At least that’s what it felt like to Third, although it was probably two minutes at most. Third’s sister was throwing hostile glares at Khai and getting ready to slice him into tiny pieces. Whether he would be sliced depended entirely on Khai’s answer. That was what Third feared. He believed that just a few days ago, Khai would have been able to charm his way out of this sticky situation, even with Ink. But now Khai wasn’t himself.

“I’m waiting for an answer, Khai. And please let go of Third’s hand,” Ink said.

Both Third and Khai winced. Khai looked at him, and Third saw the lostness. Third realized that they really needed to talk, no matter how much he didn’t want to. There was no avoiding it, not anymore. So, Third did something that surprised the other two present. He took Khai’s hand, which held his wrist, and squeezed it for a moment for support.

“Khai, I promise we’ll talk. I won’t avoid you anymore. But please leave now so I can talk to my sister.”

“Are you sure? I can sta…” Khai said.

“No, go home and get some sleep.” Third didn’t let him finish. Khai nodded, which Third returned. Before Khai let go of Third’s hand, he squeezed it.

Third was aware that not a single gesture of theirs had escaped his sister’s notice, but for the moment, he didn’t care. They reached a silent understanding, which was new to both of them.

“What the hell was that? Are you dating now? He did something to you, didn’t he? I’ll kill him.”

"Calm down. It's not what your wild imagination is telling you. It's a bit complicated, and you've ruined it all. Up until now, I've pretty convincingly kept him in the mindset that he's delusional and that I don't remember him from childhood or that I'm not who he thinks I am. He's been more suspicious the last few days, but your presence has confirmed it without a shadow of a doubt, so thanks, sis. Your timing couldn't have been worse." Third said, trying to sound angry even though he knew he was failing and sounded more like a sulking little brother.

"Well, sorry, baby brother. We all agreed that you sounded sad on the last few phone calls and not like yourself. I was the closest, so I'm here to check on you and give you a firm hug. Are you very angry, or can I hug you?"

Third couldn't refuse. Although they were protective and a little too much most of the time. Third loved his family dearly and missed them.

"I have a cake, let's slice a piece for each and talk," Ink said after a long, warm hug.

Third first demanded that she swear to him that she would only tell the others the shortened version, because he suspected that otherwise he would have his whole family here the next day. She didn't like it, but understood. Ink was paradoxically the most angry with Khai but also the most understanding of Third's attempt to become independent. Which didn't stop her from being nearby with a mattress to throw under his feet in case he tripped and fell. She liked to meddle but managed to keep it within a reasonable limit.

When he told her everything truthfully, she approved of his approach and praised how cunning he was. She was genuinely surprised by Khai's endurance.

"What are you going to do now?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. We need to talk."

"True, the adult, unbiased part of me would say to tell him from your heart how much he hurt you in the past. I know it was just a childhood first love, but he trampled on your heart, and worse, he betrayed you as a friend. You'll have to talk about this sometime," She reasoned.

"But?"

"But as your sister, I would advise you to torment him a little more."

"And how?"

"That's a good question. My approach would be physically painful for Khai, so you have to think about it yourself."

"When are you leaving?"

"I'm staying for a few more days, but I can extend it. Why?"

"I think your presence and not letting Khai get close to me will be torture enough," Third said.

"I like how you think, my lovely brother."

Chapter Text

Non couldn't close his eyes after their last exchange... He couldn't even properly name what it was between him and Thawin. Non was increasingly affected by each closeness and touch. He would be lying if he said he didn't like it. When Thawin touched him, even if it was possessive, Non never felt like the devil wanted to control him or hurt him. Instead, he felt incredibly precious in his hands.

If Thawin had wanted more intimacy, Non wouldn't have resisted, which scared him. Luckily, Thawin had been at full strength in two days and was giving his attention to Non's family. Non knew about the nightmares Thawin had sent them last time, but this time, he had taken it a step further. They weren't just nightmares. Thawin made them hallucinate. They saw their terrors vividly.

Snakes and creeps followed Min. Tawan was followed by herself, wearing only torn, dirty rags and leaving bloody tracks. Bullies with guns followed Uncle Win. This time, Thawin included Non's father and grandmother. His dad was followed by debt collectors, ex-lovers, and, in his nightmares, he was turned into a sex-slave. Grandfather followed grandmother Klin, and in dreams, she was abused by her dead husband.

Thawin showed him everything, mainly because he told him that whenever they thought of hurting Non, their terror would multiply.

They shook with fear whenever Non was close by. The worst part was that Non was starting to like it. He had a growing feeling that the terror Thawin was putting his family through was deserved. It was true. They deserved to be punished for all the evil they had done. But before, Non's moral code had been too high to allow him to approve of it.

Non's thoughts led him to an interesting dilemma that he had never explored further. Perhaps it was because he had never had any means to truly punish them.

He had always realized that his way had no future. The oppression of his family would only increase, and Non's soul and body would wither away more and more. Until a few weeks ago, the only way out was death. He had been denied suicide, but Non had never doubted that his family would kill him one day, although it would probably be by mistake or accident.

A few times in the past, thoughts of revenge or bringing justice had crossed his mind. But they were always just initial thoughts. He had never thought of how it could be carried out. He didn't even dare to properly think about it. It terrified him, because he had known only one equation of terror since he was a child. If he rebelled, the punishment would be even worse and would also affect innocent people around him.

These thoughts confirmed to Non that his wish was right. He wasn't sure if his words would be good, but he knew he couldn't put it off much longer. Watching Thawin and his sincere enjoyment of the terror he unleashed on his family, Non realized one more thing.

Thawin was a complicated demon who enjoyed evil but had a sense of justice. He was handsome and sexy, but too powerful and calculating. Non was convinced that without control, Thawin would destroy the world with a snap of his fingers.

Non could no longer lie to himself that he wasn’t attracted to Thawin, and not just physically. He needed to find a way to keep his devil in check.