[Completed] Underrated and Human (NCT Member)

Family Figure

It was a chaotic household today, as this was the third day of the rest week NCT 2018 was given. So with this, the members have regained their energy and are creating a familiar environment. Only one place had its own quiet ambiance, which was Mark and Ash's room. So Taeil retreated into there, not really thinking of staying but planning to drag the younger boy out. When he went in, he had bumped into Mark who had his guitar and was presumably going to Johnny or the Dreamies. The eldest continued to seek for Ash and there he found the boy with his nose buried deep in textbooks.

"Ash," the younger looked up at Taeil and the older boy almost cooed. The younger's glasses almost fell off his face but he scrunched his nose to stop it. The look he made just made Taeil want to coddle him for today. "Let's go out to eat. We can look into a book shop also if you want." The younger thought about what his hyung offered. He could just stay inside the dorms and study but he knew the extra effort Taeil made to invite him.

The younger boy nodded and quickly packed a bag before going out with Taeil. The older was pleased with how Ash agreed with him. A plus point is how fast he agreed to it and how fast he got prepared for it.

Taeil agreed to pay for the meal the two had as long as Ash allowed him to take a photo. Of course, the boy disagreed, saying that he could pay for his hyung also since he was younger. But with the pity look, Taeil had tried to pull out, and the fondness Ash had, he agreed. So here they were, waiting for their order while Taeil had his phone ready to capture a moment with his dongsaeng.

It wasn't the usual silent ambiance that they had. Taeil actually needed to talk to Ash about something. Something he was very concerned about. "Ash, you never mentioned your parents to us. Only your brother, I was just wondering if you wanted to tell me anything." At first, the younger boy tried to play it off. He started with a shrug and just continued stirring his spoon. Although he knew that Taeil only asked out of concern. No deceit. But he wasn't sure how to say things as maybe Taeil would have a very different opinion. But what scared him the most is Taeil would have the same opinion he has. That he deserved to be treated that way by his parents.

"My parents have two children to be proud of, and one who isn't a nuisance anymore. The children they are proud of are currently in America." The boy didn't look up from his cup of coffee and just hummed a silent tune. Lyrics he didn't say but he felt.

"Tell me more if you want." Ash didn't know why he poured his heart. Or why he burdened Taeil with his stories. But he did share them. There was no immediate light feeling in his chest. Rather a feeling of readiness. He was prepared to share with Taeil a part of him. He was afraid to be judged but he was prepared to be called out. To be called selfish for his thoughts or foolish even. He was ready. But to be embraced and to suddenly have a father figure, was something he did not prepare for.

"You deserve more dongsaeng and I can't control your father. But I can be one of your family figures because I want to."

The older boy hugged the boy in his embrace. Even as they were in the bookstore and the younger boy was looking around, Taeil felt his arms still wrapped around Ash's. It wasn't suffocating or clingy. But rather a promise and a want to take care of the boy.

He saw how hard Ash tried to not be a "nuisance." He saw the hard work behind all the quietness. He also knew a silent wish amidst this. A wish he did not long for anymore but deserved yet never acknowledged, that even the boy did not acknowledge. He wasn't just someone not to worry about disappointing. He was someone to be proud of and Taeil knew he would make Ash feel he was proud. NCT would make Ash feel worthy and treasured and thanked for.

Slow progress. But something he would work hard to get and hand to Ash over time.

A/N: What's up guys? I've been kind of looking for some things to write about Ash. He's a complex character and a lot more to unfold about him but perhaps you want something also? Please just message or comment. Winter break is a week away and I know that I'd be able to dedicate time for this, the other story of mine with an OC for Stray Kids, and an idea I have that I might just publish by summer season next year. If you have any thoughts or even something random, just message or comment. Also thank you! I appreciate the number of reads, the adds to the reading lists, the comments, and all. Thank you guys and stay safe! - Aid.

*Also btw the video I just shared, I cried. I just woah---