Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

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It was a beautiful afternoon.

The sun hung high in the sky, bright but merciful, its heat softened by wide stretches of white, drifting clouds. Light spilled generously over the estate grounds, catching in the leaves of trees and washing the grass into a vivid, almost indulgent green. It was the kind of day meant for slow walks, open windows, and untroubled thoughts.

Inside, none of that mattered. Phuwin paced the length of his bedroom, fingers threading through his hair for the fifth time in a minute. His curtains were half drawn, sunlight slicing across the floor, but his gaze never once drifted toward it. His mind was too busy spiralling.

He had thirty minutes. Thirty minutes before everything went to hell. Shit. Phuwin was screwed.

It was not that he did not trust his older brother. He did. Completely. He had never failed them, not once. And he knew that he would be on Phuwin’s side unquestionably — but this… this was uncharted territory. And knowing his alpha brother’s aggressively protective tendencies, Phuwin had no idea how he would react when blindsided like this.

He had tried. Truly, he had. Tried to delay it, redirect it, gently nudge the situation into a less explosive timeline. But he had also chosen an alpha that was stubborn in the way confident alphas tended to be. Earnest. Unwavering. Armed with that infuriating certainty that came from wanting to do things right.

And gods, it was romantic. The gesture alone spoke volumes. It was respectful, serious, intentional. Everything Phuwin wanted.

Just… not like this.

He had imagined sitting his older brother down, easing into the conversation, laying out his feelings carefully, maybe even letting him grumble his way through acceptance. But this ambush ? This was a disaster waiting to happen. His thoughts tangled tighter with every step.

Maybe Fourth could help — yes — Fourth was clever. Crafty when he wanted to be. Surely his youngest brother would have some solution that did not end with Perth glaring holes through someone. Phuwin turned toward the door, ready to storm down the hall, when it opened instead.

Fourth slipped into the room, shoulders tense, expression pinched with the same kind of stress Phuwin felt curling in his own chest. That alone made Phuwin stop from bombarding Fourth with his problem for a second.

“What’s wrong ?” The words slipped out automatically instead.

“Phi…” Fourth whined, voice thin with nerves, “I need serious help.”

He stepped closer, small fingers pinching into the fabric of Phuwin’s shirt, an old habit from childhood that surfaced whenever Fourth was anxious or scared. The sight alone made Phuwin’s worry spike — and  normally, Phuwin would have dropped everything. Would have asked questions, offered solutions, wrapped Fourth in reassurance without a second thought. But the clock was ticking too — and Fourth, more often than not, worried about minor things like unfinished homework that was not due for another three weeks.

“Fourth,” Phuwin started carefully, “is it urgent ? Because I kind of need hel—”

“It is urgent,” Fourth interrupted, then hesitated, guilt flickering across his face,“I—uh—”

Phuwin’s brows furrowed, “what is it, noo ? Did something happen ? Should I get Phi—”

He turned toward the door instinctively, already reaching for the person who had always fixed everything — Fourth grabbed his forearms.

“NO !” His voice cracked, “Not Phi — not yet.”

That did it. 

Phuwin exhaled slowly, steadying himself, “Fourth. Spill. What’s going on ?”

Fourth swallowed, “so… you remember the tall, lanky, funny alpha I told you about at the start of the semester ?”

Phuwin blinked, “Yeah. Gemini, right ? Business innovation student ?”

“Yes—correct—well, I met him again. And again. And again—”

“Fourth,” Phuwin warned, narrowing his eyes.

Fourth winced, then smiled sheepishly, “okay, fine. Gemini asked me out yesterday. And I said yes.”

Phuwin paused, processing. And then… nothing catastrophic followed.

He frowned, “Fourth… you can date. That’s not a problem. Is Gemini bothering you ? Did he force you or something ?”

“No, no !” Fourth rushed to say, “Gem’s a sweetheart. I really like him. That’s not the problem.”

“Then what is ?”

“He’s on his way here.”

Phuwin groaned inwardly. Of course. Of course there were two alphas converging on the house today — though his was on a totally different agenda. Phuwin assumed that Gemini was coming over to maybe take Fourth out on a date — so really, he still did not see the issue. Sure, their older brother was at home and he was rather cool, but both of them were free to hang out with whoever they liked — just maybe they should  not mention date.

“And ?” Phuwin asked cautiously, “you don’t need to sneak out. Just tell Phi you are going out. You don’t even have to say it’s a da—”

“Phi,” Fourth cut in, eyes wide, “Gemini is coming to ask permission to court me.”

The room went very, very quiet. Fourth continued faintly, “ he is coming to ask Phi Perth for permission to court me.”

Phuwin froze.

Oh.

Oh no.

“What are the fucking odds,” Phuwin groaned, dragging a hand through his already tousled hair, “this cannot be happening.”

The universe must be seriously joking — cause there was no way this could be real — admitted that Phuwin and Fourth were brothers but their lives did not really have to align this way. 

“Phi, I tried,” Fourth tried clarifying, “I really did. I told him it was not necessary. But he was so insistent, Phi. He wants to do right by me. It’s romantic and I am absolutely swooning but—shit, Phi—”

“Fourth,” Phuwin cut in, voice strained, “Pond is coming over too — for the same exact reason — to ask permission from Phi Perth to court me.”

Fourth stilled, “…Oh shit, Phi.”

Two romantic alphas.

One hyper-protective alpha older brother.

Perth.

The man who had raised them, shielded them, fought the world barehanded if he had to. Their rock. Their sword. Their shield. He loved them fiercely, without condition, but never turned that love into a cage. He gave them room to grow, to choose, to fail if they must. Even when those choices led them straight into trouble, Perth would stand beside them, silent and steady, letting them face the consequences with their heads held high.

But. He was also the man most likely to interrogate, intimidate, and terrify any alpha who dared approach his brothers. They had seen it happen. More than once. It did not help that Perth’s face seemed permanently carved into stern lines, sharp enough to cut through bravado and confidence alike. Alphas wilted under his gaze. Some stuttered. Others fled.

It was the sole reason Phuwin and Fourth kept their dating lives quiet. Not hidden, not secretive. Just… curated. They needed to be sure it was going somewhere before bringing it to Perth. Needed time to ease him into the idea, to prepare him.

Right now, though ? They were catastrophically unprepared. Because Phuwin knew, in his bones, that both he and Fourth were invested in their respective blooming relationships. It was just starting — and probably he and Fourth still had a lot to understand about their alphas but both knew this was not casual curiosity. This was intent. This was wanting approval, wanting acceptance, wanting their brother to see what they saw — so that they could all move forward with ease.

And springing this on Perth like this felt like lighting a match in a room full of gasoline.

“This is bad,” Fourth muttered.

“Very bad,” Phuwin echoed.

Fourth paused, then squinted at him, “wait — who is Pond?”

Phuwin froze.

“Since when have you been dating ?” Fourth continued, incredulous. “I thought you said you were not interested in anyone.”

Phuwin exhaled slowly. He had not exactly updated Fourth on his romantic life. Mostly because there had been nothing to update. For the longest time, he had been uninterested. Disengaged. The alphas he encountered were often arrogant, dismissive, already mapping omegas into neat little boxes labeled domestic, supportive, secondary. Perth had raised them better than that. Had taught them to soar, not shrink. Phuwin was not about to compromise himself just to fill a space beside someone.

But Pond was different. He listened. Genuinely. Asked questions and waited for answers. He cared about Phuwin’s work, his opinions, his ambitions. He treated Phuwin like an equal, like a partner, not someone to be managed or molded. It was refreshing. It was exciting. And yes, Phuwin wanted it.

“Pond is our company’s business partner — CEO of Sisna. And it’s… a recent development.” Phuwin’s cheeks warmed despite himself,  “that’s not the point. We need a plan. How do we salvage this ?”

He deliberately did not elaborate further, and thankfully, Fourth let it go for now.

“Well,” Fourth suggested weakly, “we could just tell him straight ? A five-minute heads-up is better than nothing.”

Phuwin hesitated. Perth was not cruel. He was not unreasonable. His protectiveness came from love, from loss, from a past that had forced him to grow up far too fast. Phuwin understood that better than anyone — respected that so much. Still, this was an ambush. Perth likely had no idea either of his brothers were dating, let alone involved with alphas who believed in formal courtship and tradition.

“Or,” Fourth added, eyes lighting up just a bit, “we let the alphas deal with each other and sneak out for ice cream ?”

“No,” Phuwin rejected immediately, “I’m not throwing Pond under the bus like that. I want something with him.”

Fourth grinned despite everything, “wow. So protective already. How recent is ‘recent’?”

“Fourth,” Phuwin snapped, ears burning, “now is not the time. Maybe we can intercept them before they enter the—”

The doorbell rang. 

Sharp. Loud. Final. 

The sound echoed through the house like a countdown hitting zero. They stared at each other, horror mirrored perfectly.

“Shit,” The word came out in unison.

And then they bolted. Feet pounding against the floor, hearts racing, both omegas sprinted out of the room and down the hall toward the living area, desperately hoping they were not already too late.

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It was a Saturday, and Perth could not be more thankful for it.

Not that it made much of a difference. He was still reviewing work, still sorting through files and contracts, just doing so from the living room instead of his office. The documents lay spread neatly across the coffee table, tablet propped beside them, pen tucked behind his ear out of habit.

But for someone who genuinely loved being home, this was close to heaven.

More importantly, his brothers were home too.

Perth found himself glancing toward the hallway every so often, half-hoping one of them would wander out and flop onto the couch like they usually did. He had missed them. The past few months had been brutal. Work had dragged him out of the country more often than not, and even when he was in Thailand, his days were swallowed whole by meetings, factory inspections, and endless negotiations.

He missed the mundane. Missed the noise. Missed them.

That was why it struck him as odd when, right after breakfast, both Phuwin and Fourth vanished into their rooms. Fourth had muttered something about school. Phuwin had said work and practically bolted down the hall. Uncharacteristic, but Perth had not thought much of it. He was focused on finishing as much as he could before lunch. Lunch that he still needed to cook, he noted absently, stacking a finished file aside.

The doorbell rang.

Perth pushed himself off the couch and headed for the door. Despite the size of their house, he had never hired full-time help. Just a weekly cleaning service. It was only the three of them, and Perth believed in independence. Responsibility. He spoiled his brothers plenty, but he refused to let them grow helpless.

He opened the door. 

And nearly jumped out of his skin — two figures skidded to a halt behind him, panting slightly, eyes wide with alarm. Perth barely reacted. He was used to his brothers’ antics. The delivery man, however, almost dropped the groceries.

“Phi, wait— we can expla—” Fourth grabbed onto Perth’s arm, “And this is not my man—”

He froze mid-sentence, hand dropping as he finally registered the man at the door. His eyes widened, and he yanked Phuwin closer by the sleeve.

“Phi— you know, Po—” Phuwin started, then cut himself off as he noticed the delivery man, “oh— never mind. Did you order groceries, Phi ?”

Perth blinked — at the sudden change in tone — the delivery man blinked harder. Clearly, neither of them understood what was happening. Perth signed off on the delivery, thanked the man, and took the box of groceries from the delivery man — not missing the frantic, silent conversation happening behind him.

“Let me help, Phi,” Fourth said quickly, taking the box from Perth’s hands.

“Yeah, we’ll help put the groceries away,” Phuwin added, grabbing the other side.

Perth narrowed his eyes. He knew this behavior. He had raised them. He knew every tell, every poorly executed distraction. His brothers hated chores. They complained before complying. They moved only when an external force compelled them. So the two of them volunteering eagerly ? Nothing short of suspicious.

“Stop,” Perth said.

They froze. Both turned to him, smiles hovering somewhere between sheepish and panicked.

“What is going on ?” Perth crossed his arms over his chest.

“Nothing,” Fourth replied far too quickly, voice squeaking.

“Yeah,” Phuwin echoed, forcing a calm tone, “nothing. We just want to help.”

“Really ?” Perth tilted his head. “So eager that you sprinted to the door? Because I don’t recall telling either of you that I ordered groceries.”

“Intuition, Phi,” Fourth answered brightly, “we love you so much that we just knew how your Saturday would go.”

Perth did not even have to say anything because Phuwin’s baffled stare at Fourth was answer enough.

“Fourth— wh—” Phuwin sighed, “Phi… we’ll put the groceries away. And then we should talk.”

Fourth’s eyes widened, but at Phuwin’s look, he deflated, “yeah. Phi. We should talk.”

Perth opened his mouth to press further. And then—

“Good morning.”

The deep voice cut cleanly through the room — a voice Perth recognised. Perth turned toward the open door. So did Phuwin, his head snapping around with alarming speed. Fourth’s gaze darted nervously between all three of them.

“Oh,” Perth greeted slowly, “good morning, Khun Pond.”

He did not bother hiding his surprise. A strategic partner standing at his front door on a Saturday morning was not on his agenda.

“I don’t mean to be rude,” Perth continued evenly, “but I was not expecting you today. May I ask why you are here ?”

Pond stood straight — a little nervous, a gift bag in hand, clearly bracing himself, “I—”

Before he could continue, Phuwin removed his hands from the grocery box and stepped forward, placing himself squarely between Pond and Perth.

“Phi, listen to me first,” Phuwin cut in urgently, “P’Pond is here because of me. Can you—”

Before Phuwin could even complete his sentence — chaos struck.

A bouquet smashed into Perth’s face, then a lanky man collided with him at full speed. They both went down.

“PHI!” Phuwin shouted, lunging forward.

“GEM!” Fourth yelled, groceries forgotten as they scattered across the floor.

“Gemini ?” Pond echoed, bewildered, before instinctively helping the man up.

Phuwin tore the bouquet away from Perth’s face and hauled his brother upright.

“Are you okay ?” Phuwin asked frantically

Perth rubbed his temple, visibly dazed — flowers in his face were bad, especially given his pollen allergy — he could already start to feel his nose itch. 

“Phi… Pond ?” The lanky man blinked at the said alpha.

Silence followed. Thick. Loaded. Then Fourth groaned, dragging a hand down his face. 

“Oh no, Gemini…— Wait.” His head snapped up, “you know P’Pond ?”

“Yeah,” the man replied easily, rubbing the back of his neck, “P’Pond is my older brother.”

Perth registered the name properly then — Gemini — the lanky man who shoved a bouquet in his face.

“Oh,” Fourth breathed, then visibly brightened, “oh! P’Phu— we would be in-laws!” 

He smacked Phuwin’s hand in excitement, eyes sparkling despite the impending doom. And despite the itchiness in his nose — Perth narrowed his eyes hearing the statement. 

“Fourth,” Phuwin hissed, elbowing him sharply and nodding toward Perth.

Too late. Perth had already taken a slow step forward. His gaze swept over them. One by one. Measured. Sharp. Taking inventory like he was assessing structural weaknesses in steel.

Pond, standing straight, bouquet now held like evidence.

Gemini, sheepish but earnest.

Phuwin, tense, protective, clearly bracing for impact.

Fourth, vibrating with nerves and misplaced enthusiasm.

Perth exhaled once, voice calm, “everyone to the dining table. Now.”

His voice cracked through the room like a gavel striking wood. No one argued. Chairs scraped softly as they filed toward the dining area, instincts honed over years kicking in immediately. Even Pond and Gemini followed without question.

Perth entered the kitchen first.

He popped his allergy medication with a practiced motion, rinsed his face at the sink, and dried it with a kitchen towel before stepping into the dining room. When he took the head of the table, he did so with deliberate calm. Hands folded. Back straight. Expression unreadable.

“Let’s do this properly,” Perth let out evenly, “shall we?”

The shift was immediate.

Phuwin swallowed hard. Fourth sat up straighter. Pond squared his shoulders. Gemini clasped his hands together, knuckles whitening. 

Perth lifted his gaze, voice calm but edged with steel, “who would like to start explaining why my Saturday morning involved groceries on the floor, a bouquet to the face, and two unfamiliar alphas at my front door ?”

“Phi—” Phuwin and Fourth began at the same time, then stopped, glancing at each other in silent debate.

Pond took the opening.

“Khun Perth,” he started respectfully, “allow me.”

He reached into the gift bag at his feet and withdrew a neatly boxed set of TWG Eternal Summer tea, placing it carefully in front of Perth.

“I am here,” Pond continued, steady despite the tension, “to officially seek permission to court Phuwin.”

The room fell into complete silence.

No one moved.

“Phi—” Phuwin started, but Perth raised a hand without looking at him.

Perth had not known what he expected when he sat down, but it had not been this. His thoughts raced, questions stacking rapidly in his mind, yet he kept his composure. He noted the sincerity in Pond’s posture, the formality of the offering. Still, there was another alpha at the table.

Perth turned his attention to Gemini.

“And you are here because ?”

Gemini straightened immediately, “first, I would like to apologise. I tripped on the ledge and I’m very sorry about the fall.” 

He bowed slightly, “my name is Gemini Noravit Lertratkosum. I study at the same university as Fourth. Final year, Business Innovation.”

Perth inclined his head once, acknowledging the apology and introduction.

“And you are here because ?” Perth repeated.

Gemini swallowed. Fourth swallowed harder.

“I am here,” Gemini said carefully, “to seek permission to officially court Fourth.”

He slid the bouquet and a box of Royce chocolates toward Perth, then winced, “sorry about the bouquet.”

Fourth snatched the flowers immediately, “Phi Perth is allergic to pollen — let’s… keep these far away.”

Perth closed his eyes for half a second and took a measured breath. This was not how he had envisioned his Saturday. Not even close. The pieces clicked into place now. The frantic rush down the stairs. The stalling. The forced cheerfulness.

He was not happy. Not with the ambush, not with learning about this before hearing it from his brothers. He would have preferred a conversation. Preparation. Trust. And yet—

He was not a prude.

His brothers were adults. Phuwin was already part of the workforce. Fourth was in his final year of university. They were old enough to date, to choose, to love. Perth wanted that for them. Wanted them to find partners who treated them with care, who stood beside them when things got hard.

But they were still his baby brothers.

And Perth knew too well the kind of men ambition produced. He had seen people pursue others for names, for connections, for advantage. The Sukumpantanasan name carried weight, and he refused to let his brothers become trophies or stepping stones.

He knew the Lertratkosum name. Respected it, even. If nothing else, it was socially compatible with his own. And Pond… Perth would not deny it. Pond was impressive. Intelligent. Composed. If anyone could respect Phuwin as an equal, it would be him.

That knowledge did not make this easier.

Gemini was harder to assess. Fourth was precious to him in a way that bordered on painful. And while Gemini seemed earnest, his chaotic entrance did him no favors.

Perth leaned back slightly — gaze shapering, “Why, my brothers ?”

The table tensed.

“It’s a little odd, don’t you think ?” Perth continued, “brothers pursuing brothers.”

“Phi—” Fourth started, only to stop at Perth’s raised hand.

“We didn’t know,” Gemini answered quickly, “neither of us did.”

“You didn’t talk to each other ?” Perth’s voice cut sharper.

“We did,” Pond answered calmly, “we both knew the other had expressed interest in someone named Phuwin and Fourth respectively. What we didn’t know was that they were brothers, or that we were coming to the same house.”

Gemini nodded along.

“We left home this morning wishing each other luck,” Pond continued, “we planned to invite Fourth and Phuwin’s family to lunch tomorrow, if we were successful. To formally introduce the families.”

Phuwin spoke then, voice quiet, “Phi Perth… I’m sorry. We should have told you instead of letting this fall on you all at once.”

Fourth swallowed, “I’m sorry too, Phi. But please… at least consider it. Gem is good to me. He listens. I know it’s early, but I like him.”

Phuwin nodded, “P’Pond is… kind. He respects me. I know we are still learning each other, but I want to try. Please give this some thought.”

Perth watched his brothers closely. Took in their sincerity. Their courage.

After a long pause, he spoke.

“I will give you my answer tomorrow,” Perth answered evenly, “after meeting the parents. I hope lunch will not be an issue for the Lertratkosum family.”

Pond’s relief was immediate, “not at all, Khun Perth. We would be honored to host you.”

“Any allergies we should note ?” Gemini asked earnestly, “other than flowers, of course.”

Perth’s narrowed glare was immediate.

Gemini yelped as both Fourth and Pond kicked him under the table.

Perth stood, “that will be all for today. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Pond and Gemini understood. They rose, followed by Phuwin and Fourth, and were escorted to the foyer.

“Thank you for having us,” Pond inclined his head, “I’ll send a formal invitation shortly.”

Perth nodded.

“Thank you, Phi Perth,” Gemini added with a smile before following his brother out.

Perth did not miss the small smile Pond shared with Phuwin. Nor did he miss Gemini’s almost-pout toward Fourth before catching Perth’s gaze and straightening immediately.

The door closed with a soft, final click. Perth turned to face his brothers. Both stood stiffly, shoulders drawn tight, as though bracing for impact and they looked as though they were ready to beg, to convince Perth to agree.

“I have errands to run,” Perth’s voice firm and measured, “clean up the groceries. Order lunch. I’ll be back before dinner.”

He turned but stopped for a moment — his back to them — then he turned again, gaze softer than before, though no less serious.

“Do not turn into anxious messes,” Perth assured calmly, “I am not mad. I just need some time.”

He stepped closer and rested a hand on each of their heads, the familiar gesture grounding and protective, a quiet reminder of constancy despite everything — earning a little smile from both of them.

“I’ll see both of you at dinner.” 

With that Perth took off, because he was not lying he was not mad but he really needed time — his mind was a mess.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ♡ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

The sun was slowly sinking, and Perth watched the river catch fire beneath it, water glowing with warm shades of amber and orange. He had run his errands earlier. Finally cut his hair, something he had been putting off for months. Spent time at the garage, fingers dusty and oil-smudged as he inspected old parts, losing himself in the quiet joy of working on cars. He had stayed there for nearly three hours. And yet, despite the full day, his mind kept circling back to the morning.

He was not against them dating. Not really. Pond and Gemini seemed like good alphas — Phuwin and Fourth had seemingly chosen well. Heck, the fact they had sought permission to court his brothers in this day and time spoke volumes about their intentions and respect towards his brothers in a good note.

Perth was just being… careful — that was the word he kept returning to.

After all, Phuwin and Fourth were all he had.

The memory came unbidden, as it always did. The accident. The phone call. The way the world had cracked open and collapsed in on itself all at once. A drunk truck driver. A reckless turn. A bridge. Two lives gone in seconds.

Fifteen-year-old Perth had stood frozen in a hospital corridor, twelve-year-old Phuwin clutching the sleeve of his jacket, knuckles white, and nine-year-old Fourth sobbing so hard he could barely draw breath. In that moment, something inside Perth had shifted, hardened into resolve. He had not swallowed his grief. He had simply set it aside. There was no room for it when his brothers needed him to be steady. To be solid. To stay.

They had money. Trust funds. Inheritance carefully sealed behind lawyers’ offices until they came of age. But money never filled an empty chair at the table. Never replaced bedtime stories or warm hands guiding you through life. They were handed over to their grandfather next. A man who ruled his home like a regime. Aunts and uncles who smiled too thinly, eyes already calculating shares and percentages. The three of them were not children to be cared for, only competition for inheritance.

Perth understood then why his father had moved out, why he had built a separate house for their family. The old mansion doors opened reluctantly to them, and when they did, the boys were treated less like kin and more like inconvenience.

It did not last. Soon enough, they were relocated to a small apartment near their school, discarded once appearances no longer mattered. But that apartment became something else entirely.

Home.

Perth made sure of it. He learned how to cook. Stayed up late studying only after making sure his brothers had finished their homework. Kept their parents’ traditions alive. Showed up to every school event, his cheers always the loudest in the room. Sat through every parent-teacher meeting with squared shoulders, answering questions meant for someone far older than he was.

He worked part-time at a garage, hands blistered and aching, just to afford small treats when the allowance barely stretched far enough. A trust fund did not mean disposable money. It covered school fees and necessities like groceries and utilities. But something as simple as mango sticky rice required approval from their acting guardian.

Their grandfather. A man who rejected requests with careless ease. So Perth found another solution.

He paid for it himself. Phuwin and Fourth were angels about it. They appreciated every little thing, never asked for more than he could give. It only made Perth work harder. They were good kids, despite everything. Thoughtful. Understanding. 

So when he found out their cousins had bullied them behind his back, Perth fought. Bones broke. Blood spilled. He did not regret it. He had made a promise. To them. To his parents. To himself.

His brothers would never feel like orphans, no matter how often the world tried to label them as such.

He took responsibility with both hands. Let his brothers remain children while he aged too quickly. His life revolved around them, and he had never regretted it, not once. He earned a double degree in business and mechanical engineering. Climbed the ranks at Saiorse not on name alone, but on merit. Faced the board. Faced their relatives. Won. He was even able to re-purchase their old estate and move them back into their family home.

So really, it had not surprised anyone when he presented as an alpha — not with how steady and immovable he was. The protectiveness only intensified with his secondary gender, but he never smothered Phuwin or Fourth. He tried really hard too. He taught them how to stand. How to fight back. How to protect themselves.

He would be their shield, their sword, their foundation. But they had to learn to be strong on their own. And they had.

Phuwin, brilliant and driven, had graduated top of his cohort in computer science. He joined Saiorse as an intern and earned every promotion, until the board unanimously voted him in as managing director. His safety integration system, linking car diagnostics directly to an owner’s app, had transformed consumer trust. Fourth was in his final year of law school now. Sharp-tongued, sharper-minded. He had secured an internship at a top firm entirely on his own merit.

Perth could not be prouder — his brothers were more than capable of living on their own. And yet — he was still their older brother.

Especially since both of them had presented as omegas. Perth did not care — Alpha or omega, everyone deserved the same respect. He had personally ensured both of them could fight, could stand their ground, could refuse the weakness the world loved to assign to omegas.

But the world was not kind. And alphas were not always careful with what they took. Perth knew that better than most. He wanted his brothers loved fiercely. Protected. Chosen, every time. The way he chose them.

So yes, he was picky. He scrutinised anyone who came close, weighed intentions until he was certain his brothers would be cherished the way he cherished them — especially with how much love he had raised them with. And it was not just the alphas — he wanted to make sure the families they were walking into would also respect and love his brothers the way they deserved. That was the main reason why he had said that he would give his answer only after having lunch tomorrow at their residence. 

His scrutiny, his pickiness — his protectiveness — it came from his love and to him, it felt justified. But the way he was ambushed — it could help but have a thought sit heavy in his chest.

Had Perth become so protective that Phuwin and Fourth no longer felt they could tell him things ?

He had not liked the ambush. That much was true. But what if it had not been defiance at all ? What if it had been fear ? The thought lingered, uncomfortable and sharp. It had crept in the moment Fourth and Phuwin asked him to at least give Pond and Gemini a chance, eyes cautious, voice careful, as though weighing every word. Perth wondered then if the shield he had built so meticulously had begun to cast a shadow over his relationship with his brothers.

“You look like you could use a cup of coffee.” The voice cut cleanly through his thoughts.

Perth blinked and turned, finding an outstretched hand offering a chilled can of coffee — he looked up. And his breath hitched.

Standing before him was, quite simply, the most beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on. Plump lips tinted faintly pink, glossy with balm. A sharp nose softened by a dusting of warmth across flushed cheeks, likely from the lingering evening heat. Hair just long enough for the breeze to toy with, strands lifting and settling again.

And his eyes—

Doe-like. Wide. Warm.

Mesmerising enough that Perth found himself staring far longer than was polite.

“Coffee ?” the man prompted again, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Perth startled back into himself, “uh… sure ?” 

He accepted the can, fingers brushing briefly against the other man’s, and took the chance to really look at him now. They were dressed similarly. Hoodie, jeans, Converse. And yet, somehow, where Perth looked gruff and worn-in, the man looked effortlessly comfortable, elegant even. The same simplicity carried entirely differently on him.

Lord — everything about this man was just so damn beautiful and mesmerising.

Perth swallowed and straightened, instinct finally kicking in. A stranger offering him coffee, unprompted, was… suspicious, to say the least. He schooled his expression, assessing instead of staring. They were strangers. No one offered coffee randomly — right ?

“Coffee ?” Perth repeated, turning the can curiously.

“Yeah. This brand’s good,” the man replied easily, “my favourite convenience store coffee.”

“And you are giving it to me…?” Perth asked — very deliberately not watching the way the man’s lips curved when he smiled.

“Relax. It’s nothing deep.” The man shrugged, “the mart had a one-for-one deal. I cannot drink two — and I also did not want to trudge it home. Then I saw you. You looked like you could use a little sweet caffeine.”

Perth arched a brow, “I looked like I needed coffee ? Looks like you have been staring long...”

The man hummed thoughtfully before lightly replying, “five sighs in under a minute — that felt like a sign.” 

Perth scoffed, amused despite himself. He popped the can open and raised it slightly. The man mirrored him, their cans clinking softly before they both took a sip. The coffee was sweeter than Perth preferred — he was usually a black coffee kind of person. Still, the sugar eased something tight in his chest.

Or maybe it was not the coffee at all.

“So,” Perth wondered after a moment, “do you usually share coffee with strangers like this ?”

“Only the ones who look like they are carrying the weight of the world while staring at a river like it personally betrayed them.” The man replied, eyes dancing.

“Tsk — that bad ?” Perth chuckled under his breath.

“No, not really,” the beautiful man corrected, “maybe it had more to do with the fact you are actually really handsome.”

Perth stilled. The compliment caught him off guard, heat creeping up his neck before he could stop it. 

“Do you usually accept coffee from random strangers ?” the beauty countered.

“Nope,” Perth replied, lips quirking, “only from a certain beautiful man with mesmerising doe eyes.”

The man met his gaze, smirk softening into something shy as the flush on his cheeks deepened. Their eyes held for a beat too long before the man let out a quiet giggle and turned away. Perth laughed too, low and fond, surprised by how easy it felt.

They stood side by side in companionable silence for a while, watching the river glow as dusk settled in — then the man spoke again.

“Not that you have to,” he started gently, “but… wanna talk ? Sometimes it helps to tell things to someone who does not know you or anything.”

Normally, Perth would have declined. He was not the kind of person who unburdened himself to strangers — hell, he struggled enough talking to people he knows. Introversion aside, trust did not come easily to him. But something about the man beside him felt… safe — comforting actually.

Perth started slowly, “two alpha brothers came to my house to seek permission to court my two younger omega brothers.”

“Oh.” The man blinked, “were the alphas not good enough ?”

“No. They’re… actually impressive,” Perth admitted, “prominent family. I know one of them professionally. The fact that they sought permission at all earned them brownie points. It just caught me off guard. I did not even know my brothers were seeing anyone — suddenly everything exploded in my face.”

“So… you said no ?” The man tilted his head, curiosity reflecting in his eyes. 

“No — I said I will answer after lunch at the alphas’ residence tomorrow. You might think I am ridiculous — but my baby brothers are everything to me. I have cherished them so much and I want them to be cherished just the same by their future alpha and family.”

Perth paused, gaze drifting back to the water, “I know my protective ass is a bit much at times but really, I am not angry about the courting or my brothers making their own choices — I raised them to make their own choices. And I want them to date, to find someone they love, someone who would love them back the same. It is really more about the caution in my brothers’ eyes. The way they asked me to consider it — and the lack of warning.” 

His voice softened, “it made me wonder if I have become someone they are afraid of. Someone they cannot talk to or trust anymore.”

“Did they tell you that, explicitly ?” the beauty asked.

Perth shook his head, “no.”

The man was quiet for a moment, then spoke carefully, “can I be honest ?”

Perth nodded.

“I’m an omega, and I grew up with two alpha brothers.” He smiled fondly — probably thinking of his brothers. 

“Their protectiveness never scared me — maybe a little annoying. They can get a little ridiculous, especially my older brother. He just gives death stares at any alpha in my vicinity — actually, from the way you describe yourself, I guess he is the same, except for the raising part.” 

He looked towards the river, “I know I cannot speak on behalf of your brothers — but sometimes, I just wanted to see if something meant anything before bringing it home. I wanted to make sure I liked it first. That it was worth it.”

He glanced at Perth, “it probably was not fear. It was more of wanting certainty.”

“And if those alphas are anything like my brothers,” the omega added lightly, “then I am guessing they did not even have time to give you a proper heads-up.”

Perth lifted a brow, “hmm ?”

“My brothers’ hearts are good,” the omega had a fond exasperation softening his voice, “but they are… direct. Too direct, sometimes. Just this morning, right after breakfast, they called their respective omegas and said they would be coming over in half an hour to ask permission to court them.”

Perth blinked.

“I tried to talk them out of it,” the omega continued, shaking his head with a small laugh, “told them maybe this was something that deserved a proper conversation first. But no. They were already out the door. Probably inherited that from our dad. He believes things should always be done properly and promptly. No delays. No dithering.”

Despite the exasperation in his tone, his expression was undeniably fond.

“Maybe,” the beautiful omega added after a beat, “you should talk to your brothers. If they are anything like me, an open conversation would do all of you good.”

The words settled gently, not accusatory. Not dismissive. Just honest. And for the first time that day, something in Perth’s chest loosened.

“I was going to talk to them anyway,” Perth admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips, “I have to. My brothers mean too much to me.” 

He nodded once, resolute, “but now, I definitely will.”

“Good.” The omega gave him a thumbs up, smiling.

“Thank you.” Perth nudged the omega’s shoulder lightly.

“You are welcome.” The omega nudged him back, eyes warm, and Perth found himself smiling without even thinking about it.

A comfortable silence wrapped around them again as the orange glow of sunset faded, replaced gradually by the soft glow of streetlamps. The river reflected the lights like scattered constellations.

Then the omega’s phone rang — he glanced at the screen and silenced it with a sigh, “that is my cue. I should head back before my older brother decides to deploy the secret service to drag me home.”

Perth chuckled, though he felt a flicker of disappointment that he quickly tried to smother. He had not realized how much he had enjoyed the company until now — the ease of it and the quiet but definitely lingering spark humming beneath. Still, he did not want to overstep. Or make the omega uncomfortable. 

Before the omega could turn away, Perth gestured to the can in his hand, “before you go… how much was the coffee ? It was really kind of you. I should at least pay my half.”

The omega studied him for a second, then shook his head, “nope.”

Perth frowned, “no ?”

“I want you to owe me.” 

There was a glint in his eyes now, playful and knowing, “they say when someone owes you something, fate finds a way to bring you back together — so you can repay the debt.”

Perth raised a brow, tilting his head, “sounds like you want to see me again. Why ? Can’t get enough of my handsome face ?”

The omega scoffed, “like you had enough of mine ?” 

He smirked, “don’t think I didn’t notice your smile falter when I said I had to leave.”

Caught. Perth let out a low chuckle. The omega’s phone rang again, insistent this time.

“Go on,” Perth waved, amused, “I’m intrigued now. Let’s see if fate does its thing.”

“I’m sure it will — I want it too.” The omega replied, winking before jogging off in the opposite direction as he answered the call.

Perth watched him go for a moment longer than necessary — a part of him wanted to call out, to at least ask for a name but instead he turned towards the direction of his parked car, because he would not lie, he was genuinely intrigued by this fate theory. 

And besides, he needed to get home for dinner — more importantly, he needed to talk to his brothers.

The omega’s words lingered with him as he drove, warm and steady, easing the last remnants of doubt. Assumptions solved nothing. Perth knew that, just in the mess of his mind, he had simply forgotten. By the time he pulled into the driveway, his thoughts were clearer. He took a deep breath and pushed open the front door.

Phuwin and Fourth were already in the living room. The moment they saw him, both of them stood and crossed the space between them in seconds, wrapping him in a tight, familiar hug.

“You know you matter the most to us, right ?” Phuwin murmured against his shoulder.

“The one we love the most in the whole world,” Fourth added softly.

Perth closed his eyes and held them just a little tighter before whispering, “and I love the both of you so much. So, so much.”

He pressed a kiss to each of their foreheads, lingering for a second longer than necessary, before gently easing them back and making them look at him.

“Listen to me, okay ?” Perth met both their gazes.

“I am not angry about either of you dating or being courted. I want that for you. Yes, I am protective, and yes, I am always going to think that no alpha in this world will ever be worthy of my baby brothers — but that does not mean I do not want you to find love — to not have a choice.”

He swallowed, steadying himself, “all I want is this — whoever you choose must love and cherish you the way you deserve. And that includes their families. That’s why I said I would give my answer after lunch tomorrow. I am not rejecting anyone. I just need to be sure — I am careful like that.”

He cupped Phuwin’s cheek with one hand and Fourth’s with the other, his voice softening further.

“You are my precious, incredible babies — babies I am so proud of and love so much. So yes, I am going to scrutinize not just the alphas, but the families they come from. I need to see that you will be respected. Protected. Loved. The way you have always been.”

“Phi…” Fourth’s voice wavered, eyes glassy.

Phuwin was not faring any better, blinking hard as he tried to keep his tears at bay.

“There is one thing I am not happy about,” Perth added, his tone firm but not unkind, “Being ambushed. I would have appreciated a heads-up. I would have liked to sit down with you both and talk about it first instead of finding two alphas at my doorstep.”

“I’m sorry, Phi,” Phuwin apologised quickly, “P’Pond texted right after breakfast that he was on his way. I panicked. I was not expecting it, and he was not being dissuaded. He said things should be done properly and promptly.”

“And Gemini is his younger brother,” Fourth chimed in, sheepish, “which… showed. He did not give me any warning either or chance to dissuade him.”

Perth let out a soft scoff, more amused than anything else — the beautiful omega by the river had been frighteningly accurate.

“I figured,” Perth mused — then his expression turned thoughtful, “but the way you both looked… cautious. Frazzled. It made me wonder if I had become so overprotective that you were afraid of me.”

“No !” Fourth blurted immediately, panic flashing across his face, “never, Phi.”

“That’s not it,” Phuwin denied firmly, grabbing Perth’s hand,“we just wanted to be sure first. I wanted to know that P’Pond was someone I truly wanted before talking to you. You are protective, Phi Perth, but in the best way. 

Yeah, you can be annoying,” Phuwin added with a wobbly smile, “but you never smothered us. We know where your heart is.”

Fourth pinched lightly at Perth’s hoodie, “you would never be someone we fear. You are the person we love the most. You are everything to us.”

“And you two are everything to me,” Perth whispered as though the statement was a sacred promise.

He pulled them both back into a hug, feeling their bodies relax against him, the tension finally draining away. They stayed like that in the middle of the living room until Fourth’s stomach let out an unmistakable growl. Phuwin laughed. Perth did too. While Fourth tried, unsuccessfully, to bury his face in Perth’s shoulder.

“All right,” Perth shook his head fondly, “I’ll make us a simple pasta. You two sit. And while I cook, you are going to tell me everything about these two alphas who have managed to capture your hearts.”

He pointed them toward the kitchen island. They moved easily now, the air lighter. Perth gathered ingredients while Fourth immediately started talking, words tumbling over one another.

“Phi, I met Gem at the freshman open house. He was a helper and—”

Fourth rambled, while Phuwin filled in the gaps more quietly, more carefully. Perth listened to both, weighing every detail, noting every smile, every softened expression when their names were mentioned. Pond and Gemini earned more than a few silent brownie points — simply due to the happiness he could feel radiating off his brothers..

As laughter bubbled up between them, Perth’s thoughts drifted briefly to the omega by the river. The stranger who did not feel like a stranger at all. The one who had nudged him back toward trust, toward conversation instead of assumption — unknowingly. 

The omega was indeed right — talking had helped — that would be three times, now. Perth scoffed while desperately hoping that fate would be kind enough to make their paths cross again — so that he could get the chance to thank him properly… 

And maybe explore that small, unexpected spark too.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ♡ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

The Sukhumpatanasan brothers were greeted warmly the moment they arrived at the Lertratkosum estate. The house itself was an old family property, dignified and steeped in history, much like their own. Time had softened the stone and wood rather than worn it down, lending the place a lived-in elegance that spoke of legacy rather than display.

Pond and Gemini welcomed them at the entrance, ushering them inside with easy familiarity. Perth had given them a nod, but nothing more — he knew both alphas were searching for any clue from him on the answer they desperately wanted. The air smelled faintly of tea leaves and polished wood as they were led into the main living area, where an older man and woman rose to greet them, smiles already warm and inviting.

“This is my father, Anurak Lertratkosum,” Pond introduced, gesturing respectfully, “and my mother, Isara Lertratkosum.”

Perth wai-ed deeply, his brothers following suit without hesitation, “good afternoon, Khun Por, Khun Mae. I am Perth Tanapon Sukhumpatanasan, and these are my brothers, Phuwin Sukhumpatanasan and Fourth Nattawat Sukhumpatanasan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, son,” Khun Anurak replied, extending a hand toward Perth, “I have heard much about you. Your achievements and business strategies are truly something to admire.”

“Thank you, Khun Por,” Perth answered, shaking his hand with a polite smile.

Gifts were exchanged next, each one chosen with thought. Perth presented a forty-year-old bottle of Glenfiddich to Khun Anurak. Phuwin handed Khun Mae a carefully wrapped Japanese tea set, while Fourth offered a modest bouquet of flowers. They had debated choices late into the night, strategizing like diplomats rather than guests, quietly gathering intelligence on preferences and tastes — this was mostly Phuwin and Fourth — Perth had just provided his bank card.

Khun Mae thanked them warmly before setting the gifts aside — then, without hesitation, she reached out and gently cupped Phuwin’s and Fourth’s cheeks, her touch unmistakably maternal.

“My, my,” her voice only held fondness, “you are both so beautiful. Come, sit. There is so much I want to ask you.”

They gathered in the living room, seven of them settling comfortably into conversation. Khun Por and Khun Mae asked gentle, thoughtful questions, clearly interested in getting to know the Sukhumpatanasan brothers beyond names and titles. Perth found himself answering some questions, asking others, quietly assessing even as he participated.

Yet scrutiny softened into something else entirely — warmth.

Khun Mae fussed over Phuwin and Fourth with open affection, compliments spilling freely. When she learned how abruptly Pond and Gemini had appeared at Perth’s doorstep the day before, she scolded them lightly, apologizing to Perth on their behalf with genuine sincerity — and then praised the way Perth had handled the matter. Khun Por, meanwhile, listened attentively as Phuwin and Fourth spoke about their studies and careers, nodding with approval that made Perth’s chest swell with pride.

It eased something inside him — the same kind of easing he felt last evening — and inevitably, his thoughts drifted again.

The omega by the river. The conversation. The spark that had not dimmed despite time and distance. If Perth were honest, the thought of him had not left at all. The warmth still lingered, faint but persistent, and he found himself wondering what might have happened if he had asked for a name. A number. Something tangible beyond fate and coincidence.

Perth took a sip of tea, grounding himself as Fourth animatedly explained legal terminology to a fascinated Khun Por.

“This man,” Khun Mae sighed dramatically, glancing at her husband, “always curious about the wrong things. Shouldn’t you be asking what Fourth likes about our Gemini instead ?”

Khun Por huffed, “oh — actually, yeah. What do you like about Gemini, Fourth ? Phuwin liking Pond, I still can understand. But Gemini ?” 

He shook his head, “even our little puppy, Chime, does not like him.”

“Por,” Gemini whined while Fourth tried to muffle his laughter, “Chime is just biased against me.”

“You sure ?” Pond teased, “nothing to do with the fact that you competed with Chime for Mae’s affection ?”

“Ow Phi...” Gemini groaned.

Laughter filled the room as Pond recounted the story. Gemini had been nipped gently by the puppy and, in retaliation, had nipped back just as lightly, to everyone’s horror and amusement. Even Perth found himself smiling. Then Khun Mae’s gaze lifted toward the hallway behind Perth.

“You are just in time, love,” she waved gently, “come here.”

Soft footsteps approached — when they stopped, Khun Mae smiled warmly, “this is my second son, Santa Pongsapak Lertratkosum.”

“Good afternoon.” The newcomer’s tone was apologetic, “sorry for the delay. I got caught up with some errands.”

Perth froze — the voice — he slowly set his teacup down, heart skipping as recognition hit him squarely in the chest. Khun Mae continued introducing Phuwin and Fourth, while Perth struggled to process the impossible alignment of fate — trying to deny it even. No, maybe they just sound the same.

“And this,” she finished, turning, “is Perth Tanapon — Phuwin and Fourth’s older brother.”

Perth looked up.

And stopped breathing.

It was him. The omega from the river. The doe-eyed stranger with a gentle smile and shared coffee. The omega that had Perth absolutely mesmerised — that he was hoping desperately to meet again — was standing in front of him. Santa looked just as stunned, recognition dawning in his eyes at the same moment it did in Perth’s — the greeting died in both their throats.

Of all the improbable twists fate could have chosen.

Wow. 

Just… wow.

Perth had hoped fate might be kind — he had not expected it to be this bold.

What were the fucking odds ? 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ♡ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦