Chapter Text
As Ateez makes their way off stage and into their dressing room, Seonghwa feels absolutely exhausted. Dallas has been amazing. This show was particularly taxing being that it was a special date. All the members wanted to give their very best on the anniversary of Atiny's creation. It felt great to be able to perform on this day... to be in an arena filled with people who love and support their dreams.
The fact that they are in America, with primarily non-Korean speakers singing every single Korean word... sharing their emotions, their excitement of the music and choreography...
It is indescribable.
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After giving literally everything he had to give on stage, Seonghwa remembers the team is scheduled for an hour-long live stream directly following the concert. Usually, he doesn't have a problem with something like this; riding the high from the stage.
Tonight, however, is different. The energy he expended during this special show really does a number on Seonghwa. He feels fine physically. He isn't in pain and doesn't feel nauseous. He simply feels tired.
... heavy.
... drained.
... fucking sleepy.
Seonghwa sometimes over-exhorts himself. Not nearly as much as San but it still happens. He just gets so caught up in the moment!
The heat of the lights.
The bass pounding in his chest.
The scream of the crowd.
Seonghwa can't help but leave every part of himself on stage. Maybe he should have saved a little for after. Too late now.
Fixing himself a half cup of coffee, Seonghwa makes his way into the green room and settles on the couch next to Wooyoung. Hongjoong is the last to join the other members, sitting in the only open spot directly across from him. This is going to be tough... but hopefully the small burst of caffeine will do the trick.
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Within the first 5 minutes of the broadcast, Hongjoong notices Seonghwa having a hard time keeping his eyes open. He watches him for a few moments before realizing that Seonghwa could literally doze off right then and there. "Oh, no... my poor baby," he thinks, trying to keep a reaction off his face. The last thing he wants to do is draw attention to his struggling boyfriend.
Hongjoong keeps his eyes on him.
Seonghwa looks so pretty when he sleeps... Unfortunately, this is not the time or place. They still have work to do.
Only one more hour.
One more hour and they can pass out in each other's arms.
Seonghwa catches himself slipping and groggily opens his eyes... making direct eye contact with Hongjoong. The younger acknowledges him with a subtle head nod as if to say "I know you're exhausted, I'm sorry."
Hongjoong tries his best to mask his concern. Since they are sitting across from each other and not side by side, all Hongjoong can do is keep Seonghwa engaged in the conversation. Keep his mind active so he doesn't fade away mid-stream.
Hongjoong knows how hard the older pushes himself and is always there to take care of him after.
To help get him to his room safely.
To help get him clean and fed.
To help get him cozy and finally rest.
It's one of the many ways that Hongjoong can show his love for Seonghwa. It may seem like a small gesture to anyone else, but to Hongjoong, it's important. Being able to care for Seonghwa means the world to him.
Despite his exhaustion, Seonghwa sometimes finds it difficult to sleep on tour. Being in different time zones, different cities, different beds...
Having his boyfriend with him is everything.
Hongjoong is his only constant.
His only source of safety and comfort.
Hongjoong is his home.
For that reason, Seonghwa finds it impossible to keep his eyes off of the other in his deliriously sleepy state. Lovingly staring at him with a soft smile... whenever his eyes do happen to flutter open.
"Coffee," Seonghwa thinks to himself, grabbing his mug like a lifeline. Trying to keep himself involved in the conversation, Seonghwa locks eyes with Hongjoong and sucks on his straw. Puckering his lips a little more than necessary. Maybe flirting with the man across from him will be enough to wake him up... get his blood pumping a little. He is pleased with himself when he sees Hongjoong quickly look away. Fans would never notice the younger's reaction- but Seonghwa does. He smirks as he sets his mug back down on the table.
Hongjoong really tries to not think about Seonghwa's plush, pink lips. Not now. Not on camera, not live... But god, Seonghwa looks so fucking sexy with his smokey eye makeup and blonde hair that is pushed back by his bandana. He accidentally stutters mid-sentence, momentarily losing his train of thought while talking about tonight's show.
Seonghwa chuckles to himself knowing exactly what the cause of Hongjoong's stutter is.
Victory.
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A little passed the 20-minute mark of their Livestream, one of their managers finally notices Seonghwa struggling to keep his eyes open. They motion to Hongjoong from behind the camera, mouthing, "Is he ok?"
Hongjoong tries to be subtle... but motions rather obviously with his hand and a head shake, "No, he's not ok," to the manager off-screen. Eye flicking between Seonghwa and the manager. He hopes this means they will be able to end the broadcast a little early. Hongjoong really doesn't think Seonghwa will last a full hour. And falling asleep on camera is a huge no-no. Luckily, they have staff that genuinely care for them as people and care about their well-being.
The manager taps their wristwatch and gives the "ok" sign to show they will wrap it up as quickly as possible.
Another staff member gets Wooyoung's attention with a note written on a small whiteboard.
"Help keep him awake a little longer!" it reads.
Wooyoung gladly complies; acting silly and loud, making Seonghwa laugh, and engaging in some good old-fashioned skinship until the live stream finally ends. Wrapping up 10 minutes or so early.
"Thank god," Hongjoong thinks with a deep breath after thanking and bowing to the staff. "He was fading fast."
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"Come here, love," Hongjoong whispers, pulling the zombified Seonghwa by the hips into their hotel bathroom. "The sooner we get washed up, the sooner we can sleep."
Seonghwa just hums, following Hongjoong's touch with closed eyes.
Once the shower is on, the room warm and full of steam, Hongjoong gently strips the older out of his wind suit. He quickly undresses himself and pulls them both into the hot stream of water.
"You did amazing tonight," Hongjoong says, reaching up to massage his fingers through Seonghwa's wet hair from behind.
"I'm exhausted... I went too hard right out of the gate," Seonghwa replies, leaning his head back and into the relaxing touch.
"I know, I could tell," Hongjoong says, starting to gently wash the others chest from behind with a soaped-up loofa.
"Thank you for getting Manager-nim's attention," the older mummers. "I feel bad... but I really couldn't keep my eyes open. Even with coffee."
"It's ok," Hongjoong soothes. "I'm sure Atiny would want you to rest after seeing how sleepy you looked. You know they worry over us."
Seonghwa chuckles in agreement. Their fans really do worry over them constantly. Telling them to eat well, keep safe, and rest. It's sweet. He loves their fans for the huge amount of love they give back.
Hongjoong continues to pamper Seonghwa: removing his makeup, washing his hair and body... soapy hands gliding delicately across every inch of his skin. Seonghwa allows himself to relax into the younger. Tense muscles soothed by both hot water and tender kisses on his shoulders.
Hongjoong rounds Seonghwa, dropping to his knees to wash the olders lower half- massaging his calves and feet in the process. Seonghwa's hands rest softly on his shoulders for balance. Normally, the sight of Hongjoong on his knees in front of him would have his mind reeling. Hongjoong is so fucking sexy. Especially when naked... and wet... but he is simply too tired. He doubts he would be able to get it up even if he tried.
Once out of the shower and wrapped in fluffy hotel robes, Seonghwa hops up onto the counter. Hongjoong settles between his legs and proceeds to do their skincare routines for the both of them. He adores being able to pamper the older like this. It doesn't happen as often as he'd like for it to.
Seonghwa is usually the one fussing over Hongjoong.
Hongjoong does, however, allow Seonghwa to brush his own teeth.
"Ready for bed?" Hongjoong asks once they are all clean from head to toe.
Seonghwa looks at his boyfriend with the biggest puppy dog eyes and pout... bottom lip poking all the way out. He nods his head yes in tiny.
Hongjoong can't contain the coo that bubbles up from his chest. Sleepy, bare-faced Seonghwa is the most gorgeous, yet adorable thing in the whole world.
He tries to get Seonghwa to put on warm pajamas but he refuses, saying he wants to sleep naked.
"You know you will get cold in the middle of the night," Hongjoong scolds.
"That's what you're for," Seonghwa whines. "Keep me warm... let me feel you skin to skin."
"Fuck," Hongjoong thinks to himself, "he is way too tired for me to be thinking about anything other than letting him sleep."
"You're making it difficult to be a gentleman when you say things like that," Hongjoong laughs as he cradles the older in his arms, pulling the blankets up to keep their naked forms warm.
Seonghwa's head resting on his chest.
Bodies pressed together.
Arms holding each other close.
Legs intertwined.
"Never said you had to be a gentleman," Seonghwa yawns.
Hongjoong feels heat pool in his belly. With a naked Seonghwa wrapped around him like a koala, it's hard to keep his hormones in check. He feels his dick twitch at the implication of his boyfriends' words.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Hongjoong shakes his head no, carding his finger's through the older's blonde hair.
"As much as I'd love to kiss you silly..." Hongjoong says with a sweet kiss on Seonghwa's forehead, causing the other to giggle. "As much as I'd love to please you... to feel how warm and tight your body feels around me right now," he sighs through a deep breath. Fuck, he's working himself up. "You really should rest, baby."
"I don' wanna rest..." Seonghwa slurs, grinding his hips into the youngers' thigh.
"Fuck," Hongjoong breathes. Part of him wants to say fuck it and pound his exhausted boyfriend into the mattress until he literally goes unconscious. But the decent, loving, humane part of him prevails... "Not tonight, baby."
Seonghwa pouts again. Though he is clearly on the verge of falling asleep at any moment.
"I love you, Seonghwa," Hongjoong whispers into the older's hair. Squeezing him gently to his chest. "I'm so proud of you. You work so hard."
The sound of Seonghwa's heavy, even breaths is the only response. Sleep finally, fully washing over him.
Hongjoong smiles to himself.
He is so happy at this moment.
Successful career.
Sold out tour.
And the love of his life with him every step of the way.