accepting \ nonsexual acts of intimacy
♘ : Cuddling in a blanket fort
:: flashback about five years ::
It had snowed– a lot. Enough that they were trapped on Gyeoul property for at least the night until they could shovel their way towards the road come morning. He hoped Michael hadn’t gotten in trouble for it from his parents– they knew the storm was coming, but it was challenging to stop the kids from getting together anyway. From the looks of his Mother on the phone happily chatting, it seemed to be okay.
The blanket fort was a must have. A shelter within a shelter, made of patchwork quilts handmade from Tae’s sisters and mother, and one even by himself. A few gifted from friends who knew the large family always needed added warmth in the winter in such an old house. The colorful blankets seemed to match the interior even in this state, roped with practice against hooks used for hanging plants on the walls and ceiling, and currently empty from the time of year.
The hundred-year-old house creaked in the wind, pelts of ice and snowflakes blurred the windows while they worked to make the inside cozy and safe. His sisters were baking, their laughter coming through the open layout as he balanced on a chair and pulled the entire fort up in one good go. It was more a palace now– they all could sleep here comfortably.
Scents of smore’s wafted in, freshly made marshmallow, and the crunch of graham crackers made memories of warmer weather break through his foggy mind. The kitchen held music, a jazzy beat that he was sure came from an old record player his mother fixed up herself. He looked at Michael and wondered if he’d survive a night with so many women and himself, he might have omitted that this always turned into a family affair and privacy would be limited.
Though lost in thoughts, he couldn’t help but think he’d have liked to have a little brother as well. He loved having five baby sisters, but there was something special about a brother too. It’s a piece of his life he’d never have experience in, not directly at least– and Michael didn’t need one as John would be there for him forever. So Thumper had to admit minor defeat there, he could be a friend– the best of them.
He raced up the steps to grab pillows off of everyone’s beds, the spare blankets tossed down the steps, and it took a little time, but eventually, they dragged all the cushions from the couch under the palace fort. All his sisters piled in with their pajamas on, snacks overflowing in bowls and various containers. His mother placed a cardboard box of juice boxes and cups with water & crazy straws.
The night was made up of trying on various things per usual. Thumper currently had on a feathered scarf and a bejeweled vest and was animatedly retelling an adventure that involved running from a wildly large deer with massive antlers with Bambi. But eventually, each person slumped down, the sugar rush making them slushy like the walkways and Thumper was the last to plop back and sigh.
Starring up at the roof of the quilted tent, he frowned. Wondering if graduating high school would awaken something new in him. He wanted his life always to be walking a line of challenging and exciting. Thumper wasn’t bored often, and he didn’t have the patience for it, but it was scary to think about the future. To not be sure where he was headed even when the time was walking you towards it.
He sat up, threading his hand to his cheek and rested his elbow on his knee, the blanket pooled around his waist and looked at them all sleeping. It was close quarters, but it wasn’t awkward, Thumper remained convinced it was impossible to be in their household when touch and snuggling came with their last name. Michael seemed content that he would sleep well.
Tae scooted forward to kiss each of his sister’s cheeks, tucking them better into their spots, and correcting the pillows, so they didn’t take out the ropes. He pulled hair from their face, and he lovingly made sure each of them looked like they could sleep through the night. He drew Michael’s blanket up last, them taking up part of the circled wedge of the fort and sharing the largest one. Thankful this wasn’t weird or overstepping his boundaries.
“Night guys,” he said quietly to himself and slid down and settled himself to sleep.
