TW: Brief mention of injured animals.
A/n: I wrote this for my anontiny that was having a hard time in my ask box. I hope I could make you smile, even a little, Princess.
When Yunho walked in that day, soaked head to toe, cradling his jacket in his arms like it was the most precious thing in the world, Hongjoong knew the dorm was in for…something.
When two fuzzy heads peaked out, followed by a weak whine and a mewl for help, he was positive they were all in trouble.
“Someone just…someone just abandoned them, hyung. They’re hurt, we have to help,we have to-” The tall idol is out of breath, eyes nearly watering as Hongjoong crosses the small distance to stand in front of him, peering down at what Yunho had.
They were…in rough shape.
“I already called manager-nim.” the oldest responds, brows pulled up as he looked down at the two small animals. The kitten had an eye infection, it’s eye swollen shut while the puppy had no overt injuries they could see, but the moment Hongjoong reached to inspect them both, Yunho’s grip tightened, shaking his head.
“It has a bad leg.” he muttered hastily. The seven boys in front of him frown deeply. Hongjoong had finally managed to talk the tall singer into giving him the two small animals, swearing on his heart that he wouldn’t hurt them by moving too much so Yunho could change into some dry clothing.
The ride to the vet is a long one, and after some long hours, they’re notified both of them are unchipped, meaning no one would be claiming them once they recovered, and they would most likely go to the nearest animal shelter.
Immediately, protesting breaks out between the boys. They know animals that are handicapped have a harder time getting adopted, all of them were familiar with stories of animals being left there for years because of it.
Hongjoong isn’t surprised when Yunho lifts his chin, his jaw set in determination. The vet looks at him in surprise before turning to the leader.
“You eight can care for them? We may have to amputate the puppy’s leg, you know. Handicapped animals are a bit harder to take care of.”
“Please write down everything we need to do, and we’ll take care of them.” He bowed deeply and the vet smiled, nodding.
“Of course. They’re in eight capable pairs of hands now.”
“Princess! Come here, sweetie.”
There was a shuffle before Hongjoong smiled, watching as their three legged pup peeked her head up from the mass of pillows Wooyoung and San had made on the floor. The two had been cuddling with Princess and it was easier for her if she didn’t have to jump up onto the couch.
She maneuvered her way through the men, her tail wagging high as she looked at Hongjoong, licking at Hongjoong’s cheek. He ran his fingers through her fur, pressing his nose to her head as he picked her up, cradling her in his arms. Princess barked, her tail helicoptering behind her as she covered him in more puppy kisses.
On the couch, Yunho dragged his knuckles over the soft white fur of their cat, Dolly. She purred against his chest, her tail swaying as she butted his hand with her head, meowing happily when he scratched her ear. One of her eyes was closed forever, but the other shone bright with adoration for the tall brunette as she chattered happily when he laughed and moved his hand down to scratch along her backside.
Princess and Dolly, two adorable lights the boys stumbled across by chance. To many, they may seem broken, missing a leg and an eye, respectively…
To Yunho, to Hongjoong, and to all of them, these girls were far from broken. They were fighters, survivors, and they brought joy to their world every single day.
“You may not be like the other cats and dogs, but we love you just the way you are.”
An eager bark, a tail wag.
Feline chattering, a purr.
Ah, yes. These girls were fine just the way they were, with all their perfect imperfections.
—–(Taglist under the cut)
romaincrisis
jacobvanloon
theartofmadeline
yousharknotpass
