Work Text:
Kayden does not consider himself a jealous or envious person.
Even when fighting other powerful awakeners, he’s never felt that feeling in his chest. Many years ago, when he was much less powerful than he is now, he’d often face awakeners much stronger than him. They clearly overpowered him in many ways, and yet he never felt the want of becoming like them. In fact, he even recognized their strength, and used that as a driving force to train even more. But he never felt the need of being the same as them, of possessing what they had. He didn’t care to have their force control, and didn’t see himself as less than them because of his inexperience as a rookie awakener. Even as he became stronger, he never compared himself to the other awakeners, and never looked to become a high ranker.
But for some reason, he can’t help but feel something in his chest at the sight of Jiwoo giddily looking up at his father. His biological father.
Earlier in the week, they had woken up from their mid-day nap to knocking. Jiwoo groggily stood up, careful not to jostle the kittens in his lap too much. He yawned, before opening the door. A man stood outside, nervously fiddling with the glasses that sat atop his nose. He flinched at the sight of Jiwoo, examining each of his features carefully.
“Is…Is this Jiwoo Seo’s house?” he asked, his tone clearly showing his nervousness.
Jiwoo looked back at Kayden, who was just waking up. He shot him a quizzical look, before turning back to the man. “Yes, sir. That’s me. Can I help you with something?”
The man then exhaled, a small laugh escaping his lips. “God, Jiwoo. You look just like your mother.”
Jiwoo just stood there, mouth agape. “Y-You know my mom, sir?”
“Of course. She was my wife.”
Both Kayden and Kartein just looked at each other, while Pluton focused on the conversation happening in front of him.
“She was your wife…?”
“Yes, Jiwoo. I named you.”
“You—“
Jiwoo slapped a hand over his mouth, honey-brown eyes looking up at the man in front of him. “Are.. are you my biological father, sir?”
“I-I think so,” the man answered, before running a hand down his face, “I’m really sorry, Jiwoo. It’s just— it’s been so long, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to come. I know it’s difficult for you, but… I needed to check up on you. I had to.”
And so Jiwoo had welcomed the man inside, preparing tea for the both of them. They’d talked for hours, Jiwoo soon learning more about himself and his mom. Things he didn’t know before.
“I used to eat my stuffed animals?”
“Yes,” the man wiped a tear from his eye, still laughing at the memory of Jiwoo treating his stuffed animals as snacks, “you were obsessed with eating them. One time your mother caught you with a rabbit ear mid-bite. We both had to hold you so you could spit it out.”
Jiwoo blushed, ducking his head. “Wow, I never knew these things. For some reason I don’t remember them.”
“Makes sense. You were only a few months old, after all.”
“Yeah.” Jiwoo laughed, before turning back to the man, “if you don’t mind me asking, why did you leave home?”
The man sighed, before looking down at his hands, “It’s difficult to explain. Your mother was a great woman. She was very smart, and clearly cared about you. But we had different goals, and eventually we had to make a decision. A difficult one.”
“B-But you could’ve visited. I wouldn’t have been mad at you.”
“I know, Jiwoo. I’m sorry. I made some stupid decisions, and by the time I wanted to fix them, it was a little too late.”
Jiwoo only looked at him, brows furrowed.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me. But I do want to fix things now, if you’ll let me. I want to learn more about my son.”
Jiwoo fiddled with his hands, a blush creeping up his neck. “I-I’m sorry, but I think there’s something you need to know. About me, I mean.”
Kayden — who had been listening to their conversation from the sidelines — suddenly looked up at Jiwoo, tail swinging.
“I am not normal, in some ways. I…uh—“
“You mean your speed?”
Jiwoo’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “You—You know?”
“That you’re an awakened one? Of course I do. I am one too, after all.”
Jiwoo had shot him a giddy smile, before rambling to his father about everything that had happened in the previous year (without mentioning his mentor, of course). The older man only listened, offering a smile and a small comment here in there, entirely focused on Jiwoo. A few hours later, the two stood up and went to the couch, where they watched a rom-com Jiwoo had suggested he and Kayden watch early in the week. Kayden didn’t care, of course. It wasn’t like he actually looked forward to watching a romantic movie meant for prepubescent middle schoolers. In fact, this actually meant he now had free time to train, something he had slacked on the past few days. He ignored the pang in his chest he suddenly felt (it was exhaustion, he was sure), and went down to the basement.
He ignored Kartein’s knowing gaze.
The next few days had gone in a blur.
The man, who Kayden had later learned was called Jae-won, then began to teach Jiwoo new techniques. He even taught him his force control. Since then, both had been out most of the days, leaving Kayden, Kartein, and Pluton alone in the house along with the other cats.
“Stop frowning, you’ll get permanent wrinkles.”
Kayden stopped to look at Kartein, who was lounging on the couch. “I am not frowning.”
“Sure you aren’t,” Kartein rolled his eyes, before flipping on his back, “gosh, the house feels so empty nowadays. Jiwoo’s out most of the time now. I didn’t realize just how loud he was.”
Kayden sighed, before focusing on the meow jello he was currently holding between his chubby paws.
“Yeah. I wonder what they’re up to. I mean, I’m sure there’s not much to do outside, you know? And like, how long can it take the man to teach Jiwoo a few tricks? It’s not like he’s his mentor—“
Kayden stopped at Kartein’s look.
“…What?”
“Are you jealous?”
He scoffed, before reaching for more meow jellos. “Yeah, right. Me, jealous of that man? As if.”
“Huh. You’re not the jealous type, but I can’t help but feel like you are right now. Jealous, I mean.”
“Jealous of what? I could kill the man in one second if I wanted to.”
“Not jealous of his power. But jealous because he’s taking your apprentice away from you,” Kartein slurped on his jello loudly, before flipping on his belly to look at Kayden, “You’re right. You probably could kill him in an instant. But you won’t do it because you know Jiwoo will be upset.”
Kayden opened his mouth to defend himself, but quickly closed it after realizing that he, in fact, could not deny these things.
This feeling… he thought to himself, is this really jealousy?
Kayden shook his head, opting to ignore Kartein’s comments instead. Kayden Break never felt jealousy, it was simply impossible. But he couldn’t really explain what he’d felt when Jiwoo had chosen to watch a movie with his father over him. It made sense, so there was no reason for Kayden to feel like that. But he’d felt the same way when Jiwoo had hugged his father before going to school, and when he’d thanked him for buying his favorite food, and when he fell asleep on his shoulder while watching that stupid rom-com, and when—
The door unlocking could be heard, before two figures stepped inside, laughing loudly.
Jiwoo wiped tears from his eyes, smiling. “I honestly would’ve never made the connection!”
“But I’m right, am I not? That fish does look like your mother when she’s mad!”
Jiwoo continued laughing, dropping the keys in the basin on the kitchen counter. “It really does!”
Both of them continued laughing for a few minutes, before Jiwoo offered to make dinner. The man denied the offer, opting to order takeout instead. It seemed like he already knew what Jiwoo preferred from the restaurant nearby, as Jiwoo was quick to point it out.
“You already know what I order?”
“Of course I do. You ordered the same thing last time, and you don’t seem the type to be changing your order every time. Besides, I’m your dad, remember? I must know what food my son prefers.”
Jiwoo scratched his cheek, while Kayden internally scoffed.
He spends a few days here and already thinks he knows everything about Jiwoo.
They ate dinner together, Jiwoo happily chatting about what he’d done at school. Pluton and Kartein sat next to the dining table, feeding the other cats while eating some canned tuna themselves. Kayden opted to stay on the couch, tail swinging as he listened to his apprentice talk.
“So how have you been able to grow your power so fast? I was very impressed when we sparred together.”
Jiwoo looked away, quickly locking eyes with Kayden. Kayden looked away first, forcing Jiwoo to look back at his father.
“I—um. Someone has been teaching me.”
“Is that so? I had no idea you had a mentor. What’s his name?”
Jiwoo looked back to the orange cat once again, nervously sweating. Kayden did not look back.
“Uh. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to say it…? He’d rather stay anonymous.”
“Ah. I see.”
Jae-won put down his chopsticks, crossing his hands together and placing his arms on the edge of the table, intently looking at Jiwoo.
“Jiwoo, I know I haven’t spent much time here, but I still have so much to learn about you. You have so much potential, and I’d like to teach you everything I know.”
The air felt cold, and Kayden could feel his stomach tighten. He knew where this was going.
“I haven’t met this mentor of yours. But,” he adjusted his glasses with one hand, reaching the other one to place it on top of Jiwoo’s, “would you want to become my apprentice?”
Jiwoo did not answer. Kayden froze.
“I know I’m not highly ranked or anything of the sort, but there’d be nothing that’d make me happier than having the opportunity to teach my own son everything I know.”
“I don’t—“
“Our relationship wouldn’t have to be professional. I am still your father, after all. But it’d give us more credibility, you know? Becoming mentor and apprentice. I could teach you and you could teach me.”
“Dad…”
“Maybe you could even teach me your force control, and I’d be able to help you create new techniques.”
Jiwoo swallowed. A few seconds passed before he spoke again. “Thank you, dad. I really appreciate the offer. I also enjoy spending time with you.”
Kartein and Pluton looked at each other, before both of their gazes landed on Kayden, who had looked away from the scene, hunched over the window.
“But I decline.”
Kayden’s ears perched up.
“I have a great relationship with my mentor, and I don’t plan on leaving him anytime soon.”
Jae-won looked at Jiwoo for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
“Jiwoo, come on. I’m your dad. Do you really prefer having someone else as a mentor rather than your own father?”
“He’s not a stranger, we’ve known each other for well over a year.”
“Still,” the man picked up his chopsticks, stabbing a shrimp and popping it into his mouth,” You’re being ridiculous.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Ridiculous, Jiwoo. You’re being ridiculous.”
The man suddenly stood up, chair screeching with the force.
“Kayden Break, right? That’s your mentor’s name.”
Jiwoo froze, feeling all blood drain from his face. Kartein and Pluton stood up in a defensive stance, glaring at the man. Kayden remained in his position.
“H-How did you—“
“I did some digging before I came here, Jiwoo. I had to know where you lived, after all. I’m lucky my job allows me to access some rather sensitive information.”
Jae-won smiled, before approaching Jiwoo and sitting on the chair next to him. He placed his arm on the back of Jiwoo’s chair.
“Kayden Break. He’s a rather notorious awakener. Cocky and hungry for power, right? People say he’s always looking around for fights, always messing with the wrong type of people,” Jae-won lifted his gaze, eyes landing on Jiwoo’s, “is that really the type of man you want as a mentor? A punk like him?”
Jiwoo’s fist tightened. “He’s not a punk. He’s my mentor. He’s been great to me, and has taught me everything I know. I’m stronger now thanks to him.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right. You are stronger thanks to him. I could feel some of his force control when we sparred. Electricity, more specifically. He’s rather known for it.”
“Yes.”
Jae-won hummed, looking at the three cats lounging next to the table. A second passed.
“Teach me his force control.”
“W-What?”
Kayden shifted to look at the man, brows furrowing. What the hell is he saying?
“You know it. I’m sure you do. So, you should teach it to me. This way I can help you grow your force control, make it stronger. Jiwoo, wouldn’t your mentor want you to get all the help you can get?”
Jiwoo swallowed nervously, sweat pooling on his forehead.
“I — No, I’m sorry. I can teach you mine, but his force control is something I’m not willing to give.”
The man’s gaze suddenly changed, his fury now palpable in his eyes. “Why are you so set on protecting this man? Jiwoo, I can assure you that man wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of you the moment you’re no longer useful to him. He doesn’t care about you the way you think he does.”
Jiwoo placed his palms on the table, eyes set firmly on his father. It was clear he was upset. Kartein looked back at Kayden, whose paws were now gripping the couch with so much force they were leaving dents. He trembled with fury, eyes scanning Jae-won's every move.
“Come to think of it, why would Kayden Break even want an apprentice? He only cares about fighting, what’d be the benefit of teaching someone else when they’re clearly holding him down?”
Kartein saw the exact moment Jiwoo’s eyes lowered, looking at the floor. He bit his lip, eyes now fiddling from their place on the table. Is he really believing this asshole’s words?
“I can assure you, this relationship you two supposedly have is only to his benefit. He’s using you, Jiwoo. He doesn’t care about you as his apprentice; you’re simply another force control closer to his goal of becoming the strongest awakened one.”
“I don’t believe that, he’s —”
“He’s what? Matter of fact, where is he? I haven’t seen him in the past few days I’ve been here. And you said he’d rather stay anonymous, why is that? If he wasn’t ashamed of —”
The shadow of a tall figure appeared behind the man, menacing eyes looking down at him in disgust, “Why don’t you just shut the hell up already?”
Jiwoo looked up at Kayden, amber eyes gazing at him questioningly. Why did you transform back to human form?
Kayden looked back at Jiwoo, eyes softening for a split second before hardening once again. I couldn’t let him talk to you like that.
“K-Kayden Break. How come you appear at this time? I didn’t even feel your presence as you came in.”
“Of course you didn’t. Answer me, how come I come home to bullshit spewing out of your mouth? Who the hell even are you?”
Kartein noticed the man processing Kayden’s words, mouthing Home? as Kayden looked around, scanning the area.
“Is he your guest, Jiwoo?”
Jiwoo perched up, confused. Didn’t he already know who he was?
After a few seconds, Kayden coughed. Jiwoo finally caught up to what Kayden meant. He’d never actually spoken to his father, he’d just watched from the sidelines in his chubby cat form. Jiwoo finally spoke up.
“O-Oh. Uh, yeah. This is my father, Mr. Kayden.”
“Oh, your father? How interesting. You’ve been such an incredible pupil I expected your father to be a little more... impressive.”
Jae-won scoffed, clearly offended at the words.
“You don’t even know me.”
“Hm. You’re right, I don’t. But that isn’t even necessary. Just one look at you and I feel sorry for Jiwoo, imagine having such a pathetic piece of shit for a father.”
Jae-won stood up, chair falling with the force. “And who the fuck do you think you are, talking to me like that? That attitude of yours is worse than the rumors surrounding you say.”
“Guys—”
“I didn’t come here to hear your whining. Tell me, what the hell was all that nonsense you were telling Jiwoo, hm?”
“What nonsense?”
“Don’t act stupid, now. You know what I’m talking about. That I don’t need him, really?” Kayden laughed, placing a hand on Jiwoo’s back unconsciously, “You couldn’t come up with a more believable lie?”
“Is it a lie, though? We all know you’ve refused hundreds of requests from powerful people asking to be your apprentice,” Jae-won got closer to Kayden, pointing an accusatory finger at him, “so why did you choose Jiwoo, huh? From all people? There isn’t anything remarkable about—”
A sudden creak could be heard before blue light enveloped the room. Jiwoo covered his face with a hand, coughing a little as smoke dissipated from the center of the room. He opened his eyes to see his father kneeling on the floor, grabbing the side of his torso with a bloody hand. His glasses still sat atop his nose, albeit broken.
“What the hell?!”
Kayden only looked down at him condescendingly. His hand never left Jiwoo’s back.
“What? Couldn’t handle a little of my power? Are you really that weak?”
“You fucking—”
"Ah-ah. If I were you I’d think again before opening my mouth.”
“Mr. Kayden...”
Kayden walked towards the man, crouching next to him at eye-level. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are to talk about your own son like that, but let me tell you something,” his eyes glowed as he held Jae-won's gaze. His voice lowered, and his presence suddenly suffocated the room even Jiwoo felt it, “I don’t give a shit about those who begged to be my apprentice. And I don’t care about the power they could’ve given me. I chose Jiwoo for a reason I won’t even bother explaining to you. It really is a shame to see you think so little of your own child; he’s been nothing but an amazing apprentice, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. You really don’t deserve to call him your son.”
Jae-won opened his mouth, but before he could even speak up, another round of electricity came down on him.
“I want you the hell out of this house, and don’t ever bother coming back. You’re lucky Jiwoo is here, otherwise you wouldn’t have made it out alive, I assure you.”
Jae-won stood up, knees trembling. He coughed blood, and his side was completely torn. He looked directly at Jiwoo.
“D-Dad...”
“Now I remember why I left you and your mother in the first place,” he smiled mockingly, “you better not fucking regret turning your back on your own father, Jiwoo.”
“I didn’t—” Jiwoo couldn’t even finish his sentence. Jae-won was already out the door, fingers clumsily clutching his side attempting to stop the bleeding. Jiwoo saw his father’s figure disappear, and deep down he knew he’d never see him again.
Kayden turned, awkwardly glancing at Jiwoo, who was too focused on his father that didn’t even notice Kayden's glance.
“Jiwoo.”
He didn’t answer.
“Listen, uh. I know you were excited about spending time with your father and all, but... that man was up to no good, Jiwoo. He clearly had bad intentions. It was a good thing I put a stop to it, but um...”
Kayden glanced back at Kartein and Pluton, who shot him knowing looks.
“I’m... I’m sorry, Jiwoo. I know this meant a lot to you, but—”
“He really wasn’t interested in getting to know me, right Mr. Kayden?” Jiwoo looked down at his hands, eyes glassy.
“I’m not sure what you—”
“He already knew about you. That means he came here with the intention of getting your force control or something, right? So he actually didn’t come here because he wanted to see me.”
Pluton and Kartein glanced at each other. Kayden remained silent.
It was Pluton who spoke up, “Listen, Jiwoo. It doesn’t matter what that man came here to do, he clearly meant you harm. If it wasn’t for Kayden, who knows what he could’ve—”
“Y-Yeah, I do know that. And I’m grateful, Mr. Kayden, that you d-defended me, but I can’t help but—”
He couldn’t even finish his words before he burst into tears, fingers clutching his shirt.
“I-I know it’s stupid, I’m sorry, but I—”
“It’s okay, Jiwoo. You don’t have to apologize,” Kartein answered, climbing on the table to sit in front of Jiwoo, “like we already told you, you can never trust anyone in this world, even those closest to you.”
Jiwoo sniffed before looking up, “But I do trust you guys, more than anyone else.”
Kartein froze.
“I do remember what you said, and you are right, Mr. Kartein. But even so, I trust you. And Mr. Kayden and Mr. Pluton as well.”
Pluton’s eyes slightly glistened, and Kartein could feel a blush creeping on his feline cheeks.
“I am sad about my dad, but I also should’ve expected it,” he laughed emptily, “I guess I was so excited about having another paternal figure, you know? But, um—“
Jiwoo scratched his cheek, suddenly aware that he’d said another. He was sure Kartein, Pluton, and Kayden already knew about how he felt towards them; he’d always make sure to let them know how important they were in his life, and how he’d grown to see them as something more than just mentors. Something parental, even. But he’d never explicitly said it to them, and now he could feel his ears heating up.
“Sorry,” he laughed nervously, before scratching his neck, a nervous tic he had picked up. Kayden sighed, before rounding the table to get closer to Jiwoo. He sat down on the chair next to him, before ruffling Jiwoo’s hair affectionally.
“Look at the bright side, you actually have a cool mentor. Imagine if that asshole had become your new mentor, ugh.”
Jiwoo looked up at him, eyes still wet from the tears.
“He would’ve never replaced you, Mr. Kayden. No one ever will,” he smiled, “I’m sorry if it made you jealous, it wasn’t my intention.”
Kartein placed a paw over his face to prevent himself from bursting into laughter at Kayden’s perplexed expression. His ears turned bright red, and he barely stammered out a “I was not jealous!” before Jiwoo burst out laughing.
Pluton only watched the scene unfold before him, and continued chewing on the bone he had between his paws. At least he was sure now, Kayden Break is — in fact — a very jealous person.