Chapter Text
When Wumuti received the letter with the familiar seal from his birth pack, at first he didn’t know what to think. His eyes scanned the parchment quickly, but the words on the page blurred as anxiety filled Wumuti’s body. His parent’s handwriting was neat, though the phrasing was urgent. His mother’s words were welcoming, yet his father’s words were more direct, “There are matters that require your presence. We ask that you come soon, before things are finalized.”
The vagueness of their message made Wumuti’s heart drop into his stomach. Something has required his immediate presence back home. Wumuti had always understood the sense of duty linked back to his birth pack, it was something he carried since the moment he left to form his own… but to return now and leave the pack he had built felt like a physical blow. His loyalty to his parents was strong, but the bond he had with Rui, Hyun, and Haru was something else entirely. Wumuti gripped the parchment, causing it to crumble beneath his grip. An emotion he couldn’t quite name made his heart ache. How was he going to tell his pack? How could he leave when everything felt so uncertain? Before he could think about it any longer, the door to the pack’s small office opened.
Curse the sensitivity of the bond, Wumuti thought to himself.
“Alpha? What’s wrong?” Rui asked urgently, eyes falling to the letter still gripped in Wumuti’s hand “The pack bond feels horrible…”
Wumuti sighed, looking down. Rui placed his hand on Wumuti’s shoulder, eukalyptus scent washing over him, “Hyung, you’re scaring me. What is it?” Rui asked, exasperated.
“Follow me, we need to have a pack meeting,” he muttered as he walked from their office to the entrance of the den.
Wumuti’s mind reached out, swiftly threading a connection to his pack members, leaving no room for discussion. Everyone come to the den please. Immediately.
-
Wumuti stood at the center of the den, his posture slightly more tense than usual. As his pack mates settled down on the couch in front of him, he could already feel the weight of their gaze, and the air around him felt thick.
“I have to go… back to my parent’s pack for a few days,” Wumuti stated, shoulders square, but chest tightening.
“...What?” Hyun squeaked, eyebrows pinched.
“What do you mean? You have to go? You can’t leave!” Haru demanded, standing up abruptly, fidgeting in place.
Rui stayed silent, rubbing his hand over his face. His sharp eyes sought Wumuti’s, but there was nothing to hold onto, nothing to settle the way his own alpha was clawing at his chest in distress. Pack alpha is leaving. I’m gonna have to be in charge.
Wumuti continued, “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but… I need to go see my parents. Something important has come up and they need me,” he said, holding up the parchment for the others to see.
“We can’t come with you?” Hyun asked, voice rougher than usual, betraying the way his eyes slowly started tearing up.
“I wish you could, but it was only addressed to me… they wouldn’t have done so otherwise,” Wumuti said, defeatedly. “They know how much you three mean to me.”
Haru, still standing, walked over to Wumuti, “They’re okay… right?” he whispered, cinnamon apple scent spiking.
“I’m not sure, honey,” Wumuti sighed, pulling Haru in for a long hug. “The note was very vague.”
“...What if it’s a trap?” Haru mumbled, face pressed into Wumuti’s neck where his scent was strongest. Haru’s anxiety was immediate, powerful enough that the room seemed to tense around them, fears betraying his mind.
“A trap?! A trap from who, baby.” Wumuti chuckled, running his hand through Haru’s hair. He could already feel his omega’s restlessness and discomfort at the idea of being without him for even a short time.
“I don’t know… you never know…” Haru whined. He lifted his head, searching Wumuti’s face with wide eyes, full of questions and unspoken fears.
“Okay, someone has been reading too many books,” Wumuti said softly, his voice low and reassuring. “I’ll be fine, I won’t be gone for long. You know I’ll be thinking about you the whole time.” He smiled, brushing his thumb gently along Haru’s cheek, warm and grounding. “You’ll be fine too. You’re independent.”
Haru nodded slowly and exhaled, breath shaky. Wumuti felt the unease in Haru’s chest, but he also felt the unspoken trust between them.
Rui stood nearby, arms crossed. He was trying to keep his cool, but Wumuti could see the edges of his concern. “When are you leaving?” Rui asked, voice firm. Wumuti opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off, “You’re really leaving us here with this mess?” Rui said, a challenge in the words but not in the tone.
Wumuti sighed. He let go of Haru, “Go sit down, Haru,” he said softly.
Rui’s insecurity flickered under the surface, and Wumuti’s heart ached for him. Wumuti’s gaze briefly jumped to Hyun, who was quietly watching the fire in the hearth, mind wandering, before returning to Rui.
Rui exhaled, frustration radiating in his scent. “It’s not like we don’t have our own things to worry about, Wumuti. You’re the one holding us all together.”
“What are you saying? Do you think I want to leave?!” Wumuti expressed, frowning.
Hyun winced, “Please don’t fight right now. We all can’t take that. If you’re going to be angry then at least go outside so that your scent doesn’t stink up the last few minutes of peace that Haru and I want to experience with our alpha,” he groaned, rolling his eyes.
“Excuse me?!” Rui yelled, letting out a short growl. “I get time with him too, beta.”
“Okay then why are-” before Hyun could continue, Wumuti cut him off.
“Stop,” Wumuti’s voice dropped, weighted with authority. “Both of you, stop.” The command forced its way into the bond, heavy and grounding. Rui froze with the frustration in his scent spiking before abruptly thinning out into something more raw. He dragged a hand through his hair and turned away, jaw clenched.
“Sorry. I’m sorry… I didn’t mean that,” Hyun whispered, voice strained with guilt. He looked up at Wumuti, then to Rui before getting up and wrapping his arms around him, “Rui, please, I didn’t mean that. I just feel upset and I took it out on you.”
Rui let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding before bringing his hand up to rub the back of Hyun’s neck, “No, it’s okay… I started it. I’m sorry to both of you. I shouldn’t have yelled.” Rui pulled back to press a lingering kiss to Hyun’s lips. Relief bled through their scents as the worst of the tension eased. Hyun stepped back to give Rui some space.
Wumuti swallowed hard.
Rui looked shamefully over to Wumuti. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t go… I’m saying that when you leave, everything feels like it’s going to tilt. I… don’t know how to be a leader, hyung.”
Haru stood up from the couch, eyes glossy and scent frayed. “No! Wumuti hyung, tell him he’s not the only one responsible. We’re supposed to work together.” Haru turned to look at Rui, “You know this, hyung. We all know this… I don’t want you thinking that when Wumuti hyung leaves that it’s all on you,” Haru’s breath hitched, “I’m here too. Hyun’s here. We’re a pack.” Haru’s voice cracked and the bond pulsed sharp with panic before he could rein it in. His scent spiked once again with fear and hurt. “It pains me so much to even think that,” he exclaimed, emotions too thick for his own good.
Rui’s scent quickly filled with alarm, “Haru, that’s not what I meant.” Rui pulled at his hair with both hands, pacing the center of the small den, “God, I’m messing up already,” he whispered, his scent turning raw, tension unmistakably visible in his stance.
Wumuti crossed the den in two long strides and reached for Rui, one hand firm at the small of the other alpha’s back, touch warm.
“Hey,” Wumuti said quietly, “Look at me.” Rui did, although hesitated to look him in the eye.
“You are not meant to hold the pack together by yourself. That was never how this worked,” Wumuti said firmly, eyes filled with love. Wumuti went on, voice louder so that all three boys could hear him, “When things get hard, we rely on each other. That’s how we get through. Not because one of us is strong enough to do it alone.”
Wumuti’s thumb rubbed reassuring circles into Rui’s back. “I need you to do that while I'm gone. All of you.” Wumuti said intently while looking around the den at his pack mates.
Rui took a slow breath and nodded, eyes shining but resolute. He stepped forward and pulled Wumuti in for a much needed hug, leaning fully into his chest. The tension in his scent began to ease almost immediately, the sharp frustration now softening into something more vulnerable. Wumuti sniffed softly, and wrapped his arms around Rui without hesitation. Through the bond, he weaved a gentle pull, an invitation that carried warmth and trust.
Come here, my babies.
Hyun and Haru wasted no time, quickly joining the group hug. Haru wormed his way in between Wumuti and Rui, fingers gripping into the back of Wumuti’s shirt. Hyun’s long arms encircled them all as he laid his head upon Wumuti’s. Wumuti pumped out a soothing scent of fresh rain that finally made them all relax as the bond pulsed with affection. Wumuti held them for a long time, committing the feeling to memory even as the weight of leaving pressed harder against his chest.
The four of them fit together like they always had done. Eventually, Wumuti shifted just enough to lift his head and speak.
“Well, I can’t leave with everyone in a state like this now can I?” Wumuti jokingly chisted. “Come on, let’s sit for a bit… but then I really must leave, pups.”
The pack shuffled as they moved to the couch. Haru ended up halfway in Wumuti’s lap, curled sideways with his legs tucked in, while Rui sat close enough that their knees and shoulders brushed. Hyun sat halfway on Rui, sitting up so that he could rub soothing shapes on Rui’s neck. For a while, no one talked. Their presence alone spoke enough without words. The bond hummed low and soft, a reminder that even when stretched thin by disagreements or distance, it would always be there, guiding and protecting them. Wumuti absentmindedly carded his fingers through Haru’s hair, while Hyun leaned against Rui, eyes closed. Rui steadily breathed in the mixed scents of his pack mates, allowing it to ground him.
After a long while, Wumuti stretched, feeling dazed. “My babies, I need to leave soon so that I can arrive before sunset. You don’t want me traveling in the dark, do you?” he said with mock seriousness, biting back a smile.
Rui whined, tilting his head against the back of the couch, “Hyung, please don’t put that into my head.”
Wumuti laughed silently as Haru gripped Wumuti’s sweater harder, face pressed into his stomach. He leaned down to pepper kisses across Haru’s face, causing Haru to smile, “Haru, I promise you I won’t travel in the dark… don’t worry.” Wumuti paused before adding, “I will if you don’t get off me, though,” pressing one last kiss to his forehead.
Haru sighed dramatically before slowly getting up, “Fine…”
“Come on, help me gather my things,” Wumuti said, pulling the pack to their shared closet.
-
Rui quickly took charge of packing only the warmest items on Wumuti’s side of the closet: sweaters, thick socks, gloves. Although the snow has mostly melted, it was still winter after all. He folded the clothes neatly and with efficiency, secretly brushing his scent on the clothes as he placed them into Wumuti’s bag. Hyun focused on packing any necessities that Wumuti might need, double and triple checking everything. Haru tasked himself with collecting some snacks for Wumuti’s travels from their kitchen. He gathered Wumuti’s favorite pastries and wrapped them up for him to enjoy later, as well as a few extra for his parents. Wumuti didn’t mind that they were all essentially packing for him, it made his heart beat just a little bit faster.
At the front door, time slowed. Rui clung to him first, arms tight around Wumuti’s waist and face buried in his neck. Wumuti leaned in immediately, breathing him in and imprinting his fresh rain scent deeply into Rui.
“Come back safe,” Rui said quietly.
“I will,” Wumuti promised, voice certain.
Hyun followed, hands finding Wumuti’s shoulders and pressing their foreheads together, a silent exchange that needed no words. Hyun kissed Wumuti softly, breathing in his scent. “Be careful, alpha,” Hyun said, his round eyes serious but confident.
Haru practically threw himself at Wumuti, hugging him tightly and scenting him like he was going to evaporate into thin air. Wumuti breathed in Haru’s cinnamon apple scent, letting it steady him, before pressing his nose into Haru’s neck and returning the favor. Haru’s shoulders relaxed as he whined into Wumuti’s neck, “Hyung…”
“I know. It’s okay,” Wumuti whispered, massaging the nape of Haru’s neck.
Wumuti leaned down to whisper into Haru’s ear, audible only to him, “Make sure Rui doesn’t stress too much, yeah? Can you do that for me?”
Haru nodded softly before pulling away, chest aching but heart full of love.
“I love you so much, my lovelies,” Wumuti said, trying to hide the way his voice cracked on the last word with a cough. The rest of the pack simultaneously told Wumuti they love him too, words syncing into one, making Wumuti chuckle. “I’ll be back before you know it!”
With that, Wumuti grabbed his bag, which was filled to the brim thanks to Rui, and stepped outside into the cold air. The door closed behind him, the sound loud in the now quiet room, making Rui flinch. For a while no one spoke. Wumuti’s scent lingered in the den, still strong enough to breathe in. Rui slowly sat onto the couch, biting at his lip unconsciously. Hyun stood frozen, staring at the door that Wumuti walked out several minutes ago.
Haru was the one who first broke the silence, exhaling loudly, “Okay… let’s sit… sit together.”
They all gathered onto the couch, setting into the space Wumuti had left behind instinctively. The bond felt thinner than before, but still humming as they cuddled together, Hyun’s arm around Haru’s shoulders with Rui laying on Haru’s lap. The evening stretched on in a way that felt never ending. Dinner was made out of routine rather than out of hunger. Rui cooked because that was what Wumuti usually did on the nights when everyone was too tired to think about what to eat. Hyun set the table, placing down four plates without thinking due to habit before catching himself at the last second, the bond thrumming with unease just for a moment. Haru hovered, unsure of where to put himself until Hyun gently nudged him into a chair. They ate together, chatting quietly, trying to fill the silence. Everything felt off - wrong… their instincts searching for something that wasn’t there. Rui’s jaw tightened with a helpless frustration that he didn’t quite know what to do with.
“It’ll settle,” Hyun said softly to no one in particular, “it always does.”
Cleaning up dinner was partially grounding, as they had the routine down like clockwork. They finished quickly, then lingered in the den longer than usual. The fire crackled low while Hyun absentmindedly fed it another log just to have something to do. Eventually, Rui suggested they all get ready for bed, and no one argued. Although they were mentally drained, they had a feeling sleep would not come easily tonight.
-
The pack room felt wrong and empty without Wumuti. There was too much space and Wumuti’s scent was fainter than what they were accustomed to. Haru curled in the center, breathing sharper than usual. Having presented only a few months ago at 18, his omega was crying out at the absence of Wumuti. Rui laid close behind him, an arm draped protectively around his waist while scenting him gently. Hyun settled on the other side facing Haru, one hand brushing through Haru’s hair and the other rubbing Rui’s shoulder whenever his breathing hitched. They each tried to comfort one another but it was difficult when all of their own scents were off. Once the lights were turned off, the bond spiked again with an unreadable emotion. Hyun’s thoughts wouldn’t slow, his mind replaying Wumuti’s words. Rui focused on breathing deeply, steadying himself so that he could anchor the others. Haru lay between them, eyes burning, afraid that if he slept Wumuti’s scent would be gone when he woke up.
“I don’t like this,” Haru whispered into the dark.
Hyun shifted closer, resting his head on top of Haru’s, “You’re not alone… even if it feels like it right now.”
Rui tightened his arm that was resting on Haru’s hip, “We’re both here for you.”
Haru nodded, though tears slipped free anyway, dampening the pillow, “I’m here for you guys, too,” he choked out.
Hyun let his scent deepen just a bit until the sharpest edge of anxiety dulled in the room. Sleep came to them in fragmented pieces. They drifted in and out of sleep all night, waking at the smallest movements, the bond flaring each time before easing again. At one point Haru woke to Rui shaking softly and scented him deliberately, trying to calm his mind. By the time the sun started rising, none of them felt well rested.
“The rare chance we get to sleep in and we can’t even sleep anyway,” Rui grumbled to himself at some point between twilight and sunrise. He got up first because he couldn’t stay asleep any longer. Rui sucked in a breath between his teeth and carefully untangled himself from Haru and Hyun who were sleeping shallowly. When he walked downstairs, the absence hit all at once, the comforting scent of Wumuti thinning by the hour. Rui stood in the den for just a moment before he moved into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast automatically.
Routine, he told himself. Just start there.
He set out the bowls and counted the portions, having to correct himself when he started making enough for four. Jaw clenched, the bond fluttered picking up on his emotions. By the time Haru joined him, quiet and eyes tired, Rui’s scent had gone sharp with frustration.
“You don’t have to do everything,” Haru said gently, reaching for Rui’s hand, “we can go slower today…”
“If we don’t keep things normal, it’ll just get worse,” Rui replied, “for all of us.”
Hyun padded in a few minutes later, hair messy and eyes bleary. Sensing Rui’s frustration, he guided him to sit at the table while he plated the food. “Sit and eat a little, you’ll feel better.”
Rui nodded, though he didn’t look Hyun in the eye.
They moved through the day slowly after that and by mid afternoon the exhaustion had caught up with them. The simple things came with hesitation as if they were waiting for permission that never came. Still, they adjusted together even when their chests got tight and minds started wandering.
The second evening was better than the first. They once again moved through dinner quietly. Haru cooked, movements slow but glad to have something to do. He talked with Rui while doing so, trying to distract him from thinking - something he’s been doing way too much of. Hyun sat at the table listening to the rhythm of their voices more than the words themselves. The bond was restless, though no longer spiking with anxiety. That night, they didn’t go to bed all at once. Rui was the first one to excuse himself up to the pack room, wanting some alone time, but also too tired to talk any longer. Admittedly, he wanted time to think by himself before he ultimately succumbed to the exhaustion. Rui thought about whether Wumuti was also lying in bed thinking about him, what he’s been doing at his parents, and if everyone is okay.
Hyun and Haru stayed in the den for a while longer, watching the fire in the hearth and wrapped up in each other's arms. Haru would never say it out loud but he secretly loved cuddling with Hyun, as he was so much taller than himself that Haru fit perfectly in his lap. Hyun laid on his back with Haru laying on top of him, rubbing Haru’s back every now and then. Hyun stared at the ceiling, lost in thought while Haru observed the fire. They enjoyed the quiet for a while until Haru broke the silence.
“You know, Wumuti told me to make sure Rui doesn’t stress too much… I don’t think I’ve been doing a very good job at that,” Haru mumbled, still looking at the fire.
Hyun tipped his head slightly, looking towards the stairs that led to the pack room, “Rui’s allowed to think… he’s allowed to worry. What matters is that he knows he doesn’t have to do it alone. And he does know that, so respectfully, my little fox, you’re wrong.”
“Hm,” Haru replied, sounding doubtful.
A few minutes of silence passed with the only sounds being the fire popping softly in the hearth and their breathing until Haru broke the silence once again.
“What do you think Wumuti hyung is doing?” Haru said.
“Hopefully resting, considering it’s nearly midnight,” Hyun chuckled, drawing shapes on Haru’s back with his nails.
“...Haru,” Hyun said, after a few moments. “Let’s go to sleep.”
That earned a small, tired laugh from Haru. He pushed himself up reluctantly, then pased, leaning down to press a brief, warm kiss to Hyun’s lips before sliding off. Hyun blinked in surprise and smiled softly, the bond warming in response. They extinguished the fire together and made their way up the stairs. Rui was asleep when they entered the pack room.
“Oh, thank god,” Hyun whispered, pulling Haru down with him as he cuddled up to Rui, with Haru on the other side.
Haru brushed Rui’s hair from his forehead before pressing close, scenting him even though Rui was sleeping. Rui exhaled slowly, an arm curling around Haru subconsciously. Sleep came a bit easier than it had the night before, even though Wumuti’s place remained empty.
-
The third morning, Rui woke before the others again, though this time the bond didn’t jolt him awake. Rui laid there for a few moments listening to the slow breaths of Hyun on his left and Haru on his right. He gave them each a kiss on the cheek before getting up and making his way downstairs. He was halfway through stocking the hearth when he noticed the envelope on the floor just inches away from the creaking letter slot on their front door. When he picked it up, he smelled the faint but unmistakable scent of fresh rain. Rui froze, heart speeding up as he took in a deep breath and yelled for Hyun and Haru. Seconds later, they both bolted down the stairs, the pack bond filling with adrenaline.
“What?!” Hyun yelled looking around the den, still not fully awake.
Seeing there was no imminent danger, Haru put his hand up to his heart, taking deep breaths, “Oh my god, hyung, I think I just died. For real.”
“Guys!” Rui exclaimed, holding up the letter for both of them to see, Wumuti’s birth pack seal on full display, “It’s from Wumuti,” he said.
They gathered around as if pulled by a force. The bond shifted tentatively, hopeful of good news. Rui carefully broke the seal and opened the letter, reading aloud:
To my pack,
I arrived safely. Don’t worry, nothing is wrong. The reason my parent’s letter was so vague was in case of interception. I was asked to come back to help with mediation between neighboring packs and the council. It’s the kind of preventative work meant to keep disagreements from escalating further. I suppose I am seen as a mediator of some sorts because I’m far enough removed now to be seen as neutral. I’m not fixing anything, just helping everyone remember how to listen. I know that sounds small. It isn’t, but it’s not dangerous either. I thought it might take longer, but it won't. If all goes as planned, I’ll be home this coming Tuesday evening. Thank you for trusting me, my lovelies. Remember to rely on each other. I’ll be back before you know it. I love you with all of my being.
-Muti
Rui re-read the last line to himself, lips parting slightly, “Tuesday…” he echoed softly, “That’s tomorrow… he’s coming home tomorrow!”
They all felt it then, the way the bond lifted just slightly, loosening in a way that didn’t strain as much as it had before. Haru laughed a small breathless sound as he pressed the letter to his chest, scent warming immediately. Hyun reached out and squeezed Rui’s shoulder, “We can manage one more day, right?”
Rui nodded slowly, feeling better than he had in days, “Yeah, we can,” he replied, biting back a smile.
-
Knowing there was an end point made the rest of the day pass more easily than the ones before it. The bond still tugged with quiet want, but now with direction. They moved through their routines with more intention. At some point they unanimously decided to clean the pack room. Not too deep of a clean that their scents would be disturbed, rather, a quick resetting of fresh linens and open windows to get the room ready. Rui lingered over Wumuti’s spot, smoothing the freshly washed blankets carefully, pressing his face briefly into the pillow before setting it right again. That night, they slept better. No more sharp edges, no more straining. The emptiness remained, just waiting. By the time Tuesday evening settled in, the house felt ready. Rui checked the clock more than once, pacing the den. Hyun caught him doing it and smiled faintly. Haru sat on the couch, letter folded carefully beside him as if it would disappear at any moment. The bond stirred before the door even opened, an undeniable pull that only meant one thing.
“He’s close,” Hyun said quietly.
All three boys were on their feet before Hyun finished speaking, scents flaring warm and bright. Suddenly, the lock clicked, the door opened, and there Wumuti was. He looked tired in the way only traveling does, but his eyes were soft, brightening the instant he saw his pack. His scent burst into the den, fresh rain feeling like home, filling every crevasse. For a heartbeat, no one moved. The bond snapped into alignment so fast it made Rui dizzy.
“Alpha–,” Haru’s voice broke completely as he ran to Wumuti, the restraint he’d practiced all day falling away at once. Wumuti had only a moment to set his bag down before Haru collided with him, arms squeezing so tight he could barely breathe, face buried in his neck. Wumuti caught him easily, hand cradling his head as he breathed him in, completely settling him.
“My Haru,” Wumuti muttered, voice relieved. He pushed out his scent even more, it wrapped around all of them like a lifeline. Haru shook in his arms, a sound halfway between a laugh and a cry muffled against Wumuti’s coat.
Rui stood frozen a few feet away, the sight of Wumuti hit harder than he expected. All the effort of the past days crashing down at once now that he didn’t have to hold it in anymore. Wumuti lifted his head and met Rui’s gaze, something in his expression softening even further.
“Come here,” Wumuti said, arm open, inviting Rui in.
Wumuti pulled Rui into a strong embrace, holding him close as Rui finally exhaled the breath he’d been holding since the letter arrived.
“You did so well,” Wumuti muttered quietly into Rui’s ear, “I could feel it. Every day.”
Rui’s throat closed, he nodded once, unable to speak. He gripped onto Wumuti like it was the only thing keeping him anchored to Earth.
Hyun hovered for a moment longer. Watching his pack mates made his heart swell with such a strong feeling of pride he didn’t even know he possessed. Finally, he stepped in as his hand came to rest on Wumuti’s back, warmth seeping into his skin. Wumuti shifted just enough - as much as he could with two boys in his arms - and pressed his cheek against Hyun’s hair, needing no words. As the four of them stood there in the doorway, the pack bond radiated steadiness. Wumuti let his scent out deliberately, washing over them, reclaiming the space he had left. After a while, long enough that their heartbeats synced with the bond, Wumuti drew back just enough to look at them.
“I see you got my letter,” he said jokingly, smiling big.
All of them laughed, breathless and watery and shoulders easing. Rui wiped at his face with the back of his hand, embarrassed but smiling despite himself.
Wumuti kicked the door closed behind him and let himself be guided onto the couch in the den. They fell into their familiar arrangements, Haru curled up next to Wumuti on his right, Rui pressed close on his left, and Hyun half laying on Rui, head on his shoulder, arm outreached to hold Wumuti’s hand. Wumuti’s other hand moved automatically, finding itself on Rui’s thigh, subtly settling him.
“I missed you all so much,” Wumuti said finally, voice shaky but sure.
-
They didn’t rush dinner, even though it was way past their usual dinner time. Wumuti insisted on washing up first, feeling grimey from traveling with the outside dust clinging to him. Rui and Haru set to work in the kitchen with a sense of confidence that felt earned. Hyun handled setting the table, no hesitation or second guessing visible in the way he set four plates down instead of three. Wumuti joined them at the table once everything was ready. They filtered into their familiar spots, with Wumuti and Hyun on one side, and Rui and Haru on the other. Like always, conversation came easily. Wumuti shared just enough about the mediation, how it had gone smoother than he expected and how relieved he was when it wrapped up early. He didn’t dwell on it. Rui filled in the gaps of the days Wumuti was gone, how they had adjusted, but also minor victories. Hyun chimed in with details that Rui was missing, and Haru laughed more than he spoke. By the time all of the dishes were cleaned up, the bond felt strong, more than it had in days.
Moving upstairs to the pack room after dinner happened naturally. Wumuti paused in the doorway to the pack room, gasping just slightly as he took in the fresh linens and blankets, and the overall effort that went into preparing the room for his arrival.
“Thank you,” he said quietly, eyes secretly tearing up.
As they changed for bed, touches and kisses lingered everywhere, each of them too deprived of Wumuti’s scent to care about how they were essentially undoing the room preparation. When they finally settled down, Wumuti opened his arms without a word and they filled the space instinctively. Rui laid close at Wumuti’s back, one arm draped around his waist, face tucked into the back of his neck. Haru folded himself into Wumuti’s chest, ear pressed over his heartbeat, hand holding onto Wumuti’s own. Hyun settled on the other side of Haru, one hand anchored in Wumuti’s hair, softly massaging, while his other hand settled on Haru’s hip. For the first time in days, even for Wumuti, sleep came without struggle. Wumuti fell asleep last, body full of gratitude and love for the boys he was holding so close. With the steady rhythm of the pack being whole again, the bond relaxed into a deep hum.