Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Charlie had been going out with Nick Nelson since he was 14. They had first met in form, and if he hadn't believed in love at first sight before then, he did now. Kind brown eyes had looked up, a soft smile on his face as he greeted his new form member with a 'Hi'. Charlie's stomach had jittered with butterflies as he took in the older lads floppy hair and broad frame. He whispered out a shy 'Hi' back before taking a seat next to him. They were both far too young to present, but from the off Charlie knew that everything about Nick Nelson screamed Alpha.

He had never expected for anything to come from his crush, but it hadn't taken long for Nick to confess that he had feelings for him too. Charlie's friends had warned him against any sort of relationship with him. 'Nick's head of the rugby team, one of the populars,' Tao had reminded him, 'whilst we're a group of borderline outcasts.' It hadn't taken long for Nick to win Elle and Isaac over, and even Tao eventually (though he would never actually admit to it).

Winning over Charlie's family was a different matter. Whilst Sarah Nelson had welcomed him with open arms and a kiss on the cheek, Julio and Jane Spring had been much more cautious about their son's first boyfriend. Their relationship was somewhat unconventional, with it being uncommon to date until you had presented. And for those who did date when they were young, it was likely not to last. His older sister Tori had learnt that the hard way, when her boyfriend had presented early and suddenly showed little interest in her, instead spending all his time lusting after omegas. A typical knothead. It's perhaps why she seemed more sympathetic to the pair, knowing how easy it is to fall in love with someone. And perhaps why their parent's treated Nick so coldly, knowing the pain it could cause. He was a year older than Charlie after all, it was only a matter of time.

It had happened over Christmas half term during Nick's first year of Sixth Form. They had had plans to go a Christmas market in town, something they had both been so excited about. Charlie had donned his favourite woolly hat and matching scarf, a festive jumper with the words 'Little Pud' splashed across his chest (Nick had a matching one saying 'Big Pud' which he had promised to wear too), pulled on one of his boyfriend's hoodies, a winter coat and then made the 10 minute walk Nick's home. Snow had started to fall, dusting the ground in a light covering and causing Charlie's face to flush red with the cold.

He had turned the corner to the Nelson household, walking up to the door when the smell hit him. Even as a pup, not yet fully developed, the smell of an alpha in rut was unmissable. He had hesitated a minute, thrown off by the new scent, before knocking on the door. Sarah had answered, a nervous smile on her face when she lay eyes on him. She was a beta, and although everything about Nick pointed to him one day as presenting as an alpha, she had held out some hope that he would be a beta too. It was uncommon for betas to produce alphas or omegas, but here Nick was defying the odds.

"I'm sorry, honey." Sarah had said to him in a voice scarcely above a whisper.

"Would I be able to see him? Just quickly?" Charlie had asked with some hope in his voice. She had given a look up the stairs, the sound of Nick groaning echoing through to the hallway. Her head shook, explaining that she wasn't sure how he would react to seeing him and it was safer if he kept his distance, at least until his rut had ended.

The first time they had seen each other after, Charlie had been a bag of nerves. What if he doesn't like you anymore? What if he dumps you for some cute little omega? Why would he want to be with a pup now he's a fully grown alpha? Voices had spiralled around his head. But his boyfriend, his amazing, loving, gorgeous boyfriend had wrapped him in the biggest hug as soon as he saw him. Charlie had let out a sob he hadn't realised he was holding back, clinging onto Nick as though his life depended on it.

"I love you," Nick reassured him, nuzzling his face into Charlie's mop of black curls, "and nothing will change that."

Nick had spent the next few months fighting off the newly presented omegas in his year. It seemed that no matter how public they were with their relationship, some people couldn't help themselves. But each time one of them practically threw themselves at him, Nick would respond with 'I'm sorry, but I have a boyfriend,' sometimes even lifting up their intertwined hands as if to prove a point (because yes, even when they walked the school corridors hand in hand, some omegas would still flirt with Nick).

Charlie had convinced himself he was going to present as a beta. His father his an alpha and his mother an omega and, unlike betas, it was equally likely for any of the three secondary genders to be produced. Tori had presented as an alpha just a few months after Nick, and Charlie had realised just why Sarah had been so reluctant to let him in. He hadn't realised just how strong alphas could be until her bedroom door, bed, and wardrobe all had to be replaced when they had locked her in to prevent her from getting to the omega in heat a few houses down.

For every 10 babies born, 6 would present as beta, 3 as alpha and only 1 as an omega. Of those omegas, only 20% were male. The odds were in Charlie's favour. He didn't want to be an omega, didn't want to be seen as someone needy who's only role in society is to reproduce. And he knew in the unlikely event he would present as alpha that it would practically be the end of him and Nick. Betas had the perfect life in his opinion. No heats or ruts, free from societal expectations to be the breadwinner or homemaker, free to peruse what and who they wanted. Yes, that was the life Charlie wanted.

It had started in Biology. He had sat there next to Isaac, struggling to pay attention thanks to the thumping headache he had developed. He pressed his fingers to his temples, trying to soothe the ache. By lunch, it hadn't eased, much to the concern of his over protective boyfriend.

"Here, take some paracetamol, and take my bottle of water. Do you need to go to the nurse? Do you want me to take you home?" He had asked, worry laced in his voice.

He had gratefully accepted the pills and water from his outstretched hand, ignoring Tao's quizzical look as he downed them before snuggling further into his boyfriend's arms.

The pair had gone back to his house to study that night - they both had mocks coming up, and Nick was conscious that his predicted grades wouldn't be high enough to get an offer at Leeds Uni.

'It's hot in here, don't you think?' Charlie had asked, tugging off his shirt and trousers to change into a pair of shorts. Charlie rarely got hot- he nearly always had at least 2 layers covering up his small frame, but now he sat in his bedroom in a state of undress, sweat gleaming on his body.

'Are you sure you're ok, Char? Do you want me to-' Nick stopped talking mid sentence, sniffing the air, eyes going wide.

Charlie can't really remember what happened after that. A mantra of knotme,fillme,breedme seemed to be repeated in his head. He had presented as an omega, right in front of his alpha boyfriend, the smell of which in turn had bought on his rut early. Jane had come running up the stairs as soon as she had smelt it, but it was no use at that point. Neither boy had any self restraint from their natural instinct, something which is usually built up over the years. If Charlie had been looking, he would have noticed the early signs of his heat at school. But he hadn't. Jane had opened the bedroom door but quickly slammed it shut again, knowing better than most that it wasn't a good idea to try and separate the pair. Had it been a stranger, things would have been different, but it was her son's boyfriend of nearly 3 years. Instead, she informed the family and made sure to leave plenty of food and water outside the door.

His heat had broken 6 days later, his body a sweaty mess as he lay naked in Nick's arms. The past week had left them exhausted, but he couldn't help but feel content in the presence of his alpha. His Alpha. They hadn't mated, priding themselves in showing constraint at least there, but they had emotionally bonded. They had never felt happier.

They had emerged from their nest hand in hand looking rather sheepish but both with a little sense of pride. Sex had been a taboo subject in his house - every other month when his mother's heat came, or the two times a year his father went into rut, they would whisk their children off to their grandparents house for a 'holiday', giving vague answers to why their home had such a strange smell when they returned. And when his mother had fell pregnant with his little brother Olly some 8 years earlier, they'd told their children that 'baby's were born when a mummy and a daddy loved each other very much', refusing to entertain any other questions.

They had come down to Julio staring daggers at Nick as Jane plated up dinner for the pair. She had slipped a pill into Charlie's hand, whispering 'emergency birth control' before turning away, struggling to meet his eyes. The hostility in the room was hard to avoid as they all sat down to eat, Charlie knocking back the pills as Tori smirked at him. The silence of the meal was only broken by Olly innocently asking why Charlie had bite marks all over his neck, causing him to blush brightly and Jane to quickly shush the youngest Spring.

He'd given Nick a lingering kiss goodbye at the front door that night, conscious of the eyes watching them from the kitchen.

"I love you, Char, I'll see you at school tomorrow." Nick had said, giving his boyfriend one last kiss goodbye before walking the short distance home.

Chapter Text

The boys return to school had been met with gossip and whispers in the corridors.

"I head that Charlie knew he was going into heat and used it to trap Nick."

"Do you think they mated? I bet they mated."

'Apparently Nick's knot is HUGE! Have you noticed how his omega boyfriend has been limping a bit?'

Ok, so Charlie couldn't contest that last one. No amount of porn could have prepared him for the true size of an alpha knot, nor could it have prepared his ass for how much it would ache after a full week of being repeatedly pounded and filled. Not that he minded.

“Soooo, how was it?” Elle had excitedly asked that evening as the she, Charlie, Nick Tao, Tara, Darcy and Isaac reunited in the park.

Charlie could feel the blush forming across his face. “I can't think what you mean...” he innocently claimed, looking around to check if Nick was in ear shot. He wasn't, instead preoccupied by the milkshake van as he, Tara and Darcy ordered their drinks.

“I think she means, how was it getting knotted by your alpha boyfriend.” Tao said in the most dead pan voice, a small smirk appearing as he met his friends eyes.

Even Isaac put down his book at this, carefully marking the page with his book mark. All eyes were on Charlie.

“It was...” he thought for a second, trying to find the perfect words to describe the past week. Magical? Intimate? Horny? “It was everything I could have ever imagined.” He decided on, a dreamy look on his face.

Nick, Tara and Darcy soon arrived back with their drinks, and Charlie pulled himself in close to his boyfriend. The group fell back into their usual chatter, occasionally teasing the boys. But they were happy, more happy than they could have ever imagined.

*

Their lives continued pretty much normally, a routine of going to school, hanging out with their friends, rugby, fucking, revising. Fucking whilst revising. All of Charlie's worries about presenting as an omega seemed to wash away with very tender touch and loving word from Nick. If they were close before, they were practically inseparable now, his boyfriend hardly letting him out of his site. They seemed so much more in tune with each other now, picking up on even the smallest of changes in the other. Perhaps that's why Nick had been the first to suspect that something was wrong with Charlie, even before Charlie himself.

They were cuddling in bed one evening at Nick's house (it was usually at Nick's house these days. Julio all but growled at Nick if he came anywhere near the house, where as Sarah had been more understanding and accepting of their situation). The TV quietly played in the background, not that either of them were paying much attention. Nick gently outlined the features of his boyfriends face with his fingers, over his nose, lips, jawline. Charlie looked up with tired eyes and a small smile on his face. He let out a small giggle and pulled away slightly as Nick went over his collar bones - he knew he was ticklish there.

“Oh, you like that, Char? Think it's funny?” Nick teased, a devilish look in his eyes as he prepared his fingers to go back to his chest.

Charlie edged back from the bed, holding back a laugh. “Nickkkkkkkk” he pleaded playfully, squealing as fingers reached to his ticklish spot.

He let out a loud laugh as Nick got on top and pinned him down. “What was that? Did you say I'm the best boyfriend in the world AND the best tickler?” He teased.

It was like a switch flipped. Charlie was laughing uncontrollably one minute, then demanding he stop. It took Nick a minute to realise he wasn't playing about anymore, it was only the angry aroma that was emitted from Charlie that made him realise, and as soon as he did he released his boyfriend.

“Charlie? Are you ok?” He asked, concern etched in his voice. But Charlie didn't reply, instead sat up in the bed and turned his back to him, arms crossed across his chest like a child in a strop.

“I can't believe you, Nick. You know I'm ticklish there and you didn't stop. Why didn't you stop?” He asked, no, demanded an answer from the alpha.

Dumfounded at this sudden change in mood, Nick shuffled closer to him, wrapping his arms around his middle and scenting his neck. “I'm sorry, Char, I didn't realise. I love you. I'll stop next time straight away.” He promised. He hated when his boyfriend was angry, and even more so when he was the cause of that anger.

The only think worse than an angry Charlie, was an upset Charlie. And it seemed that Nick was getting the full experience today. Tears began to stream down his boyfriend's face, and before he knew it he was a crying mess.

“I-I-' Charlie hiccuped through his sobs. '- I love you too!” He flung himself into Nick's lap, clinging to him as though his life depended on it.

Nick sat there dumbfounded, picking up his boyfriend to settle him comfortably in his lap and hugging him close. His boyfriend was not normally this over emotional.

*

The next sign that something wasn't quite right with Charlie came a week later. He had spent the night at Nick's, lying to his parents that he had gone to Tao's for their fortnightly film night. They had ordered in a Chinese takeaway and spent the evening playing Mario Karts and getting intimate under the covers. They had fallen asleep with Nick being the little spoon (yes, Nick liked being the little spoon, something Charlie teased him about endlessly but wouldn't have it any other way). They slept peacefully in each other's arms until about 5am. It was then that Charlie was woken by a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He dashed out of bed and down the hallway to the bathroom, emptying the contents of last night's dinner into the toilet bowel.

“Hmm...Char...Charlie?” Nick appeared at the bathroom door, looking every inch the Greek god in Charlie's eyes, topless with his muscles on full view and boxer shorts lying low on his hips.

Another wave of nausea hit him, and he turned his attention back to the toilet as he retched some more. He felt cool hands on his back, rubbing soothing circles and whispering comforting words into his ear. He gagged some more, just about getting out the word 'wa-water'. Nick was quick to pound down the stairs and return, holding the bottle up to his lips and encouraging him to take small sips.

“Must have been a dodgy Chinese.” Charlie joked, but concern was laced in his voice. He could tell his boyfriend wasn't as convinced.

“If it was a dodgy Chinese then I'd be chucking my guts up too.” He reasoned, and at the mention of 'chucking up', Charlie began to dry heave some more, his small frame shaking.

They spent the next hour in the toilet, Charlie hunched around the toilet bowel whilst trying (and failing) to keep the contents of his stomach, well, in his stomach. Nick didn't leave his side. Once the worst of the sickness had passed, he picked him up bridal style and carried him back to his room, gently lying him in the bed before snuggling in too.

*

The sickness carried on for what seemed like forever. Charlie had found clever ways of hiding it at home: taking early morning showers so the sound of the water would drown out the sound of his retching, or early morning runs so he could go and be sick in the field around the corner. He didn't want to worry anyone. Least of all Nick. Even if he was worried himself, being sick this much couldn't be good for him.

Despite his best efforts to hide his continuous illness from Nick, his boyfriend must have had super powers because he could just tell something still wasn't right.

“I think you should see the doctor.” He said one morning on their way to school. It was more of a demand.

Charlie sighed. “I'm fine. I'm feeling better, honestly.” He forced a smile to Nick, looking up at him through his curls. But Charlie had never been a good liar, and Nick could read him like a book. So one week later he found himself in the waiting room of his GP's office, leg nervously bouncing and sweaty hand gripped firmly with Nick's. He had never liked the doctor's.

“Charlie Spring, room 3.”!The stoney faced receptionist announced. Nick got up first, pulling his reluctant boyfriend up with him as they made their way through the corridors.

“Ahh, Charlie!” His GP, Dr Scott, greeted warmly. She was a plump woman in her late 50s with a kind smile and an Irish accent. She was also an alpha, causing Nick to place a protective arm around his boyfriend and glare at the lady sitting in front of him. He was still new to this whole 'secondary gender' thing, and trying to keep his natural instincts in check was proving harder than he had thought.

Dr Scott seemed to take no notice of Nick's reaction, instead gesturing the pair to take a seat in front of her desk. “So, what brings you here today Charlie?”

He gulped, looking to his boyfriend for some encouragement. He gave his hand a squeeze. “Well...I've been getting sick in the mornings. It's probably just food poisoning, I didn't really want to bother you with just food poising, but he insisted.” Charlie muttered, gesturing to the taller boy next to him.

Dr Scott nodded in understanding. “And how long have you been sick for?”

Charlie thought about it, counting back the days on his fingers. “About 3 weeks.” He concluded.

She typed something on her computer, out of sight of the boys. “And have you been having any other symptoms? Headaches? Frequently needing to urinate? Mood swings?”

Nick chuckled at the last one. “You could say he's had a few mood swings."

"Have not!" Charlie protested, giving him a playful hit in the bicep. "I suppose I have been weeing a bit more often." He replied.

A serious look appeared across Dr Scott's face. She turned to face both the boys. "Charlie, am I right in thinking you've had your first heat?"

He nodded in response, his face going crimson.

"Did you go through your heat with an alpha?”

Charlie could have passed out right there and then from the embarrassment of having to admit his sex life. He nodded once again, glancing a look at Nick.

Dr Scott paused for a moment, as though in thought. "Charlie," she finally started, "is there a possibility that you could be pregnant?"

It was Nick who broke the silence first, a laugh bursting out from his mouth which he quickly stifled. "I'm sorry, doctor, but Charlie isn't pregnant. He took emergency birth control."

"Emergency birth control can sometimes fail, especially during the first few heats when an omega's hormones are already all over the place." She explained. "It's not common either for an omega to have an alpha to help them through their heats until they're a little older." She said with a little judgement in her voice before turning to Charlie. "I'd like to do a test, just so we can rule it out."

Charlie nodded again, lost for words. He took the cup to wee in as she instructed, being quick about running to the toilet and back. He could feel the entirety of his face and neck burning red.

Dr Scott got to work testing his wee, but neither boy could bare to look. Charlie had tucked himself into Nick's arms, shamelessly scenting him to try and calm his nerves. The few minutes they had to wait for the results felt like an eternity, but soon enough Dr Scott coughed to get their attention.

"Charlie, you're about 8 weeks pregnant."

Chapter Text

Charlie wasn't too sure what happened next, he felt just numb as he sat in the chair, Dr Scott rambling off questions.

"When was your last heat?"

"It was about 9 weeks ago." Nick answered for him, his voice sounding lost. "Are you sure he's pregnant? How accurate are these tests?"

"I can assure you, they're pretty accurate." Charlie looked up from his lap as the sound of her fingers tapping away at the keyboard filled the room. "I'm going to book you in for an ultrasound next week, then we can see more accurately how far along you are, and just give you a full check up to make sure you're both healthy."

Both. There wasn't just Charlie anymore. Charlie and his baby, his pup. His and Nick's pup. He was pregnant, and carrying their pup.

"Charlie? Char?" Charlie shook himself out of his thoughts at Nick's voice and his hand gently shaking his arm.

Dr Scott gave him a sympathetic smile, seemingly understanding. "I know this must be scary for you, for the both of you." She addressed the boys. "But there are options." She pulled out some leaflets.

'Abortion & Male Omegas'
'So you're thinking about adoption.'
'Teen pregnancy and you: everything you need to know'

"Have a read through these, and you can have a proper chat with the midwife next week at your ultrasound appointment."

They both said goodbye to the doctor, before Nick took Charlie's hand and led him back outside. Almost instantly, Charlie crumbled into his boyfriend, letting out loud, heartbreaking sobs.

"Oh, Char." Was all Nick could mutter out as he held him close, rubbing soothing circles around his back. They stood like that for a few moments, Charlie just letting everything out and Nick releasing a couple of tears, too. Eventually the crying quietened to only a few snuffles, so Nick pulled him out to arms length so they could look at each other eye to eye.

"I'm-I'm-I'm so-sorry." Charlie stuttered out, releasing a fresh set of tears as he plunged into his boyfriends chest.

Nick shushed him gently. "Hey, none of that now. What have we said about the 'S’ word? There's nothing to be sorry for, we didn't do this on purpose." He tried to reassure the younger boy.

"You don't understand." Charlie began, hiccuping. "I'm sorry, I just, I can't have an abortion. I just can't. And I know we're young, and we've only been together a few years and I love you. I love you so much. But I just can't get an abortion and I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." He blurred out, refusing to meet the alphas eyes.

A silence fell between the two, Nick deep in thought.

"I'd understand if you hated me. If you wanted to break up with me." Charlie continued, eyes focused on a tuft of grass on the floor.

Nick took the pamphlets out of Charlie's hand, shuffling through them before ripping up the 'Abortion and Male Omegas' one and chucking it in the bin. Charlie looked up at him in confusion.

"I'm not against abortion, Charlie, not by a long shot." Nick began to explain. "But that's our pup in there. God, we've made a pup." A small chuckle escaped his lips before he took his boyfriend into his arms and kissed him deeply. "We're going to have a pup." He wasn’t sure if the laughter was was excitement or the shock. It was probably a bit of both.

They had taken the bus back to Nick's in silence, just trying to let their news sink in. The original plan was to go back to school after the appointment; they still had lessons to complete in the afternoon. But neither of them could quite stomach them thought of being around all those people.

Sarah was thankfully at work, giving the boys a quiet place to retreat. Charlie found himself curled into Nick's side on the sofa, neither even bothering to turn on the tv.

"It'll be alright, you know." Nick tried to reassure him, but sounding uncertain himself.

"My dad's going to kill you." Was all Charlie could mutter out. "Like, actually kill you. We can't tell them."

"We can't keep it an secret forever." Charlie felt fingers running soothingly through his curls. He placed a hand over his stomach, still flat but knowing it wouldn't stay that way for much longer.

"Just for now then." He said, not asking but more telling the alpha that they needed to keep this between just the two of them.

*

Charlie's symptoms didn't seem to ease over the week leading up to their ultrasound. Every morning at 5am on the dot he woke up with an urgency to throw up everything he had eaten the night before. By 7am, he would usually be left feeling nauseous but unable to get anything more up. Despite Nick's protests that he should be resting, especially when feeling so sick, Charlie continued going to school. He couldn't afford to arise suspicion that anything was wrong (although it was clear to all his friends that he wasn't feeling himself, but one look from Nick and they stopped their badgering). He felt bad keeping it a secret, but the thought of everyone at school knowing filled them both with so much dread. It would be the Summer holidays soon anyway, a final 6 weeks of a somewhat normality. They knew when they returned in September there would be little chance of hiding it.

The morning of the ultrasound came around quickly. The boys met at the bus stop, lying to both their parents that they had free study periods that morning.

"You smell different." Nick remarked, nose going to his neck to try and get a better smell.

"Different how?" Charlie quizzed, eyebrow cocked. "If you say I smell like sick I will honestly be so angry, you know I can't help it. I can't believe you think I smell bad!" Another of Charlie's mood swings came on, but Nick was quick to reassure him that it was not to do with that.

"I think you smell....pregnant?" It came out as more of a question. "You know how Mrs Durham is pregnant and she smells different?" Charlie nodded his head, thinking about his English teacher who was currently 3 weeks off from taking her maternity leave. "Well, you smell a bit like her. Not from a distance, but here, up close. You smell pregnant." Nick confirmed, more sure of his statement now.

Charlie could feel his face redden, suddenly self conscious. "Does it smell bad?"

"No, no no no not at all!" Nick was quick to answer, worried his boyfriend would become upset again. "It smells homely, cozy, strangely comforting. There's nothing bad about the smell." He reassured.

The bus journey to the hospital went quickly, and before they knew it they were stepping into the maternity ward at their local hospital. For the first time, Charlie was acutely aware that he was the only omega in the waiting room to be unmated. He could feel eyes on them, judging their young ages. Nick gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"They're all looking at us." Charlie whispered as they took their seats, feeling the man beside him look him up and down.

Their appointment ended up being half an hour delayed, but soon enough 'Charlie Spring' was being called over the intercom.

He could feel butterflies in his stomach - or perhaps it was the baby moving? No, it would be too early for that. A friendly female beta greeted them, introducing herself Rebecca Barker who'll be their midwife.

"Now, Charlie, if you'd like to just hop up on the bed for me and lie back. There we go, that's a good lad." Charlie did as told, resting back against the hospital bed. "And if you could pop your top up for me a little bit, that would be perfect, we just want to get a good look at baby."

Charlie felt at ease with Rebecca, and lifted his school shirt up to expose his stomach. Nick, who had been standing there awkwardly until that point, took this as his queue to take the seat next to his boyfriend's head.

"Now, I'm just gonna put some of this jelly on your belly - do you see what I did there!" She chuckled to herself.

The jelly was cold of Charlie's stomach. Rebecca took what looked like a space age wand and started moving it around, eyes focused on a screen out of sight from the boys.

"So, I'm currently trying to determine how far along you are," She explained, "and from the looks of it, I'd say you're roughly 9 weeks along." She gave them a bright smile.

"When will I be due?" Charlie asked, eyes focused intensely on his stomach.

Their midwife got out her calculator, tapping away before concluding "January 20th. A lovely little winter pup. Would you like to see?"

He nodded, feeling a tiny bit of excitement. She turned around the screen she had been looking at. "This is your baby. Congratulations."

They both stared at the screen; Nick was the first to break the silence. "It just looks like a blob."

Rebecca laughed. "Well, yes, but I can assure you the blob is your baby. There's just not much to see this early on. But look here," she pointed to one part of the blob, "this is baby's head. And this," she pointed to another blob attached to the first, "is the baby's body. Now if I just turn this on..." she flicked a switch, and what sounded like a herd of galloping horses filled the room.

"Is that..?" Charlie asked, suddenly overcome with emotion.

"Yes, that's your baby's heartbeat. Nice and strong too, sounds healthy."

Charlie let out a sob, overwhelmed by the sound. He hadn't expected his own reaction, nor the one of Nick. When he looked over to his boyfriend, he could see tears forming in his eyes too.

"That's our baby, Char." He whispered out, taking his hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing his knuckles.

Charlie cleaned himself up after that, popping himself onto the chair in front of the midwives desk and next to Nick.

"Now, I believe your GP gave you some leaflets about your options. Have you decided on anything? There's no pressure if you haven't."

Charlie looked over at Nick's tear stained face, a smile forming. "We know we're young. But we want to keep it." He answered for the both of them.

Rebecca nodded her head. "I thought so by your reactions to the ultrasound. In that case, we best get a game plan in action."

They discussed everything from which vitamins would be best, pregnancy support classes, which foods he should and shouldn't be eating, what to expect between now and their next appointment. Nick had typed everything out on his phone, the list being nearly as long as his arm!

"I just want to be prepared." He had said somewhat sheepishly when Charlie had asked about it as they left their appointment.

"That's actually really sweet."

They walked out hand in hand, pictures of the sonogram in their pockets, and feeling more excited about what was to come.

Chapter Text

"Charlie, honey, can you come here for a minute?" Jane's voice called up the stairs. 

Charlie sighed, putting down his revision book and taking a slow walk to meet her in the kitchen. "What's up, Mum?" He asked as he poked his head around the door. 

She gestured for him to sit in front of him, a serious look on her face, and his stomach dropped. She knows. She must know. Why else would she be looking like this, asking to talk to him. Why would she want to talk to him?

"Charlie, I was hoping we could talk about what happened the other month." She said with such speed that it took him a second to understand what she was saying. 

"You mean, when I got in after 10pm? Listen, I'm sorry Mum, honestly the film at Tao's overran and -"

His Mum cut him off. "I don't mean that, Charlie. I mean, about when you, um," she coughed awkwardly, "when you presented." She whispered the last part, as if it was a state secret that he was an omega. 

Charlie felt himself physically relax as relief flooded over him. So she didn't know about the baby. 

"You're going to go into heat again soon..." she began, not meeting her son's eyes. "It'll take a while for them to come regularly, they'll come about every 4 months before becoming more frequent over the next few years, and we just want you to be safe."

Charlie felt bad lying to his Mum, but he had no choice. "I know, Mum, and I will be. I promise."

"Now I know you weren't expecting to present as an omega, nor did you mean to spend your first heat with Nick," Charlie could practically feel the heat radiating of his Mum's face, and he would have found it funny if he wasn't in a similar situation at the mention of him and Nick having sex, "but we, me and your Father, we don't want you to spend another heat with him. You're both too young, there's too much that could go wrong. Do you understand?"

She finally looked up to meet her son's eyes and he nodded, the guilty feeling tugging away inside. "Ok, I won't." He reassured her. 

"We just don't want you doing anything you'll regret. We know you love Nick, and he loves you, but you're both so young. The last thing you want to do at this age is mate or find yourself pregnant."

There it was. Pregnant. All Charlie could do was nod, knowing how disappointed she would be when he finally told her. 

"And I know you had your hopes set on presenting as a beta, and I'm sorry things didn't turn out that way." She really did sound sympathetic. "So, I've bought you a few things." 

She lifted what looked like a shoe box onto their dining room table, and Charlie lifted the lid to take a look inside. The contents of the box practically killed him with embarrassment. A multitude of fake knots, sex toys, creams and sprays. 

"Oh, um, Mum, you really didn't have to do this." Charlie said awkwardly as he put the lid back on the box. "Like, seriously, you really didn't."

She pushed the box further in his direction. "They'll help you. I know how hard the first few years are, my parents wouldn't even acknowledge it. So, keep this box under your bed, just for when you need it. And I also got you this." She pulled out a packet of pills reading 'Male Omega Birth Control.' "To be safe." She explained. 

Charlie was pretty sure he died there and then. 

*

"Wait, so she actually pulled out a box of knots?!" Darcy exclaimed, bursting into a fit of laughter. 

"It was so embarrassing I think I could have passed out!" Charlie cried as he buried his head into Nick's chest.

They'd all gone out bowling together to celebrate the end of their exams. After the awkward conversation with his Mother, Charlie had rushed straight upstairs to message Nick that he was struggling to hide their secret. Together they agreed it was time to start telling people, and they were going to begin with their friends. 

"If it's any consolation, my Dad literally got me a flesh light after my first rut. And he had no shame in handing it to me IN FRONT of my Mum. To say I was mortified was an understatement!" Tao declared.

"Why are parent's so embarrassing!" Elle laughed. "I think my Mum has had more conversations about being safe around you during your rut than anything else recently!" She looked towards Tao with a cheesy grin on her face. 

"At least you've not actually spent an entire rut round your boyfriend's house!" Nick chipped in, not realising what he had said until it was too late. Everyone went quiet. 

"I thought you said that you'd only knotted once, and that your rut only came once you got home?" Isaac asked slowly, looking up from over his book. 

Nick and Charlie shared a panicked look. They'd had today all planned out, bowling then dinner at Zizzi. Then they'd go to the park for a milkshake where they'd tell everyone to close their eyes as they have a surprise, and when they open them they boys would be holding up the ultrasound photo for them to see. 

"Umm...no....I actually didn't manage to go home..." Nick replied, thinking his words through carefully this time. 

"You spent your heat and rut together?!" Darcy all but screamed, causing a nearby Mum with her children to shoot the group a dirty look. 

The boys nodded and mumbled that, yes, that is what happened. 

"How was it?" Elle asked to Charlie, being the only other omega in their group. Everyone knew how much she and Tao were desperate to spend a heat or rut together, but their parents forbid it. 

A grin appeared on Charlie's face as he thought back to what he could remember of that week. The desperation, the pleasure, the feeling of nothing else mattering than Nick being inside him, of being close to Nick. How he had never felt so full but also never felt full enough. How he had let Nick in in a way he never had before, putting all his trust in his boyfriend to take care of him. 

"It was pretty great." He replied with a smirk. "But, um, that's not the only thing."

He glanced a look to Nick who stared back with nothing but adoration in his eyes. They gripped hands, giving a squeeze of encouragement, silently speaking without saying any words. 

They'd grabbed everyone's attention now, the game of bowling long forgotten. Even Isaac had marked the place in his book and put it down. 

"Well, I'm, we're, me and Nick." Charlie took a deep breath. "We're going to have a baby. I'm pregnant." He whispered the last part. 

They had prepared themselves for the worst of reactions. Looks of disgust. Being told they don't want to be their friends anymore. But what they didn't expect was squeals of happiness and Tara all but launching herself at Charlie and giving him the biggest hug. He could feel Darcy next to him doing the same to Nick. 

"Oh my god, we're going to have a baby in the group!" Elle gushed, pulling both boys into a hug too. "This is so exciting!" 

"Get ready for the sleepless nights." Isaac teased, but a huge smile filled his face too. 

The only one who hadn't spoken was Tao. He just sat there, a stoic look on his face. 

"Tao?" Charlie asked tentatively. 

He sighed, but got up and wrapped his best friend in a hug. "I'm happy for you, Charlie." He said truthfully. But then he turned to look at Nick. "But I swear, if you're forcing him to keep the baby, or do anything to hurt Charlie, or walk out on him and the pup, I will kill you." It wasn't an empty threat. 

Tao had always been protective over Charlie, particularly because of all the bullying he had faced in year 9. And, being an alpha, this protectiveness had only intensified over the last year. It had caused him and Nick to come at loggerheads quite a few times, but they each knew the other only had Charlie's best interests at heart. 

"I'm not, I won't. I promise." Nick confirmed, wrapping an arm around his boyfriend. "They're my pack, and I'll do anything and everything I can to look after them."

Charlie's heart warmed. Nick had never called him part of his pack before, the phrase usually reserved for mated couples and their pups. But, he supposed, they were practically half way there. 

"Well, in that case, congratulations." Tao smiled, wrapping the other alpha in a hug.

Chapter Text

"Are you eating...mushed banana with garlic?" Tori asked one morning, giving Charlie a confused look. 

Charlie was now 12 weeks pregnant, and had entered his second trimester. His morning sickness had finally eased. However, in it's place had come heartburn, headaches, and cravings, the latest of which was banana with garlic and pepper. He had woken up thinking it a strange thing to want, but he and the baby both seemed to love it. So that's where he found himself that Sunday morning, at the kitchen table with a bunch of bananas and a tube of garlic paste. 

"I would offer you some, but we're running out of bananas and I don't feel like sharing." Charlie replied, pulling the bowl close to him as though she was about to snatch it away. 

His sister laughed at him. "It's ok, you can have it all to yourself." He also thought he heard her mutter 'what a strange boy' under her breath. 

He was about to respond when the door bell went off. Nick was here! He practically ran from his seat to greet his boyfriend, wrapping him into a tight hug and giving him a kiss. 

"Well good morning to you too!" Nick replied with a smirk, happily taking his hand as Charlie dragged him into the kitchen. 

"Tori is being horrible to me about my breakfast. I think it's because she's annoyed I won't share. But it's too good to share." Charlie explained as he plonked himself back in his seat to enjoy his banana breakfast. 

"Is that...banana and garlic?" Nick questioned, just as confused as Tori was. 

"Banana, garlic AND pepper." Charlie corrected, taking another big mouthful. 

Nick and Tori shared a look, with Tori mouthing 'weird' and Nick nodding in agreement as he made a cup of tea. 

"It's been a while since you've been over Nick, finally grown some balls to stand up to our Dad after you took his eldest son’s virginity?"

Nick spluttered on his drink, forgetting how the eldest Spring child was much less bashful than the rest of the family. The truth was, Nick had come over today as they were going to tell Charlie’s family about the baby. 

He looked over to Charlie, who was trying (and failing) to hold back a laugh. "Yep, Dad will definitely have killed you by the end of today."

"Who's Dad killing?" Julio Spring asked as he entered the kitchen, the smile on his face turning into anger as he laid eyes on Nick. "Get out."

"Dad, come on, it's been months now." Tori tried to defend her brother's boyfriend. Being an alpha AND a teenager, she was happy to stand up to her father. 

"I've told you before, boy. You're not welcome here." He started to storm towards Nick, steam practically spewing from his ears. 

Charlie was quick to his feet, standing in the way of his Dad to try and act as a human shield. Nick was quick to move him out of the way, desperate to protect his omega. 

"Mr Spring, please, let me explain-"

He was cut off by little Olly Spring running into the room, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "NICK!!!" He screamed, running to the boy and clinging to him tightly. "Missed you Nick."

Nick bent down to be at eye level. "Missed you too, little man." He ruffled his hair. 

"Mummy said it wouldn't be you down here, but I told her I could hear your voice and I was right!" He exclaimed, and just then Jane Spring entered the room. She stopped in her tracks upon seeing Nick. 

"Oh, Nick. We weren't expecting you here." She said tentatively, placing a hand on her husband’s arm and pulling him away to avoid any physical fights. 

"Mrs Spring, it's lovely to see you." Nick smiled at her, grateful for her intervention. 

She looked at him sympathetically. "We're, um, we're all about to have breakfast actually. Would you like some?"

"Jane!" Julio exclaimed, clearly not agreeing with her inviting Nick to the family meal. 

"I wouldn't want to cause any arguments." Nick said calmly, eyes trained on Julio in case he made a lunge. 

"Nonsense, it's ok. Would you like some toast?" 

Nick nodded, staring at Charlie dumbfounded, not expecting Jane to have been so welcoming. He gratefully took the toast, sitting himself next to Charlie. 

"Would you like any, honey?" Jane asked, to which Charlie shook his head, saying he was fine with what he had. "Cravings." Jane laughed. "I had them too when I first presented. Was mostly chocolate though, I can't say that your concoction was something I ever wanted."

Charlie physically tensed, sharing a look with his boyfriend. Self consciously, he put down his spoon and squeezed Nick's knee beneath the table. 

"There's actually something we've been meaning to talk to you about, in that sort of realm." Charlie started off, catching Tori's attention who came to squeeze in next to her brother. 

"Ooo do tell, are you going to ask if you can spend your next heat with Nick again?" She asked dryly, earning a look from her mum. 

"Is that what this is about? Have I not made myself clear that you are far too young for that, and it will not be happening under my roof?" Julio's voice boomed, causing Olly to cower into his Jane's lap. 

"The thing is, Dad, I don't think I'm going to be having another heat for a while..." he trailed off, eyes trained to a loose piece of thread on his top that he fiddled with. 

"What do you mean, honey?" His Mum asked, concern lacing her voice. 

He knew as soon as he said it that Tori had it figured out, her head whipping round so fast he was surprised she didn't break it. He internally begged her that she would say it for him, not thinking he could find the words. Nick seemed to sense his distress, so took the plunge himself. 

"He means he's pregnant, and it's mine." Nick replied with confidence, sitting tall but preparing himself for an attack from Julio that never came. 

Instead it was silence. A long, deafening silence. 

And then. 

"Oh my, I'm going to be an auntie." Tori whispered, her hand over her mouth in disbelief. 

His mum sat there, her face impossible to read. “I’ve never been so…disappointed, Charles.” She finally said. Charlie recoiled at the use of his full name, his parents only ever calling him that if he was in deep trouble. 

"No child of mine will be 16 and all pupped up. No, we're not doing this. You both need to leave." His father demanded, and he could see his mum physically restraining him from getting up and lunging at Nick. 

"Mr Spring, surely you can't mean this, it's my fault-"

Nick was cut off. "-I know it's your fault. But you both need to leave." Julio spat out. 

“Mum?” Charlie asked his mum desperately, but she just shook her head in response, turning her face in Julio’s neck. He could see the tears brimming in her eyes. 

Charlie knew better than to argue with his parents. He ran upstairs, Nick and Tori hot on his heels. 

"They don't mean it, Charlie. They just need some time to let it sink in." Nick tried to reassure him, watching with worry as he chucked as much of his belongings as he could into a duffel bag. 

"Where will you go?" Tori asked, taking a photo he had framed of the two of them as children and placing it deep in the bag.

"Nick's. I'm going to go to Nick's. Is that ok?" He turned to his boyfriend, not wanting to assume. 

"Of course, we'll have to tell Mum but she won't mind."

With his bag packed, he gave his sister one long, tight hug. "I love you." He whispered into her ear. 

"I love you too."

*

The walk to Nick's seemed longer than usual. The tears hadn't stopped flowing down Charlie's face, and Nick hated nothing more than seeing his omega upset and knowing there was nothing he could do about it. 

"What if your Mum reacts the same?" Charlie asked as he reached the front door, voice small. 

"She loves you, Char. It'll be ok." He reassured him, unsure if his fear of the same was showing even as he tried to hide it. 

"Hi Mum!" Nick called out as they stepped through the door, dropping Charlie's bag at the bottom of the stairs. 

"Nicky, you're back early!" Her voice could be heard from the living room. "Are you - oh, Charlie, love!" She emerged from the front room, lay eyes on his tear stained face and quickly pulled him into her chest. “It's ok, my love, it's ok." She tried to sooth, running her fingers through his hair. 

"Can Charlie stay here for a while? Please?" Nick asked, his heart breaking as Charlie let out another sob, leaving a wet patch on Sarah's top. 

"Of course! Charlie, dear, you're welcome to stay here as long as you need." She replied, kissing his forehead and shooting Nick a look that said 'we'll talk about this later'. 

"Thank you, Sarah." Charlie said through a sniffle, his crying coming near to an end. 

Nick picked up Charlie's bag again and took his hand, leading him up the stairs to his bedroom. He tucked Charlie into bed, knowing he'd be tired after the events of the morning. 

"Would you like anything? I can do you're weird banana-garlic thing if you like?" Nick asked, glad to finally see a smile spread across Charlie's face. 

He shook his head. "No thanks, just lie with me?" He replied, and Nick was happy to oblige. 

He crawled in next to his boyfriend, putting a protective arm around him and Charlie snuggled in closer, nose going to his neck to breath in the sweet, safe smell. A content look fell across his face, and soon enough small snores could be heard filling the room. Nick spent some time scrolling through Twitter and Instagram, only disturbed about an hour later when his Mum poked her head around the door. He looked up, putting a finger to his lips to silently tell her to keep quiet, before slipping out and following her downstairs. 

"Now Nick, you know I'm more than happy to have Charlie stay over as long as he needs, but I'd like to know why. What's happened?" She questioned, handing her son a mug filled with tea. 

Nick gratefully accepted, taking a long gulp. "His parents, they've kicked him out."

Sarah looked at him shocked. "But Charlie's such a good kid, what could he have done?"

"He's pregnant, Mum." And then it was Nick's turn to start crying, his tough alpha persona fading away. 

"Oh, Nicky." Sarah was quick to wrap her arms around her youngest son, holding him tight as though he might fall if she let go. "It's ok, it's going to be ok, just let it all out."

"It's all my fault. I should have had better control, shouldn't have done it. His parents have kicked him out because of me." He sobbed some more, feeling like a young pup again who'd gotten into trouble for the first time at school, or failed an exam he had studied hard for. Only this time, the consequences were far more permanent. 

Sarah sighed - she couldn't deny that her son had some input into Charlie's predicament. But she also understood that things things happened. She already knew that when Charlie had unexpectedly gone into heat that it had triggered her son's rut after receiving a text from Jane Spring, but Nick had assured her that he had taken emergency birth control after. 

"Well, I'm a little disappointed that I'm going to become a Grandma at such a young age, people will think it's my baby!" She tried to make light of the situation, causing Nick to give her a teary smile and roll his eyes. 

"You're not mad?" He asked nervously. 

"Oh I’m mad,” she started, giving him her intimidating mum look, “but what's done is done. You'll always be my baby but now you're going to be having your own baby. When will you be having your own baby?" She quizzed, seemingly trying to figure out how far along Charlie was but struggling to do so.

"He's due January 20th, only about 12 weeks along now."

"You've hid this from me for 12 weeks!" She exclaimed, eyes wide in shock. "How? You're rubbish at hiding stuff!"

Nick couldn't help but laugh at that. "I'm surprised you didn't realise, especially after he started crying when Pizza Hut didn't have any pineapple in stock for his Hawaiian pizza!" 

"I think I would have cried too if they didn't have my favourite pizza." Sarah chimed back. 

"Nick?" Charlie's voice echoed down the stairs. 

"Just down here, Char!" He yelled back, and soon enough the soft padding of his feet could be heard as we went to join the pair. He'd changed into one of Nick's hoodies and a pair of his tracksuit bottoms, and Nick couldn't help but think how adorable he looked. He opened his arms, to which Charlie all but collapsed into. 

"Mum knows." He said, wanting to keep Charlie in the loop. 

He stiffened, feeling Sarah's eyes on him. He pulled out of Nick's embrace, turning to look at her. 

"Please don't make us leave." His voice sounded small and desperate, but Sarah's face softened as she pulled him into a hug. 

"Darling, I would never make you leave. For as long as you need, you have a home here. And I mean all three of you." She put a hand on his still flat stomach to emphasise what she meant. "Anything you need, vitamins, food you're craving, clothes, don't ever be afraid to ask me. You understand?"

"Thank you." Was all Charlie could mutter, overcome with the emotions of being so welcomed to his new home.

Chapter Text

The following week marked the start of the summer holidays, with the UK being hit by a heatwave come the first week of August. 

"How do you fancy a day at the beach?" Nick suggested one morning as he set about making himself a bowl of cereal and Charlie some Greek yogurt, raspberries and garlic (with garlic now being added to EVERY meal. 'It's what the baby wants' he would reply happily). 

Charlie gave him one of those looks that said 'are you kidding me?' He had a mini fan in one hand, directing it at his face whilst the larger fan which usually stood in the living room was now in front of him, cooling down his body. "Do you know how hot it is, Nick? You want to take your pregnant boyfriend to a beach, a really hot beach, where he'll actually melt into the sand?" 

"There'll be a nice breeze to keep you cool, and I heard salt water is good for swollen ankles." He nodded his head down to where Charlie's feet dangled from the stool, looking particularly puffy today - another of the pregnancy symptoms Charlie loathed. 

He thought for a moment, weighing up the options. "Ok, but you have to buy me ice cream. Lots of ice creams." He thought for a moment. "And take the tube of garlic with us, and kiss me after."

Nick made a gagging sound. "You want me to kiss you with your stinky garlic breath?"

"If you want me to go to the beach, then yes."

"Ok, deal."

And that's where they found themselves just 2 hours later, a blanket spread out on the sand whilst the boys sat there happily licking away at their 99's. Charlie had complained about the heat at first, but that had quickly changed as Nick took his top off, basking in the sun as he tanned his chest. Charlie couldn't take his eyes off him. 

"Like what you see?" Nick traded, wiggling his eyebrows. 

"You know I do." Charlie replied with a smirk. 

The first trimester had been tough on Charlie. Even though he was only being sick in the mornings, he still felt nauseous throughout most of the day. The headaches were frequent, and overall he just felt tired and run down the whole time. Sex had been the last thing on his mind. Since moving into Nick's, he had started to feel better, but Sarah went by a strict 'no closed doors' rule. Nick had argued this with her for quite some time, saying that Charlie was already pregnant so how much more trouble could they get into. Despite his protests, his Mum had stood her ground, leaving the amount of alone time the boys had to a bare minimum. 

"You could take your top off too, you know. Only if you wanted." Nick suggested, treading carefully. He knew how self conscious Charlie was of his body. "There's only a few people around here."

Charlie looked around the quiet corner of the beach they found themselves in. Despite a few couples and one family with a toddler, there wasn't anyone else in their immediate sight. He finished the last of his ice cream, and then decided Nick was right. His skin was looking awfully pale, not that he would normally mind, but next to Nick's golden skin it was obvious how stark the contrast was. He could feel Nick's eyes on him the whole time. Once his top was off, he leaned back on his elbows, loving the feeling of the warmth on his skin. But Nick didn't stop staring. 

"Hello? Earth to Nick?" Charlie waved his hand in front of his boyfriend's face, trying to snap him out of his trance. 

He looked up, a smile filling his face. "You have a bump!"

Charlie looked confused, but when he looked down he could see his boyfriend was right. It was slight and barely there, but his usually flat stomach now sported a tiny curve. 

"Wow...I guess I do." Charlie said through a grin, hand going out to stroke gentle circles on it. "Little guys starting to grow!"

Nick cocked his eyebrow. "Little guy? Why not little girl?"

"I just have a feeling that they're a boy, and Mummy knows best!" Charlie replied, sticking his tongue out. 

Nick came to lay beside him, placing his large hand over his abdomen. "Well I think they're a girl, call it Daddy's instinct." He teased back, leaning down to place a kiss on the bare skin of his stomach. Anyone within a mile could have smelt how happy and content the couple were in that moment, as if nothing in the world mattered but them.

They lay together peacefully on their blanket, just watching the world go by. Nick ran his hands through Charlie's curls, twirling them around his finger ever so often. 

"What do you think of the name Barnaby?" Charlie asked, peaking a look up to his boyfriend's face, who flared his nose as though he'd smelt something funny. 

"No chance, Char. Reminds me of Barney the dinosaur. How about Emily?"

"Far too common, plus baby Nelson is to be a boy so no need to think of girl names." Charlie gave a cheeky grin.

"Baby Nelson-Spring." Nick corrected. 

Charlie sat up a bit at this, resting on his elbows as he looked at him. "You want to double barrel his name? That's not very 'alpha' of you."

Nick went in to peck him on the lips. "She's both of ours, not just yours. Only fair she takes your name, too."

Charlie nodded, thoughtful for a moment. "I want to be mated before he comes."

This had caught Nick slightly off guard. "Oh you do, do you?" He quizzed. 

Charlie nodded his head enthusiastically. "Yep, you knocked me up, you gotta mate me. I ain't going through the whole 'giving birth' mess without a mark on my neck." 

"Well I don't think I can do that here on a beach..." Nick teased as Charlie rolled his eyes. 

"A bite mark on my neck, Nick. It's what I want."

*

From then on it seemed as if everything in Charlie's pregnancy ramped up. It wasn't uncommon for him to wake Nick up in the middle of the night near tears because all he wanted was a mushed strawberries with garlic (possibly the worst craving yet) and he couldn't sleep without it. Well, he was having trouble sleeping regardless; the baby was getting bigger, and it was making it difficult to find a comfortable position. But no matter what ridiculous hour his boyfriend would wake him, Nick would assure him it was no trouble at all, taking the stairs 2 at a time as he rushed to make the early morning snacks. And as Charlie ate away, Nick massaging his sore back from the extra weight he was carrying, the whole room would fill with the scent of content pregnant omega and there was no better feeling than knowing that he was the cause of that.

Charlie had also taken to wearing Nick's clothes exclusively. His belly had outgrown all of his own, and it's not as if wearing Nick's clothes was uncommon for him anyway. But wearing his bottoms was new. As his body prepared to birth his pup, his hips had begun to widen. Only slightly, but enough that all of his jeans were now uncomfortably tight and wouldn't do up around his bump. Nick had thought it cute, his eyes glowing at the sight of his pregnant boyfriend getting dressed that morning. A few stretch marks had started to adorn his body, and Nick felt nothing but adoration for Charlie as his body adjusted around their pup. 

"Bet you wouldn't think it so cute if you were the one actually preparing to push it out." Charlie had growled, earning a laugh from Nick as he wrapped him in his arms. 

Much to his horror, Charlie had also started lactating. It was a horrid day in the Nelson household when they heard a panicked cry from the bathroom. Nick had been the first one up, pounding up the stairs with Sarah close behind him, worried that something had happened to his boyfriend. 

"Char, what's happened, are you hurt?" Nick had asked, holding him at arms length as he appeared to look at every part of his body for any sign of injury. 

"I'm not hurt, but look!" He cried out, pointing to his left side where a milk stain had appeared on his top where his nipple was. "I'm turning into a fucking cow!"

Nick let out a sigh of relief whilst Sarah stifled her laughter. "God, don't scare us like that!" 

The day after, Sarah had returned from shopping with some nipple pads and the smallest cup sports bra she could find. 

"I'm not a girl, I don't have boobs, I'm not wearing that!" Charlie had protested as she held it up. 

Nick and his Mum shared a look, both noticing how Charlie's chest had grown slightly to help feed his baby. It wasn't much, hardly even an A cup, but it had grown. As soon as they'd noticed a few weeks before, they'd silently agreed to not bring it up. 

"No one's forcing you, Char," Nick reassured, "it's just an option, in case you ever need it." 

Charlie reluctantly took the bra and cotton pads, muttering out a thank you to Sarah before going to his room to shove them at the bottom of his drawer. Out of sight, out of mind.

*

The week before the new school year started, Charlie was booked in for his 20 week scan. He was bouncing with nerves, not sure what to expect having not seen their baby for about 3 months. Sarah drove them to the clinic, reminiscing on her own pregnancies with Nick and his older brother David. 

"David's pregnancy was horrendous, first pregnancies always are, dear." She looked to Charlie through the rear view mirror, giving him a reassuring smile. Charlie grimaced back at her, trying to hold back from being sick. Motion sickness was an unexpected side effect of growing his pup. "I hated the idea of having to go through it again, but Nick you were such a little angel. Your pregnancy flew by! It was so much easier the second time."

Sarah had most definitely warmed up to the idea of becoming a Grandma; sometimes Nick couldn't tell who was more excited for the baby to arrive, Charlie or his Mum!

Charlie had mentally prepared himself for the disapproving looks at the hospital. Although his (Nick's) hoodie managed to conceal his bump, there was a reason that he was in the waiting room of a maternity clinic. He also knew that, by this point, he smelt strongly of pregnant omega. The scent blockers he had ordered for school had arrived, and he'd tried them once, but the smell had given him a headache so he'd decided to only use them when he really needed to. 

Thankfully the wait wasn't long, and soon enough he found himself having his weight and blood taken before lying back down on the bed in Rebecca's room, top pulled up to reveal his bump. 

"How have you been feeling, Charlie?" She asked, glancing over to look at the boy as she moved the wand over his stomach. 

"A bit achy, and I've been having trouble sleeping. My hips have been hurting too." His hand went to rub his hip, the mere mention of it causing a dull ache. 

"Hmm, all completely normal I'm afraid. Massages can help with any aches and pains, and have you tried a pregnancy pillow for the sleep?" She asked as she jotted something down from the scan. 

"Not yet, we'll have to get one."

Rebecca spent a few more minutes examining the screen, before asking if they'd like to see their baby. They both nodded enthusiastically, and she turned the screen around. A head was now clearly visible, as was a body and tiny little limbs which flailed about. 

"It actually looks like a baby this time!" Nick said as he watched the tiny thing move about on the screen. 

"It? Don't you mean he?" Charlie corrected. 

"Did you want to find out the gender? I can tell you if you like?" Rebecca asked, a smirk on her face. 

It wasn't something they'd really discussed, finding out the baby's gender. Nick was so convinced it was a girl, and Charlie a boy, they hadn't really thought about when they'd find out who was correct. 

"Do you?" Nick asked down to his boyfriend. 

"Yea, ok, yes please, we'd like to know." A huge grin filled Charlie's face. 

"Well in that case, it looks like Daddy was correct. Congratulations, you're having a little girl!"

Chapter Text

The weekend after they had found out the gender of their baby was filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. They had sent out texts to all their friends and Tori announcing that they were going to have a little girl, and had been swamped with messages of congratulations and 'OMG YOUR BABY IS GOING TO BE THE CUTEST!'

But it was also not long until they returned to school. Everyone had been sworn to secrecy about the pregnancy. A few teachers had been told - Sarah had insisted, in case anything went wrong - but Charlie was determined to keep his news a secret from the rest of the boys at Truham. Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. 

"Are you sure you can't see that I've got cotton pads taped to my nipples?" Charlie asked Nick, refusing to wear a bra but also very conscious of the fact that he could leak onto his top at any given moment. 

"I promise, you can't see a thing with the jumper covering it." Nick responded, helping Charlie do up his tie. 

"And the bump? You can't see the bump?"

He seemed to be expanding at an alarming rate (well, the midwife had said it was normal, but that still alarmed Charlie), and even Nick's jumpers were becoming a little snug. The school jumper he was currently wearing was an XL, and only just grazed the very top of his bump. He new it wasn't a permanent fix, but it would do for the time being. 

"Nope, baby girl is hidden." Nick reassured as he gestured for Charlie to hold out his arms. Charlie obliged, and Nick began spraying him thoroughly with a scent blocker. Anyone standing next to him would be able to smell the sweet scent of pregnant omega and, as bad as the scent blocker smelt, it was worth it. But no amount of scent blocker could hide the waves of nerves coming off of Charlie. "Hey, it'll be ok." Nick soothed, bringing his boyfriend in close and cradling his face in his neck. 

"But, will it? I'm not ready for people to know yet. Once they know I'll be the school laughing stock, the school slut who couldn't keep his legs shut, who's gone and got himself all pupped before he's even 18." He placed a caring hand on the curve of his stomach. "I love her, and I want to scream it from the rooftops that I'm carrying your pup. I just hate that circumstances mean that telling people will lead to me being ridiculed."

Nick could understand Charlie's nerves; year 9 had been tough for him. In fact, tough was an understatement. 3 years later and ready for his first year of college whilst knowing that he would soon have to reveal something that could make him a target scared him. But Nick wouldn't have that, he would protect his pack. 

"So long as I'm here, I promise you no one will lay a hand on you or say anything cruel or nasty.”He tried to reassure him. "Anyone even looks at you funny, I'll deal with them. It's going to be ok."

They stood in a comfortable silence for a moment, just embracing each other. "Let's do this then." Charlie started, blowing out a breath he didn't know he was holding. 

*

The first week back at school had been surprisingly uneventful. The minute Charlie had stepped foot into Truham, he had expected all eyes to turn on him and for someone to immediately twig that he was pregnant. 

But no. Not a single person seemed to suspect a thing. And, if they did, they hadn't mentioned it. 

However, it seemed that the couple were being tested. At least Nick was. Because just one week in, the headteacher had called his whole year into an assembly. Apparently, everyone in his year had now presented, so this was now the perfect time for a sex education class. 

So that's where he found himself, in the school gym with the 100 or so alphas in his year with a large projector ready to play an outdated film on the ins and outs of being an alpha or omega. He'd sat himself as far back as he could with Tao by his side. 

"Right, class, so this is year 13 sex ed class!" Mrs Smith, the only alpha teacher in their school, announced to the room full of red and awkward faces. Regardless of their secondary genders, they were all still teenagers, and in a world where more often than not sex was a taboo subject, everyone was feeling a slight bit awkward about the class. "We're going to start by watching a video, and then we'll go on to answer any questions you all might have."

The video began, firstly explaining the differences between alphas, betas and omegas. An alpha came on screen, listing the signs to look out for to indicate you're about to go into rut ('surely we all know this already, or we wouldn't be sitting here' Tao leaned in to whisper to Nick, and he nodded his head in agreement). 

The next segment caught his attention: Pregnancy and Pups

'Pregnancy occurs when an alpha knots an omega, with chances increased if the knotting takes place whilst both are in heat and rut. The most sure sign of pregnancy is a missed heat, however earlier signs can include nausea, fatigue, cravings, a change in scent, and mood swings. Once pregnant, an omegas mate will no longer go into rut for the duration of the pregnancy, with your rut not returning until about 3 months after the birth. This will usually coincide with the omegas first post-birth heat. The delay is nature's way of ensuring that your omega is safe and is given time to recover. It can be dangerous for a pregnant omega to go through an alphas rut with them.'

Nick chuckled to himself, mentally ticking off all the symptoms he remembered Charlie having, and thanking the heavens that most of them had now subsided. He also needed to find out more about ruts - his was due next month. 

'As an alpha, you will be a vital support for your pregnant omega. They will rely on you from small things like fetching their latest craving, to reassurance during appointments, and support during the birth. Pregnancy is a scary time for an omega; they will be facing a lot of changes both physically and mentally, they will lose control over their bodies as they grow to accommodate the pup or pups, as they experience mood swings. It's down to you as their alpha to help make this journey as easy as possible. It's important to create a calm and relaxing environment for a pregnant omega.'

He could see Tao give him a pointed look out of the corner of his eye, as if to say 'if you do anything to upset him, I will kill you.' Nick was glad Charlie had his friends looking out for him. 

'Most omegas will have started nesting by the 34 week mark, but it can start as early as 12 weeks. This natural instinct to create a warm, safe place should be encouraged. Do not be surprised if you start to notice items of clothing going missing - omegas like their nests to be filled with the scent of their alpha. A good idea would be to buy some blankets and soft jumpers, sleep with them for a week or two, and then gift them to your omega. Some omegas will make their nest somewhere obvious, such as on their bed or in a corner of the room. Other omegas might try to hide their nest in wardrobes and such. Under no circumstance should you ever enter an omegas nest without their permission. Even if you're mated, wait to be invited in, otherwise it will distress the omega. They might invite other omegas or betas to come near the nest, but no alpha except the omega’s partner should go near the nest unless absolutely necessary. Unlike betas, who favour hospital births, most omegas prefer to give birth at home in their nest, as the familiar smells can help calm them.'

Nick made a mental note to speak with Charlie about that. He had thought most people would give birth in hospitals, and he didn't know if his bedroom would be the best place to welcome their pup. 

'Labour can last from anywhere between 15 hours to 3 or 4 days. It's important to stay by your omegas side for the entirety of this, ensuring they are drinking and eating enough, resting between contractions and helping to calm them down. If you are calm, they will feel less stressed. You will notice that your omegas scent will change when their waters break - this is normal, and a sure sign that your baby is well on their way to making an appearance. Some omegas like just their alpha to be present during labour and delivery, whilst others like the presence of a midwife or another omega. It's important to discuss this in the final few months of pregnancy, and to create a birth plan. Omegas can go into a primal headspace whilst in labour, so it's important you know what they want prior to the birth. If they want just you there for the birth, speak to a midwife who can arrange some classes on how to safely deliver a baby. If anything goes wrong, call your midwife.'

Nick spaced out for the rest of the class - some bits about mating, dealing with heats and ruts in a safe way, nothing of interest to him. Not now that he had so much he needed to discuss with Charlie. Could he want Nick to deliver their pup? Had he been giving him enough support? Had he already started nesting? So many thoughts were swimming through his head. 

The video came to an end, and Mrs Scott came back up to the front of the class. "Right, so does anyone have any questions?"

Nick's hand shot straight up. "If you're not mated, but you're still the dad, will an omega let you into their nest?" The sudden thought had made his stomach drop that Charlie might not let him in. 

His question was met with strange looks from some of the boys in the room, particularly the boys on his rugby team. If Mrs Scott noticed, she didn't acknowledge it. "Brilliant question, Mr Nelson. Most omegas will let their baby's father into the nest, so long as the scent is comforting to them. However, some omegas can be very particular about their nests and might only let omegas in, even if they are mated to their alpha. We need to remember that pregnancy is an omegas domain, and whilst we can support them by feeding them the correct foods and making sure their physical and emotional needs are met, their word should be final unless it is an emergency. If they don't want you to enter the nest, or be there for the birth, or if they need a day or two alone, then you need to listen to that and comply. Any more questions?"

Nick's hand was up again. "And what about ruts? If you're not mated to an omega, but the omega is pregnant with your child, will you still go into rut?"

"You're not being very subtle here." Tao angry- whispered to him. 

"Another great question, Nicholas!" Mrs Scott praised. "To be honest with you, there's no straight answer. Sometimes, an alpha will still experience a rut, however it won't be as strong and won't last as long. Usually only a couple of days. Other times, if the alpha spends enough time around the pregnant omega, your body will recognise the hormones and prevent a rut. It's why there's few alpha midwives - spending so much time around pregnant omegas, many end up missing ruts."

A few other questions were thrown about, including "What if my knot's too big and it can't fit in an omega?" from Harry Greene, earning laughs from his classmates. 

The bell soon rang to signal the end of the school day, and Nick was straight out of his seat and running down the halls to meet Charlie. He found his pregnant omega leaning against the lockers, smiling as he spoke to Elle, who had just come out of the omega sex ed. Nick snuck up behind Charlie, who had his back to him, silently telling Elle not to say a thing. But before he could wrap him in a hug from behind, Charlie spoke without even turning around: "I can literally smell you from down the hall, Nicholas!"

"What! How?" He let out an exasperated sigh, wrapping his arms around the younger boy regardless and planting a kiss on his cheek. By now, Tao had caught up with him. 

"Super pregnancy sense of smell ." He whispered. "According to Elle, it's an actual thing." To which she nodded in agreement. 

They bid their farewells, Tao and Elle going out for dinner, whilst Nick and Charlie started to walk home. 

"So how was class?" Charlie asked, their hands intertwined and swinging between them. 

"It was...interesting. I learnt a few things, have a few things I want to ask you actually."

"Like what?" 

"Do you want me to deliver our pup? Or do you want a midwife? And are you going to give birth in our room?" Nick blurted out, not wanting to skirt around the questions

He could see Charlie mull them over in his head. "I know I want a home birth, there's no question about that. I don't like hospitals, and when Mum had Olly she was at home. I remember her saying how much happier she was doing that after the emergency c section she had to have with me." 

"So no hospitals? At all?" Nick confirmed. 

"None. I suppose, in my head, I've pictured it being just me and you when the pup comes. I don't want strangers poking about down there." He confessed, blushing slightly at the thought. 

"Not even a midwife?" Nick questioned, nervous now, to which Charlie nodded. "I think so."

"And am I doing enough for you? You don't feel like I'm neglecting you?"

Charlie giggled at that, that dammed giggle that made Nick weak at the knees. "More than enough, you rub my feet and back when they're hurting, deal with all my strange cravings, never complain when I'm sitting there crying for no reason, or having another of my mood swings. You do so much for me, Nick, and I'm so grateful for you."

Nick bought their hands up to place a kiss on Charlie's knuckles, his heart fluttering. What they had failed to say during Sex Ed was that alphas could be just as anxious as their omegas and need reassuring that what they were doing was the right thing and was enough for their omega. But Charlie was happy, and as the saying goes 'a happy omega is a happy alpha'.

Chapter Text

"GO ON NICK! GO FOR IT!"

October marked the return of rugby season at school, and Nick couldn't be happier. He had been itching to get back on the pitch with the rest of his team, determined to work their way up the league tables to the top. At their level, there were very strict guidelines: no omegas. It was considered unfair and dangerous for omegas to play on a team of alphas and betas, so Charlie had been forced to give up the sport. Coach Singh had encouraged him to set up a beta/omega rugby team, but he'd declined, saying he'd much rather focus on his exams now he had started studying for his A Levels. That, and he didn't think it was a great idea to be playing sports whilst he was pregnant. But she didn't need to know that. 

So on a wet and cold Wednesday afternoon, Charlie found himself on the sidelines, cheering on Nick during a friendly with a local school. Nick had been reluctant to let him come, not liking the idea of his boyfriend being outside in this weather in case he caught a cold. Charlie had scoffed at that. 'I'm pregnant, not an invalid', which was accompanied by an eye roll as his arms had crossed over his bump in a way he always done when frustrated (Nick thought it was adorable). So Charlie had dragged their friends along to help show their support, knowing Nick would feel more at ease if he wasn’t watching from the sidelines alone. 

"YOU'VE GOT THIS! COME ON TRUHAM!" 

Charlie's eyes were focused on Nick as he sped around the field, strong rugby arms gripping the ball tightly as he made a dash for the goal. His hair lay limp and damp against his face, which was shiny from rain and sweat. 

"COME ON NICK!"

Cheers erupted through the field as Nick scored the winning try just as the final whistle blew. A heap of bodies threw Nick to the floor as his team congratulated him. Sure, it was only a friendly, but it still felt good to win. 

"You done amazing!" Charlie praised his boyfriend as Nick came jogging over, having emerged from the bundle. 

"Only because my good luck charm was here." Nick replied, pulling the younger boy in for a kiss. 

"Oi, lover boy! There's time for that later, come and get changed!" Michael, one of the flankers, shouted over. 

Nick and Charlie had been lucky, really. Although not uncommon, same sex relationships between primary genders were still frowned upon by some. Before they had both presented, when Charlie had first joined the rugby team, they had received a fair bit of teasing. But that was soon forgotten about, with the team accepting their relationship. 

Nick gave one last kiss to Charlie before running over to the changing rooms. He was the last one in, and quickly jumped in the shower to wash off all the mud and sweat that covered his body. 

"Ahh, shit." He muttered under his breath, realising he had forgotten to grab his clothes and a towel. "Oi, Harry, can you grab my boxers from my bag? Forgot to bring them in with me." He yelled, head peaking out from over the stall door where he could see Harry Greene was closest to his backpack. 

He turned off the water, waiting for a pair of boxers to be thrown over the door. But they never came. Instead, he could hear hushed mumbling and gasps. 

"Harry, did you find - oh no." Nick's head was back peaking over the door, only to see Harry and the boys huddled around a picture. The baby scan picture he and Charlie had had the other week, to be exact. 

Nick was quick out the door, one had cupped over his bottom half as he stormed over to the group, snatching the picture out his hand. 

"Mate, why do you have an ultrasound picture in your bag?" It was Lee who asked this.

"Just drop it." Nick demanded angrily, pulling on his clothes and shoving the picture back in his bag. He went to leave the room, but Harry's arm blocked him. 

"No way are you getting away with this without some answers!" Rob piped in this time. 

"It's Charlie, isn't it! You've only gone and knocked up Charlie Spring!" Harry all but screamed, a shocked look spreading across his face which soon turned into a menacing smile. "No way, wait until everyone hears about this."

Nick could feel himself boiling over, his inner alpha voice of protect,protect,protect ringing loudly in his ears. "If you tell anyone, I'll-"

"-You'll what?" Harry asked cockily, cutting him off. He was then springing out the room, right out to the field where Charlie was waiting for Nick. 

Nick stormed after him, followed by the rest of the rugby team. 

"OI, CHARLIE SPRING, IS IT TRUE YOU'RE ALL KNOCKED UP WITH NICK NELSON'S BABY?" Harry yelled across the field before Nick could stop him, half of the Truham school population well within ear shot. 

Charlie looked up from where he had been sitting in the stalls next to Tao, who had now stood up to place a protective barrier between Harry and his best friend. 

"HARRY! I told you to leave it!" Nick yelled angrily, grabbing the other boy and pushing him violently. 

Even from across the field, Nick could smell the panic and fear radiating off Charlie. 

Harry smirked. "Ahh, so it is true. Fucking hell, what a slut you are Charlie Spring. Bet you'd open your legs to anyone who even looked your way, you're that desperate. I bet-"

Harry was cut off as Nick threw a punch, hitting him square around the jaw with all his strength. His inner alpha was raging, no one was allowed to make his omega scared. He suddenly had arms on him, physically restraining him from giving another blow. 

"MR NELSON!" Coach Singh yelled, storming over and helping Harry up. Nick looked behind to find it was Michael holding him back, and he wriggled to be released. "Lee, take Harry to medical. Nick, my office now!"

Nick looked back to make sure Charlie was alright, but the younger boy was already trying his best to speed walk across the field to catch up with his boyfriend. He was acutely aware of all the eyes watching him, focused on his stomach as if trying to catch a glimpse of Charlie's bump. Nick rolled his eyes, it was as though no one had ever seen a pregnant omega before. 

"NICK! MY OFFICE!" 

Coach Singh's voice booming at him broke him out of his trance, and he sloped off with his tail between his legs, making sure to keep slow enough that Charlie could catch up. He could soon hear footsteps behind him, small pants escaping Charlie's mouth - recently he'd been getting out of breath even climbing a few flights of stairs. 

"Char, I'm so so sorry. I tried to stop him." Nick whispered, voice trembling. He wasn't usually one to get emotional, putting on a strong front regardless of the situation. Alpha's were expected to have a stiff upper lip, but knowing he had failed to protect his little family was breaking him. 

"Hey, hey, it's ok." Charlie tried his best to comfort him, slipping a hand in his whilst trying to sound calm. But Nick knew his boyfriend, knew when he was upset, and the tell tale sign of his tear stained face showed him that he'd failed Charlie. 

But Charlie also knew his boyfriend, and sometimes Nick questioned if he had the ability to read his mind. "You've not failed me or our pup." He reassured him. "This isn't your fault. Harry is just a prick sometimes. It was going to get out at some point."

Nick blew out a shaky breath, his inner alpha finally under control. They got to Coach Singh's office, Charlie insisting on waiting outside with him. They could soon hear her menacing footsteps stomping down the corridor. 

"WHAT WAS THAT, NELSON!" She shouted, causing Charlie to cower behind his boyfriend. Nick spared him a worried glance, giving his hand a squeeze. She glared at Charlie, giving him his queue to scurry away, whispering a quick 'good luck' to his boyfriend. "You know the rules here, we don't fight! And now I have Harry Greene sitting in the medical room with a bloody nose and what looks like something that will turn into a black eye!" He could practically see the steam coming from her ears. 

Nick looked down to his feet, trying his best to look remorseful and not show how angry he still was. "I'm sorry, Coach." He muttered out through gritted teeth. 

She sighed, taking a seat next to him. "What bought this on? You're not one to fight, Nick."

It dawned on Nick that she didn't know Charlie was pregnant, and that Harry had just outed it to half the school. "He found a scan photo in my bag, Coach. Started being nasty to Charlie about it, outed him to the whole school. Dunno what came over me." He mumbled the last part. 

"Outed him about what, Nick?"

"Charlie's pregnant, Coach. Me and him, we're having a baby."

You could have cut the silence between them with a knife. He felt her place a comforting arm around him. "Oh, Nick." She sounded so sympathetic and sorry for him. 

"Wasn't planned, but we're not upset about it. We're gonna have our own little pup." A smile crept onto his face at the thought of it. "But just didn't want people finding out so soon."

"When's he due?" She asked, genuinely curious. 

"January, got a good few months left."

"Janu- Nick, Charlie's about 6 months pregnant! How did you both keep it hidden so long?"

He laughed at her shocked face. "Yea, about 6 months. A lot of baggy jumpers and scent blockers helped hide it." Charlie will be happy to stop using the latter, he thought to himself. 

 "You know I can't let you get away with punching Harry, even if you were only trying to protect them. You've got to learn to control your inner alpha, Nick."

"How do you think me and Charlie ended up in this position in the first place." He tried to joke, but Coach Singh wasn't impressed. 

"You've got a week worth of detentions, Nick. And I'm benching you for the next game."

"What, Coach, that isn't fair!"

"You wanna make it two weeks?" She challenged. "And you need to apologise to Harry." He nodded his head, defeated. "And I hope you're looking after Charlie. "

"Always, Coach Singh. I'll always look after him."

*

Nick had gone back to the locker rooms to collect the rest of his things. A text from Charlie informed him that he had gone home already, not sure how long his talk with the coach was going to take. Nick needed no other reason to run home, wanting nothing more than to cuddle up with his boyfriend after such an emotional day. Call him a wuss if you like - there was nothing better than cuddling. 

He walked through his front door, calling out a "Hello!" to announce his presence. 

He sniffed the air, making his way to the living rooms here he could smell Charlie and his mum. He walked through the door, spotting his mum on her hands and knees in front of Charlie, hands placed on his bare bump. A grin was spread across her face, whilst Charlie looking down adoringly. 

"What's going on?" Nick asked cautiously, slightly confused by the scene in front of him. Charlie usually didn't let anyone but Nick and his midwife touch his stomach, and never his bare bump. So how his mum was getting away with this, and why Charlie was seemingly happy over it was beyond him. 

"Come here, Nicky." His mum called to him, reaching out a hand and voice filled with emotion. 

He shared a look with Charlie, who nodded at him in encouragement. Nick crossed the short distance to where his boyfriend was sitting, and his mum took his hand in hers before placing it palm down in Charlie's bump. 

"I don't understand, I-" he felt a flutter against his palm, stopping him mid sentence. He looked up at Charlie in shock, who now had tears streaming down his face. Nick was sure he was the same, if the tickles he felt trickling down his cheeks were anything to go by. 

"Is that..." he trailed off, a stronger push against his palm this time cause him to audibly gasp. 

"It’s our baby girl." Charlie responded, placing his own hand over Nick's as they both stared in awe at their little baby kicking away. 

Chapter Text

Charlie entered the third trimester of pregnancy towards the end of October. He seemed to be growing at an extraordinarily fast rate; if Harry Greene hadn't have outed him when he did, then his sure his baby girl would have given it away by poking out from under his jumper. 

Baby girl. He still couldn't believe he was going to have a baby girl. 

He had returned to school on the Thursday a bag of nerves. He had tried to prepare himself for the teasing and unkind words, but they never came. Instead, words of congratulations were thrown his way along with kind smiles in the corridors. Charlie thinks it has something to do with Nick glaring at everyone from behind him, silently threatening to hurt them if they done anything to upset Charlie. Harry's face was testimony to that. Nick refused to leave his side for their first few days in school since their grand reveal. But Charlie was grateful for everyone's warm wishes, even if he thought some were forced. Even Harry came over to apologise!

Although to his face everyone was nice, it didn't stop the gossip and rumours flowing around the school. They were all teenagers, after all, and teenagers could be bitches. From 'Have you seen how big he is? I bet it's twins' to 'I bet he planned it on purpose to trap Nick'. But the one that hurt the most was 'I've heard it's not even Nicks'. That one hit Charlie the hardest, and Nick had followed the scent of UpsetPregnantOmega to the school toilets where he found his boyfriend in one of the stools crying his eyes out. Nick was quick to gather him into his arms, cradling and scenting him, whispering sweet nothings into his ear, peppering his face in kisses, anything to try and stop the young boy from being upset. It took a solid 20 minutes to calm Charlie down. 

All in all though, the second trimester hadn't been too bad on Charlie. But nothing could prepare him for the third trimester. 

*

"Nick..." Charlie shook his boyfriend's arm gently. "Nickkkkk." He shook a little harder this time. He would usually feel bad about waking his boyfriend in the night. But it was half term, they had no plans for tomorrow other than to lounge around, so waking his other half up at 3am didn't seem much of an issue. Especially when he hadn't been able to sleep since 2am. 

"Ugggh...wha'?" Nick asked groggily, rolling over and pulling Charlie into his arms, his face into his chest. One hand came down instinctively to the bump, happily humming as he felt their pup kick his hand. 

Charlie's heart warmed at the sight of his happy alpha, and he almost forgot why he had woken him up. Almost

"Nicky Nick Nick Nick Nick!" He repeated, jabbing a finger into his cheek. 

"Wha' you wan'? You 'nd puppy ok?" He asked sleepily, opening one eye lazily and planting a kiss on Charlie's forehead. 

"Can't sleep, Nick. Pup's keeping me awake." He said sadly. To an extent, Charlie felt he had become everything he hadn't wanted to be. Reliant on an alpha, needing his reassurance, his approval. He had dreaded the idea of this when he had first fallen pregnant, but it all felt so natural now. He wouldn't have it any other way. (Alright, so maybe that was a lie. He could do without being beaten up from the inside all through the night, but he had decided long ago it would be worth it. He hoped). 

Nick groaned, shuffling down the bed so his face was level with Charlie's belly button. "Are you keeping papa awake, little one?" He pressed a gentle kiss, receiving a kick to the face in response. 

Charlie had also decided he wanted to be known as 'papa' to their baby. Originally, he thought 'mummy' had been the right word - he was the one who carried the baby, and traditionally that would make him 'mummy'. But that felt too feminine, he was still a boy after all. So he would be 'papa', and Nick 'daddy'. It seemed to fit well. 

A particularly hard kick caused Charlie to let out a groan; Nick's ears pricked up at the sound as he looked alarmed. He rubbed a soothing hand on the bump, giving Charlie a sympathetic look. 

"Gotta be gentle." Nick whispered to his stomach. "Anything I can do to help?" He directed this to his boyfriend. 

"A hot bath might help." Charlie suggested. "Maybe a back rub too? My back is killing me. And some Greek yogurt with garlic?"

Nick chuckled, a fond smile on his face. Of course he wanted garlic. "Anything for you, my love."

He rushed off the bed, tip toeing to the bathroom so as to not wake his mum. He turned on the bath, adding the 'Butterball' bath bomb from Lush (he knew it was Charlie's favourite) before plodding down the stairs to fix Charlie his food. It didn't take too long, and soon he was back upstairs, turning off the taps and going back to his room to fetch Charlie. 

Charlie was naked. 

"Did you get my towel and yogurt?" He asked innocently, as if he didn't realise just what the sight of him standing there with not a thing covering him was doing to Nick. (He probably didn't, to be fair). 

Nick took in all of his features. The way his collar bones stood out slightly on his chest, how his pecks were slightly swollen and nipples puffy as they filled with milk to feed their baby. He took in his slim arms, which Nick knew Charlie was self conscious of but Nick loved them. The curve of his stomach, round with their pup. Nick didn't know why, but knowing that Charlie was full with his baby, that he walked around every day with proof that he had been well and truly knotted by Nick, it turned him on. His hips had started to curve, widening in preparation for the birth. They were littered with stretch marks which Charlie lathered with cocoa butter oil each night in an attempt to make them appear less harsh on his skin. But in Nick's eyes, they were beautiful, a sign of what his gorgeous boyfriend was going through to bring their pup into the world. His thighs were also more plump now, as was his arse. His lovely, perky arse. All he wanted to do was spread those cheeks and...

Charlie's hand was waving in front of his face. "Earth to Nick? Hello?" He must have been able to smell his arousal, his dick now at half mast beneath his bump. 

Nick had to blink a few times to come out of his trance. His boxers felt uncomfortably tight, and he looked down to see them tented. He gulped, feeling flustered. "You're naked." He stated the obvious.

Charlie smirked, eyes glancing down Nick's body before making eye contact. Before presenting as an omega, he had never felt confident in how his body looked. The first trimester had also been tough for him, taking in all the changes his body was going through. But by the 15th week of pregnancy, Charlie had fully embraced the changes, and was never afraid of standing bare in front of his alpha. "Like what you see?" He wiggled his eyebrows. 

Nick's nostrils flared as he smelt the sweet scent of Charlie's slick, already picturing the way it was sliding out of his bum and down his thighs. Purely delicious. He growled low in his throat, capturing Charlie's lips in a deep, hungry kiss. He  turned to close his bedroom door, hoping that his mum wouldn't hear the sound of it - the 'no closed doors' rule still stood in their house. 

Nick's lips smashed back onto Charlie's, taking his wrists and leading him to the bed, their mouths never leaving each other's. It was hot and breathy and desperate. 

"Mate me." Charlie whispered out, struggling to pull Nick's top up and over his head. 

"You sure?" Nick groaned as his naked skin came into contact with Charlie's. He licked Charlie's neck, right where the bond bite would go, almost teasing him about what was to come. 

Charlie nodded enthusiastically, pushing his bum into Nick's groin, a moan escaping his lips. "I wanna be Charlie Nelson. No more Spring."

"You sure? Just my name?" Nick stopped for a moment, looking deeply into his boyfriend's eyes who nodded eagerly. 

"Yes, alpha. I want to be all yours. You're my pack now."

Nick didn't have to be told twice. 

It wasn't the first time they had had sex during his pregnancy, but it was certainly proving more difficult to find a comfortable position for Charlie. They settled with Nick spooning him from behind, filling Charlie full to the brim with careful movements, forever cautious of hurting the boy. 

Nick could feel himself coming close. "Gonna mate you, Char." He said breathily, watching as the younger boy moaned and nodded, stretching out his neck in encouragement. 

Just as he reached his climax, Nick sunk his teeth into Charlie's neck. It was like stars were flying in front of his eyes as their souls bonded. Everything that Charlie was feeling, Nick could feel too. All the love, all the aches, all the pleasure. They locked together, Charlie in Nick's arms, both panting as they came down from their highs. 

It didn't take long for Nick's knot to go down - it had worried him the first time they'd fucked after Charlie's heat when they weren't even locked together for 10 minutes. But, upon discovering Charlie's pregnancy, he had read somewhere that when an alpha has sex with a pregnant omega that their body recognises that there's no need to keep his sperm in there to breed them. 

Charlie lay spaced out, a normal reaction to being mated apparently but still slightly concerning to Nick. 

"Char, you alright Char?" He asked, nuzzling into his neck. 

Charlie nodded, a dreamy smile crossing his face. "Mate." He whispered, bringing his lips to Nick's. 

"C'mon, gotta clean you up." Nick whispered, helping his boyfriend, his mate (he'd have to get used to saying that) to his shaky feet and guiding him to the bathroom. 

Charlie, for better words, looked spent. Nick sat him down on the toilet seat, running some more hot water into the bath. 

"Pup's happy now we're mated." Charlie whispered out, a hand spread out on his bump where baby girl was no doubt kicking up a storm. "Daddy, Papa and Baby Nelson." A sleepy smile spread onto his lips. 

Nick helped him into the bath, cleaning off the blood from his neck and the sweat and slick from between his legs. He helped wash his hair, massaging his scalp. Charlie sighed in content, sinking his aching body into the water. "Love you, Nick."

"Love you too, Char. Love you so bloody much."

Forever a man of his word, once he had helped Charlie out the bath (because, by this stage, getting up from a lying down position was near impossible), he gave him a back massage. Little mewls of happiness escaped Charlie's lips as he felt some relief, and it seemed the bath had done the trick in lulling their pup to sleep. The mating mark looked harsh and angry against his neck, but Charlie reassured him it didn't hurt. 

They lulled off back to sleep together, the morning's activities taking a lot out of the couple.

Chapter Text

Nick could have sworn he was going mad. 

"MUM, HAVE YOU SEEN MY BLUE HOODIE?" He called down the stairs, having searched his entire wardrobe but to no avail. 

"IT'S PROBABLY IN THE WASH!" She shouted back. 

Nick would have agreed, if it wasn't for the fact that this was the fourth hoodie this week that was supposedly 'in the wash'. He hadn't even worn them for weeks. The culprit would usually be Charlie, who was currently out for lunch with his sister Tori and brother Olly. But his clothes no longer fit Charlie. He sighed, grabbing the same hoodie he had worn yesterday before running out the door to rugby practice. 

*

"I've missed you so much, Char." Tori said tearfully as she gave her younger brother a hug. Neither of them wanted to let go. She let a hand reach up to gently touch the mating mark on his neck. "Can't believe my baby brother is all grown up." She mumbled more to herself than Charlie. 

"I've missed you too." He whispered into her ear. 

"Mum and Dad miss you." She added. 

"They've said that?"

"Well, not those words exactly, but I can tell. Dad keeps moping around the house, looking into your room. And Mum actually cried the other day when she saw a baby in the shops being held by her grandparents."

He could feel tears in his eyes. Damn hormones. "I miss them too. But what they said hurt, I can't just forgive them like that. If they want to message me and apologise, they can." 

Tori nodded understandably as Charlie struggled to kneel down to be at eye level with Olly, who had a Lego ship in his hand as he pretended to make it fly. "Hey, you be good, yea Ol? And I'll see you real soon, I promise."

He pulled his little brother in for a hug, with Olly wrapping his arms tightly around Charlie's neck. "Miss you Charlie, love you lots." He said, before handing him his toy rocket. "For my niece." He said proudly. 

"Are you sure, Olly? That's your favourite rocket." Tori questioned, unsure if he would regret the decision come bed time, which could lead to a massive tantrum. 

But Olly nodded, insisting that his unborn niece have the Lego toy. For some reason, the sentiment made Charlie cry even more. He pulled both his siblings in for another hug, telling them how much he loved them both and promising he will see them soon. They lingered for a moment, before Charlie walked up the pathway to Nick's house - Tori had told him his mate would kill her if she didn't make sure he got home safe, and that she didn't blame him. 

"Hi Sarah!" He called out, hanging his coat and scarf up and slipping off his shoes. He could worry about untying them later. 

They didn't have to tell Sarah of their mating themselves, she'd been able to smell it when she woke up that morning. She couldn't be mad - if anything, she was glad her son was fully taking responsibility for his actions and that they would be doing things properly. 

"Hello, my darling." She greeted warmly, emerging from the living room and pulling him into a tight hug. Charlie liked Sarah, she had never made him feel uncomfortable about living here, treating him like she was part of the family. 'Well you are part of the family' Nick had said when he'd told him that a few months ago, causing yet another round of tears. "How was it?" She asked. 

"Really nice, actually. Tori's started seeing a beta called Michael, and Olly is staring in his school's production of 'Oliver.'"

"Let me guess, he's playing Oliver?" Sarah asked. 

Charlie laughed. "Nope, he plays a horse actually. I'm not too sure I remember there being horses in Oliver, but he's excited all the same."

"That's great, honey, that really is." She gave him a warm smile. "Can I get you anything?"

Charlie shook his head, insisting that he was plenty full from the big breakfast they all had. He slowly made his way up the stairs, stopping at the top to catch his breath before using the toilet and then going to his and Nick's room. He had things to do. 

He wasn't too sure why, but the last few weeks there was an itching feeling under his skin that he needed to create a warm, safe place for him and the pup. He'd secretly been stealing Nick's hoodies (because what was warmer and safer than his alpha), collecting them in a box which he had been keeping hidden under the bed. He'd been too embarrassed to tell Nick, unsure as to what he would think of his unusual behaviour. He could sort of remember his mum collecting lots of soft furnishings when she was pregnant with Olly and setting them up in a little corner of the landing, but he wasn't sure if this was the same thing. 

Charlie got to work rearranging the bedroom. He had quickly dismissed his original plan to move the bed - not only was it too heavy for him but he knew Nick would be angry if he found out he'd been doing heavy lifting. So he instead decided to start piling the clothes in the corner of the room where the beanbag lay. 

He started with laying a few throw pillows on the floor and covering them with a blanket. He looked down to his bundle of Nick's hoodies he had 'borrowed' over the last few weeks; there was only 5 so far. No where near enough, but they would have to do for now. He brought the first one up to his nose, breathing in the scent of his mate, smiling big as he started arranging it. One by one, more items of clothing were added, each worn by Nick so that the little safe place he was creating would smell of his pack.

It took about an hour of arranging and rearranging for Charlie to be happy with his work. Baby girl seemed to give a kick of agreement. It wasn't complete, not yet, but his pup wouldn't be here for a few months yet. He had time. The bundle of clothes looked inviting, so he curled himself up on top of it all, feeling himself drifting off to sleep. 

*

Nick returned from rugby practice later than expected. He had texted Charlie a few times, but had received nothing back. He had called him mum in a panic; Charlie always replied quickly. All sorts of horrible thoughts were flooding through his brain, until his mum finally answered and confirmed he was at home and she thought he was taking a nap upstairs. 

He had crept into his house, the scent of Charlie wafting down the stairs calming his inner alpha. "Hi Mum." He'd whispered into the living room, not even waiting around for her to reply before going up the stairs to find his omega. He'd missed him. 

The bedroom door was open a crack, so Nick walked in the rest of the way, careful to be quiet so that he didn't wake his sleeping boyfriend. But Charlie had turned into a light sleeper, and the sound of his feet creaking along the floorboards had woken him up. A smile broke out on his face at the sight of Nick. "Hiya." He greeted sleepily, giving a little stretch. 

"Are you...asleep on the floor?" Nick asked from his spot in the door way, perplexed as to why Charlie was at the foot of his bed, surrounded by blankets and cushions. 

"It's comfy down here." Charlie replied happily, struggling to sit up and positioning himself to lean against the beanbag. 

Nick didn't think it looked particularly comfy. He walked over to Charlie, about to sit down next to him, when the smell of panic filled the room. 

"Don't touch it!" Charlie cried, swatting his hand away from where it was about to touch one of the blankets to make room. 

It was then that Nick spotted the blue hoodie he was trying to find the other day, and the green one, and the yellow one. It suddenly dawned on him what this was. 

"Char, are you nesting?" He asked tentatively. 

Charlie audibly gasped, as if offended that Nick would suggest such a thing. He had heard about nests and nesting. It was something omegas would create with items that smelt safe, and usually created when a big change was happening in their lives. Like moving house, or being pregnant. It was all rather stupid and soppy in Charlie's opinion, and definitely not something he would be doing. 

"I'm not nesting, and this is not a nest." He explained calmly. "This is my safe space."

Nick nodded, unconvinced. It was definitely a nest. But he would play along. "Ok, well Charlie, can I please come and sit with you in your safe space?"

Charlie seemed to debate the pros and cons of letting Nick in. He eventually nodded. "Ok, but don't move anything." He warned. 

Nick scooted in next to Charlie, wrapping an arm around the younger boy and letting him scent his neck. Nick licked his bite mark, making him smile in content. Charlie fiddled with the hem of his boyfriend's top. "Can I have this, please?" He asked. 

Nick chuckled. "But it smells of sweat?"

"It smells of you." Charlie corrected. 

Nick smiled, taking his top of and handing it to Charlie. "Ok, you can have it for your nest." He teased. 

"Not a nest." Charlie grumbled back, snatching the top and working it into the pile of clothes he had collected.

Chapter Text

Charlie huffed as he waddled out of last class, glad to finally be finished for the day. The halls were cold, so he wrapped his coat further around himself and fixed his woolly hat to his head. 

"Bet you're happy that's over with." Tao commented, grabbing Charlie's bag for him. He began to protest, but Tao shook his head. "Nope, Nick will kill me if he finds out you've been carrying anything heavy when I could be carrying it for you."

Charlie rolled his eyes at that. "He's been getting ridiculous recently. He wouldn't even let me hold my own bag of crisps the other day. A bag of crisps!!" 

Nick's protectiveness had intensified since they mated, not letting the younger boy lift a finger if he could help it. 

"Well, can you blame him?" Tao asked as they walked out of the building. 

The comment received a glare from Charlie. "You're meant to be on my side!" He pointed a finger in Tao's face. "He's even making me go to a stupid pregnancy class this Saturday."

"Oooo, what a bad mate you have." He teased, laughing as Charlie groaned. 

*

"C'mon, Charlie, we gotta be there for 11."

Saturday had come around far too quickly for Charlie's liking. He groaned as his boyfriend woke him up, turning his head to look at the clock. 10am. The longest he'd slept in for a while; how he wished he was still asleep now. 

"Don't wanna go.” Charlie mumbled, making grabby hand towards Nick in encouragement to crawl back into bed with him, who happily crawled into it to give him a hug. "Just gonna be a room full of judgy pregnant omegas. Giving birth is natural, don't see why you need a class to tell you what to do." He grumbled, pouting and giving his boyfriend the puppy dog eyes to try and get him to change his mind. He didn't. 

"Nope, you're not getting out of this. Rebecca recommend this class, so we're going. You never know, it might be fun!"

"Doubt it." Charlie whispered under his breath, Nick helping him get out of bed without needing to be asked. 

He wondered off to the bathroom use the toilet, wash, pop his vitamins, use the toilet again (because, by this point, Charlie could be weeing up to 30 times a day) before pulling on his jogging bottoms and jumper. He came downstairs to see Nick had made him his breakfast, which he gratefully accepted. 

The community centre where the class was taking place was about half an hour on the bus, and that bus was busy! Charlie looked around hopefully at the disabled/pregnancy/baby holding seats, longing to get one but they were all filled. It felt like everyone was avoiding making eye contact, not willing to give up their seat. Nick must have sensed his disappointment, and before Charlie could even stop him he was approaching a man who looked to be in his 30s. 

"Hey, would my mate be able to take this seat? He's pregnant." Nick asked, gesturing to where Charlie was standing sheepishly, holding tightly onto the poles to keep his balance. 

The man looked Charlie up and down, as if trying to decide if he was in fact pregnant or just hiding a pillow up his jumper. He got up without a word, Nick giving him a cheerful 'thank you!'

"I can't believe you just done that." Charlie muttered, face red with embarrassment but also feeling relief as the weight was taken off his poor, swollen ankles. 

*

"So, everyone, welcome to your third trimester omega antenatal class!" Nancy, a chirpy omega in her 30's announced. She was pregnant, too. 

Nick and Charlie had arrived at the community centre with only a couple of minutes to spare, and by the time they (Charlie) had gone to use the toilet, the class was about to begin. 

He was glad to not be the only male omega there - there was one other couple consisting of a male omega and alpha, however they were considerably older than the pair. In fact, looking around, Charlie decided he was definitely the youngest there by at least 5 years. Teen pregnancy wasn't common in omegas; they could only fall pregnant during a heat, and most didn't experience a heat with a beta or alpha until they had a place of their own. 

They had sat themselves on the yoga mat next to a couple who introduced themselves as Sam and Ashley. They were 30 weeks pregnant with their first pup, and Charlie guessed they could only be in their early 20s. He didn't take much notice of the other couples, only paying attention to the other male omega in the room who introduced himself as Matt, his alpha as Oliver and that they were expecting twins in early February, but they'd likely come early. 

Nancy had then turned to Charlie, who was resting between Nick's legs on the floor. "Umm, I'm Charlie. This is my mate, Nick." He always made sure to get in that they were mates now. "We're having a little girl in January. I'm 30 weeks along tomorrow."

Nancy had smiled before moving onto the last couple and then getting on with the class. "Now, today we're going to learn some birthing techniques." She began, handing out yoga balls. "Now, omegas, can you get up onto the balls with the help of your partners and start to lightly bounce."

With Nick's help, Charlie heaved himself up and sat on the ball, having to steady himself to stop falling off. Nick got down on his knees, holding steadying hands on his knees. 

"These birthing balls are good in the early stages of labour, they'll help reduce the pain of labour and contractions. It can also help encourage you to sit in an upright position, which is good for labour." She explained. 

The next position she instructed the class to get into was all fours. 

"This is how we got in this situation." Nick whispered, causing Charlie to snort out a laugh. 

"All fours is good if you're experiencing back labour. You can use the birthing ball to support your arms, or rest them against your partner."

Nick took this as his queue to sit himself on the ball in front of Charlie, taking has hands into his laps. 

"Wouldn't mind getting on my knees in front of you later." Charlie said with a smirk, and it was Nick's turn to hold back a laugh. 

"As labour progresses, you will get tired. Lying on your back is discouraged, so it's recommended to lie on your side."

Charlie lay down on the yoga mat on his side, Nick grabbing a cushion from the pile left out for him to rest his head on. 

"This is a particularly good position for your partners to give you a massage to try and ease the pain."

"Go on, partner, get to work." Charlie teased, but Nick was happy to oblige, getting to work on his back. He could hear happy sighs leaving his mates lips at the relief he was feeling. 

She then instructed them to all get back onto the yoga balls, which Charlie managed with some struggle. 

"It's good to decide a birth plan over the coming weeks. Whether you want a home or hospital birth, a medical team or just you and your partner or midwife. What forms of pain relief you would like, if any. 

They went over breathing techniques next, and then post natal care (the thought of that amount of blood coming out of Charlie was making him feel sick), and how to care for their new pup: changing nappies, feeding, a sleep schedule. By the end, Charlie was shattered and Nick was ready to book them in for the class again. 

"No more, Nick." Charlie had prevented him. "We've done it once, and I'm pretty sure you have memorised every word Nancy spoke!" 

"Fineeee." Nick said with a pout, swinging their arms together as they walked down the road to the bus stop. "But I have a surprise for you when we get home!"

"Can I have a hint?" Charlie asked eagerly, picking up his pace as much as he could as he waddled to the bus stop. "Is it a puppy friend for Nellie and Henry?" He guessed, referring to Nick's two dogs. 

"Nope." Nick replied, boarding the bus. Thankfully, there were plenty of seats this time. 

"Is it a set of drums?" Charlie missed his drum set at his parent's house. 

Nick laughed. "My mum might love you but there's no way she'd let you have a drum set at home!"

"How about a record player?"

"Not that."

"A Polaroid camera?"

"Nope, but that's a good idea. We should get one of those"

"What about a whole box of garlic!"

"Charlie!" Nick laughed. "Stop guessing! You'll find out soon!"

Sarah was at work at the hospital when they got home, so it was just the two of them. 

"I need to weeeeee!" Charlie announced as if it was new news, already making his way up the stairs. 

"Come to our bedroom after!" Nick called after him, slipping off his shoes and racing up the stairs. 

Charlie walked in after him, one hand supporting his back. "Ok, I've been patient, what have you got me?"

Nice gave him a big, cheesy grin, stepping aside to reveal a mountain of blankets, hoodies, and cushions on his bed. "I know you was saying that your 'safe place' was looking a little bare, so I thought I'd buy some stuff to make it a bit more cozy." He explained, feeling rather proud of himself. 

Charlie laughed. "Let's face it, Nick, it's a nest." He looked over to the pile of clothes he'd started to collect before picking his way through the new pile in front of him. Everything was so soft, so cozy, and he couldn’t wait for them to all have the scent of his alpha so they could be added to his nest. “Thank you, Nicky. You really are the best mate I could have asked for you.” He said, bringing his mate in for a kiss and then handing him a particular soft jumper from the pile. "Can you start by wearing this one please?"

Never one to disappoint, Nick pulled the jumper over his head. "Come on, let's go and watch a film."

Charlie settled himself on the sofa, flicking through Netflix whilst Nick set about making some lunch for them himself - Charlie already had a bowl of ice cream and garlic sprinkles resting on his lap, it's all he wanted recently. A knock at the door grabbed his attention. 

"I'll get it!" He called out before Nick could say anything, heaving himself out of his seat and walking to the front door, ice cream still held in one hand. 

He opened the door, about to greet who he assumed would be a delivery driver. But it wasn't. It was David Nelson, Nick's older brother. 

"Oh, hi David." He said nervously, saying his name a little louder in hopes Nick would hear and come rescue him. 

You see, Nick and David didn't have the best of relationships. Nick had discovered long ago, even before presenting, that he was bisexual. But David couldn't seem to accept that, nor his relationship with Charlie. He thought that Nick was either a) confused, b) faking it for attention or c) actually gay. Being bisexual didn't come into it. It had caused a lot of tension. 

David had gone to university, spending the summer traveling around Southeast Asia. He was still meant to be there, in fact. So why was he standing on their doorstep?

He could see the exact moment David's eyes had noticed his bump, his jumper sitting tight around it, belly button sticking out. He saw the way David's eyes widened, his mouth forming a physical 'O'. 

"You're...pregnant?" Charlie wasn't sure if that was supposed to be a statement or a question, but he nodded regardless, feeling tense. 

Nick must have been able to sense something was amiss, calling out "You alright, Char?"

"David's here!" He replied back tightly, not once taking his eyes of the older boy stood in the doorway. 

He could hear Nick scrambling around, practically running to the front door where the two boys stood. "David! What are you doing here?" He asked coldly. 

"Good to see you too, little bro. My letter must have gotten lost in the post telling me about the impending arrival of my niece or nephew." He said dryly, skirting around Charlie to come into his home, suitcase being dragged behind him. 

"Guess our letter got lost in the post telling us that you were coming back home." Nick snapped back. "Aren't you meant to be living it up in Thailand?"

"Why would I? Seems we already have a lady boy here."

Charlie had to grab Nick's arm to stop him lunging at his older brother, silently pleading with him to not retaliate. 

"What do you want, David? You only ever come back home when you want something." Nick spat out, glaring at him. 

"To offer my babysitting duties, obviously." He rolled his eyes. "Can't a guy just come to visit his family once in a while? Don't worry, Nicky," Nick recoiled at the nickname - only his mum and Charlie could call him that, "I'll only be here for a week. Then I'll leave the two of you to your little love nest. Guessing mum's at work?" Nick nodded. "Cool, I'll go unpack my things" and with that he picked up his suitcase, going up to his room. 

"David's back." Nick whispered, seemingly in a state of disbelief. 

"He didn't seem too awful." Charlie commented. "Maybe he's changed?"

Chapter Text

It had been a strange week in the Nelson household. Sarah had been just as shocked when she came home from her shift to find her eldest son sitting at the dining room table, eating dinner with her youngest and his boyfriend. She could tell how tense it was in the room, but that didn't stop her wrapping David up in the biggest hug, glad to have her whole family back together. 

"My family, all back together in under one roof!" Sarah practically cried. "How long are you home for?"

"Just the week before I head back to Thailand. Thought I'd come and surprise you, though looks like you were planning on surprising me instead." He looked pointedly at Nick, giving him a glare. 

"Oh darling, they were waiting to tell you in person! We could have planned something if you told us you were coming home, they could hardly tell you you're becoming an uncle over text." Sarah explained, noticing how tense the boys had all become again. "Why don't we all go to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate being together? Yes, that's what we'll do!"

If Sarah noticed her sons both groaning at the idea, she chose to ignore it. 

*

"Do I look alright?" Charlie asked, standing in front of Nick as he showed off his outfit. He was wearing a pale green maternity top which fit snuggly over the bump, a plaid shirt undone over the top and some stretchy jeans. 

"Gorgeous, absolutely stunning Charlie." Nick responded honestly, bringing his mate into his arms for a deep kiss. His hands started to wander, reaching round behind Charlie to grope him, earning a quiet moan from the boy. "Could always say you're not feeling well, that your backs playing you up and we could just stay here. Alone." Nick suggested, wiggling his eyebrows, lips less than a centimetre away from Charlie's. 

Sarah chose that moment to knock on the door. "Come on, boys. The uber is 5 minutes away."

“We gotta go, Nick, if just to make Sarah happy.” Charlie reasoned to his pouting mate, who reluctantly agreed. 

They came downstairs, Charlie sitting on the stairs so Nick could help him with his shoes. He could feel David’s eyes on them, judging them, a frown on his face. 

“Thought we were all making an effort tonight, you’re looking a little underdressed Charlie.” He commented, looking the pregnant omega up and down. 

“Well I think he looks lovely.” Nick commented back, planting a kiss on his mate’s cheek and giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, ignoring David as he rolled his eyes. 

“I’m just saying, could have at least done up his shirt, he’s looking a bit causal.”

“Now David, you know Charlie would struggle to wear a shirt right now, and he looks very smart how he is.” Sarah tried to diffuse the situation, giving a kind smile to Charlie. 

It was a tense evening - David didn’t say a kind word to the boys the whole time. It seemed he thought Charlie was an easier target than his alpha brother, so when he wasn’t commenting on his size he was criticising what he chose to order or how he was constantly having to get up to use the loo. Nick had had enough. 

“Listen David, if you’ve got a problem with me then take it out with me. But don’t go after my mate, that’s out of order and crosses the line when he’s not done a single thing to you.” The anger was evident in Nick’s voice, he had to physically clench the table to stop himself getting up and attacking his brother. 

“Please, David, let’s just all try and have a nice, friendly time together.” Sarah took both her sons’s hands in her, pleading. “Please? For your dear old mum?”

“Ok, mum, anything for you.” David agreed. 

It didn’t last long. 

David's sly comments continued for the whole week he was there. There were multiple times Nick felt like lunging at him, and several where he nearly did (and he knew he could take David, a beta, with his alpha strength), but either Charlie or his mum were there to stop him. His mum wanted nothing more than have a nice week with all her family together, and Nick would try to give her that, especially after everything she'd done for him and Charlie. 

But it was hard sometimes. Like when he used up the last of Charlie's garlic to make a pasta sauce for just himself despite knowing that his brother's mate had it with practically every meal. 

"Well you should have stocked up, not a very good mate, are you Nick?" David had responded with a shrug, tucking into his dinner. 

"There was half a bloody tube left of that garlic." Nick growled back as Charlie stood there, holding back tears. He'd had to go to three shops that evening to find the specific brand Charlie liked, returning 2 hours later. His mate had practically jumped him there and then in the hallway upon seeing the bag full, proclaiming that he was the 'best mate to ever have lived and their pup is lucky to have a daddy as wonderful as you.'

Charlie tried to give David the benefit of the doubt, he really did. But his brother in law didn't make it easy for himself, and seemed hellbent on causing havoc during his week back home. 

Charlie had returned home from visiting his brother and sister on the Thursday evening, excited to go back up to his nest and curl up whilst he waited for Nick to come back from his run. He could tell something wasn't right as soon as he stepped in the house. 

He'd walked slowly up the stairs, pushing open his bedroom door and all he could see was red. There was David Nelson, standing on his nest, with one of Nick's hoodies in his hands. 

"Don't worry, I'm not stealing anything," David started, smirking at the younger boy, "just wanted to borrow a hoodie. Rooms a bit of a pigsty, isn't it? With all these dirty clothes just sitting in a pile?" He gestured to Charlie's now ruined nest. “Dunno how you expect to raise a baby in this mess.”

There are only two instances in life when an omega may seem intimidating rather than cute. One: when someone is threatening or hurting their pack, and two: when someone messes with their nest. 

Charlie's primal instinct took over, his face turning red with anger as he stormed over and snatched the hoodie out of his hands. His eyes were wide, nostrils flared. "HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME AND MY PUP'S NEST! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I SPENT ON THIS, CREATING THE PERFECT PLACE FOR MY PACK!" He was right in David's face, anger bubbling over. 

Sarah could be heard running up the stairs, staring at the pair in shock, unsure how to best handle the situation. She came from a family of mostly betas - she hadn't ever seen an omega's nest be destroyed. 

"Charlie, honey, I'm sure it was an honest mistake." She tried to explain from the doorway. 

Charlie growled, actually growled. That wasn't an answer. "You've ruined me and my pup's nest! What am I meant to do now? What if she comes tonight? Then how will she be safe now you’ve wrecked our nest!” Angry tears had started to stream down his face, but his voice never wavered once. He’d never been this angry, this livid, nor had he never shouted at someone this much. His body was pumped with adrenaline. 

It was at that moment that Nick got home, and he could smell straight away Charlie's anger. He came bounding up the stairs, skirting around his mum to find out what the cause was. 

"Oh my god, David!" He sounded nearly as angry as Charlie, taking in the sight of the crumpled blankets and hoodies strewn across the floor as he'd searched through the nest for one he wanted. 

"I don't understand the problem! It's just a pile of dirty clothes!" David put his hands up in defence. "Control your mate, Nick, before he actually try's to bite me!"

"That's enough, David!" Sarah said sternly, staring daggers at her eldest. 

"You need to get out of this room now, David." Nick said, trying to control his anger. He wrapped an arm around Charlie, allowing him to scent his neck as he felt tears fall into his chest. “You’re okay, Char, I’m here now.” He whispered into his mate’s ear, trying his best to calm him down. 

"Fine, whatever, didn't want the stupid hoodie that much anyway."

Charlie stayed awake the whole of that night, unable to sleep until his nest was once again complete. Half of the clothes had to be washed and reworn by Nick, they smelt too much of David now for Charlie's liking. His mate stayed awake with him the whole time, offering gentle words of encouragement when he felt deflated by the situation. He had also offered to help, but Charlie just have a sad shake of his head. 

“Thank you, but I need to make it just right again myself. Just you being here next to me is enough.”

After that incident, Charlie decided he was done trying with David Nelson. 

*

The end of the week couldn't come quick enough. David would be on his way back to the other side of the world, and they could go back to having a peaceful home. 

"Bye, Mummy." David bid farewell to Charlie, exclusively calling that since he had discovered he was going to go by 'Papa' to his baby. 

Charlie pulled him in for a hug, knowing how uncomfortable it would make David feel. "Always a pleasure, Dave." He also knew how he hated to be called 'Dave'. 

"Don't rush back, David. Stay out there as long as you like, go and see the world." Nick encouraged, earning him a glare from his mum. 

Nick and Charlie had decided the best way to wind David home was by being overly friendly, it was better than arguing and at least Sarah couldn’t accuse them of not trying. 

"Well I'm glad that no matter what I get up to out there, it can't be a bigger fuck up than becoming a dad before I'm even 18."

This one hit Nick where it hurt. "My baby's not a fuck up." He defended, squaring up to David. 

"Honestly, boys, can't we have one nice day?" Sarah asked, pulling Nick away before she wrapped David in a hug, saying a tearful goodbye.

Chapter Text

At 32 weeks pregnant, Charlie was struggling. He was struggling to get up and down the stairs, struggling to make it from one end of school to the other before the bell stopped ringing for his classes, struggling to find a shirt that actually fit over his body. So he had decided it was time to speak to the headteacher, with Nick by his side. 

"I think it would be a good idea if I started to do my school work from home." Charlie suggested. 

When he had first told Nick about this a few days prior, he had been ecstatic. If he had it his way, Charlie would have stopped going to college months ago. He didn't like the idea of Charlie being around so many people (so many alphas) without Nick there to warn them off. No, he would be much safer at home. 

Nick didn't like the alphas at school getting close to Charlie. Tao, he could tolerate. He knew Tao well, and knew that Charlie enjoyed the other alpha's company. Even the rugby boys Nick didn't mind around his mate, knowing that none of them would do anything to Charlie. But it was the other alphas that bugged him. The ones who would walk down the corridor, shamelessly scenting the air as Charlie walked past them. Or the ones that would brush up against him as they walked around college, leaving his mate smelling of another alpha. Nick didn't like that. 

In the same way Nick couldn't stand the other alphas in the school getting close to Charlie, Charlie couldn't stand the other omegas in the school trying to get close to Nick. You'd have thought with them being mated and Charlie literally carrying their pup that they would think Nick as off limits. But Charlie didn't miss the way they would shamelessly flirt with him, gentle touches on his arm, staring at him as he played rugby. He'd even been in class once when a group of girls in his year were trying to guess the size of his knot! 'I bet it would fit perfectly in me, me and Nick Nelson would be amazing together' one girl had said, as though Charlie sitting only one table over with Nick’s mark on his neck was invisible. It had left Charlie feeling angry and upset and needy for Nick to claim him as his. He knew Nick would never cheat on him, but that didn’t stop him from getting wound up by the comments. 

So yea, they were both ready for Charlie to continue his schooling at home. 

"How long do you have left, Charlie, until your due date?" Headmaster Barnes asked. 

"About 8 weeks, sir. Nick will bring all my schoolwork home with him, I don't want to fall behind. I won't fall behind, I want to get my A Levels. I'm just struggling to keep up." He said, fiddling with a loose thread at the bottom of his jumper. 

"And I'll help him, Sir." Nick chimed in. 

"I've seen your grades, Nelson. I'm sure it would be more of a case of Charlie helping you, no?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at him, and Charlie had to stifle a laugh. "Well, Charlie, here at Truham we're not unreasonable. We wouldn't expect you to continue coming in up until your due date, the same as we wouldn't expect that from a member of staff. Thank you for coming to me. You can continue your schooling from home, so long as you don't fall behind too much." 

A weight was lifted off Charlie's shoulders, relief filling him that he would no longer be forced out of bed at an ungodly hour 5 days a week, wouldn't have to pull on a scratchy shirt and uncomfortable trousers, wouldn't have to face the stares as he walked around particularly from the younger years, who seemed to have never seen a pregnant male omega before. They probably hadn't, in all fairness. It wasn't exactly the most common thing. 

When he got home that night, he was quick to bin his maternity shirt and trousers and slip into his jogging bottoms and jumper. He had wanted nothing more than to get into his nest today, to be surrounded by the safe smells and soft blankets. Nick handed him the hoodie he'd been wearing the last few days, Charlie taking it gratefully and finding the perfect spot for it. 

"Would you like to join me?" He asked, and how could Nick say no to that beautiful face. 

They snuggled up together, Charlie between Nick's legs, head resting on his chest whilst Nick drew shapes on his bump with his fingers, earning a kick from their pup every so often. The feeling never failed to amaze him. 

It wasn't long before Charlie had nodded off, soft snores escaping his mouth. One of Nick's legs went numb where Charlie was leaning on it, but Nick didn't have the heart to move it or care. He figured with the aches and pains Charlie went through, if he was comfortable like this then he could put up with some pins and needles. 

Sarah poked her head around the door half hour later, going to let them know dinner was ready. Her face softened at the sight. 

"I'll keep yours in the microwave to stay warm." She whispered, to which Nick nodded, running his fingers through Charlie's curls. 

*

With the arrival of their pup getting ever closer, it was time to start doing some baby shopping. Charlie had woke Nick up at the crack of dawn one Saturday (very unusual for Charlie to willingly get up that early unless their pup was was keeping him awake) and told him to get ready as they had to leave within the hour. 

So Nick groggily got out of bed, confused as to where Charlie's sudden burst of energy had come from, and got washed and changed. By the time he had sloped back to his bedroom, Charlie was sitting there waiting for him, ready except for his shoes. Nick smiled at him, planting a kiss on his lips before helping him with his laces. 

"C'mon, Nick, we got some shopping to do!"

Sarah had offered to drive them to the local shopping centre - she was going up there to do some shopping and grab some food with her girlfriends, anyway. Charlie was practically bouncing on his seat, unable to contain his excitement. 

"I had a sudden burst of energy towards the end of my pregnancy too." Sarah said, a dreamy smile on her face. "A sure sign my grandbaby will be making her appearance soon!"

"I hope not too soon, we still haven't got a cot!" Charlie said, unbuckling his seat belt and grabbing Nick's wrist to drag him out of the car. "Thanks for the lift Sarah! Enjoy your lunch."

"Right, Nick, first stop is mamas & papas." Charlie announced, walking with determination into the shop. He instructed Nick to grab a trolley as he led the way. 

"Essentials first! We need a cot, a mattress, crib sheets, changing pad, baby monitor." Charlie began to list off things, holding the occasional item up to Nick to grasp his opinion. Nick could only nod, a stupid grin in his face as he stared in adoration at his omega. He had never seen him so in his element, and knowing he was doing all of this for their baby made his heart swell. He knew baby shopping was more of an omegas domain, and as much as he liked to think of himself as not a traditional alpha, he was more than happy to let Charlie drag him around aisle, scouring the shelves for toys and nappies. 

"I think we'll need to order some bits online." Charlie thought aloud. "I don't think we'll be able to get a cot or rocking chair into the car, nor a buggy. And the car seat."

"Have you decided which ones you would like?" Nick asked, putting some baby nail clippers in the trolley. Who knew that was even a thing. 

"I think I like the Mia Cotbed, it has storage underneath. And maybe the Bowdon nursing chair?" He suggested, taking a seat in said chair, rocking back and forth to test it out. 

"I think they're both perfect for our little girl." Nick smiled at him, helping him up so they could continue their shopping trip. 

Their favourite aisle had to be the baby clothes aisle. Rails upon rails of mini dresses, bows, baby grows. Charlie had to stop Nick picking up too much. "We have a check list to stick to, Nick!" He said, taking a tutu out of his hands and putting it back in the rack. "She'll grow out of her clothes within months; we shouldn't waste money on too much of the same age, or she'll never get to wear it all."

By the time they got to the tills their trolly was filled to the brim with nappies, bottles, bibs, clothes, and god knows what else. 

"Someone's getting prepared!" Their cashier exclaimed, smiling brightly at them (or more, Charlie's bump) as they started loading the conveyer belt. "How far along are you, dear? You look about ready to pop!"

"I've still got 8 weeks left…” Charlie trailed off, starting to internally panic. Was he really that big? If people thought he was big now, how would they see him when he actually was ready to pop? 

Sensing his stress, Nick gave him arm a comforting squeeze, placing a kiss into his curls. "I think you look perfect." He whispered, loading up the last of their haul whilst Charlie began packing. 

"Bottles! Will you not be breastfeeding? You do know breast is best!" Their nosey cashier remarked as she started scanning them through. "Breast milk carries all the nutrients that baby needs, not any of that formula rubbish. I breastfed all of mine until they were 3!"

"That somehow doesn't surprise me." Nick muttered under his breath, hoping she'd hurry up and finish scanning so he could get his omega away from her.

"Oh, I'm planning on breast feeding!" Charlie replied, causing Nick to whip his head round to him. That was the first he's heard of this. "But bottles mean her dad can also help with the night feeds." He smiled brightly in Nick's direction, finishing packing the last of their purchases and handing them to his mate. 

"Char, can male omegas even breastfeed?" Nick quizzed as they emerged from the shop. He had at least 10 bags in his arms, insisting that Charlie not carry a thing when he was already carrying the most precious thing of all. 

"Do you not remember this whole saga a few months ago? Me freaking out when milk started leaking from my chest? Of course I'll be able to feed our baby." Charlie stated matter of factly. 

"But are they big enough? I know some male omegas can, but yours aren’t that big.” He took that moment to check out his mate’s body. 

Charlie rolled his eyes at his boyfriend. "Size doesn't matter, Nicky." The statement earned him some giggles from a group of teenage girls wandering past them. 

They bumped into Sarah on the way back to the car, hearing her laughs before they actually saw her. 

"Did you boys end up buying the whole shop?" She asked. Clearly Nick looked a sight with the bags piled high in his arms. 

"Only the best for your granddaughter, Sar." Charlie replied happily, linking arms with his mother in law as they wandered back to the car. He couldn't help but notice her staring at him, looking like she had something to say but couldn't quite get the words out. "You all ok?" He asked, concerned. It wasn't like Sarah to be at a loss for words. 

She gulped a little, looking between the boys. "I just wanted to apologise to you both for last week." She said, voice full of remorse. 

So that's what this was about. 

"It wasn't your fault, mum. David is....well, David." Nick reassured her, but she wasn't having it. 

"No, no, I should have done more. Claire, one of my girlfriends I went to lunch with, I told her about the garlic incident and the nest incident and, Charlie my love, I am so so sorry I didn't do more to stop him." She pulled the boy to a stop, wrapping her arms around him. He could feel tears pricking at his eyes as he recalled that day, he still hadn't got his nest back to how he wanted. "I don't think I truly realised just how much distress it caused you, honey. I should have pulled him away as soon as I walked in. I'm going to be better now, though, I promise. I'll be reading up on all things 'omega'"

Charlie chuckled at this, pulling away and giving Sarah a smile. "You don't have to do that for me, you already do so much for us."

"I don't have to, but I want to." Sarah confirmed, pulling him in for another hug. 

"Right, that's nice and all mum, but could maybe save all this cute sappyness for the car? I know I'm strong but my arms are about to drop off!" Nick called over, struggling to not drop the bags. 

Their offers to help take some of the bags were declined. "Nope, what kind of alpha would I be if I made my mum or mate carry something heavy?" They could only laugh in response at his stubbornness, walking back to the car arm in arm.

Chapter Text

The Christmas decorations had gone up in the Nelson household on December 1st, a family tradition. Fairy lights dangled around every room, garlands twirled around the banisters and fireplace, and a large tree took centre stage in the living room. Sarah had gone for a pink, red and gold theme this year, in honour of the baby girl who was soon to be making an entrance. They'd helped her do the house up - well, it was mostly Nick. Charlie helped decide where things should go and provided an endless supply of cookies. 

Their home was warm and cozy and full of love, but Charlie still enjoyed nothing more than spending time in his nest. It had grown substantially over the last few weeks, every hoodie and jumper Nick would wear being added to it. He had taken to wearing cardigans too, so that Charlie could always wear something that smelt of his mate. Not that Nick was ever far from him for long. 

Like right now, as they lay in the nest together, Charlie on his side whilst Nick massaged his back, Christmas music playing quietly in the background. 

"What do you think of Holly?" Charlie asked. 

Their baby was due next month, and still they were no closer to deciding on the perfect name for her. 

"You're just suggesting that because you have Christmas on the brain." 

"No, I'm suggesting it because I like botanical names." Charlie corrected. "Fern?"

Nick made a face. "How about Eloise?"

"It's like the names Ellie and Louise merged together!"

"Why is this so hard!"

"I guess we won't know until she's born, we can see her face then and decide." Charlie ran his fingers over the space where their little girl was currently wriggling away. An uncomfortable feeling across his belly stopped him in he's thoughts, a strangled gasp coming from his throat. 

"Char? You alright Char? Is it the baby?" Nick asked in a panic, leaning over so he was face to face with his boyfriend. 

Charlie let out a breath through his mouth, the ache subsidising. "Just a braxton hick." He leaned up to pecked Nick's lips. 

He looked at him eyes wide. "Are you sure? Should I be running some hot water?"

Charlie laughed at him at that. "Midwife Nick is not needed yet! I had some the other night, too. Trust me, nothing to be worried about yet."

"Have you decided any more about that? Your birth plan?" Nick asked, lying down now too to spoon his mate. 

"I want to have her here." Charlie said with certainty. "I feel safe here, I don't want to go to a hospital with loads of strangers and weird smells."

"No hospitals unless necessary." Nick agreed. 

"And I don't think I want any pain relief. I've been reading up, and apparently my natural instinct will start to take over or something? Omegas have been giving birth for thousands of years without pain relief, if they could all do it then I can too."

He felt Nick nod against his back. "I'll be able to help too, like with keeping you calm and relaxed and that. Have you thought anymore about having a midwife here?"

It was Charlie's decision at the end of the day, but Nick secretly hoped he would want a midwife. The idea of delivering his pup scared him, not that he would ever admit that. 

Charlie shook his head. "Don't want nobody else in my nest, no strange smells contaminating it. Just me and you. You're my alpha, and I trust you."

And Charlie really did. He knew that his mate would look after him and tend to his every need, like he had done ever since they met. 

'You're my alpha' rang in Nick's head. He was Charlie's alpha, and he had a responsibility. "Ok, I'll do it."

*

"BABY SHOWER! BABY SHOWER! BABY SHOWER! BABY SHOWER!" Darcy chanted around the Nelson living room, can of beer in one hand and a baby bib around her neck. Apparently it was appropriate attire for the event. 

Despite their young ages, Nick and Charlie were excited for the impending arrival of their daughter, and they wanted to celebrate this with their loved ones. So, two weeks before Christmas, they invited all their friends over to help celebrate with them. 

"Darc, I don't think it's that kind of party!" Tara laughed at her girlfriend, who just rolled her eyes and carried on dancing around the living room. She may have been a little bit drunk. As was everyone else, except Charlie. But he didn't mind, quite content with his plate of garlic bread. 

"I can't believe that, this time next month, we might have a little baby in the group!" Elle exclaimed excitedly, leaning down to lean her head against Charlie's stomach. This earned a kick from baby girl. "What was that, pup? You're saying auntie Elle is going to be your favourite auntie?"

"I think the title of 'favourite auntie' is saved exclusively for me." Tori said, voice level but a smirk on her face as she came to join Elle on the floor. "Auntie Tori is gonna be the cool aunt, don't you worry sweet girl. Whenever papa or daddy say no to something, you can always come to me!"

"Oi!" Charlie laughed at her. "Don't be corrupting my daughter before she's even born!" 

"This makes me so broody!" Elle cried as she felt another movement. 

Tao's head shot up from where he'd been chatting to Isaac. "No. No broodiness. No babies. No!" His eyes were wide with worry. 

"Oh come on, Tao! Me and you could be in the dad club together!" Nick joked as he entered the room with a tray of of cupcakes shaped like baby faces. 

"Make them yourself, Charlie?" Tara asked as she grabbed one. 

Nick scoffed from his position in the door way, causing Charlie to glare at him from his chair in the centre of the room. "Nope, these would be courtesy of yours truly. So completely edible and completely delicious." Nick responded, handing out the cupcakes. 

"Ok, so, we know how competitive you all are, so we've decided to put some bets down." Charlie took out some paper cards and pens, giving them to Nick to hand around the room. "We want you all to guess baby girls weight and date she'll arrive, and whoever guesses closest gets to hold the pup first!"

Tori and Elle looked at each other, or more glared, both wanting to claim bragging rights at being the first of their friend group to hold baby Nelson. 

"Could you imagine if you had her on Christmas Day! How magical would that be!" Isaac said dreamily, writing down his prediction. 

Charlie gave a high pitched, worried laugh. "We've not even picked a name out yet!! She can't come that soon!" 

With the cards written out and stored safely in a box, Elle, Tao and Tori rushed to the hallway, returning with arms full of gift bags. 

"Oh guys, you didn't have to get us all of this!" Nick exclaimed, helping take some of the presents from them and stacking them high around Charlie's seat. 

Tara laughed. "It's not for you, they're for the pup."

"Can't argue with that." Charlie rubbed his bump fondly, tears coming to his eyes. "She's so well loved already."

Amongst the presents were nappies, toys, decorations for the nursery, clothes. Nick had given the biggest smile when they'd opened up one gift Tori to reveal the tutu he'd wanted to buy in the shops the other week. 

"Charlie had texted me about it." She said with a shrug. Nick got up and bought her in for a hug, whispering a thank you in her ear. 

Charlie got to the last gift, and looked at the name tag in wide eyes. 'Love mum, dad and Olly'. "Is this really from them, Tor?" He asked, rubbing the names as though they might disappear. 

She nodded her head. "I told them I was going to your baby shower, and they wanted to get you something. They do regret what they said, Char. There's a card in there too."

Charlie rummaged around the gift bag, and sure enough there was a card. He looked over to Nick warily before opening it. 

Dear Charlie,

We're so sorry for the unkind words we spoke to you upon learning you were carrying a pup. We were in shock, but have realised over the months that we were hasty with our decision.  

We've already missed out on so much of this experience with you, especially at a time when family is so important. 

Perhaps we can meet soon, we'd love to see you and Nick (don't worry, your dad won't try and kill him this time. He promised). We'd love to be a part of our first grandchild's life, if you both let us. 

Have a great time at your baby shower today, our darling boy. 

All our love,

Mum and Dad 

xxx  

Nick had been reading the letter over his shoulder, an arm wrapped comfortingly around Charlie. He could feel Tori's eyes on him the whole time, waiting for a reaction. He put the card back in the envelope, opening their present next. A pale yellow knitted cardigan fell out of the wrapping paper, a small red heart on one side, much like one Charlie had when he was little. His mum had made this for his baby.

He hadn't realised tears were rolling down his cheeks until Nick was kneeling in front of him, wiping them away. "That was sweet of your parents."

"Gosh, yea." Charlie replied, taking a deep breath. "I think I want to see them." 

"Ok, we can sort that, can't we Nick?" Tori replied, coming to kneel in front of him too and taking his hand in hers. 

"Of course, anything you want Char. We could even have them over here if you wanted? Mum wouldn't mind."

"Ok, yea, let's invite them over."

*

"Wakey wakey, boys, Santa's been!" 

Charlie opened one eye, rubbing the sleep out of it with his fist. He popped his head up from beneath the duvet, greeted with Sarah's smiley face poking round their door. 

"'Wha' time's it, mmm?" Nick grumbled from the other side of the bed, one arm draped protectively around Charlie, not even bothering to lift his head up from his pillow. 

"7am! You two will have to get used to the early mornings soon enough, come on! I'm doing breakfast, you both better be downstairs in 20 minutes. Or else it's a stocking filled with coal." She threatened, but there was so much joy in her voice. 

Charlie stretched his arms up, motioning for Nick to help him sit up. "She usually like this at Christmas?"

Nick nodded his head sleepily. "Christmas is her favourite time of year."

"I'VE LEFT YOUR CLOTHES OUT ON THE LANDING!" Sarah's voice called up the stairs. 

Charlie looked at Nick confused, but Nick just shook his head, a small smile on his face. He padded out of the room, returning moments later with the clothes in mention as he laughed. 

"C'mon, let me see!" Charlie demanded, resting against the headboard. 

Nick held up the first outfit, a white top with green striped arms and matching green striped trousers. The words 'Daddy Elf' with a little picture of an elf sat across the chest. It also came with a Santa hat. 

"Oh god!" Charlie spluttered out a laugh. "Go on, show me mine now!"

Charlie's was similar to Nick's, but in a maternity style and with 'Papa Elf' instead. And where his bump would stretch the shirt were the words 'Baby Elf'. 

"I love them!" Charlie beamed, heaving himself from the bed and going about getting changed. He looked at himself in the mirror, face glowing, body slightly filled out, just all over looking happy and healthy. He donned his Santa hat, too impatient to wait for Nick to shower as he waddled down the stairs. Charlie was an evening showerer which, in his opinion, was much better. 

"You look amazing, sweetie!" Sarah beamed at him as he wandered into the kitchen, wrapping him in a hug and kissing his cheek. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Sarah!" He responded cheerily back. "Can I help with anything."

Sarah was also donned in their matching outfits, but her top said 'Nanny Elf' instead. She put her hands on her hips, shooting him one of her famous 'are you kidding me looks'. "You, my love, are ready to drop at any given moment. Now sit down, put your feet up, and let me and Nicky sort things out."

He happily obliged, glad to have the weight off his feet. Moments later Nick came bounding down the stairs. "Merry Christmas, Mum!" He went in to hug his mum. "And Merry Christmas, my gorgeous mate." Charlie blushed but gratefully accepted the kiss Nick was offering. He then crouched down, placing a kiss on his tummy. "And a very merry first Christmas to you, my baby girl."

Charlie could see Sarah watching her youngest with nothing but adoration, and knew Nick would be just the same with his own pups. 

"Right, what can I help with?" Nick asked, getting up and walking over to the oven. 

Soon a full English was laid out in front of them. David was spending Christmas with his new girlfriend, Abi, and her family, so it was just the 3 of them today. They all tucked in, Nick making sure Charlie got the best of the bacon and eggs, stating that 'he was eating for two, so it was technically going to their baby', which Charlie happily agreed with. Of course, he covered his entire dinner with garlic sprinkles. The food was gone within a matter of minutes, all excited to start opening their presents. 

"You go first, Nicky! Take this one!" Sarah exclaimed and she handed him a present. 

They had all gathered in the living room, Christmas music playing in the background. Nick too the gift out of her hands and opening it with haste. "A new rugby ball! Thanks mum!" He got up to give her a hug. 

They all ended up with pretty large piles of clothes. The boys had gotten Sarah some candles, make up, new shoes and a 'world's best nanny' mug from the baby. Nick had gotten some new rugby gear, headphones, and the new Avengers film. Most of Charlie's gifts consisted of non-maternity clothes - he was so over wearing clothes made for expecting omegas. None of them fit quite right, and were all a bit too feminine for his liking. 

"Did you not get each other a big, main present?" Sarah questioned as she poured herself her 3rd glass of bucks fizz. 

"You'll get your main present later." Charlie whispered, scenting the older boy as he squirmed in his chair. 

Baby girl had probably got the most presents out of everyone. Clothes, toys, a baby bath, mittens, dummy's. The pile was endless. They'd all sat down for a roast at 3pm, pates piled high with chicken, veg, potatoes and yorkshire puddings. All drowned in gravy, of course. 

"I honestly think if I ate another bite I might explode." Charlie said as slumped back into the arm chair. "That was delicious, thank you Sarah."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it! When your parents come over, is there anything they won't eat just so I know what to prepare?"

After the baby shower, he'd told Tori to tell his family they're invited over to the Nelson's for lunch. He'd invited them over on the first Monday after the new year; it was a bank holiday so they'd all be free, and Sarah wasn't on shift that day at the hospital. He was full on nerves about seeing them again, but knew it had to be done. 

"Mum's a vegetarian, and I think Olly is going through a phase where he won't eat any red food."

She laughed at that. "Ok, perfect."

Chapter Text

Charlie had his 37 week scan the week after Christmas, the last he'd have before their little girl made an appearance. He'd woken up to Nick's excited squeals of 'It's snowing! It's snowing!' Snow had started to fall outside, thick heavy drops covering everything on a layer of white. It truly did look magical. And very cold. 

Charlie had wrapped himself up in about 4 layers, warm fuzzy socks under Nick's trainers (his feet had swelled so much that his own no longer fit), jumper, coat, scarf, gloves, hats. His coat couldn’t do up, so the layers were a necessity. It only took taking one step out the front door for his cheeks to be tinted red with the cold. 

"Ooop, careful." Nick warned, a protective arm around his waist helping keep Charlie's balance as they made there way up the pathway to Sarah's car, who'd kindly offered to drive them. The ground was slippy, and his centre of gravity had shifted so much that even walking around his bedroom could cause him to take a near tumble. Nick's arm around him was strong and comforting, a constant reassurance that he wouldn't let anything happen to them. 

Charlie felt much less self conscious in the waiting room of the maternity ward now he had a bite mark on his neck to show he was mated, and noticed that a lot less eyes were staring at him. Looking around, he realised he was the furthest along in the room, the other betas and omegas sporting only tiny bumps or no bumps at all. One omega looked at him with wide eyes, and he heard her whisper to her mate 'do you think I'll get that big?' Nick must have heard it too, as he reassured him "A big bump means a big, healthy baby."

"How lovely to see you both!" Rebecca beamed at them as Nick helped Charlie up on the table to lie down. "How's the third trimester treating you?"

"Crap." Charlie answered truthfully. "I just want her to be here now, I'm so done with the achy back, mood swings, and having to wake up 3 times a night to wee."

"I think you'll still be waking up multiple times a night when baby arrives." Rebecca said through a laugh. "Now, for today's appointment we just want to check to make sure baby is head down and check her size, go through any questions you have."

She got to work with the scan, moving it around his enlarged stomach. "Looks like baby girl is in the perfect head down position and looks to be of a healthy size, slightly on the larger size but that's nothing to be concerned about."

"Do you think she'll come soon?" Nick asked. 

"Well, at 37 weeks you're technically full term, but with this being your first baby I'd say you've got a good few weeks left. She might drop soon, which will give your internal organs some more room and make things a bit more comfortable for you, but it'll also put more pressure on your bladder."

Charlie groaned. "Is that even possible?"

The midwife gave him a sympathetic smile. "You're nearly at the finish line, Charlie. Not long to go, I promise. This time next month you'll probably have your baby in your arms."

It was the only thought keeping Charlie going right now.

"Have you decided where you'd like to give birth? Do you have a birth plan?"

"I want to have her at home." Charlie replied with confidence. "Just me and Nick there ideally, no medical intervention or pain relief unless necessary."

"And after birth?"

"What do you mean?" Charlie looked at her confused. 

"You'll be in some discomfort still for the first few weeks postpartum. You'll bleed a lot, and your stomach won't go flat straight away. You'll also produce colostrum at first, but about 3-4 days after birth your chest can start to feel tender and tight as milk is produced. And your mood swings might continue for a few weeks after baby is born as your hormones level out."

Charlie gulped. "So you mean, it'll basically be like still being pregnant but worse?"

"In a sense, yes. But you have to remember, you'll have your darling little girl with you, and Nick will be by your side through it all. A midwife will also come to check up on you all, make sure everything is ok. Once your pup’s in your arms everything will seem worth it."

They left with a home birthing kit in hand, Nick signed up for a virtual 'birthing partner' course and a sense of excitement that the next time they'll see their daughter, it'll be in the flesh. 

*

They had invited Charlie's family over for lunch the first week of January. Leave it much longer and Charlie wasn't sure if he'd be able to see them before the pup made an appearance. He was a bag of nerves, unable to keep still as he sat in the living room, the tv on but no one paying it any attention. 

"What if they start shouting at me again?" Charlie's voice was small and fearful, not wanting to experience any more coldness from his parents. 

"Then I'll kick them out." Nick said confidently. 

"You can't do that! Please be good."

"I promise I'll be on my best behaviour but this isn't their house, and you're my mate. If they do anything to upset you, I promise I'll make them leave. I won't have them upsetting you." Nick reassured, just as the doorbell rang. 

"Nicky, can you get that? I'm just finishing up the last of the fajitas!" Sarah called from the kitchen. 

Nick held out his hand. "You wanna come with me?" He asked, to which Charlie gave a small nod. He could already smell his family outside. 

Nick opened the door, plastering a grin on his face as Charlie stood behind him, just out of view. "Mr and Mrs Spring, how lovely to see you again." He greeted, gesturing for them to come inside. He gave Tori and Olly a hug whilst Charlie's parents dodged him, more interested in finding their son. 

"Hi mum, hi dad." Charlie said meekly, offering a small wave as he emerged from behind Nick. 

"Oh, Charlie, my darling." His mum all but cried as she rushed over, wrapping her arms around her eldest son. It was somewhat awkward to manoeuvre around the bump, but she found a way, holding him close as though she might never see him again. Charlie's nerves seemed to melt away as soon as he felt his mother's arms around him, feeling like a young pup again as he was reunited with his family. He felt her nose find it's way to his neck, breathing in his scent. He could tell the exact moment she realised he had mated, his smell now a combination of his and Nick's. She tensed for a moment, before relaxing into the smell again. "You're all grown up." She whispered, running her fingers through his hair. 

It was his turn to greet his dad next, who stood awkwardly and sheepishly in the doorway. They stared at each other for a moment, before he pulled Charlie in, too. "I've missed you, son."

"Missed you too, dad." Charlie said truthfully. He hadn't realised the extent of how much he longed to be back with his parents until now. 

"Julio, Jane, it's lovely to see you both!" Sarah emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron before leaning in to give both a kiss on the cheek. "Tori, how are you lovely? And Olly, look at how big you've gotten!"

"Tori says I'm not the baby of the family anymore so I gots to be big." He replied with such seriousness that Charlie couldn't help but laugh. 

"Dinner is ready everyone. I hope you all like chicken fajitas! Don't worry, Jane, I have made you some special veggie ones and Olly, I promise you that not a single red thing has touched your plate."

Charlie could feel his parent's eyes on his as he waddled to the kitchen, keeping one hand on Nick the whole time. He took his seat at the table, his seat being a compute chair with pillows around the back for support with Nick sitting next to him. 

"Wanna sit next to Charlie." Olly said, giving him puppy dog eyes, and how could Charlie say no. He pulled out the seat on the other side of him, patting it as his baby brother excitedly ran onto it. 

"This smells delicious, Sarah." Tori complimented as the food was plated up. 

"So how have you been, Charlie?" His mum asked him. 

He looked up with his mouth full of food. He quickly finished chewing and swallowed. "Um, not too bad considering. Just getting a bit antsy now, want her to be here." He subconsciously placed a hand on his bump, patting the spot where he could feel her having a wriggle. 

"And Nick's been looking after you?" His dad then asked, still yet to address Nick directly. 

Charlie couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he began to talk about his mate. "Yea, he's been pretty amazing, tending to my every need. Couldn't have asked for anyone better."

"Well you're the one going through the hard part, all I can do is try and make it a bit easier for you." Nick replied, smiling towards Charlie's parents. Julio had a frown on his face as they locked eyes.

"Have you decided on a name yet for my niece? It better be a good name." Tori asked this time. 

They hadn't really said to anyone else about their name choices, although they were constantly pestered about them by their friends. 

"Well, we've got a few in mind but don't want to decide until she's actually here, need to pick something that suits her." Charlie replied. 

"And don't worry, I've vetoed all of Charlie's bad suggestions. Like Clementine! Really, Clementine?" Nick added in this time, mock judging Charlie for the suggestion. 

"Hey, I was really craving clementines that day!"

Jane started to tear up at this, taking a tissue to dab at her eyes. "I've missed out on so much of my baby's pregnancy, oh Charlie I'm so sorry." She reached out her hand from her seat opposite to take Charlie's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. 

Charlie internally panicked, not liking when people were upset. Seeing his mum like this, no matter what she had said, broke him. Maybe it was the hormones, maybe he was just too forgiving, but hated seeing her so upset. "It's water under the bridge. You're here now, and that's what matters." He reassured her. 

Charlie's parents had tried to insist on cleaning up after their meal was finished, but Sarah just shook her head. "You're guests, and you've come here to see Charlie not wash dishes." Charlie was forever grateful to Sarah. 

"Just popping up to use the loo." Nick said as they all began to make their way to the living room. 

He done his business, and as he came out, he found Julio waiting for him.

"All yours, Mr Spring, don't worry I didn't do a number 2." He joked, hoping to clear the very tense air around them. It didn't. 

"Listen, Nick, I'm still not happy with you, or very pleased with this whole situation." He began, glaring daggers at the young boy. "He's my son, and we've missed him and love him. But that doesn't mean I like you for the position you've put him in. You've messed up our family, and if you ever dare do anything to hurt him, you'll be dead." He threatened, squaring up to Nick. 

Nick held his own, staring Julio right in the eyes. "And if you do anything to hurt my mate now, or any time, then I will not hesitate to kick you out and stop you seeing our daughter. You're the one who hurt Charlie by kicking him out, and I won't have you hurting him or my family again. Understood?" Nick was sure the older man could smell the nerves rolling off him, but physically he wouldn't let it show. He needed him to understand. 

It was a stare off, both refusing to break first, eyes locked and fists clenched. In the end, it was Charlie who bought them back down. 

"Nick, you up there? Is the toilet free?" Charlie called up the stairs, gripping the banister as he made his way up to the pair. 

Nick broke eye contact; his mate was more important. "I'm coming to help you." He called down, glaring once more at Julio before padding down the stairs to give him a hand. 

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch, and Charlie really enjoyed seeing his family. It was a tearful goodbye between him and his mum, with promises that they'll see each other again soon. 

"The next time I see you, this'll hopefully be gone and replaced with a lovely grandbaby!" She exclaimed, placing hands on either side of the bump, earning a kick back in return against her palms. 

It hadn't dawned on Charlie until then just how close the arrival of his pup was. He couldn't tell if he was more excited or scared.

Chapter Text

Charlie was fed up of being pregnant. At 39 weeks, he was considered to be at full term, but his due date wasn't for another week and baby was showing no signs of making an appearance. He felt heavy and uncomfortable and every time he thought he had gone into labour, the contractions would soon stop. Bloody braxton hicks. His continuous heart burn wasn't making things fun, either. To make things worse, Nick had now gone back to college after a few weeks off for Christmas half term. His head teacher had told him he could have a month off and complete his school work from home once the baby arrived, but until then he expected him in school every day so that he wouldn't fail his A Levels. All Charlie wanted was Nick with him, cuddled up together, 24/7. 

"What can I do to help?" Nick would always ask. 

"You're already doing everything." Would be Charlie's defeated reply. "Just want her to be here now."  

He'd sort of gone into a confinement period, reluctant to leave the house or even venture far from his nest. His recent reclusive behaviour had worried Nick, until a Google search had reassured him it was a natural, normal behaviour as the birth of their baby approached. 

"Why don't we take a walk? It's meant to help bring on labour?" Nick suggested one evening, his due date now only 3 days away. 

Charlie would do anything at this point. "Ok, but let's not go too far from home." 

The walk was slow and unsteady but Charlie was grateful to be stretching his legs and for the fresh air. Nick held onto him as though his legs would buckle at any given second. 

"No sign of baby yet, then?" Stanley Porter, an elderly omega who lived a few houses down asked, spotting the couple as he arrived home from the shops. 

"Not yet, Stan." Nick replied. 

"Try eating pineapple, worked wonders for me." Stanley was one of the few male omegas who had actually been pregnant himself that the couple knew. Nick had never so much as spoke to him before Charlie became pregnant, but whenever he saw the younger omega around he made a point on asking how he was and gave (sometimes unwarranted) advice. But he always meant well. 

So of course, once they arrived home Nick was right back out to the shops, coming home with 3 tins of pineapple for his mate to get through. 

But his due date came and went, and still no sign of pup.

"Have you tried having sex? It can help bring on labour." Sarah suggested nonchalantly on the morning of January 22nd, two days past Charlie's due date, much to the horror of her son. 

"Mum!" Nick groaned, shooting her a look. 

"Tried that every day this week, no luck." Charlie said at practically the same time, sounding deflated. 

"Charlie!" Nick said in shock this time, not expecting his mate to reveal his sex life to his mum. 

"Nicky, I think you're forgetting that I, along with everyone else, knows you've had sex." She gave him a pointed look, gesturing to Charlie's bump. "The walls are also very thin." Nick blushed at this as his mum raised her eyebrows at him. "We'll order a nice spicy curry for you tonight, that should help get things started."

But all the curry managed to do was give Charlie diarrhoea, much to his disappointment and discomfort. 

Monday saw Nick return to college and Sarah going to work, leaving Charlie with the house to himself. He missed Nick. Missed how he would run his fingers through his hair, plant gentle kisses to his forehead, speak to their baby girl and encourage her to make an appearance because 'papa's quite uncomfortable and you have a lot of people out here wanting to meet you.' Nick had tried to stay home this week, but, despite how much he wanted him home, Charlie had insisted he go in. He didn't want to be the reason Nick was falling behind in class. 

He spent his day trying to concentrate on his own school work, a struggle with his legs cramping every 5 minutes, and the constant need to wee. His baby had dropped now, sitting low on his body and putting a constant pressure on his bladder. He soon finished his work, Maths had always come easy to him, and took to sleeping in his nest. 

The next time he opened his eyes was to the quiet sound of the tv illuminating the otherwise dark room, and the smell of his mate somewhere close. 

"Nick?" He called out groggily, unwilling or unable to actually sit up to look around the bedroom. 

Soon his mate was in sight, kneeling down next to him. "I got home from school and you looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you." He admitted, taking a hand to brush the sweaty curls from his forehead. Charlie sniffled a little as Nick pulled him into his arms, and before he knew it he was choking for breath as big, wet, ugly cries erupted from his body. 

"Oh, Char. It's ok, just let it all out." Nick tried his best to sooth, rocking him back and forth, rubbing soothing circles along his back. The sound of his mate's sobs broke his heart; he hated seeing him like this. 

"I-I jus' want it to-to be o-o-ver." He hiccuped out through the tears, face becoming red and blotchy. 

Nick's thumb wiped away the tears as they streamed down his face, cupping his faces with his hands. "Deep breaths, come on, in through your nose out through your mouth."

Charlie done as told, finally managing to regulate his breathing as his tears subsided. 

"Can you tell me what bought this on?" Nick asked, looking concerned as he bought his mate down to lean on his chest, scenting him to help calm him down. 

"I'm just fed up, just want her here now. Everywhere hurts, my body doesn't even feel like mine anymore. I'm tired, so so tired." A few more tears fell down his face as he sniffled, Nick handing him a tissue so he could blow his nose. 

"I know, my love." Nick nuzzled his face in Charlie's curls, placing a kiss on the crown of his head. "But she'll be here soon, I promise. The finish line is in sight. I'm in awe of you, Charlie Nelson, and all you're going through to bring our pup into the world. You're doing so well, and I love you so much."

By the 25th, 5 days overdue, Charlie was well and truly fed up. His want to stay in the house hadn't wavered, but he missed seeing his friends and was getting itchy feet to socialise again. Luckily, Nick had a rugby match today which Charlie had his heart set on attending. Unluckily, Nick had become even more protective than normal now that he was past his due date. 

"I don't think you should go." He replied when Charlie asked if he could come and watch him play. 

"Pleasseeee Nick! Come on, what's the worst that'll happen? I just want a bit of fresh air and to watch my gorgeous mate play rugby. Tao even said he'll come pick me up!" He gave his best puppy dog eyes, but Nick wasn't budging. 

"What if you go into labour? Or if you fall over and hurt yourself? It's just not safe, please stay here. I'll be home by 3, only have 1 lesson after the match." Nick kissed his pouting mate goodbye, grabbing his rugby bag and leaving for school. 

But Charlie wasn't having that. He sent a quick n text to Tao, and within half an hour he and Elle were knocking on the front door, wrapping him in hugs and helping him to the car. 

"We've missed you so much, Charlie! Everyone is so excited to see you!" Elle said whilst beaming ear to ear. 

"Yea, surprised Nick's ok with you going down the school." Tao added, sending him a questioning look that told him he didn't quite believe it. 

They found their seats in the stands of the rugby pitch; Charlie had forgotten just how uncomfortable they were, taking some time to wiggle on the seat to try and find the best position. They had gotten there early - Elle and Tao having no classes in the morning, and not wanting to be stuck in the crowds of students excited to get the morning off to watch the game. 

"What time does the game start?" Charlie asked, rubbing a thumb over his bump as it became solid through a 'braxton hick', subtly clicking the button on his stopwatch on his phone. 

Ok, so Charlie thought he could be in early labour. Since about 10pm the night before, he had started having what he believed were braxton hicks. He'd fallen asleep in Nick's arms as normal, but when he woke up he was still experiencing them. He had started timing them, just in case, and they were pretty consistent. When he'd woken up at 7:30 this morning, they were about 20 minutes apart. And now, 3 hours later, they hadn't let up and were about 17 minutes apart. 

But he couldn't tell Nick that. He was so excited about this match - it was against their biggest rivals and the only team above them in the league tables. Early labour could take days, and he wasn't about to make Nick miss the game just to sit at home with him. He was going to do himself no good being home alone with his thoughts. No, he was far better off with his friends, watching his mate play rugby, and then they could go home when the match finished and prepare for the birth. 

*

Nick didn't like leaving Charlie home alone, in fact he hated it. But he understood why he needed to be in college as long as possible, he was in no doubt he'd start to fall behind once their baby came. Plus, this was a pretty important match. He didn't want to let his team or school down unless the baby was coming. 

He was met with cheers and pats on the back as he entered the changing rooms. 

"We were half expecting you not to turn up today, Nelson. That pup of yours still not made an appearance?" Michael asked. 

"Not yet! Will hopefully be any day now."

Coach Singh could be heard knocking on the door to the changing rooms. "You boys decent?" 

A chorus of yes's followed and she came in, ready to give her pep talk. 

"Right lads, we know the score with this game. They're the only team above us in the league, if we beat them then we're top. I'm not going to lie to you's, it's gonna be a tough game. But I know you all have it in you to beat them, we want a fair, friendly game," she emphasised friendly, looking over at Lee who had a reputation for playing somewhat dirty when he thought the ref wasn't looking, " and we want to beat them fair and square. This is also Nelson's last game for a while, with the impending arrival of his baby," a scream of cheers erupted from the team, "so let's make it a good one!"

They started with their warm ups along the field before making their way to the actual rugby pitch, with the game due to start at 11am. They were antsy, with adrenaline running through them. 

"Didn't know Charlie was coming down to watch the game today, mate! Will be nice to see him!" Lee said as they were paired up to practice their tackles. 

Nick couldn't help but laugh at the absurd idea. "Dunno what you're on about, Charlie's safely at home today."

"So that's not him sitting over there?"

Nick watched where Lee pointed to, and lo and behold there sat his extremely pregnant mate next to their friends. Charlie must have seen him looking over, because he was now trying to make himself smaller and turning his face out of view by looking behind him. 

"Coach, I'm just going to use the toilet!" He called over, ignoring the questions from his team as he jogged in the other direction towards the seats. 

"Charlie? Charlie!" He stood in front of the stadium seats, leaning over the barrier whilst Charlie still looked behind him, as if Nick couldn't see him if he couldn't see his face. "Charlie, look at me."

He turned around slowly, a sheepish smile on his face. "Oh hi Nick, fancy seeing you here! Looking forward to the match?"

Their friends all sat there awkwardly, not sure what to say or where to look, whilst Charlie just looked nervous. "I'm sorry Nick, I just didn't want to be alone today. It's lonely, and I wanted to watch you play." 

Nick's heart broke a little, seeing the remorseful look on his poor mates face. "Char, you don't have to be apologising, that should be me. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be leaving you alone like this." He jumped over the barrier, leaning in to kiss him. "I'm glad you're here, you're our good luck charm. But we're going straight home after the match, ok?"

Charlie nodded eagerly. "Love you."

"Love you to." He looked over to where Tao and Elle were sitting. "Look after him!" He warned, before jogging back to the rest of the team.

Chapter Text

Against the odds, Truham had one the rugby match! Cheers erupted throughout the field as the team done a victory lap. 

"GO ON NICK! SO PROUD OF YOU!" Charlie yelled, before letting out a small gasp as another contraction erupted through his body. 15 minutes apart now. 

"You ok?" Elle asked, rubbing Charlie's back as he doubled over a bit, this one being particularly strong. He could see Elle and Tao exchange a look. 

"Yep, ju-just some-" Charlie groaned "-some indigestion." He let out a breath through his mouth, glad it was finally over. 

"Ok, that's it, games over now and we're taking you back to Nick. You're clearly in labour, Charlie." Tao whispered, not wanting the people around him to hear. 

"It's that obvious?" He whipped his head around, half expecting the whole stadium to be watching him, but thankfully they were all preoccupied with the post-game high. 

"Only because you've been grimacing in pain every so often since you got into the car this morning." Tao lifted his eyebrows, as though daring him to deny it. 

"Ok, fine, let's go get Nick! Come on, help me up." Charlie was ready now, ready to be alone with Nick in the sanctuary of their nest to welcome their baby into the world. 

Charlie waddled to the changing rooms, Tao and Elle on either side, looping their arms with his. 

"You two wait out here, I'll go get him." Charlie informed them, and with some reluctance they agreed. 

Charlie hadn't been in the changing rooms since he'd presented. He somewhat resented being kicked off the team just because of his secondary gender, he had thought it sexist. That was, until he saw some of the other alpha/beta only teams that Truham were up against. He'd quickly changed his mind then. No matter how fast a runner he was, he wouldn't stand a chance if one of them tackled him. 

He tapped lightly on the door. "Hello? Is Nick in here?" He poked his head around, greeted with the wide smiles of his old rugby team. 

"Charlie!! Good to see you mate, Nick's just finishing off showering, come in, sit down!" Michael ushered him in and cleared a spot on one of the benches. 

"Jesus, you look about ready to drop the pup right here." Harry remarked, eyes wide at the size of him. 

"Char, that you?" Nick's voice could be heard from the back of the room as a shower turned off. He emerged not a minute later, hair wet and jogging bottoms sitting low on his hips. Charlie couldn't help but stare, only coming back round when Nick kneeled in front of him, waving a hand in front of his face. 

His body chose that moment to have another contraction, strong and harsh as his belly tightened and taking his breath away. His knuckles turned white as they gripped the bench beneath them, breathing deeply like he'd been taught in his antenatal class. He could somewhat hear Nick asking him what's wrong, if he's ok, but all he could focus on was getting through the contraction. The pain shortly subsided and he clicked the button on his phone to time it. 20 less seconds apart compared to the last. 

"Think I'm in labour." He whispered out meekly, his mate staring at him in shock. 

"What? Are you sure? Not just braxton hicks? For real?" Nick's eyes went wide with panic. 

"For real, they're consistent and getting closer together." Charlie had a hint of excitement in his voice, watching as the shock on his mate’s face turned to worry. 

"Why didn't you tell me? We should be at home!"

"I didn't want you to miss the rugby game, knew how much it meant to you."

They'd forgotten they weren't alone until Harry came running back into the room. "I've got towels and hot water, that's what they have in the films, right? Charlie, I don't really fancy looking down the business end but happy to hold your hands, mate, if Nick's ready to deliver the baby."

Charlie and Nick both burst out laughing, as did half of the rugby team. Harry looked at them all confused, placing the jug of steaming water on the ground. "What's so funny?"

"Labour takes ages, Harry. Days sometimes. Don't think we're in any danger of having to deliver the baby here." Nick whipped his head around and looked towards Charlie for reassurance, seemingly panicked. "Right?"

"Right." Charlie confirmed. "Don't worry I promise I won't be giving birth in the school changing rooms!"

Nick helped haul Charlie up from the bench, arms shaking slightly with nerves. His mate could sense his worry, playing a hand on his face and bringing him in for a small kiss. "It's ok, Nick. Omegas have been having babies since the beginning of time, and their mates delivering them. It’ll be ok.”

They left the changing rooms to cheers and wishes of good luck from the rugby boys. 

"Finally! What took you so long?" Elle asked, looping her arm with Charlie's on one side whilst Nick took his hand on the other. 

"Harry Greene was preparing to be my birth partner." Charlie replied as they all started laughing. That is, except Nick. 

"This isn't funny! Charlie, in a matter of hours you're going to be pushing something the size of a watermelon out your arse and how does that even work? How does that even fit? And I'll be the one down there trying to help guide her from your body and then we'll be parents to this little baby that will rely wholly on us for every little need and-" Nick was cut off with a not so gentle slap around the arm from Tao. He blinked a little, shocked at the sudden contact, and looked to see his mate looking at him with fearful eyes. 

"You've got to calm down, Nick. You and Charlie will be ok." Tao glared at the other boy. "Charlie needs you to stay calm." 

Nick nodded, feeling remorse knowing that he was causing his mate to be worried. He wrapped an arm around Charlie, kissing his curls and scenting his neck, glad when the sour smell of worry had all but disappeared. 

Tao and Elle drove the pair back home, and for once Charlie didn't feel bad about his friends going out of their way for him. He was in pain and uncomfortable, and the thought of having to get a bus in his state didn't exactly fill him with joy. 

"Just cross your legs, Charlie. This is a new car, don't be getting any weird labour pregnancy fluids on the seat!" Tao called from the front seat, probably breaking every speeding law in the process of getting them back to Nick's. 

Even from the back seat, the boys could see Elle glaring at Tao. "Don't be insensitive!" She exclaimed, before turning to look at Charlie. "Ignore him, you do what you need to do my love."

Tao's speeding done it's job, and they were back at home in no time. Nick was quick to jump out the car and run round to Charlie's side, offering a helping hand to his mate once another contraction had ended. 

"Good luck!" Tao called from the drivers seat, giving the pair an awkward thumbs up. 

"We expect pictures of baby girl! But only once she's all clean!" Elle added before they drove off, probably back to Tao's. 

They made their way into the house, grateful that Sarah was at working until the evening. 

"So, what do we do now?" Nick asked, standing awkwardly and not entirely sure what to do with himself. 

"I think a bath might be good, and some food? Banana smoothie?" Charlie suggested, holding onto the wall as he slipped off his shoes. "When's your mum home?"

"Not until 8ish this evening, I can ask her to stay at a friends though if you'd like no one else home? She's said before she wouldn't mind."

"No!" Charlie was quick to reply. "I don't mind her here, I feel safe around her."

Nick nodded, typing out a quick text to his mum explaining how Charlie was in labour so not to be alarmed when she gets home if she heard screaming, and then helped his mate up the stairs to the bathroom. 

"Don't run it so it's steaming, just a bit hot." Charlie asked, taking a seat on the toilet. 

With the bath running, Nick ran down the stairs to make the banana smoothie he'd requested and to just take a second to calm his nerves. This was really happening. Their baby was coming. He would soon be delivering their baby. He could feel his hands shake as he blended up the banana, but he had to calm himself down before going back upstairs. He couldn't let Charlie see how scared he was. 

Banana milkshake made, he raced back up the stairs just in time to see Charlie stop the stop watch. "About 10 minutes apart now." 

Nick helped him get his clothes off and ease gently into the bath. He could see Charlie physically relax as he was surrounded by the water, eyes closed as he lay back. He spent a few hours like that, Nick occasionally holding the straw to the smoothie up to his lips, the hot water being rerun when the temperature got a bit too cold. 

"I hope she has your eyes." Charlie commented, reaching a hand up to run his fingers over his mate's face.

Nick smiled at this, placing a kiss on Charlie's knuckles. "And I hope she has your nose. And lips. And curly hair."

"You want her to be my double?"

Nick hummed his agreement, nodding his head. "Papa's mini me."

Charlie started to get restless around 5pm, so Nick helped him out and into some comfy clothes, letting him lean on him as he wandered around upstairs to stretch his legs. They'd stop every so often, Charlie letting out a groan as another contraction would rip through his body, but they'd ease after a minute. 

"You sure you don't want any pain relief?" Nick asked as he rubbed a soothing hand over Charlie's lower back - it seemed to hurt most there at the moment, and he hated seeing his mate in so much pain. 

But Charlie was determined, shaking his head and wiping his sweaty curls from his forehead "No, I got this. Wanna do this naturally."

A particularly strong contraction had Charlie doubling over in pain at about 7pm. "Nick?" He asked tiredly, once the pain had subsided. "I've either just wet myself, or my waters have broken."

Nick looked down at the wet patch emerging on Charlie's shorts, and then the smell hit him. That infamous smell of an omega in labour, unlike anything he'd ever smelt before. The smell of fear and excitement and pain and new life all mixed into one. It triggered something primal in Nick, a need to protect and defend and keep his mate and pup close and safe, those needs bubbling to the surface and taking priority over everything else. 

"Ok, come on, let's get you into something clean, yea?" He whispered, making sure to keep quiet. The house was dark except a few lamps he'd kept on, and any loud noises were distressing Charlie and he couldn't have that. 

He tried to help his mate into a new pair of shorts but was met with resistance. "No, pup soon."

Nick understood, putting some pads down in the nest so Charlie could get into his safe place. 

Contractions were 5 minutes apart now, and stronger than ever. 

Nick received a text from his mum, letting him know she was about 5 minutes away. Not long after, they faint sound of the front door opening and shutting could be heard. 

"Sarah?" Charlie whispered out weakly. He'd been in labour nearly 24 hours now, if you counted the contractions which had started the night before. 

"Yea, just mum. You still ok with her being home?"

He received a small nod in response as he breathed through another contraction, Nick's hand turning red from the grip he had on it. 

"Hot...off." Charlie mumbled, struggling with the hem of his top until Nick grabbed the bottom and lifted it over his head. Charlie sat there, naked as the day he was born, well into labour. Nick couldn't help but stare at his mate, pride swelling inside him at the sight. 

10pm rolled around, and then 11pm when Charlie started to get the urge to push. 

"C'mon Char, you got this. Nice big breaths, that's it."

Charlie was up on all fours, hands gripping the pillow in front of him and Nick focused his attention on his behind, where their baby would soon be making her appearance. 

Labour isn't like how it is on TV. A few pushes and you're done? Charlie would be lucky. It was past midnight, a full hour of back to back contractions when Nick could start to see the head. 

"That's it, can see her head, full head of hair." Nick encouraged as Charlie grunted and bore down. He'd hardly said a word the last few hours, all his energy focused on pushing and breathing. 

"Alright, small pants now, blow out through your mouth, no pushing. Don't want you to tear, your body's got this."

Charlie did as instructed, the pain tearing through him in constant waves. But he couldn't focus on that. Instead, he focused on his baby girl, his little pup that would be in his arms within the hour. It was the only thing getting him through this. 

The head started crowning, earning a cry from Charlie. Nick tried to remain calm, it was hard when everything was so messy and bloody, but he had to ignore that, placing a hand gently on his daughter's head to help guide it out. 

"Stings." Charlie grunted out, tears pricking his eyes. 

"I know, but you're nearly there now! I'm touching our daughter's head, Charlie. That's how close she is."

Her head popped out, and after a couple more pushes from Charlie, Nick was catching their little girl in his arms. Charlie let out a strangled cry as he felt his daughter slip from him, carefully turning over and gesturing for his little girl to be placed on his chest. Their daughter started to cry, loud healthy screams filling her lungs with oxygen. 

"We've got a daughter." Nick couldn't help but laugh, the feeling being surreal. 

Charlie started to cry, setting Nick off, and he was pretty sure he could hear his mum crying happy tears from downstairs too. 

"She's gorgeous." Charlie whispered down, rocking her gently. 

"You done amazing, I'm so proud of you." Nick praised, kissing his mate and scenting his neck, wiping his own tears away but more just kept on coming. 

He cut the cord and helped deliver the placenta, placing it in the bowl provided from the home birth pack so that Charlie could eat it later (Nick thought it was kind of gross, but Charlie insisted it was packed with nutrition. Regardless, Nick knew he'd be the one wrangled into preparing it). He then cleaned up his mate, wiping away all the gunk and blood as Charlie winced a bit. He coaxed their daughter to his nipple once Nick had finished, feeding her, a complete natural. 

They should have probably slept that night, both exhausted from the days events. But neither could take their eyes off their daughter. Little bow lips, bright blue eyes, dark hair that seemed to already be flicking up at the ends. She would definitely have Charlie's curls as Nick had hoped. 

About 6:30am, before they drifted off to sleep, they decided to send a message to a group chat titled 'baby Nelson updates'. All their friends and family had been added, excitedly awaiting any news. 

Nick took a selfie of the 3 of them, bags under their eyes and covered in sweat but beaming with pride. 

He sent the picture with the caption:

'Meet Adelaide Iris Nelson. Born January 26th at 35 minutes past midnight weighing 7.9lbs. Papa and baby are both doing well, and we couldn't be happier x'

Chapter Text

~12ish years later~

"Shh, come on little pups, we mustn't wake daddy up and spoil the surprise." Charlie whispered, carrying a tray of food in one hand whilst his other hand guided his youngest in the direction of his and Nick's bedroom door. Of course, he knew Nick would be awake - the sound pots and pans clattering downstairs, and their middle child's inability to whisper, would have ensured that. But he knew his mate would play along, already hearing the fake snores he was emitting as part of the act.

He held up his hand, silently counting down from 3 (or not so silently in the case of their 3 year old, who had to say her numbers out loud) before pushing open the bedroom door and erupting into song. 

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear daddyyyyy! Happy Birthday to you!"

Little bodies were crawling into the bed, all over Nick as they tried to get him to wake up. 

"Daddy it's your birthday! Gotta get up!" Matty shouted, forever the loudest, and Charlie had to remind her to use her indoor voice. 

"Sorry, Papa."

"Happy 30th, darling." Charlie smiled down at his mate, planting a kiss on his lips as Addie gagged.

"You two are so gross." She said with an eye roll. 

"Oi, you're not a teenager for another 4 months! So let me enjoy my eldest baby being young a little longer and come give your dear old dad a hug." Nick said, opening his arms. 

"Old is definitely right." Addie laughed, and she  was happy to wrap herself around him, whispering a 'happy birthday'. 

After Adelaide, or Addie as she was pretty much exclusively known, was born, and Nick had finished his A Levels, he decided to take a gap year to allow Charlie to finish his exams too. They then went off to uni together, Nick earning a degree in Primary Eduction and Charlie in History. It had been hard, doing it all with a toddler in tow, but they somehow managed it. 

Upon graduating, they had moved back to their little town in Kent, putting a deposit down on a two bed flat. Nick began work as a primary school teacher for a year 2 class, Addie started reception and Charlie found himself once again all pupped up. Baby number two arrived a couple of weeks after Nick turned 24. She had these gorgeous brown eyes, wide and alert from the moment she entered the world, and strawberry blond hair because, apparently, Nick was ginger when he was younger. Matilda Alice Nelson, Matty, was the spit of her daddy, and, now aged 6, was certainly the most rambunctious of their children. 

When Charlie fell pregnant with their third pup 3 years later, they realised it was time to upgrade their home for something bigger. So they packed their things, moving into a 4 bed terrace on the other side of town. Still close enough to their families, but it meant they had much more room for their brood. Rosemary Ada Nelson, their little Rosie, was born on May 9th and was 3 years old, something she had recently learnt to remember and would go around telling everyone. Literally, everyone. She was adorable and she knew it, with big chubby cheeks and freckles littering her face. It had taken some convincing for Nick to agree on the name, but Charlie's puppy dog eyes had won him over. 

They had their 3 girls, but they felt like their family was missing something: a son. Not that they weren't grateful for their daughter's, but they agreed to try one last time. And if they had another girl, then it just wasn't meant to be. 

Charlie had gone off his heat suppressants only 6 months ago, his heat and Nick's rut arriving just a month later. Within weeks Charlie was having the telltale signs of nausea and mood swings, only this time Nick couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his mate chucking up into the toilet. He knew what it meant. A trip to the doctors had confirmed they were expecting another healthy pup. 

The week before Nick's birthday, they had had the shock of their lives at their 20 week baby scan. It revealed Charlie was pregnant with not one boy, but two. Twin boys. Nick had actually fainted, like they had to get nurses in and everything to bring him round and check for concussion. Charlie was laughing hysterically, not sure if it was from seeing his alpha pass out or from the shock and realisation that they would soon have 5 children.

"Watcha got there, Rosie?" Nick asked, tickling their youngest girl as she squealed and held something behind her back. 

"Birfday card for daddy." She giggled out, handing the card over. 

'To Daddy,

Happy 30th Birthday, your so old!

Thank you for being the best daddy ever ❤️

Love you lots 

Addie, Matty, Rosie & the bump

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'

"Aww, thank you guys!" Nick leaned over to give each of his pups a kiss before digging into his breakfast. 

*

"Ok, so everyone is getting here for 1. We still need to hang up the rest of the decorations, get out the BBQ, make the bowl of pimms, get the pups dressed..."

Charlie was flapping around the house, much to the amusement of his mate who thought it was all rather comical. Face red, stomach large, arms in the air as he paced back and forth in their kitchen. He'd banished the children to the garden, telling them to play quietly out there until their cousins arrived. 

"Char, sit down, let me help you." Nick suggested, but this wasn't met well. 

"No! It's your birthday party, you shouldn't have to help!" 

His mate looked sad, and knew he was close to admitting defeat. Nick wouldn't have that though, making it out like it was his choice (which it technically was). "Honestly, I want to help. How about I do the decorations and BBQ, and you sort out the food drinks and kids? Sound good?"

Charlie nodded, grateful that his mate always knew how to make things better. That's how they still worked after all these years. They could read each other like a book, knew what the other needed without words having to be spoken. They were a team, no matter what. 

He got to work cutting the veggies and meat, putting them in the fridge to stop flys getting on them. Next was the pimms (god, Charlie missed pimms), adding fruit and giving the bowl a good mix. After it was all finished, he looked at the clock: midday. Time to start wrangling the kids!

Nick was on duty to help, helping coax them upstairs where they washed their faces and brushed their teeth. Nick's task was to help the younger two into their clothes: Matty into a striped summer dress, and Rosie a yellow and white plaid romper (Addie was way too old to need help, picking out a flared co-ord which looked like it was from an 80s disco). Once dressed, it was Charlie's turn to do their hair, something which he took great pride in. When Addie had started reception, he had seen all the little girls with plaits in their hair, buns, bunches, and he could hardly do a ponytail. A month of hair tutorial classes at the local college and he was soon an expert in all things 'little girls hair'. Their daughters looked immaculate, even if it may only last an hour before they'd be covered in dirt and hair a mess again. 

"Addie, watch your sisters whilst we get ready please?" Charlie asked, looking down at his stain covered top. His daughter nodded in response, forever the angel, and took her sisters down stairs. 

"Finally, 5 minutes alone." Nick whispered as they went to their bedroom, pulling his mate to him and bringing their lips together. Charlie's hands wandered down, slipping below Nick's waistband as his mate got to work taking his clothes off. 

"No time for a knot, quick wank?" Charlie asked breathily, palming his hand against his mate's crotch, earning a quiet moan. Nick nodded eagerly, helping Charlie remove his clothes too. This pregnancy, the hormones were making Charlie horny, and Nick was never one to deny him. 

"PAPA! CAN I HAVE AN ICE CREAM!" Matty's voice bellowed up the stairs. 

Charlie groaned, popping his head out their bedroom door. "NOT UNTIL AFTER LUNCH!" He screamed back, turning around to face his mate again. "Where were we?" He winked. 

"PAPA!" It was Addie's voice this time. 

Nick fell on the bed, defeated. "Think we'll have to go down, they'll be wondering up here soon and I don't fancy having a conversation about the birds and the bees with them just yet."

Charlie snorted a laugh at that. "No, definitely not! Don't worry though, you'll get your birthday treat tonight." He gave one last peck on Nick's lips before pulling a white top over his bump and putting on his maternity jeans. 

Nick had always thought Charlie suited being pregnant. And, with it being his fourth, he'd practically become an expert at manoeuvring around his bump. He took all the aches and pains in his pride, a far cry from when he had first fallen pregnant as a teenager. Nick still found it sexy, knowing that Charlie walked around every day carrying the evidence that he had been knotted by his mate. 

The doorbell drew his attention away from his thoughts. 

"UNCLE OLLY!" 

They could hear their pups clamouring to give their favourite uncle a hug, most likely badgering him for some sweets he always kept in his pocket and would without a doubt sneak to them. He liked to think of himself as the cool uncle. 

Nick and Charlie wandered down the stairs, finding that the kids had dragged Olly into the garden to show him their new playhouse. 

"Hiya, Ol." Charlie called out, laughing as Olly's head bobbed up from inside the playhouse, hitting it on the ceiling and causing his nieces to to erupt into a fit of giggles. Little devils. 

Olly came pounding over, wrapping Nick in a hug first. "Happy Birthday, old man!"

"Oi!" Nick playfully hit him, but Olly was quick to duck. "I'm not old, still in the prime of my life!"

Olly rolled his eyes, before kneeling down in front of Charlie. "And hello to my little nephews. You gonna give a kick for Uncle Olly?"

"Not unless you give their papa a hug first." Charlie said sassily, hands on hips as he raised his eyebrows raised at his younger brother.

Olly's arms were immediately around his neck, scenting him and planting a kiss on his cheek. "Tori and Michael said they should be here soon, mum and dad are on their way too." He said happily, running back to play with his nieces. He was still a child at heart despite being 20 and a proud beta. 

Next to arrive was Sarah, wrapping her sons (she considered Charlie another son) in hugs before running out to see her granddaughters, who all came to greet her with excited voices.  

"Hey, you're meant to be here for me, mum!" Nick fake pouted, 

"I am darling, but your daughters are just so much cuter than you!" She teased, lifting up Rosie and blowing a raspberry on her stomach. "And how are my dearest grandsons, Charlie? Not causing you too much bother I hope?" She said it half jokingly but Charlie knew it was a serious question. She knew how hard pregnancies could be on the boy, even if he now made them look easy. She'd been there to support him when he was diagnosed with postnatal depression after having Adelaide. She'd been there when he had started bleeding whilst pregnant with Matilda. And she'd been there when he'd experienced sciatica when pregnant with Rosemary and had to use a walking stick for 3 months. Sarah had been a godsend then, coming over to help with the pups and around the house whilst Nick worked. 

"They've been no bother so far." Charlie reassured her. "Nick's been amazing as usual-"

"Awh stop, you're making me blush." Nick joked. 

"-and even the girls have been great, very excited to welcome their baby brothers."

"Uncle NICKKKKKK! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" 

Tori, Michael and their two children, Maeve and Tommy, were the next to arrive, with Tommy singing happy birthday to his uncle Nick before they'd even gotten through the front door. Maeve was 5 and Tommy was 3, both had been born by a surrogate but somehow looked the perfect blend of both their parents. Tommy adored his uncle Nick, and wrapped his body around Nick's leg as soon as they got into the garden. 

"Rugbyyy tackllleeeee!" He bellowed as Nick gracefully dropped to the ground. 

"You got me, little man!"

The party guests kept on arriving: Charlie's parents, David, his wife Abi and there 2 children (David had softened since meeting Abi, and they all decided to let bygones be bygones for the sake of Sarah), Tao and Elle and their toddler Bai, Isaac, Tara and Darcy. The birthday BBQ was in full swing, food cooking, drinks flowing and children running riot around the garden. 

"Did you buy a birthday cake?" Elle whispered to Charlie as he pulled her to the kitchen. 

"Nope, made it especially."

"Please tell me you're kidding?" She pleaded, to which Charlie shook his head. 

"Why does everyone think my baking is so bad?"

He pulled out the cake he'd spent last night baking. Ok, he had to admit it didn't look the most appetising; the cake was a bit burnt, and he'd ran out of icing half way through so he'd had to cover the rest in left over Easter sprinkles Nick had bought a few months ago. He'd wrote out 'Happy 30th Birthday, Nick!' with an icing pen, but ran out of room towards the end so everything was a bit lopsided. 

"It's the effort that counts?" Charlie said, more of a question and Elle couldn't help but laugh. 

"He'll love the effort, and if that's the only thing he loves about this cake then that's ok." She reassured him, laughing as her friend pouted.

He lit the candles, getting Elle to turn off the lights in their living room before he walked in carrying the cake. 

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear daddy! Happy birthday to you!"

Nick beamed big up at his mate, trying hard to hold back his laughter as he blew out the candles. 

"Make a wish." Charlie whispered. 

"I already have everything I could have ever wished for."

*

They bid their farewells to their friends and family later that evening, giving hugs and kisses and promises to see each other soon. 

It was time to wrangle the kids into bed, a mission only completed by tag-teaming. Rosie was first, the easiest of the bunch. A quick bath by Nick whilst Charlie started cleaning up downstairs, before she crawled into the bottom bunk in her and Matty's room for Charlie to read her a story. It was 'Giraffe's Can't Dance' tonight, one of her favourites. As Rosie drifted off to sleep, Charlie could hear Nick struggling with Matty in the bathroom. 

"I don't want to bath!" She cried, and he could hear what he thought was her a little foot stomping on the floor.

"You may not want a bath, Matilda, but you need one. Now, get in the bath, or do you want me to go and get papa?"

Charlie was more of the no nonsense parent, and he liked it that way. He needed to keep order in his house, and being the only parent home during the weekdays whilst Nick worked, it meant the kids saw him as a higher authority than their daddy. They could play up for their dad, but if papa was called in they knew they'd get in more serious trouble. 

Maybe it was the sugar rush, but tonight not even the threat of Charlie was calming Matilda down. 

Once he was sure his youngest was asleep, he went to help his mate in the bathroom. She was throwing a full blown tantrum, crying and thrashing around as Nick tried to restrain her. 

With some struggle, Charlie got down to his knees to look his middle child in the eyes. His heart broke, seeing her blotchy red face, snotty nose and tears streaming from his eyes. He looked at Nick, and they silently agreed to give her a few minutes to get it out her system. 

Once the worst of it seemed to subside, Charlie started to try and reason with his daughter. "Matty, can you look at papa?" She did as told, pouting all the while. "Thank you. Now, you're going to have a bath. But it's your choice if you want me, or if you want daddy to bath you. And you can pick either bubble bath, or bath toys, to go in the bath with you. Which would you like?"

Charlie always thought it important to give his children choices. And it seemed to help them during a tantrum. 

"Daddy and bubble bath." She mumbled out, finally relaxing in Nick's arms. 

His mate whispered a 'thank you' to Charlie, forever in awe of him and what an incredible parent he was. He helped him up off the floor, planting a kiss on his lips before he got to washing Matty. 

The last hour of the evening was spent with Addie. Now old enough to get herself ready for bed, they got to have some special one on one time with their daughter. It was something both men treasured. With their younger girls being so reliant on them, and the twins soon to make their arrival, time alone with Addie was scarce and precious. 

"Spare some for your papa?" He asked as he saw her digging into a tub of ice cream. He squished into the sofa next to her, gratefully accepting her spoon and savouring the taste. Chocolate, his favourite. "Did you enjoy today, sweetheart?"

She nodded before leaning her head in his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Was nice to see everyone."

Nick tiptoed down the stairs, careful not to wake the other pups up, before settling down on the other side of Addie. "Ooo, any chance I could have some too?"

Addie rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face that she was trying to hold back. "Only if you tell me the names of the twins." She bargained, eyes flickering between her parents. 

Nick and Charlie shared a look. "What makes you think we've picked out names?" Nick asked. 

"Overheard you talking to uncle Tao that you’ve decided on them." She said, smirking. "Come on, please. Promise I won't tell anyone."

"You promise? Especially not your sisters?" Charlie asked, to which she nodded her head eagerly. "Well, we're thinking Theodore Ellis for one of them,"

"And Tobias Ezra for the other." Nick finished. 

Their daughter nodded her head, face straight. She was so much like her auntie Tori, never giving away much. "Matching letters, they go well. Not bad choices."

The boys smiled at each other, glad of their eldest child's approval. When announcing their fourth pregnancy, she had been the least excited, claiming they were too old to be having more children. She was slowly starting to warm up to the idea, on the basis that she wouldn't have to share a room. 

They put on 'Bridesmaids', one of Charlie and Addie's favourite films (Nick also had a soft spot for it, though he wouldn't admit it). By the time the credits came on, Addie was fast asleep and Charlie wasn't far behind her. 

"C'mon, let's go up." Nick said, lifting up Addie like he'd do when she was a little girl and carrying her up to bed. 

He and Charlie brushed their teeth together, before he gifted Charlie his top for his nest. Nesting had started earlier in this pregnancy than normal, perhaps his body's way of telling him this pregnancy was different than the others. It was bigger than usual, too, taking up about a third of their room beneath the windows. His mate gratefully accepted the top, tucking it away to arrange later before crawling into bed and cuddling up to Nick. 

"I know I said about your special birthday treat tonight," Charlie broke his sentence with a yawn, "but could we maybe do it tomorrow?"

Nick couldn't help but laugh at his sleepy mate. "I was thinking the same thing."

"I can't believe how lucky we got." Charlie whispered to Nick, cuddling up to his mate as they drifted off to sleep.