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Jeongguk and Namjoon's divorce was healthy-- they weren't even adults when they'd had their first pup together, and after their second and third, the love, the chivalry, the romance was gone. When they became glorified roommates, watching over their tinier, jointly created roommates, they'd decided that the best course of action was to move on. It isn't that they haven't had their fair share of disagreements since they signed the papers, but nowhere near the issues that they'd come across when together.
They would show their kids healthy relationships by not being an example of an unhealthy one.
Namjoon and Jeongguk had agreed upon quarterly guardianship, with free rein of dinners throughout the months to make sure that neither Namjoon's alpha or Jeongguk's omega had a fit. heat and rut weeks were also switched when need be.
It had been at the end of Jeongguk's quarter that Namjoon had told him about Seokjin.
Namjoon had been open about seeing other people after their divorce. After their first heat and rut cycles without each other, their mating bond had faded into their necks respectively, a shiny and fading scar that grows fainter by the month. Jeongguk, while completely encouraging of Namjoon dating, had many concerns at first. any partner that Namjoon brought into his life now would have partial responsibility for his pups. The ones that jeongguk had grown and birthed himself, the ones that carry his scent. (Half the reason he hasn't felt like dating is because he has a distinct memory of Namjoon's alpha going nearly feral when a stranger on the bus had got too close to a pregnant Jeongguk and a toddler Sarang. He doesn't want to drop the kids off smelling like a strange alpha and scare the kids when Namjoon's herding and protective instincts are triggered.)
"I don't know how I’m going to get past it if I smell another omega on our kids, Namjoon." He admits as they watch their two girls playing tag, their son sitting in a sandbox to the side. "I’m not trying to be the crazy ex, but my omega snaps at me every time I entertain the thought. I’m sure that this Seokjin is great-- you wouldn't like them if they weren't a good person. I think I’ll just have to meet him before the kids do." He says and puts a dejected hand under his chin.
Namjoon grins. "Actually, Seokjin is a beta," Namjoon explains, and Jeongguk's head turns, interested. "And he already mentioned meeting you, actually. I told him that we're still good friends, and he's introduced me to his best friends. It'd be hypocritical to not introduce him to one of mine." Namjoon says, and Jeongguk turns his head to watch namjoon with misty eyes. When they'd been in school together, Jeongguk had been Namjoon's friend long before they'd fooled around. It’s part of what made it so easy for him to stay with namjoon for so long-- they were best friends raising miniature versions of themselves together more than they were lovers.
"Well then. I’ll definitely have to meet him now." He says, before Sarang, their eldest, runs over to show Namjoon a pretty rock. He feels a little pang in his heart, his omega recognizing his first mate providing and caring for their pup, while also feeling completely unattached to Namjoon that way. The 'They aren't your mate, but they're protecting your pups, omega. Isn't that wonderful and sad?' feeling. He just hopes that he'll be able to feel that way, albeit less sad, about Seokjin.
Sooyeon and Soobin run over next, showing their own pieces of rocks to Jeongguk who gasps and ahhs at the little stones. He puts them in his pocket but makes sure to give them over to Namjoon when they separate. Namjoon loves collecting little eclectic rocks, and had taught the kids early on, and knew it would mean the most to keep the little stones. Namjoon's smile is huge, dimples popping out just like Soobin's as he pockets the rocks.
Jeongguk sighs as he watches Namjoon's car leave the parking lot with his three babies, and his omega wilts without the little eyes on him. It never gets easier having to go so long without the pups. He knows he's going to see them plenty-- two days a week he is the one to pick them up from school and take them to their practices and will eat dinner with them. Namjoon's rut even allows for a week where they come home, but he still feels like he misses so much in the three months his babies are away.
The thought that Seokjin and Namjoon might get to share the moments that he'll miss is frightening to him.
His apartment always feels extra lonely, too. He's still a receptionist at the same hospital that he'd began working at after he'd had Sarang, and some days he wonders if it’s too late for him to go back and get a small degree in something. Take night and online courses to certify himself in something more than answering phone calls and taking down appointments.
He envies Namjoon some days. He'd gone to college and ended up in a career in music production like he'd always wanted. Sarang had taken him to school for her career fair day before her parents split up, and Jeongguk had only felt a little left out.
"I can't even blame her, Joon-ah. Her papa has a super cool job. I'd choose you too. Daddy talks on the phone all day, how is that supposed to be cool?" He sighs, laying starfished on their bed.
Namjoon frowns at him. "First of all, your job is important in maintaining the doctors’ schedules. You're like, half the reason patients see the doctors in good timing. Second, if you're unhappy just come and work for the company. Your voice is phenomenal, Gguk." He tries to comfort, but Jeongguk only sighs, leaving the conversation behind. It’s the same argument they have at least once a month when Namjoon has shorted himself on time at the company and has to have Jeongguk help him record a track. But a frivolous job as a musician isn't what he needs for bills. Namjoon brings in constant work because he can do everything musical, and Jeongguk can just sing and dance. He'd rather be the boring dad than the one that sits around and waits for a small royalty check while relying on his spouse for income.
(Realistically, there are some months when that was Namjoon, in the beginning, and they'd very nearly been forced to move back in with one of their parents or consider the idea of adoption.)
Jeongguk never regrets having any of his children-- only some of the sacrifices he made. Jeongguk is twenty-four and he has a six-year-old. He doesn't even regret his life with Namjoon, and truly believes that at one point, they had loved each other out of more than just obligation. But he can't imagine going back to the terse nights spent worrying over different priorities, job details, and providing the right things for their kids.
He hopes that this Seokjin will be good to his family.
--
Jeongguk had expected Namjoon to eventually set up a time and date to meet Seokjin-- he didn't expect for Seokjin to reach out himself.
Unknown | hello, this is kim seokjin. i hope namjoon-ah gave me the right phone number, otherwise ignore this! i was just reaching out to see if you'd be available to go out to eat and get to know each other.
It's been a week since the kids went to stay with their papa, and Jeongguk immediately calls Namjoon.
"Did you introduce the pups to Seokjin?" He asks, bordering an accusatory tone over the phone. He's foregone the formalities and small talk, slightly irritated at an answer that he hasn't heard yet.
Namjoon sighs, "No, Jeongguk. I said I’d introduce you first, let you make your decision on whether or not the pups get to meet him." He explains, sounding like he's done with Jeongguk's shit already. Jeongguk rolls his eyes, picking at his nails, but he can't deny that he's pleased.
"I just wanted to check. He reached out to me to get dinner sometime, and I didn't know if you'd seen him in person, or why he'd suddenly decide to reach out. Three months is a long time," He trails off, feeling a little bit vulnerable. He's nervous about this change-- honestly, he's doing better than his omega, which is screaming at him to find his pups and keep them away from everything new and bad and scary.
It doesn't help when Namjoon huffs a laugh, and Jeongguk hangs up the phone.
namjoon | i texted him your phone number, jeongguk-ah. i think you will like him, honestly. just give him a chance, alright? the kids want to call you later before bed, i'll talk to you again then.
It’s even worse when he meets Seokjin, and he is flawless. Literally flawless, with no personality faults, and he can cook. It’s absolutely horrible, because his kids are going to absolutely love him and how is he ever supposed to compete?
"So, Jeongguk. tell me about your pups? Namjoon talks about them a lot, but he's also kind of a day dreamer. He tells me about their future aspirations, but forgets to include the practical stuff. If you ever feel comfortable enough to let me around them, do I have allergies to worry about, do they have any troubles in their subjects?" He asks, and Jeongguk's eyes widen as he shovels another spoon of homemade kimchi into his mouth.
They'd chosen to meet at a neutral location, and Jeongguk chose a park in the middle of Seoul, next to the hospital that he works at. Seokjin apparently works somewhere nearby in a game design company working as a sales rep. More competition for career day, but he'll deal.
No one has ever cared to ask him about the menial stuff, but it makes up so much of their lives. Especially Jeongguk's, who is the one to pick them up for every appointment, to take notes and answer phone calls from the pups’ teachers. Jeongguk knows what kind of jokes the kids prefer and when they like to take their showers. Namjoon has always been better about taking the kids to do eclectic and exciting things, while Jeongguk manages all of their less exciting, but equally (and sometimes more) important events.
"W-well the twins both have an allergy to nutmeg, and Sarang is allergic to scented fabric softener and detergent. All of them are bright, but sometimes Soobin falls behind in reading because books without pictures bore him. Sooyeon will try to hide her bad quiz scores from you even if she's supposed to get a signature so she can retake it." Jeongguk finds himself unable to stop about all the little things, down to Sarang being needle-phobic and Soobin and Sooyeon overly enthused for their shot if it means candy.
He's about fifteen minutes in and in the middle of talking about how Sarang is more susceptible to respiratory infections because of her lungs as a baby when he realizes that his rambling is getting out of hand-- Seokjin wasn't asking for the pup's life story.
"I'm sorry, I’ve been rude. My pups mean a lot to me, and I guess I'm just nervous." He admits, cheeks burning red as he turns to avoid the other's gaze. He's sure that he's made an impression as the crazy overprotective dam when Seokjin speaks up.
"I admire you a lot, Jeongguk." He says, and Jeongguk can admittedly say that he wasn't expecting that. "When Namjoon-ah told me that he not only had pups, but was still friendly with his ex, their other parent, I was concerned. But meeting you, I’m so glad that you both parent the way you do and are still friends. My parents were divorced and re-mated when I was eleven, and if they were nearly as amazing as you and Joon-ah, I'm sure my life would have been a lot easier. My dam never worried about half of the things you do, and my sire was distant and never showed interest in my brother and I's clubs and concerts." Seokjin explains, baring himself to Jeongguk who's face softens. "I really hope we can be good friends, Jeongguk. I promise that I won't step on your shoes or try to step out of line when it comes to discipline, but I'm excited to meet these pups that I've heard such good things about."
Jeongguk feels his omega sigh, satisfied with Seokjin's answer, other than one little thing. "If you'll try love the pups as much as Joon and I, you'll have to be there for the ugly, treat them like yours. You have to be bonus parent, not appa's boyfriend." Jeongguk says, and Jin's eyes begin watering before he's across the park table and hugging the omega tightly.
"I promise I will."
jeongguk | if you can meet at the pizza place one night during the week, i think the kids should meet seokjin.
jeongguk | you two will be good for each other.
Across the city, Namjoon tears up in the privacy of his own bedroom, thankful to have such a good friend to coparent with.
--
The meeting goes well—Jeongguk wasn’t expecting it not to be, with as great as Seokjin’s first impression had been on him. But he was a little blown away by the way that Namjoon looks at and treats Seokjin. He doesn’t think Namjoon has ever looked at him as delicately, and he can’t help but to smile about it.
The twins immediately take to Seokjin, and Sarang shyly responds to a few things until Jin pulls out some sweets with Jeongguk’s permission.
Once the kids have got their fill, Jeongguk shoos them off to the play palace, and the three adults watch them for a bit. Jeongguk watches as Soobin helps hold the flap of a palace door for Sarang, and Sarang pulling Sooyeon up when she can’t reach. His kids are so fundamentally good, and their personalities are so far developed from when they came out of him.
“Gguk?” Namjoon gets his attention, and Jeongguk only half pays attention as Sarang and the twins reappear at the bottom of a slide, all bundled up in a row, waving at Jeongguk who waves back. “Jeongguk, ground control to satellite. What’s going on in your head?”
When Jeongguk turns to see Namjoon, he’s shocked to see that Seokjin has left the table. “He went to the restroom, I think he was a little nervous too.” Namjoon says, and Jeongguk gives a small smile.
“I knew the kids would like him. And Sarang is going to go crazy when she finds out that he can get her games with a discount. Another competitor for career day, and bring your parent to school day.” He says, and something in his voice must give him away because Namjoon nudges him.
“You know, there is a study that says that it becomes apparent which parent is going to be a kids favorite by the time they’re three months old?” Namjoon mentions, and Jeongguk scowls.
Rolling his eyes, he turns back toward the kids, calling out for Sooyeon to be careful where they’re wrestling on a platform. “Thanks, Joon, great to know I’ve just been caregiver number two all of this time.”
Namjoon huffs, nudging Jeongguk again. “The pups were observed until their eighteenth birthday, and every one of them had shown their attachment from the beginning. It was never just a sire or dam, but the ones that they were closest to were the ones that the pups ran to when they were scared, when they found something cool, or when they felt like something was wrong. When the kids come home from school with a good grade, or a story, do they tell you first?” Jeongguk nods, eyes wide as he listens. “Well when they come home with those things, the first thing they do is make me get on the phone to call you and find out when they can tell you. The same study showed that those kids saw that parent as a part of themselves until they grow older, when they see them as an extension of their self. Gguk-ah, I am not their primary parent, no matter how evenly we split their time.” Jeongguk rubs a hand over his eyes, thanking Namjoon who pats his hand.
Seokjin returns, the picture of perfect everything, and Jeongguk smiles up at him. Namjoon speaks up first, and Namjoon can tell that he’s gently wrapping his foot around Seokjin’s. “I think that went well, don’t you Jeongguk?”
Jeongguk nods, smile warm. “Sarang is just shy, as soon as you give her some of your homemade kimchi she’ll be your best friend.” Seokjin’s eyes light up, thanking him.
“So Jeongguk,” Seokjin starts as Jeongguk takes a sip, “Do you have a partner?” Jeongguk chokes, and he waves his kids back to the play palace as Namjoon pats his back and he takes another drink. He heaves in a deep breath, embarrassed as he collects himself. Namjoon laughs and Seokjin is looking between them in concern. “I didn’t mean to overstep, I’m so sorry.”
Jeongguk shakes his head, laughing a little bit. “No, no, I just wasn’t expecting that. I don’t have a partner. I usually end up working quite a few extra hours at the hospital on Namjoon’s quarter.” To build up their college funds, so they don’t struggle like Jeongguk still does. He’ll struggle for the rest of his life, though, if it means that they won’t.
Namjoon sighs, and before he can even mention how Jeongguk ought to move companies, Jin continues. “That’s respectable.” Is all he says, and it’s final.
Soobin is the first kid to rush over, sitting in the booth next to Jin and swinging his feet. “It’s probably getting late, Soobin-ah. We’ll be leaving in five minutes, can you go tell your sisters that? You can go down the slide a few more times.”
When the kids finally make their way back, Jeongguk crouches down onto the tile to tell them goodbye, getting hugs and kisses and questions. Sooyeon puts up a little bit of a fuss when she realizes that daddy is going home without her, and Namjoon quietly suggests that Jeongguk take her outside to calm down.
Jeongguk isn’t expecting Jin to follow, but he does, a quiet presence. “You’re going to have so much fun with papa, as soon as you get home and in bed you’ll forget all about me.” Usually this method—telling them what they have to look forward to—works just fine. But Sooyeon just gets fussier.
“I won’t forget daddy, never!” She yells, and Jeongguk hushes her quiet hiccups until she falls asleep on his shoulder.
Jin sits down on the bench behind him and Jeongguk follows suit, sighing. “She’s never this fussy about leaving me. Usually they jump at the chance to go home with Joon, he’s the fun parent.”
“There are just some days when you need your dam,” Jin muses, “I’m sure Joon is a great sire, but there are just days when you need that nurture that a sire or seme can’t give.” Jeongguk mouths a thank you, feeling warm from the inside at the words.
Seokjin will fit right in, Jeongguk thinks.