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It was just past 3am, and in the nursery, a small, gentle lamp cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the two empty cribs and soft toys that had been carefully folded and placed by Yeosang’s hands. Despite the light, the space felt distant, almost too vast for one small, weary figure sitting on the floor.
Yeosang’s hands shook slightly as he folded a onesie, over and over, each movement automatic, like a ritual he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to. His belly, round and heavy, pressed gently against his thighs, its weight a reminder of the tiny life he was carrying - the life he couldn’t seem to stop doubting he was ready for.
His eyes were red-rimmed from lack of sleep, the shadows beneath them deep, a mirror of the fatigue that weighed on his shoulders. His posture was slumped, his back aching under the pressure of his own thoughts, and his body tense as if bracing for an impact that never came. The air around him felt thick, laden with a thousand unspoken worries, and yet the soft flutter of movement from within him served as a constant, gentle reminder that the pups would be here soon.
He hadn’t slept in days. It was the kind of exhaustion that went beyond the physical, seeping deep into his bones, into his mind. And with each passing hour, the thoughts in his mind grew darker, more intrusive, more suffocating. The gentle pressure of his growing belly only seemed to amplify the weight of his fear, as though the life inside him was both a blessing and an unwelcome challenge. His doubts, his insecurities, were louder than ever.
What if I’m not enough? What if I fail them? The fear gnawed at him, a voice that wouldn’t quiet, even when he desperately tried to shut it out. It whispered that he would be like his mother - abandoning his pups the way she had abandoned him. The thought made his stomach tighten, not with hunger, but with the kind of panic that came from his very soul. And the more his mind spun, the more his body resisted the peaceful rest it so desperately needed.
Yeosang’s eyes flickered down to his belly again, and this time, he couldn’t help but let his hand drift over the gentle swell of it, fingers brushing lightly against the stretched skin. The warmth from within radiated outward, soothing him in a way nothing else could. In this quiet moment, filled him with an overwhelming sense of love. His heart swelled with it, a soft but powerful ache that tugged at his chest.
This was his pup... their pup - Hongjoong’s, Seonghwa’s, and his own. The little pup that would soon be nestled in his arms, surrounded by their love, their care and a sibling. The little pups Seonghwa and Yeosang had dreamed of - the ones they had been so excited to conceive and grow together.
Yeosang could still remember the way Seonghwa had asked, his eyes bright with hope, if they could get pregnant at the same time. He remembered the joy in Hongjoong’s eyes when they shared their wish with him, how his face lit up with pure happiness. Hongjoong had pulled them both into a tight embrace, his lips brushing against their faces in sweet, scattered kisses. Yeosang had never imagined how much joy it all would bring him to share this experience.
He could still feel the overwhelming sensations of pleasure and love he had felt as Hongjoong knotted him during his heat, his back resting against Seonghwa's chest as the omega held him close through his release. Whilst they were locked together, Hongjoong had adorned his then flat stomach in gentle kisses, and Yeosang had never felt so loved. Later, he had reciprocated for Seonghwa, kissing and holding his body as Hongjoong gifted Seonghwa with the pup he had longed for. The three of them had shared that moment, their little family growing in the most beautiful way.
Yeosang’s fingers splayed across the curve of his belly, feeling the memory of it all. He could sense the soft flutter of movement from within, a reminder of the tiny, growing being he had vowed to protect and cherish, no matter what.
For a brief, quiet moment, his doubts faded. He couldn’t imagine loving anything more than this child - their child. The weight of responsibility, the overwhelming fear, all of it felt small compared to the love he felt in his chest, radiating outward with each heartbeat.
A thought slipped into his mind, unbidden but persistent: Did my mother ever feel this way? The thought made his chest tighten. Had she ever stroked her belly the way he was now, feeling a love so fierce, so consuming, that it made her heart ache? Or had she been so lost in herself, in her own fears and doubts, that she couldn’t feel the love he was now sure was overflowing in him?
Perhaps she had, in her own way, before everything fell apart. He could only imagine what she might have felt. The comparison lingered in his mind for a moment, but instead of resentment, it stirred something gentler in him - curiosity. He didn’t know her story, not fully. Maybe she hadn’t been able to show the love she felt, or maybe she hadn’t known how to hold onto it.
The sound of soft, padded feet approaching the nursery interrupted Yeosang’s thoughts. He didn’t look up, even as his alpha stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the scene.
When Hongjoong saw Yeosang, sitting alone in the middle of the room with baby clothes scattered around him, a knot tightened in his chest. The sight was unsettling - Yeosang looked more like a shadow of himself, his usual warmth dimmed by something unspoken.
“Sangie?” Hongjoong’s voice was soft, a tentative question in the stillness. His heart thudded in his chest as he watched Yeosang flinch slightly, as if startled by the sound of his name.
Without waiting for an answer, Hongjoong walked over and sat beside him, his gaze lingering on the baby clothes. Yeosang had always been meticulous, careful in everything he did. But tonight, the clothes lay in disarray, as if the act of folding them had become a task too heavy to bear. Hongjoong reached out, brushing his hand over Yeosang’s, hoping the simple touch would bridge the distance between them.
“Are you okay?” Hongjoong asked gently, his voice threading through the thick silence like a lifeline.
Yeosang didn’t respond at first. He kept his eyes fixed on the baby clothes in front of him, his lips pressed into a thin line as though the simple act of folding them could somehow bring him peace. The silence in the room thickened, stretching between them like a barrier. He tried to ignore the rising weight in his chest, to push the fears back down where they couldn’t reach him.
But Hongjoong could see it - the way Yeosang’s shoulders were tensed, the tightness in his posture. It was impossible to miss the strain in his every movement.
Finally, Yeosang spoke, his voice barely a whisper, as if the words themselves could shatter the fragile mask he had been holding up.
“I’m fine.” Yeosang murmured, too quickly. He didn’t look up, didn’t meet Hongjoong’s gaze. “I’m just... It’s nothing.”
But Hongjoong wasn’t fooled. He knew Yeosang too well. He could hear the tremor in his voice, the way it cracked under the weight of a truth Yeosang wasn’t ready to face.
Hongjoong gently pulled Yeosang’s hands away from the clothes. His fingers intertwined with Yeosang’s, steadying him.
“No.” Hongjoong said softly but firmly. “Talk to me. What’s going on, baby?”
Yeosang’s gaze flickered to Hongjoong’s for the briefest moment, and in that fleeting glance, Hongjoong saw the vulnerability that Yeosang had been hiding. His heart clenched.
Yeosang hesitated, but the words that followed were heavy with something unspoken, a truth he could no longer keep buried.
“I don’t know if I can do this…” His voice trembled, a crack in the facade he had worked so hard to maintain.
Hongjoong’s heart clenched at the words. “Talk to me.” Hongjoong coaxed softly, his eyes searching Yeosang’s face. “What’s going on, baby?”
Yeosang swallowed hard, his chest rising and falling as if he were trying to breathe through the weight of his own fears. Finally, he let out a long breath and spoke the words that had been churning inside him for days.
“I’ve been having trouble sleeping.” He paused, the silence between them stretching out. “It’s not just the pregnancy... It’s... everything. I can’t stop thinking about it. About being a parent. About whether I’ll be any good at it. What if I’m not enough? What if I end up like my Mother?”
Hongjoong’s heart broke at the mention of Yeosang’s mother. He knew the pain she had caused, the scars that still haunted Yeosang in ways he never fully shared. Hongjoong had learned bits and pieces of Yeosang’s past over the years - the quiet admissions, the fleeting moments when the mask cracked just enough for him to catch a glimpse of what his mate had endured. But even then, Yeosang never spoke about it outright.
Hongjoong had come to understand that Yeosang’s life hadn’t been a story of simple hardship. It was a tale of neglect, abandonment, and survival. After his mother left him as a baby, Yeosang was tossed between foster homes - places that were supposed to offer him refuge, but instead, they were just stepping stones, places to keep him hidden away until he turned eighteen. In those homes, no one ever really cared for him. He was an unloved male omega, a name on a piece of paper, a kid in need of a system that was too broken to care.
But Yeosang’s heart, ever hopeful, had never stopped looking for someone to see him, to love him. Hongjoong had learned that as Yeosang grew older, he had entered relationships that were more about filling the emptiness inside him than finding true love. He had ended up with alphas who used him, exploited his gentle nature, seeing him as little more than a possession or an outlet for their own pleasure. They’d hurt him, both physically and mentally, leaving wounds that ran far deeper than what the eye could see. It wasn’t until Hongjoong and Seonghwa found him - broken and lost in the aftermath of those relationships - that Yeosang began to heal.
They had taken him in and showed him a love he had never known. They hadn’t seen him as a piece to be fixed, but as a partner to be cherished, loved, and supported. Hongjoong had known from the moment they met that Yeosang was their missing piece, their true mate - the one they were always meant to find. He wasn’t just another person to love; he was the person who completed them. Still, despite everything they had offered him, Yeosang continued to struggle with the weight of his past. His fears, his insecurities, had never quite let him go.
Hongjoong knew how much Yeosang feared becoming like his mother - the woman who had abandoned him without a second thought. It was a fear that had lingered, even after they had made a family of their own. And now, with the imminent arrival of their pups, that fear seemed to grow even more pressing. Yeosang wasn’t just afraid of being a bad parent - he was terrified that he would fail them, that he wouldn’t be able to give his children the love and care they deserved.
“You’re nothing like her, Yeosang.” Hongjoong said softly, pulling him gently into his arms. “I know you're scared. I can see it. But you’re nothing like her.”
Yeosang melted against Hongjoong, burying his face in his chest. His scent, faint but unmistakably tinged with sadness, hung in the air - a quiet reflection of the walls he’d built around himself. Hongjoong could feel the resistance, the hesitance in his mate, like a subtle barrier pressing against him.
Hongjoong’s voice was steady as he spoke again, soft but firm. “You’re not that person anymore, baby. You’ve healed. You’ve built a family - a home - with us. We’re your family now. And this little one, our pup, will be loved beyond measure. You will love them, and you’ll be the best Mother you can be, because that’s who you are. You’ve always been a loving, caring soul. You’ve already proven that to me, to Seonghwa, to everyone. You’re more than enough.”
Yeosang’s breath caught at the words, but he still didn’t speak.
“I know it’s hard to believe, sometimes.” Hongjoong continued, his voice a soft murmur. “But you’re more than enough for this baby. You’re more than enough for me. And you’re more than enough for Seonghwa.”
Hongjoong leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Yeosang’s head. “You’re already a perfect Mother, Yeosang. You’re already the most loving, caring person I know. And that’s all our pups will ever need.”
For a long moment, Yeosang sat still, the quiet intimacy of the moment settling over him like a soft blanket. He leaned into Hongjoong’s touch, and rested his hands gently on his belly, grounding himself. When Hongjoong moved, a subtle shift in the way he adjusted his posture, Yeosang found himself instinctively guided into his alpha's lap.
The change in position was almost effortless, as though his body recognised the need for the comfort only his mate could offer. Settling into the curve of his alpha’s embrace, Yeosang’s breath slowed, his shoulders relaxing as the tension melted from his frame. Hongjoong’s arms wrapped around him with the same quiet strength, not possessive, but protective, creating a safe space where Yeosang could let go of everything. His pulse, which had been quick with uncertainty and worry, evened out, soothed by the deep, steady rhythm of Hongjoong's heartbeat.
Yeosang felt the bond between them anchor him, a connection that pulsed with warmth and security. In Hongjoong’s arms, the world seemed a little softer, and the weight of everything outside their shared space didn’t feel so heavy. He exhaled slowly, surrendering to the calm that filled him, his eyes fluttering closed as he let himself trust completely in the safety of his alpha's embrace.
Before Hongjoong could say any more, a soft rustle by the doorway caught his attention. He looked up to see Seonghwa standing there, his eyes wide with concern, his usually composed demeanor slipping as he took in the scene before him. His chest tightened when he saw the exhaustion etched on Yeosang’s face, the raw vulnerability in his eyes.
Without a word, Seonghwa stepped into the room, immediately moving closer, his arms reaching out to pull Yeosang into a gentle embrace. Yeosang’s breath hitched at the sudden shift, his body stiffening for just a second before relaxing into the comforting presence of both mates. He had been in Hongjoong’s arms, but now, with Seonghwa pulling him in, he felt an overwhelming sense of warmth envelop him from all sides.
“I’m so sorry you’ve felt like this.” Seonghwa whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve been through so much... and I’ve failed to see how hard this has been for you.”
Yeosang shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. "It's not your fault. I've been trying to keep it all inside. You have more important things to focus on than my thoughts, Hwa."
Seonghwa gently stroked Yeosang’s hair, his voice thick with sadness. “You’re the most important thing to me, baby. Please don’t shut us out. You don’t have to do this alone, Sangie.” he murmured, his tone soft but firm. “We’re here. We’ll always be here.”
Hongjoong joined them, his arms wrapping around both him and Seonghwa. The three of them, tangled together in the quiet intimacy of the moment, felt the weight of their bond, the unspoken promise of love and support. Their family would soon grow with the pups his two beautiful mates carried inside of them.
Yeosang, for the first time in weeks, allowed himself to relax into the embrace of his mates, the fear that had kept him on edge starting to dissipate, if only a little.
“We’re your family, Yeosang.” Hongjoong whispered softly, his breath warm against Yeosang’s skin. “You’re our everything.”
A soft, shaky breath escaped Yeosang as he closed his eyes, the reassurance washing over him like a balm. The fear was still there, deep-rooted and fierce, but in this moment, surrounded by the love of his mates, it seemed just a little less overwhelming.
Together, they made their way back to the bedroom, where the nest of pillows and blankets awaited them. It was a symbol of their joy, but tonight, it became something more. A sanctuary. A place of healing. Yeosang lay in the middle of the nest, his head resting on Hongjoong’s chest, Seonghwa’s arms around his waist. They settled into a comfortable silence, their breaths in sync, the weight of the world momentarily lifted.
Hongjoong gazed down at Yeosang, his eyes filled with affection. His thumb brushed over the two mating marks on Yeosang’s neck, tracing their delicate scarring as though memorising every inch of them. There was something hauntingly beautiful about the way the marks contrasted with the pale skin beneath, as if the marks pulsed with life, with love.
The marks made Yeosang look even more pretty, a quiet strength radiating from him, as though the bond had only deepened the beauty of his spirit. It wasn’t just the marks that captivated Hongjoong, but the vulnerability they revealed - how they reminded him that Yeosang had opened himself to them, had trusted them with something so intimate. Yeosang had let them in, had allowed them to leave their marks on him, and in return, he had bitten them back. He had loved them back.
With a soft sigh, Hongjoong lowered his lips to the marks, pressing a series of gentle, lingering kisses there.
When Yeosang let out an soft, breathy whine, Hongjoong kept his lips there, alternating between sweet pecks and firm, hungry sucks. As Hongjoong lavished attention on Yeosang’s marks, Seonghwa’s fingers moved with slow, deliberate precision over Yeosang’s side, sensing the faint tremor in his body as he surrendered to the enveloping warmth of their embrace.
“That’s it, baby. So good for us.”
Yeosang closed his eyes, allowing himself to melt into the sensation, his fingers curling into Hongjoong’s shirt, pulling him even closer. Hongjoong smiled against his neck, his warmth radiating through the quiet space between them, a silent language of comfort that neither of them had to say aloud.
As the minutes passed, a soft, contented purring vibrated from Yeosang’s chest, a gentle sound that came naturally in moments of deep comfort. The low rumble was barely audible, but it was enough to pull a tender smile from Seonghwa, who gently stroked the back of Yeosang’s hair. The purring was a sign - an instinctive response to the closeness of his mates, the safety of their touch, and the peaceful cocoon they'd created together.
It wasn’t just the physical touch that soothed them; it was the quiet understanding, the bond that ran deeper than words. Yeosang’s purring was the ultimate expression of his contentment, a sound that wrapped around them like a soft, unspoken promise.
Hongjoong brought his head up, looked down at the love marks that painted Yeosang’s neck, his eyes soft with affection. His thumb traced the curve of Yeosang’s neck, brushing over the faint, darkening bruise where his mark was. "You’re safe," he murmured, as if reassuring him, or perhaps himself. "We’re here."
Yeosang’s purring grew louder, a soft vibration that rippled through their skin, echoing the steady rhythm of his heart in perfect sync with theirs. His mind felt hazy, the remnants of his omega instincts curling through him like a gentle tide. He could feel the warmth of Hongjoong’s touch, the solid presence of Seonghwa beside him, the steady anchor of them both. In this moment, he didn’t have to think about anything. He didn’t have to hold himself together, didn’t have to be strong. All he had to do was feel.
Seonghwa leaned in, inhaling the soothing scent of him - rich with his natural vanilla, laced with the familiar, calming notes of their bond. He could feel the purring reverberating through his own chest, a sound that unraveled the tension in his spine, the constant undercurrent of worry that always seemed to linger. That hum, that pulse of affection, grounded him.
Yeosang's eyelids fluttered closed, the weight of his alpha’s presence and soothing voice pulling him further into an omega headspace, where everything was softer, quieter. Where he could surrender without fear, knowing that his mates would take care of him. No demands. No expectations. Only warmth, safety, and love.
His breathing deepened, slow and rhythmic, as his body sank into the mattress with a softness he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in so long. He could drift now, float in the comforting embrace of his alpha and omega’s love. He knew they would be there when he returned, waiting patiently for him. His mind began to slip, the pressure of the world lifting off his shoulders. In this space, in this moment, he didn’t have to hold himself together anymore.
Seonghwa’s hand moved to cup his cheek, gently tilting his face upward. He pressed a soft kiss to Yeosang’s birthmark, the delicate spot just below his eye. “Goodnight, angel.” he whispered, his voice thick with affection. “We love you.”
Yeosang felt a tremor of emotion ripple through him at the words, and for the first time in a long time, the doubt, the fear that had settled so deeply in his chest, began to dissipate. He wasn’t just enough - he was wanted. Loved. And that was all he needed to know.
With a soft sigh, Yeosang let go completely, the last remnants of tension slipping away as sleep finally claimed him. The quiet hum of his purring became a lullaby, a comforting reminder of the bond they shared. In their care, in their arms, he could finally surrender. He could drift, and he knew without a doubt that they would be there when he woke, watching over him, loving him - always.