Chapter Text
Tossing and turning, adjusting and readjusting, that itchy feeling to just fix something. It was driving Hongjoong insane. He had checked the clock for the 5th time today, 11:36am. Why was he so antsy? Why couldn’t he just get comfortable? Something just didn’t feel right around him, and he just couldn’t put his finger on it. He has the urge to adjust, to get comfortable, but nothing was working. Wandering around in his room looking for something to do, he found himself unable to satisfy that need and ventured to the pack room. The door was shut, which was sometimes a sign of other pack mates needing privacy with each other. He walked up and heard ruffling around from the inside. Things being tossed, sounds of sighs and frustrated groans. He knocked before walking in, just in case. The smell of almost burnt marshmallows fills the room, a very frustrated and anxious Wooyoung found pacing the pack room, mumbling to himself.
“Woo, everything ok?” Hongjoong asked.
Most of the pillows were tossed around, blankets were unkept and thrown about. Some of San, Seonghwa, and Yunho’s post work out shirts sprawled around the floor, Mingi’s favorite hoodie, Yeosang’s sweat pants and Jongho’s sweaters all tossed around. Wooyoung seemed to be nesting, or trying to nest by the looks of it. It was a mess, and as pack Luna, Hongjoong needed it fixed asap.
“No, I just.. I don’t know what’s wrong, Hongjoong.. I just had this urge to suddenly adjust things around and it needed to be in here.” He motioned to the pack room. He walked up to Wooyoung and grabbed his hands, thumbs resting on his wrists. Gently rubbing the scent glands there with little to no pressure, Focusing his attention on him. Soft scents of warm apple wrap around Wooyoung to help calm his nerves.
“I’ve felt the same way, why don’t we fix the nest together? Maybe it will help us both calm down a bit. How does that sound, Wooyoungie?” Hongjoong requested. Wooyoung made a soft sound and nodded his head in agreement, still holding onto Hongjoong’s hands. They walked over to their giant pack bed hand in hand. Together they gathered the clothes and made a little pile on one side of the room, placed the pillows in another and folded up the blankets, even though they’ll be unfolding them soon. Against the farthest wall sat the pack bed, big enough to fit all 8 members of the pack. Soft cream sheets were placed on the bed, the black bed frame to add contrast to the room. There were 2 dark oak blanket ladders placed next to the bed, holding all kinds of different types of blankets. Some pack members liked the fleece ones, others liked the knitted. A built in closet to the right of the door that held different types of clothes from some pack members. Sometimes it’s for nesting, most times it’s because they have too much clothes and need a second location for all of them.
Wooyoung was finishing up folding the navy blue fleece blanket that was piled up on the left side at the foot of the bed. He looked over at Hongjoong who was placing a cream pillow next to the folded up clothes.
“Hongjoongie..” Woo said softly walking back over to him, hands folded together and in front of him. Hongjoong looked up and smiled at him, reaching out to grab his hands again. The action bringing comfort to his pup.
“Yes, baby? All done with cleaning up?” He smiled at him, Woo nodding back at him. Seeming so small in Hongjoong’s presence even though he’s definitely not.
“Ok let’s go ahead and start setting up the base of the nest ok? Let’s gather everything and put it around the bed so we don’t need to leave so often.” Woo nods, placing the folded blankets, clothes and pillows around the whole bed.
Together they climbed into the giant bed, hand in hand, keeping each other safe from toppling over. Wooyoung reached out for the cream flat sheet making sure it was secured on the bed before they started piling it up with soft fluffy objects of comfort. Hongjoong grabbed the soft black blanket with light colored swirls on it. Ready to pass it to Wooyoung when he’s ready. Watching his fellow omega’s instincts activate brought so much joy to Hongjoong. The itchy feeling finally coming to an end, feeling needed and wanting to nest together with his baby made him so happy. The room slowly changes scents of warm apple and soft marshmallows, 2 very happy and content omegas of the pack.
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Across the house the rest of the pack slowly starts their day. Some are already getting up early in the morning. Routines at the gym getting started, morning coffee being digested, planning for the day going on. It was 10:30am when 2 alphas noticed that the omegas of the pack hadn't come out of their rooms yet. Neither too concerned simply because Hongjoong didn’t go to bed till about 5am due to being caught by Seonghwa in his office staying up late producing once again and Wooyoung was found gaming around the same time by Yunho on his way from the bathroom.
“Do you think they’re ok?” Yunho asked Seonghwa. Seonghwa looked up from the grocery list he was writing out to check the clock on the wall next to their fridge.
“Yunho, darling, they were both up till at least 5am. Hongjoong was still sleeping when I left him at 8am, he was a little restless but still sleeping. I’m sure San would have told us if Woo was up before he went off to workout with Yeosang and Jongho.” Seonghwa explained, placing his pen down next to the notebook. Yunho was a little worried, rightfully so. The 2 omegas usually didn’t stay up that late but the last few nights have been different. For some reason Hongjoong just hasn’t been able to focus well on his work to where he carries it home. Even when there’s a rule implemented to keep as much work out of the home. Wooyoung has been in a similar situation, only most antsy and almost skittish like in a way.
Yunho had walked over to their shared calendar that Yeosang and Seonghwa had worked hard on putting together. It shared everyone’s schedule; from appointments to heats and ruts. Right now, no one’s heat or rut is due for another 2 or 3 months.
“I’m just a little worried Hwa, that’s all…” Yunho said quietly.
“I know you are, baby, but they’re gonna be ok. These last few days have been stressful for them, but with the help of the pack things will be ok. I’m sure of it.” Seonghwa reached for Yunho’s hand and pulled him in for a quick scenting to help ease his nerves. Yunho nuzzled his nose into Hwa’s scent gland on his neck. His nose filled with a soft allspice scent, a good match to his forever mate with the apple scent. When Hongjoong is with Seonghwa, the scent is comforting, like a fresh apple pie being baked in autumn. It’s uncommon for packs to have one giant cohesive scent together. Especially for a pack with 2 Omegas, 3 Alphas and 3 Betas. They were just really lucky to have it all work out. The kitchen smelling of firewood and allspice now, together they cleaned up and started making some food for the pack to snack on as everyone filtered in from their activities.
“Has anyone checked on Woo or Joong?” Yeosang asked, noticing that the time was now closer to 12:45pm. Silence from the 2 boys starting to send off a few worried signals. Neither coming out for food, water or even sending a message to the group chat.
“No.. Hwa and I were just talking about it a little bit ago. Maybe we should go check on them?” Yunho asked, looking over to Hwa, who was nodding in agreement. Putting the cup he was holding down, They separated and went to the rooms they last knew the omegas were located. Only to find 2 very empty and cold beds due to no one being in them for a few hours. They met in the middle of the hallway both looking a little worried. Right as they were about to walk away to notify the rest of the pack that their omegas were not where they were supposed to be, their noses caught something.
Their heads turned to see the pack door ajar at the end of the hallway. Last time they checked it was closed so why is it open? The scent that came from the ajar door was something they haven’t smelled in a while. While Hongjoong and Seonghwa’s scent created such a warm comforting scent; Hongjoong’s warm apple scent and Wooyoung’s marshmallow blend together to create a playful, childlike aroma. The marshmallow’s softness complements the tartness of the apples, creating a cozy sensation like a sweater or blanket. The 2 Alphas dragged their feet down the hall to peek in the room to see what’s happening. Seonghwa’s head on top of Yunho’s, the door opening just a little bit more than what it was before.
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“Oh Hongjoong the nest looks so cozy and comfy!! I can’t wait to lay in it with everyone. Can we watch a movie with the pack soon, pretty please?” Wooyoung attached to him from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist, resting his head on his shoulder. Hongjoong laughed a little.
“Yes baby, of course we can, but we’re not done yet we have to place the pillows still.” Hongjoong turned his head towards Wooyoung. His nose caught a different scent, something warm, spicy almost, then hints of a smokey tone underneath all the warmth. It felt wrong.. it shouldn’t be here why was that strong spicy scent invading their sweet soft time together. Hongjoong turned his head to see 2 heads peeping in on the pack room. One dark short haired boy, hair styled back to see his forehead and his brown puppy eyes boring into his as they look at each other. The other’s long black hair, boba, bunny-like eyes and facial look also locked eyes with Hongjoong. Tarte, almost an instant souring apple smell invaded everyone’s nostrils. The scent no alpha beta or omega ever wants to smell.
“Hongjo-“
“No!!! Get out!! No Alphas allowed in the nest! Get out! Get out! Get out!” Hongjoong screamed, grabbing pillows and throwing them at Yunho and Seonghwa. One blue pillow hitting Yunho in the face. A different blue pillow missed Seonghwa’s face by a few inches. Wooyoung went to wrap his arms around Hongjoong trying to calm him down. The 2 alphas left the room instantly, shutting the door as they left. Hongjoong looked over at Wooyoung as tears started to flow from his eyes. “They know better than to enter uninvited Wooyoungie.. They know better..” Wooyoung pulled a sobbing Hongjoong into his arms trying so hard to calm him down, unsuccessful.
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Yeosang was walking to his room to grab a sweater as he was feeling a little cold.
“Get out?!” He heard coming from the pack room, some thuds, door slamming and sounds of feet thudding on the hardwood coming down from the hallway. Yeosang nearly walks into the 2 frighted but guilty looking Alphas.
“What did you two do??” Yeosang asked them.
“We found them but we accidentally pissed off Hongjoong by semi entering their nest room.” Yunho explained, guilt pouring from him. “He’s crying with Wooyoung there and we can’t go in there. Yeosangie, please help us.” He begged.
“You two are so dumb. Yes, I can go and help. You should have just sent one of the betas to begin with if you knew they were in the pack room. Hongjoong is pack Luna, you know he takes nesting seriously especially when Wooyoungie is there.” Yeosang explained walking towards the pack room, leaving the 2 dumb alphas to themselves. Yeosang walked up to the door and knocked, waiting for some type of response from someone inside. Muffled crying sounds coming from the other side,
“Go away!” He heard Wooyoung say.
“It’s not the stupid Alphas, Youngie baby, it’s Yeosang. Can you ask Joongie if I can come in? Pretty please, Sweetie?” Yeosang pleaded, hopeful that they both will say yes to him. He listened for any type of response. It took a few moments but he heard a faint positive response. Yeosang slowly opened the door to a sour smelling room. Hopeful that Yeosangs Eucalyptus scent will help calm down the very upset Luna.
“Hi there Joongie, do you think it’s ok for me to enter your beautiful cozy nest? Wooyoungie and you did such a good job on making our beautiful nest. I’m so proud of you guys.” Yeosang softly praised shutting the door as he slowly approached them. Scents of fresh, woody eucalyptus reaching out to them like a warm hug to comfort them. Both the omegas nodded their heads in agreement as Yeosang got closer. Yeosang smiled at them, taking off his slippers and climbing into the bed. He crawls over towards Hongjoong to lay behind him to hold him. Hongjoong turns around and wraps his arms around Yeosang's neck, nose immediately going for his neck searching for his scent gland. Yeosang places his arms around Hongjoong, hands rubbing up and down his back to console him. After a few moments, he extends his left arm out to motion for Wooyoung to join in on the cuddle pile. He excitedly joins in, loving the warmth that Yeosang is radiating off.
“My sweet, sweet boys, I'm so sorry they didn’t ask to come in. They should be the last ones to enter to teach them a lesson.” Yeosang suggested, earning a little laugh from Wooyoung, Hongjoong humming softly in response. The room was quiet, sounds of breathing and soft humming filled the room. A few moments had passed, the scent of the room back to calm content pack members. Yeosang was about to speak when he realized he was feeling soft little puffs of air on his neck, Hongjoong’s face nuzzled into his neck still, dozing off to sleep after getting himself so worked up emotionally.
“Wooyoung, why don’t you take a small nap with us sweetheart.” Yeosang whispered to a sleep fighting Woo. He nodded in agreement, snuggling closer to Yeosang and Hongjoong. Reaching over, grabbing Hongjoong’s free hand to hold onto.
“Just for a moment, Sangie.” He mumbled quietly. Yeosang smiled and nodded in agreement. All 3 dozing off to dreamland, cuddled up together.