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It is like many many mornings lately that Feng Xin awakes to an elbow to his nose. Despite that fact he is still startled awake and yelps in surprise, like it is not the billionth time that his beautiful husband has smacked him in the face in his restless slumber since falling pregnant. It was like some kind of midnight revenge on the alpha that had become part of their nighttime routine. They would go to bed snuggled together in their comfortable nest, at some point Mu Qing would roll around and knock the pillows away trying to find a more comfortable position. What would soon follow is what the brunette could only describe as a one way boxing match as his mate kicks and elbows him until he wakes up, which then leads the alpha to fixing the nest before curling up beside his mate once again. It was already approaching dawn by now and picking up his phone only confirmed the time as being 6 am in the morning. Usually he would go back to bed after resetting the nest but today the alpha had other plans today. Opening his messages and his text thread with Pei Ming he quickly shot the man a text.
Feng Xin: Hey remember to not show up before 9am I don’t want Qinger getting suspicious that we are up to something…
It was only moments later that he received a thumbs up reply, causing the alpha to raise a curious eyebrow about why the other man was up this early as well. With a soft groan he sets the phone down on the nightstand. He did NOT want to know what his bachelor womanizing friend is doing up at this time or morning… His limbs felt like lead as he slowly rose from the nest, his joints cracking as he stretched. Behind him he could hear his mates soft snoring as the omega snuggled deeper into the comforter. Mu Qing’s habit of unconsciously holding his belly even while deep asleep brought a small smile to Feng Xin’s face as the alpha gently rearranged the pillows to make the nest more comfortable for his mate. A few strands of silky dark hair hang over the sleeping man’s face and the alpha can’t help the low happy rumble that leaves his chest seeing his mate safe in their nest. His attention was pulled from the domestic scene when his phone vibrated and lit up as a new text.
Hua Cheng: Gege and I will be over around 8:45. He woke up with morning sickness again but we are still good for today. You owe me for this.
The brown haired alpha rolled his eyes at the text, a subconscious habit he's picked up from his mate over the years. Even though Xie Lian was the one who volunteered for this plan it was no surprise that his omega friend’s shady alpha was trying to start trouble already. With a soft sigh he stuffs the phone into the pocket of his sweatpants. Despite the tone of the text he couldn’t help feeling bad for his friend. Xie Lian was about the same amount of time along in his pregnancy as Mu Qing, about 6 months, and yet still was puking nearly constantly. Though he wasn’t sure if that was entirely the pregnancy or the fact Xie Lian has not slowed down in his… experimental cooking style. Feng Xin couldn’t help but shiver as he remembered a week ago when he had found both pregnant omegas in his kitchen eating a combo of strawberries and ranch dressing, the memory of the smell alone enough to make the alpha gag. Mu Qing even had the nerve to pout when Feng XIn had refused to try the disgusting combo! The alpha was just hoping that his mate wouldn’t make any absurd breakfast request…
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To Feng Xin’s dismay the absurd breakfast request was inevitable. Eggs with ranch dressing and bacon with.. Ranch dressing… and a blueberry muffin… with RANCH FUCKING DRESSING. The last one actually DID make Feng Xin gag but the content chirps of his satisfied omega reminded him that it was worth it. Looking at the clock it showed that it was already 8:39 am and it wasn’t even a minute later that the doorbell buzzed. The alpha felt the anxious tension buzzing in his chest as he walked towards the door. From the table Mu Qing tilted his head in confusion, no doubt confused who would be visiting them so early in the morning. It was a subtle shift in the scent that even conveyed to the alpha that the omega was anxious about the unexpected visit but that anxiety quickly bled away when the sweet milky scent of another pregnant omega burst into the apartment as the door was opened. Xie Lian was wearing a loose fitting white sweater with black leggings, his bright and cheerful smile didn’t even hint at the morning sickness that had probably wrecked him all morning. Behind, or more accurately DRAPED OVER HIM, was his tall alpha clad in a red flannel shirt and tight black jeans. Hua Cheng’s head rested atop his mate’s head and his arm was wrapped protectively around the swell of his mate's rounded belly. It took a moment for Mu Qing to get up from his seat at the table and another minute for him to waddle his way to the door. A sight that filled Feng Xin’s chest with warmth at both the fact that his mate waddled like a cute annoyed penguin and that Mu Qing was wearing an outfit entirely made up of the alpha’s oversized clothing. The large yellow hoodie and grey shorts, both absolutely drenched in the alpha’s pine scent. Despite his best efforts to appear nonchalant it was clear that the omega was pleased to see Xie Lian and it wasn’t long before the two omegas sat at the kitchen table eating, to Feng Xin’s dismay, blueberry muffins dipped in ranch. Hua Cheng shot the alpha a smirk as he leaned down to kiss his mate, taking a bite of the omega’s ranch soaked muffin while keeping eye contact with Feng Xin. The brown haired alpha had no idea how the other man could stomach half the combinations that Xie Lian came up with on a good day let alone the strange ones that have been brought on by the pregnancy. If he wasn’t sure it would go straight to the alpha’s head then he probably would commend him on the bravery to try nearly anything that Xie Lian fed him.
“San Langgggggg… That was my snack!” The brown haired omega pouts at the alpha, earning him an amused chuff from his mate. Hua Cheng leans in and presses a kiss to the omega’s lips.
“I am sorry my beloved. This one just could not resist trying a combination that Gege enjoys so much! Such bold flavors this one would have never thought to combine!” Soft purrs fill the air as the omega melts under the praise, seemingly forgetting about the snack theft as he enjoys his mate’s attention. Feng Xin feels his face heating up watching the scene unfold and finds himself subconsciously leaning over his own mate's shoulder. At some point during the exchange he had begun to absentmindedly draw small circles into the swell of his mates stomach. Mu Qing, who initially had been too distracted by his own ranch covered treat, now leveled him with a heavy glare and slapped his hand away. A deep red blush crept up the omega’s neck as he buried his face into the hoodie.
“So why are you guys here so early?” The dark haired omega eyed the two guests suspiciously and for a moment Feng Xin feared his plan might already be compromised.
“Oh! I wanted to invite you to the craft fair today! They have the fairgrounds set up with tons of booths and I know you were looking for some softer fabric for the twin’s onesies you were sewing.” Xie Lian chirps excitedly as he talks, a warm and milky vanilla scent filling the air with a sense of comfort and excitement. The shift is immediate, Mu Qing’s eyes gleam with both excitement and embarrassment where he had just moments before seemed annoyed and suspicious. Internally the brunette alpha was thankful that his omega was too distracted by the prospect of fabric hunting to even question why Feng Xin was already dressed to leave even before breakfast nor why the other omega seemed insistent on hurrying to get ready so they wouldn’t ‘miss any good sales’. By 9:20 am Mu Qing was dressed in soft purple leggings and a black jacket ready to leave.
“I would love to come babe, but I have a few things I need to submit before my paternity leave kicks in next month. I’ll pick up some stuff for dinner on the way home.” The alpha leans down and plants a soft kiss on his mate’s face, causing the omega to blush and push his shoulder in faux annoyance. Despite acting bratty, the omega did secretly enjoy the soft treatment from his mate and his content scent conveyed that more than words ever could. Feng Xin let out a light chuff and nuzzled his mate before herding both pregnant omegas out along with the alpha that would be chaperoning their outing today. Hua Cheng agreed to keep an eye on the two and make sure that they stayed out all day as well as stayed safe. Watching how the other alpha carefully helped the two men into Xie Lian’s white minivan it was clear that despite his often frightening appearance that the alpha would be a very good father. Despite the years of fighting among themselves, Feng Xin appreciated the family that he had found. Xie Lian was always a good friend and willing to lend a helping hand. Hua Cheng, despite his frightening aura, took such good care of his omega friend and was always there to follow whatever plan that Xie Lian found himself wrapped up in. The brunette alpha was pulled from his thoughts when a familiar red pickup truck pulled into the parking lot of the complex. Thankfully Hua Cheng had already pulled out of the lot by the time Pei Ming was pulling in. He was wearing some black sunglasses and a dark indigo short sleeve shirt. One hand on the wheel and the other holding a cup of coffee from one of the more expensive shops downtown. The car window rolled down as the alpha pulled up beside him.
“Are you ready to get moving? I got a hot date tonight so I can’t be out all day” Pei Ming smiles playfully and unlocks the passenger side door so Feng Xin can climb in. Moving with excitement and purpose the brunette alpha quickly climbed into the truck and got buckled in.
“Well we gotta make it quick anyway because Xie Lian can only keep him distracted so fucking long and if he comes home to a half built changing table then ill have an anxious pacing omega telling me how im putting the thing together wrong.” He huffs as he remembers the last time that he and Mu Qing had tried to put together furniture. They spent more time arguing which leg of the coffee table to put on first than the time it actually took to put the whole table together! Though the memory of the night after it was done, when they sat on their couch kissing during movie night and that very coffee table strewn with snacks, brought a small smile to his face. His train of thought however was cut abruptly short when a particularly quick slam of the brakes caused the car to jerk violently.
“FUCKING HELL PEI MING PUT THE COFFEE DOWN AND DRIVE-” Feng Xin chokes and coughs after being slammed into his seatbelt. The dark haired alpha beside him huffs and sets the coffee into the cupholder grumbling. It is at this moment that Feng Xin remembers why he always drives when they go out and it is because he values his life and the safety of everyone around them. He lives by a handful of rules. Never let Xie Lian cook dinner, never insult Xie Lian’s cooking to his friend’s psycho husband, never let Mu Qing see his messy office , and NEVER ever let Pei Ming drive.
“Yeah yeah princess I got this. Do you have the list of stuff we need to pick up?” The car starts lurching forward again as soon as the light turns green, and Feng Xin thanks whatever gods are out there that the Ikea store is only 15 minutes from their apartment complex. He wasn’t sure if he’d SURVIVE a longer trip with his friends driving skills. It is only when they screech into the store parking lot that Feng Xin lets out the breath he’s been holding. The smell of pine turning from something filled with anxiety to one filled with relief. Now to find a way to convince Pei Ming to let him drive them back… He lets out a sigh as he pulls out his phone.
Over the last few weeks he had seen Mu Qing eying or bookmarking different furniture that he would like for the nursery and had hoped to receive for the upcoming baby shower. Little did he know that not only had all their friends pitched in money to get those things already BUT they also had organized everything so that Feng Xin could set the nursery up as a surprise! Mu Qing had spent much of the last month pacing the unfinished room anxiously, worried about the quickly approaching birth and all the prep they would need for the twins. Thankfully, with some help from their friends, the alpha was able to have the room almost entirely done. While He Xuan and Shi Quinxuan distracted Mu Qing the day before it had been just enough time for Hua Cheng to come over to help paint. The mural that decorated the ceiling of the room with a star filled sky was one of the gifts from the other alpha. Xie Lian had helped find the curtains from a thrift store, exact copies of the ones Mu Qing’s mother had used for his own nursery. They were a soft lavender color that draped to the floor. Today they just had to pick up a few last minute things that they were still missing.
“Ok so we need to pick up a changing table, two dressers and two cribs. Shi Quinxuan should have most of the nursery decor dropped off by the time we get back.” Or at least Shi Quinxuan would make sure that the decorations were dropped off. Like Mu Qing and Xie Lian, the other omega was also pregnant. Though he was not nearly as far along as the other two it hadn’t stopped He Xuan from going into complete overprotective mode. It probably didn’t help that Shi Quinxuan would use any excuse to get He Xuan to fawn over him anyway… Feng Xin could already feel that it was going to be a long year. Entering the store made the alpha feel like a rat about to run a damn maze. Not only because he had to traverse through the entire store to figure out the exact name for the furniture Mu QIng liked from the catalog but then he had to actually find the damn thing! If his mate was here he would have known exactly where to find it before even walking through the front door, but unfortunately he could not save Feng Xin from having to figure out the store's organizational system. With a grumble he makes his way through the store looking for the nursery section. It takes what feels like forever but he knows he’s getting closer when he notices a group of bored alphas crowding in a corner. Just beyond them was a section of cribs and shelves with a group of omegas arguing over the different crib options. Beside him he can see the way Pei Ming smirks and straightens his back as he watches the omegas talking. Though the other alpha quickly puts up his hands in mock surrender when Feng Xin shoots him a knowing glare.
“Don’t you DARE get us kicked out for flirting with a pregnant chick and pissing off her mate.” He huffs in a low but stern tone.
“I wouldn't dream of it, my friend. I must admit it is rather pathetic that these other alphas seem so uninterested in the safety of their pups that they would ignore their mate’s concerns about the difference in crib quality” The dark haired alpha speaks loudly enough for the entire group to hear. Some of the alphas look embarrassed and quickly return to their mates. Feng Xin sighs and tries his hardest to ignore the death glares he’s receiving from some of the other alphas. Luckily he was able to find the crib he needed quickly.
“A MYLLRA crib…” he mumbles to himself and takes a picture of the product number and location info. The alpha was thankful that Mu Qing had a very clear list of items he wanted because Feng Xin would have never fucking guessed how many different types of cribs there were. It only took him another 20 minutes to track down the changing table and the dressers that he needed. Just as he was about to leave the baby section to make his way towards the warehouse his attention was caught by a large group of omegas crowding around an area at the end of the room. He wanders over curiously and peaks through the crowd… only to find. A chair?
“This new model is absolutely to die for!!! I have never found a nesting chair this comfortable.” One blond haired omega purrs while leaning back into a bowl shaped chair. A few other omegas all murmur in agreement while discussing various other nest items on display. This area seems to be specifically omega nesting room furniture or nesting materials. Along with things like blankets and pillows there also was a few plushes to pick from. One of them caught his eye, a large shark plush. It was one of those stupid trends that Mu Qing had seen online before and would mock but Feng Xin had seen how he would stare longingly at the toy whenever they came to the store. On his way to the warehouse he had yet another piece of furniture he'd have to build and a shark plush tucked gently under one arm.
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By 11:30 they were back at the apartment and unloading the boxes from the truck. Pei Ming had ended up paying for all the furniture minus the chair and the shark plush as part of his contribution to the baby shower gifts. The other part was the task before them now… Building the damn furniture. Two strong, smart and resourceful alphas should have no problem building a few pieces of furniture… right? Unfortunately it took them almost an hour to even get through the instructions for the first dresser let alone start putting the damn thing together! Feng Xin lets out a frustrated huff as he tries, yet again, to figure out which screwdriver he needs and where he put them. Usually Mu Qing would keep track of WHERE the tools were and what they needed and Feng Xin would do the actual construction. Now having to do both while trying to make sense of the instructions was starting to piss him off. More than once already he had snapped or growled at Pei Ming getting too close. The other alpha, equally frustrated, would respond with his own growl in kind.
“Ugh did you guys HAVE to pick something that we needed to build ourselves. I could have shelled out more for something pre-built!” Pei Ming huffed in frustration as he tried to fit the sides of the drawer together only to have them not line up. Was he trying to put the drawer together upside down? Feng Xin couldn’t help the snort that escaped him nor the eyeroll that followed. He really was getting just as bad with that habit as his mate at this point.
“You know how Mu Qing gets this needs to be absolutely perfect! If it doesn’t match his vision board exactly he might actually destroy the place and then I'd have to restart from scratch-”
Their argument was cut short by a knock at the door.
Anxiety filled Feng Xin’s chest as he jumped up and sprinted towards the front door. He hoped that it wasn’t Mu Qing coming home early and was relieved but puzzled when he opened the door to find Yin Yu behind it. The shorter beta was wearing his signature surgical face mask and black hoodie that he used to keep his face obscured. Knowing that the puppy like alpha down the hall was one of his ex classmates that he had tutored during college and wanting to avoid the other man begging him for a date. He quickly pushed past Feng Xin and started heading for the nursery. It’s at that moment that the alpha feels his phone buzz and looks down to see a new text.
Hua Cheng: Yin Yu is coming over to help put everything together faster. I can’t keep Mu Qing distracted forever. Gege is getting tired and we have dinner plans tonight. If you make me miss Gege’s broccoli and tuna soup I WILL kill you.
Feng Xin feels a shiver run up his spine, knowing that it is not an empty threat. When He Xuan had tried to take even a bite of Xie Lian’s newest pregnancy combo of broccoli, tuna, and cream cheese soup it had nearly caused Hua Cheng to bite the other alpha’s hand off! By the time that Feng Xin makes it back into the nursery Yin Yu was nearly done with the second crib already while Pei Ming was still struggling to put together the dresser drawers.
“I already helped Master Chengzhu put together the furniture for the nursery at the manor” The dark haired beta’s voice remained monotone as usual, the wrench in his hand moving quickly and precisely. Feng Xin gives a small nod and returns to helping the other alpha in the room with the dresser. It feels he had just blinked and before he even realized they were already done putting everything together. Glancing down at his phone it was already… 5:45! How has it gotten so late!?!?!? He quickly rushed to get the alpha and beta out of the house. Pei Ming all but ran the second that he was dismissed, excited to get home and get ready for his date tonight. Yin Yu however took longer to get packed up and it wasn’t until the beta returned to the door with bags of groceries did he realize that he had brought the missing ingredients that were needed for dinner.
“Thanks… I … I appreciate the help.” The alpha shoots him a soft smile as he moves to put away all the groceries. Yin Yu pauses in the doorway and looks back at the brunette that stood in the kitchen.
“It was no problem at all. I am happy that I could be helpful.” If he could see the man's mouth Feng Xin assumes that he would also be smiling. With that the beta slips out of the apartment leaving the alpha to finish up everything he needed to do. Returning to the nursery he looked over the finished furniture and began to roll up his sleeves. It was time to get to work so that everything would be set up by the time Mu Qing got home.
It was 30 minutes after 6 when the front door of the apartment burst open and a rather cranky Mu Qing made his way through the door. Feng Xin was standing in front of the oven as he adjusted the heat on the lasagna he was baking. It was evident from the tension in the omega’s shoulders and the slow steps he was taking that not only was he cranky but he was absolutely EXHAUSTED.
“You would NOT believe the nerve of some people!” The omega hisses as he flops down onto the pile of pillows he’s made on the couch over the last few days. His lips drawn back in an annoyed snarl as he recounted the day's outing. From Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s CONSTANT flirting to the lady at the craft festival who thought it would be a good idea to reach out and stroke his belly! Then about the one seller charging way too much for a certain cut of cloth and how he argued with him for almost twenty minutes on the price. Guessing by the folded bundle in the bag by the door it is safe to say that Mu Qing had haggled it down to a decent price. Growing up poor had led to the omega being very good at sniffing out deals and discounts. Something that Feng Xin would forever be grateful for as all the numbers sometimes got to his head and made it swim. At some point during Mu Qing’s rant the alpha had made his way over and sat on the couch beside him. Reaching out he let his hand run through the omega’s dark grey hair, earning him a soft purr and the sight of his blushing husband. The other man rarely outright asked for affection while desiring it so sometimes Feng Xin had to take the initiative to show him the love he deserved.
“My love, why don’t we put the things from the market today in the nursery before dinner? There should still be room in the closet right?” He could feel the excitement and suspense building in his chest. Though deeper under that he had a small inkling of fear, fear that Mu Qing would hate it. The omega had never been one for flashy gestures or big declarations. Taking a deep breath and grasping the other man's hand in his own as they walked down the hall towards the nursery. He could feel his heart beating in his throat and his mouth grow dry as they approached the door. Dropping the omega’s hand and closing his eyes as Mu Qing opened the door. He couldn’t bear to look at the expression on his mate’s face in case it was anger or worse disappointment.
“Feng Xin…” The tone he expected was not anything like what he heard. Mu Qing’s voice, usually so full of sass and bite even around those he loved, had been entirely stripped of its edge. It was soft, it was gentle, it was unguarded in a way that made Feng Xin’s chest ACHE. Slowly he peeled open his eyes to take in the scene before him. In the center of the room Mu Qing stood, one hand caressing his stomach and one covering his mouth. His eyes were wet with unshed tears and there was a slight tremble in his shoulders. The ceiling of the room was painted with glow in the dark and glittering paint that caught the glow of the soft fairy lights and lamps around the room. Two cribs sat on either side of the window, each with its own star mobile and soft purple blankets. On the left side of the room both dressers were set up, each one had a box beside it with the various outfits and accessories that would need to be sorted. Feng Xin would have put everything away himself but he knew that Mu Qing would want to organize it himself. The right side of the room had the changing table right next to the closet and tucked in the corner of the room sat the nesting chair in all its glory. A large chair had a sturdy base and a bowl that sat on top in a way that made it both a perfect nesting spot yet easy to move it in a way that you could still climb out of, the bowl was even padded with a soft cushion! He had piled as many spare pillows and blankets beside the chair as he could find after he had a feeling his mate would love to build a comfortable nesting spot in their pups' nursery.
Feng Xin cautiously approached from behind and set his head on his mate’s shoulder. One hand moved to rest over the omega’s own hand on his belly while the other rested on the omega’s hips.
“I hope you don’t mind that I got a little carried away while you were out today. My sweet husband works so hard to grow our pups, making sure they are healthy and safe. Makes me feel like I need to up my game if I'm going to keep up.” The alpha purrs into the other man's ear, his mate squirms a little in his grasp until he is able to turn around to face the alpha.
“Hmm took you long enough to realize that I am superior.” Despite the sharp words it was hard for the statement to have any bite when the dark haired omega had fat tears rolling down his face.
“I… I think.. no .. I KNOW you are going to be a really good dad Feng Xin.” The last part comes out almost a whisper and just like that the alpha could feel his heart swell with absolute joy and pride.
Feng Xin leaned down and kissed him gently, earning him a soft sigh from his omega. He could feel a slight bump as one of the pups kicked, no doubt awoken by the sudden surge in the omega’s emotions. In the kitchen the lasagna remained forgotten as Mu Qing inspected every aspect of the nursery. From crying over the curtains being exactly like the ones his mother used to have, to hitting the alpha with a pillow after checking out the nesting chair. How was Feng Xin supposed to know the difference between a throw pillow, a decorative pillow and a regular pillow? By the end of the night they had needed to order take out after burning the lasagna beyond saving. At least 3 new designs had been drawn up for new baby clothes from the fabric he had gotten. Then finally they had ended up back in the main nest, curled up in each other's arms, and Mu Qing snuggled into one oversized shark plush that was drenched in the thick scent of pine.