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˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆. ࿐࿔
. ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ✧˳·˖✶ ✦
Something was off.
A desire bloomed low in his heart.
And stomach, too.
Dennis couldn't put his finger on it yet, but his increasing discomfort kept waking him in the middle of the night. The silky white sheets on his side of the king-sized bed were wrinkled from his constant tossing, and two of his four cushions had fallen onto the carpeted floor. The omega's curled body still clung tightly on his U-shaped pillow, though. One hand on its grip and the other feeling the disturbed movements of the pup kicking and bumping relentilessly around.
Next to him, lay an unbothered, noisy snorer, Michael Robinavitch, whose protective alpha instincts had, for once, quieted down to his husband's new fidgety behavior.
At the beginning of Dennis's unplanned pregnancy, Robby had been over the edge about his omega's health, worrying about every single detail surrounding Dennis. He had pulled all-nighters just to keep an eye on Dennis, nuzzling and scenting him so much that Trinity barely recognized her best friend's own smell — Robby had become unbearable. No one could stand him anymore.
However, after an intervention led by the pup's soon-to-be godmothers, also known as Trinity and Javadi, a quite displeased Robby had agreed to slow down.
But, to be fair, how could he not worry? It was their first child, after all. People should be more understanding about the struggles of a first-time dad.
Either way, Dennis had been grateful for it. Not even the omega, especially with his pregnancy mood swings, had been able to put up with his alpha's recent demeanor. Despite that, as his belly grew, Dennis had to trade his stubbornness in order to give in to some of Robby's protectiveness, such as take time off from work. Of course Dennis hadn't wanted to, but their pup's safety mattered most.
His own, too.
At the same time, Robby had also taken a leave from the hospital duties. Not for the previous reasons, though. In fact, they were still debating whether the alpha would come back or not — most likely not.
It had all started after Robby's arrangements were shattered by a stress-induced rut caused by his anguished mental state, which had also triggered a flash heat on Dennis, while the alpha gave a house tour for him. Next thing they knew, Dennis had woken up undressed, his head resting on Robby's bare chest. Both displaying matching claim marks.
The positive pregnancy test came four weeks later.
As for now, Dennis's restless movements, and the bitter scent coming from him, had woken Robby. The omega had also begun making wobbly, whimpering sounds that alerted Robby right away. He shot upright, grabbing Dennis's face with both hands, searching for any kind of pain in his watery eyes, which glistened under the moonlight peering through the curtains. Robby's blurred vision sharpened as soon as it settled on the him.
"Are you okay, baby?" A exasperated whisper left his lips. Robby dropped one hand to cover Dennis's, which rested over his womb. "Tell me, please…" The alpha towered over the omega to turn on the lamp on the nightstand, then focused back on him. A warm, yellowish light brightened their bedroom.
"I-I don't know…" Dennis pouted and sniffed. "I can't sleep and the pup is so jumpy." Robby moved Whitaker's hand aside to touch all over his belly properly. The pup kicked twice, before settling. Robby couldn't help but smile as he stared at Dennis's tummy. He also checked Dennis's pulse and his temperature.
Everything seemed fine.
"Come here, sweetie." His arm circled Dennis's waist, pulling him closer to his chest. Dennis tucked his face under his chin, nudging Robby's scent gland with his nose, and draped a leg over him. The perfume of sandalwood with a hint of apricot offered an instant sense of security and relief for him and the pup — it smelled like home.
Robby placed a hand on his messy, blonde curls and caressed it.
"I'malsosofuckinghungry." Dennis mumbled, as a consequence of his attempt to fuse himself to Robby's body.
"Huh?" Robby pulled back slightly to look at him.
"I'm hungry." He pouted once more. The second Dennis said it, his stomach growled. "See?" A blush spread across his rounded cheeks. Robby smiled.
"Okay. What do—"
"Avocados." Dennis blurted out. "Like, lots of them." He disentangled from Robby and got up in a quick move. Dennis put on his mouse slippers, almost tripping over himself and giving Robby a heart attack. The Alpha jumped off the bed as well. "Right. Now." Dennis turned to look at Robby, who stood in front of him.
Dennis's belly was already so big that the pajamas buttons no longer fully closed anymore — it would be a pretty funny scene if his serious tone didn't scare the shit out of Robby.
And if there were any avocados in their pantry.
Robby had the feeling Dennis knew that, too.
"Right..." Robby raised his palms in a calming gesture as he stepped closer. "We're out of them, baby." He tried to reach Dennis, but the omega slipped away from the room.
How can he still be so fast!?, Robby thought, hurrying after him downstairs.
Saying that Dennis ran to the kitchen would be an understatement; if he could have flown, that's what he'd have done. In seconds, Dennis turned on the light and stood in front of the open pantry, arms crossed, and a frown on his face.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" The bitter scent came back, stronger than before.
"I-I thought you knew…?" Although it wasn't the first time Dennis threw a tantrum over one of his pregnancy wishes, this was unprecedented. Robby scratched his neck. "Honey, please, it's 2 a.m…"
"I don't care!" Dennis shout even louder. "How would I know that, Michael? Huh?!" Dennis's wide eyes pierced Robby's as he turned to face him.
Maybe because you ate them all in one sitting two days ago, Robby thought, letting out a harsh breath.
He got closer to Dennis.
"Come here." Dennis stepped back, avoiding his eyes. He was shaking. "Please, baby." Although the blush on Dennis's cheeks was endearing and Robby was fighting for his life to stay impassive from dying from cuteness, he pretty much preferred to see it in different circumstances.
"No." Dennis attempted to sound firm. However, his trembling lips and his big blue eyes on the verge of tears said otherwise. "T-There were always avocados at Trin's." His shaky voice didn't even finish the sentence before tears ran down his face. "U-unlimited a-avocados."
Any other alpha might've felt jealous at such comparison, but Robby knew better than anyone else how important Trinity and Dennis' relationship was for one another. He would never forget how much they had cried when Dennis moved out from her apartment to live with him.
Robby's shoulders dropped and his eyebrows lowered.
Poor baby.
It made sense Dennis missed Santos. The avocados were just in the middle of it all.
"Shh… it's okay". Dennis finally let himself be embraced by Robby's strong arms — taking the opportunity to cry harder. Soon enough, he was a sobbing mess. The alpha began scenting the room to soothe him, rubbing his back up and down.
"That's it, sweetheart… let it all out." His once-dry black t-shirt stick to his chest, soaked in a mess of tears and snot. Dennis pulled away slightly, with a runny nose and reddened puffed cheeks.
"I still need them, though." He sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand.
"Sure." Robby let out a soft chuckle.
What a brat.
The doorbell rang thirty minutes after Robby flooded Trinity with messages and called her non-stop. She didn't wait for him to finish talking before bombarding him with questions. However, it was only when she heard Dennis's muffled voice that she finally managed to control herself, and relief flowed through her veins. Fortunately, the omega was on a night out at a bar near her place, so it was no trouble for her to stop by, gather all her stock of ripe avocados, and then head to the Whitaker-Robinavitchs'.
Needless to say, the taxi drive was paid for by Robby.
As soon as the sharp sound echoed through the walls of their home, Dennis sprinted toward the door and opened it without thinking twice. Robby followed close behind. They were met with the cool chill of the night and the golden light of their porch.
"Trin!" Dennis jumped on her, nearly suffocating her with his grip. She had the feeling he had gotten even stronger with his pregnancy.
"Jesus!" She almost lost her footing for a moment. Trinity hugged him back. "Brought you something, Huckleberry." She smiled and showed him the green reusable bag that they had always used for grocery shopping. It was full of the much-desirable fruity-vegetable. Dennis felt like crying again. Trinity wore an oversized leather jacket — which he had stolen from her countless times — paired with a denim skirt and a white baby tee.
"Oh, my God! You actually did it!" Dennis beamed, his eyes shimmering. "Come on, quick!" He pulled Trinity inside.
"You're gonna have to pay for those," she whispered to Robby.
"Yep." He nodded.
Trinity was greeted by the warmth of their dimly lit home. She could identify the mix of their scents with precision, alongside a new undertone in it all. It was the pup, without a doubt. In no time, Dennis dragged her to the kitchen and she placed the bag on the marble island.
"I bet you two have a lot to catch up," Robby said with a smile. "Let me take care of these for now." The alpha moved to grab a knife and a plate to start cutting the avocados.
"Okay." Dennis let go of Trinity's hand and walked toward Robby. He stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Robby's eyes crinkled — he was truly thankful for Santos's arrival.
"That's gross." Trinity rolled her eyes. "Let's watch Temptation Island, Huckleberry." She moved to the living room, so familiar with it.
The omegas dropped onto the couch, Trinity searched for the TV remote and put on the reality show, tucking her legs up. Dennis felt his heart swell with tenderness and joy just from being next to his best friend. At the same time, Santos did too. They couldn't help but display broad smiles on their lips. The last time Trinity had come by, felt like ages ago — to Dennis, at least.
She yawned as the opening sequence of the show began and decided to take a look at Dennis.
"It's going to be the biggest pup ever." Trinity leaned closer to him. "Hey, little nugget." She placed a hand on Dennis's belly and lowered her head closer to it. Dennis was already giggling because it tickled. "Ikaw ay magiging isang higanteng sanggol." She whispered, "Si Tita Trinity na ang bahala sa iyo."
Dennis didn't know Tagalog, but he managed to make sense of a few words thanks to his time as her roommate. He had the impression Trinity talked about herself and the baby.
The pup kicked.
"Oh." She gasped and locked eyes with Dennis, who had an equally amused expression on his face. She looked back down and continued, "Jesus, you're going to have so much fun with your cool aunt." She giggled.
"Absolutely." He nodded. Trinity smirked and leaned against the couch, Dennis scooted over and rested his head on her shoulder.
The television bright light cast shadows over their focused faces. They were about to experience the Montoya incident for the first time when Robby showed up with a blue ceramic bowl brimming with avocados. Dennis's stomach growled so loud that startled even Trinity.
"Finally!" His eyes lit up. He didn't wait for Robby to set the dish on the coffee table. Dennis snatched it from his hands and took a forkful. Robby and Trinity watched him as he dug into the food, like a starving monster that had been forced upon a diet. But the spectacle didn't last long. In fact, Dennis barely managed to get a single bite down before the taste turned to dirt, a foul bitterness coating his tongue.
He puked.
"Dennis…!"
"Huckleberry!"