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At twelve weeks, Wonwoo finally got rid of the pesky morning sickness. He didn't feel nauseous for moving wrong or simply smelling something that was completely normal. He was glad to be rid of it, but that just meant that more symptoms could take its place. He already struggled with low blood pressure, but being pregnant made it infinitely worse. Simply turning his head too quickly was grounds for seeing stars and breaking out into a cold sweat. His iron and water consumption had gone up upon his mates' insistence. His sense of smell was heightened more now too. He smelt his mates all the time, Junhui's cassia being even stronger, and Mingyu's sweat and body wash were the common enemies. Sometimes, he had to kick both of them out the room and scent everything just to give himself some peace. However, the last few days had been peaceful enough.
That was why he was confused when he woke up at half past six, far too early to be awake. He frowned to himself, blearily trying to figure out why he was awake. Then, he felt it, the weird twist in his stomach. He sucked in a breath, worried that something was wrong with the pup, but he was quickly relieved that wasn't the case. The relief was short lived when he noticed Junhui next to him. It was only the two of them in the bed. Mingyu had gotten into the habit lately of waking up early to go for a run. He claimed that he was training himself for the baby, but Wonwoo suspected it was because the omega had developed a habit of kicking in his sleep because he was uncomfortable and was guilty of stealing the covers. There was probably only so much the beta could take before giving up. Wonwoo couldn't blame him.
The bed, which usually smelled heavily of sweet creme, now smelled of chemical cassia. Wonwoo was fully awake now, his eyes widening as he scooted closer to Junhui. The alpha was practically buried under the duvet, but the omega could see him shivering as if he were freezing, which was hard to believe as when Wonwoo tried to shake him awake, he found him to be burning hot.
"Junnie," He tried. "Jun-ah."
The alpha could only whine in discomfort. Wonwoo's inner omega twitched and came alive. His mate was sick. He needed help. He needed to take care of him, protect him. As if on auto-pilot, Wonwoo left the bed to tend to Junhui. He started with a cold cloth and a glass of water, although the alpha wasn't too receptive to drinking. Wonwoo carefully placed the cloth on his forehead. Once that was settled, he began to reorganize the nest around him. He heavily scented every piece, before tucking it in close to Junhui, wrapping him up in a cocoon of sorts. He was so concentrated on his tasks that he didn't hear Mingyu coming home. The beta froze when he entered their room and took in the sight before him.
"What's wrong with Junnie?" He asked, taking a step closer to the nest to get a better look at Junhui.
He was startled when he heard Wonwoo let out a low warning sound, something akin to a growl. He took an instinctive step back, knowing better than to mess with a protective and pregnant omega. When it came to his mates, Wonwoo didn't play about either of them, especially when one was vulnerable.
"Baby, it's okay. Junnie is sick, isn't he?" Mingyu asked, carefully approaching him with tiny steps. "You've been taking care of him?"
Mingyu's voice finally registered to Wonwoo's overactive mind and he began to relax bit by bit. Mate. Both of his mates were here. Some of the tension began to ease from him, knowing that he was no longer alone in the emergency. He let out a breath, trying to exhale some of the nerves and anxiety along with it.
"I woke up and noticed he was shivering. He has a fever." He informed. "I knew that I had to act quickly.
With the intensity and danger dwindling from the omega's eyes, Mingyu felt brave enough to step even closer, close enough to place a hand on his mate's arm. However, he kept his touch light. He was still sweaty from his run and he didn't want to overwhelm the already tense omega.
"You did well, Wonu. You took such good care of our alpha." He praised.
Wonwoo let our a small trill at the praise, but it was sad-sounding. He was still concerned for Junhui, who had fallen back asleep. Mingyu sighed, knowing he was going to have to take over the situation. Wonwoo was pregnant and didn't need the stress. Not to mention, he didn't need to get sick either.
"Baby, why don't you go downstairs and feed Sunny? It's all there. You just need to warm it up."
Wonwoo looked visibly upset, looking back at Junhui uncertainty. Mingyu softened, but held firm.
"Think of the pup, love. We can't risk you getting sick too."
The omega's hand fell to his stomach. It had the slightest bump now, as he was beginning to show. Junhui had noticed it just the other night, him and Mingyu peppering it with endless kisses until Wonwoo was a mess of laughter. That suddenly felt like so long ago. Mingyu watched the entire thing with sad eyes, knowing he needed to push a bit harder.
"You know how Sunny gets if her breakfast is a millisecond late." He joked. "I'm surprised she's not already meowing bloody murder downstairs."
He leaned in to peck Wonwoo's lips. "I'll take good case of our Junnie." He promised.
Wonwoo knew that Mingyu was more than capable, probably more than him. He knew Mingyu was right. It was too risky for him and the pup to be around Junhui for too long, so, he headed downstairs like he was asked. There, Sunny was sitting on the cat tower Mingyu designed for her. It was five levels, with plenty of comfortable places to nap. She was on the fourth level. When she noticed someone was downstairs, most likely to make breakfast, she got up and stretched, heading to take her place in the kitchen. However, when she noticed it was Wonwoo, she let out a meow, perhaps confused. Wonwoo didn't blame her. It probably was confusing as Mingyu was the one to make breakfast.
She somehow knew Wonwoo wasn't in the mood to bend down and jumped up on the stool in front of the breakfast bar. Wonwoo fondly laughed, extending a hand to pet her, making sure to be mindful of her ears as she wasn't that fond of them being pet.
"It's just me this morning, Sunny-yah. Baba doesn't feel well." He explained.
He then froze, his fingers resting on Sunny's little head. She let out a rather petulant little meow, practically shoving her head into Wonwoo's palm. He resumed petting her, but he was still a bit lost in thought. It was the first time he had ever referred to one of his mates with a parental title. Sure, it was just to Sunny right now, but soon it would be to their pup as well. With the bump and the title, it was all beginning to feel more real that had.
His heart fluttered at the thought as he patted Sunny one last time and moved into the kitchen to make them breakfast. He had water, as his heart wasn't in it for a sweet drink. It only tasted good if his mates made it first. As promised, there were prepackaged meals Mingyu had made, placed neatly in containers with sticky notes for heating instructions for the mornings that Mingyu had to leave early. He warmed the food up, giving Sunny hers first. They ate quietly, the omega's eyes drifting to the stairs, concerned for the alpha. He had to keep telling himself that Mingyu had it under control. He could take care of the rest.
For the first time in years, he did all the chores. He didn't actually mind chores all that much and he was perfectly capable of doing them, but after being spoiled for so long, it felt strange, almost wrong. He did the dishes, refilled Sunny's water, cleaned up the living room, and even got the clothes out of the dryer. By the time he had finished, Mingyu came downstairs, freshly showered and changed, but definitely tired. Wonwoo stood from the kitchen stool so fast, he was instantly dizzy. Thankfully, Mingyu had quick reflexes and was able to reach out and steady him.
"You okay?"
Wonwoo quickly nodded. "What about Jun?"
"Definitely has a fever, but it's not too high.It's probably the flu. He needs rest and liquids."
Wonwoo let out a sad sound. Junhui had a strong immune system. He rarely ever got sick, always the one to take care of Wonwoo, who seemed to always get sick. However, on the rare chances that he did get sick, it hit him hard.
"He did say something about someone showing up to court ill." He muttered, mentally cursing the person who dared to get their Junhui sick. He then sighed. "We'll take care of him in shifts?"
The beta gave him a pointed look as he shook his head. "No. You're going to stay with Seungcheol and Jisoo until Jun gets better. I already called and they agreed. They don't mind."
"I mind." Wonwoo retaliated, suddenly annoyed.
He wanted…needed to take care of his mate. He couldn't let Mingyu shoulder it alone. However, Mingyu clearly didn't feel the same way.
"It's for the best. I've already packed for you, so you won't have to. I even packed nest materials."
Wonwoo was usually a calm, clear-headed, level person. He thought of himself to be well-adjusted and in control of his emotions. He thought himself to be rational. However, he was an pregnant omega, who was being sent away by a mate. Pregnancy had a way of rewiring his emotions. To his hormonal brain, it sounded an awful lot like he was being abandoned, kicked out to fend for himself despite it being for his and the pup's protection.
Wonwoo cried the entire car ride.
Seungcheol and Jisoo were concerned as they opened the door to a sobbing Wonwoo and a tired Mingyu. They invited them in, Jisoo sticking close to Wonwoo.
"I thought you said Jun was sick, not dead." Seungcheol said.
Wonwoo knew it was a joke, but damn those hormones. He began to cry harder. Seungcheol panicked, instantly apologizing while Jisoo pulled him closer, trying to comfort him. Mingyu looked like he wanted to protest at the action, but Jisoo sent him a warning look that made him back off entirely. Instead, he busied himself carrying Wonwoo's things inside. After, Mingyu pulled out a folder, handing it to Seungcheol. The older beta looked confused.
"What's this?"
"Details of Wonwoo's care." Mingyu informed. "His current diet, his nap times, how to he-"
Wonwoo snatched the folder away before MIngyu could even think to finish his sentence. His tears were long forgotten as he glared at his mate. "I am not a pet, Kim Mingyu." He snapped. "I do not need instructions."
Sensing the need to step in, Jisoo gently took the folder from him, setting it behind him on the coffee table so it was out of sight and hopefully out of mind.
"We'll take good care of him." Jisoo promised.
Mingyu looked uncertain, especially since he could see the drying tears on his mate's face, but as he had been telling Wonwoo all morning, it was for the best. He was in good hands. He finally nodded, opening his arms for a hug. The omega went willingly, nuzzling into his mate to scent him.
"Take care of our Junnie and I will take care of pup." He told him.
Mingyu smiled fondly and kissed his cheek. "Most importantly, take care of yourself."
"You too, Min."
They separated, knowing it was about to be the most difficult next few days for them.
Mingyu felt heavy as he returned home. It felt wrong without Wonwoo, especially on the weekend. He could faintly smell the omega's creme scent from when he scented him. Once again, Mingyu found himself wishing that betas didn't have such a muted sense of smell. He braced himself against the wall for a moment after removing his shoes. He felt guilt prickling the back of his neck and settling in his chest. He knew he did the right thing and Wonwoo was just hormonal, but Wonwoo's crying had cut him deep. He felt like an awful mate, like he had abandoned their pregnant omega. He would have to severely make it up to Wonwoo when everything went back to normal.
He pushed himself off the wall, ready to check on Junhui again. As he passed by the kitchen, he noticed the empty sink. They were really going to have to spoil Wonwoo endlessly. When he entered their bedroom, he found the alpha still in bed, but he was awake. Sunny was laying protectively on his chest. Mingyu smiled, leaning over to scratch under her chin. Junhui shifted, jostling Sunny, who decided she had enough. She moved to the top of the nest, near Junhui's head. The alpha studied his mate's expression.
"You okay?"
Mingyu sighed. "I sent Wonwoo to stay with Seungcheol and Jisoo for now."
Junhui nodded, but clearly regretted the decision as he winced. "Smart move. I couldn't forgive myself if I got him sick and put him and our pup in danger."
"Yeah, he didn't see it that way. He cried the entire ride."
Junhui frowned, holding open his arms as an invitation. Mingyu, unafraid to be sick, was quick to cuddle, desperately wanting his mate's comfort. Regardless of Mingyu's lack of fear, Junhui made sure not to breathe too much on him, but he could smell Wonwoo's creme scent covering the beta. It made the alpha's heart ache. He wanted their omega near, but he knew it was for the best. It was clear Mingyu felt it too, and he pulled him closer, praying the beta wouldn't get sick. Mingyu had an extraordinary immune system and they were about to put it to the test.
"You know, I think he's secretly enjoying the time away from us." Junhui joked, voice rough with all the coughing he had been doing. It hurt like hell to talk, but he could feel the guilt practically radiating off Mingyu. It was in his nature to fix his mates' problems, not let them feel things alone.
"I mean we're practically suffocating him, we're literally parenting him and Sunny." He pointed out.
Mingyu managed to get out a small laugh and it planted a molecule of victory and pride in Junhui's chest for making it happen.
"True."
Junhui patted the other's arm in a comforting manner. "The nest looks different. It's really comfy." He noted. "Did you do it?"
As a beta, there were times Mingyu nested. If he was sick, near a heat or rut, or anxious, he would sometimes make his own nest that was unique and different from Wonwoo's. He wasn't entirely big on nesting, having only done it about five times in his entire life. Junhui and Wonwoo once asked him about it and Mingyu had admitted it that it didn't feel natural for him, as he hadn't done it when he was younger like Wonwoo had. So, they didn't push him, just gave him space and showered him with compliments if he did make one. Junhui wondered if it was one of those times, but the beta shook his head.
"No, Wonwoo did. He was protecting you before I got home."
Junhui felt tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. He held Mingyu impossibly closer. He willed himself to recover quickly so their omega could return home where he belonged.
—
Wonwoo knew it was for the best, but he was absolutely miserable being away from his mates and his little cat. Jisoo and Seungcheol were great hosts, but despite being spoiled rotten at home, he refused to be a burden on his friends. He helped with meals, meaning he set the table and maybe turned the rice cooker on. He assisted with the dishes, and helped them with any errands or house work they needed. He tried to keep himself busy with work and designs, but his mind always drifted back to them.
Had Junhui's fever broke?
Was Mingyu sick now?
What about Junhui's clients?
Was Mingyu exhausted doing everything alone?
Were they eating well?
Did Sunny miss him?
Thankfully, they Facetimed in the morning, during lunch, and every night after dinner to check on one another and just see each other. Wonwoo always tried to keep himself in bright spirits as to not worry them, but he couldn't stop himself from pouting either, telling them that he missed them. Junhui was starting to look better. The color was returning to his face, and he didn't seem to be as tired, but Mingyu definitely was. He was running the household alone as well as working on their new house, but still kept face for everyone. Wonwoo wanted to build a nest around him and scent him until he was boneless and got the rest he needed.
At the end of the call, Mingyu held Sunny up to the camera so Wonwoo could see and talk to her. The omega told her he loved her, and then his mates, assuring them that he and DouDou were doing well. After they hung up, he let out a heavy sigh. He missed them so much he wanted to cry.
"Was that Sunny?" Jisoo asked, starling Wonwoo, who hadn't realized the older was behind him.
He recovered and nodded in reply. "Yeah, that's her."
If he wasn't talking about his mates or DouDou, he was talking about Sunny, gushing and bragging. She was his daughter after all. Jisoo smiled as he joined the omega on the couch.
"She's cute. She's got your eyes." He joked.
Wonwoo let out a huff of laughter. "Junhui and I always wanted a cat, but the timing was never right. Then one day, Mingyu brought Sunny home, just like magic. It was like he knew somehow."
Jisoo nodded along. "Oh, the tingle." He stated knowingly.
Wonwoo frowned in confusion. "The tingle?"
"It's something that mated betas experience. It's like a tingle when your mate is longing for something. It's something only betas can do." The beta explained.
Wonwoo smiled to himself. Kim Mingyu was an amazing man and he didn't even know it. However, the cute moment was ruined as Jisoo eyed the kitchen.
"I hope you know that Cheol is taking that folder seriously." He stated.
Wonwoo was quick of the couch, ignoring the lightheaded feeling. Kim Mingyu was an amazing man…when he wasn't on Wonwoo's nerves.
—
The separation lasted longer than the three of them expected or liked. Wonwoo found himself going to an appointment alone. If it had been any other appointment, he might not have minded so much, but this appointment was special. This was when they found out what they were having. The three of them had discussed it before, daydreaming and such. They all admitted that wouldn't mind any way, but it was still exciting to know. It was a milestone they were meant to share, but Wonwoo was alone. Both Jisoo and Seungcheol had offered to go with him, but he refused, knowing they had their own life to get to, but he appreciated their kindness. Besides, he didn't want to have to explain that to his doctor.
He took the subway for the first time since being pregnant. On his first prenatal visit, he had been given information to receive his badge for his bag. He was to use it when he took the subway or transit bus. It was his first time using it. He felt nervous when he noticed the special seat open, but quickly sat down, trying not to overthink it. He was pregnant. He had a bump. He had a government issued badge that said so. He was allowed to be there. However, he couldn't stop glancing around. He noticed an older man looking at him, and he tensed, waiting for criticism, but it never came. Instead, the man had a warm smile on his face.
"Your first?" He asked, pointing to Wonwoo's abdomen.
It took Wonwoo a long second to reply, a blush dusting across his face as he nodded in reply. "Yeah, my first."
"Ah, the excitement of your first born. I remember being pregnant with my daughter. She's a wonderful woman. Don't miss being pregnant though. Can't believe I went on to do it three more times."
Wonwoo let out a genuine laugh, knowing the feeling all too well. The man's smile widened at his laugh. "Do you know what you're having?"
"Not yet. I'm about to find out."
The man gently patted his hand. "Good luck. I'm wishing you a smooth pregnancy and a healthy pup."
Wonwoo thanked him with a wide smile of his own, a newfound excitement planted in him.
His doctor was surprised to see him without his two helicopter mates, but Wonwoo felt that she was secretly relieved she didn't have to answer rapid-fire questions that she couldn't decipher. The appointment was a blur after finding out about the baby. He was so excited and was practically overflowing with joy, but he couldn't share with his mates in person just yet, not until Junhui was better. He was practically vibrating when he returned to Jisoo and Seungcheol's. He wanted to tell them, he wanted to tell anyone, but Junhui and Mingyu deserved to know first. Just when he thought he was about to lose it completely, his phone rang.
"Hey."
"Hey, baby. Junnie's fever broke the other night and we're both well-rested and miss you terribly. Come home?"
Wonwoo didn't say much, just agreed and left to quickly pack his things. Seungcheol was the one to drive him home, trying to pry the news out of him. The omega held firm. Only his mates got to know first. Everyone else could know after. Seungcheol pouted, but understood. He offered to help Wonwoo get his things inside, but the younger refused, wanting to see his mates as soon as possible.
He rushed in, greeted with the scent of fresh cassia, no longer twinged with something chemical, and the feeling of home that only Mingyu could provide. His mates were in the living room, but jumped up when they heard the front door opening. Wonwoo dropped his bags and rushed to them, chirping and scenting them for all that he was worth. They melted into his embrace, nuzzling him back, leaving kisses everywhere they could. Sunny kept brushing up against his legs, purring.
His mates kept kissing him and telling him how much they had missed him. They then moved to his bump, giving it kisses and cooing just as they had the omega.
"Did our DouDou miss us just the same?"
Wonwoo smirked. This was it. "Yeah, I think she missed you both quite a bit."
The alpha's head was the first one to lift up. "What?"
The beta's was next as he looked at Wonwoo with misty eyes. "She?"
Wonwoo nodded. "Yeah, we're having a girl." He announced, relieved to have finally told them.
They embraced him once more and Wonwoo settled into their comfort. He was finally back where he belonged. He was home.