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Wonwoo almost felt bad as he opened the door and saw Seokmin and Minghao smiling in greeting. He knew it wouldn't last long. He could only invite them in and apologize straight away. Minghao frowned, but before they could ask why, Mingyu came rushing to them, practically throwing a large stack of papers at them. Seokmin's eyes widened, thumbing through them as Minghao held them.
"What's this?" Seokmin asked.
Mingyu looked at him as if he had grown three heads. Junhui had to place a hand on his mate's arm to calm him down and Wonwoo could only apologize once more.
"This is everything you need to know about how to care for Sunny. You need to study it and note everything. I tried to send Wonwoo to work with this so he could give it to you so you could study before today, but he wouldn't do it."
Seokmin continued looking through the pages, thoroughly studying while Minghao gave the beta an odd look. "You said you were going to be gone like four to five days at most. She's a cat. Cats are simple." They stated. "She doesn't need…" They scanned the page Seokmin was on. "Mountain spring water."
If Mingyu had a scent, his mates were sure it would have soured by now. Even Junhui and Wonwoo were a bit uncomfortable by the statement, even if Minghao had a point. Thankfully, Junhui was used to being calm and rational in tense situations.
"We know that, but Sunny is kinda like our daughter, and we've gotten used to spoiling her. Just follow it to the best of your ability."
Wonwoo stepped in next. "We really appreciate you guys doing this for us." He turned to Seokmin. "Are you sure you're okay to be here? Minghao said you had a cat allergy."
Seokmin waved him off. "I have a stack of allergy medicine. I'll be okay. I can't be away from HaoHao very long."
It made the three mates chuckle a bit, who knew exactly what that felt like. Minghao looked from the paper to them again. They eyed Wonwoo. "Are you sure you're the pregnant one?"
Luckily, Mingyu was a bit distracted with Seokmin, introducing Sunny to him. He didn't hear the comment. Wonwoo let out a huff of laughter.
"I'm very sure. My jeans reminded me of such this morning, hence the stretchy pants to meet with mates' parents." He said with a scowl. "That's something I want to discuss later when we get back."
Minghao nodded, then looked a bit worried. "Are you okay to travel?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, more than. In fact, my doctor told me this one of the best times to. The symptoms have mostly died down, and I have the most energy I've had in weeks. This might be one of my only weeks of peace."
Minghao looked rather horrified than relieved. "Remind me to never get pregnant."
After Mingyu was sure Sunny was settled and would be well taken of, he let Junhui and Wonwoo drag him out to the car. He quickly rushed to the backseat to prepare it for Wonwoo. It had a lot of their blankets from their room. They wanted to make him a makeshift nest, despite them not going that far. It would have been even shorter taking trains, but neither Junhui or Mingyu wanted to put a pregnant Wonwoo through that. So, they decided to drive.
Their first destination was to see Mingyu's family who lived about thirty minutes away. They always started there first as Mingyu's family was a bit of complicated situation. When Mingyu first presented, they had been disappointed that Mingyu was a beta. They had been so sure he would have been alpha. They would have even accepted him as an omega, as they saw it as having purpose. To them, what purpose did a beta have?
Before formally mating, it was tradition to meet with everyone's family, to gain blessing, and be accepted into the family pack as a subset of it. All three of them came from traditional families, but were willing to not do it if it caused Mingyu distress, but the beta had insisted upon it. He wanted to do it right. It was an awkward evening. Mingyu had an alpha mother, who was the pack alpha, an omega father, who gave birth to him, and an alpha little sister. He was the odd one out, and they didn't let him forget it either.
They had been shocked to see both Wonwoo and Junhui. They were respectful and pleasant enough, but it was clear they didn't approve, as when it came time to discuss mating, his mother's face twisted.
"Both of them?" She asked uncertainly.
"Yes, both of them. All three of us are in love and want to be mated."
His father looked a bit uncomfortable. "Does that even work?"
Mingyu looked crestfallen while Junhui and Wonwoo grew angrier, but they knew not to say anything. If they wanted to be accepted, they had to let Mingyu handle it. After all, the were outsiders for the time being. Mingyu forced himself to take a deep breath.
"Yes, Appy, it works because we all love each other. It's no different from a pack except we would all have the mating bond." He explained.
His mother cut in then. "That's not common." She stated, her voice sharp.
"But not a crime or wrong." Mingyu instantly replied. "It was common before."
"For survival, Mingyu. We've evolved since then."
"So, I can't love more than one person? That doesn't make any sense, Eomin. We came here out of obligation and honor for tradition, but if you won't accept Wonwoo and Junhui, we will still be mated either way. I will break away from the family pack and we'll make our own."
His parents looked as if they had been struck. His mother looked beyond angry, but his father took over. "Are you sure? You're not…an afterthought?"
The word made Wonwoo want to rush out of his chair and shake the other omega, but Junhui had a tight grip on his hand. Mingyu had to take yet another deep breath.
"No, Appy. In fact, Jun and I were together before we asked Wonwoo out."
His mother seemed to have calm down some, but did not look pleased in the slightest. "If you insist, I suppose I cannot stop you. I hope it works out for you."
And it did, because the three of them loved each other deeply.
It was safe to say they didn't see Mingyu's parents often, but they thought it was only right to announce the baby. However, they wouldn't stand disrespect like they had before, especially not with Wonwoo pregnant. They wouldn't let anyone disrespect their daughter either, even while she was still in the womb.
Wonwoo settled against the blankets in the back that smelt of cassia and felt like being on the beach. He buckled himself in while his mates settled themselves up front, Junhui in the passenger seat and Mingyu driving. The alpha turned to look at Wonwoo in the back.
"Snack?"
Wonwoo frowned as the car began to move. "Junnie, breakfast was an hour ago."
"So…no?"
Wonwoo thought about it for a second. "I didn't say that. Hand over the snacks."
Junhui laughed, handing over the snacks. Wonwoo ate, grabbing his Switch to play, but his eyes kept drifting to the rear view mirror, trying to catch a glimpse of Mingyu. The beta was good at hiding his emotions on his face, but the mating mark and their bond gave it away. Mingyu was anxious and worried, rightfully so. Next to the beta, Junhui laid a hand on Mingyu's thigh, cassia filling the car despite him not being able to detect it.
"It'll be okay, Gyu. We're doing this as a matter of courtesy, nothing more." Junhui softly told him.
Wonwoo was quick to jump in, pausing his game. "Junnie is right, Min. We'll stay for a meal and go. We can do it."
Some of the anxiety seemed to subside, the mating marks becoming less itchy. However, when they pulled into the driveway, it started to itch again. Junhui and Wonwoo stayed firmly behind the beta as they waited for someone to answer the door. They were greeted by Mingyu's mother. She seemed surprised to see them there, despite him calling ahead.
"Hello, Mingyu."
"Hello, Eomin. "
Junhui and Wonwoo bowed as they were invited inside. The woman stood in the doorway as they entered. "So, you said you had some news?"
However, before Mingyu could even attempt to get an answer out, her gaze fell to Wonwoo and then his abdomen, sporting the slightest baby bump. Something in her expression twisted.
"Oh. I suppose that's the news?"
Mingyu slowly nodded, his father entering the room. He took in the scene before him before looking back at his son. "Is it yours?" Was the first thing out of his mouth.
Not congratulations.
Not "oh, we're going to be grandparents!"
Not "We're happy for you."
Just more doubt.
It had been years since the first meeting. Wonwoo had held his tongue then because they weren't mated yet, but they were now. They had a strong bond and were their own pack. As pack omega, no one should dare to insult a pack mate, including one of the fathers of his pup. He stepped forward, placing himself in front of Mingyu and his parents.
"The baby, your grandchild, is his, as well as Junhui's. I know you can't possibly fathom such a thing, but the pup has three loving parents, who will love and support her in life. She will always be welcome home with open arms regardless of her sub gender. Her abilities will never be questioned. She won't have to fight to be loved. She will be loved because she is our daughter. That is all the reason we need." He stated.
Junhui placed himself next to him, shielding Mingyu further. "We only came here to tell you out of the kindness of our hearts, to extend an olive branch of sorts. This pup will be your grandchild, you have a right to know, but you are not part of our subset pack. You have no rights to her, and this visit settled it."
With that, they turned and walked Mingyu out of the house without letting them explain or say anything else. Nothing they said could take away the years of hurt and insecurity they bestowed on Mingyu. At the car, they placed him in the backseat with Wonwoo so he could be scented and calmed down. Junhui took over driving.
"We'll spend two days with my parents and then two days with yours, Wonwoo. How does that sound?"
"That sounds good, what do you think, Min?" Wonwoo asked after he scented him.
The beta hummed. "Sounds nice. Thank you for that back there."
""It needed to happen." Wonwoo replied, lightly purring, trying to settle his mate. "They couldn't continue to disrespect you and they certainly couldn't disrespect DouDou."
"I can't wait to see Ma and Mu." He sighed. "Do you think they will let me help them cook?"
"They would love it." Junhui replied. "You know they love your help in the kitchen and around the house. You might even get roped into designing something."
"I live for it."
Junhui's parents, an alpha mother, Mu, and an omega mother, Ma, moved from China to South Korea just be near their son. When he made his choice to study law and settle in South Korea, they were more than willing to follow him. They owned a house in the outskirts of the city, located in a vibrant but quiet neighborhood. When they very first met his parents, the fear and nerves had quickly vanished.
Junhui's parents were just as lovely and welcoming as him. They emanated warmth. They greeted Mingyu and Wonwoo with open arms. When they learned that they wanted to be mated, they were beyond delighted and asked if there was anything they could do to help. They had a group chat with them, sending them updates about their lives and jobs. However, they had managed to keep Wonwoo's pregnancy as a secret, as to surprise them. It was a major challenge for both Junhui and Mingyu, but they had managed it.
When they arrived at the well-sized house, they were a little exhausted and worn for wear from the interaction with Mingyu's parents, but they were still excited to see Junhui's. Both women had rushed out, seeing the car pull in. They hugged Junhui first, scenting him and holding him close. It had been a bit since their last visit, nearing a year, as life had gotten busy.
Mingyu was pulled into the embrace next, and they immediately sensed something was off. They scented him, their soft scents lightly mixing with Wonwoo's creme. They gently pulled away, caressing his head.
"What happened to my lovely beta son?" Ma asked.
Tears instantly brimmed in Mingyu's eyes. Junhui's parents easily gave the love he had been missing and craving nearly all his life. Here, he was their son. Here, he received love easily and unconditionally. Junhui's arm wrapped around his mate's waist, adding his cassia scent to the mix of the family's, trying to ground him some. Mingyu was floating at this point, the negative feelings his parents had left him with fading bit by bit. Wonwoo was taking his time getting out of the car, to let his mates have their moments.
"We just came from Mingyu's parents'." Junhui explained. "Safe to say we won't be going back.
Mu frowned while Ma kept her gaze on Mingyu, providing him as much comfort as she could. "Their loss. They don't realize just how lucky they were to have you or know how lovely you are."
Mingyu sniffed. "Thank you, Ma."
Mu was still frowning. "I've never understood parents like that. Having a child comes with the greatest love in the world and they discard that. How foolish." She huffed. "Well, either way, you and Wonwoo are our subset pack now, meaning you're our family."
It was Ma's turn to frown. "Where is Wonwoo?"
The omega left the car then, joining his mates. Ma saw the small bump first, gasping. "How far along?"
Wonwoo proudly smiled, wiggling himself into the group hug. "Fourteen weeks. I just started showing."
"Congratulations." Ma replied. She then looked over at her mate tearfully. "We're going to be grandparents."
Junhui, Mingyu, and Wonwoo shared a look and smile. This was how it was supposed to be.
They spent the next two days surrounded by love and warmth. They chatted about their jobs, their friends, DouDou, and Sunny, showing off endless pictures and the ultrasound scans. Ma and Mu were given their own scans, which were placed proudly on the fridge. They ate well, Mu, doting on Wonwoo extra by feeding him nutritious but beyond delicious food. When they went to leave, they were flooded with containers of food to take home as well as share with Wonwoo's family. They were filled with happiness that they intended to carry to Wonwoo's family.
Wonwoo's parents lived in the countryside about two hours away from the city. They didn't have a lot of money and lived in a small house, but like Junhui's, it was full of warmth and love. Despite not having a lot of money, Wonwoo had been doted on as a child. His parents, an omega father, Appy, and a beta father, Appa, loved Wonwoo and were overprotective of him, even more so when he presented as an omega. They had been reluctant to let him go to the city, but they believed in him and wanted him to have a chance to make something of himself.
When Wonwoo returned home for the first time in years with an alpha and beta, they had been on guard. They were so intimidating that Junhui and Mingyu were hesitant. Spoiling and doing everything for Wonwoo was second nature, but they were anxious, nearly tripping over themselves to make sure Wonwoo's parents knew just how much they loved their son. When they sat down to dinner, Mingyu and Junhui kept feeding Wonwoo, not even eating themselves. Finally, Wonwoo's appa had stopped eating, looking between the two.
"Okay,"
Suddenly, Junhui and Mingyu were at attention, backs straight against the chairs. Wonwoo's appy was clearly holding back a laugh, even Wonwoo was trying not to laugh.
"Relax," The older beta continued. "I'm not going to kill you. It's clear you love Wonwoo. That's all we ever wanted. You have our blessing."
The relief was practically palpable as Mingyu and Junhui began to eat, thankful they had been accepted. However, Wonwoo's appa wasn't quite finished with them.
"That being said, if you hurt or upset Wonwoo in any way, I will feed you to the chickens piece by piece." He threatened.
While Wonwoo and his Appy laughed, it was clear Junhui and Mingyu took the threat seriously, nodding their heads frantically.
It had been years since then. Wonwoo's parents were their subset pack and like Junhui's family, they saw them often and had a group chat with them. However, there was still the pregnancy to announce and even Wonwoo was a bit nervous. It was never easy to tell your own parents you were knocked up. Of course, they were his parents and he couldn't keep anything from them. Appy was the first one to notice by scent alone as he hugged Wonwoo. He pulled back, eyes wide, silently asking. Wonwoo carefully nodded. Appy hugged him tighter, his pleased scent mixing with his son's.
"My baby is having a baby." He whispered happily.
Wonwoo let out a small huff. "Woojin is younger than me, Appy. He's the baby." He pointed out.
"You're both my babies." He quickly retorted.
They pulled away from the hug, allowing for Junhui and Mingyu to be next. Appa came out to join them, hugging Wonwoo first just as Appy had. He too, was quick to notice the change in his son.
"Since when?" He asked, voice a bit rough.
Wonwoo became a bit nervous. "Uhm, this is my fourteenth week."
Appa instantly pulled away from the hug, glaring at Wonwoo's mates. "You knocked my son up?"
It was silent as Mingyu and Junhui visibly paled. Only the sound of the chickens nearby could be heard, further filling them with fear. Appy stepped in then, slapping his mate on the arm. It was a move Wonwoo had learned and applied to his own mates when they annoyed him or said something off kilter.
"Our son is nearly thirty. Why wouldn't he be pregnant?" He pointed out. "I was younger than him, remember? You had to explain to my Appy how you-"
Appa loudly cleared his throat. "Let's get inside before you catch a cold."
"It's nearly summer, Appa."
"Get inside, Wonwoo."
When Appa had settled down some and fully processed the news, he was happy, confiding in Wonwoo that he was scared but excited to be a grandparent, similar to how he was afraid to be a parent.
"I have that fear." Wonwoo admitted.
They were sitting on the small sofa they had had since 1998. Junhui and Mingyu were showing the ultrasound scans to Appy as well pictures of Sunny. It was just Wonwoo and his Appa in the living room. It almost felt like when he was a child and he had long talks with parents because they would listen to him and help him work out his worries. Appy was right, at the end of the day, he was still their baby.
"Of course you do." Appa was quick to reply. "Any good parents fears being a good parent, but you're going to be an amazing parent, Wonwoo. I know that because you're an amazing person."
Wonwoo's eyes began to grow a bit misty. He nudged his appa's arm. "Because I have amazing parents."
Appa's mouth upturned in a small smile. "Knowing how to say sweet things, you are your Appy's son." He then sighed, looking to where the others were sitting and happily chatting.
"I give them hell, but you have wonderful mates, Won. You guys are truly the best match and this pup will have all the love in the world."
Wonwoo nodded with a smile of his own. He had no doubt about it.
—
The trio arrived home two days later exhausted but happy. They didn't give Mingyu's parents a second thought. They had meant every single word they said. They had each other, and they had family who loved them. It was Mingyu's parents' loss, not theirs. As they entered, they were surprised to find only Minghao there.
Minghao held Sunny as they brought them to the trio. Wonwoo was the first one to take her, the cat purring and chirping, happy to see her owners after so long. As Sunny rubbed her head all over him, Wonwoo turned his attention to his friend.
"Where's Seokmin?"
"He had to go back home after the first day. His eyes watered so much they dried out." Minghao explained.
Junhui frowned, taking Sunny from Wonwoo. "That sounds awful. Is he okay?"
Minghao nodded. "Yeah, he's okay now that he's home. I'm going to have to have take like two showers before I can hug him though."
Mingyu took Sunny next, petting and observing her thoroughly. "And you brushed her a hundred times every night, right?"
The omegas shared a look, Wonwoo sending a silent apology. Minghao patted Wonwoo's arm as they headed towards the door.
"Remind me not to babysit in the future."
Junhui and Wonwoo laughed while Mingyu pouted. After the door closed behind Minghao, he turned to his mates.
"Baby-deul, am I really that bad?"
"Stop examining Sunny's teeth and then we can talk." Junhui answered.
The three shared a laugh at that, knowing that when it came to those they loved, they were the same. They truly were the best match.