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The first sign of it was the scent. Usually, Joshua’s jasmine was a gentle, soothing presence in their shared penthouse, a soft, comforting fragrance that subtly underscored the warmth of their home. But this morning, even before Jeonghan’s eyes had fully adjusted to the pale light filtering through the blinds, he noticed it. The jasmine was thicker, sweeter, almost cloying, with an anxious undercurrent that pricked at his Alpha senses. It was the distinct aroma of pre-heat jitters.
He shifted, opening his eyes to find Joshua already awake, nestled impossibly close, his head tucked beneath Jeonghan’s chin. Joshua’s usually bright, calm eyes were wide and a little unfocused, betraying a restlessness that his body was trying to suppress by pressing even closer. His hand, usually independent and often reaching for his phone first thing, was curled tightly into the fabric of Jeonghan’s t-shirt, clutching it like a lifeline.
"Morning, Shua," Jeonghan murmured, his voice thick with sleep, but already softening as his Alpha instincts hummed to life. His cedarwood and faint vanilla scent, usually crisp and grounding, deepened into something warmer, more protective, instantly responding to the subtle distress signal from his Omega.
Joshua let out a soft whine, not quite a sound of pain, but of pure, unadulterated need. "Alpha," he whispered, the word barely audible, his face burying itself deeper into Jeonghan’s neck. He inhaled deeply, desperately seeking the steady reassurance of Jeonghan’s natural scent.
Jeonghan understood immediately. No playful teasing today, no gentle nudge to get up and make coffee. Joshua was feeling the oppressive weight of his approaching heat, and right now, all he craved was the undeniable presence of his Alpha.
"My sweet Omega," Jeonghan whispered back, his free arm tightening around Joshua’s waist, pulling him flush against his body. He pressed a kiss to Joshua’s temple, then gently rubbed his cheek against Joshua’s scent gland, just below his ear. It was a soft, deliberate motion, a clear marking. Mine. Safe. Protected. Joshua’s jasmine scent, already potent, swirled with Jeonghan’s cedarwood, intertwining into a comforting cocoon of their shared bond.
Joshua whimpered again, a sound of pure contentment this time, relaxing minutely into the scent-mark. He didn’t try to move, just remained a heavy, warm weight against Jeonghan, his breathing slowly evening out.
"Feeling a bit needy today, huh?" Jeonghan asked softly, knowing the answer, but wanting to hear Joshua confirm it. It was part of the process, part of giving his Omega the control he craved even as he felt vulnerable.
Joshua nodded against his skin. "So clingy," he mumbled, his voice muffled. "Just... want you close."
"You have me," Jeonghan promised, his lips brushing against Joshua’s hair. "All day, if you want. Wherever you want. I’m not going anywhere, my love."
And he meant it. Their schedule, usually packed with practices, meetings, and individual activities, was miraculously clear for the day. Jeonghan had a premonition yesterday, seeing the subtle shift in Joshua’s scent, and had discreetly cleared his calendar. His Alpha had known.
They lay tangled in bed for what felt like hours, not speaking much, just existing in a comfortable, scent-filled haze. Jeonghan continued to gently run his hand up and down Joshua’s back, occasionally scent-marking him again, letting his Alpha pheromones permeate Joshua’s space, soothing the internal hum of anxiety.
Eventually, the need for breakfast stirred Jeonghan. "Are you hungry, my little jasmine bloom?" he asked, trying to shift.
Joshua clung tighter. "Stay," he pleaded, his voice tinging with distress.
"Just to get us some food, baby," Jeonghan soothed, pressing another kiss to his hair. "You can come with me. Just stay attached, okay? I’ll hold you."
Reluctantly, Joshua allowed Jeonghan to slowly maneuver them both. Jeonghan ended up making a simple breakfast – toast and scrambled eggs – with Joshua practically velcroed to his back, arms wrapped around his waist, chin resting on his shoulder. Every few minutes, Joshua would press his face into Jeonghan’s neck, taking deep, fortifying breaths of his Alpha’s scent.
"My handsome Alpha," Joshua murmured, completely unprompted, as Jeonghan carefully flipped an egg.
Jeonghan’s heart swelled. "And my beautiful Omega," he replied, turning slightly to brush his lips over Joshua’s forehead. "The most beautiful Omega in the world."
They ate at the kitchen island, but even then, Joshua wouldn’t let go. He sat sideways on the stool, his side pressed against Jeonghan’s, one hand firmly grasping Jeonghan’s arm. Jeonghan fed him bites of egg, and Joshua seemed to relax more with each scent-mark and tender word.
"You're so precious," Jeonghan whispered, watching Joshua chew, his eyes soft. "My precious Shua. Everything about you is perfect."
Joshua looked up, his eyes shining. "Even when I'm clingy?"
"Especially when you're clingy," Jeonghan corrected, a gentle smile on his face. "It means you need me. And I love being needed by you. It’s what I’m here for." He leaned in, scent-marking Joshua again, a prolonged, comforting rub of his cheek against Joshua’s. "You’re safe with me, always. My sweet, sweet Omega."
The rest of the morning dissolved into a blur of quiet intimacy. They moved to the living room, Jeonghan settling on the sofa and pulling Joshua onto his lap. Joshua tucked his head under Jeonghan’s chin, his legs tangled with Jeonghan’s, a heavy blanket draped over them both. They put on a mindless movie, but neither was truly watching. Joshua just wanted to feel Jeonghan’s steady heartbeat, to breathe in his cedarwood scent, to be held.
Jeonghan ran his fingers through Joshua’s hair, tracing patterns on his scalp. He hummed softly, a low, melodic tune that vibrated through Joshua’s body. Every so often, he’d lean down, pressing soft kisses to Joshua’s head, his cheek, his ear.
"You’re doing so well, my love," he murmured. "So strong. Just relax, okay? Let me take care of everything."
"Mmm," Joshua hummed, eyes closed, a wave of pure relief washing over him. The jitters hadn’t completely vanished, but they were now a dull thrum instead of an anxious buzz. He felt utterly secure, utterly cherished. This was his safe place, his Alpha’s embrace.
As the afternoon wore on, Joshua drifted in and out of sleep, his body heavy and pliant against Jeonghan’s. Each time he stirred, Jeonghan was there, a hand immediately reaching to stroke his hair, a soft kiss pressed to his forehead, a gentle scent-mark laid upon his neck.
"My beautiful Shua," Jeonghan whispered, as Joshua stirred once, a soft sigh escaping him. "My clever, kind, incredibly beautiful Omega. I love you more than words can say."
Joshua, half-asleep, mumbled back, "Love you too, Alpha. So much."
The sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across their peaceful living room. Jeonghan didn’t mind the pins and needles in his arm, or the slight stiffness in his back. All that mattered was the warm, contented weight of Joshua in his arms, the faint, now calmer, jasmine scent blooming around them.
As night fell, they eventually shifted back to the bedroom. Jeonghan helped Joshua get ready, his hands gentle, his eyes constantly checking for any renewed signs of distress. He didn't rush, letting Joshua cling to him as they navigated the simple tasks.
Finally, they were back in bed, curled together under the covers. Joshua, exhausted from the emotional and physical toll of pre-heat, was completely nestled against Jeonghan, his head on Jeonghan’s chest, one leg thrown over his Alpha’s.
Jeonghan continued his ministrations, one hand stroking Joshua’s hair, the other gently rubbing his lower back. He continued to murmur sweet nothings, comforting words that were just for Joshua.
"You’re my universe, Shua," he whispered, his lips brushing Joshua’s forehead. "My light, my star. The best Omega an Alpha could ever dream of." He buried his face in Joshua’s jasmine-scented hair, inhaling deeply. "You smell so good, my love. So perfectly you."
Joshua hummed, a deep, satisfied sound from his chest. He felt completely enveloped, completely safe. The pre-heat jitters were almost gone now, replaced by a profound sense of peace. He felt loved, protected, utterly cherished. And as Jeonghan’s steady breathing evened out, Joshua drifted off to sleep, cradled in the warmth and unwavering devotion of his Alpha, his body saturated with the comforting scent of cedarwood, his heart full of sweet, whispered promises.