Archive of Our Own

“Hyung!”

A shout interrupted the conversation occurring in the kitchen between Minho and Felix. The voice was instantly recognized as Hyunjin’s with his tell-tell dramatics. The omega was known to misplace things so he was probably yelling about not knowing where his phone was or where he put his sketchbook and he wanted Minho to fix it.

Minho had left Hyunjin to shower just some thirty minutes ago. He was discussing with Felix about what to have for dinner considering the situation.

Tonight would be the first night since Changbin and Chan left for their week-long business trip.

The pack had not quite taken the news of the mega-important conference that would take away two of their alphas well , per se. In fact, it had brought strong emotions out and plenty of protests.

Chan and Changbin, despite being integral figures of the company, simply did not stray far from their pack. They hardly did any overnight trips since Hyunjin and Jeongin joined. Likely due to how fragile the older omega was at that time. With the excuse of pack, it had effectively gotten them out of such requirements.

The law is protective of packs and gives leeway especially for newly mated individuals. The repercussions of a failed claim were usually debilitating and bordering death. To crack down on the frenzy of broken mating, there was a law passed that gave employed pack members a year of flexibility to be able to foster the bond.

When Hyunjin and Jeongin mated into the pack, it promptly put a stop to out-of-town trips. Prolonged separation was detrimental to a healthy bond, really until a person’s wolf settled. It was easy to win over the human but convincing the wolf that their mate was going to come back safe and sound was trickier. That’s why solidified claims took nearly a year to create.

It had been more than a year since Hyunjin and Jeongin’s mating completed beautifully. Yet, the company had managed to run just fine with the alternative protocols in place to the point that Chan and Changbin weren’t needed much for business trips anymore. They had found a way to keep profit and still handle international dealings without having to be present.

However, this conference seemed to demand their presence. It was a big deal and would do their company good to attend. The amount of business that could be conducted at a conference of this caliber was too good to ignore. Many of their partnering companies’ executives would be there and plenty of more they hadn’t signed deals with. It was imperative that Chan and Changbin went.

The conference happened to be held in New York this year. A five-day conference half-way across the world and away from pack.

They had brought the news up over dinner about a week and a half before they were scheduled to leave. Minho and Seungmin took it fairly well. They understood how important the conference was and would never want to prevent the company from growing.

The company was Chan’s pride and joy. He hadn’t built it from the ground up but his great-grandfather had and his family’s reputation was on the line. He had been primed to take over from his father since he was thirteen years old. The work was hard but Chan found he actually enjoyed it. He had a surplus of friends who came from chaebol families whose life paths were chosen for them and who resented such actions.

He was just glad he liked the work. If Chan's inheritance had been a hospital or law office, he probably wouldn’t be feeling the same happiness he did now.

Felix was downtrodden and even cried but eventually resigned to the fate that it was necessary. He would miss his mates but the seven days in total would hopefully fly by quickly. He would distract himself with baking and orders and probably leech on one or more of his mates ( he was eyeing Minho! ) until his alphas returned. It would be okay.

Jeongin and Jisung were less sure.

Jeongin didn’t like the idea as he hadn’t been separated from the alphas for more than a night or two since he properly joined the pack. That was only really in the case of beta sleepovers with his friends. Or when his mates would spend some time with their families. Minho regularly visited home once a month as he was his parents' only child to check in with them and more often than not ending up staying the night.

But seven days sounded like torture. More than that—in New York . That was thirteen hours and an ocean away!

Jisung felt the same way. Despite being Chan’s first mate, he never really got used to being apart. His hesitation stemmed from his anxiety. He had already conjured up five disasters that could occur just from the flight alone. He was bombarded by crime rates in New York and possible xenophobic attacks; what if he went into heat unexpectedly even though he wrapped his monthly cycle up two weeks ago, what if the TSA doesn’t let his mates back —his mind has thought of plenty of reasons to hate the idea.

They were ultimately soothed by the promise of constant updates whenever possible. That included texts and video calls and pictures and voice messages, whatever necessary. When Chan and Changbin weren’t available, they had an assistant’s number to text to assure nothing was amiss.

It might seem overboard but not every wolf reacts well to being away from their mates. Missing someone is a valid emotion that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Chan and Changbin would do anything to make this process easier. It was the least they could do when they were upending the pack’s routine.

Hyunjin…well, they didn’t really know much about how he felt since he fled the moment they confirmed this wasn’t a joke. He had locked his door and refused to come out. Not even Felix’s pleas or Jeongin’s persuasion was enough.

They eventually had to resort to unearthing the key to the door when it became apparent that Hyunjin wasn’t budging after the second day. As far as they knew, he hadn’t come out to even eat and he wasn’t responding to any messages either.

They had found the omega under his bed in a complete mess. He had cried himself to exhaustion and was panic nesting. It reminded them of when Hyunjin first moved into the packhouse. He was far from the exuberant, lively personality he was usually.

Hyunjin’s past had been grim and his views on dynamics had been warped. He struggled with coming to terms with his subgender and what his omega desired. His previous relationship had stripped him of all independence and he had lived by a long list of outlandish rules that were harmful to his wolf.

Undoing all of the damage from his upbringing had been a tall order. He still catches himself having negative, stereotypical thoughts about omegas. Including towards his mates. It’s hard—years of conditioning don’t just evaporate overnight.

Hyunjin had confided after Changbin drew him from underneath his bed that he was overwhelmed. His wolf was attached and loathed the idea of having to let go. He felt like he was fighting with a dog and a juicy piece of steak.

He felt as if he was being abandoned, as ridiculous as he knew that was. But it brought up memories of his past and he couldn’t help but think of the possibilities. Namely, his alphas had finally figured out how dirty and used he was and were taking the chance to run away. To desert him.

Maybe he’d wake up and find the rest of his mates have left too. They just didn’t feel the need to make up some believable lie.

Worse yet, Hyunjin wondered if they would give him back to his former alpha. To which Hyunjin explained he would rather die than do.

“ Jinnie, baby, that will never happen. This really is just a boring business trip. We promise we’re coming back and that we aren’t leaving you for good. We love you.”

Hyunjin wasn’t entirely won over. He was still skeptical but tried to forget this was even happening.

He spent a lot of the time leading up to his mates’ departure painting. He had dived into the distraction and receded back to his shell. All Hyunjin wanted was for things to get back to normal. He didn’t want to be stressing over some stupid trip.

Changbin dragged him into the nest the night before their flight. Hyunjin had grumpily been avoiding the two alphas in question. He was confused about his emotions and anger was always something easy for him to express. So, that’s what he did.

He lashed out until the others eventually left him alone. They said they were giving him space but that they were still there. Hyunjin didn’t know how he felt about that. He pushed them away but he had actually wanted them to stay. Unfortunately, he can’t have it both ways.

He was so stupid .

The pack spent that night cuddling and scenting. They lazily made out and tried to etch each other’s features into memory. Seven days was a long time to be away. They wouldn’t be able to snuggle or douse one another with their scents for seven whole days.

In Hyunjin’s and Jisung’s case, they needed a settling. Jisung had been floundering with his anxiety and Hyunjin had been acting out. It was classic signs that their wolves needed attention and reassurance.

Jisung had gone down willingly under Chan’s fangs. All the tension had seeped out of his body the moment his claim was reaffirmed. Something shifted in his heart and relief washed over him. His mind had finally shut up after days of wild theories and utter chaos.

After Chan had licked the bite closed, Felix and Minho showered him with love and attention. Jisung had sunk into a fuzzy headspace and was quite vulnerable in this state. He had been soothed with peppered kisses from Felix and being able to play with Minho’s hands.

Hyunjin had expectedly put up a fight.

He didn’t want to give up control and be forced to lose the only front he had. Without his anger, he was just broken. Fragmented shards that amounted to nothing but trash to be discarded. There was no use whipping out the gorilla glue, he was too far gone.

He wiggled out of Changbin’s grip after the alpha put him back down, muttering some overused insult that none of them believed anymore. Hyunjin didn’t make it very far before Seungmin caught him.

“Let me go!” He had protested but Seungmin hadn’t dropped his hands. He just let Hyunjin struggle in his arms. He was tiring easily anyways and his thrashing was getting slower. Yet, he persisted because he didn’t know what else to feel.

Eventually, it was a sturdy hand on his nape that stilled him. He could smell Changbin’s rain, knew it was him who was scruffing him. Seungmin rubbed a gentle finger along Hyunjin’s scent gland and watched as the omega shuddered in defeat.

His knees buckled first but Changbin caught him before he even slumped. The alpha guided him towards an empty space in the nest, helping him lay down.

Hyunjin’s eyes had glazed over and his limbs were clumsy. But he wasn’t settled yet. He still shook his head and hit his arms against the bed. Something wasn’t right—he felt empty . He just didn’t know how to say that. He didn’t know what that said .

Changbin brushed his overgrown bangs from his eyes with a look of tenderness that made Hyunjin want to cry. So, he did. Large, bubbling tears that ripped from his throat and left him gasping for breath.

“What do you need, baby? Tell Alpha so he can make it better.”

Hyunjin grabbed Changbin’s wrist and squeezed. He was overwhelmed by confusing emotions and his chest hurt so bad. He just wanted this to end. Why did things have to get messed up?

A whimper escaped his lips as he internally fought with his wolf.

LET PACK IN!

Didn’t he know how scary that was? How fragile that would leave him? It was like showing his belly to a tiger and expecting to come out unscathed. Hyunjin has been taken advantage of too many times to count because of his needy omega.

He wanted to push away his alpha and simultaneously keep him close. He was a whirlpool of conflict and it hurt .

“What hurts?” He hadn’t even realized he said that out loud until Seungmin was by his side and questioning him. Hyunjin could only pitifully claw at his burning chest. The pain was all consuming.

“Baby, your wolf is trying to say something to you.”

Yeah, that made a lot of sense. But Hyunjin didn’t want to listen. He wanted— fuck he doesn’t know! He wants his alphas to stay at home and never leave him. That’s what he wants and he knows he can’t have it. This is about their careers and Hyunjin should just grow up and stop making everything about him. He knows !

But pack is always telling him he should communicate with them. That his emotions are real and valid . No one ever makes Jisung feel stupid when his anxiety acts up. No one raises a brow when Jeongin asks someone to take him to campus because he doesn’t like taking the bus. No one turns a nose up at Felix’s constant need for affection or oppositely when Seungmin needs time to himself. They don’t think Minho is a bad alpha because of his rough personality nor that Changbin is any less of an alpha because of his natural aegyo. They don’t find Chan’s pack alpha instincts weird even when he obsessively scents them before they leave his sight.  

Hyunjin’s separation anxiety would never be looked down upon. His mates would never love him any less. It doesn’t make him weak. It’s not just because he’s an omega. In fact, his subgender has nothing to do with this.

WANT PACK!

Hyunjin shuts his eyes and tears dripple past his lash line. Like a band snapping, he leans his head back and bares his throat. The submission bleeds throughout his entire body as he finally lets go, letting his mates take care of him. It’s been exhausting ignoring them. He’s missed their touch and their safety. Their joking banter and their kind words. He’s missed what’s made him happy.

“There you go, easy, puppy.” Changbin murmurs as he talks Hyunjin down. The omega is still clutching the older’s arm but it lacks the frenzy he once was feeling. Now, the embrace grounds him and reminds him that his mate is here. Nothing bad will happen when his mates are around. They won’t let anyone hurt him.

Hyunjin gets his breathing under control, sucking in sweet air. His wolf paws insistently but no longer scratches. There’s something he wants.

He dismisses his omega’s outrageous demand and pats the bed for Seungmin. The beta is there and awaiting. “Kiss?” Hyunjin feels bad for lashing out against him with his wild limbs. He knows he landed a couple of hits in his fight. When he’s in his right mind again, he’ll properly apologize. For now, kisses will have to do.

Seungmin fondly laughs but leans down to capture his lips anyways. Hyunjin sinks into the intimacy, absorbing the clean linen from his lovely beta. Seungmin is so soft and beautiful. And he has the prettiest voice! Does Seungmin know that?

“Pretty beta.” Is all he can manage with how scattered his brain is right now. Seungmin blushes, pressing a tiny peck on Hyunjin’s nose in response.

His wolf stomps in frustration and Hyunjin winces. Seungmin notices immediately, concern painting his features, “What’s wrong?” Hyunjin shakes his head, trying not to get worked up again.

No . He tells his adamant wolf. They don’t have time for what his omega wants. He doesn’t want to ruin the atmosphere the others have created anyways. Jisung is purring up a storm in Minho’s lap while Felix and Chan languidly kiss in the far corner of the bed. At some point, someone put on calming music and Jeongin hums from Minho’s side, lulling Jisung.

“Wolf’s bein’ mean.” Hyunjin mutters, annoyed. His omega howls in disdain and Hyunjin rolls his eyes at him. Damn thing is being immature!

“What is it that he wants that you’re withholding from him?” Changbin pointedly asks. Hyunjin’s told him before how tenacious his wolf can be. How he’s persistently wrestling with all of their demands like a parent telling a kid in the grocery store for the nth time they can’t have any candy.

Everyone had an inner wolf but not everyone was as connected. Some people chose not to be and consumed suppressants. Others had more dominance or partook in training classes to learn how to subdue their wolf. Sometimes it was just a biology thing.

Hyunjin winces, rolling onto his side to cover his face. It’s embarrassing and he bets his cheeks are positively pink.

Changbin runs a hand through Hyunjin’s black locks, “I’m sure whatever he wants can be arranged. I think you know it’ll make you feel better. Don’t be shy, pup. Alpha wants to make you happy.”

There’s a moment of silence before Hyunjin gives in.

“Knot,” Hyunjin whispers, “He wants a knot.”

Changbin doesn’t seem surprised nor disgusted. He only caresses Hyunjin’s smooth cheek with an encouraging smile, “Is that what you want?” Because that’s what’s most important here.

Hyunjin whines into his hands, “Yes, but can’t. Sungie—”

Changbin tuts gently, “If my baby wants a knot, Alpha will give him one. We can go to another room and then come back if that’s what you prefer.”

Hyunjin bites his lip. It never gets easier asking for what he wants. Especially for things that curb his omegan desires. His old pack essentially taught him that omegas should cater to their alpha’s needs, never expressing their own. An expressive omega was a bad omega. Disobedient and unruly. Unwanted and shamed.

His mates value communication. They’re always asking what they can do to make him content. They treat him like fine china—notably the alphas. Chan comes from a pack that believes omegas are gifts who should be treasured. That omegas are more than just a hole, more than just their ability to carry pups.

He doesn’t find the words, so he crawls into Changbin’s arms with a nod. The alpha kisses his forehead and helps him to his feet. His legs are still weak from submission but Changbin is there with a steady arm around his waist like an anchor keeping him upright.

“Minnie come with?” Hyunjin wants his beta. His beautiful beta who smells like freshly laundered blankets with a tinge of citrus. With a voice like honey, so sweet and pure.

Seungmin agrees and Hyunjin beams. “We’ll be back,” Changbin notifies the rest as Hyunjin is whisked away.

When he comes back an hour or so later, no one says anything about his change of clothes or the fact that he still has a dopey grin as Seungmin carries him to the bed. They don’t question his glazed eyes or constant giggling. Or the fact that he refused pants in favor of showing off his bitten mating mark on his left thigh—the one that Seungmin reopened. His shirt’s big enough that it slips off his shoulder and reveals where Changbin’s claim lies.

He crawls over to where Jisung has migrated to Chan’s chest. He doesn’t get a chance to try to muster any request because Chan beckons him closer with a happy raise of his lips. Hyunjin wastes no time in sidling up to Chan’s side and resting his head on the elder’s front. In this position, he’s only inches from Jisung’s face but the other omega doesn’t stir. Such a pretty omega. A good omega.

“Did Binnie take care of you?” The question is paired with a petting hand and Hyunjin leans into the affection. His wolf is doing somersaults, rolling around on the floor, woofing with joy.

“Mhmmm.” Hyunjin preens, “An’ Minnie too.” Chan chuckles at his slurred words, fondness coating his face. “Good.” It took them a while for Hyunjin to feel comfortable exhibiting this side of him. He’s revealed how it’s been used against him before and how his former alpha used to make fun of him for it. Chan’s just glad Hyunjin’s happy now, his purring the loudest in the room. He’ll always be proud of how far Hyunjin has come. 

Hyunjin cocks his head to the side, “Alpha, bite?”

Chan doesn’t comment on how difficult that would be in their current position. The last thing he wants is to discourage the omega from voicing his wants.

Changbin comes back into the room at that moment and cutely makes grabby hands at the sleeping omega in Chan’s hold, “I want time with my Sungie baby.” Chan is thankful his pack seems to be so in tune with each other. When a problem arises, it usually doesn’t take long for them to find an adequate solution.

Jisung’s eyes flutter open at the noise. Changbin reaches again, “Alpha needs cuddles and Sungie does it best.” The omega clumsily sits up, saved from being tipped over by Chan’s sturdy hand that catches him.

Eventually, Jisung is settled with Changbin a few feet down the bed and Chan is open to give Hyunjin what he wants. “Where do you want it, cub?” He asks after Hyunjin properly straddles him.

Hyunjin shivers in his hold at the soft tone directed at him. He looks into Chan’s eyes and sees nothing but love and comfort. His irises sparkle with stars handpicked from the sky—so far from the image that Hyunjin grew up thinking alphas were. He knows brazen and bold, dictating and anger. In his pack, alphas were supposed to be strong-willed and take charge. It was frowned upon to see an alpha openly showing their emotions or insecurities—to essentially be vulnerable and transparent.

But Hyunjin likes when Chan looks like this. He feels closer to his alpha this way. Chan is the furthest from that stereotypical alpha image his former pack lived by. Despite being extremely successful and hardworking, Chan was not pushy. He did not demand his mates around, treating his word like law. He was democratic and valued all opinions. He was strong but allowed his mates to see him breakdown when needed. He was an open book and never strayed from letting his mates know how much he loved them.

He was everything that Hyunjin assumed he would never have.

If only he could tell his younger self what would happen. If only he could give his teenage self a glimpse into the future where he has three amazing alphas and two attentive betas and two omegan mates who are loved, loved, loved .

Hyunjin shakily points to his mating bite from Chan, the healed mark snuggled in the crook of his neck on the right side. He can’t speak when he’s suddenly hit by gasping sobs once more. He doesn’t know what did it—if not the thought of how lucky he is. How much he really , truly , desperately doesn’t want to lose this.

Chan thumbs at the growing tears with worry, “Hey, baby, what’s wrong? Hmm, why are we crying?”

Hyunjin decides to hide in Chan’s gland, trying to muffle his cries so as to not disturb the others. He figures he’s already ruined the mood yet again but no one says anything. He can smell the calming pheromones that his mates pump out to help him and that’s presence enough to know they’re there. They care .

“Alpha, ‘s hard . ’ve never had som’thin to miss before. I don’t know how to handle this feelin’. I don’t—I don’t want,” He has to force himself to take a break when his wolf howls mournfully. Being so close to his wolf has made him more prone to his wolf's emotions that he feels tenfold. Right now, his wolf feels backed up into a corner and he’ll get defensive if it continues any longer. The last thing Hyunjin wants is to lash out again.

Maybe he should look into wolf training. Minho has talked with a specialized counselor who provided such services before. It was around the time that Hyunjin and Jeongin first were courted by the pack. Minho’s wolf hadn’t taken well to the sudden addition of two unknowns and it was becoming dangerous the longer left unattended. After four weeks of sessions, Minho had shown vast improvement. They were able to repair their dynamics, and Hyunjin and Jeongin began forging solid relationships with the older alpha.

Hyunjin didn’t want to hurt his lovers, but his wolf was a wild card. It would probably do some good to talk to a therapist again. He had seen one around the same time Minho saw his specialist. Yet, Hyunjin stuck around longer and didn’t phase out his meetings until eight or nine months ago.

He thought he was healed. Better. But, he never thought he’d react like this—like his world was falling apart because of some stupid conference in another stupid country that would take away two of his alphas.

Chan helps Hyunjin through some breathing exercises until he no longer feels his lungs are going to explode. He’s still hiding in Chan’s gland, soaking up the alpha’s scent like he’s never going to smell it again. Which is a ridiculous thought because they promised they were coming back. After a week, he’ll see them again. He’ll smell them again and hug them again and hopefully this will never happen again .

“Alpha said,” Hyunjin croaks so lightly that he fears Chan didn’t hear him, but the older rubs a hand down his back to clarify he’s listening, “Said you’d come back. That you wouldn’t leave me for good?” He hates how unsure the last part comes out but it’s true. He needs the assurance. He needs to be told again and again until it sticks.

Chan holds him tighter, “I don’t want to be away any more than you don’t want me to go. Alpha was right. The moment we’re done with our business, we’re taking the first flight out. I’m going to miss my babies too, but we’ll get through this.”

He gently pushes Hyunjin until he can see his face, “I promise that I will never leave you. I would rather die than do that.” Hyunjin whines at the thought but Chan fixes him a determined look, “I can’t even remember what life was like before you, Jinnie, and I don’t want to. My life is infinitely better because you’re in it. I don’t know if you believe me yet, but I mean every word.”

“In fact, I should be the one worried that you’re going to leave me. With how beautiful and talented you are. Do you how many people tell me they wish you were their mate?” Hyunjin shakes his head in disbelief; the question sounding outlandish. Chan grins, “It’s true. I’m reminded every day that I am the luckiest pack alpha in the world. It’s my bite on your gland. It’s my name on your collar. I try not to show my possessive side, but in those moments I’m proud. I’m proud you’re mine. ”

Hyunjin’s eyes widen at the revelation. Chan’s never told him this before and while it’s hard to see true, he knows his alpha would never lie about this.

“’m yours.” Hyunjin mumbles to himself in wonder as his wolf rolls around in happiness. Chan catches his mouth into a searing kiss, “Yes,” He affirms when they pull away, “You’re mine.”

Hyunjin feels calm after that. His worries subside and he pushes the inevitable about tomorrow away. He wants to enjoy the time he has left with his mates as much as possible. He’s about to snuggle back into Chan’s chest when he’s reminded they never finished.

He yips, tugging at Chan’s hand, “Alpha, bite now!” He yanks his shirt down and cranes his neck for the wolf to reclaim him. Chan chuckles at the omega’s insistence but complies easily.

Hyunjin goes boneless as he feels Chan’s fangs pierce his awaiting skin. The pain only lasts for a second before the euphoria rains down on him. He’s settled now. Truly. Positively. Amazingly.

The rest of the night is a blur of kisses and touches. Of conversation he can’t remember. Of clouds and rainbows and pack cuddles. Hyunjin sinks into a sweet bubble of safety, far from the stresses of the world. He forgets what’s impending and floats. He lets his mates take care of him and drifts.

The morning comes soon enough and is definitely not welcomed.

The rest of the pack has taken the day off to transition to the new atmosphere together. Chan and Changbin’s flight leaves at noon, so they’re up hours before.

Seungmin aids them in their packing while Minho cooks them breakfast.

“You puppies better eat all your meals or I’ll punish you when you get home. I have Mina’s number and will be asking for updates on the matter. And it better be nutritional.” The second eldest exclaims when he sets the pair bowls of rice down. Changbin grumbles like a scolded pup, “Yes, mom.” That earns him a smack.

Minho uses this time to say his personal goodbyes. He’s already had a conversation with Chan a couple days ago about how to go about being the pack leader while the actual one is away. They’re big shoes to fill but Chan tells him he’ll do just fine.

He kisses them both with fervor before scampering off towards the kitchen with an excuse of fixing the kids their food. If they see his reddened eyes, they don’t comment.

Seungmin rolls their luggage to the door for them with a smile. Changbin wrangles him into a hug, peppering his face with kisses. Chan watches fondly until he has his turn. “I’m going to miss you.”

Seungmin doesn’t cry, but he’s obviously not happy either, “Me too, hyungs. Come back fast.”

Innie waddles down the stairs at that moment covered in one of the blankets stolen from the nest, “Hyung!”

Changbin ends up with an arm full of baby beta as Jeongin makes himself comfortable, “I thought I missed you leaving.” The thought obviously upsets him, so the older rushes to comfort him. “We would never leave without saying goodbye.”

Jeongin sighs as he takes in the rich smell of rain emitted from Changbin. He feels hands wrap around his back and feels Chan’s breath behind his ear, “I love my littlest puppy.” Jeongin moans, “Hyung~!”

Chan chuckles, “Don’t feel shy about texting whenever you need to. We may not be able to answer right away but we’ll reply as soon as possible.”

Jeongin nods his head, tacking on a verbal response as well, “Okay, Hyung.”

Minho walks back into the living room with a dim smile, “We should probably head out in thirty minutes.” Minho’s the one who will be dropping the alphas off at the airport. They could always have a driver do it but it’s been their routine since Minho mated with Chan—he drops them off and picks them up.

Changbin groans but moves to kiss Jeongin goodbye. Chan does the same afterwards before Minho’s dragging the young, reluctant pup to the kitchen, “You need to eat your breakfast. I even cut up some strawberries for you—”

Chan gazes fondly as the two walk off, bracing himself for how the omegas will react to their nearing departure. They only just settled Jisung and Hyunjin and Felix has never enjoyed them being away.

Speaking of the youngest omega, he comes marching down the stairs with Chris held snugly under his arm. He jumps like a koala into Chan’s arms and the pink kitty plush becomes smushed between their chests.

“Good morning to you,” Chan huffs with a laugh, “and Chris.” Felix doesn’t say anything for a beat until he’s hiding behind the plushie. “Can Alpha scent him?”

And with imploring doe eyes and a tiny pout carved out of plush lips, how is Chan supposed to say no? He’d hand him the world if he asked. “Little one, you don’t even have to ask.”

Felix lights up, shoving the velvety kitten into Chan’s scent gland. “Drench him. Then drench me!” Chan rolls his eyes but soaks the stuffed animal with his firewood, nonetheless. He makes sure the scent is potent enough to last a couple of days. He can already picture the sulky text from Felix when the smell eventually fades before Chan can get home.

“Binnie too,” Felix takes Chris when Chan deems it complete and hands him off to Changbin. Then he turns back to Chan and smiles. Chan thinks this is one of his favorite versions of Felix—decked in sleepwear that doesn’t belong to him with ruffled hair and blinding eyes. Dazzling freckles splashed across his bare skin with the sweet smell of mangos wafting in the air.

He spends probably longer than he should scenting Felix, rubbing their necks together as his wrist trails the other parts he can’t reach. Eventually, it smells like a barbecue spontaneously appeared in their living room, complete with grilled mangos and a salty summer breeze. Changbin has to remind them they have a time limit. Reluctantly, the two wolves part.

“I love you, Lixie.” Chan rumbles as he stands, letting Changbin swoop in to have his moment with Felix. The omega returns the proclamation in between laughs as their youngest alpha tickles him. “Binnie, stop! Stop, I’m gonna pee!” Changbin relents, pulling Felix into his lap. His heart eyes couldn’t be masked even if he tried and the burst of adoration in his scent was a dead giveaway anyways.

Chan watches the interaction for a beat longer before departing to find his other omegas with a fond smile.

They’re still asleep in the nest, a mess of tangled limbs and squashed blankets. Chan can’t help but stare at his beautiful lovers and wish he never had to leave them. He climbs into the bed, sitting next to where the pair are passed out. He brushes a hand through Hyunjin’s hair, then leans to reach Jisung’s.

That’s what Changbin walks in on. The alphas share a weighted glance. Neither of them want to wake up their babies just to tell them they have to leave. But they know that if they don’t hurry, Minho will drag them by their ears to the car. Missing their flight would complicate things and it’s best to stay on Minho’s good side.

Changbin moves to be on the other side of Jisung. They silently agree to get a move on, lightly shaking the omegas with sweet coos.

Hyunjin is the first one awake. He looks disoriented and confused, muttering a little, “Wha’?”, when he sees both of them. Jisung rouses a moment later with just as much perplexity. Chan rubs a thumb against Hyunjin’s cheek while Changbin helps Jisung sit up.

“Hey there, angel.” Chan murmurs as Hyunjin’s cloudy eyes clear up a bit, “Good morning.”

“Is it already time?” Jisung grunts, burrowing into the blanket around his shoulders with a pout. Changbin presses a kiss to his temple, “Unfortunately, love.”

Hyunjin whines as the memories from last night flood in. Right . His alphas are leaving. For a whole week. He won’t see them. For seven long days. There will be an entire ocean and then some between them.

“Text us anytime, I mean it. We’ll answer as soon as possible. You have Mina’s number too.” Hyunjin doesn’t even realize tears have welled in his eyes until Chan becomes a blurry image. “Shh, it’s okay, little love. Please don’t cry.”

“I’m sorry.” Hyunjin whispers as he attempts to get his crying under control. He didn’t want to make this any harder than it had to be. Yet, he can’t help how his wolf is howling in despair and it’s affecting him.

Chan directs Hyunjin to sit up, gathering the sniffling omega into his arms, “Don’t be sorry. I know this is hard for you. Never be sorry for feeling your emotions.”

Hyunjin knows nothing short of saying they’re canceling their trip will make him feel better. He manages to kiss Chan and Changbin goodbye before fleeing the nest. He ignores their calls, getting to his room and diving under his bed. He hadn’t panic nested in over a year and it was upsetting to think something so stupid was making him regress. He had made progress! He was better! He wasn’t that weak omega anymore. So, why? Why now? Why this? Why is it hurting him so much?

Chan and Changbin say “I love you” through the door but Hyunjin remains silent. He bites his arm to muddle his loud sobs and prevent his wolf from letting out some distressing keen in hopes that the two alphas will come running in.

They don’t.

Hyunjin hears their footsteps retreat until quiet descends the second floor once more. If he really strains his ears, he can hear voices from downstairs. Then the door opens. Then nothing.

He knows they’re gone now.

And he’s all alone. Again.

He cries himself into exhaustion.

Hyunjin is pulled out of his fitful slumber by a soft voice. They’re singing. It sounds so melodic and comforting. Absolutely beautiful. Like an angel.

He peels his lids open, almost groaning with how swollen his eyes are. He feels like a total mess and his head is pounding. He forgot what it felt to break down like this. He had hoped to never feel this way again. But life has its ups and downs and Hyunjin is not exempt from hardships just because he escaped a hellhole once before.

“Jinnie?” The singing halts as his mate notices his rustles. It’s Minho. Hyunjin can smell his calming snowy pine and he wants nothing more than to fall in.

“Alpha?” He croaks with a thick voice. He responded with a gentle hum, “Hey, baby, you’re finally awake.”

It takes Hyunjin a couple of seconds of thought until he deems it okay to come out. He knows Minho would never push him, but his body hurts from being in the cramped area and hard floor. Plus, Alpha is nice. When it’s just them, Alpha is nice.

He crawls from his makeshift nest to Minho’s side. The elder was sitting against Hyunjin’s bed with a soft smile, “There’s my princess.” Hyunjin wrinkled his nose at the playful nickname. Minho had his own unconventional way of comforting people. No matter how odd, it always seemed to do the trick.

Minho was the first alpha that Hyunjin had learned to trust. The first one he let into his heart.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be with Sungie?” Hyunjin wonders with a frown. Jisung needs Minho. Minho knows exactly what to say to calm him down.

Minho knocked their knees together, “Sungie’s fine. He’s been helping Bokkie make some cookies. You know Felix stress-bakes.” Hyunjin laughs at the memory of Felix baking over a hundred cookies the last time he squabbled with Jisung. At least he perfected his snickerdoodle recipe that day.

“Plus, and you didn’t hear this from me,” Minho leaned to whisper into Hyunjin’s ear, “I kinda like you.”

Hyunjin giggled, shoving him away. How did he snag someone as great as Lee Minho—he’ll never know.

Minho brushed the wild hair out of Hyunjin's eyes, “My Jinnie had a rough morning, huh?” Hyunjin wavered, black cherries souring.

“How…” Hyunjin began but quickly felt his throat closing up. Minho waited for him to collect his thoughts, warm smile never leaving his face, “How do you do this?”

Minho held his hand in support, “Do what?”

Hyunjin sighed, lip wobbling, “You drop them off every time. You take them to a place where you know you’ll come back alone. How—How do you do it? How do you let them go?”

Minho tugged Hyunjin into his lap, rewarding him with a feathery kiss when he didn’t protest. “It never gets easier for me either, darling. I hate seeing them go. Last night, you—you said something.” Hyunjin knitted his brows. His memory of yesterday was fuzzy at best. With all the stress and turmoil and his bratty wolf acting up, Hyunjin went into omega space. He doesn’t remember much after being knotted by Changbin. Just blurs of pleasure and happiness and warmth. His brain was probably protecting him again.

“You said you never had anything to miss before.” Hyunjin oh s because while he doesn’t recall saying that, it definitely was something he felt. He’s been away from his family for nearly four years now. He doesn’t miss them a bit. Leaving was the easiest choice he could have made. He didn’t have any friends worth crying over nor any belongings he couldn’t part from. He left in the middle of the night and never looked back.

Having something so precious now? It’s terrifying.

Hyunjin can’t live without Chan and Changbin. He can’t live without any of his mates. He loves them too much. They bring him too much happiness. He can’t bear the thought of something happening to any of them. Of any of them leaving him.

He knows he’s not the perfect omega. He’s harsh and snappy. He talks back. He’s loud. Louder than an omega should be. He doesn’t know when a joke goes too far until he’s already messed up. He avoids others when there’s a conflict. He’s not flexible and if things don’t go his way, he crumbles. He doesn’t know how to share. He’s overdramatic. He cries so much. Too much. He spends most of his time in his room painting. He can’t cook. He can barely find it in himself to clean. He’s a pillow princess who begs for knots all the time because his wolf is insatiable. He’s infinitely worse during his heat where all he can do is complain and get slick everywhere. He likes to think he wants to bear children but the mere thought is enough to send him into a black hole of panic.

Hwang Hyunjin is nowhere near a good omega and it’s a miracle his mates haven’t seen that yet. Haven’t left him yet.

Minho breaks him out of his thoughts, “I understand what you mean, Jinnie. You know how I was a lone wolf?” Hyunjin nods slowly.

Minho was a bit different from them all. He wasn’t born into a pack like the others. He only had his parents. That was it. Hyunjin’s neighborhood pack was comprised of hundreds. Chan had eleven parents. Packs were the norm and lone wolves were looked down upon.

Minho’s parents had been a part of the same pack in their younger years. But because of toxicity and certain events, they decided to break apart and leave. They settled down together—too put off to search for another pack—and had one beautiful alpha pup. They were happy and that was all that mattered.

Society was cruel to those who went against the status quo.

Minho didn’t think there was anything wrong with his family. Sure, it was just him and his eomma and appa, but what was wrong with that?

Well, turns out, a lot . He found that out at the ripe age of six when he came to kindergarten and told his classmates he didn’t have a pack. From then, he was bullied and outcast. No one wanted to be around the lone wolf.

Minho grew up lonely. Ever so. He didn’t have friends. He just had three cats and his books.

He didn’t think that would ever change; not even when he went off to college. He kept his head down and rarely socialized. He found a job at a café that didn’t discriminate because of his lack of a pack. He didn’t really know what his family situation had to do with making coffee but you’d be surprised how many people turned him down because of that very fact.

That’s where he met Chan. The too-good-to-be-true alpha who was welcoming and kind. He became a regular and then so much more. They seemed to click on a level that was more than just friendly employee-customer relations. That would ring true when Chan asked him on a date a month into their little routine.

But Minho didn’t know how pack dynamics worked. He was lost upon how it was to have multiple partners—and Chan had two mates already. They never pressured Minho to think he had to mate with Jisung and Changbin. He was appreciative of that. It was intimidating to think about dating three people at once. By the time Chan had been courting him for two months, he had spent more time at Chan’s pack house than his own. He grew to love Changbin and Jisung just as much as Chan. The impossible had become possible in a blink of an eye.

He began to understand what being in a pack meant.

Young Minho would never believe he’d ever have seven mates. It seemed preposterous and, yet, it happened. He wakes up every morning and feels like the luckiest person alive.

“I didn’t know what it was like to have a pack. I didn’t know I could love so many people at once. I never thought I would have something to miss. I honestly thought I was going to die alone with just Soonie, Doongie, and Dori.” Hyunjin had never heard Minho say that before. He never truly knew how painful Minho’s experiences had been.

Minho kisses his cheek, “But I don’t have to worry about that anymore. I have a pack who loves me, who would move mountains to make me smile. Even when we’re apart, I know they’re there. A pack is always there for each other.”

Hyunjin knew he was right. He knew that Chan and Changbin would come back. Deep, deep inside, he knew they would return. They had promised and his alphas weren’t liars.

“I hate to drop them off but it’s worth it when I get to pick them up. That’s why I do it.” Minho murmurs.

Hyunjin slumped in Minho’s arms, “I just love them so much.” He didn’t even know how he had anymore tears left to cry. It was frustrating but Chan is always saying he shouldn’t feel bad about his emotions. He needs to let himself feel this way. He needs to listen to his wolf.

Minho lets him bawl into his shoulder, “I know you do, sweetie, and they love you too.”

“I didn’t—I didn’t even say it b-back. Hyung, I didn’t say it back!” Minho rocks him slowly, “They know, baby. Shh, they know.”

Minho holds him as he empties his tears. He’s not even sure how long he cries for, but his uncontrollable sobs eventually taper off into sniffles.

Minho wipes his face, “Why don’t you take a nice, warm shower? Hyung needs to figure out what to feed his cubs. If we left it up to Sungie, we’d be eating cheesecake for dinner.” Hyunjin laughs, thankful for the direction. He probably wouldn’t have showered nor ate in his current state without a push.

Minho helps him to his bathroom and even picks him out some clothes from the ones that the alphas had scented before they departed.

It’ll be a nice little present.

“Hyung!”

The shower really did make him feel better. Minho’s a genius.

But it’s the scented clothes that truly do it. Big clothes that feel just right and drown him in smoky firewood and crisp rain. He does a little dance in his bedroom after he slips the sweatpants and sweatshirt on.

“Hyung! Hyung!” He sing-songs, rushing down the stairs with one person in mind. Seungmin’s tucked into the corner of the sectional with a book and glances at him with fond eyes. Hyunjin pecks his beta’s brown mop on the way towards the kitchen where snowy pine is most prominent, earning an exasperated groan in response.

He finds Minho with Felix, blinding smiles as they peer at him. Hyunjin rushes into his alpha’s arms, “Hyung!”

“You say that any more and we’ll have to put it on his birth certificate.” Felix jests from his post leaning against the counter. Hyunjin twists to stick his tongue out childishly. Felix returns the gesture with just as much amusement.

Hyunjin ignores the younger omega, returning back to Minho’s neck. He’s content to be held and let his third alpha’s scent mesh with that of the others. “Thank you.” He purrs, chancing a kitten lick to Minho’s scent gland. The alpha’s breath hitches, “Hwang Hyunjin.” He says warningly.

Hyunjin plants a kiss on Minho's cheek before scurrying off, “I love you!”

To say the week flies by would be a lie.

It’s excruciating for everyone in their own ways. Tensions are high and fights erupt where they usually wouldn’t. Minho struggles to be mediator, but his pack needs him most right now.

He makes sure to check in with his pups each day. He gives them plenty of love and attention. It’s inevitable that three days in, Minho has to settle Jisung again. Solo settling is a bit intimidating as they tend to do so together as a pack in the nest. But only the other omegas were home at the time with Seungmin at practice and Jeongin at school.

It was something that Chan had warned him could happen, so he takes it with as much stride as he can. The other omegas are there and help him take care of the vulnerable Jisung.

Felix bakes his way through the week, having so many leftovers he ends up donating most of his result. He finishes his orders and tests new flavors. He binge-watches dramas until Minho shuts the TV off at 5 am, hiding the remote in a place he knows Felix can’t reach. The omega pouts but Minho just rolls his eyes and offers up his bed. Felix sinks into the skinship, fidgeting until Minho scents him thoroughly. Then, he can finally sleep.

That Wednesday sees tears and fighting.

Felix had come down the stairs in hysterics when he couldn’t find Chris. Minho had tried to comfort him and help him look but the omega was sure that the pink kitty wasn’t anywhere to be found. Jeongin had been home after returning from a study session with some classmates, so he held Felix while Minho turned the apartment upside down.

He had searched through the entirety of every single bedroom but couldn’t find the plushie anywhere. Felix had been even more worked up when Minho came back down to the living room without Chris with him.

Jeongin had attempted to get Felix to retrace his steps, try to think about where he last saw the stuffed animal, but Felix hadn’t been very cooperative. Which then agitated Jeongin who didn’t understand why Felix wouldn’t just think about it.

Minho was on the verge of tears himself but pushed it down. He has to be the level-headed one. He shushed both of them and had Jeongin search the other rooms on the first floor.

“Bokkie, hey, you need to calm down. You’re going to make yourself sick.” Minho hated to see the bubbly omega so distressed and the smell of rotten mangos was overpowering. It even drew Hyunjin and Jisung down from their rooms.

“ Can I call Channie? Please!” Minho had sighed when he realized it was two in the morning in New York and the alphas had to be sleeping. “ Please, hyung!”

Minho was grateful when Jisung swooped in and took Felix into his arms. “ I can try to call, but I can’t guarantee they’ll answer. It’s nighttime over there. ”

He should have known that Chan would pick up. The phone only rang a couple times before Chan was worriedly answering, “ What’s wrong? ”

Minho explained the situation before putting the phone on speaker and handing it to Felix. “ Lixie, can you take some deep breaths for me? ”

“ Al-alpha, I can’t—I can’t find Chris. I can’t— ”

Chan had felt inadequate being so far away and not being able to help his omega. All he wanted to do was hold his Bokkie and kiss his worries into oblivion. “ Shh, I know, I know. But I need my little Lix to breathe.”

Jisung aided Felix in going through some breathing exercises while Chan led them through the phone. It took a couple of minutes before Felix was calm enough to not be hyperventilating. “ I’m sorry. Channie, I’m sorry.”

“ There’s nothing to be sorry for. I know how much Chris means to you. It’s okay. I’m sure you’ll find him in no time.” Felix huffed sadly in disbelief. They had searched everywhere . Logically, Felix knew that the plushie had to be somewhere in their apartment because he hadn’t taken the kitten out since he got him—and he didn’t just walk away on his own.

“ I know it’s frustrating, but can you tell me what you were doing before you realized you couldn’t find Chris? ”  

Felix told them how he had been in his room working on his computer when he got sleepy. He had gone to the pack room that still vaguely smelled like Chan and Changbin to take a cat nap. When he woke up, he realized he didn’t have Chris with him. He had been asleep for twenty, thirty minutes tops.

“I remember having him in my room. I slept with him last night! But he’s not there. I looked!” Felix lamented, fresh tears emerging the more he thought about his harrowing circumstances. Jisung rubbed his back, “Did you move anything out of your room? I know you had those boxes you were putting your computer pieces in. Maybe Chris accidentally wound up in one?”

Felix shook his head, whimpering, “ The boxes are still there, and I looked through them already. Seungmin took my bedding to the laundry, but nothing else is missing. I checked under and around my bed and he didn’t fall down anywhere. ”

“ Hyung, what if I can’t find him? I need him! Alpha— ” Felix gasped, feeling his chest start to heave once more. “ Omega, don’t get worked up again. You’ll find him .”

Suddenly, Jeongin came bounding back into the den with the object of desire in his hands, “ I found him!”

Felix snapped upright, eyes brightening when he caught sight of the stuffed cat, “ Chris! ” Jeongin handed the kitten over where Felix proceeded to nuzzle the velvet material with a white-knuckle grip.

“ Where was he? ” Minho wondered and Jeongin described how he checked the laundry room. He found the stuffie in one of the baskets twisted in Felix’s comforter, “ Seungmin hyung must have accidentally grabbed him when he took your linens off. ”

“ Thank you, Innie! ” Felix exclaimed, sucking in another lungful of the fading rainy campfire. Sweet mangos bloomed, swirling with the happiness of Jisung’s cinnamon apples and Jeongin’s clementine and basil.

“ Okay, cubs, say goodnight to Channie. He needs to get back to sleep.” Minho said, tone leaving no room for complaint. He wished nothing more than to talk to his alpha a bit longer, but he could tell from Chan’s voice that was tired.

Choruses of ‘goodnights’ and ‘I-love-you’s” erupt before Minho hangs up the call. He doesn’t forget to send a text to Chan practically threatening him to fall back asleep or else. What the or else exactly entails is a horrifying mystery that Chan isn’t willing to find out.

Jeongin and Felix make up, ending up in a heap of puppies with the other two omegas and Chris. Which Hyunjin complains about because he can’t reach Yongbok’s scent gland with the damn kitty in the way. When Jisung captures Minho’s hand and begs with his eyes for him to join, well, Minho can’t refuse.

As for Hyunjin, he has good and bad days. He spends a majority of his time in his room painting. Seungmin suggested he create a piece for Changbin’s new office off-handedly. The beta probably doesn’t even know how grateful Hyunjin was for that brilliant idea. He poured his attention into the artwork and painted nonstop. It was nice being able to shut off the side of his brain that could only long for the two missing pieces in his heart. He was able to finish the painting and start on one of his recent commissions when he fell ill.

He set up an emergency appointment with his doctor. Minho goes with him and they talk to the doc about Hyunjin’s wolf. The pain of his wolf being so close to the surface was causing Hyunjin to face burning in his chest, irregular heartbeat, terrible migraines, and nausea.

The doctor prescribes him calming pills to temporarily subdue his wolf. He gets a referral for a specialist in wolf training along with pamphlets on how exercise, music, skinship, and weighted blankets can also help.

He feels embarrassed when he explains what happened to his alphas over FaceTime. With the time-zone difference, it’s hard to find time to call each other at a reasonable time that isn’t two in the morning for them. Chan and Changbin claimed they didn’t mind staying up a little later when it was for something as important as his health.

The alphas assure him that they’ll figure everything out. By that time, there was only three days left until they returned on the first plane out of New York.

Hyunjin was still frustrated and upset. The pills worked but came with a slew of other side effects. Suppressing your wolf wasn’t good in the long run or even short term. Hyunjin could only minutely feel his wolf which was disorienting in its own right. What he could feel was just his wolf desperately howling. Howling for his mates. Howling for Hyunjin to listen to him. Howling in pain. Howling in confusion.

It was overwhelming for Hyunjin to feel and he wasn’t doing well mentally. He wasn’t able to do much at that point. He mostly slept, only eating when Minho force-fed him nutritious broth and even that had been a battle. He only bathed when Seungmin carried him into his bathroom and shared a bath with him, gently massaging his black locks and kissing his shoulders. All he wanted to do was cry and lay in his bed and for everything to stop.

Seungmin was able to focus on his practices. If he wasn’t at the theater, he was in a practice room or taking vocal lessons. He took Jeongin to and from school, trying to keep the younger pup in good spirits. Seungmin wasn’t too used to Chan and Changbin’s work trips. He had only experienced a few before Hyunjin and Jeongin joined the pack. He didn’t enjoy them being away but he knew it was a part of life he couldn’t change.

He tried not to spend too much time fixated on the passing days and just went on with normal life. He saw his friends and shopped with Innie. He played games with Felix and helped Minho with cleaning duties. He kept company with Hyunjin and tried to get him out of his room. It resulted in lots of yelling and fails but it was worth it for the few times it did work.

Jeongin was doing better than he imagined. He was primarily occupied with his classes. He had an internship to keep him busy. He texted the alphas the most. Little messages about what he was doing like just got coffee! or minho hyung cooked us beef wellington hehe~. He sent them pictures throughout the day just in case you forget my beautiful face ;)

It helped greatly and soon the days ticked down to where he was surprised when he woke up and his phone gave him the calendar reminder that his alphas were returning today.

Minho spent hours in the kitchen, preparing all of Chan and Changbin’s favorites. Felix baked brownies because apparently Changbin had been griping that he missed them for days.

Seungmin and Jeongin got Hyunjin to snuggle on the couch with them—using their maknae’s persuasive eyes and pout to convince him. Jisung jumped on the puppy pile when he came downstairs after a bout of writer’s block consumed him. Soft music trickled in the background and the penthouse was filled with excited scents instead of the misery and melancholy that had taken residence over the past week.

When Minho goes and gets his shoes on and grabs his keys, he’s met with five expectant faces. “I’m going to the store . We’re out of gochujang.” His mates deflate and he apologizes, “Why don’t you cubs set up the nest. I’m sure alphas are going to want to pack bond tonight, and I know a certain someone left it a mess.” He eyes Jisung who only sheepishly smiles back.

“I think it looks fine.” Seungmin grumbles. He loves his mates, he really does, but the nest looks fine . How many times can they rearrange pillows and blankets and think it looks any different. It’s the same! They’re being so particular it’s painful to watch.

Hyunjin whines, “No, no, something’s not right about it. I just—I can’t figure out what.” Felix nods his head, agreeing. “Seungmin, can you move that plushie to your left?”

The beta fixes the eldest omega with an unimpressed scowl, “No,” Hyunjin knits his brows with agitation but Seungmin doesn’t care at this point, “No, I’m not going to feed into your needless antics. Moving the plushie to the left is not going to suddenly make this shitty nest look any better.”

“Hyung, woah, you’re being mean.” Jeongin frowned, shocked by Seungmin’s outburst. Hyunjin faltered, hurt, before fury set in, “What’s your fucking deal? Do you think you’re better than me because you’re a beta? Do you think you can nest any better than an omega?”

Jisung tried to grab Hyunjin’s hand but the omega snatched it back, “Jinnie, I don’t think that’s what he’s saying.”

Seungmin rolled his eyes, “No, if that’s what he hears then so be it. We all know he likes to treat his word like law. It’s not my fault he’s so damn sensitive.”

“ Hyung! ” Jeongin growled, but Seungmin ignored him.

“Can you two stop it? Please don’t fight. Hyungs will be home soon. Shouldn’t we be happy?” Felix sought to end the bickering before it spun out of control. He knew neither of them meant what they were saying—they were just brimming with restless tension.

“Stay out of this, Felix.” Seungmin spit, “You’re no better than him.”

“Guys,” Jisung started, but his words were drowned out.

“You’re ruining the nest. We’ll have to air it out. It stinks in here now because you two decided you wanted to fight like stupid knotheads!” True to Felix’s statement, the pack room was filled with souring scents of moldy black cherries and soiled laundry.

“I’m the knothead? He’s the one who started it!” Hyunjin turned his anger towards his fellow omega then snapped back to Seungmin, “Has no one ever told you you’re not supposed to insult an omega’s nest?”

Seungmin cocked his head and if steam could come out of his ears it would in that moment, “Are you disrespecting my parents?” Hyunjin shrugged his shoulders, “If the shoe fits.”

“Guys!” Jisung yelled even louder and the room fell into silence. “Do you smell that?”

Seungmin huffed, “Yeah, I smell week-old black cherries.” Hyunjin went to bite with a comeback when Felix cautiously moved towards the door, “Is that…?”

Just under the stress and bitter flavors of his mates close by, Felix could sniff out hues of burning wood and sprinkling rain. It didn’t smell old—no, it was fresh. It was fresh and it was getting more potent.

Felix was out of the nest in a heartbeat. He took the stairs two at a time, catching a glimpse of three heads of hair on his way down. With a squeal, Felix leaped into Changbin’s arms, “Alpha!”

Changbin laughed, thankful that he braced himself for one of them to jump on him. He should have guessed Yongbok would have been the culprit. His little koala.

“Hey, baby.”

The other four came tumbling down from the second floor then. They crowded the alphas in eagerness, wanting to touch any bit they could grasp, take any scent they could manage.

“This isn’t gochujang!” Jisung accused with joyful tears in his eyes. Minho just smiled.

“Surprise!”

After a hearty dinner, the pack moves their reunion to the nest.

In their excitement and jubilation, they had all forgotten about their argument from earlier. Minho, always an observant one, turned his nose up when he opened the door, “Why does it smell like some mischievous cubs decided to fight with each other?”

The pups in question casted their eyes downward, no one brave enough to answer their hyung.

Chan came up behind Minho, drawing him into a back hug and hooking his head over the alpha’s shoulder, “We’ll light some candles and open a window. Don’t be too harsh on them.”

Minho sighed into the embrace, letting Chan nose at his neck. “Okay, but those involved are to set everything up.” No one disagrees and soon the nest smells significantly better. Happier.

“I missed you. Being pack leader is hard.” Minho whispers as he brushes Chan’s hair, trailing the older’s eyes, noses, and lips with a tentative finger. Chan gazes at him, lovestruck and enamored. The pack has broken off into units. The pups are surrounding Changbin, vying for his every speck of attention. Minho’s glad he got Chan to himself first. He needs the reassurance that only Chan can give him.

“It’s definitely not easy. I’m sorry that you had a hard time.” Minho shakes his head sincerely, “The cubs were good for the most part. We all just missed you so much. I guess I took the blessing of mating law for granted. I forgot how hard business trips are.”

Chan held him closer, tilting to seize Minho’s lips with his own. They share a few more feverish kisses before they have to pull away to catch their breaths. “Binnie and I were talking,” Chan mutters through trailing pecks, starting from Minho’s lips to his jaw, down his neck where he spends time biting and sucking at the milky skin.

He gently removes Minho’s shirt, reattaching his lips to the younger alpha’s chest. Minho fists his fingers into Chan’s curly locks, arching his back when Chan tongues over his nipple.

“What-what did you talk about with— uh —Binnie?” Chan gives one more lap over the sensitive bud before answering, “About how much we fucking hate being so far away from pack.” He shifts past Minho’s belly button, kissing any expanse of skin he meets. “How we’re never doing that again.”

Minho moans when Chan spreads his legs, tugging his sweats down. He spent plenty of time with his other mates and even engaged in some phone sex when Chan and Changbin’s schedule got canceled one afternoon. But having Chan here, between his legs, nipping at his bare thighs, is heavenly. It’s perfect and exactly what he needed. He can feel the stress melting off him in waves. He’s so content to let Chan take control. Being leader wasn’t for him.

“Oh, yeah?” Is all Minho can say in turn. His snowy pine deepens, mixing with Chan’s aroused musk. He doesn’t quite register Chan’s words with how turned on he is. All he can focus on is Chan’s touch, his lips, how he needs more.

Chan kisses up his thigh, teasing him, “Mmmh. I don’t pull the CEO card too often, but I think it’s deserved this time. We can handle domestic affairs, but neither of us like being so far away. There’s surely someone else in the department who can take over those tasks.” His warm breath fans over Minho’s blistering erection. He’s going to go crazy.

Minho gasps, rutting his hips up for something , “Channie, alpha, I love you and I’m really, extremely , happy to hear that. But if you don’t fuck me in the next ten seconds, I’m going to kick you off and go to Binnie.”

The night ends with cuddles and contentment. Laughter and pleasure. Their pack made it through another trial and, with it, comes a promise they won’t have to endure it again. They are whole once more—eight puzzle pieces snug together.

Just like it’s meant to be.