Chapter Text
The only thing on Seungcheol's mind was running. He needed to run as far and as fast as he could. His shoes squelched with the sound of blood on the soles, but he didn't have time to focus on that. He had no idea where he was. All he knew was that he was in some cabin miles and miles away from the city and now he was in danger. The others were dead and he was sure he would be next if he stayed. He wasn't sure where to go, if it was even safe enough to attempt returning to the city, but he had to do something.
He decided to run until his instincts told him it was safe. As an omega, that was one true thing he could rely on. His instincts were his true North, a guiding light to safety. He wouldn't settle until he could feel it with every fiber of his being that he was safe. He wouldn't dare risk the well-being of his unborn pup, a victim of unfair circumstances. He was due any day now, his stomach stretched and round, uncomfortable beyond belief. It made running difficult, but he had to. He wouldn't give up or accept such an unfair fate.
He shivered against the wind. It was the dead of winter, the point in the season where everything was dark and frigid. Where trees resembled looming monsters, the wind, howling beasts. He hadn't had the chance to grab a coat or even a blanket, the only thing on his mind had been running far from danger. All he had were the clothes on his back, a black cotton shirt with matching pants, hardly enough to brave the brutal winter nine months pregnant, but he was hoping his adrenaline would shield him until he found suitable shelter.
With an arm to support his stomach the best he could, Seungcheol ran hard and fast into the woods. He cursed softly under his breath when he realized the blood on his shoes was leaving pink tracks in the fresh snow, a direct path to him. He stopped, briefly debating with himself. He cursed once more, stumbling out of his shoes and continued to run with socked feet. The snow seeped through his socks, wetting his feet. He winced at the uncomfortable sensation, but didn't stop. He wasn't safe yet.
The deeper into the woods he ran, the more his omega settled. There were various animals and plants around. Even if he were heavily pregnant, it would be difficult to find or follow his scent without interference. He was getting closer to seclusion, to safety. However, his mind was a different story. What if he was forever lost? What if he was forced to huddle in some hole, give birth in the dirt and snow? Would he have to slowly watch his baby freeze to death despite his desperate attempt to get them alive and warm? His throat swelled at the thought. He nearly stopped running, but his instincts kept screaming to run, so he did.
He was cold, wet, tired, and in immense pain. He felt like his insides were being ripped apart at a slow and agonizing pace. He was forced to stop, trying to catch his breath that felt like had been stolen from him by the frosty air. His hands trembled as he checked on himself. He felt something warm and wet between his legs. He was worried his hand would come back painted red, but instead, it was clear, thinner than slick.
"Oh." He whispered against the wind.
His water had broken. He was in labor in the middle of the woods with an oncoming snowstorm. He needed to find some kind of shelter and fast. He had slowed to a walk now, practically a limp. Each step felt like lead holding him down. He cried out as a horrid twinge had him doubling over. The pain was causing his brain to fog over. He wasn't meant to be alone. He was meant to be in a nest, being watched over to make sure the pup was safe, not necessarily him, but the pup. He felt panic rising to the surface. He briefly wondered if he was going to die.
"Come on, Seungcheol." He muttered to himself, his fingers digging into the bark as a way to brace himself. "You've made it this far. Your pup is relying on you."
As if in response, another wave of pain hit him, telling Seungcheol that the little being within him wanted to live. They were already a fighter, just like he was. They could make it. Both of them. He pushed himself away from the tree with a huff.
"Okay, Dooly. We keep going. Maybe there's a nice cave ahead."
Dooly was what he had nicknamed the baby. His midwife had warned him against naming the baby prematurely, not hesitating to use the moment to remind him of his place as well.
"But...I like talking to them and calling for them." Seungcheol had responded, a bit stunned and upset.
He didn't like being ordered around, especially about his own baby, the one he was carrying, the one that had a piece of him. The midwife, an older woman, looked annoyed as she sighed, perhaps wondering why she had been assigned to such an unruly and disobedient omega.
"If you must address the fetus, do so with a nickname, to avoid bad karma. Besides, you know you are not to name this fetus." She reminded as an afterthought.
Seungcheol's back ached. He had gained five pounds. His bladder had taken a beating. He couldn't stand the smell of most things, couldn't keep most foods down. His hormones were haywire. He was practically a prisoner in his own body, and here was this bitter beta woman telling him what to do with his baby. He knew this would be his life, but it didn't make it any easier or better.
He had forced himself to breathe using exercises he had been taught. They were meant to prepare him for labor, but now worked too. He smiled, pleasant and elegant like an omega of his designation was supposed to.
"Thank you, Madame Ko. I will keep that in mind."
Days later, he had come across a peculiar character. A dinosaur called Dooly. It was then that the pup kicked for the first time, and Seungcheol settled on the nickname for his pup. It just felt right. Now it was he and little Dooly against the world, or rather, the snow and frigid wind.
After more walking, he was greeted by a small house made of sturdy wood and logs. It was small and dark. It didn't look occupied and it was deep in the woods. It would keep him out of the storm, a place to keep him somewhat safe and dry while he decided his next move. The door was closed, but unlocked. Perhaps his assessment of it being abandoned was correct. Another wave of contractions hit him, these ones slightly closer together, as he crossed the threshold. A trembling hand landed on his stomach.
"Dooly-yah, just a little further. We're almost there."
Finally, he was able to move inside, shutting the door behind him. He was chuffed to find there was no lock at all. It would have put his mind more at ease, but it would have to do. It was shelter. It was dark, but it was dry and safe. Perfect, his omega whispered.
He needed fire to make warmth and light, but he was in no condition to light and feed a fire. He was moments away from collapsing. He felt around, stumbling to find a corner. He slid carefully against the wall, bracing himself. He itched to make a nest, but he doubted this abandoned house had much to work with.
He worked on his breathing, trying not to ponder too much about his and his unborn baby's fate. When he imagined this happening, usually late at night when he was too uncomfortable to sleep, he saw it differently. He pictured cotton sheets, layered blankets he had been allowed to finally scent. He imagined a bossy midwife scolding him for laying wrong, sloppy nest-making, maybe breathing wrong. He never imagined the darkness and stillness, only sound coming from the howling wind, but it was strangely peaceful like this. It was the first time he could just be him.
Seungcheol froze hearing the door open. He stayed as still as he could in the darkness, but knew there was nothing he could do about his scent wafting through the air, thick and sweet in labor. The stranger didn't seem to notice as he trudged inside, working to light a fire in the fireplace. The flames slowly rose and Seungcheol felt the warmth dance against his frozen skin. He wanted to sigh in relief and relax, but didn't dare to even breathe after catching the scent of alpha from the newcomer. An unknown alpha and an omega in active labor was not a good combination. However, the alpha chose that moment to turn.
His dark eyes scanned over Seungcheol, assessing the situation. His face was pale and his expression was unreadable. Seungcheol waited with bated breath, sure he was going to be sent back out into the storm, give birth to his pup in the freshly fallen snow. However, the alpha merely sighed, sinking down into the wooden chair placed at the table.
"Well, this is inconvenient."
"Are...are..." Seungcheol struggled to catch his breath as he felt the onslaught of another wave of contractions. "Are you...going to...kick me out?" He managed to ask.
The first sight of life on the alpha's face came to be in the form of amusement. "No, I don't think I will."
The man before him was a stranger, an alpha. Seungcheol was supposed to be cautious, to move and protect himself and his unborn child, but his omega was settled, feeling as warm as the fire, ready to welcome new life. His instincts were telling him to trust, so he did. However, the sensible part, the one who tended to rebel, was still cautious, but it was difficult to fight against a contented omega and brain fog.
"I...is this...am...."
The alpha's dark eyes reflected patience. "You're safe." He reassured.
His voice was light and calm, almost soothing. It didn't match the typical stereotypes of an alpha, nor did his looks. He was slim with delicate features hidden behind a dark expression. He wasn't the typical alpha, but then again, Seungcheol wasn't the typical omega. He was muscular. He held himself tall and proud, refusing to cower and submit the way that was expected of him. Appearances weren't always what they seemed.
The alpha stayed seated in the chair, giving the omega his space. Seungcheol's omega hummed, content, but Seungcheol wasn't fully giving in just yet. He was more than his damned biology. He could make his own decisions and come to his own conclusions without some inner biological nature telling him. The alpha watched him knowingly.
"You don't have to trust me. Trust is earned, but I give you my word. I will not harm you or your pup. Focus on giving birth. I'll keep watch. No one would dare to enter this house."
At the reassurance, his omega was practically purring. He had half a mind to tell it to shut up. As another wave of contractions promised to hit him full force, he realized he was going to have to trust. The pup was making the decision for him. As the pain started to shoot through him, he forgot all those damned breathing exercises that had been drilled into him for months. How was he supposed to breathe as his body felt like it was ripping apart at the very seams?
The alpha silently watched him for a moment before getting up and moving into an unseen room. Seungcheol paid him no mind, thinking the other was put off witnessing birth in its rawest form. In the city, alphas weren't allowed in the room. They were told to wait, perhaps drink a glass of sherry or whiskey to celebrate their hard-earned work coming to fruition. The midwives were the ones to stay with the expecting omega, bossing them around, stating they were taking care of everything. After the pup was cleaned and presented, the alpha was always the first one to hold the pup, scent-marking them as another way to claim. Seungcheol hated those rules disguised as honored traditions. It was another reason he was thankful to be in this house despite the circumstances that led him there.
He was surprised to see the alpha return with a strap of leather and two blankets. He offered the omega the blankets, who tried not to snatch them the moment they were in view. Two blankets were hardly a nest, but it was a start. He weakly scented them, placing them around him to the best of his ability. Then, he was confronted with the leather strap. The alpha, sensing the confusion and uneasiness, was quick to explain.
"To bite, when the pain is too much." He explained.
Seungcheol went to reach for it. "Thanks."
However, contractions hit him again and had him grasping the other's hand instead of the leather. He squeezed tightly, letting out a whimper of pain. The alpha didn't seem fazed. Instead, he moved to place the leather in the omega's mouth. It was dry and uncomfortable, but he couldn't deny that it helped to have something to bite down on and silently scream into.
The alpha eyed the fire, the flames still crackling and dancing before looking at the other. "Warm enough?"
Seungcheol managed a small nod. As the contractions passed, he noticed their hands and he quickly pulled away, embarrassed at the action. The alpha wasn't offended, but scooted back to give him space, staying near in case he was needed again. Seungcheol felt safe enough to remove the leather from his mouth.
"What's your name?"
He figured he had some time. The contractions weren't close together yet. He doubted he was dilated very far. He needed some way to pass the time that wasn't focusing on the pain. The other looked hesitant, but answered.
"Jeonghan."
Seungcheol hummed, thinking through his Hanja lessons from his youth, needing knowledge for a future pup he wasn't allowed to name.
"Purity, strength, grandeur." He listed, hoping his memory was serving him correctly.
The alpha slowly nodded but looked as if he didn't agree. "You?"
It most likely wasn't safe to give a strange alpha his name, but he assumed it was a bit too late for that. Besides, if Jeonghan wanted to harm him, he would have done it already. In his experience, alphas were always direct and did what they wanted.
"Seungcheol. victory, wise, triumph." He huffed to himself. It was clear his parents expected an alpha.
"Well Seungcheol, hell of a first meeting."
If he hadn't been in agonizing pain, he might have laughed. It was a strange predicament he found himself in. It was all kinds of improper, but his omega was still annoyingly purring, content and safe in this small house with an unknown alpha. Everything in his life had been planned and decided for him, down to the most minuscule detail. Everything was controlled, out of his reach, until tonight. Tonight, through death and tragedy, he took his life back. His pup could actually have a chance, something he never had.
ঌ
Seungcheol, somehow, had fallen asleep, only waking up when the next wave of contractions came. Jeonghan watched over as promised, counting the time between them, a skill he had learned and used once before. When he counted five minutes, he stood, slipping on his boots that had just gotten dry along with his coat. On a normal day, the walk was a short five minutes, but through the heavily falling snow, it was nearly ten. An unfortunate consequence of his seclusion. He kept his hands in his pockets and his head down. He had to be quick. His door didn't have a lock, and Seungcheol was all alone. Although, something told Jeonghan that the omega could take care of himself if the need arose. It was clear he had run from some kind of bad situation, his socks wet, skin frozen. It was a wonder he had survived. Jeonghan would make sure the omega and pup would continue to survive.
He knocked, practically pounded, on the door, and stood back to wait. It was late, perhaps early morning, close to dawn. Everyone was most likely asleep, but Jeonghan didn't think much about it, nor did he care very much. An elderly lady sleepily opened the door, pulling her robe tighter against her body as the chilled wind blew.
"Jeonghan, to what do I owe the surprise? The sun has yet to rise."
The alpha didn't have the time nor the patience for pleasantries. "Ahjumma, there is a pregnant omega giving birth at my place. I require your assistance." He informed.
The woman stared at him. "I would say you do." She huffed. "There's an omega in labor and you left them alone?" She chided. "Are you a fool?"
"Would you rather I drag him through the snow to your house?" Jeonghan retorted.
She huffed once more. "Cheeky bastard. Go back to him. I will be there shortly." She promised.
Jeonghan nodded and went to make the long walk back, hoping Seungcheol hadn't woken up in his absence. Luckily, Seungcheol was still asleep when he returned. Jeonghan was quiet as he slipped off his boots and coat. It was strange to have another person in his home. It had been just him for so long. It was terrifying as it was peaceful. He was aware of how fragile and fleeting it could be. It made him cautious, distant.
He hung up his coat and finally took himself in. His clothes were dirty and covered in a mess from his previous outing. How had Seungcheol not noticed? Perhaps he had and was only pretending not to. No matter. He would change. There was no doubt Ahjumma Kim would make him anyway. After a fresh change and gently giving Seungcheol fresh socks, he moved to feed the fire, wanting to keep the house as warm and comfortable as he could. He wasn't sure what else to do in this situation, which was why he had gone for help. Seungcheol needed someone more inept to deal with such a situation.
Cold wind blew into the house upon Ahjumma Kim's arrival. Jeonghan cursed lowly under his breath, feeding another bit of kindling into the fire. The flames were high again, coating the room in a warm glow. The older woman shook the snow off herself, hanging her coat up next to Jeonghan's. She moved inside and grabbed the alpha by the back of his collar. He was annoyed, but knew better than to resist.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Keeping the fire going. Staying out of the way."
She shook her head as she let him go. "Alphas, useless, the lot of them."
Jeonghan wasn't offended. "Isn't your grandson an alpha?" Knowing the answer.
She waved off his retort. "Mingyu actually makes himself useful. Speaking of which," She reached into a large bag, pulling out towels and setting them in Jeonghan's arms. "We'll want these. Mingyu packed the whole lot."
Jeonghan stared down at them. "What am I meant to do with them?"
Sometime during the entire interaction, Seungcheol had woken up, perhaps startled to smell a new scent all of a sudden. The omega spoke up.
"Give them here, but set two aside." He told him.
Jeonghan looked back at Ahjumma Kim, perhaps seeking her confirmation. She nodded. "Go on, he knows what to do better than you."
He handed the omega the entire bundle except for two, per his request. He watched the omega meticulously work to build a small nest, despite being exhausted and weak. When the last towel was placed, he visibly relaxed, sinking into it. Jeonghan could only stare. How was Seungcheol so comfortable and trusting despite being hesitant hours ago? They didn't know each other, but his inner alpha was determined to protect this omega. He was scared of the feeling, but it wasn't like he could run. Ahjumma Kim would murder him first.
"Jeonghan, do you think you can manage to boil some water?" Ahjumma Kim asked next.
"Of course I can boil water. I live here by myself you know. I am capable of doing things."
She didn't look amused. "I'm sure. Now, get to boiling."
Jeonghan sighed, grabbed a pot, and filled it with the well water he had retrieved a few days ago. He would have to go again soon, now that he had a guest, but the well was most likely frozen over. He would have to find alternatives. He was adaptable. He placed the pot above the fire, wrist sore with the weight, but he didn't complain. Any pain he felt paled in comparison to what Seungcheol was going through and he didn't need another lecture from Ahjumma Kim about alphas. For a woman whose entire family consisted of alphas, she sure had an agenda against them. Jeonghan supposed he would too if he were surrounded by them all the time. Behind him, he could hear Ahjumma Kim softly encouraging Seungcheol.
"Okay, I think it's time. Remember to breathe." She told him.
The omega must have given her some kind of look because Jeonghan heard the woman click her tongue in the way only a tired and experienced parent could.
"I know. I know. It seems impossible to breathe through the worst pain possible, but your lungs need air, especially now. It's not a request. It's an order."
He heard Seungcheol lightly scoff. "You sound like my midwife."
Ahjumma Kim hummed with a laugh. "I'm better than a midwife. I've been through it."
Seungcheol went to laugh, but was cut off by a contraction, this one worse than any of the others. Jeonghan felt his shoulders tense as the omega cried out in pain. His inner alpha wanted to fix it, but it wasn't his place to. Besides, he knew better to be near as an omega delivered. He focused on boiling the water, trying to remain indifferent with each scream Seungcheol let out.
"You're doing well, keep pushing." Ahjumma Kim urged.
"I'm afraid my organs will fall out if I keep pushing." Seungcheol rasped out.
"They won't. Now push, here bite down on this bit of leather."
So Jeonghan had done something useful after all. His smugness didn't last very long as Seungcheol's pushing continued, leather hardly doing much to muffle the sound of sheer pain. The water was boiling by now, but he didn't dare move, not when Ahjumma Kim noted that she could see the baby's head. Jeonghan stayed as still as he could, flinching when he heard the first cry, loud and sharp against the roaring winter wind.
"Congratulations, it's a boy." She announced.
The air was thick with the scent of labor and a fresh pup, soft and domestic, something Jeonghan hadn't smelt in years. He was frozen as he heard the baby's cries. He felt stuck in place.
"Jeonghan, did you boil that water in Hell? We could use it right about it now."
That snapped him out of his daze. Right. Water. He carefully carried the pot to them, careful to not get too close to the newborn. Seungcheol's eyes were clouded and had yet to leave the small being. It had to be an unimaginable feeling. With the umbilical cord cut, Ahjumma Kim was able to clean the baby up with one of the spare towels, wrapping it with the other. She handed him to a stunned Seungcheol.
"Go on, scent your son or else Jeonghan will have to find somewhere else to sleep."
Seungcheol seemed to come to, nosing his pup before scenting him. The house flooded with the sweet scent of cherries. The pup had ceased crying, seeming content with staring up at his father. Ahjumma Kim smiled at them before turning back to Jeonghan.
"In my coat, is my key. Use it to get in and grab some of Mingyu's clothes for Seungcheol. Wake the oaf if you have to. It's nearly dawn."
Thankful to have something to do, Jeonghan went to suit up to brave the snow once more. Mingyu was awake and opened the door before Jeonghan could even get the key in. The other was exactly what an alpha should be. Tall, muscular, but Mingyu was gentle around the edges. Soft-hearted and selfless, perhaps a result of being raised by his grandmother.
"Where's Halmoni?" He questioned as Jeonghan pushed his way in.
Jeonghan had lived in this village all his life, only moving to the small house away from the others a few years ago. Close enough to help if needed, far enough for seclusion. It was perfect for Jeonghan. He had grown up with Mingyu, both of them presenting as alphas a year apart. They hadn't spoken much the last few years, but it didn't seem to change much.
"Still with Seungcheol," Jeonghan murmured, searching through Mingyu's clothes. Nothing seemed suitable for the omega. They also reeked of Mingyu's cedarwood scent. He would just have to work with it, he supposed.
"Seungcheol?" Mingyu repeated, confused.
"The omega at my house." Jeonghan clarified, a bundle of clothes ready in his arms.
"What's that all about anyway?" Mingyu asked, following him back to the front door. "A strange omega in your house?"
"Long story," Jeonghan replied, already halfway out the door.
Mingyu let out a defeated sigh along with a pout. "And you're not going to tell me, are you?'
"Goodbye, Mingyu."
The house was warm and full of life, a stark contrast to the chilled escape Jeonghan had used it as. Seunghcheol was mostly cleaned up now, but Jeonghan averted his eyes as he handed the clothes over, wanting to give the omega his privacy. The pup was fast asleep against him and gently, Ahjumma Kim handed him over to Jeonghan. The alpha's eyes went wide as he took a rather large step back.
"No, I mean, I can't."
He couldn't hold a newborn pup that wasn't his. Jeonghan didn't care much for rules and traditions, but that one felt like common sense and non-negotiable. Despite contrary belief, Jeonghan didn't have a death wish. Ahjumma Kim gave him a look, holding the bundle out to him once more.
"It's okay, Jeonghan-ah. Seungcheol has scented the pup. You're not in any danger. Just hold him momentarily so I can get Seungcheol changed. Do something useful."
The omega looked up with calm and trusting eyes. "It's okay. I've decided to trust you. You can hold him."
Just hours ago, the omega was being cautious of him. Now, he said he trusted him. It was enough to give the alpha whiplash. Something heavy settled in his chest as the bundle was passed to him. Awkwardly, he cradled the newborn, being mindful of his head, something he recalled from once before. The pup's eyes were slightly swollen, but still looked relaxed and peaceful, seeming content in Jeonghan's arms. His downy hair was barely visible through the towel. He was so tiny. It terrified Jeonghan, and he was relieved to hand him back to Seungcheol when the omega was dressed.
He distracted himself by walking Ahjumma Kim to the door, watching her slip on her coat. She turned to the alpha, expression firm and serious.
"Keep a watch on them. Don't let Seungcheol do a single thing other than feed and care for his pup, do you understand me?" She ordered.
"Yes."
She searched his face, perhaps assessing if he was being truthful or not. Satisfied, she grabbed her bag. "I'll be back to check on them. Let me or Mingyu know if either of you needs anything."
"Thank you."
There was more he wanted to say, so many feelings to convey. Thank you wasn't enough, but it was all he had. Thankfully, the older woman understood as she nodded. She hesitated, stopping at the doorstep. It was dawn now, the sun was beginning to rise. A new day was upon them in many ways.
"I'm sorry, Jeonghan, for everything that happened, but I'm thankful you're still here."
An odd lump settled in Jeonghan's throat. It was the first time someone was speaking to him directly about it and not blaming him. He wondered if she knew everything, if she would feel the same way; he doubted it, but he took what was offered to him. He nodded once, not trusting his voice. With that, Ahjumma Kim shuffled through the snow as Jeonghan returned to the warm interior.
Seungcheol was wide awake, despite clearly being exhausted. Jeonghan was mildly impressed. The omega looked up at him, eyes still soft, but slightly guarded.
"Thank you for not kicking me out. I honestly had no idea anyone lived here."
It was an honest mistake. He wanted it to appear that way so no one would come find him. He couldn't fault the omega for thinking that.
"I would be a despicable bastard if I kicked you out," Jeonghan replied, sitting in his chair once more. "I'm not heartless."
"No, you're not." Seungcheol agreed. "You're kind."
Jeonghan wouldn't go that far, but he wasn't going to argue, not after everything that happened. Instead, he changed the subject.
"Are you comfortable there? I have a bed. It isn't much, but it's more comfortable than the floor." He offered.
"No, I'm fine here. This is a good nest."
Jeonghan wasn't convinced but let it go. He stood once more. He had far too much adrenaline coursing through him. He messed around in the kitchen, attempting to cook something, despite being hopeless in the kitchen. He should have stolen something from Mingyu. He tried not to think about how he could feel the omega's eyes watching him.
"I'm not the best at cooking, but I could make you some porridge, keep your strength up."
"Thank you."
Jeonghan wasn't sure if he could handle hearing another thank you.
"We'll leave soon. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Seungcheol continued.
Jeonghan winced at words being returned to him. "Don't worry about that right now. Focus on yours and the pup's health. You'll be safe here, so stay." He urged, voice a dash more desperate sounding than he would have liked.
He braved a look at the omega. He was watching him with that quiet and calculating gaze of his.
"Okay. We'll stay."