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The cameras flash around him, bathing the red carpet in a constant white glow. Harsh is the only way to categorize the camera. It’s taken him a long time to get used to being in the spotlight like this, and he has never truly been comfortable with having the lenses on him at all times. But he was born into a very wealthy, very prolific family— The Choi family. From birth, he was thrust upon the eyes of their country and the rest of the world, forced to get used to the spotlight.
“Seungcheol-ssi over here!”
“No, over here!”
“Look this way!”
The photographers all speak over one another, fighting for his attention. Seungcheol simply smiles and chooses to focus on one direction, letting them adapt to him. He strikes a few poses, choosing a more subtle look to give his outfit its time to shine. He’s dressed in a custom steel grey suit that is akin to the styling of a Hanbok. It clings nicely to his figure, a darker outer coat draping across his shoulders, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look. Paired with it is one of his expensive pure silver watches, embellished with tiny diamonds around the rim of the clock.
The designer pleasantly surprised him when he revealed the design. After constantly being dressed in nothing but business-esque suits with no flair at all, wearing something that pays homage to his culture and allows him to express himself more creatively is like a breath of fresh air.
“Seungcheol-ssi, Seungcheol-ssi over here!” Another man calls. The alpha chooses to grant the photographer his opportunity, turning towards the man. “Where are your mates, Seungcheol-ah?! Where is Chan?!”
He grins, despite the obvious drop in honorific, “At home. He’s had a very busy month, so we agreed he would sit this one out. He sends his deepest regrets and looks forward to seeing you all at the next event.” The photographers, not satisfied with that answer, all clamor about, trying to press the man for more information. The answer, while not far from the truth, still conceals the real reason that Chan isn’t with them tonight. Seungcheol's heart swells, imagining his mate sitting comfortably on the hotel room bed, probably in the middle of his makeshift nest, caressing his small baby bump.
The pregnancy, while still relatively early, has progressed well, their baby hitting all of its milestones in the fifth month. The only downside is that Chan still struggles with the most intense morning sickness, even well into his second trimester, leaving him unable to leave their penthouse, as per their doctor's orders. Disheartening doesn’t even begin to describe how the omega feels. A man, so full of fire and energy, going from working every day and travelling to different cities with his two alphas by his side, to being kept indoors like a caged canary. Being trapped even in luxury has its downsides, but Seungcheol and Minghao have been working day and night to ensure he is as comfortable as possible.
"Seungcheol-ssi! Where exactly is Chan?”
“Why isn’t your omega hanging off your arm tonight?!”
“Are you three having marriage problems?!”
“Where is your other alpha mate? Are you both fighting over Chan?!”
The ridiculous questions continue to be yelled at him, and it can’t help but make Seungcheol chuckle, knowing that they truly go to such far lengths to try and rouse a reaction from him, all for the sake of some outrageous headlines. But he knows, despite the amount of paparazzi and the purpose of the event, he has all the power here. Deciding he has had enough, the alpha simply throws a hand up and continues on his way, ignoring all the shouting and screaming for him.
Minghao stands waiting for him at the end of one of the sections of the carpet, a smile on his face. The designer who dressed Seungcheol also dressed his alpha mate. The man based his design on traditional Chinese culture and styled him in a suit that pulls from the wear of a Hanfu. His suit parallels Seungcheol's, except it's made with a finer blue silk fabric with intricate gold stitching throughout the bodice and sleeves. The garment is nothing short of ethereal. But clothes are only as good as the wearer makes them, and well, the outfit is stunning, but Minghao looks even more radiant in it.
“Took you long enough,” The younger alpha chides, laughing softly, the fringes of his raven hair sweeping across his forehead. Seungcheol makes his way up the stairs, lacing their fingers together as soon as he reaches the top. He brushes the stray pieces out of his face, placing a kiss on the other alpha's forehead, ignoring the distant sound of clicking. “Were you also fielding questions about Chan the entire time?”
Seungcheol playfully rolls his eyes, “Of course, they're all very curious as to why our beautiful husband isn't hanging off our arms at such a prestigious event.”
It's no secret that the two alphas and the omega are married, the marriage a phenomenon that swept not only their nation but the whole world. After the famous Lee and Choi family announced the joining of their families with their two children, it came as a shock when it was also announced that they were to wed the eldest alpha son from the Xu family, all pre-arranged. The shock that arose from the announcement was overwhelmingly negative initially, especially considering that matches of this extent were never seen from illustrious families such as the three. But regardless, all the families kept their heads high and stuck to their arrangement, allowing the mating. It took some time for the public to get used to, but in the end, the trio had never been happier, now on the cusp of their sixth anniversary. Not to mention, it paved the way for other rich and prolific families to let their children break the conforming gender roles that were deeply entrenched in the world and culture.
The two make their way up the stairs, stopping on the next landing to pose for the second round of photographers. The lights go off all around them, indistinct shouting filling the air. Minghao snakes his hand around the alpha's waist, striking a pose.
“Mr Choi-ssi over here!”
“Xu, turn this way!”
“Alphas, where is your omega?!”
“Why isn’t Lee on your arm tonight?”
At even the mere mention of their mate, the two alphas can’t help but smile, turning to look at each other in a silent laugh. The paparazzi eat it up, the brightness increasing tenfold. Both slightly bow towards the crowd and then continue their way up.
“How was he when you left?” Seungcheol asks, his touch lingering at the small of Minghaos' back as he ushers him forward. The younger alpha grips the train of his suit and lifts it, taking a stride in front.
“Envious.”
Seungcheol snorts, “Yeah?”
“Yeah. The designer asked me to show Chan the design that he had for him. He was upset that he wouldn’t be able to wear the piece that was made for him, but he perked up when I told him it was going to be gifted to us in light of the real reason for his absence.” Minghao glances over at the paparazzi and throws them another grin, trying to act as nonchalant as possible about their current conversation. “Overall, he seemed fine when I left, though. I gave him a few more articles of clothing so he could make a bigger nest. Or multiple nests if he wanted to sit in the living room area.”
Getting permission for Chan to travel was difficult, to say the least, but the omega was persistent when he discovered the invitation that had been extended to their family. The Met was a dream appearance for Chan, making his absence even more weighted. But despite the ailments caused by his pregnancy, the fierce omega was ever more determined to not only travel halfway across the world but to see to it that both of his husbands were standing on that red carpet on his behalf.
Suffice it to say Chan always gets what he wants.
“Leaving him was hard on me, though,” Minghao admits. “My alpha was howling at the thought of leaving him alone in that…” He pauses from the dramatic shiver that runs through his body. “Unfamiliar place.”
Seungcheol groans low, “Understandable. Ever since he got pregnant, it has been an internal battle between me and my alpha to not drop everything and stay by his side.”
“Chan would probably kill us if we smothered him like that.”
“He would have us on the street in a minute for sure.” The thought of it makes Minghao snort, also pulling a laugh from Seungcheol. The conversation ends as they make it to the final landing at the top of the steps, filled with a pool of paparazzi. Seungcheol takes Minghaos hand this time, pulling him closer until their hips are touching. The pair pose for the final time that night, mentally relieved, this is their last stop before they are allowed privacy for the night. It’s not much different, the people asking the same indiscernible questions and comments, cameras flashing incessantly, blinding their eyes.
Seungcheol smiles, as does Minghao, the joy of being at the event evident on their face, but the nagging, guilty feeling that eats away at him— at both of them, is hard to ignore.
“Please keep moving forward,” A security guard says, motioning towards the doors.
Seungcheol turns to Minghao, extending his arm towards his husband, “Ready to go inside, my dear?” The drama of it all makes the younger alpha roll his eyes, not one for public displays, but he accepts it anyway, lacing his arm through Seungcheol's. And if Seungcheol sees the slight tinge of red on the tips of Minghaos ears, he pretends not to notice.
-
The rest of the gala goes along smoothly. The two alphas were seated amongst close coworkers and friends, the table drinking and bantering, schmoozing about until the final call for the attendees to be ushered back outside. Everyone at their table gets up, walking to the exit together.
“Are you guys coming to the after party?” One of their friend asks.
“Yeah, I hear it’s going to be quite the soiree!” Another giggles.
But without even thinking about it, the two exchange a look, already knowing their answer, “Maybe next year. It wouldn’t be a party if we didn’t have Chan with us. We’ll have to attend the next one together.”
Hyein gasps in realization, “Ah, yes! Wish him well for us, will you? It wasn’t as fun without our favorite party omega!”
The pair both smile simultaneously, Seungcheol nodding, “He definitely would’ve been here if he could, but unfortunately, our doctor's permissions only went so far.” She waves her hand at him.
“We understand. We know he would’ve been here if he could.” She looks at her beta wife, who just gives them a knowing look. “My wife and I sent out another baby gift for you all. Do let us know when it arrives.”
Minghao lets out a feigned groan, shaking his head at the two women, “Noona, you’re spoiling the baby so much already, and they haven’t even been born!” They’ve already received countless gifts from all their friends and family, the nursery filled to the brim with the generosity of everyone they know. Hyein and her wife are no exception, seeing as this’ll be the third gift from the couple.
Hyein rolls her eyes, playfully whacking Minghaos arm, “Aish, let me spoil our niece or nephew. They’re already being born with a silver spoon, our little gifts aren’t going to make much of a difference!” And that comment alone is enough to make Seungcheol laugh.
“Little? Noona, you bought them a set of jewelry worth more than our house!”
“That is little!” She pauses. “The size, not the price…”
A laugh resounds from the group. They all stop just directly in front of the doors, the flashes of the cameras and the loud crowd waiting for them just beyond the glass. The couple exchange pleasantries, and the two women are the first to walk into the lion's den. Seungcheol and Minghao say a few last goodbyes before being left alone at the exit.
Minghao takes in a breath, inching closer to the other alpha, “Let's go see our omega, yeah?”
Seungcheol grips onto Minghaos' suit, leaning forward to press a kiss to his cheek. He looks outside and sighs before nodding his head, “Yeah… Let's go.
They brace the paparazzi, this time keeping their heads down as they rush towards their car. Tiredness has taken over now, the thrum under their skin from the alcohol enhancing the effect tenfold. Beginnings are a business obligation: red carpets, shoots, events, but everything after that is outside of their working hours— personal time if you will. It wasn’t as pleasant as the pair would’ve hoped, question about Chan being thrown at them as soon as they stepped out the door. Except this time, it’s gone from general curiosity to obscene comments about their sex life and their marriage.
When they finally get into the vehicle, the door closing behind them, they both let out a breath of relief. The uncomfortableness of the situation goes unsaid between them, their hands joining together in silent comfort. They stay like that for the rest of the car ride, settled in a calm silence. The hotel entrance, thankfully, is heavily guarded, at the request of the men, one of the perks of having insane amounts of money. Seungcheol steps out first, reaching his hand out to help Minghao out.
“We should do this every time,” Minghao says as he looks around at the empty area. Seungcheol's hand finds the alpha's waist, leading him into the lobby, humming in acknowledgment.
“I don’t disagree. I think that was one of the most peaceful arrivals we’ve ever had.”
“The Met Gala arrival wasn’t peaceful for you?” Minghao asks, grinning cheekily. Seungcheol chuckles and rolls his eyes. “You wish.”
They make their way to the elevator, stepping inside. It’s very intricate, as expected of a luxury hotel. Seungcheol scans their key card and punches the number to their floor. Minghao pulls his phone out and snaps a photo of the two of them in the reflection of the glass, a little something for their fans when the two of them do their mandatory posting about the event. Seungcheol watches in anticipation as they pass floor after floor, anxious to see Chan, foot tapping rapidly.
Noticing his fidgeting, Minghao nudges him, wrapping his arm around Seungcheol's, pressing a reassuring kiss to his shoulder. The eldest alpha throws Minghao a glance as if he didn’t even realize what he was doing, “He’s okay. I bet he passed the day ordering room service and napping.” It’s a reassuring thought amongst all the negative ones.
Both of the alphas have always had a small possessive streak, even before Chan got pregnant. But mix the baby with all the problems the omega has been having with his pregnancy, it’s a concoction of nothing but fear and wanting to keep him safe and protected from everything life can throw at him. The elevator dings, Seungcheol's head shooting up.
The doors open directly into their room, the men entering into the foyer. Seungcheol toes his shoes off first, placing them neatly against the wall. He then turns to help Minghao with his, putting the pair next to his. As if entranced, the two of them wordlessly walk further into the room, searching and scanning for their mate. Now in the confines of their privacy, Seungcheol lets his restricted scent flow freely into the air, the crisp apple with a hint of cinnamon flooding the room. Minghao does the same, the fresh cedar scent mixing pleasantly with the alphas, turning the room into an orchard.
“I can smell you both before I can even see you,” Chan's soft voice calls out. The two alphas share a quick glance before crossing the expanse of the room, stopping dead in their tracks at the doorway.
Chan stands directly in front of the vast window, his face and body cast in the glow of the small sliver of moonlight peeking through the clouds. Droplets of rain begin to cascade down the glass, the omega watching in fascination at the vast expanse of the city. He’s wearing a pair of sleep shorts, paired with a long, emerald green robe that was gifted to him by Jun. It’s longer, more dramatic, just the way his friend knows he likes. The bottom flares out on the floor, Chans bare torso on display, his hands wrapped protectively around his small bump.
The alphas simply stand there, watching him in awe.
Chan notices their presence and turns towards them, lips pulling into a beaming grin, “Hello, my loves.”
Minghao is the first to move, walking the few steps it takes to reach him, enveloping him in a hug. Chan sighs, nuzzling his head into the alpha's neck, letting the elder scent him thoroughly after being separated all day. His thick, milky, strawberry scent clashes with his mates, submerging the room in a forest of apples and strawberries. “God, we missed you so much,” Minghao murmurs, burying his nose into Chan's fluffy brown locks. “How is our little bean?”
“Good,” Chan hums. “They were very calm today, not triggering my sickness as much.” He slightly pulls back from Minghao, raising a brow at Seungcheol, who still stands near the door. “Cheol, babe, you okay?”
The alpha visibly exhales from his nose, stepping forward to join the two. He pulls Chan into his side, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. His hand comes to find Chans on his stomach, rubbing at the soft expanse of skin.
“I just— We’ve—” Seungcheol sighs, unable to find the words. “We’ve been surrounded by all sorts of pompous, pretty people strutting around in the most gorgeous outfits ever created, but I stand here, and I look at you, and God, Chan, you are still the most beautiful person I’ve seen all day long.”
Chan and Minghao both let out a laugh at the unexpected confession from their eldest mate. The omega squeezes Seungcheol's waist, turning to bury his head in his shoulder, still giggling, but the slight tinge of sweetness that seeps into his scent gives him away: “You’re always saying the most outrageous things.”
The alpha shrugs, “I can’t help it. I was gifted with two of the most gorgeous mates on the planet.”
“He’s lying, Chan. I didn’t even get a compliment when he saw me in my outfit earlier.” Minghao lowers his head in fake hurt. Chan gasps and turns to glare at Seungcheol, who just gawks at the two.
“Choi Seungcheol!”
“That’s a lie! He’s lying!”
“Nope. I was wounded. Ego hurt. Marriage broken.”
Chan whacks Seungcheol's arm, staring at him with a scowl on his face, “How could you!”
“Babe, Hao, Minghao, you know I think you’re pretty, gorgeous, beautiful, stunning, amazing.” He lets out a whine, pulling the two closer to him. “Please tell our Channie the truth! I complimented you! I complimented you so much we almost had sex in the dressing room!”
The omega gasps, “Seungcheol!”
Minghao can’t hold back his cackle, relishing in the way Seungcheol speaks like a dog with his tail between his legs. The eldest alpha groans, hiding his face in the top of Chan's head, who can’t stop giggling from the conversation. Eventually, the laughter dies down, and the room falls into a more somber, calm environment.
The peace, however, doesn’t last very long. A particularly hard kick from their child has Chan shifting uncomfortably, letting out a sharp gasp. The alphas step back and unwrap their arms from him immediately, eyes scanning him with concern. Chan can’t help but roll his eyes at their dramatic response, rubbing his hand down his belly, “I’m fine, you two. It’s just our child letting me know that it’s bedtime. I think.”
Seungcheol and Minghao nod.
“Our child is right, I’ve been tired since I left the hotel room earlier,” Minghao admits. “Do you wanna wait for us in the nest until Cheollie and I finish undressing?”
Chan hums, “Yeah, that sounds good.” The alphas both kiss Chan on the cheek, watching as he goes and crawls onto the large bed, settling directly in the makeshift nest of clothes, all organized in a circle. The omega sits back and watches as the two alphas maneuver around the room, shedding their pieces of clothes layer by layer. The exhaustion is evident on their faces and in the sluggish movements they make.
It’s raining harder outside now, the water dripping down the window, distant flashes of lightning in the distance. Minghao and Seungcheol go into the bathroom, the water turning on. It comforts Chan somehow, knowing that his husbands are just on the other side of the wall. His gaze focuses on the outside, on the peaceful sound of the storm, on the shower running.
Chan isn’t sure when he fell asleep, but when he wakes, it’s to the alphas both climbing into bed on either side of him.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” Seungcheol murmurs in his ear. “We’re just trying to get a blanket so we don’t freeze.” Chan feels him carefully move around the nest to pull the sheet and the blanket from the tucked corner. Minghao just settles next to him, throwing his arm over his waist, legs tangling together with Chans. His face his just behind the omega's neck, breath fanning softly against the skin there, right on their mating mark.
There’s a sudden rush of air, and then a sheet is being placed over them. A little bit of shuffling later, and then Seungcheol gets underneath, lying next to Chan, mirroring the same position as Minghao, cuddling in close to Chan.
“I’m sorry you couldn’t be there,” Seungcheol admits into the silence. It takes Chan by surprise. He goes to look at Seungcheol's eyes, only to find the alpha has them closed. Exhaustion or being unable to face the conversation, Chan isn’t sure.
Minghao breathes, “Seungcheol—”
“It’s nothing negative. I promise. I just wish he could’ve been there.”
“I appreciate it, Cheollie.” His hand comes up to rest on Seungcheol's, pulling it closer towards his stomach. The alpha melts into the touch, stroking the skin. “I’m not upset at either of you for going. Hell, I forced you to go. But trust me when I say, it’s okay. I’m okay. “
“We’re so proud of you, Channie. You’re doing so well for our child.” Minghao adds, pressing a kiss to the back of his neck. “We’ll go together next time, yeah?” The sleep is evident in his voice, his words slurring at the end.
Seungcheol must’ve already fallen asleep; his breathing has already evened out. Chan sighs contentedly as he curls in closer to his mates, letting his body sink into the mattress. He feels Minghaos grip on him loosen, letting him know that he followed their alpha mate in slumber.
“We’ll go next time,” Chan whispers into the dark, to no one in particular. “Next time it’ll be me, Seungcheol, Minghao, and our baby on the red carpet. The first family to take the Met Gala.” It’s a silly thought, an unrealistic thought. But thinking about the three of them, soon to be the four of them, making appearances together, it sparks something warm in Chan.
“Goodnight, my alphas.” His eyes begin to flutter closed, sleep tugging him closer to the edge. Just as he feels himself on the precipice of slumber, a soft kick is delivered to his stomach, waking him slightly. The movement, however, just makes Chan smile. He rubs his thumb across his belly, imagining himself soothing his child, “Goodnight to you, too, my baby. We can’t wait to meet you…”