Spring had been received with open arms, the thick coats and furs were discarded along with it. The snow had long melted, the trees now covered with green leaves and laden with ripening fruits. The baren bushes were blooming with flowers, chitter of birds could be heard occasionally.
"You are what?!" Jimin yelled, immediately shushed by Yoongi who looked around to see if anyone had heard them. Being pregnant outside marriage would not sound good for his and his lover's families so both sides had agreed to keep quiet until the marriage ceremony was over. Beside him, Seokjin took his hand and squeezed it, his own eyes wide in surprise and disbelief.
The beta audibly swallowed, feeling tears prick his eyes and he nodded in confirmation. He had come to notice that every time the life growing inside him was mentioned, his heart somersaulted leaving a fluttering feeling in his stomach. He squeezed the elder omega's hand back, a wide smile displaying his gums replacing the usual straight face.
For a good minute, he received no reaction making him jittery, feet kicking the table in front of him lightly as his two friends just stared and him and then looked at each other. The slowly as the news sunk in, their smiles grew, eyes curving in pretty little crescent moons, disbelieving laughs leaving their mouths.
Jimin covered his mouth with his chubby little hand to muffle his screams and louds laughs making the beta giggle. Seokjin squealed, wrapping him up in a tight hug which Yoongi returned without hesitation, nuzzling his nose in his hair as a mark of affection, his wide smile buried in the others chest.
"Why didn't you tell us before?", Jimin asked. "I wanted to", Yoongi whined. "But you wouldn't let me finish my sentence while knitting for the baby" he said, giggling when the two omegas dumbly stared at him. "So.. Wait a minute! The clothes we knitted weren't for your aunt's child?". "No.." Yoongi laughed. "I wanted to surprise you by saying that they baby would be so happy that his uncles made his clothes but both of you did not let me speak". Jimin pouted, Seokjin scratching the back of his neck embarrassed.
"How do you feel?", Seokjin asked when they later sat on Yoongi's bed, sitting comfortably with Jimin squished to his side. He snorted, "It feels..... different. I feel tired a lot because of the the changes happening in my body, the evening sickness is worse and eomma says I have extreme mood swings with cravings along with me being sensitive lately" he huffed.
"Also, I miss Hobi a lot" he said, voice barely above a whisper. "I miss him more these days. It's like, my wolf is always restless, I feel vulnerable and.. and upset now that know that he is far away from me", he said, a lump in his throat, voice thick. Jimin rubbed his back comfortingly, a sad smile on his face.
"I can't go to sleep without his scent around me. He even gave me one of his scarfs to keep but sometimes it's just not enough and the fact that he's somewhere unsafe does not help" he huffed, tear rolling down his cheek.
"I know that it's hard for you Yoongi but hang in there, Hobi will be back soon" Jimin comforted, taking his hand in his and giving it a quick squeeze. "You too Jin hyung. You worry too much. Both of the time are good warriors and they will be back before you know it".
Seokjin and Yoongi nodded dumbly, not wanting to stretch the issue more. The lively atmosphere around them turned dim, Yoongi absentmindedly looking out the window.
"Oh look at you pretty boys sitting so silently", Yoongi's mother chided as she appeared with three plates of steaming dumplings and noodles. The food immediately helped brighten the mood as the three men smiled wide at her, humming as the delicious smell invaded their noses.
"Eat up now! You both haven't been eating well recently. Look how thin you have become!" she exclaimed, ruffling Jimin's hair. Yoongi did not have to be told twice and he immediately picked a dumpling up, blowing on it a little before shoving it into his mouth.
Jimin laughed at how cute his hyung looked, stuffed with food. His eyes were closed blissfully, cheeks warn and puffed as he slowly chewed.
"Since when did Yoongi like dumplings so much?" Seokjin teased. All were well aware of how the beta did not fancy the particular food item so much. Yoongi narrowed his eyes as he swallowed, simply snapping his chopsticks at him before resuming his meal as if nothing happened.
"I was wrong it tasted good" the beta answered, cheeks puffed looking very much like the food himself. "Or maybe it's just the baby who wants it". "Aigo.. so it is really Hobi hyung's child in there" Jimin teased, grinning as his friend's cheeks immediately colored, nose scrunching cutely. It made both of them laugh, even harder when Yoongi whined flustered and kicked his feet.
"And what about you? I'm surprised you aren't pregnant yet considering how physical you and Taehyung are getting" Yoongi said, smirking when Jimin immediately shut up, a red hue spreading across his cheeks.
"What are you saying hyung..." the younger mumbled, hiding his face behind his tiny hands. Unlike Seokjin and Namjoon, the pair were openly seeing each other. It drew criticism from many, mainly directed towards Jimin because he was an omega and socially, he stood below Taehyung's family but Seokjin was happy that they remained unbothered by the remarks.
"Speak of the devil and here he comes" Seokjin snickered as he spotted the young alpha entered the eatery, waving at him when he finally spotted them. Jimin shifted as Taehyung made his way towards them and plopped beside him.
He wrapped his hand around Jimin's shoulder bringing him close and nuzzling his hair as the omega purred in content, snuggling closer. "Can you two please get a room? I'm trying to eat here" Yoongi said, narrowing his eyes at the couple.
The boys went bright red at the remark. "Ah what are you saying hyung" Taehyung said, flustered. "Why get all shy now? He is only speaking the truth" Seokjin teased making Jimin bury his face in his hands again, embarrassed.
Jimin burst into giggles as Taehyung pried his hands away and began to tickle him, the sounds of him squeaking bringing a smile to their faces. If had been a while since they had seen Jimin this happy.
Because of the war, Jimin's father was called to the borders with other medics for treating the soldiers. The omega had insisted on going along but the old man had firmly refused. Jimin was a young and unmated omega. Sending him to treat alphas who were starved of an sexual gratification for weeks now would be a disaster in making.
The alphas may be wounded, but it did not make them any less strong. Moreover, the living conditions in the camps could be terrible. Many medic even died in them due to lack of hygiene. He did not want to spoil what Taehyung and Jimin had as well so he asked his son to stay with Yoongi and his parents till his return. It took a lot of persuasion from all for Jimin to finally agree.
"What happened to your hand?" Jimin gasped. He gently grasped the alpha's hand in his and inspected the knuckles. "It's nothing Jimin-ah. The prince wanted to practice hand combat before leaving so I got a little hurt from that".
"So it means this is not the only place you were hurt". Taehyung did not say anything. There was no point in lying to Jimin. "Taehyung-ah..". "I know Minnie. I know. But I cannot do anything when the prince commands to do it. I took an oath few years ago and I am bound to it" the alpha said with a sigh.
He hated worrying his omega but he was the crown prince's Hwarang. It was his duty to serve him with his life. "Then can you at least try to look after yourself better? You are ignoring your again Tae" Jimin asked with a pout.
"Promise" the alpha replied, intertwining his pinkie with the omega and placing a chaste kiss on his cheeks.
Seokjin looked at them fondly. They reminded him so much of Namjoon and himself. He couldn't wait for his alpha to come home. "Is there any news?" he asked not able to help himself. Taehyung was the only way through which he and Yoongi would know what was happening at the border and how their lovers were.
A week ago, an announcement was made in town about the Song Kingdom going to war. The citizens had been asked to cut down on their use of supplies to look after the soldiers fighting the war. Markets shut earlier than usual, food supplies took a hit. Yoongi's mother had reduced her menu to only a few basic items.
The alpha cast a quick look around before leaning in, "It does not look good. The one I was relying on for information on Hoseok and Namjoon hyung was seriously injured in battle. He has been in the infirmary since.
All I can tell you is that there is no clear winner yet. There has been equal damage on both sides. Nothing can be predicted as of now". Seokjin felt a hand slip into his and give a small squeeze. Yoongi gave him a small smile, relaying his message perfectly through his eyes.
Seokjin had promised Namjoon that he was going to be strong. And the alpha had promised him that he would return to him no matter what. He had to put faith in Namjoon. His alpha.
He glanced outside, it was getting pretty late, and he had to reach home before if got too dark, he did not want to worry his family again. With the markets closing sooner, the way home had less people around then usual so he would have to hurry. Bidding everyone a good night, he left the eatery, wrapping himself in his coat he set of.
Seokjin thanks the moon goddess for bringing the monsoon in earlier than expected. In this way, the food shortage wasn't severe for people in villages and the army was being fed well. Namjoon left home three months ago. Seokjin had gotten so used to his presence and scent that it felt like void within that could only be filled by the alpha.
Owing to his sensitive nature, Seokjin had struggled to cope with the worry of his alpha being in danger but had eventually held himself together for his sake. A smile spread on his face as he recollected the events that had occurred before, heart fluttering at the thought of marrying Namjoon when he returned.
The omega stopped in his tracks when he encountered a hooded figure in the middle of the ally. He was still close to the main road so if he turned and ran, he would able to make it in time and ask for help. Seokjin simply stood there and observed the main. The man removed his hood and looked at him, expression blank.
Seokjin stepped back a little, he was aware of the anger he had caused in the crown prince for rejecting him. Nervously he bowed deep, "Good evening prince". "You seem afraid" he said instead. "I- I was just surprised to see you here" the omega answered, backing away a little again.
"Did you really mean it?" the alpha asked. "That you did not want to marry me. You could have become the queen of this Kingdom, my mate. For foolishness has made you lose power and wealth for your hands" he growled. More than that, even though the alpha did not accept it, it had hurt his ego.
How could anyone say no to him! The crown prince! The future of the Song Kingdom! They say jealousy is a disease. And Hanuel had fallen prey to it in the worst possible pay. "I apologize if my action hurt you prince, please forgive me but my decision remains. I am not fit to become the queen" Seokjin said with a bow. "You are going to regret this omega" he snarled, teeth gritted.
Seokjin felt his heart thump in fear, fingers gathering the fabric of his hanbok and clutching it in fear. He swallowed as the prince's eyes flashed golden, taking a step towards him as if he was going to attack him then and there.
If he were to do so, Seokjin did not stand a chance. Even if he ran, no one will come to his aid on spotting the prince. To his luck the alpha did not have any plans on ending his life and shoved him out of way, walking away instead.
It took him a few minutes before collecting himself and walked home with wobbly feet. He thought about the threat that was given to him but brushed it aside. Alphas say a lot of things that they do not mean when they are angry.
Only in the future will Seokjin realize that he should have taken it seriously.
XXX
The military camp at the border was busier than it had been in a long time, preparations for the military campaign had begun with a full swing. More soldiers had arrived along with the command from the palace to prepare for battle. The total number of soldiers present had gone from a few hundred to almost six thousand in the span of a couple of weeks.
The entire camp had moved to a different location, now nestled between two tall mountains, in a valley. It was a like a huge open field with plenty of area to cover. This arrangement made it difficult for the enemy to remain hidden for long.
The Song Kingdom had the advantage of having most of the open land on their side, which meant the battle would be fought on their side but on the Jeon side, the tall grass gave way to a massive dense Jungle, much like the mountains which would make it difficult to spot the enemy. The prince, along with the military commander arrived at the camp few weeks ago as well.
The morning began as usual, a hot breakfast before everybody dispersed to complete the tasks given for the day. It had become a routine for all of them, days passing without anything eventful happening. Around noon, trouble was detected.
"Sir!", Gyeon called as he raced towards the higher ups. "Rebels have been spotted hiding among the trees just outside. A lot of them" he said between breaths. Pil do and Sehun shared a questioning look before jogging towards the outpost, Gyeon at their tail.
They climbed to the top of the hill situated at the backside of their campsite as provided a better view of their surroundings. It was wide enough for at least six people to stand comfortably. Sehun peered into the dense cover ahead of them, eyes narrowed in concentration.
That's when he noticed movement among the trees and being an experienced soldier he knew the enemy was trying to get close undetected. They were still a few hundred meters away from the stream that separated the kingdoms.
"Prepare for attack!" he commanded, loud enough for the soldiers to hear, who ran to pick their weapons and armors before making their way to stand in formation. The archers were the first one to assemble, taking their positions, standing shoulder to shoulder on the long platform that was built just behind the fence for their first stage of defense. Horses were rounded up, standing in straight line and behind them stood the infantry. The prince along with the rest of the commanders mounted their horses
Upon receiving signal, the archers raised their bows and shot into the tall tress, their volume overwhelming but not deterring the enemy who approaching the stream. "Attack!", Hoseok commanded to which the cavalry responded with a war cry, racing towards the enemy. The were followed by the infantry who had the swords drawn, shields positioned in front of them.
The two armies met in the middle, swords and shields clashing, javelins being thrown and bodies being crushed under horses. Namjoon raced through the battlefield on his horse, swords slashing and stabbing any soldier that stood in his way.
Out of nowhere, the leg of his ride was cut, causing it to loose balance and resulting in both of them toppling onto the ground. Getting back on his feet the next instant, the knight dodged and incoming attack, stabbing the enemy in his gut, pushing him off. He was on his feet the next instant, blocking another strike. Using all his strength, Namjoon pushed back, slashing his throat.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Hoseok surrounded by around six soldier so he turned and made his way towards him. But before he could reach him, he was intercepted by two. Namjoon swung his sword to the right, merely missing the opponents chest and stepped back before the sword coming from his left separate his head from his body.
Using the shield, he blocked an attack, crouching quickly and swinging, successfully injuring the opponent's leg cause him to fall. He stood up and drove his weapon through the other's throat, swiftly turning back and stabbing the second one in the gut.
Without missing a beat, he raced in Hoseok's direction, intercepting an incoming sword before it landed on his shoulder, shoving the attacker behind and stabbing him. Hoseok looked at him and with a nod of acknowledgment, they separated.
The battle continued the whole day and according to the laws, was stopped for the night. It was to begin the next day, at dawn. Namjoon knew this was going to happen sooner or later. There was no way the enemy could not have gauged their intentions after seeing so many soldiers of the royal army mobilizing at the border.
The outcome of today's battle was more so neutral, the enemy had lost more men then them, but they lost Seungri, a dashing and charismatic young captain and many more. He along with the rest of the martyrs was given the highest honor and bid adieu to.
Hoseok walked over to Namjoon, who was seemingly deep in thought, staring at the bonfire. The alpha snapped his head to the side when he felt the other take a seat, shuffling to the end. His friend offered him a tired smile, one which Namjoon returned faintly, rubbing his palms together. He inspected the other's hand, which was now bandaged.
"Is it too deep?" he questioned to which the other shook his head. "It's a mere cut, the sword did not reach deep and blood loss wasn't too much". "Good". He wanted to say things like 'be careful' or 'don't get hurt again'.
But Hoseok was always careful, and getting hurt was obvious in war and no one was an exception to it. He could only hope that the other did not get grievous injuries at the end.
He studied the other, whose lips were set in a faint smile, eyes warm, carrying a far away look in them as he gazed at the fire. Namjoon knew this expression well, he was a lover after all. "He'll be okay Hob-ah" he said, patting his back.
He could only imagine how hard it was for the both of them. Omegas and betas were especially sensitive during pregnancies and Hoseok having to go away would have no doubt affected Yoongi in one way or the other. "Besides Jimin, Seokjin and Tae will look out for him. So don't be too worried".
"Namjoon will you do me a favor?" he suddenly asked. "Hmm?". "Incase, if it happens at all"
"No. Don't say it" Namjoon answered harshly. He wasn't ready for that conversation.
"If it ever happens.." Hoseok pressed on. "That I don' make it alive. Promise me that you and Seokjin will look after Yoongi and my child. I won't ask for much" he pleaded. Namjoon pulled him into a hug, patting his back. "I will" Namjoon promised, voice thick with emotion. It was the least he could do for a friend.
Hello everyone! Long time no see. It took me a long time to get this story back on track. But now that it finally is, I am prepared to finish it as soon as I can.
Anyways. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Let me know what you think in the comment section and don't forget to vote and share!
See you in the next chapter :)