Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Adams foot tapped nervously against the ground, he played with a loose hangnail absent mindedly as he waited, wincing when he pulled hard enough to cause a drop of blood to bubble up. Henrys hand covers his quickly and he sends him a reassuring smile before he’s back on his phone while Adam glances around the waiting room.

“Adam Parrish.” A petite nurse calls from the doorway, and he stands, freezing in place until Henry gently pushes him forward, following behind in support as he has been since Adam’s journey began.

“Adam! Big day today huh?” Doctor Park asks as she greets him.

“Hopefully.” He mutters and she smiles as she gestures to the table.

“Ready to find out?” She asks him as she holds up an envelope. He nods once, taking a breath and squeezing Henry’s hand as she looks over her paperwork, a small smile growing on her face.

“Well Adam, it seems congratulations are in order." Adam releases a shaky breath as tears rolls down his cheeks while Henry cheers happily at his side.

"Donor 626 did the job?" Adam asks causing his doctor to laugh.

"Sure did, the insemination was successful, and you are three weeks along.” Adam smiles, taking the paper she hands him and smiling at the highlighted portion which states the pregnancy test was positive.

When Adam had sat his two best friends down over six months ago to tell them he planned on getting artificially inseminated, he had expected them both to try and talk him out of it. Blue had smiled and asked if she needed to ask her family for some herbal tea recipes and Henry had informed him that he would donate his swimmers if needed.

Since then the two had been at his side for every appointment, since the day of the consultation, to the actual insemination a few weeks ago where Henry had almost passed out while Blue cackled at their friends obvious discomfort.

Adam did not pick Henry’s swimmers, nor did he ever plan to, but donor 626 had proven to be helpful in providing active swimmers which resulted in a positive pregnancy test.

“You’re growing up so fast!” Henry cries as he lays his head in Adam’s lap, bottle of soju hanging limply in his fingers. Adam snorts as he runs his fingers through Henry’s hair, the Alpha letting out a low rumble of approval.

“I’m older than you, you do know that right?” Adam ask his friend who blows a raspberry.

“Spoil sport.” Henry mutters. Blue laughs from her spot on the fluffy rug, she is painting her nails with a bright green color, she’s swaying slightly from the alcohol in her system but her nails still look immaculate.

“A baby! My wittle Adam is having a wittle baby.” Henry coos. Adam rolls his eyes at his friends’ antics but smiles anyway.

Adam had never been the best at dating, most of his relationships ended horribly, the only relationship that had ended amicably was his three-month relationship with Blue and it was solely due to his fellow omegas hardheadedness that the two had continued to be friends. He would forever be grateful for her, if it had been up to him, they probably would have never spoken again, and now the two were best friends with Henry rounding out their small trio.

Adam had a good job, he owned his own place, he was in a good place in his life, and he wasn’t going to let his lack of a relationship stop him from having a kid. He had always wanted kids, he wanted to give his kid something he never had, and he would be damned if he never had the chance to do so.

The next two weeks are tough, not because of the sudden morning sickness or the sudden stress and anxiety that hit him, but because of Henry’s constant and overwhelming overprotectiveness. Blue, Henry and him had made their own little pack; Adam had came from a broken home and Henry had came from a neglectful one, forming a pack just made sense for the two, and Blue’s family was hours away though she still had a bond with them. Henry was their pack Alpha, and even if he was not mated to either Omega, he took the role of pack Alpha seriously, which meant he was hovering around Adam constantly.

“Henry.” Adam snapped at the man who frowns as he steps back, he had ran into Adam four times in the last twenty minute as the two walked around the grocery store.

“Sorry, sorry.” Henry apologizes as he wrings his hands. Adam sighs and grabs the Alpha’s hand, pulling him along as he walks through the aisles. Henry relaxes minutely but still glares at anyone who gets too close which Adam chooses to ignore for his own sanity.

“Honeycrisp or Gala?” Adam asks the Alpha in an attempt to pull his attention away from the poor guy across from them who was picking some Avocados.

“Gala.” Henry answers halfheartedly.

“Wrong answer Chen.” Adam states as he grabs the prepackaged bag of Honeycrisp apples and drops them in the cart he had been rolling along. The guy from across from them looks up at that moment, he smiles slightly and Henry growls in return causing the man’s eyes to widen comically.

“Okay! How about we go get some ice cream?” Adam asks as he pushes the cart along. Henry hesitates but eventually pulls his glare away from the poor guy and follows behind him, not willing to have Adam out of his sight.

Blue had, unsurprisingly, been no help in the situation. She had taken to goading Henry instead of trying to keep him calm. Their group chat was filled with Blue’s messages of facts, informing Henry of everything that could go wrong in the first trimester of pregnancy. Blue had also lended Henry an inflatable bed which was now situated in Adam’s living room much to his annoyance.

The Alpha has scented him thoroughly ever morning, his scent clinging to Adam the entire day. Adam wanted to hate it, but he found comfort in his friend and pack leaders’ scent, especially when his morning sickness hit and he was feeling sick.

Adam was now on his way home, his latest bout of morning sickness had led to his supervisor sending him home for the day. Adam didn’t mind the early out, he has been tired lately and going home seemed to be perfect in his mind.

Adam is in the elevator, doors closing when someone calls for him to hold the elevator. He does as told, watching as a tall man walks his way, brown box in hand. He’s handsome, it’s Adam’s first thought, as the man settles in besides him. He also smells heavenly which is a surprising thought that soon follows. He’s an Alpha, and he smells like petrichor and trees and citrus and Adam’s mind goes hazy.

“What floor?” He asks after clearing his throat.

“Seven.” The Alpha states in a smooth voice, a slight southern accent that sounds rich and elegant and unlike Adam’s own drawl. Adam nods and hits the button for the seventh floor, his own floor, and pulls out his phone to try to distract himself from the handsome Alpha at his side.

The elevator stops on the seventh floor, and there’s an awkward moment where they both step forward before the tall Alpha steps back and motions for Adam to go first. Adam nods and smiles quickly at the man before he steps off the elevator and walks down the hall to his place. It’s not until he’s unlocking his door that he notices the handsome Alpha had been behind him the whole time, the man places the box down and pulls out his own keys as Adam watches him in shock.

How he hadn’t noticed the Santiagos had moved out is beyond him, it had probably happened sometime in the last month of his pregnancy while he’s been dealing with morning sickness and Henry’s protectiveness. He enters his apartment and closes the door, not before watching the man bend over and pick up his box from the floor.

Adam leans against his apartment door, heart racing for reasons he can’t seem to understand, he allows himself a moment to freak out about it before he pulls himself together, deciding to use his time wisely and take a nap before Henry and Blue showed up.

He wakes up a few hours later when he heard his front door open, he can hear Henry and Blue so he decides to join his friends and packmates finding Blue unpacking some food while Henry is busy rubbing his wrist over all the jackets in Adam’s coat closet.

“Henry.” Adam chides as the Alpha shrugs, running his navy hoodie over his scent glands before sniffing it once and placing it back on the hanger when he’s satisfied.

“It’ll keep people at a safe distance.” Henry tells him.

“People have been asking me if I’m dating at work.” Adam tells his pack Alpha who frowns.

“If they can smell you, they are too close, strange pheromones aren’t good for your baby.” Adam rolls his eyes at his friends’ words but smiles as he steps closer to Blue, getting pulled into her embrace quickly.

“Your scent is changing.” She tells him. He sniffs at his shirt, finding only his own fresh leafy scent and Henry’s rich leather clinging to it.

“Can’t smell it.” He tells her.

“It’s normal, most Omegas can’t smell their pups until they are born.” Blue informs him as she slides a plate his way.

“Eat, you need to keep something down.”

“Are you still puking everything up?” Henry asks him as he sits down across from the two Omegas.

“Not everything, the baby seems to not like many dairy products or meat.” Adam tells his friend.

“You should take some calcium supplements.” Henry tells him.

“I doubt a month of no dairy will hurt the baby.”

“It might.”

“I’ll ask my doctor tomorrow.” Adam tells his friend who nods once and starts on his food.

Blue joins him the following day, squeezes his shoulders as the doctor brings the image of his pup up on the ultrasound machine.

“There it is.” Doctor Park states with a grin as she points to a small dot on the screen.

“It’s so tiny.” Blue mused in awe.

“About the size of a cherry.” The Doctor confirms with a grin.

“Oh, cherries sound great right now.” Adam mutters.

“Adam!” Blue chides while Dr. Park laughs as she hands him a towel to clean up with.

“Are cherries in season right now?” Adam asks the room at large as he sits up while he cleans up the cold sticky goo.

“We’ll see you back in a few weeks for a follow up, sound good Adam?” Adam gives her a thumbs up as she leaves and by the time he schedules the next appointment, he has two copies of the ultrasound pictures in his hands.

He analyzes them intently as Blue and him walk over to the grocery store, Blue having to pull on his arm to keep him from bumping into people or objects on the street. He heads straight towards the fruit section and grins when he spots the shelf full of boxed cherries, grabbing three boxed them and dropping them into the cart Blue has secured.

“Need anything else?” Blue asks with a grin, undoubtedly enjoying his sudden craving.

“Nope, but maybe we can stop by the café, I really want a good coffee, even if it has to be decafe.” He tells her. She nods and they quickly move through self-checkout before heading to the café a block from his place.

The line is long, so he and Blue step in the back of the line and talk about Blue’s newest coworker.

“He’s always wearing pheromone enhancers, it’s so annoying.” She groans and Adam’s nose scrunches in sympathy.

“Sounds like an asshole.” Adam mutters as they inch forward.

“He’s the fucking worst.” Blue groans.

“Maybe some-“ He’s cut off when someone stumbles into him. Adam curses, one hand dropping to his stomach on instinct as the person begins to apologize, backing away quickly.

“Watch where you’re going asshole.” Blue snaps as she grabs Adams arm and pulls him back, stepping in front of him as a human sized five-foot shield.

“I am so sorry, I lost my footing- “

“Why are you hovering so close anyway, huh? Don’t you know about respecting people’s space?” Blue asks the man with a pointed glare. Adam sighs and pulls her back, knowing he has to reign her in before she rips the guy a new asshole.

“Blue, I’m fine.”

“You could’ve been hurt.” She snaps, not lessening her glare on the poor Alpha who stands across from them, face twisted with guilt.

“I am so sorry; I can cover your drinks.” The man states.

“Oh, you think money will help? You hurt my friend!” Adam rolls his eyes, silently curing himself for befriending the two most dramatic and loyal people he could of possibly found.

“I’m really okay, ignore her she’s protective.” Adam tells the man who visibly relaxes while Blue turns towards Adam with a glare.

“Adam, he could of hurt you.” Blue tells him.

“And he didn’t, plus he’s probably really sorry.”

“I am, truly.” The three stand in silence before Blue huffs.

“Fine, but you’re buying our drinks.” Blue mutters angrily.

“No, he’s not.” Adam sighs.

“Oh, you should totally let him, dick’s loaded.” A new voice cuts in causing the three of them to turn towards the newcomer. Adam freezes when he spots his hot new neighbor suddenly standing at the stranger’s side.

“Ronan, you are not helping.” The stranger hisses lowly. Ronan. His hot neighbor is named Ronan.

“He’s got a trust fund, get a large.” Ronan tells the two, ignoring the man at his side.

“Ignore him.” The stranger states with a slight awkward laugh.

“I’m upgrading to oat milk.” Blue states with a big grin.

“Okay.” The stranger responds.

“And a muffin.” She tells the man who nods.

“Of course.”

“And coffee beans!”

“Blue, you don’t have a coffee machine.” Adam cuts in.

“No, no, no, let her, I want to see how far Gansey will let this go on.” Ronan mutters lowly at his side and Adam’s breath hitches, not realizing when the man had gotten so close. The stranger, Gansey, is smiling at Blue who is still rambling on as she looks over the café menu with mischief in her eyes. Meanwhile, Adam stands still, breathing in the Alpha’s intoxicating scent and hoping the man can’t tell the effect he has on him.

Blue and Gansey order first, and Adam winces in sympathy as Blue continues to add items to the order while Gansey watches her in fascination. It’s safe to say the man is entranced by her, so much so that he forgets about Adam’s entire existence as he pays the large order without including Adam’s drink.

Adam doesn’t mind, orders his own drink and pulls out his card to pay before Ronan adds in his own drink to the order and hands over a large bill to cover the cost.

“You really don’t have to.” Adam tells the man who smiles, a sharp grin that really shouldn’t cause Adam’s heart to race as much as it does.

“I’m being neighborly, you can get me next time.” Ronan states as he gets back his change, stuffs half of it in the tip jar and gently pulls Adam out of the line. Adam smiles back, puts his card back in his wallet as he follows Ronan to where Blue and Gansey wait for their order.

“Adam! I’m so sorry, I got lost in conversation, how about I make it up to you tomorrow? Dinner okay with you two?” Gansey asks when he spots Adam though his eyes linger on Blue.

“It’s really okay.” Adam states.

“I insist.” Adam looks over Gansey, glances at Blue before his eyes land on Ronan who watches him intently.

“Okay, dinner sounds great.” Adam agrees, eyes staying on Ronan who grins, and suddenly he can't wait for dinner the following day.

Chapter Text

Adam huffs in frustration as he pulls the sweater off over his head, dumping it on the pile of clothes that lay discarded on the floor. He frowns as he continues to look through his closet, his inner omega seemingly unsatisfied with any of the last ten pieces of clothing he had tried on.

He didn’t know why he was so frustrated with his outfit, or lack thereof. He just knew that none of his clothes was working the way he wanted them to, and it was pissing him off.

“Adam? You ready to go?” He hears Blue call, he can faintly hear her keys clinking as she presumably takes the keys out the lock, but her sudden appearance only frustrates him more, to the point were tears are starting to brim.

“Adam?” She calls once more as she gets closer. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, but it’s fruitless because the moment he spots his worried friend the tears start to roll.

Blue’s eyes widen, she drops her bag on the floor and quickly pulls him into a hug as he cries silently into her shoulder. His face burns in embarrassment as his tears start to dry, and he suddenly feels really fucking stupid for crying over a dumb shirt.

“How can I help?” Blue asks as he pulls away, wiping his stray tears with a smile as he takes a breath ignoring his burning cheeks.

“Help me pick out a shirt.” Blue nods once as she spins towards his closet, thankfully ignoring the pile that lays on the floor. She pushes a few shirts around before pulling out a dark green sweatshirt and handing it to him.

It’s looser than the previous one, oversized and comfy, and he feels something in him settle as he adjusts it into place.

“Good?” Blue asks gently and he nods quickly as he runs his hands over the fabric.

He’s only eight weeks along, you can’t even see a bump yet, but all his tight-fitting clothes have felt suffocating. He wonders if it’s a normal pregnancy thing but the thought of someone being able to see him and know he’s pregnant makes him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

He takes a minute to wash his face, hoping the cold water helps disguise his crying sesh, before he and Blue head towards the restaurant the group had decided on the previous day.

He spots Ronan first, the tall Alpha sits next to Gansey and an unknown blonde, sipping a drink while somehow looking insanely attractive. Adam swallows dryly, lets Blue drag him to the table and crowd him into the booth catching all three men by surprise.

“You made it!” Gansey exclaims with a grin, eyes firmly on Blue who smiles back brightly. Adam snorts and looks up, finding Ronan’s eyes already on him and has to fight back the blush that wants to bloom.

“Noah, this is Blue and that’s Adam, we ran into them at a coffee shop yesterday.” Gansey introduces and the blonde smiles as he shakes each of their hands.

“I’m still annoyed about that.” Blue tells Gansey with narrowed eyes. Gansey winces at the reminder as Noah pushes two menus their way.

“We’ve ordered apps but waited on entrees.” He informs them. Adam looks over the menu absentmindedly, skipping over any seafood entrees as he does.

The waitress stops by to take their drink orders and while everyone in the table order mixed drinks Adam sticks to sweet tea. No one questions his drink choice which he is grateful for, he has kept his pregnancy under wraps and was hoping to do so for at least another month, at least until he made it through the first trimester.

“So, what do our two newest friends do for a living?” Noah asks them with an easy-going smile.

“Adam’s a doctor.” Blue states causing all three to turn his way.

“Last year of residency.” He tells them.

“Last month of residency.” Blue corrects, which was the main reason for his decision to go through with the insemination.

He had secured a job right away, a surgical clinic that had great flexible hours and who were allowing him to take a paid leave when the baby was born.

“Well now my job sounds dumb.” Noah mutters and Blue laughs as she raises her water glass.

“Tell me about it, he and Henry are all well-educated and all I do is sell pies.” Blue tells them.

“Henry?” Ronan asks, brows raised as he glances at Adam.

“He’s our friend, and our pack Alpha.” Ronan nods shoulders loosening at Adam’s words.

“He’s also walking towards us.” Blue states and sure enough the taller Alpha is walking their way, brows furrowed as he cuts towards them.

“Well fuck.” Adam mutters as Henry stops by their table arms crossed over his chest.

“You two are going to give me a God damn heart attack.” Henry tells them.

“What’d we do now?” Blue asks with a laugh earning them a view of Henry’s call history and the many outgoing calls to the two of them. Adam goes to pull out his phone only to realize he had forgot it earning him an annoyed look.

“Opps.”

“Henry, these are our new friends, Ronan, Noah and Gansey.” Blue introduces as she points out each man. Henry nods, eyes lingering on the two Alphas longer than they linger on the blond Beta. Blue smacks his arm lightly when she notices but neither Alpha seem to be bothered by the blatant stare down.

“Why don’t you join us Henry, the more the merrier.” Gansey offers Henry with a gentle smile. Henry nods and Blue scoots in, forcing Adam to move closer towards Ronan in the circular booth.

Adam forces himself not to take in a deep breath of Ronan’s scent now that he can smell it better, focuses on the menu in front of him and not the handsome Alpha at his side.

“Henry, are you also a Doctor?” Gansey asks his friend who nods.

“He’s going on to specialize in Peds.” Blue butts in with a playful shove towards her friend.

“No screaming kids for you Adam?” Ronan asks him with a smile causing Blue to laugh and Henry to snort as he steals Blue’s drink.

“Don’t think I have the heart to stick them with needles all day.” Adam answers ignoring the irony of the question.

“Gansey is a Doctor in the boring way.” Noah states.

“English?”

“History.”

“He had a whole phase where he was obsessed over some Welsh guy.” Ronan tells the group. Gansey blushes and covers his face with his hands while Noah laughs.

“He had us hiking and exploring caves in Virginia all senior year.” Noah says in between fits of laughter. Gansey groans and drops his head on the table.

“Henrietta?” Henry asks with a raised brow as he leans forward.

“Please tell me you guys were the ones who had to get air lifted off the mountain after that landslide.” Blue pleads with her palms pressed together before either boy can respond. Ronan and Noah laugh loudly while Gansey groans all but confirming her nonquestion.

“You guys are from Henrietta?” He whines and Adam can’t hold in his laugh at the dejection in his tone.

Adam vaguely remembers sitting in a lunchroom with Blue as news broke of the three teens that were airlifted off a nearby mountain after a sudden landslide had left them stranded outdoors overnight. It was early on in the school year and all three boys had been underage, so their names were never released.

“We went to Mountain View, Henry here pissed off his mom before moving to Virginia, so he was sent to public school instead of the fancy one.” Adam tells them.

“You guys were thirty minutes from us and we never bumped into one another once.” Ronan states as his eyes meet Adams. Adams heart skips a beat from the intensity of his stare.

“Interesting.” Adam mused, earning himself a sharp grin from the Alpha.

“What do you do Ronan?” Henry asks, causing Ronan and Adam to both turn his way.

“I own a farm.” He states as he throws an arm over the booth behind Adam’s head.

“I also dabble in art.”

“His pieces go for thousands, don’t let him fool you.” Gansey states as he sits up, cheeks still pink but seemingly happy despite the brief embarrassment.

“Maybe you can help Adam decorate his apartment, it’s so boring.” Blue mutters.

“I was busy.” Adam defends himself. Henry raises his, Blue’s, glass in agreement before finishing off the drink and standing.

“Drinks?” He asks the table who all quickly agree.

“No thanks, but if you bring back some of the guac I’ll love you forever.” Adam tells his friend who snorts but nods before he walks away.

“So, I’m thinking cow print everywhere.” Ronan tells Adam who laughs.

“Ah yes, but it has to be classy, we can’t have cow print wallpaper unless it’s textured.”

“Well obviously, we’re not animals Adam.” Adam smiles as Ronan nudges him lightly.

“Though seriously I can help if you’d like.”

“I would love that.”

Ronan Lynch could be described in many, many was. He was an asshole, a bit cold, a bit morbid, he was also a hopeless romantic. It was something that few people knew about him, a trait that only those really close to him ever found out about.

The moment he had spotted Adam in his apartment building elevator, he had been ready to wax poetics, ready to write sonnets and perform ballads in the man’s honor. It was ridiculous, one look at he was a goner, and he didn’t even know Adam’s last name. Ronan was in deep at first sight, and it only got worse the more he learned about the man.

“I thought Gansey was exaggerating when he said you were infatuated with him, but you looked ready to propose on the spot.” Noah laughs as Ronan sighs, he’s currently trying to work up the nerve to knock on Adam’s apartment door, why he thought Noah would help ease his nerves he’s not sure.

“You’re not helping.” He reminds his friend who has spent the last ten minutes laughing at him.

“Dude just knock on the door and ask him out.” Noah states.

“What if he says no?”

“Then you leave it at that and continue to be his new friend.” Ronan groans but decides to follow his friend’s advice.

“Wish me luck.”

“You’ll be fine, maybe just show up with food? Everyone loves food.” Noah tells Ronan.

“This is why we’re friends.” Ronan reminds the Beta.

“You’re welcome.” Noah states before the line goes dead. Ronan quickly orders pizza and pasta from the local pizza shop, waits anxiously until it gets delivered before mustering up the nerve to head across the hall.

Ronan only waits momentarily before the door is swung open, Adam looks downright sinful in tight trousers and a navy button-down shirt. Adam smiles as he leans against his doorway eyes quickly looking him over.

“I was hoping you’d join me for dinner.” Ronan tells Adam.

“Well, it sure saves me from another cup of ramen soup.” Adam states.

“Glad to be of service.” Adam laughs and it’s a sound Ronan can easily find himself getting addicted to.

“Just get out of work?” Ronan asks Adam as he steps inside the apartment. The apartment is sparsely decorated but it looks lived in and cozy making Ronan believe that Adam’s packmates were just messing with him.

“Yeah, but I’m off the next three luckily.” Ronan sets the food down and turns to catch Adam pulling his long sleeve off, leaving him in a gray tshirt which he keeps tucked into his trousers. He swallows dryly and breathes slowly hoping his scent doesn’t give away how much he appreciates the sight.

“Want a beer? I don’t drink much but Henry left some here.” Adam asks Ronan who nods and watches as Adam grabs plates from the cabinet before grabbing two cans from the fridge.

“Ginger ale?”

“It’s good.” Adam states defensively though his lips are quirked up in amusement.

“Uh huh, the only time I’ve seen someone drink ginger ale willingly is when they’re sick.” Ronan mused.

“It’s an acquired taste.” Adam defends and Ronan smiles. They make light conversation; Ronan loves the way Adam snorts at his dark jokes instead of taking them offensively.

Ronan’s on his second beer when Adam goes pale. He puts his can down quickly as Adam covers his mouth and gags. Ronan moves on autopilot, grabbing the small trash can and lifting it towards Adam in time for him to empty his stomach. Ronan feels his heart clench at the violent sounds of Adams retching, heart twisting as he watches the man’s body shake with from the force of it. He moves on his own accord, running a hand over Adam’s back in a soothing gesture as Adam continues to heave into the trash can.

“I am so sorry.” Adam gasps out the minute he catches his breath.

“I should be apologizing, I got you sick.” Adam laughs at Ronan’s words, relaxes into Ronan’s touch for a bit before he’s puking again. Ronan winces in sympathy, he’s trying to figure out how to help him when the apartment door clicks open.

“I got you some apples and caramel though you should-“ Ronan looks up and meets eyes with Henry whose eyes flash red quickly before he steps forward, anger evident in his scent.

“Don’t.” Adam snaps as he looks up at his pack Alpha. Ronan can feel the moment Henry pulls back his anger, watches the Alpha take a breath before and visibly relaxes, his shoulders loosening as he places the grocery bags down and takes the trash can from Adam’s hands.

“Ready to brush?” Henry asks the Omega softly, Adam nods and grabs onto Ronan’s arm as he straightens up. Ronan watches Adam disappear down the hall before turning to Henry who watches him with calculating eyes. He has no doubt that Henry has caught on to his attraction towards the Omega, meets Henry’s challenging gaze with one of his own.

“Whatever Alpha thing is going on out there better be done by the time I get back!” Adam shouts, Ronan can hear that the man still has toothpaste in his mouth and his lips quirk up as he looks away from the Alpha in front of him, letting him have his victory. Henry moves towards Adam’s kitchen, navigating around it with ease as he replaces the trash bag. Henry double bags the vomit filled one with a scrunched nose before throwing it down the trash chute all the apartment in the building had.

Ronan knows it’s dumb, but he feels a sting of jealousy as he continues to watch Henry move around the kitchen, washing his hands before filling an old-looking kettle with water and setting it on the stove.

Adam reappears while Henry is pulling mugs out of the cupboard, shoots him a pointed look when the man only pulls out two mugs causing him to grab a third one as he grumbles under his breath.

“Didn’t know you two were such good friends.” Henry states casually as he pulls out some tea packets from a small aluminum can with a poorly drawn animal on the tin. The tea packets themselves look to be homemade, but Ronan doesn’t question their origin when all three cups get the same tea bags placed in them.

“He just moved in next door.” Adam answers his friend who frowns as he leans back.

“Who moved?”

“The Santiagos.” Henry hums and glances at Ronan, eyes narrowed slightly.

“So Ronan-“

“No.” Adam snaps causing the man to frown.

“Bu-“

“Would you prefer to come back tomorrow once you’ve gotten your head out of your ass?” Adam asks the Alpha who glares back his way before the kettle starts to whistle loudly. Adam shoots Ronan an apologetic look as the Alpha turns away from them and Ronan grins back, squeezing his arm quickly before turning back in time for Henry to push a mug his way.

“Thank you.” Ronan states, Henry’s eyes narrow slightly but he nods in acknowledgement while Adam rolls his eyes and leans forward to grab the grocery bag Henry had brought over.

Adam pulls out an apple with a smile, taking the knife Henry hands over and slicing into the apple before dropping a dollop of caramel on it and taking a bite. Adam’s smile grows and it’s a blinding thing that Ronan can’t look away from. He blinks when Adam offers him a slice and takes it despite having a mild allergy to apples.

Henry huffs out a breath causing both Adam and Ronan to turn his way.

“We’ll talk later.” Henry tells Adam with a pointed look.

“-And you should avoid giving him dairy, he can’t stomach it now.” Henry addresses Ronan as he places his now empty mug in the sink. He drops a kiss on Adam’s forehead, steals the slice of apple from Adam’s hands and leaves the apartment. They both stay silent, the apartment quiet except for Adam’s snacking.

“Big Bang Theory?” Adam asks after a few seconds and Ronan smiles.

“I’ll take your drink.” Ronan says as he stands, taking both mugs carefully as Adam grabs another apple and the tub of caramel and heads to his living room.

Ronan sits next to the Adam on the couch and can’t find himself wanting to be anywhere else and knows he’ll do whatever he can to stick by Adam’s side.

Chapter Text

Adam leans against the toilet with a groan, he’s nauseas and dizzy and really, really, fucking hungry but he can’t seem to keep anything down.

Adam knew he was dealing with the worst of the morning sickness, his doctor had told him that the tenth week would be the worst and he knew things would get better soon but right now he was wondering why he ever decided to get pregnant in the first place.

Adam waits a few moments, sits up slowly to make sure he didn’t trigger another round of vomiting before he flushes the toilet and stands. He grips the sink tightly with one hand as he brushes, has to stop twice to breathe slowly and will the nausea away before he continues. Adam collapses on his couch before he can make it to the kitchen, groans as he rolls over and shuts his eyes trying to figure out what the hell he can cook that he could also manage to keep down.

Someone knocks on his door what feels like moments later and Adam briefly wants to ignore it before he blinks and realizes the sun has set and no longer shines through the blinds. Adam stands and makes his way to the door glad the nausea doesn’t make a resurgence. Ronan’s brows furrow when Adam opens the door, and he reaches forward when Adam sways in his spot.

“Hey, are you okay? Do you need me to take you to the hospital?” Ronan asks as he holds Adam steady. Adam shakes his head, leans his head against Ronan’s chest while Ronan runs a hand down Adam’s back.

“I’m okay, I get a little dizzy sometime, no biggie.” Adam mutters. He pulls back and catches Ronan’s frown, smiles at him in an attempt to calm him down.

“Well, I come bearing food but if you’re not feeling good, I can leave the food and go.” Ronan states.

“Stay, we need to get to the next season of Big Bang.” Adam mutters and Ronan grins.

“You do know we have another ten seasons to get through, right?” Ronan asks as Adam pulls away from the taller Alpha. Ronan misses his warmth instantly but he’s glad to see the Omega is standing without swaying now.

“Exactly, I have a whole list of shows we need to get to after.” Adam states and Ronan can’t help but grin knowing Adam has thought ahead.

“I have some Italian subs, sans cheese.” They’ve been meeting up at least twice a week to have dinner and watch a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory and Ronan is no less infatuated with the Omega than he was before.

“Ginger Ale?” Adam asks Ronan who chuckles and nods as he takes a seat on the couch. Adam returns with two cans of ginger ale, places one in front of Ronan as he grabs the remote while Ronan unpacks their food.

Ronan watches Adam from his peripheral the entire time, vaguely paying attention to the third season of The Big Bang Theory but mostly watching Adam laugh brightly. Ronan is well aware that he’s in all in type of person. Ronan is also well aware that he tends to fall fast and fall hard. Ronan hasn’t had many relationships, mostly because they tend to crash and burn the moment he prematurely tells his partners that he loves them.

Ronan knows he’s royally fucked because all he wants to do is shower Adam with love and affection and they aren’t even dating.

Noah keeps telling him to man up, keeps insisting that Adam is just as into Ronan as Ronan is into Adam. Ronan doesn’t believe him, doesn’t want to believe him only to have his heart crushed when Adam lets him down. He keeps his feelings to himself, trying to ignore the way they continue to grow. Ronan says nothing about his feelings, has them crushed a few days later when he joins Matthew for his checkup.

Ronan and Declan were both shocked when their younger brother had announced his surprise pregnancy. Matthew was only two years younger than Ronan, and many people had kids well before they turned twenty-five, but the news had been shocking considering Matty hadn’t mentioned being in a relationship. Nevertheless, Ronan and Declan were both excited to be uncles and both took turns in joining Matty for his appointments.

Ronan, however, wasn’t expecting to bump into Adam of all people outside his brother’s obstetrician’s office. Adam holds an ultrasound film in his hands, he pales when he spots Ronan, fingers tightening on the picture as he looks at Ronan in shock. Adam eyes snap towards Matty, who is smiling brightly with his arms looped through Ronan’s while his hands rest on his belly.

“Adam.” Ronan states in shock.

“Ronan.” Adam mutters as he steps back, Ronan’s heart drops at the motion but before he can try to fix whatever he messed up Matty speaks.

“How far along are you?” Matty asks brightly and Adam smiles though he looks at Ronan nervously.

“Just hit eleven.” Adam answers and Ronan swears his world stops. It makes sense that the Omega already was in a relationship, someone as perfect as Adam couldn’t possibly be single. Ronan’s heart breaks regardless, wondering how he hasn’t met Adam’s partner in the last month of knowing him.

“That’s the worst time, saltine crackers help.” Matty tells Adam and Ronan fells like a dumbass for not connecting the dots. He had noticed the signs, had hoped Adam was simply getting over some flu or bug. Matthew looks down as his phone beeps, curses and moves forward, pulling Ronan along with him.

“Shoot, we have to go, big gender reveal appointment today!” Matty cheers with an apologetic look Adam’s way.

“Good luck.” Adam mutters but Ronan is pulled away before he can respond to him by his surprisingly strong brother.

Ronan shakes off his thoughts as Matty signs in and starts to tell Ronan all his name ideas though his mind still wanders to Adam.

Adam isn’t sure why he feels so shaken up after bumping into Ronan and the cute Omega outside his doctor’s office. Ronan and he were friends, neighbors, nothing more. Yet his chest hurts as he watches the blonde pull Ronan towards the office. Adam swallows dryly, blinks rapidly and glances down at the ultrasound in his hands. He smoothes out the slightly wrinkles at the edge from gripping it too tightly, smiles at the little lime sized baby and ignores the ache in his chest as he leaves.

Adam wants to ignore the Alpha, wants to avoid him until the ache in his chest goes away along with the attraction he feels towards the man. So he tries his best to do so. Adam has learned the times Ronan leaves in the mornings, makes sure to never leave his home when Ronan does. He stays at work longer to avoid running into the Alpha on the way home. He wakes up early to sneak away and hide out at Henry’s that weekend, ignores Henry’s questioning gaze when he arrives. Adam can’t ignore Ronan however, when the group plans another outing a week later.

Adam dresses in loose jeans that still somehow fit and throws a burgundy sweater vest over a simple t shirt before he heads over to the bar they had agreed upon.

Ronan sits next to Noah, and Adam briefly wonders why the cute Omega isn’t joining them. He figures maybe the man has a funky schedule, maybe he works across town and that’s why he doesn’t live with Ronan despite being pregnant.

“Adam, you made it! Do you want a beer?” Gansey asks when he spots him, a bright grin on his face as he holds out an unopened bottle of beer.

“No.” Adam states at the same time Ronan does. Noah raises a brow but stays silent as he takes a sip from his own beer. Ganseys brows furrow but Blue slides in next to Adam before he can question them.

“Blue, would you like a beer?”

“Well don’t mind if I do.” Blue mutters as she grabs the offered drink. A waitress stops by their booth and drops off some appetizers, taking Adam’s drink order before she goes.

“How was Matty’s appointment?” Noah asks Ronan. Ronan’s eyes shoot Adam’s way and a chill runs down Adam’s spine. Adam suddenly has a name for the cute pregnant Omega and he ignores the way his chest aches at the knowledge.

“Good, found out the gender the other day.”

“Oh, who’s knocked up?” Blue asks as she leans forward while Adam busies himself with the chips and guac.

“Ronan’s little brother.” Adam chokes at Gansey’s answer, Blue quickly turning his way and roughly smacking his back.

“Careful Blue, you’ll break his back.” Ronan tells Blue who raises a brow while Adam is finally able to breathe again.

“You okay?” Ronan asks Adam, tone gentle, and Adam nods quickly, taking a sip from the open soda can the Alpha pushes his way.

“So, what is baby Lynch going to be?” Noah asks and Ronan grins.

“A girl, Dec is already getting ready to fight boys off.” Ronan tells the group and Adam feels giddy, relieved to know the cute Omega is Ronan’s brother and that Ronan isn’t about to have a kid. Not that it mattered much, Ronan could never be attracted to Adam.

Ronan offers to walk Adam back when the night wraps up and the two walk in silence until Adam sighs.

“Thank you, for not telling Gansey and Noah.” He tells Ronan who shrugs.

“Figured you hadn’t mentioned it for a reason.”

“The chance of miscarrying drops drastically after the first trimester.” Adam tells Ronan who nods in understanding, kicking a small pebble on the sidewalk absentmindedly.

“Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to tell everyone you knocked yourself up via insemination once your chances of carrying to term increase.” Adam mutters. Ronan stops walking and Adam turns his way with a raised brow, the pebble rolls over the sidewalk with a resounding clack.

“You okay?”

“Insemination?”

“Uh yeah, I’ve always wanted kids, and it seemed like the safest option.” Adam tells Ronan who smiles cheekily.

“Not the funnest.” He states and Adam grins.

“Not at all.”

“Well, I think it’s pretty badass.” Ronan mutters as he starts to walk forward, feeling lighter than he has since he bumped into Adam over a week ago.

“-And I’ll keep your secret until you’re ready to share it.”

“Thank you.”

Once Ronan knows about his pregnancy the Alpha stops by a lot more. Adam can’t help but find it endearing the way the man stops by with food and snacks and a multitude of things to help Adam with his pregnancy.

“So, fancy a trip to the farmers market?” Ronan asks the moment Adam opens his front door one Sunday morning. He looks insanely attractive in jeans and a black long sleeve shirt which is covered by a chunky knit rainbow cardigan.

“Sure, let me change.” Ronan nods and Adam disappears to change. He slips on some jeans and a basic button down before following Ronan out the door.

Ronan drives them to the farmer’s market that they put on every weekend downtown. The place is full of small booths, each with a variety of different things being sold.

“Did you need anything?” Adam asks as he looks around the place, spotting some jars of honey that look appealing.

“Not in particular, maybe some more peaches as it’s all Matthew seems to be craving.” Adam grins at the mention of Ronan’s younger omega brother. They haven’t met since they bumped into one another at the doctor’s office, but Ronan has regaled him with enough tales that Adam almost feels like he knows him.

“Then we should grab those first, who know what I’d do if I wasn’t stocked up on apples.” Adam tells Ronan as he playfully bumps into the Alpha. Ronan leads the way to a booth where the petite lady perks up when she spots him.

“Ronan! More peaches? Those won’t stay in season for much longer.” She tells him as she grabs a bag and starts to fill it with some juicy looking peaches.

“Three more months.” Ronan states and the lady smiles.

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.” She hands him the bag before her eyes swing Adam’s way, widening slightly when she spots him.

“And who is this?”

“Adam, my neighbor.” The lady smiles and sticks out her hand.

“Abby, at your service.” Adam smiles back politely as he shakes her hand.

“Can I also get some apples Abby?” Ronan asks her before she can say anything else.

“What type?”

“Honeycrisp.”

“Three pounds?”

“Two should be enough.”

“I’ll get some as well please.” Abby smiles at Adam with a nod.

“Two pounds for you too sweetheart?” Abby asks as she hands Ronan his bag of apples.

“Yes, please.” Abby nods as she gathers them into a bag. Ronan pays for everything before Adam gets a chance to pull out his wallet, ignores his glare as he takes the bag of apples from Adam’s hands and starts to walk further into the farmer’s market.

“Ronan.” Adam calls after him as he follows the man.

“Two pounds won’t hurt me.” Adam tells him when he catches up with Ronan who shrugs as he looks over a variety of chocolate boxes from a local chocolate shop.

“Ronan.” Ronan glances over, brows raised in question, but Adam is struck by the intensity of his stare, the slight challenge in his eyes. It should piss Adam off, an Alpha challenging him so openly, but it settles the annoyance in him instead.

“Milk or dark?” Ronan asks once he realizes that Adam is no longer going to argue.

“Dark.” Ronan hums in acceptance and grabs a box of chocolates, paying for them with a smile towards the Beta manning the booth before popping the box open and shoving it Adam’s way.

Adam smiles fondly and takes a random one from the middle as they continue to stroll, frowning at the coconut center he finds.

“Not a fan?” Ronan asks when he catches a glimpse of Adam’s distaste. Adam shakes his head while Ronan reaches for the second half of the chocolate and pops it in his mouth. Adam’s breath hitches at the intimate gesture but Ronan seems to be unaware of the way Adam’s heart speeds up.

Adam steers them to the honey booth, taste a bit of every flavor before settling on a jar of orange blossom honey and blackberry honey to drink with his teas. He also finds someone who sell lotions and body washes that smells like lemon and buys it instantly while ignoring the Alpha who stands at his side with a very similar scent.

Ronan is looking over painting supplies when Adam spots a booth a few spaces down. He seems to be in a trance as he walks over, fingers running over the small blankets delicately with a grin. The hand knit baby blankets are available in a variety of colors, but Adam’s eyes are stuck on a dark blue one. It’s thick and soft, some strands have some gold woven into them subtly and Adam can imagine cradling his kid with it before he steps back.

“You should get it.” Ronan states from his side. Adam startles slightly but shakes his head towards the Alpha.

“I don’t even know the gender yet, seems reckless to buy it now if it’ll be a waste.” Ronan raises a brow but says nothing more as Adam steps away from the booth, smiling in thanks to the vendor who smiles back before turning to another customer.

They leave the market soon after that, Ronan taking all the bags despite Adam’s protest. Ronan drops the bags in his backseat, taking off his cardigan and throwing it in the back before heading to the driver’s seat.

The drive home is filled with Ronan’s music playing softly in the background. Adam find’s he’s tired despite the little activity he actually did. Ronan is parking when his phone beeps and Adam has time to unbuckle his seatbelt before he hears Ronan’s soft curse. Ronan’s frowning at his phone where he sits in his seat and Adam raises a brow at him in question.

“Everything okay?”

“Matty is freaking out, shit.” Ronan is typing furiously on his phone with furrowed brows.

“He okay?” Adam asks, his own worry spiking for the younger Omega.

“I don’t know, c’mon let’s get you inside.”

“Ronan, I can get to my apartment by myself.”

“I’m not letting you go up by yourself.”

“But Matt-“

“Adam, please.” His tone is pleading, and it’s enough for Adam to nod in accordance. Ronan is quick to exit the car, already has bags in hand by the time Adam is out. Adam gets Ronan’s chunky knit cardigan handed his way and the half empty box of chocolates to hold while the Alpha takes the rest of the bags.

Ronan drops everything in Adam’s apartment before giving him a quick hug, scenting him quickly before leaving. Adam stands in the doorway of his apartment watching him go, cardigan grasped in his fingers, shocked at the action.

Scenting was an intimate thing usually done in between pack mates or potential mates. Ronan’s scent now clung to Adam like a second skin and Adam liked it a bit too much for his own good.

Adam whines, tampers it down while he closes the door and engages the lock before he’s hurrying to his room where his nest lay in the corner. He climbs in, comforted by the familiar scents of his pack and somehow falls asleep, Ronan’s cardigan in his arms the entire time.

Chapter Text

Adam found himself in his nest surrounded by his pack mates scent for the remainder of the weekend, only getting out of his nest when his neighboring Alpha dropped by to pick up his market buys. Adam conveniently forgets to hand him back his cardigan, choosing instead to keep it in his nest, safe and secure and away from anyone’s sight.

Matthew, as it turns out, was going through pheromone withdrawal. It was common in Omegas with no partners, something Adam’s doctor had warned him about early on in his insemination process. It was what Adam had been scared of the most, despite having Henry around. He knew the biology behind it, the baby needed pheromones that Omega’s alone couldn’t supply which made scenting essential during pregnancy.

It was the reason Ronan showed up with his bubbly Omega brother that week. Adam was tired from the back-to-back procedures he had at work, but somehow the sight of the blonde Omega brought him a boost of energy. Seeing how happy and smiley the blonde was despite his recent medical scare made Adam’s day seem easy in comparison.

Maybe it was an Omega thing, but seeing the prominent bags under Matthew’s eyes made Adam want to wrap the younger man up and protect him from the world. Maybe it was the familiar citrus scent that Matthew had, similar to his brothers but different. Matthew smelled sweeter than Ronan, while Ronan smelt more like lemon tree’s and petrichor, Matthew smelt like fresh baked lemon tarts. The same base notes yet vastly different all the same.

Matthew smiles brightly when he greets Adam and the taller Omega pulls him into a hug quickly, ignoring Ronan’s hissed warning. Adam doesn’t mind, how could he when he sees the way Ronan adores the younger man.

“Alright Matty don’t suffocate him.” Ronan mutters as he pulls at his brothers’ shoulder slightly.

“But he smells good.”

“Matthew.” Adam laughs as Matthew pouts, pulling back while Ronan rolls his eyes fondly.

“It’s nice to see you again Matthew.” The Omega’s nose scrunches as the enters the apartment.

“Matty please, Matthew makes me sound old.” Matty whines as he wanders the apartment, eyes quizzical as he looks around. Ronan looks like he’s about to say something so Adam quickly pulls the Alpha into a hug, happy to get a whiff of the man’s addicting scent in the process. Ronan sighs, nose pressed into Adam’s hair before he pulls away.

“Greek salads for tonight.” Ronan tells Adam who smiles.

“You really didn’t have to.”

“Have to make sure you’re not trying to survive off of Ramen alone.” Ronan states. Adam grins before heading to the fridge to grab drinks. Ginger ale has still been the drink of choice, despite Ronan’s initial teasing the man never complained about the constant bottles of ginger ale they drank with their dinners.

“Oh cherry.” Matty states as he leans forward to grab one, frowning when he can only lean so far. Adam hands the can to him, his own bump still small enough to not get in the way. He keeps it covered, often in large shirts and hoodies to disguise the slow growing bump. He still feels vulnerable with it on display, protective and territorial over his baby, so he hasn’t shown anyone how it’s grown, not even Blue and Henry.

“Will your mate get mad about us being here?” Matty asks Adam as he pops open the ginger ale can.

“Matty-“

“I don’t have a mate Matty.” Matthew grins and scoots closer to Adam.

“Good, they suck anyway.” Adam snorts out a laugh at that but nods as he hands the younger Omega the remote allowing him to pick what they watch. Ronan hands them both their food and they settle in to watch The Santa Clause, it’s the end of July but neither Ronan nor Adam question the movie.

By the time the credits roll, Matty is fast asleep, head laying on Adam’s shoulder and snoring softly. Ronan knows he shouldn’t be jealous of such a simple act, but Matthew’s nose is pressed close to Adam’s scent gland and his brother is breathing in Adam’s scent with each breath.

Adam doesn’t seem to mind the fact that Matty is curled up at his side, is queuing up the second Santa Clause movie as if Matty was still awake and watching.

“You can push him off if he’s too heavy.” Ronan tells the Omega who glances his way and shakes his head softly, careful not to jostle the younger Omega.

“He’s fine Ro.” Ronan’s heart skips a beat at the nickname. Adam wasn’t the first to shorten his name, but he was the first one to cause Ronan’s heart to stutter.

“Seems like you’ve gained an admirer.” Ronan jokes and Adam smiles.

“At least he’s cute.” Ronan grins and glances at his younger brother, heart aching at the obvious tiredness on his face. Ronan felt like an asshole the moment they realized what was wrong with Matthew. Declan and Ronan had never realized that Matthew having the baby solo could affect him in the long run. It made sense once explained but seeing his brother hooked to IV’s while Declan yelled at him over the phone was not a fun experience.

It was luckily an easy, yet long healing process. Matthew just needed pheromones, Alpha pheromones worked the best and Declan was still going to be overseas for another two months so Matthew would move in with Ronan. They had tried to convince Matthew to move in with Ronan when Declan left town two weeks ago, but Matthew had stubbornly refused, and it had bit them in the ass.

“It’s not your fault.” Adam whispers lowly and Ronan glances over at him quickly surprised that he had caught on to his destructive train of thought.

“I should’ve-“

“Ro, you couldn’t of known.” Adam interrupts him as he grips his hand. Ronan swallows dryly and squeezes Adam’s hand earning him a smile.

“Plus, now you get to have your brother and niece close by.” Ronan smiles and nods, leaning back to continue watching the movie. Adam seems to nod off about half way through, probably tired from work or from growing a life. Ronan watches him fondly, the way his head leans back against the cushion almost as if he unconsciously wants to keep from dislodging Matthew. He looks ethereal as he sleeps, and Ronan is so far gone that he seriously wonders if it’s healthy.

Ronan watches the two of them sleep for a few seconds before sighing as he stands. He cleans everything up quickly before gently pulling his brother away from Adam. Adam stirs at the motion, hand shooting out to grip Ronan’s wrist seeming to know who was interrupting his partner’s sleep.

“Just me, I’ve got him, he’ll sleep through anything trust me.” Adam nods as he rubs at his eyes adorably. Ronan scoops up his younger brother easily, his brother has always been the smallest of the three and even with the added pregnancy weight he’s easy to carry.

“Breakfast on Thursday?” Ronan asks Adam softly, it was the next day Adam would be off. Adam nods with a smile, gets up to help Ronan open both apartment doors. Ronan tucks Matthew to sleep in his newly appointed room, glad that his brother was already in comfortable clothes. He returns to Adam to say goodnight, hugs him and greedily inhales Adam’s amazing scent before making sure Adam is locked in his apartment before returning home.

“You smell like Lynch.” Henry tells Adam when they meet up for lunch the following day. Adam hums as he continues to drizzle ranch on his French fries not responding to Henry’s statement.

“Adam.”

“We hang out.”

“And what he bathes you in his scent?”

“Henry.”

“I just want you to be careful Adam.” Henry mutters lowly.

“I’m a big boy Henry.” Adam reminds the Alpha who smiles fondly.

“You’re a big boy with a baby on the way, you need to think this relationship through. For all of your sake.” Henry tells Adam who sighs as he twirls his pasta on his fork.

“Henry, I think I actually like him.” Adam mutters.

“That’s not a bad thing Adam.”

“Pretty shitty timing.”

“Well if he can’t accept the baby than it’s his lost.” Henry tells him as he leans back. Adam sighs and looks up at his Alpha who watches him curiously.

“He doesn’t seem put off by it so far.” Adam tells him and watches the way Henry’s eyes widen.

“He knows?”

“Bumped into him on my way out of the last appointment.”

“What the fuck was he doing there?” Henry asks, voice tinged with anger.

“His younger brother is pregnant.” Henry’s brows furrow as he leans back in his chair. He takes a sip of his drink and chews on his straw as he seems to be deep in thought. Adam lets him think, continues to eat his lunch until Henry curses lowly.

“He must be really fucking into you.” Henry declares and Adam can’t help but smile.

“I really, really hope so.” Adam states and they leave it at that.

“Does Adam have a potential mate?” Matthew asks the second Ronan walks into his kitchen.

“Jesus Matty.” Ronan gasps as he looks at his brother who sits on the island, a peach sliced up in front of him.

“I like him.” Ronan raises a brow earning him a sassy eyeroll.

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” Matthew states as he points the knife Ronan’s way.

“Matty get off the island.” Matthew pouts but does as told, he loses his balance slightly but Ronan quickly steadies him with a pointed look earning him a sheepish grin from his younger brother.

“Seriously Ro, he’s perfect.” Ronan is glad his brother agrees with his hypothesis, smiles at him as he kisses his forehead.

“Go change, we have breakfast plans with Adam.” Matty grins and nods, turning away and crossing the living room before turning around to return for his forgotten peach slices. Ronan rolls his eyes but goes to change unsurprised to find the apartment empty by the time he does.

He fears it’ll become a constant, finding Matthew with Adam. He hopes Adam won’t mind, because surely Ronan has to go fetch his brother, right? Adam is laughing at something Matty said, when Ronan finds them. The apartment door is open while Adam ties his shoes, he’s in another oversized hoodie and Ronan simply wants to pull him into his arms and never let go.

“Ready?” Both the Omegas nod at Ronan’s question and Ronan watches in amusement as Matty loops his arm through Adam’s and pulls him away. Adam tries to turn around to lock the door but Matty is pulling him steadily. Ronan motions for the keys and Adam gently tosses them his way before allowing himself to be pulled away.

Ronan locks up Adam’s apartment, pockets the keys and rushes to catch up with Matthew and Adam who hold the elevator as they wait. Matthew is telling Adam all about his plans for the nursery and Adam is smiling along.

“Have you picked a name?” Adam asks Matty who nods quickly, curls bouncing.

“Aurora.” Matty states confidently and Ronan’s breath hitches, not having known Matthew’s plan. Adam raises a brow, but Ronan shakes his head once as he hits the button for the ground floor and Adam nods in understanding. Ronan falls for him a bit more at that moment.

“It’s beautiful.” Adam tells Matthew who grins as he glances at his stomach.

“Yeah, I think so too.”

Matthew joins Adam and Ronan more often than not in the next few weeks. It’s because of his constant presence that their relationship shifts. Ronan will forever deny being jealous of his younger brother, why would he be? It’s not like Matthew had super glued himself to the cute Omega the moment he met him.

Ronan sighs as he watches his brother drape himself over Adam. Adam who smiles and ruffles his blonde curls while Matthew digs his nose into Adam’s scent gland. Ronan tries not to make his non-jealousy apparent. It not Matthews fault that Adam is perfect. Not Adam’s fault that Matthew had imprinted on him like a newborn pup.

“You okay?” Adam asks him, Matty looks up from his spot and send him a smug look and if his brother weren’t currently carrying his favorite niece, he’d be in a God damned head lock.

“Tired.” Matthew snorts and Adam raises a brow but doesn’t push, never pushes, simply nods.

Adam doesn’t mention it, yet it pops up in conversation almost a week later when Ronan is over while Matthew sleeps across the hall.

“Do you think Matty would want one of my blankets for his nest?” Adam asks as he slices his apple and Ronan groans, because how dare Adam be so aware of Matty’s needs and what the fuck does Ronan have to do to get one of Adam’s blankets in his bed.

“Ro?”

“It’s nothing Adam.”

“Is it inappropriate? Shit, he just seems to like my scent I didn’t mean to overstep.” Ronan honest to God whines, feels Adam step closer with concern laced in his scent.

“Ronan.”

“How are you so perfect Adam?” Ronan asks as he glances at the Omega who looks at him in shock, hesitation evident on his face.

“What?”

“Jesus Parrish, you even managed to get my brother to fall for you, what the fuck?” Adam watches him carefully before his lips pull up at the edges.

“Wait a minute, were you jealous?” Ronan groans and tries to look away, but Adam laughs and tilts his head back his way gently.

“Ro.”

“Fuck Parrish, how could I not be?” Adam’s eyes lose their humor, softening as he smiles at Ronan.

“Ronan, you have no reason to be jealous.” Adam states cupping his jaw gently. Ronan swallows dryly as he presses closer to the Omega.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Adam, I really want to kiss you.” Ronan whispers to the shorter man who grins sharply.

“What’s stopping you?” Ronan doesn’t dare reply. He pulls the Omega closer and kisses him firmly. Adam’s hands wrap around his shoulders, Ronan’s hands drop to Adam’s waist, and they remain entangled in one another until Adam pulls away.

“We should stop.” He mutters lowly, lips pink and puffy. Ronan hums in agreement, yet presses forward once more, not wanting to stop now that he has what he’s been craving. Adam lets out a small moan and Ronan snaps, pulling Adam in and lifting him onto the kitchen counter as he deepens the kiss.

A loud knock pulls them apart, Ronan curses as he drops his head to Adam’s shoulder smiling as he hears Adam trying to catch his breath.

“Ronan! I can’t find any peaches!” Matthew’s voice calls out. Ronan groans and Adam laughs as he pushes the Alpha away. Ronan is rooted to his spot, facing away from the apartment door as he grips the kitchen counter while Adam opens the door.

Matty has tears pooling in his eyes, his hair is still messy from sleep, and he’s wrapped in one of Ronan’s knit cardigans as he stands at Adam’s door. He sniffs and his lower lip wobbles when he realized it’s Adam at the door.

“Adam.” He whines, tears finally rolling.

“C’mon Matty, I know where he stashed them.” Adam tells the younger Omega who sniffles and nods, gripping Adam’s arm as Adam ushers them across the hall allowing Ronan a moment so he can compose himself.

Adam sorta knows his way around Ronan’s place by now, knows the extra peaches are stashed hidden behind the veggies in a drawer in the fridge. He pulls open the fridge with Matty at his side, eyes still watery. Matthew frowns when Adam pulls open the drawer before smiling brightly when he spots the peaches.

“Finally!” Adam chuckles at the younger man before perking up when he spots his current vice. Apples. He grabs one, knowing Ronan won’t mind but watches as Matthew freezes, head tilting to the side.

“Is that an apple?” Matty asks in shock.

“Yes.” Adam answers slowly before taking a bite. Matty huffs before grinning brightly, a mischievous grin that Adam has seen a few times in the last week.

“Ronan’s allergic to apples.” Adam chokes in surprise, Matty’s eyes widening in the process.

“Jesus Matty, are you trying to kill him?” Ronan asks when he walks into the kitchen.

“Are you trying to kill yourself?” Adam asks the Alpha once he can breathe normally. Ronan raises a brow obviously confused before hissing when Adam smacks his arm.

“Jesus Ronan, what the hell were you thinking eating something you’re allergic to?” Adam snaps at the Alpha while Matty snickers. Ronan winces as he rubs the back of his neck, ignoring his younger brothers laughs.

“I felt bad not taking it.” Ronan mutters while Adam glares.

“Do I need to explain allergies to you?” Adam asks the Alpha who quickly shakes his head. Adam narrows his eyes on the sheepish Alpha before turning to Matthew.

“C’mon Matty, were going for ice cream without your brother.” Adam tells the younger Omega who cheers happily.

“Wait, no.” Adam ignores Ronan, feeling upset and petty while he leaves with a bubbly Matty in tow.

“Adam.”

“Nope, you think about what you’ve done Ronan.” Adam calls out as Matty laughs.

Ronan watches the two Omegas leave and groans, dropping his head onto the counter in dismay. He laughs at the absurdity of the situation, how he went from one extreme to the other. Grinning at the memory of Adam pressed against him, at the memory of Adam’s scent which still clings to him.

“Worth it.” Ronan mutters as he stands straight and starts up on dinner, knowing he has two pregnant Omegas to feed.

Chapter Text

“Going!” Adam calls out as he pulls himself off the couch. He grabs his cash from the coffee table as he goes, he was supposed to cook for the Lynch brother tonight but decided take out from the small Mexican restaurant down the street was a much better choice. His baby wanted tacos, so Adam was supplying tacos.

Adam opens the door, expecting to find the delivery guy but instead finds Ronan. Ronan who raises a brow and grins when he spots him.

“So that’s where that cardigan went.” Ronan muses and Adam feels his cheeks heat up. He’s currently drowning in Ronan’s rainbow knit cardigan, he had planned on hiding it before Ronan and Matthew came over, but he wasn’t expecting Ronan to arrive so quickly.

“Where’s Matty?” Adam asks trying to divert Ronan’s attention, but Ronan shakes his head as he steps closer, door shutting softly behind him as he wraps his arms around Adam’s waist.

“Uh huh, no running from this one Parrish.” Ronan mutters with a smile. Adam groans, dropping his head against Ronan’s shoulder while Ronan hums.

“It smelled like you.” Adam confesses. Ronan pulls him closer and Adam whines as Ronan presses his nose against his scent gland.

“Trust me, I understand.” Ronan tells Adam.

“Ronan.” Adam warns and Ronan sighs, breath ghosting over Adam’s skin and sending shivers down Adam’s spine.

“I’ll scent as many fucking sweaters as you want Parrish.” Ronan tells him and Adam smiles and pulls back.

“I like this one.”

“Well then hand it over, I’ll scent it the rest of the night.” Ronan states and Adam hurriedly does as told, handing the cardigan to Ronan who is watching him intently, a bit of humor in his eyes.

“You’ve got a bump.” Ronan states suddenly, eyes zeroing in on his stomach. Adam glances down, realizing the lack of the cardigan now left his small bump on display. He was in his fourth month, and his bump was noticeable but smaller than he expected. His doctor had mentioned that his height was the most likely cause of the smaller bump, he was taller than most Omega’s and it seemed to work in his favor.

“Baby has to grow somewhere Lynch.” Adam tells him and watches the way Ronan smiles and steps closer.

“Can I?” Ronan asks, hand reaching out and Adam nods breath hitching when Ronan’s hand lands on the small bump. He swallows down the knot in his throat, feeling emotional for no real reason just as another knock is heard from the door.

Ronan pulls back, takes the money from Adam and heads to the door. This time a delivery man stands at the door, brown paper bag in hand. Ronan pays and takes the food and almost as if summoned by the food Matty opens the door across the hall.

“Tacos!” He cheers as he crosses the hall, leaving Ronan’s apartment door open. Ronan rolls his eyes at his brother as he hands him the tacos and goes to lock his door. Adam follows after Matty, smiling as he watches the blonde Omega unpack the food order and taking a seat next to him as Ronan enters the apartment.

“Were you always wearing that?” Matthew asks Ronan as he looks him over with furrowed brows.

“Yes.” Both Adam and Ronan state and Matty shrugs, Adam feels a little bad lying to the pregnant man knowing very well that pregnancy brain was a real bitch, he only hopes the Omega would forgive him.

“Seems a little on the nose to me.” Matty states and Ronan barks out a laugh while Adam chuckles at his words.

“Eat your tacos.” Ronan orders once he’s done laughing. Matthew salutes his brother and digs in while Adam turns on reruns of Malcom in the Middle.
Matty eats his tacos happily so consumed by them that he fails to notice Adam’s small baby bump until he’s finished his tacos. Matty gasps dramatically causing both Adam and Ronan to turn his way only to find tears in the blond’s eyes.

“You have a little bump.” Matty cries as he launches himself at Adam. Adam sighs in relief as he hugs the Omega back, glad that he’s okay. The blond sobs and Adam runs a hand down his back before turning to Ronan for help unsurprised to find the Alpha watching with a smile, not looking like he’s about to intervene.

“Matty-“

“It’s so cute.” Matthew cries before pulling back and wiping his tears.

“Do you think our kids will be friends?” He asks in between little hiccups.

“I think they’ll be best friends.” Adam replies with zero hesitation.

The following week brings Noah’s birthday, an occasion the Beta wasn’t big on celebrating but his two friends were.

“Someone tried to kill him.” Ronan told Adam nonchalantly when Adam asked him why Noah didn’t like to celebrate.

“But don’t worry it was the week before his birthday so we’re good.” Adam was unconvinced but allowed himself to be pulled along by both Matthew and Ronan to Noah’s house for the small celebration.

Ronan insisted that they carpool, Adam wasn’t about to argue when it meant he could take a power nap on the way to their destination. Adam took the backseat as the passenger seat was now outfitted with a seatbelt extender for Matthew.

Noah’s house is nestled on a quiet street about twenty minutes from Adam’s place. There’s a few more cars than Adam expected to see though Ronan pulls into the driveway with the confidence of someone who’s always welcome. Matty is out of the car and at the front door it what feels like seconds while Adam is still collecting his gift. Ronan stands a few feet from both of them, almost as if he was unsure if he should follow after his younger brother or wait for Adam.

“Noah!” Matty cheers when the Beta opens the door. Noah grins as he ruffles Matthew’s curls, looks unsurprised when the younger Omega throws himself at the older man in a tight hug.

“Gansey!” Matty calls before ripping out of Noah’s hold and heading inside.

“Kavinsky’s here.” Noah tells Ronan instead of greeting him. Ronan tenses, eyes finding Matty first, relaxing when he spots him with Gansey before snapping back towards Adam.

“You should’ve told me.” Ronan tells Noah who looks apologetic.

“I didn’t know him and Swan still talked.” Noah defends. Adam glances in between the two of them curiously before holding out the gift bag his way.

“Happy Birthday Noah.” Adam greets and gets a smile in return.

“Thanks man, come on in, it’s chilly.” It is not in fact chilly, but Adam nods and enters, Ronan at his back.

The living room is filled with people around their age and Adam can feel Ronan’s unease. Adam himself feels a little overwhelmed in the room full of strangers, crosses his hands over his chest and covers his stomach protectively in the process.

“It’s a God damned Aglionby reunion.” Ronan mutters and Adam can understand why Ronan is apprehensive. Ronan rarely talked of his high school years, usually with distaste. Adam himself would hate to step anywhere near a Mountain View High reunion.

“We can go.” Adam whispers to Ronan when Noah leaves to grab them drinks.

“It’s fine, karma for making Noah celebrate when he didn’t want to.” Ronan mutters as he pulls Adam towards the corner where Gansey and Matty sit.

“Adam! Glad you could make it.” Gansey states as he pulls him into a quick hug.

“This is Tad Carruthers, an old acquaintance from school.” Gansey introduces and Adam can tell by the quirk of his lip that acquaintance is a stretch.

“Nice to meet you.” Adam shakes his outstretched hand, not wanting to be rude. The man grins and Adam hates it.

“Pleasures all mine.” Tad leers. Matthew gags. Ronan chokes on his laugh while Tad turns the Omegas way.

“Sorry, baby must not like the food.” Matty mused, Adam rubs at his mouth to cover his own grin and is surprised to see the way Gansey holds his composure.

“You don’t have any food.” Tad points out, Matty shrugs reaching forward to snag Adam towards him by the hem of his sweater. Adam goes willingly, sitting down next to the Omega as Noah returns with drinks in hand. He hands the soda can towards Matty and hands both Adam and Ronan red cups all to reminiscent of his college party days.

Adam takes the cup and sets it on the end table by his side, he was planning on telling Noah and Gansey about the baby soon, his baby bump would only grow bigger, and he was well into his fourth month already. He was however hoping to do it in a more private setting.

“What’s there to eat?” Matty asks the group at large as he takes the soda can from Noah. Ronan rolls his eyes fondly as he takes a sip of his drink before setting it down.

“I’ll go get you some.” He tells his brother. Ronan nudges Noah’s arm and the Beta follows suit, the two disappearing to what Adam guesses is the kitchen.

“I’m glad to see you and Ronan are getting along well Adam.” Gansey states with a smile. Matty snorts from his side, and if there were any doubts that the younger Omega had known about their growing relationship, they all vanished. Gansey raises a brow Matthew’s way but doesn’t question him, looks ready to say something before Tad is gaining his attention, pointing out a group across the room.

“Ah, I’ll be right back gentlemen, the old Rowing team beckons.” Adam follows his gaze, and sure enough a large group are all motioning to Gansey with bright grins, some calling his name joyfully. Adam watches Gansey disappear into the crowd, glad he at least took Tad with him.

“They don’t know about the baby?” Matt asks him as he pokes Adam’s stomach gently.

“Not yet, didn’t want to say anything until it was a sure thing.” Matt raises a brow at his wording.

“The first attempt at insemination didn’t stick, well not completely, I miscarried at six weeks. So, I wanted to be sure.” Matty’s face had dropped and for a second Adam is worried that he’ll start crying in the middle of the party but instead he smiles brightly.

“It’s a Rainbow baby!” Adam grins with a nod and Matty’s scent spikes, getting sweeter to indicate his happiness.

“Little Lynch, you’re a long way from home.” An unfamiliar voice calls and Matthew’s scent sours instantly before disappearing. Adam is on high alert in a second, Omegas would only shut down their scent when highly distressed, and anyone who freaked out Matty was instantly on Adam’s shit list.

“Kavinsky.” Matty states, voice flat. Adam shifts forward, recognizing the name and the disdain in Ronan’s scent at its sheer mention. Adam’s glad that he’s sitting in between the man and Matthew, who holds onto to Adam’s sweater like a lifeline.

Kavinsky stands in front of them with a wide grin, dark hair falling over dark eyes which shine with mischief. He’s dressed casually with an unlit cigarette tucked behind his ear, a red cup in hand, white shades on top of his head despite them being inside. His left brow has a line through it and Adam knows its a scar and not a fashion choice, but the man pulls it off, unnervingly so.

“Aw baby, don’t be so cold, just want to chat.” Kavinsky states with a leer as he leans closer, amusement evident in his dark eyes. Matt scoots away with a grimace and it’s enough to piss Adam off.

“Leave me alone K.”

“Little-“

“He said to leave him alone.” Adam cuts in. Kavinsky’s eyes snap his way and he straightens up with a blank look, amusement disappearing from his eyes.

“Who the fuck are you?” He asks, eyes looking him over with obvious annoyance.

“Doesn’t matter, leave him alone.”

“You don’t tell me what to do.” He snaps. Matty’s fingers curl around Adam’s wrist and the younger Omega moves closer to Adam while Adam stands, blocking Matty from Kavinsky’s view.

“Oh, but I am, leave, he doesn’t want you here and neither do I.” Kavinsky’s nostrils flare and he reaches out towards Adam before he’s shoved back.

“Don’t touch him.” Ronan snaps as he stands in front of Adam.

“Lynch, should’ve known this mouthy bitch was with you.” Ronan steps forward, anger evident in his scent only for Gansey to slide in front of him.

“Gentlemen, let’s not ruin the festivities.” He states. Adam turns his focus on Matty now that Ronan has someone on his side, heart aching at the distraught look on Matty’s face.

“Matty, hey look at me.” Matty’s teary eyes meet Adam’s, lip wobbling. Adam’s hatred towards Kavinsky grows and he ignores the tense arguing going on behind him as he pulls Matthew off the sofa.

“C’mon kid, let’s go somewhere quiet.” Noah seems to be thinking the same thing, he motions them to follow him and Adam does so, pulling Matthew along as tears start to roll down his cheeks.

The room they get shown to smells like Noah, cinnamon and sandalwood clear in the air. Noah flicks on the lights and ushers them in just as a loud crash sounds from the living room, Noah curses as he steps back.

“Stay here.” He orders the two and Adam nods while he guides Matthew to the bed pulling him into a hug when the younger Omega starts to sob. Adam releases calming pheromones as he scents the younger man, running a hand through his blond curls in the process.

Matthew cries for a few minutes while Adam holds him and tries to calm him down. He doesn’t say anything once the tears stop, sniffles as he pushes himself closer to Adam and drops his nose into the crook of Adam’s neck. They lay in silence, Matthew’s scent slowly leaking as he begins to relax.

He laughs suddenly and Adam glances down at him with a raised brow wondering what might’ve caused him to laugh happily.

“What are you thinking?” Adam asks Matty who wipes his eyes and pulls back.

“That you smell like apples, the one thing that could kill Ronan if his allergy ever gets too bad.” Adam huffs out a laugh while Matthew smiles and snuggles back in.

Someone knocks on the door a few minutes later before it swings open Ronan and Gansey hovering at the doorway. Ronan’s lip is split, his knuckles bruised but he holds two plates of food in hand and smiles despite his injuries.

Matty sits up instantly, holds his hands out Ronan’s way and grins when he’s handed a plate of food.

“K look worse?” Matty asks as he digs in, his eyes focused on his food.

“Of course.”

“Good.” Ronan hands Adam a plate before plopping himself onto the beanbag across from them.

“Assholes gone now, he’ll stay away if he’s smart.” Ronan states.

“He’s never been the brightest unfortunately.” Gansey sighs as he takes a seat in the other bean bag, comically dropping lower the more he sits in place. Ronan doesn’t respond, so the four of them sit in silence until Noah reappears balancing four beers and a soda can in hand.

“I bring refreshments.” He states before passing them around. Adam smiles but places his on the side, this time both Noah and Gansey notice the discarded drink.

“Are you not a beer guy? I can get you something else.” Noah states as he cracks open his own can.

“Oh, I don’t mind it, can’t drink while pregnant though.” Adam states as he takes a bite of the mac and cheese.

“This is really good by the way.” The room is quiet causing Adam to glance up nervously. Noah is watching Ronan while Gansey’s eyes are snapping in between Ronan and Adam nervously. Matty is still eating.

“Congratulations?” Noah’s voice is questioning, and Adam laughs when Gansey smacks him arm.

“Forgive him, congratulations Adam.” Before Adam can thank him Noah speaks.

“Who’s the dad?” Noah asks with a raised brow.

“Noah.”

“Dude.”

“No idea, just know the donor number.” Adam answers without taking offense.

“So, you’re single?” Noah asks.

“Noah.” Both Gansey and Ronan chide and Adam grins.

“Not exactly.” Adam answers before taking a bite of his food. Noah is silent, obviously deep in thought while Gansey is rubbing his temples.

“Any more questions?” Adam asks Noah who shrugs.

“Do you know what you’re having?” He asks before hissing when Ronan smacks him.

“What? He asked.” Noah mutters as he rubs his arm.

“Not yet, hopefully next visit.” Adam states with a smile, Henry and Blue were both counting down the days until they learned what the newest pack member would be.

“It’s going to be a girl and our babies are going to be best friends.” Matty declares proudly.

“You knew?” Noah asks the blond Omega in shock before whirling towards Ronan.

“You knew?”

“Noah, stop being fucking weird.” Ronan mutters causing Adam to grin. Noah looks like he wants to say something but instead stays quiet while Gansey steers the conversation towards work.

Adam pretends not to notice when Noah pulls Ronan to the side before they leave, ignores the worried looks both Gansey and Noah share. Matty is asleep in the car when Adam brings it up.

“So, they’re both worried about your feelings?”

“Yup.”

“And they both are unaware that we have a relationship.”

“Yup.”

“And you’re not going to clarify?”

“Nope.”

Adam doesn’t say anything else, and though a small part of him understands why Ronan didn’t clarify anything to his friend, the larger part of him is fighting to not be hurt by it.

Chapter Text

Adam tries not to be affected by Ronan not telling his friends about their relationship. He doesn’t exactly succeed. He blames the pregnancy hormones for the way his eyes burn every time he thinks about it. To be honest, he does get it. Who would be proud to admit that they were in a relationship with someone who’s pregnant with some stranger’s kid?

Adam tries to avoid Ronan, knowing that all the Alpha had to do was ask what was wrong to break Adam’s defense. He knows he should be an adult about it, knows he should tell Ronan what was going on in his mind but instead he avoids him. He, again, blames the pregnancy hormones for this.

He’s getting ready to grab lunch with Henry and Blue when someone knocks on his door. He thinks nothing of it, passing it off as another one of Henry’s Amazon orders until they knock again. Adam sighs as he heads to open it, not in the mood to deal with any solicitors only to stop when he spots Matty.

“Look, I don’t know what my brother did to piss you off, but you didn’t have to cut me off.” Matty whines as he glares, big blue eyes glassy with unshed tears.

“Mat-“

“No, I miss you and I’m not letting my stupid brother mess it up.” The blond states as he hugs Adam tightly. Adam sighs as he hugs him back, smiling when he feels Aurora kick to announce her presence.

“See, even my daughter agrees.” Matthew mutters as he pulls back with a smile.

“Want to join my friends and I for lunch?” Adam asks and Matthew quickly agrees. Adam knows Ronan is at work, had heard him leave earlier and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss Matty that last week.

Adam and Matty exit the elevator when Adam catches a whiff of a scent that instantly sends a shiver down his spine. Adams left ear rings mockingly. He spins around, freezing when he spots Robert Parrish arguing with the concierge of the building. He curses, mind racing when Robert seems to catch his scent.

“You.” He snarls as he moves towards him. Adam acts on instinct, pushing Matthew behind him as Robert reaches them, a glare already in place.

“What the fuck is that witch babbling about back home? A baby? You’ve got yourself knocked up.” Robert snaps, shoulders tense, a sneer on his face. Adam flinches, heart racing as he takes in the words. They knew, they knew about his baby, they were never supposed to know.

“You’re not supposed to be here.” Adam states despite his fear, Robert curses as he looks him over.

“The fuck is wrong with you? Damn disgrace you turned out to be, should’ve gotten rid of you when I had the chance.” Matthew whines from behind him, Adam doesn’t let himself be fazed by Robert words, he’s heard them his whole life.

Robert’s eyes snap towards Matthew, narrowing on the blond who steps back hesitantly pulling on Adam’s shirt as he does.

“And who the fuck is this? Found yourself another fucking disgrace like you.”

“Don’t talk to him like that.” Adam snaps at Robert, gaining his attention.

“You don’t tell me what to do boy, I raised you better than that.” Robert snaps angrily.

“Robert, you’re not supposed to be within fifty feet of him.” Robert whirls around, glaring at Henry who stares at him blankly, face void of any emotion. Adam lets out a breath, heart racing, is pretty sure his knees would of given out if not for Blue’s sudden appearance at his side.

“Fuck off! He’s my damn kid, I can do whatever the fuck I want to him.” Adam can see Henry’s eyes narrow, and he’s vividly reminded of the time Henry’s Alpha mother stared Robert down in a cold hospital room.

“I have a court order stating otherwise, now leave before the cops get here and drag you back to jail you deadbeat asshole.” Henry snaps. Robert whirls around glaring daggers at Adam as Blue and Matty pull him back.

“If you pop out a damn kid I will make sure it never see the light of day Adam.” Adam’s breath catches at the cruel words, he watches Robert stomp away before his legs finally give out. Henry is quick to catch him, cradles him close as tears start to roll down his cheeks.

“They weren’t supposed to know.” Adam mutters.

“I know, I’m sorry, but I can promise you they won’t touch you or that kid, okay? I won’t let them.” Adam nods against Henry’s chest, squeezes his eyes shut to force back tears as Blue runs a hand down his back.

“Okay, okay.” Adam pulls back after who knows how long and wipes at his face, standing up with Henry’s help, refusing to be embarrassed by the few people who watched them.

“Let’s go get food, I want some French toast.” Adam states as he straightens up. He glances back at Matty who’s watching with teary eyes and offers him a smile. Matty smiles half-heartedly and steps forward, linking their arms as he turns to Henry and Blue.

“I’m Matthew, Ronan’s brother.” Blue smiles at the info, looping her arm through Matthews as she pulls him forward, Henry taking his previous spot alongside Adam.

“Any embarrassing stories you have to share with me Matthew?” Blue asks as Adam rolls his eyes.

“I don’t know…”

“I’ll buy you a milkshake.”

“Well, there was this one time where he pissed off the cows.”

Lunch is normal, as normal as it has been as of late with Henry trying to feed Adam everything and Blue spilling pregnancy facts that varied from creepy to comedic. Matthew seems to enjoy their company, has already exchanged numbers with both of them by the time Henry drops them off.

Ronan gets home only to find his place empty, he panics wondering where the hell Matty is for a few seconds before the door clicks open as his brother walks in, drinking a milkshake casually.

“Oh, you’re back early.” He states as he walks towards the couch and drops into it with a sigh.

“Jesus Matty, I was about to send out a search team.” Ronan mutters as he drops down next to his brother who scoffs. It’s when he’s close enough that he can smell Adam scent clinging to Matty. He sucks in a breath, trying to inhale as much of the scent as possible and closes his eyes trying to savor it.

“Dude, you’re whipped.” Matty states simply as if Ronan didn’t already know that.

Ronan doesn’t know what changed, what he could of possibly done wrong to make Adam avoid him. He’s retraced his steps, replayed their last conversation, reexamined every interaction they had to figure out his misstep only to come back empty handed. He doesn’t know what he did, but he’s determined to fix it.

“How is he?” Ronan asks his brother only to be greeted with silence. He’s on high alert in a second, eyes snapping open to look over at Matthew who is avoiding eye contact.

“Matty?” The silence is deafening, and Ronan’s feels his heart race erratically at its implication.

“Is he okay? Is the baby okay?” He asks frantically as he stands up, ready to race across the hall. Matty must sense his urgency, grabs his arm before he can turn away.

“They’re okay…”

“What’s wrong Matthew?” Matty flinches at the use of his full name.

“I don’t know, it just didn’t look good. The guy was yelling and threatening him and-“ Ronan doesn’t stick around to hear whatever else Matty might have to say, is across the hall pounding on Adam’s door before he realizes.

“Ronan?” Ronan doesn’t say anything as he pulls Adam into his arms, sighing as he breathes in his scent. Adam seems to relax into his arms completely, tucking his face into Ronan’s neck and releasing a breath. Ronan holds him for a few seconds, allowing himself to relax now that he was Adam in his grasp before pulling back, wiping at the tear that has slipped down Adam’s cheek.

“How do I help?” Ronan asks and more tears start to roll. Ronan wipes them away, closes Adam’s door and moves them towards the couch where his cardigan lays over the cushions.

“What’s wrong?” Ronan asks Adam softly.

“My parents know about the baby.” Adam tells Ronan who frowns.

“Okay, what can we do?”

“What?”

“Parrish, this is obviously freaking you the fuck out so what can we do to fix it?” Adam chokes on a sob as he leans forward, and Ronan pulls him into a tight hug allowing him time to cry it out.

“They’re not even supposed to know where I live Ronan, there’s a restraining order for a reason.” Adam cries and Ronan’s heart speeds up at the implication. Restraining orders weren’t given out easily, especially in small towns like Henreitta.

“They won’t touch you, either of you, I won’t let them.” Ronan states, a promise he intends to keep.

Adam tires himself out, falls asleep pressed against Ronan who gently lays back until they’re laid out across the couch. Ronan’s mind races as he tries to figure out how best to keep Adam safe, he doesn’t have to know the details to know that Adam’s parents weren’t good people, and that knowledge was enough to have Ronan standing outside Henry’s door the following morning.

“Ronan.”

“How can I help keep them safe?” Henry’s brows raise and he looks Ronan over quizzingly before stepping back and motioning for him to step inside.

“What did Adam tell you?” Henry asks as he closes the door.

“Nothing much really, but he’s scared.” Ronan answers as he glances at the Alpha.

“And that’s enough?”

“That’s enough.”

Henry seems to warm up to him after that, and though Ronan can’t really say their friends, they have a text chain where they update one another on Adam pretty regularly. Ronan is sure Adam would hate it, so he doesn’t mention it.

Adam still seems to keep his distance, Ronan gives him a few days before bringing it up.

“Can you tell me why you’ve been avoiding me?” Ronan asks the Omega once Matty has retreated back to Ronan’s apartment. Adam frowns as he plays with the cuffs of Ronan’s cardigan which he wears frequently, it makes Ronan immensely happy to see the Omega wrapped in his clothes, drowning in his scent.

“It’s stupid.”

“Not if it’s been keeping you away from me.” Adam whines and Ronan can’t help but smirk at the blush that grows on Adam’s cheeks.

“Parrish.” Ronan singsongs and Adam sighs as he looks at Ronan.

“Do you not want to tell you friends about us?” Ronan’s brows raise before furrowing in confusion.

“What do you mean?” He asks curiously.

“After Noah’s party, you didn’t seem to be eager to tell them about us.” Ronan’s eyes soften as he scoots closer.

“Parrish, baby, I didn’t want to overstep.” Ronan mutters as he takes Adam’s hand, stopping him from fidgeting any longer.

“They’re your friends.”

“Well yeah, but I didn’t want to scare you away by telling them we’re dating, which we never actually clarified by the way.”

“So you don’t want to date? I mean I get it –“

“No, I mean yes, fuck, Adam I’ve been wanting to date you since the second I saw you.” Ronan cuts in and the two stare at each other in silence until Adam starts to smile.

“So, you want to date me?”

“A hundred percent.”

“And you want to tell your friends about it?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Thank fuck, now get over here so I can kiss you.” Adam laughs but leans forward, smiles when Ronan kisses him firmly.

“I do hope you are aware that your stuck with me now Parrish.” Ronan states when he pulls back.

“As long as you are aware as well baby.” Ronan groans at the mischievous gleam in Adam’s eyes but simply kisses him, making up for the kisses he lost in the last two weeks of misunderstandings.

He tells Noah first, the Beta had been sending him constant messages trying to cheer him up once he knew Adam was in a relationship.

“Oh thank fuck.” Noah sighs as he leans back in the booth.

“I thought I was going to have to break up Adam’s relationship.” Noah mutters lowly and Ronan laughs.

“You’d break up a relationship to spare my feelings?” Ronan asks the blond who scoffs.

“You’re my best friend, of course I’d sabotage a relationship for you.” Noah states matter of factually and Ronan grins.

“Aww buddy.” Noah rolls his eyes as Ronan pinches his cheek already accustomed to Ronan’s affection.

“How’d it happen?” Noah asks curiously. Ronan hesitates, already knowing Noah will find the situation hilarious before telling him.

“So, you were jealous of your brother and that prompted Adam to make the first move?” Noah asks with a laugh.

“Fuck off.”

“Dude, you’re hopeless”

“He’s my boyfriend now and that’s all that matters, alright?” Noah laughs but he’s smiling, and Ronan can’t help but smile back.

“Good, I don’t think I could handle your pining any longer.” Noah states.

While Noah is happy and excited for Ronan, Gansey is weary.

“Ronan, he’s having a kid.” Gansey states slowly as they sit in Gansey’s living room. Ronan had expected this, he knew Gansey was a bit more reasonable and cautious than Noah, knew that he dove into this relationship headfirst.

“Yes, I am aware.”

“Ronan.”

“Gansey.”

“I don’t think you know what you’re getting into Ronan.” Gansey tells him flatly.

“I’m getting into a relationship with someone I really like and who really likes me, someone who just so happens to also be having a baby soon.”

“Ronan, it’s a kid not a puppy.”

“And what you think I’m not ready for that?”

“It’s a baby, one whose father is unknown.”

“Don’t say it like that Dick, he didn’t sleep around and get knocked up, which wouldn’t be a bad thing, he chose to have this baby.”

“Exactly Ronan, he chose this, not you.”

“And I choose him Gans, him and his kid.” Gansey is silent, brows furrowed in what Ronan knows is his thinking face.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” Gansey finally mutters and Ronan knows, he knows that Gansey truly is coming from a good place.

“I know.” He tells his friend who sighs but nods.

“Okay, just be careful, and know I’m here if you need me.” Ronan nods, smiles at Gansey before standing up.

“Thanks, old man, I’ve got to go but I’ll see you later yeah?” Gansey nods as he gets up to hug Ronan tightly before walking him to the door.

Ronan heads back home, knows Adam must be getting home about now and wants nothing more than to be with him. Adam is unlocking his door when Ronan exits the elevator, glances up at him, smiles and Ronan feels himself get pulled in like a moth to flame.

“Hi.” Adam greets when Ronan is at his side.

“Hi.” Ronan responds before kissing him, because he can kiss him freely now.

“Pizza night?” Ronan asks when he pulls away. Adam nods as he opens his door and the two enter his apartment.

“Matty?”

“With a few college friends.” Ronan responds as he pulls Adam to the couch. Adam is already ordering food on his phone, so Ronan pulls him close and presses his nose to Adam’s neck, close enough to his scent gland to breathe it in greedily.

“The usual?” Adam asks and Ronan nods as he wraps an arm around Adam’s waist, fingers tapping on the side of Adam’s growing belly. Adam still preferred to keep the bump hidden, but he had no qualms about Ronan or Matty touching it.

“Told the guys today.” Ronan tells Adam when Adam puts his phone down.

“How’d they take it?” Adam asks, voice tinged with concern.

“Good, Noah’s glad he doesn’t have a relationship to sabotage.” Adam snorts as he glances at Ronan.

“Blue was unsurprised, Henry didn’t seem as freaked out by it as I thought he’d be.” Ronan hums, he figured Blue had caught on and he knew Henry had pieced it together after his visit the week before.

“Have you told your brother?” Adam asks and Ronan raises a brow.

“Matty figured it out a while ago Parrish.”

“The other one Lynch.” Adam clarifies with a roll of his eyes.

“Ah, not yet, that’s definitely something I need to tell him in person once he’s back in town.” Ronan tells Adam who nods in understanding.

“How do you think he’ll take it?”

“He’ll freak for a few days but he’s too much of a softie to really care.” Ronan states and Adam can only hope he’s right.

“Plus, we already have Matty on our side, if all else fails we’ll just have him give Dec those puppy dog eyes and he’ll fold like a shitty lawn chair.”

It’s only when Ronan leaves that Adam truly notices how much he misses the Alpha’s scent when he’s gone. He lays in bed with Ronan’s cardigan at his side, but the piece of clothing no longer holds his scent. He groans as he brings the rainbow cardigan closer, whines once he notices the lack of Ronan in it’s scent. He curses as he flips over, rolling out of bed carefully to head back to his living room.

The pillow on his couch still smells faintly of the Alpha, but even pressing his nose against the item seems to not be enough. He frowns, forcing another whine down as he sits up and hugs the pillow close. He blames his pregnancy once more as he seems to move on auto pilot, walks across the hall and knock on Ronan’s door.

To his surprise the door swings open moments later, said Alpha standing at the doorframe in pajamas.

“Come here.” The alpha states as he pulls him inside. Adam sighs in contentment when he hugs the taller Alpha, inhales his scent happily as Ronan lifts him up and walks them towards his room.

Adam all but moans as Ronan drops him in his bed, tucks himself under the blankets happily while Ronan shuts off the lights and joins him. Ronan presses against his back, arm wrapped around his waist with his nose pressed against the back of Adam’s neck.

“I was about to go drag you here myself.” Ronan mutters and Adam smiles as he falls asleep wrapped up in his Alpha’s scent.

Chapter Text

Adam had a problem, one that wasn’t going away despite his best efforts.

“Fuck.” He whines as he drops onto his bed, sex toy tossed to the side as it had brought him no relief and only seemed to aggravate him more.

His doctor had warned him about this faintly, and his late-night doom scrolling on both Reddit and TikTok had only confirmed his suspicion. He had reached the horny stage in his pregnancy. He of course knew it was a possibility; pregnancy hormones often caused an increase in libido, but he was not prepared for the intensity of it.

Adam had figured that his sex toys would suffice, they often were enough for his mild heats so he had made sure he had them within reach. Adam was not, however, betting on starting a relationship with his gorgeous neighbor in the midst of his pregnancy. Said neighbor seemed to be the only thing occupying his mind as of late, and he found himself often imagining having the Alpha at his side.

It should have made it easier, having someone to fantasize about as he got off, but it only seemed to make it harder to get off it all. All he wanted was the Alpha and his body seemed to refuse to finish with only the man’s image in mind. His body, fortunately, could be tricked Adam found out. The scent of the Alpha combined with his favorite toy could do the trick most days, but only when the scent was fresh enough, which unfortunately was not the current case.

Adam huffs, sits up in bed and glares at the hoodie he had stolen from the Alpha as if it was at fault for losing Ronan’s scent. Adam groans when his alarm goes off, signaling his need to get up and shower in order to meet up with his friends for a bowling night.

Adam showers thoroughly, making sure the scent of arousal doesn’t stick to him, spraying himself with a scent blocker before he changes into his jeans that barely fit and a oversized band shirt that most definitely is stolen from Ronan’s closet. Despite its large size Adam’s bump is visible, it pokes out enough that the shirt hugs it slightly.

Ronan and Matty wait for him by the elevator and Ronan grins sharply when he spots the shirt Adam is wearing.

“You look good.” He states and Matty fakes a gag causing Adam to laugh as Ronan pulls him closer, dropping a kiss on his temple before interlocking their fingers.

“You’re the reason we’re together so shut it.” Matty grins brightly as the elevator doors open and the three of them are soon in Ronan’s car on the way to the bowling alley, Ronan’s car which now has two seat belt extenders. Adam meets Ronan’s eyes as he clicks in his seatbelt and smiles at the Alpha who smiles back as he turns on the car.

The bowling alley is luckily not very busy and by the time they get there their friend group has already acquired two bowling lanes. Matty, somehow, is already halfway to them, eyes dead set on the plate of wings on one of the tables.

“Wings and bowling don’t seem like a good mix.” Adam mutters to Ronan who snorts.

“Definitely not sanitary.” Ronan agrees as they reach the group getting greeted happily by their friends.

“Everyone bowling?” Gansey asks.

“Nope, if I bend down we might have a reenactment of that Breaking Dawn scene.” Matty states as he tosses a bone into the trashcan at his side. Matthew is well into his eighth month, a whole three months further along than Adam himself, and his belly has defiantly toppled him over once or twice when he’s bent over.

“I’ll try.” Adam states when Gansey glances his way curiously. As it turns out, Adam sucks at bowling pregnant or not. He quickly bows out when he almost loses his balance, Ronan’s steady hands saving him from a nosedive. Eventually he sits down and everyone else takes turns bowling for him.

Adam is happily watching and chatting with Matty when his nose starts to bleed. He curses lowly and Ronan turns his way quickly, eyes widening when he spots both Matty and Adam scrambling to stop it.

“Shit babe, you okay?” He asks worriedly as he moves forward, pinching Adam’s nose for him as he tilts his head down.

“They’re common.” Henry states from behind him as he pokes his head over Ronan’s shoulder.

“Pinch tight, I’ll get him a water bottle.” Henry orders before walking away. The blood is soaking the tissue and dripping onto Ronan’s shirt and Adam frowns at the sight.

“Sorry.” He mutters nasally and Ronan rolls his eyes.

“Part of the package Parrish.” He states as he quickly swaps out the blood soaked tissues for the clean ones Matty holds his way. Ronan pulls the tissues away as Henry returns with a few water bottles discarding them once he realizes it’s stopped bleeding. Blue holds out a wet cloth for him to clean the blood away and he happily does so before taking the water bottle Henry hands him.

“I want half of that bottle gone by the time my turn comes up.” Henry states with a pointed look after Adam takes a sip. Adam salutes him mockingly and pushes one of the extra water bottles Matty’s way.

“We’re both suffering through this.” He tells the younger Omega who laughs as he takes the offered water bottle.

He is not halfway through the water bottle by the time Henry’s turn is up, too entertained as he watches his friend group all fail at bowling. Ronan sits next to him and nudges him lightly after his failed turn.

“Drink more water.” He states and Adam groans when he realizes he will now have to deal with two overbearing Alpha’s.

“Great, there’s two of you now.” He mutters causing Henry to turn his way.

“Don’t start with me Adam, drink.”

“Let the man breath.” Noah defends from his spot though he looks amused with the entire situation.

“He can breathe when the kid comes out healthy.” Henry states and Ronan nods in agreement.

“Blue, I’m moving in.”

“Anytime boyfriend, there’s a spare room with your name on it.” Blue tells him with a grin.

“Wait no, you can’t ditch me Adam, who else will try out my weird food cravings?” Matty whines and Adam is a sucker for the younger Omega especially when his eyes water.

“Blue, I’m not moving in.” Blue cackles while Ronan ruffles his younger brother’s hair with a smirk.

“I hate all of you.”

Adam’s work schedule slows down when one of the Surgeons has to head out of town which means less need of the anesthesiologist. Matty ends up hanging out at his place much more often, Ronan working in his art studio to keep the paint fumes away from his younger brother means he’s home alone frequently.

“How many of his cardigans did you steal?” Matty asks as eats a slice of his peach. Adam is currently wearing the Rainbow one, but the black on his laid over the sofa and the brown one is draped over the dining chair.

“Some.” Adam answers vaguely as he browses baby shops online. His need to nest was growing and he had mildly panicked when he realized he hadn’t bought one item for the baby’s nursery.

Matty hums as he watches Adam, he’s currently laid out on the couch with one of Adam’s blankets, he’s in a large sweatshirt which Adam has learned belongs to Declan. Adam has learned that the two younger Lynch brothers have broken into Declan’s townhouse a few times to steal his clothes when Matty grew to miss his older brother too much.

“You getting horny yet?” Matty asks curiously causing Adam to choke on his water, cheeks burning red.

“Matthew.” He snaps and the blond laughs.

“What? Did you forget I’m also pregnant here? I’m so glad I got to live on my own those few weeks cause it was bad.” Adam drops his head on the table willing his embarrassment to go away. He knew it was natural but hearing the younger Omega, his boyfriend’s younger brother, talk about it was not high on his topics of conversation lists.

“Oh, am I causing issues? I can go home for a bit, tell Ronan I’m missing my nest or something.” Matty mutters.

“It’s not you Matty.” Adam reassures as he sits up, ignoring the blonds stare as he continues to look through the multitude of crib options.

“Then what’s the problem?” Matty asks and Adam groans as he leans back, realizing he’s really about to have this conversation with Ronan’s younger brother.

“I can’t finish.”

“As in ‘finish’?” Matty accompanies the word with jazz hands and Adam laughs at the absurdity of it despite his red cheeks.

“Huh, Ronan that bad in bed?”

“Jesus Matty, no- I don’t… we haven’t got there yet.” The blonds eyes widen in understanding.

“Well, why not?”

“Matty, we’ve been together for like a month.”

“So? I was knocked up in a night, way less than a month.” Adam rolls his eyes at the younger man’s words though he knows it doesn’t really matter, Adam has had many hookups with many people he barely even knew.

“It’s different.” That Matty seems to understand, eyes softening minutely.

“Look, I think you two are it for one another and sex is going to happen eventually might as well take advantage of the pregnancy horniness. That being said, please refrain from doing so when I’m in the same apartment.” Matty dodges the empty water bottle Adam throws his way and drops the topic though Adam keeps his words in mind, knowing he’ll probably have to have that embarrassing conversation with Ronan soon if his hormones kept acting up.

Soon ends up being a few days later, when he ends up sitting in Ronan’s lap head thrown back as he moans, Ronan sucking a bruise onto his neck while Adam clutches his sweatshirt.

“Ronan.” Adam warns when the Alpha inches closer to his scent gland. Ronan smirks before pulling back, guiding Adam back to connect them in another bruising kiss. Adam whines when he feels his arousal grow, can feel himself start to slick. Adam pulls back, trying to catch his breath as Ronan continues to kiss down his neck before groaning.

“Fuck, you smell fucking divine.” Ronan states, voice low and gravely. Adam kisses him to shut him up, loses himself in all that is Ronan. Ronan’s hands land on his waist and start to trail down. Adam’s arousal grows and as much as he wants to lose himself in pleasure, he pulls back.

“Ro, baby.” Ronan looks up at him with arousal clear in his eyes and Adam almost folds.

“Baby, we have to talk.” Ronan sobers up almost instantly, sits up and tightens his hold on Adam in the process.

“What’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Is this too fast?” Ronan asks, brows furrowed.

“No, yes- shit Ronan, we’ve been together for a month.”

“So, you want to slow down?”

“No, Ronan I’ve been wanting to jump your bones for the last week.” Adam admits and Ronan’s brows raise in surprise.

“Okay, Parrish, I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m kinda in the same boat here.” Ronan states, he rolls his hips up to elaborate and Adam groans.

“It’s only been a month.” Adam reiterates and Ronan gently cups his face.

“Babe, I’ve been half in love with you from the start, this was never going to be a normal relationship.” Adam’s breath hitches but he carries on.

“I don’t want you to think that I’m only using you for the sex.” Adam tells Ronan who scoffs.

“Parrish, you can use me all you like.” Ronan states with a sharp grin and earning himself a smack on the arm.

“Though I am serious, we might not be moving at a conventional rate but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong Parrish.” Adam nods at Ronan’s words, smiles when Ronan pulls him closer.

“So, you going to use me tonight, Parrish?” Adam groans at the wording but smiles when Ronan kisses him firmly.

Adam’s not surprised to find that sex with Ronan is completely different from sex with his previous partners. Everything he’s experienced with the taller Alpha has differed from his previous relationships. Sex was no different, and Adam’s unsure if it’s the pregnancy hormones or just Ronan that make it so pleasurable.

Either way the sex is great, and not being horny all the fucking time thanks to his amazing boyfriend is definitely a plus.

“Can you pick up more apples?” Adam asks Ronan on the phone as he cleans around the apartment. Matthew is asleep across the hall and Adam is taking advantage of the lack of distractions to finally clean.

“Sure, thing babe.” Ronan states on the other line. The Alpha was on his way home but had stopped at the grocery store to get some things he was missing.

“Pasta for dinner?” Ronan asks though Adam’s isn’t paying him any attention, all his focus on his baby who he finally gets a chance to feel.

“Fuck.” He curses softly in relief, dropping onto the couch with a sigh.

“Parrish, babe you okay?” Ronan asks urgently from the other line.

“I’m okay, we’re okay. I felt the baby move.” He tells his boyfriend who lets out a breath.

“The baby moved?” Ronan asks.

“The baby moved.” He repeats and he knows Ronan is aware of his relief. He’s just hit his twenty first week and he’d been struggling to not freak out about the lack of movements from his baby. His doctor told him it was normal for him not to feel any movement, but he knew most people felt their babies move sometime after the twelfth week.

“Thank fuck.” Ronan mutters and Adam laughs.

“Little fucker was giving me gray hairs.” Ronan tells him and Adam’s eyes burn with the knowledge that the Alpha was also as worried as Adam.

“Little fucker wants an apple.” Adam mutters, not willing to tell the Alpha that he really just wants to be in his arms.

“Well, little fucker is lucky, I’m leaving the store now.”

“See you soon.”

“You bet babe.” Adam tosses his phone to the side continues to clean until he hears the lock click and Ronan walks in, holding up a bag of apples like it’s a prize.

“Your apples my lord.” Adam rolls his eyes as he takes the bag, kisses Ronan firmly and smiles when the Alpha hugs him and scents him thoroughly. Adam walks slowly towards the kitchen, Ronan attached to his back with his nose pressed against his neck the entire time.

“You smell good.” Ronan tells him and Adam hums as he slices up his apple.

“I’ve got an appointment next week, I’ll find out the gender if the baby allows.” Adam tells his boyfriend who wraps an arm around his bump and makes a noise of acknowledgement. His kid had been uncooperative the last time he had an appointment, so despite being in his fifth month of pregnancy Adam was yet to find out what his baby was.

“Would you want to join?” Adam asks casually as he drops a dollop of caramel on the apple splices. Ronan picks his head up, pulls back slightly to glance at Adam.

“You sure?”

“Mhm, Henry will be there too, but I wouldn’t mind the extra body.”

“Well then fuck yeah Parrish, give me the details and I’ll be there.”

Ronan is in fact there, is already in the waiting room by the time Adam and Henry arrive.

“Lynch, glad to see you joining us.” Henry states when he spots him and Ronan’s shocked to hear the sincerity of the statement. Henry had warmed up to him quite a bit since Ronan showed up at his place and the two now shared memes and talked frequently.

“Glad to be here.” Adam smiles as he takes the seat next to Ronan and Ronan throws a hand over his shoulder and kisses his temple.

Adam gets called back a few minutes later and soon they’re in a dark room watching the grainy image of Adam’s baby on the screen. Ronan watches attentively, it frankly looks a little alien like, but Ronan can’t look away. The baby is half Adam, which means it already holds all of Ronan’s attention simply by being there.

“Are you crying?” Adam asks in shock after Ronan studies and memorizes the image onscreen.

“Shut it Parrish.” Adam laughs and it’s a wet sound that forces Ronan to look his way, finally looking away from the picture of Adam’s baby.

“Fuck you.” Adam mutters with a grin and Ronan kisses him quickly and wipes away his tears before glancing back at the screen ignoring the way Henry watches the exchange fondly.

“Ready to know what the gender is Adam?” Doctor Park asks and Adam nods, hand gripping Ronan’s tightly. Doctor Park grins and points at the screen.

“You’ve got yourself a little boy here Adam.” Adam’s smile is bright, and Ronan is blinded by it. God, he’s so gone it hurts.

The doctor prints out little ultrasound pictures for them and asks a few more questions before they go. Adam’s next appointment is scheduled on a day Ronan knows he’s off because he’d be damned to miss an appointment now that he’s gotten a glimpse of the little baby that is half of Adam. They grab lunch together, tacos at a taco truck because the appointment was scheduled during Henry’s lunch break, before they part ways heading back to Adam’s place as Henry gets back to work.

“I’ve got something for you.” Ronan tells Adam as they enter Adam’s apartment. Adam raises a brow but stays put as Ronan rushes back to his place and grabs his gift from his room and rushes back to Adam.

“It’s mostly for the baby.” Ronan informs Adam as he hands over the bag and Adam glances at him before opening said gift, pausing momentarily when he spots the dark blue fabric.

“Ronan.” He breathes out when he realizes what it is. The baby blanket is just as soft as he remembers it to be, a shimmery gold woven into the dark blue fabric.

“We didn’t even know the gender.” Adam reminds the Alpha who shrugs.

“Had a feeling.” He states and soon has the Omega in his arms.

“Thank you.”

“Well, I have to get the little guy on my side quick if I’m going to be helping you raise him.” Adam hugs him tightly, presses his nose against Ronan’s neck and breathes in his scent to keep himself from crying in sheer awe.

“We definitely did this the unconventional way Ro.”

“Life’s more fun that way babe.”

Chapter Text

Despite previously freaking Adam the fuck out with his lack of presence, the baby, which Ronan still affectionately refers to as ‘little fucker’, is moving almost constantly. Adam’s trying to nap, because growing a baby is fucking tiring and he’s just gotten off of work. He’s in Ronan’s bed, the Alpha’s scent is soothing him to sleep and said Alpha is reading some parenting book while holding Adam against him.

He’s almost asleep, on the cusp of getting there when his son kicks causing him to groan as it wakes him right up. The baby kicks again and this time Adam notices that Ronan has gone still.

“Ro?”

“Did he kick?” Adam hums before realizing what Ronan said.

“Did you feel that?” He asks his boyfriend as he pulls back. Ronan nods, eyes on Adam’s baby bump and Adam waits for a few seconds, watching his stomach move with the force of the next kick.

“Holy fuck.” Ronan curses with a grin. The baby kicks again, almost in acknowledgement, and Adam knows he’s just getting started and any plans for a nap are now void.

“Looks like he’s going to be active tonight.” Adam sighs as he moves to sit up only to be pulled back by the Alpha.

“Relax, maybe he’ll calm down in a bit.” Ronan states as he pulls Adam closer. Ronan sticks his nose in Adam’s neck, wrapping around him like an octopus. Adam presses in closer, feels his son kick again as he scents Ronan and closes his eyes.

“Little fucker must really want to make his presence known.” Ronan whispers but true to his words the baby’s kicks slow down, stopping as Adam slips into sleep.

His son seems to become much more active in the following days, Henry is convinced he’ll be his favorite as the baby kicks every time Henry greets them. Blue has yet to feel the baby kick as his son seems to be asleep or simply ignoring his fellow Omega anytime she’s around.

“This isn’t fair.” Blue mutters darkly, glaring at his belly from where she sits.

“Maybe he can feel your glare.” Noah chimes in.

“Maybe he’s mad that you used to make out with his dad.” Henry mutters and Gansey chokes on his drink.

“Pardon?”

“They used to date.” Ronan states, having known about their brief history from a previous conversation.

“Got a problem with it?” Blue asks with a raised challenging brow.

“Yeah, Gansey, you got a problem with it?” Noah asks with a smirk, obviously amused.

“Not at all!” Gansey all but shouts, cheeks burning and Ronan cackles.

“Seems like you do.” Henry jokes and Gansey quickly shakes his head.

“No, no, that’s great, lovely even! Go Omegas.” Blue snorts as Gansey drops his head into his hands and groans, Ronan and Noah laughing loudly.

“I mean, I get it Blue, if he wasn’t dating my brother I would kiss him.” Matthew states from Adam’s side where he sits eating his peaches. Adam chuckles fondly while Ronan’s nose scrunches, looking at his brother in shock as Matty blows a kiss Adam’s way.

“Dude.”

“What? He’s hot, you’ve seen him.” Matty defends and both Blue and Noah raise their cups in agreement.

“Does everyone want my boyfriend?” Ronan asks in mock horror as he pulls Adam closer.

“Okay, okay, he’s hot, whatever. Why won’t the baby kick?” Blue asks as she resumes her glaring.

“He seems to kick for everyone else.” Adam answers with a shrug which does nothing to help Blue’s mood.

“It’s okay, at least Aurora likes me. She’ll be my favorite.” Blue states as she places a hand on Matty’s baby bump, earning a kick instantly. She sticks her tongue out Adam’s way and he laughs. Ronan pokes his stomach, earns a kick and sticks his tongue out at Blue who glares while Matty laughs.

“Any names yet for baby Parrish?” Noah asks Adam who shakes his head.

“Can’t think of anything.” He tells the Beta honestly.

“Henry has a nice ring to it.” Henry states nonchalantly.

“Noah’s better.”

“I think Cyan is cool.” Blue states.

“Or Mathias.” Matty cuts in.

“Please don’t name him Richard.” Gansey pleads, earning laughs all around.

“Less than three months now Adam.” Henry reminds him.

“I guess it’s time to bust out the baby books.” Adam jokes even though he is aware that he should be thinking about his son’s name a bit more.

Adam does look over baby name books the next few days, trying and failing to find a name for his unborn son. He’s looking through another book, enjoying his day off when someone knocks on the door. He glances at the clock, figured it must be Matty bored out of his mind now that he was done working from home.

There’s no one at the door, a simple white envelope sits on his welcome mat ominously. Adam stares at it for a few seconds, stomach in knots before he looks around for a glimpse of who might’ve left it. Adam slowly bends to grab it, being careful not top topple over due to the size of his bump.

He smells Robert’s scent instantly, fingers tightening on the closed letter at the sharp scent of anger that wafts off the envelope. He triple checks the lock when he closes the door, drops onto the sofa and opening the letter quickly.

“Fuck.” Adam curses as he looks over the letter.

He learns three things from the letter very quickly, one is that his parents know where he lives, down to the apartment number which sends a shiver down his spine. Two is that his parents somehow know he’s having a son, refer to him in the letter as his ‘bastard son’. Three is that despite having been out of his life for over a decade, Robert still has the ability to shake him to his core.

They want money, money to stay away from them, money in exchange for not touching his son. The mere thought has him emptying his stomach into a trash can.

Adam knows he’s freaking out, he’s breathing heavily, his heart is racing and his fingers are starting to go numb from the lack of oxygen. He loses time, dissociates completely until he feels cold hands cupping his face.

“Babe, baby, I need you to breathe for me, okay? Breathe, in and out sweetheart, c’mon breathe for me baby.” Adam chokes on a sob, leans forwards into Ronan who wraps his arms around him securely and releases his calming scent. Adam holds him tightly, fingers gripping onto Ronan’s shirt like a lifeline.

“Are you okay? Both of you? Babe, I need to know you guys are okay.” Ronan states as he pulls back to stare into Adam’s watery eyes.

“We’re okay, we’re okay.” Adam whispers and Ronan sags in relief as he pulls him closer, nose dropping into Adam’s neck. Adam wants to crawl back into his arms and not come back out, knows in his heart that Ronan would keep him safe.

“Baby, what’s going on? Tell me how to help.” Ronan mumbles and for a second Adam considers lying but his son kicks, almost as if he knew what Adam was planning and Adam hands Ronan the letter.

He watches the Alpha read through it, sees the way his brows furrow, watches the cold fury take over, can smell the anger in the air.

“He’s hurt you?” It’s more of a statement than a question but Adam nods.

“I was a late bloomer, when I manifested as an Omega at seventeen he beat me so bad that I broke my wrist and lost partial hearing in my left ear.” Ronan’s nostrils flare, scent spiking with anger before he shuts it down completely. Adam whines at the loss of his Alpha’s scent and he smells Ronan’s scent come back minutely in response, anger still evident.

Ronan had been aware of his partial hearing loss, having arrived at Adam’s place while Adam slept on his right side. After scaring the literal piss out of the pregnant Omega he had learned that Adam had lost his hearing but never learned how.

“Adam, baby, I want you to stay with me and Matty okay? At least for a little while, I need you to be close to me.” Ronan tells him when he glances at him. Adam nods as Ronan presses his forehead against Adams.

“They won’t touch you, either of you. I’ll make sure of it baby, I swear.” Ronan states and Adam believes him.

Ronan helps him pack up some clothes, knowing that they’re only across the hall if they need more before they head to Ronan’s apartment where Matty is quick to attach himself to Adam.

“You weren’t opening the door.” Matty whines as Adam hugs him.

“Sorry kid, was a little in my head.” Matthew pouts and Adam coos as he scents the younger Omega quickly.

“But now you’re stuck with me, get to spend all our free time together.” Adam tells the blond who grins brightly, scent bright and happy.

“Oh, this is going to be fun! We can annoy Ronan together!” Matty proudly declares.

Ronan’s scent soothes Adam and despite his fear, coming home to Ronan’s apartment feels like he’s entering a safe haven. He’s immensely relieved that Ronan had offered his home as a refuge for Adam. He comes home to often find both Ronan and Matty waiting for him to have dinner. Spends his days off with Matty who he’s quickly come to realize is one of those people who can brighten up any day. Gets to fall a bit more for Ronan every single moment they are together.

He wakes up one morning when Ronan slips out of bed, whines at the lack of warmth and the sudden lack of his Alpha’s scent. Ronan shushes him as he runs his fingers through Adam’s hair and pulls the blanket up higher.

“Shh, get some more sleep babe, I’m just running to the studio quickly to send out a piece.” Ronan whispers before kissing Adam quickly. Adam does as told, waking when he hears a knock on Ronan’s bedroom door. Despite Matty’s clinginess, he never has entered Ronan’s room without permission, perhaps his own Omega has realized that Adam had started to nest and tried to respect the space.

“Are we watching Brooklyn 99?” Adam asks as he opens the bedroom door, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to wake up. His eyes widen when he spots the usually bubbly blond bent over, tears in his eyes.

“I think I’m in labor.” Matty states before hissing. Adam’s eyes widen as he moves to help the blond, helping him towards the living room where the young Omega drops onto the sofa and tries to breath slowly.

“How far apart are the contractions?”

“Umm, six minutes- I think.”

“They lasting a whole minute?” Adam asks, heart aching at the pain evident in Matty’s face. Matthew nods while Adam grabs his keys and wallet.

“Your wallet by the door?” Adam asks the younger Omega who nods quickly.

“Bag in the same place?” Matty nods and Adam moves to grab both things. Adam is calling Ronan as he rushes around the apartment to gather their things. Ronan doesn’t answer, which is on brand but not what Adam needs from his boyfriend at the moment.

“C’mon Matt, let’s go.” Adam urges the Omega when he has everything. Matthew nods before hissing as he bends over, face contorted in pain.

“Shit, Adam how the hell am I supposed to do this?” Matty cries as Adam winces in sympathy.

“Matthew you can do this, I know you can.” Matty nods at Adam’s words while Adam guides him to the elevator sighing in relief when he spots Ronan. Ronan’s eyes widen as he rushes over, wincing when Matty lets out a cry and grips at Adam’s arm.

“Matthews in labor.” Adam tells his boyfriend who snorts as he settles on Matty’s other side.

“Couldn’t tell.” Ronan deadpans as they head to the elevator. Adam sits in the back seat with Matty while Ronan drives and soon they are at the hospital with Matthew being checked into a room.

“You’ll be with me right?” Matty asks, teary eyed as he stares at Adam, holding on to his arm painfully. Adam nods and smiles as he squeezes the blonds arm.

“The entire time.” Adam promises.

Declan is called, and despite being in a whole different country he finds a flight to get him home by the following morning. Aurora, however, has no desire to wait for her uncle to get home and that combined with Matty waiting until the last second to tell anyone he was in labor means Aurora is born only five hours after Matty is checked into his room.

Adam cries along with Matty when she’s born, she’s crying loudly as she’s placed on Matty’s chest, tiny and red in the face, obviously overwhelmed with being born. Her head is full of thin blonde hair and as she calms down you can see she takes after her Irish roots and her skin is pale.

Ronan is teary eyed as he cuts the umbilical cord while Adam is fussing over Matty, Omega instincts on hyperdrive as he wipes at the sweat dripping down his face and helps him drink water.

By the time they bring Aurora back Adam and a nurse have helped Matty take a quick shower and they’ve been moved to a new room. Matty cries again when he holds her, scents her thoroughly while Adam finally gets a chance to sit down.

“Tired babe?” Ronan asks quietly as he runs his fingers through Adam’s hair. Adam nods and Ronan drapes his cardigan over Adam’s shoulders and the Alpha’s scent seems to lull him to sleep.
Ronan watches as Adam falls to sleep with a small smile before turning back to his brother who is watching his daughter fondly. It still amazes him that Matty is a father, but he knows without a doubt that Matthew will be a great father. He’s got to see him grow and knows his sweet little brother will be great.

“He looks tired.” Matty whispers as he glances at Adam.

“Little fucker is a night owl.” Ronan informs his brother. Matty grins and motions him over, holds Aurora out to him and Ronan only hesitates a second before taking his niece into his arms.

Ronan knew she’d be tiny, but she feels so fragile and miniscule in his arms. She’s sleeping peacefully, long blonde eyelashes fluttering and her nose twitches twice as he bounces her probably getting familiar with the new scent.

“Declan’s coming right?” Matthew asks, looking worried when Ronan looks his way.

“Of course, he is Matty. He’d be here already if there wasn’t an ocean separating us.” Ronan assures his younger brother who smiles halfheartedly.

“I know he was mad about her.” Matty mutters lowly as he keeps his eyes on his sleeping daughter.

“He was surprised kid but he was never mad.” Matty looks up at him, disbelief evident in his expression.

“He hates her father.”

“But he doesn’t hate her, he’ll never hate her.” Ronan assures his younger brother who nods quickly, wiping at his teary eyes.

“Get some sleep Matty, visiting hours start in a few hours.” Ronan tells his brother who nods and smiles. He’s clearly worn out and falls asleep quickly while Ronan takes a seat next to his sleeping boyfriend.

Ronan glances down at his sleeping niece and smiles.

“You are loved, you hear me? Regardless of who your father is.” Ronan tells her as he settles in watching over three, four, of the most important people in his life.

Noah and Gansey are the first to arrive the following morning, both with gifts and flowers and ballons in hand. Noah greets Matthew briefly before heading to the bassinet while Gansey hovers.

“Aw, she’s cute.”

“Well, she’s mine so…” Noah laughs at the youngest while he leans closer just as Henry and Blue arrive also laden with gifts. They both greet Matty, Blue handing him a plate of sliced peaches which causes him to squeal happily as he pulls her into a hug.

“She’s really trying to be the favorite.” Adam mutters earning himself a middle finger.

The group stays a bit longer, dispersing when Gansey and Noah volunteer to pick up Declan from the airport, Henry volunteers to take Adam home so he could rest before work, while Blue heads to work and Ronan sticks with Matty.

Matthew is sleeping when Declan walks into the room. He’s dressed more casually than Ronan is used to seeing him, in a pair of sweats and a burgundy Harvard sweatshirt. He’s obviously tired though he holds a bouquet of flowers and a peach colored teddy bear in hand and he relaxes visibly when he spots Matty sleeping.

“Did you really rent a private plane?” Ronan asks and Declan simply flicks him off as she steps closer, running a hand through Matty’s curls before putting the flowers down.

“Where is she?” He asks as he looks around the room in search of his new niece.

“They took her for testing an hour ago, should be back soon.” Declan nods before crossing the room and collapsing next to Ronan on the couch.

“How’s he doing?”

“Good, scared that you’ll hate her.” Declan looks at him in disbelief before he groans.

“Fuck, why would he ever think that?” Declan asks looking put off by the thought. Ronan shrugs, knows that Declan is aware of Matthew’s thought process.

“I’ll talk to him.” Declan mumbles as he glances at his younger brother who still sleeps soundly.

“He told me about Adam.” Declan states.

“Did he now?” Though Ronan isn’t surprised that Matty spilled the beans to Declan before Ronan got the chance to, he had only been waiting because he wanted to see his reaction to Adam having a baby. Wanted to know if his brother was going to be supportive about Ronan wanting to be a part of the equation.

“Said your fucking gone for him.” Ronan laughs while Declan smiles softly.

“You could’ve told me.” Declan tells him as he elbows him softly and Ronan nods.

“Wanted you to meet him first, see why I fell so fucking hard.” Ronan tells him honestly.

“Must be some guy to have you all love struck.”

“Fuck off.” Declan grins, looks ready to retort when the door opens and a nurse pushes in a bassinet.

“She’s all yours.” The nurse states as Declan stands, smoothes out his sweatshirt as if he’s in a fucking meeting or something. He thanks her as he steps closer while Ronan watches his older brother get teary eyed for the first time in years.

“She’s perfect.” Declan states as he stares down at her. Ronan stands and steps closer, watches as she blinks up at them before yawning, stretching adorably in the pink onesie Adam had bought her.

“It’s the Lynch genes.” Ronan tells Declan who chuckles as he moves to pick her up gently, cradling her close with devotion clear in his eyes.

“Declan?” Matty calls out causing both Ronan and Declan to turn his way. Matty’s blue eyes water, his lip quivers and Declan is handing Aurora over gently before crossing the room to pull his younger brother into a tight hug.

“You actually came?”

“I told you I would be here Matty.” Declan states and Matty cries harder. Ronan stays in his spot, gently rocking his niece knowing Matthew needed Declan.

Declan who had given up his childhood to keep both his brothers out of foster care, who had raised them both in their most difficult years. Ronan had hated him for a bit, stubborn and angry because he had lost his brother while simultaneously losing his parents. It took him some time to realize how selfless Declan had been, how tiring it must have been. Matty had never rebelled against Declan, had tucked himself underneath his older brother for protection and looked up to him immensely. Matthew and Declan had a totally different relationship than Ronan and Declan did, one that Ronan knew bordered on parental despite the small age gap.

“Now, I’m going to cuddle that little girl until she’s sick of me and you’re going to tell me everything I’ve missed out on.” Declan orders once Matty has stopped crying. Matty laughs and nods. Declan is quick to take Aurora back into his arms but Ronan doesn’t mind, happy to see his older brother smiling after so long.

Chapter Text

Ronan gets more protective and possessive over Adam after Matty gives birth. Adam figures it’s his instincts zeroing in now that there was only one pregnant Omega to protect. Either way, despite his previous distaste of the typical Alpha behaviors, he found he didn’t mind the way the Alpha scented him thoroughly or kept him tucked close whenever they were out.

“Careful.” Ronan snaps at Noah when the Beta accidentally bumps into Adam as he stretches. Noah is quick to raise his arms and back up while Adam grabs Ronan’s arm and pulls him closer.

“Do you think you can grab me a water?” Adam asks, pulling Ronan’s attention away from Noah who was surprisingly calm despite the deadly glare Ronan had pointed his way.

“Do you need anything else?” Ronan asks as he pulls away from the Omega who shakes his head with a smile.

“Has he been this bad the whole time? Because he seems worse lately.” Blue mutters as she watched Ronan walk away.

“He’s gotten a tad bit overprotective since Matty moved out.” Adam tells the group as he watches the Alpha fondly.

Matthew had moved back in with Declan the moment he was released from the hospital. It had only been a week, but the lack of his brother’s presence had seemingly snapped something in the older Alpha.

“Dude, you smell just like him.” Noah states and Adam can feel himself blushing as he shrugs.

“It’s pretty common for Alpha’s to be territorial of pregnant mates.” Henry offers nonchalantly from his spot on the picnic blanket Blue had brought.

“But they aren’t mates.” Gansey points out not realizing the sharp ache Adam feels at his words.

“Aren’t they?” Henry asks just as Ronan reappears with a water bottle in hand, lid already cracked off. Adam smiles up at the Alpha from his spot on the picnic blanket, takes a sip of the water bottle and watches the way the Alpha preens before sitting next to Adam, throwing a protective hand over Adam’s shoulders quickly.

The picnic was Blue’s idea, stating that both Adam and Henry needed some fresh air after working four full shifts in the clinic. Of course, if Adam was there and Ronan was off, Ronan joined resulting in the remaining two Aglionby boys joining too. Blue didn’t mind, packed more food and grabbed another blanket, and now the group was settled under a shaded tree in the park, the farmers market thriving in the distance.

“So, have you met your last in-law yet Adam?” Noah asks the Omega who shakes his head as he closes the water bottle, taking the slice of apple Ronan holds out his way.

“Not yet, Declan won’t leave Matty alone yet and Matty’s nesting and won’t let anyone in.” Adam tells them. The younger Omega has only allowed his two brothers to visit him and his daughter since he was discharged. Adam understood completely, his own nesting was kicking in despite the fact that he was staying in Ronan’s place. He’d washed the sheets of the bed six times in the past weekend alone.

“You nervous?” Blue asks as he dips the apple in the caramel tub Ronan had pulled out from the tote he’d brought from home.

“Not really, Matty seems to think he’ll like me so I’m just hoping he’s right.” Matty had been texting Adam nonstop, apologizing profusely for not allowing the fellow Omega to visit and filling the chat with pictures of Aurora to make up for it.

“Well, if anyone can sway Declan it’s definitely Matthew.” Gansey states as Blue starts to distribute the food from her wicker picnic basket. Adam finishes his apple before taking the offered sandwich, his appetite having increased in the last few weeks.

Their picnic is going well until a soccer ball rolls their way stopping ridiculously close to Adam. Adam barely reacts, Henry and Ronan however are up in seconds.

“Watch it.” Henry snaps as he steps in front of Adam while Adam sighs and glances at Ronan whose eyes are narrowed as he glares at the group of men who had been playing soccer.

“I’m sorry dude, Nicky sucks at soccer.” The guy states as he runs a hand through his short hair.

“It’s okay.” Adam states.

“Bullshit, he could’ve hurt you.” Ronan states

“He didn’t.” Adam points out though he goes ignored by the two angry Alphas. Adam sighs as Gansey stands, moving forward to try to calm both men while Adam mourns his peaceful picnic.

“Guys, I’m fine.” Adam calls. Ronan turns his way, anger evident in his face as Adam tries to stand, glad his stomach had yet to fully pop out. Ronan is still at his side to hold him steady while he stands, keeping a firm hand on Adam while glaring daggers at the man who had kicked the ball their way.

“We’re okay.” Adam tells Ronan gently trying to get the Alpha to stop glaring at the poor man who had now stepped behind his friends. Ronan glances back at him, looking him over quickly before glancing down at his stomach. Adam’s son kicks at that point and Ronan releases a breath before pulling Adam closer.

“Alright.” Ronan mutters and Adam smiles at him before focusing on Henry who was still yelling at the poor man.

“Henry, relax it was an accident, we’re all good.” Adam tells his pack Alpha who glances at him and huffs out a breath, kicking the soccer ball back towards the group of friends who watched the exchange anxiously.

“Fine, but we’re throwing picnics in my apartment from now on.” Henry snaps unhappily as he stomps over and helps Blue finish packing up the picnic.

Adam’s work schedule is hectic the following week, his schedule clashing with Ronan’s every day to the point where they almost don’t see each other at all despite Adam all but living with the Alpha now. Adam had wanted to move back into his place when his nesting started to get worse, however Ronan was insistent that he stay with him. Adam had argued twice, not wanting to impose, before he caught Roberts scent at his door and dropped the subject.

Adam is fumbling with his keys and the mail when he drops the keys and groans. Bending over took effort now and it often took him some time to get back off the floor. He sighs as he shifts the mail into one arm and starts to move only to stop when a pale hand picks up the keys from the floor.

His thanks die on his tongue when he glances up, meeting dark eyes and a wide grin. Adam freezes, hand reaching towards the keys as Kavinsky grins, spins the keys on one thin finger before holding them out in his palm.

“You’re welcome.” Kavinsky states as Adam stares, glancing behind Kavinsky briefly at the man who stands uncomfortably. The guys looks him over with mild interest, dark eyes glancing at his bump in discomfort before he look away, arms crossed over his chest as he glances at his feet.

“Matthew here?” Kavinsky asks suddenly, pulling Adam’s attention back towards him.

“No.” Adam states as he takes the keys from him, forcing himself to stay calm as he unlocks Ronan’s door.

“Pity, was hoping to talk to him.” Adam ignores him as the door clicks open, steps inside and tries to close the door only for it to be pushed open by the tall Alpha. Adam curses as he stumbles back, catching himself on the table Ronan had at the entrance as Kavinsky steps into the apartment, looking around the place with calculating eyes.

“I didn’t invite you in.” Adam snaps at him and he grins.

“No, but you’re not in any condition to get me out.” Kavinsky states eyes glancing at his stomach before meeting his.

“How much longer you got? Think the little bastard can make it out here on it’s own.” Adam glares, heart pounding as he forces his scent to disappear, not willing to give the man the satisfaction of knowing he was scared.

“K-“ The mystery man tries to cut in.

“Not now Jiang.” Kavinsky snaps.

“Now where the fuck is Matthew?”

“Why the fuck would I tell you.” Adam snaps at the man, one hand protectively cradling his bump while the other grips the table in an attempt to keep his fingers from shaking. Kavinsky glares, eyes hardening as he steps closer.

“Listen here trailer trash, you’re going to tell me where the fuck that bitch is hiding or you and the unborn bastard will pay the price understood?” Adam growls, anger rising, and Kavinsky’s eyebrows raise in surprise.

“If you think you’re going to scare me into betraying him you clearly haven’t done enough research on me Kavinsky. I’ve lived through worse than you, and I know about twenty ways to get rid of you while making it look like a fucking accident so don’t tempt me.” Adam growls out.

“Fucking-“ Kavinsky doesn’t finish his sentence, gets yanked back and thrown against the wall in a quick move, Ronan pushing him back with one hand pressed against his throat eyes a darker shade of blue than Adam’s ever seen.

“I thought we had an understanding K.” Ronan mutters lowly, voice too calm for the fury that radiates off of him. Noah stands by the door, ready to intervene and it’s only then that Adam notices Jiang had made no move to protect Kavinsky, instead he stands to the side almost looking amused.

“Fuck you Lynch, where is he?” Kavinsky growls, voice strained. Ronan’s eyes narrow before he pulls K back and slams him against the wall once more, the frames on the wall shaking from the force.

“Stay. Away. Or I’ll let Declan know you showed back up, better yet I’ll let Adam here prove his point.” Kavinsky laughs.

“Go ahead, I’ll tell his dad where’s he’s been hiding and the pregnant whore will be dead before you can blink.” Ronan’s fist connects with Kavinsky’s jaw with a crack. Ronan follows Kavinsky down, landing hit after hit while Adam stays still mind stuck on Kavinsky’s words. It takes him a few seconds to reboot his mind, to push away the fear and shock from Kavinsky’s statement and try to intervene.

“Ronan.” Adam calls out to the Alpha, causing him to turn instantly.

“Get him out of here.” Adam hands shake as he cradles his bump and steps back, eyes narrowed on Kavinsky who Ronan picks up and pushes out the door.

“She’s my kid too Lynch.”

“Not legally K.” The door slams closed before Kavinsky can say anything else and Ronan is by Adam’s side before he can call for him.

Adam sucks in a breath as he leans into the Alpha hugging him tightly while Ronan hugs him back just as tightly. Ronan’s hand lands on his bump, it earns him a kick which helps Adam calm down some as he takes deep breaths of Ronan’s calming scent.

“Adam, baby I can’t smell you.” Ronan tells Adam softly and Adam releases his hold on his scent feeling the moment Ronan relaxes as he tucks Adam closer.

“How’d you know?” Adam asks. Ronan hums and tilts his head to the side, Adam follows his movement eye landing on Noah and Jiang who talk quietly though Adam can see the way they lean towards one another, the way Jiangs fingers lay possessively against Noah’s waist. Adam wonders briefly why Jiang was with Kavinsky if he seemed to be with Noah but decided not to worry about it, focused instead on Ronan whose knuckles were once again busted.

“Let’s wrap those up.” Adam mutters as he pulls away from Ronan.

“I’ll be fine.” Ronan states trying to pull his hand from Adam’s grasp.

“Please.” Ronan must hear the need in his voice, hear the way he’s seconds from falling apart and he nods.

“But I’m grabbing the first aid kid, you sit.” Adam nods, moves to the couch and takes a seat jumping slightly when he feels something land over his shoulders. He glances up and meets eyes with Noah who smiles at him as he adjusts the blanket over his shoulders.

“Want me to slice you up an apple?” Noah asks softly and though Adam doesn’t want to impose on the Beta, he is hungry. He nods, and the Beta grins before heading to the kitchen. It’s then that Adam realizes that Jiang is sitting across from him, watching him curiously.

“I’m Jiang, Eric Jiang.” He suddenly introduces himself, voice deeper than Adam had been expecting.

“Adam Parrish.” The man nods once a slight smirk on his lips.

“Oh, I know, Noah’s told me all about Lynch’s pining.” Jiang winces the next minute when Ronan smacks the back of his head lightly, cheeks red. Adam smiles as Ronan places the first aid kit on the coffee table and sits down next to it, holding his hands out to Adam without complaint.

“Jiang went to Aglionby with us, he’s unfortunately related to K.” Ronan states as Adam pops open the first aid kit.

“My mom’s related to his mom, they’ve always been the black sheep.” Eric tells him as Noah reenters the room, plate of sliced apples in hand.

“I seriously wonder how you two can really be related.” Noah mutters as he places the plate by Adam. Adam is focused on the task at hand, disinfecting and wrapping Ronan’s busted knuckles with care.

“We’re going to head out.” Noah tells them and Adam glances at the Beta and nods with a smile.

“Thanks.” Adam states glancing back at Jiang, Eric, who stands by the door waiting for Noah. He nods once in acknowledgement before the two leave the apartment, Ronan getting up to lock the door before returning to Adam’s side.

“I’m sorry about K.” Ronan mutters as Adam wraps his last hand up.

“You still call him K.” Adam replies and Ronan sighs.

“When my parents died I sorta spiraled.” Ronan states causing Adam to look up, finding the Alpha’s eyes already on him.

“You don’t have to tell me anything Ro.”

“I want to.” Ronan reassures him, squeezing his fingers as he meets his eyes.

“K was always the one getting into trouble and once Noah stopped joining me in my recklessness, I knew he was the only option. It got bad, drinking and street racing all the fucking time just to feel something other than the grief. Declan tried to intervene but at the time I was just mad, I didn’t want to hear anything he said so I kept at it. Noah and Gansey tried to help but you can only do so much for someone as self-destructive as I was.” Adam can see the guilt in Ronan’s eyes, can smell him grow dejected and he moves closer, interlacing their fingers in the process.

“There’s honestly a ton I don’t remember from that time but one day K and I got in an argument over something stupid, so he threw a fit and demanded we leave the party we were at. I refused because I was pissed and luckily Noah was there to drive me home. Propenko, one of the guys we hung out with, was high as shit, I tried to stop them but they’d driven like that dozens of times before, so I didn’t put much effort into it. They crashed on the way to K’s house, Propenko died on impact and K ended up in critical care for a bit.” Adam swallows dryly, realizing there was a world out there where Adam didn’t have Ronan and blinks away the tears forming in his eyes.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call for me, I finally let Declan sign me into rehab, sobered up, started paying attention in school, found out I loved art and started joining Gansey on his search for Glendower.” Adam huffs out a laugh and Ronan grins as he reaches up and wipes a stray tear from Adam’s cheek.

“K didn’t like it, started to get violent and harass me but I was good at ignoring that shit. Then he set his eyes on Matthew.” Adam freezes at the words, at the implications and can see the shift in Ronan, the anger pushing through.

“Matty was young and dumb and thought we were trying to ruin his life when Dec and I told him to stay away. K had him twisted around his fingers, would fuck around with him when he got bored and dump him when he lost interest. Despite that Matty would always go back, when he got pregnant K laughed, said he had no interest in being a father so Declan made sure we got it in writing. He gave up his writes before she was even born and Matty says he finally done with him.” Ronan looks skeptical when he finishes but Adam’s stuck on Matty, innocent Matty who K used to get back at Ronan.

“Next time let me punch him.” Adam states and Ronan cracks a grin.

“I’m not planning on letting you see him ever again.” Ronan states.

“Just once, I have a killer right hook.” Ronan lets out a laugh and pulls him closer.

“Once little fucker is out, I won’t stop you.” Adam smiles but thinks he’d do anything to reverse time and punch him once before Ronan got home.

“Will he keep being a problem?” Adam asks Ronan who sighs.

“I don’t know, we’ve tried to get a court order but there’s no protection orders against assholes who are mentally abusive. We have to wait until he tries to see Aurora enough times to get a restraining order.”

“Coming from someone who has a restraining order, they’re not very effective against assholes.” Ronan’s scent spikes with anger once more but he stays silent. Adam grabs the plate of apple slices and begins to snack on them, grateful that Noah had sliced them for him in advance.

“Now, why are you home so early? Not that the timing wasn’t perfect.” Adam asks Ronan.

“Jiang texted Noah who was dropping off some things at the studio.” Ronan explains and Adam nods grateful for Jiangs intervention.

“But I’m here now, how about we head to that burger joint you like so much?” Ronan asks with a smile.

“With the ice cream shakes?”

“Large with a cherry on top.”

“Deal.” Ronan helps Adam stand, smiles as he watches him waddle around to grab his things.

“C’mon, their lunch deal ends soon.”

That night while Adam sleeps curled up into Ronan side, Ronan’s mind is stuck on his words. He knew that Adam had a restraining order against his father, yet he’d seen the multiple letters the man had sent. Each one containing thinly veiled threats towards Adam’s son if Adam didn’t send them money.
Ronan glances down at Adam and knows he has to do something to protect Adam and his son. Knows he’d do anything to protect his peace of mind.

He has a plan in mind before the sun rises. Has it set in motion in less than a week.

Henry doesn’t question him when he asks for Adam’s parents’ address.

Noah doesn’t question him when he asks him to join him for a day trip.

Adam doesn’t question him when he tells him he’d be home later due to an out of town delivery.

Henry simply agrees to watch over Adam, Noah agrees with the demand he provide snacks and Adam kisses him happily before he leaves that morning with a wide smile on his face.

The drive to Henrietta is familiar. It’s a drive he’s done a few times since moving away, usually to check on the Barns or to visit Noah’s family. This time he pulls off the highway a little earlier, drives down dirt roads instead of paved streets.

The trailer park is dull and lifeless, and Ronan wonders how someone as bright and beautiful as Adam could ever come from this place. There’s a beat-up pickup parked haphazardly in front of the address Henry had given him, rusted with painting chipping off of it. The lawn is dead and the porch light is broken, a crude sign warning off solicitors hangs by the door but Ronan pays it no mind, he’s not here to sell them anything.

Noah stands back as Ronan approaches the door, the doorbell buzzing loudly reminding him of the one used in hospitals. Someone yells profanities from inside, but Ronan ignores the curses and presses the doorbell once more.

Robert Parrish looks nothing like Adam, it’s a bit of a relief that the man he plans to spend the rest of his life with looks nothing like the man who swings the door open with a snarl.

“Whatever you selling we don’t fucking want it.” He snaps.

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not selling anything, I want you to leave Adam and his kid alone.” Ronan tells him and watches the way the man’s eyes narrow.

“And why would I care about what you want?”

“Because I could make the rest of your life in this shitty town hell.” Ronan tells him. The man scoffs, moves to turn away only to stop when Ronan speaks again.

“Did you know that factory you work at is for sale?” Robert glances at him warily and Ronan smirks, knows it’s eerily similar to Declan’s smirk, reminiscent of Niall’s.

“As of seven in the morning today, my family’s company has placed a bet too large for anyone to pass up.” Robert’s face blanks and he looks Ronan over with a calculated look.

“You’re that Lynch brat aren’t you? Born with a god damned golden spoon, too stupid to realize that bitch is only with you for your fucking money.” Ronan forces himself to stay calm, pushes his anger down as he glares at Robert.

“Stay away from them, because losing your job will be the best outcome if you even think about them ever again.” Ronan states, watching with smug satisfaction as his threat settles in. The man’s face paling as his lips curls up.

“He’s going to ruin your life.” Robert snaps at him, face flushed with anger.

“It’s all that stupid whore has ever been good at.” Ronan moves before he realizes it, cracks his knuckles across Robert’s jaw with a satisfying crunch. He forces himself to step back, to move away before he does any more damage.

“Stay the fuck away from my family.” Ronan growls. Robert struggles to stand back up but by then Ronan is at his car door, Noah already back in the passenger seat.

Noah is silent as Ronan drives away, stays silent until Ronan’s back on the interstate.

“Did you really convince Declan to buy an old factory in Henrietta?”

“Matty helped.” Noah laughs but he smiles at Ronan happily.

“Those two omegas are going to rule the family pretty soon.” Noah jokes and Ronan grins, though he’s pretty sure they already do. Matthew had been pulling the strings from the moment he was born.

“Now we just have to deal with K.” Noah states and Ronan nods, already thinking of waya he could keep Kavinsky away from Matthew and Aurora.

Chapter Text

Ronan doesn’t tell Adam about his trip to Henrietta.

He keeps an eye out, is glad to see that Adam receives nothing more from his parents.

Of course, his rut approaches and while he’s ready to pack his things and head to a rut hotel, Adam is in disagreement.

“Adam, baby, we agreed you wouldn’t help me with my Rut until after the baby was born.” Ronan groans as Adam raises a brow.

“You agreed, I did no such thing.” Adam states.

“Baby.”

“Ro, what’s the worst that could happen? I’m already knocked up.” Ronan growls involuntarily, closes his eyes and forces himself to relax, willing himself to keep his arousal at bay.

“I could hurt you.”

“We’ve had sex before Ro.”

“Yes, but my ruts are intense, and we don’t know how my Alpha will react to you being pregnant with someone else’s kid.” Ronan explains, sucking in a breath as Adam straddles his lap.

“Babe, you’d never hurt me.”

“Not willingly but-“

“Ro, I won’t let you spend your rut alone when I could help you.” Adam states lowly and Ronan groans when Adam rolls his hips forward, his intoxicating scent clouding Ronan’s mind.

“You’re not playing fair sweetheart.” Ronan mutters as he drops his head into Adam’s neck. Adam hums, fingers scratching lightly over Ronan’s head causing him to groan.

“Baby.” Ronan sighs and Adam hums as he pulls back, kissing Ronan firmly. Ronan moans pulling Adam closer, losing himself if the feeling and scent of Adam. He only pulls back once he starts to run out of breath, looking up at his Omega and finding him just as wrecked as he is.

“We could get some practice in, get a trial run in before your rut begins.” Adam suggests with a grin.

“You drive a hard bargain.” Ronan mutters as he pulls Adam close, grip tightening on Adam’s thighs before he stands, smirking sharply at the breath the Omega sucks in.

Adam laughs when Ronan drops him on the bed, grins brightly when Ronan kisses him firmly to swallow up the sound. The baby kicks then, Ronan feels the strong kick from where his hands hold Adam down and snorts when the baby continues to kick earnestly causing him to pull away from Adam and glance down at his stomach.

“Alright kiddo, how about you get some shut eye?” The baby kicks once again, perhaps in disagreement.

“I promise I’ll buy you the best apple sauce in the whole world once you’re out.” Ronan bribes and it would be comical if it weren’t so God damned endearing. The baby stays still and Ronan grins sharply, glancing at Adam who is laughing with a smile.

“Well, hurry up now, we don’t know how much time he’s giving us.” Adam jokes, Ronan salutes him mockingly before kissing him firmly.

Unsurprisingly, Adam convinces Ronan to let him stay during his rut.

Surprisingly, it only lasts a full day.

Ronan’s ruts are unusually long, to the point where Declan had been concerned and had taken a reluctant Ronan to get checked out during his Senior year.

Adam thinks it’s some type of instinct kicking in, Ronan’s Alpha sensing that Adam was already pregnant and cutting his rut short in order to protect Adam. His Alpha is still hellbent on knotting Adam though, keeping him in bed and full the entire day, only leaving his side to grab them food in order to keep them energized for the following rounds.

Ronan watches Adam sleep peacefully afterwards, dressed in Ronan’s comfiest sweats and freshly showered, clean sheets over the bed. He sleeps facing Ronan, one hand over his baby bump, the other tucked underneath his pillow, his son safe in between the two of them. Ronan runs a hand through his curls, smiling when Adam presses his nose against his wrist, seeking out his scent unconsciously.

He can see the way his brows furrow suddenly and knows that the baby must be kicking like crazy, letting his presence be known after remaining still the previous day. Ronan glances down, see’s the movement in Adam’s belly and places his hand there as if to soothe the ache he knows Adam must feel.

“Hey little fucker, I know I’m going to owe you so many things once you’re out here, but if you settle down and let your dad sleep, I’ll make sure you get as much sleep as you need, deal?” Ronan grins when the kid kicks again.

“Thanks kid.” Ronan glances back at Adam, who still sleeps but no longer has his brows furrowed in discomfort. His heart swells with admiration, he’s always known Omegas were strong, but getting to see it firsthand with Adam filled him with pride. He knew, logically, that dozens of Omegas were going through the same things Adam was but seeing his Omega do so was thrilling.

Ronan smiles as he scents Adam, his scent had subtly changed as he entered his last trimester, gaining a fresh note to it that Ronan loved. His Alpha still demanded the Omega be drowned in his scent, covering Adam’s scent with his own, keeping Adam’s scent to himself selfishly. Adam relaxes as Ronan scents him, snuggling closer to Ronan in the process and Ronan let’s himself join him, falling to sleep wrapped around his Omega.

Unfortunately, the following week brings back Adam’s morning sickness. Ronan hadn’t lived with the Omega when he had gone through the morning sickness in his first trimester, had only been around once or twice when he had gotten sick. Watching him get sick constantly was heart wrenching and Ronan can’t do anything to help him. Adam survives off of ginger tea and crackers for a few days, only being able to stomach bland oatmeal outside of that. He looks pale and tired during that time and Ronan hates it, will try to bargain with the baby when Adam sleeps in order to get him some peace.

The doctor assures him it’s normal, it doesn't make those few days any easier. Adam is tired, and slightly nauseas by the end of the week. He’s ready to go to sleep, his day had been filled with back to back surgeries and all he wanted to do was curl up in his nest and scent Ronan’s hoodie. Henry was going to join him for dinner, not having the chance to meet up for lunch in the last week left him antsy and Adam was missing his pack Alpha.

He’s replying to Blue’s messages as he waits for the elevator, is standing with a hand covering his small bump when he feels someone staring. He glances up, falters slightly when he spots the man. He’s an Alpha, tall and handsome in an expensive suit, and he looks way too much like Ronan Lynch to be anything but his brother. The last Lynch brother. Declan. Declan frowns as he looks him over, brows pinched when his eyes land on Adam’s bump. A bump that Adam was pretty sure Delcan knew about, right?

Adam tenses at the man’s stare, steps back when those blue eyes snap up to meets his own with an icy stare. He swallows and turns around, sighing when the elevator dings and opens up before him. He knows, logically, that the man would most likely be heading in the same direction as him, but he still curses mentally when he follows him onto the elevator.

The air is tense and silent around them as the elevator moves but Adam chooses to ignore it, shifting away from the Alpha as he uses both hands to cover his bump. He hurriedly steps away from the elevator when it lands on the seventh floor. He almost gets to his door, because there’s no way in hell he’s going to Ronan’s apartment with Declan, when a hand wraps around his wrist and he’s pulled around.

“Why do you smell so strongly like my brother?” He asks, a hard edge to his voice. Adam is confused, he knows he smells like Ronan, Ronan had been scenting him constantly.

However, he knew his and his babies’ scent had been overpowering Ronan’s, a common sign of the last trimester of his pregnancy. It made Ronan all pouty when his scent was washed away, though he happily scented him to cover it back up, his Alpha instincts kicking in when other people could smell Adam’s vulnerable state.

“What?” He asks as he pulls at his hand, trying to dislodge himself from the man’s grip.

“Answer me.” Declan demands, voice tinged with urgency. Before Adam can try to get his mind back up and running, Ronan in front of him, standing straight in what Adam knows is a defensive stance. Ronan’s own fingers are wrapped around the man’s wrist, the skin around Ronan’s fingers losing its color yet the man doesn’t flinch.

“Declan, let him go.” Ronan growls lowly. Adam can smell the anger radiating off the Alpha but stays silent as Declan releases his hold, looking apologetic. Adam steps back further, rubbing his red wrist and continuing to use Ronan’s body as a shield.

“What the fuck is going on?” Declan asks.

“Really? I’m the one who finds you cornering my boyfriend, and you’re asking me stupid questions?” Adam swallows at the anger evident in Ronan’s voice, fingers gripping onto the back of Ronan’s hoodie trying to keep calm.

“He smells just like you Ro, and he’s obviously pregnant.” Declan states.

“And what? Adam’s my boyfriend, we basically live together, of course he’s going to smell like me and didn’t Matty tell you he was pregnant.” Ronan explains as he steps back, seeming to relax a bit once he realizes Declan wasn’t actively trying to hurt Adam, though he maintains his protective stance in front of Adam even as Declan’s face softens.

“The pup smells like you Ro, not just him.” Declan tells Ronan slowly, Adam startles when both men turn his way, stiffens when Ronan steps closer and takes on obvious sniff. Declan smacks him but Ronan’s brows are furrowed as he looks down towards Adam’s bump.

Adam covers it self-consciously and steps back from the two, heart pounding quickly in his chest as he processes Declan’s words.

“I hadn’t noticed.” Ronan mutters lowly and Adam can’t fault him, because he hadn’t either.

“Adam, do you know why the baby smells like my brother?” Declan asks gently, so unlike the man who was glaring at him earlier.

“Adam?” Henry calls from behind him and a bit of his panic disappears. Henry steps up from behind him, frowning as he grabs his wrist and inspects it with obvious worry, scent tinged with anger.

“What happened? What’s going on?” Henry asks as if Adam’s head isn’t already spinning with unanswered questions.

“Adam?”

“I used a sperm bank, donor 626.” All three men look at him in confusion, though there’s understanding dawning on Ronan’s face.

“Adam what is going on?” Henry asks worriedly.

“Ronan is donor 626.” Adam mutters. He steps away from the two brothers, rubs at his forehead with his free hand feeling the headache coming on strongly.

“Adam.” Ronan calls as he reaches toward him, but Adam’s mind is racing as he steps back, bumping into his friend who steadies him easily and moves him out of the Alpha’s reach, covering Adam’s body with his own.

“Henry, we should go.” Adam tells his friend who quickly nods and ushers him away.

“Adam!” Ronan calls out his way, but Adam ignores him as he continues to smash the elevator button, stopping only when Henry pulls his hand away. The doors open and he steps in with Henry in tow, looking up as Ronan rips out of his brothers’ grip and heads their way, elevator doors closing before Ronan can reach them.

“You okay?” Henry asks him gently as his eyes burn.

“No.” He whispers as he turns towards his friend, burying himself in the Alpha’s arms as tears start to roll.

Ronan watches the elevator doors close and feels his heart drop.

“Fuck.” He curses lowly, his eyes burn as he runs his hands over his head, he continues to curse lowly until a hand lands on his shoulder and he spins around, facing his older brother who frowns as he watches him.

“Come on.” Declan mutters as he ushers him back towards his apartment. Ronan’s hands shake enough that Declan takes the keys from his hand and opens the door.

“You didn’t notice?” Declan asks him softly as Ronan drops onto his couch.

“No.” Ronan answers with a croak, eyes landing on the blanket Adam hogs every time he sits on the couch. The apartment is silent until Declan sighs, sitting across from him and effectively blocking his view.

“How?”

“Remember when Noah’s sister was looking for a donor?” Ronan asks his brother who nods, brows scrunched.

“It kind of made me feel bad for all the couple’s looking for sperm donors so I donated, figured if I wouldn’t be having kids of my own anytime soon someone could benefit from it.” Ronan continues. Declan softens, and Ronan has to look away from the pity in his eyes.

Ronan has always wanted kids. He wanted to have what his parents had, and despite being pretty young, he figured he wouldn’t find anyone he would want to have kids with anytime soon. He knew he wasn’t the easiest person to be around, knew his prickly nature pushed most people away. That was until he met Adam. Adam who laughed at his jokes. Adam who rolled his eyes fondly at Ronan’s jabs. Adam who was as attracted to Ronan as Ronan was to him.

“What are you going to do?” Declan asks. Ronan sighs, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the couch.

“I really like him.” Ronan whispers.

“I know.” Declan responds.

“I plan to stay with him if he’ll let me.” Declan smiles at the response but still asks what’s on his mind.

“But what if you only like him because of the baby?” Ronan’s eyes snap open, meeting his brothers questioning eyes easily.

“He was bathed in another Alpha’s scent the first time I met him, and I was already a goner.” Ronan states. Declan snorts and leans back.

“Sounds about right.” Ronan doesn’t say anything as he reaches forward for the blanket, bringing it up to his nose and catching Adam’s fresh scent. Adam’s always smelled like home to Ronan, like the forest behind the barns mixed with a crisp citrus and apple, it has always been intoxicating. However, Ronan can now catch his own scent mingled in now, a softer more subdued version of his scent mixed with Adams.

“Fuck, how the hell didn’t I realize my scent was coming from the baby?” Ronan groans.

“Because he was drowning in your scent Ronan, Jesus, do you even let the man breathe?” Ronan finds himself smiling, the Alpha in him extremely proud of successfully scenting the Omega, which causes Declan to roll his eyes. Ronan also knew Declan had a freaky good sense of smell and wondered if anyone else had caught on to the scent of the pup. Adam was only just entering the third trimester, the pup’s scent would start to become more apparent in the upcoming weeks.

“So, what are you going to do?” Declan asks him.

“I really, really like him Dec.”

“Well, it looks like you need to have some conversations.”

Adam’s pretty sure he disassociates the entire way to Henry’s apartment, he has no recollection of the drive over yet he’s suddenly laying on the couch, wrapped in two different blankets that hold the scents of his pack. Henry sits on the floor in front of him, brows furrowed in worry as he holds Adam’s hand and occasionally wipes away a tear.

“Adam, talk to me.” Henry pleads but Adam’s mind is still spiraling.

“Henry, what if it’s all fake?” Adam asks, causing Henry’s brows to furrow.

“What is?”

“His feelings.” Henry snorts at the question causing Adam to frown.

“Adam, that man has been half in love with you since the moment he met you.” Henry tells Adam who sighs as he sits up.

“But what if it’s all because of the baby? What if he knew subconsciously before today? I was already pregnant before meeting him, what if some part of him knew and that’s why he got close? What if some part of me knew and that’s why I started to like him?” Henry eyes soften, losing their teasing edge.

“Adam, you know that’s not how that works. Use that big brain of yours and try to remember those two semesters on Pheromones and Secondary Gender, even if Ronan’s Alpha instinct sensed that pup was his it wouldn’t be enough to force any romantic feelings.” Adam looks away from his friend, hand dropping to his belly where his son, Ronan’s son, kicks gently almost as if he were agreeing to Henry’s words.

“What-“

“And they wouldn’t force your feelings either.” Henry cuts him off knowingly causing Adam to sigh.

“What do I do?” Adam asks the Alpha who smiles at him.

“I have a pint of your favorite ice cream in the freezer.”

“With caramel sauce?”

“With caramel sauce.” Adam smiles despite the inner turmoil and Henry smiles back before standing and heading to the kitchen.

It takes a few days for Adam to muster up the courage to head back home, a few days to figure out what he wanted to do about the new information. He knew what he wanted to do, he just hoped Ronan was on the same page.

He’s trying to figure out if he should head straight to Ronan’s place when he exits the elevator only to stop in his tracks when he spots the taller Alpha pacing outside his door.

Ronan’s head snaps up when he notices him, and he stops pacing as he watches Adam approach. The two of them are silent as they observe one another until Adam feels like he’s about to crawl out of his skin. Luckily Ronan seems to be on the same page, and the Alpha reaches out to him before Adam can move.

Adam lets out a breath of relief as he presses against Ronan’s chest, his eyes burning as he breathes in the Alpha’s scent. Adam feels like a part of him slots back into place as he stands wrapped in Ronan’s arms. He can feel Ronan’s lips pressed against his forehead, feels the way Ronan’s fingers grip his sweater as if he’s scared Adam will disappear the second they let go.

Of course, that’s when his son kicks, reminding him of his presence. Ronan must feel the kick too because he chuckles as he steps back, hands hoovering over Adam’s baby bump nervously. Adam grips his hand and pulls it forward, the baby kicking the second Ronan’s hand lands on the bump.

“Guess the little guy missed me too.” Ronan mutters with a small smile.

“Yeah, we both did.” Adam tells him.

“We should talk.” Ronan states and Adam nods and motions to his door.

His apartment is stale and cold, he’s been living with Ronan for over a month, only ever going back to his apartment for clothes. He frowns at the scent, watches Ronan scrunch his nose and wishes he would of picked Ronan’s apartment for the conversation. He takes a seat on his couch either way, ignoring the way his body aches to go across the hall.

“I understand if you want to break up.” Adam states and watches the shock cross Ronan’s face.

“Why the fuck would I want that?” He sputters, he runs a hand over his head before he drops to a crouch in front of Adam.

“You didn’t exactly sign up to be a dad Ro.” Ronan grips his hands and gives him a reassuring smile.

“Adam, baby, I was ready to be a dad the minute I found out you were pregnant, and single.” Adam chokes on a laugh wiping a stray tear while Ronan watches him curiously.

“But that was different.”

“How?”

“It wasn’t your kid, not biologically.”

“Adam, you do realize that little guys been mine since they shot him into you right?” Adam smacks his shoulder, trying to hold back a grin as Ronan smiles.

“Sweetheart, I’ve loved this kid as if he were my own since the beginning, this just makes it official.”

“What if Declan was wrong?” Adam asks, a doubt that’s been playing in the back of his mind.

“I looked at my paperwork from the donation center, my donor ID is RNL-626.” Adam’s eyes burn and he can see the tears gathering in Ronan’s eyes.

“He’s your baby.”

“He’s my baby Parrish.” Adam feels his tension dissipate, the small part of him that feared it was all a misunderstanding vanishing at Ronan’s words. He falls forward, hugging Ronan close as tears roll down his face.

“We’re having a baby.” Adam mutters and Ronan laughs, sounding choked as he does so.

“We’re having a baby.”

It only seems to take a few days for their whole friend group to find out that Ronan was in fact Adam’s sperm donor. The next week is hectic, with Adam and Ronan deciding that it was best for Adam to finally move in as Ronan’s apartment was the bigger one of the two. Ronan’s flexible schedule allows him to do a majority of the heavy lifting, calling in Noah and Henry as reinforcements.

The next week also brings a more official meeting with Declan, with Adam and Ronan going over to visit now that Matty was okay with visitors. Matty is at the door by the time they park, is quick to pull Adam into a hug and press his nose to his neck and take a deep breath.

“Matty.” Ronan chastises though he’s ignored by the younger Omega who continues to hug Adam tightly, stepping back only when the baby kicks.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle.” Matty states with a grin, pressing his hand to Adam’s stomach and cooing when the baby kicks once more.

“Oh, he’s going to be so spoiled.” Matty mutters.

“Alright, let him inside, it’s cold out there!” Declan shouts, Matthew flicks his middle finger in what Adam assumes is Declan general direction but steps back to let the two in. Ronan is across the room in a matter of seconds, smiling brightly down at the bassinet where Adam can see Aurora kicking her feet in.

Ronan picks her up gently, cradles her close and whispers something inaudible to her all while grinning. Adam can’t seem to wrap his mind around the fact that he’ll soon be doing the same thing with his son, their son.

Declan rounds the corner as Matty closes the front door, he’s still dressed formerly in comparison to his brothers, a knit beige sweater that looks expensive tucked into dress slacks. Declan must be a mix of both Lynch parents, Matty supposedly took after his mother while Ronan was supposed to be Niall’s carbon copy. Declan was a mix of Matty and Ronan, sharp cheekbones and jaw line like Ronan, yet his eyes were all Matty, a handful of freckles over his cheeks like his younger brother. Adam is once again glad he picked Ronan as a sperm donor, the Lynch genes seemed to produce beautiful people.

Declan runs his hands down his slacks in a nervous gesture, before holding it Adam’s way, a sheepish smile on his face.

“Adam, it’s nice to officially meet you and I apologize for our previous meeting.” Declan states and Adam smiles as he shakes his hand.

“No worries, you were protecting Ronan, I get that.”

“Food ready?” Ronan asks as he steps towards them, Aurora peacefully laying in his arms.

“Yes, no thanks to Matty.” Declan mutters with a pointed look towards the blond who laughs joyfully.

“I was taking care of your favorite niece.” Matty defends.

“You were napping.”

“With your favorite niece!” Declan is shaking his head as he walks away and Matty grins as he loops his hand through Adams and pulls him forward, head pressed against his shoulder as he sniffs him.

“You know your scent being so nice makes a whole lot of sense now.” Matty states as he guides Adam to the table.

“Matty you can’t keep sniffing him.” Ronan tells him as he follows them.

“Your fault for making him smell good.” Matty tells him. Ronan rolls his eyes as he moves the seat out for Adam, helping him sit down before taking the seat next to him. Matty takes Aurora from his hands before rounding the table to sit across from them.

“The move go okay?” Declan asks as he takes a seat. He rolls his sleeves up to serve the food, a pasta dish that smells delicious and already has Adam’s mouth watering.

“Yeah, we just have to start working on the little guys nursery.” Ronan states as he takes the plate Declan holds out Adam’s way and sets it down in front of him.

“Speaking of the little guy, you really didn’t tell Declan about the baby?” Adam asks Matty who grins.

“Thought it’d be a fun surprise.” Matty states.

“Declan ended up surprising us a bit more.” Ronan mutters as he takes his offered plate from his brother who chuckles.

“A good surprise.” Declan cuts in and Matty grins.

“Hell yeah, we get a cute nephew.”

“A favorite nephew.” Declan corrects and Adam feels a bit more at ease.

“Yeah, until they have another one.” Adam chokes a bit on his pasta while Ronan grins and Adam knows the Alpha is preening.

“I think two babies is enough for this family right now.” Declan states and the word sticks with him for the rest of the night.

“You okay?” Ronan asks him later that night when they’re getting ready for bed.

“Just thinking.” Adam states as he pulls on Ronan’s oversized sweatshirt which now hugs his baby bump gently.

“About?” Ronan questions as he hugs Adam from behind, hands cradled over his bump.

“Declan mentioned us being a family.” Ronan hums as he sways them gently, which Adam takes as an invitation to continue.

“Guess I just haven’t had a family in a while.”

While Henry and Blue were both a part of his pack, a pack bond was different from a family one. His family bond died years ago, well before he hit puberty, and the pack bond helped but it never really filled the void.

“Well, you have one now.” Ronan whispers and Adam feels his heart squeeze as he covers Ronan’s hands with his son, feeling their son kick in response.

“Yeah, guess I do.”

Chapter Text

Ronan lays in between Adam’s legs, ear pressed against Adam’s belly while Adam gently scratches Ronan’s head.

“He’s pretty still today.” Ronan mutters, lips pressed against Adam’s stomach.

“He’s protesting the lack of sweets.” Adam tells him and Ronan cracks a grin. After his last blood sugar result came back higher than average, both Henry and Ronan had prohibited any sweets. Blue and Noah still snuck him some sweets earning them dramatic eye rolls. His son was a lot more active whenever Adam had anything sweet.

“Nice try babe.” Adam smiles as he rubs his stomach.

“Your dad’s an asshole kid.” Adam tells his stomach and Ronan laughs.

“His dad is keeping you both healthy.”

“Well, I want a brownie.” Adam mutters and his son kicks almost exactly where Ronan’s cheek is pressed.

“He agrees.” Ronan rolls his eyes at Adam’s words before he sits up, pressing a kiss to Adam’s stomach before kissing his forehead.

“Noah dropped off some cookies, you can have one.”

“Three.” Adam argues.

“Two.” Ronan settles and Adam smiles.

“Thank you.” Ronan hums as he leaves the room while Adam glances down at his stomach.

“He really loves us.” Adam whispers with a smile. Ronan returns after some time with two chocolate chip cookies and two water bottles.

“You’ll have to drink both.” Ronan orders and Adam gives him a mock salute. Ronan lays down next to him eating his own cookie and the two lapse into comfortable silence.

“Any more baby names?” Ronan asks Adam as the two of them have been exchanging names the last few days.

“None that stick out.” Adam tells him.

“We’ll find one.”

“Well hopefully soon, it’d be nice for us to have a name for our son before he’s born.” Ronan grins at the words, heart racing at the knowledge that Adam’s son was his son, their son.

“Our son will have a name before he’s born.” Ronan assures him.

“Yes, our son will.” Adam replies having caught on to the way Ronan brightens when the little guy is referred to as their son.

Adam cuts his days down at work, he wanted to work as much as he could before the baby was born. He knew he would have to slow down before he burnt himself out, so he cut down on his days. His extra day off was usually spent hanging out with his friends or preparing for the baby.

“Do you really need to cover up the outlets? The baby won’t crawl for a while.” Blue reminds him as she opens up another pack of outlet covers, a small pile growing on the kitchen counter.

“I know that Blue! Stupid nesting makes me want to baby proof everything.”

“Leave him alone Blue.” Henry orders and Blue sticks her tongue out his way which goes ignored by the Alpha who is busy covering up outlets around the apartment. Adam rolls his eyes fondly, leaving them to bicker while checking on Ronan.

Ronan, who has dedicated his free time to perfecting the nursery.

Ronan, who had spent the entire morning painting one wall of the nursery, creating a forest mural for the wall the crib would sit against.

Ronan, who takes one look at him and narrows his eyes, before placing the paint brush down and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Didn’t we agree you’d stay out of here while the paint dries?” Ronan asks.

“I wanted to see the progress.” Adam defends himself, as he looks over Ronan’s work. He’d seen a lot of Ronan’s work, had sat with him in the studio while he did his thing creating masterpieces on canvas.

This was different, personal. The wall had been painted a dark green, trees painted in darker hues of green and black, what looked to be a crow painted as if it were seated on a tree branch.

“Alright, you saw it now go, don’t want you breathing in these fumes.” Ronan states as he waves his hands up and down as if he were airing out the room. Adam rolls his eyes, earning himself a pointed stare from Ronan.

“Ro, you bought the most expensive paint with the least amount of fumes, I’ll be okay breathing it in for a minute.” Adam argues as he looks back at Ronan’s work, a sense of pride filling his heart. The love and care that Ronan had poured into their son’s nursery was enough to make his throat burn.

“It’s beautiful.” Adam mumbles, Ronan hums as he steps closer, pulling Adam into his side and looking over the painted walls.

“Got to make it perfect for the little guy.” Adam smiles turning away from Ronan when someone clears their throat. Adam turns to find Henry at the doorway, a handful of outlet covers in hand.

“These are all extras.” He informs them. Adam frowns as he moves towards his friend.

“Are you sure? I swore I counted twice.”

“Adam, you bought milk three days in a row because you forgot Ronan had already picked some up, it’s safe to say your count has been off lately.” Adam all but pouts and Ronan smiles recalling the look on Adam face when he opened the fridge door to find three sealed milk jugs on the third day. Blue, Noah and the Lynch brothers had been blessed with jugs of milk as a result.

“I swear the milk spawned in the fridge.” Adam mutters lowly, Ronan chuckles as he guides Adam out of the nursery with Henry in tow.

“I’m sure it did.” Ronan mused well aware of his duty to agree with everything Adam said in the following weeks.

“It wasn’t there.” Adam protests and Ronan smiles, admiring the slight pout on his lips as he cradled his growing bump gently.

“We bring food! Oh, and Noah.” Matty calls as the door swings open, he’s carrying pizza boxes while Declan follows, Aurora’s carrier in one arm. Noah follows them with a twelve pack of soda lips quirked up in amusement.

“Glad to be the afterthought.” Noah mutters as he closes the door.

“Need any outlet covers?” Adam asks Matty as he points to the pile of extras Henry had dropped on the kitchen counter. Matty snorts as he shakes his head, placing the pizza boxes on the counter in the process.

“Oh please, Declan has a box of extras in the coat closet for any of the outlets he’ll need to cover as she grows taller.” Matty states and Ronan sighs softly.

“I’ll find a place to store them in.” He tells Adam before Adam can suggest they do the same. Adam smiles brightly and Ronan rolls his eyes before kissing his forehead and taking the extras, disappearing down the hall while Blue busies herself with pulling Aurora from her carrier.

“There’s my favorite Lynch baby!”

“Still no kicks?” Matthew asks as he plates up his pizza slices.

“No, little bastard.” Blue mutters lowly, one hand covering Aurora’s ears so she doesn’t hear her curse.

“I resent that!” Ronan calls from down the hall as Adam snorts.

“It’s the truth!” Blue yells back with a grin.

“Hey, sweetheart any thoughts on getting married before the baby arrives?” Ronan asks as he returns. Adam flicks him off as he takes a bite of pizza which causes Declan to chuckle in amusement.

“Don’t you dare rob me of a chance to throw a party, it’s been ages since I’ve gotten shit faced.” Henry states after he throws a balled-up napkin Ronan’s way.

“Language.” Blue chides looking appalled as she belatedly covers Aurora’s small ears.

“She’s a Lynch, she’ll be cursing before she can form proper sentences.” Noah states and Ronan cackles. Adam doesn’t dwell on it, he’s too busy eating the pizza he’s been craving for the last few hours.

Adam spends the next few days arranging and rearranging the nursery, never quite liking the way the furniture fits in the room. Ronan frowns and scolds him anytime he comes back to their apartment to find the nursery different than the way he left it. Adam ignores him, instincts urging him to rearrange things until the nursery was perfect.

“Baby, the room looks fine.” Ronan sighs as he wraps an arm around Adam’s waist, chin sitting on Adam’s shoulder. Adam frowns, arms crossed over his chest as he looked around the room with a critical eye.

“It’s fine, it can’t be just fine Ro, it has to be perfect.” Adam snaps, Ronan doesn’t take it personally, knowing his boyfriend is just frustrated.

“How about we step away from the nursery and eat some of that pie Blue brought over? Maybe it’ll spark some inspiration.” Ronan suggests as he sways them back and forth, hand cradling Adam’s baby bump lovingly. Adam releases a breath, looking over the room once more before nodding.

“Come on sweetheart, we have ice cream in the freezer, we can eat this shit a la mode.” Adam smiles as Ronan steps back and the two head to their kitchen where Ronan sits Adam at their table while he serves two plates.

“Almost done with my last commission.” Ronan tells him as he places a plate in front of Adam.

“So, you’ll be home more often?” Adam asks with a smile and Ronan nods as he sits down across from him.

“Mhm, I can probably stay at home the entire time you’re on leave. Though the trust fund helps.” Adam rolls his eyes but smiles. He learned Ronan had a good sum of money in a trust fund that had been set up before his parents dies. Ronan didn’t touch it often, had only touched it once to cover rehab fee’s before he’d let it sit, content to live off his earnings from his art.

“Just you, the baby and me?” Adam asks his boyfriend who grins and leans forward.

“You, the baby and me.” He answers, kissing him firmly before pulling back, looking Adam over happily.

“We should name him soon.” Ronan comments, eyes flashing to Adam’s belly briefly.

“We should though nothing feels right.”

“It’ll come to us sweetheart.” Ronan states confidently.

“Hopefully soon, your son is going to want out eventually.” Adam tells him, watching Ronan’s lips quirk up happily.

“We’ll figure it out before he gets here sweetheart, don’t worry.”

Adam finally gets the nursery set up perfectly a few days later. He feels instantly relieved, a bit more prepared to bring his son home now that the nursery is done. He knows it’s almost time, a gut feeling that his son would be born soon has been nagging him.

Though without a name picked out he feels a bit put off. He knows they could technically bring him home without a name, yet it annoys him that he planned his whole pregnancy out only to forget to pick out a name.

Adam winces when he feels a contraction, he checks his phone before grabbing Ronan’s cardigan, planning to walk around the block until the Braxton hicks stop.

He’s twenty minutes into the walk when he realizes the Braxton hicks aren’t Braxton hicks. He sucks in a breath as a sharp contraction hits him, clutching the park bench in front of him as he waits for it to pass.

“Fuck.” He curses softly, wincing when his son kicks harshly apparently ready to come out. He fumbles with his phone, quickly dialing his boyfriend who picks up on the first ring.

“Hey sweetheart, decide what you want for dinner yet?” Ronan asks brightly. Adam sucks in a breath and can tell Ronan shifts into high alert instantly.

“Is it time?”

“Yeah, think so.” Ronan curses and it eases a bit of Adam’s anxiety to know the Alpha is just as nervous if not more so than Adam.

“Shit, okay, I’ll be there in like fifteen minutes tops.” Ronan states, Adam can hear Noah in the background of the call trying to calm the Alpha down and it causes him to laugh.

“I’m at the park.” He informs his boyfriend.

“Make that ten.” Adam laughs before the scent of an angry Alpha hits him. His instincts are going haywire, he wants to run, protect his baby but the sharp contractions render him motionless.

“You fucking bitch.” He hears Kavinsky snap someone gripping his arm and roughly spinning him around.

“Is that K?” Ronan asks incredulously, tone downright murderous. Adam meets Kavinsky’s angry glare before a sharp pain explodes in his head causing the world to go black.

Adam vision is blurry when he wakes.

He blinks quickly, trying to clear it as he pushes himself off the wood floor, one hand instinctively dropping to his belly and sighing in relief when he feels a kick. He forces himself to remain calm, he’s unsure of how long he’s been out for, but his sweats aren’t wet indicating his water hasn’t broken yet which he knows logically is the best-case scenario at this moment.

Adam is unsure what Kavinsky’s plan was, he only hopes it’s something he can navigate without risking his son. Based off the Alpha’s scent earlier he was close to going feral, losing any rational he might have.

Adam leans back against the wall behind him, taking slow breaths as another contraction hits. He bites his lip to hold in a whine, both hands cradling his belly as he tries to breathe. The contractions were getting closer and Adam could feel sweat start to bead at his hairline. Adam tries to relax, tries to focus on Ronan’s scent which lingers on the cardigan that is still wrapped around his shoulders.

The door opens and Kavinsky enters the room, he looks unhinged; hair greasy, messy clothes, bloodshot eyes, and Adam has to slam down his scent in order to hide his fear. Kavinsky has nothing to lose, Adam is aware of that, and Adam has his whole world on the line.

“Hey trailer trash.” Kavinsky says calmly, dropping into a crouch and smiling at him. He reaches up and grips Adam’s chin harshly, Adam clenches his jaw and forces himself still.

“You’re going to help me get my Omega back.” Kavinsky states with a smirk.

“Or the little bastards going to kick it.”

Ronan was going to lose his shit.

Ronan was absolutely going to lose his shit.

He was five seconds away from running down the street like a maniac, shouting Adam’s name until he found him.

“Ro, take a breath.” Declan ordered. Ronan chokes on a breath, running his hands roughly down his face as he tries to keep his tears at bay.

“We’re going to find them, both of them.” Declan states with such sincerity that Ronan believes him, he has to believe him, doesn’t know what he’d do if he doesn’t hold onto that small thread of hope.

“He’s in labor Dec and he’s with fucking Kavinsky of all people.” Ronan reminds his brother as he wipes away the tears that stream down his cheeks.

Ronan and Noah had rushed to the park in hopes of somehow still finding Adam only to find his discarded phone, small drops of blood by it’s side.

“It’s all my fault.” Matty whispers from his spot on the couch, blonde hair a mess. Matty was distraught, so much so that Blue had to take Aurora as the baby had been quick to pick up on Matthew’s distress.

“It’s not your fault Matty.” Noah reassures him again as he hastily types on his phone, trying to find out through Jiang if anyone had any location on Kavinsky.

“It’s all my fault.” Matty cries. Gansey is trying to calm him down, but Ronan can smell the distress in Matthew’s scent.

“It’s all Kavinsky’s fault Matty, not yours.” Declan states firmly, Ronan is glad Declan can focus on trying to comfort their younger brother as he spirals. Ronan continues to pace back and forth, stopping only when the door to the apartment swings open and Henry enters the apartment.

“Anything?” Henry asks, he looks as distressed as Ronan must look.

“No.” Henry curses lowly ay Ronan’s words, running his hands over his hair in frustration.

“Can you still feel him?” Ronan asks the Alpha who nods quickly.

“Both of them.” Henry reassures him, eyes softening as he watches Ronan suck in a breath and drop onto the couch. Ronan presses his palms to his eyes, trying to ease the pressure building behind them.

Pack members could feel one another rather easily through the pack bond. It was often a pulse that you could vaguely feel from each member, strong emotions often bleeding through. Ronan could feel Matthew’s sadness and distress now, had felt it sharply the moment Kavinsky had told him he wanted nothing to do with the baby before Matthew had shut Declan and him out.

Ronan will forever regret not asking Adam to join his pack earlier, will regret not mating Adam, knows that mate bond run deeper than pack bond. Knows that being able to feel Adam now would help alleviate the stress he’s feeling.

“They’re both still alive Ronan, we just got to focus on that.” Henry tells Ronan who nods, swallowing the knot in his throat.

“Jiang thinks he knows where Kavinsky’s at.” Noah states causing everyone to look his way. Noah’s brows furrow as he types back.

“K’s mom has a house outside of town that they used to vacation at.” Noah tells them as he stands up, grabbing his jacket on the way.

“Let’s go.” Declan states. Matthew stands on wobbly feet and Gansey is quick to pull him back down.

“How about we sit this one out Matthew?” Gansey asks with a gentle smile. Matty might argue back but Ronan is already following Noah out, Declan and Henry at their back.

Adam is breathing slowly, grinding his teeth to stay quiet as he sits alone in the empty room. The contraction lasts twenty-five seconds, each one growing longer and longer. Adam releases a breath as he lays his head against the wall behind him and starts to count, making it to seven minutes before another one hits.

He knows he should be headed to the hospital by now, knows he’s cutting it close, but Kavinsky left after punching him across the jaw and he hasn’t been back since.

“Just hold on in there a little bit longer alright bud?” Adam whispers to his son, rubbing small circles on his stomach in the process. His son kicks, perhaps in agreement, perhaps in annoyance but it calms Adam down to feel his son.

Another contraction hits, and Adam counts in his head, teeth gritted in pain. Adam jumps when the door to the room swings open, K at the doorway.

“Oh? Is it time?” Kavinsky asks with a wide grin. He crouches down and moves his hand towards Adam, laughing when Adam smacks his hand away roughly.

“How perfect, I can kill the little bastard before it takes a fucking breath, see how Ronan likes his kid being ripped away from him.” Adam watches him warily, releasing a breath when the contraction stops, leaning back against the wall behind him.

“Killing our kid won’t bring you any closer to yours.” Adam mutters, watching the words settle in Kavinsky’s head. K glares, has a gun under Adam’s chin before he can even blink. Adam swallows harshly, head tilted back painfully as the barrel of the gun sits against his skin.

“I could kill you now and ruin him forever.” Kavinsky whispers, pressing the gun deeper into Adam skin. Adam tries to lean away from it, wincing at the strain until Kavinsky steps away, gun tucked back into his pants.

“But it’ll hurt him much more to watch.” Adam wants to curse him, but he stays stubbornly silent, teeth gritted as he glares at the Alpha.

The house Declan pulls in front of is unassuming. A little rundown but not enough that it catches your eye. Ronan is out of the car before it fully stops, heart racing rapidly in his chest. He can hear another set of tires screeching to a halt behind him but he pays it no mind.

“Ronan, wait a second.” Declan calls after him but he’s already pounding on the wooden door. Declan curses but Ronan ignores him.

“Kavinsky open the fucking door!” He shouts with zero time for pleasantries.

“Extra keys are in the aloe plant.” He hears Jiang inform from behind him. He’s turning to look for the dumb plant when the door swings open.

Kavinsky looks crazy. Eye wide and bloodshot, hair a greasy mess, a manic grin pulling on his cracked lips.

Ronan’s stomach clenches, heart dropping at the sight. Adam has been alone with the man while in labor for close to two hours and the thought of that made his stomach churn.

“Where is he?” Kavinsky grins obviously pleased with the crack in Ronan’s voice.

“Dead in an empty room by now.” K’s voice is calm, he laughs joyfully when Ronan moves forward stepping back and out of Ronan’s reach.

“He’s lying.” Henry states as Declan holds Ronan back.

“Oh, not dead yet? How fun, maybe you’ll get to watch the two of them die.”

“Holy fuck.” Noah whispers in disbelief. Declan’s hold tightens as Ronan moves forward.

“Adam has nothing to do with any of this Joseph.” Declan states.

“Neither did Matthew.” Kavinsky smirks. Ronan can smell Delcan’s anger rise but he ignores Kavinsky’s words, mind focused on Adam.

“Where. Is. He?”

“Where’s my daughter?” Ronan moves forward once more, elbowing out of Declan’s grip and grabbing Kavinsky by the front of his shirt. He shoves forward and it’s only when he’s inside that he gets to smell it.

Adam’s scent mixed with the metallic tang of blood.

Ronan falters and Kavinsky grins.

“They can’t have much longer left.” Kavinsky tells him and Ronan’s mind blanks.

“What did you do?” Ronan’s voice cracks, his heart is racing as Kavinsky laughs.

“I made sure we matched Lynch.” Ronan doesn’t register throwing the first punch, but he makes no efforts to stop himself from throwing the second one, or the third, or any of the ones that follow.

There’s static in his ears, tears blurring his vision but he continues, ignoring the ache in his fists as he throws blow after blow.

He’s pulled back suddenly, Declan blocking Kavinsky from his view. His brother holds his face, forcing him to look at him but the words he says don’t register. He only reacts when he smells Adam, eyes snapping to find the source.

Henry stands at a doorway, there’s blood on his hands but he doesn't look like someone who just lost a pack mate.

“Ronan.” He finally hears Declan state, some urgency in his tone.

“Ro, Adam needs you right now.” Ronan sucks in a breath, steps closer to Henry once he registers his words. He can hear Kavinsky laughing from behind him but ignores him as he follows Henry.

Adam is sitting on the floor, sweat dripping down his forehead, jaw clenched with his eyes closed. One of his hand’s is clenching Noah’s in a tight grip, the other is gripping on to the material of a familiar cardigan. Ronan swallows down the anger as he watches Jiang press a towel tightly to Adam’s left shoulder.

“Bullet missed any major arteries.” Henry informs him. Adam glances up when he hears his friend speak, tears quickly pooling in his eyes when he spots Ronan.

Ronan is at his side in an instant, wiping the tears away from Adam’s cheeks as Adam grips his shirt. He lets out a breath, running his hands over Adam trying to calm his racing heart. Adam was here. Adam was alive.

“Your son wants out.” Adam informs him pulling him out of his thoughts. Ronan almost wants to laugh at the simplicity of the statement.

“God, I love you.” Adam huffs out a laugh at Ronan’s words.

“Yeah, you better.” Adam mutters. He blinks sluggishly before his eyes widen as he winces, moving to pull away from Jiang. Ronan glares at the man who glances at him with no remorse.

“He has to stay awake a little longer, just until the ambulance arrives.” Jiang explains.

“He’s right Ro.” Adam mutters before wincing again, Noah’s hand going white in his tight grip.

“You son’s doing a good job on his own though.”

The door behind them creaks open and Ronan is in high defense in second, only relaxing when he realizes the two strange betas at the door were paramedics. The young lady raises her hands in a calming motion and only steps forward when she notices Ronan’s shoulders drop.

“Hello Mr. Parrish, my name is Ava and that’s Alec, we’re going to get you and your baby to the hospital.” She states, Ronan doesn’t move until he glances back at Adam who nods with a small smile.

The next few moments blur in Ronan’s mind, he’s soon in the back of an ambulance holding Adam’s hand.

He isn’t allowed to follow when the wheel Adam away, the paramedic smiles softly as she explains he won’t be allowed back until they stabilize Adam. He watches helplessly as the doors close behind the nurses in the ER.

“The doctors will keep you updated.” The paramedic, Alec, tells him unhelpfully as if that will keep him calm in the moment. Ronan stands in the waiting room staring at the closed door for what feel like forever flinching when a hand lands on his shoulder.

“What’s going on?” Noah asks, Henry stands behind him looking worried.

“I don’t- they didn’t let me back.” Henry frowns as he steps around them and heads towards the nurse station while Noah pulls him forward.

“Let’s clean you up.” Noah mutters and its only once Noah mentions it that he notices he still has blood on his hands from trying to stench Adam’s blood.

The man leaving the restroom give them a wide berth as Noah drags him to the sink and starts to help him scrub the blood off his hands. Ronan watches the water run pink, small droplets staining the white sink. He doesn’t notice the bile rising in his throat until it’s almost too late, shoving Noah away and spinning around the vomit into the trash can at their side.

“Where the fuck is he?” Ronan asks when he’s sure he’s done puking. His friend winces as he runs a hand through his hair.

“Declan and him were gone by the time the paramedics showed.” Noah answers, Ronan’s head spins with the information. Ronan takes a few seconds to take the info in before he moves to rinse out his mouth. Noah is silent as he watches him, eyes taking him in with worry.

“C’mon, lets see if Henry found out anything.” Ronan follows Noah out to find Henry still at the nurse station making crazy hand motions while the nurse watches him with an unamused expression.

Henry comes back with no news and the three sit in silence for nearly an hour until Adam’s name is called. Ronan is in front of him in seconds, heart racing rapidly.

“How are they?”

“Stable, we’re prepping Adam for a C section now.” The doctor states.

“Is that advisable with the amount of blood loss he had from the gunshot wound?” Henry asks which Ronan is grateful for because his mind is still stuck on Adam getting ready for surgery.

“He’s not strong enough for natural birth, we’ve already started the blood transfusion to combat any blood loss from the surgery. We can allow one person back to be with him.” Ronan glances at Henry who nods once before following after the doctor.

Adam is pale as he lies in the bed, oxygen mask over his face but he still grins when he spots Ronan.

“Hi baby.” Ronan greets as he steps closer, pushing Adam’s hair back.

“Hi.” Adam greets, voice slightly raspy. It seems like seconds before a cry pierces the air, Ronan turns instantly, watching the doctor raise the baby, their baby over the divider.

“He’s got all twenty fingers and all twenty toes.” The doctor states.

“Oh.” Ronan mutters softly as he watches the doctor hand the baby over to some nurses who quickly weigh him and wipe him down.

“He’s okay?” Adam asks, voice shaky as he peers towards the nurses with furrowed brows.

“He’s perfect.” A nurse assures them with a grin. Adam releases a breath which turns into a sob and Ronan is quick to run a hand through his hair and lightly scent him. Ronan kisses him quickly, wiping tears from his eyes.

“You did so good sweetheart.” Ronan whispers. Their baby is passed to the nurse at their side before being laid gently on Adam’s chest, head on Adam’s right side opposite of his gunshot wound. Adam smiles brightly, raising a shaky hand to stroke his son’s cheeks as tears drip from his eyes.

“Hello.” Adam greets the baby who quickly quiets as he stares at Adam, as entranced with Adam as Ronan is. Ronan laughs as he reaches out to place a gentle hand on the baby’s back watching his son with rapt attention. He’s pink and tiny and his face is scrunched up like an old mans but he’s perfect, so perfect that Ronan’s heart aches.

“He’s perfect.” Ronan whispers and Adam smiles his way, eyes pink with tears still in his eyes.

“He is.” Adam mutters as the nurse steps closer with a smile.

“We’ll get him cleaned up and over to your room shortly.” The nurse explains as she takes away the baby who starts whining instantly. Ronan watches the nurse take away his son before turning to Adam who blinks at him with evident exhaustion.

“Hey, you did great sweetheart.” Ronan states.

“What happened to Kavinsky?” Adam asks with furrowed brows.

“Don’t worry about him baby, we got better things to focus on.” Adam nods and blinks sluggishly.

“Is he allowed to sleep?” Ronan asks the nurse across from them who nods with a smile.

“Close your eyes baby, we’re going to need all the sleep we can get.” Ronan mutters to Adam who nods sleepily as Ronan drops a kiss to his forehead.

“We’ve got him, you should inform your family.” The nurse tells him once Adam is asleep. Ronan nods as he reluctantly steps away and walks to the waiting room.

“How are they?” Henry asks when they spot him.

“Good, good, so fucking perfect.” Noah laughs and smiles before he’s hugging Ronan tightly. Ronan hugs him back, tears rolling down his cheeks as he pulls back from Noah only to be pulled into a hug by Henry.

“Any word from Declan?” Ronan asks them.

“He’s on his way, along with Matty, Blue and Gansey.” Noah tells him. Ronan nods, a small part of him was worried about what Declan might’ve done to Kavinsky.

Ronan heads to Adam’s room once allowed, Adam is still asleep when Ronan quietly enters the room. Ronan sits at the chair by his side and watches the heart monitor the entire time. Ronan knows Adam is okay, but a piece of him is still reeling from almost losing him so he watches the monitor intently.

There’s a knock on the door before the door is opened, the familiar nurse pushing a small basinet into the room.

“All yours dad.” The nurse states. Ronan is by the basinet in seconds, glancing down at his son who stares up at him with wide eyes.

“Strong baby you guys got, 7 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches long.” Ronan releases a breath, shoulders dropping. A part of Ronan was scared the last few hours of Adam’s pregnancy would affect their son.

The nurse leaves them alone and Ronan carefully picks up his son, cradling him close as he sits by Adam’s side.

“Hey little guy, I’m your dad.” Ronan mutters as he watches his son. Small eyebrows furrow before he yawns, little fist rising as he stretches. Ronan grins as he leans back, rocking his son carefully. Ronan watches his son blink slowly until he falls asleep, can’t help but scent him lightly to assure that anyone who holds him knows his dad is near.

The door opens once more, Matthew and Declan at the doorway. Matty bounces on his heels but Declan holds his shoulder to keep him in place, well aware of how territorial new parents could be. Ronan motions them in and Matthew wastes no time in rushing towards them.

Matty’s crying before he’s even seen the baby, tears rolling down his cheeks and lips wobbly as he kneels in front of Ronan to meet his nephew. Declan’s misty eyed but much more composed as he follows, lips quirked happily.

“He looks just like you.” Declan states once he gets a good look. Ronan hums in agreement having seen the resemblance instantly, the baby in his arms looking eerily similar to the baby photos Declan has in an album somewhere in his home.

“Seems to have Adam’s hair though.” Ronan says having noticed that his son’s hair was way too light to have come from his black locks.

“He’s perfect.” Matty whispers as he wipes his tears away. Ronan agrees whole heartedly, wonders if his heart will always clench at the sight of his son or if the feeling went away with time. He glances at Adam to check in and is surprised to find Adam’s clear blue eyes already watching them. He swallows the knot in his throat, eyes suddenly burning as Adam grins. Ronan stands carefully and moves to his side, gently lowering their son into Adam’s waiting hands.

“Figures he’d look just like you.” Adam mutters softly as he looks down at their baby with so much love in his eyes. Ronan laughs, wipes tears from his own eyes as he drops a kiss to Adam’s forehead.

“What about Malakai?” Adam asks after a few seconds of watching their son.

“Malakai.” Ronan repeats as he looks down at his son cradled protectively in Adam’s arms.

“It suits him.” Adam states and Ronan agrees.

“Malakai Ronan Lynch.”