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Chapter Text

It felt like any other Saturday that particular morning. Henry found himself awake much earlier than he expected to. 

The sun was just peeking about at the horizon creating a glazed copper tint in the sky, and Henry, instead of getting up for the day, chose to cuddle up against his spouse’s chest, who appeared to be deeply in slumber still. 

He basked in the tranquility of that Saturday morning, enjoying the crawl of time, the chirping birds in the distance, and the calming scent of just Alex and his intertwined, knowing very well the serenity would end once his children wake.

As he slept, Alex emitted a muted version of his unperturbed scent resembling fresh brewed coffee and the warmth of the fireplace on cold winter nights, similar to a comforting hug. It was like Alex’s arm around him, warm and secure, Henry often seeking solace in them.

It was maybe out of habit that Henry was awake early on a weekend- being a parent- but he decided he was going to enjoy this quiet moment while it lasted.

Soon enough, he could hear his door open, followed by the pitter patter of small footsteps entering his room. It wasn’t long before he could feel the dip of his bed from where one of his sons had climbed onto and judging by the heavier weight that shifted, it was his eldest. 

“ Daddy ,” he heard the child call, a hand shaking his shoulder, “daddy, it’s morning.”

Henry turned, a little heavy from sleep still, Alex’s morning scent still stuck to his nose, it clung onto him, handcuffing him to his mate. Henry lifted his head from Alex’s chest, feeling slightly groggy, “morning, my love.”

“Morning, daddy,” Julian beamed, his curls were still tangled from his sleep, there were dent marks on one of his rosy cheeks. He spoke with such enthusiasm, children are definitely energized little bunnies, “we’re going to the lake aren’t we, dad?”

Henry ran his fingers through his son’s hair, tenderly untangling the clumps of soft curls. Of course his six years old would  be excited enough to wake so early when Alex had promised them a trip to the lake house the day before. Julian’s eyes were wide and they blinked eagerly with anticipation. 

Those irises were of Henry’s color, lined with Alex’s long lashes. ‘-A handsome child with eyes like an angel, looking into one’s soul"- the tabloids wrote about his son, but nothing could compare those pictures in the magazines or paper spreads to having Julian right in front of him and at full advantage using the batting of his lashes.

Henry was the much firmer parent, but at times he, too, can falter. He was only human and a father. 

“As soon as your papa wakes ,” Henry said, lifting his torso up, adjusting himself carefully. He felt Alex turn to the side beside him, a continued snore ensured Henry that his mate was still asleep, “shall we attempt pancakes for breakfast?”

Julian hopped off the bed as Henry began to stretch and rise, “can I have pop-tarts instead?”

Those vile things are too high in sugar to be given for breakfast, Henry once told Alex when he coerced him into having those insipid pastries down his throat. It was convenient, definitely, and the children loved them, but Henry would rather his boys have something more balanced to start the day with, avoiding serving it to them the best he could.

Henry pretended to be hurt by his son’s request, feigning a spear stabbed to his heart, “do you detest my cooking so much, Jules? My own son!”

Visibly rolling his eyes, Julian fell in between Henry’s thighs, hugging him by the neck, planting a large kiss onto Henry’s cheek, “dad- it’s just for today, please?”

Henry ignored the way his son downright avoided his claims about his cooking, not that it mattered much to him anyway, Henry would use the excuse of how Alex was the superior cook to get out of that specific chore any day. 

“Let me think about it,” he teased, loving the way Julian pouted, almost a spitting image of Alex.

“Dad-,” the child whined, and Henry needed to place his finger on his lips, in which Julian followed obediently, not wanting to wake Alex up, not yet.

The poor man had slept later than they did, tending to their youngest who was fretful the whole night, finding it difficult to fall asleep due to his stuffy nose.

It was Alex who urged Henry to retire for the night  first, telling him that it was alright and that he could manage. Despite Henry wanting to stand by his mate while he cradled their son and rocked him, Henry had undoubtedly fallen asleep first, having cared for the child the whole day before Alex returned from work. 

Their boys’ nanny had left early on a Friday afternoon.  

Henry didn’t even realize when Alex had crawled into bed with him. 

His world shook when Julian pleaded with him by pressing his body against Henry’s chest. Apparently he had been teasing his son for too long.

“Alright, alright, pop-tarts it is for today,” Henry said, ending Julian’s misery. The child fist bumped the air excitedly, triumphed at the way he managed to persuade his father. 

Julian had led the way to the kitchen, skipping barefooted ahead of Henry who hurriedly wrapped his bathrobe around his shoulders. He stopped by his youngest’s room on the way, peeking in to see that the child was still snoozing, not much different than the video on the baby monitor, deciding to let him be a little longer.

Convenient it was definitely, Henry only placed two pop-tarts in the oven, waited for a few minutes before he placed it on a plate and served it to Julian along with a glass of milk. Happily the child cheered, thanking him. After turning on the coffee maker and boiling water for himself to make a cup of tea, Henry headed upstairs again.

Surely, his youngest was still asleep like his papa, sprawled out on his toddler bed with his blankets thrown to the floor.

Henry placed a palm on his son’s head, feeling for any rise in temperature and was relieved that there wasn’t any. The flu he had yesterday had worn off and gratefully did not deteriorate into a fever- his youngest was a little susceptible to the bugs being born too early, said his pediatrician. 

“Rian,” he nosed the child’s cheek, caressing the thin layer of blond hair on top of Rian's head. 

The two year old stirred, curling into a ball. His eyes opened ever so slightly, revealing deep brown irises. The moment he saw Henry, he lifted his arms up, dazed, wanting to be carried. 

Cooing, Henry obliged. 

“Good morning, my love,” He greeted, Rian rested his head against Henry’s shoulder, yawning a few times. There was a verbal response that  Henry couldn’t make out but it only made him coo harder at how adorably dopey his son sounded.

Rian Oscar Fox Claremont-Diaz was a lot heavier now than he was before, being born less than two kilograms. Henry held his son securedly, feeling the warmth against his skin where the child breathed, redolent of those days he spent giving Kangaroo care to his preterm baby. 

Henry couldn’t forget how the NICU smelled like, pungent and sterile, and everytime he stepped into the hospital, his heart would race uncomfortably in his chest. However, once he held his child against his bare skin, those tiny fingers gripping at his pinky and hearing the small cry baby Rian would sometimes let out- Henry felt things fall into place, the tightness in his chest loosening up and he could breathe again.

He cherished those moments together, it felt as though it was just the two of them in the whole ward.

The moment was fleeting for Henry in those days, the nurse would come after a while, telling him that his time was up and he would have to reluctantly return Rian to the incubator.

It was months before they could bring him home and Henry could have Rian in his arms again without a time limit. Afterwards, as if trying to reclaim the time lost between them, Rian would cling onto Henry any chance he could.

That morning was one of those chances.

They spent a few more minutes in the room, Henry held Rian while he waited for his son to wake fully. And when the toddler could finally lift his head asking for food, Henry brought him into the kitchen where Julian was still munching on his pop-tarts, feet kicking happily underneath him. 

“Sweetheart, stop playing with your food please,” Henry had said while he took the two slices of bread from the toaster. Rian was apparently building a house that looked more like a tower with the pieces of pop tarts and plain crackers and Julian was helping him, using the blueberries and strawberries as the garden.

“House!” the younger of the two chipred, revealing dimpled cheeks. He looked rather pleased with his creation and the mess he made.

“It’s more of a gingerbread house,” Julian commented before Henry could answer, placing two fingers on his chin like the critic he is, eyeing his brother’s masterpiece up and down, “it looks like our house in New York, I think.”

“It’s lovely, darling,” Henry said, plating the eggs that were ready before he approached the oak table the boys were seated at, “but I much prefer you play with the toys your papa and I bought you.”

“Sorry,” Rian answered, a little rough in pronouncing the ‘R’s, pouting, taking the piece of the ‘roof’ and placing it in his mouth. 

Henry kissed the top of Rian’s head, grateful that there were no tantrums today. His boys were civil with each other, Rian on his chair and Julian by his side. On some days, either one of the boys would end up crying or the two would be arguing with each other, especially when it comes to their parent’s attention. 

Part of why they were on their best behaviors would be primarily because of the promise Alex made.

Henry thought he should make some sandwiches for the trip, a picnic by the lake sounded perfect, granted he doesn’t butcher a simple sandwich like he did last time but then he realized that it was getting a little late and Alex was still in their room. 

He didn’t mind that his spouse chose to sleep in a little later since it is the weekend if they didn’t have this planned, soon it would be too hot for the children (and Henry) to play. 

“Jules, help me watch over your brother a tiny bit, love, I’m going to get your papa,” he said, placing the apron back to its hook, next to Alex’s, “and please, boys, I don’t want any mess in here.”

Comically enough his son stood and gave him a salute, one he had learned from Alex. Henry shook his head, smiling, grabbing the monitor and left the kitchen.

“Alex?” He called at the bottom of the stairs. His voice echoed in their home, a two storey house much larger than his brownstone, “darling, are you awake?”

And when his spouse didn’t answer, Henry took one more peek into the kitchen, just to make sure that his boys were just as he had left them and his kitchen was still intact before heading upstairs. 

“Alex,” he gave a knock on the door before turning the know, “Alex, darling, it’ll be ten soo-“

Henry felt as though air was punched out of him when he took a breath.

He definitely wasn’t ready at what hit him from the other side of the door.

Chapter Text

Henry wasn’t ready for the hit to his senses when he opened the door to their bedroom. 

It almost brought him to his knees.

The scent that immediately flooded the air around him was of a different tone, though familiar, laced with the tiniest bit of that coffee and firewood- this scent that came from Alex was a complete contrast to the purpose of calm the former was meant for. This fiery- almost of pineapple and bergamot- domineering, musky scent caused a twist in his abdomen, a moan escaping his mouth as slick ran down his thigh.

It made him dizzy; like alcohol at a certain threshold. 

He gripped the panel of the door tight, steadying himself, feeling his face heat up, “Alex-“

The sight in front of him took his breath away. 

Beautiful didn’t quite suffice in describing how Alex was on their bed surrounded by white sheets, a stark contrast to his beautiful melanin-enriched skin. He was like gold to Henry’s eyes. 

Alex was panting (Henry wanted to swallow those shallow breaths with his mouth) and his neck extended back against the pillows, his muscles flexed and relaxed as his hand went underneath his boxer shorts, stroking what Henry couldn’t see but could definitely imagine.

Henry swallowed, it isn’t the first time this happened.

It’s just, well, this wasn’t supposed to happen today. 

Alex was not due for his rut for at least another week.

They had made arrangements for it, much like when it comes to Henry’s heats. It was part of their family planning, they can’t afford being incapacitated with two children in their care. Hence, the doctor appointments and suppressants regulating their hormones. 

They had planned to have the whole house to themselves when the time comes,  with their children safely at their grandparents’ house while Henry helped his mate through the rough three days. 

Together, they had made other preparations- a basket of food and water, a whole drawer of clean sheets, linens, and their clothes, perfect for nesting.  

Henry wanted to set up those preparations, create a soft, large nest for the two of them and present himself for his alpha to take. The urge was burning deep within him like this ache in his stomach, but recalling how his boys were still downstairs unattended, Henry mustered himself to walk out of their room, only to find himself pinned against the wall by Alex’s weight. 

“Alex-,” he gasped, Alex’s hand was on his throat squeezing the scent glands right where his mating bite was. However, it wasn’t the pressure that was suffocating, much rather, it was Alex’s scent. 

Another gush of slick soaked his pants, he moaned, “alpha-“

“Fuck, Hen, you smell so good,” Alex breathed on the skin of his neck, rutting against his own clothed crotch, his other hand hiking Henry’s thigh up higher, “I want you, baby, can I have you?”

Henry gulped, wavering at the request. The girth and length of his alpha pressed against him and the way Alex’s voice almost sounded like a growl - he almost nodded reflexively. 

His omega clawed at his insides, begging for the alpha to use him.

He stopped himself, shaking his head. 

“Alex, wait-“ Henry managed weakly, defying his own desires. As much as he wanted Alex to use him right there against the wall, he knew the children needed to be cared for first. He thumbed Alex’s flushed cheek, “darling, the boys-“

Clarity returned in Alex’s eyes where his pupils were blown like the full moon at the mention of their children. He pushed himself off Henry, the omega sliding down to the ground, his knees had no strength in them, they had been used for self restraint. 

“Fuck- it’s not- not today,” Alex pulled at his hair, pacing the room.

Henry whimpered at the loss of contact. Seeing how distressed his mate was, Henry nearly gave in but he bit the inside of his cheek, holding back a pathetic cry. 

When Alex saw how Henry was on their carpeted flooring, he rushed by his side anxiously, nevertheless, not daring to touch the omega, “baby, fuck, I’m sorry, it’s not supposed to happen today-“

“Alex- Alex, love, breathe,” Henry tried to pacify the panicking alpha, wanting to hold Alex’s hand but he pulled away,” darling, it’s alright, it’s not your fault. Things happen-“

Alex shook his head, “Take them and go to ma’s, Hen-I can do this alone-“ 

“I’m not leaving you like this, “ Henry cried out, moaning once more afterwards when he felt another twist in his belly, a gush of slick leaking out of him, “I won’t leave you.”

Alex was panting, from the way he eyed Henry, he could see how much restraint Alex was having on his alpha. 

And Henry can’t deny it, he loved it- how Alex was looking like he wanted to devour him. Those fiery eyes staring him down with the beads of sweat coming down his forehead and on his whole body, accentuating the muscles Henry loved to nibble on. 

Should he hire a painter to paint the love of his life like his ancestors did? Imagine how much it will cost sitting in a museum in the future once they both are deceased. 

Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and stood, with the help of the wall, of course, “I’ll get it sorted, alright, love?”

“Henry-baby-,” Alex watched him with those eyes, they gave Henry nothing but a lecherous stare, his fingernails clawing at the skin of his thighs. 

It hurt him to see how his alpha was holding back.

“Wait for me,” he kissed the top of Alex’s head, hearing the other purr at the touch, “I’ll be back, promise.”

The door closed and Henry could finally breathe, the air in the hallway diluted Alex’s scent in comparison to being in their bedroom. Somewhat relieved that his muscles were his own for the time being, what remained was the hollownesses he felt in his stomach where wish Alex was buried deep inside. Henry nearly turned the knob and opened the door again.

He slapped himself.

Keep it together, Fox- he mustered up. Whispering to himself before inhaling and exhaling, feeling the heat in his face dissipate slowly and what remained was the pain where his cheek met his palm. 

Returning into the kitchen, he was met with Julian holding his kitchen roll in one hand, on the floor trying to wipe away what appeared to be spilled milk. It was Rian who saw Henry first, his hands immediately went to his mouth as he gasped, “daddy!”

Hearing his brother’s voice, Julian stood immediately. The guilt in his innocent eyes and trembling lips were evident, Henry could see how his sleeves were wet, the floor and part of the table was covered with spilled milk.

Julian was obviously trying to wipe the liquid off, but those areas were replaced with a sticky surface instead.

“Oh, daddy, I’m sorry!” Julian uttered apologetically, tears brimming in his eyes, “I was just trying to clean the mess! You told me to look after Rian-”

“Hey, Jules, sweet boy, it’s alright,” Henry took Julian’s hands, taking the kitchen towel from him and setting it aside, “I’m not angry, don’t worry, love, let’s clean it up together, yes?”

Julian sniffed, “Rian spilled my milk and I just wanted to help.”

Henry chuckled, taking Julian to the sink to have his hands cleaned, “my, aren’t you the sweetest big brother.” 

“Did something happen?”

Ever the observant child he was, Julian must have noticed the change in Henry’s demeanor from before he had left the kitchen or the fact that one side of his cheek was red from his own doing. He wondered if he had always been this transparent or his children had learned these observational skills from Alex. 

 “About that, sweetheart-“ Henry’s heart was filled with rue when he sat Julian down again, in the living area.  

He glanced a look over to Rian who was playing with his toys in his playpen before pushing the strands of curls back from his first born’s face, “we’re not going to the lake house today, love. You’re going to spend a few days with grandma.”

The corner of Julian’s lips turned upside down, his hands mindlessly playing with the loose fabric of Henry’s pants, “but I was really looking forward to it.”

“Oh, I know, love, I’m sorry, “ Henry pulled Julian into a hug, “papa is not feeling too good.”

“Can I look after papa?”

“Oh, no!” Henry said a little too quickly, “no, love, let us grown-ups handle it okay?”

It took a little bit more convincing, sparing the details that weren't meant for the ears or the brain of a minor, before Julian was finally satisfied with the excuse Henry gave. It also took Henry promising him to spend the next weekend at the lake house instead of this one.

His children were settled in their living area when all too suddenly Henry could feel the yearning return to his lower belly, a cramp and slick rushing out of him once more. He stifled a moan, biting into his own forearm. Luckily, Julian was occupied with his coloring book and Rian with his toys. 

It will definitely be a trouble to convince his eldest that he was fine because he was, definitely, it was all nature but a child could only differentiate so much, if he noticed how uncomfortable Henry appeared. 

Julian had always been extra protective of Henry.

With trembling fingers he fished his phone out of his pocket, cursing at how wet his pants were from his own slick. He began searching for the number he knew he felt comfortable leaving the children with.

The dial tone felt like it went on forever and when a tender honey-like thick southern drawl was finally heard on the other line, Henry let out a shuddering breath.

“Hey, Sugar.”

“Ellen-,” Henry tried to keep his voice composed, cursing at the way he wavered, “Hi.”

“You okay, Henry? You sound a little antsy,” the music in the background was cut off, Ellen’s voice felt closer to the receiver, “is everything okay?”

Swell, Henry palmed his own face, “Funny thing, um, Alex is in a rut-“

An almost immediate reply came, “Oh, dear- how are you holding up?”

“Well,” letting out a dry laugh, he shook his head, realizing that Ellen couldn’t see the response,“do you mind watching the boys while I- just a handful of days? I-I understand if you can’t, it’s all too sudden, I’ll try and get their nanny-“

“Don’t be silly, Henry,” he heard shuffling on the other end, “we’re already on our way!”

“Oh, God, thank you, Ellen-,” his face felt like it was burning, his throat dry. 

With a brief goodbye and ‘a see you later’ Henry buried his face in his knees. 

While he waited, Henry occupied himself with packing his son's necessities, sometimes having to swallow his groans and resist the urge to touch himself. His body was aching with the want of only one person’s hands on him and that person was separated from him by just a wall.

It was torture and it felt as if it dragged ages.

After an almost painful cramp that almost made him cry, Henry closed his eyes and wished for Ellen to arrive sooner. 

Chapter Text

Parting with his children had always been hard, even if it meant only a few days. 

“No! Daddy!” Rian cried, hiding his face into the crook of Henry’s neck. He could feel the dampness from where his second born’s tears landed. Rian was clinging onto him and Ellen could only smile guiltily as she tried to persuade him into her arms. 

If it didn’t shatter his heart enough, his eldest had tears brimming in his eyes, his jaw trembled while he held Leo’s hand obediently and Henry felt his heart crumble into the tiniest pieces, slipping through his fingers. 

Keeping them here would be irresponsible, having a nanny over when both Henry and Alex were vulnerable was a bad idea, too. Henry needed a moment to convince himself that this was the best option. 

“So dramatic, you lot, “ he chuckled wetly, sniffing, his eyes straining from holding back his own tears. If Alex was standing next to him the teasing would last for a century. 

His skin burned at the thought of Alex touching him, the grimace evident on his face, trying to portray the opposite in front of his in-laws when he was soaking underneath his joggers and his erection well hidden underneath his robe. 

It took a lot of persuasion, kisses, hugs and a promise for ice cream before Rian could finally be pried off of Henry. Those cheeks puffed sulkily, refusing to look at Henry and the toddler was hiccuping when his dad kissed him goodbye. 

“Rian needs his lotion after his bath or else his skin dries and Julian, he gets these night terrors sometimes- “

“Henry,” Ellen held his shoulders, he didn't realize how tense they were until she relaxed them. Her blue eyes were twinkling, one could only imagine how funny it is that Henry had resorted to the former president of the United States to babysit his children- she used to be entrusted with the nuclear codes, for God’s sake!

“Remember to drink a lot of water,” she said tenderly, fixing his disheveled hair, “keep yourself and Alex hydrated, but being there for each other is the most important part.”

Henry couldn’t shake off the feeling of self-reproach in his chest, having to hand the care of his children to his mother-in-law; her retirement should be spent unwinding the tension built over  the years of her reign, laid back against the armchair with her feet up, reading magazines instead of having to change diapers. 

“Ellen, I’m really sorry I had to impose-“

“Nonsense,” Ellen shook her head, “you know it’s our pleasure to have them, hun.”

He watched as Ellen’s car drove away, Julian being clearly seen pressing his face against the window, waving Henry goodbye solemnly. Standing for a while in his driveway until the car and escorts left, it was only when he felt himself being draped by his cardigan that he felt the chill of the air outside.

The trees surrounding their home swayed to the wind blowing, the sky was a light blue, the sun was up but Henry could barely feel the Texan heat. 

“Shall I order Panda Express for dinner, sir?” Rupert said from behind him, momentarily forgetting that he and Alex were never really alone, “the usual?”

“Leave them by the door, we don’t want to be bothered,” wrapping himself with the cardigan, Henry nodded gratefully, “thank you, Rupert.”

Rupert gave a knowing smile, having familiarized with these kinds of routines, “of course, Sir.”

Once the door was shut behind him, Henry’s knees buckled from an intense twist in his stomach accompanied by the slick that oozed out of him. Alex’s ardent scent had somehow invaded every crook and cranny of their house and breathing in proved difficult, because it only intensified this yearning for Alex.

It felt like a heat- his body’s natural response against his mate’s calling. 

“ Fuck ,” he cried, waiting on the cycle to pass and he would have control of his legs again. 

When he did, he forced his body to climb up the stairs, holding on to the railing, finding Alex in their bed still, all in his glory in nothing but his birthday suit. Something inside him ached, seeing his mate alone with Henry’s favorite jumper close to his nose. 

Alex must’ve fallen asleep after his first release, his cock lying flaccid, yet his knot still visibly seen . 

Henry drew their curtains to a close, dimmed the lighting in their room and went into their walk-in closet, pulling out the bag nesting items they had initially prepared for next week and began rearranging them around his mate. 

His movements were careful, calculated- slightly sluggish from the remnants of the cramp in his belly- not wanting to wake Alex up in hoping he would get all the rest he needed before his urge would return. 

Nesting has always been his favorite part when it comes to his cycles. Back then, when he was still under the clutches of his late grandmother, it was nesting that provided him some sort of relief, some sort of escape from the cold castle walls. And nesting with Alex; it provided another sort of comfort and shelter, Henry soon had forgotten the days he was without the alpha, especially those nights with those excruciating heats.

To return to such days felt rather somber, he couldn’t imagine how he survived being so lonely. 

Soon enough he was staring at Alex as he slept surrounded by the blankets and their clothes. 

He marveled at the beauty before him, a father of two, his once lean muscles obtained from hours of cardio had been slightly replaced by fat, his figure was still there, Alex was still running for miles, but Henry loved the way his husband was slightly pudgy than he was before. 

It was when Henry was lying next to him, admiring Alex, when he noticed his alpha’s cock twitched, Alex suddenly moaned. His hand was reaching for his growing bulge but Henry stopped him, bringing his face closer and giving those lips a kiss. 

“Hen?” Alex was confused, his eyes opening. Those lashes lined perfectly along Alex’s half lidded eyes, almost seemingly synthetically placed - too perfect , he thought-  Henry wanted to run his fingertips over them just to see how soft they were.

Henry only hushed him, pecking those lips a few more times, before positioning himself in between Alex’s thighs and kissing the tip of his lover’s hardening cock. He started with a few licks, then taking the girth with his mouth, hearing Alex hiss, gripping onto the sheets.

“ Holy shi -baby-“ Alex moved his fingers to the back of his head, his eyes hungrily watching as Henry’s lips slid up and down his member, stopping just about the knot, “so pretty for me.”

The praise gave Henry’s own cock a twitch, with a squeeze in his stomach, his slick nearly flooded his lower parts. He keened to the tugging sensations where Alex had twirled his finger around his hair. He yearned to take his alpha’s knot in his mouth but he was pulled away all too suddenly after Alex thumbed the mole at the corner of his lip, laid over on his back.  

He landed on something soft- hands were caressing his hips, something hard was pressing down, grinding against the inner of his thighs and there were lush lips pushed against his own, fervently so that they elicited embarrassing mewls out of the omega. 

“It felt like ages- waiting for you- ,” Alex rasped, nipping at his neck, Henry evoked a moan from his alpha by tugging at his hair, “ fuck , baby, I want to eat you up-“

“Alex-“ he pulled Alex into another wet kiss, letting the other hump his thighs, loving the guttural groan that escaped the alpha above him when he bucked up to create more friction.

“Shit, Henry- so hot-“

His bathrobe came undone by large hands, from the way he was laid back, his chest was presented to his alpha, glorified. Alex’s and his own breath was heavy, amplified by their own arousal and Henry couldn’t wait much longer, he extended his arms for Alex to fall into.

“Come, love,” he invited, breathless, “I’m all yours.“

Alex latched onto one hardened nub greedily, his fingers working the next one. The alpha’s fangs rubbed against the tip of his nipple, the sensation sending another twist in his belly, electricity coursing through him. Henry muttered curses in between moans from his parted lips. 

Alex took his time on his chest, sucking as if he was producing milk and fondling him so heavenly that Henry could just come from just that. 

And Henry did, spilling into his joggers with a call for his alpha.

However, he didn’t have time to recuperate from the high- the assault on his chest halted, the aftermath was a sting from the cool air touched his wet and red nipples- because Alex was soon spreading his legs further apart, tearing his joggers off him.

“Alex-!” He moaned when he felt Alex thumbed his entrance, his mouth taking Henry’s flaccid cock, sucking it clean just as he did with his nipples. His body sent into overdrive from the repeated stimulation, he felt his hand tremble as they reached out for his lover.

“So wet, baby, “ Alex said, pupils completely blown. Those mahogany eyes were staring up at him, a devilish smirk played on his lips as Alex inserted two fingers at once. Henry whimpered, throwing his head back at the intrusion.

Alex’s movements were rough, his fingers moved rapidly. Henry could feel Alex pressing against his prostate, every jab made him gasp, his toes curling. It was two first, then three, Henry definitely needed more, the void still left in the open- he held Alex’s wrist, stopping his movements.

“Just fuck me, darling,” he ordered, a little frustrated that he was the one laid back. He could hear Alex chuckle, being married all these years, he must’ve noticed the slightest bit of change in his husband’s voice.

Alex need not be told twice, lining himself up eagerly and Henry managed to only catch a glimpse of his cock before it was being thrusted in him. 

“Oh, God-“ he grunted, the sheer force causing his body to shift up on the bed. His hands went up to brace himself against the headboard, “ Alex- “

Alex was spreading him apart by the knees, his girth splitting him, the slick he was constantly producing seeped out by the edges where his rims were taut, trying to accomodate the space for his rutting alpha.

“Ah, fuck!” he half screamed, Alex’s cock was pushing into him. When he couldn't advance, Alex pulled back before plunging into him deeper and Henry’s eyes rolled to the back of his head from the sensation- a line crossing back and forth between pain and pleasure.

“So tight, baby,” Alex groaned, thrusting in, his knot  impelling at Henry’s entrance but unable to pierce through, “ breathe , beautiful.”

Henry couldn’t even if he tried, he only managed to gasp painfully. His slick was flooding their lower bodies, but the knot had always been the hardest part, especially when his alpha was in rut. Using his own fingers, he began spreading his own rim needily, impatiently, eager to please and frustrated that Alex wasn’t fully him.

“Baby-“ Alex released his ankles to hold his wrists, bringing them up above his head,"Henry. Baby, you’ll hurt yourself- breathe for me-“

How pathetic he was, unable to accommodate his Alex, and the tears unwillingly fell, the weight on his chest wasn’t just his mate but his own disappointment with himself. 

“-Want to be good-,” he sobbed, the tears were suddenly unstoppable, Alex was kissing his face, “I just wanted to be good for you- sorry-“

“But you are, sweetheart,”Alex pushed his thighs up, bending Henry completely while still littering kisses over his face, “always so good for me-“

Alex kissed him languidly, licking the roof of his mouth and sucking at his lower lip all the while keeping constant thrust into Henry. He mouthed nothing but compliments to the omega beneath him, and after a while, with a single push and the tender coaxing, Henry let out a whine when Alex’s knot was finally pushed into him. 

“You’re okay, baby?” Even in such a state where their hormones could cloud one’s rationality, Alex was mindful of him. Loving Alex had always been surreal, and to have Alex love him back - with such passion- he felt like he could die.

Having been born into the Crown, and a rare male omega at that, his Gran used to scare him into isolation with warnings that omegas were just appendages to alphas, a mere tool to breed and expand. Of course this stunning handsome alpha from a country across the sea had swooped him off his feet and proved his Gran wrong. 

He must’ve done something right in his life to end up with such an alpha, always treating him so delicately that he could just cry. Sometimes feeling like he was undeserving of Alex and that he needed to step up to the occasion of being a mate to such magnificence.

He wanted to utter words of gratitude, and maybe, apologies.

Yet, at the moment, Henry could only nod at the question, awaiting the discomfort to ease. A look of worry flashed across Alex’s face when Henry couldn’t reply verbally. To smooth those frowning brows, Henry brought Alex’s hand to his belly where clearly, a bulge was felt. He let Alex trace the edges of stretched skin, shivering himself at the sensation, watching the way Alex’s eyes darkened.

“ Here -you’re so deep in me-“

“Fuck, Hen-“ Alex cursed, biting his lower lip, unconciously pressing down on the bulge and currents were sent through Henry’s body. He was hard again, threatening release by the pressure in his belly. 

He clenched onto Alex’s cock buried inside him and Alex grunted, keeping himself steady with arms. 

“Fuck-baby, I’m going to go crazy,” Alex said in a strained voice, “Tell me if hurts, H-“

Of course, definitely , this isn’t their first rut together.

Going through each other’s cycles was something that came hand in hand with their mating and even though Henry would let Alex do anything- use him however he wants- Alex ensured that Henry knew all their safe words, emphasized that he should use them whenever he felt uncomfortable. 

It was an act that never failed to make Henry fall inlove all over again.

“I know,” he said, running his fingers down his alpha’s flushed cheeks. Alex was monumentally beautiful above him drenched in sweat, muscles taut and breath ragged from self restraint. So he pulled his lover into a peck, muttering, hoping to alleviate the pain - “fuck me, Alpha”

Alex did, he made a single powerful thrust that sent Henry’s head reeling, breath knocked out of him.

The bed shook, its hinges threatened to come loose from the way Alex fucked him into the mattess. He clawed at Alex’s back,using it as leverage so he wouldn’t slip off, not that he was going to from the way the alpha encapsulated him and his knot keeping them bound. 

Henry kept Alex’s face close to his neck, where he felt the other man’s teeth grazing his skin. His own voice was hoarse as he chanted Alex’s name into his ear. 

“Fuck, omega, take my knot,” Alex grunted after a while, his thrusts were deep and erratic, clumsily chasing his high, ” baby, I’m going to fill you up-“

Grabbing Alex’s cheeks, he held Alex in position as the alpha growled. With one last heavy thrust, Alex moaned out Henry’s name as he came. And Henry, just by the sheer pleasure of having been filled up sent him back against the pillow, he came again with Alex inside him, latching onto his mate for life.

He didn’t remember when he had passed out, maybe immediately while waiting for Alex’s knot to reside. 

A constant repeated pressure at his entrance woke him up again, his eyes open and saw his mate, grinding into him, face still flushed and his eyes dazed. Alex appeared exhausted, those eyes could barely remain open with his conjunctiva bloodshot, yet his body was reacting to his alpha and his alpha wanted Henry. 

“I’m here, love,” Henry whispered, pulling Alex’s face to his neck where his scent gland was before turning over, making it easier for his mate to position himself. Alex’s cock breached him again, easing in without much trouble that resulted  from the first session.

“I’m sorry, baby, I just need you-,” Alex spoke with an apologetic tone, he sounded drained, his voice cracked and lacked energy, so Henry helped him by rubbing circles on his shoulder, a hand at the small of his back. 

“I know, love, I know,” he gave tender kisses over the shell of Alex’s ear, assuring him that he was present on his own accord, “that’s why I'm here.”

This round ended rather quickly, by the end of it, Alex struggled to hold himself up. Henry hushed him to sleep, keeping him still, Alex’s weight droppedslightly to the side of him, soothing his aching muscles with light massages while waiting for the alpha’s knot to subside. 

When it did, Henry detached himself, hissing at the leak of Alex's seed from his behind. He made it to the bathroom limping, cleaning the slightly red stained cum from his insides with water, then using a cream to ease himself of the discomfort. His reflection was nothing short of a lewd version of himself, completely covered in marks he didn’t remember receiving and his nipples were so swollen, one would think he was breastfeeding a teething child. 

Food was prepared at the foot of their door, Panda Express, just as Rupert had said. It had gone cold - the fried rice and Orange Chicken- Henry knew better than to leave their nest to reheat the food, if he heard a lonely whimper from the sleeping alpha waking up cold without him, his poor heart won't be able to take it. 

From the basket of prepared snacks and drinks, Henry chugged himself down a can of energy drink, feeling the burn as the carbonated fluid ran down his throat- he didn’t remember screaming at all. Then he climbed into their nest again, shaking Alex not enough to jolt him awake but enough to rouse him so he could share the drink. 

“That’s it, darling,” he watched Alex take a few sips from the same can he had opened. He chuckled seeing how Alex didn’t even open his eyes, he reminded Henry of trying to wake their children in the mornings when they had slept later than usual.

Henry was about to leave again, to grab a bottle of water next but Alex caught him by the wrist, pulling him into an embrace.

“Already?” He moved a little in Alex’s arms, a broad chest was pressed onto his shoulder blades,  “at least have a little more water, love.”

“No,” Alex’s voice was muffled from the way he hid his face at the base of Henry’s neck, “-just want to hold you.”

Henry snickered at how clingy the alpha was, stretching a little so he could place the almost empty can on their bedside table. He then turned his body so their torso’s pressed against each other, Henry reaching forwards to latch his lips onto Alex's.

He certainly did a number onto Alex’s lips, feeling it slightly more swollen,

“I’m so glad you’re here, “ Alex breathed against him, his eyes open to stare lovingly at Henry. Those brown hues were swirling like chocolate, he felt himself blush like a teenager.

Henry’s fingers caress the cheekbones of Alex’s face, admiring how perfectly sculpted they were, then lower to the stubbles of his chin- Henry had always loved how despite the man tried to shave frequently to look prim for his firm, there was still the five o'clock shadow that remained. 

He let his lips kiss every part of Alex’s face, from both of his eyelids, his nose, his cheeks and down to his chin before their lips met again. 

The kisses being non sensual, Henry cherishing every part of Alex presented to him. 

He said earnestly, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, either.”

Giggling, Alex squeezed Henry tight before going lax after a while, falling asleep again. 

Henry on the other hand held him close, letting himself enjoy this tranquil before Alex needed him again. 

Chapter Text

On the second day, Henry found himself in front of the mirror in their room, Alex buried deep inside of him from behind.

“Look at yourself, baby,” Alex spoke into his ear in a low, gruff voice, “- fuckin’ gorgeous.”

In response, Henry could only whimper. Alex had his fingers around his throat, periodically squeezing his windpipe while his other hand gripped the base of Henry's cock, sending a different kind of pleasure through the omega. His own nails were digging into Alex’s forearm with each pleasure that coursed through him every time his alpha bucked his hips. 

He was forced to look at his own reactions in the reflection at his mate’s undoing. 

Alex would repeatedly compliment at how beautiful he looked, a prince debauched he would say with his nipples inflamed, his member fully erected, slick dripping down his thighs and his belly- there was that bulge where Alex’s cock was moving with every thrust his lover made. 

His focus fell on Alex’s face, who seemed delighted to see how his omega was reacting to every bit of his thrusts. His curls pushed to one side, in disarray but still in place, his eyes dark and his gaze pierced through Henry’s soul. 

Alex leered unchastely at him, Henry’s knees go weak.

He would do anything for this alpha who was holding him captive at the brink of his sanity.

“Alex- I-“ 

“ Shh , baby,” a pressure on his throat caused him to gasp. Alex gave him a hard thrust and the sensation felt like he was on fire. His eyes involuntarily rolled back, he clenched onto his lover’s cock, who elicited a low groan from behind.

“Come for me, baby,” Alex ordered, tugging at Henry’s leaking cock, “come so prettily like you always do.”

He could feel how he was tipping on his toes with every thrust into him. He felt like he would fall, but Alex held him tight, so close to his own body that everytime the alpha tried to pull back, his knot tugged from inside of him. He grunted, feeling his edge nearing with every drag of Alex’s fingers on his own cock. 

And when Alex gave his throat another squeeze, Henry was coming all over his reflection. 

he was still fumbling down from his height when he felt Alex’s knot erupted in him. The feeling of having Alex’s seed fill him up caused him to scream, his body spasming as he came again, his own cock twitching with nothing from a dry orgasm. 

The world spun as he came down. His world was blacking out, his legs were giving up on him, yet strong arms kept him up long enough for him to be settled into their nest.

Maybe it was the fatigue. While Alex was recovering from one cycle to the next, Henry tried his best to care for his mate; feeding him and cleaning him up while he could and taking him by the mouth (or between his thighs) when his hole needed a break. 

He definitely lacked sleep, his body overworking to meet his mate’s needs throughout the whole first day, and the toll was taking over him.

Closing his eyes felt heavenly.

“Hen?” He felt Alex lightly tap his cheek, his voice concerned. He was lying down on something soft in their nest, and it only smelled of Alex wherever he was.

 “Henry? Baby, stay with me.”

Henry hummed, placing his hand on top of Alex’s to assure him that he was awake, “I’m here, love, just- a little tired .”

He could feel Alex placing chaste kisses on his neck, his hand rubbing at his shoulders. The urgency left gradually from his voice, “you alright, babe? You scared me.”

“Yes, I’m just- I just need to sleep for a bit, “ Henry smiled, content, taking a deep inhale of the scent around him. Alex’s knot was still pulsating inside him, so he brought his hand over his belly. Noticing this, Alex replaced  Henry’s palm with his, the soothing massages almost lulled him to sleep again.

“That’s a good idea,” Alex kissed his ear, he purred at the touch,“ don’t you worry about me.”

Turning his head a little, Henry pouted his lips for a peck, Alex obliged willingly.

Curling into position, Henry pulled Alex’s arm around him, “You know, you can still fuck me when I’m asleep.”

Alex chuckled, shaking his head, “I would never do that.”

“I’m giving you my permission, darling,” Henry turned enough so he could see his mate, “I’m afraid age is catching up with me, I’m not as fit as I was before”

“Oh my god, you are so dramatic,” Alex’s laugh shook their joined bodies, his arms around Henry tightened into a hug, “and no, Hen, I much prefer you being conscious.”

“Hm,” Henry hummed again, feeling himself drift into slumber. He soon let his growing debility take over him, the sound of Alex’s breathing ease him to sleep. 

He woke to the sloshing sounds and Alex groaning. Sitting up, feeling rather confused and naked, Henry felt hollow rousing to an empty nest. Without much hesitation, his omega yearned those mewling sounds close to his ears so he followed them into their bath. 

Alex was in their bathtub, the water filled up to his waist. The bubbles formed from their foaming body wash had almost entirely disappeared. The alpha had his eyes shut tight and was too focused on chasing his release with his own hand, he didn’t realize that Henry entered the room. 

“Hen-,” he gasped a little when Henry had entered the water in front of him, “baby, it’s alright-“

“ Shh .”

Henry climbed on top of him, forcing Alex to remove his hand from his cock. Interlocking their lips, Henry lined Alex with his entrance before finally sitting down, taking Alex’s girth easily, the water and soap mixed with his own slick as lubricant. 

Watching from above him with hooded eyes, Henry watched as Alex’s knuckles turned white from gripping the edge of the bathtub and he was biting his lower lip so hard, Henry thought he might bleed from it.

“Shit, Hen, “ Alex moaned, his breath turned ragged, “rested well?”

Henry smirked mischievously, hands on Alex’s broad shoulders, he teased by flicking one of Alex’s nipples, “thanks to you, love.”

“Fuck,” Alex threw his head back when Henry lifted his hips before coming back down. He wanted to place his hands on Henry’s waist, but the omega denied him, holding his wrists down so he gripped the bathtub instead. 

“No touching, dear.”

“ Fuck , Hen!”  Alex growled at Henry’s bidding, eyes turning slightly red and Henry bit his lip, snickering at his alpha’s reaction, “babe, I need to touch you-“

“Patience, love, “ Henry said, casually lifting his hips then lowering it, rolling it sensually, loving the way the alpha squirmed underneath, “good things come for those who wait.”

Using Alex’s shoulders as leverage, Henry rode Alex’s cock by degrees. Teasing him with the slow grinding of his hips, enjoying the desperate moans that his mate produced. He himself was enjoying the drag of Alex’s cock within his insides. The water around them was in synchrony with his movements, almost spilling at the brim of the bathtub. 

“You feel so good inside me, “ Henry whispered close to Alex’s ear, licking a stripe onto Alex’s neck. He then hovered over Alex’s scent gland before giving the skin a bite,  “Do you want to come, love?”

Alex nodded, whimpering, “fuck, yes, baby, please.”

Guiding Alex’s wrist, he guided his mate onto his waist, almost immediately feeling the dig of Alex’s nails into his skin. He readied himself, he could feel the tense anticipation and the restraint Alex was having on himself that maybe, later , once he gave the green light- he would be at his alpha’s mercy. 

He shivered at the thought of that, aroused, eager to have his Alpha manhandle him. 

With a deep kiss, Henry breathed into Alex’s mouth, “use me, alpha.”

A growl erupted from the base of Alex’s throat as he lurched up, taking Henry’s neck by the teeth. Alex’s hands roughly pulled Henry’s waist down - the omega screamed out of pleasure from Alex's knot breaching him. 

His body shook trying to refrain him from tipping backwards, Henry had to hold onto Alex, his arms around his neck. He tried to match his lover’s movements, but he couldn’t catch up to Alex 's erratic thrusts, feeling himself slip from the moisture of their wet skin. 

“I’ve got you, baby, “ Alex rasped, holding him, “fuck- I’m-“

Alex couldn’t finish that sentence before he came inside of Henry with a low growl. 

Henry saw stars as he himself reached his height, back arching like he was reaching for them in the sky. 

By the end of it, the bathtub needed to be refilled with water. They giggled like children when they helped each other wash up, Alex stealing kisses onto Henry’s marked body while the other shampooed his hair. 

It was something they couldn’t do often after their children were born and they were enjoying every moment of it.

On the third day, Alex’s rut was gradually calming down- the hard fucks and pounding of the first two days were replaced with slow and tender love making.

“My love , my sweet , my baby -“ Alex chanted in his ears repeatedly, mixing those words with Spanish, kissing him languidly whilst his hips grinding gently in between Henry’s thighs. 

Henry cupped Alex’s face, replying with words of affection of his own- if one were to hear their exchanges, they would vomit at how corny or cheesy they were being but honestly, Henry wouldn’t trade these moments with anything else. He would have them recorded if he could and have them on replay when they’re old and forgetful. 

Alex laid on Henry’s stomach after their latest love making, his hands rubbing at Henry’s belly like he used to when he was pregnant. The latter a little spent, lying back, playing the curls that began to gray on his lover’s head. There was a tray of food in their nest, half eaten. At times, Henry would feed a piece of the bread into Alex’s mouth and vice versa. 

“Turn around, “ Alex suddenly said, lifting his body up. He reached for the after care cream on their bedside table. 

Henry said nothing but obeyed, turning around to lie in his stomach. He could feel the cool of the gel being spread on his sore entrance, replacing the burn he didn’t notice that was there. 

“Thank you, love,” he said gratefully, humming and resting his face against the pillow. He could feel lips on one of his cheeks. 

“I’m sorry, baby. It looked like it hurts, “ Alex apologetically mumbled, carefully applying more of the gel, “you need a break for at least a week.”

“Nonsense,” Henry retorted, “I enjoyed it very much.”

Hearing the cap of the bottle close, he felt Alex plopping down next to him. He opened his eyes to Alex’s face close by his own. Those eyes were no longer filled with a burning desire, but rather an endearing look instead. Henry couldn’t help but to run his fingers down Alex’s pouty cheeks, pushing his hair back. 

“Ready to have those two menaces back?” Henry jokingly said, watching Alex  nosing his palm, “you owe them a trip to the lake house.”

“Jules won’t ever let it go, “ Alex chuckled, bringing his face close to Henry’s so their noses meet in an eskimo kiss. 

“He won’t, alright.”

“Rian would probably throw a fit because his brother does.”

Henry could imagine the chaos, “well, they are your children.”

“Of course, they’re mine when they’re misbehaving,” Alex laughed before it died down into a quieter- , “ hey .“

“ Hey ,” Henry imitated and Alex rolled his eyes. 

“What if we get a third one out of this?”

And Henry’s smile faltered, “love, the doctor said the chances are slim when I got those shots-“

“I know, I know,” Alex pulled him close, Henry snuggled into Alex’s chest, “if we do- you know, somehow, I want them if you do, okay? And I don’t blame you at all if you don’t want to. No pressure.”

Gulping, Henry shook those memories of being in the hospital while he tried to carry Rian as close to term as possible. Those terrible injections, medications, and that day they told him they needed to bring the child out of him because he was at risk of losing his own life. 

Henry’s nightmares only prolonged watching Rian in the NICU for months. 

With Julian, it was his postpartum depression but with Rian, it was a different kind of fear that loomed over his back. It heightened his anxiety when it came to being pregnant again.

Something he spent hours at therapy with. 

“Hey, Hen? Baby , look at me.”

Alex must’ve sensed his sudden uneasiness, the alpha lifting his chin with his fingers so Henry would look at him.

“I’m sorry for bringing it up,”  Alex said in a tone so soothing, relaxing the muscles Henry had unintentionally tensed, “we can have a third or not- at your terms, babe. I’m down for anything you’re comfortable with.”

The corner of Henry’s lips twitched into an iffy smile, he replied timidly,”okay.”

Alex pulled him closer than he already did.

“I love you,“ he said, kissing the top of Henry’s head.

Henry’s heart fluttered, the uneasiness dissipated ever so slowly.

“I love you, too.”

Chapter Text

A month after Alex’s surprise rut, their little family talked about spending the weekend at their lake house again.

It was Julian’s idea, since his Aunt Bea was coming in for a visit.

“I want Aunt Bea to teach me how to play volleyball! And can we camp outside, pa? I really want to make smores with her! Will Aunt June come as well? Can we please invite her too?” 

The child went on and on again that Friday morning when Henry told him about his sister’s visit, speaking in a weird English accent that sounded American with certain words. In his excitement, Julian was barely eating the breakfast he had on his plate. Henry had to stop him once a while, reminding him to finish his food or he’ll be late for school.

“Aunt June has plans in New York, Jules,” Alex said, sipping his coffee by his side. The untouched food in front of Henry had caught his attention. His spouse placed a hand over his, pulling Henry’s attention away from his excited first born. 

“Feeling okay, babe?” He asked, brows furrowing to the middle.

A little caught off guard, Henry nodded, always wishing he wasn’t so transparent, “I’m alright- I think it’s the takeout we had yesterday.”

An unsettling nausea twirled in his stomach and his head began to throb, bringing his hand to his mouth, Henry tried to suppress the bile rising up his throat. Maybe he should have listened to Alex when he said those chilaquiles were too spicy for his English tongue and not tried to prove his spouse wrong by downing most of it. 

Victory didn’t feel so good right now.

“I tried to stop you,” Alex clicked his tongue, folding his arms in front of him, “did you take some pepcid?”

Henry swallowed, his voice cracked from the acidity that crawled into to his vocal cords, “I took some gaviscon-“

They were suddenly forced to stop mid conversation when Julian let out a shriek and Rian, an ear-piercing wail. The older one’s cheek was stained with what appeared to be some orange goop while the younger had an almost similar splotch on his shirt. 

Henry honestly didn’t know where it came from, they were having pancakes for breakfast. 

“Boys!” his eyes went wide, jumping to his feet, “what did I tell you about food fights?”

“Rian started it!” Julian pointed a finger at his brother, who only cried harder.

In attempt to pacify the situation, Alex reminded Henry of what he had once said back then when Cake-Gate was making headlines, “Queen Victoria had food fights too, babe-“

Henry, however, wasn’t having it. His head throbbed from the discomfort he was enduring all morning, his mood was labile even with the cup of perfectly made tea in his hands. He wished nothing more than to crawl into bed again when breakfast was over.

He exploded before he could stop himself.

“Shut it, Claremont-Diaz!” He shot Alex a killer glare before turning to face his children again, turning the other man’s lips into a thin line. 

“I don’t care who started it! Food fights are wasteful!” Henry took the napkin and began wiping the stain off Julian’s cheek, “And you ruined your shirt, Jules! You’ll be late for school-“

The exasperation evident in the way he sighed, his body weary from God knows what- his spouse noticed and thankfully decided to step in and deescalate the situation.

“Hey, hey , babe, “ Alex stood as well, walking over to where he was and grabbed his wrists, halting him from trying to wipe the stain from their son’s shirt. When Henry didn't look at him still, Alex cupped his face, pecking his lips “baby? H, breathe for me?”

Henry did, Alex must’ve sensed his distress because his mate was letting out a scent to calm him. His lucid mind returned to him with the help of Alex and his gentle coaxing. His soft murmurs and the gentle caresses on his cheeks, they allowed Henry to regulate his own breathing again.

Guilt began to replace that burst of anger that filled his chest when he saw Rian crying and Julian barely able to look up from his plate, teary eyed as well. His hands were shaking, Henry fisted them as he let Alex continue to pacify him with a hug, rubbing the back of his neck to ease him.

“ Fuck ,” he cursed at himself for losing it so early in the day, 

“It’s alright, Hen, you’re just not feeling well,” those words from Alex’s mouth continued in an attempt to soothe him, along with the kiss to the corner of Henry’s lips, “I’ll clean up the boys, alright, starting with Julian.”

Holding Julian by the hand, Alex left their dining area while Henry picked Rian up from his seat. Their help came in to assist Henry in cleaning the table, which Henry was grateful for. He could care for his son, now, giving him undivided attention.

“I’m sorry, daddy,“ Rian said once his crying had turned into tiny hiccups, “ I won’t do it again.”

Henry held his toddler close, placing his hand on the child’s head.

“It’s alright, my love,” he said, kissing Rian’s ear, “I’m sorry for screaming.”

The child held onto the jumper he was wearing, his face close to Henry’s neck. Henry held him like that as he walked into the kitchen reaching for a towel to clean Rian’s shirt.

A bubble formed when Henry used soap to wipe on the child’s face and clothes. Using his finger he flicked the bubble on to the tip of Rian’s nose. A gleeful squeal and giggles erupted from his second born as more bubbles formed with Henry’s skills that his heart softened, wondering how did he ever get so angry at such a face. 

A wave of nausea suddenly hit him and Henry had to close his mouth abruptly or he might vomit all over his second born. 

“Rita?” He called for the young help who was cleaning their table, balancing between holding his son and covering his mouth, “hold him for me for a while, please?”

The girl straightened herself, wiping her hands clean then opening her arms, “ of course, your highness.”

“Daddy?” Rian was confused about being handed to Rita so suddenly, calling out to Henry who left the kitchen in search of one of their guest bathrooms downstairs.

Once he reached, with sweaty hands he lifted the toilet seat before he was purging out last night’s dinner and the barely eaten food he had this morning. Tears escaped through the corner of his eyes, Henry was retching violently that he felt his stomach would herniate out of his throat. 

“Oh, Hen-“ Alex realized he was missing soon enough, Henry didn’t have time to be discreet because his spouse was already entering the bathroom. He placed a cool towel at the back of Henry’s neck, “remind me to never let you have anything that spicy anymore.”

“Ugh, please ,” Henry groaned, leaning back against Alex’s chest, “remind me to listen next time!”

Alex chuckled, giving the top of his head a kiss, teasing him endearingly, “my stubborn little prince.”

Henry proved he was just that by protesting help from his spouse as he tried to get up. Alex was having none of it, he forced Henry into bed while he settled the children for the day.  Before heading off to school, Julian had come in next to him, giving him a kiss and apologizing for the mess.

Henry could never stay angry at his children, especially not today- he was just so listless. So when Rian’s nanny arrived, Henry closed the curtains to their room turning the whole place dark like night time and he laid his head back against the pillow. He let the fatigue consume him, hoping the aches of his body would subside with rest.

He thought, definitely, the next day would be better, only to be ever so wrong. 

Beatrice had arrived for breakfast in her summer dress and heart shaped shades with bagels and sandwiches in her hands before their trip to the lake house. Her cheeks appeared fuller and filled with more color than the last time they had seen her, which was right after she checked out from rehab. 

One whiff of the sausages and eggs the pastry came with, Henry found himself unable to hold in the unprovoked repulse towards the smell and had tried to quietly leave the room with his hand over his mouth. 

It’ll be a miracle if no one had registered his multiple visits to the loo so early in the morning. 

“You’ve gotten yourself knocked up again, Hen?” Beatrice had asked him when they were waiting outside for the security team to give them a clear for the route towards the lakehouse.

She was balancing Rian on her feet, the child giggling as she made walking movements, holding onto him by the hands. 

Of course his family would notice, he wondered if Alex was just being polite by not pointing it out. 

Henry kept his eyes on Julian, who was busy observing the wild dandelions in their front lawn. 

“It’s not that, “ Henry shook his head while his hand unconsciously went to rub at his belly, “it’s just some spice that I find myself unable to tolerate even after marrying Alex.”

“I saw you avoiding those eggs like it was stinky cheese,” Beatrice deadpanned, raising a brow, “Crumpet, if you are- you ought to have the doctors check on you. Remember what they say last time about your-“

“I know,” his gaze went to Rian, his tiny feet on Beatrice’s. 

He wouldn’t let his sister finish her sentences because he knew what those exact words were, he was the one his doctor told about how his next pregnancy could be a repeat of when he carried Rian and Henry just couldn’t listen to it again in person. 

Those words haunt him like a catchy melody, the kinds that are terrible but because it was forced on you by the media, you can’t forget it.

He didn’t want to put another child- his and Alex’s child-  go through what Rian had. 

“It’s not your fault, Hen,” Beatrice forced herself into his view, her blue eyes bright under the sun. 

Henry looked away, “I’ll give it a few days.”

By the way her face changed, Henry saw how Beatrice wanted to say more but she was cut off by Julian. 

His first born skipped towards them, a few seed heads of dandelions in one hand, excitedly chirping how he had gotten this for his aunt. They blew the seeds together, Rian included and Henry wished Beatrice’s intent on lecturing him would disappear like the seeds of the dandelions that flew away. 

Soon enough, Alex had walked over dashingly handsome with his summer shirt and the car keys, taking Rian into his arms announcing how their security team had given them the clear. 

By dinner at the lake house, the scent of the meat being grilled made Henry’s stomach unbelievably queasy.

“Babe, tell me what’s wrong,” Alex rested his head on Henry’s back, his arm going around Henry who was slouched against the toilet where he had vomited. Alex’s hands were felt massaging his stomach, and Henry could cry by the way Alex pleaded helplessly, “please, tell me . Don’t say you're fine.”

Henry made Rupert run to the nearest pharmacy that evening, only to return with antiemetics and pregnancy tests.

After the children and Alex had fallen asleep, Henry took out those tests and silently ran them in the bathroom. He bit his nails and paced the tiny area as he waited for minutes to pass by. This time, the uneasiness in his stomach was from the anxiety while he waited for the lines to appear on the strips rather than this sickness that was taunting him. 

He woke Alex immediately after the results appeared on the dipsticks. 

“Babe?” Alex blinked a few times to get his eyes to open, “are you feeling sick again?”

Henry shook his head, he watched the alpha lift himself up into a sitting position before taking his hands. Alex’s confusion matched the way he looked, with his intertwisted curls and his baffled eyes. 

Henry took a deep breath, letting it out shakily as he said the next few words.

“I’m pregnant , love,” he announced in almost a whisper, looking straight into his spouse's eyes and watching the way they widened by the end of his sentence.

He felt himself being covered by Alex’s warm body, the ice that left him freezing melted by the heat. He let himself be engulfed by his alpha, who left chaste kisses up and down his neck. 

“Oh, baby ,” Alex kissed him, holding his face close to his, “sweetheart, are you okay?”

He felt his tears shed uncontrollably at the question, Henry shook his head, “no-“

Alex kissed his trembling hands next, before leaning in once more to pepper more kisses onto his face. 

“Alex, I’m terrified .”

“I know, sweetheart, I know.”

The way Alex kissed him repeatedly, it was like the day he thought he lost their second born. His kisses were ever so calming, they filled the gaps of what was hollow, replacing those terrible thoughts with ones that were more soothing, leaving Henry yearning for those touches, wanting to feel secure.

Alex pulled him back, so he laid on top of him. Henry’s head was on his chest, where he could hear Alex’s heartbeat and breathing. Alex said nothing, he held Henry close until the tears dried.

“We will figure it out together, H,” Alex spoke finally, lifting Henry’s chin with his finger so he would look up at him. A loving smile plastered on his face, “I’m right here beside you, mi amor .”

Henry forced himself to return the smile. Alex was emitting a scent that was specially made just for him and Henry let himself drown in that very scent, his eyes drooping close. 

“Okay,” was the last thing he said. 

Henry let himself drift into slumber, his hands protectively over the unborn child nestled within him.