Trial And Error 2/5

[thesockmonster]

Baekhyun skirts where the alphas are working in the morning, hunched down on himself - making himself a smaller target as he makes his way to where Yifan should be. He'd slept through breakfast, and his stomach is still too unsteady to eat. There's a circle of omegas by the furthest tents in camp - where the unmated alphas live to provide a first line of defense should anyone or anything attempt an attack. The omegas are close to the center and the largest tent is reserved for the council meetings in the center of camp, leaving the mated pairs to spread out as they please.

Baekhyun slinks toward them, easily slipping next to Yifan almost unnoticed. Yifan settles his arm around Baekhyun's waist and tucks him closer, nuzzling Baekhyun's hair softly with his cheek before righting himself. On Yifan's other side, Jongin is listing, his hand wound in Yifan's far larger one. It's nice to see Jongin opening up to someone new.

They're still piecing together furs; everyone in the pack has more than enough for winter, so they're making the rest into blankets for the older members and those prone to falling ill in the colder weather. Yifan has one half on his lap, leather string binding the edges together with another and Baekhyun smooths his hand out on the soft fur.

"Baekhyun, can you give me a hand?"

It's Joonmyun and the expression on his face leaves Baekhyun with little room for argument. It isn't often that the two of them converse because Joonmyun is of the practical persuasion, speaking only when necessary. Baekhyun usually watches him from afar as an example. One he sometimes isn’t so good at following, but Joonmyun isn’t known for having fun.

Baekhyun peels himself away from the comfortable warmth of Yifan's side and crawls his way over to where Joonmyun is working on a set of white furs. He's hesitant, sitting close but not too close. Joonmyun's never been the cuddling type. So he's surprised when Joonmyun scoots until their thighs are pressed together and he can rest his head on Baekhyun's shoulder.

"If you need to talk about yesterday afternoon, I can be an ear," he offers quietly. His voice is low and since they're at the far end, no one else is close enough to hear.

Still, Baekhyun tenses at the mention of his behavior the day before. Joonmyun is there, his nose pushed to Baekhyun's jaw to calm him and an arm around his shoulders to pull him closer.

"It's alright," he assures Baekhyun. "I went through the same thing. I know what you're going through."

"Really?" Baekhyun asks, a little louder than intended because several curious eyes flicker over to the pair.

Joonmyun is smiling at him, one of those genuine smiles that brightens his face and curls his eyes into crescents. He doesn't offer a lot of those and Baekhyun relaxes against him, reaching out for Joonmyun's other hand to play with his fingers. It's always easier if Baekhyun has something to distract himself.

"I was a little older than you are when I first felt it. It was like someone sucked all the air from my lungs. I thought I was going into heat early," he confesses, shaking his head and letting out a sigh. "But it was just another step toward it. My father tried to keep me locked up for days after, just in case. All it managed to do was make me go stir crazy."

“I was too afraid to go near the alphas this morning,” Baekhyun confesses. “Yixing found me last night and I -” He swallows, glancing around to ensure no one is paying attention to them anymore. “I wanted to knock him over and use him as a blanket. I nearly ran after him and made a fool of myself.”

Joonmyun pets softly through Baekhyun’s hair. “You’ll learn to control it. We all do. Keeping away from the alphas is only going to make it worse. You need exposure. I suggest Chanyeol since you two are close and there’s no chance of you actually wanting each other.”

Baekhyun snorts in amusement, a laugh caught in his throat. “You’re definitely right about that.”

“You should ask him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind sitting around with you for a while. Besides, maybe if you two spend enough time together, you can impress upon him all the wrong ways he’s going about courting Jongin.”

Baekhyun gawks at Joonmyun, impressed. “Thank you for noticing. I’ve been telling that mutt he’s going about things wrong, but he’s so stubborn.”

“I’m not sure how much more Jongin can put up with.” Joonmyun’s worried, his eyes resting on where Jongin is curled lazily against Yifan, his lips moving as he speaks and Yifan grinning beside him. “And I’m worried about what it will do to Chanyeol when he rejects him.”

Baekhyun must admit, he’s had the same thoughts. Jongin isn’t warming up to Chanyeol’s advances, but Chanyeol is too stubbornly bull-headed to do anything other than plow on until he reaches his goal. “That does seem to be where this is headed,” Baekhyun sighs.

He knows Jongin doesn’t like hurting people’s feelings; he’ll bend over backwards to make others happy. But he’s also not going to lock himself with a mate he doesn’t truly want to be with. And his patience with Chanyeol is growing thinner by the day. Something drastic is going to have to happen one way or another. Baekhyun might as well try to soften the blow.

Baekhyun ends up spending his afternoon with Joonmyun, enjoying the company as Jongin and Yifan are off in their own little world that’s only occasionally destroyed when Sehun demands attention. Things are nearly back to normal and that makes Baekhyun happy.

Chanyeol is nervous; Baekhyun can practically taste it in the air and he glares at the alpha sitting across from him until Chanyeol shrinks in on himself, properly cowed. “I’m not asking you to claim me,” Baekhyun snaps. “Just help me get used to this new . . . “ Baekhyun gestures to his body uselessly. The two of them are sitting in the forest, secluded from the pack and hopefully out far enough that no one will stumble across them. Seclusion, Baekhyun thinks, is the best for this situation.

Chanyeol looks a little guilty. “It’s not that. It’s just . . . you smelled so good the other night. It wasn’t easy pulling away.”

“Which is why I trust you to let me know when I do it so I can stop. You’re a safe bet because there’s no way I’d want to get physical with you.”

“You sure know how to make an alpha feel special,” Chanyeol comments dryly.

“Chanyeol, I treasure you dearly, but I don’t want your knot anywhere near me. Ever.”

Chanyeol visibly shudders. “Yeah, alright. So what do I do? Just sit here and look handsome?”

“Yes,” Baekhyun says. “And let me touch you so I can figure out what triggers it.”

Chanyeol’s eyebrows raise and Baekhyun pulls a face at him until Chanyeol is laughing. “Sorry, it’s just so weird. You want to touch me?”

“Well of course it sounds weird when you say it like that,” Baekhyun sighs, rolling his eyes and pushing halfheartedly at Chanyeol’s shoulder. “Now be quiet you big baby and let me experiment on you.”

Chanyeol makes a noise, but falls silent after, leaning back on his palms so a slant of sunlight that falls through the trees hits his bare chest. Baekhyun keeps still, well aware of the heat that’s seeping into his skin from where Chanyeol’s knees are hitting against his own. He realizes nothing is going to get accomplished unless he does something, but he’s not exactly looking forward to reliving that feeling. He’d been so out of it, not even a little bit in control of what he’d been doing and it’s frightening.

Then again, this is Chanyeol.

Baekhyun slowly tips forward, settling a hand on Chanyeol’s shoulder for balance as he climbs onto Chanyeol’s lap. Chanyeol makes to help him, hands poised to grab Baekhyun’s waist, but he seems to think better of it and places his hands back on the ground. This isn’t so bad. Baekhyun gets a good whiff of Chanyeol’s nervousness and he’s immensely thankful to Chanyeol for doing this for him although he’ll keep that sentiment to himself. Chanyeol’s ego doesn’t need bloating.

Baekhyun sits without moving until Chanyeol relaxes under him and doesn’t look like he’s about to rip out of his skin and go running into the woods on all fours. Before he does anything drastic, like breathe on Chanyeol wrong, Baekhyun tilts his head in question. Chanyeol nods, just the tiniest jerk of his head, but it’s enough. Baekhyun steels himself, taking in a deep breath as he slips his hands from Chanyeol’s shoulders to his biceps.

They’re still firm, hot to the touch although that could just be the sunlight warming Chanyeol’s skin. It’s not so different than usual. The low pull under his skin that drives him to wanting to be around an alpha isn’t any worse than normal. His thumbs push against Chanyeol’s muscle, dragging down to the crook of his elbow and Baekhyun watches the trail of red impressions left behind that vanish nearly as quickly.

It doesn’t happen as suddenly as it had the first time. Baekhyun feels it coming on and steels himself, breathing in and out evenly and watching for any signs of discomfort in Chanyeol’s posture. Chanyeol tenses and Baekhyun pulls back, his hands releasing Chanyeol’s arms until they’re both somewhat comfortable again. It takes proximity and physical contact for this new sensation to sweep through Baekhyun.

He tests it again, fingers tight around Chanyeol’s biceps and running down until Baekhyun’s hands are on Chanyeol’s wrists and his nose is buried in Chanyeol’s neck. He smells like an alpha, like petrichor and trees and grass and strength. A heat blossoms in Baekhyun’s gut and he forces it to back down. Chanyeol notices the change, holding his breath as Baekhyun gets control over himself.

“You know,” Baekhyun mumbles against Chanyeol’s skin, “you’re really screwing things up with Jongin.”

“Can we not talk about Jongin when you’re on my lap with your hands being all . . . handsy?” Chanyeol rasps, still trying to not breathe as Baekhyun’s thumbs brush over his wrists.

Baekhyun finds it amusing and he laughs just a little. “I’m fine, Chanyeol. Smell me.”

Chanyeol’s obnoxious about it, sitting up suddenly and wrapping his arms around Baekhyun’s waist, Baekhyun’s wrists trapped. He inhales deeply and lets the air out with a loud noise. Baekhyun squirms away, nose wrinkled and a laugh stuck in his throat as he tries to fight his way out.

“Chanyeol,” he complains when he can’t get out. He knows Chanyeol isn’t using his full strength - he never does with Baekhyun - and he is still stuck. Baekhyun rocks his weight back and Chanyeol, caught off guard, teeters forward until they’re falling. Baekhyun lands on his back, both his and Chanyeol’s hands trapped underneath him and Chanyeol’s weight pushing the air from his lungs.

Chanyeol groans, wiggling his head so his face is smushed to Baekhyun’s neck. “You’re so comfy and squishy,” Chanyeol compliments. “Time for a nap.”

Baekhyun huffs out another laugh as he stares upward, his view comprised of trees and branches with random bursts of sunlight filtering through. As far as traps go, this one isn’t so bad and it’s Chanyeol so Baekhyun knows he’s safe.

He rethinks things a few minutes later. “I can’t feel my fingers,” Baekhyun complains.

Chanyeol rests his weight on his knees just long enough for their hands to move before he’s slumping again. With a resigned sigh that’s more forced than genuine, Baekhyun finds himself cuddling with the overgrown wolf, petting through his hair until he feels Chanyeol fall asleep on top of him.

It’s warm and safe. And Baekhyun falls asleep not long after.

Baekhyun jolts awake to the sound of a snarl. He tries to dart off, but Chanyeol is still on top of him and the sun has gone down. They’ve been out here for hours. His head is spinning and he sends a dirty look in the direction the sound came from. What Baekhyun doesn’t expect to see is a wolf peering at them, head lowered and ears flat on his head.

It’s too dark to distinguish exactly which wolf it was, but Baekhyun knows that scent. It sends a chill down his spine.

Yixing.

The air has an unforgiving bite to it. Baekhyun glares over at their newest pack members who appear unaffected by the drop in temperature. Mornings are the worst. If he had his way, he’d spend the entire time inside his tent, the flap tied shut and his furs piled on top of him. The grass is cold and wet between Baekhyun’s toes and he'll be grumpy until the afternoon sun warms him up.

And he might be - just maybe - the teensiest bit disgruntled that Yixing is now less amiable and more . . . well, ignoring him. After finding Baekhyun lying comfortably underneath Chanyeol in the middle of the forest, lazily napping and doing nothing to be guilty over, Yixing has basically given Baekhyun the cold shoulder. Every time the alpha meets Baekhyun’s gaze, he drops it and pretends it never happened as Baekhyun makes a soft noise, almost hurt. Yixing is acting like a child who had his muzzle thumped for acting spoiled.

Chanyeol is now sporting a few extra bruises that take longer to heal than usual. He complains that Yixing is going to break him in half and while Baekhyun knows Yixing would never, he has no doubt that Yixing could actually do it. He just doesn’t know why Yixing is behaving this way. He knows the pretense of toughening him up is a front.

“Jealousy,” is what Joonmyun suggests.

“Horse shit,” Baekhyun snaps back. The two of them are huddled under a large fur blanket together, side-by-side as they stare forlornly at the logs for the fire that aren’t lit. They won’t be until dusk when someone lights them and Baekhyun shivers again. He’s never liked the cold.

Joonmyun pokes Baekhyun’s side teasingly. “You asked for an answer and I gave you my best one.”

Baekhyun just ducks his head, pulling mindlessly at the blades of grass at his feet. When it becomes clear he isn’t going to respond, Joonmyun sighs.

“How are things progressing with Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun cuts his eyes at Joonmyun.

“Aside from the Yixing development,” he adds with a roll of his eyes. “You seem to be a lot more in control of yourself.”

It’s true. It’s been a few weeks since he started sneaking off with Chanyeol during the day for a few hours just to learn more about himself and how to keep from letting his instincts take over. Sometimes he’s not sure if he’s actually progressing or merely desensitizing himself against an exclusive club comprised specifically of alphas named Chanyeol. But Luhan and Minseok have started making room for themselves by Sehun during meals and since Sehun likes to be near people who spoil him - including Baekhyun - he gets his fill of their scents and their touches when they lean in. And after the low buzz under his skin kicks in as a warning, he knows how to pull back.

“Other than Yixing,” Baekhyun mocks, “it’s much better. I can feel when it starts and it helps to keep it contained.” Honestly, Baekhyun would rather be having this conversation with his mother, but she’s been aloof lately. Always affectionate when she’s around, but she’s hardly around anymore. Baekhyun knows the council is still weighed down with finding an Alpha to keep their newly bolstered pack together and yet it doesn’t seem to be that reason that has his mother is treading just out of his reach.

So Baekhyun leans on Joonmyun - physically and emotionally - for support. Usually Jongin would be his second choice, but he has his hands full with Chanyeol and Sehun’s excitement at getting his two favorite alphas into their circle. It leaves Jongin trying not to visibly pull away and he’s glad Yifan is there as a buffer. It’s fascinating how quickly Yifan has learned Jongin’s tells. Baekhyun only knows them because he’s grown up beside Jongin his entire life.

Across from Baekhyun, turned to the side so Baekhyun can’t see his face, is Yixing. He’s speaking with Jongdae, their heads tilted together and Baekhyun doesn’t know why it bothers him so much that Yixing isn’t paying him any attention. It’s not as if Baekhyun seeks him out; in fact, Baekhyun’s done more of the running away than anything. He’d thought that maybe, once he was under control of himself, he and Yixing could be friends.

Now he’s thinking he’s done something to offend the alpha without realizing.

Tonight is a full moon. The pack always goes running as wolves during the full moon. Baekhyun thinks his best chance at making amends is when he can’t open his mouth and possibly say something to make it worse. Besides, he’s far more comfortable as a wolf when it comes to the presence of an alpha.

The plan leaves Baekhyun antsy, even after Joonmyun practically throws himself on top of Baekhyun to get him to stop bouncing his legs already. Joonmyun has Baekhyun solidly pinned to the ground, a knowing, resigned look on his features as Baekhyun concentrates on lowering his heart rate.

It’s unfortunate that Sehun passes just then because he drops on top of Joonmyun and Baekhyun, bringing a shocked Liyin and Hakyeon with him. Over to the side, Luhan is laughing outright at the sudden omega pile and Kyungsoo looks as if he wants to rescue Joonmyun.

He doesn’t.

Joonmyun complains the most, but he winds up sandwiched between Baekhyun and Liyin with Hakyeon and Sehun tucked to their sides. Baekhyun doesn’t know much of Liyin - she came with Yixing’s group - but she’s always been kind to him and they’ve shared several secret smiles over the fire when Jongdae starts trying to show off and dismally fails. It’s no secret that Jongdae has been enamored with the soft-spoken omega and she has yet to put a stop to it.

“I can’t breathe,” Joonmyun wheezes pathetically.

Sehun just presses closer, a hidden smile nearly closing his eyes. “I’m not falling for that this time.” Sehun licks Joonmyun’s cheek playfully and Joonmyun whimpers. Baekhyun, who is on the bottom of the pile, is comfortable just where he is. When it comes to snuggling, Hakyeon is almost as clingy and warm as Jongin and Baekhyun is happy to indulge even if Hakyeon is coated in Taekwoon’s scent.

Sehun, for all that he's covered in Minseok and Luhan, might as well be an alpha. Baekhyun's happy for him. He's happy for them all - even if his stomach twists at the thought that he's being left behind.

The tent Baekhyun shares with his mother is beginning to feel cold and he sighs, glancing over at his mother. She's been quiet today and he wishes he knew why, but asking always provides him with an answer dripping in a lie. She's so tense, wrinkles permanent around her eyes now and a slump in her shoulders. Baekhyun doesn't know what to do. She's always been so strong and steadfast and she's faltering.

And she won't talk to him. Baekhyun's old enough to bear some of that weight and yet he's being kept in place like a pup.

"How are you adjusting?" she asks, breaking the silence that's been eating away at him.

"To what?" Baekhyun answers without thinking, too preoccupied with his own thoughts.

"Our new pack members," she says, her lips pursed and head tilted because obviously that had been a dumb answer on Baekhyun's part.

Baekhyun's mouth drops open on a soft, "oh," and a laugh. "I haven't met many of the alphas, but the omegas are nice. Yifan's been a big help. He and Jongin have gotten close. I hadn't anticipated that, but Jongin needs more people he's comfortable with. Especially now that Sehun is -"

"Has anyone stood out to you? An alpha, perhaps?" She's staring at Baekhyun with that apprehensive look on her face again and he really doesn't know what's going on with her, but he suspects that asking will get him nowhere.

Baekhyun leans back on his furs, shrugging. "No." There was a point where he wanted to spill everything to her - Yixing and how weird he made him feel, the new stage in his development which just made him volatile. Not anymore. She doesn't look like she can handle much more and Baekhyun has Joonmyun to rely on now. "Why?"

Her eyes narrow and she studies him for a heavy moment. "The scent of Chanyeol clings to you," she observes. "I have smelled him on you every single day for weeks."

"Chanyeol's my friend," Baekhyun offers as a weak explanation. "He's liable to rub off on me."

"Have you given thought to the idea that perhaps the reason no alpha has asked to court you is because you smell of another?"

Baekhyun chokes a little on his spit, brow furrowed. He'd been under the impression that his mother didn't want him to find a mate and leave her behind. "If there was an alpha I wanted to court me, I'd make my interest known," he half-lies. "Everyone knows Chanyeol is in the midst of his own weird version of courting Jongin."

"He wouldn't be the first alpha to keep his second choice close in case his first doesn't accept him."

Baekhyun sits up straight, eyes wide. "Chanyeol is not like that! He's my friend and he's been helping me!" There's frustration surging through him and he stands abruptly, cutting off whatever his mother was about to say. He can't continue with this absurd conversation. Not when he feels as if she's backing him into a corner. Not when this tension between them has been building for so long. Something was bound to snap.

It's better outside. For once the chill in the air doesn't bother him. It serves to temper some of his irritation and Baekhyun has the presence of mind to peel off his clothing before he sprints toward the forest. The call of the full moon is stronger, perhaps enhanced by his agitated state, and he wants to put as much distance between himself and his mother as he can.

The sun is dipping low when Baekhyun darts into the trees, letting nature take him over so he doesn't have to think anymore. The leaves are all turning yellow and orange and red, falling to the ground for Baekhyun to tread over, hiding paths he knows by heart. It doesn't slow his steps, letting his instincts guide him deeper and away. He doesn't dare go to where he spends his days with Chanyeol. He veers toward the river instead, hoping that the rushing water will drown out all the thoughts trying to break through.

Baekhyun listens as the animals scatter when he approaches, the prey running from the hunter. If Baekhyun was of the mind to catch a meal, he could. Fortunately for the other denizens of the woods, he's too distracted with other matters.

The last rays of light flicker into darkness as Baekhyun breaks into the clearing by the river bank, his eyes adjusting easily as he slows his gait. No one is chasing him even if it feels that way, if his body just wants to keep running. The water ahead is a welcome sight.

Baekhyun stops along the bank, the tips of his paws teasing the water's edge. His reflection stares up at him, eyes a brilliant amber and ears perked as his visage ripples with the current. The gentle trickling and the light breeze that blows through serves to calm sensitive nerves and Baekhyun flops to his belly. His fur keeps him warm and the water helps lull his eyes closed.

It is several hours before someone else enters the clearing and Baekhyun's ears twitch in mild interest, senses on high alert even if he doesn't move from his position. The achingly familiar scent of Yixing fills Baekhyun with a sense of unease.

He doesn't know what to expect from Yixing. Not anymore. Everything is getting complicated and he misses when it was all so simple, when there was a line and he was either on one side of it or the other. Now he's straddling the line, wavering back and forth and Yixing - somehow Yixing is the cause of it all. Baekhyun had never second-guessed himself or been so distracted and confused until Yixing showed up.

Baekhyun keeps still even as Yixing pads closer. His body tenses, ready to dart away, but it's unneeded. Yixing lays next to Baekhyun, his muzzle pushing at Baekhyun's until Baekhyun turns to face him, finally opening his eyes. Yixing licks him then, whining softly and nudging his face beneath Baekhyun's so he can rest on it.

It's so confusing. As a person, Yixing has been ignoring him, leaving Baekhyun to wonder what he'd done wrong. And now Yixing is attempting to burrow his way beneath Baekhyun even if his wolf is far larger than Baekhyun's. It's cute.

Baekhyun doesn't want Yixing to be cute. He wants to stay irritated at the stupid alpha for being such a wild card, for forever keeping Baekhyun on his toes. It doesn't keep the tension from bleeding out of Baekhyun until he's easily rolled to his side, Yixing draping himself over Baekhyun's middle, resting.

There are howls that pierce the night air and Baekhyun waits for Yixing to answer. He doesn't. Yixing spends the full moon on top of Baekhyun, occasionally nuzzling his way to Baekhyun's ears to lick over them gently.

The two of them pick themselves off the ground and slowly make their way back to the camp once the sun begins to rise. Baekhyun's heart feels full, ready to burst and he has to admit that there's something here. He just doesn't know what.

Yixing escorts Baekhyun all the way to his tent, waiting for Baekhyun to disappear inside before leaving. There's no one inside to greet him and Baekhyun circles his furs before curling atop them to sleep away the morning. Peaceful. Mostly.

It's early afternoon when Baekhyun finds himself wandering toward where the others are gathered to eat a late breakfast. No one gets up early the morning after a full moon. From the looks of it, Jongin is still asleep and drooling on Yifan's lap as Yifan uses Jongin's head to balance his bowl.

Baekhyun decides to leave the two in peace, taking up the empty spot by Joonmyun. A simple pout aimed at Joonmyun has the older omega lifting his fur with a sigh, letting Baekhyun cuddle into his side, Joonmyun's arm securely around his waist. Joonmyun's nose presses into Baekhyun's hair and Baekhyun hums, picking a piece of meat from Joonmyun's bowl and popping it into his mouth.

Joonmyun pulls away, eyes wide as he stares at Baekhyun, a smile spreading over his mouth.

"What?" Baekhyun asks, chewing slower because the way Joonmyun is looking at him is too weird.

"You smell an awful lot like Yixing," Joonmyun says with a laugh. "I was wondering why he was in such high spirits." Joonmyun tips his head toward the other side of the circle.

Yixing is there, a broad grin on his face as he laughs at something Chanyeol's just said, hitting Chanyeol lightly on the chest. It's a complete turnaround from how he's been the last few weeks and Baekhyun's heart thuds in his chest. His fingers grasp for Joonmyun's, pulling the omega closer to him for support because he's suddenly feeling light-headed.

Yixing finally notices Baekhyun and sends him a softer, more genuine smile. Joonmyun snorts in amusement beside him as Baekhyun squeezes his hand hard enough to cut off circulation. He smiles back easily, but everything inside him is a maelstrom of confused emotion, battling it out for which one is going to dominate the rest.

Joonmyun doesn't allow Baekhyun the time to sort himself out. As soon as the food in his bowl is gone, he's hauling Baekhyun up with him, the fur falling to the ground. Baekhyun yips at the sudden assault of cooler air and he glares at Joonmyun.

"We have laundry to do and I will not let you pout your way out of it this time. If we get a head start on it, we'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax. Or in your case, pine over a certain alpha."

Baekhyun nearly snarls at Joonmyun as he's dragged away from the pack - and Yixing. "I'm not pining," he whines uselessly.

"You're even less subtle than Chanyeol when he watches Jongin sleeping and I didn't think that was possible."

Baekhyun stops in his tracks, only to nearly topple face first to the ground because Joonmyun jerks him forward again by his arm. "Am I that bad?" he asks out of panic.

Joonmyun laughs and pauses long enough to ruffle Baekhyun's hair fondly. "Only a little."

Baekhyun makes a noise of worry as Joonmyun runs his hand down from where it was, around his arm, to slot his fingers between Baekhyun's and squeeze. "Don't worry," Joonmyun soothes, his voice gentle, "we can't all be as subtle as me."

Baekhyun scoffs, nearly tripping over his own feet. "You're not that subtle," he grumbles. "You've always had a thing for Kyungsoo."

Joonmyun stops, turning to peer at Baekhyun. "Kyungsoo isn't the alpha I want."

Baekhyun eyes Joonmyun critically. "Are you sure?" he questions. "Because I'm pretty sure that you do."

Joonmyun shakes his head and continues tugging Baekhyun along until they've reached the baskets full of dirty clothing that need to be cleaned. Each of them pick up one, leaving the rest for the other omegas to claim later.

Baekhyun hates doing laundry. It leaves his fingers wrinkled and aching and somehow he always ends up with cuts that sting for hours. The only reason he isn't putting up a fight this time is because his curiosity has him picking at Joonmyun the entire walk to the river.

"There are no secrets between us," Baekhyun calls out, barely just avoiding a root attempting to trip him up. He really needs to start paying more attention.

"I have plenty of secrets, Baekhyun, but wanting Kyungsoo as my alpha isn't one of them."

"Because that's not a secret. We all know," Baekhyun is quick to add.

Joonmyun seems more amused than anything. "Kyungsoo is a friend and yes, I wanted him once. That was before and I've come to realize we wouldn't be a good match."

"That sounds so . . . practical," Baekhyun comments, his nose wrinkled. Practicality isn't supposed to come hand-in-hand with finding a mate. It's all about passion and romance and filling in the spaces of each other until there's one instead of two. Or at least that's how Baekhyun sees it. Practical is boring.

"Kyungsoo and I would be volatile," Joonmyun explains. "Besides, crushes come and go. Mating is for life and it's important to be sure. I wasn't sure about Kyungsoo and he respected that. We've both moved on since then."

"Since when? Were you two together?"

Baekhyun sees the small, sly smile slide across Joonmyun's lips. "We were."

"Why didn't I know this?! This is important information!" It really shouldn’t be that surprising. Unlike Baekhyun, Joonmyun has already reached maturity. It would make sense that he’s been with an alpha. Especially during his heats.

"Are you going to be like this all day?" Joonmyun complains, grabbing at Baekhyun before he runs himself into a tree.

“So who is it you’ve decided on?” Baekhyun wheedles, refusing to be thwarted and uncaring that his voice is probably scaring off all the wildlife in the area. “Does he know?”

“He does not,” Joonmyun answers succinctly.

Baekhyun has to speed his steps to keep up, letting Joonmyun guide them toward the river. “Are you planning to tell him? If I was an alpha, I think I’d want to know which omegas were sizing me up.”

They get to a small break in the trees where the river cuts through in a narrower path. Rocks in various sizes are rounded smooth by the waters, littered through the shallowest pools and that’s where they stop to wash the clothing. This part of the river is only used for this purpose. Baekhyun prefers the curve that’s further away - the place where Yixing and he had spent a lovely evening together.

“I’ll let him know when he’s ready,” Joonmyun states, settling on his knees with the basket by his side. Baekhyun follows, peering at his friend’s face curiously.

“How do you know he’s not ready?” Baekhyun pulls a face when he plucks a pair of pants from his basket. They reek of alpha, but there are so many heavy scents mixed together that he can’t be sure which alpha. It leaves a bad taste in his mouth and he promptly drops them in the water as Joonmyun shakes his head.

"Because he's not."

"That's not very forthcoming," Baekhyun complains, most of his attention now diverted to scrubbing the pants over the stones to get the dirt out. After all this is over, he's going to take a long bath.

"If I told you why, then you'd know who it is and no one should know before he does."

Baekhyun curls his lip, unimpressed. "I can keep a secret."

Joonmyun laughs. It rings loud in the trees, echoing until Baekhyun's frown is oriented at Joonmyun and not the sopping wet pants in front of him. "You should focus on your own budding romance."

Baekhyun promptly goes red in the face. "I don't have a romance!" he argues weakly even as he thinks about Yixing's weight pressed against him protectively.

"I can smell that," Joonmyun teases, flicking water at Baekhyun who flinches when the cold droplets hit against his warming skin.

He pouts, but keeps quiet as they both set about their task. The thought of pressing further about Joonmyun's mysterious alpha is set aside in preference of getting the laundry clean so he can be lazy the rest of the day. The sun is already high overhead and he wants to soak in it, but that's hard to accomplish when the trees around them keep most of it from hitting the ground.

It isn't long before Baekhyun hears movement in the trees, other omegas showing up with their own baskets. He catches the scent of Chanyeol - who is arguing to carry Jongin's basket stubbornly - and Jongdae who has possession of Liyin's basket. Such polite guards the two will make. Baekhyun has no doubt that Jongin and Liyin could get out of washing completely with one bat of their eyelashes, but neither of them are the type.

Baekhyun is, but everyone knows he's shameless.

The familiar presence of Jongin is welcome and Baekhyun leans his head on Jongin's shoulder as a greeting. He's missed him. Jongin smells strongly of Yifan and Sehun, both of whom are now crouched over the bank of the river with clothing in hand. Jongin noses at Baekhyun's cheek fondly and the two of them complete their chore in silence.

Baekhyun is content this way even if his fingers are sore and he thinks all he can taste is a mix of alpha scents stuck to the roof of his mouth. Predictably, Joonmyun finishes first, but instead of leaving, he starts helping Baekhyun with his pile, handing off the clean, wet clothing to Chanyeol so he can hang them from the low hanging branches to dry.

Baekhyun still mumbles complaints into Joonmyun's neck as he leans heavily on the omega when their task is done. Joonmyun scratches through Baekhyun's hair affectionately before tweaking his nose. "Brat."

Baekhyun finds an even balance within himself and when the cold finally settles around the camp to stay, he finds himself taking up residence in Joonmyun's tent. His mother is never around anymore and he gets lonely, shivering on his bed without another to keep him warm. So Joonmyun invites him in and Baekhyun stays.

Joonmyun still won't divulge the name of the alpha he deems worthy of his affections and Baekhyun knows he won't, but it's fun picking at him anyway.

"Is it Jongdae?" Baekhyun whispers in Joonmyun's ear. He nearly takes a shoulder to the jaw from the sudden jerk of laughter that has Joonmyun doubling over.

Baekhyun thought it was a pretty solid guess even if Jongdae is still doing everything in his power to impress Liyin. It doesn't hurt that Baekhyun finds Joonmyun watching Jongdae, a subtle smile curving one side of his mouth when he thinks no one’s looking.

Joonmyun's mirth draws the attention of a few others and Baekhyun waves them off, a disgruntled frown tugging at his face because he'd been so sure this time. After he'd gotten confirmation from Kyungsoo himself that he and Joonmyun had been together for a while, but had parted amicably, Baekhyun has been on a mission.

It's not that he's that intensely curious, but it's nice to take an interest in his friend in lieu of dealing with the nerve shaking emotions that come with Yixing's mere presence. He's the one alpha Baekhyun hasn't been able to acclimate himself to no matter how many times he scoots nearer just to test how long it takes for the hair on the back of his neck to lay flat again. It never does.

Baekhyun flops backwards, staring up at the sun as Joonmyun tries to catch his breath. The mystery is fun, but frustrating because he can never be sure if he's already guessed the right answer and Joonmyun lies it away. Excepting, of course, for the sudden reactions like this one that tell Baekhyun more than words could. It's definitely not Jongdae.

It wasn't Tao or Yunho or Taekwoon either. He hadn't even bothered asking about Luhan and Minseok because Baekhyun’s pretty certain they've already claimed each other despite being alphas. It doesn't happen often, but Baekhyun's heard of it. He just hopes Sehun doesn't get in over his head because he's still yipping at their heels even now.

"Is it even an alpha?" Baekhyun grumbles, mostly to himself.

Joonmyun lays back in the grass with him, half on top of Baekhyun with his hair tickling Baekhyun's chin. "Yes," he utters with a sigh.

"He's not already claimed is he?"

Joonmyun actually bites Baekhyun's neck enough for him to jolt, trying to jerk away. Joonmyun's weight keeps him held down. "I don't hate myself," Joonmyun says matter-of-factly. "He's unmated and no, I won't be telling you anything else."

Baekhyun grunts, irritated.

"What about you?" Joonmyun asks, tightening the arm he has around Baekhyun's waist.

"What about me?"

"Yixing," Joonmyun states. "When are you going to admit to yourself that you want him?"

Baekhyun should protest. He should shove Joonmyun away and declare that he doesn't think of Yixing that way, but Joonmyun's more observant than the rest and he picks up on what no one else does. Arguing with him would be pointless. It would be a lie to say that Baekhyun hadn’t entertained the notion that he may be drawn to Yixing. He’s an alpha after all. And an impressive one. Baekhyun wouldn’t settle for anything less.

The silence is enough of an answer and Joonmyun doesn't pry. He knows when to let things go, unlike Baekhyun.

"What about Minho?"

Joonmyun groans, Baekhyun rolls them over and behind them, Sehun manages to trip right into them, smashing Baekhyun’s head into Joonmyun's chest.

"Sorry," Sehun whines, draped over Baekhyun's back until Luhan wanders over to pull him away with a chuckle.

The pack doesn't make it through the winter unscathed. Baekhyun's gotten used to the sudden absence of families who have chosen to move on, but he wasn't prepared for this. There are raised voices in the center of camp and Baekhyun is one of the many rushing toward them, worried because one of those voices is too familiar to ever mistake. Outside the council tent, with bags over their hunched shoulders and determination set in their features, are Chanyeol's parents.

Chanyeol turns and darts off toward the trees and Baekhyun pushes his way through, following. He can sense Jongin just behind him, along with Joonmyun and Sehun. The anger is radiating from Chanyeol enough that they can pick up on it even from this far back.

A scream rips through the air and Baekhyun sees Chanyeol's fist slam into a small tree, cracking the trunk enough to have it teetering, close to falling.

"Chanyeol!" Baekhyun calls, afraid to reach out because he's never seen his friend this way. Chanyeol never lets his anger get the better of him, but when he spins, his eyes are red and his canines are pointed, pushing sharp into his lower lip. He's so close to shifting and Baekhyun needs him to keep it together long enough to figure out how to help.

"They're leaving," Chanyeol growls.

Baekhyun feels himself stop breathing, stomach dropping. "What?" he questions weakly.

"My family is leaving." Chanyeol looks so defeated, the anger pulling back to show the pain underneath. "They said they can't go through another winter without an Alpha. They want me to come with them."

"Will you?" The question comes from behind Baekhyun. From Sehun.

Chanyeol looks helplessly at all of them, finally resting his gaze on Jongin. “Should I?” Chanyeol sighs, defeat written over a once proud countenance. Baekhyun’s stomach flips, nauseous.

Jongin looks uneasy and he backs up a step, hitting against Sehun who wraps arm around his waist to support him. “Don’t stay because of me, Chanyeol,” Jongin whispers. Baekhyun looks at Jongin, a knot in his throat at the way Jongin’s eyes are wet, his heels dug into the ground. “I can’t give you what you want.”

The jarring silence that falls after Jongin’s words settles heavy in the air and all Baekhyun can make out is Chanyeol’s jagged breathing and the erratic beating of his own heart.

“I’m sorry,” Jongin mumbles.

There are tears running down Chanyeol’s cheeks and he nods, slowly backing away until he’s under the cover of the trees. Then he’s turning and shifting in the blink of an eye to run off. Baekhyun can’t let him be alone and he takes off after him, only to feel a strong grip on his arm, pulling him back.

Baekhyun turns to see Yixing releasing him, snarling at Baekhyun to stay put before he’s shifting just as quickly as Chanyeol and giving chase. He disappears in the shadows and Baekhyun stumbles forward, his hand resting along the split Chanyeol left on the tree. The two are gone from sight and he’s afraid.

Chanyeol can’t leave.

When Baekhyun turns around, Sehun is guiding Jongin toward the camp again, mumbling reassurances in his hair. No one is going to blame Jongin. They all know Chanyeol has been fighting a losing battle anyway. Baekhyun just wishes it hadn’t come down to it this way. He doesn’t want it to be the thing that drives Chanyeol from this pack into another.

The only person still standing is Joonmyun. His lips are thin, his hands balled into fists at his sides and the realization of discovering which alpha Joonmyun has chosen doesn’t fill Baekhyun with the triumph he’d anticipated. It leaves his chest hollow and his limbs heavy as he trudges toward his friend. He pulls Joonmyun into his arms and Joonmyun slumps against him, trying to keep himself from falling apart.

Baekhyun has never seen Joonmyun as anything other than strong. Even if omegas aren't particularly known for their strength, Joonmyun has always been a pillar in their pack and seeing him this way has Baekhyun feeling protective. Joonmyun clings to him, hands twisted in Baekhyun's shirt and tears wetting through the fabric.

He doesn't fight against Baekhyun when he begins guiding them back to the camp. Baekhyun takes a roundabout way, keeping the both of them out of sight which is a lot easier to do when most of the pack is still milling around the council tent as Chanyeol's parents wait for him to return. Baekhyun empathizes with them; he really does. But that doesn't stop him from resenting them for what they're doing.

Joonmyun's tent - and now Baekhyun's too since all his stuff has been moved over - is nestled out of sight, barricaded by a semi-circle of alpha residences, including Yixing's. It's easy to slip inside unnoticed, Joonmyun shuffling with him and allowing Baekhyun to pull him down onto the furs they share as bed.

Baekhyun doesn't say anything; he doesn't need to. He curls around Joonmyun and pets his hair as Joonmyun trembles, choking down the soft noises of his tears. Even now he's trying to stay strong and it just makes Baekhyun's heart ache more.

Baekhyun is conflicted, worried, strained to the limit and ready to burst out of his skin to go hunt down Chanyeol and yet Joonmyun is the anchor that keeps him where he is. Joonmyun needs him right now. Yixing is out there with Chanyeol and Baekhyun knows Yixing will do everything he can to do what's best for Chanyeol. Even if it means leaving the pack.

He can't imagine what Jongin's going through. If Chanyeol leaves, he'll take the blame for it even if it's not his fault. Jongin's too soft-hearted but Baekhyun can't protect him from that. It's a bad situation all around.

Baekhyun understands now why Joonmyun hadn't been forthcoming with who he was attracted to. Chanyeol's been so public and earnest in his attempted courting of Jongin that adding himself to the mix would have been volatile at best. It probably would have caused more pain than it was worth and letting the situation between Chanyeol and Jongin run its course had been the right call.

But now there's a twist and if Chanyeol leaves, Joonmyun will be heartbroken without ever getting to tell Chanyeol how he feels and being heard. There are plenty of alphas who would gladly step in to take care of Joonmyun, to claim him and keep him as their own, but it wouldn't be the same.

Joonmyun eventually falls asleep. His breathing is even and his cheeks are stained when Baekhyun carefully rolls away enough to check on him. Strands of dark hair are in disarray and there's splotches of red dotted along his cheeks and down his neck, but they're fading. He's relaxed enough that Baekhyun can rescue his arm because he lost feeling in it a while ago.

There's fluttering outside the tent, soft footfalls that draw Baekhyun's eyes to the partially open flap. A figure crouches down and Baekhyun catches a glimpse of Yixing beckoning him to come out.

He takes one last look at Joonmyun before leaving. By the time Baekhyun is outside the tent, Joonmyun has already rolled over, curled into a small ball.

"How is he?" Yixing asks, eyes trained on the tent flap.

Baekhyun tilts his head at Yixing, thoughtful. "He's sleeping, so he's fine for now."

Yixing hums, motioning for Baekhyun to follow him and Baekhyun does if only to ensure that their voices don't wake Joonmyun. They end up in Yixing's tent. It's the first time Baekhyun's been in here and the scent of alpha - of Yixing - threatens to flood Baekhyun's system.

"Chanyeol?" Baekhyun inquires, taking in shallow breaths to keep himself calm.

"Angry at the world," Yixing sighs, sitting and patting the spot beside him.

Baekhyun thinks about refusing, but his legs might give out if he stands much longer. He can feel the heat of Yixing beside him and his body reacts, wanting to climb onto the alpha and never let go. Baekhyun mentally shakes his head, irritated that his instincts are fighting with more important issues.

"I would be too," Baekhyun responds after a pointed silence. "Does he know what he's going to do?"

"No," Yixing replies immediately. "But I don't think he'll leave. Even with Jongin's refusal, Chanyeol loves his pack. He loves you and the others too much to go."

The words sound accusatory and Baekhyun flinches, shoulders raising protectively. "We've grown up together. Of course he loves us," he bites back defensively.

"He's loyal," Yixing states. "That's all I meant." Yixing sighs and Baekhyun looks over at him. Yixing’s hair is growing out again, hanging nearly to his shoulders. It will help keep him warm during the winter months - if Yixing gets cold. He’s still running around with just a pair of pants slung carelessly around his hips.

Baekhyun tries not to think about the few glimpses he’s gotten of Yixing wearing nothing at all. It’s not the time or place even if Yixing’s scent is swirling dangerously through Baekhyun’s system.

“I think it’s good you’ll be there for Joonmyun. He needs someone strong to lean on.”

Baekhyun startles. “How did -”

Yixing taps twice on the side of his nose, smiling as he turns to look at Baekhyun. “Keen sense of smell. Joonmyun’s scent would always shift when Chanyeol was around even if he didn’t physically react.”

“Is there anything you’re not good at?” Baekhyun grumbles under his breath.

Yixing peers at Baekhyun thoughtfully. “Figuring you out,” he answers. “I never know where I stand with you.”

Baekhyun’s chest feels oddly tight. “Good.” Baekhyun leans his weight against Yixing - a moment of weakness. “It’d be annoying if you knew how I felt before I did.”

“So I haven’t driven you away completely?” Yixing teases.

Baekhyun shoves at Yixing lightly. “Not completely.”

"It's not easy," Yixing confesses after a few moments of silence. "Even after visiting a few times, this place is so different from my old home and I'll wake up, forgetting that I'm not a part of that pack anymore."

Baekhyun reaches out without thinking, taking Yixing's hand in his own. Yixing squeezes and Baekhyun squeezes back.

"I know both packs are better off this way. I know I'm a part of this one now." Yixing sighs, staring down at their linked hands. "Still . . . "

Baekhyun can't possibly understand what Yixing is feeling, but he can sense some of the sorrow and longing. It has him allowing Yixing to draw him nearly onto his lap so he can rest his cheek on Baekhyun's shoulder, keep an arm around his waist to hold him steady. Baekhyun's skin prickles and his heart races and he can't fight down this urge to bare himself to Yixing. It's terrifying.

Yixing breathes him in deep and suddenly lets go. "You should go back to Joonmyun," he rasps, his voice oddly pinched. "I'll keep you informed if Chanyeol shows up again."

Baekhyun can't do more than nod and crawl his way out, gulping down fresh, non-Yixing tainted air when he gets outside. His body is buzzing, his head spinning and why doesn't he have this same reaction with all the other alphas? What makes Yixing so special?

He stumbles into his tent with Joonmyun and shuts them in, now lying with Joonmyun to calm himself too.

Chanyeol doesn’t make an appearance until the following morning. The camp has been jumpy, everyone on high alert and a guard set up overnight just in case he came back. Everything had been in a fragile, suspended state. Chanyeol is family; he’s pack and those bonds run deep.

Baekhyun doesn’t get to see Chanyeol before the alpha is slipping into the council tent where his parents have been waiting. But Baekhyun does keep near, anxious to see his friend and be there for him whether Chanyeol decides to leave or stay. Joonmyun opted out of keeping Baekhyun company and Baekhyun doesn’t blame him. He’s managed to pull himself together but his eyes are still rimmed in red and Joonmyun needs the normalcy of their usual routine to keep from relapsing.

Baekhyun practically carves a rut in the ground from his pacing, only stopped when Yixing shows up later in the morning, pulling Baekhyun to sit down with him. He knows that Baekhyun won’t leave until he sees Chanyeol so he keeps him company. The silence is more unnerving than Baekhyun had thought. He can’t hear anything coming from the tent and he only hopes that Chanyeol chooses what’s best for him.

He wrings his hands, then wrings Yixing’s hands when the alpha tries to stop him. Jongin joins them, nearly squirming himself directly into Baekhyun’s lap. He’s chewed his nails to the quick and is now picking at the skin on the sides. Baekhyun wraps his arms around Jongin, nose in his hair as Yixing moves behind the pair so Baekhyun can lean back on him comfortably. Jongin’s scent fills Baekhyun’s nose which helps him balance the heat that races through his body at Yixing’s touch. He certainly hopes neither of them notices.

Chanyeol looks like the physical embodiment of a raw nerve ending when he finally steps out. His eyes are bloodshot and he’s lost the color in his cheeks, hands clenched at his sides. Chanyeol’s parents appear next and they turn to walk off, leaving Chanyeol who refuses to watch as they go.

He’s staying.

Jongin and Baekhyun are both on their feet to catch Chanyeol as he falls to his knees.

There's relief at knowing that Chanyeol isn't going anywhere, but Baekhyun also knows that Chanyeol's in pain. He's choosing to let the people closest to him leave and not go with them. There's nothing he can say that's going to make this better, so he doesn't try. All he can do is be there for his friend. Baekhyun pushes his face to Chanyeol's neck, a few tears of his own escaping when Chanyeol's tears wet his shoulder and Chanyeol's arm grips tight around his waist. He's shaking and sobbing and Baekhyun feels helpless.

Jongin keeps murmuring apologies, uncharacteristically open and affectionate with Chanyeol which is probably why Chanyeol is easier to calm. Yixing is there to keep them all from falling to pieces, helping Chanyeol when he finally picks himself up.

"Need a place to stay?" Yixing offers, head tilted and his hand tight on Chanyeol's arm.

Chanyeol sniffles. His face is a red, splotchy mess and he's definitely looked better. But the smile that breaks out is one of his most genuine. "That'd be great."

Baekhyun finds Joonmyun sitting away from the others, busy sorting through berries. He doesn't say anything as he sits, but Joonmyun's back stiffens and he falters, nearly dropping a handful before continuing. Baekhyun rests his head on Joonmyun's shoulder, draping an arm loosely around his waist.

"He's not going anywhere," he whispers.

Joonmyun slumps against Baekhyun, a ragged breath cutting through the air. "Thank you."

The calm that settles in around them is reassuring even if Baekhyun can’t completely relax. He knows Yixing will take care of Chanyeol and Baekhyun is here for Joonmyun. But this entire experience has forced Baekhyun to rethink himself. They’d all nearly lost Chanyeol; Joonmyun had almost lost the alpha he wants to call mate.

Baekhyun’s mouth is thick, his insides in turmoil when he thinks about how he would react if Yixing was the one who might leave. There’s no certainty that it won’t happen one day. The pack is falling apart. Gluing extra pieces to it was never going to fix the problem. And he’s afraid of the day when Yixing realizes that and decides to leave.

As much as he denies it, even to himself, Baekhyun is irrevocably drawn to Yixing and not in the same way that he’s drawn to the other alphas. No, Yixing has a category unto himself. It should have been the only clue Baekhyun needed; he wants to be with Yixing. He can’t say that he wants him to be his mate because he doesn’t know him well enough for that yet. But he’d like to see where it could go.

Now all he needs to do is muster up the courage to say it aloud. To Yixing.

When the time is right.

PART THREE