Collision

Chapter 95

Namjoon shrugs, hands falling in his lap as he meets Hoseok's uneasy gaze. "You literally have saved Yoongi and Jeongguk's life. You have treated all of us with respect, and with boundaries. You're incredibly kind. You think I know everyone here? We are all still learning about one another. You could learn too, if you wanted."

There was a beat of silence. Jeongguk watches as Hoseok examines the room, searching their faces. When he pauses at Jeongguk, he tilts his head and offers a smile. He didn't really mind the idea of the Beta joining them.

"Yeah. I would really like that."

Namjoon gives a dimpled grin. "I would too."

"So, new pack mate, what were you saying before?" Seokjin presses, smiling.

Hoseok beams, looking much more at ease than before. "I was wondering if I may check over you? Make sure you and the pup are alright."

Relief shines on Seokjin's face. He nods eagerly. "If you know what to do, please. I- my family pack has a pack doctor, but, obviously, I don't have that here, and- yeah."

Jeongguk leans forward in fascination as Hoseok approaches, eyes flickering towards Namjoon as the Alpha tenses, hands gripping the chair tightly. The Beta instantly bares his neck towards the Alpha and keeps his hands by his side.

"Alpha," he says slowly, calmly, "I ask for permission to touch your mate. I will cause no harm to yours."

Jeongguk could see the wolf lingering beneath Namjoon's eyes, see the way it was prowling in the saffron with the inbred need to protect. To ensure that his mate, courting mate without the marks, were unharmed along with his pup.

He knew that Alpha's with mates that are pregnant are overly hostile with any other than an Omega touching their mates. Plenty of Alpha's have killed over it. A pregnant Omega is a precious thing, and no one is truly allowed to touch.

Yoongi seems to sense the tension, because he steps forward and grasps at Namjoon's shoulders firmly, keeping his weight on him so that he wouldn't make any sudden movements. Seokjin, himself, attempted to sooth the Alpha, basing on the sudden spike of rose that danced in his nose.

"Alpha?" Hoseok tries again after a couple of minutes of no answer. He will not touch the Omega without verbal permission, and Jeongguk felt his respect for the Beta grow. He was a good Beta, calm and a great mediator. Strong to protect when needed.

"Okay."

Hoseok got to work without delay. He leans over, kneeling in front of the chair and meets Seokjin's steady gaze. "I am going to touch your stomach. Is that alright?"

Seokjin nods, hands by his side. Lifting the shirt, Hoseok places his hands around, face pinching in concentration.

He moved his hands around gently, pushing in briefly and then retreating just as fast. "The pup's head is here." He presses down a bit harder. "And the butt here." He shifts. "The placement is good. Seems healthy for how far along you are."

"Don't suppose you know the gender?" Seokjin murmurs, awe shining in his eyes as he stares lovingly towards the bump. "I mean, I'm okay with whatever, but- but I thought, maybe, it would be nice to know."

"I'm sorry, I don't really... I don't have the right things," Hoseok says apologetically. Seokjin nods once, understanding, and sits back as Hoseok presses his ear against the swell and closes his eyes. "The heartbeat is strong. I think everything is going really well."

Rocking back on his heels, Hoseok smiles warmly as Seokjin hums, eyes remaining locked on his belly. He pushes down his sweater, quietly thanking Hoseok for checking, but the Beta brushed it off.