TOAO | MW [✔]

Fifteen.

The school year ended. Summer officially began, and the day of their mating ceremony came. Kihyun had been working on it tirelessly for weeks, trying to get things ready, much to the chagrin of his mate, who constantly chased after him trying to make him rest and relax. The omega was determined and batted his alpha's efforts back with reminders that it was far less than his usual workload and he was happy to have something to do to get him out of the house. Exercise and activity were essential to a healthy pregnancy, and that usually worked for a little while. Honestly, Kihyun had had more fun planning Wonwoo and Mingyu's ceremony than any other event he'd ever worked on. Knowing he was making this day special for his friends made him so happy. Kihyun had done everything he could to make the event special for his best friend, to incorporate things that he would be able to enjoy, and he was proud of his work.

He had to admit that making Wonwoo stay at his and Hyunwoo's house the night before had been a heartbreaking thing. The omega was so worried about his mate that Kihyun had found him quite pathetic and pitiable, as he'd sulked on his couch, worried that Mingyu wouldn't be able to sleep without him there. But Kihyun had held firm and told him that traditions were traditions and that he wasn't allowed to spend the night before his mating ceremony with his alpha.

But now he had Wonwoo in the large re-purposed barn that worked as a changing room and ceremony HQ, and where the reception and dancing would be. The actual ceremony would take place in a lovely forest clearing that Kihyun had organized a few matings in before. It was a small and intimate setting, perfect for Wonwoo and Mingyu. He fixed Wonwoo's hair, giving the blond strands a gentle wave. He added light makeup to his face, knowing Wonwoo didn't like the feel of heavy foundation or makeup. He added a pretty glittery eyeshadow and light blush, and a shine of strawberry chapstick to his lips. He could feel Wonwoo shaking as he applied the lip balm, and when he looked up at his eyes, he found them full of tears. Kihyun sat down and took his friend's hands into his.

"What's wrong, darling? Are you nervous?"

Wonwoo laughed a teary sound and smiled so broadly that it hurt his cheeks.

"No! I'm...happy. Kihyun...I'm so happy. I can't believe this is really happening. I'm getting mated...I'm actually mating with Mingyu."

Kihyun's own eyes filled with tears and he leaned forward and hugged his friend as hard as he could, squeezing him tight for a few moments before pulling back and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He took Wonwoo by the shoulders and gave him just a tiny shake and squeeze to bolster him up as they both sniffled and then laughed together at their own crying.

"I'm happy too, Wonwoo. If anyone deserves happiness it's you two. You're going to be the happiest of anyone who ever lived and you deserve that. That alpha loves you so much. You can't see the way he looks at you, but let me tell you that when you're in the room, his eyes never waver and when he looks at you...it's like you're his whole world. I've never seen anything like it and I know he'll take care of you, keep you safe, and love you more than anyone else ever could."

Wonwoo burst into tears, and Kihyun had no choice but to follow along, his raging hormones making his emotional state fragile. After a few minutes of holding onto each other and crying, they finally pulled apart. Kihyun scolded Wonwoo for making a mess of his makeup while sniffling and fixing it again while trying to push Piper away. The wolf could clearly sense his emotions and wanted to jump into Wonwoo's lap to nose at his neck and lick him.

*****

It had been a long time since Mingyu had worn his uniform. In so many ways, the dress blues felt both familiar and totally foreign as he pulled on the neatly ironed white trousers, the crisp, white undershirt, the stiff white collar and navy coat, the shiny black shoes, all the signals of rank and service on his chest. Each part, he added carefully and lovingly, making sure that every detail was perfect, every button aligned just right. He pushed his hair back and donned his white hat, saving the white cotton gloves for last.