Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

Happy

Pond arrived at Fourth's apartment in the early afternoon, a small bag in hand and a familiar, slightly sheepish smile on his face. Fourth already knew what was in the bag before Pond even said a word. The pregnancy tests. It had been Phuwin's idea to test, and Fourth had agreed reluctantly.

"I know you didn't want to, but you know how Phuwin gets," Pond said, rolling his eyes fondly. "He insisted, and well, better safe than sorry."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Fourth muttered, taking the bag from Pond with a resigned smile. He headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

While he waited for the results, Fourth couldn't help but think about how all this chaos had started. He hadn't planned on sleeping with Pond, nor had he expected to be tangled up in this complicated web of emotions and relationships. Now here he was, waiting to find out if their one night of recklessness had changed his life forever.

When Fourth finally emerged, he held up the three tests. "All negative," he announced, sounding both relieved and slightly dazed.

Pond smiled, a hint of something softer in his eyes. "Well, no surprises there," he said. "But if it had turned out differently, I wouldn't have minded, you know. I can afford to take care of a kid. Or two." He winked, trying to lighten the mood.

Fourth chuckled, his shoulders relaxing a little. "Good to know," he said, his voice teasing. "But let's not test fate again, yeah?"

They settled on the couch, chatting about anything and everything. Fourth kept fidgeting, trying to hide the growing unease he felt. The mark Pond had left on him was doing its job, making him hyper-aware of Pond's presence, and his upcoming heat only seemed to magnify the effect. Fourth didn't want to seem clingy, but he couldn't help how his body reacted to Pond's scent, to the way his skin tingled just being near him.

Pond was observant as always. He noticed the slight shift in Fourth's scent, the discomfort in his eyes, and the way his body seemed to tremble with restraint. He raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. "Is your heat coming soon?" he asked gently.

Fourth nodded reluctantly, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah," he admitted. "It's probably going to hit in a few days."

Without a word, Pond reached out and tugged Fourth into his arms, pulling him close. Fourth hesitated for only a second before he let himself relax into the warmth of Pond's embrace. They ended up cuddling on the couch, with Fourth's head resting against Pond's chest, the steady rhythm of Pond's heartbeat lulling him into a state of calm.

"It's okay," Pond whispered, rubbing soothing circles on Fourth's back. "Just focus on breathing. I'm right here."

They stayed like that for most of the afternoon, Pond holding Fourth as his scent wrapped around them both, creating a cocoon of comfort and safety. When it was time for Pond to leave, he shrugged off his hoodie and handed it to Fourth.

"Here," he said. "Keep this with you. It'll help when I'm not around. And I'll bring you more of my clothes and Gem's too. His scent will help calm you down as well."

Fourth took the hoodie, his fingers curling into the fabric as he brought it up to his face to inhale the comforting scent. "Thanks," he said, his voice softer now, almost shy. "I appreciate it, really."

Pond gave him one last reassuring smile before heading to the door. "You're not alone in this, Fourth," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "We've got your back."

That night, after putting Nan to bed for her sleepover at a friend's place, Fourth found himself staring at his phone. He opened the group chat with Gemini, Pond, Dunk, Joong, and Phuwin, fingers hovering over the keyboard for a moment before he started typing.

Fourth: Hey, so my heat's coming soon. I'm trying to figure out what to do with Nan.

Gemini: We've got your back, Fourth. Whatever you need, just let us know.

Phuwin: You better take care of yourself properly, Fourth. Don't make me worry.

Fourth's lips twitched into a small smile at Phuwin's grumpy concern. He knew it was just Phuwin's way of showing he cared.

Fourth: Thanks, everyone. My parents are still out of town, and I'm struggling to find a babysitter for Nan on such short notice.

Dunk's reply was almost instant.

Dunk: I can babysit Nan. Don't worry about it at all. I've got her covered for the three days. Just focus on getting through your heat safely.

Fourth felt a wave of relief wash over him at Dunk's offer. He hadn't even had to ask, yet Dunk was stepping up without hesitation.

Fourth: Are you sure, Dunk? That's a lot to ask of you.

Dunk: I wouldn't offer if I wasn't sure 😊 Nan and I will have a blast together. You just take care of yourself.

Just as Fourth was about to thank him again, a new message from Pond appeared.

Pond: By the way, I've already booked a penthouse suite at one of my hotels for you, Fourth. It's ready whenever you need it. Just let me know when you're headed over.

Fourth's eyes widened in surprise at the thoughtful gesture. He hadn't expected Pond to go to such lengths for him.

Fourth: Wow, thank you, Pond. I really didn't expect that, but I appreciate it more than you know.

Joong: Leave it to Pond to be extra prepared. You're in good hands, Fourth.

Phuwin: Seriously, make it through your heat in one piece. You better owe us dinner or something after this.

Fourth chuckled softly at Phuwin's grumpy reply, feeling a sense of warmth and security settle over him. He hugged Pond's hoodie tighter to his chest, the scent of his alpha calming the storm brewing inside him.

Despite all the chaos and the complications, Fourth couldn't help but think that maybe this was the start of something that could turn out to be more beautiful than he ever imagined.