Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The room was silent. 

The clock's ticking slowed for a second and the air felt thick as Niall struggled to process the news. 

Shock like a visceral wound. 

There was already an issue with their pack bond, and they hadn't even officially bonded yet?

The regulator’s mouth moved but all Niall heard was a high pitch ringing and his pulse behind his ears.

Before any official bonding ceremony, a pack was required to go through a meeting with a regulator, so that all the bonds created were healthy and safe. Regulators are trained to find any psychic issues by creating a temporary bond similar to the mating one. Most packs go in for a twenty-minute meeting and a government official gives them the green light for their ceremony.  

Most packs are okayed and then sent on their way but of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.

Not for this pack.

Niall's band was supposed to be bonded in just two weeks; they didn't have time to work any issues out. They didn't have time for the words that just tumbled so carelessly from this woman's mouth.

"What do you mean there's an issue?" His trusty lead Alpha, Liam, asked shaking him out of his momentary haze. Liam and Niall were already a couple going into X Factor so when they all came together it was easy for Liam to take the spot as the head alpha.

"At this time if you attempted a bond, there would be an added element." The regulator said delicately trying to placate the anger building between the three alphas.

"What does that mean?" Harry asked from Niall's other side, softer but still stressed.

"One of you has already formed a bond. If you attempted the pack bond in this state, then that person might be incorporated into the pack bond, or the bond could fail." She tried to explain more thoroughly. This was an unusual situation.

"What the fuck?" Zayn, his final alpha could be heard over to his right, "Who? Who has this bond?"

This was crazy. 

One of his alphas had either cheated on him or had been bonded since before they met. They were all young when they first met on the set of X Factor, but it wasn't impossible. A sinking feeling filled Niall's body. Fear that everything they had dreamt of was suddenly being ripped away by what could be some random hook-up.

"It's Niall." The regulator said matter-of-factly.

With that Niall looked over at his soon-to-be official alphas and he was at a loss for words. Liam was his first, there's no way it could be anyone else except...

Fuck. 

There was one other option.

Liam was quick to grab Niall and place him onto his lap, rubbing a hand up and down his back. Next Harry was in front of the pair crouching and grabbing Niall's hands. Trying to calm the knots forming in his stomach.

The omega, who was oblivious to the whimpers he emitted, muttered, "W-w-w-who?" Niall could hear his voice quiver over the ringing in his ears.

"It's you, Niall." The regulator repeated, voice comforting but firm.

"What are the chances that this is a spontaneous bond?" Liam asked the regulator over Niall's head as Zayn wiped the tears off his face.

"There's a good chance. The bond was old. It could have been formed in a teenage partner."

"Except Niall's only ever been with us." Harry stated more frustrated. Maybe this regulator was wrong. She had to be wrong.

"Well." Niall looked over his shoulder at his first alpha. Liam nodded because he knew exactly what Niall was thinking.

Liam returned his gaze to the regulator, "Could it be with an omega?"

The regulator appeared to think through this question, both the omega and Liam ignoring the confused looks on their soon-to-be pack mates' faces. This was the first they were hearing about Niall and another omega. She finally answered, "Yes, it's not common but sometimes omegas have a pheromonal chemistry that is undeniable."

"What the hell is going on?" Zayn asked looking between his alpha and omega mate, but Niall just stared at his hands in his lap looking ashamed.

Liam jumped in, "Niall and I have been together since we were both fifteen but when we were in high school Niall experimented with his attraction to omegas. Well, just one omega to be exact. That's really the only option."

Their dirty little secret was out for the rest of the pack to see. 

There was no going back now.

Chapter Text

Louis' commute in the morning began at four on the dot, with a sleeping toddler on his hip. Fall swept through Vermont earlier this year and at this time in the morning, Louis could see his breath in the cool morning air.

The farmer's almanac said this winter would be colder than ever and Louis shivered at the idea of all the money it would take to heat his studio apartment through negative ten-degree nights. He tried to gently tuck his sleeping son into his car seat, but Ollie stirred anyway his twin blue eyes blinking tiredly up at Louis’ smiling face.

"Hey baby bear, you can go back to sleep, OK?" Louis tried to gently cajole his sleepy son back to bed. Once he dropped him off with his parents, they'd put him back to sleep for a couple more hours. Louis didn't have the money for a babysitter, so it was a blessing that his parents still lived in town and his mum, Jay, was a retired school teacher.

"'Mm cold" Ollie mumbled cuddling into his fleece-lined onesie once Louis got him buckled in. He smiled and quickly moved to start the car to warm up Ollie and himself. His 2005 Camry took at least 15 minutes to warm up so he would have to remember to start the car earlier tomorrow. 

It's only September, why was it so cold already?

By the time they arrived at Louis' parent’s home, Ollie was shivering, and the car still hadn't warmed. Louis felt a shameful blush coat his cheeks at not being able to provide for his son like a good omega.

As soon as Louis stepped onto the porch, the door opened and a robe-clad Jay stood there with open arms for her grandson, "Hello, sweet cheeks," Jay greeted a sleepy Ollie and Louis.

"I have to be off, but I'll be back around four! Don't forget about his appointment today?" Louis shivered rubbing his hands together. Jay nodded and gave Louis a quick kiss on his cold cheek.

The omega gave Ollie a flurry of little kisses before turning on his heel and walking to his beat-up car.

A lot of traditionalists claim pack kids, or kids who have parents in a pack, are more likely to get into a pack which they claim is unnatural. These same people also say there's an increased incidence of abuse, but Louis and most of the scientific community conclude the opposite. Children raised in a pack environment are more likely to receive positive one-on-one attention, which leads to increased success in their interpersonal ability throughout their lives.

Louis considered himself lucky, having two omega parents and an alpha parent, who loved him and his stepbrother more than anything. Some packs have like a million kids but in the Payne-Tomlinson residence, there were only two. Louis' alpha parent, lovingly addressed as Da, struggled with infertility, but the parents claimed to be happy with just the two.

Growing up the Payne's called Liam their miracle baby because although it was a hard pregnancy, he was the biological child of Karen and Geoff. Jay, Louis' mum joined their pack in later years after Louis' biological father had run off and Louis was already into his preteens.

Louis was timid and Liam was three years older than him so by the time Jay and Liam's parents solidified their bond, they both came to realize they didn't share much in the way of brotherhood. At the time of their bonding, Louis was about to enter Mountainview High School where Liam Payne was considered royalty. 

So that didn't help, either. 

Liam was everything an alpha should be, smart and strong, but also kind to a fault. The kind of alpha one would see in a teen movie with a heart of gold and morals of steel. Meanwhile, Louis never really hit that stride. He'd always been soft and omegan, even before he presented, and that didn't change when he got to high school.

Most people didn't even know that the pair lived in the same house. It was like every bad high school movie cliche. When Louis was a freshman, Liam and his omega Niall were seniors, they were already voted homecoming kings and were on track to being prom kings. The school’s most beloved couple, they could do no wrong in the eyes of the community.

Louis, on the other hand, struggled socially and academically. His ADHD caused his leg to constantly bounce in class annoying both teachers and classmates alike. His inattentiveness made it so he never passed anything in on time, leading to straight Cs. He was average and it was so painfully obvious when constantly being compared to his stepbrother. Liam was the golden boy, with straight A's and all-American looks. 

Louis couldn't even bring myself to hate him because Liam was genuinely nice.

It was no wonder after graduation Liam went to audition for X Factor in New York with his omega and they made it big. Meanwhile, after skating through the last three years of high school with Cs, Louis graduated with three rejection letters and no drive to go to college. Of course, by this time Liam was on his second album touring somewhere in Asia, so he didn't make it to the graduation ceremony.

Not that Louis would have invited him anyway, since his departure three years prior Louis hadn't spoken to or seen him or Niall. They had come to visit when they entered into a pack to introduce Harry and Zayn, but Louis made himself scarce. He wasn't interested in seeing or hearing from them.

Their band, One Direction, was currently the bane of Louis' existence, their catchy songs played on the bakery radio where he worked six days a week. He always made it a point to change the station when a song would come on. But the songs began to play so often that he finally convinced the owner to get Spotify premium so he could make his own playlists, One Direction free.

On this particularly cold morning, just like all the others, he was bopping his head to the radio while driving his crappy car, when one song transitioned to the next, one he hadn't heard before. The tune was catchy, and Louis hummed along to the deep voices, as he pulled into his spot behind the small yellow building that was Sweet Confections Bakery & Co. He took a moment to collect himself in the warmth of his car before running inside when he heard the voice that struck him through. And suddenly he was fifteen again,

“We took a chance
God knows we tried
Yet all along, I knew we'd be fine”

Niall's voice was deeper than he remembered but it was undeniably his. Louis' habit of quickly changing the radio made this one of the handful of times he'd actually heard Niall's voice in the past six years. His stomach dropped, so caught off guard he found himself momentarily staring at the radio as if it would open and suddenly reveal Niall's face. He felt tears spring to his eyes holding his shaky hand up to turn off the station.

"So, pour me a drink oh love—"

Hearing his stepbrother's voice forced him into quicker action, jerkily pulling the keys from the ignition. Wiping tears from his eyes, he collected his bag from the passenger seat and made his way inside. "It's been six years, Louis, get your act together."

As the head baker, it was Louis' job to make the pastries before the shop opened at seven. Trying to forget his stupid emotional break just now he threw himself into making the treats for today. 

Purposefully, he made a few extra almond croissants to take home to Ollie.

Smiling at the thought of his sweet boy, he thanked God every day that Ollie didn't get any of the personality traits from his biological father. At only two and a half Ollie was smart and kind, but a little shy like his Mumma. Louis had been raising Ollie alone since he was six months old, and he knew he'd only made it this far because of his parent’s help. The daily babysitting got Louis through to his next paycheck without having to go to the local food pantry.

Louis got through the day selling out of most of his goods save for a loaf of rosemary bread and two almond croissants. He packed up the baked goods and cleaned the kitchen for his arrival tomorrow morning. Counting out the tips he pocketed 25 dollars and made his way home. The day had warmed as the sun rose, so he didn't have to warm the car too much as he drove to his parents' home.

Once there, he offered his Da the loaf of bread which she took and smelled with a hum, "You look tired, Lou." She stated more than questioned pulling her son into a tight hug. And she did consider Louis her son, she was the only alpha figure he'd ever known. She had a soft spot the size of Texas for the flawed omega that looked so much like his mother she couldn't not. 

"Good observation." Louis smiled softly walking into the house to find Ollie and his Ma sitting in front of the TV, watching Moana for the millionth time. His Ma, Geoff, was a strong male omega who always wanted another child. The Paynes were every bit Louis' parent despite not meeting him until he was almost grown.

 Ollie's head of loose curls finally turned noticing his Mumma in the archway of the living room.

"Mumma!!" Ollie yelled pulling out of his Ma's arms and running to Louis.

"There's my special boy! How was your day?" Louis smiled softly pulling the small boy into his arms.

"Gooood! Went to the doctor and he shot me! Look sticker!" Ollie told Louis excitedly showing Louis the fish band air on his arm and the Scooby doo sticker on his shirt.

"Wow!" Louis responded happily tipping Ollie a little in his arms to incite more giggles. There's nothing that Ollie's giggles couldn't solve, stirring a warm hum in Louis' chest. He looked over to see his Da and his mum, Jay, in the doorway.

"Thanks mum, I don't know what I'd do without you." His mom wrapped him in a hug, trapping a giggling Ollie between the two omegas.

"And you'll never have to find out." She whispered into Louis' ear rubbing down his back, "Please stay for dinner. Your Da just got home and she hasn't seen Ollie in so long."

Louis laughed at the implication that 'so long' was only two days but the thought of going home and eating canned soup was a lot less appealing than eating an actual meal, so he nodded. Louis' Da took that moment to grab Ollie out of his hands and bring him into the kitchen to finish up the roast.

"Louis I wanted to ask you about the ceremony again." His Ma asked once Ollie was out of hearing range.

"We've already discussed this. I'm not going." Louis answered quickly. Busying himself by picking up Ollie's toys on the floor.

"I know you and Liam have your differences, but don't you think you might regret not being there in the future?" Jay asked gently.

"No. I don't think I will. He, Niall, and I were never that close." Louis responded quickly, eyeing Geoff especially. It's so in character for his parents to get his Ma and Mum to corner him because he's a sucker for them. But he was so messed up after those two left that Louis doesn't think he'll ever be able to be nice to them.

"Lou." His Ma murmured. It hurt them all to know that there was bad blood between the two boys. 

"I know you were hurt when they left, baby, but don't you think you'll ever forgive him? Also, what about Ollie doesn't he deserve to meet his uncle? Soon to be Uncles?" Jay continued, she didn't know what went down between the three, and if Louis had it his way she never would. 

"No." Louis said with finality and they both nodded not wanting to push Louis too far.

"Think about it, please."

"Sure." Louis had a long day and he wanted nothing more than to crawl into his bed with his son and let the world melt away for a little while. He definitely didn't want to talk about his stupid stepbrother or Niall.

Chapter Text

"So, who is it?" Harry asked still kneeling in front of his omega and his lead alpha.

"Are you still in touch? Can we find them?" Zayn added on. Thoughts whirling in a million different directions. Would they be able to have their ceremony?

"Umm..." Niall started momentarily and then awkwardly continued, "Technically we could have access to this person."

"Access?" Harry asked now looking past Niall to Liam because Niall was making very little sense.

"Yeah so." Liam started while attempting to still calm the omega in his lap, "That time in our life wasn't exactly a shining moment of morality."

Zayn's pacing form finally came to a halt, and he looked on the wrong side of furious, "Liam I swear to God if you don't spit it out I'm going to lose it. What the hell is going on?"

Niall whimpered from Liam's lap, feeling the physical effects of his alpha's anger.

"It’s ok, Ni." Harry purred, large hands coming up to Niall's face petting his hair softly, "We just want to make sure you have everything we've planned for."

"Ok ok ok. It's sort of a long story and I feel like we should tell you the whole thing or else you'll think poorly of us." Liam started. At this point, the regulator had excused herself and the pack was left alone.

"Please sit, Z." Niall asked softly. Zayn's shoulders relaxed slightly at his omega’s request, and he nodded. Finding the chair next to Niall and Liam.

The first time Louis realized he wasn't as straight as some of his peers was when he was fourteen. It wasn't that he was more attracted physically to omegas because he was overall pretty awkward and physical contact with any partner—aloha, beta, or omega—made him nervous. The attraction took root ultimately in his shy nature and he found the only people he could get comfortable with were other omegas. By nature, they were softer and quieter, and Louis developed crushes on a few omegas but he never thought he'd act on it.

The first time he acted on this inclination was in February when he was fifteen. His parents had gone away for a Valentine's weekend, leaving him and his stepbrother alone. At this point in his life, Louis was committed to avoiding the perfect alpha and Niall at school and home. The two were loved up and highly tactile, especially when their parents weren't around.

It was Sunday night, and his parents were supposed to be back by now, so Louis sent a quick text on his flip phone asking for their eta. Immediately he received a call, typical his parents would never learn that he'd prefer a text to a call, but he answered anyway.

"Hello." Louis spoke, shoving the phone between his shoulder and cheek so he could continue doing his math homework.

"Hi hun, it's me Da."

"I know, Da, you don't have to say it every time. I can tell it's your voice."

"Ok Ok," his Da responded with a chuckle, "I was just calling because our train has been delayed and we're not going to be in until after midnight."

"Oh ok," Louis responded a little nervous, "Is everything ok?"

"Oh yeah, baby. These things just happen sometimes. You know with all the snow we've been getting. We'll be home soon. Don't you worry."

Louis sighed a little, "Ok."

"Louis, baby, I actually was going to call before you texted but can you and Liam just order pizza tonight?"

"Yeah, Da, no worries" Louis' mind now thinking about the pizza he'll be ordering.

"Ok, you two behave and I'll see you tomorrow. Ma and Mum love you too, pass that along to Liam, ok?"

"Ok" Louis said exasperated by their constant affection like any other fifteen-year-old.

Moments later, Louis found himself in front of Liam's door. Louis knew for a fact that he had his boyfriend Niall in there, meaning they were probably trying to have sex. Louis paused, his toes nervously digging into the carpet, thinking about just walking away.  

It's not that Louis was uncomfortable with sex it’s more that he was extremely inexperienced and generally nervous about it and most other things. Liam, on the other hand, had been seriously dating Niall for three years now. Louis, very unfortunately, came to know that his brother was sexually active after finding used condoms in their shared bathroom trash can. Rolling his eyes, he knocked anyway.

"Li?" Louis called through the door, "The 'rents won't be home until tomorrow so they said we should order a pizza. Do you want anything specific?"

"You can come in, Lou." Louis could hear Liam's chuckles from inside his room. Slowly Louis pushed the door open and found that he was correct in his assumption. Niall and Liam were snuggled up in Liam's bed both looking thoroughly snogged. Their lips were a little bruised and their hair tousled. Louis' eyes lingered on Niall, in boxers and Liam's oversized tee shirt, a moment too long which Liam picked up on.

Looking between his omega boyfriend and his fidgeting stepbrother, a mischievous look began to form in Liam's eyes. Niall had previously said that he wanted to experiment with omegas which Liam originally said no to. But the thought of having Niall experiment with Louis didn't seem as threatening, especially now seeing Louis stand in the doorway all nervous.

"Lou, have you had your first kiss yet?" Liam asked bluntly sliding up further in bed so his back was pressed against his headboard.

Louis' face broke out into a red flush, and he mumbled, "Liam," in protest and embarrassment.

He knew it was a mistake when he'd told Liam that last year at their parents’ bonding ceremony. He was only fifteen so it's not that weird, but he didn't really want to talk about it in front of Liam's omega, who also happens to be Louis' crush.

"It's all right, come here, sit." He said pointing at the bed. Louis gulped and made his way over to the bed choosing to stand near the foot instead.

"So," Liam asked again, "Have you?"

Louis wrung his fingers together and looked down shaking his head no. Niall giggled and Louis felt tears form in his eyes out of embarrassment. He went to leave quickly but Liam tried to stop him, "Wait. I'm asking because I know Niall here would be willing to let you practice on him. Right Ni?"

Shyly Louis turned around and glanced at Niall who was nodding eagerly.

"I don't know." Louis whispered looking up at Liam, "Isn't that kind of weird."

Liam shook his head, "No, it's not cheating if it's two omegas plus you'll have some practice for when the real time comes." Louis cringed at the idea that this wouldn't be 'real'.

"I don't know," Louis said again still very unsure of the whole situation.

"Come on Lou." Niall smiled coyly at Louis, "I've always wanted to kiss another Omega. Won't you make my wish come true?"

Louis blushed and took a slow step forward. He had thought about kissing Niall before. Some people wouldn't consider it right, but Louis had a thing for the softness of an omega, more specifically Niall.  

Niall had that effortless friendliness and playfulness that made him a desirable omega. Louis was shy and nervous, traits not so desirable. No wonder Niall was the darling of Mountainview High School and Louis struggled to even make friends.

When he arrived at the edge of the bed again, Niall climbed down to meet Louis. Kneeling on the bed, Niall stood a few inches taller than Louis, forcing Louis' neck to crane a little. Niall ducked down and his lips were on Louis'. They were warm and soft, and Louis felt embarrassed for a moment because he thought his lips were chapped.  

They parted for a moment and Niall pulled back as if to check to make sure everything was okay. The dazed look on Louis' face was enough to tell him to keep going. He dove back in for more, this kiss was deeper and more languid. Louis welcomed Niall's tongue into his mouth, gently reaching up, to put a hand on Niall's chest leaning in for more.  

Niall leveraged his weight and height and pushed Louis down onto the bed, climbing on top in two quick moves. The younger omega enjoyed Niall's weight and the way Niall's lips felt against his jaw and neck. His head lulled to the side to allow Niall more access and his eyes fluttered open to find himself making direct eye contact with his stepbrother.  

Liam was staring at the scene in front of him and when he caught Louis looking, he cocked his head and smiled softly. Louis didn't have time to think about that before Niall grabbed his hair tightly directing his lips back to his. Their kiss deepened even more, and Niall was dominating Louis' mouth when suddenly Louis felt Niall's thigh go between his and this slight friction caused his dick to harden rapidly.  

In a panic, Louis pushed Niall off and quickly ran from the room. He made it to his room in what must be a land speed record before closing it harshly and leaning against it. He slid to the floor and cradled his head in his hands. What did he just do?

Meanwhile, in Liam's room, Liam stood to go after the other omega. Partially out of genuine worry for him and partially to see if he was going to tell their Da. It seemed that despite Liam being her actual son she babied Louis like no tomorrow. Louis just had to nervously twiddle his hands and stutter out a request and Karen was like putty in his stepbrother's hands.

Niall stopped him though with a hand to his chest and a soft smile on his face.

"I should go check on him." Liam explained, "What if he tells Da? She'll freak out. Louis is her baby."

Biting his lip, Niall whispered, "I don't think he's going to tell. He ran because he was hard."

"What?"   Liam asked in confusion.

"He was enjoying himself, Li." Niall said suggestively.

Liam was confused for a moment, but it clicked and then he smiled.

"Your brother?" Harry asked in shock mostly addressing Liam.

"My stepbrother." Harry and Zayn gave each other a confused look. Trying to piece together the fact that their omega had intimately been with Liam's younger brother, "Technically our parents weren't even bonded until I was in high school so it wasn't that weird."

"Why?" Harry asked moving his hands to hold Niall's in his, "Niall, do you like other omegas like that?"

Niall slowly brought his eyes to Harry's.

When they first heard that Niall had this bond, they had hoped it was with a close friend, but this revelation shocked them. Harry had always been the most fluid in his sexual orientation, willing to bottom for Liam or Zayn. Harry loved his omega, but he also loved his Alphas. Hell, he was the first to introduce physical intimacy when Niall wasn't present.

At first Zayn and Liam were both certain they were in this pack for Niall but over their years together they all grew to love each other emotionally and physically. It had been hard a first with Zayn even calling Harry a faggot after one particularly tough night, but they all loved each other now. 

Niall could see the hurt in Harry's eyes because he was always open to the pack about these feelings, even when it wasn't easy, and the thought of his omega hiding these same emotions broke his heart.

Niall nodded, "I think that I could have feelings for other omegas, but Louis was special. Clearly, I bonded with him."

"You didn't have to hide it, Niall. We would have accepted it." Zayn promised coming to kneel beside Harry. Tears in his eyes.

"I know." Niall nodded, "I swear I haven't had feelings for any other omega since Louis. I honestly, didn't know."

"Ok," Harry released a deep sigh. Despite knowing Liam and Niall since they were put together in X Factor, they had never met Louis. They had always thought it was a little strange; they met his parents on multiple occasions, but they never were introduced to Liam's stepbrother.

"Is that why we've never met him?" Zayn asked. Niall immediately began to tear again, and Liam held him tighter. Feeling guilt sink in his stomach.

"Sort of there was a falling out right before we left for X Factor, and he's refused to see either of us since."

Zayn, who stood and took up pacing again, looked like he was trying to process the news. Growing up in a very traditional household made Zayn less flexible to these new revelations but he knew he loved his omega; he knew he loved his whole pack. And above all else, he knew he was going to keep his pack together. Struggling to understand he asked, "What was this falling out about? Can you work this out?"

Liam looked down at Niall and Niall nodded softly, they have a right to know the whole story.

Chapter Text

Louis snuck out of the house the day after the fateful Valentine's kiss before his family was even up. Waiting at a little coffee shop on Main Street for an appropriate time to arrive at school he ran into Eleanor, a mousy beta girl in three of his classes.

"Hey, Louis!" She smiled at him over her latte.

"Oh, hey, Eleanor," Louis whispered awkwardly struggling to make eye contact. Her smile wavered for a moment, eyes lingering on Louis' neck.

"What?" Louis asked worriedly, bringing his hand to his neck and flinching when he hit a sensitive spot. 

Shit, did Louis have a bruise on his neck? 

 Louis sat his cup down with shaky hands walking to the bathroom and checking his reflection in the mirror. There high enough on his neck that he couldn't hide it with an upturned collar was a hickey. He'd had one serious kiss in his life and now he's walking around with a hickey on full display, like a wanton omega. How could he be stupid enough not to look in the mirror before he left?

If Louis went home, he'd be met with his mum, who would ask endless questions about this love bite. If Louis went to school, then everyone would see it the moment he took off his jacket. 

Maybe he could find somebody with makeup to cover it up? Unfortunately, Louis didn’t have very many friends at school and the ones he did have weren't big makeup wearers. Suddenly, his neighbor and childhood playmate, Perrie, popped into his head.

Perrie was his neighbor and Louis' childhood friend. Her parents introduced Louis' mom to Liam's parents. But most importantly, Perrie was always wearing makeup and she'd be willing to help. The only problem? Perrie was always with Niall and Liam before class. Maybe he could subtly pull her aside? That'd have to be it. It was his only choice.

Liam was leaning against his locker with Niall under his arm, talking with their usual crew before school, when he saw an anxious-looking Louis slowly approach them. Niall cocked his head to the side and an interested look grew on his face. It was pretty unusual to see a freshman in this part of the school at this time, so Louis stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Liam watched Niall's fascinated look, and a jealous feeling washed over him, which he tried to suppress. Niall was beloved by the school and Liam had no issue with that. Floating between social groups, effortlessly making conversations with anyone, Niall was a gem and Liam knew he was lucky to have him. Liam knew a lot of people wanted what he had and that never concerned him before but this look with Louis made him feel different.

"Hello, Lou." Niall sang in a playful tone once the smaller boy was within earshot. Louis ignored him and his brother in favor of turning to Perrie, which settled Liam's inner alpha a little.

"Hey, Perrie, do you think I could talk to you for a second?" Louis asked quietly, maintaining his space outside the circle of upperclassmen. Perrie nodded immediately grabbing Louis around his shoulder and steering him off.

Later at Lunch, after prompting from Liam, Perrie looked around to make sure no one could overhear her, before she turned to them vaguely answering, "Louis needed my help with something."

“What did he need?" Niall asked with a slight pout, not used to be denied what he wanted.

Biting her lip Perrie responded in a conspiratorial way, "He had a hickey and needed help covering it up! Can you imagine awkward little Lou is getting some? Good for him."

Liam froze for a second, a smile disappearing from his face, instantly realizing that Niall must have left that on Louis. Shit, he really should check up on him. Perrie continued, "Oh Liam, don't get all overprotective or whatever. He's the same age you were when you and Niall, here, started at it."

Liam chuckled stiffly and nodded a little but remained rather quiet for the rest of lunch. As they were walking back to class Niall pulled Liam aside and told him he'd talk to Louis, and with an uneasy smile they parted ways. Liam was a little relieved because he honestly had no idea what he would say to the younger boy about this.

During sixth period, Louis stood before the sink washing his hands when the door swung open, revealing none other than Niall. Niall, as an upperclassman shouldn't even be in this bathroom, so Louis knew this wasn't a coincidence. Louis quickly moved to dry his hands and leave but Niall blocked the door, turning the lock. 

Staring down at Niall's scuffed converse, Louis refused to meet the other omega's eyes out of embarrassment. He knew Niall felt his erection last night and he wasn't interested in being laughed at again. Like maybe this whole thing was just some cosmic joke.

"What's wrong, little pup?" Niall said encroaching on Louis' space a little more. Head tilted like a wolf playing with its prey.

"Nothing." Louis answered quietly glancing up through his eyelashes before returning his gaze to the floor. Niall reached out gently grabbing Louis' chin to tilt his head up. Forcing eye contact from an unwilling Louis.

"Yeah, Perrie told me you needed a little help earlier. Want to talk about it?"

"No"

"Hmm?" Niall questioned, his tone letting Louis know that wasn't the right answer.

Louis blushed deeply just knowing that Niall knew about the cover-up. Looking back, he probably should have asked Perrie to keep this between them.

"It was kind of dark and I just needed a little cover-up." At that response, Niall smiled and tilted Louis' head up more exposing his neck. Louis' blush darkened more at Niall's manhandling and thorough inspection, turning his head both ways. Louis could feel puffs of air against his lips, and he desperately wanted to kiss him again.

"Damn. She covered it up too well. I would have liked to see it."

Louis pushed Niall away, "What? So, you could make fun of me, again?"

"No." Niall replied in a light tone his other hand coming up to brush Louis' neck, "I think it'd be hot to see my marks on you." 

Louis grew a little hot at the admission but he was also frustrated by the levity in Niall's tone. Louis felt used and stupid for thinking Niall would like him as anything other than a random hookup.

"Niall, I don't think this is right. You're with my stepbrother and we're two omegas. Some people don't think that's good."

"So what? I don't care what other people think and Liam doesn't mind. He said last night that he'd rather have me exploring with you than with some rando."

"Ok, but what if I don't want to be explored or whatever." Louis' anger peaked.

"Look, Louis, I know you liked what we did yesterday." Niall smiled, eyebrows wagging suggestively, "I actually felt it."

"Ok, I admit I'm attracted to you but that doesn't mean I'm cool with like hooking up with my stepbrother's omega."

"Oh, if you think that's hooking up," Niall stepped even closer their breath now mingling between the two, "just wait until I give you a blow job. Liam says I'm very good." 

Louis leaned in more and pressed his lips to Niall's. The movement was jerky, and their noses bumped at an awkward angle. Heat rose quickly covering Louis' neck and face, this act was a monument to his inexperience. But Niall just reached out grabbing Louis' shoulders in both hands to keep him close.

"Niall, I don't want to get hurt." Louis whined softly not wanting to break their tenuous peace.

"I won't hurt you, little pup." Niall promised dropping a soft kiss on his cheek.

"I don't trust you." Louis whimpered, honest eyes searching Niall's for something he couldn't define. Like maybe if he stared into those ocean eyes long enough, he'd get lost in a world where this affair ended in anything other than heartbreak.

 Niall broke the gaze first looking down to Louis' lips, leaning in with the intention of a kiss. Louis pulled back demanding a reply to which Niall didn't give.

Niall instead sighed, "Liam's worried you're going to involve your parents in this? Should he be worried?"

Louis huffed out in frustration and for lack of words. Of course, Niall only came here to make sure Louis didn't tattle on his brother. Niall would always pick Liam's interest over his. Instead of picking a fight he chose to quickly make his way towards the door, "I'm leaving. You can tell Liam that I'm not going to tell Da, OK?"

Before Louis could get the door open, Niall had a hand on Louis' wrist stopping him, "Come on Lou, can I get another kiss from my favorite omega?" 

Fully intending to turn Niall down Louis looked over and found Niall pouting. Looking to where they were connected, Louis slowly leaned up and pressed a kiss to the corner of Niall's mouth. Niall gave Louis a soft smile and let go of him. 

Finally, back in the hall going in opposite directions Niall called out, "Think about my offer," while making the blow job gesture.

It took two weeks for the hickey on Louis' neck to heal enough for him to feel comfortable wearing a shirt without a collar and coverup. In those two weeks and the month following, Niall had taken a few opportunities to corner Louis for a quick kiss, some light flirting, and a single-hand job. 

Despite all his best intentions, Louis fell hard. Niall's sweet smiles and soft touches made Louis feel like he wasn't Liam's awkward little stepbrother. That was Niall's charm though, everyone felt special with him.

During a shared free period in the back of the school's library, he told Niall about his dreams of being a writer, sharing his New England transcendentalist ideals like Thoreau or Emmerson. Niall would smile gingerly and encourage Louis to write his prose down. And Louis would listen intently as Niall told him about his dreams of being a singer. 

They felt secure knowing the other would keep their dreams safe.

They hadn't kissed in front of Liam since that first time. In fact, Niall seemed to intentionally hide it, making Louis feel more uneasy with each interaction. He thought about confronting Niall about it all but the thought of losing even these little connections scared Louis into pretending. 

He pretended like he didn't notice Niall glance around before leaning in to kiss him. He even pretended not to notice the way Niall would just send him a small smile when he'd come over for Thursday night dinner with their pack. 

It was easiest to pretend when they were alone.

Like when he sat in the very back of the library in the poetry section so as not to be interrupted in his studies. Despite putting more effort than most of his peers into his work, he often fell short. Forgetting to pass in assignments or just focusing so hard on one part that he'd forget another. It frustrated Louis endlessly that no matter how hard he worked he tended to mess it up. 

That's where Niall found Louis, with a book and a highlighter staring intently at Romeo and Juliet.

"Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Niall jokingly drew Louis' attention to himself. The omega jumping, so far entranced in the book that he didn't even hear Niall's approach.

Louis gave Niall a defeated look, "I don't understand a word this fucker is saying."

Niall chuckled and sat beside Louis, his thigh pressed firmly to Louis', grabbing the book and flipping through it but not before dogearing the page Louis was on, "You know that phrase is actually about Juliet agonizing over the thought that Romeo is a Montague. Not asking where he is."

"No." Louis said with a pout, "I don't know anything, actually. I don't get what he's saying."

"Don't you want to be a writer, my little pup?" Niall smiled indulgently at the smaller boy’s pout. Reaching across Louis' face to brush his bangs to the side.

"I do!' Louis said with a blush, "But I want to write about nature and how in love I am with it. I read Thoreau and I know what he's talking about because he fell in love with the world in New England and I see it all around me. I can feel it too."

Niall grinned at that, "Are you trying to make me jealous?"

Louis rolled his eyes but then reached into his pocket to grab a folded-up piece of notebook paper. He checked to make sure it was right before handing it over to Niall. "Speaking of which I wrote this one down for you. It made me think of you. Of us."

Unfolding the paper Niall read over the poem written purposefully in Louis' gentle script:

well-assorted travelers use
The highway, Eros and the Muse.
From the twins is nothing hidden,
To the pair is nought forbidden;
Hand in hand the comrades go
Every nook of Nature through:
Each for other they were born,
Each can other best adorn;
They know one only mortal grief
Past all balsam or relief;
When, by false companions crossed,
The pilgrims have each other lost.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Niall read it through several times with Louis' heavy gaze on him before looking up to Louis, who was biting his lip pensively, "So comrade, are you Eros or the Muse?"

Louis blushed, "Do you know who Eros is? I looked him up." Louis started words quickly fumbling out, "Eros is the archer of Love, born around the same time as Gaia. Like the earth." 

Niall smiled sweetly at the excited omega encouraging him to continue. Louis' naivety and passion drew Niall to him the most. At fifteen, Louis was shy, he hid himself from the world. Niall would see him sitting alone at lunch or while passing a classroom with his head ducked down to avoid interaction of any kind. But Niall found back here, that Louis was passionate and smart, in their conversations and their sweet kisses.

Liam was perfect for Niall. He had similar goals, and he was so sweet for an Alpha. He let Niall be a star, whereas a lot of other Alphas would try to temper such a bright and outgoing spirit. Niall knew at the end of the day that Liam and he would be together, but Louis drew something out of Niall that he didn't know was there. 

He felt a possessive streak over Louis' mind and body. The thought of Louis' attention on anyone other than himself kept him up at night. Louis was soft and docile and for the first time in Niall's sexual maturity he was in charge, and he wasn't willing to give that up.

Louis leaned over Niall more, breaking his musing, to point out words on the page, "You see, you and I are best adorned, and nothing is hidden. We can be ourselves when we're together. Right?" 

Niall's smile faltered tilting his head sadly, "Who is the false companion, Lou?"

"Um" Louis licked his lips nervously pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his tone not hiding anything, "I hadn't thought about that part."

"Louis?" Niall questioned folding up the paper like the precious gift it was, "I love Liam."

"I-I-I-I know." Louis stuttered out looking down at his hands.

"I'm not going to leave Liam." Niall explained softly watching Louis' face.

Louis nodded but looked up at Niall with pleading eyes, "I know. I don't mind sharing."

Niall was selfish for keeping Louis on the side like this. Louis was special, Niall knew that he deserved to be loved out in public not reduced to secret kisses in the back of the library. But Niall was a selfish man, he couldn't lose Louis, but he had to keep Liam.

"So, you cheated on Liam with Louis?" Zayn asked finally settling into the chair across from Liam and his omega.

"No, well," Niall gulped, "Sort of."

"Did you not know, Liam?" Harry asked now pulling Niall onto his lap. Harry unconsciously pet Niall's arms and down his thighs, in a calming rhythm.

Leaning forward Liam closed his eyes cradling his head in his hands, "I didn't know about it at the time, but I did figure it out eventually."

"That's what caused the fallout." Niall continued where Liam left off.

Liam looked to Niall with teary eyes, "I feel so guilty, Ni. You two were bonded. How could I have known?"

Zayn moved to Liam's side taking him into a hug, "You couldn't have known, Liam. People don't form spontaneous bonds; this is an extraordinary case."

In the six years they'd been a band neither Harry nor Zayn had seen Liam cry, but now he shook with sobs. Zayn reached his hand to rub down Liam's back, rubbing his cheek against his alpha mate's cheek. 

"I broke them up!" Liam finally yelled pointing at Niall who flinched at the tone, "I told Niall to stop seeing him even though I knew it'd break Louis' heart. I destroyed Louis and my omega in such a selfish decision. Now Louis won't talk to me, and I can't even bond with Niall."

"No, Liam. We will figure this out." Niall finally spoke up, "I made this decision just as much as you did. I could have fought for him, but I didn't. I wanted to be normal. I didn't want to love him like that."

The two stared at each other both willing the past six years away. Each held by another of their pack. Their pack that might not be able to bond because of their actions as teenagers.

"How did you find out Liam?" Harry asked, simply trying to understand.

Chapter Text

As Louis stood hip to hip with his Ma, him washing and Goeff drying, he could hear his Da reading to Ollie in the living room. The sounds of 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear' wafted into the kitchen and Louis released a small sigh. Tomorrow was his last day of work before his day off and he could finally get some work done around his apartment and spend some quality time with his son.

"Hey Ma?" Louis asked quietly. 

"Yeah, boo bear?"

"Did you ever tell Da or Mum about what I told you? Umm, you know about high school?" Louis looked over to his Ma biting his lip. Geoff paused and set down the bowl in his hands.

"Louis, I promised you I would never betray your trust, ok. That's your story to share." Louis nodded, thankful for his parent’s respect-respect he wasn't even sure he'd earned. Louis' Da chose then to walk into the kitchen with a sleepy Ollie in her arms.

"Are you almost done?"

"Um yeah, we're finishing up now." Ma answered placing the last plate into the rack.

"Oh yeah, Da? I forgot to ask earlier but would it be ok if I bathe Ollie here? Our tub at home is clogged. I'm going to fix it tomorrow."

"Of course, bud, you can sleep here too if you want." Da smiled walking over to help place the dried dishes into the cabinet. Handing Ollie off to Louis. With a soft sigh, Ollie gladly cuddled into Louis' neck. Kids found comfort in scenting their mothers and fathers, and Ollie was unabashed in his love for his Mumma.

"Mumma, warm." Ollie hummed, pressing his nose into Louis' scent gland. 

"The doctor said the best way to keep him sleeping right was to have a firm schedule." Louis explained, "I think I should bring him home. You’re tired bud, aren't you?" Louis asked nuzzling his nose into Ollie's hair. He received a nod and Louis pursed his lips. Trying to wash Ollie now would be a hassle but he'd need a bath within the next day, or else his long curls would get too greasy and tangled.

Louis was already a single mom, he didn't need any more ammunition against him, like a dirty child. Society wasn't the nicest to single omegas, so many mated omegas looked at people like Louis like they were just waiting to steal their mates. It didn't help that Louis had a failed mating mark on his neck to add to that suspicion.

 Scientifically failed mating bites came down to a mismatch in pheromones or biology, but historically they'd been blamed on the omega. Even today you would hear stories of omegas in more traditional societies being killed over a failed bite. 

People genuinely thought omegas whose bodies rejected a bite had been unfaithful. Despite being devastated when it happened, Louis was so grateful now that his bite failed otherwise, he'd be stuck to Ollie's dad for the rest of his life. That, Louis supposed, was a fate worse than death.

"Why don't you just bring little Ollie home, and I'll give him a bath first thing tomorrow?" Jay asked. Louis agreed, yet again grateful for his beyond-helpful parents.

After a short drive to Louis' small apartment above the town’s laundromat, Louis was home. He made quick work of changing Ollie into his dinosaur pajamas, "Red Dino!" Ollie smiled proudly showing Louis a specific dinosaur on his sleeve, as he stepped carefully into his pants, using Louis' shoulders for stability.

"That is a red dino, baby! You are so smart." Louis smiled while carefully dropping a giggling Ollie onto their shared double bed. 

Louis' apartment was a rectangle consisting of just two rooms. He had his mattress placed on the floor of the main room, in the corner across from the kitchenette. Louis had a small TV in the other corner of the room, which he only used to watch old DVDs and VHS tapes of Disney movies. Louis couldn't afford cable, and he could barely afford the cost of the internet, but he let Ollie occasionally stream his favorite TV show on his parent’s Netflix account. The bathroom cut the 'kitchenette' area in half, but Louis considered himself lucky that he had a shower/tub combo because Ollie loved his tubs.

Ollie was quick to fall asleep that night after a long day of playing with Grammy. Louis continued to rub Ollie's back, even after his breath fell into a slow pattern. With the lights off Louis didn't find himself completely in the dark thanks to the low glow of the laundromat's sign below his window. Acting as a soft night-light for his little boy.

 Louis slowly brought his head to rest against the wall, thinking over the conversation he had with his parents earlier. He wasn't fifteen anymore, he had a kid, dammit, he couldn't keep dragging around this useless anger for Liam and Niall anymore. Louis pulled out his phone slowly opening the YouTube app. In an effort akin to immersion therapy Louis decided he could listen to one song. 

Here in this dimly lit studio apartment with Ollie fast asleep, Louis was going to get over it.

He pulled up a video of the new song he'd heard on the radio today, 18. He rolled his eyes at the name and once the video stopped buffering, he began to listen through old earphones, the sound crackled to life. Not sure who the first voice belonged to but he found himself ok then he braced himself for Niall's voice. When it reached his ears, he felt his chest tighten but fought through tears to keep going. He was almost done with the song when there was a single verse of just Niall's voice, stark without instruments, he rang clear.

I have loved you since we were 18
Long before we both thought the same thing

Louis shook at the words, picturing soft blond eighteen-year-old Niall sitting thigh to thigh with Louis in the library. Tears finally poured down his face. While Louis was falling so hard in love with Niall, he was always just in it for Liam. 

His chest ached for his fifteen-year-old self, feeling so seen and wanted and raw for the first time in his life, just to be met with nothing in return. He quickly pushed the button sending him to the next video, he didn't think he'd be able to make it through this song tonight, but he did rather well.

In a sick twist of fate, the next video loaded before Louis could click off the app. There for the first time in six years, he really looked at Niall and Liam and the rest of One Direction. When they graced the cover of magazines, Louis was always quick to skirt his eyes from the scene, not wanting to cry at the grocery store. Louis rarely frequented social media, in hopes of avoiding the sick tightening of grief across his body with even the smallest glimpse of Niall. 

There must be something seriously wrong with him if even after all these years he still couldn't bear to see or hear from him. Now though, he stared unabashed, eyes already filled with tears. Niall wasn't as blond anymore; his fake blonde tips had grown out and the majority of his hair was his natural brown. The look matured him past the eighteen-year-old version of Niall that lived in Louis' mind, eyeing the date in the corner he noted this was from a few months ago. Each of the four sat on a stool across from a small blonde omega.

"So, this new single, 18, is pretty great, can we expect the same themes in your next album?" The interviewer asked the group.

The Alpha with long curly hair chuckled and answered in a deep timbre, "Well actually this album is going to be a little different than anything we've made so far."

"Oh really?" The interviewer asked wagging her perfectly manicured eyebrows.

"Yeah!" Liam continued smiling sappily as his pack, "This is the first album we've made since we actually got together as a pack. The last album found us somewhere in the awkward process of courting but now we're just in love." Louis' heart hurt at the emotion in this video and for the lack of love in his life. Liam had grown too; his voice was ever so slightly deeper and his slender teenage body had filled in. They looked good together, Louis whimpered at the thought.

"So, tell me more about the title track 18? What's the thought behind it?"

"Niall? Want to take this one?" the dark-eyed Alpha asked looking over at Niall and then stage whispering to the interviewer, "He wrote this one!"

She giggled at the antics and looked to Niall who was smiling easily, "Yeah, so this song was inspired by that feeling of love and loss so many eighteen-year-olds feel." Louis finally reached his limit at this and logged off but if he looked even a moment longer, he would have seen a longing look from Niall and a regretful look from his brother. 

But Louis chose instead to curl himself around his small son in their little nest. His silent tears wetted the top of Ollie's sleeping head but the mingled scent of the two allowed for Louis to calm down and fall into a restless sleep. His dreams were filled with memories distorted to look like reality.

Aside from his daily meetings with Niall in the library during sixth period, Louis had done good work avoiding Liam and Niall together. If by pure coincidence or by Niall's orchestration, Louis didn't know.

This week’s socializing hell could be found in the annual popularity contest that was prom court. 

The leading campaign was, of course, Liam and Niall, or Niam as their campaign posters so quaintly called them. People were actually wearing buttons with their faces on them like this was an episode of Glee. Louis found himself staring at the poster in front of the gym, his mind wandering to a world where this poster had a picture of Niall and himself hugging and smiling. Out of the five couples up for election not one was made up of two people with the same secondary gender, save for the one beta-beta couple.

Louis shook his head and continued his walk through the halls on the first day of April. He wasn't worried about an April Fool’s joke being played on him, because it seemed like his whole life was one cosmic joke lately. First, he got his wish, affection from Niall, but with that came the almost inescapable fall into Love. 

Louis feared that even the small part of Niall he was currently getting would disappear at the end of the year. The little world they built, filled with poems and soft encouragement, could vanish at any moment leaving a reeling Louis scrambling for any purchase of sanity. When he thought about Niall leaving him, Louis would panic so he avoided the thought altogether.

It seemed like the entirety of Mountainview High School could feel change in the air like animals before a tsunami, growing restless. After a long cold winter, this week brought around the first pleasant days of warmth, the annual talent show, and most importantly prom. Louis wasn't really looking forward to either of these events. As a freshman, he couldn't attend the prom and he didn't really want to see his brother and Niall make goo-goo eyes at the talent show, tomorrow.

When Louis finally returned home for the day, he learned that his parents were allowing Niall to sleep over so that the pair could practice for tomorrow's event. Louis put his headphones in and blasted his favorite Frey album to drone out the dishearteningly beautiful harmony coming through their shared walls. At one in the morning, Louis removed his headphones and was met with silence. Grateful, he rubbed his ears, he didn't think they could take another moment of blasting music.

Louis slowly made his way into the bathroom to brush his teeth and pee before he passed out for the night. He was deep in thought about the meaning of the color of his pee when he heard the door open, and Niall appear from the darkness of the hallway. Louis squeaked and quickly went to hide his dick from Niall's eyes. Niall just held his finger up to his mischievous smile telling Louis to be silent. When Niall arrived in front of Louis' still form, he tilted his head and asked, "You don't have to hide yourself from me, Muse."

"What?" Louis mumbled confused. His brain short-circuited at the thought of Niall looking at his dick.

"From the poem? Eros and the Muse?" Niall hinted and Louis chuckled and nodded jerkily. Every time Niall mentioned a topic they'd talked about previously, Louis could feel his heart swell larger. To be heard, really listened to, was the greatest gift Niall could ever give, and Louis was greedy for it.

"Remember what I told you the other day?"

"Um about going to the talent show?" Louis asked referencing earlier in the library, when Niall had begged him to come to the show.

"No about hooking up and a special talent of mine?"

"Oh" Louis huffed, "About the b-b-b-blow job? That was like two months ago" Niall smiled and shrugged. Blood began to run south to Louis' cock before Niall could even answer.

"Well," Niall started, "I've thought about it, and it felt wrong making that promise to you but not delivering. So, I've come to deliver." Before Louis could respond Niall was on his knees in front of Louis pulling down Louis' joggers. Louis’ dick tenting in front of Niall's face, the image forcing a soft whimper from Louis' throat.

"Now Louis." Niall reminded playfully, "You have to be quiet."

Louis nodded earnestly; he would do anything at that moment to have Niall even touch him. Even if that meant doing so with Niall's actual boyfriend across a thin hallway and Louis' parents through a seemingly thinner wall. Niall, being an omega, had smaller hands but Louis wasn't particularly large so when he grabbed Louis' length out of his boxers, his hand wrapped around Louis' girth fully. Louis’ breath rushed out in a few short pants. The warmth was deliciously satisfying without even the slightest movement. Louis groaned loudly and Niall swatted Louis' hip reminding him to be quiet. Louis stared down at Niall's kneeling form and he could have come from the image alone. His breath picked up, pupils dilating.

"Ni." Louis panted, "I'm not going to last long. If you're going to do it then just---" Louis was cut off by a small kitten lick to the tip of his dick and he could have died in that moment. He didn't know what to do with his hands, so he settled for gripping uselessly at the wall behind him. Niall had given him a quick hand job pressed against the stacks in the back of the library two weeks earlier, but this was so much better. Niall smiled up at him and in one quick move took Louis' whole length in his mouth. Louis bit his hand and felt tears of pleasure come to his eyes. After two small bobs of Niall's head, Louis was coming down Niall's throat with a strangled moan. Louis couldn't even find it in himself to be embarrassed from coming so quickly because he was basking in his first-ever post-blowjob glow.

Louis pulled Niall up and smashed his lips against Niall’s in a chaotic and salty kiss. Louis could feel Niall's cock hard and leaking against his leg and he went to grab it. Niall pulled away slightly, making Louis feel a little putout. Didn't Niall want his touch just as bad?

"Oh, little pup…" Niall chided softly hands running through Louis’ hair and down his neck, "…don't pout, trust me I want it too but you don't have to just because I did you."

"I want to, please?" Louis begged reaching into Niall's pants again. Niall allowed it this time and softly groaned when Louis wrapped his small soft hand around his width. Niall's hands went to Louis' hips, his head nuzzling into Louis’ neck near his scent gland, as Louis stroked hesitantly.

"I've never um given a blow job before, but I'd like to try." Louis blushed and looked to Niall for approval. Niall should really stop this, but he wasn't an idiot and no way was he going to let this opportunity pass him by. So, Niall finally landed on nodding eagerly.

Louis switched their positions, gently, so now Niall had his back against the wall and Louis was kneeling in front of him. The figure of Louis so soft and so unsure before Niall would forever be imprinted into his mind. Niall nodded reassuringly and Louis leaned forward wrapping his hand around the base of Niall's cock. Then leaning forward Louis cocked his head to the side and licked a stripe across the tip. Niall's hands worked their way into Louis' hair lightly urging him on, with soft pants. 

Louis' eyes were glued to Niall's as he slowly licked a stripe down the side of his length and when he finally wrapped his lips around the tip Niall groaned and closed his eyes. Deeply enjoying the sight of a soft omega at his feet, he could hear his panting getting louder, but he didn't care. When Niall opened his eyes, he saw that Louis had closed his own and was simply working his hands and tongue up and down Niall's throbbing cock, with little finesse. Niall suddenly caught sight of movement, Liam suddenly standing in the doorway.

Liam's sleepy brown eyes took in the sight of his omega with his stepbrother at his feet. Shock and hurt clear on his face as he locked eyes with Niall who upon seeing Liam in the door gripped Louis' hair a little tighter, lips trembling open, stomach muscles tightening, and coming across Louis' face unannounced. By the time Niall opened his eyes again Liam was gone. He looked down at Louis now sitting back with wide questioning eyes. Louis slowly brought a finger up to his cheek where a glob of Niall's come landed, he innocently scooped it up and examined it. Finally, he brought it to his lips and Niall's soft dick jumped a little in interest. Fuck, Louis really had no idea what a catch he was.

"Fuck Louis." Niall moaned still catching his breath, "You are so hot like that. On your knees for me and covered in my cum." Louis blushed at this comment but ultimately preened at the praise. Niall made quick work of finding a cloth to wash Louis' face off.

"You did so well, Louis." Louis nodded tiredly smiling. "You are such a good boy."

Louis felt a warmth growing in his chest, Niall's scent wrapping him in layers of comfort body and soul. Without rhyme or reason, Louis wrapped his arms around Niall's waist pulling him impossibly close, pushing his face into Niall's neck, purring at the contentment of this moment. His movements were entirely animalistic and possessive, which Niall's inner omega drank in.

Niall, however, was unsure for the first time in this fling he had with Louis. He lifted a shaky hand to the back of Louis’ head holding him closer. He inhaled Louis' scent of earth after a much-needed rain and sank. In stark contrast to the hurried exchange just moments before, this was truly intimate in a way Niall thought he'd never been before.

Louis was a perfect omega, soft and responsive, seemingly crafted by centuries of artificial selection. His instincts drove him to make the right moves, and one hundred years ago his shy and trusting nature would've made him the perfect submissive mate. Niall wasn't like that he was outgoing and pushed his Alpha's buttons, in ways that would have made him a terrible mate, reluctant to initiate true intimacy. The modern world praised Omegas like Niall and often labeled Omegas like Louis, who were gentler in nature, as backward and old-fashioned, held hostage by a time no longer relevant. Maybe due to years of the opposite being the practice, but this new world held a similar dichotomy of Omegan behavior, which still left the Omega form judged by society's norms. Would their kind ever be truly free?

The half-day at school was welcomed by most but as per usual Louis didn't feel the same. Passing the first four periods, with daydreams of Niall, he found himself and his classmates corralled like cattle marching towards the auditorium. The mandatory assembly meant there would be no sixth period, thus no Niall time. Louis wished he could be satisfied by the smallest of smiles in the hallway, but his heart sank at the idea. He needed more. He sat in the section assigned to freshmen and rolled his eyes through four performances of mediocre bands and two dance groups before Niall and Liam graced the stage.

"Hello!" Niall said expertly into the mic, "I'm Niall and this is Liam, or Niam!" someone in the crowd cheered 'Niam for king!' and everyone chuckled and clapped, Niall continued, "And we're going to perform an original song today! Also, we just learned yesterday that we were accepted to audition for X Factor in New York! If we make it..."

He was cut off by Liam, "When we make it."

Niall rolls his eyes lovingly at Liam, "Right. When we make it, please vote for us! Ok, this is an original song, 'Seeing Blind'!" Niall strummed his guitar and his soft voice began:

"I have seen, seen it all in paper dreams
Watched it unfold on the screen
But I never understood
I have heard, have heard you speak a million words
Now you're talking to me first
Never thought you would"

Liam chimed in for the chorus, but Louis was too busy making hard eye contact with Niall on stage. Niall's sea blue eyes searched out Louis' like a punch in the gut. Niall sat on stage singing to and with his stepbrother but Louis couldn't help but hope he was really singing to him. Niall made it a point to remind Louis multiple times this week to attend this event and now he was staring at Louis. 

How could this not be about him? 

When Niall sang his final verse, about finding his missing piece, Louis found it all to be too much. He rose from his seat, off to the side of the auditorium, and immediately walked towards the door. 

Louis could feel the burn of two sets of eyes on his back, but he needed out.

Pacing outside the auditorium trying to work up the nerve to go back in to finish the show, Louis was grabbed by a familiar hand and tugged away. As soon as they reached their destination, Niall had Louis pushed up against the exterior wall of the school. Hand gripping Louis' chin slightly rougher than usual. His fingers bit into Louis' skin as he wordlessly demanded entry into Louis' mouth. 

Louis was generally happy to give Niall whatever he wanted but this interaction felt a little different, more needy. Almost scared. Louis managed to break off the intense kiss, shaking his head when Niall tried to go back in for more. Noticing a crazed look in Niall's eyes, something had changed in the moments between their performance and now.

"What's going on Ni?" Louis asked softly trying to force eye contact, "Shouldn't you be there for the awards ceremony?"

"It's nothing. It doesn't matter." Niall tried to brush it off, but Louis could sense something was wrong. Louis lightly reached his hand out and smoothed the hair on the back of Niall's neck, pushing Niall closer to him. His fingers tenderly massaged the skin there. 

Niall in turn sighed and slumped heavily against Louis, hiding his face in Louis' neck, yet again sliding into the easy understanding between the two omegas. The craziness of the moment earlier washed away and all that was left was a side of Niall he loved to see. When an Alpha made this move an Omega would feel the urge to drop into Omega space but with Louis' hand back there Niall just felt himself relax.

"You can talk to me, Niall." Louis murmured into Niall's ear. Louis' other hand slid under Niall's shirt to rub soothing circles onto the skin there.

"He told me to stop seeing you." Niall disclosed quickly not willing to pull away yet. Louis' ministrations to Niall's skin ceased. His breath stilled.

Louis gulped, "Liam?" Niall nodded breathing in Louis' scent deeply. "When?"

"He saw us last night," Niall stated. Louis gasped, "He didn't know I was seeing you like that."

"He didn't know?" Louis asked dumbly, despite having harbored fears of this same thing all along.

"He thought it, but he assumed he was just being jealous. But his fears were confirmed yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"Last week he found that poem you wrote down for me and recognized it as your writing. Then he saw us in the bathroom last night. He told me to stop stringing you along. To stop using you." Niall finally leaned back making watery eye contact with Louis.

"Using me?' Louis questioned, "Are you?" Niall's eyes wavered from Louis' and he shook his head, no, truthfully. What they had wasn't just a fling or Niall using Louis like Liam hoped.

"Are you going to stop seeing me?" Louis whimpered out.

"I think I have to, Lou." Niall pulled away completely leaving a coldness where he previously lay.

"N-o-o-o-o you don't. Please, Niall, don't leave me?" Louis could feel a sob stuck in his throat and struggled to get the plea out. Panic filled his every crevice.

"I have to, Lou!" Niall cried, "Louis, you're fifteen. I'm eighteen this whole relationship has been barely legal."

Louis shook his head tears freely falling now, "No, no Niall. That's a stupid excuse and you know it. What we have is more than just physical."

"Please, Louis, I'm sorry but I love Liam." Niall begged gently grabbing Louis' chin, "I can't lose him."

"If he loved you, he wouldn't make you choose," Louis begged, "I love you so much. I'll take whatever I can get. Please, Niall."

"Louis." Niall started softly, "He's making me choose, and I..."

"Choose me then?" Louis yelled voice breaking as he continued, "Please for once in this life choose me." Niall shook his head tears flowing not knowing what to say so Louis continued to plead, "I promise it'll be ok stay here with me."

"You have three more years of high school, Louis. I-I-I can't Louis. What am I going to do?" Niall asked, "I didn't apply to college! All I want to do is sing and I can't do that here, in a state that has more cows than people."

"Please, Niall." Louis gripped Niall's arms praying for him to not do this.

"What? Louis!" Niall asked, "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to pick me, Niall." Louis begged, bitterly, "Please, pick me."

Niall shook his head, no. He couldn't risk his future or his past. He'd been with Liam for three years and he'd promised so many more. Ocean blue eyes stared into each other for an eternity stuffed in a second. Then Niall leaned in placing a gentle kiss on Louis whimpering mouth.

Louis' lips tremble and sobs rip through his chest as Niall turns and walks away. 

Louis' back hit the brick wall, and he sank to the ground. With every step Niall walked away Louis could feel a piece of himself forcibly ripped away with him. Like Niall had slowly and shallowly buried himself under Louis' skin and now he was ripping each section out. He had heard heartbreak was bad, but this felt like physical pain in his chest and mind.

 He didn’t know how long he sat there but eventually, a figure appeared in front of him speaking gingerly. Louis looked up dully, ears unwilling to hear what was being said. Finally, the figure crouched, hand lifting Louis tear-stained face. Louis' eyes met the face of an alpha, with murky blue eyes and short curly hair.

"Hey, are you ok?" The voice repeated. Louis shook his head no.

"I'm Oliver, a sophomore here, do you go Mountainview?" Louis nodded dumbly. He didn't recognize this boy at all.

"I'm going to help you, ok?" Louis nodded again, and with this action, he set the next phase of his life in motion. Whether for better or for worse.

Chapter Text

Liam was first to shove through the door of their shared New York penthouse apartment, the weight of the day tugging his shoulders down with defeat. Sitting heavily on their rounded couch, Liam felt rather than saw Niall crawl onto his lap. His hands instantly rose to pull Niall close, digging his nose into his omega's hair. 

When he opened his eyes, he found Harry moving around the kitchen trying to mix up something healthy for dinner after an impossible day. Niall nosed his way under the collar of Liam's shirt breathing in his scent heavily.

Zayn was next to join the two, molding into Liam's side, arm resting across the back of the couch. His hand searched up Liam's neck to card through his short hair. Niall's huffs of anxiety calmed with soft rubs up and down his own back.

Liam heard a small murmur from his shirt and asked for Niall to repeat himself. After two minutes of solid silence, marred only by Harry's muted movement in the kitchen, Niall pulled back. His eyes were red from a day of crying, "What're we going to do?" 

Niall looked to Liam as his head alpha, too embarrassed to look over to Zayn. Sensing this resistance, Zayn reached his free hand out to gently tip Niall's face his way.

"Niall, I promise you we will get through this." Harry joined them carrying a huge bowl of salad in his hands. Dropping into the spot beside Liam. Wordlessly he stabbed some spinach and chicken and held the fork up to Niall's lips, his jaw working over the food while remaining in Zayn's hand. 

Niall looked between his three alphas for assistance, pleading for something. Anything.

Meanwhile, Zayn turned his attention to his head alpha. His head cocked a little and he nosed under Liam's jaw up to below his ear. Scenting was something traditionally done between omegas and alphas, or adults and children, but the pack no longer let these gender and societal norms restrict their actions, in the privacy of their home. Zayn released pheromones to calm his pack but paid his head alpha special attention.

Harry kept busy by feeding himself and his two alpha mates, whispering to Niall around a mouthful of spinach, “You couldn't get me to leave even if you tried. We will figure this out." Harry would always take care of his mates, whether that meant shoving salad down their throats or fist-fighting in the streets (thankfully it hadn't come to that second option, yet).

Niall looked about two seconds away from crying again. His body and mind were overwhelmed. With a shared look, the alphas decided to drop Niall into omega space so he could recuperate the way omegas do best.

It'd been three hours since the regulator told them about their life-changing news. It's been two hours since Harry and Zayn learned of Niall and Liam's past indiscretions, and it’s been one hour since they demanded that she check the bonds again. It is without a doubt Niall who has a bond, and it is 100% not with one of his alphas. 

After that, the alphas decide they must go find Louis. Liam reasoned that if he told his parents then they'd tell Louis. Considering, that his parents have served as a virtual firewall between their sons for the past several years, he decided that he'd have to surprise them. 

They cancel their appointment with the reception venue and call the garage to have them drop off their car early tomorrow morning. It was a six-hour drive to Vermont from New York and if they left at eight in the morning, then they could be there by two. 

Liam didn't get a wink of sleep replaying every memory of senior year he could get his synapses to pull up. One memory stood out amongst the rest.

Liam sat stalk straight up in his bed. It was one in the morning, and he just witnessed the culmination of all his darkest anxieties over the past two months. Louis, soft little Louis, kneeling in front of Niall in the throes of pleasure. He thought back to that first kiss on Valentine’s Day and how utterly hot he thought the two omegas were. The vision of Louis, small and uncertain laying under a dominating Niall provided spank bank material for days. 

It wasn't like Liam set out to masturbate to thoughts of his stepbrother but that's where he ended up. Maybe this was the penance he'd pay for fantasizing about Louis. Technically he was baptized Catholic, but they were extremely nonpracticing, after one too many close-minded comments from the congregation about same-gender couples and pack life.

Over the past two months, he watched Niall slip away little by little. First, he wasn't as attentive when they would have their weekly songwriting sessions, a passion that bonded them over the years. And Niall even went as far as writing their talent show song without him. 

Then Niall didn't seem as into their make-out sessions, leaving Liam with blue balls more than once. Liam liked to think he was a progressive Alpha, so he'd never pressure Niall into anything he didn't want. Then he noticed Niall watching Louis at lunch or walking in the hall, his face showing more interest than he deemed appropriate. 

Jealousy grew in his stomach with each encounter but whenever he would consciously notice it, he'd squash it down because he knew Niall was just a nice person. Maybe he was just befriending Liam's awkward little stepbrother in an attempt to make Louis' life better. Louis didn't have many friends, and he knew that worried his parents, so he tried to be oblivious to the looks. Chalking the whole thing up to illogical Alpha possessiveness and teenage hormones.

Liam has been jealous of Louis throughout their tenuous relationship, sibling rivalry is an inevitability, even between stepsiblings. When Louis was failing classes his parents would encourage him softly, telling him that he was good and important. They treated Louis like he was an omega long before his presentation at fourteen, it took mere months of his parents dating Louis' mom for them to start calling him 'baby'.

His Ma looked at Louis so softly and defended him as though he could do no wrong. Logically, Liam knew Louis had ADHD and that made learning harder, and that his parents wanted to help him and Jay, but jealousy just wasn't logical. 

Before the melding of the families Liam was grounded after getting a single C on a midterm report card. He was pushed into sports from a young age, which resulted in popularity but left little room for his passion. It seemed like his parents had a plan for him and he was so eager to please then he found himself somewhere he didn't want to be. 

In his freshman year of high school, he met Niall, and it was kismet. 

Niall encouraged him to sing and was attentive and loving to the parts of Liam he hid. When he finally told his parents he wanted to take up music, they bought him his first guitar and let him play for them. They just wanted what would make him happy and at first, they thought that would mean encouraging his interest in sports. It wasn't like Liam's parents weren't loving and supportive enough, it was just for the first time it felt like he was chosen. He was good. He was important and it was because of Niall.

Liam's attempt to maintain ignorance of his omega's dalliances was tested the last week of March his senior year. During their weekly songwriting session, he found a folded-up paper in Niall's backpack pocket, while he was in the bathroom. Liam smiled softly, Niall was effortlessly creative, and Liam treasured the drawings and lyrics he often found from him. 

Unfolding this piece of paper, he stared at the words in front of him, his heart dropping to his stomach. The prose was written clearly in what was unmistakably Louis' script. The poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson was harmless enough, Liam knew Louis loved Emerson and Thoreau but the faint sketches on the margins were troubling. A life-like sketch of Louis' profile drawn with such painstaking precision in what could only be Niall's style. Louis was not an artist, and he certainly wouldn't have drawn himself with such beautiful clarity. Liam took the piece of paper and shoved it in his desk drawer, he could torture himself over the implications of it later.

Later that night when Niall went to pack up, Liam watched the small signs of worry etch into Niall's face as he searched the pocket that previously held the poem. Liam remembered himself innocently asking if he lost something and Niall distractedly shook his head. Liam had no intention of asking Niall about this but then the incident of April’s first happened. 

He woke at about one in the morning on April 2 to find Niall missing from his bed. Worried that he was sick, he rose and walked to the hall, instantly seeing the light of the bathroom under the door. He pushed the door open silently, having mastered the art of silent midnight bathroom breaks years ago.

There, as if a masterpiece to his anxiety, he witnessed the unbecoming of Niall all over his brother's face. Liam honestly wished he could say he was shocked, but he wasn't. He, in his heart, knew this was going to happen. So, there he sat waiting for Niall to return, staring hopelessly at a poem. 

His mind racing over the implications. 

Louis thought he and Niall were soul mates.

 The poem spoke of a pair born for each other why else would Louis have given this to Niall? And why would Niall have kept it if he didn't feel the same? What felt like hours but was maybe fifteen minutes later, Niall quietly opened the door and slipped inside. Standing nervously near the foot of the bed, he was illuminated by the full moon. Niall’s cool and confident demeanor was gone and he looked almost scared. 

Niall thought Liam was going to be mad, leave him or yell. He didn't expect to hear sniffles, the sounds of crying. His head jerked up and he strode to the head of the bed sitting beside his crying Alpha, stroking his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Liam."

"Why?" Liam asked staring down at something in his lap. Niall had to crane his head to see it, but he instantly recognized the wrinkled notebook paper that Louis had given him. Niall sighed and reached for it, but Liam tugged it away looking at Niall, hurt.

"Why?" Liam asked again voice breaking tragically.

"I don't know, Liam."

"Why him?" Liam's voice quivered.

"It just happened." Niall tried to start, "I didn't think it would."

"Do you love him?" Liam asked.

"I don't know, Liam. He's so sweet and so innocent." Niall started, "He reminds me of all the good things I love about you."

"Is this because of me?" Liam questioned, "Is this because I encouraged him to kiss you?"

"Nooo…" Niall stated firmly, "It started there, yes, but I don't know when it got away from me. I thought it was just pure attraction at first but then it was something different. I always had thoughts about other omegas but I never felt like this about them before."

"D-d-d-did... um.... Have you done that before?" Liam asked meaning what he saw in the bathroom.

"No." Niall replied earnestly, "I swear that was the first blow job. I-i-i-i gave him a hand job too but other than kissing that's it."

Liam nodded. Staying silent. Honestly, the physicality of the relationship hurt less than what the notebook paper suggested.

"Can I have that back Liam?" Niall asked gently afraid Liam would ruin it out of anger. Liam looked at the paper and then Niall and handed it over. In some sick way, the alpha felt anger only in the fact that he couldn't bring himself to be mad. The traditional alpha would have been furious at this revelation, but Liam just felt like crying. Niall felt the paper moistened with tears and felt guilt heavy like lead in his stomach. 

What had he done to mess up these brothers so catastrophically? When did he come to have so much power over their emotions?

"Are you going to leave me?" Liam asked. 'For him' hung silently in the air.

"No." Niall answered certainly, "I'll never leave you, Liam. I promise." The insecure part of Liam wanted to question if it was just because of their audition for X Factor in less than a month. Maybe if they didn't have this possibility for their shared dream so intrinsically linking them together then Niall would leave. Liam was too afraid to ask. He couldn't bear for that to be true. He would rather live with the 'what if' hanging over him than the confirmation that'd surely ruin him.

"Are you going to leave him?"

"I don't want to, Li?" It was Niall's turn to sound insecure and teary. And for a moment Niall hoped and prayed that Liam could find it in him to open their relationship. Maybe the three of them could be together. Niall allowed himself to imagine the three of them with kids and a large farmhouse just down the road from their parents. Kids with Niall's eyes and Liam's smile or Louis’ little cheeks and Liam’s warm brown eyes.

"I can't share you." Liam finally whispered turning his head to find Niall staring at the wall, a hopeless look in his eyes. Liam wished he was brave enough to continue that thought. If he was truly brave, he would have said, 'I can't share you with Louis because I think you love him more than me.' But that was left only to bounce around his head and his heart.

"Ok." Niall finally said with deafening finality.

"Ok?" Liam questioned.

"I'll tell him it's over." Niall had a look of determination in his eyes, "You and I are going to make it, Liam. I promise."

Liam nodded. Selfish. The next morning, they put their guise of false happiness on and went to school. Niall disappeared quickly after their performance at the talent show only to reappear seconds before the awards ceremony. His eyes were red like he'd been crying, and his voice was hoarse when he finally spoke, "It's done." 

Liam nodded and with an unspoken bond, they never mentioned it again, left only for daydreams brimming with regret and endless lyrics with double meanings. 

Until it all came to a climax earlier today.

Seven am found the pack sleep-deprived and anxious but ready to set off to Vermont.

"I'm going to shower. Anyone want to join me?" Harry asked sleepily leaving the bed with a barely awake Niall following close behind. 

Zayn was quick to fill the still-warm spot left by Niall beside Liam. He laid his body across his alpha nosing into the soft spot on the underside of his mate's chin. Liam whined an anxious and distressed sound, softly into the still air between his alpha mate and himself. Smoothly settling his knees onto either side of Liam's hips his hands come up to frame his face. Wordlessly Zayn leaned down and brought his lips to Liam where they paused for a moment before grazing over to his cheek and ear. Their cheeks, both rough with stubble, created a lovely but punishing slide.

"I know you feel guilty Liam, but you couldn't have known." Zayn reminded him. With those words, Liam felt tears spring to his eyes.

"I don't deserve you all. I don't deserve this life."

"No, you do. You deserve so much good in your life, Liam. We all do."

"No. Spontaneous bonds are so rare because two people rarely fit so well together and I broke one. What I've done is blasphemous. I don't deserve Niall."

"No." Zayn accented his dissent with a harsh bite to Liam's ear lobe, "You helped Niall reach his dream career. You helped Niall find us. And now you'll help bring him back to his mate."

At that Liam pulled Zayn's head back, grip tight at the nape of his neck, so he could search his mate’s face. Praying to find answers.

"What if he chooses Louis? What if he doesn't want us anymore?" The insecurity in Liam's voice broke Zayn's heart. Liam always tried to be strong, so he rarely spoke of anything other than positivity. Now it was his turn to support the man who'd always supported him.

Zayn shook his head, "Niall and you and Harry are the loves of my life. I will do anything to keep you all near." Liam tried to interrupt with 'buts' and 'what ifs’, but Zayn silenced him with a jerk of his hips and a finger to his lips, "But nothing. We must trust Niall. If he truly loves us, he will do what's best."

"What is best, Zayn?" Liam asked brokenly.

"Only time will tell, Li."

Liam wasn't, no he couldn't be, an insecure eighteen-year-old with mommy and daddy issues anymore. He was a twenty-four-year-old millionaire with his dream career. He was less than a month away from getting officially bonded to the loves of his life. And he was going to go home and fix what he'd destroyed six years prior, even if that meant risking everything with Niall. He'd been selfish for too long and in the process, he'd lost his stepbrother almost entirely and most of his bond with his parents.

The first hour of the pack's trip north was done so in silence. The weight of what was to come was substantial. Sitting in Harry's Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Liam drove, Harry in the passenger seat and Niall and Zayn in the back. "You all said it was stupid to get to this car but look how handy it'll be now." Harry finally said breaking the silence with a smart tone. They all chuckled, Harry's false ease instantly lowered the tension in the car.

"Harry, you realize we're going to a real town, with tarred roads and electricity and everything. My mom drives a Prius. We don't need this hulk of a car to get there." Niall giggled as he explained his head resting calmly on Zayn's shoulder.

Harry grew up in the city which made him progressive in social thought but rather close-minded in anything that wasn't city living. They went to Long Island once and Harry genuinely thought they were in a forest.

Rolling his eyes while chewing lazily on the straw of his iced coffee Harry answered, "Yeah, I've been there before but this car is good for all landscapes. Better safe than sorry."

Liam rested his hand on Harry's knees absentmindedly, "You've supplied for your pack very well, my love. You are so good to us all." Harry smiled and nodded self-righteously, puffing his chest a little at the praise. Zayn and Niall shared a pair of loving eye rolls. 

Harry then fidgeted with the stereo system and the sounds of NPR filled the car. Niall sighed not wanting to hear about why vegetarianism can lower the incidence of certain cancers, but he also did not want to hear all the statistics Harry had on why they should listen to this instead of just music.

When Liam began to recognize the landscape of his hometown and surrounding area, he grew nervous. He was showing up unannounced to a home he hadn't been to in almost three years now. 

The pack had four families, and they were still working out a way to spend holiday time with each of them, while also maintaining their crazy social life and work schedule. Unfortunately, this meant Liam hadn't been to this home since Thanksgiving three years ago, an occasion Louis was absent for. When he asked his parents about Louis, they often shrugged it off but he couldn't take that for an answer anymore. The plan was to surprise Liam's parents and beg them to tell them where Louis was.

 Liam would guess college but other than that he had no idea. God, what kind of person didn't know a single thing about their own stepbrother?

When the pack arrived at Liam's childhood home the tension was tangible. Niall was squirming, his foot jittering furiously, looking guilty and nervous. All four exited in silence with Liam leading the way to the door. Once on the porch, Liam thought he might vomit but he had his pack at his back. 

Out of respect he knocked and waited. When the door swung open, he was met with his mom (well Louis' mom but it was all the same to him). The sight of her brought a calmness to his form in a way one's omega parent could. She looked shocked and smiled widely as she took Liam into a tight hug. 

"Oh, my goodness, Liam!" She pulled back and looked him over, "What're you all doing here?" She was quick to wrap the rest into individual hugs, pausing on Niall with a soft smile. "You look like you haven't slept in years, Niall! You need to take care of yourself so I can get a nice healthy grandbaby." Niall blushed at that.

"Umm..." Liam muttered, "I, we, actually came here to see you and I have to tell you all something." She looked concerned for a moment and then her face changed. She looked like she was nervous about something.

"Oh honey, I wish you would have called first."

"Oh," Liam felt like a punch in the gut, maybe his family didn't want him around, "Is something wrong?"

"Oh no. No Liam." Jay shook her head vehemently, a flurry of nervous hands, "Nothing wrong. It's just there's someone inside that you shouldn't meet."

"What does that mean? Are you and Ma and Da still together? Is there someone new?" Liam asked looking around her to see if he could see someone through the frosted window. The thought of yet another change to his fragile understanding of life raised Liam's blood pressure greatly.

"Umm." Jay sighed and tried to go on but was interrupted by the door swinging open harshly and a small voice yelling, "Gammy, gammy, gammy." 

The voice was accompanied by a small boy with a head of unruly curls and soft blue eyes. He walked unevenly, standing at just under three feet his head barely reached Jay's hip, and he held up a book to her. Liam looked between the small boy and his mom unsurely. His mates behind him share identical looks of confusion. It made sense to Liam that his mom would babysit because before she retired, she was an elementary school teacher and she'd always loved kids. 

But why wouldn't Liam be able to meet the kid she babysat and why was he calling her Grammy? Jay reached down and picked the boy up chiding him, "Now baby, I told you not to open the door without me."

"You're here." The boy responded no-nonsense and Jay supposed he wasn't wrong. He turned in her arms and looked between the four new faces in front of him, just noticing them for the first time, before turning back to Jay, whispering, "Strangers?"

"No, baby. These people aren't strangers." Jay explained softly, "This is my son, Liam, and his mates."

"Mates?" He questioned rocking a little in Jay's arms with the question.

"Yes, remember like me and Grampy and Nana." The boy nodded in understanding, looking back to Liam more closely, his eyes intense and so familiar. Liam cocked his head at the little boy, mind moving too sluggishly to process the true meaning of all this. One can only handle so much startling news before shutting down completely. 

Harry, on the other hand, thought he had pieced it together with clarity but prayed he was wrong. Watching the next two minutes click by like a slow-motion car crash, unable to look away.

"Son." The boy stated pointing at Liam cocking his head, "Like Mumma?"

"Yes, baby." Jay said softly, she nervously eyed Liam, "Your Mumma is my son, too."

"Grampy and Nana know Liam?" at that Jay chuckled. This boy was so clever, always asking the darndest questions. 

Liam was seemingly in the middle of having an aneurysm. His brain, like rusty cogs oiled for the first time in centuries, was forcing himself to the realization that this child was his nephew. This was Louis' child. Louis, soft small little Louis, was the mother of this child. 

Niall beside Liam felt tears jump to his eyes and anger burn in his stomach, who'd touched his mate? Over the years Niall had dulled his senses trying so hard to not think of Louis he'd tricked himself into not caring. But now with this small child smelling of the Louis he remembered and something so painfully different, he felt a resurgence of possessiveness and longing he'd only ever associate with a single human.

"Yes, Grampy and Nana know Liam." Ollie nodded suspiciously, then pointed to Niall and questioned, "Son?"

"No baby. Niall's not my son." Ollie shook his head and leaned closer to Niall who stepped forward in response. Closing his eyes and breathing heavily, Ollie smelt Niall.

"Smells like Mumma." Ollie concluded and then wiggled in Jay's arms reaching for Niall. Niall had wide eyes but reached out to grab the boy before he fell out of Jay's arms. Ollie snuggled into Niall, "Mmmm Mumma." Niall could feel the boy’s soft breaths against his neck and slowly brought his other hand up to rub his back. 

Children relied heavily on their senses to get through the world and were often keener at smelling bonds between relatives and mates. Niall's brain told him this wasn't his child but his omegan instincts yelled at him to scent the child, which he promptly did. Scenting in general was rather intimate and not generally done between strangers but Niall didn't care, and Ollie seemed to demand it.

"Uhh..." Jay looked nervous. She knew Louis would not be happy about this, but she could also see Liam freaking out. While Louis had asked them not to tell Liam about Ollie, Jay didn't have it in her heart to lie to her other son while he was right in front of her. She found herself selfishly relieved that she no longer had to keep this secret and that her grandbaby was finally meeting his uncle. 

For now, though, she should get Ollie out of here. So, she turned to Harry, "Harry honey, you're good with kids, right?"

Harry nodded earnestly from over Liam's shoulder. Jay reasoned, there was no way Louis had something against Harry or Zayn because he'd never met them so maybe if she had one of them watch Ollie it wouldn't be as big of a betrayal.

"Hey Ollie, buddy." Jay said petting Ollie's back, "Can you show Harry here Moana in the living room? He's never seen it!"

Ollie lifted his head sleepily from Niall's neck looking over to Harry before nodding shyly. His fear of strangers being outweighed by watching his favorite movie. Harry made quick work of grabbing Ollie, who held tightly to Niall seemingly claiming him as his 'Mumma' as well. Harry placed the uneasy child on his hip and smiled trying to earn his trust. The boy stared at Harry in a way only small children could get away with like he was truly something strange but awesome.

Finally, he reached up back arching slightly to grab a hold of one of Harry's loose curls, "Curls."

"Yes!" Harry chuckled as he disappeared into the house, to give his mate some space, "Your curly too, huh." They heard a joyful giggle and then the door shut.

Zayn had placed a hand on Liam's shoulder, so he felt his breath picking up as he tearfully asked, "What the fuck is going on, Mom?"

"Liam, don't use that language with me." Jay chided, "I know you're confused and upset but let's just go inside and I'll explain more."

"No!" Liam demanded tears coming to his eyes, "Is that Louis' kid?" He knew the answer before his mother nodded. That child was definitely Louis'. The eyes were a match and the small little dimple on his cheek were too similar. Tears leak from Liam's eyes, suddenly grieving the years he'd lost with his family. The family he thought he could leave and return to without a single thing changed. He grieved for the trust that he lost from his parents and his brother. He grieved for the small and easily influenced brother he left behind and for the one that now lives on. How could he ever right the destruction he left in his wake?

Chapter Text

Trees changing color in swaths of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in autumnal New England was almost as certain as the sun rising in the morning. The scientists at the University of Vermont were able to take historical data and translate it into the 'peak' leaf peeping week every fall. A time that brought awe to many and brought utter tiredness to Louis' bones. 

Tourist from all over started visiting their small town in hordes just to see the trees. In the most recent years, they had also started coming to see where Liam and Niall from One Direction had grown up. As if their town had more to offer than two B&Bs, three restaurants, a meek town center, and the small foliage fair this time of year. Louis scoffed at the idea that his brother would be caught dead in the middle of nowhere Vermont.

Sweet Confections & Co. had almost sold out for the day when three college-aged girls walked in. Louis glanced over their Instagram-worthy outfits and their Staten Island accents and geared up for an awkward conversation. Louis deeply wished he'd grown less awkward with strangers since high school but if anything, he'd gotten worse. He struggled with eye contact and raising his voice to an audible level. He desperately wanted to be a stronger omega for his son and he felt deep shame after most interactions. The lead girl, a beta brunette with a bob and tortoise shell ray bans approached first, "Could I get an Iced Coffee and the apple turnover?"

Louis nodded typing the items into the cash register, "That'll be $4.75."

She dug through her bag and handed a five over lingering near the counter for her two other friends to order. Louis was quick to get their orders together. Handing them out cautiously before telling them to have a nice day. The brunette looked between her two friends and finally sighed turning to Louis, "So we're in town to see the trees and then we're driving up to visit some friends at UVM, but we heard that this is where Liam and Niall from One Direction are from. Is that true?"

Louis paused for a second licking his lips nervously. The first time this happened he was shocked but interactions like these are a dime a dozen now. Louis settled on nodding and softly saying, "Yeah, I've heard that."

"Did you grow up here? Did you ever meet them?"

"Uhm no."

She smiled disappointedly and her friend next to her, a shorter Indian girl, spoke up, "I heard Liam's parents still live here. Do you know where they live?"

Louis shook his head and laughed he wasn't going to give them his parents’ address, "No. I'm sure they must be rich by now living on a beach or something."

The girls laughed too and nodded, "You're probably right. Thanks anyway." 

Louis decided to close after that. It was close enough to three and if he got to his parents' house before four, he could spend more time with Ollie tonight. Also, he promised his Da a loaf of pumpkin bread, which was the only thing left on the shelf.

Turning the closed sign and packing up to leave, he sighed wearily.

As he walked towards the exit he caught his reflection in the mirror-like surface of the bulk fridge, coming to a quick stop he looked again. For a moment the dark circles under his eyes resembled a black eye and he shivered at the sight. The last time he'd seen that look on his face was the day he left Ollie's dad, running in the middle of the night.

After graduating high school, Louis' parents gave him an ultimatum: apply for community college or move out. Louis' Ma, Geoff, worked down at the lumber yard as a foreman, but he always regretted not getting a higher degree like his mates. He wasn't going to let his kid go into life unprepared for the changing workforce. 

When Liam had told the pack that he wanted to audition for X Factor instead of going to UVM, Geoff cried. He just wanted his children's lives to be easier than his. Ultimately the pack decided that Liam could make mature decisions, so he would try for his dream and if that failed then he'd go to college next year. Even then Liam had a dream and a plan, both of which Louis lacked.

Louis wanted to get a job at a local market and just slide through life. So, when he heard this ultimatum he scoffed, prepared to play chicken. No way they'd kick him out. All summer he worked maybe fifteen hours a week and hung out around the old trails near the park in town. Mountainview had many disadvantages but sitting at the foot of the mountain was not one. He'd mostly just hike around and sit reading lazily near the waterfalls and cliff faces. 

Sick of Louis' lackadaisical attitude and outright disregard for their wishes the pack felt that they had no choice but to scare Louis straight. So, when September first rolled around that year, they told him that he wouldn't be living here anymore if he didn't apply to school. Louis cried out of frustration, he had just been rejected from three colleges and he didn't understand why his parents were pushing this so hard. 

Louis was shocked but his anger made him indignant, promising he'd never see them again and that he hated the whole family if they followed through with this promise. They expected to have him back apologizing and starting his community college applications before the end of the night.

But it'd be a long time before they saw him again.

Louis found himself homeless for all of three hours before Oliver, his high school boyfriend, came to the rescue. Oliver found Louis leaning against the school back in April of his sophomore year, he took a special interest.

After a year of Louis following Oliver around like a lost kitten, Oliver finally asked him out and they started a tenuous relationship. Oliver found Louis prudish, and he would roll his eyes when Louis would go off on tangents about transcendentalism. He couldn't understand Louis' fascination with men who'd lived hundreds of years ago. 

Once Louis begged Oliver to go on a hike with him which Oliver thought was just an excuse for them to have sex in the woods. When he put the moves on Louis while sitting in front of a waterfall, Louis pushed him away telling him he wasn't ready. Oliver just rolled his eyes and pushed Louis down claiming he thought he was playing hard to get. When Louis started crying Oliver just rolled his eyes and stormed off, later telling Louis he was such a baby.

After graduating a year before Louis, Oliver moved to New Hampshire to work at his uncle's car dealership. Oliver had the personality and wit to sell a man his own shoes, so luxury cars were no stretch. He was funny and charming with straight white teeth and a flawless face. He had that traditional Alpha charm that left omegas breathless in so many blockbuster movies. After he'd left, Louis was sad but they kept in touch and even went on a few dates, but the hour drive was enough to sizzle out their relationship.

 Mutual friends of the couple claimed they weren't surprised, the pairing never really made sense anyway. But when Louis called crying on that first day of September, Oliver without hesitation got in his car and ran to Louis.

Oliver brought Louis back to New Hampshire with him and true to his promise, Louis didn't speak to his parents for almost a year and a half. The first few months were great and liberating, with Oliver working and Louis cooking and cleaning at home. They played house so seamlessly, but after the newness of the situation wore off Louis decided he wanted to work. 

Oliver dismissed the idea a few times saying he shouldn't have to work, that Oliver was a provider. Oliver would support him, but with that 'support' came control. Louis couldn't buy anything on his own and he couldn't talk to others without Oliver around.

 When Oliver found out Louis still had his Instagram account he broke Louis’ phone out of anger, later claiming it was an accident. One time at the supermarket Oliver smacked Louis' hand for reaching out to grab a candy bar. He'd always had a sweet tooth, and he didn't think Oliver would mind. His boyfriend admonished Louis who rubbed his smarting hand, telling him he should ask first like a good omega.

The first time Louis tried to leave was three months in after Oliver backhanded him across the cheek when the omega made fun of his tie. Oliver cornered him in the bedroom as Louis started packing, quickly emptying Louis' progress onto the bed.

"You're not going anywhere, Lou." He stated cooly but with a threat lying just below the surface.

"I want to go home, Oliver." Louis' tone was placating but that washed over the alpha, leaving Oliver untouched.

"They don't want you there. Remember?" Oliver took a few steps closer, backing Louis against a wall. His hand resting firmly beside Louis’ head, blocking his view of the exit.

"They'll take me back." Louis whispered certainly, "I'll enroll in college and they'll let me live there again."

Oliver barked out a laugh at that, "You don't seriously think you'll get into any college, right?" Louis blushed at that tucking his chin into his shoulder at the harsh tone, "Louis, you almost failed sophomore year. You're GPA was a 2.5. You got rejected from three colleges. You won't get in anywhere and you'll be homeless again." Louis shook his head, tears pooling in his eyes. Oliver grabbed Louis' chin forcing him to look into his cruel blue eyes, "If you leave, I won't come running again."

Louis tilted his head in a completely omegan way lips trembling softly, "They'll take me back."

"Is that a bet you want to make, Louis? Your brother is so successful compared to him you're just a liability." Oliver tilted his head and raised his eyebrows suggestively, "Unlike your parents, I would never ask you to do something you so clearly can't. Omegas like you weren't made for working and academics. I'll take care of you, Louis."

"I could go back to school if I wanted to."

"Again, I ask." Oliver rolled his eyes and leaned closer, "Is that a bet you're willing to make?" 

Oliver's jaw was tense, and his hand tightened ever so slightly leaving red marks in their wake. Louis looked between Oliver's eyes and realized he was right. His parents hadn't reached out in the few months he'd been gone. (Later he learned that Oliver blocked their numbers on the new phone he bought Louis) 

He'd always been difficult maybe they were better off without him and Oliver could take care of him. He made a good living, and he didn't cheat. If anything, he just loved Louis too much. Maybe, he could just try to be a better omega.

"I'm sorry." Louis finally responded biting his lip and softly nudging his chin into Oliver's hand more.

"Mmmm. Good omega." Oliver purred nudging his nose against Louis' temple, "Tell me what you did wrong?"

"I tried to leave you," Louis stated looking up to Oliver and asking if that was enough. The tilt of his head and his steely demeanor told Louis he should continue, "I was naughty. I spoke out of turn, and I was disrespectful."

That seemed to please Oliver more so he chose to finish, "You can be such a good omega when you want to be, Louis, I know that. How will you show me your sorry?" 

Louis knew what he wanted. Oliver derived sick pleasure from Louis' submission. He was already gentle natured, but Oliver wanted even more, like he'd only be happy once Louis was a mindless drone. 

So, Louis sank to his knees with tears running slowly down his face as he unbuttoned his alpha's pants. Seeing Louis down on his knees crying struck something in Oliver so he chose instead to pull Louis up. He made quick work, picking him up and placing him on the clothes-covered bed. Louis' eyes were glazed and spacey, he was close to dropping, and Oliver took that moment to act freely. He undressed Louis and fucked him slowly. Oliver knew Louis would go to planned parenthood while he was at work if they had sex without a condom, so he slipped one on but not before tearing it just a little. 

He'd keep Louis any way he could, and he knew that the threat of homelessness wouldn't keep him complacent for long.

Louis' parents worried endlessly not knowing if he was dead, homeless, or whatever, they even hired a PI to look for him after two months, but he came up with nothing. The three felt guilt for kicking their eighteen-year-old omega out for such a stupid reason. Especially, looking back, they knew that Louis was always slow to meet traditional milestones. They should have been more patient. 

They played chicken and they'd lost.

One night the pack was watching One Direction play SNL, smiling softly at their eldest son's band. Cuddling with Geoff on one end of the couch and Karen on the other with Jay lying across them both. From their spot on the couch, they saw headlights pull into their driveway. The trio looked between them not having any idea who could be visiting at this time. Maybe they were just turning around and when the lights vanished, they assumed that was the case. 

Instead, there was a timid knock at the door just moments later.

Geoff was the first to get up throwing his mates a confused look before making his way to the door. His two mates settled back into their couch when they heard a gasp, "Oh my God." 

At that, they rushed to the hallway and found Geoff and their youngest son standing in the doorway holding a small child. Louis looked thinner than when they last saw him and his head hung low. With a timid look the trio saw a dark bruise under his eye and a busted lip. Karen's alpha instincts kicked in and she was in front of her son in no time gripping his chin. Louis flinched harshly gripping the baby, who couldn't be more than six months in his arms.

"Who did this?" Karen growled softening her grip a little. Louis finally met her eyes, and she had never seen a more defeated look. A sob escaped Louis' lips and Jay was quick to grab the small child who began to fuss. Karen had Louis in her arms in an instant. 

They could smell the child was Louis', the implication of that was enough to break their hearts. Louis was 19 and he'd been pregnant and gave birth without his parents’ support. A time in his life that Louis and his parents would never get back. Their first grandchild was brought into this world in the middle of a stupid fight. They didn't know if they'd ever be able to overcome the weight of their shame for this decision.

 They'd failed their son, but they wouldn't make that mistake twice.

When Karen pulled back, she noticed the dark purple bite mark on her son's neck, unmistakably indicative of a failed bonding. Karen reached for it and when her fingers barely brushed it, he jolted back in pain. Her fingers felt like a hot iron across Louis' skin. Louis' lips trembled like he was frozen before he brokenly asked, "C-c-can I please come home?"

Liam, Zayn, Niall, and Jay were sat around the small table in the kitchen used for informal dinners, "How could you let this happen, Mom?"

"We didn't know. I mean I'm pro-choice all the way so he could have made that decision but he wasn't talking to us."

"What do you mean he wasn't talking to you? That kid is like three which means Louis was like 18! Why wasn't he talking to you? He was a child. He's still a child. How could you let him have a child?" Liam rambled indignantly. Anger building in his chest that he didn't know would ever be quenched.

"Liam." Jay replied evenly, "Louis will be twenty-two at the end of the year. He's not a child. Also, this is his story, and I don't think I have the right to tell you."

Liam rolled his eyes. Finding the whole situation ridiculous. Before he could continue his rant on why sweet little Louis was not an adult, he heard the door open. With quick footsteps, he heard his Ma and Da approach the kitchen. When Geoff rounded the corner, his face lit up, "Liam, I thought that was your car! When your mom told us to come home, I was wondering what was up! What're you doing here?" 

He pulled Liam into a hug and Liam sighed at the feeling of his biological omega's scent washing over him. Then he felt his Da's arms wrapping around him kissing each of his cheeks before moving over to greet his mates.

"Ok! So now everyone is here. What's the problem?" Jay asked once everyone settled around the table including Harry who finished wrestling Ollie into a nap in the living room.

"Ok," Liam felt small in front of his parents losing the confidence his anger conjured earlier, "I need to know where Louis is. I have to talk to him."

Liam's Da sighed softly, "Liam, he doesn't want me to tell you that. Did you try calling him?"

"I don't even have his number. You guys have virtually blocked me from him since he was eighteen." Liam responded in frustration, "You didn't even tell me he had a goddamn kid!"

"Liam, language." Geoff chided.

"Come on!" Liam raised his voice, breaking as he continued, "How could you not tell me? I could have gotten him a baby shower present or been there or something!"

"Liam." Karen looked to her mates, "Louis wasn't living with us or speaking with us. We didn't know he was pregnant. When he just showed up with a six-month-old baby, he begged us not to tell you."

Liam put his head in his hands, of course, he did, "Ok, I'm going to tell you something and I really need you not to hate me for it because I already hate myself for it."

"Liam," Niall said sympathetically, speaking up as he gulped and turned to his in-laws, "This is just as much my fault. The reason we're here today is because we had our meeting with the regulator yesterday and I have apparently already formed a bond with someone."

The pack looked shocked at this revelation, Geoff asked, "A spontaneous bond? I thought you'd only ever dated Liam?"

"That's true," Niall explained. He could see his in-laws opinion of him dropping.

"What does this have to do with Louis?" Karen questioned.

"It’s ok, Ni, I got this." Liam took back the reins, looking over to his confused parents, "The only other option for this bond is Louis. Niall and Louis had a physical and emotional relationship when I was a senior in high school." Jay and Karen shared a shocked look, Liam continued, "And I asked Niall to break it off in April of that year. That's why Louis didn't want to and hasn't talked to me." 

Karen looked mostly confused but Geoff looked between his mates guilty.

"I actually knew that."

"What?" Came the collective reply. Karen and Jay angry. Liam and Niall shocked. Harry and Zayn silent and awkward but supportive in the corner.

"How could you not tell me?" Jay asked, "We were so worried. He became so withdrawn and he was barely passing his classes!"

"I didn't know at the time!" Geoff explained turning to his alpha and placing a hand over hers, "When he came back to us he told me. He was vulnerable and later he asked me to keep it between us. I wanted him to trust me again."

"He told you?" Niall spoke up looking longingly, wanting to know Louis' perspective.

Geoff looked over to Niall sadly, "I don't want to betray his trust but maybe someday we can talk more about it. Omega to Omega." Niall nodded sadly but with understanding.

"Are you mad at me? For not telling you?" Liam asked small, still seeking the approval of his parents.

Karen sighed and looked to her mates before shaking her head no, "No, Liam. I guess that just explains some things though."

Turning to Niall, Karen asked, "Are you sure it’s Louis? I don't want to dig up all this stuff just to have it be false. He's been through a lot since you last saw him."

Niall looked between Liam and Louis' parents, "I promise that there is nothing in this world that I want to do less than ever to hurt Louis again. If you allow me to see him again, I promise I will do everything in my power to never have him feel pain again."

Louis could feel himself falling into a sour mood, just thinking about Oliver does that. He tried to push it to the side and think about the next twenty-four hours he'd have with just him and Ollie. At only two and a half Ollie already loved their versions of small hikes mostly consisting of trailheads and leaf collecting. Ollie searched out bugs and splashed in the cold water running from the mountain tops. 

As he got in his car, he felt some tension leave his body. He looked down at his phone, noticing a message from his mom but just as he went to click it his phone dropped from 25% to dead. The day was a crisp fifty degrees, and the prolonged exposure to the mild cold apparently caused his phone to shit the bed. Louis rolled his eyes throwing his phone into the passenger seat and leaning his head against the steering wheel. 

He supposed that after buying a used phone that was already over five years old, he should come to expect this. He took three deep breaths steadying himself, forcing himself not to let this ruin his day.

Instead of trying to situate his cord just right so that his phone could charge using his shitty car's outlet he chose to just drive to his parent's house. He can charge it there. The ten-minute drive took twenty due to the leaf peepers looking around and driving half the speed limit. Louis was tired from working six days in a row, so he just weakly rolled his eyes humming along to whatever was on the radio. 

When he finally got to his destination, he paid no mind to the hulking Mercedes parked in the driveway in front of his Da's Subaru. If he was less exhausted by the week then maybe he would have noticed. When he reaches the door, he just lets himself in calling for Ollie.

He could hear some talking in the kitchen, but it went silent. He saw his Da pop her head out from the kitchen, "Oh, Louis! You're early!"

"Uhm yeah" Louis answered toeing out of his boots, "What're you doing home so early?"

"I actually..." Then she paused and Jay was joining them in the hallway, "Did you get our message?" The pack decided that they'd message Louis so that he wouldn't be so blindsided.

"Oh yeah I saw that I had one, but my phone died and you know how crappy my cord is." Just then Ollie came running around the corner from the direction of the living room. He was modeling two tight French braids in his usually extremely unruly hair. Louis instantly picked Ollie up, "Oh my goodness, what a handsome boy!"

Ollie giggled and pointed to his head, "Harry braid!"

"Yes! Your hair is braided. It's very nice."

"No," Ollie giggled at his mumma's misunderstanding, "Harry braid!"

"Huh?" Looking over the intricate braids running over his head carefully. They looked expertly done. He didn't know any of his parents could braid but Ollie looked cute, so he'd have to get them to do it more often. Considering his son had a deep-seated dislike of the barber shop, his hair would probably be long for a while.

"Harry braid Ollie!"

"Umm..." Louis finally turned to ask Jay what his son was talking about but instead he was met with a frosted tipped pale skinned omega. Niall standing less than five feet in front of him, in his parent's house, beside his parents. Niall who for all its worth hadn't been in the same room as Louis since he was fifteen. 

Louis had daydreamed about this moment. At first, he pictured himself better off maybe with a good job and a nice family. He would walk up to Niall and smack him across the face, who in his original fantasy had lost X Factor and was a penniless artist. Or maybe he'd be drinking a smoothie and just throw it in his face. One thing he thought he knew was that he would be angry. He thought he'd feel the anger rise like lava flowing through the cracks in the earth.

Instead, Louis felt tired. 

No, he was tired. 

His head hurt and he'd just got off a fifty-hour work week. The world seemed to freeze as two sets of ocean-blue eyes met. He felt his head tilt and his lip’s part. 

He wasn't ready for this.

"Yeah, I'm gonna go." 

And just like that Louis was turning on his heel Ollie tucked into his hip and he was out the door. He didn't even grab his shoes which he deeply regretted once his foot touched down on the cool grass. He was across the lawn in seven quick steps, and he tucked Ollie in haphazardly to his car seat. He could recognize that someone was calling out to him, but he didn't care to make out the words. His world was spinning, and his ears were ringing like a bomb just went off next to him. 

He was in his car and driving in less than ninety seconds.

Chapter Text

Louis stared down at the unevenly faded boards on the old Townsend's covered farmer’s porch. For just a moment he paused and shook the droplets from his jacket, taking down Ollie's hood. The day was dreary with scattered showers that soaked Louis' old boots through without mercy. At least Ollie had some nice waterproof boots to keep his sensitive feet dry. Louis' Da had bought the green boots with little frog faces on them earlier this year after a week straight of spring rain showers.

The house before him was massive and ancient sitting on a marble foundation. The property hosted the only apple orchard in town. It was the original property in Mountainview sitting on a gentle hill, it overlooked the peaks on either side. For the past thirty years, the farm served as the local fall hot spot for apple picking and leaf peeping. 

The Townsends were an elderly alpha/alpha couple that never had children, despite their deep love for them. Thus, every October they'd host a weekend of family fun, with cider, apple donuts, and tractor rides. The Townsends, Laurel and Alfred, died within days of each other a few years back and the town's tradition was seemingly ended.

The following year, the town's council felt so strongly that the tradition should continue they instituted a town fair, moving it to the town's center. They called it the Townsend Foliage Festival and this weekend would mark the fifth annual event. Louis would have to remember to take Ollie after work on Saturday.

Despite Louis, and most of Mountainview, having such fond memories of this place most people had never actually stepped inside the house. Louis could tell just from looking at it that it had been fixed up a bit. The chipping paint was now sanded down and reapplied, the lawn manicured, and the roof’s shingles replaced. Louis wasn't sure why Liam would be staying here but he just wanted to get this over with. 

So, with Ollie sitting heavily on Louis’ hip, he asked, "Mumma, why here?"

"Umm..." Louis explained softly but with false cheer, "I have to talk to my stepbrother and then we'll be on our way home!"

"Brother?" Ollie said quietly then announced, "LIAM!" Except it came out more like 'leeeyuuum'.

"Yes." Louis sighed sourly he really could have gone a couple more years or decades without Ollie meeting Liam, "Yes, Liam is my brother. You are so smart!" 

Louis was truly amazed by how clever his little boy was. Growing up Louis always felt so painfully insecure when he couldn’t read as quickly as his classmates or pick up spelling. Louis always needed so much time to process things and Ollie was just so so quick on his feet in ways Louis never was. When Louis found out he was pregnant, he prayed that his baby wouldn't be like him. Hopeful he'd get all the good parts of his father, like his outgoing and smart nature.

Louis worked up the courage to ring the doorbell not caring that it was only nine in the morning, rather worried about the events to follow. He shifted nervously biting his lip and waiting for the door to open. This wasn't how he expected to spend his day off, begrudgingly meeting up with his brother. 

When the door finally swung open, Liam was standing there in low-lying grey sweatpants and no shirt. Louis found himself instantly frustrated by Liam's perfect body especially when compared to Louis' rather soft stomach. There were some expected differences between omegas and alphas, but Liam didn't have to make it so blatantly obvious.

"Louis?" Liam's voice was gruff with sleep, but his eyes widened instantly, "I didn't know you were coming. Please, come in?"

Louis nodded a little uneasily and made his way inside. The house smelt like a mixture of scents so familiar but so different. He ignored Liam's looks for a moment and inspected the entryway. The large entryway broke off into two rooms mirroring each other on either side of the hallway. In the middle, there was a wide staircase leading up to a short segment of balcony on either side. It looked more modern than he thought it would. Louis suspected that whoever owned it now had renovated it.

"The Townsend place?" Louis asked, his voice reedy with anxiety.

"Uhm yeah." Liam lifted his arm above him and rubbed the back of his head anxiously. Liam's voice was deeper than in the video Louis watched the other day. Maybe from sleep. His eyes lingered on Liam's massive arm flexed over his head. When had he gotten so big?

"I didn't realize you could rent this place." Louis walked over to the doorway on the right and investigated what must have been the formal living room back when the house was first built. Now the room was modernized with muted tones of grey and slate. 

Louis then wandered over to the other doorway seeing into the kitchen area, again with all new appliances. Maybe if he kept wandering around this house he could leave and pacify his parents’ demands that he go see Liam without actually talking.

"Actually, I bought it," Liam stated uneasy, having not moved from his original place near the door. His instincts screamed for him to ease the movements of the apprehensive omega in front of him but he knew that remaining still was the best option.

Louis eyebrows rose at that, "You bought it? Does Ma know?" Geoff had always had a soft spot for the town’s history and the architecture of this old house.

"No. Well, I told him yesterday." Liam said his head tilting as he looked over his stepbrother. Louis had grown an inch or two since he was fifteen. His face had thinned a little but overall, he was very much still his tiny little brother. Ollie, Liam had learned his name, held his head against his mumma's shoulder, lulled into sleep by Louis' rocking movements. "I was going to tell them once the renovations were finished."

"Why'd you buy it?" Louis asked still not making eye contact, pacing nervously.

"The house was in disrepair after they died, and they didn't have any relatives to leave it to so I got it for a steal. I thought maybe I'd raise some kids here or at least visit sometimes. Also, Ma always loved it. Maybe they could live here. I don't know."

Louis nodded looking around the entryway. Louis could feel uneasiness growing under his skin. He didn't like the reminder of how incredibly underachieving he was. An unmated single mother, working a minimum wage job. Liam bought his parents a house and Louis could barely remember to get them an anniversary card. The conversation was so painfully casual, it reeked of a familiarity he knew no longer existed between himself and his brother, so he sighed, "Look, Liam, I didn't want to come but Mom said she wouldn't watch Ollie if I didn't speak to you, so could we just get it over with."

"Oh, I didn't ask her to do that, Lou," Liam explained feeling guilty that Louis felt pressured into this meeting however inevitable it was. Louis shrugged not exactly convinced either way.

"Is there somewhere I could put Ollie down so we can talk? I don't think he needs to sit through this." Louis rocked again.

"Oh yeah." Liam nodded thinking about the options, "Would you mind if Harry watched him again?"

"Harry?" Louis questioned.

"He's umm... my mate." Liam explained, "He braided Ollie's hair yesterday."

Louis nodded softly chewing over the fact that someone had touched his son. He wanted to find himself uncomfortable, but he trusted his parents to protect Ollie. And ultimately, he knew Liam was a good judge of character or at least he used to be, so he nodded.

Liam walked over to the base of the stairs and hollered up, "Hey Harry! Could you help me down here?"

Less than a minute later a curly-haired Alpha rounded the corner, jogging down the stairs saying, "Really, Li? I don't think the toaster is that hard to use." He stopped halfway down the stairs when he saw a small Louis standing in the corner. He had a guarded look in his eyes and a nervous twitchy demeanor. "Oh, hi there. You must be Louis."

Louis looked over the Alpha in front of him. He was taller and bigger than Liam by an inch or two. His long hair was tied up into a loose bun on the top of his head and he was sporting an easy smile. Louis nodded in response and Ollie was wiggling in his arms pointing to his hair and saying, "Harry look!" 

The braids had fallen out during his sleep last night, but the remnants could still be seen in tight kinks throughout his hair.

"Oh, wow bud!" Harry came to stop in front of Louis, unintentionally invading Louis' space a little, "Do you want me to give you braids again?" To which Ollie nodded excitedly. Louis was extremely reluctant to hand over Ollie to Harry no matter their familiarity. 

Harry looked over the guarded omega and softly smiled. He knew that despite his rather easy-going personality his towering figure could alarm omegas. He was large and he had to actively work to make himself smaller to ease those around him. That was one thing he liked about Niall, from the moment they met he never made Harry feel like he had to make himself smaller.

"I'm Harry. Your brother’s favorite Alpha mate." He settled on reaching out a large hand to Louis. Louis looked the hand over suspiciously but took it eventually. Harry knew he lacked many virtues, but patience was not one of them and he was willing to be patient with Louis. The man who entranced his omega so fully.

"He has a favorite?" Louis asked disbelievingly, sullenly. He was pretty sure Liam didn't have a less-than-straight bone in his body. He seriously doubted Liam had opinions on the people he shared Niall with. Honestly, Louis couldn't even understand why Liam was in a pack at all. Historically he hadn't been very fond of sharing his omega. Maybe he'd signed his soul away to Simon Cowell to get a contract after coming in second on X Factor?

"Oh yeah! He can't get enough. Right Li?" Harry winked his voice drawled low and playful. Louis looked around Harry to Liam and raised his eyebrow in question.

"Oh yeah." Liam found himself lost in the strange interaction. His two worlds were colliding like two astronomical bodies moving so slowly but so fast. "Harry, would you watch Ollie while I talk to Louis?"

Harry smiled and nodded enthusiastically, "Of course!"

Harry didn't reach for Ollie in an attempt to ease Louis’ discomfort, the omega would have all the control here. Louis finally sighed and handed Ollie over who easily moved to Harry. Harry smiled and began to walk towards the stairs mumbling to a giggling Ollie about curls and braids.

"Can you send Niall down?" Liam asked as Harry reached the stairs and Harry nodded.

"Wait." Louis requested and Harry froze. Louis turned to Liam, "Does he need to come? Can't you just talk to me?" The pure desperation in his voice made the pain from the old and unhealed wounds palpable. Harry could instantly tell that Louis was not over Niall.

"He needs to be here for this, Louis."

"Ok." Once Harry was up the stairs and had disappeared around the corner there was a five-second break where Louis felt his anxiety build. Ollie acted as a shield of sorts, forcing Louis to be braver. He could hear feet trotting down the hallway above and then Niall was at the top of the stairs. He was dressed in boxers and an oversized tee shirt, and he had a searching look in his eyes. Louis was reminded instantly of their first kiss, and he blushed ever so slightly and ducked his head. 

Niall was down the stairs quickly and making his way over to Louis.

"Why don't we talk in here?" Liam grabbed a hold of Niall's elbow, shooting him a look, before he could bee line across the entryway to Louis. Louis nodded and followed the pair into the living room. Liam dragged Niall to the love seat, while Louis settled on the oversized chair across from the pair. 

Louis felt numb, the whole situation was surreal. Less than 48 hours ago he was crying watching a video of the pair in a dark studio apartment and now they were here in front of him in their huge farmhouse.

"You're blonde," Louis stated looking Niall over timidly eyes jumping from the pair to the floor periodically. Louis felt as if he stared too long then the weight of this reunion would set in. 

Niall knew he was talking to him, but his mind was short-circuiting. Yesterday, the plan was to wait in the kitchen until the parents eased Louis enough into some semblance of mediation. But when he heard Louis walk in and call for Ollie he threw the plans out the window.

Louis' soft voice set off something primal in him and he was up and staring at Louis talking to his son. 

Louis' eyes even from across the room held a tiredness and sadness that Niall wanted nothing more than to qualm. Even now Niall could feel the tension in the omega sitting across from him. When he locked eyes with Louis, he felt like he was submerged in water, all of his senses momentarily numbed replaced by a hum. Like electricity running across the room, Niall could feel their bond soft and comforting.

He wondered if Louis could feel it too.

Niall had so many things he wanted to say but talking about his hair color wasn't one of them, so he replied, "Uh yeah."

Louis blushed and explained his reasoning, "I saw an interview and you were brunette."

"Oh yeah. I went natural for a while. Did you like it?" Niall asked genuinely willing to change any part of himself to suit Louis. Louis blushed and chose not to answer. Louis couldn't believe this. He daydreamed about this moment going so different.

Louis supposed, deep down he knew he had no right to be angry and that's why he couldn't work it up. Niall had chosen Liam over him six years ago and that was final. 

So much had changed but Louis found, frustratingly enough, that his hurt remained the same. But Louis wasn't fifteen years old anymore.

"Is this like some sort of A.A. seeking forgiveness thing before you get bonded?" Louis asked incredulously, "Trust me, I'm over all of it."

Louis was most definitely not over all of it, but he didn't want to sit here and talk about all of this anymore. Maybe he'd be ready to talk more about it in like five years but not now. 

He would have been happy just avoiding Liam during his unexpected visit, but his mom blackmailed him into this meeting.

"What?" Liam was thrown off, "No. Niall and I aren't addicts or whatever, but we do need to talk about the past."

"I'm not really interested." Louis finally said defeated. Louis could feel the tightness in his chest, and he subconsciously rubbed over his sternum to self-soothe at the idea of the conversation they were about to have. 

Louis assumed it'd be about THAT time and how they wanted to get over it and be a family again. Louis wasn't interested. He didn't need the awkward Thanksgivings with forced smiles. He would be very happy simply continuing with his life more or less 100% One Direction free. 

Unfortunately, his self-soothing had tugged the collar of his shirt down a smidge and that was all he needed to accidentally reveal his failed bond mark. Dark and heady as the day it was made. Niall felt a snarl grow in his chest and he was up before Liam could notice the mark or stop him.

Suddenly in front of Louis, Niall had a crazed look in his eyes that Louis quickly tried to pull away from. His back met the soft chair firmly and Niall took that opportunity to place a hand on either side of Louis. Head tilted in a completely animalistic way he searched for Louis' mark. 

Louis tucked his chin into his chest to hide it, but Niall wasn't having any of that. Louis had had two people touch his mark since he got it and both times it resulted in an unbearable pain so when Niall reached for it, he flinched and made a scared whine. Liam was up and moving towards the pair ready to tear Niall away, but he was stopped in his tracks.

Niall had grabbed a hold of the nape of Louis' neck gently but firmly pulling his head to the side. Staring down at the offending mark, he brought his warm palm to rest heavily against it. Louis felt it like a shock through his system, gearing up for pain but being met instead with pleasure. His eyes rolled back, and he let out a loud and breathy moan. 

Louis could feel Niall deep in his bones. His breathing picked up and Niall leaned down to nuzzle his nose against the dip where his shoulder met his neck. Smoothly Niall folded himself into Louis' lap scenting him while aggressively whispering possessive words like 'mine' and 'mate'.

Louis felt overwhelmed and he could feel his head swimming and his eyelids drooping. He knew he was going to drop soon, and he fought it tooth and nail. His mind reeled but his body sagged heavily at the unnervingly comforting weight on his lap. He could hardly see through a watery curtain of tears, tears of pleasure and panic. He found Niall's blue eyes, holding him in place. 

"Who?" Niall growled in an utterly dominating way, reserved usually for Alphas. Louis couldn't process the question and merely whined pathetically. And despite the unending pleasure shaking through his limbs, he began to panic more. He began to cry more.

Liam was shaken from his inaction when he noticed Louis displaying clear signs of dropping. Dropping your mate was something intimate and beautiful but Niall wasn't Louis' mate, not in Louis' eyes anyway. While it came down to biology and pheromones, in the modern world it was supposed to be a negotiated act, and this certainly wasn't consensual. 

In addition, it wasn't safe or common for an omega to drop another omega. Liam was on Niall in a moment but when his hands landed on his mate, Niall whipped around and growled at him ferally. Liam looked between his omega and his stepbrother and realized he was in over his head. He shouted for Zayn who came running at the tone and urgency. Harry staying back so as not to alarm the small child.

Liam finally grabbed Niall into a basket hold. Pinning his arms to his side, Niall was wiggling to get back to Louis. Louis who still sat in the oversized chair had curled into himself, knees to chest and head hiding deep in his lap. Louis felt himself shaking and suddenly there was an Alpha next to him, one he'd never met before. 

Zayn panicked and tried to grab Louis' neck to drop him fully, but Louis instead jerked away with a heartbreaking cry. Liam held Niall back as Zayn leaned over a cowering Louis, mid-drop. Resisting a drop was draining on an Omega, mentally and physically.

Liam brought his lips to Niall's ear whispering, "Look, Niall. Louis is scared. You are scaring him. Calm down."

Niall relaxed at Liam's words as they filtered into his mind.

"Can I help him?" Niall begged crying softly. Liam and Zayn shared a look, Zayn was completely lost, the situation had escalated so quickly that neither knew what to do. The formation of spontaneous bonds was so uncommon that there was no predictable behavior that they could have looked for.

Omegas didn't react like this.

This behavior was possessive and frightening.

"Can I try first please?" Liam asked and Niall nodded. He slowly let go of Niall who stared longingly at Louis but kept his distance. Zayn and Liam switched places and Liam leaned closer to his stepbrother.

"Louis, can you hear me?" Liam asked and Louis' trembling slowed a little and he pulled his head from his knees. Louis' eyes were distant and scared. He nodded hesitantly, the omega's teeth chattering.

"Louis you're dropping right now." At that Louis began to cry silently unable to put words together. "I don't want you to get hurt. Will you let me help you?"

Louis' bottom lip trembled, and Liam could smell fear rolling off him. Louis finally nodded; it was scary for an Omega stuck in this twilight zone. Liam wouldn't let Louis be left adrift, so he slowly reached out as Louis stared on with wide unblinking eyes. His hand rested on the back of Louis' neck and Louis crawled onto Liam's lap, small and scared. Once he settled, Liam squeezed gently and scented Louis softly and not before long his brother was down

The first thing Louis realized was that he was warm, a comfort like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a cold windy day. Like an eddy in a swift river, there was chaos so close, but it just narrowly swept over Louis missing him altogether. He blinked his eyes lazily and saw Liam in front of him, oddly enough his lips were moving but there was no noise. 

Louis' world was silent and he kind of liked it. Louis' brain then tried to connect thoughts together but he was moving sluggishly. He came here to see Liam, and check. Obviously, he saw Liam, he was right here. Liam who had a gentle, soft smile. Looking down he saw that he was straddling his stepbrother's lap, odd. His head tilted and his face scrunched, eyes heavy and begging him to close them once more. 

So, he saw Liam but then what? He couldn't piece together his day at all. Oh wait, Liam was talking again. This time Louis could feel the words rumble through the parts where their chests were touching causing a lazy smile to slide over his lips. Liam's voice was deep now. Louis thought back to the first time he heard Liam's voice crack and how embarrassed teenage Liam had been.

Where was Ollie? 

Louis suddenly began to panic. Where was his son? And like a diver exploding from the depths of the sea, he broke the surface. Sound and sense rushed back to him. His hands came up and he pushed himself off his brother's lap, stumbling backward. Mind whirling, he heard three separate voices saying his name, but his eyes came to rest on Niall and he was livid. 

The moments before his first drop in almost three years come back to him and he was beyond pissed. Niall rose and looked to the other omega standing just two feet away.

Louis felt his anger rising, finally, the response he so desperately craved. He was angry. His soul darkened every day over the past six years and Niall had the audacity to walk back into his life like nothing was wrong. Then he thought he could touch Louis like Louis was some doll he could play with and then abandon without any consequence.

Louis didn't even think of the ramifications of tackling an omega surrounded by his three alpha mates, but there he was. They tumbled to the ground with Louis on top, Niall barely fought it completely surprised. Louis brought his hand back and landed a sharp and powerful smack across Niall's cheek. The room was silent for four long seconds in which Niall brought his hand to his cheek and turned to look up at Louis. Not quite frightened, just shocked. Then Louis was doing it again but to the other cheek. Niall's mouth drops in surprise and hurt.

After three more rapid-fire blows Louis held a single finger up to Niall's face, "You listen here, Niall James Horan!" Louis started anger leaking from each and every word seethed out, "You don't get to touch me like that, do you understand me? I'm not some desperate fifteen-year-old you're hiding in the back of the library anymore." Niall felt tears come to his eyes his chest was heaving erratically as Louis' stare burned into him, "Don't you ever lay a hand on me like that again."

Looking over Niall, Louis shook his head and got up, wildly he searched out the three alphas in the room, who just watched Louis slap their omega. It all happened so quickly that they hardly had time to react. Louis' eyes land on Harry, breathing harshly, "Where is my son?"

Harry nodded and pointed to the door silently telling Louis to follow. Louis turned and followed, leaving a stunned Zayn and Liam sitting on separate couches and Niall resting on his elbows still on the floor between them.

They'd really fucked this up.

Louis followed Harry up the stairs but paused dumbly as Harry turned to Louis outside a thick wooden door. Harry held his hands up with the intensity of someone placating a hostage situation his head tilted in a calming way.

"Ollie is through this door, Louis." Louis nodded jerkily, just noticing his obvious trembling, a consequence of the adrenaline rush associated with coming up too quickly and slapping the man who'd broken your heart.

"Louis, you're shaking." Harry whispered, softly, "Can I give you a hug, just to settle you. I don't want Ollie getting worried." 

Louis looked over Harry both sluggishly and with great mistrust, but Louis knew he needed this to settle the tremors. He needed his touch like a fish needed water, so he nodded slowly. Omegas craved touch and Louis had been practically touch-starved for the last three years which sucked but he managed. 

But after a sudden drop like the one Niall had just forced on him Louis couldn't hold back. Harry then reached slowly in case Louis wanted to back out and drew Louis into a hug, to which Louis responded stiffly. Harry was large but surprisingly soft, which Louis sunk into after a moment. Harry's scent and soft grazing over Louis' sides and back were enough to cut the edge. Louis felt the tug of relaxation as Harry's warmth enveloped him and he wanted nothing more than to settle there.

But he couldn't. 

Harry wasn't his Alpha and Louis needed to leave.

Harry pulled back once Louis stopped shaking and held his shoulders in his large grip finding his eyes, Harry whispered, "What Niall did was wrong Louis." Louis felt relief at these words and Harry's imploring look, he craved the calmness that came with an Alpha telling him he was right, "No one has the right to touch you or do anything to you that you don't want."

Louis nodded, whispering roughly, “y-y-yeah?"

"Yeah." Harry continued with a soft smile, "Just because Niall is an omega doesn't make his actions any less serious." Louis nodded. The conviction in his actions resolves. Louis had lost his bodily autonomy once to a man who thought he could possess Louis' spirit. He wouldn't lose it again.

Chapter Text

Niall sat low and heavy on the couch like the indicted before a grand jury. His palms were sweaty, and he could feel the blood rushing in his ears. He knew what he did was wrong and that he should be punished. Really old-fashioned couples use physical punishments often and for small reasons. Some omegas claim it makes them feel better, but Niall mostly disagreed. 

For the pack physical punishment had been used sparingly since they'd gotten together. The last time had been after Niall had screamed at a crew member after a particularly long and stressful day. Niall didn't like being spanked but he knew he deserved it from time to time. His alphas, three tall and overbearing men, stood in front of Niall, like a semi-circle of muscles and frowns.

"I'm sorry." Niall finally said, too small.

"Niall. What you did is extremely inappropriate." Harry was the first to speak up.

"I didn't mean to. I didn't even know I'd be able to drop him like that. I just saw the mark and I got so mad." Louis looked up to Liam, "Liam, he has a failed mark! Someone put that on him!"

"That doesn't excuse your actions, Niall." Harry continued, "You'll be lucky if Louis ever talks to you again."

Niall started crying, "I didn't mean to."

"It's not about intention Niall. You violated Louis in an unacceptable way. Could you imagine how terrible it would feel to be forced to drop in the way that you forced Louis?" Zayn asked.

Niall shivered at the idea. Louis had changed so much over the past six years that he was practically a stranger. Niall had only ever dropped with his alphas in the privacy of a hotel room or one of their many houses. He was always brought up gently and taken care of lavishly after. 

The one time he dropped from stress before a concert, he was still surrounded by his Alphas, but he remembered feeling violated. Like anyone could have seen him and he wouldn't have known. What he did to Louis was inexcusable and he wouldn't be able to shake the guilt unless he was punished. Nodding, "I think I should be punished but, Liam, could you check on Louis? I don't think I'd be ok after that."

Liam nodded, allowing his mates to handle the punishment while Liam fished out his phone to call his parents. He'd have to beg them to give him Louis' number or address.

Ollie was seemingly unaffected by the events of the day, Louis must have masked his anxiety well. 

When Louis was still with Oliver, he always felt out of control, which resulted in him dropping out of stress. Oliver wasn't always the most comforting Alpha, but he would make sure Louis was up and then he'd move on, so Louis was quite used to little to no aftercare. Oliver would comment that that made him a good omega, but Louis knew from health class that that was a serious issue. 

Omegas didn't need to be dropped too often and even too much of it could be detrimental to their mental health. Louis knew on the other hand, that not dropping for three years was just as bad but there's a lot of trust you put into that act. Louis didn't have a lot of trust to spare lately. He hadn't had an intimate partner since Ollie's dad. But clearly waiting as long as he did, left him vulnerable to being dropped by an Omega.

 Louis wasn't even sure that could happen, but he shook it off.

After being left alone in the room for an undetermined amount of time, Ollie was restless and wriggling in Louis' arms as they made their way to the car. Louis struggled to figure out how long he was down but by the time they were in the car buckled it was already noon. Louis had wordlessly left the pack, moments earlier and he didn't plan on ever going back.

Louis decided to hit the market before going home to settle on this long and dreary day. At the store, Ollie kicked out at Louis when he tried to put him in the cart, whining angrily at not being carried. Then in the produce section, Louis handed Ollie a banana from the free children's bin. Peeling it, he brought it to Ollie's mouth who was still pouting and glaring at Louis. Ollie hit it from Louis' hands, and it landed with a wet thump on the ground. Louis looked to Ollie a little frustrated, "Baby boy, be good for Mumma. We can go home soon!"

Louis bent down to pick up the uneaten banana looking at other shoppers bashfully. Ollie grew frustrated that Louis wasn't paying attention to him now, shaking and verbalizing dissatisfaction. 

"Mumma!" Ollie screeched. 

Louis sighed and thought maybe he wasn't hiding his anxiety as well as he had hoped. Children were so sensitive to their parents’ emotions and often they didn't have developed coping skills so they threw tantrums. A middle-age omega in the corner was giving Louis an annoyed look. 

Louis knew he looked disheveled, and that Ollie didn't look the most put together, with a mismatched pants and shirt combo, but he wasn't a bad mom. Louis just sighed and decided to grab a few snacks and leave before he got the children's protective services called on him.

Ollie continued to act out and Louis just tiredly tried to calm his worries. Ollie was usually such a well-behaved child, but he was just that a child. He was young, impressionable, and sensitive and Louis knew that today wasn't easy. The rain made his hair sit heavily on his head and his clothes stuck to his legs with an itch. He could sense his Mumma’s distress and despite not being able to formulate a good reason as to why he was upset, he was.

When Louis finally arrived at his apartment, he and Ollie were soaked through having only a few unhealthy snacks. Louis was definitely going to get CPS called on him. He sighed angrily at the thought of Ollie getting taken away, but he knew his parents wouldn't let that happen. He lived in fear that Oliver would attest their shaky custody agreement. If Oliver brought the case to court, he knew that he would prove he could provide better for Ollie, making six digits a year. 

Louis couldn't compete.

He dumped the two bags onto the counter and quickly moved to help Ollie undress. His soft legging-like pants were drenched through along with his underwear and top. Louis reached into the small plastic makeshift dresser and pulled a dull yellow pair of leggings from it to show Ollie.

"Do you like these, Ollie?" Louis waited until Ollie shook his head running around the room naked. So, Louis grabbed a green pair decorated with little frogs and held them up. Ollie nodded and Louis put it down on the bed looking for a pair of underwear. Last month he was able to take a few days off to start potty training for Ollie with his parents on a small getaway. Ollie was slow at first needing pull-ups constantly but now he only needed them for when he was sleeping. 

Louis decided he'd put Ollie down for a nap to temper his behavior. The boy easily stepped into the pull-up and the green pants. He liked to sleep shirtless this time of year wrapped in an ultra-soft blanket his Nana got him for Christmas. Once Louis tucked the boy in, he was out within minutes. The soft sounds of The Adventures of Elmo in Goochland playing on the TV. Louis turned off the lights of the apartment and the rainy day drenched the room in a comfortable but not overpowering darkness.

He was running low on Ollie's clothes, so he'd have to bring a load to his parents tomorrow. Unless Liam was still there. Maybe he could stretch what he had for a few more days. How long could Liam possibly be here for? Louis settled for putting his meager groceries away and cleaning the dishes in the sink. Then he scrubbed the floorboards, windexed the windows, and swept the small segment of the porch under the overhang outside the door. Cleaning had always been a physical outlet for Louis' anxiety.

Louis was elbows deep in bleach and Drano, cleaning the bathroom, when it occurred to him that Niall dropped him. Niall, an omega, dropped him, also an omega. The idea wasn't new, but the impact of the statement settled on him. Although not lengthy, all high school students had to take a health course. At a larger school, they would have separate classes for each secondary gender but Mountainview wasn't large. He'd sat through maybe a week of omega-related material so he wasn't an expert but he was pretty sure an omega couldn't drop another omega.

Sitting against the tub on the bathroom floor Louis pulled his phone from his pocket. His thumbs hovered over the keyboard thinking about what to type. 

 Can an omega drop another omega?

The outright answer Google spit out was pulled text from the CDC website, firmly stating No.

But Louis scrolled further down and found a Wikipedia article labeled Spontaneous Bonds. Louis had heard of them, but he'd never met someone who had one. He'd seen them in romance novels and action movies but in those cases, the pair usually knew right away.

Wouldn't Louis know if he'd had a bond with Niall?

Louis clicked on the link and began to read the section containing the keywords.

'While unusual, there have been several reported cases of omega/omega spontaneous bonds. The bonds are marked by unusually possessive behavior from either partner, ability to induce omega space on a partner, and replacement of failed bonds.'

Louis felt sick. 

Niall had almost dropped him after jumping on him like a wild animal. Niall had been possessive and when he'd touched Louis’ bond mark, he didn't feel that scalding pain. He actually felt really good, Louis was embarrassed by the sounds he made. Reaching up to brush over the mark, he sucked in a breath, it wasn't as bad when another person touched it, but it was painfully tender to the touch.

 He couldn't even touch his own deep purple mark without it hurting so why could Niall? 

Well, he knew why: Niall and him were bonded.

Before Louis could think of what to do, he heard Ollie waking from his nap in the other room. He found Ollie sitting up in bed looking confused. Louis and his mom had Ollie on a structured sleep schedule, but the omega had just let Ollie sleep for three hours longer than usual and it was dark now.

Louis loved Vermont but getting dark at six in just the first days of October was not one of those reasons. He dreaded the approaching days of darkness at just the first moments of four in the afternoon.

 Louis knew Ollie wouldn't go to sleep at a good time tonight with this nap, but he needed the time to clean and think without worrying if Ollie would get into the bleach.

Louis slipped onto the mattress and pushed some of Ollie's hair to the side lovingly, "Hi baby, are you hungry?"

Ollie nodded sleepily, so Louis started up the Elmo movie again and made his way over to the kitchenette. Opening his fridge, he looked over his limited options, he really should have gotten more at the grocery store earlier.

Sighing he pulled a tub of pasta his parents had sent him home with the other day and portioned some into Ollie's favorite bowl. He stuck the food in the microwave and sighed heavily, he'd have to talk to Niall about this. 

Or Louis' social anxiety angel on his shoulder, whispered just ignore it. Maybe Niall would just move on?

The microwave beeped and he pulled the pasta finding it cold in the middle before putting it back in again. If Louis just ignored it and avoided the pack for the next however many days, he could just keep going like this. The microwave dinged again and when he pulled it, he found it was cooked through.

"Ollie, can you come here, please?" Ollie slowly rose and padded over to his Mumma, who picked him up and placed him on the counter. Ollie was still focused on the TV across the room. Louis blew softly on the pasta and held it up to Ollie's lips. Ollie took it and chewed it absentmindedly staring at the TV. 

Louis was looking Ollie over, smiling softly at the thing he created. He didn't need Niall to come in here and complicate everything. He was satisfied with the way things were. He didn't need any man, not Niall, not Liam, and not Oliver. 

Then Louis froze at this thought, Oliver.

After Louis got pregnant Oliver stopped hitting him. He'd kiss Louis' stomach lovingly and waited on him hand and foot. Louis knew that Oliver had that in him, and he loved to see it. All the books said that having a child didn't solve marital problems, but Louis really thought he was the exception. Louis had been six months pregnant when Oliver said he wanted to give Louis his mark.

"No." Louis had said shaking his head.

"Don't you want our son to come into this world knowing his parents are together?" Oliver had asked sitting across from Louis at dinner one night.

"He'll know." Louis smiled softly, "The doctor said the stress of a new bond is too dangerous for a pregnant omega."

"I know that's what he said," Oliver sighed frustrated, "But our son shouldn't be born a bastard." 

Louis frowned at this idea of a bastard. The idea was old-fashioned and close-minded. If they bonded after the kid was born it would be to the same effect. He'd have two bonded parents. 

It was a month later that Oliver had finally whittled down Louis' resolve. Louis laid back nervously on the bed as Oliver hovered over him smiling genuinely. Louis remembered feeling a sick sense of doom wash over him, everything in his body telling him not to let this happen.

After Oliver bit down on his neck Louis felt the pain erupt immediately. Louis knew there would be some pain at the point of contact, but this was visceral. He knew something was wrong and he cried for help, to which Oliver looked back shocked. Louis could feel cramping in his stomach and knew something was wrong with the baby. 

The drive to the hospital was tension-filled with Louis sobbing and Oliver telling him not to worry. When they arrived at the hospital the doctor immediately took Louis in and called the ob-gyn on duty. It took only moments with the doctor for her to realize that Louis was having the baby that night. 

Two months early.

Louis shook himself out of that thought but immediately jumped back to Niall. The doctor had said the bond probably failed due to the pregnancy stress, but Louis knew you couldn't form a second bond without a regulator present. Descended from the ancient practices of shamans, medicine people, and healers throughout every culture. Regulators were able to weave together the psyches of all pack members. 

Louis' bond failed with Oliver because he already had one. 

He thought back to all the insults from Oliver about Louis being a cheater and a whore. Louis always knew it wasn't true, but he guessed some part of Oliver was right. He'd been taken long before Oliver got his hands on Louis.

"Mumma?" Ollie asked bringing Louis back to the task at hand, feeding Ollie.

"Sorry baby," Louis apologized bringing another spoonful to Ollie's lips. Louis decided that he didn't want to go even one more hour without knowing the truth. If he thought Niall fucked up his life before then the idea of the bond brought a whole new life to his anger.

Louis dressed Ollie in his purple fleece onesie before dragging him out on this cold night. He sat in his car outside the old Townsend place, he supposed he could call it Liam's house now, for a few moments thinking about what he was going to say. But the longer he sat the less courage he had; he'd need to maintain this anger in order to confront Niall. So, he got out of his car and stomped up the stairs with a confused-looking Ollie on his hip. When he got to the door, he banged on it with an angry staccato.

Harry answered the door this time with a surprised look, "Louis! What're you doing here?"

"Where is he?" Louis asked, stepping under Harry's arm and walking into the house.

"Umm, Liam?" Harry asked closing the door, eyeing Louis appraisingly. Harry could tell he had an erratic look in his eyes. If Louis was his omega, he'd pull him into a hug to quiet the anxiety oozing from Louis. 

But Louis wasn't his omega.

"Niall." Louis finally asked smelling the air like a hound dog looking for a rabbit.

"He's in the back living room," Harry said, pointing to the room they'd been in earlier. Louis without a thought handed Ollie to Harry and strode meaningfully from the room.

Ollie smiled up at Harry giggling and reaching for his hair now down for the day, "Curly!" then looking to where Louis just disappeared, he continued, "Mumma mad!"

"I can see that." Harry smiled happily bouncing Ollie up and down on his hip. Harry loved kids and knew he'd have a small litter someday. Looking down at Ollie he could see his own biological children looking like this. With curly hair and blue eyes. He sighed but decided to follow the angry omega he, as the gatekeeper, had allowed into his home.

Earlier Louis hadn't noticed the doorway leading into a much larger and more comfortable-looking living room. The downstairs area made a circle Louis realized as his eyes fell on Niall. 

Niall was cuddled into Zayn's side with Liam sitting on the other end of a long couch clearly Harry was meant to be somewhere in the middle. All three looked surprised to see Louis standing in front of them. Niall was the first to stand taking two steps forward but leaving a safe distance between them. He didn't want to get tackled again. Hopefully, his alphas would step in this time, no matter how much he deserved it. 

"Louis?" Niall asked breathlessly. Despite seeing Louis three times over the past forty-eight hours the sight of his counterpart left him breathless.

Louis took two steps forward and Zayn stood. He was shocked and slightly turned on by the display earlier, what alpha didn't like the idea of two omegas wrestling, but he wouldn't let anyone beat up his omega in front of him again. Zayn put a reassuring hand on Niall's shoulder who sagged a little in relief. 

Harry followed Louis into the room holding a contently babbling Ollie.

"Did you know?" Louis broke the silence but not the tension in the room.

"About?" Niall asked unsure of just where this was going.

"The bond? When you left me? When you jumped me earlier? Did. You. Know?" Louis was looking at Niall moments away from shedding angry tears.

"I-i-i-i just found out earlier this week when we had a meeting with the regulator. I'm sorry, Louis."

"When you left I felt real and physical pain. How could you not feel the same?" Louis yelled at Niall stepping even closer, "How could you not know?"

"I don't know, Louis. It hurt but I don't know I just needed to be with Liam." Louis was shaking with rage.

"NO! You didn't!" Louis was crying now years of unresolved want and resentment bubbling to the surface, "You needed to be with me!"

"I'm sorry, Louis. I've made so many mistakes, but we can fix this."

"How?" Louis was yelling again, "You're the reason my bond failed! I tried to move on, and you just keep screwing up my life!" Niall and Louis were now just inches apart, Niall standing just an inch or two taller, looked down slightly at an indignant Louis.

"I know but you shouldn't have been with him anyway. You belong with me! We can make this work." 

Harry could see this conversation wasn't appropriate for little ears, so he brought Ollie into the other room and turned the tv on to drown out the yelling. Ollie looked confused and kept turning to look over to where his Mumma’s voice was coming from nervously. Harry tried his best to distract Ollie with soft words.

"What the fuck does that even mean, Niall? He's Ollie's father! I could have made it work!" Niall shook his head he knew he was being unreasonable and implying that Louis shouldn't have had his son. He should stop talking but he couldn't.

"It means you should have been with me from the start, but we can make this work now!"

"What? I'll just join your pack to satisfy your needs. Guess what Niall the world doesn't revolve around you! I didn't suffer all these years for a mistake you made just so you can come running back in whenever you please!"

"It's not just my mistake this bond is a two-way street. We both have it. Are you seriously willing to spend forever alone or with mediocre partners just because of some stupid history?"

Louis shook his head and lunged at Niall. Louis’ past six years weren't some stupid history it was real and painful. But he wouldn't change it for the world because he loved Ollie and couldn't live without him. 

Before he could lay a hand on Niall, Liam was up and restraining Louis back to chest.

"Louis!" Liam tightened his hold, "You can't attack him again, ok?" At Louis' attack, Niall cowered into Zayn who held him protectively, suspiciously eyeing the other omega.

"Fine." Louis huffed but Liam didn't let up, "FINE! Liam let me go!"  Liam slowly let Louis go and he stumbled a few steps to the left. Making room between him and Liam and the other two in the room. He looked livid.

"I bet you didn't even ask your alphas." Louis stated looking between the three, "I bet you just assumed they'd be ok with letting me join." Louis tilted his head meanly, "Did you, Niall?"

Niall shook his head, no. He hadn't asked. In all the chaos he hadn't asked his alphas if they would be ok with bringing Louis in. They hadn't had a single conversation this past week that didn’t revolve around Niall and Louis. 

What Niall wanted. 

What Niall needed.

Louis just shook his head, turning to his brother, "Liam you're just as stupid as me. Niall never loved me, and he probably never loved you." Louis turned and looked Zayn up and down laughing sadistically, "Or you. Niall only knows love for one person and that's himself. You're a selfish dick, Niall, and I hate you."

At that Louis turned around leaving chaos and devastation in his wake like a hurricane going off to dissipate in the Atlantic. He found Harry and Ollie in the next room.

"Hey bud, let’s head out." Ollie pouted but agreed. Louis nodded to Harry, "Thanks for watching him." Harry nodded and Louis picked up Ollie to walk out. Leaving the house a second time today, this time feeling less like a victim.

He paused in the doorway when he heard Harry's distinctive drawl, "I know you don't know me but for what it’s worth I've never seen Niall look at anyone the way he looks at you." 

Louis just shook his head and walked out the door. This was all a little too late.

Chapter Text

Daylight found the pack awake, never having slept. 

From the moment Louis walked out of the house Niall started crying which didn't stop until almost midnight. The crying leveled off into unintelligible whimpering and at five in the morning Niall laid heavily on Zayn's chest with a half-awake Harry rubbing his back, "It hurts so bad."

"I know, baby." Liam sighed for the thousandth time tonight. He grew tired but he knew Niall needed to hear it.

Niall picked up his head quickly, jerking Harry's hand off his back, "No you don't, Liam. It feels like my heart has been ripped out and my body is on fire. You've never felt like this before!"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked rubbing hair out of his omega’s face, trying to calm him.

"I don't know. When I left before it felt like shit but when he left yesterday it felt so much worse." Niall whined, "It hurt so bad."

The alphas looked between themselves and silently decided they needed help. They'd talked about calling in a regulator before and now they thought it was time. They couldn't let their omega suffer like this. The only issue was that Louis would probably have to be there too and they weren't sure that was going to happen anytime soon.

"Mom, can you drop Ollie off at my place tonight? I'm going to run to the market before it closes." Louis asked as he stepped into his car after a long day of work following a sleepless night. He felt guilty about what he said last night but he didn't think it was untrue.

"And this has nothing to do with avoiding Liam?" She asked, knowingly.

"No Mom. Not everything revolves around those people." Louis said growing frustrated. He knew he should be nicer; his mom had supplied countless hours of child care but he was grumpy.

"Ok, baby boy." She responded lovingly but slightly patronizing in a way that only mothers get away with, "I'll be there at 4 to drop him off. Is that enough time?"

"Yes. Thank you, mom."

With not even enough time to put the modest, but healthy, groceries away he heard a knock on the door, revealing his mom and a happy-looking Ollie.

"Hello sweet boy!" Louis greeted his baby taking him into his arms, "How was your day?"

"Played with Harry and Niall!" Ollie clapped, showing Louis his bracelet clearly weaved by untrained hands. Louis smiled but gave his mom a look of disapproval.

"What?" She asked coyly, "They're only in town for so long and I want to see my son." 

Louis pursed his lips, feeling guilty for being upset. Louis put Ollie down and he ran over to his small toy bin under the TV. He pulled his favorite book out. He couldn't read yet but one of his favorite activities was staring at the small cartoons throughout the hardcover children's reader. Louis could sometimes hear him making up stories about the little characters.

"What'd you guys do?" He asked as his mom followed him to the kitchen area, so he could continue to put the groceries away.

"We went on a little hike and got some lunch." She explained looking Louis' apartment over. There were some clothes strewn around and she noticed the mattress still on the ground. She and her mates had offered to get him a frame a few times, but he always refused, too proud. 

Louis smiled at the activities, despite working so often he was glad his baby was getting some proper nurturing from his grammy.

"That's nice." He finally responded.

After another hour of Louis convincing his mom, he didn't need a bed frame and then watching her pick up the clothes on the ground, she began to head out. Louis walked her to the door, and she paused turning to look Louis over, "Louis, I know you've been through so much and you feel like you can't take the chance of being hurt again but please give Niall a chance to explain himself? He was so broken up today."

Louis rolled his eyes, "Who's side are you on anyways, Mom?"

She lovingly pat her son's face, "I'm always on my family's side."

She claimed she has some dinner guests coming so she had be on her way. Again, Louis rolled his eyes and shook his head. Couldn't Liam and his dumb mates mooch off Niall's parents? Louis instantly felt guilty, he knew Niall's home situation, but he was being petty lately.

Hours later found Louis washing the dishes in the light of the trusty laundromat sign. But after putting Ollie to bed not fifteen minutes earlier, he heard another soft knock at the door. Louis held his breath, hoping that wouldn't disturb Ollie's rest and luckily it didn't. 

He walked to the door and peeked out the peephole seeing Liam. He was alone so Louis opened the door sighing and standing determinedly between Liam and the apartment behind him. Louis looked Liam up and down. His Fendi windbreaker alone probably costs more than Louis' rent for three months. 

The omega silently raised his eyebrows wordlessly asking why he was here.

Liam held up a bag of good-smelling food, Louis recognized the bag as being from one of the only restaurants in town. "I brought food, and I came to check on you. The parents told me where you're living now." 

Louis nodded unhappily, what's to stop them from all showing up now?

"Ollie's sleeping so I can't really talk right now." Louis was also tired and not just in a superficial way. He was chronically low on energy, and after yesterday's craziness and today's work, he knew he needed to sleep. The only thing standing between him and his bed was Liam and a few dishes in the sink.

"Please, Louis" Liam begged, "I just need to talk to you."

Louis sighed, "Liam, I'm not ok. I don't think I have it in my heart to forgive Niall right now for anything. Please. Let's just let it go?" Louis tried to shut the door, but Liam's hand caught it.

"Louis, you can't just move on from this." Liam had tears in his eyes, and he had a defeated look on his face, "Please, Louis. Please let me in." 

Louis' heart tugged, looking over his stepbrother he noticed the dark bags under his eyes, which were rimmed red like he'd been crying. He slowly opened the door and stepped to the side. Then Liam was in his apartment in a single step. He took it in, small but smelling so thoroughly of Louis, it brought warmth to the alpha's stomach. 

The room was dark, but he could still see a slow-breathing Ollie curling into the corner of the bed near the wall. His eyes traced over to the window on the adjacent wall shedding a soft light on the child. He looked over to the TV, bulky and dated, standing next to a small shabby-looking plastic dresser. His heart ached as he took in the nest Louis built for him and his nephew.

The guilt sank in quickly, Liam's pack owned almost two dozen properties, one of which was literally just down the street. How could he let his brother live like this? Liam finally looked to Louis standing small in the kitchenette area. His sock-covered toes tapped nervously eyeing Liam. He knew his apartment wasn't much, but he wasn't going to apologize for it. He was proud of what he'd made for him and his pup.

Louis nodded towards the only door in the apartment and Liam followed the omega into the bathroom. Once Louis softly closed the door, he whispered, "I don't want to wake Ollie. This is the only other place. I'd say we could go outside but it's dark and cold out there."

Liam nodded. The bathroom was dingy but clean consisting of a tub/shower combo across from a toilet and sink. Louis sighed sitting heavily on the edge of the tub head falling into his hands. Liam shut the lid and sat carefully on the toilet, his knees bumping with Louis' across from him.

"I'm sorry, Louis." Liam disturbed the air. Neither man was certain what Liam was apologizing for. Yesterday's events, the events of six years prior, or maybe the utterly jaded look in Louis' eyes. A look, Liam could feel in his heart, he could have prevented.

 His brother was still so young but sat with such immense weight on his shoulder, his life a small and painstaking ode to Atlas. Liam became resolved that he'd do what he could to share some of that weight.

"I begged him to stay with me," Louis whispered not looking up still.

"What?" Liam asked tilting his head to hear Louis' soft voice.

Louis looked up with tears in his eyes, "Niall. I begged him not to leave me when you told him to."

"Niall never told me how it went down but I could have assumed. I'm sorry, Louis. I was selfish back then."

"He has to be some sort of sociopath to have just moved on." Louis whimpered, the feeling of betrayal still so fresh, "It hurt so bad. How could he not know?"

"I'm pretty sure that's how he felt last night." Liam stated uneasily, "I don't want to make you feel bad, but he was crying all night."

Louis just shook his head, honestly that's six years too late, "I can forgive you because I understand you felt so strongly, I mean I loved him too. But we had a bond. But how could I ever forgive him?"

"I don't know Louis. But if you can't work it out then you two, at least, need closure." Louis nodded. He did need closure or at least he thought he could live with that. He could start with closure between him and his brother first.

"I would have shared him, Liam. I would have done anything to keep him near me." Louis continued looking at Liam pleadingly, "Why couldn't I love him too?"

"I don't know, Lou." Liam in a smooth movement sunk to his knees in front of his stepbrother. Positioned to beg for forgiveness. His chest wedged Louis' legs open so that Louis had the height advantage but was still close. The alpha's hands shakily moved to Louis' hips and his nose nuzzled into his stomach. "I couldn't bear to lose him, Lou. But now I see that I've hurt you so badly. I wish I could go back."

Louis looked down searchingly at Liam, their bodies so close he could feel Liam's heat through both their clothes, "You wouldn't have lost him. I wouldn't have taken him from you. You're sharing him now. How is this any different?" Louis could feel tears on his face and his nose began to run causing him to sniffle pathetically.

"I thought he loved you more than me." Liam finally stated tilting his head, "I could feel it." 

Louis slouched heavily into Liam's lap, wedging himself between Liam's body and the side of the tub. Straddling his stepbrother’s legs for a second time in the last forty-eight hours. Their faces resting at the same height, Louis stared into his stepbrother’s eyes, a deep and warm brown.

"No." Louis shook his head grabbing Liam's face with certainty, "He didn't. He always told me he wouldn't leave you. He loved you more."

"I don't know, Louis. I could feel him slipping away. I was so scared."

Louis just didn't believe that. In the time he'd been with Niall, he never felt like he'd be his first choice. Maybe there was another reason. "Was it because I'm your stepbrother?" Louis tilted his head sadly, nose just millimeters from his brothers.

"No. T-t-that wasn't it. I mean not in the way you think." Liam shook his head in Louis' soft hands tears pooling where Louis' thumbs came up to his cheek. He briefly thought of the way his body responded to Louis and Niall all those years ago. He knew he'd be able to share, he just didn't want to.

"In the time after our parents bonded, it felt like none of them loved me more than you and I wanted someone to pick me." Liam finally said.

Louis scoffed, shifting in Liam's lap bringing a hand under his own eyes, "What? No! Anyone would pick you. I barely had any friends in school. You were homecoming and prom king. Everyone loved you. You literally have like a million followers on Instagram, everyone still loves you."

"You didn't have friends because you always hid yourself but when you shared even the smallest part of you with anyone, they couldn't help but love you. I always had to bear myself so fully to get the affection you got with just a simple glimpse. I didn't stand a chance."

"What're you talking about Liam?" Louis’ face was so close to Liam's now he could feel Liam's breath, soft and warm, against his face.

"My own Ma and Da loved you more. And Perrie! She was three years older than you, but she always made us keep you around. Then Niall. Everyone who gets to know you loves you. I just wanted someone to pick me over you. It was so selfish and stupid." 

Louis tilted his head and suddenly with unsettling clarity his brother, the human being not the memory, came to fruition in front of him. Liam was insecure and sad in ways that Louis always thought he alone had to endure.

 Liam, a larger-than-life superstar Liam, sat before him crying on the dingy bathroom floor. In a sudden and terribly painful burst of empathy, Louis realized he wasn't alone in his hurt and jealousy. Liam carried a similar and aching pain.

Louis grabbed Liam's face again shaking his head disbelievingly, "Liam, you are so smart and so kind. I've always looked up to you. You're perfect and loved and anyone would be lucky enough to have the option of choosing you. Let alone have you pick them back." Louis' bottom lip trembled as he tried to impress the truth of the statement into Liam's eyes. 

Liam's face changed for a moment, and he blinked slowly at Louis, once, twice, and then he leaned forward lips taking purchase on Louis'. The omega was shocked and didn't have the room to pull away, his back already tight against the side of the tub. Liam pulled back first, the kiss hurried and nervous.

The two stared at each other, Louis was shocked and Liam suddenly scared, "Shit, Lou, I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that. That was so inappropriate. You're so vulnerable right now and I'm taking advantage of--"

Liam was cut off by Louis' lips, soft yet firm, crashing against his. Louis knew this made more problems than it solved but he didn't care. Liam's lips were warm and soft and felt so right against his, why couldn't he be selfish for once. 

Liam was quick to reciprocate. 

Louis was as smooth and responsive as Liam had imagined all those times lying in his childhood bedroom after the Valentine’s incident. Louis allowed Liam entrance into his mouth to which Liam was greedy to take.

Louis enjoyed the feeling of Liam under his hands, against his chest, and between his legs. With Oliver physical intimacy had always been about dominance and power, he rarely let Louis take any sort of control of either. But now here, with Liam, was different. He was gentle and there was seemingly no evidence of control on either side. Liam's tongue even withdrew from Louis' mouth at one point tentatively inviting Louis to explore his own mouth. Louis was hesitant but found that he enjoyed playing the aggressor for once tracing Liam's teeth slowly and with precision.

 He brought his hand tentatively from Liam's chest to his hair and Liam gasped at the feeling of Louis' hands on his skin. The sounds Liam made along with his hand so large and firm slipping under Louis' shirt aroused the omega. Who rutted against Liam once and then froze. 

Was that crossing the line?

Liam pulled back with a determined look on his face, "Can I help you, Lou?" 

Again, for the second time, he'd asked that in forty-eight hours. Louis blushed and tucked his head into Liam's neck nodding softly while mouthing at the skin he could reach. Liam didn't need any more assurance than that before he pivoted and grabbed Louis' hips to gently push him down onto his back. Laying small and unsure under Liam, the alpha groaned at the image.

Liam's knees ached from kneeling on an unforgiving surface for so long, so he attempted to balance himself with a leg between Louis' and a hand on either side of his head. And there lying on the bathroom floor Liam claimed Louis' lips again. His tongue begged entrance which Louis softly allowed. Exploring Louis' mouth with thorough vigor, Louis relished in the heat of Liam's body across him and the firm feeling of his leg between Louis'.

Liam could feel Louis' hard length against him and changed his position to better fulfill Louis' needs. He pulled back from the kiss for a moment and latched onto Louis' neck, steering clear of his mark. Louis' skin was soft and beautifully fragrant, and Liam thought he could swallow him whole. Louis' breathing came to a climax soft and whimpering Liam's name, rutting erratically against his leg. Liam reached down to unbutton Louis' pants and fondle Louis through his boxer briefs. Louis was a mess below Liam, arching up into his hand and body.

Liam roughly nipped at Louis' ear whispering, "Are you going to come for me, baby?" Louis whined pathetically eyes squeezed shut, searching out more friction to which Liam willingly gave. And like an inexperienced teenager, Louis came in his pants, panting and spent.

Liam brought his hand to Louis' chin gently tipping his face towards Liam's again. Licking his lips before softly kissing him, "You are so beautiful, Louis. I wish I could have seen this years ago." 

Liam brushed a hand down Louis' face pushing his hair off his sweaty forehead. The omega closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the feeling of praise wash over him, almost more pleasurable than his orgasm. Three years of being touch-starved and lonely washed away for a few moments. 

He could feel his head swimming, knowing he might drop and he didn't want to. He felt like such a weak omega struggling to open his eyes. Pleading wordlessly that Liam would help him off the edge. The alpha saw Louis' head space-changing and reached a firm and grounding hand out to Louis' cheek.

"Hey Lou, stay here with me." His words were solid, and Louis grabbed onto them. Pushing himself back up, much to his relief, avoiding a drop. 

The day caught up with Louis and he found himself suddenly passing exhausted, yawning his eyes drooped unconsciously. Louis should probably feel bad that he just came in front of and at the hands of his stepbrother on the bathroom floor. Or the fact that said stepbrother has three mates at home that he's just cheated on. Or the fact that technically Louis had a mate he'd cheated on, but then with that logic, Niall had cheated on him with the three of them. Did it all even out? 

But really? He didn't care.

"I need to sleep." Louis slurred out, the alpha smiled and nodded. If Louis was more awake, he'd notice just how whipped Liam looked. Jumping at Louis' commands.

"Ok. Let’s get you cleaned up and off to bed." Liam hopped up and pulled Louis off the floor but not before grabbing a face cloth and cleaning up the remnants of their prior acts. Louis opened the door slowly to find Ollie still asleep soundly in the corner. Without a care for what Liam did next, he gently fell onto the bed, after putting on a new pair of boxers and a loose tee shirt on. 

Louis rolled over to face the wall and expected to hear the door open and close as Liam left. Instead, he felt the bed dip and Louis' back was warm with the form of Liam. He sighed heavily; shit that felt good.

 Liam nuzzled into Louis' hair and whispered, "I'm going to make things better, Louis."

Louis woke to a vibrating sensation near his head. He swiped out lazily at the noise which continued so he reached for the offending object, a cell phone. 

Louis squinted looking around confused, it was much darker in the apartment now meaning the laundromat had closed, so it must be sometime after eleven. He could feel Liam still curled behind him, his arm secure and his warm hand splayed softly across Louis' stomach. He was warm and relaxed as he brought the phone to his ear and lazily mumbled, "Hello?" Sleep thick in his voice.

There was a long pause and Louis realized that this phone was much bigger than his phone. He pulled it back and suddenly his eyes widened when he realized it was Liam's. 

"Louis?" Louis recognized it as Harry's worried voice coming down the line, "Is Liam there?"

"Umm yeah. Sorry!" Louis rolled over in bed and found Liam still fast asleep. "Liam?" Louis whispered poking him gently until Liam stirred, trying to cuddle closer. The alpha wrapped his leg around Louis' body like a koala. The omega just now noticed Liam didn't have a shirt or pants on.

"Mmmm, Lou, go back to sleep." His voice was deep and it stirred something in Louis, which he instantly pushed down.

"Uhh..." Louis whispered awkwardly, assuming that Harry had heard that, he held the phone up to Liam's face who squinted in confusion, "It's Harry." Liam's eyes widened and he jumped up with the phone checking the time on his watch.

"Oh shit, Harry, sorry." Pause, "Oh hi Zayn, hi Niall." Pause, "Yeah, the time got away from me." pause, "Yeah Louis was just sleeping." pause "No. You shouldn't come here. I'll come there." pause, "ok. I love you all." pause "mmm--hhhmm ok bye."

Ollie began to stir at the disruption, having already slept six hours, Louis hoped he'd be able to get him back to sleep, rubbing the child's back, "Hey Ollie, baby, just go back to sleep." 

Ollie nodded and rolled over stretching out of his blanket. The air had turned much colder, and Ollie shivered. Louis reached over to grab Ollie a long-sleeved shirt pulling it over the boy's head. He supposed today marked the official start of fully clothed sleeping season.

Suddenly Ollie noticed Liam standing in the room and a sleepy smile slid onto his face as he sat up, "Leeeeyyuuumm! Harry here?" He looked around as if the six-foot alpha was hiding in the apartment.

"Uh no, bud, Harry's not here now." Ollie pouted, already enchanted by the large and interesting-looking Alpha. Louis sighed rubbing Ollie's back trying to lull him back to sleep.

Liam joined the pair on the bed again sitting so close to Louis they were sharing the air around them. "Do you want to talk about earlier?" Louis shrugged not sure he wanted to, "Did I make you uncomfortable?"

Louis nudged his nose against Liam's, "Did I look uncomfortable, Li?"

"No." Louis raised his eyebrows and turned to check over Ollie who seemingly had fallen back into a light sleep.

"I meant what I said." Liam nudged his nose against Louis’ ear and the omega just hummed, "I'm going to fix this."

Louis pulled back and shook his head, "I don't need to be fixed."

"But do you want to be?" Liam asked, earnestly.

Louis didn't answer instead leaning in to give Liam a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth, the alpha's hand coming to hold the back of his neck, "You should get back to your mates, Li." Liam nodded sadly not pushing the issue further today.

Liam arrived at the old Townsend place not half an hour later, he was greeted by his three mates standing in the entryway. It was almost one in the morning, and he felt guilt settle in his stomach at the prospect that he'd made them nervous.

As Liam toed off his shoes Zayn asked, "Did you get him to agree to a meeting with a regulator?" Liam shook his head no, leaning heavily against the wall. The meaning of his late-night visit was forgotten almost the moment he stepped into the apartment.

"What did you guys talk about?" Harry asked next. He did not intend to sound accusatory but came across as so. Before Liam could say anything Niall looked between his two alphas confused.

"Are we just not going to talk about how our mate smells like sex? Or the fact that another omega answered his phone?" Niall sounded angry whether he had the right to be or not. The two alphas look to Liam, questions heavy in the air.

"I'm sorry." Liam finally said tears coming to his eyes, "I think I just made this all worse."

Chapter Text

In just three days Zayn went from having it all to possibly having nothing. So many packs go into their meeting with their regulator and come out in less than half an hour, ready to get bonded. The fact that their meeting went so off track in such a short time has taken years from Zayn's life, through stress alone. 

To watch his mates crumble under the actions of an outside omega was frustrating to no end. Then last night when Liam came home reeking of sex and a scent not pack at all, he panicked at the idea that the end was near. 

Zayn found Harry in the kitchen leaning heavily against the counter and staring out the window. His frame was outlined by the foliage straight out of a Hallmark movie. The kitchen, which Harry insisted on putting into the house, was large and modern with white cabinets and dark floors.

"Hey haz." Harry was startled and turned to give Zayn a tired and searching look.

"Hi Z, can I make you anything to eat?" Harry was a provider and at the end of the day, he was always trying to help his mates. Zayn shook his head walking so close that Zayn had to tilt his head up to meet Harry's eyes, a fact that had made him insecure in the past but no longer seemed to bother him.

"What're we going to do, Harry?"

The taller alpha sighed and planted a soft kiss on Zayn's temple, "I don't know. But I think we need to meet with this regulator. They'll help us through this."

"He's going to rip them to shreds." Zayn's face was a testament to his worries, "There won't be anything left for us to put back together."

"Zayn, we have to be there for them. That's Niall's mate and Liam's family whether we or they like it or not."

Zayn shook his head, "I think I hate him, Harry. He was so mean to Niall and then he slept with Liam. He's going to break this pack up."

Harry shook his head defiantly.

Harry would die before he let these boys slip from his grip.

"We've had rough patches before, Z. We will get through this."

"Harry, he cheated on us." Zayn’s gaze jumped between Harry's forgiving eyes.

"I know, Zayn. It hurts so bad to think it was so easy for him to just go over there and do that. But I really believe that he wouldn't do it with anyone else." Harry didn't always like being the bigger person, but he knew he needed to be right now. 

Zayn nuzzled tiredly into Harry's jaw and down his neck scenting his alpha, gratuitously, Harry slid his pointer finger over Zayn's stubbled jaw and below his chin to tilt his head up. A kiss so small, so soft, left Zayn's arms wrapped around Harry's waist loose but grounding. 

He hadn't always been so open and loving with his alpha mates, he struggled so hard battling his traditional upbringing for a long time before he was willing to act on his thoughts regarding Harry and Liam. It took even longer for him to initiate any sort of physical intimacy but now he didn't think he'd be able to live without them.

Which is why Louis scared Zayn so much. He wanted to imagine Louis as a manipulative and stony omega.

 The homewrecker. 

The villain.

 He wanted Louis to be so easily unlikeable, but he knew life wasn't that simple. Bad guys sometimes had redeeming qualities and good guys had bad days.

"I don't like him, Harry."

Harry sighed, "Zayn you need to realize that there's a good chance that Louis might join our pack. If you want to keep us together that might be the fact of the matter." Zayn hated how reasonable Harry was, "Plus Zayn you've only known him for 72 hours, could you imagine if I'd just made up my mind about you after such a short time? God, we were at odds for the better half of a year!" 

Zayn pursed his lips and nodded, remembering all the times he complained that dancing with the group was too omegan or singing all those love ballads was too gay. Cringing at the immature little boy he was, he was utterly grateful that Harry, specifically Harry, his sensitive and loving alpha, had been so patient with him.

The first time Harry gave him that look, the look that one gets before they’re kissed, was four years back. A short time before official courting started but after they began to sleep together regularly. Liam was off somewhere doing an interview and the three found themselves in a fancy hotel suite. 

The band was on tour in Asia, and they were experimenting with the thought of forming a pack when Harry caught Zayn's eyes over Niall's head. Niall was panting and nibbling at Harry's chest and lips as Zayn took him from behind. Harry loved to be of service almost as much as he loved to be served in the bedroom, his large hand wrapped around Niall's cock, whispering softly and with fervor. Niall released suddenly and with a satisfied huff at Zayn's command.  

With Niall sagging heavily onto Harry, he smiled happily at his omega and looked over to his alpha, beautiful and fit kneeling just inches from him. So, he leaned in and placed a soft and fleeting kiss on Zayn's mouth, who pulled back like he'd been burnt.  

"What the fuck, Harry! I'm not into that shit." Zayn blushed and stared at Harry in horror. The back of his hand whipped an invisible feeling from his mouth.

"Are you kidding, Zayn? We're naked in a king-size bed together in Asia. I don't think you're being honest with yourself." Niall now laid passively between the two alphas on either of his sides. Looking back and forward between them, his eyes widened at the tension that wasn't there before.  

"I'm not a faggot, Harry. Ok?" Harry sat back like he'd been physically punched. His face was alight with shock before he grew steely. Niall, Harry, and Zayn could hear the, 'like you' lingering just at the tip of Zayn's tongue. With tears in his eyes, Harry left the room, not returning to their bed and giving Zayn the cold shoulder for weeks.  

Now standing in the kitchen with Harry, he realized his mate was right. He'd have to give Louis a chance no matter how much his instincts screamed at him not to. Zayn heard steps and then Harry lifted his head from Zayn's hair to look over him. He could feel Harry's voice rumble deep in his chest as he greeted Liam.

Zayn turned in his alpha’s arms but remained close, leaning heavily against him. The three alphas created a standoff of sorts. Last night the pack went to bed uneasy and without a much-needed discussion, stuck somewhere between wanting to know the truth and remaining blissfully ignorant. Liam crossed the distance so he could lean against the island opposite his mates, "I'm sorry about last night." 

Zayn could feel Harry nodding behind him, and he just knew he had that soft look in his eyes, telling him it was ok. But Zayn wasn't sure it was ok. He didn't know how Harry time and time again found it in him to always forgive them. 

Harry was a saint, but Zayn was not.

"I know this is a hard time for you, Liam, but what the fuck?" Zayn finally said, now that Niall wasn't there to think of maybe they could have a real conversation.

"I know, Zayn. What I've done is just irresponsible and wrong."

"Not to mention a violation of our trust. I mean if it had been with literally anyone else, we'd be talking about a major break up. I won't be cheated on!"

"I know." Liam looked down like a child being lectured, "Can you forgive me?"

"I don't know. It's confusing because he might be our mate someday but also, he isn't. We've always been open. I wish we could have talked about this." 

Liam nodded. Every day he found a new thing to regret about his past. But the worst part? He didn't regret last night at all. Louis had looked at him so sad and so broken and Liam would've done anything in that moment to bring him any sort of peace.

"Can you get him to meet with us and the regulator?" Harry asked over Zayn's head. Always the mediator.

"I'll call him right now and I'll ask him to meet," Liam said willing to do anything to gain the trust of his mates back. Liam took his phone out scrolling to find Louis' number, which he guilted out of his parents yesterday. 

He held the phone to his ear and Zayn with an eyebrow raised said, "Speakerphone." He wasn't going to let his alpha cheat on him again.

Liam nodded and the phone rang twice before it picked up. There was a long pause and Louis' voice, unsure came through, "Liam?"

"Hey, Lou." Liam's voice cracked, so soft it was barely a whisper.

"What's wrong, Li." Louis' voice was calming and omegan in the best ways, it made Zayn feel like he was interrupting a private moment.

"Uhh nothing." Liam continued rubbing his hands nervously on his thighs, "Are you busy? Can you talk right now?"

"I'm working but no one's here so I can talk for a little bit. Look, Li, it's ok. I'm not going to freak out about last night and I don't regret it."

"Ok." Liam nodded relieved but not sure how to address that in front of his mates, "I'm actually calling to talk about closure. Like what we talked about last night." Louis sighed struck by the rebuff, did Liam regret it? He made a noise telling Liam to continue, "I think we need to all meet with a regulator to figure this out."

There was a long pause and Liam thought the line might have gone dead but then Louis's voice, small and tired, whispered, "Ok. When? I work until three or four most days so after that would be best."

"Ok!" Liam nodded not expecting to have this conversation go so easy, "I'll text you when I figure out the appointment time. Thank you for agreeing, Lou. This will be best for everyone."

"Ok. And Li." Louis sounded more uncertain than ever, "I love you." Liam sagged, loving the sound as it wrapped around him like a warm hug. Realizing He hadn't heard that from Louis in so long. He loved his stepbrother, maybe more than he should, so it felt good to know that he hadn't lost it all.

"I love you too, Lou." Liam sighed looking at his mates with guilty eyes. The phone call ended, and Harry stepped out front behind a stony-faced Zayn.

"Hey, Liam." Harry muttered soothingly, resting a cool and calming hand against Liam's heated cheek, "You don't have to feel guilty about loving him."

"Shouldn't I though?" Liam asked pitifully at his ever-tolerant alpha.

Louis agreed to meet with the pack at five the following night, which inconveniently marked the thirteenth hour he'd been up that day. Louis was done hiding from his stepbrother, he wanted to rebuild this relationship. Maybe he shouldn't have done what he did last night but they could still move on. 

Ollie could have his uncle and Louis wouldn't cringe every time he heard one of his songs on the radio. He really wanted to be the better person but sitting across from the four of them with Niall directly across from him he felt petty. He hated the stereotype of the cat fighting omegas, but with Niall sitting across from him giving him THAT look, he didn't think he could maintain his alleged higher ground. 

Despite desperately wanting to forgive Niall like he had Liam yesterday, he couldn't. Not yet.

Louis could feel Niall's eyes burning into the side of his face, so he finally turned to look at him. He looked murderous and Louis struggled to match the intensity only coming up with something akin to annoyance.

"You slept with him to get back at me, didn't you?" Niall began unprompted. Louis rolled his eyes, looking at Niall like he was dumb.

"God Niall! You are so self-centered. Not everything is about you!"

"So, you sleeping with him had absolutely nothing to do with me?" Niall looked from Liam to Louis, "Like you didn't think that would hurt me?"

"Hurt you? Why Niall? Because your alpha hooked up with your mate or because your mate hooked up with your alpha? Or maybe because it wasn't about you for once?"

Niall scoffed, "You're just trying to hurt me with anything or anyone you can. You're trying to get back at me!"

"Well, you'd know all about hurting those you're supposed to love. Wouldn't you, Niall!" Louis hit back devolving into child-like mocking, "Did you think that maybe cheating on Liam with his insecure little stepbrother would hurt him? Or does that not apply because you were doing what you wanted?"

Niall scoffed, "You know you wanted it, Louis. Don't act like I forced myself on you!"

"Right." Louis gave Niall a scathing look, "Because god forbid Niall has ever done anything wrong in his whole life."

"You were such a slut for me, Louis. You would have done anything I asked. Looks like you would have done that for anyone, I guess." Niall's eyes shift over to Liam, implying their tryst last night. Louis finally reached that level of murderous anger. He abruptly turned to Liam who looked shocked at how far away this conversation had gotten away from them.

"Did you tell them we slept together?" Liam shook his head no.

"He barely gave me a rushed hand job." Louis stated looking at everyone in the room, "Niall, you know about those right? Like when I was fifteen and you were eighteen, barely legal by your own admission, and you told me you love me with your hand down my pants in the back of the library?" 

Niall looked pissed. Harry and Zayn shared a look of annoyance. Not happy with the pettiness of the two omegas.

"Ok." The regulator cleared her voice, processing the conversation she just witnessed, "Ok, so you guys are in an unbonded pack and you," She pointed at Louis, "and You" pointing at Liam, "Have formed a spontaneous bond?"

"What! No!" Niall exclaimed.

"I'm just trying to understand what's going on." She looked between the five, "You two have been together" pointing to Louis and Liam, "and you two have been together" pointing to Louis and Niall, "and you two have not said anything yet." pointing to Zayn and Harry, "What's going on?"

"Liam and Louis are stepbrothers. Liam and I have been dating since high school. I cheated on Liam with Louis in high school. I broke it off not realizing we had formed a bond. Now we are..." pointing exaggeratedly to his pack, "...supposed to be bonded in less than two weeks. But last night Liam cheated on us with Louis. Now we need you to fix us."

The regulator blinked rapidly, looking between Louis and Liam first, "You two are brothers and you slept together?"

Louis huffed heavily out of his nose, "I literally got myself off against his leg on the bathroom floor, it was barely a hand job! Can we all stop talking about it."

"Also," Liam interrupted flushing, "We're not technically biologically related. Umm... just to clarify different biological mother and father. Our parents married when I was already in high school." Like maybe this clarification made it any less weird. The regulator nodded unconvinced looking between the five.

"Ok. So, I'm going to be honest with you all. Up here in Vermont, we don't usually get cases so complicated as this but I'm sure we can work this out!"

After two hours of tediously recounting the events of the past few years, each member undergoing a bond with the piously patient regulator, and countless underhanded remarks a conclusion was drawn. 

"You two definitely have a spontaneous bond and despite both of your attempts to reject said bond, it remains extremely strong. Honestly, I've never felt such a strong bond between two omegas. If we're being REALLY honest, though, I've only seen two other sets of omegas form bonds. This isn't something that happens often."

Louis shook his head, "I just don't believe that! How could he just move on when I was in such terrible pain? How could our bond be so strong?"

"That's a great question, Louis. It appears that back, six years ago, Niall attempted to reject the bond. You on the other hand never attempted this so he wouldn't have felt the pain you did. But the other night when you rejected him, he felt that abandonment pain."

Everyone nodded, no one sure what to say so Zayn asked, "What are our options?"

"Ok yes." She reached into her bag and pulled out a pamphlet, "You two, Louis and Niall, have all the options a regularly bonded pair would have. We could attempt to replace the bond, but you would each need a new partner or partners. We could attempt to sever the bond but this is a less exact science than replacing bonds and could be rather tricky. Or you could each try to reject the bond psychically again, but I don't think that would work because of your history of already failing at this option. Of course, you always have the option of including Louis in the pack you've made." Niall and Louis were staring at each other, each trying to detect any sign of the other’s thoughts.

"Ok." Liam smiled tiredly at the regulator, "If we have more questions or when we decide what we want to do then can we call you?"

"Certainly." She nodded, "If you two decide on attempting a severing, then I'll bring in another regulator. Just to be safe." They nod still playing a silent game of war.

"And..." She continued more unsure, "I don't want to step on any toes here, but this is ultimately Louis and Niall's decision. We don't live in a world where these decisions are made for us anymore. Please remember that?" They nodded and she smiled at the group one last time before placing her card on the table, packing her things, and heading out.

Finally, for the first time, the five really sat there alone, around the kitchen table. Awkward was the only word that could be used to describe it. Liam finally asked, "What're you guys thinking?" Both omegas decided to stay silent, petulant like small children.

"Why don't we give them some time to talk?" Harry asked looking between the two omegas, meaningfully.

"Wait." Louis asked, "Can I talk to Liam first?" 

He looked up uncertainty between everyone in the room. No one really wanted to allow it to happen. There was a thirty-second pause, in which Louis was almost positive the answer was going to be no but then Harry said 'yes'. Louis' head whipped up to look at Harry who had a kind smile on his face. 

The omega suddenly felt so grateful for Harry's presence in the room.

The three moved to leave the room but not before Niall smacked a kiss on Liam's lips while maintaining eye contact with Louis. His eyes whispered, 'don't you dare'. And Zayn placed a firm hand on Liam's neck as he walked by, making some meaningful eye contact before heading out.

"They hate me," Louis whispered as Liam moved across the table to join his brother. He had felt guilty that Louis was sat on that side alone for the whole meeting.

"They don't know you enough to hate you. And Niall is just jealous, honestly, I'm pretty sure he's just mad he didn't get you off last night." Louis gave a halfhearted smile.

"Do you regret that?" Louis asked. This question had been haunting him since their phone call yesterday. Liam was torn between saying what he should and saying the truth. He decided for the truth because the former had already gotten them into so much trouble.

"I don't regret it, Louis. I love you more than I probably should, and I enjoyed last night a lot. But I feel guilty because those men in the other room are my mates and I betrayed them."

Louis gave a shaky sigh, appreciative of Liam's honesty.

"I don't want to be a bad mom, Li. I don't want Ollie to have a revolving door of dads like Niall did. Look how badly that screwed him up." Liam sighed, it was true Niall's mom, a single omega, tried to patch up their family with a few different 'dads' throughout Niall's childhood. Some were worse for wear than others, but all left Niall with a deep-seated fear of abandonment.

"You're not like her at all, Lou, and you can experiment with us without getting Ollie involved."

"He's already involved. He loves Harry so much and he spent the other day hiking with you all. He's so much smarter than I was Liam, and I know he's internalizing so much, even if he can't understand it now. I'm scared I've already messed him up."

Liam reached out to Louis, setting a warm hand on Louis' upper arm, "Lou, baby, I'm his uncle. Me and my mates are going to be in that child's life, frankly, whether you like it or not." Louis chuckled, tearily nodding. "And you couldn't possibly mess up that kid with the way I've seen our mother pamper him the past few days. Ollie has at least four parents. If he gets messed up there will be so much blame to share." He really laughed now, Liam knew what to say to make Louis feel better, he continued, "Please if you and Niall decide not to give this thing a shot, don't let Ollie be the reason. We all want kids, and we'd take Ollie."

Liam wiped away a stray tear and Louis pitifully asked "Really?"

"Yeah. Harry literally started reading mommy blogs the other night. You might have to be worried about him kidnapping Ollie." Louis laughed.

"Ok, I should talk to Niall. Can you get him?" Liam nodded, wanting so badly to kiss Louis. Like he had the other night, gentle and loving but he settled for a brief kiss on his cheek, "And Liam? Thanks for that."

Niall was through the swinging door from the kitchen to the dining room, just moments after Liam disappeared. He settled in a chair on the same side of the table but left one in between the two. There was a silent stare off this time more brought about by hesitance than anger. These were the first moments the pair had shared alone since their time behind the school six years ago.

"What do you want to do, Louis?" Niall asked. Louis shrugged crossing his arms. He wasn't ready to put himself out there. He wasn't ready for rejection.

"Are you not going to talk to me?" Niall asked trying to make eye contact, ducking his head and tapping his fingers.

"I wasn't a slut." Louis finally said, looking anywhere but at Niall, who looked Louis over and instantly regretted having said that. While he was angry, he knew that Louis had never been a slut. He'd been soft and maybe a little needy but never overtly sexual. He'd been so desperate for attention that he would have been happy with just their conversations. Niall was the one who introduced the sexual elements. The implication dirtied the time they'd spent together in a way that would never be true.

"You're right, Louis." At that Louis looked up quickly, narrowing his eyes trying to see if he was lying or just trying to pacify him, "I shouldn't have said that."

Louis nodded and mumbled, "I shouldn't have called you self-centered and implied I was unwilling."

"Thank you." Louis nodded. The air was thick again, but Niall was tired of skirting the issue, "Can you see a future with me?" 

Louis tilted his head overwhelmed with sadness, "I don't know, Niall. You really hurt me when you left. I don't think I could take that again."

"I wouldn't leave you ever again," Niall promised sincerely moving to the seat next to Louis. He'd been so afraid of Louis outright rejecting the idea of the pack. He'd put his hackles up and feigned anger in place of what was truly fear. But now they were alone and just like six years hadn't passed he knew he could trust Louis with his secrets.

"I'm so mad, Niall." Louis finally looked up at his mate. Closer now than they've been in years. Niall couldn't see the bright light in Louis’ eyes anymore. He couldn't see anything but tiredness and fear.

"I know." Niall nodded. Except he knew he could never understand the anger Louis held for him. He would live the rest of his life trying to make up for it, though. "I want you, Louis."

Louis felt tears run down his cheeks and drop heavily from his face. How long had he wanted to hear these exact words? How many times had he dreamt of this moment just to have it torn away by a devilish alarm? But now with Niall sitting just inches from him, he never would have predicted that it'd feel so bad. Louis shook his head.

"I do. Louis, I want to choose you now. A-a-a-and I want you to want me back." Niall begged. He hadn't even told Liam that in such clear terms before but with Louis it was different. He wanted to feel ashamed of putting this all out there in front of Louis, who hadn't reciprocated an ounce of it yet this evening. He wanted to feel uneasiness, like Eve after taking that dread bite of fruit. But he couldn't. It felt right. To be so naked in front of Louis felt so utterly right. He'd let Louis eviscerate him if that meant he could show even more of himself to him. He reached for Louis' hands hugging them to his chest shakily, "Please, Louis. Please give me a chance to make this right."

Louis was taken aback by the emotion and depth of Niall's words, "What about your mates? What if they don't want me?"

Niall shook his head truly stumped, "How could they not? You're a perfect omega! Liam's already decided, and Harry wouldn't mind and Zayn will have to get on board."

"I'm scared, Niall. I don't want to get hurt." Niall smiled a little. Suddenly for just a moment, he was in their high school bathroom. Louis, young and scared, and Niall, stupid and naive, just starting their path to destruction.

"I won't hurt you, little pup." Louis seemed to get the reference and laughed out loud suddenly.

"You fucker." The words were supposed to hold more accusation but landed somewhere closer to shaky laughter. The irony of it all like they couldn't help to end up here. Like every road would have led to them here together, they only happened to have picked the one with so many obstacles.

"So?" Niall asked loosening his death grip slightly, "Will you give me a chance? Give us a chance?"

Louis sadly shook his head whining, "I don't know, Ni. I don't know if I'm ready." Niall looked down biting his lip to hold his tears in. He'd be strong for Louis.

"What if you think about it, huh? I can wait." Louis was nervously biting his lip. He felt nuclear meltdown-level anxiety brewing in his stomach. He might even vomit. "And while you're thinking about it you can go on a few dates with my alphas! To see if you could see yourself with them?!" 

Niall felt an evil idea forming. If he couldn't convince Louis to stay, he knew his amazing alphas could. Louis already trusted Liam and Harry was a given. 

Who doesn't love Harry?

 Zayn was a wild card but if he leveraged it right, he could get him to act nice enough. With two or three well-planned dates he could have Louis in the pack by the end of the week. Maybe they could keep their bonding ceremony. 

Niall wasn't going to lose Louis. If he couldn't get Louis to stay on his own, he'd get his alphas to.

Louis looked down at his lap where his hands were held in Niall's. Similar in size they looked good together, but he was still so mad. 

He loved his brother. 

He knew he still loved Niall despite also hating him. Such a terrible and thin line between the two. He owed it to himself and whatever messed up being or force that controlled the universe. Maybe he could try to make this work.

 So, he nodded.

Chapter Text

Their house in Vermont had a low-mileage Subaru parked in the garage from the one time Niall wanted to drive up but decided to fly back down. So here Zayn sat in a light blue Subaru Cross Trek, outside the apartment of his first first date in almost four years. But even back then, he went on it with both Liam and Niall. 

Now it'd just be him and this terrifying omega. 

He got out to pace in the parking lot a little. He knew the weight of the moments to come, and he was worried he'd mess them up. He planned a romantic dinner at a restaurant and then skating at an ice rink one town over. He knew he was an hour early, but he couldn't sit around that house anymore with Niall's constant reminders that he needed to be nice. Zayn knew he needed to be nice, much to Niall's disbelief, he actually wanted this relationship to work.

He wanted to keep his family together.

"Hey uh..." Zayn heard from up above him and looked up squinting to see Louis' feet dangling off a small section of the porch outside a second-story door, "Zayn? You're a little early."

"Oh hey, Louis." Had he seen that whole pacing thing he'd just been doing, "Sorry. I didn't know you'd be up there."

Louis nodded staring down at Zayn, "Do you want to come up?" Zayn nodded and made his way up the stairs but stopped just a stair short of the top when he smelt it. 

Weed. 

Sniffing, he realized that it was coming from Louis. Zayn tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at Louis who was biting his lip and avoiding all eye contact.

"Can I get a hit?" Zayn asked and Louis' eyes widened.

"A hit?" Louis asked innocently.

"Of what you're smoking?"

Louis sighed guilty and pulled a joint from his other side, about half gone, he handed it to Zayn. Then he dug into his pocket, pulling out his lighter. Zayn put the joint between his lips and cupped his hands as Louis brought the lighter to the tip. As Zayn took a drag, Louis started, "It's legal in Vermont. A-a-a-and I never do it around Ollie. I mean I never really do it at all."

Zayn breathed out a puff of smoke through his nose, handing it back to Louis who shakily took another drag, "Damn Louis this shit is ditch weed. How old is it?"

Louis blushed and shrugged, "My boss down at the bakery gave it to me like a month ago. Told me to chill out."

Zayn chuckled and nodded, "So you needed to chill out today?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to take the edge off, you know? I was scared you hated me." The omega tried to play that off as a joke, but the nervous edge to his voice gave him away.

Zayn just shook his head, "Look, Louis, I don't care. I think it should be like alcohol. You know. Do it if you want but like at an appropriate age. Don't drive and shit. You know? Also, I don't hate you."

Louis nodded blowing out his puff of smoke before handing it back to Zayn, "Cool. Umm. maybe don't tell Liam or Niall? For now?"

Zayn nodded, "And you definitely don't want Harry finding out he's been on this health kick for the last two years. All kale shakes and NPR. He made me quit smoking cigarettes cold turkey. If he finds out, he'll eat you out."

"That doesn't sound so bad," Louis whispered suggestively at Zayn's malapropism then brought his hands to his lips shocked he said that out loud. Blushing furiously, Louis could tell he was already feeling the effects of the weed, he looked back to Zayn.

There was a pause but then Zayn laughed heartily and from his belly, "Damn you and Niall both."

"Oh yeah?" Louis asked unsure, eyes red-rimmed as he looked at Zayn so intensely.

"Oh yeah," Zayn chuckled taking a drag, "Harry eats ass like it's his job and Niall's his employer."

Louis nodded laughing, "So you and Harry don't...?" Louis asked, feeling a little brave and curious about the exact nature of the relationship between the alphas.

"Oh no." Zayn replied handing the joint back to Louis and winking, "Harry's a very generous lover. Very good at sharing his talents with everyone. And he's also a good teacher." Zayn winked and Louis sat processing the news while handing the joint back.

The two now sat with their legs hanging off the edge of the porch thigh to thigh out of lack of space. Louis finally laughed out loud, bringing his head to rest against the bars ahead of them. Zayn took the last small drag from just the smallest bit left and flicked it down to the parking lot below.

"So. You came out here to smoke a little. Then what? Are you going to shower before our date or?"

"Uh no." Louis sighed, "I was going to change into nicer pants and then pace. Kind of like you were." They both chuckled, feeling much more at ease.

"So, you want to put those nicer pants on now or?" Zayn asked, gently, raising his eyebrows. He could see that Louis was quite a bit higher than he was.

"I was thinking about smoking the other one too." Louis said off-handedly, "You know to work up the courage. That was also what I was thinking about doing."

Zayn looked over to Louis before saying, "Go get it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah." Zayn stated, "Let's get on the same level."

Louis laughed nervously, "Ok."

He returned less than a minute later handing a respectable-looking spliff to Zayn. Again, reaching out to light it as Zayn nodded. This time when Zayn blew out, he coughed a little, "Damn, Lou, this shit is strong. Are these from the same batch?"

"Uhh..." Louis started, "No. She gave me this one yesterday. Said I looked stressed."

"Do you know what strand?" Zayn asked wanting to take note for later, but Louis shook his head. Taking a hit and blowing out easy, "Louis this shit's going to put you on your ass." To which Louis just shrugged, maybe that will make him more sociable. 

They sat in silence for a little bit, a comfortable and content silence.

"Holy shit, Louis." Zayn exclaimed breathing out a large puff and startling Louis, "Your feet are so small!" He then proceeded to hand Louis the spliff and reach out to grab Louis' socked foot in front of him. Louis was taking a drag, so he didn't bother to respond at first but then Zayn continued, "Like honestly so tiny!" Zayn's slender fingers were rubbing over Louis' feet and he kind of liked it, so he put out the joint on the deck's side and laid back against the boards. His head almost came to the door, as his eyes slid close.

"They're size eight. That's very average." Louis tried to defend himself, drowsily.

"They're definitely smaller than Niall's"

"That's not the only thing smaller than Niall's." Louis just looked up to Zayn in shock. Why did he say that? There was literally no way those words and that tone could be referring to anything else. So why did he just tell Zayn his dick was smaller than Niall's like that was something impressive. 

God. He was so high. 

Zayn burst out laughing. His laugh was slightly baritone and so contagious, so Louis just put his head back down and laughed, too.

Zayn released Louis' foot, the alpha suddenly leaning over Louis smiling at him like he was something so tiny and special, "You look embarrassed but you're laughing."

"Do I contradict myself?" Louis started, face turning serious for only a moment, "Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes." Louis stated staring Zayn down. He smiled even more, Louis slurred on, "You know who said that?"

"Who?" Zayn's eyes were bloodshot now as he leaned even more over Louis.

"Walt Whitman!" Louis smiled excitedly. He honestly didn't remember the last time he'd thought of his favorite poets. Between working fifty hours a week and taking care of Ollie, he didn't have time for hobbies or interests. But now sitting here high with Zayn Malik from One Direction, his brothers' mate, his mate's mate, his brain brought forth this prose.

"Ahh!" Zayn smiled, "My boy, Walter Whitman!" To anyone else, the two probably sounded like stoners talking nonsense. Louis giggled placing a hand on Zayn's arm. Zayn continued effortlessly, melodically:

"I Celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

Louis smiled up at Zayn in genuine wonder. Zayn realized in that moment; that he'd do anything to bring that look back to Louis' face. He didn't understand it before, but he couldn't imagine a better feeling than seeing an omega, so pure, like Louis staring at you in that way. 

Niall was always so beautifully strong, but he hid these vulnerable parts of him. Often too afraid to reveal his desires and his outright admiration. Zayn could honestly say he's only seen glimpses of Niall like this, so open. With looks like this and smiles so untainted, no wonder Louis could wreak so much havoc.

"I can see you are large as well, Zayn Malik."

Zayn smiled, "I thought I'd be a poet when I was younger. I was a total English lit nerd throughout high school."

Louis smiled stupidly, unable to contain the bounds of his happiness at hearing that, "Me too!"

"Really?" Zayn asked and Louis nodded, "Why aren't you then?"

"Someone stole my dream from me." Louis shook his head feeling sadness heavy in his gut, so he tried to change the subject, "Do you see yourself as a poet now?"

"I don't know. I hope so. My father hated it. He was afraid it would make me gay guess he was kind of right."

"How does he feel about the pack then?"

"He doesn't love it but I'm rich now. He wouldn't dare say anything. He pretends like he doesn't know what's really going on. My whole family has grown so fake since I became famous. Your family is surprisingly refreshing."

"Yeah?" Zayn nodded and Louis sat up again reaching a small hand to rest on Zayn's cheek, "That must be hard. Having to fight so hard against everything you grew up knowing just to be with the people you love. You are so strong."

Zayn nodded, the two were close now, still on the tiny porch outside Louis' tiny apartment, the alpha shook his head, "I was a real dick to Harry and Liam when we first started courting."

Louis nodded, "But you love them so much now?"

"Yeah. I don't know what'd I do without them. You know how earlier you said you thought I hated you?" Louis nodded earnestly, "I'm just so scared of you, Louis."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Terrified, even. They love you so much and I don't want to lose them." Zayn was still staring Louis down. The conversation was so serious yet they were both so high. 

Louis giggled.

"You're too pretty to be so scared, Zayn." The omega pat his cheek and Zayn gave Louis a half smile and nodded.

"Where's the rest of that joint? I don't think we're going out tonight."

Louis held it up proudly to Zayn who wrapped his lips around the end near the tips of Louis' fingers. Louis didn't let go thinking about Zayn's lips wrapped around his fingers. If he wasn't so high, he'd be so hard. 

Tilting his head from where it lay heavily against the bars on the side of the deck. Zayn was stunning in a way most alphas weren't. His eyelashes were thick and his lips luscious. He was prettier than Niall or Louis. Zayn lifted the lighter this time and Louis finally pulled away shaking his head. He couldn't believe he went from scared to giggling with this alpha in half an hour.

"Do you want to order food?" Louis asked.

"Yes!" Zayn replied earnestly, "What are our options?"

"There's only one restaurant that delivers in town. It's Italian but they make some pretty good pizza!"

"What about grub hub?" Louis laughed.

"Zayn, we don't have Uber or Lyft. Do you really think we have grub hub?"

"Yeah, that's a good point." Zayn lifted the blunt to his lips again and sucked in.

"Hey! That was my turn!" Louis pouted and Zayn's eyebrows rose. Without a thought, he reached for the back of Louis' head making Louis gasp. Then he pushed his lips to Louis' forming two perfect circles and breathed out heavily which Louis was greedy to pull in.

"There!" Zayn smiled, not thinking about the fact that shot gunning that hit was more or less his first kiss with Louis. Instead, he'd moved on to thinking about the food, "OK. So just order two or what you usually get!"

Louis struggled to process but suddenly found himself with his phone lifted to his ear and a voice saying, "This is Alice's how can I help you?"

"Umm, could I get two large Napoli pizzas delivered?"

"Sure thing! What's the address?"

"It's actually the apartment above the laundromat in town."

"Down on Main st.?"

"Yes."

Suddenly his phone was ripped from his hand and Zayn was talking, "Can you please let me speak to the delivery boy?" Zayn's voice was so utterly serious, Louis assumed this was an overcompensation to seem less high, "Oh hello! Thank you for talking with me today! I'd like to make you an offer. If you go to the corner store and buy two bags of Cheetos and... Louis do you want anything?"

"Kit Kat bar?"

"Oh my god that's such a good idea... yes and three Kit Kat bars I will tip you three hundred dollars. Perfect! Thank you!" Zayn wordlessly handed the phone back to Louis who still looked shocked from the small kiss and then Zayn offered three hundred dollars for some Cheetos.

"Can we go inside? It's getting dark." Zayn asked.

"Umm yeah. It's just not much in there. You won't judge me?" Louis asked, uneasy.

"Louis you're looking at someone who spent four summers living in a one-room building in Pakistan. Not even the nice part of Pakistan."

Louis looked shocked for a moment, then he was embarrassed that he knew so little about Pakistan and most of the world for that matter, "Pakistan?" The two were now standing in front of the door.

"Yeah. My dad is from Pakistan, and he wanted me and my sisters to have our culture but then after the financial crisis of 2008 we stopped going."

"Wow!" Louis' brain was still in a fog, "So do you speak..." Louis felt so dumb he couldn't even pull up a language spoken in Pakistan.

"Urdu?" Zayn asked before stating, "ہاں میری جان."

"Wow, Zayn!" Louis looked so surprised not really knowing if Zayn said something intelligible, "You do contain multitudes, don't you?" 

Zayn blushed, Louis made him feel special with just a few words and some well-placed looks. Louis sighed and let Zayn into his small apartment. The omega watched to see if he found that look of pity he saw from Liam the other day. He didn't, instead, Zayn walked quickly to the bed and dropped down lazily.

"So, what're we watching?"

"Oh" Louis blushed again at Zayn in his bed and his lifestyle, "I don't have cable or internet for Netflix."

Zayn nodded again without judgment, "I see a TV here what do you watch?"

"I have some movies. Mostly kid’s stuff so..." Louis trailed off dropping the bin on Zayn's lap to choose from. He took ten minutes to pick a movie, but he finally landed on Zootopia. Louis put it in and then sat on the ground next to the bed watching the credit sequence roll. He found himself enthralled by the movie, jumping with a squeak when he heard a knock on the door. Zayn chuckled; his hand lingered a moment too long tussling Louis' hair as he walked by to answer it.

He heard the door open and then a bodiless voice shot out, "Holy shit! You're Zayn Malik!" 

Louis was gobsmacked because, yes, he knew Zayn was famous, but it didn't occur to him until now that he had no good reason to be seen with him. What if this delivery boy posted that he'd seen Zayn and suddenly there were cheating rumors and split rumors all over the daily mail? Louis didn't think the pack would stick with him through this. He wasn't worth it. His panic spiral was interrupted by Zayn's voice, calm and smooth.

"You're right. Now how much can I pay you to tell absolutely no one you've just seen me here?"

The voice stuttered and finally sighed, "Look, I don't feel right taking your money. I'd feel guilty. I just won't tell anyone, ok?" That was such a Vermont answer that Louis actually started to giggle, his panic gone. Louis thought he should try being high more often, but then again there was rarely a time when Ollie wasn't around. So that probably wasn't a good idea.

"Listen I'd feel guilty not compensating you. Let’s go with fifteen hundred for everything." Zayn smiled and nodded.

"Ok!" Louis sighed and the delivery boy continued, "Also I don't want to insinuate anything, but I also sell some dank weed on the side. Want any?" Zayn decided to take him up on this offer. Returning to Louis with two large pizzas and an eighth of weed in a little baggy. Zayn smiled happily settling on the floor next to Louis, close enough that the sides of their bodies met at most points.

Zayn handed Louis the baggie, "To replace what I used today!"

Louis looked at it dumbly he'd only ever gotten pre-rolled joints from his boss, "I don't know what to do with this."

Zayn laughed, "I'll teach you then! But remember mums the word. If Harry finds out, you'll be forced to sit through an hour-long NPR special about the effects of smoking or some shit!" Louis smiled lazily and nodded. Zayn puts the baggie in his pocket deciding to keep it with him, in an attempt to avoid the risk of Ollie finding it.

"You realized that should have cost you like maybe a hundred bucks, right?" Louis asked incredulously.

"It's the art of the deal!" Zayn clicked his tongue like he'd really made a good deal.

"Zayn!' Louis giggled around bites of his pizza, "You literally lost fourteen hundred dollars.

"Louis, my dear sunflower," Zayn stated eyes red and smile sloppy, "I would have paid him ten times that amount. My, no our, privacy is priceless to me." Louis smiled and suddenly thought he could see himself with Zayn. Zayn was a good alpha, protective and lenient in the right ways. Oliver was so strict and overbearing that he would never talk to Louis so openly about money, his family, or even just poetry. Maybe Niall's hopes for a pack with Louis weren't as far away as Louis once feared.

Two movies later, found Louis lying sleepily on the bed with Zayn running a hand down his back. Louis wouldn't make it through a third movie and the high had finally worn off. So, Zayn picked the pizza boxes and snacks off the floor and gave Louis a soft kiss, before leaving. Louis was almost out but had a fleeting feeling of sadness at sleeping alone. He briefly thought that'd it be nice to have someone in bed with him.

 Louis woke the next morning at eight, with two text messages and a chuckle:

From Unknown (11:03):
Did Zayn make you smoke with him? I told him to behave. Did he behave?
-N

From Unknown (11:07):
Don't worry, Lou. I don't think any of them realized we got high! In the clear!
-Z

Chapter Text

Niall could tell he was annoying Zayn by constantly pestering him to be nice and gentle with Louis, but he couldn't stop himself. It had been almost two days to the hour since he last saw his omega and his skin crawled with anxiety. 

So, it should have come as no surprise when Zayn left a whole hour before his date with Louis on that Friday night, just to get away. He could hear Harry and Liam in the kitchen talking softly while making dinner, so he thought he'd take this time to get some of this nervous energy out.

The recording studio in their old farmhouse basement was extremely ostentatious but finally would be coming in handy. He'd felt this song brewing in his heart for the last few days and knew he had to write it down. 

It was almost an hour and a half later when Harry came down to get Niall for dinner. Niall was too enraptured in writing down lyrics and strumming his guitar to notice the new hickey resting low on Harry's neck or the obviously bruised lips.

"Hey, Ni." Harry whispered from the door, "Do you want to get some dinner? Li's in the shower but he said we can start without him."

"Uhh." Niall tapped a pencil to his lip before sparing Harry a short glance, "Can I run something by you?"

"Of course!" Harry smiled excited to hear Niall's work. Harry understood that the creation of music could be deeply personal, and he would never pry into Niall's work, but he was always happy to hear his amazingly creative omega's pieces.

"Actually, I can teach you the chords and you can play?" Niall asked.

"Sounds great!" After a few minutes of teaching Harry the abbreviated chords, he began to sing the first verses. By the time he was done, Harry placed the guitar on the seat beside him and pulled Niall onto his lap.

"Niall that was beautiful." His omega was calm and soft in his lap, head nudging softly behind his ear, "Louis is going to love it, honey." 

Niall preened, finally pulling back to look Harry in the eyes.

"Really?" Niall was often soft and comfortable with his alphas, but he was rarely vulnerable. 

Now with Niall looking at Harry with wide and unsure eyes that was the only word that could possibly describe him. So, Harry was gentle in running his hand through Niall's hair and down his back, nodding certainly.

Niall's stomach growled and the pair chuckled, "Let’s get you some food!" 

They emerged from the basement to find Liam eating straight from the casserole dish, shirtless and damp from his shower. Niall walked to his trusty first alpha and wrapped his arms around him, placing his chin in the middle of Liam's chest to stare up at him. He already felt a little more relaxed having gotten some of that nervous energy out.

"Hey." Liam smiled down at his lovely omega and placed a small kiss on his lips. Harry joined them standing firm behind Niall. An omega sandwich, Zayn had once called this move. 

"Hi." Harry muttered softly and half joking over Niall's head. 

The back of Niall's head rested against Harry's shoulder, and he looked up to see his alphas kiss softly over him. He smiled and then Harry was reaching a strong arm around Niall to hold Liam's head in place, demanding a deeper kiss. Niall loved to see his alpha's intimate and close. It took some pressure off Niall's shoulders knowing he was not the glue that held them together.

Harry dropped his hand to Niall's waist and ended the kiss bringing his lips to Niall's ear, "Food now. Kisses later!"

He then broke away to dish some of the hearty meal onto a plate. Liam just shook his head and dragged Niall to the table, placing him in his lap. Harry placed the dish in front of him and Niall dug in. His alphas broke into a discussion about pumpkin picking.

"I want to go before we have to leave!" Harry whined.

"We'll go, Harry. I know your city upbringing didn't allow for all these fall activities but, on my life, I will make sure you get to do it!" Liam promised over Niall's head.

"Great! And maybe we could bring, Ollie?" Harry asked raising his eyebrows. 

Liam nodded a little worried that Harry was too attached. He knew Harry wanted kids, a lot of kids, but he also knew Niall didn't want kids for at least another few years. Niall wanted a career and a Grammy before he even thought of having kids. If Louis joined the pack, then at least they'd have Ollie, something to keep Harry's needs at bay.

"If Louis allows it." Harry smiled excitedly.

"Uhh Harry." Niall finally took a break from chowing down and looked up at him, "I was thinking about that Festival in town tomorrow and I might ask the council if I can perform that song, I showed you earlier. Would you play guitar for me?"

"Of course, honey!" Harry smiled standing and leaning across the table to plant a reassuring kiss on Niall's lips.

"A new song? Can I hear it?" 

"Tomorrow," Niall responded cryptically. Liam nodded wanting to respect his creative space but salty because he wanted to hear it.

At just after eleven Zayn's form came stumbling through the door happily. Not high anymore but he was still content and excited to see his mates. He immediately walked to the back room not even removing his boots. 

He found his two alpha's sandwiching Niall on the couch, he smiled tiredly and dropped onto Liam's lap.

"I love you." Zayn stated nose tickling Liam's own.

"I love you too, Z." Liam smiled happily up at his mate. 

Zayn had been grouchy and nervous for the past two days, so it was nice to see he'd calmed down quite a bit. Zayn's face was serious for a moment and then his lips crashed down to Liam's. 

The alpha was taken aback by Zayn's greeting but was more than willing to deepen the kiss. The darker alpha shifted around until he straddled Liam's lap hands gripping his Alpha's face overly needy. Niall was tight against the two alphas now rutting up against each other and whining all breathy.

He could smell the faint but unmistakable scent of weed on Zayn's clothes and pulled out his phone to text Louis. He needed to make sure he was ok. Hopefully, Zayn didn't fuck this all up. 

Had Zayn showed up to the date high? 

Had he left early and smoked alone? 

Had he hotbox Niall's favorite Subaru?

"Li, oh shit." Zayn's hand gripped Liam's waistband and he was in his mate's pants in an instant, wrapping around Liam's thick and hardening member. Niall pulled back from the pair but only by an inch, rearranging so that he now leaned against Harry's chest. 

Harry happily took Niall into his arms and the two stared at the pair grinding and huffing like high schoolers trying to get off in the cramped back seat of a car.

"I take it your date went well?" Niall asked, half of him wanted this show to continue forever but the other half wanted to make sure Louis was still willing to try.

"Oh shit!" Zayn pulled back from a stunned-looking Liam, who continued to place rough and needy kisses down his mate's neck and shoulder, "Can I borrow your phone, Harry?"

"Where's your phone, Z?" Harry asked while handing the phone to his mate who made a frustrated sound as Liam nipped on his shoulder. Zayn still distractedly jacking Liam off with one hand.

"Car. I just need to text Louis, I made it home." Zayn looked at the phone dumbly and then handed it to Liam, "What's his number?" 

Liam wanted to say something along the lines of 'why would I have that memorized' but he did. He memorized it the other day after staring at his contact information trying to call him for almost an hour before deciding to just show up at his door. Zayn typed out a quick message to Louis and dropped the phone to the ground, diving back into his willing mate.

Liam was whispering filthy things into Zayn's ear, and despite being so close, Niall couldn't make out over the moaning coming from Zayn's lips. Niall could feel himself hardening in his boxers and reached down to fix himself but then Harry's hand came down to nudge his own out of the way. 

Harry settled Niall further onto his lap and brought his lips to his omega's ear, "What do you think he's whispering about?"

Niall whined at Harry's intentionally slow tugs, "Louis' lips around his thick cock?" Harry's words were obscene and the image they created even more so. He was whimpering. Niall could vividly remember Louis' lips so well around his own dick and tried to push into Harry's hand who held him firmly by the waist, "Uhh-uh, be a good boy, Niall. Take what I give you."

Niall nodded so willing to please but also so desperate for more, "Please, Haz. I need more."

Harry's pace quickened but only subtly, "Hmm look how hard Zayn is. Do you think he and Louis had a goodnight kiss? Or maybe more?" 

Niall wanted to pull up the jealous rage he felt when Liam came home smelling of Louis, but he couldn't. Not with Harry's warm and steady hand wrapped around him, quickening by the second, and his two alphas in front of him. 

He, honestly, just wished Louis was here. Oh god, how badly did he want to see Louis with Liam, or Zayn, or Harry? Or have Louis trembling under him with any of the three watching.

He could feel he was so close but the omega in him needed Harry's permission after all these years, "Please Harry. I'm so close. Please."

"Hmm ok. But only because you were so polite," Harry praised, "Come for me, Ni." 

And Niall was coming hard and fast in his pajama pants whining, high pitch and needy. Zayn finally hit his climax rubbing against Liam's leg, simultaneously as Liam came in his hand. How very coordinated of them all. 

Zayn slumped to his side against the other end of the couch beckoning Niall to come join him. Niall was out of Harry's lap and in Zayn's arms in just a second.

"Did you take care of my omega?" Niall asked cutely but entirely possessively into Zayn's collarbone. His nose and lips running lines from his shoulder all the way to his neck.

"Yeah, sunshine. Louis and I had a great time!" Zayn smirked looking past Niall to the other end of the couch. 

Niall turned his head to see what was distracting him, only to be met with a beautiful sight. Harry was breathless and panting as Liam went down on him. Liam's ass, tight and sculpted, from his fitness routine, was lifted in the air and it was enough to make Niall's mouth water. 

Harry was whimpering Liam's name gently brushing his larger fingers through his alpha's hair, when he came. Niall smiled, realizing this was the first time since hearing the news that the four of them had been unabashedly intimate. 

Niall missed the stability that he knew existed before this whole thing, but he also craved the addition of Louis.

With their feet mingling in the middle the pack lay in pairs opposite each other. Sated as they watched a random office episode. Harry picked up his phone opening to the text conversation left there by Zayn. He looked up to his mate across from him, who he just realized now had red-rimmed eyes and a spacy look.

"Zayn, are you high right now?"

"What? Why would you say that?" Zayn asked lying terribly.

"Maybe because you texted Louis, on my phone, saying and I quote, "Don't worry, Lou. I don't think any of them realized we got high! In the clear!"

"Oh uh yeah." Zayn chuckled, "That wasn't a good idea."

Harry sat up, "Zayn did you drive high? That's really not cool and super dangerous!"

"I wasn't high anymore, Haz. I smoked like five hours ago."

"Wait." Niall interrupted, "Did you smoke with Louis?"

"Uh." Zayn looked shifty, "No?"

"ZAYN!" Niall smacked him lightly, "Louis is a small angel. Did you make him?"

"What? NO!" Zayn exclaimed, "I promised I wouldn't tell you guys so maybe we could just pretend it didn't happen?"

"Your lungs won't be able to forget it, Zayn." Harry stated taking THAT tone, the one that a mother uses when lecturing their kids, "That could do irreparable damage to you and you won't even know it until you're fifty with COPD or God forbid, lung cancer!"

"Oh my god, calm down Harry. You're sounding neurotic again." Zayn waved him off getting up to walk to the bathroom. He still had his come in his pants and he didn't want to be lectured.

"Oh, you haven't even begun to see my neuroticism, Zayn Javadd Malik." Harry's voice rose, as he followed Zayn out of the room and up the stairs. Liam and Niall were alone sitting on opposite ends of the couch.

"How did we get here?" Niall asked crawling to join Liam who looked beyond tired.

"I don't know, Ni." Liam sighed, "But I don't know what I'd do without those crazy people in my life."

"Me neither. We got lucky didn't we Li? Did you ever see us here? All those years ago?"

"No. I was sure you'd have left me by now." Liam chuckled darkly because he was telling the truth.

Niall nipped at Liam's ear, "You can try to get rid of me Liam, but I won't budge."

Louis woke the next morning at four to a text from his boss/owner of the bakery. 

Karen was a strawberry blond seventy-year-old hippie still living off her Woodstock days and several late husband's inheritances. She'd been married four times and used the money from her last divorce to open Sweet Confections & Co. She'd always had a soft spot for Louis and on this Saturday in October she offered to take his shift so he could bring little Ollie down to the Foliage Festival.

Louis was beyond grateful as he currently sat with a meager five hours of sleep and a slight stomachache from all the junk food he'd eaten. He shot a quick text back saying thank you and then one to his parents telling them he'd meet at their house at ten, before promptly falling back to sleep. 

Since Louis didn't set an alarm, he found himself rushing to get ready at quarter to ten, only to arrive at his parents’ house looking utterly disheveled. His Da opened the door and looked him over.

"Did you sleep with him last night?"

"What? Zayn? No! Why would you ask that?" Louis asked shoving the oversized sleeves of his lavender sweater up his arm.

"You have a hickey, dear." She smiled embarrassed at having this conversation with her son. He reached up to his neck and felt a slight tender spot near his shoulder and then laughed.

"Oh no, that was actually from the bakery the other day. I was dumb and clumsy and shut a cabinet near my shoulder and gave myself a pinch." Louis knew that sounded so fake, but it was actually true! 

He and Zayn didn't even kiss last night.

"That's good, Lou. Taking it slow is smart." Louis nodded bashfully not willing to tell his Da that he'd already been with Liam. He hoped he never had to have a conversation about that.

Louis stepped through the doors and looked around at the relatively quiet house, "Where's Ollie?"

"Oh your Mom and Ma and Ollie already headed out for the festival. I told them we could meet them there!"

"OK. Sorry I'm late." Louis rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I just didn't set another alarm, and it got away from me!"

"No worries, baby. Let's get going!"

The pair arrived at the festival in the town center not five minutes later to find it already quite busy. As they approached, he could hear Irish music playing over the speakers accompanying the school's Irish step dancing team to their performance. 

He could see about two hundred people milling around the town park which was more like a square. Having only three trees and assorted sidewalks it was big enough to hold a small stage, for musical acts, and some food vendors. 

The pie eating contest started at ten and Ollie begged to see it.

Louis looked around nervously trying to spot Ollie in the crowd noticing Zayn and Liam first. Taller than average their heads popped up above the rest and Louis pointed to them, signaling his Da to follow. 

Finally joining the group, he found his stepbrother, his mate, and his parents grouped together. Louis felt warmth growing in his chest at the sight. He didn't know if it was the omega in him or the mother in him, but he felt so peaceful seeing his family together again.

"Mummma." Ollie screeched from Geoff's arms when he saw Louis approach between Zayn and Liam.

Louis reached between the two Alphas through the circle of family and grabbed his son, "Hello my handsome boy! How was your sleepover?"

"Fun! Had two tacos!!" He smiled proudly holding up the number two.

"Wow!" Louis smiled down at his baby. He looked up to greet everyone in the circle, dropping a kiss on his Ma and Mom's cheeks and nodding shyly at Liam and Zayn.

"I got your text last night." He smiled at Zayn, and they shared a knowing look.

"Oh yeah, so that was actually Harry's phone number, not mine." Louis looked shocked and then giggled at the implication. So, Harry definitely knew.

"Did Harry eat you out, then?" Louis whispered cheekily biting his lip. Zayn just bumped arms with Louis embarrassed. 

The two were smiling at each other like idiots, as Liam watched the interaction with a tender smile. Even Zayn melted at Louis' touch. The little omega may have a superpower of sorts.

"Mumma, look!" Ollie pointed and Louis brushed him off for a moment. Listening to his Ma recount the story of how Ollie tried to bring a turtle into the house last night. The group was laughing heartily at Geoff's impersonations of his grandson hiding the turtle under a hat on his head.

"Mumma!" Louis again bounced Ollie on his hip as his mom chimed in about how the turtle was covered in mud, so they had to give him two tubs to get his hair untangled.

"Mumma look! HARRY!" Ollie finally yelled and the whole group turned to see Harry and Niall on the stage setting up. At his scream, Harry looked up and searched the crowd to see them standing near the edge. He waved exuberantly to which Ollie giggled excitedly.

"That is Harry. You are so smart, Ollie. Thank you for letting me know."

"We play with Harry?" Ollie asked staring longingly at his new and most interesting friend on the stage.

"In a little bit, Ollie. Ok?" Ollie nodded but didn't look away, "Are you guys playing a set?"

"Uhh. No." Liam muttered a little salty, "Harry and Niall are playing a new song that I was not allowed to hear until now."

 Louis chuckles, smiling at Liam's antics.

"Hello everyone!" Niall's voice came across clearly through the speakers set up along the park's edge, "As a few of you might know, I'm Niall and this is Harry from One Direction." People in the park cheered and a few young girls come running to the front of the stage, phones in hand. "I'd like to thank the council for allowing me to sing this year! If you don't know Liam, he's in the crowd here, and I grew up in Mountainview and loved going to the Old Townsend place every year so it's honestly such a treat to see Alfred and Laurel's tradition carry on! I've only prepared one song for today, but it goes out to a very special omega in my life and my pack's life! Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy."

Louis looked at Liam worriedly; this song was about him, wasn't it? 

He didn't know how to feel about it, but he couldn't take his eyes off Niall sitting on a stool. He was wearing a jean jacket and matching jean pants with an open and vibrant button-down shirt. His dark and circular glasses made it impossible for anyone to really know where he was looking but he felt like Niall was looking back at him.

He could see the pair on the stage just fine, but Ollie was wiggling in his arms to get a better view tilting his head, "Niall, Mumma?"

"Yeah. That's Niall baby."

"I can put him on my shoulders if that's ok?" Liam asked turning to Louis. Louis looked down to a nodding Ollie reaching for Liam. He pursed his lips and handed Ollie to Liam, always a little nervous at the prospect of losing his baby.

"Ok buddy! There's only one rule, OK?" Liam said very seriously holding up the number one with a ring-clad finger between the two, "No falling off!" Ollie giggled as he was lifted to Liam's shoulders. Finally seeing Harry and Niall on the stage.

Louis heard the guitar come through as Harry strummed it expertly. Then Niall lifted the microphone to his lips:

"Waking up to kiss you and nobody's there
The smell of your perfume still stuck in the air
It's hard
Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running round
It's funny how things never change in this old town
So far from the stars
And I want to tell you everything
The words I never got to say the first time around
And I remember everything
From when we were the children playing in this fairground
Wish I was there with you now"

Louis felt tears prickle in his eyes, he was not going to cry at this song. He wasn't even sure he was ready to forgive Niall yet.

If the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
I saw that you moved on with someone new
In the place that we met he's got his arms around you
It's so hard
So hard
And I want to tell you everything
The words I never got to say the first time around
And I remember everything
From when we were the children playing in this fairground
Wish I was there with you now

Louis was definitely crying now. Thick tears were rolling down his face and he felt dumb but then Zayn reached out and pulled him into his side. The alpha nuzzled Louis’ hair, "He loves you, Lou. So much." 

Louis nodded sadly.

And if the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
You still make me nervous when you walk in the room
Them butterflies they come alive when I'm next to you
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
And I know that it's wrong
That I can't move on
But there's something about you
If the whole world was watching, I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
You still make me nervous when you walk in the room
Them butterflies they come alive when I'm next to you
Over and over the only truth

Niall pushed his glasses up and he was definitely looking over this way with a sad and longing expression, singing the last two lines. Louis was not sure if he ever really stood a chance.

Everything comes back to you
Everything comes back to you

Niall finished his song and thanked the crowd one last time before walking off and over to his pack. Stopping in front of Louis, there was a slight and awkward moment of silence. 

Niall was so unsure. 

He looked young again.

Louis broke the moment this time with a tight and long-awaited hug. He dug his face into Niall's neck, his mate’s body felt right and warm against Louis who was still crying, just a little.

"I meant it.." Niall said dragging his cheek slow and soft against Louis' cheek in a traditional and omegan greeting, "It'll always be you, Lou."

Chapter Text

Despite having a surprising two days off this week, Louis was incredibly tired. The day at the bakery had dragged on with only a hand full of customer, so he left quickly at three on the dot. 

 Then he made a quick stop at his apartment to change for his date with Harry. He just wanted to get it out of the way, so he agreed to do it on Sunday. If this date went well then Louis would think about joining the pack. He knew he wouldn't be ready to actually commit to joining that soon but maybe he could try to integrate more of himself into their lives. Maybe a few dinners a week to see their dynamic and to see if he'd really fit.

Yesterday at the fair, his parents gave them some alone time, and he held hands with Niall and walked around with Ollie and the pack. It felt really good and so natural. They all even had dinner at his parents' house after, and it was loud and happy. He loved seeing Harry talking to Ollie gently about Moana and he liked how Zayn was quick to pull up world cup statistics with Geoff. He'd always wanted a big family, and it felt like this could be it.

There was only one moment of solitude between the two omegas. At the end of the night he ran out to start his car so it wouldn't be too chilly for Ollie and Niall had followed him out. They both stared at each other, this interaction not marred by uncertainty like all the others that had preceded this had been.

"Hey." Niall muttered for lack of better words.

"Hey." Louis whispered back, soft and leaning against his car. He had a million things he wanted to say, about the song or about his fears but he couldn't get anything to come out.

"I had a nice time today."

"Me too." Louis nodded and looked down at his feet. He felt like that shy fifteen-year-old standing across from Niall in the bathroom all those years ago. Niall took a step closer and grabbed his mate's hands, cold and shaky.

"Thank you for giving this a chance, Lou. I don't take this lightly. I will do anything to earn your trust again." Niall's head ducked, eyes jumping between Louis' own, loving the feeling of his mate's warmth on this cool night. 

Niall regretted every moment of the past six years for not even one of them included this beautiful and earnest omega. He wouldn't let anymore time be wasted.

Louis nodded and leant forward to press a kiss to Niall's cheek. Niall smiled widely, he'd resolved himself earlier this week that he'd let Louis take the reins. After dropping him, Niall wanted to show Louis he was in charge. 

Louis would make the first moves. 

Louis would be in control. 

A sigh, long and unsteady, bounced off his cheek when Louis didn't pull away at first, and Niall cherished the moment with his eyes closed. Louis didn't allow himself to think of it often but with Niall close and warm against him, he found himself missing more intimate human contact. He thought it might be nice to have this more frequently.

When he pulled back he could see Liam, Harry, and Ollie staring out the window at them. He waved bashfully and the three split apart like they didn't think they'd be seen. 

The two omegas chuckled.

He had just picked up Ollie from his parents when he realized he hadn't told Ollie about his plans tonight. He grew nervous because this was the first time Ollie would be alone with the pack, without his grandparents present. This would actually be the first time he would ever be watched by anyone other than Louis' parents or himself.

"Hey Bud! Can I talk to you about something for a minute?" Louis asked making eye contact with Ollie through the rear view mirror and the mirror on the back of the seat. Ollie wasn't tall enough and didn't weigh enough to be in a forward-facing car seat yet.

"Yes!"

"So right now, instead of going home we're going to go see umm..." Louis pauses for a moment he didn't want to call Liam his step brother to Ollie because if he did enter into a relationship with the pack he didn't want Ollie to be confused, "Liam and Niall and Zayn—"

"AND HARRY!" Ollie interrupted.

"Yes, and Harry. And you're going to have dinner with them, and Harry and I are going to leave for a little bit, but I'll come back for you! I promise."

"Why Harry?" Ollie asked and Louis couldn't help but feel a little offended that his son was more despondent that Harry wasn't going to be there than himself.

"Harry wanted to show me something and it's only for adults." Louis explained softly pulling into the drive way of the Old Townsend place. Ollie was mulling this over when Louis got out and unbuckled him. He placed Ollie on the ground and grabbed his hand walking slowly towards the door.

"Only adults? When can I see it?"

"How about in fifteen years?" Louis said seriously and Ollie nodded. He'd been saying this since Ollie first started asking questions. The omega had promised to let Ollie do a lot in fifteen years. That was definitely going to catch up with him one of these days. Ollie usually pouted but agreed.

When they got to the steps, Liam opened the door to greet them, "Hi guys."

"Leeyuuum!" Liam knelt to reach Ollie's level and give him a hug.

"Hey there, Bud! Are you ready for an awesome night!"

"Yes!" Liam picked Ollie up and carried him into the house. Louis followed behind, growing nervous and wiping his sweaty hands on his black jeans. He wasn't sure what the occasion would be like, so he decided on black jeans and a tan tee shirt. Harry appeared at the top of the stairs after hearing their arrival.

The alpha looked much nicer and Louis felt incredibly under dressed. He was wearing black pants too, but his button down top and black boots elevated his look past Louis'. Louis looked down at his outfit and regretted not trying harder but then Harry was down the stairs, "Louis, you look beautiful tonight!" 

He looked up wondering if Harry was just being nice but there was not hint of insincerity on the alpha's face.

"Oh, thank you." Louis smiled shyly, "You look very handsome as well." Harry preened at the compliment looking Louis over with an air of delight.

The alpha then walked to Ollie, "Hello Mr. Curly!" Ollie giggled, "Ok! So the plans are a little time sensitive so we have to get going." Harry's excitement shook Louis out of his nervous stupor, and he nodded.

"Ok." Louis walked over to Harry and Liam. He stopped just in front of Liam and dropped a kiss to Ollie's cheek, "I love you, Ollie! I will be back soon ok?" Ollie nodded a little unsure but also excited at the prospect of playing in this big house. "And Liam he should be in bed by seven thirty."

Liam nodded, "Yes, Louis. I got the whole riot act from your mother today. Ollie will eat his veggies, no peas," Liam tickled the pea hating toddler, "and will have a tub and be in bed by eight pm!" Louis nodded reassured, dropping one more kiss to Ollie cheek and heading out.

Harry put on his long Burberry pea coat and Louis again felt kind of silly standing next to him in a practical green L.L Bean hearty winter jacket. The drive to the Italian place in town was quiet and awkward for Louis at least. The omega didn't know what to say and Harry was content listening to the NPR station playing a rerun about an Argentinian blue grass band. 

It was easy with Zayn because they were both high, but now Louis was stone cold sober. It also didn't help that Harry had a few inches on Zayn and an air of confidence that Louis couldn't match.

They pulled into a town parking spot a little ways down from Alice's and Harry parked the car but didn't turn it off. He turned to Louis whose body language was clear enough to say he was nervous but Harry could also smell it.

"So do you want to know the plan?" Harry asked conspiratorially. Louis nodded anxiously wringing his fingers. "Ok! So first we have a quick meal at Alice's and then a movie!"

Louis had always loved the old theater in town, but it only played black and white flicks now and Ollie couldn't sit through those. He hadn't been in years. "Really?" 

Louis tried to hide his excitement but failed miserably. Harry liked seeing some emotion other than anxiety.

"Yes! Liam told me you loved it so I thought we could go."

"What're they showing."

"It's a surprise." Harry said cheekily. Finally taking the keys from the ignition, "And I thought we'd end the night with a romantic yet calm stroll through the park." Louis smiled and nodded, feeling slightly more relaxed already.

The pair settled into the back corner of Alice's after a small fanfare from the staff, asking for autographs. Louis pondered as to whether he wanted to live life like this or have Ollie exposed to it. He'll just have to cross that bridge when he gets there. Today, he was going to try to enjoy his date with Harry.

"So uhh..." Louis felt silly sitting across from Harry, sophisticated and interesting, meanwhile Louis wasn't anything to write home about, "I feel like you probably know a bit about me but I don't really know anything about you. Where are you from?"

"Well, I was born in Manhattan and raised on the upper east side." Harry stated, "My dad is a CFO of a high-end cheese importing company and my mom is an interior designer."

"Oh wow!" Louis was not surprised Harry came from a good family just by the way he carried himself, "That must have been fun! Ollie loves cheese. Can't get enough of it."

"Oh year, it had it's perks." Harry smiled buttering a roll, "But here's a fun fact. I'm actually lactose intolerant." Louis chuckled and looked down to the butter on Harry's knife, "Don't worry I took some lactaid!"

Louis nodded, "I feel like so many people are lactose intolerant these days."

Harry's eyes lit up, "Well! It's because humans weren't made to be drinking and eating dairy products as long as we do! Like small children are supposed to drink their mother's milk for immunity and nutritional reasons but we're the only mammals that drink another species milk. Most of us don't even have the enzymes necessary to break down the sugar found in milk..." Harry trailed off, "Sorry. The boys hate when I go off like this."

"No!" Louis interrupted genuinely listening, the omega was loud at first but shifted to a softer tone, "I like it. Hearing you talk about this stuff is cool! I don't know a lot about stuff like this and I rarely have time to read about it. I think its nice."

"Really?" Harry asked surprised.

"Yeah!" Louis felt bashful, "You have a nice voice for it. I think I'd be happy listening to you talk about anything" Harry blushed smiled showing all his perfect white teeth.

"Cool." Harry couldn't stop his dorky smile from growing more, finishing his explanation of why we shouldn't drink milk. Louis was attentive and interested. So much so that he was surprised when their food was brought to the table. Harry requested another glass of wine and Louis told the waiter he'll take water.

"Oh, did you not like the selection?" Harry asked.

"Oh no." Louis hoped he didn't offend the Alpha, "I liked it a lot. I just have a super low tolerance and I'll be tipsy if I have another glass."

Harry grinned, Louis was a stereotypical omega in ways that Harry never saw himself wanting. He loved that Niall could drink him under the table and how he would always voice when Harry was being over bearing or annoying. Harry was extremely progressive and as a teenager he found himself attracted to a whole array of people, from alphas to omegas of either sex. 

But he never saw himself ending up with the omega of Hallmark movie fame, which Louis so clearly was. Louis awoke something in him that he liked. Louis listened carefully and openly. He was delicate and sensible. The alpha in Harry, frankly, wanted to put babies in him and keep him at home. He knew that would never be an option with Niall, but the possibilities flew across his mind at the domesticity that Louis would bring to the pack.

"Ok. No worries!" Harry smiled, "So Louis. You've heard about me a little and I know a little about you but what do you think is the one thing I should know about you?"

"Hmm. That's a good questions." Louis paused and decided to go with what came to his mind first, "I guess the first thing you should know is that I love my son more than anything. And that I wouldn't change anything about my past if it meant I couldn't have him."

"That's beautiful, Lou. I can only hope that the mother of my children will love them as much as you love Ollie." Harry really wanted to say that he hoped Louis would bear him a whole litter but that was way too forward for a first date.

Louis blushed, "I love seeing you with Ollie. You're going to be a great father, Harry. I never wanted my pup to grow up without a father and it just brakes my heart that one day he might realize that all the other kids in school have more than one parent."

"I know this is forward but I just want you to know that I would raise Ollie like he was my own. And I know the other boys would too. Even Niall, who has never really been a big kid fan loves Ollie. Hell, Niall would do anything for you even if that meant overcoming his fear of commitment. Honestly, it took so long to convince him to even think about bonding."

Louis nodded, feeling a little relieved. Ollie was first priority for Louis and hearing Harry tell him that he saw it that way too was a good feeling. "Does that make you jealous? That your omega feels that way?" 

If the question had been asked in a different tone, Harry would have taken it as a threat but coming from Louis he understood him to be purely curious.

Harry sighed and reached a hand out on the table offering it to Louis to hold. Louis almost without hesitation took it, "I thought it would at first and before I met you it didn't sit right. Zayn certainly was jealous, but I don't think I was jealous. I love Niall but he's always been to an extent hard to access. I guess." Harry tilted his head wordlessly questioning if Louis understood.

"You mean emotionally?"

"Kind of. He has no problem saying he loves me or showing me affection, but it always felt a little closed off. I swear I haven't seen him as vulnerable in the years we've been together as I have seeing him with you. And I know I should feel jealous that he's not like that with me but I'm just not." Louis' nodded and squeezed Harry's hand, "I guess I just feel grateful that you're able to bring this out of him and maybe a little hopeful that you can share that side of him with me."

Louis nodded, "Niall didn't make it out of his childhood without a few scars but luckily I'm very good at sharing."

Harry was happy to hear it, knowing a little about Niall's childhood he could completely understand his mate's hesitance to open up but that didn't stop him from craving something more substantial at times. Harry took that moment to get the check as the movie would be starting in fifteen minutes. The pair left the restaurant sated and holding hands. Luckily the theater was across the street so they were back in the warmth of a building in just a few moments.

Louis noticed the old timey announcements above the theater and his eyes widen, "Paper moon! That's my favorite! Did you know that?" Louis asked grabbing the arm holding his hand. Louis gazed up at the alpha like he had hung the mood and Harry liked that.

"I did!" Harry smiled, "I asked them to play it and I bought all the tickets, so it'll just be a movie for two tonight!' Louis smiled widely, this date was straight out of the Bachelor tv show's handbook.

Harry walked to the concession stand, "Can we get a medium popcorn and—" Harry looked down to Louis holding his arm tight, "What candy should we get, Lou?" Louis bit his lip torn between getting what he wanted and being more reasonable.

"I don't know. We just ate all that food."

"Come on its not a movie without some candy," Harry turned back to the concession attendant and saying, "I know I want peanut M&Ms and Louis will have—"

"Mike & Ikes?"

"He will have Mike & Ikes!" The attendant nodded and gave them their candy and popcorn, Harry requested a bottle of water as well. He paid them and they settled into their seats for the seven o'clock showing of Paper Moon in an empty theater.

Louis decided to be a little brave and pushed up the arm separating his seat from Harry's. He scooched over a smidge and grabbed Harry's hand. His long fingers laced through Louis' and they were snuggling, when the movie began. As the opening credits rolled Louis looked up at Harry and with a gentle smile, whispered, "Thank you, Harry." 

Harry just smiled back easily and plopped a peanut M&M in Louis' mouth.

The movie ended with a shocked Harry and a giggling Louis, "What the hell Louis! That movie was so messed up."

Louis could barely contain his giggles to answer, "That's how it was back then!" 

They were walking through the park to get back to their car. Both men leisurely enjoying the crisp fall air.

"That child was smoking, and they were scamming people out of money using Bibles! That's really messed up!" Harry laughed too now. Louis' delight at Harry's over reaction infectious between the pair. It registered to Harry that there was another couple in the park, but he ignored them to focus on Louis.

"Oh my god! You're Harry Styles!" The girl from the couple startled as the two pairs cross paths. 

Louis' giggling cut off, but Harry assumed it was because of the girl. The alpha smiled at the attractive pair and nodded, gearing up for a selfie and an autograph. He felt guilty but hoped to get it over quick so he could continue his date with Louis. 

Harry was distracted about whether or not he'd get a small kiss at the end of the night. If he had to guess he was leaning towards, yes.

"Yes." Harry smiled politely. The girl took her phone out of her pocket to ask for a selfie but her boyfriend or mate spoke first.

"Hello, Louis." His tone was cold which set Harry on edge, instantly. He looked to Louis who had visibly shrunk into himself and whose lip trembled slightly.

"Oliver. What're you doing here?" Harry didn't need to be a detective to put two and two together. This has to be Ollie's father. If not for the shared name, then due to the obvious matching nose and curls. 

The omega was shaking but it could be due to the cold. Harry knew nothing about the father of Louis' child and decided to try to be amicable so as not to disrupt any agreements.

The girl by his side looked shocked, eyes racking over the other omega, "This is Louis?"

Oliver ignored the woman at his side instead staring at Louis with something akin to anger or repulsion, "I was in town for the festival. This is my home, as well. Are you dating again, Louis?" He threw a disgusted look Harry's way and continued hatefully, "Looks like you still have a type too. Your step brother's sloppy seconds? Try to steal this one too, Lou?"

Louis shook his head earnestly, voice small, "N-n-n-no. I-i-it's not like that."

"Oh no? So, you're just letting him fuck you then?" Oliver asked voice full of malice, that took Harry by surprise. Who could talk to Louis, so small and passive, this way? It wasn't right.

"No!" Louis' trembling voice now pitched upward. Harry would not let this man talk to Louis that way so he stepped forward partially blocking Louis from his view.

"Don't talk to him that way." Harry tried to remain calm so as not to escalate the situation, placing a hand between them.

"Or what, boy band?" He challenged and despite being inches shorter than Harry, Oliver squared up to him, "Louis are you allowing everyone who fucks you near my son or just the ones who have already fucked your brother, as well?"

Louis let out a small, sad and scared noise at the reference to Ollie and that was enough for Harry to stop his niceties. He swung his fist and it landed hard and fast against Oliver's cheek. Oliver staggered wiping the blood leaking from his nose and looked to Harry with murderous intent. 

Harry may not look like the type, but he trained weekly in taekwondo. His pants were a little too tight to land the much-wanted kick to Oliver's head, but a punch would do. Oliver swung back and Harry took a defensive step back avoiding the first punch, but that wasn't the only attempt. Oliver landed a glancing hit to Harry chin splitting his lip open.

Harry's anger boiled over, with the need to defend his possible mate and himself. Harry landed one more punch and went in for another when he felt Louis grabbing his arm. "Harry! Stop!" 

Harry took a step back and Oliver's female companion grabbed onto his arm pulling him away. Harry could feel himself looking crazed and he didn't want to scare Louis any further, but the beast in him commanded him to incapacitate the vile alpha across from him.

"Listen here, you piece of shit," Harry could hear himself growl huskily, "Don't you ever talk to Louis that way again."

Oliver looked worse for wear and he turned his glare on Louis, "You'll be hearing from my lawyers, Louis. I think its about time we rethink this custody thing."

Louis let go of Harry, "No, please. Oliver, it's not what it looks like. I promise. Please, don't take him."

Oliver looked nauseatingly satisfied at hearing Louis beg but shook his head, "I can't have violent people hanging around my child, Louis."

"Please. Oliver. I haven't been with anyone a-a-a-and I won't." Louis' voice broke, tears thick on his cheeks, "You promised."

Oliver shook his head again, "It doesn't matter what I promised Louis. That's my son and I'll take him back if I want to." He shot Harry and Louis one last look before stalking away.

Harry turned to Louis placing a hand on his shoulder, he could feel the omega's deep-rooted tremors, "I'm sorry, Louis. I couldn't let him talk to you like that. Nobody should talk to you like that."

Louis didn't respond, he had a far away panicked look on his face, "C-c-c-can I go home, please?"

"Yeah of course, sweetie!" Harry took Louis' hand and dragged him to the hulking Mercedes. When they pulled into the driveway Louis unbuckled and jumped from the car, Harry hot on his heels. 

Stepping through the door Louis was focused on finding Ollie. He found the pack in the entry way. They had seen the headlights turn in and were planning on spying on the two. Harry's notorious first date move was a kiss on the porch, so the three were hoping to sneak a peak of Louis and Harry kissing good night through the window. They certainly weren't expecting a teary eyed Louis to burst through the door or a bloodied Harry stumbling through after. 

What the hell happened?

Chapter Text

"Where is my son?" Louis' voice quivered and Niall automatically pointed up the stairs. 

Louis didn't spare anyone a glance moving past the group to head upstairs. Harry went to follow but Liam was quick to grab him a hand on either arm. Harry fought against his hold, but Liam wouldn't give. Every instinct in his body told him to go after Louis. He growled ferally so Liam shoved him up against the wall, his forearm resting harshly against Harry's neck. Holding his mate in place.

"You aren't following him, Ok Harry?" Liam whispered, command thick in his tone, "OK?" Louder the second time.

He didn't know what had happened, but he wasn't willing to let it escalate. Zayn came to stand beside Liam reaching out to gently swipe a thumb across Harry's lip where it had split. Harry flinched at the movement, releasing some tension from his shoulders, and nodding. Liam didn't let go completely still holding Harry to the wall. As reason started to filter into Harry's mind, he finally made eye contact with Liam, looking away from the stairs Louis had escaped up.

However unlikely, Liam had to ask, "Did Louis punch you?"

"What! No." Harry sighed slouching against the wall, eyes still skirting from his alphas to the stairs where Louis disappeared, "Ollie's dad did."

"What do you mean Ollie's dad?" Zayn cut in the two alphas staring down their third.

"I mean we ran into him at the park and he said stuff that no one should say to Louis and I got so mad and I just punched him."

"Harry! That doesn't sound like you at all." Liam whispered gently. Mind racing to form a single reason why that would happen. Harry jokingly offered to physically defend his mates honor but he'd never actually fought someone.

Harry looked at Liam scared and so serious, a look Harry didn't often give, "Liam, he's a bad man. The way he looked at Louis. And what he said." Harry shook his head, "He's hurt Louis before and he liked it."

"What do you mean, Harry?" Liam asked lowering his voice, even further, "Is Louis hurt right now?"

"No not right now but I know just by the way he spoke, he has. Louis was shaking and so scared a-a-a-and I wish I had just killed him." Harry was shaking now.

Liam decided, then, he'd save the rest of this conversation for later. He needed to take care of Harry and then take care of Louis. Liam brought his hand to the side of Harry's face, slow, like he was approaching a timid animal. 

His mate responded, pushing into Liam's hand, Harry was a gentle natured alpha and he didn't like fighting, but Liam, as the head alpha of his small pack, knew how to soothe his youngest alpha.

"You did so good tonight, Harry." Liam started again rubbing his other hand over Harry's side, "You took care of our Omega and you didn't let anyone hurt him. You did so good!" Harry nodded with tears forming in his eyes. It was a relief to hear he didn't fuck it all up like he had thought. Liam was his head alpha and he always knew just what to say.

"He was so mad, Liam. What if I just fucked up everything. What if he takes Ollie? Louis will never forgive me."

"Hey, Harry no." Zayn was quick to calm this time, "We won't let this mess anything up. We will figure this all out."

Meanwhile, Louis had taken the stairs two at a time to reach his son. He sniffed the air at the top of the stairs trying to catch his son's scent. There were too many doors. Luckily, Niall was there in an instant, leading Louis silently to the same door as the day Niall had dropped him. He went to grab the handle, but Niall stepped in front of him.

He could see Louis visibly shaking and crying and he didn't want to upset Ollie, "Hey Louis. Can we stop for a minute?" Louis shook his head. He needed to make sure Ollie was ok. 

Couldn't Niall see how urgent this was?

"We don't want to scare Ollie do we?" Niall asked softly, placing a hand on Louis' arm, high almost near the shoulder. Louis flinched at the movement but held still. Niall's warm hand forced Louis to realize he was freezing. Not just cold but also shaking and crying. Niall was right he shouldn't let Ollie see him like this.

"Niall, he's going to take him." Louis voice was wrecked and shaking. His large blue eyes staring pitifully into Niall's.

"Who?" Niall was still struggling to understand what was going on.

"Ollie's dad. He'll hurt him, Niall. I-i-i-I know it." Louis stuttered, "I can't let him near my baby."

"He won't take him, Lou. I promise." Louis' breath was coming in short pants hard and fleeting. His cheeks were stained red with tears. Niall's heart broke at his mate's anxiety.

"He never even really wanted him and when he was still just a-a-a-a-a little baby I would stay up all night just staring at him because I didn't want Oliver to hurt him. And now he's going to take him!"

"No!" Niall soothed his palm up Louis' arm in an attempt to warm him up.

"He makes so much more money than I do, Niall. He can afford to take care of him better. The courts will see what I make and where I live, and they'll take him away." Louis gripped Niall's shirt with trembling hands, pleading for Niall's stability. 

Niall reached soothing hands to either side of Louis' face, resting his forehead against Louis'. Then he took Louis' hand and held it to his chest and commanded, "Louis' breath with me." Louis, pliant and docile as always, nodded looking for someone to help, "You are my mate, Louis. That is legal and binding until the moment we decide otherwise. That makes Ollie my son. And I will not let anyone..." Niall accented that single word with a brush of his nose against Louis', "...anyone take my son from me, Ok?" 

If Louis couldn't find it in him to stand strong against that asshole then Niall would.

Louis nodded breath calming slightly, "And Louis I make so much more than that pathetic trash bag of a person. I will go bankrupt keeping that child with me, Ok?"

Louis made watery eye contact, hiccuping and nodding, "Ok." Niall looked between Louis' eyes trying to instill the promise that he knew only time would be able to impart and opened the door.

 Louis looked between Niall and the open-door nodding before slipping inside. Niall watched from the hall as Louis rid himself of his pants and slipped into the twin bed with Ollie. The poor omega pet Ollie's head softly trying not to wake him.

Niall desperately wanted to stay to comfort his mate but knew he hadn't earned that right yet so he went to close the door but stopped when he heard Louis' voice. Niall couldn't make the words out at first so he pressed the door until it was just barely ajar and walked towards the bed, when he arrived at the side, he crouched. Absentmindedly he reached out to rub Louis' back asking him to repeat, with his hand on his mate he could feel he was still shaking.

"Will you stay with me?" Louis voice was soft, unsure and Niall nodded even though he knew Louis couldn't see him. With his back turned, Niall slipped out of his jeans and got under the covers nuzzling Louis' hair. Their bodies formed a perfectly tight spoon, a twin bed was not made for the three currently taking it up. 

Louis fell asleep to the soft breaths coming from his son and the comforting warmth of his mate, firm and steady against his back.

Niall could feel his head swim with delight. Although the reason was terrible, he was overwhelmed by the smell of his mate and the warmth radiating against his chest. He'd never fallen asleep with more ease. 

His brain lazily picking up on the door cracking open to reveal a thin strip of hallway light and then closing a moment later. He couldn't care less. He had his mate and his self-proclaimed son and he was at total ease.

A large hand rested against Louis' back and he didn't recognize the bed he was in. The light filtering through was warm and soft and Louis breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe last night was just a bad dream. The warm presence behind him was moving and Louis struggled to remember if he had fallen asleep with anyone in his bed.

"Louis? Are you awake?" Oliver's voice was rough with sleep as he whispered into his ear. Louis quickly rolled onto his back putting some space between Oliver and himself. The alpha gave him a weird look and moved closer. His hair was long, like in high school, his bangs were pulled into a small pony tail to keep them from his eyes.

"W-w-w-what're you doing here?" Louis whimpered trying to pull away this time Oliver laughed and leaned over Louis to keep him from getting too far.

"What do you mean? This is our bed." Louis looked around confused and nothing was really making sense. The room looked like the room he'd shared with Oliver in New Hampshire but he hadn't been there in almost two years.

"Where's Oliver?" Louis asked trying to see past Oliver to where their son's bassinet would have been.

"He doesn't sleep here, Louis. We go over this all the time. Oliver is gone." Louis felt panic building in chest. Where was his son?

"What did you do to him?" Louis could hear his voice breaking, feeling so small under Oliver.

The alpha grabbed his chin harshly, his fingers biting into Louis' skin, "I didn't do anything, Lou. Accident's happen with babies all the time." 

Louis wanted to cry but then he heard the soft sounds of his alarm. And that cue ripped him from the dream. 

He woke with cold sweats and tremors rocking through his entire form. Louis had so many nightmares like these when he first left but they lessened in frequency over time. This one felt so real, though.

Louis sat up in bed, taking in the twin size bed where he was wedged between his son who was stone cold out and Niall. Niall didn't wake from the alarm or Louis' panicked start, but he did unconsciously settle into the spot Louis left on the bed. His forehead now resting against the small of Louis' back.

He checked the time on his phone and realized he slept through his first alarm and definitely wouldn't make it to his parents before having to be at work. He jumped from bed deciding to leave Ollie with Niall and he'd just call him in about three hours to see if that was ok. 

Louis didn't have the privilege of skipping work because he had a hard night. He shimmied into his pants from last night and didn't bother to look into the mirror. He knew how he looked. A mess. 

He was halfway down the steps when he heard Liam's voice, questioning but firm, "Louis?"

Louis paused. What was he doing up so early? He didn't turn to see his step brother. He didn't know what Harry told him and he didn't have time to explain to Liam whatever he needed to hear. 

Liam moved to meet his brother on the stairs, forcing Louis to finally turn to see him. There was an uncomfortable stand off for all of fifteen seconds before Louis whispered, "I need to get to work."

"Don't go." Liam requested. No command, his tone closer to begging.

"I can't afford to miss a day of work, Li." Louis looked down at his hands, still shaking pathetically.

"I'll pay you for today. To just stay with me. Don't leave." Liam countered.

"I need this job, Liam. I can't afford to lose it." Louis could hear himself wavering. There was no real determination behind his voice. Rather repeating what he'd said to himself a million times, whenever he felt too depressed or anxious to get out of bed.

"I'll pay you your whole years salary then, Lou." Liam stepped closer and reached to grab Louis' chin, his hands felt so gratefully different from Oliver's dream hand. Louis sighed shakily and lent into the touch and without shame, "Let me take care of you."

Louis tried to shake his head in Liam's hand, one last stand for his independence. The movement was muted by his step brothers touch, "Liam." What was meant to be another excuse came out as a pitiful whine.

"Please. Lou? No commitment. This can mean nothing at all, but please let me take care of you just for right now." 

Louis made heartbreaking eye contact with Liam and nodded sadly. He couldn't keep going and with this strong and steady alpha in front of him, he couldn't keep himself from this. Liam nodded and planted a soft and reassuring kiss to Louis' temple before pulling him back up the stairs.

He was led to a different room and it took Louis' lethargic mind longer than it should have to realize this was the pack's den. It smelt of them all so strongly and the two lumps in the bed were most definitely Zayn and Harry. Louis looked to his brother unsure and a little nervous stopping near the door. 

Should he be in here? With Niall's alphas? Without Niall?

Liam wrapped strong arms around Louis from behind and nosed at his ear, "It's ok, Lou. I'm going to take care of you, and you'll feel better. I promise."

 Louis nodded leaning back against Liam's chest and felt nothing close to panic as Liam's hands slipped low to his hips and then reach around to unbutton Louis' pants. The movements weren't sexually driven in the slightest. The alpha pulled his pants down, falling to his knees in front of Louis.

Louis felt so conflicted by the comfort he found in Liam's mild kisses to Louis' thighs. He wordlessly instructed Louis to lift his leg out of each hole, leaving him without his pants.

 He didn't feel shame or watching eyes as even the earliest light of the day haven't broken through into the room yet. Liam stood and pulled on Louis' top, tan and slightly too tight and suddenly he was left in only his boxers. 

A chill ran through his body as he wrapped his arms around his waist. Liam wasted no time pulling out a large long sleeve shirt from his drawer smelling deeply of Harry before pulling it over Louis' head. The shirt stopped just inches above his knee.

The alpha pulled back the covers on the right side of the king size bed and nodded for Louis to get in. He was hesitant at first but trusted Liam to do what was best. The bed was so forgiving against Louis' tired bones he didn't think he'd ever leave. 

He moved over to make room for Liam and jumped back when he hit a sleeping lump. The lump, formally known as Harry, rolled over towards Louis and without opening his eyes pulled him in. Louis was stiff before settling against Harry's warm and surprisingly not too hard form. The alpha, not fully awake, ran his nose down Louis' neck and kissed the base lightly mumbling something that sounded like 'Niall'.

Louis pushed the guilt aside of borrowing his mate's alphas and accepts the spooning from Harry. The alpha's body was larger than Niall's so his head rested easy above Louis' and his knee pressed between Louis' own legs wrapping around him like and octopus devouring its prey. Louis lazily opened his eyes to meet Liam's, the two staring, feeling engulfed in the lessening darkness.

"Did Harry tell you about last night?" Louis asked below a whisper, he tried to gauge the damage control he'd have to do over this.

"This isn't about that, Louis." Liam sighed and rested a hand heavily against Louis exposed cheek, "This is all about what you need."

Louis sighed at the touch, relief at being able to put this conversation off for a little while, "Ok."

"Remember what I said, Lou?" Liam asked his nose was just centimeters from Louis and his warmth radiated across, "I want to help you. Will you let me help you?" Louis nodded minutely, unable to do more because of his positioning with Harry, "Do you need me to drop you?"

Louis' eyes widen and he felt slightly panick. He didn't have the best dropping experiences and the thought of doing so now was scary. He didn't know how to tell Liam, but the alpha must have sensed the bad thoughts brewing. So, he brought his hand still resting on Louis' cheek to pet lower until he reached Louis' shoulder.

"It's ok Louis. I'll be here for you through it all. I'll put you down easy and bring you up slow. I promise. You will be ok." Louis was nervous but could feel his eyelids drooping and his head swimming. With Harry firm and warm behind him and Liam, protective and patient, in front of him he couldn't stop himself from calling for the drop.

"Ok." Louis slurred out. This was happening whether he was ready or not so why couldn't he just be ready? 

Louis tensed waiting for the pinch on the back of his neck and the harsh fall that would follow. But that didn't come instead Liam rubbed his hand from his free side back up to Louis' cheek and then into his hair.

"Ok, baby, I promise I'll take care of you and I won't let anything happen. You are safe here." 

Louis nodded, his eyes struggling to stay on Liam who looked alert and steady. Louis wasn't scared when Liam's hand slipped to Louis' neck he didn't feel a pinch like every other drop had started with. 

Instead Liam rubbed from the base of his neck to his hair line softly and with experienced finger. Louis sighed in relief at not being forced over the edge too suddenly. Instead he fell slow not realizing at first but with every blink he left his eyes remain closed for longer and longer. Until he was out.

Niall woke to a poking at his face and a small weight against his chest. His eyes slid open and he was met with Ollie staring down at him with serious eyes, "Where is Mumma?"

"Umm." Niall looked around the room seeing daylight stream steadily in and missing Louis' pants and general presence entirely, "Looks like Mumma went to work bud." Niall was concerned but wouldn't put it past Louis.

"Oh. Miss mumma." Ollie pouted resting his head against Niall's chest and nuzzling near his neck. Demanding comfort from the omega that smelt like his mom.

"Oh baby." Niall comforted, "He'll be back so soon! I promise!" Niall sighed,  he wanted to go find his mates. He'd never been the best with children and if he could find Harry maybe he would help him.

He rose from the bed grabbing Ollie and making his way to the pack's den. He glanced at his watch and realized it was almost seven so Harry might be up. Niall paused outside the den listening for any sex sounds. He didn't need Ollie walking in on that but when he heard nothing of the sort he opened the door and slipped inside.

He found his alphas on the bed. Zayn and Harry on one side of Louis and Liam on the other. The scene was nice but then Niall did a double take. Why was Louis in here? When had that happened?

"Mumma!" Ollie squealed from Niall's arms and reached out towards an unconscious Louis. 

It didn't take him long to realize that Louis was down, if not evident by the way his body was totally relaxed then by the way the alphas were leaning over him. Niall felt jelousy shifting inside his stomach but only because he hadn't been there to help his omega. 

Liam was running a soothing hand through Louis' hair and Harry remained holding his hand.

Harry looked between his omega with Ollie and Louis beside him and decided to do what needed to be done. He rose from his position, crawling to his mate near the door. He stood between the small child and his mom, hoping to distract. It wasn't really a good time for Ollie to climb onto his mom.

"Hey Mr. Curly!" Harry smiled silly at the small boy and took him from Niall's arms, "Let's go get some breakfast ready for Mumma!" Ollie looked over to Louis and then back to Harry and nodded uncertainly. Harry threw one last look at the peaceful omega in the bed before, threading the fingers of his free hand into Niall's hair, kissing him on the cheek, "Why don't you go help, love." 

He didn't need to be told twice, kissing Harry's cheek, Niall joined the trio on the bed, slipping between Zayn and Louis, "Did you drop him?" He didn't mean for it to come across in an accusing way but he didn't understand what was going on.

"I asked him first, Ni." Liam explained calmly. Zayn slid closer behind Niall and settled him on his lap against the head board, "This is what he wanted."

Niall nodded, "Are you going to bring him up soon?"

"Yeah. I just started when you came in. Want to help me?" Niall nodded. He had no idea what he was doing but desperately wanted to help his omega. Liam smiled tiredly but happily at the sound of nervous humm.

"Louis, can you hear me?" Liam asked and Louis blinked softly. His eyes were far away but after a few moments he nodded.

"Can I see those beautiful eyes again, Lou?" Liam asked again this time running a hand down Louis' cheek and neck. Louis struggled to open his eyes again but left them open for a few moments longer than last time. 

Niall knew what dropping and coming up was like but he'd never actually seen it. Louis looked so fragile and small laying in the bed and Niall felt like he'd do anything to protect him in that moment.

"Niall." Louis mumbled, his fingers wiggling to make a move towards the other omega. Niall left Zayn's lap and moved to kneel more closely beside his mate. His eyes raked over Louis' form and he wanted to see Louis' eyes again. He needed to know how close he was.

Niall looked uncertainly to Liam, "Can I hold his hand?"

Liam nodded encouragingly and he looked nervously to Zayn who did the same before he grabbed Louis' hand. Louis purred happily at the contact and faintly squeezed his hand back.

"Hey Louis. Niall's here and I am too. We would love to see those eyes again. Can you come back up please."

Louis blinked a few times eyes focusing slightly with each movement before whining, "No. Warm."

"I know. But we all need you here. Please come up, Louis." Liam said a little more firmly now. Louis sighed and blinked a few more times before his eyes truly focus on Liam and Niall in front of him and Zayn behind him.

"Hi." He smiled sleepily but clear for the first time. Stretching like he'd slept a long and peaceful night, he yawned.

"Hey, Lou." Liam said just now taking his hand away from Louis' cheek, "How are you feeling?"

"Good." Louis nodded honestly sated and satisfied. It took him a few seconds longer to process that he just dropped and then came back so seamlessly. He hadn't ever had a drop like that so it shocked him when he was finally able to think it through. 

He sat up looking between the three people on the bed. They all had looks of apprehension on their faces and Louis knew there wouldn't be much time before he'd have to tell them the truth. They would want to know about his past.

"So about last night..." Louis started nervously.

Chapter Text

Louis decidedly stated that he did not want to talk about last night. Not now at least.

 The pack wanted to be respectful but struggled to think of anything else to say, as they sat around the breakfast bar in the kitchen. Louis had Ollie snuggled into his lap cutting pieces of pancake and feeding them slowly to himself and his child.

“Louis we don’t have to talk about it, but I would like to make something clear.” Liam finally spoke up. The pack looked to Liam with relief because they all wanted to say it.

“Talk about?” Ollie asked around a mouthful of pancakes.

“Nothing baby.” Louis smiled down painfully at his baby.

“No!” Ollie shook his head, “What is it?” he said ‘it’ like a name of someone he didn't know. Louis gave Liam a look that screamed, ‘thanks dipshit.’ Once his toddler grabbed onto an idea it was nearly impossible to get him to move on.

“Hey, Ollie.” Niall finally said from the seat next to the pair. He graciously placed a hand on Louis shoulder leaning into his mate and his son.

“Wha?” Ollie's mouth still full of food.

“Do you know what we have in the basement?”

“No.” Ollie whispered.

“Can I show you?” Niall asked looking up to Louis knowingly. He knew he said his piece last nice and his alphas should have a chance to say theirs. Ollie looked up to his Mumma checking to see if that was ok and Louis nodded.

 Niall wiped his hands on his napkin and stood holding his arms out for Ollie. Ollie climbed down from his mom’s lap and tentatively reached a hand up to Niall who lead him from the room.

Louis sighed when he was out of hearing range, “I don’t want him to know about this. He doesn’t know anything about his father and I like it that way.”

“Ok. Sorry, Lou. I won’t let it happen again.” Liam promised, “But I just want to say that we should have a plan ready in case there’s a custody battle.” Louis blushed and nodded, so he guessed that Harry told them what happened.

“I called my friend who’s a lawyer and he’s getting me the number of the best family lawyer in the country.” Zayn added nodding encouragingly, “There’s no way you’ll lose custody.”

“Also Lou.” Harry reached across the bar and requested Louis’ hand, to which Louis easily gave, “I just told them the basics ok? I didn’t delve into everything that was said. That’s between us and if you choose to share that with everyone else that’ll be on your terms, ok?” Louis nodded a little relieved looking between the other two alphas.

“I’m just embarrassed.” He finally whispered eyes trained on Harry, “I wish I was strong enough to stand up to him.”

Harry shook his head, “I think it just speaks to the weakness of his character. You were so smart and brave to leave."

“Yeah?” Louis asked.

“yeah.” Liam answered, “You're an amazing mother, Lou."

Louis shook his head and then realization dawned on him, looking at the time, “Oh, shit I should probably call my boss.”

“I called her.” Liam waved him off, “I explained that you needed this and she was more than willing to give it. She’s a very nice woman.”

Louis nodded looking at his brother with teary eyes, “You did?” 

It was such a small thing but taking care of that caused relief to wash over Louis. He’d been so strong for so long and to have someone take care of even the smallest things felt really good. Louis could easily get addicted to this feeling.

“Of course, Lou.” Liam moved to pick Louis up and place him down on his lap, “If you let me, I’ll always take care of you, boo. We all would.”

“Really?”

“Of course!” Harry scooted over to take Liam's chair and Louis smiled down at his hands.

“I think we should pause the going on dates thing until I work this out.” Louis asked nervously looking between the three alphas, and eyeing Harry in particular. He'd understand, after what Oliver had said. 

“That’s a good idea. But could I propose a counter plan?” Liam asked and Louis nodded, “Could we keep bonding but as a family? With Ollie maybe?”

Louis looked like he was really thinking it through before finally answering, “Yeah. I mean if we don’t keep the bond, you’ll all still be his uncles so I think that’s fair.” They all smile in response but Harry’s shined the brightest.

“Since you already have the day off maybe we could go pumpkin picking?” Harry asked, looking at Louis like an excited child, “Or maybe apple picking! We could do that here! We have an orchard right over the hill!” Louis nodded and they were off to find Niall and Ollie in the recording studio.

Louis stared at the sight in front of him, something he’s only longed for in his dreams. Less than a week ago he didn’t even think this would ever be a possibility. Harry walked with a bouncing and giggling Ollie on his shoulders weaving between the apple trees to pick the ones that looked most perfect. 

Ollie would squeal loudly and Harry would come to a halt maneuvering the toddler to reach for the apple of the moment. Liam and Zayn were standing with the apple picking duo holding the bag and spotting the child respectively.

Louis lingered back just a few steps so he could watch the pair closely and with soft eyes, “That’s a beautiful sight, huh?” Niall asked over Louis’ shoulder. 

His nimble fingers ran from Louis’ elbow down to his palm before interlocking their fingers together. His touch rose goosebumps under Louis’ sweater, which was actually Niall’s sweater because he didn’t have clean clothes here. Louis stared down at their hands and couldn’t help the content feeling in his chest. He knew he should be more stressed about seeing Oliver yesterday or even missing work but he wasn’t. He felt safe with these alphas and his omega.

“It’s almost too good to be true.” Louis mumbled turning to face Niall a little more.

“But it is true and you could have it all the time.” Niall ducked his head so that he could rest his forehead against his mate's, “They’d love to have you. I would love to have you. You could wake up like you did today every day.” Louis shrugged, not really ready to let himself dream that big. His mind wondered to this morning and he thought he should probably apologize for his behavior.

“Oh yeah ummm… sorry about last night. I totally freaked out.”

“Hey no,” Niall whispered, utterly serious taking Louis’ chin in his hand, “Louis you have every right to react the way you did. You’re feelings are valid.” Louis gulped down a sudden wave of happy sadness which felt so close to tears stuck in his throat.

“Thank you, Niall. But I’m also sorry about this morning.” Louis looked up shyly to Niall, “I should have asked your permission. It wasn’t right for me to be in your den without you.”

“I loved seeing you in my den and with my mates. You belong in that bed and if I weren’t such a good person I’d tie you down so you would never leave it.”

Louis chuckled and Niall loved the sound, purring deep from satisfaction, “You’re silly, Niall Horan.”

“I’ll be anything for you, Lou.” Then Niall was leaning in for a kiss and Louis was nervous. More nervous now then he was standing awkwardly in his step brother's bedroom. He wanted this bad but felt his bottom lip tremble from fear. But in just one second Niall’s lips where on his and it felt good and right, but still so simple. 

He hadn’t kissed an omega in years and he forgot how different and perfect it could be. Even with just his lips pressed firmly against Louis, they were soft and perfectly molded to Louis’. Louis heard a click and looked over to see Liam unabashedly taking a picture of the two.

“Oh sorry.” He said not sounding convincing at all, “Do you want me to delete that?” He really hoped the answer was no. Niall just rolled his eyes and shook his head. Keeping his hand in Louis’, they crossed the last few steps to join the group.

Ollie looked between his mumma holding Niall’s hand and Niall, seriously, “Mumma kiss uncle Niall?”

“Umm yeah.” Louis swallowed nervously, “I uhhh.” Louis struggled to explain this to his son. How do you explain the fact that your kissing your step brother’s mate and that your step brother actually might be your mate soon. God, his life was starting to sound like a story arch from Game of Thrones.

“I love your mumma very much.” Niall says matter of factly which seemed to qualm the boy. Because, of course, who wouldn’t love his mumma? He was the best.

Ollie giggled and yelled, “Love mumma!” He reached for Louis over Harry’s head and Louis took two steps so that he was next to the pair, “Kisses mumma!” 

Louis chuckled because Ollie made no move to leave Harry’s shoulders, instead forcing Harry to squat a little. Louis leaned around Harry and kissed Ollie’s cheek and then littered a few more quick kisses across to his other cheek. All while Ollie giggled and clapped his hands, and Louis vaguely heard the clicking of Liam’s phone again. 

More pictures.

Despite being sunny with clear blue skies the temperature only got up to a brisk 52 degrees. The group lasted another half hour before deciding to move inside with their bushel of apples. Louis now found himself holding Harry’s hand, who like a total trooper still held Ollie on his shoulders. Niall and Liam were having a serious discussion about the different types of apples found on the property and Zayn lagged somewhere between the two pairs.

“Are you sure he’s not too heavy?” Louis asked wiggling his finger in Harry’s hold. Louis had noticed last night that Harry’s hands were quite a bit larger than Louis’ own hands, and that he actually liked that fact a lot. Large alphas tended to intimidate Louis, especially after everything with Oliver but Harry wasn’t scary.

“It’s totally fine!” Harry smiled jumping a little to get a giggle from his happy passenger, “I actually work out quite a bit and some of it is weight training, so this is definitely manageable.”

“Ok.” Louis smiled, “You really seem to like Ollie. Do you want more kids?” Louis asked. He didn’t think to ask about this on either date but that was kind of a big thing for Louis. Louis loved Ollie and always thought he’d give him a sibling.

Harry snickered and nodded trying to formulate how to say, ‘I think about getting you pregnant a lot’ without sounding creepy but Zayn decided to answer from a step ahead of the trio, “Harry wants a million children.” Louis nodded, thinking that was a good thing but remained quiet.

“Is that ok? I mean if you don’t want anymore kids than I’d be ok with that too. I mean Niall always said he could see himself having kids down the road.” Harry asked nervously.

“Oh yeah. That’s ok.” Louis nodded reassuringly, “I always wanted to give Ollie some siblings with the right partner that is. I don’t think I could have a million though.” 

Harry looked down at Louis and his heart began to beat again. He’d been subconsciously freaking out about the chance that Louis might not want more kids. He loved Niall but the fact that he didn’t want kids for at least five to ten more years was something he often tried to forget. 

Zayn slowed his steps to fall in line with Louis on the opposite side of Harry. He draped an arm around Louis’ shoulders which he accepted easily smiling up at him.

Zayn dropped his lips to Louis’ ear which caused a shiver to run down his spine in excitement, “Harry’s thinking about all the ways he can get you pregnant now.” There’s a pause where Zayn began to over think his words, “Sorry did that make you uncomfortable?”

“Oh umm.” Louis started licking his lips looking to Zayn with dilated pupils, “No. I’m not uncomfortable.” Zayn smiled wickedly. Looks like Harry and Louis might have just codeveloped a breeding kink. Zayn was excited to see that play out.

When the pack reached the main house Zayn brought the apples to the kitchen placing them next to Ollie on the counter. Ollie worked to hand apple after apple to Harry to wash in the sink. The others sat at the breakfast bar to watch the duo and Louis joined Harry at the sink.

“Do you want to make some apple sauce with those?”

“Do you know how?” Harry asked excitedly. Louis was so domestic.

“Umm yeah! Do you have a mill here?” Louis asked looking into the cabinets around the kitchen. If they had a mill they wouldn’t have to meticulously peel and core all the apples.

“I told our interior designer to stock to kitchen with everything she could think of so probably?” Harry nodded, after a few minutes Louis finally found it. He pulled the mill from a lower cabinet and set it on the granite counter.

“Oh that’s what that thing is.” Niall wondered from behind the trio.

Louis walked over to Ollie, standing in front of him, “Do you want to make applesauce, baby boy?” Ollie nodded exuberantly. 

Harry paused his washing to smile fondly at Louis and Ollie off to his side. He was so eager to start the next chapter of his life with this man and his child. Harry hoped someday Ollie would call him his dad, he sighed wistfully at the idea.

Niall from the breakfast bar could see his alpha giving his omega THAT look and he liked it. Louis was a perfect omega for Harry and just seeing these small interactions confirmed his thoughts. Maybe, Louis was just what they all needed.

Louis took his leave from the pack’s house at seven that night. After making more applesauce than they could eat in a year and a grand dinner, he was beat and so was Ollie.

 His apartment looked shabby and old compared to the house he spent the last night at, but he was too tired to think too much about it. Early the next day while he was working at the bakery the sheriff came in looking at the pastries before stopping in front of Louis, “Are you Louis Tomlinson?”

“Yes.” Louis answered slightly uneasy, knowing that sheriff Keller already knew him.

“You’ve been severed.” He said softly handing Louis an envelope. Louis looked at the envelope sadly before slowly reaching out to grab it. 

When he opened it and read the message enclosed his heart sank more. Oliver was suing him for joint custody of their son, just as he promised. When the sheriff left Louis whipped out his phone and without a second thought he was calling up the person he knew would help.

“Louis? Are you ok?” Liam’s voice comes down the line strong and reassuring.

“No. I just got served, Li.” Louis’ voice broke, “He’s suing for custody.”

“Ok. I’ll handle this, Louis. Come over when you’re done with work?” Louis nodded but realized Liam couldn't see him and tiredly confirmed he’ll be over. Louis was distracted and uneasy for the rest of his shift. Thinking about every terrible outcome.

When he finally got to the Old Townsend place he noticed a nice looking car in the driveway. It could be one of the boys', but when he entered there was a new and unfamiliar alpha sitting in the front living room. Louis stood uneasy in the doorway while the three alphas and Niall sat with the stranger, “Where’s Ollie?”

“He’s in the other room playing.” Niall answered and stood to bring Louis into the room, sitting him down across from the new woman. Tall and brunette, she was just as intimidating as any large muscled male alpha.

“Hello, my name is Angie and I’m a family attorney. I specialize in custody cases.” She reached a hand across to Louis. Her voice was rough like she has smoked everyday since she was a child. Her long and skinny body told a similar tale.

“Angie hasn’t lost a case in six years!” Zayn explained, “She’s the best person you could have on your side.” Louis nodded nervously looking between the pack, did Louis deserve this?

“Ok. So if you’re comfortable with it we’re going to leave you to tell Angie a little about your case.” Liam soothed from next to his brother.

“Ok.” Louis whispered and then he was alone.

“Let’s get right into this, Louis. What do you want from this? The pack told me a little but but in my eyes this is about me and you and your child.”

Louis licked his lips and sighed a little, “I want full custody with no contact.”

“Ok so there’s a few cases where this could happen but umm the courts generally don’t rule in favor of this unless there’s good reasoning. Was your child’s other parent abusive?”

“Yes.” Louis answered simply hoping this would suffice but it clearly didn't from Angie’s face.

“I’m going to need more than that Louis. Did he ever hit?”

“Yeah. He slapped me a bit and he punched me a few times.”

“Ok. That’s a good reason to block contact. How often did he become physical. Outside of consensual punishments?”

“Umm at first there was almost nothing and then it was small things like he’d slap my hand away at the grocery store or whatever. But then he started really back handing me for stupid comments or push me down for making a mistake. He didn’t hit me when I was pregnant but then our bond failed and it got so much worse. He’d call me names and choke me. It got so bad I ran with our child one night when he went to the store.”

She nodded sadly but continued, “Did he ever force or coerce any sexual contact?” Louis blushed, but ultimately he knew he had to be honest.

“You won’t tell the boys will you?” Louis looked up shyly at the alpha who immediately shook her head, no.

“No, Louis. This is all between you and me. Later I will ask you to write an affidavit for the judge to read. Technically, your child’s father’s attorney could choose to read parts of it during the hearing but I doubt that would do anything but make him look worse.”

Louis sighed and continued, “So, I don’t know if it counts because we were dating but he’d often try to initiate sex when I was dropping. I’d black out and I don’t remember much of it but I don’t think I wanted it.”

Louis bit his lip and couldn't look up to meet Angie’s eyes. He must sound like such an idiot for staying for so long. But instead Angie placed a soft hand on Louis’ knee, “Louis, I’’m telling you right now that what you’ve described to me is plan and simple rape. Oliver, that’s his name right?” Louis nodded, “Oliver knew you were not in the proper headspace for those acts and did so anyways. Just because he was your partner did not give him the right to do anything to you in that state, Ok?”

Louis nodded blinking slowly taking in this new information, “Ok.”

“Were you trying to have children with him?” She continued.

Louis shook his head, “No. I didn’t trust him to have kids but we ended up pregnant anyways. We used condoms and stuff but I don’t know what happened. One time he jokingly said something about poking holes in them after I got pregnant but I don’t know if that’s true.” She nodded. She could tell this case was going to be hard to hear and the mistreatment of an omega set her teeth on edge.

“Ok. This might get ugly and I don’t want to get your son involved so I’m going to file for a restraining order based on the acts of abuse and on the grounds of alleged stalking. This will allow for your son to be absent during any hearings.”

“What if they don’t believe me? He’s very charismatic.”

She nodded, “Luckily Vermont is a progressive state and many of the judges tend to lean more liberally. They like to protect mothers and children. That’s another thing. I’ve looked into the case and your ex is trying to get it moved to New Hampshire. I’m going to do everything I can to keep this in the Vermont court system. New Hampshire is a more traditionalist state and may try to make an example of your case.”

Louis shivered at the idea of having to share custody, “Do you think he’ll get custody?”

“From what you’ve told me only a sociopath would allow that man any custody of any child, his or otherwise.” Angie placed a hand on Louis’ knee, “Like Zayn said, I haven't lost a case in six years and I’m not having my first go to this asshole, ok?”

“Ok.”

“Now for the affidavit and protection from abuse paperwork I’m going to need more concrete examples. Can you tell me anything specific?”

About an hour after closing themselves in, Angie emerged alone from the front living room and found the boys in the kitchen. They all looked up unexpectedly. All looking for answers, “I think we have a solid case.”

“Yeah?” Liam stepped forward, “I don’t want to invade his privacy but do you think Oliver will get any custody?”

Angie sighed, “Without breaking attorney/ client privilege, all I have to say is that cases like this make me wish castration was still a punitive measure. There is no way he’s suing for any other reason than to harass that poor omega.”

Liam felt anger build at the audacity of that stupid alpha. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, “Damn.”

“I can attest to that. I met him for just a few moments the other night and I could see he was a real piece of work.” Harry stated from his position behind Liam.

Angie looked to him and nodded before continuing, “I told Louis everything he needs to know but essentially we’re asking for a protection from abuse so Ollie won’t get dragged through a hearing and I’m going to make sure that man isn’t allowed anywhere near that omega or his son, ok?”

“Ok. Thank you.” Liam reached a hand out to give a firm handshake, “Like we said. We’re willing to pay any amount to get this resolved as painlessly as possible.” Angie threw them one last look before grabbing her coat and heading out to file the appropriate documents. 

Now, the pack needed to be with Louis.

Chapter Text

After Angie left the room Louis felt raw. 

The things he told this lawyer he hadn’t even really discussed with his own parents. When the pack finally joined him after he heard Angie make her leave, he was wringing his hands nervously. 

He wanted to tell them parts of his story so that when he went to court they weren't finding it out for the first time but he couldn’t get his lips to move.

But his ever-helpful Liam slid next to him and wrapped him in a hug, “It’s ok, Lou.”

“You don’t have to say anything, little cub.” Niall knelt in front of Louis. 

Louis chuckled and shook his head, “Don’t call me that.”

“Why?” Niall pouted growing taller on his knees to rest his elbows on Louis’ thighs and nuzzle Louis’ nose playfully, “Aren’t you my little cub still?” Louis blushed, ducking his head with a soft nod as an answer. The alphas indulged in the two omegas soft and sweet moment.

Something they'd never have enough of.

Niall made a move to climb onto Louis’ lap straddling him happily. His head dipped to scent Louis’ neck and he could feel Louis’ purr deep in his chest at having his mate so close.

 Louis’ body relaxed into the back of the couch and he sighed. Despite the stress of the meeting and the weight of what was to come Louis just wanted to sleep. He felt himself struggling to open his eye lids and for the first time it wasn’t from a drop it was just warm and comfortable. Louis’s head lulled from one side to the other and then he was out.

“Did you drop him again?” Harry whispered making quick strides across the room to check on the other omega. Niall pulled back with wide eyes, unsure. Liam reached a soft hand out to brush back Louis’ bangs and shook his head. 

He was just tired. 

Comfortable omegas could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and Louis proved he was quite comfortable here.

Not even a few days later, Louis was making dinner for Ollie and himself in their little apartment when he heard a knock at the door. Louis' schedule had been so hectic lately with intermittent dinner with the pack and his family. Ollie and himself hadn’t had any family time just to themselves so he decided to take this one night for just them.

 He didn’t know who would be knocking but he assumed it’d be one of the pack, probably Liam. He didn't bother to look through the peephole before swinging the door open only to be met with Oliver.

Standing tall and casually dressed Louis stepped out onto the deck to keep the conversation away from Ollie, “What’re you doing here?”

“Lawyer found your address and I thought I’d stop by before I’m no longer allowed to legally. A restraining order, Louis? Really?” Oliver asked condescendingly taking a step further into Louis’ space.

“My lawyer thought it was best, so Ollie didn’t have to go through the court process.” Louis explains his voice soft and low so not to provoke Oliver or alert Ollie to anything going on.

“Ollie? You know I hated when you called him that.” Oliver shook his head, “Is he in there? I want to see Oliver.” The alpha attempted to move past him, but Louis puts a shaky hand to between them.

“No.” Louis shook his head not making eye contact, “We’ll let the courts decide if you can.”

Oliver growled and suddenly his hand was gripping the hair on the nape of Louis’ neck forcing him to look up. Louis emitted a small involuntary whimper which Oliver rumbled louder at, “You think you can keep me from my son?”

“You didn’t even want to see him until you saw me with Harry the other day.” Louis stated shakily through tears. He shouldn't have mentioned the other alpha, Oliver just grew madder, slapping Louis with force. He only remained standing due to the alpha's  tight grip in his hair.

“Don’t tell me what I want. I wanted you to be my mate but you were such whore you couldn’t remain faithful, so the bond failed. I wanted to be with you. You fucked it all up!"

“I never cheated on you, Oliver.” Louis whispered. His cheek burnt from where Oliver smacked him, and he knew there would be a hand print there tomorrow.

“Yeah fucking right.” Oliver suddenly released Louis who stumbled pack, landing awkwardly but heavily against where the railing met the door. There would definitely be a bruise on his back tomorrow, as well. 

Oliver looked between Louis and the door and finally took a step back, “Louis, you know I don’t want to hurt you, but you can’t test me like that.”

Louis nodded softly trying to pacify the angry alpha, “ok. I’m sorry.”

Oliver nodded, his tone taking on a gentler nature, “Louis, I’m willing to take you back. We could put all this silliness behind us.” Louis’ blood ran cold, this wasn't an offer. It sounded more like a demand and if Louis were any weaker, he’d fold.

“I don’t think so, Oliver.”

“What?” Oliver sneered, “You think Liam’s pack will take you? Then what? They’ll travel the world making music and you’ll stay at home with the kids? Alone?”

“I-i-i-i don’t know.” Louis blushed. He hadn’t thought about that. What would his place be in all of this? Louis knew from what his parents had told him that Liam was traveling for the better half of the year.

“I doubt they’d want to drag you and some other alpha’s child around with them.” Oliver shrugged, “I was always there, Louis. That’s more than they can say.”

“I don’t know what to say, Oliver.”

“Just think about. I’m going to get custody of my child, Louis. All that’s left for you to decide is if you’re going to be with us. I’m willing to drop the suit, Louis. It’s in your hands.” 

Louis gulped and when he didn't reply Oliver made his way down to his new shiny black Audi Q8. 

Once Oliver was finally driving away Louis released a deep and sorrowful sigh. His whole body set on edge from this one interaction and all he wanted to do was call Liam or Niall. 

But he didn't  want to be weak anymore. 

He didn't want to rely on handouts anymore. 

He didn't want to be like this. 

Tears were streaming down Louis’ face and he angrily kicked out at the deck and that actually hurt his toes. So, he cried harder and then Ollie was opening the door and peering up at him.

“Baby.” Louis tried to stop his tears, but he just couldn't quite calm the crying or the tremors from deep within, “I told you not to open the door without my help.”

“Wha' wrong, Mumma?” Ollie reached up for Louis to pick him up which he instantly did, bringing the two inside. Louis could barely stand, once the door was shut, he slid down to the ground holding Ollie to his chest.

“Nothing’s wrong, baby boy.” Louis didn't want Ollie to see him cry but he couldn't stop.

“Mumma sad?” Ollie wiggled back so he could see Louis’ face, “Love mumma!”

“I love you too, baby. So so so much.” Louis was still sniffling but had finally regained some composure. Louis didn't know how long he just sat on the ground numbly holding Ollie before he finished their dinner. He barely got three bites down before giving up.

The next morning Louis was awake at a little before four loading Ollie into the car. 

He started dropping Ollie off with the boys during the day. Giving his mom some much needed vacation time, she missed her grandson, but it was nice to get a break. It also gave the pack some time to see how their lives would be with a child.

Louis had the radio playing softly and Ollie tiredly blinked out the window. Ollie asked, “Mumma? Harry here?”

“What bud? You’re going to see Harry in a few minutes.” Louis answered softly. Ollie just loved that curly haired alpha so much.

“No mumma. Harry in the car?” Ollie asked and Louis tried to figure out what he meant when it suddenly dawned on him. The One Direction song, History, was playing on the radio and Ollie recognized Harry’s voice. It struck him for a minute that he didn’t try to change it or start to cry. How much had changed in just a a short time.

“Oh no bud. Harry’s on the radio. This is his song.”

“Harry in radio?”

“Not in the radio bud on the radio.”

Ollie looked like he was thinking, “Harry sings good!”

“Yup baby. He does.” Louis smiled softly at his son through the two mirrors as he pulled into the driveway of the pack’s house. He’d have to explain they were actually famous sooner or later but for now that wasn’t his biggest issue.

 When Louis got to the steps Zayn opened the door and Louis could see Harry moving towards them from the kitchen.

“Harry!” Ollie reached for him and Louis easily handed him over before nodding an early morning greeting and turning to leave. 

His movements halted by a solid hand to his shoulder. Zayn had a searching look on his face before he wordlessly hovered a hand over the spot where the bruise was on Louis’ cheek. Louis tried to use some cheap foundation to cover up the bruise but evidently that didn’t do the job.

Zayn’s sharp eyes caught just a hint of the bruise before drawing his thumb over the spot clearing some of the heavy foundation as Louis squeezed his eyes shut from the slight pressure. 

The omega heard Harry gasp from behind Zayn and he looked horrified.

“Harry go get Liam.” Zayn whispered, wiping more of the foundation off.

“No wait. Don’t get Liam. I-i-i-i’m just clumsy it’s nothing.” His request fell on deaf ears as Harry was already making his way up the stairs with Ollie in his clutches.

“Like hell, Louis. There is a hand print on your face.” Zayn looked furious, well he looked like he was trying to hide the fact that he was furious.  But surprisingly it didn't scare Louis. He knew he wasn’t angry at him.

“Please Zayn. I have to get to work.”

“You will wait.” Zayn’s command washed over Louis and he nodded, stiffly.

Liam hurried down the stair’s moments later with a tired looking Niall trailing behind. Louis was embarrassed and ducked his head, “What’s going on.”

Louis answered, “Nothing.” as Zayn stated, “Look at his face.”

Louis still had his head tilted down when he felt Niall’s hand soft and soothing grabbing his chin. Louis flinched at the movement and instantly regretted it but allowed Niall to lift his face. Both Liam and Niall gasped at the stark red hand print peeking through the streaks of foundation Zayn has wiped away.

“Who did this?” Niall gritted through his teeth.

Louis met his eyes timidly he wasn’t going to lie, “Oliver.” Niall looked livid.

“When?”

“Last night. It’s nothing.” Louis tried to shrug off Niall’s hand, but it remained firm.

“It’s not nothing, Louis.” Niall and Louis were making firm and deliberate eye contact, “I’m gonna kill him. I’m gonna kill him, Liam.”

“What! No, Ni, i-i-i-it’s nothing.”

“What do you mean it’s nothing?” Liam asked from his spot beside Niall, “Has this happened before?” Louis finally took his eyes from Niall and looked to Liam shyly. He really didn’t want to talk about this anymore, but he wasn’t going to lie for Oliver anymore but he didn’t want a pity party.

“Look I have to go to work.”

In Ollie’s unofficial room upstairs Harry went to lay him down for a couple more hours of sleep when Ollie asked, “Harry?”

“Yes buddy?” Harry knelt next to the bed and ran a comforting hand through Ollie’s hair.

“Will you marry my Mumma?” Ollie’s blue eyes looked so similar to Louis’ sad eyes. Why was this toddler looking so defeated?

“You want me to marry your mumma?” Harry asksed.

“Mmm hmm!” Ollie respondsed, “Like Julie’s mumma on Sesame street.”

“Well buddy!” Harry doesn’t know how to talk to a small child about this, “I would love to marry your mom. Why are you asking?”

“Mumma scared. You protect Mumma?” Ollie rolled over now and stared at Harry on his side.

“Baby. There is nothing to be scared of but I promise to protect your mom either way. Ok?” Ollie nodded tiredly.

“Ok go back to bed and I will wake you in a little while.” Ollie nodded and Harry tucked him in walking away with a greater weight on his shoulders. This whole series of events was effecting Ollie more than anyone realized.

 When he finally arrived back down stairs his mates formed a semi circle around a shrinking Louis.

“Come on, Louis.” Liam’s supplicant, praying Louis will listen, “You have a hand print on your face. You’ve been punished but I doubt it was consensual or that there was any after care. Let me take care of you.”

Louis’ eyes skirt across the group lingering on Harry for a moment noting his son wasn’t here, “I have to go to work, Li. How about tonight? I’ll come back after work?”

Everything in Liam was calling for him to not let this omega leave but this wasn’t the dark ages anymore so he acquiesced, “Please come back soon, Lou.”

At that, Louis made his escape before anyone would stop him. Niall turned to Liam with angry eyes, “What the fuck, Liam. Why did you let him leave?”

“He’s not ours yet, Niall. He’ll come back.” Liam soothed Niall’s hair and shoulder.

“He is mine!” Niall roared, “He had a fucking hand print on his face. I’m going to end that pathetic alpha’s life!”

“Niall.” Harry tried to soothe grabbing Niall into a hug from behind. The alphas were angry and felt impotent, “You can’t kill anyone, Niall.” 

Niall struggled in Harry’s arms but he was an alpha and ultimately Niall was too weak to break free. Instead he tired himself out and went limp. Then he started crying sad and heavy tears shook through his chest.

“This is all my fault.” Zayn was suddenly in front of his distraught omega bringing him into his arms, “If I didn’t leave him than he never would have met that terrible man.”

“Baby no.” Harry released Niall and took to rubbing his back, “Louis told me he wouldn’t change anything in his past because then he wouldn’t have Ollie.”

Niall pulled back to send Harry a scathing look, “That’s stupid.”

“No Niall it’s beautiful. He loves his child so much and when he has our children, he’ll love them just as much. He’s a beautiful and strong omega.” Niall nodded wiping he’s cheek.

“My kids?” His lip wobbled, “He’ll have my kids.” 

The alphas look at each other over Niall’s head. It was nearly impossible for two omegas to get each other pregnant, but Harry just decided to nod to appease the upset omega.

“We’d make beautiful babies.” Niall whispered forlornly into Harry’s chest.

“You would.” Harry continued from above Niall, “And Louis would love and protect them just as fiercely.”

Louis was apprehensive on his drive home not really knowing what was to come but he made a decision. If Oliver was granted custody, he’d go back to him. There was no way he’d ever let Ollie leave his side. 

He knew how Oliver ticked and he was older now so he should be able to avoid those sore points. He knew raising his voice and telling him what to do yesterday would get him in trouble. He could avoid it. It was sort of normal for alphas to punish their mates, anyways.

When he arrived to the house he saw the fancy SUV belonging to Angie, parked in the drive. Of course, they’d call her back in. Louis greeted the group in the den again and Angie was up and across the room. She lifted his face and examined the make up covered bruise on his face.

“Can you wash this off for me? I need to take a picture.” Louis blushed at the manhandling and the lawyer’s tone, looking over to his step brother. He didn't know if he was looking for permission or something else but when he nodded Louis looked back to Angie and nodded.

“Here let me take you to the bathroom while the alphas finish with this discussion.” Niall stood grabbing Louis’ hand and leading him to the bathroom upstairs. 

He forwent the two guest bathrooms and brought him into the pack’s den. Louis hadn’t realized he was so tense but after taking a deep breath he could feel the stress leave his body like a gritty slime. 

He assumed it was due to this being the place of his last, and best, drop. His legs felt like jelly and he relied on Niall’s leading for him to make it to the en suite.

Large with a huge open shower and deep soaking tub Louis sighed heavily at the ostentatiousness of the place. Niall pushed him against the sink and Louis easily hopped up. His mate wordlessly rooted through the drawers before pulling a bottle of makeup remover and some cotton pads. 

He worked to gently remove the make up from Louis’ face. For the first time in ever, Louis thought, he had the height advantage and he didn't mind it.

Once the make up was fully removed, Niall raked a hand through Louis’ hair and down his face, “If I could take all the pain for you I would.”

“It didn’t hurt that bad, Ni.” Louis muttered looking down at his thighs where Niall’s hand was resting. Louis brought just the tip of his finger to the top of Niall’s hand and traced down to his wrist. His mate shuddered at the slight touch and rested his head against Louis’ shoulder.

“That’s not what I was talking about.” Louis sighed, Niall said he would take it all away, but he couldn’t, and Louis wasn’t sure he would even want him to.

“Niall there’s one more thing. Yesterday he shoved me and I fell and I think I may have another bruise. Will you check for me?” Louis’s voice was little as he asked and Niall nodded unable to vocalize in a way that wouldn’t come across angry. 

Louis tugged his shirt off and stood in front of Niall with his shoulders bowed a little unsure. Niall looked over Louis’ lithe form and his mouth went dry. He was definitely still physically attracted to Louis. He wasn’t fifteen anymore, his stomach smaller but still soft with a light happy trail disappearing into his pants. Niall wanted nothing more than to kiss across his tummy and lower. Louis could see Niall’s eyes taking in his form and his cheeks blushed a rosy red from embarrassment. He still had body issues after having a baby.

He turned to show Niall his back and a shocked gasp left his lips, “Oh Louis. Did you hit a door jam? You have a long bruise.” Omegas were known to bruise easier and Louis was no exception. Niall reached out to touch the beginning near his right shoulder and Louis flinched.

“Is it bad?” Louis whispered.

“Yeah, little cub.” Niall ran soft fingers from his shoulder down to his kidney. Letting out a shaky breath Niall placed a soft kiss against Louis’ shoulder solemnly whispering, “I won’t let this happen again.” Louis remained quiet. 

Niall will be so disappointed if he has to go back to Oliver, but he’ll do anything to keep Ollie with him.

When the two omegas arrived back down stairs, Louis gave Niall a side eye like a shy child. Angie looked over the damage giving an attempt at a warm smile but it comes off closer to tight lipped and uneasy, “I’m just going to add this evidence onto the restraining order case which will be reflected in the custody case as well.”

Louis nodded and looked over to Niall, wide eyes begging for him to tell. They have a thirty second silent conversation with just head tilts and everyone seemed to notice before Niall sighed, “There’s more. He has another bruise on his back.” 

Angie looked to Louis who nodded as if to confirm. Louis could feel himself crawling into his protective place, silent and wide eyed, he felt like he couldn’t talk. His first curling and uncurling painfully. 

“Can I see it, Louis?” Louis bit his lip and pulled his shirt off quickly turning to reveal the bruise he himself still hadn’t seen to show the room. There were a few gasps and Louis wrapped his arms around himself. Once the pictures were taken Louis quickly pulled his shirt back on and sat between Niall and the arm of the sofa. He was so embarrassed he could hardly look up.

“Thank you, Louis. I know this isn’t easy, but it will help the case substantially.” Angie settled back into the chair with confidence, “There is something else though and I spoke about it briefly with the boys.”

Louis looked up sharply, “What?”

“It appears Oliver has hired a real sleezeball but high-priced attorney and their fighting tooth and nail against everything I do.” Angie explained, “That being said. I’m better. But just know that it might be a bumpy ride.”

Louis nodded working over his cheek anxiously, “Umm yeah. His grandfather owns like ten car dealerships in New Hampshire and he was working at his uncles when we were together, but he always said it’d be his someday.”

She nods, “Don’t worry, Louis. We have a pretty solid case and I got those pictures from your parents to add as well. Did he threaten you the other day? Verbally?”

Louis shook his head but then reconsidered, “He just was mad about the restraining order and then he said he wanted to see Ollie, but I wouldn’t let him. Um..” Louis gulped thinking about that whole interaction yesterday, “He said that he was going to get Ollie and that I could come back to him and he’d drop the case.” Niall ran a grounding hand down Louis’ thigh.

She shook her head, “That is clearly intimidation, Louis. We’ll include that in the affidavit.”

Louis nodded and she continued to talk but Louis was tired and he didn't want to talk anymore. Soon enough, after nodding and agreeing to whatever was said, Zayn walked Angie out. Louis blinked rapidly to focus on what Niall was saying, “…and you can sleep here tonight. You can sleep with Ollie like before or in—”

Louis cut him off suddenly and in a desperate tone, “I want to sleep with you.”

Niall looked Louis over and nodded instantly, “Of course, you can sleep with me too.” Louis nodded licking his lips and finally looking around.

“Where’s Ollie?”

“He’s in the dining room doing a puzzle.” Liam explained and Louis nodded again before standing up and making his way to that room. 

The room Louis decided to go on those dates in. 

The room that started this path right back into Oliver’s grip. There, Ollie sat at the head of the table with a chunky fifty piece puzzle with dogs on it.

“He pal!” Louis brushed his hand through Ollie’s curls, “What do you have here?”

“Doggie puzzle!” Ollie smiled eyes remaining glued to the puzzle ahead of him.

“Did you have a good day today, bud?” Louis asked crouching beside him putting a piece into place near the edge.

“Good job, Mumma!” Ollie smiled and planted a kiss to Louis’ cheek, “Good day with boys.”

“I’m glad, baby boy.” Louis looked Ollie’s face over, happy to see more spots that look like him than Oliver. His baby had little crinkles next to his eyes and little apples on his cheeks, “Do you mind if we sleep here tonight?”

“Sleepover!” Ollie cheered and went back to his puzzle. Louis sighed and looked up to see Niall in the door. He walked over to his mate and rubbed their noses together and then their cheeks. The close omegan greeting brought him comfort and stillness.

“Dinners almost ready.” Niall murmured eyes drifting between Louis eyes and his lips, “Do you want me to make up the guest bedroom or do you want me to sleep with you and Ollie again?” 

Louis felt taken aback. He wanted to sleep in the den, but he wouldn’t ask. That was crossing a line he supposed. They weren’t a pack yet. Not with Louis at least. He had no right to ask to be in the den.

Niall could see the gears turning in Louis stressed out little head and grabbed his hand. Louis’ thoughts came to a halt and he looked to Niall, “Or you could sleep in the den with everyone?”

Louis bit his lip. The offer felt forced and he didn’t know if Harry and Zayn would be ok with that, “Is that ok?” Louis asked bringing his hand up to grip Niall’s hip.

Niall nodded eagerly, “That’s more than ok!”

“With Harry?” Louis asked, “And Zayn?”

“Do you want me to make sure?” Niall asked, “I’m almost positive it’s fine but I can ask.”

Louis nodded cheek coming back up to Niall’s cheek and lips brushing his ear, “Could you please ask?” 

Niall nodded and took a sharp turn to go ask Harry and Zayn. Louis rejoined his son at the table and helped teach him the sort by the color technique which he loved. Ollie excitedly showing his Mumma he knew all the colors.

The next person to walk through the door was Harry with Zayn close behind. Ollie looked up with sheer excitement, “Harry look! Almost done!”

“Wow bud!” Harry looked over Ollie’s shoulder, “That looks amazing! What did we name this puppy huh?” Harry had sat in the back of the Mercedes earlier with Ollie and named all the puppies on the box.

“Ummm…” Ollie thought hard, “Abby!”

“Oh yeah.” Harry nodded, “You’re right! That’s definitely Abby! Hey, bud do you mind if I steal your Mumma for two minutes.”

Ollie pursed his lips looking to make a deal, “Two scoops tonight!”

Harry cocked his head and bargained, “How about one scoop and I eat half of the second?”

“Ok.” Ollie smiled happily.

“So I’m worth half a scoop of ice cream to you, huh?” Louis asked and Ollie giggled.

“Mummas worth two whole scoops!” Louis just laughed along and kissed Ollie’s head on his way out. He followed the two into the entry way and the warmth from just moments before dissipated.

“Did Niall ask?” Louis whispered staring down at his feet. He was sure this was leading up to a soft but painful let down.

“Yeah.” Harry answered, “We just want to let you know that that’s completely fine with us.”

“Really?” Louis’ head whipped up to look between the two alphas.

“Yeah.” Zayn smiled warmly, “We’d love to have you.” It was a little formal but Louis nodded, gratefully.

“Thank you.” Louis felt tears form in his eyes at the invitation and let himself be vulnerable, “I really need it.” 

Harry was the first to step forward embracing Louis tightly. Louis rested his cheek firmly against Harry pec and nuzzled softly. He could hear Harry purr, sending waves of calm crashing over Louis. Zayn joined the pair to hug them both from the side and Louis found his nose up against Zayn’s collar bone. 

He really hoped he didn’t have to give this up. 

He prayed Angie will make this work.

Chapter Text

Louis spent all of ten minutes putting Ollie down for bed, in his unofficial bedroom. 

Every day it seemed like it was becoming less and less unofficial, between the naps and sleepovers. They’d bought him cute and expensive sheets decorated with Moana’s friends Heihei and Pua. 

Louis also noticed the new and expensive clothes that he often found Ollie in at the end of the day. He even noticed a pair of Versace sneakers but chose to ignore that for now. He wouldn’t accept these sort of gifts for himself by why deny Ollie the gifts. His precious boy who deserved so much but often only got goodwill or the occasional gap from his thrifty Grammy, could use some newer things.

Tonight, he had Harry’s night time kid friendly yoga to thank for Ollie’s quick fall into slumber. It was so adorable to watch Harry teach Ollie downward dog and sun salutations so patiently and with genuine joy. Not to mention Harry’s leggings clinging to his tall and muscular legs. 

He nervously left the room and wandered down stairs to find the pack in the kitchen. Zayn was putting dishes in the dishwasher as Niall rinsed them off at the sink. Louis lingered near the doorway to watch the pack. They acted so normal, Louis often forgot that they have stadiums full of screaming fans throughout the world.

“Hey.” He entered their space softly joining Liam at the breakfast bar.

“Hey there.” Liam smiled nudging Louis’ shoulder with his own.

Tracing the complex pattern of the granite counter, Louis bit his lip, “This might be a stupid question but aren’t you all supposed to be bonded in like three days? In like New York City.”

Liam looked over to his pack across the island and sighed, “We’ve postponed indefinitely.”

“Because of me?” Louis asked nervously. He felt guilty for postponing the packs life so uncertainly.

“No.” Niall stepped forward leaning next to his mates, against the counter, “because of me. I don’t know if you heard but I formed this bond with this cute little omega and now I’m trying to make him fall in love with me again.”

Louis blushed and a slight giggle left his lips, “I had heard that. From the daily mail I think?”

“Oh yeah?” Niall smiled cheekily and moved around the counter to stand next to Louis, “What else did you hear?” Niall nosed under Louis’ ear and down to his chin.

“I heard you got butt implants.” Louis tilted his head and tried to remain serious, but he couldn't contain his smile at Niall’s dropped jaw.

“Do you know they actually wrote that about me? I’ve had three interviewers ask me about that!”

“Yeah.” Louis smirked shyly, “Zayn told me the other night.”

“I did?” Zayn asked from across the room. He doesn’t remember talking about that at all.

“Yeah. Zayn said that one bugged you the most.” Louis giggled shyly as Niall’s face transformed from shocked to faux outrage.

“You little minx! You got personal information out of my poor defenseless alpha by drugging him.” Niall lent in to tickle Louis, “Didn’t you?!” Louis giggled uncontrollably and scurried from his seat into his step brother’s lap and then to the stool beside him.

“Liam save me!” Liam just shook his head at the two omegas' antics as Niall crawled onto the now empty stool trying to chase Louis across Liam’s lap.

“No one can save you from me!” Louis’ laugh was so infectious Niall could barely stabilize himself from laughing too hard. 

Harry and Zayn were chuckling across the island and Liam was trying to make sure neither of his omegas took a tumble to the ground. Louis braced against Liam hiding by circling his arms around his waist and tucking his face into Liam’s shoulder. 

Louis peeked out after a second of silence and Niall’s face inches away from his own.

“Did you think that would stop me?” Niall’s took on the tone and charisma of a black and white film villain tying the lady in distress to the train tracks. Louis reached a finger between the two to poke Niall’s cheek punishingly. 

He quickly turned his cheek taking Louis’ finger between his teeth and grinning triumphantly. Niall’s tongue flicks against the top of Louis’ finger and Louis felt his dick perk up with interest.

Louis’ eyes widen and he swiftly tries to pull his finger free but that just draws Niall’s face impossibly closer. Louis pouted and whined lowly to which Niall responded to on a biological level. 

He released Louis’ finger but intended to replace it with his lips. The kiss was sudden but so good. 

Like the other day in the apple orchard Louis found it almost too easy to lean into. They were both gentle and soft but Niall took the initiative to draw his tongue across Louis’ bottom lip first. Louis' lips parted and Niall was taking that as permission to enter. Niall tried to leverage a better angle resting his hand against Liam’s shoulder and his other on Louis’ thigh. Leaving Liam a close spectator to the two omega's exploration, which he had no issue with.

Louis was tentative to bring a hand to Niall’s cheek but did so anyways. The kiss grew until Louis was whimpering, no longer able to satisfy his need to breath with short gasps. 

They pull apart, Louis panting heavily with blown pupils. Niall had a mirrored look and went to dive back in but stopped short by the clearing of a throat. Suddenly Louis remembered he was in the kitchen with the pack. The pack he didn’t really belong to yet but also the pack whose omega he’d just been kissing. 

How complicated.

Louis looked to Harry and Zayn, finding the later with raised eyebrows but no anger. While Harry’s lips are slightly parted and he looked between the two longingly. 

“Sorry."  Louis whispered but it came out more breathy than intended. He blushed, he sounded like a wanton omega sitting uneasy on Liam’s side.

“Don’t be sorry, Louis.” Niall brushed him off climbing down from the chair to join his alphas, “They liked the show.” 

That just makes Louis blush more. 

The pack and Louis hadn't really negotiated boundaries as far a physical relationships go so Louis was treading on unsteady territory. Louis found that made him nervous that one of the alphas could explode at any moment from anything he did. 

Liam rubbed a soothing hand down Louis’ back intending to calm the tension created from his post kiss shame. Louis had read somewhere, that there are specific and pleasurable nerve endings that activate when touched at a certain speed and force and Liam seemed to be an expert at finding the correct movements. Louis enjoyed the touch and closed his eyes leaning his head against his step brother’s shoulder.

“Do you want to go to bed, Lou?” Liam asked gently from beside him and Louis nodded eagerly.

Niall was back to Louis’ side at this comment, “Come on, little cub. The boys can finish the rest of this.” Niall threw the alphas a look telling them to hang back for a little bit. Once Niall had Louis outside the den’s door he paused.

“You gonna be ok, Lou?” Niall held Louis’ hands in his and Louis was worrying over his lip and rubbing his hands together.

“I want it so bad.” Louis’ voice broke, “but I’m scared, Niall.”

“Why are you scared?” Niall asked, “This is all in your control. Whatever you want at whatever pace you want.”

Louis gulped, “Despite that thing with Liam. I-i-i-i haven’t been with anyone since Oliver and that wasn’t really good.”

“Oh course, Louis.” Niall hand rested on Louis’ jaw, his thumb brushing over Louis’ still bruised cheek, “I’m sorry if you feel like I’m pushing you, you can sleep in the guestroom or with Ollie.”

“No. It’s not you.” Louis stroked his cheek against Niall’s, enjoying his soft, warm mate, “I’m scared of the alphas. Even Liam kind of.” Louis pulled back to look at Niall. His breath coming out in nervous huffs.

“Oh little cub.” But before Niall could continue Louis rushed on.

“I-i-i-i don’t know what to expect because you were my first and with you it was nice and gentle, but I always felt so sick with worry about Liam and everything. And then with Oliver I never knew what to expect because he was so hot and cold. I’m scared that I’m just ruined.” Louis’ lip wobbled, “I think I’m broken. Like like like shouldn’t I want to be with an alpha. Like a good omega?”

“No, Louis.” Niall grasped Louis’ face in both his hands, “You are a good and special omega and if you can’t ever find it in you to want to be with the alphas in that way than you don’t have to. This isn’t just about sex, Louis. It’s about companionship and nonsexual intimacy. So many people have happy and healthy relationships that are never entirely sexual.”

“yeah?” Louis asked.

“yeah.” Niall nodded, “Like Oprah and Stedman.” Louis’ not surprised Niall knew the extent of the two betas relationship but also totally acknowledges that Niall just name-dropped Oprah.

“I want to want it.” Louis murmured sadly, “I want to give Harry kids and all of them, of course and I’ve enjoyed it in the past but I’m just so nervous.”

“Louis, baby calm down.” Niall shook his head, “This is the first night of many, hopefully. You can sleep on the end and no one’s going to initiate anything. You are the driver. We are not expecting anything from you.”

Louis nodded his mind still running through so many worse case scenarios, “Even Liam? You know because I did that with him?”

“Louis, my beautiful little cub, consent is yours to give and take back freely. Just because you gave it once doesn’t mean you’ve given it over forever.” Niall was nodding, “You are the driver, Louis. Remember that.” Louis nodded finally giving in.

Niall sighed, his mate was so fragile but he certainly was not broken, “Let’s get some pjs on, huh?”

Niall swung the door open, despite Louis being in there just earlier today this time felt different. He looked to Niall who waved him in and once inside he really took in the interior. 

On Louis' first visit it had been dark and then earlier today he’d been too stressed. He looked around noting the king size bed, freshly made but still warm. The room was large with a sitting nook draped in a warm but white wall surrounding a large bay window. There was even a fireplace across from the bed. 

He actually realized that this room was bigger than his entire apartment over the laundromat. Niall had disappeared into the ensuite bathroom returning with some clothes in his hand.

“Here. I’m assuming you didn’t bring any pjs?” Louis looked down at the shirt in his hands lifting it to his nose to sniff it. It smelt strongly of the pack but more specifically clove and warm spices, like Zayn.

“Zayn?” Louis asked noticing there were no pants, “No pants?”

“You have a good nose baby, like a good little omega.” Niall’s nose crinkled as he tapped Louis’ nose lovingly, “Also I don’t wear pj bottoms and you’re smaller than me so the boy’s pants definitely wouldn’t fit. Is this ok?” 

Louis bit his lips but nodded changing quickly in front of Niall. He stood uncertainly for a moment only wearing a Gucci tee shirt that landed at about mid-thigh. A tee shirt that probably cost more than what he made in a week. Niall was dressed similarly but stood with much more comfort. 

He went to the side of the bed closest to them and lifted the duvet, “Climb in, cub.”

“You don’t have like sides or anything?” Louis wavered, so unsure next to Niall.

“What did I say, Louis?” Niall raised a finger between them.

“Umm…” Louis looked between Niall’s finger and his face unsure, “I don’t…”

“You are the driver, Louis. Repeat that.” Niall demanded.

“I am the driver.” Louis sounded about a quarter as confident as Niall, “But I don’t want to make the pack uncomfortable maybe they won’t want me anymore.”

“You are the driver, little cub.” Niall shook his head, “Those men downstairs are good and powerful alphas but they wouldn’t be anything without you or me. I let them spank me-not often-and I let them tell me what to do but ultimately Louis, I let them do those things. They’re nothing without us don’t ever forget that.” Louis tilted his head and looked Niall over with renewed interest.

“You’re an amazing omega, Niall.” Louis said with sincerity that Niall never really got. Most people said that sarcastically and Niall laughed along, because he was loud and pushy, but Louis said it with so much reverence that Niall was taken aback.

“Really?” Niall asked.

“Yeah.” Louis smiled softly, “You’d never let anyone take advantage of you or your kids someday. Any alpha would be lucky to have you.” Niall sighed and pulled Louis into a hug. What all the alphas loved so much about Louis, something Niall could never see in himself, Louis saw so clearly. 

Niall knew he wasn’t maternal in the way many Omegas were but that didn’t seem to matter to Louis. Louis has always seen the hidden potential in Niall and that just made him fall in love over and over again.

“You have always made me feel so seen, Louis. You are such a good omega.” Niall landed a gentle kiss to Louis lips, “Now we’ve gassed each other up enough. Get in bed.” 

Louis giggled but climbed into bed without hesitation this time. Niall smiled down at Louis in his bed in just a big tee shirt and a wave of pleasure ran through him. This was where he belonged. He eyed his phone on the side table and grabbed it quickly to snap a picture. He wanted a million pictures of Louis soft and scantily dressed in his bed.

“Niall.” Louis whined.

“What? Can’t I have a nice picture of my omega.” Niall pouted and sent a quick text chuckling.

“Who are you texting?” Louis whined sitting up trying to look at Niall’s phone but Niall pulled away, hiding his phone against his chest.

“The boys.” Louis smiled with a slight head tilt and narrowed eyes.

“Can I see?” Louis asked.

“No.” Niall stated throwing his phone across the room over to the sitting nook. Louis looked over the phone now lying on the ground and back to Niall.

“That wasn’t weird at all.” Louis whispered as Niall climbed onto the bed over Louis.

“I know right.” Niall smiled and Louis got the gist of the message, seeing as the alphas quickly arrived in the room. They tried to hide their obvious excitement but failed. Louis blushed at their eager eyes and turned to Niall, hiding his face in his mate’s neck. Louis heard the alphas walking around the room getting ready for bed but he remained hidden like a little kid.

“Ok, you two, can you budge over?” Liam asked from behind Louis and Louis looked up worriedly to Niall who just smiles over Louis’ head.

“No. Louis will be sleeping here.”

“Oh. Ok? Are you sure?” Liam asked.

Sickly sweet Niall muttered, “Yup. We’ll stay here.”

“Ok!” Harry's deep timbre sounded next, “Liam can sleep on Zayn’s side. No worries.” Louis felt the bed dip and burrowed deeper into Niall. He felt so at ease surrounded by the pack’s scent, but he also couldn't help but feel a little shy. A pack coming together was portrayed as something effortless and natural in media and even in health class but Louis wasn't sure that was true. Reality is awkward but he’s willing to put the work in.

When the lights turn off Louis shyly peaked over Niall to find the room illuminated by the crescent moon. Harry was next to Niall, then Zayn, and then finally Liam. They all whisper their soft good nights. Liam was currently leaned over his two alphas placing a soft kiss to Niall’s lips. Liam paused at seeing Louis peering at him over Niall’s chest, like a small animal.

“Can I give you a kiss?” Liam asked, Louis eyed Niall wearily. Niall was right. He was in charge here.

Louis shrugged and looked down. He was nervous. Ever since seeing Oliver a lot of repressed anxiety resurfaced especially with the alphas.

 Instead of stewing in it, Louis chose to grab the moment by the horns and lent up planting a kiss to Liam’s cheek before ducking back down. Harry looked between the two over him and daydreamed momentarily about the two step brothers making out on the bathroom floor. 

Liam smiled happily and settled back down next to Zayn.

There was an awkward beat of silence and then Niall was whispering into Louis’ ear, “You are the driver, Lou. Don’t forget it.” Louis smiled against Niall’s neck. He was the driver.

“What’re you two whispering about?” Harry asked going up onto his elbow looking over the two omegas.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Niall smiled cheekily raising his chin so he was closer to Harry, smirking. Harry lent in and kissed his omega but couldn't help his sudden awareness of Louis’ face so close to theirs. 

Harry pulled back but lingered near the two licking his already wet lips and giving a shaky smile to Louis. Louis lent up and landed a sweet and open-mouthed kiss to Niall’s jaw while keeping tentative eye contact with Harry. 

The movement was innocent but so incredibly erotic. Harry, if nothing else, was respectful so he gave the two another shaky smile and nodded laying back with the beginnings of a boner. If Louis wasn’t in the bed, he’d get Liam or Zayn to give him some relief but he couldn’t tonight.

Louis woke the next morning noticing first Niall’s soft breaths against his forehead. Next he saw that it was still dark in the room and according to the clock on the bedside table he had to leave for work in less than half an hour. 

Louis stretched minutely trying not to wake Niall but failed. Niall smiled sleepily down at Louis, “Don’t go.”

“I have to, Ni.” Louis whispered tiredly. Niall pouted but released Louis from his grip only keeping his hand softly on Louis’ shoulder.

“Sleep here again tonight?” Niall whined more than asked.

“Can I sleep on the side again?” Louis’ finger landed gently on Niall’s nose and slipped down to Niall’s lips.

“You can have the whole bed, boo.” Niall promised wide eyed and adoring.

“Then I’ll be here.” Louis grinned and kissed Niall softly and then with a little more force. Louis wasn’t tired. He hadn’t slept so well in months so he climbed gratefully and fully on top of Niall, straddling his hips.

 Louis deepened the kiss, gliding his tongue over Niall’s teeth and against his tongue. Louis was driving and it turned Niall on and unbeknownst to the two omegas, it was turning Harry on next to them. Niall moaned soft and assured as Louis dropped lower against his mate, their bodies lining up perfectly.

“Oh shit, Lou.” Niall whined as Louis pulled back all the way, peering at Niall from his place of power.

Louis lent in again lips ghosting over Niall’s, “I should go.”

“Noooo.” Niall whined pitifully, “Please..”

“Hmm maybe next time you can drive.” Louis giggled and pushed a quick kiss to Niall’s lips before hopping off, “Can I borrow a shirt.”

“You can have anything, Lou.” Niall uttered breathlessly as he led Louis through the en suite and into the walk in closet, “Seriously, Lou, do you want a plane? I’ll buy you a plane. A car? Any car! I-i-i-i’ll have it here by the time you get home. You say it. I'll get it.”

“I just need a shirt that fits, Ni.” Louis rolled his eyes and started pulling open drawers from the built in.

“Here, Lou.” Niall walked over to one of the many drawers before pulling out a shirt that was definitely his own. It was a button down with red and blue vertical stripes. Louis slipped it on and it was a little too big but it’ll do.

“Thank you, Ni.” Louis smiled softly. If he didn't leave now, he’ll be late so he dropped one more kiss to Niall’s lips before heading out. The alphas all appeared to be sleeping quite soundly, when Niall rejoined them, but Harry was quick to pull him close. The alphas obvious erection pressing against Niall's back. 

“I thought you on top of Louis was my one wish but now I realize the opposite is also true.” Harry’s voice was rough with sleep, sending a shudder down run Niall's back.

“Hmm..” Niall moaned low and seductive still turned on by Louis’ act of aggression just before, “You like that, Haz? I saw you guys giving each other looks last night. Do ya wish you gave him a goodnight kiss?”

“Oh Niall!” Niall could feel Harry’s dick jump slightly but happily, “Don’t tease me.” Niall turned in Harry’s arms climbing on top of his alpha. He noted Zayn and Liam sleeping heavily at the other end of the bed, so Niall lazily ground down on Harry’s erection.

“Louis is fragile, Harry.” Niall lectured directly into Harry’s ear, “You have to be patient with him.”

“I can be patient.” Harry husked out into the small space between him and his mate. Harry was secure enough in his own alphadom and relationship that he didn’t mind letting Niall take control.

“He’s been hurt and I won’t let him be pressured into anything. Not by you or anyone else.”

“Love bug, I’ll be patient, I promise.” Harry begged breathily grabbing Niall’s hips which his large hands to ground down harder on top of him.

“Good. Now what can I do to help my patient alpha?” Niall moved down the bed and under the covers taking Harry’s length out of his boxers. Harry was definitely his biggest alpha in and out of his boxers. Niall’s finger tips didn’t touch when he wrapped them around his youngest alpha's girth but he was always up for a challenge. Harry mewled needy and slightly too loud as Niall softly licked just the tip, “Shhh Harry.”

Niall continued his work up and down Harry’s hard and throbbing cock when he felt Zayn role over in his sleep. His arm landed heavily around Harry’s upper chest and Zayn slurred out, “Where’s Ni?” 

Niall missed an exchange but then Zayn’s head was peeking sleepily down at him under a lifted duvet. His lips are thin and wrapped entirely around Harry whose hand had taken a gentle and guiding presence in his hair.

“Don’t let me stop you.” Zayn whispered lovingly patting his omega’s head and pressing a kiss to Harry’s lips above him. Niall was a lucky omega.

Chapter Text

Louis was embarrassed to say just how quickly he fell into an easy pattern with the pack over the next few weeks. 

How quickly he went from slapping Niall silly against the living room floor to sleeping in his arms? The answer is probably too soon but he just sank into it so easily. 

The pack had a natural rhythm that Louis and Ollie settled into. One night at dinner with everyone sitting around the dinner table, not even a week after Louis began sleeping there every night Ollie raised the first question.

“Do we live here now, Mumma?” Ollie asked around a mouthful of mash potatoes. Louis almost spit his drink out. Why’d he think that? Oh, maybe because he has more toys, clothes and attention here than he’ll ever get at home. 

The boys all look to Louis uneasily. Of course, they all want Louis and Ollie to live with them, but that wasn’t their place.

“Umm no baby. We still have our home. We’re just staying here for a little while.” Louis’ voice wavered. Not sure if Ollie would believe him.

“Oh ok.” Ollie looked almost disappointed. Louis looked him over carefully. If Ollie didn’t want to stay here anymore Louis would go home.

“Is that ok, baby?”

“Yeah.” Ollie looked over to Harry and then back to Louis, “Mumma, will you marry, Harry?”

Louis did spit his drink out at that, “What?’

“You marry Harry!” Louis looked over at Harry who was blushing furiously. Liam was grinning cheekily looking between his step brother and Harry.

“Why Harry, Ollie?” Niall asked from beside Louis. Genuinely curious and not even jealous.

“Uhh.” Ollie jutted his lip out a little, thinking through his answer, “Harry loves me!”

“I sure do bud!” Harry pat Ollie’s shoulder smiling.

“And Harry has puzzles!”

“Aww baby.” Louis can’t help but feel elated, “Harry can still love you and do puzzles with you but not marry me. Plus, baby, Harry’s in a pack. Remember what that means?”

“Like Grammy?”

“Yup. So Harry, Niall, Liam, and Zayn are in a pack together. Harry wouldn’t marry anyone without them.”

Ollie looked between all of them each of whom smiled back, “And mumma?”

“No Mumma’s not in the pack.” Louis gulped but felt the tangible sadness in the room at the reminder, “Would you be ok with Mumma joining a pack someday?”

Ollie thought about it for a while chewing a carrot and finally nodding, “Only Harry’s pack.” Louis chuckled again. His boy really loves this idea.

Harry lent down and whispered to Ollie while maintaining eye contact with Louis, “I’ll make your Mumma love me. Don’t worry.” Louis blushed and rolled his eyes.

Their easy domesticity was ripped from them one evening when Louis received a phone call, “Lous?”

“Yes?” Louis answered wearily, “Who is this?”

“It’s Angie.”

“Oh hey, Angie.” Louis felt slightly relieved, “What’s up?”

“Well it looks like we finally got assigned a day in family court. I got the case to stay in Vermont, but they moved it up to this week on Tuesday.”

“Ok, I’ll be there.” 

And just like that they went from easy dinners and a normal sleeping arrangement to walking on egg shells again.

The pack and Louis found themselves standing outside the courtroom the day of the hearing. Ollie was at home with his parents who begged to come but Louis didn’t really want the pack there let alone his own parents. He was worried that the affidavit would be read, and everyone would know so many intimate details about his relationship with Oliver.

Louis was ringing his fingers nervously and pacing, he didn't even realize Oliver was walking up the hall until he was in front of him, “Oliver.”

He tilted his head looking over Louis’ new suit, “Louis.”

Liam was suddenly next to the pair dragging Louis under his arm and slightly behind him, “I’m Liam. Louis’ brother.” He purposefully didn't reach a hand out to greet him. The alpha pheromones ran thick between the two, sizing each other up.

“Oh, I know who you are.” Oliver leaned over to spy Niall making his way over, as well, “And I know who you are. You’re the people who abandoned Louis.” Niall bared his teeth at Oliver stepping up to him, even though this new alpha stood half a foot taller.

“Well at least Louis didn’t have to leave running in the middle of the night from me.” Oliver’s face changed and Louis shrunk back, noticing Oliver’s ‘I’m going to smack you face’, “What? Are you going to hit me? Like you hit Louis? Well, guess what fucker, this Omega hits back.” 

Niall brought his fist back to swing but stopped by Harry grasping his arm and pulling him back. There’s no need to escalate the situation.

Oliver just laughs snidely turning his attention back to Louis, “Louis what stories have you been telling?” Louis shrunk even further at being addressed head on, “I guess we’ll see in the hearing. I looked over that affidavit you submitted. Very interesting read.”

Louis’ lip trembled and he shook like a leaf, “I-i-i don’t want any trouble Oliver.”

“You know I’d drop the case, Louis.” Oliver shrugged and the man who must be the Lawyer Angie told him about, Marty Bouchard, approached them, “All you have to do is say the word.”

“He’ll never come back to you.” Liam stated, an undertone of command in his voice.

“What? You think he’ll join your pack?” Oliver scoffed, “He likes a real alpha not some boy band synchronized dancing faggot.” All the alphas growled at this insult but Oliver’s lawyer pulled him back.

“Gentleman, let’s settle this in court, ok?” Mr. Bouchard remarked rather bored with the conversation.

The judge looked wearily between the two tables in front of her and their extremely well-dressed Lawyers. The pack sat in the row behind Louis trying to provide a comforting presence. Louis recognized Oliver’s parents and uncle sitting behind him, giving him dirty looks.

“You all do realize this is family court? Not an episode of Law & Order?” The judge started sassily. When the lawyers each nod she sighed and looked down at the file in front of her, “Where is the child, Oliver?”

“There is a current restraining order keeping Mr. Sullivan from the child and his mother, your honor.” Angie answered standing humbly.

“Which I might add,” Oliver’s attorney stood and smoothly continued, “Is unfounded. There is no proof of any of the accusations.”

“No proof?” The judge asked, “I’m looking at pictures here of solid evidence of physical abuse.”

“My client denies that was his work.” Louis’ heart sank and he nervously rubbed his hands together, under the table. How many times had Oliver’s friends and family looked at Louis with a bruised cheek or a slight limp and turned a blind eye? People didn’t care.

“Lewis, is it?” The judge asked.

Louis' head whipped up to meet the judge’s eyes, just realizing for the first time this judge was an omega, “Y-y-yes, it’s Louis, your honor?” Angie pulled his arm to make him stand.

“Do you understand what perjury is?”

Louis nodded but responded verbally after Angie elbowed him softly, “Yes, ma’am.”

“And you maintain your claim that the evidence supplied for your protection against abuse order and your affidavit are true?”

“Yes, mamma.”

“There we have it. Does Mr. Sullivan have any evidence to supply against Mr. Tomlinson’s claim? Or can we continue with the custody case?”

“We’d like to move forward with the custody case, your honor.” Angie replied, respectfully. Louis was astonished at the way this omega judge was holding herself in court. He was so glad his son would grow up would omegas like this in the world. No matter how he presented, it's important to know that you can be anything.

“We’d like the same.” Mr. Bouchard continued.

“Ok well according to both of your affidavits Mr. Sullivan has not been in contact with the child for two years. Why is this?”

“Mr. Tomlinson took the child and ran leaving a heart broken Oliver to pick up the pieces.” Mr. Bouchard continued painting Oliver as the victim. Oliver sat stoically back in the chair throwing scathing glances Louis' way every few minutes, not making himself a sympathetic victim at that.

“Did your client not attempt to reconcile with the child’s mothers?”

“Mr. Tomlinson wouldn’t allow him to see his child. They were never married, and my client was unsure of his legal rights until recently.”

“That’s not true.” Louis looked over to Angie grabbing her arm, “W-we talked, and we came to an agreement.”

Angie nodded, “Your honor, if you look to page three of my client’s affidavit, you’ll see that Mr. Sullivan and my client met and came to an out of court agreement two years ago.”

The judge sighed again, “Yes I saw that wasn’t mentioned in your client’s affidavit at all, Mr. Bouchard, any comments?”

“My client says that never happened.”

“No.” Louis whimpered and turned to Oliver, “You said that if I left and never asked for child support, you’d leave us alone.” Oliver just shook his head and feigned a look of confusion.

“Mr. Tomlinson, please refrain from talking to Mr. Sullivan.” The judge admonished, “One of you is perjuring yourself. Please can we maintain some semblance of respect for my court?”

“I think we know who the liar is.” Oliver stated bitterly, “The whore with the failed bond mark.” Louis heard gasps from his pack behind him and he flinched at the sound.

“And no derogatory name calling, or I’ll add additional fines, do you understand me?”

Both lawyers nodded, “Ok, aside from the conflicting stories, why is your client asking for full custody, Mr. Bouchard?”

“The child’s mother himself claims in his own statement under oath that he did want Oliver to begin with. My client always wanted that child.”

“You have no grounds for that claim.” Angie scoffed.

“I do actually, page two of the affidavit and I quote, ‘I did not want to have children with Oliver…’ Those were your client’s words.”

Angie grabbed the affidavit and flipped to the page, “I did not want to have children with Oliver because,” Angie began to read the full statement, “Oliver proved to be volatile and capricious and I feared he’d hurt any children we’d have.’ Those are the words of a mother who puts any child’s safety above his own.”

“Ok. Fine. Let’s claim those words are true if he didn’t want to have children with my client than why are we here today? It seems your client is an expert at twisting the past to fit his story.” Angie looked pissed and Louis was close behind, but Angie was respectful of the court and wasn’t about the start a screaming match.

Louis wasn’t as concerned about the court’s rules standing again to turn to Oliver, “I’m here today because you raped me.” Louis threw a quick glance to his pack and Liam’s face stood out amongst the rest, heartbroken.

“Raped you?” Oliver shouted and pretended to laugh, “Are you kidding, Louis? I was your partner. You wanted it.”

Louis looked over to Niall who nodded encouragingly, “You know I didn't want it and you did it anyways. When I was dropping or when I was too weak to fight back. You may have beat me. You may have controlled everything I did. And you may have made me feel like I was worthless, but you’ll never get to do that to our son.” Louis wished his voice sounded stronger but in his breaking tear streaked confession the room had settled into silence. He may not have been the loudest voice, but he knew he’d been heard.

“Ok. Both of you will not say another word to one another, or I’ll hold you in contempt of my court.” The judge threatened but mostly looked to Oliver.

“Your honor regardless of Mr. Tomlinson’s baseless claims, my client makes a much better living than him. He could provide for his son in ways that Mr. Tomlinson never could.”

The judge maintained a passive face looking down at the records, “I did notice that. Mr. Tomlinson, do you have any plans to better your financial situation? Perhaps going back to school? Or doing a technical training?”

Louis bit his lip and looked to Angie who nodded with a soft smile, “Umm. Not at this time but I will go back to school.”

“Also, I’d like to add on that in accordance with Smith v. Maryland, Louis could add the income of his bonded mate to his when calculating his ability to care for his child financially, whether or not said mate is the legal parent.” Angie said this so seamlessly it was almost like she wasn’t dropping a bomb on Louis and Oliver. Louis quickly turned to look at Angie with large eyes and then at the pack who didn’t looked surprised at all.

“Bonded mate?” Mr. Bouchard asked, “We weren’t aware there was a bonded mate?”

“We’ll we don’t have to disclose that.” Angie gave him a perfectly nice grin but her tone screamed, ‘fuck you.’

“Who is this unidentified mate?” The judge asked.

“One, Mr. Niall Horan.” Angie raised her hand to point behind her and Niall stood.

“Your honor, if I may?” Niall asked and the judge nodded, “I am willing to claim full financial responsibility for my mate’s son.” She nodded and jotted that down.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Oliver was up and around his lawyer before anyone can respond barreling down on Louis, “That little faggot just can’t stop ruining your life, Louis.” 

Before Oliver could reach Louis again Angie was stepping between the two defensively. The pack was up and Louis backed up to the bannister between the courtroom seating and suddenly he was being lifted over. Taken into Harry’s arms which he leaned into. While Liam leaped over same bannister and looked like he’s going to beat the shit out of Oliver.

Liam made his way around Angie and squared up to Oliver taking the first swing and Oliver was down. Liam doesn’t stop though bringing his fist down again and again until the bailiff in the courtroom pulled them apart. Oliver’s head remained on the ground and he was bleeding from his nose and mouth.

“Please take these two and place them in contempt. I’ll rule on their cases when I’m done with this.” The bailiff tugged Liam to his feet and dragged him away while another carried Oliver close behind. Louis was shaking in Harry’s arms. It all happened so quick but he was being pet by Harry and Zayn and even Niall. But Liam’s gone.

“L-l-l-liam?” Louis asked Zayn who just happened to be in front of him.

“It’s ok, bud.” Zayn wiped unnoticed tears away, “He’ll be back soon, ok?” Louis nodded.

It took a few moments to get himself back and presentable to walk around the bannister and back to Angie, “Ok. I’ve seen and heard enough. There’s no way I can reasonably place a child with that man. I’m denying your clients request and insisting the mother maintains full custody.” 

Oliver’s lawyer jut nods. Oliver really dug their case its own grave with his words and actions.

“As for Mr. Sullivan’s fate he’ll be awaiting a bail hearing and Mr. Payne will be released.”

“You honor, on what grounds?” Mr. Bouchard asked.

“I told your client multiple times to not refer to Mr. Tomlinson and he even attempted to physically intimidate him. As far as I see it, Mr. Payne was simply defending an omega in need.”

The two lawyers nodded and thanked the judge, one triumphant the other simmering, “I can certainly say my court does not usually see this much action. Now I’ll be heading home to my omega.” The judge looked stony as she glanced once more at Oliver’s lawyer and walked out. The lawyer sighed clearly the judge did not appreciate the derogatory word used for Niall and Louis which also could be used against herself. They really struck out.

“We’ll be appealing this decision.” He declared and then left the room.

The courthouse had an underground garage, which was where the pack and Louis found themselves sitting in Harry behemoth of a Mercedes. Louis was against the window behind Liam in the driver’s seat. Nobody had uttered a word since they reunited with Liam outside the courthouses jail cells. 

The air was heavy, and no one felt they had the right to lighten it. They'd have to talk about what they'd learned today no matter how angry it made them or how uncomfortable Louis was with it. They'd have to talk about it eventually but maybe not today. 

The whole pack peeked glances over at Louis who stared out the window before finally sighing, “Liam remember when I was a freshman and I asked you to punch Marcus Pinkham and you said you were a pacifist. Was that a lie or…”

Liam laughed heartily, “Marcus Pinkham was a little twit.”

“He was and remember he told me I was going to be the smallest Alpha ever and no omega would want me?”

Everyone laughed, but Niall responded rubbing and hand down Louis' thigh, “How wrong was he, huh?”

Louis finally looked over at Niall meaningfully, “He was very wrong.” Niall leaned in to plant a small kiss to Louis cheek.

“Mostly wrong.” Niall stated.

“Mostly?” Louis’ suddenly felt worried what if they don’t want him anymore after the things that were said in court.

“Well you’re not an alpha. And I personally know one omega who wants you. But…” Niall smiled widely at Louis, “You are very small. So, I guess he was just mostly wrong. Great a predicting height though.” Louis smiled bashfully.

“You still want me?”

“Yes, little cub.” Niall nudged Louis’ nose against his, “We all do.” Louis looked to each alpha, first Zayn in the back row with them. Then he looks to Harry in the passenger seat nodding widely and finally Liam in the rearview mirror.

“Ok.”

“Ok.” Niall repeaeds with the same tone and inflection, “Glad we got that settled.”

“No.” Louis shook his head, “I meant ok. I want to try this for real.”

“For real?” Liam asked.

“Yeah. Like all of us. I want to try making this work as a pack. If that’s still ok?” Louis felt sweaty.

No one wanted to come on too strong and scare Louis off, so they nodded and Liam said, “There’s nothing more that I want.”

Liam and Louis’ parents agreed to watch Ollie tonight so the pack could have some alone time. They decided on take out and while Liam ran to go get it Louis announced he wanted to take a shower.

“Use the one in the master bedroom.” Harry said nonchalantly, “It has the best water pressure.” Louis nodded and Niall had to restrain himself from asking if he wanted any company. 

Louis planned on taking a quick shower but that plan was swiftly derailed by the heat and pressure of this perfect shower. The glassed-in shower area was big enough for the pack and Louis to fit in easily and the five different shower heads make it so no one would be left out in the cold.

Louis’ five minute shower turned into a twenty minute shower and once he was dried off and in some clothes he found in the walk in, he found Liam was back with the pizza. He also eavesdropped a little. “He should decide with us.” It was Liam’s voice and Louis was pretty sure they were talking about him.

“Decide what?” Louis asked and they all turn quickly to look at him. Niall instantly recognizing his boxers and Liam recognizing his shirt, “Sorry I just borrowed some stuff. Hope you don’t mind.”

“It’s ok. You look lovely, Lou.” Harry answered, “While you were in the shower, we got a call from one of our PR team.”

“Oh?” Louis asked finally joining the pack on the couches, “About what?”

They all look between themselves and Niall helf up his phone, “About this.” On Niall’s phone he could see a tweet with a photo of the pack talking to Oliver before the hearing. Louis nestled timidly under Liam’s arm and Niall stepping up to Oliver. It read:

NOT sure if I’m high or something but I was in my district courthouse today refuting a parking ticket and all of One Direction is here.

“Oh.” Louis looked over the pack timidly, “What’re you going to do?”

“Well.” Liam acting as head alpha stepped in, “Since we’re trying this pack thing for real its what are we going to do? And we feel that what you want is most important.”

“Right.” Louis nodded, “What’re the options?”

“The team has some options for us.” Zayn started now lifting his phone up to read an email, “First, they could issue a statement across all mediums saying that Liam and the pack are home, in Vermont, supporting Liam’s step brother through a custody battle. Second, they could issue a statement saying that we are entertaining the idea of taking on another omega and just try to take the heat off the tweet all together.”

“Wait.” Louis interrupted, “What did your guys say about postponing the ceremony.”

“They haven’t said anything.” Harry answered, “We’ve been on radio silence, so the fans know somethings up. Someone tweeted the video of Niall singing at the Foliage festival so there’s a rumor going around that we’re adding another omega.” Louis bit his lip, he knew that his indecision was affecting the pack but he didn’t think of the pack’s fans and potentially their whole careers.

“Which brings us to the third option which Niall made up and the PR team was uneasy about but approved.” Zayn began again, “Niall wants to post a nondescript picture of you without any real identifiers.”

Liam nodded, “This will give us some time to figure out which angle would be most appropriate and to see if this thing will work.”

Louis blushed slightly, “What picture?”

Niall smiled widely and rose from his seat to land heavily next to Louis, “This one.” 

Louis watched Niall pull up a group chat going to the information page to just see the pictures. Louis’ eyes widen when he saw that all the pictures were sneakily taken of Louis and the pack. He recognized the one Liam took in the orchard the other day of Niall and Louis kissing and one of Louis kissing Ollie on Harry’s shoulders. But Niall clicked on one before Louis could see more.

“Do you have a group chat that’s just pictures of me?” Louis asked looking around with a silly smirk on his face.

“That’s just our regular group chat.” Harry answered  honestly and Zayn whacked his thigh rolling his eyes.

“What it is.” Harry muttered rubbing his thigh.

Louis giggled and looked to Niall’s phone to see a picture from the other night. Louis in Zayn’s shirt with the blanket coming up to mid-thigh. There was only a thin sliver of skin exposed but it was tan and alluring. Louis blushed at the thought of this photo out there for everyone to see.

“I’d crop your face out.” Niall continued showing Louis with the flick of his thumb. Louis’ chin was raised high in the picture, so his lower neck tilted to not show his scar was still visible. Louis' hand rested lazily but completely omegan against his chest. From the size and posture there was no way anyone would see this and not know it was an omega.

“So, you’d post that on what?” Louis asked looking up to Niall unsure.

“I’d post it on Instagram, but it’ll be all over the internet in less than a few minutes.” Louis’ eyes widen.

“And that would be enough?” Louis asked, “For your fans?”

“The fans can never get enough.” Zayn teased from the other couch, “But it’ll keep them busy until we’re ready.”

“Ok.” Louis nodded, “You can post it.” In all honesty that could be any number of male omegas, so Louis didn’t really feel trapped.

“Awesome!” Niall dropped a kiss to Louis’ lips, “Now everyone will know I have a cute omega in my bed!”

“Our bed.” Liam reminded from next to Zayn, “Are you sure you’re ready, Louis?”

“Yeah.” Louis nodded, “I’m tired of being scared. Let’s do it.”

They all had looks of encouragement to share and Niall lifted his phone up to Louis, “it’s done.”

The post was simple enough no filters or anything just the words, ‘If the whole world was watching I’d still dance with you.” On the bottom and it already has a thousand likes.

Chapter Text

Louis gripped his old cracked android in his shaking hand. 

He woke this morning refreshed and grateful that the one day the bakery was closed a week happened to fall the day after the hearing. 

He was really trying to fit into the pack dynamic but at the end of the day he had no idea what that even was. Did the alphas only share Niall? They were all pretty affectionate, but he still hadn't seen any of them do anything outwardly romantic. 

Would he just be shared as well? 

Would it be ok for him to still be with Niall? Last night bed time was slightly awkward because Louis knew he said he'd work on it but he felt sweaty and nervous at the prospect of sharing the bed.

Liam had sensed his nervousness and tried to ease him into it by putting him between himself and Niall, which turned out to be pretty ok. He found that he really enjoyed waking up to Liam's sleeping face near his. He even felt so inclined to nuzzle his brother awake but now Louis found himself in the bathroom while the rest of the pack was down stairs. He unlocked his phone on a mission to gauge people's reaction to the photo, but he didn't have any social media, so he googled Niall's name. 

The first article to pop up didn't bode well:

ONE DIRECTION IN TROUBLE?
Has one direction's darling omega Niall Horan strayed from the pack's den, with another omega?

After reading the rather derisive article Louis decided to find the pack and ask if they were still sure about this arrangement. His stomach felt queasy and his palms were perspiring when he turned the corner into the kitchen.

 He stopped in his tracks at the sight of Liam and Zayn. With Liam's hand tightly gripped in Zayn's hair the two we locked in a firm and demanding kiss, leaving Louis a little hot. Louis could only see Liam's taught back muscles outlined in his thin white tee shirt, but he could clearly see Zayn's face. With his eyes closed and head tilted gently he looked almost omegan for just a moment. But he definitely wasn't an omega and that was made clear by the force at which he met Liam's lips back.

"Hot right?" Niall snuck up on Louis and whispered into his ear after wrapping his arms around Louis' waist. Louis' scared squeak startled the two alphas out of their early morning embrace.

"I'm sorry." Louis apologized wide eyed and slightly panicked, "I wasn't spying or anything I just happened to walk in and—"

"Lou." Liam calmed from his spot next to Zayn both alphas were relaxed, "It's ok. We don't keep secrets or consider walking in on a kiss spying. You're ok." Louis nodded blushing and biting his lip looking between the two.

"I didn't know you liked that sort of thing." Louis muttered awkwardly.

"You mean because we're both alphas?" Liam asked leaning against the counter.

"I guess in high school I thought you didn't really like the idea of Niall and I together, but I guess it was because we were cheating." Louis babbled on, "I mean I know now you didn't mind that Niall and I were together because we were omegas more so because he was your omega. I mean even though you kind of set it up. I just, I didn't know." Niall giggled from beside Louis whose face was burning with embarrassment, "I just meant a lot of alphas don't mind two omegas, but some think two alphas are like different."

"Louis, I never had a problem with you liking omegas." Liam made his way around the island but just lent against the other side, to leave room for comfort.

"Yeah?" Louis asked. He'd always been sort of self-conscious about his sexuality especially because the only time he'd explored that side of him it had ended so traumatically.

"Of course not!" Liam tilted his head sympathetically, "I mean we have two omega parents for crying out loud. How could I judge you and not them?'

"Yeah I guess you're right." Louis shrugged.

"You know I walked in on them once." Liam wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

"Ma and Mom?" Louis asked completely serious.

"Yup." Liam popped the p sound, "It was so mortifying. They were like moaning and I just wish I could get that image out of my head." Louis giggled at Liam's shivers of disgust.

"Wow."

"Wow what?" Harry asked popping his head in from the dining room, "Breakfast is all set up too."

"We were just talking about Liam and Louis' parents sex life." Niall giggled and dragged Louis to the dining room, placing him in the chair beside Harry's and himself.

"Oh." Harry got a weird smile and looked to Liam, "Ok." Liam just rolled his eyes, Zayn and himself joined to the rest of the group.

"I thought maybe over breakfast we could talk about some expectations and questions for this pack?" Liam started once everyone filled their plates and begun eating, eyeing Louis in particular. After everyone nodded Liam asked, "Do you have anything you'd like to say first?"

"Um yeah." Louis grabbed his phone again unlocking it and holding it up, "I wanted to talk about this?"

"How old is your phone, Louis?" Harry asked barely able to make out the words from the cracks running across the surface before stating, "I'm gonna get you a new one."

"What? No. I don't need that." Louis asked shaking his head and turning to Liam, "Liam, tell him?"

Liam looked between the two noting a crestfallen Harry, "Louis. This was something I wanted to discuss. If you decide to join this pack than Harry and Zayn will be your alphas just as much as me. I know you feel comfortable with me or Niall but if you keep running back to us than Harry and Zayn won't feel good about the bond. Do you understand?"

Louis nodded staring down at his lap, "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Louis. You should always know that you can talk to whoever you want about anything. But for things like this you can try to work that out with Harry, ok?"

Louis nodded turning to Harry shyly, "I'm sorry, Harry."

"That's ok, Louis."

"I don't need you to buy me a new phone." Louis said carefully, as most of his experience with defying an alpha ending in tears. Oliver would consider this talk back and that wouldn't end well.

"I know that you are a strong and resourceful omega, Louis." Harry stated tipping Louis' chin up gently with selfless eyes, "But I like to give gifts and if you would accept this gift from me it would make me feel like a good alpha." 

Louis' eyes narrow at Harry's words. He'd been conditioned for so long to think that alphas only feel good when exerting control and maintaining authority over an omega. Harry didn't want that. He wanted to simply provide, and his gentle hand was not domineering or painful.

"Ok." Louis finally nodded.

Harry smiled widely and his tone was praising "Thank you, Louis." Like Louis was the one that offered to buy him a new phone. How strange.

"Ok, what were you trying to show us?" Zayn asked reaching for the phone to turn up the light. He and Liam read over the title of the article before handing it to Harry. Niall lent heavily on Louis to read it as well and they each sighed and rolled their eyes.

"Louis, rule number one is never read the Daily Mail." Niall said confidently, "All they want is to sensationalize famous people's lives."

"But that wasn't the only one." Louis reasoned.

"Ok. Well then don't read those either." Zayn continued.

"Louis, no one really thinks the pack is being torn apart by you." Liam added fishing his phone out, "You still don't have social media, right?"

Louis shook his head no and Liam handed Louis his phone which was twice the size of Louis' own, so he had to hold it with two hands. Louis looked down at what he recognized as Twitter, "See that?" Harry asked pointing at a list of hashtags, "Those are hashtags that are trending in people's tweet's today."

Louis nodded reading through the list but stopping at the third one: #OneDirectionsOmegas. Louis looked over to Harry with questioning eyes, "What're they saying?" He felt like a baby boomer trying to navigate this unknown medium.

"Let's see?" Harry smiled clicking on the link and the one with the most likes is from someone named @Niallschickk:

"Ok but did y'all notice that he's wearing Zayn's shirt?" Attached was a picture of Zayn in the same shirt taken from a weird angle across at busy street.

The next one is from OneDirectionFanOfficialll:

"Notice how he used the lyrics from that song he sang in the other video where he started off by saying that it goes out to a, "very special omega in my life and my pack's life!" They're def getting another omega. GUYS CAN YOU IMAGINE THE LOVE SONGS WE'RE GETTING IN THE NEXT ALBUM!!!"

Harry easily pressed the like button and Louis looked up to him with raised eyebrows and Harry just shrugged, "It gives them something to talk about," Louis smiled timidly at this so maybe the reactions weren't that bad, Harry continued, "And there's literally fifty thousand more like this."

"That made me feel a little better." Louis sighed looking the pack over, "Thank you."

"Ok so now that we've gotten that out of the way maybe we could talk about some expectations?" Louis nodded looking over to Liam.

"Maybe we could tell you a little more about our dynamic and then you could ask questions?" Liam asked.

"First, I would say that the most important thing is that we all love each other very much." Liam began, "We're not in it solely for Niall we're in it for the whole pack. Like you saw earlier with myself and Zayn." Louis nodded in understanding, relieved that it wouldn't just be Niall and Louis holding the pack together.

Liam sighed, "Ok so I guess the next most important thing is that we don't cheat. We don't stray outside the pack. Some packs allow for that but for us it's very important that we stay committed." Louis blushed thinking back to Liam and him on the bathroom floor.

"Sorry." He muttered looking between Zayn and Harry mostly, "I guess I broke that one already."

"It's ok." Zayn nodded, "It was really hard to umm... see when it happened but these last few weeks have been very stressful, and we haven't really been acting like we usually do." Louis nodded.

"And to build off the discussion of partners and just to clarify." Harry continued from beside Louis, "We all sleep together, and we wouldn't consider it inappropriate for you and Niall to be together or even Liam or me. Some packs would have rules around who can have relations with who and in whoever's presence, but we don't believe in that." Louis knew Harry was referring to some packs that don't allow omegas to have sex unless an alpha is present. Like omegas were only intimate to please alphas.

Louis nodded innocently asking, "So I can kiss Niall and stuff?"

"Yeah." Niall answered and planted a swift kiss on Louis' cheek, "You can kiss me any time you want."

"Well." Zayn eyed the two, "If any of us alphas are having sex with Niall he knows not to come until he gets permission. That's something he likes and we do too but we can discuss if that's not something you'd like."

"I don't mind that." Louis blushed but nodded. However awkward it was to talk about out loud it was so needed.

"I guess if the two of you are together than obviously you don't need to get permission." Liam stated. "Do you have any questions so far?"

"Um I guess I have more of a statement than a question." Louis breathed in a deep breath, "It's about what was said yesterday in court."

"Louis you don't have to." Niall interrupted.

"I-i-i-I want to share." Louis looked to Niall, "if that's ok."

"Of course, it is." Liam nodded from across the table.

"Oliver would umm..." Louis swallowed nervously, "...he would try to drop me in order to make me more compliant and to have sex with me and that's what I was referring to when I said that he raped me. Oddly enough, I don't really have an aversion to sex or anything, but I am nervous, and I just thought you should all know that." He felt comforted at sharing this and his eyes slid closed with relief. He missed the looks of indignation and anger as the alphas processed another small piece of the puzzle that was Louis' life.

"Thank you for sharing that, Louis." Harry was the first to speak grabbing the omega's hand, "I'm really glad you feel comfortable enough to trust us with this." Louis smiled weakly at the emotionally in touch alpha. He was a real keeper.

"You should know that we're all willing to go your pace." Liam nodded reassuringly, "Whatever you're comfortable with is what goes. Along the lines of intimacy. At this time, would you feel comfortable with hand holding or hugging or kissing?"

"I guess right now I feel pretty comfortable with Niall on all those fronts. I think I'd be ok with the rest of you too, but I just get so nervous sometimes. I really liked what we did the other day, Liam, but like what if I'm ok with a kiss but then suddenly I'm not. How could I expect you to know that?"

"We'll what if we have safe words?" Liam asked and Louis mulled it over. He'd heard of safe words before but that was reserved for more traditional relationships. Those which relied heavily on dominant and submissive roles.

"Like what?"

"How about if you're with any of us and you feel like you might be starting to panic you can say yellow? Like a stop light. Not exactly a hard stop but you can pull back a little. And then if you're feeling really overwhelmed you can say red. Hard stop." Liam asked.

"Ok?" Louis thought, "And like you won't be mad if I say that?"

"No." Liam shook his head, "We'd never be mad at you for telling us how you feel." Louis sighed and nodded. He wasn't sure if he could trust that to be true but he was willing to believe it for now.

"What about punishment?" Punishment was a normal thing between alphas and omegas.

"When Niall acts up, we mostly just talk it out." Liam took this question, "Niall made it very clear early on that he didn't like physical punishment and we respected that. There's been a few occasions when it's been necessary, but we always talk it out before hand. You should know that we will never hit you Louis."

Louis gulped and whispered, "What if I wanted it?"

The alphas all look between each other, feeling like this was a trick question but Liam again took the responsibility, "Is that something you would want?"

"Umm when I first got with Oliver, he'd spank me when I misbehaved and it was consensual and I-i-i-I liked it." Louis' face was bright red but if he wanted this to work than he'd have to be honest, "I mean I liked that once it was over than I didn't feel bad anymore. If that makes sense? I didn't like when he'd hit me for no reason." Louis risked a look up and decided to focus on Liam who nodded but remained silent, "never mind it's stupid."

"No!" Zayn interrupted, "It's not stupid, Louis. We just don't want to trigger you or anything."

"I mean we'd talk about it first but I can see you guys don't want to and that's ok." Louis tried to soothe the situation.

"I wouldn't mind." Harry stated running a hand through his long curls, "I would be honored to have you put your trust into my hands and I promise I would do it safely and consensually."

"Yeah?" Louis asked and Harry nodded.

"Me too." Zayn added and Liam agreed with a nod.

Louis looked nervously to Niall he'd never ask the other omega to punish him, but it felt like he needed his permission too, "Is that ok, Ni?"

Niall looked between his alphas and his omega and nodded, "Yeah. As long as it's what you want." 

Niall could see just like all the times before that Louis was the picture perfect omega. Louis fell into the role so effortlessly. Needing to be punished was an omega trait that Niall never really sat well with. He didn't like being spanked and couldn't understand why other omegas did, but he wasn't about the judge his mate. I mean his mate should be judging him. He was such a bad omega.

"Kind of heavy topic huh?" Liam asked reaching a hand out to Louis who grabbed it easily and nods.

"I'm glad though. I needed some clarification."

"I think a lot of this is just a learning curve but we'll figure it out."

Several hours later found the pack sitting around the dinner table again. This time with a tiny and angry human pouting at broccoli, "Hate brock-lee"

"I know you hate broccoli, bud. But can't you eat just one piece?" Harry tried to bargain with Ollie.

"Hate. Brock-lee." Ollie repeated staring Harry down.

"Ok well if you can't eat the broccoli than you don't get dessert."

"Mummmaaa!" Ollie cried out turning to Louis on his other side. He crawled from his chair next to Harry and into Louis' lap, "Harry mean!"

"Ahh baby, Harry just wants you to grow big and strong like him." Louis tried to bring a piece of broccoli to Ollie's lips but he sealed them shut, "If you eat this one piece of broccoli you get dessert!" Ollie shook his head.

"What if I and your mumma eat one first?" Harry asked.

"Mmmm yum yum yum!" Louis ate the vegetable over dramatically, Harry and Liam across from the pair followed suit. Ollie finally budged and ate the smallest floret chewing it begrudgingly.

"Good boy!" Louis kissed Ollie's cheek still holding him in his lap, "Now tell Harry your sorry."

Ollie pouted and looked to Harry timidly, a look they'd seen Louis do many times, "Sorry, Da."

"What?" Harry asked and Louis froze. The rest of the table lent in because they heard it too.

"Sorry!" Ollie repeated.

"No you said Sorry, what?" Harry asked again trying to remain cool.

"Da?" Ollie stated innocently.

"yeah." Harry nodded looking to Louis over Ollies head as if to ask if that was ok.

"Why'd you say that baby bear?" Louis asked.

"You call grampy Da."

"Yeah, I do." Louis nodded because he wasn't wrong.

"Ice cream?" Ollie asked and Harry jumped up.

"Yes!" Harry was more than reasonably excited for Ollie to have chistenend him with a parental name. On all the mommy blog he read it found that it can take months for a child to adjust to a step parent let alone give them a name. Harry's heart fluttered as he scooped a whole extra scoop of ice cream into a bowl for the child.

"Ohhhhh." Niall giggled, "Harry is so whipped."

Louis tried to prove his trust by letting Harry put Ollie down for bed. He paced in the walk in closet waiting for the tell tale sounds of Ollie screaming but heard nothing. Instead he felt Niall slide up behind him and wrap him in his arm, "Why're you so nervous. Just go over there?"

"I want Harry to know I trust him, and I want Ollie to warm up to having other adults do parental things, you know?" Louis whined and turned in Niall's arms.

Niall hummed in response and kissed Louis' neck avoiding the mark, "Harry's going to be such a good dad."

"Thank you for finding him for me." Louis smirked cheekily at Niall.

"You can thank Liam for that." Niall stated matter of factly rubbing Louis' cheek and neck, "He's the reason we're a pack."

"I didn't know that." While they were talking Niall eyed up Louis' lips, gradually getting closer until Louis took the leap and kissed his mate.

"You taste so good, Lou." Niall unabashedly licked over Louis bottom lip.

"You know I dreamt so often of this in high school?" Louis questioned.

"How often?" Niall asked leaning in to kiss Louis, "You know I still day dream about that blow job." Niall walked them back against a wall and his leg slips between Louis' as he nosed at his neck.

Louis blushed at the rough pressure along his clothed but thickening dick by Niall's thigh, "You remember that?"

"Of course!" Niall sputtered out, "You were and still are the cutest thing that has ever gone down on me."

"Even cuter than Zayn?" Louis whispered breathily.

"Yeah. I'd say so." He smiled and pressed his lips to Niall's more firmly and with more sensual intent. Niall's hand wanders up Louis' arm and into his hair angling his mate more favorably. Louis moaned at the softness of Niall's lips and the friction in his jeans, grabbing Niall more firmly.

"I'd like to say that I'm offended." Zayn's voice broke the boys apart by just a few centimeters, "You said I was the cutest?"

"You're very cute, Z." Niall grinned suggestively, "but Louis is so stinkin cute." Zayn huffed in response but lingered near the door eyeing the two omegas against the wall.

"I think you're much cuter." Louis mumbled, "If that's any consolation?"

"I think I could live with that." Zayn smiled walking over to the pair still pressed against the wall with much less force now, "Can I give you a kiss, Louis?" Louis nodded and Zayn's leaned in and pressed his lips to Louis'. Niall refused to move an inch instead taking up his grinding again.

"You ok, Lou?" Zayn pulled back after a closed mouth kiss.

"Green light." Louis nodded leaning in to kiss Niall again but Zayn's hand came to rest on his cheek turning him back to the alpha.

"I wasn't done yet and you don't have to say light." 

With a pout Zayn leaned back in and claimed the omega's lips. Louis felt overwhelmed but in the best possible way with Zayn's lips on his and Niall's lips against his neck. His hands scrambled for purchase against Zayn's arm and Niall's hip.

"Do you like that, Lou?" Niall's breathless words struck a groan of pleasure from Louis' lips against Zayn's and he nodded. Louis could feel Zayn's hand travel down his chest and land heavily against his zipper.

"Color?" Zayn asked.

"Green." Louis whined as Zayn's hand slipped into his jeans and around his boxers. The feeling of the alpha's hand around his tender length was enough to make Louis want to come but he knew he should wait. Then Niall was pressing his lips back to Louis' again and he couldn't control his breathing or the way his hand gripped his mate's arm.

"Are you going to be a good omega, Louis?" Zayn husked against Louis' ear and Louis was a whimpering mess against Niall's lips.

"Yellow." Louis whined at Zayn's words and Zayn's hand stopped but doesn't leave his vicinity and with damp eyes and a trembling lip Louis asked, "Please don't call me that?"

"O-o-ok." Zayn nodded and Niall smiled tenderly, they'd have to clarify later as to what was the issue, but Louis was leaning back in for a kiss from Niall. Zayn slowly started to move his hand again and when Louis' breath picked up, he whispered, "Color?"

"Green."

"Ok." Zayn nosed behind Louis' ear lovingly, "Come for me, sunflower?" And Louis came fast and hard in Zayn's hand and with a sob against Niall's lips.

"You know we have a bed, right?" Liam asked from the doorway. Niall and Zayn smiled over at their lead alpha, but Louis just slumped tiredly against the wall. Head thumping heavily with a sigh. This pack thing may just be the best thing that's ever happened to him.

Chapter Text

Louis hovers awkwardly near the end of the bed. For just a moment everyone holds their breath as the pack has already taken their perspective places and they just wait for Louis to pick his. Over the past week the tentative omega snuggled between Niall and one of the alphas but tonight he whispered, “Where should I?”

“Where ever you want, boo bear.” Liam is the first to answer having recently reclaimed his childhood nickname. Niall has taken a spot between Harry and Zayn, and beside Zayn Liam lays near the edge. Louis could sneak between either Zayn or Harry and Niall, like he had the past few nights, but he purses his lips. Was he really trying to be a part of the pack if he just stuck to Niall’s side all the time? He needs to make an effort so instead he walks over to Liam’s side of the bed and proceeds to crawl over his brother to lay between Zayn and Liam.

He pretends to not notice the pair making eyes over Louis’ head instead nuzzling into Liam’s neck, mumbling, “You smell good.”

“Not as good as you in Harry’s tee shirt, I’m sure.” Liam melodramatically dragging his nose up from Louis’ collar bone to his ear. Louis’ giggling and Harry leans over his two mates to check and Liam was right. There he found the small and delicate omega in his tee shirt. A rumble of pride shook through his chest whole heartedly.

Despite Louis’ slide into domesticity, Louis continued to work an absurd number of hours down at the bakery. But he no longer had the stress of getting Ollie to his parents or making dinner. He was for the first time in a long time allowing himself to be taken care of and it felt absurdly good. But still he had a nagging anxiety eating at the back of his mind. Was this just their way of courting? Would they stop doing all this once they got him to choose? He wondered what his life would look like if they actually bonded? He can’t imagine the pack would be able to live in Vermont, but would he want to live somewhere else? What if they went on tour and Louis was left alone in New York or L.A with Ollie or another child? What if they left him someday and he had no money and nowhere to go? They’d have to talk about this soon because it made him grow more anxious with every day.

He found himself tiredly wondering into the pack’s closet, noting that he really should bring some of his clothes over here instead of stealing Niall’s every day. But Niall’s clothes were so soft and pleasant smelling, he really didn’t want to go back to his clothes so he stalled on that idea.

“You like that brand? I’ve seen you take a similar one every day this week.” Harry asks leaning against the doorway to the walk in, spooking Louis just a little.

“Oh um yeah I guess I do.” Louis smiles sheepishly pulling the material over his head. Harry looked delectable this morning in low slung pajama bottoms and an open button down top, a luxurious matching silk set. Harry noticed how Louis’ eyes lingered on his moth tattoo and decided to move closer until the pair stood only inches apart.

“I’ll get you your own?” Harry asks, “Maybe in a size smaller?”

Louis tilts his head with a slight blush he didn’t want anything too tight, “I like the fit.”

“Yeah?” Harry’s large hand moves to brush Louis’ bangs to the side, “You look so small and scrumptious, I could just eat you up in our clothes.”

“Why don’t you then?” Louis challenges as if he didn’t have to leave in just twenty minutes for work. Harry’s eyebrows skyrocket and a slight blush forms on his cheeks, his eyes dancing between Louis’ lips and his gaze. Harry is the only alpha he hasn’t so much as kissed yet and that made him a little insecure, even with their still short courting, “Do you not want to kiss me?” In a normal situation courting would include dates and dinner before devolving into the intimacy of sharing a den or anything sexual, but this was never going to be normal. Louis was essentially courting his brother and his already established bond mate. Why stick to all the formalities when they’ve already hurdled so many?

“Of course not.” Harry says quickly, “I mean of course I want to kiss you. I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I mean I know you’ve kissed Niall and Liam but—“

“And Zayn.”

“Zayn too?” Harry asks surprised.

“yeah.”

“When?”

“Last week in here actually.” Louis mumbles looking over to the wall Zayn and Niall had kissed him against.

“Oh well at least he still hasn’t been been with you, right?” Harry’s starting to sound insecure.

“I mean he gave me a hand job.” Louis was surprised Harry didn’t know this, “Don’t you guys talk about this stuff?”

Harry’s shoulder’s sag a little more, “I mean normally we would, if it was Niall, but this is a new situation for us. You must think I’m such a weak alpha.”

“No.” Louis raises his hand soothingly to Harry’s cheek, “You’re such a good alpha. You’re so respectful and kind in ways that I didn’t even know were possible. You always make sure I’m ok and you’re the best provider. Niall and I are so lucky to have you.”

“yeah?” Harry pouts just a little.

“Yeah.” Louis leans up and places a kiss to Harry’s lips, “See and now we’ve kissed! No big deal.” Harry smiles gratuitously and leans in for another gentle kiss tilting Louis’ chin slightly. Harry’s lips feel like heaven against Louis’ and he even presses down further but the angle is awkward due to the height difference. Harry advances on Louis keeping their lips locked his tongue invading Louis’ mouth until Louis’ against the wall. Harry’s hands dip lower to Louis’ thighs and he’s being lifted forcefully, so their faces are level and Louis’ gasping. His legs wrap easily around Harry’s waist and he can feel Harry’s cock hardening rapidly against his leg.

“This ok? Color?” Harry gasps against the omega’s lips.

“Green. But I have to leave for work soon or I won’t get to eat breakfast until late.” Louis doesn’t stop rocking his hips against Harry’s, getting this out between sloppy open mouth kissed.

“Just give me this.” Harry begs pulling back to eye Louis tentatively, “I’ll drive you and you can eat in the car.”

Louis chest rises and falls rapidly and his own hardened length twitches in his pants, so he nods, “Ten minutes.” Harry nods and leans back in for a hard and demanding kiss and Louis is surprised but very pleasantly so. The alpha, although throwing a punch to protect Louis, didn’t seem to be all that dominant. Not that Louis cared about those things, finding both typically omegan and alphan traits attractive. Harry seemed to be the perfect mixture of each and Louis thanked his lucky stars he had the beautiful alpha with him.

Using the wall as leverage Harry takes his right hand to rest heavily against Louis neck on the unmarked side. His fingers are long and powerful, and Louis wishes they were inside of him more than anything. They didn’t have time for that now, but the thought got him grinding harder against his alpha. Mumbling approvals between kissed.

Suddenly, Harry released his hold on Louis’s thigh and his feet landed lightly against the ground. Louis looked to Harry with sore lips and wide eyes, not ready to be done. The alpha just wordlessly dropped to his knees and began working the buttons and zipper on Louis’ red pants, “Color?”

“Green.” Louis immediately pants as the alpha before him mouthed at his erection through his boxer briefs, “Please?”

“Ok.” Harry smiles and pulls the last layer of protection down looking at Louis’ smaller dick with unadulterated interest. Louis felt bare and slightly nervous before Harry’s eyes flick back up to his, “Tell me when you’re close. Ask me to come, ok?” Harry, thoughtful as ever, commanded but only if Louis was comfortable.

Louis nods and before he knows it Harry’s taken his whole length into his mouth. Louis’ head rolls back against the wall, enjoying the beautiful and tight warmth of Harry’s mouth. Oliver always said that real Alpha’s don’t give head, so his last blow job was actually Niall when he was fifteen. Harry lived up to and surpassed the memory of Niall’s work, but neither needed to know that. Louis wanted to grip Harry’s soft curls so bad and thrust his hips searching out pleasure, but he didn’t think that would be very nice, so he remained stiff. After maybe thirty seconds of bobbing Harry pulled back. Louis instantly opened his eyes to stare Harry down needily begging, “Please don’t stop.”

“You can touch my hair, Lou.” Harry gently grabs Louis’ tight balled up fist loosening his grip to place it on Harry’s head. Louis’ hand is shaky and his heart beats faster now than when Harry pulled down his boxer briefs. This act was so much more intimate, an alpha, not just any alpha but Harry who is so big and imposing kneels before him. Intrinsically there was so much trust in this act and Louis’ heart ached stunningly for the power Harry handed over to him symbolically. Harry’s hair was just as soft as Louis suspected and found himself lost for just a moment running small finger behind his ear and down to the nap of his neck. Harry sighed happily at the omega’s touch and leaned in to lick just the tip of Louis’ aching and leaking dick.

Louis’ breathy pants grew as did his grip on Harry’s hair, who had always loved some hair pulling in the bedroom.

“C-c-can I come, Harry?” Louis asked staring into Harry’s deep green eyes. Harry looked up at Louis’ through thick eye lashes and even thicker lips wrapped around the head of his cock.

“Good boy.” Harry praised and Louis let that wash over him pushing him even closer to the edge.

“Please? Please, Harry?” Louis begged now.

“Come for me, sweet pea?” And Louis wasted no time shooting into Harry’s waiting mouth. Harry made quick work of cleaning off Louis’ softening dick and putting the omega back together, “Now you have to get to work.”

Louis looked positively fucked but nodded following harry out of the closet and down the stairs, “Uh Harry are you going to go in that?”

“Yeah? Why not?” It was only 4:20 in the morning, the alpha found the keys his benz hanging where they usually are and made his way to the door. Louis padding along sated and tired behind the alpha, holding a barely cooked toaster strudel.

“Ok.” Louis just nodded grabbing Harry’s hand happily, “Are you going to pick me up tonight?”

“Of course. How does three sound?”

“Sounds good.” Louis’s hopping into the car playing with the heat toggles and shivering slightly, “Thank you for that just now. That was really good.” He felt stupid trying to give the alpha compliments on his fellatio skills but it felt like an elephant in the car.

“Yeah? Thank you.” Harry easily accepts the compliment dripping his large hand onto Louis’ knee backing up to turn around in the wide drive way, “I live to please.”

“Oliver always said real alphas don’t do that, so my last blow job was actually Niall in high school.”

Harry steps on the break to look over Louis with interested and excited eyes, “Really?” Harry loved the idea that Louis’s main source of sexual pleasure had come from his pack. Thinking about Oliver made Harry mad, even after only meeting the brash alpha twice. Louis deserved to be treated like a prince and he’d make sure his pack would act accordingly.

“Yup.” Louis blushes at his inexperience in receiving affection.

“Aren’t you just the purest little omega around?” Harry’s hand comes up to boop Louis’ nose lovingly. Not giving Oliver’s words the time of day.

“Well I have a fatherless child and I let my own brother use me on the bathroom floor, so I don’t really think people would consider me pure. More of an impure and dirty omega.” Louis blushes as Harry throws the car into park having not entered the road way yet. Harry runs a warm hand down Louis’ cold cheek.

“Don’t talk about yourself that way, Lou. Ollie has so many loving parents in his life like your parents and myself, I like to think. And just because people have touched you doesn’t make you dirty or bad. You are a beautiful omega and a young omega and a good omega.”

“D-d-d-don’t call me that, please.”

Harry’s brow crinkles a little, “Which one?”

“A-a-a good omega. Oliver used to call me that and I don’t like it.” Louis bites his lip pursing them slightly with embarrassment. Louis loves praise as much as the next omega, but Oliver would always call Louis his ‘good omega’ when he did the worst things to him.

“I won’t ever do that again than.” Harry promises solemnly, “But I mean what I said Louis. You are a beautiful and pure omega despite who touched you, ok?” Louis just nods shyly and places his hand over Harry’s on his knee, nibbling on his strudel.

The bakery is so slow the last week in October and he knew it’d pick up again when the holidays rolled around. But on days like today, there was no reason for him to even be here. He’d had one customer all day and spent most of his time reading the random book under the counter. Louis’ head whips up from the cheesy romance book left by his boss, to find two important customers, Ollie and Harry. Louis can’t help but let a smile overtake his face as they stride in, “Well what a pleasant surprise!” Although, after glancing at the clock he realizes he shouldn’t really be surprised.

“Where’s the rest of the pack?” Louis looks expectantly out the door behind the pair.

“They’re back at home. We’re here to get a snack and then report back home with an added omega.” Harry says with a mock salute. Louis chuckles and begins his closing process, as they were due to close any minute now.

“Oh?” Louis tickles Ollie who’s now perched on the counter, “Do you want an almond croissant, baby bear?” Ollies nodding vigorously and Louis quickly goes to warm up the pastry, handing it over and Ollie who starts to munch on it softly.

“What have you two been up to today, huh?” Louis asks the pair, while he walks over to lock the door and then close the register.

“Well we went on a little hike around the property and then we took a nap, right bud?” Ollie nods enthusiastically, “But it was pretty cold so our hike didn’t last too long.”

“Oh well you’re fucked for the winter than.” Louis says and then slaps his hand over his mouth. He wasn’t one to swear so he doesn’t know why that slips out of his mouth but he knows he instantly regrets it.

“FUCKED” Ollie squeals from the counter. In the way only toddlers can he picked out the one word he shouldn’t know.

“Shit.” Louis gasps turning to his son who in turn yells, “FUCKED SHIT!”

“Ollie, NO!” Louis wags his finger at him, “Those are naughty words. No swearing!”

“Mumma swear!” Ollie giggles still messily eating his croissant.

“Mummas an adult. Ok, you’re a little kid. You can swear when you’re older.”

“When?”

“In fifteen years, ok?” Ollie looks at his mumma and nods glumly accepting the deal as he usually does.

“That seems a little too soon.” Harry says oddly serious wanting to weigh in on this decision.

“I’m sorry.” Louis turns to Harry sassily, “Did you carry this child for seven months and push him out of your body? I don’t think so?”

“Only seven months?” Harry asks.

“Yeah.” Louis pushes some hair off of Ollie’s forehead his eyes hold more love than anxiety, “Little Ollie here was a premie but you’d never know it.”

“What premie, mumma?” Ollie asks.

“That just means I got to meet you sooner than most other mummas but you were very small.” Harry can see Louis wasn’t too worried now but can just imagine how stressful that must have been. Every day he finds another reason for the stress lines that mark the omega’s young face in front of him but he doesn’t let that change anything.

“Big now!” Ollie says puffing up his chest.

“Oh, you are such a big boy!” Harry announces picking Ollie up above his head and staring up at the little boy with tender eyes, “Are you going to be big and strong like me some day?”

“YES! Ollie eats broccoli!” Ollie cheers reaching down to wrap his arms around Harry’s neck and dropping kisses onto the alpha’s cheek. Louis looks on in wonder at the bond formed between the two. He couldn’t have dreamed of a better situation.

“Oh my goodness!” Harry kisses Ollie’s cheek, “You’re going to be so strong!”

Ollie giggles nuzzling the alpha’s scent glands, “Love you!” Harry smile grows ten-fold and he hugs Ollie impossibly closer making eye contact with Louis, who tilts his head softly and smiles unreasonably large.

“Love you too, Ollie!” Harry finally replies in an utterly serious and devoted tone.

Louis walks around the counter and hugs the pair, “And mumma loves Ollie too so so much!” The three made a good picture, right out of an L.L Bean catalog. To any outside they looked like a normal monogamous couple with a child made in their spitting image. How perfect.

Chapter Text

For the first time in at least two weeks Louis finds himself dropping Ollie off at his parent’s house. He’s greeted by Jay and Geoff on the front porch both of which look unreasonably excited to see him. For a moment her feels slightly guilty for using his parents the way he has. His mom, specifically went from watching Ollie every day to only seeing him maybe once a week now.

“Grammy!!” Ollie squeals from Louis’ arms struggling until Louis finally relents placing him on the ground to run to Jay.

“It has been absolute ages since I’ve seen my special baby boy!” Jay greets Ollie with kisses all over his tiny face, “Come on in, Lou, before we let all the heat out.”

Once Geoff and Jay finish greeting their only grandchild, Geoff questions, “Where’s the rest of the gang?”

“They had to work on new music today, so I took Ollie in to work and he was such a good helper!” Louis tickles the happy boy under his chin. Ollie mostly just sat under the counter and played on Louis’ new and big iPhone. Harry has gotten him the phone and a sparkly pink case to match. He also helped him download some kid friendly apps and set up parental blockers for Ollie on youtube.

“I could have watched him for you.”

“I know but I just woke up too late and I didn’t realize the pack would be busy today.” Louis feels guilty for not bringing his mother in on the decision-making process, “But I was wondering if you could maybe watch him tonight?”

“Tonight?” Geoff questions, “Is something going on?”

“Well actually,” Louis begins but then looks to his son instead, “Why doesn’t Ollie go color in the living room while mumma talks to grammy and nana?” Ollie nods and runs off to find his toys.

“So?” Jay asks once they enter the kitchen intending on making the group some tea.

“Well.” Louis blushes, “I was hoping that maybe I could have some alone time with the pack.”

“Alone time?” Jay nods but there’s no real comprehension.

Geoff nudges his mate wagging his eyebrows, “Alone time.”

“Oh.” Jay’s face dawn understanding, “You guys haven’t had sexual intercourse yet?”

“Mom! Why do you have to say it like that?”

“What? We’re all adults here. So?”

“Yes. I want to have sexual intercourse with the pack tonight.” Louis’ face is bright red, he was never really one to talk about this with anyone let alone his parents.

“So, you haven’t yet?” Geoff asks, “We’re just wondering because you know it’s a pretty determinate step in bringing in a partner to an established group.”

“Umm no. I mean I’ve been like kissing them and stuff, but we haven’t really found the right time. I’ve been working and with Ollie around it doesn’t leave a lot of time.”

“Ok.” Jay nods, “Do you want to talk about anything?”

“Mom, you realize I’m not a virgin, right? Like you have a grandson.”

“I know.” Jay rubs a motherly hand down his arm, “But your last relationship wasn’t the best and I just want to make sure you're prepared.”

Louis sighs so deeply he thinks he may have pushed a lung out before whispering, “Prepared?”

“Yeah.” Geoff continues, “Like what to expect when you’re engaging in intercourse with a pack.”

“I guess I thought it would be pretty similar to just like one on one stuff.”

“Of course, it’s similar to monogamous relations,” The two parental omegas look unabashed while Louis’ mortified, “But it can be very overwhelming with more than two sets of hands in the pot, so you might want to discuss safe words, consent, and limits before you start.”

“We’ve done some of that.” Louis mumbles as his parents smiles widen ten fold at the genuine contentment they feel knowing that their poor little Louis was finally going to be treated right.

“That’s so good honey. I remember my first time with your Da and Ma, you know they were already a couple when I joined. It was utterly intense—”

“Oh my god. No mom. We are not talking about this.” Louis is shaking his head.

“Ok ok.” Jay placates, “Just know that no matter what happens you’re still loved.”

“Yeah?” Louis looks between his parents with earnest intentions, “We never really talked about it, but you guys are ok that Liam and I will be together?”

The two omegas look at each other, each not sure who should answer. Finally, Geoff puts a comforting hand on Louis’ shoulder, “Louis. We love both you and Liam so much and if the thing that’s going to make you each the happiest is being together than that’s what we want.”

“Yeah? I mean I know were not related related but people are going to have an issue with it I think.”

“We will support you two no matter what.” Jay claps Louis’ cheek lovingly, “And if we’re doing the math than we’d be forty percent of the family for the pack, so you’d have to visit us more on holidays.” That lightens the mood considerably and Louis’ pocket vibrates with Liam’s pattern. He looks down to see he’s asking where he was.

“Ok, I should get going but I have tomorrow off so maybe we could do dinner?” Louis asks. And both his parents nod, “Tell Da I love her ok? And I’ll see her tomorrow!” Both his parents smile at the brand new iPhone in his hand, the healthy glow on his face, and the lack of bags under his eyes. Their omega son, still so you, had carried a weight much too heavy for too long and now they could see he was getting some relief. How many times over the years had they’d offered all they had to Louis and he rejected it out of pride or guilt. But now he seemed to be accepting help from the pack, and they couldn’t be happier with the results.

Louis’ back to the place he’s slowly starting to call home in a flash. The moment he steps inside he sees Liam making his way down the stairs, “Hey there, boo bear.” His brother engulfs him in a tight hug, looking him up and down after pulling back, “Where’s Ollie?”

“Oh, um I dropped him off with mom and Ma.”

Liam cocks his head at this, worried, “Why? Does he not like sleeping here anymore?”

“No!” Louis quickly tries to calm his brother, “He loves it here but I just thought maybe we could have some alone time tonight.”

“Along time?” Liam asks and Louis’ heart is beating so quick.

“Yeah.” Louis bites his lip staring at his brother through his lashes. He doesn’t try to get his voice to drop lower and take on a husky tone but it does. Even more so when he steps even closer, “Alone time with just me and you and the pack.”

“Um ok so we made dinner and then we actually had a surprised planned for you so maybe ummm we could do those things first?” Liam’s asks flustered, “Or not I mean I want to do this but—”

Louis cuts off his brother pressing his lips to his, he was ready now. Liam’s eyes widen, lips parting surprised but quickly turning into a giddy smile. He’d never deny his omega anything. The omega takes the initiative leaning up to brushing another soft kiss against Liam’s waiting lips. The alpha eggs the kiss on more by plunging a quick hand into the omega’s hair. Closing his eyes and accepting his brother tongue into his mouth. Liam suddenly has Louis up gripping his thighs and walking towards the stairs. Louis’ gasps and giggles slightly wrapping his arms around his brother’s neck and his legs around his waist.

He hides his face in the alpha’s neck enjoying the fiction each step forward brings to his cock. When he pulls back Liam has him pinned to the wall in the upstairs hallway their breath is uneven, but they remain close, “Holy shit Lou. You are so hot.” Louis’ blushes and nuzzles into Liam’s jaw.

“Where are the boys?” Liam nods towards the den before carrying Louis through the doorway and dropping him unceremoniously onto the bed. Niall and Harry are already there, Niall previously napping and Harry reading. They pair are slightly surprised by their mates actions but excited by their presence. Louis lies back easily throwing the pair a dopey smile, before Liam is back on him with renewed fever. The smaller omega groans pleasantly at the weight of the head alpha against his body and the gentle grinding. Liam’s thigh slips between Louis’ legs and they are rutting erratically against one another.

“So, this is so much better than what I imagined.” Niall whispers crawling towards the pair before lying on his side to litter light kisses over Louis’ neck and whispering into his ear, “Do you like it when your brothers on top of you. Throwing you against the bed, hmm? Pinning you down?” How many times had he fantasized over the past weeks about this right here?

Louis’ lips drift from his brothers turning towards his bottle blonde mate before nodding earnestly and panting out, “Y-y-yeah.” Niall licks his lips and takes in Louis in all his submissive glory, with pink tinted lips and cheeks. His sultry eyes pushing Niall on.

He leans in to claim his lips while Louis continues his grinding up against Liam. Harry’s come to join the mix, kneeling just over Louis’ shoulders. He pulls Liam up slightly and bends over the omega’s head to kiss him and fuck that’s distracting for Louis. Breaking from Niall, Louis’ lips part and he stares at the two alpha’s above him almost reverently. Niall smirks at his little omega dropping additional kisses against his neck this time more force, even bruising the skin lightly with little nips. He pauses hovering over Louis’ failed bond mark wondering if he could get that same reaction he’d gotten weeks earlier.

Louis doesn’t even notice too caught up in the alpha’s forceful and biting kiss above him and the increasing pleasure coiling in his stomach. His back involuntary archs off the bed and further into his brother when Niall’s tongue dips across the mark. Louis’ sucking in a deep and shuttering breath, screwing his eyes close as a surge of intense and tingling pleasure runs through him. And virtually untouched Louis’s shaking through an orgasm.

Harry and Liam pause, staring down hungrily at the omega who’s still struggling to catch his breath, “That’s really embarrassing.” Louis tries to retreat slightly ashamed.

“What?” Liam pushes a gentle and calming hand through Louis’ hair, “You love your little omega mate don’t you?”

Louis nods bashfully, “It’s just when he touches my mark I can't help but feel...” They didn’t want Louis pulling away just because he ejaculated a little early. Omegas have the stamina and the biology to go a couple round so this didn’t have to ruin anything.

“Hmm.” Harry’s sat back on his heels now, “Louis why don’t you show Niall how much you appreciate him?” Louis wide eyes but ever compliant gets the gist rolling out from under Liam still slightly weak from the powerful orgasm, but heavily landing on Niall. He straddles Niall’s waist nosing under his chin and up behind his ear.

“Thank you, Ni.”

“Anything for you, little cub.” Niall’s grinding his throbbing dick against Louis’ bum.

“Ok?” Zayn’s sudden voice disrupts the two omegas his tone sarcastic but lacking any real bite, “Was anyone going to come get me or?”

“Oh Zaynie,” Niall looks past Louis, “We’d never forget you don’t worry!”

“Hmm ok?” When Louis looks over he notices Zayn is dripping and adorning only a towel, “So should I get more clothes or should you all get less?” Louis giggles and pulls his shirt over his head nervously glancing at his pack. He wasn’t exactly confident in his body but he certainly felt better when he was greeted with lustful looks.

He decides to throw caution to the wind and dives back in to kissing Niall. Their moves are frantic to undress one another but when they find themselves in only boxers Louis’ hard again. He feels large and warm hands at his waist before he’s being flipped onto his back again met with a naked Harry. The full lipped alpha brings his mouth down to meet the omega’s.

“Harry?” Louis pants against his lips, “I want you inside of me.”

“Oh fuck. I can do that.” Harry grabs the lube from the bed side table in his momentary absence Zayn’s moving in kissing him. Harry’s back and dragging Louis closer to the side of the bed with a tight and painfully beautiful grip on his thighs. He kneels and makes quick work spreading Louis apart. Louis feels the alpha’s tongue fluttering hole and immediately remembers what Zayn has said.

“You’re right Zayn.” Louis’ eyes are screwed shut and grips for anything, sheets or human. The dark eyes alpha laughs at the omega’s breathy comment.

“Yeah. I told you Harry eats ass like no one else.”

An hour later finds Louis sore and boneless with an unprecedented amount of cum inside of him. His head is tucked against Liam’s stomach and he knows he is laying across two more people but he’s not really interested in finding out how or who.

“How many was that for you?” Niall asks settling his head on Liam’s stomach nosing the other omega’s nose lovingly.

“How many?” Louis slurs and doesn’t even open his eyes he was literally about the pass out.

“How many times did you come?” Niall giggles clearly accustomed to the break neck pace they just had sex at. Louis shakes his head not knowing. What he did know was that all the boys, including Niall, had been inside of him and Niall had most certainly ridden Louis while sucking off Zayn.

“Aww poor sunflower's all tired out, Ni. Give him a kiss.” Zayn’s hand is running down Louis’ back who can’t help but purr. Niall leans forward dropping a kiss to his mates unmoving lips. Zayn exchanges a sly look with Liam, he doesn't think it'll ever get old watching the two omega's be intimate. Louis could get used to this. Despite being picked up and manhandled into so many different positions, he felt like he was cared for and important in ways he never really was before. And his selfish little heart loved being the center of attention.

“Does my baby need a wittle nap?” Niall talks in a baby voice kissing Louis’ forehead. Louis weakly lifts his hand to smack Niall but it just falls against the other omegas cheek. He hums at the feeling of his mates soft hair and slowly works his fingers deeper, lazily petting his omega.

“Louis?” Liam’s voice rumbles through his chest, “You’re on birth control right?”

Louis nods and Harry asks, “And you took it today, right? Because as much as I’d love to have a baby with you we should probably not just yet.”

“Yes. I took my birth control today.” Louis sighs, “It’s the yaz one.”

“Oh is that the one were you get your heat every four months?”

“Yeah I get it down at planned parenthood.” Louis finally opens his eyes to meet Niall’s, “Which one do you use?”

“Oh I have an implant.”

“An implant?”

“Oh yeah it lasts like five years. I haven’t had a heat in like two.”

“Really?” Louis whispers, “So, you can’t get pregnant for like three more years?”

“I mean I could remove it but I don’t want to be pregnant for a little while anyways. We can get you one when you come to New York!”

Come to New York? Louis didn’t know that was the plan but he was too tired and too sated to start this now, “Well I might want to get pregnant again so I don’t think it’d make sense to get the implant for me.” Harry’s happy to hear this but Niall feels weird about it and they bury the feelings for now.

“So, Louis are you up for some dinner?” Harry asks from his place near their feet, his fingers working over Louis' toes and arch.

“And the surprise?” Louis asks looking up to Liam.

“You told him?” Harry whines.

“I didn’t tell him what it was just that it existed.” Liam pacifies his grumpy alpha.

“I would like dinner but I think I need a shower first.”

Niall’s up and excited pulling a lethargic and limping omega in tow. The alphas on the bed exchange looks and Harry asks Liam, “Should we join?”

“Lets give the omegas some alone time and we can heat up dinner!”

Louis’ completely satisfied, with a full stomach and a sore bottom to remind him of his finally satisfying sex life, when the pack leads Louis down to the studio. He looks around in awe, “I didn’t realize this was so extensive.” He’s careful not to touch any of the expensive looking equipment or the fancy instruments.

“Yeah.” Harry shrugs looking over some papers as Niall gets his guitar, “We thought maybe we’d use this place as a writing retreat when Li first bought it.”

“It’s so cool.” Louis finally stops looking around the room and finds the pack staring at him expectantly. They’ve all taken up seats leaving a designated spot for Louis; a single chair sat across from them all. He felt like he was on trial but sits anyways. Niall has a guitar on his lap that he’d just finished tuning.

“So.” Liam starts, “Harry wrote you a song.”

Louis turns to Harry with already teary eyes and sappily mutters, “A song?”

“Well,” Harry continues bashfully, “I started the song, but we all contributed to it. Originally it was about you and Liam’s relationship but um I think we all feel connected to the sentiment now.”

“Yeah?” Louis asks not really knowing what that sentiment was.

“What silly big-hearted Alpha here is trying to say,” Niall adds, “Is that we love you, Lou.”

“And we want to express this to you in song.” Zayn blushes at how cheesy that sounds.

The smaller omega is crying a little and nodding, “Can I hear the song before I lose it?” The four chuckles but agree to start with Niall counting them in.

Harry’s raspy voice starts solo staring at Louis softly,

“Sweet creature
Had another talk about where it's going wrong
But we're still young
We don't know where we're going
But we know where we belong”

Liam’s is next to start, and Louis pulls his eyes from Harry’s green to Liam warm browns,

“And oh we started
Two hearts in one home
It's hard when we argue
We're both stubborn
I know, but oh.”

Louis chuckles at the suborn part and then they all enter for the chorus,

“Sweet creature, sweet creature
Wherever I go, you bring me home
Sweet creature, sweet creature
When I run out of road, you bring me home”

By the end of the song Louis is a sobbing mess and when Niall hits his last chord he was up and in Harry’s arms staring into his eyes, “That was so beautiful, and I love it so much. I love you too.” He looks around to the others with tears running down his face, “I love all of you.”

To think just over a month ago, Louis’ life was so different. Just him and Ollie against the world but now he knew he’d never be alone again. Fifteen-year-old Louis looked down on the pack and, with Louis in Harry’s lap and Niall squished between Zayn and Liam, he sighed wistfully because this was all he ever wanted. A family, a child, and some love. He'd have it all by the dozen. They each had taken a twisted and muddled road to get here but it looks like they made it.

Chapter Text

Louis bit his lip and picked at his finger waiting for the pack to get back. Ollie had been down for a nap for a little over half an hour now. It’s been three months since he uprooted his life to move into the million dollar apartment in New York City. A long call from the shabby place over the laundromat on main street in Moutianview, Vermont.

So much had changed, Louis found himself listless at first not really have much to do but take Ollie out for walks to the park. The boys were doing promo work and recording last minute fixes for their newest album. The omega went along a few times but Ollie didn’t have the attention span for it and Louis also found himself growing bored sitting in the studio for hours at a time.

On top of everything else the paparazzi hounded after elusive pictures of One Direction’s new omega. Louis didn’t particularly like the way the cameras flashed harshly in his eyes or the words they yelled, so he tended to stay in. He’d run out of shows to watch and books to read, so when the boys got home he’d be like a puppy following each one around until they gave him attention.

Louis’ head whips up when he hears the door open and he’s greeted by his wonderful mate. Niall smiles brightly, “There he is! My beautiful muse.”

Louis slides up next to the omega and presses a sweet kiss to his cheek, “Where are the boys?”

“They’re coming along.” Niall shrugs, “They had one more thing to record but I was antsy to get back to you.”

Louis smiles nervously, “Do you know why?”

“Why they still have more to record?” Nialls jokes throwing his coat onto the couch and making his way into the master bedroom, “Because I’m the best at my job and they need extra help.”

Louis smiles and laughs following the omega in but sitting on the bed and staring at the ground. Niall was in the bathroom chatting happily about solos and tour dates when he pauses and Louis knows he’s found it. Louis glances up nervously to find Niall in the doorway to the bathroom, his face pale white.

“What do you think?”

Niall tilts his head coming to stand in front of his mate, before quickly falling to his knees, “What do I think?”

“Yeah.” Louis stares down at Niall who only has eyes for Louis’ flat but soft stomach.

“How many did you take?”

“That’s my fifth one.”

` “And they’re all like this?” Niall asks his blue eyes wide and still shocked as he stares at the smaller omega.

Louis nods, mumbling, “I can get rid of it.”

“No!” Niall’s eyes widen more and he drops the pregnancy test to the ground tackling Louis the bed. Niall straddles Louis’ legs pushing his tee shirt up until he has unblocked access to the skin there.

Louis runs gentle fingers through his mate’s hair as Niall rubs his cheek against Louis’ stomach. Pressing gentle kisses into the sun kissed skin, “I mean it, Ni. We don’t have to tell them. If you’re not ready or you want to wait. I don’t mind getting rid of it.”

“NO!” Niall growls this time his hands coming up to brace Louis’ hips, “This is my baby.”

Louis giggles at Niall’s possessive tone, “Ni, I don’t think you can get me pregnant.”

Niall raises his head to be level with Louis’ nose to nose, he whispers, “I mated you. I fucked you. That’s my baby. I can fuck you into this mattress all day long if that’s what it take for you to realize that.”

Louis lifts his head slightly pressing a soft kiss into the stiff omega’s mouth, before sweetly responding, “I’d like that.”

“Later.” Niall promises taking one more greedy kiss from Louis’ lips before continuing his inspection of Louis’ tummy.

“It’s just a tiny little bean right now.”

“Our bean.” Niall sighs happily, scent marking Louis’ stomach. He spends nearly twenty minutes nibbling over Louis’ hips and drawing soft kisses and touches over Louis sides, “I’m gonna be such a good daddy.”

“Niall,” Louis whines, “You’ll be a good mommy.”

“I will?” Niall asks, “Even though it’s your baby?”

“It our bean, Ni.” Louis smiles and rubs circles into Niall’s back, “I’d like to raise our baby not telling them whose their mom or dad.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Louis nods, “We’re all going to be their parent so, if that’s ok.”

“Yeah.” Niall nods, “I’ll take whatever title I am bestowed.”

“Well you know Ollie calls you mama.”

“He does?” Niall asks quickly.

“When you’re not around.” Louis nods, “He’s so shy but he also started calling Zayn baba. The only one left is Liam”

Niall laughs, “yeah do you think our little bean will call Liam, uncle Liam?”

“I hope not.” Louis giggles at the idea.

The boys find Niall in the same spot whispering sweet nothings into Louis’ stomach while the other one giggles. Harry’s the first to enter to the bedroom, Liam and Zayn looking over their food options for tonight, “What’re you two up to?”

Harry throws the affectionate omegas a soft smile. His smile slides off his face when he sees the pregnancy test on the ground. His mind works through Niall’s position near Louis’ stomach and his grin turns into something manic.

“Louis?” Harry asks taking steps to the edge of the bed.

“yes?” Louis’ voice remains soft.

“Is it.” Harry’s eyes sink to Louis’ stomach and then back up to his face, “Are you..?”

Louis looks to Niall one more time for affirmation and the other omega nods so Louis nods to Harry with a shy grin.

The air is knocked out of Harry at the realization climbing onto the bed, shoes and all. Harry’s large hand lands softly on Louis’ stomach next to his other omegas resting cheek. Niall mumbles, “It’s my baby.”

“Our baby.” Louis rolls his eyes turning his head to be greeted by Harry’s dazzling smile. The alpha leans heavily into his palm staring at the smaller omega.

“You’re already glowing.” Harry’s voice is wistful, “You’re going to be the most beautiful pregnant omega ever.”

“You say that now.” Louis giggles, “Just wait until I gain all sorts of weight and cry over fly away home.”

“I can’t wait.” Louis could see the curly haired alpha’s thoughts running a mile a minute, “You’ve already given me one son and now another baby!”

Louis looks uneasily to Niall still nervous he’s stepping on toes but Niall is absorbed in scenting Louis’ stomach he doesn’t seem to hear Harry at all, “I know were not mated yet so if you don’t want to have…”

“NO.” Harry shakes his head, “I want this baby, please. I know it’s your decision but please know that I want this baby.”

Before Louis could respond, Liam gasped from the door, “Baby?”

Harry nods excited snuggling closer to Louis on the bed, “Our baby.”

“My baby.” Niall mumbles again. Louis sighs and pulls Niall’s head back gripping his hair. Niall breath catches in a way that’s a little too sexual for the conversation but meets Louis’ eyes.

“Our baby.” Louis states again and Niall just nods but rolls his eyes.

Grumbling he presses the words, “Our little bean” into Louis stomach.

When Zayn and Liam join the trio on the bed, Louis sigh, “So do you all want it?”

“Yes.” Harry and Niall say in unison.

Louis rolls his eyes, “I know about you two but…” He looks to Liam on one side and Zayn behind Harry on the other.

Liam gives Louis a soft smile, “I couldn’t be happier.”

Louis nods in understanding and Zayn leans over Harry to kiss the omega, “I love it already.” As if to settle Louis’ heart even slightly more, Ollie comes bolting into the room and joins the puppy pile on the bed. He sits happily on Louis’ chest shoving his face into Louis’ neck scenting his mom.

Ollie sniffs his mom a little more intently finally pulling back and looking at Louis with squinted eyes. Small children were known to rely on their sense of smell, so Louis guessed that Ollie would smell his pregnancy, but couldn't comprehend the meaning.

“What’s wrong, baby bear?” Louis asked

Ollie shrugs and then sniffs in Liam’s direction and then in Harry’s before tilting his head, “What is it, baby?” Harry asks, this time, rubbing a soothing hand down the small boys back.

Finally Ollie giggles and leans in to Louis whispering something that has Louis’ blushing.

“What?!” The boys ask, each needing to know what was going on.

“Well I think that Ollie might have a guess as to who the F-A-T-H-E-R to the B-A-B-Y might be.” Louis’ resisting the urge to tell Ollie about the baby until he was certain he wouldn’t lose it. It was still so early and he didn't want to confuse the boy.

“Who?” Niall asks lifting his head to look around Ollie.

“Are you sure you want to know?” Louis’ asks biting his lip and they all nod. It’s not like the kid could actually tell, right?, “Baby tell them what you told me.”

Ollie blushes and Louis urges the boy on tickling his tummy a little until the boy is less shy. Ollie finally turns to look at Harry, “Mumma smells like Dada.”

Harry sits up looking at the boy with tear filled eyes, pointing to himself, “Like Dada?”

Ollie nods and Harry picks the boy up and places him in his lap, giving him a great big hug with tears of joy fall down his face. The toddler giggles as Harry sniffles happily and the other alphas can’t even find it in them to be jealous. They knew their youngest alpha craved fatherhood more than the other two and seeing the unbridled happiness on the alpha’s face was one of the best feelings in the world.

The only thing left to do now was make an appointment with the OBGYN and reschedule their bonding ceremony (again). And if nine months later Louis gives birth to a small curly haired baby with big green eyes than no one can say they were really that surprised.