Price Check On Baekhyun's Heart
Title: Price Check On Baekhyun's Heart
Pairing: Baekhyun/Minseok, Past!Jongdae/Baekhyun, side! Kyungsoo/Chanyeol
Length: 2,702w
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: [spooky]MPREG, time skips (sorta)
Summary: When the going gets tough, the tough goes out to buy more chips.
Author's note: Does this fic even make sense anymore? Written for winterlights!
"Shit!" Baekhyun groans. The clock reads 4:30am when he rolls over and he lets out another groan. His stomach then proceeds to let out the loudest noise he's ever heard and that's enough for him to leave the comfort of his warm bed. It's mid-August and Baekhyun is in the middle of his last trimester. He's been getting cravings at the most usual of times and he thanks the gods and beyond that the grocery corner store is open at all hours of the day.
Baekhyun glances out the window just to make sure the lights of the small store are still on and sure enough, it's the brightest thing on the street. Baekhyun makes his way to his closet, pulls out an over sized hoodie that use to belong to Chanyeol (before Baekhyun "borrowed" it in his first trimester) and makes his way to the door. He grabs his phone on the way out, going as fast as a pregnant person can go and grabs the keys from the bowl by his door. He looks back at his living room once, making sure he has everything, nodding when he does have everything and leaves.
The apartment building he lives in has an elevator and (bless their souls) there's a doorman at all hours. Honestly, Baekhyun is thanking everyone and anyone who allowed him to live here and beyond. It makes everything all the more easily because he's by himself.
Once Baekhyun's in the lobby, he makes his way to the door. The doorman, Changmin, promptly bids him a good morning and opens the door for Baekhyun, giving him a big smile that's way too bright for this early in the morning. "I'll be expecting you back and I’ll help with the bags." Changmin calls out as Baekhyun waddles his way down the street to the cross-way. Baekhyun hums and presses the button (even if there aren't cars and Baekhyun can cross willingly, he just doesn't want to risk it). He presses his hands together and shakes his shoulders because it's way too cold for August but it's Alaska, so what else should he expect.
The light turns green and Baekhyun waddles as fast as he can before the light is red and he makes it. He glances to make sure he didn't drop anything before opening the door to the store. The bell chimes overhead and Baekhyun inhales. Ah, the smell of fresh produce. Kyungsoo always puts out the produce early in the morning. Something about "early morning shoppers" showing up at 5:30am to get their fill and Baekhyun doesn't mind. He likes the smell of fresh cilantro or mint hitting him when he walks in.
He about ready to greet Kyungsoo at his regular counter but he looks up and, "You're not Kyungsoo." Baekhyun blurts out. The guys laughs, "Of course I'm not." He points to his name tag. "I'm Minseok." Baekhyun nods, "I've heard about you. Don't you usually have the day shift?" Minseok hums, "Yeah but now I have the night shift."
"Where's Kyungsoo?" Baekhyun asks, looking from side to side to see if his friend is around. Minseok points to the double doors, marked "EMPLOYEES ONLY". "He's in the back sleeping. Boss was really getting on him." Baekhyun scoffs, "I told him not stress himself out." Baekhyun states, he marches to the chip aisle and scans the various chips.
"Why do you have to make this so hard?" Baekhyun moans, he pats his stomach before grabbing a good few family sized bags of salt and vinegar chips before heading to the sauces aisle and grabbing a bottle of buffalo sauce because he ran out. Minseok sits quietly at his cash register, playing around with his phone when Baekhyun reappears, hands full of a good 5 or so bags of chips and a bottle of buffalo sauce. "I see you got the usual." Minseok starts off before taking the bags from Baekhyun's hands and scanning them. "Yeah, I would've gone for ice cream but you guys ran out of the lactaid free brand." Minseok laughs, "Yeah we're getting a shipment of more soon. Don't worry." Baekhyun smiles, "Good, I love my lactose free ice cream. I can't live without it."
"I'm sure you can’t." Minseok laughs, again. "Swipe your card." Minseok instructs and Baekhyun gladly does. He hums a random tune while typing his pin and sways a little, sleep washing over him again and he yawns. "Sleepy?" Minseok asks, "Yeah. I went to bed at like one and then, this little person," Baekhyun points to his stomach, "wanted chips so here I am now." Baekhyun grabs his receipt and his bags. Minseok hums in response, "Well, you can go back and sleep when you get home." Baekhyun shrugs, "Sounds like a plan to me. Bye Minseok!" Baekhyun calls out as he leaves. "Bye Baekhyun." Minseok replies, a soft smile on his face that puts Baekhyun in a good mood.
-
"Wake up!" Kyungsoo yells, "It's 1pm! What are you still doing in bed?" Baekhyun whines. Why does the world hate him? "I am pregnant! Can't you allow me to sleep in for a change?" Baekhyun complains as Kyungsoo pulls him out. Baekhyun yawns, leaning against Kyungsoo as the other pulls him out of bed. "You sleep in all the time! Plus, I will not allow you to not take your online classes." Kyungsoo pushes Baekhyun's arms up and pulls his shirt off before putting on a cleaner, less stained one on him. "I know you're a single parent but you still have to get your degree. Now take off you pants so I can put a clean one on you." Kyungsoo states, Baekhyun following suit in his half-asleep state.
"Look, you look like a clean person now." Kyungsoo smiles and Baekhyun laughs sarcastically before blowing raspberries at Kyungsoo direction. "That's no way to treat someone who cooked brunch for you." Kyungsoo huffs. Baekhyun lights up, "You made me food?" Kyungsoo nods, "I did, now go brush your teeth and come eat before you have to take classes." Baekhyun salutes Kyungsoo, "Yes, sir!"
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, "I don't even know why I still come over." He mumbles. This is how it is everyday, Kyungsoo dotting on Baekhyun. Baekhyun thinks he wouldn't have it any other way. This is how he wants it to be. This is how well it works. Baekhyun doesn’t want that to change.
-
Jongdae was - is extremely nice and beautiful. He was - is also extremely alluring and persuasive. Baekhyun will argue that he was just in the heat of the moment, he did have a crush on the guy in middle school before Jongdae’s band got big. Kyungsoo will claim it's bullshit and says it was his ‘rock star aura’, whatever the fuck that means. Yes, Jongdae is Baekhyun’s quote unquote “baby daddy”. It’s was a simple one night cliche hookup after Jongdae’s concert in town. They were drunk and stupid, and there wasn’t any protection but how many times has that stopped intoxicated people for having sex?
A month after, Baekhyun finds himself crying in his bathroom, the results of his clinic check-up results in his hands and he’s now fully aware he’s pregnant. Giving it up or aborting it was never considered because Baekhyun just doesn’t want to consider it. He ends up calling Jongdae up months later when his pants aren’t fitting anymore. Jongdae sounds a bit happy to hear Baekhyun and he yells about being in Ireland, how his fiancé is doing and how the band has a couple more shows in asia before their world tour is over. Baekhyun responds with ‘that’s good’ or ‘cool’ occasionally and Jongdae notices. “Are you okay?” Jongdae whispers. Baekhyun hums, completely zoned out, “I’m pregnant.” He says nonchalantly. Jongdae stutters, “What?” Baekhyun sighs, fingers playing with the strings of his sweatpants. “I’m pregnant and I’m pretty sure you’re the father.”
Jongdae whistles lowly into the receiver, “Whoa, okay. Are you-”
“Yeah. I’m sure. You were my most recent.” Baekhyun feels like crying. He can hear Jongdae sigh, “How long have you known?” Jongdae sounds tired, exhausted. “For 3 months now. My pants don’t fit me.”
“You’ve been pregnant for 3 months and kept it for me?!” Jongdae yells and maybe Baekhyun was wrong to do so but he spent 3 months contemplating whether or not he should call Jongdae. What if Jongdae didn't want to talk about it? What if when Baekhyun even mentioned it, would Jongdae change the subject, maybe even refuse to acknowledge it?
"I didn't know what to do!" Baekhyun wails, his emotions getting the best of him and he starts sobbing. He sounds like a wuss but fuck it, he thinks. He's pregnant and emotional and his pants aren’t fitting him properly anymore. It's a very hard time. "Baekhyun." Jongdae whispers softly into the phone. "I don't hate you nor do I want to be left out." Baekhyun hums while bringing his hand up to rub his eyes. "Then what are we going to do? We're going to be parents, Jongdae." Baekhyun hiccups, "You're engaged!"
Jongdae spend a good half hour telling Baekhyun he'll help. Baekhyun doubting everything until Jongdae was knocking on his shitty apartment door and talking about the plans for the future. It was a weird transition.
Everything was weird. Being pregnant and basically being a single parent.
Next thing Baekhyun knew, Jongdae was back in town (for a while) and he found himself moving into the nicest apartments in town, Jongdae and his fiance are way too willing to help with finances and he’s in the first month of his last tri-mester. It’s all happening so quick, Baekhyun thinks.
But he has a great supportive base and he’s got a great “family” (quotations because last time he checked he is not in way, shape, or form, related to Chanyeol and he thanks any higher mighty beings for that) that’ll always be there.
It’s assuring.
-
"What are you doing?" Minseok asks, the latter looking at Baekhyun as he takes a seat on the stool next to Minseok and Minseok sighs. "Baekhyun, we've discussed this before, you can't hang out with me during work hours." Baekhyun pouts, hand tugging the ugliest green colored apron Minseok has on (and still manages to look great in). Minseok glances at Baekhyun and shakes his head.
"But Minseok, I'm a tired pregnant male who walked here just to see you." Baekhyun rebuttals. Minseok laughs, "You came for the discount chips I get you." Baekhyun shakes his head, "That's not entirely true."
"So you do come for the chip?" Minseok turns to Baekhyun.
"To an extent, yes. Maybe the guy at counter thirteen is really nice and caring and I happen to be their favorite pregnant person." Baekhyun states proudly while looking Minseok in the eye. "Plus, your boss loves me. I'm a loyal customer."
"First of all, You're the only pregnant person I know." Baekhyun smiles causing Minseok to roll his eyes and continue anyways, "Second of all, Junmyeon just likes you because you're in some sorta way related to Jongdae because of the baby and he really likes Jongdae."
Baekhyun frowns, "That's rude. I'm leaving." Minseok sighs, his hand resting on Baekhyun shoulder to keep him from standing up. "It's not that I don't want you here but you distract me."
"In a good way or in a bad way?"
"In a good way and in a bad way."
Baekhyun hums, hands rubs against his thighs to keep warm and Minseok notices. He reaches for the blanket behind the counter (surprisingly, it's there because Kyungsoo keeps it for this, specifically) and drapes it on Baekhyun's legs. "I like you and you know that." Minseok starts, Baekhyun automatically bringing his hand up to hold Minseok's. Minseok looks at Baekhyun, "It's just- I'm getting too fond and what if Jongdae doesn't want me in his child's life?"
Baekhyun runs his thumb across the back of Minseok's hand and smiles, "He'll have to deal with it." Baekhyun makes it sound so easy. He assures Minseok by pulling him down and kissing him for the first time. It's isn't romantic (because they're in a grocery store) but the way Minseok places a firm hand on Baekhyun's belly as he kisses him several more times, makes it worth the smell of stale cilantro that surrounds them and the soft sounds of the wheels on a cart in the back a bit more comforting.
-
It’s close to 4am, two weeks later, when Baekhyun wakes up in a cold sweat. His stomach contracts and god damnit, it’s hell on earth. He groans and gasps, hand reaching out to grip Minseok’s arm as he yells out. His throat feels raw and dry as he cries out and it scares Minseok.
“Baekhyun, talk to me.” Minseok pleads. Baekhyun shakes his head. Once the pain stops, he falls back, a heavy sigh escapes him and his winded. The bed feels wet between his legs and he pushes Minseok far from it. “Grab the bag. My water just broke.”
·
It's amusing to see Minseok driving to the hospital. He mumbles words of comfort and encouragement to Baekhyun, he hums and rubs the back of Baekhyun’s hand with his thumb and when they stop at a red light, he runs his fingers through Baekhyun's scalp to help soothe the immense headache he has. It's really appreciated and by the time they're walking into the emergency room, Baekhyun thinks he's just about ready to be a parent.
The nurses whisk him away but he reaches out and grabs Minseok, dragging him along for the ride too. The nurse to Baekhyun's left throws him a questioning look, “Boyfriend.” he mumbles, completely worn out from the contraction he got a few seconds ago.
The next few hours go by in a blur. The hours actually seemed to have merged together and by the time he's ready for operation, the sun's out. They don't allow Minseok to be there when it all goes down but the moment he steps into the room to see Baekhyun after, Baekhyun cries. Minseok automatically rushes over, carefully sitting on the small space on the bed and embraces Baekhyun.
“I did it.” He mumbles into Minseok’s shoulders. Minseok nods, “You did it.” Baekhyun holds onto the soft fabric of Minseok’s sweater, a significant habit that he picked up after he allowed Minseok behind his walls.
“I feel level headed when I grip onto you. I feel like you're my anchor.”
When Baekhyun finally names the baby, it's when Jongdae comes to visit. It's messy. Apparently, Jongdae is sensitive and the moment Yein was handed over to him, he sobbed. “She cooed. That's so fucking adorable.” Jongdae gushes, his fiance watching him while she asked Baekhyun about his health.
Minseok sits besides Jongdae, as awkward as it may seem, they naturally talk to one another and discuss the layout for Yein’s room back home.
“Should we get her those easy bakes?” Jongdae asks. “Maybe when she's seven.” Minseok counter. They wouldn't want a toddler burning themselves.
It's all coming full circle, Baekhyun thinks. Kyungsoo and Minseok are hovering over Chanyeol’s shoulder as he attempts to learn how to change a diaper properly. Baekhyun can occasionally hear a smack and a few choice words after, the smack most likely from Kyungsoo and the words from Minseok. It's endearing and strangely comforting and that's all Baekhyun wanted when he found out he was pregnant. He wanted a backbone, a nice reassurance that everything will be okay and he thinks he's found that in Minseok.
He knows he'll be fine. He's known since the moment Yein was placed in his arms, soft skin, chubby face, and a cute little button nose. She didn't cry but she whispered, mostly because it was cold and Baekhyun seem to know what she needed, what she wanted. He held her closer, her small fist encircling his pointer finger and he lets himself cry because goddamnit, he's made it. He's starting fresh and he's never felt more ready or secure in his life than with Yein in his arms and Minseok by his side.
Pairing: Baekhyun/Minseok, Past!Jongdae/Baekhyun, side! Kyungsoo/Chanyeol
Length: 2,702w
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: [spooky]MPREG, time skips (sorta)
Summary: When the going gets tough, the tough goes out to buy more chips.
Author's note: Does this fic even make sense anymore? Written for winterlights!
"Shit!" Baekhyun groans. The clock reads 4:30am when he rolls over and he lets out another groan. His stomach then proceeds to let out the loudest noise he's ever heard and that's enough for him to leave the comfort of his warm bed. It's mid-August and Baekhyun is in the middle of his last trimester. He's been getting cravings at the most usual of times and he thanks the gods and beyond that the grocery corner store is open at all hours of the day.
Baekhyun glances out the window just to make sure the lights of the small store are still on and sure enough, it's the brightest thing on the street. Baekhyun makes his way to his closet, pulls out an over sized hoodie that use to belong to Chanyeol (before Baekhyun "borrowed" it in his first trimester) and makes his way to the door. He grabs his phone on the way out, going as fast as a pregnant person can go and grabs the keys from the bowl by his door. He looks back at his living room once, making sure he has everything, nodding when he does have everything and leaves.
The apartment building he lives in has an elevator and (bless their souls) there's a doorman at all hours. Honestly, Baekhyun is thanking everyone and anyone who allowed him to live here and beyond. It makes everything all the more easily because he's by himself.
Once Baekhyun's in the lobby, he makes his way to the door. The doorman, Changmin, promptly bids him a good morning and opens the door for Baekhyun, giving him a big smile that's way too bright for this early in the morning. "I'll be expecting you back and I’ll help with the bags." Changmin calls out as Baekhyun waddles his way down the street to the cross-way. Baekhyun hums and presses the button (even if there aren't cars and Baekhyun can cross willingly, he just doesn't want to risk it). He presses his hands together and shakes his shoulders because it's way too cold for August but it's Alaska, so what else should he expect.
The light turns green and Baekhyun waddles as fast as he can before the light is red and he makes it. He glances to make sure he didn't drop anything before opening the door to the store. The bell chimes overhead and Baekhyun inhales. Ah, the smell of fresh produce. Kyungsoo always puts out the produce early in the morning. Something about "early morning shoppers" showing up at 5:30am to get their fill and Baekhyun doesn't mind. He likes the smell of fresh cilantro or mint hitting him when he walks in.
He about ready to greet Kyungsoo at his regular counter but he looks up and, "You're not Kyungsoo." Baekhyun blurts out. The guys laughs, "Of course I'm not." He points to his name tag. "I'm Minseok." Baekhyun nods, "I've heard about you. Don't you usually have the day shift?" Minseok hums, "Yeah but now I have the night shift."
"Where's Kyungsoo?" Baekhyun asks, looking from side to side to see if his friend is around. Minseok points to the double doors, marked "EMPLOYEES ONLY". "He's in the back sleeping. Boss was really getting on him." Baekhyun scoffs, "I told him not stress himself out." Baekhyun states, he marches to the chip aisle and scans the various chips.
"Why do you have to make this so hard?" Baekhyun moans, he pats his stomach before grabbing a good few family sized bags of salt and vinegar chips before heading to the sauces aisle and grabbing a bottle of buffalo sauce because he ran out. Minseok sits quietly at his cash register, playing around with his phone when Baekhyun reappears, hands full of a good 5 or so bags of chips and a bottle of buffalo sauce. "I see you got the usual." Minseok starts off before taking the bags from Baekhyun's hands and scanning them. "Yeah, I would've gone for ice cream but you guys ran out of the lactaid free brand." Minseok laughs, "Yeah we're getting a shipment of more soon. Don't worry." Baekhyun smiles, "Good, I love my lactose free ice cream. I can't live without it."
"I'm sure you can’t." Minseok laughs, again. "Swipe your card." Minseok instructs and Baekhyun gladly does. He hums a random tune while typing his pin and sways a little, sleep washing over him again and he yawns. "Sleepy?" Minseok asks, "Yeah. I went to bed at like one and then, this little person," Baekhyun points to his stomach, "wanted chips so here I am now." Baekhyun grabs his receipt and his bags. Minseok hums in response, "Well, you can go back and sleep when you get home." Baekhyun shrugs, "Sounds like a plan to me. Bye Minseok!" Baekhyun calls out as he leaves. "Bye Baekhyun." Minseok replies, a soft smile on his face that puts Baekhyun in a good mood.
-
"Wake up!" Kyungsoo yells, "It's 1pm! What are you still doing in bed?" Baekhyun whines. Why does the world hate him? "I am pregnant! Can't you allow me to sleep in for a change?" Baekhyun complains as Kyungsoo pulls him out. Baekhyun yawns, leaning against Kyungsoo as the other pulls him out of bed. "You sleep in all the time! Plus, I will not allow you to not take your online classes." Kyungsoo pushes Baekhyun's arms up and pulls his shirt off before putting on a cleaner, less stained one on him. "I know you're a single parent but you still have to get your degree. Now take off you pants so I can put a clean one on you." Kyungsoo states, Baekhyun following suit in his half-asleep state.
"Look, you look like a clean person now." Kyungsoo smiles and Baekhyun laughs sarcastically before blowing raspberries at Kyungsoo direction. "That's no way to treat someone who cooked brunch for you." Kyungsoo huffs. Baekhyun lights up, "You made me food?" Kyungsoo nods, "I did, now go brush your teeth and come eat before you have to take classes." Baekhyun salutes Kyungsoo, "Yes, sir!"
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, "I don't even know why I still come over." He mumbles. This is how it is everyday, Kyungsoo dotting on Baekhyun. Baekhyun thinks he wouldn't have it any other way. This is how he wants it to be. This is how well it works. Baekhyun doesn’t want that to change.
-
Jongdae was - is extremely nice and beautiful. He was - is also extremely alluring and persuasive. Baekhyun will argue that he was just in the heat of the moment, he did have a crush on the guy in middle school before Jongdae’s band got big. Kyungsoo will claim it's bullshit and says it was his ‘rock star aura’, whatever the fuck that means. Yes, Jongdae is Baekhyun’s quote unquote “baby daddy”. It’s was a simple one night cliche hookup after Jongdae’s concert in town. They were drunk and stupid, and there wasn’t any protection but how many times has that stopped intoxicated people for having sex?
A month after, Baekhyun finds himself crying in his bathroom, the results of his clinic check-up results in his hands and he’s now fully aware he’s pregnant. Giving it up or aborting it was never considered because Baekhyun just doesn’t want to consider it. He ends up calling Jongdae up months later when his pants aren’t fitting anymore. Jongdae sounds a bit happy to hear Baekhyun and he yells about being in Ireland, how his fiancé is doing and how the band has a couple more shows in asia before their world tour is over. Baekhyun responds with ‘that’s good’ or ‘cool’ occasionally and Jongdae notices. “Are you okay?” Jongdae whispers. Baekhyun hums, completely zoned out, “I’m pregnant.” He says nonchalantly. Jongdae stutters, “What?” Baekhyun sighs, fingers playing with the strings of his sweatpants. “I’m pregnant and I’m pretty sure you’re the father.”
Jongdae whistles lowly into the receiver, “Whoa, okay. Are you-”
“Yeah. I’m sure. You were my most recent.” Baekhyun feels like crying. He can hear Jongdae sigh, “How long have you known?” Jongdae sounds tired, exhausted. “For 3 months now. My pants don’t fit me.”
“You’ve been pregnant for 3 months and kept it for me?!” Jongdae yells and maybe Baekhyun was wrong to do so but he spent 3 months contemplating whether or not he should call Jongdae. What if Jongdae didn't want to talk about it? What if when Baekhyun even mentioned it, would Jongdae change the subject, maybe even refuse to acknowledge it?
"I didn't know what to do!" Baekhyun wails, his emotions getting the best of him and he starts sobbing. He sounds like a wuss but fuck it, he thinks. He's pregnant and emotional and his pants aren’t fitting him properly anymore. It's a very hard time. "Baekhyun." Jongdae whispers softly into the phone. "I don't hate you nor do I want to be left out." Baekhyun hums while bringing his hand up to rub his eyes. "Then what are we going to do? We're going to be parents, Jongdae." Baekhyun hiccups, "You're engaged!"
Jongdae spend a good half hour telling Baekhyun he'll help. Baekhyun doubting everything until Jongdae was knocking on his shitty apartment door and talking about the plans for the future. It was a weird transition.
Everything was weird. Being pregnant and basically being a single parent.
Next thing Baekhyun knew, Jongdae was back in town (for a while) and he found himself moving into the nicest apartments in town, Jongdae and his fiance are way too willing to help with finances and he’s in the first month of his last tri-mester. It’s all happening so quick, Baekhyun thinks.
But he has a great supportive base and he’s got a great “family” (quotations because last time he checked he is not in way, shape, or form, related to Chanyeol and he thanks any higher mighty beings for that) that’ll always be there.
It’s assuring.
-
"What are you doing?" Minseok asks, the latter looking at Baekhyun as he takes a seat on the stool next to Minseok and Minseok sighs. "Baekhyun, we've discussed this before, you can't hang out with me during work hours." Baekhyun pouts, hand tugging the ugliest green colored apron Minseok has on (and still manages to look great in). Minseok glances at Baekhyun and shakes his head.
"But Minseok, I'm a tired pregnant male who walked here just to see you." Baekhyun rebuttals. Minseok laughs, "You came for the discount chips I get you." Baekhyun shakes his head, "That's not entirely true."
"So you do come for the chip?" Minseok turns to Baekhyun.
"To an extent, yes. Maybe the guy at counter thirteen is really nice and caring and I happen to be their favorite pregnant person." Baekhyun states proudly while looking Minseok in the eye. "Plus, your boss loves me. I'm a loyal customer."
"First of all, You're the only pregnant person I know." Baekhyun smiles causing Minseok to roll his eyes and continue anyways, "Second of all, Junmyeon just likes you because you're in some sorta way related to Jongdae because of the baby and he really likes Jongdae."
Baekhyun frowns, "That's rude. I'm leaving." Minseok sighs, his hand resting on Baekhyun shoulder to keep him from standing up. "It's not that I don't want you here but you distract me."
"In a good way or in a bad way?"
"In a good way and in a bad way."
Baekhyun hums, hands rubs against his thighs to keep warm and Minseok notices. He reaches for the blanket behind the counter (surprisingly, it's there because Kyungsoo keeps it for this, specifically) and drapes it on Baekhyun's legs. "I like you and you know that." Minseok starts, Baekhyun automatically bringing his hand up to hold Minseok's. Minseok looks at Baekhyun, "It's just- I'm getting too fond and what if Jongdae doesn't want me in his child's life?"
Baekhyun runs his thumb across the back of Minseok's hand and smiles, "He'll have to deal with it." Baekhyun makes it sound so easy. He assures Minseok by pulling him down and kissing him for the first time. It's isn't romantic (because they're in a grocery store) but the way Minseok places a firm hand on Baekhyun's belly as he kisses him several more times, makes it worth the smell of stale cilantro that surrounds them and the soft sounds of the wheels on a cart in the back a bit more comforting.
-
It’s close to 4am, two weeks later, when Baekhyun wakes up in a cold sweat. His stomach contracts and god damnit, it’s hell on earth. He groans and gasps, hand reaching out to grip Minseok’s arm as he yells out. His throat feels raw and dry as he cries out and it scares Minseok.
“Baekhyun, talk to me.” Minseok pleads. Baekhyun shakes his head. Once the pain stops, he falls back, a heavy sigh escapes him and his winded. The bed feels wet between his legs and he pushes Minseok far from it. “Grab the bag. My water just broke.”
·
It's amusing to see Minseok driving to the hospital. He mumbles words of comfort and encouragement to Baekhyun, he hums and rubs the back of Baekhyun’s hand with his thumb and when they stop at a red light, he runs his fingers through Baekhyun's scalp to help soothe the immense headache he has. It's really appreciated and by the time they're walking into the emergency room, Baekhyun thinks he's just about ready to be a parent.
The nurses whisk him away but he reaches out and grabs Minseok, dragging him along for the ride too. The nurse to Baekhyun's left throws him a questioning look, “Boyfriend.” he mumbles, completely worn out from the contraction he got a few seconds ago.
The next few hours go by in a blur. The hours actually seemed to have merged together and by the time he's ready for operation, the sun's out. They don't allow Minseok to be there when it all goes down but the moment he steps into the room to see Baekhyun after, Baekhyun cries. Minseok automatically rushes over, carefully sitting on the small space on the bed and embraces Baekhyun.
“I did it.” He mumbles into Minseok’s shoulders. Minseok nods, “You did it.” Baekhyun holds onto the soft fabric of Minseok’s sweater, a significant habit that he picked up after he allowed Minseok behind his walls.
“I feel level headed when I grip onto you. I feel like you're my anchor.”
When Baekhyun finally names the baby, it's when Jongdae comes to visit. It's messy. Apparently, Jongdae is sensitive and the moment Yein was handed over to him, he sobbed. “She cooed. That's so fucking adorable.” Jongdae gushes, his fiance watching him while she asked Baekhyun about his health.
Minseok sits besides Jongdae, as awkward as it may seem, they naturally talk to one another and discuss the layout for Yein’s room back home.
“Should we get her those easy bakes?” Jongdae asks. “Maybe when she's seven.” Minseok counter. They wouldn't want a toddler burning themselves.
It's all coming full circle, Baekhyun thinks. Kyungsoo and Minseok are hovering over Chanyeol’s shoulder as he attempts to learn how to change a diaper properly. Baekhyun can occasionally hear a smack and a few choice words after, the smack most likely from Kyungsoo and the words from Minseok. It's endearing and strangely comforting and that's all Baekhyun wanted when he found out he was pregnant. He wanted a backbone, a nice reassurance that everything will be okay and he thinks he's found that in Minseok.
He knows he'll be fine. He's known since the moment Yein was placed in his arms, soft skin, chubby face, and a cute little button nose. She didn't cry but she whispered, mostly because it was cold and Baekhyun seem to know what she needed, what she wanted. He held her closer, her small fist encircling his pointer finger and he lets himself cry because goddamnit, he's made it. He's starting fresh and he's never felt more ready or secure in his life than with Yein in his arms and Minseok by his side.