Ten spent a few more days dealing with his own dilemma--about Johnny. He doesn't know why it happened or why he's even bothered. It started haunting him. He was dreaming more about the alpha these days. The one that feared him the most was when he dreamt about their situation getting switched. What if Ten was the one who left and Johnny has the same amount of hatred as him right now? What if the alpha's protecting River too and would rather not have him touch their son?

The omega's convinced that the alpha deserves to have his time with River too. But now that he thought about it, he already told their son that Johnny's dead when he's not. Of course, he can't tell their kid that he lied then surprises him with his dad being alive.

Ten was ready to have a decent talk with Johnny. He just needs to calm down. He just got surprised with things getting escalated quickly. The sudden appearance of Johnny made him reacted badly. Now that he got guilty about it and knew he had to listen to him at some point, he's considering letting him meet River too.

But like, he doesn't know how to approach him.

"I'm sorry to leave River at yours right now again. I have to buy something and I can't bring him with me. He'll just get whiney and bored," Ten explained on the phone while he's at a dress store to buy his needs for work clothing.

"It'll alright. You should stop by here too later," Taeyong said.

"Aren't we getting too comfy there?" The omega laughed.

"There's no problem with it. I like to have visitors too. You guys can sleep over here too."

"That's too much, it's alright."

"It won't cause too much anyway--Ah, I need to go. The boys are running around. Just message me if you ever need some help there."

Ten nodded, "Yeah, have fun."

Taeyong chuckled before the call ended.

Other than buying his needs for work and home, the omega just thought about taking his free time to breath. He's getting cold feet just thinking about Johnny. Well, it seems like the alpha already gave up. What did he expect anyway? He failed at first, he'll definitely fail at the second time around. He doesn't care anymore. It's fine if he doesn't make an effort for him, but atleast make it up their son.

Alphas are alphas.

Having a little argument in his mind, the omega's attention was caught by the man who just came into the shop. His scent was prominent and made a few heads turn, including Ten's. He was quite surprised.

Why do these things happen?

"You're here," Johnny uttered, when he saw the omega by the counter.

Ten nodded, "Yeah...you too."

The alpha showed a small smile, "Trying to run some errands."

The omega didn't reply. He just paid for the things he bought and was ready to go. Suddenly, he felt so nervous and was cold sweating. Ten just wants to ditch the idea of talking to him. No way he'll talk with him and make it seem he forgave him already! Also, it shouldn't be his problem. Johnny's the one at fault, not him.

"Ah, Ten."

Ten stopped on his tracks, not bothering to turn around and looked at him. The omega's heart beats started to pick up the pace, to the point that it hurts and it rings against his ears.

"Can...Can we talk again?"

The omega sighed quietly. It took him a few seconds that it made Johnny nervous. He was just as uneasy as Ten, but they don't know that. The alpha scratched his nape but stopped when Ten spoke.

"Okay," the omega looked back at him, "Where do you want to talk?"

Johnny's eyes widened, "Wait, really? Will you let me explain?"

Ten felt flushed at him, deciding that he'll talk with Johnny in a calmer way. He frowned and crossed his arms, looking somewhere else other than the alpha, "I-I'm doing it for River...So, don't get the wrong idea. I'm still mad at you."

Johnny couldn't help but smile, ear to ear, "Of course. Let's go?"

"You still have something to do, right?"

"I'll do them after."

Both of them went to a restaurant. Ten kept his distance, away from Johnny. He wasn't used to walking alongside with him anymore. It felt new, just like how they started. Although, the difference was their situation. They didn't exchange any words along the way. Johnny didn't want to make Ten uncomfortable.

They aren't still in good terms, probably even after this. But right now, the alpha would put all of his attention to his son--their son.

When they arrived, they sat at a table for two. They were given menus and Johnny thanked them before he told the waiter that he'll just call him when they're ready to order.

"Can we just get this over with?" Ten asked rhetorically, not wanting to be with the alpha more than just an hour.

Johnny expected it. He just nodded and smiled at the omega seated infront of him. He placed the menu down, putting all of his attention on Ten. It felt nice to be with him again, although, it is bittersweet because of the reason why they're here now.

"Ask me anything."

The omega started fidgeting with his fingers under the table. He has so many questions wanting some answers but at the same time, he was too anxious to hear Johnny's words. Why? Is he scared that the rumors he heard might be true? Or will it just hurt his own ego?

"Just...tell me whatever you want to tell me."

Johnny stared at Ten. He doesn't know where to start but he knows what the omega wants to know first, "I left you because I was threatened. You know our situation back then. When my mother heard you were pregnant, she had to do something to stop our relationship. A gun was already aiming at your head...I couldn't risk anything so I had to go without saying anything to you. She didn't want me to go near you because of our deal--"

"Wait, shut up for a second..." Ten held a hand up, overwhelmed, "Is this true?"

"Do I have any reasons to lie, Ten? I wish it wasn't true. I wish she would just let us be but she had to let me decide between the life she wants and the life I want with fear."

The omega doesn't know what to say, he was speechless. Of course, he has his worries. He couldn't tell if he's lying or not. But Ten does know that his mother's crazy enough to do something like that. He looked at the alpha and saw he doesn't much of an expression, but his eyes showed so much. He was just as miserable as Ten.

"I just had enough freedom right now. That's why I came back," the alpha added.

Ten nodded, guilt filling him up.

"I know I came here too suddenly. I got too excited to not expect that you'd greet me with aggression. I won't blame you from how you reacted," Johnny said, "I just want to say sor--"

"I don't need to hear your apology," Ten butts in. He didn't want to. He just wants to leave and go home.

"Okay, then I won't. I do have something to say, other than this."

"Tell me everything."

"The packages. The packages you've been receiving," Johnny started.

The omega furrowed his eyebrows at him, "How...?"

"It was me who kept sending you packages. I couldn't help it. You told me to stay away but I...wanted to make it up to you, and to our son. I know you've been finding ways to keep him happy and I want to return the favor. You've been a good father."

Ten huffed, "You sneaky bastard," he said under his breath, "Stop that. I don't want them anymore. You hear me?"

Johnny smiled, "I did but I still want to atleast give whatever you and our son needs--"

"River. His name is River, just turned seven last August. He mostly likes any food but he likes ice cream the most. His favorite toy is the stuff toy you gave. He isn't hard to handle but is a sucker for playtime. He is...starting to become aware of the things around him too. He's very fond of taking care of the people around him too. He's a very sweet and kind child. I raised him like that."

Even though the omega seems grumpy and irritated, he still wanted to let the alpha know their child. Johnny's a good man and Ten knows his intentions means well. He doesn't have any proof but he has some trust left to bet on it. The alpha appreciates that, nevertheless.

"If you want to be a good father to him, then atleast make an effort to be one. No money or gifts," Ten said.

"You're letting me?"

"What do you think? But I'll have to introduce you to him as an uncle," the omega uttered.

Johnny understands. It'll be confusing for River to know about their situation. Also, Ten might just shout at him if he asks. He is a hard person to knock on but he believes he'll soften up again to him. He doesn't want Ten to keep that hatred for too long.

"I'm happy with that."

Ten should tell him to stop smiling.