46.

Everything was a blur at the hospital. Jimin didn't really know what he'd do without Jungkook. One moment he was on the floor clutching his belly in horror as he realized what just happened and the next he was in Jungkook's arms. Jungkook was moving before Jimin could even process everything.

The alpha ran out like a bat out of hell with a panicked expression, telling him to hang in there. Then he was running. Jimin couldn't bring himself to think much about anything else because of the contractions. This wasn't supposed to happen.

"It's okay. I got you," Jungkook repeated like a mantra as he eased the car into traffic, driving very carefully yet as fast as he could. The more he said it the more it felt like he was saying that out loud to assure himself. The omega could sense the alpha's fear for him. "Hang in there, baby. I'll get you both there in no time."

Jimin wanted to cry. His mate was so thoughtful. Only a few minutes ago, he believed his life as he knew it was over. But now Jungkook was here like an anchor. This might be something they could laugh about later, maybe several years down the line but he wasn't going to forget the terror this caused him.

"We're almost there," Jungkook said again, calling almost everyone he could think of and telling them Jimin was going into labor.

Jimin wanted to tell him not to overdo it but his breath caught in his throat. His breaths were ragged and shallow.

"Breathe, baby. Breathe through your mouth. You'll have help soon. Almost there."

Jimin breathed as Jungkook instructed and soon they were at the hospital. From there once again it was a blur. They wheeled him to the operation theater where they began to prep him for an emergency c-section.

The omega knew he'd have to deliver through a c-section because for a male omega, the natural way would be far more complicated due to the less flexible nature of their pelvic bones unlike their female counterparts.

It was a whirlwind of chaos but all Jimin could focus on was the tightening pain in his belly and the overwhelming sense of relief flooding him in the alpha's presence.

The alpha was with him through it all, holding him, kissing his head and telling him they were together in this and he couldn't wait to start the next chapter of their life. Jimin's omega was far happier now that Jungkook had assured them. Their alpha wasn't leaving. If anything, they got them a new home and a better place to bring up their pup.

Jungkook's hands trembled but he continued to assure the omega and stayed by his side. The real problem, however, happened when Jungkook actually saw whatever he saw. Jimin, whose movements were limited and feeling drowsy with sedatives, only heard a thud and a few staff rushing toward his alpha.

"Don't worry. It happens," someone assured him.

Jimin was slightly in and out of it as he waited for their precious pup's arrival. Then Jungkook was back at his side again. Only for a few moments, though. Tiny cries suddenly filled the room and the doctor lifted their pup, still surrounded by all bodily fluids and umbilical cord attached. The doctor then proceeded to put the pup over Jimin's chest and the omega sniffled, trying his best to nuzzle into his pup. To his side, Jungkook's eyes rolled back at the first sight, going down like a sack of potatoes.

"Okay, this one has a weak heart. Wheel him out, please," the doctor called out. "I wanted to ask if he wanted to cut the umbilical cord."

They took the pup back. Once again, it was a flurry of activities.and the nurse announced, "Healthy alpha boy born at 11:53 p.m., weighing 7.5lbs." The same nurse brought his cleaned pup, wrapped in a soft blanket. "Your husband is being taken care of," she said. "Don't worry. Here, let me help you."

Jimin eagerly took the pup, sniffling some more as he admired the new life he just brought into this world. He'd been waiting for this moment for so long. The moment was not entirely perfect and didn't go as expected with Jungkook passing out like that. He couldn't even laugh right now but he was sure he would when they talked about it again.

For now, what mattered was that his life was okay. They were okay and their pup was more than okay.

***

When Jungkook woke up in the strange room, his mother stood in front of him with a knowing look and a soft smile. "You're finally up." There was a teasing lilt to her voice that was calming.

He felt disoriented for a moment before he realized where they were and why they were here.

"Jimin!" Jungkook tried to jump up from the bed but she stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Resting," she said. "You passed out and slept longer than he did." She scoffed. "Seriously, son, I never expected for you to be like this. Do you know how long we were waiting?"

Jungkook blinked. "I passed out." Then he remembered. There was just too much blood. "Oh, shit. They cut him open," he cried, panic settling in. "Blood. There was blood everywhere." His voice trembled as panic filled him.

"Hush, pup." His mother halted him once more. "That's what every parent goes through during childbirth. Look over there. He's been waiting for you to wake up."

Jungkook whipped his head to the side to see Jimin watching him intently. In his hands was a tiny bundle.

"Our pup," Jungkook whispered, slowly climbing to his feet.

"Yes," his mother replied. "Ready to meet your son?"

Jungkook didn't reply, instead he slowly walked toward his son with a look of wonder in his eyes. He was so tiny and he could only see two pink fists clenching and unclenching slowly. When he finally saw the face, he paused, gasping softly.

"Wanna hold him?" Jimin asked gently and Jungkook's gaze flicked to his face, speechless and mind going blank. With a soft tuft of hair, button nose and lips that were the exact copy of his omega father, his son looked so beautiful.

"Come on. Sit here." Jungkook's mother made him sit on a chair. "It'll be more comfortable this way." She placed a pillow on his lap before taking the pup from Jimin. "Here, just hold him this way."

Jungkook's hands trembled slightly, his body stiff and eyes wide. He didn't move an inch when she placed the pup in his arms. Right then, the pup opened his eyes. Dark brown, curious eyes stared back at him.

"Hi," he whispered, admiring the tiny pup with the most pinkish arms and feet ever. He had Jimin's features and Jungkook's eyes. "I'm your dad."

His throat closed with an emotion he never experienced before and his eyes welled with tears. This was his son. He glanced at Jimin, who was watching him intently. The words felt surreal.

"I'm a dad now," he whispered, glancing back at the pup. "He's my son."

"He is," his mother replied warmly. "He even has your eyes. Isn't he the most adorable pup ever."

Jungkook couldn't agree more. "He's so tiny. Look at his arms and legs...he's so fragile." He was afraid if he moved it'd hurt the pup. Oh, how badly he wanted to hold that tiny palm that opened like flower petals. "And I'm his father."

"Are you happy, Jungkook?" Jimin asked hopefully.

Jungkook nodded. Was he happy? He thought so. Because he never experienced anything like this before. The alpha wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. He couldn't tear his gaze off his pup even if he wanted to. "I didn't know becoming a father would feel like this," he replied.

"How does it feel?" Jimin asked.

"I-It just...It just feels right. It feels like it's meant to be." Jungkook finally glanced back at his mate with tears glistening in his eyes. A look on Jimin's face was all he needed. This was it. This was his family. This was the only thing he needed in this life. "I love him," his voice cracked with the surge of emotions he was feeling right then. "I love you." He looked at his mate. "This is so perfect."

Jimin's answering smile lit his entire world, once again reminding him of the first time they met and became friends. It reminded him of their love that slowly blossomed into a stronger bond they shared today. And it reminded him of the tiny living being moving in his arms.

I'm a father now.

Suddenly he felt like he understood what his father must have felt when he held him the first time. This was the second most beautiful moment in his life. He tried his best to imprint everything in his mind. And in this moment, everything felt so perfect.