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Arthur could count on one hand the number of times he had seen Pierre nesting. Despite having spent a considerable amount of time in their Monaco apartment, never before had he encountered the large nest meticulously constructed in the corner of the living room. The impressive piles of soft-looking blankets and the abundance of pillows clearly indicated his brother-in-law has never been short on nesting materials.
When Arthur rang the doorbell in the early afternoon, expecting to pick Pierre up for a casual game of paddle. The last thing he expected was to end up in this situation. With a growling omega, a poor Joris that couldn’t set a foot in the flat.
"-Arthur! What the fuck happen? You can’t send me a message this cryptic and not answer ton putain de portable ! he blurted out, his gaze scanning the room anxiously as he tried to comprehend Arthur's unsettling message: “ Comme quick, something is wrong with Pierre.”
His eyes ultimately landed on a sight that left him momentarily stunned. Arthur seemed more alarmed than Charles had ever seen him, with Pierre, or what he assumed was Pierre, curled up in his lap. The lump of blankets, which was emitting soft snores, he deduced to be his boyfriend, was situated inside a nest in their living room – a nest which was definitely not there when he had left earlier in the day.
Charles dropped to his knees on the outside of the nest, careful not to disturb the blanket barrier in any way. Every instinct within him was screaming, urging him to comfort his mate, to dissipate the overwhelming scent of anxiety that filled the room and to erase the sour expression on his baby brother's face.
Just then, as if Pierre had sensed his presence, a hand slipped out from under the blanket and reached out for him. He let out a whine looking for something in his sleep. Charles could tell that Pierre wasn't fully asleep - he was teetering on the edge of consciousness, which was potentially dangerous. The realisation sent a jolt of fear coursing through Charles' veins. Charles' heartbeat quickened even more if that was even possible. He knew he had to do something - Pierre couldn't stay in this state.
With a sense of purpose, Charles took Pierre's hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft, comforting kiss. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he cautiously stepped inside the safety of the nest- a sacred space created by Pierre. He felt a pang of guilt for entering a nest he hadn't explicitly been invited into, but he made a mental promise to make it up to his omega as soon as he could. He settled down behind Pierre, looping his arms around the blanket-wrapped form, hoping to bring some sense of comfort to the distressed omega.
“It's okay, Calamar. I've got you," he reassures him, his voice rumbling into the tousled hair where he gently drops comforting kisses scenting him gently.
“Cha?" Pierre asks his voice thick with exhaustion.
He turns around in Charles's hold, positioning himself so he's lying more than halfway on Charles.
“Yes, Pear, I'm right here," Charles whispers back. Pierre attempts to open his eyes, but they're simply too heavy. "You're okay, take your time, mon coeur," Charles soothes him, running his hand through Pierre's hair in an attempt to appease the Frenchman.
Carefully, he tucks Pierre into the crook of his neck, encouraging him to breathe in his scent, hoping that the familiar smell will bring some comfort. A reassurance of home.
Even if his attention is solely on his mate, Charles can feel his little brother attempting to leave the nest, now that Pierre has released him. Now that he's safe. Arthur tries to give them space, but Pierre isn't in agreement with this idea. In a split second, Pierre detaches himself from Charles and swiftly reaches out to grab Arthur’s wrist in a strong grip and yank him back towards them. Caught off guard, Arthur loses his balance and tumbles back into the pile of covers, all his weight crashing into the omega. The sudden intrusion earns an offended whine from Pierre.
“Désolé! Pierre, I’m sorry.” Arthur's arms wrap around the Frenchman, allowing Pierre to use him as a teddy bear. The oldest starts petting him, as if he trying to comfort him. And Arthur knows better than to deny him this tactile comfort. Arthur shifts slightly, searching for a position that would offer them both more comfort. Charles, for his part, holds Pierre protectively.
When Arthur's hand settles on the omega's stomach none of them are prepared for his reaction. He recoils from the touch, his eyes snapping open wide in shock. Real terror is visible in his blue eyes. He hist defensive. The omega whines wrapping his arms around him, folding inward as if trying to disappear or shield himself from some unseen danger.
Oh. This is what’s going on. Charles wonders if Pierre is aware of what's happening. If discovering his current state has triggered an almost feral response If his mate is that distressed about the idea of having his pup. Or are his instincts going haywire, causing him to have a deep-seated desire to nest without understanding why? Charles also wonders if he knows, why he chose the spot where the sun always hits from the floor-to-ceiling windows, warming him up like a content domestic cat. Why did he choose a place where he could keep an eye on the front door through the mirror in their entryway, yet remain hidden from immediate view, giving him the opportunity to retreat into the nearby small bathroom if needed?
“I’m sorry Pierre, I’m sorry,” Arthur repeats, his voice filled with regret as the omega begins to pet him again, holding him protectively. The distress Arthur feels at causing Pierre any pain seems more significant to the omega than his own feelings. Charles pushes these questions to the back of his mind, focusing on his immediate task: Bringing Pierre back to reality.
His first priority is to offer comfort, He resumes the comforting act of petting Pierre, whispering soothing reassurances into his soft hair while planting tender kisses along his neck. He gently scents Pierre, providing soothing pheromones to help calm him. Occasionally, his hand runs through the lighter strands of his baby brother's hair, a silent message that says, "You did nothing wrong, we're okay, everything will be fine."
Slowly Charles can feel Pierre apaising, coming back to them, to their reality. He focuses on the bond they have, calling out to Pierre, and reaching out to him through the thick, oppressive fog Pierre is still lost in.
“Can you come back to me mon coeur? he murmurs softly into his hair, pulling him closer still, as though the physical proximity could help bridge the mental and emotional distance.
Arthur may be an Alpha by definition, but in Charles' eyes, he will always be his little brother and Pierre, well, he has had Pierre in his life for so long now that he basically considers him Arthur's third older brother. So it’s not really a surprise that Pierre feels the need to protect Arthur. He's done it before, several times, asserting that he had four older brothers of his own and was therefore no stranger to a fight. Arthur's middle school bully didn’t really stand a chance against a four-year older semi-pro athlete determined to protect those he loved.
Arthur sends Charles a look seeking guidance. His brother smiles at him, he’s still working on bringing Pierre up fully. To do that, he knows he needs to listen to their instincts, to let Pierre protect Arthur, if that's what he wants. ( if that’s what he wants. Pierre has always been a fiercely independent Omega, seeking comfort only in Charles, fever since they’ve become “Pierre et Charles”, long before they presented, long before they’ve been a couple, way before Pierre became “his”.
“Laisse toi faire…” He murmurs softly “ Everything is fine; okay? Let’s try to take a nap?” He drops more kisses on Pierre's head. “ ça va nous faire du bien à tous ! Une petite sieste, and we’ll all be fine”
Except, as much as he tries, Charles finds he can't really fall asleep. His body is on high alert, every muscle tensed and ready for action, the protective instincts within him screaming at him to stay awake. His mind, too, refuses to quiet down, buzzing with thoughts and worries that refuse to be silenced. Now that Pierre seems to be calming down, succumbing to the quiet lull of sleep, Charles finds himself more awake than ever.
That's why, when Pierre stirs, Charles is ready. He's ready to offer reassurances, to hold him close and whisper soothing words into his ear. He's prepared to give explanations, to answer any questions that Pierre might have. And he's also ready to ask for some clarity of his own, to try and understand what's going on in Pierre's mind. All of this, of course, if his boyfriend is up for it, if he's ready to face the world once more.
"-Calamar? Pierre's voice is a bit rough from sleep but clear.
“Oui mon coeur? ” They’re whispering taking their time to adjust. “Would you like some tea, my love ?” Charles's fingers continue their tender exploration of Pierre's hair, untangling knots and smoothing stray strands. It's a familiar routine, one that they have shared many times in the past. Charles fully understands how his touch, tender and soothing, has the power to calm Pierre, to make him feel loved and cherished.
Meanwhile, Arthur’s eyes are open he’s clearly been awake for a while. Pierre hums softly still a bit out of it. The youngest, ever the eager one, is pleased to have a mission. He places a gentle kiss on Pierre's cheek before extracting himself from the warmth of their shared nest. The couple watches him retreat to the kitchen in peaceful silence, their hearts filled with love for the young one.
Using this moment of solitude, Charles carefully rearranges their bodies so they're facing each other. He leans back into the nest, feeling Pierre's body warm against his chest.
"Hey," he greets, his smile soft and his dimples making an appearance.
"Hey..." Pierre murmurs in response, resting their foreheads together. They bask in each other's presence, their hearts beating in sync. Yet, Charles is painfully aware of the ticking clock, of the limited time they have before Arthur returns. Even though he knows his brother is purposely trying to give them as much private time as possible, they both understand that Pierre wants his tea.
”Can you tell me what happened, mon Ange?" Charles asks, his voice gentle and steady. He gazes at Pierre with tender eyes, trying to offer comfort. But Pierre's scent turns sour, his breathing becomes laboured, and his eyes start to well up with unshed tears. "Oh, non! Don't cry! Please, mon ange! It's okay! Everything will be fine. We will figure it out. On va s'en sortir, hein mon coeur! Toi et moi, quoi qu'il arrive," Charles reassures, his words filled with conviction.
Pierre gasps, his brows furrowed, and tears start to roll freely down his cheeks. He looks at his mate, his heart heavy with unspoken words.
“-You know…” He says in disbelief.
Charles nods. He caresses his cheek with the back of his fingers, gentle and loving. The touch is enough to catch a few tears
“-Tell me mon coeur, What do I know?” Charles prompts him, his voice filled with emotion, just teasing the edge of breaking as tears start to well up in his own eyes.
Pierre let out a wet laugh.
“Merde, Cha. I’m pregnant," Pierre finally admits, the words hanging heavy in the air between them.
Charles' response is immediate, his face lighting up with nothing but pure adoration. "Oh, mon Ange! Si tu savais comme je t’aime!” He exclaims, words overflowing with love.
At this, Pierre breaks down, his body shaking with sobs. “Oh, la la la. It’s okay,” Charles soothes him, starting to hum softly and rocking the omega like he knows Pierre loves. “Come on. Why are you crying? Hein? Why don’t you tell me about it? Allège ton coeur Pierre! S’il te plait!"
HE tries to take a couple of deep breath, to calm himself. He lets himself be south by the movement, the humming and the love.
“-I’m scared” he admits barely audible. “What if I’m not a good mom? I mean I’m already a deficient Omega.
“-Hey! Je t’interdis de parler de toi comme ça! You hear me? You’re the perfect omega! You’re the love of my life! My Calamre.” His tone is ferme. “It’s normal to be scared. I’d be worried if you weren’t. I’m terrified. But I love you! So, so much and I know we will find our way! What do you say? You and me Calamar?
Pierre shakes his head. “No, you don’t understand. I’ve failed before. I couldn’t keep our little ones safe the last time. I can’t do it.
-Look at me! That’s it.” Charles is cradling Pierre's face in his hand gently brushing his cheeks. “ My lovely, lovely idiot.” He chuckles softly, brushing the hair on his forehead. “You’re going to be an amazing parent. Do you hear me? “ His voice is fond, a soft smile decorating his face. “ We’ve been through this. What happened during your previous pregnancies isn’t your fault. and I know you know that. I’m here for you no matter what.”The Alpha drops gentle kisses across all of his face, punctuating every word.
Pierre smiles in return, his tears drying out. Even if his scent is still full of anxiety.
“Have you talked to your doctor?” Pierre nods in reply
“-This morning.
-Okay that’s good. what did they say?” He asks, he needs to know. If they have to prepare themself for another loss. If he can let himself hope. Or if he will have to piece back together the love of his life with no regard for his own feelings.
“-I’m currently at the 16-week mark, I made it past the first trimester.”
Oh… that’s further along than he expected.
“-How? But, did, did, you know and not tell me ?”
“No!” Pierre's voice is outraged, insulted by the mere suggestion that he would withhold such information. “ The doctor said something about my body trying to protect my mind. Like it was hiding it because I would not have been able to take in another loss.
-Oh mon coeur, you’re the bravest person I know and I love you so fucking much! Does that mean that your body thinks we’re in the clear?
-Maybe, the doctor thinks so, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.” Pierre buries himself back in his Alpha, seeking comfort. Charles is more than happy to provide.
“That’s okay. Whatever you want mon amour. We’ll keep it lowkey. Nobody needs to know until you’re ready. I’ll threaten Arthur to ensure he keeps quiet, he won’t say a word.”That does extract a laugh from the Frenchman.”Do you want to stay cocooned in that lovely nest of yours? Or check if my baby brothers has burned down our kitchen trying to make you a cup of tea?
-Can we play some FIFA? With Arthur? I just want both of you close.
-Whatever your heart desires, Calamare.”
They’re going to be okay. Whatever the future might throw their way. They have each other and that’s more then enough.
Later when Pierre is snoring back in the nest, Charles walks his baby brother to the door.
”- Arthur?” The younger one raises his head” Thank you for being here.
-” Of course! Pierre needed me, you needed me. that’s what family is for!”
Family is such an important concept for both Alphas. He reaches out and pulls his brother in a hug.
“-I know, but thank you. It’s a challenging time for him. He’s so scared. We both are, really.
-Je comprends, I’ll keep you both in my prayers!” Charles' brows furrow in concern. He gently detaches himself, looking intently into his brother's eyes.
“-Since when do you pray?
-Since his first miscarriage” He admits softly.” Pierre has faith, and for him, I’m making an effort. It can’t really do any harm. So tonight, I’ll pray, for him, for all three of you. “
Charles feels his eyes welling up with tears again. He's overwhelmed by the love he feels for his brother. He pulls him back into his arms.
“I love you” He murmurs in his hair. then he pulls his brother at arm's length” You can’t tell anyone about this! Pierre isn’t ready. I’ll kill you, Arthur! I swear. “Arthur chuckles lightly at the threat, smiling with a mischievous air.” Hey!” He taps his chest, “Okay, Pierre will be the one to kill you” And just like that, the laughter stops immediately.
“-Okay… I won’t tell anyone, not even the Pascales.
“-Surtout pas les Pascales!”
“But…” Arthur continues “I’ve got a good feeling about this one.” Charles shrugs, attempting to appear nonchalant.
“-Me too” his voice is small like he’s scared saying it too loud would make it untrue.” But I don’t want to get my hopes up. Not again.”
Arthur smiles sadly at him. It’s his turn to pull him in his arms. He kisses his cheeks and lets his brother get back to his mate. The apartment door closed behind him.
5 months later, Pierre gives birth to a healthy little girl. Both parents and their family and friends are ecstatic.
And it’s not really a surprise when Arthur is named Godfather. After all the prayers for Juliette Pascale Leclerc-Gasly to join them every day. He deserves the designated spot for her favourite uncle. And god knows he’s got a lot of competition.