Chapter Text
“It’s okay. We just have to do what we always do: keep our heads down and be good.” Joshua whispered.
Vernon nodded back. “I know. I just- I wanna go home.”
“I do, too. We’ll be together at least.” Joshua squeezed his hand quickly, already pressed close to Vernon in the backseat.
From the driver’s seat, Nichkhun kept looking back at them. “I know this is probably unsettling, maybe scary, to go through, but I promise that myself and your new pack will support you as much as we can.”
Neither man responded, both choosing to keep their heads down. There wasn’t anything to say. Nothing either of them could say or do to change anyone’s mind now. They had been removed from their pack, ripped away by police and paramedics while their alphas were at work. That was that. No point arguing; it wasn’t their place.
“I’ve worked with this pack before. They’re a big pack and all very nice. But you can both still call me if you have any problems and I’ll come help. We can try to work it out or I can try to move you into
another pack.”
Joshua nodded that time, though he knew neither of them would call even if this pack were horrible. Nodding along seemed to be what got the best responses right now, so he did it.
- - -
Seungcheol was at the door waiting when he heard the car pull up. Another new placement, a pair of omegas from the same pack. He was as ready as he could be when he heard footsteps and then a knock on the door.
“Thank you for taking another placement, Mr. Choi. It’s nice to have a good pack to work with on these cases, easier on everyone.” Nichkhun smiled at him, the kind of tense smile that came with the work.
Seungcheol smiled back. “Don’t worry about it. We all want to help. And thank you for continuing to trust us. Come in.” He stepped aside to let all three of them inside.
Nichkhun ushered Joshua and Vernon inside, where both omegas stopped just inside the door. Joshua carefully kept Vernon half behind himself. “Joshua, Vernon, this is Seungcheol. He’s the pack alpha here.”
Both of them bowed their heads lower after being introduced, necks displayed for the new alpha.
Seungcheol didn’t show any reaction to the display. It wasn’t the first time he has seen it from new omegas, but it wasn’t any less sickening to see. “How long is the placement?” He chose to ask instead of continuing to stare at his new guests.
“For now, they’re a temporary placement,” Nichkhun explained. “As long as it takes to verify the safety of their pack home. After the investigation, we’ll make a decision on where they’ll go.”
Seungcheol knew that meant it was unlikely either of them would be returning to that pack, but they weren’t supposed to say anything until a decision was made officially. He made a mental note to
prepare for a few months' stay, at least.
“Alright. Any belongings?” He asked Joshua and Vernon directly. Both of them kept their heads down, not even acknowledging the question; why would anyone ask them?
“No, not yet. Things happened quickly. I’m hoping to go back and retrieve some things tomorrow morning.” Nichkhun told Seungcheol before turning to the omegas. “Is there anything specific I should
look for? Clothes, pictures, maybe a comfort item?”
“No, sir.” Joshua replied, head still down. Neither of them had looked up any further than chest height.
“If you think of anything later, tell me. I can text Nichkhun to look.” Seungcheol offered.
Joshua nodded. A lie on both ends of that interaction.
“Alright. I’ll let you two settle in here and go get things moving along. Boys, you have my number. Seungcheol, as always, call if you have any concerns.” Nichkhun slipped back to the door behind the omegas.
Seungcheol nodded. “Of course.” He knew what ‘concerns’ meant; if either omega said something that helped their case, send it along.
“Have a good evening. Oh, and I’m fairly certain they haven’t eaten today. They were with doctors or in offices all day.” Nichkhun smiled again and left the three of them standing in the entryway.