Winter break began at the end of June right after finals week. If before Theodore complained of fatigue from having to help his team create strategies for regionals, now the fatigue had tripled. To get out of the holidays early the boy had hung himself in his room and in the school library in order to avoid being recuperated.
And he had succeeded!
His resting days were not filled with laziness and pyjamas only because he had pre natal exams to do. And Gabriel always accompanied him, regardless of the time and date. A companionship emerged there, strengthening the relationship between them. Of course, like every couple Gabriel and Theodore also quarrelled, but they never kept holding grudges. They always solved themselves when the anger passed.
Even if the fight was over a mere chocolate that Theodore wanted to eat and Gabriel restricted him because he had already finished a whole bar.
They were a sweet couple, indeed.
The second week of winter break, the sweet couple had gone to Nicolas' house for dinner. Mrs Howard had ordered two pizzas to hear the news from Theodore. Certainly she had been quite shocked, yet she had talked to the omega frankly. After all, Nicolas had been born when his mother was seventeen to eighteen.
― They're in such a headspace that you can see the smoke coming out. ― Milles looked towards the living room, where Theodore and Mrs. Howard were talking.
― Theo is still insecure about the pregnancy. He doesn't want to know the sex, he doesn't want to buy anything... I'm worried. ― Gabriel commented, taking another slice of pizza, without taking his eyes off the living room.
― It's not like he has any other omega who has had kids to talk to and calm him down. It must be scary.
― But you're an omega.
― Am I expecting your child? ― Said the shorter one, staring at the alpha with an arched eyebrow. ― I'm no help because I've never been there. The last thing he needs is optimistic assumptions.
― I'll talk to him, of course. ― Gabriel sighed ― I mean, I'm the father. I'm in the same boat as him, aren't I? I also get scared that soon we will have a child in our lives.
― You're taking it more easy. ― reminded Miles, pointing at his best friend. ― He must be pissed because it's his body that's generating another life.
― Man, my hands are tied. I do my best to always understand Theo and make him share the burden with me. But that will depend on how much he trusts me.
― Maybe he doesn't even understand things himself. With me he never talks about the pregnancy, unless I ask. ― Explain the lower omega. ― Like, he totally avoids the subject like he's...I don't know, afraid or ashamed. I don't push it either.
― I'm afraid that Theo won't want to take care of the child after it's born. ― admitted Gabriel in a whisper to the other two. ― Even though he told me he wants to have it, I'm not confident.
― Give him a break. He must be afraid of how the old man will react. By the way... I heard you met your father-in-law?
― Theo's father? How did he react? ― Nicolas wanted to know as he pulled a string of cheese, which stretched even further.
― It was the scariest thing on the face of the earth! ― Whispered Gabriel, about to kick his best friend under the table when he heard him laugh. ― From what I understand he came to the city to see something about marriage, and he met Theo's mother. I think she told him, because then he asked to see Theo and me.
― Wow, he called in a huff. ― Laugh Milles. ― And what's he like?
― It's like a real country man. Just like in the dramas. ― Gabriel laughed, shaking his head. ― He asked me a lot of questions and said he knew how to shoot.
― Theo told me he shot the foot of the guy who tried to hit on him. ― Nicolas commented occasionally, but cracked a satisfied smile at seeing Gabriel turn pale. ― That time he showed up all bruised up.
― Ah, I think I remember. ― Milles said leaning over the table. ― Damn, his father shoots?
― If we were living in their time, surely he would have hunted you down and made you walk up the aisle by now. And if you betrayed Theo, he would have killed you without shame or guilt.
― Wow.
― I was afraid of him when he said he could shoot. ― Gabriel shivered all over, going back to eating his pizza. ― But he still didn't bully me.
― He only threatened you, but mistreatment? Imagine that! He's a good guy. ― Milles sneered, this time receiving a kick in his shin. ― That fucking hurts!
― It's supposed to hurt! He's actually a nice guy. He asked me to be patient with Theo and take good care of him. It was a good talk.
― But what about your parents?
Eating the edge of the pizza, Gabriel pulled out a napkin to wipe his fingers. Then he took a sip of his coke, staring at the glass for a moment.
― I threw a green one to see if it would ripen. ― He had suddenly said with a tired sigh. ― The time I told him about Theo, my father didn't like it much and kept telling me to treat Sadie well because she's the boss's daughter and blah blah blah. These days I told them about what happened at school just to know their reaction.
― And then?
Milles and Nicolas had already leaned over the table staring at the brunette alpha with curiosity. It was only a few before they were to get up on the table. Gabriel didn't seem bothered, in fact he wouldn't have noticed the proximity of the couple to know what had happened. After all, he stared at the glass remembering that dinner.
― They said they realised that something might have happened, that the boss was slamming doors and fighting with employees over nonsense. ― Gabriel commented, looking at Miles. ― Probably your father did not accept your departure in the family.
The blond alpha leaned back in his chair crossing his arms looking irritated with the information.
― Tsc, these days I got a call from the family's lawyer wanting to make a deal for me to work with them. But it had the condition that they wouldn't interfere in my personal life since I bit the pinscher. Like, can you believe that?
― I told you to burn that house down, but you didn't listen. At this point, they'd be worrying about renovations instead of bugging you.
― Your six feet must be pure hate, right?
― I've grown two centimetres just to resent what I've been through in the last few months. ― Smiled Nicolas then turning his gaze back to Gabriel. ― Go on.
Drumming his fingers on the table, the alpha seemed to muster up all the courage to say those words. Not that they were mean, but they were uncomfortable. At least to him.
― I got a warning, actually. That I shouldn't get involved with omega boys.
Nicolas burst out laughing, leaning back in his chair.
― Please call me when you tell your parents. I really want to see their faces.
― That's very late advice. ― Milles murmured.
― Late? That's an understatement. He not only got close, he proposed to an omega and got him pregnant! ― laughed Nicolas, still amused. ― This guy is quick as Ronaldinho.
― Won't that get you in trouble? From the way your father said that...
It was Gabriel's turn to lean back in his chair. He drummed his fingers on his leg this time, pondering the various scenarios his head was capable of creating. None of them were favourable.
― That's why I told my mother first. Since she comes from a family of omegas, I asked her to help me tame the old man. ― Raising his eyes toward Theodore, who was still eating pizza and talking to Nicolas's mother, Gabriel sighed. ― I plan to tell them this weekend, after the game.
― Alone or going with Theodore?
― I think it's better alone. The doctor said it's good for Theo to use his holiday time to avoid stress. And I know this is going to make for a very long conversation.
― I can go with you if you want some support. ― Milles said, leaning back on the table ― especially if you mention I'm a Mckenzie.
― Let your parents know you used your last name to help another alpha get an omega. ― Nicolas muttered, tired of laughing, already wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes.
― I'm only going there to be of help. If I notice that the conversation is getting heated I'll pull Biel out of there.
― It's worth the effort, but I'd better go alone. I mean, the most that's going to happen is that we're going to get into a fight. My parents have never done anything bad to me, so it's okay.
― Think about it!
The conversation soon ended when Theodore went back to the kitchen for more pizza. The omega sat next to his alpha, seeking the warmth of his arms and his scent, like a puppy that wants to be spoiled. Receiving a kiss on his cheek, Theodore smiled angelically.
― Are you done gossiping?
― Did your ear burn? ― Nicolas questioned, hearing a low chuckle from Theodore. ― Looks like the conversation in the living room was good.
― I gave Theo the idea of studying at night after he wins the baby. ― Mrs. Howard said, taking a pan that was covered on the cooker and leaving it in the middle of the table along with some spoons. Brigadeiro was the dessert.
― At night? But isn't that bad for him? ― Gabriel asked.
― At night we have fewer people and it is difficult for the morning staff to know what happens at night. We can explain the situation to the teachers and the students, and then Theo will feel more at ease.
― Baby cry at night. ― said Nicolas, taking a spoon that his mother had offered him, already taking some of the candy. ― Can you imagine spending the whole morning waking up to take care of the baby, and when you finally sleep the alarm clock goes off because you have to go to class?
― You two will have to help each other, see? ― Warned the woman, somewhat menacingly to the sweet couple.
― By the way, did you get that job? ― Milles asked, taking the candy from Nicolas' spoon and receiving a sharp look from him.
― Now on holiday I've been working every day at Lilian's parents' coffee shop. She helped me with the job, I should thank her for that. ― Gabriel replied with a slight grimace, since he still didn't know how to deal with that girl. She always teased him whenever she could. ― But when school starts again, I will only be able to go on weekends. And that depends on the match days.
― I've already told the teacher to train Bruno and Sam to put them in your place. ― Nicolas pushed Milles' face when he threatened to eat more of his candy. ― Not that you'll be missed on the court.
― Nico is not being very sincere.
― Little Theo, be quiet my good! ― said the omega with a fake smile.
Theodore flashed his tongue at his friend, going back to enjoying his calabrian pizza. One big bite well taken made the others really believe that pizza was appetizing. It was good to see Theodore eating so well.
― This child will be born very healthy. ― Milles murmured.
― It will be born underweight, that's for sure. ― complained Theodore, covering his mouth full. - They keep cutting out everything I eat.
― But you don't stop eating! All the time complaining of hunger. ― said Gabriel with wide eyes.
― I'm eating for two, I have to eat.
― Candy? Salty snacks? Even if they were fruit...
― Oh, wait, I want to get my camera to register the historical moment when these two are arguing. - Said Nicolas about to get up.
However, Milles had just handed his mobile phone to the short man, leaning his elbows on the table to listen to that funny discussion. Even though it wasn't such a serious subject, it was surprising that both of them disagreed on something.
Still they remained hugged.
Without taking it to heart. Just knowing they were joking with each other.