1st World A/B/O: 18

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The Chef x The Movie Emperor 

Nix's P.O.V.:

 The Beyols all sat down at the round breakfast table and ate in comfortable silence after his mother and older sister discussed how fast time moved once one reaches adulthood, especially when compared to how time seems to drag on and on when one is still in their youth. Phoenix could not agree with Mrs. Tae Eun-Kyung, no, his mother was correct. 

 Phoenix ate quietly as he observed his family and pondered about what Mrs. Tae Eun-Kyung had just said. Tae-Hwan thought that Mrs. Tae Eun-Kyung, his mother… is a wise woman and sounds like his great grandmother was as well. Tae-Hwan smiled to himself thinking it was nice to have a loving family that is still alive. He will do everything he has to in order to protect them.

 He lowered his head as his eyes turned cold and sharp thinking about Lee Eun-ae and what she had planned for today. Oh, he cannot wait to play with her, she will beg for death before the end. Phoenix complimented the food and after some cheerful thank you in return, everyone ate in comfortable silence.

 Once it looked like everyone was finishing up their breakfast, Phoenix decided to broch the topic of his name with his family. Though he does consider them his family now he still wants to go by his own name as it just did not feel right going by Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan plus it was a mouthful. He also knew that going by Phoenix would make him more memorable with the judges and the public, so it was best he tells his family now about his plans to be known as Phoenix only. 

 He also has ulterior motives for going by Phoenix for now on and that was to help keep his status as a dominant omega secrete just a bit longer then in the original timeline as well as keep a distance from his family for now as a way to protect them as long as possible when Lee Eun-ae inevitably leaks his status like she did in the original timeline.

 Phoenix sat his chopsticks down, and after whipping his mouth, he cleared his throat and waited for his family to give him their attention. Once they were all looking at him, he blushed as he said, "There is something I have been meaning to discuss with you all."

 A look of surprise and concern was etched on the faces of every Beyol family member currently present. Mr. Beyol Shin was the first to react by inquiring, "Is everything ok son?" Followed by his mother's eyes turning sharp as she firmly stated, "Whatever is wrong you just tell us and we will do whatever we can, if it is someone who is bothering you then I promise I will make it stop, come hail or high water!" Phoenix's siblings chimed in with agreements while resembling birds peck grains and seeds as they all nodded emphatically.

 'Whoa, how did someone so gentle looking turn so fierce? I guess this must be why they say do not mess with a mother's offspring because even the most docile being will fiercely protect their young. Well, that is not the case for all mothers, galaxies know that all the ones I have had were the opposite, well the ones who did not quickly perish. Damn it Nix focus now is not the time to get lost in thoughts about the hell hole. It is important that I tell them... Wait, what was I gonna say again? ...ahh, that is right I wanted to explain to them that I want to be called Phoenix or Nix for now on.' Phoenix snaped out of his thoughts and recentered himself with a deep breath before continuing.

 Unbeknownst to Phoenix his deep breath and sigh only made the Beyols worry and become more anxious. They all waited with bated breath for Phoenix to continue and thus he did just that upon noticing their rising trepidation.

 He began to speak, with a gentle and firm tone that conveyed his seriousness. "No, Abeoji, it is nothing like that, it is just that I would like to talk to you about something that is important to me and that I have given serious thought to... it is just that..." He trailed off and took another deep breath to steady himself. He was not use to this feeling, he hated that he was more than likely to hurt his new family by what he has to say. But he knew he had to do this if his plan was going to work smoothly and with that, he continued to tell them his decision.

 "As you all know I have been selected to participate on The Chef and The Celebrity. I have thought long and hard about this and I have decided for multiple reasons that I would like to go by just Phoenix, Nix or whichever nickname you prefer. I will still be Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan, but I want to be known as Phoenix or Beyol Phoenix." 

 He paused to gauge his parents' expressions before carefully continuing. "I am not trying to distance myself from yall or the Beyol name so please do not think nor feel that way. It is just that, well, Beyol Bong Tae-Hewan is a mouthful and since going by a singular name in this day and age is rare it makes one remember the name. I need the viewers and the judges to have a positive and lasting image of me. Thus, that is just one of the reasons why I have made this decision.

 Secondly, it is still my name since Nuna named me Bong after my phoenix consolation birthmark. The name Phoenix and Nix means a lot to me, very much so. You all know how close Nuna, and I are. I mean she is practically my second mother and has made numerous sacrifices for my wellbeing just as Abeoji and Eomeoni have, as well as Hyung. You all have done so much for me, and I am eternally grateful, it is because of that, that the name is significant to me.

 Thirdly, once it is announced that I am apart of The Chef and The Celebrity people will research everything about me. I am aware and willing to handle everyone prying into my personal life, it was something I considered before I applied for a chance to be on the verity show. However, I would like to protect you all from the public's prying eyes for as long as possible. Once my status as a dominant omega comes to light people will flock even more to find out as much as they possibly can about me and that includes you. 

 I fear that when that happens people might react as negativity as positively. I know that there will at least be some that will dive into you and the cause problems for the restaurant and you all, no matter if they mean well or not. I want to protect you as best I can because it is the least I can do.

 Not to forget that by only going by Phoenix, it will make me seem more mysterious and will only help to give me a starting boost. After all the more mysterious a person is the more it stirs one's intrigue and curiosity. Which let us be honest it is a double edge sword, but I want to use that sword to my advantage. Like I said I do not want to hurt you by this nor am I trying to distance myself from you, well not negatively any ways..."

 Phoenix had trailed off when he realized he was starting to ramble and wanted to gauge his family's reactions by carefully examining their faces. He found himself starting to fidget as he was nervous about their reactions, and their feelings on this. He truly did not want to hurt them, and the thought of him causing them hurt in any way surprisingly made his heart clench in pain. He was not sure why he felt this strongly about them already, but he did. What surprised Nix even more is that he did not mind these feelings he had towards this family of his.

 When no one said anything Nix's heart sank, he could not keep the hurt and sadness from his eyes despite his best efforts, so he lowered his head and gazed at his lap. This in turn caused the Beyols to wake up from their surprise and instant concern of Phoenix's revelation.

 The Beyol family did not mind that he only wanted to go by Pheonix or Nix, that was not what surprised them. No, it was what he said about his status as a dominant omega becoming common knowledge that had them in this state of shock, and a fear that griped them tight like a vise cranked all the way in.

 That however is not the most pressing matter at the moment, Phoenix's hurt by their lack of reaction was. For, they have not seen him cry since he was very young yet now, they all saw the unmistakable tears well up in his beautiful sapphire blue eyes. It made him look breathtakingly beautiful and so very vulnerable that each of the Beyols felt their chest tightening while their hearts where clenching in pain making it hard to breathe.

 Phoenix was trying his hardest to get a grip on his emotions but was steadily losing. His voice trembled as he spoke up, "I am sorry that I have caused you all to be disappointment and to be upset with my words. I understand..." He did not get any further before his brother Beyol Yong-Jae, who was sitting beside him, lifted his chin lightly with his thumb and index finger. Upon looking into his hyeong's eyes Phoenix saw the concern and worry and had to bite his lip to stop it from trembling. Though he was bravely holding back the tears pooling in his eyes, a rogue lone tear rolled down his right cheek, to his dismay.

 In the next moment Phoenix was swept into a warm and tight embrace. He was startled at first but quickly relaxed at the comforting gesture. He was unaware how much he needed this hug as a cacophony of emotions ran rampant turning his already A.D.D. riddled thoughts into pure chaos. He honestly was not sure how to feel or what to think for that matter, All Phoenix knew was that he was safe and loved.

 He was not even aware he his whole body was trembling until Beyol Yong-Jae caressed his head lovingly and spoke low and gentile so that only Nix could hear him. "Shhhh, yeobo, it is alright. We are not upset with you. Please do not cry it breaks my heart. No matter what you do or say I promise we will always love and support you!" Upon hearing this Phoenix could not hold back the floodgates any longer as his tears burst forth and he cried his heart out in the warm, safe and comforting embrace of his hyeong. 

 Each sob was accompanied by his whole body shaking, as Phoenix let go of all the pain, he had been holding in for all these many, many years. He honestly did not realize just how much he truly needed this hug, their support and their love. He could not even think as he just sat their and cried until he could no longer produce any tears.

 This left every one of the Beyols distraught and perplexed as to why Phoenix had had such a visceral reaction. Has their precious sunshine been hiding his pain all along? This thought caused them even more distress because they had missed it, never seeing or rather never comprehending that Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan, no Phoenix, had been in pain. How could they be so blind? They all felt as if they failed him.

 Solaris who had not seen this reaction from his Mama was just as distraught and was beside himself panicking as he also wanted to easy his Mama's pain. He would take it all on for himself if he could. Phoenix was the strongest person he had ever seen and though he knew his Mama kept things locked away he never could have guessed it was to this extent. There are both pros and cons to the restrictions on their shared mind link. 'Why had Mama Phoenix never opened up to him? Did he not trust him enough?' Solaris wondered to himself as he flew to set on his Mama's lap.

 Phoenix was comforted by Solaris's presence and was able to calm himself down a bit as he focused on the weight of him as he curled up on his lap, like a dog or cat trying to comfort their human when they were in destress. As Phoenix's chaotic mind began to calm down, he thought he heard a faint and distant familiar voice call out to him 'Oh, Nikki my love...soon...'

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A/N: Well, that certainly took a turn I had not anticipated but as I was "in the zone" writing this chapter all this came pouring out & since I loved it I went with it. Although I have an outline of the overall story and each arc I want to let my creativity flow as it comes to me since I am using this as a form a therapy. As a person who struggles with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety & Panic Disorder as well as a myriad of health problems, I too keep a happy mask on at all times. I am incredibly bad about keeping everything bottled in & acting strong as if I can handle everything thrown at me because I have a family & loved ones who depend on me. I do not have the luxury of breaking down not to forget that others have it way worse then me so I have no right at all to complain, at least that is how I feel. This however is not a healthy mindset & it is important to Not bottle up one's emotions no matter what those emotions are. It is why therapy is crucial & can & will benefit all who go & utilize it. I implore everyone to have at least one person you can open up to & if you feel that you don't have that you can always seek free counseling at most churches even if you do not believe in the religion. 

Oh just a heads up yall might want to read my Author's Thoughts at the end of every chapter, I give Easter eggs & foreshadowing hints in them along with Mini theaters to help add to the story. = ) xoxo