Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

-Prologue-

January

“Kuroo-senpai!”

Atsumu ran as fast as he could, his school shoes slapping against the tiled floors as he bolted down the hallway towards the Alphas’ side of the big high school building. His heart stuffed itself in his throat the moment he saw stark black hair and a tall figure. Piercing eyes turned towards him, and his whole body lit up with desire. He was fifteen, and he was madly in love, certain he would be for the rest of his life.

Life hit fast and hard at that age.

“Atsumu-kun,” scolded a sharp voice, a big hand grabbing at Atsumu’s arm as soon as he was within reach. The blond beamed up at his boyfriend, golden eyes sparkling.

“Kuroo-senpai-!” Atsumu breathed out as he clutched at the older boy’s arms.

Icy blue eyes darted up and around before Hatsuo Kuroo peered down at the brazen omega before him. “Atsumu-kun,” he called again, his lips setting into a thin line. “I thought you had volleyball practice today.”

Atsumu let out a short laugh, his hands sliding away from the older boy’s strong arms and slipping down the front of his school uniform’s skirt. “I do,” he hummed, swaying his hips now, skirt swishing softly. “I wanted ta come see my boyfriend first, though~”

Hatsuo let out a slow sigh, and then he gently grabbed Atsumu’s elbow, turning and leading him around the corner, away from his classroom and friends and down towards the bathrooms that would be abandoned now, students rushing to their after-school clubs or headed home. Atsumu giggled as he skipped after the tall alpha, his whole chest tight with pure admiration. Hatsuo was Atsumu’s first love, and soon the boy would be his Alpha.

As soon as the bathroom door shut behind Hatsuo, Atsumu breathed out, “I’m starting my heat soon, Kuroo-senpai. Ya promised we could spend it together~”

Hands grabbed around Atsumu’s hips, the grip tight enough to make him keen, cool blue eyes staring down at him. Hatsuo let out a laugh. “The rumors really are true about you, huh?”

Long lashes fluttered, and Atsumu stared up at his boyfriend. “Rumors?” he hummed innocently. “What rumors would that be, Hatsuo~?” Slender fingers walked their way up strong arms, pink glittery nail polish sparkling under the fluorescent lights as Atsumu teased the older boy.

“It’s no secret that you’ve propositioned most of the Alphas in my grade already, Atsumu, not to mention the first years as well.”

Atsumu’s cheeks flushed softly, and he let out a giggle, more stirred up from Hatsuo’s eyes on him than the accusations he was lobbing at the blond. Well, it was useless to deny the truth anyways, and Atsumu had never been shy about being loose. Still, he didn’t want Hatsuo to misunderstand. It had blindsided the blond, this feeling of love, but for the first time in his young life, Atsumu was looking up at an Alpha and thinking he’d like to spend the rest of his life with him, not just one hot and sweaty night. He grabbed at Hatsuo’s shoulders, hands sliding up around the Alpha’s neck as Atsumu rose to his tippy toes.

“Kuroo-senpai,” he breathed seductively. “Ye’re the first Alpha I’ve ever invited to have me during my heat.”

Pale eyes stared down at Atsumu, desire beginning to stir already. “Atsumu,” Hatsuo growled out carefully. The sharp notes of brewed coffee started filling the empty bathroom, and Atsumu howled eagerly as the Alpha began to scent him. “You should be careful about inviting Alphas to mate you like that.”

“Hmm?” Atsumu hummed, mewling as warm hands caressed down his hips, cupping his ass under his skirt. “I’m not invitin’ just any Alpha, though,” he replied coyly. “It’s cause it’s you, senpai~”

“Atsumu,” growled the Alpha as one last warning, and then lips crushed against his own plush ones, Atsumu’s eyes slamming shut in an instant as he was pulled up and then pushed against a cool tile wall. A thick thigh pressed between his legs as Hatsuo trapped him against the wall, and Atsumu crooned hungrily. He’d been fucked plenty of times by Alphas and Betas alike, even a few omegas, but there was nothing like this feeling, being held by his Alpha. He brushed his shoulder length, dyed-blond hair away from his neck as he pushed up into Hatsuo’s wild kiss. In the end, they were just two teens in love, wild for each other.

“Don’t tempt me like this, Atsumu,” Hatsuo grunted as his lips slipped down the blond’s throat, teeth grazing softly over his shoulder. “We’re too young to be sharing your heat together.

“My parents want me to go to college and become a lawyer, remember?”

Ah, nothing threw cold water on Atsumu’s desire quite like the insistence that they should be good kids and do exactly what their parents wished of them. In fact, Atsumu hated being reminded of this most of all; his parents already saw him as a stain on the family name just from the rumors floating around. Atsumu wasn’t a good kid like his twin Osamu was~

Slender fingers clutched around Hatsuo’s sweater vest, honeyed eyes peering up wetly, a plump bottom lip jutting out in a deep pout. “Don’t ya love me, Alpha~?” the Omega purred, perfectly aware of how easily Alphas were persuaded to enjoy their baser desires; all it took was a little reminding. Atsumu pressed his hips forward, his cock rocking against Hatsuo’s.

Hatsuo growled, grabbing at the nape of Atsumu’s neck and pulling his head back, exposing his throat. “Don’t test me, Omega,” the older boy threatened. “You’d be too much trouble to date if I didn’t love you.”

Heat licked up Atsumu’s throat as hot breath washed over his skin, and just like that, all of his desire was back. He clawed at Hatsuo’s back and murmured out a sultry apology. “Ye’re right, Alpha, I’m sorry. I lost myself.” A pause, and then Atsumu whispered, “I still have a little bit of time before my practice, senpai, and today’s a safe day.”

Hatsuo growled again. “Fucking hell, Atsumu,” he husked under his breath. “You really are a whore.”

-x-

Before anyone else could have even noticed the change, Atsumu understood what had happened and had already accepted it.

It wasn’t until Osamu, his angel twin brother, crawled into his bed one night that the words were spoken aloud, however.

“Tsumu.”

“Mm?”

“Ya smell different lately…”

“It’s my heat, Samu, now go ta bed-”

“Yer pregnant, aren’t ya?”

Atsumu pressed his lips together, thankful that his back was to his twin brother so Osamu couldn’t see the fear that muddled his features. Hearing the words made the reality he’d prepared himself for come suddenly crashing down. His chest felt tight, his unmarked neck aching; his heat would have been so much more preferable. He reached down and cradled his flat belly; he’d given up on trying to figure out how it was even possible. He and Hatsuo hadn’t even had sex during his heat-!

The next words Osamu said cut Atsumu to the bone. “How could ya, Tsumu?”

Hands clutched into the back of Atsumu’s sleep shirt, and for the first time, he realized that Osamu was perhaps more scared than he was, shaking. “Who’s gonna take care of me now, Tsumu?”

Atsumu rolled quickly around, grabbing Osamu up in his arms. He buried his face in grey hair that was so like his own and exhaled sharply, a mountain of raw emotions tumbling out as Atsumu finally let himself cry. He’d been so stupid, and now he was terrified, the consequences of his seemingly-inconsequential actions suddenly bearing the weight of the world.

He was pregnant.

“Sorry, Samu- I didn’t mean ta-”

“Ye’re an idiot, always- only thinkin’ ‘bout yerself, Tsumu,” Osamu accused as he sobbed, and Atsumu couldn’t even deny it.

“Sorry, Samu,” he whispered again as tears spilled hot down his own cheeks.

Instead of forgiving his brother, Osamu asked, “Was it yer boyfriend? Does Kuroo-senpai know?”

Atsumu swallowed roughly past the thick swell of emotion in his throat and tried to laugh, lying straight through his teeth as he whispered, “Hatsuo’ll be happy. He’ll take care of me and the baby-”

“Tsumu-” Osamu tried to contradict, interjecting reality, but Atsumu couldn’t bear to hear it.

“Don’t,” he begged, hugging his brother closer. His mind churned with a million thoughts, but all Atsumu knew was that he couldn’t, wouldn’t tell Hatsuo.

“Don’t tell Ma and Pa, Samu,” he pleaded with his sweet brother, the one who could do no wrong. “I have ta stay with ya, so don’t tell Ma and Pa.”

“Idiot-” Samu whimpered quietly as the night seemed to swallow them up whole, the dread of real life settling on the shoulders of two fifteen-year-old boys. “Yer such an idiot, Tsumu.”

-x-

Atsumu pressed his skirt down, the bags under his red eyes covered by make-up, but there was nothing he could do about the pit in his stomach. He was at the very least thankful for his parents insisting on a baggy school uniform for their boys to grow into, thinking he could hide his belly for at least a good few months. He had time, he thought, to figure out what to do and convince Hatsuo- At the very least, he was thankful he wasn’t showing yet.

Atsumu turned and pressed his nose into his shoulder, inhaling his own scent. The sweet musk of caramel and nutmeg invaded his nose and calmed his mind, Atsumu realizing he must have grabbed Osamu’s sweater vest by mistake. No matter, perhaps that was just what he needed. Osamu’s scent had always served to ground the other twin, and vice versa. Atsumu grabbed up his gym bag with his volleyball uniform in it, and then he headed out the door.

“Atsumu,” called his mother’s voice as he ran towards the entry way to pull on his loafers. As always, Atsumu was running late, Osamu already standing by the front door, waiting, two bento boxes in hand. Atsumu grabbed his own, thankful for his brother, and thankful that he could run out the door before his perceptive mother picked up on anything.

“Come on,” whispered the blond as he grabbed Osamu’s hand just as their mother rounded the corner, calling his name again.

“I’ll be home late, Ma!” Atsumu yelled as he bolted out the door with his twin.

“Make sure ya walk home with Atsumu, Osamu!” was the last thing they heard.

Atsumu giggled as he pressed up against his twin, Osamu staring worriedly at the other. “Was it an accident, or did ya steal my vest on purpose again, Samu?” the blond teased. It wasn’t the first time their clothes had gotten switched up; Osamu relied a lot on Atsumu’s scent to keep him calm throughout the school day, the co-dependent twins having been separated into different classes for the first time in their whole lives.

Osamu clutched tightly at Atsumu’s sleeve, silent. After a while, he spoke up in a whisper, “Are ya gonna tell Hatsuo-san today, Tsumu?”

Atsumu tried to laugh it off, grinning over at his twin brother. Mildly, he wondered how they could look so similar and be so very different. Osamu was such a good child, never feeling the need to rebel, while Atsumu lived and breathed to stir up chaos, his whole body brimming with rotten energy. Perhaps he had absorbed all the mischief in the womb; he supposed he was thankful. He didn’t resent Osamu for being the good brother, the perfect kid. He was glad one of them could be.

When Atsumu didn’t answer, Osamu nodded slowly, understanding all too well. He clutched at the sweater vest he wore, Atsumu’s, and then asked next, “Tsumu, what are ya gonna do?”

Again, Atsumu was quiet. He had always felt like he was the one tasked to protect Osamu, but the truth was that it was always Osamu protecting him. Osamu, his sanity; Osamu, the angel on his shoulder. Osamu, his better half. Slowly, Atsumu pressed a hand to his belly. He finally understood the attachment mothers talked about to their babies in the womb; he could already feel the life inside of him taking form, bonding with his very soul in such a vivid way.

Still, he was terrified. He was only fifteen, unmarked, and while he had a boyfriend, he was petrified of what Hatsuo would say. He just needed a little more time to convince the Alpha-

Atsumu dropped Osamu off at his classroom, and then he walked mindlessly to his own. The day drifted by like a blur. Atsumu’s fingers ached to touch a volleyball; if he could just play, life would figure itself out on its own.

As the last bell of the day rang, Atsumu tugged the strap of his gym bag over his shoulder, not a word said to any of his classmates. It’s alright, all of his friends were in the volleyball club anyways; Atsumu barely knew the people in his classes. All he needed was Osamu, Hatsuo, and volleyball. He refrained from touching his belly as he let his feet lead him, eyes trained on the repeating pattern of the floor tiles.

He hadn’t even realized where he was headed until he heard an all-too-familiar voice call out, “Atsumu-kun, you have practice, don’t you?”

The blond froze in his tracks, and slowly he looked up into the prettiest blue eyes he’d ever known. The world washed away as Hatsuo stared at him, and Atsumu felt his lips pull up into a blinding smile, relief flooding his whole being as the warm notes of coffee beans calmed his nerves. Here was his Alpha, even if they weren’t officially mated yet. This boy would surely take care of him; they were in love, after all.

“Hatsuo,” Atsumu rushed in relief, forgetting where he was. A few of Hatsuo’s friends glanced at the Alpha with crooked frowns, wondering why this Omega was being allowed to call his Alpha so familiarly. It wasn’t for lack of trying, but Atsumu had always hated how stiff it felt to call the love of his life “Kuroo-senpai” all the time. Hatsuo had been quite insistent, though.

Especially now; especially when Atsumu was carrying…

“Atsumu-kun,” gruffed Hatsuo, his tone muddled suddenly with disappointment. The Alpha had given in to Atsumu’s selfish wishes to call him by his first name, demanding that he simply call him properly in front of his classmates and friends. Alphas, especially teenage boys, refused to be humiliated like that, and while Hatsuo was kind, he was not without his own hang-ups over the hierarchy. Still, Atsumu keened happily when a big, warm hand slipped into his own, Hatsuo leading him away. “I’ll walk you to the gym,” the older Alpha boy said, telling his friends goodbye.

“Atsumu,” Hatsuo called again when they were alone, his voice a little softer now. “You promised that you’d call me senpai in front of my classmates. You know how much-”

“Hatsuo,” Atsumu interrupted softly, an undeniable heat stirring up in his gut. He peered up at the tall boy beside him, completely in love, totally in awe. Tugging at Hatsuo’s hand, he motioned towards a hidden corner in the school grounds, just outside the volleyball gym. Hatsuo was still young, too, just as raw with sexual desire as Atsumu was, so he understood immediately, leading the blond off the path towards the gym. They tucked themselves into the dark corner, Hatsuo caging the Omega in against the cool side wall of the small building where the volleyball team practiced.

Fierce blue eyes met Atsumu’s already clouded with desire, and Atsumu shut his eyes as Hatsuo leaned in, his plump lips puckering up for the kiss.

One second passed, then another. The heat inside Atsumu’s gut swirled impatiently, and he opened his eyes to laugh, thinking Hatsuo was probably staring at him fondly, but the sound caught in his throat. Icy blue eyes chilled him to the core as Hatsuo asked, “Atsumu, you smell different.”

Atsumu choked out the laugh from earlier, but all the humor was gone. Why was everyone saying that? He grabbed at his sweater vest and pulled it to his nose, inhaling deeply. Relief rushed through him at the scent, and his eyes darted up, bright again with joy.

“Sorry, Samu accidentally grabbed my vest this mornin’, so I’m wearin’ his. That’s why I smell different-” His words caught in his throat again, heart leaping out of his chest as Hatsuo rushed in, pressing his nose straight to Atsumu’s scent gland. The thing ached as Hatsuo’s heavy, delicious scent suddenly leaked out, hot breath washing over it. Atsumu grabbed at the back of the other’s button-up, reassurance and delight flooding him as his Alpha scented him. He ached to be claimed.

“Hatsu-”

“That’s not it, Atsumu,” the Alpha bit out, and suddenly Atsumu was scared, terrified, Hatsuo’s voice ramming fear down his spine. A nose nudged at his scent gland, and Atsumu howled in pain as the thing ached, Hatsuo’s scent turning rancid. Dread crawled cold over Atsumu’s skin even as he clung tighter to his Alpha.

“Hatsuo,” he begged. “Alpha-”

“How the hell is this even possible?” Hatsuo bit out coldly.

“What-?” Atsumu tried desperately to act innocent. There was just no way Hatsuo could tell! He wasn’t even showing-!

“You said it was a safe day, Atsumu!” Hatsuo roared as he suddenly pulled back, his voice barely controlled considering they were still at school.

“It was-!” Atsumu yelped back before he covered his mouth, eyes going wide. He didn’t recognize the boy in front of him anymore. The Omega’s whole body went cold. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Kuroo-senpai,” Atsumu tried in a tiny voice. “What’s wrong-?”

“Were you going to keep this from me? Atsumu, you knew-” Suddenly, those pretty blue eyes lit up with cold understanding as Hatsuo stood up straight. “They were right to warn me about you. Not only are you a whore, but you’re a conniving Omega, too. You never loved me-”

“No!” shouted Atsumu, his big eyes going wide and his face pale. How could Hatsuo think that he didn’t-? “I love ya with everythin’ in me, Hatsuo! Please, we can figure this out!”

“Figure what out?!” Hatsuo hurtled back in accusation. “What, I’m gonna take care of you and you can have a cushy life while I work hard?”

“No, I mean-”

“Atsumu,” hissed Hatsuo suddenly, his whole demeanor like ice. Atsumu recoiled back, but he was trapped. It had never terrified him so much.

“I can’t focus on my studies and become a successful lawyer if I have an Omega and a baby dragging me down.”

As Hatsuo inner Alpha seethed, Atsumu understood one thing very, very clearly; Hatsuo had never meant to spend his whole life with Atsumu. Perhaps it was why he’d picked a younger Omega. He’d always meant to dump Atsumu on graduation day because this Alpha had places to go, places he couldn’t go while dragging a useless Omega with him.

If Atsumu had had a single fleeting thought about offering to get rid of the baby for this Alpha, it was all gone as reality crashed down on him. Shaking hands slipped suddenly to Atsumu’s belly, a fierce fire now stoked. Atsumu would protect this precious baby; no one was going to steal this away from him. This precious, innocent little life…

Still, in the face of Hatsuo’s righteous anger, all Atsumu wanted was his Alpha back, to be scented and comforted- “I didn’t mean for this ta happen, ya gotta believe me, Hatsuo. Ya know I love ya, Alpha-!”

“I can’t believe a word you say anymore, Atsumu. You betrayed me. And to think how kind I was, despite all your selfishness-”

“Hatsuo-!”

“Don’t!” hissed the older boy. “You will call me Kuroo-senpai. Better yet, you won’t call me at all. Don’t think I owe you anything for this, Atsumu. Don’t come to me for a single thing; you and that baby are nothing to me.”

“Ya don’t mean it-!” begged Atsumu, but he was crumbling, and Hatsuo was already stalking away, his shoulders set, his now-putrid scent pulling away with him. Atsumu’s legs gave out a second later, his butt hitting the grass and dirt hard, hands still clutched at his belly. Tears streamed down in rivers, but he was silent as he listened hopelessly to the sounds of his team practicing in the gym just behind him. How much would he have to give up?

Atsumu pressed his face into his arm and inhaled in shaky bursts, delirious as he wondered how Hatsuo had known. Familiar notes of jasmine and honey filled Atsumu’s nose, along with whiffs of Osamu’s caramel and nutmeg, and just underneath that, very faint, was a new scent, warm and milky. Atsumu pressed his hands tighter to his belly, and with everything he had left in him as he crumbled apart on the ground outside his high school gym, he wished for this sweet, innocent baby to be happy.

Osamu found him like that an hour later. He was absolutely silent as he helped his twin sit up, wiping his messy face that was streaked with tears, snot and dirt. Atsumu watched blearily as Osamu sank down to his haunches, his skirt laid neatly over his slender, pale legs, so different from Atsumu’s. It was only when the skirt began to soak with little wet circles that Atsumu’s eyes darted up. Osamu’s face was scrunched together in unbearable pain and grief, his hands clutched tightly into the sweater vest he wore, Atsumu’s, knuckles white.

“I thought- if you wore my vest- no one would be able to tell-” sobbed Osamu through clenched teeth, his face streaming with tears. His scent grew heavy, muddled with pain, his caramel beginning to burn, the nutmeg too sharp.

Atsumu sank weakly against the cool wall of the gym and stared up at the sky as his brother sobbed for him. Atsumu felt dry, all out of tears now, but he was sure they would come again tonight. When he opened his arms, Osamu instantly crowded against his chest, curling up there. Slender arms wrapped around Atsumu, and he let out a heavy sigh as his nose pressed into Osamu’s soft hair.

“Congrats, Samu,” Atsumu whispered hoarsely, smiling even as he felt absolutely beaten down and defeated, “yer gonna be an auntie.”

“And yer gonna be a momma, Tsumu,” sobbed Osamu. Hands pressed gently to Atsumu’s belly with his own, and Atsumu took the responsibility thrust upon him like an honor, however painful it would be. Yes, he would be a momma, the best he could be.

“I’m gonna spoil this baby and make sure they have a much better life than me,” Atsumu promised his twin ever so quietly. Then, softly, “Don’t tell Ma and Pa yet.”

“They’ll know,” whispered Osamu fearfully, and Atsumu smiled sadly up at the sky.

“I know, but not yet, Samu. I still… want to play volleyball and be with you for a little while longer.”

“Okay. …I won’t let them split us up,” the other twin promised even as he clutched uselessly at Atsumu’s shirt. Atsumu thought for a moment that perhaps the one who would suffer the most was not him, but Osamu instead. He stroked at Osamu’s back and wrapped the fragile Omega up in his arms.

“Shh, Samu. We’ll always be together. Ya need me, don’t ya?”

“I need ya, Tsumu-!” begged Osamu.

Atsumu just nodded. They sat for a while longer before they pulled themselves up off the cold ground.

As promised, Atsumu walked Osamu home, the two growing slowly quiet. They barely said another word that night. Osamu simply followed his brother wordlessly to his bedroom, the two crawling into the twin bed together and holding each other like this was all they had left.

As much as Osamu needed Atsumu, Atsumu needed his brother, too.

-x-

March

Atsumu very carefully folded his volleyball uniform, making sure there would be no wrinkles, every edge crisp. He ended up folding it six times just because it was impossible to see through the tears that streamed down his face, and yet Atsumu felt okay. He smiled softly, licking his tears off his lips and sniffling loudly as he finally set aside the top of his jersey and moved next to the small shorts. After trying to fold those five time, he finally gave up and moved them into the pile of clothes from his closet. He would still be able to wear the bottoms, so there was no need to pack those away as permanently as his jersey.

Atsumu sniffled again, wiping his face with his forearm this time. When his arms lowered again, he set his hands gently to the soft roundness of his belly. He felt like he looked more bloated than pregnant, though it was a funny sight, what with his strong arms and thick thighs. He’d been able to pass it off at practice until now, but it was all moot.

As soon as the twins’ parents had found out Atsumu was pregnant, they had decided for the four of them that they were moving far away from Hyogo. This was alright with Atsumu; he had felt no need to fight for his life here, too tired to do so anyways. As long as he had Osamu, he would be okay; he would have had to quit the volleyball team sooner or later anyways, and this way, there would be no lingering attachments, no what-ifs.

For the sake of this precious baby, Atsumu was giving up his first and biggest love; being a setter had been everything to him, but now there was something much more important coming. Of course he had cried; saying goodbye to the team and to the court had been nearly traumatic. Atsumu had laid on the gym floor for nearly an hour after his last practice and sobbed for the things he was losing out on. Osamu had sat with him silently, rubbing his back. A few of Atsumu’s teammates had earnestly wished him luck in the future, and he had tearfully wished for their success in the Spring tournaments, sad to leave the few true friends he had left; the rest of his teammates had started to look down on him and abandoned him quickly once the rumors had started flying around their school, but perhaps it made leaving easier.

“Tsumu,” called a voice softly in the middle of Atsumu’s wallowing, and Atsumu turned towards his better half, no need to smile at Osamu and fake it. The older twin stepped into Atsumu’s room and shut the door behind him, coming to sit beside Atsumu. Pretty grey eyes stared down at the very neatly folded volleyball jersey, lips softly beginning to tremble.

“Don’t cry, Samu,” Atsumu gruffed out, and Osamu inhaled sharply.

“I know it’s not fair. I mean, yer the one who’s pregnant and havin’ ta quit playin’.” Fat tears rolled down Osamu’s cheeks even as he explained why he shouldn’t be the sad one here. Atsumu sighed and pulled his brother against his chest, a hand pressing softly to his pectorals. They were beginning to get a little sensitive and swollen, and Atsumu sighed again slowly. Everything was really changing.

“Samu,” Atsumu spoke up after a while, grey eyes turning to peer up at him. “Got a favor ta ask ya,” he hummed quietly. He glanced down, his honeyed gaze meeting Osamu’s.

“Will ya cut my hair, Samu?”

Osamu jerked and then slowly sat up, his hand shakily reaching out to comb through Atsumu’s soft blond locks, the roots already growing out. It wasn’t just that Atsumu needed a new dye job, but it also symbolized the end of this chapter of his life, the end of his youth. Osamu pursed his lips together, silent.

“Alright,” he whispered after a while. “Just let me help ya pack a little first.”

Osamu was desperate for a distraction from reality, and Atsumu shrugged, allowing them both the reprieve. He was simply too tired, too emotional, wrung out dry; he didn’t have it in him to fight anything anymore. “Sure, Samu.” Then, “What about yer stuff?”

“Already packed,” Osamu said simply, quietly, fingering at the edge of a frame, a picture inside of the two boys as kids. Atsumu toed over a box with his knick knacks, and slowly Osamu put the framed photo inside.

“What do ya think the baby’ll look like, Tsumu?” he asked after a while, his eyes hyper-focused on the books he was packing away now.

“Like a baby,” Atsumu replied dumbly. Then, shrugging, “Cute as hell. I mean, look at how adorable we were.”

Osamu was quiet where he usually might have laughed. It left Atsumu feeling despondent. The rift that had started forming between the two twins grew a little wider, and Atsumu was desperate to bridge it, but he was so tired…

His eyes flicked up in surprise when Osamu said, a ghost of a smile on his lip, “Bet they will be cute, cause they’ll be yers. And one day… maybe one day I can have a cute baby, too, and they can… play together…”

Atsumu swallowed roughly. He slowly zipped up his luggage and sat down in front of it on his bed, hands in his lap, cupping his belly under the baggy sweater he wore.

“Samu, when ya have a baby, have it with someone who really loves ya, ‘kay?”

Osamu was quiet, very still. Atsumu turned away; he didn’t feel much love for Hatsuo anymore, and yet he still cried over the Alpha he had lost, over his broken heart. Without it needing to be said, Osamu had tried his best to step up, but there wasn’t much an Omega could do to fill that hole, let alone a sibling. Still, Osamu walked Atsumu to his classes these days and picked him up after school to walk him home or to club activities. They ate lunch together, Osamu attentive to Atsumu’s needs. There was never anything said explicitly, but maybe this was just a twin thing; Osamu understood. Still, Atsumu knew it was hard on Osamu, too, and yet he couldn’t voice what that did to him. It hurt to see the older Miya try so damn hard and yet fail because he simply couldn’t replace the things Atsumu was losing. The rift grew wider.

The bedroom was bathed in the light of the setting sun by the time Atsumu and Osamu were done packing up his room. After a moment of quiet, Osamu said, “It’s probably time for dinner.“

“Can ya cut my hair first?” Atsumu asked selfishly.

“Yea,” Osamu replied easily this time. He stood to his feet and then helped Atsumu up, the two walking to their shared bathroom together. Osamu grabbed a pair of scissors from the kitchen and then came back to find Atsumu sitting on the edge of the tub, a towel clasped around his shoulders. They both knew Osamu had never cut hair before, but that didn’t matter. It didn’t need to be pretty; it was symbolic.

With a shaky inhale, Osamu combed back all of Atsumu’s hair and made the first big cut, thick chunks of blond hair falling into the tub. He ruffled Atsumu’s hair and then began to cut in sections, the blond’s head slowly growing lighter. Osamu cut and cut and their tears fell in silence, no one there but the two of them to reassure each other that it would be okay, and what did they know? They were only fifteen… If he let himself think about it, Atsumu was terrified. The raging hormones didn’t help either, and he wished he could find the words to soothe Osamu, to soothe himself.

“Done… I think,” hushed Osamu ever so quietly after a while. He brushed Atsumu’s hair off his shoulders and then slowly sank down to his knees to look up at his brother. His hands fell softly to Atsumu’s belly. Staring up, he let out a wry laugh. “Ahh, ya look terrible. I really butchered it.”

“That’s fine,” Atsumu shrugged, reaching down to swipe Osamu’s face free of tears without bothering with his own. When he was done, his brother slowly leaned forward, his forehead to Atsumu’s little baby bump.

“Hi, baby,” he hushed, his voice almost too quiet for Atsumu to hear. “I know ye’ll be so cute, cause yer momma is… And yer auntie Samu will love ya ta bits and pieces, so please, baby, be healthy, and be good. Be sweet to yer momma and be… happy, little baby-” Osamu’s voice choked up, his words falling away as his head sank down to Atsumu’s lap and he cried. Atsumu just patted his brother’s head. After a while, he stood up to check out his new haircut.

It was awful, really, too choppy and a little uneven, all the blond now gone, but it hardly mattered. Atsumu clutched at the sink, his lips splitting up into a painfully wide smile. He hardly recognized himself; he looked too old. The bags under his eyes were heavy, his cheeks splotchy from crying. He slowly stood up and cradled his belly.

“Be happy,” he whispered in the quietest whisper, an echo of Osamu’s words. “Please, baby… for both of us, no, for all three of us. I know it’s a lot ta ask…”

Atsumu pressed his lips together as they started trembling, and then he collected his brother off the floor, ditching his towel and walking the other down to the dining room of their small home. Two pairs of eyes glanced up, their Ma’s from the kitchen and their Pa’s from his seat at the table.

“About time ya joined us,” their father scolded quietly, while the matriarch of the family gasped tiredly when she saw the disaster her son had on his head.

“Atsumu, yer hair-”

“It’s better than that blond mess,” their father grumbled, and she fell silent, sighing. She brought out the last dish, and then they all silently sat down together.

Halfway through the meal, the patriarch of the Miya family told Atsumu, “Since ye’ve decided ta keep the baby, despite yer ma and I’s wishes, we won’t be supportin’ ya financially any longer, Atsumu.” His voice was stiff, much as it always was when it came to Atsumu. It was Osamu they doted on, the oldest boy, the wanted son. Atsumu mildly wondered how long his parents had been waiting to be rid of the burden that was their second child, the surprise twin.

Grey eyes darted up, but Osamu was silent in the face of his parents, though the pain in his eyes was clear. Atsumu felt the table between them like a canyon, the chasm growing ever wider.

“What does that mean?” asked Atsumu of his father.

“We won’t kick ya out, but ye’ll need ta find a job and pay us rent. If ya want ta go to appointments, ye’ll have ta pay for those, too, as well as the hospital fees ta deliver the baby.

“I will cook for ya,” his mother continued slowly, “but yer pa and I expect ya ta help with groceries. Ye’ll have a bigger appetite soon.” Her eyes were trained completely on her food as she ate, unable to look her son in the eyes.

Atsumu scoffed coldly. He opted not to reply, too tired to think. He stared through his long lashes at his older brother, Osamu’s food untouched. The rest of dinner was silent.

“I’ll probably find a small apartment ta live in once we get ta Tokyo,” Atsumu told Osamu as they curled up in his bed together that night, both fresh out of the shower. The calming notes of caramel and nutmeg surrounded Atsumu. “If I have ta get a job n’ pay for all my own stuff anyways, I might as well do it on my own terms. The baby should be raised only by people who want ‘im around.”

Surprisingly, Osamu nodded, whispering, “I think that’s best, Tsumu.”

After a while, Atsumu propositioned, “Ya could live with me, too, Samu. Now or after ya graduate.”

Osamu hummed softly. “I’d love ta,” he hushed, but Atsumu knew Osamu couldn’t. Unlike Atsumu, he was too dependent on their parents. He had too much riding on his shoulders. Atsumu kissed his brother’s forehead, and then he quietly cried. A feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach that the last thing he would lose in this whole mess was his precious brother.

“I’ll come visit ya lots,” Osamu hushed as they both began to drift off to sleep. Atsumu hummed his acknowledgement even as he told himself not to pin his hopes on other people anymore.

-x-

April

Ma says I should stop textin’ ya. She disapproves of the job ya got.

not many ppl willin’ to hire a preggo 15-year-old omega, samu

I know. I told her that. She wants me ta focus on my grades…

havin’ trouble?

Yea.

Osamu slowly set his phone down, deleting the text messages from his brother. What he didn’t tell Atsumu was that their mother and father had forbidden Osamu contact since the day Atsumu had moved out, but Osamu needed his twin because he was falling apart. School seemed impossibly hard without a study partner, even though Atsumu had always been the dumb one. It was incredibly lonely, and Osamu couldn’t keep up in PE when Atsumu wasn’t there to make excuses for him. Every day, his parents heaped more expectations on him, and every day, Osamu realized just how short he would fall of them all.

He couldn’t even tell Atsumu because that felt like failing, too. Osamu’s vision blurred as his eyes filled with the tears that seemed to leak more often than not from his eyes, and he stared cross-eyed at his English homework. Atsumu had always been shockingly good at English, though he could barely speak Japanese. Osamu was just so tired, and yet he was sure Atsumu was much more tired than him, struggling much, much more. Working at a sketchy convenience store while three months pregnant probably wasn’t all that fun either, and yet Osamu would happily do it, too, if it meant he could be with his twin.

There had been a dull ache in Osamu’s gut for a few days now, and he felt completely drained of energy. Sleeping felt impossible, and his skin itched to the point that he left claw marks on his arms from scratching. He wasn’t even in love, but the heartbreak from being away from Atsumu felt almost like withdrawals. Osamu shut his English workbook and opted to just suffer the consequences tomorrow as he crawled into his bed, cold and empty, his weary eyes shutting slowly as he prayed for sleep to come.

He woke up five hours later, sweating profusely, his body feeling like it was tearing itself apart, a scream on his lips. His eyes snapped wide as the worst pain he’d ever felt tore through his lower regions. Osamu curled up instinctively as the pain washed away and then came back.

Pounding footsteps sounded outside his door, his father demanding what was wrong. Osamu let out a stricken sob and then clamped his hand over his mouth as his eyes snapped wide. No, he knew this feeling, but his heat had never robbed him of breath like this before. A sickly sweet smell seeped from his scent gland, sweat running down his skin. As the pain subsided for a moment, Osamu called out weakly, “I’m okay. Can ya… get Ma?”

A few minutes later, Osamu sobbing silently as more pain wracked him, his mother stepped into his room and instantly shut the door behind her, stepping up beside Osamu’s bed and sinking down. Her soothing hands stroked under his bangs, but the caresses that had always wicked away Osamu’s pain only felt heavy and burdensome now. Still, he was grateful when she wiped his body with a cool cloth and gave him some pain meds.

“I’ll call the school, Osamu, ya just rest, okay?”

Osamu couldn’t tell his mother that he wasn’t sure he’d survive this heat. He felt weak, his body tired just from laying, and all he wanted was to see Atsumu. The pain came and went, Osamu sleeping fitfully between bouts, days passing. His mother came and fed him and cleaned his body, changing his sheets and clothes, but never once did she ask what Osamu needed, perhaps both of them knowing she couldn’t allow it. Osamu was not a twin anymore in their eyes; Atsumu was unattainable.

Osamu wasn’t sure how many days passed, but the first day he felt strong enough to stand on his own, the meds taking the edge off his pain and heady scent, he silently dressed himself and snuck out of the house. It was dark outside, his phone telling him it was a little past ten; the trains would still be running. As Osamu walked slowly towards the train station, he texted his brother.

Tsumu, are ya workin’? Can I come visit ya?

The lack of reply told Osamu that his brother was likely either working or sleeping. Thankfully, Osamu had had the forethought to find out where Atsumu worked, thinking many times that he’d sneak away and visit, but the truth was, he was too good of a kid for that. Now, though, now he really, really needed his little brother.

Sitting on the train, Osamu thought about how pitiful this was. He couldn’t even survive one heat, one month without Atsumu? What kind of big brother was he? The closer he got to Atsumu’s stop, the more his mind became a muddled mess, his anxieties rising. He clutched at the hard plastic seat he sat in, his hips aching. At the stop he needed, he sat a second longer, seriously debating what he was doing, but he got off, slowly, carefully. The station was silent.

The walk to Atsumu’s work was short, Osamu’s phone guiding him there. At the corner, he stood and peered in through the glass windows, desperate to catch a glimpse of a familiar face, but the guy behind the counter was not his brother. Osamu couldn’t get his feet to move inside as he stood, frozen, staring at his phone. Atsumu still hadn’t replied. Osamu didn’t know where he lived, staring hopelessly at the unfamiliar buildings around him. Fear shook him to the core as the dawning realization that he was alone, completely alone, hit him. He had no more tears left to cry, though. He trudged back to the station in silence, the weight of the world on his weary shoulders.

In the morning, a text from Atsumu replied, samu, im so sorry, i was sleepin… ill come see ya, okay?

It’s okay, it was silly. Ya don’t have ta come.
Take care of yerself, Tsumu.

Osamu deleted the texts slowly and shut his burning eyes.

-x-

Atsumu heaved a heavy sigh; it was only April, but the pregnancy made him feel that much hotter all the time. His shirt hung loose over his swollen belly and tits, and he huffed again, his eyes strained as he peered through his sunglasses at the big school building looming ahead.

“Okay, baby,” he called. “Let’s go see yer auntie.”

Atsumu had had a pit in his stomach since waking up to that text from Osamu, worry eating him alive. It had been almost a week, but this was the first day Atsumu had had off during school hours; he knew better than to try to show up at his parents’ home to see his brother. He tugged out his cell phone and texted Osamu now, wondering if he’d get a reply. The last text from Osamu still hurt to see. Atsumu knew how much Osamu shouldered in silence, always pretending to be fine while he was falling apart. He had always been that way, thinking he had to be the perfect big brother when Atsumu hardly cared about the few minutes that separated them. To Atsumu, they were one and the same, connected souls in separate bodies. He stroked at his belly as he let out an exhausted huff and stepped up to the gates of the school.

A few students milled around, eating lunch or kicking around a soccer ball, and somewhere in the distance, Atsumu could hear that all too familiar sound of a volleyball hitting a wall, the smack of a hand against the hard skin. Ah, his hand tingled in memory, but Atsumu hadn’t touched a volleyball for more than a month now. He blocked the sound out and carefully tread onto the school grounds. He should fit in perfectly here, still only fifteen, but he felt like an intruder, a foreigner. He straightened his spine and tried to at least act like he was allowed to be here. If he knew his brother…

Fitfully, Atsumu turned towards the sounds of someone practicing their serves, coming upon a stand-alone gymnasium, the door cracked open as a fan blew air through the big building. Atsumu peeked inside for a split second before stepping around the gym, the grass crunching softly under his feet. He stopped as soon as he rounded the corner, his heart breaking into a million pieces as soon as he saw him.

Osamu sat with his back against the side of the gymnasium, head down, arms folded. His lunch sat untouched beside him, and Atsumu wondered for a moment if Osamu was sleeping. He walked forward as silently as he could, his fingers bumping against the metal siding of the building. He could still clearly hear the sounds from inside, nostalgia making his anxieties spike. He slowly sat down beside his brother, trying to not disturb in case Osamu was indeed sleeping, but the older Omega had probably smelled Atsumu before he’d heard him.

Oh-so-familiar grey eyes slowly opened, and Osamu muttered as if he was in a dream, “Tsumu…?” Tears spilled from his red-rimmed eyes, his deep inhale wet and nasally. Atsumu laid a hand on Osamu’s head, his hair still so soft even if it looked unbrushed. A moment later, Osamu startled, sitting up.

“Tsumu! What are ya-?”

“How could I ignore my twin when he’s obviously lyin’ ta me? Samu, ya look like a wreck.”

Osamu instantly sobered, his face pulling tight. Slowly, he sat himself up, trying to pull away and be strong, but Atsumu could see right through him. He grabbed Osamu’s shoulder and tugged the older twin to his chest, hugging him close. Osamu’s scent said all Atsumu needed to know, the burnt caramel and too-strong nutmeg singeing his nose hairs. Still, Atsumu buried his nose in his brother’s hair as he’d always done and inhaled deeply, shakily. He had been doing okay, but seeing and smelling Osamu again tore down his walls and left him bare and vulnerable.

“Samu,” he begged brokenly, and slowly, hands clutched into the shirt he wore as Osamu turned his face and inhaled Atsumu’s scent, too.

“Tsumu,” he sobbed as his shoulders began to shake, and Atsumu wondered if it was just his imagination that Osamu felt thinner. “What are ya doin’ here-?”

“Samu, don’t be an idiot,” growled Atsumu. “Ya know what. Ya can’t send me a cry for help like that and expect me not ta come.”

“I didn’t-”

“Samu, I’m yer twin; don’t lie ta me. I’ve known ya my whole life, and ya’ve never been honest when ya needed help.”

After a moment, Osamu accused weakly, “Yer the same, Tsumu,” and Atsumu laughed wryly.

“How do ya think I know ya so well? Two peas in a pod.”

“The pod feels empty, Tsumu,” Osamu whispered quietly, and Atsumu fell silent.

“Yea,” he gruffed out, his voice shaky, weak, full of so many regrets. Hands clutched tighter at his shirt, and then slowly they slipped down, down to Atsumu’s belly. The pure relief that flooded through Osamu’s scent had more tears spilling down Atsumu’s face in rivulets, his chest seizing up. He grabbed Osamu tighter as his brother stroked adoringly at his swollen baby belly.

“Have ya been ta the doctor? Do ya know what ye’re havin’?”

“A cute baby,” replied Atsumu; he couldn’t tell Osamu he didn’t have the time or the money to go see a doctor, simply praying every day that the baby was fine, knowing he would love this child no matter what. After a while, Atsumu asked, “Samu, are ya doin’ okay?”

He expected a lie, but Osamu was painfully honest this time as he whispered, “No.”

“Can I… help?” It was a useless question; Atsumu wasn’t allowed to do anything for Osamu anymore, and any help he might want to give might only make it harder on Osamu.

“Tsumu, I snuck out of the house… ta see ya. That night I texted ya.”

Atsumu’s eyes went wide; he couldn’t believe it. He almost wanted to laugh. His goody-two-shoes brother had snuck out and disobeyed his parents? “Idiot,” gruffed an over-emotional Atsumu, and he cursed his parents for being so impossibly cruel, not to him, but to their “favorite” child. Couldn’t they see he was suffering?

“I missed ya,” whispered Osamu, and Atsumu knew that wasn’t the whole story at all, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask.

“They’re not… hurtin’ ya, are they, Samu?” he asked as dread grew in his gut.

“No-!” Osamu choked out in a panic, but Atsumu held him tight, not letting him pull away or look at his face. Osamu settled slowly back down again, and Atsumu felt the lashes against his neck as Osamu’s eyes closed, perhaps at ease for the first time since they’d parted.

“It’s so hard without ya, Tsumu,” Osamu whispered, barely audible, painfully honest. “I know… I should be the strong one, but I can’t… not without ya.”

“Samu, why don’t ya come-”

“Ma and Pa took my phone away when they found out I’d been textin’ ya. I’m… grounded…”

Atsumu smacked his head against the gym’s wall in a flash of rage, the metal rattling loudly. For a moment, the ball inside stopped, and Atsumu held his breath as anger seethed inside him. He clutched tightly at Osamu’s shoulder until the older twin whispered, “Ow, Tsumu.”

Atsumu let go instantly, and Osamu slowly sat up. He cupped Atsumu’s belly again, and then he smiled through the pain and the tears, so blindingly beautiful. Ah, Osamu always had been the better of the two of them, the prettier, the sweeter. Even now, he was so kind and good to a failure like Atsumu. It hurt Atsumu to see it, and yet he couldn’t help but feel so much love. He cupped Osamu’s hands on his belly, his lips trembling.

“I’m so happy ya came ta see me, Tsumu. You and this baby - it keeps me goin’. I want ta grow up ta be an auntie this sweet babe can be proud of. I want ta be the older brother ya always deserved, Tsumu.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Atsumu choked out as he began to cry again. Osamu just smiled, knowing Atsumu so well.

“Thank ya for comin’,” Osamu whispered after a while, his head dropping down, but the pain was obvious enough in his voice and scent, “but don’t worry about me anymore. Ya don’t have ta come here anymore. I’ll be alright.”

There it was, that rift between them. Atsumu realized very suddenly that the small fissures had torn open, the size of a canyon now. Looking at Osamu, he felt like he was miles away; he barely knew this boy sitting before him. Atsumu clawed at Osamu’s hands on his belly, desperate to keep them there, but the older twin slowly pulled away. As Osamu stood, gathering his lunch, Atsumu just knew this would be the last time in a long while. Osamu was making the choice to not drag this out, to make the separation a little easier. He was walking away with his head held high, as high as he could. Atsumu sat with his back against the gymnasium wall, the sounds of volleyball, of his past life, still ringing as he watched Osamu walk away.

Atsumu wondered what Osamu would look like the next time he saw him. Would he be happy? Smiling genuinely? Would he be proud of himself and the man he’d become? Would he be proud of Atsumu, of his little baby?

Atsumu sat there for a long while, despondent. He’d thought Osamu was the weaker one, but the truth was that he was the most pitiful of the two. Osamu was at the very least selfless. He would have made… a much better momma.

“Sorry,” Atsumu whispered brokenly to his little baby as tears burned his eyes and began to fall. “Sorry ya got stuck with me, little one.”

He would do the best he could, for his baby, for his brother. It was all he could.

-x-

November

Atsumu wasn’t quite sure what the fascination was with pregnant Omegas. He’d been hit on numerous times since he’d started really showing, his scent now heavy with milk and honey, the signs of a breedable Omega. He stared down incredulously at the email address scrawled on the receipt he’d just handed out before bunching it up and tossing it in the trash. If only these low class Alphas and Betas knew that he was only sixteen. Well, Atsumu could admit he didn’t look it anymore.

Wearily, Atsumu sat down in one of the chairs in the break room, his coworker clocking in behind him.

“Are you okay, Atsumu-san?” the girl asked sweetly even though she was older than him. He’d tried to explain that, but she refused to call him anything but this. At least he’d convinced most people to drop his last name. It reminded him too much of the life he’d left behind and the parents that had discarded him.

“I’m… alright,” wheezed Atsumu, far too pregnant and swollen to be on his feet this long, but what else could he do? The blond girl gazed at him worriedly, her eyebrows stitched together. “Really, Yachi-san,” Atsumu assured with a smile.

The blond girl hovered worriedly around him. She was too sweet for her own good, and it was a wonder she hadn’t learned her lesson yet in the big, cruel city. Still, Atsumu was glad for her; most of his other co-workers had dismissed him instantly.

Atsumu shifted on the chair he sat in, thinking he’d prove his words by standing again, but he felt a pop between his thighs, and suddenly heat was gushing down his legs. Atsumu froze, his eyes snapping wide. Yachi’s eyes matched his own as they slowly turned to big saucers.

“Umm-” whispered Atsumu. Something squelched as he shifted, and Yachi’s eyes darted down. Atsumu, though he wasn’t quite sure what was happening yet, felt his cheeks flame red, Yachi’s once again matching his own.

“Oh no,” whispered Yachi in true horror as her face went from red to pale. Atsumu realized it about the same time as her. Maybe he should have called out sick as soon as he’d started feeling those small contractions. Another one hit him now, this one much, much more painful than the last ones had been, and Atsumu felt the blood drain from his face. Shit, he wasn’t- ready-! He’d had nine months, but he wasn’t ready!

“Yachi-” he choked out, trying to be the rational one, the one not falling apart. This wasn’t right; he watched Yachi’s eyes fill with huge tears. “Yachi, I need ya ta call an ambulance.”

“Atsumu-san, you-”

“Yachi, my water broke, so I need ya-” he said again, insistently. He hissed when another contraction hit him, cursing. They were so close together suddenly. Yachi paled again, looking like she’d never heard a single curse word in her life. “Yachi!” Atsumu begged desperately, and a moment later, she was scrambling.

“Yes, hello?” she sobbed into her phone. “Umm, my co-wor- Atsumu-san is having a baby- His- Yes, water… broke…” Yachi turned slowly to Atsumu, her eyes wide, face white as a sheet. “Umm, they want to know… contractions?” She listened and then repeated uncertainly, “How far apart are your contractions?”

Atsumu peered up at the clock across the break room as another contraction ripped through him, and he thought, Shit.

“Ahh, he just had another one,” whispered Yachi into the phone, and whatever the lady on the other end told her made her truly panic. “No, you need to hurry,” she begged, a hand over her mouth and cradling her phone. Atsumu just stared at her, trying for a smile even as sweat poured down his face.

His first thought was, should I call Osamu? My parents? His second was, Can I even afford this? No, he’d been saving as much as he could, so he should be okay there. Even if… what could he do now?

The last thought was, What if something happens to me? Who’s gonna… He was painfully alone, wasn’t he?

A small hand clutched at his own, Yachi on her knees now, tears streaming down her face as she whispered, “I’ll go with you. I won’t leave your side, Atsumu-san.”

Atsumu knew a good, rational adult would tell her to stay, but fear struck him, and Atsumu couldn’t speak. He clutched at the girl’s small hand, desperate to not be alone. He was terrified, absolutely petrified. He couldn’t… do this…

“You can do this,” Yachi whispered like she could read his mind, a blessed miracle.

The next time, it was a voice he didn’t recognize. “You can do this, Miya-san! Push!”

“Don’t… call me Miya,” Atsumu grit out between his teeth even as he grunted, screaming as he pushed. His body was tearing apart, and he was sure he was bleeding, wet gushing from his pussy, down his ass. All the while, a hand held his own, Yachi surprisingly calm now as she stood, steady as a rock by his side.

Atsumu vaguely recalled begging that he couldn’t do this, and then suddenly, a loud, piercing cry tore through the din, and Atsumu’s eyes snapped open wide. The nurses bustled around, but he could hear a baby - his baby- screaming.

“It’s a boy!” someone shouted to him.

“Give him to me!” sobbed Atsumu, frantic. His baby! His family! The only… family he had now. “Give my baby to me!” he screeched when no one moved to grant his request.

“They need to clean him off,” Yachi was saying, but Atsumu was shaking as his body seized in contractions again, the doctor telling him he had to push out his placenta.

“Please, my baby,” he begged as the ground felt like it might split, the whole world likely to swallow him up. His baby was still screaming, which was a good sign, a great sign, but Atsumu needed to comfort his little baby boy.

“Alright,” hushed a nurse sternly when he began to yell at them again. She bustled over with a bundle in her arms, and Atsumu instinctively reached for it. Warmth pressed against his chest, and his arms wrapped around the swaddled babe like he knew what he was doing.

The first time he looked at his baby’s face, he fell madly in love. Unlike his first love, this love felt tangible, earth-shattering. Atsumu didn’t even realize he was crying until his baby’s blanket grew wet with his tears. He let out an incredulous laugh.

“What… do I do now?” he asked no one in particular. He stared down at the small infant in his arms, thinking that it was all up to him to make sure this baby survived. This little one had no one, no one but Atsumu, and Atsumu had no one but him.

Two peas in a pod. The feeling was nostalgic and painful. He turned his eyes up to Yachi and sobbed brokenly, “Yachi, my- my phone.”

He had to at least send Osamu a picture of this little miracle. He turned back when his baby let out a small coo.

“Oh,” whispered Atsumu, his eyes blinded by tears, lips trembling as they pushed up into a scared smile.

“Hello, Tetsuro. I’m yer momma. …Nice ta finally meet ya.”

Chapter Text

Peeling off the hat he wore for work, Atsumu ruffled his blond hair before stepping through the doors to the small daycare center close to his apartment. A soft bell rang, and a few moments later, the older Beta who ran the daycare stepped out into the hall. She smiled when she saw Atsumu.

“Miya-kun,” she greeted before turning back towards the large open area and calling, “Tetsuro-chan, your momma is here, dear.”

Rushed little footsteps sounded, and Atsumu sank to his knees as his little prince rounded the corner, big, golden eyes so like Atsumu’s lighting up as soon as he saw the Omega.

"Momma!” he yelped eagerly, racing towards Atsumu. The blond let out an oomph as Tetsuro crashed into him, nearly toppling him backward. Atsumu wrapped his baby up and pressed his nose into messy, black hair, soft and smelling only of the shampoo Atsumu used on his own hair. The five-year-old Alpha was a miracle and a handful at the same time, and yet Atsumu wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

"Momma, did you have a good day at work?” asked sweet Tetsuro, Atsumu smiling brightly as he hefted the boy up. Behind him, someone else had entered to pick up their child, eyes fixated on Atsumu. The blond was used to the stares by now, what with his work uniform and the lack of a wedding ring. He was young, too, that much was obvious again, and all the more, his accent betrayed him as an outsider; everyone judged harshly in the city.

“I missed ya terribly, Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu whispered as his reply, turning on his heels. “Should we go home n’ scrounge up some dinner?”

“Yes!” cheered a bright-eyed Tetsuro, clinging to Atsumu’s striped polo. Atsumu was thankful that the convenience store he’d worked at before having Tetsuro had kept him on, most likely thanks to Yachi. After the few raises he’d gotten, it was just enough to scrape by, but it stole precious time; Atsumu felt like Tetsuro looked older every time he turned around. He would be six soon… At least his schooling would be free, though Atsumu was sure there would be other expenses instead. The blond nuzzled his nose to Tetsuro’s temple, tiny hands cupping his face as the little Alpha giggled. No, no matter what, Atsumu wouldn’t trade this for the world.

After Tetsuro decided on hamburg steak for dinner, Atsumu asked him how his day was. Tetsuro talked happily about his daycare friends, about a little girl who had a crush on him, about the boy he was befriending. “He’s an ‘Omegela’, just like you, Momma!”

Atsumu laughed softly. “An Omega? Do ya know what that means, Tetsu-chan?”

The boy fell quiet for a moment, and then he smiled sweetly, his golden eyes glittering. “It means I have to protect him and take care of him.”

“Mm,” Atsumu hummed. “Right. As an Alpha, it’s yer job ta watch out for yer friends, especially the Omegas.”

“That’s what friends do!” Tetsuro chimed, grinning big. Atsumu set the boy down to unlock the front door of their small apartment, nodding.

“Take yer shoes off and wash yer hands, Tetsu-chan,” he called as he moved into their small kitchen.

"Momma, can I help with dinner?”

Atsumu almost cried. “Yea, baby boy, of course ya can! Pull a chair over, and I’ll let ya mix up the meat and spices.”

“Yes, Momma!” Tetsuro sang, grinning as he did what he was told, haphazardly tugging the sleeves of his little shirt up to his elbows. Atsumu combed his wild hair, wondering mildly where he got his sweet personality from; Atsumu had been such a brat at this age. Certainly not Hatsuo, the rotten bastard. Osamu, then. Osamu had always been an angel…

As Atsumu grew quiet, Tetsuro glanced over, hands deep in a bowl of ground beef. "Momma?”

Golden eyes slowly flicked over, and Atsumu forced his lips into a smile. Eyes just like his own gazed back.

"Momma just got lost in thought,” Atsumu whispered quietly. Then, “Keep at it, baby boy. Momma is just gonna go change, okay?”

“‘Kay!”

Atsumu wandered into the single bedroom he shared with Tetsuro, slowly peeling off his gaudy work uniform. Now that he could fit into it, he was forced to wear it. He stuffed his ball cap away, staring wearily at his overflowing basket of laundry. He had an off day the day after tomorrow, so he’d do his laundry and maybe take Tetsuro to the library or the park… They would also have to get groceries; Atsumu should check the sales coming up-

Atsumu slowly sank down to his knees, staring sideways at the mirror beside him as he worried if he was doing a good enough job. He just didn’t want to lose one more precious person… The blond let out a rough sigh as he stared at his tired self in the mirror. He recognized this melancholy well; his heat was supposed to be coming soon, but Atsumu didn’t have time. He opened his bottom dresser drawer and pulled out his heat suppressant pills, popping one in his mouth and swallowing it down dry. They blessedly cut enough of the edge off to ensure that Atsumu could go about his day, though the ache for an alpha was always there. Atsumu had sworn off hook-ups to take care of Tetsuro, and some days were tougher than others, but he didn’t ever regret the things he sacrificed. Everything for his sweet little baby boy, because Atsumu refused to lose one more.

Besides, he thought wryly, what self-respectin’ Alpha would want an Omega like me? He traced his fingers lightly over his soft belly, wishing he had the time to work out. His tits were still a little fat from breastfeeding Tetsuro, too, the baby fat still lingering despite Atsumu’s restricted diet. His thighs were now thick with fat instead of muscle; the only thing that had stayed the same was his rotund ass, and he was thankful for the first time in his life for his tall frame that had helped keep the weight distributed well. Still, he could stand to regain some muscle definition.

Atsumu was about to stand up again when the door creaked open behind him, soft footsteps making their way over. Hands pressed suddenly to Atsumu’s chest, Tetsuro pushing his body against Atsumu’s back as he rushed, "Momma, you’re beautiful!”

Atsumu startled and then cupped his son’s hands, laughing softly. His sweet baby boy, always looking out for his momma. Perhaps it was the boy’s Alpha instincts, but he always seemed to sense when Atsumu was starting to grow anxious, whenever his heat came on. Atsumu teased the boy that he never needed another man as long as he had his strong, handsome Tetsu-chan to keep him from getting lonely and sad, but some days it rang more true than others.

“What would Momma do without ya, baby boy?” Atsumu asked as he turned, pulling Tetsuro into his lap. “How’s dinner, boss?” he hummed, grinning.

“Great, Momma!” cheered Tetsuro.

“Should we watch a movie tonight and snuggle?”

“Yeah!” Tetsuro leaped up, his messy bed hair bouncing. Atsumu should cut it soon, the fringe growing over one of the boy’s eyes. He mentally added it to his list of things to do before putting the worries off until later as he stood up, grabbing up and tugging on a loose, flowy shirt as he followed Tetsuro back out to the kitchen.

With new resolve, Atsumu reminded himself to simply drink in each moment; Tetsuro wouldn’t be so young and little forever.

It made all the other things seem quite unimportant.

-x-

Osamu’s slender fingers slipped softly over the pretty lace of the western-style wedding dress hanging on the mannequin in front of him. In his heart, turmoil and anxieties rumbled, his stomach in knots. He wondered vaguely what he was even doing here.

A voice pulled him out of his head funk, a hand lighting on his back as his mother called, “Osamu, darling, the kimonos are this way.”

Grey eyes slowly turned to where his mother was pointing, and Osamu simply nodded, silent; he hadn’t had much say in anything since he was fifteen, so why start now? He gave one last glance at the pretty wedding dress on the mannequin before diligently following his mother to the other side of the store, where the traditional Japanese wedding kimonos were kept.

Life had somehow dragged on endlessly and also seemed to fly so fast; Osamu was barely twenty-two and already getting married. It wasn’t the age so much, though; Osamu had simply imagined he would have married for love. It wasn’t that his husband-to-be wasn’t certainly a good and honorable man, but when Osamu looked at him, he felt absolutely nothing. In fact, Osamu hadn’t felt much of anything except sad and confused since his parents had cut Atsumu out of his life, the edges of where his twin had fit before still raw and jagged. Osamu could admit that the pain of missing Atsumu eased a little each day, but he knew he would never feel whole again, never not feeling like he was missing something very, very important. Their parents had moved on, their mother having discarded even her accent like she had discarded her youngest son, but Osamu couldn’t let go.

Maybe a baby would be just the thing… Maybe a husband and a baby of his own.

Osamu bit down his doubt.

On the other side of the store, an attendant stood smiling in front of a rack of fancy, white wedding kimonos, Osamu’s mother staring expectantly at her Omega son. For a moment, he stood still, almost blindsided by the fact that he might finally have a chance to make his own choice. He stepped carefully over to the rack of kimonos and began riffling his fingers over the soft satin and silk robes. Some had pretty embroidery on them in white and gold thread, some had fancy beading. Osamu pulled out one that caught his eye, soft little pearls attached to the big hood and sleeves of the heavy robe. His heart skipped, and he almost waited for a reprimand. When the attendant lifted the hanger off the rack and nodded at Osamu to join her in the dressing room, he almost let out a laugh. He glanced at his mother, who sat as poised as ever, smiling fondly at her son.

After a moment, Osamu made his way to the changing room on shaky legs.

Osamu dressed down to his small panties as the attendant lifted the robe off the hanger and stepped forward. Grey eyes watched in the mirror in front of him, his pale and thin body on display for all to see. He was tall, but unlike Atsumu, he had never had much curve to his body. Atsumu had had thick thighs and strong arms from volleyball and a round butt, his pectorals well defined, too, while Osamu was lanky, slender. He had never been strong enough to carry all of the responsibility his parents had thrust upon him; the weight of their expectations, of being the good twin, had very nearly made Osamu crumble many times, but slowly over the years, Osamu had found his legs, even if not his voice. Now it all felt mechanical; it was easier that way, just do as you’re told, don’t think, don’t want.

The kimono was heavy on his shoulders. Osamu stood perfectly still as the attendant fixed it tightly around his frame, tying up the obi around his rib cage. She explained that he could customize the obi and add different obijime as she tied a pretty silken rope around his waist with a fancy knot at the front and a small, shiny tassel hanging down. Osamu carefully raised his hands and fingered gingerly at it, his breath hitching in his throat. He was glad when the woman settled the heavy hood over his head, hiding his face for a few minutes. He let his lips go wonky, his stiff smile falling. For a moment, he was vulnerable as he allowed himself to feel his emotions.

As soon as he had turned twenty, his parents had started searching for an Alpha for him. It had taken almost two years, with Osamu only knowing of the existence of the man he was to marry for less than two months, and it all felt like a whirlwind. Suguru Daisho was certainly a good man, the best as far as Osamu’s parents were concerned, just having graduated from college and already on the right track to take over his father’s multi-million dollar company one day. He was handsome, too, which Osamu took as a solace, and he had been gentlemanly towards Osamu the few times they had met. Perhaps Osamu could grow to love a man like that, he told himself.

Perhaps he could actually be happy one day.

Osamu grabbed at the attendant’s shoulder as she helped him slip on a pair of white, wooden sandals. Grey eyes stared at the floor as he was led back out into the main part of the store where his mother sat, only looking up when the other Omega gasped, keening his name.

“Oh, Osamu, you look beautiful! Do you like it?” his mother asked, and Osamu wondered if she had ever asked him that before. Perhaps about insignificant things, like the rolled omelets she made, or the scent of the laundry detergent she used. He turned slowly to look at himself in the tall mirror behind his mother, and he blinked in shock; he didn’t recognize himself.

Yes, beautiful would be a good word to describe what he saw. His lips puckered up as Osamu stared at himself. A single, fat tear rolled down his cheek, his mother sweetly scolding him as she swiped it away. Nervous hands stroked ever so lightly at the white silk of his robe, the pearls softly catching the light at his movements, and Osamu slowly felt his heart beat louder in his chest. Yes, he could do this. He would, to make his parents proud.

Very soon, he would not be Osamu Miya anymore, but Osamu Daisho. He would be pulled out from under his parents’ rule and set under another; Osamu simply hoped that Daisho would be kinder. Would the Alpha smile at him and call him beautiful if he wore this kimono? Osamu smiled softly at his reflection.

“Don’t you want to try on another one?” his mother was asking him now. “There are so many pretty kimonos- Ah, if my parents had been able to afford a nice kimono like this, I would have loved to wear this one-”

“It’s fine,” Osamu whispered, too quiet to be heard, though his mother stopped and stepped back towards him. Osamu glanced over and hushed, “I like it, Ma.”

“Are you sure? You can try on as many as you like. Maybe there’s another one-”

“I like this one,” Osamu tried again, testing out his will. His mother watched him for a moment, both of them strangers to Osamu giving his opinion, but finally she nodded.

“It’s your wedding day, Osamu,” she smiled kindly, bowing her head to her son. Something like electricity sizzled up Osamu’s spine when he saw it, his eyes going wide. Still, he had to wonder, was this really his wedding day? It felt more like his parents’ celebration.

He looked back at his reflection in the mirror and quietly nodded. “This one,” he hushed. “I like this one.”

The attendant helped him take it off again as his mother went to go pay for the kimono, taking a few measurements to ensure he would get the right fit. She complemented him on his tall and slender figure, and Osamu nodded, dazed. He re-dressed himself silently and then stepped back out towards the front of the shop, his small purse clutched to his side.

“Should we go celebrate with some lunch?” asked Osamu’s mother with a clap of her hands, but Osamu was far from hungry. His hand clutched tighter at the small designer handbag he carried, a gift from Daisho.

“I’m not very hungry; I was thinking I might go and shop for a wedding gift for Suguru-san,” he lied.

“Oh, darling, that is perfect,” praised his mother, nodding eagerly. Then, “Should I leave you to it?”

Osamu could barely believe she was letting him go just like that, but he had thought that if anything, this would be the best way to get himself alone. He bowed his head slightly and thanked her, and then he stiffly turned down the road, trying not to walk too fast, feeling eyes follow him. There were a lot of cute boutiques down this road, and Osamu picked one blindly, not actually there for what the store carried. A voice greeted him, but he stayed by the door, peering out. He waited, waited. He sweated a little under the light, flowy top he wore.

“Thank you,” he called blindly before darting out of the small shop a few minutes later, not even daring to look back towards the wedding dress shop. He booked it fast the other way, towards the train station around the corner. Run! He would accept any consequence after this, but right now, he had a mission to complete.

Osamu was sweating profusely by the time the train doors slid closed behind him, his heart hammering against his ribs. He smoothed his shaky hands over his blouse and down his fitted jeans, his feet aching a little in the sandals he wore. Still, he had made it. He swiped his short grey hair back and sighed out in relief. He even smiled when a Beta stood up and offered Osamu his seat on the train. For a fleeting moment, Osamu thought the man was handsome, and he nodded his thanks as he sat. Slowly, the burnt edge to his caramel smell faded, and Osamu relaxed into his seat. If he closed his eyes, he could remember the exact train route he would need to take.

Nerves made his hands clammy, and he clutched them around his leather purse, around the card stuffed inside. The invitations had come only yesterday, but Osamu had decided to do this almost two months ago, on the day he had agreed to meet Daisho as a potential mate.

Osamu took a deep breath as he stepped off his second train, glancing around. The area looked much the same, he thought. Just a few blocks away sat a small conbini, and he turned and headed that way.

The chime above the door was too loud, and Osamu’s eyes jerked up and around as his nerves began to bundle in his gut again. He clutched his hands around the strap of his purse, now feeling safe enough to not hold the purse itself. A petite girl stood behind the counter and smiled brightly at his entrance, her eyes shut. She startled a moment later when her eyes opened again and she got a good look at Osamu, but by then, his grey eyes were roaming almost frantically around the small store. He couldn’t get his feet to move. What was he doing? What was he supposed to say?

Sorry I haven’t talked to ya for five years, how’s your son, have ya been doin’ okay-?

I have… missed ya, little brother…

Osamu choked on a glob of spit as his eyes burned. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a small hand lighted on his forearm, his eyes jerking down. Wide eyes stared back at his own, and Osamu realized that the girl behind the counter was much smaller than he’d first assumed. Her blond hair and pretty freckles made her look a little homely, but her face was very cute, a perfect Omega. She blinked her big, brown eyes up at Osamu, and then she whispered uncertainly, “Miya-san…?”

“How-?” choked Osamu, but then he recalled that he and Atsumu had the same exact face. Of course this girl would guess he was related. Osamu let out a rough sigh before asking nervously, “Is… he here?” He couldn’t bring himself to choke out Atsumu’s name or even ask for his brother, thinking he had lost the right to that a long time ago.

The girl smiled kindly up at him. “Atsumu took the day off so he could take Tetsuro to go uniform shopping!” she replied with a smile.

Uniform shopping? Osamu blinked down at the girl in confusion. He could barely remember… how old would his nephew be now? Five? Six? It hit Osamu like a ton of bricks, and his knees almost buckled. Had he really missed that much of Tetsuro’s life? Of Atsumu’s?

“Tetsuro is going to school soon,” he whispered almost robotically, and the blond girl nodded eagerly.

“Oh, he’s gotten so big! He’s going to a really nice school, too; he’s a smart boy-”

This stranger that Osamu had never met before knew more about his little nephew than Osamu himself did. He wanted to cry, but he was dried out, a husk of himself. With shaky hands, he stiffly pulled out the invite in his bag and stuffed it towards the blond girl.

“Could you- give this to Tsu- to him?”

Big, brown eyes blinked in confusion first at Osamu and then down at the stiff envelope he held. She took it carefully, examining the empty front where a name should have been. Osamu hadn’t even been able to write Atsumu’s name there, mostly for fear that his mother would see.

“Please,” he begged now as he bowed his head, his voice breaking. He couldn’t let this girl see him cry, and yet he felt comfortable enough around her to not still his shaking hands as he whispered, “Please give this to Tsumu for me. It’s important…”

“Are you… perhaps… Samu?” the blond girl hushed after a moment, and grey eyes darted up in shock to hear that nickname again. Osamu blinked back the wetness in his eyes to see the girl more clearly. Ah, she was smiling.

“Ye-yes.”

“You don’t have an accent like Atsumu-san’s,” she wondered aloud. Osamu pressed his lips together; his parents had worked the Kansai-ben out of both themselves and him, telling him it was much more proper for a young Omega to not speak so crudely. Ah, had Atsumu proudly kept it, despite being in the big city? Osamu couldn’t help but smile crookedly and think that his twin would.

For a moment, Osamu let himself dredge up old Osamu as he answered with a laugh, “Ah, sorry, force of habit. Ya caught me.”

The girl smiled blindingly at him, and it was perhaps the most genuine smile Osamu had seen in… years. It made him ache so terribly for Atsumu, for Atsumu’s smile.

“If you come back tomorrow, you could see Atsumu-san and give this to him yourself-!”

The words felt like a kindness Osamu didn’t deserve. “I live- far away,” he choked out, his hands beginning to shake again. He glanced down at the invite they were both holding, and slowly he let it go. “Just- no pressure, only if he wants ta- come…” His voice trailed off, and he nodded stiffly, taking a slow step back. Why was he so nervous to leave this invite with this girl? She obviously knew Atsumu well-

“Ah, yer- name…” Osamu choked out, his eyes going wide as he looked up again. “What’s yer name?”

“Yachi!” the girl cheered brightly, and Osamu watched with swimming eyes as she clutched the invite to her chest. “Ah, are you getting married, Samu-san? I’m sure Atsumu-san will be so excited to come! He’s told me so much about you-”

Osamu couldn’t hear anymore. He raised his hands, and then he spun on his heels and started running, running, fear nipping at his heels. Inside his heart, warmth and joy were bubbling up, and it terrified Osamu. He didn’t want to feel hopeful and have it all dashed again. He couldn’t breathe by the time he got back to the station.

The possibility that Atsumu didn’t hate his guts felt too raw, too desperate. Osamu had prayed for years for his little brother to forgive him, but he had never actually… hoped it could be true. Atsumu had told others about him? Good things?

What.. good things were there to say? Osamu slipped into the empty bathroom in the train station, and he collapsed down onto the toilet. There, his last shred of holding it together snapped, and he let out a gross, loud sob as his heart was rendered open.

“Tsumu, ‘m sorry-” Osamu begged as he clutched at his chest like maybe he could remove the raw pain forcefully. “‘M so sorry!” In every way, Osamu had failed his brother, the one who had always told him to stand up for himself, to speak his mind. They had been attached at the hip, two peas in a pod, until Osamu had destroyed that, all because- because- his parents had told him to, told him to be better.

Osamu could never be better than Atsumu. Atsumu, who still spoke of him fondly. Atsumu who loved genuinely. Atsumu who had always been unapologetically bold and himself. Osamu was a failure in comparison.

Atsumu, please scold me when ya see me; I’ll try ta be better.

Just-

come-!

-x-

“Why am I wearing my school uniform today, Momma? It’s Saturday!” Tetsuro explained as if Atsumu didn’t know this. The blond Omega smiled fondly as he slicked his son’s wild hair back.

“Today is an important day for Momma,” Atsumu hummed. Big, golden eyes watched him in the mirror’s reflection. When Tetsuro grinned, he showed off his baby teeth, a little crooked and missing a few. He’d just lost another tooth last night, and Atsumu felt like the boy’s childhood was growing more fleeting every day. Don’t grow up so fast, baby boy, he wanted to beg.

“There’s someone really important I’d like ya ta meet, Tetsu-chan. How do ya feel about that?”

Tetsuro’s gold eyes lit up like the sun, his grin nearly breaking his face. He grabbed at Atsumu’s hand and whispered, “A friend?”

Atsumu paused for a moment. “Family,” he hummed after a moment, his own eyes growing sad in the mirror. He’d nearly cried when Yachi had given him the invite Osamu had dropped off. “Did he say anythin’?!” Atsumu had begged, but Yachi looked more confused than anything.

“He looked so sad. Atsumu-san, what happened?”

Atsumu had asked Yachi to be his plus one on a whim, but he was glad he had. He needed someone to be with Tetsuro, and probably someone to be his support, too. Atsumu was… well, he wasn’t sure how to parcel out his feelings.

Mostly, he was anxious.

Straightening Tetsuro’s little polo, he smiled at his precious son. In some ways, the boy reminded him so much of Osamu; they were both so sweet. When Atsumu stood again, Tetsuro helped him fix the floral tie around his collar, the fabric of his blouse tucked into the nicest pair of khakis Atsumu owned. Over this, he pulled on a fitted navy blazer, everything bought secondhand. He’d styled his blond hair similar to Tetsuro’s. They both had wild hair, though Tetsuro looked like he had a perpetual bedhead no matter how Atsumu combed and styled it. In the end, he’d accepted it and gone with it, styling it messily on purpose, but today, he’d tamed it back as much as he could. The fresh haircut helped, though some of the edges were a little blunt. Atsumu was learning as he went, he supposed, and Tetsuro never complained.

When the doorbell to their small apartment rang, the boy ran off, shouting happily, “Auntie Yachi!” The door swung open, and Atsumu smiled as he heard Yachi cheer on the edge of overly-excited, “Tetsuro-chan!”

Yachi had been an incredible blessing to Atsumu, a saint, really. She barely knew how to keep herself together most of the time, but when someone needed her, she truly shone. She had kept Atsumu sane those first few months, covering his back or his shifts whenever needed. Tetsuro adored her, too, and Atsumu liked to think the boy was an excellent judge of character.

Stepping out, he found Yachi holding Tetsuro in her arms, wearing a pretty, light pink dress and small, white heels. Her face shone as she stared up at the little boy as he told her all about his first days of school, and Atsumu thought that one day, Yachi would make an amazing mother.

As far as he knew, though, Yachi hadn’t even dated anyone before.

“Are ya two ready?” Atsumu asked as he grabbed a light jacket for Tetsuro, picking up the small gift he’d picked out for Osamu. When small hands grabbed for it, Atsumu handed it over with a smile. “Be careful with that, Tetsu-chan; it’s important.”

“Yes, Momma!”

Atsumu led Yachi out the door, where she set Tetsuro down, taking his free hand instead. The little boy clutched the small gift he held to his chest, and Atsumu smiled as he locked the door behind them.

The wedding venue was about sixteen minutes away by train, and the trio bustled to the station, Atsumu grabbing Tetsuro up when they stepped inside the busy building, keeping his eye on Yachi. They were both Omegas, but Atsumu had quite early on adopted the role as protector, doing the best he could. Thankfully, no one bothered them today.

The wedding was being held at a beautiful shrine, and as they drew closer, Atsumu set Tetsuro down, handing him back over to Yachi. Trailing a little behind the pair, he wiped his hands on his pants, desperate not to let anyone know that he was a wreck. It was only Osamu, he told himself, but so many years had passed without a word that Atsumu found himself worrying how much had changed between them. Was the rift between them insurmountable, or could he bridge the divide? Osamu wasn’t just that young boy he’d had to leave behind anymore, but neither was he. Had too much changed? Had he made the wrong choice somewhere along the way? Should he have insisted Osamu move in with him after graduation? Should he have gone to see him sooner? All these worries plagued Atsumu, and he wondered if Osamu felt the same.

Staring at the back of Tetsuro’s head, Atsumu prayed that he was enough, not just for his little boy, but for Osamu, too. Whatever he had to do; he had so little family that he was desperate to preserve what he could.

“Atsumu-san,” Yachi called suddenly, and the blond startled, his eyes going wide when he realized they’d arrived. Guests milled around, and slowly a knot formed in Atsumu’s stomach. He didn’t want to be seen or recognized, and he definitely didn’t want to run into his parents. His eyes scanned the crowds as he ducked his head down, peeking through his fringe. As his nerves boiled into downright anxiety, he grabbed up Tetsuro and clutched the little boy to his chest, inhaling the all-too-familiar scent of his son. Tetsuro wasn’t old enough to have a unique scent yet, but even now, Atsumu was soothed by the smell of Tetsuro’s hair and skin. His warmth and presence did so much to reassure the weary Omega, and he ducked through the crowd, Yachi clutching to the back of his blouse. Inside the shrine, it was cool and quiet, and Atsumu froze, peering around.

When voices sounded from his left, he ducked right, blindly making his way deeper inside the small temple. From the decorations, he could tell that either his parents or the groom’s parents had gone all out, and it set Atsumu’s senses on edge. The atmosphere inside the shrine felt cold; he could hardly smell Osamu at all.

They came upon a door at the end of the hallway, and finally, Atsumu smelled him. Burnt caramel and nutmeg sent him back six years, and he clutched at Tetsuro before slowly setting the little boy down, whispering to Yachi, “Can ya watch him? I’ll just be a moment…”

Big, brown eyes watched Atsumu, and slowly, Yachi nodded, resolute. “Of course, Atsumu-san,” she hushed. “Come on, Tetsuro-chan. Your momma needs a minute.”

Quietly, Tetsuro nodded, watching Atsumu with big, innocent eyes. Atsumu smiled at his little boy, promising softly that it would be okay. He watched Yachi lead his son a little ways back down the hallway to a set of chairs, and then he turned to the door, steeling his nerves. He didn’t know what he’d find inside, but Osamu’s scent didn’t invite good things to mind. Still, he knocked quietly.

“Come in,” called a tiny voice a little too long after, Atsumu having almost given up. He startled, not sure if it was from the voice or the emptiness in it. He carefully opened the door, peeked around the room beyond, and then slipped inside. Seeing it was only Osamu inside the room, he locked it behind him, not wanting any unwelcome guests for now.

Osamu stood with his back to Atsumu, but the blond recognized his brother instantly, if only from his pretty grey hair and build. The kimono he had on fit him beautifully, the Omega bride facing a tall mirror. From the angles, Atsumu couldn’t see Osamu’s face, but he could tell enough from the scent roiling off of his older brother to know that Osamu was stressed, anxious, upset. Osamu wrung his hands together, the motion of his sleeves making a soft swishing noise, the only sound in the room. Osamu was so quiet that Atsumu was almost scared to breathe.

It wasn’t until the older Miya twin looked up and spotted Atsumu in the mirror, staring at him with wide eyes, that he moved. He jolted, his back arching up straight, and then he half-spun around, freezing midway like he wasn’t sure. Out of the corner of his eye, Osamu watched Atsumu very carefully, both deathly silent.

“You… came,” whispered Osamu, barely audible and yet nearly shattering the silence. Atsumu startled and then took a slow step forward.

“Of course I came, ya idiot,” Atsumu ground out, his eyes burning already. No, he couldn’t cry; if he cried, Osamu would soon follow, and his brother looked far too pretty… Atsumu had thought at some point that he would get to wear a kimono like that and walk down an aisle, but those dreams had long since evaporated. Still, he’d never imagined it would be his brother he’d see getting hitched first.

“Tsumu, I-” Osamu began suddenly as he spun fully around, the sound of his kimono swallowing his voice up. He froze again, his hands dropping uselessly to his sides. Grey eyes darted over Atsumu’s shoulder, then back.

“Samu, I’m not mad, ya know.”

As if it was the straw that broke the camels back, suddenly Osamu let out an ugly noise, messily hiking up his kimono as he surged forward. Atsumu barely caught him, grunting as he was forced back a few steps. Still, Osamu felt lighter than Atsumu remembered him being. He hugged his older brother tightly to his chest. “Idiot,” he grumbled out, chewing back tears.

“I’m so sorry, Tsumu, sorry- Ma and Pa-”

“I know,” whispered Atsumu as Osamu trembled, shaking like a leaf.

“I wanted… so many times to came see you-”

“I’m sorry I never came, Samu. I shoulda- when ya graduated-”

“You didn’t know what school I was going to, dummy!” cried Osamu, clutching Atsumu’s shirt to his nose, burying his face there.

“Ya don’t… have anything ta apologize ta me for, Samu. I just hate that I left ya in that house-”

“It wasn’t…” Osamu began, but then he shook his head. When he spoke again, he sounded like his old self once more. “I missed ya somethin’ fierce, Tsumu. Ma and Pa acted like ya were gone, but half of me had disappeared with ya. I wanted ta be strong for ya, to show ya… I was okay, but I can’t- Please don’t be disappointed in me.”

“No,” whispered Atsumu. “Ye’re the strong one, Samu, ya always were.”

“Forgive me, Tsumu. I should’a… tried a little harder, but I was terrified.”

“I know. It’s okay. I don’t blame ya for anything, Samu.”

Osamu let out a sob, and then his shoulders began to shake.

“Don’t cry,” groaned Atsumu. “Aren’t ya happy, Samu?”

The silence he got in return was all he needed to know. Still, Osamu whispered, “I need ta do this, Tsumu. If I can do this, the last five years’ll have been worth it. Just… gotta be perfect a little bit longer-”

“Samu-”

“Tsumu, all I needed was ta see ya today. It’s all I needed to keep going.”

“Ya don’t have to do this if ya don’t want to,” whispered Atsumu in the tiniest voice, but he knew it was almost cruel to say that. Osamu had worked so hard to be a good son, and he deserved happiness for that, but Osamu had instead chosen to be free of his parents’ grip, and how could Atsumu blame him or dissuade him from that? Still, Atsumu whispered, “We could figure somethin’ out-”

“Tsumu,” whispered Osamu softly but sternly as he slowly pulled back. He wiped his face delicately, and then he stared at his little brother with the faintest smile on his lips. “Will ya wish me good luck? Just tell me ye’re happy for me.”

“But are ya happy?” Atsumu stressed even as Osamu shook his head, clutching at his pretty kimono. Golden eyes flicked down to the gorgeous robe. Atsumu was stupid to ask if Osamu was happy; he knew his brother wasn’t, and yet all Osamu wanted… Atsumu chewed at his lip, his eyes flicking back up. “Ya know I wish all the best things for ya, Samu,” Atsumu hushed quietly.

“I know,” replied Osamu, and finally he smiled, a beautiful, genuine smile. Ah, there it was, that bit that Atsumu saw in Tetsuro every single day.

“Samu, do ya have a minute?” asked Atsumu, turning towards the door he’d come through. Grey eyes met his, wet with tears, and Osamu nodded after a breathless moment, almost like he was scared to hope. Atsumu unlocked and opened the door, peeking his head out and waving to Yachi. Her and Tetsuro’s footsteps were soft against the tatami floor. Golden eyes peeked around the edge of the door a moment later, and Atsumu glanced from Tetsuro over to Osamu, his twin hyper-focused on the tiny hands and half a head that he could see.

"Momma,” whispered a soft voice. "Momma, that pretty boy looks just like you,” hushed Tetsuro in awe, and Atsumu smiled, blindingly bright.

He bent down to one knee and beckoned for his baby boy, saying, “That’s cause that pretty boy is Momma’s brother.”

A gasp rang out as Tetsuro stepped around the doorframe and into the small room, Yachi watching anxiously from the hallway, tears streaming down her face even though she barely knew anything of what was happening. Atsumu pulled Tetsuro between his legs, and then he turned to Osamu and called, “Samu, this is my little baby. Tetsu-chan, can ya say hi to yer Auntie Samu?”

Osamu let out another sob, and then he sank down to his knees. Tetsuro rushed forward, still clutching the present to his chest even as he reached for the pretty kimono Osamu wore. The older Miya twin reached out nervously at first, hands hovering over the six-year-old like he almost couldn’t believe Tetsuro was real, but as soon as the boy smiled, Osamu swept him up and held him tightly.

The rift that Atsumu had felt for six years slowly shifted closed, and Atsumu felt tears roll down his face as he stared at his brother holding his little boy. Ah, he thought absently. He had missed his brother so, so much.

“It’s so nice ta finally meet ya, Tetsuro. I’m sorry it took me so long ta introduce myself,” Osamu was saying, cupping Tetsuro’s cute face. “Ah, ya look just like…” he whispered, but then he stilled, only smiling softly. “I’m glad…” he hushed, his eyes moving slowly back up to Atsumu’s. The words didn’t need to be said, not between the two of them. I’m glad ya had him, Atsumu. I’m glad ye’re happy and healthy.

“Auntie Samu, don’t cry,” husked Tetsuro suddenly, his voice a little deeper like some innate instinct was kicking in, and he reached out and swiped Osamu’s face free of tears. “You’re too pretty to be crying.”

“Did ya teach him that?” sobbed Osamu, but Atsumu could only shake his head. His little man was growing up right before his eyes…

"Momma,” called Tetsuro, still acting so much older than he was, “this gift is for Auntie Samu, isn’t it?”

“Give it ta him,” Atsumu urged with a nod, golden eyes sliding back to Osamu as Tetsuro smiled. He held out the small box he held, and Osamu took it gingerly.

“For ya,” Atsumu said roughly, clearing his throat. “Ya can open it later.” He slowly rose to his feet, and then he helped Osamu up, sweeping Tetsuro into his arms. He dusted off Osamu’s pretty robe, but the floors were clean. He stared for a moment at his older brother.

“Ya look gorgeous, Samu. Yer groom’s lucky ta have ya, I know.”

“I hope he feels the same,” hushed Osamu with a tiny smile, the inside of his cheek being bitten to hold back a tremble. Atsumu reached out and gripped one of his hands.

“This doesn’t have ta be goodbye,” Atsumu said as he leaned his forehead to Osamu’s.

“Ya mean it?” asked Osamu, so broken and desperately hopeful. Atsumu sighed roughly.

“Idiot,” he whispered even as his voice trembled. “I missed ya somethin’ fierce, ya know.”

“Please,” begged Osamu quietly as he clutched at Atsumu’s hand, and it felt like years and years of forcefully pent-up emotions. “Please.

I don’t want ta miss another moment. I can’t be without ya.”

“Ya don’t have ta be,” swore Atsumu, tapping at the small box Osamu held like a promise. “Just come whenever,” he said.

“Come see us!” echoed Tetsuro, and Osamu had no choice but to laugh and nod, his eyes shining as he stared at his other half and his new best buddy.

“Atsumu-san,” called Yachi suddenly, her voice tainted with anxiety. Atsumu glanced over his shoulder and then pulled away from Osamu, leaving him with a quick, reassuring smile as he headed out the door. He quickly shut the door behind him before glancing furtively down the hall. At the end stood a lone figure, tall, dressed in a fancy black kimono. Atsumu straightened his shoulders even as his Omega instincts begged him to bow his head. Tetsuro, though, stared defiantly ahead, and when Atsumu set him down, he took his momma’s hand and said stiffly, “Come on, Momma.”

Atsumu felt a chill down his spine as narrow, dark eyes glared at him, watching his every move almost like a snake, ready to strike in a moment’s notice. Everything in Atsumu screamed, warning bells ringing as he contemplated what to do. He froze right in front of who he could only assume would soon be his brother’s husband, his eyes glaring up at the man even as his head inched slowly down. It had been so long since Atsumu had been around an Alpha, and this one was trying to make him submit. Atsumu chewed back every instinct and clenched his jaw, clutching tightly at Tetsuro’s little hand.

“Ye’re the Alpha that’s gonna marry my brother,” he chewed out, his face pinched. Dark, beady eyes glared down at him; Atsumu supposed the Alpha was attractive, but that mattered very little with the bad vibes that were rolling off the man like water off a duck’s back.

The Alpha said nothing, and Atsumu grit his teeth.

“I swear if ya lay a hand against him, I will murder ya,” he hissed with everything in him, the pain from those six years translating into strength he should never have had in the presence of an Alpha like this. “Alpha or not,” he seethed.

“I didn’t know Osamu had a brother,” said the Alpha, derision clear in his tone, and yet there was something flippant to it, almost like he was teasing and enjoying it, a snake playing with its food. “I can see why you were never mentioned,” he hummed cooly as his eyes flicked down to Tetsuro, raising an eyebrow at Atsumu’s defiance. “You should find an Alpha to tame you and help raise that boy properly.

“Not that it’s any of my business.”

Atsumu almost laughed. The last sentence was perhaps the cruelest of them all. It was absolutely dismissive of not just Atsumu, but Osamu’s feelings about his brother and little nephew.

“I’ll make it yer business,” spit out Atsumu as the Alpha turned to head into the main part of the ceremony hall. The man let out a chilling laugh and waved over his shoulder, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, a simple reminder that he was the Alpha here. Tetsuro took a sharp step forward, but Atsumu held onto his hand.

He forced his feet to walk him out, away from the crowd, around the corner, and there he collapsed, letting out a sharp sob as his whole body shook. It had taken everything out of him to stand up to that man, and suddenly he feared desperately for Osamu. Atsumu was about to stand back up and do something crazy to cancel this whole thing when a voice drifted to his ears that froze him. Like it was just yesterday, he could almost see his mother scolding him as she called, “Osamu, it’s time.”

Atsumu couldn’t go back inside, let alone move. He pressed his back flat to the side of the shrine, frozen. Two pairs of eyes watched him in silence.

With a whispered apology, Atsumu forced his legs to hold him up and move.

He couldn’t stay. He really… couldn’t bear to watch this sham of a marriage take its first breath inside that temple.

“Let’s go… home-” he choked out, chewing back his burning tears even as he cursed the Alpha that would soon be his brother-in-law.

-x-

"Momma!” yelled Tetsuro as the front door burst open, Atsumu looking up from the dinner he was cooking for them. The ten-year-old looked so smart in his gakuran school uniform, a familiar gym bag slung over his shoulders. Atsumu smiled fondly at his son.

“What is it, Tetsu-chan? Don’t shout.”

“Yes, Momma!” cheered Tetsuro, grinning from ear to ear as he kicked his shoes off, going back a second later to straighten them when his mother gave him a look, and then proudly marching his way over to the Omega. He held out a piece of paper, but Atsumu was momentarily distracted by the handsome little Alpha in front of him. His bedhead had become a signature look that really suited him, and Tetsuro grew more handsome every single day.

Atsumu reached out now and ruffled his hair fondly before asking, “What’s this, Tetsu-chan?”

“My volleyball coach was talking about it, and a bunch of my friends are going! Even Omi-Omi said he’s gonna go!”

“Omi-Omi?” hummed Atsumu, amused, having heard the name a few times before. He read over the paper Tetsuro held out, reading all about a volleyball camp that would be hosted by a school about an hour away, inviting all the local players. Ah, Atsumu recalled camps like this, thinking it was one of his favorite childhood memories. Still, he could feel anxiety creep in; Tetsuro had never spent a night away from him, and certainly not with strangers… “I don’t know any of these friends of yers, Tetsu-chan. Ya know ya can invite them over ta play.”

For the first time in his life, Tetsuro hesitated, and though it was only a split moment, Atsumu understood immediately. He pinned his smile on his face, nodding when Tetsuro chimed, “Okay!” Atsumu had gotten used to the stares from strangers, but it hurt when his son started to worry about getting those same looks, about how his single momma and their tiny apartment in the wrong part of town might incite rumors. Atsumu couldn’t even believe that Tetsuro cared about how it would affect him; no, his sweet little boy cared more about how it might hurt Atsumu.

Slowly, the Omega bent down, and he smiled earnestly as he whispered, “Ya can invite yer friends over, baby boy.”

Tetsuro hummed, trying not to anxiously shake the paper he held. Atsumu laughed softly as his matching golden eyes flitted back down.

"Momma, please can I go?”

Well, how could Atsumu say no to that? Still, he didn’t want to send Tetsuro off with adults he didn’t know, so he asked, “Is yer coach goin’?”

“Mmhmm! I asked!”

Atsumu ruffled Tetsuro’s hair, thinking his boy knew him so well. “Alright, I’ll talk with him tomorrow.”

“You’ll pick me up from school?!” Big eyes went wide, gleaming like gold. Atsumu felt a pang in his heart, and for a moment he was silent. Was he doing enough for this precious boy?

“Yeah,” he replied as he swept Tetsuro up, before the Alpha could read too much into it. “Sorry, Tetsu-chan, that Momma’s always so busy.”

“It’s okay! You’re makin’ us a home!” cheesed the little Alpha. Atsumu giggled.

“Who told ya that? Also, don’t talk like Momma, and finish your words properly,” he hummed.

“Auntie Samu!” Tetsuro grinned so big his face might split. Atsumu’s heart felt like it ascended in his chest, and he thought these were his favorite smiles, Tetsuro thinking the world of the tiny family he had.

“Should we send Auntie Samu a photo of ya holdin’ yer poster? We can call him, and ya can tell us all about school and all these friends ya got-” Atsumu turned so Tetsuro wouldn’t see the happy tears that welled up in his eyes, scrambling blindly for his phone. He flipped off the stove and then returned with a big smile to take Tetsuro’s photo, the little boy smiling so proudly, volleyball camp poster pressed to his chest to near breaking.

samu, look at my little boy! Atsumu added with a whine as he sent off the photo. A moment later, a reply came.

Oh my goodness! I remember you going to that camp. I was miserable that whole week. Ma didn’t know what to do with me…

im gonna be a mess, samu. this little boy has more friends already than we ever had… Atsumu watched Tetsuro dance to their room, two beds squeezed in a tiny space, but Tetsuro knew that Atsumu was doing the best he could, making them a home. He nearly burst when he heard the little boy cheer to the poster of his favorite volleyball player hanging over his futon, “Look where I’m gonna go! One day, I’ll play as good as you, Romero-san!”

He sounds just like you, Tsumu. Little socializer. I was the one with no friends, aside from you~ teased Osamu lightly, but Atsumu knew there were darker implications to those words. How had Osamu fared the six years of Atsumu’s absence? Had he had friends? Atsumu’s fingers hovered over his phone, but he didn’t ask; Osamu never talked about that time, and Atsumu didn’t bring it up.

ya busy? tetsu-chan wants ta call ya.

Never too busy for my family <3 Atsumu knew that Osamu was home alone until 6, meaning he was never too busy until his husband got home from work. It was another thing they rarely talked about, but Atsumu knew his twin better than to think all was well. Daisho didn’t beat Osamu, but he was neglectful, leaving Osamu alone all day, never permitting him much. Osamu, sweet and kind as he was, never said a bad word, but Atsumu knew.

why dont ya come stay the night when tetsu-chan’s gone?

Hmm, I would love to, but I’ll have to check with Suguru.

Atsumu nodded slowly and then sighed. When Tetsuro bounded back in, he pasted on a smile, but it was hard to keep up the cheer when he knew Osamu wasn’t doing well. It had been five years, but the signs of a neglected Omega were slowly and surely starting to show.

just come anyways, Atsumu texted, calling his brother a moment later so he didn’t have to hear the rejection. Osamu’s voice that was so like his own, save for the Kansai-ben their parents and Daisho had molded out of him. Tetsuro lit up like a Christmas tree to hear it.

“Auntie Samu!” Tiny hands grasped at the big cell phone, Osamu’s face beaming on the screen, not a single sign of distress on his pretty features.

“There’s my favorite little nephew! My gosh, look at you, Tetsu-chan! Tsumu, hold the phone up so I can see my sweet little nephew.”

Atsumu laughed softly at Osamu ordering him around, holding the phone out so Tetsuro could model his volleyball shorts and one of Atsumu’s old shirts, nearly getting to fit him now. The differences between their second genders were already starting to manifest, and Tetsuro hadn’t even gone through puberty yet, still carrying the scent of Atsumu wherever he went. Atsumu’s heart ached, not just for himself, who had seen every step of Tetsuro growing, but for Osamu, who missed so, so much. Still, his brother never once stopped smiling, never once said anything negative. It seemed getting to freely be a part of their lives was enough, even if the cost was still too unreasonable in Atsumu’s eyes. Osamu had always been the stronger twin…

Tetsuro danced around the living room as he told Osamu excitedly about his friend Omi and the other little boys in his volleyball club. When he mentioned a little Omega in the class next to him, Atsumu blurted out, “Hey now, ye’re far too young for that-!”

Osamu bust a gut laughing. “Tetsu-chan’s gonna be a little heartthrob! Prepare yourself, Tsumu!”

“No,” begged Atsumu as he slumped over on the couch, dramatic but also not.

As they talked, Atsumu served dinner for both him and Tetsuro, his phone and Osamu perched up on the coffee table. The Omega smiled and laughed as he made his own dinner for two, a very different dinner indeed. Atsumu spotted a package of steak and wondered when the last time was he’d had meat like that. He ruffled Tetsuro’s hair and thought he should work a little bit harder…

“I’ve to go,” Osamu said right at six, his smile faltering for the barest moment, but if Tetsuro noticed, he just kept smiling.

“When are we gonna see you, Auntie Samu?” begged the little boy, to which Osamu promised, “I’ll come see your first game, how about that?”

Tetsuro cheered brightly, but Atsumu stood and grabbed up his phone, molding himself into the back corner of the kitchen, head leaned down. Fierce, grey eyes met his own over the video call; Atsumu didn’t have to say it.

“I’ll be there, Tsumu,” Osamu promised.

“I want ya to. Ye’re missin’-” Atsumu began, but he chewed off the rest. He didn’t want Osamu to feel bad when the Omega was already struggling, and yet Atsumu thought that if Osamu would just get away-

“I meant what I said before. Come stay once in a while.”

Osamu was quiet, staring off, but then he whispered, “Suguru’s got a business trip coming up. I’ll try, Tsumu.”

“Samu-”

“I’ve gotta go-” The call cut off abruptly, and Atsumu stared at his phone. He startled when the floorboards creaked softly, eyes going wide when he found Tetsuro standing in the doorway, ever so quiet.

“Is Auntie okay?”

Atsumu sank down to his knees, and Tetsuro stepped forward, the Omega taking his small hands and stroking at his palms, staring down at the hands of an Alpha that would soon have to carry the weight of the world.

Atsumu had made himself a promise never to lie to Tetsuro if he asked honest questions, so he whispered now, “Auntie’s havin’ a hard time.”

“It’s okay… if he can’t make it to my game,” hushed Tetsuro in the tiniest voice, and Atsumu felt tears burn his eyes. He squeezed them shut, pulling the little boy into his lap.

“Ya know yer Auntie will try his very best ta be there, Tetsu-chan. He loves ya so much, but sometimes… it’s hard for adults-”

“I know, Momma.”

“Tetsu-chan, promise Momma,” whispered Atsumu fiercely to downy soft black hair, “that when ya have a little Omega that ya love, or whoever it’ll be, that ye’ll treat ‘em good.”

“You know I will, Momma,” whispered the ten-year-old, already such a good, good man. Atsumu would not let the mistakes of the past repeat themselves.

Atsumu sat back, and then he hushed, “Ya know, when ya were a tiny baby in my belly, Momma and Auntie only wished for ya to be so, so happy.” Atsumu drank in Tetsuro’s giant smile, and then he asked, “Are ya happy, my sweet little boy?”

“Yes, Momma!” chirped Tetsuro with not a single ounce of doubt, and Atsumu’s heart beat against his rib cage.

Good. Perfect.

Just stay happy and healthy, my little boy.

-x-

Osamu had sat still for so long that he was sure his butt would ache when he stood up, but he felt rooted, the floor perhaps the only thing keeping him grounded. On the floor beside him lay proof of his failure, as an Omega, as a bride. Daisho had given up long ago, but Osamu clung to the hope of being a mother. He could still prove his worth to a man who had long ago written him off as nothing more than a stepping stone to his success in his father’s company. Daisho had made it very clear on their honeymoon that marrying Osamu had simply been to fulfill his parents’ wishes that he be married to inherit the company; Daisho had harbored no ill will or bad intentions, but he harbored no love for his Omega either.

“Just be a good Omega, and don’t cause me trouble, Osamu. And give me a baby so my mom will be happy.”

“Yes, Suguru, of course! Are you sleeping with me tonight?”

“Just tell me when your heat starts. And wear a collar; I don’t want to deal with a bond.

“I don’t have time.”

Those words had rung truer every single day. Daisho had no time, not for Osamu, not for much aside from work, work. There was the Alpha’s fulfillment. Logic would dictate that Daisho had someone on the side, and yet Osamu doubted Daisho would bother, that he had the time. No, Daisho didn’t need sex or an Omega like his Omega needed him, for comfort, for reassurance. A match made in hell, Osamu thought. And yet when his mother called and asked how things were going, Osamu plastered on a mask and pretended to be loved.

No, only one Alpha had ever loved Osamu, and that Alpha was a precious little ten-year-old boy named Tetsuro Kuroo. What pitiful twins they were, thought Osamu as he stared at his negative pregnancy test. So pitiful, and yet so unfairly blessed by the sweetest little boy that ever lived.

Slowly, Osamu laid down on the cold marble floor in his too-big bathroom that was all his own, staring at the king sized bed he slept in by himself, unless he was in heat and Daisho deigned to fuck him. This house was far too large for someone as lonely as Osamu was, and he thought about Atsumu’s constant invites to spend time with the two people who really loved him in this whole, rotten world.

Osamu reached for his phone before he even knew it, tears spilling silently down his face and pooling under his temple, wetting his grey hair. Daisho would not be home for another few hours, and Osamu felt like he might die by then if he didn’t…

“Samu?!” came Atsumu’s voice before Osamu had even realized he was calling his brother. Rough, ragged breathing came through the phone line, and Osamu let out a shaky laugh even as more tears spilled down, a little bit of relief flooding his parched soul. Still, Atsumu and Tetsuro would never replace the love he needed from his Alpha.

“Are you having sex right now, Tsumu?”

“Ew! I’m not that big’a pervert ta answer ya if I was. And ya know I swore off one nights stands and dating til Tetsu-chan’s grown-!”

Osamu wryly supposed that at least he was getting a good dicking every month, unlike Atsumu, but yet his brother seemed… happier. Osamu stared around his big home and wondered how he could have all the luxuries in the world and still be so damn miserable when his brother had nothing, absolutely nothing, and smiled every day.

Don’t think like that, Samu. Tsumu works his ass off for his little boy, and he suffered, too.

“Samu, what’s wrong?” asked Atsumu after a while, still breathing heavy, but Osamu wasn’t ready to answer that question yet.

“What are you doing?” he choked out past his tears, trying not to sound like he was crying. Atsumu knew, though, he always knew; his moment of silence after Osamu’s deflection told him as much.

“I picked up some delivery jobs,” Atsumu said casually. Osamu was not fooled. “It’s better than sitting alone at home-” Osamu knew Atsumu barely had time to do everything he needed to- “and besides, I need the exercise. I wanna be fit when I get back into the dating pool.” Osamu knew that wouldn’t be for another eight years, and even then, he wasn’t sure Atsumu wanted another relationship.

“Ya work too hard,” Osamu sighed, and Atsumu decried, “Ah-ha! I knew ya weren’t rid of yer filthy, hillbilly ways!” he teased, chortling breathlessly.

“Don’t fall off your bike,” Osamu bit back, but he felt a smile tug at his lips.

After a moment, Atsumu called, “Hey, Samu, I’ll tell ya mine if ya tell me yers.”

Nostalgia hit Osamu like a brick wall, and his eyes streamed with more tears. It was a game as old as them, nearly; whenever the twins both had something they didn’t want to share, they would make a deal to tell if the other told, too, no backsies. Osamu contemplated if his brother’s thing was quite as heavy as his, though, but it didn’t matter. His heart ached, and if he didn’t get some sort of assurance or affection soon, he might just wither away. He’d heard of that; it happened to Omegas all the time, but he supposed Daisho staved his off just enough by knotting him during his heats. Still, Daisho had never spent a single rut with the Omega, and he always left right after he was done.

“Okay,” Osamu hushed after a while, and Atsumu sighed wearily, his panting a little softer now like he was off his bike.

“Tetsu-chan’s goin’ to that camp, and I know he’ll want some spendin’ money, too. I remember bein’ that age; ya want snacks from the vendin’ machine and fun drinks after a hard game. Besides… That boy is growin’ like a little weed, and he eats like one, too. He’ll be taller than me all too soon…”

Osamu chewed at his lip. Atsumu’s melancholy came so clear through the phone, and yet Osamu would trade anything to feel what it felt like to watch your precious little baby grow up so fast, right before his own eyes. The passing of time was much less cruel than the stasis Osamu felt himself in, life constantly static.

“It’s just a few extra hours,” Atsumu said like he could just feel Osamu’s brewing anxieties. “I deliver some food and I get my exercise, and sometimes I get free dinner ta take home ta my bean stalk of a son.”

Osamu was quiet, eyes shut as he simply listened to his little brother talk. When the line grew quiet, he was okay with just his breathing, too. It felt familiar, like being tucked up in bed when they were ten, eleven, twelve…

“Tsumu, can I tell ya my thing later?”

“Sure… Ya must be tired, Samu,” Atsumu hushed. Osamu’s Kansai-ben did come on stronger when Osamu was worn down to the bone, too tired to pretend anymore. He supposed it didn’t matter with Atsumu anyways. Why was he pretending his life was all that much more glamorous when the younger Miya could see right through him?

“Tsumu… can I still… come see ya?”

“Don’t ask me that, idiot. Ya know ye’re more than welcome anytime. I can come get ya on my bike,” teased Atsumu, but the lighthearted humor wasn’t there.

“I’ll ask… Suguru…” Osamu’s eyelids were growing heavy. The floor was cool. More tears slipped out unbidden. Osamu was just so tired, and he wanted to be loved. “Tsumu, tell me… ya love me.”

“I love ya, even though ye’re an idiot…” Atsumu sighed, and then, more earnestly, he said, “Osamu, my whole heart is filled up with ya and Tetsu-chan. I love ya more than I say, and I’m sorry for that, but I never thought I had ta really tell ya.”

“It’s different now,” whispered Osamu, and Atsumu hummed forlornly. “We’re different.”

“Then I’ll tell ya,” said Atsumu. “I’ll tell ya every day, whenever ya call. Just don’t stop callin’ me, Samu, and don’t ever stop believin’ that ya and my son are everythin’.”

“Yeah,” Osamu whispered. “I love ya, too, like crazy.” Then, “Can ya stay on a little longer? We don’t have ta talk…”

“I’ve got three more deliveries, so as long as ya don’t mind my ugly pantin’.”

Osamu chuckled wryly, shutting his eyes again. “That’s fine. It reminds me of sleepin’ beside ya in bed.”

“Mm,” Atsumu hummed, and then it was quiet save for their breathing.

By the end of the call, Osamu felt glued to the floor with his tears, and his phone’s counter showed almost two hours.

“Never forget I love ya, ya idiot,” Atsumu said before they hung up.

Slowly, Osamu picked himself off the floor, washing his face, throwing away his pregnancy test, and heading downstairs to make dinner for his husband.

Daisho was silent as he ate what Osamu made; he never complained, but he never praised the Omega either. Still, he seemed in a good mood today, so Osamu asked quietly, “Is it good?”

Narrow, dark eyes glanced up in something akin to surprise, and Daisho watched Osamu from across the dining room table. He was a handsome man, and Osamu liked his scent, but most of the time, it felt no different than having dinner with a friend, or an acquaintance at best. Daisho never scented him, never smiled, barely spoke.

“It is good,” he murmured now, almost like it was a stupid question, and Osamu’s heart jumped in his chest for just a fleeting moment.

“Suguru?” he called after another moment, his heart actually soaring when the Alpha set his phone away. For a long while, the two stared at each other, and though they barely knew each other, Osamu felt like Daisho understood him for just a few minutes.

With a small nod, Daisho showed that he knew without Osamu saying it; he’d gotten used to the bad news by now, so now he was simply waiting for the good. That in itself was so much more reassuring than Osamu could say. He didn’t know how many more times he could have said, “I’m not pregnant,” before he shattered. He was thankful for the little gestures, even if Daisho only did those things because he was tired of hearing what a disappointment his bride was, tired of talking.

“My nephew… is going to be away at a volleyball camp next weekend, and my brother… Tsumu invited me to stay over.” Osamu paused, almost waiting for instant rejection, but it was quiet. “I thought it might be good for me… I read an article that said spending time with family can help increase the chance of pregnancy.” A lie, but if it worked… Daisho had to know he was lying, but yet again, he simply didn’t care.

“I don’t mind if it’s your brother,” Daisho said stiffly, and Osamu almost thought he’d heard wrong. His grey eyes went wide and darted over, Daisho watching him with a stiff expression, hands folded under his chin. “Just remember whose name you have now,” he hissed sharply. “Don’t do anything to disgrace me, Osamu.”

“Yes, of course-!” Osamu choked out, still in shock. Daisho was going to let him leave the house-?

“If I find out you were lying to me so you could sneak around-”

“Never, Alpha!” Osamu swore, and Daisho’s shoulders slowly rippled back pridefully. No matter their relationship, no Alpha wouldn’t preen when an Omega called him that.

“You can take the car. I’ll be flying,” Daisho told Osamu.

A heartbeat passed, and then Daisho had his phone back in his hand and all was as usual. Still, Osamu had been given the keys to the kingdom, or so it felt like. He could go out without Daisho? He could see Atsumu and Tetsuro! He could spend time with those who loved him, and maybe, maybe indeed, it would help him get pregnant, too-!

-x-

“Omi-Omi~!” burst Tetsuro as he bolted into the classroom, a pair of pretty, onyx eyes turning up to him in vague interest. Tetsuro had known his friend and classmate Kiyoomi for a whole year now and still felt like he barely knew him, but Tetsuro was not one to be so easily dissuaded. In his eleven years of living, it was rare for Tetsuro to find someone who could not only match but keep up with him, and Kiyoomi could do both. Still, the other Alpha was impossible to read.

“I told you not to call me that, Tetsuro-kun,” Kiyoomi replied gruffly, to which Tetsuro himself bemoaned, “Just call me Tetsu already, Omi-Omi.”

It had been a miracle to get the stiff ten-year-old to even call him by his first name, not his last; despite his cold nature, though, Kiyoomi was kind, and when Tetsuro had earnestly told him he didn’t like his last name, he had stopped. Still, he refused to drop the honorifics, while Tetsuro refused to use them at all.

“If you’ll call me Kiyoomi, I’ll call you Tetsuro,” Kiyoomi replied decisively, and Tetsuro giggled as he slid into his seat beside the other Alpha. Despite their small age difference, Kiyoomi was smart and had therefore already been pushed up one grade, which Tetsuro found quite amazing. He was smart, too, but no one had ever offered to bump him up, not that he’d accept it since it would mean leaving behind his best friend.

Little Tetsuro, because of how young he was, could still vividly remember the first day he’d seen Kiyoomi sitting at the desk in front of his own, the older boy almost star struck by the other. The thing that had perhaps intrigued him the most was the fact that, at the age of ten, Kiyoomi already had quite a few Omega admirers that often came to bother him, and how despite that, the Alpha showed absolutely no interest in having said admirers. No matter what, Kiyoomi kept his nose in a book. In fact, it was only Tetsuro who had been able to get Kiyoomi to look at anything besides those books. Tetsuro had shown Kiyoomi the dazzling sight from up high, over the volleyball net, and as a small thank you, Kiyoomi had shown Tetsuro kindness, or at the very least something like it.

Whether he liked it or not, Tetsuro had been attached to Kiyoomi at the hip since that day, and while the younger boy would never admit it, he was in awe of Tetsuro, shocked that he always kept coming back with a smile on his face no matter what the other said, dazzled by how blindingly Tetsuro loved.

It was on this particular day that Tetsuro received a visitor from another classroom, a pretty Omega girl. She was shy, and though Tetsuro was no stranger to his own admirers, he still felt unsure of how to politely say he wasn’t interested, he had more important things to focus on. Despite the fact that no one had gone through puberty yet, which meant there was no such thing as scenting or bonding, it seemed that some of the Omegas still seemed very intent on claiming their Alphas as soon as possible. Tetsuro simply had no interest in that. The only Omegas in his life were his momma and auntie, and that was how it was going to stay until Tetsuro could figure out how to make sure both were taken care of. Aside from that, volleyball was his passion and stole every moment that wasn’t devoted to school work, so even as an eleven-year-old, he simply had no time, and yet they came.

This girl, though very pretty, seemed very unaware of it, or she was at least not as conceited as some of Kiyoomi’s fan girls. One of Tetsuro’s classmates called him from the doorway at the end of class, and golden eyes turned up, a grin still on his face from joking with Kiyoomi. Tetsuro was sitting on top of the other boy’s desk, to Kiyoomi’s great annoyance.

“Tetsuro-kun, please move,” he was grumbling, which was solved as soon as Tetsuro jumped off to head towards the doorway, golden eyes bright. Even at eleven years old, he was already taller than most of his other classmates, and he peered over the head of the one who had called him, big eyes blinking when he peered down at the small girl just outside. She shifted nervously on her feet, fingers fiddling together. Tetsuro still being a rather dumb little boy, even for all of his smarts, saw no issue in leaning against the doorframe and calling, “Hi! What’s up?”

Nervous eyes cast around, the whole class likely staring behind Tetsuro, but the boy didn’t move even though the girl was clearly uncomfortable. It wasn’t malicious; Tetsuro just wasn’t all that smart when it came to matters like these. He was so outgoing that he couldn’t even grasp the awkwardness the less social butterflies felt.

“Umm, Kuroo-kun, I was hoping… we could talk,” she hushed, her voice cracking on his name, eyes not meeting his. That was probably how she missed the way Tetsuro’s eyes glossed over a little, lips tugging down into a stiff frown. In fact, Kiyoomi was the only one who noticed.

“Please don’t call me that,” Tetsuro said, trying to be nice, but it was really grating on his nerves recently. Why, he wondered. “Call me Tetsu,” he told her like he said to everyone. If the girl misinterpreted it, he didn’t notice.

“Oh, sure-” she began breathlessly, but a knee kicked out one of Tetsuro’s legs, and the boy crumbled with a loud laugh. He looked up to find Kiyoomi glaring just past him, his gym bag in hand as he reminded Tetsuro stiffly, “We have volleyball practice, Tetsuro, we really shouldn’t be late.”

“Omi-Omi!” chimed Tetsuro in delight, the girl suddenly and completely forgotten at hearing his best friend finally drop the honorific. He turned and sprinted back into the classroom to grab his own bag, and as he darted past the girl again, he called, “I’m sorry, but I’m really busy! If you want to be friends, we can always hang out during lunch!”

Again, Tetsuro meant nothing unkind by it, simply clueless, but it was a cruel rejection for a ten-year-old girl to face. Still, unbeknownst to Tetsuro himself, this was what made him so cool…

Kiyoomi, younger but wiser in the ways of love the way two young boys could only be, observed to Tetsuro stiffly as the other skipped after him, “She didn’t want to be your friend, Tetsuro-kun, she wanted to be your girl.”

Tetsuro blinked first in disappointment at the return of the honorific and then in shock at Kiyoomi’s revelation. “She was going to ask me out? How do you know?” Golden eyes sparkled as Tetsuro regarded his best friend as a wise old sage. Kiyoomi glanced over and then scoffed coldly.

Instead of responding, he asked simply, “Why do you hate being called by your last name?”

Tetsuro stopped in his tracks, perhaps the last question he’d expected to hear. Why, indeed. He ran after Kiyoomi again a moment later.

“I just don’t like it,” he replied. Then, “My momma has a different last name, and so does my auntie, and I like that name better.”

At ten and eleven, neither boy quite understood what that implied, so Kiyoomi mocked simply, “You can’t have your mom’s last name, idiot. Your mom should have the same last name as you and your dad.”

Tetsuro stared off down the hallway, only keeping up with Kiyoomi because they both had freakishly long legs for their young ages. Needless to say, Tetsuro didn’t play very well during their practice that day, and even by the time his momma came around to pick him up on his delivery bike, Tetsuro was still in a daze.

Even when Atsumu ruffled his dark hair, Tetsuro barely responded. He clung to Atsumu’s shirt as he rode on the back of the bike, sitting on the little rack that was used for delivering food as Atsumu asked him about his day. Quietly, Tetsuro told his momma about the girl that had come by, about how he’d done bad at practice.

Halfway through the ride, Tetsuro spoke up and asked, "Momma, why do we have different last names?”

Atsumu stopped a little too abruptly at a street crossing, silent. Tetsuro soaked up the warmth and scent of the Omega as he pressed his face to Atsumu’s back.

“Did someone say somethin’ mean ta ya?” was the first thing his momma asked him.

“No,” Tetsuro replied, though some might have seen Kiyoomi’s comments as a little insensitive, but not the little Alpha. “The girl called me by my last name, and I got a little upset. I just don’t like my last name; I’d rather have yours, Momma, can’t I?”

“Tetsuro Miya sounds a little silly, doesn’t it?” joked Atsumu lightly, but the humor fell flat. Atsumu apologized a second later.

At the next crosswalk, he stepped off the bike, and he pulled Tetsuro up to his warm seat while he guided to thing by the handles. Tetsuro stared at his momma like Atsumu had hung the stars, so strong and cool for being able to do this.

“Well, Tetsu-chan, I told ya I’d never lie ta ya, but sometimes the truth is a little hard ta understand, especially for little boys.”

“I thought you said I was a big boy,” huffed Tetsuro as he reached forward to clutch his small hands over Atsumu’s, the Omega letting out a cautionary little noise.

“Ye’re right, Tetsu-chan, I’m sorry,” Atsumu apologized again, falling quiet once more after. “Well, let’s see. Every baby has a dad and a momma, just like ya. Usually that dad and momma get married so they can have the same last name, but yer momma didn’t get ta marry yer dad. That means that ya got yer dad’s last name, but I didn’t.”

This was heavy for an eleven-year-old, even a smart one. "Momma, does that make you sad?”

“It woulda been fun ta share a last name, huh?” Atsumu hummed, smiling softly. “I didn’t really like yer dad, though, cause he was a little mean ta me, so I don’t mind not havin’ his name.”

Instantly, Tetsuro sat up and demanded, “What did he say to you, Momma?! I’ll go kick him!”

Atsumu tossed his head back and laughed, and this was one of Tetsuro’s favorite sounds. Still, he was quite distressed by the news that someone had been mean to his momma, and he clutched at Atsumu’s arm.

“When I get older, I’m gonna make it so I can have your last name, Momma!” little Tetsuro declared, and he watched Atsumu swipe at his eyes, his smile going wobbly. Golden eyes turned to his own, and Atsumu bent down to press a kiss to Tetsuro’s forehead.

“Ya are the best thing I could’ve ever gotten from yer mean dad, so don’t get too mad at him, okay? And if anyone asks ya why ya’ve got a different name, just tell ‘em that.”

This seemed quite reasonable to Tetsuro, who had never faced bullies at his young age and hopefully never would. Some families only had mommas and aunties; it didn’t change who Tetsuro was on the inside, or how he saw himself. Whatever his birth certificate said, he was Tetsuro Miya, so he supposed it was okay that he got a little frustrated sometimes when someone called him by his last name.

“I’ll tell Omi-Omi,” chimed Tetsuro with a nod, problem solved.

All was forgotten when Atsumu said he was making Tetsuro’s favorite for dinner, omurice, and even better when he pulled out his phone and let the little Alpha video call his pretty Auntie.

It was a little too complicated for little Tetsuro to understand, but he wasn’t wrong to have very little attachment to the name Kuroo.

Chapter Text

“You’re working too hard,” Osamu’s voice rang as Atsumu sat down wearily at the end of his work shift. It hadn’t all seemed so hard, but now that Yachi had left the convenience store for a nicer job, Atsumu felt his days drag by, his weariness showing much more easily. It felt odd to think he’d had this job for more than a decade; time was flying and Atsumu wasn’t sure how to make it slow down so he could enjoy the time with Tetsuro more. Even Osamu seemed more frantic as each day passed.

“If ya find a way ta not work hard and still make enough money, let me know,” Atsumu called back smartly, to which Osamu groaned softly.

“I’m saying maybe look for a different job, Tsumu. You’re twenty-seven now; you can’t work at a convenience store your whole life.”

Atsumu tugged off his hat and stared at his locker, seemingly so far away. He shouldn’t have sat down; now he didn’t want to get up. A little break wouldn’t hurt…

“Samu, all of that kinda went out the door when I got pregnant at fifteen,” Atsumu hummed, though he didn’t regret a thing. Still, he wasn’t qualified to do much. Even office jobs required that he’d finished high school, at least.

“If you’re serious, you could always take some classes and get your high school diploma-”

“Samu, I don’t have the time,” Atsumu chewed back, and Osamu went silent. It took him a good full minute, but finally the blond bit back the mean comment he’d meant to spit out with venom. Osamu had his own worries and hard things to go through; it wasn’t like Atsumu was unique in his suffering.

They talked for a little while longer, making a few plans for next weekend now that Daisho had given Osamu some freedom to see Atsumu and Tetsuro, and then he hung up, scraping himself off his chair and lumbering to his locker. With his small backpack slung over his shoulder, he made his way around the side of the conbini and unlocked his bike, opting to walk it instead of ride for now.

It took him fifteen minutes to get to his delivery job, but that was fine, he had some time to kill. Atsumu walked past a small library that he took Tetsuro to a lot, just a few steps from the restaurant he did deliveries for, and seeing as he had about fifteen more minutes to kill, he decided to sit down on the bench in front of the local library. With Osamu’s words ringing in his head, he opened up a job searching app and decided to hell with it, setting the search parameters so the jobs would apply to him. 27 results popped up, which surprised even Atsumu, but as he scrolled, most of the listings were for jobs like he had now; minimum wage, weird hours, on your feet all day. Osamu was right; Atsumu couldn’t do that for the rest of his life.

He scrolled and scrolled and was about to lock his phone when he saw a listing with a significant price increase, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head. No, his search parameters were still set, and yes, the job listing did say anyone could apply. It was for a small real estate company that had recently had a lot of unexpected growth, and it seemed like someone there was in need of a personal assistant. Atsumu almost didn’t want to get his hopes up, especially seeing the American-sounding name on the listing, but that pay increase… He could quit working at the convenience store and maybe even scale back or quit his delivery job, too! It was only part-time, but maybe-

With shaking hands and perhaps too much riding on it, Atsumu called the number listed to apply directly.

He was shocked when the man who answered introduced himself as the name listed in the job listing, but well, he was looking for an assistant.

“Alexander Yoffe of Yoffe Real Estate,” a deep, crisp voice said, and Atsumu knew immediately he was speaking to an Alpha.

He cleared his throat and said, as properly as he could, “Hello, my name is Atsumu Miya, and I’m calling about that job ya- you listed. For a personal assistant?”

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, maybe to get hung up on, but a moment after he’d spoken, a heavy sigh of relief rushed through his phone’s speaker, and the man rushed, “Oh, thank God! That listing’s been up for weeks, but you’re the first person to call-”

Atsumu could have pointed out that most people had probably assumed what he had, that it was too good to be true. Instead, though, he was distracted by the thick, luscious accent the man spoke with, and he told himself to calm down. Just because he hadn’t had sex in, oh, nearly thirteen years didn’t mean he should just slick at the sound of a foreign man, especially not if that man might soon be his boss and offer him much-needed reprieve from his old job. He also told himself not to get his hopes up- “I should let you know that I’m an Omega-”

“That’s fine, that’s fine, I just… really need someone.”

Atsumu almost couldn’t believe it. He tried again, “I didn’t get to graduate high school, so I might not be very smart-”

“I just need someone to answer my calls and manage my schedule; can you do that?”

Atsumu swallowed. Considering how he juggled two jobs and a kid by himself, he thought that was perhaps the one thing he was really good at.

“I’ve had this job listed for weeks, and I specifically asked applicants to call me because I need to make sure they’re comfortable on the phone, but this generation-” Another rough sigh had Atsumu shivering, and he thought that he really needed to get out soon, lest his pussy collect cobwebs and he attack his potential new boss. “Listen, I’m so glad you called. When can you stop by for an interview?”

Atsumu froze. When? He didn’t have time-

Make time, whispered a little voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Osamu. The angel on his shoulder told him he could do it if he just hurried with his deliveries today and went home to quickly freshen up-

“I can- later today-” He paused sharply and then asked uncertainly, “Umm, this might be a stupid question, but where are ya- you located?”

To Atsumu’s surprise, the man on the other end chuckled, and then he gave the address as well as some surrounding landmarks. Atsumu’s eyes went wide. Right by Tetsuro’s school! It couldn’t be more perfect; he might actually cry if he didn’t get this job. “Are you sure you’re okay with someone like me?” he begged. He didn’t mention that he didn’t have a lot of time to waste if this wasn’t going to work.

“I’m a little desperate, honestly, but more than that, you sound very capable, and you can handle a phone call. I don’t have issues with Omegas, and if you need to take a few days off for your heat, you could always work remotely or work up my schedule beforehand-”

“I’ll be there at four!” Atsumu yelped like the man might reconsider. Tetsuro had volleyball practice today so he’d be at school until 5, and then Atsumu could pick him up- “Is that… okay?”

“Four works great. Thank you, Miya-kun.”

Atsumu’s eyes almost filled with tears, and he wanted to say he didn’t deserve this, but he nodded, choking out his own thanks before ending the call. Holy shit, he thought as his hands shook violently. His legs felt elastic. If he got this job, he would have to find a hook-up stat because he was already crazy horny just from that call. How could a man like that sound so… dreamy? Atsumu tried to imagine an old man with a million wrinkles and a beer belly to dispel his innate need for an Alpha, but he’d deprived himself for so long that even the ugliest man in the world with a voice like that would be acceptable. No, if Alexander Yoffe was going to be his boss-

Atsumu scraped himself off the bench with renewed vigor as he told himself to hold it together until 5, to just get through his deliveries and this job interview. He greeted the manager at the small restaurant he worked for and collected his allotted deliveries for the day, and then he set off, racing along with the speed of his heart.

Control yourself! he begged.

At 3:55, Atsumu wondered if he could do it as he stared up at a clean, modern-looking building with tan stucco on the outer walls, his nerves translating to his Omegan eagerness to please, to do anything- Don’t you dare proposition yer potential new boss, Atsumu, I don’t care that ya haven’t had a dick in over a decade. He tugged at the skirt he wore, fighting the urge to hike it up a little more. The devil on his shoulder whispered, Let’s see what Alexander Yoffe looks like first, Tsumu.

Atsumu stepped through the door of the medium-sized real estate company, the cool air refreshing against his warm skin. Atsumu begged his heated cheeks to cool as he nervously combed his short hair into submission. When he caught sight of himself on a reflective surface, he thought maybe the skirt had been a bad move- He was too tall to be considered pretty, and despite the fact that he hadn’t played sports since he was fifteen, he still had thick thighs and too-broad shoulders. Sure, he was nothing compared to most Alphas, but Atsumu had always felt too big to be an Omega. Besides that, he was starting to get some grays in his hair that he hid with blond dye.

Stop. Ye’re not here to look pretty. Ye’re here ta do the best job ya can, one only ya can do. With that surge of confidence, Atsumu walked forward and rang the small bell on the empty front counter. Would that be his seat? Atsumu shifted on his feet, his flats sounding too loud in the space.

Every single thought was whisked away as the door to his left opened, and a giant of a man stepped out into the open area where Atsumu was, the whole place suddenly filling with the most mouth-watering scent of sandalwood and bergamot, the citrus-y undertones making the headiness of the smell of fresh wood drive it all the more home. Staring up with wide, round eyes, suddenly absolutely desperate not to slick, Atsumu stared up at a man who had to be at least seven feet tall, broad, with an insanely handsome face. It hardly mattered that he didn’t even look like the Omega’s usual type; Alexander Yoffe was a dream on two very long legs, and Atsumu was insanely and instantly attracted to the man.

God, he needed to get fucked or else he’d climb his potential new boss like a monkey.

Crystal blue eyes stared down at Atsumu, and for a moment, the Omega forgot what he was here for, his whole personality melting into nothing. His confidence was gone, and he felt like he’d just been born, useless save to stare and drool. When a big hand extended towards him, Atsumu was debating between shaking it and wrapping it around his waist, his sanity out the window.

“You must be Atsumu Miya, I presume. You’re very striking for an Omega,” the man said by way of introduction, and whether it was a slight or a compliment, it hardly mattered when it was said in that heavy accent and that luscious, deep tone. “I’m Alexander Yoffe, but you can call me Alex.”

“Fuck, ye’re seriously tall an’ handsome,” huffed Atsumu as he took Alex’s big, warm hand. It wasn’t until a moment later that he realized his two mistakes: he’d just hit on this man that was interviewing him for a professional role, and he’d let his Kansai-ben slip. He panicked and was trying to figure out how to glide past what had just spilled out of his mouth when a deep, bass-like laugh rocked through his core.

Alex squeezed at Atsumu’s hand and said, “I like you already, Miya-kun.”

“Please call me Atsumu,” the blond begged, his voice choked. He could barely stand to look Alex in the eyes; how was this man real, and how was Atsumu going to keep it in his pants?

“Should we step into my office and start the interview?” Alex asked as he waved towards the room he’d just come from.

No, whispered the angel on Atsumu’s shoulder, his sanity, but that was long gone as he stared up in awe at the giant of a man. “Sure!”

Thankfully, Alex kept the door open, but his scent was still ultra-concentrated in his small office, and Atsumu was ready to claw out of his clothes. If he got this job, first things first, he would find an Alpha to fuck him silly because this was ridiculous… The man wasn’t even his type, save for his voice and height, but Atsumu couldn’t despise him his handsome face, piercing eyes, his soft, almost-white hair, and that yummy scent. At this point, any Alpha would have probably worked for Atsumu, but what he had before him was a treat.

“Would you tell me a little about yourself,” asked Alex as he pulled out a notepad and pen, setting a pair of reading glasses on his strong nose, and Atsumu thought it unfair that this man could look so good like this.

“Like work history, or…?” Atsumu questioned, clearing his throat.

“Anything,” Alex said as he looked up with a smile, and Atsumu was sure this man could get him to spill all of his secrets with barely any coaxing.

“Well, sure. My name is Atsumu Miya, and I’m twenty-seven-”

“Oh, I wouldn’t have guessed,” Alex interrupted in surprise before quickly apologizing for his outburst, but Atsumu was thankful. Confidence resurrected inside his body, and he sat up taller, smiling in the way he usually did around Alphas, certain that he was the one who held the power.

“I have a son who’s almost twelve now and the light of my life; I’ll let ya do the math,” he chuckled. “I grew up in Hyogo, and I have a twin brother. I told ya before I didn’t finish high school, but I’ve been working since I was fifteen, so I know I have good work ethic and can put in the hours or anythin’ ya need.” Atsumu stopped there, letting his words hang for a moment as he smiled. Then he folded his hands in his lap and said, “I’m just really lookin’ for somethin’ stable, somethin’ that lets me be at home with my son on nights and weekends, and somethin’ that’ll provide enough for us to live.”

“Well,” Alex said as he set his notepad down and took off his glasses. Atsumu noted that the page was still blank, thinking that was either good or really bad. “To be honest, I’d already planned to hire you the moment you walked in here, but now I’m all the more sure. You’ve had a hard life, it seems, but that means your character and will are strong, and I could use that around here. We’re growing fast, and I need someone who can keep up with my schedule, making sure I get to meetings and know when to plan for business trips.

“The bad news is that I can only hire part-time right now. Until the business really picks up, and unless you were able to travel, I just don’t have enough work to hire you full-time, but I would love to have you work here.” This time, Alex let his words hang in the air, and Atsumu shivered as he stared into the man’s deep blue eyes.

“Part-time is fine,” Atsumu nodded. With the salary increase, and if he kept his delivery job, it would be more than enough. “Listen, I’m very grateful for this,” he said after a moment, and then he bowed his head. “Not many people’d give an Omega like me a chance, what with havin’ a kid and no experience and what-not.”

“I see a lot of potential in you, Atsumu, and I’d be honored to cultivate it.” Alex was smiling brightly when Atsumu looked up again, and the Omega told himself not to sexually harass this angel of a man.

“Wow, thanks so much,” blubbered Atsumu on a laugh. He clenched his hands and asked, “Geez, well, is there anything else ya’d like ta know?”

Alex just smiled fondly, leaning back like he knew instinctively that he’d made a good choice. “We’ll have plenty of time for that, Atsumu. I just need to write up a formal offer and have you sign it. When can you start?”

“As soon as ya need me,” Atsumu said honestly.

Alex glanced at his wristwatch and joked, “Now would be when I need ya,” his grin going crooked. He stood and then showed Atsumu back to the front room. “This will be your desk if you’re okay with that. Right now I have calls from this phone forwarding to my cell, but I’ll switch that over on Monday.” Blue eyes glanced down. “Is Monday okay?”

“Monday is perfect~” purred Atsumu, but this time he wasn’t even trying to flirt. He was genuinely excited. He clasped his hands together in front of himself and shuffled on his feet, grinning at his new desk. He’d never had a desk before, let alone his own space at a job.

“Perfect. If you don’t mind waiting here, I can write up that formal offer right now and have you sign it. I’ll need your ID, and I’ll have to have you sign a consent form so I can run a background check-”

“Anythin’ ya need,” Atsumu replied easily as he spun back to face Alex, beaming up at the man.

Alex let out a soft laugh after a moment, as if caught off guard, and then he stepped back into his office with a nod. Atsumu settled into the chair that would soon be his and spun around a few times like a little kid. He stared at the neatly organized work station, complete with a fancy computer monitor and a brand new phone. It looked like no one had ever touched anything, and he realized he must be the first assistant Alex’d had.

He was lost in daydreams when Alex came back out, but the shadow that fell over him returned his attention to the Alpha. Alex handed Atsumu a pen as he bent down over the Omega’s new desk, and the blond inhaled a lungful of sandalwood and bergamot again. With Alex’s heat and proximity, Atsumu almost felt like he might melt. Blue eyes glanced at him for a moment, and then Alex hummed casually, “You smell incredible. I haven’t spent much time around Omegas, but I can see the hype is real.”

Oh, that molten quality to his voice was illegal. Atsumu turned his nose into his shoulder and inhaled his own jasmine and honey. “Will it be a problem?” he asked slowly as he turned back. “I could wear a scent blocker patch.”

“No, you’re alright,” Alex promised earnestly, “unless it makes you uncomfortable. We will be working in close proximity, but I like to think of myself as a gentleman.” Blue eyes stared at Atsumu, waiting patiently, and Atsumu knew absolutely that he was safe with this man. He nodded and smiled, bending down to sign the formal offer. His eyes nearly bugged out when he saw his new salary written down so officially in black ink. He almost signed too fast, thinking the paper might just combust or Alex might change his mind.

Alex shuffled the papers with a nod and then, his long, thick finger pointing out more places to sign, said, “This is the waver for running your background check. As I said, I’ll need your ID. The rest is personal info to fill out, as well as any medical issues or requirements you have. I try to provide a comfortable work space for all of my employees.”

“How many of us do ya have?” asked Atsumu as he signed the waver, thinking maybe a dozen or so.

“Two hundred and forty six worldwide,” Alex said easily, and Atsumu choked on a glob of spit. Holy shit! Worldwide?! Atsumu’s hand began to shake as Alex continued, “We’ve really just started breaking into the Japanese market, but it’s been a huge success so far, and I’m thankful to my team-”

“I thought this was a tiny company,” Atsumu whispered, peering up with wide eyes. No wonder Alex seemed like he knew what he was doing even though this office was so new.

“Well, tiny in comparison,” Alex replied modestly, but Atsumu shook his head. He wondered for a moment if he was dreaming this all up, pinching at his thigh.

Alex took his ID and went to run his check while Atsumu filled out the rest of the forms, suddenly a little less confident again. Still, Alex really seemed to believe in him. Glancing at his phone, Atsumu noted that it was almost five. Alex came back a moment later, handing back Atsumu’s ID card and helping him off the chair as he chimed, “Welcome on board! I look forward to seeing what you’ve got, Atsumu. Please guide me well.”

“Of course,” Atsumu said with a soft bow. “It’ll be my honor. Thank ya so much.”

“Thank you,” insisted Alex, and Atsumu shivered as a warm hand settled softly on the back of his shoulder, Alex walking him to the front door. “I’ll see you on Monday, then.”

“Monday,” breathed Atsumu. He walked in a daze the few blocks to Tetsuro’s school. The familiar sounds of a volleyball game going rang across the otherwise empty school grounds, past the gate where Atsumu stood, and he shut his eyes. For the first time in his life, Atsumu finally felt like he was doing something that would make his baby boy proud of him.

He opened his eyes again when laughter rang out, spotting Tetsuro walking with a boy that could almost be his brother, save for the stiff look on the other’s face. Was this the famous Omi-Omi? Atsumu giggled softly, watching the pair part outside the gym. Tetsuro spotted Atsumu a moment later, and suddenly he was sprinting, eyes wide in surprise.

"Momma!” he breathed out as he crashed into Atsumu, clutching around his waist. Atsumu laughed and then hefted the boy up, Tetsuro really getting too big. Hands clutched at his shoulders, and the Alpha beamed down. “Why are you here, Momma? I thought you had work.”

“I had an interview, actually,” Atsumu said with a grin. “I’m gonna have a new, grown-up job startin’ Monday.”

Golden eyes gleamed down, and though Tetsuro was only twelve, he understood more than most his age. It was a blessing and a curse, Atsumu thought; sometimes he worried Tetsuro was being forced to grow up too fast, but what could he do? He had such a mature little son…

“The offices are a few blocks away, so I’ll be able ta come pick ya up more often from now on. My boss is very nice, too, so I think I’ll be very happy with this change.”

Atsumu set Tetsuro down as the boy nodded, a small hand instantly slotting into Atsumu’s, their fingers interlocking as they always did. Tetsuro had no shame in these public affections like some boys his age did, and it made Atsumu’s heart swell with pride. He’d spent twelve years thinking this boy was the only Alpha he’d ever need, and while he was starting to realize that was a little unrealistic, he was certain Tetsuro would always be his number one.

“We should go celebrate, Momma. Let’s get dinner so you don’t have to cook,” decided Tetsuro with a nod. He hadn’t even hit puberty yet and already his Alpha traits were presenting. Atsumu’s heart ached happily as he peered down at a mess of black hair and a little volleyball uniform so like the one he’d worn growing up. He scrubbed his hand over his boy’s back, so thankful that his life had taken this path and given him this precious gift. Despite all of the hardships, Atsumu truly wouldn’t trade it for the world.

-x-

Osamu sat very, very still at the other end of the dining room table, Daisho silent in front of him. He watched his husband eat as he scrolled through his phone just like he did every night, but tonight felt different. Osamu felt different.

He almost couldn’t believe it was true. He’d been desperate for it for so long that he was almost worried he was imagining things, but he’d woken up this morning, violently ill, and something inside of him had sparked.

The test he’d taken was simply the physical proof he’d needed for the feeling in his gut. He could barely contain himself.

“Suguru,” he called in a tremble, slanted eyes sliding up after a moment. Osamu covered his mouth to hide his shaky smile, the two watching each other.

After a moment, Daisho said, “Osamu, you smell a little different.”

“You noticed?” whispered Osamu in surprise, his eyes going a fraction wider as he lowered his hands again.

“It was hard not to,” frowned Daisho, almost insulted. “You’ve been scenting the whole house.”

“Have I?” whispered Osamu, and then he giggled ever so softly. Dark eyes watched him carefully.

“Suguru, I’m pregnant,” spoke the Omega, and it was like saying the words lifted a nearly decade long burden off his shoulders. He watched Daisho slowly sit up straighter.

“That explains the scenting, then,” was the first thing the man said, but then he nodded. “Good, Osamu,” he praised, and Osamu’s eyes went a fraction wider still. “My parents will be pleased.”

“And… you?” whispered Osamu ever so quietly, staring at his husband. He slowly stood and walked around the table, coming to stand in front of Daisho. The Alpha looked up and then slowly pushed his chair out and turned.

“Of course,” Daisho replied after a while, his expression as impossible to read as always. Still, his words offered some comfort to his weary Omega. Osamu cupped his still-flat tummy and beamed down at his Alpha.

“What do you need, Osamu?” Daisho asked next, already turning back to his phone and pulling up nearby hospitals and birthing clinics. “There’s appointments and things you’ll need to go to, right?”

“Yes,” Osamu replied with a slow nod before turning to return back to his chair. He picked at his food, not all that hungry. Even prepping the food had been an ordeal, Osamu still feeling woozy. Was this what Atsumu had dealt with? When he looked up again, dark eyes were watching him, and Daisho offered, perhaps as the only kindness he could give, “I can have my secretary schedule your appointments. Will you need rides, or can you drive yourself?”

“I’ll have Atsumu take me if I can’t,” Osamu said carefully, but Daisho simply nodded, returning to his phone. It was almost amazing how little it bothered him now for Osamu to do things on his own, as long as Atsumu was involved.

“This clinic has a good rating, Osamu,” Daisho was saying. “A few of my coworkers at work mentioned it for their Omegas. I will have my assistant book your first appointment. Let me know how it goes.”

And just like that, it was all arranged. Osamu had thought he’d feel relieved, happy, but suddenly all it left him with was an empty pit in his stomach. “Thank you, Suguru…” the lonely Omega whispered, staring down and stroking at his belly.

Perhaps soon he would not feel so lonely anymore… Osamu’s heart ached, desperate for it.

After cleaning up dinner, Osamu made his way to his bedroom. When he heard Daisho turn on his TV, he called Atsumu via FaceTime. He almost laughed aloud when a close-up shot of a head of wild black hair and fierce golden eyes appeared on his phone screen, the call answered after a ring and a half. Osamu settled down on his bed with a sudden surge of warm joy as he hushed, “Hi, sweet Tetsuro-chan.”

Tetsuro pulled the phone back and grinned. “Hi, Auntie Samu,” said a very mature, teenage Tetsuro. His cute baby features were melting into sharp lines, and he was becoming more and more handsome every day, looking more like an Alpha, like… Hatsuo. Osamu wondered mildly how Atsumu felt looking at his son when he was starting to grow into the spitting image of his dad. No, Atsumu loved Tetsuro too much to think like that. “How are you feeling?”

“Feeling perfect now that I’ve seen your handsome face,” crooned Osamu, to which Atsumu shouted from the background, “Isn’t he gettin’ so handsome?!”

Osamu laughed softly again, his hand coming to rest on his stomach. Would his baby resemble Daisho? It wouldn’t be such a bad thing, he thought. The Alpha was handsome, too.

“How’s school going?” Osamu asked his nephew, Tetsuro happily telling his aunt all about his friend Kiyoomi and volleyball, how he’d been chosen as the captain of the team. The room shifted behind the tall Alpha as he moved into the kitchen, hopping onto the kitchen counter, his mother scolding him. “I told Omi-Omi it should have been him, and he pulled this face like he’d rather die,” laughed Tetsuro.

“Every time you talk about school, you mention Omi-Omi,” teased Osamu. “Tsumu, have you met this boy yet?”

“No,” Atsumu replied stiffly and pointedly, Tetsuro staring just off screen with a crooked grin that spelled trouble.

“Tetsuro-chan, is he a good kid? You know your mother will kill you if you fall in with a bad crowd-”

“Chill, Auntie,” Tetsuro replied with a laugh, Osamu’s eyebrows raising. “If anything, I’m the bad influence that Kiyoomi has to keep out of trouble.”

“Nonsense,” defied Osamu and Atsumu in unison, and Tetsuro tossed his head back and laughed.

“You two worry too much-”

“We do not,” Osamu promised, while Atsumu scolded, “We have no one else ta worry over.” To both, Tetsuro quickly replied sternly, “Then worry about yourselves for once…”

Golden eyes flashed as Atsumu turned to stare at his son. Osamu watched them with a growing reminder that time passed so quickly.

To dispel the tension that Tetsuro’s rebellious streak stirred up once in a while, Osamu told the pair, “I have an announcement, by the way.”

Atsumu was across the small kitchen and crowding next to Tetsuro in an instant. “Tell me ye’re finally divorcin’ that awful Alpha-”

“Atsumu!” decried Osamu before lowering his voice again, peering up at his closed bedroom door. He waited for a minute and then looked down again.

“I’m not leaving him,” the Omega replied, his face stiff even as his hands shook.

“Then what is it?” asked Atsumu, a little more careful this time. At least the idiot realized it was a delicate subject; it wasn’t like Osamu could leave even if he wanted to… Osamu chewed at his lip. No, he didn’t want to… He had to raise this baby with an Alpha-!

“I’m pregnant-!” Osamu blurted out before he could think, tears instantly springing to his eyes even as a huge, shaky smile tugged up the corners of his lips, and he wondered vaguely when he’d last smiled like this. Probably when he’d gotten that text and photo from his brother after his nephew had been born… Had it really been almost fifteen years?

Oh, the hope Osamu felt now absolutely salved the ache he had begun to feel at the age of fifteen, the day he’d known Atsumu was carrying Tetsuro. Osamu’s hand gripped tightly into his shirt, over his belly that carried precious life.

He was so lost in his own thoughts, a wobbly, happy smile in his lips, that he barely realized that Atsumu had started crying. The phone was taken from Tetsuro, and then Atsumu was moving, a door shutting behind him. Osamu blinked in surprise as Atsumu wiped messily at his face, but his frown was hard to miss.

“Aren’t you happy for me?” begged Osamu in a sudden panic as something cracked inside his chest. He felt so damn fragile-!

Atsumu huffed, “Of course I’m fucking happy for ya, Samu! How could ya even ask me that?! Ya’ve wanted this… for forever-”

“Yes,” whispered Osamu carefully, his voice on the edge of cracking as he wondered why his brother looked so conflicted, then.

“Samu, are you happy?”

What an odd question. Of course he was happy. He was having a baby! Finally, a baby- Osamu’s lips slowly tugged down to match his brother’s. Wasn’t this what he’d wanted? And yet, why wasn’t he ecstatic? Osamu slowly turned his face into his pillow, eyes wide.

After a while, he said, “Suguru said he was pleased.”

“Of course Daisho is pleased,” spat Atsumu, and Osamu quietly rebuked him.

“He’s still my husband, Tsumu.”

“He’s an awful Alpha who abuses ya, Samu!”

“He doesn’t abuse me-” Osamu shook his head sharply, his eyes peering up now. “He provides for me, takes care of me during my heats. It’s not like he’s beating me.” It was an age-old conversation, one that Atsumu was very clearly frustrated by and sick of. Well, Osamu was tired of it, too-!

“He doesn’t have ta beat ya ta be abusive, Samu,” the blond bit out wearily. “Ya know that. Samu, ye’re bein’ neglected-! That’s not good for ya, and it’s not gonna be any good for that baby, either-”

“Tsumu, don’t-” begged Osamu. Don’t speak out the worst thing that could happen. “I will do everything I have to not to lose this baby, Atsumu.

“I need them.”

Atsumu fell silent, and that was really his point proven, wasn’t it? Osamu shouldn’t need a baby this badly to feel loved, not if his Alpha was actually taking care of him. Osamu got it, but what the hell was he supposed to do? End up like… Atsumu? Was that any better? His hands trembled; he knew it was hateful to think like that, but he wasn’t strong like Atsumu had always been…

“I’m so… happy for ya, Samu, truly,” Atsumu whispered after a long while, having sunk down to the floor. Tears spilled down his face again, and Osamu felt his own soak his pillow. “Bein’ a momma… is the best goddamn thing that’s ever happened ta me, and I know it’ll make ya so happy, but Osamu… a baby isn’t gonna fix everything-”

“Please, Tsumu,” whispered Osamu, a chasm splitting in his torso. “Please just be happy for me. I know-! I know, but I’m doing the best I can! What else… can I do?”

“Okay,” Atsumu nodded after a long while. “Alright.” Then, “Have ya told Ma and Pa?”

“Not yet. I wanted you and Tetsuro-chan to be the first of my family…”

With that, Atsumu stood up again, moving back into the living room. Tetsuro took the phone silently from his mother, and then he beamed at Osamu and the whole world righted itself again.

“Ahh,” laughed Osamu in a daze as Tetsuro exclaimed, “Auntie, I’m so happy for you! I’m so excited to have a little cousin! I promise to babysit and do whatever you need, okay?”

“How did my brother and I deserve an angel like you, Tetsuro-chan?” Osamu asked with a warm smile, and Tetsuro grinned as Atsumu complained again in the background, though he didn’t disagree.

“I hope it’s a girl,” hummed Tetsuro, and Osamu laughed in surprise.

“Boys are better,” called Atsumu. Tetsuro rolled his eyes.

Still, he said, “Either way, that baby’ll be so loved, promise that.” Osamu clenched lightly at his stomach as his heart soared, and he prayed, prayed for it to be true.

Suguru, even if you can’t love me, please love this baby-

“I should go,” Osamu said quickly to end the call before he started sobbing, Tetsuro unaware of the turmoil the twins were facing as he cheerily bid his aunt a good night.

The second the screen went black, Osamu burst out crying. He buried his face in his pillow and sobbed, begging whoever was listening that his husband would love this baby even if he never loved Osamu, even if he wanted it, needed it.

Just… somebody… love me… please.

-x-

Tetsuro felt… hot. There was no other way to really describe it. His skin felt too tight, and he was burning up everywhere. While he was scared and confused, he wasn’t in pain, and it wasn’t… a bad feeling, save for the itching feeling of frustration because he couldn’t find his release.

Besides feeling hot, there was an unfamiliar scent in the bedroom now, too, heady and strong, and the back of Tetsuro’s neck felt swollen and stiff. He lay on his back in his bed, eyes wide, his mother’s soft breathing coming from the other bed in the opposite corner of their small, shared bedroom. It was late, Tetsuro knew that much, but he wondered if he should wake Atsumu. Did he have to work in the morning? Tetsuro had school, but there was no way he was getting any sleep now.

He ever so quietly shifted on his futon, but at some point he’d stopped paying attention to the soft breathing in the room and missed that it had quieted. As he turned on his mattress and attempted to sit up, a hazy voice called out, “Tetsu-chan.”

Tetsuro froze, both at the sound of his mother’s voice and the realization that he was hard between his thighs. The moment he realized the latter, the heat that had been sweltering in his gut unleashed throughout his whole body in a wave, and the unfamiliar scent that lingered around him suddenly filled the whole room. Vaguely, Tetsuro saw the shadow of his mother sit up in his bed.

“Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu called again, and this time Tetsuro nearly tripped over his feet and long legs as he rose and rushed over to the Omega’s bed.

"Momma,” called Tetsuro as he suddenly went dizzy, collapsing onto Atsumu’s mattress. “What’s happening to me?”

Warm arms wrapped around his tall frame, a bit of relief coming with it. Atsumu hushed the teenage boy. “It’s normal, baby boy. Ye’re goin’ thru puberty.” Cool fingers touched to the back of Tetsuro’s neck, and he yelped out, pain searing from the lightest touch, heat flaring out, and that smell… like hazelnut coffee- No, almonds and coffee beans, to be exact. Tetsuro inhaled shakily, Atsumu gently holding him. Every touch felt like fire, and Tetsuro sought for the comfort his mother’s scent had always provided, burying his face in the Omega’s neck. Oh, it smelled sweeter now. Tetsuro hugged his momma tight.

“Yer scent gland is developin’, Tetsu-chan. Ye’re officially an Alpha now,” congratulated the older male ever so softly. Tetsuro wondered if he misheard the slight melancholy in those words. “Ye’ll probably feel hot like ya have a fever, and yer neck’ll be sore for a few days.

“Also, ye’ll want ta fuck everythin’ that moves- whoops,” Atsumu hummed like he hadn’t meant to say that. Tetsuro’s mind was too clouded with heat, though, to understand, and soon Atsumu patted his head and whispered, “Get some more rest, Tetsu-chan.”

The next time Tetsuro awoke, his body felt no less hot and heavy, but more like he’d gotten used to it, and he pulled away from the sheets, a sticky mess of sweat. Atsumu was nowhere to be seen, but his scent lingered, and Tetsuro buried his face in his mother’s pillow. There was something different about that familiar scent now, the edges sweeter as it burned up his nose. Tetsuro rolled over and groaned when he realized he’d messed his pants. Had he dreamed about something? He couldn’t recall…

He slowly stood up on stiff legs and lumbered to the bathroom he shared with his mother in their small, one bedroom apartment. He peeled his clothes off of his moist skin and climbed almost desperately into the small shower stall, blasting the cold water. Tetsuro wrapped a hand around his swollen cock and grunted in frustration. He’d had plenty of boners before, but this one seemed unrelenting and unwilling to go away. He scrubbed his hand over it in something akin to punishment, but it seemed almost as stubborn in not wanting to go down. Still, the tightness of his hand and the wet slide felt good, and Tetsuro sank against the cool wall of the shower and shut his eyes, moaning roughly as he rubbed himself.

It just wasn’t letting up; at this rate, he wouldn’t be able to go to school-

He yelped when he felt something at the base of his cock begin to inflate and swell, a new heat rushing up the backside of his cock. His eyes jerked down in a panic to his shaft, and he watched in wide-eyed fear as the root of his cock began to swell, aching. Without thinking, he bolted out of the shower and into the living room, dripping water everywhere. Atsumu nearly spit out his coffee as Tetsuro yelled in a blind panic, "Momma-!”

A mug clattered to the kitchen countertop, and Atsumu rushed forward before freezing. For a moment, the Omega seemed almost wary, like Atsumu hadn’t known Tetsuro his whole damn life, but a second later he was pushing forward again. He grabbed a blanket from the couch and wrapped Tetsuro’s wet body up, steering him back to the bathroom. “Okay!” he said in a rushed exhale.

“Get back in the shower,” Atsumu huffed as he let his son go, ducking down towards the small cabinet under the sink. He rummaged around and then pulled out something that wobbled as Tetsuro panted in fear against the shower wall, cold water suddenly feeling hot pelting him.

“Don’t panic, this is normal!” Atsumu shouted at Tetsuro like the Alpha had suddenly gone deaf, and Tetsuro yelled back, wild, “My penis is swollen, Ma!”

“Don’t call me that,” was the next thing Atsumu blurted out, eyes wide on his son. It was like he’d never seen- “It’s yer knot, Tetsu-chan…! That’s- cause ye’re an Alpha.” Atsumu took a slow step forward, not even caring that the bathroom floor was starting to get wet from the open shower door. “Does it hurt, baby boy?”

Tetsuro’s body heated with shame, and he suddenly realized how naked he was. This was his mother-! He covered his shaft, but even that single moment of no friction nearly had his knees buckling.

“Shit!” cursed Atsumu, and then he tossed something at Tetsuro, the Alpha barely catching the floppy thing. “Use that- ta simulate-” The blond groaned. “Jesus, that thing was mortifyin’ ta buy, but I’m glad I got it- Tetsu-chan, put ‘it’ inside.” A shaking finger pointed at Tetsuro’s throbbing shaft, golden eyes very obviously averted on the shower wall.

Tetsuro stared at the silicone sleeve in his hand while his other hand masturbated furiously at his cock like it was possessed. “What the-”

“It’ll help yer knot go down, unless ya wanna be here all day-!” Atsumu made some vague hand motions, and then he almost seemed to realize what was happening, and he shot up straight, his eyes wide as he stared at his son’s face like it was the first time. “Is it my scent? Should I leave-?”

“No,” choked Tetsuro, dying of embarrassment even as he was terrified to be left alone with the monster his cock was becoming. “Your smell… is soothing, Momma.” His eyes flicked down, though; what the heck was happening to him? He sank down against the wall of their shower and stared at the sleeve in his hand. It was generic, nothing special about it, but to fourteen-year-old Tetsuro, it might as well have been a porn DVD. He flushed deep red and yet craved the release his mother swore the thing would give him.

“How do I…?” whispered Tetsuro to himself even as he began to press the silicone sleeve to the tip of his angry cock, and then a moment later it began to open up and slip over his shaft. His head knocked back as a gasp punched out of him; he barely heard Atsumu fluster out, “I’ll be right outside the door!”

Tetsuro sank down to his butt, his tall body folding over his legs as he began to pump the sleeve furiously over his dick, completely lost to anything outside the feeling of his cock as he finally found some relief from that constant itch. Heat settled like molten lava in his bones, and Tetsuro barely even remembered to breathe. Oh, was his last cogent thought before he barreled down the hole of pleasure. His knot throbbed, the sleeve just barely taking the edge off, but it was good with nothing else to compare it to. For Tetsuro, that wasn’t even a realization he’d had yet, knowing nothing at fourteen about sex and an Alpha’s innate drive to knot an Omega.

Blindingly fast, Tetsuro climaxed, his cum jetting out of his cock almost violently, and as his knot finally began to deflate, his body went limp. He vaguely heard the bathroom door open and his mother curse in shock as Atsumu stared at the mess on their shower door.

Atsumu shut off the shower and then helped Tetsuro sit up. Ahh, his hands felt good on Tetsuro’s skin, so, so soft. Had they been that soft and warm before? Tetsuro wanted to melt into his mother. He pulled Atsumu closer as he whimpered, "Momma-” Atsumu smelled so sweet, Tetsuro being able to pick out the distinct notes of jasmine and honey for the first time. It was soothing.

“Well, congrats on yer first knot…” murmured Atsumu after a while, slowly pulling back from Tetsuro but still holding the teens in his arms. “Ya feel okay with me bein’ here? I guess my scent doesn’t affect ya like that since I’m yer momma,” mused Atsumu, and then he swiped Tetsuro’s messy black bangs back and smiled bright and fond at his baby boy. “Oh, sweetheart, look at’chya. Ye’re all grown up ‘n so handsome; I wanted ya ta stay my little boy forever…”

"Momma,” groaned Tetsuro as he slowly regained his senses, his head clearing though his skin still felt hot, his neck stiff. He slowly reached back and fingered at the nape of his neck; it felt a little swollen, too. His eyes fell next to the sleeve in his hand, and Tetsuro realized what his mother had said before. “You bought this for me, for today?”

“Yea, I just- I don’t know what it’s like ta have yer first knot so I read all these blogs ‘n everyone recommended this thing ‘n I just thought, if it would help ya-” Atsumu was rambling, so Tetsuro let out a laugh to interrupt him.

“Thanks, Momma,” he murmured genuinely.

“Is it weird?” bemoaned Atsumu. “I don’t know how ta treat ya now-! Ye’re all grown and so handsome, ‘n now ye’re this… sex-crazed Alpha when ya were my sweet little boy just yesterday-”

"Momma, I’m still the same kid,” groaned Tetsuro, something like fear ramming down his spine at the thought of Atsumu treating him differently- He cleared his throat awkwardly, and then he begged, “I’m still just a kid, Momma.”

“Of course-!” rushed Atsumu as he surged forward, and Tetsuro buried his face into his mother’s neck like he’d always done, inhaling deeply.

"Momma,” he gruffed as he slowly gripped at the back of the shirt Atsumu wore. “You smell… sweeter…”

Atsumu jerked, but Tetsuro didn’t let him go, only burying his face deeper. Hidden away, he admitted, “That was terrifying.”

As hands petted almost frantically at his long back, he slowly calmed. “Well, did it feel good at all?!” begged Atsumu, almost like he might be personally responsible for the amount of pleasure Tetsuro felt. Golden eyes blinked at each other as Tetsuro sat back.

“It felt the best,” Tetsuro replied with a dazed, drunken slur, sinking back against the tile.

“Well, one day ye’ll meet an Omega ya like, and then I’m sure it’ll feel a million times better, but for the love of all that is holy, Tetsu-chan,” pleaded Atsumu, cupping Tetsuro’s face suddenly, “don’t get that Omega pregnant before ya graduate high school, or better yet, college, and if ya do, don’t leave them-”

Tetsuro startled as he watched fat tears spill and slide down Atsumu’s face, even as the Omega laughed and claimed, “I’m just emotional cause my baby’s growin’ up right before my eyes-!”

"Momma,” Tetsuro tried to complain, but his voice carried an impossible fondness. He only knew a little bit about what had happened before he was born, Atsumu pretty tight-lipped about it all, but Tetsuro was old enough now to piece it together himself. It was obvious enough to see that Atsumu had been left to raise him on his own, and Tetsuro wasn’t stupid; it was hard on his momma, even if Atsumu hardly showed it and always said Tetsuro was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

“Should I call out for ya today?” Atsumu asked next, but Tetsuro slowly pulled himself to his feet, rising up, his tall body stretching out. He was already bigger than Atsumu, and that alone felt odd considering he’d looked up to the Omega for so long, both literally and figuratively. It was different now; Tetsuro felt like he’d aged a handful of years in just one night. He wrapped a towel around his waist, and then he pulled Atsumu against his chest, hugging the Omega tight. He felt Atsumu’s cheeks flush as he startled in surprise, but he melted a second later, hugging his baby boy tight. “Tetsu-chan, if ya have more questions, we can figure this thing out together, okay? I know puberty is confusin’.”

“You’re the best, Momma,” Tetsuro hummed, his voice resonating deeply around the small bathroom. Atsumu fell quiet.

“Ya mean it?” he whispered after a while.

“Yeah,” Tetsuro replied with all the confidence in the world. He stroked at soft blond hair and then leaned down to kiss his mother’s head. “I’m so glad you’re my momma.”

Atsumu was left in shambles as Tetsuro went to go get ready for school, the Alpha unaware of how deeply his words impacted his mother. He pulled on his school uniform like he always did, today no different than any other, and yet Tetsuro felt like a totally new human being. The scent that followed him slowly soaked into the clothes he wore and the room around him like cologne. It would take some adjusting, but Tetsuro was good at taking everything in stride, so he soon made his way back out to the living room. He found Atsumu fiddling with his boxed lunch in the kitchen. Golden eyes looked up at him when Tetsuro walked over, grabbing up his school bag from beside the couch. Atsumu seemed almost unwilling for a moment to let his son’s lunch go.

“We’ll have ta call yer auntie later,” Atsumu said, a tremble to his voice that he tried to hide very hard. “And Alex, I’ll tell him- Maybe he’ll have some advice… Do ya want me ta see if he can talk ta ya-?”

"Momma,” Tetsuro called, and then he pulled Atsumu into his arms, hugging his mother to his chest. The all-too-familiar scent of jasmine and honey filled Tetsuro’ head with peace, and a moment later, Atsumu was pressing his nose into Tetsuro’s swollen scent gland and sobbing as he inhaled deeply.

As Atsumu clung to Tetsuro’s uniform button-up, he begged, “Did I really do a good job? I worry so much about ya- I mean, I’m an Omega, and I don’t know the first thing about bein’ an Alpha. I was so worried ya’d hate me, or that my scent would irritate ya, and I worried about us havin’ ta get a bigger apartment, and how am I gonna-” Atsumu stopped there, but Tetsuro could figure out the rest.

He pulled his mother closer and said, "Momma, I’ll be fifteen next semester. I could get a part-time job-”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” bit out Atsumu angrily, hugging Tetsuro tighter. “Tetsu-chan, yer an Alpha, so ya gotta have a proper education so ya can take care of the person ya fall in love with later. I won’t let ya go down the same path I was forced ta take, ya hear me? So ye’ll stay in school, and ye’ll have fun with yer friends and do all the important kid stuff while ya can, so ya can be a good man when ye’re all grown.”

“Yes, Momma,” Tetsuro nodded obediently even as he worried, a voice in his chest demanding that he had to do more, exactly because he was an Alpha.

As if Atsumu could read his mind, he scolded, “Don’t ya dare worry about me, either! It’s my job and privilege ta take care of ya for as long as I can, ya hear me?”

A cool nose pressed to Tetsuro’s nape as Atsumu stood on his tippy toes, inhaling deeply of Tetsuro’s new scent. Slowly the Omega pulled away, and then he pushed back so he could look up at his son with pride shimmering in his honey-colored eyes. “Ya make me so proud, Tetsu-chan. Ye’re such a good boy.”

"Momma, one day I’ll be the one taking care of you, I promise.”

“Ahh,” groaned Atsumu with a roll of his eyes. Then, “Can I walk ya ta school? Maybe we can have lunch together-”

"Momma, you’re acting like I’m gonna disappear. I’m only fourteen.”

“And it seems like ya were just born, Tetsu-chan, so indulge yer old momma.”

“You’re not even old,” Tetsuro frowned, but then he picked up his lunch and took his mother’s hand, the two heading out the door together. Just like always, they talked about everything and nothing, fingers interlocked and hands swinging as they made their way towards Tetsuro’s school and Atsumu’s work.

“Be good,” Atsumu said as he cupped Tetsuro’s face and pulled him down to kiss his forehead in front of the gates leading into his school, which Tetsuro bemoaned, but he was smiling as he ran inside, waving at his mother even as he spotted Kiyoomi. He bolted towards his friend and slammed into his back as Kiyoomi was pulling on his school slippers, one hand against the lockers beside his own. The tall boy grunted, and then, without looking over his shoulder, scolded, “I wish you wouldn’t do that, Tetsuro.”

Tetsuro ignored the familiar complaint in favor of rasping our breathlessly, “Omi, you’ll never believe what happened to me last night!”

Kiyoomi slowly turned around, and he took one look at Tetsuro before guessing, “You had your first rut?”

Tetsuro’s face fell, Kiyoomi knowing him too well. “How’d ya know?”

“Cause you reek of Alpha pheromones, Tetsuro.” Kiyoomi’s face was stiff, but Tetsuro slung an arm around his shoulder and grinned. “You know the girls are going to be all over you now, even the Alphas…”

Golden eyes peered over, Tetsuro studying his best friend. Black eyes peered back, and Tetsuro thought that when Kiyoomi hit puberty, it would be the same for him. Kiyoomi, despite his sour attitude and stiff face, was handsome, and the Omegas loved his two beauty marks and curly hair. Tetsuro swept his messy bangs out of his eye and grinned crookedly.

“Won’t change a thing,” shrugged Tetsuro. He still didn’t have the time; the only Omegas in his life were his momma and auntie, and that really wasn’t going to change anytime soon. Still, he didn’t miss the fact that he felt more eyes turning to stare as he and Kiyoomi walked to their classrooms. It was a shame they’d been split up this year… Tetsuro felt like he barely spent any time in his own home room, mostly because he really enjoyed Kiyoomi’s presence, but also because he was constantly being hounded. Was it going to get that much worse? Tetsuro just couldn’t imagine there would be many more Omegas in the school who could have a crush on him.

Even as he thought it, though, he spotted an Omega pacing just outside the door to his classroom, a now-wrinkled envelope clutched tightly in his shaking hands. Tetsuro tried to see if he recognized the boy, but his face seemed unfamiliar. With a raised eyebrow, Tetsuro noted the three stripes on the collar of his blazer that denoted him as an upper classman. A senpai?

As he and Kiyoomi approached his home room, soft green eyes darted up, suddenly going wide when the Omega spotted Tetsuro. The grip on the envelope he held became almost tight enough to tear the thing in half. Two steps closer, and suddenly the Omega’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he inhaled deeply. The recognition was instant; the Omega had just spotted an Alpha who was now fully presenting. Slowly, Tetsuro’s own eyes went wide, too, as he had his own realization; this Omega smelled nothing like Atsumu had. No, there was a very different underlying note to the soft hints of rosewater and hibiscus, one that screamed and begged for Tetsuro’s attention. Something hot crawled down Tetsuro’s spine as the Omega almost seemed to push his scent out; it felt similar to the feeling from this morning. Is this what Omegas did to Alphas? Thank God the senpai wasn’t in heat, or at least Tetsuro thought so…

Kiyoomi shifted under Tetsuro’s arm and then slowly pulled away, features pinched now. Tetsuro, however, was too wrapped up in his own head to notice. The Omega silently approached and held out his wrinkled little note. A small heart sticker decorated the flap of the envelope, and Tetsuro stared at it in confusion. Shit, maybe his mother had been right to worry, though Tetsuro’s mind hadn’t changed at all. Still, he could already tell this was going to start getting troublesome. Tetsuro turned to Kiyoomi, but the other Alpha was no help at all, still unscented.

“Ahh, Kuroo-kun-” choked out the Omega.

Tetsuro’s jaw clenched instantly a little tighter. That scent was slowly but surely becoming almost sickeningly sweet now, too much for him. He grabbed at the door frame beside him as his head stuffed with cotton balls, green eyes jerking to it and then back to Tetsuro’s face.

“I’ve been trying to gather up the courage to give this to you for months,” the Omega continued, almost like he just had to get out and through some speech he’d memorized. “I’ve always been watching you! Please read this, and I’ll wait for you under the big cherry blossom tree behind the gym after school, for your answer-!”

The Omega paused, and then he suddenly turned on his heel, bolting away. Tetsuro inhaled sharply as the scent of the senpai slowly faded away. He pulled himself up straight again and turned to look at Kiyoomi, the envelope in his hand crinkling roughly.

“Looks like you were right,” Tetsuro began with a tired laugh, but Kiyoomi’s face stopped him, features twisted up in disgust. Even Tetsuro had never seen the other Alpha make a face that ugly before. “What-”

“What was that?” Kiyoomi chewed out, his lips pulled tight. “A male Omega? What the hell… Shouldn’t he be going after a female Alpha? That was too weird-”

His words were suddenly cut off as Tetsuro’s hand smacked against the door frame again, hard this time, halting Kiyoomi’s exit. Black eyes snapped a fraction wider, and slowly Kiyoomi looked over at Tetsuro. He likely had never seen Tetsuro make the face he was making now, either, his silence evidence of that.

“Don’t ever say things like that again, Kiyoomi,” the Alpha bit out in a voice he barely recognized, his scent suddenly turning bitter, like burnt coffee. Kiyoomi pulled back sharply in surprise. Two pairs of eyes locked on each other, both Alphas silent. Above them, the bell rang, and slowly Tetsuro pulled back.

“I’ll come get you for lunch,” was all Tetsuro said, his mind too much of a mess, and Kiyoomi stiffly nodded.

“Sure,” he muttered. He walked away without another word.

-x-

Atsumu had been rooted to his spot on the couch for almost twenty minutes now. Tetsuro had fallen asleep against his chest, the Alpha breathing in soft little sighs against Atsumu’s neck. Atsumu ruffled his soft black hair, and slowly his head had lowered down to nuzzle to his son’s still-swollen scent gland. The strong scent of coffee and almonds wrapped around Atsumu, both painfully nostalgic and pleasantly new. His Omega heart grew and pounded against his rib cage at the smell; to him, it indicated that Tetsuro could do no wrong. Ah, the Alpha was such a blessing to Atsumu, more than he could ever know.

After another five minutes, Atsumu’s phone buzzed under his thigh, and he brushed back Tetsuro’s hair one last time, kissing his temple softly.

“Tetsu-chan,” he called. “Yer auntie is here.”

Slow, sleepy golden eyes blinked open, and Tetsuro slowly sighed. He glanced down at the homework spread out on their coffee table and then up at Atsumu. He looked barely a day over four when he did this, Atsumu remembering it all like it was yesterday. His baby was growing up, though; he’d have to warn Osamu about this.

“Do ya still wanna go to the doctor’s with us?” Atsumu asked, allowing Tetsuro the option, not that the Alpha needed permission either way. Slowly, Tetsuro sat up and nodded.

“I can do my homework later,” he sighed. “Anyways, I’m too tired to think.”

Apparently puberty for Alphas was much more mentally exhausting than Atsumu had thought; Atsumu remembered being physically exhausted for his first heat, but then again, his entire body had been wound tight for a whole week. Tetsuro was smart and strong, though, and Atsumu was sure the fourteen-year-old would be able to finish his homework in no time tonight despite his rut still going. Atsumu stood and grabbed up a knitted cardigan, tugging it over his pixie cut jeans and striped blouse, both showing off his slender waist and round hips. He slipped on a pair of flats and then grabbed his small purse, stuffing his phone and keys into it. Tetsuro locked up behind them after tugging his tennis shoes on. Hand-in-hand, they walked down the stairs to the parking lot together, where a fancy sedan sat idling. Atsumu climbed into the front seat while Tetsuro took the back, and one glance over told the blond Omega just how nervous his twin was. Atsumu grasped at Osamu’s thigh.

“Y’alright?” he asked in a calm slur. Grey eyes glanced his way and then back at Tetsuro. The Alpha smiled, and suddenly the smell of almond coffee filled the sedan, soothing frazzled nerves.

“Ah,” whispered Osamu in surprise as his eyes went wide, almost like he’d already forgotten his nephew was an Alpha and had just started going through puberty and developing his scent gland. As always, Tetsuro was a quick learner, already knowing how to scent and calm stressed Omegas. Osamu sank back in relief.

“Thank God for you two,” he whispered as his hands slid to his lap and slowly ceased shaking. He grasped at Atsumu’s hand for a moment.

“Ya okay ta drive?” asked Atsumu with an arched eyebrow, for which Osamu shot him a dirty look.

“Yes, idiot,” he grumbled, sitting up and putting the idling car in reverse. “Let’s go.”

Today was Osamu’s first appointment and ultrasound, and he was understandably nervous. He was older, but this was also his first pregnancy. While Atsumu was willing to tell his brother anything he wanted to know, Osamu perhaps didn’t even know what questions to ask and maybe even felt some shame about being so unknowledgeable at the age of thirty. The drive to the doctor’s office was filled with mostly Tetsuro’s deepening voice and his soothing scent, though, so by the time the trio arrived, Osamu was feeling much less nervous. Tetsuro linked his arm through his auntie’s and mother’s as they made their way inside, Osamu beaming in that proud way he only got when his Alpha nephew was showing him off.

At the front desk, Osamu gave his name, and the nurse told him that he would be called as soon as the doctor was ready. Her eyes lingered for a moment on the three, and Atsumu could almost feel her eyes following Tetsuro, but she soon looked away again, Tetsuro just beaming at his family like he didn’t even notice. Atsumu wondered how popular his son was at school; Tetsuro never said anything about it, but Atsumu could still recall how many Omegas had clamored after Hatsuo even while he was dating Atsumu.

At another rush of Tetsuro’s scent, golden eyes snapped up, and Atsumu realized his thoughts must have been clear as day on his face. He forced his lips into a smile, but Tetsuro didn’t look fooled. He thankfully assumed it was about Osamu, though, leaning over to whisper, “It’ll be okay, Momma.”

Atsumu squeezed at Tetsuro’s arm and told himself he had to start trusting that he’d raised the boy well enough to make his own, good decisions. Still, Atsumu chewed at the inside of his cheek until a voice called, “Daisho-san?”

Three heads spun around at the same time, and the nurse in the doorway blinked in confusion at the faces staring back at her, two of them identical save for the hair and eyes.

“Osamu Daisho-san,” she tried again in confusion.

Atsumu smirked wryly as the trio rose to their feet as one, trying to force back the way he hated Osamu’s married name and stop it from showing on his face. The nurse turned after a moment, probably still confused as she haltingly led them into the back, to a small room with only one guest chair.

Atsumu told Tetsuro to sit as he stepped over to the bed with Osamu, helping the other Omega onto it as he told his brother calmly, “They’ll probably check yer blood pressure and yer heart and weight, and then they’ll put some cool jelly on yer stomach ‘n do the ultrasound, ‘kay? Nothin’ ta be worried about, Samu-”

The grip Osamu had on Atsumu’s hand said he believed otherwise. Atsumu glanced up at Tetsuro, but the Alpha was still releasing his relaxing scent and filling the room up. It was so much that when the doctor came in, she was stunned by the wall of coffee beans and almonds she hit, glancing over like she was wondering if she should be worried. Tetsuro smiled at the Omega, however, and slowly the doctor slid into a rolling stool, introducing herself with a smile.

“You must be Osamu-san,” she nodded to the grey haired Omega, and then to Atsumu and Tetsuro, “I see you brought a good support team. Twins?”

Atsumu gave the Omega doctor a crooked little smile, while Osamu nervously tittered out, “Y-yeah.”

“Well, the good thing is you probably won’t be having twins yourself, then, as it usually skips a generation,” she joked lightly with a lilting smile.

The more the doctor talked, the more Osamu relaxed, and in turn, Atsumu and Tetsuro, too. She smiled when she noticed Tetsuro letting up on his heavy scenting, telling Osamu his blood pressure and weight both looked good as Atsumu helped his brother back onto the bed.

“Could you lift your shirt?” the doctor asked next with a smile, showing Osamu the bottle of cold gel she held. “This will be chilly, but it helps us see that little baby better.”

It was perhaps the first time someone else outside his family had acknowledged Osamu’s baby, and his eyes went a little wide, his head slowly nodding. He lifted his shirt and then tried to relax back on the bed. He startled when the doctor rubbed her gloved hand soothingly over his pale skin, smiling again.

“Relax, Samu,” Atsumu whispered as he stared at his brother and the doctor. Osamu just nodded stiffly again, but his hands were shaking now. He wasn’t just nervous about the jelly being cold, but about this whole thing, and Atsumu squeezed his hand a little tighter. “It’ll be okay,” he murmured.

Osamu yelped when he felt the cold gel hit his belly, but soon he relaxed back again, as un-tense as he was going to get. He shut his eyes when the doctor pulled out her wand, tugging over a small monitor on a rolling stand.

“Ready?” she asked with a smile.

“Ready,” replied Atsumu for his older brother.

A moment later, the digital thrum of a heartbeat filled the room, and Osamu’s eyes snapped open wide. He stared first at Atsumu and then Tetsuro before shifting his gaze to the other side of the room and staring at the doctor, who motioned him to look at the monitor beside her. It was just a little ball of fuzz on the screen, but there it was, a little baby. Atsumu clutched Osamu’s hand involuntarily. When he glanced at Tetsuro, he found the Alpha transfixed by the image on the monitor, staring with a slack jaw. Maybe he hadn’t fully understood it until now; he was still only fourteen, no matter how old and mature he seemed..

“That’s your baby, Osamu-san,” the doctor told the room with pride in her voice, and Atsumu’s hand relaxed in Osamu’s, knowing this woman had his brother’s best interests at heart, too. He’d been worried as well.

As the three stared at the image on the screen, moving, wiggling, the doctor searched around Osamu’s belly with her wand, no one aware of the way her smile slowly fell the more she looked. Even when she pulled the wand away, they were all in a daze, no one really registering the way she said, “I’d like to take some blood and do a few more tests, Osamu-san; I’ll be back in a moment.”

Osamu just lay staring at the blank monitor, and then he slowly turned to gaze up at Atsumu, tears in his eyes. “I’m havin’ a baby,” he whispered to his two family members, and Atsumu nodded.

“Yeah-” he rushed as he squeezed his twin’s hand. Behind them, Tetsuro was quiet, perhaps the only one who had realized the doctor’s words and concern. Two pairs of eyes glanced over at him, but Atsumu noticed that his smile looked forced this time. His scent had grown a little more turbulent, too. Golden eyes glanced back at Osamu, and slowly the two Omegas fell silent.

“It’s probably nothing,” Atsumu tried as he cleaned off Osamu’s belly and helped the other Omega sit up again. “Just… routine,” he tried even though he knew it wasn’t. He held Osamu’s hand almost stubbornly, Tetsuro offering his chair up by dragging it over. Atsumu sat down abruptly, and the Alpha went to go stand in the corner, seeming much smaller now than he had before. As hard as this was on Osamu and Atsumu as Omegas, how did it make Tetsuro feel as an Alpha? Useless, scared, unable to help. Atsumu’s hands shook softly as they all stared at the door, waiting for the doctor to come back.

When she returned, she smiled softly at them, the tense atmosphere palpable. She sat down and quietly drew Osamu’s blood, handing the vials off to a nurse to be tested, and then she turned back to Osamu with a serious but kind expression.

“Osamu-san, I noticed a few spots of concern when I did your ultrasound. We call it ‘tearing’, and it’s unique to male Omegas. What it means is that, in certain sections, your uterus has torn away from your body.”

Atsumu and Osamu froze together.

“This is quite serious,” the doctor continued softly, “but I don’t want you to worry. We can get you through this pregnancy, but it’s going to be rough. As the baby grows and your body adjusts to it, it’s likely that there will be more tearing. It’s all manageable, but what I’m going to have to highly recommend is bed rest for the rest of your pregnancy, especially into your later trimesters. The more you move, the more you will exacerbate the problem, so therefore you will want to confine yourself to as little movement as possible. Do you understand, Osamu-san?”

“The baby…” whispered Osamu, his voice shaking, and Atsumu thought he might cry. Even Tetsuro was on edge from the floods of negative emotions in the small room.

“Your baby will be alright, Osamu-san,” the doctor quietly assured. “As I said, we will get you through this pregnancy and have the baby delivered healthy.”

“Okay,” Osamu choked out, his hand simultaneously sweating and cold in Atsumu’s.

“You might feel a tear once in a while. It will feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin, and there might be some bruising around your belly. There’s nothing to worry about unless you start feeling sharp, constant pain, or notice any bleeding from your vagina, alright? Again, as long as you rest as much as you can, you should be able to minimize the tearing.”

Osamu was in tears by now, rivulets streaming silently down his cheeks, his lips white. The doctor gave him a soft, apologetic smile, her own scent doing the best job it could to reassure her patient. Tetsuro’s was completely withdrawn, the Alpha himself too confused and upset.

This time, she turned to Atsumu and asked, “Is your brother in a position to rest most of the day? Does he have a job or a family to take care of?”

“No, he just has… his husband,” useless shit as he is.

“Suguru,” whimpered Osamu suddenly, and Atsumu jerked to his feet, hand gripping tight at Osamu’s as he stared at the doctor like she could read his mind, his anger nearly choking him for a moment. That damn Alpha, if only he was home and attentive and-

The doctor slowly helped Osamu up, telling him to call her if he had any concerns at all, even giving the Omega her personal email address. “You can ask me anything, even if you think it’s silly. I’m going to set up another appointment for two weeks from now, and depending on how you’re doing, I might recommend home visits for the rest of the pregnancy.”

“Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu called as he ushered Osamu to the door, the Alpha rushing to his aunt’s side in a flash, wrapping Osamu’s arm around his shoulders as the Omega cradled his belly, fear in his pretty grey eyes. Atsumu lingered behind for a moment, and then he spun to the doctor and asked bitterly, “Could this’ve been prevented?”

The doctor watched Atsumu, her hands folded in front of her. “Perhaps,” she replied after a while, “but it could just be genetic. Did you have any issues with your pregnancy, Miya-san?”

Atsumu shook his head stiffly, the silence from the doctor after enough confirmation for him. Daisho’s inattentiveness or lack as an Alpha had made this happen for Osamu, and Osamu would once again be the one to suffer.

“Do you have any concerns about Osamu-san’s home life?” the doctor asked in quiet tones. Atsumu’s golden eyes flicked up, the pair silent. No, Daisho wasn’t beating Osamu, and in all other ways, the Omega was taken care of; Osamu didn’t lack food or a bed or anything like that.

After a while, the doctor told Atsumu, “I recommend that any stress on Osamu-san be reduced as well. It’s not just movement that can cause tears, but stress on the body in general. If you feel… that he is not in a good home environment for this pregnancy, please… please do what you can.”

Atsumu’s eyes went slowly wide as he stared at the Omega before him. She was almost shaking, like despite her assurances, she has also seen the worst case scenario of this condition first hand. Was it her own pregnancy? A family member? Atsumu’s hands began to shake.

“My brother… He’ll be… okay?”

“Yes, if he follows what I recommended-”

Atsumu’s fist hitting the door jamb interrupted her, but the Omega did not look scared or worried. Concern flooded her pretty eyes instead, and Atsumu slowly withdrew his hand in apology, his fist throbbing. That was fine; he needed the pain to think, think.

“Miya-san,” the doctor called after another moment, golden eyes flicking up to meet hers. “I didn’t think Osamu-san could handle hearing it, but I need to let someone know. Because of this tearing, it is highly likely that he will never be able to get pregnant again. No matter how this pregnancy goes and how much or little tearing he experiences, his body simply might not be able to handle another pregnancy. Do you understand?”

Atsumu’s fists clenched slowly, and he turned away from the doctor so she wouldn’t see his tears fall. “As long as he can have one baby,” he choked out, waving his thanks to the woman behind him before he stalked off. Not for Daisho or Atsumu or Tetsuro, but for Osamu; if he could just have this one baby, maybe he’d find some happiness in this rotten lot life had given him. It just wasn’t fair…

Atsumu made his way out of the office, and he found Osamu and Tetsuro sitting in Daisho’s sedan, the Omega thankfully in the passenger seat this time. Atsumu climbed into the driver’s seat, hiding his shaking hands by clutching at the wheel. He pulled out of the parking lot carefully and drove too slow, his mind festering with ill will towards that useless, stupid, negligent husband of Osamu’s.

“What did she tell you?” Osamu whispered in the tiniest voice about ten minutes down the road, and Atsumu clutched so hard at the steering wheel he was sure his tendons might snap.

Instead of answering, he told Osamu, “Ye’re gonna stay with Tetsu-chan and I, Samu. Ya don’t need ta be in that big house all by yerself all day long, and if ye’re with us, I can cook for ya and make sure ye’re comfortable.”

“But Suguru-”

Atsumu nearly saw white, and perhaps Osamu noted the sharp, sour smell to Atsumu’s scent, because he fell quiet. “That… bastard can take care of himself,” the blond grit out after a few moments. In the back seat, Tetsuro shifted, his skin pale.

“Auntie, you’ll be okay,” he whispered even as his voice trembled, trying so hard to be a good Alpha when Osamu’s own Alpha had failed. “You and the baby will be fine; Momma and I will take care of you. The doctor said you’ll be fine.”

The car fell quiet again, Osamu curling his hands around his belly. Slowly, his crying filled the sedan, and Atsumu’s heart wrenched out of his body as his anger flared up at the man who had caused all of this.

“Was it something I did?” asked Osamu, and while Tetsuro reassured Osamu that that couldn’t be true, Atsumu understood the question to be much broader. In his whole life, were Osamu’s misfortunes due to things he’d done wrong, or things he’d not done at all? Atsumu grit his teeth, but he knew there was someone else who had to take the blame for this shit.

“This is my fault,” Atsumu whispered, and god, the burden of that admission was heavy. He sank forward against the steering wheel. “This is all my fault, Samu. If I hadn’t-”

“Don’t,” Osamu begged sharply, though. “Don’t ever say that, Atsu. You and Tetsu-chan are the light of my whole life, and this baby-”

Tetsuro was dead silent in the back seat, and Atsumu wondered how much the teen understood of what had been happening, of what was being said.

“I should’a thought,” Atsumu whispered, leather creaking under his hands. “I was so selfish when I was fifteen. I never thought about how my decisions might affect others; I just did what I wanted. Even… even he warned me, but part of me wanted ta ruin his life, even just a little, ruin his perfect little plans. I just wanted him ta admit he needed me as much as I- But instead, yer the one that suffered, ‘cause of me-”

“Stop, Tsumu,” begged Osamu, quietly sobbing. “Please… I was too dependent on you, even though I was the older brother. If we had stayed together, who knows what I’d be like now. And Tetsu-chan- Tetsu-chan is so good for you, for me, like someone knew that we both needed him. This baby, too; Atsumu, I need this baby-”

“You ‘n the baby will be fine, Samu,” Atsumu said stiffly, chewing back his own tears. “I’ll call that… Alpha of yers and tell him ye’ll be with us.” He likely won’t put up much of a fight if I tell him that the doctor told Samu not ta move or do anythin’ for eight months-

After a while, Osamu simply whispered, “Alright. Suguru will need his car back, though.”

“I’ll drop ya off at home and go return it and pick up yer stuff. Tetsu-chan, baby, stay with yer auntie, okay?”

"Momma,” whispered Tetsuro carefully, golden eyes meeting each other in the rear view mirror.

Ah, I know, Tetsu-chan. I won’t do anythin’ too stupid. I know I don’t stand a chance against an Alpha.

Just a good, stiff slap, though…

Tetsu-chan helped Osamu up the stairs and into their small apartment, where Atsumu insisted the pregnant Omega take his bed. “I’ll sleep with Tetsu-chan on the floor, no if’s, and’s, or butt’s about it, ya hear me?”

Thankfully, Osamu’s fight was already gone as he sank into Atsumu’s bed, tired and beaten down. Glancing back, Atsumu quietly shooed Tetsuro out of the room, the Alpha quietly shutting the door behind him, and then Atsumu sat down next to his twin. Grey eyes peered up at him, Osamu slowly curling up around Atsumu’s pillow and burying his face there. “Don’t lie ta me, Tsumu,” Osamu whispered, his perfectly crafted persona of a good Omega crumbling. This was the Osamu that Atsumu had grown up with, his precious twin brother. That’s right; Atsumu had always been better at carrying their burdens, and he would gladly do so again now.

He stroked at Osamu’s back, and after a while, he said, “It was that Alpha who did this to ya, Osamu. Leaving ya alone, causin’ ya worry, never lovin’ ya right-”

“He’s a good… Alpha,” Osamu squeaked out, but the silence told them both that they knew better. “I can’t leave him, Tsumu. I can’t… raise this baby alone, not like ya did.”

Atsumu pursed his lips, but he wasn’t upset. He knew perfectly well that Osamu was right. Osamu had never been built tough like Atsumu had; it’s what made him a much better Omega than Atsumu could ever be, but it also made him so reliant on everyone else, to his own detriment.

Samu, ya could have such a good Alpha, ya know? Ye’re too pure and good for that bastard; Ma and Pa were idiots ta not see how ye’re wasted on that man; they were blinded by his name like I’m sure everyone is.

“Samu,” Atsumu called after a while, knowing his brother was listening only by his quieted breathing, like he was trying to make as little sound as possible. “The doctor told me ya probably can’t have any more babies after this. Yer body can’t handle it.

“That’s why ya have ta listen to me now, ya hear me? For this baby.” Atsumu stroked at Osamu’s hair, the other Omega deathly silent. “Don’t lift a finger, don’t worry ‘bout nothin’. Whatever ya need, let Tetsu-chan or I get it for ya. Tetsu-chan’s gonna have his summer break soon, so he can spend time with ya, so ya won’t be lonely.”

“Okay,” was all Osamu whispered when Atsumu was done.

Slowly, the blond stood up. Grey eyes watched him for a moment, and as a final greeting, Osamu hushed, “Don’t say or do anythin’ to Suguru that’ll get ya hurt, Tsumu. He’s still an Alpha…” It was like he could read Atsumu’s mind. The blond clicked his tongue and then turned to the door. He almost missed Osamu whispering, “I’m glad I have ya, Tsumu…”

“Just sleep,” Atsumu said before shutting the door, and then he crumbled down, fist stuffed in his mouth to muffle any sound as he sobbed, his face scrunched up in both anger and despair. The floorboards creaked softly and arms wrapped around Atsumu, strong arms, the scent of an Alpha filling his nose and the small apartment.

“Shh, Momma, it’ll be okay. I’ll take care of you two. That’s my job.”

Atsumu clutched at Tetsuro’s shirt and thought it must be a miracle that his baby boy had turned out this well. He’d done what he could, of course, but most of this goodness was all Tetsuro’s alone. The Omega buried his face into Tetsuro’s neck and inhaled deeply, tears streaming down.

“I’m so glad I have ya, baby boy.” I can’t do this without ya.

I’m the one who got too reliant, too attached.

"Momma, I’ll go with you to get Auntie’s clothes,” Tetsuro said after a while, but Atsumu pulled back and shook his head.

“No, ya stay here with Samu, alright? I won’t do anythin’ stupid...”

Tetsuro nodded quietly, trusting his momma. He helped Atsumu up. Whatever Atsumu had wanted to say to Daisho, he stuffed it down again if only for his brother’s sake. As horrid as he was, Daisho was still Osamu’s husband and the father of his baby, and unlike Tetsuro’s father, the man wasn’t leaving Osamu out on the street.

Chapter Text

Wood creaked softly, a now-familiar scent filling Atsumu’s nose. He turned slowly to glance back at Alex as the tall man leaned against the doorframe of his office, smiling apologetically.

“How’s it going?” Alex asked quietly. Atsumu sighed.

“I’m sorry, my head’s just not in the right place today.”

“You’ve been stressed,” commented Alex kindly, almost seeing right through Atsumu. The blond set down his pen as a warm hand stroked over his tense shoulders. Between work and taking care of Osamu, Atsumu had barely had a moment to breathe. With another sigh, the Omega melted against Alex’s tall legs now, glad for the bit of comfort the man easily provided. “Maybe you should go home,” offered his boss, but Atsumu shook his head, clenching his fists.

“This is a huge deal for us! If I have ta stay here all night ta make sure ya get it, I will!”

After a moment, Alex let out a laugh and then said, “In that case, you should probably call your son, Atsumu.”

The blond shivered at the way the bigger man said his name. He peered up at Alex and then slowly turned in his seat, leaning back and crossing his arms. That flurry of butterflies still kicked up every once in a while, especially when Atsumu looked up at the tall Alpha like this, pretty, crystal-like blue staring right back at him like Alex felt quite the same way. Atsumu reached out now and tugged at Alex’s fitted slacks, humming coyly, “I would almost think ye’re tryin’ ta keep me here, Mr. Boss Man.”

“I would not be opposed to that,” Alex replied in a deeper voice, and Atsumu felt heat slide down his spine. Over the years, their work relationship had blossomed to friendship, and some days it felt like it could go deeper than that, still.

“That’s dangerous, Alex,” Atsumu hummed, but the man did not apologize.

Instead, he told Atsumu kindly, “You really don’t have to stay, but I always appreciate your insight and company. You’ve been a huge help to me, Atsumu.”

The blond Omega hummed, and then he slowly turned back to his desk, picking up his cell phone as he asked, “Could I have a quick minute ta call Tetsu-chan, then?”

Alex let out the quietest sigh of relief, quickly agreeing as he stepped back into his office and closed the door until only a sliver of light shone through the small crack. Atsumu gratefully lifted his cell phone to his ear, listening to the ringing as his heart beat wildly in his chest. He felt a little guilty, but he had also tried to deny that he had needs and that he was very attracted to his boss for too long. He’d tried to tell himself it was just because Alex was impossibly kind and very handsome, but his Omegan desires would not be quelled. That’s why, when Tetsuro answered, the first thing Atsumu did was apologize.

“It looks like I’m gonna have ta stay at work pretty late tonight, Tetsu-chan. I’m sorry.”

“Are you working too hard?” Tetsuro asked, and Atsumu smiled against his palm.

“There’s a huge deal comin’ in, and I want ta make sure Alex gets it,” Atsumu replied.

“Sounds important. Remember to take breaks, and don’t worry about me or Auntie. I can cook something simple and take care of him.”

Guiltily, Atsumu hushed, “I know Samu will love havin’ an evenin’ with ya, baby.”

“I know, Momma. Don’t work too hard, okay? You deserve to take it easy once in a while.”

Atsumu flushed as he thought about what taking it easy with Alex might look like. He inhaled deeply of sandalwood and bergamot mixed with his jasmine and honey, and then he exhaled again. “Ye’re the best, Tetsu-chan.” Then, “Listen, don’t wait up for me tonight, okay?”

Tetsuro paused for a moment, and then he replied easily, “Alright.”

Just before Atsumu hung up, the Alpha chuckled, “Just remember to use protection, Momma, unless you wanna give me a baby sibling.”

“Why, ya-!” roared Atsumu, but it was Tetsuro who hung up with a laugh. Atsumu flushed down to the low neckline of his blouse, and then he stood on his small heels, making his way towards Alex’s office. He pushed lightly at the door until it swung softly open, blue eyes meeting his own from across the room. The office was lit up mostly by soft lamps and Alex’s computer screen. The Alpha leaned back in his chair, anti-blue light glasses on the bridge of his nose which he took off as Atsumu approached. The Omega rounded the corner of the man’s desk, fingertips dragging over the glossy surface as he smiled at his boss.

“I called Tetsu-chan,” was all Atsumu said as Alex turned towards him in his chair. Golden eyes stared down at long legs and sculpted thighs in fitted slacks. He pressed two fingers to his lightly glossed lips as he tried not to ponder too hard about what Alex had going on underneath the unwrinkled fabric.

“Great,” the big man nodded with a soft smile. “Why don’t you pull up a chair and we can look over the proposal together,” suggested Alex in an alluring voice, whether he was trying to sound sexy or not.

“I’d love ta,” Atsumu hummed, doing just that. He crossed his legs after settling into the chair he’d pulled up beside his boss, his pretty legs shown off in his own slacks. Thanks to his delivery job, he had regained his quite impressive thighs, and if Alex’s lingering stare meant anything, he was sure the man liked them. Atsumu knocked the toe of his shoe softly against the man’s calf as he leaned closer, invading the Alpha’s space. Alex just smiled and leaned closer in return, his scent filling up Atsumu’s nose and head. Oh, he was going to lose himself tonight. Wasn’t he close to his heat, too?

For the next two and a half hours, they pored over the proposal and shared ideas, working out the kinks and calling the other party, until Alex sat back, shutting his laptop and declaring, “My eyes are going cross-eyed, Atsumu, but thanks to your help, I can confidently say we’ll have the contract in the morning.”

Atsumu threw his hands up in the air and beamed brightly, too keyed up by Alex’s scent to be tired. Still, he was happy work was over. He glanced at his watch and hummed softly.

“Do you have to go home?” Alex asked, and Atsumu could tell he was a little disappointed.

Atsumu stroked his shoe against the man’s calf again and hummed, “Not necessarily.” Golden eyes glanced up with heat in them as he asked, “Why, Alex?”

The Alpha’s blue eyes slowly grew darker, and they would have both had to be nose blind to miss the serious pheromones in the air. Atsumu slowly leaned to his side, letting his blouse slide a little to the right and show off his fat pectorals as he smiled invitingly, daring Alex to make the first step. The Alpha stroked at his upper lip and then slowly hummed, “I was thinking we should go out and grab a drink in celebration of this deal.”

Atsumu moaned almost sexually as he stroked a hand across his chest dramatically. “Ohh, I haven’t gone out for drinks in so fuckin’ long~!” His eyes locked on Alex’s, and he purred, “I’d love that. Yer treat?”

Alex laughed. “I owe you one of my biggest deals, so yes, my treat.”

Atsumu mewled, wiggling his shoulders in excitement. He stood, pushing his chair back with a sway of his hips, and when he turned, he found Alex had risen, too, tugging his light blazer on. Atsumu craned his neck and drank in the exciting possibility that tonight, he might finally get this tower of a man to bed him. Atsumu wasn’t trying to fuck up the best job he’d ever had, but the chemistry seemed undeniable, and Alex was quite clearly interested, too. Atsumu spun to grab his purse and cardigan, wondering what the night would bring them. After Alex locked up the office, he wrapped his hand around the Alpha’s, humming softly as he sashayed beside him.

“We can take my car; I know a great place in the city,” Alex was saying, and Atsumu just nodded, fingers dancing over a thick arm, thinking he’d let this man take him anywhere. He keened as Alex opened the car door for him, Atsumu sinking into plush, leather seats. The whole car smelled of Alex’s sandalwood and bergamot, the smell only growing more heady when Alex climbed into the driver’s seat and started up the Mercedes. Atsumu spent the whole car ride staring at Alex’s profile, his own scent leaking out in heated rushes. At some point, Alex reached over and cupped his big hand around Atsumu’s thigh, just above his knee, and it was a real shame that Atsumu wasn’t wearing a skirt today. He wanted Alex’s hand on his skin directly.

The bar they pulled up to was incredibly fancy, with rooftop seating and valet parking. Alex helped Atsumu out of the sedan and covered his hand after Atsumu grabbed at his arm again. Together, they walked in like they owned the place. When Alex asked for one of the more private booths in the back corner of the fancy club, Atsumu almost slicked his undies. He clutched at Alex’s thick bicep and stuck close to the man, shuffling into the round booth until they were pressed up against each other.

Golden eyes turned up as Atsumu tilted his head, lifting the menu with one hand as he propped his cheek on the other, asking, “Ya don’t mind, do ya, Alex?”

“Not at all,” breathed the big man, eyes only on the Omega even as other Omegas and Betas milled around, dressed a lot more provocatively than Atsumu was. It was honestly a shame; if Alex had been Tetsuro’s father, he was sure the man would have never abandoned him… Atsumu pushed the thoughts away, turning to order a fruity cocktail while Alex asked for an Old Fashioned over ice.

When their waiter left again, Atsumu turned back to Alex and asked, “So ya know all about me, but I feel like ye’re still such a mystery.” Fingers walked over the man’s thigh, and Alex smiled.

“Ask me anything you want, Atsumu.”

The Omega preened when the bigger man drapped his arm across the back of the booth, leaning a little closer to the other. Atsumu’s scent gland throbbed, and so did his pussy. “How long have ya lived in Japan?” he asked with a hum, trying to pull his eyes up as Alex’s muscles shifted under his tight shirt.

“I moved to Tokyo a year before I started up the office here. I’ve always loved Japanese culture, though, and I think the people are so beautiful.” Blue eyes met Atsumu’s.

“Yer Japanese is impeccable,” complimented Atsumu as he leaned a little closer, smiling. He took a sip of his drink and hummed.

“I’ve always been fascinated with languages, so I learned a lot when I was younger. I speak four fluently and about two more passably.”

Atsumu’s jaw fell slack. He barely knew Japanese himself. “No way,” he breathed. He curled his hand around the man’s tie and husked, “Tell me somethin’ in all of ‘em.”

Alex chuckled but obliged, leaning close to Atsumu’s ear as he spoke in Spanish, English, German, Italian, French, finishing it off on Japanese with, “You’re really quite dangerous, you know?”

Atsumu was melting, tugging Alex’s tie loose. The alcohol was rushing through his veins, and when Alex asked if he wanted another drink, he eagerly nodded. “That was so sexy… I love yer accent, ya know…”

A long, thick finger slowly reached up and brushed Atsumu’s bangs back, and then Alex leaned in and whispered, “I think your accent is much sexier, though, Atsumu.”

Oh, Atsumu was sweltering, and it wasn’t just the alcohol anymore. He was high on Alex, desperate to be taken, and he was letting it be known, spilling his pheromones everywhere. Alex glanced around for a moment, and then he slid his hand around Atsumu’s neck, almost like he could make it stop, or at least mute it.

“What’s wrong?” asked Atsumu with his last bit of rationale left. Alex stared down at him, so close, lips so luscious. Atsumu stared at them, still clutching at the Alpha’s tie.

“I just wish we were somewhere a little more private. I don’t want everyone in here smelling… how good you smell right now.” Alex was breathing heavy, and Atsumu delighted in it. He shivered when a hand cupped around his waist. “Atsumu, this is bad. We… shouldn’t…”

“Tell me ya want me ta stop,” husked Atsumu, peering up through his thick lashes. Alex stared back, silent.

“I won’t lie to you,” he said after a long while.

“We could go somewhere more private,” offered Atsumu.

“That’s even more dangerous…” Alex breathed. He turned and picked up his drink, as if the caramel-colored liquid might provide the answer he needed.

“Do you want another?” he asked again as Atsumu finished his, too. Atsumu hummed for a moment, twirling his empty glass, and Alex said, “Let me rephrase that. How about a drink at my place instead?”

Atsumu burst with hot desire, and he nodded eagerly. Fuck, he was filthy wet in his panties now. Alex had to help him out of the booth after he’d paid their tab, the Omega clinging to his boss as his head swam with heat and alcohol. Halfway to the driveway where the valet would pull up Alex’s car, Atsumu tugged his heels off and carried them with a giggle. He was feeling good, good-

The car ride was too long, Atsumu flushed with need, his pheromones almost choking out Alex’s. The Alpha was still holding back, Atsumu thought, but he could change that. He would, if Alex wanted him, and he wasn’t showing any signs that he didn’t. Atsumu peered at the man’s side profile in wonder. It wasn’t just that he hadn’t had sex in fifteen years, it was that Alex was incredibly hot.

Alex pulled his luxury car into a private parking lot. The building looming above it was about fifteen stories high, new construction with modern fixings, and Atsumu stared up in awe at the huge windows that decorated the front and sides of the apartments. Atsumu wasn’t sure he’d ever seen a place this nice, let alone stepped foot inside. He slipped his heels back on and reverently stepped out of Alex’s car when the man extended a hand. The Alpha’s paw was big and soft, warm against Atsumu’s palm, and the Omega slowly leaned into his broad shoulder as they walked hand-in-hand towards the side entrance, where Alex slid a keycard to gain entry. The air inside the hallway was cool and smelled clean, and it was incredibly quiet, Atsumu sliding his fingers along the wall in awe.

“Ye’re seriously rich,” he whispered to Alex as they stepped into the elevator, the foreign man turning to smile at him. “It’s like I’ve finally bagged that sugar daddy I always wanted,” teased Atsumu. Alex was quiet, his blue eyes fierce as he stared at the Omega, but if he had a reply, he didn’t voice it. After a while, Alex smiled, and Atsumu purred. He leaned back against the elevator wall and slowly swayed his hips, watching Alex watch him. Did the man like what he saw? Atsumu certainly did…

The door to Alex’s apartment was one of about four in the hallway, and Atsumu wondered what kind of mega studio they would walk in on. In a place like this, he and Tetsu could have their own rooms, and even Osamu would have a space to call his own. Too bad Atsumu didn’t make boss money, he thought with a soft laugh, though he wouldn’t wish the kind of work Alex did upon himself. Alex spent many late nights at the office, and he worked hard every single day, probably weekends, too.

The space inside was furnished just how Atsumu might have expected: modern, but not over-cluttered. There was a leather sectional in the big living room, as well as a TV and a coffee table, and off the kitchen sat a small dining room table that looked barely used. The kitchen was stocked, likely where Alex spent a lot of his time as a bachelor, aside from the bedroom. There were two bedrooms, actually, and a very nice bathroom down the hall, and behind the living and dining room were floor to ceiling glass windows, overlooking the city below. Atsumu tugged his shoes off and tossed them haphazardly into the entryway, trudging in awe towards the huge windows. He was thankfully not drunk enough to press his hands and face to the glass, but still he could feel the cool they gave off, his flushed cheeks thankful for the bit of reprieve. Behind him, Alex bustled around, and soon something cool tapped against Atsumu’s shoulder, golden eyes peering up and over at Alex and the glass of wine he held.

“You seem more like a wine person,” Alex said with a smile as he lifted his own beer can to his lips, taking a long sip. Atsumu watched his Adam’s apple bob in a daze. He took the glass offered him and then slowly turned towards the Alpha, pressing a hand to the man’s chest.

“Thank ya,” he breathed, eyelashes fluttering. “I can keep up with the boys and down a few beers once in a while, though,” he teased. “I’m not all that dainty, ya know.” The implication of his words was quite clear, and Alex watched him, just watched him with those eyes.

“Should we sit?” Alex asked after a moment, and Atsumu nodded. He downed his wine as Alex moved to his living room, the Omega making himself at home as he wandered into the kitchen to get a refill, bringing the bottle back with him. He sank into the couch beside Alex and melted against the man, raising his glass in a toast.

“Ta us. We make a pretty damn good team,” hummed Atsumu, all of him tingling, heat seeping in from where he pressed against the Alpha. He was spilling slick into his panties again, and he wondered now if Alex could smell it.

A hand pressed gently to his hip, Alex circling his arm around the Omega as he agreed, “We do. I am so grateful you called me three years ago. I would be lost without you, so thank you… Atsumu.” Ah, the way the man breathed his name sent desire ramming down Atsumu’s spine. He stared up at gorgeous, crystal blue eyes and thought for a moment that these blue eyes compared nothing to those of his first love. Alex’s eyes were kind and warm, whereas Hatsuo’s had always been icy.

Forcing the thought away, Atsumu grabbed at Alex’s tie and slowly pulled himself up to his knees, his second glass of wine already gone. “Aren’t ya uncomfy?” Atsumu purred as he slowly tugged the tie completely loose, tossing it over the back of the couch with a giggle before setting his fingers to sloppily open Alex’s shirt up. The Alpha just watched him, almost like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to touch Atsumu even though the Omega had quite clear intentions, but that was okay. Atsumu liked taking control anyways, when he was allowed. When Alex didn’t make any protests, Atsumu climbed into the man’s lap, stroking down his chest as it was slowly revealed. Atsumu unbuttoned the top fully, and then he turned to his own blouse, wiggling sensually as he tugged the thing off.

“It’s a little hot in here,” he teased, to which Alex breathed, “I think that’s just us.”

Golden eyes stared at the Alpha, Atsumu smiling coyly. Alex wanted it, too, so why wasn’t he making any moves? Atsumu released another rush of pheromones, Alex’s own rising slowly to the challenge. Ah, he smelled so good… Atsumu hadn’t smelled an Alpha like this in so long, and it made him wild. He tossed his shirt away and drank in the way Alex’s wide eyes raked over him, his scent revealing just how much he wanted the other. Atsumu cupped his fat titties in the small lace bralette he wore, knowing that even if he wasn’t as fit as he’d been in high school, he still had a gorgeous body, his tiny waist looking perfect against his broad shoulders and fat chest. He liked his hourglass figure, but it had been a long while since he’d had someone else admire it, too. His hands stroked over the fat rounds of his ass, and he purred at Alex.

“You’re gorgeous,” roughed out the Alpha suddenly, and just like that, Atsumu couldn’t wait a moment longer, those eyes on him doing crazy things. The flushings of pre-heat swamped the Omega, and all he thought was that he wanted, needed, had to have.

He pushed Alex’s shirt off his shoulders even as he scrambled down, growling, “Fuck, handsome, I’m gonna give ya the night of yer life.” Singularly focused, Atsumu unbuttoned Alex’s slacks and tugged down his zipper like a pro, fishing out the hard length that had been pressing against his crotch this whole time. Shit, the man was huge, so much bigger than Hatsuo, but that was to be expected from a man 7 feet tall and foreign. Atsumu’s mouth filled with hot saliva, and he panted as he breathed, “Fuck, yer cock is huge. How do ya hide this thing in those tight slacks? Do ya have ta report it as a weapon yer carryin’ when ya fly?”

A huffed laugh answered Atsumu’s flirtations, but anything else was swallowed up by a shocked gasp as Atsumu licked hot up the back of the Alpha’s erection, his eyes crossing at the heady scent that came off the man. Ah, Atsumu had missed this, the smell of a dominant partner who could perfectly ruin him. His cunt ached, so long since it had been filled. Atsumu’s toys just didn’t do it anymore, and though he’d wanted to wait until Tetsuro was grown and out of the house, an Omega had needs.

With two hands wrapped around the man’s fat shaft, Atsumu could still see his head, and he surged forward, inhaling it. Alex was hot and heavy on his tongue, flavor bursting across all of Atsumu’s senses, and he inhaled deeply before taking Alex down as far as he could, about halfway. It had been a while, but Atsumu had always been good at sucking cock, and he was sure a little bit of warming up would soon have him burying the big cock down his throat. Above him, Alex gasped in shock, hands clutching at the leather couch underneath him until Atsumu peered up and tugged the man’s hands to his head and shoulder.

Use me, Alex. Come on, show me that primal urge~

Alex growled roughly, long fingers slowly gripping at Atsumu’s soft hair and warm skin.

“Atsumu, what… where did you learn how to do this?” the Alpha begged, to which Atsumu took him a little deeper, swallowing as his tongue wrapped around the man’s heat. He’d let Alex draw his own conclusions; he was a teen momma, after all.

Alex lost all ability to speak as Atsumu worked him down his throat, and there, Atsumu buried his nose in coarse silver hairs, absolutely preening. If he could have smelled in that moment, he’d know exactly how much he was scenting the Alpha, how his heat was leaking out in pheromones. Alex could smell how wet Atsumu was. In response, the man’s knot began to swell, and Atsumu toyed his tongue over it, hands wet with saliva stroking, encouraging the thing to get bigger and bigger. Alex was going to burst, and it was all because of Atsumu. The Omega shut his eyes and worked the man’s cock like he’d been made for this, mewling as Alex’s knot ballooned up. He listened to the man, and when he let out a telltale choke, Atsumu pulled back, eyes glossy and lips beaming. Alex strangled out an angry cry, his orgasm denied.

While the Alpha tried to regain his senses, Atsumu chucked his pixie slacks away, wet panties tossed aside after, and then he clambered back onto Alex’s lap, pushing the man down on the couch. He tore open the condom he’d grabbed from his purse that he’d stuffed there months ago with this very event in mind, and he rolled the thing onto Alex’s shaft, glad he’d opted for the extra, extra large ones. Sitting up again, hand spread on Alex’s beefy chest, he stroked at his own Omega cock and then fingered past it to his dripping pussy, the wet sound of it making blue eyes snap to his.

“Atsu-” Alex breathed, but that was as far as he got. Atsumu grabbed the man’s cock with a slicked hand and pressed the head to his aching cunt, mewling in desperation.

“I want ya, Alex, been wantin’ ya for so damn long, so what do ya say?” Atsumu keened even as he began to sink down. Oh, Alex was hot, and he spread Atsumu open like nothing else. The Omega tossed his head back and howled as his aching slowly began to subside, deep satisfaction he hadn’t felt in more than a decade sliding down his spine and pooling in his gut. “Yes!” he sobbed as he took Alex deeper. He wanted to stuff his pussy full, but he wondered if he could take all this man had to offer. “Shit, handsome, yer so long and thick… So big for me~”

“Atsumu-” begged Alex, but it was far too late for that, not when his scent was filling up the apartment and taking over Atsumu’s, not when his cock was kicking desperately inside the Omega’s cunt.

“I bet ya get Omegas all the time, but tell me I’m the best, baby~ Ahh, yer dick is perfect, and ya smell so good~” Hazy blue eyes snapped to Atsumu’s glistening gold, and the Omega smiled. “Been thinkin’ about fuckin’ ya since the first day I laid my eyes on ya.”

Atsumu pressed his hips down until his lips kissed softly at the man’s swollen knot, and they both shivered at the first touch, their instincts going wild. The Omega howled in delight when big hands finally gripped tight at his hips, and he purred, “Yea, ya can stuff that knot in me if ya want; I put a condom on ya.”

“Atsumu-!” Alex roared suddenly, and a second later, Atsumu was in the air, a strong arm wrapped under his fat ass as the Alpha lifted him. Golden eyes went wide as Atsumu stared at the new view, staring at the man that held him like it was nothing. Ah, Atsumu loved this feeling; he was big for an Omega, but when he was held like this, he felt as petite and dainty as he should be. Still, he murmured, “I won’t break, Alex. Do what ya want with me, please~”

It was perhaps the please that did it. Alex grunted as Atsumu slipped down a little more on his shaft, and then he was thundering towards his bedroom, growling at the Omega. Atsumu yelped in delight as he was tossed down to a plush, king-sized bed, as suddenly an Alpha towered over him with raw, clear intentions. Yes, perfect. Atsumu spread his thighs and pussy lips, his small clock bobbing softly against his tummy. He knew he was a sight to behold, and Alex seemed to agree as he surged forward, grabbing one of the Omega’s thighs and his jaw, stuffing into his cunt until his knot was kissing at pretty little lips again. Alex melted their mouths together and ate up Atsumu’s hungry moan, growling. Ah, he was feral, just how Atsumu wanted him. That’s right, Alpha. Want me more, go wild. Need me.

“Atsumu, Atsumu,” grunted Alex as he buried his face into the Omega’s neck, inhaling deeply of the pheromones that seeped into the man’s bedroom. “You’re driving me wild. All night tonight, no, ever since you first set foot in my office, you’ve been bombarding me with this delicious smell of yours, and I can’t take it anymore. Atsumu, you’re so beautiful and perfect. I’m- I need you, Omega.”

Atsumu preened as he was claimed, all of him yearning for the Alpha above him. It could be love, he thought vaguely, but it was all washed away in their raw desire for each other. As Alex’s knot rubbed insistently at Atsumu’s pussy like it was desperate to be let in, Alex’s hips hammering like a bunny, Atsumu mewled, whispering the foulest, dirtiest little nothings to the man.

“Ya can knot me, come on, I want it~” he begged, flirting with danger. A feral Alpha was not one to be trifled with, and yet Atsumu loved the risk. “Ya can make me yers, Alex,” he told the Alpha, the man roaring as he pulled Atsumu’s body to his own. At some point, he climbed onto the bed and tore his shirt off, and Atsumu nearly melted at the sight of raw power, muscles flexing and straining, Alex so beautiful. His bra flew away somewhere, and then Alex cupped his tender breasts, so much more sensitive after having a child. His nipples were achingly hard, and a pressure was building up both in his gut and in his breasts that needed to be released.

“Suck ‘em,” begged Atsumu desperately, clawing at the strong Alpha’s back. Alex seemed all too eager to as he rushed down, suctioning his lips around one swollen nipple while his fingers teased at the other. Oh, it was too much. Atsumu grabbed at his shaft and began jerking himself off, so close and yet not there yet. His toes curled, and he locked his legs around Alex’s hips, the Alpha’s rhythm never faltering. Slowly, that knot was pressing inside Atsumu, and he was going to cum-

Teeth sank around his stiff nipple, and he screamed as he came, tossed over the edge like a rag doll. His pussy milked Alex’s cock, and the man grunted in anger, clutching at Atsumu’s hips as his own sped up faster.

“You feel divine, Atsumu, holy hell,” begged the Alpha, kissing at soft skin and making his way back up to lonely lips. Alex’s kiss devoured Atsumu as he swam about in his ocean of pleasure, so happy he could burst.

“Alex,” he whispered drunkenly, his hands sliding down the man’s back and arms. “Alex, adore me. Fuck me. Knot me~”

“I will,” swore Alex even as he grunted, trying to stuff his cock into a still-tight pussy. There was no pain, though, only pleasure as Atsumu took it, and the Omega let the Alpha have a taste of a pussy that had given birth and could therefore take a lot more than another could. “You’re sinful,” Alex growled as he kissed at Atsumu’s neck, his hand slowly cupping and locking over the Omega’s scent gland. Though Atsumu wasn’t in heat and Alex not in his rut, it was still dangerous with how keyed up they were, and though Atsumu’s inner Omega begged to be marked, he was thankful that Alex was far too considerate to actually do so. Still, when Alex whispered, “I’ve fallen in love with you, Atsumu,” it was nearly as intimate as his teeth sinking into Atsumu’s scent gland would have been. Atsumu choked, too lost in pleasure to fully process or respond; all he recognized was his Omega preening, melting as he felt perfectly loved and adored.

A few seconds later, Atsumu’s cunt closed around Alex’s knot, and they both grunted in surprise. The knot was huge, bigger than Atsumu had left it, and his eyes snapped wide. Shit- Alex froze as he felt how tight Atsumu was, the knot ensuring he couldn’t pull out anymore. The Alpha slowly sat up, and Atsumu sobbed at the loss of heat against his chest, but it was soon replaced with a satisfied mewl as Alex turned them on the bed, pulling Atsumu on top of his lap again as he leaned back against the headboard. His big hands felt warm against Atsumu’s hips, heat trailing down as Alex stroked over Atsumu’s round ass cheeks.

Blue eyes stared up at the Omega, Alex’s lips curling tight in emotion as he whispered reverently, “You’re the most beautiful Omega I’ve ever met, Atsumu.”

“Alex,” hushed Atsumu, his hands spreading on the man’s chest as he rocked himself, what little movement he was allowed. Alex was so deep inside him, kissing at his womb, and Atsumu smiled. “Ya feel so good,” he praised. “Just what I needed~ Been thinkin’ ‘bout ya for three years, Alex.”

“Atsumu,” begged Alex breathlessly, his eyes sliding shut as pleasure washed over him, Atsumu’s scent mixing with his own. This room was going to smell like Atsumu for a long while, and Atsumu felt pride swell in his chest at the thought.

With a mewl, Atsumu stirred his hips on, rocking his own cock against Alex’s abs as he leaned forward. Big hands slid over his ass and thighs, up his back and into his hair, and Atsumu had never felt so adored before. Even Hatsuo- no, Atsumu refused to compare the two. Atsumu had been in love with Hatsuo, but this felt more primal, more like unfiltered desire than love. They were making each other feel good, giving and taking in perfect harmony, satisfying year-old urges. There was no hidden agenda this time, just pleasure, and Atsumu’s body felt satisfied, aglow with Alex’s praise.

“You feel… so good,” whispered Alex slowly, and then a moment later he was grunting as he came hard, as the condom inflated to hold all of his hot spill. Atsumu keened as the bubble swelled against his insides, as his womb fluttered at the thought of being impregnated. Atsumu was glad he’d put that condom on or he’d certainly be pregnant now, just like last time. Alex came and came, his knot deflating while the condom swelled, and Atsumu was overjoyed, knowing this Alpha had felt so good because of him, knowing that Alex had meant every word he’d said. Yes, he probably was falling in love with Atsumu; the Omega couldn’t find a reason to mind. Alex would worship him, he thought, shivering through a second orgasm, his cock trembling softly. Slick trickled down Alex’s shaft and slipped down over his balls. Atsumu sank down against the man and inhaled deeply. He moaned when big, warm arms wrapped him up.

They lay like that for a long time as Alex’s knot and cock deflated, until he could slip it and the condom out. He rolled Atsumu gently over as he shifted to the edge of the bed, tying the very full condom up. Atsumu peered around the man’s side and giggled. “Looks like ya really felt good.”

“That’s three years of wanting you stored up,” Alex murmured quietly. Atsumu giggled, but his boss had fallen silent. Slowly, Atsumu sat up, pressing his chest to Alex’s back and wrapping the man up. He knew what Alex was going to say before he said it, and yet Atsumu wasn’t upset. “I think we made a mistake, Atsumu. With our work relationship… We shouldn’t have let ourselves give in. More than anything, I need you…”

Atsumu pulled away, and he watched Alex’s body go stiff, scared he’d fucked up one of the best things he’d ever had. The Omega slid his hand over the man’s back as he stepped around, grabbing the full condom and walking to the bathroom to toss it away. When he came back, he settled back onto Alex’s thigh, wrapping his arms around the man’s neck. Slowly, blue eyes turned up to Atsumu, apologies at the tip of his tongue.

“Ye’re right,” Atsumu hummed after a moment, smiling softly at the handsome Alpha. “We shouldn’t have given in, but I don’t regret it, and I never will. I mean, we’ve been dancin’ around our feelings for three years, Alex.”

Alex pursed his lips, worry clear in his eyes, but the Omega reassured him, “Nothing has ta change, Alex. Ye’re still my boss, and I’ll still be the best assistant I can be. The sex doesn’t have ta mean anything, and it doesn’t change a thing.”

Blue eyes slipped down, and Alex muttered to himself, “But now I’m…” As his voice trailed off, Atsumu smiled softly.

“It doesn’t have ta be awkward or anything, right? We still respect each other…”

“Of course,” Alex nodded slowly, looking up. “Listen, Atsumu, I want to do whatever I can to help you, so you can take care of your son and be happy.”

Atsumu shivered, his shoulders rising as he smiled, so proud of this wonderful man who was his boss. “That’s what makes ya the greatest, Alex,” whispered the Omega, combing back Alex’s hair.

“Are we still flirting?” asked the older man with a laugh, and Atsumu grinned.

“I think that’s what helps us be such a great team. We’re honest with each other, right?”

“Sounds a little like stepping over the lines of a proper employer/employee relationship.”

“Ah, who cares,” Atsumu shrugged. “We can still be professional outside the office. Besides, ya hired me knowin’ full-well I thought ya were hot. I wasn’t tryin’ ta hide it.”

“And neither was I,” agreed Alex with a small laugh. “Still, I never meant to lose myself like this and… have my way with you.”

“I’m the one who seduced ya,” Atsumu shrugged. “If it makes ya feel better, I’ll shoulder the blame.” Turning to Alex, he husked, “I’ll take it every time.”

Alex grabbed the hand that Atsumu slid down his chest and sighed roughly, “We really… shouldn’t do this again, Atsumu. I don’t want to lose my best assistant, and I don’t want to ruin… this wonderful friendship.”

Atsumu’s lips tugged down for a moment in a sad smile, but he’d known Alex would feel this way, the man too good to get bogged down by office affairs. “Ya won’t lose me, silly,” he hummed, smiling again. “As long as ya want me, ya can have me.”

Alex let out a rough laugh, the double entendre not missed.

Staring down at Alex’s gorgeous face and pretty eyes, Atsumu hushed, “Can I get one more kiss for the road, and then I’ll be out of yer hair for the night?”

“You could stay,” Alex said, and then before Atsumu could misunderstand, “I have a guest room.”

“How ‘bout ya drive me home after I shower?” Atsumu said instead with a soft giggle.

“Yeah, that would be better,” Alex sighed, and still he was reluctant to let the other go for a moment. When he looked up again, Atsumu leaned down and locked their lips sweetly, savoring the taste of an Alpha. Alex was the best way he could have broken his celibacy, he thought, and he’d always remember that.

Atsumu stood, dancing to the bathroom, and from the doorway he called, “I won’t ever regret tonight, so don’t ya do it either, okay? We had fun, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, fuck,” cursed Alex slowly, and it sounded funny with his accent.

Spinning back, Atsumu flirted, “Ye’ll always be the most handsome boss I’ve ever had, and ye’ll certainly be the biggest cock I ever took.”

“Atsumu-” Alex choked out, but the Omega laughed as he darted to the shower, singing as he rinsed himself off. By the time he came out, Alex was gone from the bedroom, Atsumu’s clothes neatly laid out on the bed. Atsumu dressed but left his panties behind with a grin, a little present for his wonderful boss, and then he stepped out into the living room. Alex had been watching a show as he waited. He was dressed in a pair of joggers and a loose shirt, his hair brushed back with his hands instead of gel. Atsumu took a moment to drink the man in.

“It’s a shame,” he hummed to alert the other to his presence.

“What is?” asked Alex in surprise as he looked over, but Atsumu just smiled.

It’s a shame ya aren’t my type. I’d have let ya make me yers.

“Take me home, handsome,” he said aloud.

-x-

One of the strangest things that Osamu had had to get used to over the past few months was the fact that there could be so many noises at night. Ever since he was sixteen, he’d slept in a bedroom all by himself, and he had completely forgotten the sounds of another person’s soft breathing, the rustling sheets and murmuring voices. Even the light under the door when someone went to the bathroom still surprised him sometimes.

Living with Atsumu and Tetsuro was both the best choice and the worst. Osamu hadn’t realized how much he needed the very little attention Daisho had given him, how he craved his Alpha even though he knew it was a fruitless dream. His husband called him every once in a while, but it was hardly enough, and even just going without seeing Daisho’s face was hard. Still, when Tetsuro looked at Osamu and smiled, treating him like a prince, it was almost enough to fill the longing Osamu had for an Alpha’s praise and approval.

More than anything, it was this that made him realize that he had never formed a deep connection with Daisho at all. They were just two people living in the same house most of the time, and Osamu was just now realizing how very little that meant. Every day of the past few months had been filled with so much love and encouragement that Osamu was realizing how starved he had been for things as simple as his brother and nephew’s concern, the way they refused to let him lift even a finger. Even going to the bathroom became a two person affair, and yet there was no shame in it. Atsumu and Tetsuro had been so good to Osamu.

The thing was, Osamu didn’t even require that much; he didn’t need to be lavished, he just wanted simple acknowledgement, a thank you, someone he could trust to reach out to if he was having a hard time. With Daisho, there was nothing. It was so much harder than he’d let himself believe it to be.

Osamu cradled his belly now as he lay alone in Atsumu’s bed, his slowly-growing tummy a reminder every day of what he lacked and what he wished to give this baby most of all. Anxieties plagued Osamu’s mind, his body idle, and he worried, fretted, prayed that he would be enough for this baby, that he would do well. He wanted to raise this sweet, precious life up right, but he worried he was deficient. He watched Atsumu with Tetsuro, and he prayed for it to be easy like that. Still, he doubted Atsumu had had it as easy as it looked. Even now, Atsumu worked hard, probably well aware of the things he lacked, especially with raising an Alpha. And yet Tetsuro was turning out fine, whether that was because of Atsumu or in spite of him.

Osamu was so lost in his thoughts that he startled when the bed dipped behind him, Atsumu muttering quietly as he crawled in behind his older twin.

“Tsu-” Osamu began, but Atsumu just wrapped him up and grumbled some more.

“Shh. Ya were tossin’ and turnin’, and I couldn’t listen to it anymore,” the blond whispered. “At this rate, you’d wake Tetsu-chan. What’s wrong?”

Osamu sank into the small bed as Atsumu hugged him, held him, his body weighed down with every worry and fear. He couldn’t even begin to find the words; where did he start? A hand stroked over his belly, and Atsumu sighed slowly.

“Just sleep, Samu,” he whispered after a while. “We’ll figure it out.”

Osamu shut his eyes and nodded into his pillow, Atsumu’s scent mingling with his own. It was so nostalgic.

After a while, he asked, “Atsumu, how did you do it? Without an Alpha, I mean.”

Atsumu was so still that Osamu thought he might have fallen asleep, but then he let out a slow sigh. “Why, are ya thinkin’ of leavin’ that no-good, bastard of an Alpha husband?”

Osamu shook his head.

“Ye’re scared ye’ll end up like me,” Atsumu guessed flatly, and Osamu wondered how long his brother had known. Osamu wondered if he should apologize, but he couldn’t.

Instead, he replied, “I’m not strong like you, Tsumu. I’m falling apart now, and I have two of the best supports right by my side… I need an Alpha, Tsumu.”

“Doesn’t mean it has to be that one,” the other replied curtly. Osamu chewed at his bottom lip.

“No one else’s gonna want me, Tsumu.”

“Is that what ya think about me?”

Osamu shut his eyes tight; he’d known Atsumu would think that. He shook his head. “You always had… boys and girls fawning over you, Tsumu,” whispered Osamu in a tiny voice. “I never had anyone… like that. I should feel honored to have Suguru-”

“But ye don’t,” Atsumu guessed, his voice emotionless. Osamu gripped tighter at his brother’s arms as fear choked him, like the other Omega might slip away like everything else seemed to. A soft kiss pressed to Osamu’s shoulder, though, and the blond reassured, “Idiot, I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

“Tsumu, I’m petrified. Suguru doesn’t… love me, he never will, but what will I do without him? What will he do if he finds out I’m no good for having more kids. I’m useless-” Osamu couldn’t get out the rest of his words, trembling. He begged himself to not be so irrational, but the fears of being alone plagued him daily.

“He doesn’t deserve ya, Samu,” Atsumu bit out. “Seriously. To think ye’re worryin’ over trash like that; Samu, ya’d be fine without him, ya know. Ya got me and Tetsu-chan, but not only that, ya got yerself. Ya asked me how I did it, and that’s just it: ya just do it, Samu. No one can give ya the strength for it, and ya don’t even know how strong ya are until you’re there and ya gotta be. I was terrified ta raise my baby alone; I didn’t have shit, Samu, but here we are.”

“I’m not like you, Tsumu,” begged Osamu as tears spilled down his face, to which Atsumu clicked his tongue.

“Ya don’t need ta be like me. Ya were always comparin’ yerself, but that’s not fair to yerself, Samu. There’s so much that ya would have done better than me, ya know.”

“No,” fretted Osamu, sobbing into his pillow now. He was trying to be quiet, but he couldn’t. A choked wail rushed out of him when he felt the bed dip again, a familiar, soothing scent coating the two Omegas. A warm body settled to the mattress in front of Osamu, and the Omega instantly rushed forward, grabbing desperately at Tetsuro, inhaling him in rushed pulls of air.

“I’ll go back to him,” he sobbed as his family held him. “I can’t do anything else; I’m too afraid, so I know I’ll go back.”

“It’s okay, Auntie,” Tetsuro hushed, which only made Osamu sob louder. His whole body shook with it, and he feared for his baby; he wasn’t even strong enough to stand up for himself, to think good of himself, like Atsumu said.

“I’m no good,” Osamu hiccuped. “I’m a failure.

I’m so sorry-”

Tetsuro slowly pulled Osamu tighter as he cried himself empty, as he expended everything he had in him until he slowly went limp. Fighting was hard, and Osamu always gave in. He buried his face in Tetsuro’s neck and sleep took him an instant later, his nostrils coating with the scent of coffee and almonds. Unbeknownst to Osamu, two pairs of golden eyes stared over his head at each other. Atsumu’s gaze was steely while Tetsuro just looked worried for his mom and aunt.

“What should I do?” he asked Atsumu, his voice on the edge of shaking.

Atsumu wished he had an answer, but there was none. “Sometimes ya can’t do anythin’ at all…” he whispered back with a pained expression as he stared at the back of his brother’s head.

For perhaps the first time in Atsumu’s life, there was no solution to find, no rope to cling to, no hope at the end of the line.

He couldn’t fix this for Osamu. He couldn’t do anything at all.

-x-

Atsumu felt like his hand might get wrenched off. Osamu had been sobbing and screaming in pain for what felt like hours now, the bed beneath him soaked in sweat and other fluids. Nurses bustled around as they tried to calm Osamu or ease his pain.

“I just want my baby! Why isn’t he coming?!” Osamu screamed again, and Atsumu was ready to throw down with someone if these nurses didn’t actually do something.

“My brother is in pain!” he yelled at the nurses. “What are ya doin’? Why are we waitin’?”

“Your brother isn’t fully dilated yet-” one of the nurses explained, while another said, “This is a high-risk pregnancy, we’re waiting on the specialist-”

Atsumu clenched his other fist and glared at the nurses, even knowing full-well they couldn’t do much. They were doing their best; Atsumu felt at his wit’s end.

He slowly turned to Osamu and wiped his brother’s sweaty forehead, grey hair caked to his skin, quietly shushing him. He felt useless, wishing Tetsuro was here, but he couldn’t put something like this on the teenager. Still, an Alpha would have been nice… Grey eyes met his golden ones, and slowly Osamu stilled, whimpering with his contractions.

“It’ll be okay, Samu. Ya can do this, and that baby’ll be fine.”

“I just want to make sure-” Grey eyes darted up, and Osamu begged, “Have they checked the baby’s heart beat recently?!”

“Shh,” Atsumu hushed uselessly even as he pointed at the monitor beside Osamu’s bed, connected to the heart beat detector tied around his huge, swollen belly. Come on, ya made it this far, ya can do this.

Osamu stilled suddenly, whimpering through another contraction. Tears fell from his eyes as he clenched them, and then he whispered in the tiniest voice, “Suguru- Where’s… my Alpha?”

Atsumu wanted to throw something. He got it, but fuck, he hated that that useless Alpha had someone like Osamu so attached to him, even at a time like this; especially at a time like this. Osamu who would give the world for his man, Osamu who was suffering for his family, and where the hell was that rotten husband? “I’m in the middle of an important meeting. I trust you to take care of things, Atsumu. I’m sure Osamu prefers to have you there anyways.”

Bastard!

“Daisho’ll be here,” Atsumu lied through his teeth, and he knew Osamu knew he was lying, too, but neither said a thing.

“Tetsu-chan?” Osamu asked after a while, broken and defeated, and this time Atsumu’s heart broke. He just couldn’t let his baby see this. Even he was barely holding himself together, no telling what Tetsuro might do.

Still, “Want me to call him?” Osamu’s eyes went a little wider, and he nodded fervently. Anything was better than nothing at this point, and Osamu simply didn’t want to be alone. Atsumu fished out his cell phone and speed dialed his baby.

“Tetsu-chan,” he said to the Alpha likely pacing the floor in the waiting room when the young boy answered. “Auntie wanted ta talk to ya.”

“Sure,” Tetsuro replied hurriedly as Atsumu put him on speaker. He wondered what Osamu sounded like on the other end as he croaked out, “Tetsu-chan?”

“Hi, Auntie,” called Tetsuro, and it was amazing what an Alpha could do with just their voice. A few of the nurses glanced up, and Osamu seemed to melt into his bed. He let out a stifled sob as Tetsuro told him, “Auntie, I’m so excited to hold my little cousin. How are you feeling?”

“Better now,” hushed Osamu honestly, and Atsumu’s heart throbbed with the fondness these two had for each other. Over the past nine months, they’d grown incredibly attached, Tetsuro doing almost everything for Osamu by the end. Atsumu was thankful for Osamu as the older twin nurtured the Alpha’s caring side. Tetsuro would be a great man because of these lessons.

The two talked a little more, though it was mostly Tetsuro filling the quiet, and soon the doors burst open, someone snapping gloves on a man as he strode forward, smiling apologetically. His neutral scent let all the Omegas in the room know this doctor was a Beta, and Atsumu thought that was probably best. Betas did well under pressure and tense situations, not affected by any scents.

“The specialist is here,” one of the nurses explained as the doctor sat down and began his examination, seeing how dilated Osamu was, checking the condition of the baby.

“Everything is fine, fine,” the Beta assured everyone, smiling softly. “How are you doing, Mama?” he asked of Osamu.

The Omega let out a tiny sob, and Atsumu waited for the waterworks to start, but then Osamu smiled, beaming. It was perhaps the first real realization that he really was going to be a mama by the end of this. He clutched tighter at Atsumu’s hand and the bed’s railing as he told the doctor, “Everything hurts. Can you get my baby out?”

“You’re dilating just fine. How do you feel? Do you want to push?”

“Can I?” begged Osamu quietly, the doctor watching him like Osamu was part of his exam. How was the mother doing?

“We have to be careful because of your tearing,” the Beta explained. “How long has he been in labor?” he asked another nurse.

“Twenty-two hours.”

The doctor looked back and smiled at Osamu. “Seems like your body might do most of the work at this point. Good job holding out, Mama.”

Osamu sobbed, and then he meekly nodded. He turned back to Atsumu who still held his phone and whispered, “Is Tetsu-chan-?”

“I’m here, Auntie. That’s great news, looks like you’ll be holding your baby soon.”

Osamu let out another sob of relief, and then he nodded more confidently. After a few more minutes, he turned to the doctor and said, “I’m ready.”

“Alright,” the doctor nodded. “We’re gonna take it nice and easy. Do what your body is telling you, okay? If you need to break, we can break; if you need to push, you can push. What I need you to do for me, though, is power through when I tell you to, okay? We need to get this baby out safely, but also quickly. Can you do that?”

“Yes,” begged Osamu even as Tetsuro cheered, “You can do this, Auntie.”

The doctor smiled at Atsumu, and then he told Osamu, “Alright, let’s push!”

Osamu grunted, his face going red as he held back a scream, and then he inhaled sharply when the doctor told him, “Breathe! You’re pushing too hard, it’s not time yet.”

Osamu sobbed, but he nodded. He was learning to understand his body’s signals. By the third push, he was breathing through it, albeit choppy, and the doctor praised him. By the fifth push, he alerted, “I see the top of a head!”

Osamu sobbed, like all he’d needed was confirmation that his baby was real and this wasn’t a fever dream. Despite all the pain he’d suffered through, or many because of it, all he wanted to know was that his baby was real, healthy, and safe.

“Push, Mama! We’re getting close- Great! Now take a big, deep breath, ‘cause we’re gonna push-!”

Osamu screamed as he did what he was told, and Atsumu stared from his brother to the doctor, both so hyper-focused until suddenly, a clear, ringing cry interrupted Osamu’s scream.

He hiccuped, and then he was shaking with his sobs as he begged, “My baby, let me see my baby-!”

“Breathe, Samu,” Atsumu begged, but he was already reaching for the red bundle the doctor held, a nurse rushing over to swaddle the baby.

“He’s healthy,” said the doctor with a laugh as the baby screeched, and Atsumu let out a sob he didn’t know he’d been holding.

“Do you want to cut the umbilical cord?” someone was asking, but Atsumu couldn’t think beyond, Get Samu this baby!

The nurse handed over the little bundle, and Atsumu practically spun like a top towards his brother, Osamu trying to sit up and cradle his arms as he sobbed. Another nurse raised the back of his bed a little.

The whole world righted as soon as Atsumu set the baby in Osamu’s arms, reverent quiet filling the room. Osamu was both crying and smiling, snot dripping down to his wide lips. He was a hot, sweaty mess, but none of that mattered now. Slowly, the baby quieted, like he knew this scent, this heartbeat, this warmth, and Osamu sobbed.

“Sweet baby,” he whimpered as he stared down in shock and awe at the little bundle of life in his arms. “My little baby boy…”

“Samu,” whispered Atsumu, and slowly his brother looked up. The smile on his face was all Atsumu had ever needed to see; his brother was blindingly happy, and even Atsumu had to thank Daisho for that much. “What’ll ya name him?”

“Koichi,” whispered Osamu with a crooked smile. “My number one.”

What seemed like far off in the distance, nurses bustled, and the doctor called, “Okay, Mama, we’re almost done. Can you push a little more?”

Osamu just giggled like he was euphoric, warbling out, “Sure, sure.” His eyes remained on his little baby boy, Osamu garbling silly little noises at his son. Atsumu slowly raised his phone to take a picture, thinking he should tell Tetsuro to come when the doors burst open behind them. Atsumu whirled to find Tetsuro there, breathing heavy. A nurse rushed over to push him out, but Osamu called out, “Tetsu-chan!” with such big puppy eyes that she had no choice but to let the Alpha in. Instantly, the room flooded with his scent, relief settling into everyone there. Even the doctor looked glad to have Tetsuro there. Tetsuro surged forward, panting from his run from the waiting room, and he leaned his big frame over Osamu, smiling brightly.

“Look at all that hair!” the young teen cooed as he stared in awe at the brand new babe. “Just like you, Auntie.”

Osamu let out another giggle, and Atsumu smiled, snapping another photo. He hid behind his phone as tears suddenly rushed out. Spitefully, he sent the photo to Daisho, typing, yer son was just born. samu’s happier than ive ever seen him.

What did Osamu name him?

Atsumu huffed. yer omega is doin fine, by the way. his name is koichi.

After a moment, Daisho simply replied, Thank you for letting me know. I will pick Osamu and Koichi up when they’re ready to be released.

Atsumu seethed. Needing a better response than that, he texted Alex the same photo. my brother had his baby.

The reply was instant. What a gorgeous family, Atsumu! Congratulations to him, and to you. Then, Would you like a few days off to spend with him?

Atsumu wanted to cry. just marry me already, he replied to Alex, who sent back a smiley face. “Idiot,” whispered Atsumu to himself. “Ya know I would say yes if ya asked.”

He tucked his phone away again, and then he stepped back up to his little family, all he ever needed. He pulled Tetsuro’s head to his chest, kissing the boy’s messy hair as they stared down at the happiest Osamu and sweetest little baby.

“Koichi, Mama loves ya,” Osamu crooned, his Kansai accent coming out. “Mama loves ya most in the whole world, okay?”

-x-

“This test is gonna kick our butts,” Tetsuro lamented with a weary sigh as he sank down atop Kiyoomi’s desk, dark eyes flicking up to meet his for a second. Kiyoomi looked as unfazed as he always did.

“It’s called studying, Tetsuro,” he said stiffly, frowning. When he looked up again, he murmured, “Don’t tell me you don’t study and still get better grades than me.”

“It was one point difference,” laughed Tetsuro. “Are you still mad about it?”

“I knew the answer!” burst Kiyoomi, and then he clamped his lips. “Anyways, isn’t there some Omega calling for you today? Seems like you’ve been getting confessions every day.”

“Jealous?” smirked Tetsuro, leaning forward to stare his best friend in the eye. For how different they were, Tetsuro was really fond of the other Alpha, and Kiyoomi really didn’t seem to mind having him around as much as he acted like it, either. Somehow they worked out and made a pretty good team. It helped that they were the two smartest kids in their 10th grade class, though it seemed to make Tetsuro popular, while Kiyoomi was seen as an antisocial nerd. A few Omegas had even told Tetsuro to stop hanging out with the other Alpha, as it ruined his image, but Tetsuro had never felt the need to preserve something so silly as a social status, and he didn’t care much for being held in such high regards either, though he always tried to be nice to his admirers. Kiyoomi, on the other hand, had no problems scoffing at others or down-right ignoring them.

Kiyoomi pulled a grossed-out face now at Tetsuro’s joking accusation, and the older Alpha laughed. Kiyoomi was probably the farthest thing from jealous of Tetsuro. If anything, it was Tetsuro who was jealous of Kiyoomi sometimes; it must be nice to be left alone for the most part and not have to turn down Omegas and even Betas daily. After Tetsuro’s first incident with the male Omega after hitting puberty, Kiyoomi hadn’t brought it up again, but Tetsuro could tell it still weirded the other Alpha out a little when guys approached his friend. He wondered mildly what Kiyoomi would think of his family, then.

“Hey, why don’t you come over,” Tetsuro said suddenly, his back going straight, eyes wide. “If we both study, we can see who’s really better.”

“You weren’t planning on studying,” Kiyoomi gleaned from that. He glanced over his book, eyebrows almost disappearing into his black curls.

Tetsuro just smirked. Then, “Come on. I’ll ask my mom if you can come over this weekend.”

This time, Kiyoomi set his book down and gave the other his full attention. “You’ve never invited me over to your house before.”

“Neither have you,” Tetsuro pointed out. Kiyoomi frowned.

“My house is no fun.”

“You’re saying you think mine is?” Tetsuro grinned. Kiyoomi scoffed.

“It’s likely a nightmare…” Kiyoomi grumbled, his hands wringing as he probably imagined germs and junk everywhere.

Tetsuro smacked at his shoulder and bit back, “Asshole. My mom cleans and keeps a tidy house, and I’m not a pig, either.”

“So why have you never invited me over?” Kiyoomi stared up at Tetsuro, and Tetsuro knew his friend could tell he was avoiding the topic.

“You never showed any interest,” he deflected, and Kiyoomi gave the other a look that said that something like that had never stopped Tetsuro before. Good point.

“Look, it’s a small place, and I don’t know, it’s kind of embarrassing when your best friend’s family lives in a mansion.”

“It’s not a mansion,” Kiyoomi chewed out bitterly. Tetsuro raised his hands to calm the other; the subject of his family was touchy, and Tetsuro supposed he could guess why. Kiyoomi had a lot of expectations on him, and from what little he’d mentioned, it seemed like having older siblings who had done very well for themselves had only cemented the idea in his parents’ minds that their children could never fail. Kiyoomi was smart, but even so, Tetsuro could tell that he felt immense pressure to be perfect. It showed in things like getting upset about the one point off on their last test.

“I’m sure your house is nice,” Kiyoomi said after a while, and it was perhaps the closest Tetsuro had ever heard the other Alpha get to vulnerable.

It’s not a house, though, Tetsuro thought, but he kept quiet. “So?” he asked instead. “Maybe you could even sleep over.”

This had Kiyoomi hunkering down, shaking his hands. “No way.” Tetsuro could imagine the fourteen-year-old had a serious nighttime routine that had to be followed, and he probably slept on crisp sheets every night, in an actual bed and not on a futon. Tetsuro was about to raise his hands and laugh it off, but then Kiyoomi hushed, “Besides, my parents would never let me…”

Tetsuro was quiet for a moment before asking, “Think they’ll let you come over to study?”

Black eyes met Tetsuro’s gold, and Tetsuro could see the lie forming even as Kiyoomi said, “I’m sure they’d be fine with that.” It was almost like Kiyoomi actually wanted to come over, like anywhere but home was a million times better, like he would lie or even sneak out to make it happen. Tetsuro recalled vaguely that Kiyoomi’s parents often came home late. So he wasn’t going to tell them? This theory was confirmed when Kiyoomi said, “They’ll probably want me home by eight, though.”

Well, Tetsuro was not one to discourage a little rebellion, especially not from Kiyoomi. He thought of himself as a good kid, but Kiyoomi was just too stiff. “Sure,” Tetsuro grinned wickedly. “I’ll call my mom. You can eat dinner with us.”

Kiyoomi’s lips pulled tight again, but he didn’t decline the offer this time, and Tetsuro smiled. They didn’t have volleyball practice today, so they could head back straight after their last class. Tetsuro pulled out his phone and texted Atsumu.

yer invitin a friend over?! who is this and what have ya done with my son.

of course that’s fine!

is it omi-omi?

Yeah, replied Tetsuro. I told him he could have dinner with us, too.

oh my gosh… well what do ya boys want? ill stop by the store after work

Anything is fine, Momma. All your food is good.

now yer just flirtin, Atsumu replied, and Tetsuro laughed softly, glancing over at Kiyoomi to give him a thumbs up.

You’re the best, Momma <3

what the hell did i do ta deserve ya?

-x-

Kiyoomi had pictured a quaint little two bedroom house when Tetsuro had said his home was small, but this was barely two rooms total. He stood for a moment in shock in the entryway of the small apartment Tetsuro had dragged him to, and for a moment he feared this had all been a trap and he was about to be recruited into some illicit gang activity or something. He scolded himself instantly, telling himself he’d simply grown up too spoiled. Still, it was amazing that people lived in places this small. As far as he could tell, there was only one bedroom, too. He slowly slipped his designer shoes off and treaded inside.

It was immaculately clean. Tetsuro hadn’t been lying, then. This was what settled Kiyoomi’s anxieties, and he set his school bag down, glancing around the small but cozy home for a better look this time. The building itself was old but not run down, though Kiyoomi had been a little wary of the area of town they’d walked to. Still, his phone told him the crime stats were low here, and Kiyoomi deduced it was a fairly safe, if lower income, neighborhood. Well, to Tetsuro, his parents’ house probably would look like a mansion.

“You live here with your parents?”

Golden eyes glanced up, and after a moment, Tetsuro nodded. Kiyoomi’s eyebrows pinched together at the slow reaction; Tetsuro very seldom lied to him, but it was still always very obvious when he did. Kiyoomi frowned, his fears of the yakuza being behind the closed door rising again, bit it was soon quelled as Tetsuro admitted, “Just me and my mom.”

Kiyoomi almost blurted out a stupid and very insensitive question, but he pursed his lips instead. Right, Tetsuro had never once mentioned his dad. Well, that explained the tiny apartment. Still, Tetsuro had never given off any vibes of being poor. His clothes always fit well and were never worn out, same with his shoes, and he ate well enough to build muscle mass. Even looking around, it didn’t seem like they were lacking for things, though the furniture showed some age and the TV was old. Still, it was cozy and clean. Kiyoomi sat down on the tatami mat floor as Tetsuro moved into the small kitchen, asking, “Want a drink?”

Kiyoomi was about to ask for a tea, but he shouldn’t assume that Tetsuro would have what he liked. “Whatever,” he replied in the end, his eyebrows pulling together.

Like Tetsuro could tell, he peeked around the corner and said with a sigh, “See, I was worried you’d be weird about it…”

“I’m not weird about it-!” Kiyoomi instantly rebutted, but he realized a split second later that he was indeed being weird about it. He wandered to the kitchen, trying not to look surprised at the well-stocked fridge. Tetsuro, of course, saw right through him. Still, they had the black tea Kiyoomi liked, and he gratefully asked for a glass.

“I’m sorry,” he said as Tetsuro poured him a cup. The other Alpha glanced over and shrugged.

“I get it. There’s a lot of assumptions people have about single parents, but my mom works hard and has always provided everything we need. Works too hard sometimes, if you ask me,” the Alpha murmured, and Kiyoomi pursed his lips, thinking he knew a thing or too about that. Still, he could tell that Tetsuro’s mom had always made the time for her son, making sure to be there for the important things. He certainly knew that she attended every one of their games because Tetsuro bragged about it non-stop. Still, he’d never said anything specific about his dad not coming; Kiyoomi had just blindly assumed it was because the father worked like his own dad did. Now he knew that wasn’t the case.

“You turned out pretty good,” Kiyoomi said, and he wished he could make it sound nicer, not meaning it like that, but Tetsuro just laughed.

“Well, I’m a momma’s boy.”

Kiyoomi let out a small, wry laugh, and Tetsuro grinned at him.

“My mom will be home around 5:30, so let’s study until then.”

They walked back to the living room and sat down at the coffee table, the pair pulling out their books and notepads. Kiyoomi wasn’t all that surprised to spot more doodles in Tetsuro’s than actual notes, while his featured crisp writing, color-coded references, all important things highlighted. Tetsuro oohed and awed at his notes, and for once, Kiyoomi didn’t feel the need to tell the other off. This was just how Tetsuro was; insanely earnest and real, whereas Kiyoomi felt like he hid himself from most everyone, not even wanting to bother.

They studied for an hour, though Tetsuro spent most of it looking off into space or scrolling through his phone, but whenever Kiyoomi asked him a pointed question, he always answered right away. Tetsuro drove Kiyoomi crazy, but he was crazy smart, and Kiyoomi thought that he was just jealous, really. Whereas Kiyoomi actually tried really hard, Tetsuro barely put in any work and still came out ahead. What would Kiyoomi’s parents think if they knew that his competition was a slacker Alpha from a single-parent household?

Kiyoomi envied Tetsuro. He could just tell that the other Alpha was insanely loved…

“Hey, Omi,” Tetsuro murmured after a while, a pencil between his upper lip and nose, eyes going a little cross-eyed as he stared at it. Kiyoomi didn’t even look up from his text book as he grunted in acknowledgment.

“How was hitting puberty for you?”

The question totally threw Kiyoomi, and his head snapped up, his brain providing no answers to give the other.

“You’ve had it, right?” Tetsuro asked, motioning to the back of his neck. Indeed, just like Tetsuro, Kiyoomi had his own scent now. Notes of sandalwood and black pepper drifted out. After a while, Kiyoomi just rolled his eyes, the question too redundant to answer. Tetsuro grinned. “So what was it like for you?”

Confusing, Kiyoomi thought. He’d had to look up what was even happening to him, though he was thankful Tetsuro had gone through his first so he had a clue. He wondered mildly if Tetsuro had gotten a talk about what was happening to his body from his mother, though he couldn’t imagine it was the same for Omegas. Still, anything would have been better than the few comments his parents had made, his siblings no better. He shrugged and tried to play it off, though, saying, “Whatever, it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Not a big deal?!” burst Tetsuro, shocking the other. He stared up as his friend nearly leaped across the table at him. “Not a big deal? Your first rut?! Did you jack off? Use a toy? Don’t tell me you rutted against your pillow.”

Kiyoomi’s head swam with words he barely understood. He knew enough about what an erection was, but what was this about toys and rutting? Most of the time he woke up with a hard cock and then took care of it in the shower. It wasn’t anything that great, more of an inconvenience for a kid who only had time to study, study- “Oh, it was great,” Kiyoomi lied unenthusiastically, turning quickly back to his books. Tetsuro stared at the top of his head, but he didn’t press the issue, knowing by now when Kiyoomi didn’t want to discuss something. Slowly the other Alpha sat back down, mumbling quietly to himself as he twirled his pencil between his fingers.

Kiyoomi thought that was the end of it, but he probably should have known better.

“You ever imagine stuff when you’re jacking off?”

“Seriously, Tetsuro, we’re studying-” Kiyoomi grunted as he looked back up, but the look on Tetsuro’s face stopped him. It was like the teen craved this conversation, and Kiyoomi thought vaguely, This must be a thing that normal teenage boys get excited about. He thought it juvenile before, but when it was Tetsuro asking, looking so eager… Still, Kiyoomi didn’t want to admit that most of the time he just angrily rubbed himself, simply wanting the erection to go away. Imagining something? Like what? Kiyoomi didn’t even have the mental capacity to delve into make-believe scenarios. “Why, what do you imagine?” he asked instead to not come off as the most uncool Alpha ever, though he doubted Tetsuro presumed him to be any sort of cool at all.

“Well, I mean, there’s magazines with models and stuff. Like a pretty little Omega dressed in lace panties… or a little swimsuit… Imagining how soft Omegas are, you know, insi-”

“Please,” begged Kiyoomi suddenly, holding up his hands. They were shaking; shit, he was pathetic. Under the coffee table, his cock twitched in interest, and he stared at it in anger, betrayed.

“Crap, I’m getting a boner just talking about it,” Tetsuro said with zero shame, though, and Kiyoomi almost bolted up and out of there. How was Tetsuro not embarrassed?!

“Have you… had a crush, Tetsuro?” Kiyoomi whispered after a long while, almost scared to hear the answer, and he realized in that moment how very much he relied on Tetsuro always being around. His one friend. His worst fear was seeing Tetsuro get a girlfriend and having less and less time for Kiyoomi. Fuck, that was pitiful. He couldn’t raise his head.

“I mean, on celebrities and stuff, but no one I know. I don’t know, the Omegas at school are all so immature.”

Mommy complex, Kiyoomi thought, but he couldn’t even say it. He was so… relieved.

When Tetsuro asked him the same thing, he responded with a shrug, agreeing with the other even though he’d never thought about it. To him, it was all just an annoyance, a distraction from his goals. Kiyoomi had a life plan to stick to, one his parents had written up for him, and that… was easy.

Things like girls and Omegas and… love… No, Kiyoomi couldn’t wrap his head around that stuff. He was about to ask if they could just drop it and get back to studying when a key slid into the front door lock and Tetsuro sat up straight, his pencil dropping as he suddenly beamed wide. The unmistakable scent of an Omega suddenly rushed into the small apartment, and Tetsuro cried out happily, "Momma, you’re home!”

“Hi, baby!” called a voice that froze Kiyoomi. He couldn’t turn around, just staring at his friend as the other Alpha lit up like fireworks. Kiyoomi felt struck by the feeling that he had never once been that happy in his whole life. Jealousy rooted down deep and ugly, knowing Tetsuro probably felt this way daily. “Get a lot of studyin’ done? I’ll start dinner in a sec…”

Two things struck Kiyoomi, though he was so stunned by the jealousy he felt that he couldn’t fully grasp them: one, Tetsuro’s mom had a thick Kansai accent, and two, Tetsuro’s mom sounded like a man.

“Ya must be Omi-Omi,” called that voice with a laugh, a hint of mischief to it that Tetsuro had definitely inherited, and slowly Kiyoomi looked up.

"Momma, even I don’t call him that anymore,” Tetsuro was saying, to which his mother replied, “Why not? It’s cute~”

Kiyoomi went suddenly beet red and he wasn’t even sure why, but all he knew as he looked up was that he was definitely looking at a man in a very fitted pencil skirt and blouse, and that this was perhaps the prettiest person he had ever seen in his whole damn life. Both of these facts left him utterly speechless as the Omega just grinned down at him.

“Tetsu-chan, I think yer friend likes me,” teased his mom, and it was so close to the truth that Kiyoomi nearly fell over. What- Why- How-?! This man was too unabashed! “Ya okay with hamburger, Omi-kun?” he was asking next, and Kiyoomi thought he might be combusting. Why the hell was he hard?!

"Momma, I’ll help you,” Tetsuro said with a laugh like Kiyoomi’s silence wasn’t the most awkward thing ever, and the Omega happily accepted, hugging his son when the tall Alpha stepped up beside him. Kiyoomi just listened to their footsteps retreat, frozen stiff. As the sounds and smells of cooking slowly filled the room, Kiyoomi turned and sank down against the couch if only to hide his burning face and what was probably the worst expression- The smell of jasmine and honey rushed up into his brain, and his cock ached. Shit. Seriously?! This wasn’t a fucking shoujo manga. He was not falling for his best friend’s mother!

A man! An Omega man! Kiyoomi had scoffed at the very idea when Tetsuro had been confessed to by them. It just wasn’t right-! Moms should be Omega women, married to Alpha men, like his parents and his sister and brother- Kiyoomi smacked at his erection in absolute mortification. Holy hell, he had never felt like this before. Ravenous. He wanted to claim that Omega. He wanted to be… inside… that Omega. What was it Tetsuro had said? Soft… They were soft…

Kiyoomi stiffly turned and collected his things, stuffing them into his bag. He couldn’t stay here. He’d make up some lie about his parents asking him to come home. Just be graceful-

He rushed to his feet with those intentions, but as soon as he was upright, he darted towards the front door, shouting, “Bye, it was great to meet you and thank you for having me over but I have to go home because my parents need me-” Kiyoomi jabbed his feet into his shoes and bolted, not even bothering to put them on properly or tie them- He didn’t stop running until he realized he had no clue where he was.

With shaking hands, he pulled out his phone. The last thing he expected to see was a text from Tetsuro.

Dude, wth?? I know it was probably a shock about my mom, but I didn’t expect you to bolt-

Sorry, but my parents called. Kiyoomi lied. It left an awful taste in his mouth, but what was he supposed to say? The truth is, I think I just fell in love with your mom and I have a ragging boner- No way!

Sure, but you’re missing out.

The photo Tetsuro sent of the hamburger steak and his mom holding a plate up, beaming so proudly, nearly put Kiyoomi on his knees. This wasn’t right, he wanted to scream. Tetsuro’s mom looked barely a day over twenty-five, but he had given birth to Tetsuro so he was at least, what, thirty?

No, no, more important than that, this was a man!! A male Omega. A soft, supple Omega with soft hips and a soft belly and soft, soft lips-

Kiyoomi bolted to the nearest train station, his school bag clutched in front of his crotch. He was going to go home and do shameful things, horrible things, but for the first time in his whole life, Kiyoomi Sakusa felt like a teenage Alpha boy going through puberty.

For the first time in his miserable life, Kiyoomi thought there might be more to live for than good grades and getting into the best college and becoming a doctor or lawyer-

He just wanted to be a good Alpha, a good man, and he wanted to take good care of an Omega like Tetsuro’s mom.

No, he wanted to take care of that specific Omega. He hadn’t even caught the Omega’s name… Kuroo-san? No, Tetsuro had said they had different last names.

Shit. Kiyoomi was in love, and he hadn’t even stayed long enough to catch the Omega’s name. He lifted his phone, staring at the picture of the best-looking meal ever and the prettiest Omega holding the plate. He could imagine the food, simple as it was, tasted so good… why hadn’t he stayed? He’d regret this forever…

When I come over again, what should I call your mom?

He couldn’t believe he’d actually typed those words after the message sent.

You wanna come over again?

A sleepover sounds nice. Who was he?!

lmao are you crushing on my mom? I know he’s pretty, but you really can’t have him.

Kiyoomi knew Tetsuro was messing with him, but the truth hit too close to home. lmao, he replied, quite unlike him, but he didn’t feel like the same person anymore, either. You know how I feel about male Omegas. Absolutely wrong, he thought to himself; how could he have been so delusional? He wondered if Tetsuro could see right through him, too.

I suppose if it was you, though, I’d be okay with it, Tetsuro replied, and Kiyoomi didn’t know if he wanted Tetsuro’s blessing that bad, but he wasn’t sure the other Alpha was joking anymore. He ran home in shame, his phone buzzing in his pants’ pocket.

Momma says you can call him Atsumu-chan~ Tetsuro was still teasing him, but Kiyoomi couldn’t bring himself to care. He darted up to his bedroom, thankful for an empty house as he tossed his heavy book bag down and nearly ripped his pants off. He wrapped two hands around his cock and stared down at it, the base of his shaft swelling. He’d read about this- He hadn’t thought Alphas could knot outside of a rut, though, and didn’t this usually happen during sex with an Omega?

Kiyoomi stumbled to his bed as he angrily fisted at his erection, pressing his face into his shoulder to try to dredge up any hint of jasmine and honey lingering in his clothes.

He came violently with the name, “Atsumu… -chan,” on his lips, and then he sank down, spent, ruined, distraught. He was so shocked by it all that he couldn’t even find it in himself to care about the massive amount of cum that coated his sheets now. He covered himself in shame with his top sheet.

How was he going to face Tetsuro on Monday? He supposed he had to if he ever wanted to see Atsumu again, though.

He saved the photo Tetsuro had sent and then crawled to his bathroom to wash himself in shame. Jealousy curled up in his gut, and Kiyoomi thought he would never recover from this.

Chapter Text

Five years later

Alex sat at his big desk with his hands templed against his lips, a frown furrowing his pale brow. He wasn’t sure he’d ever felt this perplexed in all of his 41 years of living, and although he thought he knew his secretary Atsumu pretty well, he was quite confused now. The scent that was rolling in from the front of the office was making Alex worry incessantly, the hints of charcoal almost making it seem like Atsumu was literally burning himself out. Alex hadn’t noticed any job performance issues, but the smell was distracting, and he worried.

His eyes darted up when soft footsteps approached, Atsumu smiling as he always did, but there was a tiredness in his eyes that wasn’t usually there, especially since his son had gone off to college. Was Atsumu lonely? An ache swelled inside Alex, thinking he wanted to fix that, but he couldn’t assume… He slowly sat up as Atsumu approached, handing over a small stack of files.

“I booked yer flight and hotel for yer trip next week, Alex,” the blond Omega hummed, cocking his hip. Alex had worried at first that hiring an Omega would cause him trouble, though he’d been desperate enough to try anything, and while it was troublesome, it wasn’t in the way Alex would have assumed. The allure of an Omega was real, but Atsumu had never shown any fear in traipsing around, in flirting up a storm, and even when Alex had fucked him all those years ago, he still showed no hesitation in getting close. Atsumu was a wild sort of Omega, and Alex wanted him more and more each year, knowing that each year that passed made the other all the more unattainable. He’d thought when Tetsuro went to college that maybe he’d strike at the iron and take a chance, but Atsumu had simply accepted his advances and then acted the same as always. It drove Alex wild in the best sort of way, like a dog chasing a bone, relentless, always hopeful. More than anything, Alex just wanted to be the man to help provide for Atsumu and to make sure his needs were met, whatever they were.

“Alex?” Atsumu purred when he got no response, Alex silently staring. The Omega was quite used to it by now, though, which showed in the way he slinked closer, sitting on the edge of Alex’s desk. He crossed his pretty legs, Alex caught by the motion of creamy skin under the tight skirt Atsumu wore. Seriously…

“Yes, you little vixen,” Alex murmured as his blue eyes slowly drifted up, and Atsumu crooned happily.

“I scheduled yer hotel and flights,” Atsumu repeated, setting the papers he’d brought in on the other man’s desk. He raised his heeled foot a moment later and pressed it between Alex’s thighs, leaning slowly forward. “Ye’ve been pre-occupied lately. Anythin’ I can help ya with, Alex?” Ahh, that accent killed Alex; he loved the way Atsumu said his name. Even in this, there had never been any fear, and Atsumu acted so coy, so sweet, so… tempting. Alex regretted every day having slept with Atsumu all those years ago, not because it had ended badly or he’d made a mistake as he’d feared at first, but because he’d been stuck with Atsumu’s voice and his expressions in his head since then, haunting him over what could be but wasn’t. He was so madly in love with Atsumu, and yet Atsumu seemed content with the way things were, so close and yet so far away, just out of reach.

After a while, Alex leaned back, stroking softly at Atsumu’s leg because they both craved physical contact even if they refused to say it aloud, and then he asked, “Atsumu, am I working you too hard? I’ve noticed that you’ve been tired lately.”

“I didn’t fall asleep at my desk, did I?” Atsumu suddenly panicked, his scent spiking with that charcoal smell again. Alex forced himself not to wince.

“No, darling, nothing like that. I just noticed it in your scent; you smell burnt out.”

Atsumu’s eyes went a little wide, and then he suddenly and very loudly laughed. Alex knew this reaction well, though he’d rarely seen it; Atsumu was hiding something. Alex slipped his hand a little higher up Atsumu’s thigh, torturing himself.

“Is it something I could fix?”

Atsumu chewed at his lip at the question, and Alex lit aflame with desire, hope springing forth renewed. In his head, he imagined Atsumu with wet eyes and glossy lips whispering, “Actually, I’ve been so lonely, Alex. Won’t ya bed me again?” He blinked at the Omega and waited.

He wasn’t at all convinced when Atsumu stood up and said lightly, “It’s really nothin’. I’m sorry if I’ve been slackin’-” The Omega made his way back out of his boss’s office, but Alex couldn’t let it go like that, so he stood to follow, walking his tall frame quietly after the Omega, following that heavenly scent. He didn’t bother trying to hide that he was a little hard in his slacks; Atsumu knew what he did to Alex.

Leaning on the doorframe, Alex watched a frazzled Atsumu try to work for a while. When he spoke up, the Omega jumped, and Alex just knew Atsumu was hiding something from him. “How’s your son doing? He’s in college now, isn’t he?”

Atsumu slowly turned, the guilt on his face almost bringing Alex to his knees. Atsumu was so gorgeous, so… easy in the hardest way. So close yet so far. Alex stepped forward and then slowly bent to his knee before the Omega, soft cheeks flushing a little pink at the sight. It was a good look on Atsumu.

“Are you lonely, Atsumu?”

“Are ya offerin’ ta fix that if I say yes?”

This was what they danced around every single day. Alex’s heart screamed yes, yes he would fix that in a heartbeat and make Atsumu his, but he knew… he knew that there was a reason Atsumu kept that little bit of distance between them, and that… that kept Alex quiet. It told him that as hard as he might try, Atsumu would never really be his, not with those walls up, the ones he doubted even Atsumu knew of.

Atsumu thankfully saved Alex from answering as he laughed and said, “Nah, I’m too busy ta be lonely.”

Alex saw the moment Atsumu realized he’d messed up, but Alex wasn’t going to let him off. He grabbed at Atsumu’s chair and leaned closer to the Omega, pretty golden eyes staring wide at him.

“I meant-” begged Atsumu, but Alex shook his head.

“I thought you’d quit your old job? Six months ago you were complaining that you’d been bored with Tetsuro in college.”

“What’s with the third degree?” Atsumu tried, and finally Alex grit his teeth, his frustrations getting the best of him.

“Atsumu, why are you burnt out? Why are you so busy?”

The Omega was silent, lips trembling, and Alex slowly pulled back, thinking he’d overstepped, but he froze when a hand grabbed around his neck. Heat washed over him, and as he stared up at Atsumu, Alex thought only of kissing the Omega. He clutched at the other’s chair desperately. Just be mine, Atsumu! I could take such… good care of you…

“College… is so expensive,” Atsumu whispered in the tiniest voice, and Alex’s eyes went wide as it all clicked together. Atsumu had gotten a second job, maybe even a third, to pay for his son’s tuition. “I don’t want Tetsu-chan to worry about it, but geeze, it’s so… much money-” Atsumu breathed in and out shakily, and Alex rushed forward, ready to- Hands covered his lips, and he smelled and felt Atsumu, a rush to his head. “Please don’t say somethin’ stupid like ye’ll give me the money. I can’t do that, and ya know it.”

Alex swallowed and settled back down. His gaze lowered, and he slowly began to stroke his thumb over the pale skin just behind Atsumu’s knee as his brain churned. “Atsumu,” he called after a while. “My trip next week, come with me.”

“Wha-?”

“I need you. It’s a big contract I’m vying for, and you always get me those deals, like magic.” It was a fib; Alex was perfectly capable of doing his job and locking down the best deals. It wasn’t a lie that he needed Atsumu, though, wanted the other with him. Alex finally looked up again, knowing the power behind his eyes as he breathed, “Come with me, Atsumu.”

“I mean- I have my other job, but if ya really need me-”

Alex sat up straight. “What I’m saying is quit your other jobs and come work for me full-time. I’m promoting you to my personal assistant. Full-time, full benefits. It comes with a pay raise and the perks of traveling-”

“Wait,” Atsumu begged suddenly, laughing incredulously. “Ya said ya didn’t need anyone full-time-”

“I wanted to give you time with your son rather than working all the time,” Alex said. “But if you’re working other places and killing yourself over it, I’d much rather have you with me. No, I need you with me, Atsumu.”

“No, ya don’t,” laughed Atsumu, but his composure was cracking. “Still, travelin’ is too much-”

“You said you’re lonely. Your son is busy, and he’s got a lot going on in his own life. Isn’t it time, Atsumu?” Alex asked carefully. He knew how attached Atsumu was to his only son. “I could show you so many things; there are wonderful places out there to visit, and I’m sure your son would be happy to see you doing something that makes you happy.” Alex nodded at the postcards Atsumu had clipped up, photos of the places Alex had visited since Atsumu had started working at the real estate company. “You don’t have to come every time; I know I travel a lot. I’ll give you the freedom to make your own schedule, but please, Atsumu. Wouldn’t you rather work for me, too?”

Heated eyes snapped to Alex, and suddenly Atsumu was completely serious as he breathed, “Ya know I’d much rather spend my time with ya, Alex, don’t even try that with me.” Next, “Are ya sure-? I thought ya couldn’t afford ta hire me full-time.”

Alex almost laughed. He made way more money than he needed; the company was booming. He was planning on opening new offices all over Japan and Asia, and if he just had Atsumu with him, he was sure he could do anything. “You’re my good luck charm, my little leibchen,” Alex called affectionately, his hand pressing fully to Atsumu’s thigh now. He watched the Omega let out a heated shiver, his own desire burning. He knew he had to reign himself in, but he couldn’t; he didn’t care how much it hurt him, he just wanted to touch Atsumu and be with him as much as possible.

“I can’t travel all the time. Tetsu-chan still needs me, and he has games that I need ta be at.”

Alex nodded. “Like I said, I’ll let you pick and choose which trips to go on. You can work remote while I’m out of town if you want, too. And with full-time, I can give you benefits that’ll help, like paid time off and sick leave-”

“I have ta think about it and talk ta Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu choked out, but Alex could tell he was on the edge of giving in, so he leaned up and pressed, “Call him now. Is he in class?”

Atsumu glanced at the clock, his hands shaking, and Alex knew that Atsumu wanted this, too. “No, I could call-”

“Call him,” begged Alex. He slowly stood, grabbing Atsumu’s cell phone and pressing it into his hands.

As he turned, Atsumu yelped, “Is this for real?”

“Yeah, darlin’,” Alex slurred, too happy as he beamed over his broad shoulder. He walked back to his office, his heart rattling inside his chest. He listened to Atsumu’s end of the conversation.

“Listen, baby, Alex has offered me full-time- No, I don’t need ta work full-time- I’m not lyin’-!

“I didn’t want ya to worry about it- I know yer an Alpha and perfectly capable, but I’m still yer Momma-!”

A sob. “Tetsu-chan-”

“I love ya more, my sweet baby boy. Ya grew up too fast- I’ll miss ya-”

“Yeah… I want to. Ya know I’ve always wanted ta see the world outside Tokyo… Are ya really, really sure? If yer not, even a little, I can-”

“Okay. Alright.”

“Yer the best, Tetsu-chan. I don’t know what I did ta deserve ya-”

Alex smiled softly; for all of his confidence, Atsumu didn’t realize how amazing he was. Alex was sure Tetsuro told him all the time, but that was biased. Alex would tell Atsumu, then-

Soft footsteps sounded, and Atsumu peered around the corner a moment later. Instantly, Alex smiled and beckoned the Omega inside. Atsumu practically ran to him, and Alex pulled the other between his long legs, hands grabbing at the back of his tall chair. They were almost face-to-face. Alex’s hands flexed against the back of Atsumu’s thighs.

“Alright, if ye’re really sure-”

“I’m really, really sure,” Alex promised with a smile. Atsumu slowly set his knee between the man’s thighs, sinking closer.

“Ye’ll have ta pay for an extra hotel room. And I shouldn’t go if my heat is close.”

“That’s fine. I can afford it.” After a moment, “I can keep my hands to myself if you want me to.”

Atsumu pursed his lips, pressing closer. “Ya know that’s not the issue, but for appearances sake-”

Alex’s head spun; Atsumu smelled so good… This was dangerous, and Alex just knew he was going to get himself hurt, but he didn’t care, not if he could monopolize Atsumu even a little-

“Should we go out and celebrate, Atsumu? Do you have to get home?”

“Tetsu-chan is hanging out with some friends tonight.”

Oh, temptation… Long fingers brushed back soft, blond bangs. “Where do you want to go?
I’ll take you anywhere.”

“France, Italy, Australia, America… Oh, dinner?” Atsumu teased, breathing heavy. “Well, since yer offerin’, there’s this fancy sushi bar downtown.”

“I told you about that place months ago…” Alex marveled.

“I remembered.”

Alex had had a meeting there with a female client. He didn’t read into the reasons why Atsumu recalled that place specifically. “I’ll take you. Grab your stuff.”

“Now?”

“Now,” begged Alex. Atsumu giggled.

“Sure thing, boss.”

Alex clenched his fists as Atsumu flitted off, fighting the urge to surge up and box that foxy little Omega in, to claim those soft lips and grab that rotund ass- He scrubbed at his erection and adjusted himself in his slacks. From the doorway came a giggle, and Alex cursed, but he was not afraid to let Atsumu see him vulnerable for a moment. When he stood up tall, heated eyes followed him.

Yes, separate hotel rooms would be a must. Alex grabbed his jacket and followed after Atsumu, the other walking right to the man’s sedan. He was so used to it by now, as compared to before, and Alex could just imagine Atsumu by his side, all the time, his Omega.

The sushi bar was about thirty minutes away, and the two watched the sun set as they drove towards it. It was located on the top floor of a huge corporate office building, and while everyone was filing out of the lot to head home after work, Alex pulled his car into the underground parking lot. After getting out of the sedan, Atsumu easily looped his arm through Alex’s, sashaying proudly beside him. Atsumu looked so much like he belonged that it was amazing he’d actually struggled since he was fifteen just to provide. Alex wanted to give Atsumu the whole world now, spoil him, show him how good life could be.

Atsumu giggled, and Alex realized he was unconsciously scenting the other; it was very obvious in the elevator. Atsumu leaned back against the metal wall and hooked one leg up, raising an eyebrow at his boss. They both had agreed not to take it that far again, and yet Atsumu was a sexual creature, and Alex was always this close to giving in. Blue eyes stared at the Omega; Atsumu knew the power he held.

Still, it was so much more than that. Alex really was hopelessly, stupidly head-over-heels for the Omega, his heart so full of warmth and tender desire that it wrecked him, and that, above all, was the reason he could bear to keep his hands to himself. Because he wanted Atsumu, really, truly wanted his heart. They could have sex forever and Alex could satisfy the Omega, but that would never win him Atsumu’s heart. The Omega had to break down some walls first.

Dinner was perfect, Alex drinking Atsumu in to his heart’s content, the Omega glowing under the affectionate gaze of an Alpha. He stroked his foot up Alex’s leg and swayed his shoulders as he drank and drank and…

“Atsumu,” Alex called at some point, but the Omega was giddy.

“I’m celebratin’! Ya, too, Alex~”

Alex stuck to his whiskey on the rocks, still nursing his first cup. He was much more drunk on watching Atsumu, anyways. He didn’t even blink when he looked at the bill, paying it easily. It was nothing when he thought of it as spending time with his beloved, his little leibchen.

“Come, darling,” Alex called after rising, sliding a strong arm around the sturdy Omega as Atsumu swayed on his feet. In the elevator, Atsumu crashed against Alex, hands grabbing at the tall man. Golden eyes stared up for a moment, and Alex flushed as he saw the raw desire there. With a hot huff, Atsumu roughly hiked his skirt up and began grinding against the other’s thigh, and Alex, Alex didn’t stop him. When Atsumu wrapped his hands around Alex’s tie and tugged the man down, their lips crashed eagerly together. Despite all of his best intentions, Alex was still just a man, a desperate, needy man. Still, he was atleast careful with where he put his hands, even when Atsumu moaned pitifully.

Alex clutched his fists against the elevator wall as he boxed Atsumu in, just thinking he should tell the other to behave when a hand grabbed his wrist and dragged his palm to Atsumu’s round ass. Alex could recall very clearly fucking this ass, those swollen butt cheeks, so firm and yet so soft, that supple skin, and Atsumu’s wet, wet pussy and his pretty little Omega cock-

“Atsumu,” Alex grunted roughly. “We said we wouldn’t-”

“I know,” breathed Atsumu, so close. “Ya think it’s a mistake, and maybe it is-”

The only mistake would be Alex falling all the more in love. “We have to be professional,” he lied.

“I know,” rushed Atsumu, staring at Alex’s face with heat in his eyes, lipping softly at his strong jaw. “Yer just so temptin’,” Atsumu husked as he reached down and cupped the Alpha’s throbbing erection.

“Atsumu-” Alex choked out, but a moment later Atsumu went lax, his eyes sliding shut. Alex barely caught the other, and he wondered how many times this had happened. Atsumu always left him wanting so much more, but as long as Alex was the only one getting hurt…

Alex hefted the heavy Omega up and grunted, “Alright, my little leibchen. Let me take you home.”

Alex was an expert by now at getting a drunk Atsumu into his car. He carried him bridal style and then finagled his door open, sliding the Omega into the passenger seat and buckling him in. Temptation called to him, Atsumu’s lips gorgeously glossy, but he did not partake. He had to have some kind of boundaries. He walked around and slipped into the driver’s seat, and then he drove Atsumu home. He let himself into the tiny apartment that Atsumu had given him a key to, and he walked the Omega to his bedroom, the whole place coated in Atsumu’s pheromones. It was probably only the smell of another Alpha that kept Alex sane in moments like this, and he thanked Tetsuro quietly for always protecting his mother. Alex swept aside soft, blond bangs and then leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to the Omega’s forehead. He took off Atsumu’s shoes and tucked the Omega in, never going farther than that.

“Atsumu, I love you,” he whispered before standing up again, adjusting himself and taking one last deep inhale of the other. It was torture, but Alex had almost come to like it.

He locked the apartment door behind him as he left, locking up his desires with it once again.

-x-

Tetsuro couldn’t believe his mother sometimes, always working so hard and never saying a damn thing. Atsumu didn’t want to worry Tetsuro, but that made the Alpha all the more worried. While it was true he didn’t have a lot of free time, he had enough, and if Atsumu was going to be traveling with that boss of his, Tetsuro would have all the more. What he hadn’t told his mother yet either, knowing it would break Atsumu’s heart, was that he’d quit volleyball last semester after coming to the halting realization that Kiyoomi loved volleyball, and Tetsuro simply like spending time with his friend. His heart wasn’t in it anymore, and he just wasn’t that good, not like Kiyoomi was. Kiyoomi could go pro.

Tetsuro slung his backpack over his shoulder and huffed as he headed home. He had studying to do, but it wouldn’t take that long and he’d probably slack off like he always did, so he wasn’t in a hurry. Between school and volleyball, Kiyoomi had less and less time to hang out with him, busy tonight with practice, and Tetsuro was sure the house would be empty when he got home, too. He quietly cheered his mother on and hoped that that boss of his would finally make a move; those two had been pining after each other for years, and Tetsuro could smell Alex on Atsumu, like the man was scenting the Omega.

Still, Tetsuro worried that Atsumu wouldn’t let himself date if he was constantly this anxious about his son. Tetsuro was almost twenty now, and yet Atsumu still refused to do things for himself. Maybe it was Tetsuro’s own fault; he’d relied too much on his mother. They’d always been so close, and Tetsuro hadn’t really thought much of it until recently, meeting other kids his age, meeting Kiyoomi’s own mother. Maybe they were too close… Was Tetsuro the cockblocker here?

He groaned again, his eyes wandering as he navigated the busy streets, diners out for dinner. He sighed and clutched his bag to his big body, feeling too bulky at times like this as he tried to squeeze through the throng, but it was perhaps because he was being so careful that he spotted something he might have normally missed. The sign was simple but effective, a small café named Java and Hooch asking for part-time helpers. Tetsuro looked up at a hanging sign bearing the name of the place and then made a beeline for the little restaurant.

It was quiet inside, and glancing at the door he held open, Tetsuro noticed that the café was in between hours and would open again at 9pm as a bar. With a dark eyebrow raised in interest, he stepped deeper inside, the counter to his right featuring a full wall of alcohol behind it that could be hidden away by ornamental little folding doors. At the far end of the counter stood a tall man, working quietly with his head down. Tetsuro was almost going to assume the man was too wrapped up in his task to notice him, but then he saw the man’s head bobbing, a white Bluetooth earbud in his ear. Tetsuro walked over and leaned down, grinning wide at the handsome Alpha before him. Striking eyes snapped up, and Tetsuro gave a little wave, pointing towards the sign in the window as the other man yanked his earbuds out.

“Jeez, sorry, man. You scared me.” The dark haired Alpha grinned back at Tetsuro after the initial shock was gone. “You here to apply?”

“Yeah, actually,” Tetsuro hummed as he looked around. “Nice place you’ve got here. Are you the manager?”

“Co-owner, actually. I run the bar at night. How old are you?”

Tetsuro replied easily, “Nineteen, but I’ll be twenty soon.” He eyed the other Alpha and then stuck his hand out. “Tetsuro Kuroo, but I prefer just Tetsu.”

“Nice to meet you. Shugo Meian at your service. Unfortunately, the guy who runs the café just left, and I can’t hire anyone underage to work the bar,” the Alpha said with a frown, though it quickly turned back into a smile. “I know he needs a lot of help, though, so let me write down your info, and I’ll have him call you tomorrow.

“What’s your schedule?” he asked as he handed over a small order pad and pen.

“I’m in college, so I have random classes throughout the day, but I’m free Mondays, Tuesdays, and every other Thursday.”

“What college?” Meian asked as he watched Tetsuro write down his contact info and schedule, golden eyes peering back up again after a minute.

“Tokyo U,” Tetsuro grinned, pointing over his shoulder, the school just a few blocks away. “My mom threatened me to stay close,” he joked.

"Momma’s boy,” teased Meian, and Tetsuro laughed, not denying it.

“You’d understand if you met my mom,” he promised. Meian just nodded, smiling.

When Tetsuro handed over the order pad again, Meian tore out the sheet with his info and said, “Will you be up early? The guy who runs the café usually likes to do any office work before the café opens at 7.”

“I can be up,” Tetsuro nodded; unlike his mother, he was an early bird. Meian nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

“Well, I hope you get the job, Tetsu,” he said just before the other turned to head out. “You seem like a cool dude. Plus, I’m your senpai,” he grinned, nodding towards the direction of the university.

“You go to TU?” Tetsuro yelped in surprise. He’d have guessed the other Alpha was at least in his mid to late twenties and out of school. “And you own a bar?!”

“Co-own,” Meian corrected with a grin. Then, “Yeah, the whole college thing feels a little useless now, but my mom would kill me if I quit.”

"Momma’s boy,” teased Tetsuro this time, to which Meian groaned.

“You’d understand if you met her,” echoed the older Alpha with a weary frown, and Tetsuro laughed.

“See you around then, senpai,” he hummed jovially, waving as he headed out. Now the only question was how he was going to convince his mom to let him do this. Well, in the end, Atsumu was a big softie and usually let Tetsuro have his way.

Tetsuro made his way home, already feeling much better about the situation with his mom.

-x-

“Come on, Ko-chan. Auntie Tsumu and Tetsu-chan are waiting for us.”

Osamu stood in the door of his son’s bedroom, staring at the little six-year-old as he stuffed toys in his little backpack, one of the straps of his overalls hanging loose on his arm. Slanted eyes so like Daisho’s glanced over a tiny shoulder, the small child smiling softly at his mama. Hefting up his heavy backpack, he trudged over to his mother, tiny hands grabbing at Osamu’s loose pants.

“Is it too heavy?” asked the Omega with a laugh. “You don’t have to bring all of your toys every time, you know.” Still, Osamu bent down and picked up his little boy, unable to keep from beaming with pride as Koichi’s small hands slid around his neck, the little Omega burying his face into his mama’s neck. To Daisho’s great disappointment, his son was not only an Omega but also quiet and shy, very unlike the Alpha himself. Osamu secretly thought this was a good thing, though it had really hurt him to see Daisho withdraw all the more. It was rare for them to spend any time together now; Osamu couldn’t recall the last time he’d talked to his husband, the man incredibly busy with his work.

He also couldn’t recall the last time Daisho had touched him. His heats were growing to be nearly insufferable, surrounded by the scent of an Alpha and yet having none there with him. Most of the time, he would simply crawl into Koichi’s small bed and hug the child, tiny hands comforting Osamu as best as they could.

It was enough. It was more than Osamu could have hoped for. Like Atsumu, his son was everything.

In the entryway of the big house, Osamu helped Koichi with his little sneakers before tugging a pair of flats on his own feet. He took his son’s hand when he stood up again, the two heading down the road. They were meeting Atsumu and Tetsuro at a park nearby as they very often did. Neither of them spent much time inside the house, Osamu constantly planning play dates and activities with his brother and nephew, or just going to the park or on walks with Koichi alone. The house was too big and too lonely, even with Koichi there, and Osamu had begun to notice that Koichi didn’t like it much either. He often got stomach aches, and Osamu could guess why as the headaches he himself got increased over the years.

To think that even an Omega at six years old could experience the symptoms of negligence by an Alpha. Koichi barely even knew his father at all…

As soon as they turned the corner and saw the park, Tetsuro’s tall head and mess of black hair instantly visible, Koichi bolted off, gripping tightly at his backpack. He didn’t call Tetsuro’s name, and still the Alpha turned immediately, swooping down to sweep up his little cousin. Osamu had always felt bad for putting so much on Tetsuro, but the three Omegas really needed him so much. Osamu had leaned on Tetsuro all throughout his pregnancy and even after, especially as his own Alpha withdrew, and Koichi was impossibly attached to his older cousin, too. Whenever Koichi started feeling sick, Osamu would always call Tetsuro, and the boy’s symptoms would just disappear.

As Tetsuro held Koichi, the little boy smiling softly at his cousin as he held the Alpha’s big shoulders, he greeted Osamu, pulling his Auntie against his side in a hug. As always, he kissed Osamu atop the head, murmuring fondly, “Hi, Auntie.”

“Did you get taller?” teased Osamu warmly, and Tetsuro laughed.

“It’s only been a few days since I last saw you, Auntie.”

Osamu giggled, patting at Tetsuro’s firm chest. Atsumu had raised him so well, but there had never been any doubt in Osamu’s mind that any child of his brother’s would turn out well-grounded and self-sufficient. As Tetsuro walked Koichi to the playground, Osamu made his way over to where his brother sat on a bench, Atsumu smiling wryly at his twin.

“He’s still so quiet,” he remarked, and Osamu sighed softly. He knew Atsumu didn’t mean it in a bad way, unlike Daisho. “Tetsuro was so loud at that age,” the blond laughed. “Guess that’s the difference between Omegas ‘n Alphas.”

“You were always so loud as a kid,” Osamu said with a roll of his eyes, and Atsumu laughed again.

After a moment, he quieted and murmured, “I’m just glad he’s nothin’ like him.” Osamu chewed softly at his lip, fearing what would come out if he voiced his agreement aloud. He didn’t want to hate Daisho; he couldn’t, not if he wanted Koichi to be provided for, and he felt like if he started voicing his true feelings, a deeper wedge might form between the two. He just couldn’t be selfish and say that he was unhappy.

Atsumu, however, had no problems telling Osamu how he felt, as if he thought he had to for Osamu’s sake. He took Osamu’s hand now, the twins quiet.

“When Koichi’s old enough,” Osamu murmured, and Atsumu clicked his tongue.

“Ya deserve ta be happy before that, Samu. The boy won’t be 18 for another twelve years. I can’t let ya do that to yerself.”

Osamu didn’t want to do it either, but he had to, and he would. Atsumu had done what he thought was best, and Osamu was only doing the same.

“Ya could at least get a boyfriend,” Atsumu huffed, and Osamu’s eyes went wide, head turning to his brother.

“Like… cheat?”

Sharp golden eyes met his own. “Don’t tell me ya really think that bastard isn’t doin’ the same.”

“That doesn’t matter-”

“It does!” Atsumu glanced sharply around and then lowered his voice, but Koichi was perfectly distracted playing with Tetsuro, and if the Alpha heard, he didn’t show it. “Samu, fuck, ya deserve ta be happy!”

It was the same old story; Atsumu repeated these lines every time. Osamu wanted to believe that he deserved happiness, he did, but everything he’d experienced so far proved otherwise. Even their parents…

“How’s work?” Osamu shifted quickly, and Atsumu sighed, but then he smiled.

“Great. I’ve got my first business trip with Alex next week.”

Grey eyes turned to Atsumu, Osamu’s gaze alight with the promise of juicy gossip.

Atsumu laughed. “What’s that look for?”

“Well, you’ll be alone… together… You deserve to be happy, too, Tsumu.”

“I am!” declared the younger twin. He looked over at Tetsuro and Koichi and asked, “How the hell could I not be?”

“And?” prompted Osamu.

Atsumu giggled again. “What, are ya sayin’ I should ask my boss out or somethin’?”

Osamu just grinned, laying his head to Atsumu’s shoulder and living vicariously through him. He’d met Alex; the man was insanely handsome, tall, a wonderful Alpha. Even Osamu would- He stopped his thoughts there, hiding the way his lips turned sharply down. “Why not?” he hummed to Atsumu, the other shrugging, still staring out.

“We have a lot of fun, but I don’t think he’s interested like that…” murmured Atsumu. “Besides, he’s not my type-”

“Horse shit-!” exclaimed Osamu, sitting up again sharply. The twins stared wide at each other in surprise.

“Samu!” scolded Atsumu with a shocked laugh.

“Well, it is!” yelped the oldest Miya. “You’re obviously attracted to him! You wouldn’t bother to flirt if you weren’t, and you definitely wouldn’t sleep with him if you didn’t find him se-”

“Shh!” begged Atsumu, glancing over at Tetsuro, but the blond was downright stupid if he thought Tetsuro didn’t know. Still, Atsumu fell quiet, and Osamu knew that look well. Atsumu still thought he had to take care of Tetsuro and be there for him 24/7. He was scared, maybe, desperate to cling to the life he’d created with his son, but even Atsumu had to be lonely.

“Look at us,” sighed Osamu wearily as he sank back, his arm covering his eyes from the sun. “Two lonely and pitiful Omegas.”

“I’m not pitiful,” Atsumu complained, but even he had to admit he was a little bit pitiable sometimes. After a while, Atsumu said, “Maybe when Tetsuro finds a good Omega…”

“As if you’d let him go,” scoffed the other. Golden eyes glanced his way, Osamu giving his brother a pointed look. They both knew Atsumu had a complex.

“I said a good Omega, didn’t I?” Atsumu rebuffed with a puffed chest. “That means one I approve of.”

Osamu rolled his eyes. “No one would ever be good enough, Tsumu. One day that boy is gonna fall in love, and there will be nothing you can do about it.”

Atsumu grunted, and then, to appease Osamu, he said, “Well, I guess that’ll be the day I go crawlin’ ta Alex and ask him ta make me his.”

Osamu laughed, doubtful Atsumu would hold out that long. It was a miracle he’d withstood fourteen years with no sex when he’d been such a slut in high school. “We’ll see,” he smirked as Atsumu turned to him, eyes glinting. Osamu swallowed; he knew that look.

“I’ll ask Alex out if ya get yerself a boyfriend, Samu.”

“No-” choked Osamu, but Atsumu was giggling now, having found the perfect condition. Grey eyes flicked over to Koichi, the older Omega falling deathly silent. Atsumu watched his brother.

“What Alpha’d want a useless Omega like me, Tsumu, let alone one with a kid from a different man…”

“An Alpha who loves ya,” Atsumu replied easily.

“Let me know when you find one,” Osamu murmured dryly, lips tight. At least one of them was realistic about his value as a mate. No good Alpha would want a dried-up, emotionally damaged Omega like Osamu. He came with too much baggage, and he had very little to give.

Silently, the two decided to leave it alone once again, both too stubborn for their own goods. They watched their sons play with smiles on their faces.

“Koichi really lights up around Tetsu-chan,” Osamu hushed.

“He has that affect on Omegas, and kids in general,” Atsumu agreed.

“He’ll make a great dad one day, Tsumu.”

The younger Omega groaned. “Please. Thinkin’ about him leavin’ me for a mate is already bad enough.”

“Don’t you want grandkids?”

“I’m too young!” begged Atsumu, and Osamu burst out laughing.

When he sobered, he said quietly, “I want to have a big family…”

Atsumu huffed but slowly rested his head to Osamu’s shoulder. “I’ll tell Tetsu. He’d do anythin’ for his Auntie.”

Osamu hummed even as he pressed a hand to his belly. He’d always thought he’d have a million kids… He’d always wanted to just be a mother and give his Alpha babies, but that wasn’t going to happen now.

What pitiful and sad Omegas the two of them were.

-x-

“You haven’t told your mom yet?”

Tetsuro wondered if he imagined the tightness in Kiyoomi’s voice when he referred to Atsumu. It was hard to tell over the phone. Tetsuro pressed his cell between his shoulder and his face as he tied up his apron. Kiyoomi was the only person who would be up this early and okay with a phone call. They rarely saw each other these days between their different classes and Tetsuro quitting the volleyball team, which was what Kiyoomi was referring to now.

“It’s gonna break his heart, and I just can’t figure out how to word it without him thinking it’s his fault or whatever.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” replied the other Alpha dryly, his breathing short and choppy. He was probably walking briskly to school.

“Sorry-” Tetsuro began, but Kiyoomi interrupted.

“Listen, I don’t mind you talking about your family. It takes my mind off my own, and Lord knows I need that these days…”

Tetsuro was quiet for a moment. “Parents still on your back?”

“Parents, siblings, my nephew… They all think I’m wasting my time with volleyball.”

“Don’t quit,” Tetsuro nearly begged. “My momma would probably cry.”

Kiyoomi let out a muffled sound that Tetsuro couldn’t identify, his breathing growing a little choppier.

“But for real, Omi, you’re too good. You could go pro.”

“My parents would kill me.”

“I’ll have my mom adopt you.”

“Ew-” Kiyoomi clipped, and Tetsuro laughed.

“What, don’t want to be my brother?”

The other didn’t respond, but Tetsuro barely noticed. A big, hulking figure came to stand in the door frame to the break room of the Java and Hooch, and Tetsuro quickly called, “Gotta go, Omi.”

“Tell your mother-”

“Sure,” Tetsuro hummed, thinking there were a few things he had to tell Atsumu that he just wasn’t prepared to yet. It wasn’t fair to his mom, of course; he’d tell Atsumu tonight, at least about the job. Stuffing his phone into his small locker, Tetsuro turned to Meian and grinned. “I’m ready.”

“You’re a popular guy,” commented the big Alpha, laughing.

“My best friend is an early bird and we rarely see each other these days.”

“He go to Tokyo U, too?”

“Yeah, but he’s studying to be a lawyer.”

Meian whistled. “And I thought my business classes were hard. What about you?”

Tetsuro hummed. “I just want to be able to provide for my mom and my future mate.”

Meian raised a thick eyebrow. “Damn. Noble,” he commented, and Tetsuro shrugged. He didn’t feel all that noble with all of his secrets and his general lack of direction. He was filling up his schedule with general ed classes, throwing in a few business and sports management classes while he decided which direction would be best. If he went with a good company, he could make a decent amount of money as a manager or promoter for pro players and still be involved in the sport both his mother and best friend loved. Business, though, was always a good fall back, as well as more stable, easier to get a job and rise to the top of a company… He wasn’t particularly excited about this idea, but it had a lot of pros.

Tetsuro was glad when Meian pulled him out of his mess of thoughts by saying, “I usually don’t come in this early, but I wanted to train you personally. You’ve got potential, and I’ll eventually need help with the bar.”

Tetsuro’s eyes went wide, surprised at the easy compliment. “Thanks, bro,” he said with an enthusiastic nod, to which Meian simply said, “Just listen to what I’m going to teach you and you’ll go far.”

Well, that was perhaps the most encouraging thing Tetsuro had heard in a while. “Thanks, Meian-senpai.”

“Call me Shugo,” the older Alpha grinned, and Tetsuro laughed, calling teasingly, “Oh, Shugo-senpai~”

“Quit flirting,” smirked Meian. “I know I’m handsome, but I’m not into Alphas.”

“I would say the same, but then I met you~” giggled Tetsuro, thinking he was going to get along great with this guy.

“See, this is why I’ll be stealing you to work at my bar when you turn twenty,” Meian commented smugly, proud of his great gut guess that Tetsuro would be a good fit.

“Can’t wait,” hummed the younger Alpha, clapping his hands together as he stared out over the empty café, still closed for now. “Show me the ropes, senpai!”

For the next hour, Meian showed him how to take orders and input them into the system to be sent to the kitchen staff, how to clean and bus the tables, how to greet guests.

“You can’t make the drinks yet, but you can serve the mimosas and what-not. Make sure you memorize the menu, and memorize a few special drinks, too. It’s always good to give guests a few recommendations. You’ll be able to taste all of the food over the next few weeks, but for now just pick a few dishes that sound good to recommend. I promise everything here is delicious.”

Just before the shop was to open, an older man stepped out from a small office in the back and introduced himself as Manabu Naoi, the other owner and Meian’s partner in the café and bar. He was probably about Atsumu’s age, a handsome Beta with short, dark brown hair that looked like he had no issues wrangling a bunch of young Alphas.

“I’ll let you study the menu for a while, and when you feel ready, I’ll give you a table to wait on. Sound good?” Naoi asked, though Tetsuro had the feeling there was only one option, so he nodded. A hand clapped his back, and then his new boss smiled. “Shugo spoke highly of you. I’m excited to see if his gut is still as trusty as it’s always been.”

“Hey,” grumbled the younger co-owner, and Naoi chortled.

“You go home and sleep,” he said to Meian. “Don’t invite any girls over.”

“I keep telling you I don’t do that,” called the tall Alpha over his shoulder.

“Is he a player?” Tetsuro asked in awe as he watched Meian’s back as he walked out, glancing over again after a moment.

“What do you think?” asked Naoi in genuine curiosity, grinning eagerly.

“I think he has his options,” Tetsuro said vaguely, and Naoi laughed.

“He’s crazy popular, alright, especially with the older office ladies.”

Tetsuro let out an impressed whistle, and then a moment later, he was handed a menu and ushered to a back table. A few more waiters and waitresses came in, greeting Naoi and nodding at Tetsuro when the man pointed him out. Tetsuro spent the next two hours watching the others work and reading the menu over and over. He couldn’t decide which dish sounded the best, though he was particularly intrigued by the fluffy pancakes and the American-style eggs Benedict. The café featured more of an international menu than a traditionally Japanese one, and it had a ton of coffee drinks, one of the shop’s specialties. Tetsuro was excited to learn how to work an espresso machine.

He was a quick learner and got through his first day pretty well, enough for Naoi to congratulate him as they closed up, converting the small space into a bar for later that night.

“I think Shugo was right about you, but then again, he’s rarely wrong.”

Tetsuro grinned, thinking that was probably pretty high praise. He tugged on his windbreaker and grabbed his backpack, his belly full of fluffy pancakes and a house cappuccino. “Thanks, boss!” he called, waving to his new coworkers as he darted out. He had a class in about thirty minutes, and with renewed vigor, he decided to narrow down his career path and then tell his mother what he’d been holding back.

-x-

“I’m headed home, Alex,” Atsumu called through the open office door, pale blue eyes turning up to meet his own. The tall Alpha smiled fondly at Atsumu, thanking him for his work as he always did. For a moment, the Omega lingered, recalling Osamu’s words at the park, but then he turned abruptly, waving at Alex as he said, “Don’t work too hard, handsome.”

All he heard was the man’s deep chortle follow him out. Alex was a good man, a really good man, but Atsumu somehow couldn’t imagine them actually being together. Alex was too good of a man, perhaps, though Atsumu wouldn’t admit that to himself, his pride too fragile already to admit that there could be anyone who was too good for him. Atsumu put on a big front, but the truth was that it was hard on him, watching his baby grow up, not having all the time in the world anymore with the one Alpha he’d thought would be his forever. It wasn’t fair to Tetsuro either for Atsumu to think that way, but imagining a life where the boy wasn’t right by his side was too terrifying, and more than anything, Atsumu was petrified of being alone.

He just couldn’t admit that he needed someone after having thought himself so independent for two decades. Alex could be that someone, whispered a tiny voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like his twin. The Omega shook his head and marched towards the train station. For now, he’d focus on Tetsuro. Tomorrow’s problems could wait until, well, tomorrow.

The trip back home was short, which Atsumu was always glad for as he tugged his small heels off in the front entryway of the apartment he still shared with his son, shedding out of his fitted pantsuit even before he’d made it to their bedroom. The scent of his baby filled up his head, and Atsumu relaxed in a way he couldn’t with anyone else.

“Hi, Momma,” called a voice from the living room as Atsumu moved past, and the Omega called back, “Hi, baby! Are ya hungry?”

“I could eat,” hummed Tetsuro as Atsumu tugged on a pair of lounge shorts and one of Tetsuro’s shirts. It was kind of crazy how much bigger Tetsuro was now considering Atsumu could still clearly recall holding his baby in his arms. As Atsumu rounded the corner back into the main living area, Tetsuro added, “By the way, Omi’s here. Can he eat with us?”

“Omi-Omi!” surged Atsumu in delight just to see the other Alpha’s stoic face pull a little wonky, and as he came into view, Atsumu wondered why his cheeks were rosy. Was it hot in the apartment? Maybe he’d just gotten here and walked… Onyx eyes refused to meet Atsumu’s as Kiyoomi hyper-focused on the book open on the coffee table in front of him, and Atsumu sighed softly. Kiyoomi had never seemed to warm up to Atsumu, and even though he came over a lot, he’d barely said more than a few words to the Omega. Still, Atsumu was glad that Tetsuro had someone like Kiyoomi, a good friend whom he’d known since childhood. Atsumu had never had anyone like that, aside from Osamu, and even they had had their ups and downs.

Walking over to Tetsuro, Atsumu swept down and kissed the Alpha on the cheek, squeezing his broad shoulders as he told Kiyoomi, “Sure, ye’re always welcome ta stay for dinner, Omi-Omi.”

"Momma, you should stop calling Omi that, he hates it,” Tetsuro said with a laugh, but Atsumu just shrugged, saying, “It’s cute,” as he sashayed towards the small kitchen. Behind him, Tetsuro mumbled something to Kiyoomi along the lines of, “If you don’t tell him yourself, he’ll keep teasing you.” Kiyoomi was silent, though, which was perfect for an Omega who liked to torture Alphas just a little bit, especially when they didn’t seem particularly fond of him. The stiff, perfectly-poised ones like that were always the best to tease; Kiyoomi reminded Atsumu a little of Hatsuo, honestly, so maybe he just had a bone to pick.

“You boys okay with spaghetti ‘n meatballs?” Atsumu asked, already pulling out pots and pans. Atsumu had never been all that good at cooking fancy dishes, choosing instead to focus on making the few simple dishes he knew taste as good as possible. Tetsuro had never complained, and it filled Atsumu with pride when the Alpha complimented his momma on his yummy food.

“Sounds great,” Tetsuro called.

A moment later, Atsumu heard more quiet murmuring from the living room. This time it was Kiyoomi’s low baritone that Atsumu heard, the Omega trying his best to listen in.

“-should tell him, Tetsuro.”

“I will,” sighed Tetsuro, but that was all Atsumu could make out. He was busy filling his pot with water for the pasta when a tall frame filled the small doorway. Atsumu looked over with a smile, drinking his son in.

“Hi, baby. How was school?”

“Good,” nodded Tetsuro, leaning against the counter. Atsumu was so glad that Tetsuro had taken more after himself than Hatsuo when it came to mannerisms. He couldn’t imagine trying to raise a son like Kiyoomi, too stiff and rigid for his own good. Their relationship might have been a lot different. Still, Atsumu saw glimpses of Hatsuo in his son every day, like his black hair and big frame, though he was sure Tetsuro had grown taller than his father a few years ago.

“Just good?” hummed Atsumu in dissatisfaction as he turned his gaze to the stove. “Ya used ta rave about yer classes and volleyball practice…”

“About that,” sighed Tetsuro carefully, and Atsumu’s eyes snapped back over, suddenly on high alert.

“Don’t tell me yer feelin’ bad about me workin’ full-time and did somethin’ dumb, Tetsu-chan.”

"Momma,” groaned Tetsuro now, shaking his head. “It’s not because of you working, and it’s not dumb. I thought about it a lot, but I know you’ll still be upset.”

Atsumu steeled himself. “Well, what is it?”

“I quit the volleyball team.”

The words hung in the air, and Atsumu felt something deep in his heart twinge and pull. He tried not to let it show on his face, but it was hard to keep the tremble out of his voice as he asked, “Why? Ya were so good, baby, and ya had fun, didn’t ya?”

“Of course I had fun, Momma. I loved volleyball. I still do. Don’t make that face, Momma,” the Alpha sighed as he stepped closer. Atsumu didn’t even realize his bottom lip had begun to tremble as he stared up at his baby. Of course Tetsuro could do what he wanted, but it was also true that Atsumu still carried a lot of regrets about losing out on volleyball himself, and he had hoped… No, that was putting too much on Tetsuro, and yet Atsumu couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness. He let Tetsuro pull him against his chest, hands grabbing into the Alpha’s light sweatshirt. The comforting scent of coffee and almonds filled Atsumu’s head, and he smacked at his son’s back when he realized the Alpha was trying to soothe him by scenting. Atsumu had a right to be upset, and not everything had to be fixed all the time. Let me be upset, damn it!

Tetsuro continued, “I was good in high school, maybe, but I’m not anywhere near the level of the team at college, and playing against other schools… There’s a lot of guys who really, really want it, like Omi, guys who deserve a spot on the team, and I couldn’t be the one hogging it from them, knowing that soon I’d be more of a hindrance than a help. Omi says the first years they’ve got now are amazing, and I’m glad to give them my spot.” Tetsuro paused for a moment, and then he said, “I’m just sad that you won’t get to see me play at games anymore, Momma. I know you loved that.”

“Ya know why,” Atsumu whispered past his emotions, clutching at Tetsuro. “But I don’t want ya ta do it if it doesn’t make ya happy.”

Tetsuro was quiet for a moment. When he spoke, his tone was warm and soft. “I’d rather put my energy towards making sure you’re happy and taken care of instead, Momma. I promise I’ll get a good job when I get out of school, and hopefully you won’t ever have to work another day in your life.”

“Oh hush,” grumbled Atsumu. “I’m yer momma, so let me worry about takin’ care of us. Besides, I’d go crazy if I didn’t have work, and I like my job.”

Tetsuro hummed and then slowly pulled back. Atsumu could sense there was more, and he sighed. “What else?”

“I got a part-time job.”

“Why?!” demanded Atsumu instantly, angry now. He clutched his hands against his thighs and stared up at his son. “I told ya not ta worry about stuff like that! Besides, Alex gave me a good raise-!”

"Momma, I don’t want you killing yourself over me. You’re already paying for my college even though I told you I could get financial aid-”

“Ya know how bad that debt gets! I can afford it-”

"Momma, you’re working full-time now to pay for my schooling, aren’t you?” The pointed look Tetsuro gave said that lying was pointless. Atsumu crossed his arms, hating being backed into a corner of logic like this. Tetsuro was too good at reading his mother. “Just let me help a little. I have the time now anyways-”

“Then spend it with yer friends! Tetsuro, yer college years are supposed ta be about shirkin’ responsibility and getting too drunk at parties and-”

"Momma, I’m underage-”

“You’re growing up too fast-!” Atsumu suddenly blurted out, and with that, the floodgates opened and tears poured down his red face. He realized too late that Kiyoomi was still there in the living room, and he spun around, angrily attending their food on the stove. “I just want ya to enjoy these few more years until the whole world starts demandin’ all this stuff from ya, and I want ya ta be my baby for a little bit longer-” Atsumu garbled between his stifled sobs. “It’s like I blinked and now ye’re all grown, and I can’t stand it-”

Long, strong arms wrapped around Atsumu, and the Omega crumbled backwards, turning and clinging to his son. Where had the time gone? Just yesterday, Tetsuro was standing in this kitchen modeling his first school uniform. Just yesterday, he’d lost his first tooth. Just yesterday… he’d been Atsumu’s baby, but now he was a man, a capable, responsible Alpha who took everything Atsumu had taught him and applied it. Take care of yer Omega, don’t let them be lonely, work hard and provide. Atsumu just hadn’t meant yet.

Be my baby for a little longer, Tetsu-chan. I’ve only got two more years before ya go off…

"Momma, I want to do this. Isn’t this the kind of man you raised me to be? I don’t want you working so hard,” husked the Alpha unfairly, kissing behind Atsumu’s ear. “It’s to have spending money, but I also want to give you part of my paycheck every month to use for my schooling. Then you can have more money to spend on yourself-”

“Don’t tell me what ta do with my money, Tetsuro.”

“Then spend what I give you on yourself.” He wasn’t backing down. Atsumu grit his teeth.

“Well, I want ta spend it on you, then, so just keep it and have some fun.”

"Momma,” groaned Tetsuro, kissing behind Atsumu’s ear again. Just then, a second Alpha’s scent joined Tetsuro’s, the pair looking up to find Kiyoomi standing awkwardly in the doorway with his cup in hand.

“Refill,” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact as he always did. Tetsuro hugged his mother and gave Atsumu one more kiss before moving to fill his friend’s cup, leaving Atsumu standing at the stove, staring at Kiyoomi. The Omega swiped at his face, little to no shame in front of his son’s friend.

“Omi, did ya know all about how my son was betrayin’ me like this?” Atsumu asked dramatically, black eyes flickering up for a moment and then pointedly turning to Tetsuro.

“He told me,” was all Kiyoomi offered, and Atsumu huffed. He raised a ladle and pointed it right at the Alpha. Whatever Kiyoomi expected to hear as he flinched a little, it was not, “Listen, my Tetsu-chan is the most important thing ta me in this whole world, so ya better stay by his side and make sure he has some fun. If ya ever make him cry, I’m comin’ ta whoop yer little ass.”

“Actually, Omi has a pretty nice ass,” Tetsuro interjected with a cackle, and they both watched as Kiyoomi went beet red.

“Don’t talk about my ass,” the Alpha grumbled, though it was hard to know if he was addressing Atsumu or Tetsuro as the pair giggled together.

“Let me see, let me see,” cheered Atsumu, twirling his ladle like it might make Kiyoomi spin, all of his anger and sadness gone in a flash as he teased the too-easy Alpha. It was perhaps only for this reason that Kiyoomi never saw Atsumu coming as he closed in for a hug. The Alpha went stiff, and Atsumu’s laugh softened.

“Take care of my boy, Omi-kun, ya hear me?” Atsumu begged, and Kiyoomi nodded stiffly but quickly.

"Momma, you’re embarrassing Omi,” called Tetsuro, saying they should get back to studying. Atsumu let Kiyoomi go, patting at the boy’s red cheek.

“Loosen up a little. Yer never gonna get an Omega ta like ya with a serious face like that,” teased Atsumu before waving the pair of friends off. More whispering came from the living room a moment later, and Atsumu sighed softly.

He just had to trust that he’d raised Tetsuro good enough to never abandon his momma, and in turn, he would make sure his baby’s friends never abandoned Tetsuro.

-x-

Shugo packed up his bag after his last class of the day and slung it over his broad shoulders. He had a few hours to kill before his work shift tonight, so he might go home and try to take a nap. As he stepped out of the lecture hall, however, he wondered if he was really that tired.

Plump lips turned up, pretty eyes meeting Shugo’s almost instantly, his hulking form hard to miss. The girl was obviously an Omega, and she was pretty, and tiny. Shugo could probably fit his hands around her waist, and the varsity crop top and short pleated skirt she wore left little up to the imagination. He winked at her just a moment before a voice called, “Himari-”

The girl’s eyes had lit up in surprise at Shugo’s flirtations, and she was slow to turn her head to her friend, one of Shugo’s classmates. He could hear her whisper, “Who’s that?!”, her friend glancing over. Shugo waved at his classmate with a crooked smirk, her eyes lighting up, too. He wondered if she was the one who’d been staring a hole into the back of his head every week. When her cheeks flushed red, Shugo smirked. It was almost too easy, but as an Alpha, Shugo wasn’t going to complain.

Still, women and Omegas like that were a dime a dozen, and he turned to head out the door.

He wasn’t all that surprised, though, when a desperate voice called, “Meian-senpai-!”, a hand tugging at his short sleeve a moment later. He glanced over his shoulder to see the friend, Himari, staring up at him with big eyes, almost like she was shocked herself to be here.

“Are you free now?!” she blurted out, and Shugo turned with a smile. Yeah, too easy. He wasn’t cocky, but girls just threw themselves at him. He wasn’t picky either, just looking for someone to help get his rocks off, as long as they understood that this was a one-time offer. Shugo wasn’t looking for a relationship or some girl to get overly attached to him. He’d even tried a few Omega guys, thinking maybe they’d be less bothersome than some of the girls who wouldn’t get the memo, but the guys were almost worse sometimes, desperate. Still, sex felt crazy good, especially with Omegas who were insanely turned on ‘cause they were beyond excited, so Shugo could never say no to an invite like this.

He turned and flirted, “Never too busy for you, cutie.”

The Omega nearly fainted, her whole face lighting up. She swayed her hips and purred softly up at him, nearly on her tippy toes like she was trying to reach for him. He glanced over her shoulder and asked, “What about your friend?”

“She had to get to work,” Himari said, chewing at her lip as her eyes averted for a moment. Ah, so the friend didn’t know. That was fine; Shugo could keep a secret.

“Bummer,” he teased, his voice going a little deeper.

The girl tugged at his sleeve. “Would you have preferred her?” she asked, long lashes fluttering as she gave him her best puppy dog eyes.

He slipped a big hand around her tiny waist and hummed, “Never, baby,” an easy lie. The truth was he didn’t really care who it was; he would have accepted an invite from either. Still, it was enough for Himari as she keened happily, pressing herself against his big body as he led her off campus.

“Your place or mine?”

“I live in the dorms-”

“My place, then,” he hummed. The dorms had roommates and prying eyes and ears and very little space, whereas Shugo had a nice little studio apartment just off campus with a big bed and privacy. The girl easily agreed, and Shugo wondered if it was just something about him or if Omegas these days had no sense of danger, readily following a stranger to an unknown place. Maybe they just couldn’t think past their desires, which worked out fine for Shugo. He wasn’t a bad guy; he just liked sex.

It was a short walk back to his place, the girl asking him a little bit about what he did and what he was majoring in, though Shugo was vague with his answers. He wasn’t here to get to know her, not like that, and she soon fell quiet, simply smiling up as she clung to him. He unlocked his front door and invited her in.

Himari kicked her shoes off as she stared around in awe, padding quietly forward on socked feet while Shugo pulled his own tennis shoes off and set his bag aside. He’d have to do his homework later. He watched the girl for a moment, her short skirt swaying and almost showing off her ass, legs pretty and thin, so small.

Standing up straight again, Shugo licked at his lips, asking rhetorically, “Want anything to drink?”

The girl floated boldly towards Shugo’s bed, spinning around and smiling as she hummed, “No, thank you.” Her eyes said she was thirsty for something much different. Her gaze flicked down to his crotch, and he smiled when she noticed that he was hard already. She smelled like sugar and apples, and her scent slowly mixed in with his cardamon and patchouli.

“You smell good, senpai,” she keened, and Shugo smiled crookedly.

“Do I?” he teased as he approached her. She shivered as he wrapped his big, warm hands around her tiny frame. He released some more of his scent and then slowly walked her backwards to his bed. She sat down with a plop, peering up at him with glittering eyes, long lashes fluttering as she licked at her lips. He grabbed the edges of his shirt with a smirk and peeled it off, drinking in her gasp. It was natural for Alphas to be a little more fit, but Shugo worked out almost everyday, too. Reverent hands reached up, soft fingers sliding over his abs and pecs, and he grinned at her as he slowly began opening up his jeans.

“Listen, this is just a one-time thing, okay?” he hummed, tucking Himari’s soft brown hair back. She nuzzled against his big hand as he stroked at her jaw.

“Yes,” she nodded.

“I’m not looking for a relationship or a girlfriend. Are you okay with that?”

“Nobody likes a clingy bitch,” she agreed, though her eyes were already glazing over. Was she just saying whatever he wanted to hear? He cupped her neck as her hands fluttered over his clothed erection.

“Want anything to drink?” he asked her again, a little more pointedly, and this time, she nodded.

“Want your Alpha cock, senpai~”

“Good girl,” Shugo praised, stroking at the back of her neck, at her scent gland. A rush of candied apples filled the room, and he inhaled slowly, his cock reacting. Himari eagerly peeled his jeans down as he tugged at her shirt, two pairs of hands anxious to touch bare skin. She exhaled excitedly as she roughed his boxer briefs down and finally wrapped her hands around his heavy cock.

“Holy-” she muttered, her eyes going a little wide as she realized what she was getting into. Shugo was pretty proud of his size, and he knew it was a hot selling point. He rocked his hips a little, fucking her hands as he grinned.

“Like it, baby?” he asked as he parted her lips and rubbed at the tip of her tongue with his thumb. “Go ahead, lick it with your cute little tongue.”

The Omega keened happily, lavishing in his dirty talk and sweet flirtations. It was so damn easy, but that was fine with Shugo. He exhaled slowly as a wet tongue laved over his swollen head, licking at his slit as pre-cum beaded there. Himari was small, so he wondered how much of him she could take, but he was usually pleasantly surprised. Omegas that really wanted it were greedy, and as this girl grew more hungry in her adorations of his shaft, Shugo was sure she would make him feel good. He encouraged her to take him into her mouth, warm velvet slowly wrapping around his cock. Fuck, Omegas felt so good everywhere. They were made for this, he thought as he grabbed the back of her head again, stroking at her scent gland as he pulled her slowly closer, watching her long lashes flutter against her rosy cheeks. Her scent was almost cloyingly sweet now, but Shugo loved it.

He loved Omegas, truly. He understood how special and important they were. That’s why he refused to settle on just one, knowing better than to start something that would only end in heartbreak for the other. In his eyes, Omegas were made to be loved and fucked, and he would do his duty.

“Good girl, good Omega,” he praised, the girl nearly melting into a puddle at his easy and genuine worship. She took him deeper and deeper, drooling almost unconsciously all over his shaft as he slid deeper down her throat. He stroked at her elongated neck, feeling himself inside as she moaned wantonly, drool sliding down her chin. “You’re so pretty like this, baby. What a good little Omega.”

She brought him to the edge of his orgasm like that, and he let her milk him, knowing he’d have another shot in him right after. Unlike Betas or even some Alphas, Shugo had serious stamina to go a few rounds, especially when the Omegas were this willing and he could milk them for all they were worth. With a delighted sigh, he came down the girl’s throat, massaging it and encouraging her to swallow. Himari was in a trance as she drank him up, and even when he pulled out of her mouth, her jaw hung slack, drool and a bit of cum glazing her rosy lips. Yes, they looked perfect like this, blissed out, loose.

Shugo let her settle down in her euphoria as he grabbed a condom, and then he slowly laid her back on the bed, the Omega mewling as she felt his easy strength and big arms around her. He unzipped her skirt and tugged it off, staring at her matching little bra and panty set, the latter soaked completely through the striped fabric. She had small tits, but as Shugo leaned over her and took her bra off, he was delighted to discover the piercings through her nipples and her quaking breathe when he stroked a thumb over them. Sensitive; perfect. Shugo closed his lips around her other pierced nipple, and she cried out loudly, her back arching high. He took the opportunity to slide his hand down her spine, slipping it into her panties. His arm and fingers were long enough to reach back around, and he teased at her sopping pussy as she clutched at his hair and big shoulders and sobbed.

“Baby, you’re so wet. Do you want me that bad?”

“Yes,” she begged, slowly pulling Shugo closer. Her eyes fluttered open, and she licked at her lips, her gaze on his though she seemed hesitant to ask. He smiled at her.

“Nothing is off-limits. I’ll do anything you ask, so tell me what you want.”

“Want to kiss you,” she shivered. Then, “Please, Alpha.”

Ah, these Omegas were so easy, no guards up at all when they got like this. Being called ‘Alpha’ felt too intimate, and yet he never discouraged it, using it to gauge how good his partner was feeling. Leaning up, Shugo molded his lips to hers, soft and tasting like vanilla chapstick. She arched up against him and moaned languidly, and he wrapped his tongue around hers, savoring the kiss as he fingered her wetness. His cock trembled, back to life again, and he ached to be inside her. It was a pity he had to wear a condom, but even so, nothing compared to the heat and tightness of an Omega’s pussy.

“What do you want?” he asked her again as he slowly pulled back from their kiss, her eyes shut and lips trembling.

“Mm,” she mewled, probably too lost in her bliss to think or speak. He shuffled back down and kissed at her small breasts, and when she still offered no response, he shifted down until he was face-to-face with her wetness, her cunt trembling around his fingers as she felt his hot breath on her delicate areas. “Mm,” she whimpered again more eagerly.

Shugo rushed forward and swirled his tongue around her swollen clit, eating up the shattered moan she let out, supporting her back as she arched her spine again.

“Please, please,” she begged as she clutched at his short hair, and he ate up the sweetness that dripped between her thighs. Fuck, he could do this forever; how was it possible that Omegas tasted so good and different from each other, each unique and yet one was no less delicious than another. He could say with certainty that every Omega tasted wonderful. Shugo delved his tongue between his fingers and lapped up her spill, savoring the heat he could taste there.

When she begged, “Please, Alpha-!” he pulled himself back up, and with no further delay, he grabbed his cock and began pressing his swollen head to her wetness. She was hot, burning up, and her small stature meant she was tight around his large shaft. He took it slow, because even as she begged him, he could tell that he was stretching her a lot. He watched her face closely for any signs of pain, pausing when her lips pulled tight or her breathing hitched. Fuck, she was gloriously tight… Shugo clung to his bed sheets and shut his eyes, drinking in this feeling that was like no other. If an Omega felt this good outside of heat, what would it feel like during their time of the month? This was the only thing he didn’t know; he stayed away from Omegas in heat for good reason. He couldn’t give those Omegas what they wanted, which was to be bred and marked, and he knew smelling them in heat would likely make him lose his cool and consider doing both anyways.

This was good, too, though. This was perfect. Shugo sighed as he sank inside the girl fully, breathing out her name.

“You feel like heaven, baby.”

Himari moaned desperately, craving his praise. As he teased at her pierced nipples, she moaned again, seeming to be melting into the sheets even as she begged, “More, more, Alpha, fuck me-”

How could he deny such a sweet creature? Shugo gave her all he had, sensing what she liked and wanted from her face and her pussy’s clenching, and soon she was cumming on his cock, sobbing in delight. He came again with a grunt and then slowly pulled out, savoring the last draw. He gave her one last, soft kiss and then stood to rinse up, preparing himself for a short nap by pulling on a pair of loose dorm pants over his naked body.

By the time he stepped back out of the bathroom, Himari was stirring, slowly sitting up. Shugo offered her his bathroom to clean herself up, though he stipulated clearly that he needed to get some sleep before work. She silently nodded, and Meian was pleased to see she was one of the ones who understood the rules.

Himari was dressed and tugging on her shoes in about ten minutes. He stood in the entryway with her as she rose to her feet, and she glanced over her shoulder.

“I’ll see you around,” she said vaguely, and he nodded, giving her a kind smile. “Um, thanks-!” she blurted out. “You were really… nice…”

The compliment surprised Shugo, enough to make him lean down and cup her back, kissing her lips softly. He hoped he wouldn’t come to regret that later, but for now, he only smiled and thanked her.

“See you around,” he told her as he opened the door for her, only a quiet hum reaching him as she headed out. He shut the door behind her and then wandered back to his bed, kicking aside the mussed sheets and sinking into his mattress with a happy, sated sigh.

Chapter Text

“Alright, class,” called Tetsuro’s English teacher, saying next the dreaded words no college student ever wanted to hear: “Team up into pairs of three for a group project. You will be translating a short story by Osamu Dazai into English.”

The whole class groaned, and Tetsuro instantly turned to Kiyoomi to save him. Right now, he could not express how grateful he was that this was the one class he had together with his best friend. Black eyes met his own, a shared sentiment transferred there, and then Kiyoomi turned his gaze worriedly outward, trying so hard not to let his lips pull into a tight frown. Tetsuro laughed; Kiyoomi’s disdain for the other students was so clear.

He was about to look around himself when hands slapped to his desk, and he looked up. Bright yellow eyes stared at him, a head full of fluffy, white and grey hair, and a bright smile beaming down.

“We should be partners,” decided one of Tetsuro’s classmates. Bokuto, he recalled; this guy got yelled at by the teacher a lot. From the corner of Tetsuro’s eye, he could see Kiyoomi shaking his head almost desperately, which made him all the more curious.

“Sure,” he replied with a grin, sticking out his hand. “Tetsuro Kuroo.”

“Tetsu! I knew you’d be cool about it!” exclaimed the big Alpha, grinning. “I’m Koutaro Bokuto, but you can call me Kou.”

“Kou, this is our third partner, Kiyoomi Sakusa. I call him Omi, which he hates,” Tetsuro introduced, grinning so wickedly that even Kiyoomi let out a tiny shiver. His frown was not hidden this time as Koutaro turned to the other and bobbed his head.

“Great! Omi and Tetsu!”

Kiyoomi groaned audibly. “Please don’t make us regret this. I need a good grade, and I will not do your work for you.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Koutaro replied confidently. “I know I fall asleep in class a lot, but that’s ‘cause this class is so early, so if we can just meet later in the day, I’ll be good to go! Besides, I’m great at projects, and despite how I look, English is my best subject.”

Even Tetsuro had to wonder how true that was, but the decision had been made, and he was giddy to see how it would play out. Besides that, he thought he and Koutaro would get along great. His momma was always telling him to get more friends…

“I work at a little café on my days off until 2, so I can meet after that,” Tetsuro said, to which Koutaro exclaimed, “Ohh, really?! Do they have good food?”

Before Tetsuro could reply, Kiyoomi cut in with, “I can meet at 2:30 on Mondays before volleyball practice.”

Koutaro spun around, surprisingly fast for how big he was, and keened, “Oh my god, are you on the volleyball team?! Wait, are you the famous spiker I keep hearing about?!”

Kiyoomi looked put-off by being called famous, though he didn’t deny it.

“I’m on the football team! One of my teammates talks about you all the time; his girlfriend is like, super obsessed with you or something.”

Tetsuro laughed this time when Kiyoomi pulled a face, and even Koutaro giggled. “She should be obsessed with her boyfriend,” Kiyoomi grumbled in disgust, and Koutaro said he’d make sure to tell his teammate that.

“So Monday at 2:30,” cheered Koutaro. “Should we meet at the library?”

“If you can keep your voice down,” groaned Kiyoomi with a frown.

“I can do that,” grinned Koutaro, amazingly not put out by Kiyoomi’s sour puss attitude at all, and Tetsuro thought that they would make a great team.

“Perfect,” he cheered, grinning at Kiyoomi as the other Alpha abruptly stood and packed up his backpack.

“I have practice,” was all he said, Koutaro waving him off with a grin.

He turned back to Tetsuro a moment later and asked, “Hey, you busy?”

Tetsuro grinned. “Not really. Wanna check out the café I work at?”

“Yes!” cheered the wild Alpha.

-x-

“Really, Tsumu, you’re gonna mortify that boy for life,” Osamu said over the phone as Atsumu tugged on a pair of heels to go with his fitted jeans and flowy, striped button-up.

“Don’t act like ya won’t be the same with Ko-chan. Also, I told ya ta come with me.”

“Well, my favorite babysitter is busy, so I can’t.”

Atsumu sighed dramatically, though it was only because Tetsuro was busy that he was able to conduct his spy mission. In the name of making sure that his baby wasn’t working at a seedy place or being mistreated, Atsumu was going to check out the bar part of the café that Tetsuro worked at during the day.

“You could invite Alex,” Osamu teased, and now Atsumu knew the other had an ulterior motive.

“That sounds like a date, so no.”

“Why not?” Osamu asked pointedly.

“‘Cause we have ta keep pretendin’ all of our other dates are just work stuff,” Atsumu chimed back, trying to be sarcastic and funny, but he did feel like it rang too true. Osamu just hummed knowingly. “Samu, he’s my boss,” sighed Atsumu.

“He likes you!”

“He doesn’t want ta lose me as his assistant.”

“He doesn’t want to lose you, period. Come on, Tsumu, just make a move!”

Atsumu thought about the last time he’d made a move on Alex and how that had ended with the man saying they shouldn’t do it again. It wasn’t that Atsumu disagreed, either; he needed Alex for reasons that would not lend to a healthy relationship, and yet lately, Atsumu found himself feeling more and more lonely. Even if it was just an occasional sex thing… Geez, Atsumu needed to get fucked…

Well, he was going to a bar tonight, he reminded himself.

Atsumu grabbed a small purse as he headed out the door, stuffing his keys and wallet into it as he made his way down the stairs. He chatted with his brother until he arrived at the little café called Java and Hooch, the last word lit up on the sign in the window, advertising the liquor sold inside. Atsumu ended the call and pulled open the door to the bar, instantly greeted by a chill step mix, something Tetsuro would listen to. Looking around, he saw a lot of young people, but also a lot of older women and Omegas like him, gathered around the small tables or at the bar. Atsumu made his way right for the counter and grabbed a barstool, glancing around at the staff.

The bartender was particularly handsome, Atsumu thought as he watched the Alpha who could be no more than 25 expertly mix drinks and flip bottles, making a performance out of every drink he served. He was tall and broad in the same way Tetsuro was, built like a solid brick wall, and Atsumu liked that in a man. The short hair and sharp features of his face and the slightest tan to his skin was also very attractive. While Atsumu was sure most of the woman and Omegas at the bar were vying for the man for themselves, the Omega was thinking that a man like this would do Osamu good. Nothing like that gross husband he had now.

Atsumu watched the bartender, who seemed like he owned the place from the conversations his patrons were having with him, until the man turned and spotted Atsumu, an eyebrow raising in surprise. Was it because he could tell Atsumu was new here, or did he recognize the Omega?

He stepped over and then asked with a smile, calling over the crowd’s din, “What can I get you?”

“Mint julep,” Atsumu answered instantly, the other smiling as if he could have guessed. That irked Atsumu a little, the Alpha a bit too cocky for his taste, but thankfully he didn’t seem too arrogant, or maybe his smile made up for it. Atsumu accepted his drink with a nod, eyeing the Alpha up, to which he grinned before drifting off to another customer.

“Hmm,” Atsumu mused as he slowly turned in his barstool, surveying the crowd and the other staff again. They were all dressed in black and were doing a good job keeping up with the crowd, which meant the bartender had trained them well. Tetsuro had mentioned someone like that training him, too. What was his name again…? Atsumu drank down his drink and slowly turned back, knowing he would need a few more drinks before he started mingling with the younger crowd and trying to rile up a partner for the night. While he’d never felt old, or looked it save for the grays in his hair he covered with blond dye, it still behooved him to pick an immature partner that might not be able to handle him in the bedroom. It had been a long time since he’d had any, though, and he was positively itching to ride a nice Alpha cock.

When the bartender came back around, Atsumu ordered an old fashioned this time, bemused by the surprised look the bartender gave him.

“What?” Atsumu asked, smirking back. “Does an Omega who can handle his liquor terrify ya?”

The bartender chuckled. “Should it? Sounds pretty exciting to me.”

Well then. “Are ya single?” Maybe he’d get a date for his drying-up brother.

“Yeah, and not really looking to change that,” hummed the bartender, and Atsumu felt pleasantly surprised by the maturity he heard in the other’s voice. Then the Alpha smiled too sweetly and asked, “Now, if you’re the one asking me…”

“Ahh, ye’re a playboy,” Atsumu guessed, his eyes suddenly narrowing. The bartender raised his hands to portray his innocence. “Tell me yer at least responsible enough ta use protection.”

“Yes, sir,” the Alpha chimed back, and Atsumu nodded his approval.

“Good.”

“So are you offering?” asked the bartender as he slid Atsumu’s drink over, the Omega picking up the glass and swirling the liquid inside.

He extended his other hand after a sip and introduced, “I’m Tetsuro’s momma. Still hopin’ I’m offerin’?”

“Oh, shit, really?” the Alpha asked with a surprised laugh. “I have to say you don’t look old enough, but I can see where the guy’s good genes came from. Handsome like his mother.”

“Smooth talker,” Atsumu huffed, but that didn’t keep him from puffing out his chest at the compliment. “I had ta make sure this wasn’t a shady place,” he said, eyes glued to the Alpha.

A big hand reached out, and the bartender introduced himself as, “Shugo Meian, but you can call me anything you like. I’m the co-owner of this little café and I run the bar, as you can tell. I actually spoke to Tetsuro when he came in to ask for a job.”

“And ya recommended him ta the boss who runs the café?” Atsumu asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Absolutely. I could tell he had a lot of potential.”

Atsumu was stuck between pride and wanting to clobber Shugo over the head for helping his son find work when he didn’t need to be wasting his time like that.

“Actually, I’m hoping to hire him on to work with me nights soon,” Shugo continued, and Atsumu sharply raised a finger.

“Excuse me, he’s not twenty yet. Don’t ya dare make him do somethin’ illegal-”

“I promise I’m waiting patiently,” replied the suave bartender, and Atsumu shuddered even as his Omega senses preened. Smooth talker, indeed.

“Well, get back ta work, Shugo-chan,” Atsumu dismissed derisively, but the Alpha just grinned and obliged the Omega with the sweetest smile. Argh, it was hard to hate the man… Osamu would probably fall head-over-heels for him without any risk aversion at all. Well, it wasn’t like a playboy like that wouldn’t still be a million times better than Daisho…

Shugo made Atsumu his third drink on the house, to which the Omega scolded, “I’m not sleepin’ with ya,” making Shugo laugh a resounding, hearty laugh that Atsumu just knew would have his brother tripping over himself, and then he shuffled angrily off his barstool, the man’s suave ways affecting even him. Atsumu mingled with the crowd and tried to find someone to take him home in the young crowd, but in the end, he just schlepped his sad self back home, wanting to see his baby.

The proud smile Tetsuro gave him when he got home nearly killed Atsumu, and he wished his son wouldn’t be so happy for him, for getting out there again.

“Just stay with me forever,” grumbled the drunk Omega as Tetsuro helped him out of his clothes and into his bed.

“Okay, Momma, I will,” teased Tetsuro, and Atsumu mourned the loss of his little baby who’d said his momma would always be number one.

-x-

There were many things Kiyoomi Sakusa hated. Things like bad grades and messy rooms. He hated loud crowds and places that made him feel claustrophobic. Even though he greatly disliked these things, he could figure out ways to avoid them or deal with them, but then there were things he hated that were unavoidable and only strained him greatly.

One of those things were texting group chats.

His phone had already gone off twenty times since he’d gotten out of bed to get ready for his first class of the day, and he thought it a miracle that Koutaro Bokuto was even awake and functioning enough to type out messages at this hour. Looking at his phone, though, Kiyoomi realized that the assumption that Koutaro could form legible sentences was a fallacy.

Guys, wanna come over and hang tonight? Tetsuro had asked after creating this horror of a group chat.

to stdy was Koutaro’s reply, which Kiyoomi had stared at for nearly five minutes before realizing this man was not spelling out an acronym but had instead forgotten the “u” in “study”. Capitalization and punctuation were out the window entirely.

Nah just to hang Oh no, the disease was infecting Tetsuro, too.

yessss at urhouse? dam i wanna meet ur mom

Well he is the greatest, remarked Tetsuro proudly, which Kiyoomi had to agree with, though he didn’t say that in the chat. We can hang and watch a show or something

ill bring my n64

Great!

hey u seen that cutie omga in english

Kiyoomi wished he understood what anything meant. Before he murdered someone, he texted, Please remove me from this chat.

Omi-Omi! replied Tetsuro, while Bokuto somehow misspelled that, too, making Kiyoomi seriously worry for the man.

Just say you’ll come tonight and I’ll release you from this prison, Tetsuro replied, and Kiyoomi supposed he had no choice anymore.

Fine. I’ll bring a healthy snack. He was tempted to ask what kind of fruit Atsumu liked, but then the chat went quiet, and he sighed in relief.

Kiyoomi’s three classes went well. At volleyball practice, he only spiked the ball out of bounds once. He was feeling pretty good as he showered at home, thankful that his parents were out of town and his siblings out of the house. He cut up the fruit in the fridge that his mom had told him to eat, though it was too much for one guy. It wasn’t a huge deal to his parents to let it go bad, but Kiyoomi was too aware of how expensive it all was. Besides, he was sure Atsumu would like tasting the strawberries and winter melon and grapes… Kiyoomi bit back a quake-y smile, his feelings too embarrassing to show to anyone but an empty house.

He took far too long picking out an outfit, trying on everything ranging from too dressy to too casual before finally settling on a nice pair of fitted jeans and a Henley tee that his mother had claimed made him look very grown up. He styled his curly hair and brushed his teeth again just to be sure, and then he pulled on a pair of shoes, grabbing his phone, keys, and the big bowl of fruit.

As he walked to Atsumu and Tetsuro’s apartment, he tried to settle his nerves and eagerness, but even he could tell that his body was releasing too many pheromones to not be obvious, the scent of sandalwood and black pepper almost warped in his nervousness. No other Omega in his whole entire life had made Kiyoomi feel so off-balance, and he still hadn’t figured out how to deal with the way Atsumu made him feel. Even Koutaro seemed easy to handle in comparison. Atsumu Miya was an existence too bright to touch, too wonderful to fathom, and earth-shatteringly perfect. Kiyoomi forgot everything in the man’s presence, and when Atsumu spoke to him, it was all over. Kiyoomi had never felt as stupid as he did in the Omega’s presence, which was quite a blow for an Alpha. While Kiyoomi worshipped the ground Atsumu walked on, Atsumu clearly wasn’t that impressed with Kiyoomi Sakusa, which was another blow to a star athlete, top student like him. No, things like that didn’t impress Atsumu. Atsumu liked hugs and smiles and compliments. He liked his son and his brother and nephew. He liked things that made him happy, like Tetsuro breathing or Tetsuro laughing or Tetsuro… Kiyoomi himself had yet to figure out how to make Atsumu happy like that, or even at all.

By the time Kiyoomi arrived on Atsumu and Tetsuro’s doorstep, an apartment he knew so well, that had never changed, always warm and inviting, always safe, like it was a door to a parallel universe where nothing bad could touch him, he was so worked up by his own thoughts that he needed a minute just to breathe. That would have been fine and well if Koutaro didn’t burst up the stairs right behind him a few seconds later, footsteps thundering, disturbing the little peace Kiyoomi had found in this world. Black eyes snapped wide in disbelief as a heavy body nearly knocked him over in a hug, an arm wrapping around his shoulders as Koutaro shook Kiyoomi in what the beefy Alpha surely thought was a friendly greeting. Kiyoomi was thrown completely off-kilter, and he worried.

Koutaro knocked before Kiyoomi could compose himself, and then the door was swinging open and Kiyoomi knew he was doomed as he stared at the face of an equally excited Tetsuro, knowing his peace would not come tonight.

“Come in!” Tetsuro cheered, and Kiyoomi was hauled inside with Koutaro, his feet stumbling for the first time in his whole life. He clutched at his precious bowl of fruit, his only saving grace now. Thankfully, he was let go in the entryway, but that was the least of his worries, it seemed.

“Ah, ya must be Kou-chan!” came the voice of an angel on earth, and Kiyoomi froze.

Kiyoomi’s head jerked up as the loudest gasp sounded beside him, and he watched in horror as Koutaro stepped inside his precious heaven on earth and exclaimed, “Oh my god, Tetsuro, your mom is so pretty!” Then, to a very delighted Atsumu, “I’m Kou-chan! It’s so nice to meet you, Auntie!”

As if it wasn’t already bad enough, Kiyoomi was nearly brought to tears when Koutaro grabbed Atsumu in a hug and hefted him up, the Omega laughing in delight as he was spun around. Oh, Kiyoomi could feel his heart turning black with jealousy. Atsumu’s golden eyes sparkled, his mouth open in a wide smile that Kiyoomi had never once given the Omega. Even when Koutaro set Atsumu down, the Omega fawned over his muscles and handsome face, touching everything as Tetsuro proudly bragged that Koutaro was the star quarterback on the school’s football team.

When Kiyoomi couldn’t stand it anymore, he pushed past behind Koutaro as Atsumu fawned over him, stalking to the kitchen where he too-aggressively set down his bowl of very expensive fruit that he’d been so sure… would impress Atsumu. His mind was a mess, and he was so thrown off that he debated just leaving now. He was going to make a fool of himself, and yet he felt rooted as he heard Atsumu’s voice draw near again.

A hand slid over his back for the briefest moment, and Kiyoomi thought he might die as Atsumu greeted him. “Good ta see ya, Omi-chan~ Oh, ya brought fruit? Yum!”

As happy as it made Kiyoomi, it all paled in comparison to the joy Atsumu had displayed just at Koutaro being Koutaro. Kiyoomi turned abruptly out of the kitchen, mumbling only a hello before he stalked into the living room and sat down on the sofa like the wet rag he was. In the kitchen, he could hear Tetsuro and Atsumu ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the fruit he’d brought, but it all felt like nothing in the face of Kiyoomi’s ugly jealousy. He had never hugged Atsumu, never touched the Omega, never had the Omega touch him like that, and yet Atsumu did it so easily with a new Alpha just because the guy fawned over him. Koutaro had said so easily what Kiyoomi wished he could, but Kiyoomi couldn’t get out of his head enough to say the words his heart was screaming. Atsumu is the prettiest Omega ever; are your eyes broken, Koutaro? I’m a star athlete, too, so fawn over me. I have muscles, and I’m tall and fairly handsome, and I… love you more than anything or anyone else.

Kiyoomi had struggled with these feelings for so damn long that it almost felt like his whole life had been devoted to the Omega…

Kiyoomi startled as hot breath rushed over his neck, Atsumu suddenly leaning over the back of the sofa with a grin. If anything made Atsumu smile, it was torturing Kiyoomi. “Hey. Want me ta get ya a drink, or are ya just gonna sprout mushroom while ya brood on my couch?”

Atsumu’s face was so close, and Kiyoomi whipped his head away before he could combust. He wanted to explain why he was brooding, but instead he just murmured, “Water is fine, Miya-san.”

Damn. “So formal,” teased Atsumu, and Kiyoomi felt it like a red mark on his soul, the grade of his life slipping down. He spun back to find Tetsuro and Koutaro just watching him with weird expressions, the two too animated as they broke and laughed together.

“Geez, Omi, you’ve known my mom for like 6 years now; just call him Atsumu.”

“Or Auntie!” Koutaro offered unhelpfully. Kiyoomi groaned as he watched the pair set up what he realized now was a gaming console that Koutaro had brought, while Atsumu hummed in the kitchen as he made drinks and doled out the fruit for everyone. Kiyoomi turned stiffly to stare over the sofa as Atsumu swayed back in with a tray in his arms, and he was just thinking he should get up and help when Koutaro sprang to his feet and grabbed the tray from Atsumu, saying the Omega should just relax.

“Handsome and gentlemanly!” Atsumu praised. “Tetsuro, ya keep findin’ winners.”

"Momma, don’t get any ideas,” teased Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi felt tortured. Atsumu could have ideas about him, but not anyone else.

Atsumu swept around the sofa and served everyone their drinks, the tray on the table, and then to Kiyoomi’s great horror and delight, the Omega sat down on the couch right beside him, turning with a grin as he handed over Kiyoomi’s water and bowl of fruit.

“Ye’re always so stiff, Omi-chan~ I’m not gonna bite,” teased the Omega, “unless ye’re into that-”

Laughter rang around the room, and Kiyoomi thought he would like anything Atsumu did. Atsumu was close and looking right at him, and Kiyoomi was combusting. Stiffly, he slid down to the floor, his back to the couch, trying not to think too much about how Atsumu’s leg grazed his shoulder once in a while.

Koutaro offered Kiyoomi a controller, but the Alpha could barely hold his cup without making a mess, and besides that, he wasn’t all that into video games. Atsumu grabbed the old-style controller instead, leaning forward with a laugh. Ah, he smelled… so good. The scent of jasmine and honey clogged Kiyoomi’s nose and brain and he could barely focus, staring at the TV screen but seeing nothing. Every time Atsumu laughed or moved or spoke, Kiyoomi jumped in his skin, and yet he paid close attention to how the Omega devoured the fruit he’d brought, moaning over how good it was.

“Ya can bring that anytime, darlin’!” Atsumu said, sending Kiyoomi’s heart through the roof. He nodded stiffly, but Atsumu had moved on a moment later, saying, “Tetsu-chan, ya should buy one of these consoles so we can play together.”

Kiyoomi wanted to curl up into a ball and die. The janky music from the game played, and Koutaro fell down dramatically as he lost the race. This time when he offered Kiyoomi the controller, the other Alpha took it, if only because Atsumu cheered, “Yea, race me, Omi-chan!” His giggle was malicious, but Kiyoomi was desperate to prove he wasn’t a party pooper and knew how to have fun (he didn’t). Still, the mechanics were fairly easy, but by the time Kiyoomi got a hang of the game, he was enjoying Atsumu’s excited laughs when he won much more than he cared about winning himself, so he let the Omega take the trophy.

His eyes snapped wide when arms wrapped around him and a warm body melted against his back, Atsumu laughing right in Kiyoomi’s beet red ear. “That was so fun! See, isn’t it better when ya join in rather than bein’ a grouch, Omi-chan?”

Kiyoomi couldn’t focus on anything aside from Atsumu’s heat against his back and the weight of him, his voice and laughter in his ear, and the smell… Kiyoomi wanted to just break down his walls and turn around, pull Atsumu into his lap and hug him, but instead he sat up stiffly and coughed, asking the Omega not to lean all over him.

“Really, Miya-san, you have no awareness. You’re in a room full of teenage Alphas and yet you-”

Tetsuro’s expression silenced Kiyoomi, and he realized too late what he was saying. His eyes darted to Atsumu’s, the Omega frowning deeply.

“I’m 37 years old, Kiyoomi, and besides, one of those Alphas is my son. I don’t appreciate the insinuation that I can’t take care of myself. Besides, I can’t imagine ya could even stomach the thought of touching me, let alone puttin’ me in that kind of danger, so don’t tell me how I should behave.”

Kiyoomi swallowed roughly, but Atsumu wasn’t done with him.

“If ya don’t want me touchin’ ya, just say so, idiot. Don’t act like yer superior ta me, though. I’m perfectly capable of takin’ care of myself.”

“No-” Kiyoomi choked out, but he startled as a hand reached out, grabbing his face and pinching his cheek.

“Omi-chan, sweetheart, yer really handsome, but if ya don’t fix that sourpuss attitude of yers, yer never gonna get an Omega. Who hurt ya ta make ya like this?”

Kiyoomi thought he wanted to die, but shockingly, Tetsuro spoke up in his defense, calling, "Momma, you know what kind of family Omi grew up in. He’s just not used to it, so I think it weirds him out a little.”

Slowly, Atsumu let go of Kiyoomi’s face, sighing. Kiyoomi missed his touch in an instant. “Ye’re right. Sorry, Omi-kun, but really, ya can’t talk ta adults like that.”

I’m an adult now, too, Kiyoomi wanted to point out, but it was useless. He listened as Atsumu stood and moved into the kitchen, Koutaro staring at him incredulously.

“You okay?” he asked in genuine concern, and that was perhaps the hardest thing to deal with. Kiyoomi hated pity; he hated being looked down on, especially when he tried so damn hard… He wished he wasn’t this way either, but it was hard to change how he’d been raised. More than anything, he felt so fucking lonely all the damn time, filling every moment with studies or practice just to make someone proud of him, but the irony was that the one person he wanted to make most proud was not impressed by grades or things like that. No, Atsumu knew how to take joy in the simpler things in life, the easy things. Kiyoomi was desperate to know how to do it, too. He wanted Atsumu… to teach him how to have fun, to relax, to take life a little less seriously.

When Koutaro asked if he wanted to play again, Kiyoomi just shook his head, and then he quietly stood up, his mind filled with the mountains of homework he should be doing, his father and mother whispering in his ear that he shouldn’t be wasting time-

He stopped just outside the kitchen and turned his eyes up to stare at Atsumu. The Omega was mixing together ingredients for what Kiyoomi could only assume were cookies, and he felt the pit in his stomach grow. Atsumu’s cookies were the best, but Kiyoomi couldn’t…

“I’m sorry,” he breathed out, his fists clenched, and he wasn’t even sure Atsumu had heard him until feet appeared in his vision, the Omega having stepped up in front of him. Kiyoomi was caught for a moment by the glistening polish on pretty toes. His head jerked up, and Atsumu watched him with an expression that Kiyoomi had never wanted the other to make: worry like a mother would. Should.

I’m not a child, Atsumu. I’m a man.

I want to be your man.

“I’m sorry,” he said again instead.

“Listen, it’s alright. Are ya doin’ okay, Omi-kun?”

Kiyoomi wanted to bury his face into Atsumu’s neck and cry, but instead he nodded stiffly, motioning to the bowl of fruit. “Keep it. I’ll get the bowl from Tetsuro later.”

“Yer welcome anytime, ya know,” Atsumu called as he followed after Kiyoomi, and it was such a blessing and a curse.

“Thanks.

“That’s why everyone likes you, Atsumu-san.”

Kiyoomi pulled on his shoes, and Atsumu teased lightly, “Except for ya, right, Omi-chan?”

He didn’t even have the heart to turn around and correct it.

No, Atsumu, I like you most of all, actually. I’m sorry I’m shit at showing it.

I fucking love you, and I have since I was fourteen. Hopelessly… loving you.

“Bye, Atsumu-san,” he said instead, the most he could manage.

He trudged home and then put his mind back to studying, studying.

-x-

Tetsuro peered over the edge of the couch as his mother shuffled around the kitchen, cleaning this and that. Atsumu was lingering; was he embarrassed about what Kiyoomi had said? It seemed unlikely, but it was certainly bothering the Alpha. Tetsuro watched Atsumu until the Omega finally stomped out of the kitchen and pointed a wooden ladle at his son, demanding, “Why doesn’t Omi-chan like me?!”

Tetsuro’s lips tugged up in surprise, and he smiled knowingly. A moment later, he sat up with a serious face. "Momma, he’s not used to mothers being like that. His family is super strict and stiff. And, you know, realizing your were my mom was a shock…”

Atsumu huffed, smacking the ladle against his palm as he frowned.

“You’re not doing anything wrong,” Tetsuro assured the other, and Atsumu grumbled, “I know that!” Still, it seemed like he’d needed to hear it. His shoulders slowly relaxed.

“Come here, Momma,” Tetsuro said with a grin, setting his small laptop and headphones on the coffee table. He sat up and made room for his mother, the Omega settling down beside him and instantly snuggling against Tetsuro’s side. Atsumu turned his face and pressed his nose into the Alpha’s neck, inhaling deeply. As strong arms wrapped around Atsumu, Tetsuro marveled at how much smaller his momma felt now than when he’d been 15. He’d grown a lot, and while Atsumu always lamented it, he didn’t seem to truly mind all that much. It was his Omega instincts, Tetsuro thought.

His mother must be lonely…

“How’s Alex?” Tetsuro blurted out, Atsumu startling for a moment before instantly settling back down.

“Why’re ya askin’?” he asked suspiciously.

“No reason,” Tetsuro lied, which Atsumu smacked him against the chest for. “Just that you’re spending a lot of time with him now, and you’ve said he’s handsome.”

“He is handsome,” Atsumu huffed. “Like really handsome, but not my type.”

“Liar,” called Tetsuro this time with a hearty laugh. His mother huffed again, but he was surprisingly non-combative for a moment.

“It wouldn’t work out anyways. Ya know, he’s my boss, and he’s really goin’ places with the business, and I’ve got you-”

Tetsuro raised an eyebrow at that, slowly pulling back. Golden eyes so like his own peered up through a dyed-blond fringe. “You know you can date, right?”

Atsumu blinked, and Tetsuro realized that maybe Atsumu hadn’t allowed himself that sort of permission. The young Alpha shook his head.

"Momma, you should be happy. Especially now that you don’t have to worry about me anymore-”

“I will always worry about ya,” Atsumu cut in with an angry huff.

“Yeah, yeah,” Tetsuro hummed, smiling as he rubbed at Atsumu’s soft cheek. He wondered if all Omegas were this soft or if it was just his mother. “I’m giving you permission to go find your happiness now that you’ve done your duty in raising me.”

“Are ya tryin’ ta get rid of me already, Tetsu-chan?” Golden eyes snapped wide as Atsumu accused, “Don’t tell me ya got a girlfriend or boyfriend!”

“No, Momma,” Tetsuro said with a roll of his eyes. “I think you’d be the first to know.”

“Ya used ta have a lot of Omegas confessin’ to ya,” Atsumu huffed with a skeptical stare. Tetsuro laughed. He still got a few confessions here and there, but it had definitely calmed down in college. Omegas weren’t that shocked by or desperately hungry for an alpha anymore, not once they realized how many there were to choose from. College Omegas were much more selective, and a lot of them really just wanted sex. He didn’t tell his mother that, though; Atsumu would probably lecture Tetsuro for days.

“I’m just saying that instead of worrying about my happiness, worry about your own now, Momma. Got it?”

Atsumu grunted. “Now my son is tellin’ me what ta do.”

“You ask me for advice all the time, Momma,” Tetsuro replied with a roll of his eyes, and Atsumu melted back against his side.

After a while, the Omega stood and asked, “Ya comin’ ta bed?”

“Gonna stay up a little while longer,” Tetsuro said, grabbing his laptop and headphones again as he settled back on the couch. “Don’t have work tomorrow.”

“Lucky boy,” teased Atsumu, swooping down to give his son a kiss on his forehead, swiping his wild bangs aside. “Enjoy it while it lasts, baby. Don’t be so desperate ta be all grown.”

“Yes, Momma,” Tetsuro obliged, watching Atsumu head to their shared bedroom. Kiyoomi had said it was weird that they still shared a room, but Tetsuro wasn’t one to get weird about that stuff. Besides, he knew that, as much as Atsumu’s scent reassured him, his scent calmed his mother, too, so he didn’t see the need to change a thing.

Tetsuro glanced at the clock at the top corner of his screen and hummed in delight to see he would be right on time for the livestream he’d been anxious for all day. His favorite live-streamer was playing a newly released game tonight, but it wasn’t just that: Tetsuro always looked forward to Kodzuken’s streams. His voice was nice, and while he still used his v-tuber persona of a little cat boy in his uploaded gameplay videos, he used a webcam for his livestreams, sporting a neko half mask instead. He was big on privacy, and Tetsuro didn’t blame the streamer; Kodzuken had his share of crazy followers and potential stalkers.

Tetsuro clicked in on the livestream feed just as the countdown timer ended and a screen capture of Ken’s computer desktop showed, as well as a small frame of his webcam. The streamer was humming softly, chunky headphones covering his messy, dyed-blond hair, the long strands pulled over one slender shoulder. It was easy to see that Ken was an Omega from his build, and Tetsuro always wondered what he smelled like. He’d been watching Kodzuken since he was fourteen, but it wasn’t until recently that his affinity for the streamer had turned into something more… affectionate, if he could even call it that. When Ken reached back to pick up the small black cat purring behind him, Tetsuro caught a glimpse of a nice little butt in loose dorm pants, a petite waist and pretty frame underneath the shirt the streamer wore. Ken never wore too-revealing clothes, an occasional skirt or crop top here or there, but most of his viewers were actually here for his gameplay, and Ken worked hard to keep it that way. Still, Tetsuro couldn’t deny that he didn’t keep his eyes peeled for glimpses of skin, for pretty little hands pulling back soft blond hair. He wouldn’t lie and say that Ken’s voice didn’t affect him, but he tried to be a gentleman about it. He paid for his subscription fee and kept his comments appropriate, even if sometimes he wanted to see what Ken would do.

Ah, Atsumu would scold him…

“Hello, everyone,” called a soft, almost-bored voice, the smallest of smiles playing on the corner of pretty little lips. Ken licked at them, and Tetsuro sighed; the Omega couldn’t know what he was doing, right? Behave. “I’m sure you all know, but we’re playing the new game that released today. I thought I would have to wait in line late last night, but thankfully the developers sent me a copy so I could play it for you guys. I’ve worked with this team before on some of their older games.” Ken held up the case for the game and listed off a few other titles Tetsuro recognized. “I really love the art style this company uses, and their games always have amazing storylines and interesting characters, so I’m excited to dive in.”

Ken paused for a moment, reading the chat as the game loaded. During livestreams, he kept things casual, and it was clear that his viewers liked that. It was like they were friends, just chatting. Tetsuro snuggled deeper into the couch as Ken replied to some of his messages, typing out, Love your old gameplay of the dev’s games. Excited for this one, Kyanma-sama~

Ken read it out a minute or so later and then laughed softly at the affectionate nickname a lot of his long-time viewers used, a joke from a bygone era. “I’m glad everyone is looking forward to the game. I’m super excited to start as soon as the game loads.” A soft, wry laugh, and then Ken leaned back in to read more chats. Tetsuro couldn’t help but smile; there was just something so precious about Ken, something that Tetsuro and probably a lot of subscribers wanted to protect. Ken was an important existence.

“I’m doing well, thank you guys for asking. Life has been pretty decent recently. I’ve been taking cooking lessons to try to up my culinary skills, considering they mostly consisted of instant noodles and scrambled eggs before. I don’t like following recipes, though, so not everything turns out great yet, but so far no one in my family has complained.” Another wry laugh, and Tetsuro tried to imagine Ken’s family. He rarely talked about it, for privacy reasons, but Tetsuro had gleaned so far that Ken was unmated and didn’t live with his parents, so perhaps children? Maybe brothers and sisters, or a niece or nephew. Tetsuro stapled his fingers and hummed softly as he watched the streamer, hair brushed aside every once in a while, slender little fingers twirling a blond strand as he read, lips pursed.

It wasn’t like Tetsuro was ever going to meet Ken, but that didn’t stop him from dreaming about finding an Omega like him, one who was tiny with long hair, dainty features and full lips, the cutest laugh…

Ken was still talking as he waited for a few more people to join the chat, showing off his little kitten that he’d recently gotten. What did you name him? someone asked, and Ken gave a lopsided smile.

“It’s too cliché, but I call him Kuro-nyan.” The little laugh the streamer gave this time went straight to Tetsuro’s heart. He didn’t even like his last name, but damn if it didn’t sound perfect in that voice.

Kuro-nyan likes to sit on your lap? ;) He’s a cute little guy, he typed out, his old, nerdy username flashing up on the chat window. Named after one of his favorite acids and his volleyball jersey number, he’d gone with DHA_01, and so far he hadn’t changed it, maybe because he hoped that Ken had come to recognize it over the years.

Ken hummed. “I guess my lap is warm, and he likes to sleep a lot, so I naturally became his bed even though he has a whole set-up in my living room,” Ken huffed, trying to act annoyed even as he affectionately showed off the little kitten. A little mouth mewled happily, green eyes peering at the screen lit up in front of them. “My family adores him, and he gets far too spoiled, so he might not be little for much longer.”

“Isn’t that right, Kuro-nyan?” huffed Ken as he raised the kitten to his face. Tiny black paws batted at the streamer’s mask, and he hummed. Tetsuro could only think that it was a kitten after his own heart.

With the game loaded and the chat full, Kodzuken started up the game, and soon everyone was immersed in the story. Ken read out the unvoiced story monologues, and Tetsuro just sat there listening with a big smile on his face. He knew Ken would play late into the night, but he always tried to stay up as long as he could, memorizing every little detail. At some point, the kitten climbed up Ken’s shirt and began licking at his jaw, and Tetsuro had never thought he’d be so jealous of a cat.

“Ha, I guess my moisturizer tastes good,” Ken murmured even as he tried to pry the kitten off his shoulder. “You’ll get sick,” came his muffled voice as he turned away from the camera. Tetsuro saw a peek of a creamy nape, blond hair parting to show the knobs of Ken’s spine. Ah, what noise would the world famous streamer make if Tetsuro licked him there-?

He groaned as something hard began to press to the bottom of his warm laptop, and he hated that he was still so full of raging hormones, that the sight of a pretty little nape could just do it for him, but then again, it wasn’t just that one thing. Ken was the whole package, and try as he might, Tetsuro couldn’t stop himself from being really, really attracted to the little Omega streamer.

Glancing at the clock, he sighed and thought it was about time to go to bed anyways, and so he sent his farewell in chat, thinking it would probably get missed.

Just before he pulled his headphones off, though, he heard a soft voice call, “Oh, sorry to keep you up, “da one”. Have a good night.”

Tetsuro nearly fell off the couch. What was this? What the hell was that cuteness? “Da one”? In his headphones, Ken was mumbling, “Or is it D H A one?”

A moment later, “Isn’t that an omega-3 formula?”

Tetsuro was deceased. He had to meet Kodzuken, he just had to, so he could protect him and hold him and kiss him- He slowly closed his laptop screen with a muffled groan and then waddled to the bathroom in shame, tugging his lounge pants down. He was dripping, hard as a rock and red, and he wrapped his long fingers slowly around his shaft. Sinking down to the edge of the tub, he hissed softly. If he closed his eyes, he could image a little voice in his ear, could see little lips forming around his name. “Kuro-nyan~ Have a good night… Dream of me…”

Tetsuro gripped the base of his cock tight and jerked off the top length, shivering as heat simmered down his spine. He came into his palm with a grunt. Staring at his mess, he felt how dirty he was, and yet he couldn’t stop. He knocked his head back and wondered aloud, “What are the chances I’d actually meet an angel like that…?”

-x-

“Let me help you with that, Atsumu,” called a deep, soothing voice, and the Omega let out a rough sigh as he set his luggage back down just outside the real estate office building.

Looking up at Alex, Atsumu laughed wryly and said, “I didn’t know how ta pack for a business trip, so I probably brought too much.”

Alex smiled. “Darling, we’ll only be gone for two days.” He hefted the luggage into his trunk and then dusted his big hands. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” lied Atsumu too quickly. Then, “Yea. It’s a huge deal!”

“You’ve never flown,” guessed Alex next, stepping up to the Omega. Atsumu stared up at him, Tetsuro’s words from last night running amuck in his head. Between Osamu and Tetsuro, Atsumu’s own thoughts and feelings were becoming a muddled mess.

“Never,” Atsumu replied. “Somehow I feel like I’d be more nervous without ya, though,” he said honestly, and Alex smiled fondly, tucking away a stray strand of blond hair. Atsumu had kept his hair shorter ever since his heartbreak with Hatsuo, going for the blond and wispy look. He wore a pair of pixie-cut slacks and a light sweater to be comfortable in the airplane, as well as a pair of flats that would be easy to take on and off, all suggestions Alex had given. He felt physically prepared, but mentally he was a mess. As if Alex sensed it, he took Atsumu’s hand and led the Omega to the passenger side of his car, even leaning inside to buckle the other in, and for a moment, Atsumu was consumed with the thought of kissing the other man.

It wasn’t love, he told himself, though. He just needed the reassurance and comfort only an Alpha could give; even Atsumu wasn’t that stupid. And yet, it would be so, so nice… Would Alex let him?

Considering their last delve into something more romantic, Atsumu highly doubted that Alex was looking to date him.

Too bad, huh…

Alex buckled himself into his own seat and then set off, his driving skills impeccable.

“How’s Tetsuro?” Alex asked a few minutes in, and Atsumu sighed. Glancing over, he thought about how nice it was to have someone who cared so much, outside of Osamu. He was always on Tetsuro about getting more friends, but maybe Atsumu was the one who needed them more. That’s right; he couldn’t ruin what he and Alex had now. It was good, a wonderful friendship; it was what Atsumu needed most.

“I told ya he got a job without askin’ me. He’s so desperate ta grow up and take care of me like I’m an invalid,” Atsumu huffed.

“Well, he is a twenty-year-old Alpha.”

“Nineteen,” reminded Atsumu quickly, but he knew it didn’t matter. Alex just smiled at him, and slowly Atsumu leaned closer to the man, wrapping his arms around the Alpha’s strong one. “He just grew up so fast. I feel like I blinked and he’s grown.”

“I don’t have personal experience, but they say that’s how it feels.”

“It really does,” sobbed Atsumu, sighing wearily. “He just doesn’t get it… I want him ta enjoy himself before life gets mean,” he whispered quietly. “I mean, I’m sure ya know what it’s like. I had ta grow up way too fast, and I never wanted that for my baby.”

“But now you can go out and live the life you wanted to, Atsumu. You could find a partner and even have more kids-”

“Hah-!” laughed Atsumu shortly, but then he turned and stared at Alex for a long while, cool blue eyes glancing his way every so often. After a few minutes, Alex smiled kindly, and Atsumu thought that was the answer he’d needed without the words being said. Alex was his boss, and Alex needed Atsumu for the great job he did. They worked so well together, and neither wanted to do anything to compromise that. Still, Atsumu was lonely.

It was lonely without Tetsuro around all the time, needing him, relying on him. It was a mother and an Omega’s bread and butter. Atsumu clung a little tighter to Alex.

“He’ll always need you, you know, Atsumu. I’m 41, and I still need my mother sometimes,” laughed Alex.

“Are ya close with her?” Atsumu asked in interest, since Alex rarely talked about his family, and the Alpha glanced down for a moment.

“Well, it’s hard since she’s back in Germany, but we call or video chat at least every other night. She’s the one who always encouraged me to pursue what I wanted, that I could make my dreams come true.” After a while, “You remind me so much of her, Atsumu.”

"Momma complex,” teased Atsumu, and the other hummed.

“You’re both beautiful, with such caring hearts. Hard working, wonderful moms. That’s my complex,” said Alex, and Atsumu laughed.

“Does she know about me?” he asked in curiosity.

“Yes,” Alex replied with a smile. “I can’t help but brag on you most days.”

“And?” Atsumu glanced up. Alex just hummed, and again, the answer was clear. Maybe Atsumu wasn’t the only one being goaded into taking this relationship a little further. Still, Alex was quiet, and Atsumu let it go.

He told Alex about Tetsuro’s newest friend Koutaro and meeting one of his son’s bosses. “A flirt, I tell ya! But he seemed nice enough.”

“It sounds like Tetsuro is enjoying himself plenty, Atsumu,” Alex hummed, and Atsumu sighed.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “Now I’m just dreadin’ the day he brings a mate home…”

Alex tossed his head back and laughed heartily at that, and Atsumu frowned as he teased, “Now who’s got a complex?”

“Yeah, yeah,” snapped the Omega, smacking at Alex’s firm chest and then letting his hand linger there.

“Ya ever think about it?”

Alex hummed in question, and Atsumu thought of a million things he could ask. About me, about us, about… dating. Instead, he asked, “Havin’ kids?”

“Of course. I’d love to have children of my own someday.”

“Ye’ll be a great dad,” Atsumu promised softly, and Alex reached over and stroked at his knee.

“Thank you, Atsumu. That means a lot, coming from you.”

Atsumu let out a wry laugh, but he let the warmth of the compliment sink in.

Maybe he would try dating again. He couldn’t just keep half-pining after a good man like this.

-x-

The locker rooms were loud, but that’s what Koutaro loved about them. It meant he could be loud, too, and no one would tell him to simmer down. He tugged his protective shoulder pads on and smacked at his beefy chest, grinning wildly into his locker as he told the teammate next to him all about his new best friend Tetsuro.

“He sounds nice,” said a deep voice, olive colored eyes meeting Koutaro’s as he stepped back to tug his jersey on over top of his padding.

“He is! And his mom is like super hot and so nice~”

Wakatoshi Ushijima nodded, not much to add on to Koutaro’s excitement, though that wasn’t unusual. He was the stoic, handsome kind of Alpha that Koutaro found so incredibly cool. It often made Koutaro sad to think they might not be friends if it wasn’t for football; they were complete opposites, but seeing Kiyoomi and Tetsuro together now, it gave him hope. He smacked giddily at the big 81 plastered on the back of the tall Alpha’s jersey, grinning up at the tight end. Wakatoshi coughed quietly, but he was used to Koutaro’s random assaults by now.

Clutching at the neck of his shoulder pads and jersey, Koutaro cocked his hips as he waited for everyone to file out of the locker room. As captains, he and Wakatoshi always made sure they were the last two out so that the team knew that every player was important, a silent little tradition to boost morale that the pair had started during their first year on the team. Just for a little extra support boost, Koutaro always smacked Wakatoshi’s ass, the other always rolling his eyes but saying nothing.

“Let’s go, captain,” grinned Koutaro.

“Sure thing, captain,” Wakatoshi replied in that stoic way he had. Koutaro grinned and waddled out after the tight end.

The field always felt so big the first time Koutaro stepped onto it; honestly, he never ceased to be amazed by the fact that he was allowed to have this much fun and play a game he loved so much, for one of the best university teams in the country. Some of their older teammates were people Koutaro had followed religiously back in high school, and now he stood on the same field with them, wearing the same gold and teal jersey. Koutaro turned as he walked out onto the big field and beamed up at the now-empty stands, but he could recall so clearly what it felt like to have them full of screaming fans, all of them just as excited as he was.

“Alright!” called their coach to the rowdy group of players, everyone slowly gathering around. Koutaro beamed around at their teammates. “You know the drill. Pair up and stretch, and then we’ll do our drill runs.”

Koutaro grabbed at the back of Wakatoshi’s jersey instantly and dragged him to a good spot on the field, plopping down without a word since they did this every time. Koutaro spread his legs and stretched his arms forward, and Wakatoshi silently pressed against his back. The quarterback groaned as he felt the stretch.

From beside them, another teammate called, “Toshi, is your aunt gonna be at the game next weekend?”

Koutaro turned his head just enough to see Wakatoshi’s face as the tight end replied formally, “Of course he is.”

“Toshi, you have to introduce me, you know,” Koutaro complained, turning his head back as he and Wakatoshi switched positions. “I’ve been hearing about your amazing aunt who comes to every single one of your games for more than a year now, and yet you won’t bring them around.”

A few teammates laughed, saying that it was likely that Wakatoshi refused to bring his aunt around because Koutaro would definitely hit on the Omega.

Koutaro didn’t see the issue as he shrugged. “So what if I do? Flirting’s just fun.” Koutaro leaned over Wakatoshi and stared the man in the eyes as he asked, “If you don’t want me to, just say so.”

Wakatoshi just shrugged, however, simply saying, “You can try if you want to, I guess.”

“No, Toshi, you have to tell him that you’ll pummel him if he breaks your aunt’s heart!” teased their teammates, and Wakatoshi looked up at Koutaro.

“But they’re two adults,” he said slowly in confusion, staring at Koutaro even as the quarterback pressed his hand to his heart, dead-serious.

“I would never, Toshi, you can trust me. Omegas are beautiful creatures that are meant to be revered and worshiped.”

“Here he goes~” laughed one of the players, a few others chuckling along.

Koutaro felt pretty smug, but then Wakatoshi dropped a bomb as he said, “I just don’t think you’d be my aunt’s type, Koutaro,” walking away without even surveying the damage he’d done. Koutaro crumbled to his knees and clutched at his shoulder pads, head tossed back.

“The world is so cruel!” he lamented sorrowfully. “I just want to be with someone who will let me worship them, someone who loves football as much as I do.”

A few smacks to his back had him on his feet again as his teammates reassured him that he’d find someone one day. Koutaro giggled, his mood brighter again as he jogged to join Wakatoshi for drills.

“Is your aunt hot?” he asked eagerly, to which Wakatoshi flatly replied, “Focus on practice, Koutaro, or you’ll fall behind.”

Koutaro grinned, thinking he’d just have to find out himself all about this amazing Omega who had raised a man like Wakatoshi all by himself. If the aunt was anything like Atsumu, Koutaro was sure they’d be wonderful.

-x-

“Thank you for all your help again today, Tetsuro-kun,” called Naoi as Tetsuro folded and stuffed his paycheck into the small crossbody bag he wore. He’d deposit it and then cash out half to give to his mother, to help pay for his college or groceries or whatever Atsumu wanted.

Golden eyes glanced up, and Tetsuro grinned first at his boss and then at Meian as the other Alpha ambled in through the back door. Upon seeing Tetsuro, Meian’s face lit up with a big grin, and he slung his arm around the younger man.

“You’ll never believe who stopped by my bar the other day, Tetsu-chan~” hummed Meian, Tetsuro’s eyebrows raising. He was about to ask who when Naoi called in annoyance, “Shugo, did you get my message? I tried to call you; you ran out of olives for the bar-”

Shugo tugged the bag he wore across his back around to the front and zipped it open, grinning as he produced a jar of olives. He set it on the bar with a chuckle as he said, “Manabu, you should know me better than that by now. I noticed we were running low last night, and yes, I got your messages. I was in class.”

“I just assumed you were busy rolling around in the sheets with another conquest ,” Naoi huffed even as he gratefully grabbed up the jar of olives and refilled the olive dish behind the bar.

“I don’t shirk my responsibilities,” Meian hummed. “I bought the jar before I found an Omega to share my bed~” he teased, Tetsuro’s head turning to the other Alpha. He still couldn’t tell if Meian being a playboy was a running gag or if it was true. He could imagine that the Alpha would be popular, of course.

Behind them, the bell above the door rang, and Naoi called, “I’m sorry, we’re closed,” but Tetsuro said, “Oh, it’s just my friend Omi,” as he turned and waved the other inside. Kiyoomi and Tetsuro had finally found a moment in their busy schedules to hang out, and the younger Alpha had agreed to pick Tetsuro up from work so they could walk to his place together.

“Are you ready?” Kiyoomi asked gruffly as he nodded stiffly to Naoi and Meian, his black eyes meeting Tetsuro’s after a moment.

Tetsuro motioned that he was almost set to go and then spun back to Meian, introducing the two Alphas before saying, “So tell me who came to the bar.” He watched the young bartender lean up against the high counter, grinning smugly as he looked Kiyoomi over and then turned his gaze back to Tetsuro.

“Your pretty mother~”

Tetsuro almost laughed at first like it was a joke, but then he realized, no, his mother would. Behind him, a sharp footstep grated over the hardwood floor, but Tetsuro was focused on Meian.

“My mom? Came to the bar?”

“Mmhmm, a few nights ago. He said you were his precious son, so he was scoping out the joint.”

Tetsuro smacked his palm to his face and groaned in embarrassment, but Meian laughed heartily, waving off the other’s worries. “He’s worried about you. I think it’s really cute, Tetsu. And your mom… he’s a real smoke show, you know?”

Even Tetsuro, in his embarrassment, couldn’t have missed the sharp spike of sandalwood and black pepper in the air, and he glanced over his shoulder at Kiyoomi. The Alpha’s lips were set tightly, his expression dark and pinched as he stared, no, glared at Meian.

“Dude,” Tetsuro muttered in confusion. Behind him, Meian shifted on his feet and let out a soft laugh. Tetsuro slowly glanced back, stuck between apologizing for his mother or for his best friend, but Meian was already talking again before Tetsuro could utter another word.

“Yeah, he was really funny, grilling me and eyeing down the staff. He’s pretty confident for an Omega, but I kind of liked it. Is he really single?”

The spike in Kiyoomi’s scent came again, but this time Tetsuro was too focused on defending his mother, raising his hands. Maybe it wasn’t a running joke that Meian was a playboy; Tetsuro frowned and called, “Don’t you dare, Shugo. That’s my momma.”

Meian smiled a little more kindly this time. “Sure, I get it. I’m just saying you should be proud. Your mom’s a serious hottie!”

“Tetsuro-” chewed out Kiyoomi, his tone surprisingly bitter, but Tetsuro ignored him. He grinned back at Meian.

“You don’t have to tell me. I’m super proud of my momma.”

“Tetsu-” again. Tetsuro glanced over his shoulder and then smirked at the bartender.

“Even so, don’t you dare think about it. Even you’re not good enough for him, Meian. Besides, you’d probably make a crappy dad,” he teased.

Meian tossed his head back and laughed. When he looked over at Tetsuro again, he feigned hurt. “You wound me, Tetsuro.”

Golden eyes rolled, but behind the pair, Kiyoomi was growing gloomier, like an impending storm.

“Don’t flirt with my mom next time he comes in,” ordered Tetsuro with a waggle of his finger, and Meian glanced first at Kiyoomi and then at Tetsuro.

“Sure, but it might not just be me you have to worry about.”

Golden eyes snapped back to the bartender. While Tetsuro’s face showed curiosity, Kiyoomi’s was a thundercloud, but only Meian could see that as he grinned. “I’m just saying that I’m not the only one in the bar who noticed him~”

Footsteps scrapped over the floor again, and a clipped voice bit out, “Tetsuro, when you’re done, I’ll be outside.” A moment later, the bell above the door rang as Kiyoomi let himself out of the small café.

Tetsuro let out a rough laugh, but then he said very seriously to Meian, “If my momma comes in again, don’t you dare let him go home with an Alpha that isn’t worth his salt.”

Meian’s eyes had followed Kiyoomi out, but when he turned back to Tetsuro, he smiled warmly. “I get it. I think your mom knows better than that, too.”

Tetsuro frowned, though, thinking his poor mother had been fooled once before. His own father had been a no-good dirtbag who’d abandoned his precious momma in a heartbeat. Of course Atsumu could take care of himself, but Tetsuro also understood how Alphas thought, how they would do anything to bed an Omega sometimes, especially one like his mom. “It’s my job to protect him. He’s got no one else,” Tetsuro murmured now with a stiff frown, sadness in his golden eyes. Meian immediately sobered at seeing it, and he nodded.

“Look, you can trust me, Tetsu. When you’re not around, I’ll protect him like he’s my own mom.”

Tetsuro let out a rough sigh, and then he scrubbed a hand over his face.

“Your friend okay?” Meian asked after another moment, and the other sighed slowly.

“He’s sensitive about my mom. Moms in general, actually,” Tetsuro guessed. “I don’t know, I’m sorry-”

Meian shook his head, though. “I get it,” he said again. “It’s obvious that Kiyoomi cares about your mom.”

The words hung in the air, and Tetsuro frowned. Was that what it looked like to Meian? Would he say the same if he saw how brusque Kiyoomi always was to Atsumu. No, it was more like Kiyoomi didn’t know how he felt, even now.

“Just blame it on the hormones,” Meian offered finally with a light laugh, and Tetsuro sighed wearily.

“Yeah,” he huffed. He knew all about that… Maybe Kiyoomi was still just sensitive about male Omegas.

Tetsuro apologized again and then stepped out of the café, finding Kiyoomi brooding just outside. He lightly punched the other Alpha in the arm, black eyes turning to glare at him.

“What was that?” Tetsuro asked a few blocks away from the café, hoping Kiyoomi had had enough time to clear his head. The older Alpha let out a displeased grunt, shuffling his backpack on his shoulders. Kiyoomi offered no response. “You smelled like you were about to fly off the handle,” muttered Tetsuro, but Kiyoomi stayed silent.

After another few blocks, Tetsuro let out a laugh and asked, “Geez, you had a serious crush on my mom when you first met him, but now it’s like you can barely stand to be around him. You’re so weird, Omi.”

“I did not-!” defended Kiyoomi, and Tetsuro glanced over with a knowing grin. He let out a laugh.

“You were a kid going through puberty, I get it. I had a crush on Amiya-sensei for a while.”

“Our science teacher?” Kiyoomi asked with a confused frown. “She was old… and married.”

“So? My momma’s old… and a male Omega.”

Kiyoomi fell silent. “It was weird at first,” he said after a while, “but I don’t have anything against… them.”

Tetsuro spun around, walking backwards as he grinned. “So you wouldn’t give me a dirty look if I started dating a male Omega?”

Kiyoomi’s face was unreadable, but he didn’t seem disgusted or anything. No, it was something different… It seemed like Kiyoomi himself didn’t even know how he felt.

“You fall in love… with who you fall in love with,” he murmured after a while, his dark brows pinched. Tetsuro hummed in agreement.

“Don’t tell me you believe in soulmates now,” he teased lightly, Kiyoomi again shockingly quiet. Tetsuro’s eyes went wide, and suddenly he spun back to his best friend. “You have a crush on someone! A male Omega! Is it someone at school? Your manager on the volleyball team!”

Kiyoomi went so red so suddenly that Tetsuro nearly stumbled over his feet and did a face plant. He yelped, pumping his fist in the air.

“No way, Kiyoomi!” he yelled, beaming so wide his cheeks hurt.

“It’s not like that!” Kiyoomi begged in a harsh whisper, glancing around, but Tetsuro just clapped a hand around his shoulder and pulled the other in for a side hug.

“Omi, it’s nothing to be ashamed of! I’m so proud of you, damn! Listen, you don’t have to tell me who it is, but give me a hint-”

“It’s no one,” Kiyoomi chewed out, and Tetsuro giggled.

“Okay, sure, I get it. I bet it’s a hottie. Is he way out of your league?! Omi, have more self-confidence-”

“Please stop,” begged Kiyoomi in mortification. His head jerked up suddenly, black eyes staring ahead, and Tetsuro realized that they were almost to his place.

“Hey, my mom’s out of town with his boss on a business trip, so you can sleep over if you want.”

Onyx eyes snapped to Tetsuro’s, and the older Alpha wondered if he was imagining the mix of relief and regret he saw flash there. Soon, Kiyoomi’s features were perfectly schooled again, though. He opened his mouth to say something, probably his usual response of he had too much homework and he should ask his mother- To Tetsuro’s surprise, however, Kiyoomi replied, “Sure. Thanks.”

Tetsuro sobered for a moment before grinning again. Did Kiyoomi not want to go home? Or was it because Atsumu wouldn’t be there? Maybe he’d just given up on fighting Tetsuro about this stuff.

“You can have the bed,” he laughed, to which Kiyoomi quickly replied, “Don’t be an idiot. I’ll take your futon.”

Tetsuro hummed, teasing as he jogged on ahead, “Kiyoomi, your crush better not be my mom, or you’re gonna have some serious explaining to do for how you treat him so bad all the time.”

If Kiyoomi replied, Tetsuro couldn’t hear as he jogged up the stairs to his place.

“I’m home,” he called out of habit as the smell of jasmine and honey hit his nose, relaxing him. When Kiyoomi finally stepped through the door, having taken it easy unlike Tetsuro, the younger Alpha called, “There’s leftovers my mom left, you hungry? Also, there’s this livestream I want to watch, so watch it with me tonight. I need your opinion on something.”

Kiyoomi set his bag down and simply huffed in acknowledgement, wandering to the couch with one of his books and a notepad. “You can watch while I study,” he told Tetsuro, and the other laughed.

“You’re too serious all the time, Omi-Omi. That Omega’ll never like you if you don’t even smile.”

Chapter Text

Kenma shut the bedroom door ever so softly behind him, brown eyes meeting his own hazel in the darkened hallway. The two friends traversed quietly towards the kitchen in the decently-sized three bedroom house, neither making a sound until they felt far enough away from the bedroom they had just left.

“Thanks for helping me put the twins to bed, Shouyo,” Kenma murmured softly, and the other beamed back at his friend, nodding.

“You know I’m always happy to help,” the redhead replied as he tugged down two mugs from one of the kitchen cabinets and set about making the pair some tea. Sometimes it felt odd to think that nearly two decades had passed since the two had met each other in middle school, and yet Kenma had somehow always known that he and Shouyo would be stitched together for life. Shouyo had understood, much more than any of the other Omegas in the school they had both attended. Kenma had been too quiet, too smart, too hard to ignore and yet absolutely forgettable, while Shouyo had been the opposite, a force to be reckoned with. It was Shouyo that had gotten Kenma out of his shell enough to start live streaming, the one who had convinced him he would be great at it, and in turn, it was Kenma that had gotten Shouyo through middle and high school alive.

Shouyo had been wild, too wild sometimes, the energy he had having very few outlets, but Kenma could calm Shouyo down. It was Kenma that had taught Shouyo how to deal with his heats and raging hormones. It was Kenma that had been Shouyo’s outlet, even to this day.

Kenma gratefully took the cup of hot tea Shouyo offered him, thanking him quietly.

“Do you have a livestream tonight?” asked Shouyo, to which the blond looked at the phone in his hand.

“Mm, in an hour,” he replied simply. Then, looking up, “Want to stay?”

“I shouldn’t,” was all Shouyo said, and Kenma didn’t pry; he would only dig deeper if it looked like Shouyo was in trouble. The redhead preferred to handle things by himself as much as he could, usually to his own detriment, but Kenma knew the warning signs by now. So far, Shouyo wasn’t exhibiting any of them.

“Come and sit,” Kenma said as he nodded to the living room to their right. Shouyo followed silently behind, and in the dimly lit room, the two snuggled up on the couch together. A small hand brushed aside long blond locks, and softly, Shouyo traced the pale, unblemished skin of Kenma’s nape, the other purring softly.

“The kids always fall asleep better when you’re here,” Kenma said with a soft, wry tone, and Shouyo smirked. Considering how wired Shouyo usually was, it was indeed odd that he could soothe two five-year-olds just like that.

“What can I say, I’ve always been good with kids,” Shouyo shrugged nonchalantly, but Kenma’s eyes slowly turned to look at the redhead. Shouyo’s expression was melancholic, and Kenma let out a slow sigh.

“Shouyo, you can have kids without a mate. I did it. And if it’s about the money-” Kenma knew very well it wasn’t, but still he felt the need to say it. Sometimes Shouyo’s feelings made Kenma feel so heavy, helpless, and he just had to speak.

“I’m not going to do it without an Alpha,” Shouyo said roughly, but his tone quickly softened as he added, “I’m not like you, Kenma. You never needed an Alpha. I can’t survive without one.”

Kenma was silent, biting his bottom lip. It wasn’t his place to speak anymore; he had already said what he needed to on the issue once.

As thirty had closed in on Kenma with no sign or hope of an Alpha in his future, Kenma had taken matters into his own hands. All he’d ever wanted was kids, Alpha or not. It was perhaps the one thing he knew he had to make happen, no matter what. Sperm donations were frowned upon, but Kenma had found a clinic who worked with donors and desperate Omegas to implant the sperm and give mate-less Omegas the desire of their hearts. He still donated to the clinic to this day, knowing the good work they did to help people like him, as well as Omegas who had lost their mates too soon, or the ones unable to be impregnated naturally by a Beta mate. Kenma had picked his sperm from a picture-less book, choosing only off the accomplishments of the donor. Ivy League, top of their class and leader of a big company, no hereditary diseases, no health issues. It hadn’t mattered if they were male or female either, just as long as Kenma got a baby.

By some miracle, he ended up with two, and he would trade the whole world, everything he loved, for these two precious little souls.

He just wanted Shouyo to get to experience this feeling, to know what it was like to give birth and to hold your baby for the first time, to nurse them and nurture them and watch them grow. Still, he couldn’t make Shouyo do what he thought he wasn’t able to. His duty was simply as friend, to see Shouyo through the life he chose for himself.

After a while, Shouyo set his mug down, and then he sighed softly. “I should go,” he hushed.

“Are you going home?” Kenma asked quietly, hands curling around his own mug as it grew cold. Shouyo glanced over and smiled at his best friend.

“Something like that,” he hummed. Then, after a while, “I’m okay, Kenma. You always worry too much.”

“You make me worry,” Kenma huffed back in disbelief. Shouyo had to know what he was like, how he didn’t share things until it was too late or he was in trouble, how he thought he was stronger if he suffered in silence. Shouyo was so many things, but mostly he was obstinately set in his ways and beliefs, and even Kenma couldn’t make him budge. Shouyo had always had to stand up for himself, which made him too rough around the edges for most Alphas’ likings, too much for Betas, and even other Omegas steered clear. It only made Shouyo feel that much more that he had to weather his storms alone. Hazel eyes watched the redhead with tight lips, Shouyo standing up and smoothing down the shirt he wore, tugging his loose cardigan around his tiny frame.

“You know I’d tell you if I was in trouble,” Shouyo said, and this, at least, Kenma knew to be true. At some point, Shouyo would always come and tell him, their bond thicker than blood, inseparable. “I’m doing okay,” Shouyo reiterated with a tired sigh, and Kenma supposed he had to believe it.

He walked Shouyo to the front door and watched the small figure head down the walkway to the street, not closing and locking his door until Shouyo was out of sight. Kenma deposited their two mugs in his kitchen sink, and then he walked to his office, the bedroom on the other side of the home as his kids’ shared room.

He sat down in his office chair and went through the preparations for his livestream. He donned his half mask and made sure none of his kids’ items were in his camera’s view even though he never let the twins in here. When he’d checked everything twice, his anxieties abated, he started up his stream.

“Hey, everyone,” he hummed, glad that, despite hiding behind a mask, he didn’t feel like he had to hide who he really was in front of his subscribers.

-x-

Kiyoomi felt impossibly guilty, especially after his last talk with Tetsuro, and apparently this was causing him to have stress dreams. He lay in what felt like a puddle of his own sweat now, sick to his stomach and unable to move. He slowly raised his hands to stare at them, and then he grabbed at his hair and ground his teeth in anger. Tetsuro was right; why couldn’t Kiyoomi just treat Atsumu like all those other Alphas did that the Omega fawned over? Why the hell couldn’t he just be nice? Kiyoomi didn’t think he’d ever needed to be, though, so he wasn’t even sure if he could be.

His six-year-long crush seemed nearly pointless when he thought of his abhorrent behavior towards a man he claimed to love, as well as the mounds of other Alphas who hogged Atsumu, who vied for his affections, who received his attentions and praise so easily. It made Kiyoomi feel like he didn’t have anything to offer that anyone else couldn’t much more easily give Atsumu, and yet Kiyoomi had never felt so sure about anything before: he loved Atsumu Miya, and he wanted that man to be his mate.

The dreams he was having made at least this perfectly clear. “I’m sorry, Atsumu,” Kiyoomi whispered affectionately in the privacy of his bedroom, the only place he could be honest being in the darkness, all alone. He didn’t dare reach down into his shorts, knowing the mess he’d find there. The dream still lingered, and Atsumu’s scent was recalled easily even as Kiyoomi lay there bathed in his own pheromones. “I’m sorry,” he whispered again. “Sorry, Tetsuro.”

He roughly rolled over and said to his wall, “I don’t deserve him, but I want him.” That’s what he would say to Tetsuro if he had even half the confidence his best friend had, but Kiyoomi had an appalling lack of it. He couldn’t even say anything as he watched Atsumu fawn all over his son, spoiling him, giving his affections so freely with no thought to how it might be perceived, and even Tetsuro, with his easy fondness for the man who had raised him, calling him Momma even now, even though he was nearly twenty. Kiyoomi was so… incredibly… jealous. He clutched his fists and stuffed them into his pillow, squeezing the life out of the feathers inside.

“Atsumu,” he begged as desire swirled with his ugly jealousy, his cock throbbing. He wanted to knot something even though he’d never even had sex. He wanted to knot Atsumu Miya so bad it physically hurt him, and yet he needed it to hurt. He needed the punishment; he needed it to ground him and remind him to be fucking better-

Clenching his jaw, Kiyoomi snapped his hand down and fisted his hard erection tightly, angrily jerking himself off. He shut his eyes and imagined Atsumu’s voice, Atsumu’s scent, his warmth. Omi-chan~

Kiyoomi couldn’t even hate that teasing nickname now. It was all he had.

Omi-chan, why aren’t ya nice ta me? All of Tetsuro’s other friends are so sweet ta me~

Don’tchya love me, Omi~? Don’tchya want me?

“Fuck,” hissed Kiyoomi as quietly as he could into his pillow. The last thing he needed was to wake up his parents. Kiyoomi’s orgasm hurt, and he had to chew back a pained cry as he came so hard and fast that he barely caught the spill with his palm. He groaned roughly, the sticky feeling of his own cum so gross to him, and yet he couldn’t move, his heart pounding in his chest. “I’m so fucking sorry, Atsumu,” he whispered hoarsely as he buried his face in his pillow.

“I am so… in love with you.

“Please just realize it and help me be better than this.”

Just like this, Kiyoomi could fade into obscurity. Would Atsumu even kiss him? Even now, Kiyoomi was being replaced, wasn’t he? Meian and Bokuto, even that boss of Atsumu’s, and yet Kiyoomi couldn’t get the words out of his mouth. Six years of trying to just say the simplest words, words that came so easily to everyone else but him, but it was all fruitless.

“Shit,” bit out the Alpha. He couldn’t ask Atsumu to fix what was broken about him.

He had to do it himself if he wanted to ever have the right to truly call Atsumu his Omega.

Kiyoomi rolled bitterly out of bed and stalked to his bathroom to shower. He might as well stay up and study before his early morning class at this point. He had too much on his plate, right? His feelings could wait.

They would have to, and yet Kiyoomi wasn’t convinced he could shove them to the back burner any longer. They consumed him, jealousy and love becoming an ugly beast inside his heart.

He just had to be better. This, at least, was something he was familiar with.

-x-

The roar of the crowd walking into the stadium was loud, but it had never shaken Wakatoshi. He didn’t get nervous, and the crowd never rattled him because he was simply here to play a game, a game he had practiced for, a game he knew well. It was predictable, with formations and plays to follow, but that’s what made it fun. Wakatoshi had always loved the structure to American football, and even though his aunt had always worried about him hurting himself, he had never once discouraged Wakatoshi from his dream. His aunt was his biggest fan, his most faithful support, his proudest cheerleader, and this made Wakatoshi the most proud of all. As the crowd cheered and chanted, Wakatoshi let his olive eyes roam, a soft voice whispering in his ear. You can do this, Wakatoshi. Just like you practiced. You’re an amazing player, and I’ll always be watching.

Keiji Akaashi was Wakatoshi’s mother’s brother, and for most of Wakatoshi’s life, the man who had raised him. Koko Ushijima, widow of Utsui Ushijima and in an effort to provide the best for her son and little brother, was rarely home, always traveling for work. Wakatoshi could remember key memories with his mother, like his birthdays and the anniversary of his father’s death. He had never felt abandoned by his mother, though some might say this was because he’d grown up too fast; he had always somehow understood that there were things that needed to be done even if they weren’t fun, so he had never complained much about his mother’s trips or the hardships of experiencing the early loss of his father. Though it had surely been tough on Keiji, especially raising an Alpha like Wakatoshi, the Omega had always tried his best, going above and beyond for his precious nephew, who thought of him more like a mother than an aunt. Still, Keiji had never spoiled Wakatoshi, always walking the delicate balance of making sure that one day, Wakatoshi would be able to stand on his own two feet, and finally, finally, Wakatoshi thought that Keiji was seeing the fruits of all of his labor. Wakatoshi puffed his chest out now, knowing that his aunt was somewhere in these stands, knowing the Omega was so very proud of him.

A hand smacked at the protective gear Wakatoshi wore over his chest, and olive eyes glanced over at a beaming face, yellow eyes like the sun shining. Koutaro looked a little ridiculous with his mouth guard in while he grinned, the black lines under his eyes crinkled. Wakatoshi looked around the stadium again and then slowly asked, “What is it, Koutaro?”

The Alpha fumbled around his mouth bit, “You’ve been starin’ up at the stands since we walked out on the field. Well, is your auntie here?”

“I haven’t seen him yet,” was all Wakatoshi said, his eyes roaming upward again. His teammates chattered beside him, but Wakatoshi was stoically quiet. Between their last practice and today, Wakatoshi had decided that perhaps he should not point out his aunt to the excitable quarterback after all, and that he should definitely not introduce them. His teammates’ jokes about Koutaro’s flirting had formed some doubts in Wakatoshi’s mind, and he thought now that Keiji would not be a fan of a young upstart like Koutaro going spastic on him, even if he was the quarterback. Right now, Keiji was probably not looking for a romantic relationship anyways, Wakatoshi had deduced, and so for his aunt’s sanity, he would keep Koutaro Bokuto away.

A moment later, though, Wakatoshi forgot all about Koutaro as he finally caught sight of his aunt in the stands, a beaming smile directed right at him. Keiji had never had any shame in supporting Wakatoshi, which was evidenced now by the big jersey he wore with Wakatoshi’s name and number on it, as well as a black 8 and 1 painted on each cheek respectively. As soon as Keiji saw that Wakatoshi had seen him, he began waving big, fluffy, teal and gold pom poms in the air, shouting something down to the field, though Wakatoshi couldn’t hear what he was saying. Still, it hardly mattered; Wakatoshi’s whole chest filled with pride, the hint of a smile ghosting across his lips as he stared up at his favorite person in the whole world, his biggest fan and strongest support. Wakatoshi was so lost in a daze that he hardly realized when he raised a hand to lightly wave, Keiji yelping and swinging his pom poms all the more wildly above his head in response.

“Where?!” yelped a voice behind Wakatoshi, and the tight end spun around as if suddenly recalling where he was. He stared over the big football field, the team they would be playing against warming up on the other side, and right beside him, Koutaro was intensely scanning the crowd in the stands. “You were waving at your aunt, right?! Where is he?”

“Koutaro,” Wakatoshi began slowly, praying that Koutaro wouldn’t see Keiji even though it was hard to miss him. He said the first thing that came to mind to distract the man, suggesting, “Why don’t I help you stretch?”

Yellow eyes darted back to Wakatoshi’s face, and Koutaro hummed suspiciously, but he agreed with a nod. Wakatoshi tried to keep the quarterback turned away from the stands as much as possible, but he knew Koutaro would look up and scan the crowd whenever he could, amazingly focused when he was usually so scatterbrained. Was Koutaro that curious to meet Wakatoshi’s aunt?

The team huddled together as the two coaches of the teams meet in the center of the field with the head referee, calling either heads or tails to see who would start the game. Tokyo U won the toss, and Koutaro cheered as he tugged his helmet on, smacking at the back of Wakatoshi’s like he always did.

“Let’s go kill it, Toshi. I gotta show off for your auntie~”

“Koutaro, just forget it,” laughed the team’s best kicker as he walked up to meet their coach, who had just called for their team to kick the ball off.

“What’s all this chatter?” called the head coach, the whole team forming a huddle around him. A few of the players chuckled, but no one offered an explanation, Koutaro just grinning as he said, “We’re just ready to win the game, coach.”

“Good, that’s what I like to hear,” the older man nodded, looking around at his team. “Well, seems like I don’t need to give a big speech then,” he said as he glanced around at their determined faces.

“No, coach!” yelled the team in unison, everyone breaking from the huddle with a victorious yell. Everyone smacked at Koutaro’s back as they made their way out to the field, as the other team decided which goal they wanted to defend. Koutaro walked on ahead of Wakatoshi as the tight end glanced back once more, smiling softly at Keiji as the man wildly waved his pom poms, and Wakatoshi was sure they would win this game, too.

-x-

“Come, Tetsu,” called a soft voice, a tiny hand extending towards Tetsuro. His heart squeezed tight inside his chest as he stared down at his little cousin, Koichi, six years old and absolutely adorable. Osamu pulled up the rear with a tote bag, bringing with him snacks and water bottles and a change of clothes for Koichi. Tetsuro would tell his auntie that he worried too much, but that would be counterproductive. The trio said goodbye to the big, empty house that Osamu and Koichi lived in and headed to the park.

“I’ll carry that,” Tetsuro offered even as he reached out for the bag Osamu carried, holding Koichi’s hand with his other as he took the bag without waiting for Osamu’s reply. The Omega just sighed softly and then nodded, glancing down when a hand grabbed at the shorts he wore. Dark eyes peered up, and Osamu smiled as he took his son’s other hand.

“Ko-chan has been looking forward to this park date all week, you know,” Osamu hummed softly to Tetsuro, and the Alpha looked over and then down, smiling.

“Me, too,” he answered honestly. Then, to Osamu, “We need to get you out of that house more often, you know.” He said it lightly, but he was very serious. Daisho’s house was filled with nothing but coldness, the only rooms carrying any life being Osamu’s bedroom and Koichi’s room. Tetsuro was sure that Osamu lived in those two spaces exclusively with his baby, the only light in his dim life. Atsumu had threatened choice words for Osamu’s husband many times, but Tetsuro felt the need to back up those threats with actual violence, alpha to alpha. Daisho was never home, though; Tetsuro thought he could count on one hand the times he had seen the man in person. It only made Tetsuro more sure that Daisho was a rotten Alpha and that Osamu was being neglected, not that he needed more proof to back what he could easily see. Osamu was often tired, and when he went through his heat, it was like he could barely pull himself out of bed. These were the times that Atsumu would come over and Tetsuro would take Koichi on a little play date. Heats were the worst for Osamu, and they were only getting harder, but it wasn’t just once a month that Osamu struggled, it was almost every day sometimes. Tetsuro could see it in Osamu’s eyes, in the way he carried himself, in the way he shied away from others like they might judge him for his husband’s failings.

“Don’t ever be like that, Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu had begged on more than one occasion, and the fact that it was taking a toll on even Atsumu to see his twin like that made Tetsuro want to pummel the man responsible. He knew, though, that as long as Osamu insisted on staying with him, there was nothing he or his mother could do, and that… was the hardest thing of all.

As they approached the small park near Osamu’s neighborhood, Tetsuro turned his thoughts back to Koichi and their play date today, smiling reassuringly at Osamu as the Omega found a bench to park himself on. It took Osamu a few minutes of looking around and watching Koichi with Tetsuro before he pulled out the book he’d brought and slowly began to read. Tetsuro had noticed that Osamu had begun to stray away from romance novels, his bread and butter when Tetsuro was younger. The Alpha prayed that his aunt wouldn’t ever give up on finding an actual love.

Golden eyes turned back to Koichi as the small Omega called his name, and Tetsuro looked up to find the six-year-old standing proudly atop one of the play structures, right by the monkey bars. Tetsuro instantly stepped over, and Koichi reached for the bars. He grinned softly when Tetsuro lifted him, an easy task for an Alpha even as Koichi grew bigger every day.

“Look at you!” cheered Tetsuro as he walked the boy down the bars, Koichi’s little hands holding on so tightly even though Tetsuro was carrying most of his weight. Koichi had always been shy, but he was starting to blossom into his own, slowly but surely, and Tetsuro could imagine that he would be a wonderful man one day, a wonderful Omega. Though he rarely spoke, Koichi had an easy, boyish charm about him, and Tetsuro had noticed that some of the little kids he played with at the park had taken note.

Tetsuro hefted Koichi back onto the play set on the other side of the monkey bars, and he watched the little Omega slowly scamper down, sitting himself on one of the slides. Tetsuro walked to the end and called, “Come on, Ko-chan!”, and a soft giggle met him as Koichi slid down the small slide. When Tetsuro hefted him up and spun him around, cheering, tiny hands grabbed at his wild black hair, and Koichi beamed down at his cousin.

“Oh, some of my friends are here,” said Koichi after a moment, eyes drifting over Tetsuro’s shoulder, and the Alpha set the kid down even as he looked around. Koichi was very quick to call people his friends, perhaps due to his too-trusting Omega nature, but sure enough, Tetsuro spotted two little kids about Koichi’s age, the pair calling to the little boy.

“Look, Mama, a friend!” they called, and Tetsuro glanced around for the mother they were calling to. From where he stood, he couldn’t see anyone, but a voice called back, “Alright, go have fun, then, but stay where I can see you.”

Tetsuro ducked his head under a little bridge and emerged on the other side, his eyes finding first Koichi as he scampered after his two new friends, and then a lone figure, sitting much like Osamu on a park bench, though instead of a book, the Omega held a hand-held gaming console. Tetsuro’s eyes followed lithe fingers as they tucked back a stray strand of dyed blond hair, and all of his senses felt robbed.

It couldn’t be, he mused as he watched the Omega keep one eye on his game and the other on his two kids. Twins, Tetsuro thought now. The Omega was so tiny, he wondered where he’d put them when he was pregnant. He had pale skin and silky, long hair that was half-tied back in a messy bun, and Tetsuro thought he was dreaming. The hair and lips reminded him of Kodzuken, but he was suddenly forgetting exactly what Ken’s voice sounded like. Really, what would be the odds, right? Tetsuro turned stiffly back to Koichi to find that the little boy of the twins had run off, his cousin sitting sweetly with the girl as they played in the sand pit. Tetsuro wandered over to the pair, very aware of the Omega sitting just behind him and to his right as he sat down on the edge of the sand box.

“Koichi, who is your friend?” he asked with a soft smile, startling when dazzlingly golden eyes turned up, the girl smiling brightly at Tetsuro. His Alpha instincts kicked in in an instant, and he wanted to protect this sweet little girl with all of his life for no apparent reason whatsoever. Koichi was staring up at Tetsuro now, too, smiling softly.

“Look, Tetsu, her eyes are like yours, but she has hair like Auntie Tsumu.”

Tetsuro nodded stiffly. Hair like the Omega on the bench behind him, he thought, hyper-aware of the other.

“Hi,” hushed a cute voice, and Tetsuro smiled at the girl. He thought that Koichi had found himself a little bosom friend as the two whispered quietly together. Tetsuro crept closer, extending his hand.

“And what’s your name, cuteness?” he asked with a kind smile, wide golden eyes darting back up. The girl regarded Tetsuro warily, but then Koichi crawled into the Alpha’s lap, and she instantly relaxed. Good girl, thought Tetsuro. Her mama had taught her well.

“Keiko,” she hummed softly, her voice as cute and petite as she was. Tetsuro couldn’t stop smiling. He glanced over at the other twin as the braver of the two traversed the jungle gym like Tarzan, and he chewed back a soft laugh.

“Is that your brother, Keiko-chan?”

Small cheeks were growing rosy as Keiko braved little glances at Tetsuro here and there, being quite obvious even though she was trying not to be. Her eyes darted from Tetsuro to Koichi, back to the sand castle she was building over and over, and Tetsuro ruffled Koichi’s hair with a smile.

“Yes,” Keiko said slowly. She glanced back at her mama, who Tetsuro could almost feel drilling holes into his back. He shouldn’t anger the mama bear, and yet he kind of wanted to see what the other would do, just to get his attention.

“His name is Kentaro,” offered Koichi, and Tetsuro smiled softly. Keiko glanced back worriedly at Mama bear again. Tetsuro decided to tread deeper.

“And your pretty mama? What’s his name?”

Suddenly, golden eyes snapped wide. “You’re askin’ lots of questions,” Keiko whispered, and Tetsuro could see how she gripped her little fists and glanced back at her mother, like the Omega had taught his child about strangers asking weird things. Tetsuro just smile, and then he glanced over his shoulder and waved at the mama who was very nearly glaring daggers into him now. Whoa, thought Tetsuro as pride and something else swelled in his chest.

“You’re right,” he said to Keiko with a big nod. “Good job, honey.” The little girl lit up, her cheeks flaring red, and then Tetsuro said, “I thought I recognized your mama, that’s why I was asking. I’m sorry if l scared you, cuteness.”

Koichi hummed as Keiko nearly folded into herself in embarrassment, and Tetsuro chuckled softly, waving again at the Omega behind him. He was debating whether to stand up and just go introduce himself to the dead ringer for his favorite streamer when a sharp cry sounded, Tetsuro moving Koichi off his lap in an instant at the yelp of distress. He was on his feet with lightning speed, his volleyball training kicking back in as he sprinted and then dove towards the monkey bars he’d helped his cousin traverse earlier. He was just in time, a frightened Kentaro dropping into his arms. He’d been clambering atop the bars and had decided to stand up, very much underestimating his own balance and how high up he’d be. Tetsuro crawled to his knees and cradled the boy to his chest, checking for bleeding or anything broken like it was just instinct. His heart was still hammering from the cry Kentaro had let out.

“Kentaro!” shouted a voice from behind a second later, and Tetsuro let go of the boy just as the Omega with the long blond hair dove down, the boy already laughing even as his mama swept him up. “Are you okay?! I told you not to stand on those bars!”

It was much more than just motherly worries, Tetsuro realized instantly, and before he even knew it, he was releasing his pheromones to calm the frantic Omega. He was about to assure the Omega that everything was okay when the most beautiful hazel eyes, big and wet with tears, snapped up to his own. Tetsuro inhaled in sharp surprise. Oh, what was this feeling now?

“Mama!” cried Keiko as she ran up from behind, and like two peas in a pod, the two worried over Kentaro. Meanwhile, Tetsuro’s eyes rushed first to a covered nape and then down to slender hands. No ring; he scolded himself for even thinking-

“I’m so glad you were there-” choked out a breathless voice, and Tetsuro’s eyes dragged back up. “Thank… you…” said the Omega like he wasn’t used to talking to others or thanking them, almost like he realized too late he was talking to another human.

“He would have been alright,” Tetsuro assured, wondering what part of his brain was thinking up just the right things to say while most of him was just stuttering over, Omega, very pretty, Kodzuken?

A shaky, angry sigh was released, and then the Omega was grabbing his son and saying, “You could have gotten hurt if this nice man wasn’t here, so say thank you and promise your mama you won’t ever do that again, Kentaro!”

Tetsuro released another bout of pheromones, Koichi now lighting a hand to his shoulder like he was drawn to the situation and Tetsuro’s scent. From somewhere in the distance, Osamu called, “Tetsu-chan? Ko-chan?”

“We’re alright,” Tetsuro responded even as he thought that this Omega before him was clearly not okay, wound up in a mess of anxieties and stress. Glancing down again, Kentaro looked ready to burst and buzz off again, but he paused and rushed at Tetsuro, “Thank you-!”

When his eyes turned back up, he pleaded with the pretty Omega, “Mama, I’ll be careful! Let me play!”

“Ken-” the Omega began, but the boy wiggled out of his arms and was off.

Tetsuro couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I was like that as a kid, too,” he assured calmly. “Too much energy; my momma was always chasing after me.” His eyes met pretty hazel ones again, and he offered, “It’s not my place, but I would say just let the boy play how he wants.”

“It isn’t your place,” confirmed the Omega sharply as he stiffly stood and dusted off his knees, but then he relented more quietly, “Thank you again.

“That boy stresses me out… Must take after his father,” he muttered.

Tetsuro chewed back a frown, a million questions in his head as he rose to his feet as well, Koichi in his arms again. Keiko clung to Tetsuro’s and her mama’s hand, preventing the two from parting. Slowly, the Omega swept down and picked up his daughter, staring up at Tetsuro. Damn, he was tiny, so, so cute and tiny. Tetsuro squeezed his hands to fists under Koichi’s bum.

“I’m Tetsuro Kuroo,” he introduced himself hopefully. Hazel eyes watched him very warily.

“He’s nice, Mama,” said Keiko, but the Omega reminded her as his eyes dragged over Tetsuro’s face, “He’s an Alpha and a stranger.”

“But he saved Ken-chan,” whispered the girl, to which her mother was silent, lips stiff.

“I mean no harm,” Tetsuro promised as he stepped back, showing the Omega that he didn’t have to introduce himself if he didn’t want to, Tetsuro wouldn’t pry.

Hazel eyes darted down suddenly, and then the Omega hushed in a softer, conflicted tone, “Oh, you’re bleeding…”

Tetsuro almost laughed at the way the Omega’s lips pinched all the tighter together, his brow furrowing like he didn’t want to prolong this social interaction but he also couldn’t leave Tetsuro there, injured from helping his son.

“No worries,” Tetsuro offered. “I think my auntie has band-aids with him.”

Hazel eyes snapped up again at the mention of another male Omega in the area. He glanced around and stilled when he spotted Osamu headed towards them. “Oh,” he breathed out in what Tetsuro thought might be surprised recognition. He glanced over at Osamu as the Omega hustled to him and Koichi.

“Tetsu-chan, are you okay? I heard a cry- Oh, you’re bleeding-!”

“It’s fine, Auntie,” Tetsuro reassured, setting Koichi down. The little boy moved to Osamu’s side as they both stared down at the Alpha’s scraped knee. “Really,” he promised with a laugh as he bent down and swiped his shirt across his skin. He’d had much worse, and it barely stung.

“Tetsu-chan,” Osamu tried again, but he was stopped as a stiff voice choked out awkwardly, “I feel bad!”

Osamu glanced over like he’d just now realized they weren’t alone, and this time Tetsuro clearly saw the look of recognition in his aunt’s grey eyes. “Oh-!” rushed Osamu much like the other Omega had done. Tetsuro was bursting with wild curiosity, but everyone ignored the mystery brewing in favor of his scraped knee.

“I have band-aids-” Osamu was saying, while the other Omega rushed, “I can pay for the doctor’s bill if you need to go to the hospital-”

“Calm down,” Tetsuro instructed suddenly in his booming voice, something he really didn’t like to use, especially with Omegas, but it was effective. “I’m fine, okay? I’ve had far worse than this. Auntie, Momma won’t kill you over this, okay?” To the other, “I’m not that fragile.” He smiled, the blond Omega slowly shaking off the effects of Tetsuro’s commanding tone.

“Okay-” he replied stiffly, turning suddenly before changing his mind and spinning back. “Ah, Kenma- I’m Kenma-”

And then, Kenma was off, running as Keiko whispered, “Mama, you’re all red-”

“Shh!” yelped her mother, and Tetsuro stared after the Omega with the stupidest grin as Kenma called frantically, “Kentaro, get over here! We’re going home. Tell Tetsuro you’re sorry again!”

“Sorry!” called a voice, and then Kentaro whined, “I don’t want to leave!” Golden eyes stared over Kenma’s shoulder at Tetsuro, a tiny hand waving as Kenma frantically packed up his things like he might soon combust from embarrassment and over-socialization. Tetsuro let out a stunned laugh as he slowly turned back to Osamu.

“You… know him?” he asked Osamu with big, hopeful eyes.

Osamu’s gaze darted over his shoulder. “Uhh- Sort of?”

Tetsuro stood and took Koichi and Osamu’s hands to lead them back to the bench Osamu had claimed, gathering their things to head back, too.

“Sort of?” he promoted as they walked.

“I think we went to school together,” muttered Osamu almost to himself. Then, to Tetsuro, “Want to look at my yearbooks?”

It was almost desperate, like Osamu had just been waiting for someone to show interest, and it broke Tetsuro’s heart.

“Absolutely, Auntie. I would love that,” he replied instantly, and Osamu let out a rough, hiccuping sigh of surprise as he turned his eyes forward again.

“Okay-” he replied like he was unsure of how to proceed now that this new path had opened up. Koichi stared up at his mother as the other hastened his pace a little. Tetsuro swept the little boy up and strode with his long legs after his aunt, the Omega almost in a frenzy.

Osamu barely even got his shoes off before he was tripping up the stairs, racing like Tetsuro might change his mind. The Alpha quietly followed with a soft smile, though Koichi spotted the pain in his eyes, stroking softly under them. Tetsuro seized one of his little hands and kissed it.

“Have fun with your new friends?” he asked in a whisper, and he smiled when Koichi nodded firmly.

“Yeah.” Dark eyes turned to follow Osamu, and Tetsuro wondered if Koichi had ever seen his mom this way. They found Osamu desperately pulling out thick yearbooks from a box under the bed, revealing an old school uniform and backpack, notebooks and loose printed pictures, as well as four chunky yearbooks. Osamu plopped down on the floor and Tetsuro crowded close, if only to reassure the Omega that he was here and ready to listen. Slender hands spread open the pages of the first book, and Tetsuro noticed how they trembled. Osamu ghosted his fingers over a photo of him and a fellow classmate, the two smiling softly but a little wary of each other, keeping their distance.

“This was the first year… I had to learn how to live without Tsumu,” Osamu began in a broken voice, memories rushing up he’d perhaps never really discussed. Tetsuro wondered if the topic had always been avoided with Atsumu, leaving Osamu with so many feelings he couldn’t give release. Tetsuro scooted closer and bathed the room in his scent. “I felt like a shadow,” whispered Osamu. “My best half was gone, and I… had always relied so much on him, on Atsumu. Too much, I guess. I couldn’t really make friends, and so many of my classmates scared me even though they were all… Omegas.”

Tetsuro hummed softly, only encouraging Osamu on. Slender fingers stroked over faces that were probably familiar but had perhaps meant very little to a lost Omega who had just been ripped from his best friend. Tetsuro only knew a little of that story, only that Osamu and Atsumu had been separated just after moving to Tokyo, and Tetsuro once again had guessed the rest. His mother had gotten pregnant; the parents likely didn’t approve. Maybe in an effort to save the one good son, they’d split the pair up, not realizing the detriment of their decision.

Would Osamu have been happy then and now if their parents hadn’t chosen to do that? What if Osamu had found Atsumu and they had run away together? Atsumu had mentioned once or twice trying to find or contact his twin, to no avail. It was too much to think about, too sad, even for Tetsuro. He couldn’t imagine how his momma and auntie had felt.

Osamu came upon another picture, and Koichi gasped and leaned in suddenly as he hushed, "Momma, is that you?”

“Yeah,” laughed Osamu. He glanced at Koichi and then up at Tetsuro with a grateful smile. He turned forward again and leaned against his nephew as he hummed, “I was sixteen there.”

The Osamu in the photo was smiling softly, sitting on what looked like the floor of an empty classroom, a paintbrush in hand and a big banner at his knees. It was for a cultural fair, and Osamu sat pretty and proper in a pleated skirt and little blazer, soft, grey bangs clipped back with two hair pins. He didn’t look much different now, honestly, maybe a little more tired, softer around the edges. On the pages of the yearbook were more photos from the fair, and Osamu told his son all about the fun stuff there had been to do.

“One day, you’ll go to school and get to do these fun things, too, sweetheart.”

Koichi beamed softly, nuzzling against his mother. Tetsuro leaned down and then softly kissed Osamu’s hair. Grey eyes startled up and then back down.

“Ah… Kenma…” Osamu hummed after a moment, rifling through the book he held before switching to another. He spread the pages and then tapped his finger twice.

Tetsuro’s eyes went big, and he felt like he was fourteen all over again, realizing that Omegas could be objects of desire for the first time. In the photo stood two Omegas, one a tiny redhead with a beaming smile and peace signs, a bandage over his freckled nose, the other a pretty little blond with familiar long hair, a soft face, and an unfitting scowl. The skirts the pair wore were almost scandalous, the redhead dressed down to his button-up, while the blond wore a sweater vest and blazer, black tights on his skinny legs.

“Kenma… Kozume,” Osamu said as he slowly recalled the blond. “And… Hina- Hinata or something. They were inseparable and completely unapproachable. Troublemakers, loners…” Osamu let out a wry laugh. “I was desperate to have friends, and I always noticed how close they were, like… brothers.”

Tetsuro rubbed at Osamu’s back mindlessly, everything else focused on the face in the picture. This was taken almost nineteen years ago, he thought, and yet he could tell that the Kenma from the park was indeed this Kenma Kozume.

“Kenma was crazy smart,” Osamu recalled as he flipped through the yearbook again, moving to the next year. “Always carrying around his phone or on the computer, just typing away or playing games. He got in trouble with the teachers a lot, and then Hinata- Hinata used to fight anyone that challenged him, like he had something to prove. Even in a school of Omegas, he was tiny, but he never let anyone pick on him and not regret it.”

Tetsuro smiled softly. “Sounds like an odd pair.”

“Mm,” Osamu hushed, lost in his memories. Tetsuro supposed that Atsumu and Osamu were an odd pair, too, but that’s what made them so close. Slowly, the Alpha turned until he was facing Osamu. Koichi was quiet in his lap, leaning against his chest.

Tetsuro hushed softly, “Auntie, I’m sorry. It must have been lonely.”

Until Tetsuro had moved, he hadn’t seen the tears streaming down Osamu’s face, but now he could see the tracks of them cutting across his reddened cheeks. Osamu sniffled loudly and then nodded. “The hardest part was not knowing… where Tsumu was, if he was okay, if you… were okay. I felt so bad-” he whispered as his voice broke. “My parents… wouldn’t even let me come see you when you were born.” Grey eyes, glistening with tears, looked up, and Osamu let out a sob. Koichi was in his momma’s lap in an instant, hugging his tiny arms around the Omega. Osamu’s own wrapped around his son and buried his nose in his soft hair like it was all that kept him grounded.

“I felt so guilty, because surely I had it so much easier than my brother, raising you by himself in an unknown city, providing- But I’ve always been the pitiful one, the useless one. Even now; my parents thought I would amount to something, to marry an Alpha and give them… grandchildren-” Shaking hands covered Koichi’s ears, Osamu almost pleading with Tetsuro to understand. “Isn’t it ironic,” he whispered ever so quietly, “that the son they abandoned is the one who birthed them an Alpha, who could birth them more if he wanted to. They always… thought it would be me, but it was never going to be me-”

Tetsuro rushed forward, pulling Osamu and Koichi against his chest as the Omega broke and sobbed his heart out. Had he ever acknowledged his pain or the hell he lived in? It was so much more painful than he let himself believe; in Osamu’s eyes, nothing compared to what his brother had gone through, but that didn’t mean that his own didn’t matter.

“Auntie, you don’t have to live out of their expectations anymore. It’s too much; even my momma would have said it was too much.” Tetsuro hugged the pair of Omegas tightly, and he whispered with love and warmth imbued in his deep voice, “You don’t have to keep pretending you’re okay. I think… Momma would want you to just be honest and tell someone what you want, what you need.”

Hands clutched at the back of Tetsuro’s shirt as the Omega’s whole body shook with sobs. Koichi was so sweet and quiet, perhaps understanding so much more than Osamu hoped he did. Osamu, who had given above and beyond what he had for everyone else, deserved to finally have something he needed.

“I’m so lonely, Tetsu. I’ve been so lonely- for so long-! Why won’t it… stop, even though I have Tsumu and you and Ko-chan?”

“Because you need an Alpha who loves you, Auntie,” Tetsuro murmured deeply. “None of us, not even Koichi, can fill that hole in your heart. You and Momma both, so stubborn…”

“I wanted it to be enough,” begged Osamu as he hugged his son to his chest. “You were all I ever wanted, Ko-chan. You are Momma’s best, my greatest love-”

The room fell quiet, only Osamu’s rough sniffling breaking the silence, and then Koichi whispered ever so softly, "Momma, you’re not happy.”

A broken sound came out of Osamu. He hadn’t wanted his son to know- He hugged Koichi tighter to his chest, almost desperately, like he could protect the little one from the cruel truth this way.

Tetsuro slowly rubbed at Osamu’s back, sending out pheromones to help the Omega relax, to let him know it was okay to do so. All his life, Osamu had wound himself up like a spring, and it wasn’t healthy, or maintainable, nor should it be.

“Auntie, you have permission… from all three of us, to be happy.”

“I can’t-” whispered Osamu in the smallest voice, his soul crying out after being locked down and suppressed for so, so long.

“You can,” Tetsuro promised.

“No one will want me-”

“There’s someone out there who needs you just as much as you need them,” Tetsuro countered. “A good Alpha who would give his life for you. A man who’ll protect you and make you happy, and just by being happy, he’ll be happy, too.”

Osamu looked ready to deny it. How could he believe it when everything in his life had told him the opposite, when he’d tried so hard to be loved and be good and be… perfect, to no avail? But Tetsuro believed it enough for Osamu and for his momma, too. He knew it because he was an Alpha, and he knew how precious an Omega was. He knew how much Atsumu and Osamu’s happiness was the world to him. He knew, and how much more so for a man who didn’t have to love Osamu, but chose to.

“Auntie, I don’t know when it’ll happen, but don’t put out that spark when it wants to light the fire in your heart. Don’t worry about your parents or Daisho anymore. Don’t even worry about Koichi or me or Momma; we’ll be fine. Worry about yourself, and take some chances.”

Koichi slowly sat up, and though he probably understood very little of what was being said, he understood enough, and he nodded. "Momma, wanna see you smile. Okay?”

Osamu let out a soft sob even as his lips spread into a tenuous smile. “Ko-chan-”

“Say okay, Momma,” the little boy insisted. Tetsuro couldn’t help but smile. He leaned down and kissed Osamu’s cheek.

“Say okay, Auntie,” he whispered.

“Okay-!” rushed Osamu after a breathless moment. “Okay…”

Tetsuro sat back, nodding, and then he asked with a too-giddy smile, “Can you tell me more about Kenma?”

“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen-” began Osamu wryly, but as soon as he looked up, wiping his eyes, he fell quiet. “Oh, Tetsu-chan,” he sighed softly, but then he smiled. “Tsumu will be wrecked when he finds out.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Tetsuro hushed, smiling softly. “That’s why I’ve got to get him a man, too.”

Osamu just laughed, shaking his head, though he didn’t fight it this time.

-x-

With a grin on his face, Shugo stalked up to Tetsuro as the younger Alpha neatly folded his apron away and gathered his stuff from his locker. Golden eyes met his own, and Tetsuro asked, “You workin’ tonight?”

“Nope,” smirked Shugo, and then he held out his phone for the other to see. Tetsuro stepped closer. His brows scrunched up in confusion at first, and then surprise.

“A party?” he asked Shugo like it wasn’t very clear from the giant group message that the Alpha had received and shown him.

“A college party,” Shugo corrected. “The more, the merrier,” he quoted from the invite, which could only mean one thing. “Babes and alcohol,” teased the Alpha, “and I’m telling you to come with me.”

Tetsuro slowly stood up straight, frowning slightly. “I’m underage, Shugo.”

“It’s a college party, Tetsuro,” Shugo chimed back. “Half the people there will be underage. It’s a right of passage to drink before you’re legal.”

Tetsuro let out a snort. “My momma would kill me. And you.”

Shugo smirked again. “Hmm, somehow I don’t think so.”

Tetsuro’s golden eyes went slowly wide as Shugo raised his phone again, showing off a new text thread. “You have my momma’s number,” was what he said first. Then, “You’re flirting with him!”

Shugo laughed, “I’m trying, but your mom isn’t reciprocating at all. He says I’m too young to know how to flirt with someone his age properly.” He grinned, thinking that Atsumu was actually way too much fun.

“You told him there will be drinking,” Tetsuro asked in disbelief as he took Shugo’s phone and began reading the thread.

“Yup,” hummed the older Alpha, crossing his arms as he leaned against the lockers proudly.

“Tell him to have some fun for once? What the hell…” muttered the other. Golden eyes turned back up, and slowly Tetsuro sighed. He handed the phone back, and then he said, a slow twinkle glittering in his eyes, “Think we can drag Omi to it? I think he needs it more than me…”

Shugo tossed his head back and laughed. “I’m game if you are. He’ll probably be at the library, so we can go kidnap him.”

“Actually, he has volleyball practice today,” Tetsuro smirked, glancing at his own phone to check the time. “It ends at 8. Meet me outside the big gym on campus. Omi takes 30 minutes to shower.”

“It’s weird that you know that, man,” chortled Shugo in good humor.

Tetsuro shrugged. “We played together for almost 8 years. I know a lot about Omi.”

Shugo smirked, and then he leaned a little closer. “He’s secretly hung, isn’t he?”

Tetsuro sighed and rolled his eyes, but he answered in something akin to jealousy, “Yeah, he is. Like, unfairly so for such a sour puss.”

Shugo snorted. “I could get him an Omega. What’s he into?”

Tetsuro shook his head, though. “Nah, Omi isn’t like that. He probably wouldn’t even know how to use that thing; like, I can’t even imagine him jacking off-”

“He has to have,” Shugo said plainly, and this they both knew was true. No Alpha got through puberty without it. Two pairs of eyes stared at each other. “What do you think he fantasizes about? Big titties? Asses? Tiny girls?”

“Definitely girls,” Tetsuro said, snapping his fingers. “I don’t know about the rest, though. He’s such a mystery…”

“Didn’t you say you’ve known him for like ten years?” Shugo tilted his head in surprise. He’d never known a pair of friends to not discuss this stuff over a nudey mag.

“Yeah,” laughed Tetsuro. Then, “Seriously, senpai, he’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma, or whatever.”

Shugo snorted again. “Damn.” His lips pulled into a sharp smirk as he husked, “I bet he’s into super kinky shit. Isn’t it always the super stiff guys like that?”

“Well, you would know,” Tetsuro replied with a wicked grin, and Shugo chuckled.

“Nah, I treat every Omega that graces my bed like royalty, Tetsu. How dare you assume I’m anything but a tender lover~”

Tetsuro just rolled his eyes and smacked at Shugo’s chest as he passed the older Alpha by. Shugo turned to follow him.

“What about you, then?” he asked, curiosity nipping at his heels.

Tetsuro glanced back over his shoulder, thinking for a moment. “Older, blond, a mom.” Shugo was about to comment that it sounded like Tetsuro’s mom when the other added, “Long hair and tiny. Like, teeny-tiny. Like, pick-them-up-with-one-arm tiny.”

Shugo’s eyes snapped a little wider as he stared at the back of the other’s messy bedhead. “You have someone you like, don’t you? That was pretty specific…”

Tetsuro just hummed, tossing his book bag over his shoulder and waving at Shugo, reminding him, “8:30 at the gym, okay?”

“Wait, Tetsu-!” Shugo ran after the other, but Tetsuro was already halfway down the street by the time he leaned out the café’s front door. Slowly, the big Alpha stepped back inside, shutting the door behind him and staring around the empty café. Damn, he was almost a little jealous. Scrubbing at his lip, though, he thought it was probably hell to pine after someone you might never get to have…

He pulled out his phone and then smirked slowly. Nah, he liked his life; Shugo simply had too much love for Omegas to not share it all.

-x-

Kiyoomi sighed long and slow as he stepped out of the shower in the guys’ locker room, always the last one there. He liked that; he even set his phone down and played some soft music as he dried his big body off, taking his time. He ran a hand through his damp hair after towel-drying it with a separate towel, shuffling around in his shower shoes. He was sure the cleaning crew did a good job, but Kiyoomi didn’t trust anything if he himself hadn’t wiped it down. This was why he brought his own towels and slip-ons, a tub of disinfectant wipes in his locker for the shower handles and door. He kept body wash and washcloths in his clean locker, too, as well as a stock of band-aids and muscle cream, knee braces and compression sleeves, the works. He was the only one on the team who had a whole organizational rack he’d set up inside his big locker, complete with anything and everything he could ever need or want.

He put on his black boxer briefs and then sprayed his deodorant, the special formula muting his Alpha pheromones a bit. He just didn’t have time to be attacked by Omegas like flies, and he wasn’t interested in anyone his age anyways. Kiyoomi frowned slightly and then angrily tugged his shirt on. He hadn’t slept well last night; he’d been having dreams almost every night recently, and even his usual methods wouldn’t rid him of the memories, of Atsumu calling his name…

Kiyoomi finished dressing himself in a pair of fitted jeans and the nice sneakers that his sister had bought him for Christmas. She nor anyone in his family ever took the time to ask him what he actually wanted and instead assumed, but Kiyoomi was so used to it by now that he’d simply adopted the designer wardrobe thrust upon him, simply pairing everything extravagant down with simple black tees or sweaters. He’d tried giving some of it away early on, but Tetsuro didn’t want it and his cousin was too slender. With a sigh, Kiyoomi grabbed up his duffel bag and headed out, his damp hair tucked under a loose beanie to be styled properly later, face hidden by a mask.

If he hadn’t been so absorbed in his thoughts, he might have noticed them and been able to fight them off, but by the time he realized he wasn’t alone as he stepped out of the college gym, it was too late. Two thick arms wrapped around his own and pulled him to a stop. His head snapped first to the left, to Meian, and then to the right, to a grinning Tetsuro.

“What the hell-?!”

Meian chuckled, obviously enjoying this too much. Kiyoomi tugged hard this way and then that, but he knew even he was no match for both of them together. Meian was shockingly strong for not playing any sports, and Tetsuro had retained his own strength from volleyball by working out daily.

“What is this?” snapped Kiyoomi as he was lifted like a heavy piece of furniture and hauled off. “I have homework to do-”

“Not tonight,” grinned Meian, and Kiyoomi felt his disdain for the older Alpha grow. What had he talked Tetsuro into? Black eyes snapped to the second culprit.

“Tonight we’re taking you to a place where you can let loose and have some fun,” hummed Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi saw his life flash before his eyes. No, he didn’t have time for this-

“Let me go,” he growled in threat, but it was useless against two other Alphas, neither fazed one bit by his posturing.

Tetsuro just laughed as they nearly dragged Kiyoomi across the college campus, and all too soon, Kiyoomi realized with a pit forming in his stomach where they meant to take him. One of the fraternities near campus was lit up with different colored lights, and music could already be heard from inside. A few groups of college kids loitered about on the steps in front of the big frat house, and Kiyoomi groaned aloud.

“Tetsuro, put me down. We’re not old enough to drink. I won’t let you get me into trouble; my parents will kill me.”

“Loosen up,” Meian laughed.

“Did you tell Atsumu-san?!” Kiyoomi insisted, getting a little desperate now. It wasn’t even just about getting in trouble or the fact that the last place Kiyoomi had ever wanted to be was a packed college party. No, it was the fact that he just knew he wouldn’t have any fun, that he might get hit on, that he would have to endure people getting too close and definitely see things he didn’t want to and- “Tetsuro,” he pleaded desperately, “Atsumu-san will kill you. In fact, I’m texting him as soon as you set me down-”

“Omi~” Tetsuro chimed, turning to give Kiyoomi the most blinding smile, and shit, he hadn’t expected this reaction. Where was the son that would give anything for his mother, listening to Atsumu’s every word- "Momma said I should go and have some fun. I think he would say the same to you.”

No. Not his Atsumu. This couldn’t be- “He knows there will be alcohol?!” Kiyoomi begged. Tetsuro and Meian had loosened their hold on him a little, their arms now hooked through Kiyoomi’s as they practically dragged him along. The black-haired Alpha was now simply too stunned to even fight back.

“Yep,” grinned Meian. “It’s a college party, Omi. He might not’ve gone to any, but everyone knows that means booze will be involved.”

“This-” Kiyoomi couldn’t even think, let alone speak.

“I can call him,” offered Tetsuro with a grin, but though it had been meant as a joke, Kiyoomi nodded furtively. Golden eyes blinked at the other, but then Tetsuro complied. He tugged out his phone, and Atsumu answered so fast it had Kiyoomi’s heart in his throat. "Momma? Yeah, we’re on our way to the party. Omi’s throwin’ a fit, though-”

Wordlessly, Tetsuro handed the phone over a second later, and Kiyoomi grasped it frantically, pressing it to his ear. He didn’t think he’d ever talked to Atsumu on the phone before-

“Omi-chan? Ya there?”

“…Mm…” Damn, the dreams were flooding back in waves, and Kiyoomi felt his knees try to go weak.

“Listen, sweetheart, I know ya and my baby Tetsu have been really good kids, and I’m so grateful for ya keepin’ him on the right path, but ye’re still just kids, ya know? Ya should have some fun and disobey yer parents and what-not.”

“No, Atsumu-san, we could get in serious trouble-”

“I’ll bail ya out, okay?” Atsumu said with a laugh that was more addicting than any drug could possibly be. “Yer parents don’t have ta ever know~ Now, please, have some fun, okay? Make sure my boy makes out with at least one person, yea? And you, too, Omi-chan. Ye’re too stiff, so loosen up a little, okay, babes?”

“No, Atsumu-san,” begged Kiyoomi much more weakly now. To hear Atsumu tell him to kiss a stranger when the only person Kiyoomi could stomach the thought of kissing was Atsumu himself... Still, how could he say no when Atsumu was telling him he wanted them to have fun tonight, calling him those pet names like he was inviting them into sin?

“Okay,” Kiyoomi mumbled slowly just as a deep voice called Atsumu’s name on the other end. The Omega’s own voice faded, but Kiyoomi had heard the hum of excitement and suddenly he realized that maybe Atsumu was drunk and planning to kiss someone tonight, too. Kiyoomi’s blood rushed from his head, and he stumbled as he handed Tetsuro his phone back, the Alpha staring at him with a confused, smug expression.

“I need some alcohol,” whispered Kiyoomi, and Tetsuro cheered, thinking it was Atsumu’s words that had convinced him, totally unaware that this was not Kiyoomi giving in to fun, but to despair. The three pushed into the house together, Kiyoomi cringing at the loud music that was played and the bodies pushing back against his own. Meian led the charge to the kitchen, where every bit of counter space was stuffed with alcoholic beverages and plastic cups. Meian cleared some room and set down his own offering. To Tetsuro and Kiyoomi, he said, “You’re newbies, so let me mix you something really good and sweet.”

Kiyoomi almost wanted to inject the alcohol straight into his veins, anything to not think about Atsumu with another man, with another Alpha, with someone that wasn’t… him. His fist curled possessively around the strap of his gym bag. Soon enough, Meian was pressing a cup to those curled fingers, and Kiyoomi blindly grabbed at it, no longer thinking straight at all.

The drink was syrup-y sweet, too sweet to possibly have any alcohol in it, and Kiyoomi gulped it down. He held his cup back out and frowned at Meian, saying, “I’m not a damn kid, give me something strong,” but then the room swam for a minute, a warm feeling sliding down Omi’s skin.

Tetsuro giggled, his own cup joining Kiyoomi’s, while Meian smirked even as he said, “Okay, calm down, guys. You both just downed two shots of vodka like it was nothing.”

Kiyoomi hummed, everything suddenly feeling a little slower, and he thought, in his muddled head, that he could think again, breathe again. He glanced around as Meian refilled their drinks, telling the two to nurse them this time. There were a lot of Alphas here, and a lot of Omegas, but also a surprising amount of Betas, hoping for a shot with anyone.

The second thing Kiyoomi noticed was that a lot of eyes were already on the trio, and he slowly turned back to his friends, not ready yet for those horny looks. He mumbled a thanks to Meian for his new drink, but a moment later, someone was clinging to the man’s thick arm, purring. Kiyoomi blinked at the little Omega girl as she hung off Meian like he was a jungle gym. Just like that, Meian excused himself and dragged the girl off to the living room, where a lot of people were dancing to the EDM that played over the speakers.

Beside Kiyoomi, Tetsuro chuckled, grinning at his best friend. “Come on, let’s go mingle, too,” he said, grabbing his best friend’s elbow. Kiyoomi thought to protest, but suddenly the two were swarmed by a group of very drunk and very excited Omegas, all guys, all a little older.

“We haven’t seen you at any of the parties before! Are you first years?”

“Second,” shouted Tetsuro back as he leaned down, the Omegas giggling and swooning. One grabbed at Kiyoomi, and he just stared down at the smaller male, at his hands touching his arm and chest.

“Umm,” Kiyoomi began, but he wasn’t thinking as fast as he thought he was. The Omega was pretty-ish, though nothing like Atsumu. He slowly turned his head back to Tetsuro. The other was chatting up two very happy Omegas and a grinning Beta, Tetsuro so amazingly in his element and effortlessly cool that even Kiyoomi was stunned. “Umm,” he murmured again, staring down at his drink just as a booming voice rang out.

“Well, if it isn’t my Tetsu-bro-!”

Golden eyes snapped up, and Tetsuro’s whole face seemed to split in half as he slurred happily, “Ko-chan!”

The two new besties collided in a chest bump and hugged enthusiastically, Koutaro wrapping an arm around Tetsuro and swinging about as he introduced himself to Tetsuro’s little fan club, blinking in surprise at Kiyoomi.

“Omi, I’ve never seen you look so chill!” he laughed heartily, smacking the Alpha on the back. “Welcome to the highlight of college life!!” Koutaro’s booming voice rang out, and a whole group of people around them cheered at his words.

“Where’s yer gloomy shadow?” teased Tetsuro, looking around for someone else. Koutaro laughed.

“Toshi? Hmm, somewhere around here?”

“I’m shocked he’d like these types of scenes,” Tetsuro hummed as Kiyoomi tried to follow the conversation, wondering who they were talking about and why they were talking so fast.

“Nah, Toshi likes a good party! He doesn’t drink a lot, but he’s a chick magnet ‘cause he’s such a sweetheart. He usually finds some cute little Omega or Beta, and they just like… talk. It’s crazy,” laughed Koutaro. “Toshi never talks as much as he does with a little liquor in him, and I think he just needs to let loose sometimes. I don’t know, girls dig it.”

“Okay, that sounds more accurate,” chortled Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi hummed in blinding confusion. Two pairs of golden eyes met his at the sound, and then they both grinned like Cheshire cats as they looked down at the little Omega still clinging to his arm. Kiyoomi’d forgotten… He slowly pulled away as Koutaro and Tetsuro talked up their new fans, Koutaro boasting about their latest football game.

Kiyoomi needed to sit down and be somewhere quiet, so he wandered deeper into the house, sliding down the wall to sit on the floor. The alcohol kept him from wondering how dirty the place was. He could still see Tetsuro, and to his left, Meian was hardcore making out and groping a new girl.

“Not a big party animal?” called a voice that Kiyoomi almost missed at first. His gaze slowly turned up, and then his eyes slowly went wide. A pretty little Omega stood in front of him, his blond hair short and swaying softly over his forehead, his honey-colored eyes gleaming down. He settled beside Kiyoomi without asking, and the Alpha found himself speechless as the smell of jasmine filtered up to his nose. No, this couldn’t be… It was almost cruel. Kiyoomi stared in shock down at the little Omega that, to his drunken mind, could very well be Atsumu’s younger self. He didn’t even pull back when a slender finger reached up and tugged his black face mask down, the Omega smiling.

“Ah, just like I thought. Handsome~”

Kiyoomi sank back against the wall like his strings had been cut, and he shut his eyes for a moment, everything swimming. “-mu-san,” he muttered, and the Omega giggled.

“Ahh, I’m Kisumu,” he introduced himself, and now Kiyoomi was sure he was dreaming.

“Sumu…” he murmured, extending his big hand slowly. The Omega glanced down and then slipped his smaller hand into Kiyoomi’s with a giggle. His golden eyes snapped back up as Kiyoomi breathed out, “Omi.”

“Cute~” purred Kisumu. “Are you available, Omi?”

Available? Kiyoomi supposed he was, in a lot of ways. He nodded slowly, a frown pulling at his lips. He leaned a bit closer, his heavy eyelids sliding a little down. Kisumu’s jasmine was mixed with something else, something that wasn’t honey, but Kiyoomi was too drunk to discern what it was. He had never thought… boy Omegas were appealing; Atsumu was just special. Still, there was something about this Omega that had Kiyoomi’s usual defenses crumbling down. Kisumu giggled and took another sip of his drink.

“Tell me about yourself, Omi,” he hummed as he snuggled closer on instinct. Kiyoomi sat up a little straighter, and in his hazy mind, he thought, Why not? If Atsumu wasn’t going to be his anytime soon, a substitute… He wrapped his heavy arm slowly around the little Omega, only thinking that Atsumu wasn’t so frail.

“Umm, I don’t know…” He’d never had to talk about himself. What was interesting? “I play… volleyball…”

“Really?!” Kisumu cheered, and Kiyoomi let his eyes wander around. Meian had a guy pressed to the wall now, and Kiyoomi wasn’t sure that it was an Omega anymore. Maybe a Beta? An Alpha? Where was Tetsuro…? His eyes slowly turned back to the Omega at his side.

“Yeah, I’m a spiker…”

Kisumu was saying that a friend of his used to play or something, but Kiyoomi was getting wrapped up in the pout of his lips, the fullness of them, that jasmine scent. He didn’t even realize he’d leaned in so close until Kisumu suddenly stopped talking.

He breathed out in a voice that should be illegal, “Omi?” and something in Kiyoomi’s brain went haywire. A hand cupped his face, and he shut his eyes, rushing closer. Softness met his lips, and he exhaled sharply. A wanton moan rushed out from between the Omega’s lips as Kisumu almost scrambled atop Kiyoomi, pheromones pouring out. Jasmine drowned Kiyoomi, but there was that other scent, lingering, pressing, telling him to recall something important. He grabbed at a tiny waist, at slender hips…

The sickly sweet smell of vanilla clogged Kiyoomi’s nose very suddenly, and he pushed back at the body atop his own, his eyes going wide. On his lap sat a blond Omega, a guy, panting heavy. Kisumu was reaching down to Kiyoomi’s crotch, something hard under the tiny shorts he wore, and suddenly Kiyoomi felt violently ill. No, no, this wasn’t right. He easily hefted the Omega off of him as Kisumu cried out in protest, and then he bolted to his feet, faltering backwards. Golden eyes turned almost accusingly down to the bulge in Kiyoomi’s jeans, giving him away as nothing but a dirty Alpha. It wasn’t like anyone would do, and yet Kiyoomi’s body betrayed him. He had wanted this Omega.

He had given his first kiss to an Omega that wasn’t Atsumu Miya. Kiyoomi wiped roughly at his lips and then whirled around, thinking he should find Tetsuro or maybe call Atsumu, his hands fumbling with his phone. He’d left his drink behind, his head pounding suddenly. It was too much- Kiyoomi burst out of the house and stopped short when he saw a familiar head of black messy hair and heard Koutaro’s booming voice. In the side yard, a few of them were playing a giant game of beer pong with trash cans and a basketball. Tetsuro was chugging a drink and Koutaro was beaming wildly, a crowd of Omegas around both of them. While Koutaro was flirting up a storm, Tetsuro almost seemed like his normal self, nice to everyone. Kiyoomi gritted his teeth and called out loudly, “Tetsu!”

“Omi-Omi-!” Golden eyes lit up in delight. “Come play! Show off your ball skills~” giggled the tall Alpha. The Omegas around Tetsuro turned to look at Kiyoomi, inviting him in with smiles.

“Where’s… Meian…?” Kiyoomi asked Tetsuro as he was pulled unwillingly into the circle of nothing but pheromones and grabby hands.

“Oh, he went home… with someone.”

“Yeah, I saw ‘im head out with a couple of Omegas-” offered Koutaro in a slur with two thumbs up and a grin, but Kiyoomi’s head was swimming.

“Tetsuro, we should go home now,” Kiyoomi started saying, but then a light touch to his lips startled him. His eyes turned forward again to find Tetsuro staring at him in concentration, his thumb swiping at Kiyoomi’s upper lip in intense interest. “Wha-?!”

“Omi-Omi, did ya kiss someone in there?” The pride in Tetsuro’s voice destroyed Kiyoomi, as well as his imitation of Atsumu’s drawl. He clutched at his shirt, tugging it up to swipe at his lips. Was there gloss or something-? Tetsuro pulled his hand back to show off the light pink lipstick on the tip of his finger.

“Omi!” he laughed, pretending to be scandalized. Kiyoomi shook his head, but the motion was too much, and he stopped, swaying for a moment. Oh, he wanted to go home and scrub himself clean. He wanted to forget that he’d lusted after another Omega just because he’d very slightly resembled Atsumu-

“Tetsu, please,” begged Kiyoomi. He knew he couldn’t go to his own home, not reeking of alcohol and very obviously drunk, so he needed Tetsuro to put him up for the night, especially now that Meian was gone. With any luck, Atsumu wouldn’t be home, though that might mean he was with someone else… No, Kiyoomi couldn’t think about that right now or he’d throw up. His stomach was already twisting violently.

“Let me finish my game,” laughed Tetsuro, turning back to a cheering Koutaro. Kiyoomi only stepped back knowing that letting Tetsuro finish what he’d started would probably end this night the quickest. He stumbled back to the steps of the house and sank down, his face pressed to his hands. The scent of soured jasmine and sharp vanilla swam past him, and he looked up with a sickly twist to his stomach just in time to see Kisumu toss him a dirty look as he was taken off by another Alpha, not nearly half as handsome as Kiyoomi was. Feeling a little less drunk now, Kiyoomi thought that Kisumu wasn’t as pretty as he’d thought at first, either. Definitely too tiny, his face not quite right…

Kiyoomi slowly pulled his phone out and scrolled through social media while he waited, just to take his mind off Atsumu, Atsumu, Atsumu- Soon enough, a big hand smacked down on his back, and Tetsuro sighed as Kiyoomi rose to his feet.

“Did you at least have a little bit of fun?” Tetsuro asked quietly as they headed down the street.

“For like… a second,” Kiyoomi mourned, already nursing a headache. Tetsuro let out a dry laugh. Halfway back to his friend’s place, Kiyoomi thought to ask, “You?”

“Hmm. Wasn’t as much fun as I thought,” admitted the other Alpha, and this surprised Kiyoomi. His eyes snapped wide.

“You looked like you were having fun-”

“I mean, yeah, but I could have had that kind of fun just hanging with you guys alone.”

This sobered Kiyoomi quite quickly. He stared at the back of Tetsuro’s head.

“Hey, Omi-Omi,” called Tetsuro after a while, spinning to walk backwards. Kiyoomi thought to tell him it was dangerous, but Tetsuro looked surprisingly steady. “If I told you… that I have a crush on someone… on an older, male Omega, what would you say?”

Kiyoomi almost wanted to laugh. What a pair of friends they were… This time, Tetsuro was the one to look surprised as Kiyoomi shrugged. “Have you told Atsumu-san?” was all he had to ask.

“Nah.” Tetsuro spun back around, and Kiyoomi missed his lopsided grin as he said, “He probably won’t ever know I exist or take me seriously. I mean, I’m just a dumb fan, a kid.”

Kiyoomi wanted to laugh, but it was painful. He was also just a dumb kid still pining after his first crush. “Yeah,” he murmured to no one in particular.

He was unprepared when Tetsuro spun back and said, “I’ll tell you who my crush is if you tell me yours, Omi.”

Thankfully, Kiyoomi was still together enough to know that was a horrid idea. He shook his head, signing it off as, “I really don’t care to know who you imagine when you jack off.” The words were crude, his tongue looser from the alcohol, and Tetsuro laughed in delighted surprise.

“I would say the same to you if I thought you actually did that,” teased Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi rolled his eyes.

“I’m a hot-blooded Alpha just like you, Tetsuro.” What would Tetsuro do if he only knew…

“Oh? Had dirty dreams?” teased the younger Alpha, and Kiyoomi groaned. He was not sober or drunk enough for this conversation, begging the other to just please let it go. This was torture.

The night grew quiet again, their footsteps the only noise. After a long while, Tetsuro said, “One day, Omi, we’ll have our Omegas, and we’ll be so damn happy…”

Kiyoomi hiccuped out a rough, wry laugh. “Yeah…” he muttered, wishing he could be hopeful like that. Sometimes he really couldn’t imagine he’d ever get what he really wanted. Would he have to settle for someone else? He didn’t even want to do that. Still, he knew that if he could get his Omega, he really would be… damn happy.

“Tetsuro,” Kiyoomi called slowly, but when golden eyes met his own pitch black orbs, he simply shook his head and murmured, “Never mind.”

“Sure, Omi,” grinned Tetsuro as he headed up the stairs to his place. “You want the futon or the bed?”

“Your mom’s not home?”

“Business trip with Alex.”

Alex… Was that the voice Kiyoomi had heard? He ground his teeth.

“Bed,” he said just to torture himself a little more. “My back hurts from your futon,” he lied.

Lord forgive him.

Chapter Text

Atsumu walked his hands back on the hardwood floors of the real estate office and stretched his back, shutting his eyes for a moment. He thought he might go cross-eyed if he stared at the files he was organizing for a moment longer, so he let himself take a small break.

He startled when he felt a hand press to his forehead, his golden eyes snapping open. Alex smiled down at him. “You can go home if it’s too much for one day, Atsumu. I feel like you’ve been working at this for more than three hours.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just a lot,” said Atsumu with a wry laugh, but when Alex bent down, he shook his head.

“I’m terrible at organizing, as you can see, so this would have taken me at least a whole day. Thank you so much.”

Atsumu reached up and pressed at the space between knitted white brows, and he smiled as cool blue eyes snapped over to his. “Ye’re bein’ too hard on yerself. I like this kinda work, anyways, and I’m glad I can do it for ya.”

“But really, you can finish up tomorrow, Atsumu,” Alex began, but then he stopped as Atsumu shifted up on his legs, leaning a little closer.

“Ya have…” breathed Atsumu, “an eyelash…” He picked it gently off Alex’s cheek, and then he smiled, realizing too late how close he’d gotten. The two stared at each other for a long, long moment, and Atsumu let his eyes flick down, down to a thin set of lips. When his gaze roamed back up again, he could swear that Alex was a little closer, the two breathing slowly.

Atsumu closed his eyes when a big hand cupped his face, Alex saying, “Darling, you really can finish this up later… I appreciate all you do for me, but you rarely know when to quit.”

Atsumu just hummed, smiling as he nuzzled against Alex’s hand. “Ya could convince me~” he teased, and Alex let out a soft laugh.

“That would probably be a bad idea,” he murmured, but Atsumu thought he didn’t sound so convinced of that. Still, he opened his eyes and sat up properly, smiling at his boss. He blew the eyelash he still held away. As much as he wanted Alex, he respected him much more, so he tried not to push the issue if Alex kindly put a stop to it. Still, he thought it was such a shame… He was sure they were both holding back. Even after Alex had said it was a mistake for them to sleep together, neither had quit flirting with the other, and there was always this sort of raw tension between them, like they were just one the edge of making the mistake over and over again, willingly. For Atsumu, he didn’t think it was a mistake, but he respected Alex so he let him set the limits. Looking Alex over now, he really thought it was such a shame, though.

Atsumu chewed at his bottom lip for a moment, and then, taking another look at what he had left, said confidently, “I’ll finish tonight, Alex.”

“Well, alright,” sighed Alex as he slowly stood, squeezing at Atsumu’s shoulder. “I’ll be right at my desk,” he said, sitting down just a few feet away. The filing cabinets Atsumu was organizing were against the wall, to the right of Alex’s desk in his office, and Atsumu was sure he’d felt the man staring at his back a couple times already. Still sitting on his legs, he leaned forward now, smiling coyly to himself. He wiggled his butt a little as he began organizing the last of the files, humming softly as he did so.

He only stopped when he came across a name he very much recognized, his eyes snapping wide. He nearly dropped the heavy file and everything in it, checking through a couple of the pages inside just to make sure-

“Alex!” he yelped, and behind him, he heard the man snap to his feet, startled like he’d been lost in something very different.

“What-?!”

Atsumu’s head whipped around, and he stared up at his boss with huge eyes, his lips trembling into a giant smile. “Ya know Romero?”

Alex froze, confusion knitting up his face. “Who?” he asked first, and then, shuffling closer and leaning over Atsumu, “A client- Do you mean Nicolas Romero?”

“Yea, Nicolas Romero! Who else?!” Atsumu spun back to the file he held reverently and exclaimed, “Ya helped him buy a house in Japan?!”

“Wait, I’m confused-” Alex began, but Atsumu was way ahead of him.

He held up the thick file like it was a holy item and whispered, “Tetsu-chan’s had this man’s poster up in his room since he was six! Is this really the Romero?! World famous volleyball player Romero?”

“Ahh, yeah, that’s him,” Alex said, and then he let out a soft laugh. “You scared me.”

Atsumu, though, wasn’t listening as he clutched the file suddenly to his chest and spun around, nearly falling over. Alex caught him with a surprised look on his face, but Atsumu didn’t even falter for a moment as he blundered, “Ya could get me his autograph, Alex?!”

“His-” Alex‘s eyes went wide. “Well, I suppose, but what for-?”

“For Tetsu-chan! He’s gonna be twenty soon, and lord knows I don’t know what ta buy him anymore ‘cause now he’s got a job and he just gets himself the stuff he wants, but if I could get Romero’s autograph, he would love me forever-”

“Breathe, Atsumu,” Alex begged, still holding Atsumu up like he might faint. Atsumu inhaled sharply, his eyes glittering as he still clutched the file.

“Is it too much ta ask?” Atsumu hushed, his expression so hopeful and yet guarded. Alex’s eyes slid over his face slowly, taking it in. “I’d give ya… anythin’ for this, Alex,” the Omega murmured quietly, blue eyes sliding back up to his as Atsumu’s breath caught in his throat. Yes, he knew what he’d just suggested, but he didn’t care. Two birds with one stone. He reached out and grabbed at Alex’s tie, his eyelids lowering halfway as he peered up through his long lashes. Alex seemed almost frozen.

“It’s not too much,” Alex breathed out after a long while, too long. The corners of Atsumu’s lips twitched upward. “You don’t have to do anything, Atsumu. I can see what I can do.”

Atsumu felt his heart sink back down, but he’d expected as much. He laughed it off, grinning.

“Well, I’ll owe ya one,” he hummed before pulling Alex down and kissing his cheek. “Seriously, Alex, ya’d make Tetsu-chan’s whole life, and I’d be the coolest momma in the whole world…”

“You already are that,” hushed Alex ever so softly, his eyes roaming Atsumu’s face. The Omega chewed softly at his lip, and he couldn’t even try to hide how much he was scenting the whole office. A thick thumb reached out and stroked over Atsumu’s cheek, and he beamed up at his boss.

“I’ll see what I can do, Atsumu, promise. Now let’s just call it a night and wrap up.”

“But I’m almost finished-”

Alex was already helping Atsumu to his feet, though, almost like a moment longer would have him making another ‘mistake’. His hands lingered on full hips, but all too soon he was pulling away again, Atsumu’s lips tugging slightly down. Alex turned to grab Atsumu’s coat and bag, while Atsumu just stood in the man’s office, letting out a wry little laugh.

“Alright, Alex,” he murmured before putting Romero’s file away and closing the cabinet. He sauntered over to his own desk and smiled as Alex handed over his things.

Atsumu lingered for a moment longer, husking, “Don’t work too late either, handsome.”

“I just have-” Alex began, but then he sighed. “You’re right, I need some rest.”

“We just had a big trip,” Atsumu reminded the other, reaching a hand out to press it to Alex’s very firm pectoral.

“Right,” muttered Alex, swiping at his face.

While his face was covered, Atsumu said, “I meant it, ya know. I owe ya one, anythin’ ya want, Alex.”

“Atsumu-”

“Think about it~” And with that, Atsumu was off. The cool night air hit him, and he paused for a moment once he turned the corner past the office building. Was his heat starting soon? Maybe he just needed to get laid.

Chewing at his lip, he wondered if he just wanted Alex so bad because he was sure the other was holding back, or maybe because Atsumu liked to flirt with danger and mistakes.

Would it really be such a mistake in the end, though? What would Tetsuro tell him to do?

Ask him out, Momma. You deserve to be happy.

Atsumu laughed wryly and headed home.

-x-

Shugo yawned roughly; he wasn’t a fan of early mornings at all, but being the co-owner of the café meant he came in when someone called out sick, no matter what. He probably shouldn’t have stayed up so late with his guest last night, but she had been too good to pass up, and Shugo really hadn’t thought he’d have to be up this early. He mused his hair, staring out over the busy café. It was a Sunday morning, and everyone was out brunching.

“There’s a new table for you,” called Manabu to Shugo, and the Alpha nodded, standing up straight again. He passed Tetsuro on the way, the other rushing around drinks and food orders.

“My momma just came in,” he said in passing, and Shugo almost laughed, thinking it was a joke, but lo and behold, there at his table sat the divine Atsumu Miya. Shugo’s morning improved in an instant, and it wasn’t even because he was that madly in love with the Omega or anything. He just really liked their back and forth; Atsumu was good and chill about being flirted with, either quite used to it or simply hungry for the compliments. Either way, Shugo found them easy to give to Atsumu. The Omega didn’t look like he could possibly have an almost-twenty-year-old son, his body tight and fit with a booty that didn’t know how to quit. This was shown off today in the leggings Atsumu wore, a loose tee over it that likely belonged to Tetsuro, judging by the size and Tokyo U emblem. Shugo was grinning even before he got to Atsumu’s table, and the Omega looked up in happy surprise when he greeted, “Well, hi there, foxy momma.”

Golden eyes met Shugo’s, and Atsumu grinned up at the Alpha. “And good morning ta ya, handsome~ I thought ya ran the bar.”

“We were short-staffed this morning, so being the good co-owner that I am, I came in to save the day.” Shugo pulled out his order pad with a smile, and he asked, “Dining alone or waiting for a hot date?”

“Well, if ya count my brother and nephew as a hot date, then yes.”

“Well, if your brother is anywhere as good-looking as you, I say it counts,” hummed Shugo with a fond smile. Then, “Is this nephew the Ko-chan that Tetsu always brags about?”

“Yea~” hummed Atsumu with glittering eyes. “Wow, handsome and attentive~” he teased. Shugo chortled.

“Wanna order something before they get here or should I come back once your hot dates have arrived?”

“Mm, can ya go ahead and put in a mango mimosa for me, a hot tea for my brother, and chocolate milk for Ko-chan?”

“Sure thing,” Shugo hummed as he glanced up. “I’ll just need to see your ID,” he teased with a twinkle in his eye, and Atsumu laughed.

“That trick doesn’t work on me anymore, boy~ Ya may be handsome, but don’t get cheesy with me.”

“Sure thing, cuteness. I’ll be back with those drinks in a flash~”

Shugo felt Atsumu’s eyes follow him, and he smiled as he wondered what the brother was like. He wasn’t lying when he had said that if Atsumu’s brother looked anything like him, he was surely attractive. He mixed Atsumu’s mimosa with a little extra Prosecco while the girls at the drink station brewed up the hot green tea and mixed the chocolate milk. He carried all three back on a tray, happy to see two extra heads bobbing at Atsumu’s table now. The blond looked happy as he stroked his hand over the hair of the little boy that sat beside him. Well, Shugo could see what the big fuss was about now, he thought with a soft laugh as he looked down at an angelic face.

With flair, he set down first Atsumu’s drink and then Ko-chan’s milk, the little boy’s eyes lighting up in delight. Shugo turned lastly to his left with the saucer and teacup in his hand, ready to suavely introduce himself to the brother when suddenly everything seemed to stop. Cloudy grey eyes met his own, the sea on a stormy evening. Shugo thought he heard himself inhale sharply, but it was hard to tell. It took him almost a full few seconds of staring to realize he was holding the green tea captive. He set it down as carefully as he could, speechless.

To say that Atsumu’s brother was attractive was a tragic understatement. If Atsumu and Tetsuro had gotten the good genetics, this man had won the jackpot and gotten the very best mix of genetics possible. He was almost an identical copy of Atsumu on the surface, but looking closer, the brother had softer features where Atsumu was more sharp angles and high cheekbones. His lips were fuller, a little rosy, and his nose was almost too perfect. He wasn’t beefy like Atsumu was and not quite as big either, but he had the same curves, and in the high-waisted pixie slacks he wore, his slender waist and round ass were highlighted gorgeously. Shugo was vaguely aware of a chuckle behind him, but for the most part, he was too dumbfounded to care, gorgeous eyes staring up at him from under a soft grey fringe. This Omega put all the others to shame, and that was quite a feat.

Shugo startled when a hand smacked to his back, and instantly three pairs of eyes shifted up, the brother and nephew proclaiming in unison, “Tetsu!”

“Hi, Auntie, hi, Ko-chan,” called Tetsuro, leaning down around Shugo to kiss first Atsumu’s cheek and then his aunt’s, and Shugo thought for a wild moment that he had never been so jealous.

“Auntie got me choco milk-!” Ko-chan was cheering, but those grey eyes were back on Shugo, and across the table, Atsumu laughed and introduced, “Samu, Ko-chan, this is Shugo Meian. He’s the one that hired our Tetsu-chan here. Samu, isn’t he handsome?”

Shugo almost blushed when the angel named Samu nodded, and then a slender hand extended as he introduced himself formally as, “Osamu Daisho.” Shugo was too enamored to notice the different last name or even the ring on Osamu’s slender finger, almost shaking in his non-slip shoes. Damn, he wished he’d worn something besides the old café shirt he owned and his faded khakis.

“Nice to meet you,” he got out somehow, and then he smiled at the beauty that graced his eyes. “I’ve heard a lot about you and Ko-chan from both Atsumu and Tetsu.” A bit of a fib, but both of the others let it slide.

“Hopefully good things,” whispered the voice of an angel, and Shugo beamed brighter, assuring the man that there could certainly be nothing but good things to say. Grey eyes darted for a moment to Atsumu and then shyly back.

“Shugo’s the bartender here, and he makes killer drinks. Here, try,” Atsumu offered Osamu, sliding his champagne flute over, and Shugo watched as grey eyes flicked up nervously and then back down, slender fingers wrapping around a thin stem. It didn’t even matter that Osamu held the glass wrong when it was such a cute picture, plump lips forming around cool glass and long lashes fluttering as he took a sip. Shugo had never waited with bated breath for anything, but he sure did now.

“Delicious,” hummed Osamu with a soft smile, and Shugo was sure he had just been blessed by God above, choirs of angels singing good fortune over him.

“Want one?” asked Atsumu with a grin, but Osamu said he’d stick to his green tea. “I can’t handle alcohol very well,” he explained like he might offend Shugo, but the man simply felt blessed to be in his presence.

“No problem. If you want a refill, let me know.” He straightened his spine and then asked as he folded his hands, “Should I give you three some time to look over the menu? I can offer recommendations, as well.”

“Mama, I want the fluffy pancakes,” said Ko-chan, pointing at a picture of pancakes with berries and whipped cream on top, and Shugo nodded fondly, saying, “Good choice, little dude.”

“Samu, get whatever ya want, I’m payin’,” Atsumu hummed, to which Osamu objected strongly.

“I’ve got Suguru’s card-”

“Nonsense. He doesn’t need ta know where ye’re goin’, so let me pay. Actually, let Tetsu-chan pay. Did I tell ya he’s givin’ me half of his hard-earned money?”

Shugo just stared from one brother to the other, still floating in his happy place, drinking it all in. When he glanced at Atsumu, the Omega gave him a pointed look and then smiled, nodding his head towards Osamu. Could it be? Shugo felt like Atsumu was trying to tell him something very important.

"Momma,” groaned Tetsuro, but he was all too happy as he said to his aunt, “I’ll pay for it, Auntie, so don’t worry yourself. Now, for recommendations, the eggs Benedict are killer-” Shugo watched Tetsuro lean over the table, seeing the way Osamu diligently followed every word his nephew said. It made his heart burst; he just knew that this man was so good, so pure.

Osamu debated between Tetsuro’s recommendations, and finally Tetsuro smacked Shugo on the back and said, “Tell my auntie what’s good. You helped the big boss come up with most of these recipes, and I’ve got tables to attend to. Sorry, Momma, Auntie, and Ko-chan. I’ll see you three later!”

With that, Tetsuro was gone, and as three pairs of eyes turned up, Shugo forgot almost everything else, which was a wild experience for him. He smiled, though, too happy to care about what an idiot he looked like. Damn, his heart was beating out of his chest, and he felt like a kid again, giddy. He leaned down to Osamu and tapped his thick finger at the ‘Trip Around the World’ platter. “It’s a lot of food, but it’s the best we have to offer; it’s great to share if you don’t know what you want.”

Osamu just stared up at Shugo, and the Alpha wondered if he could have suggested anything. For the first time in his adult life, he was shocked that an Omega might be fawning over him. There was a waft of spiced caramel, and it nearly had Shugo drooling. He grinned a little wider as Osamu nodded, Atsumu saying, “There, we’ll split and ya can stop feelin’ guilty.”

“Okay,” hummed Osamu, a little dazed as Shugo pulled back with a warm smile.

“I’ll put your order in, then. And fluffy pancakes for Ko-chan! Anything else I can get for you three handsome men?”

From the corner of his eye, Shugo watched Osamu blush red, and he nearly fell backwards. Atsumu just grinned and waved the Alpha off. Shugo turned robotically, shuffling his way back to the kitchen, regretful to leave Osamu’s presence. There, he grabbed Tetsuro by the neck and leaned in, demanding with a racing heart, “Please tell me everything about your aunt, and don’t tell me he’s taken.”

Golden eyes met Shugo’s, Tetsuro’s face suddenly tight. Instead of replying to his question, however, Tetsuro said, “Don’t even think about it, Shugo. That’s my precious auntie, and he does not need you trampling on his heart for a one night stand.”

Shugo raised his hands, one pressing to his chest, over his heart. “I swear.”

Tetsuro looked so doubtful it almost hurt, but Shugo knew his reputation wasn’t a secret. Damn, what was this feeling? He chewed nervously at the inside of his cheek.

“Listen, your aunt is the most gorgeous Omega- no, human- I’ve ever seen, and I would do anything-”

“Seriously?” groaned Tetsuro, shaking his head. “Fuck, even my mom would have been better,” he muttered. Then he raised his hand and pointed a finger as he said accusingly, “Don’t you dare do anything, you hear me?”

“What’s wrong if I just give him my number?” Shugo pressed, and Tetsuro frowned sharply.

“He’s in a… difficult situation, and the last thing he needs is someone who’s just gonna mess around with him and then drop him.”

Shugo stared at Tetsuro, and slowly he hummed, “So you want me to make sure I’m serious first?” Shugo should have been offended, but he wasn’t.

“I thought you weren’t looking for serious,” Tetsuro asked after a pause with knitted brows.

“I wasn’t,” Shugo replied honestly. “But for an Omega like Osamu, I’d change my mind.”

Tetsuro just shook his head, sighing. He muttered, “Just calm down, okay. Do you need me to take their table?”

“No! No…” Shugo frowned. “You don’t believe me…”

Tetsuro tossed him a look that asked if he should, given Shugo’s history.

“Fair enough,” muttered the older Alpha. “I’ll prove it, then,” he called as Tetsuro stalked back out to the café. Shugo wasn’t even sure if the other had heard him. He put in the trio’s order, asking for extra sides for the platter and lots of whipped cream for the pancakes, and then he roamed back out to attend to his other tables, his eyes always straying back to Osamu. Shugo wondered how he came off as he walked their food out to them when it was ready, grinning when Ko-chan burst at the mountain of whipped cream on his plate. Osamu groaned softly, but Atsumu just laughed, and Shugo hummed.

Atsumu glanced up at him and mouthed, “Thanks.”

“Ko-chan, sweetheart, say thank you to Meian-san,” hushed Osamu.

“Thank you!” cheered the little boy even as Shugo shook his hands and told Osamu, “Please, Shugo is just fine.”

Grey eyes met his again, and slowly, Osamu smiled, captivating Shugo so fully that he felt like a totally changed man. Yes, he would prove to Tetsuro that he would stick around for an Omega like this, one he likely didn’t deserve at all. Shugo told Osamu he’d bring out a refill of tea, and then he wandered off, walking on a cloud. He swore he heard Atsumu giggle again, but it didn’t matter, eyes following his back until he disappeared behind the drink bar. This time he brewed the tea himself, almost shaking at the thought of Osamu calling it delicious.

He brought it out on the steadiest hands, setting it down and smoothly trading it out for the old cup, just finished. Osamu smiled at Shugo again, and for a moment, they were the only two in the room, in the whole world.

Shugo was in a state of absolute bliss for the next hour. When Atsumu came up to pay the bill, he slipped over to the register to assist.

“Ya know, ya flirted up a storm with me, but ya never looked at me like I held the whole world in my hands,” teased the Omega. “Ya know he’s my twin, right?”

Shugo just smiled. “What, are you upset?” he asked with a soft smile, and Atsumu laughed.

“No, actually.” He handed over his debit card, and then his face turned dead-serious as he said, “I heard about ya from Tetsu-chan.”

Shugo froze and groaned aloud. He swiped Atsumu’s card slowly and then guiltily handed it back over. “Tell me what to do,” he asked earnestly.

Atsumu tapped his card against his lips that suddenly seemed much less kissable than Osamu’s. Ah, Shugo was a fickle man, but he would change. He wouldn’t be stupid about this one, he thought.

“Osamu is married,” Atsumu said after a while, his eyes sizing up Shugo like every word was a test. “He’s obviously got a kid. He’s not like me; he’s been sheltered, and he’s fragile.”

Shugo slowly nodded, something about the way Atsumu said it all sounding less like discouragement and more like a dare. “Okay,” breathed Shugo. “I would give him everything…”

“His husband isn’t worth shit,” Atsumu cut in cooly, “so what Samu needs is a man, a real Alpha, a fuckin’ good one. Do ya understand what I’m sayin’? I won’t allow ya ta half-ass any shit, not with him, so ya sleep on it ‘n think about it really, really hard.”

“Yes,” Shugo breathed reverently, never having so perfectly been put in his place by an Omega and yet not feeling anything but gratitude.

Finally, Atsumu smiled again. “Samu would be so worth it, but ya better make damn sure ye’re ready ta make him the happiest man on this whole rotten planet.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Shugo nodded, almost saluting before thinking twice.

“The food was good,” Atsumu said over his shoulders. “Osamu couldn’t stop complimenting everything.”

Shugo just stood rooted in his spot, beaming like the whole world was smiling at him.

Damn! He was in love already. What a strange and wonderful feeling~

-x-

“Ko-chan, darling,” Osamu called softly, almost afraid of speaking too loudly. He stood in the kitchen, dishes filled with the meal he’d prepared for dinner, and in the dining room beside him sat his husband, just waiting, silent as he worked on his laptop. Koichi peeked his head around the corner of the kitchen and smiled softly at his momma. When he stepped closer, Osamu asked in a hush, “Will you bring the plates and silverware to the table?”

“Sure, Momma!”

Osamu chewed at his bottom lip as he watched his son, ever so grateful for the little boy. Peering up at Daisho, it wasn’t that he was afraid of violence; his husband had never once raised a hand, but there were things that were just as frightening for an Omega, just as damaging. Osamu slowly brought their dinner out, his husband’s eyes never once looking up.

“Suguru, dinner is ready,” Osamu said quietly, and slowly the Alpha closed his laptop, his small family gathering around the table with him. Daisho looked first at Koichi, who smiled a little warily at his father, and then at Osamu, who asked simply, “Shall I make your plate?”

“Don’t ask every time, Osamu,” Daisho sighed, and Osamu nodded, silently filling up his husband’s plate before Koichi’s, and then his own. When he was finally seated, he waited for Daisho to take the first bite, a short hum the only sign of approval he would get. He smiled almost robotically, and then he motioned for Koichi to eat. Osamu himself barely felt hungry, his stomach churning. He watched his husband through his long lashes, almost like the man might know what he was thinking. Daisho, however, had his eyes glued to his phone now.

“Suguru,” Osamu called carefully. “Koichi will be turning seven soon. I think it’s time to find him a good school-”

“He will go to the same school I went to, Osamu, there’s no need to find one.”

Osamu swallowed. “Of course.” It was likely the best school Tokyo had to offer, which meant the fees were likely through the roof. Without Daisho even knowing it, he tied Osamu down over and over. With every year that passed, Osamu knew more and more that if he left this man, his son would be the one to suffer. Still, Daisho tried in his own way to provide the best-

It’s just about his reputation, Samu, whispered a voice so like Atsumu’s. Even an Omega with his name will need the best education at the best school if Daisho doesn’t want to be ridiculed.

“Then, the enrollment process-” Osamu tried next, but Daisho waved him off, getting annoyed now.

“My secretary will handle it, Osamu. Why do you worry about these unnecessary things?”

It’s not unnecessary. He’s my son, Suguru, and yours too. Osamu bit his tongue, though, and instead he simply replied, “Alright. Thank you.”

Silence reigned again until Osamu whispered, trying not to let his voice break, “Ko-chan, tell your papa about the new friends you made at the park the other day.”

Slowly, dark eyes drifted up, first to Osamu like Daisho thought his Omega had finally gone mad, and then to his son. The flat expression showed that this was a bother, and yet Koichi smiled. Osamu’s hands shook under the table, anger and sadness washing over him in waves.

“Papa, they were twins; the boy was named Kentaro, and the girl was named Keiko. We played in the sand, and Tetsu caught Kentaro when he fell off the monkey bars!”

Black eyes flicked to Osamu for a second, and Daisho asked simply, “You went to the park with your nephew?”

Osamu nodded. “Tetsu-chan is wonderful with Ko-chan. Aren’t you good friends, darling?” Osamu asked his son with a sweet smile, memorizing the way those dark eyes so like his father’s lit up like Daisho’s never had.

“Isn’t Tetsuro an Alpha?” The question sounded innocent, but Osamu knew it was anything but. The accusation was clear to hear; your degenerate brother birthed an Alpha but you couldn’t?

Osamu just smiled and replied, “Yes. Tetsu-chan is already growing up to be a fine man.” Much finer than you, Daisho, even with your fancy schooling and your prestigious upbringing-

Stop that, Osamu. He is still your husband.

“Hmm,” was Daisho’s only comment, a doubtful sound. A fine Alpha was only as good as his upbringing, and in Daisho’s eyes, Tetsuro had been doomed to fail from the start. Osamu clenched his hands under the table, but above it he only smiled.

Osamu turned his eyes to his food, thinking he should eat, but the silence gnawed at him. He spoke to Koichi just to fill it, but Daisho didn’t look up once, acknowledging nothing. Osamu wanted to say that it wasn’t right, at least pay attention to your son-! But his mouth would not form the words, his courage always failing him, and he sat in despair.

Finally, he sent Koichi to play upstairs, and as he cleaned off the table, he asked his husband, “Suguru, I’m starting my heat soon. Will you sleep with me?”

Dark eyes flicked up, and Daisho stared for a long while at Osamu. Finally, he said, “Tell me when it starts.” Then, a little sharper, “I’ve heard that they’re developing drugs that will curb an Omega’s heat. It seems a little pointless for you, doesn’t it?”

Osamu stood frozen as he watched his husband simply get up after dropping that bomb and head to his home office. His heats were pointless? Well, it was true that they would most likely no longer result in a baby, that no amount of sex would give either of them an Alpha child, or another child at all. But… pointless? The last thread Osamu had connecting him to his husband snapped, and he wondered what he was even here for. A barren Omega with an Omega son, nothing more than a cook and maid now, a roommate and barely that. Osamu’s hands began to tremble, and all the things Atsumu and Tetsuro had said to him over the years came rushing through his head. His husband was neglecting him. His husband had slowly chained him down and stolen everything… The name Daisho carried with it no freedom, no airs, nothing to boast about, not to Osamu. To the Omega, the name was nothing but an anchor sinking him down into the sea, the cold abyss clawing at his water-logged skin. Suguru Daisho loved for his name, breathed for his name, would do anything to not ruin his good name, but to Osamu, it was nothing but a yoke.

He cleaned the dining room table and scrubbed the kitchen, the sounds of his sponge against the granite covering his quiet sobs, and then he walked himself upstairs, to his too-big bedroom and his cold bathroom. He couldn’t do this tonight. His gut churned with a desperation he had shoved down for 15 years.

Osamu just wanted to be loved, truly loved and adored. He wanted someone who didn’t have to love him but chose to. He wanted an Alpha like…

Osamu bit harshly at his cheek, but even so, green eyes swam up in his vision, a handsome face, dark hair. A tall, strong Alpha, a kind man, one who could smile, who could laugh, who could stand to look at Osamu. A man like that, Osamu would give a man like that everything. He wanted to, in fact. His whole being begged for an Alpha to give everything to.

He knew… how absolutely foolish it was to entertain delusions, but for the first time in Osamu’s whole life, he felt warmth in his soul. He had looked up at Shugo Meian’s face and something had burst inside his cold, sad heart. A first love, Osamu thought. Osamu had fallen for the first time in his whole life at the age of 37, and it felt… wonderful, terrifying, hopeful, dreadful.

If only Osamu had felt even a spark of this feeling with Daisho, he might not feel so desperate now to be reckless. He might not be so willing to chase after the feeling, whether it ruin him or not. He might feel something aside from raw need, desperation, unabated hunger.

Osamu slowly gathered his pajamas and then he walked out of his cold and lonely bedroom to Koichi’s, the little room softly aglow with a few lamps, and in this space was the only warmth in the whole house. Koichi looked up and beamed at his momma.

“Should we take a bath?” hushed Osamu with a soft smile.

Dark eyes went big and wide with surprised delight. “Together, Momma?”

“Mm.”

Koichi was up on his feet in a second before Osamu softly scolded him, smiling fondly, “Clean up your room first, sweetheart. I’ll go start the water.”

“Yes!” yelped the little boy, rushing to do as he was told. Osamu stepped into the adjoining bathroom, filled with pictures of ducks and buckets of bath toys, hooded towels hanging off declarative hooks. This and Koichi’s room were the only areas in the whole house Osamu had had free reign over. He fingered at the cute little duck figures he had lovingly picked out when he was still pregnant with Koichi, at the soft little washcloths with Koichi’s name embroidered on them. Everything in this bathroom and Koichi’s bedroom had been picked with love and care, unlike the rest of the house. Only here did it feel like a home and not a museum. Even Osamu’s own room was cold and sparse.

Osamu moved to the big tub with the non-slip stickers on the bottom and began filling it up with perfectly warm water, adding bubble bath solution and a few of Koichi’s favorite toys. He stood up again and slowly undressed himself, tucking away his panties that were wet with his pre-heat, gently unclasping the small bra he wore. His breasts were sore, nipples almost raw, signs that he would soon be suffering through another lonely heat.

When Koichi bounded in, he looked up at his momma with a soft smile, and the Omega bent down to help his son undress next. Soft little hands laid against Osamu’s shoulders, and he bit back a shiver, wondering when the last time was he had been truly touched. He felt too sensitive, and if he thought about it too long, he would recklessly dive into the arms of the first man who offered him any sort of affection.

“Samu, he’s a playboy,” Atsumu had said, but Osamu wanted to refute it, saying his twin hadn’t seen how Shugo looked at him. Was he just desperate? Even so, even a playboy would do. If it was Shugo, anything would be fine… Osamu let out a muffled groan as Koichi’s hand accidentally grazed over his swollen scent gland. The little boy froze as Osamu flushed red with heat.

"Momma? Does your neck hurt?”

Slowly, Osamu reached up and covered Koichi’s little hand with his own, smiling softly. “This is called a scent gland, Ko-chan. When you grow up, it will develop like this, and then when you meet someone you love, they can put their mark here, claiming you as their own forever.”

Koichi was quiet. "Momma, what does the mark look like?”

Osamu smiled sadly at his baby. “I wish I could show you,” he whispered, and Koichi tried to process this. Before the little Omega could think too much, Osamu cupped the boy’s face and kissed his forehead tenderly. “Don’t worry too much about those things yet, sweetheart. You’re still Momma’s little boy for a few more years.”

Osamu picked up Koichi, and they slipped into the bubbly tub together, the six-year-old laughing softly as he cupped his hands and scooped up bubbles. Osamu gently combed the boy’s hair back, soft grey hair so like his own. As Koichi played, Osamu washed his body with great care, and then he washed Koichi, gently scrubbing his hair and cleaning between his little toes. Dark eyes watched him the whole time, little hands pressed gently to Osamu’s breasts.

“Mama, you have marks on your skin,” whispered the little boy as Osamu rinsed him down, hands cupped with warm water. Grey eyes glanced down, and Osamu smiled softly, looking at his stretch marks.

“These are the other types of marks that someone you love can leave on your body, Ko-chan.” Osamu took the little boy’s hands and pressed them to his soft belly. “This is where Momma carried you for nine months before you were born.”

“When I was a baby?” Dark eyes sparkled softly, and Osamu smiled.

“Mm.”

“Will I be able to have a baby here, too?” Koichi pressed to his own belly, stretching his spine and grinning shyly up at his mother. Osamu laughed softly.

“Darling, you have to find a nice Alpha who loves you first.”

Koichi fell quiet again, and then he asked the one thing Osamu didn’t know how to answer. “Mama, do you love Papa? Is that how you made me?”

Osamu froze. He could lie, he thought for a brief moment, but that wasn’t going to do anyone any good. His son was one of the few people he had promised to always be honest with. He took Koichi’s little hands in his own and held them softly. “Omegas - that’s what you and Mama are - can have a baby with any Alpha, even if they don’t love each other. Love isn’t always required, but it’s the best way to do it.” Tears fell before Osamu could stop them, and in order to hide them, he pressed Koichi’s little fists to his eyes. “Ko-chan, Mama will do everything he has to to make sure that you can have a baby with someone you love, okay? I’m sorry, Ko-chan-”

A quiet sob broke the serene atmosphere before Osamu could stop it, and Koichi was silent, his hands unfolding and slowly stroking at Osamu’s face.

“I’m sorry, Ko-chan,” begged Osamu as he cried. He wished he was able to give his son a loving father, a doting set of parents and a warm home, but all he had was himself, and Osamu wasn’t sure… it was enough. “I’m so sorry, Ko-chan. Mama- tried his best-”

Little arms wrapped around Osamu’s head and slowly the older Omega wrapped his son up, hugging the little boy tightly. This wonder of life was the best he had ever done in this whole world, and he knew that he could be proud of this one thing, and yet he had failed in so many other respects that he wasn’t sure he was worthy of Koichi’s pure, innocent love. “I’m sorry-”

“Hush, Mama,” whispered Koichi. Osamu’s heart broke as he realized next that he wasn’t the first person the little Omega had asked these questions to as Koichi said, “Tetsu told me that Mama can still find someone to love him, so it’s okay, Mama. It’s okay because you love me lots and lots.”

“I’m sorry,” broke Osamu, and he sobbed into his son’s little shoulder. “I’m so sorry-”

Water lapped at their sides, and slowly the room went quiet again. Osamu let Koichi go, and the little Omega sank down to his knees, hands on Osamu’s belly again.

“Mama, I want you to be happy,” whispered Koichi. “I want you to have someone you love.”

“I love you, Ko-chan,” Osamu tried with a smile, and while Koichi giggled, he was too smart to be tricked.

“Mama needs a lover!”

“Where did you hear that word?!” Osamu gasped, but he could already guess before Koichi burst on a giggle, “Auntie told me!”

Osamu groaned and covered his face, the whole thing red, but then he whispered, “Thank you, Ko-chan.”

“Mm,” chimed the little boy, and slowly they climbed out of the tub and dried off. Koichi picked out his little pajamas while Osamu dressed himself, and then he helped the little boy wiggle into his small shorts and matching shirt. Before Osamu could stand up, Koichi said, “Mama, sleep here tonight. I’ll hug you all night so you won’t be lonely.”

Osamu bit his lip to keep from crying again, and then he nodded. “Thank you, my little love. You always know just what Mama needs.”

Koichi hummed happily and then dragged his mother to his twin bed, the two crowding in together. Osamu had slept with Koichi every night when he was a baby, so it felt incredibly nostalgic. His son’s little body curled against him, and Osamu smiled into soft, damp hair.

“Mama,” called Koichi, his voice growing sleepy. Osamu hummed. “I liked… that man from the café. He was nice and handsome and he gave me… extra cream…

“Auntie told me… he would be a good Alpha…”

Osamu inhaled his soft gasp, Koichi drifting off to sleep as tears rolled fat down Osamu’s temple and nose.

Oh god, Osamu wanted… no, needed an Alpha. He bit back a broken sob. No just any Alpha, though.

Osamu wanted the Alpha that he had recklessly and hopelessly fallen in love with no more than 48 hours ago. Osamu wanted Shugo Meian, but he wondered if he could have him.

There wasn’t even a guarantee that Shugo Meian wanted him, too.

-x-

Wakatoshi tugged his maroon colored ball cap off and swiped at his forehead, his short, olive-colored hair a mess underneath. Pulling it back on, he stepped into his manager’s office as he was called over, the older woman smiling broadly at him.

“Hi, hun, you look like you worked hard at your last job,” Saeko called with a laugh, her boisterous voice hard to miss. Wakatoshi liked her, but he’d found her hard to handle at first. Still, she was a great boss, and he appreciated her firm hand in the business.

“Yeah, they needed some heavy furniture moved,” Wakatoshi told her in his low voice, and she smiled at him.

“I’m sure you did a great job. I can always trust you with your work.”

Wakatoshi nodded in appreciation, and Saeko asked, “Want a break, or are you ready for your next job?”

The small company Wakatoshi had started working for in his first year of college, mainly to get credits for a human services class he’d taken, had turned out to be a great fit for both him and his schedule, so when Saeko had asked him to stay on into his second year, he had easily agreed. Her father had started the business, helping neighbors with odds-and-ends jobs as a handyman, but he had quickly found too much work and started hiring his family and friends. Now, the service provided almost anything a client could need, from hanging pictures to moving furniture, deep cleaning or yard work, even things like unclogging toilets or sinks. Saeko always laughed and said that sometimes they had some unsavory requests, but the Alpha was quite good at sorting out who really had an issue and who just wanted a show from one of the young Alphas or Betas that worked at the company. Yes, Wakatoshi had quickly grown to like Saeko; she took it all very seriously, and she watched out for her crew.

“I’m just going to wash my face and grab some water, but I can head out after. What do they need?”

Saeko held her hand out for Wakatoshi’s work phone, inputting the address and client’s name, as well as the work order form, while she told him the details of the job. “It should be fairly easy. The client wants some heavy shelves hung. They’re a repeat client, and I’ve only heard good things, so you shouldn’t have any issues.” Saeko glanced up and then said, “He tips well if you do an exceptional job, so keep that in mind.” She winked, but Wakatoshi frowned.

“You tell us not to take tips.”

Saeko laughed and then hushed Wakatoshi. “Honestly, this one won’t let you refuse, and I only say that ‘cause if I know about it, I’d have to report it as part of your wages, but what I don’t know doesn’t hurt anyone.” She winked again, and Wakatoshi sighed. He hated stuff like that, and Saeko knew it, so she smiled kindly.

“If he tips you, just put it in the jar for our company-wide outing next month. Maybe we can have barbecue!”

Wakatoshi nodded at the practical solution, and then he smiled at his boss, her eyes twinkling as she grinned.

“You’re one of the best ones,” she told him. “When you get snatched up by an Omega, make sure they’re worth their salt, okay?”

Wakatoshi laughed quietly at that, thinking that the last thing on his mind was finding a mate of any sort. He wasn’t unaware of the fans and cheerleaders that had him in their sights, but he had more important things to focus on, like his aunt, like college, like football and his job. He would worry about finding a mate once he was an established man with a good job, an Alpha worthy of an Omega or Beta. Wakatoshi wasn’t picky, simply wanting someone to build a life and raise a family with.

After washing his face and changing his shirt, always one to keep up a professional look, Wakatoshi headed out with a wave up to Saeko, stuffing his ball cap into his back pocket as he tugged his motorcycle helmet on instead. The bike was his dad’s old one, and much to his mother’s chagrin, Wakatoshi had asked her to let him drive it when he got into college. Even his aunt had worried, but all of that had been quickly dispelled when they saw how careful he was on it; Wakatoshi just wasn’t the reckless type. While his job and hobbies all included things that could seriously hurt him, Wakatoshi rarely if ever got injured.

The drive to the address took about ten minutes, Wakatoshi raising a thick eyebrow behind his helmet as he pulled his bike into a ritzy neighborhood with huge houses and long, tree-lined driveways. He parked his bike in front of a huge, iron gate, and though it was open, he walked up the rest of the way, his helmet left on the seat and his ball cap back on. His olive eyes roamed the perfectly groomed front yard, the nice BMW sedan that sat beside the garage, everything perfect and in order. He nodded quietly in appreciation as he stepped up to the big entrance, a giant, golden knocker at the center of the custom-made front door. He reached for the doorbell and instantly heard feet running inside when it chimed.

The door burst open a few minutes later, green eyes staring up at Wakatoshi. The girl looked almost disappointed to see him, and she tossed her long, curly brown hair over her shoulder as she huffed. Wakatoshi was wondering if he’d gotten the wrong house when a voice called from deeper inside, ringing around like bells, “Aina, is that my handyman?!”

Green eyes melted back to Wakatoshi as the girl, probably no more than 14 or 15 and definitely an Alpha, eyed him up suspiciously. She looked at his uniform and hat, down the driveway, almost like she thought this might be a scam and he was there to case the joint. To appease her, Wakatoshi pulled out a business card and handed it over with a slight bow of his head.

“I’m Wakatoshi Ushijima; I work with HandyMan Co.”

The girl, Aina, sized Wakatoshi up once more, and then she nodded, waving him inside as she called back, “Yeah, Mom, he checks out.”

“Aina, I don’t need you scoping out everyone who comes to the house like they’re criminals!” scolded that same voice, a little closer now, and soon a tall, graceful figure descended down the marble stairs to the right.

As the man approached the pair in the big open foyer, Aina glanced between them and then huffed softly, stalking off. The man watched her go with a huff himself, and Wakatoshi could see where the girl got her attitude from. He chewed back a tiny, crooked smile and waited patiently. When chocolate brown eyes turned back towards him, Wakatoshi nodded, introducing himself again with a slightly bowed head.

The scent of brown sugar and bourbon hit his nose, and when he looked up, he could clearly see the brunet eye him up and down, a small smile growing on slender lips. He was tall, tall for an Omega if his sweet scent was anything to go off of, and slender. He wore a matching velvet track suit set in a deep aqua color, the tiny shorts and crop top sweater hiding very little and showing off a glittering belly button piercing. Still, he wore it with such confidence that Wakatoshi couldn’t begrudge it. A hand reached out for his, and Wakatoshi shook it as the Omega introduced himself as Tooru Iwaizumi.

“You’re much more handsome than the other handymen Saeko’s sent before,” teased the brunet mischievously, showing off two perfect rows of white teeth as he grinned. Every hair on his head was perfectly in place, the soft ends of his brown hair flipped up, and he wore a bit of make-up, just enough to highlight his perfectly styled brows, high cheekbones, and long lashes. He looked almost too perfect, Wakatoshi thought, and though he had to be old enough to have a teenage daughter, he hardly looked it.

The Omega stepped closer, inhaling deeply and unashamedly, and for a moment he was quiet before smiling, patting at Wakatoshi’s thick arm. “Well, I think you’ll have an easy time of what I need done. Follow me, handsome.”

Wakatoshi simply nodded, letting the man’s flirtations slide off his back like water on a duck as he followed Iwaizumi-san deeper into the huge mansion. Wakatoshi couldn’t imagine living in a place like this, wondering if it got lonely. He glanced down at the man’s hand and noted the slender, gold ring on his left hand, surprisingly simple for the flashy Omega. He was relieved to see the man was married even as he wondered why any Alpha would let their wife flirt like that.

He was wondering how rude it would be to ask when the Omega stopped and pointed out a mostly-blank wall, a few boxes sitting on the floor by his feet. Spinning around, Iwaizumi-san explained, “Here are the shelves, and I’ve marked where I want them to hang on the wall.” A manicured nail tapped at a pencil mark on the pale wall, and Wakatoshi nodded. Simple enough.

When he glanced down, he found those chocolate eyes staring at him again, and he gave the Omega a little nod. “Alright,” he said. “I’ll have to go and grab my tools,” he began, but Iwaizumi-san waved him off, pointing next to a tool bag that sat a little ways away. It looked incredibly out of place in the spic and span home, the heavy fabric covered with grease stains and obviously well-used.

“Everything you need should be in there. Sorry if the stuff is dirty,” Iwaizumi-san hummed, Wakatoshi quietly murmuring his thanks as he bent down and searched through the bag. He pulled out a drill and a small level, as well as a stud finder and a pack of screws with drywall anchors. Good. He looked up again to ask if there were any other things he should be mindful of, but he froze when he saw the look on the Omega’s face, something almost sad in his brown eyes. It was gone in an instant, however, Iwaizumi-san laughing softly as he hummed, “I hope you don’t mind if I supervise. I love watching a man at work.”

Wakatoshi shrugged, puzzled but deciding to simply let it be. He set to work, barely aware of the brunet’s heated stare, the Omega sitting on the big couch in the room, sipping at an iced tea. When Wakatoshi wiped his brow, Iwaizumi-san asked, “Would you like a drink? I’ve got some fresh brewed tea, or a glass of ice water, maybe?”

Wakatoshi as always declined the polite offer, simply apologizing if he got anything dirty. Iwaizumi-san just smiled, shrugging as he danced his fingers over his lips. Wakatoshi couldn’t figure the other out, but he supposed that wasn’t part of his job description, so he shrugged it off.

The daughter came back at some point, glancing between Wakatoshi and her mom with a weary sigh, and then she asked, “Mom, can I go out tonight?”

Iwaizumi-san was on his feet in a second, huddling over the daughter as he questioned rapid fire, “With who? Where are you going? You have school tomorrow, little lady.”

“Mom,” groaned Aina as she flushed, glancing at Wakatoshi. “You’re embarrassing me again,” she mumbled.

Tooru was quick to cut back, “That’s my job. Now tell me where you’re going and who you’re going with.”

“It’s for a school project. We’re just going to the library.”

“Hmm,” Tooru hummed in disbelief. If he said anything else, Wakatoshi didn’t hear it over his drill.

“-I’m an Alpha. You don’t have to worry about me-” Aina was saying, which Iwaizumi-san quickly refuted once more with, “You’re my precious daughter, and I’ll worry about you all I want.”

After a moment, though, Iwaizumi-san sighed, an almost forlorn sound, and Aina’s expression fell slowly. “Alright,” murmured the Omega as he brushed back his daughter’s hair, hand lingering for a moment. Wakatoshi almost felt awkward witnessing the tender moment, and Aina’s cheeks glowed in embarrassment, but she didn’t scold her mother again. Instead, she nodded, reassuring, “You’ve met all my friends, Mom, and I’ll be back before curfew.”

“I’ll drop you off,” Iwaizumi-san said as compromise, and Aina allowed it. She glanced at Wakatoshi again and then wandered off.

Iwaizumi-san let out a heavy sigh and then turned back to Wakatoshi, smiling fondly even as he bemoaned, “Teens. I sometimes wonder if she’d be less headstrong if she wasn’t an Alpha.”

Wakatoshi just smiled softly, thinking he couldn’t quite relate. He had always tried very hard not to cause his mom or aunt problems, but he knew he was an exception. He quietly finished up his task and then asked Iwaizumi-san how everything looked, the Omega looking it over with a slow nod and a smile.

“Perfect,” he hummed quietly, and then he turned to Wakatoshi, beaming again. “I’ll have to make sure to request you again when I call next time.”

“Oh, Saeko assigns tasks randomly-” Wakatoshi began, but the Omega grinned at him like he knew something Wakatoshi didn’t.

Without a word, however, leaving Wakatoshi in confusion, the Omega walked out of the room and then came back a few moments later with a small wad of cash in hand.

“For the service,” Iwaizumi-san said lasciviously. “Keep the change, handsome.”

Wakatoshi slowly took the money, thinking he should still refuse the tip, but Saeko’s words stuck in his head, and he thought he understood now why she’d told him not to reject it. It would probably be more insulting to do so than to simply accept it gratefully, so he did that.

“Call us again if you need anything else done,” Wakatoshi said as Iwaizumi-san walked him to the door, and the Omega hummed, “Oh, I will~”

When Wakatoshi glanced over his shoulder, he found the Omega checking out his backside, a crooked grin on his lips. For some unknown reason, a tiny smile pulled at the corners of the Alpha’s lips, and as he made his way down the driveway, he let out a dry laugh.

He called Saeko before he hopped back on his bike to let her know he’d finished the job. “He paid cash and tip,” he informed his boss.

Saeko let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, hun, Iwaizumi always pays for the jobs in advance, so that’s all your tip.”

Wakatoshi froze, staring down at the bundle of cash in his hand. He spun back to the house, but the front door was already closed. All he could see was Iwaizumi-san’s smile as he’d handed Wakatoshi the money, knowing full-well…

As if Saeko could read his mind, she said, “Don’t you dare take that money back. Just make up for it next time and do an extra amazing job.”

Wakatoshi’s head slowly raised as realization dawned. Yes, Iwaizumi-san had been quite sure that Saeko would send him back next time the Omega called. Wakatoshi let out another laugh.

What an interesting man.

“Keep the tip, hun,” Saeko told him. “I’m sure you earned it, even if you don’t know it yet.”

Wakatoshi just hummed quietly before hanging up, pulling his helmet back on and kicking his bike to life. He’d buy his aunt and mother something nice, then.

Next time he saw Iwaizumi-san, he’d do the best job he could as thanks.

-x-

Atsumu stood in his kitchen in a pair of shorts and one of Tetsuro’s shirts that he’d stollen years ago, humming softly as he flipped the fancy omelet he was making. He peered around the corner when he heard a door creak open, and then he smiled as his handsome son stepped into the living room, stretching his long arms overhead and yawning. The tall Alpha lumbered into the kitchen and instantly wrapped his arms around Atsumu, head to his shoulder as he hummed at the yummy smell coming from the pan.

"Momma, are you spoiling me? You’re making my favorite fluffy omelets.”

“As if I don’t spoil ya every single day,” Atsumu said with a roll of his eyes even as he reached back and ruffled Tetsuro’s wild hair. He turned his head and kissed his son’s cheek, murmuring fondly, “Happy birthday, baby boy.”

Tetsuro let out a soft laugh, and then he hugged his mother. “I’m not really a baby anymore, Momma,” he said, to which Atsumu sighed wearily.

“Yea, I get it. Ye’re a man now, huh?”

“A man with the prettiest momma~” Tetsuro flirted as he stole a bit of bacon off of the plate next to the stove, Atsumu swatting his hand away even as he giggled.

“Don’t ever change, Tetsu-chan,” the Omega hummed as he watched Tetsuro go and poke at the wrapped present sitting on the kitchen table.

“I won’t,” Tetsuro promised as he wandered back into the kitchen, holding the gift. “This for me?” he asked with the cheesiest grin. Atsumu waved the handsome Alpha over, grabbing his face and examining it fondly.

“After breakfast,” he replied after a moment, and then he reached up and kissed Tetsuro on the forehead, musing his hair. “Got any other plans today?” he asked as Tetsuro put the present down again and began setting the table. Golden eyes eyed Tetsuro from the corner of his eyes as he asked slyly, “Maybe a hot date?”

Tetsuro looked up and then slowly smiled. “A date? Why would I have a date?”

Atsumu clicked his tongue. He’d spent three hours on the phone with Osamu last night, mostly talking about boys, Atsumu recalled with a grin, but the twins hadn’t been the only ones who’d come up. “Samu told me about some Omega ya met at the park. An old schoolmate of his?”

The way Tetsuro’s back went straight told Atsumu everything he needed to know, and after putting the last omelet on a plate, he smacked his spatula against his open palm and demanded, “Tetsuro Kuroo, why haven’t ya told yer momma anything about this?!”

Tetsuro looked like he was five again, being scolded, and Atsumu almost let a laugh slip as his heart burst with affection for his son. When had he gotten so big and grown-up? “It’s no big deal, Momma! He’s like… famous or whatever, so I’m sure nothing’ll happen.”

“Famous?!” yelped Atsumu, and Tetsuro paled.

“No- I mean, I don’t know, I just think- He reminds me of someone, but I don’t have any proof they’re the same person-”

“Spit it out, Tetsu-chan-!” Atsumu demanded, stuck between feeling like his baby was growing up too fast and bursting with pride, knowing Tetsuro could have anyone he wanted to.

Tetsuro sank down in a chair and sighed wearily, Atsumu bringing over their food. He patted at the boy’s head, and after sitting down, extended his hand for the Alpha to hold. “Tetsu-chan, we promised no secrets.”

“It’s not… a secret… I’m still trying to figure out how I feel.” The tall Alpha sighed once more and then sat up. “There’s this streamer that I watch a lot. Actually, I’ve been watching him since I was 14.”

“Is that what ya do when ya stay up late?” Atsumu asked with a raised eyebrow, suggesting that more than watching was occurring, and Tetsuro knew the look in an instant. He let out a laugh but didn’t deny a thing.

“He’s this tiny little Omega, and at first I just liked his voice and content, but then he started doing these live streams, and he wears a mask so I can’t see his face, but he’s got this long blond hair, and he’s super chill and stuff.” Tetsuro shrugged and then said very openly, “I get hard when I hear his voice and stuff, Momma. I just like him.”

Atsumu let out an incredulous laugh, but then Tetsuro peered up with a sad expression and said, “I doubt I’m the only one, though, and he’s very private.”

“But ya met him at the park?”

“I… think?” Tetsuro frowned. “His voice… was similar, nearly identical, and he was small with long, blond hair, but he was different, and I can’t help but think it’s him, but then part of me just isn’t sure, and like, what does it matter when he probably doesn’t want me actually recognizing him…”

“Tetsu-chan,” Atsumu groaned, and while Tetsuro mistook it for sympathy, it was anything but. Atsumu stood up, and Tetsuro leaned in for a hug, but the Omega whacked the back of his head instead.

“Idiot! If he’s an unmated Omega, why the hell wouldn’t he be flattered ta be recognized by a handsome Alpha like ya?”

Tetsuro looked up in surprise and then blurted out, “He’s got two kids, so if he thinks I’m just a creepy stalker-”

“Then make him see ye’re not.” Atsumu cocked his hips and sighed. “I don’t get it at all,” he muttered as he went back to his seat. He took a few bites and then pointed his chopsticks. “So ya like the streamer?” Tetsuro nodded. “And ya think the one ya met at the park, Kenma, is cute?”

The way Tetsuro’s gaze went warm nearly sent a shiver down Atsumu’s spine. "Momma, he’s gorgeous…”

“Well…” Atsumu began, but then he asked with wide eyes as it suddenly hit him, “Wait, how old is he?” Before Tetsuro could even answer, though, Atsumu groaned, already having figured it out. How had he not realized before? Kenma had gone to school with Osamu! “Oh, Tetsu-chan, don’t tell me...” Atsumu buried his face in his hands and sighed.

Tetsuro laughed softly. “Well, Auntie said I have a momma complex.”

Atsumu groaned even as his heart burst with pride. Still- “Really, baby? Ya had ta pick a single momma who’s old like me?”

“It’s not that I had to,” Tetsuro tried, but Atsumu rolled his eyes and Tetsuro grinned. "Momma, he’s so pretty, and you know I love kids-”

“That’s not-” the blond began, but then he shook his head. “He is single, right?” Atsumu asked very pointedly, to which Tetsuro replied, “He didn’t have a ring on, and no mate mark.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s single…” Atsumu replied slowly, and Tetsuro nodded.

“It’s just… a crush, Momma,” he whispered, but Atsumu knew it could turn into so much more than that very quickly.

“So what if Kenma isn’t the same person as the streamer?”

“It wouldn’t matter if I come to really like Kenma,” Tetsuro said with a sure nod. “Even if he is or isn’t, I just want to get to know him as a person.”

Atsumu sighed slowly. “When did ya grow up so fast?” he asked more to himself, watching his son.

“It’s just a crush,” Tetsuro repeated, smiling softly.

“Well, ya have a good excuse ta go to the park,” Atsumu offered, saying next with a crooked grin, “Samu might be gettin’ busy soon~”

Tetsuro’s eyebrows shot up. “What- Don’t tell me, Momma…”

Atsumu giggled and hushed the other. “Nothin’s happenin’ yet.”

“You’re playing matchmaker,” groaned Tetsuro. "Momma, I told you about Shugo-”

“I know, I know. I’ve got a plan in place ta see how serious he is. Ya know I’d never let Samu get hurt.” Golden eyes narrowed, and Atsumu stiffened his shoulders as he stared at his son. Tetsuro hummed slowly.

“Speaking of,” Atsumu chimed after another moment, waving his chopsticks in the air once more. “Ya should invite yer friends over for dinner. We can order some food, and ya can have some fun. I’ll buy the alcohol.”

"Momma, just because I’m turning twenty doesn’t mean you can turn me into an alcoholic,” teased Tetsuro, but he didn’t decline the offer either as he picked up his phone. Five minutes later, he had confirmed replies from his three closest friends. “Don’t torture Omi,” Tetsuro begged, and Atsumu tossed his head back and laughed.

“Why not? He’s such a butthole, so I’m just givin’ him a taste back.”

Tetsuro just sighed and shook his head while Atsumu cackled softly.

Tetsuro surprised him with a kiss to the forehead after they’d finished their breakfast, and Atsumu followed his son to the kitchen to make sure he didn’t do any dishes as he said, “So, ya gonna show me this streamer ya’ve been jackin’ off to or what?”

"Momma!”

Atsumu laughed again, grinning. “Come on, I’m curious what yer type is~”

Tetsuro just gave his momma a pointed look, Atsumu grinning cheekily. Waving a soapy hand, he said, “Open yer present, baby boy.”

He giggled softly as he watched Tetsuro from the corner of his eye, and then he beamed as he heard Tetsuro choke out a gasp.

"Momma-” begged the Alpha as he stared down at the framed photo he held in his hands. “How-?” he began, but he couldn’t quite find the words.

“Ya had his poster hangin’ up in our room forever, and I was tellin’ Alex about how much ya idolized that Brazilian volleyball player. Well, would’ya believe it if I said that Alex actually knows him?”

Tetsuro looked like he might faint. Atsumu dried his hands and walked over, taking the signed photo out of the Alpha’s hands and examining it. “You mean… that’s actually his signature?”

Atsumu threw Tetsuro a look. “Ya think I got scammed and paid for somethin’ fake. For yer info, I didn’t pay a single yen-”

"Momma,” begged Tetsuro again, and when Atsumu looked up, his expression softened as he took in the other’s awestruck face. “This is… Nicolas Romero’s signature. This would cost… so much money.”

“Well, ya can’t sell it ‘cause I had him write yer name,” Atsumu pointed out, taping at the photo where it said, “To Tetsuro, let’s meet on the court one day.”

"Momma, did you tell him to write that? Now I feel even more guilty for quitting.”

“As you should,” huffed Atsumu even as he smiled. “Ya were the best, baby.”

Tetsuro took the framed picture back, a smaller version of the photo on the poster, and whispered, “No, Momma, this guy is the best. Even Omi would have a rough time against him.”

Atsumu just grinned, saying, “Well, ya can thank Alex next time ya see him. Apparently he sold Romero his first house, so they go way back-”

He hummed in surprise when he felt a sudden kiss press to his cheek, Tetsuro whispering softly, “You’re the best of the best, Momma.”

Atsumu looked up and smiled at his son, thinking that no matter how old he got, Tetsuro would always be Atsumu’s baby. “I’m glad ya like it. I’d do anythin’ for ya, but I always like when the free stuff makes ya the happiest,” he teased softly, though he felt like he might burst knowing he’d done really good. He had always tried to do his best with his boy, and now he was seeing the fruits of his labor. Tetsuro had grown into a fine young man all by himself.

“Now I really have to step it up for your birthday,” murmured Tetsuro even as he smiled, clutching the framed and signed photo to his chest. He wrapped his mother up in a tight hug, kissing the top of Atsumu’s dyed-blond head.

“Nonsense,” giggled Atsumu even as he tilted his head for more kisses, which Tetsuro happily gave.

"Momma, if you ever meet Romero, you have my permission to bed him. In fact, please do so I can brag.”

Atsumu let out a guffaw, rolling his eyes. “As if,” he giggled, tugging at Tetsuro’s ear. “Now let’s look at this gamer ya have a crush on. I’m gonna have Osamu send me some photos of this Kenma, too-”

Tetsuro had no more complaints to offer anymore, setting up the signed photo on the bookshelf in their living room before pulling out his laptop and sitting down, Atsumu shuffling to the floor beside him.

“Let’s see if he’s good enough for my baby boy, then,” Atsumu huffed as he crossed his arms.

-x-

Shugo shifted the heavy bag he carried from one shoulder to the other as he rode the train, making sure he didn’t miss his stop. He’d only been to Tetsuro’s once before, and he wasn’t the best with directions, but luckily the place wasn’t that hard to find. The Alpha hauled his bag of liquors and the present he’d gotten last week for Tetsuro up the stairs of the small apartment complex, and then he enthusiastically knocked on the front door of Tetsuro and Atsumu’s place. The door burst open and, for a moment, Shugo looked around nervously hopeful, but he saw only Kiyoomi and Tetsuro inside, Atsumu beaming up at him from behind the open door.

Shugo stepped inside, and Atsumu patted at his strong arm with a big grin, winking wickedly at the younger man. Shugo could almost feel Kiyoomi staring daggers into him, and just for fun, he leaned down and kissed Atsumu on the cheek before casually bringing his bag of goodies over to the kitchen counter, a good stock of alcohol already there. Shugo examined all the bottles, and then he leaned out of the kitchen and asked with a crooked grin, “So, birthday boy, what should I make you for your first, ‘official’ beverage?”

Atsumu just snorted behind him, and Tetsuro said, “Shugo, don’t act like you didn’t drag me to a party just the other week and mix me a very illegal drink there.”

“But this time it will be very legal,” the bartender pointed out with a grin, turning back to Atsumu and asking kindly, “What about you, handsome?”

“Butterin’ me up already, Shugo-chan?” hummed Atsumu with a grin, and Shugo simply shrugged, not denying anything.

“More like liquor-ing you up.”

Atsumu giggled. “Liquor me up all ya like, handsome. It won’t be yer yummy drinks convincin’ me of nothin’.”

Shugo just smiled, mixing up the same drink for Atsumu and Tetsuro when the newly legal Alpha said anything was fine. Kiyoomi declined the first round, and Shugo could very easily guess why. He’d seen Kiyoomi’s little mishap at the party, and he was simply pleased to know that his suspicions had been on point about the young Alpha. Poor Kiyoomi had it bad for Atsumu, and he was showing it in all the worst ways, but that shit was Shugo’s bread and butter.

Koutaro Bokuto burst through the front door seven minutes later with an almost vibrating excitement, the football player hauling Atsumu up in a hug and nearly kissing him on the lips in his eagerness as he greeted, “Hello, Auntie!” Shugo could almost feel Kiyoomi’s trigger pin being teasingly pulled, and he sat down beside Tetsuro with a wicked grin, slurping at his own beverage.

“Hey, birthday boy!” Koutaro burst as he made his way into the living room, setting down a very badly-wrapped present in front of Tetsuro, while Shugo told him, “I just sat down, so you can mix your own drink or wait for me to get up again.”

Koutaro opted for the first option, mixing up something that might explode in a science lab before bounding back to the living room, grinning when he saw Tetsuro poking at the present he’d brought.

“Open it!”

Tetsuro almost looked nervous to do so, Atsumu settling on the couch behind him, legs folded up and feet tucked under his butt as he stared fondly at his son and friends. Shugo didn’t miss the flicker up of Kiyoomi’s eyes and the quick look away. He giggled into his drink.

Koutaro in the end jumped up and helped Tetsuro tear his present open, and then Atsumu and Tetsuro both fawned over the old game system Koutaro had gotten the Alpha, the box in rough shape and still carrying the second hand shop’s price sticker, but that didn’t matter to Tetsuro. He grabbed Koutaro in a hug and smacked at his back before instantly crawling over to the TV to hook the thing up. Thankfully Koutaro had thought to also buy a game and two controllers, as well as hauling along his own collection inside his book bag, meaning everyone could play. They opted for an old school racing game, Atsumu shockingly competitive. Shugo almost couldn’t bite back his laughter at Kiyoomi’s furry at how Tetsuro and Koutaro kept letting the Omega win every race. The thing was, he totally got it; Atsumu was amazing, and yet he didn’t understand how an Alpha could be so awfully bad at showing his affections for an Omega he was so obviously completely smitten for. He’d always just assumed all Alphas were naturally suave, or at the very least cluelessly smooth, and yet Kiyoomi seemed to be nothing but rough edges and cutting remarks. Shugo almost wanted to help the poor kid, but he was sure the young Alpha would combust if he knew the other could see right through him.

After the second round of races, Shugo stood up to refill his drink and get everyone new ones, deciding that Kiyoomi needed at least one beverage before he exploded. As he quietly mixed up some tasty concoctions, Atsumu slid into the kitchen beside him, very clearly making his presence known and yet saying nothing at all.

Shugo turned and handed off the Omega’s drink, aware of the pair of eyes on them, before leaning back against the counter with his own beverage. Golden eyes stared up at him, Atsumu grinning as he waited, and finally Shugo sighed softly.

“I slept on it,” he informed the Omega, and Atsumu hummed as he took a sip, staring at the ofher over the rim of his cup.

“Mmhmm.” Atsumu was clearly not going to offer the Alpha any help at all, the little shit, and Shugo let out a wry laugh.

“I haven’t changed my mind,” he told Atsumu. “Actually, after the… three dreams I’ve had, I’d say I’m even more sure.” Waking up with a hard-on after a sexy dream featuring none other than the twin of the man standing before him now had been a near-religious experience, and Shugo had yet to come down from the high that was Osamu. He was sure he’d be flying for a while, actually, hopefully…

“Three?” hummed Atsumu like he was mildly impressed, though the tilt of his head reeked of sarcasm. The scent of jasmine and honey drifted up to Shugo’s nose, and he wondered if it was common for twins to smell so different. Of course he liked Atsumu’s scent, that was the whole point of Omega pheromones, but Osamu was like a hit of novocain straight to the brain, and Shugo wanted more. For the first time in his whole life, Shugo felt desperately addicted to the scent of an Omega, the the Omega himself, and he was worried he might not get another hit.

“I’m a changed man,” Shugo swore, raising his hands in a show of surrender, but Atsumu just hummed, swinging his glass slowly as he sang, “Well, I guess we’ll have ta see about that~”

Shugo almost felt desperate as he begged, “Can I get his number, at least? I mean, getting to know him wouldn’t be a bad idea, right?”

Atsumu pressed two fingers to Shugo’s broad chest, though, pushing the man back as he stepped a little closer, and Shugo thought he might combust with the way Kiyoomi was glaring. Did no one else see this? He glanced into the living room, but Tetsuro and Koutaro were too immersed in their game while Kiyoomi looked ready to commit mass murder. Shugo turned back to Atsumu, and he wondered what the other Alpha was imagining they were talking about. Oh, if he only knew that Shugo was probably the least biggest threat in the world to him.

“No,” hummed Atsumu, so close, his breath sweet as he stared up at Shugo. “Ye’ll have ta earn it, playboy~”

Shugo inhaled slowly and then nodded. Shit, he would do… anything. He was nearly shaking with the realization that he might actually be doomed, stupidly in love. “Whatever you need me to do,” he husked to Atsumu, trying to pick out the similarities in the two twins, going only off his memory. Atsumu giggled as he pulled back, patting at Atsumu’s chest.

After a moment, Atsumu asked, “Tell me, do ya have mommy issues, too?”

Too? Yeah, Shugo thought that he could drop a pin in this room and only one out of the five people present could be classified as not having some sort of hang-up with the older Omegas, that person being the Omega most of them had a hang-up over. He let out a short laugh, though he didn’t think it was all that profound as unresolved issues over his mother.

“Osamu’s just really fucking pretty, you know,” he said very plainly, and Atsumu looked for a moment surprised, and then he nodded in agreement. “He’s… the prettiest,” Shugo whispered, and Atsumu grinned at the slight quake in his voice. Damn, Shugo felt like he was falling apart, and yet he couldn’t bring himself to care. This was probably a long time coming, he thought now. He’d been the ultimate idiot to think he could be a playboy bachelor his whole life. Love had hit him like a high-speed train.

“Let’s grab some coffee next week and delve into yer feelin’s a little more,” hummed Atsumu, obviously enjoying this, and yet Shugo knew that it was also very necessary to the blond. He would protect his brother with every fiber of his being if he had to, and Shugo would have to prove he would do the same.

He could, he thought, even if he didn’t know how to yet. He’d do it.

Shugo was about to say something else when suddenly Koutaro burst into the kitchen, grabbing Atsumu into a tight hug as he cheered, “Tetsu told me you made cake, Auntie! Can we have it now? I’m starving!”

With a smile, Shugo slipped back into the living room, and there he pressed the second drink he held into Kiyoomi’s clenched hands. He didn’t say a word as he sat down on the couch, watching Kiyoomi watch Koutaro and Tetsuro fuss over Atsumu as he pulled out a homemade cake from the fridge, the blond scolding the Alphas as they tried to steal some icing and grab the cake from him.

“Sit down or nobody’s gettin’ any!” Atsumu boomed suddenly, and Shugo almost felt Kiyoomi’s shiver. Four pairs of eyes watched as Atsumu carefully stuck a few candles in the cake, Koutaro grabbing the lights as Atsumu lit them. The soft glow in the room was almost too romantic, Atsumu’s face beautifully lit up by the yellow flames. In the darkness, Kiyoomi let his stiff face go a little slack and show some fondness, and Shugo thought he didn’t have it even half as bad as this stupid idiot did, tripping over his own heart at every single turn and sabotaging himself like he wanted to fail.

Tetsuro made his wish and blew out his candles, and after Atsumu served up five giant pieces of cake, they all ate and drank under the glow of the paused game menu on the TV, each person there feeling a very different mix of emotions.

Before leaving, Shugo left his gifted bottle of sake and Tetsuro’s new work shirt for the night shift on the kitchen counter, giving Atsumu one last meaningful look before pulling the door closed behind him. The night air was cool against his warm cheeks, and Shugo reached for his phone, staring at the screen for a dazed moment. He almost didn’t know what to do with himself. He had tomorrow morning clear, so usually he’d try to find an Omega to share his bed, but he didn’t even have the drive to think about that anymore.

What he wanted to do, really, was fall asleep as soon as he could and hope for another dream featuring Osamu.

Shugo smacked at his forehead and then let out a rough laugh. Damn, he was already whipped and no one even believed it, most of all himself.

Chapter Text

Keiji leaned over his bathroom sink as he carefully drew a black 8 and 1 on his flushed cheeks, music playing softly from the other room that he sang along to. When he was done, he pulled back and adjusted the jersey he wore, the thing big enough to be a dress on him. He’d opted for a pair of bicycle shorts underneath, and he stepped back from the sink to try to look at himself in the mirror. He turned this way and that, and then he wrapped his hands under his small baby belly, staring at his reflection. He wasn’t showing all that much yet, and the jersey hid everything, but he knew in a few months the shirt would be too tight around his growing stomach.

Keiji could still perfectly recall his nephew’s face when he’d told Wakatoshi that he’d gotten pregnant after a one night stand.

“Weren’t you careful?” he’d asked with red cheeks, watching Keiji like the man might hurt himself at any moment, suddenly the most fragile thing in the world. His big hands had fluttered nervously when he was usually so calm.

“Wakatoshi,” Keiji had scolded with a soft laugh. “Of course I was careful,” he’d replied, sighing softly. He himself wasn’t quite sure how it had happened when the Alpha he’d slept with hadn’t even knotted him and Keiji had been sure it was a safe day- Well, condoms weren’t 100% effective and they had done it… a lot that night. Still, Keiji wasn’t exactly mad about it, and Wakatoshi had been able to tell.

“You’re keeping it.”

“Of course! It’s a baby, Wakatoshi!”

Wakatoshi had nodded seriously. “Of course. I’ll do everything I have to to help, Aunt Keiji,” he’d breathed out, so determined that Keiji had nearly cried. He leapt into Wakatoshi’s arms and hugged the Alpha, the little boy he’d raised who wasn’t such a little boy anymore. The truth was that Keiji had always wanted a baby of his very own, and while nothing had brought him more joy than raising Wakatoshi for his sister, he knew he wasn’t getting any younger. A baby of his very own…

Keiji wrapped his arms a little tighter around his small belly. He could hardly wait.

He stepped back out into his bedroom in the small house he shared with Wakatoshi and his sister when she was home, shutting off his music and gathering a small stadium bag and his pom poms, tugging on a comfy pair of tennis shoes he’d bought for the sole reason that they matched Wakatoshi’s college jersey. To say he was a proud aunt was an understatement; seeing the boy he had raised play the sport he had always loved and felt such a deep connection to- Well, Keiji had been born to be a cheerleader, and now he had the perfect person to cheer for. He couldn’t be happier~

The short train ride and walk to the college campus was always good for Keiji, though he was sure it would grow a little more cumbersome as he got into the late ends of his second trimester and into his third, but for now, the exercise did him good. There was already a crowd forming in front of the ticket booths and entrance, and Keiji stepped into the second line, his ticket always pre-purchased.

After a security guard checked his stadium bag, he was waved through, and he made a bee-line for his seat, knowing exactly which way to go by now. He was in his seat seven minutes later, drinking down about half of his water bottle for the effort. Thankfully it wasn’t too hot out anymore, and the sun was already beginning to set as well. Keiji stared out over the big field, and he thought he would never stop being amazed that his precious nephew played here.

The cheerleaders and marching band came out onto the field first, followed by the coaches, and Keiji was on his feet as soon as the team’s fanfare began to play. The team began to file out, and as always, Wakatoshi and the team’s quarterback were the last out, the latter waving exuberantly at the people in the stands as he ran backwards. Keiji chuckled softly, and then he opened his mouth, waving his pom poms as he shouted his encouragement down to Wakatoshi. Olive eyes met his own from the big distance, and he saw his nephew smile, waving up at his aunt. Wakatoshi’s co-captain leaned over in an instant, golden eyes roaming the stands, but the tight end turned suddenly away, dragging the quarterback with him. Keiji chuckled again, recalling a similar scene at the last game and wondering what it was all about. The boy with the silver and black hair was pestering Wakatoshi about something, Wakatoshi very pointedly not looking back up at the stands even as Keiji kept waving his pom poms.

Just before the game was about to start, the two head coaches having just met in the center for the coin toss, Keiji shouted out, “Go kick their butts, Wakatoshi!” The rest of the crowd had quieted halfway through, and his voice rang out, surprising him. He let out a laugh, but it did the trick, olive eyes darting back up as Wakatoshi gave his aunt his signature little smile. Keiji pressed his pom poms to his face and beamed, his eyes flicking for a moment to movement beside Wakatoshi.

Ahh, the quarterback had spotted him, he thought with a soft giggle. Wakatoshi realized it too late, his head whipping around as his eyes went fractionally wider. The white and grey haired Alpha’s eyes did the same, though his much more exaggerated, and then suddenly the quarterback was jumping up and down, waving his hands over his head. A few people next to Keiji looked around as Keiji let out a joyous giggle.

“Hey, Auntie-!” filtered a voice up to the stands, the quarterback shouting until Wakatoshi manhandled him towards the field, hand around his jaw. He held on until the boy named Bokuto turned around on his own, his name emblazoned on his jersey. With two thumbs, he pointed back at it proudly, as if to say, Remember my name. Shout it, too.

Keiji laughed, and then he beamed proudly as Wakatoshi gave a small wave over his own shoulder. His heart squeezed in his chest, knowing that was just for him. He waved his pom poms extra hard the whole game, cheering as loud as his voice would go whenever Wakatoshi made a successful block or received the ball. He almost felt like Bokuto was playing better, too, and it made him smile fondly, thinking that Wakatoshi had good friends. With how serious the Alpha had always been, Keiji had worried endlessly over his nephew, but Wakatoshi had always been happier as an independent little man, never one to need a million friends like Keiji’s sister had had growing up. In that respect, Wakatoshi took a little more after Keiji, though Keiji had been pretty popular in his own high school days. Still, both of them had always valued true friendships over superficial ones. It seemed like Wakatoshi had found a very true friend in Bokuto indeed, obvious by the way Wakatoshi let the other pester him, clapping his broad back and giving him constant praise and high fives.

The game concluded in another win for Wakatoshi’s team, Keiji not all that surprised, and he was soon packing his things back up, his feet aching fiercely. He checked his phone though he knew there would be no messages, waiting until the majority of the crowd had filtered out before making his own way to the exit. Wakatoshi would be meeting him at home for a late dinner, a tradition after every game that they had started back when Wakatoshi was in high school. Keiji still had to fry up his little potato croquettes, so he hustled as soon as the majority of the crowds had cleared.

He was rushing towards the stadium’s exit when he heard a voice yell, “Auntie! Wait!”

Just behind that came a much more familiar voice, Wakatoshi calling, “Koutaro, get back here!”

Keiji spun around on a dime, stopping in the middle of one of the hallways, a pair of heavy double doors that led down to the lower part of the stadium at the end. They were slowly swinging closed, a lone figure marching with steel determination up the slanted walkway towards Keiji. Just behind the doors, Keiji caught sight of a hulking figure, Wakatoshi running to catch up. The Omega covered his mouth to hide his smile, eyes wide as the quarterback of Tokyo University’s team made a beeline for him. He was bigger than he had looked from up in the stands, broad even underneath all of his padding, and very sweaty. His hair was combed back and held there with what was either sweat or water, his face a little blotchy, the black paint under his eyes smeared and runny, and yet Keiji could easily see that this was a handsome Alpha. Bright yellow eyes locked on Keiji’s instantly, and the quarterback was beaming as he ran over.

A big hand extended to Keiji as Koutaro Bokuto introduced himself with such immense pride. “You’re a hard one to catch,” he panted, “but I absolutely had to meet my best friend’s auntie.”

Keiji smiled softly, gently shaking the Alpha’s big, warm hand. It was rough with callouses, a little sweaty, but his grip was firm. He was about to introduce himself, too, when Wakatoshi burst up behind Bokuto and scolded, “Koutaro, you can’t just run off like that-”

Wakatoshi turned, and then he smiled ever so softly as he sighed and said, “Sorry, Aunt Keiji-”

“Wakatoshi,” Keiji greeted fondly, running over with affection for the big Alpha, and, with no worries about how sweaty or dirty his nephew was, he grabbed him in a hug. “Congratulations, Wakatoshi! You played amazingly again today! Your mom would be so proud-”

A strong arm wrapped slowly around Keiji, the Alpha perhaps a little more wary to show affection around others, but then he leaned down and kissed the top of Keiji’s head, thanking his aunt softly. Beside them, now being totally ignored, Bokuto was bouncing from foot to foot, his face so easy to read.

“Well, we have the best team, and we always play the best we can,” Bokuto was saying, pointing out as if Keiji didn’t already know, “I’m the quarterback, and Toshi’s co-captain-”

Keiji almost giggled, thinking it adorable that the excited Alpha couldn’t seem to go two seconds without attention. The Omega gave Bokuto a small smile, nodding.

“Thank you for always taking care of Wakatoshi and being his friend,” Keiji hummed, and Bokuto looked like he might burst with pride.

“Of course!”

The three stared at each other for a second longer before Wakatoshi turned and grabbed Bokuto, saying, “Come on, Koutaro. Aunt Keiji, I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“Alright,” called Keiji sweetly, waving. “I’m making your favorite croquettes, so don’t be too late or they’ll go cold.”

If Wakatoshi was about to say something in response, it was muted by Bokuto’s excited exclamation of, “Croquettes?! Homemade?! I want some!” Yellow eyes flashed back to Keiji’s, and the boy begged, “Can I come?”

Keiji laughed softly as Wakatoshi scolded his friend, dragging the other off. Keiji covered his mouth again, thinking he’d just witnessed something very amusing. He slowly turned to head out, and then he texted Wakatoshi, telling his nephew to bring his friend if Bokuto really wanted to come.

You really don’t have to let him into our house. He’ll show up unannounced if he knows where we live.

Keiji giggled. He could almost hear Wakatoshi’s exasperation. He’s your friend, Wakatoshi. Just invite him. It’s what friends do.

With a smile, Keiji headed back home, thinking that the next time he’d more likely see Bokuto was probably at Wakatoshi’s next game.

He definitely didn’t expect Wakatoshi to have actually let the boy follow him home, the pair standing on the doorstep forty minutes later like a comedic duo. Keiji almost let out a laugh in surprise.

“Auntie!” Bokuto greeted warmly, bustling inside even as Wakatoshi sighed and apologized to his aunt, bending down to hug him tightly now that he was freshly showered. Keiji had washed his face, too, but he still wore Wakatoshi’s jersey. He patted at the Alpha’s cheek, quietly accepting his apology and then shrugging it off.

“I made enough,” was all Keiji hummed, telling both Bokuto and Wakatoshi, “Just take your shoes off. Wakatoshi, why don’t you get Bokuto-kun a drink.”

“Call me Koutaro!” Bokuto nearly begged, already crowding the kitchen, ready to search the cabinets to get his own drink. He stopped, though, his nose in the air as he took a big, deep whiff. He froze in the small doorway to the kitchen, and Keiji thought to himself that the boy really was big, though not as tall as Toshi. Still, Keiji was amazed at how bulky twenty-year-olds were these days. He’d thought Wakatoshi was a marvel, but it seemed that Alphas these days just grew that way. Had Keiji not been around enough Alphas lately to notice, or were football players just built different? He was debating this all the while Koutaro seemed to nearly be vibrating out of his socks, suddenly trying so hard not to be a complete spazz. Keiji tossed the boy a confused smile before glancing up at Wakatoshi.

“Go sit down,” Wakatoshi sighed, waving Koutaro back to the living room. Koutaro took two steps back and then froze again, though it left Wakatoshi the room to get around him this time. Yellow eyes intensely watched Keiji like Koutaro had never seen an Omega cook before. Keiji hummed softly, in his element as he moved around the kitchen, he and Wakatoshi almost dancing as they moved around each other with an ease that only came from years of living together.

Wakatoshi filled up a large glass of iced tea for Keiji first, and then he did the same for himself and Koutaro, ushering the other boy towards the living room with him. Keiji listened to them talk softly, Koutaro asking if he could see Wakatoshi’s room.

As they walked down the hallway, he heard Wakatoshi say sharply, “You’re making a fool of yourself, Koutaro. Just act normal.”

“I know! I’m trying not to-! Your auntie is just so cool and-”

The last bit was cut off as the pair disappeared up the stairs, and Keiji wondered what else Koutaro was saying. He smiled softly, thinking it had been a long while since anyone had thought he was cool, and certainly not a teenage boy. It almost made Keiji feel like he was sixteen again, part of the cool crowd. He hummed softly as he stroked absentmindedly at his swollen belly. Those days were long behind him, though, and Keiji wouldn’t trade it for the world. He was really happy now. Wakatoshi was an exception, but Keiji truly didn’t understand kids anymore these days, he thought with a wry laugh.

“Boys, dinner is ready,” he called when he pulled the last croquette out of the frying pan, and he heard the loudest, most thundering footsteps barrel down the stairs. It could only be Koutaro, and sure enough, the Alpha slid to a halt just outside the kitchen a few moments later.

“What can I do?” he offered excitedly, staring wide-eyed at Keiji. The older Omega smiled softly, nodding towards a big plate of fried potatoes patties and homemade hamburger steaks.

“Take those to the table, Koutaro? Don’t drop them.”

“Yes, ma’am-!”

Keiji chewed back a giggle as Koutaro raced to do as he’d been told, almost trying too hard to be cool and also obedient. When Wakatoshi came into the kitchen with a sigh, Keiji waved him over, reaching up on his tippy toes to cup his handsome face and kiss his cheek.

“Sorry,” Wakatoshi murmured, but Keiji just smiled softly, so fond of the big giant.

“Wakatoshi, I’m so happy to see you have such a good friend. Honestly, I’m enjoying this.”

Big hands gently laid to Keiji’s belly, Wakatoshi muttering, “You should go sit. I’ll get the rest.”

Keiji giggled, glancing up again; his eyes caught on Koutaro’s on the way up, the Alpha crowding the doorway again. Yellow eyes were glued to the way Wakatoshi’s hands cupped the Omega’s swollen belly, and a soft gasp exploded out of Koutaro as Wakatoshi turned to see what Keiji was staring at.

Wakatoshi ambled towards Koutaro before the other Alpha could say a word, his eyes suddenly shining like the sun in excitement. Wakatoshi told him to not stand around and help out, the other Alpha all too eager to help, seeming suddenly all the more needy to do all he could while Wakatoshi walked Keiji to his seat at the table and sat him down.

Soon the three of them were gathered around, and Keiji smiled softly, watching the two Alphas interact, one clearly annoyed, the other ready to burst from his seat. He could just tell that Koutaro had a million questions to ask.

“Eat,” Wakatoshi ordered gruffly, likely realizing the same. Koutaro took a huge bite of a hot croquette, and Keiji laughed as his eyes went wide, hissing at the heat that flooded his mouth. “Idiot!” barked Wakatoshi, but Koutaro chewed the hot food and swallowed, letting out a huge exhale. He turned to Keiji and grinned blindingly wide.

“That’s the best food I’ve ever tasted,” the Alpha praised. “Thank you,” he blubbered, his eyes wet with tears from how much his mouth probably hurt, and yet he turned right back and hungrily ate up another croquette. Keiji covered his mouth and stared, stuck between laughing and telling Koutaro to please slow down.

Finally he settled on, “You can have as much as you want, so please eat a little more slowly, Koutaro-”

Wet, glittering eyes stared at Keiji like he had just offered the best gift to an unworthy man, Koutaro nodding enthusiastically with a mouth full of food. Wakatoshi muttered out another apology, but this time, Keiji scolded him softly.

“Don’t apologize for your friend, Toshi. I’m so glad to meet Koutaro, and it warms my heart to know that you have someone who is so fond of you.”

Koutaro nearly vibrated out of his seat, like every time Keiji said his name, he was sent to another level of heaven. Keiji just smiled, eating his own food slowly, stroking absentmindedly at his belly as he watched the two (mostly Koutaro) brag about their game and their statistics and how well they led their team together. Koutaro seemed very eager to prove to Keiji what a good player he was, even though Keiji had seen it with his own two eyes. He also spared nothing in praising Wakatoshi, which embarrassed the other Alpha and delighted Keiji to no end. Wakatoshi didn’t brag on himself enough, so it was nice to hear that someone besides Keiji did it for him.

Keiji thought it had been a long time since he’d laughed so much, and by the time the evening was done, the clock saying it was way past his bedtime, he was bursting with joy. He walked with Wakatoshi and Koutaro to the front entry even as Wakatoshi protested, saying he could just head to bed, but Keiji was insistent, if only to make sure that Wakatoshi didn’t threaten Koutaro to never come again. Keiji truly enjoyed the other Alpha’s company, Wakatoshi a little too independent sometimes. It would be wonderful to have him home more, even if it was just to wrangle his wild friend.

“Come again, Koutaro,” Keiji called as he watched the Alpha tie up his shoes. Bright yellow eyes jerked up, and Koutaro grinned, nodding eagerly.

“I will! Thank you for having me; your food was uber delicious, Auntie!”

As he walked out the door, Wakatoshi warning him to be quiet, Koutaro exclaimed, “Bye, Auntie, I love you! Bye, Toshi!”

Keiji laughed, Wakatoshi rapidly shutting the door with a sigh before locking it.

“Is he always so excited?” giggled Keiji as he moved into the kitchen to clean up. Wakatoshi didn’t reply, instead sweeping in and scolding Keiji to go to bed.

“I’ll take care of this for you, Aunt Keiji. You need your rest.”

Keiji turned and patted at Wakatoshi’s cheek. “So do you.” He knew Wakatoshi wouldn’t change his mind, though, so finally he said, “We’ll do the dishes together in the morning.”

This Wakatoshi could allow. He took Keiji’s hand and curled it around his bicep as he walked the Omega up to his room, Keiji just giggling softly the whole way. Halfway up, he leaned against his nephew’s arm and hushed, “Really, Wakatoshi, you have a wonderful friend in Koutaro. I really like him.”

Wakatoshi was quiet, walking Keiji all the way to his bedroom door. “Thanks,” he said just before he turned to head to his own room. “Sleep well, Aunt Keiji.”

“You, too, Wakatoshi~”

-x-

“Got a hot date?” asked a familiar voice, a kiss pressing to Atsumu’s cheek as he adjusted his earrings in the mirror.

“Somethin’ like that,” Atsumu laughed. He turned around and showed off his little silky cocktail dress, the teal skirt unsymmetrical where it was ruched up on one side to show off his thighs.

Tetsuro let out a low whistle, saying, “I don’t think I’ve seen you dress this nice in a long while…”

Golden eyes flicked up, and Atsumu smiled. “Do I look like someone who’s on a mission ta see if a 22-year-old Alpha deserves ta date my brother?”

Tetsuro’s eyebrow arched up, and then he said slowly, "Momma, you know Shugo is a playboy.”

“That’s why I’m wearing this dress,” hummed Atsumu as he wiggled his hips. “Don’t worry, baby, I have a plan. If Shugo can keep his eyes from strayin’ even once tonight, I know he’s serious. I won’t let him anywhere near Samu if he’s not a hundred and ten percent serious.”

Tetsuro just sighed, and Atsumu stepped forward, cupping his cheek. “No matter what, I want him ta be happy, Tetsu-chan. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think Osamu was smitten, but he brings up Shugo every chance he gets, even if he thinks he’s bein’ sneaky.” Atsumu grinned as he recalled Osamu’s attempts at being casual as he would ask things like, How’s Tetsu-chan’s job going? Is his boss treating him well? He’s not convincing Tetsu to be a playboy, too, right…?

“Okay,” Tetsuro whispered slowly, though he still seemed doubtful as he watched Atsumu slip on a pair of heels and grab a small clutch for his phone and wallet. He even sprayed on some perfume to enhance his natural scent, a rare thing since it made some Alphas go wild, but that was part of the test. Atsumu smacked his glossy lips, and then he waved Tetsuro over to him, long fingers gently fixing Atsumu’s soft blond waves with a fond smile.

“Be safe, Momma.”

“I always am,” Atsumu promised, cupping his son’s cheek. “Be good and mind the house.”

“Text me when you’re headed home,” Tetsuro called, and Atsumu giggled.

“Yes, Pa~” He waved over his shoulder, and then he was off, making his way down the stairs. A light jacket hung over his shoulders to keep away the chill and any perverts. Atsumu had picked out a decently fancy little restaurant and bar for their dinner, conveniently located near a few clubs. He was going to put Shugo through the ringer tonight, a list of questions in his bag ready to go.

Atsumu arrived at the restaurant about five minutes early and decided to go ahead and ask to be seated, thinking he’d be smug when Shugo showed up on time. He stepped up to the hostess’ booth and gave his name, the girl picking up one menu.

“It looks like the rest of your party is already waiting,” she told him, and Atsumu almost let a little curse slip. Alright, ya smooth criminal, he mused with a crooked smile. As he walked behind the waitress, he took his jacket off, hanging it over his arms instead, hips swaying.

“Here you are,” called the girl as she set the second menu down, and Atsumu smiled as he rounded the booth by the window. Green eyes startled up, and whatever Atsumu had been expecting, it wasn’t this. Shugo looked almost wrecked with nerves, so unlike his usual, confident self. He could barely smile when he saw Atsumu, and he definitely didn’t give the man or his outfit a second look. He did, however, stand up halfway out of his seat to help Atsumu sit down, but the Omega waved him back as he sank down with a sigh.

“Really, darlin’,” Atsumu griped as he looked at Shugo, the other giving him an unconvincing crooked grin. Shugo wore a nice, patterned button-up shirt and a pair of grey slacks, his hair neatly styled back. When golden eyes darted to the small bouquet that lay in front of the Alpha, Shugo carefully lifted it and handed it over.

“You look gorgeous, Atsumu,” Shugo hushed, and finally Atsumu smiled softly. He wouldn’t be swayed if this was just a little act the other was putting on, even as his heart strings tugged to see the Alpha so cautious.

“I’m not gonna bite yer head off, Shugo,” Atsumu hummed as he looked down at the menu, and Shugo let out a wry laugh.

“I’m allowed to be nervous. This is technically my first date.”

Atsumu’s eyes shot up in surprise at that. “Ever?”

Shugo sighed, nodding regretfully. “Ever.”

“Well, save it for the one that actually counts,” Atsumu insisted. He put his menu down and crossed his arms, leaning back. “This isn’t a date anyways,” he hummed firmly. “This is an interrogation.”

To his surprise, Shugo laughed at that, and slowly his tense shoulders unwound as if Atsumu admitting it made him less nervous.

“I won’t let ya off easy,” Atsumu warned like he could be scary to an Alpha, but Shugo smiled gratefully.

“I would want nothing less, honestly.”

“Alright, Playboy,” mused Atsumu doubtfully, watching the Alpha out of the corner of his eye. “Didja already scope out the menu? What looks good ta drink?”

“Can I recommend something?” Shugo asked, leaning forward. “Osamu doesn’t seem like he drinks a lot, so I would recommend this spiked tea, taking out the tequila and gin and switching the shot of vodka for a bit more rum to make it a little less heavy.”

Atsumu let out a laugh, grinning, and then he said, “I think he’d like that, and it’s nice ta know ya wouldn’t get him all liquored up ‘cause baby can’t handle his alcohol, but I’m gonna need something strong.”

Shugo laughed, smiling wryly like he’d been caught trying to show off his consideration. Atsumu didn’t show it, but he took note of everything the other said. Shugo recommended him a real drink off the menu, while the man himself went with a simple bourbon on the rocks. Atsumu set his chin to his palm and stared Shugo down, the Alpha slowly meeting his gaze with a smile.

“You two really have the same face, and yet I’m not as much of a mess as I would be if it was your brother sitting across from me,” the younger man admitted, and Atsumu rolled his eyes.

“Are ya sayin’ I’m not attractive?” Atsumu challenged like the brat he was deep down. “I picked this dress out special for ya, Shugo-chan~ Ya sure were flirtin’ up a storm before.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong; you’re gorgeous, Atsumu, and any other day I would have felt incredibly lucky to bed you, but… well…”

Atsumu sighed. “Ye’re layin’ it on too thick,” he complained, but secretly he was loving this, and Shugo refused to apologize, only giving the other a crooked grin.

After they ordered an appetizer and their main courses, Atsumu opened his little clutch up and pulled out his notecards, flashing a wicked grin at Shugo. “Don’t think I was gonna let yer pretty words be enough, handsome.”

Shugo let out a laugh, but he steeled his broad shoulders, totally prepared. Atsumu grinned.

“Let’s start off easy,” he hummed sarcastically. “Are ya rough or gentle in bed?”

Shugo raised a thick eyebrow, smiling. After a moment, he nodded, seeing Atsumu was serious, and answered honestly, “Depends on the mood, on my partner. I’ve never had sex with anyone I’ve had feelings for before, though.”

“Okay, so how do ya imagine yerself havin’ sex with Samu?”

Shugo hummed, and Atsumu was a little surprised to see him respond so seriously. He hadn’t meant to ask that question, but Shugo seemed willing to be an open book, and Atsumu couldn’t help himself. “I’ve had a lot of dreams, and a lot of different stuff has happened in them, but honestly, when I think about Osamu, all I want to do is make love to him, to be sweet. Kiss him all over and make him feel so good-”

“Okay!” called Atsumu, thinking now he was actually a little jealous of his brother. It seemed like Shugo was actually a little too soft for his own tastes, though, which probably made him perfect for Osamu. “Next question. How many partners have ya slept with since meetin’ Samu?”

Shugo let out a laugh. “You’re not going to believe me,” he replied. Atsumu tilted his head, narrowing his eyes, which made the Alpha raise his hands and shake them. “Zero! None!”

“I don’t believe ya,” Atsumu confirmed.

“I swear-”

“How many have ya wanted ta sleep with since meeting him?” the Omega cut in, and this time, Shugo sat up very straight and answered instantly, “Only one. Only Osamu.”

“Hmm,” was all Atsumu gave as commentary. He was playing hardball, but he wanted to believe that it was true. More than that, he really didn’t think Shugo was lying to him. “Do ya want kids?” he asked next, glancing over the top of his notecards. Widened eyes watched him.

“I don’t know,” answered Shugo in surprise. “Maybe? I haven’t thought about it before.” Pretty green eyes met Atsumu’s, and after a moment, Shugo added, “If it was with Osamu, I think I would.”

Atsumu hummed stiffly, nodding. At least Shugo wasn’t completely desperate for kids, which would have been a bad thing down the road when Osamu eventually had to tell him he couldn’t have any more. Shugo frowned, probably worrying he’d said something wrong, but Atsumu just moved on without comment. “Even if ya don’t want yer own kids, are ya okay with bein’ a dad?” Atsumu raised his eyebrow, and this time, Shugo smiled genuinely.

“Koichi seems really great, honestly. I feel like we could be really good buds. Of course I don’t know much about being a dad, but my own father gave me good examples, so I think…”

Atsumu sighed. “Honestly, I already know ye’ll be a hundred times better than the shit father he’s got now. Nothin’ more than a sperm donor,” he grumbled, and Shugo leaned forward a little.

“Can I ask… about that?” he started slowly, and Atsumu raised an eyebrow, wondering suddenly why Shugo was only asking now. He tilted his head and said, “Sure,” trying to be scarier than he felt he had to be. It wasn’t like Shugo could really ask anything that would change Atsumu’s mind any more than his own questions meant to.

“You told me that Osamu is married.” Shugo slowly folded his hands, his face still showing how seriously he was taking all of this. “Can I ask what the situation is?”

Atsumu tucked his fists under his chin and regarded the Alpha. “Ya wanna know if it’s a relationship gone sour or somethin’? Maybe they were high school sweethearts but life got rough? Somethin’ like that?”

Shugo nodded slowly, and Atsumu could see the worry etching on his handsome young face. He decided quickly that he couldn’t torture Shugo, not about this; the truth was already painful enough.

“Nothin’ like that. His- our parents were desperate for their remainin’ son ta be perfect after I got pregnant at 15 with Tetsu-chan and was kicked out. They found an Alpha who would restore their name in the right circles and ensured that Osamu was the perfect Omega, and after a few meetin’s, they hitched the two. Osamu tried so hard for that bastard, but Daisho was never interested ta start with.

“I want ta make this very clear,” Atsumu bit out very pointedly, stabbing the table with his finger. “My brother has never been loved by an Alpha. He’s been treated like shit and ignored by his husband. He’s not just any old Omega; he’s much more fragile than he seems. That’s why we’re doin’ this,” he said with a wave between them. “That’s why I’m not just gonna let ya into his life before makin’ sure that ya absolutely mean it.

“He’s not gonna be a one night stand for ya, got it? And it’s probably not gonna be easy either. Osamu’s got a lot… a lot of scars, even from before Daisho came along. His parents…” Atsumu chewed back a lot of cruel words, his eyes growing misty, but Shugo raised his hands and slowly nodded. He understood.

He sat up a little taller. “How long have they been married?”

“Fifteen years now. Osamu was 22. Yer age,” Atsumu added, making another point clear. Osamu wasn’t a young spring chicken anymore. They had a 15 year age gap.

Shugo let out a soft chuckle and then mussed his dark hair, asking, “Is it weird that that’s part of the attraction?”

Atsumu let out a rough laugh. “Perv,” he teased, but in some ways, he was glad that Shugo was young, too. Osamu shouldn’t have to get stuck with some old fart just because he was getting up there. If anything, Osamu had had to give up his best years, and he should be able to experience what he’d missed out on with a young lover who would treat him right.

“Anythin’ else?” asked Atsumu, but it seemed like whatever else Shugo wanted to know, he was keeping it to himself, thinking it was probably better to ask the person himself if it came to that. Atsumu turned back to his note cards and hummed.

“If Osamu was distressed, what would ya do?” Golden eyes snapped up, and Atsumu stared at Shugo. It seemed like a silly question, maybe, but Osamu had never been properly cared for by an Alpha.

“I would do what I could to make it better and ease his distress. Hold him, reassure him, scent him. Take care of the problem. Isn’t that… normal?” Shugo realized halfway in why his own question was stupid, and he nodded slowly, realization dawning. It wasn’t just that Osamu was married, it was that he was in a bad marriage where he was neglected.

Shugo folded his hands in front of his mouth and was dead silent for a long while, the wheels in his head churning.

When he looked back at Atsumu, there was an intense fire in his eyes that made even the Omega shiver with want, though it wasn’t directed at him. “Omegas were created to be wholly loved and adored by Alphas. Every part of them is designed specifically with an Alpha mate in mind, and I know that Omegas reach their full potential when they are absolutely worshipped by their lover. I have never experienced being with an Omega like that, but I have always believed this, though I think now that I acted out my own love in… the wrong ways.” Shugo scrubbed a hand over his mouth, and he smiled genuinely, hopeful as he finished, “I don’t say this to sound cheesy, but I have a whole lot of love to give, and now… I want to give it all to him. I want to make Osamu shine, I want to see him bloom, I want him to be that Omega that is so adored.”

Atsumu wanted to say again that the other was laying it on too thick, but the truth was that this was what he’d needed to hear, and he knew that it was true as he looked into Shugo’s eyes. Osamu needed someone who would be over-the-top for him, someone who would ruin themselves to love him, and it seemed like Shugo was ready to do just that.

Atsumu grabbed up one of his other notecards and slid it over to Shugo. On it were tidbits of need-to-knows like Osamu’s birthday, his favorite candy and flower, Koichi’s date of birth. He kept his fingers on it and held it down when Shugo reached for it, though, and said, “I can’t promise that Osamu wants ta date ya. This is just me makin’ sure ya make the cut in the first place.

“Now listen ta me, Shugo-” Green eyes flicked up at Atsumu’s serious tone, and he could see the man’s inner Alpha rising up in challenge at the way the Omega spoke to him, but Shugo kept silent, listening.

“If ya ever do a single thing ta hurt my brother, I swear ta God I will hurt ya so much more. I know I’m just an Omega to ya, but don’t ya dare underestimate how much I could ruin yer life. That said… I don’t want ya ta date my brother out of anythin’ but absolute love. He needs a man who will be a true Alpha, a true mate, someone who can see him past all of the pain, dry his tears, and help him, hold him, love him- It isn’t gonna be easy is what I’m sayin’, but he needs someone that’s gonna stick it out even when it gets impossibly hard, someone who’ll love him through the worst of times, someone that he can trust with his whole heart.”

Shugo nodded slowly, chewing back the need to assert his dominance and declare himself a good Alpha. It was nature, but it was also Shugo’s confidence in himself, in his feelings. Seeing that, Atsumu let go of the notecard and finally sat back.

“I can’t guarantee… when or even if Osamu will be ready ta leave Daisho. He won’t tell me, but I think he’s terrified of endin’ up alone like me.” Atsumu watched Shugo for a moment longer, and then he asked, “After hearin’ all that, do ya want some more time ta think about it, or are ya still sure?”

Shugo let out a soft laugh, and then he smiled broadly, reaching across the table for Atsumu’s hands. “I’ve been ready, and thanks to you, I’m only more sure.”

Atsumu smiled wryly and squeezed the Alpha’s hands. “Alright. I guess now we just have ta see what Osamu decides.”

Shugo pulled his hands back and then covered his face. “Shit, I’m crazy nervous.” He laughed softly. “I’ve never been worried about an Omega liking me…”

Atsumu rolled his eyes, but he wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t enjoy seeing this side of the Alpha.

After a moment, he leaned closer and asked in a whisper, “Tell me more about these dreams ya been havin’.”

Shugo laughed heartily at that, and Atsumu watched in shock as he covered his face again, cheeks turning a little red. “You really don’t want me scenting up this whole place with pheromones,” the big Alpha begged, and Atsumu knew with that that Shugo was madly in love. He sat back with a smile.

Now he just had to get Osamu to realize and admit he was head-over-heels, too.

-x-

Tetsuro hadn’t expected fortune to smile on him so kindly, but he had been feeling quite hopeful all week. He tried not to speed up his steps as he and Koichi approached the park hand-in-hand, but he nearly took off running when he saw a small figure sitting on one of the park benches, a big sun hat on, wisps of blond hair blowing in the breeze. Koichi glanced up at his cousin almost like he could feel his nervous energy, and the little boy slowly began to tug Tetsuro along, walking faster. He stopped at the edge of the playground, crowding a little behind Tetsuro’s leg as he peered at the twins playing together on the swing set.

Keiko looked up and spotted Tetsuro and Koichi first, and she waved shyly. When Kentaro spotted them, he jumped off his swing and pointed a finger up at Tetsuro, proclaiming loudly, “Hey! You’re that strange Alpha from the other day!”

Tetsuro’s eyes went a little wider. Strange? Where was the gratitude from last time? He stared the little boy down, and then he let out a boisterous laugh. “Don’t go falling off anything again. I’ll keep my eye on you.”

“I don’t need your help!” huffed Kentaro, and Tetsuro was about to wonder where all the hostility was coming from when he looked down again and found big, golden eyes staring up at him, a second hand now tugging at his drawstring shorts. He slowly bent down, two shy little faces staring at him. He smiled at Keiko and Koichi.

“Hi, cutie pie,” he greeted the girl, who giggled, Koichi watching it all with big eyes. “You two can go play,” Tetsuro said, nodding back towards the swings, but Keiko took his hand and hummed, “You come, too.”

Tetsuro glanced up, his eyes, shaded by his ball cap, roaming over to the figure sitting on the bench a little ways away. He was sure Kenma was watching him in return, his fingers paused on the handheld gaming device he held. The Alpha smiled ever so slightly at the Omega and then nodded to the little twin girl. When he stood up again, Kentaro puffed his chest out and marched back to his swing like he meant to prove who the real man was around these parts. He climbed up on his swing, standing on the seat, and began swinging back and forth. Tetsuro kept a wary eye on the kid, waiting for disaster, but Kenma was silent. Tetsuro could guess that Kentaro had wild antics like this quite often if his mother seemed this unconcerned.

Koichi and Keiko chose the swings next to each other, sitting properly, and Tetsuro pushed them as they clutched tightly at the chains. Soon the pair were giggling as they soared higher and higher, their voices ringing out as they forgot their shyness. Tetsuro almost forgot about Kentaro until movement caught the corner of his eye, and he glanced over just in time to see the little boy teeter a little to the side on his swing, his hand having slipped. He righted himself quickly, however, sticking his tongue out at the Alpha. Tetsuro chewed back a laugh.

“My bro, I’m not here to steal your sister,” Tetsuro promised with a grin, but Kentaro looked quite doubtful of this statement. He turned his back and swung a little wilder, and Tetsuro could almost see what he was planning before he even started bending his knees.

A moment before Kentaro launched off the swing, Tetsuro ran around the other side, and he caught the little Alpha mid-air, Kentaro having grossly misjudged how far he would fly. A sharp gasp escaped him as he stared at the concrete sidewalk just over Tetsuro’s shoulder. Tetsuro felt the little boy’s heart race under his palm, but a split second later he was all bravado again as he demanded, “Put me down, stranger!”

Tetsuro did as he was told, but then he bent down and extended his hand. “Call me Tetsu. Now I’m not a stranger.”

Kentaro pulled a face that said that wasn’t how that worked at all, but Tetsuro was at the very least glad to see the little boy climb towards a safer activity as he picked out a slide to go down. With a sigh, Tetsuro stood back up, and after making sure Keiko and Koichi were still having fun on the swings, he slowly and very casually sauntered his way over to where Kenma sat, his face barely visible between the big sun hat he wore and his handheld game.

Tetsuro sat himself down on the other end of the bench, and slowly, golden eyes roamed up to meet his as he asked, too casually, “What’re you playing?”

Kenma let out a short, wry laugh, and then he nodded towards his little boy. “Thank you… again,” he huffed, Tetsuro grinning.

“Sure,” he hummed. He glanced over at Kentaro and remarked, “He’s a wild one.”

“He doesn’t get it from me,” groaned Kenma, a reply and also a statement that ended the conversation. Tetsuro hid a giant smile behind his big hand; this was way too fun. He slowly leaned back and stretched his legs out, making it very obvious that he had no plans to move. He folded his hands in his lap, showing off his beefy arms and fat pecs in the lightweight, sleeveless hooded top he wore.

“You went to school with my auntie,” Tetsuro said after another little while, peering out at the kids like this was the most casual conversation ever. Kenma was pointedly ignoring him at this point, and Tetsuro just grinned. “Kenma, right?”

He knew exactly how it came off for him to address the older Omega so casually, but he didn’t care. He wanted to see how Kenma would react; he wanted to make an impact. It was a reminder that he was an Alpha, and a hint that he was interested.

A tiny scoff sounded, and Tetsuro chewed back a childish giggle. He was practically giddy, and despite their personality differences, he really wanted to believe that this was none other than Kodzuken. It had him nearly vibrating off the bench.

“Yeah, my auntie was showing me his yearbooks and you were in there. You looked super cute in your school uniform-”

“I don’t know you,” Kenma interrupted suddenly, his tone very sharp, totally on alert. Tetsuro slowly turned his head towards the Omega, hands still in his lap, making no threatening moves. Right now, he had a feral little kitten cornered, and the last thing he wanted was to scare it into running away.

“My auntie’s name is Osamu; he was with me last time. It seemed like you recognized him. He was a few grades ahead of you, though.”

Kenma was silent for a beat, and then he asked very pointedly, “Why are you talking to me?”

Tetsuro beamed so bright that his cheeks ached. This was the question he’d been waiting for. “‘Cause I think you’re hella cute~”

Kenma barked out an angry laugh. “Ew, creep.” The scent of lavender and vanilla coming off of him soured, but Tetsuro wasn’t so easily put off. He grinned, shrugging.

“My bad,” he hummed, turning back to gaze out at his cousin and his new little friend. “Didn't mean to scare you.”

Kenma fell silent, his hat pulled down again, hiding behind his gaming device.

Tetsuro watched slender little shoulders raise and squeeze together as he said, “You really remind me of someone, you know~” He looked over after a moment and asked much more pointedly, “What game are you playing, Kyanma-sama?”

Kenma seemed suddenly frozen, and the Alpha almost worried he’d gone too far, but then Kenma’s shoulders loosened and he let out a surprising laugh. “Crap, seriously?” he muttered to himself. He closed his game and then slowly pushed his hat up, fierce hazel eyes staring over at Tetsuro. “Don’t tell me you’ve been stalking me. That is your kid, right?”

Tetsuro laughed as Kenma stared warily between Koichi and him, but somehow knowing that this man before him was actually Kodzuken had him relaxing back, suddenly giddy again. “My cousin,” Tetsuro hummed, smiling fondly over at Koichi. He tugged at his baseball cap and then said, “I really didn’t mean to creep you out. I actually wasn’t sure…”

Kenma sighed roughly. “Then how did you know?”

Tetsuro looked over and smiled. “Your voice, mostly.”

Kenma turned his face away and sighed again. “And here I thought no one would ever recognize me…”

“To be fair, I’ve been watching you since I was 14.”

Kenma’s head whipped back around, the bun at the back of his head coming a little loose. Tetsuro wanted to pull his hat off and run his hand under that hair, over his neck… He simply smiled at the Omega instead, though. “How old are you?” demanded Kenma.

“Just turned twenty.”

Kenma groaned, not the reaction Tetsuro had expected, and yet he couldn’t help but smile and think it fit this new side of his favorite streamer so well. It was almost refreshing to realize that Kenma wasn’t actually as ethereal as he seemed on stream, but in fact a very real and very grumpy Omega. “Don’t tell me you had some weird puberty thing with me-” the Omega begged, covering his face. Tetsuro laughed softly.

“I’m not gonna lie. You have a nice voice-”

“Holy hell,” murmured Kenma with a grossed-out frown, and Tetsuro laughed a little louder.

“I was a teenage Alpha,” he shrugged. “It was pretty obvious even before you started doing your livestreams that you were an Omega.”

Suddenly Kenma was on his feet, and Tetsuro realized how unnerving this must be in reality. To Kenma, he was a stranger, just a horny Alpha. Even though he was young, that didn’t mean he didn’t have bad intentions. This time, Tetsuro let the kitten back away. Kenma glanced from his kids to Tetsuro and then back again, but the Alpha made no moves, his hands in plain sight. He meant no harm, and he made that clear with his relaxing scent.

“Don’t do that,” huffed Kenma through clenched teeth, and Tetsuro smiled slowly. It was almost like… But it couldn’t be, Kenma had two kids. Of course he’d been with an Alpha before, right? Still, the way he was acting was like he’d never smelled an Alpha’s pheromones or been scented before. Tetsuro slowly raised his hands to show he meant no harm.

“I promise I’m not a creep.”

“That’s what creeps always say.”

Tetsuro glanced over. “How can I prove it to you?”

Kenma chewed at his bottom lip for a moment. “What’s your username?”

Tetsuro paused, momentarily surprised and then almost embarrassed. He covered his face and murmured, “You’re gonna laugh.”

“Tell me,” Kenma bit out, on very high alert now.

“I’m DHA_01,” Tetsuro said with a wry smile.

“Da…” Kenma repeated, and then he let out a sudden laugh. He sank back down to the bench and let out a rude huff, but Tetsuro couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s me. It’s the acronym for docosahexaenoic acid. You kind of guessed it on stream, but it’s an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina-”

“Okay,” Kenma huffed, slowly sagging against the bench. “I believe you. If it was anyone else…”

Tetsuro glanced over at the Omega, wondering if Kenma was just normally so on edge, but he decided it wasn’t his place to ask that. “I really didn’t mean to scare you. I’m… a huge fan boy. Like, I’m kind of freaking out right now, which isn’t all that cool.”

“Stop,” begged Kenma, hiding under his hat again. “This is mortifying. I never wanted anyone to recognize me… I hate this stuff.”

Tetsuro smiled softly, turning back to Koichi and Keiko, Kentaro back on the monkey bars but definitely behaving now. “I’m really honored to meet you, but I won’t be weird or ask for your autograph or a selfie. I’m not gonna be a creeper; I just really wanted to know if it was you.”

“Well, it is,” groaned Kenma. After a while, he asked brusquely. “You said your… aunt… went to my school?”

“Yeah, his name’s Osamu. You weren’t friends or anything, but he remembered you.”

Kenma was quiet again for a long while, his face hidden once more. Tetsuro slowly glanced over, staring at the top of the sun hat the other wore and wishing he could lean over and flip the brim up and just see his face…

It was quiet for so long that Tetsuro thought Kenma was done talking, but suddenly a soft voice hushed, “I didn’t think anyone from school remembered me…”

Tetsuro turned his whole body now, leaning his arm over the back of the bench. “Why would you think that?” he asked genuinely. “Even other Omegas are bound to notice someone as pretty as you, Kenma.”

“Ew,” complained Kenma, his face still hidden. “Seriously, I’m like twice your age. It’s weird…”

Tetsuro chewed back a comment about his activities as a teenager during Kenma’s streams, thinking it wouldn’t get him anywhere with the Omega. Kenma’s humor seemed more on the dry side than anything as crude as Tetsuro’s masturbation jokes. It was ridiculous how much this man was making him smile right now, his heart bouncing this way and that inside his chest. Instead, Tetsuro hummed, “You’re not as easy to ignore as you think.”

“Listen,” Kenma said suddenly, “I don’t want you getting any ideas. We’re not gonna be friends or anything, and don’t you dare go blabbing to all of your pals about meeting me here. Don’t make me find a different park…”

“Your kids get along well with my cousin,” Tetsuro interrupted, “and Ko-chan doesn’t make friends easily, so I’d rather you not go anywhere, if only for his sake. I won’t make it weird.”

“Seriously? I didn’t think Alpha’s were so selfless,” Kenma replied bitingly, but Tetsuro thought he actually was genuinely surprised. Tetsuro just smiled softly.

“Ko-chan is the sweetest little boy, and I’m really glad he met your kids. I’m not gonna lie, though, and say I’m not hoping for future play dates,” he teased lightly. “Mostly, though, I just want my precious little cousin to have nice friends.”

“That’s-” Kenma began, but he stopped and shook his head. After a weary sigh, he responded, “If I find out you kidnapped that kid…”

Tetsuro just laughed softly. He leaned forward like he meant to get up, but he turned instead to glance at Kenma’s face under the sun hat. With a happy smile, he wondered how the Omega could be prettier than he’d always imagined, even with a sharp frown on his lips. He dusted off his knees and then stood up, waving at Kenma as he headed back to Koichi.

“I’ll be watching the stream tonight, so I’ll see you later,” Tetsuro called with a grin before squatting down beside his little cousin and new friend. Golden eyes peered up, and Keiko smiled shyly at him.

“Do you know my mama?” she asked quietly.

“Not yet, but I want to,” Tetsuro replied with a smile. “Put in a good word for me?” he asked, extending his hand. Tiny fingers wrapped shyly around his index finger.

“Mm,” Keiko hummed, glancing at Koichi with a little blush.

“Thanks, cuteness,” Tetsuro replied honestly, his heart rattling against his ribs. He could feel eyes drilling into the back of his head, but he couldn’t stop smiling.

-x-

Kiyoomi slowly set his school bag down, pulling out a chair as he stared around the table in the quiet library, shocked that Koutaro and Tetsuro were behaving. Two pairs of golden eyes peered up at him, and Kiyoomi let out a long, slow sigh. Their English project was due soon, and shockingly, it was Kiyoomi that had been putting off their meetings.

“Let’s get this over with,” he begged of the pair, the two so well-behaved he barely recognized them. He almost felt bad for having assumed the worst of his best friend and the new tag-along. He pulled out the short story by Osamu Dazai that they were supposed to translate and then laid out his own notes, the trio having decided to each tackle a small section and then work together on anything they had trouble with. He wouldn’t tell them that this had taken him longer than needed and that he’d crammed most of it just last night. He’d been in a foul mood for weeks, and it was starting to affect the one thing he’d thought he would be good at no matter what: his school work.

The worst part was probably that he knew the cause, and yet he could do absolutely nothing about it.

Koutaro leaned over to Tetsuro and whispered something, the other giggling as they pulled their own notes out. Kiyoomi rolled his eyes in annoyance, Tetsuro poking him in the ribs.

“It’s been a while,” Tetsuro hummed, his jaw in his palm as he watched Kiyoomi with a crooked smile. “How’s volleyball?”

“Fine,” Kiyoomi replied stiffly, feeling like an angry teen again. Tetsuro snickered.

To Koutaro, “So who is this Omega you met at your last game?” Kiyoomi glanced up, recalling vaguely that the two of them had been rambling on about someone Koutaro had met at his football game a few nights ago.

“It’s my co-captain’s aunt, and he makes the best croquettes-!” Koutaro was so excited but also desperately trying to keep his voice down, Kiyoomi more amused by that than what he was actually saying.

Still, he couldn’t help but comment bitterly, “Do you just have a thing for ‘aunties’ or something?”

Tetsuro snickered, ribbing Kiyoomi again as he grinned at Koutaro.

“It’s not like I have a crush or anything-!” Koutaro denied instantly, but the bright flush to his cheeks was undeniable. To change the subject, Koutaro begged Tetsuro, “How’s Auntie Atsu doing? I can’t wait to see what he makes us for dinner tonight-”

For some reason, the question irritated Kiyoomi more than it should have. He knew it was just Koutaro’s personality, but if he had someone he liked, shouldn’t he stop flirting with Atsumu, too? What, keeping his options open? Leave him alone, Atsumu is mine!

Except he wasn’t. Not anywhere close to it. Kiyoomi settled back down into his brooding anger. “Can we focus on our school work?” he bit out in nasty irritation, two pairs of eyes turning to stare at him.

“Sure,” Tetsuro hummed slowly, Koutaro seeming happy enough to have reprieve from being teased for his crush. Even so, he found a lot of opportunities as they were translating the romance story to point out, “Ah, Keiji’s eyes would sparkle like that,” or, “Oh, I wonder what holding hands would feel like…”

Kiyoomi clutched so tight at his pen that he thought it might break, knuckles white. Only Tetsuro seemed to notice, though, leaning over to ask, “Hey, Omi, you okay?”

Black eyes snapped up and over, and Tetsuro looked for a moment caught off guard. Kiyoomi wasn’t sure what possessed him, but the question was out before he could stop it, his mind unwilling to let it go. “Hey, is your mom dating Meian or something?”

Tetsuro blinked, first in surprise at the question and then at Kiyoomi’s sharply furrowed brows. He shook his head slowly, but the voice in Kiyoomi’s head was saying, You know what you saw. Tetsuro probably just doesn’t know-

“No way!” Koutaro interrupted, never one to understand when to keep his mouth shut. He was leaning over the table, eyes wide as he stared at Tetsuro. “Auntie is dating Shugo?!”

“No, he’s not!” burst Tetsuro, getting aggravated now, too. He turned to Kiyoomi and whispered fiercely, “What made you think that? Also what does it matter?”

Kiyoomi chewed back an angry retort. He stared at the papers in front of him, telling himself not to explode and show his hand. “I saw them,” he bit out. “At a restaurant, holding hands across the table and talking. Don’t tell me it wasn’t a date-”

“It wasn’t,” Tetsuro said with such certainty that Kiyoomi almost believed him, but then he added, “and again, what if it was?”

“But you said it wasn’t,” pressed Kiyoomi, almost desperate now. Tetsuro was getting on edge, too, though, and it was almost unlike him, his shoulders stiff.

“And I’m asking why it would matter if it was a date. Like, do you have something against my momma being happy?”

Kiyoomi balked, and he spit out the first thing his brain came up with. “But Meian is only 22!”

It hurt him more than anything else, and he sank back into his seat, defeated by his own words. Why did he think he stood a chance? Meian at least had the capability of being nice to Atsumu, and of course the Omega deserved that. “It wasn’t a date?” Kiyoomi begged weakly even as the image of Atsumu smiling at Meian, holding his hands across the table as they sat down for dinner was burned into his mind’s eye.

“It wasn’t,” sighed Tetsuro slowly, rubbing at his eyes. “What’s the matter with you sometimes, Omi? You’ve been in an awful mood this whole time, and even when you’re over, you seem like you’re not enjoying yourself.”

“I’m just stressed,” Kiyoomi replied stiffly, a half lie. Koutaro nodded like he totally understood, watching the pair like it was a soap opera.

“Maybe you should go home tonight instead of coming over and take it easy-” Tetsuro began, but Kiyoomi raised his hand sharply and said, “I’m coming over.” Despite it all, he refused to miss out on seeing Atsumu, and he definitely wasn’t going to leave the man alone with Koutaro-

“I’m fine.”

“Auntie’s food’ll cure you,” promised Koutaro with a knowing nod, and Kiyoomi covered his face, muffling his groan. He wished it were true, but Atsumu only made Kiyoomi feel more hopeless, more attached, more confused and depressed, and yet he couldn’t… stop. He was in love…

“You’re right,” he murmured, and then he begged again, “Let’s finish this quickly.”

Despite it all, he wanted to see Atsumu soon. To make sure, Kiyoomi told himself, like he expected to see the evidence of his theory on the Omega, like a brand or a visible change in his scent. He’d drive himself crazy like this, but he didn’t know what else to do. Atsumu brought him to the brink of insanity, and Kiyoomi was just a stupid kid, a stupid Alpha who didn’t know how to handle a single crush.

It was just torture; Atsumu would never… and yet Kiyoomi was desperate to hope that one day he’d figure his shit out and really… make that Omega fall for him. He desperately looked for the answers to his problems in the writings of Dazai, but it always seemed like Kiyoomi was the only one suffering like this.

It took them another hour and a half, but by the time they were packing up their stuff again, stomachs grumbling, they had finished the translation. Kiyoomi had never felt so thankful to be done with a school assignment, but Koutaro really drained him, and Tetsuro was somehow a whole different person with the other Alpha, only adding to Kiyoomi’s stress. It wasn’t that he disliked Koutaro or that he was a bad person, but he was a lot, and Kiyoomi could barely handle himself some days, especially when he got into his depressive moods, when his anxiety and OCD spiked and he felt trapped. The thing was, he was an Alpha, so he should be able to control his own emotions, but Atsumu had a way of sending Kiyoomi to the highest highs, crashing him to the lowest lows. It was a blessing and a curse, just like most things in Kiyoomi’s life. A blessing and a curse; he was ready for his luck to start changing soon, honestly.

On the walk home, Kiyoomi dragging behind Tetsuro while Koutaro bounded ahead, the dark haired Alpha called his mother to let them know they were on their way. Kiyoomi watched the back of Tetsuro’s head as it bobbed with laughter. He could tell when his best friend rolled his eyes at something his mom said to him, usually followed up right after with a bubbling laugh. Kiyoomi was so incredibly envious of the relationship those two had; it wasn’t anything like him and his own mother. The thing was, Kiyoomi might have never realized why he was so terribly lonely all the time if it wasn’t for Atsumu and Tetsuro showing him the love he should have felt growing up. At home, it was all so stiff and formal, and while Kiyoomi might have thought he preferred it that way, he always missed the warmth in Atsumu’s home when he wasn’t there. He missed the easy way Atsumu showered affection on his son and friends, even if it was the very source of much of Kiyoomi’s distress. But despite all of the Alpha’s flaws, Atsumu had never treated him unkindly or any differently than anyone else. To Atsumu, Kiyoomi was a good friend for Tetsuro, and their friendship brought Atsumu joy in a way that Kiyoomi could not comprehend. Atsumu was over-the-top, crazy, honest and sassy, but he had never, ever treated Kiyoomi like he didn’t belong. That was a shockingly foreign feeling, especially when it came with the realization that Kiyoomi had never felt as at home in his own house as he did with Tetsuro and Atsumu.

That was why it irked him all the more to see others invade his precious space, to see them so easily fill in the spaces he had worked so hard to occupy. He felt like he was slowly getting pushed out, like one day he might be watching it all from the outside looking in, no longer belonging in the space that he had fought for. Between Shugo and Koutaro, two people that Atsumu had instantly become so fond of, Kiyoomi felt like he might as well be a ghost now, a fly in the wall, and this made him wonder the saddest thing of all: did Atsumu prefer it that way? After all, what had Kiyoomi ever done for the Omega save for lash out with mean words and spread his gloom.

And yet Kiyoomi would never dream of giving up his spot beside Tetsuro, his space inside Atsumu’s home. He couldn’t; he wouldn’t. In the end, he was the one that needed Atsumu, much more than the Omega might ever need him, he thought. It was so pitiful for an Alpha, honestly, and yet Kiyoomi didn’t know how to change it at all. He felt clueless, dumb, still just a kid.

He knew what he wanted, though; as an Alpha, he had to obtain it at any cost. He would make Atsumu his.

Koutaro burst through the front door of Tetsuro and Atsumu’s little apartment without even stopping to knock, calling out joyfully, “Where’s my favorite auntie?” as he pulled off his tennis shoes. Tetsuro was next through the door as Atsumu bustled out of the kitchen, towel in hand. He fondly greeted the two, waving them down for kisses, and slowly Kiyoomi pressed in behind them, shutting the door after him. He tugged off his designer boots and set them neatly aside, taking a moment to right Koutaro’s shoes, too. Tetsuro grinned at him as he did the same, Atsumu having taught him better than that. When Kiyoomi straightened up, Atsumu stood there waiting, and for a moment, his heart kicked up in his chest.

“Hi, Omi-chan~” the Omega hummed teasingly as he always did, but as Kiyoomi took a deep inhale of the scents in the apartment, he found himself not minding as much. All was as it had always been, and for once, Kiyoomi was grateful for the unchanging nature of this little home.

“Hi, Atsumu,” Kiyoomi mumbled, his lips pulling crooked as he stared at the Omega he’d been in love with since the age of 14, Atsumu still as pretty as the day Kiyoomi had met him. His dyed-blond hair laid softly over his forehead, golden eyes shinning brightly as he grinned mischievously at Kiyoomi. He wore a fitted shirt and a pair of yoga pants that hugged his curves, and Kiyoomi tilted his head up a little farther to make sure he kept his eyes from wandering down too far. Jasmine and honey filled his nose, and he pursed his lips, almost like he had to make sure he didn’t spill anything he’d regret.

Atsumu lingered for a moment longer, and just when Kiyoomi thought the other was going to head back to the kitchen, the blond asked him, “Honey, are ya okay? Ya look a little pale.”

Kiyoomi watched a hand reach for him, almost like his doom being sealed, but at the last minute, he dodged past Atsumu’s touch and slipped into the living room. “Just tired,” he offered before sinking down onto the floor, hiding his big frame between the couch and coffee table. Tetsuro and Koutaro had already loaded up a game, and Kiyoomi, for lack of anything better to do, pulled out one of his books and his laptop to study a little. He didn’t dare look over his shoulder, almost sensing Atsumu right behind him.

He wasn’t prepared for the rush of jasmine and honey and then the softest brush across his forehead. Atsumu was leaning over the couch and what, checking his temperature? Kiyoomi felt like he was five, but instead of his normal reaction, he felt his eyelids slide shut, some deep craving blooming inside his chest. When was the last time his own mother had shown such concern? Something soft pressed to the top of Kiyoomi’s head, and it took him too long to realize that Atsumu had laid his cheek against his curls.

“Ya don’t feel warm. Ya can lay down if ya want to, Omi. Dinner will just be a bit longer.”

Atsumu’s heat withdrew, and with it, Kiyoomi’s strength. He sank back against the couch, his heart in his throat, his skin flushed. Atsumu smelled so good, so like an Omega ripe for the taking, and Kiyoomi was incredibly weak. What would happen if he walked into the kitchen now and cornered Atsumu? He could so easily overpower him, being an Alpha, and yet it seemed like Atsumu held all the power. What would Atsumu do if Kiyoomi demanded he be treated like what he was, an Alpha? Would Atsumu laugh? Would he get flustered? Would he like it?

Instead of acting, though, Kiyoomi just sat there and thought himself into inaction, frozen. He only sighed wearily when Atsumu called again that dinner was ready, feeling like he wasted half of his life like this: thinking. He watched Koutaro and Tetsuro bound up, his own body unwilling. He slowly pulled himself up by sheer willpower and shuffled to his usual seat, clutching at the back of the chair as he stared at Atsumu, the Omega beaming proudly at Tetsuro and his friends. Look at me, Atsumu. See only me.

Kiyoomi sank down, no less sure of how to become a man in Atsumu’s eyes.

Chapter Text

Atsumu’s sigh was heavy through the phone line, the din of an airport behind him. Osamu’s eyes were trained ahead as he watched Tetsuro play with Koichi and his new little friends at the park. The girl was currently sitting in Tetsuro’s lap, and Osamu chuckled softly as it looked like the little boy of the twins was very against this, trying to almost plead with his sister and simultaneously show off with puffed-up feathers like a peacock might. In some ways, the boy reminded Osamu of a mini version of Tetsuro, though Osamu’s nephew had never been quite so wild growing up. It was amusing to watch, Tetsuro so unendingly patient with the three.

Across the way sat Osamu’s old schoolmate, Kenma, his eyes glued to Tetsuro and his kids. Osamu was sure the other Omega was aware of him, but Kenma had yet to wave or call out a greeting, likely just as shy and anti-social as he had been in high school. That was alright with Osamu, though. He had a lot to process and talk about, and Atsumu was the only one in his life who would understand and listen to the woes of an Omega.

Covering his mouth a little, Osamu hushed, “I just keep thinking about him, but then I think… I’m too old, he’d never waste his time…”

“Ya don’t know that-”

“Tsumu, it’s a fruitless crush. Besides, I have a husband and other duties-”

“Samu, stop lyin’ ta yerself. Aside from what it says on a piece of paper, ye’ve never had a husband. And ye’re not too old; we’re the same age. Besides all that, ya don’t even know how Shugo feels-”

“Don’t,” begged Osamu, both terrified and hopeful that Atsumu had done the legwork for him and asked.

“Samu, he was practically droolin’ over ya at brunch!” Atsumu let out a rough laugh, and Osamu hid a wild, hopeful smile behind his palm, his head dipping down to hide the way his eyes went wide. His heart was racing…

“This is stupid, Tsumu,” whispered Osamu fiercely just to hear Atsumu say it wasn’t.

“It’s not and ya know it! Samu, Daisho ignores ya; every Omega would feel desperate ta have someone who loves ‘em if they were in yer shoes! It’s not stupid ta wanna find someone who makes yer heart race and makes ya feel good. It’s not a crime.”

“But cheating, Tsumu. I’d be cheating on Daisho. It’s wrong, and before ya say it’s not, what if Daisho finds out?”

“He won’t. Look at all the shit ya’ve been doin’ with me and he’s yet ta know.”

Osamu groaned, thinking it wasn’t quite the same, and yet… “Tsumu, I’m not the right partner for a young Alpha like that…”

“That’s for Shu ta decide, and ya won’t know how he feels until ya talk ta him,” Atsumu countered.

“Tsumu,” begged Osamu, his mind racing. Half of him was desperate to be loved, to make this silly crush work out, praying it did, and the other half of his was petrified, absolutely terrified. “I can’t even give him babies…! I can’t disappoint another Alpha with that.”

“Who says he wants ‘em, Samu? See, ya don’t know, so ye’re just thinkin’ yerself out of it instead of talkin’ ta him.”

Osamu wrung his hands. “Does he even want to talk to me?” he whispered in a tiny voice, watching Koichi and Tetsuro play through his long lashes. “I mean, I have baggage and a son… Plus, he’s 22!” A rush of dread rocketed through Osamu, and he felt nauseous. This was wrong, and yet he couldn’t give it up. When he closed his eyes, Shugo was there, whispering sweet nothings, and Osamu felt like he was alive again, his heart beating as it resurrected from the early grave it had been stuffed into.

“Just say the word, Samu, and I can help ya. A date, even just his number so ya can chat, whatever ya want. But don’tchya dare give up on this before ye’ve even talked ta him, ya hear me? Don’t do that to yerself!”

Osamu wasn’t even sure he could do that, thinking he’d be haunted by what-ifs and Shugo’s handsome face for the rest of his life. “What if I’m just feeling this way because he’s the first Alpha… who’s paid attention-” That hurt to say… Even now, Osamu had never said those words aloud, admitting that Daisho had never once…

“That’s why it’s important ta try, don’t ya think, Samu?” Atsumu asked softly now, and Osamu thought he might cry. It was too much to hope, and yet his heart begged for attention, for love, for the hope it felt to not just be squashed down again.

“Maybe you’re right-” Osamu began, but a voice called Atsumu’s name, muffled, and Atsumu rushed, “Sorry, Samu, our flight’s leavin’. Listen, when I get back, me and ya will go out for dinner or somethin’ and talk it all out, alright? Watch over Tetsuro while I’m gone and keep dreamin’ ‘bout yer man. Love ya!”

Osamu sighed softly as the line went silent, lowering his phone as he stared out over the small playground. If anything, it was Tetsuro watching over him and Koichi as Osamu slowly fell apart. He clutched his phone to his heart as it thundered, and he thought that, of course he wanted to experience love. Of course he wanted to hope that Shugo might be the one to pull him and Koichi out of this miserable existence, but the downside was so painful, and there were so many variables. Osamu came with so much baggage, and why would a young, handsome Alpha like Shugo want to sneak around when he could have anyone…

Osamu told himself not to think about it; he’d drive himself crazy, and the letdown would be all the more painful the more he obsessed over it. Shutting his eyes, he could see Shugo perfectly, though. He could hear the man calling his name…

Osamu was desperate to reach out and respond, but he was frozen, chained up, tied down, terrified.

Please tell me it’s okay to feel this way, and please… please love me.

-x-

Tooru hummed softly as he washed the last of the dishes from dinner, mildly aware that he was taking too long and that this plate was probably so clean to the point of disintegrating by now. He could feel his daughter staring at him incredulously. It had been so long since the scent of an Alpha male had filled Tooru’s home, and he was letting himself get wrapped up in old memories, the similar fresh scent of herbs and the outdoors clinging to his nose and mind.

“Mom,” Aina called finally, and when Tooru turned, he looked into those eyes that were so like Hajime’s. He smiled softly, and Aina’s expression grew a little less annoyed. Tooru turned back and rinsed off the last plate and then dried it, cleaning his hands before shutting off the lights in the kitchen. He sank down beside his daughter, her homework spread out on the small dining room table.

“Do you need help?” Tooru asked as he lifted the cover of her book to check the subject, both of them knowing he was shit at science. Aina just laughed.

“No thanks, Mom,” she sassed back, and Tooru grinned.

“Watch your mouth, little missy. I’m not just good looks, you know? I bagged your father somehow.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Dad was never fooled by your pretty face,” Aina teased, and while Tooru acted offended, he had to admit it was true. Long fingers danced over his softly smiling lips, and his eyes grew sad as he stared at Aina. She looked so like Hajime, with their eyes and that brusque nature that was part Alpha, part Hajime and Aina themselves. Tooru softly rustled her long, curly hair, tucking it aside, and then he leaned in, pressing his nose to her temple to inhale. Aina sighed softly, but she let her mother be, a quiet understanding having grown over the years that sometimes Tooru just needed this. The scent of rosemary wrapped around his brain, the familiar mixing with the new scent of sage and firewood that had been left behind by the handsome handyman.

“If I can’t help with homework, should I get you a snack?” Tooru asked finally, sitting back and stroking at Aina’s brunette hair and her pretty face. Here, she took after Tooru much more than Hajime. Tooru’s hair had always been one of Hajime’s favorite things, even if he’d rarely admitted it, but looking at Aina was like the best of both of them, and it made Tooru feel some kind of way. All-in-all, he truly had never had much to give aside from his pretty face, and yet Hajime had fallen so hopelessly for him, annoyed by his feelings and yet never running away from them. Some days, Tooru could look at Aina and see a young Hajime, like how he’d looked when they’d first met in kindergarten, Tooru knowing that this was the boy he was going to marry one day. Hajime had admitted much later to Tooru, during a drunken night, that it had been love at first sight for him, too. Tooru had laughed so hard he’d cried hearing that, because Hajime had always complained and seemed so annoyed by the young Omega, even well into their high school years.

The sudden closing of a heavy book brought Tooru sharply back to the present, and he blinked as Aina declared, “I was done anyways, mom.”

“Alright,” Tooru nodded, never one to push Aina when it came to schoolwork. Here, too, she took after Hajime, too smart for her own good. She had never had any issues in school, and she was diligent with her after-school volleyball practices, so Tooru was happy to let her be and decide her own schedule, knowing she was already doing much better than he had at her age. He stood and suggested, “Wanna watch some TV?” Aina, though, was gathering her school stuff and already heading upstairs.

“I’m tired, Mom,” was all she said, Tooru watching her go. He stroked softly at his lips, an achy smile there, and then he sighed slowly. Just like Hajime always had, Aina knew when Tooru needed to be alone. Still, he was lonely…

He grabbed a blanket and climbed up the stairs to his room in his socked feet, his long legs bare in the tiny shorts he wore. He slowly shut his bedroom door behind him, taking a moment before inhaling deeply. The smell of brown sugar and bourbon filled his nose, but underneath that were hints of rosemary and pine, the scent still lingering even after so many years. Tooru glanced at the big bed in the middle of the room, rubbing his lips again as he sighed slowly.

He missed Hajime so much.

He wandered over to his vanity table and sat himself down, staring at his tired reflection for a moment. His hair was perfect, every strand in place and softly curled at the ends, his skin as clear as it had always been, but his eyes were tired, and he was starting to get crow’s feet and laugh lines. He leaned closer to the mirror and sighed mournfully as he tugged and pulled a little at his skin, making it tauter before letting it loose again. Hajime would laugh at him for how much he was stressing over a few wrinkles, but time wasn’t kind to anyone, and Tooru knew this best of all.

He sat back again, and then he slowly pulled off his wedding ring, the silver band slender and still fitting perfectly. The only time he hadn’t been able to wear it since their wedding day was when he’d been pregnant with Aina, and then he’d worn it around his neck, never parting with the bit of jewelry. It was plain, much plainer than Tooru usually preferred, but he hadn’t cared about that when it reminded him so much of Hajime, when he’d been gifted it on the happiest day of his whole life. He set the ring carefully away, and then with shaking hands, he reached back and unclasped the necklace he wore, a matching ring tumbling down his chest. He laid the pair side by side, his sight blurring violently until he only had the soft clinking of the two rings touching to go by. Memories arose sharply. Tooru bit back an ugly sob and then wiped at his eyes, his gaze drifting up to the single photo he kept by his vanity mirror. He picked up the frame now and stroked softly over the sharp lines of Hajime’s young face, only 21. It was the last photo Tooru had of his late husband, the last photo of Hajime he’d ever taken. He could still remember the day, the two having a picnic date, Tooru feeling fat and swollen in his third trimester, Hajime adoring him endlessly nonetheless. The necklace he wore Hajime’s ring on now had carried his own around his neck that day, thick fingers softly playing with it, a rough hand tousling Tooru’s hair.

“I hope our baby gets your hair.”

“I hope she gets my pretty face.”

“Hah!”

“But I want her to have your eyes…”

“We don’t even know if it’s a girl yet, Tooru.”

“I know…”

“I wanted a boy, though.”

“Please. She’ll be daddy’s little girl in a second, as soon as she wraps her little fingers around yours.”

Tooru couldn’t hold back his sob this time. He pressed his forehead to the cool glass of the picture frame, and he whispered in a shattered voice, always having been an ugly cryer, “She never even got to meet you, and yet she’s still a daddy’s girl. That’s just not fair, Hajime-”

Tooru let his tears fall, scrubbing at Hajime’s face under the glass to keep it dry, a futile attempt. He missed Hajime so, so much. The man hadn’t just been his husband, his first and only love, but also his best friend, the one he’d shared things with he’d never told another living soul. He missed the man who would tease him endlessly and then love him perfectly. He missed angry Hajime and annoyed Hajime and oh-so-fond, when-he-thought-Tooru-was-sleeping Hajime. He missed his idiot.

Slowly, Tooru managed to abate his tears, and then he went about his night routine, wiping away any straggling tears in annoyance when they came. He applied his various creams and lotions, murmuring to Hajime’s photo about how annoying his complaining would be if he was there.

“Just come to bed. How much more perfect can you get?”

“Hajime Iwaizumi, did you just call me perfect?”

“Perfectly annoying. Now get over here, Tooru Iwaizumi. Don’t make me regret giving you my last name.”

“Stop crying,” Tooru scolded himself, but then he stopped and gave up, sniffling loudly. When his timer went off, he tore off his face mask and angrily wiped his face, and finally he stormed to bed, huffing all the way.

He plugged his phone in, and then on second thought, unplugged it again and dialed a familiar number. He settled back against his millions of pillows and listened to the line ring.

“Fuck, Tooru, it’s late,” grumbled Issei, and Tooru let out a too-sudden laugh. Issei cursed again, and then he sighed. “What’s up, princess?”

Tooru rolled his eyes, but he smiled fondly as he hummed innocently, “Nothing~”

“Tooru, I have known you for 20-plus years, far too long to believe that shitty lie,” huffed Issei, his bed creaking in the background.

“Do they let you curse like that at your high school, Issei?”

“No, I have to watch my tongue around the kids.”

“But not around me.” Tooru smiled fondly. He liked knowing he was special, even if it meant that his late husband’s best friend mostly cursed him out.

“Don’t start reading too deep into that,” Issei sighed, but then he spoke a little softer as he asked, “Were you thinking about him?”

“Of course…” Tooru replied honestly after a moment.

“Hajime would tell you to move on,” Issei told him for the hundredth time, the same old story. Tooru laughed dryly.

“He isn’t here to bully me anymore,” he chewed out bitterly. Issei let out a rough sigh.

“You’re not the only one who misses the smart ass,” he replied after a long while, “but Hajime would smack us both over the head for wasting time on him. You know how he was.”

“He can get over it,” Tooru chewed out bitterly, and then he asked, just to change the subject, “How’s work?”

“Shit, Tooru, do you really wanna hear about a bunch of bratty teenagers?”

Tooru chortled. “You’re right, they’re the worst.”

Issei let out a deep laugh, his voice so familiar on the other end of the line. Tooru let his hand slip down his chest, past his stomach. He should change into pajamas, he thought, but he was comfortable now. Soft breathing filled his ear, but he knew Issei wouldn’t fall asleep on him, no matter how tired he was. Still, “Tooru, I have school in the morning.”

Tooru slowly exhaled, inhaled, his breathing quiet compared to Issei’s. On one of his exhales, he breathed out, “Keep me company, Issei.”

“Shit,” grumbled the other, but the word was filled with heat now, not annoyance, the little code phrase all they needed to know. “You should feel lucky I was just having some sexy thoughts before bed.”

“Oh, really? Tell me,” Tooru hushed.

“It wasn’t about you,” Issei huffed, but his annoyance was gone. Tooru giggled, his hand slipping into the waistband of his small shorts. Hearing the hitch in Tooru’s voice, Issei cursed again. “I was thinking about a buxom blonde-”

“Stop lying,” husked Tooru, fingers flirting over his hard cock. “Tell me you think about me sometimes, Issei…” His slender digits moved down, down, and he gasped as he pressed them inside his wet pussy, warm walls squeezing around his two fingers. Issei was listening intently, his breathing so close to the speaker. It was like he was right there, in Tooru’s ear, in his bed. Issei refused to defile the bed the Omega had shared with Hajime, but they had shared plenty of other beds, and Tooru knew just how rough and loud Issei got when they rolled around under the sheets together. It immersed him perfectly, which was why Issei was usually the one he called.

“Of course I think about you; Hajime forgive me.” Tooru hissed, and Issei huffed, knowing better than to mention that name during these times. “Shit, Tooru, you know that you’re damn good. Your tight little pussy and your pretty body…”

Tooru let out a quiet whimper, only for Issei, his fingers pressing deeper and beginning to curl. “I get so wet just from hearing your voice~” he flirted. Indeed, the squelching from his pussy was so loud that he was sure Issei could hear it. The man groaned on the other end, bed softly creaking.

“Fuck, I’m so hard. Tooru, when’s your next heat?”

The Omega laughed. “Let’s just focus on right now.” Making plans killed the spontaneity of their friends-with-benefits relationship. Issei chuckled.

“You’re right. Shit, Tooru, can we video call? I want to see you finger yourself.”

Tooru hummed, and then he pulled his phone back, pressing the button to change the call to a FaceTime one. Issei picked up instantly, fumbling with his phone. Ahh, he looked handsome, desperate like only an Alpha could. Tooru keened. With his fingers still inside himself, he set up his phone in the little stand on his bedside table, and then he slowly shed his clothes, dancing for the other man. He shook his ass, giving Issei a little glimpse of his wet thighs and sopping lips. Issei hissed sharply. He nearly dropped his phone, the image shaking as Tooru listened to him jacking himself off. He turned back around and settled down on the big bed, whispering teasingly, “Shh, don’t let my daughter hear you~”

“Fucking hell, Tooru.” Dark eyes under slanted lids watched him, Issei slowly licking at his lips. He stared as Tooru spread his legs slowly, his small cock bobbing pink and pretty. Tooru teased his fingers down again, leaning back a little as he spread his lips apart to show Issei how wet and open he was. His scent grew heady, and he could imagine Issei’s was doing the same. He closed his eyes and recalled the smell of leather and amber, that special tang of sweat in the air. He licked his lips and then pressed three fingers in this time, stretching himself out. Issei was still much bigger than that, but it didn’t stop the Alpha from inhaling sharply, eyes hyper-focused on Tooru. His wrist rubbed against his cock as he fingered himself, stretching his spine as he showed off his pretty body. He had a tiny waist and rounded hips from his pregnancy, his breasts still nice and plump, though not too fat. He wiggled his shoulders as his light brown nipples grew hard and pointed, cool air making him shiver in his heat.

“Let me see that monster you want to put in this tight pussy, Issei~” Tooru hummed softly, and Issei happily obliged, angling his phone lower. His big hand was wrapped tight around his fat cock, the head red and angry.

“Fuck, Tooru, I want to be inside you so bad. Your silky insides… You’re still so tight for an old Omega,” he teased, but his voice was too gruff, and Tooru laughed.

“You’re the one getting off to this old Omega. Besides, I’m still only 35.”

“And as beautiful as the day I met you,” Issei whispered, and Tooru could tell he hadn’t meant to say it, but he didn’t hide it either. He grinned crookedly, his hand speeding up a little. He laid his phone on his thick thigh and then spit on his other palm, two hands working together over his dick now. Tooru let his left hand roam over his skin, cupping his breasts and tweaking a nipple, stroking down his swaying hips and finally grabbing his own cock, moaning as quietly as he could as he began to jack himself off, too. His fingers moved tirelessly inside his wetness, spreading, curling, finding that good spot.

“Issei, if you talk sweet like that, I’m gonna cum too soon.”

“Cum,” Issei breathed, “and then let me see you squirt.”

“Ohh~” rushed Tooru, meaning it to have sounded more enticing, but he was getting breathless. “Issei-!”

“Next time, Tooru, I want to see you ride my cock. We could sneak into the school and do it on top of the gym mats.”

Tooru huffed, a memory covered in cobwebs trying to resurface. He whispered an apology to Hajime, but he’d long ago told himself not to delve into old fantasies featuring his late husband. It would hurt far too much, forming an all-the-more-gaping ache that would never, ever be filled again. It was better to fantasize about Hajime’s best friend or even the young handyman he’d had in his house a few days ago.

“Not that,” husked Tooru. “How about the classroom?” He’d never convinced Hajime to fuck him on top of his desk.

“Seriously? Fuck, you’re dirty, Tooru~ I could arrange that.”

“Issei, I want you to fuck me on top of a desk. I can wear a little school uniform. You can be my teacher~”

Issei barked out a laugh, but then he grabbed his phone as his thigh jerked, a spectacular spray of cum flying over his buff chest. Tooru gasped at the sight, and then his own cock kicked, wet gushing down his thighs as cum spilled from his dick and pussy. The warm shiver of the moment after cumming washed over him, and he sank down to his bed. He grabbed his phone and then coyly licked his fingers clean, Issei’s hand still slowly pumping over his shaft. He groaned, Tooru knowing how much Issei loved his taste, loved watching Tooru clean himself up. For a moment, something like guilt flickered over the Alpha’s face, and Tooru smiled softly in an attempt to quell it. Whatever Issei was thinking, he kept it to himself, knowing better than to voice certain things aloud.

You’re the one who said he’d want me to be happy, you liar.

Almost like Issei could read his thoughts, he asked, “What would make you happy, Tooru? Like, truly happy.”

Tooru clicked his tongue. He smiled coyly at the Alpha, and Issei sighed. “Your cock makes me pretty happy,” teased Tooru, Issei mouthing along with a roll of his eyes, the answer so predictable and so… fake.

Tooru sighed a little more roughly after a pause, staring back defiantly. He wasn’t going to answer, not now, not before, not ever. Happiness came with too high a cost; the happier you were, the more it hurt when it all came crumbling down, so Tooru didn’t want to be happy. He wanted to be satisfied, to have his needs met, to be content by himself. That was perfectly fine with him; he didn’t need another great love or anything so sappy and romantic. He was perfectly fine without it.

“Go to bed, Issei,” he gruffed like it shouldn’t have been the Alpha’s line. Issei rolled his eyes, but he hung up without another word, any other conversation futile when Tooru was like this. Stubbornly, Tooru turned over and punched his pillow down into submission until it was just how he liked it. He shut his eyes and shooed away every memory, letting the quiet he’d gotten so used to pull him into slumber.

He was fine, just fine. He liked his life, and that was much more than he could have hoped for at the age of twenty-one.

-x-

Atsumu smiled softly as his bare knee bumped against Alex’s under the table for the hundredth time. Across from them sat a very important client who was also very unaware of the two’s flirting. Alex was trying so hard to keep a straight face, but he was slowly leaning closer to Atsumu, their knees more touching than bumping now. Atsumu smiled at their client as Alex concluded the deal.

“I look forward to working with both of you,” the man was saying, Alex reaching across the table while Atsumu nodded. His top was revealing, and as he leaned forward, eyes drifted over to him and flicked down for a moment. Alex wasn’t the only one who’d been flirting all dinner, and Atsumu smiled knowingly now at their client. The implication was clear: he was looking forward to working with Alex on a professional level and Atsumu on a more personal level.

With business concluded, they stood up from dinner and said their goodbyes, Alex gently escorting Atsumu to the elevator to head back up to their room from the hotel’s restaurant. As soon as the doors closed, Atsumu let out a laugh, and Alex turned to stare at him in disbelief.

“I can’t believe you.”

“Ya didn’t stop me,” hummed Atsumu, playing with his top like he wanted to take it off, his eyes gazing heatedly up at his boss. Alex watched Atsumu, too, though he looked a little more conflicted about the whole thing.

“I think he thinks I’m going to let you sleep with him,” Alex mumbled after a while, and Atsumu’s eyebrows raised. Jealousy? That was new, but not unwelcome.

With a teasing smile, he asked, “‘Let me’?”

Alex paused for a second in realization, and then he muttered, “You know what I mean…”

Atsumu just hummed as the elevator doors opened, walking ahead of Alex to the man’s room. Alex usually invited him over for a drink, but Atsumu had also made it a habit to invite himself over before the two parted for the night. At the door, Atsumu stopped, making sure Alex would have to lean over him to open the hotel door. Warmth pressed against his back, and he tilted his chin up to stare at his boss. Alex was so tall and handsome, even from this angle, and Atsumu let himself swoon. Nothing serious had happened since the first time they had had sex, but they always flirted around it, and Atsumu wouldn’t necessarily say no if Alex asked for more. He chewed at his bottom lip as Alex pressed a gentle hand to the small of his back and led him inside the big hotel room, the man always spoiling Atsumu on these trips like it was his way of saying thank you.

Atsumu wiggled his light jacket off, showing off his bare arms in the silky, spaghetti strap top he wore, his tight skirt showing off his curves. He hadn’t always liked wearing skirts and dresses, but he certainly liked the attention he got in them, and Alex seemed a particular fan of Atsumu’s more fitted wardrobe. Still, he seemed to be pointedly ignoring Atsumu nearly undressing behind him now as he pulled open his room’s mini fridge and got out a little bottle each of their alcohol of choice. Atsumu watched Alex’s back as he poured them two glasses, chewing softly at his painted nail.

“So,” he called when Alex turned but kept his distance, sitting down in one of the armchairs by the big windows that overlooked the city of Seoul. He sauntered forward as blue eyes watched him over the rim of his tumbler cup, Atsumu’s glass in his other big hand. “Ya were sayin’ somethin’ about the things ya were gonna let me do or not do?”

Atsumu bent seductively forward, hands on the arms of Alex’s chair before plucking his glass up, and then he turned. Instead of picking the chair next to Alex, however, Atsumu settled his butt down on his boss’ lap.

“Atsumu,” Alex called softly, but he didn’t fight it anymore than that; he never did. Atsumu stared at him as he sipped at his drink. “What I mean is that you’re not the company whore, and as your boss, I’m not going to sell you out as a way to get clients. Of course, you are free to do what you want, but I would say… refrain from fraternizing with clients in case a deal goes south. I don’t want to get sued because you were horny.”

Atsumu giggled, words like that always sounding funny in Alex’s accent. He leaned back a little and stroked softly at the collar bone that peeked out from Alex’s shirt, the top few buttons undone. Alex’s gaze was growing more heated, and yet Atsumu knew he wasn’t going to do anything about it.

“You know, if you didn’t want me to be so horny, you could easily fix that,” Atsumu hummed, Alex staring at him over his cup.

“You know how tempting that offer is, Atsumu,” the man said slowly. The Omega shivered as a big, warm hand settled softly on his bare knee.

“That’s good ta know,” Atsumu replied with a smile, his body leaning closer to Alex. He’d just had his heat, so he knew he was safe from being too influenced by pheromones and vice versa, and still, Alex smelled so good and damn tempting. It was true that Atsumu was never not horny, but Alex should realize who it was that made him this way. Slender fingers slowly unbuttoned two more of Alex’s buttons before the man warned carefully, “Atsumu…”

They’d been flirting for years now, and Atsumu was getting a little tired of just flirting. He wanted Alex, wanted an Alpha like him; he wanted to take a shot, he thought, but he wondered what Alex would say to that. He certainly didn’t seem opposed, but sometimes Atsumu wondered how far his affections went. He certainly hadn’t put his hands on Atsumu again, meaning he either had incredibly strong fortitude as an Alpha, or he wasn’t actually all that interested in Atsumu. Most days Atsumu would bank on the first, but doubt always crept in. Was Alex just playing with him?

“Atsumu, I got you something,” Alex said suddenly, almost as if he noticed Atsumu going into a slump, and the Omega sat up quickly, eyes going wide.

“A present?” he asked in excitement. Alex gave good presents, and not just because he had the money to spare. He was thoughtful and always picked out things Atsumu liked. Golden eyes followed Alex’s as the man nodded towards the closet in his room, and Atsumu was up in a second, handing back his glass to his boss before bounding over. He slid the mirror doors open and peered inside. Alex’s suitcase sat there, everything neatly folded inside and a few of his nicer clothes hung. Above that was a small shelf, and on that shelf sat a prettily wrapped box. Atsumu grabbed at it, wiggling it down and then turning to stare at Alex as he clutched the long box to his chest. Alex just smiled and nodded.

Atsumu hustled over to the man’s bed, and there he tore the package open, never one to take his time. He pulled the lid off what was a big lingerie box and stared at the contents inside, shrouded a little by tissue paper that he whisked aside. He was barely aware of Alex standing up and treading to his side as he stared down at what had to be a very expensive evening gown.

Atsumu startled when a soft kiss pressed to his cheek, Alex husking into his ear, “There’s an event coming up; one of my mentors in the field is hosting a party, and I wanted you to come with me.” Atsumu’s head jerked to the side, and he stared wide-eyed at his boss. Alex smiled softly, reaching out to graze his knuckles against Atsumu’s other cheek. “If we’re going to celebrate my company’s success, it’s only right that you’re there, too.”

Speechless, Atsumu looked back down and then slowly pulled the black and crimson gown out of the box, holding it up against his body. He stared in the reflection of the mirror at himself, at Alex beside him. The gown had a collar piece that would fit around his neck, draped, chiffon sleeves, and a tight body that went down almost to his knees, where the skirt flared lightly back out again. It wasn’t revealing, only a small opening at the top, but it would be very fitted, very sexy in a very different kind of way. Atsumu turned slowly to Alex and asked breathlessly, peering up through his lashes, “Ya thought I would look good in this kind of dress?”

Alex looked stunned for a moment as Atsumu gazed heatedly up at him, but then he nodded, very sure. “Atsumu, you know…”

The Omega chewed at his lip, and then he pressed closer to Alex, humming, “Tell me, Alex~”

The big man paused for a moment, staring down at Atsumu. The electricity in the air and the sexual tension were clear, and Alex was testing how he should proceed. Atsumu felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, ready. He practically begged for it with his eyes.

A wanton shiver escaped him as a big hand came to rest on his hip. Alex slowly leaned closer and husked softly, almost sweetly, “Atsumu, you know what a beautiful body you have.”

Atsumu let go of the dress with one hand, wrapping it into Alex’s shirt instead to keep the man close. He tilted his head back and stared up at Alex, the two so close they could feel the other’s breath on their lips. Atsumu ached to be kissed. “Alex,” he begged, licking at his plump lips. The older man was quiet, but it was clear that he wanted Atsumu, and yet…

“Alex, I’ve been thinkin’,” husked Atsumu, pleasantly buzzed from the alcohol and Alex’s proximity to brave what he wanted to say. Still, it came out as a tease more than a serious question because even now, Atsumu wasn’t sure. “We’ve been flirtin’ around this for years now. Why don’t we just… date already?” He let out a breathy laugh, but he suddenly couldn’t look Alex in the eye again, his cheeks heating up as he stared intently at a beefy chest. Alex didn’t pull away, his hand still on Atsumu’s hip, but he went quiet, too quiet.

“I mean, don’tchya want me~?” Atsumu tried to lighten up as the silence stretched and dread began to settle like a heavy pit in his stomach. Had he been reading their relationship wrong the whole time? Had he made a mistake? Leaped without thinking? He clung tighter to Alex, desperate now. He let out a laugh, but it sounded dangerously close to a sob. Oh, shit, this was much harder than he’d thought it would be. Why wasn’t Alex saying anything?!

“Are you asking me seriously?” Alex suddenly asked, and he sounded almost… surprised. Atsumu’s eyes darted up. Why did Alex think Atsumu had been flirting with him all this time? What, had he assumed Atsumu did this with everyone? No, Alex was… Alex would always be… Atsumu swallowed roughly.

Maybe he should back out, say it was a joke, put it behind him. Rejection was terrifying, but why would Alex reject him? Right? He’d been flirting, too- “Yea,” Atsumu whispered before he could stop himself, and his eyes snapped wide, flicking back down again to Alex’s neck, his big Adam’s apple bobbing there. Atsumu was starting to sweat.

“Atsumu,” Alex said. “We can’t.”

Atsumu’s whole world fell out from under him. No. He hadn’t expected… He’d pinned way more hopes on this than he’d thought. So much for being independent and self-sufficient. So much for not needing a man. So much for being strong. He clung to Alex’s shirt and begged it to be a lie. This man… was turning him down? His eyes darted up, but Alex’s expression was too sad. That wasn’t fair!

“Atsumu, you don’t… trust me…” Alex was saying, and Atsumu swallowed roughly. He had to get out of this, play it down-

He laughed too loudly. “What does that mean?”

Alex slowly pulled away, and he took the dress Atsumu still held, neatly putting it back in the box, all while Atsumu watched him, trying to act like everything wasn’t falling apart. Alex sat down slowly, and just when Atsumu was ready to run out, a hand grabbed his own and Alex sat him down beside him. A slow sigh melted out of the Alpha, and then he leaned forward, hands steepled in front of his face.

“Atsumu, I’ve tried getting closer to you, but you are so well-guarded. You protect everything with flirtations and act like nothing phases you, but the truth is that you don’t trust anyone, especially not Alphas, to get close and not hurt you. Even me, after all these years; aren’t you terrified of me hurting you?”

Yes, and you’re doing it now, so maybe I was right-

“Atsumu, you are… wonderful, and I wanted… to be someone special to you, but you have never once let your guard down around me. Even when we had sex, you felt… a million miles away, ready to flee in an instant. Atsumu, I’m not the one who doesn’t want a closer relationship. It’s you-”

The last word trailed off as Alex looked up, and he froze. Atsumu jumped off the bed and covered his face, tears streaming down that he hadn’t allowed to fall. No, no, no- He let out a laugh like they could pretend this was all a joke, and in that moment, Atsumu realized that Alex was absolutely correct. He had been protecting himself, keeping up a wall around his heart and fending off anyone and anything with jokes and easy flirtations. A flash of anger lit through him. “Don’t just turn this around on me-!” He was lashing out. Now he was hurting Alex, but that was what Atsumu did. An eye for an eye, a hurt for a hurt. His defensive mechanism was to hurt others worse than they could ever hurt him, and that was why… Alex had known all of this about Atsumu, but Atsumu had been clueless.

He stepped back, his cheeks flaring red as everything hit him. How long had Alex looked at Atsumu like that, seeing right through him? How long had Atsumu been completely bare in front of the other?

Without another word, Atsumu spun on his heels and burst out of the room, bolting for his own. He searched frantically for his card key when he got to his door, but he’d left it… in his pocket, in the jacket he’d left in Alex’s room. He couldn’t go back now. He ran down the hall in his heels instead and frantically called the elevator. Behind him, a door opened, Atsumu’s heart in his throat. He slipped inside the elevator at what felt like the last second and then jammed the button to close the doors. Downstairs was a bathroom; downstairs was a bar where he could charge his drinks to Alex’s room. It was so spiteful, but for once, Atsumu didn’t mean it to be. The thing was… Alex was such a good, great person, and that was exactly why he had turned Atsumu down. He was right; Atsumu wasn’t ready. Atsumu didn’t trust Alex; he didn’t trust anyone.

This was better, but fuck, it hurt so much more than Atsumu would have thought. He hadn’t realized… just how much he’d pinned on hoping Alex would be his, on assuming… he could have his boss if he just said the words.

Atsumu stumbled out of the elevator, head down as he bustled to the bathrooms off the lobby. There, he shut himself into a stall and bit at his hand to muffle his sobs. Did Atsumu really still carry that much hurt from Hatsuo? All this time, he had thought he was a free, independent Omega, but his first Alpha still had such a hold on him, on his heart. No, it couldn’t… be… Atsumu smacked his fist into his thigh as tears of pure frustration and anger spilled down. He had never allowed Hatsuo to have so much power over him, nor any Alpha, and yet…

He just had to prove that Hatsuo had no hold on him, that Atsumu was as free as he’d always thought himself to be. He was strong, independent. He didn’t need any man, even… Alex… Right. He didn’t need a mate to be happy… Sex was easy enough to get, and it was better without the strings attached. Strings could be cut and leave Atsumu stranded, but if he was the one in control, setting the rules and putting up the boundaries…

Atsumu pulled himself up and walked with his head high out of the bathroom stall, washing his face with icy water until the redness and puffiness went away. He didn’t even need any make-up to bag a man. He hiked his skirt up a little higher and made sure his hair was perfect, and then he walked confidently out to the hotel bar.

To the handsome bartender, he hummed with a coy smile, “Charge it to my room, please.”

“Sure thing, sir. What can I get you?”

“A gin and tonic, and make it a double.”

Atsumu sat down, crossing his legs and staring out over the bar as the bartender mixed him his drink. A few Alphas eyed him up, and he smiled at them, confident in his own beauty. Alex was right; Atsumu knew what a pretty face and gorgeous body he had. He’d made sure of that, after all. It was how he’d gotten… so much in life. No, he was a hard worker, too, he told himself.

“Here you are,” called the bartender, sliding Atsumu’s drink across to him, and he hummed a non-committal, “Thanks, gorgeous.”

As he sipped at his strong drink, he looked around the small bar, wondering which man he’d make a lucky bastard tonight. The pickings were a little slim, but not too bad, and Atsumu only needed one winner. He swirled his glass and hummed softly, his foot kicking up every once in a while to show off the heels he wore.

He was debating between two men when someone tapped at his shoulder. Atsumu spun around and came face-to-face with a man that was just his type, an Alpha if his pheromones were anything to go off of.

“Hello,” he greeted in Korean, Atsumu smiling slowly and replying in Japanese. Language wasn’t the worst barrier to overcome, and it would be a shame with someone so handsome, but thankfully the man smiled. “I’m really hoping you’re not waiting for someone, because I have to tell you, you’re just my type,” he said in Japanese with a thick Korean accent.

Atsumu turned and giggled. “I was just thinkin’ the same thing,” he hummed, smiling coyly. The Alpha raised a perfectly styled eyebrow, and then he took a seat in the barstool beside Atsumu, extending his hand.

“Call me Jae. I always thought Korea had the most beautiful Omegas, but you’re proving me wrong.” His smile was genuine and at the same time mischievous, making Atsumu lean closer in interest.

“Are all Koreans this handsome and forward?” Atsumu asked with a teasing smile, his fingers dancing over the back of the man’s hand. Jae called to the bartender and ordered a drink for himself and a refill for Atsumu, who requested a sweet cocktail this time. No need to get blitzed before he had a chance to taste this fine specimen. Jae had pitch black hair, softly curled and brushed back in the popular style, his undercut crisp and clean. He had pretty hazel eyes and perfect skin, and his build was nothing to scoff at, tall and slim but muscular. They built them different in Korea and Europe, it seemed, as Jae and Alex could both compete for tallest Alpha; Atsumu liked that. With his hand dancing up Jae’s arm, he asked, “Can I ask what ye’re here for? Business or pleasure?”

“Well, I came for business, but it’s quickly turning into the latter,” flirted the Korean man, and Atsumu giggled, thinking Jae was too slick and perfect. Well, it wasn’t like he was looking for boyfriend material, so someone this suave would work perfectly tonight. “I run a modeling firm; I’m a photographer, so I was in Seoul for a shoot.”

“Don’t tell me ye’re just hittin’ on me ta try and recruit me into some shady business,” huffed the Omega, to which Jae smiled.

“I promise I’m legit, but if it helps, I’d rather see you with my own eyes and touch you instead of pining through a lens.”

“Damn, do ya butter up everyone like this?” Atsumu asked just as Jae leaned closer, settling his arm atop the back of the Omega’s chair. His pheromones were getting thicker, and it was obvious that he really wanted Atsumu. The Omega scented in response, chewing at his bottom lip just to see what the Alpha would do. He didn’t mind them feral, though maybe that was just the masochist in him. Fingers danced up his bare arm, and he shivered with desire.

“Just beautiful Omegas like you. Can I ask your name?”

“Ahh,” Atsumu hushed in a daze, totally having forgotten. “Atsu’s fine.”

“Atsu, then. I’m sure I’m coming off like I’m laying it on too thick, but I swear you’re absolutely gorgeous, and I’d really like to explore a little more…” Those same fingers danced up Atsumu’s neck now, and he thought it didn’t matter much if this man was laying it on thick, Atsumu liked it. He needed it.

“I’ll let ya explore,” he promised coyly, leaning back and re-crossing his legs, his skirt pulling up a little higher in the process. “Really, I’m pretty flattered.”

Jae laughed, thinking it a joke for a moment. He smiled when he realized Atsumu was kind of serious. “You’re flattered? Wow.” With a big grin, the Alpha turned back to his drink and asked, “Can I ask what you’re here for, all the way from Japan? Don’t tell me it was just to grace my eyes with your beauty.”

Atsumu giggled, and he wondered for a moment if it was the language difference or if this was just how men in Korea talked. Either way, he was all about it tonight. Tetsuro would probably laugh, though, if he heard the man. “I’m here on business with my boss. Ta be honest, we had a bit of a… disagreement, so I’m lookin’ to have a little bit of fun.”

Jae smiled back at Atsumu, and then he hummed, “It seems like fate has smiled down on us then. Don’t tell me your boss turned you down, beautiful.”

“Hmm,” Atsumu hushed, shaking his head as he turned his face away. “It was just… a little flirtin’ that went too far.” He drank down his drink before turning back to Jae with a smile. “It’s not worth talkin’ about and ruinin’ our night, right? We can both just have some fun before we have ta face real life again, and the consequences of our stupid outbursts,” he huffed out a laugh, smiling wryly.

“Careful, I might want to steal you away as my own assistant,” Jae teased, and Atsumu almost wanted to say it was tempting, but he was sure he’d never get anything done with a boss like this. Even Alex could tie him up so easily and the man wasn’t even really his type. “Should we head upstairs? Your room or mine?”

“Yours,” Atsumu nodded, smiling as Jae helped him off his barstool, wrapping an arm around Atsumu’s waist. The scent of mint and tonka bean was refreshing and also calming, and Atsumu settled into Jae’s side as the man led him to the elevators. As the doors closed, Atsumu swore he caught a glimpse of a tall Alpha with white blond hair, but he shook his head, the doors shut a moment later. The elevator hummed softly, and Jae pressed a kiss to Atsumu’s bare shoulder, making the Omega shiver in want.

“You smell delicious,” huffed Jae, almost more to himself. “A shame, really,” he added, and Atsumu smiled at their reflection. He let the Alpha lead him out of the elevator and to a nice suite, the living room filled with camera equipment and a box of set decor. For all Atsumu knew, this really was a trap, but something about Jae excited him and at the same time reassured him. Despite his persuasive flirtations, Atsumu hadn’t felt any ill intent or bad vibes off the other, so he felt surprisingly safe. Either way, he was sure he could take care of himself somehow; it definitely wasn’t because he knew Alex was nearby, either, maybe even looking for him at this very moment.

Damn you, Alex, thought the blond absentmindedly as he watched Jae step into the adjoining bedroom. Without a second thought, Atsumu slowly began to follow, stripping off his clothes as he went until he was wearing only his semi-fancy but mostly-comfy lace panties. When Jae turned, the man looked first surprised and then very, very turned on, his scent spiking in the big bedroom. Atsumu met the man’s intense peppermint and earthy notes with his own, exuding sexiness as he swayed his hips, hands sliding up his frame.

“And here I thought I’d get to undress you,” Jae hummed with a smile, though he didn’t look all that disappointed as he stripped his own shirt off, muscles flexing under pale skin. Atsumu let out a little mewl of delight, rushing forward. The tall Alpha was just what he liked, and he let it show as he pressed his hands to firm pecs, his body to Jae’s.

“There’s always my panties,” breathed Atsumu, his hips pressing forward until the hardness in his panties pressed against the stiff cock in the Alpha’s pants.

“Shit, you’ll make me knot at this rate,” groaned Jae, his big, warm hands sliding over Atsumu’s back, tracing his own muscles. It wasn’t anything as impressive as Jae’s, but the man seemed very appreciative nonetheless. “It really is a shame that we live in two different countries… You’re exactly my type, gorgeous.”

“Sweet talk me more,” begged Atsumu as he worked the Alpha’s slacks open and down. He yelped and then giggled as he was hefted suddenly up, Jae grinning up at him.

“Well, right now I’m just thinking about those juicy little lips of yours that look a little lonely-”

Atsumu moaned, desperate for it as he grabbed at the man’s head. “Sometimes you need more action and less talking,” he agreed, melting as lips crashed against his own, the soft clink of their teeth making him shiver. A tongue slowly teased his lips apart and then curled around his own, Jae perfectly aggressive and yet so sweet, an incredible talent with his mouth in many ways. Atsumu tugged at his neck, teasing at his scent gland, and Jae stumbled towards the bed.

He dropped Atsumu there with a big grin, and then he let the Omega watch as he stripped his pants off, his underwear next as he danced them off his hips. Atsumu slid his soft foot over washboard abs, admiring the upright cock that trembled in greeting. His pussy was throbbing, and for a moment he was distracted, wondering how Jae would give it to him.

He gasped in surprise as the Alpha grabbed his foot and lifted it, a soft kiss pressed to the inside of his ankle as Jae sank forward. He spread Atsumu like that, crawling closer, and Atsumu was dripping with how hot this was making him. He practically begged Jae to tear his panties off with his molten eyes, the Alpha smiling fondly.

For a moment, Jae sat up and framed his hands together like a picture, staring at Atsumu. With a smile, he stroked over the Omega’s thighs, and then he slowly slid the man’s panties off, eyes locked on Atsumu’s cock and then his dripping cunt. He pretended to take a photo, his tongue clicking to make the shutter noise, and then he looked up at Atsumu, stroking at his legs again.

“I might have to steal a few photos, after all,” Jae hushed, and Atsumu begged, “After. But now, fuck me.”

From his bedside table, Jae grabbed a condom to roll onto his shaft, and then he hugged Atsumu’s thigh to his chest, his other hand sliding up through the Omega’s wetness.

“I’m always amazed by the beauty of an Omega’s body,” murmured the Korean, two of his fingers pressing with no resistance into Atsumu. The Omega tossed his head back and mewled, squeezing around those two digits. He could just tell he was about to be perfectly wrecked. The room smelled like Jae, and Atsumu let himself immerse in it. The Alpha finger-fucked him through two orgasms, the wet squelch making Jae’s clock shake like crazy, and finally he couldn’t handle it anymore, too pent-up.

Using the wetness from Atsumu’s pussy, he slicked his cock up, and then he pressed into the Omega with a heavenly sigh. Atsumu’s head fell back, and he thought it had been way too long since he’d been filled like this.

“Yea,” he whispered as Jae’s hands roamed his body, caressing his hips and ass and legs, fingers teasing at perky nipples. He let the Alpha feel and smell how turned on he was.

“Atsu, you’re so beautiful, and you feel so good. Damn, I really got lucky tonight…”

The Omega preened under the praises, his hips shaking. He grabbed Jae’s and begged for more, the Alpha happily obliging by pressing deeper, rocking faster. If Atsumu pushed down on his womb, he was sure he could feel the other, shivers wrenching out of him as his toes curled. Whether it was just because it had been so long or because Jae was actually killing it, it felt insanely good, and Atsumu came all over his belly and down his thighs until he was spent. Jae grunted as he filled his condom, and then the man sank down, sighing in bliss. He kissed Atsumu’s ankle again and then slowly let his leg shift down, stroking at his thigh.

As the haziness of pleasure lifted off of him, Jae’s eyes sparkled as he hushed, “Stay here. I’m going to wash up and then capture your beauty on my camera.”

“What would ya do with photos of me like this,” teased Atsumu like he didn’t know, sighing as Jae pulled slowly out, tying off his heavy condom with a soft grin.

“Would you believe I’ve never taken any nude portraits?” he asked as he headed to the bathroom, saying, “And yes, I’d use them for exactly what you’re implying.”

Atsumu was about to lay back and settle down when he heard the shower switch on, and suddenly his eyes snapped wide, realization dawning. He didn’t want to stay here and have his pictures taken, not really.

As quietly as he could, using the running water as cover, Atsumu dressed again and then stole out of the nice hotel room. He headed back up to his and Alex’s floor before recalling that he couldn’t get into his room. That was all moot, though, when he found Alex sitting in front of his door, head down almost like he was sleeping.

Atsumu slowly took his heels off, and then he bent down, cupping his boss’ face. “Idiot, ya can’t sleep here,” he hushed, noting the mess the man’s hair was, his clothes rumpled. Had Alex really been looking for him?

Slowly, pale blue eyes cracked open, and Alex quietly looked up at Atsumu, taking in his own messy blond hair and the scent of another Alpha on him. A sigh slipped past his lips as he bowed his head, and after a moment, he whispered, “I’m glad you’re okay. I was… worried.”

“I can take care of myself,” Atsumu replied stiffly, but it quickly melted into a crooked little smile as he helped Alex to his feet. Despite it all, he was glad to have the Alpha looking out for him. Alex kept his hands to himself, only nodding.

“I know. Trust me, I know,” he hushed. “You always have been perfectly independent.”

Atsumu stared up at Alex, and then he asked wryly, “That’s the issue, isn’t it? I won’t rely on anyone but myself...”

Alex glanced up, and then he slowly tucked a strand of Atsumu’s hair back. “It’s what you had to do,” was all he said, though the unspoken rest was easy enough to guess. Alex didn’t think Atsumu should have to live in fight-or-flight mode anymore, but that was all easier said than done.

Cupping Alex’s hand against his cheek, Atsumu begged only, “Don’t worry about me anymore, Alex. And please… forget about tonight…”

Without another word, Atsumu grabbed his keycard from Alex’s hand, and then he slipped into his room. He looked and bolted the door before shedding his clothes to take his own shower. He ignored the soft knocks at his door, telling Alex mentally just to go to sleep. Atsumu was more embarrassed than he wanted to admit; he’d made such a fool of himself, and yet Alex was so… so kind.

“Damn ya,” Atsumu whispered as he stood under the stream of punishingly hot water. He let his tears come again. When had he started feeling so lonely?

-x-

“Hey, everyone. I thought we could play a casual game tonight while we chat,” Kenma greeted, his stream already teeming with fans, their own greetings in the chat. As the game loaded on his computer, he checked through the messages, noting the usernames of his faithful subscribers, reading out new subs and donations. He felt a little bad sometimes receiving the extra money like this; it wasn’t like he hadn’t done well for himself even before he began streaming. Early on in high school, he’d used his brain for something that felt actually useful and had gotten into stocks and trading, and now his bank account sat nice and pretty without much work needed. Even with two kids, he made plenty of money, but his subscribers and fans had never taken kindly to him refusing donations. They wanted to do it, which to Kenma was a little sad and mildly inspiring. Of course he was enthusiastic in his thanks, but when he saw the same few names pop up repeatedly, he had to wonder if those Alphas didn’t have anyone at home to take care of and were using him as a sort of surrogate partner. It wasn’t uncommon in this community, and Kenma was extra wary of unknowingly encouraging any parasocial behaviors amongst his fans; it was why he didn’t like to show his face, nor meet people in public or even attend conventions. In fact, knowing that there was someone out there right now who knew his face and knew about his kids was really irking Kenma, setting him on edge. So far, though, Tetsuro Kuroo had proven to be a good guy, and Kenma had done as much background searching as he could without hacking into anything. It still didn’t do much to lessen the unease Kenma felt. He could switch parks, but his twins had already grown far too attached to Tetsuro and his little cousin, and it was the best park as far as location, not too close to home but not too far either. The neighborhood it sat next to was also very nice, and Kenma had assumed the chances of meeting one of his fans in such a ritzy area was very low. The joke was on him, he supposed.

Aside from having figured out Kenma’s identity, Tetsuro Kuroo was also needlessly persistent. It irked Kenma to no end, but despite all of his obvious flirtations, Tetsuro seemed to respect Kenma’s limits, keeping his distance and not calling attention to the Omega. He was also… amazing with the twins, and Kenma could not discount that, not as a mother. Still, if Tetsuro was after a relationship or anything more than ‘I met my favorite streamer and I’m friends with his kids’, the Alpha was dreaming. Kenma wasn’t interested, nor did he have the time for a relationship, and certainly not with a little punk fetus with bad hair. In the end, Kenma supposed it didn’t hurt anyone, not even him, that the Alpha even tried, that he kept trying, and that he seemed in some ways, like a masochist, to enjoy the trying. Well, Kenma couldn’t stop the Alpha from having a little crush or whatever, but that was as far as it was ever going to go in the Omega’s book.

Speaking of, he bit back a wry frown when he saw a familiar username pop up. DHA_01 asked, What game are you playing today, Kyanma-sama? I’ve been looking forward to this stream for days! Kenma pointedly ignored the question and instead answered it only when another subscriber asked, bemused as he wondered if Tetsuro was pouting.

He loaded up his game, a casual 2D scroller game, something he could play while also chatting and answering questions. He’d always thought it would be hard to host life-update livestreams, wondering what he could talk about since he was so secretive about his personal life, but his fans seemed to love them, asking about what games Kenma grew up with and what franchises he was into. In turn, Kenma had also really come to enjoy these streams, something much more casual than his normal recorded videos, a chance to play games he wanted to rather than ones that were new or popular, not that he didn’t enjoy both. Tonight, though, Kenma felt a little annoyed, glad that most of his expressions were hidden behind his cat mask. He could swear he saw Tetsuro’s usernames pop up every few seconds, and it was driving him crazy, but when he looked over, it was always such innocent little messages, nothing out of the norm for a fan.

Kenma knew he was too conscious of him, but it was because he was worried the Alpha was going to say something he shouldn’t. So far though, Tetsuro had yet to slip up, and that almost annoyed Kenma more. This little twerp was either trying way too hard to be perfect, or he really was as good of a kid as he seemed. The first option would be troublesome, but the second was just as bothersome. It was true that Kenma didn’t have much experience with Alphas, having gone to mostly Omega-only schools and living a fairly secluded life with only a few friends, but he’d heard enough horror stories and had enough bad interactions with possessive fans to be very wary. Tetsuro, however, seemed to defy them all.

Halfway through the stream, Kenma glanced over and saw that Tetsuro had written out, more to the others in the chat than the Omega, Even though we can’t really see his face, I always look forward to these streams. Kyanma’s voice is so soothing~ Just the perfect amount of rasp when he starts getting tired…

Kenma’s natural urge was to reply with, “Ew,” but he reminded himself he was on stream, his personality a little nicer on the internet than in real life. Still, the urge to bully the Alpha was insurmountable, so Kenma laughed and asked, “Are you guys really talking about my voice. Don’t tell me…”

A dozen messages popped up instantly, some saying that it wasn’t like that, Kenma just had a good voice, while others responded that, yeah, they were totally doing what Kenma was suggesting. The Omega clicked his tongue and let out a forced laugh. Gross.

DHA_01 replied, It’s just that when I imagine how cute his face must be, paired with that grumpy little voice, I get titillated~

Kenma had to chew back a frown as a dozen others agreed with Tetsuro, more irked than he normally would be. You’ve seen my face, idiot. Are you saying I’m as cute as you imagined? Back off, meat head…

A moment later, Kenma smirked wickedly, and then he leaned into the microphone, pausing his game as he whispered in a seductive, ASMR voice, “Oh, you like my voice, DHA one? Is it raspy enough for you?” He let out a chuckle, pressing into his bit. “What if I… told you about my favorite gaming franchise, Residual Evil. It’s super gory, and there’s so much blood, but I like games like that. Dismembering zombies, blowing their heads off-”

Shit, I just nutted, typed a subscriber, but Tetsuro was suddenly very quiet in chat. Kenma had to bite down a gleeful smile as he sat back, giggling softly and playing it off like it hadn’t just been a huge prank on one Alpha. Oh, he wanted to see Tetsuro’s face right now, that little perv… Was he bright red? Was his hand down his pants? Oh, was he knotting in his fist?! Kenma restarted his game, smirking. That’s what you get-

See what I’m saying? He’s just the cutest~

Not the reaction he’d expected. Kenma’s eyes darted back to his screen, and he grit his teeth behind his smiling lips. It only made him want to get under Tetsuro’s skin all the more.

Tetsuro kept chattering through the rest of the stream, seemingly unaffected by anything Kenma did, and by the end of the night, Kenma was boiling over with mean things to say. As soon as he ended his stream, he let out a string of foul words, wondering where he’d messed up and been cursed with meeting a brat like this. It wasn’t that Tetsuro was a bad guy, but that was part of the problem, too. He was too nice, too unflappable. It made Kenma want to torture him until he found his weak spot. Most Alphas would have their teeth in Kenma’s throat for even trying, but wether it was because of their age difference or the fact that it was all behind a screen, Tetsuro seemed quite okay with it. It irked Kenma; it knocked him off kilter, and he disliked that most of all.

He should impress into the Alpha the importance of not spilling any important details in chat the next time he saw the man.

Kenma swept up his phone and texted his best friend with a row of keyboard smashes and angry emojis. Shouyo sent back a little laughing face.

There’s this irritating little brat Alpha on my stream and I want to wring his neck.

oh the one from the park?

Had Kenma ranted about Tetsuro before? He could hardly recall. Yea. he responded.

he sounds like hes just ur type tho…

Ew, Sho, don’t even try that. He’s like… an infant. It’s gross that he probably jacks off to me.

alphas have very high sex drives so it dsnt matter how young he is. im sure he’s done more than jack off too~

You’re not helping. You’re supposed to be on my side.

i am! alpha bad! kghjakdoaoab!

Kenma huffed. He didn’t sound like that. He sloughed off to his bedroom in his slippers, his cat mask abandoned on his desk. After dressing for bed and climbing in, he texted Shouyo, I just don’t want him to get too invested in his fantasy. Like, he’s a kid, so I feel bad. He probably looks up to me or something weird like that.

isnt he like a college kid? ken its not like hes 5 and cant understand fiction from reality…

He keeps flirting with me, Sho, I don’t think he’s getting the memo that I’m not interested.

alphas are persistent. just keep making it clear.

Kenma huffed. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Speaking of Alphas… he hinted. Hinata sent another keyboard smash.

it’s going fine, thx for asking. hey maybe you should get a sugar mama too~

Don’t bring the subject back to me, Kenma huffed in reply. My bff who swore off Alphas is fake-dating one, I need deets.

our arrangement is perfect. she gives me what i need when i need it, i give her what she needs, plus i get some spending money.

What about the kid?

a sweetheart. im like a pampered babysitter. a bwb if you will.

What, babysitter with benefits? Kenma chuckled.

yes~ listen the sex is good, so i cant complain. shes good to me.

Sho, you’re just a whore.

nothin wrong with that. it’s not like ive got alphas knocking down my door, and even if i did…

Right, right, Kenma chimed. Shouyo was a little too dramatic sometimes, his little childhood crush having ended in great mortification for him on the elementary school playground, but it wasn’t like he actually hated Alphas. In some ways, Kenma thought that Shouyo was actually desperate for a mate, but after a lot of failed dating attempts, he’d sworn off of it, maybe resigning himself. Shouyo’s self-confidence had slowly and repeatedly been shattered and ground into dust, and no matter how much he faked it, it was clear to see. Like Kenma, he preferred to surround himself with other Omegas these days, sticking to work as proof that he was fine being independent. Unlike Kenma, though, Shouyo was very lonely, very needy, an affection whore.

When the right one comes knocking, you’d abandon everything and run to him in a second, Sho, Kenma thought, though he kept it quiet. He wished Shouyo goodnight and plugged his phone in.

-x-

lets talk about ya havin a date with my sweet brother…

Shugo nearly rolled off his bed and onto the floor when he saw that text first thing in the morning. He groaned as he grabbed at his headboard, his head hanging over the edge of his mattress. His back ached; work had been hard last night, not to mention that their shipment of alcohol had come in late, but nothing could dampen his spirits now.

Really?!? Like for real?!!

dont get yer undies in a bunch. were just gonna talk about it-

Shugo pulled himself up and then spun, running to the bathroom like Atsumu might mean right now. Shugo was so ready. The last week of radio silence had been almost unbearable, Atsumu still deliberating on what to allow the Alpha to do about his brother.

Sure, anything. I’m totally free this weekend! That was sort of a lie, but Shugo knew he could make himself free if he needed to. For a date with Osamu, he would do anything.

great! lets me and ya meet up and go over the finer details :)

Shugo audibly groaned. That little smiley face was evil, but Atsumu knew he couldn’t say no. At this rate, the man might keep stringing him along forever and Shugo would let him, all for the hope of one day getting that date with the prettiest Omega named Osamu.

This weekend? Shugo asked hopefully.

how does sat afternoon work?

Great! Perfect! Shugo could only hope that meant that by Sunday, he might have an actual date lined up.

k ;), Atsumu replied, and Shugo could almost see his smirk. see ya then handsome <3

Shugo sank down on his closed toilet seat, toothbrush in his mouth as he groaned, both excited and exasperated. Thinking now, he hadn’t slept much between the constant dreams of Osamu… It was so bad… The two girls that had flirted with him last night hadn’t even gotten a second look from the Alpha, and his tips were starting to suffer, but Shugo didn’t… care. Oh, he didn’t care!

Now he was up, though, nothing to do until work tonight. He texted Tetsuro with crossed fingers, hoping for someone to occupy his head with something other than Osamu.

I’m going to the park with my cousin, you can come if you want!

Shugo tried not to text too fast in reply, begging, With your aunt, too?!

?* No need to look too desperate…

Still, Tetsuro sent a grinning emoji. Nah, sorry. He has a drs appt.

Shugo clutched at his bathroom sink, toothbrush still in his mouth as he sank down to his knees, forehead against the cabinet. Damn, damn, damndamndamn- Atsumu would have killed him for using a loophole like that anyways, but Shugo didn’t care.

Have fun, he texted limply to Tetsuro as he sulked back to his bed, thinking maybe he’d read or catch up on some shows…

Sorry, man. I heard you’ve been celibate. I’m rooting for you now.

Now? It seemed like the skepticism and overprotectiveness ran in the family… Shugo sighed and face-planted into his pillow. He tried to recall Osamu’s scent, the hints of caramel and nutmeg in different cocktails coming to mind. One of the featured drinks at the bar was a White Russian with salted caramel Crown Royal that smelled so much like the Omega that Shugo had nearly had a boner the other night when he’d made one. It was almost embarrassing if he wasn’t so damn giddy about it all. Maybe he’d make a lighter version for Osamu to try, and then he’d kiss soft lips with that taste and smell lodged in his head.

With a groan, Shugo rolled over again, his hand slowly sinking into his boxer briefs. He let out a rough sigh; celibacy was harder than it seemed, but even his hand felt like a more appealing alternate these days than a sleezy little Omega. If it wasn’t Osamu, it turned Shugo off completely. He should tell Atsumu; that would surely convince him to give Shugo that date…

With his imagination getting such sudden exercise, Shugo pictured Osamu, pictured taking his clothes off, pictured kissing soft skin and touching… everything. He pumped his fist roughly over his erection, imagining how tight Osamu might be. Would he be wet, would he gush? What would his scent smell like when he was really, really turned on?

“Forgive me,” Shugo begged just a moment before his cum shot in an arc over his bare chest, coating his abs and pectorals. He let out a slow sigh as he sank into his mattress. Once he found the energy to move again, he’d go wash off his sins in the shower and then maybe think about not being such an unbelievable horn dog.

He rolled over, and on second thought texted Tetsuro, Hey, send me a pic of your aunt…

What, so you can jerk off to it? I’m telling my momma~

No! begged Shugo. I’ll behave!

Tetsuro sent a grinning emoji, and then a moment later he shared a selfie of him and Osamu. Shugo shamelessly cropped his friend out, and then he sat and stared at Osamu’s pretty little face with the stupidest grin on his lips.

Scrubbing at his face, he begged his empty apartment, “Please let him be mine.”

-x-

Koutaro was in a damn good mood as he waltzed over to his co-captain after practice. Wakatoshi saw him coming from a mile away and raised a puzzled eyebrow as Koutaro super-casually leaned his big body against one of the metal lockers and grinned at the tight end.

“Can I help you, Koutaro?” Wakatoshi asked very nicely, Koutaro just grinning up a storm.

“Are you workin’ tonight?”

Wakatoshi’s eyebrow raised a little higher. “No?”

“Otherwise busy?” expanded Koutaro, the other football player shaking his head in continued confusion. Koutaro examined his rough nails and then grinned at his friend. “I’m super free, too, and my fridge is super empty.”

Wakatoshi blinked. “Are you… asking me to go grocery shopping with you?”

Koutaro almost doubled over, smacking his knee as he howled. He grabbed at his sides and tried to stand up, heaving in air as he laughed. “Wow, you’re hilarious without even trying, Toshi!” Koutaro complemented when he was able to talk without wheezing, but Wakatoshi was growing more and more suspicious by the second. Koutaro stood up tall again, grinning as he mussed his white and grey hair.

“I was inviting myself over to your place so I can have some more of your auntie’s cooking!” he said with absolutely no shame. Wakatoshi blinked, his whole face going expressionless as he just stared at the quarterback.

“Are you-” he began, but then he shook his head. He turned slowly to his locker like he was debating what to do. “I’ll have to text Aunt Keiji and ask-”

“Sure, sure,” grinned Koutaro, very sure of himself. “Listen, your auntie loved me, so I’m sure he’ll say yes. But definitely, definitely make sure you let him know. I’m super hungry.”

With glittering eyes and an unflappable grin, Koutaro watched as Wakatoshi called his auntie, the two just staring at each other as they waited for the call to be answered. It took four rings, but Koutaro heard the line click, a tin-y version of Keiji’s voice reaching his ears. He greeted Wakatoshi fondly, and the tight end let the teensiest smile slip. Koutaro grinned all the wider.

“Were you planning on making dinner?” Wakatoshi asked, slowly turning back to his locker. He held his phone between his massive shoulder and ear, the big cell almost comically small nestled there as he packed up his duffel bag. “Ah, you remember my teammate, Koutaro?” Wakatoshi murmured when Keiji asked. “Yes, the very excited quarterback.” Wakatoshi glanced at the man in question, nodding to affirm it was indeed the same teammate. Koutaro nodded, too, as Keiji responded on the other end, like he knew what the Omega was saying without needing to hear it. All good things, for sure.

“Well, he… wanted to know if he could come over for dinner. Apparently his fridge is empty.” Wakatoshi glanced over and gave Koutaro a look that said he didn’t doubt it was true. Keiji spoke, and Koutaro watched as Wakatoshi’s hand flew up, a flash of a smile before the big man covered his mouth. Koutaro grinned stupidly, wondering what was so funny when Wakatoshi coughed and clarified, “Yes, he is inviting himself over.”

Koutaro let out a giggle, proud. He raised his two thumbs in question, Wakatoshi glancing over before saying, “Listen, Aunt Keiji, if it’s too much for you-”

Koutaro’s face fell so fast it might have caused an earthquake on the other side of the globe. Wakatoshi glanced sideways at the other Alpha and sighed slowly.

“He’s giving me puppy dog eyes,” he informed Keiji. On the other end, a laugh sounded.

“Okay,” was all Wakatoshi said after a moment, and then he hung up, Koutaro still balancing delicately between it being the end of the world and the best damn day of his life.

“And?”

Wakatoshi glanced sideways, looking Koutaro over for a moment. After a while, he said, “Apparently you made a good impression, though I cannot imagine how. My aunt says you can come over whenever you’d like.”

Koutaro nearly jumped a foot in the air, howling in victory. “Huzzah!” A home-cooked meal from a cute Omega! Koutaro had never felt so alive! He raised his hand high for a high five, which Wakatoshi took a little too long to return, but it couldn’t dampen Koutaro’s spirits as he bounded off to pack up his stuff in a hurry.

“I drove! Want a ride?” he asked Wakatoshi, to which the tight end very flatly replied, “I’d like to not die today.” Koutaro pouted for a moment, but soon he was back in great spirits, shrugging it off as Wakatoshi pulled his motorcycle helmet out of his locker.

“I’ll follow you, then?” Koutaro hummed, bouncing on his feet. Wakatoshi gave a single nod, hefting his bag up and then heading out. Koutaro skipped after him, a comical sight for an Alpha as big as he was. Luckily, they had parked pretty close together, and soon enough Koutaro was following after Wakatoshi on his bike, trying very hard to prove that he wasn’t that crazy of a driver even as he followed a little too close and took his turns a little too sharply. Still, they both arrived in one piece, though Wakatoshi looked like he had to make sure. Koutaro just grinned as he followed his co-captain up the small pathway to the front door of the house Wakatoshi lived in with Keiji.

He burst through the door and called out, “Auntie, I’m here!” A sniff of the air had him salivating in an instant, the scent of delicious food and milky lemongrass with mint filling the air.

“Koutaro, please tone it down,” asked Wakatoshi solemnly as he pulled off his sneakers and set his helmet away, walking without ceremony inside. Sounds came from the kitchen, so Wakatoshi peeked his head in, Koutaro crowding behind him and grinning wide. Keiji stood at the stove, humming softly and rubbing at his swollen belly, looking as pretty as a picture. Koutaro wondered where all these beautiful aunties had been all of his life, feeling a little cheated, honestly. Slate grey eyes met his own as Wakatoshi called out to Keiji, and Koutaro nearly split with pride when Keiji’s face lit up with a pretty, soft smile.

He wiped his hands on his apron and moved forward, greeting, “Wakatoshi, Koutaro!” He was so much more mild-mannered and soft spoken than he had seemed at Koutaro and Wakatoshi’s game, but Koutaro liked his aunties all types of ways. Wakatoshi gave his aunt a kiss on the forehead, and Koutaro crowded forward, always eager to show his own affection, too. He grabbed Keiji’s hands, so soft and fragile in his own, and then he leaned forward, kissing a soft forehead underneath short black bangs. Keiji startled for a moment, eyes a little wide, but then he smiled as Koutaro pulled back with a grin. His cheeks flushed ever so softly, and Koutaro felt pride swell in his big chest.

“Hi, Auntie. It smells delicious in here,” he hummed. “Thanks for having me over~”

“Oh, anytime,” Keiji nodded, to which Wakatoshi groaned, asking his aunt not to give Koutaro so much freedom. Keiji just giggled, staring up at Koutaro with gorgeous, glittering eyes, the Alpha still holding his hands. Koutaro had no intentions of letting go, actually, quite fond of flirting with his friends’ mothers or aunts.

It wasn’t until Wakatoshi stiffly called to him to follow that Koutaro grinned and let Keiji go. Staring over his shoulder, he blindly followed the other Alpha, Keiji worriedly watching him go. Koutaro barely avoided walking into a support beam, grinning as he patted at it. He had no shame, and certainly not when he heard a soft giggle from the kitchen. He took the stairs up to Wakatoshi’s room two at a time, peering into open doorways to see if he could spot Keiji’s room. Keiji’s milky scent mixed with Wakatoshi’s up here, and Koutaro added his own to the mix just to make it even.

In his room, Wakatoshi was sorting out the laundry from his duffel bag, and Koutaro sank down on the man’s perfectly made bed, sighing slowly. “How do you do it?” he asked after a while, peering around the room. There were a few framed photos, Wakatoshi surprisingly smiling in most of them. One featured him and Keiji, the other adding in a woman Koutaro guessed must be the Alpha’s mother. It took him too long to realize Wakatoshi was staring at him over his shoulder, waiting for Koutaro to expound on his question. Koutaro grinned. “I mean, your auntie is really pretty, so how do you do it, living in a house with an Omega like that?”

Wakatoshi seemed dumbfounded. He turned slowly and stressed, “Koutaro, he’s my family. He basically raised me.”

“Yeah, I get that! I didn’t mean it in a weird way! I feel like if Keiji was my auntie, though, I’d be showing him off everywhere, all the time! Plus, he smells really good.”

“It’s precisely because of Alphas like you that I don’t show him off willy nilly,” Wakatoshi pointed out sharply, making a good argument. “Also, he smells so good to you because you’re a non-related Alpha. I’ve heard the scent of a pregnant Omega can be even more arousing to Alphas, as well.” For a moment, Wakatoshi stopped, turning, and suddenly he said, “This was a bad idea, wasn’t it?”

Koutaro’s eyes went wide. “No way!” he insisted. “Listen, I might flirt like crazy, but it’s not like I’d ever, like, do something bad-!”

“Define ‘something bad’,” Wakatoshi insisted, and Koutaro waved his hands vaguely in the air.

“I’m a man of culture,” Koutaro swore like he knew what that meant. “I venerate beautiful moms and aunties everywhere~”

“Koutaro, you sound like a creep…” Wakatoshi told him, but Koutaro just grinned, shrugging.

“Even aunties need love, Toshi~” the Alpha hummed, not one to change his ways. Wakatoshi just sighed.

“Just don’t do anything stupid that’ll hurt my aunt’s feelings.”

Koutaro just stared in wide-eyed confusion, not even sure he was capable of breaking hearts. He was a man of love, after all! He especially loved older Omegas~

“What about your own family?” Wakatoshi asked shortly, the two familiar enough with each other by now for the question to not be as rude as it sounded. Koutaro hummed.

“Oh, they live in Fukuoka! I got a scholarship to play at Tokyo U, so even though it’s really far away, my parents said I should go. I get to see them over breaks and stuff, but mostly it’s just a lot of phone calls and care packages and stuff.”

Wakatoshi looked for a moment… surprised. Impressed? Koutaro gave a crooked grin. “What, did you think I had some mommy issues or something? I just love Omegas!”

“So why did you ask what it was like living with an Omega…?”

Koutaro’s face brightened up. “Oh, both of my parents are Alphas! My sisters, too~”

Now Wakatoshi really did look surprised. Koutaro grinned even more proudly. Wakatoshi slowly turned and muttered to himself, “I didn’t realize two Alphas could have…”

“Everyone’s always surprised,” giggled Koutaro, “but really, when I’m such a super Alpha, is it all that shocking?”

Wakatoshi turned fully at that and stared at Koutaro like the other was stupid. Koutaro shrugged, like there was nothing he could do but bear the burden of being so awesome. He took another sniff of the air and nodded. Not to be weird, but the smell of an Omega in the place they were the most comfortable and loved sure did hit different. It was like a drug to Koutaro, who had spent his most formative years around only Alphas. He should tell his parents about this; it was a whole new world.

When a soft knock sounded at the doorframe to Wakatoshi’s room, Koutaro’s head swiveled over, a smile already forming as the very scent he’d just been admiring leaked into the small bedroom. Keiji stood there with a soft smile, looking so damn pretty it had to be a crime, and Koutaro was on his feet in a second.

“Food ready?” he asked eagerly, stepping forward with a grin. Keiji rubbed at his belly and hummed, smiling up. Today he wore a cute little dress and oversized cardigan that might have belonged to Wakatoshi at some point. Koutaro had heard that pregnant Omegas liked to keep the smell of a familiar Alpha near them as they nested, whether their mate or a close family member. Koutaro was almost dragged down by jealousy, thinking Keiji would look so cute in his own large sweaters or jersey…

Slate grey eyes gazed up at Koutaro, little flecks of aqua in those pretty eyes, and Koutaro just stood there, staring down. If he had to rank them, he would say that Keiji was a little bit prettier than Atsumu, but he did like Atsumu’s brazen personality, very much like his own. Keiji, though, seemed more like an Omega that Koutaro could protect, one who would let him hold his hand and help him over puddles, sharing umbrellas or lunches. Was it just the pregnancy, like an innate Alpha thing? Koutaro’s eyes slipped down, his own hard belly so close to Keiji’s, and he almost reached up and touched before Wakatoshi pulled him out of the way and took Keiji’s hand, placing it on his arm to lead the Omega back down stairs. Koutaro’s jealousy reared its head again, and he rushed after the pair, taking Keiji’s other hand and doing the same. Thankfully the stairs were wide enough, though Wakatoshi stared at the other Alpha in mild annoyance.

The smell of fresh food hit Koutaro’s nose again, and he was buzzing by the time they’d walked Keiji to the dining room table, both Alphas taking a seat on either side. Keiji folded his hands on his belly and stared fondly at his two dinner dates.

“Go ahead,” he told them with a giggle, two dogs chomping at the bit. Even Wakatoshi looked a little more feral than usual, his stomach growling. Koutaro dove right in. “How was practice?” Keiji asked as the two piled their plates high with rice and beef, neither skimping on their veggies or sides, either.

Koutaro stuffed a mouthful of rice in and then replied, “Amashin’!”

Wakatoshi looked almost ashamed to know him as he scolded, “Koutaro, don’t talk with your mouth full. Do Alphas not teach their children manners?”

Keiji looked over in surprise, and Koutaro wiggled his shoulders, sitting up proud and straight. “Koutaro, your parents are both Alphas?” he asked with raised eyebrows as Wakatoshi served him his dinner. Koutaro wished he’d thought to do that, but Keiji’s attention was good, too.

“Yeah! Is it that odd?” He grinned, shrugging. Growing up, it had never really occurred to Koutaro that his family might be a little abnormal, but even now, it’s not like it bothered him if people thought it was weird. He liked being a marvel, if anything. He stuffed some more food in his mouth, watching Keiji the whole time. Flavor filled his mouth and he moaned, eyelids fluttering but his gaze never straying. Keiji blushed again, a soft pinking of his round cheeks. It was a really cute look~

“Hmm, it’s certainly a rarity,” Keiji hummed, smiling kindly. “It seems like they raised you well, though, Koutaro.”

Koutaro nodded, swallowing this time before agreeing fully. “My parents are great! And they are still super in love with each other, which is pretty great~ I was telling Wakatoshi that it must be different living with an Omega, ‘cause you guys smell so sweet and stuff!”

“Well, it’s different when it’s family,” Keiji explained even as he tugged at Wakatoshi’s cardigan that he wore, smiling softly.

“It’s comforting,” Wakatoshi offered, and Keiji nodded.

“Hmm, okay, I get that,” Koutaro hummed, very serious now. His parents’ scents were comforting, too, so that was easy to understand. “Omegas just smell so good, ya know? I really like your smell, Keiji. It’s nice and sweet~”

For a moment, Keiji paused, watching Koutaro, and then he asked, “Koutaro, have you never been around Omegas before?”

Koutaro blinked, thinking. He could recall a few Omegas in his school growing up, and of course at college. Most of his time though, had been spent in sports; football was a very Alpha-dominated club, but there had been cheerleaders and his friends’ moms- “No, not never. And my best friend’s mom is an Omega, and I’m over there all the time!”

Keiji just nodded, a little quiet suddenly. Koutaro tilted his head in surprise, but the moment was fleeting and soon he was stuffing food in his mouth again, moaning.

“Auntie, your food is so good~ Makes me never want to do groceries again. My dad’s a good cook, too, but nothing like this…” Looking at Wakatoshi, he hummed, “Omegas, man. They really are God’s gift.”

Keiji flushed, and Koutaro grinned at him, squaring his big shoulders again. He liked making Omegas feel good with compliments and flirtations. They were just so easy to praise~ And so cute, too! Atsumu didn’t blush like Keiji did, and Koutaro liked it.

“Koutaro, please eat like a civilized human,” Wakatoshi begged again, though he seemed to have already resigned himself to not being listened to. Keiji ate slowly, one little bite at a time, and Koutaro found it fascinating, enamored. He asked a million questions about what it felt like to be pregnant, about being an Omega, about living with one.

“My mom barely showed when she was pregnant! I remember seeing photos. I think you look so cute, though, Keiji~”

Keiji laughed softly, waving off the compliments even as his cheeks turned rosy. Koutaro grinned, beaming at Keiji and then Wakatoshi.

“I feel like we should be asking you more questions,” Wakatoshi said at some point, and Koutaro laid his hands out.

“I’m an open book!” To Keiji, “Ask me anything!”

The Omega hummed for a moment, but whether he was too shy or couldn’t think of anything, he said he didn’t really have anything to ask. Wakatoshi simply seemed to prefer the silence, and Koutaro turned back to his plate, refilling it and eating it all with happy little moans and hums. Despite having never lived with an Omega, Koutaro felt perfectly at home as the scent of lemongrass and mint wrapped around him.

After dinner, Wakatoshi volunteered both himself and Koutaro to do the dishes, instructing Keiji to go rest in the living room. While the Omega complained, saying it was rude to make guests do chores, Koutaro assured him that he was the best at washing dishes and really didn’t mind. “Just think of me as part of the family, Auntie!” he cheered as he helped Keiji over to the couch. He leaned over the Omega as he helped him sit, slate grey eyes meeting his own. Koutaro grinned, but Keiji seemed to freeze for a moment, his eyes swirling with something like warm awe. Koutaro had no way of knowing what this position did to Omegas; he simply ate up the blush it produced, thinking Keiji must think he was pretty great and manly.

Before heading back to the kitchen, Koutaro squatted down in front of Keiji and asked if he needed anything else, big hands grabbing at the arms of Keiji’s chair. The Omega just stared at him, stroking ever so slowly at his belly. Koutaro’s eyes snapped down and followed the movement, and after a while, Keiji asked him softly, “Would you like to feel it?”

Big, golden eyes snapped back up, and Koutaro swallowed roughly, too excited to speak as he nodded frantically. He surged forward on his knees, his hands slowly melting to Keiji’s belly. Above him, stuttered breaths rushed against his neck.

Koutaro forgot everything the moment his hands pressed flat to Keiji’s swollen belly, and a very weird feeling grabbed hold of him, something feral and possessive. This close, Keiji almost seemed to smell a lot sweeter, or was he scenting? Koutaro himself wasn’t aware of the pheromones he was letting out, but Keiji was getting a face full of it, staring right at the Alpha’s scent gland on his nape. Under Koutaro’s big palms, something wiggled and kicked. The Alpha’s head snapped up, and he was so close to Keiji as he stared, wide-eyed. A breathless moment passed between them, Koutaro’s whole being filling with a primordial feeling that he couldn’t name. Keiji’s gorgeous eyes seemed to shine, his baby wiggling under Koutaro’s palms like the Alpha’s scent was reaching him, too.

“Whoa,” rushed Koutaro, too stunned to realize he was probably too close. He kept staring up at Keiji, into his gorgeous eyes, and the Omega himself didn’t pull back, his dark pupils blown a little wide. Koutaro grinned and then glanced back down, but Keiji stayed frozen, breathing roughly. He clutched at the arms of his chair, but Koutaro was too wrapped up in the kicking baby under his hands to notice the shift in the Omega’s scent or his stiffness.

“This is so wild…” murmured the Alpha in awe, his hands roaming to follow the baby’s kicks. “Does it hurt?”

“No,” gasped Keiji softly. What he didn’t say was that this was the first time the baby had been so active. He stared at the top of Koutaro’s head, Koutaro fawning over his belly.

It was all over in a moment, as soon as Koutaro pulled back, the Alpha none the wiser to what he had just done to Keiji. He dumbly waltzed back to the kitchen and helped Wakatoshi with the dishes. From the living room, Keiji called, “I’m tired so I’m headed to bed.”

Wakatoshi moved quickly to the living room, quiet murmuring voices reaching Koutaro’s ears. When Wakatoshi came back, he looked at Koutaro like he’d never seen the other before. He stated simply, “You can head home. I’ll finish.”

It wasn’t until Koutaro was standing on the front steps, front door closed behind him, that he realized there had been a slight shift in the scents in the air. He pressed his nose to his shoulder and inhaled deeply, humming slowly, confused. He walked to his car in a sort of daze.

Why did his clothes smell so good, and why did his head feel a little fuzzy?

He shrugged it off and drove back to his tiny college dorm.

Chapter Text

Aina kicked her feet in the air, laying on her bed on her stomach. She had her homework spread out in front of her, but she definitely wasn’t focused on that right now. More important things demanded her attention.

The conversation had started with her asking her half-uncle, who was only about 4 years older than her, for help with her math homework that she didn’t really need. It wasn’t that Tobio was particularly smart either, but he did believe that he could be helpful to her if only for the fact that he’d already learned what she was learning now. Mostly, it was an easy excuse for Aina to talk to the boy. Over the years, she had collected a lot of ways to spark conversation, desperate to have things in common with Tobio, like volleyball. Of course she had grown to like the sport herself, but her intentions at the start hadn’t been so pure.

Maybe we could meet up! :D suggested the girl after Tobio had agreed to help out.

Well, I’m busy this weekend. I don’t mind FaceTiming, though.

Aina kicked her feet again, pouting. My homework’s not due until Wednesday so it doesn’t have to be this weekend :)

She watched Tobio’s talk bubble appear and undulate. A knock sounded behind her, and Aina quickly looked over her shoulder, making sure her phone was out of her mother’s line of sight as the door to her bedroom opened. Wide green eyes stared at Tooru’s brown.

“What are you up to in here?” Tooru called, knowing eyes roaming over Aina’s laid-out books and the phone she was trying to hide. Her mom cocked his hip and grinned. “Are you talking to a boy, Aina?”

“No!” blurted the young Alpha. Then, “I’m trying to study! What do you need?”

“Watch the ‘tude, missy. I just came to ask what time would be good for our mani-pedis this weekend.”

Aina glanced back at her phone, seeing that Tobio had responded now. She was torn between responding immediately or ignoring it for a moment when her bed suddenly dipped, and Aina yelped, a warm body leaning over her back.

“Who are you talkin’ to?” hummed Tooru.

“Mom!” Aina panicked, but Tooru was grinning. “It’s just Tobio!” spat out Aina, which could either be a good thing or a bad thing-

Tooru tossed the girl a quizzical look. “Oh, why didn’t you say so? Isn’t he going on a big trip with your grammy and granpops this weekend? I should text Mom…”

“Mom,” begged Aina, irrevocably embarrassed now. To Tooru, Tobio was just his little half brother, though with their age difference he was more like an uncle to the young Alpha male. To Aina, though, Tobio was…

“What? Did you want to go with them? They’re just going to visit Tobi’s aunt in Chiba-”

“Mom,” begged Aina again, fully embarrassed now. A trip with Tobio sounded both perfect and horrifying, and even though she got along well with her grandparents, she thought taking a family trip with her big crush and them would be mortifying. She used to go on trips with her grandparents all the time, when she and Tobio were both still very young, but now it was different. Now Tobio was nearly a man, and she blooming into a little lady. In a desperate act to get her mom off her case, she said, “Saturday is fine for our mani-pedis, Mom, I’m really not busy-!”

“Sure, honey,” hummed Tooru, standing up again. “Tell Tobi I said hi, okay?” he called as he walked out of her room and back downstairs. Aina melted against her pillows, face as pink as her bed set. She slowly lifted her phone and stared at the reply Tobio had sent a few minutes ago.

I could do Monday. Should I come over to yours?

Your place would be quieter :), Aina replied with one hand over her eyes, her cheeks burning up. She was grinning now. A date with Tobio!

The library would be the quietest place, and it’s halfway. Let’s meet there.

No! Damn! Aina’s perfect plans for a study date fell apart, but even so, she wasn’t going to back out and not see Tobio at all. She sent back a simple thumbs up and smiley face emoji, pressing her phone and other hand to her face now, too. Maybe she could convince Tobio that they would require a treat after studying and that she would need to be walked home… He was kind of stupid, but he was also diligent. Mostly because Tooru would give him hell and more if something happened to Aina, but she liked to pretend it was because the other Alpha cared for her as much as she cared for him…

“Aina!” called Tooru from downstairs, and the girl thought she might combust. She chewed back her attitude, though, knowing much better than that, and finally she stubbornly rolled back to her books. When her mother came back in to her room, it was to Aina actually studying.

“You hungry? I’ve got some leftovers, or we can order out-”

Aina spun around and begged, “Curry!”

Tooru grinned, the two usually thinking the same thing. Aina knew she encouraged her mother’s bad habits, but neither cared too much. The Omega waved the menu for their favorite curry place, phone already in hand. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Aina was about to turn back to her books, Tooru headed back out when he called over his shoulder, “Oh, how’s Tobi?”

The mortification was back in a flash. Aina chucked one of her pillows, the thing flying after Tooru as he balked in shock at her response. “Mom!” she yelled, but Tooru just mouthed that he was on the phone as he walked away, waving over his shoulder at his silly daughter.

Geez! Aina was just trying to get some lip action in her life! She thought her mother could probably stand to do the same…

Turning to the photo of her dad on her nightstand, one of him on his bike looking so cool, she sighed and told Hajime, “Mom doesn’t understand about crushes. I bet the only boy he ever kissed was you, Dad.”

-x-

Shugo tugged at the rolled-up sleeves of his nice button-up, having already run his hand through his hair ten times and scrubbed his palms against his fitted khakis a hundred. He wasn’t sure why he was even so nervous; he was only going out with Atsumu. It was probably all the hopeful dreams he’d been having since Atsumu had told Shugo to meet him once more. It was now early Saturday afternoon, and Shugo felt nervous.

Atsumu had picked out a quaint little café on the other side of the city from where his place was, getting closer to the ritzy neighborhoods and the fancy mansions where the huge corporate executives lived. Shugo had only been to this area of Tokyo a few times, but the café that Atsumu had picked out offered a good menu, if a little expensive, but that was the last of Shugo’s concerns. It wasn’t like he’d ever spent his earnings on anyone but himself, and he liked it when Omegas assumed he had the money to treat them. As an Alpha, there wasn’t much better than that, and now Shugo was discovering that he definitely liked to spoil the special Omegas in his life. He made his way down to the train station and then walked the last few blocks to the shop, trying not to look like a nervous wreck. It was just Atsumu, just Atsumu-

Shugo froze right outside the café Atsumu had picked, wondering for a wild moment if Atsumu had dyed his hair. No, that wasn’t Atsumu- Shugo sank down to his haunches as his knees went weak, his eyes snapping wide as his heart did a summersault in his chest. He was stuck between grinning like an idiot and serious panic. Glancing down, he messily unrolled his sleeves and hurriedly buttoned them up, smoothing the fabric as best as he could. In his back pocket, his phone buzzed.

are ya there yet? surprise!

Atsumu, I’m having a heart attack. Warn a man!, begged Shugo, but then he let out a giddy laugh. A date! With Osamu! It was happening!

And he was showing up empty-handed-

In a wild panic, Shugo looked up and then around. A few people were staring at him, but that hardly mattered. He had to get a gift, and he had to make sure Osamu didn’t wait for him. He had… three minutes, maybe. Squinting his eyes, Shugo noticed a florist sign hanging from the shop at the corner, and in an instant he was off, using his trained muscles for what they had always been meant for. Shugo wasn’t going to mess this up.

“I need a big bouquet-!” he called as he sprinted into the florist shop, a bewildered pair of eyes turning up. Thankfully, he was the only customer inside at the moment, the florist abandoning the bouquet he was working on to walk over.

“What kind of flowers would you like?” he asked with a slow smile, taking in Shugo’s flustered self.

The Alpha took a moment to breathe, and then he explained, “Ahh, I just had a surprise date launched on me, and I think he’s the love of my life but I can’t make him wait too long, so something that won’t scare him, but tells him… I’m serious?” Shugo gave a crooked smile and then asked, “Got anything like that?”

The florist smiled, finally getting a clearer picture, and then he nodded, suddenly bustling. “Do you have a price point? A favorite flower?”

“Ah!” Shugo exclaimed, pulling out his phone to find the card that Atsumu had given him. He’d taken a picture of it- “Chrysan- themums?” he sounded out, his brows knitting in confusion.

The florist nodded, moving around his little shop. “I have a few of those. How about a favorite color?”

Scanning the pictured postcard, Shugo saw nothing about colors, so he looked up and around, picking out, “Red… or pink.” Those were… passionate colors. The florist smiled at him and nodded like he’d done a good job, and Shugo let out a huge sigh of relief. He watched the bundle in the florist’s hands get bigger and bigger by the second, his heart pounding faster and faster. At some point, he just couldn’t wait any longer, so he blurted, “That’s… good. Right?”

The florist glanced at him and smiled again, kind and patient. “It’s a very good bouquet,” he promised. “I’m sure your date will be floored.”

“Fuck,” cursed Shugo under his breath, his lips wobbling into a big smile. He covered his face and then nodded, blindly handing over his card to pay. The florist rang him up and wrapped the bouquet prettily with some extra ribbon and bows, and then Shugo was off, running again but not as fast. He halted in front of the big window of the café, staring through first and then at his own reflection. Osamu was faced away from him, and Shugo wondered if the Omega knew he was coming or if it was a surprise for both of them. He fixed his hair quickly and then marched into the café, his heart creeping up into his throat.

The hostess glanced up from her stand, but Shugo motioned wordlessly that he was here for someone already waiting, and she let him by with a nod. The Alpha treaded quietly, staring at Osamu as soon as he could see him again, the Omega gazing down at his phone. A quiet, forlorn sigh seeped out past pretty lips, and Shugo’s heart threatened to choke him. Oh, he was so… excited.

He stepped up to the small table for two, steadying himself with three fingers to the tabletop, and then he cleared his throat softly and called, “Osamu.” Oh, the name felt perfect on his lips, but what was even more perfect were the grey eyes that suddenly shifted up, going wide in absolute surprise, Osamu’s whole face showing his shock. He was so pretty in that moment, so very pretty. Shugo shuffles on his feet and then smiled, his heart throbbing in his chest.

“Meian-… Shugo-kun,” Osamu whispered in surprise. Shugo wasn’t sure if it was better that Osamu was surprised, too. Was it a good surprise? “Are you here… on a date? Atsumu was meeting me…” Grey eyes turned back up, and Shugo swore he could see the realization hit, a glimmer of hope bursting to life on that pretty face. Osamu’s lips pulled together like he’d inhaled sharply, silent.

“Yeah, Atsumu said he was meeting me, too, but this is a hundred times better.” Shugo scrubbed at the back of his head, at his short hair, and grinned.

Osamu looked around and then down at his phone, a text lighting up the screen like Atsumu just knew. Osamu sat frozen, reading for a moment, and then he looked back up. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting… I’m not even dressed-” The nervousness was so easy to hear, something like embarrassment laced into the tremble. Osamu’s smile warbled with anxiety, but Shugo could swear he’d never had his eyes be so blessed by the visage before them.

“Osamu, you look beautiful. Please don’t fret,” he promised, his instincts kicking in as he released a rush of calming pheromones, and Osamu’s eyes went wide, almost like he’d never had this happen before. Surely Tetsuro… but this was different, wasn’t it? Shugo’s heart hurt while also pounding with joy. Slipping down into the chair next to Osamu, he handed over the giant bouquet. “For you, beautiful.”

It was a slow dawning, Shugo thought, but he loved watching Osamu’s cheeks flush red, his eyes growing a little misty as he covered his mouth with shaky hands. Shugo was so enthralled that he was left speechless for a moment. Osamu was dressed in a pretty blouse and a high-waisted skirt, and it wasn’t like he was even showing that much skin, but somehow Shugo was still drooling, needy.

“I can’t,” whispered Osamu, and Shugo’s eyes darted to grey ones as a moment of panic hit. “Thank you for the flowers, but I can’t take them home. My husband…”

Shit, of course. Shugo wanted to kick himself. He tried not to let his own face fall, but it was hard to hide that he felt like a failure.

“Ah-!” choked Osamu, but Shugo was quick to take his hands and promise, “Next time- next time I’ll get you something you can take home.”

Osamu went so prettily red that Shugo almost leaned down and kissed him, but he stopped himself, a reminder that Osamu was fragile and nervous and new to this halting him. He stroked his thumbs over dainty little knuckles and soft, soft skin instead. He was so fucking addicted already, the feeling having so wonderfully blindsided him. He felt like he was floating in space, everything so unknown and yet so exciting.

When he smiled again, the Omega slowly unwound, the relaxing pheromones in the air making him sink slowly back into his chair.

Suddenly Osamu let out a soft, embarrassed laugh, and he covered his mouth, whispering, “Sorry; this is my first date. Ever.”

Shugo raised surprised eyebrows, but when Osamu showed his panic again, shaking his hands like maybe he shouldn’t have said that, the Alpha smiled and assured, “Me, too, technically.”

This time, Osamu was speechless. His face was so easy to read, and Shugo felt pride swell up at the look that clearly said, No way, not an Alpha like this.

He leaned closer and hushed, “Promise. I’ve had partners, but you’re my first date.” There was no point in lying, not when Atsumu had already told Shugo so much about Osamu. It was only fair.

“I did hear… you were a playboy,” Osamu hushed, so, so cute with his flushed cheeks. Shugo couldn’t help but grin. He laid the flowers on one end of the table, out of the way, and then he leaned closer still to Osamu, his arm flexing under his cotton shirt. Osamu’s eyes darted down, flitting over Shugo like he was finally daring to take the other in. The nervous exhale he let out was almost orgasmic to Shugo. Oh, he wanted to hear this Omega make so many sounds.

“I was,” agreed Shugo. “I’m trying to reform myself.”

Osamu looked up in surprise. “Why?”

“Why do you think?” Shugo asked with a smile, and then he took Osamu’s hand with his free one again, stroking at his soft skin, so pale and easily blemished. He smiled when the Omega flushed again. A little more seriously, Shugo said, “I know this is still our first date, but you’re the first Omega that I’d be willing to give up everyone else for.”

Osamu blinked, eyes wide, and then he slowly pulled his hand back, whispering, “We should… take this very slow, Shugo-kun.”

“Please just call me Shugo, and of course, anything you need… or want.”

Osamu just stared at Shugo like he couldn’t comprehend this. “Want?” he asked slowly, his lips twisting into a confused frown. It was like no one had ever asked Osamu what he wanted, and Shugo felt a flash of anger rise up that he quickly bit down. He’d heard it from Atsumu, but it was another thing to see the truth of it on Osamu’s face. How could anyone be so cruel to such a beautiful Omega, to someone so fucking precious that it tore Shugo to pieces, a sinner at the altar?

He leaned forward and whispered earnestly, “Osamu, what do you want? Tell me.”

Grey eyes so earnest that it felt like he might melt under their gaze looked up at Shugo, Osamu balking, not knowing at all how to answer. Shugo smiled kindly; that was okay, he would teach Osamu. Tapping at the menu on the table, he hummed encouragingly, “Let’s begin with this, yeah? And… friends?”

Osamu’a eyes shifted down, and he stared at the menu book, at Shugo’s finger on it. He clutched his own hands together, nervous. Slowly Shugo moved his hand, first cupping Osamu’s clenched fists, and then reaching up to stroke lovingly at the back of his head. He settled his elbow to the back of Osamu’s chair with a smile. His grey hair was impossibly soft, springy under Shugo’s big hand, and he watched Osamu shut his eyes, lips parting like he was having a moment of pure Omegan ecstasy. Fuck, how much had this pretty man been denied the simplest things? Shugo stayed clear of the other’s scent gland, but even so, the sweetest smells of caramel and nutmeg filled the air, mixing with Shugo’s cardamon and patchouli. Shugo leaned imperceptibly closer, stroking his thumb through Osamu’s hair.

They sat like that for a long time, but time meant nothing to Shugo, not when he was with the one his heart longed for. He was happy to just stare at Osamu’s profile, at his softly blushed cheeks and his wobbly little smile, eyes focused in such concentration as he read and read and re-read the entire menu.

Finally, Osamu looked up with misty eyes and whispered, “What… sounds good to you?”

Shugo smiled. Oh, he wanted to kiss Osamu so badly… He stroked at the base of his skull again, Osamu shivering lightly like he’d just recalled Shugo was touching him. His eyes looked like the sea on a stormy night. “That’s cheating,” the Alpha hummed vaguely, smiling. He looked down at the menu, looked it over, and allowed, “There is a lot that looks good.

“Just get it all,” he shrugged after a moment, his eyes wrinkling at the corners as he smiled so fondly. Osamu startled back.

“No- I mean, that would be a huge bill, and my hus-” He paused, almost like he’d shocked himself, and then continued slowly, “Daisho would be suspicious of such a huge charge on his card-”

“I’m paying, Osamu,” Shugo said easily, smiling kindly. As open as Osamu’s face was, he wanted to know what the Omega was thinking.

“No-” begged Osamu with the widest eyes, but Shugo just leaned closer again, dousing the Omega in his pheromones as he breathed, “Let me, beautiful.”

Osamu shivered, frozen. He stared down at the menu, almost like he couldn’t look at Shugo or he might explode, and then slowly he picked out… one dish. Shugo simply smiled, petting at the Omega’s head again. It was a start. It was probably a great start, he thought. When their waitress came, he didn’t pull away from Osamu as he ordered from the man’s menu, two appetizers, a few different sides, and a sandwich platter to share.

When he turned to Osamu, the Omega balked for a moment before whispering in the cutest voice, “Ah, I’ll have… the chicken salad croissant…”

Their waitress, another Omega, smiled sweetly. “What would you like as your side?”

“Side…” whispered Osamu, so adorably frazzled that Shugo thought he might evaporate at how much he was overheating from the cuteness overload. He pointed out the list of sides, and the two let Osamu read over them in silence. Shugo could see the waitress watching him from the corner of his eye, but he was all eyes for Osamu only, still stroking at the back of his head. Oh, he wanted to bury his nose in that soft hair, just at the nape where Osamu’s scent gland was.

“I’ll have… the salad,” Osamu finally said, looking up like he’d just realized how he’d made everyone wait, and when the waitress asked what drink he wanted, he looked like he might faint from embarrassment. Thankfully, Shugo knew the answer to this, so he ordered a tea for his date and an iced coffee for himself.

When their waitress was gone, Osamu looked up, and with the cutest little dazed smile, he hushed, “I thought you would only drink alcohol.”

Was that… a joke? Shugo’s whole being lit up in delight. Osamu was trying to be cute and funny! He grinned at the Omega. “I didn’t want you to think I was drinking without you, or that I need alcohol when you’re a drug all of your own, darling.”

“Oh my gosh-” choked Osamu, going beet red again, and Shugo grinned.

“Seriously, you’re the cutest,” he promised, taking Osamu’s hand once more with his other one. “Is it too much?” he chuckled softly with a genuine smile.

Osamu chewed at his lip but opted for silence. After a while, he shifted his hand in Shugo’s, and then he asked quietly, “I’m wondering… how much Tsumu told you. About me.”

Shugo debated how to answer, but he knew honesty was the best. “Quite a bit, I would say. Enough for me to know what I was walking into. Part of me thinks he was trying to scare me away.”

Osamu covered his face and murmured in embarrassment, “He would do that.

“I’m the older brother, but he’s always the one who’s looked out for me,” Osamu told Shugo, the man smiling. He wanted to say he would happily take over the mantle and protect Osamu with his life, but he knew that was too much too soon, so he kept it to himself for now.

“I noticed you don’t have his accent,” Shugo hummed just to lighten the conversation up for a moment, to let Osamu know they didn’t have to talk about the heavy stuff if he didn’t want to.

Osamu let out a soft laugh, but he didn’t volunteer much aside from, “Yeah. I used to…”

Osamu with a kansai accent… Shugo thought he might combust. He said as much, and Osamu flushed, a burst of laughter slipping out in his surprise. Grey eyes turned up, glimmering so prettily, almost… hopeful. “Really?”

“Mm, really really,” Shugo promised.

“It’s un-Omega-like,” Osamu hushed, his lips twitching for a moment even though it sounded like he was trying at a joke again. Shugo just watched Osamu, stroking at his head and hand. He wanted to free Osamu from all the things that had been put on him, free him from his cage and shackles and see the real Osamu shine. He prayed he could do it because there was nothing he wanted more than that.

“It’s very cute, I bet,” Shugo disagreed, and then he shrugged, saying a little louder, “Geez, who cares about being so proper and perfect all the time. Even someone like you should be able to not be super perfect sometimes.”

Osamu blinked in surprise, and then he let out a laugh, giggling like Shugo had just said the funniest thing. Oh, Osamu was so pretty when he laughed or smiled or just… let go.

“You don’t have to be perfect with me,” Shugo promised in a quieter tone. He was not really sure what prompted him to say it, but he really meant it. Grey eyes darted up, and Osamu stared in open astonishment, hope flickering in his gaze. Shugo smiled, so crazily fond of this beautiful Omega already. Just… be happy, Osamu. You’re so gorgeous when you’re happy.

“Hmm,” was all Osamu hummed in the end, turning back and smiling softly.

Their food came, and when Osamu asked in shock if Shugo would eat all he had ordered alone, the Alpha revealed his plan to share so that Osamu could try a little of everything he’d been eyeballing.

Osamu sat speechless, staring at the spread like it was a feast in his honor, the best thing anyone had ever done for him, and Shugo’s heart ached to give this Omega everything, even the littlest things. He leaned down and kissed Osamu’s head softly, stroking at his hair before pulling back and raising his hands, promising, “Friends. For now.”

He would make Osamu fall for him, not in a manipulative way, but in a, ‘Choose me of your own free will’ way. He was sure he could, and if not, at least he’d free Osamu’s wings in the process.

They ate and talked mostly about Koichi and Tetsuro. Osamu seemed surprised at how many questions Shugo asked about his little boy, genuinely interested. It seemed Atsumu had tasked his son with watching the other’s, and Osamu talked fondly of their friendship, of the way Tetsuro had cared for him when he was pregnant with Koichi, how Tetsuro had cried the first time he had held his little cousin.

“They are so cute together, and Ko-chan really adores Tetsu-chan.” It warmed Shugo to see how Osamu beamed with pride, chatting so easily when it came to the people he loved. His heart was so pure, and Shugo finally understood the weight of Tetsuro and Atsumu’s words. It was a precious thing, and he would be greatly remiss to damage something this pure and selfless. In his heart, he promised to do everything he could to keep Osamu not only intact but to heal him, to preserve the things that made him so special and precious to those who loved him in return.

By the end of the date, Shugo felt so stuffed, both his stomach and his heart, that he was sure he would never love anyone else like this. Though he’d never believed in it, thinking of all of those silly fairy tales, he understood now what it felt like to feel fated to someone. Osamu was that for him, he thought. As much as Shugo wanted to save the Omega, he knew that Osamu, too, would save him from his mediocre living. Life looked so much more exciting now, and Shugo couldn’t wait to spend his time chasing after Osamu, forever if he was allowed.

“I’ll walk you home,” Shugo said, carrying the heavy bouquet as Osamu walked timidly just beside him. He let his hand hang open, brushing against Osamu’s, but the Omega never took it, flustered enough just with the occasional touches as they walked. Shugo let him be shy, showing that he could be good and restrain himself if Osamu needed it.

“Home is…” Osamu hushed, and Shugo smiled sadly as the Omega’s lips tugged instantly down.

After a moment, he hummed as inspiration hit him, “How about the park? Tetsuro and Koichi might be there…”

“Oh!” Osamu lit up, and Shugo nearly tripped over his own feet as grey eyes darted up, hopeful, excited. “Yes-! Please…” Osamu smiled shyly and nearly robbed Shugo’s throbbing heart out of his chest. Well, he could have it.

“Perfect,” Shugo murmured, stepping a little closer to Osamu. About halfway into their walk, Osamu ever so lightly brushed his fingers against Shugo’s palm, and then he quickly pulled a little ahead, his ears tipping red. Shugo had to cover his big, goofy grin.

Just before they got to the park, Osamu turned and hushed, “If we’re starting with friends… can I ask Atsumu for your number?”

Shugo grinned, letting out a giddy laugh. “You could ask me for my number,” he teased lightly, reaching out to knock gently at Osamu’s button nose. The Omega fumbled backwards but quickly righted himself before Shugo could grab him, already swooping down to catch his love. The two froze and slowly smiled at each other, so close. A few seconds later, Osamu glanced around nervously and then backed away from the Alpha.

“Then,” whispered Osamu as he pulled out his phone. Shugo did the same, unlocking it and handing it over. He deliberately left it on his home screen so Osamu would have to look around a little for his messages app or contacts folder, showing that he had nothing to hide. Osamu hurriedly handed over his own cell, forgetting to unlock it. Shugo stared down with bleary eyes, so happy he was going cross-eyed, at the beaming photo of Osamu with his little baby boy on the lock screen. He wished he could put into words how much he wanted to give this man everything. Osamu deserved so much more than the shitty hand he’d been dealt.

“Umm,” whispered Osamu nervously, and Shugo peaked up to see that Osamu had tentatively opened his messages, realizing too late what he was doing. He tried to hand Shugo his phone back, eyes averting, but the man just nodded, giving his go-ahead. Nothing to hide. Osamu stared up at Shugo and then back down at his phone. The few text threads were from Tetsuro, Naoi, Atsumu, as well as a group chat with Kiyoomi, Koutaro, and Tetsuro. Not that Shugo would have had any texts to hide even before he’d called off sleeping around since meeting Osamu, but it would be clear to the Omega this way that there was no recent activity indicating any sort of fooling around. Osamu tried to hide the exhale he let out. Shugo just smiled, and then he showed Osamu that his own phone was still locked, letting the Omega open up the right app and a new contact card.

Shugo kept his name nondescript in Osamu’s phone, but when he got his own back from the Omega, he added a few hearts to the end of his, grinning when Osamu blushed bright red.

“Oh,” he whispered, and then, quietly, “I bet you do this with all of your… partners.”

“No,” Shugo replied simply, smiling. “I don’t exchange numbers with anyone I’m not going to meet up with again.”

Osamu blinked, slowly processing as he turned to walk again. If he meant to say anything else, he didn’t get the chance as he was greeted by a warm shout of his name and an excited yelp. At the entrance to the park stood Tetsuro and Koichi, and the little boy bounded to his mother as soon as he saw Osamu. Tetsuro smiled fondly at his aunt before grinning for a moment at Shugo.

Osamu bent down and Koichi buried his face in the Omega’s neck, whispering quietly to his mom as Osamu replied in soft tones. The moment was so pure that Shugo could do nothing but just stare, unaware of the goofy smile on his face. He startled when a hand smacked his chest.

“Come on, big guy. I’ll walk you home.”

Shugo glanced over at Tetsuro and then back down. Osamu had risen, waving with a soft, happy smile on his lips while he held his boy against his chest. The Alpha’s heart skipped a beat again, and he was sure Tetsuro felt it. Shugo stared as Osamu turned away, headed home. Dark eyes watched Shugo over the Omega’s shoulder, and just before they turned out of sight, Koichi gave a shy little wave.

Shugo’s lips split into a huge grin, and he let out a short laugh. “Damn,” he husked, turning to Tetsuro and slowly following him.

“Go good?” Tetsuro asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Shugo breathed. “Perfect.”

Tetsuro looked surprised for a moment, but then he smiled. Nodding at the bouquet, he hummed, “You’ve really changed.”

Shugo held the bouquet for a moment, and then he held it out, knocking it gently against Tetsuro’s arm. “For your mom. Tell Atsumu I said thanks a million.”

Tetsuro took it, and then he nodded.

“I’ll take care of him,” Shugo promised after a long moment of silence between them.

“You better,” was all Tetsuro said, his face steely. Shugo smiled; Osamu was so loved, and that filled him with crazy pride.

“I swear it,” he husked.

-x-

“Here are the compiled documents for your meeting in the morning with the investors,” Shouyo began as he walked into Tooru’s office at the end of the day, running through his checklist as he set the folder he held down on the vice president’s desk. “I called the breakfast place to make sure they had our order and would be delivering it at 9 in the morning, making sure they know about the severe peanut allergy one of our investors has.”

Tooru sat back and smiled, nodding. Shouyo paused and grinned crookedly at him.

“I also looked into their financial backgrounds like you asked. Everyone looks pretty clear, but I had our accountant look over them as well. He flagged one of the investors as having some potential risk, saying he was a little bit more of a flighty man with a new-found fat wallet, but he said it shouldn’t be of too much concern.”

“Perfect,” Tooru hummed, crossing his legs in the tight pencil skirt he wore, his chest on display in his fitted blouse. Shouyo was always amazed by the older Omega; Tooru Iwaizumi still looked fantastic at 35, while Shouyo felt like he was already showing his age, three years younger than his boss. Maybe it was the perfectly swooped hair or the fancy creams Tooru could afford… Shouyo should ask for some recommendations, but it wasn’t like he stuck to his normal nighttime routine most days anyways. No sense wasting money; time wasn’t going to slow much at this age. Unlike Tooru, the redhead felt the ticking of the clock much more violently, his poor womb still angry and unused after 32 years.

“Sho, you’re staring,” teased Tooru, and the redhead blinked aggressively, his eyes jerking up as he nodded. He tended to do that when he got lost in thought, and Tooru was nice to stare at.

“Is there anything else you need before I head out?” Shouyo asked, Tooru just smiling fondly.

“Everything going good with my sister?” Tooru inquired after a minute instead of replying. Shouyo let out a soft laugh of surprise at the question. He glanced back at the chairs in front of Tooru’s desk and then sank down into one.

“Yeah, you know. The sex is good-”

Tooru raised his hands. “As much as I love sex, I really don’t want to hear about what my sister does to my assistant in the privacy of her home.”

Shouyo giggled. “Well, she’s good,” he promised, smiling wryly. Tooru just hummed.

“Good but not great?” he guessed.

Shouyo huffed, slumping back. “There’s just… no chemistry. I mean, it’s not like we’re in love. So the sex could be great, but it’s only good.”

Tooru laughed softly. “Sho, are you a cuddler?”

Shouyo huffed again, a little annoyed that Tooru knew him so well. “Yes, and Tomiko is absolutely-

“Not,” chimed the two together, Tooru giggling. “Yeah, I can see that.”

“Don’t get me wrong, she’s nice and great and stuff, and again, the sex is-”

“Good, right,” Tooru interrupted, rolling his eyes.

Shouyo clenched his fists in the air and begged, “I just want some romance! A brave, handsome Alpha - preferably rich - to sweep me off my feet~”

“Sho, babe, you’re dreaming. Hell, us Omegas are lucky if we get to experience that once in a lifetime love, ever.”

“You’re too cynical,” complained Shouyo without thinking, but he instantly shut his trap as sad brown eyes met his own. He covered his face and groaned; he always put his foot in his mouth.

“Well, at least you have someone for now to look after you and take care of your heats for you,” Tooru hummed, glazing right over Shouyo’s blunder. “I’m glad I introduced you to Tomiko. She’s rigid and a little hard to get to know, but she’s a good Alpha. And you and Takeru get along great together; Tomiko was always worried she spent too much time away from her son, so I’m glad she has you now.”

Shouyo smiled at the mention of his little buddy, eight years old and a real firecracker. The relationship he had with Tomiko was mutually beneficial, but Shouyo also really loved Tomiko’s son, the two like peas in a pod from the moment they met. Speaking of, Shouyo should get moving so he could relieve Takeru’s nanny for the night. He stood up and dusted off his pixie slacks.

“Hey, if you have another Alpha in your family that’s rich and dashing, hook me up,” teased Shouyo, to which Tooru rolled his eyes.

“As if I would just have one laying around,” the VP huffed, and Shouyo laughed, waving over his shoulder.

“Tell Aina I said hi!”

“She’s way too young for you!” called Tooru back, and Shouyo giggled as he grabbed his bag and headed out, nearly forgetting his phone and then his water bottle on his desk. In anything but his work, Shouyo was absolutely scatterbrained, and it was a wonder Tooru had seen some potential in him. Still, the job fit him well, and it helped that he and Tooru were good friends. Shouyo certainly wasn’t going to complain when the man had hooked him up with a cushy life as the Omega-with-benefits for his older sister. All-in-all, life was good, and Shouyo was satisfied, sexually fulfilled even if the physical touches outside of sex were lacking. Thankfully Takeru liked to cuddle with the Omega, and while it wasn’t the same at all, it abated Shouyo’s needs.

Besides that, Tomiko smelled, like, really, really good, and Shouyo liked nesting in her big bed.

The trip home was fairly short, just two stops on the subway and then a short walk. Shouyo got home right at 5:30, the nanny handing over Takeru to him with a smile as she headed out. Shouyo peered down at the eight-year-old, and the two grinned at each other as soon as the door shut behind the nanny.

“How much trouble did you get into today?” Shouyo asked the little Alpha. Takeru smirked, his front teeth a little crooked. Nothing his clear braces weren’t working on fixing.

“Not too much,” hummed Takeru, but Shouyo didn’t believe that for a minute. Still, he giggled, fist bumping his little buddy.

Shouyo trailed into the kitchen to find him and Takeru some food to eat, and as he reheated the fancy pasta dish the chef Tomiko hired had made for them the other day, Takeru asked, trying to be casual, “Hey, when’s Dad getting home?”

Shouyo peered around the fridge as the microwave spun their dinners around. With a fork in his mouth, he hummed. “She’s on a business trip, Take,” Shouyo reminded the little boy, and Takeru slowly nodded.

“Right…”

Shouyo pulled himself back, and then he slowly marched over to the young Alpha, grabbing him up in a hug and ruffling his hair. He wished he could do more than offer constant apologies, but this was why Tomiko had wanted him around. Shouyo didn’t really know the first thing about raising kids, let alone an eight-year-old, but Tomiko had thought it enough that they had grown close so quickly, the two terribly fond of each other. Takeru was a bit of a troublemaker and a rascal, but he behaved for Shouyo, which was more than even the expensive nannies could get out of the kid. “I’m sorry, Take. I’m sure it’s tough with her being gone all the time.”

Takeru shrugged, and Shouyo slowly smiled.

“Should we build a fort tonight and camp out in the backyard?”

Takeru’s eyes went huge. “Yes!”

Shouyo grinned. As the cherry on the cake, he said, “And your dad will be home tomorrow night.” Just in time for Shouyo’s impending heat… Tomiko was mindful of Shouyo’s schedule, making sure to plan her trips around it, and for that, Shouyo was eternally grateful. He’d always had terrible heats, but being with an Alpha, even if they weren’t in love, made it all much more bearable.

“First we have to eat, though,” Shouyo hummed as the microwave beeped at him.

“Oh, can we watch more fail videos?!” begged the Alpha, and Shouyo grinned.

“You read my mind. Go set up the TV, and I’ll bring our food.”

“Yes!!” cheered Takeru, off in a second. Shouyo let out a soft laugh, and then he sighed. It wasn’t all that bad; maybe he could deal with not getting his cuddles as long as he was pampered like this. It wasn’t like he’d survive out there on his own anyways, terrible Omega that he was. He hated cleaning and couldn’t cook, probably more likely to break the machine than get any clothes washed, and again, when it came to kids… Besides that, Shouyo was “too needy” and wiry. He needed constant reassurance and affection and was nearly insatiable in bed sometimes. He knew his flaws well; many Alphas had pointed them out to him repeatedly over the years. Thankfully, Tomiko, if she had any complaints, kept them to herself.

Shouyo scrubbed a small hand over his face, and then he balanced their two bowls and forks, waddling out to the living room where Takeru was already glued to the TV, sitting way too close.

“Coffee table,” the redhead scolded, and Takeru scurried back, never once taking his eyes off the TV as someone did a majestic belly flop into a big lake. “Ouch!” yelped Takeru, grinning madly. The two belly laughed and rolled on the floor between bites of food, and Shouyo thought it a shame that he seemed to fit in much better with an eight-year-old than the Alphas his age.

Whatever, he thought. Everyone should be jealous that he got to build cool forts and sleep in them at night, all of the luxuries in the world at his fingertips.

Yeah, life wasn’t so bad.

-x-

Tetsuro frowned as he peered over the back of the couch, trying to focus on the paper he was supposed to be writing but very distracted. Atsumu hadn’t said anything, but Tetsuro had known his mother quite well these past twenty years, and he knew when something was wrong. Atsumu was listless recently, often moving about aimlessly like he was forgetting things while he was in the middle of them. It was so unlike the Omega that Tetsuro couldn’t help but worry. He’d wanted to give his momma time to tell the Alpha in his own, but Atsumu was incredibly tight-lipped, and Tetsuro just couldn’t keep acting like he didn’t notice.

"Momma,” called Tetsuro after Atsumu had wandered into the kitchen and then back out again three times. Golden eyes turned to him in surprise, and Tetsuro just knew that something big was occupying the Omega’s brain. “Come sit,” he said, waving Atsumu over. He set away his laptop and grabbed a blanket, arms spread and ready to receive Atsumu. The Omega eagerly crawled into Tetsuro’s arms and snuggled close, Tetsuro tucking him to his side with the blanket.

“You doing okay?” asked Tetsuro after a while, the two always suckers for just spending time together. Atsumu hummed, but it wasn’t a denial.

After a while, Atsumu sank deeper against Tetsuro’s side and sighed, “Ya always were able ta tell so easily, even when I tried ta hide it. I should know by now that I can’t fool my baby…”

Tetsuro rolled his eyes lightly, but then he smiled, hugging Atsumu tighter. “Tell me, Momma.”

Atsumu let out another heavy sigh, long lashes fluttering slowly shut. He lay against Tetsuro for a long while, quiet.

“It was kinda stupid,” he finally muttered. “I don’t know if I meant it seriously in the moment, but I asked… I asked Alex if we shouldn’t just date. He said no, of course-”

"Momma,” scolded Tetsuro, a loud sniffle sounding. Atsumu held himself together, though, shrugging slowly.

“I just didn’t think I’d feel so shitty… I’m embarrassed! Me! And then I have ta go ta work again tomorrow and face him-”

“Why did he say no?” Tetsuro asked, hugging Atsumu closer. Lashes fluttered, golden eyes staring ahead.

“Oh, you know,” Atsumu muttered after a while, his body going a little rigid like it did when he lied. “He’s just way outta my league n’ I shoulda known-”

"Momma,” interrupted Tetsuro sharply, and Atsumu sighed.

“He’s my boss. I do a good job for him, and he doesn’t wanna loose that.”

Tetsuro frowned. Alex had certainly never acted like he was just Atsumu’s boss, but he supposed a relationship was a lot different than innocent flirting, even if it was at every turn. Tetsuro had spent one evening with the pair and he’d been so damn sure that Alex was smitten with his momma, like seriously gone for the Omega, but maybe… He’d been wrong before, he supposed…

“I think I should quit,” Atsumu said so suddenly that Tetsuro didn’t know how to respond, the Omega clutching at the other’s arms, almost as if to hide the shake to his hands. “Will ya take care of yer momma, Tetsu-chan?”

“Of course I would, but, Momma, this isn’t like you-”

“I’m so embarrassed!” roared Atsumu, suddenly covering his face. His ears tipped red, and Tetsuro almost wanted to laugh. He’d never seen his mother like this. He chewed back a giggle and kissed Atsumu’s ear. “I mean, I’ve never been turned down before, but also he’s my boss, and we flirted all the time, and what the hell am I supposed to do now-?!”

“Well, don’t flirt with him anymore,” Tetsuro offered stiffly, to which Atsumu huffed.

“Yea, dummy! I mean, how am I supposed ta keep facin’ him when he knows I’ve been crushin’ and imaginin’ him without his clothes on this whole time!”

Tetsuro let his giggle out this time, hugging Atsumu and kissing behind his ear. This was one of the things that made his momma so great… “I’m sure he’ll act like nothing happened and be as nice as always-”

“That’s awful! I want him ta feel bad!”

Tetsuro grinned. “You want him to regret it?” He let out a short laugh, smiling bright.

Atsumu clutched at Tetsuro’s arms again and hissed, “Yes!”

Tetsuro let out another laugh, but Atsumu interrupted it, saying with flushed cheeks, “Mostly, I just wanna dig a big hole and sink into it. Tetsu-! What am I gonna do?! It’s not like I can just tell myself ta stop flirtin’ and picturin’ him naked, and I’m sure he knows that. And he knows my weaknesses!”

“Weaknesses?” asked Tetsuro with a cheeky grin, Atsumu smacking his arm for it. The Alpha shrugged. "Momma, that sounds more like his problem. He’s the one that turned you down.”

Atsumu wailed, letting out a very dramatic sob. Tetsuro rolled his eyes even as he kissed behind his momma’s ear once more with a fond smile.

“Well, I can’t tell you what to do, but if you do want to quit, I’ll support you, you know that. You can lay back and take it easy~”

“Oh, my baby~!” mourned Atsumu, hugging Tetsuro’s thick arms tightly, and the Alpha grinned. “This is what makes ya the best~ I only need one Alpha in my life!”

Tetsuro snorted, pointing out that Atsumu could certainly handle more than one Alpha and absolutely deserved a whole harem. Atsumu giggled, giddy again, much more like himself.

Tetsuro glanced at his laptop, and then he shoved the thing farther away with his foot and said instead, “Let’s watch a movie.” Atsumu cheered, always the bad influence on his angel son, as he would put it. Tetsuro rolled his eyes and let Atsumu pick their movie with a smile, knowing just how to spoil his momma.

Atsumu never budged from Tetsuro’s arms the whole time, perfectly happy there.

-x-

Osamu had been trying very hard to keep a straight face all evening, especially around his husband. His cheeks ached, eyes wide, heart lodging between his ribs. He kept his phone in his back pocket, but he could feel it going off every once in a while. He’d excuse himself to get Koichi a second serving or grab more napkins or replace the fork he “accidentally” dropped, all just to check his texts. Every time he came back to their dining room, he was sure Daisho would know what he was up to, but the man barely even looked up, absorbed in the work on his laptop. Osamu would quietly ruffle Koichi’s hair and kiss his cheek, each time sitting down with a feeling like he was floating in a lake, the rock he’d been holding for fifteen years ever so slowly eroding, growing smaller. Just above him, he could begin to make out the rippling edges of sunshine filtering through the top of the water, and just below him, a cold hand grasped around his ankle. Osamu hadn’t felt like he could breathe for more than a decade, but this was the first time he’d hoped he might one day be able to.

Shugo Meian made Osamu feel all kinds of ways, each new, each as terrifying and wonderful as the last. Osamu could barely keep the smile off his face, his hands shaking, his heart in his throat. Dinner was almost painful to get through, and afterwards, Osamu spent a little too long washing the dishes just so he could stare out through the window and grin like an idiot with no one to see. Koichi had been quietly watching his mama since his park date with Tetsuro last weekend, just silently observing. It wasn’t hard to see the changes in Osamu, especially when he didn’t try to hide them as much around his little son, but Koichi didn’t ask any questions, only taking it all with smiles and glittering eyes, happy even if it was for an unknown reason.

Osamu tucked Koichi into his bed like he did every night, but tonight he lingered for a while longer, stroking at Koichi’s pretty little face. He watched big eyes slowly close, long lashes fluttering over flushed cheeks, and as he listened to Koichi’s breathing even out, he thought, Baby boy, don’t do what your mama did. Find someone you love and do whatever it takes to be with them, to be happy; I won’t let you marry just anyone like I did with your papa.

As if on cue, Osamu’s phone buzzed in his back pocket, and he glanced first at Koichi to make sure the little boy hadn’t awoken before he carefully pulled it out, folding his arm to lay on it atop Koichi’s mattress. His screen lit up, Shugo’s name announced across the little banner notification that showed. Osamu unlocked his phone, reminding himself to delete the whole text thread before he went to bed tonight.

Sorry for the few and far between responses. Work has been busy, but I keep thinking about you and it helps pass the time.

Osamu covered his big smile with his hand, breathing slowly. He wanted to cry, honestly, as he lay there on Koichi’s little bed, his heart hammering against the side of the wooden frame. Shugo was so many miles different from Daisho that it felt like totally foreign territory. Osamu had never even been flirted with, let alone at an expert level like this. He barely knew what to say sometimes, but that’s what made it all so… perfect. He liked this breathless feeling, sweet words leaving him speechless. Something had awakened in Osamu, and it would not quiet any longer. He was hungry, ravenous for the affection Shugo so easily dished out, affections Osamu hadn’t even known he was worthy of until now. This sort of affection had seemed more like a fairy tail until a few days ago, but now it was real, absolutely real, and Osamu felt like his stomach was hollowed out, stuck to his spine, beyond starved after years and years and ages of being neglected.

I’ve also been kept busy, but now Ko-chan is asleep. I hope work is going well even if it’s busy.

Hopefully you’re thinking good things… Osamu typed and then erased. What kinds of things are you thinking about me? No… In the end, Osamu just sent a blushing smiling face.

He slowly scraped himself off the floor, kissing Koichi’s little head and brushing his soft bangs back before oh-so-quietly stepping out, shutting the door. The light under Daisho’s study door was on, and Osamu paused for a moment, glancing over at it. His phone was silent, so he slowly ventured over to the office, almost like… he had to make sure.

He knocked softly and waited to be permitted entry. Daisho raised his head but didn’t look up as Osamu stepped just into the fancy home office, typing away at his laptop like he’d done all night.

“What is it?” Daisho clipped shortly. Osamu’s hands clutched at his phone and the doorknob behind him.

He waited for a beat, just waiting to see if Daisho would actually look at him, and finally he said, “I just wanted to let you know I’m headed to bed.”

“Okay. Good night.” It was like Daisho was talking to an employee, not his wife. Osamu pursed his lips. He wasn’t even disappointed anymore; that feeling had not registered since their first few months of marriage.

“Don’t work too hard,” he said flatly as he turned to step back out.

“Don’t worry about me,” Daisho replied, curt, and Osamu almost smiled. It was the same as it always was. Daisho barely let him within arms reach, nothing more than an object of convenience for the man, to keep away pestering parents. To Daisho, Osamu had never been anything more than a stepping stone on his path to success.

Osamu shut the office door quietly, and then he rushed as silently as he could back to his bedroom. He undressed in a heart beat, and then he locked all of his doors and filled his tub. He sat at the edge and unlocked his phone. A new text from Shugo.

I know you must be busy, so don’t worry about it, Osamu. Koichi seems like a good kid. You must be so proud of him. Work is… work. I’d rather be spending time with you, but I suppose my thoughts will have to do for now ;)

…Aren’t you gonna ask what I’m thinking about you?

Osamu covered his mouth and chewed back a stuttered laugh, his heart slamming against his rib cage. Oh, how did Shugo do that so easily? Osamu shut off the water, his tub full, and after dropping in a bath bomb, he sank into the water, trying not to imagine it was actually Shugo’s… strong arms and lap…

Koichi is the best gift I’ve ever been given, but lately it seems like I am being extra blessed :), Osamu typed out, wondering if his flirting would even register. He was bad at this. I did want to ask, he replied honestly, but I didn’t want to come off as conceited.

Osamu, Shugo replied, and Osamu could almost hear the fondness in it. He sank down deeper into the water, still trying so hard not to equate the heat with Shugo’s certain warmth. Darling, you have absolutely zero danger of sounding conceited. Ask anything you want. Say whatever. I promise you I want to hear it all, ‘cause I want to know about you.

Osamu felt his cheeks burning, and he waited, but it seemed like Shugo was waiting, too, for Osamu to actually ask. So… what are you thinking, then? the Omega ventured.

About what? teased Shugo. Osamu huffed, but he could feel his cheeks aching from his smile, his heart racing. He glanced nervously up at his locked bathroom door, like Daisho might just… know. The small space was growing heavy with Osamu’s scent. The Omega wasn’t sure he’d ever even properly scented in this house outside of his heat.

What are you thinking about me? Osamu braved, and then he quickly locked his phone and set it aside, diving down under the water. Between his legs, he ached, and as he curled his legs up, he could feel his small cock pressing into his belly. What was this feeling; it was different from a heat. It radiated all through Osamu’s being, but he left it alone even as it begged him to do something about it.

He slowly resurfaced, drying his face and hands with the towel he’d set beside his head. He slowly picked his phone up again. Shugo was typing.

I think about your gorgeous face and your pretty body. I think about how sweet you are, how I wished I’d met you sooner, how much I miss you even when we’re talking like this. I worry that you’re doing okay, I hope you’re smiling when you read my texts, I think about how I want to see that and hear your voice. I think a lot… especially late at night.

Oh, Osamu had a million questions. He could guess what Shugo was hinting at, and the ache between his thighs grew more pronounced. He wanted to ask, but his fingers just hovered over the screen.

Even though you barely know me? he typed out slowly, cheeks burning. His heart barely felt like it was in his body anymore. He shut his eyes and soaked up the warmth of the water and the warmth of those words no one had ever said to him before.

Well, that’s just it, isn’t it? I want to get to know you more so I can think more things about you :) Why do you think I keep bothering you with all my texting ;)

You’re not bothering me, Shugo.

You said it :) Shugo replied instantly. My name. Damn; I want to hear your voice…

Osamu dipped his chin into the water, smiling ever so softly, and then he tried it, barely a whisper. “Shugo…” Heat flared, and Osamu nearly dropped his phone in surprise as his heart thundered in his chest. Oh, he could have sworn he heard a door open and it terrified him, but he was safe. With Shugo, even over text, he felt… safe.

He hadn’t even realized he felt unsafe until now. Osamu melted back into the water, just his eyes and hands above. Shugo, Osamu tried again. Tell me… what you think about me at night.

Are you really okay with that? I’ve been flirting, but if I answer that question, I’ll be straight up sexting.

Oh. Osamu’s cheeks flamed red even though he thought he’d assumed that’s what Shugo meant, but seeing it typed out… Osamu covered his eyes, terrified to be the one, to type out the words his whole body screamed. It felt like a precipice, a warning in a game. If you proceed beyond this point, there is no turning back.

Do you wish to continue? Yes/No

Osamu ignored the heat between his thighs and the slick dripping out of his pussy. He ignored the way his chest felt tight, his lungs breathless, head light. He should get out of the tub soon, but he just lay there. In the back of his mind, he didn’t want to leave the best example he had of what Shugo’s hugs surely felt like, even though he’d told himself not to imagine it…

Osamu, if you really want me to answer your question, can you wait until I get off work? Or at least until I’m closing the bar? I’m already scenting up this place like crazy, and it’s bad for business. The little emoji Shugo sent had Osamu giggling, but the heat that was spreading was undeniable now. If Osamu let it take him over, he knew it was just as much of a warning as the question he’d asked had been.

But he’d asked. And he didn’t want to stop, right? He wanted to be happy… didn’t he?

He slowly opened up another text thread, and in a rush, typed out to his twin, Tsumu, Shugo wants to sext me but I’m terrified and I know that if I let him there will be no going back and what if I… fall…

My body is already burning up, Tsumu. SOS.

The reply was instant. of course. what the hell, samu?! whyre ya askin me when ya know what imma say. just lookin for someone ta tell ya its okay? well fuck, samu, of course its okay. so do it, touch yerself, imagine him, whatever. samu, stg if ya dont start followin yer heart im gonna come pummel ya.

Tsumu! Osamu replied, scandalized.

DO IT SAMU. TOUCH YERSELF.

You’re my brother, that’s gross-

were ya gonna do it if i didnt tell ya?! come on samu~

Osamu covered his face. He should have known better, but he was looking for something more like…

His phone buzzed. ffs, samu. listen ta me. if ya want this, then do it. if yer worried about hurtin’ daishit’s feelings, do it anyways ‘cause fuck him. and if yer worried about what ko-chans gonna think, think about how ya want him ta be happy one day too and set the example for him. let him know he can follow his heart by followin yers, samu.

ive got yer back, samu, ya hear me? ill cover ya. so start doin the shit you want to now. fan the flame! do the sexting! channel yer inner me~

Osamu covered his face with his phone and two hands, the only sound his breathing and thundering heart. What he wanted…

Tsumu, if this goes to shit… Do you really think… Shugo will…? Osamu couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t imagine anything beyond the life he’d lived the past… twenty-one years. Lonely, miserable, controlled, sad. The little reprieves like Koichi and Tetsuro had barely been a bandage over his bleeding heart, but giving into this might rip that band-aid clean off and leave his heart to bleed. And yet- and yet! Osamu couldn’t bear to be lonely anymore, the feeling seeming to consume him like thorny vibes, pulling tighter every year. Osamu was petrified.

just ask him yerself, dum dum. Atsumu replied. Then, a little kinder, samu, the life yeve lived til now… its no life for an omega.

I can’t… think like that. That’s… It means I wasted… so much time… Osamu inhaled sharply, but no, he had to say it. It was time. High… fucking… time that Osamu spell it out, for his heart, for himself. Wasted it on a man who won’t even look at me, let alone love me.

samu. ya deserve ta be happy, but more than that, as an omega, ya need ta be. do ya understand? ya dont just want shu, ya need him. and while im the last ta tell ya ta trust an alpha, hes one of the good ones, samu.

In Osamu’s mind, the question presented itself so clearly. Do you wish to proceed? Yes/No

Yes, Osamu thought. Yes, he wished to. Yes, he wanted to. Yes… he needed to. Not just for his sake, but for Koichi, for his boy’s happiness, to end this cycle of neglect and… abuse.

I’ll wait for you, Shugo. Osamu texted. Just… will you catch me if I fall? I’m terrified of getting hurt.

Alpha, will you… promise me?

Thick tears seemed to sear Osamu’s cheeks, and he sank down, staring at his phone, staring at Shugo’s text bubble undulate as he typed.

Shit, Osamu.

Of course I promise you. So please…. Please fall. I’ll catch you. I’ll protect you. I’m strong, Osamu, stronger than anyone else for you. It was like saying it without spelling it out. Shugo was a stronger, better, perfect Alpha compared to Daisho, and he was ready to prove it whenever, wherever.

I’m terrified, Shugo. Osamu sent with shaking fingers and tears blurring his vision.

I’m not <3 I just want you to be mine. Let me be the Alpha you’ve been waiting for, Osamu. Be my Omega.

Osamu’s whole body shook, and he had to set his phone away. With tears streaming down and his heart in his throat, Osamu pressed the metaphorical Yes as he reached between his legs and slipped his fingers over his aching lips. Hurry, Shugo, please hurry. Catch me. Sweep me off my feet.

Convince me that I’m not making the worst mistake of my life. Let me fall in love with you, and promise… you’ll fall even more in love with me.

With a tremble, Osamu’s voice slipping shakily out, he pressed inside his pussy as it ached, the first time it had ever been so wanton outside of his heat. He was burning up from the inside out. He grabbed his phone and typed out a messy message.

Hurry, Shugo. Please.

Hold on, my darling! Shugo replied, and Osamu clenched around his fingers as he came, his whole body shaking through his orgasm. Oh, they had never felt like this before… The whole bathroom was stuffed with the smell of nutmeg and caramel. Osamu’s nose desperately searched for the responding scent of his Alpha even when he knew Shugo was too far away. There was only the staleness, the lack of anything but his own scent. Even Daisho’s scent did not reach him. Only heat entrapped Osamu, and he thought he might burn alive.

Oh, he needed Shugo. Atsumu was so right.

The long-dormant Omega in Osamu awakened, and now there was no more going back.

-x-

Shugo felt like he was attached to a live wire, his whole body electrified. He barely even noticed the two girls at the end of the bar, showing off their tits every time they leaned over to order a drink, or the guy who was trying very hard to get Shugo to notice him. The little breaks Shugo could manage were spent replying to Osamu, feeding his wild inner Alpha, begging for the time to pass faster. He barely even noticed the phone number on the napkin he swept away as he cleaned the bar in a hurry. He’d made Osamu wait so long, but the Omega was still awake, albeit sleepy if his messy spelling and shorter replies were anything to go off of.

Shugo still made sure to be diligent, but he was sure he’d set a record in his closing time tonight, grabbing his stuff in one hand and his phone in the other as he headed out the door and back home. It was dark and very quiet as he ran, and he almost felt bad for disturbing the peace, but he couldn’t stand it a moment longer. He pressed the call button by Osamu’s name and pressed the phone to his ear. After two rings, the line clicked on, and the first thing Shugo heard was soft breathing. He slowed his feet.

“Hi,” whispered the voice of an angel, and Shugo had to smack himself across the chest to keep himself from letting out a giddy giggle.

“Hi, Osamu,” Shugo hushed sweetly, his voice deep and warm. “I’m sorry I made you wait, darling.”

There was a moment of pause, and then Osamu breathed out in a quiet voice that had the Alpha running again, “Shugo… It’s alright.”

Shugo let out a short curse, and he was glad he kept his body in shape as he booked it back to his apartment. Thankfully it wasn’t far from the bar, and Osamu seemed happy enough just to hear the other’s breathing. As Shugo booked it up the stairs to his place, he husked, “I’ve been thinking about this all night. About you.”

A shy little hum sounded on the other end, and Shugo asked, “Are you still scared?”

“Yes,” Osamu admitted honestly, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m putting a lot of trust in you, and we really… just met. Plus, my husband-”

Shugo shut his front door behind him, locking it, and then he husked, “Listen, Osamu, I know I’m young and I know I have a reputation, but I have never felt the way I feel now about anyone else, and I know that I will fight for you, whatever it takes, because you… fuck, Osamu, you are a once-in-a-lifetime Omega, and I don’t say that lightly. So, I will give you my word as a man, as an Alpha, as… a lover, that I will not break your trust, and that I will protect you, rescue you, steal you away, whatever you want.” He paused for a moment, kicking off his shoes, and then he asked, “Does that make you feel a little bit better, Osamu?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt because of me,” Osamu replied after a short while, but Shugo shook his head.

“Darling, that should be my line. I’m the one that doesn’t want you to get hurt, so let me worry about any fall-out. If your husband decides… that he has an issue, he can take it up with me. Promise you, sweetness. I’ve got you, I’ll be your shield. And until that day, we’ll be careful, but I’m not going to run away from you or this feeling.”

“It doesn’t bother you…? The morality of it?” Osamu asked, tired and still uncertain. Shugo could understand the hesitation; he would never want Osamu to take this lightly, of course, but at the same time, he was desperate to prove that Osamu could let Shugo do the worrying.

Shugo let out a soft laugh, and he hushed, “Darling, I’m not sure if you’d noticed, but morality wasn’t always very high on my list. I try to be a good guy, but I get up to hijinks. Besides, you are so, so worth it, so no, I don’t mind being the hero who rescues a damsel in distress from a wicked Alpha. I want to be your Prince Charming~” he teased softly as he expertly undressed himself, his phone still to his ear.

“Well, you are charming,” hummed Osamu with a soft giggle, and Shugo grinned.

“Am I?”

He could almost hear Osamu roll his eyes, though his voice was kind as he said, “You know you are…”

Shugo didn’t want to say it aloud lest the image of a confident Alpha be shattered, but he had to admit he’d been a little worried. Osamu just seemed so out of his league, and even Shugo had wondered if he could bag an older Omega of that caliber. Instead of replying, he peeled his underwear down, and he sighed aloud as he palmed at his erection, raging since he’d heard Osamu’s soft breathing. “Osamu,” he called, pausing for a moment to see if the other would back out. Osamu, though, was quiet. “You asked me… about the things I think about?”

A soft hum reached Shugo’s ears, and he sank down into his bed, stroking himself slowly. As he circled his fingers around his head, he imagined pretty little lips there instead, Osamu’s tongue flicking out. A shudder escaped past the Alpha’s lips.

“First, I imagine pulling you into my lap, holding you. I think about kissing you and how soft and sweet your lips must taste.” A soft whimper reached Shugo’s ears, and he wondered how sensitive Osamu was. Was imagining Shugo’s arms around him already doing it for him, or had he been horny all this time, waiting, just like Shugo? Maybe a little bit of both, the Alpha thought as he whispered, “Osamu, do you think about that? My arms around your body, holding you, touching you.”

Osamu let out a soft, embarrassed noise, and Shugo couldn’t help his big grin. He wished he could see the Omega’s face and the cute expression he was definitely making.

“Osamu,” he called in his deep voice. “You don’t have to be shy with me. I want to hear about your fantasies, too.” Osamu was quiet, and Shugo asked kindly, “Are you tired?”

“No,” Osamu replied, surprisingly fast. He let out a short, dry laugh like he knew he’d been caught. He hummed shyly, and then he asked, “Doesn’t it make me sound like a silly virgin… if I say that I just want you to wrap me up in your… big arms… and hug me?”

“No,” promised Shugo. “That’s what makes you so good, darling. Your purity and innocence… Really, it’s amazing how many boxes you tick for me…”

“Shugo,” scolded Osamu softly, embarrassed, and the Alpha hummed, grinning.

“Osamu, do you think about touching me? You can do anything you want to me.”

“Of course I do,” Osamu rushed. “I’d be stupid-” he began, almost like he’d spoken before thinking, his brain finally catching up. “-not to,” he added in a mumble. Shugo couldn’t stop grinning.

“I dream about touching you… everywhere,” he husked like his admission might encourage the Omega to do the same. “First running my hand through your hair, touching your nape. Wrapping my hands around your little waist and then sliding them up your back.” Shugo stopped there, his eyes shut as he imagined it, letting his rough breathing do the talking for a moment. Osamu shivered.

“Your hands,” he whimpered, clearly affected. Shugo knew it wasn’t his pheromones, and it was a serious turn on to know it was just his voice that was doing it, the fantasy of their first time.

“My hands,” repeated Shugo in a husk. “Where do you want me touching you, darling?“

“Under,” begged Osamu breathlessly. “Under my shirt.”

Shugo let out a deep, resonating hum. Osamu whimpered again, mewling. “And… your hands?” teased the young Alpha.

“On… on your arms. Your chest… Your big…”

Shugo grinned, the praise just tearing through him like nothing else had. It was all so hot and sensual, and he wasn’t even… with Osamu, not even in the same room. Shugo had definitely never had phone sex before, but he could imagine it wouldn’t have ever been half as exciting as it was right now. “My big…?” he prompted, Osamu inhaling sharply.

“Your muscles… Your big arms and shoulders and pecs-” Osamu inhaled like he’d run out of breath, and Shugo let out a short, surprised exhale.

“Yeah?” he asked, grinning, flexing though there was no one to see. “You like my body?”

“Yesss-!” begged Osamu, and this time Shugo let out a surprised laugh.

“Okay,” he said, nodding. “Okay, alright.” He knew Omegas liked his body, but it had never played much into his fantasies to be the one adored, preferring more to get down and dirty as quickly as possible. But if it was Osamu, oh… He’d let the Omega take his damn time and do anything he wanted.

“What?” whimpered Osamu, embarrassed again, but what he couldn’t see was that Shugo’s erection was raging hard, his hand pumping fast.

“No, that’s good,” breathed Shugo quickly. “Perfect, actually. Wanna take my shirt off?”

“Yes-!” hiccuped the Omega, and Shugo grinned wide.

“Then let me undress you, too~ Skin-on-skin~”

“Shugo-” begged Osamu, and suddenly there was a very distinct sound over the phone’s speakers, one Shugo knew quite well. It was loud, lewd, and Shugo had to bite back a shocked curse. Osamu was fingering himself, and he was wet as hell. The Alpha didn’t think Osamu would last through his whole fantasy, but he wasn’t doing much better, either. Just hearing Osamu… Fuck. He put the call on speakerphone and laid his phone on his heaving chest. Osamu’s breathing and sounds filled up his small apartment perfectly, enhancing the fantasy so much more.

“So now you’re touching me, and I’m touching you. Can you feel how hard I am as I pull you closer?”

“Are you?” choked Osamu, and then he whimpered, “Shugo, me, too.”

Shugo hissed, his hand tightening around his shaft. “Osamu, tell me what you’re wearing.”

“Right now…?” the Omega asked, a little bewildered. “Umm, pajama shorts… some underwear…”

“What kind? The underwear.” Shugo was trying to picture it, creamy soft skin against his own, and when his hands traveled down…

“Umm, lace- lace-y… panties,” Osamu hushed hesitantly, cute and shy. Shugo let out a hot exhale.

“My hands are slipping into your shorts, sliding over your round cheeks in lace, pulling you closer. Osamu, I want to feel you. You sound so wet, and I can feel it~”

The Omega choked and then moaned, the sound muffled like he had turned his face into a pillow. The wet sounds came faster, and Shugo sped up his hand to match.

“Osamu, open my pants. Pull my cock out. Touch me.”

“Your fingers-” Osamu whimpered, and Shugo grinned.

“What about my fingers?” he breathed out, thick and heavy. Osamu whined, the sound muffled again.

“I can’t-” he mewled, but Shugo knew he could.

“Tell me, sweetness. What should I do with my fingers? Caress them over your wet lips? Pull them open and tease your pussy?”

“Oh n-” begged Osamu brokenly, a shattered moan coming across the line in fragments. Shugo’s breathing came heavy; Osamu was so perfectly sensitive that he was sure he could wring another orgasm out of him.

“Osamu,” he called, voice deep and commanding. “Think I can fit two fingers right away? Are you that loose? I’ll still need to spend some time stretching you~”

A broken, garbled sound came across the line, and Shugo chuckled softly, understanding that noise all too well. He only took it as encouragement. “Oh, Osamu… I bet you’re so soft… and wet… and warm… Inside you, your walls are trembling, hugging my thick fingers-”

“Please,” begged Osamu, barely able to catch a breath. “Shugo-”

Fuck- This was seriously getting him there-! “Osamu, do you really… like my hands that much?”

“Not just… your hands…” Osamu whimpered, mewling so sweetly.

“Oh, Osamu,” husked Shugo, his hand racing over his cock as he pumped as fast as he could, right on the edge. “Sweetness, I’ll let you have it all, so tell me… Tell your Alpha what you need.”

Osamu let out a sound that was nothing short of orgasmic, and Shugo could feel it; his teeth ached, his fingers tense. He wanted to wrap Osamu up and posses him in a way only an Alpha could. He let out a low, rumbling growl to let the other know. Under his palm, his knot swelled. Fuck, it almost hurt, it was filling up so fast.

When Osamu whimpered, Shugo ground out, as normal as he could, “Am I scaring you?”

“What… is happening?”

The question hit Shugo like a bat to the back of the head, and while half of him was still ragingly horny, the other half felt doused in icy water as he realized that Osamu might not know about knotting or ruts or an Alpha’s primal instinct to claim and mark and possess. Shugo forced his hand to slow, and he breathed, in and out, calming himself.

“Osamu,” he hushed when his voice had returned to his normal, deep tone. “It’s my body… the Alpha in me. I want you, and I can barely control it. My knot is so swollen, and I want you... Omega. My sweet… Osamu.”

“Shugo,” begged Osamu, a bit of static, and Shugo hushed the Omega, his… Omega.

“I didn’t mean to scare you. Darling, I would never hurt you. Know that this means… I want you desperately. To claim you, mark you, make you mine…”

Osamu whimpered again, but he wasn’t as scared anymore. Still, he whispered, “You can’t… mark me.”

Shugo’s jaw ached to lock into a bundle of flesh, a heady scent lodging up his nose… He wasn’t even sure why he could imagine it so well when he had never… This was the Alpha in him; it was natural, innate. He didn’t need to experience it to know just what it would feel like to claim his Omega. “I know…” he said. Then, “Not yet.”

“Not…” Osamu repeated slowly, and then he let out a long, heated shiver. Soft rustling sounded, and the Omega hushed, “Shugo, my… neck…”

Shugo chewed back a feral groan. He asked as kindly as he could, “Does it hurt?”

“Mm,” whimpered Osamu. Shugo clenched his fist and chewed down on it, his other hand pumping his knotting cock again. Fuck, this wasn’t even cool anymore; Shugo looked like a virgin who’d never had an Omega before, but that was how Osamu made him feel. He could just imagine his scent, thick, heady, heavy on his tongue and taste-able.

“I’m sorry, Osamu,” Shugo husked. “It’s normal. It’s your scent gland; you’re probably scenting like crazy.”

A dizzy little sigh rattled through the phone, and Shugo exhaled a desperate growl. He wished he had something, anything that smelled like the Omega. He was sure Osamu would appreciate it, too, but their imaginations would have to do for now. Shugo would really have to figure out how to control himself if just hearing Osamu was already making him this feral. He grinned up at his ceiling.

“Shugo-” groaned Osamu slowly, and the Alpha hummed in response.

“I’ll be good to you,” he promised. “I’ll protect you and keep you safe. My sweet little Omega…”

“Shu~ go~” mewled the other.

“Yes, my sweetness. Tell me.”

“I…” hushed Osamu, humming slowly, his mind likely hazy from his own scent. “want ya… Alpha.”

Shugo just stared helplessly as his cum splattered across his bare chest, his gushing orgasm coming so fast that it left him breathless, speechless. His whole body trembled. “Osamu,” he called. “Omega.”

He stared at the mess on his chest with wide eyes, listening to soft breathing as his brain tried to clear. It took him way too long to realize that Osamu’s breathing had grown heavier, slower. Shugo slowly raised his hand and swiped at his face.

“Fuck,” he whispered as he listened to Osamu sleep. “I’m crazy in love with you…

Be mine. Please.”

Osamu hummed in his sleep, and Shugo let out a quiet, wry laugh. He was such a fucking goner, and here Osamu thought he had to do anything to impress the Alpha when all it took was just… this.

“Sweet dreams, Osamu,” Shugo hushed quietly, almost unwilling to hang up. He left his phone on speaker as he went to clean the mess off his chest, trying not to drip his knot’s gush everywhere. When he came back, he debated hanging up again while he dressed.

In the end, he decided to save sleeping with the dulcet sounds of Osamu’s breathing for when the Omega was actually in his arms. He hung up and settled into his bed, too big and too lonely now. He tossed and turned, sighing roughly as sleep evaded him.

Shugo was so ruined, and he had never been happier. He let out a laugh as his lips pulled into a huge grin. Fuck, he was so absolutely giddy, madly in love.

Chapter Text

Atsumu’s hands shook as his finger hovered over the button on his computer mouse, his eyes staring blearily at the two-weeks notice he’d written up. He didn’t want to leave the job, but it was almost impossible to look Alex in the eye without remembering his own embarrassing outburst. Why had he said anything? He should have known Alex would say no! And yet Alex had been so kind this past week, never saying anything, acting like normal. Still, Atsumu couldn’t do it, and he’d convinced himself it was better this way, so he hit the send button on his email and shut his eyes, praying.

Four minutes later, heavy footsteps stomped across Alex’s office, and the man’s door flew open. Atsumu could feel blue eyes staring a hole into the back of his skull, his shoulders sagging forward like he could hide away.

“Atsumu,” Alex called, and Atsumu pulled himself tighter to his desk, shrinking away. “Can I see you in my office?” He wondered if he was imagining the tightness in his boss’ voice.

Golden eyes turned over his shoulder, and Atsumu offered a meek smile. Alex, though, was not smiling; if anything, he looked distressed, and suddenly Atsumu felt a pang of guilt. As he stood up, he wondered why he had said anything about dating, but he also still wondered why Alex had said no.

Atsumu shuffled past Alex, and then the door was shut behind them. Atsumu moved to sit in one of the chairs opposite his boss’ desk, and he waited for Alex to take his seat, but instead the man took the other chair, turning it more to face Atsumu, pulling at Atsumu’s chair to do the same. Alex leaned forward, and Atsumu could smell him, the comforting scents of sandalwood and bergamot filling his nose, and it took everything in him not to lean forward, too. He felt like his insides were quaking as Alex slowly pulled back again, and Atsumu couldn’t meet his eyes, staring instead at his own hands, his legs pressed tightly together.

A heavy sigh was released into the quiet office, Alex crossing his leg and sitting slowly back. “Atsumu,” he called, but the Omega couldn’t look up. He hummed slowly, nodding instead. Alex sighed, voice a little softer next time. “Can I ask why?”

Atsumu let out a sarcastic laugh, but his heart wasn’t in it. He frowned slowly. “Ya know why,” was all he said. Alex leaned forward, but Atsumu raised his hands. “Ya don’t have ta explain yerself ta me-!”

“Atsumu, I didn’t-” Alex began, but Atsumu begged in a tiny voice, his face beet red, “Please. It’s fuckin’ embarassin’, Alex.”

Alex sat slowly back again, clearing his throat. “Okay. So you want to… leave… because you’re embarrassed?”

“Don’t make it sound so trivial!” Atsumu said, his head jerking up, eyes meeting pretty blue without thinking. He froze, a million thoughts ramming through his head, and then a moment later, he covered his face as it turned bright red. “I feel like ya can read my mind every time I look at ya!”

“On the contrary, I wish I could sometimes,” Alex offered. “You’re a mystery to me, Atsumu. I certainly didn’t think you were thinking of… quitting…” There it was again, that sadness, his expression wistful. Atsumu swallowed roughly, begging himself to be strong.

“It‘s probably just best if ya find someone better-”

“Well, that’s the problem, isn’t it?” Alex interrupted with the softest smile, and Atsumu wondered why… why did the man still have to be so damn kind? “There isn’t anyone better than you, Atsumu.”

Normally, Atsumu might have agreed, flirting with Alex by touching his knee as he grinned, “I know, right?

“Then why don’t we date?”

Atsumu covered his face and groaned. The memory wouldn’t leave him! Why couldn’t Alex understand that Atsumu was mortified? He hid his face and tried to curl up into the fetal position, barely hearing Alex as he called the Omega’s name. It was only when a hand settled on his shoulder that Atsumu startled, reeling back like he’d been stung. The two stared at each other, both shocked, unsure of what to do. It was… new territory. Alex had always touched Atsumu, but now, it seemed that he shouldn’t… He slowly pulled back, nodding in understanding.

Still, he said, “I can’t let you quit, Atsumu. If it’s anything else you have issue with, I’ll fix it, but I can’t go back in time… Either way, there’s no need to be embarrassed, and Atsumu, I need you… here, in the office, I need you,” he clarified, and that was just it. Whether they knew it or not, they would always be walking on eggshells around each other. The Omega almost wished Alex would just keep flirting with him so Atsumu could be the bad guy, so he wouldn’t feel so… dumb.

“I can’t,” Atsumu whispered, but Alex leaned forward again, his hands folding as if he was begging. It startled Atsumu to silence, his eyes going wide as he watched Alex’s face morph into serious distraught.

“Atsumu, please understand. I can’t even quantify the number of deals you have helped me win. You’re the one who made the Tokyo office a success, and now we have three more offices across Japan- Atsumu, when I say I need you, I really mean it. Moving into the Japanese market might have very well been a failure if you didn’t walk into my office all those years ago. You’re a hard worker, a strict task master, and you keep me on track, but you’re also smart, the clients love you, and Atsumu, it would be… so lonely here without you.”

Atsumu’s whole face was red now, including his ears, down to his neck. He covered his face, unsure of what to say. Of course he didn’t want to put Alex in a bad spot, but he couldn’t believe the man was unable to find a replacement, let alone a few hundred…

“Atsumu, tell me what to do,” came an almost meek voice, and Atsumu peered out between his fingers, eyes wide. Alex was bowing his head, hands clasped. “I can’t let you leave me.”

“But I-” began Atsumu, but then he swallowed his words.

“That was all my fault. Just think badly of me if it helps. There’s no need for you to be embarrassed when I should have… controlled myself a little more from the start. I just couldn’t help myself around you, so that’s… that’s on me, Atsumu. Please.”

“Please don’t bow yer head,” begged Atsumu, his embarrassment turning into fear. Alphas never bowed their heads to Omegas, and yet here Alex was, begging. When the man didn’t raise his head, Atsumu yelped, his voice ringing shrilly, “Please, Alex!”

Alex slowly looked up, Atsumu shaking as he gripped at the edge of his armchair. His wide eyes stared at Alex, but the man didn’t back down or apologize again. This alone settled Atsumu’s soul just a little. He couldn’t listen to his boss grovel anymore, especially at the feet of someone… like him. He was just a dumb Omega who happened to be good at keeping a schedule and chatting others up! He wasn’t… anything all that special, and if he was, why had Alex said no?

Stop that. Stop obsessin’ over it, Atsumu. It’s done with.

“Don’t ever… bow yer head ta me again, Alex,” Atsumu chewed out, his whole body shaking as he ordered the Alpha. It felt so unnatural, and he could tell that even Alex wasn’t a fan as the man raised a stiff eyebrow. Still, Alex nodded.

“You’re right.” Blue eyes like a frozen lake stared at Atsumu, and finally, Alex said, “I won’t do it anymore if you stay.”

Atsumu froze. It wasn’t a threat, per say, but it was a weighty challenge. Atsumu clenched his fingers tighter at the arms of the chair he sat in. “Do ya really… want me ta stay so badly?” he whispered, and finally, Alex smiled big and bright.

“Yes,” he answered easily, shifting forward. He reached for Atsumu for a split second but seemed to instantly think better of it, his hands settling instead on his own knees. “Atsumu, I really do need you. You make my work life not only easier, but so enjoyable. I love having you on trips with me, and even around the office, you make the day go by faster. I feel like the last ten years have just flown by, because of you, Atsumu.”

“It won’t be the same…” Atsumu whispered slowly, and Alex nodded, his smile never faltering.

“Don’t think you were only enjoyable because of our flirtations, Atsumu. You are a genuinely fun person to be around, and I truly enjoy your company. Didn’t I make a promise that I would do whatever I could to help you out. I meant that, genuinely, as a friend as well as your boss.”

Atsumu flushed, but he slowly nodded. “Alright…”

“You’ll stay?” Alex looked almost like a little puppy, excited. Atsumu let out a rough laugh.

“Yeah, ya can… trash the email I sent ya.”

Alex let out a laugh like he almost hadn’t believed he could convince Atsumu, and then he clapped his hands. “Thank you, Atsumu. I think my stomach dropped out when I read that…”

Atsumu couldn’t help his small smile, reveling for a moment in the power he now knew he had. He was just wondering what to do with it when Alex stood up and said, “Alright, why don’t you take a few days off, paid, my treat, and then when you get back, we can discuss a pay raise and some added benefits for you that will make you feel more valued and ensure you won’t regret your choice.”

“Ya don’t have ta bride me,” Atsumu huffed with a roll of his eyes. He took Alex’s hand when the man offered it, the Alpha helping Atsumu to his feet. For a moment, they stared up at each other. It was hard to forget habits engrained over a decade, but Atsumu slowly pulled back, knowing he would only be dragging himself along if he kept up their old behaviors. He had to move on from this stupid little crush, for his own sake.

Alex slowly let his hand fall away, his smile a little wobbly for a moment. “It’s not a bribe, Atsumu. It’s a reward, for being an amazing employee. I want to do right by those who work with me and make my own job easier.”

Atsumu smiled, both of them knowing he wasn’t actually going to say no to a raise. “Alright. So I’ll see you…?”

“Monday,” Alex insisted, motioning back to the closed door like he’d personally see Atsumu out on his mini-vacation. “Tell Tetsuro I said hello.”

Atsumu laughed. “Alright. Don’t call me in a panic tomorrow ‘cause ya can’t remember if ya have a meetin’ or not.”

“I am capable of stepping over to your desk and looking at the calendar,” Alex replied with an offended huff, and Atsumu giggled.

“Well, it sounds like ya don’t need me after all-”

“No, you’re right! I can’t read the calendar, and I’ll probably call you in a panic, but don’t- don’t answer for the rest of the week, Atsumu.”

The blond just hummed, Alex’s tone too soft and kind to warrant any other response. Glancing up, Atsumu tried to relay that they couldn’t treat each other like they had been anymore. From now on, Alex was just Atsumu’s boss, a good acquaintance at the very most. Alex swallowed slowly and then nodded. He hovered just outside his office door as Atsumu gathered his things, and then he saw the Omega out the front.

“I won’t answer if ya call,” Atsumu confirmed, glancing over his shoulder, and Alex nodded, laughing lightly.

“Good.”

With a happy hum, Atsumu headed home, pulling out his phone to see where Tetsuro was. He never saw the way Alex’s face fell, the way the Alpha clenched the hand that he’d helped Atsumu out of the chair with and that had hovered just shy of Atsumu’s back as he’d walked the Omega out. There was only one person who would have a hard time letting go, Alex thought, and it was definitely him.

-x-

Tetsuro looked up as the front door burst open, his eyes instantly on his momma. Atsumu gave a crooked grin and shut the door a little more quietly, like a silent apology. He tugged his shoes off and then traipsed into the living room, his cheeks a little rosy.

“You’re home early,” Tetsuro observed, though he’d known as much from the text Atsumu had sent about twenty minutes ago.

Atsumu walked his fingers over the back of the couch, head tilted. “I tried ta resign today,” he said with a wry laugh, and Tetsuro sat up a little straighter.

“And?”

“Alex wouldn’t let me… Typical Alpha, right?”

Tetsuro stared up at his mother, and then he sighed. "Momma…”

Atsumu slipped around the couch and dove on top of his son, demanding cuddles. Tetsuro smiled as he wrapped his arms around the other, pressing his nose to soft blond hair. “He kept sayin’ I’m great and he needs me, for the company, ya know, and I just… thought I wanted him ta need me a little more outside work, too. I thought he did… Stupid me…”

“That doesn’t make you stupid, Momma. Alex’s been good to us, but you don’t need to be strung along.”

Atsumu huffed, but he didn’t say anything. Tetsuro hugged him a little tighter, and then he said, smiling into the Omega’s hair, “I came up with a few ideas to help make you feel better.”

Atsumu sat up and let out a surprised chuckle, eyes following Tetsuro as he leaned towards the coffee table and picked up the envelope lying there. He was glad he’d been able to get the gift inside today, or at all. He handed the envelope to Atsumu with a smile.

“Just a little pick-me-up, and ‘cause you’re the best.”

Atsumu rolled his eyes, but Tetsuro knew better than that, watching with a crooked grin as his mother tore the envelope open in excitement.

“Careful, you’ll tear what’s inside-”

“Tickets?” Atsumu yelped, his eyes going big and bright, and Tetsuro had to mentally pat himself on the back.

“You were complaining the other day that I always brag on Omi and how good he plays, so I scored us some tickets to his next game. It’s a playoff game, too.”

“Ye’re takin’ me to a volleyball game?” Atsumu clutched the tickets to his chest, beaming brightly at his son. “Oh, ya know we have ta go all out!”

Tetsuro laughed. “Of course,” he replied as Atsumu gave a wicked smirk. He glanced back down at the tickets and squealed.

“Oh, I’m so excited! I haven’t been ta a game in so long.”

“Last time you went, I was playing,” hummed the Alpha, and Atsumu sighed sadly. Tetsuro just smiled. “It’ll be fun, Momma.”

“I can make us matchin’ t-shirts,” grinned Atsumu a moment later.

“You’re going to mortify Omi,” hummed Tetsuro, smiling. Atsumu laughed.

“Don’t tell him we’re comin’, okay? I wanna see the look on his face…”

Tetsuro laughed softly and rolled his eyes, and then he waved Atsumu back into his arms, kissing his mother’s forehead.

“Ya said ya had a ‘few’ ideas,” prompted Atsumu, peering up through long lashes. Tetsuro hummed, neither confirming not denying. Atsumu poked at his ribs and huffed. “Come on! Ya know I hate stretched-out surprises.”

“Just don’t laugh,” Tetsuro murmured, but he was grinning, pretty proud of himself even if the next idea was cheesy. Atsumu adored cheesy, though, especially when it was Tetsuro being the cheese ball. Tetsuro thought it was just the thing to boost Atsumu’s self-confidence, too. He’d been thinking about what to do for a few days now, and he thought he’d finally come up with the perfect solution.

He grabbed his phone off the coffee table, Atsumu’s back against his chest again as he unlocked the device. “So it’s this app, maybe you’ve heard of it,” he teased as he opened up Instagram, Atsumu rolling his eyes and smacking the Alpha’s arm.

“I know what Instagram is, butthole,” Atsumu huffed, and Tetsuro grinned.

“I went ahead and made you an account,” Tetsuro hummed, clicking to the new profile. Atsumu took his phone and examined it closely.

“So, what? Should I just post pictures of my food like everyone else? Outfit-of-the-day pics?”

“Whatever you want, Momma, but I think starting with some selfies wouldn’t be a bad idea. I wrote down some hashtags you can use, too, and I think you’ll be a hot topic on here in no time.”

Atsumu huffed, but now he was looking through Tetsuro’s photos to find a picture to post. Atsumu clicked on one, a shockingly good photo Tetsuro had taken of him one day at the park, wind in his blond hair, his skin almost glowing as he laughed.

Tetsuro leaned down and husked, “That’s a good one, Momma.”

Atsumu huffed again but posted it anyways, letting Tetsuro type out his hashtags. Then, as Atsumu explored the app a little more, finding people he knew to follow or just stalk their profiles, Tetsuro set up the app and his account on Atsumu’s phone.

“Oh,” Atsumu said after a while, humming. Tetsuro glanced over when the Omega didn’t expound, Atsumu scrolling through someone’s photos. Tetsuro didn’t recognize the person.

“Who is it?”

“Someone… I went ta high school with,” Atsumu murmured, his lips tugging into a frown. It looked like the person had been on the volleyball team, and Tetsuro wondered if he and Atsumu had played together. He was about to ask when Atsumu clicked back to the profile and instantly blocked them.

“Some things are better left in the past,” he muttered, and Tetsuro smiled softly. At least he didn’t have to worry about his momma in some ways, the Omega quite strong and independent after twenty years alone.

“Well, I think this’ll be fun,” grinned Atsumu, and Tetsuro watched as he typed in his boss’ name, searching for a profile. It was private, but it definitely looked like Alex. Atsumu grinned wickedly as he sent a follow request.

"Momma,” sighed Tetsuro, but Atsumu wasn’t one to let hurts slide idly by, and Tetsuro could imagine that the Omega meant to torture Alex just a little bit, whether it would work or not.

“Show him what he said no to,” huffed Atsumu, and Tetsuro just shook his head.

“You’re all set up,” he said, handing the phone back, Atsumu trading it for Tetsuro’s.

As he searched for more people to follow and perhaps terrorize, Tetsuro said, “Well, I figured this’d boost your confidence a little, and maybe you’ll even meet some people you like via the app.”

“What, like ta date?”

“It’s better than an actual dating app,” Tetsuro pointed out, and Atsumu groaned. The Omega had tried one for like 1.5 seconds before determining it to be a hellhole promising catastrophic failure.

“True,” Atsumu hummed, and then he whirled around and kissed Tetsuro on the cheek, grinning. “This is why ye’re my favorite child,” he teased, to which Tetsuro laughed, rolling his eyes.

“I’m your only child, as far as I know.”

“Yep. But still my favorite~ Now help yer momma with dinner!”

“Yes, Momma,” Tetsuro chuckled, leaning down to kiss Atsumu’s forehead, the Omega still wrapped up in his new account. “Just don’t get too attached to your phone,” he chuckled, and Atsumu chimed, “Yes, Pa~”

Watching Atsumu, Tetsuro was kind of glad that the Omega was easy to distract with new, shiny things.

-x-

Tobio Kageyama rode the elevator up to his older brother’s office in silence as he did every time he visited Tooru. He studied the safety placard on the wall and memorized the squiggly signature of the woman who had deemed this box of metal safe. He counted the ceiling panels above him and kept time with his foot to the soft hum of the lights. He tried to avoid staring at the reflective walls though he was sure his half-brother liked them, vain as he was. It seemed that Tooru had gotten his devilishly good looks from his father, whereas Tobio had gotten stuck with his own dad’s mediocre features, even their mother’s good genes abandoning him. It might also be that Tooru was an Omega, so of course he was prettier by default. Tobio just wished he was handsome, at least; his mother’s placating compliments of his attractiveness had always felt a little fake, Tobio finding himself average at best. He felt like an awkward teenager, still seventeen until December. He didn’t know how to smile right, and he’d never had a girlfriend. He was a little too into sports to be any good with his brain, and he was pretty gloomy according to the girls in his class. His closest friend was probably, sadly, the very half brother he was now going to visit, and then Tooru’s daughter, Aina, though Tobio was awkward with girls, no matter what their second gender was. Girls were just… hard to understand, but then again, so were Omegas, and girl Omegas… forget about it.

The elevator doors opened with the same chime they always did, one Tobio could hum in his sleep, and he stepped out into the big foyer, a pair of double doors on either side, one leading to Tooru’s assistant’s desk and his office, the other leading to the assistant and office of the president. Tobio had never met the latter, but Tooru made it seem like he probably wouldn’t want to, so Tobio avoided even glancing to his left as he stepped quickly towards Tooru’s office. The double doors on the right were propped open like they always were, and Tobio could hear the softest clack-clack of a keyboard and the occasional swivel of a chair from inside. He quickly strode past the assistant’s desk without a glance, though, not even greeting them nor caring to try. He had never actually met Tooru’s assistant for as many times as he came to visit, and that was totally on-purpose; Tobio was very socially awkward, and above that, he rarely cared enough to fake it. He knocked one time when he reached the second set of double doors before immediately pulling one of the doors open without waiting for a response. He shifted his heavy book bag on his shoulders, eyes on the back of his head as he slipped inside his half brother’s lavish office. The big room had a spectacular view of the city, tall glass windows lining two of the walls; Tooru’s desk sat in front of the one straight ahead. It was a big, black, modern-style monster with a fancy chair behind it, a huge, plush faux fur rug on the floor. Black and white photographs decorated the walls, showing off famous landmarks and architecture, nothing personal. Tobio was amazed that Tooru felt comfortable in an office like this, but he supposed he himself had always been the surprisingly sentimental one. He rarely got attached, but when he did, it was a nearly unbreakable bond, almost to the point of obsession. Yes, that was how Tobio would describe how he felt about his half brother: obsessed, unhealthily so.

Thankfully, or perhaps unfortunately, both of them seemed to like that. Tooru fed off of Tobio’s obsession, and Tobio’s obsession grew thanks to Tooru’s easy affections. For half siblings with such a huge age gap, they were shockingly close. They had barely anything in common, but Tooru was good at doting, and Tobio was fond of being doted on by the Omega. Speaking of, Tooru glanced up as Tobio stepped into his office, the Omega smiling as he waved the Alpha forward.

“Hi, Tobi~ How was school?”

“Fine,” Tobio replied simply, feeling no need to expound on the subject, making Tooru grin.

“You’re just like Aina in that way,” Tooru teased. “Teens.”

“I’ll be 18 soon,” Tobio pointed out, to which Tooru nodded.

“Of course,” the Omega replied placatingly, though his grin was devilish. It made Tobio wish he was still a little kid, if only so Tooru would spoil him with candy and no one expected him to know everything- “Aina told me mom’s looking at colleges for you to attend. Any you like, Tobi?”

Tobio would usually get mad at the question, but he knew that Tooru knew him better than to assume that the answer would be, yes, I know exactly where I want to go and what I want to study and major in and do with the rest of my life- Chocolate brown eyes watched Tobio knowingly as he set his bag down and sank into one of the chairs in front of Tooru’s desk.

“Tokyo U would be fine,” was all Tobio had to offer, and Tooru let out a short, wry laugh that translated to, If I know Mom, Tokyo U is anything but fine for her baby boy. It was hard being the first male Alpha in the family, though it seemed like the sibling’s parents had been no less hard on Tomiko or Tooru. Still, looking at his two older siblings, it was easy to think the two had had it all figured out at his age, but Tobio just didn’t know. He hated making concrete decisions. He hated change.

“I don’t want to move far away,” he said, and Tooru nodded. Tobio had grown up in Tokyo all of his life; it was what he knew, and unlike Tooru, he wasn’t a big fan of discovering anything, or anywhere, new. “It’s pointless to spend a ridiculous amount of money when I don’t even know what I want to study,” he pointed out next. Tooru nodded again; all rational, well-thought-out reasons, which was what Tobio was known for. “Tokyo U has a good volleyball team, too.”

Tooru hummed, and then he admitted, “I can see why Mom isn’t a huge fan of Tokyo U.”

“She wants me to focus on my studies,” Tobio huffed, the most emotion he might ever show. Still, it made him quite angry. He felt like his mother barely understood him.

“Sorry, Tobi, that’s probably me and Tomi’s fault. We dropped everything to do what Mom wanted and be successful. Tomiko because she was born to and me, well…” Tooru glanced off for a moment, his eyes drifting to the photo of Aina on his desk. He didn’t keep any pictures of his late husband at work, but Tobio wasn’t that stupid; he knew Tooru still thought of the man every single day. The accident had been so tragic, and perhaps in an attempt to escape the pain and sadness, Tooru had launched himself into his work like it might kill him if he didn’t. He’d always been smart, though, and driven. Tomiko, too. Tobio, once again, had missed those genes. It didn’t help that he was the baby of the family, either. He just wanted everyone to give up on him and accept that he was going to be the “failure”.

He just wanted to play volleyball. It came naturally, and it was fun, as much fun as Tobio thought he could have.

Unfortunately, he feared his mother might make other plans for him, and in the end, all of the siblings always did what their mother wanted them to. Tooru sighed softly, both of them knowing this all too well.

“I can talk to her,” the Omega offered, but Tobio shook his head, both of them knowing how useless that was. Still, he thanked his brother.

“It’s not like she wants me to do anything unreasonable,” Tobio murmured, staring out the windows to their right. He barely noticed Tooru’s attention pull away from him, barely noticed anything until a loud crash sounded and someone cursed.

“Fuck, Tooru, I’m sorry-”

“Be careful, Sho,” replied Tooru just as Tobio glanced over. The Omega laughed softly as he added, “It’s no big deal, but let’s not make it a habit.”

A folder lay open on the floor, documents scattered, and above it all bobbed a head of shockingly orange hair, tiny hands sweeping up the papers.

“Help him, Tobi,” Tooru said, and the Alpha nodded obediently, no reason to defy his older brother. He stood and walked over, bending down and efficiently gathering up the pages. He was so consumed with his task that he barely noticed himself creep up on the redhead, their heads just barely avoiding collision. Tobio held a stack of papers in his hands, ready to hand them over with a flat expression when something like electricity shorted down his spine. The scent of orange and cinnamon jammed up his nostrils, and the tang overwhelmed him, his whole brain feeling like it was tingling with the citrusy smell.

The second jolt came when hazel eyes met his own as he looked up, and suddenly the world tipped a little sideways, like Tobio had tilted his head except he was sure he hadn’t. Those eyes went wide as they stared at Tobio, but the Alpha was more annoyed at the wall of scent that was hitting him in waves.

He was annoyed but also perplexed as a shiver rattled across his skin. Staring at him was a very pretty Omega, almost aggravatingly pretty, and for the first time in his life, Tobio was looking at another Omega aside from Tooru, thinking, yeah, the pretty face must be an Omega thing.

Tobio felt like his body booted his brain out as it began deciding things on its own, like the crooked grin on his face that startled the Omega and the way he leaned closer, setting the documents he’d collected onto the open folder they’d come from. He couldn’t swipe the grin off his face either, and he wondered what he looked like.

He had his answer when Tooru whacked him gently over the back of the head and scolded, “Tobi, you’re scaring my assistant.”

Ah, so this was the assistant, the one Tobio had never once looked at and had always pointedly ignored. Vaguely, he was aware that he was still creepily grinning, but it wasn’t like he had any control. The scent of orange and cinnamon seemed to have clogged the synapses in his brain, leaving him no more useful than a bag of rocks. The assistant, Sho as Tooru had called him, glanced from Tooru to Tobio, and the Alpha wondered what he would do.

A laugh bubbled out of the small redhead as he stood up, and then he held his hand down, as if he might be of any help to the big, lumbering Alpha before him. Tobio simply set his hands on his knee and stood by himself, dusting off and turning away if only to shield himself from that smell and the way he was embarrassing himself. He mildly wondered if he’d been hit by too many balls in the head to be acting so stupid now.

“This must be your brother,” the redhead asked Tooru as the older Omega came to lean against the edge of his desk, Tooru crossing his arms. As always, he looked killer in the tight pencil skirt he wore, his tiny waist shown off, his legs-for-days on display thanks to the short skirt and heels he wore. Tooru laughed, and Tobio watched him stare at the redhead with affection. The Alpha blinked and slowly turned back towards the two. Hazel eyes were still staring at him, still wide, the redhead’s grin terrifying in the way it was so… wide. Tobio blinked, his own face feeling frozen now as he stared dumbly.

“He looks nothing like you, Tooru!” burst the Omega, and Tobio was actually genuinely offended. Tooru burst out into laughter, pointing out that Tobio was a half sibling, and the Alpha felt wounded again.

“I should go,” he said gruffly to no one in particular, the scent of two strong-willed Omegas making his head throb, so he turned to gather his book bag and head out.

“Tobi, I’ll call Mom tonight,” Tooru called out, while the redhead whispered far too loud, “Oh, is he in college?”

“He’s in high school, Sho, I’ve told you that.”

“Oh!” yelped the redhead, and when Tobio glanced back over his shoulder, he saw those same hazel eyes staring at him, the grin gone, the assistant’s face as red as a beet. Tobio knitted his brows together in confusion at the unreadable look. He simply shrugged a moment later, though, and headed out, desperate to clear his nose of the smell of oranges and cinnamon.

Behind a shut door, Shouyo whispered too loudly to Tooru, “He’s really handsome, Tooru-! Where did those genes come from?”

“What does that mean? I’m handsome!” Tooru huffed, offended as he stared after his little brother.

He smiled fondly when Shouyo replied, “No, Tooru, you’re gorgeous as fuck. It really makes you realize… that we’re very different from Alphas, huh…”

“He’s still just a kid,” dismissed Tooru as he sat back down at his desk. “Wait until he realizes just how attractive he is and learns how to interact with Omegas…”

Shouyo laughed, but the humor was gone. No one, not even himself, realized what an impression the two had just made on each other.

-x-

Osamu had become hyper-aware of his phone these days. He made sure to always have it in his pocket, the ringer off. He deleted texts constantly for fear of Daisho snooping, though he had never showed enough interest to even make Osamu think he would. The only time Osamu felt he could relax was during the day, until about an hour before Daisho was due to come home. During the morning and early afternoon, Osamu was transforming into a totally different person, and Koichi was taking notice.

“Mama!” called the little boy as he turned from where he’d run ahead, the park just a few feet behind him. Osamu smiled brightly, tugging his sun hat down as he peered out at his precious baby boy.

“Be careful, baby,” Osamu called, to which the little boy beamed.

“Come watch me go down the slide, Mama!”

Osamu laughed. “Sure, Ko-chan,” he hummed. The park was surprisingly empty, but it was still early, and there was a chill taking to the air as the seasons turned. Tetsuro was working today, quite disappointed in being unable to join his aunt and cousin, but Osamu thought that the alone time would be good for them. He felt consumed lately by Shugo, by his big secret, but Koichi was still of utmost importance.

By the time he made it over to the slides Koichi favored, the boy was already at the top, standing tall and proud and beaming down. He was growing so much lately, and Osamu was beginning to think that the little Omega would be tall, too, maybe even taller than he himself was. His unique features were starting to come in, too, his slanted eyes growing a little less wide, his cheeks losing their baby fat as he started to shed his boyish features. He still had that cute, round face, though, and Osamu could tell that he would grow up to be a very pretty Omega indeed. Seeing the features on his little boy that had been inherited from him made his heart sing like nothing else, to know that part of Koichi would always be him, that this useless body of his had created such a miracle. For a moment, Osamu’s smile fell, his hand hovering over his barren stomach, but this wasn’t the time for melancholy like that. He and Shugo hadn’t really talked about kids yet, and Osamu was terrified to bring it up, too desperate to make sure that this bubble of happiness didn’t burst just yet. He wasn’t… satisfied yet, so he kept silent on an issue that could make or break whatever it was that he and Shugo were building.

Koichi called to Osamu again, pulling him out of his reverie, and he smiled up at his little boy, coming to stand at the end of the slide, phone out for a picture. He snapped one of Koichi at the top of the stairs, and then he switched to video mode to take one of the little Omega sliding down.

“Yeah, baby, you did it!” cheered Osamu as he swept down, Koichi bounding into his arms, and the two laughed giddily together. Osamu soaked up the hug his little boy gave him, his own arms wrapping around his tiny frame. This ensured that they both felt it when Osamu’s phone vibrated. Osamu guiltily and slowly let Koichi go, but the little boy was smiling at him. He cupped Osamu’s face and beamed.

“Mama, you’ve been smiling again.”

Osamu blinked. When had he stopped smiling? He’d barely noticed… Koichi smiled softly as Osamu’s features fell. “I’m sorry,” he began, but Koichi shook his head.

“Tetsu-chan told me that there’s someone like him who is making you very happy, Mama. He told me it’s a secret, though.”

Osamu let out a soft laugh, thinking he should have known Tetsuro and Koichi might have talked about it. “You’re so observant,” he hummed proudly to his son, Koichi beaming brightly as Osamu ruffled his hair.

After a moment, Osamu asked, “Koichi, do you like your papa?”

The little boy blinked, and then his face turned very serious, startling Osamu. “Papa has never made you smile, Mama. He makes your lips pull down, and he makes you smell sad.”

“I smell sad…?” murmured Osamu, but then he looked back up at his little boy. He rubbed at the eyes that were so like Daisho’s, the face that was like his own. “I’m happy that Papa gave me you.”

Koichi beamed, and Osamu pressed their foreheads together.

“I don’t want you to hate your papa, Ko-chan.”

“But, Mama, he makes you so sad.” Tiny hands patted at burning cheeks.

After a long while, Osamu admitted ever so quietly that it was true; Daisho had really only ever made Osamu sad. Aside from giving him the best gift in the world, though his involvement was minimal at best, Daisho had never strived to make Osamu happy. He was comfortable, sure; money made that easy, but when it came to his Omegan needs, Osamu had been horribly rejected at every turn. He wondered when he’d gotten used to it, when he’d started making excuses for his husband. He wondered when he’d grow complacent. Now, though, now Osamu had had a taste of happiness, and he wanted more, more-

“Ko-chan, Mama wants you to know that… what I’m doing isn’t nice to Papa, but I-”

“It’s okay, Mama, Tetsu-chan explained it to me,” the little boy nodded, quite proud and assured of himself. His face softened a little, and he said, “I want you to be happy, Mama.”

“Even if it makes your papa sad, or angry?”

“Mm,” hummed Koichi softly, his little features pinched together. It must be hard… being 6 and watching his whole world slowly fall apart. For all of Daisho’s faults and his own unhappiness, Osamu was desperate to keep his little family intact, if only for Koichi’s sake. Osamu grabbed Koichi a little closer again and promised the boy, “Mama will do everything to make sure that you’re happy, too, Ko-chan. Your happiness is just as important as mine.”

Koichi melted against his mama, and Osamu felt tears sting his eyes, though he bit them back. He didn’t want to feel guilty forever, but right now his heart felt rendered open, torn between what was “right” and what was “needed”. Staying with Daisho felt less and less right every day, and Osamu always gave into what he needed so easily, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be damage done in the process. He just wanted to make sure Koichi wasn’t touched by the messiness of what might one day come if Osamu ever decided to take that terrifying leap into Shugo’s arms. Right now, it was all still too early to be worrying about things that Osamu wasn’t sure he was strong enough to do, but the Omega’s heart had stopped listening to him long ago.

He was falling, despite his own fears and worries, falling madly in love with Shugo. It didn’t matter that he told himself to slow down, that it was still too early, that Shugo and he barely knew each other or even knew what the other wanted from the future… It didn’t matter when his heart beat like this when he thought of the Alpha, that he couldn’t stop smiling when he got a text or a call, that he was… happy for the first time in a long, long while.

Still, the repercussions of leaving Daisho, of the man even finding out about this affair, shook Osamu to the core, weak Omega that he was.

“Mama, I won’t tell Papa,” Koichi hushed like he could read Osamu, “so don’t worry. I just want to see you smile more and more.”

Osamu inhaled shakily, nodding slowly. “Okay,” he promised. “I will do my best.”

As the two pulled back, Osamu’s lips slowly pulled into an unstoppable smile as he held his little boy’s hands, and he whispered, “Should we take a picture and send it to him, to let him know you gave your stamp of approval?”

Koichi giggled even if he didn’t fully understand his mother’s words, and the two smiled for a photo. Holding Koichi, Osamu opened up Shugo’s new text thread and smiled at the Good morning, beautiful text. He was acutely aware of Koichi staring at him, grinning fondly.

Good morning, Osamu replied with a blushing smiley face, and then he sent the photo he’d just taken with Koichi. From both of us.

Wow, look at the two of you. Ko-chan is as pretty as his mama~ You look so happy, Osamu.

I am, the Omega replied, giggling softly as he reiterated Shugo’s compliment to Koichi. Why wouldn’t I be right now?

He watched Shugo’s little text bubble undulate, surprised when a photo popped up instead of a reply. Koichi leaned suddenly closer, crowding the screen.

“Oh, Mama! He’s the boy from the café!”

Osamu went beet red, both at Koichi calling Shugo a boy and at the fact that his son was so intensely staring at the object of his desires and affections. It was true that Shugo was still so young, but Osamu always forgot that when they talked together. Shugo was smart and charming, seeming so mature and much older than he actually was, and it was easy to forget he was only 22, Osamu nearly 38.

“He is,” affirmed Osamu softly, watching Koichi lean closer still, little hands to his cheeks.

“Mama, he looks so happy… like you!”

Osamu wanted to cry. Koichi leaned back, and Osamu looked at the photo Shugo had sent, enraptured. This man… this Alpha had decided on him, against all odds. Shugo looked so handsome with his messy bedhead and his goofy smile, his eyes a little cloudy still with sleep, his bare shoulders showing.

You look very happy, too, Shugo.

That’s because I am. Waking up from a dream of you to see your pretty face; I would only be happier if you were in my arms~

Even thought Koichi couldn’t read, Osamu pulled the boy’s head into his neck, his whole face flaring bright red. His thumb hovered over his keyboard, wondering what he was brave enough to say. I want that, too, Shugo, or Did we have a good time together in your dream?

Without looking, he typed out, I would probably burst if I saw your handsome, sleepy face up close. He immediately locked his phone and pulled Koichi back, giving the little Omega a wobbly smile.

“Want to keep playing? Mama’s going to go sit down on the bench.”

“Okay, Mama!” Koichi said with a twinkle in his eye, and Osamu wondered how much Tetsuro had “explained”. He turned and moved to his favorite little bench, taking a seat and smiling as he watched Koichi. He tried to ignore his buzzing phone for a while, but in the end, he gave in.

Really, you think my sleepy face is handsome?

Now I want to see yours…

Osamu, when can I see you again? Even if you just stop by the bar…

I miss you, darling.

Osamu covered his beet red face and the splitting smile there. He was so… so happy; Koichi was right. He cleared his throat and schooled his face a little more, and then he opened up the private photo vault he’d installed, saving Shugo’s photo there, along with all the other selfies the man had sent, as well as screenshots of sweet messages that Osamu wanted to remember. It was probably too risky, but Osamu couldn’t bear to part with these little gifts. The vault required his fingerprint and a passcode, so he felt it was fairly safe, hiding it at the back of a folder on the last page of his phone apps. He pressed his phone to his chest for a moment, staring out at Koichi. Across the way, his two little twin friends had joined him while their quiet and brooding mother sat across the park on a similar bench. Osamu gave a tiny wave and then turned back to his phone.

I miss you, too. It’s hard to come out at night, but I will try.

Come see me at the café, then. I will pick up a morning shift if it means seeing you. You can bring Koichi. I just want to see you, beautiful.

Osamu thought he might burst. He promised he would try with shaking fingers.

Osamu, I think about you every minute of every day, even when we’re not talking.

Me, too, Osamu replied with a soft gasp. He covered his mouth, hyper-aware of his surroundings. He wanted to see Shugo so badly. Are you working tonight?

Yeah…

Will you call me when you get off?

It’ll be late. It’s Friday night.

I don’t care. I want to hear your voice, Shugo.

There was a short pause, and then Shugo replied, Damn, darling. Now I’m hard.

Osamu was beet red again, but he couldn’t complain, not really. We can FaceTime tonight, he typed hurriedly, praying Shugo would agree. The answer came quickly.

Yes! Please!

Osamu covered his burning face with two hands, grinning so wide it made his cheeks ache. Oh, he was happy, really, truly happy. Two other moments stood out in his life as being as happy as this, and yet it was so different, a very different kind of happiness. This one made him ache, made him feel like he was falling, like he needed big strong arms to catch him and protect him. Even Koichi’s birth hadn’t been this terrifying. Instead of being a new mother, he was a new lover, a fawn on shaky legs.

Thank you, Shugo.

For what? :)

For… everything…

Hmm, okay :) You’re very, very welcome, my Osamu. I’ll see you tonight <3

Osamu shut his eyes, feeling like he was floating. He was in love, and he was sure he had been falling since the first moment those green eyes had met his own. Nothing else felt like this, leaving him so breathless. Osamu glanced back up at Koichi and then slowly down again at the phone in his lap. Yes. Tonight. he promised.

“I love you madly, Shugo,” he whispered to no one but himself. “Please don’t… abandon me. Don’t let me get hurt…”

-x-

Atsumu stared up at the huge college gym that he hadn’t seen in a long while, letting himself soak up the energy. It had always felt a little surreal to him to be standing here when he’d never completed high school and definitely never gone to college. To see his son standing beside him, knowing that somehow he’d still gotten Tetsuro here filled him with an insane amount of pride. He wished Tetsuro was still playing volleyball, too, but he would never begrudge the Alpha for choosing his own path when Atsumu had always rebelliously done the same.

A hand slipped to his back now, and he looked up, grinning in excitement at his boy.

“Ready, Momma?” Tetsuro asked, nodding towards the crowded entrance. Atsumu hummed as the pair moved to get their bags and tickets checked, the line moving blessedly quick. It was growing cooler, but the Tokyo heat was still oppressive, clinging to their skin. Atsumu was glad for the light outfit he wore, and despite the heat, he clung to Tetsuro with a proud smile. Atsumu would never not want to show his son off, he thought, especially when they looked this damn cute in their matching shirts, ready for Kiyoomi’s game.

Atsumu had spent an excessive amount of time making the two shirts for himself and Tetsuro, but nothing less would have done. He’d used gold paint on their teal shirts to match the school colors, making sure to add lots of glitter to his. The front featured the school’s favorite chant, while the back was emblazoned with Kiyoomi’s name and number, big enough to see from space. Tetsuro’s shirt fit him like a glove, which was definitely done on purpose, while Atsumu had knotted his up at the bottom, the material tight across his fat tits and hitched up to show off the tiny bicycle shorts he wore. He’d even found some teal and gold thigh-high socks that he wore with his nice white sneakers, the pom poms in his hands rustling softly as the pair made their way through the line.

Atsumu grinned at Tetsuro as they made their way into the huge gym, the hallway outside featuring posters and trophy cases, pictures of teams past and headshots of all the coaches. The Omega made a bee-line right for the poster for the playoffs, staring up excitedly at the amazing artwork to promote the game, still in a little bit of disbelief that he was here again. He spun around to Tetsuro, who grinned at him.

"Momma, want me to take your photo for your IG?”

“Oh, good idea!” Atsumu proclaimed, handing over his phone and then rushing back to the poster. It hardly mattered to him that there were throngs of people just milling past; he stood in front of the big poster and grinned, striking one pose after the other. First, he raised one leg and his arms, shaking his pom poms like the cheerleaders did, and then he turned, peering over his shoulder, one pom pom over the other while the second hung by his leg, showing off his assets in his tiny shorts. Tetsuro was way too into it and even suggested a few poses, not stopping until he was satisfied that his mother would have enough content.

When he walked Atsumu’s phone back to him, he was grinning wildly, his golden eyes gleaming. He leaned down and gave Atsumu’s cheek a kiss, and then he husked, “We should go grab our seats, Momma.”

Atsumu proudly looped his arm through the Alpha’s, parading after him with a big grin. Tetsuro had dug out a pair of his old volleyball shorts, and he looked killer in his outfit, a few Omegas making it quite obvious that they were staring. Tonight, though, Tetsuro was here with Atsumu, which meant he was all about his momma; no one else even stood a chance of catching his eyes. Atsumu puffed his chest out and grinned like a maniac, so damn proud.

Tetsuro had gotten them amazingly good seats, and Atsumu was sure if he yelled loud enough, Kiyoomi might actually hear him. The din inside the gym was crazy, though, the fans of the two rival schools already calling taunts to each other across the big room. The teams weren’t out yet, but the energy was already electrified, and Atsumu wiggled in his seat, his pom poms rustling in his lap. He was so ready for this.

About fifteen minutes later, both teams started filing in, and Atsumu spotted him right away. Kiyoomi had his head down, most of his face covered with a black mask, headphones on. Even if Atsumu had shouted at the top of his lungs, the Alpha wouldn’t have heard him, but that was alright. Atsumu had never seen Kiyoomi so focused before. He actually looked pretty cool.

Atsumu couldn’t stop staring as Kiyoomi did his warm-up stretches, the whole team running through a few basic drills before the game. The air in the gymnasium had shifted, Alpha energy coasting throughout, and as an Omega, it was almost overwhelming. Everyone was scenting, the Alphas trying to show their dominance and athletic prowess by intimidating the other team. Atsumu had his hands over his mouth, just staring at all the handsome players on Tokyo U’s team. Teasingly, he whispered-shouted to Tetsuro, “Why didn’t ya introduce me ta any of yer teammates?! They’re all such hotties! I could have had a young boyfriend!”

Tetsuro just laughed, promising to introduce Atsumu later as he pointed out familiar faces. It seemed like a lot of new players had been added to the roster, Tetsuro mostly familiar with the older players, but everyone looked very capable and very attractive. Atsumu licked at his lips, grinning. Volleyball really was the best.

The coaches met up at the center of the court to shake hands, and suddenly the energy in the gym shifted, everyone hyper-focused on the victory and cheering their team on. Atsumu jumped to his feet as everyone in the stands stood, and he watched in wide-eyed anticipation as each team sent out their top players, everyone taking their positions. Kiyoomi, mask and headphones now gone but no less focused, took up the back left corner, his tall body shifting down into a defensive position as the other team started with the ball. Atsumu could just tell that Kiyoomi was watching it all with eagle eyes, ready to intercept the ball. As soon as the starting gun was fired, the whole gym came alive. Atsumu shouted at the top of his lungs, bursting with excitement like he hadn’t in a long time.

When the first set ended in a win for Tokyo U, the stands nearly shook as fans jumped, shouting. Atsumu waved his pom poms, and by now, Tetsuro was shouting, too, his face gleaming with pride as he stared down at his best friend. Kiyoomi didn’t once look up, but he looked so damn cool that it didn’t even matter. As the second set started, Atsumu found himself unable to take his eyes off the Alpha. When had that little snot-nosed brat become a man that could exude such masculine energy? Atsumu watched in awe, pom poms pressed to his gaping mouth as Kiyoomi played like he’d been made for this. Tetsuro hadn’t been joking; Kiyoomi was good. It left Atsumu speechless.

After the second set ended with the other team taking a close victory, Atsumu leaned over and whispered, “Has Omi-Omi always been that intense? I barely recognize him…”

“I told you, Momma. I never had the drive to be the best like Omi does. He’s on a whole other level.”

“He could make it pro,” Atsumu whispered, in total shock that he could have ever said those words about little Omi-Omi. It felt like just yesterday that Kiyoomi was a short, stoic child with very little to say and seemingly no energy. Atsumu almost thought this was a totally different kid, but there was no mistaking those two moles, those onyx eyes, that mop of curly hair.

Atsumu startled as Tetsuro hummed, agreeing, “He definitely will,” and Atsumu felt his stomach swoop, a strange sort of awe grabbing hold of him. He couldn’t believe he might soon know someone who’d sign with one of the big volleyball teams; this was almost more exciting than finding out that Alex was friends with Tetsuro’s childhood idol. The rest of the game, he watched in absolute silence, his eyes following every jump Kiyoomi made, every save he made. Kiyoomi was a totally different animal, and Atsumu was bursting with pride.

The game whistle blew, and Atsumu startled, looking at the scoreboard like he’d even forgotten it existed. 25 to 23, with Tokyo U taking the game. The stand erupted in screams, and Atsumu’s hands jerked up, his pom poms shaking.

“Omi-Omi!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. “Ya did it, ya brat!”

Tetsuro laughed beside him and then joined his mother, shouting down at his best friend, their voices mixing into an unintelligible jumble with the rest of the crowd. A few of the cheerier players looked up and smiled, waving their thanks to their fans, but Kiyoomi stared straight ahead, chugging down his water. The teams met again and bowed, shaking hands, and just like that, the domineering Alphas backed down and the air in the gym grew a little less electrified. Atsumu inhaled sharply, laughing in surprise. Being at games was a whole different high, something akin to sex but very different. Atsumu ran a hand through his hair, and then he spun to his son, beaming.

“Can we go see ‘im?” he asked, excited. Tetsuro glanced around as the crowds filed out, and then he nodded.

Taking Atsumu’s hand, Tetsuro called, “Come on. I’ll introduce you to my old team.”

Atsumu ran after Tetsuro and his long legs, unable to keep the giant smile off his face. They made their way down a level, towards the locker rooms and showers, towards the entrance to the gym floor where the players came out. Voices could be heard even before they rounded the corner, and Atsumu felt his heart kick up. He nearly ran into Tetsuro’s back as the Alpha stopped suddenly, a voice calling in surprise, “Kuroo-kun. Long time no see.”

Tetsuro bowed his head and greeted enthusiastically, “Good game, coach!”

The older man stepped forward, grinning as he replied, “You should thank your old teammates, not me.” Atsumu stared up in awe at the Alpha, green eyes turning and meeting his over Tetsuro’s shoulder. “And who is this?”

Tetsuro pulled Atsumu around proudly, beaming as he introduced his old coach to his mother. “He used to play, too, in high school.”

The coach shook Atsumu’s hands, his eyes crinkling as he received the Omega’s praise. “Ya’ve really got a fine team here! The game was amazin’!”

“Thank you very much. I drive those kids hard. Kuroo-kun, if you ever want back on the team, just let me know.”

“Ah, I wasn’t cut out for college-level volleyball. I can’t compete with the other guys.”

Atsumu refuted this statement immediately, and the coach laughed, saying to Tetsuro, “You’ve got a damn good support system at your back, so I think you could do it if you wanted to. No pressure though. Your heart has to be in the game.” To Atsumu, “Anytime you want to come watch a game, have Tetsuro call me and I’ll get you tickets, alright?”

Atsumu and Tetsuro watched the coach walk off, the Omega bouncing on the balls of his feet. He turned and stared up at his son with shining eyes, Tetsuro laughing softly. “He was just being nice when he said I could get back on the team. I’d definitely be benched every game.”

“No way!” griped Atsumu. “Baby, ya were always so good!” He clung to Tetsuro’s thick arm as the two made their way deeper down, Atsumu way too focused on Tetsuro to notice the players coming around the corner. He nearly ran into one of the setters, big hands grabbing his shoulders as a voice exclaimed, “Whoa!”

Atsumu’s eyes darted up, and he forgot everything he’d meant to say as he stared up at one of Tetsuro’s handsome teammates. The big Alpha grinned, calling, “Well, who is this hottie we have here?”

Atsumu let out a laugh, those big, warm hands sliding down his arms and making him shiver, but a moment later, the setter was looking up, his face splitting into a huge grin when he saw Tetsuro. “Tetsu! Where’ve you been? We miss you on the team, bro!”

Tetsuro shook the setter’s hand and introduced his mother, and by now, a few other players had gathered around, complementing Atsumu and teasing Tetsuro.

“You never brought your mom around before. Holding out on us!”

The air was thick with Alpha pride, and everyone was high from their win. Atsumu knew half of the flirting was just because these guys were pumped up and horny after their game, but that didn’t keep him from beaming proudly, eating it all up. Tetsuro even gave shameless promotions for Atsumu’s Instagram, and a few of the guys promised enthusiastically to follow the Omega. Atsumu was flying from all of the compliments, almost forgetting why they were here when Tetsuro called, “Omi!”

Atsumu’s eyes snapped up just as pitch black ones darted over, and Atsumu’s whole face broke into a grin as Kiyoomi’s gaze locked on his. He had his mask on again, so it was hard to see his expression, but that didn’t stop Atsumu from jumping out and spinning around to show off the back of his homemade shirt, the glitter catching on the lights from the gym beyond the hallway.

When he spun back, he called, “Omi-Omi, ya looked so cool out there!” He froze, though, when he noticed that Omi had tugged off his mask, the Alpha staring down Tetsuro and almost ignoring Atsumu.

“What are you two doing here?” was the first thing Kiyoomi asked, his voice tight and expression tighter, catching Atsumu totally off-guard. He’d almost forgotten that Kiyoomi was a brat. Still, the image of Kiyoomi on the court was fresh in his mind, so he rushed forward, grinning as black eyes flicked down.

“Sweetheart, ya played so well!” Atsumu cheered, reaching up to ruffle Kiyoomi’s curly hair. The Alpha dodged at the last moment, eyes darting around as a few of his teammates lingered, calling out to Atsumu or the spiker.

“Who’s the hottie wearing your number, Kiyoomi?” teased the libero, and Kiyoomi’s frown grew deeper. He turned back to Tetsuro, his gaze sharp, while Atsumu just stared up at the other in shock. Was Kiyoomi really going to ignore him? He looked a little pale; maybe he was tired. The scent of sandalwood and black pepper prickled Atsumu’s nose, and his own lips tugged down into a frown.

He was about to give Kiyoomi an earful about it when his phone rang. He glanced down, and if it were anyone else but Alex calling, he might have ignored it. He felt like he should let the two Alphas square up over whatever was irking Kiyoomi, anyways, so Atsumu gruffly excused himself and stepped around the corner, waving at a few of the players he’d been chatting up earlier as he raised his phone to his ear.

“Alex,” he greeted, surprised his boss would be calling him when the man had been the one to suggest Atsumu’s vacation.

“I’m so sorry to call you,” Alex said, his voice a little muffled and distressed. Atsumu covered his mouth as the corners of his lips threatened to rise, wondering why it sounded like Alex was stuck on the other side of a wall of paperwork. He chewed back a laugh. “I know I told you I wouldn’t bother you, but I can’t seem to find the file for our newest client.”

“The one we met with last week?” Atsumu hummed, really fighting back a giggle now. Honestly, Alex really hadn’t been lying when he said he’d fall apart without Atsumu. It hadn’t even been a week, and Alex sounded like his whole life was in shambles.

“Please don’t laugh, Atsumu,” Alex begged as a tiny little noise escaped the Omega. “I know you organized all my files just before you left, but I really can’t find it-”

“That’s ‘cause I didn’t file it yet,” Atsumu replied, unable to keep the amusement out of his tone now. He giggled and then said, “Alex, I’ve worked with ya long enough ta know better than ta file a new client right away.”

Alex was quiet for a moment, and then he hushed, “Right…” Papers rustled, and then the Alpha asked, almost ashamed, “It’s on my desk, isn’t it?”

Atsumu couldn’t help but laugh aloud now. “It is,” he hummed, delighting in Alex’s groan.

“See, this is why I need you, Atsumu,” the Alpha huffed, and Atsumu’s smile went a little wonky.

“Ya’d be fine without me, Alex,” the Omega said, but his teasing tone was gone, and Alex sighed slowly.

“Come back soon,” was all Alex said, and Atsumu let out a soft laugh. When the line clicked, Atsumu slowly lowered his phone.

“Stupid Alpha,” he grumbled quietly, and then he sighed, turning to head back to where he’d last seen Kiyoomi and Tetsuro. The hallway was a lot quieter now, which was probably the only reason he heard them before he saw them. Atsumu froze, though he wasn’t really sure why. The scents in the air smelled charged. Atsumu heard Kiyoomi’s voice first.

“-Why would you bring an Omega down here? Half the team is probably jacking it off to your mom right now.”

“So? Why would it bother you?” Tetsuro replied, his own voice stiff. It made Atsumu wonder what he’d missed before this.

“It doesn’t! I’m just saying it should bother you!” Kiyoomi cut back, but Tetsuro scoffed.

“Stop lying, Omi-”

“Fine! Then why did you two come dressed like this? And your mom-” Kiyoomi’s voice seemed tighter now. “Fuck, Tetsuro, this shit is embarrassing. You know my parents were coming to this game.”

“What the fuck, Omi? What’s wrong with the shirts? What’s wrong with your parents seeing me or mom-”

“Shut up,” hissed Kiyoomi, and a scuffle ensued, the spiker grunting.

“You deserved that,” seethed Tetsuro, and Atsumu wondered what his son had done. Kiyoomi just hissed.

Atsumu felt his knees go a little weak, and he sank back against the cool, tiled wall, his shiver barely registering. Embarrassing? He’d embarrassed Kiyoomi? It wasn’t like this was the first time Atsumu had gone all out for a game, though he’d always been cheering for Tetsuro back then, but his son had never once seemed embarrassed. No, as a matter of fact, Tetsuro had always proudly shown off Atsumu in his various little outfits. Atsumu’s stomach swooped down, and he wondered what this feeling was. Damn, and he’d just spent the last few hours thinking Kiyoomi was so cool… In the end, Kiyoomi was still just a bratty kid with mommy issues.

Atsumu sharply turned the corner, Tetsuro hissing something to Kiyoomi, right in his face and finger to his chest, but he pulled back as soon as he caught sight of Atsumu from the corner of his eye, stepping back and schooling his features. The smell of two Alphas facing off was still thick in the air, though, but Atsumu pretended like he couldn’t smell it.

“Well, I was gonna take ya boys out ta dinner, but looks like Alex needs me,” he lied so easily, smiling the whole time. Kiyoomi wouldn’t meet his eyes, while Tetsuro’s whole face fell. It was enough to make Atsumu pause for a moment. He glanced up at Kiyoomi, a smile tugging on his lips, but he could feel that it wasn’t reaching his eyes. Black eyes flicked to him, and for a moment, Kiyoomi looked shocked, almost panicked.

“‘m sorry that I embarrassed ya, Sakusa,” Atsumu said, biting back his anger and sadness. “Don’t worry, though; I won’t come ta any more of yer games from now on, so ya can relax.” He let his words hang in the air, and then he nodded, turning on his heels. “Tetsu-chan, have fun, okay? I’ll see ya later-” Atsumu’s voice fell away, and he muffled his forlorn sigh in one of his pom poms. Behind him, feet shuffled, Tetsuro fiercely whispering something to Kiyoomi, but Atsumu couldn’t make it out. He just kept walking, slowly gaining speed as his shoulders grew stiff, anger replacing his sadness. Damn, and he’d actually thought that brat looked a little like a real Alpha today, not just Tetsuro’s snot-nosed friend-!

"Momma!” called Tetsuro behind Atsumu, and Atsumu schooled his face back into a smile, spinning around with a laugh.

“Sweetheart, what’re ya doin’? Go have fun with yer old team. Do ya want my card ta pay for dinner-?”

"Momma,” Tetsuro begged, and he came to a halt in front of the Omega, breathing heavy. Atsumu stared up at his son, trying not to let his smile falter. Tetsuro was such a good man, but Atsumu had been given a harsh reminder that not every Alpha had been raised right.

If Tetsuro thought that Atsumu had overheard anything, he didn’t mention it. He just stared down at his momma for a moment longer before straightening up, smiling bright. “They’ve all got plans. Let’s me and you get some food, Momma. Come on, I’ll treat you to that nice little Italian place just off campus.”

Atsumu thought of a million different replies, but in the end he settled on, “Don’t get all big and mighty with me just ‘cause ya have a job now! I’ll pay, and that’s that.” See, Tetsuro wasn’t the least bit ashamed to be seen with him… Atsumu linked his arm through his son’s and let Tetsuro lead the way.

"Momma, you should post those pictures I took,” Tetsuro was saying, but Atsumu was distracted as the pair walked past an older couple, the two instantly recognizable though Atsumu had never met them before. Kiyoomi looked like the spitting image of his mother, with the same cold eyes and curly hair. Though she was an Omega, her stare was cold as she glanced Atsumu’s way, and Atsumu quickly turned, hurrying after his son. For a moment, he actually felt bad for Kiyoomi. Kiyoomi, though, was an Alpha, someone who could craft his own path and choose his own actions; Kiyoomi had simply chosen to live under his parents’ thumbs, revoking him of his Alpha status in Atsumu’s eyes.

Damn brat, Atsumu thought as he nuzzled his face into Tetsuro’s arm if only to hide the ugly frown that pulled at his lips. Those people could look down on him all they wanted, but at least his son was proud of his momma, protective and unrelenting in his fierce devotion. Kiyoomi could stand to grow a back bone, or maybe just some manners. Damn. Atsumu’s golden eyes glanced back over his son’s broad shoulder just before the doors shut behind them. Two pairs of eyes met his own, the derision quite clear in the way they stared at Atsumu and Tetsuro. The Omega barely held himself back from flipping them off. It wasn’t needed, after all; it was clear enough to see who had come out on top with the better Alpha son.

-x-

Kiyoomi was dragging his feet, his stomach twisted up in knots. He showered and redressed, knowing his parents were planning to take him out to eat after his game. He slowly tucked his striped button-up into his slacks, taking his time with the laces of his dress shoes.

“Got a hot date?” ribbed one of his teammates as he pulled on his own beat-up sneakers, looking unfairly comfortable in his torn jeans and baggy jersey.

Kiyoomi groaned at the libero, shaking his head as he slipped on a new black mask if only to hide the twisted frown there. He didn’t want to face his parents. He felt sick. Standing slowly, he gathered his crossbody bag and duffel bag with his uniform and towel inside. He’d stalled as much as he could, so he waved at his teammates and headed out in silence.

He could see them the moment his head crested the second floor, taking the stairs slowly. They stood together, perfectly prim and proper. People had told him he was the spitting image of his Omega mother, and Kiyoomi had always hated that growing up, but over time he had grown strangely okay with it. He knew why; after meeting Atsumu, looking like an Omega didn’t sound like such a bad thing. Unfortunately, it seemed like he had picked up his mother’s cold demeanor and cruel words, too. Clutching his duffel bag tighter, he made his way over to his parents.

“Kiyoomi,” greeted his father sharply, the young Alpha bowing his head to the older man.

“There you are,” scolded his mother. Kiyoomi gave a small, stiff smile that neither of them could see. “Let me see your face, darling,” she said next, a little kinder, though that wasn’t saying much. Kiyoomi schooled his features and tugged his mask down, giving his mother a wry smile.

“You played well today,” the eldest Sakusa said.

“Thank you,” Kiyoomi hushed, nodding gratefully.

The moment was over a second later when his mother asked, “How are your studies going? You’re not slacking, are you?”

Kiyoomi chewed at his cheek before replying very matter-of-fairly, “You know I don’t do that, mother.”

“There’s no need to talk back,” she huffed, though she nodded in approval. “You are a smart boy, Kiyoomi; no need to get too wrapped up in your sports and ignore your schooling. You know what is expected of you as an Alpha.”

“Yes, mother,” Kiyoomi replied, though his heart wasn’t in it at all. He thought he might enjoy studying more if it wasn’t forced down his throat at every chance, but even so, he would never dare disappoint his parents. They stood together for a few moments longer, and Kiyoomi was just waiting for the comments they were definitely withholding, but in the end, his father only said, “Let’s head out. Our reservation is in a half hour.”

“You took so long after the game,” his mother said as they walked out to the parking lot, fixing Sakusa’s curls so they laid neatly across his forehead. He had the incessant urge to swipe them back as he always did, but he kept his hands down. Being with his parents was like walking on eggshells, and it was best to just keep them happy. Even though they were headed to one of his favorite restaurants, Kiyoomi wasn’t sure he’d be able to eat, his stomach in knots. He kept waiting for someone to mention the elephant in the room; had his parents not seen Atsumu and Tetsuro?

The car ride was absolutely silent, and it only knotted Kiyoomi up more, staring out the window and feeling sick. Fuck, why had Atsumu and Tetsuro come to the one game his parents had also decided to attend? And you come like that… Kiyoomi had felt his stomach drop to the floor when he’d spotted Atsumu, his heart flying up and out of his throat. The Omega tore him up inside, always doing the most… inconvenient things, and yet Kiyoomi couldn’t lie and say that seeing Atsumu with his name and number on his back hadn’t done things, terrible things to him. He wanted to take back what he’d said, and yet… He waited for the bomb to drop so he could recover as quickly as possible from the aftermath.

It came in the front entry of Kiyoomi’s favorite restaurant as the hostess gathered their menus, just before they were to be seated. It was the worst timing, but his mother was excellent at picking these times on purpose. “Were those your friends?” she asked, and if someone didn’t know her well, they might think she was being kind. Kiyoomi, however, knew much, much better. His stomach lurched, and he swallowed past a thick lump.

“Tetsuro… Yes, I played volleyball with him in high school.”

Kiyoomi’s mother clicked her tongue, and Kiyoomi recoiled inwardly. As an Alpha, she emasculated him so easily every single time. He steeled himself for the comments.

“I wish you would stop associating with ruffians like that, Kiyoomi. You have to think of your future and the Sakusa name. Isn’t it best to make friends with people who have the same life goals and will help you in life instead of dragging you down?”

“Tetsuro isn’t like that,” Kiyoomi tried, but that was perhaps the worst thing he could have said. Cold, black eyes met his own across the table as the trio was seated, and even Kiyoomi’s father looked utterly disappointed.

“Anyone who doesn’t even have a father in the home and was raised by a single, Omega man can not have anything to offer you, Kiyoomi. They are low class people, and you will soon learn that associating with people like that will only make others look down on you, too.”

Under the table, Kiyoomi clenched his fist, head bowed, and he wished… fuck, he wished he could say out loud that it wasn’t true, none of it was true. Atsumu had never… been anything but kind to a miserable brat like him, and Tetsuro had introduced him to volleyball and having fun and letting loose.

“Really, male Omegas can never be anything but a red flag…” she continued as she pored over the wine menu, and Kiyoomi had to physically bite his tongue. “And did you see what he was wearing? Kiyoomi, really…”

I thought Atsumu looked… gorgeous, Kiyoomi thought to himself, the knot in his stomach twisting tighter and tighter as realization dawned. Had he really been embarrassed because of his parents, or because… Atsumu had stolen his breath away, showing up like that with the Alpha’s name emblazoned on his back like it… belonged there. Kiyoomi wanted it to belong there, and yet he couldn’t say that, so he’d said something stupid in a flash of jealousy, seeing everyone so easily flirt with his beloved. He covered his eyes as he stared down at his menu, and he cursed himself, his cruel tongue, his horrid nature. Why couldn’t he just thank Atsumu, or even just say something nice?

Even now… even now, he was silent, relenting to the cruel things his parents said about the man he loved with all of his rotten heart.

The worst part of it all was that Atsumu had looked right at him with the saddest eyes and called him Sakusa for the first time ever. It had rendered Kiyoomi so speechless, unable to beg the Omega to take it back. Even that stupid nickname didn’t seem so abhorrent anymore. The distance using his last name put between them rended Kiyoomi’s heart open wide.

Was his mother really still talking? Kiyoomi stood up suddenly, sick as he mumbled he had to use the restroom. He walked as casually as he could until he was out of sight, locking himself into a stall. If he pulled his phone out, would there be angry texts from Tetsuro or would it be silent? Kiyoomi wasn’t even sure which was worse at this point. He covered his face. He had totally fucked up.

It took him ten minutes to gather himself again and head back out to his parents’ table. Thankfully, the two had moved on to a different topic in that time, and Kiyoomi was able to order some food, praying he could force it down. He half-listened as his parents talked about his older siblings, as they discussed weekend plans and how the stock market was doing. Kiyoomi kept his head down, barely listening as his parents’ voices become nothing more than an annoying buzz in his ears. He wished he could just say what he was thinking, man up, be fucking brave for once, but he had been raised to be quiet and to obey his parents, to never talk back and to always listen. In his own family, the rules served him well, but in the real world, it made him a coward, a lesser man. He knew that from watching Tetsuro, he knew that from Atsumu’s treatment of him. He knew he could do better; he was an Alpha, after all, and yet his best intentions always seemed to fall flat, nothing accomplished by simply thinking he could be better.

He had to actually do it, actually make himself be a better man, a good man.

Dinner passed Kiyoomi in the blink of an eye, and as the trio stood again to head out, he tuned back into the conversation, his mother calling his name.

“Kiyoomi, one of your father’s colleagues has a son at Tokyo University. He is a few years older than you, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to seek him out and develop a good relationship. The people you know can make or break you.” The thinly veiled threat was clear. Kiyoomi looked up and stared at his mother.

Something came over him. “There’s nothing wrong with the friends I already have.”

Black eyes stared at Kiyoomi in something akin to shock, and Kiyoomi almost wanted to laugh. Something electrifying curled up his spine; he was both terrified and elated at his own bravery. He swore he could hear Atsumu whispering in his ear. He stared back at his mother.

“Kiyoomi, apologize to your mother,” commanded his father, but Kiyoomi felt his head shake, his eyes growing slightly wider.

“Mother, there is nothing wrong with the friends I have,” he reiterated instead. He could see the backlash coming from a mile away, but before his mother could say a word, he turned on the sidewalk and said, “I’m going to the library to study, so I’ll be off. Thank you for dinner.”

“Kiyoomi!” decried his mother in shock, but the Alpha kept walking, mostly because he was too scared to face the music of what he’d just done. Holy shit…

He’d never felt like such a man before this moment. He straightened his spine and stared dead ahead. Once he was around the corner, he pulled his phone out, chewing back his rampant disappointment at the lack of text messages. He opened his chat with Tetsuro, fingers hovering over the keyboard. What did he even say?

I’m sorry. he typed out.

Can you tell Atsumu I’m sorry.

Fuck you, Omi. came the crisp response. Kiyoomi nodded slowly. You can’t talk to my momma that way. Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you?

I know. I can only apologize.

One day, an apology isn’t gonna be enough, Omi. Figure out how to make it up to him. Take some time. I need to cool off.

Tetsuro…

I’ll text you later. was Tetsuro’s final text, and in some ways it was very fair. Still, Kiyoomi cursed aloud bitterly, “Fuck you, too, Tetsuro.” It didn’t make him feel any better. He walked to a corner conbini and bought himself a bottled tea. He didn’t actually have his books with him, so he wasted time riffling through the magazines beside the cash register. Nicolas Romero was being featured on the front of Volleyball Monthly, and Kiyoomi wondered if getting a pro contract might make Atsumu happy.

It was a pipe dream.

His parents would never, ever let him pursue it.

Chapter Text

Tooru adjusted the strap of his very tiny bikini top, staring at Wakatoshi through the dark lenses of his big sunglasses. It was hot out, maybe one of the last hot days of the year, and Tooru was taking full advantage of it. He let the sun beat down on his bronzed skin as he soaked up Wakatoshi, arms bulging in his tee as he dragged the big net through the Omega’s pool, cleaning out bugs and leaves before it would be closed up for the year. Tooru had called his favorite handyman company back yesterday, and Saeko had kindly given the job to Wakatoshi. Thankfully, the Alpha hadn’t refused, whether it was because he was just a good kid like that or he knew there was a good tip in it for him. Tooru guessed the first, considering how Wakatoshi still had his shirt on even though it was blazing hot outside and Tooru had told him several times to strip down. Still, Tooru didn’t mind watching him sweat, either, but it was a shame that he couldn’t see more of that gorgeous body…

Tooru didn’t make it much of a secret when he was into someone, and Wakatoshi was very much his type. Handsome, physically fit, not a single funny bone in his body. It made Tooru want to crack the man’s code. It made him want to get to know him a little better…

Tooru shifted on the lounge chaise he sat on, shifting one leg up while the other settled down. The ice in his mixed drink clinked softly, and he smiled when olive eyes roamed his way for a moment. Hooking his finger into his bikini bottoms, he made a show of pulling the sides higher. The bottoms barely hid anything as it was, but Tooru had never had much shame about showing off. He knew he looked good, even after having a baby. He kept himself trim for his partners, but also because he had always refused to be one of those moms who let themselves go. Taking his straw between his lips, he smiled at Wakatoshi as he sipped at his boozy drink.

“How’s it going?” he asked slowly, pulling his shades down a little to peer seductively at his pool boy for the day. Wakatoshi looked barely phased, sending a delighted shiver up Tooru’s spine. He would never deny to being a masochist when it came to dark, brooding men.

“Very well, Iwaizumi-san,” Wakatoshi replied, and Tooru sat up, dropping his hands over his knee as he tried not to let his smile falter.

“I told you to just call me Tooru,” he said, staring at Wakatoshi, really ogling him. Wakatoshi nodded, and Tooru tried again, “If you’re hot, you should take your shirt off, Wakatoshi.”

“I can’t risk getting a sunburn,” was Wakatoshi’s response, to which Tooru reached over and grabbed at his sunscreen, waggling it.

“This would keep you safe; it’s 50 SPF. I can apply it for you if you like~” Tooru grinned. When Wakatoshi shook his head again, he sighed and teased, “You’re not being a very good pool boy.”

Poor Wakatoshi looked like he’d been actually insulted. Tooru waved him over in amusement as his shoulders sagged, and Wakatoshi put his net carefully down before wandering over.

“Darling, I was just teasing,” Tooru reassured as he turned on his chair, handing off the bottle of sunscreen over his shoulder. “Be a sweetheart and re-apply my back for me?”

“Shouldn’t I finish the pool?” asked Wakatoshi, and Tooru peered over his shoulder at the Alpha, pushing his sunglasses up into his hair. He sat on his feet, and as Wakatoshi stared at his back, he slowly hiked his bikini bottoms up again, arching his spine.

“What, are you saying I should pay a little more for the extra service? I don’t mind doing that~”

“I just don’t want to keep you,” Wakatoshi said after a long moment, clearly conflicted and also enraptured by Tooru. The Omega smiled unseen into his shoulder.

“Darling, I have nothing better to do, and you’re very good company and a killer view. Do you have another job to get to?”

“No…”

Tooru wiggled his hips a little, nearly preening. “Then stay a while. There are a few more things you could do around the yard for me if you want the extra pay.”

He could almost hear Wakatoshi swallow, his eyes locked on Tooru but trying very desperately not to stare. Tooru chewed at his fat bottom lip. He almost let out a little moan to convince the Alpha to agree.

Wakatoshi glanced down and slowly squirted out some of the sunscreen onto his big, rough palms, and then he carefully pulled the little bow of Tooru’s swim top aside, beginning to carefully lotion his back. Tooru let out a highly suggestive shiver, peering over his shoulder as he chewed at his bottom lip some more. His chocolate eyes jumped over the broad man behind him. The shirt Wakatoshi wore was almost aggravating him now. He wanted to see the man’s pectorals jump as he put some elbow grease into his new task.

“Wakatoshi, what’s your type?” Tooru asked bluntly, smiling as the man’s hands stuttered on his back for a split second.

“I’m not sure I have one,” replied Wakatoshi after a moment, and Tooru chuckled.

“Anyone will do? You do seem like the type who would have people of all kinds throwing themselves at you.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Wakatoshi murmured, almost offended again. “I’m pretty busy, so I don’t have time for a relationship like that, and I’d rather not make my partner suffer from neglect.”

“How benevolent of you~” purred Tooru. He shut his eyes as those rough palms worked over his back, moving his swimsuit this way and that to encourage those hands to go to more places. Wakatoshi, though, was kind and too careful. At this rate, Tooru was going to get hard and very horny and have no reward. He arched his back a little more. “You know, I really do have a lot of work that needs to be done around this house, things that require constant upkeep, and I just don’t have the time for it.”

“What about your husband?” Wakatoshi asked after a long while, and Tooru was glad the other couldn’t see the way his face pulled tight.

Instead of answering, Tooru continued, “I’d like you to consider becoming my personal handyman. I would pay you handsomely, of course. You could come over whenever you have the time and do yard work or fix things around the house.”

“I cannot contract myself out for freelance work since I’m with the company,” Wakatoshi explained very methodically, recapping the sunscreen bottle and pulling back. Tooru spun around as the tall Alpha stood, headed towards the small shower by the pool to rinse his hands. When he came back, Tooru was sitting at the edge of his chaise, long legs crossed, leaning back.

“I can talk to Saeko. I’m sure she wouldn’t refuse you the opportunity.”

“I’m grateful for the offer, Tooru, but I really don’t think-”

“Wakatoshi,” called Tooru suddenly, seductively sitting up and rising to his feet like every move was meant to be photographed. He slowly made his way over to Wakatoshi, pressing a finger to his chest and tracing his firm muscles. “You’re good with your hands,” he purred, “and I need a lot of… help.”

Wakatoshi’s eyes darted up to the house, then down to Tooru’s hand as slender fingers slowly spread across his pectoral. On his ring finger glinted his wedding ring. Wakatoshi slowly took a step back.

“I don’t think your husband would appreciate this, Tooru.”

The brunet sighed slowly, his head filled with want, want, but his heart not in it to explain…

“Think about it,” he simply offered again with a smile. As he turned to head inside to top off his drink, he asked, “Can I get you anything? Iced tea, water, a beer?”

“Tooru, I’m underage, and besides that, I can’t drink while I’m working.”

Tooru giggled and called, “No one has to know, darling. I’ll grab you a glass of tea.”

Wakatoshi nodded his thanks like nothing seemed to bother him and turned back to finish cleaning out the pool. Tooru sighed out as the cool of the house wrapped around him, his eyes meeting his daughter’s as she came down the stairs.

“Mom,” she called, not even blinking at Tooru’s scandalous outfit. He grabbed a wrap and tied it around his waist, smiling as he told her, “Wakatoshi is here.”

She looked outside and nodded.

At second glance, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “And where are you going, little missy?”

Aina shrugged, tugging at the backpack on her shoulders. “I have a school project to work on, so I was going to the library.”

“What’s wrong with working on it here?” Tooru argued, but both of them knew he wasn’t going to push it all that hard.

“Well, none of my project partners are here, for one,” Aina listed, and Tooru instantly shrugged, explanation enough for him.

“Want me to drive you?”

Aina glanced outside again, shaking her head. “Wakatoshi is here, right?”

Tooru grinned. He was sure Aina didn’t know what he actually got up to; she might die if she knew Tooru was sleeping around, but it wasn’t a big secret that Tooru was very flirtatious. “Right,” he replied with a smile. He watched his girl traipse towards the front door, his hand resting lightly on the cool granite kitchen countertop. Once the front door was shut, he set to making a new drink for himself and a tea for Wakatoshi.

Walking back outside, Tooru waved the tall Alpha over, handing off the icy glass of tea. He stared as Wakatoshi drank it nearly all down in one go, his Adam’s apple scraping up and down his thick neck. Tooru licked at his lip as a bead of sweat trailed down.

“Do you play a sport?” he asked as he drank from his own glass, watching Wakatoshi over the rim. The Alpha barely looked surprised by the question, though he was silent for a moment. Tooru reached out and stroked his hand over Wakatoshi’s beefy arm with a smile. “You’re very physically fit, so I was just thinking you probably played something.”

“American football,” Wakatoshi replied, understanding lighting up his gorgeous olive eyes. Tooru could stare at them forever. He chewed at an acrylic nail as he gazed up at Wakatoshi, shifting on his heeled sandals.

“Oh. What position do you play?”

Wakatoshi glanced at him in surprise. “You know the game?”

Tooru laughed. “Why, do I look like I don’t know sports?” When Wakatoshi didn’t respond, he laughed again. “We have a close family friend who coaches baseball at Aina’s high school and is very into sports of all kinds, so yes, I know the game.”

Wakatoshi nodded, seeming nearly impressed if his face wasn’t so hard to read. Still, Tooru grinned proudly.

“I’m a tight end,” Wakatoshi replied, and Tooru went absolutely giddy with jokes.

“Yes, you are,” he hummed coyly, and then he wandered back to his chair with a chortle. From the corner of his eye, he watched Wakatoshi lift his shirt to wipe his face. Tooru could almost feel his pussy drooling as he turned and openly stared at washboard abs and fat pectorals. He chewed at his nail again, impossibly horny. The air around him began to smell more strongly of brown sugar and bourbon.

Tooru sat back as Wakatoshi got back to work, the Omega not even trying to hide his staring. A tight end, huh? Tooru wanted to see Wakatoshi play, but more than that, he wanted to get tackled and tossed into a bed, let Wakatoshi feel what a tight end really felt like…

Tooru hummed as he peeled his wrap back off, turning and untying his top so he could tan without worrying about lines. He laid down facing Wakatoshi, coyly hiding his chest, watching the Alpha through his shades. Once in a while, he would catch eyes drifting his way, and he would bite at his lip and smile seductively.

He’d call Saeko tomorrow and work out a little arrangement, he thought. He just wanted Wakatoshi too damn bad, but he really did need a good handyman, too.

-x-

The café was slow this morning, and Shugo watched Tetsuro shuffle between his few tables while he stood behind the coffee bar, trying out some new drinks for the menu. He had felt inspired lately to add some tea lattes for non-coffee drinkers, and since it was slow, he’d decided to do some experiments today. He just couldn’t seem to get it right, though, and all of the teas were starting to taste the same, too. Even Tetsuro was starting to decline tasting the new concoctions. Shugo sighed and wiped his hands, deciding to take over Tetsuro’s tables so the poor man could go on lunch.

“Thank you,” Tetsuro sighed as he sagged forward, and Shugo raised an eyebrow at him.

“Not enough sleep last night?”

Tetsuro glanced up at the other Alpha, frowning slightly. “School project,” he said vaguely, and Shugo knitted his brows together.

“I can make you a drink after we close up,” he offered, adding, “or just lend an ear to your troubles.”

Tetsuro gave a wry grin. “I appreciate it. Hey… are you free tomorrow?”

“Yeah. It’s my day off.”

“I was gonna plan a hang,” Tetsuro said with a shrug, and Shugo grinned.

“Great. Just don’t make it too early.”

“Perfect. I don’t think Kou rolls out of bed before 12 anyways.”

Shugo laughed and then shooed the younger Alpha off, chiming, “Tell your auntie I said hi.”

Tetsuro rolled his eyes, grinning as he headed to the break room in the back, and Shugo headed the other way to make sure Tetsuro’s tables were doing okay. After checking on them, he cleaned off the empty tables and began prepping a little early for closing, thinking he wanted to get out as soon as he could so he could hopefully take a nap before work tonight. Working double shifts was exhausting, but it always made Shugo feel like he was doing something meaningful with his life. The first three years after graduating high school had felt so aimless for him, but now he felt fulfilled every day, even if he was also usually exhausted. After meeting Osamu, the feeling of pride had only doubled, too. Now there was a reason to work so hard aside from himself, and that made his inner Alpha sing with joy.

He wouldn’t lie; he’d definitely imagined being a home-wrecker and making Osamu his no matter what, to build a new home with him. Even starting a family didn’t sound so bad anymore. The power of an Omega, the right Omega, was really one of a kind.

The morning passed slowly, Tetsuro tagging in again after his break and sending Shugo back to his tea experiments. He was absorbed in getting the art perfect on a lavender tea when a knock rapped on the bar’s countertop, Tetsuro calling, “Hey, can I get some help at one of my tables?”

Shugo looked up, his eyes meeting first Tetsuro’s and then darting across the café to the front door. He froze for a moment, and then his whole face split into a huge, giddy grin. Tetsuro chortled softly. “I figured you’d want to wait on them,” he teased as he walked off. Shugo was out from behind the bar and headed to the front door in a split second, wiping his hands roughly on his small apron, fixing his short hair.

He stopped in front of Osamu and nearly melted when gorgeous gray eyes turned up to meet his own. Osamu smiled softly up at Shugo, his whole face seeming to glow, and behind his leg hid a shy Koichi.

Shugo clapped a hand over his mouth and then hushed, “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“You said I should,” whispered Osamu softly, glancing around a little nervously. “Tetsu-chan told me you were working and that it was slow.”

“It is. There’s only a few people…” Shugo watched Osamu peer around anxiously, and he let his hand drop away, smiling kindly.

“Wanna sit at the bar?” he asked. He popped a squat and held his hand out to Koichi. “What do you say, little man? I can treat you and your mama to some one-on-one service in my private little corner of the café?”

Big, dark eyes peered at Shugo, and slowly the bartender looked up, smiling at Osamu. When he stood up again, he extended his hand to Osamu, pointing towards the bar at the back of the café. Relief filtered over Osamu’s pretty face, and he took Koichi’s hand and shyly followed Shugo’s guidance. There, Shugo pulled out two barstools, first helping Koichi onto one and then lifting Osamu with an arm around his legs, holding him close for a moment before carefully setting him down again. Osamu’s soft hands were warm against his chest, seeming to burn through the light shirt he wore, and Shugo pressed a hand to the bar behind Osamu, leaning over the Omega for a few seconds with a soft smile. Grey eyes peered up through long lashes at him, and damn, Shugo wanted to kiss those soft lips so badly.

He pulled back and grabbed two menus off the end of the bar, walking back around the other side before handing them off. “Pick whatever you want, my treat,” he said, his chest puffed out in pride.

Osamu looked like he might object for a moment, but then he smiled softly, nodding. “Thank you, Shugo.”

Ah, it was enough to bring any man to his knees. Shugo stared at the pair before him fondly as they discussed what to eat, Koichi shyly pointing out the fluffy pancakes again. Osamu was so sweet with his little boy, it made Shugo melt. He’d never thought too much about kids, but Koichi was very cute, probably thanks to his mother’s genes, and Shugo felt the tugs of a paternal bond starting. He wanted to impress Osamu, of course, but mostly he wanted the Omega to feel relaxed around him, to feel like he didn’t have to be on edge and constantly worrying. He wanted Osamu to understand that he could and would take care of the two Omegas, to trust that he could be good to both of them, though in very different ways. From the very limited interaction he’d had with Koichi, Shugo could already tell that Osamu was a good mama to him. He was a sweet kid, shy and soft-spoken, but he was very watchful of Osamu, too, almost more concerned with the older Omega than himself. Tetsuro was like that, too… Shugo wondered for a moment if it ran in the family, this fierce devotion and need to protect their mothers.

Shugo scrubbed at his smiling lips and then slowly stepped forward, aching to touch his beloved Osamu.

“I’ve been working on some new tea lattes to add to the menu,” he told Osamu as he leaned onto the bar, smiling at Koichi. When his eyes flicked back to Osamu, his whole being melted as a warm grey gaze met his own. “Think I could ask for your help in tasting them? I think I’ve burned Tetsuro out.” He still couldn’t quite believe that Osamu was actually here. Shit, he was so happy he could float.

Shugo reached out slowly and brushed aside a stray chunk of grey hair, his fingers lingering on soft, soft skin. Osamu just stared at him, smiling ever so softly. Shugo glanced at Koichi, but the little boy was staring up at the bottles of alcohol behind the bar with awe on his little face, so Shugo cupped Osamu’s jaw and stroked his cheek, his gaze growing warm and fond. Osamu responded instantly, the scent of caramel and nutmeg invading Shugo’s nose. The Alpha did the same, scenting softly.

Dark eyes darted sideways, and Shugo regretfully dropped his hand just as Koichi glanced up at them. Leaning closer, Shugo smiled at the boy, and then he asked, “What about you, my little dude? Chocolate milk with extra whipped cream?”

Koichi’s slanted eyes lit up big, and then he peered up at Osamu as if to ask, “Can I?” Osamu just chuckled softly, petting Koichi’s soft hair.

“Thank you for spoiling us,” the Omega hummed sweetly to Shugo, relaxing now that he was out of sight of everyone else. If anyone were to ask, the two were just regular customers who’d asked to sit at the bar. Shugo smiled at his beloved, the first Omega who’d made him feel like a real Alpha, protective and needing to provide things like love, money, a home.

“Of course, darling. Trust me when I say that it’s all I want to do.”

Osamu’s smile wobbled like he was overwhelmed for a moment, like no one had ever said they’d wanted to spoil him before. It made Shugo’s blood boil, making him believe it would be so easy to be so damn good for Osamu. He caressed his finger secretly against the side of Osamu’s hand as he held his menu, grey eyes darting to his. Osamu seemed entranced for a moment, and Shugo let it happen. “What about you?” he asked in a low tone, calling to Osamu’s inner Omega. The smaller man shivered as Shugo added, “What would you like to drink, my darling?”

“Mama,” whispered Koichi suddenly from beside him, and Osamu glanced down, distracted as the little boy curled against his side. Big eyes stared up at Shugo, and he smiled.

“I’m sorry, does Koichi… know?”

Grey eyes met green, and Osamu smiled softly. “Know what?” he hushed, and Shugo’s shoulders straightened. Osamu was asking him to spell it out, not just for Koichi, but for himself, too. He wanted to know, What are we, Shugo. What do you want us to be?

Shugo regarded Osamu for a long few second, drinking him in, before he leaned back down towards Koichi, extending his hand as a sign of peace. “I hope we can start being great buds. I plan to take care of your mama for a long, long time.” Koichi watched Shugo with big eyes, totally attuned to the Alpha. It was a natural response for an Omega, but more than that, Shugo could see the hope in the little boy’s eyes. How did he perceive the relationship Osamu had with his father? Leaning closer, Shugo cupped a hand around his mouth, making sure Osamu could still hear and see his lips perfectly as he whispered, “Listen, don’t tell your mama, but I’m very, very in love with him. I want him to be mine, and I want me and you… to get along really great and make sure he’s happy forever.”

Koichi nodded very firmly, totally committed to this mission. When Shugo held out his hand again, Koichi shyly took it, and green eyes glanced at Osamu, the big Alpha grinning. Osamu was beet red, and it was perhaps one of the most gorgeous sights Shugo had ever seen. He couldn’t help himself; he distracted Koichi with a fancy handshake while he leaned sideways, pressing a soft kiss to Osamu’s forehead as if to say, I really fucking mean it, darling.

Osamu’s skin was warm and soft, and when Shugo pulled back, the Omega looked nearly ready to melt, his pheromones thick in the air. Koichi glanced up, Shugo shocked to see the surprise on the little boy’s face, and damn, it made him all more sure that this was right. Fuck that other Alpha, rotten as he was for neglecting someone as sweet and beautiful as Osamu. Shugo would show how a real Alpha took care of his own. Standing back up, he made a big show of mixing Koichi’s chocolate milk, and then he leaned back over the bar towards Osamu, husking sweetly, “A tea latte sound good?”

“Yes,” breathed Osamu, his voice stuttering. Shugo was trying not to over-scent, but it was hard for him not to mark what he wanted. “Anything… would be fine.”

“You‘re too sweet, darling,” Shugo purred as he stood back up. He stepped to the coffee bar, smiling at the eyes he felt on him as he began to brew his favorite concoction so far, a vanilla and lavender tea with steamed milk. He brought it over oh so carefully when he was done with it, Osamu staring at Shugo like he held the whole world.

“Try it,” Shugo hushed eagerly before moving to put in their food order on the tablet at the end of the bar. When he came back, Osamu was just licking off his little frothed milk mustache, and Shugo wanted to kiss his lips and suckle on that cute little pink tongue. He clenched his fist in an attempt to hold himself back, saying instead, “Be honest, Osamu.”

The Omega hummed softly. “It’s a little sweet,” he hushed thoughtfully, “but I like the flavors. Maybe… a little more milk and less syrup?”

“Perfect.” This was the feedback he’d been needing. As soon as Osamu finished his first cup, he made him a second, a chai tea with almond milk. This one Osamu said was perfectly sweet, though a little too spiced. Shugo was floating on cloud nine. “Darling, I’m going to need you to come by everyday,” he hummed, not paying much attention to the effect his words had as he turned to Koichi and grinned. “What about you, little man? Chocolate milk too sweet?”

“No,” giggled Koichi softly, shaking his head.

“Never, right?” grinned Shugo. “Want more whipped cream?”

“Shugo…” Osamu called, quietly telling the Alpha not to spoil his baby with too much sugar, but Shugo just grinned, winking at both mother and son.

“You’re not the only one I’m trying to win over, darling,” Shugo told him as he filled Koichi’s glass again with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

Osamu’s cheeks burned pink, and Shugo grinned, the look on Osamu’s face saying he was already very won over. From the kitchen, a bell rang, and Shugo looked over. “Ah, your food’s ready,” he hummed as he walked off to grab it. Through the small window into the kitchen, he asked for more whipped cream and fruit on the pancakes, as well as one of their famous sweet rolls on the house for Osamu, who’d been trying to decide between that and a cup of fruit as his side. When he came back with the platter of food, Osamu and Koichi’s eyes both went wide, and Shugo was brimming with pride.

“Don’t spoil them too much,” teased Tetsuro as he stepped around the corner, walking over to kiss Osamu on the cheek and ruffle Koichi’s hair. Grey eyes looked up at his nephew, and Osamu smiled before glancing shyly back at Shugo.

Shugo grinned, ratting on Osamu a little as he said, “This gorgeous Omega here doesn’t mind so much when I spoil him. And me and Koichi are gonna be best buds, right?”

Koichi looked up at Shugo and then at Tetsuro, grinning crookedly at his cousin. Tetsuro ruffled his hair again, taking one look at Koichi’s drink and pancakes, both overflowing with extra whipped cream, before turning to Shugo. “You know, I was worried about you, but you’re doing alright, Shugo,” Tetsuro said, nodding his approval. Shugo grinned, though he was a little offended that Tetsuro had doubted him. Well, he couldn’t blame the man; his playboy lifestyle felt like it was ages ago, though. Now, all there was was Osamu.

“You don’t have to worry,” Shugo promised earnestly. “I’m absolutely smitten.”

Osamu flushed again, and Tetsuro just hummed, happy enough with that. He knew that Shugo understood the implicit threat if the Alpha ever hurt or abandoned his aunt. It would take a supernatural act of God, though, to tear Shugo away now.

Tetsuro handed over a slip of drink orders, and while Osamu and Koichi ate, Shugo mixed the beverages for Tetsuro’s tables. Koichi seemed particularly fascinated by the mint julep Shugo made, while Osamu’s eyes followed every single movement Shugo made as he mixed up two flutes of mimosas. With a grin, Shugo handed the drinks back to Tetsuro, and then he continued his drink experiments, knowing that Osamu was watching everything.

“How was it?” asked Shugo with a crooked grin when Osamu slowly set his fork down, giving up on finishing all of his food. He watched the Omega lean slowly back, rubbing at his full belly, and for a moment, Shugo was hit with something like lighting as he imagined Osamu round and full with his baby, so pretty and pregnant… It came so out of nowhere that Shugo stood speechless for a moment, just staring. He hadn’t even known he had that desire, but Osamu was bringing out a brand new side of him, and he wasn’t even mad about it. Fuck yes, he wanted to be domestic with this man. He would do anything, give anything, be… anything. The feeling left him breathless with excitement. Wandering back over, Shugo leaned across the bar again, stroking secretly at Osamu’s forearm as it laid across the bar top. Koichi was playing with his fruit, making up little stories as he pushed his strawberries and blueberries around. Grey eyes met Shugo’s, and the Alpha let himself just stare.

“When can I see you again?” he whispered softly. “I meant it when I said you could stop by every day. I’ll be here.”

“I’d get fat,” hummed Osamu softly, smiling sweetly, but Shugo really didn’t think that would be half bad. He leaned a little closer, inhaling Osamu.

“Darling, please be mine,” he husked, nuzzling his nose softly to sweet-smelling grey hair. Slender fingers wrapped shyly around his arm, and Osamu inhaled shakily.

“It’s… terrifying,” he whispered, and Shugo nodded.

“I’ll protect you. I don’t want you to worry when you’re with me.”

Osamu’s fingers tightened on Shugo’s arm, but he was quiet. It was easier said than done, right. Shugo sighed softly, his breath rustling Osamu’s hair.

“I wish I could put into words how you make me feel. My beautiful Osamu.”

“Shugo,” begged Osamu, and the Alpha could feel how much the other needed him, wanted him. Osamu craved the love Shugo wanted to give him, craved the stability and protection and the promise that he didn’t have to worry or stress anymore. He leaned a little closer, and Shugo tilted his head down, inhaling Osamu’s sweet scent.

“Darling,” he murmured deeply, “let me take care of you. Be mine, Omega.”

Osamu shivered, a high, desperate little sound slipping past his lips. He clutched at Shugo’s arm all the tighter. He opened his mouth, but just then Koichi looked up, whispering, “Mama, I’m sleepy.”

Osamu pulled back with a snap even as his scent curled with regret, his eyes lingering on Shugo’s for a split second before he turned to his son. “You ate a lot,” hummed the Omega quietly as he wiped Koichi’s little face. “Wanna head home and take a nap?”

“Mm…”

Osamu glanced back up at Shugo apologetically, but Shugo wasn’t mad. He smiled fondly down at Koichi, Osamu staring at him with wide eyes.

“Hey, little man,” called Shugo kindly. “What do you say? Think I could do a good job taking care of you and your mama?”

Dark eyes peered up, and Koichi grinned sleepily. To Osamu, he murmured, “Mama, I… like him…” before slumping sleepily against Osamu. The Omega startled and grabbed his little boy, pulling Koichi against his chest. Shugo moved around the bar and hefted the sleepy kid up, patting at Koichi’s back. He smiled when tiny hands gripped into his shirt and a petite nose pressed to his neck, even Koichi seeking out his scent and comforted by it. Meanwhile, Osamu was just staring up at the two, speechless. Shugo sat down on Koichi’s seat after a moment, eyes locked on Osamu’s pretty grey ones.

“I mean it, darling,” he murmured as he took Osamu’s hand in his free one. “I’m in love with you, and I really, really want you to be mine. You don’t have to respond right now, but please… think about it. Think how good I could be for you and Ko-chan.”

Osamu blinked his eyes as they slowly grew wet, nodding carefully as he swallowed. “I do,” he croaked out. “It’s all I think about, Shugo,” he hushed. The Alpha beamed proudly. “It’s just… not all that simple with my… situation.”

“I know,” insisted Shugo with a kind smile. He gently but firmly squeezed around the hand in his own, a promise. Osamu’s hand was so slender compared to Shugo’s big paw, and Shugo liked the way he could wrap his fingers all the way around the Omega’s hand even with a light grip. He liked Osamu’s soft skin against his callouses. He liked his warmth as it soaked into him. His heart felt like it might burst. “I want you to know that you can trust me. I want you to be absolutely sure, Osamu. That’s why I won’t rush you or push you, but, Osamu… I’m still a man, and I really… really want you.”

Osamu turned pink, and with a laugh, Shugo reiterated, “Like really.”

After a moment, Osamu gave the Alpha a shy smile, letting out a soft giggle. “You…” he hushed, but then he shook his head. Shugo leaned closer, though.

“Tell me, beautiful.”

Grey eyes flicked up and then back down, Osamu watching as he slowly, intentionally stroked his finger over Shugo’s rough palm. After a while, he whispered, “You don’t know how much I want to say yes.”

Shugo nodded, smiling. He knew it wasn’t as simple as that, but he wanted to do whatever he could to make sure it became that easy. Osamu glanced up at him again, smiling like he could read Shugo’s mind.

“I won’t stop,” promised Shugo. “I’ll keep pursuing you, spoiling you, making you happy. Osamu, I’m committed to this, to you, to your little guy.” Shugo stroked at Koichi’s back and smiled, the little Omega already fast asleep on his chest. “Osamu, I’m in love with you.”

“Shugo…” choked Osamu, pretty eyes wide and jaw falling slack. Shugo smiled fondly, watching as the Omega slowly took his bottom lip between his teeth. Osamu leaned silently closer, and then he looked up, a moment later pressing a light kiss to Shugo’s cheek. It wasn’t much, but to Shugo and Osamu, it meant the whole world. Shugo shivered as heated eyes flicked upward again.

“I have to go,” whispered Osamu apologetically.

“Will you be okay with the sleepy little one?”

Osamu nodded, just staring at Shugo holding his son like it entranced him. “I drove over…”

Shugo felt his heart strings pull. He didn’t want to let Osamu go yet. “I’ll walk him out to the car for you.”

Osamu just nodded, slipping off his barstool with Shugo’s help. The Alpha followed behind Osamu, staring down at his unblemished nape as his grey hair softly parted there. He tried to control his pheromones as they walked out the front door of the café, though it was nearly empty by now, almost closing time. A little ways down, a fancy sedan was parked against the curb, and Osamu stepped over to it, opening the back door. Shugo carefully set Koichi inside, buckling him in to the booster seat. Next, he walked Osamu to his own door, holding it open and watching traffic as the Omega settled in. Leaning down, Shugo smiled at Osamu.

“Can I call you tonight? Or text?”

“Do you have to work?” Osamu asked, and Shugo nodded regretfully. “I’ll wait up for you,” promised the Omega, and Shugo let his eyes widen slightly. Osamu stared up at him, and Shugo wondered if it was okay that hope that this was Osamu’s way of confessing.

“Osamu,” husked Shugo, letting his voice go low again.

The Omega shivered, and then, like he was afraid Shugo might say something that would make him never want to leave, he called, “Shugo. Thank you… for so much.”

“It’s nothing I don’t want to do and very little compared to what I feel the need to,” Shugo promised. With one more smile, he stood up and closed Osamu’s door, grey eyes staring up at him through the glass now. Shugo couldn’t give Osamu the kind of money Daisho had, but he could give him things that meant so much more, like love, attention, happiness. He could be a much better Alpha.

He wanted to be given the chance to prove it to Osamu, too.

-x-

Wanna come over?

Tetsuro wasn’t sure he’d ever gotten a response as fast as he got one now. Seriously? Kiyoomi replied.

It doesn’t mean I’m not still pissed as hell at you, but you have to apologize face-to-face.

Of course. A moment later, Tetsuro watched the text bubble reappear, and he almost locked his phone, thinking Kiyoomi should have nothing left to say, nothing to do but run over here and prove that he really did feel bad about his comments to Atsumu-

Wht are his favorite flowers?

Tetsuro almost let out a laugh at the misspelling, but it didn’t come out because what Kiyoomi was asking was just too wrong on so many levels. You’re not buying my momma flowers to apologize, you asshole, he furiously typed back. If you’re really sorry, you shouldn’t need to prove it with something as cliché as that.

You’re not his boyfriend. Wtf…

Tetsuro ground his teeth in aggravation, wondering if maybe Kiyoomi had never had to apologize for anything and was simply taking his cues from romance movies. When he glanced up again, he found that Koutaro and Shugo were just staring at him.

“He’s coming?” Koutaro asked with big eyes. Behind them, feet shuffled to the entrance of the kitchen, and Tetsuro glanced over his shoulder. Atsumu had a frown stuck to his face, one that had been there since the game.

“Yeah,” was all Tetsuro said with a sigh. Atsumu echoed his sigh and turned back to the dinner he was making.

“I still don’t know what he did,” prompted Shugo, “but I’m sure it was something incredibly stupid. Let me guess,” he hummed. “Did it involve your mom?”

Tetsuro clicked his tongue, and Shugo just smirked knowingly. It was almost like he knew something Tetsuro didn’t, but the dark haired Alpha was distracted a moment later when Koutaro called, “Tell us! Spill the tea, Tetsu~”

"Momma, can I tell them?” Tetsuro asked, and when Atsumu appeared in the door frame again, Koutaro waved him over.

“I’ll comfort you, Auntie~” he chimed, smacking at his thick thigh. Atsumu wandered over with a crooked grin and took the seat he was offered, Koutaro wrapping an arm around the Omega, grinning like he’d just won the lottery. Shugo was glued to his phone but very obviously listening, and Tetsuro delved into the tale of what had happened at the game. Atsumu interjected here and there, with Koutaro commenting things like, “I would never do that to you, Auntie~” or “No, he didn’t!” Tetsuro felt tired just from reliving what Kiyoomi had done.

“Like, he’s my best friend and I’ve known him for like fourteen years, but I don’t get him at all sometimes. I mean, he knows my momma, and to say that he’s… an embarrassment?!”

“Way too far,” Koutaro agreed sordidly, Shugo just shaking his head. He’d been pretty quiet, and Tetsuro glanced at him now.

“What do you think, Shugo?”

Green eyes turned up, and Shugo looked from Tetsuro to Atsumu and back again. He hummed slowly, his finger tapping against the side of his phone as he held it. “I don’t know,” he said after a while. “Kiyoomi sounds like he’s just stupid and doesn’t know what he wants. Maybe he’s sexually frustrated,” offered the oldest Alpha, to which everyone instantly scoffed, Atsumu laughing in disbelief.

“If that’s the case, he’s been sexually frustrated since he was fourteen,” griped the Omega, and Tetsuro frowned.

“Sounds about right,” was all Shugo offered, and Tetsuro frowned a little deeper. With how Kiyoomi’s family was, it wasn’t that far-fetched of a theory, honestly. Still…

“Doesn’t give him the right to be such an ass,” grunted Tetsuro, with which everyone whole-heartedly agreed.

“We should grill him tonight,” Koutaro cackled, rubbing his hands together. Atsumu slung an arm around his shoulders and leaned down, telling the Alpha that he totally should put Kiyoomi on the spot. Koutaro’s eyes went wide, his smile spreading wider.

“I’ll avenge you!” he promised, and Tetsuro rolled his eyes.

The knock at the door silenced them all. It was Atsumu who stood up first, but Tetsuro quickly rushed to his feet and pulled his mother behind him. He cracked the front door open and peered out. Kiyoomi, for what it was worth, looked like a wet dog who’d been left out in the rain, and he had thankfully heeded Tetsuro’s warning to not get flowers. He scrubbed slowly at his face, his curly hair a bit of a mess, and then he glanced over Tetsuro’s shoulder, finally spotting Atsumu. His face paled all the more.

“Hi…” he said, almost seeming afraid to break the silence. Tetsuro pulled the door open a little wider, Atsumu staring Kiyoomi down. The Alpha startled for a moment, and then he dropped his head down in a bow, raising his hands as if he were praying.

“I’m really sorry, Atsumu, Tetsuro. I said a lot of stuff… I didn’t mean… stuff I should never say.”

Tetsuro sighed, the apology feeling perhaps as sincere as Kiyoomi could make it sound, but Atsumu just turned on his heel in silence, floating back to Koutaro, who welcomed him with open arms. He wiggled into the space between the Alpha’s thighs, leaning back with crossed arms and a tight frown. Kiyoomi just stared at him with wide eyes, and Tetsuro waited.

Slowly, dark eyes met his own, and Kiyoomi whispered, “Is that good?”

Tetsuro felt anger flare up his spine, but Kiyoomi saw the answer before the other could spit it out. He raised his hands and bowed his head again.

Staring at the top of Kiyoomi’s head, Tetsuro huffed, “You said my momma embarrassed you.”

“I did,” swallowed Kiyoomi. “It was just… because of my parents… It’s not a good reason, I know, but I didn’t want them to say bad things about… both of you.”

“After everything my momma has done for you,” the other bit out, getting angry again. Kiyoomi just nodded at the ground.

“I know,” he hushed. Tetsuro had half a mind to slam the door in his face, but fourteen years of friendship kept him hoping that this would be the end of all of this nonsense. More than anything, he just wanted to understand what went on under that mop of black curls.

“You really know how to say the worst shit, Kiyoomi, you know that?” Tetsuro chewed out, frustration bubbling up. “Like really, why should I forgive you when you’ve always been such an ass?”

Kiyoomi froze, slowly nodding. “You’re right,” he whispered, sounding quite lost himself. “You’re right, I’m a shit friend, but Tetsuro… you’re the only one I’ve got. I don’t want… to turn out like my parents. I’m trying to be better.”

“Then do that!” Tetsuro bit out. “Be better.”

“Okay,” Kiyoomi whispered, still nodding, head still bowed.

Tetsuro let him stand there for a little while longer before finally opening the door enough to let him in. The other Alpha looked up at him with wide, black eyes, actually shocked, and then back to Atsumu. Tetsuro wondered if he imagined the small quiver to Kiyoomi’s bottom lip before he slowly stepped inside, carefully removing his shoes. He glanced at Koutaro and Shugo, looking as stiff as a board. With a rough sigh, Tetsuro smacked at his back and then walked past him, leaving Kiyoomi to traverse the tense atmosphere inside alone. He wasn’t in the mood to hand out favors. Koutaro was hugging Atsumu tight around the waist, nuzzling to his neck as he watched Kiyoomi, while Shugo was staring at him over his phone, fingers flying across his screen like he was writing out the live events as they happened. No one was smiling.

Kiyoomi stepped around the back of the couch and took a slow seat next to Shugo, his eyes very wary on Atsumu like he thought he might step on a land mine again at any moment.

“I’m really sorry,” he whispered to Atsumu, almost too quiet to hear.

Koutaro turned his face and said, “That was really not cool to say, Omi-Omi. Like, seriously. Auntie is an angel.”

Kiyoomi choked for a second, nodding stiffly. He glanced at Tetsuro, but could he really be mad that the Alpha had told the others what had happened? Tetsuro crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. “I know,” Kiyoomi whispered stiffly after a long while. His eyes flicked to Atsumu, and he said it again. “I know.”

Atsumu leaned closer into Koutaro’s chest, uncharacteristically silent. It broke Tetsuro’s heart, and he had half a mind to kick Kiyoomi out again when Koutaro declared, “Auntie, if you came to one of my games, you could totally wear my jersey~ I can give you one of my old ones, okay?”

Kiyoomi went white as a ghost while Atsumu turned to Koutaro and tossed his head back, laughing delightedly. The quarterback hugged him tighter around his waist, grinning. Black eyes watched as Atsumu raised a hand and pressed it to the Alpha’s cheek, saying, “Ya should save that for someone ya actually like, Kou~”

Koutaro’s eyes went wide, and he hummed, his face splitting into a beaming smile a second later. He hooked his chin over Atsumu’s shoulder and chimed, “But, Auntie, I do really like you~ I’d never be embarrassed of you, either~”

“Kou,” scolded Atsumu softly, his smile faltering for a moment, but Kiyoomi looked more stricken by Koutaro’s affection than his words, staring holes into the other Alpha.

Tetsuro watched Kiyoomi in confusion as he raised shaking hands and whispered to no one in particular, “No, it’s fine.”

Atsumu stood a moment later, asking if anyone wanted refills of their drinks. A chill swept through the air as he asked, “Sakusa-kun, would ya like anything?”

Shugo looked over and winced, everyone else dead silent. They all felt the burn in the question, the way Atsumu called Kiyoomi by his last name, but Kiyoomi seemed almost inconsolably affected by it all. Atsumu was putting distance between them, and it was like Kiyoomi hadn’t been prepared for how much that would hurt. Tetsuro frowned. What had he expected would happen? Atsumu was a human being with feelings, too, and much more complex ones at that. Was Kiyoomi really just that stupid and unaware?

When Atsumu stepped back into the kitchen, Shugo glanced over at Kiyoomi, leaning closer as he said, “Just my advice, but you’re never gonna get an Omega if you talk to them like that, Omi.”

Sharp eyes snapped to Shugo’s, but a moment later, Kiyoomi was meek again, almost like he recognized Shugo as a superior Alpha. It made Tetsuro wonder again what Shugo knew. Was he keeping something from them, for Kiyoomi’s sake, or simply because he didn’t want to get involved?

Atsumu came back with Kiyoomi’s drink, setting it down a little too sharply, and Tetsuro watched the Alpha’s lips pull tight, his fists clenching for a moment. Koutaro easily pulled Atsumu back into his lap with a giggle, either ignoring or totally unaware of the tension in the air, and Kiyoomi seemed nearly frozen, his eyes desperately averted and staring at the floor. Kiyoomi’s reactions were making Tetsuro only more angry, so he decided to just ignore the other at this point, turning instead to tell Koutaro all about this crazy customer he and Shugo had encountered yesterday. Atsumu asked Shugo how things were going with Osamu, and it was almost like Kiyoomi wasn’t there at all. Tetsuro would have felt bad about it if he wasn’t still so damn pissed and really confused… What was with Kiyoomi lately?

Shugo sighed and laid his head back, telling everyone in the sappiest tone that Osamu was basically a goddess on earth and that he had never felt so blessed to be alive. Koutaro giggled while Tetsuro smirked, but Atsumu was eating it up, nodding eagerly.

He clapped at some point and told them all, “We’ll get Samu ta leave that rotten husband of his sooner rather than later! Shu, ya better make him so damn happy he can’t think straight, ‘cause he’s dumb when he thinks too much.”

Shugo argued that Osamu didn’t deserve to be talked about like that, and Atsumu sighed roughly, casting the Alpha a look.

“He’s scared ta death of things goin’ wrong or endin’ badly, but I keep tellin’ him Daisho is pure shit. Not even good enough ta be on the bottom of my brother’s shoe, honestly. He’d be better off in any other situation, but Osamu can’t wrap his head around that. Ya have ta make him realize, Shugo-”

Everyone turned to Shugo. Beside him, Tetsuro shifted, and Shugo glanced over. It wasn’t a secret that Tetsuro had been opposed to the relationship at first, but Shugo had very quickly proven himself to be worthy of his aunt. After a pause, Tetsuro agreed with his momma, a sharp frown on his lips. “He’s no Alpha.”

There was a moment of silence, and everyone individually looked at Kiyoomi for the first time since the conversation had kicked up. The Alpha was almost pale white now, the muscles in his jaw showing as he clenched it tight. Tetsuro wanted to tell him to calm down, but it would only make everything worse, so he let Kiyoomi stew.

At some point, Kiyoomi stood up and stalked past Koutaro and Atsumu to the bathroom, and Shugo glanced around. Tetsuro was the only one who noticed him stand and follow after Kiyoomi. Leaning his head over the back of the couch, Tetsuro watched them, Shugo calling to Kiyoomi in the hallway. He couldn’t make out their words, but Kiyoomi looked like he’d rather be anywhere but there, while Shugo seemed almost bored. It was like an adult talking to a stubborn child; Shugo looked so over it. Tetsuro wondered what they were talking about.

When Shugo came back, he was silent, though. Around them, the conversation continued on like nothing had happened, but there was tension in the air. Only Tetsuro looked up when Kiyoomi stalked back to his seat a few minutes later. Kiyoomi had never been one for talking, but it was almost eerie how quiet he was now. At some point, Atsumu simply stood up and walked back to the kitchen like he just couldn’t stand it anymore, and finally, Kiyoomi took his leave, going just as silently as he’d been.

After the door shut behind him, Atsumu appeared back in the kitchen’s doorway, a look on his face that broke Tetsuro’s heart.

It made him angry all over again. He wanted to know what was wrong with his best friend.

He wanted to make Kiyoomi be better if only so his momma never made that face again.

-x-

“Are you okay, Aunt Keiji?”

Slate grey eyes startled up as Keiji bustled from room to room, back and forth, restless. “Fine,” he murmured, distracted. He’d been feeling like this for about a week now, like he just couldn’t settle down. He blamed it on his pregnancy and raging hormones. Whatever was going on, it made him feel like a fish out of water.

Keiji was in the middle of sorting out laundry he didn’t really need to do yet when a shadow fell over him from the doorway, and he looked sideways up at his big, hulking nephew. Wakatoshi watched Keiji in concern, and slowly the Omega sighed, shuffling over to him. He wrapped his arms around Wakatoshi’s waist and pressed his face into his chest, inhaling deeply and exhaling his stress, melting into Wakatoshi. Strong arms wrapped around him in an instant, Wakatoshi hefting Keiji up and carrying him to the couch where they could snuggle.

Stroking at Keiji’s back, the Alpha asked, “What’s wrong?”

Keiji just sighed again, burying his nose into Wakatoshi’s neck, his smell so nice and strong there. It calmed his frazzled nerves a little bit, the scent wonderfully familiar and soothing. Clinging to the Alpha’s shirt, Keiji shut his eyes and let his mind slowly shut down.

“I don’t know…” he admitted sleepily after a long while. “Just feel weird…”

“You need to rest,” insisted Wakatoshi, which might have made Keiji scoff if he wasn’t currently so close to dozing off, finally feeling a semblance of peace. His feet ached, and as if Wakatoshi could read his mind, he began massaging them. “Your feet are swollen, Aunt Keiji. You can’t be on them all day.”

“Wakatoshi, I have things to do,” muttered Keiji, but it wasn’t like his things took all day either. The Alpha was right; Keiji should take it easy, but he couldn’t seem to relax lately. He was antsy. A shiver ran up his spine, and he pressed closer to Wakatoshi, the man rubbing one hand at his foot and the other over his back.

“Let’s order in tonight. Don’t worry about dinner,” Wakatoshi was saying just as his phone chimed softly on the coffee table. Wakatoshi stopped and stared at it until Keiji lightly hit his chest when it chimed again, whispering, “Answer it.”

It chimed once more, and Wakatoshi said, “It’s probably Koutaro.”

Keiji slowly cracked his eyes open. “You can answer it,” he hummed again, his breath coming a little quicker once more. He started feeling restless again, like Wakatoshi not answering was aggravating him. He had half a mind to reach over and grab up to the phone for Wakatoshi when it chimed again, but the Alpha hugged Keiji as he leaned forward, reaching for his cell.

“It’s not important,” he guaranteed even as he unlocked the device and opened his texts. Koutaro was still typing. Keiji turned his face down to not be nosy even though Wakatoshi was the last person to care when it came to his aunt. He shared everything anyways.

A long suffering sigh, however, made Keiji look up and then at the phone. Koutaro wrote with a lot of exclamation points and misspelled words, but it was almost endearing considering his personality was just the same in real life. Koutaro was lamenting a huge paper he had to write while simultaneously complaining that he was bored out of his mind.

are u busy? home? is auntie there and can i come over?!!

Wakatoshi was about to lock his screen when Keiji reached forward and hummed, “Can I, Wakatoshi?”

Wakatoshi glanced down and then slowly handed his phone over even as he said, “You don’t need the stress he’ll bring you today, Aunt Keiji; don’t worry about him.”

Keiji just smiled as he typed out, You’re always welcome, Koutaro. We’re ordering out for dinner, would you like to join us?

toshi?? Koutaro replied immediately, a little suspicious. doesnt sound like u… auntie?!?!?!

Hi :) typed Keiji back with a soft giggle, Wakatoshi peering down to monitor the conversation. Keiji’s nervous energy was slowly dissipating, and something bloomed in Keiji’s chest as Koutaro excitedly replied.

hiiii auntie!!! ive missed u!! im coming over right now! wht are we eating?! can u show me those toshi baby pics u were telling me about?!

Keiji glanced up, and then he burst out laughing at the look on Wakatoshi’s face, the look that begged, lease don’t encourage this. Keiji just shrugged and giggled, amused.

auntie, i need ur number so i can text you directly! Koutaro typed.

Wakatoshi snatched his phone back when he read that and very firmly said, “No way. He’ll text you night and day.”

“Wakatoshi, I’m a grown adult,” Keiji replied even as he laughed again. This was fun. Koutaro was fun. Keiji stroked at his belly and suddenly recalled Koutaro’s lit up face when the baby had kicked under his palms, how close he’d been… An itch bloomed under Keiji’s skin, and he peered up at Wakatoshi, who watched him carefully.

Wakatoshi silently turned back after a moment and typed out a short message to Koutaro, telling the other to calm down if he was going to come over, to not run his aunt ragged, and that he was never getting Keiji’s number if he meant to bombard him like this. Koutaro’s quick reply was one of utter disappointment that Wakatoshi had rudely interrupted his conversation with the ‘pretty Omega’. Keiji couldn’t help but giggle, flushing a little. When was the last time an Alpha had called him pretty?

“He’s so flirtatious,” Keiji remarked, though he was sure Koutaro didn’t mean anything by it, assuming it was simply his personality.

Wakatoshi sighed. “Well, it’s not like he’s lying,” he murmured.

Keiji glanced up, mischief and delight lighting up his blueish grey eyes. “You think I’m pretty?” he hummed, grinning.

“You’re beautiful, Aunt Keiji,” Wakatoshi replied with no reservations. “Why do you think I worry about you all the time?”

Keiji just giggled, always loving when his nephew adorned him with praises. He stood up a moment later and moved to the kitchen, calling, “I should at least make some more tea if Koutaro is coming over. Does he like lemonade?”

“Aunt Keiji,” Wakatoshi groaned, standing up to follow the other like a shadow. “I just told you to sit and rest. Why won’t you listen?”

Keiji simply hummed, not entirely sure himself, but he really couldn’t sit still a moment longer, especially not with a guest on the way. He waved at Wakatoshi not to mind him as he roamed around the kitchen, getting his pitcher ready for a new batch of homemade tea to chill in the fridge, grabbing another and some lemons to make some of his famous lemonade. Wakatoshi walked over, deciding that if he couldn’t get his aunt to sit down, he’d at least help.

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang, however, calling him, and Wakatoshi sighed as he left his aunt after making sure three times that he’d be okay. Keiji just giggled, that feeling bubbling up again under his skin. He wiped his hands slowly as his mind churned with reasons why he was feeling this way, and he padded after Wakatoshi.

The minute the Alpha opened the front door, golden eyes like the molten sun found Keiji’s. Koutaro’s face burst instantly into a huge grin, and Keiji’s stomach swooped. He swallowed roughly in shock at the feeling while Koutaro bustled right past Wakatoshi, and he swooped Keiji up, hugging him tight and spinning him around. Keiji’s face was suddenly pressed into the Alpha’s beefy shoulder, and he had no choice but to inhale the scent of basil and cedar wood. Keiji let out a rushed exhale as he felt the Alpha’s pheromones slowly melt him into a puddle, Koutaro’s scent seeming to have the same effect as Wakatoshi’s did.

Keiji set his hands to a beefy chest in surprise, and then he smiled, turning his face up as he greeted warmly, “Good to see you, Koutaro.”

“Take your shoes off,” Wakatoshi was grumbling, but Koutaro paid him no mind as he pulled back, beaming.

“Hi, Auntie!” he greeted, and then he knelt down, cupping Keiji’s swollen belly as he cheered, “Hi, little baby!”

Inside Keiji, a little foot kicked, and they both gasped in surprise.

“The baby is going to recognize your voice before mine,” hushed Keiji breathlessly, and Koutaro grinned all the wider.

As he stood up again, he swept over to kiss Keiji’s cheek, leaving Keiji in a daze when he finally turned to do what Wakatoshi had told him to. Koutaro pulled his sneakers off and set them right next to Keiji’s. He roughed his sweater off to toss it onto the bench by the door before grabbing the guest pair of slippers and shuffling them on with a grin, right at home. It made Keiji smile blindingly bright, so happy to know that the home he had created here was so welcoming to Wakatoshi’s friends. It was all he’d ever hoped for and wanted.

Koutaro followed Keiji into the kitchen next, exclaiming in delight when he saw the fresh lemonade. From the doorway, Wakatoshi watched Koutaro as he helped himself to a glass and crowded Keiji at the counter, hand slipping around Keiji’s waist protectively. Greyish-blue eyes glanced his nephew’s way, but Wakatoshi was silent while Keiji’s heart thrummed wildly at Koutaro’s easy flirtations. Was he like this with everyone? With a fond smile, Keiji poured the Alpha a refill when he asked for it, having already downed the first. He giggled when Koutaro leaned down and pressed another kiss to his cheek, Keiji’s inner Omega loving the attention and affection. Koutaro was indeed very flirtatious, but Keiji didn’t mind. No Omega would, he thought; they lived for the attention and praise of an Alpha, even if it was all just for fun.

Wakatoshi hauled Koutaro upstairs after Keiji handed him his own glass of lemonade, Koutaro calling over his shoulder, “Don’t forget about the photo albums, Auntie!”

Keiji just giggled, and then suddenly it was quiet downstairs. The Omega felt absolutely lost for a moment, his smile falling shockingly fast as he stared at the mess on his counter. Suddenly all of his energy was gone, Keiji finally desperate to sit down like Wakatoshi had told him to. He simply put his two pitchers away and left the mess.

Keiji shuffled to the living room and looked from his favorite armchair to the bookshelf where he and his sister kept their photo albums, rubbing at his belly as he debated what to do. He was sure Wakatoshi wouldn’t like it, but sentimentality hit Keiji like a brick wall. Despite how tired he was, he grabbed a pillow and sat himself down in front of the bookshelf, fingers caressing over the albums’ spines. All the years were noted there in pretty gold print.

Keiji pulled out the album from the year Wakatoshi was born and opened it with a fond smile. His sister Koko was small-framed like Keiji was, and her belly had gotten so big with Wakatoshi, barely able to move the last few months. Wakatoshi had been a big baby, growing up into a very big man. Keiji wondered if he looked similar to his sister now as he stroked at Koko’s round face, smiling in the photos, hands on her big belly. Utsui stood proudly by her side in most of the pictures, and Keiji thought that Wakatoshi had gotten his thoughtfulness and patience from his father. Utsui had died when Wakatoshi was so young, but somehow he had left his imprint on his son anyways. The man would be proud to see the Alpha Wakatoshi had become.

Flipping a few more pages, Keiji came to Wakatoshi’s birth, a traumatic experience for his sister, albeit the most fulfilling one. Wakatoshi’s big shoulders had gotten stuck and the cord had wrapped around his neck, causing Koko a lot of stress during delivery. Of course all had been fine in the end, but Keiji could remember it clearly, sixteen years old and not a clue in the world, terrified he might lose his sister and his new nephew all in one go. For how much of a mess he’d been, though, Utsui had fared much worse, the two loves of his life fighting to keep living while he, an Alpha, could do nothing but watch. Keiji had never seen an Alpha cry until that day, when Utsui had burst into tears upon hearing the news that his wife was fine and his son was healthy, screaming until he was red. Keiji’s first impression had been that Wakatoshi was a big baby; he’d looked so large even in Utsui’s big arms.

His second was the realization that he wanted this, too, one day. To give an Alpha a baby, but not just any Alpha: a man who loved him like his brother-in-law loved his sister. The love in Utsui’s eyes had almost been too much for Keiji, stirring up wild feelings inside his hormone-ravaged teen body. He’d shamefully gone into heat that night, though his sister had laughed about it later, saying it was totally normal.

”The birth of a baby is a magical time that makes everyone, even the coldest heart, feel something.”

Keiji smiled softly, flipping the pages in the album, watching Wakatoshi grow. He’d always been such a big kid, chunky and so cute. There were photos of Keiji laying on the rug with him, of the two playing together, Keiji holding his nephew as the big baby slept. He’d always had a full head of that olive-toned hair, and Keiji could distinctly recall pressing his nose into it, before Wakatoshi had his own distinct smell. He’d always smelled of a mix of Koko’s scent and Keiji’s lemongrass and mint, the two Omegas scenting the little Alpha constantly, so glad to have him. Wakatoshi had brought so much joy into their home, even when Utsui had passed. Koko might have fallen apart then if it wasn’t for her son, and Keiji would have fallen with her. Stroking at Wakatoshi’s little face in one of the photos, Keiji couldn’t help but smile so fondly, lost in his reminiscing.

Stomping footsteps on the stairs startled Keiji, and he looked up just as Koutaro jumped down to the main floor, grinning wide at the Omega.

“Aunt Keiji, we should order our dinner soon,” Wakatoshi was saying from a few steps behind the other Alpha, but Keiji’s eyes were locked on Koutaro as he made a bee-line for him. He sank down to the floor behind Keiji, wrapping an arm around his waist and setting his chin on Keiji’s shoulder.

“Oh, is this baby Toshi?!” Koutaro crooned. Keiji’s whole being lit up with pride as the Alpha crowed about how cute and adorable Wakatoshi had been as a baby. With a giggle, Koutaro looked up at his friend and teased, “What happened?”

“My Wakatoshi is still the cutest,” Keiji said quickly in defense, and while Wakatoshi smiled quietly, ignoring Koutaro’s comment, the other Alpha’s head whipped back and he whined, “The cutest? Not me?”

Keiji stared at Koutaro in surprise, something swelling in his belly. Koutaro felt suddenly so close, his scent wrapping around the Omega. Golden eyes stared at him through long lashes, but Keiji had suddenly forgotten every single word in the Japanese language. All Keiji could see was Koutaro as a baby, fat cheeks and probably so chunky, a shock of white hair. Something clenched inside Keiji’s gut, and he had to turn away before his face betrayed anything. What was this feeling? He stared down at his swollen belly, shocked frozen. Against his back, Koutaro was warm and big, and he leaned over Keiji to flip the photo album pages, asking Wakatoshi a million questions while Keiji tried to pull himself together. The baby was kicking wildly in his belly again, responding to Koutaro’s voice. Keiji pressed his hand to his rotund stomach and tried to relay soothing thoughts, but his own head was a mess. He barely heard Wakatoshi when the man asked what they should have for dinner.

“Fried chicken!” begged Koutaro, and Keiji was so lost in his thoughts that he just nodded; anything would be fine.

While Wakatoshi stood and called in their order, Koutaro turned back to Keiji, asking more questions. Keiji slowly shook his head, forcing his eyes to focus on the photos the Alpha pointed at, on his words. As Koutaro rambled on, Keiji pulled out more albums to show Wakatoshi growing up, wild pride choking his throat. Keiji forced himself to forget about the arms around him and the chest at his back and Koutaro’s smell, answering the Alpha’s every question, but it was hard when every comment on Wakatoshi’s chunky arms or round cheeks was sprinkled with something like, “Oh my gosh, Auntie, look at you! So beautiful~ Ugh, I would have had such a crush on you in high school-!”

Keiji couldn’t put a name to it, but Koutaro was making him feel some kind of way he’d never felt before. Neither even noticed how both of them were scenting the other. When Wakatoshi, came back into the living room, however, he promptly pulled the two apart, blaming the baby photos and pregnancy hormones on both of them being so riled up.

“We should watch a movie,” he suggested when Koutaro whined, watching Keiji closely. Koutaro stood up and dusted off his butt, but the Omega remained seated. An ache had settled deep into Keiji’s hips, and Wakatoshi had to help his aunt up off the floor and to his chair. Keiji had felt so wired all day, but suddenly his exhaustion was hitting him again, except now he finally felt like he could rest. He sank wearily into his armchair, and five minutes into the movie, he shut his eyes, his mind shockingly quiet. He didn’t fall asleep, though, instead listening to the two Alphas, Koutaro quoting nearly every movie line to Wakatoshi’s annoyance, both of them laughing at the funny scenes. Keiji wondered if this what how Koko had felt, listening to Keiji and Utsui. He stroked at his belly and soaked up the warm feelings.

They decided to eat in the living room, but Keiji was more interested in watching the two boys than eating, a soft smile glued to his lips. He was still picking at his food by the time Wakatoshi hauled Koutaro to the front door, asking, “Don’t you have a paper to write?”

“Toshi, don’t do this to me! Don’t abandon me in my darkest hour-!” mourned Koutaro, his voice growing fainter as he was dragged outside. Keiji turned to stare down the front hallway in a daze, waiting silently for the door to open and shut again, familiar silence following.

A quiet sigh heaved a moment later, and Wakatoshi murmured, “Ah, he forgot his sweater… Whatever.”

Coming back into the living room, Wakatoshi checked the time on his watch and then peered at Keiji. The Omega gave his nephew a small smile. Wakatoshi silently stepped over beside the armchair and reached down, slowly petting Keiji’s dark hair aside. Slate grey eyes fluttered shut, Keiji humming.

“Want me to help you to bed?” Wakatoshi asked. “I told you you did too much today.”

“Wakatoshi, grab… Koutaro’s sweater and I’ll… wash it,” whispered Keiji sleepily. He smiled when Wakatoshi stiffly told him that was absolutely unnecessary; Koutaro didn’t need to be fussed over like that or he’d start bringing all of his laundry over. He helped the pregnant Omega out of his chair and up the stairs.

“Wakatoshi,” hummed Keiji as he clung to the Alpha’s arm. Olive eyes turned down, and Keiji smiled softly. “I really like Koutaro. Don’t be so mean to him.”

Wakatoshi sighed. “Koutaro needs boundaries,” he murmured. “I think that’s why he likes hanging out with me so much…” Keiji giggled softly at his nephew’s musings, making Wakatoshi’s eyes dart down. “And you… you need to stop spoiling him. You were scenting each other like crazy earlier.”

“Were we?” Keiji asked with a smile, not really grasping the implications. He sighed and hummed sleepily, “Koutaro is rambunctious, but his scent is very calming… The baby likes his voice, too.”

Wakatoshi settled Keiji down on his bed, and then he knelt down and smiled softly at his aunt. Keiji reached out and stroked at his cheeks, no longer round like they had been. Wakatoshi had become so handsome, though there had never been much doubt with how attractive Utsui had been, despite his age. Utsui would have been 74 now, and yet Keiji could imagine he’d still be as handsome as the day Wakatoshi was born.

“Wakatoshi, one day you’ll make an Omega very, very happy. You’re such a good… such a good Alpha, so handsome… Somehow you turned out well, despite all my faults and flaws.”

“Aunt Keiji, you did a good job, I promise. Are you worried?” Wakatoshi asked softly. Keiji just hummed.

“If the baby turns out anything like you, I’ll have done my job well,” he hushed with a soft smile as his eyelids grew heavy. “Just gotta… do what I did with you…”

Wakatoshi leaned up and pressed a kiss to Keiji’s forehead, and then he stood, leaving the Omega to get dressed for bed. The Alpha was always just a door away.

Keiji slowly stood and dressed in a silky spaghetti strap top and matching shorts, most comfortable in loose garments these days. Even though the nights were getting cold, he was always so hot at night. Tonight was no different as he lay atop his covers, breathing heavy. He was so exhausted, but his body refused to let him sleep. He couldn’t settle, turning this way and that. Even the baby seemed restless.

After an hour of trying, Keiji got up and waddled to his bathroom, wetting a washcloth with cold water and slowly swiping away his sweat. The cloth felt cool for a moment, but the heat of his body slowly overtook it again, no matter how he tried. He was thirsty, too, so he decided to take a trip downstairs next. From the sink, he grabbed the first glass he spotted, assuming it to be Wakatoshi’s as he filled it with ice cold tea. He chugged the tall glass down and then refilled it with water, drinking a little slower this time. His body was slowly cooling off. He drank half of his glass and then set it down by the sink before wandering back out, yawning so wide his jaw popped. Maybe he’d be able to sleep now. He passed by the entryway as he headed back to the stairs, spotting a crumpled sweater on the small bench there. With a hum, Keiji waddled over and thought to just hang it up, but a familiar scent reached his nose and he froze.

This was Koutaro’s sweater that the Alpha had accidentally left. Keiji lifted it, stared at it, and then he slowly folded it, setting it down when he was done and patting it smooth for good measure. It wasn’t quite right, though, so he did it again, a new waft of basil and cedar wood hitting his nose. Three times he did that, his eyes slowly adjusting to the light. He really should wash it, he thought; what would Koutaro do if he got his sweater back and it smelled like…

Keiji froze, staring at the big sweater he held up now, mid-fold. Something hot unfurled in his gut, and he swallowed roughly. He swore he meant to put the sweater down again, but somehow he hugged it to his chest instead. He’d just take it to the laundry room, he thought even as he bypassed that door and headed upstairs instead. Tomorrow… tomorrow he’d wash it…

Keiji slowly and very quietly crawled back into his bed, the sweater still clutched to his chest. Heat washed over him in rivers, but he knew he couldn’t be going into heat; he was pregnant... His chest ached as he inhaled Koutaro’s faint woodsy scent in the air, and inside his belly, the baby slowly settled. Keiji sank deeper into his covers, and then, shamefully, he stuffed the sweater to his nose.

The first draw of air didn’t do much, but by the second and third, Keiji was sinking into a very familiar feeling. He gasped as he shifted and felt his cock rub against the silk of his shorts. He was hard, and he scolded himself even as he pressed his nose deeper into the fabric. On his fifth inhale, he felt himself twitch, heat and wetness slicking the inside of his thighs. If he kept this up, he was going to be a mess… How was this possible?

Keiji slowly got out of bed and set the sweater aside. He was hot again, and though he felt rational, he was anything but as he stripped off his pajamas and instead donned the big sweater. It fit him so well, even with his round belly. It was long enough to almost be a dress, and his cock rubbed against the hem lewdly. Keiji exhaled a hot breath, shaking.

“This is stupid,” he told himself even as he crawled back into bed like that, getting hotter with each brush of Koutaro’s sweater against his little cock. “He smells so good,” he explained to no one but himself as he pressed his palm, sleeve hanging past his fingertips, to his front. The layers of material only made Keiji feel more sensitive, and he gasped into his pillow. He pressed his cock down and slowly began to rub at it, his nose tucking down into the collar of the sweater. Koutaro’s scent wrapped around him like a cocoon, and Keiji was hot, but the heat was different now. He wasn’t in heat; he couldn’t since he was pregnant, but he was horny as hell, hormones raging. He’d heard of this, a pseudo-heat; he hadn’t believed until now it was real. As his own scent gave way to Koutaro’s, though, Keiji let it fill him from head to toe, and he gave in.

He scrubbed the rough hem of the sweater over his throbbing erection, whimpering ever so quietly. He felt desperate. Why was it so good? Slender fingers crept past the edge of Koutaro’s sleeve, and slowly, Keiji touched himself. A soft squelch sounded, and Keiji whimpered again. His belly was in the way, but that didn’t stop him from fingering his wet lips, teasing his cock. Pressing his free hand and the long sleeve to his mouth, he breathed out hotly, “Oh, Kou~” Keiji knew Koutaro didn’t actually like him, so he didn’t entertain that thought, but that only made this feel all the more wrong, making Keiji hotter, hotter. “Koutaro~”

Keiji wiggled his two fingers into his pussy as far as he could reach, curving his spine to accommodate his pregnant belly. As his hand rocked inside his wet depths, it rubbed against his cock and he gasped, so unbelievably horny. He worked himself into exhaustion, and still his body was unsatisfied.

Keiji paused for a moment and listened, but all was quiet in the house. He slowly climbed back out of his bed, thighs wet and cock screaming, and he waddled over to his dresser, reaching down to his long-unused bottom drawer. He carefully pulled the heavy thing open, and then he blindly rummaged inside until his hands wrapped around the most shameful thing he owned. Keiji pulled out the big dildo and stared at it, a very small part of his rational brain telling him that this was going too far. His dripping pussy and aching cock begged differently, though. Keiji stood again and slowly waddled back to his bed.

He knelt down beside his bed frame and stuck the suction cup at the end of the big dildo to the floor, staring at it between his milky thighs. The dildo was hot pink and glittery, very obviously fake, but Keiji preferred that. It kept his imagination in check. With wet thighs, Koutaro’s sweater hiding his own lewd cock and swollen belly, he began to rock up and down, wetting the big, fake cock. He shut his eyes and tucked his nose back into the collar of the big sweater, inhaling deeply as his pussy begged to be filled. His whole body yearned for an Alpha, but this would have to do. Keiji wasn’t in any state to be dreaming about any man, not when he was pregnant with another’s child. That was okay; this would do.

Keiji slowly mounted the big dildo, feeling every inch of his cunt slowly stretch around the silicone shaft. Ah, it was good; his mind filled with euphoria. He worked himself down until he was fully seated, spreading his legs a little farther so he could take the thing as deep as it would go. With a heated exhale, he pulled aside the bottom of the sweater, probably glad he couldn’t see what a mess he was below, and he wrapped his hand and the sleeve of the sweater around his trembling dick. He was small like most Omegas were, about the length of his hand as he wrapped it up. Below that, his pussy trembled around the cock inside, and he mewled softly. With his nose buried in Koutaro’s soothing scent, Keiji began to rock his hips and pump his hand, toes curling as he took control of his yearning. Ah, it was good. Keiji pressed a free hand over his nose and mouth, the Alpha’s scent pressing closer. He was warm, like he was wrapped up in strong arms. He could imagine it too perfectly.

“Alpha, Alpha,” he panted as he pleasured himself. He smiled into his sweater, purring sweetly. “Ah, Alpha~”

Keiji came three times like that, each one taking a little more out of him. By the third, he collapsed forward, breathing heavy. Ah, he was sleepy now, his body sated. He slowly stood, setting the dildo on his bathroom sink, tucking the dirty sweater down into his laundry hamper. He wiped himself down and then redressed in a similar pajama set. With a happy sigh, he crawled into bed, wondering only vaguely if he should feel shame at what he had just done.

He wouldn’t deny it. Yes, he liked Koutaro, but he wasn’t stupid enough to think it would result in anything. He was sixteen years Koutaro’s senior, and besides that, he was pregnant with another Alpha’s seed.

No, it was just a silly little crush, but… ah, if it didn’t make Keiji feel seventeen again.

Chapter Text

“You’re dressed fancy,” Tetsuro remarked with a crooked grin, staring at Osamu as he leaned against the door jamb inside the big foyer of Daisho’s house. The Omega glanced at his nephew nervously, tugging at the pretty fitted dress and cardigan he wore.

“You’re right; it’s silly, isn’t it?” rushed the Omega, flushing red. Tetsuro frowned instantly, shaking his head. He grabbed Osamu’s hand as the other tried to head back upstairs.

“That’s not what I meant, Auntie. You look gorgeous.”

Koichi glanced up between his mother and cousin, thumbs hooked into the tiny backpack he had on his back. Tetsuro had offered to watch the six-year-old for a little while today, and it seemed liked Osamu had made plans for himself during that time. “Mama’s going on a date with the handsome man from the café,” Koichi informed his cousin, and Tetsuro’s lips split into a big grin. He’d certainly had his reservations at first, but simply seeing Osamu all flustered like this was proof he hadn’t needed to worry. Shugo had proven himself worthy, and Osamu had never seemed happier. Golden eyes turned up and roamed around the cold and too-big house, wondering how Osamu had been able to put up with it for this long. Atsumu would have murdered Daisho and busted out on day one, but that’s what made Osamu and his momma so different. It had been hard to watch Osamu suffer for years and years, believing he couldn’t get any better, but Tetsuro and everyone were really hoping that Shugo could finally show Osamu his worth.

“That’s great, Auntie,” hummed Tetsuro with the warmest smile while Osamu flushed and sputtered, “Not a date so much, just- Shugo asked me try to out a few new menu items-”

Tetsuro grinned. He didn’t tell Osamu that the new menu’d already been decided on just after the last time he’d visited the café. Shugo, though, truly enjoyed experimenting and was likely already planning the next menu changes, and he was most certainly happy just to have an excuse to see Osamu. Besides, Osamu thrived off being needed, which made this date much more perfect than it seemed on the surface. Pulling the Omega in, Tetsuro pressed a kiss to Osamu’s forehead and assured him he looked gorgeous. Tetsuro was only sad he wouldn’t get to see Shugo combust a little at seeing Osamu in the dress.

“Should we walk you to the café?” Tetsuro asked with a grin, and Osamu coughed nervously. He gave the Alpha a shy smile, but Tetsuro got the message. Dragging his son and nephew along would only cramp his style, so Tetsuro simply offered to walk Osamu as far as the park.

“Mama, you should wear these!” Koichi exclaimed suddenly as he barreled back out of the coat closet he’d been rummaging around in, two heavy wedges in his hands. The boots went very well with the dress Osamu had on, and Tetsuro praised Koichi for being such a great wingman. Grinning, Koichi proudly handed over the boots, and then he grabbed his little coat, Tetsuro helping him with his backpack and then his shoes.

When he stood up again, Osamu was about four inches taller and stunning. He shyly swept his short bangs back, and then he bent down when Koichi tugged at the short hem of his dress, sinking down into a squat carefully.

“Have fun, Mama,” Koichi hushed sweetly, and Osamu pulled the little boy into a tight hug.

“You, too. Have fun with Tetsu-chan.”

“I will!” cheered the young Omega, taking both Tetsuro and Osamu’s hands as they headed out, walking, as promised, to where the split off to the park was. Tetsuro and Koichi watched Osamu go before turning and grinning at each other.

“Come on, Mr. Wingman,” hummed Tetsuro. The park was just a little ways further, and he could already see a very familiar wide-brimmed hat and small figure on the far bench. He hefted Koichi up and asked, “Wanna be my wingman, too?”

Koichi turned and peered towards the park, squinting his almond-shaped eyes. “Tetsu-chan, do you like Kentaro and Keiko’s mama?” he asked, so smart.

Tetsuro hustled, his heart skipping a beat. He grinned at his little cousin. “I think I do~”

Koichi just nodded like he understood all about that. His little fist gripped into the back of Tetsuro’s shirt, and he told his cousin, “Keiko is always asking about you. When Mama and I come to the park, she always looks for you, and then she gets sad.”

“So she’ll be happy today,” Tetsuro hummed with a wide grin.

Koichi nodded, very serious.

“And Kentaro?” asked Tetsuro, making the little boy turn towards the Alpha. He patted at Tetsuro’s back.

“I’ll put in a good word,” he said dramatically, and Tetsuro laughed.

“Thanks, my man. That’s what makes you the best,” he hummed. He walked Koichi quite confidently over to where the twins were playing on the swings, Kentaro instantly jumping down and taking up a defensive stance, while Keiko shouted in glee.

“Tetsu-chan!” To the lone figure on the branch, she shouted, “Mama, my boyfriend Tetsu-chan is here!”

“Boyfriend?!” burst Kentaro, his whole face morphing into anger. “Hey, stay away from my sister!”

Tetsuro knelt down and set his wingman on the matted flooring of the playground, waving his hands in a show of innocence. “I won’t steal your sister away,” he promised, but Kentaro eyed him no less suspiciously.

“Stay away from my mama, too,” he warned, but this Tetsuro could not promise. He glanced sideways, sure that Kenma was watching him from behind those big frames. He looked impossibly cute, bundled up in his big, black sweater and leggings.

It was Keiko, however, who stepped up to Tetsuro’s defense this time, grabbing at the shoulder of his long-sleeved Henley. “Don’t be mean to my boyfriend, Kenny!”

The little boy went pale, and then suddenly he darted off, whizzing towards the big tower at the back of the play set. Koichi walked over to Keiko, and Tetsuro watched as the little girl shyly took his cousin’s hand, glancing up at Tetsuro like she wanted his approval. He nodded, smiling as he sent them off. As soon as he stood up tall again, he decidedly turned towards the bench Kenma sat on, grinning. He settled his long body down on the other end of the bench, Kenma absolutely silent as he played a game on his phone, probably bent on ignoring the Alpha.

“Seems like I’ve got myself a girlfriend and an enemy in your kids,” Tetsuro teased with no preamble before glancing over. His wild hair had been tamed a little today under the ball cap he wore, which also blocked out the bright sun and kept him from having to squint. “Hi, Kenma,” he hummed cheekily, delighting as Kenma’s sunglasses slipped down a little, the Omega staring him down.

“You’re getting awfully familiar,” huffed the blond, his long hair tied back in a loose braid. A fly-away strand fluttered in the wind, and Tetsuro was insanely tempted to tuck it back, but he kept his distance.

“I’ve been good,” the Alpha grinned, and it was true. In Kenma’s chats, he had been very good and maintained the correct distance. In person, though, Tetsuro didn’t want to adhere by those same rules. He glanced at Kenma and smiled, gauging his reaction. The Omega scoffed but didn’t deny Tetsuro’s claim.

“I appreciate it,” he only said stiffly, turning back to his phone. Tetsuro turned and watched the kids with a grin, humming softly.

“Koichi really likes your twins,” Tetsuro noted out of the blue, watching Kenma from the corner of his eye. The Omega looked annoyed at this point, and Tetsuro had to bite back a grin. He could imagine that, to Kenma, he was just a kid himself, an annoying fan who felt desperate to cling to his favorite streamer and be a nuisance, and while Tetsuro wouldn’t deny that he would love to wiggle himself under that wall Kenma had up, it wasn’t just because he was a fan of Kenma’s streams and wanted to be noticed by his favorite e-celeb. No, Tetsuro really liked Kenma, both online and off, and he wanted to get to know more of the real Kenma. There was something about the vast difference between his online persona and how he was in real life; Tetsuro felt a bit like a masochist for how much he liked Kenma’s prickly exterior. But besides that, Kenma was gorgeous, really so beautiful, and petite. Tetsuro hadn’t much considered what his type was, but Kenma seemed to be the personification of it exactly. Shifting a little closer on the bench, he smiled. “They’re great kids. Very sweet.”

“Flattery won’t work on me. I’m still unconvinced you’re not just using your cousin in some creepy ploy to get close to my kids.” Kenma was glaring daggers now, and Tetsuro shivered, grinning.

“Nah, but it sure is working in my favor,” he hummed honestly. He turned to Kenma, laying one of his beefy arms over the back of the bench, and smiled. “The person I’d really like to get close to is you, Kenma. Your kids are just a bonus.”

“Creep,” Kenma cut, and Tetsuro laughed, raising his forearm and resting his chin to his palm.

“I mean it,” he said simply. Kenma stared at him through dark lenses, flabbergasted.

“You just think that because you’re a fan. I’m a fun anomaly to you. You want to brag to your friends that you know me.”

“On the contrary, none of my friends know who you are or would care. My best friend is a cold bastard and all of the others are sports nuts or otherwise distracted.” Tetsuro smiled. “You do seem like a fun anomaly, though. That’s why I want to get to know you better.” He paused and then added, “I really do like you, Kenma. I like everything I’ve seen so far.”

Kenma sighed roughly, his lips pulling down in disgust now. He raised a finger and bit out, “I’ve given you a lot of leeway, but I will block you on my streams, and I will stop bringing my kids to this park if you don’t back off. I’m not interested. I never will be interested. Please leave me alone.”

Tetsuro hummed, hazel eyes watching him fiercely through bulky sunglasses. Kenma’s finger shook softly in his anger, and Tetsuro knew he was serious in his rejection. It didn’t bother the Alpha, though. He understood the fierce need Kenma had to protect his little world and his kids. It was one of the reasons Tetsuro was so attracted to him and couldn’t give him up. He grinned and watched as two eyebrows raised above the sunglasses in surprise. Kenma hadn’t expected him to take the rejection so well, huh. It made Tetsuro smile wider.

He sat back up and hummed, “Man, rejection sucks.” He wanted to make sure that Kenma knew that he understood what had just happened. He wasn’t one of those freaks who didn’t understand the word no. Still, “I could change your mind,” he told the Omega. When he looked back over, his eyes were heated, molten gold. “If I had met you and not figured out who you were, I would still feel the same. I like Kodzuken, but I also like the real Kenma.” With a slow smile, Tetsuro husked, “I want to get to know you, Kenma. And yeah, I probably would brag about it, but not in the way you think.”

Tetsuro turned back and watched the kids play for a moment before shifting in his seat and then acting out his bragging. “This is Kenma, everyone, my gorgeous, Omega… friend…” Golden eyes glanced over, a wicked grin on Tetsuro’s lips. “He’s a little prickly at first, but he’s a lot of fun and really serious, and he loves his two kids so much. It took me a while to get past the wall he’s put up around himself, but underneath it all, he’s wonderful, very sweet.”

“That’s where you have it wrong. I’m not sweet. I will never be sweet,” Kenma chewed out angrily, and Tetsuro glanced over.

With a dead-serious expression, he challenged, “Prove it.” Kenma blinked, his lips pulling tight.

“I don’t have to,” he spit back. “I don’t need to prove anything to you.”

Tetsuro leaned closer again, smiling. This time when he saw the fly-away, he did reach out and gently tuck it back. Kenma startled away, snarling, but Tetsuro felt only warmth flood his body, excited to get Kenma to open up, to see what was really under all that snark and anger.

“Then let me prove it to you,” he said with a sweet smile, his pheromones melting out. Kenma barred his teeth, turning his face away sharply. “Let me prove I’m serious. Let me prove it’s not a fad. Let me prove that I like you, Kenma.” His fingertip graced ever so softly along the soft line of Kenma’s jaw, the blond jerking stiffly away. He glared daggers at Tetsuro.

Before Kenma could think of a response, Tetsuro stood and wandered back over to Keiko and Koichi, sinking down to a seat besides them. The little girl instantly wiggled into Tetsuro’s lap, and he couldn’t help but grin happily as he hugged her, giggles ringing out as he affected a voice, adding a character into their play.

He wondered how he could prove to Kenma that he wasn’t just a creep, that he was serious. He supposed just being himself, being around, and not letting up would eventually do the trick. Kenma didn’t seem like the type who enjoyed grand gestures anyways. Still, Tetsuro felt confident, if only because Kentaro saw him as a threat and Keiko was already enamored, the twins perhaps representing the two sides to Kenma’s personality. Glancing over his shoulder, Tetsuro smiled, Kenma trying very hard to keep his eye out but also look disinterested.

Damn, he was just so endearingly cute…

-x-

Osamu’s cheeks hurt, but it was a good kind of hurt. Shugo was making a fool out of himself as he made a show of mixing drinks and plating little tastings of food for the Omega, the two hiding out in the kitchen at the back of the café. Osamu sat prim and proper on a stool Shugo had dragged over for him, his thighs pressed tightly together as he beamed wide at the Alpha. He would regret having worn such a short dress if Shugo hadn’t nearly short-circuited seeing him in it. It really seemed a little silly that the Alpha was still trying so hard to impress him when Osamu was absolutely head-over-heels for this man.

Yeah, there was no denying it anymore. Shugo made Osamu’s heart feel like it could float up to the sky, like he was worth it. Osamu had never experienced that before; it was almost empowering, to meet an Alpha who needed him, wanted him, enough to make a fool of himself and to chase after a married man. In turn, Osamu craved the feeling Shugo gave him, craved the man himself and his easy affections. Osamu closed his eyes and tossed his head back, laughing with his whole body when Shugo nearly dropped the bottles of syrup he was juggling. Ah, he felt alive, perhaps for the first time in his whole life.

When he softly sobered and glanced back again, Shugo seemed frozen, staring at Osamu with a slack jaw and wide eyes. Ah, he was so handsome, so young… Osamu let out a small giggle that turned into something shy, his cheeks heating up as Shugo’s green eyes grew warm, his gaze impossibly fond.

“Osamu, you’re beautiful,” hushed the Alpha, and Osamu flared red. He pressed his hands to his knees, pulling his shoulders forward to hide. He shyly mumbled out Shugo’s name as he shut his eyes. Footstep approached quickly, and Osamu startled when he felt a big hand cup his cheek. Slowly, Shugo drew him back out, pulling him a little forward.

“I mean it,” breathed the Alpha. Osamu glanced frantically around, but they were alone, the café having closed down just about an hour ago. If it was anyone else, Osamu might have felt nervous about being alone with an Alpha as strong as Shugo, but right now, he felt nothing but safe and warm.

“Shugo,” whispered Osamu again, staring up at the other. What was he going to do? A thumb stroked over his cheek gently. Osamu could feel the man’s callouses, and he shivered. For a wild moment, he imagined those rough hands on him, on his skin, his body, touching- Osamu turned bright red again and choked on a glob of spit. Shugo just smiled.

“I wish I knew what you were thinking,” he husked, to which Osamu frantically shook his head.

No, his mind was an embarrassing place.

Shugo pulled slowly back, Osamu instantly missing his heat, but then the Alpha leaned against the counter behind him and grabbed at the edge of Osamu’s stool, pulling him between his legs. Shugo smiled fondly as Osamu blushed red.

“See,” he hummed. “Beautiful.”

Osamu thought he should object again, but Shugo was turning, grabbing up a small plate that Osamu hadn’t finished yet. He turned back to Osamu and smiled, lifting up a small chunk of toasted bread with a fancy spread on it. Osamu forgot what it was supposed to be, but did it matter when it all tasted so good? He watched Shugo raise it and slowly bring it closer before his grey eyes flicked up to meet gorgeous green orbs. Osamu opened his mouth automatically, and Shugo smiled, watching the Omega take a bite out of the food he held. Milky cheese and sweet blueberry compote burst across Osamu’s tongue, the bread nice and crunchy and providing good contrast, and Osamu let out an involuntary moan as he chewed and swallowed. His long lashes fluttered, and when he looked up again, Shugo was popping the rest of the little appetizer into his own mouth, licking his fingertips with an insanely proud smile. The realization that Shugo was eating after Osamu was secondary to the impact of the man’s smile. Osamu felt his body lean closer, grey eyes peering up through long lashes. When Shugo picked up the second bite, featuring more creamy cheese and a bit of raw salmon, Osamu instantly opened his mouth, eager. More flavor burst over his tongue, and he moaned a little more shyly, watching Shugo. The Alpha grinned again as he ate the rest.

“Shugo,” Osamu breathed, feeling like he was being pulled along a tidal river, his whole body churning with rotten desire. Shugo reached up and cupped his jaw again.

“What do you think?” asked the Alpha, and Osamu hummed, entranced. He reached out and grabbed at Shugo’s apron; he suddenly felt a wild desire to tear it off the man. Osamu watched Shugo’s pupils dilate, unaware of how much he was scenting.

“Handsome,” hushed Osamu, forgetting the question that had been asked and definitely missing that Shugo had actually been asking about the food and not himself. Still, Shugo’s face split into a huge smile, not mad about it and certainly not pointing out the mistake. Osamu inhaled sharply as the thick scent of cardamon and patchouli met his nose. Something inside him began to unfold, blooming. Shugo stroked at his cheek again, eyes steady on Osamu’s while the Omega’s flicked down to Shugo’s lips.

“Osamu, tell me about yourself. What do you want?”

Grey eyes startled back up, and Osamu inhaled deeply. What did he want? He wasn’t sure anyone had ever asked him before. Right now, as foolish and dangerous as it was, he wanted Shugo.

“When I was young,” he said instead, “I wanted to open my own restaurant…”

Shugo’s eyes went wide in surprise; he hadn’t been expecting that. It made Osamu smile. He slowly pressed his free hand to Shugo’s chest, thinking he wanted to surprise the Alpha more.

“It felt like such a silly dream for a long time,” he breathed, glancing up through long lashes. “I almost forgot about it… until I met you.”

“It’s not silly at all,” Shugo exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Osamu, your dreams could never be silly.”

Osamu felt heat bloom, and he thought he could cry if he let himself. His dreams weren’t silly? Then why had they felt like that for so… so long? Ever since Daisho, no, ever since Atsumu had been kicked out, no one had acknowledged Osamu’s dreams or even asked him… Osamu inhaled so sharply it was almost painful as Shugo asked, “What kind of restaurant?”

“Anything,” breathed Osamu, thinking he would be happy with making any sort of food at all, but that wasn’t what Shugo was asking. Shugo wanted to know what his heart wanted, what his dreams were. “Don’t laugh,” he whispered in a tiny voice.

Shugo’s face screamed that he would never, and Osamu knew he could trust that. He slowly let his head fall forward, his forehead coming to rest on a firm pectoral. Ah, what was this feeling? Osamu was melting… He felt more at peace than he ever had, perfectly content. The world outside ceased to exist; it was only him and Shugo.

Perfect.

“An onigiri shop. I always wanted to open… a little rice ball place.”

He wasn’t sure why he expected Shugo to laugh, but instead, warm, strong arms wrapped around Osamu, and he let out a sharp gasp as he went absolutely boneless. Shugo held him, and Osamu wondered how long he had held his dreams down, stuffing them away to avoid the pain of desires unfulfilled. Now, though, now…

“That sounds perfect, Osamu,” Shugo breathed, and it was genuinely the most honest statement. Osamu let out a broken little sound as he clung to Shugo. Oh, he was falling…

“Shugo,” whispered Osamu shakily as he slowly pulled himself up again. Their eyes met in an instant, an electric current rushing through the air. Everything was heavy with their scent, with their need. “You’re the second person I’ve ever told. You’re the first not to laugh…”

Atsumu had laughed when Osamu had told him, but they’d been 12, so it was to be expected. Still, Osamu’s heart blossomed in this first. He clung to Shugo. He wanted Shugo to take more of his firsts.

“I would never laugh at the things you desire, Osamu,” Shugo promised, and Osamu inhaled deeply. Maybe now he could say it.

“Then… I desire… you, Shugo…” Osamu whispered, his voice barely audible, and if it wasn’t for how close they were, Shugo might not have heard him. He did hear him, though; somehow Shugo always… Big hands pressed slowly to the small of his back, and Osamu shivered, heat radiating out. “I’m… old, and married… and I have a son… so it feels… impossible, but Shugo-”

“I want you too, Osamu,” Shugo interrupted, and Osamu finally noticed that the Alpha was shaking, vibrating. “I have never wanted anyone in my whole life, but I want you, Osamu. Please, I need you. I would give you anything…”

“Just… you… is fine,” breathed Osamu, still in awed disbelief, and Shugo exhaled, his lips turning slowly up.

“Does that mean…?” he hushed. Osamu felt heat and excitement rush down his skin. He let his lips pull into a crooked, happy grin, happiness bubbling to the surface after so, so long. “Osamu, are we officially dating, then? You’re my boyfriend?”

Osamu’s whole field of vision burst with color at that word. “Boyfriend…” he breathed out, his hands trembling. He wrapped his arms quickly around Shugo’s neck, pulling himself closer before he could think too much about it. “You’re my first,” he whispered on a giggle.

Shugo let out a laugh of disbelief. “Mine, too.”

Osamu couldn’t help the giddy laugh that burst out of him. “Oh-!” he gasped as Shugo pulled him closer still. Their chest were touching now, their hearts thundering together.

“I promise to treasure you completely,” Shugo begged like he still needed to convince the Omega, almost like… he was the one who couldn’t believe this was real. How silly… “I will love you and cherish you and treat you with the utmost care and kindness, Osamu. I’ll work hard to make your dreams come true. I’ll do whatever I have to to make you happy. Osamu, please… please let me love you.”

“Yes,” breathed Osamu. “Yeah- Shugo- Please do~”

“Please let me kiss you,” pleaded Shugo next; he was vibrating again, and Osamu had to laugh. He couldn’t believe a playboy like this was nearly shaking out of his shoes just to kiss him.

“Yes-!”

Lips collided with Osamu’s before he’d even finished the single word, and his eyes slammed shut as impossible heat flared up across his skin, in his gut. He tugged himself closer, Shugo’s kiss so gentle and soft despite the fact that it had a frantic energy behind it. A moan slipped out as Shugo tilted his head and deepened it, Osamu’s eyes going wide; he had never, ever made a noise like that before. It was the best kiss of Osamu’s whole life. He would count it as his first, too; Daisho’s few kisses couldn’t even hope to compare to the love and desire in this one, blowing everything else away.

“Shhh-oh,” he mewled against hungry lips as his fingers went white around the Alpha’s shirt. Shugo grunted heatedly, sounding discombobulated himself. He pulled Osamu’s hips to his own, changing the angle of the kiss again. Teeth nipped softly at Osamu’s bottom lip, and they shivered together. Osamu could feel his skirt hiking up, but it didn’t matter, it didn’t-

Something hard pressed against his wet crotch, through his panties and the apron and Shugo’s pants, and Osamu startled back, gasping so hard his lungs screamed. Shugo’s green eyes darted down at the sound, almost like he was embarrassed. His hands loosened on Osamu ever so slightly, but it seemed to take everything in him to do even that. Osamu stared with wide eyes at the Alpha, speechless.

“Sorry,” Shugo murmured, leaning down to softly press a kiss to Osamu’s cheek, breathing heavy. He took a slow, careful step back. “I’ll treasure you,” he swore, and Osamu shivered. He was still frozen by the flash of raw need that had flared through him, and he almost pulled Shugo back.

A second later, raw fear lit through Osamu as Shugo’s warmth dwindled, and he stared up at the Alpha with wet eyes, lips trembling. Shugo instantly cupped his face and begged, “Don’t give me that look.” Osamu shook his head, eyes shifting down.

Osamu’s body wasn’t what it had been when he was young like Shugo. He slowly let his shaking hands drop, wrapping them around his waist. He shivered as Shugo continued to stare at him with barely tamed desire, but Osamu suddenly felt so inadequate and unworthy, terrified that Shugo would reject him when he saw his soft belly and stretch marks and wide hips.

“What’s wrong?” whispered the Alpha after a while, reaching slowly for Osamu again while his scent curled thick around them. He cupped the Omega’s neck with a big, warm hand when the other turned away his cheek. Of course Osamu wanted to give Shugo more, to have Shugo, but he was petrified. He was trying to find the words when Shugo’s fingers brushed over his scent gland, igniting passion and need inside the Omega in a blinding flash. He arched his spine and gasped, eyes going wide. A second later, Shugo was close, his lips right by the Omega’s ear as his voice went deep and low.

“I want you so badly, Osamu. The things I want to do to you and your beautiful body…”

“You don’t know,” whimpered Osamu, almost feeling like he was on the edge of climax, so full of desire and need and yet scared. “Shugo, you don’t know…”

“No, you’re beautiful,” Shugo promised. “Even if your body is different from others, it’s the most beautiful because it’s you, because I’m in love with you.”

“Shugo, I’ve had a baby. I’m not fit or anything either-”

A heated groan cut Osamu off, and his eyes darted back up to Shugo’s face, wide. The man had his own eyes closed, head leaning forward. He looked to be almost in pain.

“I’m sorry, Osamu, can we stop talking about your body? I’m so crazy hard right now, and it’s taking everything in me not to jump you-”

Osamu gasped, staring at Shugo in shock. He noticed the veins in the man’s neck bulging, his fist clenched tightly. He really did look like he was about to burst, and Osamu shivered at the sight, at the scent rolling off him, exhaling roughly. He reached for Shugo but then started to draw back. He settled his hands gently on Shugo’s forearm and fist instead. Green eyes snapped open and met Osamu’s.

“Fuuuuck,” groaned the Alpha, and then he grinned at his boyfriend, letting out a wry laugh. He shivered and then slowly stood up straight, his sweaty hands pulling back and smoothing over his apron before taking Osamu’s again. Grey eyes caught on the sight between them, and they went wide as he saw that Shugo wasn’t lying, a large shadow casting on his apron from where he was absolutely stiff. Osamu’s eyes snapped up again in disbelief, and Shugo gave him a crooked smile. Shugo was-! Osamu swallowed past the dry lump in his throat.

He was still trying to find the words to say next when Shugo gently gripped the hem of Osamu’s dress, and for a moment, wild desire lit through the Omega before he realized Shugo was tugging his skirt down. Osamu exhaled sharply, his overpowering need terrifying him even as it slowly tempered down again.

He startled again when a forehead came to rest against his own, and Shugo breathed, “Osamu, please believe me when I say… that you are the most beautiful person I have ever known. You are so… tempting-”

Osamu inhaled sharply, shaking. He grabbed at Shugo’s forearms, so thick and powerful. He didn’t know what to say, speechless.

In the end, he whispered, “The rest of your samples… can I try them, Shugo? Will you feed them to me?”

Shugo groaned, but like he was helpless to resist, he nodded and lifted the platter of food again. Green eyes stared at Osamu with heat as he ate everything Shugo offered him, Osamu working hard to keep his eyes up, to make sure his knee didn’t accidentally brush against Shugo. He was still hard, and Osamu thought it must be painful, but Shugo held himself back with incredible fortitude.

“They’re all yummy,” breathed Osamu once he’d finished the plate, licking his lips.

Shugo groaned, begging desperately, “Osamu…”

Osamu almost wanted to laugh. How was it possible that he was doing this to an Alpha, especially one as handsome and young and… experienced as Shugo? It sent shivers rocking down his spine. Slowly, he stroked his hands up the man’s arms, but then he pulled back, smiling softly.

“I should go,” he whispered. He had to get home and change and make dinner…

Shugo leaned forward even as he nodded slowly. “I miss you so much when you’re not around,” he husked. Osamu gripped his hands at the hem of his skirt and hummed a pained agreement. Shugo was the light in an endless tunnel of black. It made him wish so much was different. If he just wasn’t married, if he didn’t have the weight of his parents’ expectations to bear, if he could just be free… to love. Tears burned his eyes in his frustration.

Osamu slowly stepped down from his stool, Shugo hovering as he helped the Omega. The Alpha raised one of Osamu’s hands to his lips and kissed it softly, and then he leaned down, kissing Osamu’s forehead sweetly.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Shugo said, his fingers interlacing with Osamu’s. It was warm and perfect, and Osamu pressed to the big Alpha’s side.

“Osamu,” called Shugo quietly when the pair was halfway through the empty café. Grey eyes darted up, Osamu’s whole being lighting up again at the sound of his name in that voice.

“Hmm?”

“Let me be your bartender when you open your onigiri shop,” Shugo said. He was grinning, happy. Happy for Osamu, happy about Osamu’s dream. It felt so silly, but to Osamu, it meant the whole world. He glanced down at his feet and burst out a giggle, unable to contain his joy. He pressed his free hand to his lips, beaming.

“Yeah, of course,” he breathed as they approached the front door, and there, Shugo swept the Omega around, cupping the back of his head and then kissing him sweetly, softly. Hands grabbed at strong biceps as Osamu melted, pressing back into the kiss. Oh, he could die happy with just this, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to see where Shugo would take him, to experience all the times they would spend together and all the happiness that surely awaited them.

When Shugo pulled back again, he rubbed his nose softly to Osamu’s and then smiled. “I couldn’t help myself,” he husked with a cheesy smile. “I can’t believe you’re finally mine.”

Osamu wanted to point out that he wasn’t… wholly… Shugo’s, but he couldn’t say that. He didn’t want to think about Daisho, let alone bring him up. If anything, he wanted his time with Shugo to be free from any worries or mentions of reality. He didn’t want to think about what he had to do, what he had to hide, who he had to be outside of these strong arms.

With a soft smile, Osamu hummed and nodded, and then Shugo let him go, his smile a little sadder now as he moved to unlock the front door and let Osamu out. Grey eyes watched him, the Omega quiet. Parting would always taste bitter, he thought, the constant inevitable. Real life would always be right outside the door, knocking. He turned and looked up at Shugo with a grateful smile before slipping out of the café, into the cool fall air outside. Behind him, the door shut with a soft click, and something in Osamu burst. He grabbed his cardigan around himself, desperate to cling to the happiness Shugo gave him. He hated parting, but he was so, so happy to feel this way, too, to feel the sadness of not wanting to leave someone so badly because they made him feel so wonderful. It was all so brand new and painfully wonderful.

As the heavy scent of the Alpha that was seeped into his clothes hit Osamu’s nose, he couldn’t help but smile. A boyfriend. He had a boyfriend. The handsome Alpha named Shugo had really, eagerly agreed to be his man. Osamu might explode.

Whatever reality had to throw his way, he could take it, he thought. This happiness would carry him through it all.

Yes, Osamu could be happy.

-x-

Aina mindlessly flipped a page in her book, though she was barely paying attention. She kept checking her phone, waiting. Her mom’s office was terribly boring for a teenager, but she would endure it all; Tobio would be stopping by soon after he was done with volleyball practice, and then they would head out together to do some studying at the library. For that, anything was worth it.

Tooru glanced up with doubtful eyes and asked, “Aina, are you even reading? You’re flipping the pages too fast.”

Green eyes leveled on her mom, Aina failing to see what the point was. Tooru rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue, his own page turning much more productive as he worked through a document his assistant had walked in about thirty minutes ago.

“Isn’t it for school?” Tooru asked, pointing at the thick book, and Aina gasped suddenly, nodding.

“Oh, you’re right,” she hummed sarcastically. “I guess I should really read it then-!”

“Don’t make me send you home right now, missy,” Tooru snapped back. “You can forget about going to the library with Tobi-”

“Okay!” Aina begged instantly. “It was a joke! I’ll read it!”

Tooru cast his daughter a very doubtful look, Aina raising the heavy book and burying her nose in it, actually trying to pay attention this time. On the other side, Tooru just sighed.

Twenty minutes later, it was all moot again as the office doors opened and Tobio stuck his head in. Tooru perked up immediately, and it was almost insulting. What was Aina, chopped liver? Still, she was just as excited to see her uncle, so she couldn’t blame her mom; like mother, like daughter.

“Hi, Tobio!” she cheered as Tooru called, “Hi, Tobi. How was school?”

Tobio glanced at Aina and then right back to Tooru, smiling crookedly. Aina’s heart seized in her chest and she had to grab at it, her small breasts heaving. Ah, he was so handsome…

“Good,” Tobio replied simply, shrugging as he stepped up to Tooru’s desk. Aina watched Tobio as her mother asked him way too many questions in her opinion, Tobio answering each one diligently even if the answer was short. In fact, Tobio didn’t glance her way until she stood and gathered her backpack.

“Ready to go, Tobio?” she asked, cutting her mom off, her voice as sweet as syrup. Tobio looked over, nodding. He never realized how much attention he paid to Tooru instead of her, but she supposed boys were that way… Aina waved at her mother and then headed out, waiting just outside the double doors for Tobio to follow. He did a few moments later, glancing at Aina for only the third time as he shut the doors behind him.

She watched as his blue eyes drifted from her over to the desk of her mom’s fiery haired assistant, brown eyes trying to inconspicuously watch the pair over his laptop screen. Aina narrowed her eyes as the redhead’s gaze lingered on Tobio for a bit too long. If the other Alpha noticed, he didn’t show it, simply nodding stiffly as he walked past the assistant’s desk to the elevators. With Tobio’s back to them, Aina glared at the assistant, pushing her chest out and acting like she had any right to be haughty. Brown eyes followed her and Tobio until the elevator doors closed on them.

“What was that?” she asked with a wry laugh as the car began descending. Blue eyes flicked to hers, and Aina’s lips trembled into a smile, her heart skipping a beat.

Tobio’s expression never changed as he asked, clueless, “What was what?”

Aina’s jaw fell a little slack, and she wondered if she should explain how her mother’s assistant had been staring Tobio down like a piece of meat, but she decided quickly against it. No reason to point out her competition… She quickly changed her answer as she shrugged, “You know, with my mom. You’re always, like, all about him.”

This time, Tobio looked confused. “He’s my older brother,” he said like that explained everything. Aina wanted to roll her eyes, but she bit it back. Tobio was, like… barely related to Tooru. She hated that the Alpha was so obsessed with the fact that they were half brothers. It was already unfair enough that she was an Alpha, but she didn’t need to be reminded every single time that her crush was technically a relative and therefore probably absolutely fruitless.

It didn’t stop her from trying. Tobio was just so… hot. She’d seen him first!

The walk to the library was filled with Aina talking Tobio’s ear off about the latest gossip around school, while Tobio just nodded wherever appropriate. He was quite tolerant of Aina’s gabbing, especially considering he had absolutely no interest in rumors and gossip, and if she took a step back, she would realize how nice he was for always taking the time to hang out with her, to “help her study”, considering their age gap and Tobio’s naturally reclusive personality. Despite having volleyball in common, they really had very little to talk about. Aina, though, was sure that she was an absolute delight to be around like every teenage girl her age thought, so she was particularly blind to Tobio’s kindnesses. Still, she could get the other to laugh once in a while, and he participated when she wanted him to.

Once they got inside the library, they had to be quiet, and Aina was nearly vibrating by the time they found a table in a back corner. She set her bag down and instantly pulled out her books, her heart skipping a beat again as Tobio sat just across from her. His passive face was so hot, and Aina had to keep herself from squealing in delight, knowing that in a moment she’d get to stare at it to her heart’s content as Tobio “tutored” her.

They were half an hour in when Aina’s curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “Hey, have you met mom’s secretary?”

Blue eyes like the ocean looked up, and Tobio frowned. “He’s an assistant. And yeah, his name is…” Tobio’s nose wrinkled up as he thought. “Umm, Sho, I think?”

Aina humphed, not impressed, but now Tobio was curious.

“Why?”

Aina pulled a face, and this time, she couldn’t get around it. “He was, like, staring at you.”

This seemed to be news to Tobio. “At me?” he asked with an unsure frown, and then he looked Aina over and asked blankly, “Are you sure it wasn’t at you?”

Oh, Aina could have been struck by lighting in that moment and died happy. Tobio had looked at her, and he thought she was attractive! “You think so?” she squealed even though she knew, definitely, that “Sho” had not been staring at her.

Tobio frowned in confusion. “Doesn’t that make more sense?” he asked mildly as he turned back to his text book, the conversation already over in his head. Aina blinked at the top of his head. Why would that make more sense, she wanted to ask.

“I don’t know,” she hummed instead, chewing as casually as she could at her pencil’s eraser. “You’re, like, pretty hot or whatever.” She shrugged just to add to the casualness of her statement. Tobio looked up and pulled quite a face, looking unconvinced.

“Sure,” was all he murmured, all of the sarcasm in the world in the one word. Aina frowned sharply. She wanted to defend her point, but she didn’t want to come off as too insistent either. In the end, she just shrugged.

“Yeah, you know…” she replied vaguely. Tobio just scoffed, not even bothering to look up again.

His low self-esteem was a blessing and a curse. Aina chewed at her eraser more aggressively, her brain churning with jealousy and what else to say. In the end, their time at the library ended with her no less frustrated and Tobio no less educated on his hotness level. Aina sighed pitifully as she gathered her books and traipsed sadly after her uncle.

After a little while, she noticed that Tobio was walking the wrong way to head back to his house. “Wait, your place is the opposite way,” she pointed out. Tobio glanced over his shoulder.

“Tooru said I could come over for dinner,” he said with a glimmer to his blue eyes.

Aina just stared, and then she groaned aloud. She hated that Tooru was the only thing that could really pull this reaction out of the other Alpha. Her competition was stiff these days… She was competing with her own mother and his damn assistant, for God’s sake!

She wasn’t getting anywhere any time fast...

-x-

Honestly, Tetsuro was still kind of pissed off. He just couldn’t believe his best friend had said that stuff to his momma! Didn’t Kiyoomi remember all the things Atsumu did for him, had done for him? It aggravated the Alpha to not end, but Kiyoomi had apologized, and Atsumu had… somewhat… accepted it. If giving the cold shoulder and being a little rude meant him accepting the mediocre apology, then yes, that was what had happened.

Tetsuro clicked his tongue as he wiped down the same table for the third time.

“You okay there, buddy?” asked Naoi, and Tetsuro’s head shot up.

“Yeah, sorry- Distracted…” he mumbled, the owner of the café nodding his head.

“Girl problems?” he hummed teasingly, and Tetsuro almost wished. It was more like Omega problems, Alpha problems, everybody problems… Tetsuro sighed wearily and shrugged vaguely. Naoi just patted at his back and offered the platitude that it would all likely turn out okay.

Damn, Tetsuro hoped so, but he wasn’t sure what things turning out okay with Kiyoomi would even look like, at least not right now. He sighed again and moved to the next table to clean it off, pausing when his phone buzzed in his back pocket. Thankfully, Naoi wasn’t too strict about phone usage during closing, as long as everything got done as quickly as possible, and done well. Tetsuro unlocked his phone, feeling a little bad to be glad to see Koutaro’s name and not Kiyoomi’s. He had to read over his friend’s text three times to decipher the bad grammar. Even so, he considered himself an expert now.

i got tckts for the nxt game! make sure auntie can come! ill bring my jersey to u next class!!

Tetsuro stared at the text for a moment longer, and then he asked slowly, wicked inspiration striking, How many tickets did you score?

im the QB bby!! was Koutaro’s answer, which was definitely not an answer at all. 6! came the actual reply. had to count em :p

Tetsuro let out a snort, rolling his eyes. Next, he opened up a new chat with his aunt and momma. Football game next week? Auntie, I can invite Shugo.

YESSSS!!! was Atsumu’s instant reply. Osamu was quiet, but Atsumu soon filled the text thread with, ill find an excuse for ya, samu. come on.

Osamu sent a blushing face and then a timid agreement. I’ll have to bring Koichi.

Tetsuro replied that that was totally fine; Koichi would probably love it, and Tetsuro definitely wanted to be there to witness his cousin’s first college game. Atsumu seemed no less excited as he rambled on, while Tetsuro switched to a new text thread again.

To Shugo, Kou’s football game, next week. This is your invite.

Is Osamu going? was the only thing Shugo cared to know.

Of course~ promised Tetsuro with a kissy face.

Ur the best <3, Shugo replied, and Tetsuro laughed. Damn; he was, wasn’t he?

He definitely felt pretty generous when he texted Kiyoomi lastly.

If you really want to make it up to my momma, you’ll come take him to Kou’s football game next week.

Seriously? Kiyoomi asked, an annoyingly predictable answer now. If you don’t believe it, start acting like a decent person, Tetsuro wanted to say, but he controlled his typing fingers.

I expect you to pay for whatever treats he wants, and that includes alcohol, Tetsuro said, just to torture Kiyoomi a little more. Atsumu could shovel an amazing amount of food down his gullet, and he would likely not hold back; it almost made Tetsuro jealous.

Yes, Kiyoomi replied quickly, and Tetsuro was quick to add, With your own money.

…You mean the money that my parents give me as a monthly allowance?

Tetsuro knew it was a genuine question, and that almost pissed him off all the more. Oh, whatever, you little rich boy.

He was about to put his phone away when Kiyoomi typed out, Tetsuro?

Yeah?

…Thank you. Seriously.

Tetsuro huffed in annoyance, that word back to haunt him. He could almost imagine Kiyoomi’s passive face, just staring at his phone.

Be prepared to empty your bank account next week.

Tetsuro pressed send decisively and then stuffed his phone into his back pocket again.

“You’re lucky my momma raised me right,” he grumbled to no one in particular as he scrubbed extra hard at a soy sauce stain, imagining it was Kiyoomi’s inexpressive face.

-x-

Wakatoshi tugged his motorcycle helmet off and stared up at the giant house that was becoming a familiar sight by now. The Alpha himself hadn’t grown up needing for much, his mother working hard to provide, but this level of grandeur seemed far too opulent to him. Still, whatever Tooru’s husband did for work, it seemed like it paid very well. Wakatoshi had yet to see the man’s face, though, making him wonder if it was all worth it if an Alpha couldn’t come home to his family. Then again, it wasn’t like he was here all the time to see what daily life was like for Tooru and his family; maybe his husband was home every night at 6.

Besides the amazing amount of wealth this family certainly had, the other thing that stunned Wakatoshi the most, something he couldn’t get his head around, was Tooru’s need to flaunt around. Was his husband really okay with it? It was starting to make Wakatoshi feel really weird, and he debated asking to have a chat with the man of the house just so he could clear the air. It would only be right, especially if he was going to keep working jobs here on a regular basis… Still, neither Aina nor Tooru ever mentioned the mysterious head of the family. Wakatoshi set his helmet down on his seat and frowned slightly. He grabbed his small tool bag and water bottle and made his way up the hill towards the big front door. Though Tooru was eager to provide Wakatoshi with anything he needed, Wakatoshi simply preferred using his own tools and providing his own hydration. It was his way of saying, Don’t worry about me. I’m simply here to do my job, and I’ll do it well.

As the doorbell chime rang through the big foyer inside, Wakatoshi shifted from one foot to the other, patiently waiting. He usually didn’t have to wait too long, Tooru always sweeping in like the drama queen he was, but today the silence stretched, and Wakatoshi frowned. Did he get the time wrong? The day? He checked his phone, but no, he was here right on the dot. He slowly rang the doorbell again, worry starting to etch into his skin.

Before he could really start to stress, however, the door whipped open, and Wakatoshi’s eyes went a little wide in surprise to see the daughter, Aina, standing there. Her face shifted from her own surprise to something like annoyance, and she sighed as she waved the other Alpha in.

Wakatoshi hesitated for a moment, but then Aina said, “Sorry, I don’t know what Mom is doing up there. Probably donning some unnecessarily scantily clad outfit again,” and he realized the annoyance was not leveled at him. The second thing he realized was that he was apparently not imagining things; Tooru was dressing immodestly and even provocatively, which made Wakatoshi wonder if it was a daily occurrence. Maybe the Omega just dressed that way… for fun, or something…

Wakatoshi’s thin lips pulled into a confused frown. Why did it matter to him what Tooru chose to wear?

He followed Aina to the kitchen, where she hopped up on a barstool and bent over her school books again. Wakatoshi watched her for a moment, and then he glanced at the kitchen sink, the reason he was here.

“Should I go ahead and get started?” he asked the teenage girl, who glanced over her shoulder and sized up the other Alpha.

“If you know what you’re here for, be my guest.” Then, on second thought, “Will you be loud?”

Wakatoshi blinked before he glanced at Aina’s poised pencil, her thick textbooks spread out. Would he distract her from studying? “I shouldn’t be,” he told her, but he could never guarantee what he’d find once he got into a project. Still, Tooru had simply said the sink was clogged, so that shouldn’t take any hammering or power tools.

Aina studied Wakatoshi, and then she gave a vague smile, surprising the other as she said, “Sorry, I just get a little wary of other Alphas around my mom.”

Totally understandable, especially with the way Tooru was. Wakatoshi nodded his respect and said, “You’re a good daughter. He’s lucky to have you.”

This time, Aina blinked in surprise, and then she grinned. “You’re not bad yourself. Toshi, was it?”

“Ah, that’s what your mom calls me. My name is Wakatoshi.”

Aina smirked, and Wakatoshi thought the two were actually quite similar as she hummed, “Well, then, Toshi~” She turned back to her studying and Wakatoshi moved to the sink, setting his tools down. Opening the cabinet doors under the sink, he began to investigate the problem, making sure the water line was shut off.

He began digging through his tool bag, unaware that Aina was watching him now, pencil pressed to her upper lip. He glanced up in surprise when she said, “I’m sorry about my mom. I know he can be over-the-top, and a lot of people have a hard time handling it, but he’s not a bad person.”

Wakatoshi nodded. Considering how well behaved Aina was for a teenage female Alpha, he was sure that Tooru had had to set a lot of rules and boundaries, making sure he was a good mother. Besides that, he was very generous with his money and kind to a fault, albeit quite sassy.

“I know he flirts a lot,” she said next, sighing softly. “You can tell him to stop if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Wakatoshi considered this for a moment. After a while, he asked, “Is he like that with everyone?”

“Not everyone. Mostly Alphas, but, like, the attractive ones. He definitely does it up for you, though.”

Wakatoshi blinked.

“He likes an audience,” Aina hummed with a crooked grin, and Wakatoshi wondered if the girl was teasing him. He let out a dry laugh, his eyes roaming back down to his tool bag.

“And your father is okay with that?” he asked. It took him too long to realize that the silence was stretching. When he looked up, he didn’t expect to see the pained smile on the girl’s face. He froze, almost forgetting what he’d even asked. Aina was an Alpha, and still Wakatoshi wondered if he should comfort her, his own Alpha instincts kicking in.

“He probably rolls over in his grave every once in a while,” she finally replied slowly, and Wakatoshi’s eyes went wide. “But it’s not like Mom actually follows through with his flirting... He’s still super hung up on my dad.”

Wakatoshi didn’t know what to say. Of course he knew what it was like to experience the loss of a parent, but the way Aina spoke about it, he wondered if she had even known her father at all before he passed. Talking about his own father had been hard for Wakatoshi at that age, but he’d had a few good years with the man before he passed. “I’m sorry,” he said, to which Aina shrugged and then nodded.

“I didn’t know him, but I can imagine he was a really great man.” She paused, maybe wondering why she was telling a handyman all of this, but maybe she had very few people to talk to about it. “If he had lived, I think he would have been an amazing dad. Mom did a good job, though…” she murmured as an after-thought. Wakatoshi couldn’t imagine what it felt like to miss someone you’d never met. It made his heart ache in a weird way. He was about to apologize again when Aina said hurriedly, “Look, don’t bring it up with my mom, okay? He doesn’t like to talk about it, not unless he’s a few glasses of wine into a night.”

Wakatoshi nodded stiffly, and with that, it seemed like Aina, too, was done talking about it. That was fine; Wakatoshi was only the handyman, after all. He knelt down again to begin disassembling the pipe to find the clog when clacking footsteps sounded on the stairs.

“Aina, is Toshi not here yet?” called a very familiar voice, and Aina must have pointed, because the next moment there was a curse, Tooru rushing the rest of the way down the stairs. Wakatoshi poked his head up just as the Omega slid to a stop at the end of the kitchen island. He uttered another curse as soon as olive eyes met his own.

“I’m so sorry, Toshi! I didn’t hear the bell-” He spun to his daughter and demanded, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Aina shrugged. “Toshi seemed quite capable of doing the work without you,” she sassed with a wicked grin, and Wakatoshi raised his hand to settle Tooru before the man blew up, but Tooru just spun back to him and gave a lopsided grin.

“Of course he’s capable, that’s why I’ve hired him~” Tooru sang, his voice suddenly syrup-y. Aina’s rolling eyes suggested it wasn’t just Wakatoshi’s capabilities, though, and Wakatoshi gave a small, crooked smile, confusion knitting his brows. Tooru smiled at him and then waltzed around the countertop.

He wore a silky dress with a draped robe over it, little heeled slippers on his feet. If he was being objective, he would say the Omega looked like a dream, his chest showing a little past the lace-y frills of his top, his body supple but fit. Around his neck, Tooru wore a necklace with a ring on it, and on his hand, his own matching band. Wakatoshi almost wondered why he hadn’t put it together before, but he supposed he hadn’t noticed the necklace Tooru wore before today. It was clear now that Tooru was indeed still mourning the loss of his beloved in his own way. Wakatoshi gave the Omega a small smile.

“Darling, do you need anything?” asked Tooru, his sensual tone continuing, but Wakatoshi shook his head, pointing out his small tool bag and his bottle of water. He wondered if he imagined the way Tooru’s face fell and then went tight. He was smiling again before Wakatoshi could wonder if he’d done anything wrong, though, a hand settling on his broad shoulder as Tooru bent down, legs together and tucking his skirt under him. He peered at the open pipes under the sink and hummed like he knew what he was looking at.

He didn’t, though, which was obvious when he turned to look at Wakatoshi and asked innocently, “So what seems to be the problem?”

“I’m not quite sure yet. Might just be some build-up in your pipes,” Wakatoshi explained, and Tooru’s eyes lit up, his lips pressing tight like he was physically biting back a crude joke. Above them, Aina groaned like she could sense it. Wakatoshi just blinked.

“I should be able to clear it out with no problem,” Wakatoshi continued, and this time Aina called, “Ew!” while her mother’s eyes gleamed.

“I would imagine so,” he purred with a wink, his hand squeezing slowly at Wakatoshi’s shoulder before sliding down. “Like I said, you’re very capable.”

Wakatoshi blinked, thinking he was starting to get the punchline, but all he could hear was Aina telling him, “It’s not like Mom actually follows through.” He wondered what this feeling was as he stared at Tooru. He slowly turned back to the pipes, feeling almost… blue. He missed Tooru’s warm touch when the Omega stood up and declared proudly, “I believe in you, Toshi. Let me know if you need anything!”

The Omega reminded him a lot of his Aunt Keiji in many ways.

Wakatoshi listened to Tooru’s footsteps click away, a fridge door opening, and soon the rhythmic chopping of a knife on a cutting board began to sound. A heavenly smell filled the air, and Wakatoshi almost drooled under the kitchen sink. He cleaned out the pipes diligently and then put it all back together again before standing up to test the sink drainage. As he leaned over the sink, Tooru rushed up behind him and pressed to his back, peering around Wakatoshi with hands on his hips as water ran beautifully down the drain.

“Oh!” Tooru exclaimed in delight just as Wakatoshi’s eyes drifted up and met Aina’s. Her expression was unreadable, but the small smile on her lips told Wakatoshi all he needed to know. Despite her complaints, in the end, Aina just wanted her mom to be happy. It tugged at his heart strings; he knew that feeling well. He felt it every time Keiji glowed.

Hands squeezed at his hips, and Wakatoshi startled back to . Arms slipped around his waist as the Omega hugged him. “Oh, you’re a lifesaver, Toshi!”

“It wasn’t too hard,” Wakatoshi assured as he stared down, and Tooru snickered, Aina rolling her eyes again. She looked at Wakatoshi with this expression that asked, Do you even hear yourself?

Wakatoshi raised his hands to pat at Tooru’s arms to release the hug, but the Omega was pulling away before he could, clearing up Wakatoshi’s tools and setting out three dinner plates in their place.

“Stay for dinner, Toshi!” Tooru said, and it wasn’t really a question. Wakatoshi slowly turned, intending to politely decline until he got a brand new nose-full of whatever Tooru was cooking. His stomach howled, and he turned beet red. Brown eyes went wide, and then Tooru tossed his head back and laughed in delight.

“Oh, I insist!” he crooned as he herded Wakatoshi to the small kitchen table, Aina joining him a moment later, her nose still buried in a book. Wakatoshi watched helplessly as Tooru flitted around, a strange feeling building up in his lower half. It reached a crescendo when Tooru set down a plate of mouthwatering stir-fry rice in front of him. A hand patted at his shoulder again, and Wakatoshi’s eyes drank in the large pile of beef.

“I know all about feeding men like you,” crowed Tooru, stroking at Wakatoshi’s beefy arms as he openly stared. “Protein is the way to a strong Alpha’s heart~”

Wakatoshi couldn’t deny that he did enjoy a lot of meat and needed it to keep up his physique, but he was silent as he turned and stared at Tooru just as he flitted off again. Aina got a plate with about half the amount of meat as Wakatoshi, the rest consisting of vegetables, while Tooru’s plate featured mostly vegetables, a little bit of meat and rice, and a much smaller portion in all. Well, that explained how he kept his body so lean, Wakatoshi thought before he could stop himself.

This is an Omega man, your boss, and even if he’s no longer married… Wakatoshi scolded himself, turning his thoughts away with an apology. He was just hungry, he told himself. He swallowed roughly as he stared down at the plate of food before him. Beside him, Aina was shoveling the dinner into her mouth, while Tooru watched Wakatoshi with bright eyes, waiting. Wakatoshi already knew what was going to happen; he could feel it coming like a fisherman knows a storm. Tooru wasn’t lying when he’d said he knew the way to an Alpha’s heart. Wakatoshi was a sucker when it came to delicious food; he could thank his Aunt Keiji for that.

He slowly picked up his chopsticks with a murmur of thanks and then pinched a piece of meat and some rice, raising it to his mouth. The smell alone was making him salivate, and he couldn’t help but shut his eyes the moment the warm food melted to his tongue. Oh, the meat was so tender and flavorful. He could almost feel Tooru delighting in his reaction. When he opened his eyes again, the Omega had his pretty hands clasped together, beaming wide, and Wakatoshi thought, Oh no. Tooru’s eyes were glittering, and Wakatoshi felt warm as he thought the Omega was so beautiful like this.

He apologized first to Keiji, and then to Tooru’s late husband. Aina and his own father came next as the realization sank like a heated weight to his crotch. He wasn’t just enamored by yummy food; he was horny for Tooru. For the first time in his life, Wakatoshi felt his hormones rage, his inner Alpha awakening, and he was reminded that he was still, technically, a teenager. Still, he was sure that his age actually had very little to do with his serious attraction to a very gorgeous, very flirty, and very talented Omega. Wakatoshi stuffed another piece of meat into his mouth as the rest of his body went haywire. He was trying not to scent like crazy, but the raised eyebrow and slow smile Tooru gave meant he was doing a bad job.

Tooru purred, and the sound went straight to Wakatoshi’s loins. “Is it that good?” the Omega teased, and Wakatoshi thought he had a chance to play it off like it was just the food and not this sudden and new-found crush he had on the older man.

“It’s delicious,” Wakatoshi managed in a level voice, and Tooru grinned, so proud. It made Wakatoshi feel like he was bursting with his own pride, even though Tooru wasn’t his.

It’s not like Mom actually follows through with his flirting…, called a little voice that activated Wakatoshi’s shame. He had to get his inner Alpha under control, he thought. He turned his eyes down to his plate and focused solely on eating up every morsel of food.

When he was done, he gathered his tools and water bottle and promptly headed out, claiming to have another client. Tooru walked him to the door and smiled as he stuffed a few rolled bills into the front pocket of Wakatoshi’s shirt, his long, slender fingers sliding slowly down a sculpted chest.

“See you again soon, Toshi~” Tooru purred, and Wakatoshi turned in shame, hiding how that voice made him feel. He waddled down to his bike and lamented having to ride it with a hard-on. He paused for a moment after he had his helmet on and was situated on his seat.

“Damn,” he husked to himself. He gripped at his thighs and whispered again, “Damn!” He wasn’t usually one for cursing, but this situation really called for it.

-x-

Kiyoomi had never imagined he could feel so neglected, even considering the fact that his parents were rarely around. This, though, hurt on a very different level, and Kiyoomi felt like part of his soul had been robbed from him as he watched Atsumu flirt up a storm with Shugo and Koutaro, while simultaneously ignoring Kiyoomi. The setting put Kiyoomi one edge, too. It was still a little too early for the bar Shugo worked at to be serving customers, but that hadn’t kept Atsumu and his band of jolly Alphas from crashing the establishment, dragging poor Kiyoomi along. He felt like he was breaking the law, and he might have been okay with it if he seemed wanted, but that did not feel like the case. Shugo kept throwing him these looks whenever Atsumu called him by his last name or simply ignored him, but everyone else seemed happy enough to forget he was there. Shockingly, it was Koutaro that seemed to actually care about the other Alpha, trying to include Kiyoomi in the discussion as much as he could. He was still flirting with Atsumu, but he also seemed hyper-aware of the pouting Alpha beside him.

At some point, Koutaro turned towards Kiyoomi and asked enthusiastically, “How’s practice going, Omi?”

Kiyoomi had to hold himself back from giving his usual short answer, knowing he had to show Koutaro his appreciation. “It’s going well, thank you. We’re getting ready to add more players to our roster next semester as our senpais step down and graduate.”

“Yeah, it happens every year,” bemoaned Koutaro. “You get attached to the seasoned pros and then they leave!”

Kiyoomi nodded, though he wasn’t too attached to any of his senpais to feel all that torn up about it. It was just change, and Kiyoomi wasn’t a big fan of change. Still, it was a part of life, so he simply accepted it. He could see that Koutaro would be someone to get sad about fellow players leaving, though. Kiyoomi glanced at Tetsuro for a split second, thinking he’d felt a little like that when his friend had stopped playing, but in the end, he’d been okay with it because Tetsuro was going after what he wanted, what was best. Kiyoomi felt jealous of the man’s ability to be so assertive. He glanced at Atsumu next, biting back a shaky sigh. Golden eyes flicked his way for a moment, and Kiyoomi felt his gut swoop low. Atsumu simply hummed, his gaze already turning away again, and as soon as the moment had come, it was gone again. Kiyoomi huddled down a little farther into the back of the booth they sat in.

“Speaking of our teams,” Koutaro declared loudly, leaning over Atsumu and Tetsuro to grab his cross-body bag before holding the thing up proudly like a trophy. He set it down on the table with the biggest grin and then zipped open the biggest pocket, making a big show out of it. Atsumu leaned forward eagerly, Tetsuro and Shugo just grinning at the other Alpha’s antics. Kiyoomi felt his stomach twist up with dread as soon as he saw a flash of teal and gold. He could barely watch as Koutaro, with great fanfare, tugged out a Tokyo U football team jersey. He grabbed it by the shoulders and let it unfurl, beaming proudly. From Kiyoomi’s side, he could see the big 4 printed on the front, knowing that the back featured the same number, as well as Koutaro’s last name.

When the Alpha held it out to Atsumu like a gift, Kiyoomi thought he might actually be sick. His stomach twisted in knots and flipped this way and that, his head going a little swimmy. He didn’t want to see the way Atsumu’s whole face lit up, but he couldn’t stop staring. He couldn’t stop thinking about the stupid, idiotic comment he’d made at his own game, and he couldn’t even imagine… that Atsumu would make the same face if he offered the man his own jersey to wear now. It felt almost intentionally cruel, and Kiyoomi glanced sideways, wondering if he could make a quiet and smooth exit. A pair of green eyes caught him, however, rooting him with their glare. It was like Shugo was telling him he had to watch, that he should feel this bad.

Well, Kiyoomi supposed he did deserve this for the shit he’d pulled. He gripped at the leather of the bench seat beneath him and watched from the corner of his eyes.

“Model it, Momma,” Tetsuro encouraged, and Kiyoomi felt betrayed all over again, his best friend’s golden eyes roaming over his face for a split second before Tetsuro’s grin pulled a little crooked, malicious. Kiyoomi wondered how many times he was supposed to say sorry, and then he thought again, no, he deserved this. He could feel Shugo just staring at him, drilling it into him.

This is what happens when you don’t get your act together, Kiyoomi.

This is what happens when you can’t be a fucking man.

Kiyoomi swallowed roughly and made himself watch as Atsumu climbed out of the booth and tugged the big jersey on over his shirt, only his leggings showing underneath it. He twirled around like he was wearing a cute dress, cupping his ass and pulling the breathable fabric tight around his waist as he wiggled his hips. Koutaro was hooting and hollering like he was at a strip club, and even Kiyoomi had to admit that Atsumu looked… really good. He was glowing, beaming so brightly, and fuck, it hurt! Kiyoomi felt the back of his throat burn as he stared at the blond Omega, trying desperately to smile just to show… just to show that Atsumu being happy was enough.

The feeling faded too quickly when Atsumu sprawled over the table and kissed Koutaro on the cheeks, humming out his name. “I can’t wait ta wear this to yer game! It’s my first college football game, too~ Make sure ya win, Kou-chan!”

“You bet! With you and Keiji cheering me on, I just can’t lose.”

“Ohh~ Keiji~” teased Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi’s stomach filled with jealous bile. Why was it so easy for some Alphas when it was so… fucking hard for him? He could barely say Atsumu’s name, let alone brag about Atsumu cheering him on or praise him with the name of other Omegas on his tongue.

“Wait, who’s Keiji?” asked Shugo with big, interested eyes, finally turning them away from Kiyoomi as he leaned forward to get all the gossip. Koutaro just grinned.

“He’s this super pretty Omega that just happens to be the aunt of my best friend and fellow captain, Wakatoshi Ushijima, and definitely one of my biggest fans~!” White teeth flashed, and Shugo rolled his eyes even as he laughed, Tetsuro patting at Koutaro’s back.

“Sure, buddy,” Shugo placated teasingly, which prompted Koutaro to insist earnestly that all of the mature Omegas had no choice but to fall for him.

“I feel like I’m proof of that~” giggled Atsumu teasingly, and Kiyoomi truly wanted to die. He excused himself from the booth, mumbling something about going to the bathroom. He could feel eyes following him, but he couldn’t tell who it was anymore. Atsumu’s laugh burst out a moment later, and Kiyoomi tried to pretend he wasn’t so vulnerable as to think they were laughing at him.

He washed his face in the single bathroom and stared at his reflection. He tugged in annoyance at his curls, perfectly styled and yet somehow seeming all wrong now, the two moles on his forehead nearly disappearing as his brow knit together and up into his hairline. He wanted to believe that he was as handsome as Koutaro and Shugo, but his grandmother’s words were little evidence to go off of. Was it his mean expressions? His resting bitch face? Was it the fact that every word that came out of his mouth had to be cruel and short and cutting?

Kiyoomi gripped at the sink and pressed his forehead to the cool mirror, trying not to think about how many germs might be on it. He was sure Shugo cleaned regularly and thoroughly, but right now, he almost wanted a flesh-eating bacteria to devour him alive.

He walked numbly back out to the single lit booth, sliding into his seat again in absolute silence. Shugo and Tetsuro glanced his way, but Koutaro was way too wrapped up in Atsumu to notice, the blond Omega glowing under the Alpha’s praise.

“-all know you would look good in anything, but teal and gold are really your colors, Auntie.”

“Yer just sayin’ that,” laughed Atsumu, to which Koutaro very animatedly shook his head.

“Swear!” he promised, making Atsumu giggle again. Kiyoomi shut his eyes and let the sound sink deep into his bones, trying to pretend it was his joke that Atsumu was laughing at. It almost felt cruel at this point to be so hopeful, but it seemed that Kiyoomi was nothing if not a masochist. Maybe he just enjoyed watching himself be such a miserable failure. Maybe he felt like he deserved it all. It wasn’t like he’d ever been a good person, or even really tried. He’d just coasted through life, not caring who liked him until it felt absolutely detrimental that he be loved by this one single Omega. He remembered things he’d said to Tetsuro in middle and high school, things he wished he’d understood at that age, like the fact that he would fall head-over-heels for a male Omega, or that, yes, in fact, they could be so beautiful as to steal his breath away, and he could so desperately crave their attention.

Poor, independent, don’t-have-time-to-be-dragged-down-by-love Kiyoomi. His parents had done him such a disservice in not believing that there was more to life than just working and procreating to have an heir and working, working, working. Looking at Atsumu, Kiyoomi wanted to believe there were things like happiness and love, but he knew nothing of either, nothing like that ever displayed in his house. It wasn’t just his parents’ fault, of course, but it felt easier to blame them when he was this miserable than to believe he could actually make himself into a better person one day.

He didn’t know if he could do it, and certainly not someone good enough for Atsumu, and yet- and yet, he had to have Atsumu. He just couldn’t live without him; that much was evidenced by this stupid crush that had dragged on for nearly 6 years now. This stupid crush that had blossomed into something so devastating and soul-wrenching, emptying Kiyoomi daily and yet making him feel something for the first time, anything at all.

It was painful, it was cruel, and yet Kiyoomi… clung to it. No one else would do. It was only Atsumu, forever, from now until the day he died.

Atsumu consumed him whole, and Kiyoomi… liked it, loved it, hated it.

Chapter Text

Atsumu could barely contain himself. He was bursting at the seams with excitement, wearing Koutaro’s soft jersey and a jean mini skirt, sporting the same thigh-highs he’d worn to Kiyoomi’s game. He stared at himself in the mirror, his eyes-blond hair downy soft and flipping perfectly at the ends, dangling earrings hanging from his ears, and glitter on his cheekbones. He’d knotted up the bottom of Koutaro’s jersey to show off a little bit of skin and hips, waggling them now as he stared at his reflection. Atsumu firmly believed that age was just a number, and he was certainly proving it now, only looking better now than he ever had in high school. Behind him, Tetsuro bustled into their bedroom from the shower, towel wrapped around his waist as he mussed his messy hair. He stopped and turned when he spotted Atsumu, grinning instantly as their golden eyes met in the reflection of the mirror.

“Oh, Momma, you’re gonna knock their socks off.”

Atsumu giggled. “The other team won’t even be able ta play with all their socks crumpled up in their shoes!”

He loved Tetsuro’s booming laugh, the Alpha pulling on a pair of boxer briefs in his corner of the room, grabbing a nice fitting pair of jeans and a teal baseball tee before heading back into the bathroom to blow dry his hair.

Just before the dryer clicked on, a knock sounded at their front door, and Atsumu rushed out into the living room to open it. Koichi burst out an excited greeting the moment the door swung inward, while Osamu looked his brother up and down, his lips pulling up into a crooked grin.

“Tsumu, you look ridiculous,” said the older twin, and Atsumu thought it had been so long since he’d heard Osamu tease him like that. He couldn’t help but beam, knowing the reason, knowing Osamu was just as excited as he was, even if it was for very different reasons.

“And don’tchya look like a whole ass snack?” hummed the blond, serving it right back to Osamu.

“Tsumu!” scolded Osamu, but Koichi wasn’t listening at all, eyes searching for Tetsuro before he bolted off. The dryer shut off for a minute as the Alpha hefted his little cousin up on the bathroom sink, grinning. There were stars in Koichi’s eyes as he stared up at Tetsuro, and Atsumu couldn’t help but feel so damn proud. He turned back to Osamu, the other now standing in the entryway, and grinned. Osamu shuffled from foot to foot, his nervous energy only making him that much cuter. His grey hair was freshly cut and perfectly styled, and he wore an adorable teal boyfriend shirt and fitted pixie jeans, the front of his shirt tucked into his pants. Atsumu spied his empty ring finger but said nothing of it, simply calling over his shoulder as he turned to the bedroom again, “So? How’s it goin’ with yer boy?”

Osamu flushed, tucking his grey hair back behind his ear. He had cute little gold studs in, Osamu always the less flashy of the two twins when it came to fashion and accessories. Having the same face, though, Atsumu knew that their looks did most of the hard work anyways, so he couldn’t even be mad, and obviously it had landed Osamu a real hottie. When the other Omega joined him in his bedroom as he riffled through his closet trying to find the right pair of shoes, Atsumu asked a little more quietly, “Well? Ya didn’t deny it, so are ya finally datin’?”

Osamu blushed beet red, but he nodded, his lips lifting into a smile of disbelief. Atsumu just knew his twin was holding out, so he rushed forward and grabbed Osamu’s hands, gushing, “Oh my God, tell me everythin’!”

“There’s nothing to tell-” Osamu tried, but Atsumu wasn’t about to believe that for a minute. Wide, grey eyes stared at the blond, and finally Osamu blurted out, “He kissed me-! We kissed-”

Atsumu gasped violently. His innocent, sweet twin brother-! “No way! Where? When? How? Did he use tongue?”

“Tsumu!” Osamu scolded again, but it was hard to be convincing when he was damn near glowing. “It was at the café, in the kitchen. Shugo was letting me taste some of his recipe ideas for the new menu and we just… kinda…”

“Kinda?” Atsumu asked with a feral grin and a cocked eyebrow. He grabbed Osamu’s dainty hips and watched in disbelief as his twin flushed red. “Oh, that doesn’t look like ‘kinda’!”

“Tsumu,” begged Osamu, and just then, he was saved by Tetsuro appearing in the doorframe of the bedroom, Koichi on his back.

“You two beauties ready to go?” he grinned, Osamu spinning around and smiling fondly while Atsumu crooned.

“Oh, how do ya not have a boyfriend or girlfriend yet?” Atsumu asked his son, to which Tetsuro pointedly replied, "Momma, you wouldn’t let me.”

Osamu giggled and Atsumu agreed, humming.

“Ya got me~” he chimed with a crooked grin, and Tetsuro just laughed. When Koichi whispered something in his ear, the Alpha nodded. He glanced at Atsumu like they were sharing a big secret and then giggled. “That’s right, Koichi~ I do have a girlfriend, don’t I?”

Atsumu nearly fell over. “Shut up!” he shouted, which made Tetsuro burst out in belly-shaking laughter.

“No, really, Momma. She’s so damn cute, long blond hair and pretty gold eyes. I met her at the park, and she’s so smitten with me~”

“Her name is Keiko and she’s five!” shouted Koichi when he couldn’t contain it anymore, and Tetsuro nearly buckled in half as he howled, Atsumu’s face pale as a ghost.

“Don’t tease me like that, Tetsu-chan,” begged the Omega weakly, Osamu just rolling his eyes.

“We’ll be late!” he stressed, which Atsumu grasped instantly like a life raft, saying, “We can’t let Samu be late for his date!”

Osamu flushed and pulled a face, and damn, Atsumu was so fucking happy to see it that he skipped out the front door in his heels, swinging Osamu’s hand in his own. Behind them, Tetsuro locked up, and then they headed out, a happy little family.

They took the train to the college campus. The car got more crowded with every stop they hit, everyone wearing teal and gold, sporting Tokyo U merch and big sun hats and baseball caps. By the time they got to the right stop, Atsumu felt like he’d been squeezed into a sardine can. They were finally able to get air as the doors opened, and Tetsuro grabbed his momma’s hand as Atsumu clung to Osamu’s, Koichi still on Tetsuro’s back like a little spider monkey. They had no choice but to move with the crowd as everyone headed towards the big stadium on the sprawling campus. Atsumu was so giddy he could scream.

“Where’s Shugo?” Osamu asked nervously as they got closer.

The crowd was no less dense anywhere, so Tetsuro hefted Koichi up on his shoulders, Atsumu telling the little boy, “Look for yer mama’s boyfriend!”

Osamu flushed but once again didn’t make any corrections, though he did insist that Atsumu should speak a little quieter.

“It’s not like that dumb Alpha of yers’ s’got spies everywhere, Samu, relax,” Atsumu griped.

Osamu’s hand clenched punishingly tight at Atsumu’s, but he made no comment. It was all moot anyways as long arms waved in the air near one of the entrance gates, and Osamu’s whole face lit up as Koichi waved back, calling, “Mama, I see him. I see Shu-chan!”

“Shu-chan?!” bemoaned Atsumu. “Oh, that’s so cute~” he whined as he melted, Osamu and Koichi so sickeningly adorable. As a group, they bustled their way over to Shugo, and Atsumu instantly handed Osamu’s hand over to the Alpha, the two staring at each other like deers caught in the headlights. Shugo was the first to smile, grinning brightly, and Osamu followed soon after with his own uncontainable smile, peering up at the tall Alpha.

“Hi, gorgeous,” Shugo greeted with silky warmth in his voice, and Atsumu rolled his eyes even as his heart burst with the happiness he saw on his brother’s face.

“Hi,” breathed Osamu, Koichi watching it all from Tetsuro’s shoulders. Tetsuro was peering around, checking his phone over and over, and Atsumu almost wanted to be really mean and suggest they not wait for Kiyoomi. He still hadn’t settled on which feeling he felt about Tetsuro inviting the damn brat. It was annoying, yes, but Atsumu also didn’t want to tell Tetsuro he couldn’t when Kiyoomi had been his friend for so long. Still, he couldn’t reconcile the fact that Kiyoomi had said he was embarrassing, and even as he told himself he didn’t care about the feelings of a bratty little Alpha, he couldn’t stop his stomach from swooping with nerves at the thought of Kiyoomi looking at him now and saying it again. As loud and unashamed as Atsumu was, he still had feelings, too, damnit, and Kiyoomi had stepped all over them for shits and giggles. Well, Kiyoomi wasn’t laughing anymore now, but that just served him right-!

They waited a few more minutes, Atsumu focusing his attention on Koichi, and finally Tetsuro straightened up and sighed as a voice said, “Sorry, I was at the wrong gates.”

Atsumu gave a single glance over his shoulder, black eyes flicking towards him at the movement. He waited for Kiyoomi’s face to show some disgust or an off-colored comment to be made, but Kiyoomi looked almost… sad. It startled Atsumu, but he just as quickly shrugged it off.

What did get him, though, was the quiet whisper of, “You look nice, Atsumu.”

Atsumu scoffed loudly and then turned back to Koichi, hearing a soft smack behind him as Tetsuro mumbled something. Tickets were handed out a moment later, and Atsumu chose a spot to walk with the group as far away from Kiyoomi as possible, which meant he took up the end of the line. Shugo and Osamu were shyly holding hands now, and Koichi was bouncing on Tetsuro’s shoulders as the Alpha led the way for their rag tag group. Next to him walked Kiyoomi, his shoulders stiff and back very straight, and Atsumu would have thought it was funny if he was trying very hard not to ignore the brat’s existence completely. He sighed roughly and wandered into the giant stadium behind his brother and boyfriend with a conflicted frown on his lips.

Thankfully, the giant venue offered plenty of distractions, and Tetsuro pulled Atsumu forward, wrapping an arm around his waist as he leaned down and whispered, “Come on, this is about you having fun.”

Atsumu glanced up at his son and then over at Kiyoomi, who seemed to take some kind of silent cue and jerkily stepped forward. He glanced at Atsumu and then up at the hanging food signs, and Atsumu wondered if that was really a blush he saw or just a trick of the light as the Alpha asked him, “Atsumu, would you like anything? My treat.”

The last two words sparked Atsumu’s ears, his lips pulling up into a mischievous smile in an instant. “Yer treat?” he asked. Onyx eyes darted back down again.

“Yes,” Kiyoomi confirmed after a moment. “Anything you want,” he stressed, and Atsumu clapped his hands loudly in delight, his face splitting with a grin. He saw nervousness ramble through Kiyoomi’s eyes for a second, but that made him only happier to oblige. He looked up at the menu of the first food stall he could see, and then, with a crooked smile, called over his shoulder, “Samu, Shugo, ya two want anythin’? Sakusa-kun’s treatin’.”

If he expected Kiyoomi to complain or offer a rebuttal, he was sorely disappointed. Kiyoomi just stood there, stiff and unsure, seeming very aware of the distance between him and Atsumu.

“Tsumu, I don’t think-” Osamu began worriedly, but Shugo spoke up and said, “Sure!” Then, to Osamu, “Darling, I’ll pay next time, but Sakusa’s offering.”

This time, Atsumu saw the way Kiyoomi’s left eye twitched, and he couldn’t help but giggle. Black eyes darted down his way, and he grinned as he turned back to the menu, already making a mental list of everything he wanted to try. He could feel Kiyoomi staring at him now, which made his wicked grin only spread more. It probably made him a bad person to enjoy watching Kiyoomi squirm and suffer so much, but well, Atsumu had never ascribed to be an angel.

Osamu reluctantly ordered a hot dog for Koichi and some cotton candy for himself, while Shugo picked out a combo with a large drink and a side of popcorn. Through it all, Kiyoomi’s features remained schooled, until it was Atsumu’s turn and the Omega let loose.

“I’ll have the pizza slice combo with a side of loaded fries, a bottle of water and a bottle of beer. Can I also have the large cotton candy and a cup of soft serve with sprinkles on it?” The woman behind the register glanced up for a moment, and Atsumu took that moment to glance over at Kiyoomi, expecting him to be wallowing in self-pity.

The tiniest of smiles on Kiyoomi’s thin lips surprised him. Kiyoomi stood there, staring straight ahead, smiling like he was enjoying this. It made Atsumu spin back and add some boxes of candy to his order, and then, nothing left to order, he nodded that that was it. Kiyoomi’s little smile had leeched out some of Atsumu’s satisfaction, though it was quickly returned as he started loading up the Alpha’s arms with all the food he’d ordered, all the food he couldn’t possibly eat, Kiyoomi starting to look a little uncomfortable again. Atsumu grabbed only the ice cream to hold, everything else teetering precariously in Kiyoomi’s arms or hanging from his wrists. Atsumu slipped his arm through Tetsuro’s with a wicked grin as they made their into the stadium, offering up bites of his food to his son and nephew.

By the time they found their seats, Koichi had eaten most of the ice cream, Osamu scolding his brother for putting his kid into a sugar high as he wiped his face clean. Shugo, laughing softly, gently guided Osamu down to his seat, though, soothing him with kisses as Koichi wiggled in the seat next to his mama. Atsumu let out a giggle, turning to Tetsuro with a smile as the Alpha pulled Atsumu’s stadium chair open for him, sitting him next to Koichi. He was so happy, and he had Tetsuro and his family to thank for that.

Kiyoomi dutifully took his seat at the end of the row without asking if that’s where he should sit, and Tetsuro said he was going to go to the bathroom before the game started. Beside Atsumu and Koichi, Shugo and Osamu were getting real flirty, so the Omega engaged his little nephew in conversation, the two chattering excitedly about the game and the teams.

“What does Ko-chan do?” asked Koichi, sitting on the edge of his seat, and Atsumu went into a big explanation about quarterbacks, trying to ignore the way Kiyoomi was watching him, smiling softly again. He split his slice of pizza with Koichi and then began picking at his cotton candy, already feeling pretty stuffed. He made Kiyoomi hold their trash, too, though Tetsuro took pity on the other Alpha when he came back and offered to hold the non-trash so Kiyoomi could toss the rest. Kiyoomi was quiet as he stood up and wandered off, and Atsumu chewed back a frown. It wasn’t any fun if Kiyoomi didn’t look like he wasn’t enjoying himself even a little bit. Instead, he looked content, even smiling.

Thankfully, his thoughts stopped there as the opening fanfare began to play, bringing out the school band and cheerleaders. Atsumu was on his feet in a second, and Tetsuro grabbed up Koichi again, the little Omega clambering onto Tetsuro’s back once more. Osamu stood almost stock-still, hand in front of his gaping mouth as he stared with glittering eyes out at the field. Shugo’s arm was wrapped around his waist possessively, proudly, and Osamu was scenting pure happiness. It was enough to distract Atsumu from Kiyoomi, an unrestrained smile on his lips.

Atsumu cheered loud enough to make his voice crack as Koutaro and his team stepped out into the field, the quarterback instantly looking up and searching the stands. He waved enthusiastically at someone to their left, and then he spotted Atsumu’s group, jumping up and down as he shook his arms. Atsumu felt like his lips might split apart from how wide he was grinning, giddiness swirling in his gut as his heart pounded. He stayed on his feet through the coin toss and the team huddles, so excited he could barely breathe, and then he watched as Koutaro led his team out onto the field, flashing big smiles at the stands around him.

The game began with an eruption of shouts from the stands, and Atsumu was instantly and completely enamored. He barely even noticed when Shugo started stealing kisses from Osamu, flirting up a storm. Seeing a football game felt a lot more exciting than even Kiyoomi’s volleyball match had been, and Atsumu was swept up in the chants from the crowd, in the excited atmosphere and the shouts of joy and anger as Koutaro’s team scored a touchdown or fumbled the ball. He was so invested that he barely noticed the time pass, and soon he was looking around in confusion as a whistle rang and people started moving around in their seats.

“It’s halftime,” Tetsuro called, and Atsumu suddenly realized that he really, really needed to pee. He’d drunk down the entire soda that had come with his combo, as well as his beer and water, and now his bladder was nearly bursting. He slipped behind Tetsuro and then wiggled past Kiyoomi, black eyes following him as he made his way towards the exit.

“Where are you going?” called Kiyoomi in concern, scrambling to his feet with the rest of the food still in his arms, and Atsumu might have been annoyed if he wasn’t still high on the endorphins of the game.

“Bathroom!” he shouted back, already disappearing in the throb of people. He let the crowds guide him back into the hallways around the stadium, picking out a few fellow Omegas to follow to the nearest bathroom. He hustled in his heels, concentrating mostly on holding it, holding it. He rushed into the first open stall and shuffled his little skirt up, no time to be proper as he squatted down to relieve his bladder. He let out a rushed sigh, and then he pressed his face into his hands, soaking up the silence for a moment. He needed another beer, he thought, before his head began to pound from all the noise. Maybe he was getting old…

After washing his hands and making sure his hair and clothes still looked perfect, Atsumu made his way back out, roaming to find the closest food stall. He passed a few selling merch like shirts and pom poms, and he picked out a few things to have Kiyoomi buy for him. This was part of the “my treat”, right? Too bad Kiyoomi wasn’t there to buy him his beer, though.

Atsumu clapped his hands eagerly when he finally stumbled onto a food stall, happy to see that the line wasn’t too long. He ordered another beer and then stepped off to the side after paying, pulling off his phone case to hide his card inside again. He was so busy with it that he barely noticed the two shadows that fell over him, not even registering that the call of, “Hey, cutie,” was meant for him.

Big, golden eyes snapped up a few seconds later, and Atsumu smiled in surprise when he saw two young, handsome Alphas standing over him, their horniness obvious in their expressions. Atsumu grinned up at the pair and then asked in a syrup-y tone, “Can I help ya boys?”

“Sure, Mama,” crooned one of the Alphas. “You here with someone? Come sit with us - we have tons of beer and snacks.”

Atsumu laughed, but just as suddenly the sound caught in his throat as a hand reached up, and a pair of thick fingers flicked at the little pom pom earrings he wore. The horny expressions turned to something more like mirth, grins spreading on the Alphas’ faces, and Atsumu had a sudden realization that these guys had zero good intentions.

“Aren’t you dressed all cute. Don’t tell us you’re here with a boyfriend.”

A second set of fingers tugged at the hem of Atsumu’s skirt, and suddenly he was freaking the fuck out. He had always sworn he could take care of himself, but two on one wasn’t even fair, let alone the fact that these were Alphas, bulky and tall. He was still holding his phone, but who could he text that would see the message in enough time to find him-? Atsumu had made a mistake, and he glanced desperately at the food counter to see if he could grab his beer and just go. His heart skipped a beat when he saw his cold bottle on the counter, and he reached for it, but the Alphas were quicker.

“Where’re you goin’ so fast? We told you we have beers- Come join us, Mama-”

“Back off!” Atsumu choked out between clenched teeth, trying to grab for his bottle again. At the very least, he could knock it against the wall and wield it like a weapon. He finally noticed that the hall was by now deserted, and true panic set in.

“Don’t be like that, cutie~” called the second guy, and suddenly he was leaning forward, caging Atsumu in. His breath reeked of alcohol, and Atsumu’s stomach turned violently. He pressed back against the wall and covered his face, trying to get his knee in a position where he could kick these bastards, but just like that, the Alpha reeled away, swaying. Heavy breathing sounded from Atsumu’s right, but he couldn’t process what had happened until a worried voice shouted out, “Atsumu!”

Golden eyes wide with panic dragged to the side, and Atsumu felt his knees nearly give out when he saw Kiyoomi, his stance offensive as he glared at the other two Alphas.

“What the hell were you doing to him?!” bellowed Kiyoomi, his voice booming and edged with a growl, and it almost scared Atsumu, his eyes wide as he stared at an Alpha he didn’t recognize anymore. A flush of heat rambled through him as the panic swirled; he didn’t feel relief yet, but he was so glad to see Kiyoomi. When his eyes caught a movement to his left, his head swung around on a swivel, just in time to see the second Alpha grabbing his bottle of beer on the counter and doing just what Atsumu had thought to do. Kiyoomi was quicker, though, his long leg kicking out and knocking the bottle away, following it with a quick upper cut. Atsumu could almost hear the stranger’s teeth rattle in his skull even as the glass bottle shattered loudly, and a shiver raced down his spine. Kiyoomi was hitting hard, all of the force of his spikes behind those punches.

Atsumu choked out a panicked sound when the second Alpha started advancing again, but Kiyoomi was in a sort of headspace where nothing escaped his attention. The intense focus he only devoted to volleyball was now etched on his face. He was already moving by the time Atsumu had spotted the other Alpha, ducking first and then swinging up towards a vulnerable stomach. The Alpha gagged and then teetered back, bending over as his face went almost green. The first Alpha was down for the count a few moments later, and Atsumu just stood there, shaking in his heels, grabbing at the wall behind him like it might be the only thing able to hold him up.

His ears felt stuffed as Kiyoomi shouted, “Atsumu!” He barely registered hands grabbing him, barely registered his own arms locking around broad shoulders. A rush of panicked sandalwood and black pepper hit his nose, but a moment later, he recognized the sweeter notes of an Alpha trying to scent calm, and Atsumu’s knees gave out. Kiyoomi caught him halfway down and then gently lowered him to the floor.

Atsumu inhaled shakily, his whole body beginning to tremble. His eyes crashed shut as soon as big hands cupped his face, warm and soothing, and he whimpered. Kiyoomi was so close, and he smelled so good, his scent stronger than it had ever been due to the rush. Atsumu clung desperately to Kiyoomi’s shirt as he wondered, mildly, why he felt so safe. This… damn brat- but ah, he smelled so good, and he’d sounded even better defending Atsumu, and yes, Atsumu was weak in the knees as Kiyoomi leaned closer, closer. Damn, he really was… an Alpha, after all.

It took everything in Atsumu to open his eyes as Kiyoomi asked, trying to control his panic, “Atsumu, are you okay?”

“Omi,” mewled the Omega, his hands slowly unclenching and relaxing, his head filled with the scent of an Alpha. Shivers raced across his skin, and for a wild moment, Atsumu thought he could kiss Kiyoomi for saving him.

Instead, though, he gave a wry smile. “Fine,” he replied. “I’m alright.” On the tip of his tongue, a thanks surfaced, but he swallowed it back as his eyes roamed up and met Kiyoomi’s.

Oh no, was his first coherent thought. Kiyoomi was so close, and he was staring at Atsumu with such genuine concern, but it was probably the way his pitch black hair was a little messy now, hanging in his eyes, that made Atsumu’s heart skip and then seize in his chest. No, this couldn’t be happening, he thought as his heart began to race. Atsumu tried to lean back and away, but the wall stopped him. He flinched violently when Kiyoomi reached up, but then a hand closed firmly around his nape, and Atsumu’s eyes sprang open again as a dull ache set in.

“Ow-” he tried, but Kiyoomi was breathing heavier now, and Atsumu fell to silence.

“Atsumu, you’re… scenting like crazy…” the Alpha got out between clenched teeth, and Atsumu’s whole body flushed with panic and then the incessant need to make it stop, make it stop- A new rush of heat sizzled through him as his eyes met Kiyoomi’s again, and the Alpha’s jaw clenched tighter.

“The game-” Atsumu tried, just in an effort to escape this seriously embarrassing situation. Why was Kiyoomi’s voice so damn deep?!

Black lashes fluttered for a moment, but then slowly, Kiyoomi pulled back, though he kept his grip over Atsumu’s scent gland. With his other hand, he helped the Omega up.

As soon as Atsumu could, he pulled away, hustling back towards the stadium.

“Atsumu! Wait!” called Kiyoomi as he ran after him, but Atsumu literally couldn’t, his very delayed fight-or-flight finally kicking in. He had to get out of here! There was no way he was developing feelings for a brat child like Kiyoomi Sakusa! No way, no way, nowaynowaynoway-!

Thankfully, the tension immediately seeped out of him as soon as he stepped out into the loud stadium, noticing that the game had just started up again. He rushed back down to his seat, and Tetsuro glanced up, about to make a comment when he noticed the look on his momma’s face. He grabbed Atsumu and instantly pulled the Omega to his side, scenting his mother. Atsumu buried his face in Tetsuro’s pectoral and inhaled deeply, and like a conditioned response, Atsumu was feeling much calmer just a few moments later.

“What happened?“ asked Tetsuro, and Atsumu was about to pull back and say it was nothing when another voice answered, and he realized Tetsuro wasn’t looking at him.

“Atsumu was just panicked about missing the game. I guess the food lines were pretty long-” The lie came so easily out of Kiyoomi’s mouth that Atsumu almost couldn’t believe it. All the time he’d known Kiyoomi, the Alpha had been a horrible liar, but now it seemed like he was a pro, a con man.

“Atsumu,” asked Tetsuro next, sounding unsure, like he was torn between actually believing what Kiyoomi said or not trusting what the friend he’d been so angry at was saying.

The blond leaned back and schooled his features into a convincing smile, and hummed, “I had ta wait for Sakusa ta come find me, which was why it took so long in the first place.”

Tetsuro’s eyes flicked up to Kiyoomi again, and Atsumu felt hyper-aware of the changes in Kiyoomi’s scent, the smell of him still clinging to his nose. Kiyoomi hadn’t liked it when he’d called him by his last name. He hadn’t liked Atsumu ragging him in his lie, but he said nothing. It made Atsumu actually feel… bad. He shuffled back to his seat between Osamu and Tetsuro, his brother glancing over, though he was far too distracted by Shugo to take any inventory of Atsumu aside from asking, “Okay?”

Atsumu flashed a thumbs up, not trusting his voice as something ugly suddenly rooted in his gut at the sight of Shugo’s arm nestled around his brother, the Omega snuggled up against the Alpha’s side. Atsumu quickly turned to his right, but there, Tetsuro was busy explaining a play that had just happened to Koichi, the two grinning like happy fools. Atsumu stumbled back for a moment, but then dark, concerned eyes met his own behind Tetsuro’s back, and Atsumu’s breath seized in his lungs.

Oh no. He quickly turned his head away and tried to re-focus on the game, but his head was a mess.

Whether it was because Tetsuro noticed or just because, Atsumu was glad when his son circled a strong arm around his back, pulling Atsumu close. Soothing coffee beans and almond replaced the scent of Kiyoomi in his nostrils, and Atsumu felt himself go lax, his mind clearing slowly.

It didn’t mean anything. Kiyoomi was an Alpha, yes, an Alpha who had just saved him from a terrifying experience. That was all it was. Kiyoomi was still a brat, and Atsumu wasn’t going to hold out any hope that the kid had suddenly figured out how to be a good Alpha.

That… would be so stupid.

The rest of the game went by in a blur, Atsumu going through the motions of celebrating the victory because his head felt stuck. Stuck on Kiyoomi, stuck on that gut-swooping feeling, stuck on the way he had thought Kiyoomi had smelled so good.

He shouldn’t find the stupid brat’s scent so… attractive. He shouldn’t be desperate to smell it again. He definitely shouldn’t be thinking about what it all meant. Atsumu consumed himself with fussing over Osamu and Koichi, letting Tetsuro fuss over him, and he ignored the way he had to look away when Osamu said goodbye to Shugo, the Alpha rubbing sweetly at rosy cheeks and nuzzling to Osamu’s hair. Kiyoomi stood just a little distance away, and Atsumu was so wrapped up that he barely noticed when Tetsuro and Osamu started heading out with Koichi, Shugo waving at Osamu with the dopiest grin on his face. Atsumu didn’t hear Kiyoomi softly call his name, only startling when he felt long fingers wrap ever so softly around his wrist. His eyes darted over in something like panic, but Kiyoomi wasn’t looking at him, simply leading the way. For a moment, Atsumu stumbled after the Alpha, just staring at his broad back, inhaling that damn… scent. It took him too long to realize that Kiyoomi was guiding him to follow after Tetsuro, perhaps worried that Atsumu would get himself in trouble again. That thought made Atsumu pull away, grabbing his own wrist like he’d been burned and then marching after his family. Kiyoomi stayed close behind him, and Atsumu tried to lie to himself and believe it didn’t make him feel much safer. On the crowded train platform, Tetsuro turned to Atsumu and Kiyoomi, thanking the latter.

“Thank you for inviting me,” Kiyoomi said, his voice itching under Atsumu’s skin. “I’m glad I was able to come.”

Atsumu exhaled sharply, unable to admit that he was glad Kiyoomi had been there, too. He instead turned stubbornly to Koichi and Osamu, hefting the little boy up on his hip and making silly faces. He could feel Kiyoomi staring at the back of his head, feel him trying to get a last bit of scenting out like Atsumu needed it. Atsumu wasn’t frazzled, no sir. He definitely wasn’t strung up way too tight.

“I’m sorry, Tetsuro,” Kiyoomi was saying, but his and Tetsuro’s voices were beginning to drown out as the train approached, and Atsumu missed Tetsuro patting Kiyoomi on the back, a silent acceptance. Atsumu was the first into the train car, Osamu right behind him and Tetsuro taking up the rear. Atsumu definitely didn’t meet Kiyoomi’s eyes as the doors closed, the Alpha still watching, watching, like Atsumu might fall into trouble again if he wasn’t looking, wasn’t there.

As soon as Atsumu got home, he peeled off his clothes and jumped in the shower, scrubbing everything clean. The harder he scrubbed, the more he wanted to cry. His skin burned, everything flushed and hot, and between his legs, he was hard. No, no, this couldn’t be happening. He wasn’t due for another heat until next week-

"Momma, you okay?” called Tetsuro through the door. “Shugo called and asked if I could help out at the bar tonight. Apparently someone called out sick.”

Atsumu felt both relief and fear crash through him, but what could he say? He tried to steady his voice as he called out, “Okay-!” A moment later, another bout of heat sizzled through him, and he just knew this rut was going to wreck him.

No, this couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t have been Kiyoomi’s scent that set him off. It was probably the excitement of the game and the stress of the incident and- Really, any Alpha could have done this to him, right?!

If it was Kiyoomi’s scent that had set him off, that meant… that meant…

Atsumu stumbled blearily out of the shower, almost punishing himself by not touching his erection, by not stuffing two fingers up his weeping cunt. He scrambled for a towel even as his skin seared with heat, his head throbbing. As his feet fumbled over the floor, the hint of a scent rose up, and Atsumu’s knees suddenly gave out. He yelped, his fingers sinking into the soft silkiness of his jersey, the roughness of his jean skirt. Heat blossomed yet again, a cry choking out of him as his sensitive little cock and aching pussy rubbed up against the fabric. Before he could stop himself, his hips jerked and rolled, his body desperate for friction, to be… filled.

Atsumu stared with wet eyes down at the jersey under him, and then, as his head grew hazy with heat, he lifted the shirt up to his nose, pressing it around his mouth and nostrils like a breathing apparatus, until all he could smell was sandalwood and black pepper, thick and heady. Vaguely, a little voice in his head whispered that this was a bad idea, but Atsumu was losing all of his senses as his heat took over. He grabbed desperately at his cock, stuffing two fingers inside himself, and he sobbed as his head filled with the scent of an Alpha, the amazing, perfect scent of Kiyoomi.

It smelled too good, but Atsumu was too far gone to worry about what that meant. He made himself cum until he was sagging against the wall, drenched in sweat again, and then he crawled slowly to his bedroom, pulling out the box he kept hidden under his bed, the one Tetsuro didn’t need to know anything about. It was good that the Alpha was gone, even though he’d been there through plenty of Atsumu’s other heats. This one was different, though. This one was intense.

Atsumu pulled out his biggest dildo and sobbed as he propped it between his legs, sinking down on it like it was his only saving grace. He lay over his bed, jersey stuffed to his face, and he tried not to think about the Alpha whose scent he was smelling. He tried not to imagine that it was Kiyoomi’s cock that his sopping pussy was clenching and trembling around. He banished any thought of strong arms around him, holding him while he was fucked silly. His wet hand closed around his cock, and he moaned brokenly as he spilled for the who-knows-how-many-eth time. His energy was sapping out, but he couldn’t stop, couldn’t get enough-

When he came for the last time, it was to a broken cry of, “Omi-”, and then he sank to the floor in shame, tossing away the jersey as he crawled over to Tetsuro’s futon, curling up under the blankets in an effort to only smell the soothing scent of espresso and almonds.

He was thankful that his brain was still hazy so he didn’t have to think about the fact that he’d gone into an early heat and just jacked himself off to Kiyoomi Sakusa.

-x-

Kenma’s butt was starting to get a little sore, his hair still heavy from his own bath, but he wouldn’t trade this time alone with his twins for anything in the world. With an elbow propped up on the side of the bathtub, he listened to the pair babble and giggle as they bathed, occasionally washing one of their heads of hair or helping with the body wash. Kenma had taught them to be pretty self-sufficient, even at the age of 5, but sometimes it was nice to step in and pamper his kids. He hadn’t thought six years ago that he would be here; he’d almost gone to the fertility clinic on a whim. But he wasn’t getting any younger, and the chances of a mate coming along, one he could tolerate, had seemed slim to none, so Kenma had taken matters into his own hands. He’d always wanted kids, or a kid; his Omega nature screamed for it, and at the age of 28, he’d decided he’d rather do it alone than risk waiting and having a child too late in life on the off-chance he might meet a mate. Of course, sleeping around would have been a lot cheaper, but parting with his money was a much better alternative to Kenma than having any sort of social interaction. Besides, he wasn’t into casual sex, never had been, and the few sexual experiences he’d had left him with crippling embarrassment and the desire to never do it again. Kenma had chosen a clinic just outside of Tokyo with the best reviews and client testimonials (and he had searched the internet and read through all of them), and then he had asked them to cover the photos of the Alpha donors and chosen purely based on their IQ levels, lack of family diseases, and parentage. Deciding on an Alpha with two Alpha parents had narrowed his choices down to two candidates, and when everything else seemed to match up, proving he’d made a good choice, Kenma had decided on his sperm donor based purely on their height. The taller one had won out, whether that would translate to Kenma’s baby or not, and here he was, six years later with two little bundles of joy he wouldn’t trade for the whole world. It had been a surprise to find out he was pregnant with twins, and carrying them with his small body had been nothing short of a nightmare, but the first few months of the twin’s lives had more than made up for all of the pain. Being a mother was everything Kenma had ever dreamed it would be, his heart so chockfull that it felt like a miracle. There really was nothing like holding your babies and watching them grow…

“Mama, my fingers are getting wrinkly,” complained Keiko about thirty minutes into the twins’ bath, and Kenma laughed softly as he stood up, shaking out his sleeping foot as he grabbed their matching hooded towels. He lifted Keiko out first and put her on the big bath mat, wrapping her up like a burrito, and then he pulled out a reluctant Kentaro, who loved baths more than almost anything. Kenma was sure that if he took the twins to a water park, the boy would spend the entire time just soaking in the kiddie pool or sitting underneath one of the water fountains. Keiko, however, as a lady, disliked getting pruny and was shockingly conscious of the color of her skin, always begging Kenma to bathe her in sunscreen when they went out.

While Kentaro sat at the edge of the tub, wrapped in his towel, hand splashing longingly in the water, Kenma pulled out his hair dryer. He set Keiko on the edge of the toilet while he stood behind her, and with a brush, he slowly began combing out and drying her long hair. It seemed common with twins to either end up with at least one Omega, or more likely, two, no matter who the father was. Still, Kenma hadn’t been all that disappointed, and now, he was certainly glad to have one child who was less headstrong, more like himself. Kentaro was a force of nature to reckon with, much more than Kenma had ever dreamed an Alpha could be, but Keiko balanced it all out nicely and kept most of Kenma’s hair intact, on his head, instead of pulled out in frustration or lost from stress.

Once Keiko’s long locks were dried and silky, Kenma sat down on the floor in front of the toilet and let the girl wave the blow dryer over his own hair, the Omega giggling in delight as she combed her fingers through Kenma’s long locks. He needed to re-dye it soon, the blonde growing out again to reveal his natural dark brown, but he also didn’t care enough to make it a top priority.

Once Kentaro seemed satisfied with his amount of water play, he shuffled between Kenma’s legs and let his mother blow dry his hair next. He sat perfectly still while Keiko began to wiggle, getting into Kenma’s lotions and then going in search of pajamas to wear. When Kenma found her in the twin’s room, she had a pair of pink underwear on backwards and one of her princess gowns on, and after Kenma told her very explicitly that he would not be coming in at midnight to change her because her dress was itchy, he let her wear it. He helped Kentaro pull on his green briefs that made him feel like a big boy and then wiggled him into an old pajama set. Despite the fact that the edges were starting to fray and the shorts were getting a little too short, Kentaro loved the pj’s so much that Kenma couldn’t bear to part with them. He’d searched high and low for the exact same pair, but it seemed that the set was too old to have any unworn ones floating around. Kenma had even tried his hand at sewing when a small hole had formed from his dryer, leaving a pinched little patch at the front.

With the kids bathed and dressed, Kenma walked them to the living room, where he sat the two down with a movie while he went to make them some desert. It had always been their reward after bath times, one of the only ways Kenma had been able to get Kentaro out of the bath sometimes, and now it was stuck. He gave the kids each a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, covering Kentaro’s with chocolate syrup, while Keiko got whipped cream and sprinkles. He walked the bowls out, smiling softly as his two kids chattered softly over top of the movie, not ones to sit still and actually listen, and handed off their ice cream and spoons.

“Mama!” Keiko cried in delight as she stared down at her bowl, like it wasn’t a bi-weekly occurrence, while Kentaro glanced over and mumbled, “Where are my sprinkles?”

Kenma blinked. “You don’t like sprinkles,” he replied plainly. Big, golden eyes turned up and stared at him, almost pitiful.

“Nuh-uh, Mama! I love sprinkles.”

Kenma bit back a sassy, Since when? and went to fetch the shaker. Kentaro hummed in delight as his ice cream was colored with bits of sugar, and then Keiko asked so sweetly that Kenma could never deny her, “Mama, more for me?”

By the time Kenma was able to get up and make his own bowl, the sprinkles were half gone, and Kenma shook his head, sighing mournfully at his children. He made himself a fancy sundae, with bananas, syrup, sprinkles and whipped cream, even searching his fridge and pantry for maraschino cherries (which he did not have) and peanuts (which he did). By the time he’d put away all of his ingredients and cleaned the kitchen counter, the twins were done with their treats, and Kenma stared woefully down at the sprinkles left in Kentaro’s bowl.

“I didn’t like them,” said the Alpha matter-of-factly, and Kenma sighed wearily.

“Next time you better listen when I tell you you don’t like something,” he complained before sitting down and scooping the melting rainbow sprinkles onto his own sundae. He sat between the twins and ate in relative peace, even as they chattered across his lap. He was focused on the movie, but at some point he tuned in to what he assumed was mindless drivel, his eyebrows raising high.

“-chan is my boyfriend, and you’re just jealous,” Keiko hummed in a tease, Kentaro huffing and complaining loudly, “He is not your boyfriend! You are too young to have a boyfriend!”

Keiko’s head flew up, and she shot daggers at her brother, crossing her arms firmly. Kenma tried not to laugh as her dress crinkled, juxtaposing her angry look.

“I am five years old-!” stressed the little girl. “Plenty of people my age have boyfriends,” she huffed like she’d done a study and had data to back her point. Kentaro disagreed vehemently however and called her out in her bluff, demanding she name a few.

“Ko-chan doesn’t have a boyfriend!”

“Ko-chan doesn’t want one! I asked!”

Kentaro huffed indignantly. “Well, did you ask Tetsu-chan if he wanted to even have a girlfriend?”

Kenma’s eyes snapped wide as he suddenly realized who Keiko was claiming her boyfriend was. He turned slowly to the Omega as she huffed, “No, but it’s a secret anyways. I know he likes me; he plays tea party with me and Ko-chan all the time. That’s basically like… a hundred dates!”

Despite his shock, Kenma caught Kentaro before he launched over his mother’s lap. No matter how many times Kenma told him he couldn’t physically fight or hit his sister, the Alpha always got very hot-blooded in moments like this. Kenma had never had to deal with that growing up, so he wasn’t always sure how to handle Kentaro’s outburst. When the boy yelled in frustration, Kenma asked him calmly, “Ken, why are you upset?”

Giant, golden eyes flicked up, and Kentaro demanded, “Mama, tell Keiko she can’t have a boyfriend! Tetsu-chan is too old, and he doesn’t even like her-!”

Keiko let out a huge, dramatic wail and began sobbing, saying, “Kentaro, you meanie! Tetsu-chan does too like me!”

Kenma was almost frozen with what to do; he didn’t handle emotional outbursts well, even if he should be used to them by now. Keiko was just so much more dramatic than he had ever been, and Kentaro had a mean streak the size of all of Japan and a fuse the length of Kenma’s pinky toe.

“You just don’t like Tetsu-chan because he looks like you!” shouted Keiko, while Kentaro countered with, “Tetsu-chan would probably rather be Mama’s boyfriend!”

This snapped Kenma to, and he physically hauled Kentaro to the other side of the room, demanding, “That’s enough!” He opened his mouth to say more, to dole out punishment if they kept misbehaving, but then Kentaro burst into tears, too, and the whole world froze in place. Kenma sank slowly down to his knees, and he held the little Alpha’s hands as he asked, “Kenny, what’s wrong?”

“Mama-” sobbed Kentaro, nearly choking on his sobs. Kenma wiped his face and then pulled the little boy into a hug. Tiny fists clutched at the oversized sweatshirt he wore as soft feet padded over, Keiko thankfully having calmed herself down.

“Mama, Kentaro doesn’t like Tetsu-chan because he looks like his daddy.”

Kenma’s gut swooped. Of course the kids didn’t know what their dad looked like; even Kenma didn’t know, but that wasn’t what Keiko was saying. Damn, if Tetsuro wasn’t so young, Kenma might be worried about it, too; Tetsuro looked like he really could be the twins’ sperm donor.

“That’s why-” sobbed Kentaro. “That’s why Mama should be-”

Kenma didn’t like where this was going, but before he could shut it down, Keiko offered (un)helpfully, “Kentaro thinks that Tetsu-chan should be your boyfriend, Mama.”

Kenma bit down an irrational flare of anger; his kids just didn’t understand, didn’t know better. He chewed on his words for a few moments before he said, very evenly, “Tetsu-chan is not Mama’s boyfriend, and he will never be Mama’s boyfriend, nor will he be your boyfriend, Keiko.”

A loud wail pierced the room again, and Kenma’s eyes snapped wide as both of his children dissolved into tears yet again. Oh my god, what had he done wrong? He stared helplessly as the twins lay together on the floor, sobbing.

“I want Tetsu-chan to be my boyfriend!” wailed Keiko, while the Alpha choked and sobbed out, “I don’t want Tetsu-chan dating anyone!”

Kenma was a little confused why Kentaro was in hysterics until it dawned on him that the boy, whether on purpose or out of lack of his own understanding, was not telling the truth about his feelings. The absence of a dad, of an Alpha, had never hit Kenma this hard, and while he’d tried his damn best to be everything his kids needed, he knew there were roles he just could not fill. Kentaro, as an Alpha, was perhaps desperate for someone to look up to, someone to mentor him and guide him, and Kenma could not do that adequately as an Omega himself. It seemed that even Keiko would like to have an Alpha around.

Still, the last person Kenma would ever think of dating, let alone being a father figure to his kids, was a brat like Tetsuro, still toeing the line between adult and teen. Kenma groaned slowly as he sank down, laying out on the floor between his kids and pulling them both into tight hugs.

“You both like Tetsu-chan that much?” asked Kenma with a grimace and a flat tone.

“Yes!” begged Keiko, while Kentaro sobbed, “I hate him!”

So, yes, then. Kenma stared up at the ceiling and thought that his life had been so peaceful until Tetsuro had made his appearance on the scene. Damn brat…

In the end, all Kenma could do was soothe his children and put them to bed, tired out from their emotional outbursts, and then he crawled into his own bed, sending out a quick memo to let his followers know that he wouldn’t be streaming tonight. Family problems, he cited. The truth was he just couldn’t get on stream now, knowing Tetsuro would be watching. He couldn’t break character, and he was afraid he’d probably just get snippy and maybe even start a comment war. Ugh, he could see it now…

He definitely didn’t check his phone an hour later, tired but too wired to sleep, and look through his replies. He never did this; he wasn’t sure what compelled him to. His eyes slipped over a familiar username, and he almost didn’t read the comment just to prove to himself that he hadn’t been looking for Tetsuro’s response to his cancelled stream.

His eyes gravitated back to it, though, annoyance rattling through his small body as he read, Hope everything is okay, Kyanma-sama! You’ll be greatly missed tonight <3

No, Kenma would never date one of his followers, and certainly not a bratty little Alpha who thought that he could just wiggle his way into Kenma’s life like that- So damn smug, just because he knew what park Kenma took his kids to-

Kenma angrily locked his phone and rolled back over, stuffing a pillow to his face while he thought angry thoughts about Tetsuro’s overly-presumptuous nature.

-x-

Atsumu had seemed almost frantic the past few days. Alex would catch him checking his phone almost incessantly, seeming more on edge and easily irritable. He was sure part of it was that Atsumu still felt awkward after his rejection, but there was more to it than that.

It was why he was equally stunned and not shocked at all when he came into the office on Wednesday to find Atsumu all dolled up, wearing an off-the-shoulder fitted dress and heels that could kill a man, his hair perfectly flipped and styled, a little bit of make-up on his already gorgeous face. Atsumu seemed calmer, too, his frantic energy having turned into something more excited, and Alex felt a raw spike ram up his spine. His assistant was humming happily, smelling sinfully good, and Alex had to swallow roughly when golden eyes snapped upward and Atsumu beamed so brightly.

“Mornin’, boss!” he cheered with a crooked grin, standing up and adjusting his tight skirt like he wasn’t giving Alex a heart attack already.

“Good morning, Atsumu,” Alex replied, confusion making his tone sound a little dull. Atsumu just grinned at him, cocking his head a little, and it was… devastating. The spike rammed farther up Alex’s spine, keeping him ramrod straight as he headed into his big office, Atsumu traipsing after him with the rhythmic clicking of his shoes.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?” Atsumu hummed eagerly as Alex slowly pulled off his coat, hanging it carefully on the coat rack by the window at the back of the office, setting his bag down atop his desk before sitting down. He stared at Atsumu for a good half minute, just trying to wrap his head around the change and this feeling that was twisting up his git. A bitter taste filled his mouth, and he swallowed again.

Turning to his computer as if to check his calendar, Alex said, “I’ve got a few trips I’ll need you to book for me, and if you could get me a reservation for Friday at a nice place uptown for one of our VIP clients.”

“Ooh,” chirped Atsumu, nodding. Then he asked, “Yer next trips will be alone?”

It felt like all the heat drained from the room, and Alex stared unseeingly at his computer screen, his mind whirling a hundred miles an hour. Part of him said that Atsumu should come, that he was a great asset, that Alex… liked having him there, and it would be weird to un-invite him now, right? The more rational part of his brain, though, whispered, It’s not a good idea. You two need some space. Getting cooped up in a hotel again will only tempt you to make a bad decision.

Right now, Alex was thinking the bad decision had already been made. Regret began to creep in, bleeding around the edges of his heart. He couldn’t look at Atsumu again. Had he… made a mistake turning the Omega down? But a relationship would have been a disaster, and yet…

And yet…

“It’ll just be two quick trips with regular clients, so I don’t really need to convince anyone,” Alex said finally, lying right through his teeth. Who he needed to convince was himself, that he’d made the right choice. Yes, a few business trips alone would set his head straight. He turned to Atsumu and offered a professional smile. Atsumu just stared at him, smiling though it felt almost… empty.

“Alrighty, if ya say so,” Atsumu chirped in the end, sounding almost too convincing. Almost. “Ye’re the boss man.”

“Atsumu,” called Alex in a rush as he turned in his chair again, but he wasn’t sure what he’d meant to say, if anything. The thought of Atsumu walking out of his sight sent the spike, cold and dreaded, ramming up into his skull. Golden eyes blinked at him.

“Yes?” asked Atsumu with a smile, a genuine if confused one. He looked almost concerned, and that was a devastating blow to Alex’s ego. As if seeing Atsumu dressed like that wasn’t already enough.

“Do you… have a date?” Alex asked, trying to keep his voice level, professional.

Atsumu blinked and then grinned. “Yea; ya figured it out, huh?”

Alex swallowed roughly. A fleeting thought told him to compliment the Omega, but instead he said in a tone he had never used with Atsumu, one that deigned him as the boss he should have always been, “That’s fine, but it’s not really appropriate work attire, Atsumu.”

The Omega’s face fell so instantly that Alex had whiplash, but just as quickly Atsumu was smiling again, soft and almost stiff.

“Sure, boss man,” he said. Then, “Alex.”

Alex just nodded, warning lights going off in his head, alarms ringing. He watched Atsumu head back out, moving quickly. He really did look so good; Alex knew what a beautiful body Atsumu had under that tight dress, too. Something about the little straps on the heels around the Omega’s ankles was sending him. The feeling from before rammed down his throat and chilled his core. He could taste what it was now.

Jealousy.

Atsumu wasn’t his anymore. No, Atsumu had never been his at all.

-x-

Atsumu adjusted his short skirt, a ripple of annoyance plaguing him all day. He hadn’t tried to let Alex’s comment about his attire get to him, but the tone Alex had used drove the point home that they were now just simply boss and employee. It seemed like ten years of working together had been flushed down the toilet with a single sentence, but maybe it had been discarded like dirty bath water the moment Atsumu had opened his dumb mouth and asked Alex to date him.

That, along with the sense of dread that had clung to him since his last heat, was setting Atsumu on edge. He was still rattled from the whole thing at the game, from the fact that his heat had come early when it had never done that before, from the fact that he had suddenly noticed how good Kiyoomi smelled. He refused to believe they had any sort of compatibility, but the scent thing was nearly a slap in the face. It had to be a fluke. He was just horny.

It was why he was going on a date tonight. That would fix everything: his trouble with Alex and his anxieties over Kiyoomi. It would probably also fix some of his moodiness, to be honest, and that jealousy he had felt creeping up when he’d looked at Osamu with Shugo. Atsumu was so unbelievably happy for his brother, so, so ecstatic, but damn if it didn’t make Atsumu realize he had never glowed like that under the careful care of an Alpha. He stuffed the feeling down and counted down the hours to his date, drifting in between anxiety and nervousness. He’d honestly been a little surprised when one of Kiyoomi’s teammates had actually followed him and messaged him on his new Instagram, but he wasn’t going to lie and say it was an unwelcome advance. The man’s name was Hayato Yamagatta, the libero that had played in the game Atsumu had gone to. The Omega had been sustaining himself on the man’s post-work out pics for a few days now, and he was honestly excited to be seen on the arm of a twenty-something-year-old with enough muscle mass to move a small house. As long as Hayato didn’t bring up Kiyoomi, all would be fine, but so far it seemed like the guy enjoyed talking about himself more than anything else.

Perfect.

As the clock neared five, Atsumu grew more and more restless, eager to get out of the office. Hayato was texting him cute little flirty things that were honestly sending Atsumu flying, and he noticed every once in a while that his foot would tap-tap-tap unconsciously against the floor. Hayato had picked a swanky little club near his school’s campus for their date, and Atsumu was hoping that he would fit in with the young crowd the place likely attracted. Hayato assured him he would be amazing eye candy, and Atsumu grinned into his palm as he tried to finish up his work. Instead of heading home, he planned to grab dinner on the way and maybe calm his nerves with a few drinks before he and Hayato had agreed to meet.

As soon as the clock struck five, Atsumu was out of his desk chair, and he called his hurried farewell to Alex through the man’s open door, not waiting to hear any more reprimands or questions. He clutched his small purse to his torso as he hurried to his favorite ramen shop, eager to fill his belly and down some sake. He texted Tetsuro to tell his son not to wait up for him tonight, crossing his fingers with the hopes of getting a little bit of action. He was fresh off his heat and ready to get railed, hoping a good dicking would get Kiyoomi out of his head.

Either way, it would be a success if the night ended with sex; Hayato was a serious dream boat that Atsumu would like to add to his wall of greats.

Atsumu blinked up at the fluorescent neon sign outside the club he was meeting Hayato at, the messy handwritten look really setting the tone for what kind of establishment this was. After the bouncer checked his ID, Atsumu walked through tinted double doors to find a bigger version of the sign outside hung from a brick wall, the pink tube lighting casting a really cool glow on the masonry. The hallway led to the right before opening up to a very swanky room indeed. Everything was lit in hues of purple and pink, the bar translucent with rolling waves of LEDs running through it. The wall with alcohol behind it was lit from below with pink and purple bulbs, and every barstool was made of chrome and black leather, the fabric and shiny silver reflecting the lights in an aesthetically pleasing way. Considering it was a Wednesday, the place was already pretty hopping, and Atsumu recalled that college students had weird schedules to work around, what with their classes and homework assignments and clubs. There were days where he and Tetsuro just totally missed each other due to night classes or picking up shifts at the bar.

Atsumu looked around first, about half the barstools and shiny black tables taken. Everyone looked to be in a group, save for one guy sitting at the end of the bar. Atsumu smiled at the hulking frame not at all hidden in a black leather jacket, watching for a moment before he made his way over. As he swayed his hips, a few eyes glanced his way, and he grinned as his self-esteem began to rocket through the roof. By the time he made it to Hayato, Atsumu felt like he was nearly floating, and he grabbed at the libero’s arm, pressing himself between two barstools to get close.

“Hi, handsome,” breathed Atsumu. “Got a hot date?”

Dark brown eyes almost black in the low lighting shot towards Atsumu, and Hayato’s whole face instantly lit up as he opened his arm and appraised Atsumu. “I do, and he just arrived,” the Alpha flirted. Atsumu giggled seductively, his hand sliding up to a broad, thick shoulder and around the nape of Hayato’s neck. He could almost feel the heat coming off the man’s scent gland, and he couldn’t help but keen as a big hand wrapped firmly around the other side of his waist, holding him close.

“Wanna sit? This barstool and my lap are both open for you, gorgeous.”

Atsumu purred at the other’s own sensual tone, teasing, “I’ll behave and take the barstool for now.”

“Oh, what would get you misbehaving?” Hayato asked as he helped Atsumu up and then leaned closer, his hand sliding over rotund ass cheeks before settling on the small of Atsumu’s back, the rest of his arm resting on the low back of the barstool. He smelled really good, a mix of cologne with pine and cinnamon, and Atsumu wiggled his shoulders, leaning into Hayato’s chest.

“A few shots should do the trick,” he hummed. Next he grabbed the front of Hayato’s white tee and murmured seductively, “I hope ya like ta dance, dream boat.”

Hayato grinned, rolling his hips in his seat. “I don’t just have great moves on the court, doll. Or on the dance floor,” he hinted cheekily, which made Atsumu purr in anticipation.

“I’ll be the judge of all of yer moves,” he promised. “I’m open ta havin’ my mind blown.”

“Oh, there will be blowing,” promised Hayato. Atsumu wiggled in excitement as he watched the Alpha flag down a bartender and order them each two shots. He didn’t even complain when Hayato ordered the cheap tequila, thinking it was all the same when it went down so fast. The pair raised their first shot glasses and clicked them together, licking a line of salt off their hands before downing the shot. Atsumu hooted as the cheap stuff burned, the bite of lime at the end sending it all home. He shivered and then instantly picked up his second shot. Hayato grinned and did the same.

“I like that you can keep up, gorgeous,” he purred as they knocked their drinks together again. This time, he grabbed Atsumu’s hand first to lick the salt line off. Atsumu grinned as he did the same, pulling off Hayato’s hand with a wet kiss, and then they downed their second glasses together, the burn a little easier now. Atsumu suckled on his lime, the buzz already settling into his skin. He swayed to the music playing and ordered himself a nice drink, Hayato opting for a beer on tap. Atsumu laughed at the classic college drink, but Hayato shrugged, not easily swayed by others’ opinions. He knew how cool he was, and Atsumu liked that. In fact, right now, he was really into it. Confidence did wonders for an Alpha.

“Are ya goin’ pro after ya graduate?” asked Atsumu as he sipped on his drink, Hayato’s lap looking more and more inviting by the minute as the man leaned back and propped up one of his legs, a big hand resting on it while his other leg dangled casually off the side of his stool. He looked so impossibly cool, like he’d stepped out of Grease with his tight, white shirt and high-rise jeans. When he took his jacket off, Atsumu had to appreciate the rolled-up sleeves that hugged tight around massive biceps. The smirk on the libero’s lips said he knew exactly what he was doing to the Omega. Atsumu shivered as a thumb began to trace up and down along his spine.

“Yeah, I want to. I’ve had a few offers, but I’m honestly waiting to see if Brazil picks me up. I’ve heard the Omegas there are bombalicious~” grinned the Alpha.

Atsumu laughed at the word, quirking his eyebrows as he asked, “Bombalicious? Really?”

“Yeah! Just like you, baby doll~”

“Ohh~” crooned the Omega, leaning closer. “I’ll take that~”

A nose pressed to his nape, and he let out a shuddering breath as heat washed through him, Hayato murmuring out a hungry noise.

“Hey, you should tell your son to come back to the team,” Hayato hummed, and Atsumu laughed.

“I’m flattered that ya think I could make an Alpha do anythin’,” he teased, to which Hayato purred, a deep sound.

“Oh, you could make me do plenty, gorgeous,” he promised, and Atsumu wiggled his hips.

As soon as he finished his drink, he set his glass down and declared, “Come on, handsome, show me those moves ya were braggin’ about earlier.”

“Happily,” Hayato nodded, and then he stepped down, grabbing Atsumu by the waist and hefting him up and off his chair. The Omega tossed his head back and laughed, the alcohol making him feel light and swimmy, and he clutched at Hayato’s hand as the big Alpha took him to the dance floor.

Atsumu could instantly see that Hayato really did have moves to back up his bragging, as he spun Atsumu around and dipped him, pulling him close and then turning him around to grind on his fat ass. Atsumu felt the alcohol rush to his head, and he bent over at one point, twerking against the stiff thing in Hayato’s jeans, big, strong hands gripping tight at the junction of his hips and pulling Atsumu right against his clothed cock. Atsumu grabbed back at massive thighs and hollered as he shook his ass with everything in him, before Hayato swept him up again. He pulled their bodies close as one hand slid up into silky soft blond hair, and suddenly their mouths were crashing together, hot exhales rushing against each other. Hayato was really good with his tongue, and Atsumu let himself go lax in the man’s grip as the Alpha rocked their hips together, leaving the Omega speechless with his heated kiss.

“Damn,” husked Atsumu as a song ended, and Hayato pulled back with a grin, asking, “Need another drink, sexy momma?”

“Oof, don’t make that sound so dirty!” begged Atsumu with a giddy laugh, still leaning heavily against the Alpha’s hold on him. He grabbed at thick arms as his gaze went heated, though, and he purred, “Nah, I’m good and liquored up. I think ya promised ta show me yer moves in the bedroom?”

Hayato’s whole face lit up, and Atsumu purred as he felt something twitch against his own cock. “I did. You ever been to the dorms of the Tokyo U volleyball team?”

Atsumu’s eyes lit up, and he purred deeply, his drunkenness making all of the edges pleasantly dull. “Never, baby,” he slurred, and Hayato shivered.

“Ooh, I like that.”

“Mmyea? I’ll call ya baby in bed~”

“God bless whoever decided athletes need their own rooms,” murmured Hayato as he took a detour back to the bar to grab his leather jacket before the pair headed outside. The libero casually slung his leather jacket, still warm inside, over Atsumu’s shoulders before he could even shiver from the cold night air. With a huge grin, Atsumu wrapped himself around Hayato’s massive arm, walking close as a big hand slipped around to the small of his back again. The walk to the athlete dorms was short, and Atsumu was glad for it, his feet starting to ache in his stilettos.

Hayato swept him up at the foot of the stairs leading up, and Atsumu giggled and yelped in delight as he fixed his short skirt, grabbing around Hayato’s neck. Like it was nothing, the Alpha marched him up two flights of stairs, taking the steps two at a time, not even out of breath when they got to the third landing. Hayato set Atsumu down to fumble out his keys, and Atsumu drunkenly followed inside once the front door was open. The scent inside the room was stronger, pine and cinnamon mixed with cologne and a hint of sweat, which all served to make Atsumu even hotter. He grabbed at the wall in the entryway and fussed with the strap around his ankles until Hayato bent down and helped Atsumu out, stroking up his bare legs once he was done. Atsumu purred, and then he melted forward, Hayato catching him with an ease that should be illegal. Atsumu was hefted up again, mewling softly as he snuggled his face into Hayato’s neck. As soon as he was set down, he lifted his arms to be helped out of his dress, and then he grabbed at the Alpha’s white shirt as Hayato gaped down at his body, at the bit of lace lingerie he wore.

“Come on, baby~ Fuck me good and hard~”

“Yes, sweet cheeks,” Hayato promised, stripping with Atsumu’s fumbled help before grabbing the Omega by the thighs and hefting him up high, grinning as Atsumu tossed his head back and laughed in delight. Oh, he was going to get railed so hard he forgot his own name, and he was looking forward to it. He clung to strong shoulders, grinning as Hayato told him, “The walls are thin here, but you can be as loud as you want. I want everyone to know I laid a beauty tonight.”

“Ooh~ yes, baby!” Atsumu hooted, shouting as he was tossed to the bed. Hayato descended in all of his muscular glory, hungry lips meeting his own again. Atsumu grabbed at a strong back as Hayato undressed him next, fingers curling around a small, stiff cock before drifting further down, between slick lips. Atsumu howled and then clawed down to grab at the libero’s boxer briefs, yanking them down as best as he could.

“Greedy,” murmured Hayato right to Atsumu’s ear before returning back to his lips to stir up more heat with wet, skilled kisses.

“I h’amh-” huffed Atsumu, arching his back up to press their chests together. “Come on~”

Hayato rocked his hard cock against Atsumu’s and then grasped the two together, the Omega feeling comically small in that big hand, next to that big erection. He was dripping like crazy, wet enough to not need lube.

“Condom,” he gasped as Hayato began to finger his pussy again, spreading it open to begin prepping the Omega. Hayato grabbed at his nightstand without breaking their passionate kiss, and Atsumu felt him roll it on with one hand, the Alpha’s other carving deep inside his clenching, dripping cunt.

“Damn, do all older Omegas feel this fucking good or is it just you, gorgeous?”

Atsumu giggled even as he keened. He squeezed down to show Hayato he wasn’t going to be a dead lay, and Hayato grinned, feral as his scent bathed over them.

“Fuck, you might have to cover your neck,” growled the Alpha seductively. Atsumu just stared up through long lashes for now, daring the Alpha to let himself get stirred up enough to try marking him. It wasn’t like it would last with neither of them in their heats, but the thought was pretty damn exciting either way. This was just what he’d needed; Atsumu clung to Hayato’s neck and almost invited the Alpha to be more possessive, to take him and ruin him.

“Coming, sweet cheeks,” Hayato huffed, promising only good things to come, and Atsumu’s whole world burst with heat and color as the Alpha’s thick length began pushing into him. It had been too fucking long… Atsumu tossed his head back and moaned as loud as his voice would go, feeling Hayato with his whole body. Big hands grabbed at his ass cheeks, and Atsumu felt like he was floating in outer space, delightfully drunk and blissfully full. He could already feel his body climbing up for a climax, and he lipped at Hayato’s mouth hungrily, the Alpha just as eager as their tongues curled together, a warm hand wrapping around Atsumu’s shaft.

“Ahn-!” choked the blond, shivering as he pressed deeper into their sloppy kiss. “Yesh~” he slurred.

“Good, good, gorgeous,” grunted the Alpha, each word coming out with timed thrusts. Atsumu’s vision was starting to go hazy, and it wouldn’t be long now. He clenched down and egged Hayato along, too. “Damn!”

Lips trailed down Atsumu’s jaw and neck, and he gasped as teeth set to his pulse, though it wasn’t painful. Atsumu had never actually felt an Alpha’s canines like this, but he could image he’d like the real thing considering how this felt against his hot skin. He was aching to be filled, and even outside of his heat, he was desperate. Thankfully, he wasn’t dumb enough to tell the Alpha to take his condom off, too many years on him to know better. Atsumu moaned through another wave of pleasure, and then, almost immediately after, Hayato was gasping, “Cumming!”

Atsumu let his body follow, curling his toes as he felt the dick in his pussy kick as it began to release. Atsumu mewled sweetly. He was almost there, just on the edge. When he came, his inner walls warbled, and Hayato let out a choked sound as his over-stimulated cock was massaged. He pulled out roughly and then leaned over Atsumu, panting hard and heavy. His scent was still thick in the room, Atsumu spilling all over his belly as his cunt clenched down on nothing.

“Ahh!” he moaned in frustration, but then four fingers stuffed inside him and he quieted, whimpering as the last stretch of his orgasm left him. He sank into sweat-soaked sheets and sighed happily. Hayato curled up beside him, and Atsumu giggled as he pulled the Alpha’s head to his chest, a hand softly reaching up to grope at his breasts.

“Damn,” murmured Hayato like he was still riding a high, and Atsumu purred as he petted at short brown hair.

“Good~?”

“Damn good,” husked the Alpha, and Atsumu grinned, everything in him singing at the praise. Yes, this was exactly what he’d needed. He stroked at Hayato’s soft hair until the man’s breathing evened out and he grew heavier on Atsumu’s chest, and then he stared up at the ceiling.

His smile slowly tapered down, something like anxiety settling under his skin the longer he lay there. He could feel every drop of sweat and cum on his body, and the scent in the air was getting heavy, almost cloying. Atsumu knew if he stayed here too long, he would start to get sick. He slowly and carefully rolled Hayato off of him, more so that he wouldn’t wake up than any real tenderness, and then he shuffled to the bathroom, wiping his body down quickly before tugging on his dress and grabbing his small clutch, his heels hooked on two fingers. He opened the front door in absolutely silence and snuck into the night, praying he wouldn’t run into any late night college students. Thankfully, the coast was clear, the athletes’ housing not a normal party dorm. Once his feet landed on the concrete of the first floor, Atsumu tugged his heels on and made the decision to call a cab, the walk a little too far in five inch heels for him to stomach past midnight. Nausea was already rising up from the alcohol and shots, and Atsumu tried to equate the feeling to simply that. His ass and hips ached, the sensation a little sobering. He sat down gingerly in the back of the cab and quietly gave his address.

The drive home settled more anxiety into Atsumu’s bones, and he felt restless, needing a good smell to replace the Alpha’s strong scent going stale in his nostrils. His head spun, and he was so thirsty, but more than that, he just wanted to lay down, curled up around a familiar scent. The cabbie let him off right in front of the apartment building he had lived in for more than twenty years, and he pulled his heels off again to make the trek up to their floor, holding onto the stair railings to keep himself steady. He opened the front door to the small apartment he shared with his son and gulped in a whole lungful of familiar coffee beans and almond. He dropped his shoes haphazardly, a small light on in the back bedroom, and he moved towards it, eyes bleary.

Inside, Tetsuro sat propped up on his futon, laptop on his lap and headphones on, but he pulled them off as soon as he saw Atsumu.

“Welcome home, Momma,” Tetsuro greeted with a sweet smile. His eyes didn’t stray much farther than Atsumu’s face, like he knew he shouldn’t add insult to injury, or maybe not even thinking to give a once-over at all. Atsumu shuffled forward, and Tetsuro opened up his blanket without a word, his calming scent already filling Atsumu’s head up. Atsumu sank against Tetsuro’s chest and peered blearily at his computer screen for a moment, staring at a now-familiar face as Tetsuro left Kodzuken’s stream running. Atsumu waved at him that he could put his headphones back in; he wasn’t going to talk, and he didn’t need Tetsuro hearing any of his nauseous groans.

As he lay there, bathing in a scent that had meant everything to Atsumu for the last twenty years, he felt a familiar antsy-ness creep in, leaving him feeling unsettled and like a stranger in his own skin. He closed his eyes, but his mind was racing, racing.

He shut it down and ignored it as best as he could, telling himself he was just tuning down from a really good date, the endorphins making him feel a little rocky. It was hard to convince himself when he knew what he really wanted, needed, but Atsumu had had a lot of practice in lying to himself. He had told himself for decades that he was alright alone, and now he told himself that he was alright without the comfort of an Alpha who he was desperate to be loved by, who he felt so… attracted to.

He pressed his face into Tetsuro’s neck and let a sigh slip out, knowing the Alpha at least wouldn’t hear it. Still, Tetsuro’s arm tightened around his back, and Atsumu let a soft whimper bubble out of him.

He had to find a way to circumvent this new addiction he’d discovered. He refused to be so hooked on a bratty kid’s scent. No, he was a grown ass man, and he would do what all grown ass men did: pretend like he was totally fine and just go about his own business. The fact that he really… really liked Kiyoomi’s scent and the revelation of it changed nothing.

Atsumu drifted fitfully off to sleep, his eyelids too heavy to fight it, his whole body weighed down like wet cement.

Chapter Text

“Happy birthday, Tobio! Now you’re an adult!”

Aina was staring at her uncle with big, glittering eyes as she came down the stairs, and then she rushed forward, glomping onto the tall Alpha. She was only a little shorter than him, but she liked that. She pressed her body against his and liked how he felt. The hug he gave in return, however, was short and ended abruptly when Tooru swept in.

“Aina, honey, I’ve got the cake in the back of the car, can you grab it?”

The girl thought for a split second about giving her mother a dirty look, but she had an Alpha to impress, so she just hummed, nodding eagerly as she rushed outside. It was cold out there, December beginning to set in. It seemed like winter had come out of nowhere; some days were still manageably warm, but today, it really felt bitingly cold. Aside from Tobio’s birthday, Aina wasn’t a big fan; she was a summer girl.

The cake Tooru had bought was small, but it was Tobio’s favorite, plain vanilla with bananas mixed in. On the frosting, someone had written in very pretty handwriting, “Happy 18th Birthday, Tobi!” It was clear to see who had ordered the cake. They would celebrate with the whole family later, but Tooru had always insisted on inviting Tobio over so they could celebrate, just the three of them. Before Aina, it had been with her dad. Tooru had always been so concerned about making sure Tobio never felt like he wasn’t part of the family, and Aina thought that perhaps she’d inherited some of that. She felt like she’d fallen for Tobio the moment she’d met him, like a pull or nature pushing them together.

She just couldn’t help it.

She walked the cake back inside and found her mother and Tobio in the kitchen, Tooru at the stove cooking Tobio’s favorite meal while the Alpha carefully chopped up veggies on the island. Aina quickly set the cake in the fridge and stepped over beside him, pressing close as she insisted, “It’s your birthday, let me.”

“Aina, don’t get blood on my veggies,” Tooru teased, to which Aina flushed and peered up at Tobio with a look that tried to convey that her mother was totally joking, Aina perfectly competent with a knife. Tobio just gave her that crooked, tiny smirk of his, and then he walked over to Tooru. Aina really hated how attached those two were sometimes as she fitfully chopped veggies by herself.

Tooru wrapped an arm around his half brother, head leaning on his shoulder as he hummed, “Tobi, you’re getting to be so handsome. Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend yet? Or maybe someone you like?”

“Tooru,” murmured Tobio in displeasure, and Aina peeked over her shoulder, waiting with bated breath. It was a curse and a blessing that Tobio had never seemed interested in dating, his preferences on subtypes hard to gauge. It kept her hope alive that even as an Alpha, she stood a chance.

“Come on, tell us,” Tooru teased, giggling.

“I’m too busy with Mom haggling me about college,” was all Tobio replied, and Tooru sighed dramatically.

“You’ll never find an Omega with that attitude, Tobi,” he huffed, and Aina hated the way Tobio didn’t correct him, didn’t say, “What if I’d prefer an Alpha?” Her head got loud, and she tuned out the two as Tooru went on and on, Tobio so quiet but smiling, always smiling around Tooru. Maybe it was true; maybe Alphas just naturally gravitated towards Omegas. Aina grunted and then nearly cut her finger.

Damn. She pushed the cutting board and knife away and then went to curl up on the couch with her phone, trying to ignore the festivities in the kitchen.

She startled when Tobio asked, “Hey, can I sit here?”

Aina rushed up ramrod straight and nodded too eagerly, her sour mood vanished in an instant. She glanced over at Tooru, the Omega smiling to himself as he stirred whatever was in his pan. “You and Mom were having a good time,” she said calmly, thinking she kept the jealousy out of her tone pretty well. Tobio just shrugged.

“He kicked me out of the kitchen so that my dinner would be a surprise.”

“He makes the same thing for you every year,” Aina replied with knitted brows, rolling her eyes, and Tobio let out a huff of laughter. She kind of liked how his face never seemed over-expressive. It made her wonder what he’d show when he was truly happy or taken by surprise. She could lean over and kiss him… That would shock him.

Aina almost laughed aloud at the silly thought. She might be an Alpha, but she was still a teenage girl, and kissing her crush out of nowhere was a tall order even for her. Besides, part of her wasn’t ready for the rejection. Not like she thought Tobio would-! But…

“Have you decided on a school yet?” Aina asked, and she kind of knew the answer, but she liked hearing it anyways.

“I want to stay around here. I’m fine with Tokyo U,” Tobio sighed wearily, like he’d said it a million times but no one was listening. Aina, though, she would listen. She leaned forward and stuffed her fists under her chin, showing her interest. Tobio glanced over and sighed slowly.

“Thanks, Aina,” he murmured. “Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall. Even Tooru…”

“My mom’s an idiot,” Aina replied, too eager, which she regretted a moment later when Tobio said quickly, “No, Tooru’s really smart. He knows what my mom wants from me, but he also knows what I want, and he’s trying to balance the two…”

Aina pressed her lips together and chewed back a frown. Damn, she was always stuffing her foot in her mouth. “I think you should stay here,” she tried like that was helpful, and Tobio nodded slowly, staring off.

“Too bad it’s not always that simple…”

Aina huffed, but she stayed quiet this time. She could say that she thought Tobio was smart, but he knew that and had heard it a million times before. She could tell him he was 18 now, an Alpha, and could make his own decisions, parents be damned! She could tell him… that she wanted him to stay here because…

In the end, she said nothing, just staring at Tobio’s handsome side profile. In an effort to make conversation, Tobio asked, “So. Do you have a boyfriend or… something?”

Aina wanted to laugh at Tobio’s awkwardness, but she was too consumed by her feelings to do so. She stared a hole into her uncle, willing him to understand somehow. Tobio could be so dumb, though. She took back the thing about him being smart in her head.

“No,” she replied simply after a long moment. “But - and this has to be our little secret - I do have someone… I like…”

Tobio glanced over, quietly surprised. “Hmm,” he hummed after a while, and then he glanced over at Tooru. “Your mom doesn’t know?” he asked, and Aina sighed. Well, it probably did seem like she told her mother everything, but this secret… was too precious. She shuffled closer to Tobio.

“He doesn’t,” she murmured. “He’d probably get jealous,” she said pointedly, staring up through long lashes. Tobio blinked.

“Jealous? I mean, I can see him throwing a fit about you dating…”

Aina wanted to roll her eyes, but she held herself back. Idiots; she was surrounded by idiots! She stood up in a huff and moved back to the kitchen, thankful when Tooru called, “Dinner’s ready!”

Aina stomped loudly to the dining room as Tobio complimented, “Smells amazing, Tooru…”

If Tobio had a crush on anyone, wasn’t it more likely to be her own mother? The betrayal her own mind conjured up cut deep, and Aina was in a foul mood for the rest of the night.

-x-

Shugo tapped rapid fire at the small box sitting on the bar beside him. He was trying very hard not to act like he was nervous, but how the hell could he not be? He’d been hyper since Osamu had accepted his invite for another date, after Atsumu had come up with some lie for the Omega to tell his husband. It irritated Shugo, of course, making him feel almost like a child when he had to get permission from some man he’d never met and never wanted to, but Shugo would never tell Osamu that, and more than any of that, he was just so happy to have Osamu as his boyfriend that it felt more like an itch on a hard-to-reach part of his back than anything to actually get upset over. Besides, when Osamu was with Shugo, the man made sure to keep any mention of Daisho off his tongue, to keep it about the two of them and no one else. He had never pegged himself as the house-wrecking type, but damn if he wasn’t giddy and madly in love. All he wanted for Osamu was happiness, comfort, love. To be the source of those things was like a power trip for an Alpha like him, soothing any frazzles he might have towards the husband. It was enough to know that Osamu had absolutely no feelings towards Daisho save for disappointment, and Shugo was happy to balm those hurts.

Ever since their first kiss, Shugo had felt like a trapped squirrel, like a drug addict waiting for his next fix. The football game had been so much fun, and he had soaked up every touch and whispered word, but there had never been a good moment to really plant one on the Omega, the little fluttering kisses he had given doing just enough to tame his wild inner Alpha. It was probably part of the reason why he’d picked this restaurant tonight, its small, private rooms ensuring that Osamu wouldn’t have to worry about who was around, letting him truly relax. Shugo had halfway debated offering to make dinner at his place, but he knew he had to take it slow with Osamu, for Osamu, and he was sure he wouldn’t be able to hold back with his bed just a few stumbling steps away. Still, getting a private room on short notice had been no easy feat, but thankfully Naoi was friends with the owner and had been able to get Shugo a favor. For that, Shugo knew he would owe the Beta his life.

Shugo nearly jumped out of his skin when the front door to the café opened, so lost in his thoughts and fantasies that he had to catch himself from falling off his barstool. He glanced over sheepishly as Osamu shyly entered, and that was the last rational thought he had. They’d agreed to meet at the café because Shugo had wanted to surprise the Omega with their dinner location, which meant Osamu had seemed to be a little unsure of what to wear. Thankfully, Shugo had overdressed himself in charcoal slacks and a checkered navy button-up; Osamu looked like he’d strolled off a catwalk wearing a floor-length dress under his fur-lined coat, the off-the-shoulder long sleeves showing off his collar bones, while the corset top accented his small chest and tiny waist. It was somehow casual enough to be a Sunday dress and yet just as elegant for a night out, and Shugo only wondered vaguely how Osamu had gotten out of the door with that dress on.

His answer came when Osamu huffed, a little breathless as he strolled forward, “I’m sorry, I came from Atsumu’s. He said my outfit wasn’t any good, so he tied me into… this-” Osamu stopped as soon as he saw Shugo’s wide eyes, and he breathed instantly as he paled, “Oh no, I’m overdressed-”

“Darling, you look drop dead gorgeous,” rushed Shugo, and he quickly closed the space between them, sweeping Osamu up before any insecurities could creep in. Grey eyes glittered, and Osamu looked so good in maroon that it was almost a shame this was a borrowed dress. Yes, Shugo was glad he’d opted for the fancy restaurant, for meeting here first. His fingers itched to tear Osamu out of the pretty dress already.

Soft hands pressed slowly to Shugo’s firm chest, and Osamu smiled as he whispered, “Really?” As his long lashes fluttered, the Alpha noted that he had a bit of make-up on, just some mascara and a bit of eyeliner, as well as some highlighter and glittery gloss that he was desperate to kiss right off. Osamu looked gorgeous every day of the week, but something about this sight right now was sending Shugo rocketing into space. In his slacks, he felt his cock stir, and for a moment, he let Osamu feel it, only pulling back before the Omega could combust.

“Really, really,” promised Shugo with a blinding smile, and Osamu melted in his arms. He stroked his hands slowly over Shugo’s arms, over his chest and the shirt he wore, the Omega smiling softly.

Without looking up, Osamu hushed, “You look so handsome, Shugo.” The Alpha just stared dumbly down, thinking for the first time in his life that he wasn’t worthy of the compliment. Who was he compared to this beauty? Still, it made him proud, and he slowly cupped Osamu’s jaw, stroking his thumb over a soft, pliant cheek.

“Can I kiss you?” he breathed, and grey eyes flicked up to meet his own, Osamu slowly nodding as his Adam’s apple bobbed. He didn’t look around, but Shugo could tell he was nervous, so he leaned down and made the kiss short and sweet even when he wanted nothing more than to linger forever. The scent of caramel and nutmeg hit his brain like cocaine, and it took everything in him to pull away as his own scent curled around the two. Seeing Osamu’s lashes flutter, lips slightly parted, was a devastating blow, and Shugo had to quickly pull away and say, “We should head out,” before he decided the floor of the café was an acceptable place for their first time. Damn, he was so perfectly ruined for this Omega that there was little hope for him.

He walked back to the bar to tug on his blazer and grab up the small box sitting there, hiding it away in the pocket of his coat. He took Osamu’s hand carefully in his own next, interlacing their fingers and nearly melting at the soft sigh Osamu gave. Their hands fit too perfectly together, Shugo’s nearly encapsulating Osamu’s smaller, dainty one. The next blow came when Osamu hiked up his long skirt to walk and Shugo caught sight of the demure little heels he had on, nothing crazy but enough to nearly make the Alpha weak in the knees. Bless you, Atsumu, he thought as he guided Osamu out of the café, locking up before asking if walking was okay. “It’s not too far,” he promised, though he worried about Osamu’s feet. The Omega, however, looked like he was nearly floating, and they stuck to the shadows so they didn’t have to let go of each other, pressing close under the awnings as they walked the few blocks to the Japanese eatery.

“Oh!” Osamu exclaimed when they reached the restaurant, peering up at it with glittering eyes. “I’ve been wanting to come here, but it’s so hard to get a reservation!” Osamu paused for a second like he’d meant to say more, but then he looked up at Shugo, his shocked smile too cute. “How did you get a table?” the Omega gasped, and Shugo had a realization that it really was the little things when you loved someone.

“Not really a table,” Shugo replied with a cryptic smile, his chest puffed out in pride as he opened the door for Osamu to head inside. At the hostess booth, he gave his name, and the girl in the traditional Japanese kimono nodded, waving the pair to follow her. Shugo watched Osamu’s confusion grow as they were led down a hallway, and for a moment he looked worried as the hostess slid open the sliding door of one of the bigger rooms in the back. The room was empty, though, and Osamu relaxed again, his grip on Shugo’s hand going a little slack. The Alpha had to tell himself it wasn’t a reflection on him; Osamu had been trained to fear the worst, to expect humiliation instead of sweet gestures, but that wasn’t Shugo’s fault. No, instead, Shugo would be the one to slowly undo those ingrained reactions and anxieties.

“It’s just us,” he promised as he led Osamu inside, and then he thanked the hostess as she set down their menus on the low table, nodding before sliding the door shut again. They would be mostly left alone in here, the waitresses always knocking before stepping inside the room, and as Osamu realized that, he began to really relax.

He lifted at his skirt and laughed softly. “Is it strange that I’m both very relieved and a little disappointed that I’ll be hidden away when I got to put on this pretty dress?”

Shugo sat down on one of the mats, and then he helped Osamu out of his jacket and settle himself, humming, “It isn’t; I feel the same. I would have loved to show you off, and at the same time, the idea of any other Alpha seeing how gorgeous you look…”

Osamu blushed sweetly, and Shugo was happy to lay down and die. He stroked softly at the Omega’s cheek, leaning on an elbow to get a closer look at Osamu’s face.

“You never cease to amaze me…” he murmured, wondering how any Alpha could ignore a beauty like this, so sweet and innocent. Still, Shugo supposed he was grateful that it gave him the chance for Osamu to be his, even if he would just as likely wish to wrap his hands around Daisho’s throat for being the worst scum.

Grey eyes stared at Shugo, almost unblinking, the gaze so earnest, and Shugo felt his heart squeeze, falling deeper and deeper. He was so in love, the feeling foreign and yet so welcomed. He was just thinking about kissing Osamu again when hands pressed to his chest, stroking slowly down. Osamu’s hand bumped over the small box in his pocket, and he gasped out a short sound before quickly turning back to the table and suggesting, “We should figure out what we want to order!”

Cute… So damn cute… Shugo thought, accepting the menu he was handed with a smile even as he leaned over Osamu’s shoulder instead, reading off the Omega’s menu. He could feel every shiver, every trembling exhale, the smell of caramel and nutmeg the heaviest here at the Omega’s nape. Shugo had noticed it before, but Osamu’s neck was blessedly unmarked, nothing but pure, unbroken porcelain skin for miles. The dress showed off a lot of his back, too, and Shugo was struck with the urge to kiss at it. There was no reason to resist, so he gave a small peck to a delicate shoulder blade, reveling in the little jump Osamu gave.

“Shugo-” begged the Omega, and Shugo smiled.

“I can’t help myself,” he replied, and he watched Osamu’s blush eat down his neck, goosebumps rising on fragile skin. Any little mark would show up so well, and Shugo made a mental note of it; he would have to be careful. “You are irresistible, my darling.”

A heated gasp escaped into the room, and Shugo was almost glad that the reserved room was so big; it was less cozy, sure, but he would surely go insane if Osamu’s heavy scent was contained within a smaller room than this. His own scent gland leaked out heavy pheromones, the smell of cardamon and patchouli mixing with Osamu’s to create a very unique blend. Leaning closer to Osamu’s nape, Shugo inhaled deeply. He had masturbated to this scent, cumming harder than he ever had inside an Omega’s pussy, and it made him all the more sure in everything he did. Osamu was made for him; they were made for each other, in so many, many ways.

In order to distract the Alpha who seemed to be in a mission, Osamu began pointing out and suggesting appetizers and entrees, Shugo humming happily at everything. It all sounded good, and he trusted Osamu’s sense of taste, so he said, “Pick whatever you want to try, Osamu. I want to spoil you tonight.”

“You want to spoil me every time,” Osamu pointed out quietly, and Shugo grinned. Bingo. He confirmed it with another soft kiss to Osamu’s dainty skin. The Omega whimpered this time.

“I’m ticklish,” he lied, and Shugo grinned, calling him out with another kiss that made Osamu’s spine arch beautifully. Shugo let out a heavy breath, and Osamu grabbed tighter at the menu he held, shaking softly. “Shu- go… Please…”

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to,” he promised, and Osamu chewed at his lip. That was just it; Osamu did want it. He craved it. There was no way he could say no. He peered at Shugo with big, wet eyes, and Shugo smiled sweetly. “I’ll be good,” he hushed.

Osamu leaned forward until their foreheads pressed together. “Shugo,” husked the Omega, and Shugo hummed softly.

He stroked a hand over Osamu’s back and whispered, “I know.” It wasn’t about him… It was about the fragile state Daisho had reduced Osamu to, about wild fears that this would one day all come crashing around them to disastrous end.

“I won’t leave any marks on you that he will be able to see. I won’t push you when you’re uncomfortable. I won’t leave my scent on you.” Osamu relaxed a little even as he let out the tiniest of whines. Shugo wrapped his arm around the Omega’s hip and husked to his ear, “In return, darling, will you let yourself trust me? Don’t compare me to what you’ve always known. Don’t compare me to him at all. Osamu, I will treat you right, like you should be treated.”

It was the first time that Shugo had perhaps acknowledged Daisho aloud, that he knew what Osamu had endured, and while he worried that Osamu would be embarrassed, it seemed instead that the Omega was grateful. He had, in fact, already begun to trust Shugo, and that was evident in the way he sank forward, nuzzling his face into the younger man’s neck. Soft words were spoken, and Shugo thought he heard, “-a shame.” He wrapped Osamu up tighter, pulling him and his cushion closer. They sat like that for a little while, until Shugo slowly let Osamu go, whispering, “Know what you want?”

Osamu pulled back slowly, reluctant almost, and glanced at the menu on the table. “It all sounds so good, but I suppose… the crab shumai and… the roasted garlic edamame…”

Shugo pressed a kiss behind Osamu’s ear, and like it was a little switch, Osamu pointed shyly at the menu again and whispered, “And this?”

“Sure, darling,” purred the Alpha in his deep tone, and Osamu shivered audibly, sinking back against Shugo’s chest again. When their waitress came, Shugo held Osamu close though not too tight, but the Omega didn’t move or pull away. Osamu sighed happily as Shugo ordered the three small plates he had pointed out, as well as a hot tea for the Omega and a small carafe of sake for himself.

“One or two cups for the sake, sir?” asked the waitress, and Shugo smiled as Osamu wiggled a little.

“Two,” he hummed, watching until the sliding door was shut again behind the waitress. Finally he reached into his coat’s pocket and set the small box he’d been carrying on the table. Osamu’s eyes fluttered open, and he glanced at the pretty jewelry box.

“On our first date, I promised to get you a gift that you could take home. Do you remember?”

Osamu’s gaze flicked nervously up, his hands resting in his lap, unmoving. He really seemed uncertain, almost like he was scared of the eventuality of letting Shugo down by having to decline the gift. Shugo was certain, though, and he radiated his confidence in his scent, nudging at Osamu’s hands as he kissed behind the Omega’s ear again.

Slowly, Osamu raised his hands, shaking softly, and Shugo waited in silence. He watched delicate fingers open the pretty box, stroking softly over the velvet exterior. Inside, the name of a small jewelry shop was emblazoned in gold on the lid, and just beneath that, a slender, gold necklace hung with a single, round stone encased in a gold charm. The gem was a bright green, a peridot. It matched Shugo’s eyes, but more than that…

“It’s Koichi’s birthstone. And mine,” Shugo whispered into Osamu’s ear. “I don’t care if you say Atsumu got it for you.”

Osamu seemed frozen, but as Shugo nuzzled to his neck, he could feel how fast the Omega’s pulse was racing. A smile broke out on his lips; he had done well.

“Shugo-” gasped Osamu, on the edge of tears, his voice chockfull of raw emotion. His hands shook, and he set the jewelry box down almost too quickly, suddenly rushing, rushing- He yanked his simple silver wedding band off, and then he begged the Alpha, “Put it on me-! Please-”

Shugo was just as eager to comply, and he moved swiftly, gentle with the fragile necklace, his fingers feeling too big and clumsy as he tried three times to clasp the lobster claw at the back. Now he was shaking. As soon as the necklace was locked in place, though, Osamu spun around, and he stared up at Shugo with a look on his face that made the grown man want to weep. Shaky fingers grazed softly over the jewelry, and Osamu let out an exhale like he was finally able to breathe after years and years.

“It looks perfect on you,” whispered Shugo, his voice a little shaky with how much he meant the words. He brushed aside a bit of soft grey hair and stared at his beloved, the man of his dreams, his boyfriend. You are mine, Osamu. This is my proof. Pride rattled through Shugo; he had laid claim and left his own mark on the Omega, and Osamu was nearly preening in delight to be claimed like this. Shugo slowly opened the Omega’s clenched fist, fishing out the ring that had started to leave an indent on pale skin, and he stuffed it inside the jewelry box instead, quickly shutting the lid on it. It was like locking away everything bad, and Osamu set his hands to Shugo’s chest in its absence, slowly reaching up.

Shugo was so, so ready. He grasped at Osamu’s hips and pulled the man to him, their lips meeting in a kaleidoscope of bursting color behind closed lids. Osamu let out a whimper that made Shugo dizzy, and he deepened their kiss, slow but hungry. Osamu was his! He nearly howled when a leg slipped over his thigh, Osamu trying to crawl closer. Shugo let himself lounge back, one hand on the small of the Omega’s back while the other steadied them both behind his hips, kissing Osamu like it was all he wanted to do.

“Osamu…” Shugo whispered to rosy lips, the gloss gone now, and Osamu let out a giggle, his eyes slowly going wide. He licked carefully at his own lips, staring at Shugo with the most open and vulnerable expression.

“You are… everything I ever dreamed of,” whispered Osamu, and Shugo shivered violently, pulling the Omega closer. He smelled so damn sweet that it was intoxicating.

“Osamu, you are all I want,” breathed Shugo, barely keeping the possessive growl out of his tone. Osamu keened, and he tilted his chin when Shugo sat up and traced the delicate chain of the necklace, heated skin touching skin. Hands clutched tighter into Shugo’s jacket, and then slowly those hands slipped under it, urging it off broad shoulders. The Omega mewled ever so softly, a little uncertain but wanting. Shugo shook his blazer off and then hugged Osamu tight, kissing him breathless this time.

“Me too, Shugo,” Osamu rasped, his voice raw with so many things: fear, uncertainty, determination, love. “You’re all I want.”

“Oh, Osamu…” Shugo felt like he was bursting at the seams. He was only 22, and yet he knew this was the greatest feeling he would ever experience. Loving Osamu just felt so right, like breathing. He was about to lean in again when a knock at the sliding door startled them, and Osamu tried to scramble off of Shugo’s thigh. He got stuck halfway, though, and collapsed down on his butt, hiding his red face as Shugo’s lips pulled into a gleeful smile. He curled his strong arm around the Omega and then called their waitress in.

Small platters of delicious food were set down in front of them, as well as the drinks they had ordered, and Shugo inhaled deeply, complimenting the plating. Their waitress inclined her head, not even glancing twice at Osamu on Shugo’s lap before moving back out. As soon as the sliding door was shut again, Osamu gasped like he’d been holding his breath, and Shugo burst into a fit of giggles, toppling down to lay on the tatami mats. He gripped his belly and gasped, “Sorry, sorry,” as Osamu pouted so cutely. He’d just frozen when he’d heard the knock, and Shugo thought it was the cutest thing ever.

He froze, though, when Osamu turned and leaned over him, the top of his dress hanging a little lower and showing off more pale skin- Shugo stopped laughing in an instant, and then he was staring up at the Omega, his breathing very slow and careful.

“I’m sorry, darling,” he whispered earnestly, and Osamu hummed, his eyes seeming flecked with different shades of grey in the soft light, so beautiful as he stared the Alpha down.

“Shugo,” Osamu called after a moment, his face falling to something more serious, and Shugo slowly pressed one hand to the man’s hip, the other sliding down his arm.

“Yes, sweetness?”

“Shugo, do you… love me?” It was almost nothing more than a whisper, a little squeak, but Shugo felt the words like an arrow to the heart.

He didn’t even hesitate. “Yes. I do.”

Osamu’s eyes flickered with an undefined emotion, but his gaze never strayed. “How do you know?” he hushed. “You… We barely know each other.”

Shugo smiled now, stroking up and down Osamu’s arm. He slowly pulled the Omega down, and he laid his head to rest against his strong chest, just above where his heart beat so loud. He let Osamu hear it as he brushed back stray hairs, as he gazed down at his man like Osamu held the entire world. “There are so many reasons,” Shugo murmured fondly, “but I know because I have never felt so happy. I know because you make my heart race when no one could do that before. I know because just being with you, just holding your hand or kissing you, is making me feel like I want to be with you forever. Osamu, I may be young, but I know what I feel for you. It’s strong, it’s all-encompassing. As soon as you leave, I miss you. When I hear your voice, I just want to capture every word to memory, and when I see your face, I want to hold you and never let you go.

“That’s how I know.”

Shugo stared down at Osamu for a long time, and finally the Omega’s lips pulled into the smallest, lightest smile, his cheeks going rosy. “Yeah?” he whispered breathlessly like he couldn’t believe it.

“Osamu, if I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be this patient,” promised Shugo with a wry laugh. “I definitely wouldn’t search weeks for the right gift to get you, or call you just to hear your voice. I want nothing more than to be a good man, the best man I can be for you, darling, because you deserve it more than anything else.”

Osamu hummed softly, slowly snuggling his face up, towards Shugo’s neck. “You… smell so good,” he hushed like he had never uttered those words before. The Alpha shivered; he knew what Osamu meant. They were compatible, not just in their feelings and their desires, but their bodies, too. Shugo leaned his face down and pressed it into soft grey hair, inhaling deeply, exhaling hotly. He had never paid much attention to scents, honestly. None of the other Omegas he’d slept with had smelled like anything special, but it was very hard to ignore Osamu’s delicious scent.

After a while, though Shugo could have laid there forever, he hummed, “Darling, should we eat?”

Osamu shot up, and Shugo nearly giggled again at the wide-eyed look on his face. He grabbed at Shugo’s hand and helped the Alpha up as much as he could, and then he scrambled to the table while Shugo leaned against his back, happy to just soak up Osamu’s pheromones as they gushed out. Osamu wiggled close to his thigh, and then, when he wiggled again, Shugo pulled back and asked, “Do you want to sit on my lap?”

“That’s okay…” muttered Osamu, but Shugo knew better. He grinned, and then he hefted the Omega up, drinking in the surprised yelp edged in a trill of excitement as he sat Osamu between his thighs. He wrapped his arms around Osamu and then opened his mouth, humming, “Feed me~”

Osamu giggled, daintily cupping a hand under each bite he offered the big Alpha, and Shugo watched as Osamu sampled his sake, melting in happiness.

“This is the best food I’ve ever had,” Osamu declared in awe, and Shugo pretended to be hurt. When the Omega turned and cupped his face, he was smiling sweetly, giving a soft little apologetic kiss.

“I’m having a wonderful time, Shugo, with you, here. I’m happy.”

Inhaling deeply, the Alpha slowly leaned forward, and then he kissed his Osamu, licking at cute little lips until they opened with a small, molten sigh. He licked along pearly white teeth and against the roof of Osamu’s mouth, the Omega opening his mouth wider as he welcomed the man in. He was melting again, and Shugo wrapped him up in his arms, pretty hands grabbing at his biceps as they strained against the tight sleeves of his button-up.

“You know what’s delicious here?” Shugo asked as he slowly pulled back, grinning sincerely.

Osamu flushed even as he whispered, “What?”

Big hands grabbed at a tiny waist, and Shugo husked, “You, my little Omega.”

It made Osamu go weak, and Shugo tucked him against his chest, smiling so proudly, peppering a sweet face with kisses.

“You can’t eat me… yet…” hummed Osamu shyly, cupping a hand at Shugo’s neck.

The Alpha grinned as he downed another shot of sake. “‘Yet’?” he purred at the promise, but Osamu was more distracted by Shugo’s grin as he begged, “You really… want to?”

Shugo blinked. “Fuck yes, I do-! Every moment of every day, I’m dreaming about it. Kissing you, touching you, undressing you- But I will be patient.”

Osamu shivered, and then he stared down at his body in the fitted dress he wore. Shugo knew his insecurities after having a baby, being a little older, but Shugo wasn’t worried one iota. He kneaded softly at Osamu’s soft hip as he felt his mouth nearly water with raw want.

“Trust me,” he pleaded breathlessly, and Osamu hummed, the sign that he would give it some thought. Shugo thought for a moment himself, and then he asked sweetly, “How can I convince you? How can I help, Osamu? I want you to feel good about yourself.”

Osamu just watched as big hands roamed over his soft belly, up his side and down his back. He was quiet, and Shugo closed his eyes, happy even to simply drink the other in.

“I don’t know,” Osamu replied after a long while, honest. “I have never… even thought about it.”

Shugo bit into his inner cheek in frustration, nodding slowly.

“Don’t stop,” Osamu said suddenly, and green eyes snapped to his. “All the stuff you’re doing now, don’t stop that. It helps, much more than you know. You make me feel so brave, so… beautiful-” Osamu could barely get the word out, cheeks flushed red, but Shugo knew he meant it. He couldn’t help but grin so proudly.

“Okay, my love,” he promised. “I won’t, not ever.”

Osamu let out a deep sigh of relief, and then he turned back to the table, Shugo feeding him this time. Osamu drank his tea between sips of sake, his skin growing so delightfully warm against Shugo’s chest.

This was happiness. This was what life was all about, he thought. He kissed at bare shoulders and promised Osamu to be gentle, to be patient even as he felt like he was bursting. Still, it was worth it, and Shugo knew it.

This would all be worth it; Shugo would show Osamu. One day, they’d look back on this time and smile fondly, laughing at how silly they were…

“I love you,” he promised his Omega. “You are my everything.”

-x-

Issei liked this bar the most because it was always quiet enough to hold a conversation in. Tooru was not a fan because most of the Alphas that came here were, in his words, “old bags of bones”. Still, sometimes even Tooru felt like giving his hook-ups a rest, and he entertained Issei by meeting him at this bar. He sat across from the dark haired Alpha now, twirling the umbrella in his drink, humming happily. Issei was suspicious, and he said as much.

“Spill it. Who’s got you all giddy like a schoolgirl? It must be an Alpha.”

“I’m not giddy like a schoolgirl,” Tooru huffed even as he wiggled his shoulders. He raised his paper umbrella, licked the end clean, and then pointed it at Issei. “On a scale of one to ten, rate me.“

“Are we talking face or personality, ‘cause your face is definitely a ten, but you as a person are absolute shit,” huffed Issei easily. Tooru feigned a noise of pain, but then he grinned wickedly.

“Issei, you think I’m a ten? Really?”

The Alpha just stared blankly at Tooru, wondering if the other would realize the ten had been sarcasm. Tooru was damn attractive, sure, but he had always been much more Hajime’s type than Issei’s. Still, Issei wasn’t gonna lie and say he hadn’t had a thing for Tooru back in high school.

He’d just never say that to Tooru’s face. The man’s ego was already swollen enough, and neither of them were interested in what saying those words would cause.

“Why are you suddenly asking me? It’s not like you care what I think. Your self-confidence could raise the roof off this bar.”

Tooru snorted, gulping down the rest of his fruity cocktail. “What does that even mean?” he teased meanly, rolling his eyes. Then he grinned again and shrugged too-casually. Issei’s eyebrows shot up.

“This is about the Alpha that’s got you in such a good mood. Let me guess: hot?”

“Hotter than the face of the sun,” Tooru confirmed, twirling his paper umbrella.

“Tall.”

“Yes, but don’t say that like I don’t love my short kings, too~”

Issei nodded in acknowledgment. Tooru had never let Hajime forget that he was taller than the Alpha, much to Hajime’s great irk and the delight of his masochistic streak. Issei smirked, and then he finished very plainly, “Young.”

Tooru pretended to examine his nails, but his grin was hard to contain. “He’s my new handyman~ I’ve convinced Saeko to send him my way every time.”

Issei’s shoulders sagged. “Tooru,” he complained, but the Omega just kept grinning.

“What~? I just want to have some fun, Issei. Some of us remember how to have it.”

Issei stared daggers at his best friend’s widowed wife. If Tooru wasn’t so pretty and Issei didn’t know that Hajime would want him to protect the Omega at all costs, he wouldn’t put up with this sassiness, but that was just the thing: Hajime would roll over in his grave if he knew Issei had abandoned the love of his life. Besides, it wasn’t like Tooru was all bad; they had a surprisingly good friendship, and the occasional fuck was a great added bonus. No matter how much sass Tooru gave him, Issei knew better than anyone that underneath all of Tooru’s bravado and glamour, he was fragile, broken, still madly, madly in love with his deceased husband, and that… that kept Issei around, knowing he had to be there when Tooru finally let himself fall apart.

He had to do it for Hajime, just like he’d done everything else in his life since Hajime’s sudden death for the other Alpha. He and Hajime had shared a bond that had tied them closer than brothers, and his death had made Issei face reality and take life by the balls. They had had dreams, the two of them. Playing baseball in high school had always felt like it would be forever, just the two of them, but real life usually went a lot differently than kids thought it would. Hajime had married Tooru right out of high school because there would never be anyone he loved more than that “stupid, bratty Omega”, and Tooru in turn was so head-over-heels that it had been almost sickening to watch. Hajime had tried pursuing his dream for a while, he and Issei playing into college, but 20 had hit Hajime hard in the responsible part of an Alpha with two single words from Tooru.

”I’m pregnant!”

Issei could recall clearly that Hajime had never been so happy and so fucking terrified. He would have been a great dad, of course, but legends like him always die too early, or that’s what they say. He gave up baseball and dropped out of college, picking up the trade of carpentry because he was good with his hands and now he needed to provide. Tooru had probably reached a whole new level of loving Hajime in that last year; there had been hearts in his eyes, and Hajime had soaked it all up. Damn, he’d been taken too fucking soon. The news that Tooru was in labor had sent him racing down a slick road when he should have known fucking better-

Issei covered his face and sighed out long and slow. He understood why Tooru avoided the memories and the topic of Hajime like the plague. Even now, fourteen years later, it was still so painful. The first thing Issei had thought when he’d heard the news was, It should have been me.

He’d stuck out college just for his parent’s sake and even gotten a fucking office job, sitting in a cubicle all day, writing spreadsheets, but the unhappiness Issei had felt doing that had permeated every part of his life, and he’d had nights where he’d really thought about killing himself. Only one thing had tethered him: Tooru, baby Aina, and their dream. That fucking dream.

Issei should be annoyed that it was something so stupid that had kept him trucking on, but he was… happy now. Hajime had always known best… Sure, coaching high school baseball wasn’t fucking glamorous, but damn if it wasn’t fulfilling. Issei did this for himself, but he did it for Hajime, too, who never got to go pro or see his baby or…

Yeah, Issei did it all for the man who meant more than his own life.

“Tooru, don’t break this kid’s heart,” he said as he pulled himself out of his memories and smiled wryly at the man who knew exactly what loving Hajime had felt like, though in a very different way. Soul ties broke sharp and jagged and stuck in you for life, but damn if Issei and Tooru wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Hajime had just been that kind of man. Issei doubted anyone could rival him, and sadly, Tooru probably felt the same.

“Issei, don’t worry about me so much,” grinned the Omega, which only made Issei feel the urge to worry more. Hajime had been right when he’d said loving Tooru was impossible and impossible to quit. There was just something about the pretty Omega that rewired and crossed every pain signal with something else, something warmer and nicer, and kept you coming back for more no matter how much you wanted to wring his neck just yesterday. Just like Hajime, Tooru was a legend of his own.

“I can’t help it when you act like this,” Issei shot back, and Tooru giggled. Unconsciously, his finger hooked into Hajime’s ring around his neck, caressing it softly as he laughed over a new drink. When had he gotten up to order it? Probably when Issei was lost in his own head; in some ways, Tooru could be so damn kind when he wanted to be…

“And what about you, Issei? Any pretty Omegas~?”

Issei stared with a dead expression at Tooru. “Are you fucking serious? I work around a bunch of teenagers, Tooru.”

“Then a teacher!”

“The Omegas are all older than sin,” grunted Issei in true disgust. The teachers at their old high school left much to be desired.

“No way!” laughed Tooru. “Don’t tell me it’s all the same old hags that taught when we were in school-”

“Yes,” Issei replied flatly, pained to an impossible degree. He kept hoping they’d hire someone new and fresh. Fuck, he’d even get with an art teacher if they were young and pretty, but it seemed like those stubborn old hags just refused to die, almost because they knew how it tortured Issei.

“Then, an Alpha-?” Tooru began, but Issei shot him the dirtiest look and the Omega burst out laughing. Right, Issei wasn’t the type to put up with someone as headstrong a willful as himself, no matter how young and pretty they were. The Alpha rolled his eyes and sighed.

He had to give Tooru credit; the Omega actually looked pained for him once he stopped laughing. “Issei, I could set you up with someone. There’s tons of young and pretty Omegas at my offices-”

Issei hung his head and raised two weary hands. Getting set up on a blind date by Tooru sounded like more of a nightmare than being single forever. Honestly, Issei was doing okay right now. Tooru called him often enough to get his rocks off, and Issei, despite his appearance, wasn’t all that into casual dating or meaningless sex.

“You know, I’m really fine, Tooru. I’ve got enough stress in my life with you,” he promised, offering a crooked grin that Tooru didn’t buy for a minute. Issei just shrugged; he didn’t need Tooru to believe him. He let his head turn instead as his eyes roamed the crowd in the bar, and then he reached across the table and nudged Tooru, nodding towards a decent looking guy with kempt hair and a fashionable outfit on, not young, but definitely handsome enough to make up for it. Tooru’s eyes looked on the man in question in an instant, and suddenly he was out of his booth, horny just like that.

“I’ll pay our tab,” he promised Issei. “See ya later.”

Issei just watched him go, a sultry sway to his hips, and it was really wrong how damn good Tooru could look in a pair of fitted jean and a loose tee. It was probably the tall wedges, Issei concluded as the Alpha at the bar’s eyes went right to Tooru’s swaying hips. The man was smiling in a minute, and five minutes later, Tooru was waving at Issei as he left on his arm. Issei just shook his head and sighed. Turning back to his beer, he muttered, “I’m trying my best, Hajime, but you know how he is. He’s gonna fall apart one day from stuffing it all down like that. What the hell am I supposed to do when that happens, huh?”

Issei mournfully finished his beer and then headed out, too tired to debate doing anything else. He crashed on his small bed in his small apartment and fell into a sleep like the dead, the kind he preferred.

-x-

Kiyoomi felt bone tired, both mentally and physically exhausted. It was coming up on the end of the semester, which meant final exams and a full roster of games. Adding to that the stresses in his personal life, Kiyoomi felt completely beaten down.

It also didn’t help that it seemed to not affect any of his other teammates the same way. Hayato, in particular, had been in wonderful spirits since the middle of the week, and Kiyoomi was starting to get a little creeped out, wondering if the Alpha was on drugs. There was nothing else erratic about his behavior, however, so he let the thought go as soon as it came. Either way, as long as Hayato played as well as he could, it really wasn’t any of his concern.

Kiyoomi was the last into the locker room, his feet feeling like lead and his head no better, and he almost tuned out the excited conversation of his teammates at first, focused on just getting clean and getting out. He gathered a change of clothes and his toiletries in the small, handy bag he kept with him, and slowly made his way over to the showers. Hayato’s face and waving hands caught his eye, though, and he let his brain try to understand what was going on around him.

“I’m telling you guys, this Omega was so bomb in bed-”

No, Kiyoomi decidedly did not want to hear this, and yet, now that he’d tuned in, a part of him begged to keep listening.

“Omegas are the best,” howled another of his teammates, making a very lewd movement with his hips that Kiyoomi did not want to have a mental image of.

“Oh, he certainly was,” preened Hayato with an obnoxious grin, the rest of the guys gathered around him snickering and elbowing him, all in various states of undress. The smell of sweat and domineering Alphas was heavy in the air.

“Come on, did he have a fat ass?” keened one of setters, and Kiyoomi set his stuff down in the shower with a decided thump. Unfortunately, they were talking so loud he would likely still be able to hear them over the running water. He closed the curtain and undressed as quickly as he could.

“So fat~” preened Hayato, the others howling. “He had this little dress on, and these sexy heels-”

“Damn! Are you gonna go back for seconds, Yato?”

Hayato laughed. “I’m thinking about it. Older Omegas just know how to give it to you good.”

“They know what they’re doing, I bet,” another chimed in while a few voices chirped up, “Come on, man, who was it? Give us a chance with this hottie with a body~!”

Hayato chuckled, and Kiyoomi violently shut off his shower, skipping a few steps in his cleaning process just because he wanted to get out. He’d heard crude locker room talk before, but this one just hit too close to home, and Kiyoomi was shamefully aroused, a feeling that left him too vulnerable and disgusted to be in such a public place. These feelings belonged in his bedroom, in the dark, under the covers with great shame.

“Can you guys shut up?” gripped Kiyoomi, which made most of the other guys snicker. Kiyoomi had a reputation; unlike everyone else on his team, he didn’t have a steady partner or date casually. In fact, as far as anyone on the team could guess, Kiyoomi Sakusa was still a virgin and had never had a girlfriend. Well, they weren’t wrong, but usually the heckling didn’t bother the Alpha like this. Today, though- “Sorry I don’t want to hear about your disgusting bedroom fantasies,” he huffed as he dried himself off and quickly dressed, making sure to keep his shower shoes on the whole time. Sometimes they felt like a very thin and small thread between his sanity and mania. As he shuffled past Hayato and his gang of eager listeners, a hand smacked at Kiyoomi’s back, and he almost groaned in disgust, deciding in a split second that he would have to take a second shower at home. He’d skipped too many steps in his showering process anyways.

“Jealous, Kiyoomi? Come on, we could hook you up. You into older Omegas? Or maybe a young one?”

Kiyoomi pointedly ignored the jeering calls. No one could help him with the very specific type of Omega he liked, and he certainly wasn’t about to elaborate to these brutish monkeys.

He was so bent on getting out that his whole body went stiff with surprise when a heavy arm slung over his shoulder and a weight leaned into his side. Kiyoomi growled in anger at Hayato, but the libero had never been scared of him.

“What do you want?” Kiyoomi hissed.

Hayato just grinned, though, but it looked a little less wild now. “Kiyoomi, you have to know what Atsumu’s into,” murmured the Alpha in a surprisingly quiet register, Kiyoomi’s eyebrows first knitting together before his whole face twisted in disgust.

“Why the hell would I know that?”

“Not like that, bro,” huffed Hayato, probably rolling his eyes, but Kiyoomi refused to look. “I mean, like, does he like flowers or is he more of a chocolate guy? Maybe jewelry? He hasn’t been responding to my DM’s since Wednesday-”

Something suddenly clicked inside Kiyoomi’s head, and the world went white and very quiet. “Why- are you asking about Atsumu, Hayato?”

Pitch black eyes met dark brown ones, and for a moment, Kiyoomi swore that Hayato thought he saw something in Kiyoomi’s gaze that the Alpha did not want him to see. The moment of surprise was soon gone, though, and Hayato grinned, crooked as he slumped against Kiyoomi.

“Weren’t you listening? He’s the Omega that I got it on with-”

Kiyoomi couldn’t… breathe. The locker room felt suddenly too hot, too enclosed, too riddled with germs and stuffy with sweat and- Kiyoomi’s eyes darted around like he just needed to find an escape route as he asked, even though he didn’t want to know, he didn’t- “How… did you meet up with Atsumu again? Why?”

“I hit him up on his Instagram. Bro, he looked so cute in those little shorts and the thigh-highs at our game~ I can’t believe that goddess birthed Tetsuro-”

Kiyoomi felt his stomach turn, suddenly violently ill. No, no- He wasn’t stupid, Atsumu had certainly had sex before, but Kiyoomi had just assumed - foolishly, it seemed - that Atsumu wasn’t the type to just sleep around, and yet it made perfect sense. Of course an Omega like him would be okay with casual sexual encounters. Of course Atsumu would be knowledgeable and good in bed, and of course- Of course, if Kiyoomi was so deeply attracted to him, others would be, too, even his… teammates.

Kiyoomi couldn’t help it; the words just came out. He didn’t mean them, but- “But he’s… old.”

Hayato just stared at Kiyoomi, grinning. Kiyoomi’s face morphed into something like disgust, at himself, but Hayato mistook it. His smile fell to a confused frown, deep-set and almost angry now. “Bro, you’d have to be blind to not see that Atsumu is still killing it. Besides, age is just a number at a certain point, and college Omegas aren’t always that fun in bed-”

“Please… stop,” begged Kiyoomi, everything numb as he tried to stuff his duffel bag and get out. “You’re so crude,” he said to cover up the heat he could feel rising in his chest. Anger mixed with jealousy, and Kiyoomi felt physically ill.

“Okay, so you’re not into him-” Hayato concluded stiffly, and Kiyoomi could only think, wrong!. “Listen, just ‘cause you’re not into hotties, don’t get mad at us.” So wrong. “I can’t figure you out, what are you even into? Maybe girl Alphas?” So very wrong! The opposite! Hayato paused for a moment, and Kiyoomi could almost feel it coming, could sense it-

“No way, Kiyoomi!” Hayato huffed, and then he laughed. He turned to the rest of the team, but in a show of strength that Kiyoomi had never unleashed before, he grabbed at Hayato’s jaw and pushed him hard against the lockers, glaring at him like he meant to kill him if he uttered a word. Hayato’s eyes snapped wide, but Kiyoomi almost didn’t care anymore about how his actions were a confirmation to what Hayato had perhaps considered only a funny theory until that point. He didn’t care when the alternative was for Hayato to blab his mouth and tell everyone-

“You’re wrong,” Kiyoomi hissed, but Hayato was grinning wildly again.

“Calm down,” he hummed lightly, showing his open hands. “Dude, I totally get it, Atsumu is a smoke show-”

“Do not… assume to understand how I feel,” Kiyoomi threatened, and Hayato nodded, still grinning and giddy, but a little more careful now, knowing Kiyoomi was a landmine and he was toeing the edge.

“Kiyoomi,” Hayato tried again, but Kiyoomi ignored him now as he let go. “Kiyoomi, I’m telling you that you have a chance. Listen, Atsumu was really into me, so you could totally tap that-”

“If you say one more word, I will murder you and mince your body so fine no one will ever find you,” hissed Kiyoomi, a very raw edge to his voice that made Hayato suddenly back off.

“Okay,” Hayato said more seriously with raised hands. “I get it. Atsumu is totally not your type, and this is not jealousy of any sort-”

Kiyoomi shot Hayato a look that could kill a lesser man. He grabbed the strap of his duffel a second later, and then he was moving out, hustling-

“Can you at least tell Atsumu I want to see him again?” called Hayato, that fucking, dick-brained Alpha idiot.

“Wait, Yato, is Atsumu the one you fucked?!” shouted a teammate. The door was too damn far away! Kiyoomi’s walked faster, faster.

“No way, the one who came to the game with Kiyoomi’s jersey on?” called another, and now every eye was on Kiyoomi’s retreating back.

“Kiyoomi, where’re you going?! Are you mad ‘cause Hayato fucked with your girl?”

Hayato let out a ringing laugh, and all Kiyoomi could hear was his calm tone as he said something about Atsumu just being a good family friend-

Kiyoomi slammed the door open and marched out of the gym, breaking out into a run a second later. He ran blindly, cursing Hayato and his team and Tetsuro and… fucking Atsumu and these stupid, fucking feelings- Kiyoomi hadn’t asked for this! He hadn’t asked to fall for Atsumu. He hadn’t wanted to!

And yet- the thought of giving up these feelings that burned a hole in his chest and left him feeling so… empty; he couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t give Atsumu up.

Kiyoomi rounded the corner of a brick building, totally lost but not caring, and then he halted sharply, his fist flying before he could think better. His knuckles made contact with rough masonry first, and then his fingers, everything jostling up to his elbow. He crumbled down and screamed silently into his knees. He felt like he’d just been carved out, hollowed. Atsumu was meant to be- his! Otherwise, why would he still feel this way after years and years of hopeless, fruitless, stupid pining? Didn’t that mean something, or was he really just a stupid kid with a stupid crush that he couldn’t let go?

Why would Atsumu… No, the question was why wouldn’t Atsumu sleep with his teammates? Why wouldn’t Atsumu have a dozen partners and seek out sex now that Tetsuro was older? He was an Omega, but also a man, and Kiyoomi knew all too well about the needs his gender had.

Kiyoomi let out a broken groan, and then he slowly clawed his way back up to standing, the pain of the brick scratching at his fingertips feeling good, deserved. His hand ached fiercely, so he let it hang by his side as he trudged home, head down, the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He was ruined.

Atsumu would ruin him completely.

-x-

Atsumu snorted into his palm, and over his phone he saw Tetsuro glance up, eyeing his mother in interest. Atsumu sat curled up on one end of the couch while Tetsuro had taken up the other side, textbooks spread out all over the coffee table while he seemed to be furiously typing out a paper on his laptop. Atsumu couldn’t sympathize with his son about end of year finals for school, and seeing that even Tetsuro was struggling, he was glad he hadn’t bothered.

There was a pinched wrinkle forming between Tetsuro’s brows, and Atsumu thought the Alpha could probably use a break and a good laugh. “Tetsu-chan~” he called with a grin, golden eyes snapping up to meet his own. His own grin made Tetsuro’s lips tilt up, too. “Wanna rate another knot?” he asked with a wicked twinkle in his eyes.

Tetsuro was over to his side of the couch in a second, laughing. “You got another dick pic?” he asked with a smirk, and Atsumu just snorted. His Instagram had really been taking off, though it wasn’t like he was nearing anything even close to what Kodzuken had (he’d checked - for reasons). Still, Tetsuro really had some amazing ideas; Atsumu had never felt so confident, what with all of the compliments he got daily from his followers, horny Alpha men and women, and even some Betas, all who eagerly lavished the Omega with praise. He wasn’t trying to get a big head about it, but damn if it didn’t feel amazing to know he could get a compliment just like that. Social media was powerful and very scary. As a result of his new fame, Atsumu and Tetsuro had developed a little game. Atsumu had started getting a lot of unsolicited knot pics from Alphas, and just for shits and giggles, he and his son had started rating them from a scale of one to ten. Some looked weird, some small, but once in a while Atsumu got one that made his eyes bug out of his head. Most of the time, though, he could say he’d seen better, and he and Tetsuro could share a good laugh.

As Tetsuro wrapped an arm around Atsumu and wiggled in beside him, the Omega opened up his messages and selected the one at the top. He covered the screen for the moment as he glanced up and asked, “Ready?”

Tetsuro nodded eagerly, and Atsumu unveiled the latest photo he’d gotten. The Alpha reached over and tapped on the picture to enlarge it, and then his lips slowly pulled up into a crooked grin. On the screen was an erection and knot that were nothing that odd when it came to size, but the shape was…

“Can a dick really bend that way? And isn’t his knot too…”

“Big,” supplied Atsumu with another snort.

“In comparison,” agreed Tetsuro. Then, “Maybe his hand is just small.”

“What, like a midget?” Atsumu asked sarcastically.

“Yeah, you know, he’s hiding… a lot,” offered the Alpha, and Atsumu snorted again.

“It looks like a girl with a shelf booty,” murmured Tetsuro after a moment, and then they both burst out laughing.

Atsumu gasped, trying to get air into his lungs, crying the longer he stared at the photo. It could just be a very unflattering angle, but damn-

“You should send him back a picture of the last guy you laid,” Tetsuro suggested with a crooked grin, and Atsumu smacked at his son’s arm. The Alpha shrugged. “I’m sure he sent you one, didn’t he?”

In fact, Hayato had sent one just yesterday. He kept messaging Atsumu, but the blond didn’t have the heart to turn him down. It wasn’t like it had been a bad date; Hayato was amazing in bed, but there was just something about the fact that he was Kiyoomi’s teammate that made Atsumu… nervous, and a little sick to his stomach. He didn’t want to describe the feeling or put a name to it; ignoring it was just better and much, much easier. For fun, Atsumu opened up Hayato’s chat, clicking to enlarge the photo before showing it to his son so Tetsuro didn’t see the name, watching his face closely.

Tetsuro let out a whistle, nodding. “Nice, Momma,” he hummed, and Atsumu chuckled. It was nice. It had been… nice…

Atsumu clicked out of his Instagram with a hum, and then stood up decidedly as he asked, “Want a snack?”

Tetsuro wiggled back to his corner of the couch and grinned over the back. “Always,” replied the Alpha, and Atsumu rolled his eyes, staring fondly at his handsome son when the other turned back to his paper. As he put together a small snack for them, he thought about how, despite it all, he was happy. Tetsuro was growing up and maybe one day soon would start dating, but for now, they were still together like they’d always been, and life was good. Atsumu was having fun with his casual flings, but what mattered the most to him was right in this room.

As he came back into the living room, he nudged at Tetsuro’s shoulder and suggested, “Put yer homework away for a minute and take a break with yer momma.”

Golden eyes peered up, and Atsumu thought he would always melt when his son looked at him like that, like Atsumu held the whole world. A small smile wiggled at the edges of Tetsuro’s lips, and Atsumu handed over his plated snack.

“Ya work too hard,” Atsumu told him, to which Tetsuro replied, “I always tell you that and you never slow down.”

Atsumu huffed.

“Sorry, Momma, I can’t take a break yet,” Tetsuro mumbled as he looked down again. “I want to finish this paper so I can watch Kenma’s stream in a few minutes.”

Atsumu sank down on the couch and wondered mournfully how much longer this happiness would really last. Sometimes he felt like Tetsuro was growing up too fast, even now, at 20, but there was no denying the thrum of excitement or the little sparkle in the Alpha’s eyes whenever he mentioned Kenma. It made Atsumu feel some kind of way, to see Tetsuro starting to develop feelings and desire something more. He was much older than a lot of kids were when they first started dating, and Atsumu had sometimes wondered if that was his fault, like Tetsuro hadn’t felt like he could, but now he thought that maybe Tetsuro had always just had one very special person in mind, and no one else would do. Atsumu tried to imagine their relationship, tried to imagine Tetsuro going on dates and watching kids that weren’t his own and being somewhere else at night, but it was hard. Atsumu wasn’t all that great with change, it turned out, especially not when it came to his happiness. And yet, the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to see that twinkle in Tetsuro’s eye shine on; he wanted his son to be happy, whatever that looked like.

He just hadn’t ever thought it would be with a fellow Omega who was similar in age to Atsumu, a mom, a fake blond. Was that Atsumu’s fault, too? Mommy complex? Osamu was already unwilling to let Atsumu live this down. He should be upset, maybe, complain that Tetsuro should find someone his own age, but it really just made Atsumu feel some crazy special kind of way, like Tetsuro would always be his boy, no matter whose man he became.

Tetsuro wasn’t the only one with a complex, after all.

Atsumu stuck his feet under the Alpha’s thigh and hummed softly as he chewed at his crackers and cheese, just staring at Tetsuro. Any Omega would be lucky to have him, honestly, which meant Atsumu would make sure it was the right Omega. This meant, if Tetsuro was really in love, Atsumu had to do whatever he could to make sure that love came to fruition, for his baby boy.

As long as the Omega understood that Atsumu would always be a big part of Tetsuro’s life, would always be his momma, and would always, always dote on his son, than everything would be fine. That’s what Atsumu told himself, and he thought, thankfully, that another momma would understand that best of all.

Atsumu startled out of his thoughts when Tetsuro suddenly stood up from the couch, declaring his paper good as done as he made his way quickly, first towards their shared bedroom, and then to the bathroom. Atsumu leaned over the back of the couch and watched in amusement as Tetsuro fixed his hair in the mirror, his headphones hanging over one of his broad shoulders.

“Baby, ya look handsome,” teased the Omega, to which Tetsuro glanced over and grinned widely.

“Don’t make fun of me,” he laughed, turning back to the mirror. A little quieter, “I can’t help myself.”

When he came back to the living room, he grabbed his laptop again and plugged his headphones in, and, always a curious cat, Atsumu crawled over to his side of the couch and demanded to be snuggled against Tetsuro’s chest, the perfect vantage point to watch this stream that Tetsuro was a religious viewer of. A big arm wrapped easily around Atsumu’s back as Tetsuro accepted his weight against his strong body, and Atsumu smiled, hand against Tetsuro’s chest. As he clicked open the stream and they watched the countdown timer together, Atsumu could feel how Tetsuro’s heart began to speed up. He couldn’t hear anything, but that was fine. He liked just listening to the Alpha’s excited little murmurs, his huffed laughs, his breathing. Osamu would tell him he was obsessed, but who could blame Atsumu, really? Tetsuro was divinely handsome, and so, so sweet.

The countdown ended, and the screen transformed to a live feed, showing a dim room, colored lights lit on a masked face. Kenma had his hair braided loosely back today, a little bit of gloss on his rosy lips. Atsumu felt the way Tetsuro’s heart skipped a beat, his fingers already working to type out a message.

Happy to see your face again, Kyanma-sama <3

Atsumu covered his mouth and giggled. He could almost see Kenma’s sassy retort, could definitely feel it in Tetsuro’s tumultuous heart beat. Tetsuro was grinning like an idiot, and damn, how could Atsumu ever say anything against this. How long had his son been wearing that stupid little grin, watching these streams? How long had he been trying to picture Kenma’s face before he met him in person?

Atsumu tried to watch as long as he could, but these streams always started so late anyways, and Atsumu had work in the morning. Regretfully, before he could fall asleep on Tetsuro’s chest, he pulled himself up off the couch, putting away dishes and cups before mumbling to Tetsuro, mussing his hair, “Don’t stay up too late with yer boyfriend, baby.”

If Tetsuro heard him, he didn’t acknowledge the comment, simple humming, “Night, Momma,” like he always did, eyes only straying off his computer screen for a second.

Damn, Atsumu thought with a wry smile. If only Kenma knew…

He tucked himself into his bed and tried not to think about the future too much, how alone he’d be when Tetsuro left him. This tiny apartment felt far too big for one person alone.

-x-

Tetsuro glanced up as Atsumu pulled off of him, his body having grown heavy against the Alpha’s. The warmth Atsumu left behind was always slow to dissipate, and it made Tetsuro feel that he was truly loved; his momma was so attentive and interested in Tetsuro’s life and the things he liked. He wasn’t sure how the Omega felt about his crush, but when Atsumu laid against his chest like that and watched the stream with him, Tetsuro had to imagine that he at the very least wasn’t opposed to the idea. Osamu had teased both of them for their complexes towards each other, but Tetsuro only saw it as a strength of his. It was what had made him want to be a good man, to strive for it every day and hope he was succeeding.

Vaguely, he registered Atsumu murmuring something to him, a hand mussing his hair, and he glanced up for a moment, watching his momma’s back as he retreated to their shared bedroom. Tetsuro let out a quiet, self-deprecating little huff as soon as the door shut, and then he finally let his hot laptop off the boner that had been straining in his pants for a while now, no need to hide it anymore. Shame flushed through him for a split second, but that was quickly washed away as Kenma laughed softly through his headphones, heat searing across Tetsuro’s skin. He covered his mouth and let his lips pull up into a wonky smile as he stared fondly at the masked Omega on his screen. Did Kenma even know that he was this loved? He seemed too stubborn to accept or believe it, but Tetsuro could be just as bullheaded. He rubbed a rough, punishing hand over his erection and let out a slow, heated sigh. He thought of all the things he wanted to say to Kenma but instead typed out, Kyanma-sama, what games will you be playing next? I’m excited for your next play-through stream. Your voice is the best, so cute~
Hazel eyes flicked down to the chat for a moment, and Tetsuro swore he saw a flicker of a smirk on pretty little lips. Kenma licked at them like he knew Tetsuro was watching closely, a damn tease, and then he leaned close to the microphone and whispered in a voice that was dangerously delicious, “Oh, you like my voice, Da One~?”

ASMR Kodzuken! flooded the chat, and Tetsuro laughed as he added his own comment. Yes, please, Mommy Kodzuken~ I feel so blessed to be deemed worthy enough to hear ASMR Kyanma-sama~

Kenma was cackling, head tossed back as he laughed, but Tetsuro’s smile fell for a sharp moment as something shot across the screen amidst the hearts and happy comments. You should only whisper like that in my ears, KK.

Tetsuro felt a cold chill slither down his spine like a wet worm. It was gone before Kenma himself could see it, and he doubted many others had spotted it in the mass hysteria that was the chat right now, but Tetsuro had seen it. He scrolled slowly back, but the comment seemed lost now. He tried to recall if he’d recognized the username. He tried to tell himself that KK just stood for Kodzuken and not- No, it was just an innocent little flirty comment, right? Everyone did it…

Tetsuro somehow convinced himself it was okay, that this was exactly why there was no public info on Kenma, and he tried his best to enjoy the rest of the stream. He sent Kenma lots of hearts and emojis as the streamer called the end of the stream about an hour later, focusing on Kenma’s small smile and the cute roundness of his jaw and his long hair that hung in a braid over his slender shoulder. Tetsuro felt the urge to hug the petit Omega close, his fingers tingling with it. He would have to settle his inner Alpha before he could fall asleep tonight. Sometimes not having any claim or being able to touch Kenma was the hardest part of it all. It unsettled Tetsuro in a way that was hard to explain, considering how touchy-feely he was, how much skin contact reassured him.

He shut his laptop and set his headphones on top of it, waddling awkwardly to the bathroom and shutting the door. He tugged his jeans open, and as he wrapped a big hand around his throbbing shaft, he wondered what Kenma would do if Tetsuro touched him next time they were at the park, if he reached out and brushed his fingers over small hands, if he sat close enough to share heat. He pressed his head back against the wall behind him, legs shaking as he stroked himself. His knot was pulsing, heat racing up and down his spine. He’d tried to imagine several times what an Omega’s pussy felt like, what it would feel like to press his fat knot into that tight wetness, but it was hard to imagine something that would definitely feel so good, good enough to make him melt.

He pictured lazy, soft brown eyes and long golden hair and that voice in his ear, and he gasped sharply, covering his head just as he came hard. The moment of euphoria during his orgasm always gave Tetsuro a glimpse into what loving Kenma could feel like, and he sank to the floor, weak.

If he hadn’t met Kenma in real life, he could convince himself it was just a stupid crush and move on, but he had smelled the Omega, had seen just how small he was compared to himself, had come to know the real Kenma, and now there was no letting go. Kenma could tease him for the rest of eternity and Tetsuro would always, always want to love that man as best as he could.

He laid his head back again and let out a rough, wry laugh. Maybe he was a masochist; he couldn’t get enough of Kenma’s cold nature.

-x-

Suguru slowly pulled his car into the driveway like he did every night, parking perfectly in the clean space. Despite how big the home was, he had grown up with very minimal to no clutter, so he had never bought things like yard tools or oil for his car, and even inside his home, everything had a purpose, everything a place. It was only when he had married Osamu that “no clutter” had turned into “minimal clutter”, an unavoidable fact of marriage. It had left Suguru with an itch under his skin that fifteen years had not scratched. His home office and bedroom seemed to be the only places in the house anymore that remained free of useless things, but his mother had told him that’s just the way it went. Marriage wasn’t something Suguru had ever wanted, but he put up with it, just like he put up with the useless clutter and the strange noises in his bed and Osamu’s heats- He put up with it because being married had gotten him the position at his father’s company that he wanted, and it gave him something to discuss during boring social events, and Osamu was all-in-all cheaper than a maid and cook. His food was good, too, though Suguru rarely felt the need to tell the Omega that.

Just like clutter, words were mostly useless, and Suguru preferred the silence.

With a sigh, he grabbed his briefcase and stepped out of his car.

He could hear soft voices coming from the kitchen, a playful tone registering easily, but Suguru turned right instead, making his way up the staircase by the front entrance. He entered his home office and did a perfunctory glance over everything, but as always, it all looked undisturbed from the last time he’d been there. Osamu didn’t set foot inside this room; he knew better. Thankfully, Koichi was much like his mother in that way, so Suguru’s rooms were left alone without the need for locked doors. Suguru set his briefcase down and then gathered his laptop under one arm before making his way back downstairs.

The tone in his family’s voices changed the instant his presence was felt, but it meant nothing to Suguru as he set his laptop up on the dining room table. Just like every night, he would wait there until dinner was served, silent, words just the clutter of the air.

He only glanced up when uncertain footsteps treaded into the dining room, and he looked up to find Koichi standing just in the doorway, staring at his father. Suguru nodded at the child and then turned back to his laptop. Out of the corner of his eyes, he watched Koichi step a little closer, noting now that the Omega had his hands behind his back. Suguru slowly glanced up again.

“Hi, Papa,” hushed the small child, and Suguru chewed back a frown. The reminder that this child was his sometimes left a bitter taste in his mouth. Aside from the eyes that were so like his own, Koichi was so much more like Osamu than the Alpha had wanted. His mother had always told him that children were a joy to have and raise, but Suguru had felt nothing from the first day he had laid eyes on the child. It wasn’t an Alpha; it wasn’t an heir, so to Suguru, it was just clutter. Still, the headache of the two Omegas’ scents turning sour at his neglect was much worse of a consequence than pretending for a few moments that he was happy with this family of his. He raised his head to Koichi again and greeted stiffly, “Hello, Koichi.”

The scent of Osamu clung to the little boy, and unlike grown Omegas, his own scent didn’t turn warm, but his cheeks grew rosy, and Suguru had to fight to keep his smile in place. He felt nothing when he smelled that caramel and nutmeg in the air. It was just more clutter; clutter for his nose. Clutter for his brain to work around. Thankfully, Osamu had given up on scenting this place long ago, focusing instead on his son.

Suguru wished he had been more prudent in the selection of the Omega that would be his wife, but who would have guessed that an overly fertile Omega could be the twin of one who had a nearly barren womb.

From behind Koichi’s back, he brought forth a piece of construction paper, grinning a checkerboard grin, a few teeth missing here and there. Suguru vaguely recalled Osamu mentioning that he needed change for Koichi’s pillow, for the tooth fairy, a strange tradition from childhood that Osamu desperately clung to. On the piece of paper were drawn three figures, and Suguru stared at it passively, his son smiling from behind the paper. He knew what it was, of course, and yet he could not fathom why Koichi would draw the three of them with such big smiles on their faces. Suguru wasn’t even sure he could smile that wide. It was eerie, honestly. He nodded stiffly at his son.

“Good job,” he declared, secretly praying that Osamu would not hang that on their fridge.

“It’s Papa and Mama and me,” Koichi explained like Suguru was stupid. The Alpha nodded again, slower.

“Good job,” he repeated again, nothing else to say, but thankfully Koichi seemed satisfied. He turned just as Osamu came into the dining room with a steaming dish of rice.

“Mama, Papa said I did a good job.”

Grey eyes met Suguru’s, and for a moment, Osamu bowed his head, eyes flickering back down.

“Hello, Suguru,” he greeted, and Suguru sighed at the useless words.

“Hello, Osamu.”

Osamu turned almost gratefully to Koichi next and said with a soft smile, “That’s wonderful, honey. Why don’t you put it in the kitchen so it doesn’t get food on it?”

Koichi darted up, and Osamu’s eyes met Suguru’s again, his smile growing stiff and fearful once again. He paused for a moment, and then he said, “Koichi had been looking forward to showing you that all day.”

Suguru sighed a little louder this time. Osamu would never be so brazen to condemn the Alpha outright, but Suguru knew that Osamu understood that the compliments and words he gave were empty, meaningless. The protective mother hen nature had surprised Suguru, Osamu always so meek and quiet, but when it came to Koichi, he sometimes dared to toe the line, which was saying a lot.

Suguru watched Osamu shuffle to the table to set his dish down and then back to the kitchen, soft voices too quiet to hear their words sifting into the dining room. When the two came back, Koichi was carrying a small dish of vegetables, while Osamu carried a platter of meat, and then the two sat down, the dining room filling with some clinking as Osamu served his husband first, then his son, and finally himself. Suguru shut his eyes as all went quiet for a brief second, and then he turned to his laptop and shut it all out.

About halfway through the meal, Suguru looked up and told Osamu, “I have a business trip coming up next week, so I will be away from Thursday until Sunday night.”

There was no need for a reply as Suguru was just stating facts, but still he kept eye contact with Osamu for a moment longer. Sometimes the Omega made strange faces, especially lately when he mentioned Atsumu or the things the two of them planned to do. Suguru’s eyes snapped down for a moment to the necklace Osamu wore around his neck, a gift from the Omega’s twin. Koichi’s birthstone or something useless like that. Osamu had made a weird face when he’d brought up the gift unprompted, too. Suguru could care less, really, but Osamu felt this incessant need to talk sometimes.

It might have never even crossed Suguru’s mind to ask where the necklace had come from if Osamu hadn’t made it a point to bring it up.

“Alright, Suguru,” Osamu hushed, his eyes turning back down to his plate. Suguru wondered for a mild moment if Osamu would be happy to have the house to himself for a long weekend. Suguru himself felt an itch of excitement in getting away. It was so unlike him. He turned back to his laptop.

He found himself murmuring uselessly, “Dinner was good, Osamu.”

Chapter Text

Keiji stood just outside the kitchen, a giant smile on his face as he stared out through the front door. Wakatoshi was taking his shoes off, but behind him was Koutaro, bouncing from foot to foot as he kicked his boots off. He dropped the heavy sack he carried, and then he was rushing forward, sweeping Keiji up carefully and spinning him around. Inside his chest, Keiji’s heart rambled around, and he was so happy he felt dizzy. He clutched at strong, broad shoulders and felt his toes curl inside his slippers. He felt so stupid for having fallen for the teen, but how could he help himself when Koutaro was so full of life, so warm and big and kind?

Behind Koutaro, Wakatoshi simply sighed, and then he kicked at the bag Koutaro had dragged in as the other Alpha set his aunt down. “What is this, Koutaro?” Wakatoshi asked plainly, watching his teammate closely as hands strayed down Keiji’s sides. Keiji’s own hands were slipping down big, thick arms, and he bit back the raw shiver that begged to tear out of him. Greenish grey eyes caught on Wakatoshi’s over Koutaro’s shoulder, the Alpha frowning stiffly. Keiji felt bad sometimes, putting his nephew in situations he disliked, but Keiji couldn’t help himself; he loved having Koutaro over, loved the way the Alpha made him feel, how Koutaro doted on him, and no, he wasn’t being taken advantage of at all. The worries were written plain as day on Wakatoshi’s face, though, and Keiji had to give the man a soft, reassuring smile.

“That’s Koutaro’s laundry,” the Omega supplied, his hands having run out of road on Koutaro’s arms and sliding to his swollen belly instead. “I told Koutaro to bring it over. It’s silly for him to pay to run loads at school when I can just do it with your stuff, Wakatoshi.”

“You’re doing too much!” Wakatoshi begged sharply, stepping forward as Koutaro followed his nose past Keiji and to the kitchen, so used to these little arguments by now. Keiji reached up and stroked his hands over Wakatoshi’s arms the same way he had done for Koutaro, and he smiled up at the tall Alpha.

“It doesn’t take me any more time to toss in a few more clothes with the loads I normally do,” Keiji replied sweetly, sending out relaxing notes of his scent. It didn’t do much in the way of actually calming Wakatoshi like an Alpha’s scent could do for an Omega, but it let his nephew know he was truly okay, that he wanted to do this. Wakatoshi just sighed and left it at that, having started giving up on these fights. Keiji was sweet and flexible most of the time, but there were certain things he rarely budged on, and Koutaro had become one of those things. Keiji patted at Wakatoshi’s back, and then he slowly pulled the Alpha in for a hug, bending his tall frame down with a proud smile. Wakatoshi wrapped him up carefully but tightly, and Keiji inhaled deeply of his familiar sage and campfire smell. With a soft kiss to the Alpha’s cheek, Keiji pulled back, and then he turned to the kitchen and smiled at the two grown men in his home.

“You boys hungry?” Keiji asked, and Koutaro responded very enthusiastically as he helped himself to some tea from the fridge while Wakatoshi walked off to deposit Koutaro’s laundry bag in the laundry room with a murmur of thanks. Keiji hid the smile that sprouted on his face as he turned towards the cabinets next to the stove.

He was reaching for their plates when a warm body pressed up behind him, Koutaro easily grabbing and pulling down what was needed. He probably didn’t even realize how close he was as it sent a flare of heat through Keiji, and the Omega shuddered as a very familiar feeling pulsed up from his gut. Keiji forced it back down and choked out a thanks, Wakatoshi walking back into the kitchen a moment later. Keiji was glad his nephew had missed what Koutaro surely saw only as an act of kindness.

Keiji turned away to hide his burning cheeks and began plating the noodles and Korean beef dish he’d made, making sure to add a lot more of the protein and broccoli for the boys than himself. He hummed as Wakatoshi took his plate first and gave Keiji a kiss on the cheek, startling when Koutaro did the same with a grin. Keiji grabbed at his face with a warm hand and stared hard at his tiled backsplash, trying to recall how to be grounded when he felt like he might jettison off. Koutaro’s easy affections caught him off guard every time, and yet he craved them so deeply that it almost scared him. Koutaro had just become old enough to drink!

Keiji grabbed his own plate in a hurry and served himself, and then he shuffled to the dining room, begging his flushed cheeks to cool down. Seeing the two Alphas sitting on either side of his own seat did something to Keiji, and it was like they both belonged there, had always been there. He imagined his sister being there and wondered what she would say. She would cheer him on, he thought, as foolish as it was to be crushing like this on a 20-year-old when he was 35. 35! Still, Keiji knew he would press his nose into Koutaro’s clothes before he washed them, in the privacy of a closed laundry room, and he knew he would dream about the Alpha again tonight like he had been every single night since he’d used the man’s sweater to get off.

It wasn’t right, but Keiji was too lost in how good it all felt to stop himself. Koutaro made it so hard to resist the fantasies, and even though Keiji knew it was absolutely silly considering their age gap and Koutaro’s certainty to go pro and the fact that Keiji was pregnant-! But when Koutaro looked at Keiji like he could love him, it was hard for Keiji to tell himself that he wasn’t allowed to feel this way. He just loved the way Koutaro made him feel.

Dinner was filled with mostly Koutaro’s voice, the Alpha cracking jokes and walking Keiji through their practice today. He explained nearly every inside joke the team had and told Keiji in detail about each member. Wakatoshi listened and only interjected every once in a while, but Keiji was used to his quiet, happy to see how vocal Wakatoshi got around his friends. It showed that, despite acting like Koutaro annoyed the crap out of him, Wakatoshi really respected and trusted the other Alpha, considering him a close friend. It warmed Keiji’s heart; Wakatoshi had always been a quiet and withdrawn child growing up, with only one or two friends to ever boast of. He had had deep friendships, though, really meaningful ones; he chose his friends carefully, knowing that not everyone could be trusted to stay, but once Wakatoshi had picked a friend, it was a bond for life. Wakatoshi would fight for Koutaro, would do a lot for Koutaro even if he never explicitly said it, and Keiji wondered if Koutaro understood that. Koutaro seemed the exact opposite, likely having a hundred friends, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t true to them, that he wouldn’t do the same for Wakatoshi in a heartbeat. Koutaro wore his heart on his sleeve, but he was strong enough to protect it, too.

After dinner, Wakatoshi dragged Koutaro up to his room once the two had finished the dishes, and Keiji moved to the laundry room to start sorting and washing what Koutaro had brought over. He could hear the two, laughing, Wakatoshi groaning, and Keiji felt his cheeks ache with his blinding smile. In the end, he wouldn’t do anything that might ruin Wakatoshi’s friendship with the quarterback, even if that meant sitting on his feelings until they faded away. He paused for a moment, stroking his thumbs over a particularly tough grass stain in Koutaro’s jersey, staring at the big 04 on the back. He had held and washed and folded Wakatoshi’s jersey a million times, and yet, why did this one feel so damn different? Keiji carefully applied some product to work the stains out, his hands sliding over the soft fabric almost reverently. He wondered what it would feel like to don this jersey, to wear it proudly, wear that name-

With a sudden jolt, Keiji stuffed the jersey down into the washer, making quick work of the rest of it before he could have any more very dangerous thoughts. He could hope and dream, but he shouldn’t take it so far that he was sure to be gravely disappointed. That was just asking for disaster, especially with the pregnancy hormones rushing through him.

He started the washer and then made his way back to the kitchen, debating between baking a whole pie and just hauling out the giant tub of ice cream for dessert. His answer came in the form of two pairs of thundering footsteps back down the stairs, and he pulled out the big bucket of peach flavored ice cream that Wakatoshi made sure to keep stocked up for his aunt.

“Dessert?” asked Keiji with a grin when Koutaro ran in like he could almost distinguish the sound of an ice cream container opening, big, eager eyes starring at Keiji.

“You shouldn’t,” Wakatoshi warned the quarterback, but Keiji made him a small bowl anyways. From the living room came the sounds of a football game, and while Koutaro giggled with Keiji over his bowl of ice cream, he explained that their coach wanted them to review the footage from their last game. Keiji just hummed and put his ice cream tub away, carrying his bowl out on his belly with a grin. He sank down into his chair with a happy sigh, and Koutaro picked the spot right in front of Keiji’s ottoman, popping a squat right on the rug. Ten minutes in, hands wrapped around Keiji’s cool foot almost absentmindedly, and Keiji had to bite back an almost sexual moan as Koutaro began massaging his very sore and swollen feet. Oh, his hands were so strong, and he knew what he was doing, too- Keiji gripped at the sides of his bowl and clung on for dear life, lips pressed tightly together as Koutaro worked magic on him.

He let out a tiny sound when golden eyes roamed up after a while, and Keiji, unable to school his face, made Koutaro smile. When hands moved up to his legs next, Keiji just shut his eyes and sank back into his chair, letting his whole body relax.

This was paradise. He didn’t even care what expression he was making as he experienced pure euphoria. It would be a miracle if he could walk to bed tonight on his jelly legs, but it was so worth it. Keiji stroked circles over his belly and let out a deep, sated sigh when Koutaro undid a knot the Omega didn’t even know he had in his calf.

It was all over too soon, and Keiji pulled himself up and hobbled with Koutaro to the front door while Wakatoshi cleaned up and turned off the TV.

“Koutaro,” Keiji called softly as the Alpha turned to go, something pulling inside him, begging him to find a way to make Koutaro stay a little longer.

“Thank you… for the massage,” he added as clarification, and Koutaro grinned.

“My mom always liked it when I did that. The muscles help,” he hummed proudly, flexing. Keiji swallowed roughly, his eyes flickering down for a moment to take in the impressive arms.

“Ah-” Keiji stuttered, and then he turned, grabbing at his bag inside the small entryway closet, fishing out an old receipt and a pen. “I wanted to give you my number since it feels silly communicating through Wakatoshi all the time,” he bumbled, making up a little white lie as he went. “You know, especially with me doing your laundry, I can let you know when it’s ready to be picked up or whatever.”

It was probably unnecessary to come up with a reason why; when he turned back to face Koutaro, the Alpha had stars in his eyes, his face nearly split in half with his giant smile. He probably hadn’t heard anything past Keiji saying he’d give his number. Wakatoshi had made sure that Koutaro didn’t get ahold of it this whole time, but now Keiji was giving it freely, eagerly.

“You can text… or call… whenever,” Keiji stuttered, holding the wrinkled receipt out meekly, his name and number written out on the back. Koutaro didn’t even pull his phone out, just taking the paper like it was a holy sacrament, big fingers being very careful. Keiji chewed back a short little giggle, his own gaze growing fond and warm.

“Thank you,” whispered Koutaro in awe, still holding the paper as he turned to the front door. Keiji waddled over to open it for the Alpha. Koutaro stepped outside, and then he spun around, bending down to press a kiss to Keiji’s forehead, laughing softly against his skin. The burst of warm breath made Keiji mewl ever so softly, the scent of basil and cedar wood filling his nostrils. It was so tender, so sweet, absolutely adoring, and Keiji felt his hands grip tightly into the baggy sweater he wore as everything inside him warmed. He watched Koutaro make his way down the walkway to the driveway, where he climbed into his car.

Keiji shut the front door, and then a moment later, he felt his phone buzz in the back pocket of his stretchy dorm pants. He dug it out and nearly sank down to the floor as a small laugh bubbled out of him. Koutaro had texted him already.

auntie! im so happy to have ur number!

sleep well okay? have a good night.

ps: ur food was bomb 2nite

Keiji let out another laugh, covering his mouth as his cheeks ached from smiling. His other hand he pressed to his forehead, wanting to protect the warmth of lips there.

Oh, it was all so useless. He was falling so fast and so hard for Koutaro that it felt sillier now to resist it than give in and hope. He waddled back to the living room, and there Wakatoshi walked him upstairs without a word, quiet.

“Thank you, Wakatoshi,” Keiji hummed quietly as he moved into his own bedroom. “Thank you so much.”

-x-

Tetsuro set his book bag down with a heavy sigh, kicking his combat boots off without much gusto. He was tired, finals were draining him, and the comment he had seen on Kenma’s chat the other night was keeping his mind running, running. He felt like he didn’t have the mental capacity to think about even as his brain wouldn’t stop, which was why, when he looked up and saw his momma peering over the back of the couch at him, he decided to see if someone else could help shed some light.

“Hi, baby,” greeted Atsumu. “Ya look tired, Tetsu-chan.”

“I am tired,” admitted the Alpha, and Atsumu smiled softly. He waved Tetsuro over, and then he spread his arms, something he used to do when his son was much smaller. It would be a little comical now, considering how big Tetsuro had grown, but he needed this. He shuffled over and sank atop his mother’s lap, letting arms curl around him as he buried his face into Atsumu’s neck. The instantly familiar rush of jasmine and honey hit his nose, and he felt his whole body slowly go limp. When Atsumu began scratching softly at his scalp, tousling his hair, Tetsuro let out a heavy sigh and shut his eyes.

“Ye’re doin’ good, baby. Momma’s so proud of ya,” hummed Atsumu, and Tetsuro felt like he was six years old again, the first day of kindergarten having been a whole new world for the little Alpha, but he’d survived it all knowing his mother was there at the end of the day. Not much had changed; Tetsuro was still a momma’s boy, and he still heavily relied on the Omega being there. Now, though, he could be there for Atsumu, too. He could offer the same support, offer strength and a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, whatever his momma needed. Atsumu had taught him how to stand on his own two feet, but Tetsuro would never outgrow his need for this.

“Thanks,” hushed Tetsuro, Atsumu humming proudly. After a while, he pulled his face out of Atsumu’s neck, and he leaned back so he could look at his momma’s face, smiling softly. Cunning golden eyes spotted the issue immediately, and Atsumu frowned.

“Well, what’s wrong, Tetsu-chan? Ya can tell me.”

Tetsuro hummed, nodding. “I just… saw something during Kyan- Kenma’s stream, and I can’t get it out of my head.”

“He didn’t traumatize ya, did he?” gasped Atsumu, and Tetsuro let out a surprised laugh.

“Nooo,” he huffed, grinning softly. A little more seriously, “No, listen.”

Atsumu’s face grew stiff instantly, and Tetsuro continued.

“There was this comment that popped up. I don’t think Kenma himself saw it, and maybe I was one of the only few who caught it, but it kind of… creeped me out. I don’t know, I feel like I’m being paranoid though…” He glanced up and said after a moment, “I feel this deep need to protect him, you know? I know he’s not mine, but… I want to. I want to keep him safe and be the person he relies on, someone he can trust. He doesn’t open up, and I don’t know if he’s already got someone looking out for him-”

Tetsuro stopped when he saw the softest smile on Atsumu’s lips, a hint of sadness in his eyes that he had whenever he realized Tetsuro was growing up fast. There was something so warm and kind about the look, though, that it almost surprised Tetsuro. He hadn’t wanted to bring Kenma up too much because he was sure that his mother might have a fit if he realized that Tetsuro was quite… serious, but instead, the Omega looked… relieved. His small smile said that he just wanted Tetsuro to be happy, and the Alpha felt that down to his core. He sagged into the couch, part of a weight lifted. Atsumu stroked at his arm.

“Ya really care about him. I think that’s good. Even if he doesn’t appreciate it right now, an Omega’s always happy to have an Alpha in their corner, trust me.” Atsumu hummed at what might be a memory, and then he asked, “So what was the comment?”

“Well, it was one of those comments that could be interpreted as simple flirting, but what made it creepy was the fact that the guy used ‘KK’ to address Kenma.”

“So… Kodzuken?” asked Atsumu, and Tetsuro stared at him grimly.

“Or Kenma Kozume.”

Atsumu’s eyes went a little wider. “Well, what was the “flirty comment”?”

“He said, ‘You should only whisper like that in my ear’.”

Silence fell, and Tetsuro could see that his instinct had been right on as Atsumu’s scent spiked with fear. If that had been Atsumu, he would have been on high alert instantly. Tetsuro was sure now that Kenma hadn’t seen the comment in chat, and he was glad.

“I didn’t catch the username because it was gone so fast, so I can’t tell if I would have recognized him as a regular.”

“Either way…” murmured Atsumu, and Tetsuro nodded slowly, something cold unfurling inside his gut. He swiped at his face and cursed. He watched the wheels in his momma’s head turn.

“It might have just been an innocent comment,” Atsumu admitted with doubt in his voice, “but, Tetsu-chan, if ya really care about this Omega-”

“I shouldn’t treat it as an innocent comment.”

Atsumu nodded his head. “Ya gotta be super vigilant. If ya ever want ta be part of this man’s life, ya gotta show that ya can protect him. Trust me, baby, stuff like that goes a long way with an Omega, especially the single mommas like us.” Atsumu paused for a moment, another memory flashing through his eyes. Tetsuro slowly nodded. “Even if ya never end up together, he won’t forget that ya watched over him, even if it turns out ta be nothin’.”

Tetsuro let out a slow breath, and while most would feel the burden of such a task, Tetsuro could already feel his inner Alpha, greedy for a quest, hungry to be a useful protector. Of course he hoped that the comment was nothing, but either way, Tetsuro would take it seriously, and he would act accordingly.

“Thanks, Momma,” he said with a stiff nod, and Atsumu smiled again, soft with a hint of sadness. Tetsuro smiled at his momma. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promised, and Atsumu laughed softly.

“I just want ya ta be happy, baby,” he hushed. Then, as if that was too much sap for him, he clapped his hands as he stood up, asking, “Ya hungry? I can make dinner now.”

Tetsuro watched Atsumu head to the kitchen, and then he opened his book bag, pulling out his small laptop. He opened up the streaming website Kenma used and went to his page. The stream stayed archived for a few days after for subscribers, and Tetsuro turned down the volume as he clicked on the last stream’s video, scrubbing about halfway through. He watched Kenma lean towards the mic, the chat starting to blow up. There was his comment, there were the ones begging for more ASMR content, and then- Tetsuro smacked his thumb against the space bar to pause the video, staring at the comment he had seen. It was almost more chilling now, Kenma not looking at the screen but smiling softly, so sweet and beautiful. Tetsuro felt heat bubble up inside of him, his inner Alpha awakening with raw desire to protect, to be good.

The bad news was that the username was quite generic, almost too generic. Maybe he’d seen it, maybe he hadn’t, but Tetsuro was sure to remember it now. He wrote it down on a scrap of notebook paper and tucked it into the corner of his laptop screen. Clicking on the profile linked provided very little info, aside from the fact that the commenter was mostly only active on Kenma’s streams and that he only commented once in a while. It could be a throw-away account, Tetsuro reminded himself. This man might have a main account and keep his creepy comments to this one. Either way, the man was active in Kenma’s streams, and that alone made Tetsuro’s hair stand on end. He knew that Kenma was so careful about any private info getting out, but it wasn’t implausible to think that, just like Tetsuro, this commenter had stumbled on Kenma in the wild and recognized him. Tokyo was a big city, but it wasn’t big enough to completely get lost in, not for someone like Kenma.

Tetsuro slowly shut his laptop again, and then he moved into the kitchen, pressing a kiss to Atsumu’s cheek. He would do what he had to, for the people he loved, for the Omegas in his life.

This was what he’d been born for, what Atsumu had trained him for, the most important job.

Tetsuro would protect the man he loved with everything and anything.

-x-

It was nearing the end of the day, and Shouyo felt eager to go home, but Tooru was busy and he still had a few notes to go over with his boss. It was just his half-brother that was in there, and Tooru had told Shouyo he could come in and interrupt them if needed, but Shouyo wasn’t a big fan of that idea.

Why did Tooru’s half-brother have to be so hot?? It irked Shouyo and made him angry about the constant visits to Tooru’s office and the way Tooru lit up around Tobio and the fact that the kid was still a dumb kid and didn’t even seem to understand that he made Shouyo’s brain short-circuit. He always just stared at Shouyo whenever the redhead would start to get flustered and mess words up, but Shouyo didn’t know how to handle hot people like Tobio, and definitely not hot Alphas. It wasn’t Tobio, necessarily. It was his stupid, hot face.

So Shouyo sat at his desk, deciding to just get it over with and then sitting back down a hundred times. He was about to give up and just go in there and make a fool of himself when Tooru’s doors burst open and the Omega himself paraded out, Tobio right behind him. To the redhead’s surprise, Tooru stopped right at Shouyo’s desk, setting his hands to it and then waggling his hips, still laughing about something Tobio had done or said. Tooru raised an eyebrow at Shouyo as his laugh fell to a hum, and he asked, “Sho, darling, what are you still doing here? It’s past five.”

It was past five, and tonight, Tomiko would be coming home, just in time for Hinata’s upcoming heat. He didn’t want to be here either, but one glance at Tobio made him clam up all over again. Hazel eyes darted back to Tooru, and Shouyo whispered, “I’m sorry, I just had a few things to discuss-”

“I told you to just come on in! Silly Sho,” hummed Tooru, standing up again. Shouyo’s eyes flicked over without express permission and caught for a split second on those gorgeous blue eyes, stealing his breath away. Damn, why did all of these siblings have to be so fucking attractive? It was a good thing Tooru was an Omega or Shouyo would never get anything done.

“Tobi, Aina was asking about you coming over for dinner again some time this week. You know you can come whenever,” Tooru was saying as he walked with Tobio to the elevator. The teenager looked uncomfortable, and Shouyo knew it was because he was there, but, well, at least he wasn’t the only one. It annoyed him, though, and he grit his teeth. Of course he was here! He worked here! Tobio, on the other hand, was the nuisance.

Just hang out with your brother at his house! He’s inviting you! Shouyo thought with an annoyed huff. It was made all the more aggravating by how devastatingly handsome the stupid kid was. Shouyo thought he’d gotten over this, being 32, but it seemed his social anxieties still plagued him. He sighed wearily as the elevator doors closed, and then Tooru was back at Shouyo’s desk, setting his butt in his tight pencil skirt down on the edge before leaning forward. He smelled so good, and Shouyo took a moment to inhale and let Tooru’s scent soothe his frazzled nerves.

“Do you not like Tobi, Sho?” Tooru asked plainly as he looked through the pages the redhead handed over, and Shouyo blinked, shocked. Was it that obvious? Well, it wasn’t that he didn’t like Tobio, but he didn’t not not like him either. Ugh.

“I just don’t want to interrupt,” Shouyo blubbered, and Tooru laughed.

“We’d never get anything done if you didn’t interrupt me and Tobi,” Tooru explained, and Shouyo was starting to get the same picture. He sighed.

“Why does he have to come here all the time?” he asked bluntly, missing Tooru’s pointed stare as he tried to organize his desk somewhat. It was always just a little bit of a mess, but Shouyo knew he had to show a good front for Tooru, the first desk and face that was seen on the way to his big office.

“Shouyo, do you have a problem with who I have in my office?”

Shouyo’s eyes darted up, and he swallowed roughly. He’d stepped in it now. “No… N-Absolutely not.”

Tooru leaned a little closer, and then he sighed. “I know Tobio doesn’t emote a lot, but he’s really a good kid, and honestly, as far as Alphas go, he’s still growing into that. He’s really not gonna bite you even if his face looks like he wants to.”

Shouyo was honestly glad that Tooru had misunderstood, though it was true that Tobio’s head-on stare and blank expressions could be terrifying and downright intimidating for a tiny Omega like himself.

“Sorry, Tooru,” Shouyo murmured, the only thing he could think to say as he slowly gathered his purse and jacket. After he’d walked around his desk, Tooru helped him tie his scarf up fancy and pull his coat on.

In a kinder tone, he asked, “Tomiko is coming home tonight, isn’t she? And you’re starting your heat.”

Snuggled into his scarf, Shouyo glanced up and then nodded, a little shy. Tooru and Tomiko really looked like siblings, much more than Tooru and Tobio, both shockingly gorgeous, but Tooru’s face lended to softness as an Omega, where Tomiko was all sharp jaw and cheekbones, breathtaking. Shouyo still thought it was kind of amazing that Tomiko was alright with him and that he could speak around the woman. Tomiko didn’t make him nervous the way Tobio or even Tooru did sometimes. It was why they worked so well together, he thought, though he couldn’t fathom what was so different about her that made it so.

“Do you want some time off next week?” Tooru hummed. “Well, you can let me know. You should hurry home now, though.”

Shouyo just nodded again, whispering a thank you that was lost in the cashmere of his scarf, a gift from Tomiko. He rushed out of the building once the elevator opened on the bottom floor, and then he quickly made his way, first to Takeru’s daycare to pick the boy up, and then home.

“Dad’s coming home!” hushed Takeru with glittering eyes, and Shouyo tugged his scarf down to show off his grin.

“She is.”

A delicious smell wafted from the kitchen when the pair stepped inside the large home, and Shouyo’s stomach growled, wondering what the chef Tomiko hired had made. Takeru ran into the kitchen first, Shouyo following a moment after, still unwrapping his scarf.

“What did she make, Takeru?” he was asking.

A voice he didn’t expect replied, “I made your favorite, Shouyo.”

Hazel eyes slammed up, and Shouyo froze, a smile pulling at his lips as he stared in shock at Tomiko. She was standing tall and looking so gorgeous in the kitchen, her short hair perfectly curled like Tooru’s always was, an apron on over her black, sleek pantsuit. She still had her heels on, too, and she was cooking something that smelled like one of Shouyo’s wet dreams.

“You- you’re early-!” was all he could manage to get out while Takeru danced around his father, singing, “You’re home!”

Tomiko reached out and ruffled Takeru’s hair, and then she turned to Shouyo with a warm smile. “Hi, Shouyo,” she hummed, and Shouyo nearly melted in a puddle of heated desire. They both knew what they would be getting up to tonight, and they both knew Shouyo had been thinking about it nonstop, all day. The fact that she was early- Shouyo wondered if Tomiko was just as excited as he was to satisfy him tonight. Neither of them were in love, not like that, but there was such a fondness and warmth between both of them. They both satisfied what the other deeply craved for, and Shouyo sometimes wondered if that wasn’t enough to make a happy home. He certainly felt happy in this moment.

It isn’t the same, though, is it? whispered a little voice in Shouyo’s head. Shouyo knew what it felt like to be in love, to be head-over-heels for an Alpha, to crave them, and while Tomiko satisfied Shouyo, his heart didn’t beat erratically and he didn’t feel his stomach swoop to the ground, nor did he dream of her…

Shouyo let out a soft sigh, smiling, and then he walked forward, into Tomiko’s embrace. She was tall, even without her heels, and he like when she wrapped an arm around his waist and kissed the top of his head. He turned his face up and into her small breasts, inhaling deeply.

This, perhaps, was what left him the most unsatisfied. Tomiko had never been able to calm him with her scent, nor had he ever gotten aroused from it. She smelled good, of course, all Alphas did, but she didn’t smell delicious. She didn’t smell like what his dreams were filled with during his heat, didn’t smell like desire or anything rousing. It was just comfortable, he thought, like everything with Tomiko. It was comfortable, and that was alright for now.

He could do with a little calm in his life, he thought. Kenma always said he was too wild and impulsive…

“I missed you,” he told Tomiko truthfully, because even if she couldn’t calm him, her presence was always reassuring. It meant he could stop trying for a little while; he could give up control and let someone else take the reigns of his life.

“I missed you, too. How was work?”

“You know,” murmured Shouyo vaguely, already getting sleepy as he sank into Tomiko. Above him, a soft laugh filtered down, and Tomiko turned to ask Takeru about his day instead as she mussed with Shouyo’s soft curls.

When Tomiko led him to the living room, where she set Takeru up in front of the TV while she pulled Shouyo to the couch, he went willingly, going limp as soon as she pulled him against her side. A hot bowl of his favorite pork ramen was set in his hands, and he hummed even as his eyes slid closed. He was satisfied, he thought.

Tomiko took Takeru to bed as she always did when she was home, and then she came back down, finally pulling her heels off before stepping back into the living room. Shouyo was already halfway to raw desire, his heat starting to sink its claws into him, and he smiled languidly up at her. As she came to sit beside him on the couch, he opened his blanket for her, letting her smell the warm twist to his orange and cinnamon scent.

“Oh, Shouyo,” she murmured, her own scent growing stronger in response. Sexually, they were amazingly compatible; it was obvious by the tent that was growing in her tight slacks.

“Tomi,” he hushed, smiling softly, his eyes glazing over. “You are so… very pretty, you know?”

Tomiko smiled softly. “Am I?” Cool, long fingers brushed over Shouyo’s heated cheek, and she smiled. “And you are so beautiful, Shouyo.”

The Omega shivered at the compliment, heat raging down his spine, and he could already feel slick forming in his panties. He was so damn weak when it came to Alphas that made him feel loved and safe, honestly. He’d always been easy for anyone who showed him even a modicum of care. It made him wonder why he thought Tobio was so hot when he was so… uncaring.

No, he didn’t want to think about Tobio right now. He really almost couldn’t, feeling like his brain was melting a little in the best way.

“Alpha, want ya,” Shouyo husked seductively, and Tomiko smiled. She swept down and kissed Shouyo softly, grasping at his waist as he shivered into her mouth, pressing his chin up to get closer. Her tongue instantly met his without a word, and he moaned, grabbing at her shoulders. Her hair tickled his hands a little, and he giggled as he combed them into her soft locks. Ah, she felt good already, her weight over him pleasant. He liked to be held down, pushed into the bed and made to submit.

“Shouyo,” Tomiko purred in her deep voice, and Shouyo felt himself melt, slick rushing out of him. He wasn’t in heat yet, but he sure was getting there. Tomorrow would leave him a true puddle, but he knew Tomiko would take care of him, so he let it take him, the tide of his heat sweeping him away.

He purred happily when she lifted him with ease, carrying Shouyo upstairs to their bedroom while she peppered his face with soft kisses. She was so damn good to him, and Shouyo liked it. He liked being spoiled rotten, adored.

On the big bed, Tomiko laid Shouyo down, and then she began to undress. She wore a plain black bra over her small breasts and a matching pair of silk panties, something very obviously already straining the front. Before she revealed her hard-on, though, she sat back down and undressed Shouyo, kissing at his pale skin as inch by inch was revealed. She played with his pretty pink nipples, suckling them to life, and kissed down to his belly. She slowly stripped his own, prettier panties off, and then she kissed at his bobbing little length, making him cry out with desire. He was small even for an Omega, but Tomiko seemed to like it, always kissing and licking at him. She worked him to a full erection before slowly parting his legs for herself, and then she crawled between his thighs, finally pulling her underwear down. Shouyo stared at her intently, at the way she stroked at her handsome cock, at the way her fingers always trailed down to her own pussy. Alphas didn’t get wet like Omegas did, and they got the most pleasure from their cocks, and yet Tomiko always touched herself deep inside, smiling at the way Shouyo watched her, fascinated. She withdrew her fingers and then began to stroke languidly at her shaft again, her other hand coming to rest on his thigh. She teased at his wet lips, her voice growing deeper and deeper with each stroke until she was growling softly, hard and throbbing in her hand. She reached over Shouyo and grabbed a condom, and he smiled at the familiar sound of her rolling it on.

“Shouyo, I’ve missed you,” she murmured as she slowly began to angle herself down, as she shifted forward to lay over the Omega. He let out a sharp sigh of deep contentedness as her weight settled on his chest and her cock began to press his lips open. His pussy always accepted her so eagerly, no matter how long it had been. He kept it loose for her because she liked how easy he was like this.

“Tomi-” he begged as his hands reached up and curled into her short, soft locks. Her lips crashed to his and he moaned, desire bursting like a bubble in his chest. Ah, yes~ perfect…

“To- To-” he mumbled as he began to lose himself, syllables disconnecting and words meaning nothing anymore as he babbled. Tomiko grabbed around his hips and made love to him, sensually melting him apart. It was so good, but it could have been anyone, really. It wasn’t really… like Tomiko was all that special. She knew what he liked, but anyone… anyone could…

Startling blue eyes flashed across Shouyo’s closed lids, and he moaned, too gone to care or think rationally. “To-” he fumbled. “To-”

“I’m right here, Shouyo. You’re beautiful.”

Shouyo let his mind slip into euphoria without really addressing the little check that rose up in his heart, asking him why he was imagining someone else when he was with his partner. It was all silent a moment later, Shouyo smiling lazily.

Ah, he loved it here best of all. In that space where he didn’t think, couldn’t think, simply trusting his partner to care for him- This was true happiness.

Shouyo melted deeper and let himself get swept away, knowing there was a whole week of pleasure like this waiting for him. He mewled softly as Tomiko kissed along his throat.

This was fine. This was just fine.

Shouyo was just glad someone thought he deserved this much at all.

-x-

“Are duck faces still in?” murmured Atsumu to himself as he stood in front of the tall mirror in his bedroom, turning this way and that to find the most flattering angle of his outfit today. He felt really good, and he liked hearing other people confirm it, so Tetsuro had introduced him to the concept of Outfit-of-the-Day selfies. Today, Atsumu wore a short pencil skirt and a fluffy blouse that showed off a bit of his cleavage, his hair lightly flipped and shockingly perfect.

By the time he found the right angle, his back turned a little so he could show off his round ass, Tetsuro was standing in the doorway, grinning as he dried his black hair. Atsumu turned with a crooked smile, and Tetsuro asked teasingly, “Done? Can I come in?”

Atsumu waved his phone at the Alpha and huffed, “Ya got me inta this!” He stopped, though, when Tetsuro stepped over and pressed a kiss to his forehead, and then he smiled genuinely as his son hummed, "Momma, you look gorgeous.”

Atsumu hummed happily, fluttering off to grab his small purse and pull on a pair of high heel shoes. He didn’t have to dress this way; in fact, Alex might have a thing or two to say about the length of his skirt, but the confidence boost Atsumu had been soaring on for a few weeks now, between his Instagram comments and the dates he’d gone on, left him feeling sexy enough to be a little rebellious. Alex, in the end, hadn’t offered any more complaints after the first, and that was just fine with Atsumu.

“I’m headed ta work, Tetsu-chan!” called Atsumu as he headed out the door with a small lunch bag, Tetsuro poking his head and wild hair out the bedroom door to say bye. The short subway ride to work wasn’t all that bad, and Atsumu stepped into the cool building just as Alex was returning from the small kitchenette with a mug of coffee, looking quite worn already. Atsumu frowned at the clothes the man wore, wrinkled and definitely the same as yesterday.

“Did ya stay here all night and pull an all-nighter?!” Atsumu exclaimed, and weary blue eyes trailed up, Alex stopping and staring at Atsumu as the blond stormed over. He began tugging and smoothing down the man’s shirt while Alex just stood there, almost awestruck, definitely speechless. “I asked ya before I left if ya needed help with anythin’, and ya said no! Alex-!”

Golden eyes snapped up, and Atsumu froze at the look in Alex’s eyes. He had never looked this old, this sad, this beaten down. Atsumu sighed heavily and then took Alex’s mug of coffee, saying more kindly, “Ya look like ye’re about ta fall over just standin’ here.”

“I… slept,” offered Alex, the sentiment confirmed by the mussed pillows on the couch in his office, but Atsumu clicked his tongue and said again, “I coulda stayed and helped ya out-”

“No… I rely on you too much already as it is,” Alex mumbled as Atsumu helped him to his office chair, setting his mug down with a huff. “And you had plans…”

Now Atsumu was really getting upset. “It’s just a date-”

“It’s important to you, Atsumu,” Alex interrupted, and Atsumu chewed at his bottom lip, staring at his boss. Blue eyes slowly roamed back up and then carefully down Atsumu’s frame.

Atsumu tried to ignore it as he leaned forward and asked pointedly, “So tell me what I can do today.” It wasn’t a question.

Alex, though, was either too tired or too caught up to answer. “Atsumu,” he called softly, his hand hovering out, but Atsumu pointedly ignored it. Don’t do this, ya idiot. Not now. Ya had yer shot and ya blew it, so don’t… look at me like ya miss me. Like ya want me.

“Alex,” he called sharply, grabbing at Alex’s jaw to force his gaze up. He was dead tired, eyes blood shot, gaze hazy. Even his smell was mottled, tired. “As yer assistant, I’m tellin’ ya right now that yer not gonna be any good here today, so go home and let me take care of… whatever it is that had ya here all night.”

“It wasn’t important…” Alex murmured, his eyes roaming Atsumu’s face with that same tired sadness. “It was just…” His voice trailed off, and then he smiled softly. “Atsumu, I-”

“What do ya mean, it wasn’t important?” roughed Atsumu, too many emotions he didn’t want to deal with rising up. This shit wasn’t fair. He wanted to slap Alex, like really slap him.

“It’s okay, I finished it,” Alex said suddenly, pulling himself up straight and gently tugging away from Atsumu’s hold. He slowly stood and said, “You’re right, I should head home. I need sleep.”

Atsumu wasn’t sure if he should feel glad that Alex was listening to him. He was still stuck on why Alex had stayed here all night working on something if it wasn’t… important. Was the man avoiding him? He wanted to confront Alex, but even Atsumu knew now was not a good time. He didn’t want tired platitudes; he wasn’t even sure if he wanted the truth at this point.

If ya were gonna fall apart like this, why the hell did ya say no back then? Idiot…

Atsumu shook his head and silently helped Alex gather his stuff.

“I’ll call you after I get some rest,” Alex said, but Atsumu ignored it. He was sure Alex would be conked out for the rest of the day. He had his everyday tasks to do; after ten plus years working here, Atsumu didn’t need specific instructions to know how to keep the boat sailing. He sent Alex out the door with only a rough command to sleep and drink some water, and then he shuffled to his own desk, sinking down with a heavy sigh.

Damn it all; now he was in a bad mood. He scrolled through his phone, trying to find mindless entertainment when a text popped up from Osamu. He called his twin immediately.

“Hi, stranger,” Atsumu huffed playfully, though his tone was a little more biting than normal, and Osamu hummed softly.

“Sorry, umm… This weekend was crazy…”

This perked Atsumu’s ears up. He sat up a little straighter. “Tell me everythin’,” he begged, knowing Osamu wasn’t one for the dramatic like he was. If Osamu said the weekend had been crazy…

“Umm, well,” began Osamu, and Atsumu could tell he was moving through the house, trying to find a quiet place. His tone dropped a little softer as he said next, “Daisho informed me on Friday that he’s going on a business trip this weekend.”

Atsumu almost fell out of his chair. Why was he just hearing this now? No, of course, if Daisho had been around during the weekend, Osamu wouldn’t feel like he could call or even text about it. More importantly, why was Osamu telling him? “Listen, I’ll be more than happy ta watch Ko-chan for ya, but isn’t this news yer boyfriend should be hearin’ first instead’a me?”

Osamu let out a soft laugh that was laced with so much happiness it was a little revolting, and then he hummed, “Well, I wanted to make sure… I wasn’t doing anything stupid.”

“Ya need me ta tell ya if ye’re bein’ stupid?” Atsumu asked dubiously. “Samu, I’m the king of stupid.”

Osamu giggled again, and this time, Atsumu heard the nervousness in his voice. Oh. “I just- I know I’m overthinking this, but I spent all weekend wondering… if it was too soon. I mean, we’ve only kissed, really-” That sounded like a lie with the way Osamu choked up, but Atsumu let him tell it with a smirk. “I mean- Do you think Shugo even wants to? With me?”

Atsumu almost fell off his chair again. “Yes, ya idiot!” he shouted, thankful for the empty office. “Fuckin’ hell, Samu, Shu couldn’t keep his hands off ya at the game, and that was weeks ago! Yer gonna give the poor kid blue balls!”

Osamu choked on a glob of spit, and Atsumu sighed wearily. “Are ya really worried about Shugo not wantin’ ya, or is there somethin’ else?”

Osamu was quiet for a long time, but finally he whispered, “Tsumu, you know… My body…”

Atsumu covered his mouth to muffle his weary sigh, rolling his eyes. He’d seen the way Shugo looked at Osamu, and he wished he could convey exactly how much Osamu’s slight puffiness or the stretch marks across his belly meant absolutely nothing in the face of that man’s raw desire. Instead, he offered, “Then turn the lights off. Do it under the covers, put a blindfold on him-”

“You’re being ridiculous,” huffed Osamu, but Atsumu bit back, “Ye’re bein’ ridiculous! Samu, yer gorgeous! Besides, Alphas like a little softness and somethin’ ta grab onto when they’re railin’ ya-”

Osamu really choked this time. He coughed harshly and from the background, Atsumu could hear Koichi call worriedly, “Mama?” He cackled.

When Osamu got his voice back, he huffed timidly, “I’m just terrified, okay? I mean, I really, really like Shugo. Like, I probably love him. It’s not just about the rejection; I want… to be good for him, Tsumu. I don’t want to disappoint him. Even I’m not stupid enough to think he hasn’t… imagined it, and what if I’m not- what if it’s not- the same?”

So Osamu was worried that Shugo’s fantasies he used when he jacked off weren't realistic? Atsumu wanted to laugh, but he bit that back, if only for his twin’s sanity. “Samu,” he tried kindly. “He’s head-over-heels for ya. He’s gonna nut when ya tell him about the weekend, that’s how excited he’ll be. And it doesn’t matter if it’s like his fantasies or not, ‘cause trust me, fantasies only go so far, and I think Shu would rather have ya in his arms any day of the week.”

Osamu let out a sharp exhale. “You really think so?” he whispered, and Atsumu groaned.

“Fuck, Samu…”

“Okay!” Then, “Okay… So how do I… invite myself over to his place?”

Atsumu wanted to combust. He let out a sharp laugh and stood up out of his chair, leaning over his desk as he said, very clearly and precisely like Osamu was in front of him, “I’m so proud of ya, Samu. Now listen ta me- Are ya gonna do this over the phone or go see him or what-?”

“I was gonna… text-”

Atsumu screeched. “No! Go see him! Take a video! I wanna see his face-”

“Tsumu!” scolded Osamu, and the Omega gripped tighter at the edge of his desk. Fuck, he was getting way too excited about this, and it wasn’t even him getting the long weekend sex-capade!

“Okay, but please, Samu, don’t text him. At least call-”

“What if I can’t get the words out?” Osamu murmured in horror, and Atsumu had to chew back another laugh. “I’m kind of mortified already, Tsumu! Ye’re not helping!”

Ah, Atsumu loved when Osamu’s Kansai-ben slipped out; it meant he really was super flustered. All the more reason for Osamu to do this in person, he thought, and to film it. Ugh, he wanted to see Shugo combust-

“I could tell him,” Atsumu offered in a flash of brilliance, which Osamu very quickly shot down.

“No! Don’t you dare!”

Atsumu giggled. “Just tell him, Samu,” he sighed. “He’s gonna be so happy, I promise ya.”

Osamu sighed softly. “Yeah?” he whispered, and Atsumu grinned.

“Just drop Koichi off whenever and go have fun. I’m rootin’ for ya! If ya think about it, this is like yer real first time losin’ yer cherry-”

“Please stop,” begged Osamu, and Atsumu cackled.

“I’m gonna hang up and yer gonna call Shu,” Atsumu instructed, and Osamu mumbled a half-hearted agreement. “I’m gonna call ya back in an hour and check!”

“An hour?!”

“Yea, for the phone sex!”

The grunt of disgust and the immediate dail tone made Atsumu toss his head back, and then he sank down, grinning like an idiot. Damn, he was so… happy.

Glancing sideways at Alex’s open office door, Atsumu sighed softly and then stood, moving into it to clean up. There were a lot of coffee mugs on his boss’ desk… Atsumu had just begun fluffing the couch pillows when he heard his phone go off again, his eyebrow quirking. Was Osamu backing out or had he already done it?

Atsumu wandered back to his desk to look, surprised instead to see an Instagram DM notification. Ah, he’d forgotten he’d posted that new selfie. He was about to ignore it for now and finish his task, but the messager’s username caught him. volleyballgirl24

Oh, ho! Atsumu unlocked his phone and instantly tapped into the DM, accepting it.

Hello. I hope this isn’t too forward, but you are very gorgeous.

Atsumu flushed. He clicked on the profile picture and scrolled through the three photos on the profile, all posted a few years apart. The first two were scenery shots, but the last… Oh, Volleyball Girl was gorgeous herself. Long, silky black hair, slate grey eyes, a reserved smile. Definitely an Alpha from her broad shoulders and strong arms, but a very, very pretty one, almost dainty. Atsumu thumbed back to the message, his fingers hovering over his keyboard. He had never slept with a female Alpha before; he’d never even thought about it. Now, though, he wondered why the hell not.

Ye’re pretty gorgeous yerself~ he replied. He clicked back to her profile, smiling giddily. He was kind of excited to try a woman out for size, to see if one could handle him. Osamu wasn’t the only one who should have the possibility of new, good sex.

Atsumu locked his phone and hoped to hear back soon from the volleyball girl.

-x-

Tetsuro set his pencil down and then sighed wearily, his head sagging as his shoulders buckled. He couldn’t believe he’d made it. With this final test done, another semester was over. His brain hurt, and he was so, so exhausted.

It was a miracle he’d remembered anything he’d studied with his head so full of Kenma. He let out a soft laugh, and then he huffed. Standing slowly, he picked up his book bag and test and quietly made his way to the front of the room. He wasn’t the first to be done, but he wasn’t the last, either. His English teacher looked up as he approached, the older man smiling softly.

“Good job, Kuroo-kun,” he hummed, doing a quick scan of the test to at least make sure everything was filled out. Tetsuro nodded his head and then turned back to the classroom, seeing Koutaro still struggling, Kiyoomi long gone. Tetsuro let out a soft laugh and wished his friend luck; Koutaro looked like he likely needed it.

He tugged his coat on and then headed out, biting back against the chill in the air. It was still mild as far as winters go, but it was also just beginning. Tetsuro wondered if there would be snow; he’d love to play with the twins in it. Staring up at the sky, he felt his urge to see Kenma nearly eat him alive. He turned towards the exit of the campus, thinking it wild if he would find the trio at the park, but he wanted to try.

“Tetsuro,” called a voice that made him stop, though. He turned slowly, taking in Kiyoomi, dressed all in black as he was want to do, a thick scarf tied around his neck and covering half his face, his pea coat fitting his tall, slender body perfectly. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, his leather bag slung across his chest. Had he been waiting for Tetsuro?

“Omi,” Tetsuro hummed with a crooked smile. “You waited for me,” he teased. “Miss me?”

Kiyoomi’s death glare might have killed a lesser man, but it just made Tetsuro chuckle. Even after all the shit they’d been through, their relationship had made an unsurprising rebound. Trust was broken, of course, and that was hard to mend, but they had always had a good foundation, and shockingly, Tetsuro really liked the dull idiot.

“I have nothing to do during break,” was Kiyoomi’s reply, and Tetsuro laughed.

“Wanna come over?“

Kiyoomi glanced away for a moment. “Atsumu won’t tan my hide?”

Tetsuro rolled his eyes. “Unsurprisingly, the world doesn’t revolve around you, Omi, and my momma has found ways to cheer himself back up after your stupid blunder.”

“It was stupid,” Kiyoomi readily admitted, and Tetsuro smiled wryly. Kiyoomi took a step closer. “You know I’ve always been an idiot…” he murmured, and the other Alpha laughed.

“Smartest idiot I know, but flagellating yourself will do nothing but make me think you’re being insincere. Come on, it’s not like you.”

“What does that mean? I’ve never been a big fan of myself,” Kiyoomi scoffed.

Tetsuro grinned. “Yeah, but you never say it aloud. Too proud for that, right?”

Kiyoomi let out a weary sigh. “My mother would skin me alive if she heard,” he mumbled.

“A little rebellion can be good for the soul,” Tetsuro hummed devilishly, and Kiyoomi glanced his way with unreadable eyes.

“Yes,” was all he said, and then he stepped up beside Tetsuro, the two silently beginning to head to Tetsuro’s place.

“I want to make a stop,” Tetsuro spoke after a while.

“That’s fine,” Kiyoomi replied. “I wanted to talk.”

Black eyebrows raised, and Tetsuro slowly looked over at his best friend. “You never want to talk,” he murmured suspiciously.

“Things have changed,” Kiyoomi said flatly, and Tetsuro slowly shrugged. Fine with him; he was a good listener.

After a long while, Kiyoomi asked, “Did you know that Atsumu went on a date with Hayato?”

This made Tetsuro grin. “Ho, ho, ho! Really~?”

Kiyoomi didn’t look as excited by the news as Tetsuro was. “Isn’t that gro- weird to you? Your mom sleeping with someone our age?”

Tetsuro huffed, catching Kiyoomi’s slip up. He let it go. “Omi-Omi, some of us didn’t grow up thinking sex was gross. Besides, I want my momma to have some fun. He had to buckle all that shit down for twenty years, but he’s still an Omega.” Golden eyes glanced over. “As soon as you accept that we’re all sexual creatures, you’ll be much happier, Omi.” A smack to the back sent Kiyoomi stumbling forward a step, but he slowly righted, sighing. “Why are you telling me, anyways?” Tetsuro mused.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Kiyoomi scratch at his cheek, almost like he was shy or something. It was so unlike him that it made Tetsuro frown and take a step sideways, huffing. Something in him tensed up, and he almost didn’t want to know what the other’s next words were going to be.

“Tetsuro, I-”

“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” Tetsuro interrupted loudly, whirling to Kiyoomi. His eyes were wide, lips stiff, and it was enough to make Kiyoomi halt. His black eyes stared at Tetsuro, expression hard to read. This was not the Kiyoomi that Tetsuro had grown up with. Kiyoomi almost looked… conflicted. Still, it seemed like Tetsuro’s words slowly startled the other back to himself. He looked down at the ground and then quickly forged on ahead, Tetsuro running after him to catch up and then patting at Kiyoomi’s back.

“What did you want to say?” he tried after a moment, kindness in his voice, but Kiyoomi just huffed, angry. Tetsuro bit his tongue. Kiyoomi was so fickle with his emotions at times, but he rarely got truly angry. Tetsuro had stepped on some kind of land mine this time, though; he could feel it.

He offered Kiyoomi an out. “If you’re tired, you don’t have to come over.”

Kiyoomi’s head snapped up. “Don’t un-invite me.”

“You want to come?” the other asked in soft surprise. Kiyoomi sighed wearily.

“I’m sorry. I’m just stressed. My head’s still a mess from finals and volleyball.”

Tetsuro could almost taste the lie, but he let it go. Kiyoomi had always been a mystery, but he had never tried to keep things hidden on purpose. It made Tetsuro wonder, though, how much he knew of the real Kiyoomi. Was there still more under that stiff façade and this sudden anger? He mildly wondered if he wanted to find out.

Sometimes he felt like Kiyoomi hid a secret so big that it might actually scare Tetsuro. Even Kiyoomi seemed frightened of it, almost small and vulnerable. When they were younger, Tetsuro had thought he’d imagined it, but now he didn’t think so. Something ate Kiyoomi up inside, had been for a long while, maybe. Tetsuro closed his hands around the straps of his backpack and trained his eyes ahead. He had always trusted Kiyoomi to speak when he was ready, and now was no different. He would let the other Alpha process his secret a little longer.

They came upon the small park Osamu frequented with Koichi, the one Kenma brought his kids to. Tetsuro stopped just on the outer edge of the walkway around the playground, a small smile playing up on his lips. The twins were bundled up, Kenma dressed in jeans and a thick, knitted sweater, tied at the waist, over which he wore a loose trench coat. His long hair hung over one shoulder, and as always, he wore a black hat, this one with a smaller brim and beads hanging off one side trailing down into his hair. The twins never saw Tetsuro, but the Alpha was sure that Kenma could sense him even if he gave no indication to the fact. Tetsuro felt his smile spread slowly. His heart felt impossibly warm. Yes, he wanted to protect this Omega and those precious kids with everything in him.

Slowly, golden eyes scanned the rest of the surroundings, but all was quiet. It was too chilly for any other kids or parents to be out, but Keiko and Kentaro were playing happily together.

“Why are we here, Tetsuro?” Kiyoomi asked after a long while, and Tetsuro hummed.

After scanning the perimeter again, he slowly glanced at Kiyoomi, and then he said, “See that pretty Omega over there?” He watched black eyes roam to where Kenma was sitting. “It’s maybe too early to tell, but I think I’m in love with him.”

Kiyoomi’s lips twitched ever so slightly, but he was surprisingly quiet. Tetsuro could still recall Kiyoomi’s disgust towards male Omegas. He had long grown out of that, but that didn’t mean he liked the idea of Tetsuro liking one… No, he seemed calm. Tetsuro felt his own lip twitch, a tiny, hopeful smile forming. He didn’t need Kiyoomi to approve, but he wanted to see that his best friend had grown.

“Me, too,” said Kiyoomi after a long, long while. Tetsuro blinked, trying to follow. Black eyes met his own, and Tetsuro thought he saw the first glimpse of the real Kiyoomi under the shell his parents had built. With a wry laugh, Kiyoomi admitted without much fanfare, “I fell in love with a male Omega.”

In Tetsuro’s mind, he might have thought he’d fall over dead if he heard Kiyoomi ever say those words. He might have shouted his disbelief or gotten angry, but instead he just let out a dry laugh.

“No shit,” he murmured. Was this the big secret? How long, then, had Kiyoomi been in love? Or maybe it was just the realization that he found male Omegas attractive, too. Rolling his head over, he asked, “You’re not going to tell me who, are you?”

“Over my dead body,” Kiyoomi replied, but there was no bite in the words, but also no conviction. It left Tetsuro feeling disconnected, like none of this was real. He stared at Kenma.

“Well, I’m-” he began, but Kiyoomi cut him off sharply.

“Don’t say you support me or are happy for me or whatever. It’s probably… a futile crush,” the Alpha murmured, and there it was. The pain that laid bare behind black, emotionless eyes and an expressionless façade. This was where the rashes of anger came from. This was why Kiyoomi had been so… distant.

Kiyoomi didn’t want his crush to be futile. It had probably long ago stopped being a simple crush. Tetsuro understood that very well; too well, he thought with a pained smile. “So, underneath all of that, you do have a heart,” was all he could think to say, but the joke was lost. Kiyoomi just sighed slowly.

“I’m… not a good Alpha. I was never taught how to… be good, only to be the best.”

Tetsuro chewed back a sharp frown. “At some point, you have to stop blaming your upbringing. That’s the start of being a good Alpha. Taking responsibility.”

“Yeah,” murmured Kiyoomi. He slowly looked over, and then he said with a pained smile, “You’re so lucky, Tetsuro. Atsumu raised you… beautifully.”

“That’s because he’s a good Omega.”

“Yeah,” Kiyoomi agreed, that pain still there. He looked away now, though, so Tetsuro couldn’t see his face. He patted Kiyoomi on the back.

“You’ll be okay. Just… learn how to deal with that anger of yours.”

Kiyoomi let out a slow sigh, almost like he just wanted to watch his breath turn to fog in the air. “It’s cold,” was all he said after a while, and Tetsuro nodded. He glanced back at Kenma, and he swore that for the briefest moment, hazel eyes met his own. He shivered softly.

“Let’s go home,” he murmured to no one in particular.

“Sounds good,” Kiyoomi hushed in reply. Tetsuro was too lost in his own head to see the way Kiyoomi’s eyes looked a little wet.

-x-

Are you working tonight?

Shugo sighed softly when he saw the text, sad to reply that he was, in fact, about to head in for his shift. He smiled when Osamu sent back a sweet encouragement, asking only, Call me when you’re done?

Shugo should have said that it wasn’t good for the Omega to stay up so late, but he really didn’t have the heart to.

As soon as he locked the café doors behind himself after a mildly busy night, he pulled out his phone and texted Osamu, never willing to call immediately in case the Omega might have fallen asleep. It was stupid, though, because he was always so happy to see Osamu reply so quickly.

He dialed Osamu’s number and pressed the phone to his ear, stuffing his other hand into his jacket pocket as he started the short trek home. As soon as Osamu answered, Shugo breathed out, “Hi, my sweetness.”

“Shugo,” hushed Osamu like his whole world had been hanging by a thread, waiting to hear his Alpha’s voice. It filled Shugo up with a rash of heat, and he thought about how much he would do anything, anything to have Osamu by his side, waiting for him at home, wholly his. He chewed at his lip and sent up a quick prayer, his patience not as deep as he might wish it to be.

“Tired?” Shugo asked, to which Osamu replied with a soft laugh, “I’ve just been laying in bed. You were the one who worked.”

“I’m an Alpha; it’s different. You, my darling, are meant to be spoiled, and sleeping.”

Osamu giggled again, his voice so soft and sweet. Shugo could imagine that his cheeks were rosy. “How could I sleep when I have the chance of hearing your voice?” hushed the Omega.

“Darling, you’re killing me,” huffed Shugo, walking a little faster. Osamu asked him quietly about his shift at work, sharing about his and Koichi’s day. Shugo listened to every word.

He took the stairs up to his apartment and shut his front door behind him before he asked, “I want to flatter myself and think that you just wanted me to call you ‘cause you miss my voice, but something tells me you also have something to say.”

“You should flatter yourself,” hummed Osamu quietly, adding, “I do also have something to ask, though. It’s something.. that I think- hope - will make you happy to hear.”

Shugo kicked his shoes off as his heart began to race, his mind already dredging up all the good things he wanted to hear from his boyfriend. “Tell me,” he begged as he filled a mug with filtered water and then stuffed it into his microwave. Tea at night was a habit he’d formed thanks to Osamu and all of their late phone calls. It made him feel like the Omega was just a little bit closer. One day, he wanted to share these mugs with Osamu right by his side, snuggled against his chest-

“I’m… a little embarrassed, honestly. I don’t make a habit of inviting myself… over.”

Shugo wanted to say he should make it a habit with him, but his heart was kicking up speed, and he clutched the kitchen counter as he narrowed his guess down to one: a date at his place? Maybe finally-

“Daisho… is going on a four-day business trip.”

Oh no. It was so much better than Shugo could have hoped! He covered his mouth.

“I talked to Tsumu, and he offered to watch Koichi for the weekend.”

Shugo might actually pass out. Fuck, he was hard with excitement. His inner Alpha was howling, clawing its paws at the ground. He bent over the counter and watched the steam rise from his mug, his teabag steeping.

“I’m sure you have work and stuff, but I thought- if you want to- Well, I’ll be very free for four days-”

Shugo let out something between an excited laugh and a pained moan. “Osamu,” he said just to find his footing again. “Tell me I’m not dreaming.”

“You’re not dreaming,” promised Osamu, and Shugo rocked the heel of his palm roughly over his erection, his knot already inflating.

“Osamu, are you inviting yourself… into my bed? Are you saying-”

“I’m ready, Shugo,” breathed the Omega, his voice gorgeously breathless, and Shugo abandoned his mug in favor of rushing to his shower. He roughed his pants off in the small bathroom, and then he turned on the water, fixing the temperature until it was warm like Osamu’s skin. A fluttering sigh rippled into the air as Shugo put Osamu on speaker phone.

“Sorry,” he called, panting already as he stepped into his shower stall. He left the door open a crack. “I’m so fucking excited that I’m already knotting,” he replied truthfully. The other end of the line was quiet, but he knew it wouldn’t be for long. “Osamu, are you excited, too?” Shugo whispered into the moist air, leaning back against the cool tile and letting his head rest there.

“Shugo… I’m terrified and so… so excited.”

“Osamu, I love you,” breathed Shugo as he squeezed his hand down tight, his strokes almost painful, making him ache all the more. Osamu was beginning to breathe a little heavier.

“Shugo, me too. I love you- love you-”

“Shh, darling,” Shugo begged. Fuck, he wanted Osamu close, needed him here. How long was he meant to endure his Omega being in another man’s house? Osamu belonged with him! Coming home to the Omega, sleeping in the same bed, making love, cuddling-

“Shugo, I’ll make you dinner and breakfast. Let’s stay up late watching movies and doing… whatever we want.” Osamu was almost pleading, like he had to. “I want… I want to spend time, to get to know you, and you… me.”

“Fuck, you don’t know how bad I want that, too, darling. I’m going to memorize you, I swear.”

“Shugo, I-” began Osamu, and Shugo could hear that doubt creep in, insecurity still so rooted in his beloved. He would make Osamu believe how gorgeous he was.

“Darling, your beautiful body… I want to lay my hands on you and trace your curves, every mark, kissing every inch of your soft skin…”

“Ah- Shu-!”

Shugo sped his hand up, his knot throbbing now.

“Osamu, tell me… tell me you want it. I’m bursting.”

“I want you,” rushed Osamu, begging. “I only want you. Give me… your knot, Alpha.”

Shugo had to cover his mouth to bite back his scream as he came in an instant, his whole body shaking with the force of it. Osamu was panting heavy, and he had to get his Omega there, too, so he called, “Osamu, Omega. My beloved. I am so in love with you, and I swear, whatever it takes… you will be mine, sweet Omega.”

A choked little cry crackled over the line, and Shugo smacked his shower off as he went limp. He slowly crawled over and grabbed his phone, pressing it to his cheek like Osamu’s warmth was there in the heat of the device.

“Osamu, Osamu…”

“I love you… Shugo,” hushed the Omega, and Shugo went limp against his bathroom mat. He could hear in the rough breathing on the other end that Osamu was crying. It tore him apart to not be there. Come now, he wanted to say.

“You are mine,” he promised in a heated breath, and Osamu let out a rushed shiver.

“I want to be…” he hushed. “This weekend, I’ll be just yours.”

Shugo didn’t want just weekends, but he didn’t say that. It would only hurt Osamu and himself. This weekend… He would make it everything Osamu had ever wanted. Oh, he couldn’t wait to hold the Omega in his arms and kiss him, claim him, love him through and through.

“When…?” he whispered hoarsely, and Osamu whispered, “He flies out… on Thursday morning. I’m taking Koichi to Atsumu’s in the evening-”

“No,” Shugo said with a shake of his head. It was too long, too much time he could be with Osamu- “Just bring Koichi to the café. We’ll hang out. Have breakfast. Go to the park.” Pretend to be a family and let ourselves believe it for a little while.

Osamu hummed softly. “Yeah,” he whispered, his smile evident. “Me, too.” I can’t wait either.

“I love you, Osamu,” Shugo stressed again, and Osamu teased, “Don’t get tired of saying it,” but there was so much vulnerability in those words.

“Never, my darling,” the Alpha promised. “As long as my heart is beating, it beats for you.”

“A poet,” breathed Osamu, but he was too breathless to make it sound like he didn’t love it. Shugo smiled.

“You should sleep,” he hushed.

“Don’t hang up,” murmured Osamu, his voice already growing heavy. “Shugo, tell me… you love me again.”

“I love you, Osamu,” hummed Shugo warmly. “I love you the most, my sweet little Omega.”

Osamu mumbled something unintelligible, and a moment later, his breathing evened out, slow, steady. Shugo dragged himself to bed after drying off, and he imagined Osamu pressed against him, breathing just like that against his chest.

Thursday was so far away.

Shugo was bursting with excitement.

Chapter Text

Atsumu moved like he was gliding over the floor, giddy at the prospect of another date. With the rising fame of his Instagram page, the offers just kept flooding in, and Atsumu was not one to refuse a free meal and a good time, especially if the one offering was handsome. He currently had about fifteen open direct messages with potential partners, one of which was the woman who had messaged him just a few days ago, but tonight’s lucky match was a wealthy businessman who had apparently simply stumbled onto Atsumu’s page by accident. If it weren’t for the fact that this man had a very professional website and a lot to lose for lying, Atsumu would be worried, but instead he felt pretty good about tonight. He was especially craving the menu of the fancy restaurant the man would be taking him to. Atsumu hummed as he tugged a pair of earrings through the holes in his earlobes, startling when the front door rushed open on the other side of the apartment. Atsumu, dressed only in a silky slip, moved out into the main part of the apartment to greet his son, stopping in surprise when two pairs of eyes looked up and met his, not just one.

Atsumu let out a laugh of surprise. “Omi-chan!”

It was hard to tell in the dim lighting of the entryway, but Atsumu could swear Kiyoomi averted his eyes, just as he felt one of the straps of his slip slide down his shoulder. He let it hang there, turning his eyes to Tetsuro. “Hi, baby!” he crooned happily, and as soon as Tetsuro had his boots off, he rushed forward and swept Atsumu up.

“Sorry I’m late,” Tetsuro murmured against his mother’s neck. “Omi and I grabbed some dinner on the way.”

“Ah, no worries! That’s perfect since I’m goin’ out tonight,” Atsumu assured gleefully as he was set down again. He peered over Tetsuro’s shoulder and then grinned.

He liked the way Kiyoomi seemed to jump out of his skin now every time Atsumu called to him; after the incident at the football game, Atsumu had almost unconsciously slipped back to calling him by his nickname, but now he did it almost solely because he liked the way Omi reacted. He still hadn’t quite figured out the expression it put on Kiyoomi’s face, but it was something between constipation and displeasure, or at least that’s what he surmised. It was easier to see Kiyoomi as his son’s stupid little friend again instead of the Alpha that had saved him, so Atsumu did it almost ritualistically now. He wasn’t about to catch feelings for a snot-nosed brat like that…

“Omi-chan, are ya stayin’ over? Tetsu-chan, ya can have my bed, then.” With a wicked grin, he turned and added, “I won’t be home~”

A tiny noise followed him, Tetsuro calling, “Another date, Momma? You’ve got all these Alphas falling at your feet now.”

“All thanks ta you, baby,” crooned the Omega as he pulled out his thick maxi dress from the closet, pressing it to his chest as he smoothed out the skirt. It was a deep navy, perfect against his softly bronzed skin, and though it was a fairly cheap dress, it looked fancy and was easy to dress up. Atsumu let his slip fall to the floor, and then he tugged the dress on, moving next to pick out a thin, long necklace that could drape between his fat tits, the front of the dress low-cut and showing off the goods. He sprayed on some perfume and applied mascara to his lashes and pale pink lipstick to his lips, and then he stood in front of the tall mirror, his hands sliding over his hips and down his thighs. Good; he looked like he’d belong on the arm of a rich businessman tonight.

Stepping out of his bedroom with a small clutch purse in hand, his lipstick, phone, and wallet stored inside, he moved towards the front entryway to tug on a pair of fur-lined wedges. Tetsuro stood waiting to help him into his long winter coat. Atsumu glanced at Kiyoomi, the Alpha trying to look busy and not like he was watching Atsumu from the corner of his eye. Turning back to Tetsuro with a grin, Atsumu pulled the Alpha down and kissed his cheek, murmuring loudly, “Ya two boys behave. I know I won’t be tonight~”

"Momma,” groaned Tetsuro, and when Atsumu looked over again, black eyes were locked on him, that same expression pinching the corners of Kiyoomi’s mouth. Atsumu giggled, and then he swept over, grabbing Kiyoomi’s face and giving his cheek a good, loud smooch.

“Omi-chan, if ya keep makin’ that face, yer gonna get wrinkles before I do~” chimed the Omega, never seeing the effect his kiss or the lipstick stain it left behind had on the Alpha. He simply waltzed back to the door and waved over his shoulder as he headed out.

“Be safe,” called Tetsuro. “Have fun.”

All Kiyoomi had to offer was a grumbled complaint. Atsumu giggled, but he quickly fell silent. Scrubbing at his nose, he wondered why he cared so much about what was going on in the head of a stupid little brat like Kiyoomi. In some ways, he was still so damn irritated at Kiyoomi, unwilling to admit that his pride had been wounded by the child. No, it wasn’t that he cared; Atsumu was just protecting himself. He was trying to stay one step ahead like he’d done his whole life. He wouldn’t admit that Kiyoomi kept catching him off guard, the Alpha too unpredictable. That was what kept Atsumu’s eye wandering back to the kid every time. He just didn’t know what Kiyoomi would do next, and he didn’t like that.

It was distracting, frustrating, irritating.

It left Atsumu scratching at an itch that just would not disappear.

Well, sex with a stranger was always a good distraction from his own rambling thoughts.

-x-

“Have a safe… trip,” Osamu called softly as he watched Daisho wheel his luggage out the side door into the garage, but he was sure the man did not hear him. Osamu had tried to make him breakfast, but Daisho had been cold and declined it immediately.

It left Osamu a little unsettled, but more so, he told himself not to be angry or bitter, and definitely not to carry those feelings into his own weekend. As soon as the door slammed shut behind Daisho, Osamu felt his whole body exhale sharply, almost like he could finally take a moment to breathe. It felt so strange that it made his fingertips tingle. He almost wanted to cry.

He wanted to see Shugo.

Osamu waited until he heard the garage door close behind Daisho’s car again, and then he ran. He rushed up the stairs, not caring how loud his steps were, running. From deep underneath his bed, he pulled out a duffel bag, and then he let out a shocked laugh, still not quite sure if this was real or not. Part of him expected Daisho to walk back in and catch him red-handed at any moment, the other part of him screaming to move faster, faster, run away. He wanted to believe that this momentary reprieve from the stifling nature of his marriage would be all he needed, but every day it was harder and harder to convince himself he was doing the right thing by staying with Daisho.

Osamu loved Shugo, and he was growing to despise Suguru.

He was rushing around, packing way too many last-minute things in his over-excitement, when a very sleepy Koichi wandered in, clutching the ear of his stuffed rabbit and rubbing at his eyes.

“Mama?” he called, and Osamu came to a halt, melting down to his knees as he waved his little boy over. The light of his life, his only sanity in this cruel house. He hugged his baby boy tight, kissing at soft grey hair and stroking calmingly at his back.

“Hi, my sweet boy. Did you sleep well? Did I wake you?”

“Mm,” murmured Koichi, nuzzling into Osamu’s neck. The Omega was thankful his son was small and light as he picked him up like that, carrying him back to his bedroom. In Koichi’s small closet sat a similar backpack, stuffed with weekend clothes and toys, which the two had stealthily packed during the day yesterday.

“Today is the day, Ko-chan,” hummed Osamu softly. “We’re going to go see Shu-chan, and then you get to hang out with your auntie and Tetsu-chan for a long weekend!”

Small hands grabbed at Osamu’s neck as he walked Koichi into his small bathroom, bright eyes staring up at the Omega as Koichi’s sleepiness fell away. Osamu rubbed at Koichi’s cheek before setting him down and then gently beginning to wipe his face clean with a washcloth. Hands grabbed at his own, and every swipe of the wet cloth revealed a giant grin. Koichi was awake now.

“Mama, I’m so excited! Auntie and Tetsu-chan said they were going to spoil me! Where is Shu-chan taking us today?”

Osamu giggled, the excitement contagious. He could finally let it show, so he beamed brightly. “It’s a surprise! Even Mama doesn’t know where Shu-chan is taking us, but first we’re going to go have breakfast at the café-”

“Pancakes!” shouted Koichi with great glee, and Osamu laughed happily. Today he would give Koichi anything he wanted. He brushed out his son’s bedhead and then held his hand as they moved back into the boy’s bedroom.

“Do you want to wear the shirt Shu-chan got you at the football game?” Osamu asked as he rifled through the closet, pulling out the cutest little teal shirt with gold bands around the arms and neck, the name of the football team emblazoned on the front with a cute little chibi of the school’s mascot on the back.

Koichi clapped his hands, not having had the chance to wear the shirt yet though Osamu had planned to explain it away as a gift from Tetsuro if Daisho asked, and Osamu picked out a pair of little jeans for Koichi to wear with it. He helped Koichi get dressed, digging out a zippered sweater to wrap the boy in, too. Warm socks were tugged on cute little feet, and then Osamu set the small backpack he’d packed with Koichi on the boy’s bed, asking if there were any other toys Koichi wanted to bring. The little boy grabbed his stuffed bunny, and then he waddled after Osamu back to the Omega’s bedroom, sitting on his mama’s large bed, swinging his legs happily as Osamu himself got ready for the day.

He had taken a shower before Daisho had left in the morning, so he undressed from his bathrobe now and stole into the bathroom with his underwear and the clothes he had picked out to wear. With a shaky, nervous laugh, Osamu pulled on the small, black lace panties and matching bralette, examining himself in the mirror’s reflection for a moment. He saw all of his flaws so clearly, but through it all, he could also see the things that Shugo had already impressed that he liked. His petit waist, his swollen chest, his small figure. Osamu stroked his hands up his slender thighs, pressing quietly at his soft belly and the stretch marks there, and then up, cupping at the breasts that had only felt functional until now. He had dreaded how nervous he would feel this morning, but right now, he was just excited. He wanted to see Shugo as soon as possible, to feel those strong arms around him and kiss those yummy lips… Osamu scolded himself with a giddy huff and then tugged on a pair of pixie-cut khakis and a black, knitted turtleneck sweater over his lingerie, fixing his hair for the hundredth time. He stared for a moment at the perfume Atsumu had bought him a few weeks ago, meant to enhance his own natural scent, but instead of spraying it on, he grabbed the bottle to stuff into his duffel bag for later.

“How does Mama look?” asked Osamu as he moved back into his bedroom, smiling softly at his son who sat so patiently. Koichi grinned a half-toothless smile, and Osamu felt blessed in that moment for all of the wonderful things he had. A beautiful son, a handsome boyfriend, a wonderful support system in Atsumu and Tetsuro. It could all be so much worse; Osamu had lived through the worst of it all for years, but now… now the other side was starting to look brighter, hope for a good future on the horizon.

Well, the future could be daydreamed about later, Osamu thought as he packed a few last things in his duffel bag, and then he took Koichi’s hand, the two heading downstairs. Osamu had cleaned up his cold eggs and bacon after Daisho had turned them down, so there was nothing left to do, nothing left in this house for now. Osamu tugged on a pair of fashionable ankle boots and grabbed a small designer bag before tugging on his plum-colored pea coat. He helped Koichi into his own little winter coat and boots, fixing soft gray bangs with a smile. He would make sure that Koichi never had to go through what Osamu had; he would make sure that from now on, Koichi could trust in his own happiness.

“Say bye to the house for the weekend,” called Osamu softly as he and Koichi headed out the door, Koichi carrying his backpack while Osamu’s duffel hung across his back. Koichi gave the house only a single glance, and Osamu locked the door with a stiff nod. It felt good to not pretend that this mansion held any fond memories for either of them. From right now until the end of the week, Osamu would live only in the moment, not thinking about Daisho or this house or anything but Shugo. Taking Koichi’s hand again, the pair silently headed out.

The walk to the train station took a bit, but Koichi was a trooper, and soon they were off the train again and rushing towards the small café near Tokyo U’s campus. It was Thursday, but the café was bustling, and Osamu worried that Shugo would be too busy working. He stepped carefully inside the warm café, the scent of sugar and coffee in the air, and he smiled first when he saw Tetsuro, and then Shugo.

Grey eyes lit up; Shugo wasn’t in his work uniform. Instead, he looked unfairly handsome in dark wash jeans and a striped long-sleeved shirt, a fancy ball cap covering his brown hair. He sat at a table near the back, and he waved Osamu and Koichi over with a wicked grin. That handsome bastard… Osamu covered his grinning mouth with a free hand and turned to Tetsuro, his nephew smiling softly.

“Shugo really had to bride the boss to get the day off today,” he hummed, grinning. Osamu’s eyes widened in a mild panic, but it was quickly overshadowed by his excitement. Tetsuro just smiled, kneeling down to give Koichi a high five. “I’ll see you later, okay, buddy? Wanna go to the park and see your friends?”

“Yeah!” Koichi exclaimed, eyes so wide they might bug out of his head, and then Tetsuro stood up again, motioning for Osamu to follow him to the table Shugo had reserved for them. The tall man stood to his feet and took Osamu’s duffel from him when they’d approached, only smiling crookedly when he felt the weight of it. He took Koichi’s bag, too, and then the trio sat down together, Shugo pulling out Osamu’s chair for him. He leaned over for a moment and smiled sweetly at the Omega, eyes flickering down to plump lips before pulling back again with a happy smile. “Hi, gorgeous,” he whispered, and Osamu flushed, leaning after the man for a moment. There would be plenty of time for much more private kisses later, though. Osamu shivered.

“Let me guess,” Shugo declared next as he turned to Koichi with a comical grin. “You want… pancakes! With extra whipped cream and fruit~”

“And hot cocoa!” Koichi chimed, and it warmed Osamu so to see how much Koichi had come to love Shugo, too. He had been a little shy at first, wary and reserved, but now… now they were the best of friends, and for that alone, Osamu could only thank Shugo. It made him think that Shugo would make a great dad… or could… Osamu flushed bright red, waving the thought away. He didn’t want to think about what his body was incapable of giving Shugo this weekend, let alone why he shouldn’t hope for things like that.

When the Alpha turned to Osamu, he composed himself and smiled. Shugo leaned over to suggest some of the new winter menu items, and Osamu inhaled in a stutter. He was so close, and he smelled so, so good. Osamu shut his eyes and let himself breathe in the scent of cardamon and patchouli for a little while. He had never before understood the obsession with an Alpha’s scent; Daisho’s had never done much for Osamu, but now… now he got it. It was blinding, really; it took him off-guard every time. Osamu found himself reaching out to grip at Shugo’s sleeve, caught up and entranced. He barely noticed the smile that spread on Shugo’s lips, only startling when fingers slipped between his own under the table.

“Osamu,” Shugo called softly, leaning his forehead closer. The Omega shivered. “Don’t look at me like that just yet,” the Alpha asked with a wry laugh. “We still have company.”

Osamu startled back, trying to figure out what expression he was making while schooling his face as best as he could. Shugo laughed quietly. When Tetsuro came by again, Shugo ordered first, Koichi next, and finally, Osamu glanced back down at the menu and made a split second decision based on his boyfriend’s recommendations. He knew that it would be good no matter what, so he picked the butternut squash soup and half croissant sandwich, as well as a hot cup of flavored earl gray tea. Tetsuro assured that the choices were popular and Osamu would like them, and then he stepped away, casting a meaningful glance towards Shugo. The Alpha let out a soft laugh and then turned to Koichi, still clutching at Osamu’s hand under the table, and the Omega wondered if Tetsuro had reminded Shugo not to spend his whole time staring at Osamu. It made him smile, and he watched happily as the two men in his life interacted with ease, Shugo seeming so genuinely interested in Koichi’s little life. They talked about the twins Koichi had made friends with and about the wild dream he’d had last night. Koichi told Shugo how excited he was to go to school in the new year, hoping that Keiko and Kentaro would be at the same school, too. It turned all the more amusing when Koichi asked about what Shugo had been up to, and the Alpha had to translate his grown-up job into something a six-year-old could understand, talking about “grown-up drinks” and telling Koichi about what a morning rush was like. Koichi just stared at Shugo, very impressed and awed, and Osamu was sure Shugo could have said anything and the little boy would have stars in his eyes. Osamu felt the same way…

By the time their breakfast came, Shugo was explaining to Koichi how different coffee drinks were made with the espresso machine, Koichi pulling faces every time the Alpha said, “super strong coffee”. Osamu had to cover his mouth with his free hand at some point to hold back a laugh, and Shugo glanced over, grinning like a love-drunk idiot. Oh, Osamu loved him… He really would make such an amazing dad…

Osamu turned to his food and quietly stole his hand back, channeling all of his attention to eating. It was as delicious as Shugo and Tetsuro had promised, and soon every thought vanished from Osamu’s head as he let himself dive into the warmth and happiness that was eating Shugo’s food. Of course, the Alpha hadn’t made it himself, but Osamu knew how involved he was with creating new menu items, and Osamu could almost feel that the hot tea had been crafted just for him, with absolute love. Being with Shugo was so easy, and Osamu gave himself over to it, knowing he didn’t have to think at all, trusting that Shugo would take care of everything.

With Koichi on a sugar high from his breakfast, Shugo took their heavy bags and said he would put them in his locker, promising the pair that he had a wonderful day planned for them. Koichi wondered aloud what it could be, listing all of his favorite things, but neither he nor Osamu were prepared when Shugo took their hands and guided them on a few short walks and a quick train ride to the front of the very big, very famous Tokyo aquarium.

Osamu’s jaw dropped slack, and Koichi jumped in the air, blinding glee on his cute little face while his mother stood awestruck. He had never, ever been to an aquarium, hadn’t even thought about it since he was little, but suddenly it was like he was five again, desperate for his parents to take him and Atsumu to go see the big fishes and whales- There had never been an aquarium near them, and by the time they’d made it to Tokyo, Osamu had tucked his childish dreams far away, lest they be stained by sadness and ruined.

“Oh,” he whispered as he stared up at the big Skytree that towered over the modern building, the front featuring posters of various marine animals. In all of his years in Tokyo, Osamu had only been to the Skytree itself once. He almost wanted to beg Shugo to take him up the tall tower, too, but he bit back the selfish request, reminding himself he was 37 years old.

Meanwhile, Koichi was barely standing still, and Shugo had to sweep the boy up so he didn’t run away, his shyness all but forgotten in the face of his sugar rush and the excitement of big tanks of giant fishes and sharks. Osamu stared at Shugo’s strong back, Koichi clutching to his shoulder, and he felt overcome with an emotion he’d never felt before. When Shugo looked back over his shoulder and smiled at the Omega, Osamu thought he might cry. What was he doing? Koichi was missing out on so much of life, and why? Because Osamu was terrified? Because Osamu couldn’t bear to make Koichi sad or worried? With a startling realization, Osamu recalled what Atsumu had told him a long time ago. Osamu’s situation would never be like Atsumu’s had been because Osamu had his brother and his nephew, and now he had Shugo. Strong, confident, self-assured Shugo, a man who had shoulders broad enough to carry the whole of Osamu’s world and all of his worries.

Seeing Koichi this happy made Osamu realize just how much his fear of leaving Daisho had held the little boy back. And yet… Osamu wondered, even if he wanted to, could he really leave his husband and face the backlash, face the anger, face his parents’ disappointment? Ah, well, it wouldn’t be the first time Osamu had let anyone down, but this time… this time, maybe he could be happy at the end of it.

One moment at a time. Even if Shugo looked perfectly capable of taking care of Koichi and Osamu, he was still only 22, and he and Osamu had only been officially dating for less than a month. Osamu knew the dangers of letting his daydreams get the best of him, so he pushed it all down and simply stored the image of Shugo with Koichi in his mind. There was plenty of time, still. Even now, Koichi could experience fun and new things without his whole world having to shift and fall apart. For now, just being with Shugo was enough.

Osamu rushed forward, and he let Shugo take his hand, the trio walking into the aquarium like a happy little family. Inside the building, it was dimly lit, walkways lined with strips of light and lit up by the reflection of the glow through the giant tanks of water. Shugo held Koichi’s hand tightly, never letting the boy wander too far, and when Koichi had his face pressed to thick glass, peering up at giant sharks and whales in wonder, that’s when Shugo would pull Osamu close and nuzzle around his cheek, gripping his hip. Staring up at Shugo was too much sometimes, Osamu full to bursting with the immense love and attraction he felt towards the first man who had ever been so good and kind to him. It was in his attentiveness and interest in Koichi and what the little boy had to say, it was in the way he would stoop down as they looked up at swimming manta rays overhead. It was in the way he would smile up at Osamu or glance over at him, in the way he held his hand or pulled him close, scenting the air softly. For how big and burly Shugo was, he was impossibly tender and sweet, a thousand times more of a man than… anyone else had ever been to Osamu.

And to think that this man loved him! How cruel and wonderful; how perfectly incomprehensible. Osamu’s cheeks ached from smiling, his heart thundering inside his chest. He felt like he was floating, leaving behind every care and worry, following only after the broad back of the man who loved him so.

They entered a dark hallway at some point, an exhibit of glowing fish and electric eels, and there, Shugo stole Osamu into a corner as Koichi stared up in awe at the dancing animals. There, finally, their lips met for the first time today. Osamu grabbed around Shugo’s neck while the Alpha pulled him closer, and he let out a tiny, weak little moan, his knees shaking.

“Shugo, Shu-”

“Ahh, sweetness, you’re scenting the place like crazy,” Shugo hushed, his big hand stroking at the small of Osamu’s back.

“I can’t help it,” whined Osamu pitifully. He clutched his arms tighter around Shugo’s neck. “You…”

“Shh,” murmured Shugo again, kissing Osamu sweetly. “Tell me later, darling. I want to hear everything you’re thinking. I can smell your brain racing,” he teased sweetly.

“Shugo, I love you,” hushed Osamu earnestly, and Shugo grabbed the back of his head, peeking at Koichi for a split second before locking greedy lips on Osamu’s. This kiss was hungry, ravenous, and Osamu gave himself over to it.

“I love you, my sweet Osamu,” breathed Shugo, almost sounding breathless. Osamu gasped, and then they pulled apart in a flash as Koichi called, “Mama! Look, those fishes are dancing!”

Shugo took Osamu’s hand as they made their way back to the little Omega’s side, and Osamu bent down and craned his head to see what his son saw. Just out of his periphery, he could see the softest look cross Shugo’s face, and he hugged Koichi to his chest, smiling. He was so happy in this moment that it felt like almost enough to wash away all of the bad. Shugo could make the two of them happy, he knew that. Osamu just had to decide in what capacity that happiness would come.

There’s time, Osamu told himself even as he felt blind with impatience, his heart racing from the anxieties that change always brought. He had to slow his brain down; he had to think clearly, and yet he felt like he never thought more clearly than when he was alone, all alone and missing Shugo. His heart had already decided, begging his head to follow. His head, though, was plagued with worries and fears his heart would never acknowledge.

When he stood up again, Shugo wrapped an arm around Osamu’s waist, and he leaned down to hush to his ear, “Shh, sweetness. It’s okay.”

Yes. It was okay. Now, in this moment, everything was okay. Osamu followed after Shugo as Koichi ran a little ahead, trusting the Alpha absolutely. The penguin exhibit was one of Osamu’s favorites, and at the end, when they reached the gift shop, Shugo bought him and Koichi a matching mama and baby stuffed penguin set.

“Wait-” Osamu fretted, but Shugo just smiled as he leaned down and kissed the Omega’s temple.

“We’ll keep them at my place. Give you both a reason to visit more often.”

Osamu flushed, but he was silent, unable to express the well of emotions that rose up. Part of him wanted nothing more, the other half terrified that he was falling too deep, that this would only hurt at the bottom, age-old fears clawing away at him. A voice that sounded liked Daisho’s whispered that he was too happy, that this wouldn’t last. Shugo was 22-! He was a fickle Alpha who had slept with so many Omegas, so why would he-

Osamu gasped aloud as he was suddenly grabbed, gentle but with enough force to shock him out of his thoughts, and then lips were crashing against his own. He knew Koichi was staring this time, but as his mind stuttered to a halt, he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Darling, please,” husked Shugo, and Osamu wondered how much his scent gave away. He shuddered, clinging to his man as he stared up with teary eyes, lip trembling. Shugo pulled him closer and kissed him again.

“Give me just a little bit longer, and I’ll wash away all of your fears, my sweet little Omega,” husked Shugo, and Osamu nodded slowly, knowing that if anything, he could trust Shugo.

“Sorry-” he tried, but Shugo silenced him with another kiss.

“Hush, Osamu.” The command was warm and soft, but it held no less power over the Omega. Osamu nodded, glad to give in to Shugo. For years, his emotions had ruled him, but now, finally, the storm quieted a little under those two words from his Alpha. Yes, Shugo was already his in that way, and Osamu had to trust that Shugo was a good man, a good Alpha.

“Come on, you two,” hummed Shugo quietly as he pulled away from Osamu and took the two Omegas’ hands. “Ko-chan, are you ready to go see your Tetsu-chan and have a good time this weekend?”

Koichi hugged his little penguin and whispered, “I’ve already had the best time.” Osamu felt his heartstrings quiver, and Shugo squeezed his hand. A reassurance. A promise.

Osamu let himself believe it was true.

-x-

Shugo was nearly bursting, but he had felt this way for long enough now to restrain himself. Still, that all seemed moot as soon as he shut the door of his little studio apartment behind him, Osamu standing just a few steps ahead, still. Shugo felt something raw and animalistic crawl up and unfurl in his gut, and he swallowed roughly. Osamu was so… gorgeous, even from behind. The khaki slacks he wore showed off his small but not insignificant rear, while the jacket he wore hugged around his waist and chest. Setting down the stuffed duffle he carried, Shugo stepped forward and helped Osamu out of his pea coat, the Omega very, very quiet. When Shugo’s hand grazed him, he jolted in surprise.

Big, grey eyes swept around the room, and Shugo leaned closer to the Omega, to his… Omega. In the small space, Osamu smelled so much sweeter, so delicious. Shugo clutched at his jeans, and then he slowly reached out and wrapped his hands around Osamu’s waist. He could still smell his boyfriend’s mind whirring, so he let Osamu take a moment to catch up, his nose to Osamu’s nape.

With a hot breath a few minutes later, Shugo hushed, “I want you.”

Osamu slowly leaned back, letting Shugo take all of his weight, and the Alpha said it again.

“I’m sorry to be impatient-” he added, but Osamu turned his face slowly up with a smile, a genuine one, though there was still a hint of fear, anxiety in his stormy grey eyes.

“You’re not the only one,” promised the Omega softly. Then, looking out the window, “It’s still day,” he hummed with a giggle.

Shugo fell in love all over again, rushing down to press a kiss to Osamu’s sweet, soft skin. “And I have learned to savor and take advantage of every moment when I am with you,” he breathed.

Osamu slowly turned in his arms, smiling softly. “We have all weekend,” he whispered, and Shugo replied instantly, “All the more reason to value every single second.

“Osamu…”

Grey eyes flicked down, soft hands sliding over strong biceps. “Shugo,” hushed the grey-haired man. “I trust you, but I am still… terrified. For all intents and purposes, you are… my first.”

Shugo chewed back a plea to not hear about Daisho, knowing that even if he didn’t want to hear about it, he couldn’t ignore the fact that this man, his Omega, was not really his, not… entirely. He leaned down, nose to Osamu’s temple, and breathed, begging, “Darling, I want you.”

Hands clutched into the collar of his shirt, and he felt Osamu’s desire as much as he smelled it. A face pressed into his neck, and Osamu roughed out, “This whole place, it smells of only you.”

“Of course,” Shugo husked, and then he asked, “Are you… surprised?”

“No,” hummed Osamu softly. “Not surprised, no. But very… very delighted.”

“Osamu, you are… the only one I see anymore-” Shugo began, but Osamu interrupted with a soft, beautiful laugh.

“I know,” he promised, pulling Shugo closer. “Believe me, I know. Even if I can’t believe it…”

Shugo paused for a moment, and then he pulled back. He nudged Osamu’s chin up. Oh, he was gorgeous, his eyes growing hazy, his face glowing with happiness. Shugo wanted to remember this forever. “Why can’t you believe it?” he whispered with a wry smile. “Sweetness, you are… breathtaking. I have been yours since the moment I saw you, and this weekend, I will prove it to you, both to your heart and your body.”

Osamu mewled ever so sweetly, nuzzling back to Shugo’s neck. Bending down, the Alpha hefted him up, carefully removing Osamu’s shoes as he pressed his nose into his nape. As much as Shugo wanted to mark this sweet man, he would be careful. Still, he couldn’t help the possessive growl that tumbled out of his throat, Osamu clutching him tighter.

As Shugo walked them deeper into the room and towards his bed, however, Osamu whispered softly, “Could I have… just a minute?”

As much as Shugo wanted to say no, he couldn’t deny his beloved anything, so he set Osamu down in the center of his small room and watched with a raging erection as the Omega fluttered around for a moment, delicate fingers coasting gently over the little knick-knacks and photos Shugo had around. His room was small, but it felt massive with the space between the two, everything in Shugo screaming for him to take this Omega. He stood stock still instead, taming his inner Alpha. Where had he put those condoms he’d bought? He would surely be knotting tonight.

When Osamu moved towards Shugo’s small bathroom, the Alpha moved and collected Osamu’s bag, bringing it to the Omega. Long lashes cast shadows over rosy cheeks, and Osamu slowly peered up, smiling as his hands pressed to Shugo’s as he took the strap of the heavy bag. “Thank you.”

The bathroom door was shut slowly, and Shugo spun, staring at his bed, at the kitchen, too antsy to think he could sit still. He moved to his bedside and pulled out the fresh pack of condoms and lube, setting them on his small bedside table. He next began pulling off his clothes, scenting the small room like crazy as his pheromones began to ramble out of control. His normal scent grew heated, a desperate edge to it that would surely arouse the Omega. In just his underwear, Shugo finally sat down and leaned back, his hard cock tenting the thin fabric, his muscles rippling under his skin. He listened carefully to every sound from the bathroom.

When the door opened again, he thought he was both ready and not ready at all. His heart rammed into his throat and everything in him tuned all attention to the slender figure that slowly walked out of the dark bathroom. Osamu wore a silk robe, delicate, with lace at the hem and sleeves, the soft fabric hugging his gorgeous body. His wider hips gave away that he had birthed a child, but Shugo found that part of him so attractive. Only Omegas could have bodies like this. Shugo sat up a little straighter, and a moment later, the overpowering curl of caramel and nutmeg crept up his nose and into his brain. It was sweeter now, much sweeter; it drove the Alpha wild, and suddenly every muscle was rippling. Shugo growled possessively as he leaned forward, attuned to only Osamu. Some kind of perfume, the Alpha thought vaguely, but it didn’t matter. It only heightened the desire he already felt.

“Fuck, Osamu,” he cursed, his voice taking on a deep, raw tone. He could see Osamu shiver as he stepped a little closer.

“I was worried,” whispered Osamu, and Shugo cursed again, stroking a punishing hand over his painful erection.

“I told you… not to be,” he growled between sharp inhales of air, Osamu’s scent only spreading deeper into his mind. Oh, he was going to lose his head, and he’d promised to be so sweet. “Osamu, this… is making me feral.”

Osamu stopped right in front of Shugo, and with one touch, one call of his name, the whole world faded into a single point, and Shugo let out a rough exhale. There was only Osamu, and yes, he could be sweet to this gorgeous being. He would be; he wanted to be. A smile pulled up Shugo’s lips, and he laughed, drawling, “Fuck… darling.”

“Shugo,” whispered Osamu. His grey eyes seemed to be shining, the sun through the window casting a halo around his head. Hands traced reverently over Shugo’s broad torso. “You are a work of art,” mused the Omega, and Shugo grinned, thinking just the same.

He reached up, and when he saw Osamu smile softly, he slipped his hands under the short robe and cupped the back of his boyfriend’s thighs. He slowly pulled it up, tugging Osamu closer. He was warm, and Shugo shivered to feel skin pressed to his own.

“Osamu,” whispered Shugo. “Can I see you, my beautiful Omega?”

He helped Osamu pull his second leg up and settle it into his lap, the smaller man nodding slowly. “Shugo,” he called in a hauntingly gorgeous voice as his hands stroked up the man’s neck and into his hair. “I want to be yours.”

With an edge of desperation, he added, “Make me yours, Shu.”

Nothing had ever felt like this before. It was like their very souls were touching. It went beyond them wanting each other; they were fated, destined. Shugo had never believed in such things, but he did now. Every breath, every touch, every uttered word resonated deep within him. He was in love, and Osamu… Osamu had been made to be his. He softly tucked back soft grey hair, and then he slipped his hands into the shoulders of Osamu’s robe and let the thing slide down, pooling over Osamu’s thighs and elbows. He wore a pretty black bralette and matching panties, but it wasn’t really that that stole Shugo’s soul right out of his body. Much more than he had hoped or imagined, Osamu was breathtakingly gorgeous. His breasts filled the small bra he wore, his skin so pale that every little flush could be seen in an instant. His waist cinched inward and then flared back out again, and Shugo let his hands slide down until they finally came to rest on pronounced hips, making that hourglass figure all the more prominent. Osamu was so, so beautiful, but it was the soft fissures of almost glittering skin across Osamu’s soft belly that made Shugo’s gut really twist, though, jealousy and something primal wrapping its fist around him. His breathing grew labored, and his scent mixed with Osamu’s to create something new, something that screamed their destined future together. Osamu was soft everywhere, and Shugo loved Osamu for that. There was no one else that could compare, really, and Shugo had made the rounds.

When he looked up again, his own eye shone with the conviction of the love he felt for this man. “Omega,” he grumbled, and Osamu keened, arching his back in response. “Omega, be mine,” begged Shugo, clutching desperately at Osamu.

“Yes, Alpha,” breathed Osamu, and the dam broke. Shugo turned them over and laid Osamu down in swift movements, leaning over his beloved as he smiled. First he would take care of Osamu, and then… then he would take what was being offered. He reached behind Osamu’s back and undid the clasp of his bra, and then he slid his hands down and hooked his thumbs into fragile panties, only stopping when Osamu let out a shy noise. Green eyes snapped up, and Shugo stared at Osamu, the Omega covering his face as his ears tipped in red.

“Osamu?” asked Shugo, but the Omega interrupted with a rushed exhale of, “I want this, I do!”

Shugo smiled. He could see how much Osamu wanted this, and he let the Omega know by brushing the pad of his thumb over the small erection inside black lace. Osamu gasped sharply, back arching. He was so sensitive, and it really was like… he’d never been touched before. Shugo felt a flash of anger and then raw possessiveness steal over him. Yes, good. You are all mine, Osamu. The heights I will take you to will be land I claim, only mine.

“Osamu,” called the Alpha, his voice low and gravely but his tone kind, as kind as he could be when he was throbbing with need. “Darling, let me have you,” he asked. “Let me see you.”

Slowly, Osamu let his hands fall away, a swallow his only answer. This time when Shugo began to tug at his panties, Osamu did not object. The wetted fabric clung for a moment longer to Osamu’s honey pot, but then it pulled away, and the Omega gasped as cool air graced his crotch and cock. Oh, he was pretty even here. Shugo breathed out as much, and Osamu moaned as he flared red. With a soft kiss to the Omega’s knee, Shugo tossed the panties away, and then he drank in his fill. Osamu had pretty dark nipples, adorably pudgy things sitting atop mountainous little breasts. From this angle, Shugo could see every softness of Osamu’s, every little bit of extra fat that made him so perfect to hold and touch. Tiny love handles and a squishy tummy fissured by those pretty stretch marks that declared him fertile. Shugo leaned down when he noticed Osamu’s anxieties begin to rise again, and he kissed softly at fluttering ribs, at Osamu’s rising and falling tummy.

“I wish I could describe how beautiful you are,” breathed Shugo, lost in Osamu’s hypnotic scent and the feel of him. He kissed down past Osamu’s belly button and over his hip bone, purring. Between pretty little thighs, Osamu’s cute cock trembled, and the Omega tried to close his legs, but Shugo was stronger, and this time, he wouldn’t let Osamu shy away. He closed his whole mouth around Osamu’s length and greedily ate up the scream that tore through his room as hands scrambled to grab at his hair. Some Alphas ignored Omegas’ cocks because they were small, but Shugo had always liked that he could fit them whole in his mouth and lick them until they spilled from both sides. There was nothing like the soft weight and warmth of an Omega on his tongue, and yet Osamu topped every experience Shugo had ever had. He swore he could taste caramel and nutmeg here, Osamu’s scent so thick that it felt tangible on his tongue. Shugo almost cruelly suckled Osamu to his first orgasm, drawing it out of him with a greedy smile. He swallowed and then pulled up, staring at grey eyes misty with desire and climax, Osamu’s face lax and pink. Perfect. Beautiful. Shugo slowly pressed two fingers inside his beloved, watching greedily as grey eyes snapped wide and Osamu choked. Oh, he felt incredible, wet, hot, walls squeezing down, and Shugo nearly went mad imagining what that would feel like around his cock. How had that rotten Alpha not fallen in love merely from this?

Shugo could do nothing but thank the damn idiot; now Osamu would be his. Shugo felt feral with the thought, his inner Alpha roaring to conquer.

Kissing at Osamu’s knee, he roughed out, “Osamu, fuck, you feel perfect. Two fingers and you’re already so tight. I have to stretch you well so you can take me.” He didn’t want to brag, but he was certain he was bigger than anything else Osamu had ever taken. Scraping out Osamu’s slick, Shugo reached with a shaky hand for his clothed cock, wrenching it out. He pressed it to Osamu’s wet pussy and just let the other feel it: the weight and heat of it. Osamu gasped, choking on a glob of spit. When he tried to sit up, Shugo grabbed him, rocking his hips forward so grey eyes could catch a glimpse. Fuck, Shugo’s cock looked so good buried in the soft mound of Osamu’s crotch. The little patch of grey hairs at the base of his small cock was all the hair there was, and Shugo let out a raw groan. Osamu was so soft, even here. Shugo sank down and then rocked his hips up again.

“I don’t know- Can I… take that?” were Osamu’s first words at seeing Shugo in all of his glory, and the Alpha could do nothing but grin down at his monster cock, pride making his skin flush hot.

“Osamu, I want you to,” he growled, still desperate to be sweet. Shugo slowly looked up and smiled. Reaching forward, he stroked at Osamu’s red cheek until grey eyes met his own. “I’m not going to lie,” he gruffed out, low and pleasant. “Knowing I’m bigger than him…”

Osamu shivered for a moment, but then his gaze was back, heated. “Shugo,” he called, his voice dripping with honey, with desire; everything inside Shugo called to this Omega. He stroked his too-rough finger pads over sinfully soft skin, and Osamu leaned into it, smiling almost coyly now. Shugo coughed in slight surprise.

“Shugo,” Osamu called again, his voice soft and doing brand new things to the Alpha. “You are better than him in every single way.” A pink tongue lolled out, and as Osamu turned his head this time, calloused fingers slipped over soft, plump lips, and he licked the salt off two of Shugo’s digits. The Alpha let out a surprised roar, shaking. He collapsed forward on his other hand, staring at his beloved. He didn’t want to hear about Osamu’s husband, but part of him, his pride, was reveling in the words Osamu said. He just watched Osamu suckle at his fingers for a while, and he realized after a moment that Osamu must be tasting himself, too. A spark went off in Shugo’s brain, and he leaned closer, his pectorals pressing to the soft mounds of the Omega’s breasts. Osamu glanced up with heated eyes and shivered.

“Osamu,” breathed the Alpha, his other hand coming forward to stroke lovingly at Osamu’s cheek as he leaned on his elbows. “Do we taste good?”

A smile played on Osamu’s lips, a saccharine purr coming out. “Shu-go-” muffled Osamu around two fingers. He turned his face, his tongue still out, an invite as grey eyes stared at Shugo’s lips. It made the Alpha wonder if he wanted to be inside that pretty little mouth first or the pussy that was sopping wet against his cock.

He sweetly kissed Osamu, and then he asked, “My darling, what do you want?”

Osamu blinked for a moment, like he’d never been asked, and then he gasped as Shugo rocked his hips slowly, the full press of his cock sliding against Osamu’s wetness. The Alpha let out a rumbling growl of appreciation. “Sweetness, you’re so wet. I want to make you feel even better. Tell me what you want.”

“Shugo,” Osamu called in surprise, still trying to re-center himself as he slowly let his eyes flick back up to meet his Alpha’s green. Pupils were overblown, black eating mossy green, and Osamu gasped again. Slowly Shugo sat up again, and his hands began to explore supple skin, teasing gently at plush nipples, squeezing softly at fat breasts. He let out a shaky exhale, his cock kicking wildly. He wasn’t going to do anything until Osamu instructed him. Osamu inhaled sharply, and then a single, fat tear slid down across his temple, into his hair. “Is this real?” he begged wetly. “Can I really… choose? To have you? You’ll really be mine?”

“Darling, I have been yours for a long while now; I feel like I was made for you, like destiny. Don’t you feel that?”

Osamu inhaled shakily, nodding quickly. More tears fell, and he let out a quiet sob. It tore at Shugo, and he helped Osamu sit up, helped him into his lap. Hands pressed to his chest, and Shugo held his Omega, kissing softly at lips that turned salty, licking away tears.

“Osamu. Sweetness. Tell me what you want; anything, and I will give it to you.” There it was again, Osamu’s mind churning. His eyes flicked this way and that, nervous. Shugo reminded him of his desire by shifting his hips, and Osamu inhaled sharply once more. “I want to know what is going on in that pretty little head of yours,” hushed Shugo to plush lips, “but first, let’s not think and just do what we want. Right? That’s what this weekend is about.”

Osamu breathed in and out slowly, once, twice. By the third time, his eyes roamed back up, and he hummed softly, fingers spreading against Shugo’s chest. “I’ve never been this close to an Alpha before,” he husked, smiling wryly. Shugo kissed him until his smile turned sweeter. Reaching over to his bedside table, he grabbed a condom and held it out for Osamu.

“Let me worry about being careful,” promised the Alpha, “and you just focus on feeling good, okay? Now tell me… what do you want, Omega?”

Osamu’s whole body shook with his next inhale, and then he grabbed at Shugo’s broad shoulders, purring slow and sweet as he gave an experimental roll of his hips. He licked at his rosy lips and then, like magic, husked the words, “Sorry to rush, but I want you… inside.”

“It’s no rush,”’promised Shugo with a crooked smile. He lipped at Osamu’s jaw. “Have you ever put a condom on?”

Osamu’s eyes darted down between them. “On… you?” he asked, and Shugo exhaled roughly just at the very thought that Osamu might touch him, might… want to. Grey eyes snapped back up, and Osamu’s lips wobbled with excitement, stirring Shugo up. Raw current rippled through him. “Can I?” breathed Osamu, and Shugo begged, rushed, “Please. Touch me. With your pretty little hands and your sweet little- Ahn!”

Shugo’s eyes snapped wide, and then he melted, his body shaking. Fuck, he’d almost spilled just then. Osamu’s hands were soft, so soft, his palms a little squishy like the rest of him, and Shugo groaned long and low as his forehead fell to the Omega’s shoulder. A rush of caramel and nutmeg intoxicated him, Osamu’s hands inexperienced as they slowly stroked up and down, feeling Shugo. He used both to wrap around the Alpha, breathing growing heavy again. With shaking hands, Shugo handed over the opened condom, and Osamu slowly pulled it out, examining it and Shugo. Fuck… Shugo let out another raw shiver.

“Pinch… the tip there,” he instructed, trying to get air in his lungs. His eyes crossed every time Osamu squeezed him a little tighter. “Yes- Press it to the head and slowly roll it down.”

Osamu swiped his thumb over Shugo’s slit, a thick string of pre-cum pulling away with his finger. Shugo could hear Osamu swallow roughly. He kissed at the Omega’s neck, just beside his swollen scent gland. It wasn’t anything like during his heat, he imagined, but it was enough to look a little uncomfortable, enough to make Shugo’s head spin. When he licked at it, Osamu whined cutely, making the Alpha smile. He cupped Osamu’s hips and held him as he kissed softly along his skin, down his shoulder and up under his jaw, behind his ear and to his chin. Osamu slowly rolled the condom down, nervous, but Shugo just drank in the feeling.

When the condom was situated, Shugo and Osamu let out a breath together, and their heads snapped up, eyes meeting. The Alpha smiled.

“Now, Osamu… Tell your Alpha what you want.”

Grey eyes sparked with light, and Osamu’s lips pulled up in happy surprise as he let himself be selfish. He leaned close, soft lips to the shell of Shugo’s ear; even his breathing was sending Shugo. “Fuck me, Alpha,” whispered Osamu, and Shugo growled, pleased. He helped Osamu raise his hips, and then he grabbed ahold of himself, his cock twitching and pulsing. He honestly wasn’t sure he’d ever been this hard and big before. He kissed Osamu’s nape and said as much. Fingers flexed against his strong shoulders, and he couldn’t help but smile as Osamu whispered his name, lost in desire.

Slowly, slowly, Shugo pressed his aching head to Osamu’s wetness, the softness easily giving way to him. He took it slow even as he felt every vein in his body throb, but it was worth it just to stare up at Osamu’s face and see his expressions change as he felt, really felt an Alpha for the first time.

“This is what you deserve,” growled Shugo lasciviously. Long grey lashes fluttered, and Osamu’s breathing grew choppy, hips quaking against Shugo’s palms as he sank a little lower with every second that passed. It was slow, almost excruciating if it wasn’t for the fact that Shugo had been dreaming about this moment for months. He didn’t mind savoring it when Osamu’s reactions were so good. Damn, Shugo had never felt so proud, his chest puffed up, his head swirling, grin feral. When one of his hands slipped to Osamu’s shaft, the Omega gasped. He’d gone a little soft, which meant he was fighting through some pain.

“Osamu-” Shugo grunted, slowing the Omega’s hips. He could feel Osamu fighting him, and he almost let go before tightening his hold. “I’m not going anywhere, so slow down.”

“No-!” shouted Osamu, and in that single word was all of his desperation, all of his worries, everything- Shugo rushed up and locked his mouth over his beloved’s, licking at plump lips and then into Osamu’s mouth. A shy tongue met him halfway, and Osamu let out a shaky moan. Shugo slowly began to stroke Osamu back to life. Most Alphas might ignore it; an Omega’s cock didn’t need to be hard, but wasn’t the whole point that they both enjoy this? Shugo groaned as he felt Osamu squeeze down and tremble around him, only a few inches deep but already so damn good. He was tight, crazy tight, and Shugo could imagine the pressure Osamu was feeling.

“Shh,” he soothed as he licked at the roof of Osamu’s mouth until his jaw went slack, pulling their chests together. “I’m not going anywhere, my love. This is as much about my pleasure as yours, so tell me if it hurts.”

“It’s not- bad,” gasped Osamu, but Shugo just kissed him again.

“Shh,” he husked, and then he very gently and very slowly lowered Osamu down to the bed, taking over control. His own thread of sanity was thin and close to snapping, but at least he wasn’t trying to stubbornly fight against an Alpha’s hold despite his pain. He stroked at Osamu’s thighs, at his belly, just drinking the other in. There was still a lot of him left to go, but Osamu already looked so good, speared on Shugo’s shaft. He couldn’t keep the grin off his face.

“Oh, darling, look at you,” he murmured, fierce and deep like a lion. Osamu mewled, trying to both hide and shift his hips down, but Shugo let him do neither. As he stroked at Osamu’s pretty little cock, he pressed a little deeper. His head went light every time the Omega’s pussy warbled around him; even with the condom- shit, if he didn’t have the damn thing on, he’d be a goner for sure. One day… For now, he just didn’t want to look like a one-pump-chump; he knew how aware of their age gap Osamu already was. Shugo just wanted to be good, no, great.

Osamu whimpered softly, and Shugo stroked at his hip with his other hand. “You look so good like this,” swore the Alpha. “Fuck, Osamu, you’re gorgeous… really.”

“Shugo,” whimpered Osamu, his voice slowly coloring with warmth as Shugo’s words began to sink in and take hold. “Shugo… Alpha.”

Green eyes flicked up. “I’m here, darling. You feel me? I’m sorry; I’ve never been this big before, and it’s your first time-”

Osamu inhaled sharply, and then he let out a purr that had Shugo pitching forward, desperate to be inside before he regained control again. Osamu gasped, more tears coming, but this time he was smiling, his cock still hard. He mewled as Shugo stroked him. “I can feel you,” mewled the Omega. “Give me more, Alpha,” he husked.

Shugo swallowed roughly. He shifted on his knees and then slowly pushed forward, his hand jerking at Osamu’s cock the whole time. He had to shut his eyes at one point, so much tightness and wetness- it was almost too much to watch Osamu take him so well, so tight and yet opening up for him. Shugo’s breathing grew heavy, and the room filled with his pheromones.

“Alpha!” begged Osamu, reaching up at some point. There was too much space between them, and Shugo sank down, Osamu accepting his weight eagerly. “Mm~” he moaned sweetly, his pussy squeezing down in delight. Shugo chewed back a violent curse. It was so good.

“Osamu,” he purred, his voice almost unrecognizable now, and yet Osamu knew this was his man; he keened happily, shuffling his hips down.

“Come, Alpha,” he hummed, tempting like the devil. Shugo pressed in a little faster. “Oh~ Shugo, you’re so-”

The Alpha gasped, panting. “So what?” he commanded, voice like rough gravel. Osamu keened long and low.

“So… thick… and long,” he breathed, warm honey dripping from every word. Shugo licked at Osamu’s lips wildly like he might be able to taste it there. Ah, the Omega was so sweet. Shugo licked deeper into his mouth, pulling out sounds Osamu had maybe never heard himself make. Shugo began to lose his grip on himself, his hips pushing up faster and faster. Osamu, though, never went limp again, only begging for more. A hand slipped into Shugo’s hair and deepened their kiss, and with that, Shugo seated himself flush. His cock head kissed something tight and stiff, and Osamu gasped, his whole body going rigid for a moment. Shugo would have to pull out a little before he started fucking his sweet little minx, but for now, this was bliss. He slipped one arm around Osamu’s hips and delved into a deep, messy kiss.

“Fuck, you feel so… so good, Osamu. You’re the best, absolutely the best,” swore the Alpha when he pulled up for air. Shugo kissed at Osamu’s neck, at his scent gland in between breathy promises to not mark him, not yet. Even if it would fade after about a month considering neither of them were in heat, the mark would last too long to be hidden. Even so, Shugo felt his teeth ache. He kissed Osamu more firmly, growling low and deep in his throat. “Omega, who do you belong to?” he murmured, possession drowning out common sense. Osamu shivered and mewled.

Soft hands pressed to Shugo’s face, and slowly the two pulled apart, just enough to look at each other. Osamu smiled softly, stroking at Shugo’s parted lips, at his fangs. After a long moment, he hushed ever so quietly like the walls had ears, “You don’t know… how much I want to be yours.”

Shugo swallowed roughly, and despite his better rationale, he huffed, “Then be mine.”

Osamu just smiled, but the melancholy from before was gone. It was a genuine smile. “I’m so happy that you want me,” whispered Osamu earnestly. “No one… has ever wanted me. Shugo, in so many ways, you are my first.”

Shugo growled, and he knew that was enough for now. He kissed at Osamu’s thumb pad and then at his lips. Good things took time, and Shugo could be surprisingly patient.

“Osamu, you are everything,” he husked. “Just… stay.”

The Omega shivered, a soft mewl melting into Shugo’s mouth as they kissed again, and then slowly, Shugo pulled out a little, his hips moving carefully as he began to fuck his beloved.

“Osamu, I love you,” he promised. “I am so in love with you.”

He could taste the tears, but he didn’t stop. Osamu was still achingly hard, and he was gasping in pleasure. “Shu-go- love- you-!”

“Osamu, I’ll be good to you. I’ll show you how an Alpha should treat you. Darling, let me spoil you forever.”

“Shugo~” moaned Osamu, and slowly the thin thread of sanity began to shred and snap, Shugo’s hips going faster, faster. When Osamu’s moans started going high and breathless, he knew he’d found nirvana for the Omega, and it filled his chest with pride. He sat up on his hands, giving his all to every thrust, angling it just right, dragging it in and out in elaborate rolls. A thin sheen of sweat made Osamu’s skin sparkle, and Shugo thought him to be the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld.

“Beautiful… Gorgeous,” he grumbled, a man possessed. Grey eyes met his own and then rolled back, like Osamu was desperate to look, too, but finding it hard to concentrate in the waves of pleasure. His back arched up, toes curling violently into rumpled sheets, and Shugo grabbed at that cute little cock of his as it trembled, so close- Osamu screamed and then came, his whole body jerking as Shugo rubbed him through it. He knew he could milk so much more out of Osamu; Omegas didn’t tire the way Alphas did, even outside of their heat. Shugo licked at his lips at the thought of one day experiencing Osamu in heat, all the more wanton and sweet and spoilable.

“Omega, Omega, I’m going to ruin you for anyone else. I’ll spoil you rotten, my sweetness. I’ll give you everything you want, so tell me.”

“Shugo,” begged Osamu, his voice so pretty and strung out. He shivered, a little sensitive but not shying away. His pussy still clenched and warbled around Shugo’s fat shaft, the waves of his orgasm slow to fade.

“Yes, my darling,” purred the big man. Osamu cracked his eyes open, and then he smiled, a crooked, goofy thing.

“Oh, Shugo,” mewled Osamu.

“Yes, Omega~”

Osamu slowly reached up, and to Shugo’s surprise, pushed them both gently back to sitting. Shugo pulled Osamu close, careful to slowly lower his hips. When he pulled back, Osamu’s expression was shy, cheeks flushed. Shugo kissed him, overwhelmed.

“If I could only describe how much I love you,” he murmured, and Osamu tightened his hold around Shugo’s neck.

“Shugo,” he whispered, leaning closer. “Will you… re-write every inch of me?”

The words caught Shugo off-guard, his brain too sluggish with pleasure to understand for a moment. He pulled Osamu closer on instinct, letting him sink down until he gasped softly. “Osamu…” he whispered, his brows knitting.

“Overwrite every other memory until there’s only you,” begged Osamu.

Shugo gasped sharply, and then he peered up at Osamu, their eyes locking. He stroked at a soft, round bottom, just drinking Osamu in. “I will,” he promised slowly. “But that means… you’ll only crave me…”

Osamu nodded slowly. He traced invisible patterns over Shugo’s chest. “Yes,” he breathed, his hips slowly beginning to rise and fall. Shugo chewed back a groan, unwilling to drown out any of Osamu’s words.

“Osamu… Can I take this to mean that you want me to make you mine?”

Osamu shivered. “I told you… I want to be.”

“And you will be,” Shugo promised in a low voice. “Osamu, I’m not letting you go.”

“Don’t,” begged Osamu as he clung to Shugo. “Don’t let me go.”

“Ever,” swore Shugo, and Osamu sobbed.

“Are you… really sure?” he whispered, his face hiding in Shugo’s neck. “With this, you’ll never let me go? You’ll never leave me?”

“Osamu, since the beginning… Darling, I’ve known I wouldn’t be able to let you go for a while. Osamu, to me, I am already only yours.”

Another sob let loose, and tears wet Shugo’s shoulder. He held Osamu close and rocked his body, kissing his skin as he overwrote every bad memory, every way he’d been mistreated, every way he’d been neglected. Slowly, slowly, Shugo would overwrite everything outside of bed, too. He would shower Osamu with love and affection, treat him kindly, speak sweetly. He would tell Osamu often that he loved him and share his feelings. He wouldn’t hold onto anger but work through it with the Omega. He wouldn’t let anything drive a wedge between them, anything or anyone.

“Osamu, be mine,” Shugo begged. “I’ll protect you. I’ll fight for you. Whatever you want, I am at your beck and call. I will be your knight, your guard dog, your most loyal companion. Osamu, believe me-”

“I do-” sobbed Osamu. “I do, and it scares me.”

Shugo kissed at a swollen scent gland, making Osamu whine with desperation. To be unmarked for so long… How much did Osamu want to be claimed, almost to the point of insanity? Right now, he probably wasn’t thinking very clearly; right now, Shugo could make Osamu do or say anything, and he could do or say anything, too, but Shugo wouldn’t, couldn’t. He wasn’t going to be like that other Alpha. He was going to be an Alpha Osamu deserved, a good one. A great one. He gripped tighter at Osamu’s hips and whispered, desperate, “Osamu, I’m going to cum.”

He wanted to breed this Omega. He wanted babies, a family, to belong just as much as Osamu did. Every instinct that made him an Alpha awakened inside of him, and Shugo knew that Osamu was meant to be his. Even if he had to spend his whole life chasing after another man’s wife… Osamu’s heart was his, and Osamu, for all intents and purposes, would always be Shugo’s. He lipped at Osamu’s neck, a promise to one day make Osamu physically his, but for now, their soul bond and heart ties would have to make do.

Osamu cried as Shugo spilled inside him, as he came against the man’s belly, rocking against his abs. He clung to the Alpha’s neck, crying his heart out as Shugo whispered his undying love to the man who deserved it so, so much.

“I will prove myself worthy,” promised the Alpha quietly as he stroked at Osamu’s back. “I will be the man you deserve, Osamu, no matter what it takes.”

“Shugo, I don’t… deserve…” whimpered Osamu, his words fading off. Shugo was about to refute it when he felt Osamu go limp, soft, slow breathing telling him the Omega had succumbed to sleep.

The feeling smacked Shugo upside the head, and he sank his head down, giving in to the knowledge that he would forever be chasing after Osamu; even if Osamu changed his mind, even if Osamu decided never to leave his husband, Shugo would forever love this Omega. His own tears came now that Osamu couldn’t see him, and he let them fall in silence, holding the man who was his whole world in his arms. Ah, who would have thought his world could be so small and fragile? Shugo smiled wryly. He wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything else.

Still inside Osamu, he slowly laid down with the Omega on his chest, pulling blankets over them. Osamu was weighty, but Shugo needed to feel tethered in this moment. He stared up at the ceiling and rubbed his moist eyes. This was so damn hard, but Shugo would never regret falling for the Omega. He would never regret a single minute of their time. He stroked over soft ass cheeks, down slender thighs. He traced the knobs of Osamu’s spine, mapping the soft curves of his supple body. Osamu didn’t even know how beautiful he was, but Shugo would teach him.

“I’ll love you forever,” he whispered softly, grey hair rustling under his breath. “I’ll always be yours, Osamu Miya.”

-x-

It was starting to feel more like a twisted addiction than anything pure, and yet Kiyoomi had never felt so stubborn. He was only thankful that Tetsuro was a good enough friend to not get annoyed by Kiyoomi constantly inviting himself over. He felt like he was going crazy; Atsumu had a knife in him that gutted him with every smell of his scent, every call of, “Omi-kun~”, and every touch and teasing caress. He almost felt like the Omega was gleefully twisting the knife on purpose sometimes, and yet Kiyoomi was coming to like the feeling. Like an addict, as long as it meant that he could be close to Atsumu, could hear his voice and make sure he was okay- Kiyoomi could feel hopelessness nipping at his toes every time Atsumu went out on another date, every time he smirked at Kiyoomi like he just liked to torture his son’s little friend, but he had become so damn… infatuated that it hardly mattered anymore. There had been the denial and then the running away, but now there was only acceptance. Kiyoomi was in love with Atsumu Miya, and so he would always be, maybe even until he died. So why not torture himself a little in the process? Kiyoomi had nothing better to do with these damn feelings of his anyways; he certainly wasn’t going to get them past his throat and out of his mouth anytime soon.

Sometimes he thought that, more than confessing to Atsumu himself, it was telling Tetsuro how he felt that terrified him. He could probably confess to Atsumu every single day of his life and still choke in front of his friend. He was terrified not only of rejection from the object of his affections, but anger and dismissal from the only friend he had.

“Tetsu-chan!” chimed a gleeful voice, pulling Kiyoomi sharply out of his spiraling thoughts. The apartment smelled of Atsumu, and it pressed into his nose and senses again as he focused on the room around him. He was glad to see that Koichi was warming up to his presence, though maybe that was mostly because Kiyoomi had chosen silence instead of interacting with the shy but playful child. He could see a little bit of Atsumu’s easy joy in life in the little boy’s narrow eyes, and though he probably looked more like his own mother than his aunt, Kiyoomi was having a hard time not imagining Atsumu carrying the baby for nine months and giving birth. Was this just the next step in his wild love for the Omega; now he was imagining Atsumu pregnant, glowing with life?

Get a hold of yourself. Before you ever got to the part where you could impregnate the Omega, you’d first have to make your intentions very clear. That wasn’t happening any time soon, so Kiyoomi stuffed his torturous desire down, swallowing the bitter pill that was his life these days. Tetsuro was good with the boy, too, Koichi laughing up a storm and delighting in his cousin’s company, and Kiyoomi wished he had half of the charisma of Miya and co. They looked like they were scheming together, Koichi in Tetsuro’s lap and a book opened up in front of them.

Kiyoomi laid his head back on the sofa and asked Tetsuro with absolutely no segue, “Tetsuro, do you want to have kids?”

Golden eyes met Kiyoomi’s, and the other Alpha laughed. “What, think I’d be a good dad?” He tickled Koichi, who giggled in delight.

“You know you would be,” replied Kiyoomi with a roll of his eyes. “No, I just wondered… if Alphas felt that desire the same way Omegas do.”

Tetsuro laughed at first, but then he answered quite honestly, “I think us Alphas only start thinking about that stuff once we find someone we’d want to have kids with. I mean, Omegas want to nurture and care for things, but for us Alphas, we only feel that urge once we fall in love, right? Until then, it’s just a lot of showing off and being bull-headed about stupid crap.”

“What does that mean?” grumbled Kiyoomi. “You always seemed more inclined towards nurturing and caring than dumb machismo stuff,” he huffed, and Tetsuro grinned, playing a hand clap game with Koichi now.

“Ah, you can thank my momma for that,” Tetsuro grinned. “But then again, maybe some of us are just nicer than others.” An elbow to the ribs made Kiyoomi groan, though it was more at the glib remark than the actual impact to his chest. He glared at Tetsuro, the Alpha laughing. “Don’t tell me you’re feeling fatherly lately, Omi,” chimed Tetsuro.

Kiyoomi groaned again.

“Right. I feel like hell would freeze over before you ever thought about impregnating anyone,” teased Tetsuro, and Kiyoomi supposed he was thankful for his stiff face and lack of expressions; it meant Tetsuro didn’t know how wrong he was. Tetsuro covered Koichi’s ears before looking over and whispering in a mockery of wide-eyed horror, “Omi-Omi, you do know how babies are made, right?”

This time, Kiyoomi elbowed Tetsuro in the ribs, and the Alpha fell sideways, good-humored as he laughed, Koichi cluelessly giggling with him. Tetsuro was about to make another retort when the front door burst open and a voice that sent heated shivers down Kiyoomi’s spine called, “Where’s my favorite little nephew?!”

Koichi was up and sprinting for the door in a moment, and Kiyoomi watched Atsumu lean forward and sweep the little Omega up in his arms, grinning from ear to ear. No, it definitely didn’t do anything to Kiyoomi to see that. He resolutely stiffened his face and sighed slowly.

Golden eyes turned up and Atsumu was grinning a moment later, something hot prickling over Kiyoomi’s skin in anticipation of the, “Well, hi there, Omi-kun~!

“Ya’ve been over here so much lately; are ya runnin’ away from home or somethin’?” Atsumu giggled at his own joke.

"Momma, be nice,” teased Tetsuro like he wasn’t the one who had just been laying into Kiyoomi himself. The pair laughed at the joke, and Kiyoomi shut his eyes to hide the way they rolled. The ribbing ran in the family, and honestly, Kiyoomi supposed he should have foreseen himself liking it from the moment he befriended Tetsuro. No wonder he was torturing himself like this now; masochism in Alphas wasn’t unheard of, but Kiyoomi still considered himself a marvel of his kind. Oh, his parents would fall over dead if they only knew who Kiyoomi pictured as his ideal mate.

Bossy, stubborn, a male Omega who sometimes behaved like anything but, and yet Kiyoomi found him fascinating, beautiful, captivating. Yes, Atsumu was frustrating, and yes, Kiyoomi was more likely to wring his neck than want to kiss him most of the time, but that was just it, wasn’t it? Kiyoomi still wanted to kiss him… a lot. He wanted to do a lot of things to Atsumu, actually, the least of which was pressing his lips hungrily to that plump, snarky little mouth. The Alpha groaned slowly and quietly, and then he turned his head again, just as Atsumu was saying, “Well, me and my little man here will go on a date and leave ya boys to yer devices, then.”

No, wait, thought Kiyoomi’s slow mind, but it was Tetsuro who said, “Why don’t all four of us just go out? Momma, you can’t hog the handsome Koichi all to yourself this weekend-”

“I so can! Us Omegas need our bondin’ time, isn’t that right, Ko-chan?”

In a betrayal of the ages, Koichi glanced over at Tetsuro and then at Kiyoomi, and he hushed, “But, Auntie, I want to hang out with Tetsu-chan and his friend, too.”

Atsumu sank to his haunches and pretended to be fatally wounded, and Kiyoomi felt something cold grip around his throat, a glob of spit getting stuck halfway down his esophagus. What the hell was this, then? He watched Koichi hug his aunt, soothing the wounded Omega while Tetsuro grinned, looking proudly on. He watched Atsumu wrap his arms around Koichi and then sweep the little boy up, kissing him all over his face with bubbling laughter. Oh, this was dangerous; Kiyoomi couldn’t tear his eyes away from the light in Atsumu’s golden eyes, his blinding smile. He was so totally screwed that he barely recognized his own plight anymore. His lips were pulling up weird in the corners.

“Fine,” huffed Atsumu. “Where should we go, then? Ko-chan, what would ya like Tetsu-chan ta treat us to?”

“Pizza!” decried the little Omega, and while Tetsuro groaned, Atsumu delighted. He grabbed at his son’s broad shoulders, Koichi still in his arms, and then he kissed Tetsuro on the cheek, giggling. It made Kiyoomi feel a very raw sort of way, seeing the easy affections Atsumu doled out to those he loved. Atsumu, who looked so good with a kid on his hip, who was a rough-around-the-edges Omega and yet every bit as motherly and caring as any other of his sub-gender. Kiyoomi slowly stood to his feet, and golden eyes flicked over, meeting his own. Atsumu just giggled and then turned back to the door, setting Koichi down with a teasing complaint that the boy was getting so big and that Atsumu was getting too old.

You don’t look a day over 25, Atsumu, Kiyoomi thought with a pained little grimace. You’re so beautiful… He stepped into the hallway, and Atsumu glanced over his shoulder, grinning, winking.

“Omi-kun, are ya gonna treat me again, or did I scare ya off last time?”

“No, I can…” murmured Kiyoomi quickly but too quietly, Tetsuro enthusiastically calling over him, “Nonsense, Momma. Ko-chan and you both decided that I should pay! Don’t steal this honor from me as an Alpha!”

Kiyoomi just sighed and grabbed his jacket, the last out the door as Tetsuro turned to lock it. He trudged after his friend with a strange sort of unsubsiding desire blooming in his chest as he watched Atsumu hold Koichi’s little hand, fussing over him, fixing his shoe laces and then his jacket, mussing his hair and then gently combing it out again. Kiyoomi felt like he was seeing a glimpse into the past, Atsumu twenty-something again and fussing over Tetsuro. If Kiyoomi had met Atsumu then, would he have stood a better chance or would Atsumu have been too wrapped up in his little boy? Well, it wasn’t like Atsumu wasn’t still very wrapped up in Tetsuro, evidenced by the way he curled his arm around his son’s and leaned into him. Kiyoomi trailed behind, both strangely happy and constantly frustrated.

He wondered when he’d gotten used to feeling like this.

The pizza place the trio had picked out was a casual shop with only a few small booths, the heat from the kitchen making everyone instantly shed their coats. Kiyoomi hesitated a moment too long in choosing which seat to take when they picked their table to sit at, meaning he ended up squished against the wall next to Tetsuro, Atsumu right across from him. The Omega fussed some more over Koichi, and Kiyoomi had to actually find something else to look at when Atsumu started placing kisses on the boy’s forehead and cheeks, asking him things in a too-sweet voice like, “Didya have a good day with Mama and Shu-chan? And Tetsu-chan and Omi-kun? Me an’ ya are gonna have lots of fun, too, ya hear me?”

Koichi just nodded, grinning from ear to ear and happy, so happy, and Kiyoomi wondered mildly if he would have turned out to not be such a cold bastard with these weird emotional issues if his own mother had just kissed his face or ruffled his hair a little more as a child. That brought him down a strange path of imagining Atsumu as his mother, and he quickly shook his head, ending that train of thought very decisively. He had a complex, he got it, but he wasn’t the only one here. Unfortunately, his mother complex had done more harm than good, unlike the others’, but Kiyoomi reminded himself that he couldn’t blame everything on his parents. He had to start taking some damn responsibility for himself if he wanted to be any sort of man worthy of Atsumu, or any Omega at all.

Not to Kiyoomi’s surprise, it was Koichi who got to pick what kind of pizza they ordered, but the Alpha found that he didn’t mind the way the two spoiled their family, thinking it was a good sign. The contrast between their families was so stark that Kiyoomi found himself just staring at times, bemused by Atsumu’s antics or Tetsuro’s over-reaching concern.

“Omi-kun, darlin’, yer pizza is gonna get cold,” Atsumu said with a crooked smirk at some point, and black orbs turned to meet pretty golden eyes. For a moment, Kiyoomi swore his expression was too soft, surprise lighting across Atsumu’s features. It was gone in a flash, though, Atsumu turning back to Koichi with a giggle and making Kiyoomi think maybe he’d imagined it. Tetsuro was thankfully too busy with his own dinner to notice, and Kiyoomi slowly picked up his slice of pizza, the cheese cooled now. He watched Atsumu through his thick black lashes, imagining so many… hopeless things…

Maybe one day Atsumu would kiss Kiyoomi’s face like that. Maybe one day he’d comb Kiyoomi’s hair back or smile at him like he was the whole world, or even just…

This time it was Tetsuro that pointed out that Kiyoomi should hurry and eat or he wouldn’t get enough food, and Kiyoomi blinked, thinking he wasn’t all that hungry after all. Atsumu always gave him so many conflicting emotions that Kiyoomi’s stomach turned, dizzy from the ride. Even losing a match didn’t feel this tumultuous or disappointing. Kiyoomi fitfully finished his one slice and then called it a day. As much as he wanted to stay and torture himself a little more, Atsumu and Tetsuro had a full house tonight, and Koichi looked like he was already halfway to falling asleep. The final blow was Tetsuro hefting the little boy into his arms and Atsumu pressing a hand to the small of the Alpha’s back, leaning against his son with a dopey smile. Kiyoomi had no part in this; he was really just an outsider who had been allowed to watch his love interest from afar. Maybe the closeness Atsumu displayed to him was all an illusion; maybe Kiyoomi was no closer to this tight-knit family than he was to his own.

Maybe he’d have to try a whole lot harder to really catch Atsumu’s eye at all.

Chapter Text

Osamu awoke to a dark room, and for a blinding moment, fear struck through his heart, heavy weights holding him down in an unfamiliar place. There were two things, though, that kept him at peace: the smell of cardamon and patchouli in his nose, and the heat pressed to his chest and face. He slowly turned his face, careful not to disturb the solid body mass beneath him as he pressed his nose against the pulsing vein in the Alpha’s neck. It took him a good long while to determine that this wasn’t a dream, and then to remember why it wasn’t a dream. There was an ache between his legs that was unfamiliar, but more than that, a raw hunger that was definitely new.

Osamu slowly raised his head, and for a moment, he was sure Shugo was still sleeping, a million thoughts running through his head. As his eyes adjusted to the dark, however, he found kind green eyes watching him, and he bit at his lower lip just to keep in the ugly sob that threatened to burst out with the well of emotions Osamu felt. Shugo’s hands were instantly cupping Osamu’s face, slipping from where they’d been resting on his back.

“Darling,” breathed the Alpha, and Osamu’s cheeks flushed deep red even as his desires consumed him, embarrassment mixing with a profound happiness. “Don’t look so sad,” whispered Shugo, and Osamu inhaled sharply, wondering how the other always knew. He nuzzled his face into Shugo’s palm and inhaled the scent there, taking on a new life as it mixed with his own. Shugo was starting to smell like him, and he like his Alpha. Osamu shuddered as tears began to fall. In all of his years of marriage, he had never felt even a fraction as connected as this before.

“Shugo,” Osamu whispered, gripping at the man’s hand and his neck, fully burying his face in a warm, slightly rough palm. After a moment, he whispered, “Tell me this isn’t a dream.”

The slight shift of Shugo’s body was answer enough, and Osamu let out a high cry of surprise as Shugo’s cock began to inflate inside him. They were still connected; as they slept, they hadn’t parted. Osamu let out an ugly sob at the realization, and then he dove down, blindly searching for Shugo’s lips. They found each other, and Osamu melted, a big hand settling on the naked small of his back. They were both hungry, but this kiss was slower than their frenzied ones from this afternoon, savoring every lick and mewl. Shugo was big, and Osamu felt himself stretch around the fullness of this man, remembering how good it had felt once the pain of the first stretch had passed. He liked knowing that he could take it; he had had very little to pride himself in before, aside from his son, but now he had so much.

As Osamu slowly sat up, hands to Shugo’s chest, the Alpha grasped his hips and then whispered wryly, “I should change my condom before we take care of ourselves again.”

Osamu colored deep red, and his eyes flicked down, frozen by the sight of his own small cock, Shugo disappearing inside him. His walls squeezed down without his command, and Shugo let out a guttural groan. Grey eyes snapped up, and Osamu begged to know, “Was it good? Earlier…?” His voice trailed off, and then he was clambering off Shugo, not sure if he really wanted an answer, too embarrassed. He grabbed at the sheets to cover himself as Shugo snapped on his bedside lamp, and then a heavy warmth settled around Osamu again, so comforting that the Omega had no choice but to relax against Shugo’s solid chest.

“Osamu,” called Shugo in that deep voice of his that he’d used during sex. It made Osamu shiver, instantly slicking. He wiggled in embarrassment as he felt the sheets grow wet beneath him. “It was the best, and I’m not lying or exaggerating. Making love to you, to the person I am in love with, it’s the best feeling ever, and you, Osamu, feel perfect around me.”

Osamu could feel his skin heat up, and suddenly he was up, trying to scramble for the bathroom with the sheets in tow. Shugo let him go with a soft laugh as Osamu ran to the small bathroom, but before he could shut the door, Shugo was there, breathing heavy.

“Sorry, I thought I should give you a moment, but seeing you run away from me made me want to chase you…” His ragged panting filled the small bathroom, and Osamu’s eyes snapped wide as the man’s scent curled heavy around him.

“Shugo, you’re-” he began, but when he looked up, Shugo caught the back of his head and then hefted him up, setting Osamu on the bathroom sink as he crowded him. His pupils were blown again, but Osamu knew he didn’t have to be afraid. Still, he was shy as he peered up.

“I can’t get enough of you, Osamu,” grumbled Shugo, low and pleasant. He was trying very hard not to grip Osamu’s thighs too tightly, trying not to tear the bedsheets away. He was imposing, and if it was anyone else, Osamu would be terrified out of his mind, but not with this Alpha. Not with his man.

“Shu- go-” called Osamu slowly. He leaned carefully back against the mirror and stared up at the Alpha before him. Under the bathroom lights, Osamu could see how messy Shugo’s hair was, a few indents and a dried puddle of drool on his beefy chest. Osamu swiped it away in embarrassment. He startled when Shugo leaned over him, but the Alpha only pressed his face into Osamu’s neck, breathing deeply. Slowly, Osamu wrapped his arms around the big man.

“I feel… like I’ve become this whole different person,” Shugo said after a while, still breathing heavy. His thumbs rubbed insistent circles into Osamu’s thighs. “Like I’ve finally cracked out of this shell I’ve lived in all of my life. Everything is new and so… good with you, Osamu. Please believe me.”

“I believe you,” whispered Osamu, though he was sure he’d always have his doubts. But if Shugo said so- Hunger unfurled inside Osamu. “It felt… really good for me, too.” Osamu couldn’t believe he’d said it, his face red. He hugged Shugo tight as he added, “That was the first time, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but…”

“Osamu,” Shugo begged suddenly, pressing his hips closer as he rutted desperately, and Osamu could feel it. Hands scrambled down and latex snapped quietly, and even as Shugo took himself in hand with a groan, he murmured, “If you need a little break-”

No, Osamu didn’t want a break. It was getting hot inside the sheets, but he couldn’t bear to drop them and see how shameful he was. He shifted, and Shugo gasped as wetness pressed to the base of his cock; oh, Osamu hadn’t meant to- A fire rushed up inside him. “Shugo, mine, too,” Osamu begged breathlessly, shame burning a hole through his cheeks. His head dropped back and cracked softly against the mirror when a big hand wrapped around his hard little cock and pressed it to a mighty shaft. It was so embarrassing and yet so… Osamu felt a moan crawl out of his throat as he sank back, Shugo catching him with a strong arm. Heat sweltered and persisted, and Osamu clung to Shugo as the man worked his hand hard and fast over their erections.

“I’m sorry, I’m- It’s so small and it probably doesn’t- do much for you-” Osamu felt tears streak down his burning cheeks, but Shugo was breathing so heavy that he wasn’t sure the man had even heard him.

“Osamu, you are so cute, so pretty. Every inch of you-” Green eyes snapped up, and Shugo asked with a crooked grin, “If I talk about how cute your cock is, are you going to melt into a puddle?”

Heat zipped through Osamu, and his hips jerked involuntarily. Shugo smiled.

“Your body says yes, Osamu, but why are you crying?”

Osamu let out a sob even as he rolled his hips, as he burned with want. “I don’t know,” he begged. “I’m terrified that this isn’t real. I’m wondering why… why you think I’m so good when I know-”

“Osamu, how do you know that you’re not good?” asked Shugo sharply, his expression so kind but his words forward. “Is it because someone told you that? Or because no one ever told you that you were breathtakingly beautiful, that you’re a dream with your soft body and gorgeous face?”

Osamu sobbed, clinging to Shugo. “Then… tell me,” he begged in a whimper. “Please keep telling me. Always tell me-” His mind was starting to melt from the heat, and he wasn’t even sure what he was saying anymore. He was fast approaching orgasm, and he was ravaged by desire, by lust and love for this… his Alpha. A kiss pressed to his neck, to his chest, and he gasped high, arching his spine closer.

“Osamu, darling, look at you. Listen to you. You’re perfect, gorgeous, so sweet and soft and good.” Lips placed soft little kisses, pale skin rising with color for a moment before fading, and Osamu felt wrecked by the idea of Shugo marking him. He shouldn’t, he couldn’t, but wouldn’t it… be so nice…

“Shugo,” whimpered Osamu, and the Alpha rushed forward, claiming empty lips next with his own hungry ones. Osamu let out a trembling moan. Without any sort of preamble, he spilled all over his belly, Shugo’s hand only speeding up around their lengths. Osamu loved the feeling of his small cock being pressed into Shugo’s unrelenting hardness. He loved the drag of rough fingers over his sensitive skin. He liked it so much he was sure he’d miss it every moment they were apart, that it would make him ache horribly when their time together this weekend ended.

“Shugo,” he begged, and the Alpha husked, his voice making Osamu’s toes curl, “I hear you, Omega. I’m coming.”

Hands searched blindly in the medicine cabinet beside the sink, and then Shugo huffed as he rolled his new condom on with one hand, never letting go of Osamu. It was only after he’d gotten the rubber on that he thought to ask, “Here or the bed?”

“Just take me,” begged Osamu, burying his face into the Alpha’s neck, inhaling until he was high on Shugo’s heady scent. It was thicker, laced with desire and sweetened by Osamu’s own pheromones. Osamu clung to Shugo’s back, nails digging into softly tanned skin while Shugo whisked away just enough of the sheets to get to Osamu’s dripping pussy, and the Omega was so thankful… Shugo was so considerate, and sometimes it felt like he could just read Osamu’s mind, always aware of what the Omega needed or wanted in a certain moment.

The first press in brought back a flurry of memories, and Osamu cried out, his head tossing back again. Big hands grabbed at his ass cheeks, cupping them whole and squeezing, and slowly, Shugo pushed inside, breathing rough and staccato.

“Fuck, you feel divine,” growled Shugo, almost to no one in particular, and Osamu melted, sinking, hot and desperate. He clawed at Shugo’s back and the Alpha roared, throbbing in delight. “Yeah, Osamu~ Just like that, darling. Perfect…”

The praise washed over Osamu and left him feeling like he was floating. The feeling of the cool, hard mirror against his back disappeared, and all there was was heat and love and Shugo filling him perfectly.

“Shu… go…” mewled Osamu, swimming. He could feel his lips smiling, but he was barely aware of much of anything outside of the delicious drag and push of Shugo’s thickness inside. Distantly, a rough voice cursed and called his name, but Osamu was in heaven. “Alpha~” he mewled, and he felt Shugo twitch and grow.

“Osamu-” The voice came closer, and then suddenly it was right in Osamu’s ear, shooting hot magma right through his veins. He clenched down and screamed in delight. “If you keep- calling me like that- and squeezing-”

Osamu wanted to see what would happen. With a giant grin, he blabbered, “Alpha, Alpha, my Alpha~”

Shugo roared, gripping Osamu’s ass tight and then just as consciously loosening his grip. The Omega whined, and Shugo cursed again. “I’m trying to be careful!” he howled. “Don’t- stir me up- You-”

“Shugo-” Osamu cut in. He slowly dragged his eyelids up, the things feeling filled with lead. He knew he would regret it, but even so he whispered, “I can hide anything below my neck. He doesn’t… look-”

Shugo roared again. Osamu sobbed.

“Please, Alpha.”

“I can’t-” Shugo ground out between clenched teeth even as his head fell to Osamu’s chest, his nose nudging at a fat nipple. “Omega, I can’t,” growled the Alpha, but it was already too late. Hands tightened to bruising on Osamu’s ass, and teeth closed softly around his swollen nub. Shugo sucked hard, and Osamu screamed, his legs flying up and toes curling.

“Yes!” he cried out. “Alpha, I’m yours,” he pleaded.

“You were always mine,” ground out the tall man. “Even without…” He said it, but then he left a hickey on Osamu’s boob.

“Shugo,” called Osamu as his walls clenched desperately around the intrusion inside him. He could feel every inch, a little too deep at times, but always… perfect. “Shugo, tell me,” he whispered against sweaty skin, pressing his face into Shugo’s chest. Something bulbous was kissing at his lips, begging entry. Shugo’s knot, he though vaguely. He’d recalled feeling this last night, too, but just like before, Shugo didn’t push it in.

“Fuck, I love you, Osamu. You’re mine- mine- please be mine-”

Osamu’s mind went white as his climax gripped him, every doubt and fear washing away for a moment. Shugo grunted and then pulled Osamu off the counter, stumbling back and then sinking down, curling over the Omega as he held him. His cock kicked inside Osamu, and his knot throbbed. He grunted again, pleasure curling around the deep sound.

They sat like that for a long time, just breathing together, quiet. Slowly, Osamu began to trace at Shugo’s collar bone.

Ever so quietly, he hushed, “I wish… I could really be yours.” He wasn’t even sure Shugo had heard him; the Alpha didn’t reply. After another while, Shugo stood them back up, and then he pulled out and slowly wiped off Osamu and then himself. The shower was right there, but Shugo seemed content to carefully clean Osamu with a washcloth instead, not lifting too much of the sheets even though he seemed eager to look.

“Osamu, what should I do… to convince you that your body is gorgeous?” husked the Alpha as he kissed at a bare shoulder. Osamu shivered. He reached out and wrapped a hand slowly around the man’s neck, caressing lightly at his swollen scent gland. A rough shiver filled the air, Shugo’s voice gravely and perfect.

“Do you really like it?” whispered Osamu. Shugo nodded instantly.

“I love it. I love you. Everything about you, Osamu.”

The Omega purred softly, and then he leaned back, staring up at Shugo. He slowly let the sheets go in favor of reaching his other hand up and around the man’s neck. Green eyes went a little wide and watched as the bedsheets fell away, Osamu pressing to Shugo’s body, no longer covered. The Omega looked away, cheeks red.

“Can you really say that when… you’ve seen so many… probably much prettier than mine?”

“It’s because I’ve seen so many,” Shugo replied, careful but not hesitant. “Osamu… Can you look at me?”

Shy grey eyes flicked up and then away again. Shugo waited. His expression was soft, warm, open. Every thought was clear in his green eyes. Osamu slowly locked their gazes, studying the Alpha. With a soft smile, Shugo’s eyes began to drift down, and Osamu watched his face, watched it never change, his smile only growing, the warmth in his eyes shifting to heat. When Shugo licked at his lips, it nearly undid Osamu.

“I’m not… I’ve never…” What was he supposed to say? Big hands stroked lovingly over his ass and back, and Shugo’s eyes traveled slowly back up. “No one has ever really looked at me, so I thought I wasn’t worth looking it,” the Omega finally murmured, quiet. He bowed his head, forehead to Shugo’s shoulder.

“I want to look at you forever,” Shugo breathed, and Osamu shivered loudly, his spine arching. Part of him wanted to show off, preening under the praise, while another part of him shied away, embarrassed. “Osamu, you are beautiful.”

Slowly, Osamu stroked his own hands down Shugo’s body, his turn to look now. He could feel Shugo’s exhales against the back of his ear, breathing heavy. His body was a work of art, and Osamu knew the Alpha worked hard to keep it this fit. Fingers rattled over pecs and abs, down to strong thighs that held him up. Between those legs, even soft, Shugo was hung, and Osamu swallowed. Desire was back in an instant, and he told himself to calm down even as Shugo hummed softly, the change in his scent obvious. Was that how the Alpha could seemingly read his mind? Osamu glanced shyly up. “You’re the beautiful one,” he whispered, and Shugo huffed, his grin crooked.

“Your beauty is effortless,” he insisted, “while mine took a lot of time and work. Besides, Omegas are supposed to be the pretty ones, Osamu.”

“But you are… beautiful…” Osamu’s words fell away as Shugo tipped his face up, green eyes meeting grey. The desire there blew the Omega away.

“Osamu… If we stay here any longer, I’ll want to have you again.”

“Are you suggesting we get dressed?” whispered Osamu.

“Don’t pout,” huffed Shugo with a soft laugh, stroking at Osamu’s jaw. “And no. I don’t have anywhere to be tonight. I’m just thinking the sofa might be more conducive to talking.”

“You want to talk? Naked?” Osamu peered up at Shugo, his pupils almost swallowing up the pretty green of his eyes.

“I want to stare at you a little while longer. Drink you in.” His eyes flicked to Osamu’s. “I want to hear what’s on your mind.”

Osamu inhaled sharply. Was he ready for that? Shugo smiled softly and stroked at his back. It was a reminder; he wasn’t going anywhere. He didn’t want to.

Both of them… wanted only to be with the other. Osamu focused on slowing his breathing.

“Okay,” he whispered.

“I’ll make some food while you think about it,” Shugo hushed.

“Okay,” Osamu agreed again. Shugo slowly let him go, and Osamu tried to ignore the way he felt eyes follow him to the bed, the way it sent a shiver of warmth down his spine. He tried to not sway his hips like he normally might when he walked, and he heard Shugo let out a muffled little laugh. Peering over his shoulder, Osamu stuck his tongue out, and then he waggled his hips on purpose. Shugo was on his feet in an instant, making a bee line, but then at the last minute he veered to the kitchen, cursing lightly. Osamu’s cheeks hurt from smiling so wide.

He stared for a moment at Shugo’s bare ass, only an apron covering his front as he began to cook up something in his small kitchen. In Osamu’s head, Shugo’s words rattled around, but the Omega wasn’t sure if he was ready for lounging around naked just yet… He glanced down at his body, hands pressing punishingly into his soft tummy, into the stretch marks that fissured his skin. He gripped tight at soft rolls and prayed that Shugo’s words would ring true inside his own head one of these days. The praise just felt so foreign; Osamu had only ever had his own judgement of his body to rely on. Daisho had never once… said a word, but he’d also rarely touched the Omega.

Osamu’s eyes landed on Shugo’s discarded shirt from this morning, and before he could think, he tugged it on. Shugo would be disappointed, but Osamu was far too shy and self-conscious to actually consider anything else. It was only their first time together.

Maybe Shugo was still basking in some kind of rose-colored afterglow. Maybe he needed his eyes checked, maybe-

Osamu turned and found Shugo standing behind him with two plates in his hands, staring at the Omega. He didn’t say anything about the shirt, but the boner under his apron was hard to hide. He roughly set their plates down and then scrubbed at his face.

Shugo treaded closer after a short pause, removing his apron as he asked the Omega carefully, “Should I put on some underwear?”

Osamu wasn’t sure what possessed him, but he reached forward and grasped Shugo in hand. He was big, heavy. He still couldn’t believe this thing had been inside him. Above him, Shugo was deathly silent save for his heavy breathing.

With a wry laugh, Osamu asked, “Would it be hypocritical of me if I asked you not to?”

Shugo let out a rough exhale, his erection twitching. “Yes, but you have my dick in your hand, so you could make me do anything.”

Osamu’s eyebrows raised at that, and he looked up, unaware of how devastating that was, of how much Shugo was retraining himself. A vein bulged in the Alpha’s neck as he whispered, “Anything?”

“Osamu… Our food… is gonna get cold, and you look illegal in my shirt,” huffed Shugo. “I’m not sure if you’re trying to cover yourself or look all the more appetizing.”

With that, Osamu rushed a few steps back and grabbed at the shirt, pulling it tight around him in an effort to hide, but Shugo let out a loud groan in response, his knees going weak for a moment. “Please…” he begged. “Let’s just… sit-”

Osamu turned slowly, and Shugo had to actually look away, a pink butt with red grip marks peeking out from under his shirt. Osamu sat down with a red face and hid himself under a blanket and a few pillows, and finally Shugo went and pulled on a pair of boxer briefs. He wandered back over and handed Osamu his plate with a soft shake of his head.

As he sat down, he said, “Well, I think you could wear a plastic bag and I’d still get hard, so I suppose I’m just gonna have to get used to it.”

Osamu laughed, realizing a little too late that it wasn’t actually a joke. He sobered, and then his eyes snapped down to his food, his pulse so loud in his ears as his whole being glowed. He tried not to shovel the meal into his mouth, but it was good, and he was ravenous, hunger clutching at his stomach now that he wasn’t absorbed with… Osamu glanced up for a split second and then back down. Geez, Shugo was way too attractive, all bulging muscles and broad shoulders and-

“Osamu,” called Shugo softly, and the Omega put a stopper on his rambling thoughts. He didn’t have to look anymore to know that Shugo could smell his libido cooking. He shifted his mind to calmer thoughts. How was Koichi? He should text Tetsuro or Atsumu…

Osamu startled when a foot pressed to his thigh, rubbing sweetly. Shugo had already set his own plate aside, and he sat with his arm over the back of the couch now, an invite into his lap. Osamu considered it for a little while, but if Shugo wanted him to talk, being closer would be better. Osamu could hide better if he sat close enough, and he could better hear and see Shugo’s reactions… Or he could just sit in that lap and not say anything at all; Osamu didn’t want to ruin this perfect moment with his depressive thoughts. He didn’t want to ruin… anything.

“Osamu,” Shugo called again, and this time the Omega set his plate away and crawled forward, curled up in his blanket as he was. Shugo accepted him and hugged him close, blanket and all. “I won’t make you tell me anything,” he said after a long while, “but Osamu, I’m not just after your body. This relationship… I want it to work; I want it to be healthy and strong. I want it… to last.”

Osamu inhaled sharply, and then he slowly settled against Shugo’s chest, his ear to the man’s heart. It was beating slow and steady. Shugo gave off heat, and soon Osamu’s eyelids were closing.

“You make me feel… so safe,” he hushed softly. Osamu had perhaps never felt safe before, and the realization was jarring. Lonely; he mostly felt lonely. Even after Koichi had been born, it was hard to not feel very alone, especially in that big, giant house. Osamu let out a heavy sigh, clearing his mind, letting himself settle. What did he want? What was he afraid of? How did Shugo… change everything? Osamu’s hand curled into his blanket as his tears fell freely. “I’m scared,” he whispered.

“I don’t want to lose you...”

There was a beat of silence before Shugo spoke and said, “You won’t.”

“Shugo-”

The man fell quiet, allowing Osamu to talk. It was in the littlest things, wasn’t it; Shugo cared so deeply that it reached into even this. Osamu sobbed.

“What if… it’s not something either of us can control? What if… this is wrong, or a mistake?

“It terrifies me… that I could make a mistake just because… I love you. Even you- even you don’t know what will happen in the future, Shugo. What if I lose… everything?”

The quiet stretched on, only filled by sniffles and sobs. Shugo’s heartbeat remained steady; he didn’t get angry. No, his scent smelled… sad.

“Let’s say…” he spoke after a long while, “that I might one day fall out of love with you like you fear.” Osamu swallowed; he didn’t even want to hear those words, but Shugo’s arms and steady heartbeat reminded him that the Alpha didn’t believe this hypothetical for a moment. “Even if that were to ever happen, I would never stop… caring for you, Osamu. I would never stop fighting for you, and I would make sure you never lost those things that were most important to you. No matter what anyone else does or forces you to…” he murmured, both of them knowing he spoke of Daisho without actually speaking of the man, “I will always be by your side, no matter what.”

A beat passed.

Osamu was just trying to wrap his head around it all when Shugo finished with, “It would never come to that, though, because I will never stop loving you, sweetness.”

Osamu heaved out a shaky sigh, his mind racing, everything at war within him. What he wanted, what he needed, what he feared and what he longer for regardless. Of course he wanted Shugo to be his; he’d be a fool to reject the best thing that had ever happened to him, aside from Koichi. He’d be an idiot to refuse the love Shugo so freely gave. The Alpha made Osamu feel… happy, loved, safe-! For the first time in Osamu’s whole life, he didn’t have to worry all by himself anymore.

Snuggling closer to Shugo, Osamu let his head and heart fill with the man’s reassuring scent, that comforting presence.

“Tell me what I should do,” whispered Osamu, though he supposed he already knew what answer Shugo would give. It was the reason why Shugo was such a good man, why Osamu wanted him, why he could see the faint glimmer of a hopeful future with him.

“I can’t tell you what to do, sweetness,” hushed Shugo. “And as for me, you know what I want.”

Osamu chewed at his lip. Shugo held him closer. “Am I… enough?” hushed the Omega to the man’s warm skin.

“You are more than that,” Shugo promised softly, kissing Osamu’s hair. “You are certainly more than I deserve, but I’m a selfish man.”

“Mm,” hushed Osamu. He pressed his face under Shugo’s chin. Just to try it, he pressed a soft kiss there, Shugo’s prominent Adam’s apple bobbing.

“Ahh,” whispered the Alpha. Osamu loved the way he held him so tightly, barely room to breathe. “Osamu, my darling,” husked Shugo, “you could have anyone in this whole world, but I would like you… to choose me.”

Osamu wondered who else there would be to choose. For him it was only Shugo, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to say that aloud. He still worried what saying it out loud would do to him, to them.

“You know,” whispered Osamu after a while. “You are the only Alpha I’ve ever seen as such. Even my own father…”

“Osamu… Don't bring up your father while you’re seducing me-”

Osamu sat up. “I wasn’t-” His words fell away. Shugo’s expression showed so clearly his love, his desire, his passion. Slowly, the Alpha scrubbed a hand over his face.

“I’m sorry; you were saying…” he husked.

Osamu could feel how much the other was restraining himself, and with a flash, he thought, But why?

“I don’t want to talk about my father either,” Osamu suddenly chewed out, “or anyone else.” Green eyes snapped to his, Osamu’s tone turning angry. “Why are we wasting our precious time together talking…?”

“It’s not… a waste…”

“It feels like it,” pouted Osamu. Shugo tugged softly at his crossed arms.

“Nothing with you is a waste,” breathed Shugo, “but if you don’t want to talk right now, we can do something else.”

Osamu knew he was being childish, avoiding real problems with alluring distractions. Still, he wrapped his arms around Shugo’s neck and let himself be selfish. It was so easy with Shugo… “I’m sorry,” he whispered ever so softly just before he shifted on the man’s lap. “Let’s do something else,” he called, rolling his hips slowly forward. Shugo shivered, a weak man when it came to this. Ah, Osamu could revel in this power forever, and maybe… maybe he would…

He smiled sweetly at Shugo as the man let him play to distraction, thanking the Alpha silently for being so, so good, and so very easy.

-x-

Tooru shoved his car into park and then flipped down the sun visor, fluffing up his soft brunet waves. He hummed, staring at himself for a moment, and then he got out of his car with a grin, grabbing his briefcase and purse from the passenger seat. His tall heels clacked as he made his way down the walkway, humming to himself as he opened the front door with his code.

Ah, Wakatoshi was coming over in just a little bit to hang up some shelves in the guest bedroom. Tooru was excited to see him. It had been a little while~

He decided to leave his heels on, tugging off his coat and scarf and hanging them both carefully. He ruffled his hair again in the mirror hanging in the entryway, turning this way and that as he ran his hands down the front of his tight pencil skirt. He wore a sequined gold top and long earrings that slid over his shoulders every time he turned his head. The top he wore was cut deep, showing off his collar bones and chest, and he liked wearing it braless. His clients today had appreciated it, and he wondered if Wakatoshi would, too.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and Tooru waited two beats before sweeping to it and pulling it open. He let out a happy sigh as olive eyes looked down at him, Tooru cocking his hip, fingertips dancing teasingly at one of his shoulders.

“Hi, Toshi,” chimed the Omega.

“Hello,” Wakatoshi replied slowly. It was cold outside, but Tooru just stood in the door like that, grinning. He waited, waited, and finally olive eyes flickered down, taking in the whole get-up. Tooru shifted on his heels, and then he pulled the front door open wider, stepping deeper inside. Wakatoshi followed, and when Tooru turned, he swore he felt that gaze rake over him again. He stroked his hands down his hips and swayed his way down the hall.

It was only once they got to the kitchen that Wakatoshi asked, “What do you need my help with today?”

Tooru turned, gripping at the granite countertop with a coy smile as he lifted one leg at a time to tug off his tall heels. Wakatoshi’s hand rested on the edge of the island, close, and Tooru let his own slip forward. The Alpha’s hand was so big compared to his own, and he shivered in delight. Oh, what would it feel like to let those hands pull him apart? Tooru stroked at Wakatoshi’s index finger as he hummed seductively, “I need some help in the bedroom.”

Olive eyes flicked up, away, and then back again. “The- bedroom,” Wakatoshi clarified, and Tooru giggled.

“The guest bedroom. I want some shelves hung. Over the bed.” He was still stroking at Wakatoshi’s finger, the Alpha yet to pull away. It was almost like he could only focus on one thing at a time, and right now he was staring at Tooru’s face. It made Tooru raise an eyebrow in interest; had something changed? He slid his hand up Wakatoshi’s arm and stepped closed, squeezing at a thick bicep. “I want to make sure they’re very secure. I don’t need anything falling on my guests’ heads. We could test the bed out after with some wild rocking-”

“As long as I can put it in the studs, the shelves won’t move,” Wakatoshi said suddenly, turning to head up, and Tooru almost let out a laugh in surprise. Oh, something had definitely changed. Was that red he saw at the edges of the Alpha’s ears? Tooru pranced around the man, sashaying as he made his way up the stairs ahead of the Alpha, motioning Wakatoshi coyly to follow.

The room he took the Alpha to had a giant bed, and he sat down on it dramatically, crossing his long legs and leaning back. He waved over his shoulder, pointing at the wall above the headboard while watching Wakatoshi. His big frame filled the doorway, and Tooru liked that. He just had a thing for the big ones; they were usually well-endowed too, and Tooru liked it hard.

Wakatoshi slowly moved into the bedroom, almost wary as he stepped over to the boxes of shelves set neatly on the floor beside the bed. Tooru rolled to his stomach and watched Wakatoshi’s back with kicking legs as the Alpha began unpacking each box, assembling the floating shelves and examining the instructions.

“I’ll just need a drill and a level,” he said as he finally turned, his voice going quiet when he saw Tooru lounging, elbows to the bed, chin atop his clenched hands. The Omega grinned cheekily, knowing that his chest was squeezed together and showing. He kicked his legs in the air some more.

“Oh, I figured as much, so I brought up some tools for you.” Tooru motioned vaguely to the dresser behind him while staring straight at Wakatoshi. He slowly rolled over and pulled himself up, making a big show of it. His hips swayed as he wandered over to the get the tools and again as he walked them back. “It’s like I’m your personal assistant~” teased the Omega. “It’s been a while since I’ve been under someone~”

Wakatoshi grabbed the drill and level and quickly turned back to his task, but Tooru was having way too much fun. He grabbed at Wakatoshi’s tense shoulders and began massaging them, really getting into it.

“Did you have practice today?” he murmured, leaning into Wakatoshi’s ear to whisper. He huffed against the shell of it as he put his weight into his massage.

“Tooru-” Wakatoshi tried, but Tooru was too excited by the scent coming off the Alpha to stop now. Ah, Tooru was probably close to his heat. He should take his meds tonight.

“Sorry, you’re just so tight and tense here,” murmured the Omega sensually. “I can give you a better massage after.”

“I really appreciate the offer, but-”

“Don’t say no, Toshi,” Tooru interepted. “You’ll end up injuring yourself. And I know a thing or two about how to massage athletes.”

Tooru could almost feel Wakatoshi give in before he slowly pulled away, getting back to his task. “As I said, I appreciate it,” he murmured.

Ah, Tooru thought with a grin. He wondered mildly what had changed; Wakatoshi had seemed unaware of his flirtations before, or at the very least immune to them. Had Aina said something? Tooru rubbed mindlessly at the ring that hung around his neck, taking a step back like he meant to survey the project. In reality, Wakatoshi knew a lot more than Tooru did. Stupid Hajime had never let Tooru learn anything, always claiming he’d cry over a broken nail or hurt himself… Wakatoshi seemed alright with the Omega’s supervision, though. Maybe he’d teach Tooru how to handle those big power tools, too.

The Omega swallowed as he stared at Wakatoshi’s broad back, muscles shifting under the fabric of his long-sleeved shirt. His hair was still a little wet from a shower after practice, combed back, and he looked shockingly handsome like that. Older, too. He was still just a kid, though albeit a very handsome, very big kid. Still, Tooru had never minded age gaps much, not one to feel intimidated by younger or older men. He was confident enough in himself to know that he had most men by the balls in a matter of minutes, simply with a sway of his hips or the fluttering of his lashes. Hajime was probably the only one who’d played hard to get, Tooru thought wryly before waving the thought off. Wakatoshi reminded him too much of the stiff old codger; that’s why Hajime had been on his mind so much lately.

Just rest in peace, you asshole, Tooru thought with the same fondness he’d always criticized his husband with, but now it was only sadness that it left behind. This he swept away, too, rather pretending like the moment of weakness had never happened at all, and he re-focused his attention to the strapping young Alpha in front of him. Tooru sat back down on the bed, leaning sideways on his hip, legs crossed. As Wakatoshi started positioning the shelves, Tooru gave him low, murmured approvals or denials, telling him to move it a little this way or that, up or down.

“Good, Toshi, perfect,” Tooru hummed as he rubbed softly at his bottom lip, nodding in approval. The middle shelves were a bit more of a struggle, so Tooru grinned and patted at the bed, saying, “Just get on the bed with me, Toshi. I don’t mind~”

Olive eyes turned for a moment and met his brown ones, and Tooru’s face split into a wide grin, wiggling his shoulders. Wakatoshi cleared his throat and then quickly turned back to his task, quiet.

“This must be boring for you,” Wakatoshi said awkwardly. “I’m not much of a conversationalist.”

“Oh, on the contrary~” Tooru reassured with a purr. He climbed up onto his knees and walked towards the head of the bed. He felt the way Wakatoshi startled as Tooru grabbed his hips, pressing against his back. Pointing up, he pretended like his aim was to show Wakatoshi exactly where he could hang his shelf. “You have a nice voice, Toshi, but small talk is always so boring, isn’t it?”

Wakatoshi paused for only a moment, and then he said, “I don’t mind it. I’d like to learn more about you.”

This time, Tooru was the surprised one. Holding onto Wakatoshi’s hips, he leaned back and asked in delight, “Really!?” He pulled himself close again, hands sliding from hips to a firm chest. “What do you want to know~?” mewled the Omega.

He thought he was getting to Wakatoshi, maybe, but then the Alpha shifted and murmured, “Um, I can’t… work like this.”

Tooru pulled back, nipping down the disappointment he felt. He acted unfazed, though, letting out a light laugh as he sat back again, leaning against the footboard this time. He watched Wakatoshi work for a little while before asking, “So what are you so interested in knowing about me, Toshi?”

Olive eyes glanced over a broad shoulder for a moment, and Tooru licked at his lips, his swallow rough. Ah, he was really getting horny now. Wakatoshi had a nice ass… Tooru wondered what the Alpha would do if he started seriously scenting.

“I don’t know if it’s anything so particular,” murmured Wakatoshi as he turned back, making sure the marks he’d made for the shelves were level and over the studs in the walls. He readied his drill, and before depressing the trigger, said, “You just strike me as someone who is pretty interesting under all the superficiality.”

Tooru was both taken aback and delighted, but it wasn’t like he could reply as the drill began to growl. No one really talked to him like that, at least not anymore. Once upon a time, he’d known a sassy Alpha, but with Wakatoshi it was a little different, wasn’t it? The man was just too honest and straightforward to use work-arounds for the truths. Normally Tooru would put the kid in his place, but something about Wakatoshi made him quite fond of the bluntness. Tooru chewed at a manicured nail, letting himself drown in the desire he felt. Damn, he really wanted to get his hands on this one…

Wakatoshi was diligent, and all-in-all it took him about an hour and a half to hang all of the shelves. Tooru stood back and surveyed the work, hands clasped together, eyes glittering. Perfect. Wakatoshi gathered the tools he’d used and then stepped up to Tooru, watching the Omega carefully. Tooru let him stare for a moment, bathing in the gaze.

“You think I act superficial?” Tooru appealed, shifting the conversation back as he tilted his head towards the Alpha with a smile, and though he didn’t expect Wakatoshi to take the remark back, he was delightfully surprised when the other replied, simply, “Yes.”

Tooru turned to face Wakatoshi, and then he slowly reached out, sliding his fingertips up and over bulging muscles, up a firm torso as he pressed closer. “Do you dislike it?” he asked next, surprised again when Wakatoshi actually considered his answer.

“As I said, I feel like you’re really interesting underneath that, so I would say… no, I don’t dislike it.” He paused for a moment again, and then he said, olive eyes locked on chocolate brown, “If anything, it makes me curious…”

Tooru couldn’t help himself; he grabbed at Wakatoshi’s shirt and pulled himself against the man, breathing a little heavy. Wakatoshi was holding all those tools, but that was fine. Tooru kind of liked having to crane his neck a little, too. He smiled up at Wakatoshi, coy but genuine, a spark of serious interest in his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d noticed,” he hushed vaguely. “I’ve been trying to get to know you better for months, Toshi…”

For the first time since Tooru had known the Alpha, something like heat flashed through those serious eyes, and it ignited the Omega. Oh, he could just imagine it now; Wakatoshi would happily ruin him in the bedroom, chaos controlled. Tooru craved it, and he let the other know it, too. Wakatoshi shifted on his feet as Tooru rocked his hips slowly forward.

“Tooru…” he called slowly, his hands still holding his tools. Tooru smiled sweetly, staring at those nice lips on a handsome face. Did the Alpha have any experience or could Tooru mold him to perfection? Tooru scratched his nails lightly over the man’s neck.

“I promised you… a massage…” Tooru husked.

“You really don’t have to,” Wakatoshi replied quickly, but Tooru was never easily dissuaded.

“I’ll tell you about myself,” he promised, and he loved the way Wakatoshi paused.

For a moment, the Alpha stared, and then he slowly reached an arm up and around Tooru’s waist. “I just… want to make sure of something,” murmured the big man, and Tooru shivered as he rose to his tippy toes. “You are flirting with me, aren’t you?”

Tooru gasped and then inhaled sharply. He felt heat rush through him, and suddenly the room burst with the aroma of brown sugar and bourbon. Wakatoshi’s eyes widened ever so slightly, and then he pulled Tooru just a smidge closer.

“I have been for months, Toshi,” Tooru breathed out, seductive.

“Why?” asked Wakatoshi, and Tooru laughed.

“Why not~?” Then, a little sweeter, “You’re not the only one who’s curious, Toshi.”

Wakatoshi paused again for a moment, and then he slowly stepped back, asking only, “Where should I put these tools?”

“Oh, I’ll take them,” Tooru began, reaching forward, but Wakatoshi pulled back, shaking his head. Oh, a gentleman, huh? Tooru grinned. He usually went for bad boys, but the nice ones were good too every once in a while. After all, Tooru did like to be spoiled like the queen he could be. “Then, this way,” he purred, curling his fingers over his shoulder.

“Is Aina not home today?” asked Wakatoshi as they made their way back down the stairs, and Tooru glanced back at him.

“She’s with a friend, but she should be back by curfew.”

He wondered if Wakatoshi felt disappointed. He certainly did. He chewed at his lip and then led Wakatoshi to the garage door, where he turned and reached for the tools again. “It’s a mess in there,” he explained with a smile. “Go make yourself comfortable in the living room. I’ll be there in just a moment, handsome~”

Reluctantly, Wakatoshi handed over the tools, and then he turned dutifully back to the living room. Tooru waited a beat before he spun on his feet and rushed into the garage, closing the door swiftly behind him. He let out a shaky laugh, wondering why his heart was beating like this, like he felt… guilty. He looked over the garage, a giant workbench in the back corner, built almost spitefully into the house itself like Hajime wanted to make sure it was never removed. This had always been the man’s haven, and it was clear to see; Tooru had never had the heart to clear it.

“Don’t judge me, Hajime,” Tooru whispered into the stale, cold air. “You left me, so you don’t get to make me feel bad for sleeping around.”

Spitefully, Tooru returned the tools to their rightful place, and then he lingered not for a moment longer, shutting the garage door and locking it behind him. He stroked slowly at the ring around his neck, and then he softly cursed his first love, wondering how different things might have been…

No, that was pointless, and Tooru wasn’t nearly drunk enough to start thinking about shit like that tonight. He walked back to the living room, smiling at Wakatoshi as he greeted him with a hand sliding over his arm.

“I just need a few things from my bedroom. Would you mind sitting on the floor in front of this chair? You can use one of the floor cushions. You’re too tall for me to do it any other way,” hummed the Omega with an alluring smile. Wakatoshi just nodded slowly.

Tooru made his way to the stairs, and at the foot, he called over with a giddy smirk, “Oh, and take your shirt off, Toshi. We’re gonna get a little messy.”

Wakatoshi only looked over; Tooru liked that he didn’t even question it. He slipped up the stairs and to his bedroom, where he decided to change into something he wouldn’t mind getting oil on. He picked out a tight t-shirt dress and then grabbed his collection of massage oils, actually very serious when it came to this. He’d learned a lot for Hajime, first to woo him, and then to keep him. Despite all of Tooru’s brattiness, there were good reasons why Hajime had been so fond of him; Tooru was a good lover when he really cared to be, when it mattered. He made his way back down the stairs with a soft hum, delighting first in the sight before him, Wakatoshi’s muscular back displayed like a work of art, and then at the olive eyes that peered over and up, going a little wide when Wakatoshi noted Tooru’s outfit change. Tooru stepped in front of Wakatoshi and then began to carefully arrange his bottles of oils, opening a few to smell them. There were specific oils for stiffness and one to reduce swelling, another for injuries, and then ones for specific body parts. He picked up a general oil first to get Wakatoshi loosened up and used to the feeling.

Turning with a smile, Tooru stood on his knees in front of the Alpha, olive eyes staring first at his face and then slowly slipping down his body. The dress he now wore hid very little, and Tooru shivered under Wakatoshi’s careful observations. He let his own eyes roam, marveling at the treat before him. Wakatoshi was gorgeous, too, so strong, obviously well-trained. He was thick and broad, built in all the best ways, and Tooru ached to get his hands on him. He oiled up his palms, rubbing them together for a moment to warm the liquid, and then he reached forward, beginning to gently massage at raw strength.

“I just need to figure out first where you carry most of your stress,” breathed Tooru. “Do you have any particular areas that get very tense and sore?”

Wakatoshi hummed for a moment, and then he pointed at the back of his neck, near his scent gland. Tooru almost wanted to laugh, but he purred instead.

“I can help you with that, though there’s some more… hands-on methods for relieving sexual stress.”

Olive eyes flicked up, and Tooru grinned coyly.

“Yes, handsome, you’re pent up,” he promised as he stroked over the Alpha’s scent gland. It was stiff and rigid, and Tooru let out a sad moan. “Oh, you poor thing~” He massaged it for a moment and then moved down the front of Wakatoshi’s chest, his fingers kneading, searching for tight spots. He was exploring, yes, but he was truly being diligent. He did the same with Wakatoshi’s arms, murmuring delightedly at how thick they were. Wakatoshi could easily lift him and toss him around a little~

“Tooru,” called Wakatoshi, his voice suddenly a little more gruff. The Omega purred. “You were going to tell me… about yourself.”

“Hmm,” hummed Tooru with a soft smile. As much as he loved talking about himself, he wondered for a moment why he was letting this particular Alpha get so deep. He wiped his hands on an old towel and then switched to a different oil, setting a hand on Wakatoshi’s shoulder to stand up and move behind the Alpha. He sat down in the armchair and admired that broad back for a moment as he warmed the new oil between his palms.

The moment his hands touched Wakatoshi this time, Tooru leaned all of his weight into it, digging his palms deep, and Wakatoshi groaned in surprise, his spine shooting a little straighter. Ah, Tooru loved surprising Alphas. He leaned down to Wakatoshi’s ear and giggled softly.

Purring, he asked, “What do you want to know, Toshi~?”

It took the Alpha a moment to regather his thoughts, and then he slowly asked, “You do well for yourself. What do you do?”

Tooru laughed softly. “I’m the Vice President of a marketing firm.”

Wakatoshi was quiet for a moment, and Tooru waited for the disbelief, but Wakatoshi just nodded, believing it instantly. Tooru’s eyebrows rose in delight, and he rewarded the Alpha with a particularly good knead at a stubborn knot. Wakatoshi’s eyelids fluttered, his groan a little more tampered this time. Tooru wondered if he could get Wakatoshi more vocal in bed; he had a really nice, deep voice… Tooru spread his legs a little further and leaned closer, inhaling deeply of his almond oil and the scent of sage and a warm campfire. A small moan from the Omega was buried under another groan from Wakatoshi as Tooru worked a knot loose just under his scent gland.

“Most Alphas don’t believe me when I tell them,” he said. Wakatoshi gave a wry, lazy smile.

“You’re… a hard worker. You had to provide for Aina. I… know.”

Tooru felt something stir in his chest, an emotion wanting to rise up that he stuffed back down. When was the last time… someone, an Alpha, had really acknowledged what he did? He was startled back when Wakatoshi continued, “My mom… works hard, too. To provide after my dad died.”

Tooru could feel the warning bells going off in his head. Ah, was that why Wakatoshi had suddenly become more receptive? Aina must have… He chewed bitterly at his bottom lip, and his next knead was a little punishing. He didn’t want pity-

Wakatoshi groaned and then murmured, totally unaware of what Tooru was feeling, “My mom and my aunt are the strongest Omegas I know. I respect them greatly for everything… they’ve done, sacrificed. You’re a lot… like them, Tooru.”

The Omega had to fight to not let his hands still. He wanted to laugh, but the sound wouldn’t bubble up. “You respect me?” he asked, trying not to let derision muck his words. He swallowed around the emotions swelling up and asked a little more genuinely, “Really? But you’re an Alpha.”

“Does that mean I can’t respect you?” was all Wakatoshi asked, and Tooru pressed his lips tightly together. On Wakatoshi’s next moan, he let out a shaky exhale. What the hell? Wakatoshi was just a kid, a stupid… kid…

“Your mom and aunt raised you?” asked Tooru to distract from himself, a rare occurrence. Wakatoshi, whether because he recognized it or because he really loved his family, smiled softly.

“Yes. My aunt, mostly. My mom travels… nnh… a lot.”

Tooru stilled his hands for a moment, letting a smile ghost across his lips. Very genuinely, he said, “They did a good job,” and then he got right back to work.

“So… did you, Tooru,” Wakatoshi hushed, but the massage was starting to take effect, his words slowly slurring as his eyes slid closed. Tooru let out a silent exhale.

“How are you a virgin and such a smooth talker,” he murmured quietly, the words swallowed up by another moan.

Wakatoshi asked next, “Where… did you learn to do this?”

Tooru smiled, too glad for the change of subject. Still, he only replied vaguely, “I had a lot of friends in high school who played baseball.”

“Baseball…” Wakatoshi murmured. Then, “You must have had a crush on one of them to get this good.”

Was that… a joke? Tooru had to lean forward over Wakatoshi’s shoulder to make sure. The man was smiling dopely, so relaxed that he swayed easily with Tooru’s weight. After a moment, heavy eyelids cracked open, and Tooru inhaled shakily as warm olive eyes met his own. Oh, he- His brown eyes flicked down to thin lips, and he licked at his own, but a moment later, he pulled sharply back and went back to work. Much later, he would wonder why he hadn’t surged forward like he normally would.

“I did,” was all he offered in the end, and Wakatoshi hummed, an almost proud sound like he’d just congratulated himself for solving a piece of Tooru’s puzzle. The Omega felt his lips twist up into a wry smile. Hmm.

Tooru worked until his hands grew sore, Wakatoshi asking a little about his family and about work, about Aina and her school life. Did she have ambitions; did Tooru like his work; had either ever played sports? With a soft sigh, Tooru wiped his hands for the last time, Wakatoshi more like a limp doll than a stoic Alpha now.

The Omega let out a soft laugh as he combed back Wakatoshi’s hair, and then he stood, meaning to wash his hands and gather his oils again. He’d gotten a bit on his dress. He was surprised when his knees gave out for a moment, and then again when Wakatoshi reached out and steadied him, olive eyes shockingly focused.

“Thank you,” hushed Tooru, straightening up, but Wakatoshi did not let go. Instead, he slowly pulled the Omega back down, between his thighs. Heat spread through Tooru like wildfire, but all Wakatoshi did was gently take his hands and then softly began massaging them. At first, Tooru felt stiff, unsure of what to do, but then he began to relax, and he let his head fall forward. A soft huff of hot breath ruffled his hair.

“I do this for my aunt a lot,” murmured Wakatoshi, and Tooru had to bite back a mewl. “Your hands must be tired. That was the best massage I’ve ever had.”

Tooru slowly turned his head, and then he mumbled heatedly, “I’ll do it again, handsome, anytime you want. And for that sexual tension…”

Wakatoshi just hummed softly, his fingers rough but so gentle on Tooru’s slender hands. The Omega had to fight to keep down old, painful memories of similar hands and a similar gentleness.

When it became too much, Tooru pulled back sharply, smiling too broadly as he sweetly thanked Wakatoshi. He stroked at the Alpha’s face and then offered the man a shower.

“Just a washcloth will be fine. I should head home,” Wakatoshi said as he stood up, just the same again as he always was. Tooru felt something take root at the base of his spine. He showed Wakatoshi to the guest bathroom downstairs and then walked himself to the kitchen to wash his own hands.

The front door opened as Tooru hauled down a bottle of wine and a big glass, and he listened as Aina greeted Wakatoshi, wondering aloud why the man was naked in their house.

“Mom,” called Aina in surprise, but Wakatoshi was quick to explain, “Your mom gave me a massage.”

“Oh,” was all Aina said as she stepped into the kitchen. She took one look at Tooru with a full wine glass in his hand, and her stiff face pulled into a small smile. Tooru ignored the pain in her pretty, green eyes.

He turned to Wakatoshi instead and asked lightly, smiling, “Off already?”

Wakatoshi, who seemed unable to read a room most of the time, took one look at Tooru and Aina and quickly excused himself. Tooru wandered after him, drink in hand. He glanced towards his purse, but Wakatoshi hushed, “I’ll take the massage as my tip. Besides, it’s not required.”

Tooru looked back at Wakatoshi, that urge to kiss the man rising back up. Aina was watching, though, and Tooru… Tooru let himself believe that was all it was. He smiled up at the Alpha, reaching a hand out and pressing it to his chest.

“Think about my offer,” purred the Omega, his fingers sliding around Wakatoshi’s neck, dancing over his scent gland. “I’d be more than happy to give you a treatment,” he whispered softly. Wakatoshi lingered for a moment, his eyes locked on Tooru’s as if this was another puzzle to solve, and then he slowly nodded, smiling lightly as if he understood.

“Have a good night, Tooru,” Wakatoshi said as he stepped out, heading down the driveway. Tooru watched until he heard an engine kick on, too lost in his own head to recognize the whine of a motorcycle. He slowly shut the front door, and then he downed his whole glass in one go.

If Aina hadn’t come home… no, what would he have done? It was probably a good thing she was there. Tooru would need to re-center himself; he’d almost made himself too vulnerable.

-x-

“Are you having fun, Ko-chan?” called a soft voice over speaker phone, Koichi dancing around the living room with Tetsuro’s phone.

“Yes, Mama!” the little boy grinned, and Tetsuro smiled proudly. He’d been worried about getting Koichi ready in the morning, but the young Omega was so easy to care for, really quite capable of doing most things by himself.

“Good, I’m happy to hear that,” murmured Osamu, and Koichi giggled.

“Are you having fun, Mama?” called Koichi innocently, and Tetsuro could almost hear his aunt flush beet red. From the background, a familiar voice replied back, “Lots of fun, Ko-chan!”

“Shu-chan!” cheered Koichi, and Osamu laughed softly before declaring, “Hey, let me talk to my baby boy-!”

“I can’t help it if Ko-chan loves me,” came Shugo’s voice again, closer but more muffled somehow, and there was a yelp at the other end that had Tetsuro grabbing for the phone and pressing the mute button for a second. Koichi just stared at Tetsuro, the Alpha blinking back.

“Behave, you two,” he murmured slowly before turning the speaker back on. Shugo was laughing, Osamu scolding him. They sounded… domestic. Happy. Tetsuro handed the phone back to Koichi and then bent down, smiling at his little cousin. Koichi grinned up.

“Mama, I’m glad you’re having fun with Shu-chan. I want you to be happy this weekend, too.”

“Ko-chan-” whispered Osamu, Shugo’s voice speaking up a moment later like he was changing the subject as he asked, “Are you hugging your little penguin at night? Your mama sleeps with it clutched tight to his chest. He misses you, you know.”

“Yes-!” chimed Koichi, running to grab the stuffed penguin now, and Tetsuro smiled wryly. He almost doubted there was room against Osamu’s chest at night for a stuffed animal, but he didn’t say that aloud. He was glad, though; Osamu sounded like a weight had been lifted, happy for the first time in a very long time. Tetsuro would have to tell his momma about it. Atsumu would be happy to hear that…

After a while, Tetsuro called to his bedroom, saying, “Ko-chan, let your mama and Shu-chan go so they can enjoy their day, and we can go to the park and see your friends.”

“Okay!” replied Koichi, his little feet running back. Over the phone, Osamu was saying, “I love you, sweetheart, miss you. Have fun, okay? Call me tonight.”

“You might be busy,” Shugo teased, which caused another scuffle on the other end. When Osamu spoke again, he asked Tetsuro to put the phone off speaker.

“Is he doing okay?” he hushed quietly a moment later. Tetsuro pressed the phone to his ear as he peered down at his cousin with a reassuring grin, the little Omega staring up and then wandering off.

“Auntie, he’s doing absolutely fine. We’re having a great time, and it sounds like you are, too.”

Again, Tetsuro could almost hear Osamu blush. “Tetsu-chan…”

“Auntie,” replied Tetsuro, a little more stiffly now. He turned to the back wall of the kitchen. “Koichi is having a great time, and I think this weekend is doing both of you a lot of good. Please don’t worry about your baby; Momma and I have him. You just worry about whatever it is you and Shugo are getting up to. And remember to wear protection-”

“Tetsuro!” scolded Osamu, but Tetsuro laughed jovially, walking the phone back to Koichi. He called loudly, “Tell Mama bye-bye. We’ll call tomorrow,” the Alpha stressed.

“Thank you, Tetsuro; you’re the man,” called Shugo, which made Tetsuro laugh and Osamu yell out in protest again.

“My son-!” he lamented, but then the call ended, and Koichi and Tetsuro giggled together for very different reasons.

“Mama is having fun,” he assured the little boy. Koichi grinned brightly.

“Yeah,” he agreed with a nod. “I’m glad.”

Tetsuro ruffled soft grey hair, and then he stood up, the two making their way to the entryway to pull on shoes and coats. Tetsuro had packed them a small lunch and some toys, and he slung Koichi’s tiny backpack over his big shoulder as he took his cousin’s hand with the other. The two headed out, giggling. It was Friday, and Atsumu was at work, so they had the whole afternoon together.

Koichi skipped as they headed to the park, Tetsuro grinning up at the winter sun. He was feeling pretty giddy, too.

All the more so when he saw a familiar figure clad in black, wearing a ball cap and sunglasses, and two smaller figures on the playground. Koichi ran off, flying like a bullet towards his friends, and Tetsuro stared at Kenma as shouts of joy went up from the kids. Kenma looked up and then over. Tetsuro could almost feel the wary Omega eye him up, but he just grinned and chose a bench perpendicular to where Kenma sat, not too far away but not too close. Kenma looked as he always did, no less worried or anxious, which was a good sign. He was as vigilant as always, but not anymore so, which meant he probably hadn’t noticed anything worrying.

Tetsuro prayed it was all just his imagination. He’d been keeping his eye on the chat, scanning for that username or more weird comments, but it had been quiet. Good, maybe. Hopefully. Tetsuro wanted to believe it was just a fluke, a new subscriber being a little weird. He glanced at Koichi and then back at Kenma, smiling softly as he made no effort in hiding his stare.

He only looked down again when a tiny hand pressed to his thigh, big, golden eyes staring up. Keiko had her blond curls tied up into two little space buns today, a bunch of barrettes in her hair that had to be of her own doing. She had on pink lipgloss, too, a little eyeshadow on her eyelids, and sticker earrings on her ears. Tetsuro grinned a little wider at the pretty girl.

“Hi, beautiful,” he hummed happily.

“Hi,” whispered Keiko with a big smile. “Are you coming to play?”

“Hmm… I was keeping an eye on your mama for you,” he replied, smiling. He reached out and nudged the girl’s jaw gently. “Did you get all dressed up for Koichi?” he asked.

“For you!” Keiko replied very confidently, and Tetsuro let out a hearty laugh.

“Is your mama okay with that?”

Keiko pouted. “No! He’s trying to keep us apart…”

Tetsuro had to bite back another laugh. He hefted Keiko up onto his lap, glancing over at Kenma as he grinned. “Well, I think your mama is probably just worried about our age difference,” he chimed. Then, leaning closer, “Or maybe your mama wants me for himself?”

Golden eyes went wide, and Keiko looked like she’d just stumbled on a major discovery. She glanced over at Kenma, and then she grabbed around Tetsuro’s neck and planted a messy kiss on the corner of his lips. Tetsuro’s eyes snapped wide in surprise as Keiko pulled back, self-satisfied.

“Either way, you’ll be around, so that’s fine,” she hummed, happy enough. Maybe she was too young to get truly jealous, or maybe she didn’t have any clue what two adults dating looked like. Tetsuro let a wry grin pull at his lips as he set Keiko down, sending her back off before swiping at the gloss she’d left on his jaw. He turned to look at Kenma and grinned.

Well, Keiko was Kenma’s kid, so maybe there were more similarities Tetsuro could count on. He smirked happily as Kenma turned sharply back to his game.

It was peaceful despite the kids’ voices ringing cheerfully. Tetsuro was glad he’d packed enough food for three hungry kids and himself when the trio rushed over at the mention of lunch. Tetsuro couldn’t help but grin as the three sat next to him in a row, Keiko holding onto his arm as she enjoyed her tuna onigiri. Telepathically, Tetsuro sent Kenma messages to join them, come over, but the Omega stayed stubbornly rooted. Fun, Tetsuro thought, grinning to himself. He polished off his third salmon onigiri, handmade with love by Osamu yesterday, and then he stood and walked over to Kenma’s bench, holding out the Tupperware with the final onigiri in it.

“Don’t look so suspicious,” hummed Tetsuro with a crooked grin. “My auntie made them, and they’re very good.”

Kenma silently stared up through his lashes, but Tetsuro had never been easily put off. He just set the Tupperware down and then walked back to his own bench, leaning down to clean up the three kids’ hands and faces. Kentaro was off like a rocket the second Tetsuro had finished with him, grumbling like he and the Alpha had a serious vendetta against each other, while Keiko preened happily under the attention. She waited for Koichi and then took his hand, the pair walking back to the sandpit. Tetsuro watched them go with a warm smile before sitting back down and wiping his own hands. He glanced up at Kenma and almost caught the Omega red-handed, quick little licks to slender fingers made before Kenma hid behind his gaming console again. The onigiri was gone from the Tupperware, and Tetsuro leaned back, grinning proudly. He watched Kenma for another whole hour, never once getting bored, while the kids played happily.

Oh, Kenma, can’t you imagine it? We could have a lot of fun together. I could protect you…

Tetsuro’s eyes flicked up, and he did a slow scan of the park. By the time he looked towards Kenma’s bench again, he was delighted to see that the Omega was instead standing right in front of him, arms crossed and the Tupperware in one hand. Kenma wore a tight pair of black leggings and tall black combat boots, a large sweater under his black coat. His hair was pulled messily back into a thick bun, most of it hidden under his leather ball cap. Tetsuro grinned up at the tiny Omega.

“Hi,” he greeted fondly, reaching for the empty plastic container. “How was the onigiri?”

“Delicious,” Kenma said firmly.

“And if I said I lied and that I actually made it?”

“Disgusting,” Kenma replied in the exact same tone, not even skipping a beat as he pressed the Tupperware into his hand. Tetsuro giggled, delighted. He scooted over a little, arm splayed across the back of the bench.

“Sit, Kyanma-sama.”

“Don’t call me that in public.”

“Sure,” Tetsuro hummed. He beamed and said again, “Sit, cutie.”

“Don’t-” growled Kenma, but it looked like his embarrassment caught up a second later. He turned his face roughly and cleared his throat in aggravation. Tetsuro slowly reached out and pulled Kenma to sit down beside him. The Omega was so damn stiff, but warm, petite. Tetsuro grinned as he stared out at the kids.

“Do you enjoy tormenting me and following me around?” murmured Kenma bitterly.

Tetsuro glanced back down.

“Tormenting you? I’m flirting; did it not come off that way?” Tetsuro’s smile softened. He turned his face up again and said, “I thought I told you…”

“You’re being creepy,” Kenma cut in, but it seemed like he didn’t really believe that.

Tetsuro pointed it out. “If I was really creepy, you would never engage me in conversation, and you would have found a new park in a heartbeat.” Then, a little more wickedly, “I think you like me~”

He choked on a laugh when Kenma’s foot kicked at his shin, and he bent forward, huffing as his leg smarted.

“You’re so different than your online persona,” Tetsuro laughed softly. “It’s really fucking cute, Kenma.”

The glare he got in reply sent shivers up and down his spine, and when Kenma asked coldly, “What do you even want from me?”, Tetsuro had no other answer but, “Right now? To kiss you.”

That shut Kenma up. He looked like he seriously considered getting up and running for a moment, but Tetsuro shifted his body so he was leaning closer, his smile turning kinder.

“I told you, didn’t I?” he hushed again, heat melting into his tone. He could see Kenma’s shoulders stiffen, and while he would never push himself on the Omega, Tetsuro wanted the other to know, to get used to how serious he was. He let his scent trail out as he continued, “I like you, Kenma. I like you in the kind of way that makes me want to kiss you and be close to you.”

“And I told you that would never happen.”

“And yet you’re here,” grinned the Alpha. Cutting eyes met his own, and he shivered.

“I’m watching out for my kids,” Kenma said stiffly, and Tetsuro knew he was dead-serious, a mama bear on the prowl. He instantly sat up and backed off.

“I get it,” he promised. “So let me watch out for you while you watch out for your kids, Kenma. Trust me.”

“I don’t need you watching out for me.”

Tetsuro chewed at his lip, and suddenly Kenma glanced over, hazel eyes flashing.

“Unless you know something…” he said slowly.

Tetsuro let out a slow sigh. He didn’t want to worry Kenma… yet. “It’s probably nothing,” he replied simply. Kenma scoffed so loudly Tetsuro almost laughed.

“Now I know what your lies sound like,” he snapped, but then he sobered, eyes staring dead ahead like something had just occurred to him.

“I’ve lived my whole life watching my own back,” was all he said in the end, though, standing up. “I don’t need an Alpha to do it for me now.”

“You have kids now,” Tetsuro reminded Kenma, and for a split second, the Omega actually paused.

He turned a moment later, however, and said only, “Tell your aunt the onigiri was delicious.” Tetsuro watched Kenma stalk away, a strange mix of admiration and frustrated worry settling into his soul. He knew Kenma took threats seriously, and if Tetsuro had told him about the comment, he would be so vigilant, but he wasn’t going to accept help either. Tetsuro was not one to have a wounded pride, but damn if it didn’t hurt a little anyways.

He sighed slowly and then scrubbed at his face. He was still thinking about kissing Kenma, actually. But mostly he just wanted the Omega to be and feel safe.

Chapter Text

Osamu was starting to become very aware of the fact that he could quickly get used to this. Mornings waking up in Shugo’s arms, lazy sex anywhere and everywhere, and days spent just being together, doing whatever or nothing at all. He found himself laughing more, smiling more, being truly happy, and it was both frightening how easy it was and all-together perfect. Osamu could spend hours just staring at Shugo, hours just listening to him breathe or talk, hours rolling around in the sheets. There was something so instinctual about their time together, and it made Osamu homesick in a way he had never been, for something he wasn’t sure he’d ever had. Like a wandering nomad, his heart had finally found the place where it could relax and just be, and Osamu knew he was going to miss Shugo’s little apartment, miss Shugo, miss these warm moments when he had to drag himself back to that sad, lonely mansion tonight. He shoved the thought down and turned slowly in Shugo’s arms, trying not to wake the Alpha.

Their night had been late. Shugo had worked his shift at the bar, and Osamu had sat across from him all night, simply watching with a lovestruck look in his eyes, slowly sipping at the mixed drink in his hand. When they’d gotten back to Shugo’s, they’d both stripped almost immediately, and Shugo had taken Osamu into the shower with him, pressing him against cool tile as the heat from the water and Shugo’s big body had unraveled the Omega. It was all so perfect, and Osamu was sure he would never tire of being constantly desired sexually. Gentle fingers brushed aside short tufts of dark hair now, and Osamu fell in love all over again. He wanted to stay here. He didn’t want this magic to end.

Shugo was beautiful, his handsome face seeming to be carved from stone while his expressions were so kind. Osamu could lose himself in that kindness, and part of him wanted to, desperately. Shugo had assured him that he could carry Osamu’s load, that he wanted to, and Osamu felt himself growing more desperate each day, more like a caged animal as their time slowly dwindled down. He didn’t want to admit it, but there was no going back anymore, not as far as his heart was concerned.

He pressed himself closer against Shugo’s chiseled chest. The Alpha was completely naked while Osamu had slithered into another one of his shirts, though now he wished he could feel Shugo’s warmth directly against his skin. Shugo’s heart beat slow and steady, almost like the ticking of a clock, and his breathing was deep, ruffling Osamu’s hair softly. Shugo had grown fond of running his fingers through that hair whenever he could, touching as much as he wanted to, and Osamu was getting used to the easy affections the man lavished on him. Oh, he would miss that so terribly… Going back to Daisho seemed more and more like ripping his soul from his body with every second that passed.

Osamu chewed at his lip and told himself not to cry, but as the sun began to rise over the small studio apartment, peeking past the curtains, he could feel their time together growing so short, desperation digging its claws into Osamu. He buried his face into Shugo’s neck and drank up the scent there like it was the only thing grounding him, sighing in rapture when arms tightened around his back. He didn’t realize it meant Shugo had woken up until a deep and warm voice asked quietly, “Darling, what’s wrong?” A hand pressed to Osamu’s head, and the Omega let out a broken little sob.

He clung to Shugo as he begged, “I don’t… want to leave. I don’t want to go back there.”

“Osamu…” whispered Shugo slowly, but the Omega wouldn’t let him pull away, so he simply hugged Osamu tighter.

Gentle hands stroked down his back and up into the shirt he wore, sweetly comforting as Osamu cried. It only made him sadder, though, especially when Shugo asked, “What can I do?”

Osamu’s chest heaved, shaking his whole body, and he clung to the Alpha. “You… you are perfect,” he whimpered. “There’s nothing… to do,” he replied, defeated.

Slowly, Shugo laid Osamu on his back, pulling away just to wipe his face, to kiss him sweetly. “I’m not leaving you,” Shugo whispered. “I’ll always be here, whenever you need it.”

Osamu clung to Shugo’s arms, and he stared up at pretty green eyes. In all honesty, he was terrified. “I don’t want to go back to that place, Shugo. It’s cold and lonely. That house is no home for anyone.”

Green eyes flicked down slowly, but Osamu knew what Shugo wanted to say. He’d said it several times this weekend. He said it again now. “What if you don’t go back? What if you… stay?”

Osamu covered his face. What a dream. He would be so happy every single day, but it just wasn’t… reasonable. He wasn’t ready, not really. “Shugo, you don’t know… what Daisho could do. What if he takes Koichi from me? What if he ruins your life? And what if my parents find some way to blame this all on Atsumu again?”

Shugo pressed his forehead to Osamu’s hands, breathing slowly. As much as they might want this fairytale to last forever, Osamu knew just how cruel real life could be.

“Besides,” he whispered ever so quietly, his eyesight unfocusing. “I can’t ask that of you, Shugo. To suddenly shoulder the burden of taking care of a dead-beat Omega and a child that isn’t yours. And this apartment… It’s so cozy, but Koichi would need his own space, and I- I don’t know if I can shatter his world. He’s supposed to go to school soon, and-”

“You know I would find a way,” hushed Shugo quietly. “And Koichi- Koichi is smart and strong and a wonderful… little boy. Osamu, I would be so honored to be someone you both could rely on, to be an Alpha to you, to be… family. I would fight for you both.”

Osamu scrubbed at his face. Did Shugo understand how much he wanted that? How much it made his soul ache, to dream of never going back to that… place? But just because he wanted it, did that make it… right? He couldn’t afford to be selfish. He had to think of his son, of Atsumu and the consequences. He had to do what he’d always done and be reasonable, think straight and clear. He pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes, breathing rough and shallow.

The bed shifted beneath him, and he waited for Shugo to insist, to reassure Osamu once again, but instead, the Alpha asked quietly as he pulled Osamu back into his arms, “Tell me more about yourself, about growing up. I want to know you, Osamu. I want to understand you, your mind.”

“I’m not all that interesting,” whispered Osamu, an almost automatic reaction, but Shugo shook his head, sighing softly.

“Osamu, you are the most interesting person I have ever met. You fascinate me endlessly. And besides, I just want to know all about you, to listen to your voice, to fall deeper and deeper in love.”

“You,” hushed the Omega, but the rest of his words fell away. Shugo was such a romantic, but wasn’t that what made him so perfect for Osamu? His pretty words and tender feelings and the overwhelming size of his heart. Osamu had no doubt that if he asked, Shugo would work his fingers to the bone for him, to provide, to keep Osamu’s little family together. It was exactly why Osamu couldn’t ask, though; he didn’t want Shugo to suffer when life was okay now. If Osamu could just suck it up, it would be fine, life wasn’t that bad, so why… why should he make Shugo suffer because he wanted to be selfish? No…

Slowly Osamu opened his eyes, and he stared up at the ceiling, stroking slowly at Shugo’s arm. He smiled ever so softly as memories flitted through his mind. He remembered growing up with Atsumu, how much he had loved and hated his brother sometimes. He remembered a time when he hadn’t hated his parents, too, when they had taken family trips or been able to talk to each other. Everything had changed once they’d sent Atsumu away, though.

“I always despised… being the oldest,” Osamu said after a long time. “I wasn’t any good at it. Atsumu was always the one looking out for me. When he got pregnant, I couldn’t keep our family together. I couldn’t fight to see Atsumu. I couldn’t say a word of what I wanted, because all I knew was that I had to be good, I had to be the responsible one, the older… brother. It was stupid, I know that; maybe it’s just my personality, but I felt the need to carry all of these burdens like everything was… my fault. All of my life, I’ve carried everything in silence. The expectations my parents had, the desire I had within myself to be a reliable older brother to Tsumu, and now, the wrath of a husband who only wanted an Omega as a status symbol and someone to give him an heir. I have failed to meet every single one of their expectations. I am a disappointment.”

“Not to anyone that matters,” Shugo promised stiffly, and Osamu smiled, pained laughter cracking out of him.

“You want to know who I am, but I barely remember myself. All my life I’ve simply tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be, so I wonder… if Osamu Miya ever really existed, or if I was only just the projection of what everyone else wanted me to be.”

Shugo took Osamu’s hand and then slowly kissed his fingers, interlocking them with his own. To Shugo, the Osamu that was real was the one that was here now, the one that loved him. “No one would begrudge you starting from scratch,” whispered the Alpha softly, and Osamu sighed, turning slowly to his side.

“What do you see… when you look at me?”

Green eyes met Osamu’s, and slowly, Shugo smiled like he’d been waiting months to be asked that. He tucked back a stray strand of grey hair and then stroked at the Omega’s jaw. “I see someone who doubts himself constantly, someone who is desperate to be perfect when those that love him don’t need it. I see someone who carried the whole world on his back when he should have never taken on that burden. I see someone who was wronged by too many and now translates himself through the eyes of people who don’t matter.” Shugo paused for a moment, kissing Osamu’s forehead softly, and then he continued, “I see a beautiful, selfless Omega, a wonderful mother, a devoted friend and lover. I see someone who is loved beyond measure, who is desperate to be happy, and who is wished so well by so many. I see… someone I want to treasure, someone I want to grow old with, someone I want to carry all that weight for. I see someone who is worth so, so much and doesn’t know it at all.”

Osamu sighed slowly, and then he loosened his jaw, giving a wry, pained smile as he whispered, “Did you know that even this accent of mine is fake? I talked just like Atsumu until my parents decided… that wouldn’t attract any good city boys, so even that… simple thing… was stripped from me.”

Shugo’s thumb just stroked at Osamu’s jaw, his eyes so kind, his scent calming. Osamu tried to smile, but it hurt. His eyes felt swollen and his cheeks raw. He slowly shut his heavy lids.

“I met Daisho… once before I was… entrusted to him. I feel like I know just as much about him today as I did when I was 22. And Daisho… Well, he doesn’t care to know me at all. I’m just no good, Shugo… No good to him or to Atsumu or anyone at all.”

“That is not true,” said Shugo suddenly, sharply. Osamu startled. He blinked up at the ceiling, and then he looked at Shugo. A single tear ran down the Alpha’s face, his features knitted up in frustration. “That’s just not true, Osamu,” Shugo begged.

Osamu chewed back a quiet sob. “It’s not?” he whispered.

“No,” the Alpha swore, shaking his head sharply. “You are so, so good. To Atsumu, to Koichi, to me and Tetsuro. Osamu, I keep telling you… Please stop measuring your self-worth based on people who do not love you, who don’t deserve you.”

Osamu choked on a cry. “What else… am I meant to do?” he begged. “All my life, I just had to be perfect: the perfect child, the perfect brother, the perfect… spouse. Who… who would have loved me if I wasn’t?”

“Osamu,” Shugo ground out as he pulled the Omega to his chest, as he kissed the top of his head almost frantically. “I love you. And Atsumu, and Koichi, and Tetsuro. Those are the people that never needed you to be perfect. We’re the ones who see you, really… see you.”

Osamu grabbed at the hair at the back of Shugo’s nape, and he sobbed. “I just wanted to be loved, just wanted… to be good. Just wanted ta be… perfect to someone.”

“You are,” breathed Shugo as he crawled over the Omega. “Darling, you are. To me, you’re so perfect, in all of your imperfections. I see your strength in the pain you carry; I see your beauty in every flaw you see when you look in the mirror. Sweetness, you don’t need to be perfect. Perfect people are boring. You just need to be… you.”

“‘nd who’s… that?” whispered Osamu brokenly, kisses pressing to his neck.

Shugo kissed Osamu sweetly, kissed him until he was pliant and soft, and then he sat up and hushed, “This, Osamu. This is the real you. It’s who you are when you think no one is looking. It’s who you are when you’re happy, when you’re not thinking too much, when you’re able to just be.”

Osamu let out a weak little croon, and then he asked, broken and imperfect as he was, “Shugo, do ya think… ya could love someone like me… forever?”

“Yeah,” husked Shugo as the brightest smile broke out on his face. “I’d be so damn honored to, my darling.”

Osamu let more tears stream down into his hair, but he was smiling now, smiling up at the ceiling, at Shugo. “I wanna be… that Osamu,” hushed the Omega. “That Osamu feels real, an’ I like… I like what I feel when I’m him.”

“Well, that’s because he’s you,” grinned Shugo. He smiled when Osamu pulled him down into a pliant kiss.

“Shugo,” husked Osamu, pulling the Alpha closer, on top of him. “Make me feel real again.” Heavy breathing rushed over his cheeks, and he smiled blindingly bright up at the love of his whole life. He shivered as hands slid up into the shirt he wore, as Shugo undressed him and then broke him down to his most basic self, where he was nothing but a vessel full of warmth and pleasure, filled to the brim, happy to be alive. He let go of everything until he was just Osamu, loved perfectly by Shugo, delighted to be enjoyed.

“I love ya, love ya so much,” roughed Osamu as he spilled all over his belly again, having lost track after the third time. Shugo smiled down at him, grunting ever so softly as he shifted and started up again.

“You don’t even know how incredible you are. Don’t let anyone tell you differently,” Shugo husked, and Osamu nodded, eager to agree.

Yes, he liked this Osamu. This was the Osamu he wanted to be. And maybe one day, he wouldn’t have to pretend to be any other Osamu, and he could just be… happy Osamu forever. He wrapped his arms around Shugo, and as the Alpha promised his undying love and devotion, Osamu promised that he would try his best to be a little more real and bold and selfish.

As long as Osamu could remember that people out there loved him, he could be strong, truly strong, and maybe one day he’d be strong enough to not need anyone but the people he wanted to need.

-x-

Koutaro couldn’t stop grinning. The last few weeks of school had been amazingly like a dream, and Koutaro was still flying high. He puffed his chest out as he strutted into the izakaya that the football team was meeting at before they all went off for winter break, and Koutaro just couldn’t wait to brag to them all about the cutie he’d been chatting with for a few weeks now.

At first, the texts to Keiji really had just been about laundry. Swamped with finals and practice, Koutaro had been way too busy to think of much else, but as soon as he’d finished his first final and told Keiji, the high had hit.

Amazing, Koutaro, I knew you could do it! Keep up the good work! Let me know if you need anything.

That text had sent Koutaro, honestly, to know that Auntie Keiji believed in him and was cheering him on-! Koutaro almost wanted to tease Wakatoshi and say, “See, you’re not the only special one now~” On top of that, all of his clothes always came back neatly folded and smelling like Keiji and his laundry detergent, and the overgrown kid had gotten into the habit of falling asleep with the collar of his sweater stuffed to his nose. It was just a hint, really, but the milky scent of lemongrass and mint reminded Koutaro of the teas his mother used to make. Koutaro had talked, no, bragged to anyone and everyone about Keiji, and now he’d even gotten his parents all on board with this “adorable Omega” he’d met.

Life was good, so good, and Keiji had seemed enthusiastic and almost relieved to continue their conversations past laundry and school. There was so much to talk about; Koutaro could spend hours just blabbering about his childhood or something funny one of his teammates had done at practice one time. He also didn’t mind when Keiji talked about Wakatoshi or his sister, when he discussed his pregnancy woes or his own memories. Every conversation he had with Keiji felt like gold, and Koutaro wondered if he would ever get bored of chatting with the Omega.

At the far end of the izakaya in a slightly private room sat a whole group of hooligans, already loud despite this probably only being the first round of drinks for most of them. Koutaro stepped in and announced himself with a boisterous, “Hey, hey, hey!” Every eye turned up, and a rowdy cheer of, “Hey, hey, hey,” cried back. Koutaro smacked at Wakatoshi’s broad back and then slid down beside him with a lopsided grin as a toast was raised to their captains.

“May they lead you lot into many victories again next year,” cheered one of the graduating senpais, and everyone mourned his loss by begging, “Don’t leave us, senpai!”

“The team will fall apart without you,” teased a second year, but Wakatoshi quickly cut in and declared, “The team will not fall apart.”

“Yea!” roared the whole room, glasses raised again and clinking loudly together. Koutaro grinned, leaning back as he ordered a beer. Wakatoshi was drinking down tea, still a year too young to participate, though Koutaro wondered if he would even if he was old enough. He could hear him now: “Someone has to make sure you get home okay, Koutaro.” The quarterback giggled and then draped his arm around his teammate’s shoulders.

“So guess who’s been chatting with a certain Auntie~” Koutaro sang as the group settled down a little. Every eye turned in interest first to Koutaro, and then to Wakatoshi in disbelief.

“No way,” laughed one of their kickers. “Ushijima, you let Koutaro of all people get close to your aunt?! The sacred beauty that you protected like it was your mission in life?!”

A few of them laughed while Koutaro grinned proudly.

Wakatoshi, though, sighed wearily and said, “I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” laughed one of their senpais, knocking his elbow into Koutaro’s ribs.

“Auntie Keiji likes me!” decried Koutaro, wondering why nobody seemed to believe him. “I’m an angel!“ He declared, and suddenly the whole room was roaring again. It only got louder when Koutaro insisted, “I could ask him! He’d agree!”

Wakatoshi rubbed at his temples and groaned. “Koutaro, you’ve been keeping Aunt Keiji up until all hours of the night.”

“No! I shut up after ten ‘cause he asked,” the Alpha huffed, chest out and sure he was the good guy here.

“Already whipped,” teased someone, while another voice cried, “Aww, good little Koutaro~”

Koutaro wasn’t sure why any of those things would be bad. He puffed his chest out farther, beaming.

“Wakatoshi, are you really going to let Koutaro crush on your aunt like this?” asked the kicker in disbelief, and Koutaro’s eyes snapped open. He spun to Wakatoshi, totally clueless.

“Why not?”

Olive eyes turned and stared at Koutaro incredulously.

“He’s going to break your aunt’s heart,” one of their senpais mourned.

“Playboy Koutaro. He just loves Omegas~”

Koutaro flared red, but it wasn’t from embarrassment. “I’m not like that! Auntie Keiji is special, and I would never do anything to hurt him!”

“Ohh~” keened a few of their teammates, and Wakatoshi sighed. As if on cue, he pulled his phone out, a text from Keiji. Koutaro leaned shamelessly over his shoulder and read as the tight end typed out, I don’t know how late I’ll be. I have to watch out for Koutaro. Don’t wait up for me.

“Hey,” murmured Koutaro with a pout, Wakatoshi blindly reaching back and flicking his forehead.

“Don’t just read over people’s shoulders, Koutaro.”

Thanks to the alcohol flowing, everyone had quickly turned back to their own conversations, so Koutaro’s voice was relatively quiet as he bemoaned, “I would never do anything to hurt Auntie.”

“Than what are your intentions?” Wakatoshi asked, and Koutaro sat up, blinking in confusion. Intentions? That was a huge word for someone three beers in. Koutaro muddled over it while olive eyes stared unrelentingly.

“Geez, Toshi,” Koutaro murmured, turning back to his beverage and his plate of spicy karaage. He popped two in his mouth and then washed it down with now-lukewarm beer. His intentions? They weren’t anything bad! In fact, Koutaro was sure he had the purest of intentions. Omegas were like angels, like little fairies to be protected and worshipped. Koutaro would never… do anything bad to an Omega.

Beside him, Wakatoshi sighed wearily, and Koutaro’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “Why are you so worried?” he demanded. “We’re just friends!”

“I’m worried because my aunt has grown really fond of you!”

The words hung in the air, and Koutaro blinked. A goofy grin played on his lips, but the surprise he felt showed in his wide eyes. Fond of him? Like… liked him?

Wait!

Koutaro rushed forward suddenly and grabbed at Wakatoshi’s arms. “Wait, wait, wait!” he begged. Wakatoshi looked like he’d regretted opening his mouth, which was rare, which in turn made Koutaro all the more suspicious- “Wait, are you saying-?”

“I don’t know, you idiot. All I know is that he’s never strayed from his bedtime, and he’s certainly never given his phone number to any of my friends.”

“But how many friends have you introduced Auntie to?” demanded Koutaro, a little too drunk. “How many friends do you have, Toshi?”

Olive eyes narrowed, and Koutaro slowly backed away. When Wakatoshi threatened to cut his beer off, the Alpha violently backpedaled. Still, Wakatoshi sighed, scrubbing at his hair as he murmured, “There’s a reason why I don’t bring my friends around.”

Now Koutaro was insulted. “Hey!” he yelled at Wakatoshi. “Auntie isn’t just someone who would flirt indiscriminately with your friends just ‘cause they’re Alphas or play ball or whatever-”

A few eyes glanced over curiously, but Wakatoshi waved them off as he clamped a hand over Koutaro’s mouth, leaning over the quarterback.

“I know. That’s my point exactly.”

Koutaro had said it, but it hadn’t really registered until now. His eyes snapped wide, and as Wakatoshi leaned over him, he stared up at the angry… concerned Alpha. After a moment, Koutaro tapped at the inside of the other’s wrist, and Wakatoshi slowly let him go. The pair stared at each other.

“Are you saying… that Auntie Keiji… likes me? Like, likes me, likes me?”

“I’m saying…” grunted Wakatoshi, “that you’re leading him to believe he can, at the very least.”

Koutaro blinked, and then he grinned. “Of course he can,” he huffed proudly.

“No, you idiot,” hissed Wakatoshi, and then he suddenly sat up, saying, “You don’t get it, that’s the point.”

Koutaro blinked, staring up at the ceiling of the izakaya. His head was swimming, too light to understand. What point was he missing? Why would it be so wrong if Keiji had a little crush on him? I mean, he liked Keiji, too…

Koutaro blinked slowly. There was something there. Well, he was known to be an idiot. He slowly sat up and stared at Wakatoshi. He drank another two beers, just staring at his teammate. What was he not getting?! His brain grew more and more fuzzy. By the time Wakatoshi was hauling him out, one arm across broad shoulders and Wakatoshi’s hand gripped tight at the quarterback’s waist, he still hadn’t figured it out.

“What’s so wrong with Auntie like-liking me, Toshi?” mumbled the white haired man, frowning at the ground. He tried to kick a pebble but tripped a little instead. Wakatoshi grunted.

“Walk straight,” he huffed in aggravation.

Maybe Wakatoshi hadn’t heard him? Koutaro raised his head and asked, louder, “What’s so wrong with your Auntie like-liking me?”

“Koutaro, don’t be an idiot,” grumbled Wakatoshi. “You’re not serious.”

“Am, too,” huffed the Alpha. Then, “I could be. I would be. Should I be?“

“No, you idiot! Not with my aunt!” Wakatoshi, though, seemed to change his mind. “But if it’s already too late, maybe you should take responsibility. Wait, no. Don’t do that. Fuck-!”

Koutaro’s eyes went wide in surprise. He looked up and over at Wakatoshi. “Never heard ya curse before…”

Then, like Koutaro had somehow found wisdom at the bottom of his last mug of beer, he asked, “Hey, Toshi, ya got someone ya like?”

Olive eyes met golden ones, and Koutaro grinned like an idiot. “Ah, is it a pretty Omega like Keiji~?”

To Koutaro’s surprise, Wakatoshi’s whole face went beet red, and he muttered out, “Shut up, you idiot. I hope you forget this all tomorrow.”

Koutaro giggled. Then, a little more seriously, he said, “I’d take care of Keiji. I’d be a good man.”

Wakatoshi sighed wearily, quiet.

“I really would… be so good to him,” murmured Koutaro, more to himself now. “Keiji is… really special.”

If Wakatoshi was listening, he didn’t show it. Koutaro grinned softly. He tugged a little too hard at the other, sending both of them tripping sideways. Wakatoshi righted them with an aggravated sigh.

“Hey, Toshi, take me home.”

“I am, idiot.”

“Noo,” mourned Koutaro. “To Keiji! I want to see my love~”

“He’s not your love!” shouted the other Alpha, and Koutaro tossed his head back and roared with laughter.

He blindly smacked at Wakatoshi’s chest. “That’s the spirit!”

“I’m taking you to your place,” Wakatoshi chewed out, beyond aggravated as Koutaro giggled.

“Okay, Toshi~” crooned Koutaro.

“Don’t call me that,” chewed out the tight end. Red cheeks greeted Koutaro’s eyes when he looked over, and he grinned.

“Okay, Toshi,” he sang teasingly.

“I will drop you and let you sleep on the side of the road,” Wakatoshi threatened, and Koutaro knew the other meant it, and yet…

“I’d just call Auntie Keiji~”

Wakatoshi growled. “You’re insufferable when you’re drunk, but only mildly less so when you’re sober. Why did I pick a friend like you?”

“Toshi, admit ya like me~” hummed Koutaro. That reminded him, and he giggled. “Keiji likes me~”

“Please… just forget all of this in the morning,” begged Wakatoshi as he dragged Koutaro up to his dorm room, fishing out a key and practically drop kicking the Alpha inside. Koutaro grunted and then grinned, waving at Wakatoshi as he wandered towards his bed, stripping. Wakatoshi groaned and at least brought a bucket over, telling Koutaro, “Sleep on your side, okay?”

“Yessir,” mumbled the Alpha with a grin, plopping himself down naked. Wakatoshi kindly brought his phone over and plugged it in, and then he was gone, saying something that Koutaro didn’t catch.

He swore at some point he heard his phone ping, and he reached for it. His eyes swam. He was starting to loose his buzz. His stomach wasn’t feeling too hot.

Did you make it home okay, Koutaro? Sleep well.

Koutaro grinned, just staring at Keiji’s text. He petted softly at his screen. In his head, he typed out a response. He wasn’t sure if he hit send. Vaguely, he thought that Wakatoshi had told him not to text Keiji tonight. He giggled, and then he fell dead asleep.

keikei urth bestt. i luv u.

-x-

Kenma was really trying to keep his aggravation down. It wasn’t just that Tetsuro wouldn’t leave him alone, it was also the fact that it bothered the Omega at all. He was a very private person, but he’d had a handful of fan interactions; still, none of them had left him feeling this… irate. Was it because Tetsuro could obviously be doing better things with his life than chasing after Kenma like a love sick puppy? Or was it because the Alpha had ingratiated himself with Kenma’s kids and now he couldn’t just… rid himself of the pest? Whatever it was, it was giving Kenma a headache, and he almost wished he had a full-face mask now, the twitch in his upper lip hard to hide. He set up for his usual livestream and tried his best to calm himself down.

There was one thing he could do, one weapon he had in his arsenal that would surely discourage an Alpha, and that was shame and embarrassment. Kenma could shit-talk and belittle with the best of them, and tonight, just the thought of it was the only thing keeping him sane. He let out a short laugh and then he started up his stream, settling back into his tall chair with his fingers steepled. He watched the chat come to life, and just like clockwork, there was Tetsuro.

Long time no see, cutie~

Kenma tried not to bust a vein at the nickname. He’d almost strangled the man at the park when he’d called Kenma that. The nerve of the 20-something giant redwood tree to call him- him! - a cutie. Kenma fluttered his hands over his keyboard and mouse as he set up the game he wanted to play tonight, if only to get his mind of off the thorn in his side. He didn’t let it show that he’d seen Tetsuro’s comment at all.

As he settled back and started playing the mindless old classic game, he chatted a little bit about his day, about some of the games he was planning to stream in the future, asking his followers what they’d like. Tetsuro had a lot of suggestions to make, and Kenma tried to ignore them at first, but he felt like every time he glanced at the chat, there was that stupid username. His fingers twitched against his mouse.

He missed an easy shot and then suddenly sat back, and with a wicked grin, he told his audience, “So there’s this… stupid Alpha kid… that’s started hanging around me lately.” He paused for a moment just to watch the chat explode from the corner of his eye. His lips twitched in delight. “I’m pretty sure he has this, like, massive crush on me. He told me he’s watched me since he was a little kid.” Kenma laughed and then glanced to the right of his screen, the chat flying past. “I don’t usually like to be vulgar, but I’m sure quite a few of you have used me as “material” before, and I’m pretty sure this little Alpha is the same way.”

To be fair, Kodzuken, a few argued, while others claimed Tetsuro wouldn’t be an Alpha if he didn’t jack off to Kenma at least once. Kenma let out a bark of laughter, glancing over his shoulder through his camera for a moment. The twins were dead asleep, but Kenma didn’t need them waking up and trying to find him. He covered his grin and then shifted his gaze back to his chat. Pulling his legs up, he asked his followers, “So what should I do~? Should I be nice to him? Humor him?”

A few commenters started challenging the mystery Alpha, saying Kenma belonged to all of them, which was naïve in a very different way. Kenma stroked at his lips, humming as he read through the chat.

Is he hot, asked one commenter, the username suggesting it was another Omega.

If you don’t want him, I’ll take him~ another teased. Kenma let out a soft laugh.

“He’s… conventionally attractive, I suppose,” he replied nonchalantly, examining his nails even as he bathed in the responses from his chat. He hummed, tapping at his lips. He knew Tetsuro was watching. So you want to kiss me, do you? Fat chance, Tetsu-chan~ Kenma would make sure Tetsuro really got to feel desperate for it, knowing he would deny him every single time. He let his pink tongue slide over his lips.

He was about to laugh and just let his chat draw their own conclusions when a name and comment flashed across the screen that Kenma had never seen before. Of course he didn’t pay attention to everyone, but he could usually spot a newcomer quickly. That was all good and well, except for the comment that was attached to the new username.

Tell the Alpha to back off, KK.

You belong to me.

It could be innocent. It really could be innocent, but Kenma suddenly recalled something Tetsuro had said, or rather, what he hadn’t said at the park last time. Kenma was stuck between writing it off as paranoia and reminding himself that being overly cautious had saved his ass a hundred times already when Tetsuro’s username popped up, an innocent comment if Kenma hadn’t just seen the last one.

I feel like you’re pulling our legs, Kyanma-sama. Are you teasing us to make us jealous?

Saving his own skin? Downplaying his humiliation? No, Kenma thought, every sense in his body tingling. Half of his brain was screaming, End the stream now!, but he had to be rational. He had to play it off, even if it was just for Tetsuro’s safety- Even if it was nothing at all; it was more than likely just a kid behind a computer screen feeling bold, right? Or a joke, a bad joke. Kenma’s mind was racing.

Don’t worry. typed Tetsuro, and it was vague, but Kenma just knew… that one was only for him. He slowly stretched his fingers out, and then he laughed, hiding all of his nerves behind a giant grin.

“I’m just teasing,” Kenma laughed as loudly as he dared with the twins asleep. “Can you imagine? No, I’d kick anyone who tried to approach me and cling to me like that right to the curb~”

Aww, Kodzuken, you’re breaking our hearts, bemoaned a few in chat, and Kenma let out a quiet sigh.

Tetsuro was quiet the rest of the chat, not that Kenma was keeping his eye out. The creepy newcomer was silent, too. Kenma felt his stomach knot up and churn. He ended the stream twenty minutes early, making up some lie about an appointment he had in the morning, and he logged off, his grin somehow intact. It fell as soon as the feed cut, though. Kenma squeezed his hands together and shut his eyes tightly. He didn’t want to admit that, for a moment, he’d felt seriously terrified. This was why he’d always been so careful, though; this was exactly why he took so many precautions. He just had to trust his system now. Tetsuro was a fluke, an accident, a one-in-a-million chance. Kenma was okay.

His computer chimed as soon as he thought that, and for a split second, Kenma didn’t want to open his eyes. Shit, he was letting his anxiety win! He snapped his eyes open and stared at the private message notification. His followers rarely used it, simply because he’d asked them not to. He had blocked people before for abusing his inbox. He hated DM’s.

He clicked open his inbox and rattled out a sharp exhale. Tetsuro’s username looked even stupider now, but Kenma was glad to see it and not another one. The message preview showed, Are you okay? I’m keeping my ey… The rest was cut off, but Kenma wasn’t going to stroke Tetsuro’s ego by actually clicking on it. Still, he let his lips wobble as he pulled off his mask.

“Thanks,” he murmured to no one in particular. He shut his computer down without acknowledging Tetsuro’s message, but he thought that maybe somehow the Alpha knew anyways.

Well, if it made him feel better, or whatever… Kenma headed upstairs and curled up in his bed. He was dead asleep in minutes.

-x-

Osamu’s fingers had found a steady rhythm to drum out on the kitchen island. He’d put Koichi to bed a few hours ago. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was more annoyed than worried.

Daisho had said he’d be back at 7. It was now approaching 10 with no sight or word from the Alpha, and all Osamu could think was that he could have had a few more hours with Shugo-

His phone buzzed, and he nearly jumped out of his skin, but it was just Atsumu.

so????

Below that, a quiet text from Shugo had come in on the private app they used. Glancing at the door leading to the garage like Daisho might have finally materialized there, Osamu let out a sharp sigh. He quickly scrambled to open the app, putting in his passcode before the thread showed.

I miss you so much already. Sorry if my texts are sparse, busy night tonight.

Shugo had had to work, which meant they couldn’t have spent the night doing what they’d done all weekend anyways, but Osamu could have sat at the end of the bar and just spent his time staring at Shugo-

I miss you, too. Still no signs of him. Wish I was there with you instead.

He switched next to Atsumu’s chat. He was a little too paranoid to call his brother, so instead he typed out rapidly, Best weekend of my whole life.

awww, Atsumu fired back with a bunch of throwing up emojis. ur gross. waht i wanna know is was he hung???

Ew! complained Osamu in retaliation, though he very quickly added, yesdhskaifbswj

OMYGOD IS THAT MY BIG BRO KEYBOARDSMASHING??????

Osamu wanted to laugh or cry or…

pics or it didn’t happen, shot back Atsumu, which Osamu very quickly turned down.

You’ll just have to believe me. All I can say is my bf is blessed.

NOT MY BIG BRO CALLING HIS MAN BF, shouted Atsumu through text, and this time Osamu rolled his eyes, deleting both texts for good measure. No, he’d probably have to delete this whole conversation in a minute. His cheeks burned, and he couldn’t help but smile as he was reminded.

well im sure it helps when they know how to use them too, Atsumu suggested not so subtly. i know u hate it but i can imagine that boi fuccs gooooood from all the practice hes had~~

Osamu sighed softly, but it wasn’t like he could really be mad about it. On the contrary, maybe he was glad that Shugo was so good at it. He definitely hadn’t been complaining this weekend… Osamu covered his face and moaned softly. His phone buzzed against his face, and he deleted the thread with Atsumu. Another text from Shugo.

Damn… Don’t pout, though, or you’ll break my heart, even if I can’t see it <3 We’ll make up for it, Shugo replied with a sweet little kissy emoji. Osamu wanted to scream in joy. He nearly did when Shugo sent along a selfie. Ah, he looked so good in his black tee, sleeves rolled up to show off his forearms, the cotton fabric straining over his chest and arms. He’d tucked the hair that Osamu had mussed this morning under a ball cap, like he’d refused to wash it just because he liked the memories it conjured up. Osamu liked those memories, too. He sent his own selfie, trying not to pout but failing a little, blowing a kiss.

You’re not helping <3, he replied with a soft smile.

New phone background. I love you. Shugo replied.

Osamu clicked back to his chat with Atsumu before he could melt into a puddle, his eyes darting up and over the still-closed garage door. He wasn’t sure if he was upset or just… disappointed. For a split second, he wondered what he’d do if Daisho never actually walked through that door again. His eyes jerked back down to his cell phone.

well my weekend wth ko-chan was a blast. im not jealous at all of ur sex fest.

It wasn’t a sex fest, Osamu typed, lying through his fingers. Atsumu just sent him a million upside down smilies, and Osamu laughed softly.

the ? is where did u 2 NOT have sex.

Osamu pressed one hand to a heated cheek, grinning as he started to type back, I think we got his whole floor plan covered-

He dropped his phone when he heard the garage door whir. His blood rushed from his head and he let out a yelp. Now that he could hear Daisho coming, he was suddenly terrified. He grabbed at his phone and typed out, srry he’s here. He deleted his texts with shaking fingers, closing out apps that had nothing to do with his affair. What was he even doing? His heart lodged in his throat. He deleted the text Atsumu sent threatening Daisho’s life.

Osamu startled once more when the garage door began to roll shut again, engine grinding quietly, and then one last time when the door to the garage opened. He stood up ram rod straight. Daisho glanced over and then down, pulling his luggage in wearily.

Osamu tried not to sound accusatory as he asked, “Did you have any problems? You’re late-”

“My flight got delayed, Osamu,” was all Daisho said. He left his luggage right inside the door and then turned to head upstairs with his briefcase. “You didn’t have to stay up,” he murmured over his shoulder. Osamu scrambled first to the hallway, and then to Daisho’s luggage.

“You’re my husband,” he said, like that meant anything at all. The last word died on his tongue just like his marriage had the moment they’d spoken it into being with their vows. Osamu just stared down at the suitcase before him. He knew it was work for himself, laundry to do, but all he could see as he stared down at it right now was the proof that he and Daisho knew nothing about each other at all. Osamu didn’t know what was packed inside, didn’t know where the outfits had been worn to all weekend, didn’t know if he’d find something… he shouldn’t.

Slowly, Osamu sank down to his knees, and in the shadow of that looming suitcase, he opened his secret app and typed out, He’s home. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Sleep well, my love.

The screen blurred as tears fell hot and heavy. Osamu cried in silence like he’d learned to do over twenty years ago, his heart broken once again for what felt like the millionth time. He hated this life; he could finally admit it.

He didn’t want to feel this way anymore.

He wanted Shugo.

-x-

Atsumu rolled his chair back and peeked over his shoulder. Alex had been quiet all day. In fact, he’d been quiet since Atsumu had found him after his sleepover at the office. Until now, that had been totally fine with the Omega; they were getting work done, and Alex was kind when he had any questions or requests, just as he’d always been. But after a few days of hearing Osamu gush and go on and on about Shugo and their weekend together, Atsumu was feeling the silence much more. It wasn’t like he could put a name to the feeling or even really pinpoint it to Osamu’s happiness, but he felt the desperation it left him with, raw and ugly, and Atsumu… just…

He turned sharply back to his desk and finished out his last few tasks. What was wrong with him? He was going on a date tonight! So why wasn’t he excited? Sure, he hadn’t met the man he was meeting up with through his usual channels, but it would be fine. Tetsuro would probably laugh if he’d heard Atsumu had downloaded a dating app, but there were only so many fish to pick from on his Instagram, and Atsumu felt… desperate.

After shutting down his computer, Atsumu rushed to the bathroom to check his make-up and hair. He wore a tight pair of slacks with a loose blouse, but the self-confidence he’d usually be bursting with felt drained. What was wrong?! He undid a few buttons on his blouse and then re-did them; how desperate did he want to look? The more he thought about it, the more he told himself it was fine if he came off as a little bit of a whore; still, he left it at two buttons undone. He walked back to his desk, only calling to Alex when he was headed out.

“Alright,” was all Alex replied. “Have a good night.”

Atsumu almost missed Alex scolding him for his outfit choices. At least then he’d know how he was coming off… Atsumu angrily grabbed his purse and headed out, texting Tetsuro as he always did.

Don’t wait up for me. Love ya.

Be careful, Momma.

Atsumu frowned lightly and then quickly stuffed his phone away. He was fine; he was more than capable of taking care of himself. Hadn’t he proved that these last… twenty-one years? Lips pulled tightly down, and Atsumu walked a little faster in his heels.

The restaurant his date had picked wasn’t anything all that fancy, but it was connected to a hotel, and at least, Atsumu thought, he hadn’t gotten the signals mixed up. There would be sex tonight, and maybe it would give him the tug he needed to get out of this damn rut he was in. He stepped into the lobby of the restaurant with a smile, head held high.

“Hey, you must be Atsumu,” called a voice, and Atsumu spun around. He was glad he was smiling because the man before him caught him off guard. A little shorter than him, messy brown hair, and young. Shit, he hadn’t looked so-

Atsumu stiffened his face and called back, “Hey. Hiroki, right?”

Brown eyes sparkled with delighted mischief as the Alpha, Hiroki, nodded. “You can just call me Hiro,” he smirked. Well, despite his smaller stature and his very young appearance, he was pretty handsome, so Atsumu stuffed down his shock. Still, he told himself to delete that dating app after tonight; there was a reason everyone had always told him not to trust those things. “You’re pretty tall for an Omega, Atsumu,” Hiro noted next, still grinning. Atsumu slowly tilted his head, laughing quietly.

“I have heels on,” was all he said, gauging the Alpha’s reactions. Hiro just grinned, glancing down and then slowly back up.

“I see that,” Hiro replied, laughing too. Atsumu had never felt so out of his element before, and that was saying a lot. He followed Hiro and the hostess to their table and then instantly ordered a drink. Thankfully, Hiro ordered one, too. “What?” he laughed with a wry smirk. “Were you worried I was too young to drink? I’m twenty-one.”

Atsumu almost thought there and then that he should just get up and leave. This kid didn’t know what he was doing… Still, the allure of sex and getting rid of this desperation kept Atsumu rooted. He chugged down half of his drink as soon as it came, Hiro just grinning.

As soon as they’d put in their orders, Atsumu began to wonder again if this wasn’t a huge mistake. He was able to shrug it off at first as Hiro began to comment, “Man, you really don’t look like what I imagined from an Omega. I mean, fuck, you’re gorgeous, but the pictures in your profile were a little misleading. Are you sure you’re an Omega?” laughed Hiro.

Atsumu just smiled back, asking innocently, “I am, but would it really be such a big problem if I wasn’t?”

Hiro’s whole expression soured for a split second, so fast that Atsumu might have thought he’d imagined it if it weren’t for the way the Alpha chewed out, “I don’t have any interest in fucking Betas or other Alphas.” He paused for a moment, and then he laughed. “Nah, you smell like an Omega; I’m not actually worried.”

Atsumu just swallowed and nodded. He tried to remember why he’d picked this kid out. Was it really just because he’d been the first one to send Atsumu a message? Damn, not every Alpha was a winner; Atsumu knew that better than anyone, and yet, here he was. He was halfway to pulling his phone out, to tell Tetsuro he’d be home early anyways, when Hiro cut in, “Atsumu, relax. You’re stinking up the place. Aren’t Omegas supposed to be demure?”

Big, golden eyes blinked, Atsumu straightening his spine as he stared across the table at Hiro. He almost wanted to laugh. Demure? Him? Something told him to bite the gut reaction down, though. Instead, he said very simply, “Maybe I’m not yer type. Look, I’ll pay for my dinner, so let’s just forget-”

“Sit down, Omega,” Hiro snapped, and it jolted Atsumu, something in his brain sizzling like he’d just touched a live wire. When he looked back at the Alpha, however, the kid was smiling, and Atsumu let out a wry laugh. What the hell? He looked at his drink and then back up at Hiro. No, he’d had his hand on the glass the whole time; there was no way Hiro had slipped anything in it, and yet, the way he was feeling…

No, something wasn’t right.

Fuck!

Hiro grinned at Atsumu. “It’s not that you’re not my type~ I mean, you’re an Omega, right? That sounds right up my alley.”

“So any Omega would do?” Atsumu tried, desperate to lighten up whatever that storm cloud was in Hiro’s eyes.

“Hmm,” was all Hiro replied as he tilted his head, staring at Atsumu. “Wouldn’t most Alphas say they prefer the pretty ones?”

“Why are ya askin’ me?” Why was Atsumu offended? That sizzle still lingered in his brain, and it was dulling his senses, slowing his thoughts. What the hell? When the waiter walked by again, Atsumu ordered a water and then kept it close to his body.

“Well, you’re old, Atsumu. You’ve probably slept with hundreds of us, so I figured you’d be the expert here.”

Atsumu was getting really irritated now. Who was this punk? Who the fuck did he think he was? “I’m not old,” snapped the Omega. “And most of my dates were attracted ta me.”

The cutting remark made the Alpha’s face go stiff, and he hissed, “Simmer down, Atsumu.”

There it was again, a little slower this time and less shocking, but Atsumu’s brain fizzled with a current that he couldn’t find the source of. He drank more water. He reached for his phone, but this time, their waitress interrupted to ask if they’d like dessert.

“I have my dessert right here,” Hiro commented crudely, and even the waitress looked uncomfortable now. She glanced at Atsumu and then back at Hiro.

“The check, then,” was all she said. Damn, Atsumu wouldn’t be able to show his face here again; he didn’t want anyone associating him with this… damn… brat. Atsumu let out a rough sigh and then slumped forward, suddenly so tired.

“Ohh, Atsumu, you drank too much,” Hiro was saying, his voice ringing clearer than anything else, and yet it was still so muddled in Atsumu’s head.

“Thanks for dinner,” he could hear himself say. “I should head home.”

“Nonsense. I got a room upstairs.”

No, no, no, nononono! Every single warning bell was ringing, and yet when Hiro grabbed Atsumu’s hand and helped him up, he followed the Alpha, walking like a drunkard when he wasn’t even that wasted. He’d only had one drink!

In the elevator, Atsumu leaned against the wall and begged his voice to work as he accused, “Ya… drugged me.” It came out slurred, and Hiro clicked his tongue.

“Is that really any way for an Omega to speak to an Alpha? I just took you out on a date, didn’t I? If I wanted an Omega to drug, I wouldn’t bother and just pick up a whore from the bar. No, Omega. You’re just under my spell.”

There it was again, that electric current, and Atsumu’s eyes went slowly wide. No, he knew what this was. He’d heard of it before, but no one… no one did this shit anymore. It eroded an Omega’s trust in Alphas in a second. And yet, here was this dumb ass kid… no, this dangerous Alpha- “Ye’re usin’… yer dominant voice… Don’t-”

Hiro just laughed, and then as the elevator doors opened, he called, “Come on, you whore Omega. I’m gonna fuck you good tonight. What do you say?”

Atsumu had no choice. He was following Hiro even as everything begged him not to, begged him to fight. All he could get out was, “Fuuuck ya, lil’ brat-”

“Say thank you, Omega,” Hiro snapped, and this time that voice reached right into Atsumu’s very core and riddled him with electricity. His spine snapped straight and tears sprang to his eyes. His scent was a mess of pure distress, but there was no one around. He was shoved into a hotel room, and he tried to scramble for his phone, but it was all pulled away, and for a moment, he felt like he was flying as he was shoved back, his brain too slow to catch up to his body. He jolted a moment after he hit the bed, and then he was sobbing, an Omega reduced to base instinct.

“Please, Alpha, don’t do this. I’ll do anythin’ ya want, just don’t-”

“Shut up, Omega!” It sizzled now, cutting raw wounds through Atsumu’s mind. Everything in him started to crumble. All he wanted was to get out of here.

Tetsu, Shugo… Omi… Anyone…

“Well, you’re not the prettiest Omega ever, but you obey so nicely~ Still, you could have at least worn a dress or a skirt, right?” Atsumu could vaguely feel his slacks being roughed off. “But look at that, what a pretty little pussy you have~ So even weird Omegas like you can have the right parts, huh? And don’t you smell delicious,” Hiro hissed, and Atsumu whimpered as his blood ran icy.

“Please… don’t,” he begged, but it was all useless, his voice seeming like it wasn’t even reaching anyone. He felt his body sway like a ship in a storm as he was roughly turned over, everything registering a minute too late in Atsumu’s addled brain. There was a reason why no Alpha mates used their dominant voice anymore. It was for bastards and rotten scoundrels who couldn’t get it up without a little bit of fear from their prey. It was for Alphas who fed off the power it gave them. No, Atsumu had made a mistake, and he knew this was going to destroy him. He sobbed into the sheets, making a mess but not caring aside from trying to fight off this curse on him and get out. In the end, though, he was only an Omega.

Something pressed into him against his will, his whole body shaking in revolt, but it was only when he began to feel himself tear that sick dread washed over him, and Atsumu began to scream. At the very least, he thought he was screaming, but he barely heard himself. He only heard the painful command of, “Oh, shut the fuck up, Omega, and take it like you were born to-”

“Don’t-” sobbed Atsumu, but his voice felt disconnected, and he wasn’t sure what was real anymore, what time was or how it flowed.

“My knot,” he heard Hiro laugh as pain tore Atsumu open, something big and bulbous pushing into him. Atsumu sobbed. The humiliation was more than he could bear, and he felt his consciousness slipping. Everything in his body screamed to just shut down, to get away from this by dropping, but Atsumu couldn’t let himself do that. What would this Alpha do if he was unconscious; even worse than what he was doing now? Atsumu had to be awake to get out as soon as this wore off. It didn’t matter how it hurt or how sick he felt; he needed to know everything this Alpha did to him, because the thought of being raped and knowing nothing at all was a million times worse. Atsumu clenched his fists and just held on, knowing for the first time in his life that he could kill a man if he had to.

It lasted too long. It went on forever, and yet suddenly, it all stopped. Atsumu felt a hand smack his rear, and he swayed down to the bed, sinking into dirtied covers. He listened as the Alpha moved towards the shower, and Atsumu forced himself to fight this daze he was in. It took everything in him, but he was strong, stronger than he’d ever been. He numbly scraped himself out, despite the pain, despite the blood that left him feeling lightheaded. He wasn’t going to have this rapist’s kid, not if he could help it. Thankfully, he wasn’t starting his heat cycle soon, so the chances were slim, but-

It took everything in Atsumu to pull himself up, and then all the more to tug his pants on. They were a little torn, but he covered it by tying a pillow case around himself, using the bed to keep himself steady. Everything felt like moving through jello, his brain catching up to what he was doing too late. Every step was like tearing himself apart. Atsumu wasn’t sure how, but he got himself out of the hotel room with his phone and wallet, and the farther he got from Hiro, the more his brain snapped to. He pressed his face against the cool of the elevator walls and rode it down like that, just breathing. The hotel lobby was fairly empty, and Atsumu just kept walking even when someone behind the desk greeted him. No, he just had to go, had to get out. He’d left his shoes behind, but that was fine; he could run without them. Every step brought him closer to freedom from this mind control prison that Alpha had locked him in.

Atsumu sniveled and wiped at his messy face, not sure what he was smearing away. His vision swam as the bleeding between his legs started to catch up to him. He held onto brick walls and lamp posts and blindly made his way home on nothing but pure instinct.

He sank down on the bottom stair of his apartment complex and there, he finally pulled off the pillow case he’d used to hold his pants up to wipe his face. It was mostly snot and tears, but there was some blood. His jaw ached, his throat raw. He was gentle as he cleaned himself up a little there in the stairwell of his home.

Tetsuro… As much shame as Atsumu felt, he wanted to see his baby. Atsumu’s hands shook. What was he going to say? He slowly pulled himself up, stuffing the pillowcase down into a back corner of the stairwell where it would never be seen again. He trudged numbly up the stairs, thankful that his pants were red to hide what he felt dripping down.

He froze just outside his front door, and then he quietly pressed his forehead to the cool metal. No, damn it. Two familiar scents, though faint, lingered there, and he could hear two voices inside. Why was Kiyoomi here tonight of all nights?

Atsumu almost reconsidered, wondering where else he could go when the front door pulled away from him, and he tumbled forward into strong, warm arms.

The scent of coffee beans and almonds rushed through his head, and Atsumu let out an uncontrollable sob as he sank into the only home he had.

"Momma!” shouted Tetsuro, and vaguely, Atsumu heard Kiyoomi call, “Atsumu…?”

The smell of sandalwood and black pepper mixed in the air, and then there was that sharp upturn in both scents of worry, of anger, not at Atsumu, but at whoever had left him to stumble home like this. Some residual thing in Atsumu reacted sharply, and he pushed away from Tetsuro.

"Momma, what happened? Who did this to you?” Tetsuro was asking, but it was Kiyoomi’s eyes that Atsumu found his own locking on. Anger, raw anger and disgust burned in those pitch black eyes, and Atsumu felt his knees go weak. Something inside him, fragile as it already was, shattered.

“I’m fine,” he slurred, trying to push past Tetsuro. “Just tired- Omi, ya should go home…” Atsumu glanced at the snacks on the coffee table and the game, paused on their TV. Had the two been staying up?

“Like hell I’m going anywhere,” Kiyoomi breathed, and it startled Atsumu. The deep growl to those words sent his stomach twisting into knots, disappointment crashing into him in waves. Was it his own? Was it Kiyoomi’s? “What happened to you? Who did you let put their hands on you? You idiot-”

It was too much. It wasn’t like Atsumu had let anyone do anything, and yet… well, he should have listened to his instincts, right? He should have known better, right? He felt something claw up his throat, and he spit back, “Yea, this is my fault, right, Alpha?!”

He sounded hysterical. He felt it. Atsumu stumbled back, and suddenly, a chasm seemed to suck up all the air in the room, and there was nothing. Kiyoomi’s scent was gone, Tetsuro’s muted. Atsumu lurched forward and dry-heaved.

“No,” he sobbed, and he spun towards his son. Tetsuro was there in a second, and he was angry, saying something over Atsumu’s shoulder.

“-the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“I didn’t mean it that way!” a muddled mess of anger yelled back, and Atsumu just begged for it to stop.

“Fuck, help me with him, Omi,” Tetsuro was saying, but Atsumu didn’t want that, didn’t want- He pushed away from Tetsuro and yelled, “I’m fine, fine-!” He stumbled back and then turned, running for his room, locking the door. He dove right for Tetsuro’s bed and buried himself in it, nesting with every last ounce of strength he had left in him. At the door, knocks sounded, and Atsumu could smell Tetsuro’s distress.

“I’m gonna kill-” Was that Tetsuro or Kiyoomi?

“Calm down- Everybody calm down- Momma?”

Tetsuro had never sounded so unsure before. Slowly, the noise quieted, and Atsumu let Tetsuro’s scent drag him away. His trust was broken.

This was it, then. The end of the line. There wasn’t another Alpha he’d ever trust again as long as he lived. He was sure he’d die alone as he laid there, unaware of the two that kept guard outside, the anger that was barely stuffed down simmering in both of them.

It didn’t occur to Atsumu how he was able to sleep with that second Alpha scenting up his house. If it was anyone else, he would have been dry-heaving ‘til morning, but Atsumu was too far gone, too angry and hurt and… desperate to think so clearly.

-x-

Kiyoomi couldn’t believe what was happening right now. He was boiling over, and his skin felt too tight. He hated sitting there, doing nothing, not comforting his Omega, but fuck, what could he do? Every rational thought had fled his brain as soon as he’d seen Atsumu and smelled him. It wasn’t just the blood or the scent of sex or the raw fear he smelled; it was the smell of another Alpha, a rotten, putrid scent that had Kiyoomi wanting to claw out of his clothes and fix this. Instead, though, he sat with a distraught Tetsuro just outside Atsumu’s bedroom, both of them staring as they listened to broken little sounds from inside.

Kiyoomi had never seen Tetsuro look so shattered. His thoughts in his head were loud, but Tetsuro and Atsumu’s scents muddled everything. Kiyoomi felt in his soul that he had to do something, to be the Alpha they both needed right now, but he couldn’t recall how to do that. When had he ever been taught this? He felt frozen.

He barely heard Tetsuro as the Alpha began to mutter, “…my fault. This is my fault.”

Kiyoomi snapped a hand out, and it hit Tetsuro’s arm weakly. In his head, he still heard Atsumu’s ringing scream of, “Yea, this is my fault, right, Alpha?!” The jarring nature of being called Alpha in that context still had him reeling. Whatever he’d said to make Atsumu think he was blaming the Omega… He couldn’t even recall what words he’d used; it was all a blur.

“This is… no one’s fault, no one’s… but the bastard who did… that,” Kiyoomi whispered in a tight, rough voice. He clenched his fists.

“Go home, Kiyoomi,” Tetsuro said softly as if he’d just realized the other was still there, but Kiyoomi wasn’t going to move.

“No,” he told his friend. “No.” He turned to the shut door and shook his head. No, he wasn’t going anywhere.

“You shouldn’t be here… in the morning, when he wakes up.”

Kiyoomi knew Tetsuro was right. He didn’t actually have any place here, any reason to be here, and yet… this was the only place he wanted to be. He clenched his fists, words bubbling up that he knew he shouldn’t say. Things like, “I belong here because I love him. He’s my Omega, Tetsuro. I’ll make this right.” He said nothing instead, just soaking up the distressed scent of his precious, broken Omega, that smell of blood and fear and… regret.

“Whatever happened… I don’t want another Alpha’s scent setting him off,” Tetsuro explained, but he sounded like he barely knew what he was saying, just repeating lines.

“I’m staying for you, too,” Kiyoomi said. He had to; fuck, he had to do this. This… this was his family, the family he wanted. He had to protect this tonight if he had any hopes of proving he was worthy.

Part of him wondered, though, what there was to prove when he hadn’t even been able to prevent this.

“In the morning, I’ll go,” he finally whispered even as it tore his inner Alpha apart, his pride bruising. It wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to, though.

“Tetsuro, why don’t you sleep on the couch for a little bit. I’ll…”

“No,” was all Tetsuro said. Then, again, “Kiyoomi, you should leave.”

At this point, maybe he was doing more harm than good staying. Kiyoomi slowly picked himself up, his fingers sliding over the crevices in the door, beyond which laid the only person who really mattered. What was he going to do if he left here? Pace the streets outside? Go home and pretend he could sleep?

“I’ll be in the living room,” was all he said in the end. He locked down his scent as best as he could. He could make himself seemingly disappear, as long as he could stay.

“Why?” he thought he heard Tetsuro murmur, but it was a mystery as to who it was for, what it meant. Kiyoomi sank down to the floor in front of the couch, staring despondent at the wall. At some point, he got up and cleaned away the blood and dirt on the floor. He set Atsumu’s phone and wallet on the kitchen counter, plugging the first in to charge. He walked back to the living room; Tetsuro was quiet, but Kiyoomi doubted he was asleep.

A long time later, Kiyoomi heard movement, and then the sofa groaned ever so quietly behind him as Tetsuro laid himself down.

“This is my fault,” he said after a long silence. “I shouldn’t have… pushed him to go on dates. I just…”

“Atsumu deserves to be happy,” Kiyoomi whispered. Behind him, Tetsuro hummed slowly.

“Yeah… But this…”

I could do it. I would do everything I had to to make Atsumu happy. Would you even let me try? Would Atsumu? Kiyoomi bowed his head forward and pressed it to his palms.

“Kiyoomi… Go home,” Tetsuro whispered as light began to crack through the curtains over the windows.

“Okay,” Kiyoomi said as he picked himself up. “Alright.

“Tell Atsumu-”

“Just go home,” Tetsuro interrupted. Kiyoomi felt it like a wall coming up between them, like an un-invitation. He opened the front door and faced the bright morning with a sense of sinking dread.

“Kiyoomi. Tell him yourself next time.”

Kiyoomi clutched at his chest as he stepped outside. His heart wanted to break out of his rib cage and run to Atsumu. “I will,” he wheezed as he slowly shut the door behind him. In a rush, his scent burst forth, and he saturated the whole area, as a warning, as a threat.

Don’t touch what’s mine. I’ll kill you.

Kiyoomi walked himself home, glad no one was there to ask him questions he didn’t know how to answer. He sank into his bed, and he wondered what he should do.

Chapter Text

Shouyo couldn’t recall the last time he’d woken up soaked in sweat and slick. It certainly hadn’t happened outside of his heats since he’d started sleeping in Tomiko’s bed, and he definitely wasn’t in heat right now, but he was aching, raging hard. He rolled over and stuffed his whole face into the pillow Tomiko always used, only to be hit with a vivid memory of what had put him in this state. Black hair, striking blue eyes, strong hands and that smell. Shouyo was trying really had to deny it was who he knew it was as he hefted his ass into the air and parted his thighs, desperate fingers pressing deep into his slick cunt. He groaned and gripped Tomiko’s pillow to his face, desperate to get the lingering scent of anise and ginger out of his mind’s nose.

He wasn’t finger-fucking himself to his boss’ half-brother while in the sister’s bed, no. That wasn’t… it- Shouyo choked on a glob of spit as he orgasmed and squeezed at his fingers. He was so loose, it was absolutely shameful. He could still feel the imagined searing heat those immature hands had left behind on his skin. Even in his dreams, Tobio was an endearing little idiot, and it made Shouyo so- so mad! Yes, that’s what this was; he was just pent-up and frustrated by the little twerp of an Alpha with his stupid… handsome face.

Shouyo ground his cock against the bedsheets and came shamefully three more times, all the while trying to erase the ghosts from his dream that clung on like super glue, tendrils teasing him. As soon as he felt his last climax ebb away, he rushed out of bed and to the big shower, rinsing off under cold water and scrubbing clean like he’d been dirtied.

Like, seriously, a sex dream? What was he, thirteen? And to think it had featured a brat like Tobio Kageyama, whom Shouyo had been trying very hard to ignore the very existence of. Tobio was so cold and always all about Tooru, and Shouyo knew that type. The red flags were as big as planets, and Shouyo wanted his stupid heart to stop betraying him like this. With winter break upon them, Shouyo had been sure he could do it, but of course Tobio had to invade his dreams instead.

“Just leave me alone, you big dumb- dummy!” Shouyo yelled up into the spray of the shower, succeeding only in getting shampoo in his eye. He cried and slapped at the tile, and then he got out in a big huff, wrapping himself almost comically into a too-big towel. It didn’t remind him of how small he’d felt in his dream, Tobio looming over him; nope, not at all. He sprinted back to the bedroom he shared with Tomiko and inhaled violently, rushing to his closet. If only Tomiko hadn’t had to leave abruptly for a business trip, Shouyo wouldn’t be feeling this sexually frustrated, either.

The whole damn family was to blame at this point. Shouyo huffed as he dropped his towel, picking out a pair of pink undies from his dresser drawer, tugging out the matching bralette that was his favorite. The scalloped silk was just so soft, and Shouyo liked the little bit of padding it gave him. Unlike some (Tooru), Shouyo wasn’t as naturally blessed in those areas, though he blamed it mostly on not being a mother. He tugged his tiny panties on, wiggling his ass in front of the tall mirror by the bed that Tomiko sometimes pulled over during sex so Shouyo could see exactly which shade of red his white skin flushed to. The freckles that decorated him always stood out like stars in a red sky; before meeting Tomiko, Shouyo had hated them. As soon as she’d begun kissing his freckled skin and showing him how pretty he could look, though, Shouyo had grown strangely fond of the dots all over his pale skin. Still, he knew he wasn’t every Alphas’ cup of tea, with his small body and freckles and bratty personality. He’d meant to try to do something about the last one, at least, but then Tomiko had said she didn’t mind it as long as Shouyo never embarrassed her in public, and it had all seemed moot after that.

He could tell Tobio wouldn’t be a fan, though, or at the very least, that’s what he told himself in an effort to keep from developing a crush on a TEENAGE BRAT.

“Ugh!” groaned Shouyo. It was all so stupid! He didn’t want to see Tobio’s face at least until winter break was over, and then maybe he’d get over this stupid… fixation his body had developed without his brain’s or heart’s permission. He had Tomiko, and he was happy!

Or, well, that’s what he’d convinced himself, what he told himself when intrusive little thoughts tried to creep in. Tooru would murder him if he only knew…

Shouyo fitfully zipped himself into a tight little forest green dress, smoothing his hands down the small mounds that were his humble breasts before sliding them around his tiny waist and over his ass. He wasn’t here to look like eye candy, though, which was why the skirt reached his knees and he would be wearing a knitted cardigan over top. He exhaled sharply through his nose like that would show anyone, and then he somewhat styled his messy orange curls, pinning his bangs back with two golden bobby pins. He slipped on his usual black flats and donned a single necklace before heading out.

He thundered down the stairs and called to Takeru and his nanny, “I’m leaving! Don’t wreck anything!”

“Bye!” shouted the little boy, the nanny only peeking her head around the corner and giving Shouyo a smile and a nod.

“Have a good day, Shouyo-san.”

Shouyo grabbed his pre-made lunch and purse and then let the shutting door cover his groan. He wasn’t a fan of the nanny’s overly polite way of greeting him, but he’d explained it so many times already that he felt blue in the face. The nanny just didn’t want Tomiko to overhear her being “impolite” and fire her, and that in and of itself reminded Shouyo exactly who he was in this arrangement.

It wasn’t that Tomiko wasn’t fond of Shouyo and wouldn’t do anything, within reason, to make him comfortable, but it would be stupid to pretend there was anything like actual love involved in this, and especially for Shouyo to convince himself he was satisfied.

Ahh, damn. Shouyo stepped onto the packed train with another groan, leaning forward against the closed doors. He barely even registered it when he felt a hand grab his ass. He was almost used to it by now; the molesters usually backed off once they saw his face… Shouyo just sighed pitifully, too tired today to even bother, knowing he’d be off anyways at the next stop.

To think he’d spent months, no, years, telling himself he was satisfied with his life when it could all just crumble apart with a single glance from eyes so blue they might as well be two damn gemstones stuffed into a face. It wouldn’t be so bad if those baby blue eyes didn’t belong to a child, let alone his boss’ half-brother, whose sister he was dating. “Dating”.

Still, Tomiko would be pissed, and so would Tooru.

And so would Tobio, probably, if he knew Shouyo had just had a dream about him and then masturbated to said-dream. Shouyo groaned again, loud and very un-Omega-like. He got a few weird looks for his trouble, but he didn’t really care. He hurried towards the huge tower of the marketing firm he worked for, impressive until it was mentioned that he was just a lowly assistant. Still, it was to the Vice President! Shouyo knew he had a lot to be grateful for, considering he had never gone to college and hadn’t done all that well in school either. It was all thanks to Tooru, really, who had taken a liking to Shouyo when he’d been working a catering event for the company, back when he’d just been trying to survive, living with Kenma. He’d envied his best friend’s ease in navigating adulthood, always seeming leaps and bounds ahead. Despite Kenma’s serious hatred for anything involving other people, or maybe because of it, he’d found a job he liked and a hobby he loved, both of which made him money and kept him out of society.

Man, Shouyo hadn’t thought about where he’d started from for a long time. Back then, Tooru hadn’t even been the VP yet, but he’d been quickly going places, even with a baby at home or sometimes on his hip at the office. Shouyo remembered feeling first envious and then sad for the man, and yet Tooru had pulled himself up out of the lowest place and risen so high, while Shouyo lived off the good graces his boss showed him. Tooru was too kind, really, and Shouyo was eternally grateful, and yet- and yet, here he was, developing a schoolgirl crush on one of the only people Tooru probably liked more than himself.

No, he wasn’t developing a crush because he was nipping it in the bud, and he would be successful as long as-

Shouyo waltzed into Tooru’s office for his usual morning greetings but stopped dead in his tracks halfway in. Pretty chocolate eyes looked up, but it wasn’t Tooru or his pretty face or perfectly put-together outfit that had Shouyo staring, slack-jawed, though all of those things would be reason enough. No, it was the blue eyes like crystal lakes that looked up a moment later that had Shouyo wanting to pull his hair out. He had to seriously fight down the childish urge to point his finger accusingly and demand what that thing was even doing here as he stared like a deer in the headlights at Tobio fucking Kageyama, star of Shouyo’s latest wet dream and now, very much here in the flesh. It took Shouyo five whole minutes to reboot his brain, and then he turned on his heel and declared to only Tooru, “Well, I’ll be starting work, then!”

He shut the door to Tooru’s office behind him and rushed to his desk, seriously debating hiding underneath it for the rest of the day. Noo… He’d been doing so good, too! He’d almost convinced himself he wasn’t falling head-over-heels for those stupid baby blues.

Now it was all moot. Shouyo pulled in frustrating at his bright red hair. He wondered if he’d be missed if he just ran to the bathroom to scream for like… five seconds. Of course he would. He sat down with a huff just as the door opened again and Tooru waltzed out, dressed in high-waisted designer slacks and a gorgeous, v-neck cashmere sweater that showed off his good, his tall black heels clacking softly as he made his way over.

“Sho, what happened to you today?” the Omega sighed, reaching over the desk to fix little wisps of ginger hair. “Feeling okay?” was the next question as cool, slender fingers slipped down burning cheeks.

Shouyo swallowed, glancing guiltily over to the open doors behind Tooru. Tobio had his back turned, hunched over what was probably homework or something. If he was busy, why was he here…? Shouyo frowned and then glanced up at Tooru.

“I didn’t expect you to have company,” was all he mumbled. Tooru laughed lightly, waving any concerns away (if only he knew).

“Oh, it’s just Tobi! Now, about today-”

Shouyo glanced over at Tobio’s back again, listening on auto-pilot as he scratched down what Tooru rattled off to him.

“Sho- Shouyo-”

Hazel eyes snapped to Tooru’s molten brown, and the brunet sighed.

“Sure you’re okay? If you’re sick-”

“I’m fine,” Shouyo huffed, sinking down into his seat. He glanced up at Tooru and managed a convincing smile.

“Go get some coffee from the break room. Better yet, come in my office and make yourself a k-cup,” the tall Omega offered, Shouyo quickly standing to head towards the break room instead. He was sure Tobio would burn a hole in the back of his head if he had to stand there and wait for a single cup to brew, or worse and more likely, the Alpha wouldn’t even notice his existence.

Shouyo made a bee-line for the big commercial coffee pot only to realize he was either too late or too early, the barely-drinkable coffee all gone. He shuffled back to his desk and then, pitifully, to Tooru’s double doors, knocking like he hadn’t been working here for years and years. The confused look Tooru gave him sent it all home; Shouyo was acting weird. He didn’t look at Tobio or even in his direction as he made his way in shame to the little coffee station Tooru had set up in the corner of his office. Sure enough, no eyes burned any holes in the back of his head, Tooru working and Tobio… also working. Shouyo willed the fancy single-serve coffee machine to brew faster. Every second felt like an eternity, Shouyo’s red ears hyper-tuned to every single rustle of fabric, every sigh, every shift. He watched one of Tooru’s pretty mugs slowly fill, feeling tortured. The smell of anise and ginger wafted through the air, and Shouyo tried to simply not return it with his own scent. Why was he drooling? Wait, why was he getting wet?!

He grabbed his mug as soon as the machine was finished and then rushed out with a breathless, “ThanksTooru-”

As soon as he shut the door behind him, he felt like he could breathe again, his traitorous heart beating so fast. Tobio hadn’t even looked at him once! Shouyo didn’t know if he was relieved or upset about it. He sank into his desk chair and tried to focus on his work and not the exact notes in Tobio’s scent, or the ratio of sharp anise to spicy ginger. It just fit him so well, with his cool demeanor, and Shouyo wanted those blue eyes to land on him, just once, and make him feel.

This was a nightmare. Shouyo drank down his whole mug of coffee and then crouched over his computer like a gremlin, making sure that the only thing he could see was the work he needed to do today.

He got so focused that he startled when he heard voices, Tooru and Tobio stepping out of the Omega’s office. Shouyo looked up and nearly fell off his chair; Tobio had the tiniest little smile on his face, and Shouyo burst to see it. It was gorgeous! Oh, it wasn’t even fair how handsome he was- Blue eyes snapped to Shouyo like his thoughts were crystal clear, and time itself stopped for the redhead. Tobio’s smile was gone now, only a glowering stare left, but Shouyo didn’t care. He watched Tobio’s nose slowly wrinkly in irritation, and then he turned stiffly back to Tooru as the Omega told his assistant, “Tobi and I are going out to lunch with Aina. I should be back in about an hour and a half. Feel free to take a long lunch, Sho.”

Shouyo choked on words he was sure he’d known just a few minutes ago, nodding instead. Tobio had returned to ignoring him, but the smell of anise and ginger in the air was so strong and addictive. Shouyo barely noticed his own scent trying to tangle up with it, rushing out with every beat of his heart. He stared after Tobio’s back until the pair was gone, and then he collapsed forward, all of his strength seeped out of him.

He was hard again, wet and horny. Tobio’s scent clung desperately to the air around him. Shouyo picked himself up and shamefully trudged to the small bathroom in Tooru’s office. It was meant for Tooru’s privacy, but today, Shouyo was the one who needed some.

“Damn,” he mourned as he sank down on the toilet seat, staring pitifully down at himself. “Damn it all.”

-x-

Kiyoomi couldn’t leave it alone; every minute he was away from Atsumu felt like pure torture. He was thankful it was winter break and that his parents were away on their usual end-of-year trip together. It left him up to his own devices, which consisted only of being wherever Atsumu was as much as possible. He’d expected the Omega to protest, but Atsumu hadn’t said a word about it at all. It was almost like he wanted to pretend that awful night had never happened, but Kiyoomi could see that Atsumu was lying to himself when he pretended everything was totally fine, totally the same. Tetsuro was stressed, too, but he would defer to Atsumu any day, so he let the Omega pretend if that’s what he wanted to do. When it was just Tetsuro and Kiyoomi, though, the Alpha grew sullen, quiet.

In the silence, Kiyoomi’s mind always whirred a hundred miles an hour. What could he do? What would make this better?

The tension only rose as the clock drew nearer to 5, like Tetsuro was waiting just to see what Atsumu would do. Would he text and say he wouldn’t be back, or would he come straight home? So far, Atsumu had seemed to almost bolt straight from work to their apartment, but there was always that uncertainty, that fear…

Tetsuro’s phone chimed right at 5, and the Alpha grabbed it up, Kiyoomi unknowingly rising to his haunches. He only relaxed when his best friend let out a deep sigh.

“He’ll be home soon.”

Kiyoomi sank back down and scrubbed at his face, quiet falling again. “What happened?” he murmured, a question he’d asked himself a million times with no answer. No answer came this time, either, and he turned his eyes up towards Tetsuro. He was surprised to find the other watching him, golden eyes seeming almost dull. Tetsuro carried so much pain from that night. Kiyoomi wondered how it had felt to see his mother, his support, the only parent he had, come home ruined and wrecked by a stranger, in pain and yet refusing help. Kiyoomi couldn’t even measure how angry and helpless it made him feel, the feelings so strong inside him, and yet he couldn’t imagine how Tetsuro must have felt.

He knew better than to step on broken bones, but it had been three days and they still didn’t understand what had happened to Atsumu that night. “Didn’t you… ask him?” Kiyoomi tried carefully. The only sign that Tetsuro heard was the tightening grip on his phone, knuckles beginning to bleed white.

“I don’t know,” was all Tetsuro said, but the pain in those three words was enough to silence Kiyoomi. Tetsuro’s fists clenched tighter, both hands laying on the coffee table before them. Kiyoomi glanced down at them and then slowly back up.

“Do you know who he was with?” he asked slowly, quietly, even though he was sure he knew the answer. If Tetsuro knew anything, he wouldn’t be sitting here right now. He wouldn’t have stayed still these past three days. He’d likely be in a jail cell if he knew; perhaps that was part of the reason why Atsumu had kept his lips sealed. Kiyoomi just wanted to let the Omega know that he didn’t blame him; he was angry, yes, enough to kill a grown man. He raged with fury and jealousy and everything in him churned at the thought of someone else laying their hands on his most precious Omega, but Kiyoomi didn’t blame Atsumu. If anything, he blamed himself.

He should have been here, should have been a better Alpha, should have won Atsumu over… Kiyoomi was smart, painfully smart, but when it came to matters of the heart, he was the stupidest idiot that had ever lived, and he knew it. His mouth always ran away from him, and he didn’t know how to woo his beloved… Argh, who the fuck was he kidding? He had no right to think of Atsumu as his, not after the shit he’d pulled, but he could be better. He had to be better.

No, he had to be the best. He had to keep Atsumu from running away to anyone else by being exactly what the Omega needed, a perfect Alpha, forever. Kiyoomi, stupid as he was, didn’t understand that this was impossible, but damn if he wasn’t going to try.

“He won’t say anything,” said a voice, and Kiyoomi pulled himself back to the present, back to the room he sat in, the small apartment he knew almost better than his own home. “He shuts me down every time I try to ask,” Tetsuro was saying, Kiyoomi staring at his best friend.

Kiyoomi clenched his jaw and sat in silence for a long while. “What should I do?” he asked of the air, quiet. To Tetsuro, “What should we do?”

“Nothing,” said Tetsuro like he was handing down a death sentence, for himself, for Kiyoomi. “That’s the thing. He’s so stubborn, so we just have to pretend like he does. We just have to be here.” Tetsuro paused for a moment, and then he looked at Kiyoomi, his golden eyes devoid of any sort of life. “No, you don’t have to do anything. Why are you even…”

Kiyoomi slowly worked his jaw loose, telling himself to keep calm, to keep the hurt he felt out of his words, because he knew it was true. What had he ever done to make Tetsuro think that he would or could be of any help? He certainly hadn’t done much to even prove that he would want to help. “Let me help, Tetsuro,” the Alpha breathed slowly. “Let me be your strength. You and Atsumu… are so important to me. You’re… family.”

Tetsuro blinked slowly. His lips pulled up into an empty smile, but it fell just as quickly. He let out a pained laugh. “Your family? Kiyoomi, you-”

“I know,” was all he said. He couldn’t hear Tetsuro spell it out. He knew where he’d failed. “I never said it, but I mean it.”

“If you mean it, you should have acted like it-!” Tetsuro suddenly lashed out, suddenly on his knees, leaning over the coffee table with wide eyes. He grabbed at the front of Kiyoomi’s sweater, and Kiyoomi let Tetsuro drag him forward, growling. Kiyoomi thought he understood that this was just the pain talking, or maybe that’s what he hoped it was. “Bullshit, Omi! You never acted like my momma was important to you! And family, what the hell do you know about family?!”

“I don’t,” Kiyoomi agreed, staring right back at Tetsuro. It felt irrational, but he was calm. Maybe he thought too highly of himself; he was certainly not the hero of this story. What gave him the right to suddenly act like the savior here? He knew Tetsuro could see right through him, too; that’s why he was angry. “You can hit me,” he told Tetsuro, which only made the other Alpha more angry.

“You’re such an asshole! Don’t be a fucking prick, Omi, it’s disgusting. Acting like you can make any of this better-”

Kiyoomi reached out, not even aware his hand was shaking as he grabbed at Tetsuro’s wrist, not until golden eyes flicked down in shock. Kiyoomi swallowed roughly past the knot that was forming in his throat. “Please-” he begged hoarsely. “Hit me, Tetsuro. I deserve it.”

“Why?” snapped the other, but his venom was gone. Tetsuro looked back up, his whole face so… sad. “Why do you deserve it? What, for being a cold, intolerable ass for the past decade?”

Kiyoomi swallowed again. Was that how Tetsuro saw him? The younger Alpha growled, and then he sank down, still clutching at Kiyoomi’s sweater but all of his fight gone.

“You’re such an ass, Omi. So conceited, always thinking you’re right or you know better. You spent half of our friendship thinking you were better than us, admit it. And now… now you want to make up for it by being the good guy? Kiyoomi, figure out what it means to be family first before you go spouting your mouth.” A weak shake was given, and Tetsuro begged, “Figure it out, because you’re no good like this.”

Kiyoomi slowly leaned his head forward, forehead to forehead, and he clutched at Tetsuro’s thick arms, whispering, “Thank you, Tetsuro. You’ve always been like a brother to me. I don’t know what you ever saw in me, but thanks.”

“I don’t know what I saw in you either,” murmured Tetsuro, but he didn’t move, didn’t pull away. “You’ve always been such a dick. Remember when you found out my momma was a male Omega? The look on your face; I could have punched you. I should have.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’ve never apologized a day in your life,” Tetsuro bit back.

“I know,” Kiyoomi agreed. Tetsuro smacked at his chest, once, twice, and then he grabbed Kiyoomi’s sweater again.

“You were always like the brother I never had,” whispered Tetsuro. “Damn you, Omi. Why did you have to wait so long to decide to not be such a prick?”

Slowly, Kiyoomi grabbed Tetsuro’s wrists, and then he grabbed the other Alpha’s face, pressing their foreheads closer together, almost to the point of pain. “I want to be better, Tetsuro. I want to be the strength you and Atsumu need.”

“You don’t deserve…”

“I know,” agreed Kiyoomi quietly.

After a while, the two parted, and as they sat back down, Tetsuro asked, “Does this have something to do… with that Omega you like?”

Kiyoomi blinked, startled for a moment, but then he laughed, dry and shaky, but a laugh. Tetsuro’s eyes snapped wide in surprise. “Yeah,” murmured Kiyoomi. “Yeah, actually.”

Tetsuro sighed slowly, and then he nodded. “Well, tell them thanks for me, then. It seems like you might finally be on your way to becoming a halfway decent man…”

Kiyoomi let out one more, short laugh. “Great,” he huffed, sighing slowly. “That’s… good.”

Finally Tetsuro pulled himself up, saying only, “I’m gonna start dinner.” Kiyoomi was left to sit there with his muddled thoughts and regrets. He listened as Tetsuro began cooking up something that smelled like ground beef and potatoes, feeling so useless again.

As soon as the front door opened, though, Kiyoomi was on his feet and sprinting around the corner. He skidded to a stop, big, gorgeous eyes staring up at him in bemused surprise. Atsumu let out a startled laugh, a little too high to the trained ear.

“Omi-Omi,” he teased, but the usual sparkle in his pretty eyes was gone as he hummed, “Can’t get enough of us?”

If only you knew how true that was…

“Welcome home, Atsumu,” he said instead, stepping forward to take Atsumu’s bag from him. The Omega clicked his tongue, but he didn’t say anything as he bent down and peeled off his heels. Kiyoomi watched as Atsumu shrank three inches right before his eyes, his chest squeezing tight. His fingers ached to reach out and touch, but he froze when Atsumu’s brows pinched up for a split second. He was still in pain, no matter how much he pretended he was fine. Kiyoomi was about to open his mouth again when Tetsuro stepped into view.

“Hi, Momma,” husked the warmest, deepest voice, and Atsumu sprang forward and melted to his son’s chest. Kiyoomi felt the rug pull out for under him as he stared at the sight. His own chest felt cold, empty. Tetsuro ruffled Atsumu’s hair and then kissed his head.

“I made dinner,” Tetsuro hummed, quiet for a moment, but then Atsumu was pulling back and he was laughing, patting at Tetsuro’s chest and reaching to do the same to Kiyoomi, stopping just a breath short. His smile never faltered, though, as he grinned up at the two Alphas.

“Why are the two of ya spoilin’ me all of a sudden?” Atsumu giggled, and Kiyoomi saw the flash of raw pain in Tetsuro’s eyes.

It was gone a moment later, however, as he grabbed at Atsumu’s hand, leaning down and kissing his cheek as he murmured warmly, “Why, can’t we spoil you, Momma?”

Atsumu just laughed and headed towards their bedroom, leaving Tetsuro and Kiyoomi in silence once again. Slowly, golden eyes met Kiyoomi’s, and it was like a cry for help, an arrow right to Kiyoomi’s heart. His right foot shifted ever so slightly back, fumbling. Tetsuro, the strong, independent Alpha, looked broken.

It was gone as soon as Atsumu came back, though, and like whiplash, it was like nothing had changed at all. Atsumu smacked Tetsuro out of the kitchen and told the two to go study or something, humming as he finished the dinner Tetsuro had started. Silently, Kiyoomi and Tetsuro set the small kitchen table, and soon, their plates were being piled high with hamburger steaks and mashed potatoes. Atsumu sat down, pleased as punch as he watched the two Alphas dive in.

For a moment, all was right in the world again. For a moment, they could all pretend that there wasn’t a giant gaping hole torn into Atsumu’s side by some stranger Alpha.

For a moment, Kiyoomi let himself believe that he belonged here, family.

-x-

“Hey, hun,” called Saeko with a grin, leaning out of her small office to catch Wakatoshi’s attention. “Iwaizumi’s callin’ for you again. Says it’s urgent.”

Wakatoshi glanced down at his phone, about to head out on another job. He didn’t want to show it on his face, the way his heart skipped a beat, so he kept his head down as he called back, “I can head over after I finish this job.”

“No can do,” Saeko hummed, stepping out of her office. She leaned down and peered at Wakatoshi’s face with a grin. “Oh, hun, you look absolutely eager.”

Wakatoshi covered his face and asked, “Is it really that obvious?”

Saeko just chuckled, and then she said simply, “I’ll give your other job to Ryu. Go on, then, you love bird.”

“Saeko,” begged Wakatoshi, but she just laughed. She smacked at Wakatoshi’s thick arm and giggled.

“I know Iwaizumi’s a looker, and I think he likes you, too, if the number of jobs he’s requested lately are anything to go off of. Besides, you’re handsome, so just shoot your shot.”

Wakatoshi, though, shook his head. “No, it’s not… like that,” he contradicted, but his normally stoic face must have betrayed something. Saeko grinned.

“You never know if you don’t try, hun. Be careful on your way over; it’s supposed to rain.”

Wakatoshi actually let out a soft laugh at that. “Yes, Mom,” he replied, and Saeko stared back with wide eyes.

“Was that a joke?” she teased, waltzing off like she was stupefied. Wakatoshi let out a rare, wry chuckle, and then he scrubbed his hand over his face. Damn. He really was excited.

It was a nice drive to Tooru’s mansion, and Wakatoshi knew the way by heart now. He drove a little faster than he normally would, his heart thumping against his ribs. When he got to Tooru’s, he parked at the bottom of the driveway like he always did, and then he shot his aunt a text, letting Keiji know he was on his last job for the day.

Work hard! Let me know when you’re on your way back, and I’ll heat up your dinner for you.

Wakatoshi wondered what Keiji would say if he knew, not only that he had competition for his cooking, but that Wakatoshi was crushing on a gorgeous, older Omega. He could imagine his aunt would probably cheer him on, as long as it made Wakatoshi happy. Keiji could be a little reckless when it came to his nephew, always leaning towards seeing the Alpha smile, no matter if it was a good idea or not. He trusted Wakatoshi himself to know what he should or shouldn’t get himself into, and usually Wakatoshi had great instincts when it came to these things, but right now, he himself felt a little reckless.

He had a bad feeling about it, and yet, here he was, plundering on ahead. It was almost like he suddenly didn’t mind the possibility of heartbreak or pain; it was so unlike him. There was just something about Tooru, though, something that made the Alpha feel a little bold. Wakatoshi set his helmet down and then ruffled a hand through his short hair. Now he was just being silly…

With his tool bag in hand, Wakatoshi made his way slowly up the driveway, one thought rattling around in his head. Would Tooru give him another massage? Would his reward be those warm, skilled hands on his body again? Wakatoshi’s heart skipped once more, and he actually had to tell himself to calm down. He was going to do something irrational at this point if he didn’t temper himself down.

He rang the doorbell and steeled himself, but nothing could have prepared him for the dream that answered the door.

Tooru flung the front door wide open, almost shyly pulling his silky bathrobe around himself as it flapped with the breeze he’d created, and then a moment later, his scent rushed out and nearly had Wakatoshi on his knees. It was strong, stronger than it should be, Wakatoshi thought before every synapse in his brain was shorted and coated in the heavenly, arousing scent of brown sugar and bourbon. It was enough to make Wakatoshi think himself drunk even though he’d never had a drop himself. Along with the scent, the vision of Tooru in a light robe that was not much more than lingerie was making Wakatoshi malfunction in all kinds of ways, and all he could do when Tooru reached for his hand and pulled him inside the house with a laugh was smile, dazed. If he had been asked to describe what was happening, he wouldn’t have had the words or the knowledge to explain this; Wakatoshi felt lost, but for once, he didn’t mind.

As soon as the front door closed behind the Alpha, his feet inside the entryway, Tooru pressed close as he peered up, greeting in a sultry tone, “Well, hi there, handsome~ You rushed right over, didn’t you?”

“You told Saeko it was an emergency,” Wakatoshi managed to get out without sounding like an idiot, his eyes begging to stay on the Omega’s face and not slide down. Tooru’s scent was even stronger inside, and Wakatoshi thought it must be enhanced somehow, almost like…

A hand slipped into his own, and Tooru smiled. “An emergency of sorts. I hope you didn’t have to turn down any other jobs for me.”

“No… Saeko’s brother… was able to take on my other job,” Wakatoshi murmured, not even all that sure what he was saying. He looked up and stared deeper into the house, begging his mind to focus. “What can I help you with?”

Tooru purred, and then he called, “Follow me. It’s in my bedroom.”

Wakatoshi nearly tripped over his own feet as Tooru pulled him gently along, that warm, soft hand still wrapped around his own. A giant lump formed in his throat as a feeling arose that felt shockingly possessive. Wakatoshi stared at Tooru’s slender hand in his own, and he wanted to hold on a little longer. He barely heard Tooru speak, making him ask the Omega to repeat himself.

“I’m sorry,” Wakatoshi apologized as he was led to the second floor. Tooru glanced over his shoulder and smiled coyly.

“I was just saying that Aina isn’t home, which is why I thought tonight would be good.”

Wakatoshi’s brain shorted as he tried to figure out what the two had to do with each other and what the non-sexual meaning was behind those words. He was here for a job! In his head, he was reminded of Aina’s words about her mom being nothing but a flirt, and yet, looking down at Tooru now in that illegal bit of silken fabric, he wondered if she wasn’t wrong. Was he stupid to hope beyond reason that Tooru was serious, or was he just really misreading the signals he was sure he was getting? He knew he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the box when it came to affection and flirting, but this was so blatant that it had to mean something, right? “Tonight…” Wakatoshi murmured even as he wondered if Tooru wasn’t just the type who enjoyed teasing Alphas to utter frustration just because he could. Olive eyes met Tooru’s in the dimly lit hallway, the Omega just smiling that electrifying smile of his that promised so much more.

“Well, you’ll probably have to use your big tools,” Tooru purred as he pushed open a door and stepped into a big room that smelled all the more of his pheromones. Wakatoshi felt dizzy and unsteady at the first waft, which was rare for an Alpha his size. This was certainly the Omega’s bedroom, and Wakatoshi almost pointed out what a terrible idea this was, but as Tooru gazed up at him, he thought that maybe the Omega trusted him to be good. Wakatoshi steeled himself, but in some ways, he knew he could do this. He had spent most of his life indifferent to Omegas, not because he disliked them, but simply because he’d never had the time to be distracted. He was good at hyper-focusing on a task and ignoring all else. Did Tooru know that, or did he not care, reckless in the face of whatever he was feeling; lust, desire, excitement?

As he stood in the doorway, hesitating, Wakatoshi couldn’t help but glance around the room, taking in the gorgeous vanity on the left and the framed picture on it, the tall mirror by the giant closet, and the millions of pillows on the huge bed. Wakatoshi froze as he stared at it; he could only surmise that on that bed… No, he couldn’t cross the threshold. His eyes flicked guiltily to the photograph on the vanity table, a handsome man pictured there. It had to be Tooru’s deceased husband.

Wakatoshi looked back at Tooru with his usual blank expression while a million thoughts churned through his head, the Omega having waltzed on ahead, and slowly he asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, silly,” purred Tooru with absolute confidence as he spun on his heels to face Wakatoshi. His arms were wrapped around his slender waist and his robe slipped down a little, and Wakatoshi swallowed roughly as a thin strap revealed itself, cutting across soft, bronzed skin. More lingerie. What was Tooru doing? Wakatoshi tried to be rational even as everything in him screamed that this was much more than even Tooru’s normal flirtations.

“Do you need… a moment to get dressed?” he asked finally when he spotted the towel draped on the floor as if left there in a hurry, and he recalled that he’d driven a little fast to get here. Ah, maybe… Hope sharpened down to a fine point, and Wakatoshi chewed back his disappointment, scolding himself for thinking with his dick.

“Should I?” asked a sultry voice, and Wakatoshi’s olive eyes startled back to Tooru’s. The Omega was smiling, not even bothering to fix the shoulder of his robe. Hope re-inflated almost dizzyingly fast even as Wakatoshi warned himself to be rational. “Is it distracting, Toshi?” Tooru asked in a tone that sent shivers down the Alpha’s skin.

“Yes,” Wakatoshi replied before he could think, so used to relying on honesty. “It’s alright,” he added, thinking that he was the guest, intruding. It was up to him to control his lust, not for Tooru to feel put out in his own home. He clenched his fist around the handles of his tool bag; this wasn’t about him. Tooru smiled at Wakatoshi almost knowingly, and then he waved him inside.

“Come on. I bought a canopy frame for my bed, but it looks like it needs to be attached to the wall.”

Wakatoshi was almost… relieved. Tooru was flirty, incredibly so, but he wouldn’t ask Wakatoshi over for nothing, either, wasting both of their times. He was thankful, too: the distraction of the job would help keep his mind from wandering to useless places. Wakatoshi bathed in the feeling of being needed, in the thrill of getting to show off. He set his tools down near the bed, and then Tooru motioned towards a big box sitting at the foot. Wakatoshi felt eager to start. Tooru’s scent was beginning to seep into his very pores, and his inner Alpha was raging to let off some steam. Wakatoshi flexed his arms, and then he set to work.

It took him about fifteen seconds to notice that Tooru had taken a seat at his vanity table, intent on watching the whole show as he leaned back. It took him another five to realize Tooru’s robe had slipped open all the more, showing off a peek of one of the cups of Tooru’s bra, the mauve pink perfect against his softly tanned skin. Two gorgeous legs were completely bare, one crossed over the other, and Tooru practically dripped with sexual energy. Wakatoshi stared for five full second before realizing what he was doing and turning away, but by then, Tooru was smiling. Wakatoshi lamented that ignoring the other was going to be a much harder task than he’d previously thought.

“Thank you,” purred the Omega, and olive eyes darted up to molten chocolate brown in confusion. “For coming so quickly, I mean. Aina is out tonight, and since I didn’t want the noise to disturb her, tonight was really the best time to get this done…”

There was a hint, a tease of something in those words. Wakatoshi glanced down and then over at the wall behind the bed. He’d have to climb all over that bed to get the job done, and he felt suddenly like he was defiling a holy space. He whispered an apology up to the husband, not only for what he was about to do but for all of his thoughts leading up this moment. Still, with his back to Tooru, at least he’d able to hide his raging erection. The scent… Wakatoshi couldn’t help himself.

“Is that… perfume?” he asked slowly as he bent down and unpacked the big box on the floor. From the corner of his eye, Tooru’s foot bobbed up and down, pretty toes painted a deep red. Wakatoshi felt his mouth go very wet. He adjusted himself in his jeans as inconspicuously as he could.

Tooru raised his hand and sniffed at his wrist, humming sweetly. “Oh, is it strong? I’ve always wondered if this stuff really works. It enhances my natural scent.

“It’s meant for attracting mates.”

Wakatoshi swallowed roughly before daring to respond. He felt Tooru’s big toe brush against his thigh, and the sane part of his brain told himself to pull away, to grab that wandering foot and stop it, but he did neither. He felt hypnotized.

Tooru sniffed at his wrist again, and then he smiled. As Wakatoshi set to work, almost desperate for the distraction now, the Omega purred, “Sweetheart, you’re looking tense again. I’ll have to give you another massage after this. It’s no good if you keep carrying all of your tension in those broad shoulders of yours.”

Wakatoshi didn’t even know where to start, his brain going a little haywire. He focused instead on the job and turned to the bed to begin formulating a plan, staring at the wall and mumbling quietly to himself. He was successful enough in his focus that he didn’t hear Tooru move, startling sharply when he felt an arm wrap around his chest. Tooru hooked his chin over Wakatoshi’s shoulder and pointed.

“It attaches to the wall on either side of the headboard and then floats over the rest of the bed. The beams are heavy, though. Will you be alright?”

Wakatoshi bit back a reflexive growl at the question to his abilities, his heart pounding fast as Tooru stroked slowly down his pectoral and abs. He’d never been one to give into his inner Alpha, but the scent in the room was short-cutting past his usual rationality.

He almost exhaled sharply and flexed his muscles when the Omega hummed next, “No, I know you’re very capable, Toshi. I’m sure you won’t have any problems at all.”

“No,” the Alpha murmured quietly as Tooru pulled away with a pretty smile. Wakatoshi slowly licked his lips, his eyes flickering down to that plump, teasing mouth, and then he quickly grabbed his stud finder and pencil almost just to keep his hands busy.

He tried to avoid setting his knees or sitting on the bed as he worked until Tooru laughed and hummed, “Toshi, the bed won’t bite.” Wakatoshi slowly nodded, and then he climbed up on the mattress in his socked feet, measuring and marking the studs up as high as he’d need.

He was glad for the drone of his drill and the feeling of something in his hands just as they began to feel idle, though it let his mind wander to dangerous places. While he’d never had sex before, he wouldn’t deny that he was a sexual creature by nature, that he had desires just as any man did. For Wakatoshi, though, there had always been more important things, like football, school, Keiji. It wasn’t until this moment, perhaps, that Wakatoshi recognized the true power of an Omega, and he felt… honored. There really was something inside of every Alpha that felt so fulfilled when an Omega took notice of them, scented them, needed them. Wakatoshi ignored the stiffness in his neck, a feeling that was both new and very familiar, his own scent begging to leak out, too.

With the anchored screws in the wall, he went back to the box and began sorting out the heavy beams inside. The material was made to look like natural wood, beautifully carved and stained in a deep color, but thankfully the beams themselves were hollow, taking off a lot of the weight. Wakatoshi was astounded again by Tooru’s sense of style; the canopy was meant to look like a tree, two branches rising up and then hanging over the bed, knots and whirls and leaves carved into the wood. He knew it was likely a custom order; nothing but the best for Tooru, who worked hard to afford the beauty he indulged in.

It was hard to feel wanted or needed by an Omega who was so self-sufficient, and yet Tooru made it so… easy. Wakatoshi let himself get lost in the feeling, lost in the task at hand. He almost didn’t notice when Tooru spoke up again.

“Your scent… Sage and… the smell of summer in the woods,” Tooru was murmuring, his voice somehow more enthralling than even before. Wakatoshi glanced over his shoulder, wondering what he smelled like to this man. Tooru was smiling, and when Wakatoshi looked, he raised his chin and inhaled deeply. “Toshi,” he purred, “are you scenting?”

Wakatoshi spun back to face the wall to hide his blush, but he knew even his ears were red. He ducked his head down and made himself busy with screwing the pieces of the beams together. Two rods connected in between the tall beams, and Wakatoshi worked carefully, methodically.

“Aina has just started developing her own scent,” Tooru continued, his voice soothing, a perfect backdrop to Wakatoshi’s tumbling heart and stirring feelings. He liked Tooru’s voice, more than he thought he should. “It smells different, though, when it’s your own child. Objectively, she smells good, but there isn’t this… draw like there is now.”

Wakatoshi told himself to keep working, to not trust his voice to speak, but he couldn’t help himself. His hope wanted answers. “Now?”

“With you, Toshi,” crooned Tooru seductively. Out of the corner of his eye, Tooru’s foot was dancing in the air again, flicking this way and that as he bounced the leg on his other thigh. “I feel something when I smell your scent. It excites me…

“It’s a good smell, Alpha.”

Wakatoshi’s spine shot straight, and his shoulders nearly buckled forward in surprise at the way that made him feel. Everything washed away as those words hung in the air, as Tooru gave a little murmur of surprise and delight as Wakatoshi’s scent unfurled for an unguarded moment. Wakatoshi clutched at the wood he held, careful as he began to attach it to the wall and the anchors he’d placed. The bed beneath him felt so terribly inviting, shifting softly under his weight.

“Toshi, I know you’ve noticed,” Tooru was saying, his voice turning into a sweet hum inside Wakatoshi’s head, a buzzing under his skin. “You’re not as hard to read as you think you are; I just had to learn how to speak your language. That’s how I know that all my flirtations have captured your attention.”

Wakatoshi slowly cleared his throat, saying, “You’re hard to ignore, Tooru.”

“Is that so, Alpha? I do confess that I’ve been putting in extra effort for you. I don’t make it a habit of dressing in lingerie when I have guests over or inviting Alphas up to my bedroom.”

Wakatoshi let out a rough exhale. He wanted to point out that Aina had told him her mother was flirtatious, but part of him wanted to believe that Tooru was indeed putting in extra effort for him. Silence fell again, but those heated eyes never left him as Wakatoshi worked in silence to finish his task. Just one more beam…

When he stepped down off the bed, Tooru rose to meet him, picking up something from his dresser top on the way. The folded sheets of fabric he handed over were surprisingly heavy, and Tooru smiled as the backs of his hands brushed over Wakatoshi’s palms. His chocolate eyes were molten, hot, and Wakatoshi could almost imagine that his kiss tasted of chocolate, sugar and bourbon. He lingered for a moment, staring.

“Toshi, you’re very handsome, you know,” breathed Tooru, his hands turning and sliding up Wakatoshi’s arms. “I have a thing for stoic men, but it’s not just that. You have beautiful eyes and a strong body. I can see your kindness, and it makes me wonder…”

Wakatoshi shivered, wondering if he should ask even as his mouth formed the words, “Makes you wonder what?”

Fingers pressed into Wakatoshi’s chest and then slowly began kneading out, working the muscle like bread dough, making Wakatoshi remember how skilled those hands were. “It makes me wonder if I could awaken the beast inside you, Alpha,” Tooru purred in a tone that could not possibly be interpreted wrong. Desire raced through every little breath, every high and low octave, every syllable.

“Tooru,” called Wakatoshi slowly, cautiously. The Omega smiled.

“I’ve felt you staring, Toshi,” he breathed slowly. “I don’t think you’re opposed to this, opposed to… me.”

“You’re beautiful…” was all Wakatoshi could think to say, and the smile that it brought to Tooru’s face, ah… The Omega giggled in delight, his hands slipping up to Wakatoshi’s neck without the Alpha even noticing. Brown eyes snapped to his own, and he shuddered.

“Would you mind… hanging the canopy sheets? I’ll give you a reward after, Alpha.”

“A reward?” Wakatoshi husked roughly. “Tooru-”

“Are you opposed to it?” Tooru asked in a tone that suggested he already knew the answer. His grin was smug, but Wakatoshi found it beautiful. What would Tooru do… if Wakatoshi leaned down and kissed him right now? No, part of him still wasn’t sure what all of this meant for them. Was Tooru really flirting, or was this simple, feral attraction?

Instead of answering the redundant question, Wakatoshi turned back to the bed and began gently unfolding the heavy sheets, a slight sparkle to the sheer, ivory fabric. It was thick but would move nicely, stiff enough to not flap too much with the breeze but still allow light movement. It looked beautiful against the dark wood. Wakatoshi worked carefully to slide the loops through the wooden canopy posts, arranging the fabric at Tooru’s instruction. He pushed the excitement that arose as Tooru pressed a hand to his calf back down, heat searing through his jeans as the Omega pointed here and there. His silky robe was barely hanging on at this point, one shoulder completely off, the tie slipping loose around his waist. The lingerie Tooru wore underneath fit his body perfectly, the bra cupping soft breasts, his chest toned. His underwear was still hidden by the robe, but his lean legs were on full display. All of that tanning paid off, Wakatoshi thought mindlessly as he tried not to stare at the cleavage the bra accentuated. Tooru offered to help him down off the bed again when he was finished, and Wakatoshi accepted, though Wakatoshi mostly just wanted to feel the Omega’s hand in his own again. A soft thumb stroked over his skin as Tooru looked up, smiling sweetly.

“How does a massage sound?” he breathed. “I got some new oils for you.”

Wakatoshi wondered if that meant they were specifically for him, only for him. The thought made head swelter in his loins. He didn’t even question it or hesitate this time when Tooru told him, “Take off your jeans and shirt. Lay down on the bed, face down.” What surprised him more was Tooru turning his back, rummaging around in one of the drawers of his vanity, allowing Wakatoshi a bit of privacy as he undressed. He was so lost in anticipation that he never even noticed the eyes that watched him in the vanity mirror’s reflection.

“I appreciate this, Tooru,” Wakatoshi said as he laid himself down as instructed, folding his arms under his cheek. He tried not to flex his muscles but it was hard, knowing now that Tooru liked his body. He had never thought of his work-outs as anything more than utilitarian and for his own pride, but now he understood the desire to show off his hard work, to put himself on display.

He could hear Tooru moving behind him, a smile in his voice as he said, “Of course, Toshi. I’m just glad I can do something for you, to repay you. Besides, you’re always so stiff and tense, and I hate to see you suffer.”

“You don’t need to… repay me…” muttered Wakatoshi, but now that he was relaxing, letting his guard down, Tooru’s scent was making him delightfully dizzy. His cock ached against the bedsheets, but he kept his hips perfectly still. He only exhaled when he felt the bed dip beside him, hands pressing to the broad of his bare back.

Tooru mewled, a heated little sound, and Wakatoshi felt his scent gland throb. Weight pressed to his back as Tooru leaned forward, a rush of air like the Omega was breathing deeply in, and then a violent, hot exhale as Tooru mewled.

“Alpha, you smell so good,” Tooru crowed, and Wakatoshi felt his body react instantly, his muscles tightening and his scent gland aching as it scented the air violently. “Ahh-!” Tooru cried sweetly. It was almost too late that Wakatoshi felt something against his ass, noticing that Tooru was shifting, no, rolling his hips.

“Tooru-” he called out in panicked confusion.

He didn’t expect the reply to be so close to his ear. “Shh, baby, let me take care of you.”

That voice alone could melt a thousand ice caps, and Wakatoshi felt the mattress accept his weight as he sank down, down like his strings had been cut. He heard a bottle cap pop open, heard the soft glug of thick oil, the swish of hands rubbing together. A strong, herb-filled scent settled into the air, mixed with only a bit of sweetness. It relaxed Wakatoshi even more, and he barely reacted when warm hands pressed to the top of his back, kneading up, up.

“Relax, Alpha~ Trust me,” Tooru hummed, and Wakatoshi let out a low groan as he felt thumbs knead into his scent gland. “Let it out, Toshi~ Drive me wild with your scent.”

At some point, Wakatoshi was sure he started hallucinating. Tooru’s hands were magical at unraveling him, and he was sure he was dreaming when he felt soft lips press slow and firm to his skin, bathing him in lingering kisses. He couldn’t even be sure if the hips rocking against his ass were real, or the murmured little huff of, “My, you really are a tight end, aren’t you?”

It was all too much when Tooru pulled Wakatoshi’s underwear down and began kneading a place Wakatoshi would have never thought he carried any tension, and yet… he could feel his hips unlatch and his whole skeleton and being just unwind as Tooru massaged his ass cheeks.

“Good~” purred Tooru, maybe. It was just as likely that Wakatoshi had fallen asleep at some point. Something small and hard rocked against his thick thigh while Tooru kneaded his ass and the small of his back to oblivion.

“Tooru,” slurred the Alpha at some point. “What… are you doing to me?”

“I’m seducing you, silly,” whispered a voice right next to Wakatoshi’s ear. “Are you really still doubting that I want you?”

“It’s just… why?” Wakatoshi mumbled.

Tooru’s soft giggle was like little bells. “Why not?” he purred in seduction. “Toshi, I think our scents alone prove how compatible we are. I think we could really have some fun together… Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s just sex. Or are you worried because it’s your first time?”

Surprisingly, that hadn’t even crossed Wakatoshi’s mind. For Alphas, their virginity was little more than something they would gladly lose, certainly not sacred like an Omega’s was. Some had thought him a prude for even waiting this long despite the many offers to relieve him of his purity, but Wakatoshi simply hadn’t felt all that strong of a desire or need to do much about it.

Until now.

“Tooru, are you really… seducing me?”

“Yes, Toshi,” breathed the Omega, almost impatient now, amused and a bit annoyed. “Darling, you’re too cute. What makes you think I’m not?”

Wakatoshi thought of all the reasons why Tooru couldn’t possibly be serious. Aina’s words, his husband’s death that obviously still affected him, and simply the fact of their age gap and Wakatoshi’s own disbelief that someone as gorgeous and seemingly perfect as Tooru might desire him when he felt he had so little to offer. He was debating on what to say when Tooru hummed, “Turn over,” slender hands helping Wakatoshi move. Whatever he’d been thinking floated out of his mind as Tooru settled on top of him again, smiling seductively, hands sliding over Wakatoshi’s firm chest now. The first solid thought was that Tooru had taken his robe off. The second was that he was gorgeous, really… beautiful, with soft, swollen breasts and a tiny waist, his jutting hips and ribs making him look almost fragile, but underneath it all was a strength that left Wakatoshi speechless. Tooru’s stomach was a little concave, gorgeously toned, and his thighs were strong, beautiful.

The last thing Wakatoshi realized was that Tooru was hard in the tiny, mauve panties he wore. The g-string fit him so perfectly that it left everything else beautifully exposed, showing off smooth skin, transferring heat straight to Wakatoshi. Tooru gave the man a crooked smile, and then he rolled his hips, sharp and intentional this time. Wakatoshi’s eyes snapped wide as wetness slipped over his own erection.

A hand grabbed at the back of his thick neck, massaging again at his scent gland as Tooru purred deeply, “Alpha, please fuck me. I want you.” Then, with a teasing lilt and crooked smile, “Is that clear enough for you, Toshi?”

Wakatoshi had felt like he was melting apart a moment ago, but now he was all raw energy and power. He grabbed first at Tooru’s knees, and then he sat up on his elbows, big hands traveling slowly upward. He watched the way Tooru’s cock reacted in his panties, feeling more hot slick pulse over him as Tooru moaned prettily. Was this really happening? Wakatoshi wanted to laugh, he wanted to… Chocolate brown eyes met his olive ones, and Tooru laughed sweetly as he cupped two hands at the back of Wakatoshi’s head, fingers combing into short hair.

“Yes, you can kiss me,” purred Tooru, and Wakatoshi gave a wry smirk that felt foreign but perfect on his lips, wondering how this heavenly creature could read him so well. No, he didn’t mind. He sat forward with a renewed body, and Tooru instantly melted forward.

Their first kiss was everything Wakatoshi might have imagined it to be and yet a million times better, all with no thanks to him. It was all Tooru as the Omega took control, tilting his head and licking Wakatoshi’s lips apart and his tongue out. Instinctively, the Alpha responded, curling his own tongue around Tooru’s, grabbing at his hips to pull him closer. Tooru rocked and pressed their chests together, moaning into their kiss. His hands slipped down from Wakatoshi’s hair and kneaded over his strong back.

“Finally!” Tooru shouted when they pulled apart to breathe, gasping softly. It was hot, but Wakatoshi had never minded a little sweat and heat. In fact, he wanted more; he wanted to see how hot they could make it. He sank back and began rolling Tooru’s hips gently, shivering at the slick slide against his clothed cock. His damn underwear was still in the way, but Wakatoshi didn’t have the presence of mind to do much about it as he stared up at the angel atop him, hair making Tooru’s soft brown curls look like a halo, or maybe little devil horns. The way Tooru danced his hips had to be illegal in the whole country, the whole world. Warm brown eyes snapped down, and Tooru huffed, “I thought I was going to die of old age before I got you in my bed.”

“I’m not… that obtuse,” Wakatoshi complained with a grunt, to which Tooru just laughed.

“I was practically naked on top of you, using your ass to get off, and you still had the gall to ask me if I was sure, Wakatoshi,” Tooru pointed out. The Alpha couldn’t help but grin a little at the way Tooru said his full name. The Omega grinned back. “Oh?” He leaned down and purred, “Do you like that, Alpha?”

Wakatoshi’s cock kicked, enough of an answer there, and Tooru giggled. He worked Wakatoshi’s underwear down like he could read the Alpha’s mind, and then he pressed his wet heat to the shaft, Wakatoshi’s head jolting back as divinity eclipsed him.

“Fuck!” he yelled, and it took everything in him not to bruise Tooru’s hips with how tight he wanted to grip the Omega. Tooru just laughed in pure delight.

“That’s right, Alpha! Let loose! Go off, King, as they say!” Tooru’s laugh was contagious, and Wakatoshi found himself grinning dopely. Still, he knew he wanted to treat this beautiful creature with tender love and care, so he loosened his grip and stroked instead up Tooru’s hips, over his tiny waist, caressing at his belly. Tooru gripped one of his big hands and husked, “Think you’ll be able to see your monster of a cock here?”

“Tooru,” Wakatoshi scolded warmly, but there was just something about Tooru’s dirty talk that was inherently… endearing, and not at all crude. A wild part of Wakatoshi awakened and begged to see it, the Omega stuffed on his shaft.

“Alpha,” mewled Tooru in reply, and Wakatoshi shivered in want. He gripped Tooru’s hips again, and then he slowly sat up, his beefy chest pressing to Tooru’s, the softness of his bra making Wakatoshi’s nipples hard.

“Can I take it off?” Wakatoshi asked, but they both knew it wasn’t really a question.

Still, Tooru chuckled and teased, “Yeah, let’s see if you can.”

Wakatoshi surprised both of them by unhooking the clasps of the bra in one easy movement. Tooru giggled at the Alpha’s raised eyebrows, cupping his face with warm hands that still smelled of the oil. Wakatoshi took one of those pretty hands and kissed the knuckles, staring up as he slowly began to lick the oil off. It didn’t taste of much, but the scent that exploded up into his nose made him huff. Sage mixed with spiced vanilla, just like… Wakatoshi raised his face and pressed it to Tooru’s neck, inhaling deeply of that intoxicating scent.

“Omega, you smell delicious,” the Alpha purred, and suddenly Tooru was hot, his scent molten. Wakatoshi’s eyes slowly widened as he pressed his big hands to Tooru’s bare back, pulling the Omega closer. He nuzzled to the man’s scent gland. “Ooh, you like that,” he purred, a role-reversal from before.

Tooru panted out hot and quick, calling, “Alpha- Toshi… Fuck!”

Oh, Wakatoshi couldn’t get enough. He could feel Tooru’s pretty little cock twitching against his stomach, the lace and silk between them doing nothing but stirring him up. Wakatoshi worked Tooru’s bra off his shoulders and chest, and then he began kissing and nibbling softly at sweet, supple skin.

“Alpha!” begged Tooru, losing himself, letting go. This… this was beautiful. Such a proud, independent and wise Omega was letting someone as young and inexperienced as Wakatoshi work him apart…

“Tooru,” Wakatoshi growled as he teased his sharp teeth over the softest skin.

“Yes!” sobbed Tooru. “Yes, Alpha!”

Wakatoshi pressed one hand to Tooru’s back while the other slipped down to bare, fat ass cheeks, and then he began kissing at the Omega’s pretty breasts, so soft and round compared to the rest of his sleek body. This was where it was evidenced that Tooru had birthed a child, still as fertile today as he was fourteen years ago. Wakatoshi could press his face into these soft mounds and loose himself. His teeth slid over the skin, the softness allowing no purchase anywhere; it drove him mad with desire.

He worked Tooru’s ass cheeks apart, stroking a finger through his wetness, and when the Omega gasped, high and ecstatic, Wakatoshi lost himself. He whipped Tooru around and pressed him down, his back to the bed, and then he clambered between slender legs, one hand cupping and massaging a firm boob as he worked those seductive little panties down. Oh, Tooru was glistening with want here, his pink lips stunning, and his smell was so heady that Wakatoshi felt drugged. The cutest little cock he’d ever seen danced for him with every pant of hot breath, and Wakatoshi cursed, his voice dripping with heated desire.

“Oh, Tooru. You’re gorgeous.”

“Toshi!” Tooru sobbed. He grabbed at short olive hair, and then he lifted his legs and parted them. “Come,” he growled, higher and yet almost as powerful as an Alpha’s command. Wakatoshi smirked violently, high on this ecstasy. He licked a fat stripe over that pretty little cock, and then he dove in, suckling the whole thing into his mouth. It wasn’t hard to do, an Omega’s cock more like an overgrown clitoris than anything like what Alphas had, but that didn’t make it any less arousing, requiring no less skill. Tooru’s scent melted into taste as it exploded across Wakatoshi’s tongue, and he let the muscle wrap around Tooru’s swollen dick, licking down into sweet wetness.

Tooru screamed and pulled at Wakatoshi’s hair, his hips shivering. Wakatoshi grabbed a handful of a plush ass cheek, and then he let his hand trail down, over. He slipped two fingers over Tooru’s wet lips, the anatomy so different from his own and making him deathly curious. He smiled as the Omega gasped, mewling.

Wakatoshi asked a silent question with sliding fingers, which Tooru replied to verbally with, “Yes, yes, yes, Alpha, yes!” Wakatoshi may have never had sex before, but he just instinctively knew what to do, skilled in many things. He slowly pressed two fingers inside, desperate to see if Tooru could handle his thick digits, delighted when the Omega’s pussy spread and enveloped around them like a warm hug. Tooru tossed his head back and moaned, his thighs shaking. Wakatoshi rose up to his knees and let Tooru rest his legs over his shoulders, smiling as pride made his own cock kick. His whole body was stirring, his inner Alpha rolling about like a pig in mud, so happy. He understood it, he thought. This must be that feeling that his teammates would always brag about, and yet Wakatoshi was sure that he was feeling it a million times more. He belonged here; he could be really good here, between these thighs.

Wakatoshi licked and suckled at Tooru until the Omega choked, crying as he came. His cum tasted just as sweet as his slick, and Wakatoshi lapped it up, licking Tooru clean of the glittering spill that leaked out around his now-three fingers. Wakatoshi couldn’t get enough, but he was also aching like mad. He slowly sat up, wiping his mouth against his shoulder, brown eyes just watching, glazed, glittering. Wakatoshi leaned down, pausing only for a moment before Tooru reached for him and their lips melted together. Tooru licked into his mouth, tasting himself there, moaning. Wakatoshi felt his cock spasm, painfully hard.

He slowly pulled back, sitting up and almost lost for a minute. He felt uncertain if he could continue, but then he reached forward, collecting some of Tooru’s new spilled slick, and he began stroking himself from tip to root. Tooru sat up on his elbows, and then he slowly pushed Wakatoshi back again, his own hand taking over for the Alpha.

Tooru mewled. “Fuck, you’re so hard. Isn’t it painful?”

Perhaps, Wakatoshi mused, but considering he had never felt this way before, brimming with Alpha pride, he could handle the extreme stiffness. He watched Tooru, brown eyes sliding warm over Wakatoshi’s body, the little lick at his lips as desire seared across his features making Wakatoshi want. Tooru’s body curved forward, and Wakatoshi stroked to his back.

“Beautiful,” he husked, and the Omega smiled.

“You’re surprisingly vocal,” he teased sweetly. “I love it…”

Wakatoshi smiled. “You like hearing me confirm what you already know,” he murmured. “Tooru, you’re gorgeous.”

“Mm,” hushed the Omega, brown eyes meeting Wakatoshi’s. “Even the most confident Omega wants to hear their Alpha praise them.”

Wakatoshi’s thick eyebrow shot up, but Tooru just smiled, neither of them addressing his choice of words. Instead, Tooru said, “I’m on birth control, but you can still use a condom if you prefer.”

Wakatoshi paused for a moment, and then he let out a short, surprised laugh, the end curling with jealousy. Tooru blinked in surprise and then smiled as Wakatoshi sat up. “You know,” husked the Alpha, “your daughter… thinks that you don’t…”

Tooru blinked again, and then realization made his face glow. “Ah! So that’s why you thought I wasn’t serious, even as I practically draped myself all over you!” The pretty Omega smiled softly, and then, as he traced patterns over Wakatoshi’s pectorals, said, “That’s because I work very hard to make her think that. She doesn’t need to know what her mother gets up to. To Aina, I’m still…” Tooru stopped abruptly there, his eyes flitting away for a moment. Wakatoshi didn’t push him.

Instead, he drew Tooru back with a soft whisper of, “Forgive me.” His scent simmered out as jealousy gripped him. Tooru’s eyes snapped back, wide.

“You’re jealous,” he husked, his lips pulling up into a grin. “An Omega has needs, Wakatoshi.”

“I know. I can still be jealous. Right?”

Tooru hummed, giggling as Wakatoshi peered up at him, almost begging. He leaned down and kissed the Alpha, murmuring only, “As long as you don’t hurt yourself.”

Wakatoshi understood what that meant, but like a fool, he thought he could change Tooru’s mind. He was sure he could be enough, or at the very least, he knew he wanted to be. Still, he couldn’t control the Omega any more than he could control his own desire for Tooru, so he let it go.

“I’m guessing a condom would be good,” Wakatoshi murmured, pressing his face into Tooru’s neck. The Omega laughed.

“Then why do you say it like you really don’t want to?”

“Don’t tease me about this, Tooru,” Wakatoshi huffed, and Tooru purred in delight.

“You can do what you want. That’s why I offered.”

Wakatoshi growled, but after a moment, Tooru reached back and fished out a condom from his bedside table, smiling sweetly.

“Should I put it on?”

Wakatoshi grabbed the wrapper, though. He said honestly, “I might burst.”

Tooru giggled, but his scent was warm, glowing. When Wakatoshi looked up, the two instantly melted back into a kiss. Kissing Tooru felt so good, so warm and perfect, and Wakatoshi liked the sounds it pulled out of the Omega, little mewls and happy moans. He gripped the tip of the condom and rolled it on blindly. He disliked the feel of it immediately, but in the back of his mind somewhere, he was terrified of going raw, knowing he would make a fool out of himself and cum far too soon. He could already tell that Tooru was going to feel divine; that heat and tightness around his fingers had felt so good, and Wakatoshi was shockingly sensitive. Despite his age and this being his first time, he was still an Alpha with a lot to prove to his partner. He kissed at Tooru’s neck, and then hands pressed to his shoulders, the Omega sweetly taking charge. Wakatoshi only let him because it freed up his hands to do more important work, mainly touching Tooru’s ass and hips as the Omega guided Wakatoshi to his wet hole.

“Here I go,” murmured Tooru in a voice that sent shivers rocking down Wakatoshi’s spine, and then a moment later, heat enclosed around him, slipping so easily down. He never would have thought it would be so easy to sink into such pure bliss. He could live here, he thought, even as the slightly muted sensations from the condom washed him in a moment of regret. Still, as Tooru tilted his head up and let out a deep sigh of absolute delight, Wakatoshi knew this was heaven. He pulled the Omega to his chest with a strong arm and kissed at a pretty, elongated neck, savoring the sweetness of Tooru. His scent simmered with heat, and Wakatoshi felt dizzy, delightfully speechless. A wave of desire rushed over him as Tooru crooned out, slow and sexy, “Ahn, Alpha… You feel good.”

Wakatoshi kissed under Tooru’s chin, along his jaw, fingers teasing lightly over the man’s swollen scent gland. He knew the Omega wasn’t his, and he knew the mark would fade with neither of them in heat, and yet he still felt overwhelmed by the desire to make his mark, to stake his claim. “Tooru,” he husked, breathing heavy. He was scared to ask, scared to be told no, so he just breathed the Omega’s name as tight heat rocked around his cock. Tooru, though slender, packed secret muscles that helped him make love like a goddess, and Wakatoshi felt himself slowly falling… falling…

”Don’t hurt yourself.” Maybe it was already too late. Wakatoshi had never guessed himself to be so easy, but Tooru was… Tooru was special.

“Tooru,” called Wakatoshi again, and then, “Omega.”

Hands grabbed at his face, and Tooru moaned as he slowly dropped his chin back down, his hips rocking and rolling. A smile turned up the corners of his mouth, and he mewled. “Alpha,” he whispered, a mix between a tease and seduction. Wakatoshi didn’t really care as long as it was him that Tooru was calling. Ah, he was so beautiful like this, on this bed, in the glow of the lamps around the room.

“Toshi,” purred Tooru. “Get on top.”

Wakatoshi happily obliged, gentle with the Omega as he laid him down and then loomed over him. Hands grabbed at his strong arms and he huffed, his grin crooked as his mind went blank with euphoria. The view of Tooru like this, laid out and bare, his soft hair splayed and his whole body eager made Wakatoshi nearly faint, his inner Alpha purring. He stroked at Tooru’s hip, up his cinched side, and then he leaned closer and met their lips. He was gentle in the chase, gentle with this precious being even as hands clawed at his skin, nails scraping.

“Toshi,” begged Tooru. “Alpha, more, deeper. Faster-”

Wakatoshi kissed under Tooru’s jaw, down to his scent gland, keeping that same pace. He groaned deeply at the way Tooru dug his nails in.

“Alpha!” he commanded, but Wakatoshi was the one in control this time. He smiled and nuzzled to Tooru’s neck. He could feel his knot swelling, but he let it be, holding Tooru’s hips as he slowly made love. When he reached between them and began stroking at the Omega’s pretty dick, Tooru nearly had an aneurysm.

“I won’t break! Fuck me harder!”

His scent was screaming something different, though, and Wakatoshi pointed it out. “You like this, Tooru, don’t lie.”

The Omega pushed defiantly at Wakatoshi’s chest, though, and promised, “You know what I’ll like more? If you ruin me.”

The Alpha couldn’t imagine Tooru’s scent getting any sweeter and headier, but he decided it didn’t hurt to try. He sat up with a wry grin and pushed Tooru’s legs down against his chest, admiring the view for a heated second, and then he snapped his hips forward, powerful, his knot kissing at tight lips. Tooru’s eyes went wide, and then Wakatoshi’s slowly widened, too. His head emptied, and all there was was that smell, like a cozy bar, like warmth, like what being good and drunk probably felt like. Wakatoshi gasped, and then he pulled nearly all out and rushed his hips forward again, his knot threatening but not even close to slipping inside. Tooru gasped, his back arching as he panted like a dog in heat. His hands scrambled blindly for purchase, so Wakatoshi grabbed them and clamped them to his pectorals. He loved the way Tooru dug his nails in and screamed on the next violent thrust.

Wakatoshi sped his hips up. Under his breath, he growled, “You weren’t kidding-” He let his abs ache, his thighs burning, his ass tight, pulling in every ounce of his weightlifting training and his skills as a football player. It served him well as Tooru howled, toes curling, wet gushing out of him. Wakatoshi had to actually grab hold of his knot at one point because he was sure he might just slip right in, Tooru so damn wet and open. It was a lie that Omegas got tighter when it felt good; Tooru got so loose and soft that Wakatoshi thought he might just make a home inside this warm pussy.

“Fuck, Tooru, you feel like heaven,” the Alpha growled, while Tooru begged, “Toshi, Alpha- I love your cock! Give me more~”

Wakatoshi hefted Tooru’s hips off the bed and raised himself to his knees, and then he grabbed at the man’s headboard as he buried the Omega into the mattress, using everything in him, his inner Alpha screaming in its conquest. This was the best, it was perfect, it was too… too good. Wakatoshi gripped his knot tight, but the inevitable was coming, especially when Tooru’s walls startled rippling with his own orgasm. He was nearly bent over half, and when he came, he spilled on his face, white streaking across rosy red lips and flushed cheeks. Wakatoshi felt the view like a punch to the gut, and he grunted. He grabbed Tooru’s face and licked it clean before laving into his mouth, eating up the oversensitive whines and pretty little moans.

“Tooru, I’m close. I’m cumming-”

“I want… want you, Alpha,” slurred the Omega, lost in ecstasy. He clung to Wakatoshi’s back, every word half-kissed away or broken up by a pant or a moan.

Wakatoshi licked at the roof of Tooru’s mouth and murmured, “The best, Tooru, you’re the best.”

Slender fingers combed into his short hair, and as Tooru tugged him closer, deeper into the kiss, Wakatoshi’s dam broke. He grunted as he came so hard that his ears rang and his head went hollow, eyes seeing only white. His mouth gaped open, and he barely felt Tooru nibbling at his bottom lip, calling his name as the man filled the condom he wore to near-bursting. He gave everything he had, and it left him perfectly drained. He sank forward and then down, and Tooru giggled lightly as he swiped away matted hair from Wakatoshi’s forehead, kissing at parted lips. Wakatoshi groaned as the Omega pulled off of him, eyes shut and only hearing an incredulous curse and then a laugh.

“Damn, Toshi. Is this normal, or were you backed up?

Wakatoshi slowly lifted his head and stared at the fat condom that threatened to slide off his cock, ballooned out with milky cum at the end, about as big as his knot was. He hadn’t even knotted inside the Omega… He’d never seen his release in a contained space, but he felt like that was pretty normal for him, so he smiled at Tooru, the Omega just staring in awe.

“Toshi, you’re gonna have a million babies if you’re not careful.”

Wakatoshi smiled slowly, just staring at Tooru as Tooru gazed in awe at his lower regions. He tried to sit up again, but Tooru beat him to the punch, carefully pulling the condom off and tying it up. He stroked at Wakatoshi’s shaft and knot as they both slowly deflated, and there was something in his face that the Alpha couldn’t read, almost… haunting. It made Wakatoshi want to pull Tooru to his chest and bask in the man’s warmth, but instead he watched as the Omega stood up to dispose of Wakatoshi’s spill and wash himself off. When the shower turned on, Wakatoshi shut his eyes and let himself bask in the afterglow for a moment longer.

Humming came from the bathroom, and slowly Wakatoshi pulled himself up. He couldn’t imagine he’d be invited to stay the night, and besides, Keiji was waiting for him at home. Wakatoshi began tugging his clothes back on, stepping mindlessly over to the vanity table with his shirt in hand. He slowly squatted down until he was eye level with the nice, framed photo. The man in the picture had short, dark hair and striking green eyes like Aina’s, a nice tan and an impressive build. He was smiling, but it almost looked like he wasn’t used to it, and it reminded Wakatoshi so sharply of himself that he blinked, startled for a moment. Well, Tooru had said he liked stoic men.

To the photo, he murmured, “You were a lucky man. I hope you’re resting in peace; I think I would haunt Tooru forever…”

When he stood up again and turned, he watched Tooru step out of the bathroom, drying his hair with his eyes closed. Wakatoshi didn’t think the Omega had seen him, but Tooru felt a million miles away all of a sudden. For a fleeting moment, Wakatoshi wondered if there was anyone in the world who would ever be able to claim this dream of a man as their own, considering… Wakatoshi pulled his shirt back on even as Tooru said, “Darling, you could have showered.”

“I’m sorry, I should get back home…”

Wakatoshi tried to fix his hair, only looking back up when the room fell quiet. Tooru stood naked, gorgeous but frowning slightly. Wakatoshi paused his musing and then slowly stepped over to the Omega. He hadn’t pegged Tooru as someone who’d want their bedmates to linger, and yet here he was, seemingly sad. Wakatoshi reached up and slowly swiped soft hair back, murmuring a quiet apology.

Tooru just sighed, and for a moment, a confused expression crossed his face. “No need to apologize,” he murmured. “I guess I’m just feeling a little clingy tonight, but yeah, you should head out.”

“Tooru-” Wakatoshi began, but then the Omega looked up, smiling again like he normally did. When his slender hand reached out, Wakatoshi actually leaned in closer. Soft fingers stroked over his nape. He felt less sore, less swollen there, and it seemed Tooru agreed.

“You were amazing, especially for a first-timer,” the Omega hummed sweetly. Then, a little more coyly, “We should do this again.”

This halted Wakatoshi, and he almost let out a laugh of surprise, stuck between disbelief and relief. Tooru quirked an eyebrow at him, seeming insulted.

“You pegged me as a hit-it-and-quit-it,” Tooru huffed, cocking his hips. “I’d never let a treasure trove like you go, though, Toshi. You loved it too, didn’t you?”

“Of course I loved it,” Wakatoshi breathed, he the one insulted now. Tooru’s mouth split in a wicked grin, a sparkle in his chocolate eyes.

“Are you glad I was your first?” teased the Omega, obviously not serious, but Wakatoshi’s face was stoic as he husked back, “Very, very glad.”

Tooru blinked in surprise, but before he could speak again, Wakatoshi swooped down and kissed him deeply, his hands stroking almost shyly for a moment over soft, soft skin.

He wanted to say something like Tooru could call him even if he didn’t have work, or something cheesy like saying he’d come if the Omega was lonely, but he let the words slip away. “You really are so beautiful,” he hushed instead before pulling away, grabbing his tools and stepping towards the door.

“You don’t need to see me out,” he said over his shoulder, but that was moot as steps thundered after him down the stairs. Tooru caught up in the entryway, halfway wearing his robe from earlier. It was sinful, illegal, perfect. The flush to his cheeks made Wakatoshi hungry and… hopeful.

Damn.

He stepped to the front door, but Tooru caught him, grabbing his hand and pressing something to it.

“Later,” he panted. “I’ll call… the agency…”

Wakatoshi just stared at Tooru, trying to memorize his still-heated scent and the exact look in those molten eyes. He stepped backwards blindly, heading out, watching Tooru wave before slowly shutting the door.

Wakatoshi didn’t even think about what was in his hand until he was back at his bike, the night dark. He clutched his fist and heard the distinct crinkle of money, and he froze. He knew it was for the job he’d done, but as he stood there, he couldn’t help but feel like he was the rich Omega’s call man. He wasn’t… mad; it just hit him below the belt. Wakatoshi leaned forward, and then he pressed his hands to his face, letting out a dry laugh. He wouldn’t trade it for the world, none of it, and that’s what made the tip in his hands feel all the more wrong.

He was going to get himself hurt, but he didn’t… care.

Wakatoshi raced home, and there, he swept Keiji up and hugged the Omega close, thinking that he was really growing up and everything was changing. He wasn’t the kid of the house anymore, he was a man now. Soon Keiji’s little baby would be demanding attention and love, and Wakatoshi felt eager to see what the future would hold, hopeful even in the face of slim odds.

He was falling deeply, madly, blindly in love, and he didn’t quite care what it would do to him.

Chapter Text

The office was quiet when Alex unlocked the front door about thirty minutes before 9. Atsumu was set to arrive then, but Alex had started making a habit of coming in a little earlier, making sure the coffee was brewing and that the small space would provide a conducive work environment. After his embarrassing display the morning Atsumu had found him after his all-nighter, Alex had made himself promise to be a better boss than that. When Atsumu was happy and felt content, Alex was simply more productive, so it was a win-win scenario.

Or at least, it had been, but the past few days had made Alex doubt how well he knew Atsumu. The Omega just seemed… different. It wasn’t tangible or anything he could point a finger to, but there was just something in the air around Atsumu that made Alex’s heart ache. Some days he wondered if he’d ever get over his self-induced heartbreak. Other days he was sure he’d love Atsumu forever, no matter what, in one way or another. Lately, however, he doubted his own feelings made much difference at all, though that was also part of Atsumu’s charm and appeal. He was independent, strong-headed, stubborn with a backbone to back it up. Alex had always seen Atsumu as someone who never let anyone trample over his feelings, but maybe that wasn’t really true. Underneath it all, Atsumu was soft and sweet and just as much an Omega as anyone else; fragile though he’d never admit it. Therein, than, laid his weakness; Atsumu was too proud, too stubborn to ask for help when he actually needed it. He would rather bury his wounds than let anyone know he was suffering. Alex had seen that in him from the first day Atsumu had walked into his life, and yet it was this very thing that made the Alpha want to protect and be Atsumu’s strength.

Atsumu, though, didn’t want that, and it showed in the way he held his head high no matter what, always ready with a sharp retort or biting comment. Atsumu was far too proud to admit his own weaknesses, but Alex was sure he had known the Omega long enough to recognize when Atsumu was in distress. It was just a feeling, something… he couldn’t put his finger on. Alex glanced at Atsumu’s desk and then let out a slow sigh. Would he ever be the strength Atsumu sought out, or would he be watching from the sidelines for the rest of his life? The latter seemed more and more likely these days…

Ten minutes before 9, the office phone rang, and Alex raised an eyebrow. The light blinked on Atsumu’s phone, but he walked past it to his own office, the extension ringing there, too. He wasn’t in the habit of answering the phone before 9, but something inside him told him to do it anyways. Maybe it was that little whispering voice of fear that drew his attention to Atsumu’s moods, telling him something was wrong.

“Hello?”

“Is this Alex?”

Alex felt recognition shoot down his spine, but he couldn’t place where he knew the voice from. Deep, a little sad, urgent. “Speaking,” Alex replied slowly.

“This is Tetsuro. Atsumu’s… my momma.”

“Oh!” Alex gasped, realizing now why he’d recognized the voice, though it was deeper than the last time he’d heard it. He sank down in his chair and begged, “Is Atsumu okay?”

“Yes,” Tetsuro was quick to reply. Then, “Well…”

Alex knew in that moment that his suspicion that something had happened to Atsumu, that he was acting strange lately, was correct. He sank slowly back, and then he asked, even knowing the answer wouldn’t be good, “What happened?”

“That’s not up to me to tell you, even if I knew myself,” Tetsuro murmured, and this surprised Alex most of all. He had always assumed Atsumu and Tetsuro told each other everything. Still, it explained why Tetsuro was calling him now.

“What can I do?” was Alex’s next question, and Tetsuro let out a slow sigh.

“First, don’t tell my momma I called. I know he usually helps you with business deals and the like, but, please… I don’t think it’s a good idea for him to be around strange Alphas right now, and if you need him, please just don’t leave him alone. Can you keep your eye on him?”

“Of course,” Alex replied instantly. Atsumu hadn’t really been going with Alex to meet clients anymore anyways, not after their last business trip had ended in only hurt feelings, and while Alex would have liked to get Atsumu comfortable enough to attend in-town meetings again, he certainly could push that off for a little while longer. After a moment, he asked again, “What happened, Tetsuro? Is there anything else I can do?”

Tetsuro was quiet for a while, and then he said, more of a statement than a question, “You’ve noticed, haven’t you? That he’s been a little… off.”

Alex glanced out his open office door to the front entrance, and slowly he hummed. “I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he’s been… different.”

“Look, just… keep your eyes on him for me. Please.”

Something pretty bad must have happened, but it really sounded like Tetsuro was just as lost as Alex was. A deep frown settled on the older man’s lips.

“Of course, Tetsuro. I promised to watch out for you and your mom. If there’s anything else I can do, just let me know.”

The Alpha on the other end was quiet for a moment, and then he hushed, “Thanks.

“I know you really love my momma. I’m sorry it didn’t work out…”

Alex’s eyebrows raised slowly, and then he almost laughed softly. Of course Tetsuro knew, even if Atsumu hadn’t explicitly said anything. It seemed like the men who loved Atsumu just had a sixth sense about these things. “Me, too,” Alex replied quietly just as the front door pulled open, Atsumu calling out, “Alex? I’m here.”

It was Tetsuro who ended the call with a simple, “Thanks again.”

Alex hung up just as Atsumu stepped into view. He was wearing a baggy pair of high-waisted pants that showed off the cute booties he had on his feet, paired with a pretty blouse and cardigan that accentuated his curves. Atsumu smiled as he shook his winter coat out, Alex watching him quietly.

“Were ya talkin’ ta yerself?” teased the Omega. “I thought I heard yer voice.”

Alex just smiled. “Good morning, Atsumu.” He stood, letting his gaze roam the Omega, his blue eyes melting into warmth. Atsumu let out a surprised laugh.

“Ya look cheery.”

“I’m in a good mood now that you’re here,” Alex replied honestly, and Atsumu paused for a moment. The change was barely discernible, but Alex saw how his golden eyes narrowed ever so slightly and his scent withdrew a little. If Alex and Atsumu hadn’t known each other for close to a decade, Alex would have surely missed it. He smiled even as pain sizzled across his heart. The distance between the two of them was more than just physical now. Atsumu had built up a wall around his heart, and Alex would only hurt him if he tried to tear it down. Still, he couldn’t help what he wanted.

“I made coffee,” Alex told Atsumu, who hummed, making a beeline for the machine. Alex slowly stepped around his desk and to the doorframe, watching Atsumu in silence. There really was something different about him, like a heaviness, or maybe a sort of fake aftertaste to the sugariness of his scent. Alex chewed back his frown as Atsumu waltzed to his desk with a full, steaming mug of coffee. He sank down and took a long sip, sighing happily. For a moment, he was the usual Atsumu, and Alex basked in it, but just as soon, the small change happened again. The Alpha wished he could pinpoint exactly what was wrong and isolate the feeling, but it felt impossible. Instead, he simply informed Atsumu of the things he’d need done today, the Omega humming happily, listening as he logged into his computer. In so many ways, it was all so familiar, and yet…

And yet…

Alex couldn’t help but wish it was all very, very different.

-x-

Koutaro hadn’t been over to Auntie Atsumu’s in a hot minute, and it showed as he bounded in through the door at hyper speed, zooming right for the Omega. Atsumu looked startled for a moment, and Koutaro wondered if he imagined the Omega’s stiffness when he hugged him, but then he set Atsumu back down again and pulled away, and Atsumu was beaming, laughing softly.

“Hi, Kou-chan~ I missed ya too!”

“Did you do something different with your hair, Auntie? You look gorgeous!”

Atsumu blushed softly, and then he stepped away as he laughed, teasing Koutaro for caring about an old Omega like him. Koutaro blinked and then turned to Shugo and Tetsuro, grinning in soft confusion. Tetsuro met his eyes, but Shugo was far too busy with whoever he was texting. Probably his boyfriend. Koutaro got up in the man’s space and peered at his phone.

“Oooh, Osamu~?!”

“My aunt,” Tetsuro explained.

“Yes,” Shugo said simply, but the grin on his face was hard to tamper down. Koutaro stared in awe, and then he clapped the older Alpha on the back. It really had been a while! “My man! Congrats!! When did this happen?”

Shugo typed out a reply and then hummed, glancing up. “Officially? Like a month and a half ago.”

“A month and a half?!” shouted Koutaro, so loud it shook the walls of the tiny apartment. Atsumu slipped past him and hushed him, laughing softly.

“Shugo’s been so wrapped up I don’t think he told any of us,” Tetsuro assured. “I had to hear it from my aunt himself.”

Shugo just shrugged, nonplused by his bad friend behavior. Koutaro chuckled in awe, and then he leaned close and begged, “How did you do it?!”

“Got someone you like, Kou?” Tetsuro teased. “An older Omega?”

Koutaro eyes sparkled as he pulled back, and then he swept up Atsumu, grinning. “I like all Omegas~” He set Atsumu down again, never noticing the slight deer-in-the-headlights look the Omega gave him as he admitted, “There is one Omega, though…”

“Ooh, a special Omega,” sang Tetsuro with dancing fingers, watching Atsumu closely while smiling at his friend.

Koutaro grinned and wiggled his shoulders. “He’s my favorite,” he hummed with honey dripping from each word, while everyone just groaned and rolled their eyes.

“Kou-chan, that’s no way to think of an Omega,” Atsumu called, busy in the kitchen. It was almost like he needed to be, like he couldn’t sit still. Koutaro glanced over and finally noticed the way Tetsuro was watching his momma so closely as the Omega continued, “There should only be one, ya know. Us Omegas get pretty jealous.”

It was an easy choice for Koutaro. “Then there’s only one,” he said decidedly, to everyone’s surprise. It only dawned on Koutaro a moment later. “Wait, does that mean I can’t flirt with you anymore, Auntie?!”

“Yes!” replied everyone in unison, and Koutaro mulled it over for a minute. If he thought about it, he really liked Atsumu, but he really, really liked Keiji. Still, it would be hard to reign in his excitement over Omegas in general. He hummed, nodding slowly.

Behind him, a voice spoke, tired and icy, “Koutaro, if you keep flirting with all of the Omegas, you’ll soon have no Omegas at all.”

Koutaro spun towards the living room and stared in horrified shock at Kiyoomi, who sat quietly on the couch, reading. Black eyes slowly glanced up as Koutaro gasped dramatically. Was that true? Koutaro spun back to Tetsuro and Shugo for confirmation. The other two nodded solemnly.

“Kou, if you like this Omega a lot, why don’t you just take a chance and ask them out?”

Ask… Keiji out? Could he? Wait… Really?!?!

“Unless he’s taken-”

“Very available!” Koutaro cut in to Tetsuro’s thought, grinning. Asking Keiji out hadn’t even occurred to him, though. He’d been so damn busy treasuring the Omega that he hadn’t even thought… It wasn’t even a question of standing a chance or being rejected or not; it just hadn’t occurred to him that he could date someone as lovely and perfect as Keiji. Koutaro suddenly whooped and jumped in the air, and then he whipped out his phone.

“Not now, you idiot!” yelled everyone together, lunging forward. Koutaro stared up, innocent as can be.

“Do it in person!” Shugo huffed.

“Take ‘im somewhere nice and ask!” Atsumu insisted.

“Yeah, like a festival. And give him a gift-” Tetsuro concluded.

“Don’t be an idiot about it,” murmured Kiyoomi lastly, and Koutaro wondered if he detected a hint of bitterness there.

He shrugged it off as he repeated, “A festival… and a gift…

“My jersey!” he shouted, and all the Alphas groaned once more while Atsumu laughed.

“It’s so like Kou-chan~ If it works, we’ll know they were meant ta be together.”

“Why? Is it a bad idea?” pouted Koutaro.

“It’s fine,” Shugo said placatingly.

“It’s very you,” Tetsuro offered in an echo of his momma’s words.

“Keiji just would look so cute in it, especially with his belly-”

Now everyone was staring, dead silent again.

“You knocked him up already?!” shouted Shugo a few moments later as he nearly fell off his chair. Tetsuro looked too awed to reply, cheeks a little rosy, while Kiyoomi was trying to hide his own embarrassment in angry grumbles. It was Atsumu who stepped forward and carefully held his hands up, like any contact with Koutaro might get him pregnant next. Koutaro noticed the trepidation, and it suddenly hit him as very odd.

He glanced around as he assured mildly, much less focused now, “No, the baby’s not mine…”

While everyone was still trying to parse out this news, Koutaro asked plainly, “Hey, Auntie, you okay?”

It was like slow motion. Tetsuro’s eyes snapped wide, Kiyoomi dropping his book as he sat up straight, and Atsumu’s eyes flashed with a fire that almost made Koutaro bend a knee and back away.

“I’m fine!” Atsumu snapped. “All ya damn Alphas always worryin’ needlessly! Kou-chan, why are ya goin’ after a pregnant Omega?!”

Koutaro blinked, not sure which issue to address first. Tetsuro looked like he might need to put out a fire soon, Kiyoomi growling softly, while Shugo just stared, as confused as Koutaro was.

“I’m worried about yo-” Koutaro began, but then, “Keiji is just so cute, and I really like him! He’s not dating anyone! He’s just pregnant!”

“Wait- How-” Tetsuro murmured as he tried to follow Koutaro’s rushed speech, while Koutaro grabbed desperately at the front of his shirt, his Alpha instincts going haywire as he stared at Atsumu with giant eyes.

“I love him, okay!” he yelled, and everyone just stopped, something in the air alerting them to Koutaro’s panic.

“Okay,” Tetsuro assuaged, while Shugo murmured, “Nothing wrong with that.

“Hell, I’m dating a married man.”

Koutaro just looked around the room, everyone seeming frozen. He couldn’t even figure out where it had all gone wrong.

“Bathroom,” murmured Atsumu at some point, and four pairs of eyes watched him go.

As soon as the bathroom door shut and locked, Koutaro spun back to Tetsuro and Shugo and whispered fiercely, “What was that?! What’s wrong?!”

“You idiot,” grumbled Kiyoomi from the living room, but he almost sounded more… hurt than angry. Koutaro blinked in shock and confusion.

“Let’s… sit down…” offered Tetsuro before moving quietly to the living room. Shugo hooked his arm around Koutaro’s neck and dragged him along.

“Good for you, man,” he murmured, but Koutaro couldn’t even figure out what the topic was anymore.

“What happened to Auntie?” Koutaro hushed in fierce tones as soon as he sat down, and Kiyoomi muttered, “Be a little more quiet, idiot.”

“You probably shouldn’t ask if he’s okay for a while,” Tetsuro suggested slowly, and then he sighed.

“Look, something happened last week…”

“Something happened?!” Koutaro asked in a panic, and Shugo smacked him hard over the head, still glued to his phone but definitely listening.

“Don’t tell my aunt,” Tetsuro requested, and it took Koutaro a moment to realize that was meant for Shugo. Now the older Alpha looked shocked.

“It’s something Osamu doesn’t know?!”

“My momma won’t tell anyone,” Tetsuro said between gritted teeth. “Omi and I only know ‘cause we were here when he got back.”

“Got back…?” Koutaro was so confused, trying desperately to follow, but he was still trying to figure out where it had all gone wrong in the first place.

“He went on a date and came back… in really bad shape. We think it was the Alpha he went out with, but he won’t… say anything.”

Koutaro lunged forward and grabbed at the coffee table, and he swore he could break it. He barely heard Tetsuro as the other said, “Look, I’m fucking angry, too, but don’t bring it up, and don’t act any different- Koutaro, don’t- Sit down!”

Koutaro hadn’t even realized he’d been moving. He grunted as he plopped back down, but every fiber in his being was screaming, his muscles twitching like they did in anticipation for a game, except everything felt wrong. He wanted to move, needed to-

The conversation was cut off as the bathroom door slammed back open, and Atsumu glanced over the group in the living room for a split second before moving silently back to the kitchen. They all looked like kids caught red-handed stealing from the cookie jar. Tetsuro slowly stood up and moved to the kitchen, and the other three just stared at each other.

“Osamu doesn’t know?” muttered Shugo in disbelief as he turned and stared at Tetsuro and Atsumu, and Kiyoomi sighed wearily, putting his face in his hands. Koutaro wasn’t normally so astute, but something about this situation was sending his senses into overdrive.

“What’s wrong with you, then?” he leaned forward and asked Kiyoomi, still gripping at the coffee table like it was the only thing keeping him from rocketing off into space. His leg bounced of its own accord, even when Shugo pressed it down.

“Kiyoomi,” murmured Shugo, and Koutaro felt a flash of anger as Kiyoomi looked at the eldest Alpha, not him. The two exchanged a whole silent conversation while Koutaro watched, totally in the dark. His eyes went wide again as Kiyoomi clenched his fists and ground his teeth together.

“There’s nothing I can do. How do you think that feels?” hissed Kiyoomi to Shugo.

“Why don’t you just tell him? He obviously needs someone to watch out for him,” muttered Shugo in reply. Koutaro stared from one to the other, his neck getting whiplash.

“Tell him?!” Kiyoomi chewed out. “What, now?! ‘Listen, Atsumu, I know you just had a traumatic experience with an Alpha, but I can totally-’” Kiyoomi stopped and then hissed, “There’s nothing to tell anyways.”

Koutaro gasped too loud and then smacked his fist to his open palm. “You li-!” he began, but Shugo grabbed his mouth and silenced him while Kiyoomi lunged forward, serious fear in his eyes.

“Great! Now the fucking blabbermouth knows!” he bit out.

Shugo just blinked. “Knows what?” he asked dryly. Kiyoomi hissed at him.

As soon as Shugo uncovered Koutaro’s mouth, he was on his knees, so close to Kiyoomi’s face that they could smell each other; there was fear, trepidation, and that unique scent of an Alpha in love, in distress-

“Kiyoomi, you like him?! How long? Why? Who? Where?”

“Your questions don’t make sense,” pointed out Kiyoomi angrily, and Shugo smacked at the back of the quarterback’s head again. Koutaro huffed, frowning, but he knew he was onto something. He could smell it!

“Don’t-” hissed Kiyoomi as he stared into giant golden eyes, his own gaze flickering for a moment. Koutaro let out the quietest laugh of shocked surprise when he saw it. The stoic, iron-faced Kiyoomi-!

Koutaro slowly sat back down. “I won’t tell,” he promised, but no one seemed to believe him. Then, he stood up and said suddenly, “I have to go.” Something inside of him was going to burst, going to break and tear open, and he couldn’t be here when that happened. Fear propelled him, to the entryway and out the door.

“I just remembered- I left a pot on the stove-!” he lied, knowing everyone would know it to be untrue, but he didn’t care. He used every ounce of his strength from all those years of playing ball and he ran. At some points, he wasn’t even sure where he was, but he kept going until he saw something he recognized, darting this way and that.

He ran until he arrived at a familiar doorstep, pounding on the door so hard it nearly shook of its hinges. A panicked yelp sounded from inside, and Koutaro uselessly scented the air outside.

“Keiji-” he choked out just as the front door flew open.

“Koutaro-!” Keiji yelped in surprise, but the word was buried a moment later when Koutaro lifted the Omega up, a little over his shoulder, and hustled him into the house, into the living room. He sat Keiji down, and then he sank to his knees and curled himself around the Omega’s swollen stomach, his ear to Keiji’s soft chest. There, Keiji’s heart thrummed loud but true. The familiar scent of fresh laundry and milky lemongrass and mint washed over him. Koutaro was home, and Keiji was okay.

“Koutaro?” the Omega asked in bewilderment as Koutaro began purring, a rumbling sound in his throat as he scented like mad. Hands pressed to his strong back, and Koutaro pulled Keiji closer. He could smell something else in the Omega’s scent, too. Worry, confusion… warmth. The hands against his back felt so good.

“You’re okay,” Koutaro mumbled into soft cotton, his nose to Keiji’s plump chest. He could feel the edge of a soft bra band, the shirt Keiji wore worn and big. It was one of Wakatoshi’s old shirts, and Koutaro felt the violent need to tear his own off his back and dress the Omega in it. Something inside of him was rambling apart, but his Omega… this Omega was okay.

He hadn’t been able to do shit for Atsumu, but Koutaro would make so sure that Keiji was safe and okay, forever. Anger bubbled up, and Keiji yelped in soft panic when he smelled the burnt edges of it.

“Koutaro, you’re scaring me…”

“Keiji, just… Are you okay?”

“Ye-” Keiji began, but then Koutaro pulled back and stared with wide eyes up at the Omega. “Yes,” Keiji finished slowly, softer. He reached out after a moment, and Koutaro grabbed his floating hand, pressing it to his cheek as he tilted his head and shut his eyes. He leaned forward to sniff at Keiji’s wrist. His Omega was okay.

“Keiji, I-” Koutaro began, but just then the front door burst open, and Wakatoshi called in serious panic, “Aunt Keiji?!”

“Ah! We’re okay! It’s okay! We’re in… in the living room.”

Wakatoshi burst in, and one accusing look at Koutaro made the Alpha suddenly realize what he was doing. Keiji was scenting out his concern and slight distress, but the Alpha’s scent was an absolute mess, discordant, terrifying. It was a miracle Keiji felt safe with him as Koutaro spilled all of his thoughts out via his scent gland.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” roared Wakatoshi, simply sensing an Omega in distress and an Alpha who could only be the cause.

“Wakatoshi-!” begged Keiji, but Koutaro held him down, slowly rising to his feet. Everything inside him demanded that he growl and snarl back at his friend, at the threat, but he kept himself down.

“I just wanted to make sure Keiji was okay. I heard… about something another Omega went through, and I-”

It suddenly all began to make sense in Koutaro’s head; the stress he felt, his spiking anxieties, his mind a mess. Hearing about what had happened to Atsumu had set him off, and he’d rushed to the one Omega that mattered more than anyone else, to make sure Keiji was safe. Koutaro sank slowly back down to his knees, and he finally looked at Keiji, really looked. His scent turned naturally warmer and calm as the Omega stared back with a confused but happy smile, stroking softly at his cute, swollen belly. His face was getting rounder, his legs a little swollen. He looked so cute in his black leggings and Wakatoshi’s old high school shirt.

“I scared you,” Koutaro hushed in realization, but Keiji only smiled, one hand to his belly while the other reached forward. Like a dog, Koutaro closed the gap to be pet.

“It’s alright. You worried me, Koutaro. I’m glad to see you, though.”

That was obvious in the light scent that filled the air now, too. Keiji smiled as he scented first Koutaro and then, looking back and up, his nephew. He waved Wakatoshi forward and kissed his cheek when the Alpha leaned obediently in. Koutaro laid his head softly on Keiji’s thigh, staring in wonder up at the Omega. He felt it, deep in his soul; Atsumu was right. Keiji was the only Omega to Koutaro, and he loved him.

“Keiji~”

“Koutaro, are you going to just stay here? You can go home now that you’ve seen that my aunt is okay.” Wakatoshi looked annoyed, but Koutaro huffed at him, and Keiji giggled.

“Now, now, boys. Come sit with me, and let’s all calm down.”

The two Alphas were pressed to either of Keiji’s sides in a moment flat. He stroked at their heads and slowly, the jumbled mess of scents in the air turned more peaceful and concordant.

“Now,” giggled Keiji happily, Koutaro stroking circles over his cute belly. “How about dinner?”

“I’ll cook,” Wakatoshi declared, standing up. Koutaro snuggled in closer, but on second thought, Wakatoshi called, “Koutaro, get in here and help me.”

Big, golden puppy eyes stared at Keiji, and the Omega giggled. He cupped Koutaro’s face, and for a moment, the Alpha thought only of kissing him; blueish grey eyes flicked down for a minute second, like Keiji could smell it. A thumb stroked softly over Koutaro’s face.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” was all he could think to say, enthralled.

Keiji smiled softly.

“I’ll take care of you and this baby,” Koutaro swore as he stood up. He felt eyes follow him to the kitchen, unaware of the confused, wide-eyed looked Keiji gave his broad back, not understanding how huge his statement was. All Koutaro knew what what he felt, and he had to tell Keiji that.

Koutaro steeped his resolve. He’d been raised by Alphas, so he knew how to be a good one. He knew his duty, and he took it seriously; his mother would be proud.

He burned two batches of potstickers before Wakatoshi assigned him to setting the table instead. From the living room, Keiji laughed beautifully.

-x-

The bar was crowded, everybody almost shouting to be heard, and part of Atsumu felt sick to be here with the scent of Alphas crowding the air. At the same time, though, it was the first time since the incident that Atsumu’s mind quieted down, and he felt like he was in control again. Nobody knew he was here, and nobody had to know; he didn’t want to hear the questions anymore. Tetsuro had started hovering around him like he was worried his momma might fall apart if he wasn’t there, and Kiyoomi was no better. Atsumu had half a mind to kick him out when the Alpha started showing up every damn day, but whether he wanted to admit it or not, it was Kiyoomi’s scent that kept him from going insane from his own son. Tetsuro wouldn’t stop scenting, asking questions, desperate to keep Atsumu safe when he didn’t even know the threat.

Part of Atsumu didn’t want to be safe. A very large part of him felt self-destructive, ready to rampage, begging to be completely shattered so he could rebuild from the ground up. That Alpha had broken him, but not enough to tear out the innate need Atsumu had for a mate, to not feel lonely. He still felt desperate to be loved, desperate to not be left alone, desperate to not end up an old maid. For the first time in his life, Atsumu was holding his tongue; Osamu could talk about Shugo for hours, and sometimes he did. Every time Atsumu’s phone rang, his stomach turned. He didn’t want to hear about someone else’s happiness any more, not while he was drowning in misery.

On the bar, Atsumu’s phone lit up as if on cue, two notifications coming in at once. The first was a private DM on his Instagram page, and the second was from Tetsuro, asking with such sweet concern where Atsumu was. He ignored both. He’d stopped posting on his Instagram, and he certainly wasn’t reading or responding to DM’s from horny Alphas anymore. It all left a bad taste in his mouth. As far as Tetsuro was concerned… Atsumu felt terrible, he felt like shit, like the worst mother in the world, but as he let his head fall back, the music pounding and his brain finally silenced by the noise, Atsumu felt like he could breathe again. In some ways, he needed this to ensure he wouldn’t die alone, curled up in a corner like a husk of himself. In other ways, he was desperate for the risk, the danger, the reminder that there were worse things out there than this… pain he felt.

Atsumu rolled his head to the side and scanned the bar. Slim pickings. Nobody caught his eye in a sea of so many faces. He lowered his standards and looked again. A few gazes glanced his way, and he smiled, knowing it wouldn’t reach his eyes, but nobody would be able to tell in this horrid lighting. Of the three that looked over, one stood and walked over. He was decent to look at, nothing all that spectacular, a very average Alpha. His smile was kind enough, though, Atsumu supposed.

“Hey,” the Alpha called, leaning sideways against the bar and studying Atsumu. He didn’t get grabby right away, and Atsumu appreciated it, his back stiff and his shoulders tense even as he told himself to clam down, be normal.

“Hi,” Atsumu replied, eyeing the Alpha up from the corner of his eyes. He then turned to the table the Alpha had come from and asked, “Aren’t ya here with friends? I don’t wanna steal ya away from them.”

The Alpha grinned. “They’d understand if I ignored them for an Omega as pretty as you.”

Atsumu smiled again, but the compliment slid off his back, water and oil. It meant nothing; words were so empty when the desired result was quite obvious. Atsumu twirled the umbrella in his drink, just wanting everything to be silent. He wanted to feel good again, and he knew how, but he already felt hollow and he hadn’t even had the meaningless sex yet. It felt strange to not be interested, to not want even as his nature screamed that he needed an Alpha.

He was surprised when the Alpha sat down and hummed, “You look like you don’t want to be here, and yet I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t have already left.”

Atsumu blinked. “Astute,” he murmured vaguely. The Alpha laughed wryly.

After a moment, he asked, “Want a drink? You can come join me and my friends, or we can just chill here.”

Atsumu glanced over sideways. “Ye’re bad at this Alpha thing. That’s usually not what they do ta try ta get into my pants.”

The Alpha grinned. “It’s my reverse psychology strategy. It seems strange, but I like to get to know my Omegas first, and then I trick them into dating me ‘cause they fall for my charming personality.”

Atsumu actually laughed, and then he turned on his barstool, peering at the table the Alpha had left. “Do all of yer friends employ the same strategy?”

“They did, all with great rates of success,” grinned the man. “I’m the only single one left.”

“Gotta work on yer game,” Atsumu hummed, and then he stood. “Introduce me to yer friends.”

It was probably the worst thing he could do, to dive into a group of all Alphas like this, but Atsumu wasn’t listening to the logical part of his brain anymore. It sounded too much like Tetsuro and Kiyoomi.

Two hours later, Atsumu sloppily fixed the strap of his top, his coat falling off one shoulder as he made his way up the stairs to his apartment. He slid the key into the lock in silence, but it pulled violently open before he could even try to turn it. He blinked up at Tetsuro, drunk but not enough to not be annoyed by the instant wall of bitter, anxiety-laced stale coffee and rotten almonds. Atsumu sighed wearily, everything so clear on his son’s face. He pushed past the deathly silent Alpha.

Tetsuro didn’t ask anything at first; it was like he was worried Atsumu would just lash out, and yes, Atsumu would. Atsumu drunkenly tugged off his heels, tossing his coat haphazardly back. He could hear Tetsuro straightening up after him, and it only made him angrier. He chewed at his bottom lip, and then he stopped. Another smell washed over him, making his stomach turn with the high stress laced in it, and then calm as Kiyoomi caught sight of Atsumu.

It was strange how Atsumu preferred Kiyoomi’s scent these days to his own son’s. The Alpha seemed almost calm, fine as long as Atsumu was in his sight. Atsumu still wasn’t questioning why Kiyoomi smelled so good in the first place; he didn’t want to think about it. Black eyes met his own, Kiyoomi quiet as he just stared at Atsumu’s face.

"Momma,” called Tetsuro, hands ever so softly caressing over Atsumu’s arms from behind. The Omega didn’t pull away, didn’t move at all. "Momma, you okay? Where…? Never mind; just, are you okay?”

Atsumu didn’t want to answer the question; wasn’t it obvious? He pulled slowly away from Tetsuro, and he knew… he knew he was only hurting both of them, but he didn’t know what the fuck he was supposed to say. It was easier to pretend nothing had changed even though he himself was doing a shit job of it. Atsumu stepped towards his bedroom, Kiyoomi slowly rising from the couch where he’d made his bed. He seemed glued there lately, settled in the same spot every time Atsumu came home. He shouldn’t be surprised anymore to see Kiyoomi, honestly.

"Momma-”

“It’s the same thing every night,” murmured the Omega, quiet, forlorn. “Don’t ya get tired of worryin’ about me?”

“I could never,” Tetsuro cut back, but neither of them wanted to have this fight. They’d already had it the past three nights. Atsumu knew what Tetsuro was assuming, and he wasn’t going to correct that; he was too tired to try.

Tetsuro probably wouldn’t believe Atsumu even if he said he hadn’t actually let anyone touch him like that since the bad date, or maybe he didn’t want to, knowing it would mean Atsumu was really not alright at all. Atsumu didn’t even want to say it; part of him had to keep up the lie, to convince everyone he was fine, that nothing had happened, that Atsumu wasn’t broken and hurting.

“I’m goin’ ta bed,” was all he said in the end. He stepped into their shared bedroom and looked at Tetsuro’s empty corner, his futon dragged out to the living room. Tetsuro hadn’t slept in this room since Atsumu had locked him out that night. It was like he knew they’d just keep each other awake, with their scents, with their loud thoughts, with the dreadful silence.

Something had really broken, and Atsumu didn’t know how to fix it anymore, not this time. Maybe he was what was wrong; maybe he’d never been right. Maybe Alex was right and Atsumu was still clinging on to a long lost first love, traumatized, a skipping record that had stopped himself from playing for fear of getting hurt again.

The Omega crawled into his bed, feeling cold down to his very core, empty, hollow, shivering until tears spilled out of his broken vessel. Osamu had always thought him strong, had thought Atsumu the better, more desirable twin, but Atsumu was proving that so wrong at every turn. He wasn’t strong at all. He was a million times worse than anyone else, and no one… no one would ever want him, not broken as he was.

He couldn’t trust Alphas anymore. He couldn’t be who he’d been, pretending.

His stage play was falling apart, and everyone was realizing he wasn’t all that great behind the persona he’d created.

-x-

Kenma felt time compress around him, and within the small space he occupied, there was only stress. Stress and fear seemed to squish around him, steal his air, rob him of his sanity. He tried to tell himself the situation wasn’t so dire, but in this very moment, it felt all-consuming. He wasn’t sure how long the feeling lasted as he sat alone and afraid in this space that felt like it might go on forever, but then suddenly, another feeling came, and with it, a voice.

“Kenma? Cutie?”

Kenma felt his lungs expand violently without real permission, his space suddenly expanding to something much larger as fear mottled into something else entirely. Heat sizzled down his spine as Tetsuro’s voice, warm and deep and sure, broke through his panic. Kenma couldn’t recall pulling himself up, but suddenly he was standing, and then he was running, frantic.

“Tetsuro! Where are you, you brat?!”

“Kenma!”

Kenma ran and ran. He ran until he was sure his lungs should be burning and his legs on fire, but instead he felt nothing, like he really wasn’t moving at all, no closer, no farther from Tetsuro. He felt like he might be running forever, and for a moment that was okay, but suddenly something began to sweep in behind him. It was nothing he could see in the darkness, more like a feeling, but the heat began to leech from his skin and in its stead, a cold, icy dread began to curl its hands around his spine. The next time he found his voice, he screamed, terrified.

“Tetsuro, save me!”

The darkness burst like a bubble, and suddenly strong arms caught Kenma like Tetsuro had been there, waiting all along for Kenma to find his way out of his hamster wheel, and Kenma felt… Kenma felt. He sank against Tetsuro’s strong chest and exhaled a whole body’s worth of air, and then he melted, melted until he conformed completely to Tetsuro. They fell backwards, but it didn’t feel terrifying, Kenma assured now that he was safe.

Tetsuro let out a laugh, hearty and big, and it swallowed Kenma up in this feeling, heat searing across his skin like the rays of the sun on a hot day. He sat up as if to let some air in, but there was only heat, and when he looked at Tetsuro’s face, his eyes were like molten lava, his lips smiling, and everything about him so… inviting.

Kenma felt desire punch him in the gut like his heats did at times, when they came one day early and took him by surprise. Kenma groaned, but the sound was swallowed by another, a voice.

“Kenma, I’ll always keep you safe,” Tetsuro was purring, the sound so deep it seemed to vibrate against Kenma’s skin like a bass speaker. It reached within Kenma with its tendrils and awakened something inside that felt dormant, nearly dead. Kenma arched his spine and exhaled another whole body of air, like he was only a giant lung and his skin nothing but receptors of pleasure for his brain. It wasn’t even explicitly sexual; they weren’t having sex or even touching sensually, but Kenma felt himself on the edge of that precipice he called orgasm, suspended in a moment of pure pleasure right before his body gave in. He was pulled higher and higher, every part of him vibrating until Tetsuro spoke again and the bubble burst. It was so violent that Kenma screamed, his eyes snapping open-

Kenma lay, staring up at the ceiling, sweating, the night quiet around him. Had he actually screamed? He listened for the twins to stir in the bedroom across from his own, but all was silent. Kenma felt glued to his sheets, and ringing in his brain was Tetsuro’s voice, calling…

“Kenma, cutie~”

It hadn’t even been a sexual dream, but the wetness in the panties Kenma wore was unmistakable. It made him so angry, but he couldn’t move. He stared in disgust up at his ceiling as a vein throbbed in his temple, eyes following the shadows of his slowly humming fan. His sweat dried as air washed over his naked body. He always slept like this, but suddenly he felt too exposed, dirty. He roughly pulled himself off his sheets and waddled to the bathroom with silent groans of protest at how gross he felt. Thankfully, his shower was on the opposite side of the twins’ room, so he slapped the faucet on and peeled off his underwear, not even looking before he darted into the punishingly hot stream of water.

He let out another whole-body exhale, and he thought that this part of his dream had been the only realistic part. He growled at the annoying feeling that lingered, heat simmering just under his skin. Pressing his hand to the tile, Kenma closed his eyes as water ran over his head, and he told himself, “I’m not in danger. I don’t need rescuing.” Years of being overly cautious should assure him that it would take a random miracle for someone to stumble onto him, but those years had also made him tense, jumping at every little sound, hyper-fixated on any odd behavior. He would never admit it out loud, would certainly never say anything to Tetsuro, but since seeing that comment on his last stream, Kenma had felt infinitesimally less safe in his own home, in his own skin. It was like eyes were watching him even when he wasn’t live. He would give anything to not feel this way, but as his therapist would say (probably), an Alpha wasn’t the answer. Kenma didn’t want to admit that an Alpha would make him feel better, anyways. No, he’d handled life for this long by himself; he could do it some more just fine. He especially… didn’t need a snot-nosed, devilishly handsome brat like Tetsuro to be the one rescuing him.

“I don’t need you to save me, you overgrown child!” Kenma spat with great venom into his shower stream like Tetsuro might actually hear him. He hoped the man shivered wherever he was like they did in the mangas. He wanted Tetsuro to somehow know that Kenma Kozume did not need him and had resisted… Kenma stared woefully down at his lower half, disgusted at his body’s reactions. He didn’t have to touch between his thighs to know he was spilling slick; he blamed it on his upcoming heat. Maybe he should have Shouyo come over and spend the week with him and the kids. It would be a good distraction; Shouyo was loud enough and talked enough to occupy every bit of Kenma’s brain without effort, and he needed that most of alright now. He’d take a week off streaming and just let his mind fizzle into a pile of goo, safe in his own home.

He didn’t need anyone else. He didn’t need to be rescued. He was fine, absolutely fine the way he was. Tetsuro was just… eye candy, an easy reassurance, a baited trap. Kenma knew he could let himself fall without trying too hard, but what would that take away from him? What would letting an Alpha in rob him of when he’d spent so many years being just fine by himself?

No, he wasn’t ready to give up his independence and this system he had devised to manage and discard his anxiety by himself. Even sex wasn’t all that great of a draw anymore, even for an Omega who was still well and fertile. Kenma didn’t need no man, even if that man… persistently wanted him.

It wasn’t the first time Kenma had been chased, desired, but hopefully, though not likely, it would be the last. It was exhausting to be pursued by an Alpha, and in some cases, downright terrifying. He would at least give Tetsuro the benefit for not being creepy about his affections, but that’s where any sort of feeling ended towards the Alpha. Kenma wasn’t interested, even if his body said otherwise. He didn’t need an Alpha, didn’t want the stress of one, could handle everything just… fine on his own.

Yes, he was fine. Just fine.

Just… fine.

Kenma stepped out of his shower, and for reasons he didn’t name, he dressed this time in a large shirt and shorts. When he crawled into bed, he rolled until the covers hugged his body into a cocoon. He kept his eyes open until they began to close on their own, unwilling to admit he was scared of what the darkness might conjure behind his lids.

He slept fitfully.

Thankfully, he knew how to remedy this, too.

He was just fine.

-x-

Osamu’s cheeks were already aching, his hand raising to wave shyly. Shugo grinned over at him from behind the bar, holding up his finger to motion that he just needed a moment longer. Beside Osamu, Koichi was particularly excited, clinging to his mama’s hand but otherwise unmoving, like he was frozen with anticipation. Osamu had been talking about the two of them going to see Shugo for days now, ever since Shugo had invited them over to his place. The Alpha had left a serious impression on the young Omega during their trip to the aquarium, and Osamu loved that Koichi was growing more and more fond of Shugo. It lifted a weight off of him that he hadn’t realized was such a huge part of his worries about the future.

Osamu and Koichi took a seat at one of the booths near the front of the small café while they waited patiently, Osamu trying to act like he wasn’t just a little bit nervous. This was only technically the second time that he’d been to Shugo’s place, but the plans they had today were obviously a lot more wholesome; somehow this made Osamu only more nervous, though. What if it went bad? What if Shugo didn’t have fun? Osamu wondered if he’d ever feel a hundred percent relaxed and assured that everything was fine and wouldn’t fall apart at a moment’s notice. He knew that Shugo had helped immensely with that already, probably even more than the Alpha realized, but Osamu seemed to be nothing but fears and anxieties, his whole life and every experience compacted into his small, worried body. Atsumu would roll his eyes if he heard half of the things Osamu had rambling around in his brain, and Shugo, well, Shugo would be so sweet about it. Osamu wasn’t sure how he’d found such an amazing Alpha when the one he was stuck with seemed every day more like the worst of the lot. The Omega set that thought aside as soon as it came, unwilling to give Daisho any time when the Alpha wasn’t even here, and he turned his eyes to follow Shugo instead.

Shugo wore a long-sleeved shirt with the café’s emblem across his chest and a simple pair of fitted jeans, and yet he managed to look so damn good. His short brown hair was messily styled, but Osamu found that he liked Shugo’s hair any way he wore it. He looked good in ball caps and he looked good with it combed back after a shower, so attractive whether it was un-styled, perfectly styled, or messy like this, it didn’t matter. Part of it was that Osamu just liked Shugo, period, but another part of it was the fact that Shugo’s hair smelled really good and felt pleasant against his palms, between his fingers. He’d spent hours running his hands through it during their weekend together, and sometimes Osamu missed the feeling when he was alone. Shugo made such nice, cute sounds when he was being petted and groomed, too, and that… that made Osamu feel a hundred kinds of perfect ways.

He let himself get lost in staring, loving the tight stretch of the sleeves of Shugo’s shirt over his thick arms, the way his jeans looked on him, just a little baggy and yet tight in all the right places, and his eyes, obviously green and so pretty even from here. Shugo’s lips kept threatening to tug into a smile, and Osamu knew the other could feel him staring, but he didn’t care. He wanted his Alpha to know he liked what he saw, for the man to feel proud of himself. Staring was the easiest way to flirt, honestly, and terribly fun.

Shugo finally wiped his big hands off on a towel and then walked around the bar, rolling down his sleeves over his nice forearms as he made his way to where Osamu sat. The Omega didn’t miss the quick glance out the window that Shugo did before he bent down and kissed his boyfriend sweetly, cupping his neck and jaw and stroking at his skin.

“Hi, sweetness,” Shugo hummed, his voice so sexy and deep, and then he turned to Koichi and grinned, saying in his normal tones, “Hey, my dude! Are you excited to see my place today and hang out?”

“Yes!” squealed Koichi like he’d been bursting to, jumping out of the booth to hug Shugo’s leg. The Alpha bent down and snuggled the little boy, and Osamu choked on a glob of spit, the image hitting him right in the gut. It was so wholesome, too… cute. The way Koichi smiled made Osamu’s heart squeeze, and he wished… oh, he wished that his little boy had had this so much sooner. He nearly broke when Koichi nuzzled his face into Shugo’s neck, near his scent gland, and then again as Shugo wrapped one arm under Koichi’s bum and lifted him like he’d done it his whole life. The Alpha turned and smiled at Osamu, something unbelievably warm and tender in his gaze, and Osamu had to take a moment before he reached for Shugo’s extended hand. Shugo tugged him up and against his chest and then kissed the top of his head, Osamu melting. There was so much love and tenderness in the gesture, in every gesture, but also a promise that it would get better, that Shugo would always be around, for both of them.

Osamu clung to Shugo’s big paw and followed the Alpha out, staring up at little eyes peering over a broad shoulder at him. Koichi’s little hands fisted and un-fisted at Shugo’s shirt over and over again, and Osamu felt a million things all at once. He wanted to apologize, wanted to promise more permanency to this, wanted to tell his little boy that this was what he should have had all along, but instead he just stared, torn apart and healed over and over again.

By the time they made it up to Shugo’s little studio apartment, Osamu was a hot mess, and he had to excuse himself to the bathroom. He could hear Shugo ask, “Wanna help me with lunch, Ko-chan?”, and his knees nearly faltered.

“Yeah!” begged the little boy in the brightest tones, all pure joy. Osamu shut the bathroom door, and then he sank down onto the toilet seat, an over-emotional mess. A few minutes later, like Shugo just knew, a knock sounded at the door, and then it opened, the Alpha smiling over at his boyfriend.

“Sorry, your scent was a little bit all over the place, so I thought I should check on you.”

Osamu let out a soft laugh, and then he teased, “What if I’d actually been using the bathroom?”

“You would have locked the door,” Shugo replied immediately, though he waited to make sure he hadn’t actually overstepped any lines. Osamu smiled sweetly, so in love with this man. Shugo instantly straightened up like he could smell it in Osamu’s scent. He stepped inside the small bathroom, assuring the Omega that he had Koichi busy with a set of kid’s recipe books he’d found.

“He’s currently picking out our lunch, and I’m really hoping I’ll have the ingredients for what he wants,” Shugo laughed while Osamu stared up at him, just awed. Big arms wrapped around him as Shugo squatted down in front of his Omega.

“You’re really… great with him,” Osamu hushed, and Shugo grinned, almost… surprised.

“Well, he’s an amazing kid, so it’s easy,” the Alpha shrugged. Osamu let out a small, wry laugh. He didn’t say what he was thinking, but Shugo could probably smell the hint of sour that tainted his scent for a moment.

“Osamu, he’s going to be a wonderful young man when he’s all grown up,” promised Shugo quietly but very sincerely. Grey eyes met his green ones, and Osamu shivered. He knew his insecurities were so easy to read sometimes, but he didn’t mind being so transparent with Shugo like he did with anyone else. He grabbed at the man’s big shoulders and sighed heavily.

“I just wish… he’d had a dad more like you.” Osamu chewed at his lips, hating to talk about this, but Shugo smiled softly, stroking his thumbs at the small of the Omega’s back. He always made it clear that he loved when Osamu shared what he was thinking and feeling, no matter what.

I wish… you were his dad, Shugo. He didn’t want to say that part aloud; it made everything so much more… painful. Besides, Osamu was sure that Shugo knew anyways. He had to know. Osamu leaned his head forward and rested their foreheads together. Shugo was surprisingly quiet. Osamu supposed the Alpha had already made his case, and he wasn’t going to keep pushing it. He just kept letting Osamu know that he was here, that he hadn’t changed his mind.

I could take care of you both. I want to.

Osamu pressed a soft kiss to Shugo’s forehead, and then he hugged him as he whispered, “Thank you, Alpha.”

“Don’t get me riled up,” husked Shugo against Osamu’s arm, but he was smiling. Osamu giggled softly.

“You do that to me all the time just by breathing and existing, so it’s only fair,” the Omega hummed.

This time, Shugo looked actually offended. “As if I don’t worship you every second of every day-”

Osamu giggled again. “I know you do,” he promised. “I know…”

Shugo sighed and then smiled, and he stood, saying, “Well, I’ll leave you to your actual bathroom business now. I should go check on my sous chef.”

Osamu covered his face in embarrassment, but then he giggled as Shugo shut the door and he heard him call to Koichi, “Did you find some yummy things to make?”

“Yeah! Were you kissing Mama in the bathroom?” the little boy called back, no shame. Osamu was at first embarrassed, but then he smiled as Shugo’s big laugh rang through the small apartment. Shugo so easily filled up every little space just like that, and Osamu’s heart was so full during their times together.

When Osamu came out again, the pair had on the cutest little matching aprons, and Shugo was setting out everything Koichi pointed out in his cupboards, from mixing bowls to colorful spatulas. Standing in Shugo’s small living room just off the bathroom, Osamu watched in amazement as Shugo found very creative ways to use the utensils as the pair made simple dishes from the little cookbooks Shugo had bought for Koichi, for a child who wasn’t even his own… Osamu pressed a hand to his mouth to hide his ugly frown, thinking, Damn you, Suguru, if you’d even tried half as hard…

It made Osamu not feel so bad anymore about cheating, about thinking some of the things he’d thought lately, about wishing Koichi belonged to another Alpha. It really made him feel like he was right, justified, in having these thoughts and feelings. It also made him angry. He’d spent so much of his life being quiet and obedient and stuffing it all down, but he didn’t want to do that anymore. He’d wasted his life being the good son or the good husband, and now, he wanted what was best for him, and for Koichi. Osamu wanted to be happy-! He wanted Koichi to have a dad that was around and cared, and he wanted the little boy to see his mama smiling and laughing.

Shugo turned and with a smile, he enticed Osamu over to the pair by waving a spoon with some kind of flour-y concoction on it, and the Omega’s whole face split into a big grin as he treaded forward. He leaned over the small island the pair worked at and watched Shugo the whole time as the Alpha fed him a little taste, flavor bursting across Osamu’s tongue. He’d expected something sweet, but no, it was some sort of fancy roux with cheese and so much umami. Osamu blinked in surprise at the little recipe book Koichi was cooing over, and he knew instantly that Shugo was making some additions on the fly, having fun. It made Osamu, just for a moment, dream of that future he’d wanted, of owning a little shop and now of having a partner, a family who was just as invested as him. It burst open a feeling that felt so vibrant inside of him, and Osamu startled. When was the last time he’d felt something so strong, like a magnet pulling him? He’d felt it when falling in love with Shugo, felt it when Shugo had first made Koichi smile, and now… Osamu’s world had so much color in it for the split second that his fantasy was real in. He let out a rough gasp, and Shugo’s eyes darted over, first worried and then so warm, kind.

Osamu walked back to one of the chairs at Shugo’s little kitchen table, and from there he watched as his heart and mind made a real mess inside his body, playing with emotions that bubbled up, opening up a can of desire that Osamu hadn’t even known he’d been denied of. He wished so badly that things were different. He wished this was his life, here in this tiny studio apartment instead of in that big, empty mansion. It wouldn’t matter how much money they had or what they couldn’t afford when they would have so much love and happiness, and Osamu started to feel bitter. Bitter towards the man who had wedded him but never loved him, who had impregnated him with no plans to love the child he had fathered, who had emotionally deprived Osamu long before Osamu had ever cheated on him. Still, that man, with all of his flaws and shortcomings and failures, had given Koichi to Osamu, and for that alone, Osamu could not make himself despise Daisho fully. He was angry, yes, hurt, bitter and cold, but hatred… He more pitied the Alpha. Daisho had no clue what he was missing out on as he buried his head in the sand and thought only of work and money and pleasing his parents and himself.

Osamu glanced at Koichi, his heart skipping to see the carefree, boundless smile on his face, to hear his little laugh ringing like clear bells. He wanted Koichi to be happy like that a lot more; he didn’t want his little boy to worry anymore, about him, about things so out of his control. Koichi was only six, but he was so mature, too mature for his age. He’d seen so many things he probably didn’t understand, couldn’t comprehend, and Osamu felt desperate to give him much, much better memories from now on.

He clenched his fists against the kitchen table, knowing what the path would look like if he gave Koichi that. It was rocky and hilly and perhaps paved with hard times, but at the end and scattered all throughout, there would be such happiness, and Osamu would have Shugo as their rock and support, and he knew… he knew in the end it would be okay, much better than life was now. Still, it was terrifying. Shugo was still so young himself, and while he looked good now, actually being a dad was so… so different. Osamu wasn’t sure if the Alpha was ready yet, even though he knew Shugo would be amazing. It was a lot; it was so much.

They both needed just a little more time, he thought, to think it over, to talk about it, to make the decision together. Osamu wouldn’t be able to do this alone, so if Shugo wasn’t ready and with him, it was moot. There was time, even if it didn’t feel like it. They should do this right.

Osamu wasn’t going to mess up something this big by rushing blindly ahead. He was going to follow his heart, and in that, follow Shugo’s. With resolution, he looked up just in time to meet Shugo’s glance over his shoulder. The Alpha smiled, and Osamu tilted his head and smiled fondly back.

You look perfect, he mouthed, and Shugo grinned. He pointed over his shoulder as if to say, No, you, and Osamu felt a laugh bubble up. He let his worries and fears and busy thoughts flush away. He clapped his hands when Koichi turned and presented the small rice ball he’d crafted.

“Perfect!” declared Osamu with glee. Koichi could not look any prouder.

“Let your mama taste it,” Shugo encouraged, and Koichi climbed off the chair he stood on and waddled over, Osamu pulling the little boy into his lap. He ate from tiny hands and then kissed a cute, tiny face.

“My little cook!” Osamu fawned, and Koichi giggled, blushing softly. He ran back to Shugo and grabbed at his shirt, getting rice all over it, but the Alpha looked like he couldn’t care less as he beamed down at the little Omega.

It was the sparkle in Koichi’s eye. It was the way he gravitated towards Shugo and even started to run to him, picking him over his own mama. It made Osamu burst with a very strange feeling, jealous and yet so… so proud.

It seemed to bloom all the more when Koichi chose to sit in Shugo’s lap for lunch even as Osamu called him to the chair beside his own, the little Omega giggling in delight as Shugo bounced him.

Let him, green eyes said. Shugo was having fun, too. Osamu just sat there, his big, dorky smile covered by a shaky hand as he watched the pair with so much love in his eyes. A hand brushed over his knee under the table, and he melted.

This was happiness. This was what he wanted. This was what he would pray for every night when he laid his head to his pillow.

Just this.

It would be more than enough to make up for everything else.

-x-

Wakatoshi sat across from Koutaro, wondering why the other Alpha seemed so nervous, wondering why he’d suddenly made a second home here. His aunt was no better, though, always letting Koutaro in, and apparently the two were texting?! Wakatoshi just couldn’t wrap his head around what his aunt was thinking. He figured he should understand considering his new… whatever he was doing with Tooru, but the thing was, he didn’t like it. Wakatoshi wasn’t a huge fan of Koutaro’s very obvious feelings, and he wasn’t sure if his aunt was simply totally unaware or if Keiji just liked the attention, but either way, Wakatoshi could only smell disaster in this. Besides that, Keiji was his precious aunt, and Wakatoshi… he just didn’t like it. Maybe if it wasn’t Koutaro…

Glancing at Keiji as he stroked mindlessly at his pregnant belly as he minded the stove, looking so adorable in one of Wakatoshi’s old sweaters, Wakatoshi decided that, no, it didn’t really matter who it was, but Koutaro was the worst of them all. And yet… Keiji looked happy, and he was laughing, and he truly seemed to enjoy Koutaro’s company, so Wakatoshi felt conflicted.

Why him? he wanted to ask. He didn’t, though. He was probably a little afraid of the answer, to be honest.

Wakatoshi stood up at some point, Koutaro’s foot-tapping getting a little annoying, and he moved into the kitchen, leaning down to press a kiss to Keiji’s temple before asking, “Need any help?” It was hard to get Keiji to sit down when Koutaro was around; the other Alpha had a knack for ‘bothering’ Keiji, but he seemed pretty quiet today, so Wakatoshi said, “Why don’t you go sit down?”

Keiji glanced from the stove up to his nephew, and then he smiled and patted at Wakatoshi’s cheek, sighing softly. “Thanks, my feet are killing me.”

Wakatoshi motioned in silence for Keiji to head to the living room to rest, he would take care of the food, and then he watched from the doorway. Koutaro looked up and followed Keiji with his eyes, but when he glanced back and saw Wakatoshi watching, he stayed rooted. Wakatoshi hummed, nodding, and then he turned back to the stove, minding the boiling potatoes.

When he glanced up again, it was because Keiji had let out a sound of pure relief, and Wakatoshi looked over to find Koutaro pressed to his back, strong hands gripping under his aunt’s pregnant belly, beaming like the sun. When had he moved? Wakatoshi took a quick step out of the kitchen, but then his aunt Keiji let out another deep sigh of relief, and Wakatoshi realized that Koutaro was flexing his arms like that because he was lifting up Keiji’s heavy belly. The Omega had melted back against Koutaro, and despite how damn proud the Alpha looked, Wakatoshi couldn’t make himself break it up because Keiji looked just as happy, too. He just stood and stared, dumbfounded, jealous… Koutaro was murmuring softly to Keiji’s ear, and the Omega was giggling.

It actually made Wakatoshi feel bad for a minute. His aunt was happy, right? So why was he so upset about this, just because it was Koutaro and it was his aunt and… Wakatoshi just couldn’t trust that Koutaro really liked Keiji, or that it wasn’t just simple fascination over an Omega. He didn’t… like it. That was his auntie!

Wakatoshi snapped his head back to the stove as a very blatant thought smacked him upside the head. Really? Was he really that kid with the aunt complex? Was he really going to dictate who his aunt could get it on with just because… he was jealous? Before this, he’d always been the center and whole of Keiji’s universe, but quietly and swiftly, that was changing, wasn’t it? Was Wakatoshi really so petty? Had he always… been this possessive? And it wasn’t just with Keiji either; he’d felt like this when he’d heard of Tooru’s other exploits. Was he really that kind of Alpha? Wakatoshi flexed his big hands and frowned deeply.

It just didn’t feel right.

He drained the potatoes once they were soft enough, working quietly as far as he could by recalling the recipe. He was just debating what spices to put in, thinking it would be best to ask Keiji, when he stumbled upon a scene that sent his blood boiling. Keiji and Koutaro were sitting on the couch together now, and Keiji’s head rested against a broad shoulder, Koutaro’s frame so square and stiff- Wakatoshi froze, and that’s when he overheard Koutaro.

“Do you have any plans for New Years, Keiji?” When had he stopped calling him Auntie? Wakatoshi frowned.

“Oh! Wakatoshi and I usually just celebrate together with my sister. She always comes home for a few days, and we order in and have a big feast…”

“Sounds fun…” hummed Koutaro, and Keiji glanced over with a soft smile.

“Koutaro, you could come if you wanted to,” he hushed, and Wakatoshi was about to violently object, but Koutaro spoke up first, a little loud and, ah, nervous, as he yelped, “Actually, I was asking because I wanted to see if you wanted to go to a festival next week-! With me-”

Keiji slowly sat up, Koutaro fretting nervously over him, golden eyes unable to meet Keiji’s now. The Omega smiled fondly, enough to make Wakatoshi warm and break his heart all at the same time, and then he whispered, “Oh, that sounds fun, but are you sure you wouldn’t rather just go with your friends?”

“Actually, my friends… suggested…” Koutaro stopped, his eyes having slowly slipped up. The two were so close, and Wakatoshi nearly broke the glass spice jar he held at the sight.

He stepped forward before anything else could happen and asked loudly, “A festival? Sounds fun.” His monotone both startled Koutaro and made his words ring flat and untrue. Keiji turned and looked at his nephew in confused surprise. “We should go, all three of us,” Wakatoshi continued with absolutely zero remorse. The look on Koutaro’s face was more than worth it, but then he saw a flicker of something on Keiji’s face that made him regret…

Still, Keiji was smiling a moment later, saying, “Oh, that sounds fun. What do you think, Koutaro?”

Koutaro paused for only a split second, which even Wakatoshi had to give him credit for, before he agreed eagerly, “Yes, great! A festival date with Keiji and Toshi!”

“It’s not a date,” Wakatoshi said as he walked forward, but then he stopped again as Keiji’s belly came into view, as well as the two pairs of hands cradling it. Keiji didn’t even seem to realize that his hands were covering Koutaro’s in what was quite an intimate gesture, though Koutaro looked very aware of it. He glanced up at Wakatoshi for a split second and then back at Keiji, and Wakatoshi saw his tongue flicker out. As a reminder of where he was, Wakatoshi smacked his friend across the back, a reprimand. He acted like it had been gentle, but again to Koutaro’s credit, he didn’t even grunt or blink at the hard hit. Keiji, though, looked a little surprised, and again, Wakatoshi felt guilty.

He paid for it when Keiji said, “And you should join us on New Years Eve for dinner, Koutaro.”

This time, Koutaro’s eyes really sparkled. “Yes! Thank you!”

Keiji giggled, their hands still pressed to his belly. Wakatoshi was sure that if he turned his back, Koutaro would do something terrible to his aunt, like… kiss him. He had to chew at the inside of his cheek, and then he quickly spoke up, “Aunt Keiji, the potatoes are ready, but I couldn’t recall how you season them-”

Keiji turned his face up immediately, and then Koutaro was on his feet, ready to help the Omega up. Keiji still had a few months to go, but the baby had little place left to grow on his slender body, so out the belly went. Still, he looked so cute, but it was getting harder and harder for him to move around, and Wakatoshi thought for a moment to point this out. Maybe walking at a festival wasn’t- Looking at Keiji’s face, though, he couldn’t get himself to say it. Even he knew when he was stepping on toes. Still, he didn’t have to like it, he decided like a five-year-old child.

Wakatoshi helped Keiji to the kitchen, Koutaro hovering just behind them. The kitchen was too small for all three of them, but Keiji looked so… happy. Wakatoshi had always, selfishly, thought that Keiji was happy with just him and his mother, but he knew now… Omegas got lonely. Omegas had needs. Who was he… to stand in the way of Keiji like this? And yet-

Why did it have to be Koutaro?

Hopefully Keiji was just being nice and didn’t actually…

Wakatoshi knew better, but he could only hope.

-x-

Kiyoomi wasn’t sure what he’d expected when he’d gathered up the courage to text Hayato and ask the man for Atsumu’s Instagram, but he was sure it wasn’t this. In the background, Hayato was teasing him, but thankfully it was easier to ignore that via text. Hopefully the winter break would push this memory from the libero’s mind and by next semester, Hayato wouldn’t even remember to tease Kiyoomi about this at practice.

As his phone buzzed in his hand, Kiyoomi stared at the empty page Hayato had linked him to. He was almost thinking Hayato was pulling his leg, but the small picture on the private profile showed Atsumu, alright. So Atsumu had set his Instagram to private. When? Recently? Kiyoomi debated if speaking to Hayato again was worth the headache, but finally he switched over to his messages app, ignoring all the other texts and simply asking, When did he private his account?

Huh? It is? I didn’t notice… He stopped posting a few weeks ago tho

Kiyoomi gritted his teeth in aggravation, an unfathomable feeling boiling up inside his gut. He’d expected to just be able to spy on the man’s activity without Atsumu knowing, and he’d certainly hoped to see that Atsumu was still posting because that would mean… that would mean that Kiyoomi was the crazy one for thinking that Atsumu was just pretending everything was fine.

No, Kiyoomi needed more proof than this. He needed to see… for himself, or something. He put his chat with Hayato on silent and then switched back to Instagram.

Kiyoomi had an old profile, one he’d set up ages ago and maybe remembered the password to, but he wasn’t about to send Atsumu a friend request with that profile anyways. He would probably rather melt into a volcano than do that, because despite how bold he felt some days, he wasn’t ready for Atsumu to know that Kiyoomi Sakusa wanted to see his thirst trap photos, as Tetsuro had described them. Kiyoomi clicked back to what was the home page, the screen prompting him to sign in or make a new account. He did the latter, choosing a random picture of a flower as his profile picture, picking a username that had nothing at all to do with him as a person.

Then he sent Atsumu a follow request. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted Atsumu to notice right away or leave it until after work. Somehow, Kiyoomi felt like Atsumu might know it was him if he responded right away. He set his phone down and tried to forget about it himself for a few hours, turning back to his book that he’d been pretending to read for about thirty minutes now.

Tetsuro stood up at some point, mumbling, “Want a snack?” It was easy to tell that he was nothing but stress these days. He went to work and came home, but Kiyoomi hadn’t heard the Alpha talk about anything or anyone other than Atsumu since the incident. Kiyoomi knew Tetsuro usually liked to keep himself busy, a helpful type of man, but it was like he’d become a shell, consumed by whatever thoughts rattled around in his brain. Every day, five o’clock came and went, and Tetsuro seemed to hollow out all the more, both of them silently knowing that Atsumu was out who knows where, being reckless, doing God-knows-what with God-knows-who. Kiyoomi tried his best to distract Tetsuro during the day, but after five, even he felt anxiety knot his stomach, and they both fell silent.

The only thing Kiyoomi could manage to ask most days was, “What should we do for dinner?”, knowing that it would just be the two of them again. Tonight, Tetsuro seemed almost utterly despondent, so Kiyoomi moved into the kitchen and reheated some leftovers, pulling out a bag of microwaveable veggies to add to the mismatched dish. He set a plate down for Tetsuro and silently ate his own food, but there seemed to be no flavor, and certainly no joy in eating, though Kiyoomi had never found much joy in that to begin with. Eating was done to regain calories lost during practice and working out, to help build muscle and sustain himself. No, that wasn’t true; Kiyoomi liked eating Atsumu’s food, and he had since the beginning. It was always good, even if it was never anything extraordinary or complicated, but Kiyoomi still much preferred it over the food at any of the five-star restaurants his parents had ever dragged him to.

He missed it now. Damn. Had he taken even that for granted?

Kiyoomi wanted to ask Tetsuro if he’d heard from Atsumu as seven o’clock rolled around, but he knew… He knew the answer. He knew it in the way Tetsuro was silent, constantly staring at his phone. Tetsuro had managed to turn on the tracking on Atsumu’s phone, and now he watched it every night, just staring at his screen, willing it to change, maybe. Kiyoomi didn’t ask where Atsumu went; he could guess, and that already hurt enough. He didn’t need the confirmation.

On the couch behind him, Kiyoomi heard his phone buzz around 8, and he at first ignored it, but then, remembering the follow request on Instagram, reached back to grab it. Sure enough, Atsumu had approved his request to follow him. Kiyoomi wasn’t sure why or what compelled him, but he instantly stood up and hustled to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind him. He even flipped the fan on, and then he sank down to the edge of the tub and opened the app.

Atsumu had accepted his friend request, which sent warning bells ringing in Kiyoomi’s mind even as he was thankful. Had his profile come off innocent enough, or did Atsumu not care? Kiyoomi knew he could spend hours trying to understand the Omega’s thinking and still know nothing, so he let it go and clicked instead on the newly-viewable profile. Pictures loaded in, and Kiyoomi felt stricken, his heart clenching in his chest. He wished these had never been public, honestly. Atsumu wasn’t even showing that much skin, but Tetsuro also hadn’t been lying; thirst traps, slivers of tantalizing skin showing, Atsumu’s face, smiling. When was the last time Kiyoomi had seen him smile, even if it wasn’t aimed towards him? It was like a desert had taken over his heart, his soul dry and parched. Kiyoomi tapped on the first photo and let pain bloom in his chest, something that might be his own smile wobbling uncertainly on his lips. He felt like he was seeing something he shouldn’t see, and yet, he wanted to be the only one who ever saw these sights again. In the first photo, taken and posted nearly three weeks ago, Atsumu was smiling, a little bit of make-up on his face, leaning forward over his desk. His blouse hung low and open, and his arms squeezed his chest together to create a deep crease between his breasts. Kiyoomi swallowed roughly, that hot wave of desire that he recognized from his teen years suddenly swallowing him whole. Atsumu was so beautiful, and here he’d been, giving everyone a free show. Most of the people in the comments couldn’t possibly appreciate how special and perfect Atsumu was. They commented on his chest or his body or his gorgeous face, but none of them knew about Atsumu the way Kiyoomi knew about him. Even Kiyoomi wouldn’t profess to know all that much, but he was here, and he was eager. He’d always… been watching Atsumu, hadn’t he?

Kiyoomi scrolled down to the next picture, a full body shot of Atsumu in a tight maxi dress and heels. His hair looked soft and fluffy, and Kiyoomi could almost smell the Omega through the phone. His eyes darted to the side, and he stared guiltily at the towel that he knew was Atsumu’s just by the smell alone. It was really just Atsumu’s body wash, but it was… overwhelming. Kiyoomi gripped at the jeans he wore and scrolled on.

He froze when he came upon a picture that made his eyes bug wide, one he’d hoped to not find, and yet… and yet, he was no better than the hundred who had liked it as his body flared with heat, his cock suddenly very interested. Kiyoomi sank stiffly down to the floor and shamelessly opened up his zipper as he stared at Atsumu’s back. It was a mirror picture, so the quality was a little grainy, but Atsumu sat facing away from his full-length mirror, something like a sheet or towel tucked under his arms and covering his front, his softly tanned back on full display. It was cropped perfectly just above the butt, but that didn’t keep Kiyoomi’s Alpha mind from imagining. Atsumu’s face was turned but hidden by his camera, but Kiyoomi could perfectly imagine a devilish little grin on pretty little lips, Atsumu’s toes curling in anticipation of the reaction this photo would cause. Kiyoomi let his body slide sideways, face pressing into the towel that hung by the bath, his hand wrapping around himself as guilt and shame and hot desire seared down his spine and settled low in his gut.

“I’m sorry, Atsumu,” he whispered. “Sorry… my love.” It was the first time he’d whispered something so affectionate out loud, and here in Atsumu’s bathroom, with the man’s scent pressed to his nose, it felt… intimate. It also felt wrong, dirty, bad, but Kiyoomi’s knot was already swelling, his cock weeping. His thumb scrolled stiffly to the next photo, and he chewed at the towel as he grunted as quietly as he could. His eyes burned, and shame was like a hot spike though his heart. Atsumu was smiling, beautiful in a pencil skirt and loose blouse, his ass out as he posed. The next photo had him sitting on the bathroom vanity at work, phone over his shoulder, his ass so round in the mirror. Kiyoomi kept scrolling like a madman as he gripped his cock tighter, his fingers aching to feel how soft and plush Atsumu really was. He was so strong and big for an Omega, but in the end, he was still an Omega, soft and supply. He had the curves all Omegas had, and he was so round in all the right places. Kiyoomi chewed angrily at his bottom lip, bitter that anyone else had seen these parts of Atsumu and yet glad.. glad that he could see them now, too. He knew Atsumu had done much more… intimate and shameful things than this with his dates, but Kiyoomi didn’t want to think about that, didn’t want to imagine what Atsumu was doing right at this very moment.

Almost as if to punish himself, Kiyoomi opened up the comment threads, scrolling through what seemed like an endless parade of meaningless compliments on Atsumu’s figure or his face. Kiyoomi clenched his jaw, angry. He knew Atsumu so much better, knew Atsumu was worth so much more, and yet he himself had treated Atsumu no better, and he knew… he knew he’d barely scratched the surface of who Atsumu was. He wanted to believe no one really knew Atsumu, though. It made him feel… better, selfish. He wanted to be the only one, one day, who could say that he knew all of Atsumu.

Kiyoomi came with a fitful grunt, his nose in Atsumu’s towel and one eye on his phone as he scrolled. His head felt hazy after his release, and it took some effort to grab toilet paper and dab himself clean. He washed his hands after stuffing himself back into his jeans, and then he fixed Atsumu’s towel and the bath mat, as if that alone could cleanse him of his sins. He pressed two hands to his face, and he let out a slow, aggressive and possessive growl.

I could make you happy. Stop searching, I’m right here. Atsumu, please…

He had to say it out loud for it to count, though, he knew that. He wished he could.

Kiyoomi stepped back into the living room and drowned himself in the smell of Tetsuro’s anger and regret and frustration. It ebbed and came to a peak just a few moments before the Alpha stood, and as he did every night, opened the door the second a key grated into the lock. Atsumu didn’t look surprised anymore. The smell of alcohol and Alphas they didn’t know clung to him, but his clothing looked quite put-together still. Tonight, Tetsuro said nothing as Atsumu pushed past him, moving silently to his bedroom. Tetsuro just stood in front of the door for a long while, and then finally he locked it and trudged back to the living room, to his futon.

It was well past midnight when Kiyoomi heard the Alpha whisper, “We can’t let this go on. He’s only hurting himself. He’s going to…” The silence spoke volumes of the sorrow and pain Tetsuro felt, and Kiyoomi laid there, helpless, wracked with guilt.

Once he was sure Tetsuro was asleep, he carefully rose and made his way to Atsumu’s bedroom door. He pressed his hands and then his ear flat against it. All was quiet, Atsumu’s scent faint but calm, sweet.

“Atsumu,” whispered Kiyoomi. He knew there wouldn’t be a reply, but just calling that name aloud when Atsumu was so close settled something inside him, his inner Alpha soothed for a bare moment.

“Atsumu, please… What are you doing out there every night?”

No answer came. Maybe there was no answer… to be given.

Chapter Text

Keiji sank heavily down into the half-full bath, the water easily rising up to his chest as his big frame sank down. He rubbed at his swollen belly to soothe out some of the aches and tension from the day, staring down at his ever-changing body. Tonight, he would be going to a festival with Koutaro and Wakatoshi. He had a kimono from years past, but there was no way that was fitting him now. It made him realize how much was truly changing, and honestly, his emotions hadn’t been very kind to him the past few days. He knew what it was; he was actually nervous. Koutaro hadn’t been out in public with Keiji yet, and what if he got looks, what if people judged them, what if Koutaro decided he wasn’t a fan of guiding around a pregnant Omega? At home, he was so sweet to Keiji, and over the phone, he was nothing but complimentary, but Keiji worried. He was getting so big, and he felt fat, plus walking was hard and tiring, but more than that, he worried about how much he wanted this to be a really fun time for Koutaro. His body was tight with stress over it, because what if Koutaro didn’t have fun at all and what if he decided… Keiji was just a temporary fascination and not… anything more.

It wasn’t even a date! Koutaro hadn’t meant it like that, and yet Keiji found himself pinning all of his hopes on the simple fact that Koutaro had invited him to a festival! It wasn’t a date! It had no potential of being a date, either. Ah, Keiji didn’t want to be mad at Wakatoshi. He was glad in some ways; Wakatoshi knew Keiji’s limits better than Koutaro, knew what Keiji needed sometimes without a winded explanation, and Wakatoshi actually helped settle Keiji’s fears. There would be someone for Koutaro to talk to if he got tired of Keiji, and he could run off if he wanted to; if this all went bad by the end, at least Keiji would have someone to lean on and cry with and take him home.

He was being silly and ridiculous, but he couldn’t deny anymore how very much he liked Koutaro. Between the dreams and his racing heart and aching cheeks, there was really no denying how badly and deeply Keiji had fallen for the younger Alpha. He loved Koutaro’s hands on him, loved his warm smiles and deep voice, loved loved his soothing scent and the heat that seemed to wash off of him in waves. He loved Koutaro’s eyes on him and his thoughts on him and the attention- oh, Koutaro was so earnest when he gave Keiji his full attention. Just thinking about it even now was enough to get himself flushing. Keiji couldn’t see past his swollen belly, but he knew he was hard by the tightness there, and above, his nipples were hard on his heavy breasts. It was almost shameful how much his chest was filling out and fattening up, and part of Keiji wondered if Koutaro could tell, if he would like it. No, it wasn’t like Koutaro would ever see Keiji naked, and yet-

Keiji let out a deep, guttural curse, his hands fluttering up to his chest. Oh, what if Koutaro saw him now? What if Keiji could feel those big hands right on his skin, on his nether regions, on his fat tits? Keiji slowly parted his legs in the warm water, and then he began to play with his aching breasts, pinching softly at his hard nipples, feeling his small cock kick against the underside of his belly. He couldn’t reach down between his thighs anymore, but he could imagine what Koutaro would do down there. It felt wrong, but in that wrongness, he felt all the more hot. He came with great shame into the bath water, and then he quickly pulled himself up and out. Sitting on the edge of the tub, he dried himself off, panting hard. He ached to text Koutaro, to talk to him, even as he warned himself that part of this was just pregnancy hormones going wild. He was desperate for an Alpha, but he also know that there was a reason he was so fixated on Koutaro above anyone else. He really did like the Alpha, as silly and likely fruitless as it was. Surely Koutaro wasn’t into a swollen, pregnant Omega carrying someone else’s baby. No, surely… he was just this nice to every Omega he met.

Maybe he’d invited others besides Keiji to the festival.

Keiji stood up a little too suddenly, and he grabbed at the edge of the sink as his head swayed violently. He chided himself for both getting his hopes up and thinking so lowly of Koutaro. As soon as his head cleared, he struggled to open the bath drain, desperate to wash his glittering shame down the drain. Maybe if he wasn’t so pregnant, he’d actually try to woo the Alpha, but now, he was a little too invested and a little too scared to get his hopes up and then crushed.

Keiji wrapped himself up in his extra big towel and waddled back to his bedroom, leaving behind a trail of his messy scent. There, he dropped his towel, and then he sat down to slowly begin lotioning up his whole body, taking extra care with his belly. He’d always had trouble with dry skin in winter, and he liked the lotion he used to help with stretch marks, as well as to hide his scent a little. His emotions were so unpredictable these days, and he hated how transparent he was with his scent. The coconut and honey scent of the lotion did a nice job of balming it all out to something more temperate and constant.

Once that was done, Keiji picked out a nice pair of underwear, still comfortable and not too sexy as to incite any sort of desire in himself, but still cute enough to make him feel like he could be desirable. He chose a soft, padded bra that would gently cup his swollen breasts and not cause too much aching, and then he stepped over to his closet and finally began the arduous task of choosing what to wear. His pretty kimono hung sadly in the back, and he was so tempted to just try it on, but he knew the realization that it didn’t fit would have him moping for the next three hours, feeling sad for himself. It was hard crushing on someone when he was pregnant, not to mention that Koutaro was so much younger and so handsome and could do a million times better than a beached whale of an Omega. Keiji just wanted to look cute!

With that in mind, he turned to the other side of his closet and began rifling through his pretty winter dresses, sure that something there would fit him even now. He had a lot of maxi dresses because he’d always liked how they looked on him and how easy they were to dress up or dress down, so he started there. His favorite was a deep teal one with white flowers on it, the color bringing out the aqua in his eyes. He tugged it on and down and then stared at himself in the mirror. The skirt rose up a little too much in the front to be cute, and Keiji sighed, tugging it back off again. He grabbed a maroon and white striped dress next, finding the same result. He stared for a moment into his closet, trying not to feel hopeless and frustrated. He was chewing at his bottom lip when he suddenly recalled that somewhere, he had a dress had always been a little too long. It was tucked away because he’d hardly worn it, but he knew it would absolutely do the trick now. He grabbed the little stool by his door and climbed up, suddenly energetic as he began searching through the boxes on the shelf in his closet. He found it with a triumphant yell, and then he teetered back down his step stool, walking to his bed with a crooked grin. It still smelled nice thanks to the dryer sheets he’d packed in the box with it, and it wasn’t wrinkled either. Oh, it was perfect. It was black with little glittering gold stars all over it, the big bell sleeves making him feel so angelic. He tenderly pulled it on, and then he clasped under his belly, sighing in something like ecstatic relief. He could still look cute tonight and be very comfortable. The dress’ material was thick and soft, the collar low cut enough to show off how blessed he was these days without being obnoxious. Keiji slowly turned to his full length mirror, and he smiled at the image he saw reflected back. He felt… beautiful.

He really hoped Koutaro would agree.

He sat down at his small vanity table and dug through his various little boxes to pull out a dainty, gold star headband, tucking back his wispy bangs with it, and then he picked out a pair of glittering, flowing earrings, really getting into dressing up. It had been so long, and Keiji had rarely had reasons to dress so fancy even before, but he’d always loved getting dolled up, always wanting to find someone to put in so much effort for. He didn’t want to go too crazy, but part of him whispered, Do it, Kei. Knock his socks off. He slowly began to apply his make-up, getting lost in the process of eyeliner and mascara, highlighter and blush. He put a bit of gold glitter on the corners of his eyes and applied a deep red lipstick to his lips. By the end, he looked gorgeous and maybe like he was trying a little too hard, but he didn’t… care. He wanted Koutaro to trip over himself a little and maybe even feel nervous or shy. He wanted to dress up for the Alpha and feel proud to be on his arm.

Keiji even dug out some short, fake nails and applied those, too, the last being pressed on just as a knock thumped against his bedroom door.

“Aunt Keiji, Koutaro is here,” called Wakatoshi. Keiji felt his heart skip a beat, and then he pulled himself slowly up, grabbing a soft, white and gold cashmere-style scarf and a small clutch with a chain. He opened the door, expecting Wakatoshi to be gone already, but the Alpha stood there, patiently waiting. Keiji could hear him inhale softly in surprise, his eyes dragging slowly over his aunt.

“You look… beautiful,” husked Wakatoshi with a conflicted smile, and Keiji smiled softly. He wasn’t dumb; he was sure Wakatoshi knew his feelings for Koutaro, and in some ways, Keiji had been reveling in the little bit of jealousy it had surfaced inside his nephew. Sure, it meant that Wakatoshi had invited himself to go on the definitely-not-a-date with Koutaro and Keiji, and it made him a little irritable sometimes, stubborn as he was, but Keiji was an Omega, and Omegas loved being so attended to and cared for. Wakatoshi had always been so good and sweet, but knowing that he was a little overly attached to Keiji after all of their years together made Keiji feel warm, like confirmation that he’d done a really good job with the boy by himself.

He reached out now and took Wakatoshi’s arm, the Alpha very quiet. He helped Keiji down the stairs, and as soon as they rounded the corner in the stairwell, Keiji could smell him, feeling heated eyes on them. His heart instantly started racing fast, and he was sure he and Wakatoshi were moving way too slow, but it was all worth it just to see the exact way Koutaro’s whole face went slack in shock, his scent surging out like he was desperate to surround Keiji in any sort of way. All of Keiji’s worries settled in the back of his mind, and he was glad Koutaro was so easy to read sometimes. He stepped forward and smiled up at Koutaro, the Alpha instantly reaching for him and gripping the backs of his arms gently.

“Wow,” moaned Koutaro in shock, his jaw slack as he stared. Even when Wakatoshi walked past him and smacked the back of his head, Koutaro just stood there, staring. Keiji giggled softly, his whole body filling with warmth. His eyes snapped wide when he felt his baby suddenly kick out, and without thinking, he grabbed Koutaro’s hands and pressed them to his swollen tummy. The baby kicked again.

“Can you feel it?” begged Keiji, his eyes slipping up. The moment Koutaro’s gaze met his own, he knew there was no way he wasn’t madly in love with this man. Soft, warm eyes glittered with so much emotion, and Koutaro leaned forward, just a little closer. His scent surrounded them like a blanket, and Keiji gasped in surprise. Was the Alpha… scenting him?

“I can feel it,” whispered Koutaro in a surprisingly quiet voice, his eyes locked on Keiji’s face the whole time. His scent grew stronger and headier the longer they stood there, staring at each other, and Keiji was sure Koutaro was going to-

“If we don’t leave now, all the food stalls will be sold out,” Wakatoshi said very loudly, and he had to know it was perhaps one of the only things that would distract and get Koutaro moving. Without even thinking, Koutaro grabbed Keiji’s hand, hustling him suddenly to the entryway and hurriedly helping him into his winter coat and booties. It made Keiji laugh out loud, Koutaro absolutely hyper-focused. Yellow eyes startled up at the sound, and Keiji’s giggle caught in his throat.

Oh, dear.

The look in those eyes could melt an iceberg, and Keiji was nearly there, so, so in love that it was all hopeless. He clung to Koutaro’s hand and waddled after the pair, glad that Koutaro had enough presence of mind to slow his pace even though he looked like he was still speed-walking. Keiji covered his next giggle with his hand, and he was glad he did when it came out more of a warm mewl. Koutaro squeezed at his hand, on a mission, determined. They boarded the crowded train car, and Koutaro cleared a young teen out of a seat for Keiji, the two Alphas standing over their Omega like it was their only duty in life. Keiji murmured quiet apologies as their thick scents mixed in the air, but everyone seemed to be enjoying the display, the old ladies fawning a little over Keiji in his pretty dress. When they reached their stop, Koutaro quickly took Keiji’s hand again, while Wakatoshi hooked Keiji’s palm around his thick arm, and they were off again. Wakatoshi made sure to keep their pace slow, especially since Koutaro was practically itching to bolt off.

“Koutaro, you can go,” promised Keiji, but the Alpha stayed put by the Omega’s side.

“We came here together,” was all he said even as he clutched Keiji’s hand tightly. The Omega felt a great swell of pride in his chest, and he wanted to believe that Koutaro was feeling the same way he was. It seemed… silly to be so concerned over his crush, but Keiji hadn’t felt so serious in a long time. He really, really liked Koutaro.

He was falling for the Alpha, head-over-heels.

The streets were cordoned off for the festival in downtown Tokyo, and as night started to fall, the lanterns in the trees began to glow in warm hues of red and white. The street was lined with more lanterns, and every inch was packed with vendors and delicious smells and so many people. Wakatoshi pulled Keiji close to his side, and Keiji in turn pulled Koutaro closer to both of them, smiling shyly up at the Alpha when golden eyes flicked down to meet his own. Koutaro looked indecisive for a moment, glancing around and then over at Wakatoshi, but whatever he’d wanted to do, he seemed to decide against, instead linking Keiji’s fingers through his own and holding on tightly.

He bent down and asked, “What food do you want to try?”

He was so close; Keiji felt heat slide down his spine at the scent that covered him even in this hodgepodge of a million others. He stared up at Koutaro and whispered, “Everything.”

He was close enough to see the pure delight in Koutaro’s pretty eyes, and he forgot for a moment that Wakatoshi was also there. Koutaro looked so glad, and he laughed as he chimed, “Good! Perfect!”

One might think the pair was made for each other. Keiji certainly wanted to think so…

They stopped at every food stall, filling up all of their hands until Keiji was the only one left who could feed them the food. He shared the okonomiyaki with the little fork it came with, Wakatoshi and Koutaro bending down in turns, and then he speared each takoyaki and shared that, too. They ate their fill of warm red bean buns and dango, one stand even selling fresh mocchi that they stuffed their cheeks with. Keiji was having the time of his life, warm between his two favorite Alphas, feeling so doted on and loved that he didn’t even notice when his feet began to get tired, when their pace began to slow. Koutaro seemed eager to make sure they tried all of the food before the stalls closed, but Keiji suddenly knew he wasn’t going to make it much farther.

He patted at Koutaro’s arm and urged, “Go on. I need to find a bathroom and sit down for a little bit. We’ll meet up again for the fireworks.”

Koutaro looked absolutely conflicted, but Wakatoshi, who’d been quiet, sealed the deal by saying, “Come on, I saw a restroom back there, so I’ll walk you.”

Koutaro followed after the pair like a sad puppy for a few steps until Wakatoshi waved him off, grunting to make his point. Keiji glanced over his shoulder, and he smiled sweetly at Koutaro. The night wasn’t over yet, he conveyed with his eyes and soft wave. Koutaro nodded slowly and turned the other way, lost in the crowd in a second.

“Aunt Keiji, you’re pushing yourself too much,” was the first thing Wakatoshi said once they were alone. Keiji felt the sudden urge to smack him, so he did, lightly across the chest.

“I’m having fun, Wakatoshi,” he scolded softly. Wakatoshi fell quiet again.

“Why?” he asked after a long while. “Why… him?”

Keiji’s lips turned up into a soft smile. Why not? he wanted to ask, but when he looked up at his nephew, part of him thought that this wasn’t only about Koutaro.

“He’s young, and you’re… you’re gonna be a mom. It’s not that you couldn’t have anyone in the world, so why… why him?”

Keiji just hummed, pulling away from Wakatoshi once they reached the bathrooms that had been set up. It was a little uncomfortable with his big belly, but he hefted his skirt up and managed somehow. When he came back out feeling much better, rubbing his clean hands together, he found Wakatoshi sitting off to the side, completely lost in thought. Keiji sank down beside him, and after a while, he laid his hand to Wakatoshi’s head. It was much more of a stretch now than it had been when the Alpha was still growing, Wakatoshi just a little guy back then. Still, the Alpha leaned into it and sighed as he’d always done.

“This isn’t just about Koutaro,” Keiji guessed, and it seemed like it was the first time Wakatoshi’s feelings had been acknowledged out loud. He looked startled. He turned to Keiji.

“It’s-” he began, but maybe he realized he couldn’t be honest about this yet. He fell silent, and Keiji smiled. So Wakatoshi had someone he liked, huh? Finally, he thought with a chuckle. Could it be… an older mom? Actually, he wasn’t all that surprised; Wakatoshi had always been so mature and stiff, far more than anyone his age. It just made sense that the person he felt drawn to was older and more mature. Keiji didn’t even think the little complex Wakatoshi had over him had anything to do with it, honestly.

“I really like him,” Keiji told his nephew as he stared up at the sky. “He’s warm and so full of life, so sweet and strong. I love his wild personality and his boundless energy,” Keiji said, laughing when Wakatoshi made a face. “Believe it or not, it’s what stands out to me the most about why it’s him.”

“He’s just an idiot,” Wakatoshi grumbled, and Keiji leaned into him, smiling and humming. Ah, he missed Koutaro already.

“I like that he’s a little dumb. It makes everything that comes out of his mouth feel so sincere. He doesn’t have the brain capacity to try to trick me with sweet words or clever lies.”

This, Wakatoshi had to concede was a good point. “He’d never be able to lie to you.”

Keiji laughed, and then he hushed, “I don’t think he would ever try, either.”