Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The room was spotless. Not a speck of dust was to be seen. Yet the air still felt thick. The room was well lit for the pretty powdered faces to be seen. Among those pretty faces was a blue haired one with honey eyes. Beneath HiMERU’s painted lashes his eyes lingered on the entrance, waiting for his target.

Taking another person’s identity was nothing new for HiMERU, he always studied well. This time he took the identity of a young Beta who was barely the age of eighteen. Young, innocent and Untouched. His scent was dampened to the expectations of a Beta. Scrubbed to the sterility to be presented for imperial interest and hiding his status as an Omega.

However, his target was bigger than usual.

The Shogun.

His Lord wanted answers about the new young Shogun and HiMERU would gather the needed information to his Lord. For the right reward that is. Intel, whispers, forbidden experiments or allignments… whatever the young Amagi heir guarded, HiMERU would find it.

All he had to do was to be chosen by said young Shogun.

The hall was designed to impress with carved dark wood, red and golden inlay. Painted fans were fluttering nervously in the hands of the nobility who gathered for the auction. The Shogun would arrive soon. He always arrived late.

Amagi Rinne.

The Amagi line ruled over the whole nation. Each generation was ruled by two siblings. The younger one- the Emperor was the face of this nation. To be there for its people. However the Shogun, whose word was absolute, pulling the real strings was unseen and silent. Always ruled evidently by the elder sibling. And according to the gossip, he had a particular taste for lovely Betas with sharp eyes, passive tongues and delicate figures. Primarily to serve to satisfy his rut. Fortunately for the Shogun, that male Betas were incapable of pregnancy. It really doesn’t need to be said why he preferred Betas.

HiMERU had sculpted himself accordingly. His kimono was layered in pale silk and twilight blue fabric which clung to his form however not revealing. Around his waist, the obi was drawn tight. A knot too intricate for a servant, too soft for a warrior. His lips were slightly tinted with paint. If he didn’t get chosen, he need another plan. And if he gets chosen- he had to be careful for his head not to be cut off from his body once he could enter the Shogun's palace.

In the eyes of the court he was nothing but a soft little thing. Silent and easily claimed for his master. But no one knew that beneath the delicate painted face every gesture was measured, every glance rehearsed. On the surface he was an easy prey but what awaited underneath was…

The doors opened.

HiMERU witnessed how every person, whereas those Beta toys or nobility, tensed holding their breath. The air stood still except for the hushed air as he entered. Amagi Rinne.

The young Shogun wore imperial robes, crimson layered over white and black expensive materials with gold threads twisted down his sleeves and back. His red hair was unruly. His ocean eyes were sharp yet cold, scanning the room. He was standing pridefully and the arrogance was just overflowing.

HiMERU met his gaze. And like a well behaved Beta he looked down. Knowing his place. Realistically his own self did not care for the Amagi status since his only interest was to get done with his work. But his identity for this job was not like that. An elegant, quiet and submissive Beta. That's what he was for now. If only his younger brother Kaname knew the danger he was truly in right now.

For a moment there was no flicker of interest coming from the Shogun. He almost looked bored as he walked a straight line where the Betas displayed for the auction stood and now bowed down before their Shogun. Then the Shogun stopped. One foot still, one gaze locked.

HiMERU’s gaze was still fixated on the floor. He felt the piercing gaze of the man standing in front of him. On the top of his head, the length of his hair, the curve of his cheek and nose down to his neck. Further down to his shoulders and then waist. Amagi Rinne was observing every detail of him.

He remained calm as one should in the presence of a tiger. The nobles grew nervous and unwell as their Shogun was standing in front of the bowing ‘Beta’.

The Shogun said not a word but stepped forward, walking back to the door where he came from. "That one." he said to the nervous host without even looking at the man.

The silence grew even thicker. An attendant stepped forward. “His name?”

“Does it matter?” Rinne’s voice was low, edged with something dangerous. A voice that does not like to be questioned or waste time. A voice that does not allow disobedience. “He’ll do.”

The Shogun walked out, HiMERU raised his head, his eyes following the bright red hair and the body that walked with so much pride and authority.

The first step of his mission was done.

Chapter Text

HiMERU was delivered to the Shogunate Estate in a carriage, as if he were a gift. Just an object that was conveyed to its new owner. It would feel more dehumanizing if HiMERU had cared for the situation he was in, but everything was just a means to an end and a way to get the job done. Nonetheless, he would be lying if he said he was not impressed by the palace of the Shogunate.

The palace was carved from expensive material and stood tall. Lanterns cast long shadows that flickered across polished wood and reflected the golden details . He had gone to the capital city a few times in his life and every time this beautiful architecture caught his eye. That was not enough for HiMERU to tolerate the foolish Empire and its regime. HiMERU did not hate them nor did he like them, though.

When the carriage finally came to a halt and the door opened, HiMERU exited it smoothly without turning his head or glancing to any side. Every step HiMERU took echoed with the dignity of silence. Not once did he raise his head. He was silent, submissive and with no desire.  

For now, this was going to be his home. Until he got what he needed. HiMERU was not sure how long that would take, but it would be best for him to remember every detail, every corner of the palace. For his servant persona and himself. Perhaps calling himself a servant was too generous since all he was in the eyes of the Shogun and his people was an expensive rut bag. A pleasure doll. 

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Despite that, the Shogun never appeared for HiMERU. Not once did his ‘Master’ call for him. He wasn’t sure if it was usual for the Shogun or if he should be questioning it. Not that he wanted to jump immediately to bed with the Shogun.

The servants were the ones who consumed most of his time. The head attendant drilled rules into him until the hourglass of each day vanished. How to bow, how to serve tea, how not to be noticed until he should be and when to notice the Shogun's needs without him having to say anything. None of it was difficult since he had impersonated harder roles before. 

Unfortunately, for the first week he had no time to investigate or find any valuable intel. On the other hand, patience was everything when working as a spy. You don’t want to take the wrong step. One wrong step could be HiMERU’s last step he could ever take. And that is definitely something that he was not going to risk since he has someone waiting for him at home.

The first thing that HiMERU learned about the regime was that the Emperor ruled from a throne; the Shogun ruled by absence. Amagi Rinne was not a mere man, no, he was more than that. An idea, unseen yet commanding and always present through the tense walls of the palace. How utterly ridiculous. 

That was until the Shogun summoned him.

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That beta from the auction. Bring him to me. I want him to pour me tea. Those were the words of the Shogun rehearsed by a servant boy who was looking for HiMERU. He would be lying if he said that he did not care what kind of person the Shogun was. He looked quite young yet despite his age, he ruled over an entire nation. 

So HiMERU did not let his ‘Master’ wait any longer. Not that he was anyone important as a ‘Beta’. He passed through the wide hallways of the palace, walked past the guards, and saw the Shogun sitting in the middle of the broad room. With a deep, elegant bow he greeted his ‘Master’. 

HiMERU knelt with such perfect grace that it could only have been practiced. His gaze stayed down. His fingers moved, lifting the porcelain lid of the teapot and pouring just enough. Not once did he stutter with his movement. Performing in front of an audience. Despite knowing how carefully he was watched not once did his movements falter. 

Perhaps he was a little too perfect. 

“You move a bit too carefully to be a mere palace servant,” Rinne said. Despite his casual tone, the sharpness underneath was echoing. “What did you do before this?”

“This one served in the southern kitchens. Tea preparation is familiar for this one,” Himeru answered as he set the tea before him with a soft clink. Then bowed devotedly yet gracefully to the Shogun. 

Even if HiMERU could not see the Shogun’s face, he could feel the lingering gaze. Not on the tea, not on HiMERU, but on his neck. HiMERU surely did not look like a regular Omega. Furthermore, his disguise was always perfect. Maybe this time it was too perfect, which is why it seemed like the Shogun has his suspicions. But it could also be that the Shogun was in general a suspicious person, or he could merely be playing with HiMERU to get a reaction.

“Strange,” Rinne leaned forward, idly. “Your hands don’t look like that.”

HiMERU did not answer. A slight pause which felt longer than it was. Too many servants and guards were surrounded them. Nonetheless, HiMERU kept calm like a person with only one intention. To serve and submit. 

“Tell me, do you know why I chose you?” the Shogun smiled lazily. Unsurprisingly, he did not once ask HiMERU for his name.

HiMERU’s voice did not change. “This one assumes Your Majesty’s preferences are not for servants to question.”

“Well said,” Rinne replied. His gaze penetrated HiMERU. The next question came rather quickly as if he had been anticipating asking HiMERU this question.

“Are you sure you’re a beta?”

The words were too idle to be idle. HiMERU raised his eyes just enough for them to meet. He remained calm, voice and expression unchanging. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Rinne leaned back, lifting the cup almost apathetically and sipping the tea slowly. The smirk on his face grew a little wider. “Thought so. A delicate face like yours could never be an Alpha, however, you seem too tall to be an Omega as well.” He put the cup back down on the table. “I have no reason to doubt that you are a Beta, you may leave.”

With one last graceful bow, HiMERU left the room. Despite the words of the Shogun, he felt sharp ocean eyes burning on his back- or rather, should he say on his neck. As a matter of fact, HiMERU understood why there were no Omegas near such an intense person as the Shogun. 

HiMERU wasn’t sure if the Shogun just played games with him or if he really was suspicious of him. Perhaps HiMERU should calculate minor mistakes into his roles- of course, without making him too suspicious again. Amagi Rinne… he wasn’t going to be easy to deal with. 

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HiMERU thought that he could get some intel from some servant gossip. However, oddly enough, that was not the case. Unexpectedly, no person talked about their Shogun. It was clear that not only did his people fear him, but also trusted and respected him.

On the same day, the same nervous servant boy approached. “The Shogun requests your presence.”

This time, HiMERU headed to the private chambers of the Shogun. The lighting was dim through the halls. Candlelight was placed everywhere. The glances from other servants did not escape him. Whenever they were filled with envy, curiosity, or wariness, it did not matter for HiMERU for now. Those were all normal reactions, and HiMERU made sure to appear more approachable for the other servants in order not to stand out. 

He made sure that his robes were well adjusted before he passed the guards to step inside the Shogun’s chamber. As for what was awaiting him…

A thick layered air of burning incense and musk that clung to power, to alphas who never had to announce themselves.

Long silks cascaded from the ceiling. Cushions were scattered, and the Shogun sprawled on top of them, still dressed in proper robes, but relaxed in a way that suggested it was all for show. With lazy eyes, the Shogun looked at him. A tiger in human form. This had better not go the way that HiMERU worried it could. 

“Finally,” the Shogun muttered. “You took your time.”

“This one asks for forgiveness,” HiMERU replied, bowing low.

“Mh. How boring.” Rinne waved a hand, bored. “Whatever. My nose is full of trash incense. Fix it.” He seemed a bit looser than before.

HiMERU moved quietly as he approached closer. He knelt beside the ornate incense box. As he opened the box to arrange the coals, he felt the predatory gaze of the Shogun. Again. 

“You know…” Rinne’s voice was slow, almost lazy yet sharp. “Most servants tremble when I speak to them. You move like you're royalty yourself.”

Perhaps that's why the Shogun seemed to play with him. But if he had acted intimidated, that would have only drawn more suspicion. 

HiMERU didn’t pause and kept going with his task with fluid and practiced movements. “This one was told to remain calm in Your Majesty’s presence.”

The Shogun shifted his body, pushing his elbow further into the cushion. “Told by who? Your trainers?” He paused, his voice dropping lower. “Or instincts?”

Would it matter how HiMERU even acted? The Shogun seems to enjoy getting a reaction out of people. Of course, HiMERU himself would never fall for such cheap tricks. He was not worried or scared, but annoyed by this person. 

“As a Beta,” HiMERU controlled his voice not to sound too warning, but rather reassuring and gentle. “This one has no instincts to speak of.”

“Right.” The Shogun let out a disbelieving hum.

Even when Amagi Rinne said nothing, his eyes remained noisy, just like him. 

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And so it continued. Rather than being a rut bag, HiMERU became someone who just poured tea every time the Shogun demanded it and burned incense. Of course, it was better this way because he was sure he could not hide his Omega Status if he was forced to sleep with the Shogun.

Perhaps he could come up with a sob story why he posed as a Beta, when they find out, but the Shogun did not seem to be a compassionate person. 

So staying as a silent company while the Shogun held discourses, meetings, and ruled over his nation was indeed a better option for HiMERU. Always having his gaze low, he could only see the unruly red hair when he had to stand up to serve him his tea. Even though he wished not to be under so many people with so many eyes on him. Well, for now, he was willing to play the Shogun’s decor. 

The good thing was that Amagi Rinne did talk to him very rarely. However, he kept HiMERU far too close. The purpose wasn’t quite clear to HiMERU. Suspicion? Lust? Whatever it was, it didn't help him much. He hadn’t found anything about the man he was supposed to spy on.

But how much time did HiMERU really have?

He needed to find the balance; he needed to move before the Shogun’s hunger truly awoke, but he also shouldn’t act too rashly.

The scent in the air was not sharp enough yet to signal a coming rut. But it would come sooner or later. And when it did, he would be trapped. The question was: what would it cost? His freedom or his head?

Chapter Text

The hall was filled with nobles and servants alike. There was not much explanation. All that HiMERU got from the head attendant was that they should all assemble at the grand hall. He stood among the servants lining the wall. Eyes on the floor in front of him, as he was standing straight, just like the rest of his peers. 

Nobles and servants were gathered, while the Shogun came in, sitting down casually on his throne as if he did not want to deal with this trivial situation. A visiting Lord from the northern cities rushed towards the Shogun. The guards were alerted by the tenseness coming from the Lord. “There are whispers,” the man said, “that the Shogun is secretly harboring omegas in his palace!”

The air stood still inside the room. 

The Lord continued his frantic accusation, “I demand a measure of trust; let all servants be tested!”

The Shogun looked down on him, his eyes bored and unimpressed.

“Shogun,” The Lord kept going, “have them drink extraction tea. If they are truly betas, the reaction will be none.”

The chamber stirred for a moment and they looked at their Shogun, waiting for an answer. It was a bold move to threaten the Shogun with accusations. Perhaps it was due to Amagi Rinne’s age that the Lord took the audacity to disrespect him in front of his people. Not even in a disrespectful manner, he was clearly insulting the Shogun with his suggestions. It was bordering on treason.

Rinne did not speak right away. It felt like he was letting the Lord in front of him dangle around like a jester. A fool. He sat with one hand lazily curled on the armrest of his seat, legs crossed. HiMERU wondered how the Shogun would deal with the situation he was in now. It was unlike him to be personally invested in a situation while he was impersonating someone.

Without warning, the scent struck the whole room like lightning. 

It wasn’t wild or chaotic. It was controlled, deliberate and dangerous. The sharp Alpha pheromones was spreading through the entire room quickly. 

The noble’s omegas were gasping, barely containing themselves. The alphas tensed up even more and dropped their gaze. Others trembled. Even the arrogant Lord fell back half a step, letting out a gasp. Even though Betas couldn’t really smell any pheromones, they could sense strong pheromones in the air.

Neither as a Beta nor as an Omega did HiMERU move. He held still even though his nose was filled with the scent of cedarwood, making him feel dizzy. He remained expressionless and composed even though he could feel his body reacting to the slight red currant that was underneath the smell of the fury cedarwood. 

Even if HiMERU wanted to breathe in more of that smell to make sure he smelled right- that it truly was red currant- he decided not to. The less he breathed of that dominant alpha pheromone, the better it was for him. 

He wasn’t sure if he was sweating or if his skin was just burning. 

“You have a brother, don’t you?” Rinne spoke directly to the Lord. “Perhaps he knows to watch his tongue and honor his title as the Lord of the northern regions.” he barely made a movement with his hand, as if the man in front of him was not worth it. However, it was enough for the guards to understand.

They escorted the now former Lord out.

HiMERU was too focused on himself to contain his body, so he paid no attention to Rinne, who was smiling lazily as he turned to the guard commander. “Take the Omegas out,” he ordered. “I don’t need them melting in my halls.”

Servants and nobles alike moved. Several were escorted away by the guards. One particular guard hesitated for a moment when he looked at HiMERU, glancing uncertainly. 

Rinne’s voice was warning but with a mocking undertone. “What are you doing? This one is a Beta.” HiMERU wasn’t sure if he was mocking him or the guard. 

The guard blinked a few times, taken aback. Then he bowed apologetically to his Shogun and moved to others.

The Shogun looked over the crowd with a cold glare on his face now. “We’re done here.” he said strictly, knowing that his word was final. 

Everyone waited for Amagi Rinne to leave the room first before they left as well.

HiMERU bowed deeply with the rest of the servants. He was slightly clumsy with his movements, but he knew that the attention was fully on the Shogun. He tried to ignore the pulsing ache throughout his whole body and calm his breathing. With the other servants, he left the room as well. Each step regaining control. He knows, the thought. Amagi Rinne knows… or at least suspects, either way, HiMERU cannot make another mistake again.

He returned to the servants’ quarters and went to his bed. When he made sure he was alone, he retrieved a scroll case well hidden in the servant quarters. Inside, nestled in paper, were heat suppressants. He swallowed one dry. That should do it… for now at least. 

HiMERU let out a shaky breath. For now everything went fine- not good. Just fine.

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On the same night, the Shogun summoned him again to his private chambers. Fortunately, HiMERU’s body was back to being stable. 

The candlelight was flickering in the room. The guards were standing at the entrance as always. It seemed like the Shogun was ready to end his day and head to bed. HiMERU knelt before him once more, waiting for a command. 

“You took your time,” Rinne said. “Again.” His voice was sharp yet low.

“This one apologizes,” HiMERU replied evenly. “He is still not familiar with the halls yet.” A shameless lie.

A moment of silence. The Shogun looked at him for a moment, probably not believing a word he just said. Then, leisurely, Rinne stood up. “Undress me.” he said, voice monotone and unconcerned. 

Without a word, HiMERU rose from his position, approaching the Shogun with graceful steps. As if nothing had happened before, at the gathering. HiMERU’s eyes caught the silky night robe next to him. It was most likely another servant who put these out for him. Did the Shogun ask for him specifically?

Without touching the man in front of him unnecessarily, HiMERU’s fingers found the first knot of the outer sash, around the Shogun’s hip. The heavy layers fell slowly. He folded each layer, each sash, each fabric, precisely one by one. Never rushing, taking his time. Faltering not once.

Amagi Rinne, a man who was used to being touched and served, let him work, watching him closely. If it were not for their statuses, this moment would surely look more intimate. But then again, a servant and their master also have a meaningful connection that stems from trust.

Not that Amagi Rinne or HiMERU could trust the other.

“You didn’t flinch earlier,” Rinne said quietly. “When everyone else did… barely.” He was watching HiMERU’s face as if he was looking for something.

So he did notice earlier.

“This one was trained not to.” HiMERU’s eyes were glued on the Shogun’s attire, going on with his task.

“Betas don’t get trained for that,” Rinne murmured a bit playfully. “Unless they’re liars…” he paused for a moment. “Or spies.”

HiMERU didn’t falter and kept unfolding Rinne's attire. “Your Majesty flatters this one too highly.” The way he kept looking at HiMERU’s face. He is always testing one. Amagi Rinne- the menace. But HiMERU would never lose to a man like Rinne.

Rinne laughed. It wasn’t warm but dangerous, perhaps mocking as well. “Oh, I’m not flattering you.”

The inner robe was next. It was much lighter, slipping much more easily from Rinne’s skin. HiMERU paid no attention to Amagi Rinne’s well-toned, muscular yet athletic body, and soft-looking skin. 

Also, his scent appeared to be much gentler now. Tempered, however, he could smell something spicy and citrusy. Despite that, it was not penetrating but rather soothing. Nonetheless, HiMERU kept his breathing shallow. He shouldn’t be exposed to Alpha Pheromones too much.

“No scent still…” Rinne said, almost to himself. “You mask yourself well.” His voice was very quiet. Perhaps for the guards not to hear.

“There is nothing to mask.” HiMERU answered montone, lifting his eyes. Looking up only until he saw half of the Shogun’s face. His chin, lips and nose. Further shouldn’t his eyes go. Then he was about to turn around to get the night robe-

Suddenly, Rinne grabbed his wrist.

It didn’t hurt; it was not cruel. However, HiMERU could tell from the firm grip that the Shogun had quite the strength… as an Alpha. 

“Is that so?” He traced the veins on HiMERU’s wrist with his thumb. “I’ve met many Betas,” he let out a slightly amused huff. “Funny how none of them make me itch the way you do.” The movement got faster, harsher. He was now rubbing his thumb against his veins, his skin. 

HiMERU didn’t answer. He just looked straight past the Shogun to the wall and waited for the Shogun to let go of him. HiMERU tensed when Rinne’s grip got harder, painful even. This was clearly a warning for HiMERU, like a slap on his wrist, but the Shogun won’t let him go off the hook next time. 

Suddenly, his wrist got released. HiMERU stepped back immediately. Despite the bruised feeling on his wrist, he retrieved the night robe to slide it over Rinne’s shoulders. His hands tied the sash without trembling. He was almost done.

However, the Shogun was not done with him yet.

“You serve well,” Rinne raised his voice. “But I wonder what would happen if I told the guards to leave us alone, mh?” 

HiMERU’s hands paused right after he finished the knot. “This one serves at your Majesty’s pleasure.” he said monotone. Even though he seemed very calm and well reserved due to his training, HiMERU was worried for his head once he would be alone with Amagi Rinne. 

A gleam in the Shogun’s eye. “Then stay.” For anyone else in the room, it seemed like an order. However, HiMERU could hear the challenging undertone. He was playing with him.

The guards understood quickly, as they should. They left the room and closed the door. The sound of the door closing was surely heavy for HiMERU’s ears for some reason. 

HiMERU bowed again, as protocol required . He was just a Beta, devoutly serving for his master. He hid the tension inside him well as he reminded himself. 

“Raise your head and look at me.” Rinne’s voice was low.

HiMERU did. Slowly, he raised his head; however, he remained in the same position. His honeyed eyes met the Shogun’s cyan ones, which resembled a bottomless ocean. Rinne was smirking, but his expression was hard to read. 

They exchanged a gaze for a while before the Shogun’s eyes landed on his neck again. “I don’t need anything else tonight,” Rinne finally said, still smirking. “You may leave.”

The Shogun clearly was showing him the power he had over HiMERU. He bowed one last time and left the private chambers. Once he left those guards behind, he let out a trembling breath.

HiMERU did not need a second warning. He understood well- a second mistake couldn’t be made.

Time was running faster now.

Chapter Text

HiMERU took another suppressant, unfortunately the medicine only delayed his heat and nothing else. He felt the sweat beneath the layers of fabric, his breathing became more shallow and his skin was prickling a bit. He was sure that his hands had become clumsy as well. Well, for his standard at least. HiMERU looked down at the paper-wrapped pills. He only had two left. 

He was running out of time. 

The exposure to Amagi Rinne’s pheromones only made everything worse. HiMERU shouldn’t strain his body and put himself under more stress. His body was reacting to all of it, and he could do nothing but force his heat to stay back. 

Everyone in the palace knew that Amagi Rinne’s rut was near. He was getting more intense, sharper, possessive and territorial. No one said anything and he wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed the fleeting glances Rinne sometimes gave him. He noticed how the Shogun constantly demanded to know his whereabouts whenever he was not near him.

It was getting too dangerous.

HiMERU needed to complete his mission. By now, he had a rough understanding of what intel was valuable and how to retrieve it. He just needed the perfect moment, ideally before the Shogun’s rut began. However, the window was getting tighter.

A quiet sigh escaped him with the faintest trace of his pheromones. It was just a small slip, a flicker of scent for a second. But how? Why? He just took the medicine-

And then… he felt it.

Somewhere down the corridor, a presence. The faint smell of cedarwood and citrus.

HiMERU pressed himself against the cold wall. Did his body react to… him ? He could only hope that the other person did not notice the slip of his pheromones. 

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In the morning, HiMERU was dressing the Shogun as usual, sliding the heavy robes one by one over his shoulders. The scent of Alpha Pheromones hung even thicker in the air today. Even with heat suppressants, no average Omega could withstand such strong pheromones. Even HiMERU found his control being tested. 

“The halls smelled interesting last night,” Rinne said idly. “Anyone visit you?”

“No, Your Majesty,” HiMERU answered evenly as he worked through the expensive robes with his usual rehearsed movements.

HiMERU’s eyes were glazed, his head foggy. His fingers trembled as he straightened the fabric on the Shogun's chest. His fingers trembled and stopped for a moment. He couldn’t grow anxious now. Not when he was this close to the man with predatory eyes.

Rinne was watching him closely, expression hard to read. “Must’ve been my imagination.”

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The proclamation for the Shogun’s rut retreat would happen at midday, which meant his rut would reach its peak tonight. A heavy tension radiated from the palace’s extravagant walls. More guards than usual patrolled the palace, but no one said a word. Everyone knew, even without him declaring it.

For tonight, the Shogun had already chosen.

His eyes lingered too long, wanting to keep him close like a possession. And with every passing hour, his presence pulled HiMERU closer and closer. Yet even as Rinne’s body prepared for rut, he always remained in control. Not a beast or animal, but something more- someone in complete command of his urges.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t as if HiMERU had done nothing all this time. He had a plan and now was the right time to act. Everyone was busy with the preparations for the Shogun’s rut tonight. Thinking about it, it seemed strange to go to such extremes just because one important man was at his prime for reproduction. Perhaps HiMERU should’ve shaken the thought off.

That same day, HiMERU stood alone inside the archive chamber. It was surprisingly easy to access the usually well-guarded place. But he had to be quick. HiMERU went through the scrolls of the archive to find something specific…

The archives were quiet, and his fingers brushed over a pair of scrolls with the Shogun’s crest on them. There they were…Those scrolls inside were the intel he needed. Important documents. HiMERU didn’t care why his Lord needed them as long as he got paid. 

That should be enough; he was so close to finishing his mission. Still, it felt almost too easy to find the scrolls. Especially after searching for so long…

Then he suddenly sensed footsteps. HiMERU quickly returned the scrolls to their original place and slipped behind the folding screen. HiMERU didn’t need to peek to know who it was. 

Those footsteps belonged to no one but Amagi Rinne. Why was he here? He strolled leisurely toward the shelves. Perhaps checking on something? He didn’t stay long, leaving with the same casual gait. HiMERU had a bad feeling.

He waited a moment before returning to the shelves. Although he was not surprised to find the scrolls missing, he was irritated. Yes, the scrolls were gone. But…

“Looking for something?” Rinne’s amused voice curled from behind him.

HiMERU turned around- not too fast, not too slow. He gave the Shogun a perfect bow. “Your Majesty, this one was-”

“Lost?” Rinne tilted his head, amused. ”Curious?” He approached HiMERU closer. “About to steal from me?” His voice remained playful, though it dropped lower with each step like a predator closing in.

HiMERU kept his eyes down, determined to maintain his persona. “This one begs for forgiveness.”

“Forgiveness?” The Shogun repeated with false innocence, but HiMERU knew it was just an act. Rinne studied his face as he was searching for something. “You don’t look like you want it.”

HiMERU remained silent. The pause between them stretched long. Was this the end for HiMERU? He could try to become a traitor and serve for the Shogun, however there is no way that a man like Amagi Rinne would treat a traitor even better. HiMERU couldn’t understand how he had made such obvious mistakes. Was it because of his lingering heat?

“But,” Rinne said, breaking the silence. “I’ll give you a chance,” He tapped the tip of a scroll beneath HiMERU’s chin, tilting it upward. “You want these scrolls?” He raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. “Then you know what to do tonight.” 

HiMERU tried to read his expression. All this time, he’d buried his inner turmoil behind a similarly unreadable mask. Of course, this was clearly a trap. He hadn’t even asked who HiMERU was. So did he know? If he did, why would he seek meaningless pleasure with HiMERU? A man so devoted to ruling his nation couldn’t be acting on mere lust, could he? Then again, Amagi Rinne had bought him, originally, only to sleep with him. 

HiMERU’s heat must be clouding his thoughts. 

If this truly was his end… an odd, unreadable feeling stirred inside him. He didn’t even say goodbye to Kaname… 

“When morning breaks,” Rinne interrupted his thought process, “they’re yours. Since you’re a Beta, a bit of pheromones should be no problem for you, right?” he smirked. Even now, Rinne was toying with him, fully aware there was nothing HiMERU could do.

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█ 

HiMERU’s robes were lighter than usual. Beneath them, tucked at his thigh, he hid a small blade coated in paralyzing poison. He didn’t want to outright kill the Shogun; however, something inside him warned he should be ready to defend himself. If needed. He was a spy after all, not an assassin. Nonetheless, HiMERU was sure he wouldn’t see the light of day after tonight.

When he was ready, he strode through the halls at a brisker pace than usual, flanked by guards with every step. Like walls, they ensured he could not escape. He took his last suppressant earlier, though he wasn’t optimistic about its effect. Even as he tried to stay composed, he felt sweat forming in his palms…

When HiMERU entered the private chamber, the guards did not follow him, but closed the doors swiftly as the thick air of strong alpha pheromones hit his senses. Reminding him yet again that he could not escape. 

The Shogun was waiting for him. His night robes hung looser than usual, his chest rising and slowly falling. Amagi Rinne lay sideways across the silky cushions, propped up on one elbow. His head rested in his hand as lucid eyes gazed at HiMERU. Despite his state, Rinne still seemed to be in control, for now at least. “Good, you came,” Rinne said, his voice lower than usual. “Of course you came. This is an offer you cannot refuse.”

HiMERU remained silent, his eyes locked on the red haired man.

“They all asked,” Rinne said smoothly as he rose, “Why this one?” With each step he took closer, HiMERU swore the air got thicker and thicker. He wasn’t sure which was louder, his heartbeat or the Shogun’s deliberate steps. “He’s dull,” Rinne said mockingly, slowly circling him. “Quiet,”  HiMERU felt his eyes rake over him from head to toe. “Unremarkable.” Rinne stopped behind him. “Why would I choose you?” His voice dropped lower with each word, dangerously.

Even though one should never turn their back when being near a predatory animal, HiMERU did not move. It was clear that Rinne was just playing with his ‘food’. 

“But I could smell it,” Rinne whispered. “Sense it.” HiMERU’s face stayed neutral, though his heartbeat quickened. “You move like a beta. Talk like one. But your scent betrayed you.” Though there was still space between them, Rinne’s presence pressed in close. “In the end, your instincts betrayed you.” Still, HiMERU did not move. Even as sweat beaded on his palms and his fingers began to twitch. “You act like something you are not.” Rinne’s deep voice rang into his ear. 

“So you’ll have your way and dispose of this one afterwards?” HiMERU raised his voice, clear and sound. “What are you planning? Putting this one inside a dark cell or a rope around his neck?”

Rinne closed the distance. HiMERU’s heart skipped a beat as Rinne leaned in. “Whatever happens tonight or even afterwards is all up to you~” HiMERU heard him inhale deeply, drinking in his scent, though Rinne’s nose never touched the slightly exposed skin of HiMERU’s neck.

HiMERU tensed as the Shogun’s body pressed firmly into his own. He could feel every inch of Rinne’s solid body. A shudder ran down his spine as he fought the rising heat, his body trembling, breath unsteady. The iron control HiMERU prided himself on was slipping piece by piece.

Boldly, he snatched the Shogun’s wrist, pressing it against his chest. With nothing left to lose, a little defiance wouldn’t change his fate now. 

He felt Rinne’s body tensing as well, probably taken aback by such a crude gesture. The Shogun, clearly unused to being touched without invitation, stiffened.

As he pressed Rinne’s hand firmly to his chest, his other hand slipped beneath his robe, fingers around the strap of the hidden blade, ready to strike. If he could.

HiMERU let out a loud gasp when a dense, raw, overwhelming wave of Alpha pheromones crashed over him. Panic surged through him. His knees buckled, eyes wide frozen. A choked sound escaped his lips as he struggled to breathe.

Rinne seized his arm roughly before he could collapse, yanking him upright, only to shove him forward onto the tatami mats. HiMERU hit the mats with a choked gasp, lungs pleading for air. His lungs burned as he felt like he was drowning in alpha pheromones.  The slip of control happened too fast, too suddenly. A whine escaped his lips as he was panting and his whole body trembling, barely able to support himself on shaking hands.

“You cracked,” Rinne whispered, eyes wide with delight. “Like I knew you would~.” A wolfish grin spread across the Shogun's face as he loomed over him. HiMERU fought to reclaim his control back again, but he failed. His eyelids drooped, eyes glazed with heat. His lips parted, cheeks flushed and burning. His face betrayed him, laid bare under the crushing weight of those damn Alpha Pheromones.

Rinne noticed it, which only made him grin even wider. He had HiMERU completely trapped. 

The Shogun bent down, plucking the blade from HiMERU’s thigh. “Poisoned? Tsk.” Rinne shook his head. “You brought me a gift and here I am, still not giving you anything yet .”

The knife clattered across the room as the Shogun tossed it aside like a toy. 

“Y-you… knew…” HiMERU panted, his voice strained. His body refused to obey, the slick between his legs dampening his robes. There was nothing he could do; the Omega inside him was in full bloom, exposed now, no matter how tightly he clenched down. He gritted his teeth, helpless.

“You're not the first who's tried to kill me,” Rinne said, voice thick with desire. “But who knows? You might be the first I want to forgive~” Rinne hovered over him, leaning forward as he pressed his own hard body against HiMERU’s. His flushed face buried into the crook of HiMERU’s neck, inhaling his scent. 

A hot, wet tongue dragged across HiMERU’s skin as rough hands tore open his robes. He let out a slight gasp, pushing with his hands against the Shogun’s shoulders to push him, but Rinne won’t budge. He didn’t even seem fazed by HiMERU’s resistance at all. 

HiMERU writhed with a sharp gasp as Rinne’s hands roamed over him, how rough fingers tormenting his sensitive nipples. The Shogun’s movement became harsher, clumsy and erratic; his control unraveling quickly. His mind clouded, overtaken by raw, primitive desire. 

“I should have taken you sooner,” Rinne muttered, voice trembling as he licked his lips hungrily.

HiMERU’s senses snapped back for a second, and he used this momentum to gather the last bit of his strength before he completely lost to his Omega instincts. Raising his leg, he kicked the Shogun hard against his stomach, gaining a sharp grunt. HiMERU twisted away, his robe slipping from one shoulder as he tried to escape. 

However, he realised too late that he had made a critical mistake.

He exposed his bare nape in front of an Alpha who is at peak during his rut. And worse, he tried to flee, like a prey,  provoking the Shogun’s instincts.

Rinne's pupils shrank to slits. In a blink, his body lunged forward as his instincts ignited and his teeth sank into HiMERU’s nape.

HiMERU let out a yelp.

Despite his body being hypersensitive due to the heat, the pain felt rather dull yet overwhelming. Rinne’s teeth seared against his skin. HiMERU could feel his body change immediately, the mark spreading through his whole body, flooding into his veins. Tears rolled down his golden eyes as his body began to shake uncontrollably.  

His jaw ached; he hadn’t even realised that his mouth was hanging open, saliva on the corner of his lips as he panted heavily. His body was no longer his own. It began to shift, consumed by the mark- by Amagi Rinne. His body was trembling so intensely that he could not move a single muscle. 

Rinne grasped roughly HiMERU’s jaw, forcefully raising his head while the blue haired one filled the room with his choked sounds. Out of reflex, he raised his hips, pressing his lower body against Rinne’s hard erection desperately, his legs quivering.

Rinne let out a grunt.

HiMERU couldn’t see it, but he felt it. Rinne’s thick glans pressed against his entrance, sending a shiver down his spine as Rinne’s throbbing cock forcefully invaded his inner walls, stretching him painfully. The ring of his muscles was already clenching in anticipation. He cursed at the Omega inside him. 

A muffled sob escaped HiMERU as his body sank down, his inner walls clenching hard around the intrusion. Despite its resistance, Rinne kept pushing. HiMERU’s trembling hands clawed at the mats. He couldn’t tell if this was pleasure or pain…  only that it was too fast.

“Tck…” Rinne clicked his tongue in frustration. HiMERU gasped as the Shogun pulled out abruptly and flipped him onto his back in one swift motion. His golden eyes widened when he found himself lying on his back, now staring into a pair of ravenous and feral eyes. 

“Tis’ too tight,” Rinne hissed quietly, licking his fingers. He leaned down, burying his face into HiMERU’s neck again as his finger massaged the Omega's slick leaking entrance. “You are so wet, why the hell can’t I just…tck…” The Shogun seemed annoyed as he pressed his index finger into HiMERU’s tight heating hole. 

HiMERU quivered, his walls clenching tightly around Rinne’s fingers. His own hands curled into fists. Another “Tch” sound escaped Rinne’s lips as he snatched HiMERU’s wrist with his free hand, pulling it over his shoulder, then doing the same thing with HiMERU’s other arm. Forcing their bodies to rub even further. 

HiMERU clawed into Rinne’s back once he felt a second finger invading his hole, his clenching hole dripping more with his slick, dripping down on Rinne’s knuckles. The Shogun became impatient, burying his fingers as deep as they could, stretching HiMERU. Forcing him to open and loosen quickly. HiMERU whined in protest. 

The Omega whimpered again at the sudden emptiness. Smoothly, Rinne’s hand slid under his waist, lifting his hips with ease. HiMERU shudders when he feels the same thick head entering him again, this time with less pain. 

Shamelessly and no longer caring, HiMERU dug his nails deep into the Shogun’s back. His mind clouded, leaving all reasoning behind him. As he tried to turn his head away, Rinne’s palm pressed firmly against the top of his head. Stopping him from moving and holding him still, roughly. 

“Y-You- damn Omega.” Rinne gasped against his throat, when HiMERU clenched around his pulsing cock, pulling him even deeper in with every throb. He thrust in fully, buried himself as deep as he could to the hilt before he pulled back just to slam forward into the trembling and grasping hole. With each thrust, HiMERU could feel his mind getting more numb, whilst his cock hardened. 

“Ah-!” HiMERU mewled, clutching at Rinne’s back as he pounded into him hungrily, in an almost desperate rhythm. HiMERU was gasping for air when his body jolted from overwhelming pleasure. A fiery sensation was pooling in his lower abdomen. Unfamiliar and intense.

Rinne showed no sign of stopping as he slammed his hips harder, burying his fingers into silky blue hair. The sound of skin on skin and wet friction overpowering their moans, whimpering and grunts. Both lost entirely to their primal instincts.

All of a sudden, a strange feeling rushed deep inside HiMERU. Something unfamiliar. Something that stretched his tight hole even further. Rinne slammed his hips forward harder, earning a sharp gasp from HiMERU as he felt something thick pushing deeper- no, pressing against his limits. 

Rinne growled, scraping his teeth against the sensitive neck. “Is- this what you wanted, stupid Omega?” Rinne’s knot was swelling fast and each thrust grew more strained as his cock struggled to fit deeper into the poor moaning Omega. 

HiMERU arched his back when Rinne pushed in, trying to bury himself as deep as he could before his knot locked him in place, inside the Omega. HiMERU’s breath hitched; he was stuffed full, the swollen knot stretching him painfully wide, leaving no space untouched.

A dark chuckle escaped the Shogun’s lips. “You going to report this too-”

“Shut up!” HiMERU hissed, overwhelmed with sensation. Amagi Rinne was too much! Too deep into him, ramming into him too hard, his knot stretching him too much! Unfortunately, he was also talking too much!

“Ha?” Rinne’s eyes darkened. “Oi,” despite not being able to move due to his fully swollen knot, he still managed a sharp grind forward. Gaining a choked sound from the Omega. He slammed further into him, HiMERU jolted violently, from the electricity coming from below. His senses were overloaded.

Their slick bodies rubbed against each other harder, HiMERU’s belly pooling further with heat. Both were jerking their hips forward as an electric sensation ran through their nerves. A load of thick semen filling HiMERU up his belly. 

HiMERU was panting high pitched and feeling fuller than usual. However, something confused him. Why did Amagi Rinne not move anymore? What happened? HiMERU couldn’t see his face since it was still buried in his neck. 

“Ah…” Rinne raised his head, hovering over HiMERU, smirking wolfishly with a flushed face. He looked down on HiMERU or rather…

HiMERU followed his gaze, widening his eyes when he saw his abdomen, covered in his own seed. He had come untouched and did not even realise it! An embarrassed flush crept through HiMERU’s face.

“Tis’ amazing…” Rinne breathed, leaning back further down. His forehead pressed against HiMERU’s. One would say this was quite an intimate gesture, but Rinne's dark, yet hazy eyes were telling HiMERU something different. “I really don’t need to hold back with an Omega.”

HiMERU was taken aback for a moment before his breath hitched. He looked into those predatory eyes as the beast released his alpha pheromones fully. Immediately, his fingers dug into Rinne’s shoulders. HiMERU wasn’t sure himself if he wanted to push him away.

This cannot be real.

HiMERU flinched and let out a cry when he felt the same fangs on his neck again.

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight struck right into his face, pulling him slowly from sleep.  Rinne squinted against the warm light as he rose from his futon, blinking groggily, finding himself all alone in his chambers. The scrolls were gone. But so was the Omega. 

He didn’t mourn the loss of those trivial scrolls since he knew that intelligence couldn’t truly threaten his position as the Shogun. However, he did not expect the Omega to vanish without a trace. Rinne was sure he would wake up if the Omega stirred awake. Apparently, he had been wrong. 

Rinne had known that something was off about the blue haired man from the very beginning. The moment he saw him at the auction, he had noticed. The delicate face. The striking golden eyes. The arch of his eyebrows. How could someone like him go unnoticed at times? The Omega moved like a ghost through his palace. 

At first, Rinne wasn’t sure. He grew suspicious, thinking that the blue haired one might be an Alpha, but then came the faintest sweet smell. That dangerous scent. Sweet enough to make even Rinne lose his mind during his rut. Forcing him to lose control.

He had even marked the Omega. 

Rinne was tapping his index finger against his wooden desk as he watched the candles flicker. Shameless Omega, all he left behind was nothing but a scratched back. He dared lay fingers on the Shogun, marking his back? … Whatever. 

His eyes really were beautiful, though.

Rinne stopped tapping. A long sigh escaped his lips. It had been two years now. Two whole years without a single clue about the Omega. For the past two years, Rinne had ruled his nation, yes. But behind closed doors, his spies combed the land. And yet, not even a name. Despite their efforts, they found nothing. 

It was as if the Omega never existed in the first place, a ghost rather than a spy, but Rinne knew that he was real. Nonetheless, Rinne had a hunch which Lord the Omega could serve. The Lord from the western region of the Land, Lord Namonaki. And for the past two years, Rinne made sure he nurtured diplomacy with that very man.

“Shogun,” One of his servants entered the room, bowing deeply as he presented a letter. Rinne gestured for him to hand him the letter. The servant carefully yet hasty approached closer as Rinne snatched the letter. Inside was an invitation. From the western regions. Perfect.

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█

Lord Namonaki had spared no expense, his palace bloomed with opulence. Rinne didn’t care much for the greeting ceremony; he wasn’t particularly interested in the Lord anyway. Rinne exited his carriage, striding down the hallway with his usual arrogant pride.

No signs of the Omega. 

The meeting with the Lord was nothing but a tedious ceremony. In the back of his mind, while the Lord was entertaining him, he was thinking about his spies, wondering if they would find anything related to the blue haired Omega this time.

Rinne announced his retreat to his guest chamber. He sat at the wooden table, penning a letter to his younger brother to announce his safe arrival in the western region. “Shogun.” One of his spies came in, bowing deeply. 

“Speak.” Rinne did not bother to raise his head or tear his eyes from the letter he was writing. 

Suddenly, he stopped.

HiMERU. 

After two damn years, he finally had a name. Most likely not his real name, but a thread nonetheless.

HiMERU. One of Lord Namonaki’s spies. No real name, no recorded age. The Omega took various kinds of identities, a master of disguise. For the past two years, he was rarely seen, but it was said that he resided in the Lord’s palace for reasons unknown. 

Apparently, other servants reported a tall blue haired man staying at the Lord’s private archives for a long time.

The private archives… that seemed familiar.

Rinne rose from his desk. It was time to punish that damn Omega. 

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█

It was quite late at night, however his spies told him that he should still be there. His footsteps barely echoed through the quiet halls. Soundlessly, he ascended the stairs. Then, for a moment, he stopped at the entrance.

There he was. Blue hair. Standing right between shelves and scrolls, searching for something. He probably heard Rinne’s arrival but seemed not to care enough to turn around. He was standing there like a ghost, making no sound. His movements quiet. 

Rinne stood still, taking a moment to realise that this so well-hidden Omega was indeed real. 

Rinne approached him, slowly yet steadily, as if he wanted to make sure the Omega wouldn’t run away. HiMERU wore long robes, the back of his neck clothed and covered. “This is where you've been hiding.” Rinne said. 

“Your Majesty shouldn’t be here unannounced.” HiMERU replied, not even turning around to face the Shogun. 

“So you heard my arrival.”

The Omega slightly turned around, glancing at him. Eyeing him from the bottom up. “Yes.” he said nonchalantly. His eyes were arrogant and cold, yet they were as beautiful as they were two years ago. Despite his cold gaze, his face still looked soft. 

“You are harder to find than any of those damn scrolls you like so much.” With each step Rinne took, his presence pressed into the room like waves. “I’m heartbroken,” he said flatly. “You ran off with my mark on your neck. Is this how you treat a gift from your Shogun?”

“HiMERU apologizes, he wasn’t aware that the Shogun was this sentimental. However, he had no interest in being kept by you.” the Omega said.

Rinne raised an eyebrow. He is still talking in third person?

“Why not? If you stayed, you wouldn’t have to hide this-” Rinne reached for HiMERU’s collar, but the blue haired man turned his body completely, now his body facing Rinne completely. 

“Don’t.” HiMERU warned him. 

“How cold~” Rinne smirked as he stepped even closer, invading HiMERU’s space. The faintest smell of jasmine that lingered in the air lured him in, pulling him even closer, trapping HiMERU between his body and the shelves. Shamelessly, Rinne leaned forward, nose almost buried into HiMERU’s neck, inhaling the sweet and fresh scent. 

Rinne clearly remembered how different HiMERU’s scent had been during his heat.

He could feel HiMERU’s body tense as he inhaled the Omega’s scent. “Shogun,” HiMERU said sharply. “Are you already that close to beasthood,  that you can’t restrain yourself?”

“Ah, I gave you too much leeway because of your pretty face.” Rinne easily pressed the Omega against the shelves with his body. His hard chest against the other’s. “But even that leeway’s running thin.” Rinne buried his face deeper into HiMERU, right where his jaw and neck met. Inhaling the sweet yet fresh scent like a bumblebee slurping the nectar from a flower. 

“Should you really act this uncivil?” HiMERU tried to push him off, but Rinne caught his wrists easily. Rinne was contemplating using his Alpha pheromones to make the Omega submit fully to him. That would make the moment easier…

“If you want to negotiate with me, this is not the way.” Rinne smirked, teeth grazing over smooth, silky skin, gaining a slight flinch from the Omega. Then he raised his head, his lips brushing over HiMERU’s ear. “You were serving me so well back then, who knew you had this much attitude in you?” He nibbled on the earlobe. 

Suddenly, HiMERU tensed further. A bit too much. 

“Get off me.” The Omega almost whispered, his voice steady. “Now.” There was a slight panic underneath his voice; rather than a command, it sounded like a plea. HiMERU tried to wiggle himself out of Rinne’s grip as he was in a rush.

“Tch, hey!” Rinne furrowed his eyebrows. “Not even a please? I should put you in place, you ungrateful Omega. Forgotten who is standing before you?” his grip tightened, gaining a slight headshake from the Omega.

“I said get off!” HiMERU hissed. 

Rinne had an amused smirk on his face, seeing the Omega so in distress out of the sudden, but he wondered what made him so-

“Mama?” A quiet voice interrupted them.

Instinctively, Rinne took a step back, putting some distance between HiMERU and him in an instant. 

Both looked at the source of the voice. A small boy with messy red hair and deep cyan eyes. HiMERU crouched down, the little boy ran towards him with unsteady steps, as if he had learned how to walk not too long ago. 

Rinne’s eyes followed the path where the child came from. The little boy appeared behind some shelves…meaning… Did he sleep here? Sleeping while his mother is working?

HiMERU scooped the boy up from the ground and stood straight. Rinne remained expressionless, even though he was taken aback when he looked at those two. The Omega was holding the child tightly, and the little boy found his way onto HiMERU’s robes, clinging on to him as if he belonged there. 

The silence stretched long.

“Where is the father?” Rinne asked finally. 

HiMERU gave him a cold glare. “Dead.”

A hostile yet protective expression. Rinne's expression did not change. “What a coincidence.”

“Leave.” HiMERU turned his body away from him, as if he were trying to hide the little boy.

Rinne tilted his head slightly. “Are you ordering your Shogun?” He looked at the child. Small hands tangled on HiMERU’s robes, clinging to him. Relaxed, his eyes closed. He did not seem to be bothered by Rinne’s presence or the scene at all. Not that a child his age would understand.

“Does Your Majesty want to force a diplomatic incident? Or cause a scene in front of a child?” HiMERU said sharply. But Rinne could tell right away that the Omega was in distress.

“His name?” Rinne’s voice was steady as ever, yet slightly softer underneath. He tried his best not to gaze at the drowsy boy too much.

HiMERU did not answer.

Rinne let out a chuckle. “Fine, then.” There was no need to cause a scene. Not in front of a child, at least. 

Chapter Text

Rinne sat at the wooden desk, candlelight flickering in the afternoon beside him. Black ink pressed into the parchment as he moved his brush with steady strokes. 

He wasn’t sure for how long the small figure stood at the doorway. The small body just stood there silently, staring at him. Rinne set his brush aside and leaned back slightly, finally noticing the little boy. Rinne’s eyes curved with a faint amusement. “Like a shadow you are.”

The little child blinked at him, dumbfounded and clueless. 

Rinne lifted his hand, lazily waving at him. “Come here.”

Surprisingly, the boy obeyed. Without any hesitation he ran forward on short unsteady legs, towards the Shogun. He nearly tripped over his own clumsy feet and pitched forward. But Rinne caught the small child easily with one hand stretched out, across the small belly, holding him steady in the air. “Careful.” The Shogun’s words were low yet authoritative. 

Rinne analysed the boy’s features keenly now. “Hmm, you look like your mama…” The arch of the boy’s eyebrows, at least.  The rest however… 

Rinne’s lips curved slightly. “Just a little, though.” Rinne said as his long fingers brushed over the child’s cheek, poking the soft skin. Earning a giggle from the little boy who leaned further into Rinne, stretching his little body, so his tiny hand could reach the Shogun’s face to poke his cheek.

“Mirroring me, huh?” Rinne raised an eyebrow, genuinely amused. 

“...” The resemblance was sharper up close. It was not just the unruly red hair and the sharpness of his teal eyes, but the way he tilted his head when curious and that mischievous sparkle on his face. “No wonder mama hides you so well” Rinne murmured to himself. 

The boy showed no hesitation, curious and fearless he was when he climbed on top of Rinne’s lap. “Kyahaha!” the child laughed brightly, clearly amused for some reason.

Rinne froze for a moment. His breath stopped, eyes widened. He even sounded like–

“Isamu!” 

A sharp voice cut through his thoughts. Both red heads turned their heads towards the entrance, where a frowning HiMERU stood at the doorway between screen doors. His golden eyes piercing, shooting Rinne a glare.

Rinne had not heard his arrival. 

The glare in those golden eyes softened immediately as soon as they fell on the boy. “Come here.” HiMERU said, his tone losing the cutting edge. 

Isamu hesitated, confused by his mother’s distress. He glanced at Rinne then at his mother again. 

Rinne grinned and grabbed the boy before he could leave. He drew the boy close, squeezing the small face between his fingers with mocking fondness. “That’s not very kind, mama.” Rinne’s grin widened. “Why the rush?” Rinne said while looking at the boys' faces. Feigning innocence, he pressed their faces close together. “Besides this boy here…” he said playfully while tugging the boy’s cheek lightly with one hand, making the boy whine- "Doesn't look like you at all~”

“Shogun” HiMERU raised his voice, strode forward not hiding the tension in his frame “This child is no toy but mine.” The sharp glare in his golden eyes prominent, Rinne felt the slight rush of excitement in his veins after witnessing HiMERU’s rush of protectiveness. 

The Shogun was yet not a cruel person and let go of the child, who ran straight towards his mother. Isamu wrapped his short arms around HiMERU’s leg. “Be…?” He said as he looked up.

HiMERU cast his eyes down at his child, “Yes,” his tone gentled instantly, eyes filled with fragile affection only for the small boy. “It’s time for bed.” 

Rinne watched the scene in front of him, expressionless. Yet his thoughts coiled. He can be so different, huh. Swiftly, Rinne stood up, approaching the two closer, leaning closer until only HiMERU could hear him. “Careful mama, you don't want the wrong eyes to see him” he said. 

Then he walked out of the room in silence.

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█

After setting Isamu to sleep, HiMERU left the child’s room. With light and precise steps he turned around and froze when he saw Rinne leaning against the hallway’s wall just beside the door frame. Arms crossed loosely as he gave the Omega a cocky smile. 

HiMERU’s eyes hardened instantly. “How long have you been standing there?” Despite his stern tone, the faint edge of irritation was not to be mistaken. .

Rinne shrugged. “Long enough to hear your lullaby voice.” He replied smoothly. 

HiMERU shot him a death glare for a brief moment before he pushed past him.

“Oii~ don't give me that look~” Rinne pushed away from the wall, following the Omega’s steps. “Just thought I would invite you for a nice walk. Just the two of us.”

HiMERU halted and turned around. “A walk?” His eyes glinting with suspicion. 

“What?” Rinne scoffed and raised an eyebrow. “Scared of the moon now?” He folded his arms lazily. 

HiMERU gave no answer. His gaze lingered on the Shogun for too long before he turned away again. 

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█

The palace’s garden lay quiet, the wind stood still as night petals were blooming and the crickets chirped. The Koi fishes swam in circles inside the pond without a sound, as the full moon mirrored on the water’s surface. 

The two men walked side by side with a safe distance to each other. Their footsteps light. Rinne breathed in the night air, admiring and savouring the moment of peace of this serene garden, which was still nothing compared to the Shogunate’s garden. Nonetheless, it was enough to bring him a moment of peace as they stopped right at the edge of the pond, watching the silence rippling forming as the fishes neared the water’s surface. 

“What do you want?” HiMERU broke the silence. The Omega’s eyes still fixated on the pond. 

Rinne raised his head and blinked clueless at the Omega for a second. Then he remembered. “Oh right, almost forgot” He invaded HiMERU’s space with one step to grab his waist pulling the Omega closer.

“What-?” HiMERU’s eyes sharpen.

Cute.

Then Rinne pushed him down the pond.

HiMERU went down with a sharp splash. The frogs leapt out of the pond while the water was rippling, the koi fishes disturbed in their habitat. HiMERU’s wet hair was clinging to his soft face, his robes all wet, sticking to his skin. His expression did not change much, but Rinne could tell he was in disbelief by how the Omega’s golden eyes were glaring at him. Holding on to keep his temper.

Rinne smugly crouched down by the edge, his chin resting on his hand. “Oh no~ Did you fall?” A wolfish smile formed on his lips. “You do look like you are shivering~ Fragile little Omega, do you need my help perhaps?”

SWOOOSH. 

Rinne didn’t flinch when the water hit him with force. HiMERU swept both arms through the water and launched a wave of it straight into the Shogun’s face. His smile froze, soaking wet, his hair dripping into his eyes. 

“Oi oi, this…” Rinne’s words dropped lower, yet there was still a bit of playfulness underneath. He studied HiMERU’s soaking wet body, but his eyes went fast up to the Omega’s face. “Is no way to treat your Shogun… careful or you might find yourself punished~”

HiMERU rose from the pond, climbing out of the water in silent. The water around him forming barely any ripples. He approached Rinne slowly, elegant, as his drenched robes cling into his skin heavily. Rinne did not dare to get distracted by the tempting sight. 

This Omega who was playing the role of a servant two years ago approached him with such elegance. Rinne was drinking the delicious and lovely sight in front of him.

“You do this on purpose.” HiMERU said lowly, voice taunting. Though, his temper was still in control. Or so he thinks. It was amusing how hard HiMERU tried to keep his temper– as if none of this was bothering him. “You want a reaction”

“Oh, and you think you know what I want?” Rinne had a crooked smile on his face.

“You are so childish, Shogun” HiMERU said his title in cold mockery.

Rinne crouched down, his hand reaching for the pond. “And you are always so beautiful, especially when cornered.” his fingers were trailing briefly through the pond before flicking water against HiMERU’s leg. “Which is very easy to do~”

HiMERU stared at him, expression unreadable again. His body slightly tense. A slight breeze stirred the bell, which rang softy into the night. When HiMERU turned around to pass the Shogun, Rinne had a suspicion.

Rinne caught his wrist before the Omega could leave. His skin was burning, veins throbbing. “What now-” 

“You’re shivering.” Rinne’s tone was firm. 

HiMERU froze. How unusual for someone who was usually always hiding and reserved. 

Rinne cast his eyes lower, his smirk faded away. He notices the unusual tightness in HiMERU’s jaw. The pink flush rising across his cheekbones, creeping to the tips of his ears. Too warm for someone who just got submerged into cold water a minute ago.

“...” Rinne’s tone shifted lower, more serious– authoritative yet careful. “How did you survive your heats after…” 

“Didn't.” HiMERU interrupted him, he turned his head away from the Alpha. 

Rinne slightly tightened his grip around the firm wrist, his words low yet not teasing. “So this is your first since…”

HiMERU avoided the sharp gaze radiating from the Alpha. “Yes.” Surprisingly, the Omega answered well this time with a steady voice.

Rinne’s eyes darkened, unreadable. There was a flicker of something… something he couldn’t grasp on yet. Was it hunger? Guilt? Or even longing perhaps? Then he let out a scoff. “You hid well, I didn’t smell it until now”

“The suppressants just got weaker.” HiMERU tried to leave as he snatched his wrist away from the Alpha, his movement was clumsy, a bit… just like back then. Small mistakes, which a person who was always in control like him would never do.

“And yet you still went with me” Rinne smirked almost softly. 

“As if you would leave one alone…” HiMERU’s lips escaped a slight pant as he hissed at the Shogun as Rinne was invading his space.

“Then I shall bring you to your chambers, hmm… you look like you're burning.”

“Ha?” HiMERU raised an eyebrow. 

Rinne didn’t need to explain. He just grabbed the Omega by the wrist again to pull him closer. He leaned down to grab HiMERU’s legs, carrying him like a princess. Since the Omega was almost as tall as him, he expected HiMERU to be much heavier– not that it was easy to carry. But as the Shogun, Rinne should try to appear nonchalant, no?

“Are you out of your mind?!” HiMERU snapped at him.

So this is how he is when he decides to lose his walls, hmm…

“Shh,” Rinne’s smirk widened. “You don’t want to get caught in such an embarrassing moment, no?” He carried the Omega away from the pond.

“You– this is merely a biological reaction!” HiMERU’s slightly flushed face brighten. “Put HiMERU down, immediately!” Rinne could hear the slight panic in his remark. Losing the slightest control makes this Omega panic, hmm. Perhaps this one was more sensitive than Rinne thought. 

“Calm down, I am not going to do anything.” Rinne took a few steps.

“Amagi Rinne…” HiMERU hissed quietly.

“Nah, nah, did you just say my name?” Rinne laughed. Anyone else would be dead by now. Surely a beautiful face as this Omega comes with many privileges… “You don’t want to excite me, don’t you?” Rinne warned him playfully dangerous. He felt HiMERU’s muscles tense for a second. Good, he is still careful. His heat cannot be that bad then. 

“Now…” Rinne shifted HiMERU’s weight slightly as he stood still.  “Where in the hell is your room?”

║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█

Somehow, Rinne managed to slide the door open without faltering as he was carrying the burning HiMERU inside his bedroom. Stepping inside the chamber, he lowered the now panting Omega carefully onto the neat and tidy futon. However, before Rinne could draw back, he felt slender fingers, tightly gripping on his robes.

“Oi-” Rinne stumbled forward, braced on his forearms as he was on top of the Omega, looking down on him. HiMERU’s eyes seem to be unfocused, glazed. The needy panting and that flushed face, Rinne was familiar with it. 

The Sweet scent filled Rinne’s nostrils, clouding his mind completely for a second time. This smell. A scent that Rinne had only witnessed for one night, but it branded right into his core memory. The scent of night-blooming cereus filled the bedroom, sweet, creamy yet refreshing. Rinne had to fight not to let out a shaky exhalation. Even though he was nowhere near his rut, it was still difficult to control himself.

Completely unfocused, the Omega shook his head slightly, trying to hide his face. "Leave…don't touch HiMERU!”

“Right…” Rinne furrowed his brows like he was reasoning the obvious. “Except I cannot”

HiMERU was still holding on to him with trembling hands. Nonetheless, Rinne did not press down, not force himself, he was just above the Omega as if HiMERU would break just by Rinne making the slightest wrong move.

“God damn, this is so unfair…” Rinne breathed quietly. The heat radiating from the Omega tormented his body, his senses. 

“I said-!” HiMERU raised his voice, a trembling fist hitting weakly the Alpha’s chest.

“I know,” Rinne’s strict tone interrupted the Omega. Then his voice soften so ever slightly like he was trying to ensure the other male. “But you are fighting yourself here, not me. I told you I won’t do anything to you.”

“It’s all your fault,” HiMERU choked when a wave of his heat hit him, head tipped back against the futon. Exposing the smooth neck slightly, tempting the Alpha. “Everything… you shouldn’t–” HiMERU let out a defeated sigh, throwing his arm above his eyes, “Forget it… HiMERU shouldn't say that.”

Rinne’s mind was racing. Should he be surprised at the slight outburst of the usually detached Omega, or drink the delicious sight that happen to be in front of him? For a very long moment, he just observed HiMERU. Those flushed cheek, the rise and fall of his chest, which was too fast. His clothes and hair dried up a bit– yet he looked different. Less perfect. More undone. Raw…

Damn it!

“Yeah,” Rinne said softly. More than he intended to. “I know.” … but you didn't run fast enough even if you could. Even now you are not even trying to run away from me… is what he wanted to say.

But he didn’t. Cautiously, he sank down beside the Omega on the futon. Lying close enough for their scents to blend– yet their bodies untouching. For now, this is the only thing Rinne could do.

“You can hate me how much you want,” Rinne murmured. “For now, I got you, though.” he released his pheromones, carefully. He was not trying to overwhelm HiMERU, but to calm him down with his pheromones. 

“Shameless…” HiMERU mumbled, turned his head away from the Alpha, yet his body was facing Rinne as he was leaning into the scent. 

"Shameless is pulling the Shogun to bed with you, seducing him with your heat.” Rinne had his usual sly smile on his face, yet his words were still soft. He was unsure how those words would affect HiMERU since he did push enough of the Omega’s buttons… “But maybe you are right.” he added.

Since when was Rinne so nice? Well, he was not a cruel ruler– if not needed. But being so careful towards someone else? This much? Why was he so intimidated by a damn Omega– someone who was below him in any shape or form!

Since HiMERU did not give any reaction, Rinne pulled the pillow from the futon between them. Not that this barrier would do anything physically, but perhaps it would put HiMERU more at ease. Knowing that Rinne meant it that he wouldn’t cross a line.

Who knew that the Shogun could be this much of a gentleman, hm?

Only for now, though. Rinne really wanted to see the mark on HiMERU’s neck...why didn't he take the chance? He could’ve used an excuse to help HiMERU out of his wet clothes, damn it! Not that he needed an excuse, he could just force HiMERU to show his neck– ahh, whatever.

There was no need to ponder about those things. He let himself enjoy the sight of the Omega next to him, who slowly fell into slumber. His initial plan was just to come where, take the Omega and then go back to his palace… he wonders if this would be as easy as he imagined…