Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dazai knew from a pretty young age there was going to be a lot expected of him.

Being so far the only prince of the Yokohama providence, the conversations he’s heard the grownups talk about regarding him sounded pretty important. Lots of talking about him finding a suitable mate depending on how he presents. There were some aspects of those conversations he didn’t understand and when that happens you tend to go and ask someone you trust.

“Mother, can I ask you a question?”

Ōgai Mori stopped his needlework, putting down the needle hoop that had an unfinished koi fish in embroidery. Turning to address his pup, Mori always made time for his son, never even entertaining the thought of a nanny to tend to Dazai.

“Always little one, what is your question?”

Dazai fidgeted where he stood, the five year old tugging on his sleeve. He was never afraid of asking questions especially to his mother but…this one seemed very important.

“What do the grownups mean when they say find me a suitable mate?”

Mori let out a sigh, he’ll have to tell Fukuzawa the council was being too chatty about their son. It was way too early for him to be thinking about things like this. Mori opened his arms and Dazai immediately climbed into them, resting his head on his mother’s chest. He could hear Mori’s heartbeat and then the little purring sound from the omega.

“You know how I love your father so much?” Mori felt Dazai nod his head. “Well, believe it or not we actually didn’t always like each other.”

Dazai’s eyes widened, and he pulled away to stare at his mother, his expression pulled a chuckle from the omega seeing how big eyed Dazai looked, like those pop eyed goldfish in their ponds.

“Your grandfather Natsume arranged your father and I to marry, I wasn’t all that thrilled. I thought your father was just going to be another boarish smug alpha.” Dazai had a bit of a hard time imagining his father like that. Fukuzawa was nothing but honorable, kind and smart. Dazai looked up to his father immensely, wanting too just be like him.

“But your father surprised me, he was kind and patient with me, knowing how it wasn’t exactly fair for me to be given away with no say. Needless to say, now I love your father more than anything and can’t imagine life without him.”

Dazai’s parents were a very loving couple, more so than a lot of other lesser lords and officials were when Dazai had to go to those parties and galas. Dazai even saw some officials kissing others in hallways who were not their mates.

“The officials are talking about when you’ll be given your special someone, though they’re still in the archaic ways of thinking. Your father and I want you to find a mate on your own, someone you’ll love and cherish forever.” When his mother put it like that it sounded very beautiful and fairytale-like. Dazai was comforted by his mother’s words, the omega happy his pup’s worries were put at ease for now.

“Do you think my mate is out there?” Dazai rested his head back on Mori’s chest, arms wrapped loosely around the omega’s neck.

“Of course, they’re out there dear.”

Dazai smiled, nuzzling under his mother’s chin getting the omega to laugh and nuzzle back. A happy moment between the two.

A presence was sensed, and Mori perked up though soften seeing it was just Fukuzawa. Dazai noticed his father when he walked closer, smelling the alpha’s rich scent of green tea leaves with a hint of the ocean.

Dazai made an ick face as his parents shared a kiss between the two of them before Fukuzawa placed a kiss on Dazai’s head.

“What were you two up to?”

“Father I’m going to find my mate on my own, mother said I could!”

Fukuzawa’s brow raised, looking to Mori for a bit of context but the omega had nothing to offer. Giving Fukuzawa a look of ‘i’ll tell you later just play along.’

“Well, I know you will son.” Ruffling Dazai’s hair, the pup let out a little laugh before he held his arms out wanting more love and adoration from his father. Fukuzawa won’t deny his son, easily lifting Dazai into his arms holding him close. Mori beamed happily watching his husband and son have such a strong and happy bond.

Mori rose from his seat to join the bonding, Fukazawa wrapping an arm around Mori. He tried to go in for a kiss, but Dazai put his little hands over Fukuzawa’s face. “Icky icky kisses.”

The omega couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, so father can’t kiss me, but you can?”

“Yes, kisses for mother only from me.” Dazai wrapped his arms around Mori’s neck and gave a kiss to his cheek. Mori, amused, seemed it was true that pups' first love will always be their mothers. Fukuzawa sneaked a kiss which got Dazai gasping loudly that his father would do something like that.

The family sharing a happy moment together, many Dazai in the future wish he never took for granted.

The following year Dazai became a big brother to a little sister, her name Yosano. She was the spitting image of their mother with her dark hair and purple eyes. Dazai was a little apprehensive at first to the notion of a sibling. The idea of sharing his parents was not something he was fond of but as soon as he saw his little sister Dazai fell in love.

“Gentle dear, gentle.” Mori chided Dazai who leaned in closer to see his sister. She was a squishy looking thing, Dazai’s first impulse was to poke her cheeks. Yosano let out a sneeze from the poke before crying. Dazai shied away, burying his face in Mori’s shoulder frightened from the crying.

“Oh, it’s ok Dazai you didn’t do anything wrong, the sneeze scared her.” Mori brought Yosano close to his chest, rubbing her back. The omega is still tired from just giving birth but it was important Dazai get introduced to his sister soon so they can put his worries at ease. Yosano calmed down and her crying stopped, Dazai peeked his head from his hiding spot and came face to face with the infant pup.

Dazai stared at her with rapt attention.

It was a few moments of silence until Dazai reached out again, not to poke his sister but to gently pet her head, it was something his father did to him so maybe she’ll like it. Yosano didn’t cry and it seemed to soothe a little, scrunched up face relaxed.

“She likes you.” Mori smiled watching his children.

“She does?” Dazai looking at his mother.

“Of course, you’re her big brother.”

Dazai’s eyes sparkled as he looked to Yosano with such love and adoration. The sliding door opened, and Fukuzawa finally entered. Dazai was a little confused when his mother pulled him close and lightly growled at his father, why was mother growling at him? Dazai watched Fukuzawa carefully walk closer, his hands up his scent coming out calmingly.

When Mori caught the scent, he calmed down recognizing his mate, omegas tend to be more protective and territorial after giving birth and since Fukuzawa had been pulled away by duties he couldn’t be there for the birth. Fukuzawa sat on the edge of the bed, Mori showing Yosano to the alpha.

“She’s beautiful dove.”

Fukuzawa held his hands out, a silent plea to hold her. Mori nodded and Fukuzawa gently took the baby into his arms. Holding the little one in his lap as he gazed down on her sleeping face. Mori let out a sigh, exhaustion catching up with him, Dazai looked up at his mother with slight worry, nuzzling under his chin.

“I’m fine Dazai, just tired.”

“You should rest dove, I’ll watch over the two.”

Mori nodded and leaned back, a hand gently rubbing Dazai’s back until he dozed off. Dazai carefully pulled away from his mother, climbing over him to sit next to his father holding Yosano.

“You’ll watch over your sister right Dazai?”

“Yes father.”

Over the years Dazai watched over his sister closely, sometimes he was more smothering than his mother. When she was learning to crawl Dazai would always pick her up and bring her back to the blanket she was lying on and keep it up. Mori gently chided Dazai that Yosano could crawl as much as she wanted, and couldn't be carried around all the time.

Yosano in turn was always by Dazai’s side, he was the first person she walked to and Dazai was immensely proud of it.

Though as Dazai was getting older he found himself doing a lot more tutoring. Learning was something he enjoyed but he still wished to go play with his sister or the other children in the court.

When he turned twelve, he heard a lot of the adults talking about how he was a late bloomer for his gift.

While young children waited to see how they presented they also could be born with an ability.

Both of Dazai’s parents had abilities, his father had one that kept everyone’s gift under his command in check while his mother had an ability that manifested as a guardian. Her name was Elise and the young blonde woman helped Mori around with his children. She was a great caretaker and nurse.

Some children are born with an ability while others can get one later in life. Being the child of two ability users it was more likely Dazai would inherit an ability, but anything can happen. They still weren’t sure if Yosano had one, but it was more important if Dazai had one since he’s the crown prince.

Though when he found out about his ability, he wishes he never had one.

Being royalty never allowed you a moment of total peace.

Dazai never realized the dangers his parents were shielding him from for most of his early life. Being the crown prince with no ability painted a huge target on his back. His mother happened to be in the wrong place at the right time.

The assassin entered when Mori opened the door to check on Dazai. The instinct to protect was instant and Elise came out to keep Dazai safe. The young one woke up with a yelp, scared watching Elise fighting an unknown person who was using an ability as well to fight her off.

“Dazai!” Mori cried out to his son, scared stiff in his bed.

Dazai snapped out of it and moved right before the assassin ran into him. Dazai ran into his mother’s arms for protection, something he’ll regret for years to come.

When Dazai touched his mother, a light appeared when they made contact, Dazai was confused for a moment until he realized this was the activation for an ability. Dazai hoped his ability would keep his mother safe, but it was the opposite.

“Elise!”

Dazai turned his head and watched in horror as Elise disappeared before his eyes!

Mori’s guardian gone, the assassin moved forward, pulling out a knife ready to finish the job and kill off the crown prince. Mori saw what was happening and pulled Dazai close, turning him around to use his body and shield Dazai from the attack. It was too late for Dazai to take the blow and the knife found its mark, digging into Mori’s back. The omega let out a cry in pain which is a sound no child wants to hear from his mother.

“MOM!”

Luckily the commotion woke up Fukuzawa who emerged from the door, surveying the scene of Mori slumped over a crying Dazai with a knife in his lower back, an unknown assailant trying to escape seeing the alpha.

Fukuzawa saw red.

Letting out an angry yell Fukuzawa moved so fast Dazai didn’t even see him slice up the assassin. The assassin slumped over choking on blood, Fukuzawa wanted to kill him, but he needed to keep him alive for now to find out who sent them.

The noise seemed to wake up the rest of the estate, Dazai was hysterical as he was shaking and nudging his mother who was not responding.

“Mom? Mom! Mom! Please wake up, you gotta wake up!” Dazai full on crying, Mori was pulled off Dazai into Fukuzawa’s arms. Holding the omega gently but there was clear worry written over his face.

“Dove, stay with me.”

Gently patting Mori’s face to wake him up, glad to see the omega’s eyes open. Mori groaned and moved his hand to where the knife was still embedded in his back.

“Good…don’t remove the knife yet, but I fear it might be laced with poison.” Which would explain while Mori was unresponsive and sluggish.

The guards entered the room and took the assassin to a holding cell while Fukuzawa stood up holding Mori. Rushing the omega to the infirmary while shouting to any servants awake to contact a doctor. Dazai rushed after his father, almost crashing into Yosano who woke up from all the commotion.

“Ni-san what’s going on?” The five year old holding her plush toy of a cat tight to her chest.

“Um well-“

“Hurry someone get the doctor the matriarch has been injured!” A servant shouted running past the children. Yosano’s eyes widened as she took in the news, tears brimming her eyes as she ran away from Dazai towards the infirmary.

“Mommy!”

Dazai followed his distraught sister to the infirmary. The door was crowded by servants but luckily the kids were small enough to crawl through. Yosano rushed to her mother but Fukuzawa grabbed her so the doctors could work on him.

Dazai stood there watching the doctors carefully remove the knife and then the bleeding started. So many white clean clothes pressed down to stop the bleeding while the doctor tried to stitch up the wound. Though everyone gasped seeing a rune appear from the wound after it was stitched up.

“This is the work of an ability user…” The doctor concluded.

Yosano finally got out of her father’s arms and rushed to Mori’s side, begging and pleading with her mother to wake up.

Dazai stood there in shocked silence watching everything slowly crumble around him. It should have been him in that bed in pain from the stab wound and the unknown ability affecting his mother. The target was obviously him, his mother just happened to come and check on him.

But then a voice in the back of Dazai’s mind said this was all his fault because of his ability.

Dazai didn’t want to accept it, but his ability came to him ‘No Longer Human’ . He remembered the kanji appearing before his eyes when he touched his mother and then Elise disappeared. His ability nullified others, he made his mother essentially powerless to protect him and he’s paying for it with his life right now.

Dazai’s eyes landed on the dagger used to hurt his mother, everyone was focused on the omega so it was easy for him to swipe it and leave the room.

The rest of the estate was in chaos over the news spreading, everyone on high alert or expecting the worst. Dazai made his way to the dungeons, walking down holding a lantern as he descended lower and lower. The guards came to attention before the cell the assassin was being held in.

“Young prince, shouldn’t you be at his majesty's side during this time?” One of them questioned.

“Leave us.”

Both guards looked at each other. “Young prince you shouldn’t-“

“I said leave us, I order you as your crown prince to leave.”

The guards were hesitant to obey but this was a direct order. The guards moved away from the cell and walked away. Leaving Dazai alone with the assassin.

With the lantern he was able to get a better look at him as he breathed heavily from the wounds his father inflicted.

“Who sent you?” Dazai growled.

“I’m not telling you anything brat.” The assassin spit some blood in Dazai’s direction.

“What is the ability you used to poison my mother?”

“Go to hell brat.”

Dazai growled more, he fished the keys he had swiped from one of the guards passing by and unlocked the cell door, then he surprised the assassin by locking it again.

“You hurt my mother and now he’s suffering, you’re going to tell me everything.” Dazai stood before the assassin.

“Ha! What’s a spoiled pup like you going to do to me? I’m shaking in my boots.” Not at all swayed by this pup trying to put on a threatening front but then the assassin caught a whiff of a sour scent.

It hadn’t been there before, and it sent a shiver down his spine along with the hairs at the back of his neck standing up. It was the overwhelming scent of an angry alpha. The assassin looked behind the prince to see if his father had come down to visit him, but it then hit the assassin the scent was coming from the prince!

The boy had presented!

Dazai growled loud as he kneeled, pulling out a dagger which got the assassin shaking since it was the same dagger he used on Mori.

“Now why would you be so scared all of sudden with this dagger so close to you.” Dazai brought it closer to his face and the assassin shied away. Dazai didn’t let him get away and stabbed the dagger into the assassin’s shoulder, he let out a pained yelp, his face paling when a red rune appeared when Dazai pulled it out.

“What ability is this and how do I stop it?”

The assassin gritted his teeth at Dazai, blood staining them as the beta before the prince grunted in pain from the effects of the ability that poisoned him.

“It’s an ability transferred through blood, when two people are affected they slowly start to die!”

“Where is the ability user?”

The assassin groaned in pain, the effects of the ability getting to him, but his silence was angering Dazai. The room filled with his powerful new alpha scent making the beta whine, Dazai impatiently grabbed him by the hair, throwing his head back against the wall.

“If you don’t tell me then I’ll kill you myself!”

“Ugh he’s hiding in the mines! Awaiting my return to make the process go faster.”

Dazai snarled, throwing the assassin to the ground. Stalking to the cell door to open it and let himself out and locking it behind him. “If I don’t find that ability user, I will kill you.”

The assassin sucked in a breath watching the prince stalk off. Now he was hoping his partner won’t sell him out.

Dazai easily made it to the stables without anyone blinking an eye at him, his hooded cloak keeping his identity concealed. Saddling his horse and mounting her. Taking the reins he got her into a run heading in the direction of the mines, they had been abandoned recently due to the unsafe conditions, a perfect hiding spot for bandits and those planning an assassination attempt.

It seemed the partner in crime to the assassin was too cocky as he emerged from the mines when he heard Dazai’s horse approach. Dazai brought his horse to a stop and dismounted, keeping himself hidden.

“Did you get both brats? I can’t make the poison kill those runts faster if you only pricked one.”

Dazai’s assumption was correct, the assassin was targeting him and his sister.

Dazai tried to keep his emotions in check but as a newly presented alpha steaming mad that his family was hurt, he couldn’t keep his scent in check. The man finally picked up on it and noticed that the hooded figure before him wasn’t the beta assassin.

“Who are you?”

Dazai growled, lashing out, faster than the man expected as he pushed the man to the ground and dug a dagger into his shoulder. The man let out a scream of pain and Dazai grabbed him by the face, hard enough to bruise. Calling upon his ability, the lights and shimmers of ribbons swirled around the two before dissipating into glowing dust. The man pinned down eyes widened, his recent connection to the two parties affected by his blood gone.

“What did you do?”

“I nullified your ability, so now my mother won’t die.”

“But who was the other person affected if it wasn’t you or the princess?” The man’s eyes wide.

“Your partner in this crime, he’s lucky for now.”

“That coward of course he wouldn’t reveal that killing one of the two affected would nullify the ability!” The man pinned down pleaded, hoping maybe the angry prince would spare him.

“I don’t care, now you will tell me who hired you to kill me and my sister. Now.” Dazai dug the dagger deeper into the man’s shoulder. The man let out a cry of pain, he did not expect the crown prince to act this way! All the stories and reports about him said he was this sweet pup who wouldn’t hurt a fly, now he had a look of murderous intent in his eyes!

Dazai’s overwhelming alpha scent with him now twisting the dagger was enough to make the man break.

“Ok ok ok I’ll tell you everything! It was Lord Kujo, he wanted you and the princess dead!”

Dazai sneered, why was that cowering old lord on his deathbed ordering assassins to kill the crown prince and princess? His mother was even that man’s doctor!

The man below Dazai was panting and grunting in pain as every breath was agony. The man thought he was about to be spared but the dagger was then ripped out of his wound and Dazai was about to bring it down. Luckily for the man someone stopped Dazai.

“Dazai no!”

Dazai let out a snarl as he was pulled off the man responsible for his mother almost dying. Dazai clawing and growling at whoever was holding him back, intent on eliminating the threat to his family. Whoever had Dazai in his arms gave Dazai a shake to make him stop. Dazai finally whipped his head around intent to dig his fangs into the jugular of whoever was holding him back but stopped seeing Odasakue.

“Oda…”

“Dazai, it’s not worth it, you’re too young to have blood on your hands.”

It finally dawned on Dazai what he was just about to do, and the guilt hit him like a ton of bricks. All the adrenaline from torturing the two assassins and then almost taking one of their lives left him. Dazai was starting to shake in Oda’s arms, the older alpha pulled Dazai close to give him comfort.

Guards that Oda brought with him came to arrest the man.

The two guards Dazai ordered away reporting to Oda that the crown prince requested to be left alone with the assassin. Oda thought the worst when he rushed down to the dungeons, relieved to see Dazai didn’t do the unthinkable. Oda had to beat around the assassin for him to reveal where his accomplice was.

Pulling Dazai more into his arms to pick him up.

“It’s ok Dazai, everything will be ok now.”

Dazai felt tears sting his eyes as he buried his face in Oda’s neck to hide them. The older alpha brought Dazai back to the estate, the other accomplice thrown into the dungeon.

Once back Dazai rushed to the infirmary and sighed in relief seeing his mother was alright. The poison ability no longer affecting him, but the stab wound still gives Mori discomfort. Yosano curled up on Mori’s good side clinging to him tight as she slept. Fukuzawa was sitting by Mori’s side watching over his mate, he stood seeing Dazai.

“Dazai, where have you been?”

Dazai will explain everything to his father later, right now he just needed to know his mother was ok. Walking over to the unoccupied side Dazai gently took Mori’s hand, then he sat on the edge of the bed, resting his head on Mori’s chest to hear his heartbeat. Breaking down hearing it, burying his face in the hoari his mother wore. Fukuzawa sat next to Dazai and rubbed his back, a million questions at where his son had been but just let him have this moment.

A new scent tickled Fukuzawa’s nose and he realized it was coming from Dazai, the usual sour smell of a distressed alpha.

It seemed Dazai had presented as an alpha.

Conversations will be had later.

Mori finally stirred, probably from smelling Dazai’s new scent, his nose wrinkled until his eyes landed on Dazai sobbing into his chest. Moving his free hand to stroke Dazai’s hair, the young alpha sucked in a breath and raised his head, looking into his mother’s violet eyes.

“It’s ok Osamu, I’m ok.”

Dazai’s eyes watered with more tears as he hugged his mother, crying more into his embrace. Mori held Dazai close as much as he could since he was still recovering.

The following few days were not easy.

Dazai revealed to his father the information he received from the assassins. It angered the older alpha that someone the kingdom had considered an ally would conspire to eliminate his children.

Fukuzawa didn’t know the best way to progress with this information without it getting out of hand and potentially jump start a conflict. His hand tightens around the summons from the lord Kujo requesting Mori to come for the monthly checkup.

Fukuzawa didn’t want Mori to go but the omega said he had to, potentially he could get information from the delusional old man.

The compromise to let Mori go was to bring Dazai, since he just presented the old lord won’t recognize his scent and with his ability to nullify others Dazai was the best bet to keep Mori safe.

The two set out to the old lord’s estate, it was in worse condition the last time Mori was here and even more of the staff have left. Dazai followed his mother, keeping an eye out for any threats as they entered the master bedroom. Dazai’s nose wrinkled from the foul stench of the room, it smelled of death.

“Who’s there?” The old lord's raspy voice called out.

“It’s Mori, here for your check up.” Mori pulled out some tools to begin the examination.

“So sorry for the loss of your pups.” The old man let out a raspy cough.

Both Dazai and Mori froze, the lunatic admitting to his crimes. It wasn’t public knowledge what had happened, the staff was sworn to secrecy and the two assassins were set to be executed soon.

“They were weak like their father.” The old man kept prattling on while Dazai was trying to keep his emotions in check, he wanted to go over and smoother the old man with a pillow. “If only you had stayed promised to me, we could have had strong children Ōgai.”

Mori held back a shiver of disgust when the old lord reached out to touch his arm, Mori brushed it off.

“Still hung up on that marriage proposal I denied?”

Mori pulled out some salves even if every fiber in his being didn’t want to help the man who planned for his children to be killed.

“It’s a shame about your daughter…I heard she looked just like you, so beautiful. Perhaps if I couldn’t have you, I could have had her.”

Dazai felt sick to his stomach listening to this, hearing this perverted old man talk about his sister.

That seemed to be Mori’s breaking point, the old lord kept talking while Mori took his surgeon knife and cut the man’s jugular. A spray of blood gushing out it splattered against the wall.

Dazai’s eyes widened seeing his mother just assassinate the old lord!

Mori turned to face Dazai, his eyes brimming with anger but there was a gleam of delight, the omega covered in blood.

“You’re my witness, my son, that he was found dead when we arrived here.”

“…of course, mother.”

Dazai never was the same after that event.

Many who knew him when he was a child saw how much colder the young prince had become after he presented and the assignation attempt.

Mori fretted and kept trying to reassure Dazai that he wasn’t at fault for what happened. His ability was not to blame for making Elise disappear and keep her from protecting them.

“You were a scared child running into his mother’s arms for protection, and even if Elise was there, I still would have taken the blow for you.”

Dazai eventually figured out how to control his ability so not every time he touched someone, he turned off their ability. Still the guilt weighed heavily on him, it should have been him suffering and almost dying, not his mother, he was the intended target.

When Dazai suddenly appeared back to his normal self it made his parents and sister a little suspicious. While everyone was happy to see he was better, something just felt off with the young alpha.

It all came to a head when Dazai was sixteen and Yosano eleven.

Yosano was going to fetch Dazai for dinner since he hadn’t come down even after the servant tried to fetch him. She knocked on the frame of the sliding door.

“Ni-san its dinner.”

There was no answer, she knocked again and still no answer.

Rolling her eyes, she slid the door open and what she saw will haunt her for the rest of her life.

Dazai laid in a pool of blood, his forearms bleeding from all the cuts from them!

“Osamu!” Yosano rushed over to her brother, her kimono getting soaked in blood, but she didn’t care. Remembering what her mother taught her about finding a pulse she put two fingers on Dazai’s neck and waited, she felt a pulse, but it was weak.

“No no nii-san you can’t die!” Yosano felt the tears streaming down her face as she was powerless. Last she felt this was when their mother took the blow from the assassin aimed at Dazai. She knew Dazai still blamed himself for that but to resort to these methods!?

“Mommy!! Father!!” Yosano cried out as she held Dazai into her arms, pleading and begging with him not to die.

“Don’t die, don’t die, don’t die, please don’t die!!”

Yosano screamed as a swarm of butterflies came from her and fluttered around the room.

Thou Shall Not Die

The kanji appeared before her eyes, then she noticed the butterflies fluttering around along with the similar effect of an ability. She heard a gasp in lap and saw Dazai open his eyes!

Dazai blinked, staring up at his sister, tears in her eyes and the pain in his arms gone. Dazai lifted one arm up and Yosano saw the cuts were healed but the scars from previous ones remained. Dazai noticed the butterflies still flying around and he reached out touching one, his ability activated, and all the butterflies disappeared.

The thundering footsteps reached the two and their parents stood in the doorway. It was a horrid scene still for them seeing both Dazai and Yosano covered in blood!

After all the fretting and explaining it appeared Yosano’s gift manifested. Able to heal someone on the brink of death.

The family was grateful for it while Dazai was little dejected he was saved.

Both Yosano and his mother drilled into his thick skull that nothing was his fault and they all rather have him alive than dead.

Dazai promised he won’t do it again…for now.

Dazai was twenty two this year and now all those talks the council prattled about finding a suitable mate was making the rounds again.

Dazai has met his fair share of suitable omegas recently, especially during big events such as feasts, festivals and gatherings. Being a bachelor who is also a prince made him very desirable, though that had its downside as well, too much attention was never something Dazai liked unless it was from family.

Tugging at the bandages on his arms out of nervous habit looking for an escape from all of this boring one sided conversation with one of the persistent omegas vying for his hand, he believed her name was Saski.

Luckily his sister saw him suffering and swooped in.

Yosano accidentally tripped and her drink of sake spilled onto Saski’s kimono.

“Whoops, sorry silly me I’m just so clumsy when I have a few drinks.” Yosano slurred a bit more excessive to sell it. Saski flushed, either out of embarrassment or anger the two didn’t know as she stalked away to clean herself. Yosano looped her arm around Dazai and took him away onto a balcony for fresh air and an escape.

“Thanks, but you really shouldn’t be drinking.”

Yosano puffed her cheeks out and placed a hand on her hip. “I’m almost old enough.”

“You know mom is going to have a heart attack if he catches you again.” Dazai rested his elbows back on the railing of the balcony. Watching his sister try to sober up and not look as wasted as she is.

“This is the thanks I’m getting for rescuing you? I even wasted good sake for you.”

“Your sacrifice won’t be in vain I assure you.”

Yosano still stuck her tongue out and took a seat on the stone bench. The cool night air helping her get a little sober, Dazai will be keeping an eye on her for the rest of the night. Forever happy his sister is a beta.

“You know they all stop bothering you if you just pick one.”

“You make picking someone who’s going to spend the rest of my life sound that easy.”

Yosano waved her hand, thinking he was being the ridiculous one.

Dazai was right though, mating was a serious commitment though there was another reason he wasn’t all that interested in picking a mate because he really didn’t want to stay alive much longer. He was just waiting until Yosano was eighteen so then there would be nobody else to challenge her inheritance of the estate. With her as an adult and his parents with no other children she was the only rightful heir to everything. Yosano would be much better suited for the role as head than he'll ever be.

The door to the balcony opened and there was their father. Fukuzawa was older but still sharp as a tact and still had his sense of perfect smell to find his hiding children.

“There you two are, leaving your mother to the wolves, especially you.” Pointing at Dazai.

Dazai shrugged, holding his hands out like he wasn’t at fault for hiding. Yosano was sitting up straight and using every fiber in her being not to appear drunk.

“You’re not fooling me Yosano, I can smell the expensive sake on you.”

Yosano hung her head while Dazai chuckled at his sister being caught.

“Well, I don’t think anyone would get mad at a caring big brother taking his drunk little sister home.”

Both siblings perked up at their father giving them an out to leave the party and head out.

“Go on you two, I’ll take the fall from your mother.”

Both smiled, Yosano giving her father a kiss on the cheek before Dazai held his arm out for her as the two headed back to the guest house they were given by Lord Ango while staying in his providence.

Getting Yosano there he wished her goodnight since he still had places he wanted to explore.

The city’s red light district was a place to check out.

Drawing a hooded cloak to keep his identity concealed in case anyone recognized him.

It was a flurry of activity, full of a mixture of scents, from others and the food stalls. Lots of district workers flaunting their assets to lure a customer into their sheets for payment. Dazai wasn’t really swayed by them he was looking for a place to gamble some yen.

The prince enjoyed a good card game where the states were high.

With electricity making itself more widely available throughout Japan it felt like daytime here when Dazai knew just how late it was. Flashing neon signs everywhere to lure people in. Dazai stepped out of the way of an automobile, and he found a place he was looking for.

A gambler’s den.

Stepping in to see many tables with men playing all kinds of games like cards and mahjong. Surveying the area, he noticed the workers were all wearing a choker collar with a ruby on it, an interesting detail.

Dazai found himself a card table to join at, adding some hundred yen to the betting pool.

Dazai played a few rounds lasting an hour and managed to make more yen than he walked in with. The dealer asked if he would like to play another round and he shook his head.

“I had my fun, best leave on a high note before I bet it all away.” Scooping his yen into his satchel.

“Smart man, get out of here when you can.”

Dazai raised a brow at the words from the dealer but didn’t think too hard into it. He did ask where he could freshen up before heading out. Annoyingly where he needed to wash his hands and face was where unsavory acts were happening. Wrinkling his nose smelling the scent of sex, omegas in heat and alphas in rut. His mouth water but he recoiled from the intense wave of smells.

Finding the restroom, he began washing his hands, the door opened and Dazai gazed in the mirror catching the sight of possibly the most beautiful person he’s ever seen.

They were short, very short with fiery red hair that framed their face and then was long on one side, tied and draped over their shoulder. They had the most stunning blue eyes that appeared to look straight through him. Dazai snuck a sniff and picked up the sweet scent of an omega.

They were wearing a very loose dress, it hung low in the front, able to see their flat chest and two slits on the side revealing their long legs. That same choker on their neck like the rest of the staff.

The omega took one glance at Dazai and chose to ignore him, huffing as they walked up to the mirror to fix their hair.

Dazai kept on staring which the omega noticed, turning their gaze on Dazai, wrinkling their nose taking in Dazai’s appearance.

“Why don’t you call in a photographer to get a photo so it lasts longer.” The omega sneered, snapping Dazai out of his intense staring. Dazai turned off the faucet and shook the water off his hand before taking a hand towel to dry off.

“Pardon me, that was rude.”

“Yeah, didn’t anyone tell you it’s rude to stare?” The omega went back to checking his makeup.

Dazai was taken aback by this behavior, odd seeing an omega act this snappy. Though it was a little refreshing.

Suddenly the door opened and in scampered a young teen. He had reddish hue hair color that was spiked with a scar on his face which was hard to see due to the bruise on his face. The young boy also had that same collar as all the other workers.

“Karma! What happened.” The omega walked over to the young boy, fretting over him. Checking him over and seeing there were bruises on his wrists. “Those assholes, I’ll kill them.”

“Chuuya no!”

“I told them to leave you alone, you’re only fourteen! I can’t believe Ace even lets you work out there.”

Dazai was trying to remove himself from this situation until the door swung open.

A tall lanky man with slicked back white hair walked in, everything about him oozed money and power, he wore many expensive jewelries as well. The omega, Chuuya, let out a growl.

“Ace I told you Karma is too young to be working the floor.” Chuuya pushed the young omega behind him to keep him safe from the tall beta.

“But the patrons like him, he makes me more money out there than doing cleaning duties. But if you insist on him not being useful to me.” The man held his hand up which glowed purple. Chuuya and Karma’s eyes widened as Karma fell to the ground clutching at his neck, the collar gem glowing.

“Ace stop!”

Ace stopped opening his palm, there now more jewels in his hand.

Dazai watched the whole event carefully, deducing this man must have an ability linked to the collars on everyone’s neck.

“Either he works on the floor or he pays me back with his life. You know the rules, Chuuya.” Ace had an evil smile on his face while Chuuya kneeled to check on Karma. Seeing the young one was ok, Chuuya stood up, glaring daggers at the beta, it was an amusing sight seeing an omega trying to act so defiant.

Dazai let out an awkward cough, getting everyone’s attention on him.

“Sorry the pheromones in here are a little stifling.”

Ace put on his business persona, all charms and smiles now. “Terribly sorry about all this sir, we don’t normally have these types of squabbles happen in public spaces. Is there any way I can make up for this display?”

Chuuya tried to get away with Karma, but Ace grabbed Chuuya’s arm keeping him in place.

“How about I entertain myself with chibi over there, and his friend.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened, and he held back a growl, pushing Karma more behind him.

“Of course, sir.” Yanking Chuuya forward and all but tossing the omega into Dazai’s arms. Dazai wrapped a loose arm around the omega’s shoulders. Karma was pushed forward by Ace towards Dazai, the alpha didn’t touch the teen hoping he would just follow.

“Let me show you to one of the vacant rooms we have.” Ace making a gesture to follow.

Ace led them all to a private room, sliding the door open for Dazai. “If you need anything a servant will come and attend to your needs, please let me know how this one behaves.” Ace grabbed Chuuya’s face in his hand, the omega growled from the contact.

“I will sir, thank you.”

Dazai bid the beta a farewell and closed the door behind Ace. Taking a deep breath Dazai turned to look at the two.

Chuuya had Karma behind him, still protecting the young teen.

“Don’t worry I’m not going to do anything unsavory, I’m going to help you two.”

The omega scoffed, keeping Karma still behind him. “Why should I believe you?”

Dazai threw his hands up, it was true that he didn’t have much to convince the two except for one thing. “Karma was it? Yeah, come here, I’ll show you I’m serious.”

Karam sucked in a breath, Chuuya looked at him and shook his head saying not to go but Karma didn’t sense anything wrong with the alpha before him. Defying Chuuya, Karma stepped forward to Dazai. The alpha gave him a reassuring smile, he reached a hand out, Karma couldn’t help but flinch though no pain came to him. Karma watched in awe as the alpha touched the collar on his neck and the jewel along with the collar dissolved into dust.

“No fucking way…” Chuuya did not believe what he was seeing.

The choker on Karma’s neck was gone!

“I judged that the jewels in these chokers are linked to Ace’s ability, correct? So, what’s so bad about these gems that you’re basically his indentured servants?”

Karma was too busy touching his neck to answer.

“The jewel will drain the years of our life and convert it into gems. Ace has been using his ability to keep those who go into debt at his gambler den in servitude to him. He says you can pay off the debt but it’s a lie, if you behave poorly then he’ll just drain you into gems.” Chuuya explained, walking next to Karma to see that the collar was gone.

“Interesting, does he have to be in range to activate it?” Dazai held his chin, this was a dangerous ability used to capture the less fortunate.

“Yes, Ace needs to be in our presence to activate the gem to drain years away.” Chuuya kept explaining, Karma finally got over his shock that the collar was gone and gave Chuuya a smile.

“It’s gone, I’m free.”

Chuuya seemed to be happy as well, Karma threw his arms around Chuuya in a hug, and the omega returned it.

“Alright chibi time for yours to go-“ Dazai raising his hand.

“No!” Chuuya shouted, it startled Karma in his arms and same with Dazai. “No, you can’t…”

“Why not Chuuya? We can finally leave this place, this man has the ability to free us. Why not?”

“Because I need this collar on me ok!” Chuuya snapped at Karma, the teen backing away. “It needs to stay on. Just get out of here now Karma, you can be free, so just go.”

Karma didn’t look like he wanted to leave Chuuya, Dazai sighs as he approaches Karma and pulls his bag of yen out. Taking most of the bills he won out and handing it to the boy.

“Take this and go.”

“But-“ Karma protesting.

“Listen to him, Karma, get out of here.”

The teen hesitated before he finally obeyed, putting the yen into his pocket and left the room.

Finally it was just the two of them alone, Dazai raised a brow at Chuuya.

“What?”

“Going to tell me why you’re kissing freedom away?” Dazai finally scanned the room and saw it was just a vanity, a plush stool, a futon and that’s it. That was all needed for the activities a room like this promoted. Dazai took a seat on the stool watching Chuuya.

“Why would I tell you?”

“I’m curious, you’re not like other omegas I met.”

Chuuya rolled his eyes. “I hear that a lot.”

“So why do you need the collar on?”

Chuuya hesitated, turning his gaze away from Dazai. “My collar is different because mine was made by someone else, the gem is still Ace’s.”

Dazai finally noticed that Chuuya’s collar was made of gold instead of the steel like Karma’s and the rest of the staff’s.

“If you touch the gem then you’ll touch the collar and both will fade, I need the collar to stay intact for everyone’s protection and that’s that.”

Now Dazai was even more intrigued, why this omega was so adamant about this collar that had a gem that could kill him if the ability user was nearby. It sounded suicidal especially since now one of Ace’s workers has flown the coop and the last one was with will be Chuuya.

“Ace has to be in range to activate his ability, right?”

Chuuya arched his brow. “Yes, why are you asking?”

Yosano woke up when she heard a loud noise.

Her parents had come back from the event and had gone to bed, but she knew Dazai had gone out longer. Assuming it was him returning but after what has happened before with their family, she wasn’t taking any chances. Picking up her sword she snuck down to the first floor to find the source of the sound.

Hearing struggling noises, she couldn’t identify coming from the servant entrance of the guest house.

Taking a deep breath, she held her sword tight and turned the corner holding her sword ready to strike.

The high pitch yelp from her brother got her letting out a yelp too, dropping the sword.

“God damn you Osamu! Scaring me half to death.” Putting her hands on her hip, finding the switch to turn on the small light her eyes widened seeing how her brother came home.

A scantily clad passed out omega draped over his shoulders.

The two siblings were staring at each other awkwardly.

“….mom is so going to kill you.”

Chapter Text

“Dazai, I have one question actually scratch that I have all the questions.”

Yosano followed after Dazai as he still carried the unknown omega in his arms to the guest room he picked for this trip.

“Keep it down, you know what a light sleeper father is.” Dazai tried to hook his foot onto the door to slide it open, Yosano reached out to help Dazai open it. Stepping into the room Yosano closed the door watching her brother lay the omega down on the futon. Dazai threw the covers over him which did the omega some favors since the clothes he wore were barely covering anything.

“So why do you have an omega?”

Yosano taking a seat on an ottoman.

“It’s a long story, but actually it's quite short.” Dazai ran a hand through his hair as he took a seat in an empty chair. Yosano just put her elbow on her knee, propping her chin up.

“Well I have all night, or you can explain this to mother and father.”

Dazai let out a sigh rubbing his hands over his face.

“Don’t be too mad at me later, chibi.”

“Wha-“

Chuuya didn’t have a chance to react or bite Dazai’s hand when it came close to his neck but instead of touching his collar Dazai pinched a pressure point that essentially made Chuuya pass out like a limp doll. Catching the omega in his arms, like this Dazai can see just how small Chuuya was compared to him.

At least with Chuuya being small it will be easy to handle him.

Dazai needed to be discreet about this, so he laid Chuuya out on the futon and rolled him up in the blanket. Throwing Chuuya wrapped up in a blanket over his shoulder Dazai pulled his hood more over his face.

A stroke of luck as Dazai saw a worker taking bedding out of another room. Following her to the laundry room of the large gambler den. Dazai easily found an exit outside and he took some back alleys until ditching the blanket, handing it to a homeless person with some yen to keep quiet about where he got the blanket.

Dazai adjusted Chuuya in his hold to have the omega on his back, beginning his trek back to the guest estate.

“So why did you steal an omega?”

“Anyways don’t tell dad and especially mom.”

“That doesn’t answer my question!”

There was a groan which made the siblings whip their head to the omega waking up in the futon.

Chuuya woke up rubbing at his head, the last thing he remembered was that alpha reaching for him then blackness. Remembering his ability Chuuya checked for his collar and sighed in relief feeling it around his neck. Chuuya felt eyes on him and looked up, he recognized the alpha who helped Karma and then saw a beta sitting across from him. Glancing around the room Chuuya deduced he was no longer in Ace’s gambler den.

“Did you fucking kidnap me?!”

Dazai moved quickly, pressing a hand over Chuuya’s mouth. Dazai dodged a fist thrown at him as he tried shushing the omega. Dazai grabbed his wrist and pinned it next to Chuuya’s head. “Keep it down.”

Everyone was quiet, listening for any noises through the house. When a few minutes of silence passed Dazai let out a sigh of relief, turning his gaze back onto Chuuya.

“I’m going to remove my hand, but you need to promise me you won’t scream, alright?”

Chuuya glared daggers at Dazai, trying to kick the alpha in the stomach or groin but then Dazai moved his hips to pin Chuuya better. Yosano looked the other way, not really wanting to see this. Chuuya groaned, trying to bite Dazai’s hand and still it was not working. With Dazai’s hand over his mouth and the other holding one wrist, Chuuya threw his other fist at Dazai’s face, finally landing a blow.

Yosano growled at Chuuya for hitting her brother and was ready to fight the omega.

Dazai’s hand let go of Chuuya’s wrist and the omega was ready to start swinging until he felt pressure on his neck. Dazai’s finger pressed onto the jeweled collar hard. Chuuya laid still finally, not risking having the collar be destroyed.

Letting out a sigh at finally getting Chuuya to corporate. “Ok, now that we’re on the same page.”

Dazai removed his hand from Chuuya’s mouth, the omega growled, and it honestly sounded like the growls little dogs made.

“Why did you kidnap me?”

“Say hello to my sister.” Dazai kept his grip on Chuuya’s neck as he got off the omega and helped him sit up. Yosano gave Dazai a confused look, but she awkwardly waved to the omega.

“Why did you kidnap me?” Chuuya demanded again.

“Yosano, Chuuya, Chuuya Yosano and my name is Dazai.” Dazai gestured to everyone in the room, still ignoring the big question as to why Dazai brought Chuuya here.

“Dazai, stop dodging the question, why did you bring this omega here and I swear to god I will chop you up into pieces and not bring you back.” Yosano growled through her teeth.

“Don’t promise me a good time.”

“Not funny Dazai!”

“Your brother is not right in the head.” Chuuya spoke up, crossing his arms.

“So I’ve been told.” Yosano rubbed her face, feeling her annoyance at her brother grow into a headache. “Do you expect to hide him from mother and father?”

“Yes, and you’re going to help me.”

Yosano sputtered for a second. “And exactly why would I help you?”

“Or I’ll tell mom about you and Kunikida.”

That got Yosano shutting up, a flush on her face as she crossed her arms and muttered to herself about Dazai being an asshole.

“All I need you to do is just tell mom and dad I just went home on my own.”

“So you can hide your omega better?”

“Hey! I’m not his omega and what makes you think I agree to any of this?” Chuuya inserted himself back into the conversation. He wanted to see if he could potentially get up, but Dazai just tightened his grip on the collar and pulled Chuuya back down.

“Just cover for me Yosano, I’ll have a better explanation then.”

Yosano was battling internally before she sighed. “Fine, I'll help you.”

Dazai got up and released his hand from Chuuya to give his sister a hug then a kiss which she shied away from since Yosano was still mad Dazai would use blackmail. Chuuya tried to run away but he was scooped up by Dazai and thrown over the alpha’s shoulder. The omega beating his fists on Dazai’s back.

“If you make too much noise then you’ll have someone worse than me to deal with.”

Chuuya stopped and just gave up, there really wasn’t much he could do. Dazai had the power to break his collar which he did not want to happen. So being carried around like a sack of potatoes is something he’ll have to swallow his pride for until he can find a way to escape.

“Yosano can you wake up Hirotsu for me? And have him meet us by the automobile.”

Chuuya raised a brow hearing that Dazai’s family owned an automobile. Those were only reserved for the military and the super rich. Ace had one only because he obtained it as collateral from an official who lost almost everything and didn’t want to be in servitude.

Yosano nodded and snuck out of the room to go wake up their family’s trusted butler.

Dazai carried Chuuya out to where the automobile was, one of those fancy ones with the full cover on it. Dazai opened the door and gently tossed Chuuya into the automobile. Chuuya was about to growl at him, but the tossing made the dress Chuuya wore move too much and the omega almost flashed Dazai. Chuuya pulled it back into place before the alpha noticed.

Dazai shut the door, leaning on it while waiting for Hirotsu, he could hear Chuuya fiddling with the handles to try and get out, but you needed a key to get in and out. Luckily this automobile was the box kind and the driver sat outside of the carriage part.

The butler sleepily approached, holding back a yawn. “Any reason you wish to go home earlier than normal young master?”

“Not feeling too well and it's not fair of me to cut the trip short, also I don’t want mom’s smothering.”

A good enough excuse and lie that Hirostu believed it. The butler put on his driving gloves and hat. “Alright young master, we will be back in Yokohama by the early afternoon.”

“Thanks, Hirostu.”

Dazai opened the door and quickly climbed in. Him and Chuuya collided since Chuuya tried to make a break for it. Dazai let out a groan that Hirostu heard and voiced concern.

“I’m fine, I just missed a step.” Dazai closed the door and locked it, taking a seat on the plush seat.

Chuuya put as much distance as he could between him and Dazai. This was his first time in an automobile so when the automobile was turned on the loud noises startled Chuuya, letting out a yelp of surprise. Dazai put a hand over Chuuya’s mouth to keep him quiet. Seeing that Hirostu didn’t hear Chuuya Dazai let go of the omega when the vehicle drove off.

Now the two sat in awkward silence until Dazai broke it.

“How old are you?”

Chuuya shot Dazai a look, glaring at him.

“What? Can’t I ask simple questions?”

“…I’m twenty.”

“See that was easy, I’m twenty two. Any family?”

That seemed to be a sore subject as Chuuya’s scent soured a little. “Don’t want to talk about it.”

“Sorry for bringing it up.” So there goes Dazai's plan of maybe returning Chuuya to any of his family after getting his collar up. “You got an ability?”

“Not telling you.” Chuuya curled up and leaned his head on the seat cushion telling Dazai he was done answering his questions.

Dazai heaved a little sigh as he pulled the curtain covering the window to watch the landscape passing by even if it was dark the sun would start to come out soon. The early morning light bathed the countryside in glow from the sun peeking out, morning fog clinging to the rice fields they passed.

Dazai felt tired but not enough to fall asleep even though he usually always was lulled to sleep by the automobile. It seemed to work on Chuuya who was out like a light.

The question that buzzed around was why Dazai had taken Chuuya out of that gambler’s den. He could have just left Chuuya there but then he thought about Ace potentially killing him since he freed Karma, Dazai narrowed the reason down to he didn’t think someone as young as Chuuya was ready to die.

‘That’s hypocritical coming from you.’

Dazai’s internal voice calling him out.

Saving someone from death when he himself already planned his exit date.

Dazai brushes those thoughts to the side, once he figures out why Chuuya is so protective of his collar, and he can safely remove that and the gem then Dazai will set Chuuya free. Hopefully this is before Yosano’s eighteenth birthday as he really didn’t want to stick around past the date he picked after her big day.

Dazai saw the orphanage out the window which meant they were almost at Yokohama.

Another half hour of driving until arriving at the large royal estate. Dazai slipped out of the automobile, catching Hirostu stretching out his back from the drive.

“Thanks, Hirostu, you deserve a nap before going back to pick up everyone else.”

“As tempting as an offer as that is, I need to get back to the family, though I will be grabbing some lunch before departing.”

Dazai smiled at him, patting the older alpha’s back before he headed towards the kitchen. With the coast clear Dazai opened the door and pulled Chuuya out. Dazai discovered just how much of a heavy sleeper the omega was. Carried Chuuya all the way from the automobile towards the estate. Since his parents were out the staff had the day off.

Having no servants around was beneficial especially when Chuuya woke up while being princess carried by Dazai.

“Put me down!” Chuuya tried to sock Dazai in the face but the alpha dodged, manhandled again to be thrown over Dazai’s shoulder.

“If you can’t be nice then I’m going to carry you like this.” Tutting Chuuya like he was a misbehaving kitten. “And here I was going to offer you a chance to get cleaned up and relax in a hot spring, my bad.”

Chuuya stopped his squirming because the promise of a bath and dip in a hot spring sounded heavenly. Back in the gambler’s den one was lucky to have time to warm up some water to dump on yourself and then scrub down with soaps. The luxury of a bath was only reserved for patrons.

Chuuya knew Dazai must come from money, the large estate they walked through screamed elite high quality tastes.

Dazai brought Chuuya to the hot springs, putting him down. “Now don’t try and escape.” Dazai grabbed a towel and handed it to Chuuya.

“I’ve resigned myself to doing that, I’m sure you track me down and bring me right back.”

“You’re right about that chibi, I’ll recognize that scent of roses anywhere.” Poking Chuuya’s nose before walking away.

Chuuya flushed hiding his face in the towel, he wasn’t told his scent smelled like roses…not for a long time, that is, the last time someone commented about his rosy scent was…

Shaking his head Chuuya headed into the hot springs and found that this one had a bath and a shower he can get clean with. Putting the towel down somewhere dry, Chuuya peeled off the dress, pulling it off over his head. Not sure what to do with it since he was never fond of it but did not like the idea of running around without it on, so he folded it up and put it to the side.

It took a minute for Chuuya to figure out the faucets for the shower until he yelped when the water doused him from above. Shaking his head from the water, pushing the wet hair back. Chuuya looked for some soaps and found a wide selection. Grabbing a soap and something for his hair, Chuuya started to clean himself. It was such a luxury to be under a steady stream of warm water while he thoroughly cleaned himself.

It did feel like he was washing away the years he was stuck in Ace’s gamblers den.

Rinsing the suds out of his hair until the water in the drain was no longer soapy. Turning the shower off Chuuya shook his head of some water while he grabbed the towel to wipe his face. Then he wrapped the towel around his body and walked to the hot spring pools, it wasn’t a far walk and the spring was beautifully decorated. Chuuya felt very spoiled by this, but he needed to remind himself he still didn’t trust Dazai and this could be a long con.

Dropping the towel on a bench, Chuuya entered the hot springs, letting out a moan from the hot water. Wading deeper into the spring until the water reached his chest, probably for a normally tall person the water would reach their waist. Chuuya found a place to sit but when he did the water reached his neck. Groaning at his shortness looked around for a spot he could sit and not have to worry about almost drowning.

Chuuya had to wade far into the hot springs to find a spot where he could sit comfortably and not worry about the water being too close to his face. Where he sat it came right to his chest.

Finally relaxing, the hot water doing wonders to his muscles.

This was the first time he was alone since being taken by Dazai, now Chuuya can reflect about the reason why the alpha took him.

Chuuya would have just been happy knowing Karma was free, sure if he was left behind with Ace the gambler most likely would have added Karma’s debt to his and get beaten around. Ace won’t kill Chuuya, he was one of his most prized workers. Chuuya was good at being a rich alpha’s arm candy and enticing them to bet more yen to eventually lose to the house, Chuuya also got the most generous tips when he worked on the floor. There was one thing Chuuya prided in himself and that was his self-worth, no matter how much money was offered to him he never slept with any of the patrons. Even if someone offered almost one million yen just to share a heat with Chuuya, it was a lot of money but nowhere close to the debt Chuuya had along with Karma since he would only leave the gambler’s den with the young teen.

Chuuya hoped Karma was doing ok on his own, he was a smart kid.

Sighing Chuuya wondered if Dazai wanted to have him as a companion, it was the new thing the rich and elite did. Getting themselves an omega to parade around, Chuuya met a few who were on the arms of rich lords and ladies all throughout the red light district.

Chuuya didn’t like beating around the bush but even still Dazai was avoiding the question.

Chuuya also realized that even if he did escape, where would he go? Obviously never back to the gambler’s den, but if he left right now with nothing but the clothes on his back how long would he survive out there as an unmated omega unable to use an ability to protect himself? Maybe for now it was for the best that he stays and plays along with whatever Dazai was planning.

Huffing loudly Chuuya wants to relax some more before demanding Dazai explain why he was keeping him.

Finding himself another small towel, Chuuya rolled it up and placed it on the edge of the hot spring to be a pillow for his neck. Leaning back, Chuuya closed his eyes and let the warm water and silence take him away.

When Chuuya opened his eyes, he panicked seeing the sky shades of orange and red meaning it was evening! Getting up, Chuuya made his way back to where he entered the hot springs, climbing out slowly since his muscles were relaxed. Chuuya shivered from the cold breeze, he looked around for his towel and dress which were not where he last left them!

There was nothing left and Chuuya wanted to scream but held his tongue. He found another towel, but it wasn’t big enough to wrap around his body, just cover his front.

Basically naked and alone in an estate he had no idea where anything or anyone was Chuuya didn’t know what to do. He didn’t pay attention when Dazai carried him inside so Chuuya couldn’t make heads or tails to find Dazai.

Chuuya found himself in a long hallway with many doors.

“Dazai?” Chuuya called out, holding the small towel tight to his chest. “Dazai!” Yelling a little louder but not enough to alert anyone else.

Racing down the hall quickly, Chuuya called around again but still no answer. Though did he really want Dazai to find him when he was naked?

Scratch finding Dazai he needed to find some clothes first.

This estate was so big with dozens of rooms Chuuya didn’t want to open a door and find someone behind it.

Chuuya kept looking around for anything to cover himself with and he wasn't paying attention. Running right into someone hard, the two tumbled to the floor. Chuuya on top of the one he ran into, groaning from the fall, Chuuya opened his eyes and was staring back into familiar brown eyes.

“Hey chibi…why are you wet and naked?”

Chuuya flushed red to the tips of his ears as he scrambled off Dazai, then he realized the towel was plastered to Dazai’s front since it was soaked in water. Chuuya reached out, taking the towel and using it to cover his modesty, but it was too late Dazai saw everything.

“Because someone took my clothes!” Chuuya hissed.

“I took them to clean and was going to leave you something else, but you were not in the part of the hot springs where I had left you, so I assumed you were trying to run.”

Dazai peeled off his haori and held it out for Chuuya to take, giving him something better to cover his nakedness. Chuuya grabbed the haori and put it on, closing the front to preserve himself. The only downside to wearing Dazai’s haori is now the omega was drowning in the alpha’s scent.

Like this Chuuya could finally smell it better, Dazai’s scent was earthy, like after the rain with a hint of peaches which was odd the alpha had a subtle sweet scent to it.

“Come on, let's get you into something so you don’t have to streak around.”

Dazai closed the distance between them and put a hand gently on the small of Chuuya’s back to guide the omega to follow. Taking the omega to a room that looked to be a needlework room. There was a silk kimono halfway complete that had intricate woven designs of a white tiger amongst a blue backdrop. Chuuya’s eyes glued to it, the work was high quality.

“My mom’s latest work, he’s really good at it, while I can barely even sew a hole up.” Dazai chuckled as he opened a closet and was looking amongst older kimonos and yukatas.

“It’s beautiful…” Chuuya reached out to touch but pulled his hand back, not wanting to potentially ruin the work.

“This should fit, it’s one of Yosano’s old kimonos from when she was twelve. You were about her size at that age.”

Chuuya had an unimpressed look on his face having his height be compared to a twelve year old but Yosano from what he remembered was tall for a woman.

The kimono was still beautiful, yet simple. A solid green color with some flowers and leaves on the sleeves and hem. It looked like it would fit so Chuuya couldn’t complain.

“You need help tying it?”

“No, I got it, now you can go.”

Dazai held his hands up, shrugging as he left the room sliding the door shut.

Chuuya looked at the garment, he hadn’t worn something like this in a long time and when he did someone always helped with tying it in the back.

But how hard could it be?

Very hard Chuuya discovered as he was failing at tying the whole thing together to keep it from slipping off his body. Struggling to reach behind himself and tie it tight.

There was a rapt on the door. “You ok in there chibi?”

Chuuya wanted to snap that he was fine but in reality, he wasn’t and needed help. Swallowing down some pride because what else did he have after Dazai saw everything?

“No…I need help.”

The door slid open, Chuuya didn’t look at Dazai but he let go of the tie he was trying to get and held onto the whole kimono. Dazai came forward and silently got to work tying the kimono up neatly and perfectly, having done this many times helping his sister.

Giving it a few good tugs Dazai stepped away. “There, all done.”

Chuuya removed his hands holding up the kimono and it didn’t fall from his person, staying in place. Turning to face Dazai. “Thanks.”

The moment was rather sweet between them before Chuuya’s stomach loudly ruined it by growling. Embarrassed, Chuuya looked away from Dazai.

“Assuming you’re hungry? Well, I’m not the best cook but I think I can whip something up for you. The servants are still off until my family comes back tomorrow.”

Dazai made a gesture for Chuuya to follow, Chuuya’s bare feet cold on the polish wood but he didn’t mind. Dazai brought Chuuya to the kitchen and it was amusing to see how clueless Dazai looked.

Rolling his eyes, Chuuya used the ties in the kimono to pull the sleeves back. “Here, let me.”

Meals weren’t provided half the time to the workers at the gambler’s den, so Chuuya knew how to cook some easy simple meals. With a full kitchen that has a lot of foods already prepared he could whip up something quickly. Some fried rice with freshly chopped vegetables and pork belly was perfect.

Dazai watched with rapt attention while Chuuya cooked.

Chuuya served a bowl for Dazai and joined him at the table with his own. Chopsticks found the two eating the meal in peace. Chuuya sighed happily after the first bite, food and being made from fresh high quality ingredients is heavenly.

Now that Chuuya had Dazai alone and fed, maybe he’ll address the elephant in the room.

“So, are you ever going to tell me why you kidnapped me?”

Dazai looked away, still stuffing his face with the food, Chuuya raised a brow at him.

“Ok chibi how about a deal, you tell me why you’re so hellbent on that collar staying on you and then I’ll tell you why I brought you here.”

Chuuya narrowed his eyes at Dazai, this alpha was starting to piss him off.

“Judging by your silence I guess you're just going to have to be stuck here. Because you’re not leaving my sight until that collar is off.” Dazai wiggled his fingers as he reached forward touch, it was a teasing gesture, but Chuuya still recoiled back.

Dazai chuckled and went back to his meal until someone he didn’t expect walked through the door.

“Hirostu? What are you doing here?”

Chuuya looked behind him at the man who entered, an older gentleman with a monocle and gray hair.

“I just returned with the rest of the family.”

Chuuya looked back at Dazai and saw him pale a little.

“But they were supposed to come home tomorrow!”

“Well when I informed your parents you weren’t feeling well, they insisted on leaving right away. Your mother is looking for you.” The older alpha glanced at Chuuya, the omega shrinking a little feeling the slight judgmental stare from the alpha. “I suggest you hide him before your mother assumes the worst.”

Dazai gets up from the stool and rounds around the large kitchen island to grab Chuuya’s hand dragging the omega out of the kitchen back into the estate.

“Slow down Dazai!” Chuuya tried to keep up with Dazai but the alpha’s long legs made him move too fast, Chuuya felt like he was being dragged. Dazai stopped at a door, sliding it open before dragging Chuuya in and shutting the door.

From the overwhelming scents Chuuya can deduce this was Dazai’s room.

“Ok you need to hide until I can gently tell my parents about you.” Dazai all but begging Chuuya.

“I don’t see what’s the big deal. It’s normal for young rich alphas like you to have a side omega.” Chuuya crossed his arms.

“It’s not normal in this household.”

Chuuya raised a brow at that but next he knew Dazai was grabbing him by the shoulders and guiding him to a closet. “Really? Hiding me in the closet, you're that immature, just tell your parents the truth!”

Chuuya ducked down and ran away from Dazai trying to shove him into the closet. Dazai grabbed Chuuya’s wrist trying to yank the omega into the closet but Chuuya pulled in the other direction hard. The tug of war came to a tumble when Chuuya dug his heel into Dazai’s foot letting the alpha loose his footing and both went tumbling to the ground.

Chuuya landed on his back, grunting from the mats but Dazai was able to catch himself before falling on top of Chuuya.

The two stared at each other and then the door opened.

Both whipped their heads to see who opened it, Dazai’s face paled while Chuuya’s eyes widened seeing the tall omega.

Mori put his hands on his hips staring at the sight before him, the anger rising.

“If what I think is happening, is happening, it better not be.”

Chapter Text

Dazai hung his head low as he sat on his knees while Mori scolded him.

“A Gambler’s Den? Osamu are you trying to give me gray hairs early on? Not only that but you kidnapped one of their employees!” Mori ranting and raving, having grabbed Dazai by the ear out of his room into the main living area of the estate, also dragging the unknown omega with him.

Chuuya was pushed into one of the softest chairs he’s ever sat in, almost like a giant pillow while watching Dazai get scolded by his mother.

Fukuzawa and Yosano watched from a safe distance away.

“I don’t think it’s kidnapping when he was an indentured servant staying there against his will, I think this is more of a rescue.” Dazai tried to defend himself but the glare from Mori made him shrink.

Chuuya was amazed by this family dynamic, the omega seemed more in charge than the alphas.

“While holding people against their will with an ability is a crime, so is kidnapping Osamu.”

“So I was just supposed to leave him there to potentially get killed?” Dazai argued.

“You weren’t even supposed to be in that gambler’s den in the first place.”

“I didn’t get recognized by anyone, so I think we’re ok.”

Mori was pinching the bridge of his nose, his son not realizing the consequences of his actions.

“Osamu, what is my biggest rule when it comes to omegas?”

Dazai’s eyes widened a fraction and he shrinked a little, shoulders sagging as he hung his head low in shame. “That consent is important.”

Chuuya was gobsmacked, an alpha being brought up on omega ideals and virtues. Chuuya wished an omega like Mori was the model parent for everyone, the world would be a much better place for omegas.

“And you went against this young omega’s consent.” Mori gestured to Chuuya.

“I’m sorry mother.”

Mori sighed, running a hand through his hair before closing the distance to pat Dazai’s head. “I’m not the one you should be saying sorry too.”

Dazai nodded as he turned to look at Chuuya, bowing down. “I’m sorry Chuuya.”

Chuuya squirmed in the plush large pillow seat, it wasn’t everyday he was getting a formal apology from an alpha. Finding his voice, rubbing at his cheeks to maybe get rid of the flush and heat. “It’s ok.”

“It goes without saying Osamu you’re grounded, your father will decide what other punishment you will get, in the meantime we will give you shelter here Chuuya.”

Chuuya perked up when Mori approached him, the omega held out his hand for Chuuya to follow. The younger omega looked behind to catch a glimpse of Dazai sheepishly looking at his father with a scolding look on the older alpha’s face.

Mori walked the two of them back to that needlework room. Mori turned on the lights and gestured for Chuuya to take a seat on a plush stool. Chuuya just obeyed since he was still unsure about what exactly was going to happen now.

“You think my son knows how to pick complimenting colors but alas…” Mori looked through the closet before pulling out a beautiful kimono that was black and had red silk embroidered spider lilies all over the base and sleeves. Chuuya could see that some rubies were sewn into the flowers as well.

“This will look much better than the green, it clashes with your hair darling.” Mori was addressing Chuuya.

“Oh well, this is just way too beautiful for someone like me to wear.” Chuuya rubbed at his arm, he was told he was always a pretty omega and dolled up in extravagant things but something like this it felt too personal as Mori was right, the blacks and subtle reds will look perfect on him.

“Nonsense.” Mori laid the kimono down on a chaise lounge, Chuuya couldn’t believe he didn’t notice it before. A sentimental longing look in his eye before Mori comes over and gestures for him to help Chuuya take off the green kimono. Chuuya nodded and stood still while Mori stripped it off. Shivering when it was fully taken off.

“That boy not even giving you undergarments.” Mori shook his head as he pulled some out of a drawer with socks, handing them to Chuuya who happily pulled them on. Mori handed Chuuya the missing under layer most wore with kimonos. Mori grabbed the kimono and went through the process of putting it on and having Chuuya sit while tying it in the back.

Staying still while the older omega worked, Mori knew exactly what he was doing as he tied it.

“Almost done.”

Mori walked to the vanity and came back with a comb and brush, starting to brush the tangles and knots out of Chuuya’s hair.

This was starting to be a little much for Chuuya, last he was pampered like this was with his….

Chuuya felt something wet fall on his hands that were folded in his lap, realizing he was crying. Chuuya wanted to dry his eyes but not use the sleeve of the handmade kimono. Mori must have known because a handkerchief was held in front of him.

“Dry your eyes darling it's ok.”

Chuuya took the handkerchief and dried his eyes while Mori kept brushing his hair until he could pull the comb through, and it did not catch. The soothing motion of his hair tended to gave Chuuya nostalgic feelings.

“Can you tell me a little about yourself Chuuya? That is if you want?” Mori didn’t want to push the young omega.

“Um, what do you want to know sir?”

“No need for sir, you can call me Mori-san. For one I like to know where you were born.” Mori held the longer hair in his hand while brushing it out.

“Believe it or not I was born in Paris.” Early years spent in the city of lights and passion. Chuuya remembers the food a lot since it was drastically different between his two home countries.

“Why did you come to Japan?” Mori finished with brushing Chuuya’s hair, walking over to the vanity to put the brush and comb away. Mori began looking in a wooden box, carefully moving things around.

“My parents eloped to the city and then finally came back home here to continue raising me.”

Mori nodded as he walked back to Chuuya, some small hair clips in his hand as Mori started to style the hair.

“Do you know where they are now?” Mori pinned Chuuya’s hair up with a hair comb.

“….” Chuuya hung his head low, always dreading this question. With Dazai he could be rude and guarded but when in Mori’s presence he didn’t want to disappoint the omega.

“You don’t have to tell me if it’s too painful. Just know that I’m sure they’re happy you are safe.”

Mori’s words were comforting along with all the pampering and treatment Chuuya just received. Pulling the handkerchief back up to dry his eyes more.

Guiding Chuuya up to stand and to the front of a tall mirror Chuuya let out a gasp seeing his appearance.

Mori was right about the kimono complimenting his hair color and then the way Mori styled his hair. Chuuya found himself looking like those Oiran that were almost akin to royalty in the red light district, catching the high ranking ones walking down the street with their entourage.

“You look stunning darling.”

Chuuya glanced over to Mori and he couldn’t help but ask. “Why are you doing all of this for me?”

“Well since you were brought here against your will by my son with no gameplan in mind I like to compensate you by offering you a job as my assistant. I’ll pay you well.”

The idea of helping Mori out and getting paid was tempting, especially if he made enough Chuuya could buy himself a boat ticket back to Paris. That ensures he was far enough away from Ace ever finding him and he can live in peace in the city his parents fell in love with.

“I like that very much, Mori-san.”

“I hope I can right the wrong my son did against you.”

Chuuya waved his hands. “No no no it’s ok, he actually did something nice for me before bringing me here.”

“Oh?”

Chuuya turned to face the older omega. “You see Dazai left out the part where he used his ability to free someone else indebted to Ace. I’m glad your son freed him.”

“I see, that is something he would do. Come, join us for dinner and then after I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”

Chuuya nodded and followed Mori, he felt a little empowered dressed nicely heading to a fancy dinner. On the way to dinner the omegas heard commotion in one of the courtyards. He saw Fukuzawa standing over Dazai who was chopping wood. The older alpha held a lantern to give Dazai some light as he painstakingly kept chopping, this was probably his punishment that Fukuzawa gave him.

“The kids get punishment as chores the servants do, Fukuzawa and I feel it builds character and makes them grateful for the help they get from others.”

Chuuya’s respect for Mori just kept growing and growing, proudly following the older omega.

While chopping wood Dazai let out a breath and glanced over, catching Chuuya in a beautiful kimono and his hair done up. Dazai couldn’t help but stare, the omega looked gorgeous.

“I didn’t say you can stop.” Fukuzawa smacked Dazai’s head with a fan for him to continue.

“Yes father.”

Chuuya was impressed by the dinner spread, everything laid out for everyone to pick and choose what they wanted. Yosano was already at the table picking some items to start eating. She finished her bite, wiping her hands when Chuuya and Mori entered.

“Yosano, Chuuya will be staying with us as my assistant for the time being. I hope you two will get along.”

Chuuya raised a brow, it looks like the parents didn’t know that Yosano already met him. Chuuya quickly glanced at Yosano who gave him a pleading look to play along.

“Of course, mom, I’m sure we’ll get along fine.”

“Oh yes, it’s nice to meet you Yosano-kun.”

Yosano gave Chuuya a nod while returning to her food, Mori gracefully took a seat and Chuuya took the seat next to him. It was a lot to take in, a real step up from meals at the Gambler’s Den. Chuuya watched Mori to see how he did it and copied, not wanting to appear rude and clueless about the etiquette of high officials.

Mori must have caught on to Chuuya copying his every movement and picking the same items. “Don’t fret Chuuya, we’re pretty lax in this household.”

Chuuya hunched his shoulders a little, he perked up hearing some commotion. Dazai dragged himself into the room, obviously exhausted from chopping wood for the last hour. Dazai dramatically flopped onto the floor and inch wormed his way to the table. Chuuya held in his laughter because the alpha was being utterly ridiculous.

“Dazai sit up.” Mori scolded though the bite wasn’t all that there since Fukuzawa took a seat next to him. The older omega preening when his mate was nearby.

“I can't, my arms are noodles.” Dazai flipped onto his back and flopped his arms to emphasize he can barely move them. “Someone is going to have to feed me.” Dazai pulled himself up to sit but his arms still were useless at his sides.

Dazai leaned close to Yosano, propping his chin on his sister’s shoulder. She wrinkled her nose at him and did a hissing spat when he tried to eat her prawn. Dazai leaned more of his weight on her, being older and taller Dazai was heavier and soon enough Yosano was pushed to the floor by his weight, she was still nudging him to get off but then Dazai leaned more and ate her prawn.

“Dazai! Get off!” Yosano yelled hitting his back, Dazai pulled himself up happily munching on her prawn.

Chuuya hid his mouth with the sleeve of the kimono, watching the two was amusing.

“Mom!” Yosano cried out.

“Dazai, stop messing with your sister.” Mori lightly chided.

“I was only messing because I have no feeling in my arms and I’ll starve.” Dazai is even more dramatic.

Chuuya rolled his eyes, this alpha was such a drama queen. Chuuya grabbed a piece of tuna with his chopsticks and while Dazai was lamenting, stuffed it into his mouth.

“There.”

Dazai blinked surprisingly but chewed his bite of tuna. “So, are you sticking around chibi?”

Chuuya curled his lip in a light snarl when Dazai opened his mouth again for a bite of food. Chuuya turned his nose denying the alpha, he was only getting that one bite.

“As a matter of fact, yes, your mother is taking me under his wing.” And once he gets enough funds, he’s on the next steamship to France.

Dinner continued, Dazai bothering his sister for more food until Fukuzawa firmly told Dazai to knock it off. The young alpha wasn’t totally lying when he said his arms were sore, a few shaky bites with his chopsticks.

Once dinner wrapped up Mori gestured for Chuuya to follow him, Chuuya in awe as the estate was lit up with lights bathing it in a warm glow. Paris had many lights illuminating the city, especially the Eiffel Tower.

Stopping before a door, Mori slid open and gestured for Chuuya to enter. The young omega stepped in, in awe at the pretty room. A futon laid out with extra blankets and pillows within reach. A vanity off in a corner and then there was an open door to look out into a courtyard with a plum blossom tree and a serene koi pond.

“This will be your room while you stay here. You’re free to do whatever you like to it.”

“Mori-san this is too much, I couldn’t-“

“Nonsense, this is your safe space while staying here.” Mori gave him a smile and then gestured beyond the pond. “On the other side is the entrance to the hot springs and baths. You’re free to help yourself there any time. I’m sure you’re still a little overwhelmed by everything so we’ll go over duties in the morning.” Mori put a reassuring hand on Chuuya’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Mori-san.”

“Do you want me to loosen the ties on the kimono so you can slip out?”

Chuuya nodded and held his arms out so Mori could loosen the tie in the back. With it loose enough Chuuya can slip out on his own the young omega gave Mori a nod. “Thank you.”

“Any time darling, you get some rest.”

Mori bid Chuuya goodnight as he slid the door shut behind him leaving Chuuya alone.

The omega still couldn’t wrap his head around how forty eight hours ago he was waking up in the cramped workers rest area of the Gambler’s den to start on his chores and now he was dressed in a silk kimono, eaten fine food and given his own spacious room.

It was still a lot to take in, but Chuuya could feel how tired he still was.

Slipping the kimono off carefully he hung in on the stand making sure it won’t crease or wrinkle. Taking out the clips and hair comb to set on the vanity, there was a sleep yukata laid on the stool which Chuuya slipped on. Shutting the door that opened to the courtyard for now since old habits die hard, checking to make sure it was secure.

Chuuya stared at the futon.

His own bed, all to himself with extra blankets and pillows, does he dare to make himself a nest?

Chuuya wasn’t given that luxury while staying at Ace’s Gambler Den, Chuuya stayed in a large common room that had dozens of sleeping mats laid out for the workers. At least the omegas and alphas were separated but if the door wasn’t shut tightly then unsavory things could happen. Chuuya would share his sleeping mat and covers with Karma, keeping him safe. Nests were something sacred and personal to omegas, anyone who tried to make one in the gambler den would have it moved or messed up since when it was protocol in the den to put all the mats away.

Now here Chuuya could finally make himself a nest.

Chuuya didn’t know the first thing about building a nest, but he figured it wouldn't be that hard. Just make himself a comfy place to rest in. Pulling back the futon comforter and seeing a soft blanket underneath, he slid inside the futon and while it felt nice it did feel like something was missing.

Grabbing some of the pillows and another blanket, Chuuya arranged everything around until he had a pillow on each of his sides under the covers and then the other blanket bunched up around his head. Feeling snug and protected, Chuuya grabbed another pillow and held it close to his chest as he curled up. The young omega perked up hearing a sound until he realized it was purring coming from him. Smiling Chuuya nuzzled the pillow in his arms more before settling down to drift off to sleep.

”You must never take this collar off Chuuya, it will keep you and everyone else safe, promise me you will never take it off.”

”Yes mommy, I promise.”

Chuuya woke with a small gasp, a hand going to his collar and sighing in relief feeling it still around his neck.

Laying his head back down on the pillow, hand still clutching at his collar. It had been a long time since he dreamed about his mother, those important words he always spoke to Chuuya. Wiping the budding tears on the pillow Chuuya sniffled before he rose from bed. The blankets falling off his person and pooling around his waist. Chuuya stretched out, raising his hands above his head to loosen up. Letting out a loud yawn as well.

Remembering where he was, Chuuya sighed, today was the first day working for Mori.

Chuuya honestly didn’t know what kind of work was expected of him as a helper to the mate of a powerful lord.

Emerging from his nest, then making adjustments to it, Chuuya walked over to the closet to see if there was something else to wear other than the kimono Mori let him wear last night. There were some yukatas in the closet, so Chuuya pulled one out and slipped it on after taking off the sleepwear. Folding it as best he could and leaving it resting before his futon.

Chuuya discovered that all the yukatas were too big for him.

Cursing his short stature Chuuya tried his best to at least get the pants bunched up around the waist so he wouldn’t be tripping on them.

A knock on the door was heard before it slid open.

Mori stepped inside the room and what the omega was wearing surprised Chuuya.

The older omega wore a high collar medical uniform, it covered him from the neck down.

“Ah I did not think the spare yukatas wouldn’t fit due to your size, come I think we have a pair of pants in your size.” Mori made a gesture for Chuuya to follow, the young omega flushing as he held up the pants he currently wore as he followed. Lucky for him Mori did have a pair that fit him just right and he was all ready to go.

The burning question on his tongue as to why Mori was dressed in medical garb, but Chuuya held back.

Chuuya followed the older omega, but he couldn’t stop himself from looking around to see if he would spot a certain alpha.

“Dazai went with Fukuzawa into the city.”

The flush returned to Chuuya’s cheeks. “I wasn’t looking for him.”

Mori held back a chuckle settling for a smirk the young omega missed. The two put some shoes on at the entrance before Mori opened the door, there was the automobile with Yosano leaning against it talking to that same older alpha Chuuya saw in the kitchen.

Yosano was also wearing medical garb, a nurse dress and hat. She perked up seeing her mother with Chuuya.

“Great with his help this will be done much faster.” Yosano climbed into the automobile.

Mori stopped and so did Chuuya. “Chuuya, this is Hirotsu our trusted butler, if there is anything you need, he will help.”

The older alpha took off his hat and nodded to Chuuya, the young omega nodded back.

Mori entered the automobile and Chuuya followed, stepping over a large bag laid in the middle between the seats. The door was closed by Hirotsu, there was some silence until the automobile came to life and then drove again.

Chuuya sat by the window and watched as they drove from the estate down the road.

Now able to look outside and see the landscapes past, Chuuya's face was all but glued to the window taking everything in. the bustle of the workers in their fields tending to their crops. The automobile passed the street to the city and then the town. Chuuya was a little surprised they weren’t going there but kept his mouth shut.

Glancing over to see Mori was looking over some papers while Yosano gazed out the window on the other side.

It was a bit of a drive until they finally arrived at their destination.

The automobile came to a stop and Hirotsu opened the doors, Chuuya thanked him and glanced around where they were. The building was a large brick one.

Yosano hefted the bag in his arms before following her father to the entrance. Chuuya followed them, waiting at the door after knocking.

A man opened the door with a muted gray hair done in that bowl style. “Ah Mori-san, you're just in time.”

Mori gave the man a nod as he entered followed by Yosano and Chuuya, the young omega still did not know what this place was and what they were doing until being led to a large room and Chuuya saw a dozen children playing around. Then it suddenly hit Chuuya where they were.

This was an orphanage.

“Children, Doctor Mori is here so please behave while he gives you a checkup.” The headmaster got all the kids’ attention and they all waved and crowed the older omega, clearly recognizing him.

Mori beamed a little from the children all around him, tugging at his arms and coat.

“Yes, little ones I have missed you all, and I see so many of you have grown so much since I last saw you.”

“Elise!” One young girl cried out.

“Where is Miss Elise?” Another spoke up.

“Elise Elise!” More kids chanted.

Chuuya was confused since he didn’t know who this Elise was, looking to Mori in slight confusion.

“Alright alright she’s coming.” Mori had the kids holding onto him to step away.

Chuuya watched in awe along with the children as Mori activated his ability and a beautiful tall blonde woman appeared.

She wore the same nurse uniform as Yosano but hers was all white to match Mori. Chuuya was curious about how Mori’s ability must work if he could summon another person!

Elise smiled at all the children, kneeling to receive the many hugs from the children.

Yosano was setting up at a table pulling out some medical supplies, Chuuya walked over to see if she needed help.

“I’m good, you’re here to keep the kids entertained really so Elise can help us. She has all of mom’s medical knowledge so it’s better we have both doctors working.”

Chuuya nodded, he was good with kids so this shouldn’t be a problem. The young omega looked up and saw Elise was basically being swarmed by the kids. Mori took a seat pulling on some gloves.

Elise picked one kid up and plopped her in a chair next to Mori who began the checkup.

Elise was trying to get the kids off her politely so she can help Yosano get medication laid out along with syringes to administer it. Chuuya decided the best way to go about this was to just throw himself in.

Chuuya scooped up a little girl and spun her around. She started to laugh and get the other kids’ attention as he began to tickle fight the children. Elise was able to peel herself away from the kids to help Mori and Yosano.

Mori checked over the young girl noting down how she is faring since her last check up, everything was looking good. “Ok sweetheart time for your booster shot.” The little girl’s eyes widened as she shook her head.

Elise kneeled next to her and offered the little girl her hand to hold as Elise sang a little song to distract her while Mori wiped her arm with a clean cloth and then easily gave the girl her booster shot.

“There, all done.” Mori pressed a band aid over where he gave the shot.

“See that wasn’t so bad, for being such a brave girl here you go.” Elise pulled a piece of brightly wrapped candy from her pocket and gave it to the girl. As soon as she got off the chair and showed the kids her candy for getting a shot all of them were lining up for shots.

The process went smoothly, and all the kids got their booster shots with no trouble. The headmaster returned and sent all the kids outside to play on the playground.

“Thank you for coming again doctor Ōgai.”

“It’s no trouble, please inform me if any of them are showing signs of sickness.”

Chuuya helped everyone clean up, but he couldn’t stop himself from staring at Elise. She was such an enigma to him, she seemed so real. She even munched on pieces of candy with the kids.

Elise noticed Chuuya staring at her, she had blue eyes just like him but hers were brighter.

“Do I have something on my face?” Elise rubbed at her cheek.

“Oh no, I’m sorry it’s rude of me to stare, it’s just…I never seen an ability where it creates a whole person.”

Elise gave him a warm smile. “I’m flattered you think of me as a person, you’re sweet.”

Chuuya tilted his head in confusion, why would she not see herself as a person? She walked, talked and ate like a real person. She can touch other things and interact with them as well. Chuuya was going to argue she is real but then she burst into a shimmer of ability particles. Chuuya blinked in confusion till he looked behind him and saw Mori standing there holding the door open.

“Come along Chuuya, time to head home.”

Obeying Chuuya followed Mori, returning to the automobile he got in. Yosano was already waiting, Mori seemed to be talking to the headmaster.

“Your reaction to Elise went well.”

“Why would it not go well? She’s a nice person.”

“Well, she’s not a person, she’s just an extension of my mom’s consciousness. She also drains energy from my mom whenever summoned. Many have compared her to a parasite.”

Yosano has grown up around the ability, to her Elise has always been a caretaker for her. Being an extension of Mori his love and protective nature for his children was ingrained in Elise. Many had voiced concern about letting an ability be near the children, Yosano knew Elise would never hurt them.

After the whole assassination attempt Elise took the fall for not protecting Mori to spare Dazai. She was labeled as a fiend and ostracized by everyone. Elise now only comes out when needed.

“I’m just glad your reception of her is well.”

Chuuya could not wrap his head around why anyone would think sweet Elise is a fiend, he may have just met her, but she was a wonderful assistant, and the orphans clearly loved her.

Yosano knew Chuuya didn’t have the whole picture but it’s not something she liked to disclose.

Finally, Mori got into the automobile and Hirotsu started it up to begin the drive back.

“You did well your first time helping with the orphans. If it’s not obvious I’m one of the city’s doctors, I mainly do house calls. I also do a lot of my services for free, the orphanage barely gets funding as is, so I volunteer my time and resources so the children are healthy.” Mori explained.

“Yosano is assisting me more lately since she wishes to learn how to be a doctor and surgeon. Elise was my main source of help, but I need to limit my time summoning her.”

Chuuya’s face melted into concern. “Is there something wrong with you Mori-san?”

“Nothing too urgent, I’ve just been more tired lately and summoning Elise drains me more. I’m hoping these symptoms run their course and I can get back to helping full time. I am also getting older, you know.”

Chuuya found it hard to believe Mori-san was forty, the omega was very beautiful and appeared the picture perfect of health.

“You’re not old mom, dad looks older than he is, you stole all his good years.” Yosano jokes.

Mori chuckled.

The rest of the ride was filled with carefree banter between everyone.

It was about midday when the automobile returned to the gate of the estate. Yosano climbed out first, taking the bag to return it inside. Mori placed a hand on Chuuya’s shoulder to keep him from leaving.

“You’re coming with me on an errand.”

Chuuya nodded and sat back down as the automobile pulled away to turn around and head back into town.

Hirotsu parked the vehicle and Mori emerged followed by Chuuya. The city was bustling with people and even more automobiles with some cable cars. Chuuya looked at the shop they stopped in front of and saw the kimonos on display in the window. Mori stepped inside the bell chiming above.

A store clerk perked up from where she was pinning fabric to a mannequin.

Chuuya’s eyes widened seeing she had the same red shade of hair as him.

“Mori, it’s good to see you again.” The store clerk put her work on hold to come over to the omega, the two sharing a quick hug. Chuuya’s nose picked up the overpowering scent of incense that wasn't coming from one but the clerk herself, she was an alpha.

“The same as well Koyo. How have you’ve been?”

“I’ve been good, business keeping me busy as always. I just got some new fabrics that I know you’ll make fine work with. Though who is this adorable little one you have tailing behind you?”

Chuuya flushed a little, finding his voice he bowed his head. “My name is Nakahara Chuuya.”

“Oh, he’s cute, where did you find him Ōgai?” Koyo stepped forward, a hand lifting his chin to get a better look at him.

“Believe it or not my son found him and now he’s under our care.”

“Osamu has a fine eye.” Koyo gently made Chuuya turn his head this way and that. “I hope you brought him here to be put into better clothes than these.” Koyo’s hand moving to pick at the yukata Chuuya was wearing, the omega shied a little he thought the amber colored yukata looked pretty good on him.

“I came mostly to buy new material for a new project I like to work on but you’re happy to find him something while I browse.”

Mori walked over to observe the new silks and satins Koyo got in stock, leaving Chuuya to her clutches.

Chuuya found himself in quite possibly the most extravagant hanfu he’s ever worn. Koyo’s shop also made hanfus along with kimonos.

The sleeves were a sheer white, embroidery on the sleeves of flowers and swirling clouds, a few goldfish as well. The under dress was a salmon pink color tied at the chest with a long blue ribbon. The salmon dress had flowers dotted around and then designs at the bottom. A fancy ornate fan with embroidery flowers on it along with long ribbons was being held by him while Koyo was adding pearl headpieces in his hair.

Mori sitting on a plush chair sipping tea, the fabrics he picked off to the side.

“Salmon is most definitely your color Chuuya-kun.” Koyo praised as she finished with the pearl accessories. Stepping back to join Mori as they admire how beautiful Chuuya looked.

Chuuya had flushed and protested in the beginning to wearing such fine garments but the longer he let Koyo put him in pretty beautiful outfits the more the omega’s confidence rose.

The bell rang signaling someone entered even after Koyo flipped the sign to close. Chuuya looked up and who he saw made the flush return and hid his face behind the fan.

Dazai was staring at Chuuya in the beautiful hanfu.

“I didn’t know you two were here?” Mori rose from his seat to say hello to Fukuzawa and Dazai.

“We were walking around and saw the automobile, I had a feeling you would be here after your work. How are you feeling dove?”

His parent’s conversation faded into background noise as Dazai just kept staring at Chuuya, finally Chuuya put the fan down and signed. Looking away from Dazai. “Do you mind not staring?”

“Ah sorry it’s just, you look good.”

Chuuya hid some of his face with the fan so Dazai would not see the flush.

“Koyo-san, can I get changed back into my clothes?” Chuuya, hoping to be saved by finding an escape from Dazai, he is still staring at him.

“Oh, you’re not getting those ugly rags back, you’re keeping this along with a few other simple hanfus I know you’ll enjoy.” Koyo headed into the back of the store to grab more things.

Chuuya tried to call out to her that it was not necessary, but it was too late.

“Best let her spoil you, Yosano isn’t interested in these types of clothes, so Koyo has been itching to lavish someone in her works.” Dazai explained.

Chuuya wanted to protest but Dazai was being called by Koyo for help. Chuuya sagged a little in defeat, he felt less of an assistant for Mori and more of just a companion. Chuuya tried to make a move to grab Mori’s fabrics to help carry them, but Fukuzawa grabbed them before he could and made his way to the automobile.

Chuuya perked up when Dazai emerged holding a pile of hanfus and other clothes.

“Now these are all yours Chuuya-kun, if anything needs adjusting Mori will help.”

“Koyo-san this is too much, at least let me pay you back.”

“You can pay me back by wearing them and if anyone asks who did the work you recommend my store alright dear?” Koyo patted his shoulder as she shooed Dazai away to take the clothes into the automobile. Dazai rolled his eyes but obeyed.

“You’re too kind Koyo-san, thank you.” Chuuya bowed his head before following Dazai outside. Mori went back inside to say goodbye to Koyo.

Dazai put all the clothes into the back of the automobile, so they won’t wrinkle.

“Dazai, why don’t you take the automobile back home with Chuuya, your mother and I have some business here in the city.”

“Alright dad see you at home.”

Chuuya flushed as Dazai held his hand out to help Chuuya step into the automobile, mindful of the clothes. Dazai followed in after and Hirotsu closed the door before driving off.

“Koyo is my aunt, well she’s my mom’s half sister but we all accept her. She was able to spoil Yosano with her clothes when Yosano was younger, but now older Yosano rather wear her nurse clothes than anything else so that’s why she kinda went a little wild spoiling you.”

Chuuya nodded as he put the fan down in his lap.

“What were you and your father doing in the city?”

“Attending a city hall meeting, bit of a drag but it’s not like I can avoid them. One downside to being a prince I guess is you’re always swamped with meetings.”

Chuuya whipped his head to stare at Dazai.

“I’m sorry, did you just say prince?”

“Oh, did I not mention that? We’re the royal family of the Yokohama providence.”

Chuuya wanted to have the automobile crash and be the only victim because he did not get ‘kidnapped’ by a prince and said prince saw him naked!

“Oh fuck…”

Chapter Text

Chuuya had a rough understanding about Japan’s royal hierarchy.

There was the Emperor that ruled over everyone and then there were branching royal families from the Emperor who governed provinces. Yokohama was one of the most profitable provinces, as per Ace who would lament about how he wished to set up a business there but was always denied.

Dazai explained that his grandfather was the previous emperor’s second son and that’s how they were loosely connected to one of the most important men in the country. Dazai seemed very flippant about basically being a prince and one assassination attempt away from possibly being the next in line. Far as Chuuya knew emperor Tatsuhiko Shibusawa didn’t have any heirs.

Chuuya sighed heavily, leaning his head back to stare at the starry sky while lounging in the hot springs.

Everything made a bit more sense now, why Mori was mad Dazai was in a Gambler’s Den, a prince being caught there would certainly cause a scandal. The luxuries the family lived in came from their power as well. Chuuya needled some more details from Dazai, how his mom was the most eligible omega back in the day and everyone was vying for his hand. Mori turned his nose up at a lot of the offers until his father forced him into a match with Fukuzawa. Luckily the young heir to the police chief was a man of honor and the two happily fell in love.

Chuuya was happy someone like Mori was able to find his true love despite his demanding expectations.

From what Chuuya could remember about his parents his father must have had some expectations that were supposed to be met but he disregarded those to run away and elope with his mother. Growing up hearing their love story made Chuuya believe true love was out there.

Until he faced reality.

This new information didn’t change Chuuya’s plan, if anything he hoped maybe Mori will be generous in giving him his pay for helping and he can get out of here quicker.

Though he will miss getting to be able to relax in a hot spring after a long day.

Inwardly battling with himself on whether to get out or not for the next thirty minutes, Chuuya finally decided it’s time to get out and head early to bed. Standing up, shivering a little, Chuuya began to wring his hair out.

Drying himself off Chuuya returned to his room, sitting down at the vanity after slipping into his sleep yukata. Brushing his hair out, Chuuya caught himself staring at his collar.

Pressing a hand to the gold, feeling the light pulse of power from it.

“It’s for the best..”

The next two weeks Chuuya greatly enjoyed shadowing Mori, he didn’t do any more medical help since Yosano was Mori’s assistant in that regard. Chuuya found himself learning a lot of sewing and needlework. Skills that would be valuable if he took this kind of work to Paris, the French always liked the finer things in life.

Chuuya was a little intimidated by the sewing machine, it felt like he could mess up so much since you had to use your foot to power it.

For now, Chuuya was good at threading colorful thread through a needle hoop making little designs on the sleeves of kimonos. Chuuya was threading some orange string making an embroidery marigold when Mori suddenly stopped sewing. Perking up when the sound of the sewing machine stopped and seeing Mori hunched over a little.

“Mori-san? Are you alright?’

“Chuuya, can you please fetch the wastebin? Hurry.”

Chuuya put his work down and ran over to grab it, bringing it over to Mori. His concern grew more when he watched the omega empty his stomach into the bin.

“Mori-san are you alright? Should I go find Yosano?” Chuuya tried not to panic because if Mori was a doctor, then who would look after him if he got sick?

“Don’t fret too much Chuuya, I think it’s just a stomach bug. I feel we should hold off work for today. I’m going to rest.” Mori stood up holding the bin just in case he felt like throwing up again. Chuuya didn’t leave the omega’s side until he helped Mori into his room, having him lay down.

“Chuuya I’m fine, I don’t feel sick anymore.” Mori was touched that the young omega was so concerned about him.

“I won’t feel better until Yosano-kun or another doctor looks you over.”

“Very well, you can inform Yosano.”

Chuuya got up to go find the young beta, he didn’t really know where to look other than her room which was empty. When she wasn’t helping her mother, it seemed nobody was able to find her.

Chuuya marched down the hall determined to find Yosano, brushing past Dazai.

“Whoa chibi where’s the fire?” Dazai grabs the long back ribbon on Chuuya’s hanfu to get him to stop.

“Have you seen Yosano-kun anywhere? It’s urgent.”

“What’s up?”

“Do you know where she is or not? Your mother isn’t feeling well and I’m worried.”

Dazai perked up hearing that something was affecting his mother. “Follow me.” Chuuya tailed after the young alpha.

The two left the main estate and headed into the forest areas around it, Chuuya was confused why Yosano would be out here. Through the trees Chuuya saw a small little shack, curious about why it would be out here, but this is where Dazai was taking him.

Dazai stopped before the door and put a finger to his lips looking at Chuuya, a signal to be quiet.

Dazai quietly went to the door, grabbed the handle and yelled. “Gotcha!”

Two screams from inside the shack startled Chuuya followed by angry yelling. Dazai laughed as he hopped away to stand next to Chuuya. Emerging from the shack was Yosano and an unknown tall blonde young man.

“Dazai you’re the worst! God scared me half to death.” Yosano punching Dazai’s arm hard enough the alpha let out a cry.

Chuuya and the unknown blonde blinked, staring at each other for a second. The blonde cleared his throat, and a very deep voice came from him, surprising Chuuya.

“I’ll have you know we weren’t doing any unsavory acts, so don’t pass judgment on us.”

“Kunikida, I told you to stop saying it like that!” Yosano groaned.

A moment of clarity for Chuuya as he remembered Dazai using the name to get Yosano to help him cover when he first brought Chuuya from the gambler’s den. This must be Yosano’s Kunikida.

Kunikida was tall, perhaps taller than Dazai with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail and glasses. Kunikida didn’t seem like the unsavory type so he wondered why Yosano would want to keep him and her a secret from her parents.

Dazai noticed the gears were turning in Chuuya’s head. “Kunikida is-“

Dazai didn’t have a chance to finish his sentence when Yosano jabbed him in the throat. Dazai choking hunched over being a little more dramatic. Chuuya smiled gleefully for a second before addressing Yosano.

“Sorry to bother you two but your mother has suddenly fallen ill, and we would like for you to check him over.”

Hearing the news about her mother got Yosano getting more serious. “Tell me his symptoms.”

Chuuya followed her back to the estate listing them leaving Dazai and Kunikida alone.

Kunikida rolled his eyes as Dazai pulled and used his yukata to hoist himself back up. “You know I don’t think you have a leg to stand on anymore. Stealing an omega now that’s scandalous.”

Dazai huffed, catching his breath. “I’m not against you and Yosano together, if anything I’m glad she picked you of all people.”

That meant a lot coming from Dazai, Kunikida softened a little.

“I just don’t want you getting caught and my mother gutting you like a fish, you sneaker.” Dazai teased making Kunikida growl before smacking Dazai upside the head.

The sneaking around hiding it is what will make Mori mad.

The two young alphas headed back to the estate, Kunikida taking a turn to head to the library while Dazai went to see what was wrong with his mom.

Of course, when he was in the room everyone of importance was surrounding Mori in worry who was trying to calm everyone that he was fine.

“Everyone please I just had an upset stomach, nothing to worry about. I’ll just rest for the day.” Yosano finished up a third check up just to be sure. Fukuzawa holding tight to Mori’s hand and Chuuya off to the side hoping for not the worst news.

“It could just be a stomach bug, but best we monitor it for a while.” Yosano concluded.

“Don’t overwork yourself dove.” Fukuzawa nuzzling Mori’s temple, the omega returned the affections.

“I’m not, it could just be a little something, nothing too serious.”

The younger ones decided to leave the couple to themselves, Yosano shutting the door behind her.

“I’m hoping it’s just a stomach bug, but mom rarely throws up.”

Dazai nodded with her, their mother has done surgeries and seen all kinds of messed up things being a doctor barely anything phased him. So, to suddenly empty his stomach was a cause for concern.

“If it doesn’t go away I’ll suggest that mom goes to the doctor in the city.”

“Good luck with that.” Dazai snorted.

Chuuya raised a brow in confusion, Dazai noticed and explained. “The doctors there don’t acknowledge mom as a real doctor since he’s an omega.”

Clarity came to Chuuya, of course the prejudice towards omegas still existed outside of this estate.

Yosano excused herself, Dazai making kissy noises to piss her off, the beta let out a growl as she walked away.

“So, you’re free the rest of the day aren’t you chibi?”

“Yes, since Mori-san is resting then I have no duties for today.”

“Have you explored the city yet?”

Chuuya enjoyed getting the chance to go out and walk the city streets, but he did not enjoy having to have his arm held by Dazai.

Walking down the streets as an unmated omega with nothing to protect himself Dazai being raised as a gentleman would ensure Chuuya would be protected. The young alpha seemed a little too smug as he walked down the streets with Chuuya on his arm, but not because he was showing off a pretty omega, no he was being smug because it pissed Chuuya off.

“Do you enjoy pissing me off?” Chuuya sneered.

“You make it so easy, chibi. You bristle up like an angry little kitten whenever you do.”

Chuuya whacked Dazai’s arm with his fan, which got a laugh out of the young alpha. Another who didn’t look thrilled to be there was Kunikida, trailing behind the two slouching. Chuuya looked behind to see the blonde still following.

“Why are you here?” Chuuya finally asked.

“Because I have the ‘honor’ of being his highness’ retainer.” Kunikida muttered. “Basically, his babysitter.”

Kunikida was grateful to be taken in by Dazai’s family when he didn’t have much after his parents passed away due to pneumonia. Kunikida was taken in after Dazai’s suicide attempt, his parents thought it be best Dazai had a confidant around his age. Kunimkida was diligent in his duties and work, but Dazai found it amusing to mess with him. As much as Kunikida wanted to wring Dazai’s scrawny neck, hearing how happy Yosano was saying how her brother seemed to be back to his old self was worth it.

“My condolences.” Chuuya gave Kunikida a look of sympathy.

“You two act like I’m the most insufferable bastard ever!” Dazai lamented but both Chuuya and Kunikida gave him a pointed look. “Oh, whatever, I'm a delight.”

Chuuya rolled his eyes as he kept following Dazai, he didn’t know where the alpha was taking him. When they arrived in the city the sun was setting but the lights were coming on, so people weren’t that in a hurry to head home.

Dazai took Chuuya down a side street where it looked like some small shops were set up. Dazai stopped and opened the door for Chuuya, glancing up Chuuya reading the sign ‘Lupin.’

Stepping inside Chuuya encountered a soothing scent of fresh linen. Eyes adjusting to the low light to notice they were in a bar. Dazai sat at a barstool, patting the seat next to him for Chuuya. The omega took a seat while Kunikida found himself his own spot away from Dazai, the blonde pulled out a notebook and began scribbling things down with an inkwell pen.

“One bourbon please, want anything chibi?”

Chuuya was surprised that a pub like this carried bourbon, it was more of an American drink. Chuuya hadn’t had much of a chance to drink in his life. Sometime when working at the Gambler’s Den he was offered a sip of sake by the patrons he was hosting but Chuuya wasn’t a fan. Chuuya did know red wine from Paris, the few sips he shared with his parents who offered him just a taste.

“Do you have any red wine?” Chuuya thought maybe if the bar had brandy it would have at least one wine.

“We have one if you like to sample it?” the bartender offered.

“I’ll take it, thank you.”

The bartender got to work on their drinks, putting Dazai’s in a short glass with a fancy piece of ice in the shape of a ball. Chuuya’s drink was served in a fancy wine glass, after their drinks were served the bartender went to idling cleaning glasses.

The atmosphere of the bar felt very laid back, the lights a low setting as the few patrons who were there kept their conversations quiet. A record player had some soft music play through the bar filling it with background noise.

Dazai took a sip of his brandy, a refreshing sigh from the first sip. Chuuya took his glass, first swirling the wine, like how he watched his father do it, before bringing the glass to his lips for a taste. The wine was good, not too dry and had a hint of floral aftertaste.

The two quietly drank for a bit before Dazai broke the silence.

“You like working with my mom?” Dazai had his elbow propped up on the bar, hand holding up his chin. The sleeve of his yukata fell to reveal more of the bandages Chuuya had noticed Dazai wore almost all the time.

“I’m learning a lot from him, in terms of sewing and needlework that is.” Mori did answer questions medical related if Chuuya was curious, really anything Chuuya had questions about.

“He really likes you, and says you’re a good assistant.”

Chuuya flushed, and it wasn’t because of the alcohol, the short time he knew Mori he had immense respect for the omega, hearing this made Chuuya’s heart beat a little faster.

“So, what are you doing with your savings?” Dazai took another sip of his drink.

Chuuya has only been working for a few weeks and he’s made a decent amount. Not having to make any payments meant his whole workly allowance was his to do whatever with. If he did the math right, it should take him maybe a few years.

“Why so curious about everything in my life?” Chuuya raised a brow while taking another sip of wine.

“You’re a befuddling person.”

Chuuya rolled his eyes. “Since you’re so curious I’m saving up to buy a ticket to Paris.”

Dazai perked up, not the answer he was expecting, making a gesture for Chuuya to explain the choice.

“I was born in Paris, my parents eloped from Japan to Paris and had me there. I came back to Japan when I was around ten. I have many fond memories of that place, and I will be far away from Ace ever finding me again.”

“You know I can just fix that right now.” Dazai reached his hand out, he wasn’t going to do it but still Chuuya swatted his hand.

“And I told you no touching.”

The two fell into silence again, Chuuya sipping more of his wine. Starting to feel the warmth of being buzzed when having alcohol.

“I’ve deduced the collar is an ability as well, the gem is still Ace’s, but the collar isn’t his doing. Is it a containing ability?”

Chuuya’s fingers holding the stem of the wine glass tightened, Dazai was accurate with that deduction.

“So, because the collar is still there it must mean the ability user is alive.”

Chuuya whipped his head around to stare at Dazai, again the alpha was right. But Chuuya had seen abilities still in effect after the user’s death, he didn’t want to get his hopes up.

Chuuya down the rest of his wine pushing the glass away. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

Getting up, Chuuya was pulling out his coin purse to pay the bartender, but Dazai beat him to it and placed some yen on the counter. With the bill paid Chuuya quickly exited the bar. Kunikida walked over to Dazai and leaned over.

“You’re really bad at flirting, you know this right?”

“Shut up.”

“I’m worried about you mom.”

Mori sighed, tugging Dazai to lay down and rest his head on the omega’s lap, something he did when younger. Dazai had come to check up on his mother and caught the omega throwing up again in the waste bin trying to discreetly get rid of it.

Running a hand through Dazai’s hair to soothe the young alpha.

“I’m fine Dazai, it’s really only once or twice a day but I don’t have a fever so it’s not the flu or pneumonia.” Mori did feel more exhausted after he threw up, but he was still resting. Missing a lot of house calls, Yosano was doing the best she could. Mori tried to spare Elise to help but that left the omega more drained, even the ability herself scolded him and said he needed to fully rest.

“What about you dear? Are you alright?” Mori stopped his hand to get Dazai’s attention.

“I’m fine mom, never better?”

“You know what I mean Osamu.”

Dazai was quiet, a deep sigh as he sat up, head hanging a little low in shame. “It’s still hard sometimes.”

“Are you hurting yourself again?” Mori gently reached out to take Dazai’s wrist, but Dazai pulled it away and tucked it close to his chest. “Osamu…”

“I know I know but it helps ok, I’m not doing it enough I will almost die.”

“Osamu the last time you did this we almost lost you.” This hurt Mori, that his child was aching and hurting so much he was resorting to these methods for relief. As a mother he always wanted to take his children’s pain and sadness.

Guilt was weighing heavily in Dazai’s chest hearing this, it hurt that he was putting his mom through all this and then ultimately not be here by the end of the year.

Mori opened his arms and Dazai gently fell into his mother’s comforting embrace. Holding his child as if he was small once again even if Dazai was getting almost as tall as Mori. Rubbing Dazai’s back to give the young alpha comfort.

“Tell me what I can do son? What can I do to take this pain away, please Osamu tell me.”

Dazai closed his eyes tight, feeling the sting of tears but he’ll hold those back because if he starts crying his mom will start.

“…can you sing that song, back when I was young.”

“Of course.”

Dazai was soothed by Mori humming the lullaby he always used to soothe Dazai and Yosano when they were younger and had nightmares or weren’t feeling good. Hearing the lullaby always gave Dazai happy nostalgic memories.

Dazai eventually fell asleep, curled up close to Mori who let Dazai lay on top of the futon covers and get a much deserved nap.

Mori perked up when the door slid open and it was Chuuya, the young omega saw Dazai and was going to come back another time but Mori gestured for him to come in.

“Don’t fret he’s just sleeping, what can I do for you Chuuya?” Mori whispered.

Chuuya glanced at Dazai napping on the futon curled up, it was an endearing sight seeing the alpha like this.

Coming closer to the omega, taking a seat on the floor chair next to the futon.

“I wanted to see how you were doing?” Chuuya kept his voice low as well to not wake Dazai.

“I’m fine, still resting but I should be back to teaching you needlework soon. If you want, I can suggest you shadow Koyo at her shop, Hirotsu can drive you there with no trouble.”

Chuuya might take Mori up on that offer, he feels he can learn a lot from Koyo-san.

Another glance at Dazai sleeping, it was still such a sight to behold. Mori noticed and smiled, reaching a hand to brush back some hair.

“He’s ok, just a little tired.”

Chuuya nodded, there was something else Chuuya wanted to ask Mori, though with Dazai nearby he found himself a little embarrassed but if the alpha was sleeping then maybe he won’t hear it.

“Um Mori-san, there is something I have to tell you.” Chuuya picking at the ribbon of his hanfu.

“What is it darling?”

Chuuya bit his lip, wringing his hands with the ribbon. “My heat will be coming soon, is there anything I need to do to handle it here?”

Back at the Gambler’s den Chuuya would just lock himself in a closet and ride it out, Karma providing him some food and water until it dissipated. Chuuya didn’t know the procedure here at the estate and with their heir being an alpha Chuuya was safe in assuming he would be shipped off somewhere.

“Don’t worry yourself darling, you are fine. As for what to do about your heat, don't fret, you can stay in your room, and we will provide for all your needs.”

“What about…” Chuuya didn’t finish his sentence, a glance at Dazai was all Mori needed to know what the young omega was going to ask.

“I can have all the alphas leave for the duration of your heat if that will make you comfortable but know that we place strict rules that an omega is not to be disturbed during their heat. Dazai has excellent self-control.”

While Chuuya didn’t want to say he barely trusted that statement to Mori’s face he did make a slight grimace. Mori picked up right away.

“Whatever makes you most comfortable, Chuuya I will make it happen.”

Chuuya felt the signs his heat was approaching right on time, feeling flusher than usual. He informed Mori who instructed all the alpha staff to leave. Chuuya said it was overkill to send Fukuzawa away who was still worrying about Mori’s health, added that he was an older mated alpha who only found his mate’s heat scent attractive Mori was adamant.

Dazai went with Oda to his second home in the city for the duration.

A cozy spot above a restaurant though Dazai did have to deal with a pack of kids.

Some orphans Oda found himself watching over, they were good kids just very demanding for attention especially by people they didn’t often see.

Finally, the rugrats tired themselves out and were sleeping soundly allowing Oda and Dazai some peace and quiet to chat.

“So how goes finding out the mystery behind your little omega?” Oda taking a shot of sake.

“First, he’s not mine and second, no luck. Anytime I mention the collar he changes the subject or just rejects talking about it. I know a lesser alpha by this time just break the collar off of him but-“

“That goes against his consent, something your mom drilled into you since birth and honestly everyone who works at your home.”

Dazai agreed, he respected his mom and the ideals he was brought up on but again why would Chuuya actively keep walking around with something that could kill him if Ace ever decided to hunt him down?

“He’s such an enigma, it’s baffling.” Dazai took another shot of sake, the alcohol warming his stomach but he was by no means drunk. He can hold his liquor much better than his sister.

“Though are you perhaps projecting unresolved attraction on him disguised as you wanting to know things about him?” Oda raised a brow, he had heard the gossip from the maids, about Dazai having longing looks whenever he spotted Chuuya.

“Me interested in chibi? As if, I just want to help him out of the goodness of my heart!”

“What heart?” Oda smirked behind his glass. “You don’t just do things to be a nice person, there is always an angle.”

Dazai rolled his eyes but Oda was right, hardly anything Dazai did it would in some ways benefit him. Though what would he really get out from freeing Chuuya besides curbing some curiosity?

The two continued to drink and play some dice games until Oda was falling asleep at the table. Dazai shooed the older alpha to bed before his head smacked the table. Dazai curled up on the spare futon he was provided but sleep was not coming to him.

Since the main reason he came to this highly distracting place is to keep his mind off of the fact Chuuya is currently at his house going through a heat.

Dazai had heard the conversation Chuuya had with his mother and while Mori didn’t disclose the details for sending everyone away Dazai knew why. He didn’t know why he kept thinking about it, usually he didn’t have these kinds of thoughts.

When Dazai presented and went through a huge growth spurt during puberty those usual hormonal thoughts young alphas get he didn’t have. In fact half of the time coming into contact with an omega in heat made Dazai recoil in slight disgust. For a long time Dazai felt something was wrong with him, why wasn’t he enticed by omega scents when it's usually biologically ingrained in him.

Finally asking his mother about it, thinking it was something medical Mori explained it could be just because he hadn’t found the right person.

Mori explained how he was the same way, hence why he was very picky about the suitors until things just clicked when he met Fukuzawa. Mori explained how when he first met the young alpha he just knew this was the one.

Dazai thought it was a fluke when he smelt Chuuya’s sweet flora scent and didn’t want to gag. But the more he spent time around the younger omega he started to realize Chuuya’s scent was the first he enjoyed.

The rose scent with a subtle hint of dried grapes was very pleasant on Dazai’s nose.

Now he was wondering how that scent would be when Chuuya was in heat?

Dangerous thoughts for an unmated alpha to have about an unmated omega.

Trying to banish those thoughts away since he won’t ever know peace and it's only been two days. Typically an omega’s heat lasts six and even longer if the omega didn’t have a mate. It did not help Dazai that he knew what Chuuya looked like naked-

Fidgeting a little, Dazai groaned as he realized there was now a problem.

“…fuck.”

Usually Chuuya’s heats were usually bearable, labeling himself as a prude stingy picky omega he wasn’t interested in other alphas. Chuuya prided himself in not being a typical omega who threw himself at any alpha during his heat, Chuuya’s pride wouldn’t allow it.

So now his pride was almost on the verge of bleeding out from how wounded it was imagining a certain alpha during his heat.

Chuuya thanked whatever gods were out there that his room was far away from Mori’s so the older omega would not hear Chuuya moan his son’s name while pleasuring himself.

Chuuya kept saying to himself he was only doing this to make the heat more bearable, it didn’t mean anything. He didn’t shame himself more by sneaking into Dazai’s room to steal a piece of clothing from the alpha’s room and use it in his nest, that felt like going over the line.

Best he could do was just pleasure himself with his fingers and use his imagination.

Biting his lip when he pumped the three fingers currently in his wet center faster to get closer to orgasm. His other hand thumbing at his clit to bring him over the edge. Chuuya shivering in pleasure and embarrassment imagining the hands touching his most private parts was instead an annoyingly handsome brunette alpha. Chuuya can easily imagine Dazai’s husky voice with pleasure telling him how good he was.

‘You’re such a good omega chibi~’

Whining in pleasure imagining those words being whispered in his ear.

Now Chuuya was wondering how Dazai would please someone in bed. He seemed the type to tease and keep someone on edge which would clash with Chuuya’s impatient attitude. But that sent more shivers down his spine and Chuuya tried to edge himself more and leave himself wanting more. Slowing down his fingers pumping inside himself, instead curling them whenever his thumb brushed over his clit.

This pleasure was maddening, it was making Chuuya’s toes curl he wanted to cum so bad-

‘You’ll cum when I say you can chibi”

A groan as Chuuya threw his head back against the pillow, a whine of the alpha’s name slipping out.

It felt like hours went by due to this slow teasing pace, Chuuya feeling himself get closer to the edge only to hear Dazai’s voice tutting him in his head to not release. Chuuya was all but desperate now as more slick coated his hands, thoroughly wetting the bedding below him.

‘You’ve been such a good boy, I think you deserve to cum’

Finally caving into pleasure, Chuuya sped up his fingers, the lewd wet noises echoing off the walls as he rubbed his clit faster. It didn’t take long for Chuuya to cum with a loud moan of Dazai’s name, more slick gushing from his center when he removed his hand. Shivering and twitching in aftershocks of pleasure on the soiled sheets. Chuuya panting loudly from probably one of the most intense orgasms he’s ever had. Though even after all that he still felt unsatisfied since there was no alpha or knot to fill him up.

Already feeling the annoying tingling of heat welling up again Chuuya groaned loudly.

“Shitty Dazai.”

Chapter Text

First thing Chuuya did after his heat broke was to thoroughly clean himself, which was a luxury he took advantage of with the baths and hot spring.

After scrubbing himself down, he always felt gross after a heat just from all the body fluids sticking to his skin for days. It wasn’t anything he was ashamed of, just something annoying. Chuuya lounged in the hot springs, letting the hot water soothe his muscles and mind.

It took a lot of willpower for him to emerge from the hot springs to go and clean his room but when he returned the room was already cleaned up and a fresh new futon was laid out, his blankets washed, dried on a line and brought back to his nest. Pillows changed as well except for the ones he’s dubbed his own. This was probably work from one of the omega servants Mori called back to help.

Speaking about the older omega, he had helped Chuuya a lot during the heat.

Since Chuuya didn’t have a partner it was up to Mori to make sure Chuuya ate and drank water during it. Inhaling the soothing scent of the older omega broke Chuuya out of the haze to accept the food and water, Mori letting out calming purrs as he tended to Chuuya, brushing back sweaty locks of hair and bringing him new blankets.

The third day was always the worst for unmated omegas knowing they will be denied the knot their body was desperate for, the cramping usually got worse. Chuuya remembered in the haze Mori holding him and doing his best to soothe the young omega. Chuuya buried his nose into Mori’s neck inhaling his scent in hopes being near a maternal omega will help ease the heat. It did and after that day Chuuya was back to being the normal horny omega during heats.

Chuuya went looking for Mori, finding him working in his needlework room, doing the finishing touches on the tiger kimono.

“Chuuya, how are you feeling darling?”

“Better, much better.” Chuuya couldn’t stop the flush, remembering how he whined and moaned for Dazai during his heat.

“That’s good, I’ll instruct the rest of the staff to come back along with Fukuzawa and Dazai.” The older omega seemed eager to see his mate and son after these last couple days.

Chuuya nodded, though now that the haze was gone his nose tickled, picking up a sweeter scent. Mori’s scent was a very clean one, subtle hints of lavender and the sweet smell of apples, though now the apple scent was stronger.

“Your scent is much sweeter today Mori-san.” An omega’s scent changing was usually a good indicator something might be up with the omega, bad or good.

“Are you sure?”

Chuuya nodded, the apples were almost the completely dominant scent.

“Hmmm, the last time my scent was sweeter was…” Mori’s eyes widened a little, Chuuya watched the older omega closely, on the edge for him to finish his sentence.

Though the two were interrupted by a knock on the door, it opened revealing one of the omega staff. She was a tall omega woman, she was beautiful and Chuuya remembers her as the omega Dazai liked to flirt with, but she was immune to his charm.

“Sorry to interrupt but your father is here Mori-san.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened a fraction realizing who was here. Mori sighed deeply, rising from his chair.

“Very well, set him up in one of the tea rooms and I will be there shortly. Of course, that man arrived during an inconvenience.”

“Should I remove myself Mori-san?”

“Heavens no, you don’t have to hide, you are my ward. Don’t feel you’re insignificant to meet my father, though I will give you the out to not meet him if you want.”

Chuuya mulled over the options, on one hand to meet Mori’s father who was the late emperor’s son and the current emperor’s brother was a once in a lifetime chance. Though from Mori’s reaction to the news he sensed there might still be some tension between the omega and his father.

“I would like to meet him Mori-san.”

“Very well, come along.”

Chuuya followed Mori to one of the tea rooms, when the door was opened Chuuya was surprised to see a calico cat sleeping on one of the floor cushions. Chuuya melted a little seeing the cat, while he preferred dogs any animal warmed his heart. Though he was surprised to find out there was a cat here, with how long he’s been staying at the estate nobody told him they had pets.

“Hello father.”

Chuuya perked up when Mori addressed his father but looking around the room there wasn’t anybody around, only the cat. Chuuya was about to ask if Mori was losing his mind from the unknown ailment but then he spoke again.

“I know you can hear me, you can cut the cute act now.” Mori was addressing the cat!

The cat opened his eyes, a big yawn showing off teeth as he uncurled from a ball and did a big stretch. Amazingly before Chuuya’s eyes the cat glowed, the familiar shimmer of an ability lit up the room and standing before them was a tall man with tricolor hair, a mustache wearing a yukata, a bowler hat and carrying a cane.

“Greetings father.” Mori bowed his head to the man.

The cat was Mori’s father?!

“You don’t have to be so polite Rintauro.” The man crossed the distance and pulled Mori into a hug. Mori returned the hug while Chuuya just stared.

The man looked well to be Mori’s father, if Chuuya didn’t know the context he would have assumed maybe this man was Mori’s brother.

“Why are you here father?” Mori pulled away from the hug.

“Can’t I just drop in to see my family?”

“You rarely come on a whim.” Mori crossed his arms.

“You got me there, but enough about me, who is this little one?” Mori’s father gaze landing on Chuuya.

Now being acknowledged, Chuuya shrinked a little, a typical reaction whenever he met alphas out of his comfort zone.

“He is my ward, Chuuya, this is my father, Lord Natsume.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you sir.” Chuuya bowed his head a little lower than usual.

“No need for that son, I don’t need the common folk bowing to me like they do to my brother.”

Chuuya flushing when he raised his head back up, the urge to hide behind Mori strong.

“Again, father, why are you here?” Mori took a seat at the table on one of the cushions. Chuuya joined Mori sitting at his side while Natsume sat across from Mori.

“I heard you’ve been ill and wanted to check up on you.” Genuine concern in the old alpha’s voice.

“I’m fine father, hardly on death’s door. I was just sick in the morning but now it’s gone. A stomach bug.”

Natsume seemed to let out a big sigh of relief hearing the news. The door slid open, and another servant came in with the tea. Chuuya remembers her, Naomi, she and her brother work at the estate together. Setting the tea down for everyone before she left.

“Did you come all the way here concerned about my health?” Mori took his cup, gently blowing on the tea before taking a sip. Chuuya waited for his tea to cool off some more before drinking.

“Yes, you are my only child, it is best a father comes in and checks on them even if they are grown.”

“You make it sound like I’m a pup when you look younger than me.”

Mori was right, Natsume looked younger than Mori who had the start of crow’s feet in the corners of his eyes. Chuuya was curious what Natsume did to achieve this.

“Your brain looks to be picking around the whys son, and I’ll tell you.” Natsume catching Chuuya staring a little intently. “My ability as you just saw is more than just changing a cat. Cats having nine lives, well let’s just say I get to look much younger than my age.”

“Still forever secretive about the exact nature of your ability I see.” Mori jabbed while taking another sip of tea.

“If everyone knew then where is the fun of being the cool aloof grandpa?”

Chuuya couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “All due respect sir, you look good for your age.”

Natsume nodded, picking up his teacup, Chuuya doing the same to take a sip. “I like this one Mori, maybe you should set him up with Dazai so he can be my grandson in law.”

Chuuya choked on his sip of tea, coughing loudly, it startled Mori who lightly patted Chuuya’s back before turning his gaze on Natsume. “Father.” Mori’s tone sharp.

“I’m just saying Mori, for how old Dazai is and he’s not even courting someone.”

Natsume had a point, the average age for taking on a mate was usually eighteen, the latest twenty. Dazai at twenty two and from an important family not even with a betrothed was odd to someone outside of this household where things are very much different from how the rest of society acted.

“Dazai will find a mate on his own, I’m not going to pressure him like you did me.” Mori put the teacup down a little harder than necessary onto the table.

Chuuya can feel the tension growing between them, the room being perfumed by their scents leaking out to potentially drown the other out. Not a good thing for Chuuya to be smelling an alpha’s strong scent just after a heat.

“While I’m truly touched by your suggestion Lord Natsume I will have to decline, I have plans to leave Japan hopefully in a few years.” Hoping to explain the situation and derail this standoff.

“Oh where do you plan to go?” The tension easing out of the alpha, but Mori still held a firm gaze.

“Paris, I was born and raised in the city before my parents brought me back to Japan, I would like to return there.”

“I knew of a lord who always wanted to elope there, I wonder how he is doing.” Natsume mused while taking some more sips of tea. “How is Yosano? Hopefully she’s been showing some interest in a mate.”

“I would certainly hope not, she knows my deal is not to find a mate until twenty.”

Chuuya bit his tongue and took a sip of tea, knowing that was far from the truth seeing that she and Kunikida were most definitely a pair. There were no mating marks, but it was obvious from the few times Chuuya caught them together they were involved.

“At this rate I will be great grandchild-less.” Natsume chuckled. “I know your protective nature has merit but hopefully you’re not smothering the children.”

“I’m not.” Mori snapped.

Chuuya can see why Mori was hesitant the young omega meets his father. Chuuya saw the two have different ideas of finding a mate, it was an old way of thinking against the newer generation of ideals. The two also had the opposite dynamics working against them, Mori’s nurturing attitude towards his children against Natsume’s business way of thinking since those were the ideals he was brought up on.

Mori is trying to break the traditional way of thinking.

Naomi knocked on the door, breaking the tension, Chuuya was grateful for her. “Mori-san, your husband is here.”

Mori’s eyes lit up hearing the news, politely rising from the floor cushion to go and see his mate. “Will you stay for dinner father? I’m sure the children will want to see you.”

“I will, you go see Fukuzawa. I will entertain myself by finishing up my nap.” Natsume took one last sip of his tea.

Chuuya bowed his head to Natsume and excused himself with Mori.

Mori seemed very excited to see Fukuzawa, it was kinda cute seeing him move as fast as he could to greet the alpha. Finding said alpha in a hallway probably on his way to find Mori. The two embraced, Fukuzawa even picked Mori up to spin the two around. Chuuya smiled wider watching the two be so in love with each other, reminded him of his parents.

“How are you, my dove?” Fukuzawa pulled away just enough to cup Mori’s cheeks with his hands.

“I’m well my love.”

Chuuya silently left the two be, heading to his room since most likely sewing duties will be put on hold. Though along the way he ran into the object of his heat haze self’s affections.

Dazai rounded the corner and the two of them stared at one another.

The silence was awkward between them, Chuuya not wanting to show any sign that he essentially had been moaning Dazai’s name the past few days.

“Hey chibi.”

Dazai broke the silence and Chuuya flushed harder remembering how he imagined Dazai whispering that nickname into Chuuya’s ear while his hands-

“H-hey Dazai, uh your grandpa here…bye.” Chuuya walked past Dazai to head to his room and bury himself in his nest to will the heat to his cheeks and core away. Chuuya would have died on the spot if his scent started to leak out, his body showing clear interest in Dazai.

Dazai watched Chuuya all but run away tail between his legs.

Shrugging Dazai went to go find his grandfather, surprised to know the old man was here and Chuuya had met him.

Was easy to find Lord Natsume, there was one floor cushion in a room where the sunlight was there the longest so one wouldn’t have to move. The calico cat of his grandfather curled up in a ball sleeping. Dazai smiled as he sat down next to the cushion and gently stroked Natsume’s side. Natsume made that little cat sound when touched, seeing who it was that pet him and started to get sleepy again seeing it was just his grandson.

Dazai liked when he could just have time like this with his grandfather, it was easier to deal with the old alpha when he was harmless as a housecat.

Dinner will be an affair.

“Be on your best behavior grandpa.”

Dazai was not prepared for this dinner with his family.

All but forced to sit next to Chuuya at the dinner table. Usually, Chuuya sat on Mori’s empty side or next to Yosano but Natsume insisted. Chuuya was not making eye contact with him at all during dinner, keeping his gaze off to the side, hiding his face and keeping his shoulders hunched to protect his neck.

Dazai should have had an inkling of the conversation his grandfather was going to bring up, he always mentioned it when he visited but when he included Chuuya…

“Dazai my boy, when are you going to settle down with a fine omega?”

Dazai glanced at his mother whose expression hardened. Seems the topic was already brought up before he returned home. “I don’t know grandpa, haven’t really been looking hard enough I guess.” That and showing a complete lack of interest for personal reasons.

“Why not settle down with Chuuya, your mother already adores him, that's half the battle won.”

Dazai tried to not choke on his bite, but he bit down hard on his tongue, pulling a light curse from him. Chuuya all but tensed up and froze when Natsume brought up setting the two up again. Yosano was even struck silent by the proposal.

“Ah well grandpa that’s a little forward-“

“Is it wrong of me to assume you are courting? An unmated omega, not a servant who is your mother’s ward and has dinner with us, what else am I to think if not him being your fiancé?”

The big detail Natsume was missing is that Dazai stole, well rescued Chuuya from a gambler’s den. Only the main family and a few others knew where exactly Chuuya came from.

To someone on the outside, Chuuya would fit the role as a fiancé, living in the groom's estate, an active role with the parent of their respective nature, in this case Dazia’s omega mother. Chuuya actively joining them for dinner was a clear sign to those in high society he was accepted into the family, not them all doing it out of courtesy for Chuuya.

“Chuuya is not anyone’s fiancé, he is a guest.” Mori’s tone is serious, a clear sign for Natsume to drop this topic.

Dinner was a tense affair, both Fukuzawa and Yosano trying to ease the tension between everyone with what they did while away from the estate the last few days but that got Natsume questioning more.

“Fukuzawa, why were you away for so long? And with how my son has not been feeling well. Usually nothing separates you from Mori for that long without good reason.” Natsume then glanced at Chuuya who really wanted to curl up into a ball.

“All the alphas had to take leave from the estate.” Fukuzawa was to the point and direct.

“How come?”

“Personal reasons.” Mori again uses his serious tone but it won’t have much effect on Natsume. In the older man’s eyes Mori will always be his pup who can be too mouthy and headstrong for his own good.

“I see.” Natsume’s gaze landed on Chuuya. “Personal reasons.”

Chuuya stood up quickly, bowing. “Sorry excuse me.” Hurrying out of the room as fast as he can.

As soon as he cleared the door Natsume let out an amused snort. “A chastity collar as well, I may be old but I’m not blind.”

Dazai wanted to get up and go after Chuuya but that would be too obvious, luckily Yosano picked up the concern and went to go check on Chuuya.

She didn’t have to go far, finding Chuuya sitting down on a porch looking out to a courtyard. Yosano took a seat right next to Chuuya, she noticed he was breathing harder, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“You ok?”

Chuuya took some more breaths before he spoke. “Not really but I’ll be fine.”

“Sorry about that, grandpa pries a little too much at times. He just doesn’t have the whole truth you know. Grandpa doesn’t know Dazai stole you.” Yosano chuckled to try and lighten the mood.

“I don’t want to make things awkward for your family.”

“It’s no big deal.”

“But you’re a royal family. I can understand why you wouldn’t want scandals.”

“Oh is that what you’re worried about? Chuuya there really isn’t anything you have to worry about in that regard. If anything the biggest scandal everyone is talking about in this weird family is how grandpa’s brother still doesn’t have any kids with how old he is. We’re very much under the radar.”

“How come?” To Chuuya being connected in any way to the royal family was grounds for being very well known.

“Grandpa was one of the late emperor’s bastards, he was only given a title because of his ability. As far as the public knows we’re just the ruling family of Yokohama, the high class and elite know our ties to the emperor, but chances are any of us would ascend the throne is pretty much nonexistent.”

This was a lot of information for Chuuya to digest, sitting there stunned.

“You don’t have to worry about that stuff Chuuya, you don’t want to be a part of this world. It may look nice on the outside but it can be dangerous…” Yosano’s expression saddened as she gripped her arm a little tighter than normal. Chuuya perked up and wished to calm her, reaching out he held his hand open, a silent gesture for her to take his hand if she wanted comfort.

Yosano smiled and took Chuuya’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Natsume couldn’t have left soon enough, strained but polite goodbyes from the family as they saw him off, on his way back to the capital.

Tension left the estate as things went back to normal.

Chuuya finally got over being flushed around Dazai, controlling himself and scolding his body’s reactions around the young alpha. He was not vying for his attention so won’t present himself available.

“Hey, you free?”

Chuuya raised his brow at Dazai when the alpha casually sat next to him while Chuuya was working on some embroidery flowers.

“Free for what?”

“There is this gathering at city hall, some like honoring event I don’t really remember. Of course I have to be there and I’m not looking forward to everyone annoying me for attention-“

“You want me to be arm candy? After we did everything, we could to convince your grandfather I’m not your fiancé.”

“No, not that. I just want you there at my side to keep me company and to have pesky omegas leave me alone.”

“So essentially arm candy.” Chuuya narrowed his eyes.

“I mean I’m not going to declare you’re my omega or anything, you’re just there as a friend.”

“There is no such thing as an unmated omega and alpha being friends.”

“Come on chibi please.” Dazai even put on some pleading eyes, with a full on lip pout.

“No.”

This just did not bode well with Chuuya wanting to keep a low profile. Going to a very open event with Dazai would make the rumors run rampant.

“Why do you want me to go anyways? Can’t you ask anyone else?” Did the alpha not have friends?

“I don’t have anyone else to ask.”

Oh.

Now Chuuya’s inner omega felt bad for the alpha, it was starting to fold and wanted to help him out. Dazai must have picked up on it since he intensified the puppy dog eyes.

“No with the face and the eyes! Fine I’ll do it, but I’m not your arm candy.”

“Deal, thanks chibi, wear that cute salmon hanfu that I like.”

Chuuya flushed as Dazai walked away.

The event itself was an honor ceremony for some members of the police force in Yokohama. After the ceremonies the main event was the after party. Chuuya felt very out of place even dressed up very nicely by Mori for the event. Wearing the same hanfu he modeled in Koyo’s shop along with some matching hair pieces. Chuuya saw others wearing more lavish kimonos than what he wore but still Chuuya felt so many eyes on him.

“You ok chibi?” Dazai placed a hand at the small of Chuuya’s back to get his attention.

Chuuya wasn’t the only one dressed up nicely, Dazai wore a yukata that looked good on him, the red spider lily designs subtly sewn into places on the sleeve. Chuuya had found out the kimono Mori first gave him matched this yukata. Dazai also had his hair slicked back which was the first time Chuuya ever saw it like this.

Dazai still had bandages covering his arms, and it seemed he still wore them even during special events.

“I’m fine, this is just a lot.”

“We can go home any time just tell me.” Dazai seemed eager to go, in fact he was suggesting they leave as soon as they entered the event. As much as Chuuya would like to go home he remembered Mori telling Dazai not to wrap up too quickly. The two have only been there thirty minutes.

“No, let's stay longer.”

Dazai let out a sigh, though he quickly put on a smiling face when someone came up to chat with him. Chuuya noticed how easy it was for Dazai to don a mask of the friendly heir of the Yokohama province. Chuuya was mostly ignored by the alphas and betas coming up to speak to Dazai. Which was fine by Chuuya who didn’t really know how to talk to these people.

Dazai and Chuuya were leaning against a wall just watching the crowd when a young lady approached them.

“Dazai-kun it’s so nice to see you again.”

Chuuya raised a brow, she was a very pretty looking omega, her dark hair along with being quite tall for a woman. Glancing at Dazai who had a wide look in his eyes.

“Ah yes, nice to see you too…”

“Saski.”

“Ah! Yes I remember now, nice to see you.”

Chuuya hid his expression behind his fan at Dazai clearly forgetting who this omega was, this poor woman.

“Who’s this?” Saski looked at Chuuya, a mild disgusted look on her face.

“My name is Chuuya.” Deciding to speak for himself for once.

Saski’s lip curled up a little. “Don’t you think it’s rather bold of you to bring a concubine here Dazai?”

The way she said concubine was laced with disgust, it threw Chuuya off to be addressed by that title. It wasn’t an uncommon practice in the past for alpha’s to have a mate, maybe an omega concubine or two to ensure heirs, though now the practice was slowly being pushed out with the rise of modern medicine keeping people alive so the need to make many offspring wasn’t as demanding.

“He’s not that Saski and that was rather uncalled for.” Dazai pushed himself from the wall to stand up a little taller.

“What else could he be? An omega on your arm with a collar around his neck, easy to assume he’s just your little plaything.”

Chuuya knew coming here was a bad idea, now he was dubbed as Dazai’s pup maker.

Dazai opened his mouth to counter Saski but Chuuya beat him to it.

“You have a lot of nerve.”

“Excuse me?” Saski balked.

“I’m just saying, you got a lot of nerve and desperation. You came up to an alpha clearly not interested in you who even forgot your name. My mom used to say those who say ugly things to other people are just projecting their ugly feelings about themselves onto others. So you just must be very sad and miserable.”

Dazai’s eyes were wide as he watched Chuuya deliver this legendary tongue lashing.

Saski was at a loss for words until she found her voice. “Why you little-“

“Yeah, take a jab at my height like everyone else, you’re so clever. How about you save yourself the embarrassment and just give up, Dazai is obviously not interested in you. He would rather be anywhere else than standing right here watching you pathetically insult an omega you obviously feel threatened over.” Chuuya had overheard some gossip, how everyone found Dazai’s company for the night beautiful, so many comments about his hair and the hanfu he wore. Chuuya knew he had to be an eyepiece at this event.

Saski was turning red, either from anger or embarrassment it was hard to tell. “D-Dazai, do something? You’re going to let this low class broodmare insult me like this?”

“He’s not going to help you honey, you can keep on insulting me so you can feel better about your sad pathetic self.”

That seemed to make Saski reach her breaking point, raising a hand to slap Chuuya but Dazai grabbed her wrist before she could even touch him.

“Don’t.” The growl in Dazai’s voice had both omega’s eyes widened. Saski’s in fear while Chuuya’s in awe.

Saski ripped her wrist from Dazai’s grip, angry tears starting to fall from her eyes. “You won’t get away with this!” Huffing loudly as she turned on her heel to stalk off, Dazai knew most likely to cry to her daddy so best he make his escape before an angry alpha hunts him down for making his daughter cry or worst direct his anger at Chuuya.

“That’s our cue to leave chibi, come on.”

Looping his arm with Chuuya to hurry the both of them out of the event. Hirotsu was sitting in the automobile reading a newspaper when he saw the two running over. Already suspecting it he just quietly folded the paper back up and started the automobile.

Dazai opened the door for Chuuya who climbed in first followed by Dazai. When the door closed the automobile drove off.

“That was amazing chibi, you’re just as good at giving tongue lashings as my mom!” Dazai was still in awe over Chuuya delivering that speech to Saski. Did she deserve it? Probably not but she was just like a lot of the elite beyond the estate, still stuck in the old ways of thinking. She skated through life as an omega easily being from a good family. Her looks alone could get her any alpha she wanted, just not Dazai.

“I do think I went a little overboard.” Now out of the moment Chuuya was second guessing saying all of that.

“Don’t be sorry, she needed a slap of reality in her face.”

Still Chuuya felt guilty, he barely knew that girl and said some pretty nasty things, though the little voice in his head said she insulted him first.

“My mom would be proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened and a small flush dusted his cheeks, the compliment putting him at ease.

Dazai smiled back. “Since we left earlier than we were supposed to, do you want to maybe grab a drink at the bar again?”

It almost sounded like a date but Chuuya banished that thought, even if a drink sounded good right now.

“I love to.”

Chapter Text

“You know you can go out and make some friends Chuuya, you don’t have to work constantly.”

Mori gently stops Chuuya in the middle of using the sewing machine, finally gaining the confidence to use it. The young omega looked up from his work at Mori. He had been constantly working since being brought on as Mori’s ward, the rare times he did go out for ‘pleasure’ was with Dazai to grab a drink at Lupin.

Chuuya would consider Yosano a friend though whenever she had free time she would spend it with Kunikida if they two could. Dazai…he didn’t want to put him in the same category as friend, maybe drinking buddy.

Friends were something Chuuya didn’t think he needed, back in the Gambler’s Den some people would sell out others if it meant saving their own skin. Karma was the closest he had to a friend.

The idea of going out there to make friends was a little intimidating, he wouldn’t know where to start.

“But I like working with you Mori-san.”

“And I’m grateful for your help. I really am but you’re young with no responsibilities, you should be enjoying that freedom.”

Chuuya still was hesitant, what was a place he could even go to make friends?

“I’m going into the city, I can drop you off near the marketplace, go shopping, look around and have some time off.”

“But-“

“No buts, you’re going to enjoy having some time off.”

There was no arguing with Mori when his mind was set on something. Chuuya obeyed as he was dropped off at the market, some yen to get anything he liked and for the first time in a long while he was completely alone.

It was a bit jarring being alone, some fearful omega instincts coming out, but Chuuya pushed those down. There were a lot of people around, things will be ok. Chuuya wore a plain looking yukata to not draw too much attention to himself as well.

The market was still bustling, vendors with all kinds of products and many food carts around. Lunch sounded good and Chuuya found a kart serving some udon that looked heavenly. When getting his portion, the flavors were just right, and the noodles had the perfect bouncy texture.

After a hearty lunch Chuuya decided to window shop, he wasn’t looking to spend a lot and get something that could travel with him to Paris eventually. Chuuya was eying some black leather gloves that he eventually bought.

While he was in line to grab some maple candies to snack on someone tapped on his shoulder.

Turning his head to see who had gotten his attention, it was a young lady maybe around his age with pink hair.

“Hi, I hope it’s not weird to say this to a random person but I love your hair.”

Chuuya smiled at her, the compliment washed over him in a happy warm fuzz. “No not at all, I like your hair as well.”

She smiled and began to play with a longer section of it. “My name is Yuan.”

“I’m Chuuya, nice to meet you.”

“Are you new around here?”

Chuuya found himself chatting with Yuan while in line and then sharing the candies with her. Next thing Chuuya knew he was window shopping with Yuan through the market.

Chuuya learned a lot about Yuan, she was a beta though her sweet scent would fool anyone into thinking she was an omega. She’s lived in Yokohama her whole life and worked at a bakery. When Chuuya shared he was learning needlework she made mention of Miss Koyo’s shop and how one day she wanted to own one of the beautiful kimonos in the window.

“I know her actually!”

“You do!?”

“Yeah, she gave me some of her works. The one I’m learning under happens to be her half brother, so I got a chance to meet her.” Chuuya beamed.

“That’s amazing, wow I’m sure you must have seen dozen of beautiful hanfus and kimonos.”

The two were sitting on a bench in one of the parks, the shade keeping them cool from the sun.

“Yuan!”

Someone called out Yuan’s name, the two turned to look and see who it was. Chuuya saw a young man, maybe around his age approaching them. He had shaggy looking gray hair, from the way he walked and presented himself Chuuya could guess he was an alpha.

“There you are, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Who’s this?”

“Shirase, this is Chuuya, I met him in the market, and we just got to talking.” Yuan gestured to Chuuya sitting next to her.

Shirase did a full body look at Chuuya, scanning him up and down. Chuuya couldn’t help but feel a shiver race up his spine noticing a look of interest in Shirase.

“Hey, I’m Shirase.” The young alpha gave Chuuya a wide smile.

“You’re really flirting right in front of me?” Yuan rolled her eyes.

“Quiet Yuan, you're throwing off my charm.”

Chuuya couldn’t help but chuckle, shoulders shaking a little from the laugh. Chuuya brushed some hair behind his ear, drawing attention to his gold collar which Shirase noticed and seemed to deflate.

“Oh you have a collar.”

“No no no, this isn’t a chastity collar, this is just an accessory I wear. I’m not betrothed or claimed.” Chuuya quickly cleared the air, Shirase’s eyes lit up with hope seeing he had a chance.

“You two hungry or anything? I know a great place to get some tea over rice.”

“Sure I’m starving! You want to come as well Chuuya?”

“Alright.”

Chuuya enjoyed dinner with the two, it was a breath of fresh air to talk to new people and get to know them better. Shirase worked at a blacksmith and was learning some academics when he had free time.

It also didn’t escape Chuuya’s notice that Shirase never took his eyes off him. In the past Chuuya hated when people stared at him, but he didn’t mind the way Shirase looked at him. The young alpha showed clear interest in Chuuya.

After they finished their meal Yuan had to get home so she could wake up on time for work. She did share her letterbox destination to keep in contact with Chuuya via letters. Chuuya smiled and promised he would send her a letter as soon as he got home. He’ll ask her later if the building she lived in had a telephone, so it would be much easier to get in contact with her that way.

“Can I walk you home? Pretty thing like you shouldn’t be wandering alone at night.” Shirase offered, Chuuya couldn’t help the flush, picking at his sleeve.

“If it’s not too much trouble, it is far though.”

“I don’t mind, means I get to spend more time with you.” Shirase just kept laying on the charm which Chuuya was eating up. Taking the alpha’s arm when offered, Chuuya told him where to walk in.

The walk back to the estate was long and dark but Shirase said he keep Chuuya safe even if he didn’t have an ability. That was charming and Chuuya found himself easily chatting with him to pass the time. When they got closer to the estate to walk down the high stone wall Chuuya noticed Shirase staring at the wall and his eyes widened when they stopped at the main gate.

“Oh, I didn’t know I was escorting royalty.”

“You’re not, I just work and board here. Thank you for walking me home.” Chuuya used the knocker to alert someone to open the gate.

“Any time, I'd like to see you again.” Pulling out a card from his yukata, Shirase handed it to Chuuya. His mailbox destination on it along with the phone line for the blacksmith he worked at.

“I would as well.” Chuuya gave Shirase a smile.

Shirase returned it, then he did an unexpected thing. Pulling his sleeve back a little he turned his arm to show the inside of his wrist. This was a clear sign he liked to lightly scent Chuuya, a gesture to initiate courting.

A flush dusted Chuuya’s cheeks as he pulled his own sleeve back and offered the inside of his own wrist. Shirase brushed his wrist against Chuuya’s, lightly leaving his scent. Pulling his hand back just in time for the door to open. Hirotsu is there to let Chuuya inside.

“Goodnight Chuuya.” One last goodbye before Shirase began his long walk back to the city.

“Goodnight Shirase.”

Chuuya walked into the estate, Hirotsu closing the gate behind him. “Welcome back Chuuya, a portion of tonight’s dinner was set aside for you if you are hungry.”

It was sweet that some dinner was left over for him. “Thank you but I am full, please pass on my thanks and news that I have returned for the night to Mori-san.”

“Will do, is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Perhaps direct me in handling the phone tomorrow, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, have a good night young one.” Hirotsu nodded his head to Chuuya before stepping away to head to bed. It wasn’t very late into the night but Chuuya figured the majority of the household was asleep.

So it surprised Chuuya when he was walking to his room and ran into Dazai.

“Dazai? What are you doing up?”

“Where were you?”

“Pardon?” Chuuya raising his brow. “I was out, I went into the city, your mother gave me the day off.”

“You went out there alone?”

“I was fine, I even met some friends out there and was escorted back home.” Chuuya wondered why Dazai was suddenly super concerned. It was the first time he was without anyone from the estate.

Dazai didn’t seem convinced as he was looking Chuuya over, as if expecting to find him hiding some wound or something.

“Hey, cut that out!” Chuuya swatted at Dazai, his wrist was caught and Chuuya watched as Dazai visibly bristled. Pulling his wrist close to smell at it, a contained growl rumbling in his throat.

“Who scented you?”

“It’s none of your business.” Chuuya used all his strength to rip his wrist from Dazai’s grip, but the alpha was not budging. “Dazai let go.”

“Not until you tell me who scented you.”

“Why do you care? It’s not like you own me.” Chuuya growled and that seemed to be enough to get Dazai to loosen his grip enough for Chuuya to pull his hand away from the young alpha. “What’s your problem?”

Chuuya brushed past Dazai heading to his room leaving the alpha standing there, Dazai watching as Chuuya marched away from him. The omega made it to his room and slid the door closed a little harder than normal.

What was all of that?

Where did this come from suddenly?

The one time Chuuya goes out to find new friends and court a little bit this happens. It’s not like he’s even seriously considering courting Shirase anyways. Getting scented, especially just a little bit, wasn't a marriage proposal. Why was Dazai acting all weird?

Some of Chuuya’s omega instincts were preening over two alphas showing interest in him. Chuuya banished those thoughts because he was getting over his one time attractive feelings about Dazai. That was just a fluke, using the only unmated alpha he knew at the time to get him through a heat, it didn’t mean anything.

Huffing loudly Chuuya pulled off his clothes, still steaming mad at Dazai’s whole reaction to him coming home. Pulling on his robe, Chuuya needed to wind down before attempting to go to bed or he’ll be up all night angry.

The hot springs always managed to get him relaxed, so after quickly washing himself, muttering how stupid and shitty Dazai was, he went to his favorite spot to relax in the hot springs. When it was late at night like this Chuuya didn’t have to worry about others finding him but even so not everyone in the estate had access to the hot springs. Due to limited access it wasn’t separated by dynamics like the public onsens in the city.

So when Chuuya heard movement in the water his eyes snapped open, landing on who dared to intrude upon him when he just wanted to relax.

“You?! Get out!” Chuuya hissed at Dazai, glaring daggers at the alpha.

Chuuya was still mad, he didn’t even bother to cover himself with the small towel he brought to pillow his neck.

“This is my house so I have the authority to kick you out.” Dazai threw back at Chuuya.

Chuuya groaned at Dazai still acting difficult, realizing the alpha could see everything he pulled the small towel close to cover the front of his body.

“Whatever, be a piss baby just stay away from me!” Chuuya sat back down and turned his nose away from Dazai. He should get out and cool off in his room but his pride won’t let him, he was here first and will not budge.

There was some tense silence between them before Chuuya broke it.

“Why are you suddenly so hissy anyway? We just exchanged scents, it’s not like I proposed to him.”

“You shouldn’t just willingly give your scent out to people.”

“Alright mom, any other wisdom you want to bestow on me?” Chuuya crossed his arms over the towel to keep it plastered to his flat chest.

“Be careful out there, especially when you have something that can kill you on your neck.”

“I can handle myself just fine you know, I’m not a pup and just because I don’t have a working ability doesn’t mean I can’t defend myself.”

Silence fell between them and Chuuya hoped that was the end of it.

“What’s so special about him?”

Chuuya let out a growl. “What are you jealous?” Staring hard at Dazai but then it dawned on him. “Oh my god you are.”

“I’m not jealous, just tell me what’s so special about him you willingly gave your scent to him after only knowing him one day.”

“Oh my god, why do you make exchanging scents seem like a bad thing? He was interested in me, I might be interested in him and we exchanged just a little scent. It’s not like I’m yours anyways.”

“He’s probably not even that good.”

Chuuya just had about enough of Dazai, rising to his feet not caring about his nudity he was too mad, the water still only came to his waist anyways so it gave some cover. Stalking over to Dazai to stand before him.

“You don’t even know him and you think you’re better than him?”

“I know I am chibi.”

“I like to see you prove it.” Chuuya crossed his arms but before he could finish the gesture his arm was tugged.

Next thing Chuuya knew he was straddling Dazai’s lap!

“Let go-“

Chuuya let out a yelp as he was flipped around, back to Dazai’s chest. One of Dazai’s arms wrapped around Chuuya’s chest to keep him still, hooking his chin over Chuuya’s shoulder.

“Don’t say things you don’t want to know the answer to.” Dazai’s free hand pressed against Chuuya’s stomach.

The omega was glad the hot springs already made his skin flush because these touches from Dazai would make his face even more red.

“I’m going to show you just how good I am chibi.”

Chuuya was about to let out a snarl before moving his head back to bite Chuuya’s nose but the attack fell short when Dazai’s hand moved down to cup his center. The moan that was pulled from Chuuya’s mouth from the simple touch was mortifying. Chuuya moved his hands up to cover his mouth but the moan just encouraged Dazai to continue.

Slowly rubbing the heel of his palm on Chuuya’s mound, pressing harder where his clit was.

Chuuya bit his lip hard to keep quiet, throwing his head back against Dazai’s shoulder who hummed happily he was getting such a reaction from Chuuya and wasn’t even doing much.

A thumb swiping over Chuuya’s clit got the omega squirming in Dazai’s grip, kicking out causing the water to splash.

“I’m not even doing much and you’re already like this, either I’m proving myself right or you’ve been pent up.” Dazai whispered in Chuuya’s ear.

“S-Shut up.” Chuuya snapped.

“You’re not telling me to stop.” Pressing two fingers harder against Chuuya’s clit, getting a moan from the omega who threw his hands over his mouth. “Admit it, you’re curious about my skills.”

As much as Chuuya wanted to deny everything, his body was telling another story. Even in the water he was getting wet enough that when Dazai dipped the tips of two fingers inside Chuuya threw his head back hard and moaned behind the hand over his mouth. The reaction surprised Dazai who pulled his hand away enough to rest it over Chuuya’s stomach.

“Did you just-“

Dazai didn’t finish his question as Chuuya’s elbow moved back and made contact with Dazai’s nose. A crack and cry from the hit, Dazai letting go of Chuuya to hold his nose which was bleeding. It wasn’t broken, just a blood vessel busted.

“Ah fuck! Chibi that hurt.” Dazai held his nose closed as he leaned his head back to not have blood fall into the hot springs.

“W-well you just- you!” Chuuya unable to form words, grabbing the towel to cover himself and sink further into the water to hide himself. Chuuya couldn’t believe he orgasmed that fast!

Dazai held a hand under his face to catch some blood, Chuuya felt a little bad seeing the nasty nosebleed he gave Dazai but same time he was too mortified and mad to really care or offer a towel for him.

“I guess I did a good job if you released that quickly.” Dazai chuckled.

Chuuya threw the wet towel right at Dazai's face, stalking out of the hot springs.

Chuuya was unable to look Dazai in the eye for the next couple of days, an embarrassing flush would dust his cheek whenever he saw the young alpha. Dazai at least didn’t tease Chuuya about what happened, all he had to do was smile smugly and that got Chuuya bristling.

It took some time for Chuuya to finally call Shirase, watching Hirotsu use the phone to see how it worked. Chuuya waited on bated breath for the operator to put his call through. It was some quiet minutes before the alpha’s voice was heard through the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hi Shirase it’s me Chuuya.”

“Oh Chuuya! Hi hi, it’s nice to hear from you. How have you’ve been?”

The two exchanged pleasantries, seeing how they were doing after not being in contact. Chuuya and Shirase got to chatting for some time until Shirase had to go back to work.

“I want to see you again, there is a festival being hosted at the shrine, would you like to go with me?”

That sounded like a date, a real date.

“I love to.”

“Perfect, I’ll pick you up that day and we can walk there.” Shirase went over a few more details before being ordered away from the phone. Chuuya said goodbye and hung up the phone, happy that it went well and was going to see Shirase soon.

Asking Hirotsu about the festival he said it was being held at the end of the week so Chuuya had a day and half to prepare.

First order of business was what he was going to wear. It was a summer festival so something in summer colors would do well. Chuuya remembered there was a baby blue hanfu in the collection of clothes Koyo gave him. That will do perfectly for the festival.

Mori noticed Chuuya’s improved mood when the two were having their afternoon tea break.

“Someone seems excited.” Mori mused aloud.

“Is it obvious? I got invited to go to the festival this week.”

“About time Dazai takes you somewhere better than the bar.”

Chuuya tensed when Mori assumed Dazai was the one who invited him. It was harmless thinking by the older omega since out of everyone here in the estate besides Mori Chuuya only went out with Dazai a handful of times.

“Oh actually someone else asked me.”

Mori put his teacup down, surprised. “Did you make some friends?”

“Yes, I met some people when you let me go out, one of them invited me to the festival.”

Mori mused how happy he was that Chuuya found some friends and one invited him to the festival. “In all honesty Dazai doesn’t really like going to the festivals anymore, preferring to stay home. He did enjoy them when he was younger, which is why I was surprised he take you but that was assumed thinking on my part. I wish you and your new friends a wonderful time.”

With the well wishes from Mori, Chuuya knew he was going to have a wonderful time.

The day of the festival Chuuya was distracted with getting ready and making sure he had everything he needed. Asking Mori to help him with his hair since he didn’t know how to go about wearing it. The older omega braided the long part of Chuuya’s hair and threaded a match baby blue ribbon in it.

Mori offered Chuuya a small bag to hold his items in it and even offered a lightweight parasol in case it rains. Since the weather could be a little unpredictable.

Chuuya had a rough estimate of when Shirase was coming to pick him up, some time when the sun started to go down. Chuuya didn’t want to show he was overly eager but he was and took a seat on a bench before the main gate waiting for Shirase. Hoping the alpha won’t take too long, some butterflies stirring in Chuuya’s stomach, this was like an actual real date with someone interested in.

“Where are you going chibi?”

Startled by the voice that came behind him, Chuuya looked behind him to see Dazai resting his arms on the back of the bench. Sneering at Dazai, still mad about the hot springs incident.

“None of your business.”

“I think it is if you’re going out alone at night.”

“I’m not going to be alone, I’ll be with someone for your information.” Chuuya huffed.

“Don’t tell me it’s the one you traded scents with? I thought we established that I'm much better than him.” Dazai smirked seeing the flush to Chuuya’s ears.

“That doesn’t count! You caught me off guard.”

“It does count, that’s the fastest I think anyone cum ever.”

Dazai let out a pained groan from Chuuya punching his arm hard, the omega whacked him a few more times before Dazai grabbed his arm and leaned in close.

Chuuya growled and he was saved by a loud knock on the front gate, the guard stationed there looked to see who it was and informed Chuuya it was Shirase.

Ripping his arm away from Dazai’s grip he gathered his things to head out. Stepping through the door in the large gate Chuuya smiled seeing the young alpha. He wore a nicer yukata he normally would wear. His eyes widened taking in Chuuya’s appearance.

“Wow, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Chuuya flushed from the compliment.

Shirase held out his hand for Chuuya to take which he gladly did, the two walking down the path to head towards the festival. Not catching Dazai stepping out from the gate door to watch them leave.

“Guard, what is happening in the city tonight?”

“One of the many festivals my lord.”

Dazai nodded watching the pair disappear when they turned the corner.

The walk to the festival didn’t feel that long since Shirase filled the silence by talking about what had been going on in his life since last they chatted. Complaining a little about work and how the master’s were drilling into Shirase.

“What about you? I remember you said you’re trying to make your own kimono, how is that coming along?”

“Slowly, I just finished picking a base color for it. Will need Mori-san’s help getting the measurements. Still undecided on the theme for it.” All kimonos had a theme to them, a common theme was flowers or landscapes. Chuuya had some ideas but Mori said kimonos can be a reflection about a person so Chuuya wanted to give it more thought.

“I’m sure when you’re done it’s going to look breathtaking on you.”

Chuuya smiled brightly from the comment.

Arriving at the festival, the walkway before the stairs leading up to the shrine was filled with stalls. Majority sold food while others had games to win small prizes and then some shops.

Chuuya hadn’t been to a festival in a long time so he was in awe of everything and all the new things added since he attended one.

“Let’s get some food first, I’m starving.”

Chuuya agreed as he was very hungry, even forgoing having lunch since he was focusing on what to do with his hair. Shirase saw a stall selling Takoyaki which would be perfect to share. While Shirase stood in line, Chuuya browsed some of the stalls near it, one selling little charms that caught Chuuya’s eye.

The seller noticed him staring. “When is your birthday?”

Perking up when being addressed to. “Oh my birthday is in April.” Near the end of the month on the twenty ninth.

“Ohhh the month of the diamond, now that is very significant.” The seller reached under the table to pull something out and he showed it to Chuuya. It was a beautiful charm that had a beautifully cut diamond being held by a gold clasp. There were other smaller gems added to the charm but the main centerpiece was the diamond.

“It’s beautiful.” Chuuya couldn’t help but praise the craftsmanship.

“It might clash with the ruby on your collar but this would be a wonderful piece to have for your wedding.”

Chuuya wanted to roll his eyes with someone again assuming the collar was a chastity one.

“I’m not getting married any time soon, though this is probably way out of my price range.”

“Since it’s your birthstone I’ll give you a discount, how does thirty thousand yen sound?”

Chuuya wanted to say no way, even if it was discounted since he knew diamonds were much more expensive than that. Thankfully Shirase returned with the food and that was a good enough excuse for Chuuya to walk away from the stall.

“Did you see anything you liked there?” Shirase grabbing a takoyaki with a toothpick.

“Nothing really worth the outrageous price.”

The two enjoyed their food along with getting some yakisoba.

Chuuya noticed a game a lot of kids were playing to win some pretty goldfish. Shirase offered Chuuya a chance to play.

“You don’t think it’s too childish for me to try?”

“Go along, have some fun.”

Giving Shirase a smile, Chuuya knelt down to try and fish out the right weight at the bottom of the water to win a fish. Since he was a little more dexterous than a child, Chuuya easily won himself a goldfish. It was handed to him in a pretty china bowl. Looking inside the goldfish he got was mostly orange with some black spots speckled around. At the moment it was the size of his thumb but goldfish can live just as long as koi and grow almost as big.

Shirase smiled looking down in the bowl at Chuuya’s prize.

“Nice, I knew you could win.”

Chuuya held onto his goldfish tight not wanting anything to happen to them, Shirase carried his bag as they got a few more snacks before finding a spot to watch the fireworks. Shirase knew a place where they could watch and sit on a bench which Chuuya appreciated to rest his feet. Goldfish resting on his lap as Chuuya was excited to see the fireworks.

“Is this your first festival?” Shirase asked, a hand outstretched on the back of the bench behind Chuuya, subtle but not touching.

“No, I haven’t been to one in a long time. Last one I went to was the first one I went to since coming back from Paris.”

“What was it like in Paris?”

“Oh it was wonderful, the sights, the sounds, the people. My most treasured memories were walking to the bakery with my mother and getting a chocolate croissant. We sit on a bench while watching the boats go down the Seine.”

“Sounds like an adventure was around the corner everyday.” Shirase had moved his arms off of the bench to wrap around Chuuya’s shoulders, the omega hadn’t noticed too busy still talking about Paris.

“It was, when it rained and all the lights would reflect off of the cobblestone. The Eiffel Tower lit up like a true marvel of the world. I never got to go to the top, maybe when I go back I will.”

“Go back?” Shirase broke Chuuya out of his memory.

“Oh right, I’m working for Mori-san and saving my money to hopefully return to Paris.” Chuuya was wincing internally for bringing this up and seeing Shirase wither a little. Though he felt it was for the best to tell Shirase this so he wouldn’t harbor much deeper feelings for him. “It will take a few years but it is my end goal.”

“There is nothing that would keep you here?” Shirase giving Chuuya a pleading look.

“Well I don’t know, maybe love? Like I said I don’t really know.” Chuuya averted his gaze from Shirase. Chuuya felt two fingers holding his chin, Shirase guiding Chuuya to look at him. The omega flushed at the touch and how close Shirase was.

“Maybe I can be the reason you stay?” Shirase was moving closer to Chuuya who was too stunned to move.

Shirase was going to kiss him!

A shrill sound ripped through the night getting both of their attention. Watching as a firework was shot into the sky before bursting into a colorful display. Chuuya gently turned his head out of Shirase’s grip to watch the fireworks.

Accepting the rejection for now, Shirase watched the fireworks with Chuuya.

Chuuya didn’t shrug off Shirase’s arm, so the young alpha discreetly brushed the inside of his wrist on Chuuya, subtly scenting the omega.

Shirase looked behind him to see if that alpha that had been following them since they entered the festival was watching. Locking eyes with him as Shirase pulled Chuuya closer who returned it since he was getting a little cold.

Dazai growled loudly watching the two.

The fireworks wrapped up which was a perfect time for everyone to go home, Shirase offering to walk Chuuya back to the estate.

Chuuya allowed Shirase to keep an arm around his shoulders, since Chuuya’s hands were too busy holding his goldfish.

When they approached the gate Shirase had Chuuya hold off knocking.

“I had a great time.”

“Same.” Chuuya took his bag from Shirase who leaned in for another kiss. Chuuya, not really ready for that yet, turned his head at the last minute so Shirase kissed his cheek.

The alpha pulled away surprised he was denied but Chuuya was already knocking on the gate, the guard seeing it was him through the looking hole and opening up the door.

“I hope to see you again.” Chuuya handed an olive branch out to Shirase who took it.

“Yes, call the shop any time and I’ll answer.”

“Will do, goodnight Shirase, safe travels.” Chuuya smiled at him one last time before stepping inside.

“Goodnight Chuuya.” Shirase waved before the door was closed. Chuuya let out a sigh when the guard locked up the door again.

It didn’t escape Chuuya the subtle scenting Shirase did. While Chuuya didn’t like when alphas back at the gambler den did it he didn’t mind too much Shirase doing it. Even if he wasn’t exactly sure he wanted to keep pursuing the courting. Shirase said he would like to be the reason to make Chuuya stay, a flush dusting Chuuya’s cheeks.

Chuuya headed inside to his room though took a slight detour to the kitchen grabbing some leafy greens to feed to his goldfish. He’ll ask about getting the fish a bigger bowl tomorrow, for now it will be fine. Arriving at his room Chuuya placed the bowl on his vanity, taking a seat to undo his braid. Threading fingers through his hair to straighten it out.

Despite it being late Chuuya wasn’t all that tired, he did change into his sleep yukata. Thinking about wandering around the estate to hopefully tire himself out.

Closing the door behind him, Chuuya let out a yelp when he came face to face with Dazai.

“God you scared me, stop doing that.”

Chuuya kept a hand over his heart to steady himself, it was still thundering loudly in his chest.

“How was your date?”

“None of your business.” Chuuya brushed past Dazai to enjoy his walk but Dazai followed after him. “Do you mind? I don’t need to answer to you.”

Dazai didn’t reply, just kept following Chuuya around the estate. Chuuya knew telling Dazai to stop following him would be ignored so what was supposed to be a relaxing walk to destress just added more stress.

Chuuya did a wrap around the estate back at his room, Dazai still had followed him.

“You’re not subtly in your jealousy.” Chuuya slid his door open.

“I’m not jealous.”

“Ha!” Chuuya let out a laugh. “You so are, I think it’s kinda pathetic you’re jealous over someone not interested in you.”

“That’s not what your body was saying.”

Chuuya will not fall for the bait. “Not falling for that, you just got lucky, doesn’t count.”

Chuuya was about to enter his room but Dazai put his arm out, halting Chuuya.

“I can treat you way better than him.”

Chuuya ducked under Dazai’s arm, easily getting into his room, thanking his shortness for once.

“You keep telling yourself that, goodnight Shitty Dazai.” If Dazai didn’t want his fingers crushed by the door he better move them. Luckily he did and Chuuya finally was back alone in his room.

Taking a deep breath to center himself, he couldn’t believe he had two alphas vying for his attention.

Sleep escaped Chuuya the whole night, unable to rest as his instincts and self were warring at each other over this.

When he rose for breakfast he rubbed at his eyes trying to get the sleep out of them. Chuuya hoped he didn’t have bags under his eyes.

Even if he didn't, Mori noticed right away at how tired Chuuya looked when he joined the family for breakfast.

“Chuuya darling are you ok? Did you not get any sleep last night after your outing?”

“Yeah I was just restless, too excited from it I guess.” A little white lie won’t hurt Mori, Dazai thankfully kept his mouth shut.

“So mom, when were you going to tell us you saw the doctor?” Yosano dropped that on everyone, catching the older omega off guard. It seemed even Fukuzawa wasn’t aware his mate saw the doctor since he had a surprised look on his face.

“How do you know this Yosano?” Mori put his chopsticks down, food ignored.

“The doctor called wanting to schedule a follow up, a follow up for what? Is it serious?”

Mori sighed deeply, looking around the table at everyone who had a look of concern for him.

“I’m sorry to worry you all, I should be truthful since it’s making you all worry.” Fukuzawa scooted closer to place a hand on Mori’s back giving his mate silent comfort.

“The truth is…”

Chapter Text

“The truth is…I’m pregnant.”

“What?!”

“Ew gross!”

“Dove what- why didn’t you tell me?”

“I can’t believe you two still do it, ewww.”

Mori brought a hand up pinching his brow, feeling a headache coming on. Everyone watched his reaction and stopped bombarding him with questions.

“Yosano, that is rude to say about me and your mother.” Fukuzawa scolds her mildly.

“How else am I supposed to react knowing my parents still do it, ick.” Yosano shuddered.

“This is not the time, this is very serious.” Mori huffed looking at everyone.

“What do you mean serious?” Dazai had a worried tone.

“I’m old, well past the age to be having a pup. If anything, I’m supposed to be over ever having a heat but what I thought were those symptoms turned out to be pregnancy ones. The doctor confirmed it with me when I visited. I’m three months along.” Mori explained, taking Fukuzawa’s hand to give the alpha some comfort since learning this news.

“But why is it serious mom?” Yosano piped up.

“I’m not young anymore and every birth can be dangerous. You know how many omegas can die during childbirth and be healthy. Last time I had a pup was seventeen years ago when I was twenty three. I’m forty, the likelihood of an omega my age having a baby where we both survive is low.”

Chuuya’s face paled hearing this, while news of a pup was great it wasn’t if it put Mori’s life at risk!

“But mom you’ll be fine I’ll just-“

“Yosano.” Mori interrupted her, his gaze flickered over to Chuuya before settling on her again. Chuuya was confused why Mori interrupted her.

“Mom Chuuya has been here so long, and he is to be trusted. He can know.”

“Know what?”

“My ability.” Yosano began to explain. “My ability can-“

“Yosano enough.” Mori snapped.

“But-“

“No buts, Chuuya disregarded what Yosano was about to say.”

Chuuya felt his chest tighten up, heart clenching at Mori denying him knowledge about the family. It felt like a crushing blow, that Mori didn’t trust Chuuya even though betraying this family was the last thing he wanted to do, they had done so much for him.

“Chuuya please don’t take offense to this, but can you leave us, this needs to be a private matter between the family.”

The ugly feeling inside Chuuya grew more, there was a stinging sensation in his eyes as he nodded and stood up. Leaving the room, he lingered for a bit and his heart crushed more not hearing them speak, knowing they were all waiting for him to walk away.

Chuuya sucked in a breath as he walked away, holding back a sob.

After the family heard him walk away Yosano spoke up again.

“Mom, I'm sure it won’t be a problem Chuuya knowing I can bring people back from the brink of death! You just broke his trust.”

“A necessary evil I’m afraid, with how valuable your ability is I don’t want people finding out and abusing you Yosano.”

Mori kept his children’s abilities a closely guarded secret, not trusting anyone beyond the walls of their home with the knowledge. Besides the immediate family, only a handful of trusted staff knew of Dazai’s nullifying ability and Yosano’s healing. Elise had taken the fall for not protecting Dazai during that one assassination attempt to keep Dazai’s ability secret. Chuuya knew of Dazai’s ability, but Mori won’t risk Yosano’s.

“Besides you’ve only used your ability once to save someone, what if things go wrong or you’re not with me?”

“I won’t leave your side mom, I will make sure both you and the baby make it.”

Fukuzawa had noticed how eerily quiet Dazai had become, staring ahead but not exactly seeing what was in front of him.

“For now, let’s keep this news a secret, I’m not ready for everyone to swarm me with condolences and empty concerns.” Mori kept rubbing at his head, due to his age the pregnancy symptoms were weighing more heavily on him than when he was younger. Almost waking up every day with a migraine.

Back with Chuuya he was wiping his eyes from the tears slipping out as he held the phone earpiece.

Hoping he would pick up since he wanted someone to talk to. Luckily for Chuuya the line was picked up.

“Hello?”

“Shirase…” Chuuya sniffled. “Sorry to bother you.”

“It’s ok, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I just, can I come over and see you?” Chuuya just needed someone to lean on right now.

“Yeah, you can come over to the shop, I’ll let my teacher know, you know how to find it?”

“Yes, I have your card, I’ll be there soon.” Chuuya hung up the phone, heading to his room to grab the card Shirase gave him and change quickly, still rubbing at his eyes. Chuuya thankfully didn’t have to explain to anyone where he was going so leaving the estate was easy and he headed towards the city.

The blacksmith shop was surprisingly close to the estate, just on the outskirts of the city before it turned into the more metropolis area. Chuuya heard the hammers onto steel before arriving at the place. There looked to be around five big stoves to heat the steel and a dozen workers smithing all kinds of things. Chuuya lingered around since he didn’t want to be in the way of anyone. Luckily Shirase saw Chuuya and called out to him, wiping his hands of soot before walking over.

“Hi Chuuya, what’s up? Why were you all upset over the phone?”

“I just…can we talk someplace more private?”

Shirase nodded.

Dazai was laying down on his futon staring at the wall.

The news his mother dropped was sending him into a spiral.

Now Dazai will have to delay his plans at least seven months! Well past Yosano’s eighteenth birthday and the date he set. Dazai had to be alive to make sure his mother made it, if Mori didn’t make it Yosano won’t have enough strength if she lost her mom and brother.

“Dazai?”

Fukuzawa rapping his knuckles on the door. “Dazai it’s me, can I come in?”

Dazai didn’t answer, he knew his father was coming in whether he liked it or not, ever since that event….

Fukuzawa slid the door open stepping into Dazai’s room and closed it behind him. The older alpha took some steps before he kneeled onto Dazai’s futon. Watching his son barely react Fukuzawa then laid on his back next to Dazai, the young alpha turned to lay on his back as well staring up at the ceiling with his father.

“What’s wrong pup?”

Dazai’s heart clenched a little hearing the nickname Fukuzawa used on him when he was young. “You know, the usual.”

“How are you feeling?”

“…I’ll ruin them.”

Fukuzawa turned his head to look at Dazai. “Pup you won’t-“

“I ruin everything else in life so maybe it would be better if I'm gone before I can ruin my new baby sibling.”

It was a guarded secret between father and son that Fukuzawa knew more about Dazai’s suicidal tendencies. Dazai had to be open with someone about it who wouldn’t be overly protective and worried, so Fukuzawa and Oda knew how bad at times Dazai wished to just end it all.

“You won’t ruin them pup, I know you still keep blaming yourself for what happened all those years ago, but you’re needed and wanted.”

Dazai pressed the heels of his palms to his knees, Fukuzawa saw the blood staining the bandages and sighed loudly. Sitting up, the older alpha threaded a hand through Dazai’s hair hoping to bring his son comfort. Dazai sucked in a breath bringing his hands away, glancing at his father and wincing internally seeing the hurt in his eyes. This is why it would be better if he just was gone, he keeps hurting his family.

Dazai sat up which allowed Fukuzawa to loop an arm around Dazai’s shoulders and pull the young alpha close.

“Is chibi ok?”

“Who?” Fukuzawa looked confused.

“I mean Chuuya, is he ok?” It was painful watching the omega basically get kicked out from breakfast due to not fully trusting him. Dazai understands his mother’s wariness is warranted but Chuuya was the least likely person to betray them.

“I’m not sure, Chuuya has left the estate.”

“What?” Dazai pulled away from Fukuzawa, concern etched on his face.

“I don’t believe he left permanently, just left to maybe clear his head. Nobody knows where he’s gone but all his things are in his room.”

Dazai has an idea where Chuuya might have gone.

Holding back a possessive growl.

“I just don’t understand why they don’t trust me?” Chuuya sobbed, stuffing his face with another onigiri Yuan shaped and placed on the table.

Shirase brought Chuuya to her place to speak privately after leaving early from work.

“Well, you know how those fancy rich people are, full of secrets.” Yuan wrapping another onigiri in dried seaweed.

“I thought they trusted and liked me.” Especially Mori-san, the older omega has almost been like a second mother to him while being taught.

“I don’t know, maybe because you’re not like…their kind.” Shirase grabbed one of the snacks, Yuan was not amused her meal prepping was being interrupted like this.

Chuuya finished a bite, wiping bits of rice off his face. “What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know, rich? Elite? Whatever the breed of them is called. You said you came from the red light district, maybe that’s why. People who’ve been plucked out of an unsavory place and taken into a world of wealth, I’m just saying a lesser person might have stolen from them by now.”

Shirase was right, but at the same time Chuuya never thought of ever doing something like that.

“I don’t think they’re wary of me doing that as I have had plenty of opportunities, they didn’t want me to know the details of their daughter’s ability.”

That got Shirase and Yuan perking up.

“…the prince and princess of the Yokohama providence don’t have abilities.”

Now Chuuya has done it, his mouth locked shut as he messed up. This is why Mori was protective because it seems the common people knew their rulers’ children had no abilities and he just ruined it!

“Um I-“

Shirase scoffed. “It’s not that hard to believe, I mean born from two ability users they should have abilities, some of the old folks always said it was fishy the two never had abilities, but it looks like that was false. Like I said it's their breed, keeping secrets from the common folk.”

Chuuya bit his lip, hoping he didn’t just break the little trust he had left between Mori and his family.

“Can you guys not say anything, please.” Chuuya giving pleading eyes at the two, it won over Yuan who reached a hand out to take his.

“I’ll keep it a secret, it doesn't really affect me, you know.”

Chuuya looked at Shirase, making his puppy eyes bigger to appeal to the alpha.

“Fine, I won’t say anything. Still don’t like that our rulers are liars, I wonder if the emperor is a liar too.”

Chuuya held his tongue, not wanting to also let it slip that the family he worked for was related to the emperor.

“In the end you’re not really their family, I feel they are entitled to keeping their secrets.” Yuan piped up.

Chuuya felt she was right, it would be different if Chuuya had been accepted into the family but he was just Mori’s ward who will be leaving once he has enough funds.

“Don’t be siding with them, Yuan.”

“Hey, I’m just saying if they weren’t royals and stuff how would you like it if someone was poking around your secrets?”

Now Chuuya was feeling bad for getting so upset, acting like a spoiled brat who didn’t get his way. He’ll be apologizing when he goes back, eventually he didn’t feel like he could face the family right now.

“Yuan, can I stay here for a few days? Also use your building’s phone?”

“Sure Chuuya I don’t mind, you’re welcome to stay.”

Chuuya was so glad he made friends with her and Shirase, having some people he can confide in.

Chuuya called the estate, a little glad it was Naomi who picked up and relayed the message that he was staying with a friend for a couple of days.

Yuan pulled out an extra futon for Chuuya and the two exchanged stories until the oil lamp between them was running low. Shirase had left earlier to head back to work so it was just the two of them.

“Before we head to bed I’ve been meaning to ask, is the prince just as handsome as they say he is?”

Chuuya was glad for the low lighting so Yuan wouldn’t see the flush on his cheeks. “Why are you asking?”

“I have never seen him, and I hear a lot of gossip at work. They say he’s very particular in choosing a mate, it's why he doesn’t have one yet. One lady says he absolutely despises the smell of omegas.”

That got Chuuya thinking because it did hold some weight. Remembering back when he and Dazai met Saski Dazai had curled his nose up before seeing her, her omega scent had been bleeding out a touch more than usually appropriate, probably to try and reel Dazai in but it didn’t work. Though Chuuya doubted Dazai hated all omega scents, he made mention of Chuuya’s plenty of times before.

Flushing more realizing that maybe Dazai enjoyed his scent he pulled his knees closer to himself.

“Well, I will say the prince is rather closed off, he doesn’t really enjoy social gatherings.”

“Yeah, I have heard about that, some say he started being very reclusive ever since he presented.”

Chuuya didn’t like he was getting so much information on baseless rumors, but it was dawning on him how much he didn’t know about this family.

“What do you know about them? Just from your standpoint of living here.” Chuuya asked.

“I mean I don’t have that much of a negative opinion about them. Things are nice here in Yokohama all thanks to them, so I never cared that much for the gossip. All I know just from eavesdropping on conversations is the children are ability-less, something happened when the prince presented but nobody knows what and that the head omega has like a fiend following him around.”

Chuuya can say for a fact that Elise was not a fiend, but he remembers how Yosano said people’s opinion about her was mainly negative except for the orphans.

“Do you know what happened when Daza- I mean the prince presented?”

“I would say you’re better off asking them yourself but you just said they don’t trust you enough to know what their kids’ abilities are.”

Chuuya knew Dazai’s which when one thinks about it was a very powerful ability, was Yosano’s on the same level?

“Alright, oil is expensive and I’m tired so night Chuuya.” Yuan put the flame out plunging the room into darkness.

“Night Yuan.” Chuuya settled into the futon, but sleep won’t be coming to him.

Lying awake trying to see if he had learned anything from the family to piece together any information, he missed but it was all coming up blank. Yuan really was right that he has a better chance of finding out things if he just asked them directly.

Chuuya enjoyed helping Yuan out with some bakery duties, it was rather relaxing just kneading dough to make bread.

Though he didn’t wish to overstay his welcome.

Chuuya swung by the blacksmith shop to see Shirase. During the week he was staying with Yuan, Chuuya got a little closer to Shirase. Chuuya wouldn’t put a label on their relationship right now, it wasn’t courting more like mutual interest.

Shirase held back from kissing, so he made up with it by scenting Chuuya. Like right now before Chuuya returns Shirase touched the long part of Chuuya’s hair, letting the fiery strands slip through his fingers, inner wrists brushing against Chuuya’s cheek.

“See you soon? I will be missing you since I got used to seeing you every day.”

“Maybe, I will most likely have a lot of work to catch up on.”

“You know you can quit and take up Yuan’s proposal.”

Chuuya bit his lip, Yuan had suggested Chuuya stay with her and get a job at the bakery. While it sounded nice, Chuuya knew getting to Paris would take longer. The benefits of working with Mori was that he didn’t have any bills.

A little voice in Chuuya’s head said of course Shirase was pushing for him to take the offer, meaning Chuuya stays longer and Shirase has more time to court him.

“Maybe I’ll take it if I’m out of the job.”

One last smile to Shirase before Chuuya started his walk back to the estate.

Mentally going over what he should exactly say to Mori and the others. Mainly he didn’t want to stop working for Mori and that he shouldn’t have gotten so upset over obviously private family business.

Arriving at the gate Chuuya used the knocker.

Waiting there awkwardly for a long time, Chuuya used it again, odd that nobody had come to open it. Another ten minutes passed, and nobody came. Chuuya wondered if maybe the family had left, Dazai said that when the family wasn’t home the staff was excused.

If that was the case Chuuya knew another way of getting inside, Dazai showed him when they came home way too late staying at Lupin bar.

Walking to the back of the estate where the servants would come and go gathering supplies and taking things out, Chuuya found where the key was hidden and used it to open the door, making sure to lock it and hide the key again.

The estate was eerily quiet which could mean Dazai’s family had left for business.

Chuuya felt a little sad coming back to an empty home, but he hadn’t been in the know the last week, just having given Naomi that phone call and that’s it.

Chuuya hoped someone took care of his goldfish so that was the first thing he checked on. Returning to his room Chuuya saw it was the same as he left it though the main difference is his goldfish was in a bigger bowl.

There was a large elegant white and blue china bowl now holding the fish, even some rocks and a few plants added inside. Chuuya smiled seeing that someone was taking care of the fish as there were leafy greens left for it.

The sun was shining through the windows, and it caught the light of something on Chuuya’s vanity.

Walking over to it laid out on the desk was the diamond charm from the festival!

“How on earth?”

Picking up the charm Chuuya saw a few more diamonds were added to it along with some silver pendants, one in the shape of a crescent moon and another the elegant Fleur, a popular symbol in France. Flushing as Chuuya marveled at it, who would have gotten him this? Certainly not Shirase, he couldn't have afforded this.

“No…it couldn’t have been…. could it?”

Placing the charm back down on his desk, dozens of questions now for a certain young alpha.

Chuuya suddenly heard a loud noise within the estate startling him.

Maybe he wasn’t entirely alone in the house which now frightened Chuuya. Looking around for something to defend himself with, Chuuya saw one of the parasols he was given. Grabbing it and holding the parasol like a sword, Chuuya left his room and began quietly walking down the halls.

Listening closely to find whoever was here, if it was a robber then Chuuya will beat them out of here himself.

Though when Chuuya stepped further down the hall his nose picked up what exactly was up before his brain even processed the full extent of what he just walked into.

The door next to him slid open and there was Dazai in the doorway, sweaty with just the sheets around his waist. The door open let the full strength of his rut scent hit Chuuya like a meteor.

“D-Dazai?”

“You shouldn’t be here, chibi.”

Earlier that week…

“Naomi informed me that Chuuya had gone to stay with his friends in the city, we should respect that he wishes for space during this time.” Mori informed everyone at dinner when Chuuya hadn’t joined them and both Yosano and Dazai looked around for him.

Yosano still wanted to argue that Chuuya was trustworthy but not one to disobey her mother Yosano will keep quiet. Yosano just hoped Chuuya would forgive them all for keeping their secrets.

“I’m sure Chuuya-kun will understand.” Kunikida reassured Yosano who had been wrought with worry ever since he left the estate. The alpha was reassuringly rubbing her back while she tapped her pencil on the table rapidly. She had a dozen scripts and books about omega pregnancy in front of her. Even if worse comes to worst with her mother’s dramatic pregnancy she wanted to be knowledgeable in case anything occurred.

Yosano had been staring at a passage about the likelihood of omegas having children older wasn’t favorable. With a crude picture most likely drawn by some doctors in the west where the omega is hanging limp over the bed while everyone around is mourning.

Kunikida saw her staring at the picture too hard, so he gently grabbed the book, pulling it away to close.

Pulling Yosano to lean back against his chest, gently taking the clips out of her hair so he can run his hand through her dark locks. “Don’t stress, I’m sure everything will be fine. With Chuuya and your mother.”

“I just- I’m scared if Chuuya leaves it might send Dazai into a relapse.”

Kunikida perked up when Yosano said that. “What makes you say that?”

“Do your eyes need checking? Have you’ve not seen the looks of adoration he makes at Chuuya? It’s obvious my brother is fond of him.”

Ever since she used her ability on him Yosano has been keeping a watchful eye on Dazai. She noticed when his nose twitched and curled whenever some omega would flaunt their scent to get his attention, but he had a soft expression on his face whenever Chuuya was around.

There was also the time she caught him leaving the estate after Chuuya went on his ‘date’ with the other alpha he made friends with. Noticed the look of fiery jealousy in his eyes, though it seemed Dazai was doing everything under the sun to deny his affections for Chuuya.

“If you go and check on him now, I bet he looks like the saddest puppy ever without his chibi around.”

“So, you’re hoping Chuuya doesn’t leave in fear of Dazai hurting himself again.”

“Yes, call it selfish but if Chuuya is keeping my brother alive then I want him here. Even if I must reveal the truth to him then I’ll do it.”

Kunikida wrapped his arms around Yosano’s middle holding her close, she put a gloved hand over his arms on her middle, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m sure Chuuya will be back.”

“I hope so.”

Yosano leaned her head back on Kunikida’s shoulder, which gave him access to nuzzle her neck. A happy purr was pulled from her followed by a quiet gasp when he started to kiss her neck. A hand reaches behind to thread a hand through Kunikida’s hair, pulling him closer so he can lave more kisses on her skin.

A knock on Yosano’s door startled both. Kunikida’s arms flew off Yosano who jumped like three feet out of his lap. Kunikida quickly found a place to hide and settled in Yosano’s closet, closing the door and just hiding in the many kimonos and dresses she owned hoping they would drown out his scent.

“C-come in!” Yosano called out trying to fix up her appearance and calm her heart.

Fukuzawa opened the door, she now praying he won’t smell Kunikida.

“Hello butterfly, how are you feeling?” Fukuzawa closed the door behind him and entered her room, taking note of all the medical texts she had.

“I’m alright dad, just brushing up on my medical knowledge, it's been some time since I reviewed omega pregnancy you know.” Organizing some papers and notes she took down.

“I know you’re worried about your mother and brother, both are fine.”

Fukuzawa took a seat on the floor pillow next to Yosano, rubbing her back. “Thanks dad I just, I know why mom is hesitant, but Chuuya has been trustworthy, he wouldn’t betray us.”

“I have the same opinion about him Yosano but your mother just can’t risk it, and now with another pup on the way he’s even more protective. I’m sure one day we will tell Chuuya but for now you must listen to what your mother says.”

Not the answer she was looking for but if her father was behind her mother on this there was no fighting it.

Yosano nodded and Fukuzawa gave a soft smile, pressing a kiss to her temple before standing up.

“Another thing, it’s that time for Dazai, you want to come with your mother and I to the city for the time?”

Yosano curled his nose in slight disgust knowing what her father was mentioning, just because it’s her brother and the last thing she really needs to know is more of her family getting freaky when she’s not even allowed to look at another alpha.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll go stay with Naomi or Aunt Koyo.”

“Alright, Dazai says the latest is tomorrow evening, you have until then.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, I’ll be clear of the horny zone.”

“Yosano.” Fukuzawa scolded.

“Come on dad there’s been too much freak going on, you knocking up mom and now Dazai entering his rut yet I can’t even hold hands.”

Fukuzawa sighed deeply. “Your mother made those rules, not me.” Fukuzawa opened the door and left. Yosano was quiet before she quietly yelled out.

“Ok he’s gone.”

Kunikida opened the closet door and came out, pulling off a glove that had fallen onto his head.

“So should I be expecting you at my place?”

“You bet.”

Fukuzawa went back to Dazai’s room to check on him and he was still where he last left him, curled up in his bed.

“Are you still doing ok?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Dazai peeked from under his covers.

“You want me or your mother to stay?”

“Please no, it’s already embarrassing enough everyone leaving and knowing why so I’ll be fine on my own.”

Not Dazai’s first time handling a rut by himself, it was his preferred method anyway. Fukuzawa understood though he knew Mori can’t help but worry whenever Dazai was left alone for any period of time.

“Make sure to apply healing salves to your arms, if you don’t, I’ll tell your mother.” Fukuzawa closed the door.

Dazai sighed, his father thankfully didn’t scold him for adding new cuts to his arms, but he firmly gave Dazai healing salves to put on them. If he doesn't then Dazai will have his fretting mother in here.

A small compromise for now even though Dazai knew Fukuzawa wished he could do more.

When everyone cleared out of the estate Dazai then only relaxed and got comfortable for his rut.

Due to him not reacting like typical alphas Dazai was able to be saner during his rut the first few days. It was very boring being alone in the large house by himself and he found himself wandering around Chuuya’s room.

It took the second day for him to finally say screw it and enter the room. Inhaling Chuuya’s rosey scent greedily he looked around the room and eyes landed on the bowl of the goldfish.

Poor thing had been forgotten and was probably hungry and bored of that small bowl.

Sighing as now Dazai had something else on his mind he grabbed the bowl and headed to where a lot of the gardening supplies were stored. Finding a bigger china bowl, he saw the gardeners use it for the baby koi fish. Making the bowl nice looking before dumping the fish and water into the bowl. Getting the fish some food, he left the bowl back in Chuuya’s room in a spot where the fish will get plenty of sunlight.

Dazai also plucked up the courage to leave the charm he had bought at the festival for Chuuya on his vanity. The omega probably won’t have any idea who got it for him so it could be a surprise.

Dazai had seen Chuuya by the stall when he followed the omega with his date. When Chuuya left Dazai spoke to the seller about the charm and bargained for it while also adding more accessories to the charm. Hopefully Chuuya will appreciate it.

Returning to his room before he did anything unsavory in Chuuya’s room he fell into his bed and could feel the rut start to build up.

Right now, it was bearable but the next day he was denied relief is when Dazai wanted to claw off his own skin.

Dazai’s self restraint was praiseworthy though when he heard a sound on his third day into rut, he was highly alert. Nobody should be here at the house, everyone is gone and won’t be coming back until he gives his parents a call.

Emerging from his den he made in his bed, holding a sheet around his waist to cover his modesty. The last person Dazai wanted to see was on the other side of the door.

Chuuya almost whacking him with a parasol, watching the omega’s nostrils flare, his eyes widen and bite his lip. The omega now aware of what was afflicting Dazai.

“You shouldn’t be here, chibi.”

Dazai was breathing through his mouth even and he could still taste Chuuya’s scent, and his mouth was watering. The sweet alluring smell of an omega and one he’s highly interested in despite how much he keeps denying it. Though there was another scent on Chuuya that made his hackles raise.

That bitter scent of burnt wood and iron of the other alpha was all over Chuuya!

Dazai’s instincts were screaming at him about how dare another lesser alpha try to stake a claim on what is his!

“You need to leave. Now!”

Chuuya flinched at the loud tone from Dazai, he should leave, Dazai was in the middle of his rut and judging by his white knuckle grip on the sheets and the doorframe he must be resisting. Chuuya won’t doubt Mori again about Dazai’s self restraint because a lesser alpha would have jumped Chuuya in this state.

Despite every fiber of his being telling him to turn away and run out of the estate he was frozen in place. Dazai’s intense eyes prevented Chuuya from moving, Chuuya gulped and finally took a step to move and feeling the wetness between his thighs made Chuuya’s blood run cold.

Chuuya saw Dazai’s pupils dilate, inhaling the scent of Chuuya’s slick.

Next thing Chuuya knew were arms around his waist being dragged into Dazai’s room!

“Dazai!”

Chuuya tried to squirm out of Dazai’s arms, but the alpha held him tight. The omega was dragged into his bed. Chuuya being afraid and arousal course through his veins. Chuuya froze when Dazai laid Chuuya on his side and pulled Chuuya back against his chest and that was it?

Chuuya blinked in confusion, his heart was still beating rapidly but Dazai was not doing anything else but spooning Chuuya, he even noticed the sheets and his clothes were still being a barrier between them.

“Dazai?”

“Just…can I hold you? I promise I won’t do anything else, if I do, I’ll allow you to kill me first before my mom gets to me.” Dazai chuckled trying to lighten the mood as he buried his nose in Chuuya’s hair.

Chuuya was flushing mad at the predicament he found himself in.

Though at the same time Dazai was showing so much restraint it was rather uncommon to see in a young alpha. His grip was firm but not suffocating, Chuuya was certain if he put all his strength into it, he could leave Dazai’s arms if he wanted to. There was a respectful barrier between them with the sheets and Chuuya’s yukata.

Maybe this will be ok.

“Alright.”

Dazai let out a sigh but then took a deep inhale of Chuuya’s scent, the omega flushing harder as Dazai clearly was interested in it.

“Smells so good.” Dazai’s voice was muffled in Chuuya’s hair.

“U-uh thanks.”

“Can I tell you something really dumb?”

“I guess.” Chuuya really had nowhere else to go in this situation.

“Your scent is the first omega outside of my family that I like, all the others I’ve encountered I’ve hated, but yours…it’s perfect.”

Now Chuuya’s face was on fire. “That’s just the rut talking, shitty Dazai.”

“It’s the truth chibi.”

The two fell into awkward silence which Chuuya found himself getting increasingly bored of.

This wasn’t exactly how he wanted to spend his first night home.

Chuuya tried to move to get comfier and Dazai tightened his grip around Chuuya’s grip, burying his face now in Chuuya’s shoulder.

“Hey, loosen your grip. I'm trying to get comfy.”

“If you keep moving chibi we’ll both be in a more awkward position.”

“What do you mean-“ Chuuya’s words fell from his mouth when he squirmed just right and his thigh brushed against something hard. Dazai’s grip tightened slightly, and he held in a groan.

“…oh.”

Chapter Text

“I’m worried about Dazai.” Mori sighed loudly, finally voicing his thoughts and concerns ever since leaving the young alpha to attend to his rut alone at the estate.

Fukuzawa closed the book he had been reading, setting it on his lap to take Mori’s hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

“You know unnecessary stress is bad, Dazai will be fine, I spoke with him before we left.” Taking Mori’s hand and pulling it close, leaving a kiss on the back of it. The gesture seemed to help ease away some stress, watching the omega’s shoulders relax a little.

“I can’t help but worry.”

“I know dove, but he’s not a pup anymore.”

“He’ll always be my pup, nothing will change that.”

Fukuzawa hummed in agreement, there was no convincing Mori to ever let go of fiercely loving his children. Reaching out to wrap his arms around Mori, pulling him close to the omega can rest on his chest while Fukuzawa laid down on the bed. A hand threading through Mori’s dark strands of hair, it was getting longer these days.

“How are you feeling dove? Truly.”

Mori always kept his true feelings hidden when around his children, always portraying himself as the strong omega head of the family that would never falter.

Though now he was slightly trembling in Fukuzawa’s arms, hand fisting the alpha’s yukata tight in his hand.

“Scared, a little because of the risk with the pregnancy but also him finding out.”

Fukuzawa’s arms tighten around Mori, placing a kiss atop his head to hopefully bring him some comfort but his fears were valid.

Mori was always intimidated by his uncle, the emperor Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, the alpha had something off about him that would send Mori into a slight panic whenever he met the man when young. Mori would hide behind his father as a pup and would never want to be alone with him.

Just like his brother Natsume his ability seemed to give him a youthful appearance, again Mori did not know the true nature of the man’s ability. Though whispers say that his ability was akin to godhood, an ability their family had tried to cultivate for generations to ensure their iron fist claim on the throne for centuries.

Mori didn’t believe all that talk about the family specifically picking powerful ability users in hopes of obtaining a pup with an equally powerful ability. Mori though had to swallow the truth when both his children had abilities on par with the legends and fables from old.

Which is why he did everything in his power to make sure his extended family did not know of their abilities.

Now with another child on the way Shibusawa most likely will be interested in this one. He had a hawk like gaze on Mori when he had Dazai and Yosano. Giving his condolences to Mori when both his children were ability-less, clear disappointment in his eyes.

Mori didn’t quite understand why Shibusawa was obsessed with his children, granted they weren’t his only nieces and nephews since Natsume wasn’t the only bastard of the late emperor.

“I know as soon as he finds out I’ll be summoned to the palace to be…examined by him.” Mori shivering in disgust.

“You don’t have to go.”

“I wish I had your defiance my love, but I want his focus to be on me.”

Mori will use himself as a shield to protect his children from that man.

Fukuzawa gave Mori another squeeze, wishing to derail this conversation into something more lighthearted.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?”

Mori smiled, it was hidden but he greatly appreciated the distraction. “All I want is a healthy baby, I can’t decide since I have one of each already. What about you love?”

“Same as you, though if I had to pick, maybe this one can finally look like me.”

Mori chuckled along with Fukuzawa, it was evident that both kids took after their mother the most especially Yosano, Dazai had some traits from his grandfather.

“Maybe this will be the one, perhaps they’ll have your hair.” Mori reached a hand to play with the long ends of Fukuzawa’s gray hair. “Have your eyes as well, your little own little prodigy.”

Dazai and Yosano were already Mori’s, maybe it was time Fukuzawa got one.

“I already have one.”

“Oh yes dear Ranpo whenever he does want to do work with you at the station.” Mori chuckled.

The young rookie beta who wanted to be a great detective for the agency in the city, his ability did come in handy whenever he needed to know results on a case right away.

“He’s very food motivated.”

Mori chuckled, hugging his husband closer, the lighthearted conversation making his worries ease away. Until he began thinking about Chuuya.

“You think Chuuya will be ok? I feel bad not telling him the truth, he has been nothing but trustworthy.”

“You are valid in your concerns dove, someone we trusted before broke it and it almost cost the lives of our children. I’m sure Chuuya will understand, besides he is rather secretive about his own life.” Leave it to Fukuzawa to be more logical about everything. Many said Mori was the heart of the clan while Fukuzawa the mind.

Mori makes decisions based on his feelings while Fukuzawa made ones with the ones with logic and thinking behind them.

“I do wonder about his collar, Dazai made mention he believes it’s fashioned from an ability user, perhaps a dampener.” Mori mused out loud, nuzzling his face in Fukuzawa’s chest, a clear sign he was getting sleepy.

“There must be a reason he keeps it on, an uncontrollable ability?” Fukuzawa added while the two sleepily brainstormed possibilities.

“Oh well he’s in the,” Pausing to yawn. “Perfect household, with Dazai able to stop them and yours.” Mori tucked his head under Fukuzawa’s chin.

“Only if he’s part of the family dove.” Fukuzawa reminded, his ability only worked with those in his family and under his leadership back at the agency.

“Maybe if Dazai acknowledges his attraction…”

Fukuzawa let out a small laugh, it seemed everyone besides Dazai saw how much he was obviously attracted to the young omega.

“Maybe so, goodnight dove.” Pressing one last kiss to Mori’s head who had fallen asleep. Fukuzawa noticed the candle was on its last leg so he waited for the room to be plunged into darkness. One last reassuring squeeze to know his mate was in his arms before falling to sleep.

“So, I was thinking, since my birthday is coming up, I want to tell my parents about us.”

Kunikida was not expecting that from Yosano, the note he was scribbling down in his notebook messed up since he made the ink run, stopping his writing to look at her with wide eyes.

“…you’re serious?”

“Yes! I’m serious about you, about us and I want us to be together. Eighteen is the normal age for getting a mate, Dazai is the exception, but I don’t want to wait two more years because of my mom’s dumb rules. Plus, even if my mom says I can’t court it won’t stop all those pig headed alphas from flirting with me. Do you want that?”

“I don’t get jealous.” Kunikida put his pen down and gently tore the page out of the notebook since it was ruined, he’ll just rewrite everything again.

“Oh please, you do! Not like my dad level but you can’t help those alpha hormones.” Yosano teased.

“I just don’t want your mother coming after me, because obviously we’ve been sneaking behind their backs in order for us to be this serious.”

“But you never went further than kisses, you’re honorable just like my dad which is something both will like, despite me wanting to help you.”

Kunikida flushed remembering Yosano offering to help with his ruts a few times and he told her absolutely not.

“My mom will be mad for a bit, but this is the perfect time to tell them since they’ll be busy with the baby.”

“Are you sure about this, I don’t have much I can give you.” All Kunikida had was this small apartment, the few things in it and just himself. Nothing like the lords and ladies who can give lavish gifts, land or power when courting someone.

“All I want is you dummy, that will make me happy.” Yosano threw her arms around his shoulders, leaning her chest onto his, looking up at Kunikida. Sneaking a peck on his lips and then another.

“If your mom kills me, you’ll bring me back, right?”

“Always.”

Shirase was distracted from work, because of this he was sent home early so he wouldn’t mess up any of the orders.

The young alpha had a sense of dread ever since Chuuya went back to the estate.

Fears of that pompous alpha swiping Chuuya all for himself, Shirase deduced the alpha that was following them at the festival could have been the prince. Shirase growled, clenching his teeth hard. He hated comparing himself to that spoiled brat but at the end of the day the prince could offer Chuuya way more than he could ever provide.

Shirase didn’t have anything besides himself to give to Chuuya while the prince had money, power and connections.

Chuuya was already halfway into his clutches by working for the prince’s mother who was paying him. Shirase had hoped for Yuan to convince Chuuya more about quitting and staying with her. It would delay Chuuya leaving Japan for years, plenty of time for Shirase to court Chuuya into staying.

Shirase had met a lot of omegas, and none really stood out to him, but Chuuya was breathtaking, his lovely colored hair and lithe body. Chuuya was also a very sweet and honest person, he had his secrets, but Shirase will be patient to figure them all out.

Shirase got to step up his courting if he doesn’t want that prince taking Chuuya but what could he even offer or do for Chuuya?

Racking his brain for an answer he was distracted and didn’t see the person walking past him, his shoulder accidentally brushing up against him.

“Oh, sorry sir.” Shirase looked at the person he bumped into and a shiver of fear for the first time went down his spine.

The alpha was tall, and he wore a heavy coat lined with fur along with a hat that looked like it was used more for the winter. His piercing eyes seemed to go straight into Shirase’s soul as he took in the presence of the young alpha.

“прошу прощения”

Shirase wasn’t familiar with the language, but it concluded that the alpha before him was foreign. The alpha noticed Shirase’s confused face and switched to Japanese with a slight accent.

“Pardon me, I’m not familiar with this city. I’m looking for the train station.”

Shirase snapped out of his daze and gave the alpha directions to the station, the foreign alpha gave him thanks in his native language before leaving. As soon as the alpha was a good distance away Shirase shivered, the whole exchange made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and fear striking at his core. Having no proof but that alpha exuded an intimidating aura.

Pulling himself together Shirase started to rack his brain on giving Chuuya a gift now since he wanted to make the courting official. Typically, an accessory was given for the omega to wear on their person so others would know that the omega was being courted. What did Chuuya like most? He remembered those charms from the festival Chuuya eyed so maybe like that. Hopefully when he goes to one of the jewelry shops he can get something within his price range.

“I won’t be the choice you’ll regret Chuuya.”

“Is that your….?” Chuuya held the question in the air, but he knew exactly what the hard thing pressing behind him was.

“Yeah.” Dazai answered straight to the point because there was no hiding it.

The flush on Chuuya’s face burned, getting confirmation that Dazai’s hard cock was pressing against him. He was willing himself to not get aroused, but his body didn’t listen as he could feel his center get a little more wet. Chuuya’s scent probably got sweeter because Dazai inhaled it deeply again.

“I think it’s best you just make a break for it when I let you go. My self restraint is great but I’m starting to slip smelling your wetness.” Dazai mumbled into Chuuya’s neck, getting called out that his body was reacting to Dazai’s rut. “I don’t want to do anything we’ll both regret.”

“You think you stay sane in this room knowing I’m in the estate?”

“No, you most definitely have to leave again.”

Though where would Chuuya go?

Not back to Yuan or Shirase since the alpha will smell Dazai and assume the worst. There was maybe Koyo, but would she take him at the last minute?

Chuuya would have to make a choice fast because he felt Dazai holding back bucking his hips, settling on just a grind against his thigh.

“I don’t know where to go.”

“Go to the station, that’s where my parents are staying, just tell them you know my father.” Dazai can feel his resolve slipping more and more. His mouth was watering, knowing how close he was to Chuuya’s nape even though the collar would protect the omega.

Chuuya taking a deep breath to settle his nerves was the wrong thing to do since he just inhaled Dazai’s delectable scent.

“O-on the count of t-three let me go.”

Dazai nodded while he selfishly gave Chuuya one last squeeze.

“One..”

“Two..”

“Three!”

Dazai true to his word let go and Chuuya scrambled away, the young alpha’s hand reached out to try and grab Chuuya but he bit his arm hard. Wincing from the pain as Chuuya made it through the door and his footsteps slowly fading away as he ran down the hall.

Dazai removed his mouth from his forearm, noticing the blood soaking the bandages. Curling his lip because he ruined them, Dazai tugged at them to get the bloody bandage off. Looking away when his scars were revealed.

Seeing the arms was like dumping cold water over Dazai and his desire to chase after Chuuya was gone.

The scars are a reminder.

Shoving his arm under his pillow Dazai pulled the blankets over his head so he could steam in unresolved sexual tension for the rest of the rut.

Chuuya ran as fast as he could, despite his body screaming at him to go back.

Running out the gate and down the road back to the city, not letting himself stop until he saw the station. A tall five story brick building, when he stopped before the door to the lobby, the exhaustion of running finally caught up with him.

Chuuya probably gave the reception lady a fright, with his ragged appearance, out of breathness, and his scent most likely all over the place. She was concerned he had been chased.

“No.” Chuuya panted. “Need to see Fukuzawa…” Chuuya doubled over, bracing his hands on his knees, still breathing hard. Why wasn’t he able to breathe right?

“Follow me then.” The receptionist gestured for Chuuya to follow her, moving to the large staircase that had a wooden barrier, the small gate opened for Chuuya. Despite no longer running or in danger, Chuuya's nerves were not settling.

The lady took him up two flights of stairs to then a long hallway filled with doors, she walked past some before stopping at one, wrapping her knuckles on the door.

“Lieutenant, someone is here to see you.”

There was some movement behind the door before it opened and there was the older alpha, his eyes landing on Chuuya.

“Chuuya?”

Chuuya wanted to say hello to the alpha but again his breathing was short and ragged.

“Chuuya?” The familiar voice of Mori called out, he emerged out of the door and came right to Chuuya. The doctor looked him over with concern since the young omega was gasping for air. “Darling what happened?”

Ushering the young omega into the small apartment in the station building. Having Chuuya sit down on the sofa.

Mori took a seat next to him and started to look him over with a more critical eye. Not seeing any physical wounds on him but Chuuya’s scent was all over the place. It was soured and sweet, as if distressed and arousal were fighting for dominance.

Pressing a hand to Chuuya’s forehead, sure enough it was warm to the touch.

“You’re burning up dear, are you sick?”

Chuuya shook his head, he was totally fine until he walked in on Dazai during the middle of his rut. Chuuya’s eyes widened, he hoped that he hadn’t been triggered into an early heat, he still had weeks until his next one.

“Fukuzawa can you get him a glass of water?”

The older alpha nodded following the request.

Chuuya let out a whine as his lungs burned from all the panting and running, Mori gently pulled Chuuya into a hug in hopes to soothe him. Though now closer Mori detected a familiar scent on Chuuya.

“You went back to the estate, didn’t you? And ran into Dazai.” His voice took a darker tone that sent a chill down Chuuya’s spine. Fukuzawa stopped dead in his tracks when he approached with the glass of water and detected the scent as well.

“Chuuya, did he do anything to you?”

While Mori had said Dazai had wonderful self restraint you can never be one hundred percent confident with an alpha in rut.

Chuuya shook his head, wishing he could speak to say that Dazai held himself back extremely well.

“I think I know what is ailing you, its heat withdrawal.”

It can affect both dynamics, usually occurring when close to copulating but then denied. Unmated alphas and omegas had milder symptoms of this but since Chuuya was in direct contact with an alpha in rut and nothing happened his body was most likely confused at being denied.

Dazai will probably be affected by this as well.

“Fukuzawa, you need to go back to the estate and check on Dazai, don’t let him do anything drastic.”

Getting his orders Fukuzawa wasted no time getting out to go help his son.

Mori’s attention was back on Chuuya, the breathing was still coming out short and he was burning to the touch.

“Come on darling, I’ll be here for you.” Mori guided Chuuya to stand up and take him into the bedroom where he’ll be more comfortable. Helping Chuuya lay down on the bed before Mori got to work on alleviating the symptoms.

Best he can do for now is let out his calming scent, hoping with the added fact he was pregnant to ease the young omega.

Some of the shakes seemed to stop in Chuuya’s hands but he was still very hot to the touch.

“I’m going to get you out of these clothes to help cool you down Chuuya, stay calm.” Mori peeling the layers away till the flushed skin of Chuuya’s body was revealed. Mori had Chuuya keep his undergarments on to preserve his modesty.

Chuuya whined, the clothes off his body helped but he was still short of breath, his vision starting to grow fuzzy and dark around the edges.

Mori grew concerned when Chuuya showed signs of passing out, he needed to help the young one get his breathing under control.

Helping Chuuya sit up, gently holding Chuuya’s head up. “Come on darling breath with me, in, hold and out.” Mori instructed Chuuya hoping that while he took in breaths Chuuya inhaled the calming scent.

It seemed to be working as Chuuya’s breathing was finally evening out, Mori pulled Chuuya from his shoulder to look at him. Brushing some sweaty bangs from his forehead, Chuuya’s eyes were fluttering, a sign he was still somewhat delirious from the lack of oxygen.

“I got you darling.” Mori cupped Chuuya’s cheek.

“Mama?” Chuuya called out, Mori’s heart clenched when he heard the young one call for his mother.

“Mama? Where are you?” Chuuya’s hand weakly reached out blindly looking until it gripped Mori’s sleeve. “Mama…”

Chuuya’s eyes opened more, and the heat withdrawal omega blearily saw the figure holding him. With the calming scent around him and the hand gently holding his face Chuuya felt safe. Seeing the dark hair on the figure holding him made him choke on a sob, not realizing tears were streaming down his face.

“Mama it's you, it’s really you.” Chuuya’s gripping tighter to the sleeve and pulling Mori with all his might to be closer. “I did what you said, I kept the collar on, nobody else got hurt.”

It broke Mori’s heart that Chuuya was affected this badly by the heat withdrawals he thought Mori was his mother. Chuuya desperate to pull Mori into a hug, the older omega debating whether to give in to the younger omega’s wishes.

Unable to deny Chuuya since he grew quite fond of the young one. Mori pulled Chuuya into a hug, the young omega letting out a laugh filled with tears as he weakly hugged back.

Chuuya kept saying mama over and over while there were some ‘I’m sorry’ as well.

“Shhh, shhh it's ok, you have nothing to be sorry for.” Mori trying to calm the young one down.

“I’m sorry mama! I’m so sorry for killing père.”

Mori was unfamiliar with the word but to hear this young one had blood on his hands startled him. Mori kept rubbing Chuuya’s back until he started to calm down, cheek pressed on Mori’s shoulder as the tears were starting to stop.

Chuuya’s hands loosen from where they were gripping the back of Mori’s sleep yukata tight. One hand moved up and touched the ends of Mori’s hair.

“Mama…you cut your hair short…”

Mori was unsure if he should answer or not.

“Just like père…” Chuuya’s voice trailed off and his breathing evened out.

Mori checked the best he could and saw that Chuuya had fallen asleep.

Sighing as Mori ran a hand through Chuuya’s hair before cradling his head to lay Chuuya down on the bed. Pulling the covers over since it seemed some of the heat broke. Mori took another deep breath while sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Oh darling, what burdens are you carrying?” Brushing some hair out of Chuuya’s face.

Fukuzawa arrived to a frightening sight.

Last time he saw this much blood was when Dazai…

Now seeing it again and it being Dazai’s it sent the older alpha into a spiral.

It didn’t calm him that Dazai just scratched open his old wounds causing them to bleed, he hadn’t hurt himself on purpose again. He did this to bring relief to the rut withdrawals.

In order to keep Dazai contained he wrapped the boy’s hands tightly in bandages the young alpha couldn’t use his hands. Since Fukuzawa didn’t trust Dazai right now he even rolled him up in a futon.

Confident Dazai won’t hurt himself, Fukuzawa sighed in relief.

Luckily Dazai’s symptoms broke the next morning along with the end of his rut. It was rather embarrassing for his father to roll him out of the futon.

“Anything you have to say?”

Fukuzawa scolded as he all but pushed Dazai down to sit in a chair so he could tend to Dazai’s wounds.

“I didn’t touch him beyond just holding him.” Holding his arm out so Fukuzawa can add the salve and then rebandage them. “…is he ok?”

“Your mother was tending to him before I came here, that is the extent I know.”

Fukuzawa will be returning to the station to check up on his mate and Chuuya before they make their next move.

“What are your feelings for him Osamu, be truthful with me.”

“I honestly don’t know, like I thought I was only interested because I wanted to know why he was protective of his collar. It’s selfish that I just wanted to know his secrets but then I started to hate him going out and being courted by another alpha. I’m frustrated with myself that I keep letting him go.”

Fukuzawa listened to his son while he finished dressing both his forearms.

“Sounds like you’re falling for him.”

“I can’t be, it be rotten work for him.”

“It’s not rotten work loving you pup.” Standing up, collecting the medical supplies to put away. “I’m heading back to collect your mother, I’ll be informing Odasaku to come and keep an eye on you.”

“Alright.”

No arguing there, Dazai just remained in his seat. He must have stayed there for an hour or two because Oda came into the room finally finding you.

“Hey…”

“…hey Oda.”

Oda took a seat across from Dazai.

The silence between them stretched on until it got a little uncomfortable. Finally, Dazai broke it and what he said startled Oda.

“I think I’m falling for him.”

Fukuzawa arrived back at the small apartment, finding his mate sitting on the sofa reading. Mori noticed Fukuzawa was back, he placed a finger against his lips to indicate to be quiet. Chuuya was still sleeping, and he had a slight fever, he needed his rest.

Fukuzawa closed the door quietly behind him before taking a seat next to his mate. Mori leaned in for affections which Fukuzawa happily gave.

“How was Dazai?”

It killed Fukuzawa to lie to Mori and say that Dazai was fine, not that he found him bloody from scratching and his previous self harming wounds.

“Is Chuuya alright?”

“He’ll be fine, there is a lingering fever but with proper rest and fluids he’ll make a full recovery.”

Which was good news, Fukuzawa was worried for the young omega but he knew Chuuya was in excellent hands.

“I’m going to stay with him until the fever breaks, do you have someone watching Osamu?”

Fukuzawa nodded. “I told Oda on my way here to be with him.”

Both males perked up when a hoarse voice called out. “Mama?”

Mori let out a small breath as he stood up, chiding Fukuzawa for helping him stand when he was barely showing.

“Chuuya has been mistaking me as his mother. I guess we shared the same hair color.” Mori explained as he slipped away from Fukuzawa to check on Chuuya. The young omega whining from the bed looking for the one he was calling out for.

“It's ok, you’re ok.” Mori grabbed the towel that was sitting in a bowl of cool water, wringing it out to then place it back on Chuuya’s forehead. Letting the young omega hold his hand for reassurance.

Fukuzawa watched from the doorway at the two, he seemed worried.

“I won’t get sick from him, it will be fine, I’m safe and so is the baby. We’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Call the estate if anything happens.”

Mori nodded, he’ll make things up to Fukuzawa later, right now his focus was on Chuuya.

Chuuya held Mori’s hand tighter as he curled closer to the older omega for more comfort and warmth.

It was hours later, well into the late night when Chuuya’s heat withdrawal finally broke. Waking up groggy and a little dazed. When his senses began to slowly return to him, he realized there was a comforting warmth around him and the presence of another. There was the sound of a steady heartbeat under his ear. Lifting his head up, Chuuya saw that he had been resting his head on Mori’s chest while the omega was still asleep, an arm curled around Chuuya’s shoulders. The warm glow from the light keeps the room lightly illuminated.

It was selfish of Chuuya to have nostalgic feelings, remembering when he was back in Paris, and he curled up in bed with his mother whenever he had been sick.

The omega inside Chuuya whined and wished to be closer to Mori since he did painfully remind Chuuya about his mother. The fact they both had the same hair color didn’t help.

Chuuya pulled more away, and the movement stirred Mori.

The older omega inhaled as his eyes opened, rubbing the sleep from his face. Noticing a pair of blue eyes watching him.

“Hello darling, how are you feeling?” Mori sat more up and pressed the back of his hand to Chuuya’s forehead, happy there was no fever.

“Better…what exactly happened to me?”

“Heat withdrawal dear.”

Chuuya flushed hearing that, does Mori know…?

“Most likely you got these symptoms when you ran into Dazai during his rut. Dazai likely went through the same symptoms as well.”

Mori swung his legs off the bed, taking a moment to gather himself as he stood up. Chuuya reached out with concern but the older omega gently waved Chuuya off that he was fine. Though someone else didn’t believe him.

“Sit back down Ōgai.” Elise made herself none and scolded the omega.

Mori rolled his eyes but sat back down. Chuuya scooted over, worry on his face.

“I’m fine Chuuya, everyone just thinks I’m made of glass when I’m hardly showing yet.”

“This is a dangerous pregnancy Ōgai, you are always at risk for a miscarriage as well.” Elisa warned, she gently took Mori’s wrist to measure his pulse, to make sure his blood pressure was steady.

Hearing all this didn’t exactly calm Chuuya down who wanted to cling to Mori and make sure he was ok but…

Did the omega even trust him anymore? This was their first contact after Chuuya left the estate.

Elise was pleased to know Mori’s vitals were alright, so she flickered away to preserve the omega’s strength. Mori let out a deep sigh as he got back into the bed, laying back amongst the pillows. A hand going to his stomach to reassuringly hold it. Chuuya stayed glued in his spot until Mori spoke.

“Come here dear, we need to talk.”

Mori held his other arm open, an invitation for Chuuya to settle against his side. Chuuya debated for a minute until he finally crawled over and leaned into the older omega’s side. The calming scent of apples made some of Chuuya’s nerves go away.

“I should say that I’m sorry, I didn’t wish to make you feel like we didn’t care about you. I care for you, maybe too much, blame it on my maternal instincts. We have our secrets, and you have yours.”

Chuuya’s shoulders tensed, Mori was right since he has not been forthcoming about his origins.

“I want to be truthful with you, but it goes both ways dear.” Mori leaves it up to Chuuya if he wishes to tell the older omega everything.

“I-…I-….”

“Whatever is shared here will remain between us.”

Chuuya’s mouth closed, his eyes stung with unshed tears. Finally, he nodded, ready to talk.

“I’ll go first.” Mori spoke up. “The reason I am protective of Yosano and Dazai’s abilities is because of how powerful they are, you know Dazai’s but Yosano…she can bring people back from the brink of death. An ability like hers and Dazai’s would be heavily abused in the wrong hands.”

Chuuya listened quietly, it made sense a bit more why Yosano seemed confident Mori would make it out of his pregnancy if she could just bring him back from death.

“Yosano hasn’t used the ability since she first used it, I didn’t want anyone else finding out. She’s confident but things can always go wrong in our line of work.”

One moment reassured to then have that anxiety Mori was in danger back again.

“My fear for my children being targeted is warranted because they were almost killed by an assassin. One sent by someone who I thought was our ally.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened hearing this, that Mori’s children were almost killed. His protective nature and secretive ways were all built upon almost losing what was most important to him and now he was going to bring another little one into this world that almost took his first two.

“I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, now you know, and I hope you don’t tell this information to anyone else.”

Now the constricting feeling of betrayal wrapped around Chuuya’s heart as he accidentally told Yuan and Shirase. He’ll have to see them again and hopefully get them to swear secrecy.

Now it was Chuuya’s turn.

“…my ability is dangerous, my mother made this collar to keep it contained.” A hand going to the collar, feeling the reassuring weight on his neck. “It’s his ability, he made the collar after my ability presented.”

Memories came flooding back, muted voices calling out his name, screams and the chilling voice that spoke in his head.

Chuuya was shaking in Mori’s embrace, the omega holding him tighter in hopes to comfort him.

“….my ability killed people, it- I killed my…” Chuuya choked on a sob, the tears finally spilling out. It has been too many years since he talked about the night that ruined his life.

Mori held Chuuya in his arms as he sobbed, not pressing for more information. This was more than enough for Mori to fill in the blanks.

“It’s ok.”

Chuuya just sobbed louder, burying his face in Mori’s chest, holding on tight.

Mori was doing such a good job comforting Chuuya, he hated that he wished that instead of Mori holding him, rubbing his back and pressing a kiss to the top of Chuuya’s head that it was his mother instead.

Finally admitted to himself finally he missed his mother and wished he could take back all he said to him after they parted.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Mori was unsure who exactly Chuuya was apologizing to.

Chapter Text

This is the place his informant told him he saw the omega, but where was he?

Fyodor’s eyes scanned over the floor of the gambler’s den, trying to find the vessel but he did not spot him amongst the crowds.

Looks like he’ll have to remove that informant’s hand for false information.

Out of the corner of Fyodor’s eyes he spotted a flash of auburn hair but when his eyes focused he let out a breath of disappointment. It was just a young teen, barely out of puphood in Fyodor’s opinion, his hair was too short and there was a scar on his cheek, the vessel had no blemishes.

The young one approached him, carrying a bottle of sake.

“Would you like a refill sir?”

Fyodor looked down at his cup, empty of any alcohol so a refill wouldn’t hurt. Even though this wasn’t as strong as vodka it was better than nothing and with his sour mood he’ll take anything that will remove the edge.

“Yes.”

The young one refilled his cup and moved on though he bumped into someone who turned on their heel to yell at him.

“Watch where you’re going! Fucking hell you stupid pup.” The patron pushed the young one who fell onto his rear dropping the bottle of sake that spilled onto the floor. That seemed to catch the attention of the owner who stormed over and roughly grabbed the one young’s arm.

Fyodor only watched with mild interest sipping his drink.

“How many times do I have to tell you to watch where you are going? That bottle will be added to your debt, and since you inherited Chuuya’s by stupidly coming back you’ll be mine until you’re sixty and I can make you into a nice bracelet!” Ace yelled at the young teen.

Fyodor’s eyes widened when he heard the other name.

Drink abandoned on the table he approached the two.

“Good evening gentlemen, I couldn’t help but catch you both at a bad time but I am looking for someone, care to help me out?”

Ace kept a tight grip on Karma’s arm as he changed his demeanor to pleasant businessman to address the foreign guest.

“Not at all sir, let us go someplace a little more quiet than here.”

Fyodor followed Ace to his office, he tossed Karma to go stand obediently off in the corner. Ace took a seat at his desk on his lavish chair, gesturing for Fyodor to take a seat across from him.

“Now who are you looking for sir?” Ace offered a toothy grin that would put off anyone since it seemed sinister.

“I’m looking for an omega, red hair, blue eyes, rather short.”

Karma’s eyes widened at the description matching Chuuya. Curious to know why this man was looking for omega.

After Karma escaped he came back to Ace’s gamblers den to find Chuuya and hopefully bust him out but Karma was caught by Ace’s men and forced back into servitude. Ace was of course furious that Karma escaped and even more when he didn’t know where Chuuya was. Karma hoped that mysterious ability user had helped Chuuya escape.

“Why are you looking for an omega like that? Is that a preference sir? I do have a handful of auburn hair omegas that can please you.” Ace, of course, is wary of this alpha, wondering what he wants with Chuuya.

“No no, I’m not looking for someone to warm a bed with.”

“Then I’m afraid we don’t have anyone like that here sir.”

Fyodor didn’t bat an eye about why Ace wasn’t revealing any information. The alpha glanced over at Karma in the corner, noting the collar. He saw the other workers wearing them around the gambler’s den.

“Does the kingdom know you have been embezzling your taxes since you opened your gambler’s den?” Fyodor put his elbows on the arm rests of the chair threading his fingers together.

When he found where the vessel was most likely housed he gathered any information on this place in case he had to use it for leverage. Judging by Ace’s eyes widening a fraction his information was correct.

“Who are you?” Ace bristled, his hands gripping the edge of the desk tightly.

“Merely a traveler passing through while I look for someone. You have the information I want, you can hand it over or I can notify the kingdom to shut down your business.”

Fyodor didn’t flinch when Ace moved quickly and reached a long arm over the desk to grab Fyodor’s wrists. When he pulled away there was a silver bracelet with a ruby gem on the top.

Ace pulled back with a twisted smile, some of his hair out of place from his quick attack.

Karma’s eyes wide watching Ace trap this man into servitude.

“Karma, go bring in Kazuki. Now.”

Karma followed the order leaving the room to go find the other worker. The two were left alone staring off.

Fyodor finally took a moment to look at the iron bracelet on his wrist. Not having a very impressed look on his face which was pissing Ace off. Finally Karma came back with Kazuki, the other worker walking in and standing next to Ace.

“You called for me boss?”

“Yes, congratulations, your debt is paid in full.” Kazuki’s eyes flashed in happiness until that light was snuffed out when Ace raised his hand and it glowed. Kazuki grasped at the collar on his neck as the gem glowed. The man choked one last breath before he fell to the ground dead. Fyodor watched with a neutral expression on his face while Karma stayed off to the side shaking.

Ace opened his hand revealing a handful of diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

“As you can see my ability can convert anyone's life years into gems, the longer and more valuable the life the more priceless the gems. Now you’re under my servitude and if you think about informing anyone, I will kill you.”

Ace’s face oozed pridefulness, that he got one up on Fyodor. The alpha merely let out a chilling chuckle, it wiped the smug look off Ace’s face.

“You’re not the only one here with an ability.” Fyodor revealed.

Ace’s eyes widened, the two of them in a real standoff! Ace had no idea what the ability was and he revealed how his worked!

“How about we make a deal, friend.” Fyodor smiled wider.

The smug grin was pissing Ace off who couldn’t hold back his anger, the sake in the cup on his desk grabbed and thrown in Fyodor’s face. The alpha was unbothered, blinking the liquid out of his eyes before speaking.

“Why don’t you cool down before we speak more civilly, don’t wander too far.”

Ace stood angrily from his desk, his chair being knocked over. The beta growling at Fyodor as he stormed out of his office leaving the alpha alone with Karma. The young one shaking in the corner unable to believe what he just witnessed.

Fyodor turned to look at the young one. “You wouldn’t happen to have a towel?”

Karma found himself helping to dry the alpha’s hair after he got wet from the alcohol. Staying still for the young teen. Karma bit his lip, the silence was tense but he wanted to break it with a burning question.

“…why are you looking for that omega?”

“Why did you come back here after you were free?” Fyodor answered with another question.

Karma sighed as he pulled the towel off Fyodor’s head. “I wanted to see if a friend was still here. He’s not, which is a good thing but I know he’ll be pissed that I ended up captured again.”

“How did you get captured the first time around?” Fyodor made conversation, despite him being a very dangerous alpha Karma found it was easy to talk to him.

“I ran away from the orphanage I was in and found myself here. I pickpocketed the wrong person and ended up in this gambler’s den. I really thought if I could have made it big in the red light district my life would be better. But now I’m stuck here forever…and you are too.”

“Don’t count me out just yet pup. Now go fetch your master so we can continue our chat.”

It was half an hour later Karma came back to take Fyodor down to where Ace wanted him. Ace wanted to hold the talk down in the cellar of the gambler's den. Before Fyodor walked in he turned to Karma.

“Hide yourself little pup and don’t come out until the first light.”

Karma gave Fyodor a strange look but he couldn’t ask about his instructions before the alpha entered the room.

Amongst barrels of imported alcohol sat Ace at a table with a candle illuminating the narrow hallway. There was also a telephone on the table.

“Have a seat.”

Fyodor took a seat in the empty chair across from Ace, noticing a deck of cards on the table.

“You said you wanted to make a deal, how about we wager that with a game of cards.” Ace suggested.

“That is fine by me. The clauses will be if you win I’ll gladly keep wearing this bracelet but if I win you remove this, I walk free and you tell me about my missing omega friend.”

“Very well.”

Ace started to shuffle the cards, handing them both their own hand of cards and the rest of the deck between them.

The game of poker between them was tense as both were playing mind games and trying to one up the other. Ace though was pretty confident in winning the game since he was sly of hand and the deck he provided had more cards in it to benefit him and with his shuffling made sure he would get the cards.

Though when Fyodor made a comment about how there wasn’t a three card after all this time it dawned on Ace that Fyodor must have counted the cards!

The game was quickly derailing before Ace until it dawned on him!

“This is your ability’s doing!”

Fyodor looked up from his cards at the beta across from him.

“This is all fabricated! That’s it, that is how you know what all the cards are going to be because you made this. After I touched you! That is when you sent me into this fake reality!” The more Ace spoke the more deranged his manner of speaking became.

“I just need to wake myself up from this reality and be freed! We’re back in my office.”

Ace’s gaze landed on the phone, grabbing it as he stood on the chair as he made a noose with the phone’s long cord. Fyodor remained silent watching the beta.

“I win, you will be mine!”

Karma was hiding in a closet when things became eerily quiet. The alpha told him to stay hidden but he couldn’t quell his curiosity. Emerging from the closet he rushed quickly to the cellar, opening up the door letting out a loud gasp.

Finding Ace hanging dead from the rafters of the cellar!

A hand went to his collar and Karma felt the gem was gone, meaning he was free for good!

Karma, not wasting any time ran up the stairs to escape the gambler’s den but what he saw made his blood run cold. Amongst the hallways and rooms were patrons and workers all dead!

The young teen wondered who or what could have done this, his blood running cold as he felt a chill up his spine.

“Oh pup, I told you to stay hidden.”

Karma heard the voice of the alpha, turning to see him but there was a hand over his eyes and in the next moment the young teen fell dead to the floor.

Fyodor let out a small sigh, he tried warning the young one but he didn’t listen and witnessed what he did.

This had been a waste of a trip since after all of this he didn’t get any whereabouts to the vessel’s location. Holding in a growl Fyodor stepped over Karma’s body as he left the gambler’s den, disappearing into the night.

Chuuya awoke and the first thing he noticed in the mirror was the ruby on his collar missing!

Pressing a hand to the place where Ace had left the gem when he decided to ensnare the omega into servitude three years ago.

Chuuya wondered if Ace was killed, it had to be the case since the gem was gone. It was still a sigh of relief for Chuuya, now he won’t have to worry about running into Ace and it ending deadly.

When Chuuya emerged from the bathroom Mori noticed the gem missing right away.

“He must have finally gotten his comeuppance.” Chuuya agreed with the older omega, following after him as they were heading back to the estate.

Chuuya was nervous about the ride back, since he would most likely face Dazai and after exposing his secrets to Mori last night he really didn’t want to face him.

It seemed faith decided to test Chuuya today.

“Chuuya!”

The young omega perked up when he heard his name, about to step into the automobile when he looked down the sidewalk and saw Shirase!

Shirase jogged over to Chuuya, he looked very excited to see him.

“What stroke of luck I would run into you, do you have a minute to talk?”

“Um..” Chuuya looked to Mori sitting in the automobile, the older omega waved his hand encouraging Chuuya to go and talk to Shirase.

“I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

Nodding Chuuya followed Shirase as he stepped away from the automobile to speak more privately with Chuuya.

“I know this may sound rushed and you have your plans but please, please consider a future with us.” Chuuya’e widened hearing the semi-confession and then a box was held out to him by Shirase.

Chuuya was a little startled to be receiving something out of the blue, so he took the box and opened it. Inside was a hair pin, it was outlandish despite being made from cheap crystals. It seemed like the piece was overcompensating by appearing extravagant when in reality it wasn’t.

Chuuya didn’t know what to say because hair pins or brooches were used in courting.

Shirase was giving him this to officially court him.

“It’s lovely Shirase…” The but wasn’t said though it hanged between them. Shirase waited on baited breath for Chuuya’s answer. “Can I tell you my answer in a month? I have a lot of work to catch up on and other things.”

The disappointment in Shirase’s eyes made Chuuya wince but it wasn’t a rejection.

“Yeah…ok.”

Chuuya put the cover back on the box, holding it tightly in his hand. “I’ll see you later.”

“Alright.”

Chuuya can tell Shirse was disappointed, not wanting him to be in total misery. Chuuya stepped forward and gave Shirase a quick kiss on the cheek. Turning on his heels to return back to the automobile, thanking Hirtosu for opening the door.

Chuuya sat down in his seat, hiding the box from Mori, thankfully the omega didn’t ask him what their conversation was about.

The drive was quiet between them but the silence was not awkward.

Chuuya felt he had grown closer to Mori since opening up about his past. Though going back to the estate meant things are going to be different, especially with Dazai.

When they arrived at the estate Chuuya made a break to his room, wanting to be in his safe space after being denied it for so long. Luckily he didn’t run into Dazai while on his way there. Putting the box with the hairpin down on his vanity Chuuya was so happy to crawl into his futon. Moving pillows and blankets around recreating his nest.

Being in his safe place again instantly relaxed Chuuya.

Chuuya easily dozed off, the stress had melted away and he woke up feeling refreshed after a long time. There was a tray of food left at the foot of his futon. Stomach rumbling loud he scooted down to dig into the food. The message was unsaid between him and Mori but Chuuya understood that Mori would be letting Chuuya be left alone.

The omega was glad for some alone time.

One thing he really wanted to do was go into the hot springs but hesitated remembering how he encountered Dazai there and Chuuya was really not ready to face him just yet. He’ll try going late at night when everyone should be in bed, for now he’ll enjoy the quiet of his room.

Checking on his goldfish to see it was still doing fine, happily swimming around and munching on its food. Poking a finger into the water and giggling when the goldfish tried to eat the tip of his finger.

Chuuya went back to his nest with a few books he picked out in the library to read and never got to, now with this free time he was immersed in the stories.

The hours flew by and Chuuya finished the books he picked. A servant had come by to drop off dinner which he enjoyed by himself as well. It was well into the night, the lights of the estate had come on but were turning off one by one as servants were finishing their work.

Chuuya felt this would be the perfect time to sneak into the hot springs. On his way over he asked a servant to keep the lights on just a little longer which they simply nodded.

Wasting no time to clean himself off and lounge in the hot springs, he needed to be in a small area where the servant would leave one light on. Chuuya didn’t mind and just let himself enjoy soaking in the hot springs.

But once again faith was testing him.

“Can we talk?”

Chuuya’s eyes snapped open, he moved away from the wall he was leaning against and saw Dazai standing at the edge of the hot springs. Thankfully he was fully clothed in a yukata but Chuuya did not like that he was exposed.

“You couldn’t have waited until after I was out of here and dressed?”

“You were being elusive.”

Chuuya rolled his eyes, thankfully he had a towel and covered the front of his body with it.

“Well I’m here now, what do you want to talk to me about?”

“For one I want to apologize for what happened last time we saw each other.” Dazai rubbed at the back of his head, remembering the details.

“It’s fine.” Chuuya is glad the steam made his cheeks flushed already to hide it growing.

“I also want to say- …wait, where is your gem?”

Chuuya looked at Dazai staring wide eyed at him, eyes locked where the ruby used to sit on his gold collar. It was only a matter of time before Dazai would notice, he was the most adamant about it.

“Yeah, I found it gone this morning. I guess Ace finally got it in the end.” Waving a hand in the water.

“I bet that’s a weight off your shoulders, not having a gem that could kill you on your neck anymore.” Dazai took a seat on a stone stool.

“It is a sigh of relief, that I’ll never have to worry about running into his evil face again.”

“This also means my main interest in you is gone.”

Chuuya went quiet, the whole reason he found himself in this estate was because Dazai wanted to know why he actively kept a collar with a dangerous ability trinket on his neck. Now with that gone the only mystery about him was what ability he had that needed suppressing.

“Your main interest? Are there other interests in me?” Chuuya tried to divert the conversation.

“You are nice company and arm candy.”

The two share a laugh between them.

This didn’t feel that awkward anymore, Chuuya let out a sigh as he decided it was best to head out so the servants can finish cleaning. Standing up, keeping the towel close to preserve some modesty, he was about to step out but Dazai got up and held his hand out to help.

Chuuya took his hand and let Dazai help him out of the springs.

Standing before the alpha, craning his head to look up into Dazai’s eyes.

“…what else did you have to say?” Chuuya pulled his arms closer to his body to keep warm.

“Forget about it, it's not really that important.”

“No no, say it, you have my attention.” Chuuya is not letting Dazai get cold feet now.

“Not really something to say when you’re naked in front of me.”

“What are you confessing?”

The silence between them was deafening as Chuuya’s eyes widened. “Oh gods, you are- you are confessing aren’t you-“

Chuuya was pulled by his shoulders into a kiss.

The omega’s eyes widened, Dazai was kissing him!

Dazai pulled away from the kiss, still holding Chuuya’s shoulders, the omega blinking his eyes fast.

“I believe I’m falling for you…” Dazai pressed his forehead to Chuuya’s, his eyes looking away.

“…that’s no good.” Chuuya’s arms loosely looped around Dazai’s neck, the towel dropping wetly to the floor.

“Yeah I know.”

Yesterday…

“I think I’m falling for him.”

Oda blinked a few times at Dazai, not exactly believing what he was hearing.

“…congratulations.”

“No Oda this is bad, I’m not supposed to fall for him or anyone.” Dazai tugged at his bandages, a reminder to Oda about how broken his mind was. “I’ll hurt him, he’ll see how fucked up I am and I don’t want him to be ruined by me.”

“Dazai this isn’t the end of the world, if anything this is something good.”

Dazai gritted his teeth hard, fingers gripping his forearms tight.

“…Oda, I want to kill myself this year.”

The older alpha went silent, his eyes wide looking at Dazai who couldn’t look him in the eye.

“It’s better if I did, that way I don’t ruin Chuuya or my new sibling like I had before. It’s better I just disappear.” Dazai trembled slightly as he finally confessed his plan. At this rate he need to commit sooner before his selfish feelings for Chuuya tarnish him-

“You’re a coward.”

Oda spoke up, snapping Dazai back to reality.

“You haven’t stopped running after what happened when you presented and you think killing yourself is the way to go. I’m not undermining your feelings or fears but Dazai you are loved and wanted. Now you are having those feelings for someone else and it’s scary yes, it's always scary to fall in love but you gotta stop running.”

Oda came forward, holding Dazai’s shoulders in a form but comforting grip, making the younger alpha face him.

“You say everyone will be better off without you but if you go through with this you’re achieving the opposite of what you want for them. If you go through with this it will destroy your mother and in his delicate state anything could happen and all of it bad, your sister will blame herself for not being here to save you again and she’ll be a shell of what she once was. Your father will watch his family break and crumble around him, unable to help them and Chuuya…”

Dazai sucked in a breath when the omega was mentioned.

“He will watch the closest thing to a family be pulled from under him and his unresolved feelings for you will remain in him to haunt Chuuya for the rest of his life.”

Dazai was trembling more because he knew deep down inside Oda was right.

“I’m not saying accepting your feelings for Chuuya will make your thoughts about killing yourself go away, but maybe it will help you not think about them. No one here at this estate wants you gone Dazai, me included.”

“But what if-“

“No more what ifs Dazai, it’s time to stop running and live for once. Be selfish for once in your life.”

Dazai wrung his hands in his lap, trying to stop himself from scratching at his scars.

“No more running.” Dazai repeating the words.

It was a bit of a blur for Chuuya how he ended up from the hot springs in his room, the alpha must have carried him the way there quickly.

Chuuya was gently laid down in his nest, Dazai had not stopped kissing his lips and face the whole time. Chuuya welcomed Dazai into his arms, a pleased hum having the alpha’s weight on top of him.

While returning the kisses was nice, Chuuya had the dawning realization where he was and how these things usually went down when an alpha and omega confessed. Gently pushing at Dazai’s shoulders to make the kiss stop, thankfully Dazai pulled away. A look of concern on his face as his hands smoothed over Chuuya’s shoulders and chest checking him over.

“Are you ok?”

Chuuya flushed to the tips of his ears when Dazai’s hands settled on top of his pecs. “I just um…what happens next? I mean I know what tends to happen next but is it too much or- shit I’m messing this up aren’t I? I’m sorry.”

“Hey hey hey.” Dazai pecked Chuuya’s lips to get him to stop talking. “You’re doing fine and we don’t have to go all the way if you don’t want to.”

The last thing Dazai wanted to do now that he had Chuuya willingly in his arms now was scare him away. Sure the alpha inside him was screaming to claim but he was ignoring that for a long time. Just kissing Chuuya like this was enough.

“If you just want to keep kissing that’s fine, the choice is yours.”

An omega hearing that from an alpha was rare indeed.

Chuuya squirmed a little unsure about what exactly he wanted, when he rolled his shoulders the weight of the collar around his neck reminded him there was something they can’t do.

“You can’t mark me…”

“Do you want to be marked?”

Chuuya was about to open his mouth with an answer but then Shirase’s face flickers briefly in his mind. Now that ugly constricting feeling was returning.

Dazai saw the expression change on Chuuya’s face, leaning in to kiss his cheek then the corner of his mouth. “We don’t have to be mates, besides you’re leaving eventually. We can be close and not be officially together.”

Is that what Chuuya wants?

His feelings for Dazai were confusing even now with him enjoying all the kisses and touches he places on him, but he wouldn’t call it love.

Besides, even if they ‘loved’ each other with the collar on his neck Dazai won’t ever be able to mark him.

“Can…can we do that?” Chuuya finally answered.

“Yeah, we can be that Chuuya.”

Hearing his name coming from Dazai’s mouth sent a shiver of delight up Chuuya’s spine. Pulling Dazai back down for a kiss which Dazai happily returned. The two just hold each other and kiss, the comforting weight of Dazai on top of Chuuya grounding him.

As nice as the kissing was, Chuuya's inner omega wanted more.

Pulling away from the kiss, Dazai tilted his head to the side waiting for Chuuya to speak.

“I- …I want more but I don’t think I’m ready for…it.” Pulling his hand away from Dazai’s neck to make a vague gesture, hoping Dazai knew what he meant without saying it out loud.

“I can please you without going the way.”

Despite Dazai’s aversion to sex, until meeting Chuuya he spent a lot of time mingling with the servants and workers of the estate. Talking about heats and ruts wasn’t something to be considered shunned and taboo, especially when you were granted a space to safely take care of your heat and rut at the estate.

Dazai has not done many of it in practice but he heard of many ways one can please their mate without using penetration.

“Do you trust me Chuuya?”

It will take some time getting used to hearing his name from Dazai’s mouth, it kept sending a shiver down his spine. Chuuya nodded his head, Dazai, pleased with the answer, pecked Chuuya’s lips one last time before pulling away.

Dazai sat up on his knees so he could pull the sleeves of his yukata off, it was tied around his waist. Keeping the rest of his clothes on to act as a barrier. This was the first time Chuuya could appreciate seeing Dazai in a semi state of undress. Noting how the bandages just covered his forearms, his neck and over his chest.

Without Dazai covering him Chuuya felt the most exposed ever, laid out in his nest completely naked to Dazai’s gaze. He wanted to close his thighs but Dazai was seated between them preventing Chuuya from doing that. Hands inching close to cover his center but Dazai gently placed a hand on Chuuya’s stomach.

“When is your next heat?”

“Uh in a few weeks.”

Knowing that the two will be safe if things naturally escalate, Dazai’s hands smoothed Chuuya’s thighs. Dazai leaned forward, Chuuya assumed for more kisses but instead he kissed Chuuya’s chest. The omega had small gasps slip through his lips when his pecs were touched, naturally flat though that didn’t stop Dazai’s hand cupping one pec while he kissed the other. Evenly giving both attention until he started to kiss down Chuuya’s flat stomach.

It dawned on Chuuya where Dazai’s mouth was going next when he felt a warm breath against his center.

A protest on his lips but it died when Dazai’s tongue licked a stripe from the bottom of Chuuya’s center to the top. The omega’s hands covering his mouth to keep the moan from coming out.

“That feel good?”

Chuuya looked down his body and seeing Dazai, an alpha, between his thighs was definitely a power high to his omega. Nodding his head, pulling a hand away to reach out to Dazai. The alpha threaded one of his hands with Chuuya’s to give it a reassuring squeeze.

Dazai went back to licking at Chuuya’s center, the omega holding his hand tight every time his tongue brushed over a certain part. This was Dazai’s first time attempting this so he was learning on the fly where and what was giving Chuuya the most pleasure. One thing was for certain the omega tasted heavenly.

Noticing whenever his tongue brushed a spot on the top of Chuuya’s center the omega couldn’t hold back a gasp. Pulling away for a second to get a better look, noticing the little bump. Dazai inched his mouth closer before he closed it around the bud and sucked.

Chuuya bucked on the bed arching his back as a loud moan was ripped from his mouth.

The omega slammed a hand back over his mouth to keep quiet as Chuuya felt Dazai smile against his center and went back to sucking on his clit. The pleasure was blinding as Dazai kept licking and sucking on that spot. Chuuya squirming in Dazai’s hold as the intense feelings were washing over him.

Chuuya’s hand let go of Dazai’s hand to thread it through his hair, which pleased the alpha since he let out a growl.

The vibrations from the growl made more shivers race up Chuuya’s spine, his thighs squeezing Dazai’s head.

Dazai was happy to be here, pleasing Chuuya, though he wondered if he could get Chuuya over the edge just as quickly as last time. With his hands free he snuck one hand under to brush the tips of a finger against Chuuya’s center, the omega was wet enough so Dazai easily pushed one finger in all the way.

Chuuya couldn’t keep the moans from slipping out of his mouth, the hand in Dazai’s hair tightening while the other hand gave up holding his moans in to grasp the sheets tight.

Having someone else’s finger inside was more pleasurable than his own. Feeling Dazai curl the one finger inside made Chuuya gasp loudly.

“M-More.” Chuuya begged.

Dazai hummed loudly, sucking harder on Chuuya’s clit while he pushed two fingers inside Chuuya. Both of Chuuya’s hands were grasping Dazai’s head, unclear if he was pushing Dazai more into his center or trying to get him to slow down.

Curling his fingers inside Chuuya while sucking hard on Chuuya’s clit seemed to be what pushed him over the edge. The omega arching off the covers as he tighten around the fingers inside him. Dazai let out a please hum as he guided Chuuya through his orgasm. The moans slipping from Chuuya’s lips music to his ears.

Slowly pulling away and removing his fingers from Chuuya, savoring the whine that came from the omega. Sitting back up on his knees, using the back of his hand to wipe at his face, Dazai was pleased at his handy work.

Chuuya panting loudly amongst the covers, occasionally twitching from the aftershocks of his orgasm.

Dazai smoothed his hands over Chuuya’s thighs to ground him, bringing him back to reality. Once Chuuya got his breathing under control he made eye contact with Dazai who had the most smug grin ever.

“Stop looking at me with those eyes.”

“What eyes?”

Chuuya glared at Dazai who chuckled, hands still holding the red head legs. Both are a little unsure about how to continue. With his yukata still on and bunched around his waist Chuuya could not see how hard Dazai was, having gotten affected while pleasing Chuuya but he’ll be fine.

“Are you,” Clearing his throat. “Are you good?” Chuuya wanted to check on Dazai.

“I’ll be fine.”

“You sure? I don’t want to selfishly be the only one getting pleasure.” Chuuya tried to get up but with Dazai holding his legs up he really couldn’t move.

“I said I’m fine.”

“But what if I want to?” Chuuya had big pleading eyes to try and entice Dazai.

“Cute but not going to work on me.”

Dazai moved close to press a kiss to Chuuya’s cheek. Slipping away before Chuuya could try and get what he wanted. Dazai pulled the sleeves of his yukata back on and tied it.

“Sweet dreams Chuuya, see you in the morning.”

Feeling cold after Dazai left him and exited the room.

Pulling the covers over him, avoiding the wet spot on the bed, sleep was the furthest thing from Chuuya’s mind.

Chapter Text

Chuuya didn’t know what to call his relationship with Dazai.

They weren’t mates nor were courting as they hardly exchanged scents, Dazai said so it was so the rest of the estate wouldn’t know what they were up to. Even if someone picked up Dazai’s scent it was to be expected since they shared meals together and lived under the same roof.

Despite them not courting the two would exchange secret kisses in the hallways, holding their hands and snuggling in either of their rooms.

They didn’t do anything sexually beyond their first night.

With Chuuya’s heat coming close Dazai didn’t want to send him into it early. Chuuya didn’t mind but he was getting a little restless for more of that pleasurable feeling.

Since Chuuya got a taste of being pleased by another, his heat was actually worse.

Chuuya opted to spend it not at the estate, a spare room at the agency was left for him. Mainly he didn’t want Mori to take care of him and then moan for his son. So spending it alone was the way to go.

When Chuuya came back from his heat he was a little groggy, he wanted to find Dazai and just snuggle under the covers of his futon but the alpha was nowhere to be found along with Mori.

“Mom and Dazai went to the capital, they’re meeting the emperor.” Yosano explained while making the two of them a snack.

“Oh, I’m surprised Dazai is going with Mori-san instead of Fukuzawa-doma.”

Yosano finished making the roll and began to cut it up into pieces for the two to share.

“It’s a bunch of mind games and power flexes, the emperor likes to torment mom.” The knife hit the cutting board harder causing Chuuya to flinch a little. “When I was summoned to meet him he gave me the major creeps, it was just me and mom so sensing how unnerved mom was scared me. I hope things will be ok.”

Chuuya couldn’t help but share her worry for Mori.

The two quietly ate their food when Hirostu came into the kitchen. “Chuuya you have a visitor.”

“I do?” Tilting his head to the side in confusion.

“His name is Shirase.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened hearing it was Shirase, it then dawned on Chuuya that he hadn’t seen the other alpha in a month which was the timeframe he gave Shiarse to come up with his answer to his courting gift. Truthfully Chuuya had forgotten about the gift and now he felt bad because he was obviously involved with Dazai.

“Um I’ll be right there, can you show him to a tea room please.”

The butler nodded and exited the kitchen.

After he left, Chuuya let out a groan and rubbed at his face.

“What’s up?” Yosano nudged Chuuya.

“That alpha I went to the festival with really wants to court me, but…”

“But what?”

“Things are…complicated.” Like not courting but also kinda sleeping with your brother behind your back just like you’re doing with your not-mate complicated.

“Do you like him enough to court?”

“I mean, he’s nice and thoughtful but I don’t know. I feel like letting him court me when I am still adamant about leaving for Paris would be a disservice. He wants to be the reason I stay here in Japan.”

Chuuya sighed loudly, he didn’t want to hurt Shirase’s feelings.

“I will say him trying to guilt trip you into staying is kinda scummy but that’s my opinion. It’s up to you how you want things to go.”

Her input didn’t really help because it did sound scummy that Shirase wanted Chuuya to stay. Not wanting to keep Shirase any longer, Chuuya left the kitchen to go to the tearoom Hirostu placed him in.

When Chuuya slid the door open, Shiarse was looking at some of the ornaments left around the room. Shiarse’s attention snapped onto the omega, his eyes scanning to spot the hairpin on Chuuya and when he did not see it the mood instantly changed. Chuuya could feel the shift and he suppressed a shiver as he stepped in.

Chuuya opened his mouth but Shirase held his hand up to stop him.

“I already know your answer, you not wearing it is enough.”

“I’m sorry Shirase I really am but I don’t want this to make things awkward between us. I still want us to be friends.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible, Chuuya.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know that I lost to that snobby prince.” Shirase crossing his arms.

“What? No no we’re not courting.” It was the truth, Shirase didn’t have to know about the other things. “Shirase, you and Yuan are my only friends, I haven’t had any in a long time and I really want for that to stay so please.”

Chuuya gave Shirase some pleading eyes which seemed to melt away the alpha’s anger at being rejected.

“You’re really not courting the prince?”

Chuuya shook his head. “No, even if I was, I don't think I would be accepted given how I’m just a common seamstress.”

Chuuya did think Mori would have pulled strings for Dazai and him to get together if they were courting but they weren’t. Chuuya was leaving and Dazai was akin to royalty, they wouldn't and should not work.

To make up for Shirase coming out all this way, Chuuya offered him lunch, the two dining together in the tea room chatting. Chuuya found he clicked way more with Shirase as a friend instead of a suitor, conversations just felt more natural and flowed better now that he didn’t have the pressure of knowing Shirase was courting him.

Before Shirase left, Chuuya handed him a parcel, a silk scarf he wanted to give to Yuan as a thank you gift for letting him stay.

“There will be another festival soon, do you want to go? The three of us, you, me and Yuan.”

“I love that.”

Waving Shirase goodbye, Chuuya let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight off his shoulders that everything went smoothly. He got to keep a friend and gently declined a courtship.

Things will be ok.

Even if Mori was gone, Chuuya won’t fall anymore behind on his work, going to the sewing room to pick up where he left off but then he noticed there were baskets of colorful yarn in the room. An idea popped into Chuuya’s head when he saw the knitting needles and a book for beginning knitting techniques.

“It won’t be that hard.”

Dazai was never a fan of the royal palace, it had the heavy suppressing air to it.

But he would be damned if he let his mother walk into that dragon’s den alone.

It felt like they were on their way to an execution rather than a private meeting with the emperor. Waiting in a large empty ornate room with just one chair in the center. Dazai stood close to his mother who was seated. With Mori at the four month mark he was starting to show and there was no use in hiding it.

Mori held Dazai’s hand tight to ground himself, squeezing it a little hard when a servant called for them to see the emperor.

“Well, here we go.”

Dazai helped his mother out of the chair, offering his arm for Mori to take as they walked to the throne room to see the emperor.

Tatsuhiko Shibusawa seated upon his throne, the dragon motifs on the tapestries behind him and the ones curling around his throne in gold. The legends surrounding him that his ability was akin to godhood gave light to him adopting the fabled beast as his symbol.

Shibusawa perked up when he noticed his guests approaching him.

“Well if it isn’t my favorite nephew.”

Dazai gave Mori’s arm a reassuring squeeze to ground him as the emperor stood and descended down his throne. The long sleeves and cape of his robes followed him as he came down the steps to approach them.

The emperor appeared as youthful as ever, even if he was the oldest in the room he looked younger than Mori.

Shibusawa stopped before the pair, it pained Dazai to remove his grip on his mother to bow with Mori to the emperor. Dazai went to his knee in a kneel while Mori bowed as much as he could with his bump.

The two rose when Shibusawa made a subtle hand gesture.

“How was the journey? I hope it wasn’t too hard given your state.”

Dazai repressed a shiver of disgust when Shibusawa’s eyes zeroed in on Mori’s middle, the omega instinctively put a hand on it to shield the bump.

“It was fine, the train makes it easier to come to the capital on such short notice.” Mori trying to keep the conversation civil right now.

“Easier as well when you have such a diligent boy to take care of his mother.” Shibusawa now addresses Dazai.

It had been some years since the last time he saw Shibusawa and Dazai was gleeful to know he was just as tall as the emperor. His inner alpha preening he was on par with the threat before him.

“How long has it been Dazai? Two years?”

“Actually four your highness, you summoned me here when I turned eighteen.”

Another ‘checkup’ to see if he had an ability which Dazai failed to show any results dubbing him normal.

“Ah yes I remember now, a shame you don’t have an ability, you would have been able to do great things for the kingdom.”

Dazai gave Shibusawa a tense smile. “You’re too kind, your majesty.”

Dazai hoped to keep the emperor’s focus on him just a little longer to spare his mother but the real reason why they were here was finally addressed.

“Well, let’s hope third time the charm. Let me have a look.” Shibusawa addressing Mori.

The omega tensed but stepped forward, removing his hand from the baby bump. Dazai had to hold back a growl when Shibusawa placed his hands on the bump. Mori couldn’t stop the shudder at unwanted hands touching a delicate part of his body.

Luckily the older alpha didn’t press or add pressure to his touches to Mori’s bump.

“I sense a strong little one in there, this one will surely inherit the gift.” The emperor removed his hands and Mori took a step back. Dazai put a reassuring hand on his mother’s back to ground him, even if Dazai wanted to just pull his mother close and growl at the alpha to never touch him again.

“Y-you’re too kind, your m-majesty.” Mori stuttered.

“You’re both invited to dinner and stay for a few days.”

Despite both wanting to go home as soon as possible they can’t deny the emperor. Mori gave his thanks and the both were excused. Dazai helped escort Mori out of the throne room and back to the guest wing in the palace they were given. As soon as they were secured behind closed doors did Mori’s knees buckled and he couldn’t hold himself up. Dazai thankfully still had a grip on his mother and gently let Mori down onto the floor.

“Mother, are you ok?”

“I’m fine Dazai…I’ll be fine.”

Dazai helped Mori stand again and get him to the bed, helping his mother get in and lay back amongst the pillows. Mori didn’t want Dazai to leave him so opened his arms, the young alpha wouldn’t deny his mother the comfort he needed and got onto the bed to be held.

Mori seemed to start to calm down knowing he had his pup safe in his arms, even if Dazai wasn’t the one the emperor was focused on.

Mori’s hand threading through Dazai’s hair, the alpha’s arm loosely around Mori’s middle settled above the bump.

“Are you ok my little one?” Mori giving Dazai a reassuring squeeze more for himself than anything.

“I’m fine mom, I don’t think he suspects. His focus is entirely on you.”

There was always running the risk Shibusawa would find out Dazai had an ability whenever he came to visit. Lying to the emperor was usually punishable by a hand being removed.

“Still, if anything happens to you…”

“Nothing's going to happen to me mom, we’re going to make it through these next few days and we’ll be on a train back home.”

Leave it to Dazai to reassure his mother, Mori wouldn’t have been able to do this trip without support even if he yearned for his mate having his son helped.

Dinner was a tense affair, dining only with the emperor which was usually a high honor though for the two being alone with the man was a tense affair.

“How far along are you Mori?”

“Four months your highness.” Mori picks around the food since a good chunk of it he can’t eat because he was pregnant and his appetite was requesting a certain palette. The baby seemed to be ravenous for tea over rice and anything with red meat.

“Almost halfway there, if it goes all according to schedule, they should be a late spring baby.”

Mori just nodded, the silence stretching between them before Shibusawa broke it.

“Yosano’s eighteenth birthday is soon correct?”

“Yes sire, it is next month.”

“The age to pick a mate, I wonder if your sister will beat you in that regard Dazai.” Shibusawa chuckled, Dazai gave the emperor a tense smile. Mori held his tongue since he didn’t want Yosano to be thrown into the waters of high society courting just yet.

Dazai wanted to snap back why he should be taking courting advice from a man with no mate but Dazai would like to keep his tongue intact.

“Yosano was always the more competitive of us two.”

Dinner continued, the minutes passing by like an eternity. Dazai is itching to take his mother and get out of here as soon as possible.

The next few days were just as tense, Dazai refusing to ever stray from Mori’s side as he trusted nobody within the palace’s walls. Assuming anyone and everyone was their enemy. When the emperor had no other excuse to keep them at the palace Dazai hurriedly packed up their things to get on the next train to Yokohama.

Though the emperor made sure to leave a lasting impression before they go.

“Be sure to present the babe to me as soon as they are born, especially if it’s a son.”

Mori’s face paled after hearing the summons. “…of course your majesty.”

Dazai wanted to punch the emperor’s smug face so badly but refrained, taking his mother’s hand to guide him into the carriage that will take them to the train station.

“We mustn’t be late.”

“Yes won’t keep you two any longer, send my regards to Fukuzawa and Yosano.” Shibusawa waved them off. Dazai signals the driver to take them away.

The two really only breathed a sigh of relief once they were on the train. The emperor was kind enough to get them their own private seat, Dazai sitting across from Mori who was gazing out the window, a hand on his middle.

“You ok mom?”

“I’m fine, much better that we’re returning home.” Mori breathing a little harder to calm his nerves.

“…why is he so obsessed with us?” The question has been burning on Dazai’s tongue for ages, after he presented the emperor seemed to grow interest in their family.

“I don’t know, honestly, why would he even be interested in his half brother’s family. You have better luck asking your grandfather.”

“Yeah, like grandpawill just outright tell us anything.” Dazai chuckled, his grandfather was always a mysterious man, he knew so much yet never revealed anything.

The two found more lighthearted topics to talk about until Dazai offered to get Mori something from the dining car as a snack.

Heading to the car and hoping they had something with a lot of meat in it Dazai was lucky that they had steam buns filled with pork belly and kimchi. While Dazai waited for the cook to prepare it he glanced around the dining car until his eyes landed on a newspaper a beta was reading.

The headline stuck out to Dazai. ’MASSIVE CASUALTIES AT GAMBLER’S DEN’

Curious, Dazai looked and saw the same paper was left on the counter, grabbing it. Dazai looked at the article and his blood ran cold.

The gambler’s den involved was the same one he found Chuuya in!

Ace was mentioned by name and then the names of everyone killed, Dazai winced seeing Karma on the list. Reading more, apparently the investigators declared that Ace was found to be embezzling his tax money so in a fit of rage killed everyone in attendance that night before hanging himself in the cellar.

Dazai raised an eyebrow at that, Ace didn’t seem the type to not claw and fight his way to stay on top.

Folding the paper under his arm he grabbed the bun and headed back to his seat. Opening the door and handing the snack to Mori who happily accepted it. Dazai kept the paper hidden the rest of the train ride from his mother, looking it over whenever Mori napped to see if he could find other clues.

This whole thing didn’t sit right with Dazai and it being the place he found Chuuya Dazai wanted to be extra sure the omega was safe. Despite having the gem gone he still had that collar suppressing an ability, what if whoever was linked to containing him was trying to find Chuuya again?

Dazai will have to pay a visit to Ranpo if he wants any answers, he’ll need to buy enough snacks to persuade him.

Fukuzawa was there to meet them at the train station, of course pulling Mori into a hug and checking him over while Mori lightly chuckled at the alpha being a bit territorial. Mori was eager to go home and just lay down in his own nest with Fukuzawa though before that he went to check on Yosano and Chuuya. Yosano happily gave her mother a hug and a checkup due to old habits.

Mori didn’t find Chuuya in his room which was odd so he went to the sewing room and what he found warmed his heart.

Chuuya knitted away at what looked like an abomination of yarn in whatever colors he could get his hands on, some of the patterns not lining up and the ends all jagged with extra strings not tucked in.

Chuuya looked up from his work and when he locked eyes with Mori he flushed embarrassed. “I uh- it’s um getting close to winter and you might get cold so I wanted to knit you a blanket that you can use and then the baby but it looks awful I know.”

Mori held back from fondly chuckling, not wanting to have the young omega feel more embarrassed.

“I love the pattern, what is it supposed to be?” Mori bent down best he could to grab the corner and hold the blanket out and see the pattern. Tilting his head to the side to get a better idea.

“It’s um, supposed to be a tiger but I didn’t have orange yarn so used white but then the stripes don’t look good and the face is scary, I’m sorry.”

“No no it’s nice, it’s so nice, I love it.” The tiger’s face did look a little silly but it was the thought that counts. It was a handmade gift which Mori will treasure. “Thank you darling, this is the perfect gift.”

Chuuya was a little reassured that Mori liked it, putting the work away for now he closed the distance to give the older omega a hug since he missed Mori while gone.

“Did your meeting with the emperor go well?” Chuuya was curious and also a little worried.

“It went fine.” It wasn’t the most reassuring answer but it was good enough for now, Mori was just tired from all the traveling and didn’t want to have to think back to that stressful encounter.

Chuuya was still being held by the omega in a close hug, Chuuya couldn’t help but soak up the maternal love Mori was willing to give him but then his eyes widened when he felt something move between them.

“…what was that?”

Mori chuckled as he pulled away, taking Chuuya’s hand to place on his bump which had the young omega flushing. Nothing was happening until he felt movement under his hand, the baby was moving!

“It’s their first movement, which means they’re growing well.”

Chuuya was utterly fascinated feeling the light kicks from the baby, they kicked a little more before stopping, quieting down. Chuuya removed his hand from Mori’s stomach. “That’s good to hear. You must be tired from your trip, I won’t keep you much longer.”

Mori smiled, taking his leave to head into his nest to rest and relax.

Knowing that Mori is home meant Dazai was home too.

Chuuya shut the door to the sewing room closed behind him as he headed off to Dazai’s room. Luckily for him the alpha was there.

Dazai perked up when he heard someone enter his room and softened seeing it was Chuuya. “Hi, sorry I wasn’t here when you got back from your heat.” Dazai put what looked like a newspaper on his dresser before crossing the distance between them to hold his arms out for Chuuya.

“It’s ok, your mother needed you.” Chuuya happily went into Dazai’s arms, tucking his head under Dazai’s chin. And besides it's not like they’re mates or courting, it wasn’t Dazai’s responsibility to take care of him.

“How about I make it up to you by taking you out to dinner tomorrow night?”

That sounded like a date, were dates allowed for whatever relationship they had? It did sound tempting though and Chuuya was curious to know what kind of date they’ll go on.

“That sounds nice.”

Dazai let out an approving hum, pressing a kiss on top of Chuuya’s hair.

“I was planning on soaking in the hot springs before grabbing myself a small meal, care to join me.” Dazai’s hand playing with the longer strands of Chuuya’s hair.

“I like that.”

Chuuya smoothed out a small wrinkle on his yukata, opting for something not too eye catching for his dinner with Dazai. The alpha said it wasn’t going to be a fancy place so Chuuya didn’t feel the need to fret over appearances.

Dazai knocked on his door when it was time. The drive into the city was quiet, though Chuuya couldn’t help but smile a little when Dazai held his hand, a thumb brushing over the back of it. Dazai said they were stopping at the detective agency building first before going, Chuuya waiting in the automobile while Dazai headed inside to do whatever he needed to get done.

Chuuya bounced his foot while waiting, it was taking a little long until Dazai finally emerged. Climbing back into the automobile that took off to their next destination.

Dinner was actually going to the night market which pleasantly surprised Chuuya.

Many street food vendors to pick from and everything was only a couple of yen so it was affordable.

The two were eating some skewers when Dazai started a conversation. “How is your Paris fund coming along?”

“I have a good chunk saved, still not enough for the ticket which will be the most expensive purchase.” Converting the rest into euros won’t be too hard though Chuuya just wanted to be extra sure he has enough to live steadily. Chuuya was surprised Dazai made mention of the fund.

“You think about opening up commissions? You will be able to make more on the side.” Dazai offered, finishing his skewer before tossing it into a trash bucket.

“I don’t think anyone would want what I’m making, I haven’t even finished my first piece yet.” His unfinished kimono was still missing the main design, Chuuya unsure of what exactly to make it.

“Well whenever you get that done ask Koyo if she can display it, then your work will get seen and people will want to work with you.”

It didn’t sound like a bad idea, Koyo was already a well known seamstress in the city so having one of his own works on display would get people asking about him.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

A few more snacks were purchased, Chuuya enjoying some yakisoba when he heard someone call out his name.

“Chuuya!” Yuan jogged over to them, Chuuya happy to see her, he allowed the beta to give him a quick hug.

“It’s been ages, so glad to see you.”

Yuan’s eyes landed on Dazai and she took a quick glance up and down. “Oh is this who I think it is?” Giving Chuuya a knowing look.

“Yeah it’s him.”

Dazai tilted his head to the side not really understanding what was happening between the two until Yuan whispered close to him.

“Nice to meet you prince of Yokohama.”

Dazai had a look of recognition and nodded to her.

“Well I won’t intrude on you two anymore, I was sent out here to think of new baking ideas so I’m off, nice seeing you Chuuya, I can’t wait for the festival.”

Chuuya wished her farewell and Dazai raised a brow at her mentioning the festival.

“Her Shirase and I are going to the fall festival together.”

“Oh..” Dazai holding back a growl hearing Shirase’s name.

“Don’t worry about him, I denied his courtship.”

That did put some of Dazai’s worry away, though he still didn’t like that Chuuya will still be hanging around the other alpha.

Not his place to get mad since he wasn’t Chuuya’s mate.

The two stayed at the night market another hour until Chuuya was stuffed with good food, he did grab a few candies to enjoy tomorrow. They didn’t want Hirusto waiting for them so they walked back to the estate. Chuuya felt safe with Dazai around and holding his hand tight.

Chuuya though didn’t want this night to end just yet.

Dazai escorted Chuuya to his room but before he could walk away after wishing Chuuya good night the omega grabbed Dazai by the collar of his yukata and pulled him down into a kiss. Dazai’s eyes widened a bit before closing and returning the kiss, thinking he can just give Chuuya a few kisses before bed.

But Chuuya had other plans.

Yanking Dazai into his room, shutting the door behind them, Chuuya dragged Dazai to the futon before pushing him. Dazai fell back onto the futon and before he could speak up Chuuya was straddling his lap.

“I’m assuming you want something from me Chuuya?” Dazai laid more comfortably against the pillows, placing hands on Chuuya’s thighs.

“Yes I do.”

Chuuya got right to work opening up Dazai’s yukata, pushing it off of Dazai’s shoulders. Dazai sat up, an arm around Chuuya to keep him steady as he stole a kiss. The two exchange kisses as they loosen and pull at their yukatas wanting to expose the other.

Dazai knew how to work faster and with Chuuya being smaller the alpha was able to lift Chuuya up and take his pants off. Chuuya was now naked in Dazai’s lap while he still had his pants on. Dazai’s hands smoothing over Chuuya’s soft skin.

Chuuya shivered from the touch on his skin, especially when Dazai started to press kisses against his neck and shoulder.

“Tell me what you want, Chuuya.” Dazai spoke against Chuuya’s collarbone before kissing it, enjoying the small moan that slipped from the omega’s lips.

“I want more.”

“All the way?” Dazai’s hand squeezed Chuuya’s hips tighter, the omega shook his head still not ready.

“I have an idea, lay down for me beautiful.”

Chuuya flushed from that, but he crawled out of Dazai’s lap to lay down against the covers and pillows. Before he was embarrassed to lie exposed like this but the two of them had been sharing baths and soaks in the hot springs and nudity wasn’t being an issue anymore.

Dazai removed the rest of his clothes but the bandages remained, even though Chuuya has seen the scars the alpha still won’t let him touch the exposed skin.

Dazai scooted closer, Chuuya instinctively opened his legs but Dazai grabbed them. Chuuya cocked a brow confused, even more when Dazai maneuvered Chuuya’s legs to press together and had his ankles over one shoulder. Chuuya felt the position was a little weird, wondering why his legs needed to be closed.

“Bear with me Chuuya.” Dazai notices Chuuya giving him off looks. The alpha placed a hand over where Chuuya’s knees were pressed together.

Chuuya was waiting for the grand show of this whole display and he got it when he felt something hard poke at his thighs. Confused until that hardness then pressed between his thighs, Chuuya looked down his body and flushed seeing Dazai’s cock poking out from between his thighs!

A shiver of desire ran up his spine when Dazai pulled back and then pushed forward, Chuuya feeling the slide of the alpha’s cock along his center and clit.

Chuuya let some moans slip from his lips while Dazai fucked his thighs. This was a different way of getting pleasure without going all the way and Chuuya never would have thought this would feel good.

The slide of the cock against his center was growing wetter with each thrust, feeling Dazai’s press against the back of his thighs with each movement.

“Squeeze your thighs tighter, yeah like that.” Dazai breathed more heavily when Chuuya pressed his thighs tighter, making the spot where Dazai was fucking all the wetter and tighter for his cock.

It wasn’t all the way but enough to be pleasurable for the both of them.

Chuuya was enjoying it but a part of him, deep down was thinking about if Dazai angled his hips on a thrust could his cock easily sink inside him? That thought had Chuuya moaning louder and getting more wet. The slide for Dazai was even easier.

“Shit Chuuya you’re so wet.”

Each thrust made a wet squelching noise that echoed off the walls of the room, Chuuya could hear it and would have been embarrassed if it didn’t feel so good. So good in fact Dazai felt his knot forming which surprised him, he never was able to do that before until Chuuya.

Chuuya could feel the knot slide between his thighs and his omega brain was thinking about that inside him, plugging him up while Dazai spilled his seed into him. Those thoughts were enough to make Chuuya cum, arching off the futon, squeezing his legs even tighter around Dazai’s cock.

Dazai fucked the tight space harder, until cumming as well, his cock spilling all over Chuuya’s stomach in long ropes, some even reaching his chest.

Chuuya took some time to catch his breath, feeling sticky, sweaty and wet but thoroughly pleased. Dazai was careful moving Chuuya’s legs off of his shoulder, opening them to have a leg lay on either side of Dazai in between the omega’s legs.

Chuuya pushed himself on his elbows, feeling the now cooling semen on his stomach and chest. Looking straight at Dazai’s still hard cock which had the knot on display. Chuuya shuddered imagining that inside him.

“Does it hurt?”

Chuuya reached a hand out but pulled it back, not wanting to touch if it in fact did hurt Dazai, his cock looked red and sore.

“It’s a little uncomfortable not going to lie but it’s fine.” This was his first time popping a knot, unsure exactly what is expected when the knot was not inside someone. It did feel a little over sensitive so he was glad Chuuya didn’t touch it. “Probably some cool water will help and we are in desperate need of a bath.”

Chuuya agreed as the cum was starting to dry and feel uncomfortable. Dazai carefully moved to get up and grab a spare towel to wipe off majority of the mess on Chuuya so it wouldn’t get the rest of his nest dirty.

Chuuya stood up on shaky legs and grabbed his robe draped over his chair. Dazai opted to use another spare towel as they sneaked to the hot springs. Dazai knew where to turn on the lights in one area so they could have it all to themselves.

Chuuya turned on the water faucet and let out a yelp from the cold water, Dazai tossed the towel off of him to then stand under the cool stream, it brought some relief to his cock. Chuuya wished he could help more but Dazai reassured him the cool water was helping and the knot finally went down.

The two cleaned each other off, Chuuya giggling at the kisses stolen between them.

Chuuya was chattering his teeth after they washed off since the water didn’t get warm enough in time, eager to jump into the hot springs. Dazai turned off the faucet and followed Chuuya into the hot springs, both letting out a sigh of relief at being warm.

Chuuya wanted to have more warmth so he easily curled up into Dazai’s lap.

“With winter coming soon we won’t be able to do this, the pipes usually freeze so we’ll have to sponge bath each other.”

The hot springs stayed warm all year round but the plumbing will be running into problems. Usually the estate didn’t use the faucets during the winter.

“Noted.”

For now Chuuya is just going to soak up the warmth of Dazai and the hot springs, reclining against Dazai’s chest, one of the alpha’s arms across his middle.

“If it’s too personal to ask-“

“Chuuya I ate you out and you’ve seen my knot.”

“I know I know but this might be too personal. I was just curious about why you don’t have a mate or at least haven’t courted someone.”

Dazai’s hand rubbed Chuuya’s stomach. “For a long time I thought something was wrong with me. Whenever I would smell omegas in heat I recoil and sometimes gag, usually alphas get aroused whenever they encounter omegas but I didn’t. Because of that sex wasn’t on my mind as well, I started to feel like I wasn’t a proper alpha.”

Chuuya’s hand gave Dazai’s arm a reassuring squeeze.

“I asked my mother finally if something was wrong with me, he then reassured me that what was happening was natural. That sometimes not everyone acts like the stereotypes of their dynamic, he said maybe I hadn’t found the right scent.” Dazai’s grip tightened a little around Chuuya’s middle and he hooked his chin over the omega’s shoulder. “Your scent is the first I really have enjoyed.”

Hearing all that made Chuuya flushed, to know that his scent was the only one this alpha found attractive did stroke his omega ego.

“Even if It’s a muted because of the collar.”

Chuuya’s hand went to his collar, fingers pressing against the cold metal and just for a second he thought about how it would feel to have Dazai’s nose press against his pulse and inhale his scent.

Chapter Text

The fall festival before the start of winter was one of the biggest held in Yokohama.

Chuuya was buzzing with excitement, he never attended a festival this big before, even the estate was bustling with activity as the ruling family had an important role in the festival.

“So I get to watch you dance?” Chuuya chuckled while Dazai stood still getting some ceremonial robes put on by Mori.

“Indeed you do, get to watch him and Yosano perform.” Mori mused as he finished with a tie, finally allowing Dazai to put his arms down. The ceremonial robes looked heavy and bulky so Chuuya is curious to know how Dazai will be able to move around.

“Or you could just conveniently miss the performance.” Dazai suggested while Mori had Dazai sit on a stool so he could begin work on applying some makeup to his face.

“I will not miss this!” Chuuya was heavily interested in seeing Dazai perform a ceremonial dance along with his sister for the festival. For one he did look good in the robes and with his hair slicked back so the hat could fit more securely on his head.

The door slid open and Yosano came in, the long train of her robes following after her. Koyo hot on her heels gathering the train up into her arms.

“Young lady, you must stay still, we can’t have these getting dirty.” Koyo scolded, Yosano dramatically threw her head back giving both Mori and Koyo a scare at her hair also coming undone.

“But I’m bored and hungry, couldn’t I have gotten some snacks before getting ready?”

Koyo guided Yosano to sit on a stool so she wouldn’t keep moving around.

“You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the festival after the performance Yosano.” Mori finished applying the makeup to Dazai who instinctively was bringing his sleeve up to wipe the makeup off his face, Mori gently pushed his hand down to stop it.

Yosano huffed, crossing her arms as she slumped, Koyo pushing a loose strand of hair back into her hair piece.

Chuuya smiled wide watching the siblings, he had gathered information about this performance leading up. When Dazai and Yosano were younger they would do these performances but had taken a hiatus. When the shrine informed the family their performers had gotten a cold the ruling family stepped in to offer their kids. It seemed the steps weren't lost on Dazai and Yosano as they picked up the routine quickly.

“I’ll scope out the best food for you.” Chuuya offered.

“You’re the best!”

Chuuya chuckled, he looked at the clock and saw that it was getting close to when he told Yuan and Shirase to meet him outside the agency building.

“I’ll be seeing you all later, I’m not missing your performance.” Chuuya rose from his seat, smoothing some wrinkles in his yukata. He wanted to wear a hanfu but with it nearing winter he would be too cold.

“Please miss it.” Dazai lamented.

“Nope.” Chuuya giggled, opening the door to head out. Heading down the stairs and out the agency building, he did shiver a little meeting the crisp autumn air. Rubbing his hands together before breathing into them.

“Chuuya!”

Perking up, Chuuya noticed Yuan and Shirase walking towards him. Smiling wide, he closed the distance between them, happily accepting the hug from Yuan. Him and Shirase just exchanged a nod.

“Come on let's go, I'm freezing and only some takoyaki will warm me up!” Yuan looped her arms around the boys shoulders and started to lead them to the festival.

With this being one of the main festivals it was held on the streets of the city leading to the shrine. Dozens of vendors and stalls open as far as Chuuya could see. First thing first was finding takoyaki for Yuan and luckily they found a stall with a short line selling some.

The warm treat was needed, the three sharing a bag of them before heading deeper into the festival.

Yuan was sticking more to Chuuya’s side, directing him to each of the stalls to look at what they were selling or making. Shirase hung in the back following the two.

As much as the young alpha wanted to make a friendship work with Chuuya he couldn’t help the jealous feelings bubbling up everytime he looked at him. That he won’t ever be able to have him. At least he could get a few looks, Chuuya looked nice in the yukata but hanfus just complimented his figure better. He had some hair sticks holding the longer part of his hair up.

Just then the light caught something on the hair stick that Shirase didn’t notice. Narrowing his eyes to get a better look he noticed it was a charm attached to the hair stick. Shining gems and trinkets attached to it, Shirase held back a growl. Was Chuuya lying to him about courting someone?

“Shirase look!” Yuan pulled him out of his dark thinking to drag him over to a stall selling one of his favorite fruits for a decent price.

To keep up with the good vibes he purchased some of the fruits, sharing some with Chuuya and Yuan.

He’ll find a chance to ask Chuuya later.

Chuuya heard the chiming of the clock tower and counted the rings, his eyes widened realizing the time.

“Come on, the performance is going to start soon.” Walking towards the direction of the shrine where the stage is.

Yuan followed after him along with Shirase, there was already a crowd forming around the stage which wouldn’t have been a problem if not for Chuuya’s height. Suppressing a growl at being so short his hand was tugged by Yuan who guided him to a stack of boxes. The three climbed up onto them and they could see over the crowd to the stage.

The head shrine keeper came out to thank everyone for attending the festival and explained how the performance was going to be done by the Yokohama ruling family. Many murmurs from the crowd excited to see the heirs for the first time.

The shrine keeper exited the stage and then the music began to play.

Chuuya got excited seeing Dazai and Yuan enter the stage, their movements were fluid and precise.

Watching the two perform was breathtaking. Chuuya couldn’t take his eyes off of Dazai the whole time. It was a different side of the alpha he hadn’t seen before and despite him not thrilled to be doing it Dazai seemed to be in his element.

When the performance came to a close and the two were bowed low on the stage everyone erupted into applause. Chuuya was clapping loudly with everyone, even more so when the siblings took their final bow before walking off stage. Shirase helped Yuan and Chuuya off of the boxes, Chuuya looking to see if Dazia and his sister were still close to the stage.

“Hey I’m going to go check on them.”

“That’s fine, you can come and find us at the festival.” Yuan offered a smile but before Chuuya could go Shirase grabbed his wrist preventing Chuuya from leaving.

“..Shirase?”

“Please answer this for me truthfully, are you in courtship with the prince?”

Chuuya suppressed a shiver at how dark Shirase’s voice sounded.

“No I’m not.”

“Who gave you the charm on your hair stick?”

A hand went up to touch the charm dangling from his hair stick. Yes he found out Dazai was the one who gave it to him but this wasn’t a courting trinket.

“Yosano gave it to me.” It felt awful to lie but Chuya knew telling Shirase the truth would hurt.

It seemed to put Shirase at ease and he let go of Chuuya’s wrist. The two stood there awkwardly until Yuan came back to grab Shirase, noticing he hadn’t been following her.

“See you later Chuuya and if not enjoy the festival.”

Chuuya rubbed at his wrist where Shirase grabbed, shaking the feeling off before he went to find Dazai and his sister. Luckily he found them backstage and was welcomed to come back there by Koyo. Mori and her help the siblings take off the ceremonial robes and change into more casual clothing. Dazai wipes at his face, getting the makeup off and then ruffling his hair.

Chuuya did catch a glance at his bare forearms since he wasn’t allowed to wear his bandages during the performance.

The omega told Yosano where some good spots to get snacks were. She whispered a thank you and slipped away before her mother and aunt could fret more, most likely going to find Kunikida.

Dazai swooped in and ushered Chuuya away before the older ones could intervene.

Letting out a sigh of relief when they entered the festival.

“So how was my dancing?”

Chuuya looped his arm around Dazai’s to lean into his embrace. “It was spectacular.” That was the truth, he couldn't keep his eyes off of Dazai.

“Thanks, I’m starving, what looks the best?”

Chuuya took Dazai to the stalls he had sampled already with his friends, pointing out what he recommended.

While Dazai happily chowed down on some udon, Chuuya wandered around the shops until a noise caught his attention. Following the familiar sound Chuuya’s heart melted when he found a stall that had puppies!

A bunch of children were petting the puppies that all wanted attention while some adult dogs watched over, Chuuya recognized the breed as Akitas. The owner of the stall looked like he was trying to find homes for the litter.

Chuuya kneeled down when he saw an opening, holding his hand out for the puppies to sniff before they gave it licks. It looked like there were about twelve puppies.

One puppy stood out to Chuuya, the puppy was all auburn color but the tips of their ears and snouts were black. It was the only puppy that looked different from all the others. Chuuya reached into the small pen and easily scooped the puppy into his arms. The puppy started to lick his face which made Chuuya smile.

The owner of the dogs noticed Chuuya holding one of the puppies and came close.

“I see this little lady likes you.”

Chuuya could help but smile wider, finding out she was a girl. “Yeah, I love dogs and she is such a sweetheart.”

“Well since she is the runt I can give her to you for a discount.”

The owner shouldn’t have told Chuuya the puppy was a runt because now he loved her more, she was small like him. Chuuya looked down at her and she was starting to fall asleep in his arms like a baby!

“Whatcha got there chibi?” Dazai came behind Chuuya and looked over his shoulder to see the dog in his arms. “No.”

“But-“

“I said no, I don’t like dogs. They’re smelly, annoying, messy and just get into things. We don’t need a mutt around, especially with a baby on the way.” Dazai crossed his arms.

“Oh but sir I can reassure you that all the dogs in my care are trainable, this little one won’t be any harm to your mate and child.” The shop owner gestured a hand towards Chuuya’s middle.

Both Chuuya and Dazai flushed red. “No we’re not together or have a pup on the way!” Dazai explained.

“Y-yeah someone at the estate we live at is expecting.” Chuuya added.

“Oh sorry my mistake but still these dogs are highly intelligent and with proper training will be wonderful guard dogs in the future.”

“Sorry but my mom won’t let me bring home any more strays.”

Chuuya shot a look at Dazai narrowing his eyes at the alpha.

“That’s a shame, I was hoping someone would take home this little one, oh well.”

Chuuya didn’t like that sound of that, what would happen to this sweet little girl if nobody took her home? Chuuya didn’t want to find out, gently handing the dog to Dazai who didn’t want to hold her until he finally did, at arms length. Chuuya was pulling out his small coin purse.

“How much for her?”

Chuuya paid for the puppy, happy that he was able to secure her safety. Taking the puppy back into his arms where she wagged her tail and gave him kisses. Chuuya returned the kisses on her head while he cooed and cuddled her. Dazai followed behind Chuuya, arms crossed and eyes boring holes into his back.

“You can stare angrily as much as you want but it’s not going to intimidate me.”

“This will be short lived, mother will demand you remove that mangy thing as soon as he sets his eyes on it.”

Chuuya doubted that, Mori didn’t seem the type to really hate anything that was small but it is a gamble to bring a pet into the house. His goldfish was easy since the fish just stayed in his room everyday. A puppy was something different, it needed constant attention and training until it was a grown adult dog.

The young omega hoped Mori wouldn't tell him to get rid of it.

Sadly for Dazai Mori allowed the puppy to stay, Dazai blamed Mori’s pregnancy hormones making him soft.

Dazai stewed in anger the next morning watching Chuuya begin training the puppy which he named Sayu.

Chuuya didn’t know too much about training dogs but luckily in the estate’s vast library he found a book about basic obedience for dogs that had been written by an ancestor who trained the same breed as Sayu for hunting.

“Ok Sayu sit.” Chuuya commanded the dog, using a hand gesture to show Sayu that he wanted her to sit.

Chuuya only gave her encouragement and treats when she obeyed, the book saying repetition with rewards was the best way to train a dog. When Sayu sat down Chuuya called her a good girl and gave pets along with a few pieces of dried meat.

Dazai rolled his eyes watching the puppy get praised for doing the bare minimum.

Fukuzawa was walking by watching his son roll his eyes and scoff at Chuuya training the puppy. “You are still against dogs? It’s been years since Hei died.”

Hei was the family dog when Dazai was little and he never forgave the dog for tearing up one of his favorite toys. Swearing all dogs were bad.

“All dogs are vermin, I can’t believe mom is letting this one stay.” Dazai huffing again.

Fukuzawa couldn’t help but chuckle, then he remembered why he came looking for Dazai. “Ranpo is here, said he has results for whatever you asked him.”

“Cool, thanks dad.” Dazai headed to the few places he knew Ranpo always was whenever he came here to visit.

The kitchen was the first spot and sure enough he found the young detective munching down on some snacks.

“You work fast when enticed.” Dazai leaned back against the counter, waiting for Ranpo to finish his chewing.

“Well it was easy, I visited the place and yeah I can tell you right off the bat that Ace did not kill all those people, but hanging himself yeah that’s on him.”

Dazai listened to the information Ranpo provided intently.

“All of the patrons died of the same thing and from what you told me about Ace’s ability then all of the workers would have had jewels around them because he used their life force. That would explain why all the workers were dead but patrons were dead that didn’t have collars. One thing that I don’t understand why it wasn’t officially written down was that all of the victims' eyes were bleeding. Besides Ace, all of them have that.”

“Any ideas who did it? Or why they mass murder a whole gambler’s den?”

“This is where I’m stumped, because I can’t deduce who exactly did it. My only deduction is that the killer could be foreign. That’s the only explanation about why I wouldn’t know who did it.”

Dazai held his chin in thought, mulling over the new facts about the attack.

“You said your omega came from overseas, you think maybe it’s his parents looking for him?”

“He was born in Paris, his parents are from here in Japan, I believe. I still don't know all the details about his origins.” Dazai not correcting Ranpo about him saying Chuuya was his.

“Maybe it’s about time, I don’t think you want whatever did this to the den to come here.”

The weight of Ranpo’s warning was heavy, he saw some of the bodies and it sent a chill up his spine. What kind of power did this killer have?

“I’ll keep that in mind, can you keep looking into who could have done this? It would be greatly appreciated.”

“Even if you didn’t ask me I still would have done it, it has been awhile since a case has stumped me like this. This is exciting.” Ranpo always enjoyed a good case, it was hard coming across cases like these when the majority of the agency took care of very minor things.

“Thanks Ranpo, are you staying for dinner?”

“Depends what you cook? And I want to finally meet your omega.”

“We’re having a hotpot and he’s not exactly mine.” Dazai picked at the edge of his bandages, which he shouldn’t do in front of Ranpo who knew that was a nervous tick he did whenever he was omitting the truth.

“Yeah-huh, right.” Ranpo had a smug smile on his face.

It looked like Ranpo would be meeting Chuuya a lot sooner since he walked into the kitchen holding Sayu in his arms. The puppy dozed in his arms. “Oh hello, I’m Chuuya and this is Sayu.”

“Hiya, I’m Ranpo.” The beta put on a cute smile. “I work with Fukuzawa at the agency.”

“Oh are you a detective?”

This is how Chuuya listened to all of Ranpo’s stories about cases he solved in a breeze for the entirety of dinner and afterwards.

Dazai stews a little jealous at Chuuya hanging onto Ranpo’s every word.

“Ok don’t you have a full work day at the station? You should really be getting home.” Dazai politely tried to send Ranpo home.

“Ok ok I’m out, it was nice talking to you Chuuya.” Ranpo followed after Dazai as he walked the beta to the door. Though before Ranpo left he leaned in close to whisper to Dazai.

“I ask him soon about his past, he’s not as innocent as you perceive.”

Dazai’s eyes widened a fraction from Ranpo’s words. Before he could question the beta more about what he meant about his warning Ranpo slipped out the door. Dazai mulled over Ranpo’s warning, as much as he now wanted to pry more into Chuuya’s past he had to go about this delicately since before he always was denied.

Dazai will need to find the right moment to ask.

With the first snow falling over Yokohama soon it was Yosano’s eighteenth birthday.

Eighteen was an important celebration, and being from a ruling family an event like this would be popular but not for the reasons Yosano wanted.

With her now eighteen she was fair game for courting so every eligible alpha and omega will be vying for her hand. She’ll share in Dazai’s pain ever since he turned eighteen but she had a plan to avoid all of that.

Yosano glanced over at Kunikida, swallowing hard and loosening his collar, clearly nervous about what they were going to do.

Closing the distance between them Yosano took his hands giving them a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s going to be ok.”

“I trust you but I highly doubt I’m going to come out of this unscathed.”

Yosano cupped his cheek. “At least I’m not asking you to mark me before we go out there.”

She chuckled but Kunikida didn’t find that funny.

“I think that spares you from watching all those alphas try and court me.”

Kunikida didn’t want to get eviscerated by his future mother in law after this so he will be sticking to the plan of taking Yosano’s parents off to the side after the main celebrations to tell them face to face.

Giving Kunikida a reassuring kiss before she slipped out of her room to head to the main courtyard where the party was being held. Kunikida will follow after her in a bit so nobody assumes.

Kunikida saw Dazai amongst the crowd and walked over to stand next to him. The two just stood in silence for a bit.

“So, are you and Yosano going to tie the knot tonight?”

If they weren’t at a party Kunikida would have smacked Dazai hard on the head.

“You kiss Chuuya with that mouth?”

“Ohhh Kunikida is fighting back, I like it. But I do more things to him with my mouth than kissing.”

Kunikida flushed to the tips of his ears, Dazai chuckling at his reaction. The blonde cleared his throat while willing away the heat to his cheeks.

“Where is Chuuya anyways? Aren’t you two attached to the hip?”

“He’s hovering around mom.” Dazai noticed Yosano walking by, a small train of alphas tailing behind her. He cocked an eyebrow hearing the low growl from Kunikida. “Easy there tiger.”

Kunikida catching himself acting like a typical alpha reigned in his emotions and instincts, he needed to not lose his composure. Even if he wanted to wring all of those alpha’s necks.

“When are you going to tell my parents?” Dazai taking a shot of sake from a servant passing by.

“Ideally after the party, that’s what I wanted.” But Yosano could throw the plan off the rails.

“Well good luck.”

Dazai patted Kunikida’s back and went to go look for Chuuya, it shouldn't be too hard to find him. Looking where his mother was and lo and behold Chuuya was right next to the older omega.

It was rather sweet seeing how much Mori adored Chuuya, Dazai remembering the comment his grandfather made about how Mori loving Chuuya was already half the battle won in courting someone. Pushing that thought away he approached the two, glad to see his mother was taking it easy and staying off his feet.

Mori gave Dazai a smile when his son approached, holding out his hand for Dazai who took it and gave the hand a reassuring squeeze. “Are you feeling ok mom?”

“I’m well, a little lightheaded this morning but I’m fine now.”

“Anything I can get you Mori-san?” Chuuya is ready to help.

“You don’t have to be at my beck and call Chuuya.” Mori reassured the young omega.

Chuuya was about to argue though it died on his tongue when Yosano sped walked over to the three, again tailed by the alphas wanting to talk to her. She looked like she was fleeing with tail between her legs. Dazai let go of his mother’s hand so he could hold his arms open for her. Yosano sitting in the empty seat next to Mori and falling into his embrace.

Mori and Dazai narrowed their eyes at the alphas, Dazai curling his lip up suppressing a growl. The message clear to back off and the alphas scattered. Mori rubbed Yosano’s back and pressed a kiss to her head.

“They’re gone butterfly.”

Yosano sighed loudly as she pulled slightly away, still resting her head on Mori’s shoulder. “They’re relentless! I’m trying so hard not to punch them in the face.”

Mori chuckled, petting her hair. “And your self restraint is being acknowledged.”

Dazai watched Yosano worry her lip, she looked to be debating telling their mother but Fukuzawa wasn’t around. Dazai perked up seeing his father approaching, a small plate of some food that Mori had been craving.

Judging this was the moment Yosano will most likely confess. “Hey Chuuya, let's go grab a drink.”

“Oh um-“

Dazai didn’t let Chuuya argue, taking his arm. Making sure to pass by Kunikida and whisper. “She’s cracking.”

Kunikida looked and saw Yosano alone with her parents, the alpha fast walking over there.

“Yosano most likely going to confess so let's get out of the blast zone.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened a fraction, looking behind them to see if Yosano was really doing it.

Hearing the loud ‘what’ from Mori confirmed it.

Dazai chuckled as he took Chuuya out of the main courtyard down a hall. “I hope she doesn’t throw me to mom and reveal I knew this whole time.”

“I hope it goes well for them…”

“What do you mean you and Kinikida are in a relationship?” Mori was keeping his voice down but Yosano can see the omega was a bit peeved. Yosano was also holding tight to her father’s hand to keep him from wringing Kunikida’s neck.

“It’s the truth, I have picked Kunikida to be my mate.”

Kunikida didn’t want to show fear but it was intimidating to have the heads of the family eyes boring into his very being.

“Let's go someplace more private.” Fukuzawa suggested.

Kunikida stayed in place watching as Yosano helped her mother stand, the two walking away from the main area to a side room. Fukuzawa stayed in place, eyes hardening at Kunikida who got the message and walked forward. He did not flinch when the older alpha put a hand on the back of his nape, guiding the younger alpha to the side room.

Once the door was shut behind them Mori let out a hiss at Kunikida. “We trusted you, brought you into our home-“

“Mom! No, he never touched me!” Yosano cleared that out of the way before her parents assumed the worst.

“How long has this been going on?” Fukuzawa’s tone was demanding, before Kunikida could answer and shoot both of them in the foot Yosano spoke up.

“Kunikida has been nothing but respectful, I started it. Please mom dad he’s who I want to be with. You both always say we should be with someone we love and I love Kunikida.”

It warmed Kunikida’s heart to hear Yosano speak so adamantly about their relationship, he couldn’t help the fond look at her when she came over to stand by his side and hold his hand.

Both Mori and Fukuzawa were stopped by their own creed of their children picking who they want to mate with but…

“Yosano you’re still young maybe you should wait.” Mori tried to plead.

Yosano shook her head, holding Kunikida’s hand tighter. “He’s the one for me mom, anyways wouldn’t you want someone you know and trust to be my mate?”

“Right now our trust with Kunikida has been broken.” The low growl behind Fukuzawa’s words struck a little fear in the young alpha.

“Sir I never wished to betray your trust but I assure you that I care deeply for your daughter.”

“I know you both have been dreading me being old enough for courting age, if you accept my courtship to Kunikida you won’t have to worry about that.” Yosano pleading her case more, wrapping an arm around Kunikida in solidarity.

Mori needed to sit down and take all this information in, his daughter with Dazai’s retainer secretly dating for who knows how long and wish to engage in courtship. While Yosano was right Mori was fearing for her when she reached the accepted age to receive courtships he wasn’t exactly ready for her to already be serious about a relationship.

Fukuzawa was just seeing red, he was always the most protective of Yosano.

Kunikida stood there sweating bullets hoping that he wouldn't get his throat ripped out by Fukuzawa.

Mori’s sigh broke the silence as he rubbed at his temple. “You two won’t get married until you’re twenty do I make myself clear, and no mating until after you’re married.”

Yosano’s eyes widened, Mori accepted their proposal!

“Yes mom! We won’t.” Yosano let go of Kunikida to give her mother a hug, Mori reluctantly patting her back. Yosano pulled away to look at her father. “You accept it too right papa?”

Fukuawa wasn’t looking at Yosano who was giving him pleading eyes, knowing if he looked he would break. Yosano knew this and she went to hug her father, pleading eyes even a little whine because she knew Fukuzawa always broke whenever he heard her whine.

“…fine.”

Yosano left out a happy squeak hugging her father. Fukuzawa patted her back though he did gently pull her away. “We would like to speak with Kunikida, alone.”

Her happiness melted as it was replaced with worry, looking back to Kunikida with her face of concern.

“I’ll be fine, Yosano.” Reassure her he will be ok even if he was heavily intimidated.

Yosano still didn’t want to leave him alone but she had to, going over to give him a reassuring kiss to his cheek she stepped out of the room but stayed close to the door to listen.

Kunikida was trying not to seem afraid as Fukuzawa approached him, a dark look on the older alpha’s face. Fukuzawa leaned in close to whisper into Kunikida’s ear.

“You break her heart, I break your legs.”

Kunikida gulped, not denying Fukuzawa would go through with the threat. “I will follow that crystal clear sir.”

Fukuzawa stepped back to stand next to his mate who also had an intimidating look on his face. Kunikida’s hands got a little sweaty as he was stared down by the omega.

“You have a lot of work to do to earn our trust again, Doppo Kunikida, don’t make us regret it.” Mori’s voice had a chill to it, showing how serious he was.

“I understand.” Kunikida bowed his head, all he can do now is atone for going behind their backs.

“You’re dismissed, you are only allowed to exchange scents and an official courting gift with Yosano.”

Kunikida nodded and he exited out of the room, Yosano was waiting for him and she approached after he closed the door behind him.

“Well?” She gently grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze.

“I have a lot of work to do earning your parent’s trust back but I’m not dead.”

She smiled and pulled him into a hug, the hug was needed as Kunikida let all of the tension leave his body. Though this close he can finally do what he’s wanted to do for ages, nosing along her hair before he can finally kiss her neck. Yosano shuddered in delight, finally having her neck get attention from the alpha she adored. Kunikida moved his hands all over her back, subtly leaving his scent on her.

Yosano pulled away as she gently kissed his lips, Kunikida returning it. The kiss would have gone on longer until a cough interrupted the two. Both pulled away and looked to the side seeing Dazai standing there all smug, Chuuya with him as well.

“Safe to assume mom didn’t want to chop his balls off?” Dazai chuckled.

Yosano groaned, rolling her eyes. “You’re the worst.”

“Love you too sis.”

More eye rolling from Yosano as she took Kunikida’s hand and headed back to the party, confidently strolling in with her intended mate behind her.

Dazai watched the two of them head back into the fray. “I’m glad it’s going to work out for them. Kunikida is an honorable alpha so she’ll be in good hands.”

Chuuya agreed, the times he’s been around the blonde he always got the sense he was a diligent worker. Someone like that would be perfect for Yosano who was a hard worker as well.

“The party just got interesting, want to watch everyone lose their minds that my sister isn’t up for grabs?”

“Absolutely.”

Chapter Text

Winter was in full force and a blizzard was ripping through Yokohama.

Everyone was advised to stay indoors and keep warm as much as they could until the storm passed.

Chuuya was worried about Yuan and Shirase but they reassured him on the phone they had enough kindling to last them and food. He felt bad being holed up in an estate that would be just fine if any storms rolled in.

Even with all the blankets and a puppy snuggled up Chuuya was still very cold. Teeth chattering as his fingers and toes were starting to go numb.

Chuuya was more worried about Sayu.

Unable to take it anymore, Chuuya pulled the thickest blanket around his shoulders and held Sayu in his arms. She was getting bigger but still not big enough he couldn't carry her. Keeping Sayu warm in the blankets as he walked through the estate.

Letting himself into Dazai’s room, finding the alpha laying on his stomach under the covers of his futon, a small lantern giving him light as he read a book. He smiled looking up at Chuuya.

“Hey Chuuya-“

Sayu gave a little bark and Dazai’s mood instantly soured.

“She’s cold.” Chuuya put her down and she immediately ran over to Dazai to give his face kisses, Dazai used a hand to keep her back but this just made the puppy think it was play time.

“There is no way in hell I’m letting this mutt in my bed.”

Dazai did scoot over when Chuuya crawled under the covers after dropping his blanket on top of Dazai’s. Chuuya called for Sayu, lifting up the covers between them and the puppy crawled in to lay between the two.

“This is a one time thing and the little runt actually is warm.” Dazai closed his book and turned to lay on his side, propping his head up with one hand.

Chuuya laid his head on the side of a pillow, arms under it as he looked to Dazai, Sayu already falling asleep between them.

“What were you reading?” Chuuya wanted to start a conversation.

“Nothing interesting, boring stuff.” Pushing the book away so Chuuya wouldn’t get curious.

Chuuya let out a sigh, being under more blankets and the body heat from Dazai was leagues warmer than his own nest. Chuuya could feel himself starting to get sleepy now that he wasn’t shivering and chattering his teeth.

Dazai noticed how sleepy Chuuya looked, reaching a hand out to thread fingers through his hair. “Get some rest chibi.”

The young omega nodded, turning his head to avoid looking at the light, Dazai kept threading fingers through his hair until the steady breathing indicated the omega was asleep. Dazai sighed as he turned off the lantern, ready to pull Chuuya close but the squirming mass between the two made itself known.

Sayu made puppy sounds, tail wagging as she tried to nip and lick Dazai’s face.

The alpha was not amused that the mutt was getting between him and Chuuya. Reaching out he used two fingers to close her mouth. “No.”

The command was firm, and he released her mouth, Sayu listened and she laid her head down getting the message to stay calm.

“Huh, maybe you’re not so bad afterall.”

Dazai gave her some pets and then a scratch behind her ears. He would have done more scratches for her but then he saw Chuuya watching him. Pulling his hand away and rolling over.

“I knew you loved her.”

“You didn’t see anything!”

“Yukichi I am fine.” Mori’s voice was a little muffled from under all of the blankets piled on top of him.

“We can never be too careful dove.” Fukuzawa laid another on top of Mori effectively smothering the omega in warmth.

“Dear if you come under here I may get too hot, just take a few off and come here.” Mori couldn’t even wiggle his arm out because the blanket pile was so dense.

Thankfully Fukuzawa noticed the struggling and pulled some blankets off but he moved them around so they would be close by in case either got too cold. Now that Mori could move a hand he reached out and pulled Fukuzawa into his nest. Wanting the warmth of his mate more than the blankets.

“There, much better.” Mori snuggled closer to Fukuzawa who wrapped his arms around Mori holding him close. The alpha placed a hand over the bump, gently rubbing it.

Mori let out a wince, the baby kicking and moving inside. Fukuzawa noticed and pulled his hand away but Mori caught it and placed it back. “It’s fine dear, the baby is just happy father is near, I’ll be fine.”

Fukuzawa gave Mori’s middle some rubs to help and soothe the little one, it was time for sleep not to kick around inside their mother. Eventually the baby calmed down and the movements ceased, Mori let out a sigh feeling the activity die down.

“The baby gets excited whenever you’re nearby, this one is definitely going to take after you.” Mori tucked his head on Fukuzawa’s chest, his middle cradled on Fukuzawa’s side to alleviate the strain.

“Have you been thinking about names?” Fukuzawa rubbing Mori’s back.

“I have a few in mind, do you have any dear?” Mori’s finger idling tracing shapes on Fukuzawa’s skin where the yukata opened.

“Whatever you have in mind I like.”

Mori rolled his eyes playfully, this was just like the last two, Fukuzawa just agreeing with whatever name Mori wanted. The omega felt this process was something both of them did but Fukuzawa was always a bit of a follower when it came to the babies.

“Guess we’re naming the baby when they’re born.” Mori tucked his head under Fukuzawa’s chin.

“It’s worked in the past before.” Fukuzawa yawned, he was warm and his mate in his arms, starting to wind down.

“Are you ready for the baby crying all throughout the night again?” Tapping Fukuzawa’s chest but it was too late, Fukuzawa was already asleep.

Quietly chuckling to himself, this was to be expected, his husband was five years older than him.

Images of their new little pup napping on Fukuzawa’s chest flooded his mind, the alpha was a diligent father in the past Mori wasn’t too worried he wouldn’t for this one despite them being well over the age to be having pups of their own. At this age they should be expecting grandchildren.

Though Mori didn’t want to really entertain that thought right now.

All he can do is just hope his children will be responsible.

“I’ve been waiting ages for this.” Yosano moaned out, pulling Kunikida back into a passionate kiss, threading fingers through his long blonde hair.

Yosano reveled in now having Kunikida all to herself and not have to worry about being caught. She had to do a lot of begging and pleading with her parents that it was ok for Kunikida to permanently move into the estate and the room next to hers.

Gently taking Kunikida’s glasses off and putting them to the side as she went in for another kiss. Shivering when fingers traced down her neck brushing over the choker, one of the clauses for letting him stay. Yosano didn’t mind wearing the black choker, she at least got to pick it out and with her aunt’s help made one with satin material. It will remain on her neck until the two wed and become mates.

While setting down Kunikida’s glasses as he greedily kissed her back Yosano’s fingers brushed against the cool metal of the courtship gift Kunikida gave her. It was a large dull gold butterfly clip that he made himself. She of course adored it and wore it all the time, it was the perfect gift she can have on her person even when doing medical work.

Her future mate knew her so well.

Yosano pulled Kunikida closer, his body touching hers and he pulled back.

Trying to hold back her disappointing groan as she tried to pull him closer. Kunikida breaks the kiss, bracing himself up, hands on either side of her head.

“Akiko…”

“Come on, is it a crime I want to hold my fiancé?”

“I’m already on thin ice, Yosano, I don't want your parents to kill me.” Laying down next to Yosano, she huffed a little and scooted closer to him.

“We’re already declared to one another, I can’t kiss you all night long?”

Kunikida stroked at her hair to calm Yosano down, he can understand her frustration at finally getting to have her mate but at the same time not have him.

“I have a lot of work to win back your parents' trust and I don’t think it will be in my favor if they find you with marks.”

“And we have to wait two years, this is so unfair.” Yosano complained some more, Kunikida just gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Meanwhile Dazai and Chuuya are totally fucking.”

Kunikida choked on some spit hearing that, turned away to cough into his sleeve. “What?”

“You really don’t see it? Those two finally have gotten over their sexual frustration and did it. You really didn’t notice how the two are smelling more like each other? They’re not scenting but it’s obvious what they’re doing.”

It didn’t surprise Kunikida that much, more so how Yosano said it.

“I mean good for my brother, he thought there was something wrong with him because he didn’t like the smell of omegas.”

Kunikida remembers, he saw many omegas try to win his hand and Dazai turned his nose away from them. It wasn’t because he was snobby but more so he didn’t like their scents.

“Perhaps Chuuya’s scent is one he likes.” Kunikida nuzzled his nose in Yosano’s hair, inhaling her neutral scent that had the faintest hint of maple. Being a beta Yosano’s scent wasn’t as dramatic like an omegas or alphas, Kunikida never minded that and found her subtle scent pleasing.

It was going to be rather uncommon for the two of them being a couple. Alphas tend to never stray away from claiming omegas for mates.

Kunikida never thought Yosano was less of a mate for him because she isn’t an omega.

“Well I’m kinda rooting for the two, Dazai deserves some love.”

Kunikida gave an agreeing hum, holding Yosano closer.

After the storm Yokohama was blanketed in a thick layer of snow.

Chuuya had never seen so much snow before and was crazy enough to go out in one of the courtyards and play in the snow with Sayu.

Dazai watched from the warmth of the estate as the two frolicked around, Chuuya tossing handfuls of snow into the air for Sayu to catch. Chuuya was making some snow angels when Dazai walked out into the snow and stood over him.

“If you stay out here too long you’ll get sick.”

Chuuya sat up and he could feel his yukata getting wet from sweat and melting snow but he didn’t care right now.

“I’ll be fine, besides Sayu is having so much fun.” The akita puppy rolled around in the snow, chomping at it and burying her nose into it as well.

“She might be fine but the mutt has fur, you don’t and you’re getting all wet. I can see you shivering so playtime is over.” Holding his hand out for Chuuya to take, the omega didn’t want to admit he was cold but Dazai had a keen eye.

Taking Dazai’s hand to stand up, his skin was cold to the young alpha’s touch. Sayu followed them, shaking the wetness from her fur. Chuuya was about to scooped her into his arms when Dazai grabbed her by the scruff and coincidentally Jun'ichirō was walking by, Dazai plopped the pup in his arms.

“Wha what?”

“Give the mutt a bath, have your sister spoil it, don’t care.” Dazai waved them off, looping an arm around Chuuya’s shoulders to keep him moving. Chuuya threw a look over his shoulder, Sayu whining at being separated from her owner but quickly got distracted when Jun'ichirō gave her pets.

Reassured Sayu was in good hands, Chuuya let Dazai guide him to the hot springs, the section that was more private.

While Chuuya let Dazai peel his cold wet yukata off he couldn’t help but think about how a lot of things happened in these hot springs. It almost became like their spot here in the estate.

Shivering when he was stripped bare, wasting no time in heading into the hot water. Instant relief from the water Chuuya couldn’t hold back a moan of pleasure.

“I’m going to go grab you new clothes so stay put.”

Before Dazai left he handed Chuuya a towel so he could wrap his hair up. As much as Chuuya wanted to dunk his head under the hot water it would not help him in the long run with his hair being wet. Best keep it dry while he soaks in the warm water, sinking as low as he could go with the water just brushing the tip of his chin.

Dazai came back with the clothes, setting them on the side. The alpha wasn’t joining Chuuya so he took a seat on the stone stool just watching.

Eventually Dazai broke the silence. “Teach me some French.”

Chuuya perked up, he moved closer to the edge where Dazai was. “Come again?”

“Teach me some French, I’m sure you know some with how long you’ve lived there.” Dazai propped his elbow on his knee to rest his face in his hand.

“Well it has been a few years since I’ve had to use it so I’m not perfect anymore. Though the basics you need to know would be Bonjour which is hello and Oui which is yes.”

Dazai nodded following along.

“A good sentence to start with is introducing yourself, so you would say Bonjour, je m'appelle Dazai.”

“Je ma pell Dazai.”

Chuuya couldn’t help but chuckle at Dazai butchering the words. “Je m’appelle.” Chuuya repeated.

“That’s what I said.”

“Not even close.”

During the French lesson Chuuya slipped out of the hot springs into the warm towel Dazai held open for him. Letting Dazai dry him off as he kept trying to get him to say French sayings right. The lesson continued as Dazai dressed him in the cozy yukata that had long tight sleeves under it so Chuuya had extra warmth.

Chuuya was going to give Dazai one last saying and if he can’t get it right then the alpha was a lost cause.

“Ok try this…Je vous aime.”

“Je vous aime.”

Chuuya quickly averted his face because why did Dazai have to get that one phrase right?!

“What did I say? Did you make me say something funny about myself? Why are you laughing at me?” Dazai took Chuuya’s reaction to hide his blush as the omega making fun of him.

“No no no, not at all. You finally got the phrase right.”

“Nice, je vous aime…je vous aime.” Dazai kept repeating having it roll off his tongue easily. Chuuya was now blushing to the tips of his ears, covering his entire face. “Ok you’re not being very convincing you didn’t make me start saying weird stuff about me.”

Thankfully Chuuya was spared when Naomi came to speak with them in the empty hallway.

“My lord, Chuuya-kun, Lord Natsume has arrived, both of your presence have been requested by him.”

Dazai stopped with the French when news his grandfather was here came.

“Alright we’ll be there, keep the dog with you and your brother until he leaves.”

Chuuya wanted to protest but he could understand, Natsume can turn into a cat so him not enjoying dogs made sense. Chuuya trusted Naomi and her brother would take good care of Sayu.

Naomi nodded, giving them a bow before walking away now dismissed.

“Alright let's go see what gramps wants.” Dazai gestured to Chuuya to follow him to the main room where Natsume will most likely be hosted.

When the door opened it seemed everyone was called.

The table was laid out with an early lunch, Natsume sitting next to Mori. Even Kunikida was there sitting next to Yosano. Things didn’t appear tense and there were only a few seats open. There was a seat next to Natsume that Dazai was heading to when the older man stopped Dazai.

“Chuuya, it’s nice to see you, come sit.” Patting the empty floor seat next to him. Dazai, unable to disobey his grandfather, moved to take the other seat next to his father. Chuuya didn’t want to show his mild discomfort so schooled himself and took a seat.

“It’s nice to see you again.”

“As well sir.” Nodding his head.

Natsume turned back to Mori who he was having his previous conversation with. “Everything went well at the palace?”

“I felt it went well for dealing with your brother.”

“You didn’t go alone right?”

“No Dazai went with me.”

Natsume turned his gaze to Dazai sitting across the table. “What is your opinion about the visit?”

Dazai put his chopsticks down on the table. “He’s weirdly obsessed with us and I think he’s hoping this baby has an ability. I don’t think he suspects me anymore but still.”

Chuuya had a foreboding feeling in his chest hearing this, with this conversation being in context about the emperor to hear how unsure and fearful everyone sounded didn’t give Chuuya the best first impression.

“He is hellbent that someone from our line will be born with the same gift.” Natsume spoke.

“Same gift?” Mori piped up.

“Shibusawa and I have an ability within the same vein, it’s why I have been granted lordship acknowledged by my late father. With Shibusawa manic and not trusting this has led to him never taking on a mate so he’s perhaps waiting to see if someone from my line will have the gift.” Natsume explained.

“Whatever for?” Yosano added what everyone was thinking.

“I don’t think to announce an heir but perhaps grant a higher title. He’ll most likely monitor this new baby until they’re past the age to develop a gift and if this one is a ‘dud’ then he’ll turn his attention onto your children.” Natsume pointed to both Yosano and Dazai.

Yosano’s hands tighten on the edge of the table, Kunikida notices and places a hand over hers to give Yosano comfort.

“Even if he believes you two don’t have abilities you carry my genes inside you and have the possibility of bearing a child with an ability like ours.”

Mori’s hand moved to protectively hold his bump, Natsume noticed and gently placed a hand on Mori’s shoulder.

Everyone’s appetite quickly fizzled away, this daunting conversation heavy in the air of the room.

Yosano excused herself first, followed by Kunikida. Fukuzawa ushered Mori away to get some rest after the stressful lunch. Dazai was going to take Chuuya away when Natsume spoke up.

“Stay with me for a bit Chuuya, I would like to speak with you. Alone please.” Looking at Dazai, though this wasn’t a request, more of an order.

Dazai was warring with himself but he ultimately left the room leaving Chuuya alone with his grandfather.

Chuuya didn’t want to sit in awkward silence so spoke up. “What did you wish to say to me about sir?”

“You made mention before your parents eloped from Japan to Paris, I remember a young lord back then who was fascinated by the city, he even went by a different name. I’m telling you all this because I want to ask, do you know Paul Varlaine?”

Dazai couldn’t hear what the two were speaking about behind the door, he wouldn't be leaving until Chuuya came out but Kunikida approached him.

“What is it?”

“Your mother wishes to speak to you.”

“Can you tell him I’ll see him later-“

“It wasn’t a request.”

Dazai held back a growl but he won’t deny his mother especially given his state. Walking past Kunikida to his parents room. When he opened the door Dazai was shocked to see Elise hovering over Mori who looked sickly, speaking in medical terms to him while Fukuzawa stayed out of the way but was fighting every fiber of his being to go and comfort his mate.

“What happened?” Dazai shut the door behind him. “Where is Yosano?”

“At ease pup, your mother isn’t dying.” Elise spoke, pushing some sweaty bangs out of Mori’s face. “He just had a dizzy spell on the way over to his room.”

It wasn’t the most reassuring thing but it wasn’t at least life threatening.

“You wanted to see me?” Dazai was a little impatient since he wanted to get back to Chuuya.

Mori finally got his breathing evened out. “You’re going to be truthful with answering the next question I ask you, are you and Chuuya in a relationship?”

Dazai didn’t betray any emotions or movements to reveal the truth but he couldn’t lie to his mother.

“I’m not courting him.” It was the truth but didn’t deny they were involved.

“Explain it.” Mori’s tone serious, Elise finished checking him over and faded away to preserve what little strength Mori had now.

“I don’t want to court him when he will be leaving the country, it would be a disservice to him if I trapped him here with a courtship and mark. On top of that I physically can’t mark him.”

The collar he wore prevented that and until Chuuya asked for it to be removed no one would be able to claim him.

“But you are involved?”

“Yes…”

“Do you love him?” Mori’s tone serious.

“…I care for him, but I don’t want to ruin him.”

Mori patted the space on the bed for Dazai to sit, Fukuzawa took the other side, gently holding Mori’s hand.

“Be truthful with me again my son, have you’ve had thoughts of killing yourself or hurting yourself?”

Dazai sucked in a breath, it hurt every time his mother made mention but when he looked back the last weeks his eyes widened. He hadn’t had those constant thoughts for awhile now, ever since he and Chuuya got closer.

“No mother…”

Mori smiled, pulling Dazai into a hug and stroking his hair. “You know you could always go with Chuuya to Paris.”

Dazai gently pulled away, his eyes wide looking at his mother.

“…really?”

“Do you know Paul Varlaine? He mysteriously disappeared after he came back to Japan and I’m curious to know what happened to him.”

Chuuya wished he would schooled his emotions, kept an unwavering face, didn’t break and just answered with a calm no but hearing his father’s name out loud broke him.

The young omega instantly broke down, tears spilling from his eyes as he sobbed uncontrollably.

The reaction surprised Natsume but it answered a lot of unsaid questions. Gently he placed a hand on Chuuya’s back but it didn’t seem to work in calming the young one down. Natsume removed his hand, he knew another way to give comfort.

There was a light and where Natsume sat was his cat form, the calico cat crawled into Chuuya’s lap purring loudly.

Chuuya noticed the small cat in his lap and just gently pulled Natsume into his arms, crying into the soft fur. The purring was slowly helping Chuuya calm down, Natsume nudging his head under Chuuya’s chin to rub his little cat face against Chuuya's.

Finally the sobbing quieted down to just small hiccups, Chuuya sniffled loudly as he tried to wipe them away with the long sleeves of his yukata.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m a mess.”

Natsume jumped out of Chuuya’s lap to transform back into a human. Pulling out a handkerchief to give to Chuuya, the omega took it and blew his nose after wiping his eyes.

“It's alright child, is it safe to assume you know Paul?”

Chuuya bit his lip as more tears fell from his eyes.

“Do you know what happened to him?”

Chuuya wasn’t ready for this, he really wasn’t, though to be fair was anyone ready to admit to someone else you killed your own father.

“I- I-“ Chuuya’s breathing started to get fast and short, unaware he was hyperventilating.

Natsume noticed and tried to get the omega to calm his breathing but grabbing his shoulders to steady him was the wrong thing to do.

The scream that ripped from Chuuya’s throat echoed loudly across the whole estate.

Natsume immediately removed his hands from Chuuya to try and help him but now he didn’t know what he could do to help stop the omega choking on his own breath.

Thunderous footsteps were here and the door slammed opened, Dazai in the threshold.

The young alpha took in the situation, seeing Chuuya hunched over shaking and unable to breath, his grandfather some distance away. Dazai saw red, the growl that ripped from his throat loud as he bared his fangs at the other alpha.

“What. Did. You. Do?”

“I just asked him a question.” Natsume knew now was not the time to get snippy with the young alpha. An already distressed omega and angered alpha was a bad combination.

Chuuya must have picked up on Dazai’s scent, choking louder on a sob as he looked up, eyes wide trying to find him.

“Da- Da??”

Dazai ran over to Chuuya checking to make sure nothing was physically wrong with him. Chuuya threw his arms around Dazai, clinging tightly to the alpha and burying his face in Dazai’s chest. Seeing there was nothing wrong with Chuuya, Dazai quickly gathered him up into his arms to get him away from Natsume. His alpha instincts yelled at him to take his mate away from the other alpha who clearly brought Chuuya distress.

Running down the hall towards Chuuya’s room Dazai opened the door and shut it behind them. Dazai laid Chuuya down into his nest and got in after him, not separating himself from his mate.

Chuuya curled up as close as he could to Dazai, clutching tightly to his yukata and pressing his face into Dazai’s neck to inhale his calming scent.

Dazai was still a bit tightly wired up from hearing Chuuya scream. Dazai just went into pure instinct mode, running as fast as he could hearing his mate in distress. Dazai nuzzled the top of Chuuya’s head while rubbing his back, leaving his scent all over Chuuya in a claiming way and to hopefully soothe him.

Finally Chuuya calmed down, his breathing coming out evenly. He was still holding on tight to Dazai who didn’t stop giving him comfort and affections.

“C-can…” Chuuya choked on his words. “Can you s-say that s-saying in French, p-please.”

Dazai nodded, placing kisses on top of Chuuya’s head while whispering “Je vous aime..je vous aime.” Over and over again to Chuuya until he fell asleep from total exhaustion.

Beyond the walls of Chuuya’s room Mori was angrily demanding what his father had said to Chuuya to upset him so much. Fukuzawa trying to get Mori to be calm as intense emotions was not good in his state.

“I was asking him if he knew somebody and he clearly does, I did not push him to answer more of my questions when he was clearly in a distress state. My presence here will only bring him stress so I will remove myself for now but I will speak to the boy at a later date.”

“Like hell you will! You’re not setting foot anywhere near Chuuya.” Mori growled.

“You’re all running on protective instincts so I will disregard that, I will return for your birthday Ōgai, rest well.”

Natsume put his bowler hat back on, dodging a pillow being thrown at him as he calmly left the estate in his cat form. Mori wanted to chase after the cat and throttle him but Fukuzawa kept him at bay.

With his state and the earlier dizzy spell Mori worked himself up too much he just fell into complete exhaustion after his father left. Fukuzawa gave a sigh of relief when Mori just fell asleep exhausted on the bed. Pinching his brow hard as he himself tried to curb his protective alpha instincts down. Smelling all the distress scents from everyone, especially his pregnant mate, made Fukuzawa’s alpha feral. It was only finally calming down when he laid next to Mori pulling him close.

Chapter Text

Chuuya woke up groggy and just feeling tired and more gross.

Slowly opening his eyes the first thing he registered was being in his room and nest. Next was the calming scent of Dazai and then after feeling something pressed close to his back and something over his middle.

It then took a second for Chuuya to realize he and Dazai were completely naked under the many blankets.

Figuring that out Chuuya’s eyes widened and then a flush dusted his cheeks. Racking his brain over what happened to get them to this point.

Last night…

“Je vous aime, je vours aime.” Dazai kept repeating the words to Chuuya. Holding the omega closer even as he dozed.

Eventually Chuuya woke back up but he whined, clearly still in distress over what happened. Dazai pressed more kisses to Chuuya’s face to make him calm down and not whine anymore. The kisses were helping as Chuuya’s arms circled around Dazai’s neck pulling him closer.

Hearing Dazai say those words to him along with soft kisses to his face was calming Chuuya down but it still made Chuuya feel guilty that Dazai didn’t know the true meaning of those words.

Though right now Chuuya wanted to be selfish, he wanted to just have all of Dazai even if it was for a moment.

Chuuya rolled onto his back, Dazai moved to let him change positions. Chuuya then gently grabbed Dazai’s face to hold it, Dazai turned his face a little to kiss one of Chuuya’s hands cradling his face.

“I want it…I want all of you, please…”

“Are you sure?” Dazai gently curled an arm under Chuuya to hold his middle, pressing the two of them close.

Dazai saying those words brought some clarity to Chuuya, he was speaking after being emotionally vulnerable an hour ago.

“I um-“

“If you’re not sure then we’re not doing it.” Despite how much Dazai’s alpha ached for Chuuya he won’t take advantage of him.

“…ok, can we-“ Chuuya didn’t know how to say it, thankfully Dazai understood when Chuuya started to tug at his clothes.

Pressing a kiss to Chuuya’s lips as his hands move to undo the ties on Chuuya’s yukata. Dazai didn’t stop the kisses as he slowly began to undress Chuuya. The omega under him tugged at Dazai’s own clothes. Still kissing Chuuya as he took off the outer haori then pulled the collar loose exposing his chest to Chuuya’s hands.

The two were desperate to remove all the layers between them, Dazai’s hands pushing the pants off Chuuya’s legs.

While Chuuya’s clothes were tossed out of the nest the omega whined when Dazai tried to do the same to his. Chuuya grabbed at the outer haori and pulled it close to add amongst the nest. Wanting to have more of Dazai’s scent around him.

Finally the two were stripped bare, Dazai laid himself gently on top of Chuuya, the omega sighing from the skin to skin contact as arms wrapped around Dazai’s neck. Dazai slotted himself perfectly between Chuuya’s thighs, it felt like they were two pieces coming together even if they weren’t physically connected. Chuuya had a whine bubbling from his throat feeling how right this felt, not wanting to ever be apart from Dazai.

As the kisses died down and Chuuya was getting sleepy again Dazai gently turned Chuuya to lay on his side, Dazai laying behind him so the two could spoon.

Pulling the many blankets over them to keep warm.

This moment was perfect, Chuuya in his arms, feeling him against his skin but then when Dazai went to nose along Chuuya’s neck he was met with the gold metal of Chuuya’s collar.

Holding back a growl at being denied since he didn’t want to wake and upset Chuuya he schooled his disappointment. The strong urge to place his hand on the collar and activate his ability to finally touch the exposed skin of Chuuya’s neck was there but he couldn’t, that would betray the trust he worked so hard for Chuuya.

So he refrained, putting his arms instead around Chuuya, one over his middle and the other across his chest to hold the omega closer.

Eventually slumber consumed them both and they drifted off to sleep.

The flush was still on his cheeks remembering last night, he was glad and mildly disappointed they didn’t go all the way last night.

That was last night when he was emotionally vulnerable, now he wasn’t just getting over having his past uprooted in front of him.

Dazai was still dozing even as Chuuya turned around to face him, staring at his relaxed sleeping face. Gently bringing a hand up to push some hair out of his face, the gesture stirring Dazai.

Chuuya waited and watched as Dazai slowly woke up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes on the pillow before opening them. Blinking a few times to clear the scene before him, smiling as he registered he was looking into Chuuya’s blue eyes.

“Morning…”

Chuuya shivered hearing the deep timber of Dazai’s voice from him waking up. “Morning.”

“Are you feeling any better?” Dazai reached a hand out to gently brush the back of his knuckles on Chuuya’s cheek.

“Yeah, much better.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Chuuya bit his lip, eyes looking around for a moment as they didn’t focus on Dazai. “…your grandfather asked me if I knew a person, the person he asked about was my father.”

This was not what Dazai was expecting to hear. “I’m assuming things didn’t go well.”

“It brought back bad memories.”

Dazai didn’t want to push anymore, he can still hear the scream Chuuya let out that made his blood run cold when he heard it. Leaning close to press a kiss to Chuuya’s forehead. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“It's not your fault.” Cupping Dazai’s face, brushing a thumb over his cheek. “You’re here now.”

Dazai gave Chuuya a smile, he leaned in close and Chuuya met him halfway to kiss his lips. Chuuya wanted more so he dove back in for another kiss, then another and that one lasted much longer.

Humming happily behind the kiss Dazai rolled over onto his back, Chuuya following to lay down on top of Dazai.

“I want to do it.” Chuuya pulled away.

“Are you sure?” The same words spoken last night.

“Yes.”

This time Chuuya was sure, he wanted this, he wanted Dazai as much as he could get. Even if it was a selfish desire he couldn’t have him all the way this would be enough.

“When is your heat?” Dazai’s hands moving up and down Chuuya’s sides.

“It passed.”

Chuuya was blessed with only having heats on occasion, instead of having them every month like some omegas Chuuya got them every three months. On the dot he gets them around the same time, very easy to track.

There was that phantom heat Dazai had caused and Chuuya worried it would have messed up his cycle but it thankfully didn’t.

Dazai wanted to be reassured it was safe for them to do this, omegas tend to only get pregnant during heats. It was guaranteed when the omega was in heat and the alpha in rut. Dazai was in the clear as well, he only got ruts every once in a while, his ruts being unpredictable since he wasn’t affected by scents.

Though the best way to prevent pregnancy was for Dazai to not knot Chuuya.

With both of them safe from lasting consequences Dazai captured Chuuya’s lips in an intense kiss. The omega returned the affections happily, pulling Dazai closer.

Dazai rutted his hips a little, Chuuya sucking in breaths from the movements. Even if he wasn’t in heat his body still reacted to the pleasure, he won’t get as wet if he was in heat but it’ll be enough. Dazai moved a hand down Chuuya’s body to tease his fingers between Chuuya’s legs, the omega pulling away from the kiss to throw his head back against the pillow when Dazai easily pushed one finger inside him easily.

The alpha really wanted to place kisses and bites on Chuuya’s neck but that damn collar. To suppress a growl Dazai attached his mouth instead to Chuuya’s chest which surprised the omega, one hand going into Dazai’s hair as he licked and sucked.

“Ah!” Chuuya cried out when Dazai’s mouth closed around one of his nipples, tongue laving against the bud before sharp teeth teasingly bit lightly.

While giving attention to Chuuya’s chest Dazai’s finger didn’t stop moving inside Chuuya, the omega hadn’t realized he was now using three fingers to prepare him but with how much slick Chuuya was producing the process will be easy.

Dazai gave the same treatment to the other nipple while brushing his thumb over Chuuya’s clit, the omega couldn’t hold it back and he clamps tight around Dazai’s fingers arching off the futon as Chuuya cummed.

Chuuya panted, trying to get his breathing even from the unexpected orgasm, feeling a tear slip from his eye.

Dazai removed his fingers, bracing himself on his hands and knees over the omega. Chuuya looked up at Dazai and felt smaller having the alpha loom over him.

Despite the blankets having been pushed away both didn’t feel cold, the heat between them enough to keep each other warm.

Dazai reached out to cup Chuuya’s face, a tender gesture as Chuuya leaned his head into Dazai’s hand. “One last chance, are you sure?”

One final chance for Chuuya to say no if he wasn’t ready, hearing that honestly warmed Chuuya’s heart, how much Dazai cared about his trust and comfort. “I’m sure.”

Getting permission Dazai moved both his hands to smooth over Chuuya’s hips, giving them loving touches before his hands grabbed the omega’s waist and pulled him closer. The back of Chuuya’s thighs rested on Dazai’s as his legs were spread out. Looking down his body to see Dazai’s erection standing up between his legs, the anticipation that was going inside him sent shivers down Chuuya’s spine.

Removing one hand from Chuuya’s waist to guide his cock, Dazai rubbed just the tip against Chuuya’s center, having the omega get prepared before he pushed the tip in.

Chuuya couldn’t help letting out the involuntary noise of being penetrated by a cock for the first time. It did feel odd and not pleasurable since it was much bigger than fingers. Thankfully Dazai didn’t push any more into Chuuya, letting him get adjusted to the size.

Squirming a little until he felt used to having Dazai inside him. Chuuya reached out to grip Dazai’s forearms.

“Ok…you c-can push more in.”

Dazai nodded and he slowly moved his hips closer to Chuuys, pushing his cock more inside. Dazai was watching Chuuya’s face closely, stopping anytime it scrunched up a little in pain. “You’re doing so good Chuuya.” The encouragement helped as Dazai finally bottomed out.

“There we go, all the way in.”

Chuuya’s eyes snapped open when he heard that, looking down his body to see that they were both finally connected. Chuuya moved his hands down to his stomach, pressing lightly to see if he could feel Dazai inside him.

Dazai held back a pleased growl watching Chuuya press around his tummy, as if finding where they were connected.

“Can I start moving?” Dazai’s hands giving Chuuya’s thighs a reassuring rub, holding himself back from finally having the omega all to himself and just letting instincts take over.

Chuuya squeaked out a yes along with a nod.

Dazai made a pleased hum as he held on tight to Chuuya’s hips and pulled his cock out slowly. Chuuya could feel every inch move out of him before just the tip was inside and then Dazai snapped his hips forward.

The moan that ripped through Chuuya’s throat was loud and carnal. Dazai growled happily wanting to hear more of those sounds from Chuuya, he started at a steady pace. Not wanting to overwhelm him right now.

Chuuya’s hands were fisting the sheets tight as he kept up a beautiful arch for Dazai. Toes curling from the pleasure racing up his spine with each snap of Dazai’s hips.

“Feel so good Chuuya.” Dazai purred, he had been secretly imagining this moment for some time. Even when they fooled around in the past he couldn’t help but wonder what Chuuya would feel like and he was not disappointed.

The alpha almost dared to think Chuuya was made for him.

Angling his thrusts to hit deeper, hiking Chuuya’s hips up more to reach more inside. Chuuya couldn’t hold back the lewd loud moans from the new spots Dazai was now able to reach.

Chuuya could already feel that building up of pleasure inside him, having already cummed before it wasn’t taking long for him to feel the edge coming. Letting go of the sheets to hold onto Dazai’s wrist tightly with one hand the other reaching out to grab Dazai’s haori, pulling it close to inhale the alpha’s scent.

Dazai leaned in close to press a kiss to Chuuya’s cheek, not stopping his hip movements as he lathered kisses all over Chuuya’s face. Wiggling a hand between their stomachs Dazai’s fingers brushed over Chuuya clit and the omega seized up under him.

Chuuya bit hard on the haori to muffle his noises as he cummed hard, tightening around Dazai’s cock. The pleasure washing over him in intense waves, Dazai didn’t stop thumbing his clit the entire time he was cumming.

The tightness around his cock was heavenly and Dazai could feel his knot swelling, as much as he wanted to shove his cock as deep as he could reach inside Chuuya and fill him up the logical side won out and Dazai pulled his cock out before he knotted the omega. His knot formed and with a few ruts against Chuuya’s center he emptied his load on the omega’s stomach.

Chuuya could help the loud whine, his inner omega crying out at the wasted load on his stomach that should have gone inside him but as the haze was dying down he was glad Dazai didn’t knot him.

Both of them were messy and sweaty, the cum cooling quickly on Chuuya’s stomach. Chuuya desperately wished he could take a shower and just melt into the hot springs but the winter won’t allow that. Dazai sat back on his knees, running a hand through his sweaty hair as he caught his breath. His cock hurt at being denied cumming inside the omega he fancied but he ignored the pain.

Finally getting his breathing evened out he gently ran fingers up and down Chuuya’s legs still spread on either side of him. “You good?”

Chuuya sucked in a breath when Dazai acknowledged him, he didn’t trust his voice so only nodded.

“Stay still, let me grab something to clean you up.”

Chuuya just laid there not moving so the mess on his stomach didn’t drip off of him onto the sheets. Dazai returned quickly with a bunch of towels, having also slipped his pants back on. Quickly cleaning Chuuya up of all the body fluids on his person. Now with the heat of their activities leaving him Chuuya shivered from the chilling bite of the winter air.

“I know sweetheart, give me a minute.” Finally cleaning the last of Chuuya up, Dazai dumped the soiled towels in a corner to be dealt with later.

Chuuya, unable to wait for Dazai, grabbed his hoari and wrapped himself up in the alpha’s clothes, inhaling his scent and letting out a hum.

Dazai finally joined Chuuya in his nest, pulling the blankets over them. The omega quickly snuggled up against Dazai’s front, happy purrs when he wrapped an arm around Chuuya’s middle.

Now that it was over the weight of what they just did fell draped them.

The two had gone all the way.

While there was no marking or knotting they essentially have given one another to each other. Chuuya now couldn’t exactly imagine himself without Dazai. Even if they could never technically be mates because of his collar there wouldn’t be anyone else Chuuya wanted touching him like that.

Tucking his face into Dazai’s neck to be closer to his scent, purrs louder as he finds himself being soothed by his alpha.

Dazai gently rubbed Chuuya’s back, nose pressed into his fiery red hair.

“…I want to stay with you.” Chuuya confessed.

Dazai’s arm tighten around Chuuya. “What about Paris?”

“It can wait, it’s not going anywhere for now.”

Chuuya doesn’t want to abandon going back to Paris but now he has found something that is making him want to stay in Japan.

“When you do want to go, I will come with you.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened hearing that, he felt the stinging of tears budding his eyes. Dazai wanted to go with him…

“I like that.” Chuuya buried his face in Dazai’s chest, sniffling quietly to himself.

Dazai pressed a kiss on top of Chuuya’s head before the two eventually fell asleep.

Chuuya didn’t want to emerge from his room and face reality, rather staying in Dazai’s arms for as long as he could but Chuuya knew others were worried about him and wanted to know he was ok.

After cleaning himself up the best he could, there was nothing he could do about hiding Dazai’s scent so that will be another thing he has to talk about. Luckily Dazai will be with him by his side.

First one he wanted to see was Sayu. He had been missing his puppy and luckily Naomi took very good care of her. Chuuya gave her kisses while she licked his face and wagged her tail. Plopping her gently down on the floor, she spun in a few circles before sitting down.

“Good girl, now go home and stay.”

The pup obeyed the command Chuuya taught her, it was just Sayu going back to his room and staying put until he came back.

With his puppy handled, Chuuya found Dazai outside the main room of the estate to go and speak to Dazai’s parents.

Dazai held his hand out for Chuuya to take, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Don’t worry it will be ok.”

Chuuya wasn’t too worried but he did have some nerves, squeezing Dazai’s hand as he opened the door.

Mori wasted no time when he saw the door open to rush over to Chuuya and pull the omega into a crushing hug. The older omega had heard the scream and maternal instincts kicked in, if he wasn’t pregnant, he would have ran right to Chuuya’s aid.

“Are you ok darling?” Mori pulled away but he still held onto Chuuya’s shoulders.

“I’m ok now.” Chuuya gave Mori a reassuring smile. “Though you should be sitting down.”

“Dear I’ve been having everyone tell me to sit down or lay down, don’t join in their ranks to keep me tethered to my bed.”

Chuuya chuckled lightly, he couldn’t help himself leaning into another hug. Mori happily held him as one hand petted his hair. Chuuya didn’t find the hug awkward due to the bump between them, he even felt a kick from the baby.

“Now I don’t wish to trouble you but what did my father do? He claims he just asked you for information but that scream…” It would send chills down anyone if they heard it.

“That’s all he did, he just asked me a question and it was personal. He didn’t know how personal it was and I just crumbled. I’m sorry for worrying you all.” Chuuya glanced behind Mori to also acknowledge Fukuzawa. The older alpha gave a stoic nod.

“It’s alright darling, we want to keep you safe here.” Mori pushed some hair back from Chuuya’s face, the tender motherly gesture bringing comfort to Chuuya. “Now another question, why on earth do you smell like Dazai?”

Now Chuuya’s cheeks flushed heavily at being caught, he knew this would be pointed out sooner or later.

“Well, you see…Dazai and I are kinda together.” Chuuya pulled himself away from Mori to stand next to Dazai, holding his hand.

“Why are you drilling him? You already spoke to me about it?” Chuuya whipped his head to the side staring at Dazai with wide eyes, his parents already knew?!

“We wanted to hear it from him, now that this relationship has been finally brought to light will you two be officially courting?” Mori spoke all business like, hands threaded together and held close to his chest.

“I don’t think we can really do that Mori-san, with my ability being you know…”

Mori understood that Chuuya believed his ability was dangerous but. “Dazai can neutralize your ability and my husband’s ability can have everyone's controlled if they are a part of the family or organization.”

Chuuya was surprised to hear what Fukuzawa’s ability was, an odd one but handy if there were any uncontrollable abilities. Maybe Chuuya’s would fall under that but he wasn’t exactly confident.

“Thank you for telling me but I can really only trust my collar.” Placing a hand on the cold metal. “I can understand if you don’t approve of us being together because we can never be proper mates and I’m not of noble blood.”

Dazai kept his face schooled but he couldn’t help a small smirk.

“Oh Chuuya you don’t have to worry about that. We approve of your, albeit odd, relationship. We’re just the ruling family of one territory, the people don't care who the next one to inherit the land is married to.” Mori explained.

It was some weight off Chuuya’s shoulders that him not being a noble won’t be a problem. He very much likes to stay with Dazai as much as he can.

“Just, don’t be making us grandparents, I don’t think I can handle a newborn and grandkids.”

“Mom!”

There was still heavy snow for the new year so the celebrations were recommended by the public safety to be held at home.

Chuuya had invited Yuan over if she wanted to spend New Years with him and she accepted, Shirase was out of the city visiting family. Since the snow came down heavily the night before Yuan will stay a few days more which she didn’t mind, especially since the estate was warmer than her small apartment.

The two were making some steam buns to snack on while they enjoyed some small fireworks later.

“Hey Yuan.” Chuuya spoke up as he did a twist to the top of the bun and placed it in a bamboo steam basket.

“Yeah Chuuya?”

“You’re good at making cakes right?”

“I mean I work at a bakery. It's to be expected…” Yuan had a teasing tone with Chuuya who sputtered.

“S-sorry I was just curious if you could maybe help or teach me how to make one.”

Yuan put the last bun in the basket before taking them to where the large wok was heating up. Yuan placed the baskets in the middle then poured water into it, steam immediately came from the water hitting the hot wok. Yuan put a large cover over the wok with Chuuya’s help so the buns can get cooked.

“I can help you out, what kind of cake do you want to make and what’s the occasion?” The two left the buns to steam, another cook will keep an eye on them. Chuuya walked with Yuan through the halls, Sayu following behind them, she had to wait outside of the kitchen since dogs weren’t allowed.

“It's Mori-san's birthday in two months and I want to make a strawberry roll cake.”

“Oh a roll cake? Those are hard to make, you have to cook it just right or it won’t roll correctly.” Yuan hadn’t even mastered making one herself, she had watched the head baker make them for the rich clients who could toss money at the difficult cake.

“I know but it’s what Mori-san likes the most and I really want to give it to him for his birthday as a huge thank you for taking me in and giving me all these chances.”

Yuan knew how much the older omega had helped Chuuya so she can understand why he wanted to do something like this.

“Ok, since it’s a very difficult cake I’ll need to come and teach you as much as I can. So how about after the new years I’ll start coming over here to help.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“So what have you been up to? Seeing anyone?” Yuan nudged Chuuya, laughing when she saw his blush. “Can’t hide it from me, you reek of someone tall, dark and handsome. You and the prince?”

“…yes.”

Yuan gave a small squeal, grabbing his arm tight. “Tell me everything!”

Exchanging gossip over tea and steamed buns that finished early, Yuan was happy for Chuuya finding someone he liked being with.

“So Paris is on hold?”

“Yeah, I do want to be here to see Mori-san’s baby, I’m still a ways away from my goal. Dazai did say he would want to come with me to Paris.”

“Oh well that is nice.”

It was that there would be options for his future with Dazai.

Speaking of the devil and he’ll emerge. Dazai inviting himself to the low table and a steamed bun. “Hey you two, you make these? Nice.” Taking a large bite of the bun.

“Sure you can have some.” Yuan’s voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Thanks.” Dazai had no shame as he finished the bun off. “Tasty, Oda here with the fireworks, you coming?”

Both nodded as they got up, Chuuya grabbed the rest of the buns to take for Mori if he was hungry.

The main courtyard was cleared of as much snow as they could get. Mori was seated on a floor seat on the deck. Fukuzawa curled up next to him, Chuuya approached the two and offered the rest of the buns which they happily accepted.

Chuuya ran over to where Oda was with a bunch of younger kids. Dazai explained they were a group of orphans he took in. Yosano and Kunikida were there, mainly Kunikida was supervising.

Oda handed all the kids a sparkler while Dazi built a small fire so the kids could light them and then start to play around, Sayu chased after the kids barking happily. Some running off and the others making shapes. Chuuya grabbed his own sparkler with Yuan, lighting them the two made shapes with the light.

Kunikida scolded the kids not to run with sparklers because it was dangerous.

“Oh we should light this one.” Dazai holding up one of the large fireworks.

“No!” Kunikida snatching the firework out of his hands.

“Oh come on Kunikida, we should end this year with a big bang.” Dazai sulked, reaching out to try and take the firework back.

Kunikida held the firework away but Yosano snatched it out of his hands.

“Come on kids, let's light this up for a big boom!”

All the kids cheered Yosano on while Kunikida reached out to grab her but she moved at the last second causing Kunikida to smack flat onto the snow. Chuuya and Yuan even joined in, Yosano getting the firework to stand up while Dazai had a match to light it.

Dazai lit the firework and everyone cleared away except one little girl. Thankfully Oda ran back over, picking her up and taking the two to a safe distance before the firework took off. Everyone looked up at the sky to watch it go off.

The firework disappeared for a second before exploding in a colorful display and a loud sound echoing off. All the kids gasped at the fireworks along with the older ones.

They all played with the rest of the fireworks until running out, all the kids tuckered out from their fun. Yosano and Kunikida help Oda take the little ones to bed.

Chuuya wished Yuan goodnight after walking her to the temp room she was staying in before going to his own room.

Dazai was waiting for him outside the door, he smiled and held out his hand while the two entered. Kisses exchanged while they stripped each other of their clothes to slip into their sleepwear.

“Did you have a fun New Years?” Dazai whispered into Chuuya’s neck, holding him from behind while Chuuya brushed his hair before bed.

“I did, I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.”

So much has happened to Chuuya, if he was to meet himself from a year ago and tell that Chuuya he was living in an estate, ward to a powerful omega and in a relationship with a handsome alpha he laughed in his face. Yet here he was, happy, safe and secure.

Putting the brush down Chuuya followed Dazai into his bed, opening the covers up for the two of them to slip in. Though before Chuuya settled down he grabbed the extra blanket and placed it over Sayu.

A compromise with Dazai since she was getting bigger was that the akita slept at the foot of the futon. Chuuya gave in but he couldn’t help but place a blanket over her in case she was cold.

With all of them settled into bed, Chuuya on his side while Dazai spooned him from behind. They were ready for sleep. Dazai liked to stay awake a few minutes longer after Chuuya dozed off so he could nuzzle and nudge his head all over Chuuya’s and his shoulders. It was the best he could do since he didn’t have access to Chuuya’s neck.

Dazai’s hand sneaked up Chuuya’s body to touch his collar but he refrained, the desire to destroy the collar and leave a mating mark on Chuuya just kept getting stronger and stronger it was starting to get out of hand.

Dazai had to keep telling himself maybe Chuuya will eventually give up on the collar, finally trust him enough to stop whatever dangerous ability he had so then he can love and mark the omega.

It will all eventually work itself out, he just needed to keep being patient.

Chapter Text

“Well…think of it this way, you’re finding all the ways to not to make a roll cake.”

Chuuya just smacked his head on the counter, this was the fifth attempt today to make the cake and it was coming out all wrong!

One of the mess up cakes Yuan was snacking on since the cake part was good, just when Chuuya attempted to roll it the cake fell apart. It needed to be baked perfect so that when it was molded the cake wouldn’t crumble or stick to the wax paper.

“I’m a failure.”

“No you’re not, you just happened to pick the hardest cake to make as a beginner.” Yuan patted his back.

This was getting him nowhere, Mori’s birthday was two weeks away and he spent the last month failing miserably.

“Let's try again.” Chuuya picked himself up ready to try again.

“Well we are out of eggs so we can’t exactly start again.” Yuan pointed out, showing the basket of eggs all missing. There were really low on eggs since two attempts before this one they had to collect some from the small chicken coop on the estate grounds.

“This will be a good breather, we’ll get some more eggs, maybe grab some lunch and we can start again.”

Chuuya sighed, taking the L for now, undoing the ties of the apron with Yuan to hang. Both cleaning up the kitchen before leaving into the city to grab some eggs. The two opted to walk to the city instead of taking the automobile, Yuan wasn’t used to that kind of special treatment and didn’t want to bother Hirostu.

The walk wasn’t that bad and when they got to the farmers market Yuan got them a good deal on some eggs. Basket full of eggs for new attempts at making the cake. Chuuya saw a stall selling onigiri and bought two for him and Yuan.

While they did a little more grocery shopping they ran into a familiar face.

“Yuan? Chuuya?”

Both turned to see who called their names and saw that it was Shirase.

“Hey Shirase!”

“Don’t you hey Shirase me. Where have you been Yuan? I got back from visiting my family to find you no longer work at the bakery and moved out of your place?”

Yuan winced a little. “Oh sorry Shirase, I forgot to tell you but I got hired at Chuuya’s estate!”

“What?” The alpha was flabbergasted by the news.

“Yeah I have been helping Chuuya bake and they saw I was quite good at it and hired me as part of the kitchen staff, so I moved into the servant quarters of the huge estate and it was a really big upgrade.”

The estate was a lot bigger than what is perceived on the outside, it was more of a compound. There was the main estate where Chuuya stayed with the main family, then other buildings and places for the servants.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you had abandoned me.”

“I’m sorry Shirase, I just got so busy with my new job and showing Chuuya how to bake.” Yuan did feel bad for not telling the alpha sooner.

“Yeah, it seems you both are too busy for me.” Shirase snapped back, now making Chuuya feel bad.

“Shirase-“ Chuuya reached out to give comfort but the alpha stepped away.

“I don’t want or need your pity, especially from you.” Shirase growled at Chuuya, nostrils flared which just made him angrier because he smelt that damn prince’s scent all over Chuuya. “You made your choice, I hope you’re happy with it.” Shirse spat before he turned on his heel, stalking away from the two.

Chuuya was going to go after him but Yuan stopped him, grabbing Chuuya’s hand. “Leave him, let him cool down for a few days and try again.”

The omega still felt bad but Yuan was right, best to not approach when Shirase was clearly angry.

Chuuya was quiet the rest of the grocery shopping and walk back to the estate. He was so downtrodden he didn’t want to continue baking, wanting to take a break. Yuan understood and let Chuuya be, she did other chores and prep.

Chuuya went to sulk in his room, Sayu perked up from where she was laying in his bedroom. She was getting so much bigger Chuuya couldn’t hold her anymore, Chuuya gave her some pets before he crawled into his nest to sulk. Sayu did some circles at the foot of the futon before laying down, and will watch over Chuuya.

Chuuya would have gone looking for Dazai but he and his father had to head into the city for work. The two won’t be back until after dinner. The omega did wonder what Dazai was up to, he has been rather secretive lately.

“You’re stumped?”

“Listen I hate admitting it as well but yeah I’m stumped.” Ranpo huffed, crossing his arms clearly annoyed he couldn’t figure out this case. “It would have been easier if I could, you know, interview Chuuya.”

“Absolutely not.” Dazai growled.

“Then we’ll get nothing, I know you’re protective but if you don’t let me interview him then whatever out there that killed all those people will eventually find him.” Ranpo argued.

This was all connected to Chuuya, it had to be, with him still being secretive about his past even now. Dazai didn’t want to really believe it but with a looming powerful threat such as whatever killed that entire gambling den came to the estate…

“What details do you have? Maybe you missed something.” Dazai said hopeful.

“All I have is holes that I could plug up if you just let me interview Chuuya, I won’t reveal his friend was killed if you’re worried about that.”

Dazai knows if Chuuya found out about Karma it would crush him, if they can avoid revealing that maybe it will spare Chuuya a little.

“Is there really no other way for you to figure things out?”

“I’m afraid I’m just hitting a brick wall at this point. Has anything else happened that is noteworthy.”

Dazai racked his brain, wanting to give Ranpo anything if it meant the beta won’t interview him about an alleged mass murderer on the loose.

“I don’t know if it’s helpful but my grandfather had asked him about someone he knew and it turned out to be Chuuya’s father and he kinda had a breakdown.”

Ranpo held the tip of his chin as he was now deep in thought. Racking his brain to figure out if this piece of information was of importance.

“This might be a stretch but there was a Lord around your parents age, he had changed his name to Paul Varlaine. He had eloped with a low born omega if I’m not mistaken to Paris…maybe.”

Dazai was trying to rack his brain if the name was important, it didn’t ring any bells.

“Do you know what happened to him?”

“Well for one he’s dead and nobody knows what killed him.”

Dazai’s eyes widened hearing that Chuuya’s father was dead and the cause unknown…could it be.

“Hold on let me see.” Ranpo got up from his desk and gestured for Dazai to follow. The beta took Dazai down to the lower floors where the records were being held. Now everyone was starting to write things down and preserve evidence. There were rows and rows of selves holding dozens of files. Dazai could find himself getting lost in looking for anything in this place.

Luckily for them the files they were looking for were stored properly and Ranpo pulled it out. Blowing the dust off of it, Dazai let out a sneeze.

“Sorry but this should tell us more.” Ranpo walked over to the desk that was dimly lit by the one bulb hanging above.

Opening the file the first thing they saw was a newspaper article with the bold print of ‘DEVASTATION NEAR FORTRESS! MASSIVE CASUALTIES!’

Ranpo moved that aside to show some pictures, Dazai was stunned seeing the carnage. There was a giant crater!

“Wait, isn’t this the giant crater near the emperor’s fortress?”

“Yep, everyone thought it was an assassination attempt on the emperor.” Ranpo pulled out another photo and handed it to Dazai. “Paul Varlaine, there were some witnesses that spotted him the night of the disaster.”

Dazai looks at the photo and he swears he’s looking right at Chuuya! The two were almost identical, the same jaw shape and eyes. Paul though had blonde hair instead of red like Chuuya but it seemed to be styled the same. Awkwardly long in some places but just like Chuuya Paul made it work.

“His body was never recovered after this incident and his mate was nowhere to be seen after this. Notice how there is no mention of a child.”

Dazai did notice as he read through the newspaper article and police report. Nowhere was it ever mentioned that Paul Varlaine had a child. There also was barely any information about his mate, only a first name.

Arthur Rimbaud.

“Now this just makes me want to interview him more!” Ranpo whined, throwing his head back with a groan. Instead of answering questions it just made a dozen more.

“Let's….wait, you can interview him after my mother’s birthday.” Dazai knows how much work Chuuya is putting into a present for the older omega, he doesn’t want to ruin his stride now.

“What if we wait and it’s too late?”

“I’ll try and discreetly ask him for more information and give it to you that way. He is more forthcoming with me than a new face.”

“Ideally maybe ask him how his father died and more information about his mother.” It would be a start for Ranpo. “Whatever could have killed him and left that crater could be the same thing that killed everyone in the den so we best be careful.”

Dazai nodded, he looked at the picture of Paul Varlaine again. It looked to be a casual picture taken of him, he was sitting on a wooden chair looking at the camera. He wasn’t wearing clothes from Japan, instead it looked to be the suit style of Frenchmen.

Tucking the photo into his yukata, Ranpo arched his brow but didn’t say anything. Ranpo put the file back together and shelved it again.

Dazai found his father after emerging from the records room, the alpha speaking to another head of department in the lobby. Dazai walked over to stand next to his father, his conversation must have wrapped up because the other walked away.

Fukuzawa turned his head to acknowledge Dazai. “You finished everything you needed here?”

“Yeah.”

“Good, we need to see your aunt before going home.”

Not a problem for Dazai, he liked his aunt. Most people in their world didn’t understand why Dazai would acknowledge his mother’s half sister since her mother was the other woman.

Mori however didn’t have much fond memories of his mother, the woman was very demanding of him and scolded Mori constantly from what he was able to tell Dazai. Mori barely had any tears shed when she passed away from pneumonia.

Mori only had his conflicts when his father got to be with someone he adored, have a child and not give him the same treatment when he turned eighteen. Mori never blamed Koyo or her mother, they were innocent, he only had tensions with his father. Luckily things worked out and he found a loving husband and also an adoring sister. Even if high society won’t acknowledge her.

Arriving at Koyo’s shop Dazai followed his father inside, catching his aunt in the middle of hemming a wedding kimono.

“Evening Fukuzawa.” Koyo stood up, tucking her needles away on the collar of her kimono, in an easy to reach but out of the way place.

“Good evening Koyo, I’m here for my request.”

“You’re just in time.” Koyo went to the back of the store.

Dazai took a seat in one of the empty chairs, he couldn’t help but stare at the wedding gown, Koyo’s works on them were high quality. Though the image of Chuuya in it flickered across his mind bringing a flush to his face. Rubbing it away just in time as Koyo came back with a large box.

Curious to know what his father requested, Dazai stood up, watching Koyo carefully remove the top. Inside some tissue paper was a beautiful wedding kimono and veil. Turning his gaze to watch his father gently touch it, fingers holding a red tassel and gently rubbing his thumb over it.

Fukuzawa noticed Dazai staring. “This was your mother’s wedding kimono, remember when there was that leak in the roof a few years ago? His wedding kimono got water damage and was falling apart. Your mother didn’t want to part with it. I salvaged it and kept it safe until Koyo found the materials to rebuild it. I’m going to give it back to him for his birthday.”

Dazai smiled, leaning his head on Fukuzawa’s shoulder. The alpha was a good man, the ideal man you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with because he did things like this.

“Mom will love it.”

Fukuzawa smiled, carefully putting the lid of the box back on. Koyo tied a large ribbon around it, she kept denying the money Fukuzawa wanted to pay her for this. Both not taking no for an answer, Dazai intervened and left the bag of yen on the table, bid his aunt a farewell with a kiss to her cheek and a quiet thank you.

Loading the box into the automobile, the ride back was mostly quiet until Fukuzawa broke it. “What are you getting for your mother?”

“I haven’t really thought about that yet, I know he says every year he doesn’t need or want anything.” But the whole family ends up giving him something anyways, usually meaningful or handmade things. Dazai was always stumped at giving gifts.

“You could get him something that would benefit the baby as well.”

Now there was an idea…Dazai held his chin mulling over what he could get.

Dazai was deep in thought he hadn’t realized they made it back home and Fukuzawa was asking for his help to get the box inside and hide it.

With the dress hidden away until the big day Dazai bid his father goodnight and swung by the kitchen to grab something light to eat before heading to Chuuya’s room.

Dazai did stop before the door, contemplating the conversation he had with Ranpo about Chuuya.

Grabbing the handle for the door he slid it open. Sayu perked up when he entered the room. Telling the pup to stay as he walked over taking the outer layers of his yukata before slipping into Chuuya’s nest. When he settled in Chuuya woke up from his dozing and immediately snuggled close.

Dazai wrapped an arm around Chuuya holding him close. Pressing a kiss to the top of the omega’s head.

Chuuya laid on top of Dazai’s chest before he opened his eyes, blue meeting brown.

“Hey chibi.”

“Hi.” Chuuya leaned close to press a kiss to Dazai’s lips.

“You’re going to hate me.” Dazai threaded fingers through Chuuya’s hair.

“Hmm maybe, it really depends.” Chuuya leaned into the touch, a light purr slipping from his lips.

“Tell me about your dad, if you don’t mind.”

Chuuya pulled away from Dazai to stare at him, an odd look on his face. What brought this on?

“Tell me what he likes, what he does, you know those things.” Dazai wasn’t asking the deep personal stuff, he just wanted to break the ice.

Chuuya laid his head back down on Dazai’s chest, listening to the alpha’s heartbeat. “He greatly enjoyed wine, and always had a glass when we had a fancy dinner. He even let me have some sips when I was young.”

“So that’s where you got the taste.”

“Yeah,” Chuuya chuckled. “Another thing he liked was hats, they’re not as popular here in Japan but in Paris all the alphas would wear them. He didn’t like the top hat, instead preferring the fedora.”

Dazai repeated the word, it was unfamiliar on his tongue, Chuuya helping him sound it out.

“What was he like personality wise?”

“A little independent which balanced out my mother's overprotectiveness. People said I was like my father but without the polite etiquette of a gentleman.” Chuuya was never afraid to speak his mind even when younger, which landed him in a couple of fights at school that sent his mother into a panic but then got a pat on the head from his father.

That memory flashing in his mind was bittersweet, he missed him so much.

“Why are you asking about him?” Chuuya now wanted to know what sprung this, had Dazai asked his grandfather?

“Well…don’t think too hard about it ok.” Dazai pulled the photo out of his inner collar and handed it to Chuuya.

When Chuuya held the photo and saw who it was he sat up fast, grasping the photo in his hands. It was his father! Paul Varlaine! Chuuya wanted to know how he was able to get a photo like this, not even his mother had a photo of his father after they…

Something wet hit his hands and Chuuya noticed he was crying, not wanting to damage the photo he held it away as he wiped at his eyes. Dazai sat up and wrapped an arm around Chuuya’s shoulders. Sayu even wanted to give comfort as she puppy crawled into the nest and laid her head on Chuuya’s knee.

One of Chuuya’s regrets is he had nothing to really remember his father in a positive light, so now having this photo of him doing that goofy smile just made Chuuya sob a little harder. Turning to throw his arms around Dazai hugging the alpha tight.

“Thank you, thank you so much.” Chuuya sobbed into his shoulder.

Dazai held Chuuya back, rubbing the omega’s sides to give some comfort. “It was nothing really, I’ll go into the city tomorrow and get you a frame.”

“I like that, thank you again this is…this is more than I ever expected. Where did you get this?”

“If I told you, you would get upset.” Dazai gave Chuuya a reassuring squeeze.

“No I wouldn’t, please tell me…I want to know if there is more.”

Chuuya pulled away from the hug, wiping at his eyes with the edge of his sleeve, pleading look on his face.

Dazai hung his head low, he really can’t say no to Chuuya. “I got it from the police file about your father…surrounding his unknown death.”

Chuuya sucked in a breath, pulling away from Dazai like he had been burned. “Why…why were you looking at that information?”

“I asked my grandfather and he told me the name of the person he asked you about, I then looked him up at the station.” It pained Dazai to lie but he needed to spare Chuuya from what happened at the gambler’s den as much as possible.

Chuuya did pull away from Dazai, clearly hurt that Dazai looked up personal information behind his back.

“I only looked at the file, you don’t have to tell me what happened, the file places his death as unknown so we can leave it at that.” Even though Dazai wished to know what happened if it could spare Chuuya from whatever seemed to be after him.

“I..I can’t look at you right now, please leave.”

Dazai understood, giving a nod as he stood up and left the room, giving Chuuya his space.

When the door shut Chuuys curled up more in the nest, holding the photo close to his heart. It hurt that Dazai had gone behind his back to obtain it and now knew his father was dead.

The details are still vague but what really upset Chuuya was he might have to tell Dazai he was the one responsible for his death and the carnage.

Dazai had received the cold shoulder treatment after giving Chuuya the photo, he still went into the city and got him a frame. A little information from Naomi told him Chuuya was using the frame and the picture was on the vanity.

Dazai also went back to the file to see if there were more photos like Chuuya asked and sadly there wasn’t. Only newspaper articles and crude drawings of those involved.

It was the night before Mori’s birthday he finally saw Chuuya again.

The omega was holding his head in his hands slumped over the counter with another badly done roll cake next to him. The poor omega looked so utterly defeated.

Dazai walked into the kitchen, tapping on the counter to alert Chuuya he was here, Chuuya snapped his head up, eyes puffy and red from previously crying. Sniffling as he wiped at his eyes. “What do you want?”

“Was checking up on you but I can see you’re going through it.” Looking at the mess all over the kitchen. “You could have picked an easier cake.”

“I know but Mori-san said he liked roll cakes and that’s what I want to give him.” Chuuya slammed his fist on the counter. “I will not give up.”

“Do you want some help?”

“…god yes.”

Finally admitting defeat, just exhaustion and frustration catching up to Chuuya. He had cried his eyes out when he tried to roll the cake and it fell apart again. Mori’s birthday was in the morning and this was his last chance.

“Ok before we get into this you’ll need to accept that the cake is not going to be perfect ok?”

Chuuya nodded, sniffling.

Dazai gave him a smile as he pulled on an apron and started to clean up the workplace.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

Dazai took over and had Chuuya focus on making the cream while he added the ingredients to make the cake part. Chuuya was surprised he knew how to bake.

“I would hide in the kitchen avoiding my tutors so I watched the cooks and bakers a lot. Now the trick is the backing not the ingredient amount, you need to get it right before it bakes all the way, so then it’s easier to roll.”

When Dazai said it like that it made much more sense.

Dazai pulled the cake out of the oven just before and told Chuuya to let it cool. Once it cooled Chuuya spread the cream all over the top then added strawberries.

Now it was the moment of truth, Chuuya was still scared and asked for Dazai to do it but he shook his head. “This is your gift to mom, the honor is yours.”

Chuuya gulped, taking a deep breath he took the edge of the wax paper and slowly began to roll the cake. Biting his lip the entire time as he kept rolling until it was time for the cake to part with the paper. Chuuya dreaded this step but he had to do it, rolling more he let out a gasp watching the cake easily peel away from the paper!

Finally he rolled the entire cake and it came out perfectly!

“I did it!” Chuuya tossed the wax paper away, doing a happy little dance. The cake was perfect, a strawberry cream roll cake he made all by himself.

“You did it.” Dazai parroted, acknowledging Dazai was here, Chuuya excitedly threw his arms around Dazai in a hug, the alpha hugged him back.

Chuuya let out some happy laughs until he realized who he was hugging and was still a little mad at Dazai but then his omega was lamenting about how much he missed the alpha. Giving up because he couldn’t be mad at Dazai anymore he sighed into the hug.

“…give me some time and I’ll eventually tell you everything about my past.”

“Take your time dear.” Dazai gives Chuuya a reassuring squeeze, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Helping Chuuya store the cake for the party that was in a few hours he scooped Chuuya up in his arms to finally have a proper nap. No longer stressed about getting his gift ready in time, Chuuya was already asleep by the time they made it to his room.

Dazai let Chuuya sleep in while things were getting ready for the small party. Over the years Mori wanted less and less people and things involved in his birthday. Now it finally being just immediate family. After the servants had things squared away they were given the day off.

Dazai was surprised to see Elise wandering around the halls.

“Elise? Is everything alright?” She could stray away from Mori, not super far, usually she just remained within the estate.

“Oh Dazai, yes everything is fine don’t worry I’m just…taking a walk.” She gestured vaguely.

Dazai tilted his head to the side before his eyes widened in realization. With the staff gone like this she can wander around and not be shunned or looked down on.

“I don’t know if I ever really told you but I’m sorry you had to take the fall for me.”

Elise smiled. “I would do it again if given the chance, it is a mother’s drive to protect their children.”

Dazai nodded, agreeing with Elise, she was an extension of Mori. In a way she was like his mother as well.

“Can I join you on a walk?”

“I like that.”

Dazai walked the empty halls of the estate with Elise, at some point he held his arm out for her to take. She did hesitate for a second but when her hands wrapped around she didn’t disappear. It was the first time since that night they touched.

The two made a stop at the gardens to enjoy the serene beauty.

“How is mom by the way?” Dazai knew Elise had more knowledge about his condition.

“He is doing well, pretty over being pregnant and he still has at least three more months.”

Dazai can’t even begin to imagine these later stages of pregnancy especially at his mother’s age, and he’s turning forty one today.

“You…you think he’ll be ok when the birth comes?”

“He’s strong despite his age but I won’t lie and say this will be extremely hard on his body. It's best he never falls pregnant again.”

Dazai nodded along with her, still worried for his mother as the due date was just around the corner.

Elise perked up, head turning in the direction of Mori’s room. “He’s awake.”

Dazai nodded and the two parted ways for now, Dazai went to wake up Chuuya. The young omega sprawled out on the futon, Sayu curled up with him.

Kneeling down he leaned over Chuuya to place a kiss on his cheek. More kisses until the omega started to stir. “Time to wake up.”

Chuuya turned over to bury his face into the pillows, clearly not ready to wake up.

“Come on, it’s finally the day.”

Finally the weight of what today was dropped on Chuuya and he opened his eyes, trying to spring out of bed but Dazai gently grabbed him. “No need to rush, today is a relaxing slow day like mother wanted. Also cake isn’t a breakfast item.”

Chuuya buried into Dazai’s embrace, the rush of excitement leaving him as he began to slowly wake up. Stretching a little before pulling away from Dazai and rubbing at his face.

“Are we late?”

“No, mom just woke up as well. We got time.”

Chuuya hummed as he stood up, giving some pets to Sayu as he undressed to put on his outfit for the day. Deciding to wear a hanfu since it hasn’t been that cold lately, and everyone staying indoors today.

Dazai quietly took in an eyeful when Chuuya stripped bare before putting on the under clothes, slipping the hanfu over his head. Dazai was already dressed in a semi formal yukata. Did it match Chuuya’s hanfu color? Yes it did.

Chuuya noticed the matching colors after he finished with the last ties. A knowing look on his face before he walked over to his vanity to start with his hair.

Dazai beat Chuuya to it when the omega sat down, grabbing the comb to brush Chuuya’s hair. It always felt nice when someone else brushed his hair, closing his eyes to enjoy the sensation.

When the comb could easily glide through the hair Dazai put it down, that was the basic extent of his knowledge with styling hair. Chuuya will take over, he wanted to add a braid to it and then pin it up with the hair stick that had Dazai’s charm on.

Hair done up Chuuya turned his head this way and that to make sure everything looked good.

Happy with his appearance he stood from the stool, Dazai held his hand out for him to take and they exited the room to head to where the family will be celebrating. The main room was simply decorated, lunch a delicious spread.

Koyo had finally arrived, chatting with Yosano. Chuuya could hear bits and pieces of their conversation, the topic seemed to be about wedding kimonos.

Chuuya wasted no time taking a seat next to the omega of the hour, Mori giving Chuuya a smile.

“Happy birthday Mori-san.”

“Thank you Chuuya.”

“Are you feeling ok?” Chuuya couldn’t help but ask every time he saw the older omega.

“I’m fine, a little over being pregnant but can’t exactly force the baby to come out can I?” Chuckling to himself, Chuuya laughed lightly along with him. “Oh, this is lovely.” Mori reaches a hand out to gently touch the charm on the hair stick. Chuuya flushing a little at Mori finally notices it.

“When did you get this?”

“Oh, Dazai gave it to me.”

Mori’s eyes widened a fraction with realization, another look aimed at the young omega saying ‘is it what I think it is?’

Chuuya honestly wasn’t sure either so he shrugged, Mori didn’t seem to press anymore about it and ended the topic by saying diamonds look good.

Lunch was a casual affair, everyone eating and chatting away. Chuuya got the notice that they’ll give presents out after dinner which was perfect with his gift.

It seemed everyone was sharing the same sentiment on giving Mori his gifts, dinner went by quickly and Yosano was the one to announce it was gift giving time. Mori chuckled seeing everyone scatter to go get them, leaving him alone with just Sayu.

Mori gestured for the pup to come close, her head resting on his lap as he gave the akita pets and then fed her some pieces of cooked pork belly.

“You’re such a good dog.”

Sayu sat up, her tail wagging as she gave Mori’s cheek a kiss before she settled again, this time nosing along Mori’s stomach. The baby kicked back at Sayu pressing her nose there which startled the dog a little who then pressed her nose more. Realizing something was inside, Mori couldn’t help but chuckle.

Finally everyone returned, with an arrangement of different size gifts.

“You all shouldn’t have.”

“We wanted to mom!” Yosano wanted to be first, taking a seat next to her mother and handing Mori his present.

Mori removed the bow around the long wooden box. When he took the top off Mori saw inside was one of those new medical devices, Mori believed they were a stethoscope. They were most popular in the west so to see Yosano had gotten her hands on one meant she needed to look high and low for it.

“Thank you butterfly, this is perfect.”

“That’s not the best part, try this mom.” Yosano took the stethoscope out of the box, putting it on as she then placed the other end on Mori’s middle. Everyone watching with rapt attention as Yosano moved the end over the bump until she stopped.

“Listen.” Removing the earpieces she handed it to Mori keeping the one part pressed lightly against his middle. Mori put the earpieces on and he was greeted to a light thumping sound. Counting the beats he knew what he was hearing right away.

It was the baby’s heartbeat.

“Dear come, listen to our baby.” Mori gestured to Fukuzawa to come close and give a listen as well. The older alpha had a look of surprise on his face hearing the beating before a fond smile spread over his face.

“I love this Akiko, thank you.”

Yosano, happy Mori loved the gift, came close to give him a hug.

Next Koyo gave her gift which was a bunch of baby clothes she had made from scrap pieces of fabric from other projects. Mori adored the gift from her and it was perfect for when the baby will be here soon.

Mori cried happy tears when Fukuzawa gave his gift, presenting Mori with his restored wedding gown.

Chuuya was nervous about his, since he wanted to keep it intact as much as he could. Chuuya didn’t fetch it until it was his turn. Chuuya walked carefully from the kitchen to the main room with the cake, setting it down in front of Mori.

“Oh darling, did you make this?”

“Yes, handmade everything. I heard you like them so I wanted to make one for you.”

Chuuya beaming with pride, Mori allowed him to do the honors of cutting him a slice. Mori took the first bit and gave a smile. “This is perfect, thank you so much.”

The young omega was so happy all his hard work paid off, he cut everyone a slice even Elise who wanted a taste. She was a sweets expert and even she enjoyed the handmade roll cake.

With dessert finished it seemed everyone had given gifts except Dazai.

Chuuya seemed to be the only one who noticed though he didn’t want to call Dazai out.

The omega did see Dazai sit next to Mori before he had to slip out of the room with the dirty plates.

Mori gave Dazai a smile while holding his hand out for his son. Dazai placed his hand in Mori's, the two just sharing a moment of contact before Dazai gently placed his gift for Mori in the omega’s lap. Mori couldn’t stop the small laugh seeing just how bad a job it was wrapping the gift up.

“I tried.”

“There was effort.” Mori tore the wrapping away until he opened it up and there was a long red scarf presented to him.

Mori pulled the scarf up, holding it in his hands. The material is soft to the touch.

Dazai gently took the scarf from his mother’s hand to wrap it around his neck, then a few more times until Mori was mostly covered by it. Both let out a laugh at how ridiculous Mori looked. The omega untied the scarf from around his neck and instead had it draped over his shoulders.

“I love it, thank you Osamu.”

Dazai giving his mother a smile.

The moment though was cut short when there was the sound of a dish shattering. Dazai moved before Mori could even speak.

The young alpha had been on high alert ever since finding out what happened to the gambler’s den. Worried whatever monster went there would find their way here and attack Chuuya. Rushing to find the source of where the plate shattered, his nose tried to pick up Chuuya’s scent. Dazai did catch the distress scent of his omega and ran faster.

Dazai found Chuuya in the kitchen, frozen in place, shaking. The plate on the floor shattered into pieces. Dazai couldn’t see what was making Chuuya act like this, slowly he approached and when he saw what Chuuya was staring at he understood.

Sitting on the kitchen floor, tail giving a few flicks was Natsume in cat form.

Chapter Text

“Chuuya, hey look at me.” Dazai standing in front of the omega, blocking his gaze at Natsume. “It’s going to be ok, go someplace safe, I’ll handle this.”

Chuuya seemed to snap out of it, he tried to look behind Dazai at the cat but Dazai kept him from doing that. Ushering Chuuya to walk out of the kitchen and retreat to wherever he will feel safe. A pleading look from Chuuya before Dazai gently turned him around and lightly pushed him forward. That was enough for Chuuya to sprint out of the kitchen.

Dazai whipped his head around to growl at his grandfather, but the cat wasn’t there!

“Dammit!”

Chuuya ran down the hall as fast as he could. It felt mortifying to be afraid of a cat but last he saw Natsume he had a mild breakdown. Chuuya was going to where he will feel safe, not acknowledging the implications of what this meant.

Thankfully who he was looking for was where he last saw him.

“Chuuya?” Mori’s look of concern seeing the omega burst through the door.

“Ma-“ Chuuya caught himself.

Mori opened his arms and Chuuya came close, wrapping his arms around the older omega. Mori rubbed Chuuya’s back, many questions on his tongue as to why he ran in here looking like he saw a ghost.

Though a meow sliced through the silence.

Chuuya tensed in Mori’s arms and the older omega looked to see a calico cat in the doorway, his eyes staring intently at the two.

Mori’s lip curled into a snarl. “I told you to stay away from him.”

Dazai eventually found them and not caring how this was out of line he grabbed Natsume by the scruff and was taking the cat away. The cat let out loud yowling and tried to claw at Dazai’s hand.

The yowling attracted the attention of Fukuzawa and Koyo.

“Koyo, can you watch over Chuuya please.” Mori requested, Chuuya tighten his grip on the omega, not wanting to let him go.

“I got him, come on Chuuya it will be ok.” Koyo held her arms out for Chuuya, as much as he didn’t want to part from Mori he knew the older omega had to be there to speak to Natsume. Chuuya reluctantly let go and went into Koyo’s embrace, the long sleeves of her kimono perfectly wrapped him up protectively.

Now that Mori was free to leave he left the room to see where Dazai took his father. Finding the cat scratching up Dazai as much as he could in the hallway. Fukuzawa was trying to grab Natsume to stop shredding Dazai up until Mori swooped in and grabbed his father, gently tossing him to the ground.

“Speak father, why are you here?” Mori hissed, a defiant behavior for an omega to their alpha father.

Natsume arched up and hissed at everyone until he changed forms.

“Rudest welcome I ever received.” Natsume adjusting his hat, everyone else glaring daggers at him.

“I told you to stay away.” Mori growled.

“And I told you I be here for your birthday, I did heed your warning to not approach the boy but he found me as I was trying to slyly come in.”

Dazai was not realizing the intimidating alpha pheromones that were emanating from him or how lowly he was growling at his grandfather. Natsume arched a brow at his grandson, gently bapping his nose with the hilt of his cane.

“You stop that Dazai.”

It seemed to snap Dazai out of his feral protective state. Coming back to reality and it settling over him how he was most likely one wrong move away from sinking his teeth into his grandfather’s neck.

“Go be with your mate Dazai, tell him I do not wish to bring him discomfort.”

Dazai didn’t correct his grandfather, more inclined to return to Chuuya and make sure he’s ok.

With Dazai gone, leaving the adults by themselves, Natsume cleared his throat. “Shall we take tea in one of the guest homes?”

Dazai found Chuuya being soothed by Koyo, the alpha holding Chuuya as she quietly sang to him and threaded a hand through his hair. Dazai made himself known so Koyo wouldn’t react antagonistically against him since the entire room had her scent, giving off a protective vibe.

Chuuya perked up when Koyo gently nudged him to see it was Dazai. The young omega scrambled out of her arms into Dazai’s.

“Let's go someplace else, grandpa won’t bother you while he’s here but I’m not chancing it.”

Chuuya didn’t question it, trusting his mate to take care of him.

When Chuuya finally came out of his protective state he realized they weren’t in the estate, it was instead the small apartment in the agency building.

Pushing the covers away from the bed, when Chuuya moved he saw Sayu was there as well. The akita running over to give Chuuya comfort. The omega was happy to see Dazai brought the dog despite him not liking the dog, knowing Chuuya loved Sayu and she brought him comfort. Giving Sayu pets and a kiss to the top of her head, Chuuya left the bedroom to find Dazai. Luckily the alpha wasn’t far, sitting on the couch, arms propped on his knees, fingers threaded together staring ahead.

“Dazai?”

The alpha perked up and stood when he saw Chuuya, approaching carefully.

“Hey chibi, you ok?”

“Yeah I’m fine, sorry for all that.” Chuuya tugged at his sleeve, shame covering him for ruining the birthday.

“It’s not your fault, everything is fine. Grandfather was trying to avoid running into you but you spotted him. He’s only staying at the estate for a day or two and then he’ll be gone. Until then we’ll stay here.”

Chuuya nodded, not having any complaints. Though Chuuya wishes to not be scared of Dazai’s grandfather, the man really didn’t do anything but ask about his past. Though with what he’s been through it is best he avoids what is triggering those memories.

Staying in the apartment with Dazai and Sayu wasn’t that bad, though they did need to take Sayu on a walk so she could relieve herself. Dazai stayed close to Chuuya as they walked to the park in the city.

Letting Sayu sniff around off leash since she was obedient when called Chuuya took a seat on a bench. Dazai took a seat next to Chuuya, arm going around the omega’s shoulders. Chuuya snuggled into Dazai’s embrace, inhaling his scent to calm him down more.

Dazai’s fingers played with the long ends of the omega’s hair, enjoying the quiet night with Chuuya. The omega deserved to have a break, he’s been through so much- …an idea came to Dazai.

“Do you want to get away?”

Chuuya perked up, pulling away to look at Dazai. “What?”

“Get away for a bit, just the two-“ Sayu came back to them barking that she finished. “Three of us.”

“Where would we go?”

“There is an estate by the sea the members of the royal family use for vacation. It’s still winter so nobody would be there.”

“What about your parents?” Chuuya didn’t think this would go over well with them, running away.

“Chuuya, we’re both over eighteen, we don’t need their permission.”

Chuuya flushed, this is what living with a hovering overbearing mother will get him. “But for how long?”

“As long as you like.”

It started to sound tempting but a small voice inside Chuuya said this felt like running. It's what he’s always been doing lately, running or hiding away, never facing what scared him.

“It does sound tempting but I don’t think that would be good for me. No more running.”

Chuuya was unaware how much those words struck Dazai to the core, the alpha though did silently agree with him.

“We can do whatever you want, chibi.” Resting his head on top of Chuuya’s when the omega laid it back down on his shoulder.

The night was quiet, Chuuya enjoying this. Dazai surrounded him with his warmth, Sayu resting her head on his knee while getting head pats.

Nothing could ruin this.

“You lying whore.”

Both Dazai and Chuuya’s eyes snapped open when they heard the voice, Chuuya shrinking away seeing Shirase staring at them with burning anger in his eyes.

“Wait Shirase, let me explain.” Chuuya stood up out of the bench and Dazai’s embrace.

“There is nothing to explain, you’ve been seeing him behind my back the whole time.” Shirase snapped.

Sensing Chuuya’s distress Sayu growled, her fur bristling. Chuuya grabbed her leather collar to keep the akita reigned in so she wouldn't attack.

“Please Shirase, it’s not what you think.” Chuuya tried again to speak but Shirase was steaming mad he wasn’t letting the omega explain.

“You were just stringing me along weren’t you. Was any of it real? I should have known when you denied my courting gift when I first gave it to you.”

Dazai’s brow raised hearing that, not knowing Shirase had tried the next step. He wasn’t all that bothered, as far as his inner alpha knew Chuuya was his.

“I wasn’t stringing you along, I was interested at first but we both want different things. I didn’t want you to court me when I still have committed plans to leave.”

“You can’t use the Paris excuse on me anymore, now that you’re tied to him.” Shirase pointed an accusing finger at Dazai.

Dazai remained sitting on the bench, the two not seeing how hard he was holding the edge of it, the wood was starting to splinter.

“Unlike you I didn’t imply I would keep him here forever. I’m not denying Chuuya his dream to return home one day.”

“I highly doubt that, you marked him and put this new collar on him.” Shirase obviously noticed the ruby was gone but this was not a new collar, Chuuya still was not marked by Dazai.

“He didn’t-“

“Shut it you whore, spreading your legs for the rich to get closer to your goal. Though I guess once a red light concubine, always a red light concubine.”

It hurt Chuuya deeply to hear these things said to him by someone he considered a friend. Wanting to excuse Shirase’s behavior as him being hurt finding out Chuuya was seeing Dazai seriously.

Dazai smelt the sour scent from Chuuya and he couldn’t stand off to the side anymore.

Standing to his full height, gleeful that he was taller than Shirase.

“I think you should be quiet and move along.” Dazai, holding back from growling, he didn’t really want to tear apart this alpha in front of Chuuya but he wouldn't sit by and watch Chuuya be insulted like this.

“You should stop sticking your cock into other people's business.” Shirase growled back, baring his teeth a clear sign that he was ready to fight.

Sayu was now barking as she tried to lunge at Shirase to protect Chuuya who was giving off frightened pheromones. Chuuya didn’t want the two of them fighting mainly because he knew Dazai would win.

“Stop it you two! Sayu heel.” Chuuya commanded her, she eased back but was on high alert and ready to pounce onto Shirase.

“Nothing less than I expect from a spoiled brat, taking whatever he wants.”

“I didn’t steal him, Chuuya came to me on his own.”

“Like I’m supposed to believe that. You probably forced yourself on him and now have him brainwashed or you’re making him stay quiet with funds.”

Chuuya let out his own growl, how dare Shirase say something like that about Dazai. To insult him like that was a direct insult to Mori who taught Dazai to be the respectful alpha he is today.

“Shirase enough, go home and cool off before you say something you’ll regret.” Not having to hold Sayu back, Chuuya reached a hand out to place on Shirase’s arm to calm him.

Big mistake.

Shirse grabbed Chuuya and pulled the omega close, teeth sinking into the meat of his shoulder!

“S-Shirase-“ Chuuya’s look of betrayal will forever be burned into Shirase’s mind.

There was a loud growl as the next thing Chuuya knew the blinding pain in his shoulder was gone and Shirase on the ground holding his face. Chuuya was pulled into Dazai’s embrace, his scent was going crazy. A dominating presence that was making Chuuya light headed.

“Dazai?”

Shirase recovered and snarled at Dazai, the older alpha taking it as a challenge. Letting go of Chuuya he slammed into Shirase and the two were on the ground fighting.

Chuuya fell to his knees, a hand pressing against the wound on his shoulder. Breathing coming out fast when he pulled his hand away and saw blood. Sayu was barking loudly at the two alphas fighting but she stayed close to Chuuya to keep him safe.

Chuuya was realizing how close the bite was to his neck, only spared being marked because of his collar.

A pained groan pulled Chuuya back to reality and his eyes zeroed in on the two fighting. Dazai obviously had the advantage being older and taller. Shirase wouldn’t stand a chance and with him marking his territory on an omega that wasn’t his he essentially asked for a death wish.

Chuuya didn’t want Dazai to kill him so he finally commanded his legs to move and he got between them.

“Stop it you two!” Chuuya pushed at Dazai’s chest to get him off of Shirase who was a bloody mess from the punches and scratches. Dazai had his own fair share of punches and bruises, Shirase able to land some blows.

Sensing the distress from his omega Dazai backed off, pulling Chuuya with him as he shield Chuuya with his body. Growling loudly at Shirase slowly getting off the ground.

Chuuya watched the alpha who was no longer his friend stand up, spit some blood out and snarl.

“Whatever, you be his comfy little whore. I’m done, we’re through Chuuya. If I ever see your face again you better hope your rabid attack dog is nearby.”

“Threatening the mate of your prince in front of him is a bold move.” Dazai growled.

Shirase threw one last hiss at the two before he limped away.

Sayu wanted to chase after him but Dazai commanded her to lay down and stay still. When Shirase was no longer in sight did Dazai direct his attention onto Chuuya.

“Chuuya? Sweetheart, are you ok? Gods he got you bad let me.” Dazai’s hands were shaking as he held Chuuya close, burying his face into Chuuya’s bloody shoulder. The alpha began licking at the wound, trying to clean it up and get rid of the other alpha’s scent on him.

Chuuya was barely reacting, trying to process the utter betrayal he just went through.

Shirase tried to mark him, if he didn’t have his collar he would have belonged to the other alpha. Chuuya would have been lost to Dazai…

The reality of the situation settled in and there were tears falling from Chuuya’s eyes but he didn’t dare want to sob over what Shirase did. The alpha didn’t deserve his tears.

Feeling the wet sensation of Dazai’s tongue on his shoulder was bringing him back to reality. Chuuya gently ran a hand through Dazai’s hair to pull him away from the wound. Seeing Dazai’s mouth and chin bloody was a little jarring but Chuuya wasn’t afraid.

“…I’m ok.”

Physically he’ll be fine, the wound will heal and the marks will fade over time. Though Chuuya’s shoulder will be sore for awhile.

Dazai pressed his forehead to Chuuya’s, inhaling his scent but his nose scrunched, smelling Shirase on him.

Chuuya saw his reaction, it pained him seeing Dazai’s face react like that when taking in his scent but he understood. Another alpha tried to stake a claim on him.

“I think…I think I’d like to go home.”

Not back to the agency building.

Home, the estate.

Where his nest was, the hot springs that was theirs, where his maternal figure is.

“Yes sweetheart, we can go home, I can tell granddad-“

“No, it’s fine, he can stay, he is visiting his son. Let them be, I just want to go home.”

Dazai won’t argue with Chuuya, scooping the omega up bridal style in his arms. Commanding Sayu to follow, he walked Chuuya all the way back to the estate, taking the discreet entrance to not draw attention since both were covered in blood.

Most of everyone had gone to bed already so nobody was around. Dazai walked them to the hot springs to clean up.

Peeling off the ruined hanfu and his own bloody clothes. Chuuya sat still while Dazai undressed the two of them. Dazai was quiet while he used a soft rag to wipe away the dried blood on Chuuya’s shoulder, whispering apologies whenever Chuuya hissed in pain. Pressing kisses to the bite wound once cleaned, trying to mask the scent of the other alpha.

Chuuya moved his arms to wrap around Dazai’s shoulders to hold close. Dazai’s own arms wrapped around Chuuya’s waist.

“I know you want to rid his scent off of me, you can do it.” Taking one hand to gently pull Dazai by the chin so the two can lock eyes together.

“Mark what is yours.”

Shirase brushed his sleeve over his face, groaning seeing the blood on his sleeve. Angry he couldn’t even hold his own in the fight.

Now all he could do was go home and lick his wounds in defeat. Seeing a can on the street Shirase kicked it in anger. “Ugh shitty Chuuya! Fuck you and your stupid prick of an alpha.”

Shirase angrily mutters to himself.

“Oh you know Chuuya.”

Shirase sucked in a breath as he whirled around, since he was still on edge from the fight he lashed out at whoever spoke. Luckily for the passerby he took a step back missing the punch. Shirase pulled his hand back noticing the foreign alpha from before, the one who still was sending shivers of fear up his spine.

“Um yeah, do you know him?” Shirase wipes more blood off his face to look a little more presentable.

“You can say I’m an old friend of his family. Now tell me, where did you see Chuuya?”

“In the arms of his alpha, good luck getting to him. He’s glued to that prince’s side. Who are you by the way?”

“Fyodor, a pleasure and you?”

“Shirase.”

“Why don’t you tell me all your troubles, friend, my treat.”

Shirase still was on edge around Fyodor but a chance to wind down after a crushing defeat was calling to him. Nodding Shirase followed the alpha to the nearest pub to tell him what happened.

Chuuya’s back hit the futon and before he could whine about Dazai being apart the alpha was on top of him kissing his breath away.

The omega’s arms wrapped around Dazai holding him close as he left more kisses and nips all over Chuuya’s skin. Chuuya shivered whenever Dazai left kisses on the bite wound, the alpha had focused heavily on that spot while the two quickly cleaned up under the shower.

“Bite it, get rid of his mark.”

“But-“ Dazai didn’t want to cause Chuuya more pain but the omega grabbed his face, making Dazai look him in the eyes.

“Bite. It. Get rid of his attempt at claiming me, I’m yours.”

Dazai couldn’t hold back the groan of pleasure as he licked at the wound before biting down. Unlike when Shirase attempted to mark him this wasn’t as painful, just a light stinging sensation because it was Dazai doing it the pain was nothing.

Chuuya couldn’t help but moan and arch off the futon, his bare skin pressing against Dazai’s.

Dazai pulled away from the bite, licking away the blood and pressing kisses to it. Chuuya’s shoulder was going to be sore for days but it was worth it. It wasn’t a mating mark but it will do for now.

Chuuya grabbed at Dazai’s hair to pull him off so the two could share a deep passionate kiss. Dazai happily returned it as his arms wrapped around Chuuya’s body, keeping them close. With Dazai a little distracted from the kiss, Chuuya turned them so Dazai was lying on his back and Chuuya on top of the alpha. It was a power high for Chuuya having Dazai so easily flip onto his back for the omega. Chuuya’s hands smoothing up and down Dazai’s chest as he straddled the alpha’s lap, feeling the scars on the other’s chest under his hands.

Dazai’s hands grabbed Chuuya’s waist, keeping him in place, the omega letting out a whine as being stopped when he began rutting against Dazai’s lap.

“Are we safe?”

Chuuya threw his head back with a groan. “Yes Dazai we’re safe.” Chuuya will have his heat at the beginning month before his birthday which is weeks away.

“Just checking sweetheart.” Dazai patted Chuuya’s thigh, chuckling at his pout.

“I will inform you when it’s my heat so you can keep your mitts off of me.” Chuuya lay on top of Dazai, propping his chin on Dazai’s chest.

“Good.” Dazai pressed a kiss to Chuuya’s lips.

Chuuya took a few more kisses before he sat back up again to slowly grind his hips against Dazai. Reaching down to move the alpha’s cock so it laid against Dazai’s stomach, making it easier for Chuuya to rub his center against it.

“Gods Chuuya, already so wet.” Dazai’s hands holding his hips tighter.

“Only for my alpha.”

That sentence went straight to Dazai’s cock, twitching under Chuuya with interest.

Chuuya moved his hips a few more times before he wanted to continue things further, he wasn;t sure how long Dazai would allow him to be on top like this and Chuuya wanted to savor this.

Lifting up on his knees he reached under to take Dazai’s cock and guide it to his center. Slowly pushing the tip in before lowering himself down. Chuuya watched closely as Dazai’s hands squeezed his hips harder and he was squirming under Chuuya. He won’t ever get tired of seeing a view like this.

Once fully seated on Dazai’s cock Chuuya took a couple seconds to adjust, this new angle made the alpha’s cock reach deeper parts inside of him. Bracing his hands on Dazai’s abs as he lifted himself up a little, savoring the slide of Dazai’s cock before slamming his hips down, both letting out loud moans in unison.

Dazai helped Chuuya ride his cock by holding the omega’s hips and guiding his movements. A tiny voice of his inner alpha saying the omega should not be on top but the view of Chuuya was too good to ignore.

The low light from the lantern illuminated Chuuya beautifully, bathing his skin in a warm orange glow. It made his hair look brighter as it fell over his shoulders. The glint of the gold collar in the light caused Dazai to curl his lip so he instead focused on the bruised shoulder that had Dazai’s bite, his mark.

Chuuya threw his head back, a shiver of pleasure going up his spine but it wasn’t enough, he wanted more.

“A-Alpha, please, I need more…”

Dazai couldn’t deny a request like that, one arm circled around Chuuya’s middle while Dazai sat up. Capturing Chuuya’s lips into a deep kiss, Chuuya wrapped his arms around Dazai’s neck holding him closer pressing their chests close.

“Show me how you want me to take you.” Dazai whispered into Chuuya’s ear, the omega shuddering. Giving the omega the choice for how things will go down greatly turned Chuuya on.

Chuuya didn’t want to part from the cock inside him but he needed to in order to show Dazai what position he wanted. Whining as he pulled himself off and away from Dazai. He enjoyed the loving positions in the past but now he needed Dazai to claim him like he meant it.

Chuuya got onto his hands and knees before lowering his chest to the futon raising his hips up. In the past he would have flushed and died of embarrassment getting into a position like this but his inner omega wanted this, wanted to be claimed this way.

Dazai couldn’t help but moan at the view, a hand reaching out to grab a handful of Chuuya’s, the omega letting out a groan from the touch.

The alpha easily moved in position, cock sliding back into Chuuya easily. The two letting out moans at being connected again. The new position again had Chuuya feeling Dazai was deeper inside him.

Chuuya adjusted to the new position quickly, starting to squirm so Dazai pressed a hand at the center of the omega’s back to keep him in place as he began fucking him.

“Ah! Oh…” Chuuya letting out small moans, arching more for Dazai.

The alpha preened happily at Chuuya submitting to him, stroking his alpha pride that he was and will be the only one to see Chuuya like this.

“You’re mine, only mine.” Dazai grabbed both of Chuuya’s hips harder, most likely bruising the soft skin.

“Y-yours! Yours!” Chuuya answered, hands reaching out to grab the pillow and prop it under his chest, holding on tightly.

Through all the talk Dazai’s alpha whined because the collar will never make Chuuya his, the urge to put his hand over the collar and activate his ability was so strong. Dazai’s hand actually touched the collar, Chuuya sucking in a breath feeling Dazai’s grip on the collar. Both waiting to see what happens.

It would be so easy, just activate No Longer Human and expose Chuuya’s neck.

But Chuuya had his trust betrayed by one alpha already today.

Dazai’s hand pulled away to instead loop around Chuuya’s middle, Dazai pressing his chest to Chuuya’s back, holding him closer and rutting faster.

The relief that washed over Chuuya that Dazai didn’t destroy his collar added to the pleasure of his cock inside was enough to have Chuuya tightening more around the cock inside him.

“Inside! Inside me, I want it all.”

If Chuuya couldn’t have a mark now then he’ll settle for Dazai’s knot.

Hearing that from Chuuya had Dazai gripping him tighter, moving his hips faster into Chuuya. The omega gripped the pillow tighter as he couldn’t stop the moans spilling from his lips, blabbing for more and Dazai’s cock.

Dazai could feel his knot starting to form as he couldn’t push more into Chuuya, a part of him didn’t want to hurt the omega but with how wet and loose Chuuya was he could manage. Feeling his own release building up, Chuuya tightened more as the omega was getting close as well.

“Yes yes yes! More!” Chuuya arched more into Dazai’s form as he felt his orgasm wash over him.

Dazai grunted feeling Chuuya tighten more around his cock and he finally pushed his knot inside.

Both let out moans finally locking in place, Chuuya full body shuddering while Dazai pressed his face into Chuuya’s shoulder.

The omega moaned feeling Dazai fill him up with his seed, his inner omega was waiting for the bite to the nape of his neck but it never came.

Dazai let out a deep breath as he got a tight grip on Chuuya to turn the two to their sides. Chuuya couldn’t help the small moans and sighs from the movements, feeling the knot tug a little and Dazai’s cock moving inside him.

Laying on their sides to be comfortable, Chuuya shuddered when Dazai licked around the edges of the collar, both wishing he could have total access to Chuuya’s neck.

Reaching a hand behind him, Chuuya ran his fingers through Dazai’s hair, purring loudly. Dazai returned the purrs as he nuzzled closer to Chuuya. The alpha kept his arms wrapped around Chuuya, thumb brushing over his soft skin.

“Are we mates?” Dazai muttered into Chuuya’s shoulder.

“As much as we can be.” Chuuya holding onto Dazai’s arm, his own thumb brushing over the raised scars.

“My ability can keep yours contained, one touch is all I need.” Dazai muttered into Chuuya’s hair, nosing the fiery strands.

“…the risk is too great.”

Chuuya bit his lip hearing the sigh of disappointment.

Dazai didn’t want the two to go to sleep on a sour note so he started to press kisses behind Chuuya’s ear which he discovered was a ticklish spot. Chuuya squirming as he laughed and moaned since the two were still connected.

“Dazai- ah, s-stop.” Giggling louder from the sensitive sensation, thankfully Dazai stopped and properly kissed Chuuya’s lips before grabbing the edge of the blanket and pulling it over the two.

“Goodnight Chuuya.”

“Night Dazai.”

The two easily falling asleep, safe and content in their embrace.

Chapter Text

Despite Dazai wanting to stay wrapped up with Chuuya all day he had to slip away and deal with damage control.

Emerging from the room to seek out his father and tell him about the fight, just in case Shirase went to the agency and reported it. Dazai also wanted to know if his grandfather was still around.

Dazai found Fukuzawa out in a courtyard doing some of his swordsmen exercises with his blade, the alpha diligent in his regiment to stay active and fit. Dazai waited until Fukuzawa finished to approach him, of course his father would notice the mixture of scents on his son.

“Congratulations.”

“Yeah…well I sorta got into a fight with someone, I just want you to know in case he files assault charges.”

The silence from his father was deafening, the older alpha sighed heavily before sheathing his sword, gesturing for Dazai to walk with him and explain.

“What happened?”

“Chuuya and I ran into the alpha that was also interested in him, he got a little angry seeing us together. I did try to keep myself restrained. I really did father but then he tried to mark Chuuya and I snapped.”

“He did what to Chuuya?” Fukuzawa’s brows raised concern.

“Thankfully he couldn’t actually mark Chuuya because of his collar but I snapped seeing that.” The image of Shirase’s jaw on Chuuya flashed across Dazai’s eyes and he let out a low growl remembering, his inner alpha wanted to tear the other limb by limb.

“You attacked first which puts you mostly at fault but he did unwillingly attempt to force a mark on an omega. The law isn’t exactly in your favor, do you think he will file a complaint?” Fukuzawa needed to get all the facts before making a move.

“I don’t know, I just wanted to let you know in case you go into the agency and there are reporters and your boss ready to maul you.” Dazai could see the headlines, painting him attacking some innocent bystander.

“I will head over to the agency right now to see if anything was brought to them, if no complaint was filed then you are in the clear. Is Chuuya ok?”

“He’s fine.” A little tired from other activities but overall doing well.

“Very well, I will be back later with news. You two stay here.”

Dazai nodded and watched his father leave.

The young alpha debated whether or not to tell his mother but the omega didn’t need more stress.

Dazai knocked on the door to his parent’s room and Elise was the one who answered. A finger on her lips to indicate to be quiet and keep voices low.

“He’s sleeping, is there a problem?” Elise spoke in a whisper.

“I just wanted to know if grandfather is still here.”

“Left this morning back to the capital.”

Dazai let out a small sigh of relief. “I do need your medical help. Can you come to Chuuya’s room in ten minutes.”

Elise nodded, retreating back into Mori’s room with a quiet slide of the door. Dazai walked down the halls back to Chuuya’s room, Sayu still sleeping next to the door. She had scratched a little to be let in last night but after being denied she gave up.

Dazai opened the door and shut it before the dog woke up, not exactly ready to share Chuuya just yet.

Chuuya was right where he left him this morning, curled up in the nest, he kicked off the blankets so they were only covering his legs. Chuuya’s breathing was slow and even, showing he was still sleeping.

Dazai took Chuuya’s robe from the closet and approached, gently shaking Chuuya’s shoulder to wake him up.

Chuuya let out a groan, burying his face more into the pillow.

“Chuuya, come on, wake up.”

“No…”

Dazai rolled his eyes, if Chuuya didn’t want to wake he'd at least dress him. Slipping the robe on Chuuya as he just laid there like a ragdoll, Chuuya winced when Dazai moved his arm on the side with the mark. It honestly looked worse this morning than it did last night.

Sayu’s barking alerted Elise’s presence before she knocked.

“Time to get up, Elise is here.” Dazai whispered to Chuuya, pressing a kiss to Chuuya’s cheek before slipping away to let Elise in.

Chuuya woke up more and sat up, tying the robe quickly to preserve his modesty.

Elise entered the room, Sayu still barking until Dazai told her to stop. Elise looked between Dazai and Chuuya.

“Should congratulations be in order?” She couldn’t smell at all but it didn’t take much for her to know what these two were up to last night.

Chuuya flushed, looking away from her.

“Can you look at his shoulder, make sure it’s not infected.”

Dazai picked Elise to look at this since he knew Chuuya would be mortified if Mori saw the mark and then Dazai wouldn’t hear the end of it from Yosano if she knew.

Chuuya slipped off the robe on his bad shoulder, he glanced at it best he could and winced seeing the purple bruises.

Elise came close, kneeling onto her knees to get a better look. A mindful eye examined it, fingers hovering over as she looked at the bite wounds, noting how one was bigger on top of the smaller one.

“Did you let two rabid wolves bite you last night kid?” Elise was glad she brought a small first aid kit, pulling out some rubbing alcohol to add to a clean rag. “This will sting.” Pressing the rag on the wound.

Chuuya winced from the stinging pain. “Kinda.”

“I’m not going to pry, not really my business.” Elise cleaned up the wound before she added a healing salve. Rubbing it gently into Chuuya’s skin before taking a roll of gauze to wrap up the wound so it can be protected.

“That should do it, it doesn’t look infected, but I recommend using the rubbing alcohol every night until it scabs over. If it starts turning a different color, inform your mother right away.” Elise gathered up her supplies to put away.

“Will do, thanks Elise.”

Elise gave Dazai a nod before she left, sighing loudly when Sayu started barking at her again.

Chuuya’s cheeks had been bright red the whole time, just the thought of ‘she knows’ going through his head.

Dazai took a seat in one of the chairs, him and Chuuya sitting in silence.

“I had to tell my father what happens in case Shirase presses charges against me for attacking him.”

Chuuya gulped, he hoped Shirase wouldn’t but Dazai did attack him first.

Then someone flashed through Chuuya’s mind.

“Yuan!”

Chuuya scrambled out of the nest Dazai hot on his heels as Chuuya went to the room Yuan had. Other servants were waking up and moving out of the way when Chuuya was running down the hall. Chuuya reached the door and saw it was slightly opened. Chuuya opened the door and saw that it was empty!

“Yuan?”

Chuuya looked around for her and didn’t see the pink hair beta anywhere.

Naomi was passing by and noticed. “Oh Yuan left this morning, she had to quit. Sorry about that Chuuya, she said it was urgent.”

Chuuya’s heart clenched hearing the news, why would she quit? Did Shirase tell her what happened? But Shirase attacked him!

Dazai quickly came over to Chuuya and pulled him into his arms to calm Chuuya down. “It’s ok, you can see her later, you need to take it easy ok.”

Chuuya was still wrought with worry, Dazai knew that Chuuya wanted to go out and see where Yuan was but he needed to stay within the estate until his father came back giving them the all clear.

Dazai made Chuuya stay with his mother all day until Fukuzawa came back and said no charges had been filed or a report about the incident.

Chuuya was fraught with worry, he couldn’t find Yuan.

After waiting a week to see if she would come back on her own, Chuuya went into the city to check and see if she was at her apartment. Yuan wasn’t there and the bakery she worked at said they hadn’t seen her.

Next Chuuya checked on where Shirase was just in case she was with him and same as before the blacksmith said he quit as well.

The omega was heartbroken to know that his friends were gone, especially Yuan. Feeling betrayed thinking Shirase had contacted her first and spun some tale about how he was a horrible friend even though Chuuya was the one who had an alpha touch him when he didn’t want it.

This obviously sent Chuuya into a depressive episode, he didn’t have much energy to do anything.

Dazai was worried about Chuuya, especially when he was barely eating anything. Luckily Mori was able to get through to the omega and get him to eat enough.

Dazai had to put his trust in his mother to watch over Chuuya for now. He did ask Ranpo if he could investigate where Chuuya’s friends ran off to, exchanging some info he pulled from Chuuya to Ranpo in exchange with also some dango sticks.

Luckily it was good news and Ranpo informed him the two had just skipped town, going to the capital.

Chuuya wasn’t exactly thrilled to know his friends essentially bailed on him but at least they were alive.

“My heat is coming up.” Chuuya mumbled into Dazai’s hair.

The two were snuggling, the alpha laying gently on top of Chuuya, the omega’s arms looped around him.

“Mmmh, how do you want to handle it?” Dazai nuzzled Chuuya’s chest, it was the beginning of April and all of the snow was finally gone. It had lasted longer than usual this winter so everyone was eager for the bright sunny days. This also was the last month of Mori’s pregnancy which everyone was waiting on baited breath to wrap up.

“I want to be here but alone, your mother can stay. I don’t want to move him given his condition.”

Chuuya also felt being around Mori will lessen many of the symptoms of a heat. Even if they weren’t mated Chuuya’s body will crave Dazai and make the heat worse by being denied.

“That’s fine, I’ll be at the agency, only a phone call away.” Dazai pressed some kisses to Chuuya’s chin and then cheeks.

Dazai didn’t really want to leave knowing Chuuya would need help but it was for the best that they remain separated.

It was a long reluctant goodbye between them when the time finally came. Chuuya did not want to let go but Dazai had to leave.

Chuuya spent the first day of his heat wallowing in pity, not feeling the usual symptoms. Chuuya felt really pathetic as he cried the majority of the time, missing Dazai, missing his friends, feeling betrayed. Honestly letting all of his feelings after the last couple of weeks bubble up and over into him being an absolute wreck.

Thankfully Mori was there to comfort him.

Chuuya felt bad having the older omega watch over him when he should be focusing on himself but Mori couldn’t let Chuuya go through this alone. The comforting scent Mori gave off helped, Chuuya snuggling into his side as he laid back amongst a mountain of pillows and blankets. Fukuzawa made the nest a little over the top before he left.

Being near Mori lessened the usual heat symptoms, all Chuuya was really feeling mostly was heartache and a little cramping.

Mori wiped Chuuya’s eyes with a handkerchief, setting it to the side.

“It’s ok darling.”

“But I miss her, I miss her so much, but why did she leave me?” Chuuya crying over Yuan again.

Mori wished he had the answer but sadly he was grasping at nothing since this was all news to him. Chuuya confessed the night after his birthday the previous alpha made an unwilling attempt to mark him. Mori had to suppress a growl wanting to rip that young alpha apart.

Besides that he got a little more details than he needed to know about Dazai and Chuuya becoming mates as much as they could with Chuuya’s collar being in the way.

All Mori can do is give Chuuya comfort during this time.

Chuuya just fell into a sobbing fest again, Mori giving him the handkerchief to just cry into.

Usually Chuuya would cry himself to sleep and Mori would just rub his back until he woke up again and take some time to realize where he is.

On the last day Chuuya was a little more stable, his eyes red and puffy from crying, feeling a little exhausted and icky.

Chuuya came to and slowly blinked, taking in his surroundings. He was in Mori’s nest, the omega was sleeping next to him, Chuuya tugged a little at his robes before sitting up. The movement woke Mori up.

“Chuuya.” Mori took a moment to yawn. “You ok?” The older omega could smell the heat pheromones were fading.

“I’m fine, tired, sorry for being a pain.”

“Nonsense darling.” Mori sat up, it was a little difficult for him due to how far along he was. Chuuya moved close to help Mori. “Thank you, is the heat over?”

Chuuya nodded, what he wanted most was to clean up after the heat which was mostly just a cryfest.

“I’ll inform everyone to come home tomorrow, you take as much time as you need.”

Chuuya was really thankful for Mori, really he did so much for the young omega.

“Thank you, for everything Mori-san.”

The older omega gave him a smile, he leaned close and pressed a gentle kiss to Chuuya’s forehead.

“Anytime pup.”

Chuuya didn’t really want to start crying again, feeling the utter love and adoration from the older omega. Rubbing at his eyes as he slipped away to clean himself up.

To make up for Mori staying with him, Chuuya wanted to make Mori a meal. Relieving Naomi of kitchen duties for tonight, he let her go since she was eager to go and see her brother.

Chuuya thought to make some onigiri but fry them so Mori has a warm meal. It was quick and easy, along with everything being properly cooked. Mori was thankful for the meal Chuuya made him and the two ate alone in the sewing room.

Mori winced which caused Chuuya to worry but he reassured him.

“Just the baby kicking.”

“They’ve been more lively lately haven’t they?”

Mori sighed, reclining back more in the chair, a hand holding his bump. “Not giving me a break, loves kicking me whenever I’m trying to sleep. Be patient little one.” Mori addresses the bump, hoping the baby will hear and cease tossing and turning inside.

“It's just a few more weeks.” Chuuya mused, everyone was counting them down.

“You are right, and in a few more weeks it will be your birthday. I’ll try to hold the baby in to not steal your moment.” Mori chuckled.

Chuuya was reminded his birthday will be soon, the end of April.

This will be the first birthday in a long time he will be celebrating it happily with people who care and adore him.

“Do you want to do anything special?”

“Not really, I would just like something quiet, like yours.”

Mori nodded and understood not having an outlandish party was starting to become the norm for this family.

Chuuya finished his food and cleaned his hands before taking the plates and setting off to the side. Then he noticed the kimono stand holding his empty kimono. It has been months and he still hasn’t come up with a theme. Mori noticed Chuuya looking longingly at his blank kimono.

“Don’t fret darling, a design will come to you soon enough.”

“I guess but you finished the tiger one and that is beautiful.” Chuuya gestured to the finished kimono, the white tiger had the finished touches.

“I didn’t become that great overnight, I would be stumped on designs for sometimes a year.”

Chuuya was feeling zero inspiration, not even motivation to do something small.

“Inspiration will come, give it time and you have no time limit.”

All Chuuya could do was nod, continuing to watch Mori work in hopes some inspiration would come. When the older omega was ready to retire for the night Chuuya helped Mori back to his room to settle. Chuuya lingered around, not really keen on sleeping alone but luckily this whole family was very pack driven so Mori let Chuuya lay down with him.

Chuuya made the call in the morning for everyone to come back, eagerly waiting for Dazai to return.

Waiting for him at the gate, Sayu sitting next to him. She was so much bigger now, her head reaching the omega’s stomach, but he was short. Chuuya predicted if she stood on her hind legs she could put her paws on Dazai’s shoulders.

The gate opened and Sayu let out a woof. Chuuya smiled brightly seeing Dazai, opening his arms as the alpha ran over to him. Picking up Chuuya and spinning him around.

“Missed you chibi, how are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re here.”

“Let me say hi to mom and then I’m all yours.” Dazai gives Chuuya one more kiss leaving him breathless.

Life returned back to normal at the estate, it had been sometime since it had been like it used to be.

Chuuya and Mori in the sewing room working, Fukuzawa taking Dazai with him to the agency to work. Yosano handles all the medical duties now with Kunikida helping her.

Though as the days went by without a care it was getting closer and closer to Chuuya’s birthday and somebody was stumped.

“What do I get him? It needs to be special.” Dazai lamented to Mori, catching him at a rare time he wasn’t with Chuuya, the omega in question had gone with Yosano to the orphanage for a wellness checkup.

“Well what are things he likes?” Mori sewed away while Dazai spoke.

“He likes red wine, the sweeter kind of chocolate, and dogs.” Giving a small shudder mentioning the animal. “His fish, something called crepes. Chuuya likes a lot of French things but those are so hard to get.”

It sounded like the perfect gift to get him, something from the place he called home and wants to go back to. But things from the west and Europe were hard to come by.

“Those things are difficult to get here, but maybe you can find something in the capital. It’s only a day train ride.”

Dazai had a week until the day, two days would be wasted getting to the capital and then coming home if he was to do this but he was running out of ideas.

“But I wouldn’t know where to start in the capital, I haven’t been there often.” And for good reasons.

“Why not take Kunikida with you, he knows how to navigate.”

But two days stuck with Kunikida in a small train car did not sound fun, though this was for Chuuya.

“You think Yosano will let me borrow him?”

Kunikida was not really that thrilled he was volunteered to travel to the capital with Dazai. Especially when Dazai was doing everything he could to be the most annoying person in the world.

“Can’t you just be quiet for once?” Kunikida sighed again, peering over his notebook to Dazai sitting across from him on their train ride.

“But I’m bored and trying to fill the silence, talk to me Kunikida.” Dazai whined.

“Alright then.” Kunikida slammed his notebook shut hard. “What are you and Ranpo investigating?”

Dazai’s eyes widened betraying his involvement.

“What are you talking about?” Dazai tried to play it off as nothing but Kunikida’s gaze narrowed.

“Don’t play dumb with me Dazai. It does not work with me.”

Dazai let out a small huff, crossing his arms. “What makes you think we’re investigating something?”

“You’ve been frequently going to the agency not with your father and Ranpo has been coming by the estate more than ever. I even asked sensei about it and he confirms you two are working on some project.”

Dazai hadn’t expected his father to notice and then blab but he doesn’t have to reveal everything.

“I’m helping Ranpo catch a killer, he wanted a new set of eyes on the case so asked me. We’ve been brainstorming for weeks, especially since the killer has gone quiet.”

It wasn’t a lie, Ranpo and him were looking for a killer. Kunikida didn’t have to know it was the same killer who destroyed the last workplace of Chuuya.

Kunikida and him had a silent stare off, the blonde most likely to see if Dazai was lying.

“Have you’ve gotten any leads?” Kunikida seemed to believe Dazai.

“We had one but it led to a dead end, the killer has gone quiet but we’re always remaining vigilant if he attacks again.”

This seemed to be enough to not have Kunikida be suspicious anymore.

Dazai did quickly derail the conversation and prevent Kunikida from prying anymore by teasingly asking Kunikida how many pups he was going to have with Yosano. It was cute watching the blonde’s ears go red.

When they finally arrived at the capital Dazai wanted to go and find a gift for Chuuya as quickly as possible. The less time he spent in the capital the better. Kunikida knew where to go from the train station, since the capital was the main hub for Japan cable cars were more accessible here. The two managed to jump onto one before it left the station, having to stand on the step outside the door but it was honestly for the best seeing how jam packed everyone was inside.

“If we stay on this cable car it will take us right into the city and we can easily find the shopping district.”

Dazai nodded, he pulled his hood over his head to give his face some cover. Not wanting to be recognized in enemy territory. Last thing he needed was for one of the emperor’s many spies to see him in the city not with his parents.

The two jumped off the car before the stop and ran out of the street to avoid getting hit by cars. Tokyo was much busier than Yokohama.

Kunikida was thankfully a good guide and they managed to find the shopping district which was just filled to the brim with people and shops. Dazai pulled the hood more around his head, mainly because he knew he was about to be assaulted by way too many scents.

It was hard window shopping and dodging around people but the two had a certain goal in mind. A store that had foreign goods, mainly from Europe.

The two finally found a shop, it had clothes in the display of a dress and suit from Europe so the two headed inside. There were other patrons in the store so the two quietly browsed.

Dazai was looking in a glass display that had an assortment of brooches, one stood out to him amongst the rest. It had a decently sized rounded gem that was many colors, it had reds, oranges, purples and some black in it. The gold ornate border around it complimented the gem and it looked like it could fasten either by pinning it or making it into a collar.

The store clerk noticed Dazai staring at it and came over.

“I see you eyeing the dragon opal, a rare and beautiful gem all the way from Australia. Is this perhaps a courting gift?”

Dazai looked to the clerk then back to the gem. “In a way, do you also have fedoras?” Butchering the word again.

“As a matter of fact we do, stay right here sir.”

The clerk disappeared, probably to go to the back of the store. He returned later with two hat boxes. Placing them on the counter he opened them up. The first fedora he showed was all gray in color with a black band around it. Not really catching Dazai’s eye, but the next one did.

It was black with a red stain band around it, another perk is that it looked like it fit Chuuya perfectly, the clerk said it was the smallest size they had but alterations could be made.

“I’ll take it as is, and the gem too.”

“Wonderful sir, let me get everything packaged up and complete your order.”

Dazai got Kunikida’s attention to say they were done, which the blonde was grateful for since a few older ladies were fawning over him and thinking he was one of the things they could take home.

Dazai had no trouble dropping the large amount of yen for the gem, not batting an eye as he pocketed the gem and then took the hat box.

“Pleasure doing business with you.”

The two exited out of the store and Dazai was making a beeline back to the station.

“Dazai wait.” Kunikida trying to catch up to the alpha who was all but sprinting.

“I’m not waiting, let's hope there is a train straight to Yokohama, the less I stay here the better.”

Kunikida could understand why Dazai was hesitant but the chances of them getting a train this last minute was not ideal. Kunikida almost didn’t get on a cable car but Dazai pulled him on. The blonde took a moment to catch his breath.

“There might not be a train ready until tomorrow, we should find an inn to stay the night.”

“We’ll do that if there are no trains.”

Luck was in their favor, there was a train right about to leave for Yokohama and Dazai managed to get two tickets. They both had to run and have a conductor help them onto the train but they made it. The tickets were for the general seats on the train but Dazai didn’t care. They found some open seats and sat down.

Dazai sighing in relief that they were going home.

Kunikida threw his head back groaning from all the last minute running.

“It wasn’t that bad, I got exactly what I came for and we’ll be back home around lunch time.”

Kunikida couldn’t exactly argue that this worked out perfectly but he was starting to feel exhaustion weigh heavily on him.

“I’ll keep watch, you get some sleep.”

It wasn’t ideal to fall asleep on the train in these open cars, easy to get pick pocketed. Kunikida crossed his arms over his chest and got himself comfortable to catch some sleep despite the car being noisy and filled with other people.

Dazai lets Kunikida sleep the whole way home, the blonde can be such a heavy sleeper when he gets comfortable. Having to shake him pretty hard in order for him to wake up and let the blonde know they arrived.

Since they got back to Yokohama earlier than expected they will have to get home by foot.

It was a long walk but the two finally made it home, the lights all off since it was instead late into the night. Dazai got them inside via the servant’s entrance and Kunikida made a beeline for Yosano’s room.

Dazai needed to hide his gifts until the day of Chuuya’s birthday until he went to the omega’s room that was slowly becoming their room. Dazai had been slowly moving his items into it along with his futon which Chuuya put together with his to make one big bed.

The big bed was nice in giving them a lot of room but it also allowed someone else to join them.

Dazai opened the door and Sayu perked up, a low growl until she recognized it was just Dazai. She was now her full grown height and she was massive. Runt of the litter Dazai’s ass she was a horse!

The akita still was very well behaved, if Dazai wanted he could snap and point for her to get out of the bed but she was being good so he’ll allow it.

Chuuya was deep in sleep, not having woken up when Dazai entered. The omega didn’t rouse until after Dazai changed into his sleepwear and climbed into the bed. Chuuya turning over to snuggle into Dazai’s chest. The alpha letting out a please hum as he wrapped arms around Chuuya, pressing a kiss to Chuuya’s hair before settling down for sleep.

The morning of Chuuya’s birthday Dazai was there to wake him up with kisses all over his face. Chuuya was laughing behind all the affections he was getting. It had been a long time since he got spoiled on his birthday.

“Since you requested a relaxing day we can stay here snuggling until dinner with everyone.”

“That does sound tempting.” Chuuya wrapped his arms around Dazai’s neck to pull him closer.

“We also don’t have to just cuddle.” Dazai’s hands start to move down Chuuya’s sides, the omega shivering, understanding the implications.

“As tempting as that sounds, I really just want to relax.”

“This can be relaxing.” Dazai countered, having found himself on top of Chuuya but not crushing him.

“Maybe later, right now I really want to soak in the hot springs.”

Dazai only relented with the promise of later. Pulling himself off of Chuuya to allow the omega to sit up and stretch. Threading fingers through his hair, it was getting way too long, going past his shoulders in some places. Chuuya should probably cut it soon.

“Am I allowed to join you?”

“Only if you behave.” Chuuya gets out of bed to collect a robe for him to change into after he finished soaking.

“Oh maybe I shouldn’t because you know I like misbehaving.” Dazai sauntered over to Chuuya, ready to reach out and pull the omega close but Chuuya dodged the embrace and swiftly made his way to the door.

“Poor baby, looks like you can’t join then.” Throwing a smirk over his shoulder before he left for the hot springs.

Chuuya won’t admit it around Dazai but soaking in the hot water alone was relaxing and just what he needed. Staying in there a few hours until he emerged, limbs a little slow from how long he soaked.

Returning to an empty room, most likely went to set or help the family around with dinner.

Chuuya took the alone time to get ready, Sayu watching from her corner of the bed as Chuuya debated what to wear.

“The light blue or salmon color hanfu?” Dazai holding both up, wondering which would look good.

After much debate Chuuya actually instead picked a light orange color one with a peach color sheer scarf. Chuuya braided one long strand of hair before he did up the rest in long ribbons and a hair comb.

The omega also had gotten his hands on some makeup, just lightly adding a blush to his cheeks.

Chuuya stared at the rogue to add to his lips…perhaps another time.

Confident with his look, Chuuya was ready for his birthday with his family.

Chuuya paused after leaving the room, when did he begin thinking this was his family? Sure he has been with them all a long time, has shared meals with them almost every night, was close to the head omega and was in a relationship with the son but could he dare call them his family?

Chuuya shook his head of those thoughts because last time he had a family Chuuya…

Not wanting to start sobbing all of a sudden Chuuya quickly made his way to the room the family was in, opening the door and those intrusive thoughts melted away seeing everyone.

Dishes laid out on the table with just the immediate family, everyone’s heads turned when Chuuya opened the door and the smiles from everyone warmed the young omega’s heart.

Everyone wished him a happy birthday along with gifts.

Mori and Fukuzawa got him his own sewing kit, it had all the necessary things a seamstress would need, it all came together in a convenient messenger bag so it could be carried on the go.

Yosano got him some books, the next volumes in some series he was ready, Chuuya couldn’t wait to open and see what happens next.

Surprisingly Nastume had gotten Chuuya a gift, it was a very expensive bottle of red wine. Chuuya was a little taken back the older gentlemen would get him something like this, Mori said perhaps it was also an apology gift for all that has happened.

Dazai said he give his gift later, seemed to be his theme with gift giving to only hand them out when it was just himself and who he wished to give the gift to.

Chuuya thanked everyone for the gifts, dinner and a wonderful birthday.

When he was alone with Dazai in the gardens did the alpha present his gift to him.

A large round box with a small one on top.

“Open the big one first.” Dazai held the smaller box in his hand while Chuuya undid the tie and took the lid off the box.

Chuuya’s eyes widened seeing the hat inside, taking the fedora out gently. Turning the hat to the side to admire it’s detail more.

“Are you going to put it on?” Dazai pulled Chuuya out of his gawking, taking the box off his lap and setting it to the side.

Chuuya flushed for a second before he took the hair comb out of his hair and then put the hat on. It was a perfect fit and Chuuya smiled, feeling the weight on his head.

“How do I look?”

“Perfect.” Dazai then handed Chuuya the other gift.

Chuuya held the small box, weighing it a little in his hands before opening. He was shocked looking at the gorgeous gem.

“The diamond charm can technically be a courting gift but I wanted to get you a real one. I hope you like it.”

Chuuya gently pulled it out, holding the gem in the palm of his hands. The colors were breathtaking, it almost looked like the eye of a mythical creature.

“I love it…so does this mean?”

“I think we skipped a lot of steps but who said you didn’t need to do them in order.” Dazai leaned in for a kiss which Chuuya returned, wrapping his arms around Dazai’s neck.

Chuuya tossed and turned, he couldn’t fall asleep.

Envying Dazai who was out like a light next to him, not tormented by the thoughts Chuuya was wrestling with. It’s been a few days after his birthday and after Dazai gave him an official courting gift.

Chuuya sat up, his gaze going to the vanity where the gem rested. He could see it barely in the glow of the moonlight.

Unable to find sleep Chuuya got out of the bed, Sayu awoke with a concerned whine but he gave her some pets and told the akita to go back to bed while he grabbed a small lantern and lit it.

Chuuya decides to take a walk around the estate to clear his mind.

The thoughts that kept plaguing him was whether or not he should ask Dazai to remove the collar.

Chuuya was weighing the pros and cons with this.

The cons was he could lose control and destroy everything.

The pros were Dazai had an ability that negates any ability and then his father had one that would allow everyone to have control over theirs if they were a part of the family.

It really sounded like Chuuya landed the jackpot in regards to others keeping his ability under control but at the same time what if things went wrong? What if Dazai couldn’t stop him or his ability was too much for Fukuzawa.

These were the many what ifs he kept thinking about.

Chuuya ran a hand through his hair with a groan, turning the corner he almost ran into someone.

“Oh sorry- Mori-san? What are you doing up?” Chuuya went to the omega’s side, checking him over to make sure everything was ok.

“Ah Chuuya, fancy to see you up this late too.”

“I couldn’t sleep but you should be resting, you said the baby could come any day now.”

Mori let out a chuckle as he gestured for Chuuya to walk with him, the young omega following after him.

“The little one will not let me sleep, kicking around, they seem impatient.” Mori put a hand on his middle.

Chuuya took the lantern the older was carrying, holding both in his hand as they walked the halls slowly.

“I’m hoping a few laps around will put them to sleep.”

Nodding along as they rounded a corner, Chuuya noting they just seemed to be going in a big circle around the estate.

“Are you nervous Mori-san?”

“A little, I always was nervous about having my children. The pain is going to be hard this time around.”

“I bet, my mother said he never wanted to go through that again so that’s why I’m an only child-“

Chuuya stopped noticing that Mori wasn’t in step with him and had stopped. A hand on the wall and another on his middle.

“…mom?”

Chuuya didn’t realize what slipped out as he walked over to Mori, holding the lanterns up to see what had happened. There was a far away look on Mori’s face before the older omega took a deep breath and looked at Chuuya.

“The baby is coming.”

Chapter Text

“What do I do?! Mom, what do I do?!” Chuuya was panicking after Mori revealed the news that the baby was coming right now!

Mori reached out and grabbed Chuuya’s shoulders, steadying the young omega and getting him to look at him.

“Breath Chuuya, it’s ok don’t panic. My water just broke, it should be time before contract- ah!” Mori buckled and fell to his knees, Chuuya dropped the lanterns to catch the omega and make sure he didn't hit the floor. Hearing the omega’s cry of pain was not making him calm down. He quickly put the lanterns out so they wouldn’t catch on fire.

“Oh no, no it's too early.” Mori winced in pain clutching his middle. “The contractions are starting now, the baby is coming sooner than expected.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened, holding onto Mori tighter. “What do I do mom?”

“Help me back to my nest please.”

Chuuya can do that, he helped Mori stand back up and sling the omega’s arm over his shoulder to begin walking back to his room. It was a little harder in the dark but Mori knew his home like the back of his hand.

The two had to stop when another contraction hit, making Mori grit his teeth in pain.

“Six minutes, this baby will be coming here fast.”

Chuuya was unaware of what the implication of contractions happening so much closer to each other meant.

They finally made it to Mori’s room and Chuuya opened the door best he could without letting Mori go. The omega’s pained whelp woke Fukuzawa up who was immediately getting out of bed to his mate’s side.

“Dove?”

“It’s time Yukichi, it’s happening way too fast though!”

Fukuzawa luckily knew exactly what this meant, scooping Mori into his arms. Chuuya let out a whine when the omega was taken from his grasp.

“Chuuya, wake up Yosano now!”

Chuuya flinched from the loud tone of the alpha but it prompted him to move as fast as he could. He yelled out Yosano’s name, hoping it would be loud enough to wake her up.

Chuuya slid and fell on the ground in front of her room, luckily Yosano heard his scream and she opened the door.

“Chuuya what?”

“The baby is coming!”

Yosano didn’t give Chuuya or Kunikida who emerged after her in the room to react as she sprinted down the halls.

Yosano crashed into Dazai who heard Chuuya screaming. “You oaf out of the way the baby is coming!”

Dazai’s eyes widened as he scrambled to his feet and followed after Yosano. She entered the room and seeing her mother in pain from another contraction stopped her stun for a second before she let her medical knowledge kick in.

“How close have the contractions been?” Yosano rolled her sleeves back.

“Minutes, this baby wants out now.” Mori panted out, gritting his teeth. Holding Fukuzawa’s hand tightly.

Hearing how close the contractions were right after the water breaking was not a good sign. Yosano then heard the thundering footsteps of everyone catching up and at the door.

“Leave us! Less people the better.” She barked at all of them, her patient needed to not be overwhelmed.

As much as everyone wanted to be there in the room Yosano was right. Luckily Kunikida had the level head and shut the door giving them the privacy they needed.

Yosano, glad she won’t have the distraction of everyone else worrying and hovering over her shoulder, went to fetch the medical briefcase her mother kept always in his room. Because of the contractions hitting early Yosano won’t have the help of Elise to guide her through this. Summoning the guardian would drain Mori’s strength and he needed it all to do this.

“Pardon me mother.” Yosano opened up the yukata so she could have a better look and her eyes widened in horror seeing that Mori wasn’t even dilated. The baby had nowhere to go!

“What’s with that face? What is it?” Mori groaned from more pain.

“You’re…there is no dilation.”

Mori’s own eyes widened hearing this as another painful contraction hit him, the pain was so much more intense this round and he could feel the baby dropping. But if his own body wasn’t even in preparation to bear this child it had nowhere to go and could suffocate inside him!

There was another way to get the baby out but to resort to that…

When another contraction snuck up on Mori, knowing he should be pushing during this pain but he couldn't they needed to act fast.

“Yosano, look at me.”

Yosano locked eyes with her mother, hands shaking as the weight of the situation was starting to weigh her down.

“You need to cut the baby out of me.”

“Dove-“

“It’s the only way! If I push the baby has no way of getting out, they could die inside me. Cut them out.”

The others outside the door must have heard them as there was commotion but Yosano ignored it. She never performed something like this before, this was on the level of surgery!

“Yosano honey look at me! You have to do this.”

Yosano didn’t want to but she had no choice. There was no time to do the sanitary procedures for this as she grabbed the scalpel, holding the sharp knife in her hand that was shaking. She was going to cut her own mother open!

“Mom- I can’t-“ Yosano did not realize she was crying.

“Yes you can, you have to-“ Mori’s words cut off as another contraction ripped through him, this one the most painful, screaming loudly. “YOSANO!”

Yosano snapped out of it as she took the scalpel and cut across the lower stomach of Mori, watching skin and muscle peel away like butter. Mori was now screaming from being ripped open. Fukuzawa held onto Mori tightly to help him through the pain.

There was so much blood, it was getting everywhere but Yosano had to ignore it as she kept cutting until reaching inside her mother to pull out the baby.

The screams that were coming from Mori will not be leaving everyone’s memory any time soon.

Yosano pulled the baby out, taking a rag to wipe at their face.

“Why are they not crying? Why?” Mori was muttering trying to hear the cries of his newborn but he was meant with silence.

Yosano was also worrying why the baby wasn’t reacting, she tried to rub some life into them, then gently compressing his chest.

Finally there was a wail that ripped through the room.

Everyone collectively let out a sigh of relief. Yosano gathering the baby in her arms. “He’s alive.”

“He…it’s a boy…” Mori let out a smile before he suddenly went limp.

“Dove? Ōgai? Dove, stay with me!” Fukuzawa shook Mori who was unresponsive.

Hearing his father’s cries for his mate was too much for Dazai to ignore anymore and he opened the door, seeing his mother practically lifeless in his father’s arms and so much blood everywhere.

“Mom!”

Yosano stood up and shoved their baby brother gently into Dazai’s arms as she had to react to save Mori.

“Please, don’t fail me!”

There was a light coming from Yosano as she activated her ability, a swarm of multi-colored butterflies appearing out of thin air.

The butterflies swarmed Mori before there was a blinding light and they all disappeared into a shimmer of particles.

Everyone waited on baited breath, the only sound was from the baby crying in Dazai’s arms.

Mori’s eyes snapped open and he gasped loudly, arms flailing around until Fukuzawa helped calm him down. Mori’s hands went to his middle that was completely healed, not even a scar left behind. The omega looked down, shocked to see there was no sign he was ever pregnant.

Yosano fell to her knees in relief, having saved her mother from the brink of death.

Mori didn’t have much time to cover himself with whatever he could grab when he was all but tackled by his children and mate.

“Wait wait…he just had a kid, let's give him some space.” Yosano pulled away, having to really pull Dazai back.

Mori leaned heavily against Fukuzawa who was not letting his mate go after having almost lost him again. Mori’s eyes landed on the bundle in Dazai’s arms and he just needed the little one in his embrace.

Dazai realized this and gently moved the baby into Mori’s arms, the baby finally started to stop crying and he realized he was in his mother’s embrace.

“Oh little one, you really wanted out didn’t you?” Mori wipes more after birth off of him to leave a kiss on his head.

Everyone backed off allowing the parents to familiarize themselves with the new baby even though everyone didn’t want to leave.

Dazai checked on Chuuya who was on his knees sobbing quietly to himself. The alpha gently kneeled down to pull Chuuya into his arms, that had to be rather traumatizing for Chuuya seeing all of them.

“It’s ok, he’s ok, they’re all ok.”

Chuuya buried his face in Dazai’s shoulder.

It was an hour later Mori felt ready to reassure everyone. Having gotten cleaned up and more of the baby. Moving to a new room where Fukuzawa put together a decent nest on the fly.

Chuuya painfully denied entry for now as only immediate family members could enter. He schooled his inner omega that he will eventually see Mori and see that he was ok.

“Hey, it’s ok, things are ok.” Kunikida was sitting with Chuuya outside the room, giving him as much comfort as he could.

Inside Mori had finished feeding the baby when he let Dazai and Yosano finally get a good look at their baby brother.

“He has dad’s hair!” Yosano pointed out, the baby had a full head of hair which was a light gray color matching Fukuzawa’s.

“Dad finally has a kid that looks like him.” Dazai teased, watching his father roll his eyes.

“I never cared whether or not my children looked like me, so long as they were healthy and happy it was fine by me.”

Mori chuckled at his husband. “Well you can’t deny your eyes lighting up after I gave this little one a bath and you saw his hair color.”

Fukuzawa flushed a little, turning his gaze away.

Yosano reached her hand out and gently brushed her finger over the baby’s head. “What’s his name?”

“Well your father wasn’t that helpful so it’s been up to me. Luckily I had two names picked out depending on the gender. Since this is a boy I had picked the name Atsushi. What does everyone think?”

“Atsushi? I like it, little Atsushi.” Yosano smiled wide as she addressed her baby brother now that he has a name.

Dazai couldn’t help but stare at his baby brother, such a tiny little thing. The same thoughts he had when he first saw Yosano after she was born.

Mori handed Atsushi to Fukuzawa, taking the newborn. “You can let Chuuya in, I know he’s been dying to know I’m alright.”

Dazai nodded, going to the door and sliding it open, Chuuya perked up. Dazai just gave a smile and Chuuya was out of his seat and into the room. Going to Mori’s side to throw his arms around the omega. Mori welcomed the hug and rubbed the omega’s back to give him reassurance that he was ok.

“I’m ok darling.”

“You almost died.” Chuuya whispered into Mori’s neck.

“I know, but I’m ok and so is Atsushi.”

Chuuya pulled away sniffling as he looked at the bundle in Fukuzawa’s arms, seeing the little baby dozing away in the blankets.

It was a bit jarring to see the baby finally outside of Mori.

“He’s beautiful.” Chuuya really couldn’t help but be in awe, Mori brought that little life into the world, almost died doing it and knowing the older omega he would have picked his children’s lives over his own. Hearing Mori suggest Yosano cut the baby out even if it brought him unimaginable pain.

Chuuya lingered by Mori while everyone got to meet the baby, he’ll wait his turn.

After Atsushi got familiar with the scents of his family he was returned to his mother who held him close, nosing along his pale hair. Chuuya watched closely and it warmed his heart watching mother and baby interacting.

“Ok I think mom wants to rest so we best not linger, come on.” Yosano, being Mori’s doctor in this matter, ushered everyone out of the room except Fukuzawa. She lightly chided the whining from Dazai and Chuuya but she was right, Mori was most likely still exhausted after the traumatic birth and will need some days to recover.

Yosano closed the door behind her and she took a deep shaky breath.

Dazai noticed and he put a hand on her shoulder, ushering to Yosano to come with them as they walked.

“You did well, you saved his life.”

Yosano took a shaky breath, leaning into her brother’s hold. “I do want to stop using my ability on my family.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened a little from the comment and then the realization.

Dazai let go of Yosano so she could sink into Kunikida’s arms, the blonde giving her some reassuring kisses and nuzzles.

Chuuya walked away from Dazai heading in whatever direction he picked to walk until he found himself in a courtyard and Chuuya just collapsed to his knees, hands bracing himself up as he started to hyperventilate.

Dazai quickly came to his side, not wanting to touch Chuuya and send him into a panic so he just kneeled next to him waiting until the omega got his breathing over control.

Once Chuuya wasn’t breathing too fast, Dazai gently rubbed his back.

“She…she used her ability on you? The scars, the bandages…it all makes sense now.”

Dazai stopped rubbing Chuuya’s back but he didn’t remove his hand from Chuuya.

Chuuya looked at Dazai, his eyes swimming with so many emotions. Chuuya had seen the types of scars on Dazai before, some from the gambler’s den trying to cease their lives before Ace could get a hold of them but were stopped because he rather drain them for gems than get nothing out of them.

“Do…do you have those thoughts now?”

Dazai was quiet, his silence deafening until speaking. “Not anymore.”

“But you did have those thoughts before.”

“Yeah…I've had them since I presented.”

Chuuya reached out, putting a hand over Dazai’s. “What happened?”

“I almost got my mother killed.”

Chuuya shouldn’t have opened his mouth, he really shouldn’t because now he was starting to spiral. Sadly for him Dazai kept explaining and it just made it worse.

“Someone came to kill me and my mother intervened. Elise was sent out to protect me. I reached out to my mother and my ability activated causing Elise to disappear. The assassin came at me and my mother protected me. His life was almost taken from me because of my ability. I hated myself everyday after that, that I was better off dead, I almost did it but Yosano saved me. The thoughts about dying never left, the pain from the cuts helped so I kept it up until I met you and they stopped- Chuuya? Chuuya are you ok?”

Dazai paused in his explanation when he noticed Chuuya went eerily quiet, looking to see if he was ok, unaware the omega was heavily disassociating.

“Chuuya? Hey Chuuya? It’s ok, I’m ok. Are you alright?” Dazai didn’t want to touch Chuuya if he was in a fragile state, not wanting to send him into a panic attack.

Dazai stayed by Chuuya’s side, gently brushing a finger over the palm of his hand until Chuuya slowly started to come back to him. When Chuuya blinked and was now looking at Dazai and not looking through him did the alpha let relief wash over him.

“There you are sweetheart, lost you there for a second.”

Chuuya blinked a few more times, realing where he was and who he was with.

“Where did you go sweetheart?” Dazai gently held both of Chuuya’s hands, still giving him gentle touches.

“…to the night I ruined everything.”

Dazai’s hands tightened a little but he continued giving Chuuya the soft touches, not asking or prompting Chuuya to talk about it if he didn’t want to.

“I can understand…hating yourself because your ability hurt someone.” Chuuya averted his gaze from Dazai, freeing a hand touching his collar. “I...I…”

“You don’t have to tell me.” Dazai gave Chuuya’s hand a squeeze, he didn’t have to know, didn’t need to know.

“…you’ll hate me.” Chuuya looking at Dazai, tears brimming his eyes.

“Sweetheart I won’t, I could never.” Dazai reached his free hand out to cup Chuuya’s face, brushing a thumb across his cheek.

Chuuya took a second to lean into the touch, savoring this last touch of kindness from the alpha.

“I…I killed my father with my ability.” It hurt so badly to say that out loud but there was a small bit of relief. “You saw the report, the pictures, all that destruction was caused by me.”

Dazai didn’t pull his hand from Chuuya but it was jarring to hear that Chuuya was behind the massive crater on the outskirts of Yokohama where one of the old royal fortresses was. What kind of ability was it to cause such massive damage?

“My ability…it’s hard to explain…one moment I was home then next I was waking up in that crater and my mother said we needed to run.”

Hearing what happened afterwards from his mother broke Chuuya that day. Knowing he was responsible for killing his father.

“My mother made this collar to keep my ability contained, he told me to never take it off.”

Dazai had gently moved Chuuya into a hug, the omega pressing his head to the alpha’s chest. “Where is he now?”

Chuuya squeezed his eyes tight, burying his face into Dazai’s chest. “I don’t know, we…I got into a fight with him, telling him it was all his fault father died because he didn’t contain me. I was upset and I shouldn’t have said that to him. It also hurt me so much that he had to keep looking at me, the killer of his mate. I left him after the fight and I…I don’t know where he is.” Chuuya sobs now, clutching Dazai’s haori tight.

“How could my mother say he still loved me when I murdered his mate.” Chuuya cried out, crying harder into Dazai’s chest. Years of emotions and torment finally bubbling out.

Dazai held Chuuya tighter, wishing he could take away this pain from Chuuya. It was the same pain he had endured for years. It shocked him how similar the two were, haunted by actions that hurt the ones closest to them.

Dazai gently pulled Chuuya away from his chest, cupping the omega’s face softly in his hands. Chuuya was sniffling and still crying, he didn’t really want Dazai looking at him when he was like this but the alpha gave him a warm smile and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“How can you even look at me like that after finding out? I’m a monster Dazai.” Chuuya tried to pull his head away but Dazai kept his grip firm.

“You’re not a monster Chuuya.”

“I am! You shouldn’t be even touching me! I killed and brought destruction, you should not want something like me anywhere near you or your family.”

“That’s exactly how I thought about myself. That I was better off dead than here but if I was gone that would make everyone sadder. Chuuya, before I met you I had plans that I wasn’t going to be alive at this time.”

Chuuya sucked in a breath, the silence loud between them as he stared at Dazai with wide blue eyes.

“I had plans to kill myself last month.” Dazai moved his hands to instead hold Chuuya’s shoulders.

“What…what changed?”

“A lot of things, but I’ll say a small spitfire omega I met in a seedy Gambler’s Den bathroom wearing a very revealing dress was mostly responsible.” Dazai chuckled.

“Don’t say it like that.” Chuuya pushed at Dazai’s shoulder, making the alpha chuckle more.

“We’re both a little broken, but that’s ok. We all have demons and we’re fighting them constantly. The battle doesn’t have to be hard anymore, let’s support each other.”

Chuuya sniffled, using the edge of his sleeve to wipe some of his tears away. “We’re both messed up.”

The two couldn’t help but laugh, finding the irony they had the same demons and wound up together.

Dazai rubbed Chuuya’s arms before pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for telling me.”

“You’re welcome.” Chuuya wrapped his arms around Dazai to return the hug.

“Since we’re being truthful there are some other things I need to tell you.”

“How is your son? He should be giving birth soon.” Shibusawa mused while swirling his wine around in his glass.

Natsume finished taking a sip of his own drink, putting it down on the table. “Any day now.”

“Marvelous, another progeny to our great line. This one has the gift I just know it does.” Shibusawa praised, confidence in his voice. “I sensed something unlike the other times with Mori, I wonder what feline he’ll inherit.”

“He?” Natsume raised a brow.

“It’s a boy, I sensed that as well.”

“…what ability did you steal now?” Natsume narrowed his eyes at the emperor.

Shibusawa didn’t answer, taking another sip of his wine. Natsume held back a growl, not wanting to pick a fight with his brother. Receiving a summons by the emperor who was in the towering fortress of Yokohama instead of the royal palace was something he couldn’t ignore. Shibusawa came all this way most likely to be close and descend down upon Mori as soon as the baby was born.

The two continued to share a drink in tense silence, if Natsume had his cat tail out it would be flicking back and forth.

When Natsume finally finished his drink in not a rushed manner he stood up, taking his bowler hat from the table and placing it back on his head. The glass bowl of apples was ignored by both of them.

“Thank you for the drink brother but I must make my way over to Mori’s home. News of the little one will reach you as soon as everything is settled down.”

“Don’t forget, I want to personally be there to see the boy.”

Natsume gave the emperor a tense smile before departing.

As soon as Natsume was out of the fortress he changed into a cat and dashed down the road heading to the estate. He best warned Mori that the emperor was closer than expected, Natusme just hoped he wasn’t too late to prevent Mori from making birthing announcements.

As a cat Natsume can travel longer and faster than a human. Managing to make it to the estate in record time.

Not wanting to announce himself, Natsume climbed a tree to walk across a branch that was hanging over the wall. A leap from the branch onto the roof Natsume walked across the tiles until he found a way down.

It was late at night, Natsume didn’t want to bother anybody. Content to find a spot to curl up and take a nap in when he heard a loud scream for Yosano.

Curious but wanting to stay hidden he ran over to where he heard the yell and found himself thrown into the middle of Mori giving birth!

Hearing his son’s cries of pain and then the silence when he almost died caused him heartache since he couldn’t be there for his child. Natsume waited and waited until everyone left, the sun was just beginning to rise when Natsume wiggled through the crack in the door.

Fukuzawa immediately noticed him, the alpha growling lowly at the cat and getting between the feline and Mori. Natsume could understand and he sat there patiently for Fukuzawa to calm down and perceive him as not a threat.

“Who is it?” Mori sleepily replied.

“Your father.” Fukuzawa kept his gaze locked on the cat.

“Let him pass, dear, he should come and meet his new grandson.”

Natsume’s ears twitched after hearing that the pup was a boy… Shibusawa was right.

The cat transformed into his human form, Natsume removed his hat as he approached the nest. Mori looked exhausted but well for just having a traumatic birth, the power of Yosano’s ability was extraordinary.

Within the blankets was a little bundle nestled against Mori’s bare chest. Mori smiled at his father and pulled some of the blankets away so Natsume could get a look. The little bundle finally had Fukuazawa’s gray hair, he was such a tiny little one as well. A bit hard trying to see him amongst the knitted yarn of the badly done blanket Mori draped over him.

“He’s beautiful, what’s his name?” Natsume taking a seat in one of the chairs. Fukuzawa sitting on the other side of Mori, a protective arm braced over the omega.

“Atsushi, still deciding on a given name.” Mori gently brushed a finger down the little one’s hair.

“A good name.” Natsume couldn’t help but smile at the little one. A new grandson, though the memory of Shibusawa proudly declaring the baby was a boy crossed his mind and Natsume was dumped with the reality of why he was here.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Shibusawa is here, in Yokohama. He summoned me to the fortress and I had just left to give you all a warning.”

As soon as Natsume said the emperor's name Mori’s scent soured in concern, Fukuzawa lowly growled. This change startled Atsushi who started to cry, Mori turned his gaze on the baby, gently rocking him to calm the little one down.

“We need to hide the birth, just for a little bit longer. I don’t want him near Atsushi.” Mori spoke with fear in his voice, Fukuzawa holding his mate to reassure him.

“Don’t make any official announcement and swear your staff to secrecy. I can try and keep him distracted with a new matter for a few days.”

“Thank you father.”

“Ace’s entire den was eradicated?” Chuuya parroted after Dazai spoke.

“I saw a newspaper article talking about how the den was attacked, everyone, staff, patrons and Ace were all found dead. But things just didn’t add up and I have been investigating it with Ranpo. I was afraid whatever went there was potentially looking for you.”

Chuuya didn’t like the sound of that, wrapping his arms around himself to suppress a shudder.

“Chuuya, do you know anyone who would want to hurt you?”

“Dazai, I just revealed to you I made an entire area a crater and there were more than just my father as casualties! Anyone related to whoever I killed that night could be after me.” Chuuya was starting to panic.

Dazai gently grabbed Chuuya’s shoulders to ground him. “Or it could be nothing, if you allow me I can tell Ranpo what you told me and he can see if this was related to you or if someone just really wanted to get rid of Ace. It’s up to you.”

While Chuuya was protective of his past and it took him a very long time to reveal this to Dazai he’ll swallow his feelings to let Ranpo know.

“I don’t want whatever killed the den to make it here, especially with Atsushi just being born.”

Dazai shared the same sentiment, it's why he kept it hidden but the alpha hopes the new info he’ll give Ranpo will be able to figure things out.

“I’ll tell him all I can without being too detailed.”

“Thank you.” Chuuya leaned forward into Dazai’s embrace, feeling tired from everything that has happened the last few hours. Dazai wrapped arms around Chuuya, keeping him close until scooping Chuuya up into his arms to take to their room.

The two caught a few hours of sleep until Dazai pulled away, replacing himself with Sayu, having the dog snuggle closer.

Dazai dressed himself quickly to head out into the city but he wanted to check on his mother before going.

Gently knocking on the door, surprised to see his grandfather open the door. “…hey gramps.”

“Good morning Dazai, your mother is awake, you can see him.” Letting Dazai enter the room.

Mori was resting still, Fukuzawa holding Atsushi in his arms. It was rather cute watching his father interact with the newborn.

First thing first Dazai gave his mother a hug, just to reassure himself that his mother was alive and well.

“How are you feeling, truly?” Dazai took a seat on the corner of the bed.

“Better, everything is much better now. Your brother is a bit of a crybaby though.” Mori chuckled, Atsushi always seemed to cry at the smallest of adjustments. It didn’t take much to calm him down thankfully, usually a nuzzle to his head followed by a purr and the baby soothed.

Dazai chuckled watching his brother start to get fussy when Fukuzawa handed him to Natsume but the little trick to soothe him worked.

“I just wanted to check on you before I head out, I’m going to the agency.”

Mori’s eyes widened hearing that, reaching out to grab Dazai’s sleeve. “No, you can’t leave.”

Watching his mother’s reaction Dazai grew concerned, seeing him act skittish like this was not a good sign.

“What’s wrong?”

“Shibusawa is in Yokohama, settled in the fortress.” Natsume announced.

Dazai's gaze hardened hearing the emperor was in their territory and close to his mother and the baby.

“I won’t leave then and will stay here. We’re going into lockdown, correct?” Dazai looked to his father who nodded.

“The staff who were here during the birth have been sworn to secrecy. Everyone is to stay here for the next few days.”

That was fine with Dazai, he can just call Ranpo with the news. “I’ll stay, I won’t be leaving. When you go to see him mother, let me come.”

“I will be with you as well Mori.” Natsume spoke, coming close to giving Atsushi back to Mori who was fretful about not having his baby in his arms.

Mori just nodded, he needed to be with his little one and reassure himself things will be ok.

Dazai politely excused himself to return to Chuuya but he actually passed him in the halls.

“Is your mother taking visitors?”

Dazai nodded, warmth spreading through his chest seeing Chuuya softly smile. He couldn’t help himself giving the omega a kiss.

“I’m making a call.”

“Ok.”

Dazai walked past Chuuya to make his call to Ranpo. Chuuya approached the bedroom of Mori, when he came close Chuuya watched a familiar calico cat exit the room.

The two stared at each other for a few minutes before Natsume meowed and trotted away in the direction of the kitchen. Chuuya let out a breath before entering, it was just Mori in the nest baby nowhere to be seen. Mori noticed Chuuya fretting and gestured to the cradle. Chuuya couldn’t see Atsushi inside but he trusted Mori.

“How are you?”

“Better, you? You look like you’ve been crying darling.”

Chuuya rubbed a little at his eyes to get rid of some redness. “I’m fine now, how is Atsushi?”

“Finally settled for a nap, this is the quiet he’s been for awhile.” Smiling fondly at the cradle.

Chuuya followed the omega’s gaze and walked over in the direction of the cradle, peering inside to see the little baby but his eyes went wide as dinner plates.

“Um…mom- Mori.” Chuuya corrects himself.

Mori picked up on Chuuya’s concerned tone, panic filling his body as he pushed the blankets to get to the crib. “What is it?”

Mori approached Chuuya who had his back turned, he had reached into the crib to pick up Atsushi.

“Is this normal?”

Chuuya turned to face Mori and in his arms was a white tiger cub!

Chapter Text

Both Mori and Chuuya were stunned, staring at the tiger cub in the younger omega’s arms.

The cub squirmed a little in Chuuya’s arms, snapping back reality Chuuya brought the cub closer to him and the cub snuggled into his chest. With the cub closer Chuuya could smell all the scents of the family on the cub so this must be Atsushi!

“Stay right here Chuuya, I’m going to get my father and Dazai.”

Chuuya wanted to protest and tell the older omega he’ll go and find them but Mori was already rushing out of the door.

Chuuya was stunned, did Atsushi have an ability?

There are cases where people are born with abilities, Chuuya remembers going to school with some children who had abilities, they needed to not use them on their fellow classmates. Even with the rules some used their abilities to mistreat other kids, this is where Chuuya’s defiant nature set in when he stood up to those bullies.

Chuuya petted the cub, it made little squeals and roars in his arms. As a newborn cub his eyes were closed and ears down, Atsushi stripes were more faded against the white fur.

Atsushi was cute before but now he is even cuter!

Chuuya couldn’t help but coo at him and give a little kiss to his head.

Mori was rushing down the halls as fast as he could looking for Dazai. Mori passed by Hirostu who told him Dazai was on the phone. Heading to where the phone was Mori found Dazai finishing up his call.

“Mom?”

Mori took a second to catch his breath. “Help me find your grandfather.”

Wasn’t hard to find the cat, he was nibbling on sardines in the kitchen when the cat was abruptly picked up by the scruff and taken away. Natsume yowled unhappily, Dazai had to stop picking him up like this!

Chuuya was startled from his baby talk to Atsushi when Mori came back with Dazai and Natsume.

“Where did you get a tiger cub?” Dazai put Natsume down.

“Um, I think this tiger cub is Atsushi.”

Everyone was quiet until Dazai spoke. “You’re fucking with us right?”

Mori swatted his arm because of the language in front of the baby. “Dazai, use your ability and see.”

Dazai walked over to Chuuya, raising his hand up to place gently on the cub’s head. There was some light and the particle affects of an ability activating. Everyone stared wide eye as No Longer Human activated and nullified the ability of Atsushi.

When the light faded away in Chuuya’s arms was Atsushi looking back to normal as a human infant.

“Well I’ll be damn.”

Natsume took on his human form. “Boys, I need to speak to your mother privately.”

The serious tone from the older alpha caused concern but they obeyed. Chuuya handed Atsushi to Mori who caressed the little one’s back as he scrunched up more in Mori’s embrace, recognizing his mother.

Dazai gently guided Chuuya out of the room leaving the two alone.

The silence stretched between them for a long while, only filled by the occasional baby sounds from Atsushi.

“He has the gift, like me.” Natsume spoke.

“Is he…is he going to be just like you father?” Mori put a hand on the back of Atsushi’s head, a comforting and protective move.

“…I dare say he’ll be more powerful than me.”

“I think it’s really cute that your baby brother can turn into a tiger cub, he was already precious before but now he’s even more.” Chuuya continued to gush over Chuuya while the two shared a snack.

“Careful there chibi, you’re making Sayu jealous.” The akita having her back turned to Chuuya while listening to him go on and on about how cute Atsushi was.

“Oh Sayu, you’re still my number one girl.” Reaching over to give her head a pet. “Do you think your grandfather turned into a kitten randomly when he was a baby?” Chuuya imagined that and he couldn’t help but coo internally over the mental image.

“Maybe, grandfather doesn’t normally tell those kinds of stories to us.”

It was impressive that Atsushi had a gift only being a couple hours old, usually it takes a few months or years for an ability to present early.

“I had a feeling this baby would have an ability, I mean you and Yosano have one so it makes sense.”

Dazai nodded along, listening to Chuuya talk while he also mused a little over his phone call with Ranpo.

The detective found some more information, not a suspect but combing through other attacks around Japan that were similar to the victims in the gambler’s den. Ranpo said he’ll do some more digging on the people that went missing the night Chuuya’s father died to see if any living relatives had vendettas.

Dazai smiled seeing how happy Chuuya looked now, not showing any signs he just pulled his beating heart out of his chest for Dazai to judge and uproot his past. So to not spoil his good mood he won’t tell Chuuya the emperor was in the city.

Ignorance was bliss.

As much as Chuuya enjoyed staying in the estate, and was busy with helping Mori take care of Atsushi, he was itching to go outside and walk around.

It was feeling stagnant in the estate, everyone just going through the motions.

Chuuya didn’t think anyone would mind if he slipped out to go to market and grab some fresh fruits. He was craving melons lately and with it nearing summer some might be in season.

Dazai was busy with his father doing work from the agency, it was brought here to the estate so Fukuzawa didn’t have to be away from his mate.

Chuuya left through the servants' back entrance, adjusting his basket while he opened up the parasol and began his walk to the city. The sun was shining beautifully on this wonderful day, already Chuuya felt more relaxed as he breathed in the fresh air. Perhaps he could convince Mori to take Atsushi outside for a picnic in the park.

When Chuuya arrived at the market it was bustling with many people but he was watchful as he did his quick shopping. Since he didn’t tell anyone where he was going it was best he get this done quickly.

Finding a stall selling some ripe melons he bought a few and added them to his basket, he even found some strawberries that were large sizes and looked perfect.

With his fruit secured Chuuya was making his way home when he ran into a familiar face.

“Chuuya?”

The omega perked up hearing the familiar voice, turning around he saw the familiar pink hair of Yuan!

“Yuan!” Chuuya ran over to her and gave the beta a one arm hug. “I have been worried about you! You disappeared on me without a trace with no note.” Chuuya kept his emotions in check, he didn’t want to start crying in front of her.

“Sorry about that Chuuya, my grandmother was sick so I had to pack up everything and head back home. I wish I could have left a note but I didn’t want to miss a chance to see her one last time.”

Hearing that made Chuuya feel bad he was angry with her and assumed Yuan had picked Shirase over him. Remembering the alpha who broke his trust, Chuuya felt it best to not bring him up.

“Tell me everything I missed, did Mori-san have his baby?” Yuan gave him a cheerful smile, it was like they were back to being friends.

“Yes he did, just a few days ago, little baby boy.”

Yuan and him cooed over the baby together as they shared a dango stick.

“He sounds so cute.”

“Yes he is and when he turns into a cub-“

“He can turn into a cub what?”

Chuuya bit his tongue, he did it again. “Oh um yeah.” Chuuya leaned in close to whisper to Yuan. “He can turn into a tiger cub, he has an ability to but don’t tell anyone I said that.”

“Your secret is safe with me, oh by the way I think I left a few items in my old room at the estate. Is it ok if I come over and get them?”

“Sure, I don’t think it be a problem, come by the servant entrance at around sunset and I’ll let you in and request Hirostu give you a ride back to the city.” Chuuya beaming, so happy to have his friend back.

“Sounds good.”

Chuuya waved her off as he headed back to the estate, when he arrived he wasn’t missed by anyone so no one asked where he was.

Chuuya went to the kitchen to slice up one of the melons for a snack before dinner. With a plate of melon and one of his books he settled down in the shade of a tree to read. Sayu obediently napping at his side, if she wasn’t with him then the dog was watching over Atsushi.

When the sky started to turn orange Chuuya closed his book to head over to the servant entrance, he passed by Dazai on his way over and told him he see the alpha at dinner, exchanging a quick kiss.

Right on time Yuan was waiting for him when he unlocked the door, she gave him a smile and walked in.

“I hope Naomi didn’t steal my things.” Yuan looping her arm around Chuuya’s she led the two to the servant quarters. Chuuya chuckled as he walked.

“I don’t think so, but if she did then I’ll replace them.”

“Thanks Chuuya you’re the best, oh this is kinda forward and I’ll understand if you can’t but could I see Atsushi? I want to see the little cutie before I go.”

Chuuya didn’t think it was a problem, and at this time Atsushi was napping while everyone had dinner.

“We can go now, I’m sure you don’t want everyone bombarding you with questions why you suddenly left since it’s such a sore topic.” With her grandmother being ill and not making it.

“Again you’re just so sweet Chuuya, thank you.” Yuan gave his arm a tighter squeeze as he walked towards the main house with her. There weren't many people around as they walked down the halls to Mori and Fukuzawa’s room. Outside the door was Sayu laying down in front of it, the perfect watchdog.

She perked up, her ears forward when she noticed Yuan. The beta let Sayu sniff her hand to remember the scent and the akita backed off.

Chuuya slid the door open and closed it behind him after Yuan entered. The room had a warm glow to it from the lantern.

Gesturing for Yuan to follow him and look down into the crib at the sleeping baby. Atsushi was resting on his back in the cute position with his arms pulled close to his chest. Chuuya couldn’t help but aww at the baby, he was just so adorable.

“Isn’t he just the sweetest?” Glancing over at Yuan who was staring at the little one, he noticed the look on her face was rather odd. For someone who was cooing over the baby a few hours ago she had a haunted look on her face.

“Yuan? You ok?”

“Huh? Oh yeah I’m fine, he is cute.” Flashing Chuuya a smile.

Chuuya was about to say something when he heard Sayu barking, wondering who she could be barking at, he was about to walk over and open the door but Yuan grabbed his hand.

“It’s probably nothing, maybe she saw a shadow or something.”

Sayu wasn’t the type of dog to bark at nothing, she was rather well behaved.

Chuuya heard the door open but before he could see who it was Yuan tugged his hand again.

“I’m sorry Chuuya.”

The omega raised a brow as he turned to see who it was and his eyes widened seeing Shirase! Chuuya was about to demand what he was doing here when there was a pain in his abdomen.

Chuuya looked down and saw a knife sticking out from his middle!

“…what?”

Chuuya was in so much shock he didn’t realize his knees hit the floor, sensing movement in the corner of his eye Chuuya saw Yuan stand next to Shirase holding Atsushi!

“No…wait please-“ Chuuya reached out but he winced in pain, collapsing to his side. He wanted to take the knife out so badly but remembering basic medical knowledge from Mori that would just make it worse.

“If you’re wondering why you’re feeling much weaker I laced the knife with poison.” Shirase hissed at Chuuya, his voice was filled with so much hatred and venom.

“Shirase, he said not to-“

“Shut it Yuan, we got one of them, that should be enough. Let’s go before prince charming gets here.”

Yuan flinched away from Shirase, Atsushi was sensing the distressing scents and was starting to wake up. Yuan quietly shushed the baby so he wouldn’t make noise but Sayu heard and started barking mad. The akita scratched at the door as she kept barking.

“Damn dog, can’t leave that way come on Yuan.” Shirase walked past Chuuya to open up the sliding doors to the courtyards.

Chuuya weakly reached out to grab onto Shirase’s pants. “Stop this…leave Atsushi out of this.”

Shirase kicked Chuuya away, Yuan letting out a short sob at Chuuya’s pained groan. “You brought this on yourself.”

Shirase opened the door and helped Yuan down as they quickly made their getaway. Chuuya wanted to run after them but with the poison in his system moving would just make it spread faster.

“Sayu! Get Dazai! Go get Dazai!” Chuuya yelled to the dog, Sayu hadn’t stopped barking but when she heard her commands she ran down the hall looking for Dazai.

Said alpha had stepped away from dinner to wonder why she was barking so loudly, almost getting knocked over when the akita stopped in front of him and started to tug on his pants.

“What is it girl? What’s wrong?”

Sayu just kept pulling him in the direction of his parents roommate and he felt a chill of dread race down his spine. Dazai ran in the direction of the room followed by Sayu, when he got to the door he saw she had tried clawing her way in. Throwing the door open to find Chuuya slumped on his side was like a bucket of ice being dumped on him.

“Chuuya!” Dazai rushed to his side, ignoring Sayu running past him out of the opened doors to the courtyards still barking.

Dazai nudged Chuuya and saw the knife sticking out of him and how lethargic he was. “Chuuya! Chuuya!” Dazai shaking Chuuya to wake him up.

The omega blinked, his vision fuzzy looking at the alpha. “D-Dazai?”

“I’m here sweetheart, what happened?”

“A-Astushi? W-Where?” Chuuya looking around best he could and didn’t see Shirase or Yuan.

Dazai then noticed the lack of a baby in the room and he didn’t want to part with Chuuya but he had to put him down to look in the crib. Dazai felt his heart drop into his stomach seeing the empty crib.

“Chuuya what-“

“Shirase and Yuan! They took Atsushi! Go get them!”

“But you-“

“NOW DAZAI!” Chuuya screamed, every second wasted here meant those two were getting away.

Dazai didn’t want to leave Chuuya especially in this state but he had to go after the two that kidnapped his brother. Dazai whistled for Sayu and she came bolting back. “Go get Yosano girl, keep Chuuya safe. Yosano.” Pointing for her to go and the akita turned to go get the beta.

Dazai luckily never forgot that traitorous alpha’s scent and started to follow it. Running in the direction the two had tried to escape in. Exiting out of the unlocked servant quarters. A million questions raced through Dazai’s mind about how this could have happened but right now he needed to focus on getting his baby brother back and praying Yosano made it to Chuuya in time.

Dazai followed the scent into the wooded area beyond the estate and memories of the past came back. The scent was heading into the direction of the abandoned mines.

When the scent was getting stronger Dazai slowed down and began to hide himself, in case this was an ambush or if there were more people. Hiding amongst the brush he saw the two in the dwindling light before the giant cave that headed to the mines.

There was no denying the squirming bundle in Yuan’s arms was Atsushi, especially the familiar mewls of a tiger screeched in the wilderness.

Dazai’s eyes zeroed in on Shirase.

Consequences be damned, Dazai was going to kill him.

There was movement, someone exiting out of the cave and approaching the two. It was a tall alpha around the same height as Dazai, dark hair and a fur hat on his head.

Dazai snuck close so he could listen in on their conversation.

“Where is the other one?” Dazai noting the accent.

“He got in the way, we got the baby that should be enough.” Shirase crossed his arms.

Dazai saw how scared Yuan looked, he could smell it off of her from his hiding spot. Something about this alpha before them intimated them, more Yuan than Shirase.

“I hope you didn’t do anything drastic, I need that one as well.”

“Who cares, I hope he chokes on his own blood.” Shirase spat out the words.

Yuan was whimpering at this point and it was making Atsushi cry.

“What did you do to him? I know you have history but don’t tell me you ruined my plans.” The alpha crossed his arms.

Shirase didn’t speak, opting to look the other way. The alpha turned his gaze on Yuan, narrowing his eyes at her and the beta broke.

“He stabbed him! With poison!” Yuan was hysterically crying and shaking, Atsushi joining her in his tiger cub wails for his mother.

“Yuan!” Shirase growled at her. “Whatever, you told us the girl in the house could cure him. I’m sure he’ll still be alive.”

Dazai held in a growl, how did this alpha know about their abilities?

“You disappoint me, I would say for your sake you better hope he is still alive but you tested my patience and have proven useless. Goodbye.” The alpha took a step forward and placed his hand over Shirase’s eyes, before the alpha could even react, blood spurted out of his eyes, ears and nose and then the alpha dropped dead to the ground.

Yuan let out a blood chilling wail watching her friend be killed in cold blood in front of her. She dropped Atsushi who let out a cry when he hit the ground, it was at least padded by the blankets.

“Please no! I’ll do anything! I won’t tell anyone what happened! Please please don’t do this!” Yuan was begging as the alpha kept stalking over to her, reaching his hand out to do her away but the hand was stopped by someone grabbing it and then the light and particles of an ability illuminated the clearing.

Yuan and the unknown alpha looked to the side to see Dazai holding his wrist tight, activating his ability to keep the alpha from killing Yuan.

“Ah, the prince found us. Yes you will do instead.”

The alpha made a shrill whistle and from behind some abandoned lumber logs someone stepped out. Another tall individual dressed mostly in white with a tall hat and a card over his eyes.

“Oh, is this the lucky one? Well then surprise!” The unknown man whipped out a knife, Dazai was ready to dodge it but then a glowing yellow circle appeared in front of the unknown man then the next thing Dazai knew there was a stabbing pain in his side. Looking down he saw another glowing circle and the man’s hand holding the knife stabbing his stomach.

“I see, an ability that makes portals…smart.” Dazai fell to his knees, the knife also had to be laced with something. Last thing Dazai saw before it went all dark was the alpha approaching Yuan, her blood curdling scream then darkness.

Chuuya woke up with a gasp, seeing multi-colored butterflies scattering across the room.

Panting loudly Chuuya looked to his side and saw Yosano, a concerned expression on her face. Then he saw Mori pacing fraught with worry as Fukuzawa was trying and failing to calm him down.

“You’re awake, good because we all have questions.” Yosano helped Chuuya sit up, his hand went to his stomach where the knife was but it was gone. The only evidence he was stabbed was his bloody clothing and the rip in his yukata.

“Chuuya!” Mori rushed over to him, falling to his knees. “Where is Atsushi?”

The panic in Mori’s voice made Chuuya feel so guilty, this was all his fault.

“I’m so sorry Mori, so sorry.” Now was not the time to beg for forgiveness because if Atsushi wasn’t back then where was Dazai?!

“Dazai?!” Chuuya looked around to find the alpha but he was nowhere to be found.

“We don’t know where he is either, but Chuuya tell us what happened.” Fukuzawa kneeling down next to his mate in front of the young omega.

“I…I ran into Yuan at the market today-“

“You left the estate!” Mori interrupted. “No one was supposed to leave.”

“I-I- wasn’t told.” Chuuya was shaking, he didn’t want to be scared right now but he essentially was responsible for a newborn’s kidnapping. “I let her come to the estate because she forgot some things so I let her come back. She then wanted to see Atsushi and I let her in.” As Chuuya explained everything he started to realize how set up he was!

“Shirase was with her and I didn’t notice, he came in and stabbed me and they took Atsushi.” Tears slipped from Chuuya’s eyes, remembering the betrayal. Now he was betrayed three times by two people he once considered friends.

“Dazai found me and he went after them but if he’s not here then…”

Chuuya sucked in a gasp when Mori was wrapped up by Fukuzawa and pulled away from him, the older omega letting out feral noises. Yosano came in front of Chuuya to block out her mother in a feral state hearing his newborn was kidnapped and his oldest missing.

“Chuuya listen to me, I need you to remain calm ok.”

That was the last thing on Chuuya’s mind as he started to shake, everything around him crumbling apart.

“I-I- I didn’t mean t-to.”

“I know Chuuya, I know. Listen to me, you need to help us now. Do you know why they would want to kidnap Atsushi?”

Chuuya shook his head, the two didn’t even know about the baby until Chuuya opened his fat mouth. If he would have kept it shut they wouldn’t have come but then Chuuya remembered something odd the two of them said.

“I don’t know why they took Atsushi but they said bringing Atsushi was enough.”

Yosano just gave a nod though both of them didn’t exactly know what this could mean.

Everyone heard hurrying footsteps and entering the room was Ranpo.

“I’m here! I’m here, nobody moves, stay still.”

Fukuzawa gave a sigh of relief seeing his prodigy, if anyone can tell them what happened it’s him.

“Tell me what happened, in greater detail.” Ranpo began to walk around the room, taking in the details while Chuuya explained his friend's betrayal and kidnapping of Atsushi. Ranpo took in all the details, putting on some glasses as he inspected the doors where the two escaped from. When Ranpo moved closer to Chuuya to look him over his nose gave a twitch and his eyes snapped open.

“The scent…it’s the one…”

Chuuya didn’t like the look of dread on Ranpo’s face as he leaned in closer to get a better whiff.

“Where is Dazai?”

“He went after the two but didn’t come back.”

Ranpo stood up, looking out where the two escaped and Dazai followed after them. “He’s in grave danger…”

Chuuya ran after Ranpo while Sayu tracked Dazai down. Yosano kept up the best she could with Kunikida. Everyone running through the woods like mad heading to the abandoned mines.

Sayu stopped at the large cave and was barking loudly.

Everyone entered the clearing and Chuuya gasped out loudly seeing the dead bodies of Shirase and Yuan. A wail about to bubble out of his throat when Yosano pulled him into a hug, Kunikida as well, the two using their body to shield him from looking at his former dead friends.

“Look at us, stay with us Chuuya.”

Chuuya was panicking because where was Dazai!?

Sayu was sniffing around before she barked, circling around a spot before she laid down. Ranpo walked over to the spot and saw blood. If Sayu wasn’t moving then this is where Dazai’s scent trail ended.

Ranpo scanned the crime scene before him, trying to figure out what happened here and where Dazai was. He was trying to keep his cool because he recognized the faint smell on Chuuya as the same one on all the dead people from the gambler’s den.

Kunikida came to Ranpo’s side as he kept looking around.

“What’s your analysis?”

“That this case just got a whole lot more dangerous.”

When Dazai came too the first thing he noticed was being strapped to a chair, next was the white formal clothes he was now in. A whole suit with a long coat draped over his shoulders. Dazai saw that he was in front of a small table that had a basket of apples on it, one was stabbed with an ornate dagger with jewels on the handle.

Looking more around the glass room he was in, the whole room with the gothic designs of glass work done in Europe.

With the setting sun it bathed the whole space in many warm and cool colors.

Dazai heard a small sound and looked to his side, seeing a rocking bassinet that had Atsushi inside!

The alpha let out a small sigh of relief seeing his baby brother was ok.

Atsushi started to make fussy noises, squirming in his bassinet, Dazai noticed the baby as well was wearing a fancy white outfit.

“Oh I hear you, I’m coming.”

A chill went down Dazai’s spine hearing the voice of Shibusawa.

The emperor was dressed in white too as he approached the bassinet, Dazai thrashing in his chair growling.

“Don’t touch him!” Snapping at the emperor who ignored him and picked Atsushi up.

Shibusawa cooing as he rocked Atsushi whole eventually fell back asleep, resting on the emperor’s shoulder.

“Quiet voice, we wouldn’t want to wake the crown prince.” Shibusawa purred, rubbing Atsushi’s back.

Dazai gritted his teeth, still trying to get out of his restraints.

“You know, I’ll pardon you lying to me for however long you’ve presented your ability.” Dazai stopped struggling when Shibusawa spoke. “And don’t play dumb, you have an extraordinary ability, not akin to the god-like ones but just as powerful and useful.”

Dazai’s heart was beating fast in his heart, the emperor knew he was an ability user and they had been lying.

“Your mother served his purpose so I no longer value his life, he produced me a suitable heir. The kingdom will rejoice.” Shimbusawa nuzzled the top of Atsushi’s head, the little baby curling closer to him. “A perfect little prince to carry on our proud bloodline for centuries.”

“Like hell mother would just let you take him!” Dazai growled.

“I don’t think a corpse will have much say.”

The fight came full force in Dazai hearing that, thrashing more in his restraints. Gritting his teeth and growling at the emperor.

“I kill you! I will fucking kill you I swear to the gods!”

Shibusawa just smiled at Dazai, full of malice.

“Such a filthy mouth, I’ll let you simmer down for a bit. Come along my little prince.”

Dazai let out yells and screams when Shibusawa walked away with his baby brother. His thrashing paid off as he freed himself from the bonds but the door was closed behind the emperor and then locked. Dazai slammed his fists against the door, cursing and yelling at Shibusawa.

Noting the door won’t budge he walked back to the bowl of apples grabbing the knife, he tried to pick the lock with it but no luck.

Thinking about smashing one of the glass walls to escape but when Dazai looked out he let out a growl seeing how high up the room was. One slip and it was certain death for him, Dazai was essentially trapped.

Pacing around the room trying to figure out how he can escape and save Atsushi but the threat to his mother was making Dazai panic.

Was Shibusawa going to kill his family?

The mad man did say they gave him what he wanted, an heir with an ability.

While pacing around the room he went to the windows and noticed a thick fog had settled over the city of Yokohama. Barely able to see the lights, it stretched all over the port city and even into the farmlands. Dazai noted that his home was even covered in the thick fog as well.

Dazai had no idea where this fog came from as it was sunny the whole day, was this Shibusawa’s power?

Dazai pocketed the knife and paced around, Shibusawa said he would be back, Dazai could make his move when the older alpha came to fetch him.

It was an hour later when the door opened, Dazai was standing by the table with the apples, he wouldn't make sudden moves just yet, this whole place was dangerous.

Dazai let out a low growl when he noticed it was the foreign alpha that had tasked Yuan and Shirase to collect Atsushi. He closed the door behind him and walked over to where Dazai was standing.

Dazai was on high alert, he knew this alpha was dangerous but his own ability would nullify it.

The unknown alpha took a seat in one of the chairs and then gestured for Dazai to sit across from him. Narrowing his eyes at the other, he still took a seat, perhaps he could get some information from this unknown alpha.

“Apologies for getting off on the wrong foot.”

“You kidnapped me, my baby brother and your cronies stabbed my mate, yeah I say we’re not seeing eye to eye.” Dazai let his angry inner alpha take over right there.

“According to my knowledge you and that omega aren’t mates. But I’m glad you brought him up because that is who I’m really looking for.” The foreign alpha placed his elbows on the edge of the table to thread his fingers together.

The dots connected, this was the alpha that wiped out the gambler’s den, the threat that was after Chuuya.

“What do you want with him?”

“Nothing too sinister, he’s just my queen.”

Dazai snarled at the term he used for Chuuya.

“Not in that sense, more in the elaborate game I’m playing. Besides, I have a mate.”

Dazai still didn’t stop lowly growling at the other. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“How about this, you tell me things I want to know and I’ll tell you how the emperor is planning to kill your entire family.”

Game.

Set.

Match…

Chapter Text

Chuuya followed behind everyone as they headed back to the estate, feeling defeated and crushed that they couldn’t find Dazai or Atsushi.

They all needed to come together and figure out a new plan.

Yosano walked in step with Chuuya and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

“We’ll find both of them.” Reassuring Chuuya not all is lost.

“It’s my fault…all my fault.” Chuuya was still beating himself up over everything, he should have known it was a set up, that he led the two right to Atsushi!

“Hey none of that now, beating yourself up is not going to bring them back, we need to focus.”

Chuuya was hearing her words but wasn’t listening, all he was thinking about was facing Mori after he lost two of his children.

Suddenly Yosano stopped causing Chuuya to stop as well, he perked up and noticed a rolling fog coming through the woods. Kunikida put himself out in front, having everyone behind him in case this was a threat.

“Where did this fog come from?” Yosano spoke up.

There was no sign of it all day, sure Yokohama was a port city but usually one knows when the fog came rolling in.

“Everyone be on high alert.” Kunikida announced as the fog fell over them stretching far behind. Nothing seemed to be affecting anyone until Yosano cried out.

“Chuuya? Chuuya!” Yosano called out again.

Kunikida turned to look and saw that Chuuya was no longer next to Yosano!

Where did the omega go- wait where is Ranpo?

“Ranpo!” Kunikida called out, both him and Yosano calling out for the two as the fog seemed to get thicker around them.

“Stay close to me, Yosano.” Kunikida held his hand out for her to take, she gave it a tight squeeze, worried about where Chuuya and Ranpo disappeared to.

Suddenly there was movement.

Kunikida put himself in front of Yosano to protect her but both of their eyes widened seeing what was emerging from the fog.

It was shadowy figures that looked exactly like them!

“What the hell…” Kunikida muttered.

The figures were dark and had piercing glowing eyes, notably there were red gems on their foreheads.

Suddenly the Yosano one rushed forward after her, Yosano pushed Kunikida out of the way before the two collided and she was tackled to the ground.

“Yosano!” Kunikida went to help her but his own shadow clone advanced on him. Jumping out of the way with a growl, the alpha reached into his yukata to pull out his notepad and conjure up an explosive but when he went to grab it the notebook was not there!

“What-“

Kunikida then watched in horror as his shadow clone held up the book and then used it to create an explosive!

The alpha dodge out of the way, covering his head when the explosive went off and debris when flying. Snapping his head up when he heard Yosano’s screams, watching the shadow clone of herself stab a scalpel into her hand.

“What the hell is this?”

Kunikida rolled out of the way before another explosive went off near him.

The strange fog had reached all corners of Yokohama at this point, even the estate where similar battles were taking place.

“Mori run!”

Fukuzawa yelled to the omega as he blocked a blow from a shadow clone of himself, the clone was stronger and pushed him off, the alpha colliding with the wall letting out a grunt.

Mori didn’t want to run but he had to because Elise who seemed to be possessed was after him holding a giant syringe she wished to crush him with. The omega jumped out of the way when she slammed it down, splintering the wood.

The omega letting out a grunt from the impact of the fall.

“Elise stop this!” Mori tried to reason with her but the young woman just turned her empty gaze at him and attacked again.

Fukuzawa came between her and Mori using his blade to block the attack but it left him open for a strike from his own clone. Mori thought fast and kicked the shadow Fukuzawa’s feet out, causing it to slam to the ground.

Fukuzawa pushed Elise away and grabbed Mori’s hand, tugging him up as they ran down the hallway into one of the courtyards.

While running Mori noticed Oda in a hallway across fighting a clone of himself.

“It seemed everyone with abilities is fighting these puppets of themselves.”

The only other in the estate who had an ability was Jun'ichirō, Hirostu, Oda and the two heads. Mori wondered if the fog had reached out and gotten to Kunikida and Yosano!

It dawned on Mori exactly what was happening. Watching how whenever Oda fought his clone it seemed to know exactly where the alpha was going to punch.

“These shadows are our abilities! They’re attacking us.”

This explained why Elise wasn’t listening to him and Fukuzawa’s ability to keep everyone under control was useless.

“We have to find a way to defeat them before they kill us.” Fukuzawa blocked another blow from his own puppet, he tried to stop Elise as well but she brushed past him, her focus only on Mori.

“My lord duck!”

Mori ducked his head just in time for Hirostu to throw a punch at Elise, sending her to the ground. Mori can whine over her getting beat up later as he got to his feet and then pulled Hirostu out of the way when his puppet sent an attack out.

Everyone didn’t have breathing room for long as the shadows kept up the attacks, coming in harder and faster than before.

To think they have to last the night against their own abilities.

“Yosano!” Chuuya called out, looking everywhere for her but couldn’t find the beta. “Kunikida!” Shouting for the alpha as well.

“I don’t know where they could have disappeared to, this fog is so thick but they were just with us a minute ago.”

Ranpo walked with Chuuya as they tried to find the other two. Chuuya held tight to Ranpo’s sleeve as they maneuvered through the fog.

“Do you think this is an ability?” Chuuya mused out loud.

Ranpo grabbed his chin as he began mulling over the possibilities, then he stopped short causing Chuuya to walk into his back.

“This has happened before! I’ve read articles about a mysterious fog.” Ranpo grabbed Chuuya’s hand holding his sleeve as he walked faster, Chuuya could only follow after the beta.

“So you know what this is?”

“Potentially, but I also read whenever this fog appeared there were casualties, most notably people with abilities.”

Chuuya gulped hearing the news, but now it made sense why Yosano and Kunikida disappeared, they both had abilities. Though Chuuya had one, why wasn’t he affected? His free hand touched the collar on his neck, could his mother’s power really be that strong he appeared as a normal person amongst this fog.

“Another scary detail is it seemed the people were killed by what their abilities were. Like one I saw was a woman stabbed by sharp ice and her ability was linked to controlling ice.”

It sometimes scared Chuuya just how knowledgeable Ranpo was because now he knew what was happening and it didn’t bring him any comfort, just more worry. Has this fog fallen over the estate?!

“Is there anything we can do to stop this?” Chuuya gripped Ranpo’s hand tighter as they kept running through the fog. “And where are we going?”

The two kept running and running until it looked like they reached the edge of the fog and they ran through it, appearing right outside of the borders to Yokohama. But when Chuuya’s eyes adjusted he started to shake.

The view from the cliff they were on gave him the perfect overview of the giant crater he had created and then the looming fortress of the emperor.

“Just as I predicted, the fog does not reach here. It might be a hunch but this could be the ability of the emperors.”

“Ranpo, it’s kinda scary that you know everything.”

Ranpo flashed him a toothy smile but then he set his sights back onto the fortress.

“I heard the emperor is here in Yokohama, he might be in the fortress and potentially Atsushi could be there with Dazai.

“If that is the case we have to go save them!”

“I love your enthusiasm but the two of us against the emperor and whoever else might be in that fortress, yeah we don’t stand a chance. Unless your secret ability is super powerful.”

Chuuya bit his lip, Ranpo was right.

The two of them were basically useless if the emperor had a strong enough ability to make other ability users meet their death from their own ability. Chuuya’s hand went to touch his collar, it had saved him from being affected by the fog and he felt a chill of dread.

Chuuya would most likely be dead from his ability if he didn’t have the collar.

“By the way, what is your ability anyways? It could finally come in handy for a situation like this.”

Chuuya tightened his grip on the collar, flashes of that ominous and intimidating presence in his mind coming forward.

“It’s a…

Dazai followed after the alpha, who revealed his name was Fyodor.

He couldn’t run since he had no idea where Atsushi was being held or how to get out of this towering fortress. The alpha said he would tell Dazai how the emperor plans to kill his family, in exchange for knowledge about Chuuya.

Dazai subtly checked where he had hidden the knife, still in his possession.

Fyodor pushed open a large door, Dazai following him inside.

The room was large and shimmered with thousands of red crystals. They were all held in what looked like suspended glass containers, the room had the style and shape of a giant ornate birdcage.

“What is all this?” Dazai looked around, then he noticed a flicker of light, he watched as a box formed and then a crystal appeared in the center. It then placed itself amongst the others.

“The emperor’s ability, you see every crystal is an ability. Which he stole and now has control over.”

Dazai’s eyes widened, there were so many of them and each one an ability?!

“How did he collect all of these?”

“You saw the fog, that’s how he does it. He sends the fog out and anyone with ability has to fight it to the death, if they die then their ability is added to the collection.”

Dazai felt his stomach drop, the fog had covered the estate!

Dazai stalked over to Fyodor turning to face the alpha, bristling and showing his teeth. “How do I stop him?”

“Tut tut, I told you what you wanted to hear, now you tell me.”

If Fyodor wanted to bargain then Dazai would play the game too.

“Show me which crystal controls the fog and then I’ll tell you about Chuuya.”

Fyodor didn’t seem phased at all by Dazai, not perceiving him as a threat.

Unlucky for Dazai the door opened and Shibusawa entered with Atsushi in his grip. Dazai snarled as he stayed in place. Unable to make a move when Atsushi was in the same room. The emperor came closer, not really bothered that Dazai wasn’t where he was supposed to be.

“I see you showed him my collection Fyodor, are you impressed?”

Dazai narrowed his eyes, his whole body tense. Gripping his hands so tight his knuckles were going white.

“It’s…quite an ability.”

“I’m so glad you agree, I’ll be sure to point out which ones are your family when I obtain them.” Shibusawa chuckled as he continued to torment Dazai.

Atsushi started to get fussy in the emperor’s arms, the older alpha gently rubbing his back. The pup didn’t seem too happy to be in a room with three alphas all subtly trying to show dominance.

“Such a fussy little thing, truly remarkable he houses such a powerful ability.” Fyodor reached out to touch Atsushi and Dazai was not going to let that happen. Striking fast he grabbed the alpha’s hand, pulling out the knife to point at Fyodor’s neck.

“Don’t touch him.”

“A brother’s love and duty to protect, how sentimental.” Shibusawa purred watching the two, enjoying the tension and showdown between these equally skilled alphas. “Let’s all get along, Dazai I will let you hold your brother if you remove the knife from Fyodor, doesn’t that sound fair?”

It didn’t sound fair at all because even if Atsushi was safe in his arms the two of them were still trapped.

Still Dazai wanted Atsushi safe so he held his arm out to take his brother. Once Atsushi was placed in his grasp he dropped the knife and retreated as far away as he could from the two. Holding Atsushi close and checking him over. The only thing wrong with him is he had the emperor’s scent on him which Dazai quickly started to cover up with his own. Shibusawa will not take his little brother.

“I’ll leave you two to talk some more, play nice.”

Shibusawa strolled out of the room, the door locking behind him trapping the three inside.

“So the emperor doesn’t trust you it seems.”

Since both were trapped in here.

“He is right to be wary of me. Now where were we, ah yes you were going to tell me information about dear Chuuya.”

Dazai growled at Fyodor, it got louder when he approached but the growling scared Atsushi who began to cry. Unable to deny his nurturing nature Dazai ceased his growling to comfort Atsushi, whispering comforting words to the pup and promises he will get him back to mother. The poor dear had to be hungry as well.

“Such a loud little beastie.” Fyodor scoffed at Atsushi as his crying didn’t cease and instead got louder. “To think Nikolai wants to create one of these.”

Dazai managed to get Atsushi to quiet down, holding the pup on his shoulder and patting his back. “You seem like the type that enjoys tormenting children.” Dazai snapped.

“No they’re too easy to manipulate, where is the fun in that?”

Fyodor tried to touch Atsushi again and Dazai was about to bite his hand.

“Stop trying to touch him! I’ve seen what your ability does.”

“No matter, now tell me, does Chuuya have a gold collar on his neck, this is very important.”

The fact that Fyodor knew about the color meant he had to know about Chuuya’s mother. Dazai tried to see if revealing this information would backfire.

“Yes he does.”

Fyodor gave a small nod and he walked away to look amongst the crystals. “As promised I will give you the crystal controlling the fog. Though let’s hope your family is still alive by then.”

Dazai snarled at the other who only laughed hauntingly.

“Fukuzawa!”

Mori yelled as the alpha blocked another blow from Elise but it left him open for his own shadow attack to leave a cut.

The battle against their puppets was a losing one, while fighting the two had gotten separated from Hirostu and Oda.

Rushing to his mate who kneeled and gripped his side, the puppets advancing on them.

“Dove, I want you to run and not look back.”

“Don’t you dare say that, I’m not leaving you.”

“We don’t have time, we can’t defeat them, they’re us!” Fukuzawa was trying to get Mori to run as Elise and the shadow of himself came closer.

“Well I recall I used to defeat you during our sparring- wait that’s it! Instead of fighting ourselves we need to fight each other.”

Fukuzawa was confused by what Mori met but his own shadow was ready to strike!

The alpha wanted to push Mori out of the way but the omega took his blade and swung. The shadow wasn’t expecting the blow as the blade made contact with the gem shattering it into pieces.

The shadow puppet of Fukuzawa then disappeared!

Fukuzawa’s eyes widened realizing what this meant. Watching Elise jump ready to smash Mori into pulp he moved fast, taking the sword and sliced up the guardian and the gem.

Mori couldn’t stop the whine that slipped his throat, falling to knees watching as Elise had been freed but in doing so needed to destroy her form.

“I’m sorry for attacking Rintaro, I didn’t want to hurt you.” Reaching her hands out to gently cup his face as she kept fading.

“It’s ok, rest now.”

Elise closed her eyes as she faded completely, Mori taking a shaky breath before rushing to Fukuzawa’s side, checking his mate to make sure the wounds he suffered weren’t fatal.

“We need to help the others and find Yosano.”

Mori prayed she hadn’t been caught up in the fog.

Said beta was not holding up against her shadow, scraps, cuts and bruises littering her body as it seemed the shadow was keen to defeat her by just leaving wound after wound.

Their battle managed to make its way back to the mines.

Yosano was kicked and her back collided with the huge piles of lumbar. She had no idea where Kunikida was and prayed he was ok. Yosano needed to use something to defend herself. Noticing a discarded shovel she picked it up and whacked her shadow with all her might unaware she hit the gem.

The gem shattered and the figure disappeared.

Yosano sucked in a breath when she realized her ability was back. She was badly wounded but nowhere near dying. Yosano needed to go and find Kunikida, to tell him how to defeat his double.

Eying the shovel, it was sharp in one corner.

Taking a deep breath she plunged the shovel as hard as she could into her leg, crying out in pain as she started to bleed profusely when she yanked it out. Summoning her ability the next second Yosano was healed from all of her wounds. Falling to her side as she breathed quickly, trying to get it under control from the rush of adrenaline.

Yosano heard an explosive, willing herself to get up she ran in the direction of the noise and found Kunikida.

He was badly hurt, bleeding from wounds on his person and was looking exhausted.

“Don’t touch him!”

Yosano still had the shovel with her as she charged forward at the fake Kunikida. It didn’t flinch when she approached and smashed it over the head with the shovel and crushed the jewel.

The fake Kunikida disappeared, all that was left was his notebook.

Kunikida sighed in relief, holding his side as he fell to his knees. Yosano rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Kunikida.

“I got you, I got you.”

Kunikida wrapped one arm around Yosano, burying his face in her shoulder.

“We should head to the estate, the fog could be affecting them.”

Yosano nodded, standing to help Kunikida up, slinging his arm around her shoulder as they made their way to the estate. Hoping they all made it in time before everyone’s abilities killed them.

“Ah, here it is.”

Fyodor plucked a red crystal from the box and approached Dazai, it hovered in the palm of his hand.

“This is the crystal that controls the fog?”

Fyodor nodded, he moved his hand away when Dazai tried to reach for it. “Ah ah ah, you think it will be that easy? One more thing, do you know where Chuuya is?”

“No, last I saw him was at my home after he was stabbed.”

Dazai hoped Chuuya wasn’t in that fog, but maybe his collar blocked his ability enough that he wasn't stuck in it.

Fyodor handed the gem over and Dazai touched it, watching the gem dissolve into dust. This felt too easy, he wanted to check to see if the fog was gone but they were trapped in this room.

“I know you want to look and see, so allow me to have my partner open the door.” Fyodor made that shrill whistle again, Dazai turned his gaze on the door and watched a gold portal appear and a hand come out. Fyodor’s partner was that tall alpha from the mines who stabbed him.

The door unlocked and Dazai hurried his way to get out but he made a fatal mistake.

Turning his back on an enemy.

A stab into the back by Fyodor, Dazai letting out a pained whelp, falling to his knees. “Can you all stop stabbing me!”

Dazai could feel his strength slipping again, the same poison used before to put him out. Before he could react to save Atsushi he felt his baby brother snatched from his arms. A gold portal holding Atsushi before he was pulled through and into the arms of the unknown white hair alpha.

Dazai growled before passing out, the white coat he wore staining with blood.

Fyodor took the knife out and grabbed the coat off of Dazai. The alpha won’t die of blood loss, he made sure to avoid major veins when stabbing him. Folding the coat over his arm and tucking the knife away after wiping it on the coat. Making sure it was covered in Dazai’s blood and scent.

“Oh what a sweetie baby!” The white hair alpha cooed, holding Atsushi up before bringing him close to nuzzle his little cheeks. Atsushi started to get fussy from the overly affectionate gestures of someone unknown.

“Can’t we keep him? Please please please, if we keep him then I won’t ask you to make one with me.”

“That’s your omega talking Nikolai. We can’t have a child nor keep him. He’s not useful to our plans for now.”

Nikolai huffed, not wanting to give up on convincing Fyodor Nikolai held Atsushi up and pouted. “Fyodor, please let me stay, please.” Nikolai whimpered.

Fyodor just rolled his eyes.

“Finish your job and maybe I’ll think about it.” Fyodor handed Nikolai the bloody coat that was on Dazai.

Nikolai took the coat and left the room with Atsushi.

“No s-stop.”

Fyodor noticed that Dazai was still awake, not having succumbed to the muscle relaxer.

“Don’t worry, if all goes according to plan you’ll see your mate soon enough.”

Chuuya instantly felt when his collar disappeared and the cool air of the night blew against his bare neck.

Chuuya’s hands went to his neck not feeling the familiar gold around it and started to panic. Eyes wide and looking everywhere, thinking did Dazai suddenly appear out of nowhere and use his ability? Did his mother return but both were nowhere to be found.

“Chuuya? Are you ok?” Ranpo notices the omega frantically moving around and holding his neck.

The two were still at the edge of the cliff before the fortress, mulling over a plan.

“Get away Ranpo, my collar is gone!”

Ranpo got to his feet, keeping a safe distance from the omega just in case. Though how was it possible his collar just disappeared?

“Chuuya, you need to be calm.”

Ranpo couldn’t have Chuuya going into a panic when his ability dampener was gone.

The omega told Ranpo how his father had an ability that allowed him to control the gravity around him. He could move items, adjust the weight of them and also himself. Chuuya never showed signs of having an ability until he suddenly had the same power as his father but unlike him Chuuya had no control over it and went on a rampage.

“Deep easy breaths Chuuya, you’re fine, see you’re still here.”

That seemed to work as Chuuya did notice he didn’t instantly go berserk and lose control. If he just remained calm and focused then maybe he wouldn't lose control and hurt people.

“Oh ho ho I found you~”

Both turned their heads hearing the voice, seeing a tall individual dressed in white and a long cape.

Ranpo got between the unknown man and Chuuya.

“Who are you?”

“Why I’m just a humble messenger, or you can say I’m moving the plot along to its final climax.”

Ranpo was still on edge around this unknown omega, finally catching his scent. He took some steps forward and Ranpo bared teeth.

“How rude when I bring you a gift.” The omega pulled some of his cape away and revealed Atsushi in his arms!

“Atsushi!” Chuuya cried out, scrambling to his feet to rush over and take the baby but Ranpo stopped him as the omega pulled the pup away.

“Not so fast, this gift isn’t for you little god vessel, I have something else for you.”

Chuuya let out a whine, he wanted to hold Atsushi and be reassured the pup was ok but he backed off. Ranpo was gestured to come forward and take him, the omega handed Ranpo the baby and he put some distance between them.

Ranpo checked over Atsushi and saw that he was fine, nothing looked wrong.

Chuuya gave a sigh of relief seeing the baby was safe, then he faced the omega.

“What do you have for me?”

“Something I know you’ll be very interested in.” The omega pulled his cape away and in his hands was a long white coat, Chuuya saw the blood stains but the scent on it hit him and his stomach dropped.

The blood belong to Dazai!

“Dazai!”

The omega tossed the coat to the ground and Chuuya caught it, pulling the bloody coat close as he noticed how much blood was on it and the rip in the back. Had Dazai been mortally wounded?!

“Don’t fret little godling, he’s still alive, in that dark castle.” The omega pointed to the emperor’s fortress. “It’s up to you to save him, though it is quite dangerous, a monster is in there where your sweet prince is. It will take an even bigger monster to defeat him.” The omega snickered, gleeful over this daring situation.

Chuuya held the coat tighter, fretting and battling with himself.

Every fiber of his being wanted to go and save Dazai but he couldn’t help the alpha as just Chuuya…the nulled ability omega.

A sinful whisper in the back of his head flickered, sending a chill up his spine.

But Chuuya, the vessel for god, could save him.

“What's going to be little godling?” The omega chuckled behind a hand watching him battle internally with him.

Chuuya shoved those thoughts away, he swore he would never fall for it’s tricks and promises again!

Suddenly the ground began to shake and then a loud booming sound ripped through the area scaring all the birds.

Chuuya and Ranpo looked to the fortress and they couldn’t believe their eyes seeing a large red dragon break through the fortress and coiled around it letting out a thundering roar.

“Ha ha, this is getting interesting.” Nikolai purred.

Chapter Text

Twelve years ago…

“Père! Higher!” Chuuya giggling after he was tossed into the air by his father, though unlike other kids with their parents Chuuya’s father can toss him much much higher!

Had given the neighbors a fright a couple of times when they saw the two on the roof and saw Chuuya going up and down high in the air.

Paul chuckled at his son, the boy never seemed to be afraid of heights. Though they had to do this away from Rimbaud who always have panic attacks seeing Paul use his ability to play with Chuuya.

“Ok one more time then we have to go back inside alright?”

“Yes père.” Chuuya pulled away from hugging his father so the alpha can use his ability. Chuuya felt the weightlessness surrounding him and next he knew was being tossed up into the air. Letting out a happy squeak being tossed much higher than ever before! Next the weightlessness vanished and he started to fall down but Chuuya wasn’t scared, trusting his father would always catch him.

Just before Chuuya fell to the ground he was stopped, pulled over into Paul’s waiting arms. The alpha held Chuuya close as he nuzzled Chuuya’s hair. Even at nine he was still very small.

The affections stopped when the two heard Rimbaud was calling them.

“Looks like playtime is over.” Setting Chuuya down.

The two headed to the door off of the room of their apartment building, descending down the stairs before arriving at their home. Catching Rimbaud yelling for them again out the window.

“We’re here Mon Cherie.”

Hearing Paul’s voice Rimbaud was eager to shut the window to keep the cold air out. Rubbing his hands on his arms then blowing into them as well. The omega was always cold, it was something the omega had always lived with. Chuuya never minded how his mother’s hands felt like ice all the time, always offering extra blankets to keep him warm.

“I hope the two of you weren’t playing your game of catch again.” The dark hair omega mildly scolded them. Paul’s face remained neutral but Chuuya averted his eyes, tucking hands behind his back which was his obvious sign for being caught in the act.

“You worry too much love, you know I’ll always catch Chuuya.” Paul wrapped an arm around Chuuya pulling him close, pressing a kiss to Chuuya temple before telling the young one to wash up for dinner.

Chuuya nodded as he headed to the washroom to clean his hands, leaving his parents alone.

Rimbaud crossed his arms, raising a brow at Paul who shied a little at being caught by the omega.

“He enjoys it Rimbaud, you know how hard it is to deny him.” Calling out how much the omega spoils Chuuya.

“Yes but I spoil him with sweets and trinkets, not tossing him up into the air!”

Paul held back a sigh, instead closing the distance between them to pull the omega into a reassuring hug. To calm him and let Rimbaud steal some of his warmth.

“You used to not be so worried about this, what changed love?” Kissing the top of the omega’s head before nosing along his hair. One hand toying the ends of the long black hair.

“I…I know what you’ve told me about your ability, how it’s not really you and lately you’ve been using it more on Chuuya, even if it’s just harmless fun I can’t help but think it’s them interested in him.” Rimbaud pressed his face into Paul’s neck, inhaling his scent to calm him.

“Your concerns are valid Mon Cherie, Arahabaki can be fickle but I assure you everything is fine.”

The two put back on a calm front when they heard Chuuya finish washing up, unaware the young one had been listening.

Dinner was a normal affair, Rimbaud trying to make French dishes with the limited ingredients they had. The one food everyone missed the most was a fresh baguette.

“Chuuya dear, how is school? You’re adapting well?” Rimbaud worried about putting Chuuya back into a public school. But as the material got harder for him the omega couldn’t homeschool Chuuya anymore. It has only been two years since they moved back to Japan.

“It’s fine, some of the kids think my way of speaking is different and odd that I can speak another language.” Chuuya knew French before Japanese given he was born in France but Paul wanted to teach Chuuya the language of his home nation. Ever in case they had to return.

“You’re getting along with your classmates? No fighting right?” Paul raised a brow, more so to appear concerned when secretly he always encouraged Chuuya for standing up for what he believed in.

“No père, I’ve been good.”

Chuuya finished up his meal, wiping his face with the napkin. “I’m all done, can I be excused?”

“You may after you clean your plate.” Rimbaud instructed. “And clean the plate all the way, not just put it in the sink.” Calling out to Chuuya as he went into the kitchen, hearing the water running before the young omega bolted to his room.

“He’s been spending more and more time in his room…I should check on him.”

Paul put a hand on Rimbaud’s to stop the omega from getting up. “He will be a teenager in a few years, perhaps he’s going through presenting and doesn’t want us to know.”

“But he has nothing to be ashamed of, it’s all a part of life.”

“Dear.” Paul’s thumb brushed over the back of Rimbaud’s hand. “Remember we came from a very conservative country.”

As much as they had tried to show Chuuya it was ok to be accepting of your inner alpha, omega or beta the country liked to shun those ideals away. The two had been appalled when Chuuya spoke about how at school a student was locked up in a room due to presenting too early.

“All the more reason to talk to him.” Rimbaud got up but Paul kept his hand tight on the omega’s preventing him from leaving the table.

“You have to let our little fledgling fly on his own someday.”

In Chuuya’s room he was curled under the blankets.

Mulling over what he had overheard his parents talking about in regards to his father’s ability. What did his mother mean when he said père’s ability was not really him?

A dozen questions on his tongue but besides that Chuuya was afraid to fall asleep lately. He had been keeping up appearances that he was fine, using some of his mother’s foundation to hide the bags under his eyes. The nightmares had been getting worse.

Despite fighting it, Chuuya had fallen asleep due to his exhaustion.

Just like before his dreams started with him in an empty space. Chuuya knew where this was going so instead of trying to run away like the times before he just covered his ears and fell to his knees.

Little one…don’t shut me out…

The dark voice from before purring in his head, Chuuya shut his eyes tighter and pressed hands harder against his ears. “Not listening, not listening, you're not real.”

Chuuya felt a presence behind his back but he won’t turn around and face the monster. It stalked behind him, pacing around him like he was prey, still whispering to him.

Little one…don’t be frightened…I won’t hurt you…

Despite how hard Chuuya pressed his hands to his ears he could still hear the monster speaking. It was as if the monster was in his mind. Curling tighter in himself when he felt the ominous presence in front of him. Chuuya didn’t want to open his eyes but a part of him kept saying he should, he needed to look!

Look at me…gaze upon me…

“No! No I won’t!”

The monster growled, it echoed loudly in the empty expanse and shook Chuuya to the core.

OPEN THEM

Chuuya couldn’t keep them close anymore, opening his eyes and was face to face with the monster.

The creature was massive, bigger than an automobile with muscles and a lean form. Chuuya used to think the monster looked like a lioness from those books from Africa but what made this monster scarier than those were the long saber-like teeth from it’s jaw. The dark spotted hide was pitch black and when the spots caught the unknown light there was a sheen of red. The creature's eyes were devoid of any pupils, it just stared at Chuuya with an emptiness.

The air around them grew heavy, it was familiar to Chuuya. The comforting blanket of his father activating his ability but this felt warped and wrong.

“Leave me alone! I don’t want anything to do with you.”

Chuuya begged the monster to go away.

No matter…how much…you deny…you will be mine…

Chuuya was sobbing, scared at this creature still haunting him, he wanted to close his eyes for what was about to come next. The monster opened it’s jaws before pouncing on him and the last thing Chuuya saw was that.

Chuuya gasped loudly as he thrashed around in his blankets trying to get away. Making a loud racket as he whined and made cries, he fell out of his bed with a thud which alerted his parents.

Rimbaud opened the door and came in with a lantern. “Chuuya? Chuuya dear, what's wrong?” Putting the lantern on the side table, the omega kneeled down and helped Chuuya get out of his blankets and into his arms. Chuuya clinging tight to his mother, inhaling his smell of books and fresh linen.

“Mama!” Chuuya clung tighter to him.

Paul stayed in the doorway letting the two calm down before he approached cautiously. Reaching a hand out to rub Chuuya’s back.

“What happened dear? Tell us what scared you.” Paul kept rubbing Chuuya’s back.

Chuuya eventually calmed down, he was still sniffling. Moving from his mother’s arms to curl into his father’s. Paul gently ran a hand through his hair.

“I had a nightmare.” Chuuya finally confessed.

Rimbaud scooted closer to wrap an arm around Chuuya and hold him as well.

“Tell us dear, what happened?”

Chuuya sniffled, burying his face into Paul’s shirt. “There was a scary monster, it kept saying I was going to be theirs.”

“Oh dear that sounds horrible.” Rimbaud hugged Chuuya more, pressing a reassuring kiss to the top of his head. The omega glanced over to judge Paul’s reaction and saw the alpha had a very far away look on his face. “Paul…”

“Chuuya.” The alpha gulping for a second. “Can you describe the monster?”

“It was huge! It looks like a scarier lion! With long fangs, black coat and red spots. It’s eyes are the most scary, there is nothing in them.” Chuuya pushed his face more into Paul’s chest, the alpha snapping out of his thoughts to wrap his arms tighter around Chuuya.

“It’s ok, it was only a dream.”

Both stayed with Chuuya until he calmed back down, he was too afraid to go back to sleep though. Rimbaud offered to stay by his side which Chuuya wanted but Paul needed to speak to the omega.

“I just need to talk with père and mama will be right back, ok?”

Chuuya nodded even though he didn’t want to be alone.

The adults left his room and Chuuya waited until he quietly opened the door and snuck down the hall to eavesdrop on his parents.

“Paul…I saw that look, you know something, what is it?”

The alpha was pacing in the small living room, a hand over his mouth. Then out of nowhere Paul called upon his ability and was able to move the vase of flowers on the table. Sighing in relief, putting his hand down.

“For a second I thought Arahabaki picked a new host.”

Rimbaud’s eyes widened, a hand going to his own mouth in utter shock. “But you said…”

“Chuuya perfectly described it’s form. Arahabaki is still with me but I fear it might be interested in Chuuya.”

“What are we going to do?” Rimbaud was vaguely aware of how dangerous Paul’s ability could be. It was the main reason they fled Japan in the first place, to keep it’s power away from falling into the wrong hands.

“I think it is best we be separated, until Arahabaki loses interest in him and I get better control over it.”

Chuuya put a hand over his mouth to keep himself from gasping out loud. Hearing all he needed, Chuuya snuck back into his room before Rimbaud came back. The omega acting as if he and his mate didn’t just talk about having Paul leave.

Chuuya was fighting to stay awake so he could slip away from his mother and beg his father not to leave but with Rimbaud humming the lullaby that always put Chuuya to sleep.

The young one finding himself back in that dreamscape with the monster, though this time it didn’t look as frightening. Instead of the devoid eyes, long fangs and hulking form it appeared like those jungle cats from the south Americas.

Little one…you don’t want your father leaving…do you?

In this form Chuuya wasn’t as scared, there was something else he feared more. His father leaving and never seeing him again.

“You’re Arahabaki…who are you? What are you?”

I am a god The big cat replied.

Chuuya blinked owlishly at it, not expecting that answer.

Others like me…we give humans powers…they let us house their bodies…

“And you’re…in my father?”

The creature purred, it then got up and stretched like a typical stray cat Chuuya saw wandering around Paris. Since Chuuya was thinking about the stray cats, Arahabaki then changed it’s form into that of a small cat, the black fur and red spots remained. Arahabaki came closer to rub against Chuuya’s legs.

Nakahara line always housed me…

Paul may have changed his name when coming to Paris but Chuuya inherited his given name.

If you don’t want…father to leave…let me in…

“I don’t want him to leave but he said you shouldn’t be interested in me.”

Chuuya was startled when Arahabaki jumped into his arms, holding the cat in them as it purred loudly. One claw paw kneading at Chuuya’s shoulder.

Dangerous people want him…because of me…if you have me…then he will be safe…

The god whispered promises of power and safety as well, that it will use Chuuya to keep them all safe. Chuuya didn’t want his father to leave and if he had the power to keep them all safe it seemed too good to be true.

“You’ll really keep them safe?”

Of course…little one…

Paul instantly felt Arahabaki leave him and was on his feet to head into Chuuya’s room before it was too late.

The alpha reacted in time by bringing his arms up to protect his face when the door was blown off of the hinges and collided with the wall.

“Chuuya! Rimbaud!” Paul called out to the two, the alpha heard struggling and he rushed to the room, gripping the doorframe tight as he paled seeing the sight before him.

Rimbaud using his containing ability to hold Chuuya in place, the gold chain constructs trying to weigh him down. Chuuya was screaming as he was trying to free himself. The boy’s eyes were void and red marks from the god were all over his face and arms.

“Chuuya dear please! Calm down!” Rimbaud yelled at his son who was not listening, only rabid feral growling came from him.

This is what Paul feared the most, that Arahabaki would get tired of him as a vessel and seek out his son.

His very impressionable son.

“Keep him down Rimbaud!” Paul shouted as he rushed to Chuuya, holding his son’s shoulders. “Chuuya! Chuuya I know you’re in there, please you have to fight it!”

Chuuya growled, lunging to try and bite Paul’s face. Rimbaud whimpered as he conjured up a muzzle to keep Chuuya from biting his mate.

“Arahabaki! Get out of him now! You don’t want him, he’s not strong, come back to me.” Paul instead tried to negotiate with the god. The family ignored the yelling from the neighbors who heard the loud noise when the door blew off.

Chuuya kept struggling, making more noises from behind the muzzle before he bit down hard to shatter the construct Rimbaud made to keep his teeth at bay.

“He is mine!”

Arahabaki yelled out as he made the gravity around Rimbaud and Pual heavy around the two, sending the two down through the floor to the apartment below. Rimbaud lost his focus on containing Chuuya, the boy free from the bounds.

An evil laugh from the boy as he stood up, raising a hand up to throw a condense ball of gravity at the wall before him, blowing half of the apartment building away. Louder laugh as Arahabaki jumped down, landing hard on the street below causing a crater. Then the god used Chuuya to launch himself up and away, laughing as the god escaped with Chuuya.

Rimbaud and Paul groaned in pain coming out from the debris. The neighbors below yelled in concern at what happened.

When Paul came to, he ran to the giant hole in half of the apartment to watch Chuuya escape.

“Rimbaud!” Looking around for his mate, finding the omega and pushing some debris away. “Come on we have to go after him!”

Rimbaud wasted no time using his ability to make constructs to follow after Chuuya as he was escaping from the city to the woods.

“What happened?! I thought you said!” Rimbaud yelled at Paul who was holding onto his side as they chased after Chuuya jumping away, creating huge craters with Arahabaki’s powers each time he landed.

“Arahabaki must have convinced him to merge, I was unaware it would make a move to obtain Chuuya this soon. We have to calm him down, the longer he’s in the state the worse it will be on his body.”

When Arahabaki took full control it granted the vessel immense power but at the cost of the vessel. If Arahabaki continued to overexert it’s vessel then the vessel could die!

Chuuya landed just before the giant towering fortress of the emperor. The boy coughing up enough blood to make a puddle below him but the boy didn’t react. Arahabaki overjoyed to finally lose control and cause chaos.

“Chuuya!” Rimbaud called out to his son when the two landed, all he got was a growl from Chuuya. The omega let out a gasp seeing the blood staining his mouth and starting to come from his nose.

“Arahabaki enough! You’re killing him! You’ll waste you new vessel this soon?!” Paul tried to reason with the god, if it kept this up Chuuya will be dead.

“You can always make more.”

Both Pual and Rimbaud sucked in a breath hearing that, they needed to get the god out of Chuuya or calm him down.

Paul was at a disadvantage since he didn’t have his ability anymore. Only Rimbaud stood a chance.

“Rimbaud, I need you to contain Chuuya and me, I will try and force Arahabaki out of him. No matter what, do not let Arahabaki take control of our son.”

“But Paul-“

“Now Rimbaud.”

The omega couldn’t deny the alpha and created a large box trapping the two inside. Chuuya growled realizing he was contained. Jumping against the walls to escape but Rimbaud was holding strong. Making the box smaller to force him and Paul closer.

Acknowledging Paul the young one stopped struggling, hissing at Paul before Chuuya coughed up more blood.

“Stop this, if you keep this up then he is dead and there goes your next vessel. Chuuya isn’t strong enough to handle you.” Paul put his hands up to appear non threatening, deep down the alpha knew Arahabaki won’t kill him, with no Nakahara’s then it would no longer have a suitable host.

Chuuya just kept growling and hissing but stopped trying to attack, he was hunched down in a position ready to strike. Paul slowly came closer, if he can get Arahabaki to cease control then Chuuya will no longer be in danger of killing himself.

The moment was ruined by loud shouting and barking.

Rimbaud turned to look behind him to see police arriving with dogs. They must have seen the destruction Chuuya caused when escaping.

The police surrounded the box and Rimbaud called for him to put down his ability.

“Disengage your ability! Disengage!” The officer shouted at Rimbaud.

“No wait, get away, the situation is unstable!” Rimbaud argued, still keeping the box up containing Paul and Chuuya inside.

Paul let out a growl, these people were going to make the situation worse.

Chuuya snarled louder at the unknown assailants, snapping his jaws as he lunged at one of the officers but the wall stopped him. Chuuya's attack provoked them more and the officer nearest Rimbaud used his baton to strike at Rimbaud to get the omega to stop using his ability.

The cry from Rimbaud when he was struck multiple times before the officer got both Chuuya’s and Paul’s attention.

“Rimbaud!”

“MAMA!!”

The ground started to shake around, the ground cracking and splintering due to Chuuya’s power from Arahabaki. Paul knew what was happening, Chuuya was losing control and focus! Paul turned to Rimbaud who lowered the ability and got to the ground. The officers kept shouting at everyone to stand down, the police dogs barking louder.

The air was growing heavy as a red glow surrounded Chuuya, the sleeves of his shirt disintegrating.

Paul looked to Rimbaud, the two sharing a longing look. The alpha gave the omega a smile before speaking. “Take care of him Arthur and reassure him it’s not his fault.”

Rimbaud didn’t understand what Paul meant, why was he saying things like this. Next the omega knew Paul was running towards Chuuya which caused the officers to advance on him and Chuuya.

“Rimbaud protect yourself!”

Rimbuad obeyed due to the tone the alpha used, that deep loud tone that made any omega follow orders. The omega called upon his ability using it to create a box surrounding himself. The last thing he saw behind the yellow wall was Paul embracing Chuuya and then a burst of power from the young one.

Paul held his son tightly, giving one last loving squeeze before whispering. “I love you.”

Rimbaud had to close his eyes and brace himself as the power from Chuuya imploded. It wasn’t loud until after the destruction. Shaking the entire area and causing all the animals to scatter.

Rimbaud opened his eyes and let out a wail seeing where he was.

In the middle of a giant crater!

“Paul! Paul! Chuuya!” Rimbaud yelled out, looking everywhere for his mate and son. Calling his shield away he slid down the wall of the crater and as he went lower he saw someone in the middle. Getting close Rimbaud noticed the red hair and gasped.

“Chuuya!” running down the wall to his son, when he got to his knees before him the omega noticed the markings were all gone. “Chuuya! Chuuya dear speak to me!” Rimbaud pulled Chuuya into his arms, shaking the boy so he could wake up.

Rimbaud looked around to try and find Paul but his inner omega was wailing inside which could only mean one thing…

Hearing a cough Rimbaud looked down and saw Chuuya waking up! A huge sigh of relief pulled Chuuya into his embrace. Petting his hair as he tried not to break down and sob.

Chuuya was slowly coming too, looking around but unable to see exactly where he was. Realizing he was in his mother’s arms, he felt too weak to raise a hand up. “Mama? …mama where are we?”

Rimbuad sucked in a breath, realizing Chuuya had no idea what happened.

“Dear…I want you to know it’s not your fault.” Rimbaud cupping Chuuya’s cheek. “It’s not your fault.”

“What? …where…where is père?”

Rimbaud couldn’t stop the tears falling from his eyes, how can he tell his son that he just killed his father?

The two heard noises, most likely back up from the first officers arriving and with them in the giant crater they will be the most likely suspects. Rimbaud scooped Chuuya into his arms and used his ability to get them out of the crater and away. Chuuya looked over his shoulder to see the damage and to see if he could spot his father.

When the two were far away, Rimbaud stopped, still holding Chuuya close.

“Mama, père? Where? Tell me.”

Rimbaud held Chuuya tighter but not too much because of his wounds. “Père is gone my dear…”

Chuuya went silent, no this can’t be…the god said- THEY PROMISE!

Chuuya let out a scream shaking the ground around them. Rimbuad pulled away and saw the markings coming back!

“NO! You took my mate, you will not take my son!”

Rimbuad reacted as he clamped his hands around Chuuya’s neck, ignoring the pained whimper from his son as he used his ability. A bright glow until it faded and around Chuuya’s neck was a gold collar.

It worked and the red markings were no longer on Chuuya.

The young boy panting and sobbing as he clawed at the collar. “No no no they promised!” Chuuya cried harder.

Arahabaki promised it would keep his father safe but his father was gone. What happened!?

“What happened mama? …tell me!” Chuuya scrambled into Rimbaud’s arms, gripping tightly to his clothes.

Rimbaud wanted to not tell Chuuya to spare him the knowledge of knowing, it was more of a cruel mercy to keep the young one in the dark but Rimbaud didn’t know if he could lie to the boy.

“The god…possessed you and you went on a rampage. Your father protected you to the very end but you saw the crater. You were in the middle of it with your father holding you…your father is gone Chuuya…I’m so sorry.”

Rimbaud wrapped his arms around Chuuya as the boy let out a wail. Realizing he had killed his father when all he wanted to do was protect him.

Chuuya later discovered the collar around his neck was keeping Arahabaki at bay, Chuuya had thought the god had left him after the event, but it remained.

The young boy swore that day he’ll never let the god take over again.

Present…

Shibusawa had returned, not exactly happy, finding his new heir missing and Dazai on the floor bleeding. Eyes narrowing at Fyodor who just smiled at him like the cat getting the cream.

“Where is Atsushi?”

“Someplace safe, don’t worry about it.”

The answer angered the emperor who stalked over to the alpha, standing at his full height to intimidate the other. Fyodor of course was not intimidated in the slightest, never taking the emperor seriously.

Shibusawa glanced around the room and he picked up a crystal that was gone, though he cocked an eyebrow remembering which one. He personally remembers taking that ability, from a cowering shivering omega who begged for his life not to be taken more so for someone else’s sake than his.

“What are you planning?”

“Your downfall.”

Fyodor moved before Shibusawa could react, using the same knife he had used on Dazai to slit his throat.

The emperor choked on his own blood as he staggered backwards, his back hitting the other door in the room.

Fyodor smiled as the entire room was being thrown into chaos due to the vessel being destroyed. The emperor’s body fading away until only his skull remained which had claw marks down one eye and a gem embedded.

Dazai weakly pulled himself up a little watching.

“W-what did you do?” Groaning in pain from the knife in his back and the poison still working to knock him out.

“Destroyed one of the many heads of this hydra.”

There was a loud rumbling before Fyodor stood back realizing his hold on the skull before a fiery red light surrounded it. Taking the form of a dragon’s head, growing inside as it shot through the roof of the palace releasing a roar.

Dazai grimaced in pain as he tried crawling towards the dragon to nullify it before it could attack all of Yokohama but Fyodor stepped on his hand.

“No this is not your battle to be won, but since you behaved so nicely like a good little rook I will give you this.” Holding out two of the red crystals. “These are the gems controlling the fog and the abilities turning against the owners. Destroy them and it will stop Shibusawa’s plan to kill your family.”

Dazai gritted his teeth, he didn’t believe this alpha one bit but what choice did he have? Though even if he stopped the fog, who was powerful enough to defeat this dragon?!

Raising one of his hands, Dazai destroyed the crystals. Fyodor was pleased, standing up to leave Dazai but the alpha still refused to succumb to the poison, grabbing onto his long coat.

“What, what was the other crystal I destroyed?” if that wasn’t to release the fog then what?

Fyodor let out a chuckle, it was sinister amongst the roaring of the dragon as the fortress was crumbling around them.

“Why it was the ability keeping dear Chuuya’s collar on him.”

Dazai’s eyes widened, this confirming that Chuuya’s mother was dead and that his dampener was gone!

Fyodor gave Dazai one last smile before tugging his coat out of Dazai’s grip and leaving the fortress.

Dazai collapsed to the ground, the poison finally knocking him out.

Chapter Text

Chuuya watched the dragon roar loudly, still coiling around the fortress but in doing so was causing it to start collapsing.

The unknown omega disappeared before either him or Ranpo could question him anymore. Chuuya clutching tight to the bloody coat covered in Dazai’s scent and blood.

The words from the omega rang through Chuuya’s head, that a stronger monster was needed to defeat this dragon in order to save Dazai. But the last and first time he used his ability Arahabaki destroyed so much and killed his father, what if he killed Dazai again? But if he sits here and does nothing then Dazai will still die.

Chuuya hated being stuck between two impossible situations!

The omega could hear Arahabaki purr in his ear, happy to finally be free. Chuuya wanted to retreat and hide but he remembered what happened the last time he hid from the monster.

“Ranpo…get Atsushi out of here.” Chuuya stood up holding the coat tighter.

“What, what are you going to do Chuuya? You can’t fight that thing, what if you lose control?”

“If I do then Dazai is the only one that can stop me.” Chuuya put the coat down, pulling a strip of cloth out to start tying up his long sleeves. “And if Dazai is dead then find someone to put me down as well.”

Ranpo wanted to stop Chuuya from doing this, this sounded more suicidal than Dazai’s ideas but if nothing stops that dragon then it could destroy all of Yokohama and perhaps even the entire country.

“Just…come back alive, both of you.”

Ranpo turned around running back into the woods heading to the estate with Atsushi.

Once Chuuya noted the two of them were gone he closed his eyes and reached deep inside. Before going through with this he like to lay some ground rules.

Chuuya found himself in that empty space with Arahabaki, the god in their intimidating form that used to scare Chuuya as a child. It still is scary but now Chuuya needed the god’s power.

It has been a long time…little one

“I need your power, you can use me but there will be one ground rule.”

The god scoffed a little, amused that this human was making deals.

“You can use my body but you do not kill Dazai.”

The god took some time to think it over before it rose from it’s lounging stance, beginning to stalk towards Chuuya.

Very well…

Arahabaki pounced on Chuuya, sinking it’s sharp teeth into Chuuya’s shoulder.

Chuuya in the living world hunched over, the markings coiling and appearing on his skin, eyes going blank. A red glow surrounds Chuuya as the gravity around him bends to his will.

A crater formed around him before Chuuya launched himself into the air straight to the dragon.

The dragon noticed Chuuya and let out a roar, Chuuya roaring back at it summoning a concentrated gravity ball of power before throwing it at the dragon. The dragon let out a loud roar from being hit and moved it’s head to try and chomp it’s jaws on him. Chuuya dodged out of the way, summoning more spheres of energy and flinging it at the dragon. Some of the spheres were hitting the fortress, debris falling but it was getting caught in Chuuya’s gravity field.

Chuuya then used the chunks of the fortress to fling back at the dragon who was starting to fall away.

There was a second of clarity from Chuuya noticing the fortress was coming down.

“DAZAI!”

Off in a safe distance watching the show was Fyodor and Nikolai.

The omega giddy watching the destruction from the two powerful entities.

“That little god vessel is strong.”

“Indeed, he was the only one that could truly destroy the emperor.” Fyodor mused, watching as a blast landed where the gem room was.

“What about his mate? You just left him in that building to die?”

Fyodor shook his head as he pulled out a crystal from his coat. “This one is a barrier ability, I put it around Dazai. So, no matter how much the vessel destroys the area, Dazai will be safe. Besides, we need both of them alive just in case for any future plans.”

Fyodor won’t be giving up two of his strongest pieces just yet.

Chuuya growled loudly at the dragon, having summoned a piece of the ground to stand on and throw more rocks and chunks of debris at the dragon.

The dragon was slowly starting to fall apart, due to it not having an anchor to a user anymore.

Chuuya summoned a large sphere of gravity energy and threw it at the dragon’s head aiming for the crystal. The dragon let out a loud roar as it fell defeated Chuuya yelling out Dazai’s name.

The alpha was safe within the barrier from the crystal Fyodor stole. He was still lethargic from the poison, barely able to hear much of what was going on outside of the barrier but then he heard his name.

Chuuya finally noticed Dazai in the sphere and moved towards it.

The omega snarled when he couldn’t pass through at first, clawing at it until finally Chuuya broke through and fell into it.

The strain of using his ability catching up as he coughed up blood.

Chuuya tried to reach out to Dazai, to wake him up but more so he could activate his ability and free him from Arahabaki. The god was not letting Chuuya reach out for Dazai, wanting to still be in control.

Chuuya twitched as he battled inside his mind but stilled when he felt a hand touching his cheek. Looking down he saw Dazai was awake!

“Hi chibi…”

Dazai activated his ability which freed Chuuya but it also removed the barrier, the two tumbling down to the ground. Chuuya on top of Dazai, he blinked his eyes realizing he was back to normal and Dazai was ok!

“Dazai-“

“Shhh, there could be other enemies around just wait.” Dazai wraps his arms around Chuuya and pushes the omega’s head into his shoulder.

Chuuya wanted to protest and have Dazai release him so he can make sure the alpha was ok but he was so overcome with relief that Dazai was alive and he didn’t end up dead because of Chuuya’s ability.

Once Dazai felt the area was secured even though they were in the ruins of the emperor’s fortress he sat up and pulled Chuuya away.

The two stared into each other’s eyes before colliding together into a passionate kiss.

Dazai, so relieved to know that Chuuya was ok, worried that he could have been caught in that fog or worse, Fyodor getting his hands on him.

“I was worried sick.” Dazai pulled away from the kiss, pressing his forehead to Chuuya’s.

“I’m so sorry! Sorry for bringing those two into the estate sorry for-“ Dazai shut Chuuya up with another kiss, wiping away his tears.

“It’s ok, everything is ok…”

Chuuya just fell more into Dazai’s embrace, hugging him tightly. Dazai rubbed at his back, his hand moving higher up and brushing the back of his exposed neck. Chuuya couldn’t stop the shiver from Dazai touching his neck.

“…it’s gone.” Chuuya confirmed. “I don’t know how or why it happened.” Chuuya pulled away to look at Dazai, frowning seeing his somber expression.

“I do, and I’m sorry Chuuya.” Dazai moved his hands to hold Chuuya’s shoulders as he explained everything.

How the emperor had an ability that stole others, kept them in a collection and once the crystals were destroyed the ability stopped working. Dazai destroyed one and it being his mother’s which meant his mother had been killed by the emperor and ability stolen.

Dazai felt awful as Chuuya wailed, getting confirmation that his mother had been dead. There was nothing he really could do to help make it better.

Dazai scooped Chuuya up into his arms, if there was one thing he could do it was get Chuuya away from this area and back home.

Upon arriving at the estate everyone sighed in relief seeing the two safe, along with them seeing that Atsushi was back where he belonged with his real family.

“He was waiting until one of our children had an ability like Lord Natsume?” Fukuzawa said out loud, Mori was finally tending to his wounds as the older alpha had forgone any treatment until everyone else was attended too.

“That seemed to be his scheme.” Dazai explained everything that had happened.

“His plan was almost foolproof.” Mori commented tying the ends of some bandages around Fukuzawa’s middle. “All of us perish from our abilities, him coming forward with Atsushi to announce him as his heir from perhaps a secret concubine. Shibusawa’s line reigns on for centuries to come.”

The lengths people would go for power.

Though Shibusawa didn’t plan for his foreign ally to betray him as well, but for what gain? Dazai had tried looking for Fyodor while returning to the estate but the alpha was long gone.

“There is going to be a lot of damage control in the coming weeks.” Mori was putting away medical supplies. “Our emperor is now dead and there are no heirs, it’s going to be a power struggle from all the other ruling families who deserve the throne more.”

Dazai rolled his eyes. “Maybe it would just be better if we didn't have a monarchy.”

In Dazai’s humble opinion all of this was Shibusawa’s fault.

“Perhaps we’ll bring that up in the meetings, for now you should get some rest. You both look tired.” Mori nodded his head to Chuuya curled up in his embrace asleep.

The omega had a tight grip on Dazai. Not wanting to be parted from the alpha, for two main reasons, staying close to his partner and his ability keeping Arahabaki silent.

“We’ll rest after I check in on everyone, you both take it easy.” Dazai stood up adjusting his grip on Chuuya before exiting the room. Sayu followed him as Dazai checked on everyone in the estate who had been affected by the fog. Thankfully everyone made it out of it alive, Dazai couldn’t imagine losing anyone.

Atsushi was being doted upon by Yosano, Ranpo when running back to the estate had run into her with Kunikida and scooped Atsushi into her arms. The beta was not ready to part with the infant, so it was amusing seeing her curled up in the crib with him.

Dazai opened the door to their shared room and laid Chuuya down on the bed.

Not parting from the omega as he laid down beside him, being in his nest had Chuuya slowly waking up, recognizing a safe place by smell.

“Dazai?”

“I’m here, right here Chuuya.” Moving closer to press a kiss to Chuuya’s forehead.

Chuuya reached out to find Dazai’s hands to make sure one of them was holding him. When Chuuya felt the alpha’s touch on him, he let out a sigh of relief.

The two just laid together in silence, Dazai rubbing Chuuya’s back. Dazai tried to remove his hand at times but Chuuya would lowly growl. Dazai found it amusing but at the same time Dazai just felt like Chuuya’s new collar.

“…I think you should learn to control your ability. As much as I enjoy having an excuse to always be touching you, I want you to not always rely on me.”

Dazai raised one hand to brush some strands away from Chuuya’s eyes, the omega giving him a pleading look.

“I will be close by if you ever lose control while you are training.”

“Can’t we just get married, and your father’s ability kicks in?”

Dazai’s eyes widened a little hearing Chuuya confess he liked to get married, but this was just another way he could rely on someone.

“I want you to be independent, you’re finally free from previous shackles and now you want to go back into that. Which I understand ,you felt safe, but you were limited, you have amazing power. If you harness it, you can be unstoppable.”

Chuuya bit his lip, he was unsure if he could ever control Arahabaki. The god seemed to be keen on taking control to go on rampages.

“Can I think about it?”

“You can but I’m still going to pressure you to control it on your own.” Dazai reached to boop Chuuya’s nose.

The omega let out a huff, blowing some hair out of his face before burying it in the pillows.

Dazai kept a hand on Chuuya while he fell asleep, then he pulled his hand away. A reaction wasn’t instantaneous which was a good sign. Dazai will however keep an eye on Chuuya for the night to see if the ability was as volatile as Chuuya alluded to.

Chuuya was in that empty space again, muttering under his breath to wring Dazai’s neck for removing his hand.

Arahabaki presented itself and the god did not look happy, tail giving iterated flicks.

“I’m not leaving him, Dazai will be my mate and will use his ability to keep you from going out of control.” Chuuya was very firm in his declaration.

Arahabaki hissed at Chuuya before roaring, the god putting up a more frightening aura around it. Chuuya narrowed his eyes at it, he felt the familiar heavy presence of gravity in the space activating by the god but he won’t back down.

“I’m not afraid of you.” Chuuya muttered to himself, Arahabaki roared again, as if trying to silence Chuuya.

“I’m not afraid of you.” Chuuya said to himself a little louder.

You dare-

“I’m not afraid of you! I’m not afraid of you!” Chuuya shouted at the god, even if he was being forced down but the God’s power to his knees, Chuuya will not stop.

Silence!

Arahabaki lunged forward, jaws opened as it tackled Chuuya, sinking the long fangs into his shoulder but Chuuya didn’t even flinch.

“You no longer scare me.” Chuuya reached a hand towards the god, tightening his grip in the fur of the god as Chuuya began pulling Arahabaki off of him.

“I will make sure you never hurt anyone I love ever again.”

The red glow that had previously been surrounding the god was now around Chuuya. Now with the gravity power Chuuya was able to pull the god off him and toss it away.

Arahabaki let out a small yowl as it curled up scared at Chuuya, reverting into the small house cat form.

A part of Chuuya wanted to crush the god, now that he had the power, it had caused him so much heartbreak but despite all that he can’t do it. Chuuya kneeled and reached his hand out for the god. The god hesitantly came close, leaning in to sniff Chuuya’s hand who then patted it’s head.

“Let’s work together.”

The little cat sat down and nodded head.

Chuuya woke up, back in the living world and noticed it was morning. Dazai sitting up but nodding off, hands nowhere near Chuuya.

The omega sat up from the futon, Dazai still not reacting.

Wanting to see if he and Arahabaki came to an agreement Chuuya looked to his vanity, the courting gift Dazai gave him still there. Reaching his hand out, Chuuya focused on the item, imagining it coming towards him.

The omega smiled to himself watching the gem rise from the vanity, now he just needed to bring it forward.

Chuuya willed the gem to come close, but he didn’t take into account the speed and the gem went whizzing past him and smacked Dazai in the face.

“I’M UP!” Dazai yelled out, looking around to see what had just attacked him.

Chuuya was trying not to laugh, snorting to himself which got Dazai’s attention. The alpha looked sheepish that he got caught not using his ability on Chuuya but the omega didn’t seem bothered.

“I want to try and control it, though you need to promise me that if I ever lose control, you will stop me.”

“I promise.”

Dazai rubbed at his cheek where he was hit, finally noticing the gem in the futon. Picking it up he looked at it then at the vanity wondering how it got from there to here.

Chuuya summoned his ability and made the gem float above Dazai’s hand. “I can lift things up, but I need practice moving them.” The gem fell back into Dazai’s palm.

Dazai gave a nod handing the gem back to Chuuya, it dawned on the omega that now he could wear it. The gold collar on his neck was gone and while he missed the comforting weight he didn’t feel like putting something back on right now.

Chuuya rose from the futon, holding the gem close to his chest as he walked back over to the vanity where his hat was. Dazai silently watched Chuuya as the omega looked at his hat, then the gem and then at the charm Dazai had bought him. Chuuya looked over his shoulder at Dazai to give him a smile.

“Is your aunt good with hats?”

Chuuya dodged a sword strike, then used his ability to make himself more weightless to easily flip back and dodge another strike.

Koyo and Fukuzawa not relenting in their sword strikes, it was easy for Chuuya to keep an eye on the two sword masters, it was Koyo’s ability he needed to worry about.

A flash of gold in the corner of his eyes, making the gravity around his person more dense, the ability aberration struck him but the sword could not make contact. The two tried to advance on him but Chuuya stomped on the ground, causing two large pieces of the earth to come up and he flung them at the sword masters.

Fukuzawa easily cut through the rock while Koyo dodged.

“He’s getting better at controlling it, even without your father’s ability in effect.” Kunikida mused to Yosano, the two sitting off to the side from the training grounds of the dojo Fukuzawa trained and teaches at.

“Chuuya has come a long way, remember when he couldn’t even move tiny objects that well? Amazing what a few weeks can do.” Yosano was proud of the omega. “Isn’t he just so cool Atsushi?”

Yosano cooing at her brother sitting in her lap, the boy now able to sit and hold his head up. Atsushi was gnawing on his hands watching the fighting. Making baby babbles as he reached his other hand out, most likely wanting his father.

Eventually the fighting came to a draw, swords aimed at Chuuya’s vitals but Chuuya had his hands aimed at weak points to the swords masters to push them back.

“Draw.” Fukuzawa announced, pulling back to sheath his sword. Koyo called away her ability and did the same with her katana.

Chuuya stood up straight, adjusting his hat before he tucked a finger in the ribbon to pull out the small chain that had the charms Dazai gave him. The courting gem nestled on the hat as well.

“Well done Chuuya, you’re getting better at using your ability adaptable on the battlefield.” Fukuzawa mused proudly to see how much the young omega had advanced.

“Thank you sensei.” Chuuya bowed his head. “Thank you as well Koyo-san.”

She let out a smile, adjusting her kimono. It amazed Chuuya that she was able to fight in it.

“You’re improving so much, I dare say maybe you’ll be able to defeat the two of us soon.” She chuckled at the light flush dusting Chuuya’s cheeks. “Now then I’m sure we’ve all worked up an appetite, why don’t we head into the city. My treat.” She held out her arm which Chuuya took, following her with the rest of the family.

Of course Koyo would pick a rather nice restaurant for dinner, not that anyone was really complaining.

Atsushi, though, wanted to grab everything and stuff his face with all the food. Chuuya couldn’t help but chuckle watching Kunikida hold him as he tried to eat a dumpling but Atsushi reached his hand out and grabbed it right from his chopsticks.

The baby couldn't eat too many solid foods so Kunikida took it away as gently as possible but the pup started to cry.

Fukuzawa put his chopsticks down to take his son, Atsushi snuggled closer to his father but the crying continued.

“He’s really missing mom.” Yosano tried to get Atsushi to stop by handing him some edamame.

“Just how much longer does he and Dazai have to stay in the capital?” Koyo spoke up.

“Hopefully not too long, I received a letter from Mori, they all should be coming to a final decision soon.”

After the death of the emperor the country went into a period of mourning for a week after the news hit the papers. Ruling his death as a freak accident since there were no witnesses. Of course rumors of it being an assassination cropped up and Dazai’s family were the prime suspects since the emperor was in their city when he died.

Eventually the assassination rumors were quelled as now all the officials and ruling families had been in meetings for the past few weeks to come to a decision.

“I hope they’re both doing ok.” Chuuya missed both of them greatly, more so Dazai.

The omega was itching to show the alpha all he had learned while being apart, though a small voice in his head whispered how much his body missed the alpha’s touch.

Chuuya shook his head of those thoughts, not appropriate for the dinner table.

In the capital Dazai was about ready to rip his hair out.

Having to sit in on meetings for weeks that were just going in circles as everyone argued why they should be the new monarchy of the country.

By bloodline Natsume should be appointed the crown since he was the late emperor’s brother even if he was a bastard but other families who had the previous emperor’s other bastard children as relatives said they had just as much of a chance to obtain the throne. Some argued that Shibusawa’s line was cursed and they needed to start anew, this argument coming from the families with no ties to the royals.

Throughout all this arguing Natsume and Mori had been the most quiet, mainly watching everyone hash it out.

Dazai wanted to go home badly but as the first alpha of his family he was obligated to be here, and Dazai wanted to give his mother some support.

“They’re getting nowhere if they keep arguing mother, at this rate the country might as well fall into shambles.”

Mori gently swatted Dazai’s arm with a fan to make him keep his voice down, the walls of the palace had many eyes and ears.

“This is our politics, our very flawed politics but nonetheless.”

Mori of course shared in his son’s desire to go home, missing his baby terribly. Mori could have brought Atsushi but with all the rumors swirling around it would be likely someone would think Atsushi was Shibusawa’s child and not Mori’s.

“Didn’t the emperor like leave a last will or something?”

“He believed he would live and rule forever, I doubt he would have written down what was to happen if he died.”

If the emperor had any heirs then this would have no arguments, the heir would inherit the throne but since Shibusawa never claimed a mate there was no one to claim the seat.

“But we don’t want anything with the crown, why are we still here? Can’t they all just fight amongst themselves without us around?”

“Because we actually have blood ties to the emperor, like it or not.”

Dazai huffed, crossing his arms, following his mother to where he was taking him in the palace. “Where are we going anyways?”

“We’re having a meeting.”

Dazai wanted to pry but he knew the subtle signs that this was as much Mori was going to reveal.

Walking out of the halls of the palace towards the gardens, there weren’t many people there until Dazai noticed the gazebo they were heading to had some people sitting under it. Dazai recognized his grandfather sitting with them along with Ango, it had been ages since he last saw the young lord. The other man sitting with them was somebody Dazai just knew in passing conversation, Santoka Taneda, the chief of police in the capital.

“Gentlemen.” Mori nodded to them as he took a seat in one of the empty chairs, Dazai taking a seat as well. “I gather you summoned me here with my son to elaborate on a plan you have for the uncertainty of the country.”

“Yes we have.” Ango spoke, pushing his glasses back in place.

Taneda reached for his cup of tea to take a sip before speaking. “We’ve come to the decision that your family should inherit the throne.”

Dazai held in a snort, his shoulders shaking a bit but his mother cracked more than him. Mori started to quietly chuckle to himself before it grew louder and the omega threw his head back laughing. Dazai couldn’t keep it together as well laughing along with his mother. Even Natsume chuckleed which obviously stunned Ango and Taneda who were confused why they weren’t excited to hear they vouch for the family to inherit the throne.

Mori stopped laughing, brushing some tears away in the corner of his eyes as he got his breathing settled. “Oh that has been the funniest news I’ve received in a long time, you two have to be joking?”

“I assure you we are quite serious, we feel you and your family would be the best fit to rule this country and you all have the most claim to the throne.” Angi explained.

“Son, we don’t want that. Why do you think we have all been quiet while everyone has been squabbling?”

“We thought you all were just buying time until you came to claim the throne.” Taneda guessed.

“Not at all, in fact we want to be back home. We’re missing our mates and my pup.”

“If you claim the throne then you can have your family move here.” Ango suggested.

“No, absolutely not.” If they move to the capital all those years of hiding Dazai and Yosano’s ability will be for nothing since Atsushi liked to randomly turn into a tiger cub. If anyone from the palace saw him then everyone will question Mori again why his older children don’t have an ability then start snooping.

“You just want to leave the country in ruin? We’re without a leader, this makes us vulnerable to outside forces.” Taneda argued.

News of the emperor’s death has reached all of Japan but the outside world news will travel slowly unless by word of mouth some visitors spread.

“The emperor was an oppressive power that we all like to ignore, unlike you our family was scrutinized the most by him. I will not put my children in that world, in my humble opinion we should get rid of a monarchy and find something different.”

Other world’s governing countries did things differently as monarchs were slowly dying off.

“Think of it this way, obtain the throne now and then implement a new system if you’re all so keen on not being directly involved or elect someone else.” Ango suggested.

Dazai cocked a brow that made sense on paper, just temporarily holding the power until creating a new system. It seemed Mori was also thinking about that as well, holding his chin in thought. Dazai couldn’t help the smile seeing his grandfather doing the same gesture.

“I will give it some thought but I would like to go home and speak to my husband about this. I’m sure you two can all come up with an acceptable excuse for our departure.”

Ango and Taneda didn’t want Mori leaving during this crucial time but they got him potentially thinking about their offer.

“We bring him here to stay with you.” Ango offered.

“What about my pup? Denying him both of their parents.”

“Why didn’t you want the pup here anyways Mori? You know everyone wouldn’t be bothered.” Taneda voiced.

“I have reasons, I don’t want my son here in the capital.”

Ango pulled his glasses off to rub at his eyes. “Would you be inclined to have your husband and pup discreetly brought into the capital and held someplace safe without anyone knowing?”

Mori took a minute to consider that option. “I would, if my son’s mate joins as well.”

Everyone’s eyebrows rose, unaware Dazai had claimed a mate, no public announcement was made.

Dazai waved his hand casually. “We’re waiting for the right moment to reveal our engagement.”

“Fine, he can come as well. I will be in touch with my people to make the arrangement happen.”

“Fine, we can add them as well, is there anything else?”

“No, thank you for your time gentlemen.” Mori rose from his chair, Dazai following as well.

Natsume waited some time before he followed after them, when the coast was clear he turned into a cat and ran over to his son and grandson with a meow. Mori takes the time to kneel and scoop the cat into his arms.

“So…what’s your take on the offer?”

Mori was silent as he pet Natsume, gently scratching the cat’s face and chin while he purred loudly.

“I think it’s the best course of action, don’t worry I promise we will figure something out before you can take the throne.”

Dazai gave Mori a smile but it didn’t reach all the way. “That’s sweet mom but you know everyone will say I’m old enough to assume the throne so then they can use me as their puppet monarch.”

For someone who didn’t enjoy politics, Dazai was rather good at predicting them.

“There are many what ifs about this, but we’ll be stuck here forever if nothing is done. Let us wait to make a decision after we inform your father.”

They all made it to the room in the palace they were assigned, Mori gently putting Natsume down. The lord takes on his cat form to avoid being bombarded by other lords and ladies wanting to get into his back pocket during this power struggle. Natsume rubbed up against Dazai’s legs, the young alpha scratching along his back enjoying the little arch the cat made.

“Thanks for inviting Chuuya mom.”

“I know you two have been missing each other and are eager to see each other.”

Gods know that was the truth.

Chapter Text

It had been some time since Chuuya rode on a train.

Staring out the window holding Atsushi as they watched the scenery pass by. The baby was mesmerized by the images before him. Chuuya couldn’t help the smile seeing his eyes go wide. Atsushi let out some baby babble as he patted his hands on the glass window.

“We’re almost there, Atsushi.” It almost seemed the pup had sensed they were getting closer to the capital, he had been asleep the majority of the train ride in his bassinet until they were coming up on the last hour of travel.

Fukuzawa was getting some deserved rest, arms across his chest, head bowed forward as he napped.

Chuuya didn’t mind watching Atsushi while in the private train booth. Surprised he was even invited on this trip into the capital to see Dazai and Mori.

The omega won’t complain as it meant he got to see Dazai.

A train worker was knocking on all the booth doors when they were getting close to the station. Chuuya gently woke Fukuzawa to let him know they were arriving soon.

Stepping off the train into the busy station of the capital, Chuuya held tight to Fukuzawa’s yukata sleeve while he had a secure grip on Atsushi. The older alpha looked around for the contact they were supposed to meet when arriving.

Fukuzawa was able to spot him and guided Chuuya to follow. They approached a tall but lanky beta who had short hair brushed back and round glasses.

“Lord Ango.” Fukuzawa addressed him, Ango gave Fukuzawa a polite bow.

“Thank you for coming all the way to the capital. If you please follow me to the secure location.”

Chuuya was surprised to meet a lord so young, he looked maybe a little older than Dazai. Chuuya and Fukuzawa were led to an automobile, their light luggage being loaded on the back. Door opened for them to go inside, Chuuya kept a secure grip on Atsushi though as soon as he sat down the baby wanted to look out the window.

The drive from the train station to wherever they were going was quiet, the silence only filled with Atsushi’s baby babbling.

It was another half an hour of travel until arriving at an estate in the city, unlike the one Chuuya was used to that had woods around it, this one had buildings and shops as neighbors. The gates were opened and they were let inside.

Ango stepped out and opened the door for his guests. “Your mates will be here for dinner, we’ll show you to your rooms.”

Some maids came forward to show them to their rooms, Chuuya giving Fukuzawa Atsushi who would most likely stay with his parents. Their rooms were across from each other in the estate, they were spacious and good, no complaints.

Chuuya was exhausted from the trip so he laid down on the futon after arranging it into a small temporary nest for a nap.

Waking up a few hours later to a knock on the door, dinner was served and the other guest arrived.

Knowing what that meant Chuuya rushed out of the room, he didn’t know exactly where he was going since he didn’t explore the estate. Luckily Chuuya was directed by a few passing maids who told him where the dining room was. He should have been more polite when entering, not sliding the door open hard making it smack loudly. Eyes locked with Dazai’s who whipped around when he heard the door.

Both just moved towards one another into a crushing embrace. Dazai picked Chuuya up to swing him around a bit, Chuuya tightening his grip around the alpha’s shoulders, pressing kisses anywhere he could reach.

“I missed you.”

Chuuya pressed a kiss to Dazai’s cheek, giving him another tight squeeze before pulling away.

The young omega gave a hug to Mori, missing him as well during this separation.

Dinner tonight was just between the family, it was casual until Fukuzawa addressed the elephant in the room.

“So what is the decision?”

Mori sighed, placing his chopsticks down and readjusting his grip on Atsushi. “They want us to take the throne.”

Chuuya was glad he wasn’t drinking anything because he would have choked on it.

“Ango with the support of Taneda wants to nominate us to ascend the throne. With their votes while everyone else is picking themselves we would win, however….”

“You never wanted to rule.” Fukuzawa finished.

They were the governing family of Yokohama but it was drastically different ruling one province to overseeing the entire country. It meant relocating and being in the heart of the capital. Despite all the action that has been happening the last year everyone was content with their mundane life in Yokohama.

“I did entertain the thought of accepting just to disband the monarchy but I’m sure everyone would rather have Dazai rule and have him as a puppet monarch.” Mori stopped talking to wipe Atsushi’s mouth since he started to drool a bit more excessively.

All this talk about politics was making Chuuya’s head spin.

“We can discuss this more later, dove, you’ve been away from us too long.” Fukuzawa wraps an arm around Mori’s shoulders to pull him close and press a kiss to his forehead.

Chuuya couldn’t help the small smile watching the older couple.

Dinner finished and Dazai tugged Chuuya along by the wrist.

“Where are we going?”

“Out.” Dazai announced as dragged the omega to the front gate.

“Shouldn’t we stay hidden, Lord Ango told us we were not to be spotted.” They had been brought to the capital discreetly.

“They wouldn’t try anything. With so many important people in one place an assassination attempt would only push the decision for the next emperor back more. Regardless, I have one of the most powerful ability users on my arm.”

They were let out of the estate only because Dazai gave the guard some yen.

Now out on the city streets when the lights were starting to come on Dazai gave Chuuya’s hand a squeeze.

“Let’s have some fun.”

Chuuya wanted to argue a little but couldn’t so much as he was dragged down the sidewalk until breaking into a run so they could jump onto a cable car heading deeper into the city. Both found two empty seats inside.

“Have you been to the capital before?” Dazai wrapped an arm around Chuuya’s shoulders.

“No, I’ve only been in Yokohama and wherever Ace’s gamblers' den was.” Chuuya had no idea the name of the city since Ace didn’t want his workers knowing where they were.

“I’ve been a handful of times, but I always wanted to go back home, so this is my first time enjoying the city for leisure.”

Chuuya can understand, there was a looming threat from the old emperor.

Both perked up hearing the bell for the cable car meaning a stop was coming up. Both hopped off and found themselves a few blocks away from the market area of the city. Dazai held Chuuya’s hand as they entered the bustling area.

There were the typical food stalls in front of shops, the street was brightly lit by the hanging lights and street lamps.

Chuuya was a little in awe, everything seemed much more extravagant here in the capital. Yokohama’s city was nice, but this seemed like a real upgrade.

“Want to grab a drink?” Dazai pointing to a bar.

Chuuya nodded and they headed inside, this one was a lot more packed than Lupin even on a busy day. Chuuya felt a little out of his element as it seemed everyone’s eyes were locked on him. Thankfully Dazai wrapped an arm around his waist and guided him to the bar. Dazai ordered them a shot of sake to start the night.

“Cheers.” Dazai held his shot up and Chuuya followed suit.

Both took the shot together, Dazai savoring the taste while Chuuya tried to not spit it out.

“Yeah the stuff from the capital is not for the faint of heart.” Dazai put some yen on the bar and escorted Chuuya out. With some booze in their system to loosen each other up.

Dazai held Chuuya’s hand as they walked down the street looking for something to eat. There were so many street vendors, it was hard to pick just one. Though Dazai seemed to ignore them all, instead looking for someplace else to eat.

“You want to sit down at a restaurant?”

It's been some time since the two of them sat down at a place to eat dinner together, like a date. Chuuya nodded which got him a reassuring squeeze to his hand from Dazai.

Dazai managed to find them a restaurant that looked like it was selling some udon and didn’t have a long line. Seated down at a table and with two bowls of udon on the way, Chuuya couldn’t help a small flush that he was on a date with Dazai.

Really have been doing this courting backwards.

“So what’s your opinion about you know what?” Dazai sipping his green tea, the two couldn’t be super detailed in case anyone was eavesdropping.

“I don’t believe I get one, I’m not involved.” Chuuya just held his cup of green tea, letting the heat warm his hands.

“You are my mate.”

Chuuya flushed more. “We’re not officially mates.”

But now they can be since Chuuya’s neck wasn’t covered anymore. But before either of them could indulge Dazai was whisked away from the omega. All it would take is one bite from Dazai and they would be together.

“You are right but we can change that.” Dazai mused.

Chuuya was about to argue but their food arrived, the conversation topic dropped as they focused on their food.

The udon was good, the broth savory and the noodles chewy. Both silent as they ate their meal, when they finished Dazai paid and was whisking Chuuya away again.

Chuuya just let Dazau drag him along as they seemed to be leaving the night market.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see, it’s something I’ve always wanted to see while here in the capital.”

Chuuya found himself excited as he held Dazai’s hand tighter as they walked down the streets. Again Chuuya was amazed at how brightly lit the city was, almost like it was day time when it was clearly nighttime.

“Here we are.”

Chuuya looked at what Dazai was staring at and his eyes widened.

It was a long row of cherry blossom trees along a canal through the city and they were all in bloom!

Yokohama only had a handful of cherry blossom trees in the city, here there were probably more than fifty down each side of the canal. Along the trees were pink lanterns lit, glass wind chimes hanging on the branches as well.

“The festival got over last week but they keep up the decorations.” Dazai explained as he crossed the street with Chuuya so they could stand under one of the trees.

The petals were falling delicately off the branches, but each tree was still full and pink.

Chuuya was awestruck as he took everything in, noting the canal Chuuya walked over to the guardrail to get a better look. The water was dark, but it perfectly reflected the moon and the lanterns making it a lovely sight.

“This is beautiful.” Chuuya looked over to Dazai and couldn’t help but chuckle, the alpha had some petals in his hair.

“What’s so funny?” Dazai tilting his head to the side.

“Nothing, just some petals stuck in your hair.”

“Oh you’re one to talk, your hat is covered in them.” The petals really stood out against the black of Chuuya’s hat.

“Didn’t say anything that it was bad, just amusing.”

Dazai blew at his bangs, causing a few petals to fall out of his hair. Dazai gently took Chuuya’s hand as they walked down the canal sidewalk, showered by petals. Chuuya couldn’t help thinking that it was rather romantic.

In fact the whole night had been filled with nothing but romance at every turn, almost as if…

Dazai stopped walking, Chuuya slowed down and stopped with him.

“Dazai? …is there something you want to tell me?”

The alpha gave Chuuya’s hand a squeeze, it was a little tighter than normal. Almost like Dazai didn’t want to let him go.

“Ever heard of the saying if you love something you should let it go.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened, he took a step closer to Dazai, placing a hand on his forearm. “Dazai, what do you mean by that?”

“Don’t tell mom or dad but, I have been talking to Santoka Taneda and Ango privately. I have asked them to nominate me as the new emperor.”

“What!?”

Dazai tugged Chuuya closer, putting a finger to his lips so Chuuya would be quiet. Seeing a break in the guardrail leading to some steps down to a small dock Dazai led the two of them there.

Off the main street and with some more privacy Dazai continued to explain.

“The rest of the officials and royals are just squabbling for a chair and don’t care about the people. If nobody is appointed the country could fall apart.”

“Dazai, you- your family has wanted nothing to do with the crown! Your mother has been trying to keep you away for years.”

“I know and there is nothing I can do to ever repay him for all the years of protecting me from the previous emperor, except this. If I take the crown solely then the rest of my family can remain in Yokohama without worries.” Dazai explained.

“But why are you talking to me like this is goodbye?”

“Because if I do this then you most likely will never be able to leave Japan if you are my mate. There will be huge expectations on you that I don’t want you to face.”

To be Dazai’s mate if he is emperor is to be the ‘empress’, the biggest expectation that would be placed on Chuuya would be siring an heir, then that heir could have a target on it’s back for the rest of their life or turn out to not be the expected dynamic and they have to keep trying again and again.

Dazai won’t make Chuuya a broodmare for him.

“I care about you too much to let you get involved in this world.” Dazai gently grabbed Chuuya’s shoulders. Even if his inner alpha was screaming at him to not let Chuuya go.

There was a ringing in Chuuya’s ears, hearing how Dazai wanted to just let him go, to ‘protect’ him from the toxic world of politics.

Chuuya hung his head down, this reaction prompted Dazai to reassuringly rub the omega’s back, taking it as Chuuya being heart stricken over this news.

So when there was a pain in Dazai’s chin from Chuuya headbutting him it caught the alpha by surprise so bad he fell back on his rear.

“You stupid alpha! Thinking you know what I want or what’s best for me!” Chuuya was brimming with emotions.

Dazai sat there in shocked silence, even more when an aura of red surrounded the omega and some of the petals froze in midair.

“After all we’ve been through you want to just let me go? Cast me aside?”

“Chuuya no nothing like that, you have plans, Paris-“

“Fuck Paris! I don’t care anymore, you want to know the main reason I wanted to go to Paris? It was to find my mother, but he’s dead. There is no other reason I want to go back. It will just bring back painful memories of what I once had. My new family is here, in Japan with you! Stupid mackerel!”

Dazai raised a brow at being called a fish…

“And another thing why do you always think you have to make these self sacrificing choices alone? If you become emperor then I will stand by your side as your mate, so you won’t have to be alone. Please for the love of the gods just let others stand with you in the line of fire!” Chuuya ranted more, the boat that was tied to the dock was also floating in the air due to Chuuya’s powers.

“I am your mate! No ifs ands or buts, you are mine and I am yours.”

Chuuya finally declared with a loud huff, everything he had been suspending with his ability was let go, the boat landing back in the water with a splash.

Dazai just blinked owlishly at Chuuya who was panting from his outburst.

“I’m not going to let anyone else decide what is best for me anymore.” Chuuya crossed his arms, a small huff to add emphasis.

The silence stretched between them before Dazai closed his eyes and let out a light chuckle.

“Hey! Don’t laugh! I’m being serious right now!”

“I know, I’m not laughing at you.” Dazai pushed himself up to stand, reaching out he gently grabbed Chuuya pulling the omega into a hug. “I’m just happy you’re still the defiant take no shit omega I was drawn to.”

Chuuya gave a huff against Dazai’s chest but eventually sagged into the alpha’s hold.

“Don’t even try and get rid of me ever again or I’m throwing you all the way to Yokohama.” Finally, Chuuya circled his arms around Dazai, hugging the alpha back.

“I won’t chibi.” Pressing a kiss on the top of Chuuya’s head.

Dazai the next day went to meet Taneda and Ango, to finalize the decision.

“So you will agree to step forward and take the throne.” Taneda reviewed. “On top of our votes you also have blood relations to the previous emperor which will be in our favor. There are the rumors that had circled around the capital about how obsessed his late excellency was about you.”

Dazai was sure if Shibusawa ever discovered his ability he would have striked sooner. Killing his parents, maybe sparing his sister and as the grieving great uncle adopts him and Yosano then appoints him as heir.

“I do have a new clause to add to this agreement.” Dazai spoke up.

“Which is?” Ango pushed his glasses back in place.

“Chuuya is to be my mate and bride to be.”

“So you decided to keep him around?” Taneda and Ango knew that Dazai wasn’t officially mated to the omega and had made mention of it while discussing plans. That is when Dazai thought of giving Chuuya the chance to walk away but Chuuya threw that back into his face and made his intentions clear.

“Yes, if you can’t agree to this then the deal is off and we all spend the next infinite months going in circles.”

Dazai knew the two were desperate to get the struggle of power situated. Better make demands now.

“I did some investigating on Chuuya, he has some noble blood in him from his father. The council won’t have much argument.” Ango mused.

“Or hear me out. I mate with him regardless and they just suck it up and deal.” Dazai crossed his arms, the two didn’t need to know that Dazai was planning on firing the entire council once he had power.

“It will be more impactful if you marry after you are crowned.” Ango simply explained.

“Fine, so you’re agreeing to my clauses?”

“Yes we agree so long as you keep the mating until the royal wedding.”

Dazai hid his groan, this just meant waiting longer to make Chuuya’s his. Which will make the omega antsy.

“It shouldn’t take too long, the next council meeting to come to an agreement is at the end of the week. We make the announcement you get crowned within the next month then the wedding plans begin and you most likely will be married before the new year.”

“Fine, fine, do we have to abstain?”

Both let out awkward coughs.

“Given you two were involved before I don’t see any issue, just keep the mating mark until after the honeymoon.” Ango averted his eyes.

That was some good news.

“What about my ability? Many will argue how I’m ‘ability-less’ and therefore not fit enough to rule.” The emperor always had an ability.

“You will reveal it during the meeting.” Always one for dramatics Taneda. “This decision will upset a good number of people and hopefully one gets so mad they try to attack you with their ability and you nullify it.”

“Sounds like you’ve been sowing the seeds of envy.” Dazai cocked a brow.

The police chief hid a smug smile behind his fan. “I may have dropped a rumor or two.”

“Whatever may happen we will ensure you take the throne, then hopefully some real beneficial changes can happen in this country.” Ango straightens a stack of papers.

Dazai felt this small meeting had come to a close so he excused himself from the room.

Shutting the sliding door closed, Dazai roamed around Ango’s estate to find where his family was. Finding them in a tea room enjoying some down time.

Fukuzawa resting his head on Mori’s lap who ran fingers through his hair. Chuuya was busy rocking Atsushi who looked to have settled in for a nap. If the baby had the chance to sleep in someone’s arms he would take it, never enjoying being apart.

The sight of Chuuya tending to his baby brother made some instincts perk up, his inner alpha praising mate for being a good mother.

Chuuya perked up and noticed Dazai, the alpha coming over to take a seat next to him on a spare floor pillow. The two exchanged a kiss, Chuuya rubbed Atsushi’s back more before whispering. “Is everything ok?”

“Yes, I want you at the meeting at the end of the week.” Dazai whispered back.

“What are you two whispering about?” Mori called out, the two turned their heads to look at the older omega.

“Nothing important mother.” Dazai lied.

Chuuya would be giving him a scolding look for lying in front of his mother but Chuuya was in the same boat.

Dazai leaned closer to kiss Chuuya’s cheek and whisper again. “I’ll explain more tonight.”

Chuuya patiently waited for everyone to go to bed to question Dazai about how everything will be going down when he announces himself as emperor.

Dazai though was taking his time, getting the two comfortable in the futon with Chuuya resting his head on Dazai’s chest. “My ascension to the throne will be announced, with Ango and Taneda backing me up, it's going to upset a lot of people.”

Chuuya tightened his grip a little on Dazai.

“So whatever happens don’t reveal your ability when you’re there.”

That was asking a lot of Chuuya since his first instinct now was to protect his loved ones.

“Promise chibi?”

“…I promise.”

What’s the worst that could happen?

Chuuya felt a little out of place sitting up on the level above where the council and ruling families were discussing. Fukuzawa was standing next to him as they looked over the railing down at the madness.

As soon as the meeting began everyone started to argue, bring up new evidence or drag out old scandals to try and win out against the other person speaking. Chuuya’s heart went out to Dazai and Mori who had to sit through this for weeks.

“This is madness.”

“This is politics.” Fukuzawa sighed.

Dazai was rubbing his eyes when someone dared to speak up and grab his attention.

“Why hasn’t the Yokohama family said anything about the rumors they have a pup that looks uncannily similar to the late emperor?”

Dazai’s attention was on the one who spoke up, narrowing his eyes at him. He was an elite council member that has held his seat for decades. Though Dazai wanted to know how this scum got information about Atsushi. There must be a rat in Ango’s staff then. Glancing over at his mother who had a look that could kill the less lord three times over.

“Are you accusing me of something vile?” Mori growled.

“All I am saying is that it's rather suspicious that your newest ‘son’ has a striking resemblance to the emperor and he was in Yokohama when you gave birth only to end up meeting his demise. We all knew he favored you, just how much did he-“

The entire council went quiet when a loud splinting of wood snapped through the hall. Everyone looked in the direction and saw Fukuzawa sheepishly standing in front of the shattered remains of the banister.

While Fukuzawa was appalled at what the council was implying he wasn’t the one that shattered the wood. Chuuya let some of his power take over and broke the bannister, Fukuzawa quickly covering him up for nobody to notice.

“Those are big accusations, do you have any proof?” Mori venomously addressed the member of the council who suspected him of these heinous acts.

“The proof is right here.” The councilmen made a gesture and a servant entered holding Atsushi!

Dazai’s suspicions of a mole in Ango’s home was correct but he was hoping the mole was more interested in Atsushi than his plans with Ango and Taneda.

The councilmen took Atsushi and held him up for everyone to see. “Look at it! White hair like the emperor and striking eyes as well, how is this not Shibusawa’s progeny? The rightful heir to the throne?” Murmurs from everyone began while Mori was furious that someone took his child again.

The older omega was about to get up from his seat and demand his baby back but Dazai intervened.

Dazai approached and just had the most sinister look on his face. “Give me my brother. Now.” There was no room for arguing, thankfully despite all this tension Atsushi wasn’t scared, he did start reaching out for Dazai.

The councilmen shuddered at how dark the look on Dazai’s face was but he handed the pup over. Dazai took his brother and held him close, Mori relaxed knowing Atsushi was safe.

“Have you considered him and my father have light hair? I dare say it’s almost identical, even my grandfather has patches of white hair. As for the eyes they can change, my sister’s eyes changed.” Yosano was born with a pale blue that gradually changed to violet like her mother’s.

“Tch why should we believe you? How do we not know you’re just covering your mother’s scandal?” The councilmen argued.

“Because this attempt at using my baby brother to be put in charge as a figurehead while you have power won’t succeed. I am nominating myself as the successor.”

The whole room exploded in an uproar.

Chuuya glanced over to see Fukuzawa’s face and saw the look of shock, then he looked down to see Mori’s reaction and winced internalling seeing the look of shock, hurt and betrayal.

The main councilmen tried to get everyone under control. “Quiet, quiet down.”

Dazai remained headstrong, he can sense the many eyes boring into him wanting to strike.

“Does anyone back you up?” The council spoke.

Fukuzawa and Mori were both about to proclaim no when Ango and Taneda spoke up in favor of Dazai ascending the throne.

“With their support, my bloodline and favoritism displayed by the previous emperor I seem to be the best candidate for the throne.” Dazai returned to his seat only to hand Atsushi to his mother.

“Dazai, what are you doing?” Mori whispered while taking Atsushi back into his arms.

“Don’t worry, everything is fine.”

Dazai walked back to the center to face the council. “With two backers the throne is mine.”

“But he has no ability!”
“The emperor needs an ability!”
“I won’t stand for an ability-less emperor.”

Everyone started arguing, Dazai was just waiting for his moment. His eyes flickered to a movement at his side. One of the high lords who had been vying for the throne since the start of this looked steaming mad, his face red with anger and if Dazai remembers correctly he had an ability that makes his skin harden to steel.

“I will not listen to this pup any longer!” He erupted standing from his chair, his fists hardened up with steel as he stalked over towards Dazai.

Chuuya held his breath watching the lord advance on Dazai, holding himself back from intervening. He will stay in place but both Fukuzawa and Mori moved, Fukuzawa jumping down to defend his son and Mori sending out Elise.

Dazai just smirked as the lord brought his fist up, Dazai lifted his hand up and shockingly caught the lord’s hand as the effects of an ability activating appeared.

Everyone gasped watching Dazai activate his ability and leave the lord powerless! The lord was shocked as he was unable to use his ability, even without it he tried to swing his other fist at Dazai who ducked and the young alpha sucker punched the lord.

Chuuya smirked watching the lord fall back on his ass, sputtering from being utterly humiliated by Dazai.

Dazai flexed his hand after delivering the punch, the entire hall silent.

“Now, anyone else wishes to challenge your new emperor?”

Chapter Text

“Do you want a fall wedding or winter one?” Dazai spoke up, catching Chuuya a little off guard.

The omega flushed, hiding it behind some papers he was looking over with Dazai.

So much has happened that the summer came and gone in the blink of an eye. Dazai was crowned the new emperor of Japan and with that came a whole reworking of power. The old council was run out and a new one set up. Dazai was moved into the royal palace along with Chuuya who was announced as his bride to be. It had gotten rather lonely since the rest of the family was in Yokohama.

It took some time to get used to everything new but Chuuya had Dazai which is all that mattered.

“What brought this on?” Chuuya put the papers down, he didn’t want Dazai to be swamped with work so he helped him out when he could.

“I just want to finally be yours and you be mine.”

Chuuya couldn’t stop this new flush on his face and he silently agreed that after all they had been through it felt overdue for them to finally be together.

“How long does it take to plan a royal wedding?”

“From what I’m hearing, long.” Dazai sighed, laying back on the futon the two were lounging in.

“Sounds like you’ve been doing some planning on your own.” Chuuya laid down on his side and gently started to run his fingers through Dazai’s hair.

“Because the previous emperor never married they want this to be more of a big deal.” Dazai let out a huff, if he had it his way he would elope with Chuuya.

Chuuya chuckled as he pulled his hand away from Dazai’s hair but rested it on the alpha’s chest. Dazai put his hand over Chuuya’s and they eventually intertwined their fingers together. Chuuya gave Dazai’s hand a squeeze while mulling over the choices.

Though if Dazai said it takes a long time to plan a wedding then it’s best they get started now.

Chuuya moved to straddle Dazai’s lap, bracing his hands on either side of Dazai’s head. “We better start now then. The sooner I get this choker off the better.”

Dazai’s eyes zeroed in on the black choker around Chuuya’s neck, he didn’t get to enjoy not having something around it for too long before council and tradition intervened and said it be best for the bride to be and future spouse of the emperor remain unmarked until after the wedding.

“Another bright side to announcing the wedding date now is my family will have excuses to come and stay here in the capital.”

Chuuya did brighten up, he was missing his in-laws.

It brought a giddy emotion in Chuuya’s heart that he will soon be able to address Fukuzawa as father and Mori as mother.

“Can we visit them and make the announcement in person? They deserve it coming from us rather than reading it in a newspaper.” Chuuya laid down on top of the alpha. Dazai wrapped his free arm around Chuuya to hold him closer, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

“We can do that, I’m sure we’ll beat the papers if we leave early in the morning.”

Chuuya yawned and nodded his head, already starting to feel sleepy despite how excited he was to see his family.

Dazai rubbed at Chuuya’s back until he heard the soft breathing from him indicating he had fallen asleep. Dazai stayed in Chuuya’s hold until he was certain the omega had fallen into a deep sleep. Pulling himself away Dazai began to quietly pack two suitcases for the both of them. Once that was done Dazai slipped out of the large chamber that served as his room.

Walking down the dimly lit halls, the palace was furnished fully with electricity and had different settings.

Easily navigating his way to the room he wished to find, rapping his knuckles against the wood. “Ango? Ango are you awake?”

Dazai stayed silent as he heard some shuffling and the door opened revealing a very sleepy beta. Ango rubbing at his eyes before putting his round glasses down. “Yes your majesty, what is it?”

Dazai was unsure at the new titles he got with his position, but he couldn't help but find it amusing Ango addressed him like that.

“I’m leaving tomorrow for Yokohama with Chuuya and I would like to announce our wedding date.”

Suddenly Ango didn’t find himself sleepy anymore. “Wait wait, you picked a date and you’re leaving?”

“Yes, Chuuya and I are going to tell my parents in person but I’m sure we’ll beat the papers once you inform the right people.” The perks of appointing Ango as his royal advisor.

“Your highness this is good news but we need to assign a security detail to accompany you to Yokohama.”

“No need, I have the most powerful ability user with me.” Dazai proudly smiled.

“You can’t always rely on yourself.” Ango sighed.

Chuuya’s ability was still a secret, Dazai found it would be more beneficial to keep it hidden but if Chuuya needed to use it he wouldn't stop the omega.

“I’ll be fine Ango, besides the public is still getting familiarized with my face, if I just wear a small disguise we’ll be fine.”

“…is there anything I can say to make you not leave at first light?” Ango pulled his glasses away to rub at his eyes and brow.

“Nope!”

Ango sighed loudly but this is what he wanted, he nominated Dazai for this position and now has to live with the consequences. “What’s the date?”

“October fourteenth.” Dazai beamed.

“Sire that is only a month and a half away, I don’t think we can get an entire royal wedding planned by then.”

“Well you can cut back on a lot of the fancy things, we just want to be married. It can be modest, you know me Ango. I never liked flashy things.”

Ango took a breath, he can work with that. Less time getting decorations done to focus on ordering the important things.

“Alright, how long will you be in Yokohama?”

“As long as we can be.”

A few more details were exchanged before Dazai wished Ango goodnight and he returned to his chamber. Chuuya was still sleeping soundly and moved in his sleep closer to Dazai when entering the futon. Dazai pressed a few kisses to the top of Chuuya’s head before falling asleep despite how excited he was to see his family.

Dazai woke up at first light and pulled himself away from Chuuya to get dressed. Since they were traveling discreetly they would need to wear modest clothes with a disguise.

Chuuya was roused from his sleep when Dazai began gently nudging him.

“Mmh?” Chuuya rubbed his eyes.

“Good morning.” Dazai pressed a kiss to Chuuya’s forehead, brushing some hair back.

“s’too early.” Chuuya laid his head back down on the pillow.

“I know I know but we want to catch the first train out to Yokohama now do we?”

At the mention of back home Chuuya’s eyes snapped open and he rose from the bed. Sleep abandoned as he crawled out of the futon.

Dazai chuckled at Chuuya’s sudden burst of energy. “Here let me help you get dressed, we’re going discreetly so a subtle disguise will be needed.”

Pulling out what Dazai picked for Chuuya to wear was a modest blue hanfu. Dazai helped Chuuya into the garment and let Chuuya slip away to handle his hair but Dazai couldn’t stop himself from wandering close and started to play with the ends.

“It’s long.” Dazai mused, Chuuya’s hair was past his shoulders.

“I know…should I grow it out for the wedding?” Chuuya started to brush the tangles out, though per tradition his hair would be covered in a veil but omegas always had long hair in the courts.

“It’s up to you, it’s your hair.” Dazai helped pull Chuuya’s hair back so he can use hair sticks to pin it up.

“I’ll ask your mother.” Chuuya stood from the stool at the vanity.

When Chuuya turned to look at Dazai he couldn’t hold in the snort.

“Hey, don’t laugh, I think it looks good. I can pull it off.” For Dazai’s ‘disguise’ he was just going to wear Chuuya’s hat. It just looked ridiculous on his head due to it not fitting.

“If you’re going to wear a hat pick one that fits your head.” Chuuya approached and took the hat off, standing on tiptoes to press a kiss to Dazai’s lips. “Or maybe slick your hair back, that might work.”

“I’ll give that a try.” Dazai brushed past Chuuya to the vanity and fiddled around looking for the hair products.

Chuuya noted two suitcases filled and he took off his courting gift on the hat to put in the suitcase. Returning the hat to the coatrack when Dazai spoke.

“How do I look?”

Chuuya had to blink his eyes a few times because Dazai looked entirely different when his hair was slicked back all the way. The most forehead he’s seen on the alpha.

“Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé?”

Dazai chuckled knowing that it worked. “Perfect I won’t be recognized at first glance. Let’s go.”

Chuuya nodded and was reaching to grab a suitcase but Dazai picked up both. Chuuya didn’t argue and he grabbed a silk shawl to wrap around his shoulders since it was early in the morning in late august.

Dazai will be thanking Ango later, an automobile was waiting for the two to take them to the train station and yen in satchels to buy tickets inside. Dazai helped Chuuya inside and he climbed in after while the driver put their suitcases away.

The drive was quiet since it was still early, just workers milling around the city at this hour.

Arriving at the train station the couple looked ordinary to not draw attention. The driver wished them safe travels and hushed ‘your majesties’ before he left. Dazai handled getting tickets while Chuuya waited, he wrapped his shawl more around him since the morning air had a chill.

While waiting Chuuya felt he was being stared at. Glancing to his side there was an omega with a pup. The pup was held in their arms and was staring intently at him. Chuuya couldn’t help but smile at the pup who was looking curiously over their mother’s shoulder.

The pup smiled and made a happy noise getting their mother’s attention. When the omega turned, Chuuya noticed they were male and appeared to be pregnant. Wanting to know what made their pup happy, the omega noticed Chuuya who gave a nod. Both omegas shared nonverbal communications as the pup smiled more at Chuuya. A warm feeling blossoming in his chest.

At first Chuuya thought these feelings seeing the pup was because he missed Atsushi but then the sudden thought of ‘Dazai’s kids would be so cute’ flickered across his mind had Chuuya flushing.

The expecting omega’s attention was directed to an alpha approaching. The young couple exchanging a kiss before leaving. The pup gave Chuuya one last look before the disappeared into the crowd.

Chuuya placed a hand over his heart, this had been the first time he ever thought of having pups, and imagining them with Dazai..

“I got the tickets…you ok chibi?”

Chuuya perked up hearing Dazai’s voice. “Hmm? Oh yes I’m ok.”

Reassured that things were alright Dazai had Chuuya follow him to the correct platform for their train which was arriving on schedule.

Chuuya climbed up onto the train followed by Dazai, leading to the private cabin. Dazai put their luggage above in the storage and sat next to Chuuya who took up the side of the seat where the window was. Chuuya leaned into Dazai’s embrace while they waited for the train to leave. Chuuya had plans to sleep during the ride to make up for leaving early.

The train’s whistle blew and it started to come alive as it began chugging down the tracks out of the station.

Once their tickets were cleared Dazai pulled the curtain to block the morning sun out and allow Chuuya to nap. Didn’t take long for the omega to fall asleep in his embrace.

Dazai will keep watch during the long train ride. The alpha did wake up Chuuya when he left to grab some food in the diner’s car. It was a small snack that would hold them over until they were back at the estate in Yokohama.

The last hour Chuuya couldn’t fall back asleep, buzzing with excitement.

“Do they know we’re coming?”

“No, it’s a surprise.” Dazai yawned.

“Get some rest I’ll watch over.”

Dazai didn’t need to be asked twice and he will sneak in an hour of sleep before arriving.

When the train came to a stop Chuuya nudged at Dazai’s shoulder to wake the alpha up. He did complain but they needed to get off.

Finally off the train and back in Yokohama both were brimming with excitement.

“Ok, the detective agency building isn’t that far from the station.”

Chuuya nodded following Dazai.

When they stepped into the building it wasn’t that busy since it was before midday. Dazai had Chuuya sit in the waiting area while he approached the front desk.

The receptionist smiled at him, no recognition at all on her face, Dazai slicking his hair back was effective if Kirako didn’t recognize him.

“Welcome to the agency, how can I help you?”

“Yes I was wondering if Fukuzawa is in?”

“He is not, can I leave him a message?”

“No need, can I use your phone?” Dazai had a feeling his father would still be at home with his mother and baby brother.

“Of course…can I just say you look really familiar.”

“Hehehehe, it's me Kirako, it’s Dazai.”

Her eyes widened as the recognition flashed across them and then the realization at who she was now talking to!

“Your maj-“

“Shhhh, none of that. I’m surprising my family so if I can just use your phone that would be great.”

She nodded and pulled out the phone that had been under the reception counter. Dazai gave her thanks as he dialed the number, he hoped Hirostu would pick up and luckily the butler did. Dazai explained to him where he was with Chuuya and asked if he could pick them up, of course it was no hassle for him and will be on his way. Giving Kirako a nod and thanks he returned to wait with Chuuya.

It didn’t take long for Hirostu to arrive with the automobile.

Chuuya couldn’t help but give Hirostu a hug, he missed him.

“It is good to see you both, your parents will be thrilled.”

After getting everything in the automobile the ride to the estate was quick and Chuuya felt so happy to be back home.

Unable to wait, Chuuya knew exactly where to go, everyone would be having lunch by now and he moved down the halls to the room. Sliding the door open, Chuuya was greeted to see Mori and Fukuzawa having lunch with Atsushi.

“Chuuya?” Mori, surprised to see the young omega in the doorway.

Hearing the older omega’s voice after not seeing him for weeks made Chuuya a little emotional. “I’m home mother.”

Chuuya approached and all but fell into Mori’s embrace, the older omega was happy to see Chuuya and couldn’t help but return the hug. Though if Chuuya was here this meant…

“Dazai.” Mori smiled seeing his son enter the room, he had fixed his hair bringing it back to how he normally wore it.

Dazai first greeted his father, giving the older alpha a crushing hug, Fukuzawa was happy to see his oldest, a wonderful surprise.

Chuuya pulls away from Mori so he can give Dazai a hug. A happy little squeal at Chuuya’s side got his attention and he watched in amazement at Atsushi crawling to him!

“He’s crawling!” Chuuya held his arms open for Atsushi who crawled over. When the pup was close Chuuya scooped him up into his arms and gave the baby kisses. Along with him now crawling Chuuya noticed that streak of black hair was growing longer.

“Oh how I missed you little cub.”

“While this is a wonderful surprise, what brought you two here?” Mori settled back in his seat.

“Well Chuuya and I have an announcement.” Dazai started but when he noticed his mother’s wide eye expression and paleness he was second guessing himself.

“Don’t tell me you’re both pregnant too.” Mori lamented.

“Wait what?” Dazai was not expecting that at all, why did his mother think that unless…

Chuuya was caught off guard by that and flushed, no he wasn’t though he can’t deny he is having pup fever, something he hasn’t told Dazai yet.

“Your sister is.” Fukuzawa spoke up.

Both Dazai and Chuuya’s eyes went wide.

“You’re joking right? …right?” Dazai was not hearing this, Yosano was pregnant which meant punctual and follow the rules Kunikida knocked up his sister.

Dazai should have had more tact but now he was hysterically laughing, falling back on the mats as he let out jovial laughter at the whole situation.

Mori sighed, rubbing at his temples while Fukuzawa just watched his son get a good laugh in.

Chuuya was the first to break it and speak up. “Well um congrats, you two are going to be grandparents.” The omega was trying to find the silver lining, but what had happened during those three months?

Dazai eventually stopped his laughter and sat up, rubbing at the corner of his eyes to get the tears out. “I can’t believe this! Best news ever, I was wondering why you hadn’t been calling the palace lately.”

“Yes, your sister has eloped then dropped the news she’s pregnant.” Mori ran a hand down his face.

“You seem agitated mother.” Chuuya scooted closer and put a reassuring hand on Mori’s shoulder, the omega gently took that hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I’m just a little, I’m just…none of the rules I placed were followed, that’s all I asked for.”

“Well you were married and expecting a baby before you were nighteen as well dove.” Fukuzawa spoke a little under his breath.

Mori shot the alpha a glare that made him hunch up a little but he was right.

“Where are the two? I need to go see them.” Dazai standing up, his news with Chuuya can wait.

“On the west side of the estate, Yosano has been dealing with morning sickness.” Mori did have worry in his voice, while he was upset the rules had been broken he was concerned for his daughter experiencing the first hardship that came with pregnancy.

Dazai gave a smile as he got up to leave.

“Wait Dazai what about?” Chuuya spoke up.

“That can wait and don’t worry mom we’re not making you a grandparent twice.” Dazai waved as he left the room to tease Kunikida.

Chuuya let out a sigh, not exactly how he pictured his reunion with his soon to be in-laws would go.

“Are you hungry Chuuya? I can request another plate for you.” Mori broke the silence.

“That would be lovely, now how has my little cub been since I’ve been gone?” Giving Atsushi more kisses as he made happy baby giggles.

Dazai strolled down the halls until he found where Yosano and Kunikida were staying, able to pick it up by scent alone, this wing of the estate was saturated in Kunikida’s scent.

Wrapping his knuckles on the door, a smug smile on his face as it slid open and was greeted by the tall blonde alpha. Kunikida’s face morphed from surprise, confusion and disdain all in a few seconds.

“Kunikida you sly dog~” Dazai teased.

“Shut up Dazai.”

“How is it that I kidnapped my mate but I’m getting off easier than you?” Dazai chuckled.

Kunikida sighed deeply, taking his glasses off to rub at his eyes.

“I’m guessing you two did the deed when all of us were in the capital. The whole estate to yourselves, did your rut trigger?”

Kunikida was about to wring Dazai’s neck but someone beat him to it. Yosano had emerged from the doorway and delivered a gut punch to her brother causing him to double over and start dramatically wheezing.

“What the hell are you doing here? I hope it's to announce something so mother gets off my back.” The beta crossed her arms and huffed, blowing some hair out of her face. Kunikida put a hand on her back in a reassuring gesture, also to be close in case she felt sick.

Dazai got back to his feet rubbing at his middle. “Good to see you too sis.”

Yosano rolled her eyes. “Can you stop teasing Kunikida, it’s bad enough he’s suffering the wrath from mother.”

“And who’s fault is that?” Dazai cocked a brow, enjoying the way Yosano bristled because he was right. “I got my teasing in, for now. How are you feeling?”

Dazai could now get a better look at his younger sister, nothing really looked all that different about her. It was hard to even tell she was pregnant since she wore a very loose kimono, it wasn’t tied around the middle for obvious reasons.

“Like shit, this morning sickness is the worst. I can’t imagine how mom felt doing this at his age.” Yosano put a hand on her middle, even though there was barely a bump.

“It will all be worth it in the end, at least Atsushi will grow up with someone close to his age now.”

Yosano agreed with her brother, she was starting to feel a little tired again. “That punch to shut you up took a lot out of me, I’m going to try lying down for a nap. Maybe later I’ll try to eat some food.”

Kunikida agreed and went with Yosano back into the room leaving Dazai alone who made his way back to where he left Chuuya with his parents. Arriving just in time for the second course of lunch, which he was grateful for since he was starving.

“How is your sister?” Fukuzawa perked up, rocking a sleepy Atsushi in his arms.

“She’s good, well enough to still suckerpunch me.” Dazai rubbed at his middle, taking a seat next to Chuuya.

“You probably deserved it.” Chuuya snapped back, taking some bites of rice.

“Oh chibi, that's cold.” Dazai faked whined.

Chuuya rolled his eyes and continued to eat his meal while Mori and Fukuzawa informed the two on what they had missed besides the obvious.

“Now what is this news you came all the way here to deliver?” Mori bringing back up the obvious.

Chuuya finished a sip of tea before glancing at Dazai, silently asking if now should be the time to tell the two. Dazai gave a nod as he wrapped an arm around Chuuya’s waist.

“Chuuya and I are engaged, we’re getting married in October. We wanted to tell you two in person before the news hit the papers.”

Chuuya watched Dazai’s parents' expressions, luckily it seemed this news was being received well.

“That’s wonderful news.” Mori smiled wide.

“Congratulations.” Fukuzawa gave a nod.

Chuuya beamed happily that his in-laws were taking the news well.

“I’m assuming everything will be taken care of by the palace?” Mori questioned.

“I mean if you want to add your input when we’re getting closer to the planning then you can. I’ll give Ango details to forward all planning to you as well. Since you missed out with Yosano.” Dazai spoke.

“That will be fine, you did make the date rather soon for a wedding and this being a royal wedding I doubt I’ll have much say in the matters.” Mori wasn’t completely heart broken, he has seen the stress fellow omegas went through when planning their children’s weddings.

“I want your advice on some things mom, like my hair for starters.” Chuuya threaded his hand through the long strands, Atsushi had taken the hair sticks out.

“It has gotten longer, I’m sure we can figure something out.”

“How about now? I do have more questions.”

Mori nodded and stood, Chuuya followed the older omega knowing exactly where they were headed. It's been way too long since he stepped into the sewing room. When they entered Chuuya was hit with nostalgia and then his eyes landed on his unfinished kimono.

“I had it moved from your old room here to keep it preserved.” Mori mused as he organized some of the chaos. “Atsushi likes ‘helping’ but it's more like playing around in the fabric strippings.” Mori picked up some more and tossed them into a waste bin.

Chuuya had wandered over to his kimono, everything was done with it except a design for the back where the embroidery would go. It had remained empty due to having no idea what to put there but now…

“I have an idea.”

Mori smiled glad that Chuuya found a stroke of creativity. “Is there anything you will need?”

“Red…lots of red thread.”

“Are you going to show me your kimono design? You’ve been working on it ever since we got back.” Dazai hooked his chin over Chuuya’s shoulder as they lounged in the hot springs, their hot springs.

“It’s a surprise, you will see it when it’s done.” Chuuya smirking a little hearing Dazai let out a big sigh.

“But I want to know what is taking up almost all of my fiancé’s time.” Dazai whined.

“It’s not all of it.”

“Yes it is, this is the first time in the past two days I got you to myself.” Arms tightening around Chuuya’s middle.

Chuuya couldn’t exactly argue since it was true, Chuuya had been spending a lot of his free time with everyone. While working on the kimono he chat with Mori, then train with Fukuzawa, spend time with Yosano and Kunikida, then have dinner with everyone, back to working on the kimono in the sewing room where Dazai wasn’t allowed in due to Mori and Koyo designing Chuuya’s wedding gown.

So the only time they really got to spend time was before bed.

“Oh poor baby, have I been neglecting you?” Chuuya reached back and threaded his fingers through Dazai’s hair.

“Even Atsushi gets more time than me!”

Chuuya chuckled, he had been spending a lot of time with the pup. Though Chuuya heard that little voice inside his head saying there is a reason why Chuuya wants to be near and hold the pup.

’You want one of your own.’

“Well he is cuter than you.” More laughs at Dazai getting huffy, enough he’s bristling. It was a good distraction making those thoughts go away.

The pair finished up their soak before heading to their old room for bed. Not much had changed to the room, it still was significant holding many memories. Chuuya crawled into the futon after slipping on his night clothes and waited for Dazai.

Resting his head on the alpha’s chest.

“What’s your opinion about kids?”

Dazai suddenly wide awake, sitting up and making Chuuya sit up with him as well. “What brought this on? Have you and Yosano been talking?”

“Not really about that, but like what is your opinion on having kids…your own kids?”

Dazai tried to speak but his jaw shut, his opinion on kids as a whole was positive. Growing up with a very loving family where his omega parent was the driving authority of the household Dazai had a more nurturing nature than most alphas. Dazai was great around kids but there was that underlying knowledge they weren’t his and he won’t ruin them. Chuuya didn’t know how the news of Atsushi had severely messed with his mental state. Dazai still has those thoughts that he can potentially ruin his baby brother.

To apply that to his own pups?

“…well, it’s expected of us to have a kid so I really can’t say. You’re going to get one regardless of what I think.”

Chuuya felt a stinging in his chest, aches in his heart as his inner omega was shying away.

“You don’t want kids?”

“I didn’t say that, just that…we’re going to have to have one sooner or later.” Dazai rubbed at the back of his neck, sensing he said something wrong. “Do you want kids?”

“I don’t want to bring one into this world because we have to, I want to have one because we both want one.” Pups to Chuuya were the ultimate sign of love between couples, physical proof that their love is so deep and real they wanted to create a little life. “I’m not having one out of obligation.”

Dazai made it sound like work, something that they needed to get done within a certain amount of time which in reality is how the world Dazai grew up in.

This is what Dazai was afraid of with having Chuuya as his mate, the omega still had rose tinted glasses to the world around him when there was the cold hard reality. Dazai is the young new emperor with a mate, if he didn’t have children then it would cause suspicions.

“Do you want kids yes or no, and don’t think about obligations or any other outside factors. Do you, Osamu Dazai, want to have children with me?” Chuuya declared looking Dazai right in the eye.

The alpha was silent, Chuuya letting him take the time to answer but as the silence stretched the more Chuuya was being faced with the answer he didn’t want to hear.

“No.”

Chapter Text

“Mom, did you want your children?”

Mori perked up when Chuuya spoke, breaking the silence in the sewing room. Chuuya had been silently working on his kimono while Mori rocked Atsushi who was dozing in his arms. The question was abrupt and caught Mori a little off guard.

“Of course I did.” Mori loves his children, never ever regretting having any of them.

“Even when it was expected of you?” Chuuya stopped his embroidering and looked up to face the omega, the older one noted the glassiness in his eyes.

“Darling…what happened?”

Chuuya sniffled as he wiped at his eyes, not wanting to cry right now. Pulling himself away from his work to sit on the chaise lounge Mori was seated on and fell into the older omega’s embrace.

“Dazai doesn’t want pups.”

Mori held in a sigh, he had a feeling this conversation was going to rear its ugly head.

“Chuuya, I want you to know it has nothing to do with you. Dazai, well he’s always had a complicated relationship with life.” Mori wrapped a free arm around Chuuya to pull him closer. “I’m assuming you know about Dazai’s suicidal thoughts?”

It stung to hear them out loud, Chuuya nodded his head.

“Dazai believes he will ruin all that he loves, it is hard to break out of those thoughts and they can follow a person forever. Dazai is a jovial person but he has been suffering in silence.” As a mother it pained Mori immensely he couldn’t do much to help his eldest. “Dazai spiraled when Atsushi’s birth was announced. Believing he will ruin his baby brother.”

To Dazai he’s already ruined his mother and sister, almost getting Mori killed and Yosano finding him on the brink of death.

“Dazai doesn’t want to ruin a pup that he created with you, I’m sure it’s a selfish desire of his to have living proof of the love you two share.” Dazai when he was young and innocent was always excited to find his fated one and make a big family with them. “Dazai doesn’t want to hurt you or a future pup.”

This was a lot for Chuuya to digest, while he knew about Dazai’s suicidal thoughts and had asked if he still had those thoughts the alpha answered not anymore but had he sent Dazai into another spiral?

“I don’t believe Dazai loves you any less.”

“I know but…” Chuuya had no doubts Dazai didn’t love him, but again with the self sacrificing for everyone but Dazai’s sake. “He said we have a pup regardless.”

Because they were going to be the future rulers of the country.

“A pup made out of obligation is forever doomed with a skewed view of love.” Mori should know, he was one.

“What should I do mom?” Chuuya sighed heavily.

“For one you need to talk more with Dazai, but you can’t force it.”

That was obvious but Chuuya has been avoiding Dazai since the morning.

“You also don’t have to make a pup right after the wedding. Give the two of you some time to talk and figure things out.”

Chuuya nodded his head, taking another big sigh. Mori pressed a kiss to the top of Chuuya’s head.

Atsushi started to get fussy, waking from his nap. Chuuya slipped out of Mori’s grasp and held his arms out. “I got him.”

Mori smiled as he gently gave Atsushi to Chuuya to take care of. Chuuya adjusted his grip to carry the pup out of the sewing room to the nursery. For one the pup needed some changing which Chuuya didn’t mind at all, it was an expected duty for parents.

Laying Atsushi down on the area to change him the omega got right to work, Atsushi was thankfully not a squirming baby and laid still while cleaned up. In a fresh cloth diaper and new clothes Chuuya pulled the pup back into his arms.

“Let's go get a snack.”

Atsushi made a small giggle agreeing with Chuuya at the promise of food.

“What should I do dad?”

Fukuzawa looked up from his agency work at his son who had decided to mope around in his office. The young alpha didn’t tell his father why he was all down in the dumps so Fukuzawa just silently ignored Dazai until he spoke.

“Well I am a little uninformed about what exactly has happened.” Fukuzawa put his ink pen down.

“…Chuuya asked me about kids and I said no.”

“I see.” Fukuzawa leaned back more in his chair.

“It’s not like we won’t ever have them, as future emperor it is expected of me.”

“But you just said no.”

“I know but…” Dazai ran a hand through his hair. “Chuuya asked me without the obligations and expectations would I have kids and I said no.”

“So what seems to be the issue?” Fukuzawa spoke. “Do you or do you not want children?”

The silence stretched between them for a long while, Dazai pulled his legs closer and hooked his chin over his knees.

“I don’t want to ruin them.”

Fukuzawa had a feeling that was the issue, the same one that came up when Atsushi was announced.

“Dad…were you ever scared about having kids?”

“Oh I was terrified.”

Dazai snapped his head up and stared at his father with a shocked expression. Never expecting to hear that from his father, Fukuzawa was a natural at being a parent.

“I was now solely responsible for this little life, I had your mother but it hits you hard that you now have someone that is going to depend on you for a long time even when they grow up. I am always worried I mess things up, move you the wrong way, change you wrong, maybe even hurt you if I wasn’t careful. Omegas are soft and patient, I always feared my roughness would scare you, my hands weren’t soft like your mother’s and I felt if I touched your delicate skin I would hurt you. Your mother had concerns and fears as well, he was so young when he had you but he was a natural, I on the other hand needed encouragement. Even when you were eighteen I still found myself needing guidance and advice.”

Fukuzawa stood up from his chair walking over to where Dazai was and took a seat next to him.

“Nobody is ever ready for parenthood, it’s by far the scariest job in this world. You’re over thinking a lot of the time and trying so hard to make sure everything is right and perfect. I’ll admit I constantly thought I would do something that would affect you in the long run, I still do even now.”

Dazai shakes his head, the alpha has been nothing but an amazing father.

“It’s my fault I’m like this dad, not yours or mom.”

“But it’s not your fault.” Fukuzawa put a hand on Dazai’s shoulder.

“Yes it is, it’s my fault mom almost got killed and my fault Yosano had to see her brother almost died.” Dazai didn't realize he was shaking.

“You were a twelve year old boy discovering your ability and dynamic in one night while your mother was wounded and then you were suffering in silence where we couldn’t see anything was wrong. It’s not your fault Dazai.”

“Yes it is!” Dazai snapped. “I ruined it all.”

“It’s not your fault.” Fukuzawa put both hands on Dazai’s shoulders, the young alpha tried to shrug them off and get away but Fukuzawa held him firm. “It’s not your fault.”

“Stop saying that, it is. I ruined everything, I don’t deserve you, Chuuya doesn’t deserve a broken alpha like me.” Dazai was borderline hysterical as he kept shaking.

Fukuzawa pulled Dazai into a crushing hug, wishing to take all the pain away from his son. “It has never been your fault.”

Dazai was struggling to get out of the hug but Fukuzawa stayed firm in holding his son. Eventually Dazai broke, returning the hug and pressing his face into his father’s shoulder. Fukuzawa rubbed his back gently to soothe the young alpha.

“You don’t need to keep denying yourself true happiness, you’ve always been deserving of it.” Fukuzawa whispered to his son, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

Father and son held this pivotal moment for a while until Dazai pulled away. Wiping at his eyes with the edge of his sleeve.

“Thanks dad…”

“Any time son, but you should talk to Chuuya again. Don’t have a pup just because of obligation.”

Dazai nodded, standing up and helping his father whose knees cracked a little pulling light chuckles from the alphas.

“I’m going to go find Chuuya and talk to him.”

Fukuzawa gave a nod watching his son leave to go find his fiancé.

Dazai first headed to the sewing room and caught his mother leaving, shutting the door behind him. Mori perked up when he smelled distress on Dazai and saw his eyes were puffy.

“I’m fine mom.”

It didn’t stop his mother from fretting over him.

“Where is Chuuya?” Dazai let his mother check him over, run a hand through his hair and make sure things were fine.

“Went to take care of Atsushi, he might be in the kitchen.”

Dazai thanked his mother and pulled away from his over fretting.

Walking down the halls until he was getting closer to the kitchen, Dazai slowed down when he heard a voice coming from the kitchen. Quietly entered and the sight melted his heart.

Chuuya was holding Atsushi in one hand while making something in a pan while he explained to the pup what he was doing. Atsushi was resting against Chuuya’s chest as he watched the omega stir some vegetables in the wok along with some noodles.

“Now this is a little odd but I like adding butter to udon noodles, it makes it more flavorful.” Dazai watched Chuuya take a good chunk of butter and add it to the wok along with some spices.

“The French enjoy everything with some butter.”

Atsushi just quietly observed, being lulled by Chuuya’s voice.

Dazai leaned against the doorway watching, it was a heartwarming sight. Dazai knew from day one Chuuya adored Atsushi, even after the events after Atsushi’s kidnapping.

Though a flicker of an image passed through Dazai’s head where Atsushi changed, instead Chuuya was holding a little red headed pup that had curious hazel eyes watching their mother cook.

Dazai shook his head of the fantasy.

Chuuya plated up the vegetables and udon noodle mix, he put Atsushi in the small spare high chair while he made a smaller portion for Atsushi to eat after it cooled.

Finally Chuuya noticed he was being watched, catching Dazai staring.

The two held silent eye contact for a bit until Dazai walked in. “Smells good, does butter really make it taste better?” Taking a seat at the table.

“Well why don’t you be the judge of that.” Chuuya divided his portion for Dazai, handing him a bowl. Chuuya sat in the seat closest to Atsushi so he could feed the baby, using chopsticks to pick up a noodle and feed it to the pup. Atsushi still grabbed the squishy noodle and shoved it into his mouth. The pup made happy sounds and opened his mouth for more.

“Atsushi likes it so perhaps I am right.” Chuuya smugly announced as he fed another noodle to the pup.

Dazai grabbed his own chopsticks and got himself a bite with a few vegetables. When it hit his tongue his eyes widened which made Chuuya grin.

“See, I told you.”

“I guess you win this time, chibi.”

The two quietly ate the food, the silence wasn’t awkward, just quaint.

Since Atsushi likes grabbing his food he ended up all messy from the buttery noodles and veggies. Chuuya tried cleaning him up the best he could with some rags, his hands were the worst of all sticky.

Finally getting him all cleaned, Chuuya huffed, holding the little one close. “Ok it’s time for a nap.”

Chuuya left the kitchen to head to Atsushi’s nursery, Dazai following after him quietly. Waiting by the door was a new akita, the family had adopted one after Sayu went to go stay at the palace. This one name is Hachi, he was a bit larger than most akita and had the dark fur color head and the same coloring down his back while legs and underbelly were white. He was a textbook perfect guard dog and the family got him for reasons.

Hachi perked up when Chuuya entered the room, the dog getting up to go lay inside the room near the crib.

Chuuya laid Atsushi down, draping a blanket over his legs and nudging his little tiger plush closer.

“Sleep tight little cub.” Chuuya gently brushes some of his bangs out his eyes, gently toying with black hair streak until Atsushi falls asleep.

Dazai had been watching the scene from the doorway, struck with sentimental feelings.

Chuuya finally pulled himself away, Hachi laid his head down but the dog was at attention ready to protect the baby. Dazai stepped out of the doorway to let Chuuya out, the omega quietly closing the door but leaving it opened a crack.

The two stood in silence before Dazai reached out, brushing his fingers over Chuuya’s. “Can we talk?”

Chuuya could already feel his throat tightening and his heart aching but…

“Yes.”

Dazai gently took Chuuya’s hand, letting the alpha take it as Dazai led Chuuya to someplace quiet and private for them to talk, which happened to be the gardens. Dazai had them walk across the small bridge that went over the koi pond, Dazai rested his arms on the railing as he looked down at the fish. They came over thinking Dazai had food. Chuuya copied the stance and he looked down, noticing his goldfish was moved to the pond due to how big it had gotten.

“First I want to say I’m sorry for causing you hurt, it wasn’t my intention.” Dazai broke the silence. “It’s not that I don't want children, I just don’t want to mess them up.”

Chuuya moved closer and gently took Dazai’s hand in his, holding it with both as he gently massaged the palm, thumbs brushing over the edges of the bandages.

“I for one think you make a great dad.” Chuuya rested his head on Dazai’s shoulder.

“You’re one to talk, being a mom looks so natural with you.” Dazai let out a heavy breath. “You are so good with Atsushi.”

Chuuya would argue he’s just letting instincts guide him.

“We don’t have to have one right away, we can wait.” Chuuya offered. “Give your mother a break, I think he lose his mind wrangling three babies.” Chuckling.

Dazai chuckled as well, with Yosano expecting and his baby brother maybe bringing another pup would be one baby too much for the family right now.

“I don’t think you would ruin them like you think you will. But I want to tell you that we’re only having a child when we both want it. Not because of tradition or obligation, I want this child to come into the world being wanted by his parents.” Chuuya proclaimed.

“I’ll honor that Chuuya, I don’t think the thoughts will ever go away…” Dazai’s gaze grew heavy but he was pulled from his thoughts by Chuuya gently taking his face in his free hand to hold it.

“That’s ok, that is all I want.”

Dazai let out a small sigh of relief, pressing his forehead to Chuuya’s. “Thanks love, any other demands?”

“At least one girl.”

The two shared a laugh that was silenced by a kiss.

While the two wanted to stay longer at the estate they eventually had to go back to the capital. There was one saving grace that a few weeks before the wedding everyone will come to the capital until the big event.

Stepping foot outside of the estate they were hit with the reality the entire country now knew about their upcoming wedding. It seemed to be what everyone was talking about. The two overheard every theory under the sun why the wedding was happening so quickly, usually a royal engagement lasted a year.

The most popular theory was Chuuya being with a child which pulled a giggle from the omega.

Once back at the palace the work for the wedding began which Chuuya found himself taking on the brunt of the planning and decision making. Chuuya was unsure about all of this like what colors to use or what foods should be served for the many courses throughout the day.

Chuuya got to know Ango pretty well during all this planning.

“Are you sure you don’t have anyone else you want to invite?” Ango looked over the bare bones guest list, really all who were on it was the family, a few friends and that’s it.

Chuuya nodded, trying to stay still while Koyo was working hard at making his wedding gown. Draped in white fabric that was just being held together with pin needles for now, Koyo was getting everything laid out and measured before sewing it.

“I don’t have many friends.” Chuuya’s last friends didn’t really work out for him and he barely had the time to make any new ones. His parents were dead and he didn’t know about any of his extended family.

“Even still this guest list is lacking.” Usually royal weddings had guests in the hundreds and since the country went without one due to Shibusawa never marrying this one was to be the event of the nation. But Dazai had reworked the distribution of power so not even the council and their guests were on the list.

“I think it’s just right for these two, a small private wedding.” Koyo mused, she pinned some more fabric around the sleeves.

“Just think of it this way lord Ango, less work for you.” Chuuya finding the silver lining, with such a small guest list then they won’t have to make huge orders.

Ango rubbed at his brow, this lack of stress was in fact just making him more stressed. “Well if anyone else comes to mind please let me know, we have plenty of time to add them. For now I leave you two to your work.”

Ango excused himself, leaving the two alone.

Koyo made one final pin before stepping away. “Ok looks like I have all my measurements, let's get you out of this.”

Carefully the two managed to peel Chuuya out of the fabrics just being held together by pins. They were just lightweight fabric that Koyo will then use as stencils on the real fabric she was using for Chuuya’s wedding gown. Though the most important part is the large veil which is usually the last piece made.

“Thank you for doing this Koyo-san.” Chuuya felt he was imposing on her work by bringing her all the way out to the capital but Koyo was more than happy to help make Chuuya’s wedding attire.

“It’s no trouble, I’ll get started right away. You’ll be stunning once I’m done.”

Chuuya couldn’t help but flush. “I leave this important task in your hands.”

She smiled and then finally addressed the item she had been glancing at since arriving at this room in the palace converted into a sewing room. “Is that your kimono?” Koyo nodded to the kimono stand that had a sheet over it covering the kimono.

“Yes, that’s mine.” Chuuya had it moved from the estate discreetly so Dazai wouldn’t peak. It was to be a surprise for their wedding night.

“I can’t wait to see it when it’s done, from what Mori has told me it’s a very unique design.”

Chuuya gave a nod, it indeed was one of a kind.

Leaving Koyo to get started on the gown, Chuuya can work on his kimono for an hour or two before bed.

Right now he was feeling a little tired so retreated to Dazai’s chambers for a nap. He’ll never get over how large the royal chambers were, it was the biggest room he's ever been in. was more akin to a spacious one story home than just a room.

Making some quick adjustments to the nest before sliding in for a nap, though Chuuya’s sleep wasn’t going to be entirely peaceful.

Chuuya blinked, noticing he was in that empty space he had been before when Arahabaki was. Chuuya looked around for the god who wasn’t showing itself.

“Where are you?”

A rustling sound behind him had Chuuya turning and there was the god in it’s housecat form.

“What do you want? It’s been awhile.”

You intend to breed…correct?

Chuuya flushed a little hearing it phrased that way but he nodded. “Yes…you’re not taking any of my children.”

Now that Chuuya knew his father’s ability wasn’t really one and just a god possessing people from their bloodline the omega was hellbent on making sure the god won’t trick his children like it did to Chuuya.

Only possess…if they have…no ability

Chuuya tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

No room…for me…if there is…an ability

The omega believes he’s understanding, the god can’t compete against another ability.

“No matter how it works you are not taking any of my kids, if my father in law’s ability doesn’t keep you behave then Dazai will.”

Unlike when he was possessed by the god Chuuya was easily overwhelmed, but now he had someone as powerful as Dazai to stop him.

We will…negotiate

It was better than nothing, Chuuya will have to accept it for now and the two will come to this topic later.

Chuuya woke from his nap, blinking away the sleep before stretching. His nose picked up the scent before his eyes landed on Dazai sitting at his desk. There was also a table that had a tray of food on it, most likely their dinner for the night.

“You’re awake, was it restful sleep?” Dazai finished whatever he was writing before stepping away from the desk.

“No, just…odd dreams.” Chuuya pulled the blankets away from his legs and slipped out of the futon to join Dazai at the table for their meal. Of course it was an elaborate spread, the cooks at the palace not wasting any chance to show off to their new emperor.

“How is the wedding planning?”

“It’s well, Ango keeps asking if I know anyone else to make the guest list longer but I kinda like the idea it's just the family and friends.” Quietly sipping at his miso soup.

“I agree, he makes it sound like a problem when it’s not since the wedding is in three weeks. Does he also want to plan accommodations for a hundred guests?”

Chuuya chuckled, next week their family will start arriving in the capital, Chuuya was eager to see everyone again.

“Are you nervous?” Dazai spoke up, catching Chuuya a little off guard.

“Truthfully, a little.” Putting the soup down, tucking some hair behind his ear. “It’s finally happening, we’re getting married and will be mates.” What was making Chuuya nervous was the mating mark, Dazai would place it on his neck binding them together finally.

Dazai reached out and gently took his hand. “All will be well.” Taking the hand to bring close and press a kiss to the back.

The first to arrive was Mori, Yosano and Atsushi with Hirostu.

Chuuya happily welcomed them all to the palace. The alphas had to handle work and will be arriving soon after once it is all handled.

Chuuya was very much happy to have his mother and sister in law to help with all the last minute prep for the wedding.

Koyo had finally finished Chuuya’s wedding gown and it was time for the final fitting for the last minute alterations. Chuuya squirmed a bit standing on the pedestal while Koyo dressed him in the wedding kimono, the beautiful white silk and satin pulled onto his form.

The fabric felt a little heavy but this was just the kimono, the veil was coming next. Chuuya was still unsure about his hair, it was done up in a bun for now. Lowing his head so Koyo could put on the heavy veil, it was a significant weight but there was tradition behind it.

Finally done up Chuuya stood up more straight and he flushed seeing himself in the mirror.

“You look beautiful darling.” Mori praised.

“Such a stunning bride.” Yosano added.

Chuuya picked a little at his hands from the praise, Koyo held her hand out for Chuuya to hold as he stepped down from the pedestal.

“Do you feel comfortable? Anywhere needs tightening or loosening?” Koyo asked and Chuuya began moving a bit to see if there was any strain. Everything seemed to fit perfectly, to be expected from a seamstress of Koyo’s level.

“It fits perfectly, thank you Koyo.”

The alpha gave him a wide smile, a hand on his shoulder, a proud look on her face seeing Chuuya like this.

“You’ve come a long way.”

Chuuya took a moment to think about that, he did in fact come a long way. Over a year ago he was kept captive by a deranged beta in a seedy Gambler’s Den and now he is getting married to the new emperor of Japan.

If only his parents could see him now, he knows they would be proud.

Koyo helped take off the veil and place it on the mannequin, the rest of the wedding gown was removed and Chuuya changed back into his yukata.

Chuuya suggested lunch which everyone agreed.

“Any recommendations Yosano?” Chuuya offered walking in step with her, she was now showing.

“Anything with meat, the baby is especially ravenous for beef.” Yosano chuckled, rubbing a hand on his middle. “Sometimes I feel like I want to eat a whole cow.”

Chuuya laughed along with her, and he made the suggestion of a hot pot for everyone to share. Requesting extra beef strips to be served for Yosano.

When lunch was all spread out for everyone they all dig in.

“When will your husbands arrive?” Koyo questioned.

“They should be here by the end of the week, hopefully.” Mori fed some cooked bamboo to Atsushi. “That is if Fukuzawa can pull himself away from the work and then gather everyone else up in time.”

Koyo chuckled behind her kimono sleeve. “Still a headless chicken whenever you’re gone?”

Mori sighed in agreement, his husband can get a little overwhelmed whenever it came to logistics and getting things planned, ready and on time that wasn’t paperwork.

“Don’t worry, Kunikida is there to help dad out.” Luckily the alpha has a new son in law that thrives with planning, Yosano confident her mate has everything handled.

Chunnya wonders if Kunikida would have had a field day planning a wedding, it would have given Ango some help but at this point everything was figured out.

Except one thing.

“What should I do with my hair?” Chuuya had been debating for such a long time, does he keep it long and grow it out or cut it back to how it was before.

“It’s up to you Chuuya.” Mori suggested which really wasn’t helping.

Koyo had a similar suggestion that it's whatever Chuuya wanted to do, thankfully Yosano picked up how this wasn’t what Chuuya wanted to hear.

“How about this Chuuya, look in the mirror hard and if whoever is staring back at you isn’t you then you decide to do what you want for your hair.”

Chuuya liked that suggestion and he’ll give it a try later.

Atsushi, tempted by all the meat around him, suddenly transformed into his tiger form, startling Mori who tried to grab the large cub before he made a mess and potentially burn himself on the hot pot. But Atsushi managed to grab the plate with meat and started to chow down on them.

“Atsushi!” Mori scolded trying to get the little cub to stop overindulging but the cub growled at him and using his strength slipped out of Mori’s arms to go hide under another table to eat in peace.

“Has this been happening more recently?” Chuuya was ready to use his ability to get Atsushi out from under the table but Mori waved a hand for him to cease.

“Yes, oftentimes he’s been more tiger cub than boy.” Mori was finding it harder and harder to keep Atsushi under control when the boy found he was more mobile and agile as a tiger than a baby.

Atsushi finished what he stole and came right back to the table to take more, Yosano gently pushed her brother away from her portion.

“No Atsushi, this is mine.”

Chuuya decided to use his ability and lift the cub up, Atsushi tried twisting in the hold of gravity but couldn’t move that much as he was levitated over into Chuuya’s waiting arms. Holding the cub like a back he secured him with some gravity to keep him in place.

“Don’t be naughty.” Chuuya lightly scolded, Atsushi tried to squirm out of Chuuya’s arms.

“I believe he’s stuck now in this form, since he’s away from his father Atsushi doesn’t have any control.” Fukuzawa needed to be in the vicinity for his ability to work on the baby, if he was away too far then it wouldn't be in effect.

“Should I call for Dazai?”

Mori nodded, heaving a small sigh.

Chuuya didn’t mind going to look for Dazai, keeping his hold on Atsushi as he headed to where he can usually find the alpha with the tiger cub.

Since Dazai kicked out the old council and was redistributing the power around he was mostly held up in meetings with his Taenade and Ango. The guards let Chuuya in, a little curious seeing him with a tiger cub but they can write it off as an elaborate gift.

Many who weren’t invited compensated with a gift in hopes to be noticed and then invited. Chuuya had a whole room filled with so many gifts from all over Japan and even some international ones.

Chuuya walked into the council room which felt much more empty since the last time he set foot in here. The three men perked up when Chuuya approached with a growly tiger cub.

Dazai seemed to light up when he saw Chuuya, no longer looking bored and drained. Getting right up from his chair to close the distance between them.

“Chuuya~” Dazai said in a sing-song voice.

“Good afternoon love, sorry to bother you but Atsushi is stuck.” Looking down at the tiger cub in his arms who started to gnaw on his own paws.

“Oh silly Atsushi.” Dazai chuckled and poked Atsushi’s forehead, ability activating and now in Chuuya’s arms was a sleepy little baby boy.

“Thank you Dazai, he was eating up all the raw meat during lunch.” Chuuya adjusted his grip on Atsushi so he was napping on the omega’s shoulder.

“Can’t deny his wild nature, anything else I can help you with?” Dazai gave Chuuya pleading eyes that were silently screaming ‘get me out of here!’

“No, this is all I needed. I won’t keep you from your important meetings.” Chuuya held in a laugh at the look of betrayal from Dazai. It was important he did these meetings, this was the bed he made and needed to lay in.

Chuuya gave Dazai a kiss on the cheek before he gave a nod to the others and left with Atsushi back to where lunch was held.

Mori was happy to see his son back to being the cute little boy he was used to and took the sleepy pup back into his arms. Heading to the room he was given to lay him down for a nap. Koyo had excused herself while Chuuya was gone to head into the city and do some shopping, leaving Chuuya alone with Yosano.

Offering his sister in law a walk around the palace gardens if she liked.

The two walked in comfortable silence before Chuuya broke it. “Do you want a boy or girl?”

“Maybe a girl, too many boys in this family don’t you think? My and Elise are outnumbered.”

Chuuya chuckled along with her, it did seem their family was set on having just boys.

“I’ll be happy with either or, Kunikida is the same. Though he already has a schedule made up for the baby, he even has one predicted when I’m due. But he should know better that babies come when they want to.”

Atsushi is a prime example.

“Are you worried or scared?” Chuuya oftentimes couldn’t tell if Yosano was just putting up an overconfident front to hide her true feelings.

“I am a little but I’m not going to let it get to me. I am young but my mom went through this around the same age and look how he turned out, I’m hoping to be a great mom like him.”

Chuuya agreed with that, Yosano was an amazing big sister to Atsushi and was always patient with the orphans when doing those medical checkups. There was no denying the beta will make an excellent mother.

“Any ideas for names?”

“Unlike my parents who named us when we were born Kunikida and I have picked a name, one for each gender.”

“Can I hear them?” Chuuya is curious to know what the couple came up with.

“Kenji for a boy and Kyouka for a girl.”

Chapter Text

It was finally the wedding and Chuuya was having a mild panic attack.

Mainly because he still couldn’t decide what to do with his hair and now he was staring at himself in the mirror hating how it looked. It was now well past his shoulders and the bangs framing his face longer. He barely looked how he normally did, but now what was he supposed to do? The wedding is happening in a few hours!

A knock on his door startled him out of mild panic attack, walking over to slide the door open, he was surprised to see who it was.

“Are you doing alright Chuuya? Mori sent me here to check on you instead since Atsushi got his hands on rouge and made himself one big mess.”

Chuuya couldn’t help the smile imagining Atsushi just covered in red, most likely got into his sister’s makeup.

“I’m doing fine.”

“You don’t sound fine.” Fukuzawa pointed out, causing the young omega to wince.

“…no, it’s just…I don’t like my hair. It’s not me anymore and it’s too late to do anything about it.”

Fukuzawa was silent for a minute before he made a gesture, asking if he could be let into the room. Chuuya nodded and stepped to the side to allow the alpha in. This was the bridal chamber for the day, Chuuya’s wedding kimono and veil were here along with his personal kimono which was still hidden.

Fukuzawa gestured for Chuuya to sit at the vanity which Chuuya obeyed. The alpha looked around until he found some scissors.

“I can help if you trust me.”

Chuuya was a little surprised by this, he never knew Fukuzawa could cut hair. He was desperate so he gave a nod, the alpha came close but before he began cutting he started to brush the hair out.

“Believe it or not but Mori had long hair when we met and got married. It was almost all the way past his lower back.”

Chuuya’s eyes widened trying to imagine it.

“He hated it.”

The young omega gently turned his head to look over his shoulder and give Fukuzawa a confused look.

“It was after our wedding night, I was brushing his hair and asked him about it. When he said he didn’t like it long I offered to cut it and the rest is history, he’s kept it that length ever since.” Fukuzawa put the brush down and took the scissors, beginning to cut Chuuya's hair.

The young omega was amazed by the story, how Fukuzawa offered to make Mori feel comfortable despite social obligations.

“You want it how it was before?”

“Yes.”

Chuuya stayed still while Fukuzawa cut and a little over time Chuuya’s old hairstyle was coming to light and the confidence the omega had as well.

With one final snip Fukuzawa finished and Chuuya’s hair was like it was once before.

“There we go, feel better?”

“Yes, thank you so much dad.”

Fukuzawa smiled, a warmth in his chest hearing Chuuya address him as father.

A maid came in to clean up the hair strippings and also the ones that got on Chuuya.

“Is there anything else I can do for Chuuya? Have you eaten?”

Chuuya’s stomach growled, answering that question, he barely picked at his breakfast due to the nerves of today.

“I’ll go bring you something.” The alpha left the room to go find Chuuya something to eat so he’s not starving during the ceremony.

Chuuya was thankful for Fukuzawa, while he hadn’t bonded much with the alpha he knew he was very much loved by him.

With his hair now situated Chuuya felt much better, it was still going to be styled by Mori when the omega eventually comes to help him into his wedding attire but when the veil will come off it will be himself under there.

Chuuya was picking at the sleeves of his undergarments when Fukuzawa arrived with some food and Mori. The omega looked a little frazzled from having to clean up Atsushi.

Fukuzawa put the plate of onigiri in front of Chuuya while Mori got to work on his hair.

“Your work my dear?” Mori noted how it was shorter and how it was styled before.

“Did I do well for my second time?”

Chuuya’s eyes widened hearing that Fukuzawa only cut hair a second time! He trusted the alpha with that? Thankfully he didn’t mess up but still.

“Dear you’ve now given Chuuya a mini panic attack.” Mori began pinning Chuuya’s hair so it wouldn’t slip out when the veil was put on.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to.” The alpha sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

“It's ok, you did a good job.” Chuuya reassured Fukuzawa.

Grabbing an onigiri, Chuuya began to nibble on it, he was desperately hungry but nerves were making him not devour the food. Mori encouraged Chuuya to at least finish one of the onigiri.

“Alright, time to get you into the wedding kimono.” Mori pulled away to go and grab the garment.

Fukuzawa saw this as his time to leave the two to get ready while he went to check up on Dazai.

Finding the young alpha pacing back and forth in the room he was placed in like a caged beast. His son looked dignified in his wedding yukata, flowing behind him with each step, his hair slicked back which most likely was not his choice. Dazai was also told no bandages but he only agreed if he was allowed to wear a long sleeve under his yukata.

“Pre wedding jitters?”

Dazai stopped pacing and faced his father, a slight panic in his eyes. “Is it that obvious?”

Fukuzawa closed the distance and ruffled Dazai’s hair, making it look how it normally was.

“Take it from someone who was just like you.”

Fukuzawa also was in Dazai’s shoes, panicking a little before he was married to Mori.

Dazai took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “It’s just I was so excited and impatient, now it’s here and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed.”

“That is a typical reaction, but once it's all over you’re going to feel a whole lot better.” Placing a hand on Dazai’s shoulder to give it a reassuring squeeze. Debating if he should tell the alpha that Chuuya was just as worried as well.

Father son moment interrupted by Ango stepping into the room.

“It is time.”

“Best not keep your husband to be waiting.”

Dazai took another deep breath to steady his nerves before following his father and Ango to the grand hall where the wedding ceremony will be held. Dazai will forever be glad this was a private affair, he couldn’t imagine this entire place filled with people. It felt very empty with just his family and the few friends invited.

Dazai made eye contact with Oda who gave him a smile, happy his friend was here as well. Oda, Ranpo and Hirostu were the only ones invited outside of the family. Dazai walked up the steps and stood to his side, before him was his grandfather who will officiate the wedding.

“Nervous?” Natsume spoke.

“A little.”

“You’ll be fine.”

Dazai tried to take those words to heart but then the door at the end of the hall opened announcing the arrival of the bridal party.

Dazai watched his mother walk down the aisle first while being followed by Chuuya. It was hard to see the young omega due to the heavy veil, but it will all be worth it. Dazai was trying not to fidget from where he stood while waiting for Chuuya, he wanted to see his mate.

Finally Chuuya ascended the steps and was standing next to Dazai, per tradition they couldn’t lock eyes just yet. Natsume asked both of them to kneel and thus began the long ceremony.

First was the sharing of sake which both of have made for each other, this is where speeding up the process will bite them a little in the rear since their sake didn’t have much time to ferment. Chuuya had to hold back from gagging at how strong the sake was but he managed to pull through.

After the exchange of sake they were tasked to prepare tea for their respected in-laws. Since Chuuya didn’t have any parents Mori stood in to receive the tea.

Dazai kept a steady hand while he poured the tea, having practiced since he was young in the art of tea ceremonies. Chuuya had been able to pour sake without spilling but tea was something different. He had been practicing since the engagement but he worried about spilling, luckily he was able to pour the tea with no hiccups and each cup was given to the in-laws. Mori accepts the cup from Dazai and Fukuzawa takes the one from Chuuya.

Finally the two were asked to stand and hold their hands out. Natsume pulled out a long braided silk rope, the rope was made by Mori who crafted one for each of his children to use when they got married. A red string binding them forever, Yosano was wearing hers as a bracelet.

Natsume recited the wedding decree while he intricately tied Dazai and Chuuya hands with the rope, when their palms touched Dazai threaded his fingers with Chuuya’s and gave it a squeeze. Natsume looped the rope around each of their wrists before tying it between them.

With Natsume’s blessing along with everyone witnessed, the two were now married.

“You may now face your husband.”

The moment Dazai was waiting for as the two faced each other and made eye contact.

Dazai sucked in a breath seeing how beautiful Chuuya was, the omega looked so heavenly in the white that made his eyes stand out more. Chuuya’s face warmed seeing how handsome Dazai was as well and the implications of this moment.

They were husbands…

Everyone applauded when they faced the small crowd. Chuuya flushed more from the attention but he was so happy to be in a space with everyone he cared for marrying the love of his life.

With the ceremony done now was time for the wedding feast, which was modest due to the small number of guests but now that everything was done Chuuya felt like he could eat a horse.

Dazai leaned in close while they stepped down from the platform to walk down the aisle to where the feast was being held. “Do you want the rope undone?”

Chuuya shook his head, he wanted to stay close to Dazai for as long as he could.

However Chuuya did have his veil removed so it was easier for him to mingle and eat.

When the veil was removed Dazai couldn’t help but use their hands being tied to his advantage and pull Chuuya close for a passionate kiss. Chuuya hummed happily behind the kiss, a small sound swallowed up by Dazai when he angled to kiss deeper. Dazai would have continued the kiss if he didn’t feel a swat on the top of his head from a fan.

Pulling away with a growl which just earned him another swat from Koyo.

“Save the smooching for the wedding night you two.”

Chuuya chuckled at Dazai pouting, knowing the alpha would want to scoop Chuuya away to continue the affection.

“Don’t worry, I’m all yours, I'm not going anywhere.” Chuuya kissed Dazai’s keep and tugged him along into the hall where the feast was being held. Dazai followed a little down he couldn’t have his husband all to himself until later, but he at least got to see Chuuya flashing him a smile in his wedding gown that made his hair stand out more.

Chuuya had a mission and that was to eat, even if both he and Dazai were weeks away from either of their heat and rut the omega was sure to be very busy come the night time. Suppressing a shiver when he smelt the good food and dragged Dazai to the head of the table where they were to sit.

It dawned on Chuuya that with their hands tied they have to help each other eat but it reaffirmed their love for each other as it came easy to feed the other.

Everyone around them was enjoying the feast as well. Chuuya curiously watches after a break from the food.

Mori was tending to Atsushi who was reaching for anything with meat on it. The pup was slowly discovering he can just change certain parts of him to his tiger form so giving himself sharp teeth to eat all the solid foods he wanted was his new way of getting into mischief.

Fukuzawa keeps an eye on him so he doesn’t fully transform but his ability should be keeping him in check.

Yosano whining a little she couldn’t have a drink, the one hardship that came with her pregnancy. Kunikida was keeping her happy with a generous bowl of fried tofu.

The two that caught his eye was Ango hiding a flush while speaking to Oda. Chuuya didn’t want to think too much into it but could it be that Ango had a crush?

Chuuya was pulled from his thinking by a tug on his tied hand. Dazai gets his attention to give him another kiss. “Are you having a good time?”

“Yes I am, I’m happy it's just everyone we’re close to.” Chuuya couldn’t imagine getting bombarded by dozens of faces he didn’t know and asked questions that could be borderline rude and degrading.

“I am too, I went to a a couple weddings and there are so long and boring.” The first one he attended was for some lord and his parents were invited. Dazai was also eight years old so of course an event he had to sit still and be quiet for would be long and boring. Even the afterparty he was bored since he was to stay in his seat and not run around to play.

As he got older the weddings seemed to be more bearable since he wasn’t young and restless with energy. Back then they were just some event where he could eat some fancy food and sneak a drink or two.

His own was perfect, just filled with people he actually cared for and then cared for him.

Eventually Dazai and Chuuya bound hands were untied, Chuuya wrapped the braided ropes around his wrist keeping it close for now.

Not tied, Chuuya could go around and mingle but Dazai wanted to present him a wedding gift which happened to be a fancy bottle of wine. Chuuya was excited to give it a try and a servant came with a glass so he could have one. swirling the wine around before taking a sip, savoring the taste. Chuuya overheard Dazai assigning a servant to make sure Chuuya’s glass wasn’t empty and filled with the wine.

Hiding a chuckle behind the glass as Chuuya went to speak to his guests.

Chuuya accepted the hug from Mori, tucking his head under the older omega’s chin to savor the contact.

This was a hug from his mother, he was going to enjoy it.

Mori pulled away to cup Chuuya’s face in his hands. “You look stunning and that was a beautiful ceremony.”

“Thank you mom and also for standing in as my parent.”

“Any time darling, you’re my son now.”

It brought Chuuya immense happiness hearing that he had a family again.

Chuuya shared some of his wine with Mori, surprised to find out the older omega also sampled and indulged in the drink whenever he could.

“I’ve heard of many who collect wine, since it’s now becoming a valuable commodity. Those in the world of the elite getting limited bottles from the best vineyards all around the world.”

Chuuya’s eyes lit up, perhaps he can use his new connections and powers as the spouse of the emperor to dip into some of these wine bottles. One of the few things he likes to treat himself too, he knows Dazai won’t have any squabble over as he was encouraging Chuuya to spoil himself.

Fukuzawa was holding a sleeping Atsushi and said he was excusing himself to put the pup down for bed. Chuuya offered to let Fukuzawa have Sayu watch over him along with a guard outside his room.

No one taking any chances ever again.

As the feast continued Chuuya was feeling the warmth of the wine settle all throughout his body, his cheeks were flushed and he felt a little light. He wasn’t drunk, just buzzed and his eyes kept searching around for Dazai.

Mori had noticed and leaned close to whisper. “Do you wish to retire for the night?” The double meaning behind leaving now picked up by the flushed omega.

Chuuya nodded and Mori quietly escorted Chuuya back to the bridal chamber where his mother in law can help him slip out of his wedding kimono. Chuuya didn’t feel as hot anymore now that the kimono and undergarments were stripped off.

Now was the moment Chuuya had been waiting for, walking over to where his kimono had been hidden.

“I can finally show this off to my husband.”

Dazai was frantically looking around for Chuuya and trying not to panic but where did he go?

Oda was hiding a chuckle behind his drink watching Dazai desperately look for his omega and quietly whining.

“I saw him leave with your mother, it is getting late into the night. You know what that means.” Oda nudged Dazai’s shoulder, Ango flushed brightly, understanding the double meaning of Oda’s words.

Dazai's eyes landed on when Mori returned back to the room and he excused himself from the two to go speak to him.

Mori gave Dazai a smile and a nod, a subtle gesture of ‘run along’ which Dazai obeyed.

Leaving the feast to return to his chambers, since neither he and Chuuya were close to their rut and heat they weren’t set up in a private area. Instead they can share their wedding night in their own space.

Dazai tried not to seem eager as he moved quickly down the halls.

Finally arriving at the large doors Dazai took a second to get his excitement contained, mentally schooling himself until he pushed the door open and slipped inside.

Dazai was taken aback by the set of the room, it appears the staff had done it all up for the lovebirds. There were many sheer silk drapes hanging from the ceiling concealing the large futon, some incense had been burning and it was illuminated by lanterns giving the entire space a warm glow.

In the center of the futon was Chuuya, sitting on his knees waiting in a kimono.

But not just any kimono, the one he finally finished.

Dazai swallowed as he approached Chuuya, giving him a smile as he stood up.

“Before you enter I want to show you my work.” Chuuya stepped out of the nest and stood before Dazai.

The kimono was black for the base color and tied with a red obi around Chuuya’s middle that made the curve of his waist more noticeable. The sleeves had an intricate embroidery design which was most likely making reference to the large back piece where a kimono like this would shine.

Chuuya turned around to show Dazai his handy work and the alpha was blown away.

Across the back was an eye like design done in red, the middles had some rubies sewn into them. Though the motif of a creature was what made the design stand out. It was hard for Dazai to exactly describe it other than feline. The skull-like shape was in the middle and the red eyes flowing all around. It was stunning work and nothing like Dazai had ever seen done before, it was very Chuuya.

“It's gorgeous.”

Chuuya flushed from the compliment, turning back around to face Dazai. “Thank you, I’m happy you like it.”

Dazai took a step closer to Chuuya, reaching out to cup his cheek. “It’s a work of art, you should be proud.”

Chuuya leaned into the touch on his cheek, savoring the touch.

“Best get you out of it so I don’t ruin it~” Dazai purred.

Chuuya held back an eye roll but he agreed, the last thing he wanted was his kimono to get ruined or dirty from their nightly activities.

“Care to help me out of it dear husband?” Chuuya turned around so Dazai had access to the obi.

“It will be my pleasure.” Dazai got to work loosening the obi, it wasn’t tied all that tightly around Chuuya since he knew it was eventually going to be taken off. Once the obi was pulled away and tossed Dazai peeled the kimono off of Chuuya’s shoulders, enticed by his bare skin being revealed.

Once the kimono was pulled away fully Dazai licked his lips, eyes racking up and down Chuuya’s bare body. Using half of his logic left to hang the kimono up so it won’t wrinkle Dazai’s eyes locked back onto Chuuya who was laying down in the nest waiting for his husband.

Dazai didn’t care much about his own wedding clothes, tugging at the yukata and ties till he freed himself. Chuuya chuckled when he kicked the clothes away and crawled into the nest. Chuuya wrapped his arms around Dazai’s shoulders pulling him close for a kiss which the alpha happily returned.

Chuuya pulled away to press his forehead to Dazai’s. “I love you.”

“I love you too Chuuya.”

Warmth washed over the omega, feeling giddy hearing those words from his husband.

Dazai went back to lavishing kisses all over Chuuya’s face until moving to his neck and it was now driving the alpha insane. This was the first time he was kissing Chuuya’s neck like this.

Chuuya couldn’t stop the moans and gasps when Dazai’s lips touched his neck, it was more sensitive than normal due to the excessive time period wearing collars.

Dazai was savoring this, starting with kisses that eventually became light nips. The sounds he was pulling from Chuuya was music to his ears and he dared to press his teeth a little harder into the soft skin to tease.

“Ah Dazai.” Chuuya’s grip around Dazai tightens from the teasing bite, his instincts flaring up with anticipation for a mating mark.

“Soon my love.”

Dazai pressed a kiss to Chuuya’s collarbone as he moved down more of Chuuya’s body leaving kisses to every stretch of skin he could reach. Chuuya sighed pleasantly from the attention.

When Dazai was moving closer to Chuuya’s center he picked up a subtle scent on top of Chuuya’s natural one, curious he moved a hand to touch between Chuuya’s legs and was surprised to feel wetness. A slight panic that Chuuya had fallen into heat early when the omega spoke.

“I prepared myself.”

Chuuya anticipated this and while he enjoyed foreplay from Dazai he was impatient to finally get this done.

“Someone is eager.” Dazai moved back up Chuuya’s body to capture his lips in a kiss, the omega returning it and arms circling around the alpha’s neck. Chuuya opened his thighs more so Dazai could settle between them.

While Chuuya was impatient, Dazai wanted to savor every moment.

“Dazaiiii!” Chuuya whined at the alpha who was not pouncing on him, instead was just lavishing him in kisses and light grinding.

“Patience is a virtue.” Dazai teased in a sing-song voice which just got him a pinch on the side from Chuuya. The alpha chuckled and he backed off when Chuuya was squirming more.

When Dazai pulled away, Chuuya reached his hands out, grabbing Dazai’s shoulders and flipping them. Pushing Dazai back down against the nest and straddling his lap. The omega inside him brimming with a power rush said that he was able to do this to his mate.

“While your self restraint is admirable, I’ve been wanting this since we got engaged.”

Dazai smirked, putting his hands on Chuuya’s hips and rubbing lightly at them. “Well I have been wanting this since we first laid together so I have way more restraint than you.”

Chuuya wanted to smack Dazai’s smug face so badly right now.

“You’re really going to bully me on my wedding night?” Chuuya pouted.

“It’s still so easy to tease you dearest.”

Chuuya rolled his eyes, Dazai chuckling as he pulled Chuuya down to lather some kisses on his neck in forgiveness.

“But I won’t keep you waiting.”

Dazai’s arms circled around Chuuya’s middle and he flipped them back to their original position, the flush on Chuuya’s face after the move was adorable.

The alpha started to get right to work, lavishing kisses and licks all over Chuuya’s sensitive neck, inhaling his scent. Chuuya couldn’t hold back the moans slipping from his lips, hands holding Dazai’s shoulders, the nails digging into the skin whenever Dazai’s teeth pressed harder into his tender skin.

While focusing on Chuuya’s neck Dazai started to gently rock his hips, grinding against the omega. The friction between them was good but both will be wanting more soon.

Chuuya let out a loud surprised gasp when he felt Dazai push the tip of his cock inside, it surprised him but now he started to shiver in delight.

“M-More.” Chuuya laid open mouth kisses anywhere he could reach on Dazai’s face and neck, lips gently brushing over the scars. “More p-please.”

Dazai won’t deny that request, capturing Chuuya’s lips in an intense kiss as he gently pushed himself deeper inside Chuuya. Swallowing up the omega’s moans until Dazai bottomed out. Chuuya pulled away from the kiss, leaning his head back on the pillows. “Dazai~”

“I got you.” Tightening his arms around Chuuya as he started with a steady pace. The alpha enjoys making love to his mate instead of them both being in a craze of instincts, pheromones and single mindedness. This was much more preferable for him as he lavished kisses all over Chuuya’s chest.

Chuuya enjoyed the pace, taking some time to smooth his hands all over Dazai’s exposed skin. It wasn’t often he got to see Dazai like this. Never afraid of the scars that littered his mate’s body, they were a part of him as much as Chuuya will soon be a part of Dazai. Fingers gently brushing down the scars on Dazai’s forearms which earned him the alpha sucking in a breath.

“Ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dazai reassured Chuuya, pressing a kiss to the omega’s forehead. “I’m going to move fast.”

Chuuya nodded his head and wrapped his arms around Dazai’s shoulders tighter, nails biting into the alpha’s skin when he began to thrust his hips harder.

Not holding back his sounds, Chuuya let moans and sighs flow easily from his lips while being pleased by his alpha.

“Ah! Y-yes Dazai.” Chuuya choked on a moan when Dazai began licking one spot on his neck, the hot wet sensation of tongue on his neck making him anticipate what was to come.

The omega let out a squeak of surprise when Dazai’s arms tightened around Chuuya and pulled him up. The alpha is sitting back on his knees with Chuuya straddling his lap. This new angle causes Chuuya to shiver in delight, feeling his alpha deeper inside. Arms snaked around Dazai’s neck as he held on while Dazai thrusted his hips up.

Dazai was feeling that build up of pleasure along with his knot forming, Chuuya must feel it too as a few whines were slipping from his lips whenever the knot pressed against his clit.

The anticipation was killing Chuuya, it was about to happen! Chuuya couldn’t hold himself back as Dazai kept licking at the spot on his neck he intended to mark, the knot pressing against him needing just one more push to get inside.

Chuuya didn’t keep track of Dazai’s hands so when the alpha’s fingers brush over his clit it was what sent him over the edge. Chuuya threw his head back with a loud moan as he orgasmed and that was what Dazai needed.

Tightening his arm around Chuuya’s middle as he laid the omega back down before driving his hips more into him and finally pushed his knot inside.

Chuuya arched up into Dazai with a silent pleasurable scream and then the next moment there was a stinging sensation on his neck and it felt like everything clicked into place when Dazai marked him. Chuuya isn't registering the pain or the blood dripping from the wound, instead it was a euphoric feeling washing over him. Chuuya wrapped his arms and legs around Dazai to keep him close as physically as possible.

Dazai held back from biting more down on Chuuya’s neck but he had been wanting this for so long his inner alpha wanted to make sure the mark would remain there forever. Growling in pleasure when the two finally became mates, feeling the rush of instincts and emotions fall over him. Along with a sense of relief Dazai buried himself deeper into Chuuya before releasing.

Both sagged a little in each other's embrace. Chuuya loosened his grip but he still had his limbs around Dazai. The alpha finally pulled away from Chuuya’s neck, blood staining his lips, chin and teeth but Chuuya wasn’t afraid.

It was evidence that they were finally one.

Chuuya weakly moved a hand to touch the mark but Dazai gently took his hand. “Best not to touch it until it heals, we don’t want it getting infected.”

Nodding Chuuya grabbed Dazai’s hand pulling it close to press a kiss to the back of it.

“We’re mates.”

“I know, you’re mine and I am yours.” Dazai pressed his forehead to Chuuya’s inhaling the omega’s scent that now was mingled with his own due to the marking process.

Dazai gently moved the two of them to lay on the side, careful due to them being connected. Chuuya instead pushed Dazai to lay back and Chuuya practically on top. Curling up close and rubbing his cheek on Dazai’s chest while letting out some purring.

Dazai chuckled as he reached blindly around and found a sheet to drape over them and then rested an arm over Chuuya’s back.

Chuuya smiled to himself, finally one with his mate.

“I love you Dazai.”

“I love you as well Chuuya.”

Chapter Text

Six years later…

Squeals of delightful children rang through the courtyard of the estate for the Yokohama ruling family.

Kenji played chase with Atsushi who was in his tiger form, the cub weaving around to get out of the young blonde’s grasp since he was one of the few that could lift him up even in his juvenile size.

Eventually Kenji finally caught Atsushi grabbing his tail, due to his ability being super strength Atsushi was unable to get away no matter how hard he tried to run so he just flopped to the ground in defeat. Kenji let out a victory cheer, letting go of Atsushi’s tail so the other can transform back to human.

“Now it’s my turn to chase you!” Atsushi shouted and Kenji let out a laughing squeal as he ran away with Atsushi chasing after. Kenji knew he couldn’t out run Atsushi so he had to come up with a different plan to win the game.

Kenji ran right over to where Hirostu was standing, he was speaking to Oda though clinging tightly to the man’s yukata was Ryunosuke. Kenji ran over to him to hide and maybe get him to join in but when Atsushi skidded to a stop and accidentally bumped into Ryunosuke the little dark-haired boy erupted into some sobs.

The two backed off from him as he pulled himself away from Hirostu and ran right over to Dazai.

Dazai perked up when he heard the pup wailing for him, his sobs causing Ryunosuke to devolve into a coughing fit. Dazai kneeled down and opened his arms letting the pup run right into them, holding Ryunosuke tightly as the pup buried his face in Dazai’s shoulder.

Atsushi ran up to Dazai followed by Kenji. “Sorry Ryu! I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You didn’t hurt him, Ryu just got startled.” Dazai had watched the whole exchange and knew exactly what Ryunosuke was doing, the pup was a master of manipulation.

Ryunosuke and his sister Gin were Hirostu’s estrange son’s children and their mother couldn’t take care of them anymore after she gave birth to Gin. Hirostu stepped in to take care of them since his son dropped the ball. Despite the two staying close to their grandfather Ryunosuke imprinted hard on Dazai the first time he met the alpha.

Now the pup does whatever he can to get attention and now that Dazai was a new father his parental instincts were at an all time high. Ryunosuke was taking advantage of it.

Ryunosuke’s crocodile tears eased up quickly as soon as Dazai started to give him attention, wanting to roll his eyes at how dramatic the boy was.

Chuuya had been watching from the room looking out to the courtyard, a smile on his face observing Dazai. Chuckling to himself remembering how the alpha said he will not spoil as a father yet he was the biggest hypocrite.

A small sneeze got Chuuya’s attention and he looked down at the bundle in his arms, it seemed his little one woke from her nap.

“Good afternoon my princess.” Chuuya pulled her closer, nosing along her auburn hair. Aya was slowly waking up more, rubbing her mitten hands all over her face. Aya let out a big yawn before opening up her blue eyes, her eyesight focusing and she focused with her mother. Chuuya smiled down at Aya and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Chuuya was so blessed with this little one.

It had taken a few years for Chuuya and Dazai to be comfortable having children but when they started to try and conceive it wasn’t sticking like it normally should. Chuuya almost thought the two of them weren’t compatible to have children until it finally stuck. Since they had tried so hard and long for this pup when it was getting closer to the due date they didn’t want to take any chances. Yosano was there helping Chuuya through the birth along with his mother in law morning, thankfully there were no complications and Aya was born.

Chuuya wanted to recover more at his in-laws home before returning to the capital and he wanted to enjoy this private time with just his family and new baby.

Chuuya felt like he was being watched and perked up, looking around the room until his eyes landed on Kyouka. She ducked behind the sliding door but peeked out again.

Kyouka was Kunikida and Yosano’s second, she was born not even a year after Kenji. At least Atsushi had two other pups to play with as he grew up, even though they were his niece and nephew.

“Kyouka, you can come and see, Aya is awake.” Chuuya encouraged her to come close, this was her first time around a newborn.

Kyouka hesitated for a moment before she plucked up the courage and approached, sitting on her knees before Chuuya who gave her a soft smile and showed the newborn off. “See, awake as can be.”

Kyouka was quiet as she watched Aya, but the newborn wasn’t doing much and looked ready to start falling asleep again.

“So small.”

“Yes she is small, but that’s normal for a baby, you were small like her and your brother.”

Kyouka just made a little sound before she heard the deep voice of her father calling out to the boys in the courtyard. Getting up she ran over to find him.

Chuuya watched her go and grab onto her father’s leg, he gave Kyouka a pat on the head as he gathered everyone up for dinner.

Dazai pried Ryunosuke off of him who was not at all happy to go, he would kick up a fight but when he was being transferred to the arms of his grandfather he stopped his temper tantrum. All but giving up being a little terror for his grandfather who gently set him back on his feet to take the boy to get washed up for dinner.

Dazai made his way over to where Chuuya was, coming inside he exchanged a quick kiss with Chuuya before adoring a few on Aya’s head.

“You’re such a softie.” Chuuya pointed out how easily Dazai’s been folding around the pups.

“Ok yeah you got me there but how can I say no to them? Their big eyes just look at you and it’s like how can anyone ever resist them?”

Chuuya agreed but he knew that when overspoiling was too much spoiling, it looked like he had to be the bad guy parent.

“I’m the omega and even I can say no to their pleading.” Granted they weren’t his pups but that could change when Aya gets older.

“I’ll remember you saying that when Aya looks at you with big eyes and asks for something ridiculous and you say yes.”

The two shared a laugh.

Dazai stood and held his arms out to take Aya while Chuuya took the time to stand up. He was still recovering from the birth, it went well but there will be aches and pains for the following weeks until everything is all healed up. Important he stays close to his in-laws in case anything went south.

Dazai adored more affections on his daughter, she was being more awake and active while Dazai gave her nuzzles while purring. She was totally going to be a daddy’s girl.

Dazai offered his arm for Chuuya to hold as they walked to the dining room.

“Has any correspondence from Ango arrived?” Chuuya knew Dazai had informed his right hand as soon as Aya was born but they were keeping her birth a secret from the public for now.

“I received a letter, congratulating us on the birth. He has asked if she is showing any early signs of a gift or dynamic and I informed him no.”

Chuuya nodded silently.

The omega though wondered what now, they finally successfully conceived but it took two years for it to happen. While both of them weren’t past thirty Chuuya’s window will start closing.

If anything he should be trying to have another pup right now as omegas were most fertile after a birth. But did Chuuya want another kid right after this one? Did he want anymore at all after this?

“You’re thinking too loud chibi, don’t worry.” Dazai pressed a kiss to Chuuya’s temple to calm him down, he knows Chuuya’s mind has been wandering about a lot of what ifs.

While he was hard at work transferring Japan from a monarchy to a new format for government, they were still the rulers and much tradition was still expected of them until the transfer of power happened.

Ideally Dazai was just happy with their one, he promised he would give Chuuya a daughter and delivered the first try. But if Chuuya ever wanted more than he was happy to give.

“I can’t help but worry, she’s not even a week old and already expectations are being placed on her.” A longing look to his little one who was just gazing fondly at her father.

“And I’m working hard to fix that, I am liking the idea of a prime minister with a diet elected by the people.”

Chuuya liked that idea as well, it would distribute the power and allow the people to pick and choose who they want to govern them. Instead of just one person making all the decisions Dazai would only be in charge of the biggest ones until someone else gets voted into the position.

All the talk of politics and expectations was making Chuuya hungry so he was eager for dinner.

Their family had grown so much so dinners were much more livelier, the table longer to fit everyone with much food. Chuuya smiled, taking his seat, undoing the side of his yukata for Aya who was handed to him and he encouraged her to latch. Aya latched on and started to nurse.

Dazai fixed up a plate for Chuuya while he had Ryunosuke clinging to his back for attention and Atsushi telling Ryunosuke to stop bothering his brother.

“Stop it Ryu! If you distract Dazai he’ll drop the plate for Chuuya-san.”

Ryunosuke just tightened his arms around Dazai who was not bothered by the clingy pup and put Chuuya’s plate down in front of him and handed Chuuya chopsticks. Dazai took a seat on the floor cushion and Ryunosuke climbed right into his lap which caused Atsushi to whine.

“Ryu! He’s my brother. I want time with him.” Atsushi stomped his feet when Ryu wasn’t listening and just hid his face in Dazai’s chest. Atsushi was about to start sobbing when Dazai spoke up.

“Don’t worry little buddy, we’ll spend some time together tomorrow just you and me.”

Atsushi’s eyes lit up and the tears went away, happy that he was promised time with his brother now. Atsushi returned to his seat at his mother’s insistence to finish his vegetables.

“Atsushi you can’t just eat the meat, Kenji likes meat and his veggies.” Mori lightly scolded the youngster. It felt at times it was hard to combat the hidden tiger instincts in him.

Atsushi let out a sigh but he grumpily ate his vegetables since he didn’t want to upset his mother.

“Mama can I have some more please?” Kenji asked Yosano after he finished another small plate of food.

“Of course, you are a growing boy.” Yosano was glad one of her children was easy when it came to food.

Kyouka on the other hand was going through a phase where she only wanted fried tofu and refused to eat anything else. Kunikida spoon fed her the food since she was stubbornly not practicing with her chopsticks. Mori had told the two that they’ll end up with a pup that inherits their family’s infamous stubbornness and they got it with Kyouka.

Gin seemed to be falling asleep at the table, head in her bowl of just soba noodles, she was a very sleepy pup. Mori gently woke her up and she just went right back to eating her noodles but then began drifting off again with a noodle in her mouth.

Chuuya finished feeding Aya, resting her on his shoulder to give her a little burp. When she finished he adjusted her back into his arms.

The sliding door opened and in walked Ranpo with Fukuzawa following behind.

“Sorry we’re late, ohh food.” Ranpo sitting himself right down at the table and helping himself.

Fukuzawa greeted his husband before taking a seat looking a little tired. Chuuya noticed his father in law looking stressed and he knew the best remedy.

“Here dad, you could use a little grandparent therapy.” Getting up to hand Aya over to her grandfather.

Fukuzawa started to perk up when the newborn was settled into his arms. She settled well with her grandfather, a little mitten hand reaching out which Fukuzawa gently held between his thumb and forefinger.

“Hello little rosebud.” Fukuzawa smiled warmly at the pup.

Aya let out a little wet cough, it made Mori come close and take a cloth napkin to wipe the drool from her face. Adjusting Aya in his hold Fukuzawa felt the stress of work ease away.

“You really should consider retiring my dear.” Mori rubbing Fukuzawa’s shoulder, trying to ease some of the tension.

Fukuzawa was well past his prime and while he hasn’t done much field work being the president of the agency came with its many challenges.

“I will once I find a suitable replacement.” Fukuzawa let out a sigh.

Dinner went on as normal, the adults making sure all the pups had enough before they could get an hour or two of play before getting a bath.

Chuuya helped Yosano with giving all the little ones baths, Ryunosuke and Atsushi were not as cooperative during baths. Chuuya finished washing Atsushi’s hair and let the boy climb into the tub of hot water to play with some toys.

“Ok Ryunosuke your turn and then you can play with Atsushi.” Chuuya held up the soapy sponge. The dark hair boy shook his head but Chuuya urged him forward and started to scrub him down. Letting the pup whine until it was all done but instead of waiting in the tub with Atsushi he ran out of the bathroom through the crack in the sliding door.

“Ryunosuke! You have to get dried!” Chuuya ran after the boy but stopped before leaving the bathroom. The pup managed to get out of sight so he couldn’t use his ability. Sighing loudly that they had a loose pup in the estate, though Chuuya heard some growling and Oda came around the corner holding Atsushi under his arm who was trying to squirm away. Noticing Chuuya peeking his head out of the bathroom.

“I got him Chuuya.”

Chuuya gave a nod to the alpha and went back inside the bathroom, adjusting the towel wrapped around his body and joining Yosano in finishing up the baths.

Gin was more well behaved than her brother, sitting quietly on the stool while Chuuya brushed some soap into her long hair to straighten it out.

These domestic duties were something Chuuya was missing out on at the palace. Having servants do almost everything for him and Dazai. Even when staying here in Yokohama Chuuya could do a lot of things on his own even with servants employed.

Yosano finished with her kids and cleaned herself up before slipping on a robe. Ushering her kids and Atsushi over and putting them all in small robes. “Are you going to finish up here with Gin?”

“Yes, I’m almost done with her hair, you take everyone else.” Chuuya flashed her a smile.

Yosano politely left with the pups following her leaving Atsushi alone with Gin.

The little pup had been getting cold sitting on the stool so Chuuya had her move into the tub and he finished with her hair. Just having a few more knots to detangle as she placed around with a lotus that was pulled from the garden to be a bath decoration.

Finally Chuuya finished with her hair and got Gin out of the tub to start drying her off. Gathering her long hair in a towel to dry as well, slipping Gin into a small robe as well.

“Can I go to my room?” Gin asked politely.

“Oh you want to walk there yourself?” Gin nodded. “Ok but if you need help call out.”

The pup nodded and she opened the door for herself and left. Gin was a little more independent than her brother. Chuuya still watched her walk down the hall until turning the corner, knowing her room that she shared with Kyouka was close.

Retreating back into the bathroom to clean up just a little for the servants and get himself washed up.

Freshly clean with a silk robe slipped on, Chuuya dried his hair on the way back to his room.

Opening the sliding door to the adorable sight of Aya laid in the middle of a bunch of pillows and her father playing with her. Holding up a stuffed toy dog, her little hands reached out to grab onto the legs and tail of the toy before Dazai made it ‘kiss’ her face and mimicking doggy sounds.

Chuuya chuckled as he shut the door, which got Dazai’s attention.

“Hey chibi, little squirt here is all changed and ready for bed. I fed her some of that stored milk you prepared, worked like a charm.”

“That’s good.” Chuuya hung up the towel and strolled over to the futon. Exchanging a kiss with Dazai before laying down on the empty side of Aya.

Aya got fussy knowing her mother was around but couldn’t see her. Chuuya helped turn Aya’s head so she was looking at him and Aya settled, not being as fussy. Chuuya gently laid his hand next to her and Aya grabbed onto one of his fingers as tightly as she could.

“I’m here baby girl, I’m here.” Chuuya reassures his daughter.

Dazai sat up so he could have a good view of the two of them, reaching out to gently run his fingers over Aya’s soft hair.

“I’m thinking we can stay here another week before we have to go back to the capital. Have to eventually tell the country she exists.”

Chuuya sighed heavily, Aya already drifting to sleep being surrounded by the soothing scents of her parents.

“I don’t want to share her, she’s mine, ours.”

“I know, I know.” Dazai’s hand in Aya’s hair moved to rub at her back. “Everyone will have to know but we’re not just letting anyone see her.”

Learning from past encounters to not let anyone near their daughter.

Chuuya nodded his head, another reason he didn’t want to go back was how he found peace once again with his family. It was so lonely and empty at the palace. Chuuya only told Mori but he suffered from a lot of depression while pregnant. Dazai is busy with meetings and no friends or family to comfort him. Coming to Yokohama the last week of his pregnancy was pure bliss.

“All will be well.” Dazai leans close to press a kiss to Chuuya’s forehead then one on Aya’s head before settling down for the night.

Chuuya nodded and reached across Aya’s little nest to grab Dazai’s hand.

“Goodnight love.”

“Night Chuuya.”

Chuuya drifted off to sleep easily, exhausted from the day and tending to Aya. Dazai watched over making sure Chuuya was heavily asleep, sitting up Dazai brushed some bangs out of the omega’s face gently. An utter look of love and adoration on his face as he gazed down at his beautiful mate while their precious daughter dozed between them.

Dazai leaned close to press a kiss to Chuuya’s cheek.

“Thank you for being my reason.”

Reason to live, reason to exist, reason to thrive.

“Love you, forever and always.” One last kiss to Chuuya’s cheek before settling down for sleep. Dazai rested his head down and missed the subtle smile on the omega’s cheek.