Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I didn't know Itoshi Sae was so charitable.”

Sae chooses to ignore the snarky comment. It's not the first time it's been said tonight nor will it probably be the last.

These assholes think that just because he's a famous actor overseas now he's too good for anyone back home. They don't know him. They don't know anything about him but if they're just going to run their mouths, the least they could do is bid for him when it's his turn and make this trip home worthwhile.

Tonight, he's in Japan. It's a rare occurrence, he's aware, yes. He doesn't come home often and hasn't since he left when he was in his teens to pursue his career overseas. But tonight is special, so he's here. Tonight, he’s attending a large banquet hosted by the recently established professional football league his little brother, Rin, has decided to play in, the NEL.

Sae wouldn't normally come home for something like a banquet but this league is new and it needs all the support it can get. This league is nothing compared to those overseas at the moment, but it has managed to obtain a lot of public interest and extremely talented players, Sae’s little alpha brother included so for that reason, he needs this league to do well.

That's not to say Rin isn't capable of helping the league himself. He certainly doesn’t lack popularity but his decision to sign to a team with this new league has worried Sae since the moment he first caught wind because he knows his brother's potential and wants nothing more than for the alpha to make it big. He deserves the world, after all, so NEL must do well.

Of course, Rin and Sae have had their differences. They don't exactly have the best relationship given their two-year age difference and Sae being an omega while Rin is an alpha. When they were younger, they were attached at the hip but over the years, things have changed.

But still, Sae would never miss the opportunity to support his little alpha brother even if they are still not on speaking terms, so when his agent asked him if he would attend after getting an invitation from the league owner, there was no hesitation whatsoever from the omega. He did ask that no one mention it to Rin until it was inevitable, pretending he was coming home to renew his passport which was expiring soon.

Rin pretended he didn't care once he eventually found out. He can pretend all he wants but Sae almost cracked a smile when he saw his brother’s eyes glaze over with anger when he found out the banquet would be auctioning off a date with Sae to the highest bidder.

Despite his obvious disagreement with Sae attending and participating in the banquet, Rin has kept up the same stoic front all night, acting like Sae isn't here. He’s been stopping all of his interested teammates and fellow league members from approaching the omega as well, acting like Sae’s third bodyguard.

Sae pays it no mind and looks around the room again after walking away from some B-list actor trying to make conversation with him. The dinner will conclude soon and the bidding will commence right after.

They're going to be auctioning a number of dates with high-profile celebrities and Itoshi Sae, one the most popular omega actors, will be up for grabs soon. He's probably the most sought-after person on the list of bids and that's him being humble. Sae is last on the list to be auctioned since the banquet knows very well that he’ll garner the most attention. They’re smart to save their prized possession until last to keep the bidders seated all night.

Too bad there's no one even remotely interesting here tonight. Not one person Sae finds himself looking over at twice. Most of the people who paid to be here, members of the NEL aside, had to invest heavily in the NEL just to attend tonight, it gives desperate and gullible, just what the NEL needs.

Sae already suspects whoever wins his bid will probably be an old geezer of an alpha. It might be someone with loads of money who thinks one glance at their bank account will have Sae slicking up.

Yeah right. He's never publicly dated anyone before and that's not changing any time soon. He's yet to meet any alpha that's ever managed to get his attention and he doubts tonight will be the night for that. He reminds himself he’s doing this for Rin before he decides to ditch the event in favor of going back to his apartment. An apartment that he rarely uses, given how little he’s ever in Japan.

After finishing his drink, Sae decides to step out of the banquet hall until it's time for the auction to start. He doesn't want to eat here, not while knowing the majority of the people will have their eyes glued to him the entire time like he's some sort of zoo exhibition. Hard pass.

His bodyguards motions toward him, silently asking if Sae wants them to follow but the omega waves them off. This place is restricted enough, the NEL certainly doesn’t mess around, they’re serious about their auction and getting their money. So, Sae will be fine on his own. Besides, he just needs some fresh air.

Sae doesn't smoke but he still steps out onto one of the balconies, after making sure no one followed after him. He needs some fresh air after having spent an hour in the banquet hall surrounded by a million scents and before that, almost half an hour of getting his picture taken by the media when he first arrived.

Luckily for him, they're on a high floor of some random building in the middle of the city, so he doesn't have to worry about some random people popping out of the bushes after stalking him all night.

He leans against the wall, far away from the doors, and scrolls on his phone for a moment, not looking up when someone else steps outside onto the balcony. Immediately annoyance fills him. This better not be a bidder that thinks they’re about to weasel their way into his pants or something without having to go through the process of the auction. Nothing worse than a cheap alpha, that’s for sure.

Sae doesn’t have to look up to know it’s a man, an alpha to be exact. He can smell them just fine. It’s one with an intense, musky scent and he’s on the phone, not having a good call if his scent, one that’s quickly turning acidic from frustration, is anything to go by.

Rarely do people's scents make Sae react but this one manages to make his nose twitch. Interesting.

“I made it here, didn’t I?” the alpha bemoans, shutting the doors with more force than necessary. “I'm playing nice! What else does Ego want from me?” He sounds and smells extremely annoyed. “Yeah, I realize the dinner is almost over but I made it here for the fun part. Ego can get over it, I’m sure I wasn’t the only player that didn’t make it, relax.”

The man ends the call with a scoff and it goes quiet with only the city traffic and commotion in the background.

“Oh shit,” the man startles, probably not having expected to see Sae out here. His sense of smell was probably clogged up by his own acidic smell, overpowering the omega’s. “I didn't know anyone was out here…hey, you look familiar,” he says. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

Sae doesn't look up. He knows this trick. It's what the majority of people say to him whenever they want to egg him into revealing his identity whenever they manage to corner him in public. It’s always the creepiest of fans that do it too. Luckily, these days, he’s rarely without one of his bodyguards.

“No,” Sae responds with no emotion in his tone. “Go back inside.”

The man laughs and comes closer. “You're so cold,” he laments, stopping a few feet from Sae. “Now I see it. You're Rin-rin’s older omega brother, aren’t you?” He snaps his fingers at having finally pieced it together. “I could recognize those eyelashes anywhere.”

Well, that's a first. He's never been recognized as Rin’s brother before out in public. It's usually Rin getting called his brother whenever people recognize him out and about.

Interesting.

“I take it that you're here for the shitty auction then?” He asks. “You’ve been quite the hot topic during practice this past month, nearly making your feral little brother jump half the team. Everyone’s been creaming their pants at the thought of seeing a celebrity up close and personal.”

Sae finally looks up. There stands the mysterious alpha, hair a wild mix of pink and blonde, skin tan, and eyes surrounded by thick blonde lashes. He looks almost feral…it manages to pique his interest a little more. He does his best to keep it from seeping into his scent. The last thing this alpha needs is an ego boost.

He knows this man and has seen and read about him whenever he skims the football news to read about Rin and the alpha’s new team and league. This is Shidou Ryusei. Sae is almost positive his little brother hates this guy, along with a vast majority of the other NEL players. Rin and Ryusei have almost gone to blows whenever they’ve had to do publicity for their new league and team. They’re probably the least compatible people to have ever existed.

Sae has absolutely no idea how they’re going to get along long enough to play a full match together. For Rin’s sake, Sae hopes this guy falls in line soon.

“Why?” Sae decides to keep the alpha on his toes, keeping his expression stoic. “Are you planning on bidding on me tonight?”

“So your brother can try and gut me next time he sees me?” Shidou laughs, flashing his teeth. “Fuck no, I’m already on thin ice with management as is, partially thanks to Rin-rin,” he admits. “Not that he’s any better off…”

Sae huffs, locking his phone so he can focus his full attention on this conversation. “You’re scared of one baby alpha?”

Technically Rin isn’t a baby alpha, not anymore at least. The man is twenty and a lot taller than Sae but to the omega, Rin will always be the little baby alpha that would run after him when they were children.

“Hell no,” Shidou defends his honor. “Rin-rin should be scared of me!” His eyes narrow before he grins again. “Wait, you’re an actor,” he concludes, sounding genuinely surprised at having connected the pieces. “Yeah! I saw that new movie you were in a few days ago, pretty good stuff, Eyelashes. I was impressed.”

“You just now realized that?” Sae asks, checking the time on his phone.

Normally, this is the part where the majority of people who meet Sae get turned off by his attitude. It’s always the same comments he gets in response, calling him bitchy, stuck-up, and an asshole but Shidou only grins wider in response. He seems to like it.

“I like you,” Shidou declares, his scent turning sweet with interest as if he can read Sae’s mind. “I like pretty omegas with bite to them,” he reveals. “Let me have your number, Eyelashes.”

The balls on this guy. Sae will give him props, he’s never had someone have the audacity to just ask him that and offer nothing in return. Shidou is certainly interesting.

He’s almost disappointed that he has to go back inside before his manager has an aneurysm trying to locate him for the auction.

“Buy me dinner first before you go around demanding things from me,” Sae scoffs as he begins walking back inside. “And don’t fuck up your team’s first game by fighting with my brother. You two would only be killing both of your dreams over a red card. You’re not children in the rec league anymore, you’re professionals.”

To Sae’s disappointment surprise, Shidou doesn’t follow after him. It’s probably for the best. The alpha seems like trouble. He’s feral and probably full of surprises. Sae can’t even imagine what kind of scandal he’d cause if the public saw him with someone like that.

It would be fun though, to heckle the public and media with Shidou. They’ve been getting on his nerves again, demanding too much from him and it’s been pissing him off. He understands that sometimes celebrities have to sell the fantasy to their fans to make money and have success, but it gets old after a while.

Sae can’t seem to get Shidou’s scent out of his head even after the auction starts. He doesn’t pay attention to any of it, finding himself thinking back to Shidou. He almost regrets not having given the alpha his number, almost.

Oh well, if Shidou had wanted it badly enough, he would’ve made it known and Sae likes an alpha that gives chase. Maybe it’s Sae’s biology and instincts that demand whatever potential mate show that they can provide and please, or maybe he’s just stuck up like the media says. Either way works for him, he doesn’t care, as long as he gets what he wants.

After about an hour, it’s his turn and the bidding starts at a crisp 310,000,000 yen. It’s a high price for a two-hour date with Sae but it’s all for the NEL so he goes along with it. This will go a long way for them in terms of publicity and helping them build their reputation. Besides, people paid almost as much as that just to be here tonight.

From where Sae sits in the crowd, he gets to watch people squirm and raise their hands to put their bid in for him. It starts with almost fifty people but quickly narrows down to two people, older alphas, just like he’d predicted, going against each other trying to win the bid. They keep raising their number by a few thousand yen, not enough to really make a difference but enough to outbid each other and knock the other forty-eight out of the contest. It’s pitiful to watch.

Clearly, they want to lowball the NEL, all in the name of getting a date with Itoshi Sae. Well, Sae supposes it's for a good cause, even if Rin looks like he wants to go over and commit a crime against the older alphas. He wouldn’t blame his brother, because even he wants to puke at the sight of them.

“410 million yen!”

Sae actually turns his head this time to look behind him when a new bidder joins the auction. He knows that voice. There’s absolutely no way.

Sure enough, Shidou Ryusei stands there, holding his arm up, grinning as Rin glares at him from across the room. His smile grows when he looks over at Sae and catches the omega’s genuinely surprised expression. It almost seems to encourage him.

Sae can’t believe what he’s seeing for a number of reasons as he attempts to control his face. First of all, is Shidou a fucking idiot? Sae is pretty sure that’s half of what the NEL gave Shidou as a signing bonus. Second of all, is Shidou really doing all of this just because Sae didn’t give him his number?

The auctioneer wastes no time calling it once the other two alphas remain quiet, announcing Shidou the winner.

Once the auction has ended, Sae gets escorted into a private room with his manager so they can meet with Shidou after the financial part of the deal has been dealt with.

“Are you sure you want me to go?” Sae’s manager asks for the nth time since Sae asked him to leave the room. It’s starting to get on Sae’s nerves. “I have heard Shidou-san can be quite unpredictable.”

“It’s one alpha,” Sae reminds the beta with a bored tone. “I’ll be fine.”

His manager seems reluctant to go but Sae’s expression turns annoyed and the beta doesn’t waste another moment lingering around, knowing the omega isn’t one for patience.

Sae wants to be alone when Shidou comes and meets with him. There’s an itch under his skin he can’t quite scratch and his instincts are all but screaming that it’s in connection with Shidou. It’s a new feeling, one Sae hasn’t ever experienced before when it comes to an alpha. It’s interesting and he’s a fan of interesting and apparently stupid, incompetent alphas that blow half of their signing bonuses on a two-hour date with a celebrity.

Part of Sae, a deep, dark part of him, feels almost giddy about what Shidou has done. This alpha clearly has shown him he’s not above doing something extremely stupid to hold the omega’s attention, so perhaps Sae will hear him out now. It’s the least he can do.

The man of the hour arrives a few minutes later, knocking on the door before letting himself in like he owns the place. Sae can hear his manager and bodyguards debating whether they should intervene or not. They better not come in because then, they’ll give Rin the impression he can come in as well. Sae knows his brother is probably loitering nearby, just waiting for the opportunity to come in and argue with him about Shidou or worse, start fighting with the alpha. It’s a headache waiting to happen, one Sae wants to avoid.

“So, when are you free for dinner?” Shidou asks as he shuts the door behind him.

“Really?” Sae frowns. “That’s what you have to say?”

Shidou shrugs and takes a seat on one of the chairs, looking up at Sae with bright eyes. “You said that if I wanted your number, I needed to buy you dinner first, so that’s what I’m doing, duh,” he points out, looking at Sae like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Come on, Eyelashes, I know you’re not that dense.”

“What are you going to do if we go to dinner and you don’t get shit out of me?” Sae asks, putting his hands on his hips as he looks down at Shidou.

“Try harder?” Shidou states like it’s once again obvious, eyes ranking down Sae’s body to where his hands rest. “I already said I like you so I’m doing something about it.”

“You’re an idiot,” Sae lets him know, feeling a fire course through his veins at the intense stare the alpha is giving him.

Shidou laughs. “That wasn’t a no, at least,” he teases. “So, when are you free?” He asks again. “The paperwork and shit they had me sign said you’d be going back overseas in three weeks, so I needed to act before then, so I’m acting fast.”

Sae takes a moment to think. He recalls the legal team here telling his lawyer that the person who won the bid would choose the date, time, and location but Shidou is offering the choice up to Sae. Interesting, far too interesting.

Shidou stands to his full height, sighing loudly. “While I have to admit, you look pretty when you’re deep in thought like that, there’s no rush, just think it over and have your people reach out to me.”

Sae frowns, watching Shidou walk toward the door. “And if you don’t hear anything else from me after tonight?” He asks.

He’s not even sure why he's asking. It’s not like he cares what Shidou spends his money on and what he doesn’t spend it on. He doesn’t care, no, not at all. If anything, he should just go ahead and ghost this moron.

Shidou looks over his shoulder, giving Sae a nice view of his back muscles flexing under his suit. He’s a well-built, good-looking alpha, Sae will give him that but nothing more.

“I will,” Shidou declares, voice full of confidence. “See you, Eyelashes, get home safe and tell Rin-rin to wait and gut me until after I’ve taken you out.”

Two days later, Sae has his manager reach out to Shidou to tell him the time and location of their date, all while ignoring Rin’s never-ending calls. He usually isn’t this easy to break but ever since the night of the auction, he cannot stop thinking about Shidou, no matter how hard he tries and he tries pretty fucking hard.

The media explodes at the news of Shidou Ryusei, an up-and-coming football star, winning a date with the famous, Itoshi Sae. Some hate it, some worry this date will ruin Sae’s reputation, and others love it.

“Opposites attract.”

“That lunatic of an alpha is going to ruin Itoshi Sae.”

Sae finds that he doesn't hate the media’s reaction to the date, especially the ones that act like the omega was predestined for them or something idiotic like that.

Rin and Shidou’s team hosts a practice open to the public and once again, the alphas almost go to blows. From the media's photos, it almost seems like Rin is the one coming after Shidou, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to decipher what the fight is about. The grin on Shidou’s face tells Sae everything he needs to know and that just won't.

“Eyelashes!”

Sae startles at the loud, cheery greeting. He’s just arrived at the restaurant for his date with Shidou and one of the employees has escorted him to a private dining room.

He didn’t expect Shidou to be here already. He thought he’d have a few minutes to get settled in before the alpha arrived but it seems the man likes to arrive early to his appointments. Who would’ve guessed?

The restaurant was of Sae’s choosing, of course. It’s private, fancy, and a little expensive, not his usual taste. He mostly picked it to see what Shidou’s reaction would be but to his surprise, the alpha hadn’t commented and only sent confirmation that he’d be there on time on the day of the date.

Shidou whistles once the employee leaves them alone. “You look good, tonight,” he compliments the omega, raising his eyebrows. “Are you absolutely sure you and Rin-rin are actually related?” He asks.

“Positive,” Sae answers.

“Well, shame on you for taking all the good looks,” Shidou flirts.

Sae rolls his eyes and sits down across from the alpha. “Regretting your choice yet?”

Shidou laughs. “Absolutely not, just look at you!” He says, way too loud for the small room they’re in. “Besides, who knows, maybe after this date is over, I’ll be leaving with your number or maybe even a second date.”

“Dream on,” Sae kills his dream.

Shidou pouts. “Awe, come on,” he laments. “I’m sure we could compromise,” he offers. “There has to be something you want. Everyone in this life wants something, that’s just human nature.”

“What makes you think you can give me what I want?” Sae asks, narrowing his eyes.

“There isn’t much I haven’t accomplished that I’ve put my mind to so I feel pretty confident I can provide whatever it is that you want for you,” Shidou reveals, looking down at one of Sae’s hands on the table. He looks like he wants to touch. Sae almost wants him to go for it. “So tell me, Eyelashes, what do I have to do to get your number?” He asks. “Name your price.”

Normally, Sae would tell anyone else in the world to go to hell but Shidou can do something for him, something the omega desperately wants. Shidou is unknowingly offering himself up for the taking.

“I want you to get along with my brother during your opening game and make sure you give the public a good impression of the NEL and your team,” Sae states his demands. “Play your best or kiss the idea of ever having my number goodbye.”

Shidou laughs but he doesn’t look the least bit deterred. “Those are some pretty high demands, Eyelashes.”

Sae scoffs. “Weren’t you just saying you could give me anything I wanted?”

His instincts are all on high alert, eagerly awaiting the alpha’s response. They want to see if the man is a provider and if he’s worthy. A small, minuscule part of Sae wants him to be worthy.

“I can and I will,” Shidou declares, much to Sae’s surprise. “Of course, Rin-rin would have to play nice as well to make things possible,” he points out, pursing his lips. “It’s a team effort, after all.”

Sae frowns, thinking back to his younger brother. He’s not sure if he could convince Rin to play nice but he could very well try, all for the sake of the NEL and his brother’s career.

“But I would like some insurance on this,” Shidou requests, offering his hand, palm up.

”Insurance?” Sae asks, glaring down at Shidou’s hand. It’s bigger than his. It might look good gripping his thighs or around his nape.

“I gotta make sure you’re not going to skip out on me, Eyelashes,” Shidou explains. “So, how about this? You come to the opening match in two weeks and if I fulfill your demands, I get your number and maybe I get the opportunity to take you out again.”

Sae weighs the options in his mind. It would do the NEL well to have Sae there in terms of publicity. Besides, if he’s there, he can keep an eye on Shidou and Rin in case things get out of hand. It might motivate Rin to play better as well if Sae is there, Shidou especially. The alpha seems to operate on the same system people train dogs on, he does well and gets a treat and Sae isn’t above bribery.

“Fine,” Sae agrees. “But I tell my brother,” he lays out his terms.

“Sure, go for it,” Shidou snorts. “He’s been trying to kill me with far more intent than usual on the practice field and I have a sneaking suspicion I know why and its name might be Itoshi Sae.”

Sae scoffs. “I thought you weren’t scared of a baby alpha.”

“I’m not,” Shidou confesses, grinning. “I’m more scared of his older brother, I heard he bites but the good news is that I’m into that.”

Sae rolls his eyes but feels that fire from before burn through his veins again. “You’re a demon.”

“Am I?” Shidou plays stupid. “I hadn’t noticed. It's a good thing you were here to let me know, Eyelashes. I think it’s best if I keep you around, don’t you think?”

“In your dreams,” Sae retorts.

“You’re the only thing I’ve been dreaming of lately,” Shidou swears, sliding his hand closer but not touching the omega. It’s an invitation.

“You’re an idiot,” Sae confesses, deciding to give Shidou a little taste to make sure the alpha follows through with his plan. Like he said before, he’s not above bribery.

He reaches over and intertwines their hands, making sure to rub the scent glands on their wrists together. It’s an intimate gesture, one that combines their scents. Almost immediately, Shidou tightens his hold on Sae, rubbing their wrists harder together. Shidou’s hand is rough, probably from all his years of playing football, it feels good on Sae’s skin.

Sae gives it a few more seconds until he’s positive he’ll smell like Shidou before pulling away. “Give me what I want,” he demands, pulling his hand away.

Shidou grins. “I’ll give you whatever you want, don’t you worry about that.”

“Good,” Sae states. “Hands off until then, demon.”

“Awe, but we were just starting to have some fun,” Shidou whines, acting like he isn’t a full-grown alpha. “I could show you a good time,” he offers, bringing his wrist up to his mouth and licking over his scent gland. “All you have to do is say the word.”

Sae pretends to be unaffected. “Focus on getting my number first then we’ll talk.”

“You spoil me,” Shidou sweetly replies. “Be careful, Eyelashes. Too much and you’ll create a monster out of me.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Sae confesses, feeling confident he could control Shidou before the alpha gets out of hand.

Shidou tips his head back and laughs. “I like you, Eyelashes, a lot.”

“You hardly know anything about me,” Sae points out.

“Well, this is a date, so start sharing your deepest darkest secrets,” Shidou reminds the omega, getting comfortable. “I’m all ears for you.”

”I’m sure whatever you want you know you could find it online from a past interview,” Sae tells him.

Shidou sighs. “But where’s the fun in that?” He rests his arms on the table and leans closer. “I want to hear it straight from the pretty source,” he confesses. “I’ll need to know, for the future, after I get your number, because I will do that and much more.”

Sae narrows his eyes and feels his mouth go dry in excitement. “Is that a threat?”

“Only if you want it to be,” Shidou grins.

True to Shidou’s word, he listens, even if pulling conversation out of Sae is like pulling teeth. His intense gaze doesn’t leave Sae’s face for a second, not even when the food comes. He’s locked in, scent oozing a delighted smell.

Much to Sae’s surprise, the two hours go by quickly and his manager is knocking on the door just as the time ends. He almost doesn’t want to leave but then again, the last thing he needs is for Shidou to start getting the wrong idea. He can’t go around spoiling the alpha too soon, no, that won’t do.

“I’ll see you at the match?” Shidou asks as he stands to open the door for Sae. Well, more like blocking the omega from leaving.

“Maybe,” Sae decides to be mean, looking up at Shidou. “Move.”

“You’re so cold, Eyelashes, you wound me,” Shidou chuckles. “But I like it, I like you,” he whispers.

Sae glares at him. “I hope you spending half your signing bonus was worth it.”

“Totally worth it,” Shidou promises. “I got to spend my Saturday night with a pretty omega, I’d say that’s money well spent.”

“Idiot,” Sae scoffs, moving around Shidou and bumping their arms together. “I’ll see you in two weeks.”

“I know you will,” Shidou calls out after him, sounding dazed.

“You better score,” Sae demands. “Or you won’t get shit out of me.”

“If I score, do I get something better than your number?”

Sae looks over his shoulder and shrugs. “Score ten goals and I’ll move in with you.”

“Shit,” Shidou moans, eyes wide and excited at the prospect. “What does twenty get me?” He asks. “Marriage?”

“Whatever you want,” Sae decides to indulge him. “Just score them and you’ll find out.”

Shidou, like a magnet, comes closer until they’re only a few centimeters apart. Sae can feel the man’s body heat this close, making him wonder how good it would feel pressed against him. He doesn’t touch though, has already learned he has to earn it.

“Ever since I met you, I’ve been feeling a sensation I’ve never felt before,” Shidou confesses, letting his hot breath fan over Sae’s nape. “I like it, I like you.”

“Don't disappoint me,” Sae warns him.

Sae doesn’t even have to turn around as he exits the room to know Shidou is grinning from ear to ear. He shouldn’t be doing this, playing with fire, but he can’t help it, he likes it too. Shidou is different, he’s interesting, and he’s somehow managed to get Sae’s attention and keep it. That’s rare these days.

Besides, Shidou is fun. He’s insane, feral almost, and people are losing their minds at the thought of Sae being connected to him, his brother especially. Sae, the stoic, pretty, cold omega, and Shidou, the alpha who looks one fight on the field away from being restrained. It’s hot. Sae already can’t imagine how worse the media will get when he shows up to Shidou’s game.

It’s a match made in heaven.

Chapter Text

A few days before the opening match, Sae finds himself somewhere he truly didn't expect to be—his childhood hometown.

He hasn't been back for years, not since moving overseas. Sure, he comes back to Japan for work and related matters now and then but he stays at the apartment he purchased shortly after his first big role in Tokyo. It works out better that way. He has his own space and his family has theirs.

His relationship with his parents is strained at best, and the one with his brother is non-existent, except if you count them fighting any chance their paths cross as a relationship.

They were close as children, but once Sae left to pursue his acting career overseas when he turned fourteen, their relationship quickly went down the drain, especially once the omega returned home for the first time.

Was Sae jaded once he saw how big the world was and how little he and his brother were in it? Maybe.

Did it make Sae want Rin to push himself more and grow his football skills, hoping his brother would one day take the world stage just like he had? Yes.

Could Sae have told Rin this in a better way versus in the angsty, snowy reunion they ended up having once Sae returned? Maybe.

Is this plan Sae has hatched and coursed Shidou into the omega’s subtle way of apologizing to Rin without directly saying it? Who knows…

Sae has never been good with words, hence the lovely names the media calls him, so it’s best he says nothing to Rin regarding their relationship and instead, hopes to beat some sense into the alpha so he won’t sacrifice his football career over a fight with Shidou.

So, for this to happen, Sae has returned home. He knows that seeing his parents will result in them pressuring Sae and Rin to fix their relationship, just like the last time they all saw each other and the time before that. It never ends well. Sae wishes they would learn that by now.

It’s a good thing Sae didn’t tell them he was coming. He only knows Rin is home because he saw his brother’s social media posts the night before and knew this would most likely be his only chance to talk to him before the game.

Sure, he could’ve reached out to Rin and invited the alpha over to his place or chosen a neutral spot in the city but this felt like the best option. This way, neither of them feels like a cornered animal.

So today, Sae is on a mission. He is determined to talk some sense into Rin before the game. It seems like an impossible task but it must be done for the greater good of everyone, Rin’s career as a professional athlete especially. Sae knows his brother is destined for amazing things and he won’t let the alpha’s inability to get along with another annoying alpha be his downfall.

He opts to get dropped off a few kilometers from his childhood home by his bodyguard, ushing them off when they ask if he needs them to come along. There’s no need, Sae knows this place like the back of his hand. There’s no real danger here.

Sae wears a mask to cover his face so no one recognizes him. He wants to see if anything has changed since he's been away without interruptions from lukewarm losers who have never felt the need to go and see the world. It’s probably harsh but it’s the truth and the omega rarely sugarcoats anything.

The last thing he wants is someone trying to hail him as a hometown jewel or something cringe like that. The less ties he has to this shitty place, the better.

So far, everything looks the same, even the convenience store where he and Rin used to stop by to get popsicles after Sae’s acting lessons, plays, and Rin’s football games and practices.

If Sae focuses hard enough, he can still see them, walking close together since back then Rin never paid attention to his surroundings. He was a reckless little child but Sae loved him regardless, always making sure to watch out for him. His scent turns the slightest bit sour so he redirects his attention, blinking away the memory of a small Rin holding onto him as they walked.

He keeps walking and starts nearing one of the places Rin and he would hang out at after school and sometimes after Rin’s football games and practices, back when things were normal between them before Sae left to go abroad. It's a place that overlooks the water and gives them a nice view of the sunrise and sunset.

Back then, the world seemed small and they were invincible but Sae knows better now.

Sae can see someone sitting by the dock the closer he gets, making him stop for a moment. It takes him a moment to see who it is but he finds that he doesn’t need to see who it is because their scent hits him a moment later. It’s a scent he knows by heart and one he hardly smells these days.

It's Rin.

Sae debates if he should approach or not but decides to go for it. They might not get a chance to speak privately once they get home since their parents watch them like hawks, always nervous the brothers are going to start fighting for the nth time. They're not wrong for worrying, given their past track record but Sae tries not to feed into his brother’s antics these days.

“Idiot,” Sae mumbles as he walks up next to Rin and sits down. He pulls his mask under his chin as he turns to look at the alpha. “Don't stand so close to the water, you're going to fall in again and get sick or worse, drown before you get a chance to even play in the NEL.”

Rin turns to glare at him, scent pulsating with annoyance. “I was five the last time that happened,” he points out. “I’m not that dumb anymore…but I don’t know if the same could be said for you.”

The expression on Rin’s face tells Sae exactly what his brother is referring to. Of course, Rin would bring this up right away. He’s never been one for social cues.

“Just spit it out,” Sae demands.

“Out of everyone in the world,” Rin hisses. “Him?” He asks, turning back to face the water. “That blond roach is nothing but trouble, regardless of whatever he’s told you. It was probably all lies and stuff.”

“It’ll be fine,” Sae confidently says because it will be, because he has a good inclination that Shidou will do as told.

Maybe Sae is being far too optimistic but his instincts tell him Shidou is worth investing his time into. He hopes they are right for everyone’s sake.

“Figures that’s all you would have to say about that,” Rin grumbles. “You’re playing with fire and you’re just going to get caught in his shitty explosion at the end of the day. I hope it's worth it.”

“You’re such a pain, little brother,” Sae confesses, looking toward the clear sky. “You’re never going to reach your full potential if you keep holding onto petty shit like that,” he states. “No one is going to take a half-baked alpha seriously on the world stage if you keep that up.”

You’re worth more than that, Rin.

“Half-baked?!” Rin growls, scent turning sour with anger. “I’ll sh–”

“Am I wrong?” Sae demands, turning to meet his brother’s furious gaze. “If I am wrong, then prove it to me,” he growls back, knowing exactly how to get Rin fired up. It’s almost too easy. “Become the greatest and don’t let one feral alpha stand in your way. There’s no point in letting someone get under your skin if it means risking everything you’ve worked for,” he points out. “Only lukewarm alphas let that shit happen to them.”

Rin scoffs. “You’re saying that like that piece of trash isn’t provoking me every chance he gets on the field. He almost broke my nose the other day,” he mumbles. “I don’t have a problem, he has a problem, has had it since the first day I had the misfortune of meeting him.”

“Be better than him then,” Sae states the obvious, rolling his eyes. “Prove you’re not some, half-baked loser that’s going to be content with never reaching the stars, end up playing for some domestic league here, and mating with the first idol omega that looks his way.”

Rin doesn’t reply but Sae can tell his words are hitting him in all the right places.

Good.

Maybe this can all work out in the end for everyone. This is good.

“No one believes in the NEL,” Sae reminds his brother, although, this isn’t breaking news. A lot of the current overseas leagues are rooting for its failures, mostly so they can buy out the players the league has managed to obtain and make the investors look like nothing but fools. “Make them believe in it, make them never doubt you. You’re so close to the world stage, all you need to do is want it enough to have it. Everything else is meaningless in comparison.” He looks over at Rin from the corner of his eye. “Unless you don’t, then, by all accounts, abandon your dream and accept the fact that you’ll always be a half-baked loser.”

“I want it,” Rin seethes, scent electric now. “And I will have it, just you watch.”

“Make it good enough for me to want to watch,” Sae retorts. “I’m not about to waste my time watching things that aren’t worth my time, baby alpha,” he lies, considering he’s probably going to the game and will watch every second with bated breath. “Just remember a fight that gets you a red card isn’t worth your career,” he repeats, hoping the alpha gets it through his thick head. “If you’re going to kill each other, at least wait until after the game and no one is looking.”

With that, Sae stands and fixes his mask. He starts walking back to the convenience store. “Are you coming or are you waiting for a written invitation?”

He hears Rin stand up and run after him a few seconds later.

This plan will work. Shidou and Rin will get along and the NEL will do well. Sae is sure of it.

“Are you really interested in that pest?” Rin opens his mouth once he catches up to Sae. “Really?” He whines, reminding Sae of his brother’s younger years. “He’s already spouting bullshit in the locker room and during practice that he’s going to marry you, just so you know. It doesn’t matter how many times I threaten to kill him, he doesn’t stop.”

Sae rolls his eyes but feels his heart accelerate just the smallest amount at the thought of Shidou. Really, he needs to get a fucking grip. “Do you want me to buy you a popsicle or not?” He asks, knowing fully well Rin is getting paid more than enough to treat the omega instead.

“Yes,” Rin mumbles but keeps bringing Shidou up every five seconds, so much so that Sae considers ditching this whole plan and heading back overseas. “But at least promise me you’ll think twice before getting involved with that waste of space.”

“Just eat your popsicle,” Sae orders, glaring down at his own popsicle once he sees the word unlucky start to appear on the stick. Whatever.

In the end, Sae’s visit home isn’t that bad. His parents are surprised but happy to see him. The only annoying part is the exasperated looks Rin keeps sending his way, all due to Sae’s involvement with Shidou, of course.

He won’t lie, it’s almost fun seeing his brother so bothered. He hadn’t realized Shiodu had that much effect on the alpha. He doesn’t say anything in response when Rin asks, more like begs, him to stop seeing Shidou before they part ways for the night.

Sae can’t wait to see his brother’s reaction to the omega attending the game.

Rin is wrong, Shidou isn’t an annoying roach, no, he’s interesting, and despite only having met him a few days ago, he’s already making Sae’s life exciting.

It’s the day before the game and Sae finds himself in the woes of getting interviewed by a popular Japanese magazine. It’s not his favorite pastime but it comes with the territory of being an actor. Everything requires you to do publicity, no matter how much he might hate it. It’s a miracle he’s managed to become as popular as he has, with his shitty attitude, according to most of the media. His fans seem to love it though.

He doesn’t want to do the interview, considering he has better things to focus on, but his manager advised Sae to accept at least one interview while he’s home to appease his domestic fans. The omega runs the risk of upsetting the media if he doesn’t, not that he cares, but considering he’ll be at the game tomorrow, he needs everything to go according to plan, so he’s doing the shitty interview.

At least it’s a virtual one and he doesn’t have to be stuck on set somewhere with a posturing alpha trying to woo him. It could be worse, like when it’s a double interview and they bring in some C-list celebrity alpha to interview alongside him and they spend the majority of the time trying to impress him. That’s always the worst because those losers are all eyesores. As if someone of Sae’s status has time for some lukewarm, domestic celebrity that’s settled for the bottom. Get real.

“Itoshi Sae, welcome back! It’s been so long since we last got an opportunity to have you on!”

Sae gives a deadpan expression to the camera. “Hello, it’s good to be back,” he lies, hoping his bangs don’t obscure his vision.

“It’s so rare we see you in Japan lately,” the host begins the interview. “After your last press tour following the release of your latest project overseas—”

Sae goes on autopilot and answers vaguely to whatever questions they throw at him. It’s going by quickly so he’s happy about that but then, they manage to catch him off guard, which is rare for him these days. Most of the interviews he gets dragged in to follow the same formula of questions.

“So, you’ve been asked numerous times before about your love life and you’ve never really given a direct answer,” the host points out. “Has a certain feral football star managed to win your heart as of recently?” They grin. “Are we about to enter Itoshi Sae’s possible love arc?”

Sae’s eyes narrow but he manages to keep his expression neutral.

“Shidou Ryusei,” the host states. “One of the top players in the new NEL league, he was the one that won the bid at the auction you attended recently. That was a surprise since from what we’ve gathered, Shidou Ryusei does not date, although the alpha is a certified flirt, on and off the field! It was reported that he took you out to one of the most famous restaurants in Tokyo on your date.”

“He was and he did,” Sae admits, narrowing his eyes. “But what does this have to do with my love life?” He tries to regain some control over the interview.

This isn’t the first time nor does Sae doubt it’ll be the last time some shitty interviewer asks about his love life. Everyone wants to know when he’ll date, what he looks for in a mate, and who will be the person that finally manages to catch his eye. So annoying.

“I’m sure you’re aware of the rumors circulating about the two of you online,” the host smiles. “Everyone is eager to know if Itoshi Sae, the cold prince of Hollywood, has managed to tame Shidou Ryesui, the feral football star. Opposites attract after all.”

Sae keeps his expression stoic but his eye nearly twitches. Thankfully, his bangs cover it.

“Shidou was asked for a comment regarding the rumors yesterday during a post-practice interview where he eagerly stated that if anyone in the world could tame him, it would be the one and only Itoshi Sae.”

Now that nearly makes Sae’s composure break. He’s almost tempted to react to Shidou’s absurd answer to the question. Of course, the alpha would say some bullshit like that. No wonder Rin messaged him over and over again last night, probably due to what Shidou said.

Rin is so dramatic. He’s acting like Shidou is proposing marriage at the end of the year. But perhaps his brother does have reason to worry since Shidou’s answer only manages to make Sae’s interest in him grow. He likes how easily the alpha seems to know what to do and say to get the omega invested and piss everyone else off. That and he knows when to listen, an obedient alpha is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to omegas like Sae.

If Shidou plays halfway decent during the game and keeps this up, Sae can’t be held responsible for what he might give the alpha in return for doing his part. He likes to reward good behavior after all. He already hinted at moving in together and marrying the alpha if he manages to play a decent season. Sae finds that he doesn’t hate the stakes he’s set for himself. Perhaps not all alphas are eyesores.

“Well, I guess everyone will just have to see for themselves if they’re so eager to know,” Sae answers. “I’ll be attending the NEL’s opening match tomorrow.”

With that, Sae motions for the interview to end. He’s over this and he’s already been more than gracious with the time he’s given that. Besides, he already gave them an inside scoop for tomorrow. If they’re so invested in his relationship with Shidou, they can tune in and give the NEL some publicity while they’re being nosey.

By tonight, they’ll have this interview up and everyone will know Itoshi Sae will be attending the opening match of the NEL. Everyone loves a good love story, after all, even the fabricated ones.

Sae was right because close to midnight that same day, he receives a few messages from his manager and publicist, about all the uproar online regarding the interview and the omega’s plan to attend the NEL’s opening game. The NEL’s PR team has reached out as well, offering Sae a suite and much more because of all the good publicity he’s brought the league but there’s also been someone else reaching out to him regarding the game, Shidou.

Shidou very graciously reached out to Sae’s manager, sending over tickets to a suite he’d purchased on his own dime and a message, one where he let Sae know just how excited he is to see him, how well he’s planning on getting along with Rin, and that he watched the omega’s interview from earlier.

Sae rolls his eyes at that as he lies in his nest, scrolling on his phone. He decides to look online for himself to see just what everyone is saying and he’s not disappointed at what he finds, especially once he sees what Shidou is saying in response to all the chaos.

ShidouRyu: well if Itoshi Sae is coming tomorrow to watch the opening game, I should probably be on my best behavior and score a million goals, just for him!!! I would hate to disappoint such a pretty omega!!!

@ItoshiRin let’s play nice together and give your big brother a nice show tomorrow, Rinrin!!!!!

ItoshiRin: @ShidouRyu literally go and jump off a cliff.

Sae huffs in amusement as he reads. He makes sure to follow Shidou back and locks his phone as he gets settled into his nest to go to sleep. He has a long day tomorrow and he needs to be well rested for the chaos that’s to come.

He doesn’t know why but lately, he’s felt like something is missing from his nest and that makes him feel uneasy. It shouldn’t be the case since he made sure to pack up his nest from his other apartment before traveling here so he wouldn’t have to deal with his instincts going haywire. The scents that linger on the sheets, blankets, and pillows should be the same one he’s gotten used to over the years so he isn’t sure why he feels like something is missing. It’s odd.

It makes an uncomfortable itch settle under his skin, one he can’t scratch but throbs and demands his immediate attention. Somewhere, deep in his mind, he thinks back to Shidou at the restaurant, about the alpha scenting his wrist and licking it right after.

Suddenly, the nest feels too stuffy and he’s kicking off blankets as he starts to overheat.

He rolls over and buries his face into a pillow, chasing after a scent that isn’t there but he desperately wishes it was, an intense musky one. It feels odd, yearning just the smallest bit for someone he’s only met twice. It blames it on his biology and instincts as he tries to find sleep despite the arousal building inside him.

Tomorrow.

It’s game day and Sae is doing everything under the sun to distract himself from the fact that he’s seeing Shidou in just a few hours.

He goes through his morning routine, doing yoga, meditating, and drinking his favorite beverage in hopes of taking his mind off Shidou. It’ll do him no good to be off his game, not on a big day like today. He’s a professional, after all, he needs to start acting like it and not let one alpha trip him up this badly.

It irritates him that despite having met the alpha only twice, the man seems to have carved a permanent space for himself inside the omega. At least Shidou isn’t an eyesore, like the majority of alphas that Sae meets, plus he’s good at listening to what the omega wants as well. So, Sae supposes Shidou isn’t that bad. It makes sense as to why the omega would be eager interested to see him later on today.

Hair and makeup arrive at his apartment and finish getting him ready. His manager made sure to pick up his clothes for today from one of the millions of brand deals he has with fashion labels. He has to look good today since a lot of the attention will be on him. He has to make sure the NEL has a good first impression. The league is already the number one trend online.

Apparently, ticket sales went through the roof after Sae’s interview dropped last night. It’s a sold-out game today since a lot of the public wants a chance to see Itoshi Sae in the flesh. This is good. Now, all Shidou and Rin have to do is get along long enough to deliver a good game.

Sae arrives at the stadium and gets escorted through one of the more public routes toward the suite Shidou bought him. Normally, there are more private entrances but Sae knows it’ll work out better in the end for NEL if he gives the media something to gossip about in the news later. Any publicity is good publicity, after all.

The moment his bodyguards open the doors and lead him down the path, the media goes wild. Sae is glad he wore sunglasses because otherwise, he would’ve been blinded by the flashes. His bodyguards have to push a few of the people back to clear a path for him.

“Itoshi Sae!”

“Is it true you’re here to see Shidou Ryusei?!”

“Are you dating Shidou Ryusei?!”

“How does your younger brother feel about you dating one of his sworn enemies in football?!”

Sae scoffs but doesn’t answer any of the questions. If they want answers, they’ll have to stay the entirety of the game and watch for themselves. He’s not giving these people anything without getting something in return. That would be stupid of him.

Eventually, he makes it to the suite and gets settled in, nearly jumping out of his skin when he sees someone enter behind his bodyguards.

There is no fucking way…

“I thought players weren’t supposed to visit anyone before a game,” Sae calls Shidou out, happy the blinds to the suite are still closed to give them some privacy. “Does your coach know you’re here instead of preparing?”

Shidou comes closer, wearing his team’s tracksuit, and smiles. “I wanted to see you before the game, Eyelashes, wanted to make sure you actually came,” he admits. “And what my coach doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him. Rin-rin too,” he giggles.

“I told you I’d come, didn't I?” Sae reminds him, taking off his sunglasses.

Inside, Sae’s heart begins beating a little erratically at the sight of the alpha. He tries to ignore the feeling.

The closer Shidou gets, the more concerned Sae’s bodyguards become but the omega just motions for them to wait outside. He forgets that where he sees an alpha with potential, most people see an alpha that’s one rut away from turning feral.

“Remind me never to doubt you ever again,” Shidou happily says, stopping only a few inches away from Sae. He’s not touching. Good. He listens although it looks like it’s physically paining him to stay away. “You even managed to work your magic on Rin-rin, he’s been on his best behavior for a few days now,” he laughs. “Like I told you already, keep spoiling me like I’m Cinderella and you’re going to make a monster out of me.”

The corners of Sae’s lips twitch at Shidou’s foolishness. “Don’t make me regret spoiling you then.”

“Never,” Shidou whispers, before glancing down at his watch and sighing. It’s probably time for him to leave. Sae almost doesn’t want him to leave but he chooses not to voice it. “You better have your number ready for me because I’m getting it after this game, just you watch.”

This time, Sae decides to indulge Shidou, just a little. He offers him a small smile. “Fine,” he says. “Go berserk for me, devil boy.”

Shidou laughs like it’s the most amusing thing he’s ever heard. His eyes zero in on Sae’s smile and he looks like he’s about to pop a knot on the spot at the sight. “Just for you, Eyelashes,” he swears, clutching dramatically over his heart. “You better be watching me during the game.”

“As long as you make sure you give me a reason to watch,” Sae states. “Also…you better shower after the game before you come back to see me,” he orders.

“Anything for you,” Shidou promises as he makes his way toward the door.

The game exceeds Sae’s expectations.

Both teams played well, better than what was expected out of them, giving the NEL an amazing opener. Shidou and Rin’s team takes the win, just barely with a minute of added time. It has everyone on the edge of their seats. There are a few brief moments where Rin looks like he’s about to murder Shidou but nothing comes of it thankfully.

The only time Sae gets worried is when Rin and Shidou collide and Rin gets a kick to the face. Nothing comes out of it, except Rin looking murderous toward Shidou but that’s nothing new. Shidou just pats Rin on the back, like he’s a naughty puppy, and laughs it off, looking in the direction of Sae’s suite. He probably wanted the omega to see that he’s trying his best to get along with the younger alpha.

Shidou isn’t the only one looking in Sae’s direction during the game. It seems like the camera pans on the omega every other second, eager to capture his reaction to the game. Sae indulges them a little, wanting to give them something to talk about, like clapping when Rin and Shidou score. His face remains neutral though.

He almost smirks when Shidou scores his first goal and eagerly looks toward Sae’s suite, then again when the alpha scores his second goal a few minutes later.

The game ends and Sae decides to go find Shidou instead of waiting for the alpha to come find him. He shouldn’t. He’s overly indulging the alpha, he knows this, but he can’t help himself. Besides, Shidou scored two of the goals today for his team, more than Sae expected but enough to please him.

Sae waits until the majority of the players have left the locker room, all minus Shidou, of course. He makes sure Rin doesn’t see him because the last thing he wants is a lecture from his younger brother. Besides, Sae isn’t naïve, he’s seen and heard from people that his brother might or might not be interested in an omega. Good luck to that person trying to get through Rin’s thick skull.

After making sure no one is lurking nearby and his bodyguards are standing far enough from the locker room doors but close enough to keep people away, Sae enters the locker room, making sure to lock the door behind him.

There’s a strong mixture of scents filling the area, enough to make Sae irritated but buried underneath the stink is that familiar musky scent he’s come to long for. It makes his scent turn sweet.

Sae walks through the locker room, following the sound of obnoxious singing. He stops right outside the showers where Shidou is located.

He doesn’t like being made to wait, in any situation, especially this one, so he decides to release some of his pheromones. After a few seconds, the shower shuts off and the sound of clothing ruffling fills the silence.

Shidou runs out of the showers, nearly slipping in his haste. He looks surprised at seeing Sae standing there.

“Eyelashes?” Shidou grins. “You’re here?”

Sae doesn’t reply and walks closer, focusing on Shidou’s face instead of his body, considering that the alpha wears low-hanging sweats and he’s still moist from his shower. He’s in good shape, toned, and beefy in the right places, plus his hair is down. It makes Sae’s blood run hot and his fingertips ache for a feel.

“I was going to go find you after I finished up here!” Shidou confesses. “Did I deliver what you wanted?” He asks, knowing damn well he did and more. “I played nice with Rin-rin and scored two goals, almost three but we ran out of time. I’m still counting it though,” he states cheekily. “I just need a few more and we’ll be roomies soon. Who knows, we might even be married by the end of the season,” he giggles.

Sae narrows his eyes and looks up at the alpha as he stops in front of him. Again, he says nothing and instead, chooses to go for it, feeling tired of waiting. He grabs Shidou impatiently by the shoulders and pulls him into a kiss.

Shidou makes a noise of surprise before it morphs into a deep, desperate groan and he’s eagerly kissing Sae back. He’s quick to act, wrapping an arm around the omega’s waist while his other hand settles on the omega’s nape to smash them closer together. His fingers curl into Sae’s waist like he’s been as desperate for this as Sae has, if not more.

Sae licks into Shidou’s mouth, smiling against the kiss when Shidou opens up easily for him, happy to let the omega take whatever he wants. Somewhere on the floor, his sunglasses fall but he doesn’t care.

He slides his hands down from the alpha’s shoulders and presses them against the man’s toned chest, digging his fingers into the muscle for good measure. Shidou feels good under Sae’s hands. It makes him want more but he’ll wait. There will be more opportunities in the future, Sae is sure of it.

Shidou tightens his hold on Sae’s nape, making Sae let out the softest sound but it seems to be enough to get the alpha going because the kiss turns more heated. Shidou starts lapping his tongue against Sae’s, tasting every inch of the omega’s mouth. He slides his arm down from Sae’s waist to grip the back of one of Sae’s thighs.

“Jump,” Shidou whispers and Sae listens.

Shidou holds him with ease and carries them over so he can press Sae against the wall, not breaking the kiss once. Sae wraps his arms around Shidou’s neck to hold on for the ride, letting the scent gland on his wrist brush against Shidou’s skin. It feels heavenly, even more so when the scent gland on Shidou’s neck brushes against him in return, mixing their scents together. It’s intimate enough that it makes Sae’s head spin.

Everything feels so good, really fucking good, and Sae’s head is swimming with how strong their scents are right now. There’s drool pooling at the sides of his mouth. Drool Shidou is more than happy to lick up like he wouldn’t dare waste a taste of Sae. He’s desperate for Sae.

Greedy alpha. Sae likes it though.

Sae is on fire right now and Shidou keeps adding fuel to it, making the flames rise to a dangerous level. The alpha’s scent is preening with happiness and arousal right now. He clearly didn’t expect to receive this much in return for delivering and that makes Sae’s scent pulsate with delight.

Someone is going to need to air out this locker room, even more so when Sae remembers the expressions Shidou made after every goal, looking like he’d just orgasmed in his shorts. What a freak but Sae likes it, likes him.

“Shit, Eyelashes,” Shidou groans against Sae’s lips, licking over the seam of them before sucking the bottom one into his mouth for good measure. “I take it you’re happy with my work today?” He has the audacity to ask like it isn’t obvious.

Sae scoffs as he opens his eyes, knowing full well they’re probably glazed over right now. “You listen well,” he decides to praise Shidou, threading his fingers through the alpha’s moist hair.

Shidou giggles and leans down to scent Sae’s neck, tickling the omega with his hair. He’s careful not to leave marks. Smart alpha. “I aim to please,” he whispers against Sae’s skin. “Does this mean I get your number now?” He asks. “You promised me.”

“Idiot,” Sae mumbles. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t planning on giving you my number.”

Shidou hums, running his nose all over Sae’s neck. “I’m happy then,” he confesses. “Happiest I’ve been all day.”

The alpha once again, manages to pique the omega’s curiosity.

“I would’ve thought scoring two goals during the opening game of the league would’ve made you happy,” Sae whispers, closing his eyes and letting Shidou continue to scent him.

He probably shouldn’t overindulge Shidou but he can’t help it. He feels greedy right now for the alpha’s attention. Having Shidou’s attention on him is nice, it doesn’t feel fake or overstimulating like other people’s attention. It feels oddly authentic and he likes it, maybe a little too much. His instincts and biology don’t seem opposed either, which is always a good sign.

Shidou snorts and gently sets Sae’s feet on the ground again, keeping an arm around the omega when he starts to sway on his feet. He brings his other hand up and wraps it around the side of Sae’s neck, tipping the omega’s head back so their eyes can meet.

“Unlike other people on my team or in the entire league, I don’t care about becoming the greatest striker or whatever other dreams they have about that shit,” Shidou confesses, eyes intense as he runs his gaze all over Sae’s face. He seems pleased with what he finds. “I want to enjoy life to the fullest by playing football and scoring awesome, explosive goals,” he explains, grinning again. “And if I happen to meet a pretty omega in the process of that, well that just makes things even better so yeah, this part of my day made me the happiest, even more so because you came to find me.”

Sae feels his face flush and he tries to pull away from Shidou’s hold on him.

“You’re so cute,” Shidou decides to torment him. “Nice interview you did yesterday, by the way, you’re making us out to be star-crossed lovers or some shit in the media, it’s romantic as fuck, and I’m into it. Although, Rin-rin might actually kill me but it’s probably worth it,” he confesses, swiping a finger over the corners of Sae’s lips and popping it into his mouth, not breaking eye contact with the omega once.

What a freak. Sae’s heart swells at the sight.

“Shut up,” Sae hisses at him. “Give me your phone before I change my mind and decide to never give you my number or even speak to you again.”

“Awe, you wound me,” Shidou pouts but listens, going over to his bag and pulling out his phone.

Sae watches him go, swallowing at the sight of Shidou’s back muscles. He’s surprised when Shidou returns and offers him a phone covered in a pink phone case. He adds his information and hands Shidou his phone back, startling when Shidou snaps a photo of him, with flash and all.

“There’s no going back now, Eyelashes,” Shidou warns him, keeping the photo for himself. Sae probably looks terrible in it, all flushed and his lips bitten raw. He should probably make Shidou delete it. “You sure you know what you’re in for?” He grins. “You sure you can keep up with me?”

Sae narrows his eyes at him and leans back against the wall. “Who do you think I am?” He scoffs. “Just do what I tell you to do and we won’t have a problem.”

“You’re going to make me fall in love with you at the rate we’re going,” Shidou teases as he barricades Sae against the wall. “What are you doing after this?” He asks. “Let me take you to dinner,” he offers. “Please, Eyelashes.”

Sae blinks up at him. “What?”

”You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?” Shidou points out, so close that Sae can see his blond eyelashes in detail. They’re pretty. “I have to make sure I get my fill of you before you’re gone. Besides, what better way to give the media vultures something to talk about like us leaving together?” He grins, expression mischievous now. “What do you say?”

Sae thinks about it for a moment before deciding to go for it. He’s already here and willing, very willing if the arousal in his scent is anything to go off of. His publicist and manager might have a meltdown once they see what he’s done but he doesn’t care about any of that right now.

“Let’s do it,” Sae agrees, holding his hand out for Shidou to take. His scent pulsates again when Shidou intertwines their fingers and rubs their wrists together. It’s a good feeling. They fit well together. “We’ll be the headliners in every article tomorrow.”

“Good,” Shidou says before swooping down to kiss Sae again, leaving the omega panting.

Sae bites him, hard.

“Shit, Eyelashes, you’re mean!” Shidou whines but he’s grinning.

Clearly, he likes it.

“You have to earn that, remember?” Sae reminds him, wiping his mouth. “Change so we can go, you said you were taking me to dinner. I don’t like to be kept waiting.”

Shidou licks his wounded lip and pulls back. “Whatever you want,” he indulges Sae, making the omega smile and before they know it, they’re both leaning back into it.

They don’t leave the locker room for another thirty minutes.

Are Itoshi Sae and Shidou Ryusei dating? The couple was spotted leaving the stadium together following the NEL opening match yesterday!

Shidou Ryusei was asked to comment on the rumors online and he replied with “jealous?????” which only resulted in fueling the dating rumors even more!

Itoshi Sae did not comment.

Itoshi Rin blocked our interviewer.

Chapter Text

The media, as expected, goes crazy once the photos of Sae and Shidou leaving the stadium together are revealed, skyrocketing the NEL’s popularity even higher online. It goes exactly as Sae envisioned, with him and Shidou as the headliners of every possible media article, domestic and abroad.

He might’ve indulged Shidou a little too much and let the alpha hold his hand as they were escorted toward the car. Shidou might’ve made a bit of a spectacle as he led the way with Sae behind him, pushing the media back with his signature grin, threatening to start throwing punches. The fans are eating it up online, already creating a million theories as to what’s happening between Sae and Shidou.

Sae’s manager and publicist nearly have a mental breakdown after the omega’s little stunt, Rin included. Sae had expected there to be a reaction from them so he wasn’t too worried about it. He’ll worry about that later.

Currently, to the public, it’s looking very much like a dating scandal and the omega hasn’t had one of those since he was with an ex-co-star of his as part of a publicity stunt gone wrong after finishing a movie in Spain, one of Sae’s first big roles abroad. Shidou has never had a dating scandal, he’s always been known as a flirt, so it’s safe to say this is unexpected coming from him.

Whatever, Sae will worry about that later. He decides not to dwell on it too much as he scrolls through one of Shidou’s social media accounts and likes some of the posts, only fueling the fire in the media even more.

For now, Sae focuses on how well Shidou has been playing his part. The alpha knows just how to egg the media and public on his social media accounts, even more so after their little impromptu date that followed them leaving the stadium where they were once again, spotted and photographed together.

The alpha keeps everything vague online but leaves little clues in every post, causing an uproar every time, even more so now since Sae follows him back on every platform.

It’s all going well, almost too well, that Sae forgets the inevitable momentarily. He’s too busy ‘ignoring’ the steady stream of messages Shidou sends him now that they have each other’s contact information, random pictures included, to remember his schedule and obligations.

For a moment, everything is perfect and Sae feels at ease.

“Your flight to the US is scheduled for tomorrow morning,” his manager breaks Sae out of the bubble he’s been living in for the past two days. “I’ve made sure your apartment there has been cleaned and stocked for your arrival.”

Sae blinks as he puts his phone down and turns his attention toward his manager. He’d been busy watching some random video link Shidou had sent him after threatening to block the alpha for the nth time.

He’s rarely caught off guard so this is one of those rare moments. It makes him immediately feel on edge.

“You start filming in two weeks for your next project,” his manager reminds him, pulling up the omega’s schedule on his tablet. He walks over to show it to Sae, keeping a little bit of distance since it's clear the omega isn’t exactly thrilled. “You’ll be living in the US for the next four months until filming is completed, then it’ll be awards season first in the US, then Asia, followed by the press tour for this project, then you’ll—”

Sae’s scent turns acidic with annoyance as he takes the tablet and swipes through his schedule, tuning out his manager. He can’t believe this, he’d been so distracted with Shidou that he’d forgotten about this. His life is about to look extremely busy and that annoys him.

His next project is a Hollywood movie. It’s a big deal since he’s the main lead so it isn’t like he can exactly ditch the opportunity, plus the payout is incredible and he’ll be starring alongside another big-name actor.

The only problem is that his next project will be filmed throughout the NEL’s entire season. He won’t be able to return for the majority of the games since they’ll be based in Japan. He might be able to escape for a few days but then, it’ll be straight back to filming given the strict schedule.

This feels weird. He’s never been this upset about not being able to return to Japan before. He’s usually on the earliest flight whenever he comes home but now, he wants to stay as long as possible. It causes a strange dilemma inside him.

He normally likes being kept busy so what’s the problem now? Why does he feel so on edge at the thought of leaving the country soon?

Sae isn’t stupid, he knows Shidou is one of the reasons, but to an extent, so is Rin. His relationship with his brother has been improving, slowly but surely. Of course, if someone were to ask Rin about it right now, the alpha might say their relationship is horrible since he isn’t exactly pleased to see Sae and Shidou appear on the cover of every article following the NEL’s opening match.

Still, Sae feels a little…down about having to leave already.

He hands his manager the tablet back and goes to his room to pack, dismissing his manager for the rest of the night. He can’t let himself dwell on this because if he does, he might do something stupid like try to find a way to stay. His career comes first, always. He cannot afford to think so irrationally right now. It isn’t who he is. Shidou is just one alpha, at the end of the day, one alpha that has been stuck in his head following their two dates.

It’s just instincts, that’s it, nothing more nothing less. His instincts are probably still riding the high of their makeout session and dinner date from the other day, that’s it.

Sae definitely blames it on his shitty instincts and biology when he decides to message Shidou instead of packing. He wouldn’t have done it on his own, of course not, it’s just instincts.

Sae:

I’m leaving tomorrow in the morning.

Shidou responds almost immediately. He must be done with practice.

Shidou:

so soon???

you’re breaking my heart eyelashes!!!

send me the details!!!

Sae frowns in confusion, wondering why Shidou would need any of that. He decides not to overthink it and sends the details over before locking his phone and focusing on getting his things packed since he has an early flight.

He’ll message Rin later and tell him about his departure. Knowing his brother, the alpha will probably be happy that Sae is leaving since that will mean Sae and Shidou won’t be seeing each other.

The next morning, Sae waits in a private terminal for his flight, still blinking sleep from his eyes. He barely slept last night.

He isn’t flying private this time, normally he will once his press tours start, so for now, he waits to be the last to board his flight so no one recognizes him. It’s easier this way so his bodyguards don’t have to deal with a mob of people, crazy fans included.

They’ll probably be trashing him in the media tomorrow since he decided not to greet the crowd of fans up close but honestly, there were a lot more people than expected and it became a safety issue so he waved from a distance before security and his bodyguards pushed everyone back.

A lot of them were asking him about Shidou.

He can already see the media’s posts: Japan’s cold prince of Hollywood leaves without giving fans a proper goodbye, once again, living up to his nickname.

Whatever.

“Someone is here to see you off,” Sae’s manager comes over to inform him. It must be someone Sae would approve of because his manager and bodyguards wouldn’t let just anyone through.

Sae doesn’t get a chance to think of who it might be because a moment later, Shidou enters the private terminal, wearing all black. His face is covered with a face mask and his hair is buried under a baseball cap, helping conceal his identity. It’s a strange sight to see the alpha without his typical hairstyle.

“Shidou?” Sae frowns in confusion. “Why are you here?”

He wasn’t expecting to see Shidou before he left but he isn’t upset that it’s happening. It’s unexpected but…welcomed. Stupid instincts.

“You look cute when you’re caught off guard,” Shidou points out, walking over and pulling his face mask under his chin to reveal his grin. “I like it,” he teases. “Come on, Eyelashes, did you really think I wouldn’t come see you before you left?”

Sae isn’t sure what he thought was going to happen but he doesn’t hate this, not that he’d ever admit that to the alpha.

He looks at Shidou, noticing how tired the alpha looks. He wonders how Shidou even managed to make time to see him off, considering how busy everything is regarding the NEL right now. He’s pretty sure they have another game very soon and that the alpha had a practice that ran late the day before.

Rin didn’t have time to come see Sae off even though he pretended he didn’t want to do such a thing. His messages regarding him explaining his busy schedule said otherwise but Sae decided to have a little bit of mercy on his brother. The alpha is already suffering enough with the rumors going around about Sae and Shidou and the media calling the alphas brothers-in-law already.

“I never know what your next move will be,” Sae admits, leaning into Shidou when the alpha walks closer and stops in front of him.

Shidou pulls him into a hug and nuzzles the omega’s hair, offering comfort and reassurance that the omega would never dare ask for out loud. Sae instantly feels the tension from earlier leave his body.

“Try and sleep on the plane, you look like you’re about to fall asleep in my arms,” Shidou points out, keeping Sae in a tight embrace.“Take care of yourself while you’re away.”

His scent is sweet and heavy right now, wrapping around Sae like a warm blanket, making Sae’s scent turn sweet in response.

“Because you’re taking my heart with you, Eyelashes!” Shidou confesses, laughing when Sae rolls his eyes and tries to push the alpha away. “Awe, don’t be like that, I’m just teasing you because I’m going to miss you,” he whines, nuzzling against the side of Sae’s face.

“You met me less than two weeks ago,” Sae reminds him, letting the alpha keep him in a tight hug. He’s spoiling the alpha too much but he can’t help himself, not when the affection feels comforting. It’s not his fault their alpha and omega are compatible.

“So?” Shidou snorts, pulling away so he can look down at Sae’s face properly. “I mean it though, take care of yourself.”

Sae nods, feeling his face flush under Shidou’s stare. He feels silly feeling so flustered, considering the things they’ve done together but somehow, the alpha’s concern for him is what sends him over the edge.

“Don’t let my brother kill you while I’m gone,” Sae says, knowing Shidou will understand what he truly means with those words.

Shidou grins and reaches forward to caress Sae’s cheek with his knuckles. “Don’t worry about me, I can handle one baby alpha,” he reassures the omega. “Rin-rin on the other hand…”

“Don’t kill my brother while I’m gone,” Sae warns him. “At least not in public or on the football field.”

“Your wish is my command, Eyelashes,” Shidou promises him. “I have something for you before you go,” he reveals, stepping back to pull off his hoodie and knocking his hat off in the process, revealing his bedhead.

The motion pulls Shidou’s shirt up and gives Sae a peek at his toned abdomen, making his scent turn sweeter.

“Why are you giving me your dirty laundry?” Sae frowns once Shidou passes him the hoodie. His hand clutches onto the hoodie like it's a lifeline, knowing the fabric is drenched with the alpha’s scent.

“So you don’t forget me,” Shidou smiles, coming over to pull Sae into a kiss. “Obviously.”

His hands cup the sides of Sae’s face and pull him in close, making Sae exhale and lean into it, chasing after Shidou’s mouth. It feels warm and sweet, but worst of all, it tastes like goodbye.

Sae isn’t sure how to feel about it since they haven’t really discussed anything about their relationship. For once in his life, he feels nervous to ask. He decides to leave it in Shidou’s hands. He won’t confirm nor deny anything, not until the alpha does it first.

He can’t lie and say nothing is going on between them because the thought of Shidou doing this with anyone else makes jealousy burn in the pit of the omega’s stomach. His thoughts must be evident in his scent because Shidou laughs against the kiss.

A message comes over the intercom in the private terminal, letting Sae know he’ll be boarding soon since the rest of the passengers have already boarded.

“Have some faith in me while you’re gone, Eyelashes,” Shidou whispers, pressing another kiss to Sae’s lips.

Sae scoffs and leans his head against one of Shidou’s hands. This stupid alpha.

“Cute,” Shidou smiles, thumbing at Sae’s cheek that’s squished against his hand. “Don’t be too cute for anyone else while you’re gone though, I get jealous and I hate sharing,” he states the obvious, like Sae hasn’t seen him hog the ball during games.

”You’re an idiot,” Sae mumbles.

“Well, maybe but you’re stuck with me now,” Shidou confesses. “It’s your fault, Eyelashes, for going out with me and getting me hooked on you. You make my heart explode the most these days!”

Sae rolls his eyes again but kisses Shidou one last time once he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket, it’s a message from his manager letting him know it’s time to board the flight.

“I’ll let you know when I land,” Sae promises once they pull away. He stuffs Shidou’s hoodie into his carry-on for safekeeping, feeling oddly possessive over the hoodie.

He pulls off his scarf and thrusts it into Shidou’s hands, trying to keep his expression neutral. “Here.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Shidou smiles, immediately putting on the scarf and making a show of taking a whiff of it. He looks silly with the scarf and no jacket over his black shirt yet Sae doesn’t want to look away.

Shidou watches Sae get escorted out of the private terminal by his bodyguards, waving at the omega like a schoolboy with a crush, not that Sae is much better off.

Sae’s heart feels heavy once he boards and gets settled into his seat in first class. He doesn’t hesitate to pull out the hoodie and put it on, burying his face in the neck where Shidou’s scent is the strongest.

He instantly feels better and ends up sleeping the entire flight, dreaming about a loudmouth, feral alpha.

Once Sae lands after a long flight and checks his phone, he can’t help the soft smile that pulls at the corners of his lips at the message that awaits him, containing a selfie of Shidou wearing his scarf.

Shidou:

[selfie.jpg]

miss you already!!!!!

 

Sae:

Loser.

 

Sae saves the picture and sets it as Shidou’s contact photo.

 

Shidou:

your loser tho!!!!

Sae pulls up the collar of the hoodie as he leans against the window of the car, hiding his smile in the fabric.

Filming for Sae’s next project begins and the omega finds himself busy for the majority of the day and sleeping like the dead at night. He barely has time to keep up his morning routine before he has to report to filming.

He falls into a daily routine of waking up early and getting his hair and makeup done before spending the majority of his day on set. This isn’t new for him, but what is new is adding Shidou to the equation.

With the time difference in Japan, he doesn’t hear from Shidou until late at night when the alpha wakes up to start his day or after he gets done with practice or a game. It’s quickly becoming the highlight of Sae’s day after long days of filming.

Sometimes, Shidou will call him when he has some free time and Sae will pretend not to be interested as he melts at the sound of the alpha’s voice. He threatens to block Shidou’s number multiple times while Shidou talks his ear off and asks him how his day was until Sae falls asleep on the phone, buried in his nest with Shidou’s hoodie.

“Get some sleep, Eyelashes, I miss you,” Shidou will say before hanging up.

Shidou promises to visit once he has a chance during the season and the promise has Sae buzzing all day while he’s stuck filming, reviewing lines, and watching the film back with the other lead of the movie and director.

Life is chaotic but it’s good, sadly, it doesn’t last forever and when the high wears off, Sae finds himself crashing—hard.

EXCLUSIVE:

In a recent interview, Leonardo Luna, Itoshi Sae’s ex-boyfriend, shares his thoughts regarding his past lover’s new possible relationship!

Luna: All I have to say [to Itoshi Sae] is good luck with that feral alpha, you’re going to need it by the looks of it.

Interviewer: As a past lover of Itoshi Sae, do you have any advice for Shidou Ryusei?

Luna: Well (Luna laughs), that alpha will definitely have his hands full with that cold prince, I can tell him that much.

It’s been a long day of filming and Leonardo Luna’s shitty interview is the first thing Sae sees once he unlocks his phone.

It makes sense now, why some of the crew on set kept giving him odd looks and why his manager and assistant looked nervous when he came back to his dressing room trailer after wrapping up for the day.

Sae wants to say he’s surprised at what Leonardo has done but he knows the alpha, knows he can be petty when he wants to be. It pisses him off mostly because he thought their so-called relationship was left in the past, after the press tour for their movie wrapped up and ended. There is nothing he hates more than lukewarm alphas.

Their relationship was only supposed to be for the publicity of the film but Leonardo misinterpreted everything from the start. It was stupid and Sae was young and dumb for not speaking up sooner because once he did, Leonardo freaked out and began what some called a smear campaign against the omega. It’s where Sae’s lovely nickname of the cold prince of Hollywood comes from.

Sae was naive back then, inexperienced in the game and Leonardo took advantage of that since the alpha was two years older than him but Sae knows better now.

The best plan is usually to ignore petty negative media until it blows over. But to Sae’s annoyance, Leonardo continues with his rampage online when the omega doesn’t respond, making additional comments about it on his social media accounts following the release of the interview.

The alpha sets in motion something Sae doesn’t even get the chance to stop because he sees it too late since he’s rather busy being employed at the moment, unlike this loser. His publicist is trying her best to put out the fire and has been trying day and night since she caught wind of it, but Leonardo and his team are sharks in the water, out for blood and leaving no survivors.

He looks down at his phone when he sees a new message come in once his manager, assistant, and publicist leave his apartment after a long meeting at his kitchen table on how to proceed with what’s happening.

Shidou:

[link to Leonardo’s article]

who the fuck is this clown???

he’s really pissing me off

who does he think he is, talking about you like that?

it makes me wanna knock his teeth in

 

Sae frowns as he scrolls through the messages from Shidou.

He decides to call Shidou after a long shower where he tries to wash away the stress of the day. He’s not usually the one to initiate their phone calls so he’s not sure if the alpha will even answer. He’s not sure what the alpha is even doing at the moment, given their time differences.

“Seriously, Eyelashes, I’ve never seen someone with such an obvious death wish,” Shidou answers on the first ring. “He must have huge balls, going after what makes my heart explode like that.”

Sae climbs into his nest and slips Shidou’s hoodie on. “He's an idiot, so it’s not like you can expect much from him.”

“Still, I don't like him talking shit about you online like that,” Shidou confesses. “It's really pissing me off. Can I kick his ass?” He asks.

Sae can't help the grin that pulls at the corners of his lips. He’s officially lost it. “And risk getting benched for the remainder of the season if you get arrested? Come on, don’t be a moron.”

“It'd be so worth it,” Shidou swears, clicking his tongue. “Alphas like that loser piss me off, they think they're untouchable when in reality they're just stuck up and not over the past. There's no fun in a person like that,” he goes on before his voice turns soft. “You sound really down about this, Eyelashes, come on, let me rough him up for you.”

“I’m not,” Sae lies. “It’s just been a long day, that’s all.”

“Well, I hope it's not because of what that asshole has been spouting,” Shidou laments. “Just for the record though, I like having my hands full with you, so he can fuck off with that comment. It’s not my fault he let you slip through his hands, I’m not that stupid to let that happen,” he admits. “He’s just pissed you’ve moved on, it’s clear as day that he’s jealous and a sore loser.”

Shidou isn’t wrong. Leonardo has always been a petty loser, that much Sae remembers from their time together. The alpha hadn’t been happy when Sae blocked his contact information after their movie press tour ended and with that, their fake relationship. It probably wounded his ego since he thought Sae should’ve felt over the moon to be seen with someone like him.

“Eyelashes,” Shidou whines into the phone after a few seconds of silence. “Don’t tell me this asshole got into your head.”

“No way, not someone as lukewarm as him,” Sae replies, pushing his bangs out of his face as he twists in his nest. “Soon after meeting him, it became clear that my interest in becoming the greatest actor in the world was bigger than his. There was an obvious fundamental difference between his greed and mine,” he confesses. “He’s never let that go.”

Shidou laughs like Sae just told him the funniest joke in the world. “You said that to him, to his face?”

“Yes,” Sae states. “It’s how I felt and I’ve never felt the need to lie about how I feel, not to him or anyone else.”

“I like that about you, how brutally honest you are. I like you,” Shidou professes, making Sae’s stress melt away. “Besides, if a loser like that was that hung up over you saying that shit to him, well that’s lame as hell. He doesn’t deserve a fucking footnote in your story if that’s the case.”

Sae chuckles. “And you do?”

“Yeah, and in case you don’t believe me, I’ll just have to keep proving myself until you do!” Shidou promises. “Awe, Eyelashes, I have practice soon so I have to go. If my coach and Rin-rin weren’t breathing down my neck, I would just skip it to keep talking to you since it’s not an actual game but I promised a certain omega I would behave so I have to go.”

Sae frowns, not wanting Shidou to go. It has been an incredibly shitty day and as much as he hates to admit it, Shidou has been the best part of it. He does like that Shidou is behaving because of him, likes that the alpha does as he says.

“Fine,” Sae says, trying to keep his voice neutral. “Bye—”

“Come on, just admit that you’ll miss me before I go,” Shidou teases him.

“Never,” Sae huffs.

“Wait! Before I go, let me ask you something,” Shidou says and the sound of things being moved around comes through the phone. The alpha is probably running late already. “Do you like promises and do I have your permission to dog walk this loser that keeps pestering you? Violence-free…until my season ends, of course.”

Sae’s instincts preen at that. “Sure to both,” he whispers, feeling sleep weigh heavily on him. “Go wild, my little demon.”

“Perfect!” Shidou expresses. “Sleep tight, Eyelashes, I miss you.”

Sae mumbles his goodbye before hanging up and shoving his nose into the neck of the hoodie, letting the scent of Shidou lull him to sleep.

He feels a lot better, so much lighter, after that phone call.

POST-GAME INTERVIEW WITH SHIDOU RYUSEI:

“Any comments regarding what actor Leonardo Luna said in a recent interview about your rumored boyfriend, Itoshi Sae?” One of the interviewers asks Shidou a week and a half later.

The alpha has just come off a game where he scored the winning goal so to say he feels good is an understatement. Plus, he got Sae to send him some pictures of himself, so he’s feeling extra good. It took all his will not to explode on the field, knowing Sae was probably watching despite the time difference.

Shidou grins, expression malicious as he stares down at the interviewer. “I think that jealousy is a disease and sadly for that asshole, it’s looking like it's terminal,” he says, words sharp. “Sure, I’ll admit it, the guy’s a great actor but no one gives a shit about that when it comes down to it and it’s revealed he’s just a jealous asshole that likes talking shit online like a coward. If you’re willing to swoop low enough that you’re going after the omega that left you in the dust instead of focusing on improving yourself, you’re just trash.”

The interviewer awkwardly laughs, probably because Shidou just cussed on live television. The alpha suspects the team’s PR department will be reaching out to him soon because of it. Oh well, it’s worth it for Sae, anything is worth it for Sae.

“I don’t give a shit about him or anyone else that talks bad about Itoshi Sae,” Shidou concludes, walking off and pushing his sweaty hair back. He ignores the interviewers calling him back for more questions.

He finds Rin standing outside the locker room with that same annoyed expression he always wears. A person would think Rin just received the worst news of his life instead of his team having just won another game and moving up in the league.

“Were you waiting for me, Rin-rin?” Shidou decides to tease him, offering the younger alpha a grin. “That’s so sweet! Your brother will be happy to hear we’re getting along, given that we’re practically family now.”

Rin rolls his eyes and pushes off the wall. “Piss off, insect,” he spits at him. “…But what you said about my brother just now,” he stops himself and nods, looking constipated at the notion of giving Shidou praise of any kind.

Shidou laughs and walks closer, slapping Rin on the shoulder. It only makes the younger alpha more irritated. “Awe, how sweet, but you don’t have to thank me!”

Rin growls and shoves him away. “Who was thanking you—!”

Shidou decides to have mercy on the younger alpha. “Whatever that loser has been spouting in the news lately is all bullshit and I’m just as tired of it as you probably are,” he cuts Rin off, stretching his arms over his head. He needs to shower so he can leave and catch his flight. He only has a few days off and he’s not planning on wasting a moment of his time off. “I knew your brother wasn’t going to say anything since upholding public image is everything and shit to actors but when it comes to me, that asshole is fair game,” he reveals, grinning again.

Rin narrows his eyes and shoots Shidou a calculating expression.

“I promised your brother I wouldn’t hurt that prick,” Shidou sighs. “As long as it doesn’t get me benched or suspended from the league but if I happen to see him, postseason, well…”

“You’re just going to wait until the season is over to beat the shit out of him,” Rin sees right through him. “Figures you’d do such a thing.”

“Yep!” Shidou grins, pursing his lips at Rin. “Exactly, Licky-Rin! You’re so smart,” he praises the younger alpha, walking over to pinch his cheek. Rin smacks his hand away. “That sucker will pray he’ll have better luck in his next life!”

“Good,” Rin says. “Now, buzz off.”

It’s a bad day for Sae.

He’s tired from filming and he misses Shidou, as much as he hates admitting that. To make matters worse, Shidou had been busy after his game, so he hadn’t been available to call Sae, which only soured the omega’s mood even more.

The highlight of Sae’s day has been seeing Leonardo’s reaction to Shidou’s post-game interview. It left Leonardo absolutely seething on his social media accounts which had been delightful to witness. Sae’s publicist had been glad since it meant Sae didn’t have to directly respond to anything and could focus on filming. Plus, Shidou’s crude words seemed to skyrocket Sae’s popularity online, plus that of their so-called relationship.

So for now, Sae is very much looking forward to sleeping for the next thirty-six hours until he has to attend a few photo shoots for some brands he’s the ambassador of until filming for the movie resumes.

That’s the plan, of course, until the sound of his front door buzzing fills his apartment. It’s persistent and downright annoying because Sae isn’t expecting anyone. He thought his schedule was clear for the next thirty-six hours so he doesn’t understand why someone is bothering him right now.

His apartment building is secure, so only authorized visitors are allowed inside. So, at least he knows it's not a deranged stalker or worse, Leonardo, knocking at his door.

“Whatever,” Sae mumbles as he walks over to answer the door.

Now, Sae is rarely caught off guard, and for good reason. He doesn't like the unexpected, he likes being in control of what’s happening.

“Eyelashes!” Shidou greets him at the door, carrying a large duffle bag over his shoulder. “Surprise,” he teases, giggling like he isn’t a fully grown alpha.

Sae stands there in disbelief, staring at Shidou with wide eyes.

“I told you I had a surprise for you, didn't I?” Shidou reminds him, stepping inside once Sae’s brain starts working again and he steps aside to let the alpha into his apartment.

“You’re here,” Sae states the obvious, closing the door behind him.

“I’m here,” Shidou repeats, dropping his duffle bag, kicking his shoes off, and opening his arms. “Come here, Eyelashes, I missed you,” he whines. “Unless you didn’t mi—”

Sae practically tackles Shidou, cutting the alpha off as he wraps his arms around him. His scent pulsates with sweetness, letting Shidou know exactly how much the omega has been missing him without having to say the words.

Shidou laughs and holds Sae close, nuzzling into the crook of the omega’s neck to scent him. “It’s so good to see you again, I felt like I was going crazy being away from you.”

Sae scoffs and tightens his arms around Shidou’s neck. “You’re so dramatic,” he mumbles, preening with delight when Shidou nuzzles him again. “I watched your last game, by the way, the one where you gave the post-game interview.”

“Yeah?” Shidou says, hauling Sae completely into his arms and off the ground. “What did you think?” He asks. “Was it to your satisfaction?”

Sae wraps his legs around Shidou’s waist. “Almost…a hat trick would’ve been nice.”

Shidou laughs and it makes Sae smile softly in response. “Well, fuck me, I guess,” he teases. “At least tell me what two goals got me?”

Sae threads a hand through Shidou’s hair and pulls the alpha’s face out of his neck. “This,” he whispers before devouring Shidou into a kiss.

He’s choosing to be merciful since the alpha was sweet enough to come and visit him, especially after everything that’s been happening. Plus, the post-game interview had been a nice surprise.

Shidou responds immediately, licking into Sae’s mouth and moaning at the taste. He carries Sae into the omega’s bedroom after being given swift directions.

“Shit, really?” Shidou grins against Sae’s lips once the omega permits him to climb into his nest. “You’re sweet,” he praises the omega.

Sae bites him in response, making Shidou slap him on the ass.

“Not going to lie, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now,” Shidou admits, dropping Sae into the nest after swatting him a second time. “You’re mean but I like it,” he giggles.

“Clothes off,” Sae demands as he leans on his elbows. “I can smell the airport on you,” he points out, wrinkling his nose at smelling other scents on the alpha.

“Yes, sir,” Shidou complies, stripping off his clothes minus his boxers, hot pink, and climbing over Sae. It gives Sae a nice view. “Shit, I really have been missing you, so much.”

Sae’s face flushes and he pulls Shidou into another kiss before the alpha notices his face.

He’s not sure how long they lay in his nest, kissing and feeling each other up but eventually, Shidou gets unusually serious once they’re laying back to chest. The contact feels good and Sae is almost tempted to strip himself down to match the alpha but he knows nothing good would come of that. He’s glad he’s at least wearing an oversized shirt and shorts.

“It’s alright if you were pissed because of what that asshole said,” Shidou reassures him, gently running his hand over Sae’s stomach, under his shirt. He seems to really love touching that spot, not that Sae minds. He finds the alpha’s touch addicting and it makes him shudder from how slowly Shidou’s fingers caress his bare skin. “You’re human, you’re allowed to be pissed when people piss you off.”

Sae hums but doesn’t reply for a moment, happy to let Shidou comfort him. “I’m more upset he got that reaction out of me,” he admits, shivering when Shidou mouths at his nape. “He should feel grateful I ever did a shitty movie with him in the first place.”

Shidou laughs from behind him. “Yeah, he should be,” he agrees. “Tough luck for him though, you’re all mine now.”

“Says who?” Sae scoffs but doesn’t protest to Shidou wrapping his arms around the omega and giving him a tight squeeze.

“Me, obviously,” Shidou informs him. “You wouldn’t have invited me into your nest if that wasn’t the case.” He throws a leg over Sae’s hips, caging the omega completely against him. It makes Sae’s blood run hot. “Unless I’m wrong and I’m not as special as I thought.”

Sae scoffs again but lets Shidou manhandle him, trying to keep his arousal at bay. “... it’s just you, demon.”

“Good,” Shidou whispers, pressing a kiss to the back of Sae’s nape. “Because I really hate sharing.”

“If you hate it that much, you better score a hat trick for me next time,” Sae informs him, shivering when Shidou starts biting. “Or else.”

“Whatever my omega wants, my omega gets,” Shidou promises him, licking over the skin he bit a moment ago. It makes goosebumps rise on Sae’s skin, which in response makes Shidou bite him again, making Sae's head fill with the illusion of the alpha giving him an actual mating bite, even more following what the man just said.

Sae twists in Shidou’s grip until he’s flat on his back and looking up at the alpha. “Your omega?” He repeats as his brain starts to go haywire from everything.

“Well, that’s the plan at least,” Shidou admits, leaning down until their noses are brushing against one another. “I’m courting you, after all, 'cause I want to mate with you eventually and shit.”

This time, Sae’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. “…What?” He asks. “Ryusei, are you serious right now?”

Sae’s scent turns sweet, embarrassingly so, making Ryusei grin.

“Yeah?” Ryusei says that like he doesn’t understand why Sae is confused. “Since the day I bought the date with you at the auction. I wouldn’t have spent that much money on someone I didn’t have an interest in, that would’ve been stupid of me.”

This time, Sae can’t hide it when his face flushes, from the tips of his ears to his temples.

Ryusei looks at him in disbelief. “Eyelashes,” he whines, pulling Sae into a tight embrace. “You’re so fucking cute, you’re killing me here,” he groans. “I’ll take that as a yes then?” He asks.

Sae nods, hiding his face in the crook of Ryusei’s neck.

“Does this mean I have your permission to beat the shit out of that guy now?” Ryusei asks, making Sae laugh and bury his face deeper in the alpha’s neck. “Please?”

Ryusei is too much, he makes Sae’s heart hurt sometimes just from looking at him. It’s a feeling he’s never felt before but one he doesn’t necessarily hate. His instincts have all but been screaming that this alpha is compatible mate so it can’t be helped he would develop feelings along the way. He can only fight nature for so long.

The thought is only reaffirmed when Sae wakes up the next morning. He hasn’t felt so well rested in weeks. Their scents mixed together and Ryusei’s pheromones seem to soothe Sae to sleep and keep him there all night. It’s nice, it’s something he could get used to, and leagues better than the hoodie the alpha gave him weeks prior.

His head is nestled against Ryusei’s chest since the alpha’s lap and dominant hand are currently occupied by what appears to be a sketchbook.

“Finally awake?” Ryusei asks, placing the sketchbook somewhere in the nest so he can push Sae’s hair out of the omega’s face. He’d insisted that he wasn’t tired, having slept on the plane and because of jetlag. Sae thinks he’s just too excited to sleep. “You were drooling in your sleep, by the way, it was cute.”

Sae sits up and licks at the corners of his lips. “I was not drooling,” he defends his honor, looking over at the sketchbook while he cleans his face.

“You most definitely were,” Ryusei teases. “I might’ve taken a picture or two.”

Sae’s eyes narrow as he takes in the sketchbook’s contents. There are several little sketches, all of him, some of them feature him asleep, some of them are of him looking away, and him doing random little poses. They’re surprisingly good, much to Sae’s surprise.

“Did you draw these?” Sae asks, reaching for the book and flipping through it while he blinks the sleep from his eyes.

“Oh, yeah, I like to doodle sometimes,” Ryusei confesses, sliding down in the nest so he can lay back. He throws an arm over Sae’s lap, content to let the omega look through the sketchbook. “You were out like the dead and I didn’t want to wake you up so I was just killing time until then,” he explains. “You’re so warm, I could live the rest of my life here.”

“Why did you draw me?” Sae asks, entranced at what he finds.

Ryusei squeezes him and lays his head on the omega’s thigh. He exhales and it makes his breath tickle Sae’s skin from where his shorts rode up in his sleep. “Because I like you, I like looking at you. Isn’t that obvious, Eyelashes?” He laughs, making Sae blush. “Rin-rin almost caught me sketching you once on a flight to a game and nearly threw me off the plane.”

It is way too early for Ryusei to get him this flustered. But speaking of Rin, Sae wonders what his brother’s reaction will be to Sae and Ryusei’s change in their relationship. Rin might actually kill Ryusei.

“Also, I found something interesting while you were asleep,” Ryusei says, sounding far too smug for Sae’s liking.

Sae puts down the sketchbook and looks down at Ryusei. His face once again flushes when Ryusei reaches over and grabs the hoodie that’s become an integral part of Sae’s nest, holding it up for the omega to see.

“I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” Ryusei teases him, laughing when Sae tries to suffocate the alpha with the hoodie. “I’ll make sure to scent it again for you before I leave and leave you plenty more things for your nest.”

Sae climbs out of bed and heads towards the bathroom to get ready for the day before his blush turns any worse. It makes Ryusei groan, probably because he lost his pillow.

“Get ready,” Sae orders Ryusei. “I don’t slack on my morning routine, even when I’m off so, if we’re actually serious about this, you better get used to it.”

Ryusei follows after him, much to the omega’s delight.

“I’m right behind you,” Ryusei reassures him once he’s caught up. “In the future, you can just say we’re courting or call me your boyfriend, I like either of those, it lets people know you’re mine.”

Sae ignores him and locks him out of the bathroom, but only for a moment.

Spending the morning together feels oddly domestic but Sae finds that he doesn’t mind it.

They spend it doing what Sae usually does, going out onto his balcony, doing morning yoga, meditation, and drinking his favorite drink. Ryusei seems to take it all in stride, not complaining once. He looks more fascinated at learning more about Sae and asks him about a million questions.

Sae indulges him, again once, letting the alpha lead him through his routine so they’re even. It mostly consists of them going back out on Sae’s balcony and soaking in the sun for a few minutes while Ryusei says whatever comes to his mind.

Ryusei claims soaking in the sun helps keep him safe and well, very tan. Sae certainly has no complaints about that, he loves Ryusei’s tan very much. Sae even gets to indulge in watching the alpha workout a little to maintain his physique since it is football season even though the man is off for a few days.

They’re quickly becoming so domestic it makes Sae sick but then, he’ll look over and catch Ryusei staring at him with this lovestruck expression that makes the omega have to look away before he dies since blood keeps rushing to his face at an alarming speed. It’s already bad enough that his scent gives him away.

Sae could get used to this life.

Chapter Text

Sae wakes up to someone nuzzling him.

It’s persistent and sends shivers down Sae’s spine as he wakes up and blinks the sleep from his eyes. His first reaction is to push the nuzzling away and go back to sleep but then he remembers who it is and where he is.

He reaches out an arm, hooks it around his boyfriend’s neck, and pulls the alpha closer to him. He’s missed this, more than he cares to admit. Since they started dating, nothing but Ryusei’s scent seems to calm Sae, not even yoga does it for the omega anymore. It’s safe to say he’s gotten a little greedy when it comes to the alpha.

“You’re finally awake?” Ryusei asks as he nuzzles deeper into Sae’s neck, licking over the omega’s scent gland and sucking it into his mouth. It makes Sae gasp. “I thought you were going to sleep the entire morning away,” he teases, making Sae pull on the alpha’s hair in retaliation.

It’s not Sae’s fault he took the first flight to Japan right as filming for his movie wrapped up. He’d been anxious to return to Japan and see Ryusei after they’d been apart for a few weeks now, given their busy schedules. Sadly, the night landed in Japan in the dead of night so it didn’t leave much time for anything.

Now that Sae’s movie has finished filming, he can stay with the alpha in Japan while the NEL season comes to an end. He has a few weeks to kill before he has to leave again for work overseas, which he must follow through on. But hopefully, by then, Ryusei’s season will have ended so perhaps Sae won’t be making the trip overseas alone.

They haven’t gone fully public yet but they don’t hide their relationship either. They’ve gotten quite good at baiting the media and it's done wonders in helping bury whatever bullshit Leonardo Luna keeps spouting.

Soon, they’ll announce their relationship but they’re waiting until the timing is right. Ryusei loves a good showcase after all. Rin is getting suspicious and well, Sae can only hold off his little brother for so long.

“I would’ve slept more but someone woke me up,” Sae huffs but the sound gets caught in his throat when Ryusei sucks on his scent gland, hard.

It makes Sae’s scent brim with arousal and Ryusei doesn’t hesitate to climb over the omega, pressing his bodyweight down to cage Sae under him. It’s a good feeling, one Sae has missed so much, not that he’d ever admit it out loud. It might go to the alpha’s head and well, the omega has already spoiled him far too much.

“You’re insatiable,” Sae mumbles but wraps his legs around Ryusei’s waist and pulls him in closer. “Kiss me,” he demands as he threads his fingers through the alpha’s crazy bedhead.

“Fuck yeah,” Ryusei moans, pulling his head out of the crook of Sae’s neck and obeying the omega instantly.

Sae can’t help but moan into it, especially when Ryusei laps at the inside of his mouth, licking everywhere and anywhere his tongue can reach. Ryusei’s hands roam all over Sae’s body, greedily grabbing at every part of him as if he’s already forgotten the feel of the omega’s body since they’ve been apart.

He’s insatiable, that much Sae has come to learn during the last few months of their relationship. It’s not like Sae isn’t as greedy for the man, but he’s a little more reserved about it, while Ryusei has no problem vocalizing how much he loves being intimate with the omega, anywhere and anytime he can have him.

“Fuck, Eyelashes, I missed you,” Ryusei confesses after he pulls away for a second, taking the opportunity to look down at Sae’s face and admire him. “I don’t think I can ever let you leave me again, not when you’re being so sweet to me,” he professes with a grin.

Sae wants to roll his eyes in response but Ryusei seems to be one step ahead of him this morning because the alpha pulls him into another kiss, surrounding the omega with his touch, taste, and scent. It’s overwhelming and Sae finds himself getting lost in the man as they kiss.

He’s glad he’s only wearing one of Ryusei’s old, oversized shirts because the fabric has bunched up on his thighs, giving the alpha perfect, easy access.

Sae had arrived too late in the night for them to properly greet each other. Ryusei hadn’t been able to pick him up from the airport since there were more people than anticipated waiting for Sae’s arrival, despite the omega’s attempts at keeping his return low-key.

The airport deemed it too much of a risk to have two high-profile celebrities there so Ryusei, although extremely pouty, waited for Sae at his apartment.

There hadn’t been much time for anything else since they were both exhausted once Sae arrived so after climbing into bed and a thorough scenting session, they’d both fallen asleep within minutes, with Sae happily wearing Ryusei’s shirt and nothing else. Ryusei had barely worn anything, opting to sleep in a pair of hot pink boxers, not that Sae minded since he was benefiting from it.

Now, though, they have more than enough time to greet each other and Sae has been missing his boyfriend for weeks. It’s the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time, especially since Sae spent his last heat alone because Ryusei was in the middle of two intense playoff games. The alpha had been devastated at not being able to drop everything and fly out to see the omega.

Sae spent those exhausting three days holed up in his apartment, face buried in the scented clothing Ryusei had sent to him on expedited shipping while he took care of himself. His thoughts were consumed with Ryusei and the memories of what they’d done in his nest. Memories of them knotted together while Ryusei whispered the nastiest shit in Sae’s ear, making the omega’s toes curl as he reminisced.

Now, it’s time for Sae to get his fill after being deprived. He gets Ryusei on his back, which is an easy ordeal because the alpha does anything and everything the omega demands. He’s a good alpha like that, one that aims to please.

“Down,” Sae demands once he’s straddling Ryusei’s waist. He places his hands on the alpha’s toned, tan chest, making the man grin up at him.

“Yes sir,” Ryusei gives in, placing his hands under the shirt Sae is wearing, right on the bare skin of the omega’s hips. He gives them a hard squeeze before sliding his hands up to feel more of him, going as far as thumbing at his nipples. His touch makes Sae fluster but the omega does his best to remain indifferent. “Whatever you want, baby.”

Foreplay is fun but Sae feels desperate this morning. Besides, they have time for foreplay in the coming weeks. He’ll make it up to the alpha later.

Ryusei, being the feral, impatient alpha that he is, thrusts his hips up, letting his erection brush up against Sae. The motion makes Sae lose his balance and he ends up falling into the alpha’s chest, spreading his legs further apart. “When I’m with you, I throb like crazy,” the alpha groans, pulling the omega down onto his erection again.

“Ryusei,” Sae attempts to scold Ryusei but his words get stuck in his throat because the alpha keeps bucking up against him, making the omega begin to slick and ruin the alpha’s boxers from how wet he’s getting. “Fuck.”

Ryusei moans as the smell of Sae’s slick fills the space around them. The alpha’s arousal joins it soon after, mixing together to create a heady smell in the room. Then, in a showcase of skill, the alpha manages to take off his boxers with ease, tossing them somewhere in the large room.

“You smell so good, I want to eat you out so bad,” Ryusei praises Sae.

He speeds up his thrusts until his bare cock brushes against Sae’s slick hole, making the omega’s lips part from the sensation. It’s so close to where Sae wants it yet not close enough.

Sae can’t wait anymore. He reaches behind himself and thrusts two fingers inside himself, which is an easy ordeal because he’s absolutely drenched at this point. It’s hard not to be when his professional footballer of an alpha is naked under him like this, right at his mercy, grinding against him like he’s in the woes of rut.

Ryusei starts spouting off some of the dirtiest words Sae has ever heard as the alpha watches him finger himself open. If Sae wasn’t so busy getting himself ready, he’d probably blush and threaten to choke the alpha if he didn’t stop talking but he has other things on his mind right now, like getting fucked until the afternoon.

“You’re so beautiful, Eyelashes,” Ryusei praises him before he shows off his flexibility.

He pulls off Sae’s shirt, leaving the omega completely naked on top of him. Then, he lifts his head, braces his hands on Sae’s back, and latches onto one of Sae’s nipples, sucking it and digging his teeth into him.

Ryusei can be gentle when he wants to be but much like he plays football, he can be just as aggressive and spontaneous in bed. It caught Sae off guard the first time but now, it just gets him excited. He likes it when the alpha tries to break through his indifferent demeanor. It’s almost become a game of sorts to them.

Sae’s mouth falls open as Ryusei makes a mess of his chest. It feels good, really fucking good, and he’s glad that the movie he was working on is finally done filming and he can let Ryusei do as he pleases. It had been annoying before since Sae couldn’t have any obvious marks on him due to filming.

Ryusei makes a show of pulling off Sae’s chest and grins, mischievous as ever.

“You’re a demon,” Sae accuses him as he keeps pumping fingers into himself.

“You like it, you like me,” Ryusei teases Sae, laying his head back down to watch the show. “No takebacks, remember,” he laughs.

Sae doesn’t deny it, he knows it's true. He wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.

Once Sae is satisfied with his work, he pulls his fingers out, leans back a little further, and wraps them around Ryusei’s cock, making the alpha moan at the touch. His slick-covered fingers help create the perfect slide as he jerks the alpha’s cock, slowly at first before speeding up and twisting his wrist, just the way Ryusei likes it.

Occasionally, Ryusei’s cock will bump against Sae’s hole, and that always manages to make both of them groan.

Eventually, Ryusei grows impatient and places his hands on either side of Sae’s ass. He grips firmly and spreads Sae, thrusting up again and letting his cock rub against Sae, spreading his precum everywhere and mixing it with the omega’s slick. They’re making a mess on this bed.

Sae grits his teeth at how good it feels. He wants more, now.

Slowly, Sae readjusts himself up on his knees and places one hand on Ryusei’s abdomen while the other hand guides the alpha’s cock toward his hole. Gently, he sinks down onto it, keeping his eyes glued to Ryusei’s face the entire time.

Ryusei tosses his head back and moans, loud and lewd as he watches Sae take his cock. His pink eyes are ablaze with excitement now.

“You're so fucking perfect, Eyelashes,” Ryusei praises Sae, grunting when the omega bottoms out. He gives the omega a moment to adjust. “Now, it’s my turn,” he mumbles before planting his feet on the bed and thrusting up like a madman.

Sae huffs in response and thrusts down, matching Ryusei’s pace. He won’t let the alpha best him, no matter how good his cock feels inside.

It doesn’t take long for the room to be filled with the sounds of skin slapping and Sae’s messy slick squelching. It’s a fun game of push and pull, one they both seem determined to win.

Ryusei has a lethal grin on his face, keeping his thrusting consistent and hands firmly placed on Sae’s hips. His stamina as a professional athlete aids him now as he thrusts up, bouncing Sae on his lap like the omega weighs absolutely nothing.

Sae tries to hold his ground but all too soon, he’s closing his eyes and trying not to tip over the edge as his legs turn to jelly. He knows he’s sporting a fierce blush on his face because Ryusei’s scent is sweet with adoration and that only tends to happen when the omega shows his softer side.

“It’s like you were made for me,” Ryusei grunts, pulling Sae down onto him fully and placing a hand over the omega’s neck while the other one reaches down to spread his ass apart so the alpha’s cock can reach deeper.

Sae doesn’t fight it, instead, holds on for the ride because, like this, Ryusei’s cock fills him up entirely. He buries his face in the alpha’s neck and moans as his stern facade crumbles a little from how good everything feels. His instincts are preening right now with delight.

Ryusei squeezes Sae’s nape a little tighter as he thrusts faster, making the omega turn to mush in his hold. He turns his head and kisses Sae’s hair.

“I missed you so fucking much,” Ryusei confesses, growling as his thrusts get faster and deeper, making Sae’s lips part as his breathing grows unsteady from how well he’s getting fucked. He can feel Ryusei’s knot beginning to form and fuck, he’s drooling now. “You have no idea, Eyelashes, fuck.”

Sae curls his hands into the bedding and feels himself get closer to the edge. He’s not going to last for much longer so he braces himself and bites the alpha’s neck, hard, wishing he was biting in the proper place for a mating bite. He feels just the slightest bit feral as he bites, knowing Ryusei has no issue with sporting a few marks on the field, if anything, he welcomes them.

“You look so good like this, spread open on my cock,” Ryusei whispers into Sae’s hair, licking at the omega’s ear. “I wish I could keep you like this all the time,” he confesses, giving Sae’s nape another squeeze. “Then, I could fuck you full and breed you, make you mine in every sense of the word,” he groans, making Sae leak more slick at his filthy words. “Oh, my baby likes that?” He teases, keeping his breathing steady despite the fucking he’s currently delivering. “I’ll knock you up one day, don’t you worry.”

Sae bites Ryusei again as he clenches hard around the alpha’s cock.

“It’s alright if you like it,” Ryusei whispers as he keeps thrusting into Sae’s wet heat. “Because I like it too, probably more than you realize.”

Sae sharply inhales as he feels Ryusei’s knot begin to probe at his hole, with more persistence this time. It makes him clench hard around the alpha’s cock, which in response makes Ryusei groan and slow his thrusts, making them deeper ones. It’s so close to catching that Sae can imagine it.

It doesn’t take long for Sae to cum, making an even bigger mess on the bed but none of that matters right now. They can clean it later or maybe Sae can steal the sheets for his nest or something else just as crazy.

“I’m getting so high off your scent, fuck, I’m gonna cum,” Ryusei growls, and after a few more thrusts, he cums and knots the omega, locking them together. He makes a big show of it, just like he does whenever he scores a goal on the field.

Instantly, Sae’s eyes roll into the back of his head as Ryusei starts flooding him with cum as his knot pulsates inside the omega. It feels sinfully good.

“You smell like me now,” Ryusei mumbles, sounding quite pleased with himself as he noses at Sae’s hair. He readjusts his hold so one of his arms is looped around the omega’s waist now, holding him close. “I can’t imagine what you’d smell like if I put a baby in you…”

Sae scoffs at Ryusei’s absurdity but his body clenches, hard, around the alpha’s knot, giving him away. He doesn’t hate the idea but he’s positive his manager, his agent, and his publicist would kill him.

Ryusei pulls Sae’s head out of the crook of his neck so he can look at him. Gently, he pushes Sae’s hair out of his face and caresses his face. He always touches Sae like he’s trying to embed his face into memory to draw later. It wouldn’t surprise the omega, considering how many stupid (cute) doodles he’s been gifted as of late. “You’re so cute, Eyelashes, I missed you,” he confesses as if he hasn’t said it a million times already. “I’m happy you’re home.”

Sae says nothing in response as he tries to fight the fierce blush that spreads across his face but fails miserably if the smile Ryusei sends his way is any indicator. He pulls Ryusei in for a soft kiss, nothing like the aggressive, impatient makeout session they had earlier this morning, one that conveys everything he can’t seem to put into words sometimes.

Ryusei holds Sae closer and smiles against the kiss, clearly pleased. He pulls away and nuzzles his nose against the omega’s jaw, scenting him despite the omega already reeking of him everywhere. Sae likes it though, likes his demon of a boyfriend and his strange tendencies.

“You never told me what winning the NEL championship gets me,” Ryusei points out as he presses kisses to Sae’s face.

Sae closes his eyes and scrunches his nose but he lets Ryusei shower him with attention. “Win it first and then you’ll find out.”

“I will,” Ryusei swears, drawing little shapes on Sae’s sweaty, naked back. “So, you better start thinking up ideas, Eyelashes, because you’re going to owe me.”

Sae scoffs and tucks his head back into Ryusei’s neck, enjoying the comfort and closeness they’re sharing right now. “I’m going back to sleep.”

Ryusei laughs, making Sae shake on top of him. He readjusts his hold on Sae and brings a hand up to scratch gently at the omega’s hair. “Sleep then, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Sae wants to laugh and point out that Ryusei quite literally has no choice since they’re knotted together but loses his train of thought when the alpha’s gentle touches start lulling him back to sleep.

Chapter Text

Sae doesn’t get nervous, that’s an emotion reserved for lukewarm losers. He learned long ago to control his emotions and how to stop them from bleeding into his scent as his acting career took off. He has never enjoyed being vulnerable, on or off-screen.

Yet—as of late, he’s been experiencing the emotion day in and day out since meeting Ryusei. He’s found that it’s difficult to keep his emotions at bay whenever the alpha is involved, especially when he’s around the omega.

Much like Ryusei’s personality, the emotions wrap around Sae, tight as coils, and demand attention no matter the situation. They’re impossible to ignore and Sae finds himself not minding it as much lately, not like he once did in the past. Ryusei really likes it though, likes it when Sae opens up to him and lets the alpha see a part of the omega no one else gets to witness. It’s oddly intimate.

“Are you nervous?” Ryusei asks Sae, glancing over toward the omega from the driver’s seat.

In the time they’ve known each other, Ryusei has quickly learned how easy it is to read through Sae’s facade. The omega doesn’t know if he loves it or hates it. It’s helped them get closer, closer than Sae has ever been with someone outside of his family and that’s saying a lot. He doesn’t let just anyone in and Ryusei has proven to be the only exception.

Today, Ryusei is dressed somewhat normally. There’s no hot pink in sight aside from his hair and eyes. He let Sae pick his clothes out this morning because he wants to do this right and that means trying to cosplay as a contributing member of society as they drive toward Sae’s childhood home. Sae had insisted the alpha could wear whatever he usually wore. It doesn’t bother him that Ryusei doesn’t fit into what’s considered societal norms but Ryusei had been persistent, wanting to fit the part of an alpha courting.

Sae scoffs and looks out the window, settling into the passenger seat as they pass through his hometown. He will never admit that he’s nervous, considering his scent is already doing the job for him. That and he keeps playing with the bracelets he keeps around his wrists for moments such as these.

Ryusei sighs fondly and reaches over to grab Sae’s thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze before focusing on driving. His scent turns sweet with endearment, causing Sae to settle a bit. The alpha cracks the windows a little to let in the breeze so they don’t suffocate in Sae’s nerves. Despite Sae’s disdain for his hometown, the familiar ocean breeze helps.

“I should be the nervous one,” Ryusei attempts to ease Sae’s nerves. “I’ve only met your parents once and that was after I almost broke Rin-rin’s nose after a practice. I can’t imagine their surprise when I show up, properly introduce myself, and tell them I’m courting their son,” he laughs. “I think Rin-rin might actually make good on his promise to kill me,” he jokes. “Do you think he would do that, so close to the championship game?” He asks. “Is he that stupid?”

Sae wants to say something smart in response but truthfully, he’s too busy trying to keep himself in check. It’s silly because he doesn’t even get nervous when it comes to filming movies and shows that millions will see, doesn’t care when he goes to award shows or steps in front of large crowds but confessing to his parents and brother that he’s being courted and they’re serious about each other? The nerves are relentless inside him, reminding him that at the end of the day, he’s still human despite his icy exterior.

In two days, they’ll be going to see Ryusei’s family and to tell them the news as well. Ryusei keeps reassuring Sae that his family is extremely chill, they’ll be excited since a lot of them are fans of Sae’s shows and movies and have been pestering the alpha about the dating rumors.

It does make Sae feel better considering how committed he is to this relationship. He wants the alpha’s family to like him. It’s important to him. He wants things to go well for them, regardless of some of the public’s opinions regarding his choice of mate and Leonardo Luna’s idiotic comments.

Speaking of the public and the media…

There’s a reason Sae and Ryusei are telling their families and friends the news now instead of waiting for them to come together naturally. They plan to reveal the news to the world soon and want their friends and families to know beforehand.

Not to mention that in a week, the NEL will host its first-ever championship game, and Rin and Ryusei’s team are part of the lineup. Their families will be there so it seems best they know the news beforehand so they can formally meet. There won’t be a second chance because when the game concludes, Sae will be heading overseas for work and Ryusei will be coming with him. They won’t get another opportunity to see their families individually before the hecticness starts up again and they reveal that they’re indeed courting to the world. Of course, the world already suspects and they do nothing but taunt the possibility but nothing has been confirmed.

“It’s kind of funny seeing you so worked up,” Ryusei confesses as he parks behind Sae’s mother’s car in the driveway of the omega’s childhood home. “Very unlike you, Eyelashes.”

Sae looks at the house. Not much has changed since he moved out aside from the missing toys and bikes that once littered the front. His parents refuse to move, happy to remain here despite Sae’s offers to buy them a bigger, nicer place.

He’s sure Rin is probably offering the same but their parents are stubborn, just like them. He personally has never seen the appeal of this town, small and near the water, full of people who have never had the itch to become better and see the world.

“Shut up,” Sae mumbles as he takes off his seatbelt. “Let’s get this over with.”

He hopes they don’t attract attention given their reputations. Then again, it's no secret Sae and Rin’s parents live here and nosey people often keep their eyes out whenever the famous sons come to visit and find any opportunity to come over. He certainly has no trouble telling people to get lost. Ryusei, on the other hand, might enjoy the attention a little too much.

“Hey,” Ryusei whispers, teasing gone completely from his voice. He reaches over and settles his hand under Sae’s chin, pulling the omega’s face toward him. His pink eyes are sharp. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry so much, just trust me.”

Sae nods and swallows his nerves, trying to control his emotions. Everything will be fine. With Ryusei by his side, nothing feels impossible to overcome. This is one of those things. Besides, if they’re serious about this thing going on between them, Sae needs to trust Ryusei. It’s the only way things will work and he wants this to work.

He only worries about his parents’ reaction to Ryusei a little considering his parents have seen this guy during NEL games almost cum in his pants after scoring a goal. Well, there are worse things in the world, Sae supposes.

He turns when he hears obnoxious tapping on the passenger window and finds Rin glaring into the car. The alpha must’ve arrived just a few minutes ago from the looks of things. He looks the furthest thing from pleased at the sight of Ryusei.

“What are you doing here?” Rin demands, glaring at Ryusei. “I thought this was a family dinner, not an infestation.”

Sae almost cracks a smile at that. He told his family he’d be coming for dinner but he hadn’t mentioned anything about bringing Ryusei because he had a sneaking suspicion his younger brother wouldn’t show up if that had been the case.

Ryusei laughs and meets Rin’s glare with no hesitation. “Looks like he might actually kill me, I’m scared,” he says to Sae, pouting like he isn’t a fully grown man.

Sae rolls his eyes and pushes Ryusei back. “Come on, you said you’d behave.”

“I know, it’s just too much fun to make Rin-rin squirm,” Ryusei admits.

“What is he doing here?” Rin demands once Sae and Ryusei step out of the car. “Why did you bring this insect with you?” He asks. “I can’t escape him anywhere, not at practice, not during games, and not at my own parents' house,” he grumbles. “This is just great.”

Sae says nothing in response and leads Ryusei toward the entrance of the house, trying to ignore Rin’s glaring. One would think Rin was the older, overprotective brother from the way he is acting. Sae can’t wait for the day it’s Rin bringing someone home.

Rin isn’t stupid though and he probably has a sneaking suspicion about why Ryusei is here today considering he gets a front-row seat to Ryusei daily. Ryusei isn’t exactly shy about expressing his feelings when it comes to Sae to anyone, even the media. The alpha has been proclaiming he’s going to marry Sae every chance he gets according to Rin.

Much to Rin’s annoyance and Sae’s delight, Ryusei is welcomed with open arms as soon as he crosses the front door by their parents.

It’s evident from the moment Sae and Ryusei step through the door and Ryusei takes the initiative and introduces himself, even going as far as putting an arm around Rin and pulling the younger alpha into a hug, mumbling something about team comradery. The hug lasts only a moment because Rin shoves Ryusei away.

It’s safe to say that Sae is taken aback by Ryusei in the best way possible. He supposes it hadn’t actually hit him yet, just how devoted Ryusei is to their relationship but watching the alpha in Sae’s childhood home, talking to his parents, awing at the pictures of Sae’s childhood, and teasing Rin, makes Sae’s heart swell in size.

Suddenly, their future together looks bright and nothing seems impossible.

“This is just so unexpected,” Sae’s mother expresses as they sit together after dinner has concluded. “Sae-chan being courted by someone…I never thought I would see the day!”

“What can I say? Your son worked his magic on me, he made me feel like Cinderella,” Ryusei replies, making Rin roll his eyes in annoyance.

Sae’s mother is all smiles, probably because she can’t remember the last time they had such a pleasant family dinner. They usually end with Sae and Rin arguing but today, everyone minus Rin, is in good spirits. Sae can already see her mind working, probably planning their mating ceremony in her head.

Between Rin and Ryusei, there’s hardly any food left since the pro athletes practically made it a competition to see who could eat the most, much to Sae’s father's delight as he cooked more and more. Ryusei kept serving Sae more and more food throughout the dinner and it did not go unnoticed by the omega’s parents and Rin. Sae is pretty sure Rin almost puked at the sight while his parents were awestruck.

“We never thought Sae-chan would find someone and settle down, just because he’s always been such a busy bee, ever since he was little,” Sae’s father admits. “I’m happy, of course, especially given the connection here.” He motions between Ryusei and Rin.

Ryusei grins at the comment while Rin frowns.

“It’s a little soon but we’re very excited,” Sae’s mother explains, smiling as she glances between Sae and Ryusei. “I’m in no place to judge your timing, after all,” she laughs, blushing as she looks toward Sae’s father. “I met Sae and Rin’s father in January during university and by December, we were mated and pregnant,” she tells Ryusei, making Sae and Rin mumble in disbelief.

“Hopefully this means Sae-chan will visit home more often. He’s abroad for work nearly all year long. We rarely get to see him,” Sae’s father points out, making Sae’s mother nod in agreement.

Ryusei grins. “Well, whatever he wants to do, I’ll follow,” he confesses, making Sae blush a little and Sae’s mother’s expression turn endearing. Rin looks two seconds from using his chopsticks like weapons and taking everyone out. “As long as I get to play football wherever I am and be with Sae, I’m happy.”

“We’ll see if you’re actually serious about this,” Rin chimes in. “You have the attention span of a dog, after all.”

Ryusei turns to face Rin. “Awe, Rin-rin I think you’re just feeling upset because your place as the baby of the family will be contested soon, I get it!”

Sae blushes a fierce color of red.

Rin, for once, is speechless.

Sae’s father chokes on his drink.

Sae’s mother drops her chopsticks and her eyes practically bulge out of her face.

She whips her head around to look at Sae. “Sae-chan…are you pregnant?!”

Sae denies it immediately. “No, I’m not pregnant, he’s just being an idiot,” he mumbles.

His blush darkens when Ryusei’s hand squeezes his upper thigh under the table, reminding him what they were doing just this morning. Sae is positive that if they weren’t taking birth control, he would’ve gotten pregnant weeks ago. Ryusei certainly wouldn’t be opposed but Sae’s career comes first and the alpha respects that. They do keep tempting fate, however.

Although Sae will admit, it does sound awfully tempting at times, mostly when they’re knotted together and he’s stuffed full. Probably not the best headspace to make life-changing decisions. They almost decided to spend Ryusei’s rut together but the alpha decided against it, given how they usually act without rut pheromones involved. They would go in as a couple and emerge as expecting parents.

“I’m kidding!” Ryusei laughs, squeezing Sae’s thigh again. “I just like teasing Rin-rin, that’s all.”

Sae’s father puts a hand over his chest as he exhales. “Funny.”

“You’re the least funny person I have ever met,” Rin states.

“Rin-rin, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said about me,” Ryusei admits, placing his hand over his heart. “I’m touched.”

Rin scoffs. “Stop messing around and take this seriously,” he demands, glaring at Ryusei again. “This isn’t one of your shitty explosive goals, this is my brother and you better take care of him,” he points out, blushing once he realizes everyone is staring at him and the depth of his words. “...No one is helping you if he kills you once you piss him off,” he tries to save face.

Sae is touched by Rin’s words, though, he’ll never admit it or show it, because he’s certain that’s the last thing Rin wants right now.

“Rin-chan,” Sae’s mother, tries to reign him in. “Be nice,” she warns her youngest. “Soon, it’ll be you sitting in your brother’s spot, after all,” she teases. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you and your friend. I was not born yesterday, son.”

Now, it’s Rin’s turn to suffer as everyone turns to look at him.

Ryusei grins and swoops in for the kill. “Oh?” He gasps. “Who is Rin-rin seeing?” He asks. “When do we get to meet them?”

“You probably already have,” Sae’s father reveals. “They play in the NEL.”

“No one, you piece of trash!” Rin spits at Ryusei but his scent turns sweet, letting everyone in the room know that’s a lie.

Even Sae cracks a small smile at that, wondering who has managed to get through his brother’s thick skull.

Sae’s parents dismiss themselves to get ready for bed after spending a few more hours talking at the table. They seemed excited to meet Ryusei’s family at the upcoming game. It helps ease Sae’s nerves about the entire thing even more when they pull Sae aside and express their approval of Ryusei.

They offer to let Sae and Ryusei stay since it’s late but the omega insists it isn’t necessary. The last thing Sae needs, given how insatiable Ryusei has been lately especially with the championship game so soon, is for anyone to hear that. Ryusei swears up and down it’s the best method to clear his head, buried deep in Sae’s heat, and well, Sae certainly won’t deny him after all the time they spent apart.

Sae ends only blushing once more before his parents retreat, much to his horror, when Rin reminds his parents just where Sae and Ryusei met. Of course, Sae’s mother finds it romantic beyond reason, claiming it portrays Ryusei as a good and serious alpha. Ryusei eats up the praise. Sae still can’t believe Ryusei blew that much money on a date.

Ryusei cleans up and ushers Sae to go sit in the living room before they leave to make the drive back to the city.

“Hey,” Sae says as he joins Rin on the sofa.

Rin doesn’t look up from the horror movie he put on the television. “You’re actually serious about him?” He asks. “Really?”

“I wouldn’t have brought him to meet our parents if that wasn’t the case,” Sae points out, watching as a masked murderer chases a group of university students through a field with a chainsaw. “...Do you really hate him that much?”

“If I told you I did, would you break up with him?” Rin asks, sinking further into the sofa as the murderer catches one of his victims.

“No,” Sae admits, trying to fight off a smile. “Probably not.”

“Worth a shot,” Rin laments. “I guess overall, he’s not that horrible of a choice,” he mumbles, catching Sae by surprise. “It could’ve been worse, could’ve been that half-baked loser that keeps talking shit about you to the media.”

Well, Sae can’t deny that. Leonardo Luna is relentless, especially since shit-talking Sae has gained him online popularity. The omega is positive that once Ryusei catches that loser in person, punches will be thrown once the season is over.

Ryusei joins them in the living room once he’s finished and walks to stand behind Rin on the sofa. He places his hands on Rin’s shoulders and gives the younger alpha a shake to annoy him.

“Awe, Rin-rin, when did you get so sentimental?” Ryusei teases as Rin tries to escape his grip. “I get it, you love your big brother!”

Rin scoffs and finally manages to escape Ryusei’s grip. “Whatever, just try not to screw this up like everything in your life,” Rin growls. “...If you ever mistreat him, I’ll make sure to slam your head into the football field and do the world of football a long-awaited favor.”

Ryusei laughs and takes a seat next to Sae, tossing an arm around the omega’s shoulders.

“I get it, Rin-rin, you’re obsessed with your older brother,” Ryusei keeps fueling the fire.

“Alright, that’s enough, idiots,” Sae steps in and puts a stop to it.

Ryusei leans his head on Sae’s shoulder and scents him in apology. “I was just playing around with him,” he defends himself, laughing again when Rin looks close to puking at the display of affection. “Aw, Rin-rin, do you feel left out?” He taunts the younger alpha. “You should’ve brought your special friend over, then it would’ve been a party!”

Rin frowns and blushes from his temples to the tips of his ears. “Shut it, you piece of trash.”

“Leave him alone,” Sae warns Ryusei, shivering as the alpha keeps scenting him. “Besides, the two of you have bigger things to worry about.”

“I’m not worried about the championship game,” Rin states. “We’ll win that easily,” he confirms. “This blond roach should be worried about me outscoring him if anything.”

“You’re lucky if I even let you touch the ball,” Ryusei retorts. “I have goals to score and prizes to claim.”

Rin frowns. “...Prizes?”

Sae frowns at Ryusei in disbelief that the alpha is bringing that up right now.

“Just focus on the movie,” Sae tries to redirect their attention to the horror movie on screen, wishing he was the masked murderer chasing Ryusei and Rin through a field.

“You have to go soon, idiot,” Sae tries to make Ryusei see reason for the nth time but his words fall on deaf ears. “They’re going to kill you if you’re even a second late.”

It’s the morning of the championship game and excitement can be felt all around the city. It’s a sold-out event, being attended by several high-ranking overseas league officials, international and domestic celebrities, fans of the league, and people curious to get a peek at Itoshi Sae.

Sae’s manager and publicist have already warned him of what to expect. The media is going to swarm him from the moment he arrives until he leaves. They’re all desperate for another clue regarding Sae and Ryusei’s relationship. It’s been the hottest topic since the league started and Sae attended the first game. Sae isn’t too upset about it since it’s given the league a lot of attention and has helped create interest and bring in investors.

The league, once doubted, is now expected to grow beyond what was expected in the next couple of years, shining a bright light on Japanese soccer. Before Sae wouldn’t have cared what happened to Japanese soccer but that was before his little brother decided to sign with a Japanese league. Now, he wants nothing more than for the NEL to succeed.

Ryusei ignores Sae’s words and fucks back into Sae’s wet heat. Sae resorts to pulling on the alpha’s hair to get him to listen.

The alpha needs to go soon. He’s expected at the stadium before noon yet he’s too busy slotted between Sae’s legs right now like he has all the time in the world despite the omega reminding him of his obligations. Sae’s positive they’re both scent-drunk from everything they’ve been doing this morning. Ryusei is certainly acting like that’s the case.

“I’m busy right now,” Ryusei responds, keeping Sae pinned under him with the omega’s thighs thrown over his hips. They’re at Ryusei’s apartment, in his bed, where Sae has created a nest for them over the past days he has been here. It smells good, like them. It feels like home. “They can wait for all I care.”

Sae tries to protest but the sound gets stuck in his throat and overshadowed by a moan as Ryusei speeds up his thrusts. Sae’s mouth parts from it all. Ryusei grins from where he looms over the omega, pleased by the reaction. He dips down and kisses Sae, soft and sweet, a complete contrast to what they’re currently doing as the sound of skin slapping and slick squelching fills the air around them.

“We’ll win anyway so don’t even sweat it, Eyelashes,” Ryusei mumbles, turning his head so he can bury his face in Sae’s neck, near the area where he’d lay his mark. “I’m not worried one bit,” he confesses.

He’s got Sae bent in half like this and every thrust hits so good that Sae’s eyes roll into the back of his head. Sae’s composure broke sometime ago despite his attempts to hold himself together but it's difficult when Ryusei keeps angling his thrusts deep and slow, making a puddle of the omega. It’s so annoying but Sae will get his revenge later, he always does and Ryusei is more than happy to let him.

Ryusei makes a happy sound from his place hidden in Sae’s neck in regards to Sae’s scent pulsating with satisfaction. “I like it when you let me know you feel good,” he confesses, licking over that spot on Sae’s neck again like he’s been starved for affection for years.

It makes Sae groan at the feel, his body desperate to let the alpha bite. It would be so easy to forgo everything and let nature take over.

Ryusei licks it over again and again before pulling the skin into his mouth and sucking down on it, definitely leaving a mark that Sae’s makeup artist will have to cover later. The alpha has been obsessed with doing that lately, probably because their relationship feels more serious now that they’ve met each other’s families. His instincts and biology are telling him to bite the omega and seal the deal fully. It could be so good.

Sae says nothing because any indicator that he’s noticed will make even more Ryusei insufferable this morning and the omega is already having a hard time getting him out the door. He’ll save his words for when Ryusei wins the game. He did make a promise, after all. Besides, he’s already spoilt Ryusei rotten, anything more and the alpha will become a monster.

“Eyelashes,” Ryusei mumbles, pressing kisses to Sae’s neck as he keeps jerking his hips forward, maintaining a steady rhythm. He presses forward, bending Sae in half even more as he holds himself up with his hands braced on either side of the omega. At this angle, every thrust manages to rock Sae to the core. “I like you so much,” he babbles. “I can’t believe you’re all mine, just me, no one else.”

Sae is barely managing to contain himself from cumming again. He thought he was spent at this point, given how long they’ve been going at this, but his body is reacting to the alpha’s babbling. Ryusei has made him insatiable, not that the alpha is much better. What a mess. Sae tightens his arms around Ryusei’s neck and holds on while he gets his brains fucked out.

They’ve been at this since early morning, starting when Sae woke up and got into the shower after successfully escaping Ryusei’s hold so he’d have time to do his morning routine before his hair and makeup team arrived. He’d thought himself clever for getting an early start but Ryusei, much like a lost puppy, awakened to an empty nest and followed Sae into the shower. Sae thought the alpha was going to sleep until he had to leave, given how late he got home from a team meeting but he’s quickly learning to stop underestimating the man’s clinginess.

One thing led to another and suddenly, Ryusei was holding Sae up against the shower wall, plans of getting ready early long forgotten as he got fucked in the shower. Sae tried to regain control of the situation but once the shower was concluded, they came back to bed and Ryusei buried his face in between Sae’s legs while Sae fisted his hair and suffocated the alpha with his thighs.

Sae really needs to stop indulging Ryusei, he’s spoiling the alpha rotten. He’ll stop soon, just not right now, not when they’ve gotten this far. Soon though.

Ryusei pulls his face free and presses his forehead against Sae’s, grinning at the omega. His scent is sweet, indicating how happy he is at this moment.

Sae swallows as something warm and thick spreads through his chest at how Ryusei is looking at him. It’s been growing for a while now, gaining more and more strength whenever Ryusei is near and longing for the alpha when he isn’t around. Every touch and smile only makes it worse. Sae felt uncomfortable at first because it was unknown territory for him.

But nowadays, after having spent so much time together and seeing Ryusei’s own responses to Sae, let it be a change in his scent, the way he smiles at the omega, or even his touch, the unease has evaporated.

Sae is in love with this man, through and through. There is no denying that any longer. It’s uncharted territory and perhaps Sae would be more afraid if he didn’t see the same emotion in Ryusei’s eyes staring back at him.

The love surging through Sae must bleed into his scent because Ryusei’s scent responds just as intensely. It wraps around the omega and threatens to consume him. It’s a welcomed death, one that Sae is willing to face as many times as needed as long as Ryusei is the one that awaits him at the end of the tunnel. His instincts and biology preen at the thought.

Sae tightens his arms around Ryusei’s neck and shudders as he cums, making a mess of slick and causing his pheromones to fill the air around them thrice as thick as before. They’re going to need to air this place out soon and burn the sheets. Sae is pretty sure their combined scents are embedded into everything in the room, the apartment even. It’s mostly because of their scents and because they’ve fucked against most of the furniture and walls. Sae’s apartment isn’t much better.

Ryusei groans in response to Sae’s release and his thrusts get sloppy as he cums. He doesn’t knot because he knows there is no time for that. Sae made sure to warn him beforehand and the alpha knows when the omega means business.

“Whatever you’re thinking, keep thinking it,” Ryusei whispers, probably enjoying the sweetness of Sae’s scent given that it's turned thick enough to taste. “I—” he stops himself and shakes his head. He presses a kiss to Sae’s lips and holds the omega close as he comes down from his high. “I’m really glad to have met you, Sae,” he confesses as a soft smile splits his face. “For a long time, I didn’t think anything as exciting as football existed in the world, but then I met you.”

Sae, once again, feels that warm and thick emotion spread through him but it’s overwhelming this time around. A fierce blush spreads through him as he looks into Ryusei’s eyes. He can never seem to stop blushing around Ryusei, it’s such a pain.

Ryusei brings his hands up to cup Sae’s face. He thumbs at Sae’s temples and kisses the omega again, expression tender despite the devilish grin on his face. “You’re so fucking cute when you get flustered!” He smiles. “How do you expect me to leave when you’re acting like this?”

Sae composes himself and frowns. “I’m going to kill you, demon,” he mumbles, but it does nothing to stop the alpha, if anything, it encourages him.

“Fine by me, there’s no one I’d let do the deed,” Ryusei teases, pressing one last kiss to Sae’s lips before he gets off the omega, knowing his limits. He groans unhappily as he stands and stretches.

Sae stretches his legs out and looks over at Ryusei as he sits up on the bed. “You owe me a championship, remember,” he reminds the alpha, enjoying the way the morning light streams into the room from the windows and washes over the man’s tan skin and vivid hair.

“I’m aware and I plan to make good on my word,” Ryusei promises, leaning over the bed to pull Sae into another kiss with a hold around Sae’s nape.

This one is more heated than the last one. It’s all tongue and teeth, making both of their scents become overpowered with arousal again. Sae shivers as Ryusei’s hand slides down his back. They’re playing a dangerous game here.

Sae knows Ryusei has to go soon so he bites down on the alpha’s bottom lip to break the illusion. It works like a charm despite how hot the blood in Sae’s veins is running, eager for another round.

Ryusei hisses and groans as he pulls back, making a show of licking his bottom lip. He pouts but makes his way toward the bathroom to shower before he leaves, once again sporting a hard-on.

“Make sure you make good on your promise too,” Ryusei says to Sae.

Sae scoffs and falls back on the bed, acting as nonchalant when in reality, he knows he’ll make good on his promise. He’ll do so good that Ryusei won’t even see it coming. “You better score a hat trick and win the championship first,” he states, just to make Ryusei react.

Ryusei laughs and leans against the doorway to the bathroom. His expression is enthralled, enough that Sae’s blush threatens to return with a vengeance. “You’re still so mean even after all this time, good thing I like it.”

“Go shower,” Sae orders, rolling to face the other side and pretending his heart isn’t threatening to break his ribs from how hard it is beating.

Sae almost goes blind as the cameras flash at his arrival at the game later that day. He’s wearing sunglasses, dressed for the event, and love marks covered, but it does nothing to deter the flashes from all the cameras considering that they’re coming at him from every angle imaginable. He’s glad when one of his bodyguards offers their arm to help steady him while the others clear people out of his path.

The media lines the walls on either side of the entrance, all shouting and snapping photos of the omega at the same time. It’s overwhelming and Sae is glad he decided not to arrive with his parents. Ryusei’s family had offered to arrive with him as well but if they’re anything like Ryusei, it was probably for the best that Sae arrived alone to avoid an altercation.

He knows handling the media isn’t for everyone. Ryusei and Rin, despite being football stars, still struggle with it.

“Itoshi Sae!”

“Itoshi Sae, look over here!”

“When are you finally going to confirm your relationship with Shidou Ryusei?!”

“If Shidou Ryusei’s team wins, will you be joining the celebration down on the field?!”

“Is it true you and Shidou Ryusei—!”

“—cold prince of Hollywood!”

“—variety show appearance!”

Sae’s bodyguards keep clearing a path for him along with the stadium’s security when the media gets to be too much. It helps block some of them out but not all of them sadly, much to Sae’s annoyance.

“What are your comments in regards to what actor Leonardo Luna has been saying online about you?!”

“Leonardo Luna has mentioned he’d like to reconnect with you but you aren’t willing to meet him halfway, is this true, Itoshi Sae?!”

“Do you condone the vulgarness Shidou Ryusei has used whenever he has responds to Leonardo Luna online?”

The last question almost makes Sae react—almost.

The media is relentless despite the million photos they manage to get, all pestering Sae for a comment but none of them succeed, luckily Sae’s manager and publicist follow behind him, turning the media down.

Sae leaves the crowd behind as he gets escorted into a private terminal that’ll lead him to the suite, one that Ryusei got him, despite the NEL insisting on providing one for him. It’s similar to the one the alpha got him for the first game the omega ever attended.

This time around, Ryusei does not sneak into the suite and pester Sae before the game. He’s busy getting ready and Sae almost wishes the alpha had a moment to spare. Sae cannot believe he’s thinking such a thought, he must still be scent-drunk from earlier.

He’s joined by his manager, publicist, his parents, and eventually, Ryusei’s family. Their meeting goes well and Sae tries to pretend it doesn’t affect him because it makes the omega think of the promise to Ryusei that he’ll be making good on later and suddenly his nerves skyrocket.

The game is intense, it’s a good match-up that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. If the cameras aren’t focusing on the game, they’re panning toward Sae, all eager to get his reaction to whatever is happening down on the field.

It’s not a secret that people attending and those watching at home are wanting to get a peak at the actor, especially now that he’s entangled with one of the country’s most popular athletes. His publicist lets him know they’re already trending online.

Like the previous time, Sae indulges the cameras because it’s good publicity for the league, his so-called relationship with Ryusei, and because the omega knows it’ll piss Leonardo Luna off. It’s a win-win all around for him and his publicist does nothing but encourage him.

Ryusei manages to score a goal while Rin scores two throughout the game. They’re the only goals scored for their team but in the end, it manages to ensure them victory. The packed stadium goes wild with cheers as the final score is called and the celebrations start immediately with Ego, the owner of the league joining the winning team on the field to congratulate them.

Sae and everyone else in the suite get escorted to the field as well. He knows there are hundreds if not thousands of people watching him right now, all eager to see what happens.

The thought of them getting a simple confirmation of Sae and Ryusei’s relationship almost makes the omega laugh. As if Ryusei would ever agree to such a thing, not when the man loves explosions and dramatic reveals. That would be too easy.

No way.

Since Rin scored the winning goal, he’s named the MVP of the match, much to many people’s delight, even Ryusei seems happy for him. It makes Sae feel happy for his brother even if said brother is grumbling as they try to lift him into the air, acting like they’re going to toss him into a tub of acid.

Sae knows Rin better than anyone and he can see, clear as day, the alpha trying to fight a small smile, one that looks similar to one he’d sport as a young child when football was still new to him and every achievement felt like something out of this world.

Rin does look skeptical at Ryusei being happy for him but he doesn’t question it, probably guessing easily as to why Ryusei is acting like that. He’s coming around to Ryusei and it pleases Sae. It shows him that perhaps his relationship with his younger brother can be salvaged. It’ll take time but time is all they have now.

Sae’s so entranced in what’s happening that he gets caught off guard when Ryusei comes up behind him and practically climbs onto his back.

Ryusei’s scent bombards him, made thick and heavy by sweat. Good thing Sae knows how to keep his composure in front of the media because if not, they’d be in trouble. He’s going to absolutely reek of Ryusei’s scent now, not that he minds it too much. He knows for a fact that Ryusei will love that, it's probably why he decided to jump onto Sae despite the entire world watching right now.

“I scored, Eyelashes! Did you see?” He asks as he hangs off Sae’s back, acting like he weighs nothing. He wraps his arms around Sae’s middle.

Sae throws the alpha off and turns to face him. “I told you to score a hat trick,” he reminds the man. “You scored one goal.”

He's mostly teasing. He's beyond happy right now, happy Rin and Ryusei's team was able to win the championship. It's everything Sae wanted from the start.

Ryusei laughs as he stands up, his expression showcasing the happiness he feels at the moment. He walks closer, hands on his hips, and stares Sae down. “I won you the championship though,” he points out. “It’s what you wanted and I delivered.”

Sae looks up, knowing fully well this is the moment people have been waiting for. He can practically feel the cameras focusing in on them.

“You’re playing with fire right now," Sae points out.

Ryusei grins and shrugs a shoulder, not affected in the least. “I know, I’m just giving them a little show, especially that loser Luna,” he admits. “I can't wait to see him foaming at the mouth online later.”

Sae raises his eyebrows in confusion but his question is answered when Ryusei pulls him into a hug and scents the top of his head before releasing him. The sight can be seen as purely platonic but people know nothing they've been doing lately could be classified as friendly.

“You’re so sweet to come and congratulate me, Itoshi Sae!” Ryusei expresses, loud for everyone near them to hear this time. “When you’re here watching me play football, I start throbbing like never before!”

Sae scoffs and pushes Ryusei away with no real strength, hating that he's sporting a fierce blush at the alpha's words.

"Hands off until later, you horny demon," Sae mumbles under his breath.

Ryusei grins, pink eyes sharp with hunger now. "Until later, Eyelashes.

Chapter Text

Sae isn’t surprised in the least when the dating rumors between him and Ryusei skyrocket following the end of the NEL. He finds that he’s quite pleased with it because it means there’s a lot of publicity still surrounding the league in its off-season, and that can only mean potential investors are looking into it.

Ryusei and Rin have been receiving sponsor deals like crazy after being labeled as two of the best players in the league. Rin has been taking everything in stride, eager to conquer and become the best. Ryusei, on the other hand, has decided to take some time off, not caring in the least for the potential funds he is missing out on, too busy waking up to drooling on Sae for the time being, or doodling in his free time.

Sae encouraged Ryusei to go after them, but Ryusei insists that if they don’t have anything to do with scoring explosive goals or Sae, he doesn’t care to put much effort or attention toward it.

As for Sae, it's creating more buzz around his upcoming movie's premiere and has casting directors offering his pretentious auditions for roles that haven’t even been announced to agencies yet. He’s even been offered the chance to walk at some fashion shows, but he’s not interested in that at the moment, choosing to focus on the upcoming premiere of his movie and promotions.

He’s being called one of the most influential actors of the year, which he knows must eat Leonardo Luna alive. Of course, nothing he does is for anyone but himself, but he does take great pride in knowing someone who’s been actively talking badly about him every chance they get is nowhere near the receiving end of all the good that has fallen on Sae’s plate since he met Ryusei.

“You should thank me,” Rin grumbles one morning following the end of the league.

It’s a rare day off for the young alpha, so he’d invited Sae out for breakfast. Sae had been surprised at the offer but had accepted, knowing that if he wanted them to have a better relationship, things had to start somewhere.

So they’re getting breakfast before Rin has to depart, claiming he has personal errands to run, but the flush on his face tells Sae he’s headed to spend the day with a certain someone that he’s yet to introduce to his brother. Rin says it’ll be soon, and Sae is content to wait, figuring this person must be special to his brother, given how protective and secretive he’s being.

He doesn’t want to push Rin, given that the alpha has been more than patient with the omega’s choice of partner.

Sae never thought the day would come when Rin cared about someone as much as he cared about that stuffed owl the alpha was gifted when he was young. He’d drool on that thing every chance he got, sinking his little alpha teeth into it, and carried it everywhere.

At the time, Sae thought it was gross and hated when the drool-covered owl touched him or was anywhere near him on car rides, but now that he looks back at it, it’s one of the cutest things Rin has ever done.

“Why would I do something like that?” Sae asks, taking a sip of his matcha, giving his brother a perplexed gaze.

“Because,” Rin explains as he eats. “It’s because of me you met that insect you’re so infatuated with.”

Sae almost drops his matcha. “I am not infatuated with him,” he lies through his teeth.

Rin gives him a deadpan stare. “You absolutely reek of him,” he points out, wrinkling his nose. “I can’t remember the last time you ever let someone get close enough to scent you, so clearly, you have to be infatuated.”

“I guess it takes one to know one,” Sae decides to pay his brother’s little game. There’s a faint omega scent coming off Rin. “You reek of omega.”

Rin frowns and blushes a dark red as the two brothers shoot death stares at each other. “Shut up and eat your food,” he hisses.

Sae hides the smile that threatens to spread across his face with his matcha at the mention of Ryusei’s scent on him. It’s already bad enough that his scent flares with interest any time he thinks of the alpha while they’re apart. He’s acting like he didn’t see the alpha this morning when he woke up. “If I remember correctly, you didn’t even want me to go to the banquet.”

“Well, for good reason,” Rin mumbles. “Most of my teammates are lukewarm alphas with half a brain at best, I knew they were going to be insufferable if you showed up since they hadn’t stopped bringing you up once they learned we were related.” He moves his head to the side. “Minus that insect, he never cared that much, so I thought I didn’t have to worry about him if you ever came around, so imagine my surprise when he became obsessed with you after meeting you one time.”

“He is not obsessed with me,” Sae defends his boyfriend’s honor.

“He is obsessed with you, and if you keep indulging him, it’s only going to get worse,” Rin points out. “But that being said, I guess I’m glad he’s the one you ended up with out of all those idiots. He’s not that bad at the end of the day.”

“Well, I’m glad you think highly of him since he’s not going anywhere,” Sae taunts.

“As long as he makes you happy, I guess it’s fine,” Rin confesses, never failing to surprise Sae.

There’s still tension in their relationship, but it’s getting better, slowly. A few months ago, Sae would’ve never imagined this would be their reality, but he’s happy. It’s cheesy to think that a lot of the shitty parts of his life started taking a turn for the best once Ryusei stepped into the picture.

Sae isn’t a big believer in fate, no, he believes destiny is something you must chase and hunger after. But Ryusei, it’s different, the alpha feels like he was always meant to be in Sae’s life.

Of course, with all the good comes the rest following the end of the NEL league. It’s as if every gossip and celebrity site is breathing down Sae’s manager’s neck, Ryusei’s too, asking them to confirm Sae and Ryusei’s relationship status, all of them eager to get the first scoop.

Magazines are offering big money to be able to publish the news first as well, but Sae and Ryusei aren’t biting, Ryusei especially, no matter how much they’re offering. Sae thinks the alpha just enjoys watching people squirm in desperation, and well, the omega would be a liar if he denied enjoying it too.

Leonardo Luna is surely having a mental breakdown at hearing the rumors of Sae and Ryusei turning down the offers. He still won’t stop talking about them, now claiming Sae must be hurting for money if he’s resorting to letting a feral alpha have a go at him.

Ryusei is petty, far too much, because he’ll just add fuel to the fire whenever Leonardo makes a stupid comment by posting things online that only manage to escalate the situation. Leonardo is a fool if he thinks he can win whatever game he’s playing against Ryusei. If Sae cared enough, he might let Leonardo know that or give him a hint.

All of that aside, the time to announce their relationship is coming soon; people will just have to wait for the confirmation from the main sources, no matter how much Sae’s management pleads with him to take the money. Ryusei, for one, is having too much fun seeing people speculate about them.

Most of them are all wrong, creating these elaborate stories about how the alpha and omega met and fell in love, trying to one-up each other. Some of them have even resorted to asking Rin about it during interviews, to which the alpha will ignore the question after shooting them a death glare.

A person would think Rin’s off-putting personality would hurt him, but it does the opposite. People seem to love his gloomy demeanor, claiming that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, given who his brother is.

The last interview and show appearance Sae just did also tried to sneak in the question, but the omega made it clear, one question regarding his relationship status, and he’d be leaving. They don’t call him the cold prince for nothing, after all.

“I like this one,” Ryusei mumbles as he scrolls through his phone. “Listen to this bullshit, —Itoshi Sae found himself caught in a vicious love triangle earlier this year, but ended up choosing the dark horse of an alpha, footballer Shidou Ryusei, over his long-time lover and admirer, Leonardo Luna. No one would’ve ever guessed he would make such a wild card of a choice, but the heart wants what it wants in the end—”

Sae rolls his eyes at the stupidity of the online tabloid. “Let them speculate, they’re all idiots anyway.”

Ryusei locks his phone and tosses it somewhere on the couch. He leans over and snakes an arm around Sae’s midsection, burying his face in the omega’s neck.

He hasn’t mentioned Sae making good on his promise since the day of the championship game, but he’s been far clingier. Sae hasn’t mentioned it either, but it’s only because he’s waiting for the right moment, and finally, after some waiting, it’s arriving soon.

In two days, Ryusei has a meeting with his manager to go over some logistical things since the alpha will be joining Sae overseas for his movie premiere and promotions.

Since the meeting will take place on the side of the city where Sae’s apartment is located, they’ve decided they’ll meet up afterward there. It’ll be the perfect time. Sae can’t picture a better place to make good on his promise than in his apartment, in his nest where he tends to feel the safest.

Despite Sae’s confidence, he’s feeling rather nervous about the whole thing. Leave it to him to let nerves overtake him when it comes to his relationship. It’s such lukewarm behavior, he can’t believe one feral alpha has managed to bring it out of him. He’d surely thought he’d left that in the past, but clearly not.

“I don’t know, it’s kind of romantic,” Ryusei teases, pressing a kiss to Sae’s neck to bring the omega out of his thoughts. “They’re making me out to be like Cinderella, getting chosen by the prince.”

Sae closes his eyes and threads a hand through Ryusei’s hair, currently messy following a shower amongst other things. He looks good like this, with his hair down, domestic and tamed. “They’re only saying that because Luna keeps inserting himself into the narrative, which he isn’t, and hasn’t been for years.”

Ryusei laughs against Sae’s neck, making goosebumps rise on the omega’s skin from the sensation. “Yeah, and he’s a fucking loser for trying so hard, hence why I like what the article was saying,” he snorts. “I want him to know he lost.”

“He can’t lose something he never had,” Sae mumbles, making Ryuisei hum in agreement. “He needs to stop living in the past, and even then, nothing happened.”

They’re lazing around in Ryusei’s living room, watching Rin stumble through interview after interview on some sports casting network before heading to bed. He’s currently overseas doing promotional work for some of the brands that have picked him up, and of course, no one will miss a chance to get an interview with one of the hottest footballers of the moment.

“Look at Rin-rin, he’s actually managing to behave and answer all the questions,” Ryusei praises the younger alpha. “I can’t believe I’ve actually lived to see the day.”

Sae tightens his hand in Ryusei’s hair, making the alpha playfully growl. Ryusei is acting like he doesn’t constantly curse on live television whenever they interview him following games.

“Careful,” Ryusei warns as his scent grows aroused. He mouths at Sae’s neck. “You know I like it when you’re mean to me, Eyelashes.”

“You’re insatiable,” Sae scoffs as if his own scent isn’t turning aroused as well.

“I think you like it,” Ryusei teases, pressing his fingers into Sae’s side in an attempt to make the omega laugh.

A soft smile pulls at the corners of his lips as he takes the moment in, feeling domestic here, with Ryusei wrapped around him. It’s oddly sweet and endearing, making his nerves from earlier fade away.

It doesn’t stay sweet for long because Ryusei pulls Sae into his lap, and whatever they were watching on the television and the mention of the stupid tabloid article are long forgotten.

The speculations don’t stop in the following days; if anything, they grow more dramatic and elaborate, sounding more like fictional stories and plots to romance movies than anything even remotely close to the truth.

Leonardo Luna refuses to stop inserting himself into the narrative, acting like he doesn’t care about it but commenting about it every chance he gets. It’s clearly getting under his skin still, and well, anything that rubs that alpha raw does wonders to make Sae’s day.

Sae has concluded that it must be an ego thing because he does not understand the alpha’s obsession with him. Ryusei insists that talking shit about Sae online is the only way Leonardo stays relevant so that must be the case, not that he’s happy about it. Sae suspects Leonardo is jealous. Perhaps Leonardo thought that Sae would one day come asking for a real relationship after reaching the alpha’s level of popularity, but that clearly hadn’t been the case. Sae isn’t attracted to lukewarm alphas that lack confidence.

There is a lot of discourse that believes whatever is going on with Sae, Ryusei, and Leonardo is a love triangle, and honestly, they could not be any more wrong if they tried. Some people believe Sae would be better off with a nicer, tamed alpha like Leonardo, but sadly for them, Sae likes his alphas unorthodox and nearly feral.

Ryusei is different, he doesn’t fit into what people consider socially acceptable. His fashion choices outside of football prove that, as well as his erratic hair. Sae likes it, though, likes everything Ryusei has to offer.

It’s funny in a way because the media for the last couple of years has been calling Sae stuck up for a number of reasons, but one of them being that he didn’t date, and now that he’s potentially dating, they claim that it's not with the ideal person for him.

They fail to consider that Sae doesn’t want someone like Leonardo Luna. They fail to see that Sae likes his alphas with potential, almost feral, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the prize, let it be football or whatever else they have their sights set on.

People are stupid because Sae has never once given the impression that he cares to fit into what’s considered socially acceptable, considering that he is far from the typical omega. So, why in the world would his choice in partner fit what society deems acceptable? He will never understand.

Ryusei didn’t like those articles one bit and made it known by slotting himself between Sae’s legs, staying there until they were both covered in sweat and Ryusei’s scent covered every part of Sae’s body. He can be so pouty at times, despite his demeanor, Sae finds it cute.

Sae isn’t nervous.

He isn’t nervous.

He can do this, he isn’t nervous.

Everything will be fine. He’s been waiting for the perfect moment to arrive, and it’s here. He knows it’s the right time, every instinct inside him tells him so. He’s never felt more sure about anything.

Ryusei is the one for him; he’s positive, more certain than he’s ever been about anything else in his life, and he rarely does anything he isn’t completely sure about. This man has gone to the ends of the earth to please him and do whatever it takes for the omega to even acknowledge him. He’ll be a good mate, his instincts wouldn’t steer him wrong about something such as this.

There is no one else Sae wants more than Ryusei in this life.

Sae’s instincts have been on high alert as of late, preening every time Ryusei is near, especially when the alpha is touching him. They want Ryusei to mate Sae, sink his teeth into the omega’s neck until they’re bonded.

Even Sae’s dreams are filled with Ryusei these days, dreams where they bond and he confesses the love he feels. He’ll awaken with a deep flush and a sweet scent to him, a scent that has Ryusei wrapping around him.

“What are you thinking about so hard?” Ryusei whispers, pressing a soft kiss to Sae’s temple from where he’s curled around the omega. He uses his thumb to smooth the skin between Sae’s eyebrows. “Hm?”

They’re in Sae’s nest, tangled together in a mess of limbs after finishing dinner and washing up for the night. It was a nice dinner, one of Ryusei’s favorite dishes, not that the alpha paid it much attention, far too busy trying to pull Sae into his lap after the long day they spent apart.

Sae had fought him about it, telling him to behave, acting like his instincts weren’t preening on the inside at having the alpha with him again, knowing what was to come.

It’d been hard acting like it was just a regular night they were spending together, this time in Sae’s apartment. As if Sae didn’t spend the entire day getting ready for what’s to come, both physically and emotionally.

He’s positive he tore his nest down and reconstructed it at least ten times, stressing about where to place every item of clothing and blanket. He needed it to be just right, the feeling akin to when he prepared for an upcoming heat. His instincts demanded perfection and wouldn’t settle for anything less.

It’s a special night, Ryusei just doesn’t know it yet, but soon, he will.

“You,” Sae whispers in response, happy that the only light streaming into the bedroom from the outside is dim.

He doesn’t get flustered easily, but whenever it involves Ryusei, there’s no escaping it. Ryusei loves to tease him about it, far too much, always one to treasure the sight of a flustered Sae.

“Oh?” Ryusei grins, kissing Sae’s temple again, sloppy and dramatic. “What a coincidence, cause I’m thinking about you too, I’ve been thinking about you all day actually,” he confesses, rubbing his nose against the omega to scent him. They’ve been scenting since the alpha arrived, but it hasn’t been enough for him, apparently, always wanting to go above and beyond. “But I did get everything done I needed to do, so I’m ready to follow you anywhere during my off season until training starts up again,” he adds. “I’m all yours, Eyelashes.”

Sae hums, gasping in surprise when Ryusei grabs and spins them around in the nest until the alpha is lying flat on his back with the omega on top of him. Ryusei does live for the dramatics, after all. It’s rare that there’s ever a dull moment whenever they’re together.

“Ryusei!” Sae scolds him, but there’s no real heat behind it.

“I would say I’m sorry, but I missed you all day today,” Ryusei tries to justify his actions, bracing a hand on the back of Sae’s nape and wrapping an arm around Sae’s waist. “I can’t help it,” he defends himself, running his nose along Sae’s jaw to scent him some more.

“Brute,” Sae mumbles, cupping Ryusei’s face as he straddles the alpha.

“You didn’t miss me, not even a little bit?” Ryusei grins, showing off his teeth.

Sae swallows, knowing where those things will be before the end of the night. His scent turns thick with want, making Ryusei’s scent turn heavy with arousal in response.

Ryusei uses his hold on Sae’s nape to bring them together for a kiss. It’s soft, to Sae’s surprise, making him melt against the alpha. Ryusei’s hand settles on one of his hips, gripping him tightly.

“It’s okay, Eyelashes, you don’t have to say it, I can just tell,” Ryusei whispers, pressing another kiss to Sae’s lips, then another, until Sae threatens to bite him when he gets too flustered by the alpha’s affection. “I know you.”

”Yeah,” Sae whispers back, kissing Ryusei again, this time, it’s needier, heavier, making Ryusei groan as Sae devours him with newfound hunger. “You do.”

Sae licks into Ryusei’s mouth, desperate, knowing what’s to come and eager to get close to the alpha. His instincts fuel him, filling him with want, making him feel akin to when he’s in heat. His hip feels electric where Ryusei is touching him, wanting more already.

He’d never understood before how some people claimed to lose themselves to instinct when they became enamored by someone, but he gets it now. He’d never admit it, but when Ryusei’s sharp pink eyes look at him, he turns into a pile of mush. It’s such lukewarm behavior.

Ryusei kisses him back with just as much enthusiasm as his alpha pheromones cloud the air around them. His hold on Sae tightens, making the omega preen.

Sae moans as their scents surround them, pressing harder against Ryusei, wanting more. He practically beams when Ryusei twists them in the nest, caging the omega under him. He’d never admit it out loud, but he loves this, being surrounded by Ryusei. He loves the alpha’s scent and touch, it’s overpowering in the best way.

He doesn’t hold back; he reaches forward to wrap his arms around Ryusei’s neck and pulls him in. He wraps his legs around the alpha’s waist, too, for good measure. Yet, his instincts tell him it’s not enough; they need more, so much more. It’s as if that’s the only worry in his mind.

Ryusei keeps his hold on Sae’s neck, thumbing at the omega’s scent gland. The touch makes Sae groan against the kiss, even more when Ryusei pushes harder against it.

The alpha presses his body weight onto Sae, slotting himself perfectly between Sae’s legs. He starts moving his hips in a slow rhythm that has Sae matching his movements in an instant, eager to chase the feeling.

Sae’s head spins at the feel of Ryusei’s erection rubbing against him through their clothes. He starts slicking in response, ruining his shorts at record speed. Perhaps tomorrow he’ll feel embarrassed about this, but that’s the furthest thing from his mind right now.

“Only me,” Ryusei whispers, biting at Sae’s bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth, grinding faster against him. “No one else.”

Sae nods, pulling at Ryusei’s shirt until the alpha gets the hint and tosses it off in one swift movement. He makes sure to pull Sae’s shirt off as well before returning to his former spot. Like this, it’s skin pressed against skin, fueling Sae’s greed.

“I want you,” Sae murmurs, gazing up into Ryusei’s eyes. “Now.”

Ryusei grins again, raining kisses all over Sae’s face. It’s as if he can’t get enough of the omega whenever he gets his hands on him. Sae likes it, though, likes how possessive and brutish his alpha is when it comes to him. They complement each other so well, almost scarily so.

“Yeah, baby, whatever you want,” Ryusei mumbles, sucking on the edge of Sae’s jaw. He licks all over, returning to Sae’s lips for a moment to kiss him again, leaving behind a mess.

For as impatient as Ryusei tends to act, he has his moments of tenderness when it comes to Sae. He’s gentle as he gets them naked and takes his time to get Sae ready, thrusting his fingers into Sae until the omega is soaked and his legs are beginning to tremble from it.

His touch is gentle, but his eyes are hungry.

Ryusei makes a show of sucking his slick covered fingers into his mouth, pink eyes bright as he locks gazes with Sae during the process. He’s messy with it, licking between his fingers before thrusting back into Sae once more, spreading his scent anywhere he can reach.

The sight has Sae drooling and leaking with anticipation. He fists the nest, trying to keep himself level-headed, but it’s a fight he’s quickly losing.

“Ryusei,” Sae hisses, knowing he must look like a mess right now. His eyes are glazed over, and his skin is flushed and tingling with anticipation. He extends a leg and presses against Ryusei’s thigh. “…Please,” he whispers.

“I like it when you get like this ‘cause it always gets me throbbing in return, everywhere,” Ryusei confesses, pulling his fingers free and reaching down to stroke his cock, achingly hard, as he gets settled in between Sae’s legs. His hair is down right now, falling into his eyes. He looks like a dream, making Sae’s heart almost burst at the sight of him. “You’re so cute, Eyelashes, and all mine.”

Ryusei groans as he fists himself, giving his cock a few more strokes. His slick, covered fingers make the ordeal easy and smooth. He moves the head of his cock up and down Sae’s ass, smearing precum all over him. It creates a bigger mess between Sae’s legs since he’s already covered in slick and still leaking.

Sae almost drools at the sight of it all.

Then, Ryusei is there, pressing the tip of his cock against Sae’s hole, gritting his teeth as Sae sucks him in. He goes in slowly, mostly to tease but also to enjoy it. He’d confessed it once to Sae, claiming he loved how tight the omega wrapped around him and squeezed.

“Fuck,” Ryusei growls, slowly pressing the rest of it in until he bottoms out and they’re flushed together. His eyes roll into the back of his head. “You feel so good. I could die a happy man right here,” he mumbles, licking at his bottom lip as he gives the omega a moment to adjust. “In this life and the next.”

Sae grabs Ryusei by the shoulders and pulls him toward him. Ryusei goes easily, settling on his forearms on either side of the omega’s head.

“Shut up,” Sae mumbles, but the word gets stuck in his throat because Ryusei takes that moment to pull out before snapping back in one quick thrust.

It makes Sae’s mind blank for a moment, thoughts replaced by nothing but hot white pleasure.

Ryusei fucks Sae like he’s trying to score a goal on the field and there’s only a few minutes left, determined and focused. He makes Sae see stars as he thrusts in and out, aided by the stamina of a professional athlete. There is no stopping him once he’s started, not that Sae would ever dream of it.

Sae clutches at Ryusei’s back, digging his fingers into the alpha’s shoulder blades as he holds on. He keeps his nose buried in Ryusei’s neck, getting his fill of the alpha’s scent until he gets a little lightheaded from it, but even that doesn’t stop him.

“Ryusei,” Sae whispers, licking at Ryusei’s neck.

His voice is unusually soft, full of emotion as he wraps his legs tightly around the alpha and digs his fingers in further.

“What is it, baby?” Ryusei mumbles into Sae’s shoulder as he keeps thrusting into him. His hands sneak down and wrap around Sae’s waist, keeping the omega steady while his hips snap forward. “What do you want?”

“Do you remember—you asked me what winning the championship would get you,” Sae recalls, gasping when Ryusei speeds up his thrusts.

He braces, toes curling in response, feeling drool gather in the corners of his lips. His instincts are focused right now, eager as they wait, knowing what’s about to happen. It makes Sae sensitive, and every touch and thrust feels ten times better.

Ryusei nods against the skin on Sae’s shoulder, kissing him there. “I remember,” he whispers, scraping his teeth over the area he just kissed. “Do I finally get to know what it is?”

Sae nods, digging a hand into Ryusei’s hair as the sound of their skin slapping against each other fills the room.

“Before I tell, there’s something—something I want you to know beforehand,” Sae manages to say as Ryusei keeps jackhammering into him, breaking his concentration for a moment.

“What is it?” Ryusei whispers, kissing Sae’s neck again. “Hm?”

His scent pulsates with adoration as he kisses the omega, making Sae melt in his arms.

“Ryusei,” Sae whispers, feeling oddly vulnerable as he prepares to confess something that’s been on his mind for some time now. It’s an odd feeling, but he tries his best to suppress it and move forward. He knows it’ll be fine, and knows that Ryusei is the only person he’d allow himself to express such a feeling to either way. “I–I love you,” he confesses, words barely audible.

Ryusei stops moving, going completely still as he cups Sae’s face and presses their foreheads together. His eyes are blown wide, staring at Sae as if the omega has suddenly sprouted dragon wings and taken flight. “What?”

Sae swallows and looks into Ryusei’s gaze. “I love you.”

Ryusei blinks once, twice, then he kisses Sae. Sae can’t help but gasp into the kiss, overwhelmed by how tender it is and how sweet it is.

Slowly, Ryusei pulls away, staring into Sae’s eyes with so much unexpected emotion that it takes the omega by surprise.

“Sae,” Ryusei whispers, kissing the corners of Sae’s lips. “I love you, too,” he confesses, grinning like the demon that he is, one Sae has come to love. “I’ve loved you for a while now.”

Sae can’t help but smile softly in return, heart aching at Ryusei’s confession. His instincts practically vibrate under his skin.

“There’s no one else I want to be with in this world but you,” Ryusei admits. “I wasn’t kidding when I said nothing had excited me until you came along, well aside from football and scoring goals,” he adds, grinning again. “But you, you were different, I knew it the first time I saw you at that banquet.”

Braced with newfound confidence by Ryusei’s reaction and confession, Sae decides it's time to reveal Ryusei’s real prize.

“Bite me,” Sae requests, making a show of offering his neck to the alpha, acting like he isn’t offering something as meaningful as a mating bite. “That’s what you get in return for winning…and because I love you,” he adds on, blushing like he didn’t just confess that moments ago.

Ryusei’s eyes go wide, nearly popping out of his head at that request. He doesn’t look like he believes it for a moment, but he doesn’t take his eyes off Sae’s neck either. Seeing this shocked expression on him is new, and Sae finds that he likes it, perhaps a little too much.

Sae knows the implication of what he’s offering right now. It’s a big commitment, they’re essentially about to get married in the old school traditional way of their early ancestors. They’ll be mated for life, until one of them chooses to remove their mark, but that doesn’t look very likely.

“Sae,” Ryusei hisses as his hips start to move again, this time at a punishing speed. It’s so feral that it makes Sae tighten around him and cry out. “Sae.”

Sae reaches forward and braces his hand on the back of Ryusei’s nape. He pulls Ryusei forward and nestles the alpha into the crook of his neck, right where he wants the mark. His lips part, and his eyes close as Ryusei keeps thrusting into him, gripping his waist in a tight hold.

“I trust you, I want you,” Sae confesses, scruffing Ryusei. “Please.”

Ryusei goes still for a moment, then he growls deeply and opens his mouth. He slots his teeth over Sae’s scent gland and bites down, hard enough to puncture the gland in one go. His hold on Sae’s waist is like iron now, and his thrusts relax in pace, now deep and slow.

Sae gasps and his eyebrows furrow together, feeling a mixture of white, hot pleasure and pain shoot down his spine as Ryusei digs his teeth into him. It’s unlike anything he’s ever felt, but it’s good, so good, making him feel complete, like he’d been aching for the other half of him until this moment.

His instincts come alive, preening, and his scent goes wild, as if he’s in the midst of heat. He presses Ryusei’s head harder against him, cumming from it all but even then Ryusei doesn’t stop thrusting into him.

It’s when the bite takes that Ryusei’s knot starts to form. Then he’s thrusting with more purpose until he manages to lock them together and cum inside Sae, keeping his teeth embedded in the omega.

Ryusei’s scent pulsates with happiness and possessiveness, keeping his teeth dug in as hard as he can, slotting them together for years to come.

Sae preens and gently threads his hands through Ryusei’s hair. He’s happy, so happy.

Once Ryusei releases him, after licking the bite clean, it’s Sae’s turn to bite.

The moment his teeth sink into Ryuse’s scent gland, Sae’s instincts invigorate as he completes the bond.

“Fuck!” Ryusei growls, and the grin is evident in his voice, crushing Sae against him in a tight embrace as if they’re not already knotted together in the messy nest. “I love you so much,” he professes, knot pulsating inside the omega. “That was great, better than any explosive goal I’ve ever scored.”

Sae sinks his teeth deeper into the bite in response, making Rysei’s breath catch in his throat.

“You know I like it when you’re rough,” Ryusei grunts, digging his fingers into Sae’s waist before going back to mouthing at the bite he left on the omega.

It’s a good night.

Sae hadn’t planned on seeing his parents or Rin before departing overseas, but well, despite not being very conventional, Ryusei insists on seeing them, given their recent development.

He claims he wants to do this right and prove to Sae’s family that he can be a good alpha, despite what the majority of the media and Rin believe. Sae promises him it’s fine, but the alpha won’t hear it, at least not this time.

Ryusei had already given his family the news, and Sae could hear the response from where he’d lingered close by after completing his morning routine, given how loud the Shidou family tends to be. They’d seem happy and not the least bit surprised, claiming they knew the couple wouldn’t wait until the end of the year.

It’d flustered Sae, but they weren’t wrong. No way could they have lasted any longer before biting each other.

Sae’s parents nearly faint at the news of Sae and Ryusei’s mating. They’d thought they were only having lunch at Sae’s apartment, which wasn’t a lie since that was what the omega had invited them over for. He’d just omitted telling that Ryusei would be joining them…along with some news. News such as this was meant to be shared in person.

But it just so happens that some important biology lessons slipped Sae’s mind in the chaos of it all.

They hadn’t seen anyone since they mated a day ago, mainly because they’ll be leaving to go overseas in the morning, so Sae wanted to take advantage and keep Ryusei in his nest while he still had the chance. His instincts had practically demanded it, and well, the alpha had been more than happy to comply with his omega’s request.

It’d been nice to treasure the small moment of peace before returning to the noise.

But when Sae’s parents walk into Sae’s apartment, they freeze at the sight of him.

It turns out, a mating bite changes your scent to a noticeable amount. Of course, Sae didn’t notice it because his nest always smells like a mixture of his and Ryusei’s scent. His parents, however, notice it immediately. They don’t even need to see his shiny, new bite hidden under Sae’s turtleneck.

There’s disbelief on his parents’ faces, and for a moment, Sae worries his father might faint from how quickly the blood leaves his face.

“I—”

Sae doesn’t get a chance to say more because Rin comes barreling into the apartment after stepping aside their parents and barely manages to kick off his shoes before hunting down Ryusei.

The murderous glint in Rin’s eyes is as obvious as his fake ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude he wears at times.

“Are you serious?!” Rin demands, trying to murder Ryusei in Sae’s apartment and almost knocking over a bookshelf. “I was just starting to think you weren’t even that bad, then you go and do this!”

Ryusei doesn’t seem bothered; he grins and easily dodges Rin’s hits, proudly showing off his bite from Sae. “Come on, Rin-rin, we’re practically family now,” he teases the younger alpha. “Besides, you’re acting like your big brother didn’t bite me back.”

Those words only manage to fuel Rin’s anger, and for a moment, Sae worries he’ll have to clean up a crime scene before leaving for his flight in the morning.

Sae can’t wait to see how the rest of the world reacts to the news if this is his little brother’s response.