Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The fact that a human like Iruma had shown omega-like characteristics left all the residents of Sullivan Mansion surprised and speechless. Outside, however, the demonstration of the first omega-like characteristics was greeted without particular concern. This could be due to many causes, including prolonged exposure to the Netherworld environment after more than a year of living there.

Iruma explained to a desperate, tearful Sullivan and an Opera with their feline ears and tail raised, that humans did not have secondary genders like demons. Had the mutation begun and ended there? The two adults wondered, while Iruma waited patiently for explanations about what having a secondary gender, and being an omega above all, entailed.

Opera, who despite their initial shock, began to patiently and calmly explain everything Iruma would need to know from that day on, was interrupted by Sullivan when the subject of mate and mating began. "My innocent grandson doesn't need to know this rubbish! Just keep him away from any ill-thinking alphas or betas!" Sullivan stated, hugging the young human tightly and covering his ears with his long, thin hands. Opera temporarily gave up, not wanting to openly contradict their master, but they knew that the subject would have to be addressed sooner rather than later.

In Babyls, the news spread quickly. Everyone expected that Iruma would show the secondary character of a beta, some that he would be an alpha. Asmodeus shed tears of sincere regret, but he quickly reassured Iruma that he could become the Demon King anyway. Secretly, Asmodeus did not disapprove at all of the news about the secondary gender of the blue haired boy. Asmodeus knew that relationships between alphas and alphas or between alphas and betas were possible, even if with some difficulty. Alpha and omega were the best combination for the two of them, because Asmodeus and Iruma were already a thing.

Only Clara, being their soulmate, had been informed about this. Not long before the revelation of Iruma's secondary gender, Asmodeus had managed to find the courage and the effrontery to declare his feelings to the blue haired boy. He gave the young human a blue flame amaryllis as a gift, along with the explicit and unmistakable declaration of his feelings. Iruma, moved and genuinely a little confused because it was the first time someone had confessed romantic feelings to him, accepted all three gifts: the blue flame flower, the young demon's heart, and with them him as mate.

By mutual agreement, the demon and the human decided to temporarily keep their relationship hidden. They didn't want to disrupt the environment at Babyls too much, nor risk incurring the wrath of the teachers and especially Kalego, nor have to face the reaction of their respective families.

Their relationship was very chaste and calm, made of kisses on the back of the hand or on the cheek, whispered words and a constant presence at each other's side. Apart from the first two displays of affection, which were supported in secret or in the company of Clara who in turn gave and received kisses of affection, no one noticed the difference between before and after.

"Azz-Azz-kun is always attached to Iruma-kun, they seem glued together" Lied often said, pointing at the two classmates, not hiding a hint of envy. He wasn't interested in the boys nor did he suspect that there was something between the two, but he also wanted to have a similar relationship with Elizabetta.

Not much had changed since Iruma was revealed to be an omega. In fact, the lack of a secondary gender could be a source of suspicion, so Iruma was secretly glad to have that small, unique trait typical of demons. In that way, in fact, he felt closer to the demons he loved.

The situation became peculiar when Iruma had his first heat. Kalego, as alpha, had to resort to Cerberus to quickly empty the Royal One. The scent of Iruma's pheromones were so strong that they caught the attention of anyone, even from hundreds of meters away. Iruma, even more so now that he showed omega characteristics, seemed like a delicious morsel that any demon, regardless of their secondary gender, would have wanted to at least take a bite of. As a human and as an omega, Iruma was really the ultimate temptation.

Kalego had to carry Iruma under his left arm, wrapped in his teacher's uniform jacket to limit as much as possible the emanation of his pheromones, flying toward the Principal room. Sullivan and Opera immediately became alert, listening to the homeroom teacher's report. Opera carried Iruma home holding him in their arms, because the heat had made him less reactive and unable to walk for long.

Once at Sullivan mansion, Iruma understood what it really meant to be an omega. Iruma, for six long days, was tormented by a slight but persistent fever, from mild cramping, an increase in the production of pheromones caused by the fact that the other two demons present in the house were both betas and not alphas. To Iruma's great embarrassment, his body began to produce slick, a discovery he made during the first night when he woke up feeling his pajama pants almost soaked.

Since it was his first heat, like other demons his age, and because he was so young, it was not advisable to give him a suppressant, so Iruma had to endure the heat from start to finish. His appetite was greatly affected, causing him to experience alternating hunger peaks and hunger drops throughout the day and night. A pain in his lower abdomen made it difficult for him to sleep, and he was constantly sweating due to a slight fever. All visits were forbidden.

Iruma felt that his body needed something, but he couldn't name it. He had grown up with constant shortages: of food, of water, of money, of safety, of affection. For this reason, this new craving was a total and incomprehensible mystery to him.

When his heat ended, Iruma breathed a sigh of relief. It was as if nothing or almost nothing had happened. Sullivan changed the formula of the demon perfume that Iruma wore every day, improved to hide his omega scent and cover his pheromones as much as possible. Iruma thanked the demon and accepted the new bottle with gratitude… and a certain amount of embarrassment, which forced him to keep his gaze down.

When he had started to feel better and more lucid, Opera had taken advantage of the moment to explain to him what heat was, what caused it, and everything that came after. At the age of fifteen, despite having burned lewd magazines as a child to warm himself on the coldest nights and despite the constant allusions from Lied and Kamui, Iruma learned what sex and intimacy between two individuals were. Opera would have also liked to explain to him the issue of an omega's pregnancy and how it worked, but seeing Iruma overloaded with information they decided to postpone that other long explanation.

Shaken by his first heat and by that cascade of information, Iruma had a bit of trouble approaching Asmodeus the first few days back in Babyls. Embarrassment that Asmodeus understood and shared perfectly with the blue haired boy, even though he had been informed long ago by his mother, with an embarrassing mother-son speech about sexuality that still brought him indelible shame.

For a while, the physical affection stopped. They had recently learned how to kiss on the lips, how not to chatter their teeth, how to use their tongues, and how to pause for breath. Asmodeus had always been confident in his ability to control himself, but since Iruma had revealed himself as an omega and especially after his first heat, this control seemed to have gone from the most resistant steel to the uncatchable sand that slipped between fingers.

Iruma was still a little shaken by the heat, so they both agreed to limit physical contact. Except for Clara. Hugging and kissing Clara on her cheeks was always fine.

Iruma was still discovering what it meant to have a secondary gender, when he came into contact with the notion of another type of heat in the most unexpected way, as well as the unexpected consequences. Iruma had become an omega like the demons, but he was still human. His senses were like those of humans. He couldn't notice the famous scents that the demons around him often talked about.

If Iruma had been able to sense the scents caused by the different states of emotions of the demons, maybe he wouldn't have made that decision that day.

"Danger sense" ability worked for when there was an approaching danger, a source of physical suffering, to help him avoid the pain. It wasn't a radar that worked on everything, otherwise it would have warned Iruma not to approach an alpha in rut.

That day, Iruma had finished his usual reading session of "Hatsukoi Memories" with Ameri. Asmodeus had advised that he would train a bit with Sabnock, because he hadn't fought anyone in a while and didn't want his fighting techniques to rust. "Even more so since Babyls is full of cowardly alphas or betas who might try to harm you. As your mate, Iruma-sama, it’s my duty to protect you!" Asmodeus explained to him, recommending him to always stay with a trusted alpha like Ameri or betas like Clara, or a small beta pack as the Boku trio.

The Misfits in general enjoyed his trust in this sense, because Asmodeus knew well that Iruma was considered by them to be their unofficial leader and that they were fond of him. Asmodeus was jealous of Iruma and often showed it against Sabnock, whose “crime” was being one of the few alphas among the Misfits and above all an alpha very close to Iruma, but nothing too serious.

There were no Magitools Battle activities that day, so Iruma went to look for Clara. By chance, while walking down the next corridor, he came across Sabnock. The giant, muscular demon was scratched and bruised here and there, and he was huffing and puffing while rubbing his left wrist.

"Sabnock-kun! What happened to you?" Iruma asked worriedly, running towards him. Iruma instinctively feared for Asmodeus, since the two demons were together. "My rival, there you are" Sabnock exclaimed "That crazy Asmodeus…! Is out of control today, our sparring has become a fight to the last blow. Of course one such as I came out on top, but it was a strange surprise. I left Asmodeus for dead where we train, when he comes to his senses I hope he'll regain his senses. I didn't expect such violence"

Iruma trembled with worry and turned pale because of that news. Sabnock noticed that reaction and placed his right hand on his left shoulder. "Don't worry, I didn't hurt him too bad. He'll recover. Asmodeus needs to calm down. I advise you not to approach him, he's unpredictable right now. I'll go and tell Master Balam, he's wise and knowledgeable, he'll know something for sure" Sabnock said, then said goodbye and went elsewhere.

Iruma stood there in the middle of the corridor, stiff with worry. Sabnock had warned him not to go near Asmodeus, but the fear that he might be sick defied his survival instincts. Iruma gulped and headed towards the place where the two had trained since the previous year, when they had endured the harsh and merciless training to face the Harvest festival.

Iruma reached his destination in a matter of minutes, slightly sweaty from running. He was in the underground of Babyls, only rocks of various sizes and the desolation of a part of the unbuilt school were the sad sight that the place offered.

"Azz-kun!" he called loud in fear, when he saw the pink haired boy sitting unconscious with his back against a giant boulder. Iruma knelt down next to the demon and gently shook him by the shoulders, calling his name. If he had been a demon, Iruma would certainly have perceived a sweetish scent, similar to spiced wine, coming from Asmodeus. But Iruma was a human, so the only thing he noticed were the demon's eyelids that slowly lifted, the clouded eyes staring into his eyes.

"Azz-kun, how are you feeling? Can you walk? I'll take you to the infirmary!" said the young human, looking at the normally immaculate white school uniform, stained with dirt here and there. Asmodeus leaned with his left hand on the rock wall behind him and slowly stood up, supported at the hips by Iruma's human arms.

Asmodeus muttered a thank you and took his face in his hands. Iruma noticed only then that the young demon's face was slightly red, his smooth hair loose, his eyes clouded by something. "Oh, Iruma-sama!" Asmodeus stated with a mellifluous voice, smiling excitedly "How lucky I am to have your support and affection". Iruma blushed slightly at the compliment and shook his head, embarrassed "I didn't do anything special, I knew you were here alone thanks to Sabnock-kun and-"

Two soft lips captured his lips, preventing Iruma from finishing his sentence. Iruma blushed even more because of the unexpected kiss but he let himself be led, delicately grabbing his arms while the pink haired demon's tongue made its way into his mouth and captured his tongue. Kisses with Asmodeus were always sweet and short, but this time it was different.
Asmodeus got too caught up in the kiss. He gently but firmly pushed Iruma with his back against the rock wall, holding Iruma's face in his left hand while he wrapped his right arm around the human's waist.

Asmodeus pulled Iruma close with a sharp movement of his arm, deepening the kiss at the same time. The demon's lips moved over the human's with a newfound voracity, like a starving man in front of the first encountered food after days of fasting. Iruma flinched when he felt the pink haired boy's left leg slide between his thighs, his knee slowly pushing upwards, touching his groin area with slow but firm obstinacy. Asmodeus seemed to have forgotten that Iruma, like him, needed air to live. His left hand on Iruma's face held his head still, preventing him from moving back and breaking the kiss, as if the wall behind the young human didn't limit his movements by itself. The demon's tongue moved with knowledge and mastery in his mouth, both boys' breaths were short and labored.

Iruma, now without any spare oxygen in his lungs, began to pull on the fabric of his school uniform with a certain urgency, insistently. He was shaking from head to toe, his short human legs unable to support his weight anymore because his head felt light from the lack of oxygen, ending up falling even further onto the leg of the pink haired boy that was moving between them.

There was a wet smack as Asmodeus finally decided to break the kiss. Iruma breathed quickly, his lungs hungry for air. On the contrary, the demon holding him was hungry for something else. Asmodeus watched him with an almost morbid attention, not missing the smallest of his movements. Iruma's eyelashes wet with small tears, his breathing accelerated, the trembling that was slowly reducing along the human limbs. Iruma felt something hard at the level of the pat of his pants.

"Iruma-sama, you are beautiful. Please..." whispered Asmodeus, sliding his right hand towards the blue haired boy's butt.

Iruma couldn't say no to a request.

…

Iruma felt wet, sweaty and sore. He was embarrassed to death, but at the same time overjoyed.

"We... we... did i-it..." he muttered to himself, as he zipped his pants up at the waist. His ass hurt like hell, but his overstimulated cock was also throbbing, pleasured from all the attention he had received. The back of his neck was sore as well, but Iruma was confused about the reason. His nipples were rubbing against the fabric of his shirt and were aching a bit, swollen as they were from all the attention from the alpha's tongue.

He glanced at Asmodeus, who was lying asleep on his back. At some point, Iruma had no idea what was going on. Opera had explained to him how demon mating worked, but the theory had been completely different from reality. What had happened was not a simple genital jamming, but something more intense. Asmodeus had covered him with delicate words of love, while taking him with animalistic possession.

Iruma, after having bent over on his knees next to Asmodeus with a small amount of pain in his bottom to help him get dressed, tried to process what had happened. Iruma remembered the caresses of the pink haired boy, the hands that slipped under his clothes and removed them with a hasty carelessness. Iruma remembered the warmth of the demon's skin against his own, his presence between his legs. The tingling sensation of his long locks of hair against his own skin, the reassurances and promises of love murmured in his ear, his own sobs of pleasure and fear for that new experience. Iruma was a bit scared because it was his first time. But, like a reflecting mirror, he felt at the same time an excitement similar to that of the demon.

Iruma remembered his own voice, almost indistinguishable from a girl's, as Asmodeus moved above him, inside him. Iruma remembered how he had hugged the other boy tightly, letting the demon guide him, his moans and sobs stifled by quick, intense kisses, while the movement of their pelvis continued without interruption.

Iruma vaguely remembered them changing positions... several times. Between them a dance of sighs and whispers, of whimpers from pleasure and surprise. Shaky breaths and squelching sounds were heard just from them. Intertwined fingers held their respective hands steady, as their bodies moved and jerked with ever increasing speed, following the instinctive as unknown pleasure.

Iruma blushed violently, touching his belly with his right hand, at the memory of the conclusion. Opera had called it "knot", that thing that alphas had and that marked the end of a sexual encounter. Iruma had called it "the ping pong ball", because that was what he had felt moving inside him. Slowly but inexorably, while Asmodeus continued to caress him and kiss him, their pelvises inextricably intertwined until it was released into him after a bunch of minutes in that last position.

Iruma remembered having whimpered in a low voice, feeling the small thing moving slowly and then something liquid and very warm pouring in quantity inside him. Asmodeus grunted in satisfaction and sighed heavily, giving two more thrusts of his hips to instinctively ensure that the knot was as deep as possible. Where, according to the demon's biology, it would have found a welcoming omega womb to host it, to proceed with the next natural phase of mating. Once the knot was loosened, Asmodeus pulled back his pelvis and his cock out of Iruma's warm, wet hole. A final, slow, intense kiss was exchanged, before the young alpha, now exhausted, fell asleep with his omega in his arms.

Iruma finished straightening the pink haired boy's school uniform, trying to ignore the feeling in his stomach. He felt elated and happy, that was enough for him. Asmodeus squeezed his eyelids shut, then slowly opened his eyes. "Azz-kun..." Iruma whispered in relief, his voice hoarse from overuse. The demon slowly sat up, holding his left hand on his head.

"Mh? Iruma-sama…?" Asmodeus asked sleepily, then widened his eyes at the sight of the boy. Iruma lowered his gaze and trembled slightly. Now that the pink haired boy was awake, he felt a certain embarrassment in looking at his face. After all, for the first time he had seen him naked from the waist down and Asmodeus had seen him from the waist down too...

Luckily the shirts had remained on, so Asmodeus had not been able to see his back without wings roots, but a modest shame crawled under his skin. Iruma, his cheeks red from embarrassment and the flash of happiness he felt, tried to say something to break the silence. "Uhm, I..." he murmured, stopping when he heard the demon's voice say "Iruma-sama, I am immensely sorry for this unpleasant spectacle that I offer you!"

The blue haired boy looked up, surprised. Asmodeus stood up and held out his left hand to help him up. He explained further, "I'm all sweaty and tired, I must have fought too much with Sabnock" Iruma stiffened, standing in front of Asmodeus. The latter continued, rubbing his left shoulder, "I must confess that today my mood is not the best. I assumed an evil cycle was coming, but now I feel very refreshed. Iruma-sama, it must have been your presence that improved my condition! As always, I am infinitely grateful for your affection and care!"

Iruma felt the blood flowing through his veins turn to ice. His heart pounded in his ears.
"Azz-kun... you don't remember...?" the young human asked hoarsely, his eyes wide with shock. He couldn't believe it. He didn't want to believe it. "What are you referring to, Iruma-sama?" Asmodeus asked curiously, as he pulled his hair back into its usual hairstyle.

Iruma thought for a moment that the ground had disappeared beneath his feet, because he felt himself sinking into it. He lowered his head and hugged himself, confused and shocked. What had been such a tender and passionate moment between them…

'Was it unintended? Or not important enough to remember?' Iruma wondered, trembling slightly in despair. He knew that demons were very passionate creatures, devoted to satisfying their own desires, needs, whims and ambitions. What if that had just been a small whim for Asmodeus?
Something normal for demons?
Something not worth remembering, like when you scratch an itch and then completely forget about it?

Yet, it had been very important to Iruma. And he knew that Asmodeus loved him, there was no way he would willingly ignore something that concerned him. At the same time, Asmodeus was looking at him with a curious and confused expression, the doubt easily readable on his face. Iruma wondered if it had really all depended on the evil cycle that was coming, or if it had been something else in between. He wondered if he could tell him. Knowing Asmodeus, he would most likely prostrate himself with shrieked regret and repentance. But then again, Iruma didn't know much about demon culture yet. What if saying it was rude to tell directly? Wouldn't Asmodeus perhaps feel sick and hurt inside, if he told him and he still didn't remember?

Asmodeus didn't need to sense the change in omega-like scent coming from Iruma's body, a scent well camouflaged by the cologne provided by Sullivan, to understand that something was wrong. Iruma was silent, avoiding his gaze, visibly stiffened with his back hunched forward. "Iruma-sama? Did I say something that upset you?" Asmodeus asked worriedly, stretching out his left hand towards the blue haired boy. His intent was to touch his shoulder, possibly allow himself the audacity to hug him, since at that moment the two of them were alone.

Iruma took two steps back and the physical contact was missed. The young human shook his head and turned towards the direction from which he had come. "No, I... Azz-kun, it's really hot in here, isn't it? I feel all sweaty too. I'm going to freshen up, could you find Clara? See you later!" he exclaimed, in a falsely jovial tone, changing the subject.

Limping slightly, Iruma walked briskly away from Asmodeus. The demon watched him go, a sense of inadequacy and worry rising in his chest.

…

That afternoon Iruma explained that he had slipped on a step and landed on his butt. He had to explain it to Clara, who, like Asmodeus, did not fail to notice his slight limp. He had to explain it to the Misfits. Next, to Sullivan and Opera when he returned home in the company of Asmodeus and Clara.

Sullivan reacted inappropriately by worrying a lot about his beloved grandson. Opera was also worried, but they reacted more reasonably and gave Iruma some healing cream to apply to the painful area after his evening bath for immediate relief. Strangely enough, it actually worked. Iruma was able to lie down in bed without any other pain, except the one he felt in his heart. He did not know whether to tell Asmodeus the truth. On the one hand, he wanted to, because it seemed right that he also knew, because he considered it an important thing. On the other hand, he was afraid of being out of place and of worrying his mate needlessly. 'Maybe for demons making love is a trivial thing?' Iruma wondered, just before slipping into the longed-for rest.

…

Asmodeus, by his side, couldn't come to terms with Iruma's change in attitude towards him. Since that afternoon when he had found him unconscious, with an evil cycle approaching but then mysteriously disappeared into thin air, Iruma had become more distant. When Asmodeus tried to take his hand, Iruma returned the squeeze but with weakness. When Asmodeus tried to hug him, Iruma pulled away. When Asmodeus tried to kiss him, taking advantage of one of their few moments of solitude, Iruma turned his back on him and made some excuse to avoid being in his exclusive company.

Asmodeus knew well that he couldn't smell the change in his omega's odors thanks to the protective cologne he was wearing, as Iruma had explained to him before that change in behavior, but even more so this left him in the darkest ignorance about his mate's conditions and this made Asmodeus even more worried.

Distressed, he had often asked Iruma if he had something to reproach him for, if he had done something that had annoyed him or not deserved, but Iruma always replied in the same way: with a sad smile on his lips, he replied that everything was fine and that he also wanted to be in Clara's company so as not to make her feel excluded. Even if his mouth could try to smile, Iruma's eyes communicated with unwanted clarity his afflicted state of mind. This made Asmodeus even more demoralized and confused, worried and fearful for Iruma's health as for their relationship.

Clara tried to intervene several times, as she herself saw Iruma's sudden change towards the pink haired boy. However, even with her, Iruma remained adamant and did not provide a sincere answer.

"Opera-san..." Iruma tried to say once after dinner, on one of the rare days when Sullivan was absent for a summons to Babel. "Yes, Iruma-sama?" the cat demon asked helpfully, while they placed the empty plates on the trolley that they would take to the kitchen. Iruma remained silent for a few moments, then shook his head and answered, smiling sadly "No, it's nothing, I'm sorry"

Opera wanted to ask him what he intended to say, but Iruma got up from the table and wished them goodnight.

To be continued

Chapter Text

The new heat came sooner than expected for any omega, perhaps because Iruma wasn’t an omega demon. It was worse. The first time he had the heat, Iruma felt feverish and hot. The second time, he felt like a piece of ice, his skin hot but his body cold. Sullivan immediately noticed that his grandson was not well when he saw him enter the dining room for breakfast, shortness of breath and shaking legs, the left hand grabbing the uniform at the stomach level.

Sullivan rushed to him and checked his temperature. "Opera! My sweet grandson needs rest. No school for a while" he declared, picking up the young human who was trying to downplay his health condition. While Sullivan carried the blue haired boy back to his bedroom, Opera took care to prepare everything necessary to deal with the heat. Warm pajamas, wet cloths to place on the forehead, easy-to-eat food, products specifically made to calm the heat of omegas without mates.

The Misfits were surprised by the news of Iruma's new heat, but resignedly accepted that they would not be able to see their leader for almost an entire week. Asmodeus remained heartbroken, consoled by Clara, because the separation from his omega would have been unbearable but necessary.

The first day everything went well, but on the second Opera noticed small clues that made that heat different from the previous one. Iruma's fever wasn't mild anymore, it was a high fever. The young human held his stomach in his arms and slept curled up under the thick blanket, tormented by heavy and frequent cramping. He was producing more slick, forcing him to change his underwear more frequently. His appetite was decreasing, without the sporadic increases like the previous time. For someone famous for having an endless stomach like Iruma, it was a really alarming thing for the demons who cared about him.

At night he could be heard whimpering and sob in great pain, something that broke the hearts of the anguished Sullivan and the increasingly worried Opera. While, on the morning of the third day, Opera were changing the damp cloth on Iruma's forehead and were handing him new pajamas to replace the sweaty ones, they noticed the biggest clue: Iruma was emitting a different scent. His pheromones had changed. The young human had not worn cologne since the heat began, having no need to hide his scent in a house where everyone knew his true nature. As the heat progressed, the cologne-suppressed scent grew stronger.

Opera's eyes widened in surprise. They picked up the hellphone and made a quick call to the top biology expert they knew.

"Pheromones change, you say?" Balam repeated on the other end of the hellphone, during the break from class. Opera confirmed, stroking the sweat-damp bangs covering Iruma's forehead. A thoughtful silence came from the other end, interrupted by Balam when he asked, "Opera-senpai, is he conscious? Could you ask Iruma-kun what he feels in his stomach? I don't want to go too far, but I have a hypothesis"

Opera moved their hand from Iruma's forehead to his right shoulder to shake him lightly. "Iruma-sama, forgive me for disturbing your rest, but I need to ask you an urgent question" Opera said, watching the blue haired boy open his eyes halfway and look at their faces. "Iruma-sama, what do you feel in your stomach?" the cat demon asked. Iruma made a small whimper, then replied in a low voice "I feel... something digging... and throbbing... empty, even though I ate..."

Balam heard the response from the hellphone and made a serious mutter. The gargoyle braced himself and asked again, "Opera-senpai, I need you to pass the call to Iruma-kun. I have something urgent to ask him" The cat demon didn't understand the reason for such secrecy, especially in light of the fact that they were one of the two guardians of the blue haired boy. Nevertheless, they did as they were asked and brought the hellphone close to Iruma's right ear.

"Iruma-kun, it's me, Balam" the demon introduced himself, then asked "Do you already know how mating works?" Iruma nodded and answered positively. Balam asked again "I know this is a sensitive subject, but I have to ask you. Please answer honestly: have you mated with someone?"

Opera's feline ears perked up. Their hearing had no problem listening to the phone call. Iruma took quick, heavy breaths, holding back a new groan of pain between his parted lips. He closed and reopened his eyes. "Yes..." he answered, in a faint whisper. Like their feline ears, Opera's tail also stood up straight, its fur bristling and untidy from shock. Opera heard Balam ask to speak to them again, so they brought the hellphone back to their pointed demon ear.

"I heard everything" the cat demon cut in, nervous and shocked. Balam wasted no time and explained, "From what I’ve studied, if Iruma-kun has mated with someone, his heat has evolved. In demons, once mating has occurred, the omega will always instinctively look for their alpha in hopes of getting an offspring. I think the same thing is most likely happening to Iruma-kun. His body is looking for his alpha and he is suffering because he’s not finding them. But the reaction is... Opera-senpai, check Iruma-kun's neck"

The red haired demon obeyed immediately. They ran their left hand over Iruma's neck, moving the sweaty locks of hair to the back of his neck. It was healing, but the traces were there. Faint signs of demon teeth. Bite marks on his glands.

"Iruma-sama has been marked" Opera stated, eyes wide, informing the demon on the other end of the call. Balam sighed heavily, "It's just as I feared. A marked omega is more sensitive to the physical absence of their alpha. His alpha should be sought, even just a nest with clothes bearing their pheromones would be a great relief for Iruma-kun"

Opera wasn't listening. Their mind were already planning the next moves: a certain type of pill to be ordered and immediately provided to the blue haired boy, too young to be carrying an offspring; inform Sullivan, who was currently in Babyls at their insistence. But most of all, tear to pieces the alpha who was walking through the corridors of Babyls undisturbed after surely taking advantage of Iruma's immeasurable kindness. They would have carried out that last task with great pleasure, and would have cleaned up and tidied up afterward.

Balam called Opera's name several times. "Please, I know how you feel, but we need them alive for Iruma-kun's sake" Balam pleaded, knowing Opera's character well from the time they were all three students at Babyls. The cat demon took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right as always, Balam-kun. I'll take care of Iruma-sama from here. May I kindly ask you to find his alpha? I'd like to settle this matter before I properly inform Sullivan-sama" they asked.

The two demons split the tasks and the call was concluded. Opera had no problem getting the pill. The problem was getting information from Iruma. "May I know when you mated? I'm not angry with you, Iruma-sama. I need to know to give you some medicine that will make you feel better" Opera asked, getting an unpredictable hostile reaction from Iruma in return. The blue haired boy pulled the blanket over his head and crouched under it, refusing to answer. In theory, with the presence of heat, the young human shouldn’t have been pregnant yet. But because he was human, nothing could be ruled out. There had never been any talk of humans with secondary genders, nor of omega humans, so anything was possible.

Opera tried to give a dosage as prescribed by the leaflet, hidden in the small meal Iruma ate for lunch, but to their dismay they discovered that Iruma's body was rejecting the medicine. Opera heard him run to the bathroom and vomit less than an hour after finishing the meal.

"It could be a medicine that is not good for his body. We still have no idea what medicines are compatible with humans, it would be better not to give him anything. I know you are worried about him, Opera-senpai, but we risk doing him more harm than good by blindly giving him medicine" Balam declared on the hellphone, on the second call. Opera reluctantly agreed, looking at Iruma who they had just put to bed. They had found him in the bathroom bent over the toilet apologizing with the food he had just thrown up. No, Iruma was not well at all, they concluded mentally.

Sullivan returned home earlier than expected and, of course, they learned of Iruma's deteriorating health. Opera couldn't keep secrets from their master. So they took him aside and explained the whole thing to him.

"Iruma-kun's alpha mate? But I know who he is!" the bald demon exclaimed, picking up the hellphone receiver. "I've been talking to his mother until this morning. I'll summon him immediately!”

…

The situation was quite awkward for Asmodeus. Opera looked at him with the usual expressionless face, but he could sense unexpected mistrust behind those eyes. Sullivan seemed jovial as always, but there was something wrong with him too, as if the cheerfulness was faked. "So, Asmodeus-kun" the high ranking demon began, clasping his palms together, "Please, could you explain to us when you started dating my beloved grandson?"

Asmodeus immediately blushed and lowered his gaze, clenching his hands into fists above his knees. Opera, standing behind Sullivan, would have preferred to jump to the point. Sullivan, on the contrary, preferred to address the subject differently. He explained, "It's not a secret anymore, don't worry. I would have preferred to know about this unpleasant situation before, but the matter is now done"

Asmodeus raised his head, surprised, "I deeply apologize for not making the necessary official statements. In agreement with Iruma-sama, we have decided to temporarily keep our relationship secret. But while I deserve such harsh words, Iruma-sama should be exempt. I fully assume responsibility for the secrecy of our relationship” he said. Sullivan and Opera exchanged a confused look. "Well, that’s not the matter here? I'm referring to you mating with Iruma-kun" Asmodeus froze completely, while Sullivan fumbled. "I can only hope you used the right protections, I understand the haste of you youngsters but you have to do things properly”

Asmodeus shook his head and said, "Sullivan-sama, you are mistaken. Iruma-sama and I have never… we did not c-consummate. We are still in the initial approaches, and I would definitely ask for his consent if he wanted more from our relationship, but-"

Sullivan sighed heavily. Asmodeus immediately fell silent. The bald demon looked at him seriously through the small lenses of the glasses he wore on his pointed nose. "Asmodeus-kun, your mother mentioned to me that you entered a rut some time ago. Is that correct?" Sullivan asked. Asmodeus tilted his head slightly, confused "Rut? No… no, absolutely not. Lately I've felt a certain nervousness, it's true. But I was closer to an Evil cycle coming, which the blessed presence of Iruma-sama had cancelled before causing any trouble for Babyls or the teachers"

Opera began to understand and they began to feel a little sorry for that young demon who a few hours before they would have torn off his head and arms without any second thoughts.
Sullivan leaned back against the back of his desk, a movement replicated almost instantly by Asmodeus, who instead sat in a finely decorated and comfortable chair placed on the other side of the gigantic desk that adorned Sullivan's private study.

"Asmodeus-kun, you are an intelligent student. Can you list the symptoms of an Evil cycle?" the old demon asked. The pink haired boy nodded and promptly replied, "Surely. The arrival of an Evil cycle is heralded by increased aggression, almost a feeling of domination. Desires become uncontrolled and reason fails”

Sullivan nodded and asked, "All correct. And you avoided the arrival of the Evil cycle thanks to my beloved grandson, didn't you?" Asmodeus nodded. Sullivan intertwined his fingers under his chin and asked again, "And don't you think it's strange that your "Evil cycle" was cured by chance thanks to the presence of an omega? Asmodeus-kun, you're smarter than that. Think about it"

Asmodeus did, the color slowly draining from his face as he put the pieces back together. Unmotivated aggression, especially towards another alpha like Sabnock, so he didn't hide his jealousy for Iruma. The feeling of freshness and lightness after waking up in Iruma's presence. Both of them were sweaty. Hoarse and raspy voice.

"Azz-kun, you... don't remember...?" the blue haired boy had asked him. The slight limp with which he had walked all day, the visible difficulty in sitting in the classroom. The subsequent avoidant behavior.

“Oh no” Asmodeus muttered, putting the pieces back together. Where before he had felt devastated by Iruma’s strange behavior toward him, now he felt furious with himself. He had behaved despicably toward his own mate.

Asmodeus stood up abruptly. “I am truly dismayed, I have no words- I forgot something so important and I hurt Iruma-sama’s feelings. I am not worthy of being his mate! I don’t... I don’t remember, I don’t know if we used protection, I don’t remember anything. There is no greater offense to Iruma-sama and I will do everything in my power to wash away the shame of my repugnant behavior and give comfort to Iruma-sama” he declared, his face furrowed with the pain of sincere repentance and anguish.

“Good” Sullivan said, standing up as well and approaching the young demon. “The important thing is that you understand and later we will find a way to give you a proper education. I didn’t summon you just for this, however. Iruma-kun is sick, his heat is different than before. Start showing repentance by providing him with support. Opera will lead you to his room”

Asmodeus bent his torso and thanked both demons heartily. When he straightened, Sullivan took both his shoulders in his hands. "Let's avoid doing “things” we might regret later, okay?" he suggested, the message implicit in his words. Asmodeus shivered but agreed.

Opera led him to Iruma's room, in which he had only entered a few times but already knew by heart. Everything related to Iruma filled the most important parts of his brain, after all. Aside from that important event, something Asmodeus couldn’t forgive himself.

Thanking Opera, Asmodeus stepped inside, immediately closing the door after him. The scent was so strong that he was able to smell it a bit from the outside, but it increased thirteen times when the pink haired boy was actually in the same room. A high pitched whine and then a low growl was heard from the giant bed. Asmodeus ran to the boy’s side, his mind already starting to haze from worriness. Iruma was laying on the bed, curled up as if he was trying to protect himself the best he could. Sweat was running down his whole body, tremors wracking it every so often. "Azz-kun...?" Iruma asked, bringing his eyes up to meet the pink ones.

"Yes, it's me, Asmodeus Alice. I've come to give you all the help you need. Ask me anything and I'll do it" Asmodeus said, kneeling beside the bed. Iruma closed his eyes and shook his head, as if he had thought of something bad. Ignoring what his head wanted, his hands moved the blanket aside. "Azz-kun, could you... keep me company for a while?" he asked. Asmodeus didn't need to be told twice. His face red with embarrassment, he took off his school uniform jacket and boots.

Asmodeus got under the blanket and placed it on top of them. Iruma immediately hugged the young demon's chest, causing him to give a small expression of surprise. Iruma wasn't usually so expressive physically, so Asmodeus realized it was due to the heat. The blue haired boy hid his face in the demon's chest, who gently held him close. The presence of the pink haired boy and his pheromones were of great help to Iruma's heat, who began to fade in pain.

"I'm sorry, Azz-kun... just a little..." said the blue haired boy, moving even closer to Asmodeus. The demon began to gently caress the back of his neck, his long, tapered fingers intertwining in the blue locks. "Iruma-sama, I owe you an apology" Asmodeus declared, resting his face against the young human's head. The latter did not understand, too confused and distracted by the different and powerful emotions he felt at that moment. He wanted to keep Asmodeus close, but at the same time he wanted the demon far from him. He had given a rational explanation, within the limits of human rationality, for Asmodeus' behavior, but it did not make his heart hurt any less. Asmodeus took a deep breath and said

"I have been informed of what I've done" Iruma flinched and raised his face towards the demon's, who continued looking straight into his blue eyes "I had a “conversation”, the details of which I will share with you when you feel better. That day, Iruma-sama, it seems I was not about to have an evil cycle. Before I met you, I had no idea what it truly meant to be an alpha. Iruma-sama, I... that day, I was not close to an evil cycle, I admit. I was entering a rut"

Iruma tries to remember what the rut was, it was something Opera had told him about but he couldn't remember at the time. Asmodeus held him tighter, encircling his waist with one arm, while with the other he took his face in his hand. "Iruma-sama, I am dismayed and disappointed in myself for how I behaved. Not only do I not remember what we did, but I fear I failed to treat you with the respect due. If you still want to have me by your side, I will do everything possible and beyond to obtain your forgiveness, even if I do not claim the right to succeed in making you forget this unpleasant episode”

Iruma was moved by those words, which he did not expect to hear because he did not want to face that subject. He had been hurt by the demon's behavior, that was true. But seeing him so pained made him feel even worse, exactly as he had expected.

Iruma slowly shook his head and replied, "Azz-kun, it was nothing unpleasant. I can assure you. I... I feared that you would not give it the same importance that I gave it, I did not keep it from you to spite you or to punish you"

Asmodeus was outraged by those words. "Not give it importance? Iruma-sama, I cannot explain in words how shocked I am that I do not remember a single thing of what we shared that day! It is something that will torment me forever, along with the regret of having hurt you!" he exclaimed, sincerely.

Iruma blinked quickly in surprise, then smiled, "I am happy about that, Azz-kun. Not that you feel that way, of course. I don't wish for you to feel so bad. I'm relieved. Please, Azz-kun. Don't worry too much" Iruma pressed himself even closer to Asmodeus, who could feel him rubbing his pelvis shyly against his left thigh, which he had wrapped around his legs. Iruma's face was red, and not just from the heat. Looking up at Asmodeus, Iruma asked, "Uhm… if you want. There might be... other times. What do you think?”

Asmodeus' heart raced. Iruma's omega pheromones were everywhere. The heat of his body was easily felt through the fabric of his pajamas. His flushed face and shining eyes were yet another temptation. His human lips begged to be kissed, his body to be hugged... and more.

Asmodeus swallowed despite the feeling of his dry mouth. "Iruma-sama, please don't say such sweet things. Those are dangerous words... things could get out of control..." the pink haired boy begged in a weak voice, caressing Iruma's hot cheek and hugging the small human head to his chest. Asmodeus loved Iruma and would have obeyed his every wish without a word, but Sullivan's implied threat was like a sword above his head. He hadn't been summoned to join the heat-suffering omega and follow his own alpha's instincts, but to soothe the omega’s pain.

Iruma nodded and hugged him back, rubbing the tip of his nose against the school uniform Asmodeus was wearing. He loved the young demon, he loved his company. His presence was a great comfort to him, also because it helped him realize what the nameless craving that heat gave him was. It was the presence of Asmodeus. Yes, of course, as an omega in heat, he would have preferred to do something more, but in that moment being in the arms of the young demon was more than he could hope for. He felt loved and no longer alone, something that his heart wounded by the past welcomed with gratitude and joy.
Feeling loved was enough.

Asmodeus, for his part, really wanted to remember what had happened. His mind, so expert in processing any information regarding Iruma, was of no help to him at all. As Iruma himself said, there would be other times. Asmodeus was a demon who moved through logic and the noble education he had been given since childhood, but he was also a young alpha. His mind began to wander, preparing for what could happen in the future. Or what he wanted to happen in the future.

Little moans from Iruma's parted lips, between kisses. Little gentle gasps with a few whines and whimpers at every spike of arousal at every thrust. Iruma would try to stay quiet, but eventually he would feel overwhelmed and would no longer be able to hold back pants and moans. With slightly stronger and deeper thrusts, Iruma would let out soft squeals or screams in delight, encouraging him to continue. Skin slapping harshly and wetly would be heard, Asmodeus would be gasping for air and whimpering pathetically from the pleasure caused by his beloved omega's body. Iruma was a novice at mating like him, so he was surely tight and hot inside. Sweaty foreheads would be pressed together, while they would continue to talk and moan. Asmodeus would only do what would bring Iruma pleasure, so communication was essential to know how to move or what not to do. Iruma would nod dumb with pleasure and cling to him, guiding him inside him and continuing to be pounded by-

Asmodeus let out a heavy sigh, his face hot from those fantasies dictated by the omega pheromones that surrounded him. "I have control, I have control, I have control" he said to himself, dejected. He was horny as hell, with Iruma in heat between his arms, lying on a bed but without the possibility or the will to refresh his memory with a live demonstration of what had happened previously. Asmodeus accepted that deserved punishment with pain but seriousness and determination.

With relief, he felt Iruma breathing slower. The blue haired boy had fallen asleep. Asmodeus put his nose in his hair and breathed in his scent deeply. It was much sweeter than usual, he had to hold back his salivation. Asmodeus blamed it on the omega pheromones in heat, not knowing that he was smelling Iruma's true human scent. Asmodeus began to understand the harshness of his own policy on monitoring Iruma's daily intake of sweets. How could he easily hold back, when everything, starting from the omega himself, was begging to see that delicious temptation! Yet, it had to be done. He had a duty to fulfill and that was to make Iruma feel better.

At some point, Asmodeus fell asleep too. Opera noticed this when the sun went down and there was a knock on the door. They decided to let the two boys rest and called Amaryllis to inform her that her son would not be home that night but not to worry.

…

"More food, Iruma-sama?" Opera asked, as they were all at the table in the living room for breakfast. The blue haired boy nodded, his face lowered on the table and red with shame.

His heat had reduced a lot and would probably pass sooner than expected with this situation. The problem was the presence of Asmodeus at the table with him, who politely accepted the dishes served by the cat demon and chatted normally with Sullivan. Iruma remembered various fragments of what had happened the day before, and he would have preferred not to. 'Did I really ask Azz-kun to do “that”...? At home with Grandpa and Opera-san present, on top of that?!' the young human asked himself in anguish, shaking his head to get that thought out of his mind.

His mind was still a bit foggy from the heat, but overall his health had improved greatly thanks to the presence of his alpha. That day, Asmodeus was excused from school, remaining at Iruma's side to help him suppress the effects of the heat in a natural way. The two spent the morning under Opera's discreet surveillance, chatting or playing on the console game.

At lunchtime, Balam arrived. Iruma learned that Sullivan had quickly summoned him to examine his health. Somewhat embarrassed, because he was still his teacher, Iruma obeyed every request and answered every question. He began to shiver coldly when the demon touched his belly and asked him to lie down for a moment. Iruma hunched slightly, surprised by his own reluctance. It was as if his body rejected the contact with the gargoyle's gloved hands, a contact that had always been welcome until before the heat. Balam understood without words, seeing the signs or reluctance from his body.

"Asmodeus-kun, could you come in for a moment?" asked the gargoyle, looking out from outside the room. The pink haired boy, who had been waiting outside, obeyed instantly. His presence was a comfort to Iruma, who held his hand and was able to continue the visit without further problems. Iruma lay down on the bed and let himself be examined, his right hand holding that of the pink haired demon. It was nothing invasive or painful, Balam was a wise demon and his spells left no traces on the human boy's body.

At the end of the visit, Balam called Opera and consequently also Sullivan. Iruma's bedroom became a bit crowded. He was sitting on the edge of the bed with Asmodeus at his side, their fingers intertwined. Sullivan was sitting stiffly in Iruma's desk chair, which had been moved next to the bed to be closer to the blue haired boy. Opera, as well as Balam, stood in front of the three seated.

"It was an interesting check" Balam began, absentmindedly adjusting the iron mask on his face. "However, I have some bad news. Iruma-kun, Asmodeus-kun, it would be best if you were informed about the use and importance of protection" Sullivan, Opera and Asmodeus went pale and stiffened their backs, while Iruma looked around confused and frightened by that reaction.

Balam shook his head and explained further, "No, Iruma-kun is not carrying a demon child, even if there are... never mind. Iruma-kun, your body is showing signs of suffering from a lack of nutrition, which is a surprise considering your rich appetite"

Sullivan gulped and asked, "So what did you find? Is my adorable grandson okay?" Balam looked straight into the blue haired boy's eyes and declared, "Iruma-kun, you are in good health... now. But I found traces of malnutrition and deficiencies. Your body does not seem to have developed properly. I’ll be blunt, now. Your omega uterus, which I’ll explain to you later what it is and what it is for, is withered and not decently developed. This is why, even though it was successfully fertilized, the pregnancy cycle never began. It's like watering the desert and hoping a tree will grow, let's put it that way. It could improve with your current diet and all, but no guarantees"

Opera's feline tail began to wag nervously. "Are you saying that Iruma-sama is unable to have offspring?" they asked, getting straight to the point. Balam nodded, decreeing the final answer on that matter.

Asmodeus instinctively hugged the young omega "Don't worry, Iruma-sama! It doesn't take anything away from your value, your greatness and your strength always demonstrated! I don't need an heir to love and respect you in future too!" he declared, determined and sincere.

Iruma blinked slowly, he hadn't understood well. Hesitantly, he asked "Uhm, sorry... would it be a normal thing if I had a child? But I'm not a girl, so…?" The four demons looked at him in shock. The differences between humans and demons were much more than Balam imagined, and he would spend the afternoon filling that gap with a very long questions list.

Meanwhile, a few miles away, Amaryllis was organizing her son's engagement party. She was confident that she would win the style contest against Opera again.

THE END