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Aesop despised crowds. The more people were gathered in one place, the more suffocating it became. It was disorienting as well, having to endure the various scents in the air. It was especially draining when the people never left his side: alphas, betas and omegas alike invading his personal space.
He found the event highly unnecessary, with efforts that would most likely go to waste. However, he was assured that the celebration was very much needed. Aesop was certain its only reason was the public exposure. Or, at least, he definitely felt more like an item displayed for exhibition rather than a person.
He was currently holding onto Joseph’s arm, half listening to the woman standing in front of them. She was a beta, apparently a close family friend of his late mother. She had been congratulating them, although the words seemed to never stop flowing out of her mouth. Aesop was afraid the woman forgot to breathe, but he refrained from pointing it out. He only answered with nods and smiles to show slight interest.
Joseph on the other hand tuned out the conversation entirely. He scanned his surroundings, observing the glamorous ballroom buzzing with meaningless chatter, clicking of heels and orchestral music. The women showed off their most extravagant dresses, with glowing accessories and bizarre hairdos. It was honestly draining for the eyes, to see such a variety of colours and styles. Joseph usually enjoyed the atmosphere of such events, yet now, when noticing stolen glances thrown at him, he found it mildly uncomfortable. Such gazes were accompanied by whispered opinions, hidden behind fluttering fans, spoken too loud to go unnoticed.
Obviously enough, their wedding would not have been complete without a ridiculously fancy gala. This took place two days after the mating, and proved to be just as exhausting as the previous days. Just a day prior, the two had had no time to see each other, busy with the preparations. It’s been hard to bear, having them separated so soon after the union, and now they didn’t plan to leave the other’s side. Not in such an ocean of people at least.
“Excuse us, may we have an interview with you?” an unfamiliar figure approached the duo, holding a microphone. Behind him, another was struggling with carrying a camera. Aesop and Joseph exchanged uncertain glances, agreeing silently that neither was really in the mood. When Joseph was on the point of voicing the thoughts, he was interrupted.
“Oh my, what an honour! They’d be more than happy to answer your questions!” behind them, a powerful jasmine scent. With a sigh, Joseph turned to the newcomer.
“Mother, it’s wonderful to see you,” he paused, smiling slightly, “but I’m afraid we do not exactly wish to be interviewed.” The woman laughed at her son’s words, shifting her attention to the betas waiting for an answer.
“They’re just shy.” She waved a hand. “You can try pursuing them some other time.” She then ushered the two. When she made sure they were out of earshot, she scoffed. “I hope you are aware that you won’t be able to endlessly avoid the media.”
“What’s the point in making everything public? We simply aren’t comfortable enough with sharing details about our… uh, relationship.” Joseph replied, meeting his mother’s disapproving gaze. He decided to change the subject. “Where is Father?”
“Enjoying wine avec Monsieur et Madame Carl. I will take my leave as well soon, we await you!” she curtsied, and both Joseph and Aesop bowed in return. The woman seemed to be pleased with their response, as she left them with a grin.
Now, the two were finally alone for the first time that night. Aesop relaxed against Joseph’s arm, leaning his head on the alpha’s shoulder. His eyelids fluttered to a close and he let out a soft breath. Joseph only smiled at the sight, feeling the exhaustion the other was showing. To distract him from whatever flooded his mind, he nudged him slightly.
“Do you want to grab something to eat?” Aesop’s head perked up instantly, making the alpha laugh at the reaction. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He then proceeded to drag the other to the nearest table. Different pastries were neatly placed on delicate china, and the omega eyed them excitedly. Seconds later, he was nibbling on a tart, carefully choosing his next victim. Cherry pie. An unholy amount of cinnamon rolls. Croissants. Joseph had honestly lost count at this point.
Watching the other was a delight, however. Aesop was far from the usual omega; he showed no interest in impressing others, and was a little less expressive. Joseph hadn’t had enough encounters to see the full image, though he was intrigued, curious even. The same was happening now, while smiling at the other’s shenanigans. The omega's cheeks were puffed out, and he was chewing the cakes with glee.
Joseph couldn’t catch himself before leaning down to plant a kiss on the other’s cheek. Instantly, Aesop stopped his munching, turning towards the alpha in surprise. Joseph himself had a somewhat startled look in his eyes.
Aesop finally gulped down the dessert, and the two stared at each other. It seemed like the omega was waiting for something, but Joseph had no explanation for his actions. And even if he did, the words were caught in his throat. He hadn’t noticed before, but now, with his full attention on the other, he could see how the silver orbs shined in this light. His eyes involuntarily travelled lower, and under the collar of Aesop’s shirt, angry red marks stared back at him.
Something twisted in his stomach. Not in a bad way, however, yet the feeling was definitely foreign. His mind drifted to the thought of him possessing a matching scar, and the feeling intensified. Reality seemed so out of reach, unbelievably so, yet there he was, living it. The man in front of him was his, and he himself belonged to the other. At what cost, however, he couldn’t imagine.
Joseph quickly snapped out of his thoughts with the voice that resounded in the room. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I please have your attention?” a man was standing in the centre of the room, microphone in hand, proudly holding himself as he spoke. Certainly an alpha. Joseph and Aesop shifted their attentions towards him. Joseph clicked his tongue.
“That’s Father’s favourite nephew—” the alpha leaned towards Aesop’s ear to speak.
“So your cousin.” Joseph made a face.
“—Jack.” Aesop could only let out an amused breath at the other.
“Oh behalf of the newlyweds, I wish to thank you for attending this event in such a large number. I believe I speak for everybody when I mention how elated I am for the union of such a brilliant couple.” Cheers filled the room in agreement. “Therefore,” and he turned towards them, “I invite the bridal party to a dance!”
Aesop’s face fell and he subconsciously hid himself behind the alpha. Obviously, all eyes were directed towards them now, waiting impatiently for the two to take the spotlight. The orchestra began playing the first notes of a song in anticipation.
“We have not prepared for this!” Aesop pointed out in a whisper, to which Joseph only grinned.
“Then just follow my lead.” He held a hand out for the omega, who only gaped at him.
“You can’t possibly agree to this!” The look in his eyes sent the message across, and Joseph smiled again.
“You’ll be fine, I promise.” His voice was soft enough for only Aesop to hear, and the other inhaled deeply. He finally took the alpha’s hand and the two advanced to where Jack was still waiting. The music picked up.
Neither were strangers to dancing, having found themselves in this position countless times before. The novelty was their partner. They hadn’t danced together, and were unfamiliar with each other’s pace. Despite that, with hesitant steps, they fell into the rhythm.
Joseph’s hand on his waist reminded Aesop of their night together, when the other held him so gently. His own hand squeezing his shoulder felt oddly right, and where they held hands, sparks seemed to tickle at their skin.
They spun, carefully following the music’s path, and watching each other tenderly. Their feet synchronized, the clicking of their shoes matching the beating of their hearts. Lost in each other’s eyes, they even forgot the setting they were in. All they could feel was a field of yellow roses and lavenders, scents tangling and surrounding them both. It was just the two of them, alongside the music and tranquillity.
The violins cried louder, and the piano raced into an alert tempo. The climax found both clinging onto one another, and after spinning Aesop one last time, in the thundering echo of clapping, the alpha dipped him swiftly.
No longer enchanted by the music, the two panted slightly, eyes still fixed on the other. Two identical smiles adorned their faces, sparkling with the feelings that bloomed in their hearts. Having wrapped his arms around the other’s neck, Aesop pulled him in for a kiss. Joseph hugged him closer in return.
The touch of one’s lips against the other’s had become such a comforting occurrence, and they hadn’t realized how much they craved it until they fell too deep in such longing. They told themselves that it wasn’t love, and it really might have not been; it was too soon for such assumptions. Despite that, they seemed to want the other in their presence more and more. Strange feelings, indeed, yet so natural.
“Cheers for the grooms!” when they pulled apart, they were met with the crowd pushing into each other to get closer. Screeches of congratulations were heard among the deafening voices, along with excited squeals and encouraging laughter.
Sure, they couldn’t stand the boisterous guests, though, with such fervour in their hearts, there was nothing else they could wish for.
– – –
Two weeks later, the two found themselves in a blossoming garden. After a mutual agreement, following family traditions, Aesop had moved into the Desaulniers mansion. It was quite the difference from what he was used to, with new individuals to meet and scents to get accustomed to. Joseph was there however, and the time spent together made up for all the uneasiness.
They had been looking through the alpha’s camera roll, with the latter describing the motifs behind every photograph. Some depicted breathtaking natural scenes, some others were merely portraits. While looking at each, Aesop hadn’t failed to notice the one recurring detail owned by every image.
“You seem to capture the sun a lot, why is that?” it could have been a coincidence, insignificant, really. Although, if there was one thing he’d learned about Joseph in the two weeks they’ve been together, it was that the man had a purpose for every action that he took.
The alpha smiled bitterly. “Ah, you’ve noticed.” He didn’t make eye contact, staring at one specific photo. This one had the sun barely peaking from behind the crown of a tree, covered by both leaves and flowers alike. Somewhere in the distance, a tombstone surrounded by bouquets was bathed in the sunlight. “It’s nothing much, really…”
It was clear that the man had more to say, holding back on his words. Aesop waited, just as patient as the alpha had been when he himself seemed lost in his mind. Something in the vanilla scent resembled nostalgia, as though the man was mourning in silence. Aesop was on the verge of taking back his question, when Joseph moved to look at him.
“Doesn’t it feel a lot safer under the sun?” he paused, considering his ideas. “It just feels as if somebody is always watching over you, protecting you.” He moved to look at the sky. It was now painted auburn, golden even. They should go back inside soon. “Sometimes, the sun is the only warmth you get to feel.” His voice broke into a whisper at the end.
No words were needed in such a situation, and Aesop was aware. He just wrapped his arms around the other, gesture done to him so many times before. A change was surprising, but apparently so needed. Joseph didn’t move, relishing the embrace. The silence they shared was heavy, though comforting nevertheless. There was no pressure, no expectations, just raw feelings.
“Let’s head back in. It’s getting late.” Joseph stirred finally, attempting to stand up. Aesop’s hold only tightened for a second, without looking at him, before letting go. Joseph placed a hand on his head in a thankful pat.
The two walked out of the garden holding hands.
Nothing out of the ordinary occurred at dinner. The Desaulniers had discussed future business plans, too focused on their conversation to acknowledge the young couple sitting just a few chairs from them. The two didn’t mind, however. They ate in silence, with the occasional glances Joseph was giving the omega. Something about the latter’s scent tickled him, and it seemed a lot stronger than usual. He was afraid he could deduce the reason for that.
Now, the two were holding each other under the covers. Darkness had long fallen, yet both were unusually restless. Aesop, on one hand, knew what was coming, as his surroundings became more suffocating with every moment that passed. His scent filled the room, causing warmth to pool in Joseph’s abdomen. Inconveniently aroused, but he’ll have to manage.
Aesop shifted. He sat up, blinking at the night that greeted him. He placed a hand on his stomach and groaned silently. His breathing had become laboured, and Joseph’s presence awakened feelings he wished he could discard as negligible. It was finally time it seemed, and he was still uncertain whether he was prepared.
Beside him, Joseph rolled over. He leaned on his elbows, sighing. “What’s wrong, bébé?” Aesop didn’t answer right away, and Joseph tried again.”Aesop?” by now, he had sat up, placing a hand on the other’s back.
Aesop turned his head slightly. “Is it wrong to be scared?” his voice was small, and Joseph’s heart sunk hearing it.
“Not at all.” He replied quietly. He himself felt the inner turmoil about the upcoming events. “I can go fetch you some suppressants, if you wish.” The omega considered his words, then shook his head.
“We said we’ll go through it together. I don’t want to back away now.” His words were quickly followed by a groan, and he clutched his stomach tighter. A rush of heat crossed his body and he shuddered with it. He felt the sweat sticking the clothes to his skin. Where Joseph touched him, it burned, and he wanted more of it.
They had talked about it before, not even a week prior. At this point, the two weren’t exactly sure how to avoid the ending others wished for them. Everything had happened so quickly, and even if they had grown fond of each other, they were still so far from the love it required.
Things had felt right so many times, though how much of it was merely caused by outside influences, they didn’t know. The expectations that weighted down their shoulders awoke insecurities and frights. When they discussed about their future, it was difficult to accept the circumstances. And yet, they finally agreed, giving themselves to one another, both as body and soul. They didn’t have much of a choice either, and were too afraid to meet the bad ending of their fate.
“Joseph…” Aesop whimpered when the other rubbed his belly soothingly. His heat was barely starting, yet it felt more intense than any other time. It might have been from the presence of the alpha, from standing so close to his mate, he didn’t know.
“It’s okay. I’m here.” The other whispered, hugging the omega close. He inhaled sharply at the effect the other’s pheromones, gritting his teeth at the sudden urge passing through his groin. He couldn’t give in so easily, Aesop was definitely not prepared yet.
“Please do something.” The alpha couldn’t exactly believe his ears, hearing the request that contradicted his thoughts. “Please…” Aesop’s voice was unexpectedly needy, and it only weakened Joseph’s self-control. The omega buried his face in the other’s shirt, gripping at the fabric. His eyes were shut tight and he trembled.
Joseph kissed the top of his head, moving his hands up and down Aesop’s back. “Are you sure?” it could be the heat speaking instead, and he was still sceptical, even with the omega’s frantic nods. The smaller man’s body was feverishly warm, expected, yet Joseph couldn’t help but worry. “Alright.”
Aesop felt himself being lifted gently, before his back touched the bed once again. Careful hands took off the thin shirt covering his body, and he subconsciously pushed into them, chasing the feeling. Lips trailed up his neck, passing his jaw and nibbling at his ear. He attempted to pull the other closer, to drown into the powerful scent that drove him further into desire.
“Is there anything you want me to do—or not to do?” the alpha’s voice seemed so far away in his current state, but Aesop forced himself to focus.
“Don’t know—wait, hah! Do that again!” Joseph had been running his hand across Aesop’s chest, thumbing at his nipple. He did as told, flicking over the bud, and the omega arched his back. The smile that pressed against his skin widened, the kisses travelling down in search for more reactions.
Somehow, Joseph found his way back to Aesop’s scent glands, back to the bite mark. There, he trailed over with his tongue. Aesop surprised them both with the moan that escaped his mouth, unexpectedly loud for the small action.
Joseph tried again, experimenting with the omega’s oversensitivity. The other writhed, rubbed against the fingers that explored him and let out symphonies for the alpha to hear. At this point, the pheromones were too much to handle, and he choked on the lavender that surrounded him. When he pressed his nose against Joseph’s glands, the other let out a guttural response. Instantly, the scent intensified, and Aesop shuddered, digging his nails into Joseph’s back. A soundless gasp rested in his throat.
His first climax was unexpected for the both of them, and Joseph had to stop for a moment to watch the other. He leaned in to kiss the lips that wobbled slightly, and he moved to finally remove Aesop’s pants. They were soaked in slick by now, along with the boxers.
Joseph wasted no time in showering the trembling legs with kisses. With every second that passed, he was a step closer to losing his composure. His kisses turned into suckles and, soon enough, bites that were certainly going to leave marks.
For Aesop, the stimulation was so intense he couldn’t even tell what part of his body wanted to be touched more. The other’s ministrations were overwhelming, yet something in him still didn’t feel satisfied. It was almost scary how he couldn’t control the thoughts that crossed his mind, now too deep into the endeavour.
They were too preoccupied with each other to even realize how quickly they changed their positions. They were kissing again, and, with Joseph painfully hard on top of him, the omega waited for the insertion. Joseph was out of his mind as well, drunk on both the scent and the responses Aesop gave to his touches.
He was on the point of pushing in, when he suddenly stopped himself. “Are you sure you still want to do this?” he was afraid that the second they’d begin, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. He was aware their actions would have consequences, and instincts seemed too unforgiving.
Aesop moved his head in an attempted nod. “…I, ah… I trust you.” A smile grew on his flushed face, and he wiggled in anticipation. Joseph let out a sigh and proceeded to enter the other, hesitantly.
With every inch filling him, Aesop’s desire only grew. His hips shifted to accommodate the foreign feeling and, soon enough, with a strangled moan and satisfied grunt, Joseph was deep, all down to the base. The alpha searched the other with his eyes, waiting for a confirmation. The arms that once again enveloped him were more than an answer.
The first thrusts knocked the breath out of Aesop, and he dug his nails into the other’s back for support. His lips were captured into another kiss, Joseph swallowing every sound he was making. The alpha’s hands were gripping the soft flesh of his hips, all while watching the expressions change on his visage.
Joseph hadn’t even noticed the moment his pace sped up, only when the omega threw his head back, choking on a sob. “Jo-OH-seeeph!” The man in question only buried his head in the other’s neck, brushing his lips over the mating mark. When he sunk his teeth in, Aesop shivered, coming dry for the second time that night.
He rode his orgasm with tears in his eyes, mewls and sighs accompanying the clapping of skin against skin. His thighs trembled under the pressure, yet he hooked his legs around Joseph’s waist, pulling him closer. With their position slightly changed, every thrust hit a spot that caused Aesop’s vision to instantly white out. The tears were now freely falling down his cheeks and Joseph only kissed them away.
“Shh, I’m here.” The voice was comforting, yet in the omega’s mind it only seemed more arousing. He was hard again, the heat in his body only intensifying the feeling. His throat couldn’t keep up with his cries, and his voice was breaking.
By now, their floral scents filled the room, their aphrodisiacal effect difficult to ignore. Soon, Joseph felt his knot catch at the other’s rim, and he slowed down. The feeling of it expanding was strangely pleasing for the omega, even with the faint pain that accompanied it. They came, finally, with Joseph being the first. Aesop was next, stimulated by the mere thought of the alpha’s semen filling him.
Joseph hugged the other tightly while waiting for the moment to finally pull out. Aesop was panting, fighting the battle between consciousness and dream. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t stop myself.” The alpha’s voice was a whisper, lost in the night.
“It’s going to be worse tomorrow.” Aesop told him, voicing the warning instead of a reply. Joseph was about to respond, when the tired huff from beneath him cut him short. “Please help me then, as well.” The two looked at each other, Aesop with a smile and Joseph with surprise dancing in his eyes. The relief that came with his grin sparkled in the moonlight.
“I’ll take care of you, I promise.”
When the knot finally allowed him to pull out, Joseph moved to lie beside his lover. With a hand, he pushed the stray locks from the omega’s face, watching his tired features finally relax in his slumber. The alpha fell asleep soon after, free from the uneasiness that had gripped at his insides for so long.
Neither had much recollection of the following days. When Joseph had a clear enough mind, he would bring the omega food and water, making sure to keep him hydrated. Every time he returned, the other would be curled in a ball, hugging one of Joseph’s coats, that held enough of his scent. They had fallen into a cycle of sleeping, feeding, and knotting, and time had lost its meaning.
Some of the times, Aesop would find himself pushed past his limits, letting out screams that would be heard in the entirety of the manor. Some others, Joseph was too exhausted, and the omega took the lead, riding the other for hours on end. They slept together after every session, easing each other out with their presence.
The morning Aesop’s heat was finally coming to an end, he woke up with a headache. His memories were fuzzy, yet he could put the pieces together and deduce what had happened that past week. He was looking at the ceiling, hearing Joseph breathing softly just beside him. He let out a sigh, conflicting thoughts filling his mind.
He was afraid of the outcome. He dreaded the future that kept replaying in front of his eyes. And those were only the rational thoughts, because the omega in him was giddy with excitement. An eventful heat alongside his mate, there was really nothing else to wish for. Despite that, he didn’t feel prepared.
His breath hitched with a dry sob. He hadn’t been prepared for any of the moments he was forced to live through, and yet there he was, tangled up in a mess he had no idea how to solve. Joseph was more than helpful, too understanding, yet even so, they weren’t alone in that world.
With all the promises of care and protection, Aesop knew life wouldn’t be as easy to conquer. That was what frightened him, really: uncertainty. And now, with the sleeping alpha right beside him, he cried silently, feeling oddly hopeless.
He’ll have to be strong, he really had no choice.