[There were some benefits to being a late bloomer. While everyone in middle school was excitedly chattering about how they'd present and feeling out their new hormones and urges and arguing over who would be what, he had been able to slip quietly into the background. He wasn't anything, then. He was a scentless void, ignored by the alphas and omegas and gently tolerated by the betas, because that's what betas did. There was no risk of him getting into fights to prove his strength, or any need to spend excess money on suppressants. It made him easy to handle, and Natsume Takashi had spent his life trying to be easy to handle.
Once he started his third year in high school, though, the benefits had suddenly turned into liabilities. It was now a strange thing that he hadn't presented yet, a sign that there was something wrong with him. His foster parents whispered about how if it was taking this long, it'd surely be ten times worse than normal, all those hormones pent up and ready to explode. Some of the more aggressive alphas at school had teased him, saying that he just needed a little encouragement, that he was definitely an omega, just look at him. He definitely wasn't an alpha, considering that not even the nastiest, foulest insults could spur him into lashing out. Natsume just stood there, head down, and took it, from the school bullies, from his relatives, from everyone.
And then, just after his seventeenth birthday, it happened. He woke up and the whole world was different, full of overwhelming scents and urges and emotions and instincts. But it wasn't what he'd been preparing himself for since he was old enough to understand what the words meant. He was an alpha. Against all odds, against stereotype and tradition and even bloodline. His parents had both been betas, most of his relatives were, it wasn't natural.
What it was, Natsume found out, was an excuse for the same alphas who'd harassed him all year to suddenly loop him into their club, to turn the raunchy jokes against others and try to get him involved, try to turn him into a normal alpha. Whether it was out of a desire to have more control or just another excuse to sneak out at night and visit shady clubs, Natsume wasn't positive. He was strongly beginning to think it was the latter, though, since it was after 10pm and he was here, surrounded by scantily clad bodies and the overwhelming scent of perfume. It was making his head spin.]
This is -- really, really not necessary, my birthday was a month ago-- [This was Natsume's last, best attempt at an argument before he was unceremoniously shoved into a booth and patted condescendingly on the head by one of his classmates. "Keep an eye on him, sweetheart, we'll be right back," the alpha leered across the table at the omega they'd pooled their money and booked for the night.
Then they were gone and Natsume was left with -- well, his first overwhelming thought was bunny ears. That was. Surprising. He didn't know that outfit existed outside of weird porn. Not that he watched weird porn, but he knew some stuff. He might not be experienced, but he wasn't stupid. Once he dragged his gaze down from the ears, he was able to see the omega's face, lit up by the dim neon lights, the curl of his bemused smile, the makeup on his face, the hair falling into his eyes.
And the way he smelled... It wasn't the overwhelming, cloyingly sweet scent of false heat imitators, lathered on by a lot of the other workers. It was fresh, clean, genuine. Natsume actually had to hold his breath so he didn't just scoot along the bench seat and bury his nose in the omega's neck.
[ Junpei practiced a very controversial method in his hosting - he wasn’t on suppressants. Or birth control. He relied on having trained himself to maintain control during his heat along with the security at the place making sure alphas didn’t just go nuts and mate him right in the club.
But many preferred that natural scent, and the owner had mentioned to his workers that if anyone did get pregnant they’d get a significant pay raise. Pregnant omega were their own very lucrative kink, and Junpei had honestly given it some thought. He had decided to bury his issues with focusing on excelling at hosting, and sometimes that involved going to extremes. He was young, healthy. He could handle it. Let some loving couple adopt the kid after. What did he care? What good was he as an omega anyway? It wasn’t like he’d ever be anyone’s mate. Why not use his body to live a comfortable life?
All that wasn’t on his mind when the newbie was sat down at his table. He’d been ready to jump into his usual spiel, start flirting and turning on the charm. Get as much money as he could out of the latest sucker.
But something about Natsume knocked the wind out of him. He looked stunned, words caught in his throat. What was a guy this beautiful doing buying a host? ]
... hi.
[ He tried to shake it off, remember his script. The first thing to do was to figure out what the guy liked. What did he usually say. ]
Ah, so ... first time, right? What ... kind of omega do you like? Have you seen my menu?
[ When you selected your host, you got a ‘menu’ of what services they offered. ]
[He seems -- young. Natsume had been expecting someone older than him, practiced and coy and flirtatious, all batting eyelashes and seductive smiles. He hadn't expected someone who could be one of his classmates, sitting there in next to nothing, looking at him with the most intent, searching look he's ever seen. It makes something in his chest flip over, something that's half protectiveness, half sorrow. How did he get here? How many times has he said these exact words?
Natsume knows he's not special, he's not the first customer the omega's ever had -- probably not even the first one he's had that night -- but that doesn't stop him from wanting to be...different. Wanting to be more than just a leering, drooling, mindless ball of hormones and horniness. Even if being this close, breathing in this scent is starting to have him understand how someone can get to that point.
The question gets a helpless shrug, and Natsume reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ears. It's getting too long, again, growing along with the rest of him. He's been caught in a perpetual growth spurt ever since presenting, it seems, finally getting taller and broader after having resigned himself to be tiny forever. He's still nowhere as big as an average alpha, but there's potential there.]
My, ah -- the guys I came with chose you. They said they wanted it to be a surprise. I -- [He should ask what the menu entails, what the options are. What he asks instead is:] What's your name?
[ He may not be as big as a typical alpha, but he’s effortlessly charming in a way that’s really throwing Junpei off his game.
They all use fake names at the club for safety purposes, there are too many alpha who can’t keep things to fantasy and will try and stalk the omega outside of it. Still, Junpei almost slips up with how distracted he is and gives his real name instead. ]
Jun — ah, that is, Kaito. What’s yours?
[ He slips his hand across the table, offering it for Natsume to hold. One of the tactics. Especially with the young, new ones. They tend to like the little touch. It also allows him to lean over a bit. He may not have much in the way of a chest, but some guys like the angle. ]
Mm, but you do have a type, right? Like maybe one of the omega you crush on at work? Or did back in school?
[The momentary slip-up gets an arched eyebrow, but Natsume smiles right after, letting it go. Having fake names makes sense. It's for safety. Knowing that this omega in particular is conscious of his safety feels...good.]
Nice to meet you, Kaito. [It doesn't seem to matter to him that they're in public, that there's noise and lights all around. He reaches across the table slowly, takes the offered hand, absently runs his thumb over each knuckle. Smaller than his. But warm.] I'm Natsume.
[It's strange how easily he'd taken the hand. He doesn't like being touched, he's never liked being touched. But this feels...different.
The question has him blushing again, though, clearing his throat awkwardly.] I-I hadn't ever thought of it, really. I've never really...had a crush on anyone. [Another smile, this one applogetic.] I'm sorry, I'm probably not a very good, ah...customer.
[ It’s more than a little shocking when that rubbing finger delivers a tingle, one that runs right through to Junpei’s stomach and makes him tremble noticeably.
Alphas touch him all the time, both in ways he allows and ways he doesn’t want. Typically if he feels anything it’s revulsion that he has to keep to himself in order to please his client. Yet in spite of trying to be the one doing the charming, he’s feeling his face heat up with a blush.
How could such a simple guy have him tripping up like this? He’s entertained alphas hundreds of times. He scrambles internally to think of how to turn the tables.
Maybe if he tries his submissive persona? He brings a finger up to his lips to nibble at a nail in pretend nervousness, widening his eyes. ]
Do you ... think I’m pretty? Did you want another omega, maybe?
What? [Natsume looks alarmed, eyes widening in surprise, shaking his head hard. He grabs the omega's hand with both of his without thinking, leaning forward, his gaze earnest and emphatic.] O-Of course I don't think that! You're -- well, you're beautiful, obviously.
[He's close now, so close he can see that the eye shadow is a little smudged, the lipstick smeared at one corner. Natsume is shocked by the pulse of anger that shoots through him, thinking about how Kaito's makeup could've gotten messy. It's intense enough that he catches his breath, then reaches up, gently smoothing the messy edge of the lipstick.]
You aren't doing anything wrong. It's -- me. It's me. I'm not a...very good alpha, I'm afraid.
[ This is all going very weirdly. Normally toying with them is easy, and even on the rare occasions they don’t understand the game Junpei never feels guilty. They’re just money. A way to keep himself off the streets and distracted from his problems.
But this guy being upset hurts. There’s an honesty about him that’s cutting through Junpei’s finely crafted protective outer shell and into his heart. He’s unable to keep the worried look off his face or the warm feeling that washes over him when his hand is grasped so tenderly.
What’s happening?
All his usual lines won’t come to him. His usual poise. Confidence. The lies.
He notices one of his co-workers looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
There’s a panic and he’s rising from his seat, hand still clutched. ]
Maybe we should ... go to the back room. For some privacy. Come.
O-Oh, okay, um-- [Natsume rises obediently, hand still curled tightly with Kaito's, somewhere between bewildered and relieved to be getting away from all the prying eyes. He doesn't even think about the connotations of the "back room", just lets himself be led along.
Unfortunately, that's right when the three other alphas he'd came with -- all huge, burly, broad, reeking of horny pheromones, the textbook definition of young alpha -- come back. They're all holding drinks, definitely bought with fake IDs, but the biggest of them shoves his into the hands of one of the others, letting out a rough laugh.
"Leaving so soon, Natsume? Damn, I knew you were a virgin, but I didn't think you were THAT horny." The alpha sidles up to Kaito, sets a hand boldly on the omega's lower back, grin turning leering, suggestive. "Then again, you didn't see this guy's menu -- he'll do ANYTHING for the right price. Hell, when you're done, we might even want a turn." The hand slides lower, groping, then smacking at the omega's ass. "What d'you think, baby, think you can take all four of us at once?"
Later, Natsume won't have the foggiest idea what came over him. He's not an aggressive person. He doesn't lash out, not verbally and certainly not physically. He never has. But one second he's standing there, watching his classmate say horrible, degrading, filthy things --
-- and the next second he's standing above the other alpha, knuckles bruised, looking down at the other teenager, who's groaning and clutching a bleeding nose. There's rage like Natsume has never felt before, tight and choking and ferocious, and it makes his voice into a snarl when he speaks:] Don't touch him.
[Then he turns, striding away purposefully, tugging Kaito along by the hand, ignoring the stunned stares. He makes it around a corner before he fully comes back to himself, turning and blinking a couple times like he's coming out of a daze.]
I'm. I. [A moment more of blinking, then Natsume steps closer, brow furrowed in that same gentle concern, like he hadn't just broken a guy's nose ten seconds ago.] Are you okay?
[ When the bigger alpha starts feeling him up, it’s a testament to what he’s gotten used to that Junpei doesn’t even flinch when he’s spanked. He’s already preparing his polite, customer service oriented response when all of a sudden Natsume strikes.
Junpei’s first reaction is shock at the fierceness of the smaller alpha, his second is panic that the owner will want Natsume kicked out for starting a fight in the club.
Before he can think of what to do he’s being pulled around the corner, and Natsume is trying to mumble something out.
A determined look crosses over Junpei’s face and he all but yanks the other through a doorway with a beaded curtain into a room with a large, heart shaped bed covered in pillows. He lets go of Natsume’s hand long enough to push a button on the wall to mark the room as occupied before he turns to him and starts being decidedly less demure. The act is gone. ]
Are you crazy?! Are you in rut or something? You can’t just ... punch someone in a host club! You could get the cops called! And ... are you using some illegal pheromones?! Trying to seduce me? Why are you making me feel weird? What’s your deal?
[The squawk Natsume lets out as he's yanked unceremoniously into the room -- which also looks like something out of stereotypical porn, is that the theme around here?? -- is not at all in keeping with the ferocious creature he'd been seconds before. Now he's stumbling over his own feet, blushing to his hairline and quickly shaking his head.]
I-I don't know, I just -- he was being awful, he is awful, a-and it's my fault he's here, and I know it's your job, but -- but you don't deserve to be treated like that. [This last sentence is addressed to his feet, ears bright red, hands nervously twisting together. He's trying to convince them both that it was just him being nice, having basic human compassion, but the truth is that he'd never felt that angry before. He'd wanted to kill his classmate for putting his hands on the omega.
On this specific omega. Natsume is a little bewildered about what that might mean, so he presses forward.] A-Anyways, I can't imagine that a place that sells alcohol to minors -- or even lets them in -- is going to be too quick to call the cops.
[Then he frowns, looking bewildered at the last line of questioning.] Pheromones? Seducing? I -- no, o-of course not. I didn't even know we were coming here until less than am hour ago.
[ He puts a hand to his forehead and sighs deeply, walking over to the bed to sit down. He wishes he could have a drink right now; one of several bad habits he’d picked up since taking on the job. It took the edge of things. Helped him forget. ]
Look, you’re obviously way too nice a kid to be here. I can ... see about getting any deposit you put in back. But ...
[ He lifts his head to look Natsume dead in the eyes. To show him how empty is own are. ]
I’m a whore. I’m here to be used. Mistreated. Save your kindness for a good omega. Some sweet thing that still has hope ... someone like you. That can be protected. It’s too late for me.
[Natsume grimaces at the mention of his "friends", crossing his arms tightly. He's more than a little nervous about the idea of getting in trouble, not least of all because his foster parents will almost certainly kick him out. He'd be playing right into the stereotype of an out of control young alpha, punching someone in the nose.
But then Kaito -- or whatever his name is, the false attitude is gone and it feels odd that the false name isn't -- calls himself a whore, tells Natsume to write him off. That he's not worth it. There's a long moment where Natsume just stares at the omega, his gaze intent, unflinching.
Then he abruptly sits down on the edge of the bed, arms still crossed.] No. I'm not going anywhere. [It's stubborn, blunt, with a bit of that steely ferocity he'd shown earlier.] I get to choose who I spend my time with, and I choose you.
[ Junpei is stunned. He just sits there looking at Natsume in disbelief for a few seconds before throwing his arms in the air. ]
“So there?!” Like you’re a bratty child? You’re young, but you’re not that young!
[ There’s another huff, and suddenly he’s looming behind Natsume on the bed, grabbing him and forcing him to lean back against his chest. ]
Oh, you’re going to spend time with me, hm? I’m sure you know exactly what to do with a whore, right? How to get your money’s worth?
[ Maybe he can scare the other away? He runs a hand down Natsume’s neck and chest, slow and teasing. Right down to his stomach, hovering just above the hem of his pants. ]
I said what I said. [Yes, it makes him feel a little childish, but he lifts his chin and keeps his arms crossed, refusing to back down.
Except then there's a warm, soft body pressed to his back, arms around his neck, hands touching him, and there's a brief moment when Natsume almost surrenders to the hot rush of arousal that the touch of the omega prompts. It fills his head with filthy, daring thoughts, the kind he's barely even considered before.
And then he's twisting around, looking over his shoulder, eyes golden in the neon light. He's not smiling.] Is that what you think of me? That I'm going to suddenly -- give into my base urges and use you? Like they wanted to?
[ The reaction has Junpei scooting back and removing his hands from Natsume’s body to cross them indignantly over his chest. There’s a low scoff as he rolls his eyes. ]
Alphas are alphas are alphas. I don’t know anything about you, but it’s your instinct. I’m on the verge of heat right now, although from a behavioral standpoint it’s hard to tell because I’ve learned techniques to keep me from being a mewling puddle of slick like other omega - but your body knows it. You’re inhaling my scent as we speak. Do you really want to spend money to just sit here and talk? Have you ever even felt a pussy on your knot before? I can do things that will make your brain melt out of your ears.
[ Confident. There wasn’t much he thought he could do well, but he could satisfy an alpha. It was all his body was good for. ]
[Natsume clears his throat to cover the strangled sound he makes hearing the omega talk so bluntly, so flatly about the things he can do. It's clearly rote, routine, matter-of-fact. It's a job.
And most alphas wouldn't care. They'd smell the scent of omega in heat and follow their instincts. It wouldn't matter who or what was taking their knot, as long as something was. That's been the kind of life Natsume has feared ever since presenting, but he's never been so...overwhelmingly tempted towards it.
He exhales slowly, turning around until he's facing Kaito -- or whoever. He sits cross-legged, hands in his lap.] I'm not going to change your mind about all alphas, and I'm not going to try. But if you can be different from most omegas, I can be different too.
Besides, it's my time. I can choose what I want to do with it. [He glances towards the very high heels, arching an eyebrow.] Can you take those off? They look dangerous.
[ The request has Junpei very flummoxed, but Natsume is technically the customer, so in a beat he’s kicking off the high heels with an unimpressed look on his face. ]
Dangerous? Please. I wear them multiple times a week. They’re shoes not a weapon.
[ With the high heels off he returns to the bed with a look absolutely rife with exasperation. ]
Fine. Then how do you want to use your time, sir? Did you even look at my menu?
They look sharp enough to be a weapon. [Natsume retorts this huffily, though he seems to relax a bit once the shoes are gone.] Don't they hurt your feet, walking around and standing all day?
No, I didn't. Can you summarize it for me? [Then, after a pause:] And, ah. How long do I have? The others paid for everything.
[ At the request for a summary he sighs. The whole point of having the menu is to keep him from having to go over all of this. It’s long, boring, and he can’t really remember everything he listed. He’s one of the most popular hosts in part because he will do many things the others won’t. ]
You started with 90 minutes. Now you’re down to 70.
[ He brings up a hand to count down things on his fingers. ]
I specialize in traditional, submissive play or bratty, demanding play. You can have the ‘boyfriend experience’ where we pretend we’re dating - kind of perfect for a softie like you. I can suck you off, massage, dry hump, step on you, sit on your face, penetration - your buddies paid for the premium package so it’s whatever you want.
[ Maybe ... one last attempt to scare him off. Getting on all fours he lays his torso down flat while his bunny tail clad butt waggles in the air. ]
I’m also offering a rare heat special opportunity to cream pie me and possibly knock me up. I haven’t even put that in my menu yet. Lucky you.
[Another of those wheezing coughs and his ears turning bright red as Natsume politely averts his gaze.] They're not my buddies. And that's a lot for 70 minutes.
[Well, most people don't choose everything, Nat. He arches both eyebrows at this last part, though, his huffy persona slipping for a moment. There's something -- genuinely pained in his expression.] That's -- actually an option? Really?
[ There was the discomfort he was looking for. Putting on a smirk he places his hand on his stomach, rubbing slightly. ]
Mm, some people will pay big bucks to be with a pregnant omega, so my boss is offering a huge bonus for getting knocked up. I could make enough to set myself up for years. Plenty of people want a kid and can’t have one. I’ll just find a couple that does. They’ll be happy, I’ll be drowning in money. Sounds good to me.
[ He leans in close, lowering his voice to a whisper. ]
Why? Does that interest you, daddy? You’d effect my body for months ... hell, some effects will stick around even after the kid is born. Some alphas love the idea of that kind of control.
[Natsume just -- stares, incredulous and pained. When he moves, finally, it's to lean forward, voice steely, eyes narrowed.]
And what if I wanted you both? What if I did that and wanted to stay, with you, with our baby? What if I'm that kind of alpha?
[He swallows tightly, hands curled into fists.] I'll bet you wouldn't do that. That doesn't fit into the way you have to see the world. You'll let people do anything but care about you. That's too much.
[ Of all the responses Junpei was expecting to his little spiel? That was not it. It hits him in a place that hurts. A place that’s been hurt quietly for a very long time. Where were you a year ago when you could have saved me? Before it was too late?
He instantly is backing up again, expression so confused. This guy ... ]
You only just met me. You don’t even know my real name. Yet you’re talking about settling down with me? Look ... I realize maybe you never got to date or anything, but you’re not ... anywhere close to bad looking. Your whole knight in shining armor complex is even kind of sweet.
But you don’t make a hooker your omega. Do you have any idea how many alpha have had me? It’s like buying a car that’s already been wrecked.
Maybe that's what I want. [The tables have turned, and Natsume is rising onto his hands and knees, golden gaze intent, almost predatory. It's another thing that isn't normal for him -- he's polite to a fault, deferential, submissive. He lets people walk all over him. But here he is, having broken a guy's nose and now moving forward slowly, crawling up with sinuous, graceful movements, until he's right in the omega's face, inches away.] Maybe I don't care about being the first. Just the last.
[He lingers for a moment, reaches up slowly and tucks a loose strand of hair behind the omega's ear, very very gently. Then he sits back on his heels, chin lifted in trimph.] See? You aren't the only one who can control themselves.
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Once he started his third year in high school, though, the benefits had suddenly turned into liabilities. It was now a strange thing that he hadn't presented yet, a sign that there was something wrong with him. His foster parents whispered about how if it was taking this long, it'd surely be ten times worse than normal, all those hormones pent up and ready to explode. Some of the more aggressive alphas at school had teased him, saying that he just needed a little encouragement, that he was definitely an omega, just look at him. He definitely wasn't an alpha, considering that not even the nastiest, foulest insults could spur him into lashing out. Natsume just stood there, head down, and took it, from the school bullies, from his relatives, from everyone.
And then, just after his seventeenth birthday, it happened. He woke up and the whole world was different, full of overwhelming scents and urges and emotions and instincts. But it wasn't what he'd been preparing himself for since he was old enough to understand what the words meant. He was an alpha. Against all odds, against stereotype and tradition and even bloodline. His parents had both been betas, most of his relatives were, it wasn't natural.
What it was, Natsume found out, was an excuse for the same alphas who'd harassed him all year to suddenly loop him into their club, to turn the raunchy jokes against others and try to get him involved, try to turn him into a normal alpha. Whether it was out of a desire to have more control or just another excuse to sneak out at night and visit shady clubs, Natsume wasn't positive. He was strongly beginning to think it was the latter, though, since it was after 10pm and he was here, surrounded by scantily clad bodies and the overwhelming scent of perfume. It was making his head spin.]
This is -- really, really not necessary, my birthday was a month ago-- [This was Natsume's last, best attempt at an argument before he was unceremoniously shoved into a booth and patted condescendingly on the head by one of his classmates. "Keep an eye on him, sweetheart, we'll be right back," the alpha leered across the table at the omega they'd pooled their money and booked for the night.
Then they were gone and Natsume was left with -- well, his first overwhelming thought was bunny ears. That was. Surprising. He didn't know that outfit existed outside of weird porn. Not that he watched weird porn, but he knew some stuff. He might not be experienced, but he wasn't stupid. Once he dragged his gaze down from the ears, he was able to see the omega's face, lit up by the dim neon lights, the curl of his bemused smile, the makeup on his face, the hair falling into his eyes.
And the way he smelled... It wasn't the overwhelming, cloyingly sweet scent of false heat imitators, lathered on by a lot of the other workers. It was fresh, clean, genuine. Natsume actually had to hold his breath so he didn't just scoot along the bench seat and bury his nose in the omega's neck.
He coughed. Once.] Um. Hi.
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But many preferred that natural scent, and the owner had mentioned to his workers that if anyone did get pregnant they’d get a significant pay raise. Pregnant omega were their own very lucrative kink, and Junpei had honestly given it some thought. He had decided to bury his issues with focusing on excelling at hosting, and sometimes that involved going to extremes. He was young, healthy. He could handle it. Let some loving couple adopt the kid after. What did he care? What good was he as an omega anyway? It wasn’t like he’d ever be anyone’s mate. Why not use his body to live a comfortable life?
All that wasn’t on his mind when the newbie was sat down at his table. He’d been ready to jump into his usual spiel, start flirting and turning on the charm. Get as much money as he could out of the latest sucker.
But something about Natsume knocked the wind out of him. He looked stunned, words caught in his throat. What was a guy this beautiful doing buying a host? ]
... hi.
[ He tried to shake it off, remember his script. The first thing to do was to figure out what the guy liked. What did he usually say. ]
Ah, so ... first time, right? What ... kind of omega do you like? Have you seen my menu?
[ When you selected your host, you got a ‘menu’ of what services they offered. ]
Did anything catch your eye?
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Natsume knows he's not special, he's not the first customer the omega's ever had -- probably not even the first one he's had that night -- but that doesn't stop him from wanting to be...different. Wanting to be more than just a leering, drooling, mindless ball of hormones and horniness. Even if being this close, breathing in this scent is starting to have him understand how someone can get to that point.
The question gets a helpless shrug, and Natsume reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ears. It's getting too long, again, growing along with the rest of him. He's been caught in a perpetual growth spurt ever since presenting, it seems, finally getting taller and broader after having resigned himself to be tiny forever. He's still nowhere as big as an average alpha, but there's potential there.]
My, ah -- the guys I came with chose you. They said they wanted it to be a surprise. I -- [He should ask what the menu entails, what the options are. What he asks instead is:] What's your name?
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They all use fake names at the club for safety purposes, there are too many alpha who can’t keep things to fantasy and will try and stalk the omega outside of it. Still, Junpei almost slips up with how distracted he is and gives his real name instead. ]
Jun — ah, that is, Kaito. What’s yours?
[ He slips his hand across the table, offering it for Natsume to hold. One of the tactics. Especially with the young, new ones. They tend to like the little touch. It also allows him to lean over a bit. He may not have much in the way of a chest, but some guys like the angle. ]
Mm, but you do have a type, right? Like maybe one of the omega you crush on at work? Or did back in school?
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Nice to meet you, Kaito. [It doesn't seem to matter to him that they're in public, that there's noise and lights all around. He reaches across the table slowly, takes the offered hand, absently runs his thumb over each knuckle. Smaller than his. But warm.] I'm Natsume.
[It's strange how easily he'd taken the hand. He doesn't like being touched, he's never liked being touched. But this feels...different.
The question has him blushing again, though, clearing his throat awkwardly.] I-I hadn't ever thought of it, really. I've never really...had a crush on anyone. [Another smile, this one applogetic.] I'm sorry, I'm probably not a very good, ah...customer.
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Alphas touch him all the time, both in ways he allows and ways he doesn’t want. Typically if he feels anything it’s revulsion that he has to keep to himself in order to please his client. Yet in spite of trying to be the one doing the charming, he’s feeling his face heat up with a blush.
How could such a simple guy have him tripping up like this? He’s entertained alphas hundreds of times. He scrambles internally to think of how to turn the tables.
Maybe if he tries his submissive persona? He brings a finger up to his lips to nibble at a nail in pretend nervousness, widening his eyes. ]
Do you ... think I’m pretty? Did you want another omega, maybe?
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[He's close now, so close he can see that the eye shadow is a little smudged, the lipstick smeared at one corner. Natsume is shocked by the pulse of anger that shoots through him, thinking about how Kaito's makeup could've gotten messy. It's intense enough that he catches his breath, then reaches up, gently smoothing the messy edge of the lipstick.]
You aren't doing anything wrong. It's -- me. It's me. I'm not a...very good alpha, I'm afraid.
It's not you.
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But this guy being upset hurts. There’s an honesty about him that’s cutting through Junpei’s finely crafted protective outer shell and into his heart. He’s unable to keep the worried look off his face or the warm feeling that washes over him when his hand is grasped so tenderly.
What’s happening?
All his usual lines won’t come to him. His usual poise. Confidence. The lies.
He notices one of his co-workers looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
There’s a panic and he’s rising from his seat, hand still clutched. ]
Maybe we should ... go to the back room. For some privacy. Come.
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Unfortunately, that's right when the three other alphas he'd came with -- all huge, burly, broad, reeking of horny pheromones, the textbook definition of young alpha -- come back. They're all holding drinks, definitely bought with fake IDs, but the biggest of them shoves his into the hands of one of the others, letting out a rough laugh.
"Leaving so soon, Natsume? Damn, I knew you were a virgin, but I didn't think you were THAT horny." The alpha sidles up to Kaito, sets a hand boldly on the omega's lower back, grin turning leering, suggestive. "Then again, you didn't see this guy's menu -- he'll do ANYTHING for the right price. Hell, when you're done, we might even want a turn." The hand slides lower, groping, then smacking at the omega's ass. "What d'you think, baby, think you can take all four of us at once?"
Later, Natsume won't have the foggiest idea what came over him. He's not an aggressive person. He doesn't lash out, not verbally and certainly not physically. He never has. But one second he's standing there, watching his classmate say horrible, degrading, filthy things --
-- and the next second he's standing above the other alpha, knuckles bruised, looking down at the other teenager, who's groaning and clutching a bleeding nose. There's rage like Natsume has never felt before, tight and choking and ferocious, and it makes his voice into a snarl when he speaks:] Don't touch him.
[Then he turns, striding away purposefully, tugging Kaito along by the hand, ignoring the stunned stares. He makes it around a corner before he fully comes back to himself, turning and blinking a couple times like he's coming out of a daze.]
I'm. I. [A moment more of blinking, then Natsume steps closer, brow furrowed in that same gentle concern, like he hadn't just broken a guy's nose ten seconds ago.] Are you okay?
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Junpei’s first reaction is shock at the fierceness of the smaller alpha, his second is panic that the owner will want Natsume kicked out for starting a fight in the club.
Before he can think of what to do he’s being pulled around the corner, and Natsume is trying to mumble something out.
A determined look crosses over Junpei’s face and he all but yanks the other through a doorway with a beaded curtain into a room with a large, heart shaped bed covered in pillows. He lets go of Natsume’s hand long enough to push a button on the wall to mark the room as occupied before he turns to him and starts being decidedly less demure. The act is gone. ]
Are you crazy?! Are you in rut or something? You can’t just ... punch someone in a host club! You could get the cops called! And ... are you using some illegal pheromones?! Trying to seduce me? Why are you making me feel weird? What’s your deal?
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I-I don't know, I just -- he was being awful, he is awful, a-and it's my fault he's here, and I know it's your job, but -- but you don't deserve to be treated like that. [This last sentence is addressed to his feet, ears bright red, hands nervously twisting together. He's trying to convince them both that it was just him being nice, having basic human compassion, but the truth is that he'd never felt that angry before. He'd wanted to kill his classmate for putting his hands on the omega.
On this specific omega. Natsume is a little bewildered about what that might mean, so he presses forward.] A-Anyways, I can't imagine that a place that sells alcohol to minors -- or even lets them in -- is going to be too quick to call the cops.
[Then he frowns, looking bewildered at the last line of questioning.] Pheromones? Seducing? I -- no, o-of course not. I didn't even know we were coming here until less than am hour ago.
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[ He puts a hand to his forehead and sighs deeply, walking over to the bed to sit down. He wishes he could have a drink right now; one of several bad habits he’d picked up since taking on the job. It took the edge of things. Helped him forget. ]
Look, you’re obviously way too nice a kid to be here. I can ... see about getting any deposit you put in back. But ...
[ He lifts his head to look Natsume dead in the eyes. To show him how empty is own are. ]
I’m a whore. I’m here to be used. Mistreated. Save your kindness for a good omega. Some sweet thing that still has hope ... someone like you. That can be protected. It’s too late for me.
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But then Kaito -- or whatever his name is, the false attitude is gone and it feels odd that the false name isn't -- calls himself a whore, tells Natsume to write him off. That he's not worth it. There's a long moment where Natsume just stares at the omega, his gaze intent, unflinching.
Then he abruptly sits down on the edge of the bed, arms still crossed.] No. I'm not going anywhere. [It's stubborn, blunt, with a bit of that steely ferocity he'd shown earlier.] I get to choose who I spend my time with, and I choose you.
So...there.
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“So there?!” Like you’re a bratty child? You’re young, but you’re not that young!
[ There’s another huff, and suddenly he’s looming behind Natsume on the bed, grabbing him and forcing him to lean back against his chest. ]
Oh, you’re going to spend time with me, hm? I’m sure you know exactly what to do with a whore, right? How to get your money’s worth?
[ Maybe he can scare the other away? He runs a hand down Natsume’s neck and chest, slow and teasing. Right down to his stomach, hovering just above the hem of his pants. ]
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Except then there's a warm, soft body pressed to his back, arms around his neck, hands touching him, and there's a brief moment when Natsume almost surrenders to the hot rush of arousal that the touch of the omega prompts. It fills his head with filthy, daring thoughts, the kind he's barely even considered before.
And then he's twisting around, looking over his shoulder, eyes golden in the neon light. He's not smiling.] Is that what you think of me? That I'm going to suddenly -- give into my base urges and use you? Like they wanted to?
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Alphas are alphas are alphas. I don’t know anything about you, but it’s your instinct. I’m on the verge of heat right now, although from a behavioral standpoint it’s hard to tell because I’ve learned techniques to keep me from being a mewling puddle of slick like other omega - but your body knows it. You’re inhaling my scent as we speak. Do you really want to spend money to just sit here and talk? Have you ever even felt a pussy on your knot before? I can do things that will make your brain melt out of your ears.
[ Confident. There wasn’t much he thought he could do well, but he could satisfy an alpha. It was all his body was good for. ]
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And most alphas wouldn't care. They'd smell the scent of omega in heat and follow their instincts. It wouldn't matter who or what was taking their knot, as long as something was. That's been the kind of life Natsume has feared ever since presenting, but he's never been so...overwhelmingly tempted towards it.
He exhales slowly, turning around until he's facing Kaito -- or whoever. He sits cross-legged, hands in his lap.] I'm not going to change your mind about all alphas, and I'm not going to try. But if you can be different from most omegas, I can be different too.
Besides, it's my time. I can choose what I want to do with it. [He glances towards the very high heels, arching an eyebrow.] Can you take those off? They look dangerous.
-- and no, I'm not into feet, before you ask.
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Dangerous? Please. I wear them multiple times a week. They’re shoes not a weapon.
[ With the high heels off he returns to the bed with a look absolutely rife with exasperation. ]
Fine. Then how do you want to use your time, sir? Did you even look at my menu?
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No, I didn't. Can you summarize it for me? [Then, after a pause:] And, ah. How long do I have? The others paid for everything.
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I’m not on my feet that much.
[ At the request for a summary he sighs. The whole point of having the menu is to keep him from having to go over all of this. It’s long, boring, and he can’t really remember everything he listed. He’s one of the most popular hosts in part because he will do many things the others won’t. ]
You started with 90 minutes. Now you’re down to 70.
[ He brings up a hand to count down things on his fingers. ]
I specialize in traditional, submissive play or bratty, demanding play. You can have the ‘boyfriend experience’ where we pretend we’re dating - kind of perfect for a softie like you. I can suck you off, massage, dry hump, step on you, sit on your face, penetration - your buddies paid for the premium package so it’s whatever you want.
[ Maybe ... one last attempt to scare him off. Getting on all fours he lays his torso down flat while his bunny tail clad butt waggles in the air. ]
I’m also offering a rare heat special opportunity to cream pie me and possibly knock me up. I haven’t even put that in my menu yet. Lucky you.
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[Well, most people don't choose everything, Nat. He arches both eyebrows at this last part, though, his huffy persona slipping for a moment. There's something -- genuinely pained in his expression.] That's -- actually an option? Really?
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Mm, some people will pay big bucks to be with a pregnant omega, so my boss is offering a huge bonus for getting knocked up. I could make enough to set myself up for years. Plenty of people want a kid and can’t have one. I’ll just find a couple that does. They’ll be happy, I’ll be drowning in money. Sounds good to me.
[ He leans in close, lowering his voice to a whisper. ]
Why? Does that interest you, daddy? You’d effect my body for months ... hell, some effects will stick around even after the kid is born. Some alphas love the idea of that kind of control.
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And what if I wanted you both? What if I did that and wanted to stay, with you, with our baby? What if I'm that kind of alpha?
[He swallows tightly, hands curled into fists.] I'll bet you wouldn't do that. That doesn't fit into the way you have to see the world. You'll let people do anything but care about you. That's too much.
Isn't it?
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He instantly is backing up again, expression so confused. This guy ... ]
You only just met me. You don’t even know my real name. Yet you’re talking about settling down with me? Look ... I realize maybe you never got to date or anything, but you’re not ... anywhere close to bad looking. Your whole knight in shining armor complex is even kind of sweet.
But you don’t make a hooker your omega. Do you have any idea how many alpha have had me? It’s like buying a car that’s already been wrecked.
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[He lingers for a moment, reaches up slowly and tucks a loose strand of hair behind the omega's ear, very very gently. Then he sits back on his heels, chin lifted in trimph.] See? You aren't the only one who can control themselves.
Sixty minutes left. What's your real name?
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