[ 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.
[ But there’s a quiver in his voice. A crack in the facade. Something about Natsume’s approach is throwing him off kilter. His intensity. His honesty. ]
... my name is Junpei.
[ Suddenly there’s a peek at the vulnerable, scared teenager beneath. He seems his age. ]
I don’t understand why you’re doing this. Is this your kink? Playing this part? Am I supposed to pretend you’re rescuing me? I ... don’t think I can offer that experience.
Junpei. [Natsume repeats it, and suddenly he's smiling, the first real smile he's given all night -- not forced, not just to be polite. Warm and genuine and bright.] Hi, Junpei.
[Then his expression goes somber again, a bit of that strained, pained look from before as he shakes his head.] No, that's -- I'm not trying to play out some heroic fantasy. This is real life. This is your life.
[He hesitates, then reaches out for one of Junpei's hands again, gently.] The only thing I want you to pretend, for the next -- [Natsume pauses, checks his watch, because yes, he wore a wristwatch to a nightclub.] -- fifty-five minutes is that I'm not trying to trick you or trap you or use you or manipulate you. That maybe, for the next fifty-five minutes, I'm being sincere.
[He laces their fingers together, offers a little smile.] Can you do that?
[ Having this guy say his real name ... like that. There’s an odd buzzing feeling running all through him. Is it just his heat?
Junpei would like to think that he’s good at reading people as a result of this job. Can tell when they’re putting on a performance, putting on a mask. Everything in him is telling him this guy is sincere, that he really means all these exciting things he’s saying.
Then suddenly he’s lacing their fingers together, being more romantic than anyone has ever been with him in his life. He can feel his heart pounding in his ears. ]
[Natsume's always been on the sensitive side -- both emotionally and as far as senses go. He seems to be able to hear or smell things others can't, pick up on the most subtle changes in another's scent or demeanor. He can tell the second Junpei's caution drops, just slightly, when the wary mistrust turns to something softer. Something like hope.
The omega was beautiful before, but in a detached kind of way, like a glittering toy -- meant to be used and cast aside. The hopefulness makes him compelling in a different way, and Natsume's chest goes tight and painful. That's the first sign that he's already in way too deep.
He covers it with an easy smile, keeping their hands entwined.] Okay. So. What's your first name?
[ This is all such strange territory for Junpei. Unexplored and uncertain. Terrifying as much as it is exciting. His eyes look toward the beaded curtain, wondering how the situation with the alpha Natsume had punched had gone but considering nobody had come after them a good sign. ]
L-look I ... still kind of think you’re just not used to attention from omegas. I’m really not sure how else to explain you wanting to just ... act like we’re on a real date or something. I’ve never been on a real date.
[ Bluntly. Because it is. You don’t shell out the kind of money it costs to have his company just to talk. ]
I haven’t just talked to anyone in a very long time. I go home, I sleep, maybe see a movie once in awhile, and come here. It’s my life. I put on an act for horny alphas, sometimes on my back, they leave and the next one shows up. I repeat it until I’m too worn out to make money anymore.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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[ But there’s a quiver in his voice. A crack in the facade. Something about Natsume’s approach is throwing him off kilter. His intensity. His honesty. ]
... my name is Junpei.
[ Suddenly there’s a peek at the vulnerable, scared teenager beneath. He seems his age. ]
I don’t understand why you’re doing this. Is this your kink? Playing this part? Am I supposed to pretend you’re rescuing me? I ... don’t think I can offer that experience.
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[Then his expression goes somber again, a bit of that strained, pained look from before as he shakes his head.] No, that's -- I'm not trying to play out some heroic fantasy. This is real life. This is your life.
[He hesitates, then reaches out for one of Junpei's hands again, gently.] The only thing I want you to pretend, for the next -- [Natsume pauses, checks his watch, because yes, he wore a wristwatch to a nightclub.] -- fifty-five minutes is that I'm not trying to trick you or trap you or use you or manipulate you. That maybe, for the next fifty-five minutes, I'm being sincere.
[He laces their fingers together, offers a little smile.] Can you do that?
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Junpei would like to think that he’s good at reading people as a result of this job. Can tell when they’re putting on a performance, putting on a mask. Everything in him is telling him this guy is sincere, that he really means all these exciting things he’s saying.
Then suddenly he’s lacing their fingers together, being more romantic than anyone has ever been with him in his life. He can feel his heart pounding in his ears. ]
I ... okay ... ?
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The omega was beautiful before, but in a detached kind of way, like a glittering toy -- meant to be used and cast aside. The hopefulness makes him compelling in a different way, and Natsume's chest goes tight and painful. That's the first sign that he's already in way too deep.
He covers it with an easy smile, keeping their hands entwined.] Okay. So. What's your first name?
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[ This is all such strange territory for Junpei. Unexplored and uncertain. Terrifying as much as it is exciting. His eyes look toward the beaded curtain, wondering how the situation with the alpha Natsume had punched had gone but considering nobody had come after them a good sign. ]
L-look I ... still kind of think you’re just not used to attention from omegas. I’m really not sure how else to explain you wanting to just ... act like we’re on a real date or something. I’ve never been on a real date.
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[He follows Junpei's gaze, then leans forward, smiling, nose scrunched a little.] There we go, something we have in common.
Is it so strange to think I might actually just want to spend time with you? With your clothes on?
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[ Bluntly. Because it is. You don’t shell out the kind of money it costs to have his company just to talk. ]
I haven’t just talked to anyone in a very long time. I go home, I sleep, maybe see a movie once in awhile, and come here. It’s my life. I put on an act for horny alphas, sometimes on my back, they leave and the next one shows up. I repeat it until I’m too worn out to make money anymore.
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