Chapter Text
7 months and twelve days later
Jared paced restlessly as Jensen stood by the door of the large warehouse like building. It had been a printing press once upon a time, but with the popularity of mobile phones, tablets, kindle and other reading devices, the firm had gone bankrupt and sold the place for a pittance... and Jared and Jensen were the proud new owners of the place.
And as much as Jared would like to deny it, the TOC’s help had been invaluable in the acquisition of this prime spot of land. ... in the seven months since sharing his plan with his husband, things had happened in unforeseen ways: Jared had drafted up a proper plan, seeking some of his old professor’s help to ensure that the document was worded carefully and no loopholes were left for exploitation. He and Jensen had spent hours going through their finances with a fine-comb, checking and double checking their funding options; then approaching a bank with their concept and discussing their prospects with the manager. Despite their financial credibility, they had never had a business venture before and the manager explained that while their idea certainly had merit, they needed to significantly lower their loan amount for a successful sanction of the loan. The sudden budget constraints this put in their plan sent them back to the drawing board and after long discussions, they realized they needed to look into real estate prices first to get an estimate of how much dough would be left to set up their restaurant once they found a suitable property. And so, the two of them spent many a fruitless weekend following around a property manager in hopes of finding the ideal place to start their restaurant- nothing seemed to click. The realtor did show them a few promising places, but none of those were in their budget and the ones that were in budget were so abysmal that they both vetoed it instantly. Ultimately it was Denny who told them in no uncertain terms that they were wasting their time and effort by delaying approaching the TOC. Despite how much neither of them wanted to associate with that organization again, they could not deny the wisdom of the omega’s words and reluctantly set up a meeting with the agency.
And then things took an unexpected turn.
While their experiences with the TOC had left them wary and the condition of the omegas on the ground level was undeniably bad, they soon discovered that the upper echelon of the organization was genuinely involved in the betterment of the omegas under their control. They jumped at their idea, sanctioning a generous grant within a week and putting the TOC’s not-inconsiderable resources into mobilizing things. It was the TOC’s local Centre-Manager – the one who had sat through extensive talks with them regarding their plans; that had identified this property as ideal for their purposes. Apparently, the TOC procured and leased large spaces such as the building in question for the purpose of building new omega-houses. The abandoned printing press had been procured by the TOC a few years prior and had just been sitting there till the need for expansion arose and they needed the space. While the building was old and a definite fixer-upper, its age also meant that what had once been the outskirts of the town was now an address at one of the upcoming regions within the city proper.
They had all loved the place the moment they had seen it, easily visualizing where the kitchen would be and where the dining area; but they were adamant that the property had to be theirs. Both Jared and Jensen were clear that if nothing else, the address had to be theirs- after all, this entire venture; while meticulously planned and theoretically brilliant- was a gamble on their part. And involving the TOC meant that they would soon be responsible for a large group of omegas who had nowhere else to turn to... So if the worst case scenario-where the restaurant bombed, came to pass; it would be heartbreaking and undoubtedly adversely affect all of them, but if they owned the property (as opposed to simply leasing it from the TOC), then they would be able to assure the omegas under their care that they would always have a roof over their heads at the minimum. Working the legal snarls of transferring the property papers to their name was a long winded process, but both parties were eager and with the TOC’s own legal team working on the matter, it only took a few months before Jared and Jensen found themselves the proud owners of the building that would house their restaurant in the recent future. It depleted their funds considerably to procure such a large property, but it was still nowhere near what they had feared they would need to pay for a property of this size and at this remarkable location. The TOC’s financial support in the whole venture also went a long way to ease their concerns...
The final ownership documents had been handed over to them four days ago and things had finally started moving at a breakneck pace. Today, their omega charges were due to arrive and Jared found himself pacing the width of the room restlessly as they waited. They had initially planned on chairs, but since the TOC had not divulged the final number of omegas being signed over to them, it was difficult to just estimate things. Besides, as Denny had suggested that the handlers would prefer to see that their omegas were not being coddled. So while they had no intention of following the TOC’s directives regarding proper omega handling, they would camouflage their plans till the omegas were safely signed over and under their care. Consequently, Denny was outfitted in the drab, shapeless shift that was the centre’s omega uniform. His real clothes (comfortable jeans and a tee) were worn underneath. It made him feel a little like superman, Denny had confided to Jared- wearing his clothes underneath what he was expected to be seen in and they were both relishing the thought of tearing it off with a dramatic flourish once the officials had left.
Jared himself was dressed head to toe in black. The shirt, while definitely in his size, was fitted enough to hint at his impressive muscles when he crossed his arms. The whole effect was slightly intimidating given his sheer height, but it was what they wanted given Jensen was the sole alpha in charge. Jared would simply hang back and look menacing while Jensen ushered the omegas in. Jensen had opted to go with a classic white-shirt and blue jeans combination, looking professional enough if slightly laid back; relying on his alpha pheromones to convince the handlers that he could manage the responsibility of the omegas being signed over in his care.
Jared made another circuit of the room, pausing briefly behind Denny to squeeze his shoulder in assurance as the omega kneeled gracefully on the mats they had spread across the room.
“They’re here.” Jensen announced from his position at the door, straightening infinitesimally as he watched the two buses marked with the TOC’ logo come to a halt at the property’s gates.
Jared froze for a brief second before going to stand behind Denny. His fingers buried themselves in the omega’s thick hair unconsciously as he massaged the other’s scalp absently. Denny leaned back into the touch, revelling in the contact and opened his eyes just as the first omegas stepped through the doors and into the room.
Jared opened his mouth to ask the omegas to sit, but closed it again when he realized they were all kneeling in neat rows without any formal directive from them. Most looked nervous, casting furtive looks around the room and towards him and Denny before looking down hastily again. A few of the older ones, tried looking defiant as they clasped each other’s hands instead of keeping their hands in the palm-up position over their thighs as taught by the TOC but they all looked so woefully defeated that Jared felt his heart break at that meagre expression of rebelliousness. When he kept silent, he caught them peering up at him curiously and one of them accidentally met his gaze. He could see the man going white as spoilt milk and he chose to look elsewhere instead of comment and draw attention to it, knowing from his own bitter personal experience that being singled out never meant anything good. It would be different for them here, but the experiences of a lifetime were hard to overcome and trust would need to be built before he did anything. In the meantime, respecting their boundaries were the best they could hope to do.
The sound of the door closing brought a sudden hush to the room and the follow-up creak of the latch turning made even him wince. He met his husband’s gaze over the kneeling omegas and had a sad smile directed his way as Jensen locked up and moved to the front of the room.
“Seventy eight in toto.” Jensen called. “Forty nine former breeders and twenty-six rehabilitated omegas. Three volunteers.”
Jared nodded, relaxing his posture now that he didn’t have to worry about the TOC coming back. Jensen stood next to him, casually slinging an arm around his waist as he regarded the kneeling omegas.
“Well, First off, a very warm welcome to all of you.” Jensen began. “I’m not sure what briefing you were given by the TOC, so I’m going to tell you our side of it. We have brought you all here because we want to share our dream with you all and hope that you will help us achieve it. So technically, that makes us your employers. ... what I’m hoping is that eventually we’ll be able to count on each other as family. As per the TOC’s rules, as the alpha, I’m the one you are to answer to. And while I’m happy to respond to any of your questions, you can approach Jared or Denny as well. Speaking of rules, I know most of you must have had some experience about the TOC’s rules... So,” He clapped his hands loudly, making them all jump and reflexively glance up just as he pulled out the old discipline kit and dropped it on the table. “As you can see, these implements, though old, are unused and brand new. I’ve never had to use them on Jared, yes that muscle bound goofball I call my husband was once an omega much like you. He is currently a beta... long story, I’ll tell you guys about it sometime. Or Denny. Yes, as some of you might have recognized, he was a breeder. He’s currently with us as the nanny of our kids. I’ve never had reason to use them on either of these two and I’d like to continue my violence-free streak with you all as well. Be honest, ask questions when in confusion and tell us if you ever encounter any issues... That’s all we ask.”
“Coming to why we have invited you here: well, we want to build a restaurant. Jensen’s a professional chef, he’ll teach those of you who’re interested in the kitchen. The rest of you will help as servers and in the general upkeep of the restaurant. Of course, those are not the only two jobs, there’s a ton of work that goes on to ensure the smooth running of a restaurant and we’ll tell you all about it by and by as we get to know you better.” Jared took over smoothly.
“Now, we keep saying restaurant... but truth is, that’s still some way off. This place you’re standing in? Yeah, that’s what’s going to be our restaurant. We need to change the floors, set up a kitchen... the whole she-bang, actually. And you’re all here because we wanted you to be a part of this journey from the first day itself. All your opinions are valid. And all your suggestions will be taken on board. So speak up, alright?” Jensen added.
“And while I hope you’ve finally got an inkling of what’s going on, just to make things clear- you are not here for sex.” Jared announced firmly. “In case anyone- anyone at all, demands that from you, please do come to us and we’ll intervene. If you’re not interested in them, then they’re not touching you. Not while you’re under our roof. That said, yes, there will be a mandatory health check up. Dr. Beaver is an omega-specialist and he has volunteered his services for free this weekend. I can tell you from personal experience that he genuinely cares for the omegas under his care, alright? And he’s nothing like the docs you encountered at the TOC. Sure, he’ll grumble and scold; but trust me on this, he’s a good guy.”
“I can vouch for that,” Denny spoke up finally. Jensen and Jared smiled as their tiny omega stood up, shoulders back and confident in a way he had never been when he’d first come to them. They noticed a few of the omegas gasping in surprise at his bravery, watching with wide eyes and wondering whether either of them were about to punish the boy for speaking up and relaxing with an awed expression when nothing happened. The chef nudged his husband and the duo went to the back room to retrieve the bags of regular clothes they had purchased for their new omegas.
“Dr. Beaver is a good man... as are these two. They will never hurt you; I know that that’s hard to believe for the majority of you, but you just have to take that leap of faith, okay? Just ... just take a chance on us; I know that it’s terrifying... but I can go on about how trustworthy these guys are till I’m blue in the face and ya’ll will still not believe me. You’re not going to believe anything we say till you can see things for yourself... I know this because I was in your shoes not all that long ago, but look at me now-” Denny continued and pulled off his drab shift. “This is what I wear nowadays. And those bags you see them hauling in? Yeah, they contain clothes for you all. The sizes may be wrong, and I’m not sure if we have enough for everybody- we didn’t know how many of you would be joining us today, so just go on and pick up what fits you and don’t fret if you’re the same size as someone else and they got an outfit but you didn’t, or if we don’t have anything in your size at all. Give us a day and let us know your correct sizes, okay? I promise that they’ll get you guys more stuff once you’re all done over here and we can see what the deficit is.”
He watched around as he noticed the omegas beginning to cautiously look around. “Now, they have told you why they want you here... now let me tell you why you want to be here. First off, clothes! Especially clothes that fit! Is it narcissistic of me to say that? Maybe, I don’t care” He shrugged, “Try wearing those grey shifts for two decades, I’m sure you’ll agree that the change feels good. Second? Food. Jensen here is a professional chef. A damn good one, if you ask me. And he loves feeding people. So no more going hungry, okay? These people have never starved me and they’re not going to do it to you either. And thirdly? And I think this is the most important bit, these guys really want to help us. Let’s give them a chance, what do you say?”
There had been no resounding cheer to Denny’s rousing speech, but it had touched their charges all the same. All the omegas had looked cautiously optimistic and that was all they could’ve hoped for at the time.
They had put all their cards on the table and gambled that their honesty would pay off... and while still wary, the omegas had apparently come to the silent decision to give them a chance. They were still skittish and more than one tried testing their boundaries, but as they had already seen with Denny, not resorting to corporal punishment and ensuring the punishment fit the crime went a long way towards earning their trust. It took time, but gradually the omegas came to trust them. They were the most dedicated workers they could have hoped for and while some things- such as building the dorm that would house the omegas and restructuring the floor plan of the former press to include make a kitchen and dining area required professional assistance, the omegas proved themselves more than capable of doing whatever was required of them. They had ultimately decided to utilize the high ceiling of the press to add a mezzanine floor to the dining area to increase the number of tables. A similar entresol was also constructed in the omega ‘wing’ that formed the back part of the building to give the omegas a recreational space to do with what they wished.
The construction crew, a group of five burly alphas was initially dismissive of the omegas; Jared and Jensen ensured that they were always present when the crew was present to ensure no one harassed their omegas... it was Denny who suggested that since two mezzanine floors needed to be built, they could have a contest between the professional crew and the amateur omegas. The crew would explain what had to be done to the omegas and since they didn’t have any experience in construction, the omega team would take a day to simply observe how things were done. The second day, the two teams would compete in the construction of a particular pre-decided section of the work. Confident in their abilities, the professionals agreed without hesitation to the friendly challenge. What they didn’t count on was the sheer determination to prove themselves in seventy-eight strong omega team. And while they didn’t have prior experience, they utilized the observation day by forming sub-teams with each smaller group watching a part of the task. The sheer number of workers, who had no ego issues and worked as a team allowed the amateurs to win by a slim margin, leaving the professionals slack jawed and taken aback. Fortunately, they were sporting enough to gracefully accept their defeat instead of flying into alpha-rage... and best of all, when they returned the next day; they had newfound respect for the omegas.
So things progressed as they were wont to do- with good days and bad... the omegas slowly learned to trust them and once they heard Jared’s story, they welcomed him into their midst. ... but with none of them having ever met an alpha like Jensen before, they all worshiped the ground Jensen walked on. Jensen who never got angry with them and never took out his frustrations on their skin or even made unwelcome sexual advances on any of them was the one they all wanted to impress. And it was understandable... what annoyed Jared was the way a few of the bolder ones actually made overtures to his alpha. Jensen tried avoiding them tactfully at first, but when the omegas started getting bolder with their advances, he was forced to categorically announce that Jared was the only one for him and that he didn’t appreciate their advances.
Once the construction was completed they started with the interior decor, unanimously choosing a rustic look with brick-façade walls and minimalist wrought iron lamp-shade which complemented the metal banisters for the mezzanine. The tables they chose had a well-worn wooden finish and the comfortable couches were sprinkled amongst the cosy, wood-backed chairs. Warm mood lighting and hints of green from indoor potted plants completed the look of the restaurant. The kitchen, in stark contrast was all stainless steel and white tiled walls and bright fluorescent lighting. Having a group of amateur cooks led by a single professionally trained chef was a huge gamble for any restaurant, but the omegas were determined to show the world that they were good for more than just popping out babies and most of them- having had some experience in the kitchen proved to be quick study. Jensen carefully designed a menu that while elegant and classy would match the rustic decor of the place and most importantly be something that his team would be able to plate without much trouble. It was hearty fare but served with enough flourish that it was not out-of-place on a restaurant menu and would please most food critiques. His trademark meatloaf was of course, the highlight of the menu; but so were a number of desserts by one of the omegas who had shown particular flair as a pastry chef.
The favourite part of the whole place, for all of them; lay behind the locked private entrance at the rear of the restaurant: their omega room. Bright and cheery, it was kitschy and nothing quite went with anything else... but it was a reflection of all their omegas and they loved it. They had initially been uncertain about how to decorate the room, but then they had hit upon the brilliant idea of dividing the money they were planning to spend on the decor by seventy-eight and giving each omega their share and free rein to buy whatever they wanted with the sum. The result was a chaotic jumble of colour and taste, but it gave the room its character. Each omega had their individual bed and cupboard... which could be locked. They were the sole owners of their closet key, a gift of privacy that they had thus far been denied and something that had made them weep when it was given to them. The ‘recreational area’ was outfitted with a large TV, and the floor covered by throw rugs with a few bean-bags scattered through. Their salaries were not enough to support them or allow them to find their own places, but for the first time, they were in a place where their happiness and safety was prized and it made them content.
Two days before the grand opening of the restaurant, Chad Michael Murray strode in demanding to be employed. Apparently, he had heard about what Jared and Jensen were trying to achieve and had immediately quit his job to offer his services. When the Ackles-Padalecki duo protested saying he had no background in the hospitality industry, Chad countered by saying that with an all omega crew (given Jensen was going to have his hands full behind the kitchen doors), they would need some ‘muscle’ to scare away the unsavoury elements... something he, as alpha was ideally suited for. Jared huffed at the ridiculous sight of Chad curling his arm to show off his non-existent muscles, crossed his own arms to make the alpha gape at the stretch of fabric over a beta’s bicep bulge and gave in to his friend’s request with a laugh. Jensen just shook his head at the ridiculousness of the two best-friends and went back to the kitchen to resume showing his team the best way to plate their breakfast tray.
The final problem was to decide on the name of the place and they had their omegas (and alpha) put in their suggestions in a jar. Jensen refused to have a name as the restaurant’s name (Henry’s, Jensen’s both going to the rejected pile), Jared didn’t want the word ‘omega’ in the name (we don’t want them thinking we need to be treated with kiddie gloves just because we don’t have an alpha staff. No, Chad; you don’t count.) A lot of dish names were considered before Denny wondered what would happen if they stopped serving that particular item on their menu (Ratatouille and Meatloaf were immediately tossed into the trash.) This left them only with the exotic names on their list... Sushant- the only breeder in their team who was not actually an orphan and had had a more-or-less happy childhood with a loving family; suddenly asked if they would like to name it Doosra Tadka.
Sushant’s story was painful not because of what had been done to him by his alphas (but yes, that was obviously there), but because he wasn’t supposed to be a breeder. He had been born to Indian origin parents and they had lived a happy and fulfilling life till he was twelve when they were deported because of some immigration issues. Unfortunately for Sushant, he had been born in the country and considered a ‘citizen’, therefore he was sent to an orphanage instead of back with his parents. While there, someone had noticed the distraught thirteen year old’s exotic looks- a wheatish skin tone offset by large brown eyes with a head full of thick ebony hair, discovered that he was an omega and had filed his papers with the TOC’s breeder-programme. By the time his parents were able to sort through the legal red-tape and demand his return; he had already been assigned to his first alpha and impregnated. By the time he’d become barren at the age of twenty nine and freed of his ‘obligation to the TOC’, the trail to find his birth parents had been irrevocably lost. He had been contemplating suicide (like many of his peers) when he’d been sent to Jared and Jensen and found a fresh lease of life. He now animatedly explained that Doosra Tadka was a hindi figure of speech that combined two words (Doosra, meaning second and Tadka meaning seasoning/tempering by adding whole or ground spices are briefly roasted in oil or clarified butter in order to release their essential oils, thus making their flavours more aromatic) and was used to indicate refreshing a curry and giving it a fresh taste of life by adding a second seasoning. It was basically a reflection of what the restaurant was for them all: a second lease of life.
Jared met Jensen’s eyes as he realized that they had found their restaurant’s name and found the alpha’s gaze already on him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The restaurant’s launch was a gala evening with the entire who’s who of the TOC in attendance along with Chefs and restaurateurs from across the city. Doctors Beaver and Morgan were invited as special guests in recognition of their help as was Chef Sheppard. Quite a few noticeable political faces were also present as were those the entertainment industry. Socialites rubbed shoulders with leaders from various humanitarian organizations and donations flowed into the TOC’s coffers.
By the time the night ended, everyone was exhausted beyond belief, but buzzing with satisfaction from how successfully they had been received. They all wanted nothing but to sleep for a week and it was Jensen who had to remind them that the true test of the restaurant would begin the next day when they would be expected to maintain the standards they had set today despite their exhaustion.
The reminder worked and the service and dishes were as impeccable as on their grand opening night when the restaurant opened for the public next morning. The media coverage of the opening night’s star-studded attendance went a long way in ensuring a steady footfall, and most of their patrons were respectful of the servers. There were a few rude customers, but Chad’s glare was enough to make them moderate their tone... and the only blip was a group of men who had made reservations for a stag party. The ‘best man’ kept asking for their ‘special’, convinced that along with the food, the servers were also on the menu. When Chad’s warning to not touch the servers was ignored twice, Jared abandoned his position behind the counter and joined the alpha ‘muscle’ at the table; calmly announcing that they had failed to follow the restaurant’s policy and obey its rules and needed to leave. Jared’s intimidating height and obvious show of power knocked some sense into the groom and he silenced his best man’s whining with an apology. He offered monetary compensation for his friends’ behaviour and unceremoniously led them outside. Jared frowned when he returned a few minutes later but relaxed when the man just apologised and confessed that he was glad that Doosra Tadka was not ‘that kind of joint’ because while he hadn’t been able to say it to his friend’s, he was head over heels in love with his fiancé and was actually terrified of being forced to be intimate with anyone not her. He wished them luck and promised to return with his spouse when they returned from their honeymoon.
Six months in, they were popular enough to get featured on a local magazine. It was a small monthly journal, but Alexander Calvert’s restaurant reviews were popular enough that they were proud of the achievement. They still had a long way to go, but this was a promising start and Jared planned to enjoy this brand new adventure to the fullest.
The End.
(click to enlarge)
Alexander Calvert's article-