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Hurried footsteps tapping on wooden floors echo across the estate as various attendants go back and forth due to some last-minute preparations. In the middle of it all stood the two heirs of the Kamisato clan, the man pacing left and right with his arms crossed on his chest while the young woman read the contents of the document in her hand.
“Miss Hiiragi is already informed of the situation and she completely understands,” Kamisato Ayaka gently smiles watching the tall alpha finally halt and put his arms down. Worry is still etched on Kamisato Ayato’s handsome face but his eyebrows are no longer as scrunched. She continues, “Go be with Thoma now. He’s waiting for you.”
At the mention of their former chief retainer’s name, Ayato’s shoulders sag, his posture suddenly more relaxed. Huffing, he nods and glances at the closed sliding doors behind them, a small smile forming on his lips at the thought of the person waiting for him inside.
“Alright, I leave everything to your capable hands, Ayaka.” The Kamisato clan head gestures his permission for his younger sister’s departure that he had been itching to do from the moment she stepped in their space but his sense of duty compelled him to make sure that everything will run smoothly without him. While he trusts Ayaka to handle their commission’s affairs well, he doesn’t trust the younger, unmated alpha around his omega.
The arrival of Thoma’s heat was quite a surprise; he’d always been on a regular schedule, so they had expected him to go into heat two weeks from now, but his body seemed to have played them a joke just when they were about to get married. When Ayato and Thoma agreed on waiting to tie the knot before mating. So now, standing in front of the shut doors holding a tray of tea and sweets, Ayato takes a deep breath and gathers the strength to face the temptation that awaits him.
Of course he doesn’t need to do this, but Thoma is his betrothed and there’s no way he’s letting anyone—including omegas and betas—come anywhere near his beloved. Even Ayaka has to temporarily work in Ritou. Besides, as Thoma’s soon-to-be husband it’s his duty to take care of his omega when he’s needed the most.
Now, he just has to figure out how to stop himself from jumping his gorgeous mate.
After double-checking that the estate is empty of alphas, with only omegas and betas respectfully keeping their distance from Thoma’s nest, Ayato finally pulls the door open and steps into Thoma's bedroom.
The alpha gets welcomed by an overpowering scent of fresh pine mixed with notes of deep, earthy firewood. Being around Thoma on a daily basis is like hanging around a campfire on a quiet, serene mountaintop with a breathtaking closer view of the clouds. It feels like freedom, quite befitting of the land that birthed his beloved. But now in the full force of his heat, Thoma’s scent becomes much stronger and sweeter. The aroma is still heavenly to the core; but instead of enjoying a nice camping trip, this enhanced scent is giving him the image of soaking in the relaxing, healing waters of the hot springs in Inazuma.
From his neatly-arranged nest Thoma gives him a warm smile. The room is heating up with the omega’s essence, so Ayato can already see some beads of sweat forming on the exposed torso of his fiance. But the heat is still in its first stage so Thoma hasn't succumbed to his primal desires yet. Soon though, the hard part is going to start and Ayato honestly has no idea what to do and how to survive it without taking the love of his life right then and there.
It's the first time they are spending Thoma's heat together, just when they had completely let go of suppressants since they wanted to get higher chances of conceiving right after their wedding. Ayato himself had never spent a heat with another omega, and would most likely just rely on his instincts when their fated first night comes.
“What a nice nest,” Ayato praises, his smile getting wider watching Thoma preen. Even before they realized their feelings for each other, Thoma always looked happier when Ayato complimented him, so the alpha consciously made it a habit to make the blond happy. “May I come in?”
“Of course, Ayato. It’s yours as well.” Thoma scoots to the side to give Ayato some space. Hearing his name in the blond’s sweet voice never fails to send butterflies to his stomach. After all, it took him years to convince his sweetheart to start calling him by his given name while they were dating. Thoma only got used to it after he stepped down from his chief retainer title when Ayato formally announced their relationship status.
As they enjoy their afternoon tea, Ayato runs through the tasks Ayaka and the staff have to cover now that he and Thoma are indisposed. It's not surprising that the omega feels bad for it; Thoma had officially taken on heavier tasks in the commission as their head’s partner last year. He now manages the entire estate, which includes keeping a home for his future husband and sister-in-law. In addition, they were forced to have Thoma oversee the affairs of foreign residents in Inazuma to silence the elders opposed to Ayato’s union with a foreigner and their chief retainer. And now, Ayaka has to take over these responsibilities for one week.
Not to mention they are already at the final stage of their wedding preparations. By the time Thoma’s heat ends, they would only have a short time before the big day. Ayaka’s going to have her hands full in the coming days.
Despite his worries, Thoma starts to struggle in keeping himself awake. He’s already snug in his alpha’s arms mere minutes after they finished their snacks. Thoma trying to keep his eyes open is honestly adorable in the eyes of Ayato.
The hydro vision holder gently kisses the top of Thoma’s head and whispers, “Sleep, love. I'm here.” As if he has just been waiting for Ayato’s permission, Thoma does finally go to sleep.
Ayato takes this time to meditate, knowing that when Thoma wakes, his inner omega is taking over. Therefore, Ayato needs as much mental strength and restraint. No one dares question his loyalty and devotion to Thoma; now this is going to be a test of his ability to serve his future spouse this time around.
A few moments later, the room gets soaked in warmth and Thoma's stronger, intoxicating scent. Ayato senses the omega gaining consciousness due to all the squirming and clinging. The rising temperature emitted by the pyro vision holder makes him want to take off his clothes, but he tries to keep himself in check for Thoma.
Thoma whimpers while tossing left and right in hopes of finding a comfortable position. It hurts to see his loved one in pain, so Ayato takes the blond in his arms and tries to soothe him by brushing his hair and whispering loving words. Thoma, his sweet, loyal omega, who always listens to him, lets out soft, pleased purrs for every word of devotion Ayato speaks.
Thoma sometimes wakes for a while, then simply asks Ayato to hold him. Like a dutiful fiance, he pulls Thoma closer, releasing pheromones to help calm the omega down. Even though his arms are getting numb, he’s not going to let go. It’s the only thing he can do for his beloved.
However, on the second day, the real test for Ayato begins, for he wakes up to Thoma grinding against his thigh. The room is hazy with Thoma’s honeyed, smoky scent, the alpha’s sleep-addled brain almost tells him to give in and ravish the beautiful omega next to him. It’s telling him how warm and nice Thoma’s skin must feel under his hands right now. If he would just move a few inches down…
Fortunately, he snaps from his fevered thoughts when he hears one of the beta servants move in front of their door, probably delivering breakfast.
Reluctantly leaving the mewling omega for a second, Ayato scrambles towards the door to fetch the tray of steaming fish and soup. This is quite unbefitting of his status as a respected government official who is always seen as graceful and elegant by the public.
Never mind that. No one but Thoma can see him like this anyway. He lets go of the breath he’s been holding; he’s safe for now, he thinks as he pulls his robe loose to hide the hardness forming in his pajamas. He didn’t expect this to be so painful.
Good thing even when clouded in heat, Thoma still obeys Ayato so feeding him is no problem, though the omega keeps squirming on the mattress, and he tries his best to ignore that this is Thoma seeking friction against his lower part.
The alpha survives that stage. Though later on, Thoma says he is feeling quite hot. Here comes Ayato’s next challenge.
Again, Ayato nearly resorts to that solution, until he comes up with the idea of drawing a bath so he thankfully gets distracted with it. Strong arms wrap around his waist as he moves to get up, and there he sees a pair of pleading green eyes, open wide and filled with tears that rips Ayato's heart into two.
“P-Please don’t go…” Thoma’s lips wobble, causing Ayato to dig his nails on the side of his thighs to remind himself he has to remain strong.
“I will be back, darling. I only need to prepare you a bath, is that all right?” His adorable fiance pouts, but slowly lets go of him after some more coaxing. Ayato makes sure to thank and praise the omega, petting his head with all the affection he can give. If Thoma had a tail, he's sure it would already be wagging happily with how pleased he looks.
Ayato decides to keep the water a little cold to keep the omega conscious. A cold shower is proven to help curb his urges, therefore a cold bath might bring the same effect to a frenzied omega.
His confident steps back to the bedroom stagger when he returns to the scene of Thoma clumsily removing his soaked robe and pajama pants. His Thoma looks absolutely wrecked, damp blond hair sticking to his forehead and nape, add to that the alluring sight of his glistening skin slicked with sweat.
Ayato quickly pinches the side of his thigh, the pain thankfully bringing him back to his senses. Fortunately there’s a spare blanket lying around nearby that he uses to wrap around his stark naked lover, who stares up at him with those big puppy eyes that Ayato normally can’t resist. Of course the trial doesn't end there; the little minx even releases his entrancing pheromones that sends Ayato’s world spinning.
He didn’t expect Thoma to be such a formidable enemy.
Before he succumbs to the force of his future wife’s charm, he picks Thoma up and sprints towards the bathroom, nearly dropping the younger man onto the tub. The shock of cold water splashing all over his body effectively wakes Thoma up from his heat-induced trance. The seductive aura on Thoma has vanished, and he now looks more like a drenched puppy who has no idea what is going on around him. Still cute, nonetheless.
“I’m sorry,” Ayato murmurs, calloused fingers gently brushing wet hair strands away from Thoma’s face. “Is it too cold?”
The blond shyly nods, but takes Ayato’s hand to press it against his lips. “It’s okay. You did the right thing. Am I making it too hard for you?”
Oh he’s hard, alright. “I like taking care of you.”
And it's true. His alpha pride soars to the sky knowing he's doing a good job providing care for his omega. Plus, he likes it when the independent Thoma relies on him.
Still with the back of Ayato’s hand pressed against his mouth, Thoma sighs, batting his long eyelashes. “Won’t you join me, my love?”
What a tempting offer. Alas, Ayato has to deny his beloved this one request.
“On a normal day, I would. But dearest, I’m still under your bewitching spell, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold back once my bare skin touches yours.” A satisfied hum rumbles against his chest as the blush on Thoma’s cheeks turns darker the more he describes the things he could possibly do. Then again, he might trigger Thoma’s heat back if he prolongs this, so he takes pity on his darling and shuts up in favor of giving Thoma a proper wash.
Thoma stays obedient and enjoys Ayato’s attention.
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At the crack of dawn, Ayato gets an unusual wake up call feeling something soft rubbing on his lower part that’s getting harder and harder. The view that welcomes his sight is his wonderful, stunning fiance on top of him, the younger man’s robe already halfway undone with one sleeve slid off his slender shoulder.
Oh no.
Squeezing his eyes shut once again, the Yashiro commission head tries to think of dreadful images to will his erection to just go down. But oh, it is not easy; not when he can feel Thoma’s soft globes rubbing all over his aching, sensitive part. Not when it’s a delight to listen to the lewd sounds Thoma is making. Not when Thoma’s aroused scent is sending shivers throughout his body.
It feels good.
Ayato’s eyes snap wide open, realization hitting him as his gaze turns to his omega’s bare thighs, then to the pajamas discarded on the floor. He swears he blacks out for a second before he sits up and takes Thoma’s sweaty cheeks in his trembling hands.
"Alpha?" Thoma’s pretty face lights up in anticipation. His fiance’s tongue peeks out to leisurely swipe over his full lips. Oh how easy it is to let his inner alpha out, pin the younger man back on the mattress and ravish him whole. Ayato is no saint; he doesn’t tell Thoma all the dirty things he’d like to do with him all these years starting from when they met as young men, and now that he’s presented a chance to act on his desires, he’d be crazy to let this go.
Still, he remembers his promise to Thoma, and he has every intention to uphold it. He was able to wait for a decade; he can endure just a few more days.
Because the moment he crosses the line and kisses Thoma, he knows there’s no turning back. They would physically be unable to stop, and the regrets are going to weigh them once the heat passes. Thoma takes these things seriously. As the alpha, Ayato can’t do that to his mate.
“Thoma,” he starts, voice soft with emotion, smiling when the younger man nods eagerly. “I’m sorry that I can’t give you what you want right now, but once we get married I promise to claim you every day that your skin will forever bear my marks.”
Thoma whimpers at the passionate words, his body turning pliant the moment Ayato gathers him into his arms. Tightening his grip on his beloved, Ayato tries to cover the thick aroma surrounding the room by his own pheromones. Thoma told him that he normally gives off the scent of fresh river water, so he hopes he can wash the heat in Thoma’s body away.
Breathing out, he leans on the wall with Thoma following. He’s relieved the pyro user seems to have finally settled down, but the fact that there’s a half-naked Thoma on his lap is not helping his boner go down.
Worse, he can’t deal with it himself in the bathroom. He had learned the hard way that staying away from temptation no longer works because when he tried it last night, he made Thoma cry and ask if he didn’t like touching him. Ayato regretted his life choices that time.
So, with great, painful caution to avoid brushing skins with the now-listless Thoma, Ayato grabs his erection through his pants and squeezes it hard while trying to once again conjure images that would subdue his desires. He has just managed to pacify his omega; he can’t have his boner ruin his hard work, even though he is a hundred percent certain the wetness on his pants is slick from Thoma.
Archons, it smells so good.
Sure enough, when the frightening image of the Raiden Shogun and Guuji Yae in one room crosses his mind, his hard-on is gone with the wind in an instant.
They stay cuddled throughout the day because Thoma won’t let him go. Literally. Ayato has to carry Thoma whenever he picks up their food or when he draws a bath for them. They even have to take a bath at the same time because Thoma immediately wakes up once he senses Ayato moving away. Little Ayato down there can’t take a break, he almost wants to cry.
He is extremely tempted to use his hydro vision in an inappropriate way.
In all his years as the clan and commission head, this is the problem he’s had the hardest time solving. This is Thoma, after all; his greatest weakness.
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Thoma’s heat starts to subside on the fourth day. He’s already coherent most of the time but is still quite needy, minus the over-clinging to the alpha. However this time, Thoma has gotten more expressive. Ayato’s surprised that Thoma easily opens up to him.
“How many kids do you want to have?” Thoma randomly asks while they’re having tea. They are using the kotatsu since Thoma can stand up now with only a bit of help from the alpha.
Ayato shifts his gaze to his fiance, whose head is comfortably tucked against the crook of his neck. They’ve previously talked about having kids, but they haven’t gotten down to the nitty-gritty yet. Only a few more days are left before the wedding, so perhaps it’s the right time to discuss it in detail.
“I believe two kids would be reasonable, like Ayaka and I,” Ayato kisses the top of Thoma’s head. “How about you? It’s your body, after all.”
Thoma pauses and makes a small sound of acknowledgement before pulling away to face him, his beautiful green eyes gleaming. “I want at least four.”
Ayato’s eyebrows raise but decides not to ask anything because Thoma immediately follows up with an explanation, “I was away from my family for a huge part of my life. I don’t know what my parents would look like now, and I’m too scared to go back there.”
The older man squeezes Thoma’s hand lightly.
“I guess I just want to experience a big, complete and happy family with you,” Thoma covers a giddy smile behind his free hand. “Besides, the Kamisato estate would be much livelier if there were four mini Ayatos running around!”
The vision of four little blue-haired children of varying heights making a mess in the immaculate Kamisato estate suddenly hits his chest like a strong gust of wind, but the addition of a tiny blond toddler crawling towards Ayato sends warmth to his heart.
“Then I also want a mini Thoma who I’d spoil rotten.” Ayato’s cheeks hurt a bit from smiling too much, though looking at how he had just made his fiance cry—in happiness this time—he can also sense the tears prickling his eyes. Talking about their future family makes him hope time flies faster so he can get married to this man soon and build that big, happy family they both missed.
On another note, Ayato notices that outside of heat Thoma would never voice out his thoughts this way and even though he’s not used to this Thoma, he’d love it if his fiance would be more open to him once they get married. After all, they are no longer master-servant; they would soon be husband and wife who are equals.
So the whole day, Ayato professes his love for Thoma, and Thoma gladly says it back. They take this chance to pour their heart out because once they’re back outside, they might not get to say it this often.
Thoma tells Ayato he can take a bath by himself. Ayato is about to protest but realizes that Thoma probably needs some alone time to process everything. This was their first heat together after all. Now that Thoma’s clarity is almost back, it’s likely he’s getting embarrassed of everything he’s said and done the past few days.
In fact, Ayato might need this alone time, too. This was like a sneak peek at how married life with Thoma would be. Sure, not much would change since they lived under the same roof while dating. But getting used to making important decisions together would be something he has to adjust to. He usually did everything by himself but once he’s married, he has to start thinking about Thoma too. It’s not a bad thing, of course. He actually can’t wait to share a life with his beloved.
When he comes back from the bath, Thoma is already settled next to the futon, its sheets freshly-changed and folded, just like how Thoma does it. The scent of heat is now faint, covered by the fragrance of that familiar grounding earthy firewood from his lover. It's the scent of home.
Thoma, his beautiful, precious Thoma, smiles at him with his arms spread open and says, “Darling, won’t you hold me?”
The older male walks towards Thoma’s arms and sinks into his embrace.
Ayato will hold on to him forever.