Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yoohyun should’ve expected it, it’s nothing new after all. Still, the announcement strikes like thunder on one ordinary morning.

“Yoohyun-ah.”

“Hm?” mumbles Yoohyun from his seat at the dining table. That bird in the windowsill has such a bright red beak.

“My heat’s coming.”

Yoohyun almost drops the coffee cup he’s holding. He whips around to face his brother, lungs expanding to full capacity in reflex.

Yoojin has always smelled sweet. Now that Yoohyun has inhaled a lungful, his Omega brother smells even sweeter, rounder in a way that entices his salivary glands to water. Like freshly baked muffins, swiped by a hint of burnt sugar.

His hyung is a late bloomer. He was still unpresented when Yoohyun left home years ago. Apparently was also an expert at hiding the fact that he eventually did from the guards Yoohyun had planted to keep watch on his hyung.

Yoohyun’s upper jaw tingles. Keeping an even tone is an exercise he’s used to as he intently watches Yoojin putters about the kitchen to tidy up things. “Are you going to stay home?”

“Maybe in two days. I’ve had my suppressants and my pheromones aren’t coming off too strong so it’s not obvious yet,” says Yoojin while moving past Yoohyun to collect his bag on the couch as he prepares to head out.

“Wait, hyung.”

Yoojin turns around with a questioning expression. There’s also a note of challenge that doesn’t go unnoticed by Yoohyun.

“Scent,” says Yoohyun, more like demands.

The hardness on his visage fades away. Smiling indulgently, Yoojin approaches him and offers his wrists. Yoohyun doesn’t waste time to rub both of their inner wrists together in order to imprint his distinctive Alpha scent on Yoojin’s own. This way, every whiff of Omega will now contain a hint of his Alpha brother. Then, without missing a beat, Yoohyun’s hand darts up to swipe his wrist once against Yoojin’s neck gland, just for extra measure. A fresh puff of Omega in preheat pheromones saturates the air from his ministration.

Yoojin blinks owlishly after Yoohyun withdraws his hand but otherwise doesn’t make a comment. 

“I’m leaving now, Yoohyun-ah. See you tonight.”

Yoohyun returns the goodbye. The bird flaps away from the windowsill into the clear, blue sky.

Yoohyun found out that his hyung was actually an Omega half a year ago.

True to Yoojin’s penchant to attract trouble, the secret got exposed during a live interview where the scent neutralising patches applied on his neck apparently failed. That time, Yoojin was on the cusp of heat, making his scent more potent than normal. The airhead beta hostess, instead of feigning ignorance until the end of filming, chose to instead expose Yoojin, live. 

The hostess’ overly jovial smile slowly dropped from her face in a dramatic fashion as she asked with a low, conspiratory tone, “This scent… are you an Omega, Yoojin-ssi?”

Yoojin’s horrified expression was captured and zoomed in by the camera, announcing to the whole nation that was watching the answer to that question.

The stylist in charge of Yoojin’s outfit and hair was fired from his job, black marked from intentionally causing a wardrobe malfunction and exposing his client’s private medical information by tampering with the scent patches. As he was dragged out his studio building by security, he was wailing non-stop about how hiding such a ‘gem’ of an Omega from the world was preposterous and against the very law of nature. That Alpha was lucky he got to escape this ordeal with his head intact. Yoohyun made sure that none in the entertainment industry would have the guts to hire him for his services in the future.

However, the damage was already done. As a rising public figure, the uproar forced Yoojin to hide in their home for a week straight since the media hounds were camping the front of their apartment building day and night.

Omegas were not the oppressed dynamics they once were, and now were highly referred to considering their rarity and irreplaceable function that could balance the whole pack, especially those filled with head strong Alphas. Despite the established equality, there was still a widespread belief that Omegas were to be protected and shouldn’t dabble in careers rife with danger. Naturally, that took ‘hunter’ off the acceptable career choice list for an Omega. 

On top of having a highly valuable beast mount taming skill, he was also the brother of the illustrious Abyss guildmaster. All those facts combined made Yoojin a treasure trove for the media to feed the nosy public. Korea just had to know more about this Omega: his mating status, what kind of Alpha who would make his heart pound, what was his stance on having pups and how many would he like, would he be interested in modelling, etc.

It was only when Yoohyun finally had had enough and trudged out the stronghold that was their home, threatening to light the foolish lot with fire that finally all those opportunistic mice scampered off.

That week, although an inconvenience to Yoojin, was heaven for Yoohyun. He got to have his hyung for himself for a whole week. With the shock of having his secondary gender revealed to the entire Korea and the world, Yoojin refused to see any one, not even Yerim or Myungwoo, and holed himself up in his room. Only allowing Yoohyun to access his dark, safe space. With his protective instincts in overdrive for his newly discovered Omega brother Yoohyun thrived in caring for Yoojin in this raw vulnerable state and getting to know him in a different light. His Omega scent was an entirely pleasant addition, sweet as honey that made his Alpha purred in delight.

Yoohyun didn’t quite understand why having his Omega identity exposed bothered Yoojin so much when Omegas were generally cherished, except by a few depraved individuals with sick tendencies that society at large also condemned. From Yoojin’s small confession that he overheard in one quiet night, it was that Yoojin ‘wasn’t used to being this before’, which Yoohyun took to refer to Yoojin’s late secondary gender presentation that meant less time to get used to his body.

Unfortunately, the peaceful days where the world belonged to only the two of them, in which his Omega hyung was cocooned safely in their den, were showing signs of coming to an end. Yoohyun’s instincts had at first demanded to keep Yoojin confined indefinitely in their apartment which was met with vicious retaliation from Yoojin that led to a big fight between the Alpha and Omega. With immense difficulty, much harder than that time when he single-handedly defeated an S class dungeon boss, Yoohyun was ultimately able to reign in his howling instincts and allowed his hyung his (understandably much deserved) freedom. 

Yoohyun settled his disgruntled Alpha with a resolution to ward off every horny, undeserving Alpha who asked for his brother’s hand. He just wished his hyung would help make the job easier for him.

Fire is licking the air in his lungs and depriving him of oxygen at the sight presented before him.

There’s an unpleasant visitor in the rooftop garden. Sung Hyunjae is seated across his hyung, lips twisted in that permanent coy smirk of his. Scratch that, there are two. Two Alphas who occupy the same breathing space as his Omega brother. One who in fact is touching him. Noah in dragon form has his snout resting on Yoojin’s lap, reptilian eyes closed in apparent bliss that is conveyed as well in his swishing tail. 

The three notice his presence almost simultaneously. 

“As I said before, an excellent idea that the esteemed Jupiter guildmaster brought forth which I’ll carefully think about. Privately,” says Yoojin.

Sung Hyunjae apparently still has the sense to work his limited useful brain cells to get the veiled meaning behind Yoojin’s words and rises up from his seat. However, not before leaving a final goodbye in which he grabs Yoojin’s hand and gives it a kiss in an exaggerated gentlemanly flair.

“Then I’ll hold onto your words, my darling Yoojin,” the blond Alpha purrs salaciously.

Yoohyun craves a scorched corn on the cob in a pressed suit, all of a sudden. Another no less tempting alternative will be to preserve and display the golden head on an effigy for this garden’s collection of decoration. 

He would have gone for one of the two options if not for the warning glare Yoojin shoots him.

“We were only talking,” claims Yoojin after Sung Hyunjae vacated the premises. 

Yoohyun somewhat doubts that, especially since there’s a hint of pink still lingering on his brother’s cheeks.

Noah, who has been silent the entire exchange, lets loose a low croon which prompts Yoojin to stroke the top of his scaly head.

Bastard dragon. He’s smart to assume his dragon form since Yoojin is highly partial to magic beasts, and therefore is more willing to give affection to them.

As Yoohyun is internally grumbling about infinite flies, he then notices it. 

“What’s that on your lap?”

There’s a half opened box with an intricate design near Noah’s snout, placed on top of Yoojin’s knees. There’s the unmistakable gold Jupiter logo plastered on it.

“Uh…” says Yoojin. 

Before Yoohyun can voice his discontent, when he sees what is lying inside the box it practically raises his blood to boiling point.

A heat collar?! He dares—!

“Wait wait I SAID WAIT!”

Yoojin has wrapped both arms around his midriff in a death grip. In the background, Noah whines in complaint. Although the itch to tear Sung Hyunjae into pieces is overwhelming, he’s wary that any unthoughtful burst of energy from his part will accidentally hurt his frail hyung. 

So with great effort that takes every last shred of his self control, Yoohyun settles with a hellish growl of, “Let go, hyung. I’ll fucking kill that smarmy Alpha.”

His Alpha is well on its way of surfacing, the tightening of his gums and his rapidly deteriorating sense of rationality being two of the signs. It doesn’t help that Noah, another S class Alpha, is lumbering around in his line of sight, in his territory.

“No one is getting killed today,” states Yoojin firmly, still clinging to Yoohyun’s back. “Listen, I’m not planning to wear it, if knowing that will make you feel better.”

That declaration, coupled by his hyung’s pumping out calming pheromones until the air is practically drenched with it, soothes the scalding magma in his veins. “You won’t wear it?”

“Yes.” Yoojin releases his hold. He then walks off towards the exit while beckoning a hand to Yoohyun whose entire attention is now engrossed on every muscle that is moving on Yoojin’s body like a hypnotic pendulum. “Come now, silly Alpha. I’m starving.”

That snuffs out the last embers of his rage, replaced by the urgent need to fill his hyung’s belly. His Omega brother in heat, hungry? Unacceptable. 

Sung Hyunjae’s unwelcome visit completely forgotten, Yoohyun trots after Yoojin’s leaving form like a puppy, mind already absorbed in devising the kind of dishes he’d like to feed his hyung. 

Noah whines pitifully in the empty green space.

Yoohyun doesn’t know how he feels about Yoojin being recently ranked number one as the most coveted Omega in Korea. Probably to raze the media publication’s headquarters building to the ground who published such an idiotic list in the first place.

Needless to say, the existence of that list only serves to fuel the growth of the locust army (read: horny, interested Alphas) to swarm his overwhelmed Omega hyung who dislikes attention in general. Perhaps Yoohyun should buy a mega insect sprayer filled with A class poison to annihilate every last one of those obnoxious bugs.

Speaking of obnoxious bugs, the most vexing one can’t be anyone other than Jupiter's guildmaster. Shameless, perverted, and persistent, he’s the exact definition of an Alpha that Omegas should be wary and steer clear of. Why his hyung deigns to even spare a sliver of his time for such a brute of an Alpha is a mystery.

What isn’t a mystery is Sung Hyunjae’s blatant desire for Han Yoojin. Those greedy eyes that basically strip his hyung bare are unbearable.

Does that bastard Sung Hyunjae want to mark this neck? Not in his dreams!

“Yoohyun. You’re drooling.”

Yoohyun’s wandering murderous thoughts snap back into reality. Which unravels into the scene of him and Yoojin being situated on Yoojin’s bed, in their sleepwear. His face is currently tucked into the back of Yoojin’s neck where the source of his scent is the thickest.

As Yoohyun backs away, he can see the creamy column of Yoojin’s nape is shiny with spit. There’s a strong desire welling up from deep inside his guts to lean in and clean up the mess, which is exactly what he does.

Omega pheromones puff up in abundance from the stimulated scent glands. Yoojin releases a small protesting chirp but otherwise remains still.

“There’s only the two of us here, Yoohyun-ah.”

Yoohyun recognises that tone accompanied by a distinctly omegan croon that Yoojin often uses to soothe his Alpha brother’s fiery temper. Only then does Yoohyun notice the waves of aggressive pheromones pouring out of him. Thick with unmistakable possessiveness to warn those in close range. 

Cutting off the flow, Yoohyun then completely detaches himself from his hyung. He can see the exasperated fondness on his hyung’s face.

“Sorry, hyung. I don’t know what comes over me,” admits Yoohyun.

There’s a mound of various garments on the centre of the bed gathered in a circular shape. Yoohyun is pleased to note that the only scents in the nest belong to hyung and his own. There are indications that Yoojin would like to add more scents in his next heat which Yoohyun is decidedly unhappy about but that’s a problem for future Yoohyun to worry about.

Yoojin waves his hand dismissively. “It’s okay. I understand it’s just your hormones.”

Right after finishing his sentence, Yoojin stretches his arms up as the motion of a huge yawn washes over him. Tiredness is clinging to his features, and combined with the heat pheromones that hang heavily in the air, it greatly softens the appearance of his hyung who carries a normally tough exterior. 

Yoohyun keeps his voice soft for the sake of his sleepy hyung. “Is the training of the new magic beast keepers going well?”

“They’re picking up my instructions really well and the magic beasts start to also respond positively to their presence even by a little bit.” The sentence trails off as a complicated expression crosses over Yoojin’s facial features. “It’s just…”

Yoohyun’s eyes narrow. “Are they giving you a hard time?”

“No, it’s not that.” Yoojin immediately shakes his head. “It’s just that… I’d appreciate it if they don’t overreact every time I get scratched by the beasts when they don’t even blink an eye if it happens to themselves. Getting minor wounds comes with the job of rearing wild magic beasts, after all.”

As they should. whispers a small voice from the back of Yoohyun’s head.

“I’ll up the supply of healing potions,” says Yoohyun.

Yoojin laughs. It reminds Yoohyun of the windchimes in their old house.

“There’s enough healing potions stocked up in the rearing facility. Any more it’ll turn into a clinic instead.”

Yoojin yawns again, and he seemingly takes that as a cue to crawl into his nest and gets himself comfortable. 

“Well, I’m beat. Come enter my nest and lie with me, Yoohyun.” A languid hand pats the tight space beside him in invitation.

Yoohyun doesn’t need to be told twice.

It’s an old tradition to have the pack Alpha spoon the Omega in their heat as the other packmates congregate around to keep the nest periphery warm. Although it doesn’t rule out the possibility that Yoojin during his heat simply wants the comfort of having a trustworthy packmate close, in this case his little brother.

Whatever the reason, Yoohyun is immensely glad that in their little pack of two he can be useful for his Omega brother. He falls into blissful sleep, lulled by the contented purr of the smaller Omega cuddled up to him.

Chapter Text

“Darling, I heard you’re in prime condition to be mated!” howls a woman’s voice that is plummeting down from the sky in earth-shattering speed.

Instantly, Yoohyun positions himself in front of Yoojin to intercept the perceived threat, sword drawn and wisps of fire manifesting. Even before getting a clear look at her face, her oppressive aura makes her identity obvious.

The force of her landing generates a crater on the concrete road and pedestrians alike are screaming while running for their lives while some are frozen where they are standing like deers in the headlights.

Riette is sporting a manic grin as she launches her usual spiel right in the middle of a busy intersection. None of the cars stuck have the guts to honk at the human-shaped disturbance, her flaring aura lets even the unawakened cower behind flimsy barriers of glass windows. “—the time has come at last! Our hatchlings will grow to be utterly adorable menaces who will rule the entire world with endless bloodshed!”

“The only bloodshed that will happen is to one grilled oversized lizard if you don’t make yourself scarce within five seconds,” growls Yoohyun darkly. The petrified onlookers are reduced to mere ants as Yoohyun’s world narrows on the precious Omega behind his back and the threat in front.

Yoohyun has one wish. That is to protect his hyung from the flood of useless Alphas who have the grand, delusional idea of claiming him as their Omega. One. If only his hyung is also on board with this simple wish of his. 

Instead, Yoojin calmly walks past Yoohyun towards Riette.

“Hyung!”

Yoojin comes up to the towering form of the half-dragon with a frown and gently touches the side of her face. There’s a deep cut across her cheek oozing out blood.

“Riette, you’re injured.”

An S class can heal inhumanly fast to the point that small wounds will close off within minutes. Riette’s ability in this regard is even more extraordinary as she is part dragon. However, Riette’s body appears to be covered with wounds lined with illegible inscriptions, causing even the smallest cut to continuously drip out blood. 

Riette looms over him with a menacing demeanour. “Ho, the little Omega is bravely approaching the beast himself. Aren’t you scared that I’ll take you away from your brother and imprison you in a tower to continuously breed you for days on end?”

Yoojin boops her nose, causing Riette’s rendition of a bad evil dragon expression to turn bewildered. “Hush now. Let’s first get someone to look at those wounds.”

Yoojin then proceeds to bodily shove a speechless Riette to enter their car. Kim Sunghan, the Han brothers’ driver for today, is looking back and forth between the Omega pushing the buff S class (which scene comically reminds one of a dung beetle rolling its beloved dung ball) and Yoohyun, seemingly to seek guidance on how to react to this bizarre development. Which the Alpha guildmaster completely misses as he’s currently pinching the spot between his eyes, hard.

“Yeah yeah, you can try to kidnap me or whatever once you’re all healed,” coos Yoojin, grinning in triumph once he manages to stuff all of Riette’s gargantuan limbs into the back seat of the car. Yoohyun can’t even get a word in to protest as Yoojin insists they return back to Abyss to care for Riette’s injuries, pronto. 

Before Yoojin can climb over Riette to close the car door, sealing Riette’s fate to be fussed over by a worried Omega, a large hand comes into focus and grabs the metal door.

“Hunter Han Yoojin, I must insist you to hand over Hunter Riette Luire on the charges of breaking and entering Korea illegally,” Song Taewon declares with an authoritative tone. His firm glare and dominant Alpha musk make it clear he intends to follow through with this appointed task.

Yoojin's eyes lose their appeasing glow and sharpen into a glare directed at Song Taewon, body slightly leaned over Riette’s bulk.

“Hunter Riette is injured. Let’s talk about the charges after she’s all healed up.” 

Being a caretaker is truly in Yoojin’s blood as evidenced by the way he is right now. Like he has abruptly transformed into a protective mother hen who is puffing its feathers to protect the chick placed underneath its belly. Sweet Omega in heat pheromones turn starkly bitter, warning notes of burnt cedar and spicy pepper filling the air in copious amounts. Everyone in close range of that scent indicative of a displeased Omega flinches instinctively. Everyone is also aware of the unspoken norm that no one comes between an Omega and their pup, unless they want to risk reaping that Omega’s wrath.

A small whine escapes Song Taewon’s throat before he can cut himself off with an embarrassed cough. A bead of perspiration runs down his temple and his left brow twitches.

“I ask for your understanding, Yoojin-ssi, it’s the la–”

“No.”

Song Taewon’s jaws clamp shut with that single word. It’s quite a sight to witness Song Taewon, every bit of a quintessential Alpha whose stature towers over Yoojin and, also worth mentioning, the most experienced in the nation when it comes to wrangling temperamental S classes, looks so helpless against an F class.

After a period of tension that seems to stretch for far too long, Song Taewon signals for the police team that he is leading to retreat. He briefly reminds Yoojin to keep his word once Riette is healed before backing off and switches his attention to managing the damage on the road and the disrupted traffic.

Meanwhile, Yoojin appears uninterested in the chaos outside as he resumes his fussing over Riette. “You’ll be fine, Riette,” he comforts with a motherly tone which contrasts greatly with his previous charged interaction with Song Taewon.

Riette quips back, “And you’re truly something huh, little Omega?” There’s an undisguised look of respect that seldom graces the proud half-dragon woman’s face.

With nothing holding them back now and the guildmaster’s lack of objection, Kim Sunghan presses the gas and leaves for Abyss as per Yoojin’s command.

Yoohyun has half a wish that the confrontation will end with bloodshed instead. That way, he’ll be able to vent his frustrations over having yet another shopping date with Yoojin interrupted.

Why is the universe so keen on obstructing his innocent attempts to spoil his Omega brother? And more importantly, whose head can he skewer with his sword today over this unfair turn of fate?

Yoohyun places the teacup set on the table and sits next to his hyung on the sofa. His hyung who is slightly hunched over and barely hiding a pained expression.

“Are you okay, hyung?” asks Yoohyun concernedly.

Yoojin flashes a smile at him, although the paleness on his face cannot be hidden. “Just the heat cramps.”

Yoohyun leans his body closer to rest his palm on top of Yoojin’s stomach. Ignoring Yoojin’s questioning look, he releases a flow of magic to make his palm hot enough without lighting any fire sparks. The response is immediate. The creased lines on Yoojin’s face become lax and he hums in approval.

“Better?”

“Very much. Feels really good, Yoohyun-ah.”

There’s a knock on the door to his office. More than pesky Alphas who don’t know their places, what Yoohyun detests above all else is having his quality alone time with hyung getting disturbed. 

Suk Simyeong enters the room after being given a curt permission. His eyes linger on Yoohyun and his hand which is resting on top of his brother’s stomach but apparently the Beta has enough sense of self preservation to not utter a comment.

“Good morning, guildmaster, Yoojin-ssi, I hope I’m not intruding on anything. I’m actually looking for Yoojin-ssi to relay a proposition that I believe you’d be interested in.”

“Hi, Yoojin here.” Yoojin waves a hand. Yoohyun observes that his hyung has enough energy to exhibit a cheery demeanour, a clear indicator that he’s feeling much better. Offering himself to be a human heat pack for his Omega hyung appears to be an ingenious idea.

“You have an interview offer from XXX. Here’s the rundown.”

Suk Simyeong hands over a stack of neatly clipped papers to Yoojin who leaves through it immediately.

XXX is a popular primetime program that has been thriving for many years, and new faces who make an appearance as a guest there are almost guaranteed a generous boost in popularity. Honestly, Yoohyun isn’t so keen for his hyung to be in the limelight more than he already is, but he has learned that preventing Yoojin from going for what he wants might lessen his favourability in the eyes of his hyung. No matter what, Yoohyun must ensure that he remains undethroned as his hyung’s favourite.

While his brother and Suk Simyeong are discussing the details of the interview, Yoohyun can’t help but bury his nose again into Yoojin’s neck. Now that his hyung’s heat is well underway, his scent holds a distinct waft of ripened apples. Sweet and fresh and utterly delectable. Yoohyun rumbles in approval when Yoojin tilts his head indulgently to enable Yoohyun to shove his face as closely as humanly possible to the crook of Yoojin’s warm neck.

“That’s settled then. Thank you for agreeing, Yoojin-ssi.”

“Gotta keep up good PR for the sake of maintaining Abyss guild’s stellar reputation, right?” quips Yoojin with a wink.

“Precisely. I hope the guildmaster also has no objections?”

It takes Yoohyun a few seconds in his blissful state to notice that the question is directed towards him.

“If hyung is okay with it then I am too,” murmurs Yoohyun against Yoojin’s neck. He’s a clingy pet dog, sue him. “Since I’ll be coming with him.”

Always one to ruin the peaceful atmosphere, Suk Simyeong responds with a firm, “On the same date I believe you have an appointment with the Association regarding the new S class dungeon that appeared in Busan.”

Yoohyun detaches himself with a substantial dose of irritation from his heavenly place to give Suk Simyeong a deadpan stare. “My hyung will be starring in a live interview on KBS titled ‘Delving Deep into Han Yoojin’s XXX’. I will be there to burn the hoard of pests who dare to overstep their boundaries, and believe me there will be many.”

Suk Simyeong sighs aloud in a manner as if he’s faced with a bothersome and unreasonable logic. Yoohyun’s eyes narrow.

The Beta recovers his professional mask in no time and smiles placatingly. “Of course. That’s a regrettable oversight of mine. The guildmaster’s sense of forethought is remarkable as always.”

His hyung laughs and goes to scold him playfully about something, something, and moderation. His hyung is cute, as always.

Perhaps Yoohyun is looking at things that aren’t there, but Suk Simyeong’s lingering gaze is getting increasingly unpleasant. That man is fond of performing intricate mental assessment on a human asset and if there’s a specific time of the year where Yoohyun opposes Yoojin to be the subject, it’s when his hyung smells so enticing that it’s impossible to not crave for more like a drug.

“Are you finished?” Yoohyun says, letting impatience bleed in his tone.

Suk Simyeong appears caught off guard but swiftly gathers his calm bearings and rises up from his seat across the brothers. “Yes. Then I’ll take my leave.”

After his presence leaves the room, Yoojin turns a mildly scolding gaze towards him.

“That was rude. You shouldn’t snap at your subordinates with that kind of tone, Yoohyun-ah. Have you ever heard the saying "treat others like how you want to be treated”? ”

Yoohyun hums in an equivalent of a shrug, not quite interested in supplying a verbal reply to that chiding. Solely preoccupied with nuzzling his hyung’s scent glands on his neck, Yoohyun notes with fascination that every soft brush of his nose and mouth on the warm patch of skin causes it to readily release another small puff of sweet honey which his olfactory senses and lungs can’t get enough of.

“You really like that spot, huh?”

“Hyung smells really, really good here.” Is Yoohyun’s blunt answer, which earns him a good-natured chuckle from his Omega brother he's currently smothering. It’s good that his hyung is in a good mood.

“Well, that’s an Omega in heat for you.”

It’s a fleeting thought when Yoohyun thinks that it’ll be nice if he can bury himself in this Omega scent forever. It’s the truth, nonetheless.

Chapter Text

Attending pretentious social events is part of being a young guildmaster of a major Hunter’s guild that Yoohyun thoroughly dislikes. If not for his hyung’s urging, Yoohyun will never consider wasting his breath at this flashy waste-of-time, not any different or special than the previous countless ones that he has missed. Yoohyun has always liked his hyung’s voice but has it ever carried this bewitching effect?

Unlike his bored self that Yoohyun keeps from showing outwardly by maintaining a neutral mask, Yoojin’s eyes are shining as sparkly as the chandeliers hanging above as he continues to snatch cakes and desserts from the endless flow of servers carrying golden trays. 

“So good!” cries Yoojin in undisguised joy once he gulps down the last bite of yet another sweet dessert, “You definitely have to try this one, Yoohyun-ah! Here, ahhhh.”

Bending down, Yoohyun opens his mouth wide to accept the huge piece of cake. He chews contemplatively as Yoojin dabs a tissue to wipe the frosting smeared on the area around his mouth. 

“How is it?”

“Delicious.”

Perhaps his heat is the reason for his ravenous appetite for sweets. There’s only a day or two left until Yoojin hits peak heat. His scent has ripened to the point it’s impossible to ignore, hence the heat collar. 

Although his hyung has insisted on keeping Hyunjae’s heat collar (“–it’s still a gift, I can’t just throw it away–”) he accepted Yoohyun’s own gift without much fuss. It’s a beautiful dark red leather coiled around his hyung’s delicate neck smattered with diamonds that form the shape of a star constellation, made by the most famous artisan in this field. Only the best for his hyung.

His hyung keeps feeding him cake after cake until the entirety of his mouth turns sugary sweet and his stomach starts to twinge in protest. Yoohyun ignores all of them. He imagines the abundant surge of pleased omegan pheromones based on the bright smile Yoojin is wearing and every unpleasant feeling fades off into insignificance. Yet even with the complete absence of Yoojin’s scent, thanks to the heat collar, there’s no shortage of wimpish (bold; currying certain death) attempts from random people to seduce his hyung, undoubtedly with the full awareness of Yoojin’s current prime heat state where he’s at his most fertile. When Yoojin’s polite ‘no’ fails, Yoohyun makes sure to chase them away with the most vicious glare and scent he can muster until all the cowardly mutts run off with tails between their legs.

As Yoohyun steals yet another glance at his watch for the umpteenth time that night, the start of a commotion can be heard at the far end of the room. Yoohyun focuses his attention to ascertain if it’s a potential threat. Amidst the throng of concerned party goers, Moon Hyuna and Sung Hyunjae appear to be caught in a heated disagreement. Pheromones distinctive to riled up Alphas reach their noses even from across this distance.

Yoohyun doesn’t know what words are traded between the two, nor does he care, but it must be upsetting enough as indicated by the Alpha pheromones being excreted and for the normally arrogant Moon Hyuna to assume such a dark, stormy expression. 

Yoohyun intends to steer clear of that would-be bothersome episode altogether, not to mention the gala itself is starting to get stale. Before Yoohyun can suggest leaving, Yoojin is already on his feet and on his leisurely way towards the two posturing Alphas. 

He immediately follows suit and catches his hyung’s shoulder. “Where are you going, hyung?”

“To talk some sense to those two. We can’t have a fight between two of the most powerful hunters breaking out here.”

Any complaints Yoohyun might further raise are shut down by the determined look on Yoojin’s face as he removes Yoohyun’s hand from his shoulder and resumes his ill-thought-out march. Blowing out a defeated sigh, Yoohyun resigns himself to follow his stubborn brother and deal with whatever disaster this unwise idea might end up unravelling to.

Multiple curious eyes are observing the two men and part automatically for their path. There’s virtually no one here who doesn’t know the famous pair of brothers, one an Omega and the other a highly-volatile Alpha who is sticking close behind his back like a bodyguard. Or more like a protective mate.

It doesn’t take long to reach the two guildmasters locked in a war of death stares. In Sung Hyunjae's case, it’s more of amused condescension. Yoohyun doesn’t blame Moon Hyuna’s show of ire, if he were to be the recipient of such an aggravating gaze he would probably have turned this place upside down by the time he has come to his senses.

Yoohyun is curious as to what Yoojin is planning to say that can possibly appease the angry Alphas.

It turns out that no words are needed, in this case.

Yoojin reaches behind his neck to detach his heat collar.

The effect is immediate. Even amidst the highest quality of delicacies presented neatly on the long tables, none holds a candle to the exquisite heat pheromones drifting from Yoojin’s now exposed scent glands. It’s like the highest level of magic spell has gone off right in the middle of the floor of this Hunter’s gala. Sweet apple, sensory bomb that holds every receptor captive. The mass of powerful people go silent, attention now solely focused on the Omega who is standing tall, confident amidst the weight of hundreds-people's attention.

Not even Moon Hyuna or Sung Hyunjae are immune to this spell. Fight seemingly forgotten, the heated arguments falling off their lips go silent and their sharp gazes zero in on Yoojin. 

Yoojin flashes a nonchalant smile to both Alphas. “You guys have your heads back now? Good.”

Yerim, who is hovering in the background ready to jump in to interfere when necessary, prances towards them on light feet, a shit-eating grin lighting up her features. “Ahjussi, that’s quite a superpower you have got there! If you can find a way to bottle it up, the feral suppression unit will be lauding you as their hero and the government will probably reward you with a peace medal or something.”

Yoojin chuckles and pats Yerim’s crown in that affectionate parental way of his which the young Alpha eagerly eats up. “Will that make me a billionaire? Otherwise forget about it.”

Seemingly now aware of the amount of attention he’s garnered, Yoojin brings back the heat collar he’s holding to his neck. He is trying to reattach the collar on the back of his neck but seems to have difficulty doing so.

Yoohyun walks up behind his brother and his hands softly grasp his hyung’s smaller ones. “Let me.”

Yoojin lets go of the collar easily and tilts his neck downwards to give Yoohyun better access. The crowd’s attention is wholly immersed on the brothers. Yoohyun is half tempted to flare his aura to get their nasty eyes to look away (look away from his–) and not be so nosy in their business. Yoojin’s heat pheromones aren’t just for anyone to delight in. 

When the heat collar is properly in place, the waves of sweet Omega pheromones dissipate abruptly. There’s a brief surge of pleasure churning in his guts when Yoohyun reminds himself that he can indulge in his hyung’s lovely scent as much as he wants to later in the privacy of their home.

“Comfy?”

Yoojin rolls his neck experimentally in a small circle and hums in agreement. “Thanks.”

“It’s a pity to cover up such nice pheromones. I was just starting to enjoy myself here,” Moon Hyuna comments with a smirk. There’s no trace of anger left on her features.

Yoojin chuckles good-naturedly. “There’s no need to cause more disturbances here. That applies to you two too.”

Sung Hyunjae is silent. Yet his face is practically telling a story to someone as perceptive as Yoohyun.

Underneath the guise of a gentle smile, a thoroughly greedy and cunning leech is lurking. Waiting patiently for the opportunity to own . Yoohyun has the overwhelming itch to squash such a slimy creature underneath his dress shoe until it bursts into disgusting, soupish lumps.

Just like on a shitty director’s cue, Sung Hyunjae takes a step closer to Yoojin to utter his equally shitty lines.

“If Yoojin-gun is in need of an experienced and attentive partner, I will be glad to volunteer my services,” that mouth dares to say without a shred of shame.

Ah. So it appears today is when Yoohyun gets to finally terminate Sung Hyunjae’s right to live. What is the right way to cook a golden leech, medium rare or well done charred black down to its every useless atom that will make every decent cook weep? 

Invitation? What invitation? All Yoohyun hears is the invitation to attend Sung Hyunjae’s funeral, yesterday. His azure willow leaves will make such a beautiful backdrop of the headstone while they sing and celebrate the beloved Jupiter’s guildmaster’s death.

“What did you say?” growls Yoohyun.

Yoojin is quick to get between another brewing fight of two pheromone-drunk Alphas. 

“Thank you for the offer but I’d have to decline. I have everything that I need,” says Yoojin while rubbing a soothing hand up and down Yoohyun’s tense bicep.

Sung Hyunjae looks as if he’s considering to deliver yet another salacious remark but then his expression changes imperceptibly. 

“If you change your mind you know how to get a hold of me,” he finally says.

Yoohyun is entertaining the thought to hijack every of Sung Hyunjae socials including his number, and becomes the very menace that outperforms even the blond Alpha’s most deranged and dedicated fan. His kind-hearted hyung will overlook such a small crime, won’t he?

Yoohyun places a firm hand on the small of Yoojin’s back.

“Let’s go hyung.”

Yoojin agrees easily, perhaps because the weight of the crowd’s stares has gotten too overbearing compared to when they first stepped in here.

Flashes of the screen cast moving, colourful lights on the brothers sprawled on the sofa. The sun has just set after Yoohyun successfully coaxed his unusually lethargic hyung to have some dinner, which Yoohyun ended up having to bring spoonful by spoonful to Yoojin’s mouth to motivate him enough to eat.

Yoohyun is sitting while Yoojin is lying down, the top of his head touching Yoohyun’s thigh. Sweet heat pheromones are hanging thickly in the air, even with the ventilation hard at work circulating fresh air in and out the room.

“Hyung, how are you feeling?”

Yoojin is staring at the ceiling with glassy eyes, not giving a response for long drawn out seconds. Under the scant lighting, Yoohyun can make out vaguely that a rosy blush is riding high on his cheeks. His hyung doesn't appear to even comprehend his question and instead produces a noise that sounds like a soft, inquisitive chirp. Across the room, Peace’s ears perk up.

In one of the books he has read to prepare for his hyung’s future heats, it is said that this half conscious state happens to some Omegas while in their peak heats under specific conditions. Those conditions are varied for each individual Omega, but one common factor is that the Omegas need to be in a place they feel completely safe in. Mainly in their nest, or in the constant presence and touch of loving packmates.

In his last two previous heats that he spent with Yoohyun, Yoojin was too keyed up by the newness of everything to reach this state of utter repose. Yoohyun feels his chest tightening as a wave of raw emotion surges through.

Yoohyun leans down to cup the side of his hyung’s face, watching him intently. “Do you want to go to your nest?” he asks softly.

Yoojin merely blinks at him slowly like a sleepy cat in response.

A dimensional door materialises in the middle of the living room and a jovial man emerges out of it, a cloud of heat following his spritely steps.

“Yoojin, take a look at this–”

A vicious snarl rips out of his throat as Yoohyun goes to hunch protectively over the currently vulnerable Omega.

His vulnerable Omega.

Wide, bug eyes with small pupils stare unblinkingly at him. Yoohyun can taste the fear in the air.

Those bug eyes underneath brown mop-like hair are a familiar sight, now most certainly unwelcome. Snapshot of images, of squashing an insect underneath a foot until it bursts and fire burning every strand of straw to crisp, leaving nothing but black soot, play in his brain in multicolour, pinprick detail. His claws twitch, some of the sharp digits sinking into the sofa. 

The words that come out of his mouth are no more than a beastly growl. “Hyung is in no state to see you. Leave.”

The beta jumps and yips. “I-I’m leaving, leaving now!”

His panicked movements certainly stir the part of Yoohyun’s instinct to pounce on a squirming prey. Though for the sake of achieving quietness and peace for his heat-riddled hyung, Yoohyun stays put.

Outside the closed door, someone whines with a voice like nails grating on a chalkboard. “But I wanna see ahjussi!”

“Right now isn’t a good idea, Yerim. Maybe tomorrow morning we can–”

The voices gradually fade away into the distance. The last part of mop hair’s words causes stark distaste to curdle in Yoohyun’s guts and the edges of his lips to pull back into a deeper snarl, but another soft whine hooks his attention at once. The hand that is touching Yoojin’s face is grabbed with a weak force. 

Hyung must have been disturbed by the sudden onslaught of his alphan aggressive pheromones which he hurriedly rectifies by changing his scent to soothing and protective once more. Yoojin chirrups delightedly and rubs his nose against Yoohyun’s inner wrist, the movement weak and a bit uncoordinated.

It’s common knowledge that in peak heat an Omega’s muscles become temporarily weaker. The true reason behind it is not certain but gender biologists hypothesised that specific trait of evolution is in order to keep the Omegas confined in the safety of their nests to be then religiously guarded by their packmates.

Yoohyun lets Yoojin have his hand while using his other one to fish his phone out. After picking Kim Sunghan from his contact list, he presses it to his ear.

“Hel–”

“Put the tower on the highest level of security. And short of the most dire of emergencies, do not disturb us.”

“Un–”

Ending the call, Yoohyun discards his phone on the tea table without much thought. All his focus now is on the groggy Omega as Yoohyun slides both arms underneath the pliant body, picking him up in a bridal carry (hyung is so light, he needs to eat more–) and heads towards his hyung’s bedroom.

He carefully deposits his Omega hyung to lay inside his nest. The mound of clothes has grown, flourished into an intricate garden of softness, a myriad of colours meshing in visually pleasing harmony, much bolder compared to the first heat they spent together. That time Yoojin was too shy to even nest properly in his little brother’s presence and had herded Yoohyun out of his room when Yoohyun caught a glimpse of it, cheeks flaming engine red in embarrassment.

Yoohyun observes his hyung who is wriggling weakly inside his nest like a newly hatched chick.

He’s clothed in one of Yoohyun’s sweaters which looks big on his hyung’s smaller body. Yoohyun has been wearing the sweater to sleep for three days so it has time to soak up his woodsy Alpha scent in abundance. Which Yoojin clearly likes and has shyly asked to have for his nest, and he ends up wearing the oversized sweater that night instead of integrating it in his nest. For his bottom half, Yoojin is wearing some shorts which are almost completely swallowed by the sweater, exposing his pale thighs and calves.

Yoohyun is beginning to wonder whether his hyung is feeling cold and considering procuring another blanket to lay over his body when a soft voice breaks the quietness of the space.

“Yoohyun-ah…” murmurs Yoojin. He sounds drunk, slurring his words like he doesn’t have full control of his tongue. “nest…”

Some Omegas are recorded to go completely non-verbal during the whole duration of this state. It appears that his hyung belongs to the proportion that does speak. Although whether he’ll remember it afterwards is yet to be confirmed. 

“Yes, you’re in your nest now, hyung. Can you smell it?” affirms Yoohyun, keeping his tone light and soothing.

Unfocused, doe-like eyes stare up at him, flushed cheeks giving off the impression of being drugged up with a strong depressant effect. Yoohyun brings his large palm to span across the lower part of Yoojin’s stomach, right over his womb, sending waves of warmth which is met with an appreciative chirp from the Omega.

“My nest…” Yoojin repeats, still with a slurry voice, his face the strange combination of dazed and determined. “Isn’t it… pretty?”

Yoohyun’s eyes soften.

“It’s the prettiest nest I’ve ever seen. You did a good job, hyung.”

The nest that his hyung has personally built piece by piece can’t be anything other than perfect. It’s a given fact.

At his answer, a satisfied sigh escapes out Yoojin’s throat accompanied by a waft of his pleased scent. Yoojin burrows his hands and face deeper into the mound of blankets and various clothing articles surrounding him. “Mmh…”

Once Yoohyun is sure that Yoojin is settled and comfortable, he gets off the bed carefully so as to not disturb the nesting Omega and goes to check the newly set up mini fridge and snack cabinets at one side of the room. The fridge is filled with water bottles, bite-sized chocolates, fresh fruits, and ice cream while the cabinets house protein bars, several cartons of oatmeal, and various vitamins in liquid form. Complete with a hot water dispenser, a juicer, bowls and other eating utensils. Omegas in peak heat typically will crave some sweet or highly nutritious foods, chirping in show of want if they are unable to express it verbally. It’s also recommended to prepare foods that require minimal chewing for easy consumption. While double checking that he has everything that his hyung can possibly need, a whine reverberates off from the bed.

Yoohyun immediately returns to his hyung’s side, scent telegraphing comfort and utter protection. “What is it, hyung? Do you need something?”

Yoojin is lying fully on his back, the oversized sleeves hiding his hands are currently positioned over the lower half of his face. He’s breathing deeply like he’s seeking Yoohyun’s scent that is saturated in the fabric. The eyes which look as if there’s a perpetual fog veiling their vision, are roaming around, trying to find and focus on Yoohyun’s.

Yoojin’s lips part. “Inside… nest,” Cheeks flushed a pretty, rosy red, he whispers breathily. Yoohyun has to strain his ears to make out the quiet words. 

“Come… inside…”

Delighted at being given the permission, Yoohyun enters the nest and quickly wraps himself around his hyung from behind. Their bodies slot together perfectly like pieces of a puzzle.

Yoojin is warmer than normal, a typical trait of an Omega in heat. This close, his sweet scent is even headier.

His upper jaws ache. Tipping down, Yoohyun mouths at his hyung’s creamy nape, right at the spot where a mating mark is commonly placed. His Alpha fangs have lengthened, he can’t help it with all the cloyingly sweet heat pheromones suffusing the air.

Hooked by an instinctual urge, Yoohyun rests the tips of his fangs over Yoojin’s back of neck. Mere seconds pass until fluid that’s not saliva secreted from the sharp white enamel travels down to Yoojin’s skin. When an Alpha marks their intended mate, by the means of sinking their fangs into their intended’s neck, the fluid which carries the Alpha’s signature scent will bind permanently with their intended’s scent glands to create a unique combination. Even when they haven’t met physically for a long time, that person will always smell as if their Alpha has just freshly scented them.

The world may be segregated by different beliefs, cultures, and a myriad endless points of contention, but they at large believe that a mating mark is a stronger vow of a forever companionship than marriage.

Yoohyun is careful not to pierce the skin with his sharp fangs, merely rubbing the fluid on Yoojin’s scent glands. This is considered a more lasting way of scenting in which the scent can cling to the Omega’s glands upwards to ten days without fading. Yoohyun hasn’t actually received his brother’s explicit consent to do this, but judging from the happy omegan purrs rumbling from deep within his hyung’s chest, Yoohyun supposes his bold action should still be in the realm of tolerable. His hyung who has the patience of a saint won’t get too mad at him.

Another blissful rumble that Yoohyun belatedly recognises to originate from his own chest joins Yoojin’s, creating a symphony that greatly compliments each other.

After their long years of estrangement that Yoohyun still regrets to this day, he thought that he wouldn’t be able to fully regain his hyung’s trust back. Yoohyun is immensely glad that his hyung is still capable of trusting him enough to succumb into peak heat within his presence, a clear indicator that he does feel safe enough to allow his mind and body to be so pliant and vulnerable.

Inside the darkness and quietness of their little world, separated by a tenuous certainty from the chaotic outside, Yoohyun vows a silent promise in his heart to never betray that precious trust again. Right now, until his Omega hyung safely leaves this vulnerable and largely incognizant state, Yoohyun just knows he’ll barricade himself and his hyung inside the safety of their den, standing guard over him.

The poster hyung has over his bed frame, featuring a great black dragon, is gazing down at them with the arrogance of an immortal, tyrannic being.

Yoohyun is a hoarder. Wealth, fame, and power are among the things that he has hoarded to a substantial degree over the years with a cruel heel that crushes the heads and dreams of snakes slithering through top society.

Undoubtedly though, his greatest treasure lies here, right inside this soft, little nest.

Chapter Text

Sunlight is flooding his closed eyes with warm orange, and with it the gradual returning of consciousness. 

The first thing Yoojin registers through his hazy mind is a warm chest pressed to his own front, rising and falling steadily. There’s no reason for alarm though, since the heartbeat belonging to the owner of this body is almost as familiar as his own. 

Yoojin’s eyelids flutter open.

“Good morning, hyung.” The gentle voice of his little brother greets him.

It carries such a soothing effect on Yoojin that a cloud of sleepiness wraps around his brain like a warm blanket on a winter day.

Yoohyun is smiling. What a rare sight. Not the half-hearted curve of lips he once in a blue moon feels inclined to show to the media, it’s a genuine smile that shaves years off his usual hardened exterior. His dark eyes, as he gazes at Yoojin, are warm too. Pride swells in Yoojin’s chest, just how his adorable little brother has grown into such a handsome man.

You should show that smile to the girl you like, Yoohyun-ah. She’ll fall head over heels for you in no time.

“And welcome back,” continues Yoohyun.

Back from where? Before Yoojin can voice that train of thought, Yoohyun leans in to nuzzle into the crook of his neck while unleashing an overpowering, yet comforting wave of Alpha scent. Right away, all attempts at forming clear thoughts go blank and Yoojin finds himself drifting slowly into blissful darkness.

Yoojin has heard that one of an Omega in heat’s most favourite things to do is cuddling, earning them the affectionate nickname of cuddle monsters in modern media. Never had he imagined that that principle would apply to him. Before the regression, during his struggles as a lonely existence that society at large scorned, indulging in things like pack nesting and cuddling were practically an impossibility. After all, those activities require at least one other person to do them with, not a cold apartment with only the glare of television keeping it warm with happy, distant memories of the past. 

Being an Omega was a luxury pre-regression Yoojin couldn’t afford.

The fact that Yoojin can now enjoy that with the single person he wants the most in the whole world is no less than a dream come true. Yoohyun’s large hands are warm, they feel impossibly good caressing whichever body part the large appendages are currently on.

Yoojin doesn’t quite know how much time has passed before a sliver of awareness slips past the dark, comfortable fog in his mindscape. There’s a vibration in his chest, in which he belatedly realises is due to his own contented purring.

“I want to take a shower,” he manages to mumble out, the words no louder than a breath.

The hands that have wormed their way inside his shirt, underneath the big sweater belonging to his dongsaeng, halt their exploration, cupping right underneath the swell of his lower ribs. They are pleasantly warm, perhaps due to Yoohyun’s usage of his fire-based mana.

“Okay, hyung,” Yoohyun acquiesces easily. 

After a final stroke across his waist and tummy, Yoohyun withdraws his hands and a rush of cold air replaces the empty space in his shirt, causing the fine hair across the skin of his stomach area to prickle. Yoojin’s throat almost lets loose a small whine at the loss of heat source. Instead, a small yelp is pulled out his throat when his sense of gravity abruptly changes. 

Yoohyun directs Yoojin’s legs to wrap around his waist as he hoists him up, strong arms supporting his butt and back. Yoojin automatically goes to embrace Yoohyun’s shoulders to further balance his upper half, though he doesn’t need to since Yoohyon won’t ever let his hyung fall. Yoohyun is ever so gentle while manoeuvring himself off the bed, and by extension his Omega hyung he’s cradling close.

Yoojin is grateful for Yoohyun's consideration of his still weak muscles due to his heat but still…

This position is a bit…

Chalking it up to an Alpha’s need to coddle an Omega in heat, Yoojin lets Yoohyun fuss over him. Taking him to shower, stripping him off his clothes, gently scrubbing his body with a baby bath sponge (Yoojin is blushing throughout the whole procedure, with this embarrassing role reversal of being bathed by his own baby brother), patting his naked body all over with a fluffy towel, then clothing him in soft clothes that smell strongly of his powerful Alpha brother, the intensity enough to make Yoojin dizzy and his inner Omega to wag its tail and flop over submissively, belly up.

The new long-sleeved shirt smells headily like Yoohyun, every bit of cotton is suffused with the scent of firewood, and warm Alpha (and home). Even his own freshly showered body still strongly carries Yoohyun’s Alpha scent, wafting off primarily from his neck area. 

Shimmying back inside the soft layers of his nest, Yoojin decides to drop the question that has been nibbling at the back of his mind. “Did you mate scent me?”

The thick scent belonging to his Alpha brother wafting of his scent gland is unmistakable. It's a commonly used method for someone to mark their intended mate, thus 'mate scent' became the popular term denoting the action to do so.

It takes a moment for Yoohyun to answer in a quiet, emotionless voice. “I did. Are you angry?”

Yoojin takes a moment to think of the answer. 

“No.”

The answer glides off his tongue without a shred of hesitation. Aside from the fact that his Omega side is the most peaceful it has ever been, Yoohyun’s semi-permanent scent mark will also have the desired effect of getting all those Alphas to back off. In all honesty, Yoojin doesn’t understand the fascination. Putting aside his status as the venerable Abyss guildmaster’s older brother, he’s just a plain Omega with no notable features. Surely, the horde of Alphas will grow bored after a while and Yoojin will then fade back into blissful non-existence, away from the limelight that rightfully belongs to his amazing Yoohyun-ie.

Yoohyun’s undivided attention goes long past showering his Omega hyung that morning and dressing him back in freshly scented clothes, past the entire day and the night full of warm cuddles. Being coddled and taken care of like this isn’t so bad, there’s a big part of Yoojin who wants to simply lay down and savour the attention. Letting the Alpha move and treat his body as he pleases. 

As the next morning comes by, despite feeling like the most spoiled and happiest Omega on Earth, there’s undeniably the itch to get out of this room and check on his kids.

Somehow, Yoojin has a nagging suspicion that Yoohyun will turn down his request to venture out of his room, however, surprisingly he doesn’t need to fight too much. What a good little brother.

What Yoojin doesn’t quite expect is for Yoohyun to insist on carrying him everywhere and refusing to even let his feet touch the floor.

It’s quite embarrassing when the entire Abyss staff that pass by them are openly gawking at the sight of their guildmaster carrying his barefoot Omega brother bridal-style around everywhere like a wounded princess. Not to mention that his Alpha little brother is glaring at anyone that dares to breach past the ‘no trespassing’ radius he has arbitrarily set in his mind. At this rate, how will he ever recover the shredded pieces of his dignity in the eyes of Abyss? 

And the rest of the world, a voice helpfully supplies at the back of his mind when he spots some people wielding their phones like a reporter’s weapon to hungrily gather a hot scoop.

After a round of tour in the Abyss guild’s base, there’s one more place Yoojin wants to definitely drop by.

“Yoohyun, take me to the magic beasts. I want to see them,” says Yoojin.

Yoojin hasn’t had the chance to hold his phone yet so he’s unsure what day it is today. His memory prior to yesterday’s morning is oddly vague, just a collection of blurry images and sensations as if it’s taking place in a distant dream. Is it because of his heat? What he’s sure of, however, is that the scattered glimpses of his memory are dominated by his little brother’s presence, so Yoojin doesn’t feel the need to worry much about the blank parts. After all, nothing bad would happen to him when his beloved dongsaeng is around.

There’s a pregnant pause, before Yoohyun’s calm reply is heard. “I don’t want you to continue straining yourself in your current condition. Hyung should go rest now, how about we go back to your nest?”

There he goes again, Yoojin can’t understand it. How is any of what they’re doing so far straining him? He hasn’t even expended the energy to take a single step on his own since yesterday!

“I won’t. There are the magic beast caretakers, remember? They’ve been doing the heavy bulk of the work, more so in my absence these few days.”

Poor Sangwook and Soojin, the young bright-eyed employees of the rearing facility whom Yoojin has recruited personally. It isn’t hard to picture that they must have been run haggard by this point by the energetic beasts, especially with the presence of the nocturnal Comet. 

The grip around him tightens. Yoohyun is still staring straight ahead as he strides across the quieter part of Abyss’ many hallways. “I’m sure they’re doing their jobs well. If you want, I can send you the camera feeds set up inside of the enclosure and have the keepers hand you a daily written report too.”

The stubborn set of Yoohyun’s eyebrows is a clear enough indicator that his little brother isn’t relenting any time soon. Yoojin isn’t discouraged. Coaxing beings with unimaginable power over him to be more agreeable is his specialty, after all.

“I want to go there myself, and you will let me, hm?” says Yoojin, allowing his voice to lower to a smooth purr. 

To outsiders, it might appear that Yoohyun is perfectly ignoring his hyung. Yoojin, on the other hand, can spot minute changes in Yoohyun’s facial expression that indicates he isn’t entirely unaffected. Pheromones that are distinctively omegan thickens in the air surrounding the brothers, with no way for Yoohyun to escape unless he lets go of the source, which he is holding so tenderly in his arms. 

“Han Yoohyun, are you denying your hyung?”

Yoohyun’s Adam’s apple rolls down once. A complicated amalgam of emotions is warring on his handsome face before finally they settle on his neutral expression.

“No. It’s my duty to fulfil hyung’s wish.”

My obedient dongsaeng is adorable, as always. I should reward him later.

The minute Yoohyun steps foot inside the beasts’ enclosure with his precious Omega cargo, the magic beasts instantly perk up, noses up in the air. Without a moment’s delay they spring into action like a well coordinated unit, swarming the brothers with feverish fervour.

Leading the rampage towards the beloved beast whisperer is Blue whose big blue eyes are shining like the brightest sapphires, zipping forward with the force of an overenthusiastic fighter jet.

Kyaaoo!!!

While Yoojin is staring with little heart eyes at the antics of his fur babies, Yoohyun is scowling disapprovingly as he releases a pulse of domineering force which weighs down every air particle inside the giant glass dome of the rearing facility.

Blue skids to a stop into an ungraceful heap on the ground, the plumes on her head standing at attention. Her entire focus is fixated on the top predator carrying the subject of her affections.

Kyuu…

Thoroughly chastised by that flaring aura, Blue approaches them with much more reservation. The twin black and white horses, Pearly and Sooty, follow suit, neighing in show of nervousness yet their fear towards the intimidating S class doesn’t deter them to attempt getting closer to their owner.

Yoojin pats Yoohyun’s back in a gesture to put him down which the younger obliges.

Yoojin is now sitting cross-legged on the ground, his wide, inviting smile encouraging his wary magic beasts.

“I’m sorry I haven’t visited you guys for quite some time, it’s been too long, isn’t it? Come on everyone, come to Papa!”

Almost predictably, it’s Peace who reaches him first, hopping right into Yoojin’s arms. Having been with Yoojin and the temperamental Alpha guildmaster the longest, Peace has developed something akin to stronger immunity to Yoohyun’s threatening aura compared to the other beasts.

When Blue gets within touching distance, she slowly goes to offer her feathery head for Yoojin to pet. However, she doesn’t dare to get any more closer, her wary eyes flitting between him and the scary Alpha standing like a guard dog behind him.

Blackie is much bolder, letting its thick tentacles to liberally wind themselves around Yoojin. Yoojin notes with delight that the cool tentacles feel heavenly against his post-heat body. Blackie’s cute little tongue is poking out its mouth and its expressive, yellow reptilian eyes are locked on him in hyper focus.

Just before Blackie can playfully bite Yoojin’s hand that is approaching to pet it, rows of sharp teeth in display, Yoohyun’s low growl reverberates in warning.

“Don’t get so close,” rumbles Yoohyun darkly with the inflection as if saying ‘don’t abuse my generosity.’

The tentacles withdraw reluctantly from the terse command. Peace just doesn’t care, giving Yoohyun an unimpressed side-eye from his spot on Yoojin’s lap.

It gets Yoojin to wonder, is Yoohyun behaving too possessively over him? Alphas are known to be possessive in general, especially towards Omegas they regard as their own. 

Yoojin doesn’t know whether he needs to nip this behaviour in the bud. For now though, he’s content with showering the monsters with his love and being smothered back in return.

“Yoojin-nim! You’re here!”

A man with hair sticking out messily in multiple direction is seen rushing towards the brothers from the other corner of the glass dome. Sangwook is wearing an expression that’s an interesting mix between immensely relieved as well as he’s about to unload a chest full of grievances, but similarly to the beasts he stops abruptly in his tracks when he spots the glowering Alpha. Yoohyun tends to elicit such a reaction from people.

“G-guildmaster, yo-you’re here too… of course.”

There’s a definite air of fear hanging around Sangwook, his eyes flitting nervously between Yoojin and Yoohyun, the latter who clearly isn’t in the best mood. 

Yoojin hurriedly goes to alleviate the tension. He offers Sangwook pointers and solutions to the list of problems the magic beast keepers have encountered, promising him that he’ll visit again soon. Granted that Yoojin is still feeling the effects of lingering heat symptoms, such as weakened muscles, trouble concentrating especially when being surrounded by soothing scents, and a-higher-than-normal body temperature, he’s fairly confident all those symptoms will fade in the coming days.

After neglecting his duties as a guildmaster for several days, it’s unavoidable that upon him finally emerging out of his brother’s room Yoohyun gets called by multiple people in charge of different departments. His forlorn parting gaze that he directs towards Yoojin makes it appear as if they’ll be separated for months instead of a few hours at most.

Prior to him leaving his precious hyung though, Yoohyun (with much reluctance) summons the three people considered closest to Yoojin aside from himself to guard him. 

Yerim is sticking to Yoojin like a four-limbed floral-scented glue, with her nose firmly planted on the Omega’s neck scent gland. 

“You reek of the guildmaster,” mumbles Yerim almost petulantly, the vibration of her low voice is transferred into Yoojin’s body through their body contact.

Yoojin is rubbing a palm down in between her shoulder blades in slow repetition meant to be comforting. “Is it unpleasant?”

After spending a moment thinking, Yerim hums a negative. “No. Actually his scent is quite similar to ahjussi’s, not surprising considering you are brothers.”

Myeongwoo occupies the space beside Yoojin with his head tucked underneath the smaller Omega’s chin. Being taller than Yoojin, this position forces his shoulders to hunch.

“Is this really okay? I have a feeling that the guildmaster will have our heads when he finds us so close to you, Yoojin-ssi.” Despite his apprehension, Myeongwoo makes no move to detach himself from his cosy spot.

Yoojin chuckles. “You’re being dramatic. Yoohyun won’t mind this.” This, of course, is referring to the two using the Omega as their personal plushy.

Yerim levels him a flat unamused look while Myeongwoo produces a doubtful sound.

Before Yoojin can further attempt to allay their unfounded concerns, his attention gets caught on a fidgeting Noah at his peripheral vision. He’s standing upright, with the pretence of scanning the area for intruders yet the pair of blue eyes with a hint of longing keep shifting towards the direction of their little puppy pile.

Yoojin releases his hold on his two children momentarily to invite the third.

“Come here.” His outstretched arms are met with the glittering gaze of the blonde Alpha. 

There’s no hesitation as Noah abandons his post and promptly pounces on the three, or more specifically on Yoojin, ignoring Yerim’s warning growl and Myeongwoo’s discomfort at being jostled as Noah slots himself flush against Yoojin’s other side. He can almost picture a reptilian tail attached to Noah’s backside wagging in excitement.

Becoming a teddy bear for needy children has never crossed Yoojin’s mind before, and he finds himself not at all against it. Their blend of familiar scents are pleasant, making his inner Omega purr in delight.

He lets Myeongwoo carry him to the sunny spot in the garden, chasing after the warm rays peeking through the gaps between green foliage. The personal transportation service doesn’t end there, Myeongwoo even carries him to the toilet. Frankly, Yoojin doesn’t understand this particular insistence that Yoohyun seemingly infects them with, as if he’s hurt and thus incapable of walking on his own. He is in heat, edging towards the tail end of it, not incapacitated for god’s sake!

However if it settles their worries over his health, unneeded as it may be, then Yoojin supposes he can be a bit more tolerant in this regard. Even to the detriment of his dignity as a  proud adult who certainly can take care of himself.

Yerim and Noah have hauled an excessive amount of blankets and pillows into the enclosure and spread them on the soft span of grass. Which Yoojin takes the liberty to create for himself and the children averaging the age of nineteen a cosy nest to lounge and cuddle on.

He lets Yerim feed him with bite-sized chocolate cakes and fruit slices. Yerim wipes his mouth with napkins when crumbs and fruit juices inadvertently stain the area around his lips, batting his hand away when Yoojin reaches for the napkin to clean it himself.

He lets Noah massage his body and occasionally play with his scent glands. Out of all the talents Yoojin expects for Noah to possess, being a gifted masseuse isn’t one of them. To be honest, he’s not used to having his body massaged, the thought of allowing a stranger’s hands to touch and rub his body causes him to cringe internally. But Noah isn’t a stranger, and the activity most likely satisfies him on some level judging on the abundant wave of happy Alpha pheromones. Why then would Yoojin deny his dear little Noah this little bit of comfort?

Is this the definition of bliss? Yoojin is glad that he can use his body to please his children. He can’t quite stop himself from purring a distinctively omegan croon as the three continue to dote on him under the welcoming rays of the afternoon sun, its glare is softened by the filters installed on the glass dome.

Thus, the peaceful time meets its inevitable end. Marked by the arrival of a displeased Alpha who drowns the entire space with terrifying pressure. Despite not being the intended target of the show of aggression, it still triggers Yoojin’s Fear Resistance skill to activate.

Myeongwoo is the first to retreat, understandable considering the gap in his rank with the guildmaster, however not without a final nuzzle in Yoojin’s neck which earns him a dark growl from Yoohyun. Noah hesitates for a while, arms clenched tightly around Yoojin as if afraid Yoojin will disappear, attempting to placate the advancing Alpha with non-threatening chirps to no avail. One can easily perceive that there’s only a thin string left holding onto the door which Yoohyun’s fury is battering against, his patience stretched to its absolute limits with those who dare to get so close, even to the point of scenting his Omega hyung. Left with no choice, Noah releases his hold of Yoojin with a mournful whine, head drooping in disappointment.

Only Yerim is still steadfastly clinging to Yoojin with a stubborn glint in her eyes, baring her teeth and unleashing a force of her own dominating Alpha aura. Even when faced with the scene of his children raising their hackles against each other, Yoojin can’t help but feel proud of Yerim. It’s not an easy feat to gather one’s courage to go up against Yoohyun when he’s in this state.

When Yoohyun doesn’t budge at her test for intimidation, Yerim chooses to attack with words. “Oh come on! Ahjussi is barely out of your arms for a few hours! What’s a few more?”

“Unacceptable.” Is Yoohyun’s simple answer, which only serves to rile Yerim up even more.

“You.. you damn stingy brocon!” Frustration flaring on her face, Yerim points at the taller Alpha with an accusing finger. “Why can’t you just share him for once? We also have the right to spend time and cuddle with him! You don’t own ahjussi!”

“Who says I don’t?"

Alpha pheromones akin to two massive waves amidst a tempestuous storm clash against each other. All the magic beasts who have been lingering on the periphery of the nest scatter in panic from the excessive flare of murderous energy.

What is with this conversation as if he’s a toy to be fought over by children? Yoojin is starting to develop a massive headache.

“Hahh…”

There’s a blood-red gleam in Yoohyun’s dark eyes as he stares down at the two Alpha and Omega pressed flush against each other. One might be astounded when learning the fact that Yoohyun’s power stems from fire, hellish inferno, when faced with his current glare reminiscent of the coldest winter frost.

“Bak Yerim, I’m only going to ask once more. Let go of hyung.”

“How about a big fat no, you big obnoxious brute of an Alpha,” hisses Yerim.

This train of argument is going in circles, it’s Yoojin’s cue to interfere.

“How about–”

He gets cut off by another of Yoohyun’s rather outrageous words. Or more like his voice.

“Bak Yerim. Let go of hyung.”

Yerim is off of him, all of a sudden. In which Yoojin, through his shock, deduces not of her own volition. Yerim is wearing a dumbfounded expression, mouth gaping in disbelief.

In the midst of the dazed pause, Yoohyun has scooped Yoojin up in his arms which snap Yerim out of her stunned state.

“W-What, did you seriously just use an alpha command on me? This is power abuse! I can report you to the SGC for misuse of Alpha power! Hey! Did you hear me?”

Yoohyun makes his merry way out of the premise, oblivious to Yerim’s indignant squawking trailing behind him.

Yoojin can’t believe what has just transpired, and the gall of this rascal of a little brother. His mouth is opening and closing of its own accord, his mind running a million thoughts until it finally settles on a single simple fact. 

“I have legs.”

Yoohyun takes a cursive scan at Yoojin’s clothed legs before his gaze swivels forward again. 

“I can see that.”

What did you actually see, punk?

“I am perfectly capable of walking by myself.” Yoojin makes sure to enunciate each word with great emphasis. He can definitely hear the whine in his voice. Oh god. Must he seriously resort to begging for the right to use his own limbs? Isn’t that a basic human right?

“You must be tired after such a long day. Let me take you to have some dinner.”

Tired… sure. Tired after a few hours spent cuddling with his children, in which two are grown men and the other is a bubbly teenage girl who can probably kill him with a flick of her finger, he must have truly grown weaker in his elderly age.

Yoojin must have drifted again, being enveloped by his brother’s powerful and thick Alpha scent seems to elicit that effect since when the next time he is cognizant, he finds himself in the bustling heart of the Abyss building once again, still cradled in Yoohyun’s arms. Upon noticing his hyung wakening, Yoohyun doesn’t waste time to lean down and bury his face into Yoojin’s neck as if that’s where he belongs.

“Stop that. You’re like an overgrown puppy,” grumbles Yoojin petulantly, trying to shove Yoohyun’s head off his neck. Which Yoohyun counters by cheekily angling his mouth towards Yoojin’s open palm to blow kisses against the sensitive skin surface.

By now Yoojin ought to have developed a thicker skin, however the prying, curious stares from the other guild members are just too much for him. In all honesty, the reluctance Yoojin displays now stems from his embarrassment to be seen in public being loved by his Alpha brother, not from actual dislike. Yoojin actually quite likes the display of physical affection, his body singing from the warmth of being wrapped so thoroughly in his brother’s potent Alpha scent. Almost like a mark of ownership.

Yoojin’s lips are pulled back in a snarl, more playful in nature than of anger, about to tell his brother to knock it off with his bratty schemes that are obviously aimed to embarrass the heck out of him when Yerim’s cheery voice cuts in.

“Yeah! We can do plenty of ‘that’ later in ahjussi’s bedroom, all night!”

Hold up, what’s with that sentence that just went out of my pure Yerim’s mouth?

“I agree! Make Yoojin-nim feel so good that he doesn’t want to leave!”

Not you too, Noah?!

“Please don’t forget the fact that an Omega’s body is special compared to a normal person so we need special techniques. I’ve read all about it, so Yoojin-ssi has nothing to worry about.” Myeongwoo’s words are meant to be soothing but only serve to make Yoojin’s eyes shake.

Little does Yoojin know that there’s never been a more perfect time to learn that Myeongwoo’s skills with his hands are not only limited to forging legendary class weaponry. 

“First things first, filling ahjussi’s stomach until he’s full!” Yerim declares cheerfully while marching forward as if embarking on a heroic mission.

Feeling defeated, Yoojin resigns himself to whatever these Alphas and one Beta have planned for him, be it another scenting, or cuddling session, or whatever wicked idea they have in mind. Whatever it is, it can’t be too bad, right?

All his life, Yoojin has only ever had one pack, that is his natal one with his parents and little brother. After their parents passed away and Yoohyun left him, Yoojin had thoroughly shunned the idea of being in a pack again, regarding it as a waste of time and an opportunity for others to eventually hurt and abandon him. 

Never in his wildest dreams have Yoojin imagined that he’ll be surrounded by individuals he holds so dearly in his heart, and even more unexpectedly that his love would be reciprocated as well.

Is Yoojin allowed to be so bold as to regard them as his new pack? All these amazing people adored by the entire nation with talents that far surpass his?

Yoojin lets his eyes rove over the perfect, impassive face of his little brother. 

Yoohyun-ah, my dear dongsaeng… am I allowed to hope for that much? 

Unconsciously, his hand clenches around the fabric over his heart as Yoojin snuggles more into his Alpha brother’s warm body, wishing deeply for these peaceful days to last.