Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Stellis City, 1st February 2030, Friday

In the late afternoon sunshine, a steady tapping of a pen upon a pad could be heard from the head office of the Gionnovyn Mental Health Research Centre. Dr Vyn Richter could be seen uncharacteristically absent minded and irritable as he stared out the window to the yellowing sky. A slight frown touched the brow of the silver haired man and his amber coloured eyes were focused aimlessly as he contemplated the earlier mishap of the day in the centre with one of the patients.

There had been a marked increase in the mental illness and violent cases within the last three years but the latest spate of cases had especially involved a spike in those of the alpha persuasion.          

While usually alphas did have a stronger dose of testosterone in their system, and so were known to be geared to be more physical and aggressively inclined, but in modern day Stellis, it was rare for actual violent acts to be carried out. Or at least it had been until about 3 years ago. Unfortunately this has also not been isolated among the three subgenders of alpha, beta and omega, and made no differentiation between men and women.

The last couple of months had been an influx of alpha aggression, with just an 8 per cent increase of admission into his own centre alone.

The psychologist curled his lip in distaste. As an omega himself, he had not had pleasant dealings with many alphas. At most there were some he tolerated, but a majority always seem to have a need to test their pheromones against any omega they met to see if they would submit or come under their influence. He had no patience for this empty posturing at the best of times and the arrogant ones always pissed him off even more to put them in their place. It had not turned out well for them in the past for that.

Now though, he was having to deal with alphas that were not quite in their right mind but using their innate dispositions of dominating pheromones upon those around them. As a psychologist he was obliged to help treat them into a more balanced mental state, but until then he was being exposed to just the sort of harassment and aggressive pheromone shower that just rubbed him the wrong way.

The earlier altercation with a resistant alpha male who was refusing to be left in their room alone, holding Vyn’s arm to keep him close, pouring out a possessive and demanding scent all over him until he could be sedated had caused unpleasant goosebumps and a low buzz of irritation under his skin since. He’d already washed once but it felt like a light prickling kept floating over his skin.

Huffing out an annoyed breath through his nose, he dismissed the uneasiness of his skin to finish up the incident report of the day and continue on his way. The feelings should fade with time.

To be fair to Dr Richter, the symptoms did fade. It’s just that they came back again. And again. And again. Each time he met with one of the alpha patients and a few cases for the police or NXX investigation. Then some students at Stellis University. People interested in asking him out while he was relaxing at cafes. Strangers on the streets that were bumped into. The omega man went from the occasional buzz under his skin after each exposure to alpha pheromones being layered on him to an almost constant crawling of his blood, irritation etching an almost permanent stiffness to his pleasant persona. 

After almost 3 months of an increasing tightness to his skin and building pressure to his temper, it had started to become noticeable at work. Insomnia had started to haunt his nights. He knew that there was a problem. His nightly observation logs had shown the marked change and unfortunately it wasn’t something that he could use his own mental capacity to manage. A fortnight ago he had already seen one of his closer senior staff for some testing and consultation.

It was now the 29th of April.

A knock on his office door interrupted Vyn as was reviewing reports.

“Come in.” He finished typing a few more notes as the door opened and a middle aged woman in a lab coat with wavy brunette hair tied up in a ponytail and holding a file entered and closed the door behind her. Dr Irina Swift had been his medical aid, hired precisely to give staff someone to turn to should they start feeling the pressure of dealing with other people’s issues. She also had an extensive background in the medical field, having worked in well renowned hospitals and clinics. He had never expected himself to require her services but was glad now, that when Giann had broached the topic, that he had selected someone he respected.

“Dr Richter, I hope I’m not finding you at an inconvenient time. I believed though, that you would appreciate a discussion of your condition and diagnosis sooner rather than later.”

Vyn smiled and stood up to gesture to the couch as he rounded his own desk to sit across from the beta woman. “Dr Swift! You are completely correct and I appreciate the time you are taking to get back to me so soon.”

After both settled into place, Dr Swift folded her hands gently before gazing at the young man in front of her. “I have come up with a diagnosis that I believe fits with what you have been going through, the history you have shared with me and your current social circle. It’s not very common but your personality fits with those this does end up occurring to. Fortunately it is treatable but will take time.”

Vyn allowed the relief that it was curable to close his eyes for a moment before straightening to look more intently at the older woman. “You have begun with the good news, so something tells me that I may not necessarily like what I hear next.”

Dr Swift allowed her lips to quirk slightly in a smile before offering the other man a few slips of paper from the file she brought with her. “I thought you might want to read over the information yourself, but what I can start with is that I have come to the likely diagnosis of what is known as Veronti’s Syndrome. It typically occurs in omega men who have been consistently felt oppressed or harassed by alpha’s and their pheromones for much of their formative years without recourse to the safety of a pack to fall back on or the steady and reliable presence of an alpha in their life. Were you submissive in personality then likely you would have conformed to the culture and you wouldn’t be having these problems. As someone more headstrong and independent, your biology formed you into a dominant omega with pheromones that would react and reject the pheromones trying to influence you. Your body basically believed it was in a hostile environment and changed accordingly. You left that environment and had no problems until recently where you were once again exposed to some unsavoury situations that made your body believe it was once more in a hostile environment. That you now have trouble resting may be due to your body preparing itself to flee, seeing as how the problem was solved before by removing yourself from the previous environment.”

The doctor paused to see if Vyn was following long while he skimmed the papers she had given him. The platinum-haired man nodded, having picked up the gist of the information provided and looked back to her with sharp gold eyes as she continued.

“The triggers of this syndrome are two key things. One not easily changed, being the behaviour and pheromones of others. The other can be worked with and will be where we can look to for treatment which has to do with your sense of safety. Now we have discussed your social circles and you tend to keep others at a distance. You have no close family here and lack close friendships. You have no pack and you do not have a mate or significant other. Without a healthy relationship with the subgender dynamics and all that it entails, you have nothing balancing out your psych and your exposure once again to what you perceive as unpleasant pheromone showers.”

Dr Swift looked steadily into Vyn Richter’s gaze. “Vyn, you need to start forming relationships with others. A pack or a mate. Both would be ideal. Even better if there is an alpha you can trust in either of those capacities. We’ve still caught it early enough that rebalancing your system will only take months to a year. If you get to the point where you start to constantly and involuntarily emit your own pheromones in defence, it will more likely take years as reintegration of other pheromones is more difficult if you shift to full rejection of all pheromones. In that instance, long term isolation may be the extreme to which we would have to look into.”

Vyn Richter sat back with a faint moue of distaste on his face before nodding in acknowledgement of the other’s advice.

“Thank you Dr Swift for all your help. I shall take your advice under consideration and think about what to do.”

The older woman smiled as she stood up along with the younger man, knowing he would be the type who would want to go over the information and think on it in his own time.

“Not a problem at all, Dr Richter. It is what I am here for. If you need to talk further you know where to find me.”

Vyn escorted her out and after another expression of appreciation closed the door. In the privacy of his office, he let his face drop.

Shit.

The omega man huffed out a forceful breath. What the hell was he going to do?

Chapter Text

Stellis City, Vyn’s Residency, 1st May 2030, Wednesday evening 

In a quiet neighbourhood, a warm breeze rustled through the trees and various flowers of a well kept garden of an elegant manor, and a man finished with his day made his way to the front door. Scanning himself through the smart terminal, Dr Vyn Richter loosened his tie as he closed the door and allowed himself to fold onto the lounge of his home in tiredness. 

It had been a trying day. As one of the founders of Giannovyn Mental Health Research Centre and a fully qualified psychologist, he had spent some time going over reports and his own research projects. He had been stubbornly persisting despite coming to greater awareness of floating pheromones wafting past him whenever he had ventured through the hallways. The hypervigilance of his awareness had created a headache at the base of his skull. Not just that, but the platinum blond omega had his heat start today, making his body run warmer than usual and his scent to become fuller; causing attention to be surreptitiously and overtly drawn to him when out for lunch. 

It was one of those omega biological cycles that he had learned to live with though the attention it was now bringing him brought more annoyance than before. Menstruating was one inconvenience to deal with, having the other side of that where heats made it obvious to the world that he was a fertile young man in his breeding cycle, was another type of nuisance. Not only did he have to feel as if in a slight fever all day, without the intention of fulfilling the purpose of the cycle he had to power through the slight cramping of his insides, making him even more irritable than his recent diagnosis had made him. 

Even in this, he found his discontent with alpha’s climbing as they had it easier, only going through a rut cycle, where they had a heightened awareness of smell and a restless energy for a fight or fuck. Female alphas still had to go through a menstrual cycle, but this just made them a more formidable opponent to others. 

Vyn supposed he was envious of the betas, the majority of the Stellis population at 67%, who didn’t have to go through extra mood swings caused by pheromones and hormones. Not that they were unaffected by their peers' pheromone expressions, having to deal with moody coworkers, family or friends. They might express themselves at a less nuanced level and be less swayed by the signals of others, but they were otherwise an even keeled existence.

Though there were also the rare individuals with strong enough pheromones to affect even them as well as the other subgenders. 

In the past, dominant omegas’ and alphas’ would have been commanders, emperors, leaders or other influential figures. Nowadays it held less of an advantage in social or political settings. At least in some countries. They were still eagerly welcomed in the military or other professions where being able to subdue others through a pheromone burst and command would be a help. Only about 3-7% of the omega and alpha population tended to express these traits though. Variation depended on the region. Stellis City seemed to be on the higher end with 8% of their alpha and omega population expressing extreme traits. Svart, where he had been born, had a more average 5%.

Of the population in Stellis, the genders split with 15% omegas and 18% alphas. A much more even split between the two than other areas of the world where the divide tended to be closer to 9% omegas and 16% alphas with the rest being betas. Between males and females in Stellis the divide was about 46% being women to 52% men, 2% born other.

The higher percentage of omegas and alphas as well as the more even split in Stellis City may have had to do with its less discriminatory culture where emphasis was more on achievements and progressiveness rather than traits, causing immigration. Especially for omegas, who could still be looked at as being made to be bred being their main feature in many places. Not to say that there were not still those who came to Stellis with certain prejudices or preconceived ideas and attitudes of behaviour. It was a city many moved to after all like himself. The predominantly fair treatment and laws, though, was a big part of the place, and those that moved here learned to change their ways or at least hide it better.

There had, however, been an uneasy shift under the tranquil surface of the city in the last couple of years. Not just the cases that had created the NXX team of violence and mental instability but also the spread of a drug that had been pervading the various social circles, along with dramatised media feeding misinformation about normal alpha/omega behaviour. 

Instead of the mild symptoms and discomforts that these genders lived with during a heat or rut, there was the idea being disseminated that practically pornographied these cycles and made alphas and omegas into uncontrollable animals with needs and biological drives. Lust driven and incapable of self control, incapacitated for days at a time had been fed by the media and entertainment novels to the interested masses and unfortunately caused a shift in understanding and knowledge.  

Alongside this narrative, was a drug called XVL, short for exolvuntur velox libidinis making itself known. Derived from a medication called eXVF, exolvuntur velox fertilitatis, that is 'cycle of quick fertility' , a drug to help the rare alpha/omega couple struggling with fertility and syncing up cycles to increase chances of conception, the formula had been illegally procured, modified and passed out like a new viagra and rape drug with the unfortunate affect similar to what the media narrative was sharing. A person spiked with a mild dose, may still have enough awareness like a bad cold, but omegas would involuntarily produce slick and their pheromones would be more inviting like a pseudo heat, while alpha’s would have slightly impaired judgement and be more impulsive to their urges. Not a true heat or rut as the correctly prescribed drug needed a full two weeks of intake to encourage a proper fertile cycle. Instead this drug just made a body act out a mating heat or rut, but without the increased fertile aspect of it. Those hit with an extreme dose could lose their minds and memories while affected, only to wake up a day or two later, much the worse for wear. Unfortunately there had also been cases where the drug was so abused that death occurred.

The damning thing of it all was the difficulty in correcting the misinformation because it wasn’t as if there was no natural occurrence in reality. A mated alpha/omega couple in a healthy relationship and ready for a family could trigger something similar naturally. But trying to explain the conditions that would be needed to cause it was too long of an explanation for most people to bother with sitting through. 

This drug alongside the media stories and drama served to muddy the waters of understanding.

The psychologist despaired at what should be an educated lot, since what actually happened was taught in health and biology classes at school! Instead, he now had to deal with inane questions and inappropriate innuendos and unsubtle sideways glances from people who should know better when they perceived him to be an omega. This was not helping with his condition! Especially some particularly vulgar alphas he encountered yesterday evening on his way home, that tried to ‘invite’ him to have a good time with their pheromones and trigger a heat with ‘fluids gushing everywhere’. It was quite the effort of self restraint to only use his words to disabuse them of their ideas, question their morality, have them examine themselves in shame and not have his own pheromones burst out threateningly to chemically castrate them. 

Because that was a distinct possibility now with him, if his Veronti’s Syndrome reached the level that Dr Swift warned of. At least the outburst of threatening pheromone was. The chemical castration was a personal quirk.

The psychologist had seriously started considering getting pamphlets printed to start handing out at the research centre and at Stellis University. Also just to carry around to throw at the rude, crude and just downright stupid people he had to deal with.  

Vyn compiled a text to one of his research staff to look into implementing it before finally getting up to prepare his dinner. Putting on some classical music to help his mood, he also poured a glass of red wine and brought up the information he had researched so far on Veronti’s Syndrome to go over. 

Truthfully, the encounter with the alpha’s had been a closer call to an outburst than he’d like to admit so it would be best to start looking seriously at what his next steps could be. The irritation of his skin, the crawling of his blood, the headaches, the insomnia, they were all building pressure within him. The one thing he would not stand for was his self control to be lost. This was but a temporary challenge from himself and he would get back his life. He would not stand for anything less. 

He read through the information collated once again as he finished his dinner. Washing his dishes, he took his wine before retiring to his study. His body protested slightly with an internal cramp, reminding him he was still in heat and really would like to nest. But- 

Stuff that. You already cause me enough problems and you can wait a little longer before I cater to your whims, Vyn scolded his own omega body as he continued to pull up a blank document. Dammit, I haven’t even refreshed my nest yet. 

Nesting was one of the natural biological urges of an omega that he usually quite appreciated. The happiness and security found in a place you built to be just right and smelling of connection and home was a quiet joy like no other.

Absent-mindedly he started making a list while contemplating the two courses of remedy before him. The Svartian was tempted to strike off looking for a mate straight off the bat but resisted the urge. 

I don’t currently have any romantic interests of the alpha persuasion, but I should leave it open just in case.  Distastefully he wrote down the option. Be open to dating if you encounter an acceptable alpha who shows interest. 

He quickly moved on to thoughts on pack. Packs were easily encountered but were also not formed everywhere. The most common would be family packs, but with travel being more common, the bonds were weaker except for bigger or older families. Packs also tended to form among close knit coworkers who regularly faced danger together like in law enforcement or emergency services where support of team members helped with safety and mental stability. Theoretically a pack was easy to form, with only intention, agreement and social time together starting the process. A true pack though, was only formed when trust, safety and actual desire to congregate together naturally was established. Someone new could join an established pack but they wouldn’t be a true pack member until both they and the pack accepted them at the required level. 

Contemplating his social circles, the silver haired male had to admit that there were no packs in his vicinity for him to easily join. Join a pack. Was added to his list and promptly crossed out. Join a pack . 

He swiftly moved on to the next logical conclusion. Establish a pack. 

Now this was an option that he would have to flesh out. There were many factors to consider. Where should I form a pack? Who do I want in my pack? What dolts can’t I stand in it or will I have to tolerate them? How quickly can I form one? What would help it get to the level I need the fastest? 

Workplaces were the easiest places to form a pack as the same people gathering together was already made. Giannovyn Mental Health Research Centre. Stellis University. 

An incoming message vibrated on his phone before he had time to do much more with his list. 

Marius Von Hagen: May need to reschedule the tutoring for tomorrow as something has come up. 

Dr Vyn Richter: That is fine. I can reschedule for the next day if needed but any longer than that and I’ll expect you to send me the homework beforehand. 

Marius Von Hagen: 🙄 Fine. I’ll let you know. 

Vyn stared at the message for a moment before going back to his document. Contemplatively he added NXX Investigation Team to the list.

He considered the personnel he knew at each of the locations. At the centre I do know most of my colleagues in a professional capacity. The people I know best would be the heads of department, my secretary and the receptionists. Dr Swift would also be welcome as a pack member. Actually she’s probably the only one I could stand to have as a pack member. With the mental health issues faced within the centre daily, most would probably wish for a safe space away from the centre where they didn't have to think any further on work rather than congregate together. Being able to vent together is fine, but I know some are resistant to growing closer outside of work. A pack may not be the best or easiest thing here. Vyn struck out the centre and moved on to the university. 

This year I’ve been working as a visiting professor at Stellis University. I have spent most of my time teaching or researching criminal psychology there, with most of my interaction being with students. Contact with other staff have been kept to research topics and teaching methods. Not unpleasant but dull. Students are interesting but hardly pack material with its mercurial nature. The possibility is there with the staff but will take effort and probably an extended time especially as most academicians are either introverted, self involved or lack drive for forming a pack. My connection with them is weak. Golden eyes squinted for a moment as if in memory of something before noting down one more thing. One other downside would be exposure to students who do not practise proper social etiquette or are just rude and stupid. 

On moving to the NXX option, the omega man paused for a long moment before slowly starting to write. A significantly smaller portion of personnel to note and in all probability all of them would have to be included in the pack to make it feasible. Two I’ve known for over a year. Two I’ve known for 4 months or less. One beta. One omega. Two alphas. There has already been one occasion where we have all spent time together without it being predominantly work related, and went well, so it would not be difficult to establish a non work related connection. While certain members can be annoying, they are tolerable. Another long pause before almost reluctantly, pale fingers added one other detail. The only alpha I can accept   tolerate coexist with the pheromones of is present. Have occasionally fallen asleep 

Vyn resisted the urge to ruffle his hair. Fuck! Okay-! 

The presence of the only alpha pheromones that I can tolerate have allowed me occasions of restful sleep. 

Vyn sat back and glared at what he had written. It was pretty clear where the optimal route for him was. Despite his resistance to the whole situation, a pack would be most efficiently established with the people of the NXX investigation team. And despite his personal feelings on the person, there was an alpha there that he somewhat trusted. To an extent. That serious guy just rubbed him the wrong way with how he had everything going for him and then treated others as weaker. Not that most would perceive it that way, but sheltering others wasn’t helping them get stronger. 

He did have to admit he was reliable though. 

I’m going to have to tell him. 

He would have to tell a few people about his condition. The heads of department at Giannovyn. The principle of Stellis University. Artem Wing.

Chapter Text

Stellis City, Vyn’s Residence, 2nd May 2030, 10.14pm Thursday, Spring

The cursor on his phone was taunting him. 

Vyn sipped his tea while side eyeing the phone on his desk. Informing both the school and the centre had been easy enough, neither needing any details beyond that he had a personal medical condition that he was dealing with and that he could be helped by keeping him from excessive pheromone expressions, especially of the alpha persuasion. He was loath to even share that much, but better that than triggering a worse outcome for himself and for those around him. 

The same approach wouldn’t be enough when it came to talking to Artem Wing. The attorney was sharp and almost the nominal leader, such as they had, of the NXX investigation team when they needed to assign things in the group. Asking to form a pack would require more of an explanation when they had been fine working mostly independently. Packs came together due to the possessiveness of omegas, territoriality of alphas and social collectiveness of betas. To decide to shift their group dynamic would need a reason for them to lay claim to one another more personally as their own. As both the head alpha and one of the more mature members of the team alongside himself, broaching the subject first with the lawyer would be a good test of even the feasibility of this route. 

The psychologist was taking his time trying to think of how to word his text to the lawyer. He needed to extend an invitation to meet but without it being easily dismissed or put off. He was asking a favour so he couldn’t just demand his time. Too vague would cause confusion but he didn’t want to share anything without it being face to face. 

Putting down his tea, Vyn took off his glasses to rub at his eyes. His skin was buzzing, buzzing, buzzing, having had to deal with Marius provoking him during their delayed tutoring session. He seemed to have a higher level of tolerance for the young alpha that was still losing his puppy smell but he was certainly pushing his limits. 

He placed his glasses back on nis nose before picking up his phone to start composing his text. 

Dear Artem 

Wait, they weren’t that close. 

Artem 

Actually, did he even need to put his name? That might be too formal when he was trying to pull closer. The blonde once more tapped the delete button. 

Are you free to meet up sometime soon? 

Could you make some time for me? 

I have something personal to discuss with you. 

Would you be amenable to some tea and conversation? 

I need a favour 

Want to make a pack with me? 

How would you feel about 

Fuck 

Vyn resisted the urge to bang his head on his phone or his desk and eyed the time.  

10.58pm 

He aggressively deleted his last words again. Entirely too much time had already been spent on this. The lack of sleep was affecting him far too much if he was needing to put this much brainwork into inviting out a colleague for just a talk! 

It would also explain how when he decided to exit his messages and contacts, he fumbled his phone slightly as he was standing up and accidentally pressed ‘Call’, then promptly dropped the phone as it rang. 

He scrabbled for it under his desk as he heard it ringing.

Don’t pick up, don’t pick up, don’t-! 

His hand managed to close around the device. The phone stopped ringing. He sighed in relief. 

“Vyn?” 

“Ah- rrtem!” Yes! Nice save! 

Silence ensued for a moment. 

“Was there a reason you were calling?”

“Actually, I dropped my phone-” The pale blonde clipped the back of his head on the edge of his desk as he stood up with an audible bang. “ Ffffff-ow!” 

“Are you okay? Vyn?” 

The psychologist fought the whimper that wanted to exit his throat with clenched teeth. “I am fine,” he rasped out. 

Another pause in the conversation coalesced for a moment as the bespectacled man rubbed his head. If anyone could see him, his lips would be pursed in what he would deny was a slight pout before he heard the clearing of the throat from the other end of the line. 

“Then if there wasn’t anything, I’ll hang up.” 

“One moment please!” It occurred to the psychologist that this might actually be the best time for him to invite Artem to have the talk. “I actually did have something I wanted to discuss with you.” 

He rapidly tried to formulate the best way to ask. Be clear. Be concise. Be firm. “There is something I would like to speak to you about, however I think it would be best communicated in person. Would you happen to have some time tomorrow we could meet?” 

Another pregnant silence as he awaited the other’s response. 

Slowly, he heard the other reply. “I could make some time during my lunch at 12.15? I have a reservation at the Gallery Blue if you wish to join me? Or if you prefer there is a cafe near it called Nascent Blossom. I could meet you there at 1.” 

He wavered between the two choices. The restaurant would be more discreet, but it would be an uncomfortable conversation to have while sharing a meal or the other was eating. He quickly pulled up pictures of the cafe and saw that it had some more isolated tables with plants placed around for privacy. “The cafe would work better. I’ll find a table a little more private and you can join me when you are ready. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.” 

“Understood. Then I’ll see you tomorrow at the cafe. Was there anything else?” 

“No, that was all. Good night.” 

“Good night.” 

The phone screen darkened, reflecting a face with its eyes closed as tiredness washed over the bespectacled omega man. He might actually be able to get some rest tonight. His gold eyes then flashed open. 

Dammit! I still need to build my nest! 

The next day, Nascent Blossom, 12.55pm Friday, Spring

Artem Wing, brunette senior attorney with searching blue eyes, fingered his jacket as he opened the door of the café while looking for a flash of platinum hair. 

He’d taken his time with his lunch and also took the opportunity to organise a few emails while he had the time so he would have less to do later when he had no idea how long the psychologist of the team might need. 

Before he caught sight of the other, he registered the familiar scent of juniper and rose. Noting and then quickly filing to the side the fuller note to the smell, he followed the trail until he found the other tucked near a corner with a half wall of vines almost hiding the seat. 

The other man sat elegantly with half lidded eyes gazing out absently with a steaming cup of herbal tea before him. A thin white button up with a black ribbon tie, tan vest and brown slacks complemented his aristocratic looks. The sleeve garters brought an added charm but also a touch of abstinence to his gentlemanly image. 

Artem also noted, however, the slight shadows under his eyes as he rounded the table to sit across from the other man. “Dr Richter.” He murmured in greeting. 

The amber eyes opened wider in focus as the bespectacled man sat up straighter in registering his guest’s arrival. “Artem.” 

As the lawyer settled in his seat a waiter was signalled over and a coffee ordered. 

The psychologist looked over the other, assessing what the mood of the man might be and how best to approach the subject.  

Taking in the other’s serious face, the alpha stayed silent, waiting by mutual agreement for his beverage to arrive first before discussing anything. The omega sipped his tea while gazing at him. 

Handsomely dressed in a charcoal pin-striped suit with a cream collared shirt and blue tie, the other looked as put together as ever.  The only thing that might betray that he had gone through an ordeal recently might be the signs of troubled sleep under his eyes and the tightness to his shoulders. 

Although, there was another reason that Vyn knew the other was having trouble sleeping but that was neither here nor there for now.

The coffee arrived and after both men took a drink from their respective beverages, they placed the cups back on their plates with a clink. 

The silver haired man took a breath and began as the attorney gave his full attention. “I invited you out to speak on a somewhat personal matter and also to discuss how it might be managed or affect our team going forward.” He paused for a moment to place a file on the table and slid it across to the brunette before meeting the other’s gaze once again. 

“Recently I have been having some difficulties in my reactions to the pheromones of alphas. It has reached a stage where I may have to adjust how I interact with others until I can effect a treatment that will allow my condition to return to normal.” The omega gestured to the file, prompting the other to open the file and skim over the papers inside. “You can see my diagnosis there along with some information on what I mean.”  

He sat back to give the other time to read the information. He had put together the information to describe what the condition was and what situations he was currently reacting to. When it came to the treatment options, he kept mention of a mate brief and elaborated more on the aid of having a pack. 

After some minutes of the lawyer frowning down at the documents, he put them down to meet golden eyes. “My apologies if I have been causing you distress.” 

Vyn froze slightly at the unpredicted response and his eyes widened slightly as he felt the pheromone of cedar and vanilla with the faintest undernote of lavender in the air become fainter. Involuntarily his fingers twitched. “No. You have nothing to apologise for.” In fact you have been the opposite of causing me distress. Please don’t put your pheromones away! But the omega couldn’t say that as it would feel too much like begging. He would have to say it in another way. “In fact I was hoping to ask for your aid.” 

The serious brunette sat forward. “What can I help you with? Did you need a break from investigations?” 

The psychologist shook his head. “I might need to keep a distance in certain scenarios but I was wanting to discuss with you the possibility of implementing one of the treatment methods with the NXX team. I currently have no pack or a viable romantic interest so the timeline of my recovery is nebulous. After looking at my current social circles, the NXX team may fall into my best option for forming a pack and gaining a quicker recovery. This would obviously have an impact on the group and I am aware would be rather selfish grounds for starting a pack. So as a leading member of the team I would like your insight into if you think this is an option that can be taken despite the reason for it being established. Would it be good for the team? Could you see the others in a pack?” He stopped for a moment before taking another breath to continue. “If not, then I can only ask that you keep what I have shared with you confidential and I shall have to adjust how I can contribute to our investigations going forward.” 

Artem raised one hand to indicate to the other to give him a moment as he contemplated the omega’s words. After parsing through his thoughts, he raised his head. “I have some questions.” 

Vyn inclined his head. “Please.” 

“We have two alphas on the team. Won’t it be a problem?” 

Vyn’s right index finger unconsciously tapped twice on the table before he stilled it. “Marius I’ve known for a while and the lingering immaturity in his scent helps to offset the offence his pheromones cause when he’s playing up. There is still a limit to what I can tolerate, but there is a lot more leeway with him than the general public since I have also known him longer as closer to a pup.” 

He fought the urge to avert his gold eyes from blue. “As for yourself, part of the reason for forming a pack out of the NXX team is that your pheromones do not offend me. You have never used them in a capacity to test or force my nature. As far as I am aware you usually only use them as an extension to emotional expression, not as a biological advantage. You have never been a threat to me and are actually the closest alpha within my circle that I have not rejected the pheromones of. If we can keep it that way and form a pack, then this may be my fastest option of recovery.” He gazed at the other unwaveringly. “That is also why I said you have nothing to apologise for.”

Artem gave a slow blink as he took the words in. Cautiously, he loosened the tight hold on his scent he had taken earlier and relaxed as the other man showed no reaction. 

Internally, Vyn was sighing in relief. 

“Are you intending to tell the others?” 

“Eventually, I believe they will have to know. Especially if I have to take a step back. With our group being as small and observant as it is, they’ll notice something being different. And part of forming a pack is trust.” Gold eyes met blue steadily. “Sharing my condition would be part of that.”

The alpha accepted the message conveyed. “You have obviously had time to think on this and are willing to go ahead. But were there any concerns that you thought of?” 

“Marius and the Von Hagen pack. As far as I am aware Althea and Lucas are not close to their family or others in the way of pack, whereas Marius already has a strong family bond. It should be fine for him to straddle both but if the packs were ever at odds, it would not go well for him as he would have to choose and he will be losing something either way. The choice should be up to him if he wants to be involved.”

Artem nodded his head to acknowledge the psychologist’s view.

Vyn cocked his head as the other stopped asking questions. 

The lawyer took his time before speaking. “I may need a bit more time to think about this further. But for the moment I don’t see a problem with us forming an NXX pack. We have already spent time together at least once as a team for non-investigative purposes and it didn’t go badly. You're right about Marius, but we’ll have to leave that decision to him, if and when the occasion arises. The best way forward may be to organise more of those outings together as a group before broaching the topic of becoming a pack. Firstly, to see if we can spend extensive time together and feel comfortable outside of that single event. Secondly, to establish the start of a closer relationship without it being about your medical condition. I’ll leave it to you if and when you wish to tell the others as we go on.” 

Vyn nodded in appreciation and agreed to the other’s proposal of how to proceed.

After a little more discussion the two parted ways, Artem thoughtful, Vyn relieved.

He was glad the talk had gone so well.

Chapter Text

When Artem Wing had entered the cafe, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting. Leaving the cafe, he can say that he wasn’t expecting Vyn Richter to have been asking him for help and to have to start thinking about the possibility of establishing a pack. 

The relationship between the two was not particularly close, with truthfully a bit of wariness and almost antagonism between them. Or it had been before. When they had first met, it had been fine, but quickly after, they began to rub each other the wrong way. He wasn’t sure about the psychologist but Vyn’s confidence and ease in moving the world around him, especially the effortless way he swayed the people around him to suit his needs, made the man seem distant and above everything. He couldn’t argue with the results, but the way he seemed to almost manipulate others kept him from wanting to get close. It felt dishonest, like he couldn’t see through to the real Vyn Richter besides what the man presented to the world and he would have thought there would be nothing that could make the omega change from that persona. The guy seemed perfect, but the type of perfection seen through a glass display. Look but don’t touch. 

But at the cafe, as the gentleman omega who he always saw as strong and proud finally shared a vulnerable piece of himself, the other changed from distant perfection to startlingly more human. He wasn’t sure if it was the effect of his condition, or his heat showing signs of itself, but Artem knew that the biggest change was the man admitting with his own mouth that he was in need of help and was asking it of him.  

There had been a period of time where he thought the distance between them might grow wider, after he had been rescued in the Kendrick case. He had been weak, let his guard down and caused trouble to those around him. It had brought up memories and nightmares. That first week back, despite pulling himself together again, he felt like the other was looking at him critically, judging him for falling short, signs of his cracks inside visible despite his best efforts to continue as normal.

Everyone else seemed to take for granted that by day 3 when he said he was fine and reassured them, they could put down their worry. The pale haired psychologist on the other hand may have stopped voicing any pointed words of concern but he would find his amber eyes following him in judgement. As long as the other didn’t say anything though, he had no need to respond, but he felt that the other had an increase of disdain for him which caused him to distance himself more. A Cold War of sorts that grew colder between the two. 

The rift could have kept growing wider if not for one small incident of change that began to alter his view of the other man. 

Nightmares and half remembered traumas visited him at night and at rest. He still forced himself to sleep despite the dread of revisited pasts of choking and breathlessness, phantom screams causing him to jolt awake. A constant cycle that made his slumber fitful and restless. He would stay awake staring at his ceiling as the adrenaline wore away or swam until his mind was empty. Shadows smudged under his eyes. 

He persisted in his work and investigations. One such night brought him to the NXX headquarters looking for files that he thought might have a link to a current court case. Sitting on the lounge with the work, he eventually couldn’t keep his eyes focused. 

Rubbing his tired eyes, Artem Wing eventually set his pen down on the coffee table. He had to concede defeat to his fatigue. In this state he would be unable to drive home let alone continue his notes.  

Slumping back into the couch, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “A little rest. Just enough to get home,” he muttered to himself in the spring night.

Before long, the man dropped off into a fitful slumber, the speed testament to how tired he truly was. Uncontrolled, his woody scent of cedar with a strong overtone of lavender and faded sweetness of vanilla seeped out with an undertone of a damp smoky quality giving away his unease. 

20 minutes later another set of footsteps approached the office. Agitation thrummed through the swift beat of the leather soles as Vyn Richter made his way down the hall towards the lounge room. There was a book left there that he needed after his tutoring session with the young Von Hagen. Unfortunately, it had been a day where not only had the young alpha needled him, causing him some annoyance, but he had also been propositioned by a rude individual on his way from the car to the NXX building. Why people thought throwing their scents around was a good way of getting someone’s attention was beyond him. He quickly shut them down with some tight words and an even tighter smile before being able to make his escape into the building. 

The omega’s lip curled in distaste at the coating of pheromone that had already started making his skin feel stretched thin over his rushing blood and bones. He let out his own scent hoping to wash it away. Distracted as he was in trying to remove the offending smell, it took him an embarrassing amount of time to note the other scent in the air. Frowning as he got to the door of the lounge which swished open, he recognised the woody pheromone, though not used to the floral being stronger than vanilla, of the alpha attorney before finally spotting him. The strength of the smell was unusual as the alpha usually kept his scent quite close. Seeing the pinched eyebrows on the other’s sleeping face on approach explained the unpleasant smoky quality. 

As the other grimaced and turned his head at whatever nightmare he was facing, Vyn debated nudging him awake. Squinting his eyes as he registered the darker shadows under the other’s lashes, he scoffed at the brunette before deciding to show mercy to a fellow troubled sleeper. 

Undoing his unconsciously folded arms he made his way to the other side of the couch quietly, snagging the book he needed along the way. Glancing at the other, he allowed his omega pheromones to take on a comforting warmth and continued to release his juniper and rose scent, familiar and uncharacteristically soft. 

Opening his book, he allowed himself the satisfaction of hearing the other man eventually slide into a deeper, less troubled sleep, his smell slowly losing the smoky quality to once more be the reassuring cedar forest. The lavender eased into something more gentle and once more the sweetness came out, quietly infiltrating his nose and suddenly Vyn felt his own tiredness rise up to take him and the throbbing headache that had been with him for the last few days ease. Wanting to resist but also just too bone deep exhausted from many restless nights from tight skin and headaches, he could only manage to just pluck off his glasses into his hand before laying his head down on the armrest and falling asleep. 

Artem woke at his usual time in the morning to feel more rested than he had in a long time. Not yet opening his eyes, he registered that he was not lying down on his bed, more upright but slumped to the side. Not the best posture for sleeping and his neck and shoulder were already protesting at him. Lifting his head and opening his eyes he registered his surroundings and recalled he had been resting in the NXX lounge, but had expected that he would only take a nap before making his way home. He finally noticed the familiar omega scent coming from his left and found the presence of the shorter male sleeping beside him on the couch. Startled but staying quiet and still, the brunette took in the comforting scent that he now realised had accompanied him all night and helped with his dreams. 

Gazing at the omega he was reluctantly grateful but bemused, especially when finding that the man had the end of his coat clutched in his hand. Curled towards him, he could see the mussed pale strands tickling dark circles under closed lashes and a slight frown on the other’s face. Lightly pulling his jacket to check the tightness of the grip (quite firm), Artem idly wondered if the other was just looking for cloth with a familiar smell to be grabbing his coat to sleep. He didn’t think they were close enough for the other man to want it for his nest. Then again, he hadn’t ever pictured a situation like this either, where the omega would do something for him quietly in the night after all the watchful eyes and critical stares. Perhaps he needed to reassess the meaning behind those looks.

Deciding not to wake the sleeper, who had obviously been suffering a chronic lack of sleep himself and to avoid any awkwardness, Artem carefully shrugged out of his coat. He debated with himself for a bit before he draped it over the other in a makeshift blanket, gathered his notes and quietly left. He wondered if the omega would give it back. An omega keeping scented clothes was usually a sign of closeness or desire to get closer. Vyn would probably give it back.

When Vyn woke up an hour later, he grumbled but kept the coat. If he kept the coat and used the scent to sleep better in his nest for a while and returned one that looked exactly the same, no one had to know.  

That episode served to break down the Cold War and while they never spoke of it, they also lowered their resistance in being in each other's company. They still treated each other with reservation when awake, with the psychologist still mocking him if given the opportunity but the rare occasion they found themselves waking in each other’s vicinity was a quiet companionship both grew to accept. 

While over the last 3 weeks his nightmares began to fade, he was not unaware of the tightness that grew around the other as time passed. Not knowing the cause, but assuming it was insomnia by the shadows that Vyn didn’t manage to hide, Artem carefully made no obvious changes to his troubled routine as his sleep got better. He lowered his walls as he considered that it might not have been judgement in the other’s eyes. Or not only judgement.

He brought a throw for the couch of the NXX office and took naps before he left for the night if he needed to visit. It was rare he woke up with Vyn nearby and he made no comment of the throw occasionally changing out for blankets of a different pattern and started cycling. 

Now their dynamic was changing again, and the alpha in him crooned in want of the idea of having a pack though the man was more hesitant after being alone for so long. Could a pack be made out of the NXX group? Small packs usually meant intense packs in their bonds together. They would feel it more if anyone left or became hurt. The very nature of their team and their professions meant that they would not be one of safety. Could each of the others handle that? 

Artem thought of Marius, the young and arrogant alpha, but who had folded his own wings for his family’s business despite still having the lingering smell of immaturity. Having to show himself stronger because of it. He thought of the Von Hagen’s occasional playfulness in the group and the passion he showed for his art. Artem remembered his dissatisfaction with the fame his riches brought him, but also his determined readiness to use his resources when needed. 

He thought of the beta, Althea Reader, his junior attorney, bright and brave and full of life. She brought a softness to the group and a level of empathy that had been missing. Easy to love, it would be easy to learn to be loved by her too. She was vibrant but with a hidden core of steel that she brought out when facing obstacles in her way or fighting an injustice. Always eager to learn and to grow and good at pushing others to be better too. 

Luke Pearce, he had known the least amount of time but who seemed to meld into their group easily like a sunny chameleon. The young, undeveloped omega was sharp and talented and flit about on his tasks like he had endless energy. His quiet moments showed a depth of character, a cherishment of time and relationships, a secret. His scent curled out shyly and there would be the slightest note of wrongness to sunshine and rain. They weren’t close enough to share what sometimes made him sad, but maybe one day they would be. He brought his own set of liveliness to the group and also a reliable readiness to face things. 

Vyn, he might have thought of as his biggest challenge to being in a pack with, but the quiet times of shared space between them had made it easier to contemplate. His words could be mocking, accurately pointing at his sore spots and prodding at the bruises of his shortcomings. His words were often hostile but his actions, Artem had learned to observe, showed a kindness perhaps too easily dismissed before. He can look in hindsight past words that verbally pulled him down, to gentle hands administering first aid and comforting pheromones. A contradictory man, but one that was knowledgeable and capable, someone he knew could be turned to professionally even when they were at odds. 

These were the people that could turn into his pack if things kept going as they were. The first outing they had all had together had been a sign of things that could be. Despite the competitiveness, they had come together seamlessly. It had been fun. It would not be a hardship to do again. 

Artem pondered how to organise that again. After all this time of knowing each other, it might be strange for him to make the suggestion for the group to go out together. He had never been the type to go on outings, filling his time with work and home. Becoming aware of his own introverted nature, he became uncertain of his own ability to be in a pack. How would the others think of him? 

He was used to being alone, seemingly too serious and boring for others. He worked hard but still felt like he didn’t do enough and caused trouble for those around him. He held himself to strict standards, rules he’d come to learn for himself, that helped to get him to where he is, helped to minimise his burden on others. He hoped he could be someone reliable, someone competent, someone other’s could turn to. He knows his job and there he did meet all those hopes for himself. Outside his work, he wasn’t so sure. 

But Vyn had come to him. Asked him about being in a pack together. So maybe there was something there that others could see in him too. He could work hard to be worthy of being in a pack. Even if they didn’t become a pack, at least he could be a worthy friend. So the first step would be reaching out to the others. 

Artem tapped through his phone to start looking up events. 

Over the course of the next few months, the NXX team found themselves spending some more free time together. At first they were instigated by Althea, the beta bringing up an event (brought to her attention by Artem when they were about to start NXX meetings, and Vyn once he caught on) that everyone decided to join her at. Artem then brought up a street food festival and then a park flower viewing event during breaks in the meetings. Vyn brought up an expo happening in Long Beach he was going to attend. Before long it became natural to bring up places to go with the others.  

Once it seemed like these outings together didn’t bring up any issues in the group, the older two men then carefully brought up more casual events. A dinner out. A movie. A friendly shopping scavenger hunt. 

Vyn found it tiring but enjoyable. He found himself surprised at how proactive Artem had been in building these outings up. They hadn’t forced anything and there were occasions where one or two of the group couldn’t make it. It was easier for him if Artem was there, the other subtly easing difficult moments from exposure to the free flowing expressions that came from being in a public space and the approach of other alphas, and his temper reduced from a boil to a simmer. 

They weren’t pack yet. But he could see them being one. They got better at working together on cases, more willing to help and back one another up. The two younger men seemed to have the most resistance whenever meeting up was brought up, but also seemed to have the most fun when they did all make it together. 

As promising as all these outings were though, it was exhausting for his current self. He kept mostly office hours at the centre and while he continued to lecture, he allowed students to only ask him questions from their seat in the hall or through an email. He refused to recluse himself, but he no longer took to wandering or going to unfamiliar places. He never realised how much pheromones were used in everyday life until his skin became so sensitive to them.  

Fortunately, he had not had many close calls recently with being able to avoid or quickly dismiss any troublesome situations. But that only meant he was holding even at 2 pushes below exploding and constant restlessness. It had been three months and the pack was still an uncertainty. The psychologist began to wonder if he would have to think on another solution though he was loath to give up on this group and move or concentrate any more time elsewhere.

Chapter Text

Diamond Star Hotel banquet hall, 13th August 2030, Tuesday, evening, Summer

Vyn Richter was having an abysmal day. He was straining to keep a polite smile on his face. As soon as his day started going to shit, he should have just called it a day and stayed home. The August summer heat was also not helping anyone’s mood. But no, he’d allowed Dr Swift to talk him into keeping his engagement with the Stellis City Rising Stars Charity Ball. 

This was a mistake and he should have known better when he already had an unpleasant moment with one of the client’s at the centre, but he’d allowed his stubborn pride to keep him going, not wanting to show any weakness. 

Work at the Giannovyn Centre had been getting busier with Vyn stepping in more frequently despite the risks.  

Pheromones could be helpful in managing some patient behaviours but with changing family dynamics, pack structures shifting to fit modern times and drugs in the market that changed hormones and reactions to them, the medical field was having to deal with more extreme or unmanaged behaviours. 

There were drugs that had even given betas a pseudo alpha or omega characteristic. 

They currently had a hysteric pseudo omega beta who fluctuated between trying to flaunt themselves in what they perceived to be a flattering and unfortunately media influenced omega persona and a normal beta who deeply regretted everything to do with the drugs. 

This morning a female alpha had looked at him as a soft omega doctor and spit out veiled innuendos which progressed to more explicit suggestions with her heavy Alpha pheromones gradually weighing down on the whole area. She had not taken his rebuffs kindly and had grabbed him by the collar and pushed him to the wall before he finally let his own irritated pheromones out, strong and sharp as thorns, causing her to reel back and giving the nurses a chance to sedate her. Dominating pheromones and commands were not the best road for management and treatment of behaviours but when safety was concerned, the possible setback was permissible.

He’d been able to reign in his own hostile scent with effort despite her own still hanging heavy in the air. However his skin crawled annoyingly and his temples felt pinched. 

After lunch Dr Swift had caught up with him, checking on his medical progress (disappointingly lacking) and somehow he was convinced to still go to the ball. 

He had dressed handsomely in a bespoke suit of a midnight blue tailcoat over his white high collar shirt shaped with a black and gold waistcoat and a ruffled cravat. His black pants hugged his legs with his slightly heeled boots. His silver hair had been slightly slicked back and a gold chain added to his glasses. He’d conceded to a bit of makeup to hide the lingering purple under his eyes though his beauty mark still came through faintly beside his right eye. Thin, black gloves completed his look and added a touch of distance. 

Dr Swift had been in attendance as a respected figure in the medical field and quickly spotted his entrance, drawing him into conversation. 

“Dr Richter, I’m glad to see you made it.” 

“Dr Swift. It would be a pity to miss such an important event for a good cause.” 

“Yes, it’s also wonderful to see a lot of the young talent in our city. The future looks very promising.” The older lady smiled as she gazed out at the numbers before looking to Vyn at her side. “You’re dressed very well. Perhaps this might be a good place to find yourself a mate candidate?” 

“Dr Swift…” Vyn’s face didn’t twitch. 

“Quite a few alphas here your age that might be worth getting to know.” 

“Whilst that may be true, I do not believe I am in the best state to get to know them.” 

Hearing the rebuff in his words, the older woman acquiesced to his wishes and changed the subject. They parted before long as others came to speak to them. 

Vyn managed to show a perfect disposition though he tried to keep conversation short and light due to having a constant irritability humming in his blood. He tried to manoeuvre himself to be in a more discreet section to be less noticeable. 

Unfortunately, this idea backfired on him when a trio of young alphas engaged him between a column and a wall. 

“We heard you were interested in getting to know some alpha company. You certainly came to the right place if you were looking for the best stock!” A dark haired brute on the right obnoxiously laughed while eyeing him up and down. Tendrils of a musky saltwater odour seeped towards the unamused psychologist. 

The female alpha with wavy brunette curls and a stunning red dress peered down at him and licked her lips. “You’re certainly pretty enough. A cute size too.” An additional questing scent of crushed roses entered the air. 

“We’d certainly love to get to know you better. If you’re good, maybe you’ll get to be a kept omega!” The last alpha male smiled predatorily as he leaned an elbow on the female’s shoulder as he examined Vyn as well.  A burst of brackish water seemed to assault the nose. 

Vyn grimaced slightly against the smells and dropped his polite smile to a more neutral expression. He fought the urge to speak through gritted teeth. “You have heard erroneously, I'm afraid. I am not looking for companionship.” 

“Aww, don’t be like that. Perhaps we can change your mind about having company if we show you a good time!” 

“I’m sure one of us could prove to be an alpha worth pupping you. You’d look beautiful on my arm. Just spend some time with each of us.” 

The scents grew stronger, their message more demanding. 

“I have already declined your intentions. Please restrain yourselves and your scents. This is a ball for charity not to extend your misplaced attention.” They hadn’t quite ventured into attempting to subdue him through their pheromones but they were toeing the line. Not that it would do them any good with him even if they did, seeing as he was a dominant omega. No, that would just serve to set him off.

“Now, now, it's just a bit of fun. No one will mind what we do.” 

“You don’t smell like you’re in heat. No consequences to testing our compatibility, yeah?” 

They crowded closer and the omega man took one step back before pride and irritability and stubbornness made him stay in his place and gazed coldly back. By now his blood was surging. Not just due to their pheromones but also in anger. 

Vyn remembered being in Svart dealing with the same sort of people. Dealing with worse. 

He remembered noble houses and high class events, being invited and paraded around for what he thought were his achievements. And his achievements were impressive, but were more like icing on the cake of his omega biology and his bloodlines standing. His abilities and his intelligence were just proof that he would have good genes to pass on to his children. 

He had worked hard at the encouragement of others to prove himself but at an early age became disillusioned with the eyes that looked at him for all the wrong reasons. 

Constantly he had to resist pheromones that tried to claim him, cower him, conquer him as he pushed to excel and prove that he could stand as his own person. He showed himself perfect to the world and the court. But then he’d grown sick of the shallow masks and ostentatious displays. He’d seen a bit of the world and now felt Svart too small and suffocating. 

He spoke out in court. An unsightly open secret of the nobles and the royalty. A sentence of anger. It became a stain that caused others to draw away from him. A mistake and a situation after he could not control caused him to lose the people he thought were his closest and it felt like betrayal by the ones who had pushed him so far. They deserted him. 

He’d been reduced to an omega with good genetics, desirable to pup and keep at home. He was halfway to 15 when he found himself cornered yet again by alphas with no etiquette for niceties. So he held none of his own. And then one of them had the audacity to- 

Vyn restrained the urge to reach for his neck. 

When his omega hiss and pheromones of threat were ignored and an alpha had bitten his gland, he felt them shift to outright rejection and attack. He left them chemically castrated and impotent. They left him bloody and with a faint scar. Fortunately, his dominant standing meant that a mate bond didn’t take. His pheromones then viewed alphas as a threat and became a cloud around him, keeping them at bay and inflicting ailments against the less cautious. It happened enough times over the next month that, alongside him using his intelligence and strength over the years to bring down people and houses that offended him, he was viewed as a threat in Svart, a constant gloomy cloud in the kingdom. No longer welcome as a person or an omega.

He carved a reputation for himself but Svart was no longer a place of happiness or safety for him.

He had made the move to Stellis City. 

Now a pushy situation again, almost like when he first fought back. 

And he could feel his pheromones leaking in threat. 

If they pushed him any further he might not be able to hold back anymore. 

He coldly watched their hands reach for him. 

His pheromones roiled out.

Chapter Text

An omega’s warning hiss was almost inaudibly issued from Vyn’s throat as he felt his pheromones furl out before him. It was about all the warning he was willing to give to these reprehensible alphas, of the extent of the danger they had provoked. 

He was about to issue a command when a familiar low baritone suddenly came from behind him. 

“I suggest you all take a step back. Now. ” 

Vyn cocked his head slightly as Artem came up beside him, surprised at hearing an uncharacteristic rumble of an alpha’s warning from the man. It made his pheromones churn before fading as his nerves eased slightly and he made the monumental effort to hold the frenzy back. It wouldn’t do to accidentally affect the lawyer under friendly fire. He was glad the other had appeared. He could command the alphas as a dominant omega, but once it wore off, and that would be fast without the aid of his pheromones, they may return to find him and trigger him even worse.

The alpha stood tall in a tailored black suit with grey and black lapels and a light dusting of glitter.  He wore a diamond patterned blue waistcoat over a grey dress shirt with a thin chain connecting to one of the vest buttons as an accessory. A pale gold tie, cufflinks and pocket square added colour to his handsome looks while bringing out his eyes. His hair had been stylised carefully, the chocolate locks not detracting from his stern gaze. He was careful not to crowd the omega, but was a solid support nearby, ready to step in further if the other needed. 

“Artem.” Vyn greeted the other man without removing his gaze from the alphas before him who had frozen before drawing back. He ignored the omega instinct to retreat closer to a familiar, friendly alpha. 

“What’s this? Why didn’t you say you already had an alpha?” The first man tsked dissatisfied at the change in dynamics. 

“The presence of an alpha or not with an omega is an unacceptable basis for your code of behaviour.” The platinum haired psychologist spoke to the group cuttingly. “You should have respected my refusal when I had already stated them quite plainly.” 

The other male aggressor waved his hand dismissively. “Clearly playing hard to get is just an omega game upping their value and making the conquest more exciting.” 

Frustration made Vyn carefully exhale an irate breath. “Clearly, I made a mistake in thinking all participants of this ball had some level of sapience.” 

He sensed more than heard the small huff of amusement from his right. 

The first man straightened up in offence and took a step forward again. “Did you just say we weren’t human? Listen here you, we were just wanting to have a bit of fun with you. You should be flattered that I’m willing to take that st-“ 

Artem took another small step forward to block the other man’s route to Vyn. “I believe this would be a good time to mention that harassment and assault of an omega in Stellis City has a penalty of up to 18 months in prison. Harassment without assault can be reported and mandatory community service and Respect seminars can be ordered on repeat offenders to be carried out for three months or longer. Refusal to comply can restrict places of employment and promotion.” He paused a moment before continuing. “You could also choose to attend the seminars voluntarily to understand the culture and laws of Stellis City to save yourselves from trouble.” 

The psychologist looked at the trio disparagingly with his arms folding, a small doubtful smile on his lips. “I do not think these three are self-enlightened enough to help themselves in this way, Artem. I can’t imagine their pride even letting them step through the door. We might as well expect to see them in court at some point.” 

The three visibly bristled at the dismissal but seemed to be stuck on words. The woman finally spoke up. “You could tell us about those seminars now. You seem to know it well enough from how you talk, and we’ll get some of that quality time together.” 

Vyn could feel his skin prickle in rejection. He had spent more than enough time around these three than he could stand and their pheromones still floated in the air, making him just really want to get away. These three were annoyingly persistent with their stubbornness not allowing them to back away like he was some prize in a competition. 

Artem glanced back at Vyn before facing the trio again. “I’m afraid we have prior plans for the night that would make that difficult. But you can rest assured there is no shame in attending these seminars. They are also highly attended by tourist groups to ensure safe travels within the city so you would not stick out.” 

“Plans?” One of them bleated. 

Artem turned towards Vyn. “Dr Richter, would you like to dance?” He extended his hand. 

Slightly startled, the shorter man met the others gaze before reading the escape route from the situation in his eyes. He wanted the escape but his smile faded even more at the thought of dancing in a formal setting. Not to mention the potential of these other alphas deciding to ask for a dance afterwards. He decided to put out a requirement first to see what the other would do without unfolding his arms. “Only if I can lead, senior attorney Wing.” It didn't hurt to let these alphas know the status of who they were facing.

Vyn was once more surprised and his eyebrows raised slightly as the alpha easily nodded after hearing the demand. “That’s fine.” 

Relenting and curious, Vyn removed his gloves and acquiesced to taking his hand, leading Artem towards the floor where many couples were already waltzing to the orchestra. The lawyer gave a brief nod to the alphas left behind though a note of protective warning was wafted their way like a dark forest. He kept between them and Vyn so they could no longer cast sight on the other. 

As they assumed the correct dance positions, Vyn smoothly led them into the flow of the other dancers. 

Artem glanced back to the pillar where they had left the three alphas before looking back at Vyn. “Do you think they’ll go?” 

Vyn tilted his head slightly in indifference. “Between the two of us they have been challenged and given valid reasons to follow through. If they have some level of wit and self respect, they’ll go.” 

The attorney's head bobbed in acknowledgement that it was now out of their hands. 

Vyn smiled curiously and more genuinely at the taller man’s ease of being able to follow his lead as they continued to dance. “This seems to be a curious skill to have Dr Wing.” 

Artem’s eyes raised. “Dancing?” 

“Being comfortable not leading in a ballroom dance.” 

The alpha looked away bashfully for a moment before meeting Vyn’s gaze again. “It’s not that strange is it?” 

The omega made a point of looking around as they made a spin turn. “You don’t see many alpha’s being led unless they're in a male alpha/female alpha pairing. And especially not when it comes to alpha/omega pairings.” 

Artem hummed. “Well, you can thank my mother for that. She likes dancing. Unfortunately my father isn’t very good at it or at least not a very good lead. My mother decided one day that she would lead instead to save herself. She would practise with me so I got used to it. She did make me learn to lead as well for formal occasions, but at home she usually takes over depending on the music playing.” 

“You don’t seem to have any problem with not leading now and this is a rather public formal occasion,” Vyn observed. 

“I don’t see any reason there should be a problem unless there is a physical limitation preventing the taking on of a particular role. What role I take doesn’t really matter as long as my dance partner is happy.” Artem seemed to reminisce of those rare nights where he saw his parents together, he and his mother laughing at his father’s bad dancing. It would turn into just swaying together, before his mother would twirl his father and lead the night, inviting him occasionally up to take a turn. They would laugh at his clumsy moves when he was pulled up but they all had a good time. A warm scent surrounded him of a pleasantly nostalgic alpha. 

He focused back on the psychologist. “I don’t see it as having anything to do with masculinity and it doesn’t change the fact that I am an alpha or a man so taking whatever role is needed is fine.” 

Vyn met his blue gaze steadily, a strange feeling catching his chest. “And it was needed now?” 

Artem smiled slightly at him, slightly bemused. “You said you would dance only if you could lead. It’s important to you, isn’t it?”

The omega didn’t speak straight away but raised an arched brow. “I could have just been assuring those three didn’t ask for a dance afterwards.”

The alpha agreed patiently. “You could have been.”

Vyn stayed silent as the music changed but continued to dance with Artem, this time leading him in a Cotillon. The side of his lip quirked up as the taller man twirled under his arm and then they sidestepped together while facing the same direction, just one hand connected. 

When Artem came back into his arms and they were facing each other again, Vyn abruptly spoke. “I was required to learn to dance when I was growing up in Svart. Regular balls and events meant that it was an essential skill and required that I be proficient. I can’t say that I have the most pleasant memories of the activity.” It had all been strategic manoeuvres and being trapped with someone for the length of a dance. “It was more a means for politics and posturing.” 

They parted to side step together once more before coming together to step in a turn. “I spent most of the dances having to guard against my dance partner. Following put me at a disadvantage. Being an omega man meant finding a beta or omega woman if I wanted to lead.” His identity meant that others wouldn’t give up an advantage over him easily, he didn’t say. 

Vyn pushed Artem into another twirl and felt the other man lightly squeeze his hand as they did half bows to each other before coming together again. “I’m sorry you don’t have any good memories of dancing.” 

A side step that crossed each other and passed back before joining again. “You don’t need to apologise.” They separated into another synchronised side step, hand clasped. “Besides,” he continued and gave a smirk that softened to the man beside him just as they came together again. He pushed the other into another twirl, once more amused at spinning the taller male under his arm. “This isn’t bad.” 

They once more did a half bow as the music came to an end and then straightened. Artem's eyes crinkled as he smiled faintly at the psychologist. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” 

They released their hands, their time dancing together coming to a natural end. 

His blue eyes stayed on Vyn as his face became settled back into something more serious. “How are you?” 

The white haired psychologist took a moment to check himself. His skin was buzzing but no longer on the verge of exploding. Still only the one step difference though. “I will be fine. Nevertheless, I think it will be best to make this the end of my night and retire home.” He started to put his gloves back on.

Artem nodded in acknowledgement as they moved to leave the dance floor. “I need to go find my mother and Celestine so I’ll be here a little longer.” 

Looking around, Vyn caught the eye of Irina Swift, as the only acquaintance he felt worth notifying and made a quick indication that he was going home for the night. He continued to the exit under Artem’s companionable silence. The two men paused in the warm summer air of the night outside just before the steps leading down to the footpath. 

In the glow of light that spilled through the glass doors of the ball venue, Vyn looked up at Artem, who was standing casually with his hands in his pockets, waiting to see him go before entering the venue once more. “Thank you,” he voiced, “for finding me in there.” 

Artem gave him a slight smile once more. “You're welcome.” As he saw the other man begin to move off he made to go back in. 

Pausing as he was taking the first step down, Vyn turned back for a moment. “Artem,” he called out. He saw the other look back. He inhaled a breath and allowed a touch of a smile to enter his next words. “I wouldn’t mind following your lead if there’s a next time.” With a wave, he then turned away from the dim backlit figure and continued on his way. 

Artem belatedly half waved back before returning into the ballroom. Not far from the double door entrance he encountered the two women he had mentioned to Vyn. 

“Artem, was that Dr Richter you were dancing with?” His omega mother, Kimberly Garner, asked as soon as he joined them. 

“Yes.” Artem nodded as he took a flute of something bubbling from a steward passing with drinks. 

“You two looked cosy.” Celestine latched on to his arm, making sure he couldn’t escape as she let out her curiosity. “Is there something you should be telling us?” Her beta floral scent exuded curiosity.

Artem gave a flat look. “He’s just a colleague. A…friend.” He thought after the time the NXX group had been spending together he could say that now. Probably. 

The two women exchanged glances. “That’s a pretty close friend if you danced with him twice. And let him lead too,” his mother observed. 

He met her comment without any reaction. “He was in a tricky situation and dancing was an easy way out.” He didn’t elaborate on the situation or how the roles of dancing came about. 

Both were sensitive enough to hear him leaving things out and focused their questions elsewhere.  

“He looked like he enjoyed dancing with you.” Celestine slyly teased. 

Involuntarily, Artem glanced down slightly, a faint pleased smile on his face, before straightening his face again. After what Vyn had shared, he was happy to have given the other man an enjoyable time and a positive memory with dancing. 

It was a mistake to show that expression in front of these two though, as they had been watching his face like hawks. There was no way they missed his satisfied smile. 

“Are you interested in him, Artem?” His mother asked in restrained enthusiasm. “I remember he’s a rather well known omega.” 

“And here I was thinking you were beginning to show interest in Miss Reader.” His fellow attorney complained. “I thought pushing you two together was going somewhere, but here you are forming your own thing!” She pushed him lightly through his trapped arm. “I thought you were hopeless at romance, but are you actually playing around?” 

Artem was startled and hastened to speak before they got the wrong idea. “What? No! I’m- We-…” He wasn’t sure how to continue while protecting Vyn’s privacy and talking about a pack that hadn’t formed yet. He scrambled his brain to think on what he could share while the two women observed his flustered appearance with suspicion. 

Slowly he picked his words. “I’ve been spending time with both of them along with a couple of other people. We're friends.” He finally said lamely, not looking at either of them. 

They both looked at him with flatly disappointed looks. Sighs came out from both their mouths. 

Coming beside him, Artem’s mother gently took hold of his other arm. “I think you could consider looking into having a deeper relationship with Dr Richter. You two looked good together. Like you were having fun.” 

Celestine released her own hold while putting her own two cents in. “You two were drawing some eyes and not all of them were for the unexpected role reversal. I think I even saw some people taking pictures. Not that either of you seemed to notice in your own little world.” 

Kimberly pulled her son towards the dance floor as his face began to crinkle, not giving him time to respond. “Now that I know you don’t mind about being led in public, I want to dance this next number, Artem!” 

The brunette alpha hastily found a place to put down his drink before being whisked out to the dance floor once again. He hoped no one else was going to expect this from him. 

Fortunately he was able to escape after following his mother’s lead and then leading Celestine once around the floor.

His willingness to be led in dancing by two omegas also inadvertently got him a chance to meet the head of the Respect seminars who he subtly suggested should ‘get to know’ a trio of alphas in the ball.

By the time he got home, he was well and truly exhausted. As he faded towards sleep, his thoughts drifted to the conversation with the two women again. “A deeper relationship … with Vyn…?” 

An image of Vyn as he last saw him flashed in his mind. The yellow venue lights poured a soft glow on the younger man, who had taken half a step down, one arm raised, a gentle smile and honey warm eyes looking up at him. His last drowsy thought was that the image was a pleasing one.

Chapter Text

At first Artem didn’t really think much further on his relationship with the silver haired psychologist. 

But since the ball, Celestine had started hinting and then more boldly asking questions about his time away from work. Along with some complaints about how his mother was using her to ask questions about his love life again. 

So he found himself paying closer attention to Vyn when they were in the same space. 

Artem could sense the omega getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress with his symptoms. In a way, what they had been doing with the NXX group, hanging out every week or fortnight, was developing favourably towards becoming a pack, but it was still far from official; the talk, marking, scenting, nesting and denning together, which was what he needed to establish a pack still having not taken place. At most there had been some subtle scenting. 

Vyn was sharper with his words at times and the lack of control just served to push him closer to the edge. He became quieter in an effort to hold back his scathing tongue. He took to napping more often when Artem was nearby just to get some rest, more willing to take what he needed since Artem knew his situation though still resistant at showing such vulnerability. 

Artem found his gaze falling on the other man. Watched Vyn visibly keep from speaking and then choose his words to be gentle. While he was sleeping, restless and frowning. Artem suspected he was dealing with headaches too with the way his eyes pinched even when resting closed. Vyn looked at the others of the NXX team with fondness but didn’t ask for the help he needed. He could still talk rings around people but had started to walk slower. 

Things were taking a toll on Vyn when they had taken an investigation about possible drug entry points that saw an altercation take place whilst on a 60 metre luxury yacht of a suspect. 

The docks, 22nd August 2030, early evening, the end of summer

Marius had somehow got them all on the docked yacht to meet the suspect along with some of the hired hands of the sea vessel. In the course of questioning, they missed some of the workers becoming agitated and suddenly there was a fight. 

Two hardened alpha and two beta seamen versus the NXX group of mixed skills. Marius and Luke were the only ones competently trained in close combat, wary but handling the sudden altercation well. Althea had some small skill from her recent lessons but was physically at a disadvantage as a woman. Artem was having his own trouble, not exactly adept in fisticuffs and debating whether to resort to using his pheromones and a command, though being in rut he wasn’t certain if his control would be as careful enough not to affect his teammates. Vyn had moved to help Althea, while the suspect and other seamen had either frozen in confusion or wavered in whether to help the NXX team. They had heard what the group was investigating and put two and two together but these were people they had been working with awhile. 

“Ah-!” Vyn uttered a sound of pain as he was clipped in the head just before he could restrain the beta seamen’s arm. His glasses clattered across the deck.

Glancing over quickly at the sound, Artem saw Vyn’s head sway as he dizzily fell against the short rail along the stern. A hard shove with a forearm from the seamen against throat and shoulder and Vyn was falling overboard with a splash. 

“Vyn!” Artem heard Althea cry out. 

Instantly, Artem no longer held back and released an oppressing pheromone. A suffocating pressure of a dark cedar forest and cloying lavender seem to curl around each person not identified as his own still on the ship and vanilla all but disappeared. Dark gaze on his opponent, Artem darted out a hand and grabbed his wrist as well as lunging to get the man who had pushed Vyn on the shoulder. “ Down. ” He snarled in an alpha command and the two betas dropped.  

Trusting the two boys of his team to handle the rest after his pheromone had caused the hostile alphas to heavily falter, Artem went to the rail and after a quick survey of where Vyn could have fallen, he dived in. With what Artem presumed to be a blow to the head since he didn’t see it happen and the 6 metre drop from the stern to the water, he wasn’t sure the younger man would have the wits about him to swim to the surface. 

The cold rush of the water flooded him and took him a moment to adjust to as he opened his eyes to look around for Vyn’s figure. Fortunately it was still early evening of a waning summer so there was enough light penetrating the depths for him to quickly spot the other being swayed in the currents limply below and about 7 metres to the left of him. 

He quickly started to breaststroke towards the unconscious man and grabbing him by the waist, made his way up. Thankfully, they were not that deep and quickly surfaced. 

Head clearing the water with a gasp, Artem floated onto his back, Vyn clasped to his chest and head out of the water. He flung his head trying to get the water out of his eyes to see, kicking to keep them both above water. 

“Vyn! Artem!” Looking up at Althea’s cry, Artem saw her gesturing in a direction and a quick glance let him see a short floating dock 30 metres away. 

Immediately, Artem adjusted his hold and began towing his living cargo to the exit as fast as he could. It didn’t escape him that Vyn was still unresponsive in his grasp. 

He reached it the same time as the others did and hands were already reaching out to help pull them up. 

Pushing away the hands on him to look for Vyn, Artem barked his priority. “Is he breathing?” 

He quickly joined Luke and Althea kneeling beside the psychologist. 

“I can’t feel anything,” the beta shakily responded. Luke was busily undoing Vyn’s tie and undid the top buttons of his shirt. 

“Althea, call emergency services. Marius, go be ready to meet them,” Artem ordered as he firmly moved into Althea’s place. He heard the rush of footsteps and a quick “I’m on it!” as he quickly checked breathing and airway for himself. 

Also not feeling any breathing against his wet cheek, he proceeded to give two rescue breaths and looked up to see Luke already starting chest compressions once he saw Artem finish. Both watched intensely for any signs of response from the psychologist as Althea panicked but clearly requested police and ambulance in the background. 

At the next breaths, Artem felt a spasm and quickly cleared the way in time as Vyn choked, coughed and then vomited. Quickly, Luke and Artem helped him to turn on his side, murmuring reassurances. 

“Easy, Vyn. There you go, you’re doing fine.” Luke patted him on the shoulder as the psychologist curled towards him, unconsciously gripping the other omega’s hand as he coughed. Luke let out a soothing scent of sunshine after a light rain to help calm and steady nerves. Relief could clearly be smelt as well through its lightness. 

Artem supported Vyn’s back until he felt the other’s coughing became more gasping for air and let him roll back again before helping him to sit more upright. One of Vyn’s hands unconsciously shifted to hold the arm that braced him. Neither of the men being held onto made the move to pull away until Vyn seemed to gather himself and let go once he was more cognisant. 

“The police and ambulance will be here in 10 minutes,” Althea informed with large worried eyes but obvious relief as she looked over. Belatedly, she handed over the psychologist’s glasses which she had retrieved.

Artem nodded in acknowledgement before looking back at the subdued omega. “We should probably check on the crew and make sure nothing else has happened. Do you think you can move?” 

Vyn was still panting carefully with the small occasional cough, but his gold eyes met Artem’s clearly before he nodded. “I think I should be fine.” 

Artem looked at him assessingly before giving a short nod back and then turning towards the still crouching Luke. “Go ahead of us and check on the situation, could you? Be careful in case anything changed while we were all here.” The omega gave a duck of his head before bounding away. 

Standing, Artem gestured for Althea to follow and watch Luke’s back, knowing that the young man wouldn’t be rash if his childhood friend was nearby to also be looked after. Being in rut, he wasn’t quite sure he’d be able to hold back his oppressing pheromones when facing those who had endangered his would-be pack yet. At the moment there was still an edge of aggression and suppressed anger to his scent though the swim through the water and the worry had helped to wash most of it away. 

Letting concern take the greater hold of him, he turned to support Vyn as he made to stand with an arm, steadying him as he staggered slightly before letting go. He waved at Marius in the distance from the top of the ramp to let him know that Vyn was fine and the urgency could be downgraded from crisis.

The pale haired omega’s arms curled slightly about himself as he began to shiver slightly in the evening wind. The season was changing towards fall and the approaching night was cooling. Artem walked close beside him, trying to block the wind with his body. He took off his suit jacket and squeezed what water he could out before hesitantly offering it to the shorter man who had only a vest over a button up shirt. It had the slight burnt smell of cedar from his anger, a deep woody vanilla fragrance from his rut and a light but pervasive smell of lavender attached from worry.

Despite his exhaustion, humour flickered into Vyn’s eyes at the other’s gesture. He only accepted when he could see the other was not affected by the cold, allowing it to be draped over his shoulders. His only reaction to the alpha’s pheromones was a slight sniff before dismissal and release of his own slightly miserable but thankful scent, the light wood of the juniper and faint rose settling over the other smells. The other’s own heat should have also been leached by the ocean, but Vyn still seemed to feel a lingering bit of warmth seep through to him. 

Luckily, no further complications happened that night. The owner of the yacht and the honest seamen had watched over their incapacitated crew members until the police arrived. The two betas that Artem had commanded hadn’t been able to stand up until 10 minutes had passed and by then all four suspected criminals had been tied up. One alpha had been knocked out by a blow while the other was subdued by numbers. Marius had been quick to get the services up to speed when they arrived and so handing over the situation went smoothly.

Vyn stayed overnight in the hospital for observation. Everyone welcomed him out and followed him home, bringing food and snacks, and turning it into a movie night, where they finally became reassured things were fine after everything. Only then did they truly begin to relax, joking and commenting on events. 

“It was so scary when you fell back after being hit, Dr Richter. The way that seaman went after you!” Althea let out a cute scowl as she scolded the beta seaman. 

Luke frowned as he shared, “I was too busy with my own opponent so I didn’t see it happen but I heard the splash and Thea call your name, so I knew something had happened. The alpha I was facing was using his scent against me though so I couldn’t afford to be distracted.” 

“What a surprise when Artem whipped out those pheromones! I thought those betas were gonna shit themselves!” Marius interjected. “It definitely helped give an advantage against my opponent too. Who would have guessed Mister boring and serious could pull off such a dominating smell?”

“That’s right! Dr Richter, you should have seen it! As soon as we saw you fall overboard, Artem almost seemed to change!” 

“Miss, Luke and I didn’t feel as much but everyone else on that ship suddenly seemed to be weighed down by something. I could smell Artem was pissed!” Marius didn’t mention that he could also smell that the other alpha was scared under the sudden rage. 

“The alpha I was facing seemed to lose the will to fight even though he kept going at me.” Luke absently rubbed a bruised chin. 

“And then he grabbed those betas and commanded them down and they just dropped!” Marius crowed, his hands lifting and falling, almost like a demonstration. His lively pheromones swirled around him expressing his excitement and satisfaction. 

“Then Artem was jumping in the water. I was so worried when you weren’t moving after Artem brought you up.” 

Vyn was amused to see the three younger members excitedly relaying what he had missed and Artem flushing and looking embarrassed in the background, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt bad for having caused so much trouble but seeing the three act like puppies while the alpha tried to minimise his existence helped Vyn to move past it. 

“Artem is a really strong swimmer! When Thea pointed at the dock, we raced to meet you there and he got there at the same time while pulling you!” 

“I think we should have a race in a pool sometime.” 

“Oh, that sounds like fun!” 

“Summer’s almost over though.” 

The topic ended up diverted while they debated whether to plan for a swim, travel somewhere hot or wait until next summer. 

Vyn sipped his tea while sinking deeper into his sofa. 

Restless, Artem eventually moved to sit beside him while the other three debated plans. “How are you?” He thought he could detect a faint hint of wilting floral in the other’s smell.

Vyn tilted his head slightly. “Honestly, I’m tired,” he murmured. “But I think we needed this.” Part of him wanted to lean into the radiating warmth he could feel nearby and fall asleep. 

Artem hummed in agreement, eyes raking over the other and taking in the drooping figure. He nudged the other with his knee, a line of heat pressed together. Vyn didn’t pull away. “I can get them moving out if you want to go to sleep.” 

Vyn’s eyes blinked slowly before he nodded. “That would be appreciated.” 

Before long the dishes were washed and put away, all guests were being ushered out and Vyn was ready to close the door. The younger trio were still making plans for a swim event as Artem nodded good night. 

With the smell of his would-be pack in the house, Vyn created a nest in his living room and had the best night’s sleep he’d had in a while. 

Meanwhile, Artem’s phone buzzed as he reached his car and checked it as he got in to find a not uncommon message from Celestine on a Friday night. 

Celestine: Have you made any moves and pulled a date yet? 

Exasperated, the brunette huffed and didn’t answer; but sitting in the car he glanced back at the manor he just left and, cautiously, combed through his thoughts. 

He did not find having a relationship with Vyn objectionable. Uncharacteristically daring due to still being in rut, he had tried being a little closer to the other tonight and his ear tainted a faint red at remembered warmth and embarrassment at having pressed their legs together. He could still smell the juniper and rose scent on him, along with the fainter pheromones of the other three lingering in the background. The other hadn’t pulled away. On the other hand, he was in rut and it had been right after a major event so any actions, feelings or wants now may not be the best time to judge anything. Then again, he had been watching the other man lately before this all happened. Thinking of his feelings at those times, there had been concern and respect. Now he had to acknowledge that there was a degree of protectiveness and a wanting to be close. 

These were all feelings that could translate just as well for a pack member though. 

Could he see himself in a romantic relationship with Vyn, though? His fingers tapped on the steering wheel agitatedly before taking a breath to calm down. 

He thought of Vyn being snarky and snide behind his polished demeanour; grumpy words followed by gentle actions; being sarcastically cutting, coldly aloof; sharp intelligence and proud stance; humour in amber eyes alongside sly smiles and cheekiness; strength and honest gratitude with a soft goodnight.

He was strength and kindness. He was someone who stepped forward to be relied on, to push or shelter. The glimpse of trust through his hard shell drew him in to want to melt it just a little more. To want to treasure and protect.

He thinks it would not be hard to let himself love this man. 

The next question then, Artem continued to think as he started his car and pulled away, is if the other man would want a relationship with me .

Over the next week, Artem debated between bringing up the idea with the psychologist or keeping things as they were.  

He was aware he had been acting strange around the other. If they were near each other, he was torn between brushing hands to test the reactions of both of them but then aborting the move. He’d pause before stepping too close and then retreat to an even greater distance. At this rate, the other might confront him first.

NXX Headquarters meeting room, 3rd September 2030, Tuesday 7.20pm, early autumn

Artem sat fiddling and scowling at his phone for the messages from his mother and Celestine that kept poking and prodding him and filling his head with what ifs and maybes. 

These were probably terrible circumstances for starting a relationship, especially if Vyn was feeling like this was out of pity or frustration or taking advantage of him or… 

This was a terrible idea. 

His phone vibrated another message from his mother. 

Artem ignored the perplexed but curious look Vyn was giving him as he dragged a hand down his face while they sat around the meeting room on a Tuesday night in the NXX headquarters waiting for the others to arrive and a meeting to start. 

Another buzz from his phone made him twitch. 

Maybe the other man would take pity on him instead. 

Artem turned his head with his hand still wrapped around the bottom half of his face to see Vyn watching him. 

Artem bit the bullet and asked, “Do you have some time later?” 

And immediately regretted it. This was the worst timing to bring up the idea. Artem was obviously asking things out of desperation, this was hardly a look to inspire confidence for a potential relationship-! Artem straightened his posture and put down his hand as smoothly as he could. 

Vyn raised his eyebrows. “I could afford some time. Did you want to invite the others too?” 

“Ah, no. I have…something…to discuss with you,” it was somewhat reminiscent of when Vyn had asked to talk to him all that time ago and Artem internally winced. 

Vyn sat back, face neutral, possibly having had the same thought. He might think it was about his condition and it was but it also wasn’t. 

Marius entered the office with Luke behind him, leaving no time for any more talking. Artem shifted his focus on the meeting as Althea also entered, deciding he would clarify later. 

The meeting was wrapped up a little after 8:30pm and Artem quickly glanced at Vyn to see him nod and prepared to follow him out as everyone wished each other goodnight and separated, Artem holding open the door for the other man. 

“Where..?” Vyn quietly asked as he passed and waited for Artem. 

Artem pulled out his phone and quickly scrolled through some options. “How about this cafe? The Cup and Brush looks like it’s between both our places and the reviews seem good.” Vyn had a quick look and nodded agreement as they arranged to meet at the venue. 

Artem made sure to do some thinking on the way there so he would be at least a little prepared when proposing his idea to Vyn. He wanted to give the other man an option, without any pressure. Something that would also protect them both if they went ahead with this and keep them on good terms if it didn’t work out. 

Vyn was also readying himself for what was to come. He wasn’t sure what this was about but he was bracing himself. Had something cropped up? He knew he wasn’t doing particularly well but he had thought he had covered it well enough considering the circumstances. No one had brought anything up besides Althea asking if he had been having trouble sleeping lately. He had brushed it off as work and research. But perhaps Artem would be saying he should take a step back. His hand rhythmically squeezed the steering wheel as he drove, trying to let out the building stress. Perhaps the alpha had something to say after the yacht incident.

Finding parking spots, together they moved to the quiet cafe with the sign of a tea cup and a calligraphy brush. The atmosphere was made to be elegant, for those looking for intimate, quiet or relaxing moments. 

Ordering their drinks, they found themselves a table a little away from the rest of the patrons and waited for their drinks before any talk much like the last time they had met like this. 

Once their drinks arrived, Artem cupped his in his hands and stared into its depths while Vyn sipped his, face carefully neutral. 

Artem finally gathered himself together and looked up into the other man’s gaze. 

“As I said earlier, I have something that I want to discuss with you,” Artem began. “I know that you’re wanting the pack to come together naturally, but it’s been a rather slow process. So, I think I can offer another option. Alongside the pack. If you want.” Artem started to fluster and cleared his throat nervously as Vyn continued to stare at him blankly. “You’d be helping me out too. If you decide you want to, I mean. Though no pressure.” He resisted the urge to rub his neck though he could feel it getting warm. 

Vyn decided to take pity on the other man and speak. “Artem, what are you talking about?” 

Artem pulled back his sliding gaze forcefully. He took a breath. “Would you like to try dating. With me. I mean, would you like to try dating me? To see if we could develop a relationship. I don’t know if you’ve found another alpha you can get along with and if so, I apologise for overstepping.” The alpha’s head bowed slightly before continuing, his voice quiet. “Otherwise, I think we seem to be getting along better and as I said, it would help me out of my own circumstances. If things go well.” 

Vyn couldn’t help staring. He had not expected this. Has their relationship really improved to this point? He knew the other man well enough to know this wasn’t a joke or a prank. A genuine offer. But- 

“You are not in love with me.” He said with certainty, eyes sharply assessing. But just in case, “Are you?” 

Artem immediately shook his head. “No.” 

Vyn frowned. “Then why offer this? I didn’t think you were someone who would put yourself in a relationship without some degree of feelings.” 

This time Artem nodded in agreement. “You would be right and I’m not in love with you at the moment.” 

“Then what?” He took a breath. “Are you pitying me? I will not-“ Vyn began to feel the stirring of anger and humiliation within him, his light juniper and rose fragrance sinking.  

“I don’t love you now, but I think I could.” Artem’s pheromones stayed as unwaveringly solid as the cedar trees they smelled of with a hint of warmth from the vanilla and reassuring floral relaying his honest sincerity. 

Vyn’s golden eyes widened and the tension in him dispersed in surprise along with his pheromones. 

“That’s why I said we could try dating if you wanted. Dating would let us see if we would actually work and wanted this to go somewhere. If you don’t want to, then the fact that I don’t love you should make it easy for you to say no as there really will be no hard feelings and we will continue on as before.” 

The omega sat back taking in the man in front of him. The attorney had calmed down from his previous awkwardness now that the offer was out. He took a sip from his cooled drink. 

Vyn didn’t know what to think. He really hadn’t considered the mating option of treatment seriously. For one, most of the alphas he had met were assholes and already rendered themselves as incompatible. For another, his medical condition and vulnerability were a terrible place to start a relationship. His being dependent on the other’s help put him at a disadvantage which he wouldn’t stand for. 

Artem on the other hand…  

Vyn frowned. “What do you mean I would be helping you?” 

The brunette paused in taking another sip before reluctantly pulling out his phone. Clicking through a few things he placed his phone down on the table with a blank face. As he pressed play on a recent voice message, Vyn glanced down and noted it came from Kimberly Garner, Artem’s mother as he recalled. 

The older woman’s voice started playing. 

“Artem, you should be a little more lively. When will you bring someone home for your mum and dad to see?” 

Artem clicked another voicemail further up. 

“Artem, I’m concerned that you’re going to end up lonely. Do you want to try going on a date and asking someone out?” 

Another. 

“You’re almost thirty years old, Artem. You don’t have someone you’re even interested in? 

Artem flicked his finger up as Vyn watched and the text messages flashed by but still allowed him to see the peppering of the words ‘date’, ‘love’ and ‘relationship’. 

The finger then clicked a few more buttons to exit his mother’s contact and select the second most recent contact. Celestine Taylor. 

“Artem, I gave you that book on love psychology, right? Have you used it to pull any moves yet?” 

Tap. 

“Kimberly’s been asking me about your love life again. When are you going to get one so I have something to tell her?” 

Tap. 

“Miss Annie is here looking for a consult with you again. If you don’t take yourself off the market soon, I may just hand you over to stop her coming.” 

And between the voicemails, the texts saying it was ‘Friday night and if Artem had a date’ and the other variations of the question. 

By now Artem’s head was hanging low in pained long-suffering. 

Vyn’s lip twitched. He tried to still his mouth and his eyes watered. He covered his mouth. He couldn’t-! 

Artem had already raised his head with an expression of resigned forbearance, the omega’s light fragrance already giving him away, and nodded at crinkled amber eyes to get it over with. 

“Ah Hahaha! Hahahah! Hahah!” Artem smiled wryly as peals of laughter rang out and seeing the other so taken that even a few tears leaked out. He grabbed a napkin and tossed it to the other man with two fingers as he leaned back in his seat waiting for Vyn to finish. 

Vyn continued for a while longer before petering off into chuckles. He accepted the napkin and removed his glasses to dry his eyes. “Ah hah. Yes,” Vyn smiled, his eyes shining and beauty spot somehow especially captivating under the shine of the cafe lights. “I see how this could help you.” 

Artem faintly smiled in return. “I do think you can appreciate at least some of my predicament.” His face then became serious as he sat upright to face the other. “At the same time, Vyn, there is no pressure to agree. Nothing changes if you say no but you’ll have to think about whether you’ll be okay with what comes with saying yes. There’s a certain degree of risk that comes with agreeing as I’m sure you understand for any relationship. It would be trying to see if we could be together romantically. To be honest, I won’t be sharing with anyone we are dating while we are testing that as it would avoid some problems if it doesn’t work out. I think we can pick a time where we can stop to work out whether this is working and want to continue or if it's not and pull back before either of us falls too far.” 

The platinum haired younger man crossed his ankles as he listened to Artem’s words. The attorney relaxed slightly as he saw Vyn had heard all he had to say. “Don’t give me an answer now. Take your time and tell me when you're ready.” 

He received a nod of acknowledgment. Artem retrieved his phone from the table and the two sat in companionable silence as they finished off their drinks before bidding each other goodnight and going their separate ways home.

Vyn had quite a bit of thinking to do.

Chapter Text

Vyn’s bedroom, 4th September 2030, Wednesday very early morning, early Autumn

Vyn woke up far too soon after his meeting with Artem, despite the tiredness of his body. Unfortunately, this was still better than his usual nights; at least after having spent time with the attorney, he was able to fall asleep relatively smoothly. 

But now that he was awake, he knew the best he could hope for was dozing on and off. Laying on his side, he stared at the back of his eyelids. After turning to his other side for the third time, the omega muzzily thought he might as well spend his time starting to think about the alpha’s proposal rather than count seconds passing. 

I can sleep with him. His help. I mean, his pheromones! 

Matings are faster for treatment. 

Artem actually knows about my condition… so it would be actual progress for my condition… 

It was too easy to think about immediate short term selfish pros. 

These… are not allowed on my… pros list. Artem deserves the courtesy.. of my taking his offer..hm… as seriously as he made it. Which means… considering… if I would be okay with a long…long term, permanent… relationship with Artem no matter if I’m.. compromised… or well. Because if I understood him right… in that he… wouldn’t share anything.. unless we agree that we are compart.. compatible.. for a relationship, he is not just planning to stick around until I get better. He wants.. a try for a real… relationship. 

Vyn turned to lay on his back and starfished. 

A real relationship… With Artem… ???… Artem Wing?… doctor attorney Artem Wing?…doctor attorney senior, ngh wait.. doctor senior attorney Artem Wing… I guess he’s good looking?… Handsome? Pretty? Pretty handsome?… Sleep makes him so attractive right now… I want his clothes for my nest… my nest could use more of his clothes… I should stop thinking about this until I’m caffeinated… 

Vyn turned on his front hoping suffocation would help him sleep until the morning. 

When Vyn finally committed to being upright and awake at a more reasonable time, he firmly forgot his thoughts after turning on his back and concentrated on the important points. 

How do I even start thinking about this? How did Artem even decide to start thinking about this with me? As amusing as his predicament is, he could have formed a relationship with anyone. Certainly someone with less complications and needs than me right now. We haven’t even gotten along together for all that long. Are we even really getting along or have we just been not pushing at each other out of necessity? How did we go from that to him thinking he could love me? Because he did say that, didn’t he? He could love me. What the heck has he been thinking or seeing that he could think that? 

He self deprecatingly touched the scars on the back of his neck before pulling away. 

Vyn tried to picture Artem’s face coming to the idea of a relationship with him.  

Could he see someone who came to conclude they could love him?  

The images of Artem that he could bring to mind were of Artem serious, in charge, intent, watchful or concerned; the early days after he approached him. Artem flustered or amused, befuddled, smiling, during time out with the group. Artem sleeping, considerate on those quiet moments where he stole naps. These were all sides of Artem that he had experienced lately around him. He had seen glimpses of these when Althea was present before.

Vyn couldn’t say he felt anything stirring in himself but the time spent together outside of work did soften how they interacted with each other and made it more comfortable. 

Before this whole situation, he was sure they were more distant if not at odds with one another and what he received were colder, stoic expressions of dislike and wariness. Where did that go? Surely it couldn’t have just disappeared. Something in him would have triggered it and Vyn didn’t believe that his medical condition would just make whatever caused those feelings to disappear or rendered so insignificant that it still wouldn’t bother Artem once he was well. That antagonism they had with each other would probably be something they would have to clear the air about if they wanted to go ahead with this. If he wanted to go ahead with this. 

Vyn noted this point down as something to clarify for the going ahead plan. 

Back to the question of a relationship with Artem. Did he think he could form feelings for Artem? Examining his feelings from thinking of the other man, he could say there was already a degree of fondness. But to develop a liking? Love? 

Vyn examined his reaction to the thought and while there wasn’t any outright objection he was pensive. Vyn tapped a finger on the table before moving to his study. If anything would give him a clear picture of how he thought of Artem or any issues he might have that would interfere in a relationship with him, his observation log would be the best place to go. 

Artem Wing is a calm, capable individual with a sharp intelligence. He has proven thorough and hardworking… 

… in a crisis situation. He delegates tasks well according to strength, however will take on more difficult tasks himself when giving out ones where no suitable worker is available… 

… question, I was able to get a confession. I believe Artem Wing did not approve though he did not interfere… 

… is sheltering his new junior too much. If he is to prepare her to face difficulties on her own… 

… recalled a file that might be relevant to the case I was looking into. We spent an hour discussing correlations and Artem offered some relevant insights into … 

…in firm control. Artem seems able to command with his reputation and bearing and seems to live up to expectations as if natural… 

…shows no weaknesses. Unclear if he is trying to live up to expectations of being a perfect superhuman or believes others are unable to render assistance and therefore not worth sharing his burden with… 

…may have to be reassessed.

Vyn paused the recording. He remembered this one and the night it was pertaining to might be the one that began lowering his distance from the other. It had been the second night that he found Artem sleeping in the NXX office again. He knew straight away this time that the other was present, the heavy distress of pheromones hanging in the air so thickly you could almost taste it. Already letting out soothing pheromones of his own, the psychologist found the other twisted in sleep, a hand at his neck with a slight whimper. 

Before reaching Artem’s side he heard the other cry out. Don’t! Sorry.. I’m s-sorry… as he choked. 

Vyn regulated his own pheromones to be soothing rather than agitated and concerned, studying the brunette’s face as he muttered apologies and debated waking the other up. 

Fortunately, after a few minutes of frowning and tenseness, the attorney began to relax, unfurling like a flower in dawn’s sun. 

Vyn never brought up what he heard that night but it lingered in his mind. The tone that Artem kept pleading remorse with was too much like appealing for his existence. 

Artem had never shown that type of vulnerability before and he wasn’t sure what the reason for that feeling might be. It made Vyn uncomfortable at catching a glimpse of something the other man had never revealed while awake. 

This might have been part of the reason why Vyn had felt like he could share with Artem about his own condition. A secret for a secret though the other man was unaware he knew anything. Not that he knew much. Just enough to add an iota of information on his profile of the alpha that changed some of his perceptions as to the man’s portrayal of himself, steadfast and successful, and its motivations. 

It made Artem into someone different from the shadows of Vyn’s past, to his own person sitting in his own picture frame, cut off from the reasoning he had needed when looking back at where he had come from. His perfection still annoyed him, but it was now in a different context. 

If they went ahead with a relationship, he might want to bring up what he heard one day. 

About a month after that had been when he’d approached Artem for his own condition. 

Skimming through his observation diary, he could see him grow in trust for the other man. Even to appreciate him. He liked poking fun at Artem and began to relax around him. He had noticed the brunette acting a little strange around him the week previous. Watching him and making strange movements. At least now he knew why. 

Going through his reflections, Vyn felt he could only say that he became more comfortable with Artem and that there were a couple of things to clarify if he decided to give this relationship a chance. It really lacked anything conclusive for deciding potential romance. 

The omega tugged at some of his fringe in frustrated contemplation.  

Perhaps if I jumped right in with the imaginative method then. 

Vyn imagined if they kissed.

Artem bending down, Vyn tilting his head back while bringing his hands up to cup the alpha’s face. A meeting of warm lips and the scent of cedar, sweetness and lavender in his nose. 

Vyn blinked his eyes to find his hand clenched into a fist as warmth and dread spread in him. 

Warmth he wasn’t sure if it was want or embarrassment. Dread he knew was from his personal problems. It wasn’t enough to tell him if he could have a relationship with Artem. It was enough to know he wasn’t physically repulsed by the man. 

Vyn sat back in his seat and tapped the desk. Maybe it was his turn to watch the other man. 

Fortunately the opportunity came the next week, with another meeting due to a current case and a café outing with the group that same weekend. At first Artem was unaware, Vyn just watching him occasionally but intently when the senior attorney was the focus during the meetings. The alpha was as professional and serious as always. Firm, respectful, intelligent. 

That had changed a little when they went out to the café with everyone the next day. Artem had been more casually dressed, with a thin sweater and sports jacket over jeans. He was more prone to smiling faintly and Vyn thought he caught him giving input twice with a serious face to see the younger three argue passionately over this or that on the way to the café of choice. 

After taking seats Artem seemed to peg that Vyn had been paying focus to him. At first he seemed nonplussed, but Vyn witnessed the glorious moment when after catching his eyes a few more times, Artem must have realised why Vyn would be watching him. While turning away and taking a hefty gulp of his table water the omega noticed a blush take over Artem’s ears and faintly pink his cheeks with great intrigue. 

Artem seemed to try to hide his face with his cup from the others who were still preoccupied with debating cakes and slices from the café menu, and glanced towards the psychologist again. Vyn looked back at him unabashedly, leaning forward and gave him an interested smile. 

Vyn had to fight back a delighted grin when Artem turned to give him the back of his head, eyes catching on the now crimson tips of the alpha’s ears. 

Taking his gaze away before the others caught on and pointing out his choice to the three, Vyn restrained the urge to laugh or trying to playfully nudge the other man’s foot with his own just to see his reaction. That would be fun, he thought. And after, I could grow to like this, as he daydreamed other possible flustered reactions he might be able to pull. Despite the tenseness of his shoulders that he had grown accustomed to going out with, Vyn had a soft smile the whole outing. 

At home that night and sitting in the bath with his skin twitching, Vyn’s worries once again came upon him. It was easy to think that he wanted things when it was smiles and laughter but, Vyn thought of arranged marriages, cold relationships, empty seats, dismissed promises, backstabbing plots. 

Did Vyn believe that it was worth the risk of trying? Could he trust Artem? With himself? His heart? 

Bowing his head above his knees, he watched as drops of water fell from his hair to create ripples across the water, distorting light and vision. He closed his eyes. 

What did he really think of Artem? He pictured Artem in his mind. 

Trustworthy. True. Straightforward. 

Artem was someone reliable. Often what you saw was what you got. His personality was real and honest. 

Steadfast. Serious. Strong.  

While he was capable and flexible in situations, his intentions and motivations were clear. He worked hard when he made a decision. 

Good. 

In his words, in his actions, Artem showed a respect for life and people. He pursued justice but it was people that moved him. What disappointed him was situations, circumstances and choices rather than people. Which made Artem… 

Dangerous. Scary. 

Vyn’s arms crossed to grab his shoulders in an almost hug with his knees up and he stared at the water before him. 

Vyn knew there was an ugliness in him; a cynic, a child, a cold abandoned room. And maybe Artem could accept those parts. But the things he did because of those parts, could Artem accept those? 

If it was anyone else he would probably find it easy to say no straight away to the whole idea of doing this, occasionally with a small reminiscent ‘what if’ down the line and be able to move on. 

But it wasn’t anybody else. It was Artem and his first thought when thinking of who Artem was. Trustworthy. 

So now he saw three options in front of him. 

First, to say no. At first look, seems like the easy option but it felt like giving up, full of regrets and second guessing. 

Second, risk it all and share everything from the get go, all his ugliness and worries. If he truly trusted Artem and his goodness, even if things didn’t work out, the man would never use the information against him, but would have a better understanding of Vyn. 

Third, try, but let things unfold as they would without sharing anything before they tried. On the off chance he had read Artem wrong or something happened to make things change. Maybe the pack would form or they met someone else. They would just be doing a trial to begin with anyway. He could always share if they do decide to make this a permanent arrangement. 

Vyn moved to hug his legs and press his face against his knees to take a few deep steadying breaths before finally rising to leave the water. 

Shortly after in a bathrobe, Vyn sent a text to Artem. 

Vyn: Could we meet at the Nascent Blossom tomorrow? 

Nascent Blossom Café, 9th September 2030, Monday 1pm, still early autumn

Artem pushed open the door to enter the café, wondering if he would be finding Vyn in the same place as the first time they met here. 

As if a replay of the time, Artem scented Vyn before he saw him, though this time it was missing the fullness of heat. He found Vyn not far from the last seat they had occupied looking both tired and a little pensive, tapping his teacup with a finger. 

He had on a black turtleneck under a tan cardigan with white slacks in stylish comfort. Artem was dressed in his usual work outfit with a white button up, charcoal suit, vest with a hint of chocolate and dark teal tie. 

The alpha ordered a black coffee before sitting, leg crossed and waited for his drink before looking at Vyn patiently. 

Vyn nodded greetings to Artem before looking back to his tea, taking a moment to gather his thoughts and words. 

“I took the time to think about your offer last time.” Vyn cradled his tea between his hands and made the effort to look into the alpha’s face and meet his gaze. There was no urging, regret or expectation, only calm patience. It somehow made it easier to say the next words. “I think I want to try,” he took a firmer grip on his cup as he continued. “But I think there are at least two things we need to talk about first. There’s also some things that you should maybe know about me but I’m not ready to say at this point.” 

Gold eyes cautiously examined Artem’s face for a reaction. 

Artem gave a slow blink, absorbing the words. For a moment he felt breathless and took a slightly deeper breath before meeting Vyn’s sight again. He let out a slight smile and fell into a more open posture. “Okay.” 

Vyn sat back in his seat and gave a wry smile back. “Firstly, we seem to have found ourselves approaching a relationship from an unusual angle and history. So, I thought it would be best to clear the air at least on why we were at odds in the beginning so that we can be sure it won’t be something we fall back into in the future or if it is going to be a problem, we might as well stop now.” 

Artem took a sip of his coffee as he nodded in agreement. “That makes sense. It feels like we moved past it but it would be better to know rather than assume.” 

They both paused to see who would start. 

Vyn looked down at his fingers as he began to murmur, “On my part, I had some shades of my past to influence my interactions with you. I’ve only recently faced it as being unfair to you. You are very capable and high achieving. Almost perfect by reputation. You take on harder tasks for yourself and delegate easier ones for others. While I can now understand that you are motivated by the desire to shelter and protect, I perceived it as patronising arrogance due to my own history.” Vyn looked up to meet Artem’s gaze in slight challenge. “I still think you could let others be challenged more often so that they can grow.” His gaze then softened. “But I can see that it comes from a place of caring now.” 

Vyn straightened his posture and made a formal bow from his seat. “I apologise for letting my past cause me to treat you shamefully. I’ll endeavour to see you clearly and treat you according to your own merits going forward.” He looked up to meet Artem’s eyes with firm resolve on his face. 

Artem took a moment to digest what Vyn had shared before inclining his head, accepting the apology. The omega relaxed more fully into his seat and took a drink of his tea after topping his cup. He waited for Artem to speak when he was ready. 

“I think my own problem was in a way similar to yours,” Artem picked through his words carefully. “You’re charming and intelligent and appear to handle things and especially people with ease. You do it so smoothly but somehow it made you more distant. You didn’t seem to share anything personal while everyone was opening themselves up to you and it was like nothing touched you. I have had to learn to be wary of people and it made me uneasy that you were more like a puppet master moving people around when I couldn’t see why you would do things the way you do.” 

Artem took a sip of his coffee to moisten his throat before continuing a little more surely. “When you came to me, it seemed like the first time you had opened up a part of yourself. That you wanted to form a pack with us and that you trusted me enough to approach me first and share what you needed…” Artem paused and then rearranged his words. “When you came to me to share what you needed, I recognised the trust that you were extending and I was honoured by it. I always trusted you professionally and that you were essentially a good person but I had just started to pay more attention to more than your words to understand you outside of that context. This period of time has let me know you as more, to read your actions more than your words to see that you care and that you have reasons for doing things the way you do.” Artem gave Vyn another smile. “Your strengths are different from mine and it is to your advantage to use them.” 

Artem took a more solemn posture and bowed his head to Vyn. “Thank you for confiding in me. I’m sorry it took me so long to learn how to trust you beyond a professional capacity. I will work hard to be worthy of your trust no matter what happens and learn to look at the why more than the what of the things that you do.” 

Vyn’s amber eyes widened slightly at the promise and felt his heart beat hard once. It was a promise that spoke to his worries without the man even knowing. It may be easier to fall for him than I thought. 

After Artem sat himself up, they proceeded to sit amiably for a moment while letting everything sink in. 

“What was the second thing?” Artem asked after a comfortable period of time passed. 

Vyn froze a moment before settling into a neutral face as he brought up his second topic. “Before I came to you with my predicament, I don’t believe I was imagining that there was an interest in Althea among all of us. On my part, I found her to be an intriguing young woman and did want to grow closer to her. My condition changed my focus so that while as much as I liked her and I could love her, the best I could offer her at the moment is fondness. In stepping back, I recognise that I will no longer pursue a romantic future with her.” Vyn’s molten eyes looked intensely at Artem. “I know that you were the one to bring up the offer but if we go ahead with this, you will most likely lose out on the chance to be with her. Why are you giving up on a possible relationship with someone you were pursuing for a situation like this?”

Slowly, Artem placed his cup down, meeting Vyn’s gaze with a contemplative one of his own. Calmly, he began to answer. “Althea is indeed an amazing young woman and I appreciate her very much. I am fond of her and she is easy to love.” His blue eyes seem to see into the distance of pleasing memories for a moment before focusing again before him. “I suppose recent events made me doubt myself and my ability to protect her happiness. I think part of trying to get closer to her was also because she was already close and,” here he gave a self-deprecating smile, “Celestine was pushing me to try something with Althea. You already saw the pressure I was under. Now just imagine working in the same place as a potential love interest and someone invested in your love life. The suggestions, situations and pushes made me see her in a new way but without all of that I may not have looked at her that closely because I’m dull.” The last he admitted with a bit of sheepishness. “I’m glad in a way that I did try and get to know her as I did because she broadened my horizons and opened me to new experiences. I’ll always love her a little because of that but I am not so in love with her that I cannot step back. I would be happy for her if she found love with someone else.” 

He then turned a slightly quizzical gaze to Vyn. “Trying with you, I won’t deny is partially due to the urgent nature of your circumstances.” He picked up his cup again. “The pressure I am under is another.” Here he gave a wry smile, “My mother and Celestine saw us dancing together and asked questions and then kept asking. Similar to what happened with Althea it brought you to my awareness in a different way I hadn’t thought of. As I said before, I got to see you. I decided it was worth trying. I won’t regret my decision and I will value the experience even if we don’t work out. ‘The right person is worth waiting for’ has been how I’ve viewed love but I think it has come to my awareness that when someone comes, I can’t still be waiting for them. Trying and failing or seeing if I can build something with them is part of the experience too.” 

Vyn blinked at the other as he finished his cup. That was a lot deeper than he was expecting from the other man. “I don’t know how things will progress between us. But I can promise that I’ll treat you with sincerity. If the relationship does not progress in an agreeable direction I will appreciate the time we shared as well.”

Something about Artem now always seemed to call him to rise up to meet him, to try harder and to offer more of himself.

Dangerous, scary.  

But also alluring. Captivating. 

“So,” Artem began, glancing at Vyn, questioning, “does this mean we are going to be dating?”  

Vyn nodded. “Yes, I think we can proceed.” 

“Okay.” The brunette fiddled with his cup. 

“Okay.” Vyn echoed as he observed the now fidgeting alpha with his head tilted. “Did you have any plans for after this?” 

Startled blue eyes met Vyn’s with awkwardness. “W-work? I have some paperwork I need to do at Themis.” 

Vyn smiled, amused by the shift from calm, confident alpha to clumsy young man. “I meant did you have any plans beyond your offer and my saying yes.” 

Artem coughed once and looked away as he blushed. “R-right, of course. I thought we should try to spend as much time together as we could to get to know each other better and to help your condition.” Artem winced. “While it may seem a bit rushed for a relationship, I thought you would prefer it if things were accelerated?”

Vyn nodded in agreement. 

Artem pulled out his phone to look at the calendar. “Then do you think 2 months would be enough time for us to see how we fit? How about we talk again at the start of December to see if we want to keep going? We try not to let ourselves fall into the last step of love if we can until the first of December when we’ll know if we’re both on the same page of going ahead or will be needing to step back.” 

The omega gave a wry smile. “I’m not sure feelings will work out that way but yes. That otherwise sounds acceptable.” 

They made plans to go on a date on Wednesday night and then Artem left for the Themis Law Firm. 

Vyn continued to sit in the cafe, contemplating the turn his life had just taken. 

“This is going to be interesting.” 

He had a faint smile on as he finished his cup to head to the Giannovyn Research Centre.

Chapter Text

Their first date, they tried sharing a meal together. It was a little awkward as they kept falling into talking about work and cases. They did a little better in messaging each other, moving from updates about their day to gradually sharing little thoughts. 

Then Artem was hit by a busy period as one of his cases had a sudden breakthrough with only a week before court and messages and short calls were all they had. Right after Artem closed the case he was sent to meet a business client a state over and look into an NXX investigation that happened to be in the same area at the same time, so another week passed with texts and Artem falling asleep once during a call. 

Vyn was disgruntled at how overworked the other man was, so threw himself into recording online classes and Research Centre reports in worry and frustration. He also found his sleep suffering without the little pick me ups he hadn’t even realised he was relying so heavily on when they met up. He’d snapped at a few people, which had drawn some notice, though he had sought pardon afterward. 

Artem had been apologising for being away so long even though he had been the one to suggest meeting more frequently. He assured the psychologist he was working hard to get back as fast as he could. 

Lying in bed, Artem spoke to Vyn with his eyes closed and the phone to his ear. “I’m sorry this is taking so long. I think I should be wrapping this up soon. I’ve asked Celestine for two days off once I get back. I’ll come find you once I return and make it up to you.” 

Unhappy and concerned at the slurring exhaustion he could hear, Vyn scolded the other man, “Don’t be ridiculous. You are obviously exhausted, Artem. Stop pushing yourself. Another day or two won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things, so take care of yourself first.” 

“You’re tired too,” Artem murmured, without a filter in his tiredness. He was also at the tail end of a rut. He’d used the extra aggression and restlessness to work harder and faster, but he may have overdone it. 

Vyn had no words for a moment. How could the other man even tell when it was just a voice call. He had accepted tiredness as a constant state of life at the moment but was also obviously doing better than the other man. He decided to ignore the comment. “Who said I would be free to see you anyway. I have been doing some online lectures and getting some reports done while you have been away. Not to mention the information you found opening up some fresh avenues for some X-notes.” 

“Is that what you’re going to be doing tomorrow?” 

“Some online lectures in the morning and then some grading in my office.” 

“Hm.” 

Vyn frowned at his phone. The man was practically falling asleep. “Artem, go to sleep. Take a break tomorrow and sleep in. You are obviously in need of it.” 

“S‘Kay, won’t work…” 

“I’m going to end the call now. Good night, Artem.” 

“Night, Vyn…” 

Vyn hung up the phone worried. He thought the other sounded a little off but hopefully that was just the exhaustion. 

Just after noon the next day on the 26th of September, Vyn was in his office, pacing in a black turtleneck and large light brown sweater with deep V-neck and charcoal slacks as he dictated a future lesson plan. A knock on the door interrupted him and a few timid heads of students poked in when he bid them enter. 

“Dr Richter? We have some paperwork and feedback forms we were told to pass to you? Is it okay to put it on your desk?” One of them asked.

Vyn waved his hand freely. “Please go ahead.” 

He moved to hold the door open and heard some of the student’s friends talking in the corridor while they waited. 

“Doesn’t the man at the entrance look a little familiar?” 

“I think so too! But he seems to have been pacing around the entrance for a while.” 

“I’m not sure how you guys can tell with the face mask he has on.” 

“He did seem a little unwell. Do you think he was waiting on someone? He seemed to be carrying something.” 

“Dr Richter, we’ll be going now.” 

Vyn startled from having his eavesdropping interrupted. “Right, thank you for your help.” Distracted, he sent the students away. Could it be…? 

Some intuition made Vyn gather his coat and bag before locking his office door and venturing down to the entrance of the office block. 

Sure enough he found Artem in a steel blue sweater, grey slacks and a black long coat with plaid scarf loitering outside at the entrance. As the students had said, he was wearing a face mask and it was evident from his slightly flushed face that he was unwell. 

“Artem! Wing! What are you doing here? Did a fever toast your brain into mistaking ‘look after yourself’ into ‘keep going out and about’?” Vyn rapidly made his way to the other man who reeled around in being found. 

“Aa, Vyn,” Artem rasped. He thrust out a hand holding a small gift bag just as the silver haired man reached him, stopping the other in his tracks. “Sorry, I came late.” 

Vyn continued to scowl as his hands came up to clasp the hand and gently lowered it, eyes never leaving dull azure ones. “I care more about you being well, than you being late when we haven’t even planned anything for you to be late for.” 

Artem’s eyes wavered and then he coughed. He used the arm still holding out the gift to keep Vyn away when he tried to move closer. Vyn irritatedly snatched the gift bag but paused in his glance of it when he saw a small potted succulent with a sign poked into the soil saying ‘Sorry, I Succ’. 

Vyn deflated slightly. “You are ridiculous. You are an utterly hopeless man.” He cradled the bag a little more carefully. 

He went back to glaring at the alpha. “You are still going straight home. You are in no condition to be out. Have you even taken your temperature?” He grabbed the other man’s arm and started moving towards the car park. “You had better not have driven here.” 

Vyn proceeded to nag and scold Artem all the way to the alpha’s home. He paused slightly at the threshold until Artem tugged him inside. It would be the first time Vyn had been over and he was cautious of entering into an alpha’s den. He pushed that all aside when he saw Artem waver his way towards his kitchen though and sped after him. 

“Where are you going? You should be heading to bed. I’ll get you a glass of water. Is your first aid kit in the bathroom? Go!” The omega grumbled to himself as he shooed the alpha to bed that it would have been easier if he could have brought the other man to his house but it was easiest for alpha’s to rest inside their own territory when unwell. 

Artem managed to change into pyjamas and be in bed by the time Vyn got the water and first aid kit ready. 

“My two days off were meant to be spent dating you.” Artem said sadly apologetic. 

Vyn took his temperature, plastered a cold compress on and paused in passing the other man the medication when he saw it had expired. “Hmph, dating is merely a matter of spending time together. We just happen to be spending time together differently from what you expected now.” 

He passed Artem the water without medication before standing up. “Drink some of that first.” 

Artem’s overly warm hands grasped both the glass and Vyn’s hand, stopping the other man's movements to leave as his moist blue eyes asked where he was going. 

“I’m going to pick you up some medicine and congee. I’ll be back.” 

Vyn took the house key card and left as Artem watched him reluctantly before laying down. Artem then got up again to move another large bag from his closet and placed it close to the bed. He let his forearm dangle and rest along what was inside it and left it like that as he dozed. 

Vyn returned half an hour later and proceeded to prepare the congee for consumption along with the medication. Taking it to the room, he blinked at the new bag but ignored it in priority of feeding the invalid. 

“Artem, wake up. You need to eat and take the medicine,” he said gently. His hand pressed on top of the cold compress sticker to check it was still working before moving to Artem’s neck. The alpha pressed against the cool hand before blinking awake. 

The brunette reached out his hand not dangling down to touch Vyn’s wrist. “You’re cool,” he observed tiredly. He then looked up into the silver haired man’s eyes. “Are you staying over?” Can you stay? He tried not to plead. 

Vyn moved to perch on the edge of the bed, not pulling his hand away from Artem’s. He hadn’t thought about it but he could see the desire for his presence in the alpha. “I think I might. Would you be amenable to me staying?” 

Artem didn’t answer directly but shyly pushed the bag he had fetched earlier along the floor with a rustle closer to the other man. 

As Vyn looked down at it, Artem spoke uncertainly, “It may be a little early but perhaps you will want to use it. Happy birthday?” 

He watched slightly nervously as Vyn reached down into the bag to pull out a pale yellow blanket that was fluffy on one side and smoother on the other. “A nesting blanket?” Gold eyes were surprised as he pet the soft fabric and then paused to take a sniff as he noticed it was already scented by the alpha. 

“I know it might be a rather…” the alpha winced, “intimate gift to give at this stage of our relationship, but I thought under the circumstances, you might appreciate the sleep.” His eyes traced the darker bruise-like marks under the younger man’s eyes. Scarves and outerwear clothes were usually more acceptable gifts for passing scents between friends and the beginning of a relationship. Blankets were usually for relationships where being invited into the nest was a close hope or the norm. 

A blanket. Vyn folded it over his arms, disguising the slight hug he was giving the gift. A blanket and someone who may one day be his family, want to join him in his nest. He felt something close to warmth and butterflies flutter inside him. The omega in him purred.

“Thank you.” 

Artem smiled, relieved he hadn’t committed a faux pas before breaking out in some small coughs. 

Quickly, Vyn set aside the blanket and scooted the bag it came in aside as he once more reached for the food and the medicine. “I almost forgot you were meant to take this. The congee should be cool enough now you can eat it straight away.” 

Artem moved to sit up as he shivered and accepted the bowl when he finally stopped with thanks. 

“Did you want to drink some water first?” Vyn asked as he frowned at the raspy voice. 

Artem shook his head as he proceeded to eat. “This should be enough,” he said between bites. 

Rather than awkwardly watch him eat, Vyn prepared the medicine and got him a jug of water just in case. 

Setting down the jug on the nightstand, Vyn then turned to pick up his blanket again, cuddling it close. The scent of the alpha rising from it and its softness combined served to bring his own exhaustion closer to the surface. 

Artem turned to put his bowl down on the stand and Vyn quickly stepped forward again to help and pass him the medication, making sure he drank it down with some water. 

Artem then tried to get out of bed. 

“Why are you getting up?” Vyn questioned him with a frown. 

The alpha continued to his feet as he answered before moving to his walk-in closet behind his bed. “I’ll show you where the guest room is. I can lend you some clothes to sleep in if you want to wash what you are wearing and get some fresh linens for you.” After the nap and food he was a little steadier on his feet so Vyn allowed it, but made sure to take everything off the alpha’s hands. It might be a bit strange how easily the psychologist accepted borrowing clothes but, honestly, he was dead tired and being surrounded by the other man’s pheromone scent made him feel like he’d sleep better through the night.

Vyn stopped Artem from going down the stairs though. After a brief battle of stubbornness, the attorney caved and explained the layout of the building, where his den was, his kitchen, where he could charge his phone and spare toiletries. Another short clash of wills on who would move first and this time Artem won and watched the shorter man move down the stairs, telling him to hold the railing since he was tired. Vyn pointedly looked up the stairs once he reached the bottom until he saw the other start to move back to his room and grabbed what he needed before making his way back up the stairs again. 

They had agreed that Artem would call if he required anything. Vyn busied himself setting up the guest room, getting showered and changed. The clothes were a little big on him but smelt faintly of the alpha from being in the same room, comfortable and of good quality. Setting his glasses aside, Vyn buried himself in his new blanket and the scent that had started to mean comfort. He fell asleep right away.

Artem visited his bathroom before making his way to bed and peeled off the cool compress on his forehead. Sitting down, he smelled his hand regretfully, having washed off the soothing juniper and rose scent that had been there after touching the other man’s wrist. There was still a faint lingering of it in the room though, so he settled back under his blankets and quickly fell asleep to pleasant dreams. 

Both men slept deeply after having been sleep deprived over a number of days and woke up next morning after 12 hours of solid rest at 4am. 

Vyn was the first to wake to find himself head and arm dangling over the side of the bed. Confusedly flailing a little, he fell completely out of bed and lay on his back in the predawn dark trying to work out where he was and what had happened. He felt the most rested that he had in ages, the usual buzzing and crawling of his skin down to a low hum. Had he been drooling? He better not have been drooling. 

It took him a long moment to remember he was in Artem’s abode, just enjoying the blankness of the morning. He had taken his birthday off from all work, so he was able to just laze and take his time fully waking up. 

Vyn then remembered that Artem was ill and he’d best go check on him. He wasn’t sure what time it was so after fumbling around where he half remembered putting his glasses and finding his phone, he was shocked at how long it had been. 

He’d expected that he would wake occasionally during the night and planned to check on the other man. He really hadn’t expected having the scent of Artem strongly and constantly present and a makeshift nest with a single blanket would make so much difference after having been used to catnapping for months and only dozing for the last two weeks of the other’s absence. 

He debated far too long with himself on the propriety of taking a blanket with him but in his bleary state finally said fuck it , wrapped the yellow nesting blanket around himself and made his way down the hall. 

Quietly he poked his head through the bedroom door, allowing a calming scent to fade through before approaching. A superficial observation showed Artem sleeping soundly, no laboured breathing and not flushed with fever or sweating. A minor illness that may have mostly passed already. Just to be sure, Vyn hovered a hand over Artem’s forehead to check for heat. 

Relieved, he thought about touching the other man. They were not so close yet, so it might be strange but they were trying to be so maybe he could. Not that the other would know unless he woke up. So maybe this was just for himself. What was it like to touch someone who could be vulnerable around him? What was his hair like? 

Slender fingers lightly dipped and flitted over skin and delicately threaded through chocolate strands of fringe, teasing them back. His fingers seemed to tingle at his daring. 

Vyn startled as a whine that turned into a small chuff that was an alpha’s happy sound came from Artem. As he drew his hand back he saw azure eyes slit open to catch him. 

Staring at Vyn, they seemed to drink him in. Artem dragged a hand up from under the covers to reach out and grasp the pale hand drawing back. Feeling the cool flesh in his hand, his fingers clung as he blinked. “Oh. You’re real,” Artem’s baritone sounded in a low rumble of the recently awakened. He let the fingers slip from his grasp and turned his head against the pillow to see the omega a little more clearly. 

“I apologise for waking you,” Vyn whispered lightly. He clasped his blanket closed around him and shifted slightly on his feet, not sure how to take the other’s staring at him. “I just wanted to check on you.” 

Artem was just taking in the presence of someone close and caring for him. Still thinking dully, he raised his hand again and reached to hook the fingers grasping the blanket and drew it close. Vyn unresistingly followed the pull and found himself close to the bed. Artem tangled the fingers and moved their hands until they were close to his forehead, his eyes almost closing as he chuffed again. 

Hesitantly, Vyn petted through the alpha’s hair and got a pleased hum. Artem’s pheromone changed from sleepy warmth to delight. 

In the predawn darkness maybe more things seemed permissible. Or maybe being recently awakened after fulfilling sleep lent to being uninhibited and daring. Or it was the combination of warm delight and relieved satisfaction of alpha and omega pheromones swirling in the air. 

Whatever it was, Vyn kneeled onto the bed and Artem shifted back to make room for him. The silver haired omega rearranged his yellow blanket to be a mini-nest in the curve of the alpha’s body on top of the blankets and cuddled in. Artem’s arms came round to cradle him, happy to have someone close. Both just lightly dozed together for a while, a rumble and a light purr accompanying them. 

The sound petered out as thirst and wakefulness and reason brought them into greater awareness about an hour and a half later. 

Artem wasn’t sure whether he should look at the man in his arms. He was already resisting the urge to hug the lightly warm body and thinking it would probably be weird to stroke down Vyn’s back like he wanted. For some reason he just really liked the idea of cuddling close and didn’t want to let go. 

With a sigh he restrained his wants and pulled back his arms. Vyn sat up after being released and after muttering about washing up, fled from the room, his blanket flowing behind him like a cape. 

Artem sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Reaching for his glass to rehydrate he mulled over the morning’s start. It had been… pleasant. Surprising. Deeply soothing to him. It had fed and awakened a profound craving within him for company he hadn’t known about or had deeply buried. 

Now that he examined himself he could feel the yawning chasm of want that would make him… clingy. Detachedly, he thought this could be a problem. 

Because Vyn had given so easily. Just been there, right next to him. Not asking anything, not needing anything. He hadn’t needed to perform, to earn, to wait for a better time.   

Vyn had followed (taken) him home, stayed in his territory, entered his bed and his arms. 

Artem could see himself being drawn to that real fast. He dragged a hand through his hair and ruffled the back as he exhaled. 

It was a problem because it felt like his want would overshadow his ability to see Vyn clearly; rendering him as a means to fill this hole he’d just discovered instead of someone to love and cherish. 

Artem got up to change into swimwear and exited to the pool. He would let the numb motion of swimming to subdue the ravenous wolf he felt like he’d just become. 

Cutting through the water, he let an almost meditative state take over him. Feeling his mind and heart after a while return to the usual state of calm, he assessed how to proceed forward.  

He would put his want back under lock and key. Now that he knew it existed, he would be careful and swallow his desire back down. He and Vyn had just started their relationship and it wouldn’t do to scare smother show his need be so close to the other man so soon . 

He felt the feelings quiet down in resignation and felt his usual calm and balance once more. He’ll file this morning as an aberration and be more careful in the future. He would do this properly, get to know Vyn better, treat him well and try for a proper relationship. He would keep an appropriate distance. 

This would keep them both safe. By putting the pit in a box, keeping a distance, he would have a margin of safety for his feelings with Vyn until the agreed time. In the meantime, he could build a better foundation for love. What type of love it would end up being would remain to be seen in December, but he had promised he would not regret it. They could build something good, even if it was just friendship. 

Focused on something positive, Artem felt the want sink into the depths and disappear again. Now settled and back to a hopeful outlook, he swam to the side of the pool and pulled himself out. Breathing slightly hard and feeling a little weary again, Artem remembered he had been recovering from an illness and sneezed. 

It seemed close to 6am and the sky was just showing the vestiges of light. Feeling the brisk chill of the morning, Artem turned around and stopped short to see Vyn glowering at him judgmentally. He had evidently already washed up and dressed in his clothes from yesterday. After almost an hour of not hearing anything further from Artem, he had gone looking for him. Not finding him in his room or downstairs, he had returned to the bedroom and discovered the balcony leading to the pool and Artem just exiting. He had heard him sneeze. 

“Artem. Wing.” He snatched up the towel he saw on the way as he rapidly made his way to the alpha. “I question how you have survived this long if this is how you take care of yourself. Why are you out here swimming in the cold when you have just barely passed through an illness?” He tossed the towel over the taller man and then began towing the attorney back to his room as if he didn’t trust the other to do the right thing at a speed acceptable to him. 

“I, ah, I needed to cool my head a little,” Artem admitted meekly even as he thought ah, he’s doing it again. He’s speaking harshly while doing something the complete opposite. 

Vyn turned a ‘kind’ smile to Artem as he pushed him in his room and closed the balcony door. “I’m sure we are both concerned about the state of your mind after the fever yesterday, but I can assure you chilling it in response is not the answer to recovery.” He pointed Artem to his bathroom as he asked, “Do you have any ginger? And where do you keep your honey? I’m making you a drink for when you get out.” 

Artem obediently made his way to his wardrobe and bathroom as he answered. “There should be some ginger in the crisper drawer of the fridge. The honey is in the pantry next to the fridge, left of the middle shelf.” 

Vyn strode out on a mission, leaving Artem to wash and warm up. 

Downstairs in the kitchen, Vyn put the water to boil in the kettle before finding the honey and ginger. He also found a lemon in the crisper drawer as well and took it out to add some vitamin C. Puttering away, he had two cups ready by the time Artem came out and the kitchen cleaned up. 

Pointedly, he handed the alpha the mug and drank his own. 

A little charmed by Vyn’s persistence, Artem acquiesced in drinking straight away and finished the cup. He then proceeded into his kitchen to begin taking out ingredients and pots. “What would you like for breakfast? I usually make a traditional chinese breakfast. I can make some congee or steam some dumplings. Or I can make you some scrambled eggs with toast?” 

Vyn shook his head, moving to sit on a stool as he said, “I’ll keep it light with congee, thank you. I expect that I shall get some well wishes, birthday sweets and probably a cake at some point.” 

Artem paused, before continuing his motions, grabbing some scallions and chicken broth. “Of course. Will you be going home after then?” 

Vyn didn’t answer right away. He observed Artem as he moved in his kitchen, washing the rice. The alpha had put on a thick maroon turtleneck with thin black stripes with some black pants. He hadn’t missed the other’s pause.

As the alpha sliced some ginger and put it in the pot along with the rice and broth, then moved it to the stovetop, the omega finally responded. “I was thinking I should go home. There will probably be some deliveries. You look like you are doing better, however I’m not certain I trust you on your own anymore.” 

Artem faintly smiled as he slightly turned to Vyn with a placating look. “I assure you I’m mostly fine now. It was the tiredness and with a little more rest I will be fully recovered.” 

Vyn leaned back falsely blasé, his amber eyes actually holding a small hint of sly mischief. “I refuse to be reassured. No, I think the only thing that can be done is to take you home with me.” When Artem gave him a startled look, he cocked a silver brow at him. “You said you were taking two days off, did you not? Then there is nothing stopping you from joining me at my abode for my birthday. And then making up for the lack of dates on the weekend.” 

Artem turned back to stir the congee as his ears pinked. “As you wish.” 

They ate quietly before going about to respectively collect or pack some things.

Artem hesitantly looked towards Vyn before entering his room. “Were you wanting me to stay over?” 

On his way to the guest bedroom, the shorter man turned back. “It would certainly be more convenient if we plan to go out together the next day.” 

Still uncertain, Artem continued to ask, “Then did you want me to stay the whole weekend?” 

Vyn took the time to consider the answer. It could be possible that they would want some time to themselves after spending two days together. It might also be a good test to see how they did spending an extended amount of time together. There was also the added plus of having Artem’s scent lingering to help him to rest. 

“We could plan for you to stay the whole weekend, but if needed we can cut it short.” 

Artem nodded and disappeared into his room. He packed an overnight bag and some clothes for going out. Before he made to exit his room, he found Vyn to be poking his head in with his blanket folded.  

“Did you still have the bag in your room?” 

Artem went to retrieve it from where he’d put it aside as Vyn entered the room more fully, sharp amber eyes sweeping the nightstand. Spotting the medication left there, he began to move towards it as Artem came back. “We’re taking this with us. I do not recall when the last time I had to access my own medication so I am unsure what state it will be in. It would be best to have this on hand after your ill-advised morning swim.” He waved the fever reducing pills around before trading it for the bag Artem handed over. 

Artem packed the medication in his overnight carryall as Vyn manoeuvred his blanket into its own bag. 

Checking they had everything, they made their way out. 

Vyn allowed Artem to drive as he took the time to read the messages on his phone. He responded to the various well wishes for his birthday from staff and faculty of the school and research centre with thanks. He took a little more time with family, friends and acquaintances. They would probably be surprised he was awake at 8:30am. 

Of the NXX team, Althea was the first besides Artem to wish him a happy birthday. 

Althea: Happy birthday Dr Richter! I’m really blessed to have you in my life and look forward to many years more! I hope you have a great day! 💐💐🎊🎂 I’ll come by later in the day with a gift. 

Vyn: Thank you, Althea. I am also thankful for your presence in my life. I have appreciated your positivity and strength and also hope that we can continue on life’s journey together for ages to come. I shall look forward to your visit and will prepare some sweets. 

Althea: Dr Richter! You’re up very early! I hadn’t expected you to reply until after 10. 

Vyn: Yes, well, I had to take care of a wilting flower. In doing so, I gained quite some benefit but it has caused me to be awake at this time. 

Althea: Oh dear! I hope the flower is doing much better. You’ll have to send me a picture of it once it perks up! I’ll stop by after work today. I’ll look forward to the sweets! 

Vyn peeked to the side at his ‘wilting flower’ and briefly entertained the thought of taking a sneak shot of Artem. He wasn’t quite a hundred percent yet though, so perhaps the picture could happen later. By then Althea may have even forgotten what the picture might be in response to. The silver haired omega smiled secretly as his eyes returned to his phone. 

By then Artem was pulling down Vyn’s street and before long, had parked in front of Vyn’s English manor. 

There were already some parcel slips at his door for missed deliveries and a box bouquet on his doorstep. Collecting everything, Vyn let them into his home. 

“I’ll show you to the guest room so you can set yourself up while I change and meet you downstairs. Unless you wanted to rest some more?” The psychologist looked to the alpha inquiringly. 

At first Artem shook his head, but then seemed to change his mind and nodded. “I think I’ll actually take you up on that,” he said as he brought up a hand to pinch at his nose bridge. “A little more rest and I think I’ll be better by the afternoon.” 

“Very well,” Vyn approved. “I’ll get you a glass of water and call you at lunch if you are not up yet. I know that at least Althea will be dropping by after work and I have promised her some baked sweets, so most likely you shall find me in the kitchen if you need anything. Come along.” 

Grabbing the glass of water on the way, Vyn led Artem up the curved stairs and then down the hall to the left. “My rooms are on the other side of the stairs. The guest room has an ensuite should you wish to freshen up afterwards. My study, library and other guest rooms are also on this floor. You should already know the layout of the first floor so I won’t bother guiding you.” 

Vyn chose a room with a view of his back garden. Checking the linens were fresh, spare toiletries were in the ensuite and drawing the curtains to make the room dimmer he left Artem to rest. 

Vyn spent a quiet morning replying to messages, accepting packages and looking up some sweet recipes. He finally decided on making some macarons around 10.15am. Glancing up to vaguely where his occupied guest room was, he looked for some food delivery to set for lunch in case he got carried away. 

He did end up getting a little carried away with flavours and decorations. 

By the time Artem came down around lunch time, Vyn had quite a spread of mini masterpieces on the way. The attorney wasn’t sure he could tell what the flavours were just by looking at them, but he could see some with dried rose petal decoration, coconut flakes on another and chocolate chips. If he were to guess by colour, he would say there were strawberry, coffee, caramel, matcha, orange, lemon and chocolate in progress. Artem discretely sniffed and, yes, he could also smell some earl grey tea as well. Oh, there were also some with toasted marshmallows melted on top. 

The doorbell rang and Vyn looked up and then blinked, startled to notice the attorney’s presence. He glanced at the clock, “ah, Artem. Could you get the door? I believe that would be our lunch. You can take it to the dining table. I shall join you in a moment. I’ll just get these two trays in the oven and set the timer.” 

The alpha obediently went to fetch the food and started setting it up. He found a herbal soup, some vegetable dishes and rice. Light but healthy and from a restaurant he recognised as having high standards for the quality of their ingredients. 

As Vyn came over with cutlery, plates and bowls he checked on the other. “How are you feeling now? No more ill effects?” 

“I believe I’m pretty much fully recovered now. I don’t feel any symptoms of illness.” 

Vyn shrewdly examined him as he placed a napkin on his lap in preparation to eat. “I can imagine that you would prefer a quiet day in after having to be busy for two weeks.” 

Vyn was right, but, “It’s your birthday though. Wouldn’t you like to do something? Or I’m sure some people have invited you out. Actually, now that I’m thinking more clearly, you probably did have plans for today. I really am doing better and there is no need to watch over me.” Artem mentally groaned at himself for not having thought of this before having come over with his things and then mentally flailed at trying to decide if it would be awkward to offer to go home for the rest of the day and come back in the morning. 

“Artem,” Vyn set down the cutlery he had picked up. “I do not know what makes you think I am a social butterfly,” he willfully ignored the 5 messages on his phone inviting him out, only two of which he would have previously considered, “but I am quite content on spending a peaceful birthday in. I am no extrovert and am just as happy not to have to deal with inane pleasantries and over exuberant pheromones. Plus, you forget that I was the one who brought you here, so this must be how I wish for my birthday to go.” 

Troubled but ultimately acceding to Vyn’s argument, they proceeded to finish their meal. Artem insisted on cleaning up, convincing Vyn to go back to his macaron creations.  

“You’ve made quite a lot,” he observed. 

Vyn took a step back to look and had to concede that he probably had been a bit overzealous. “I can always give some away as thanks for those who have gifted me something. A box for the school faculty and the research centre maybe. But if I do that, this might actually be too few.” The omega frowned in consternation. 

Artem stepped beside him to also consider the spread before them. “While you’ve made an assortment of flavours, there's no rule you have to give everyone one of each or even enough for every person at the school or centre. These look professionally done. So you could either present it as a set amount as first come first serve, and or individually box one or two for a select few.” 

Quickly, Vyn mentally ran through the names of people he would definitely need to set aside a small box for and made a count. He nodded. “I think a combination of both would work. Now I just need to source some boxes.” He turned his head to the alpha. “Did you want to give any to anyone? Your mother? Celestine? I think I’ll be making at least another batch. Maybe two.” He was thinking of a taro and a peanut butter flavour. 

“Oh,” Artem brightened and warmed. “If there’s enough, that would be wonderful.” 

Vyn nodded thoughtfully while gazing at Artem before turning back to his cooking supplies. “Then perhaps a box for your workplace and an individual one for Celestine and your mother. Maybe a small box for Marius and Luke as well. Definitely one for Althea though she’ll be coming tonight.” As he began tidying a space and setting things aside he looked to Artem again. “Could you help me look online for some appropriate boxes? Three boxes to fit eighteen, ten that can fit four, fifteen that can fit two. If they come in a set amount then if the boxes look nice I will still purchase them, as I am sure I shall do this again.” 

Artem agreed so they spent the next hour going about their respective tasks, the alpha occasionally checking Vyn’s opinion of the boxes he had searched. He then volunteered to go pick them up, opting to check their quality in person and enjoy a drive at the same time. Assuring Vyn that he really did just want to go and enjoy a drive, Vyn then also asked if he could pick up a few other things he was now running low on. 

Shopping list in hand, the attorney left Vyn to complete his decorating and sorting. 

At the packaging store he found the boxes to be the right size with a clear film window and a sturdy structure. For the boxes of four, he slightly adjusted his selection so that it was square with four separators to better show off the macarons that Vyn had decorated on top. 

He debated between getting a ribbon before calling Vyn to ask. 

“A ribbon? I hadn’t thought about it. What is their selection?” 

“It might be easier to show you. Hang on.” Artem changed to a video call before flipping the camera. “I was going past these ones but they might be too wide, so another option was these stretchy gold or silver strings.” 

“Hm, can you show me the boxes? Or hold the boxes next to the strings.” Artem obeyed. “The gold ones. They look better against the cream of the box.” 

“Okay.” Artem took a moment to examine the length. “Is three metres enough?” 

“We’ll only tie it once around the box so maybe buy two. You can get another set for a spare though, since I may do this again.” 

“Alright. Then once I buy this, I’ll pick up the rest of the things and should be back in less than an hour.” 

“See you soon then, Artem. I’ll tidy the kitchen and start sorting the macarons into sets.” 

They hung up and Artem went to the check out, not noticing two nearby groups of girls, omegas and betas giggling and watching him with aunt smiles.  

“That was so domestic.” 

“What a thoughtful alpha! To think he’d consider adding ribbons and then call his partner to get their opinion.” 

“I know! Last time I sent my partner for something, after sending him three times, I went myself in the end just to get the right baking tray. He came back with all this extra stuff that I didn’t need but he thought I might. Sweet gesture but most of it was useless.” 

“I’ve trained my alpha not to grab the first things she sees that seems to fit what I need and actually read the description and test the material of things.” 

“It looks like they’re working on something special together. Reporting to each other what they were both doing next was so cute!” 

At the market, as Artem was getting Vyn some almond flour he looked at the other flour available and had a thought for dinner. If they were staying in, maybe he could cook. There was a birthday dish he could make for Vyn as well. In the end, he added some groceries of his own but still made it back within the hour he told the shorter man. 

Vyn’s last macarons were in the oven and his kitchen tidied while he waited. He had sorted out the macarons so far, just waiting on the last additions and the boxes. He went to grab some stationary to write some thank you notes while he examined his delivery slips of who he would need to write one to. 

He managed to write two by the time Artem returned, ringing the doorbell. Opening the door, he was surprised at the amount of groceries the other had picked up. 

“I thought I might cook dinner for tonight.” Artem said as he moved in with the bags. “Would you mind?” 

Vyn tapped a finger on the door before closing it. “Not at all. If what Althea has had to say about your cooking is true, I look forward to it. I do not believe the congee this morning could give true testament to your skills, though it was tasty enough.” 

Artem smiled back at him as he placed the bags on the counter top carefully to avoid the sweets. “Then I’ll have to make you something special. I’ll help you with the boxes first.” 

Vyn quietly agreed. Usually he would have had a rest after lunch, but having someone else in his space and his sudden project had kept him from taking a nap, so his energy was a little flagging. 

“Do you think you’ll be expecting anyone to join us for dinner?” 

Vyn checked his phone. “Usually I go out for dinner on my birthday so no one would drop by unexpectedly. Althea was coming by but perhaps I can invite her, Luke and Marius if they wanted to stay for dinner. If I tell Althea to invite them, I’m sure the other two will come.” 

Artem nodded. “Then I’ll plan to make extra.” 

Vyn started messaging Althea about inviting the other two when he remembered her request to send a picture of his revived flower. When Althea asked about inviting Artem, Vyn snapped a picture of the alpha in his kitchen while he was stretching his arms out in the afternoon sun after carrying the bags and sent it over. 

Vyn: No need. Artem is already here. He shall be the one cooking dinner. 

Althea: Then I’m definitely looking forward to dinner! I’ll make sure the boys come too. 

“Is 6:30pm sufficient time for you to prepare dinner?” 

Artem nodded. “That should be fine. I’ll get started in half an hour.” 

Vyn: Dinner should be ready around 6:30. 

Althea: Roger! 

Together they gathered the boxes and started putting them together and packaging the macarons. At the start both worked on the boxes, but once there started to be a small pile, Vyn began placing the macarons inside, leaving the ribbon for last. They managed to get it all done within the half hour and place them in the fridge for keeping, though it was a struggle to find space. Eventually they kept out the ones that would go to the NXX team and some went into the freezer. 

Artem then borrowed an apron and asked Vyn where all the cooking utensils he would need were before ushering him away. After being assured that he didn’t need to help, Vyn finally went to take a quick nap. 

Artem then began his cooking preparations. He started with the special dish made solely for Vyn first, though it would be cooked and finished later to be fresh. He looked at his other ingredients and mentally began planning which to start with, what prep he could do together and what order to cook in so that things would present at their best while he kneaded his dough. 

Hearing his phone buzz, a quick check showed Althea asking if she should bring anything. Realising there was something he had left out, he messaged her that he lacked a cake. The beta quickly replied that she would be happy to bring one. 

Assured, Artem went back to cooking. He had planned a steamed bass dish with ginger, chilli and spring onion, Kailan with hoisin sauce, a soft tofu clay pot, a ginger and spring onion egg drop soup, and a beef and peppers fry with black beans. He steamed plain rice before starting on the dishes that would be easily heated or kept warm, the soup and clay pot. Next was the fish, since it needed a longer cooking time, though he had to time it carefully to be fresh. The greens would be last along with the beef stir fry, needing the least amount of actual cooking time. Artem made sure to wash and clean as he cooked. Between the fish and the quick fry’s he worked on his birthday dish, longevity noodles. 

He only made a small batch considering there was so much else on offer, but he thought it would be fun to make the omega try to eat it all without breaking. He cooked a bit of pork mince, garlic and chives, with a dark sauce to carefully mix through the noodles and put it aside. 

Vyn came down after 6pm, having spent the time after his nap finishing off his thank you notes and letters. The smell from the dinner had been permeating his home and he was eagerly looking forward to the meal. 

Shooed away by Artem again, Vyn then went to make sure that his dining room would be fit for company and to choose a wine. He also called to Artem to boil some water for tea. 

Ten minutes before the time advised, the doorbell rang and Vyn went to answer. Upon opening, he had streamers pop out at him as the younger trio of NXX cried out “Happy birthday!” 

Althea was in the middle holding the cake box as the two boys flanked her with the poppers. Picking off the streamers, Vyn gave a wry smile while moving aside. “I appreciate your enthusiasm. Thank you for joining me tonight to celebrate my birthday.” 

They entered happily, laughing and joking. 

“I’m glad we could get together to enjoy your birthday together, Dr Richter!” Althea was as bright and eager as always. 

“Of course it was hearing that Artem was cooking that drew me. Free food!” Luke cheered. 

“I just didn’t want to be left out,” Marius joked. He held out a nicely packaged gift to the omega as he passed by though. “Here, old man. Didn’t want someone saying I was a bad guest.” 

Vyn led them toward the dining area which was all set up except for the steamed rice. Althea took the cake box into the kitchen and saw Artem at the rice cooker filling a bowl. “Mr Wing! The food looks and smells amazing!” 

“Hello Althea,” the attorney greeted. “Thank you for getting the cake. It completely slipped my mind.” 

“That’s okay, Mr Wing. I’m glad I could help. I didn’t realise you were planning to do a dinner for Vyn’s birthday. Is that why you took two days off?”

“It was kind of spur of the moment actually. I was already planning to take two days off after working non-stop for the past few weeks. It just happened to fall on these two days.” 

The beta girl hummed as she eyed him quizzically at the answer. She felt like there was something more going on, but couldn’t really pinpoint the difference. Maybe it was that she wouldn’t have thought they were so close for Artem to cook for the psychologist previously. “You two seem to have become pretty close.” 

Artem picked up the rice bowl with the serving spoon and started for the dining room. “If we have, I think it would partially be to your credit. We all started to spend more time together outside of investigations after you joined. It has helped us all to get to know each other better. And,” here, Artem paused to look at her warmly, “that being so, I think you can call me Artem outside of work now.”

Althea brightened and also felt a little embarrassed. “That may take me a bit of time. I’m so used to you being my boss. I think it will take some getting used to without it being awkward.”

“Whatever you feel comfortable with.” Artem’s eyes crinkled in mirth before he continued to the dining room.

Having been distracted from her line of questioning with happiness at the increased closeness, by the time she thought back to Artem’s response, while she felt the explanation a little lacking somehow, she dismissed it as they reached the dining room where the boys were teasing Vyn by pretending to start the meal before everyone was seated. 

The silver haired man exasperatedly fended them off, humouring their antics. 

“It’s just a taste test, Vyn!” 

“And I’m testing for poison!” 

“Marius, you were raised with etiquette and should know to wait. There is no need for a taste test. Luke, the notion of being a poison tester when Artem is clearly the cook tonight makes me think you should attend my classes on criminal psychology.” 

Setting down the rice bowl, Artem interrupted the argument. “Everyone can take a seat but there is one more small dish I made for Vyn first that I need to bring out.” Artem turned to Vyn. “It might be better for you to start with it or you may not have room later.” 

They all looked on with curiosity as the brown haired alpha once more disappeared into the kitchen to come back with a small bowl of noodles. Setting it in front of Vyn, he explained. “These are longevity noodles. Traditionally it’s offered at birthdays to wish you a long life.” A twinkle of humour appeared in his aqua eyes as he shared how it was meant to be consumed. “It’s made up of one long noodle that you’re meant to eat without breaking.” 

“Oh, I know this. Thea’s mum made it for our birthday’s when we were younger.” Luke peered over at the dish. “Ours looked slightly different though. Did you make the noodle yourself, Artem?” 

Artem nodded. “I remembered my mother making it for me once but I think she broke it while cooking.” 

“I remember Luke and I always timed each other to see who would be faster. I would be slower but at least mine never broke. We’d argue if it counted if the noodle broke or we should add a penalty.” 

Luke dramatically waved his hand. “We only specified who was faster and penalties weren’t included at the time so penalties shouldn’t apply” The young omega paused and slightly softer said, “I should have taken more care to keep the noodle intact though.” He brightened up again and continued stronger. “Maybe we can race again. Thea, your birthday will be next in November. We’ll time you first!” 

Althea put up two fists, fired up at the challenge. “Deal! On your birthday in December we’ll time you. Intact noodle only or a time penalty applies for a broken noodle!” 

Marius jumped into the proceedings in interest. “I want in on this too! I’ve only ever seen these noodles at the end of big banquets. I’d heard of the symbolism but usually there wasn’t any real effort in having the person eat the one noodle to the end.” 

Vyn looked back down at his bowl after having listened to everyone’s stories. Picking up his chopsticks, he poked at the noodle. “So I’m meant to find the end of this noodle and start there?” 

Artem seated himself. “I guess so?” 

“Wait, are we timing him?” 

“I don’t think we can. Didn’t Artem make the dish himself? Mr Wing, do we know how long you made the noodle?” 

With a slight smile on his face, Artem shook his head in the negative. “I didn’t think I needed to know the length when I made it. I’ll be sure to start measuring for Althea’s birthday.” 

“So, Dr Richter is let off on being timed this time.” 

Marius smirked. “I couldn’t imagine Vyn slurping his noodle anyway. Though I guess if this is going to be a thing, he could take today as practice.” 

Gold eyes lightly glared at the young alpha. “I think today I’ll take the time to appreciate the dish offered to me. I enjoy competition as much as the next person but for this I would prefer to respect the spirit in which it was given for my first time.” The omega then nodded his head in thanks to Artem before seriously searching for the end of the noodle and began eating. 

Seeing the elegant man squirrel down the noodle seriously, doing his best not to cause it to break was endearingly cute and funny, causing the others to smile and cheer him on, even Marius chortling at the sight. Knowing that there would be the actual dinner afterwards, Artem had not made the noodle too filling. On finishing the dish without any mishaps, everyone wished him well and congratulated him, causing Vyn to have a genuinely warm smile on his face. 

With that, the actual dinner started and everyone freely passed around the dishes and had a hearty and cheerful meal. 

“The food’s so good! Mr Wing, you did amazing.” 

“Indeed. Althea’s boasts of your cooking were not an exaggeration. Thank you for the meal, Artem.” 

“Marius, stop hogging all the beef strips!” 

“You snooze, you lose!” 

“It’s not snoozing if it is literally kept on your side of the table! Hand it over!” 

“Ah! Don’t forget there’s still dessert later!” 

“I’ll put some more hot water into the tea.” Artem pushed back his chair. 

Vyn shook his head as he sipped his merlot. “With the way everyone is eating, I think I’m lucky I got the noodles to start with.” 

Althea shook her head. “I think Artem cooked just enough. If anything we probably overate. Good thing everyone knows cake and dessert go in a second stomach so that should still be fine.”

“Then I‘ll start clearing the plates.” Vyn started reaching for the empty dishes. 

Althea shot out an arm to bar him. “Aht! It’s your birthday, Dr Richter! Leave the dishes to me!” 

Luke stood up quickly. “I’ll do it, Thea! The dishes would be heavy.” He winked at her. “Besides, I have experience as a waiter.” 

Artem came back with the tea. “Oh, are we starting dessert? I’ll go get the fruits.” He began to turn back to the kitchen again. 

Vyn stopped him. “Artem, have you even finished eating? Sit down. I’ll go get the dessert plates.” 

Althea got up as well. “Then I’ll bring the cake.” 

“What am I supposed to do?” Marius wondered. 

“Keep Artem company.” Althea sniffed at him dismissively as she followed Vyn to the kitchen. 

Luke snickered as he piled the empty plates and cutlery. 

The tall young alpha pointed at the coral eyed omega while pouting childishly, holding a wine glass in his other hand. “There’s more to me than just my awesome company, you know!” 

“Like what? Your height?” 

“Oi!” 

Before long, the dishes had been cleared away and a cake set on the table with a few candles on it, alongside some fruit that Artem had prepared and the spare macarons. 

They dimmed the lights after lighting the candles. 

“Make a wish, Dr Richter!” 

Vyn closed his eyes for a brief moment before opening them and blowing out the candles. 

The lights were brightened once more and a few pictures were taken at Althea’s insistence. 

They spent a lingering night over the cake and fruits, making idle conversation and enjoying each other’s company. As it crept past 10pm, Althea, even with the sugar from the desserts, was noticeably lagging. Tiredness was also beginning to pinch around Marius’ eyes. Vyn began ushering them away, thanking them for celebrating his birthday. Marius was calling his driver who would also drop off Luke and Althea on the way. 

Artem cleared the dessert dishes and began washing them as he bid the others goodbye. Five minutes later the driver had arrived. Spotting something in the kitchen, Artem quickly popped back to call out to Vyn who was just opening the door for the others. 

“Vyn! The boxes!” 

“Oh! Yes. Wait just a moment. I had a gift for you three as well.” Vyn walked to the kitchen to retrieve the boxes of macarons he had set aside for them. “I made these earlier today. If you don’t want to eat them for a while, you can store them in the fridge or freezer. I hope you enjoy them.” 

“Aren’t these the macarons we had for dessert? You made them, Dr Richter?” 

“Yes. I told you I would make sweets, Althea. I made some extra so you get to take some home.” 

“Nice! Thank you!” 

“Not bad. I’ll eat them well.” 

“Thank you, Dr Richter! One day I’ll stop being surprised at what you can do. Good night, Mr Wing!”

Seeing everyone off, Vyn went in and finished cleaning the table as Artem finished placing the dishes in the dishwasher. Joining him in the kitchen, the shorter man once again thanked Artem for the night. 

“Not a problem. As long as you enjoyed it, it was worth the effort.” 

Vyn leaned back against his counter as he watched the taller man finish washing his hands. “So, tomorrow…” 

Artem paused, having just remembered that he was staying the night and he was paying for his lack of dates over the weekend. His ears started to flush. “Ah…” 

Vyn smiled slightly as he saw the rise in colour. “I thought you could help me deliver some of the individual macarons that I have as a chauffeur, then we could have lunch and visit the botanical gardens.” 

The alpha nodded. “That sounds fine to me.” 

Vyn pushed off from the counter. “I’ll be in my study before bed. If nothing happens in the meantime, I shall see you in the morning. I usually get up at 9. I’ll leave my key here on the counter in case you need to go out. Just leave a note or message me.” 

“Okay. Good night, Vyn.” It was a bit late to start a movie, so Artem thought he might look over a case before bed. 

Vyn recorded his observation diary. He went over yesterday and today, noting things about both himself and Artem. Artem tended to disregard himself. His move to nest close to the alpha in the morning had been impulsive, pleasant and strange. Both of them had a drive to provide. Artem was service oriented. He’d been touched by the longevity noodles. 

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” 

The next day, he woke up in heat. 

Meanwhile on the way home from Vyn’s house, though tired, Althea had a burning question she wanted to ask the other two. 

“Do you think something is going on with Artem and Vyn?” 

Marius frowned lazily in thought while Luke looked puzzled. 

“I haven’t really noticed much? Do you mean with each of them personally or between the two of them?” her Sherlock asked. 

Althea tilted her head while holding her chin. “I’m not sure but maybe between the two of them? I think they seem to be getting along a lot better lately.” 

Marius exchanged glances with Luke before commenting. “Isn’t that a good thing? Is it really that surprising that the two old guys are getting along? Haven’t we all been?” 

“It’s not that,” the beta girl protested. “I just feel like there might be something more going on.” 

“Even if there is, there’s not much we can do besides watch unless they say something, right?” Luke pointed out. “Or did you want to ask them?” 

“I wouldn’t even know what to ask,” The girl complained. “It’s just a feeling.” 

“Well then, Miss, we can only spend more time with them and see if we can spot what you're talking about. If it’s really bothering you, we can always ask later.”  

“It’s not really bothering me,” Althea pouted. She then smiled cheerily, “it would just be nice if we all got closer.” 

The two boys exchanged glances with each other again before Luke put an arm around her shoulders and patted her head while Marius leaned himself over until he was resting against her side. “Is this close enough for you?” Marius looked at her with boyish earnestness and Luke bent forward to peek at her with wide coral eyes. 

Althea slightly flushed with warmth and laughed as she ruffled their heads. “Not quite what I meant but this is fine too.” Her muted beta pheromones were happy. The two boys also relaxed and emitted peaceful and content scents as well.

Chapter Text

Vyn’s Residence, 28th September 2030, Saturday early morning, Autumn

Vyn woke up in the middle of the night from the usual light dozing with a cramping sensation within. Familiar with the slight squeezing in his pelvis, his mood took a downturn and he resigned himself to having a more uncomfortable night than he was looking forward to with the scent of cedar wood, vanilla and faint lavender in his home as well as the sandalwood, sunshine and gladiolus of the rest of the group. 

His own pheromone was slowly becoming a more lush rose amidst light, woody juniper as his body warmed. Vyn massaged his lower abdomen irritably as he wondered if being around Artem would make things better or worse over the next couple of days. 

An omega without a partner would usually have to deal with the slight dry cramping sensation during their heats. If there was someone they were interested in and close to having a relationship with, they would only feel the cramping. A slight lubrication would ease the dryness which was a relief if a little embarrassing at your body’s obvious signals about your feelings. Thankfully it wasn’t the gushing liquids portrayed in those romance novellas at the slightest stimulus. Slick really only formed during arousal otherwise omegas would probably be wearing pads, isolated at home or kept in brothels. 

His plan for spending the day didn’t need to be scrapped, but he would have to be prepared to deal with more discomfort. He also wasn’t ready for his body to reveal interest in the alpha. It might be a good sign of their compatibility but his mind was complicated with regards to this trial dating that only started a couple of weeks ago with only one date under its belt. 

Trusting Artem and having him as a mate were still two very different things. 

Curling in a ball, Vyn mentally mapped the individuals he could drop in on to give his macarons unannounced as well as a few who had replied to his calling card message yesterday. All in, maybe seven stops before lunch. A walk around the Botanical Gardens and the nursery nearby to see if there were any plants that he wanted to cultivate. Maybe dinner out. He can talk it over with Artem. 

Vyn dozed on and off, lightly kneading his abdomen during the occasions he was more awake to ease the dull pain. 

When the sky had lightened his rooms, he heard some slight movement in the hall but stubbornly stayed in bed to try to get more rest. He managed another hour and a half of dozing before finally deciding to get up at half past nine. 

After washing up, Vyn shuffled to the kitchen to make some chamomile tea and oats with bananas for himself. 

By this time, Artem had already been up for a while. When he awoke at his usual time, he had decided to go out to get his normal workout in and have breakfast. A quick shower and he returned to Vyn’s house and was going through his work emails in the sitting room in case anything important came up. 

He looked up when Vyn appeared in greeting and noted the lacklustre mien. He was concerned that the other hadn’t slept well. 

“Did you still want to go out?” 

Vyn looked at him as he sipped his tea with a thin smile, straightening his posture to be more proper. “Yes, whyever would we not? I shall just eat my breakfast, check on my garden and we can be on our way. I already have a route planned.” 

The attorney nodded slowly. “Okay. Just tell me when you’re ready.” He had already dressed in his outfit for a casual day out, a black shirt with a lighter grey loose sweater over the top and some charcoal slacks. 

Vyn had worn a black turtleneck, with a light coffee, open coat with big brown buttons and some pale olive grey pants. He stirred his oats and decided he would do a shorter version of his morning exercises as he expected a lot of walking later in the day. 

He grabbed a banana and topped off his breakfast before taking everything outside. He would let it cool a bit while he ran through his body exercises and eat while he ministered to the plants that needed care. The succulent that Artem had gifted him had found a place on his desk in the study and he would look after it at night while making his observation diary entry. 

A little after ten he returned inside and washed his bowl, speaking to Artem. “I will just find a bag for the boxes and send you a list of places. I think I can drop off seven of them but you only need to take me to three places as three are within walking distance of each other and two are neighbours to one another.” 

Artem stood up to begin closing away his notes and collecting his keys and phone. 

Vyn had kept his pheromones restrained, so it wasn’t until he walked past Artem to the front door that the attorney realised that the silver haired omega was in heat. Since Vyn didn’t mention anything, Artem followed his lead and went about as normal, getting into the driver seat and asking the first address from the psychologist. 

The omega was quiet on the ride, his countenance more neutral then the base smile he usually had on. 

At each stop, Vyn would put on a pleasant face once again, but pull back on his pheromones even more to have the barest of scents while thanking people for their gifts and well wishes. Handing over the macarons after some small talk, he used Artem waiting in the car as an excuse to get away from any long conversations. 

For the last stop where it was the three within walking distance, Vyn invited Artem to join him and stretch his legs as this would likely take a little longer than the others. 

These were three people who had helped him when he first settled in Stellis and was putting together the Giannovyn Mental Health Research Centre. One had helped him with getting his manor as well as the NXX headquarters and scout places for the research centre, one smoothed the way for his citizenship with Stellis and the last had helped him network and hire some of his staff. Marius’s brother had introduced the last two. They all knew one another and had set up their respective businesses close to each other which was how he met someone who could help him in finding a home that suited his needs. 

Artem waited outside each building as Vyn knocked and entered, leaving his gifts behind. Once done they went back to the car and headed for the Golden Industrial Zone where the Botanical Gardens were located. They could eat somewhere nearby before entering. 

As the car drew into traffic, Vyn turned to Artem and asked about letting out his pheromone. “Would you mind if I put the windows down so that it gets drawn away until we get there?” Pheromones during heat were made to advertise, not be restrained so it caused some stronger cramping if blocked too long. Usually he would have let a faint amount out, but didn’t want to send the wrong signal when giving over the gifts. 

“Not at all. Please go ahead.” Artem shot a slightly concerned look to the paler than usual omega as he opened all the windows. While it wouldn’t cause any issues for him to be in a car full of heat pheromones, it was considered inappropriate etiquette, the type of situation to cause gossip and comments. 

For Vyn it was a relief to let out the blocked pheromones from his system. His body stabilised back to a dull ache and by the time they reached their destination, he had regained his usual colour and demeanour. 

Vyn chose an east and west fusion eatery after discussion with Artem that had seating outside. The weather was sunny, if a little cool due to the fall season. Vyn had a salmon steak with a side of Thai style salad while Artem chose a Chilli Crab fried rice. 

The alpha tried his best not to be concerned about the psychologist with his obvious low energy and wondered about the people that Vyn had just given macarons to. 

Vyn proceeded to talk briefly about some, evidently not close friends but acquaintances, and shared anecdotal stories on those he had a better relationship with like the last three. 

After the meal, they finally got to the part of the day that Vyn had been looking forward to the most. Not that it was the first time he had been to the gardens, but he always enjoyed the time going and he wondered what it would be like wandering through with Artem. 

Seeing the omega perk up a little and with a more genuine smile, Artem was glad to see the change. As such, both walked a little quicker to reach their destination. 

Once entered, Vyn led the way to the first room of the pine and cypress garden. In the midst of greenery, Vyn began to really relax. He turned to Artem. “Have you been here before?” 

Artem looked distantly in thought. “I believe I came here once as a student. We had to draw a plant and then research it and give a presentation.” 

“Oh? Do you remember which plant you picked?” Vyn raised his brows in curiosity. 

“I made a presentation on the bamboo forest. It had a lot of ways that it could be utilised that I could share, good symbolism and history. They were used for arrows and spears as well as for food. I think I had the most to say about my plant.” 

They continued walking as Artem talked and made their way into the aquatic section. Crossing the bridge, they looked down at the foxtail algae, water lilies and koi. “You don’t have a pond at the manor, do you Vyn?”

Vyn looked down at the rippling water contemplatively as he answered. “No. I briefly thought about a pond but ultimately thought I didn’t need it as I have enough plants at the moment to keep me occupied without adding aquatic ones to the equation. Maybe I will one day if I find a plant interesting enough.” 

They proceeded to move on. Meandering through all the rooms, they passed through the ornamental plants (“There is your bamboo.” “You have some of these roses in your garden.” “Not quite these ones.”), the medicinal plant section, aromatic plants and lastly they visited the succulents at Vyn’s insistence (“You presented me a succulent and we should find out more about it.” “I only got you one and I’m not sure I could tell it apart from what else they have here.” “I doubt you got it so thoughtlessly.” “Okay, so I may have chosen it because it was also known as a Blue Rose. Echeveria Imbricata. Since you have a lot of roses in your garden, I thought it fit.” “Very observant of you.” “I feel like you are making fun of me.” “I have no idea why you would think that.”). 

After two hours of walking, they sat in the grass section for a while before moving again (“What has caught your eye?” “I just…looking at the little tufts in their planters…don’t you feel the urge to pet them?” “I had not. I find the varieties fascinating. It does not look like you are alone in feeling that way however.” “There’s quite an assortment of grasses. It would be interesting to see how they feel.” “The more you speak, the more I see your childlike curiosity. Come on, we shall go pet the plants.” “Thank you for indulging me. Though I think you are also using me as an excuse to do it yourself as well.” “What can I say? Your words drew my attention and influenced me.”). 

Half an hour later they were in the nursery and gardening shop not far from the Botanical Gardens. Vyn browsed some of the grass seeds as he pondered whether to grow a small planter of better feeling ones at home. The next time Vyn looked up, Artem was out of sight, but he could hear him, seemingly trying to calm and talk his way out of a situation. 

Rounding some potted plants in the way, he came across the attorney trying to turn down an elderly man insisting on his help in moving a potted tree and also preventing him from trying to pick it up himself. 

“Sir, I believe a worker here can get a trolley for you and move it much more easily.” 

“You youngster! If you can’t do it, then get out of my way! I c’n lift it meself!” 

“I really don’t recommend that action as you could cause injury to yourself. They have clear signs saying to request help in the moving of plants, which means they can deny liability of injuries sustained in trying to move it yourself.” 

“If you don’t stop yapping and start lifting your side, I’ll sue you for injury in a minute!” 

“That’s not how suing works. And I am under no obligation to help you as I am not a worker here or desire to risk injury to myself.” Seeing the stubborn man move to lift the two metre plant by himself, Artem moved forward to stop him. He looked around for help as he did so and got a face full of yew pine as the pot tipped towards him. 

Having waved a worker over, Vyn rushed over to help Artem push the pot back upright. “Artem, are you alright?” 

Blue eyes watering a little, the alpha rubbed his face. “I think I’m okay.” Brushing against his eyes, he blinked a few times to make sure nothing went in. “It just got my face.” 

Seeing the brunette nod in assurance, Vyn then turned to the old man. “Now, this elder, you almost caused an injury on your insistence. I believe you owe my friend an apology.” He had a polite smile that didn’t reach his eyes. 

The old man blustered, “if he’da picked it up like I told ‘im to, it wouldn’ta fell on ‘im!” 

“That does not sound like an apology. It also does not seem like you are reflecting on your actions. I understand. You wish to pay monetary compensation to avoid damages to your reputation.” 

“What? I ain’t payin’ nothin’!” 

“I hear you. You wish to double the amount? Truly a venerable elder.” 

“I said I ain’t payin’ nothin’!” 

“My, Artem, did you hear him? He really wants to pay.” 

Artem looked at Vyn amused. “I did hear him.” 

Vyn raised an eyebrow towards the worker he had flagged down and just reached them. “Did you hear how this elder insisted on paying?” Vyn had flicked out his phone and started recording. 

Uncertain and bewildered, the poor beta male thought through what he heard and answered with a stutter, “I-I guess I did?” 

The elder roared. “Bullying! I’m being bullied by youngsters!” 

Vyn calmly turned back to him. “Did you not say and I quote, ‘I ain’t paying nothin’,’ end quote, twice to us?” 

“You know I did!” 

“Well then, a double negative means a positive. Your ‘ain’t’ and ‘nothing’ cancelled each other out, so you have been insisting on paying and we have accepted. We truly appreciate your generosity.” 

The old man flushed red. “Why you-you! You damned om-!” 

“Sir.” Artem’s voice rolled out. “I believe that is enough.” The atmosphere cooled. Standing tall and composed, Artem continued to speak after controlling the space. “This incident has gone far enough. If you had listened or stepped back at any point of this situation we could have prevented this from happening. In being stubborn, it has only caused the problem to escalate. It would do you well to recognise now is the time to reflect and make amends before you go too far.” 

Eyes darkened to turquoise steadily met the older man’s changing expressions, between embarrassment, stubbornness and grimacing. Eventually, he harrumphed as he looked away and muttered an apology. 

Artem accepted easily. “I hope you will take this incident to heart and have more patience, lest a similar incident occurs and you or others suffer the consequences.” 

Vyn, who had been watching cooly, gestured for the worker to take over. “I am glad that is all resolved. Let us go, Artem. Honestly, I leave you out of my sight for just a moment…” 

“I wish you hadn’t done that,” the taller man said as they walked away. “Why did you make yourself the target of his anger like that?” 

Vyn didn’t look back at Artem as he answered. “I was merely doing the same as you were, in teaching him a lesson. My method had a certain risk to it, but I was not in danger. As you said, he could have stepped back at any point, and if he really did get angry enough to make a move on me, he would have had a much more shocking lesson as to the consequences of his actions.” 

“Still, I would prefer if there was less risk to yourself in your methodology.” 

Vyn looked out across the nursery, bored and discontent. “I am not weak Artem Wing. I knew what I was doing. If you were not here, I might have handled it differently.” He looked back at Artem mockingly. “Actually if you were not here, it likely would not have happened at all.” 

The brown haired alpha had no response to that so they continued to walk out of the nursery in silence, Vyn no longer in the mood to buy plants. 

A few steps past the entrance, Artem broke the quiet. “Thank you by the way. For stepping in and helping. I do appreciate you coming to my aid. I don’t think you're weak. I just…wished you took care of yourself more.” 

Vyn's golden eyes took in Artem’s sombre countenance before looking away again.  

Artem wanted to protect him, prevent things before they happened, as he had learned, stop him from being cracked and broken. Vyn knew, though, he was already something broken, but had been put back together better, like the japanese art of kintsugi, gold between his cracks, making him shine better, so he wasn’t afraid of facing danger and hurling himself down again. He might shatter like powder and be able to be put together mixed with gold like new clay- 

Vyn wasn’t sure how to feel or respond. He could explain himself to the other man. But would Artem see the gold, or would he just see the fissures? Would he see past the gold and the fissures to see what was inside? 

Could he really hold a relationship? 

The silver haired psychologist sighed. This was what dating was for. To see if they could be together. Part of that was going to have to be learning to understand one another. Another part would be being transformed by one another. 

“It is not as if I do not cherish myself. But I will endeavour not to place myself in direct risk in the future.”

So the date ended on not quite a warm note, but not on a cold one either. 

It was around 4pm when they returned to Vyn’s residence. By now Vyn just wanted to hole up at home and not move. It would probably be the same tomorrow. He admitted as such to Artem and said it would be up to him if he wanted to stay or go, but he wouldn’t be up to entertaining or likely to be good company. 

“Is there anything I can do to make things easier on you?” 

Vyn considered Artem through his glasses from where he had paused next to the staircase. 

From the beginning the alpha had only been accommodating and reaching out, offering anything, everything. He really was making an effort. 

At the same time it was an effort not so much motivated by wanting to draw the relationship closer as now permitted by the change in dynamic and understanding of one another. Rather than rebuff his intentions, it would be better to at least try to meet him halfway. He had promised to treat the other with sincerity. So, it's not like he needed it but… Vyn looked away as he made his way up the stairs. 

Before he completely disappeared, the omega’s low baritone floated down. “You can scent the blanket you bought me.” 

Artem stood between the kitchen and the two armchairs. “Okay.” The agreement was spoken softly to himself. 

Artem deliberated about what he would do. He thought he could cook dinner and prepare an easy breakfast for the other man as well for the morning. He could stay for one more night. 

As he looked through the kitchen for ingredients and containers, the alpha thought about the past few days. He knew that relationships were complicated and messy. His job often had him encountering the problems of people relating to one another on all kinds of scales, large and small. So, he’d known that relationships were a rollercoaster, a cruise, an adventure, an investment and a battle. 

He’d rarely been in a relationship himself. More often the observer than a participant. 

What he hadn’t known by being an observer was how a relationship was a constantly shifting balancing act of yourself and another, a tug of war of feelings versus logic, juggled on top of fighting and compromising, being strong and being vulnerable, protecting and being protected, give and take, wants and needs, awareness and ignorance; all atop a beating heart that would sometimes rush or stop and disrupt the whole system. He found it was also a bit like fishing, requiring patience and learning the best conditions to get a reward and even then multiple tries.

His hands rubbed across the leaves of the chinese cabbage he was running under water. Setting it aside to drain for the dumplings he was going to make, he prepared the bamboo shoots. After also prepping the ginger, he went to get the bowl and flour to knead the skin. 

His time with Vyn had not been bad. When they were sharing space, it was almost comfortable. They could exist together in quiet. They could worked easily around one another. It was even possible to have fun. In those moments, Artem could see them being in a long term relationship. He could grow old like this. 

But those moments were not all there was to his relationship with Vyn. They did have their edges that rubbed wrong. Vyn kept things close to his chest. Artem didn’t begrudge him that. Relationships were a building of trust. It made getting closer and trusting in return a little harder but Artem knew this could only really take time. However, Vyn’s wariness manifested itself in a more aggressive manner; his speech, his manners pushing people away, manipulating their buttons and distracting from his true self. His words were his sword and his shield. Drawing out the omega’s trust and softness was a task in patience.

Artem pulled out the knife and started mincing the meat to create his own filling. 

If he hadn’t learned to pay attention to the omega’s actions along with his words, Artem may never have thought the other as having a heart that bled readily for others, never reached this point in friendship let alone thought more was possible. 

Or was it not that he had neglected to look closer but that the other man had finally started opening up to himself so there was something to see and notice? 

Artem’s hand paused in chopping. Slowly he restarted again. 

Artem tried to think of the differences between the Vyn of before and the Vyn of now. 

The Vyn of before was gentlemanly, able and willing to draw out faults. It could be said to be for improvement. It tended to feel like something between judgement and experiment. He could dig gently right at your weaknesses and step back without being affected by the outcome but waiting for the reaction. A spectator. 

Perhaps that was the important difference that Artem felt. Similar to himself, Vyn started getting his feet wet in getting involved. In stepping in the puddle of exposing himself, Artem recognised him reaching out. The first time he had felt it was when Vyn had given him first aid for the Kendricks case. 

His clinical assessment and tart words were put in context through the gentle and supportive hands, amber eyes pinched in concern. He’d reinforced it when they all visited him in the hospital and stopped him from working, enforcing rest. Helping him to sleep. The way he would share information and insights. Vyn protected others with words and actions that drew attention to him. He still acted like the outcome wouldn’t touch him, but he followed through to the conclusion. 

Now it felt like Vyn was wading in the waters, willing to get wet up to his thighs, meeting him halfway for this relationship. The silver haired man had been honest, sharing what he could, admitting when he couldn’t.  

“I think I want to try,” he took a firmer grip on his cup as he continued. “But I think there are at least two things we need to talk about first. There’s also some things that you should maybe know about me but I’m not ready to say at this point.” 

He had been acting and reacting.  

“I apologise for waking you,” Vyn whispered lightly. He clasped his blanket closed around him and shifted slightly on his feet, not sure how to take the other’s staring at him. “I just wanted to check on you.” 

The silver haired omega rearranged his yellow blanket to be a mini-nest in the curve of the alpha’s body and cuddled in. 

He had been curious. 

“Oh? Do you remember which plant you picked?” Vyn raised his brows in curiosity. 

“There’s your bamboo.” 

Saying what he personally wanted. 

“You can scent the blanket you bought me.” 

Artem started making jiaozi dumplings. He shaped them into ingots and piled the treasure, separating a portion that could be frozen and cooked later. 

Artem wasn’t sure where he was going with his thoughts, but having allowed his mind to wander through he found himself more settled in his feelings and commitment. Reflecting on the brief episode where things had seemed to cool between them after the nursery, even that had become a reassuring point to his decision to try dating Vyn. It was a difference that hadn’t destroyed them. Coming together again had been both agonising and easy. 

He enjoyed his time with Vyn. He did actually want this to work. 

There were still two months to go. 

The brown haired alpha put some dumplings to steam and another to pan fry. Waiting for them to cook, he mixed up three different sauces for dipping and boiled some water for tea. 

He liked the other man. But anything more was going to have to be carefully kept in a box. 

Like sly eyes, teasing smiles, warm body, soft purring, wide protective shoulders, silver hair in a golden glow of escaping light. 

Artem placed the dumplings on a tray along with the sauces and some cutlery and tea before going up the stairs. Turning right at the top he approached the few doors but wasn’t sure which to knock on. 

“Vyn? I made some dumplings for dinner if you would like to eat.” 

The shorter man’s voice came muffled through a door. “In here. The door on the left.” 

Artem moved to the door indicated, gave a quiet knock of warning before turning the knob and opening it, “Pardon me.” 

Looking up from the tray he was balancing on his hand, Artem was for a moment astounded to realise this was Vyn’s nesting room. Perhaps, more accurately the villa’s pack family room.

A large bay window was opposite the door. On the left of the door, in the corner was a fireplace, a low table with cushion seats and a tea caddy in the space before it. To the right of the door was a desk and two large armchairs and a couch, placed for easy access to the door, an alpha’s den set up. A low wall bisected the den from the back quarter where a cascade of blankets and pillows flowed, a pack’s lounging area or nursery. In the final corner between the fireplace and the window was the nest. A low double king sized bed at knee height, a rectangle style with the four corners curled gently up for a slight cradling effect. 

As the only occupant, Vyn had arranged the pillows to make it a smaller space before assembling some sheets on top. He squinted lazily without his glasses from where he lay beneath two blankets, a half of one curled under him, the yellow one Artem had given. 

The alpha in him wanted to rumble in satisfaction of his gift being so well received but he swallowed it down. 

He went to place his burden on the tea caddy. “Did you want to eat there or come to the table?” 

Vyn exhaled heavily through his nose before crawling out and moving to get his glasses from under one of the lifted corners of his nest. “I’ll join you at the table.”  

The omega hadn’t thought he would be hungry, but the sharp vinegar tang and smell of the dumplings were stimulating his saliva glands as he grudgingly strode in his silk pyjamas to the table. He stacked a couple of the cushion seats to sit comfortably and then adjusted the table to an appropriate height. 

He poured the tea while Artem placed the dishes before taking a seat on the cushions made for the alpha. Vyn also sat while he thanked Artem for the food. “You need not have made dinner again. I would have sent Ogier for something.” The beta butler and bodyguard could be annoyingly attentive and nosy at times but was a reliable help, especially when Vyn’s health took a turn. Vyn had him only occasionally come by to arrange things unless he called him for something special. Usually during a heat, he had some food and small snacks prepared.

“I enjoy cooking. And I wanted to leave you with something before I left tomorrow morning, since you said you didn’t feel like doing much. I should probably go back home to do the laundry and check on some of my own produce. I’ve placed some more dumplings in your freezer which you can steam, boil or pan fry. There is some sauce too in the fridge.” 

Vyn nodded in acknowledgment. “Do remember your macarons in the morning.” 

“I’ll put them on the counter top so I won’t forget.” 

They ate quietly, Vyn only managing a few despite how good it tasted. His stomach just didn’t want to be more than a little filled. “My apologies, Artem. It is truly delicious but I regretfully do not feel up to eating more.” 

“It’s not a problem, Vyn,” Artem quickly cleaned up the rest of the dumplings. “There’s no rule about the amount you have to eat.” He reassured the flagging omega. 

Vyn nodded his head again, not looking at the alpha. His pale fingers pinched the knee of his pyjamas as he resisted the urge to rub his legs together. He felt dry and cramped inside but knew rubbing would only make it feel like chafing. He pulled his glasses off again, allowing his vision to blur the distance. 

Artem stood and placed the dishes back on the tray before pausing. “Did you want me to scent the blanket now or in the morning?” 

Vyn slightly tensed before looking wide-eyed without his glasses at the taller man’s figure, giving an unobstructed view of his amber glass eyes and tear mole. His lips pursed and loosened, without saying anything, conflicted. Just as he was about to speak, Artem spoke up first. 

“Or would you like both?” The alpha’s blue eyes were gentle questioning where Vyn couldn’t see clearly. 

“If you would not mind,” the omega murmured. “If I am not awake in the morning, you need not wait for me and can go ahead with your day.” 

Vyn stayed seated, controlling his breaths to manage his feelings of being laid bare as Artem went to the nest. The alpha hesitated to pull out the blanket as he didn’t want to ruin the nest and inadvertently dislodge a wall, so he knelt beside the bed and reached out his arm, the wrist gland being the easiest to reach and brushed it along the fabric. 

Blurrily seeing Artem’s awkward but careful efforts, Vyn forgot the feeling of exposure and stepped towards the nest. “Here, allow me…” He put his glasses down and half stepped into the nest to pull the yellow blanket free and hand it to the attorney who stood up to receive it. 

Gathered in his arms, the attorney allowed the blanket to drape over his neck, shoulders and arms. On it, he could smell the omega’s own elegant floral pheromone buried in it. He had to restrain the impulse to bury his face and take in that fuller note of an omega in heat into his lungs. The alpha in him wanted to better taste the promise of life and fertility. 

Instead Artem calmed his own scent, sweet and calming, and let it out strong and steady to shower the blanket. 

Vyn allowed himself to sit kneeling on the bed while waiting for Artem to be done. 

Artem continued to fumble the blanket around for a minute to scent it completely before passing it back. 

The omega accepted the blanket back into his arms but stayed seated and thanked the other rather than immediately lie down and bury himself like he wanted to. 

“Good night then Vyn. I’ll tap on your door in the morning to see if you’re awake. If not, I'll go and lock the door behind me.” 

“Good night Artem. That shall be fine. Thank you for spending my birthday with me and for the gifts.” 

The psychologist watched the other man leave the room and shut the door before finally allowing himself to curl into the blanket and flop into his nest. He was dozing almost instantly. 

Artem cleaned up the kitchen, pulled out his macaron boxes and then prepared for bed. He wasn’t too worried about what time he would wake. He was naturally an early riser. Even if he slept in, he decided it would not be a loss if it meant he could find Vyn awake in the morning to give him what he wanted. 

The next morning, Artem awoke at his usual time. He gathered all his things and placed them at the front door ready to go before making his way back upstairs again to check on Vyn and say his goodbyes if he was awake. 

A quiet knock didn’t seem to yield any answer after waiting a while, so Artem tried one more time before he would leave. This time, a barely there response managed to come through the door.

Cautiously, in case he heard wrong, Artem opened the door to the nesting room. 

Vyn was lying on his front, one arm dangling over the edge from his elbow, which he swayed in greetings to indicate he was awake. 

“Good morning Vyn,” Artem greeted in a hushed rumble as he drew closer. 

“Good morning,” Vyn mumbled sleepily. He’d had a good sleep. He could do with having more. He was wrapped in the yellow blanket, the ends tucked under him. His other arm half heartedly tried to pull free from the wrapping. 

He managed to pull the side furthest from Artem mostly free and flopped it over the edge to the attorney. He curled up in the slightly cooler room, refusing to move anymore and get off the last side. 

Artem hid a smile as he gathered what blanket he could and started scenting it again. Idly he thought how it would be nice to lay down with Vyn for another morning. 

Before long, he was done and conscientiously arranged the blanket back over the platinum blonde who just watched tiredly. 

“I’ll be going then. Rest well and message me when you’re feeling better.” 

Vyn hummed in acceptance and let his eyes slip shut as the door clicked closed. 

Artem spent the Sunday doing his neglected chores and catching up on the work that had been piling up. He then went to work the next day as normal, occasionally messaging Vyn to check on him. 

Vyn spent most of Sunday as he said, unsociable at home. He did message Artem a few times, but besides eating and checking on his garden, mostly dozed in his nest, catching up on rest while he had the scent of the alpha and safety with him. 

Monday, Vyn made himself work and move as normal. His heats had been playing up over the last few months. Usually heats only lasted three days but since May Vyn’s had changed to four days and then his last one had been five. The intervals between them had also become shorter, from four and a half weeks apart until it reduced to three and a half weeks. 

It was like his confused body was calling out for an alpha or to be accepted into a pack by advertising itself, even as he rejected those he found unacceptable. It was seeking safety as quickly as possible.

Trying to resolve things as quickly as possible certainly aligned with his own wishes, but his condition’s methods just caused unwanted attention. 

Still, he couldn’t delay work even if he felt like crap more often and the information Artem had found while on his trip really had opened up some avenues of investigation. He cycled between ignoring the looks and rebuffing advances or holding his pheromones down and dealing with the discomfort and nausea.

It was easier when he was out with Artem. They managed to go out again on Wednesday, in the midst of NXX investigations and their usual work, at the tail end of his heat to the Oceanarium. The lush scent of his pheromone was fading but still present. However, he didn’t have to hold it back as walking with the alpha had kept others at bay. 

Vyn had never been to Stellis City’s underwater Oceanarium before and Artem again had only been once when he was younger. They’d had some interesting discussions over the various trivia in the aquariums, Artem skimming through to point out bits he found interesting and Vyn talking on the fascinating properties, behaviours and habits. 

Both were quite taken by the octopus and its intelligence, but then Artem started on ways he could also cook it, at which point the creature hid itself away as if knowing there was a predator. Vyn looked at Artem accusingly but they still enjoyed a seafood dinner at the underwater restaurant. 

They went to see the penguins before they parted for the day and joked about who would look more like a penguin dressed in a tuxedo, Marius with his black hair, or Luke with a black cap added. The two then planned to see if they could get Althea to have that competition and be convinced to take photos. While exiting, they debated whether they would have to sacrifice their own dignity to find the results. 

They made plans to squeeze out a visit to the museum on Sunday from their schedule, an interesting exhibit on display for the three kingdoms dynasty including a separate section for the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with some holograms and virtual tour interaction. It was made to be quite elaborate and even after running for two weeks, was still popular. 

6th October 2030, Sunday morning, Autumn

The streets on the way toward the museum were quite busy. Artem found himself stopping in the crowd to check on Vyn every once in a while until at one point he had to put an arm around the shorter man’s shoulder, whilst Vyn’s arms also clung around his chest to stay close as they squeezed through a gap between two tourist groups. 

Bursting out through to the other side to the entrance of the museum, they took in each other's bewildered and ruffled looks before breaking into laughter. 

Wiping an eye as he chuckled, Artem commented, “I would have thought the excitement would die down by now, but it seems even more popular than ever.” 

Vyn smiled as he tidied his clothes. “I almost doubted we would make it here for a moment. Truly, a battle as part of the entrance to the museum, the exhibit is already living up to its subject.” 

Once presentable again, Artem led the way, his right hand loosely grasping the arm of the psychologists, half afraid he would lose him in the lines into the building. With his left, he tapped on his phone to access the tickets he had already purchased beforehand, so they were able to skip the public queue to the smaller premium one. 

As part of their experience, they received a pair of VR glasses and a choice of whether to dress up to fit within the period. The employees were rather enthusiastic in recommending them to try on the costumes, eyes shiny at the two good-looking men. These two walking around in costume would be good advertising, so they could probably give them a discount for the hire. 

After a short discussion with one another, they agreed. Vyn especially having had to battle through the crowd and inadvertently getting some foreign pheromones on him was amenable to a switch of more sterile clothes for a while. The workers immediately lit up and brought forward many choices.  

Browsing through the fabric and asking information of the occupations some of them were for, Vyn settled on an elegant swordsman hanfu. The travelling physician was tempting but he didn’t want to carry the bamboo backpack the whole time. He put on the pale blue undergarment, then the off white inner robe with thin silver lines down its length, slightly thicker silver at the hem as it crossed over his chest. A pale blue belt with a narrower patterned silver stitched band through the middle served to hold it tight to his waist. An aqua frost overcoat with the typical wide sleeves went over the top. He accepted a white sheathed sword prop and wore the shoes before moving to get his hair styled with quick extensions that was then tied low, the bangs on each side having a jade style clasp midway down. His belt was accessorised with a jade ornament with silver thread tassels. He seemed to personify a cold mountain frost. 

Artem had a harder time choosing between the noble or the minister's costume. Seeing Vyn's outfit, he finally went for a scholar’s robe. When he came out after changing, he had on a white undergarment with a pale grey inner robe with subtle smoke patterns on the fabric. It was held closed by a wide grey belt, tied by a darker grey sash with pine leaf patterns. For an overcoat, he had a simple steel blue robe with a knotted rope along the lapel. His hair, they left most of his bangs but lengthened the back, before tying the hair behind his ears in a high tail with a steel blue ribbon and leaving two longer lengths of hair to be free besides his fringe. The blue of his outfit served to bring out Artem’s eyes. For an accessory, they gave him a calligraphy brush and satchel. 

Standing together, they looked noble and calm. After thanking the group for their help, the two ventured out. At the threshold of the exhibit they stopped to look at each other. 

A bit of a helpless smile formed on their faces. They had gone with the flow in getting the costumes, but the vibe between them seemed to change with the costumes. They hardly looked like two people going on a date! 

With a chuckle, they let it be and proceeded deeper into the museum. Coming to the split between true history and the romanticised version they eventually chose to go the romanticised first as they theorised that it would get more crowded later and it could be seen that it was already quite busy now. 

As the two men ventured into the crowd again, Artem subconsciously grasped Vyn’s hand, not wanting to be separated. Vyn looked at the other in surprise, but only saw the other focused on moving forward, probably not even aware of what he had done. Due to the multitude of people, he allowed it, not saying anything to see if the brunette would notice. 

They managed to weave through the virtual streets to find stalls of games and shops set up. Artem had previously read through the stories and history, more recently giving the novels another skim, allowing him to do well on a number of quizzes. Somehow not even needing to answer the last question in calligraphy phased him. He got folding fans with ink paintings on them for both Vyn and himself as a prize through his accumulated points. Vyn’s was a landscape of a mountain forest whilst he had a stag. 

Vyn tried his hand at the archery and sword fighting booths. The particular style of equipment was not what he was used to so it wasn’t his best but he still fared much better than the majority against the virtual opponents. For his prizes, he almost chose the headpieces but considering they both didn’t usually have long hair, he switched to the jade waist ornaments. Since he placed quite well, the yupei he got to choose from were of a slightly higher tier. The two he picked were in similar style, one a dragon, the other a phoenix, carved onto a small rectangle of jade. 

He slightly raised an eyebrow, curious whether the other man would have any particular reaction when handing him the phoenix pendant. In symbolism, the phoenix was usually associated with the more feminine energy, whilst the dragon was masculine. He gave it purely because he thought it suited the other man more, though. 

Artem merely accepted it with pleasure. He was happy to put it on with the costume, but also thought it could be used as a charm on a phone, bag or umbrella. It may be better to put it away except for special occasions for its intended purpose so as not to risk losing it, though. 

They continued on their way, mostly observing, and only getting a prize each at one more booth where they guessed a riddle on a lantern. 

In selecting his take away, Artem’s eyes focused on one in particular without moving for a moment. His blue eyes darted nervously to the omega beside him, before reaching out a hand to pick up a gold and white pear flower hair clip. Cautiously moving and watching for any sign of rejection, he raised it and clipped it to the silver hair just in front and slightly above the curiously watching omega’s left ear. Once sure it was properly and securely in place, he withdrew his hands and showed a small smile of pleased satisfaction at his handiwork. 

“It suits you.” 

Vyn gazed up at the brunette, one hand rising to carefully touch the ornament placed beside his head. He wasn’t sure how it appeared but ultimately left it at the look on the alpha’s face. For his part, he took a hairpin that looked like a branch carved from juniper wood, a few artfully placed blue gems like leaves on the thick end. He reached out and seemingly almost haphazardly poked it through the brunette’s hair tie. 

He then turned and walked away while the taller man was still surprised, causing the alpha to hurry after him as he felt the pin in his hair. 

Whilst they had been travelling from booth to booth, they had been the focus of many eyes. The two were handsome and being dressed in costumes, they especially stood out. From the start where they looked like two mismatched friends, it tickled the hearts of many watchers, thinking of making a move but watching the two was almost like watching a bit of live drama; they were loath to interrupt the illusion.  

The blithely certain way that the tall alpha answered the questions was entertaining, and he looked especially refined when finishing with brushwork. The silver haired omega’s skill with the bow and sword were a surprise but pulled off with elegant skill. 

Seeing them give each other little trinkets won saw the thoughts of many pause as they reassessed what the relationship between these two might be, not to mention their skill truly made some doubt if they were cosplayers or arranged entertainment, making people hesitant to approach. Finally when they had given each other hair ornaments, their relationship seemed to become clear if not whether they were entertainment or fellow guests, the careful way the taller of the two had been placing the hair clip too delicate with the gaze of the smaller man staring back through his glasses, intense. Seeing the beautiful omega not reject it seemed to confirm the speculation that these two were together, causing sighs of regret and acceptance as they watched them move away.

Little murmurs and sneak shots had been happening as people watched, and the two men seemed to have accumulated an unconscious small following as if they were a live action act played out in the museum.

Artem caught up to Vyn a little further down towards the section of the museum that had been made into a food street cafeteria. Exchanging glances, they agreed to have lunch. They had to be careful with the food they chose and how they ate, seeing as they were in borrowed clothing. Not that there would be any penalty after paying for the premium experience, but they still had the historical side of the museum to see and it would feel awkward to wander further with stained clothing. They therefore ordered some stir fried noodles with no sauce and a couple of skewers along with some tea and found a small table to eat. Both worked out how to eat with the billowing sleeves and before long looked elegant and refined, as if it were natural to be like this. 

They made some small talk but during the course of the meal, Vyn’s eyes began to dart about and Artem had a small frown form between his eyes. The two’s eyes then met again. 

Artem’s head tilted towards the other museum goers and masses around them and his eyes held a question. Are they…? 

Vyn placed his chopsticks down with a faintly displeased face and nodded. 

Artem straightened as he also placed his chopsticks down with a stern face. 

The two men then turned to face a small audience watching them, some with their phones and camera’s out.  

“Is there a reason you all seem to be filming us without permission?” the attorney questioned. 

The question garnered mixed reactions of shock, guilt and confusion. “Are you not part of the museum experience?” One bold tourist asked. 

The psychologist raised an eyebrow. “You can see that there are other people around in costumes and the sign should have been at the entrance that cosplaying could be part of the experience. Why would you think we were any different from other visitors?” 

“Because you look too good!” One omega girl blurted out. A few other people nodded in agreement and emboldened, she continued, “also you two showed some skills in some of the booths.” 

The two once more looked at each other with exasperated and resigned faces. 

“Be that as it may,” the alpha once more spoke first, “we are here in a private capacity. We’ll ask that you do not follow us and refrain from posting our pictures with our faces.” 

“Indeed,” Vyn nodded, “it would be preferable to delete the pictures, but understanding human nature, at the very least, please respect our privacy and do not share it with our identities exposed.” Knowing the sometimes rebellious nature of people, and already being somewhat public figures, the strategy of contrasting a complete ban to just asking for anonymity would hopefully gain better compliance.

The psychologist then turned back to his meal and picked up his tea in a clear dismissal. Artem’s strict gaze also served to disperse the group with some murmured apologies, though a few daring ones still lingered from further away. 

Sighing, the alpha returned to his meal as well. “Dressing up had some unexpected consequences despite the chance to experience things more authentically.” 

Vyn sipped his tea and then moved to finish off his noodles. “It can be managed. We can try asking DAVIS to keep watch and modify any pictures that fail to comply with our request.”

Artem dipped his head in assent. “I’ll do that now.” He sent off the request to DAVIS and before long had a response. 

“Two pictures found and faces blurred, Dr Wing.” 

“That was fast.” 

“Not at all, Dr Wing. Checking the data of all the people who had been in the location of the museum for the past two hours and checking their uploads and connections was very easy.” 

“Ah, that was…much appreciated DAVIS. Thank you.” 

“A pleasure to be of service. I shall continue to monitor the posts of all present.” 

The alpha put away his phone before admitting, “I meant people already posting pictures.” 

Vyn half smiled at him in amusement. “It may not be so fast if you consider that we have no idea how long they have been taking pictures of us,” he pointed out. 

“That’s true,” the attorney acknowledged. He then met the gaze of Vyn, a thought having risen in him. “Did you want to have any pictures taken?” 

The silver haired man blinked. “Pictures?” Vyn's expression went from puzzled to contemplative. A small teasing smile then formed as his sunglow eyes reengaged with Artem’s aqua and he leaned forward on the table. “Would it be to commemorate our date?” 

The brunette flushed slightly. “I don’t know. I mean, we dressed up but it seems mostly other people are getting to see it. It would be a waste not to be able to save it for ourselves. But yes, it could also be a record of our date?” He would not bury his face in his hands no matter how strong the urge and how warm his face felt. 

The psychologist chuckled lightly at the other’s dodging eyes. “It would be a waste,” he agreed. “I think there were some dedicated spots for photos and short videos. We can go and take a look after a walk to digest.” 

Artem let out a controlled breath, relieved as he returned to calm and they both stood up from the table to go. 

Vyn’s bright eyes flashed toward the once more collected man and he couldn’t resist one last quip. “Then we can figure out whether to take a picture separately, together or very together.” 

Artem darted a look back at Vyn, slightly mortified from the mischief but just shook his head as the other man almost skipped away with delighted laughter and trailed after, a smile of his own forming on his face, faintly fond and helplessly indulgent. 

They decided to start touring the historical side of the exhibit before visiting the photo and video taking booths halfway. During this time, Vyn found that Artem was a bit of a geek, having lots of information and tidbits to share from books he had read, documentaries he had watched and mentioning some plots from both factual history in comparison to that portrayed in the dramatised version. It brought a new dimension to their tour with the omega finding himself more entertained than he thought he would be from the enthusiasm of the alpha. 

It was different. When he had been taken on outings or dates before, it would usually involve someone showing off their knowledge to impress. Even he was guilty of it. But with Artem, he might be sharing a lot of knowledge, but he was doing it out of sheer joy and excitement. 

Vyn’s gaze couldn’t help being drawn towards this shining child-like man. He seemed to disarm him without even trying. Or perhaps that was the important difference. He wasn’t even trying. Someone so unpretentious was fascinating. It warmed him and let a part of Vyn relax. 

At the designated crossroads, they moved towards the media booths. The cheaper end had booths where you used holograms to choose backgrounds to take pictures. The middle then ranged between more physical setups that could be interacted with for still shots to those set up for short video with some holographic elements that could be added in. The most costly was the virtual room scenery setups with randomised small scripts that visitors could try acting out with the help of some holograms with a choice between a mini drama or a music video or paying an even bigger sum for both. There were quite a few that progressed through them all or at least as much as they could afford, starting from the cheapest and then moving their way up. 

After observing how it all worked, they decided to follow the crowd and try out everything. The still shots they did individually, just to get an idea of what they looked like beyond the momentary view in the dress up mirror. They knew they had garnered attention but had not had a real chance to see themselves as others saw them in the historical setting. It was a bit strange to see themselves like an image of a past life, but it was relieving to know for certain that they didn’t look weird. 

As such, they were a bit more relaxed for the next booths up where they could interact with the set. This time they chose to do two individual shots and then meld the scene to take a shot together. 

Artem chose to do some calligraphy at an outdoor pavilion during spring for his individual shot. He picked up the brush and the virtual environment was able to create the ink and form writing as he brushed on the paper. 

Vyn chose to read a book by the incense burner and had the environment form the faint smoke from it. He had the same outdoor pavilion from a different angle during the winter season. 

The two then sat at the same table and continued with their previous shot. It became a scenery of calm serenity, two men existing in the same space harmoniously. The background progressed from winter to spring as a wind passed through and stirred the smoke and papers. Both men paused what they were doing to look up and observed the flowers blooming before looking at each other and smiling. 

A few people watching sighed at the scenery. It was such a simple but serene short video. Most people had tried for something fun and goofy or dramatic. Good for the memories but they had to acknowledge that there was something special about this type of shot too. Some wondered if these weren’t a couple of models trying to add to their portfolio. 

“Oh, these turned out quite well.” Artem peered at the images on the screen for sending to their phones or emails. He sounded surprised. 

“Not bad,” Vyn agreed, a finger unconsciously stroking the side of the still of both of them. He then quickly inputted his details to have a copy sent to him. Artem also entered his details. 

“I feel a little better about taking on the next one now.” Artem admitted. 

“You were nervous?” the omega jested. 

“I know we’ll just be doing this for fun, but I can't help wanting it to turn out well. I watch and comment on so many works that it would feel a little embarrassing to do really badly.” 

“Is that so?” Vyn took in the abashedly smiling alpha. He then lifted his chin in confidence. “In that case I shall endeavour to present my best acting. I’m sure we will be able to create something at least halfway decent.” 

The two men then proceeded to the area set aside for the short drama videos. They input the number of people and the character type they were playing. Artem input scholar/minister for himself and Vyn selected scholar/swordsman. They selected open to virtual character interaction. Having experience of thinking and reacting on the spot in their investigations, they chose a half ad-libbed script. They left the genre open as they couldn’t decide. 

A very basic script was created with the bare details of the scene listed and the details up to the actors to play out. 

Scene 1: Actor A (scholar/minister) and Actor B (scholar/swordsman) meet up and recognise each other. Interaction over a period of time is recorded (5-7 scene changes). 

Scene 2: Actor A is a promising young minister with some ideas and records that threaten the interest of some parties. There is discussion that he needs to be eliminated. Actor B becomes aware of the plans to eliminate Actor A. Actor A and Actor B encounter each other. 

Scene ends with both actors rushing off stage. 

Scene 3: Actor A with Actor B present, surrounded by a hostile group. 

Scene ends with one actor leaving the stage. 

Scene 4: Actor that left finds Actor that stayed. 

Scene 5: Epilogue 

Up to 5 minutes was allocated for each scene with time being able to be transferred between scenes. Two takes were possible per scene. The booth was booked for up to two and a half hours. 

“This…leaves a lot of leeway,” Artem looked thoughtful. 

“Indeed,” Vyn’s gold eyes raked over the script for any more information. “It doesn’t specify the type of relationship we are to interact in so it is left up to us. Most people would no doubt immediately fall back to what they are familiar with. The possibilities of this script are in fact very open. These characters could be friends, enemies, lovers, superior and subordinate or even something that develops into any variation of these with the first scene interaction records.” 

Artem’s high ponytail swayed as he nodded in agreement. He then looked at the shorter man. “How do you want to play this?” 

“I think we can start off as seeming like friends who lost contact with each other. From there, we can play it by ear.” He peered up into blue eyes. “It should bring out the more authentic acting and expression, no?” There was some intrigue in his smile. 

“Very well.” The attorney’s lips also curved up in interest. “It might make the story more interesting if we are coming from different angles.” 

“A comedy or a tragedy maybe.” The two men chuckled together at the prospect of using their acting skills just for some fun instead of cracking people open for a case for once. 

“Let’s pick the scene settings.” 

“Scene start.” 

At the gates to a bustling city, a man in steel blue robes and brown hair tied high strode forward, about to enter. He passed through the crowds easily. Over the noise, he suddenly hears a voice and feels a hand grasp his robe. 

“Zuo Ran, is that you?” 

With a jolt, Artem turned around. They hadn’t discussed names, but something about that one seemed to… 

“Mo Yi?” Gold eyes widened for a moment before condensing once again. 

“So it is you. It has been two and half years since you left the town. I wasn’t sure we would ever cross paths.” The pale man’s hand slipped down as he straightened his form. 

The taller man turned to face him fully, before seeming to note they were in the middle of traffic and making them move out of the way. “How are you here?” 

Following the brunette, Mo Yi answered. “I left 6 months after you did. I’ve been wandering around but I thought I heard rumours about you so I came in this direction to see if fate would let us meet.” He flashed a faint smile to the other. “Sure enough, I saw you.” 

Zuo Ran smiled back. “It is good to see a familiar face. Let us catch up. And if you have no destination, would you like to travel together?” 

The silver haired man’s head dipped for a moment, shadowing his eyes before raising again. “I would like that.” 

The scenes then changed to them eating together at an inn, chatting easily. The taller man would listen intently to the other, posture upright. The shorter man’s gaze would also watch the other as he gestured. Despite the busyness of their surroundings, they were in a world of two. 

Another scene change and the two seemed to have been together a while, travelling through the dry grass beside a river bank. They seemed to be discussing something and then they both stopped for Mo Yi to make a few simple gestures with his sword. 

He then offered the blade to Zuo Ran who held it awkwardly and tried to do the same. A laugh from the shorter man as the brunette looked embarrassed and then Mo Yi sidled up to him and began correcting his stance and hold. Before long, Zuo Ran was executing the swings decently. He handed the sword back freely afterwards. 

Mo Yi watched as he walked away, his usual smile missing, eyes complicated. 

Zuo Ran was also not smiling, face blank, he looked down at the hand that had held the sword, that had given it back. Opening and closing into a fist, he exhaled. He closed his eyes for a moment before fixing his face and turning back to call out. “Mo Yi, are you still coming?” 

The smaller man had a gentle countenance again and started towards the other. “Of course.” 

Scene change to a city market street. The season seemed to have become cooler. Bustling with activity it seemed to be a night festival and the two men walked from stall to stall. They admired lanterns and sugar art. They meandered until they reached the edge of the light spilling and ventured to a dim pavilion looking out over still waters. Mo Yi took a seat next to the railing and gazed out into the sky. Zuo Ran set up at the table pulling out some paper and writing utensils and proceeded to dip his brush. 

Scene change and it was day. It looked like it was past winter and they were walking down down the streets of wealthy households. Zuo Ran would occasionally stop at a door and pass a letter to a servant before continuing on. 

Idly as they kept going Zuo Ran broke the silence. “It may be time to go our separate ways soon.” 

Mo Yi’s face didn’t falter from his gentle smile. “Nonsense. I have nowhere to be so following you suits me just fine.” 

The brunette had no answer so they continued in silence, if perhaps walking a little closer together. 

Night in an inn room. Mo Yi lay in the bed closest to the window, back to the rest of the room. His face was blank and eyes were clearly awake. 

He didn’t move as the occupant of the other bed sat up and looked over at his back. “Mo Yi?” was quietly questioned. The silver haired man didn’t respond. 

Zuo Ran then moved out of bed and paused once at the door to observe the man still laying in bed, before quietly exiting. 

After a few moments, the silver haired man got up and climbed out the window. He followed the taller man as he moved through the streets and when he was heading towards the gate to the outside, vanished to appear outside the gates waiting for the other man. 

As Zuo Ran stepped outside, he was startled to find Mo Yi waiting to the side just past the gate. 

The shorter man stepped towards the taller one almost menacingly, face stern. “You’re not leaving me behind again.” 

The two stood facing each other at a standoff. 

Eventually, Zuo Ran softened first, letting out a helpless sigh. “As you will then.” 

Gracious in victory, Mo Yi also eased his stance and gestured to him to go first before falling into step beside him. 

Sitting at a restaurant at night, Mo Yi sips his tea alone. Behind him some lords pass with their servants. A sandstorm was in his eyes as he caught some of their words. 

“That upstart writing notices is starting to cause waves and disrupting the balance.” 

“We can’t leave him be. If this keeps going we could lose our status and productivity will drop.” 

“That’s what we are here to discuss tonight. Now hush until we get into the room.” 

As the door to the room closes, Mo Yi pays for his tea and wanders outside. Finding the window he wants, he moves between a large empty basket and some crates to eavesdrop. Before long, raucous laughter comes from the room and the silver haired man quietly leaves. 

In the room where Zuo Ran is writing once again, Mo Yi enters quickly. 

“We need to go.” 

The seriousness of the shorter man’s face convinces Zuo Ran to ask no questions and immediately clears his things. They rush out. 

In the pale early morning light, cornered at a cliffside, Zuo Ran stood behind Mo Yi who had his sword out to face five other hostile men also armed with blades.  

Zuo Ran looked down the cliff nervously before looking forward at the attackers. He then looked at Mo Yi still standing fiercely before him. “Mo Yi.” 

“You shut your mouth Zuo Ran. If anyone is going to kill you, it’s me for your obstinacy.” 

Zuo Ran closed his eyes briefly. “I’m sorry.” 

“Shut up!” Mo Yi angrily took a step forward to swipe and made the enemy back up before retreating back again, guarding tightly. “I chose to be here.” 

“That’s not quite what I’m apologising for.” 

“Then w-!” An arm came around the shorter man and with a pull, Zuo Ran was in front of him with a gentle smile. 

“You still have a lot to live for.” Gold eyes widened as he felt a push. 

Pupils contracted as wind rushed past. “ZUO RAN!” 

Above, the attackers seemed to stagger as Zuo Ran released pheromones while turning around and he lunged to disarm one person, claiming the sword for himself before attacking. 

Mo Yi made his way furiously over the terrain, intent on following the river and the rising land. It was evident from the reddish golden glow that it was late afternoon. He reached the cliff where he had been pushed off, littered by the familiar hostile but dead bodies. 

Wrinkling his nose at a lingering scent he quickly moved past the corpses to follow it to the treeline. Some flattened vegetation and blood led him to the one he was trying to find. 

Lying in a patch of light among the shadows was Zuo Ran. 

Coming to stand beside him, Mo Yi raised his sword high and brought it down, plunging it next to Zuo Ran’s head. 

The brunette smiled gently, eyes still closed. 

The shorter man sank to his knees as his shaking hands came beside the brunette’s head. 

Blue eyes revealed themselves at the touch. 

Mo Yi’s face was blank. “I should strangle you. Kill you and claim the bounty.” 

“You could probably still claim the bounty.” 

Tears shimmered in amber eyes even as the silver haired man’s face turned angry. “You’re such an infuriating fool!” 

Zuo Ran reached up one arm to gently swipe at wet eyelashes, causing them to overflow and spill. “I was trying to avoid this.” 

Mo Yi sneered. “Try that lie on someone who hasn’t been travelling with you.” The hand on his wet cheek dropped. 

Zuo Ran shook his head. “Do you remember what you told me before I left town three years ago?” 

The silver haired man breathed hard for a moment before speaking. “That your ideas were too big and dangerous and were going to get you and the people around you killed.” 

“I knew you were right. That’s why I left. I didn’t want anyone getting hurt.” 

Mo Yi’s fists clenched. “You could have dreamed smaller!” 

Zuo Ran exhaled as his eyes drifted closed. “You know I couldn’t.” 

Hands clenched the front of steel blue robes and began to shake, whether in anger or to keep him awake was hard to tell, but blue eyes opened again.  

Mo Yi was shouting. “Then you should have done something more while you were out! Why didn’t you make connections? Why didn’t you create an army? Why were you just doing things on your own?” His chest heaved. His voice whispered, “Why are you leaving me behind again?” 

“I wanted to make a change peacefully but I wasn’t enough. I still want the world to be a safe place for you.” Eyes drifted closed again. “Sorry. I promise to stay with you next time.” 

The small silver haired man seemed to shrink even smaller as he curled over slightly and a plaintive cry quietly wailed out into the forest. “What am I supposed to do now?” Only the rustling of the forest answered him. 

“Hologram off.”  

The room blanked to white, to reveal the two men still in costume on the plain floor, not far from a drop to a smart AI soft catch flooring. The lights that caused the special effects of blood wounds on their clothes also disappeared, leaving them pristine once more if a little wrinkled. 

Artem sat up and pulled off his virtual glasses and turned towards the omega beside him.  

Moving to a kneel, he gathered the omega emitting distressed pheromones into his arms in a tight hug. He paused for a moment to lift both virtual and actual glasses up from golden eyes, before pulling close again. 

Hands clenched tight into his robe. “You’re such a wretch!” 

Artem let out soothing waves of his own pheromone and brushed down the back of Vyn’s head, then down his back and hummed. 

As Vyn slowly settled, Artem pulled back. One large hand came up to wipe a pale cheek of wetness, thumbing at the beauty spot. “A question.” 

Vyn glared at the alpha. “What?” 

“Why did you call me Zuo Ran?” Eyes like the ocean looked intently at the shorter man. 

A puzzled frown came over Vyn’s face. “I don’t know, it just came out. Why?” His eyes then flashed to the other man. “And how did you come by the name Mo Yi?” 

Seeing his composure return to normal, Artem stood up and reached out a hand to the man still on his knees. “Just… it felt like I knew that name.” He looked up as if into the distance. “Like it was mine.” He looked back down at the omega as he pulled him up. “And it felt like that name was yours.” He looked perplexed. 

Not moving his gaze from the taller man’s, Vyn slowly nodded his head as he came to his feet. “It kind of felt like that for me too. When I saw you in that setting. And when you called me by that name.” 

“Strange.” Artem didn’t let go of the hand he still held. They looked at each other as if seeing something new. Or recognising something old. “Come on, we have to get off set.” He threaded his fingers through the omega’s and started moving them away, their eyes still not leaving each other. 

“Epilogue finished.” 

The AI voice seemed to wake up all those who had been watching outside the room. There was confusion and tears. 

As the two men left the room, they untangled their hands and Artem stretched from lying on the ground while Vyn reclaimed his glasses to clean. “I believe that turned out rather well for a couple of amateurs.” 

The alpha breathed out in agreement. “That was more intense than I was expecting. I wasn’t sure what we were doing for a moment.” 

“It did seem to start taking on a life of its own, didn’t it?” They moved towards the editing booth to see how the finished product was progressing. “So it turned out to be a tragedy with a hopeful ending?” 

Artem looked towards the AI edited short drama with interest and made a few changes and selections in some spots. They had done everything in one take as the room was able to film from multiple angles at high definition, giving a lot of options and coverage. “We kind of blurred the lines of reality with that epilogue. That will make this an interesting watch in the future. Especially after we reach December.” 

“It will indeed.” Vyn agreed. 

The AI created a 35 minute video and added some special effects for an opening and closing song. It also used footage from different angles and from the video to create a music video for them from a song of Vyn’s choosing. He added his own touch to the music with the software as well, making it truly unique and more fitting to the video clips. They then had it sent to their emails. 

Artem stared at the thumbnail playing on his phone as they left the booth. 

“What is it?” Vyn inquired at Artem’s conflicted expression. 

“I kind of want to show it off to the others and see what they would come up with, but it would mean confessing we came out here without them,” the alpha admitted. 

Vyn thought for a while before responding. “If we want, we can show them later. We don’t actually have to tell them anything except that we came across the exhibit and decided to enter. If we decide to only show them after December comes, I’m sure Marius can rent something with his resources if they really want to take on the challenge and the exhibit is closed.” 

Satisfied, Artem put his phone away, only for the two of them to be stopped by a group with shining eyes. 

“Excuse me! Are you willing to share your video?” 

“Are you going to debut?” 

“Was the epilogue an act or real?” 

Eager faces and starry gazes pushed towards them. To attract customers, people could watch the process as well as the video as it was being put together by the AI. Evidently they had garnered some interest. 

The two men exchanged glances. Artem stepped forward. ”I’m afraid that this was for private enjoyment. We don’t have any plans for sharing at the moment.” 

There were dramatic wails of despair. 

Vyn chuckled as he also stepped beside Artem. “We are not actors and are not planning to change careers. As for the epilogue…” He glanced mischievously at the tall brunette. “Who knows?” 

Artem huffed a breath in amusement. 

“Can you at least release the music video?” A couple of girls pleaded. 

The two men looked at each other. Artem tilted his head. “Maybe sometime in December.” 

Vyn blinked in acquiescence. 

More wailing. “December? That’s still two months away!” 

One of them stopped to ask an important question with a serious face. “But what platform will you release it on? What title? Hashtags?” 

Artem back stiffened as he began to be overwhelmed. “Ah…” 

Vyn spoke up. “If it does go up, I guess we will post it on Video Snap with Three Kingdoms Museum Music Video somewhere in the description.” 

“Okay! I’m going to set a reminder to check!” 

“Me too!” 

“It was too good! It will make me cry again.” 

The two men bowed politely as they made their escape. As they moved to continue walking the rest of the exhibit Artem murmured to Vyn, “do you think we should set a reminder to think about posting the music video as well?” 

“They seemed to be a rather intense group. We aren’t exactly unknown figures, so maybe we can put a reminder on the 10th, just in case.” 

The rest of the date went smoothly and they returned the costumes with a bit of relief. It had been an experience in more ways than intended. The museum asked if they could use their music video for propaganda purposes, somehow having heard from various tourists asking about a live action couple going through the museum, but they declined. They were asked to let them know if they changed their mind as the great success of the exhibit may see it becoming a permanent one that is regularly rerun. They agreed to think about it. 

Over the next week and a half they kept to lunch and dinner dates as they became busy again with work. 

The NXX team had been busy with investigations as well as their usual work for the last month and by the 11th of October they were all a little wound up. Tempers seemed a little short during the meeting. 

Artem finally put a stop to everything. “I think we’ve been working too hard and should take a break for a bit. It’s beginning to affect our ability to work together.” 

Vyn sighed out a breath as he agreed. “A small break would do us well. We have been working non-stop for a while now and it will only narrow our way of thinking. Most of our cases will not experience any changes in the short term. So unless there is something of immediate urgency, I would also suggest we take the time to relax for a few days. Unwind and get in touch with ourselves once more.” 

Slumping back, Marius was all for it. “I don’t remember when I last got to spend more than 20 minutes on a painting.” 

Althea and Luke also approved. 

“I’ll go to the skateboarding park and let out some energy.” Luke lay on the table as he shared his plans. 

“I might go shopping with some friends and visit a couple of cafes with them.” Althea was looking down at her phone for those who had messaged her lately. 

Vyn sipped from his tea before sharing, “My garden could use some more maintenance. I’ll spend the next while at home.” 

Artem stretched out his shoulders as his eyes went distant. “I haven’t been fishing in a while. I think I’ll see what I can catch.” 

Marius snorted at them. “You two are such old men with old men's hobbies.” 

Vyn dismissed his comment easily. “You speak as if painting makes you young.” 

“My age automatically makes me young.” 

“You were, however, pointing out our activities. Considering that you are studying art, perhaps it could be said that your hobby is also ancient.” 

The back and forth continued until somehow proof of youth was brought up and a whole group outing was planned to go clubbing next Friday night. 

As the date approached, Artem helplessly wondered which would hurt him more, to go clubbing or admit he was an old man to get out of it.  

“I haven’t really been clubbing before,” he admitted to Vyn over the phone two days before. 

“Everyone starts somewhere,” Vyn encouraged. “You will not be alone and I will make sure you are not lost in the crowd,” he teased at the end. 

“What do I even wear?” Artem despaired over the video call. 

“I’m sure you have something that will make you fit in. Or I can come over and help you select something before we go.” 

“Please.” Artem begged while bowing his head in thanks. Vyn laughed. 

18th October 2030, Friday evening, Autumn

On Friday night, Vyn was sure to be ready and then took a taxi to Artem’s place when the brunette messaged that he was on the way home. The omega was wearing purple tinted lenses with his hair tied back in a short ponytail and a barrette keeping back the left side of his fringe. He’d layered his clothes with a grey sleeveless shirt with a wide string collar, a black mesh vest shirt on top and a large oversized frost blue striped button up he had only half done up from the bottom, exposing his collarbones and shoulders. He had on black cargo pants with neon pink lines and black lace up boots. He’d further accessorised with a black arm sleeve on his right with white splash patterns on it and a set of bracelets on his left wrist. A trailing black ribbon collar with a silver pendant adorned his neck with a longer chain hanging a silver ring charm dangling to the centre of his chest underneath.  

It was a real transformation of the usual gentleman attire he wore and made him look like a young man ready to party.  

It was quite the contrast with Artem who was still in his work attire, sans jacket. When Artem opened the door, he found himself a bit speechless. 

He also wasn’t quite sure where to look. Which was strange. It was strange, wasn’t it? He didn’t have this problem before. But he had now become more aware of the other man and his exposed shoulders and collarbones, the beauty spot on the right collarbone in particular, decolletage, were all causing him distraction and not knowing where to set his eyes. 

After dodging his eyes a little, Artem straightened his face and hoped he wasn’t giving away his fluster though he could feel the warmth of his ears. He moved aside from the door to allow the omega in and pulled out some house slippers. 

Vyn definitely noticed the pink of the alpha’s ears and the eyes that avoided him after taking him in. A kind of proud delight rose within his chest and his usual slight smile grew bigger and more genuine as his eyes lit up. He wanted to strut past as he entered the alpha’s home but resisted while mentally noting the reaction. 

Artem took a moment to further compose himself as he closed the door. “Have you eaten? Should we eat before going out?”  

Switching out his shoes, Vyn pulled out his phone to look up the details of the selected nightclub and the group chat of when and where they would be meeting up. “The nightclub will only have snacks and finger foods available so it would probably be best to eat beforehand. We shall be meeting the others to eat first and then going in together so you just need to freshen up and get changed.” He looked up to the other man still standing near the door. “Show me your wardrobe. Have you had any thoughts about suitable clothes?” 

“I have some shirts that might work? Maybe some of my sports clothes?” Artem made his way towards his stairs. In his room, Artem pulled out a few of his choices for Vyn’s approval. Vyn considered them and asked the attorney if he could browse through his wardrobe. 

“Sure,” Artem agreed. “You look through and pull out what you think will work and I’ll just quickly wash up. Okay?” 

Vyn nodded and waved him off as he began to look through the alpha’s pants. Artem grabbed a change of underwear before going into his ensuite to clean up. 

Seven minutes later, the hair dryer could be heard. 

Vyn looked at the two outfits he had put together on the bed. It was a mix of the clothes Artem had pulled out and some added elements Vyn had chosen. 

When Artem came out, he had a towel wrapped around his waist and his top was bare. He paused for a moment at seeing the omega still in his room before walking towards him and the two outfits laid out. “How did you go?” 

Vyn looked over before his gaze quickly darted away to the two choices again. He shifted on his feet feeling a prickling awareness on his skin of being in the presence of an almost naked toned male alpha figure. “I thought I would give you a choice.” 

He gestured to the first setup that incorporated more of what Artem had initially brought out of a charcoal graphic tee with a black, lightweight sleeveless zip up hoodie with cyan accents. It was paired with black and grey long shorts and accessorised with a thick silver chain along the left side of his belt loops, a singular black elbow sleeve and a single red wrist sweat band, a red wristband and black half glove. A black double loop cord with a silver pendant was also laid with it as well as some clear black rimmed glasses. “This one gives off a youthful vibe and should be easy to move in without getting overheated.” 

He then gestured to the next choice. The other set was a shiny steel blue button up shirt with only a few buttons in the middle done up and the sleeves folded back. Black slim jeans had been arranged underneath with an over long charcoal belt with silver buckle and excess length left free to hang. Beside it lay some leather corded bracelets. “If you are feeling more confident, this one brings a bit of temptation as you are not allowed to button it all up. This is more about showing off what you’ve got. The necklace on the other one would work with this outfit too.” 

Artem rocked back slightly from where he had been gravitating towards the familiar button up. Much as he knew others admired his looks, he wasn’t sure about actually flaunting it. He wasn’t exactly going to the club to garner attention. He looked between the two outfits again. “Since I’m not going to the club to attract anyone, I think it would be safer to go with the first outfit.” 

Vyn nodded. “Very well, then I shall leave you to get dressed. I’ll meet you downstairs.” And if he discreetly ran his eyes down the length of the alpha’s torso as he turned around and walked past, that was for him to know. He put his hands in his pockets as he strolled out. 

Before long Artem came down, fully dressed. They changed from house slippers to boots and sneakers, the alpha locked the door and they were on their way to meet the others at a kebab shop near the club which was situated between the Golden Beach Industrial Zone and North Stellis. 

They were the last to arrive though they still made it before half past seven. It seemed Althea had taken a taxi, Luke had joined Althea in the taxi and Marius had his driver drop him off. 

Luke looked like he had dressed in the sporty style as well which relieved Artem. His shirt seemed to have an inner layer of tight black sleeves to below his elbow with a black collar and then a loose short sleeve with a white, blue and yellow colour scheme with a swirl of red and white print. Some interesting added elements involved a zipper on his right sleeve and a black strap with silver buckle up his left. He was wearing light blue jeans ripped at the knees with a black cloth belt, a dangling yellow sash with blue stripes and a silver chain. He also had a black and red sports headband, his usual necklace with the key plus an additional black cord with a layered silver wire charm. White sneakers with red stripes finished his look. 

Althea had dressed in a sleeveless black mini dress with a mustard yellow shoulderless half top with three quarter sleeves. She tied her hair in a low ponytail with a golden ribbon. For accessories, she had on thick gold hoop earrings and a black corded necklace with a gold charm. A small black purse with a thick gold chain accompanied her while black ankle boots with heels of an inch and a half high adorned her feet. Some delicate makeup had been put on with some mascara added to lengthen her lashes. 

Marius had put on a black shirt with bright pink, cyan and white paint splotches decorating it and a grinning white circle face over some black jeans with red threading. A light chartreuse jacket was tied securely around his waist while a white half forearm sleeve adorned his right side and a white elbow sleeve with black print was on his left. A couple of black cords and a neon green band also went on his left wrist. He kept his silver ball chain necklace with the metal Z tag but added a black collar with silver buckles and multi looped black cord necklace with a few silver crimp beads along its length. Black sneakers with purple highlights finished off his ensemble. 

When the two turned up it looked like Luke and Althea had been inquiring into the young alpha’s slightly sullen mood in concern. His usually brisk sandalwood scent had a note of subdued stillness to it. He shook his head, evidently not wanting to share and ruin the night and waved to the two older men when they arrived with a practised smile.

Surprisingly out of them all, it almost seemed like Vyn was dressed the most daring. 

“Did you two come together?” Althea asked curiously as they greeted each other. 

“I asked him for help picking clothes,” Artem admitted. 

“His place is on the way so it was convenient to catch a lift as well,” Vyn freely added. 

“Are you not planning to drink since you drove here?” Marius raised his eyebrows. “I could have had my driver drop you off after or you could have organised a cab.” 

Artem shook his head as they all lined up to order their meal. “I don’t really like drinking and I think it would be a good idea to have at least one sober person to watch over you all if you want to let loose.” 

“I don’t think I’ll be drinking that much myself but that is good to know,” Luke said. 

“That’s right. It really is reassuring!” Althea added in. She smiled at Artem with thanks. 

“You still have to dance tonight though!” Marius commanded, seemingly shaking off some of his bad mood. “The whole point of the night is to let loose a little and be young and that won’t work if you’re sitting in the corner the whole time just watching us. You’ll come off like a creep!” 

Artem theatrically groaned lightly. He was going to turn down the demand but that creep comment stopped him in his tracks. “Fine.” His eyes flickered to the young alpha’s face and body language, which started to relax from its previous tension.

“I’m starting to really look forward to the night,” Vyn smiled. He too had noted the youngest member’s mood, but since the other two were leaving it, for now they would follow their lead.

Shortly they had all ordered and carefully ate their kebabs, making an effort not to get themselves dirty, before they made their way to the nightclub. 

It was a popular site called the Nightingale. A building consisting of three levels with black walls and tinted glass, neon lights faintly seen strobing and pumping music blasting out the doors. A line to enter had long formed and the group joined the queue. A twenty minute wait eventually allowed them entry. 

Artem nervously followed the group as they ventured in. As they pushed through the mingling bodies and heavy scents, he noticed Vyn’s shoulders occasionally tightening in front of him. 

He leaned closer so he hopefully didn’t have to shout as they walked further in. “Are you okay?” 

A slight frown pinched the silver haired man’s face as he kept a forced smile on and allowed the other three to pull ahead. He paused for a moment to speak to the alpha as he kept an eye on where the rest of the group went. “The pheromones being let loose in here are a bit heavier than I was prepared for. I’m not sure how my condition will fare.” 

The taller man examined the expression of the psychologist before making an offer. “Do you want me to scent you? Do you think that would help?” 

Gold eyes snapped to him. “I…It may help. But I think it would have to be most of my clothes and my neck.” His eyes flickered over to their group again. “The others might notice something.” 

“I can ask Luke if he wants an alpha scenting to keep off others as well when we reach them,” Artem suggested. 

Vyn then nodded. He quickly moved off again, grabbing the alpha by the wrist to pull him along before the others noticed they had stopped. 

When they reached the table spaces, they claimed a spot for themselves before looking over the selection of drinks. 

Not wasting time as he could feel Vyn’s fingers flexing around his wrist in stress on the way over, Artem brought up the topic. “Vyn, Luke, did you two want to have a scenting to keep other alpha’s away from you? Althea, you can have one too if you want.” 

Luke brought a hand up to the back of his neck as he thought about the offer. He hadn’t thought being an omega would be a problem here and he was fully capable of handling himself. Still, he was here to have fun with his friends and avoiding trouble would make that easier. “That wouldn’t be a bad idea actually. I’m not looking to have fun with anyone else.” 

Althea agreed. “I’ll be wanting to spend my time with you guys but it would be good to have some assurance if we get separated.” 

Relieved, Vyn smiled more genuinely. “I would appreciate it as well. I’m not looking to pick up or be picked up tonight.” Probably only Artem could tell the extra note of gratitude in his eyes and lips. 

“Okay,” Artem nodded with his serious face and reached out to the silver haired man who was closest to him. Vyn also stepped forward. “If you’re comfortable, Marius could also do the scenting,” he commented to the other two. 

Marius nodded with his own serious look. Keeping his friends safe and comfortable was an alpha drive and he wouldn’t make a joke of it. Well, not much anyway. After conveying that he would take it seriously, he broke out into his usual cocky smile and opened his arms to the other two. “Come into my arms! I’ll make sure no one even thinks of taking you away!” 

The two younger brunettes exchanged exasperated yet fond glances before some lighthearted shoving and a quick game of rock, paper, scissors played out to see who would go first while the young PAX heir pouted at their antics. 

Vyn snorted in amusement though his eyes never left the alpha before him who was intent on his scenting. Having removed his wrist sweat band so the gland there was free, he ran both wrists down Vyn’s arms, then his clothes, heavily coating it in his pheromones that said that this person was under protection and to leave alone , hoping it would stick long term. Artem then raised his arms to soak the ribbon collar, avoiding the skin around Vyn’s neck where his scent glands were located and his mating gland that lay besides the end of his cervical spine under a gel bite guard but scented nearby on his shirt, the pheromones more heavy on warding off others. He then finished off by brushing lightly along the top of the shorter man’s head. He was pleased to see the psychologist with a more relaxed look, no longer tensing and twitching. 

“Thank you.” Vyn expressed again. There was still the pin prick of annoyance on his skin, but at least it wasn’t the all over scraping hum of before. The assurance of someone safe in his vicinity seemed to mitigate the pheromones of others.

Artem had done it so intently and thoroughly that Marius had already finished with Althea and was now scenting Luke. “You’re welcome.” 

Althea lightly scented the air around Vyn. “Wow, Mr Wing! You really did a full job of it.” 

Scenting her back, Vyn could tell that while Marius had been just as serious in his work, it was not as carefully layered. Matching his brisk sandalwood scent, the message was solid and slightly spicy, this person is protected, back off . 

“Did you want Artem to add a bit to your warding? Though Marius has done a good job, the scent of a more mature alpha will add to the weight of the message,” Vyn asked. 

Marius settled down from the complaint he was about to voice that his work might be considered inadequate. He had to admit that his pheromones still gave away that he was an alpha not long matured. 

Althea nodded her head after some thought. “I think I will. If you would please, Mr Wing?” 

“Of course, Althea. It will just be a light touch up on your hair and shoulders if that suits you? I don’t think you need more than that.” Artem raised his hands and hovered them, waiting for her agreement before touching. 

Done with Luke, Marius peered around the shorter brunette’s neck. “Do you have a patch guard on? Do you want to wear my collar?” 

Luke twisted away, reaching a hand to clasp his neck. “I have a patch on. I don’t think your collar would make much difference in protecting it.” 

“It would add more scent to keep others away,” the younger alpha pointed out with earnest purple eyes. 

“My shirt just about covers it already. Shouldn’t scenting that be enough?” 

Marius raised his hands up as if surrendering. “Just offering, if you want. Did you want me to scent there a little more then?” 

The shorter man let his hand slip down as he eyed the taller male and then turned his back to him. “Yeah, okay.” 

Artem finished with Althea at about the same time Marius was done with his final work. The three were now thoroughly protected from most other patrons with sense. The three then gazed at the two alpha’s before them. 

Vyn voiced out the thought that came over them. “You two are just as vulnerable to being approached. Shall we return the favour and scent you as well to keep others away?” 

Artem blinked, startled. Being approached hadn’t even occurred to him. But now that it had been brought up, he very much didn’t want to have to turn down advances if he didn’t have to. “Please,” he said. 

Marius also seemed to finally lighten up at the prospect, his scent becoming fully alive. Being approached as the young master of the PAX Group had been part of his life but this was perhaps the first time he had others who wanted to protect him while having fun together. People he trusted. “That would be great! I’d hate to have to deal with people who might recognise me.” He opened his arms wide once more. “If Miss would indulge me in a warding I would be relieved. Luke, I’d welcome the return of the favour as well to double the protection.” 

The two younger brunettes once more exchanged glances before this time approaching the young alpha together. Lightly joking about making sure the young heir existed in a bubble of isolation tonight, the two carefully and meticulously brushed their wrist glands around the alpha’s clothes with pheromones that said the young alpha was protected and to back off. Sunshine after rain and gladiolus lightly coated the young alpha. To finish, they both looked at each other before grinning and reaching a hand to ruffle the tall alpha’s black hair. “Hey!” 

Meanwhile, Vyn had pushed back his half sleeve slightly and was intently gliding his hands over Artem's vest jacket. He had to push back his omega instinct to just claim Artem as taken through a domineering dose of juniper and lush rose from all the time they had spent together and the help the alpha had given him by scenting his nest. And weren’t they dating? Artem could be considered his boyfriend. But he concentrated on the message of protection and keep away anyway. Finally he brushed over Artem’s hair and let out a breath of relief he hadn’t slipped up and stepped away. 

Artem nodded his thanks. 

The group then split to order drinks. Artem sat at the table and observed the rest of the club, especially eyeing the dance floor that he was going to have to join at some point. His eyes crinkled, perturbed, as he saw some of the gyrations taking place. 

Althea sat beside him also looking around interested.  

There was a DJ on the second floor with the main dancing area before him, continuing to the first floor below. The first floor was the main bar with most of the tables and booths surrounding the just as active lower dance floor. The top floor seemed to be a VIP area with quieter seating available and a balcony overlooking those below as well as some rooms for private parties. Lights strobed the whole area and smoke machines occasionally worked along the edges of the second.

“I don’t think my dancing would fit in here,” Artem shouted to Althea over the pumped up music just as the others returned with multiple drinks. 

“Don’t worry, Mr Wing! I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it!” Althea was merciless in not giving him an out. 

“We’ll let you watch for a while first to learn but then you have to get on the floor!” Marius declared magnanimously. 

“If you still feel that you can’t, then I’ll teach you,” Vyn grinned at him. 

Artem looked at him, betrayed. He then fixed his glasses, resigning himself to his fate as he picked up one of the indicated non-alcoholic drinks. He waved off the others to go dance while he watched over the drinks and Althea’s purse. 

The other four moved onto the dance floor and fluidly joined the crowd. Artem wasn’t surprised by the easy way Vyn seemed to sway to the music after all his talk and the way he dressed. He moved better than the rest. Luke danced in an energetic way that suited his boyish looks, while Marius had his own style of flare in sinuous movements and restraint. Althea was a bit less practised but she moved in a freely uninhibited and joyous manner.  

It seemed the time taken to scent worked well in giving them space to move as a small bubble was around each of them. Vyn danced mostly on his own, sometimes engaging Althea when she was nearby or even Luke, moving on from strangers who tried to join him quickly. Althea, Luke and Marius occasionally took turns with each other or even all three together forming a triangle. They managed a period of time with all four of them as well before Vyn and Luke broke away for drinks. 

Coming back to the table panting happily from exertion, Artem moved their respective drinks before them. 

“Artem! Are you ready to dance yet?” Vyn asked loudly over the music. 

The alpha’s eyes darted to the floor where the DJ had just hyped the music up to something even faster and more energetic, before looking back at the silver haired man and shook his head frantically. Both omega’s laughed at him. 

“Okay, we’ll let you off until the music slows down a little. What do you think, Luke?”  

The coral eyed boy had his arms crossed as he nodded in consensus with a smirk on his face. 

The brown haired alpha slumped slightly but smiled wryly so the others knew he was just being dramatic. They sat and drank while yelling a conversation, also watching over Marius and Althea who were still dancing. 

Once the song started to change, the two on the floor started making their way back to the table. Vyn drank down his glass before standing to grab Artem’s hands. “Time to get moving, alpha.” The omega flashed a quick grin as he began to lead the other man to the floor. “I’d say now or never but I think you might pick never and we can’t have that!” 

The attorney reluctantly allowed himself to be dragged along. “I don’t think I can move like that,” he was heard to say as they passed by Marius, who laughed at him, and Althea, who gave him an encouraging fist pump, both gleaming in sweat and smiles. 

“I’ll teach you how to move.” Vyn’s voice came floating back. 

“Vyn’s going to show Artem how to dance?” Althea commented excitedly as both she and Marius collapsed at the table where Luke was. 

“This is going to be good!” Luke perked up as all three twisted to keep an eye on the two. 

Vyn pulled Artem to the edge of the dance floor closer to the wall where there were less people so that the alpha could feel less embarrassed and crowded.  

He turned around to face the other man. “Okay. Show me what you can do.” 

Artem’s eyes flicked around before focusing somewhere and he hesitantly started to move. It seemed like he was stiffly robotic, isolated parts of his body moving to the side in sections starting from his shoulders down before moving back. His fists were clenched a little too tight and a little too high at his sides. He jerkily bobbed down as well as if still working out the timing. 

Vyn’s lips twitched and he covered his mouth with a hand while the other wrapped his stomach which trembled. 

“Give me a minute,” Artem said exasperatedly as his eyes were focused on the dance floor, evidently observing the movements of one of the dancers. He began to connect his isolations more smoothly now that he worked out the sequence of muscles to move. Before long he was able to roll his body and sway from side to side smoothly though to a weird timing and his arms were still looking awkwardly placed and clumsily shook up and down. 

He raised his eyebrows at the omega for his assessment, face a little red. Vyn couldn’t help it. He laughed out loud. He reached out his hands for the alpha’s face, framing his neck and the base of his jaw between his fingers. “How are you so cute?” 

Artem stopped moving to cover his face beneath his glasses from around Vyn’s arms as his face lit on fire along with his ears. 

Vyn continued to laugh and patted him on the shoulder with one hand before leaving it there and using the other to pull one of the older man’s hands down to place it on his waist. “Here, put your hands on my waist and I’ll lead you again,” he smiled. He clasped his hands around the alpha’s neck as Artem slowly pulled his other hand down from his still flushed face, fixed his glasses and obediently placed it on Vyn’s waist. 

The silver haired omega began to sway from side to side. “Just mirror my movements. You’ll feel where my hips are going and I’ll also use my arms to show you the timing of your upper body until you get the hang of it. Your swaying wasn’t bad, just your timing that needed work.” 

The taller man had a slight frown on his face as he concentrated on feeling the push and pull against his hands and shoulders and Vyn lightly flicked him in the middle of his forehead. Head reeling back in surprise, his wide turquoise eyes connected with Vyn’s molten ones where he had raised one eyebrow at him. With one finger, the pale haired man tapped against the alpha’s ear, indicating that he should be listening more to the music to learn the timing of movement. 

After understanding, Artem let out a sigh and then closed his eyes to let the music and Vyn move him. Heavy bass thrummed through the air and lights strobed according to the rhythm. The mixed smell of pheromones, smoke and sweat still lent imagery to shifting bodies to closed eyelids. 

As he picked up the rhythm and beat he began to match the timing better and Vyn allowed one of his hands to fall away and guided less with the other, instead just resting it on the alpha’s shoulder while he watched to see if Artem stayed on beat. 

Seeing that he did, the omega pulled further back so that his waist slipped out of the alpha’s hands. The taller man’s eyes opened at the loss and his hands hovered in the air even as he continued to rock his body. 

Vyn continued dancing, letting the energy of the night feed into him and half raised his hands, his shoulders waving from side to side to show Artem what to do. The brunette tried following but reached out his arms more than his shoulders, causing it to look more like disco moves. Seeing the flashing grin of the omega under the neon lights again, Artem looked aside while his ears flushed crimson. He saw the younger three at the table quite dramatically laughing from their table as well and resisted the urge to stick out his tongue at them and instead raised his eyes to the ceiling. The shorter man admired the alpha’s commitment as he never stopped dancing despite knowing he was looking a little awkward. 

To respect his efforts Vyn once more danced closer and reached out his hands, this time to clasp each of the alpha’s in one of his. Manipulating them into more graceful arcs, he found that Artem relaxed and responded readily but his posture became more upright like the ballroom dancing they did before.  

Not quite what the omega was going for in a nightclub, so he raised their hands and twisted underneath so that his back was to Artem’s chest and guided the hands down so he was almost embraced but where he was actually holding onto the wrists of the alpha to better manoeuvre them. They looked similar to many dancing couples though those had more grinding, holding and caressing.  

Artem stiffened for a moment at finding the back of Vyn’s head and body so close. He could smell the warmth of his sweat and pheromones, almost feel the tickle of silver hair on his skin, the brush of his clothes against his. The bare shoulders he had avoided seeing before were suddenly right before him and he was sure his pheromones would be roiling if he let them loose right now. The music seemed to fade a little as he became distracted when Vyn leaned his shoulders back against him and surely his heart could be felt. The omega’s head tilted back onto Artem’s shoulder so he could speak to the alpha. 

“Relax your hands and loosen your wrists. Move your shoulders but mostly keep your hands in the same space.” The omega straightened though their bodies were still close. 

Being brought back from his entangled thoughts, Artem did his best to obey with both their arms before them. With Vyn swaying before him, it wasn’t long until Artem got the hang of it. 

Vyn once more leaned back into the alpha’s chest to give more advice over the music. “Same method applies when you raise your arms, just don’t raise too high and don’t straighten your elbows too much. You can also change how you roll your shoulders.” He alternated rolling each shoulder backwards into Artem in a visceral demonstration. 

Head tilted back as he continued dancing, gold eyes watched through his peripherals as Artem obediently gave his advice a try. He smiled and as the music ratcheted up a notch he bounced away to dance facing Artem again while shouting, “Congratulations! You now have some basic moves down. Time to crank it up a bit and see if you can have fun and let loose.” 

Vyn proceeded to twist his hips and trail a hand down his body before crossing and flicking his hands out and then jumping with his hands in the air as the music changed from tempo to tempo. 

Artem froze for a bit before smiling helplessly and then joined in jumping around. Jumping he could do and he allowed the music to sway him with his hands in the air as he had just learnt. 

Back at their table, Althea had been clutching the boys’ hands and only just relaxed her hold as they saw Artem finally loosen up and have fun. “Wow! Just.. wow, Vyn really helped Artem to dance!” 

It was unknown what Luke and Marius thought or if they had any thoughts of what happened between Vyn and Artem. Vyn said that he would guide Artem in dancing and he did. They could see the fruits of it clearly before them. They looked at each other before shrugging and moving their focus.

“Well, now that it looks like we can all have fun, let’s go join them!”

Marius started grabbing drinks to quickly finish them off, not wanting to leave anything that could be messed with if they were all going. Luke and Althea quickly joined in and then Marius placed Althea’s purse in his back pocket under his jacket before they all made their way to join the other two on the dance floor.

The pair welcomingly split apart to include them and they all got absorbed into the music and atmosphere. At some point, they managed to move into the thick of the dance crowd, staying mostly with each other though occasionally flitting to strangers and breaking apart as stamina ran out to get drinks and talk.

A little over two hours later and their group was still enjoying themselves on the floor though they were starting to wind down to sit for longer periods at the table. Artem and Althea were just leaving the rest to continue their dancing on the second floor and hadn’t moved three steps away when a commotion seemed to start from the distant edge between the second floor dance space and the tables under the third floor balcony.

The crowd began to shift in atmosphere and behaviour. Confusion and some people backed away from the problem point but the music made it difficult to hear what people were saying. The NXX team, feeling the change, came together and looked around, gazes sharp to try to catch what was happening.

As the tallest, Marius saw over the crowd and just enough through the occasional gaps to share what he caught. “There are a number of individuals in that area that seem to be behaving drugged or indecent. Two omegas, four alphas I think.” His head whipped slightly to the side as he caught sight of something else of interest. “There’s a young man nearby pointing to the third floor who seems to be shouting something. Others are beginning to look that way too and they seem to be wary.”

“Drugged or indecent? Could it be XVL? But so many at once?” Vyn commented. His gold eyes were cautious and body tense.

Marius then seemed to see something that disturbed him. “I think more people are being affected. Some of those close to the group are starting to look flushed and moving differently.” He unconsciously backed away a bit. Others noticing the same thing began to push away from the area as well.

“Does it still look like just omegas and alphas?” Luke questioned seriously as their group slowly made moves to retreat a little further as well.

Purple eyes darted around, nose crinkling in distaste of what he was seeing. “Yes. One more omega and two alphas like they’re in a mindless rut.”

“I could probably suppress them with my pheromones from acting on what is in their system without being affected,” Artem had lost the previous awkwardness and lighthearted demeanour.

“Since I’m a beta, I’ll see if I can hear what happened from that man Marius was talking about.” Althea quickly weaved through the crowds in the direction Marius pointed when the others agreed. “I’ll be quick.”

“I’ll go outside and call emergency services,” Vyn said. As an omega with his condition, he would be best placed outside. “I’ll keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals.”

“I can guard the stairs to the third floor,” Luke volunteered. He was held back by the shorter omega before he could move.

“Wait until Althea comes back,” the psychologist recommended. “She might be able to give us some insight on how people are being affected.”

“Marius, you should probably go outside with Vyn. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation to be inside here once it gets out.”

The PAX heir scowled. “It’s too late. The media will say whatever they want as long as they know I’m in the area.”

“Then you can preempt them by being clearly outside when they start filming or taking photos and help to direct the chaos,” Vyn advised.

The tall young alpha nodded, still unhappy but ready to take on the role. “Althea is on the way back.”

Althea returned to them not too long after his words. “It was a beta. He was saying that someone on the third floor let some powder fall over the group over there. Not even a few minutes later their behaviour changed. He said that the powder almost blended with the smoke machines so it was likely breathed in. He was gazing up at the time and caught sight of the person doing it.”

Luke pulled his headband down over his nose and mouth. “I’ll watch the stairs. I’ll take videos of anyone fleeing and if anyone suspicious comes down I’ll see if I can delay them.” He darted away, pulling out his phone and shaking it at them as he went.

“I’ll see if I can get in touch with emergency service dispatch to request services or give more details on what is happening if they’ve already been called.” Vyn started to move out.

“I’ll make sure nothing chaotic is happening out there.” Marius followed his tutor.

“I’m going to try to suppress that group from doing something they’ll regret.” Artem then quickly looked to his junior attorney. “If that young man saw who did it…”

Olive eyes looked back at him seriously with understanding. “I’ll try to talk him into going outside to meet the police where he’ll be safe.”

Nodding, the two split.

Artem had already been letting his pheromones spread once Vyn had started moving. Pulling his shirt up over his nose and mouth, he let his pheromones bloom out more strongly as he passed through the crowd. A cedar forest of strength, protection, healing fell heavily on the people around as lavender calmed the panic and frenzy and the sweetness of vanilla receded. Flooding out over the club, people slowed in response. Artem let more of his dominant alpha hindbrain take over to command obedience and submission through his scent. A towering forest seemed to spring around casting presence and weight upon people. As he got closer to the group out of control, he let more demand for submission to come through.

Stepping past the smoke vents he finally reached his aim. Fortunately, everyone was still clothed where it was important, though there was some grinding happening. A couple of alphas who may have taken a lesser dose had bitten their arms to control their impulses.

“Get down. Submit.”

Slightly muffled through his shirt but clear enough to have an impact with the work his pheromones were already doing, a collective shudder ran through all who heard the low baritone through the music still playing. An alpha command that dug into mind and instinct alongside the oppressive pheromone. Like a drenching of cold water, those affected immediately obeyed as if wilting to the floor to huddle into themselves. 

Those drugged gained some clarity of mind though their bodies still trembled under the rushing blood and hormones. Some alphas moved restlessly, torn between the discontent of being commanded as alphas themselves, the effects of the drug and the anger of having been drugged. Most were just relieved and grateful to let the weight of the command keep them down and unmoving. One young alpha sobbed lightly in distress at having encountered such a mishap.

“Emergency services, including ambulances, have been called. They should be able to help you once they get here. I’ll let you go once they have you. Any objections?” Artem informed them of what was going on. He was met with shaking heads.

Continuing to let out his pheromones in a steady stream, the attorney then turned his head to observe the rest of the club, checking on the progress of Althea and the placement of Luke while he was at it. He pulled out his phone and saw a message from Marius saying that emergency services were talking with Vyn and their arrival would probably be another 11 minutes.

Noting the time, the attorney looked up towards the third floor balcony. His eyes were drawn to a figure casually leaning over and observing the chaos below from a dim edge. A man with dark hair around blue eyes. One hand covered the bottom of his face making identification difficult. 

Gazing down at Artem Wing, an obviously dominant alpha by the way his pheromones affected the crowd, the unknown man thought that his ability to control even the drugged individuals to be worth noting.

“Interesting.”

He wondered what would happen if…

Putting his free hand into a pocket, he pulled out a tissue cloth he had prepared earlier in case the first one encountered problems. Grabbing it by the corners, he let the weight of its contents untwist the cloth and swing gently. Meeting the eyes of the attorney below, his eyes crinkled in a smile.

He let go just as the swing aimed at the alpha.

Artem watched as the white object fell towards him as if in slow motion. He wasn’t sure whether to catch it, knock it aside or dodge and let it fall to the floor.

It was unfurling and letting out a trail of light powder as it fell.

His eyes flit around taking in his surroundings. Most of the crowd had already backed away or vacated the area. The ones already affected were concentrated to his left. The smoke machines, still blowing away, were to his right. He held his breath.

Making a split decision, he raised the hand not holding the shirt over his nose. His hand closed around the cloth tissue and swung forward towards the wall, in case he fumbled the catch, and stayed down and out.

White powder floated down onto him and before him from his swing. Some of it had already escaped the cloth which was now in his grasp, and the ungainly shape plus its lightness meant when his hand closed on it, more puffed out. He still kept his hand clenched around the cloth to not let anymore escape.

He pushed his shirt more insistently against his face as he finally took a breath. He could feel the powder settle onto him.

“Artem!”

He heard Althea’s voice cry out in alarm and turned to see her rushing towards him.

“Stop!” He called out quickly. In his haste the hand on his face loosened from his mouth before he flattened it again a split second after.

To her credit, the beta obeyed. “I won’t be affected by the powder.”

Artem carefully shook his head minutely. Some powder wafted down from his hair. He tried his best to speak to her around his makeshift mask. “We can’t be completely sure of that yet. Even if not, it would be best to not get it on you. You might carry it to someone it can affect.”

The brunette girl frowned in consternation as she realised the potential consequences of that. “You won’t be able to move. You’re covered.” Her quick eyes then took in his surroundings as she thought of what she could do to help. “I’ll tell the others what happened and see if I can get the club to turn off the smoke machines and fans.”

“Hn,” Artem grunted. A frown was forming on his face. He blinked his eyes. He was feeling just a little…

He wasn’t sure if he had still managed to inadvertently breathe some in or some had gotten into his eyes. He gradually felt his body heating and blood rushing. Sweat formed on his brow. His pheromones, previously steady, churned.

His gaze turned red. His surroundings turned red. His sense of smell sharpened.

Cloying, sweaty, sticky, sickly. In his mind, in his blood, trying to control him, trying to make him do things, feel things he didn’t want. Artificial, fake, false. It tasted heavy, sadness, dark, weighing on his tongue. Controlling others. Unacceptable. Unacceptable. Unacceptableunacceptableunacceptable. Not before, not now, not ever. He would not allow something bad to happen. He would not be made to-!

A growl seemed to reverberate the area as the music finally cut out. The alpha who had seemed to curl inward for the last few minutes moved to straighten up. Those close by watched nervously, some even sweating or shivering as they waited anxiously, the cedar and lavender pheromone feeling weighty, uncomfortable, relentless.

Althea had moved a few metres away before noting that something had changed in the air behind her. Worriedly she updated Marius who was still next to Vyn outside.

The alpha’s pheromones continued to swirl around him, its demand for submission even stronger than before. Artem’s blue eyes when they met hers were dark, but direct. Sweating considerably, the alpha let go of his shirt and the now free wet hand came up to wipe back his bangs. The damp prevented any powder from floating as it stuck or melted.

Letting out a breath, Artem’s colour began to return to normal from its previous flush. He spoke steadily. “Go on. I’m fine.”

His pheromones still came out more heavily then before but the alpha seemed to have returned to his faculties.

“Althea? What’s going on?”

Vyn’s voice shook the beta out of her stupor. “Uh-um. Ar-Artem’s fine? I guess? Seems fine now?” she relayed uncertainly.

“What? How? What do you mean?” Marius' voice cut in.

The beta did her best to describe what had happened even as she gave an unsure nod to her senior partner and began to move away again. “I mean, it looked like he was affected for a while? His pheromones went wild and he was red and then he was growling and sweating and then his pheromones got heavy and then he looked at me and he seemed like he was himself again?” She paused for a moment as she remembered one other detail. “He stopped covering his face. Then he talked to me. He said he was fine.”

“He did what?!”

“What the hell?!”

The confusion and alarm expressed her own feelings perfectly. “I don’t know!” her eyes flicked back to the alpha before focusing again on her objective of the clubhouse manager. “He hasn’t moved from his spot and besides no longer covering his mouth he looks the same as usual.”

In the background she began to hear distant sirens approaching.

“The emergency services have arrived. I shall check that they sent betas like I suggested and give them some information. We can see if they have a method for decontamination.”

“I’ll talk to the police. Get them up to date on what we know. Miss, I’m going to hang up and call Luke to see if he has anything to add. You can call Vyn if you need anything.”

“Okay, let them know I’m trying to talk to the club house manager to turn off the smoke machines and fans. And there must have been someone suspicious on the third floor who threw the powder down at Artem. It’s strange that they would risk doing that after having been discovered the first time.”

“Will do.”

At the end of the call, Althea set her face and moved determinedly to complete her mission. They needed to get everyone together again and check over Artem.

What a way for a night to be ruined!

Chapter Text

Chapter 11 : the trouble magnet, the misfortunes, the pack invite

The Nightingale Nightclub, 18th October 2030, Friday close to midnight, Autumn

Blue and red lights alternated up and down the street amongst the hustle of the nightclub goers being interviewed by police and other curious passersby casting everything in strange hues and shadows.

Vyn watched as paramedics went in alongside police, all betas, with various equipment. He longed to enter with them to find out first hand what was going on. Did Luke catch anyone? Did Althea talk to the club manager? Was Artem alright?

Vyn was feeling a little restlessly anxious at this point. Usually he would have been inside with those most distressed to help calm down and stabilise their mentality, but the powder Althea had described was one risk factor, and how he would react if an affected alpha approached him with his condition was another.

Restraining his agitation, Vyn’s eyes scanned the crowd, looking for anything he could help with or out of place.

Luke on his update with Marius had mentioned that no one on the third floor had gone past him without being recorded and when he raced up the stairs after he saw what happened to Artem, the balcony was empty. Likely a fire exit had been used.

He was now cooperating with the police on managing the third floor.

Marius was with the police, having drawn aside the beta that Althea had convinced to move outside for his safety.

Movement at the door snapped his eyes back to focus.

First to come out seemed to be the paramedics with those drugged strapped down and covered with a blanket. It looked like they had been sedated. Their hair also seemed a bit wet?

Four beds came out which must have been those worst affected. Four more individuals followed on their feet, also damp and wrapped in blankets.

Last of all, the figure he wanted to see most. He had lost his black jacket vest. He was soaked like the others, moving under his own power and wrapped in a blanket. He was looking around as he was escorted by police and paramedics. One of the police seemed to have his missing vest in a large evidence bag.

He looked fine.

Vyn felt his nerves begin to cautiously relax. Finally, Artem seemed to spot him and straightened slightly. The alpha began to raise the arm not holding his blanket before aborting the movement and instead reached into his pants pocket to grab his phone.

Vyn quickly fumbled to raise and answer his own phone as it rang.

“Hello? Artem?”

“Hi Vyn.”

“How are you? Are you in discomfort?”

“I’m okay.”

Gold eyes stared across to meet blue as they talked. “Althea said you were affected by the powder.”

“I was,” Artem broke eye contact as he was ushered along. Vyn subconsciously moved the same way to keep pace. “But I have already sweated it out so there is no need to worry.”

A million questions wanted to leap out of him. “That…you will have to explain that later,” he finally settled on. In a slightly smaller voice, measured to hide his hesitancy, “Is it safe for me to come closer?”

The low baritone paused for a moment before speaking out slowly. “Yes. But maybe not too close. The water on us was meant to wash or melt the powder or at least make it so it couldn’t fly around but we can’t be sure there isn’t a risk of being affected until a more thorough cleanse is done.”

Vyn started making his way over as Artem explained.

“You had best keep your distance from there.” The two men still had their phones clasped to their ears as their distance closed and Vyn finally halted three metres away. The silver haired omega could smell the traces of the other dosed individuals’ still active pheromones who had passed by. Over all that was the now familiar cedar and lavender, vanilla faint in the background, emanating a presence not usually portrayed. It towered and was as steady as the trees they took after, a temporary claimed territory around those he guarded.

“You are truly okay.” Gold eyes confirmed one more time.

“I am.” 

The double echo of the voice over the phone alongside his ears finally allowed Vyn to put the phone away and think about his next steps. “Is there anything you need me to do for you? Or do you know where they will take you?”

The two started moving to the ambulances again, Vyn keeping a paced distance as Artem also put his phone away. “Stellis Public Hospital. I believe the police will also be taking my statement there.” A quick glance to the officer who was following had a nod of agreement. “If you could bring me a change of clothes, I would appreciate it. There’s a spare work outfit bag in my car or I'd appreciate something from my house if you are willing to make the drive.”

“I can get some things from your house. I imagine the hospital will want to keep you for observation.” The omega watched as the attorney reached into his pocket again.

In pulling out his car remote and apartment key card, he paused before turning his hand to the officer and asking him to pass it over. Vyn readily received them and nodded to the policeman in thanks.

“I believe the others may be here for at least another half hour giving statements to the police. I shall let them know where you are going. I doubt the hospital will allow visitors at this time so I will tell them to go home and we can come and see you tomorrow morning. Please inform us as to where they put you.”

Artem finally reached the back of a waiting ambulance. His pheromones started to fade more around him. It wouldn’t be pleasant for others to be suffocated by his scent. Blue eyes examined the silver haired man who had stayed back, looking calm but eyes betraying a little stress. A look that Artem had grown used to identifying over the last few months. “Okay,” he smiled reassuringly, hoping that he could ease at least the other man’s worries regarding him.

Then the alpha was in the ambulance and gone.

A little comforted and more composed with some steps to take, Vyn turned away to find the others.

The next morning, Vyn blinked to greater awareness. He pressed his eyes, trying to push back the bone deep tiredness that still weighed on him. He hadn’t had a good night’s sleep despite burning a lot of energy with the dancing and adrenaline crash from the events last night. Artem’s pheromones could also only do so much. It comforted him but it couldn’t block other pheromones so by the time he went home he had a headache and he felt nauseated with how his skin crawled. Washing also lost the attorney’s scent and the sweet, floral cedar had faded too much from his clothes to be worth risking being close to when mixed with the scent of so many others.

There was no point in resting any longer. Washing up he ignored the near permanent shadows under his eyes, darker for the worst night of sleep in a while, as he thought of the plans for the day.

The group had decided to visit Artem in the hospital at 10am, so he had quite a bit of time to go through his morning routine, tending his garden in the dawn light and then going to the attorney’s home to get him a change of clothes.

On reaching the apartment, Vyn picked out a simple casual outfit of a light blue sweater and some tan slacks for the alpha for what would hopefully be his discharge from the hospital. Having gone through his wardrobe the night before, he quickly put everything together into a bag before taking the elevator down to the car again. He was driving Artem’s car around, having to move it from where it had been parked last night to his home and then taking it to the alpha’s house.

He could take a taxi at this point but thought the alpha might prefer some familiar territory after having stayed in hospital.

He was dressed in his own familiar casual wear of a black turtleneck and tan cardigan with a notch taken from the striped edges, over soft grey slacks. He’d opted for his thicker framed glasses to reduce the noticeability of his eye bags and a slim brown leather banded watch.

At 10am he was parking the car and, grabbing the bag of clothes, Vyn met the younger three members where they had agreed at the entrance to the public hospital, Althea and Luke dressed in their own day to day outfit for visiting and then there was Marius, who was wearing a suit. After quick greetings and checking on how they each slept, Vyn brushing over his sleeping difficulties and letting the other’s attribute it to last night’s events, they entered, going straight to the brunette alpha’s room after having been messaged last night where he was in the group.

With a bit of guidance and signing in at the visitors station, they were surprised to make their way to the room and find a familiar law enforcement figure with their team member.

“I’m almost not surprised at you getting mixed up in these things by now,” an exasperated voice rang out. “That is not a good sign, Artem.”

A familiar rumble answered. “It’s not like I chose for these things to happen, Darius.”

A polite knock to the door by Althea interrupted their conversation before the rest of the NXX team spilled in to confirm that yes, it was the Stellis City Police Captain visiting their friend.

“Captain Morgan! You're working this Saturday?” Althea asked curiously at the uniformed captain after greetings were passed around. 

Vyn handed Artem the bag with his clothes. Artem gratefully took it and moved to get changed out of his patient clothing. The omega held him back with one hand and raised a silver brow. “Are you getting discharged now?”

Artem hedged, “I…”

“He’s still meant to stay for another couple of hours since they want to watch him for at least 12. The other victims still seem to be a little under the influence so they want to be sure,” Captain Morgan divulged. “And yes, young miss. No rest for justice I’m afraid and I’ve got the weekend shift. Heard about trouble’s incident and came to find out more.” The gruff policemen waved a hand at the resigned attorney to indicate who ‘trouble’ was.

“Has the case been classified under major crimes?” Luke inquired, coral eyes curious. In the background, Vyn smirked at Artem for the new nickname as he looked over his chart and Artem closed his eyes as if for strength or prayer for protection from future teasing.

The alpha captain’s musky oakwood scent sank a little. “Someone using a powdered version of a behaviour-altering drug to cause chaos to multiple people at a public event? It sure is. Unfortunately, this has not been an isolated incident. The third actually, though the others were on a smaller scale. It’s turning into a terrorist threat at this point. If this gets out of hand there’s going to be chaos.”

All the NXX team members frowned at the new information. 

Feeling the change in atmosphere, Vyn spoke up, “We will be sure to stay alert and contact you if we happen to notice or recall anything.”

Realising he’d brought down the mood, the captain awkwardly took the out offered. “Yeah, thanks. That was part of why I was visiting, seeing if Artem remembered anything more about the person he saw.”

The attorney shook his head. “I didn’t really get a clear view with the nightclub’s lighting and the way he was covering his face. I’m fairly sure I’ve told all that I can recall but if that changes, you know I’ll be sure to update you.”

The captain nodded. “Yeah, thought so. Unfortunately, the fellow described by the beta last night didn’t match yours and it sounds like yours might be the supplier. We lost some of the patrons on the third floor to the fire exit and the camera work wasn’t very thorough for that area. Managed to snag a few more with the help of Mr Pearce,” Captain Morgan gave the young omega a nod of acknowledgement, “but from what the few we caught weren’t saying, a handful escaped us. We’re going to keep interrogating them to see if we can squeeze out some more answers but that’s on me and mine.” The captain sighed a little at the work ahead of him. “Alright, I better get going then.” The tall alpha began to make strides towards the door. He couldn’t help nagging a few more sentences to the bedridden lawyer. “Stay out of trouble, Artem! I mean it! Your file’s getting way too thick for my liking, you trouble magnet.”

He paused in the act of closing the door, surveying the rest of the team which had been taking in their interaction curiously and gathered around their friend. Vyn was still holding the alpha’s chart, Althea taking a seat beside the bed with Luke behind her. Marius had moved in to set a fruit basket on the table the other side of the bed. 

He looked back to the resting alpha. “I’ll leave you to your visitors,” he intoned deliberately to the younger man. Glad you have more callers this time, went unsaid but not unheard by the one intended. He then switched his gaze to the others. “Keep this guy out of trouble would you? You wouldn’t believe the messes he gets into.”

“Darius.” Artem protested as the look in the NXX team’s eyes became intrigued.

The rakish captain just waved a hand and left.

All eyes went to the oldest one in the group.

Aqua eyes looked guilelessly back. “He thinks having a file at all is too thick.”

Vyn met his eyes and smiled gently back. “An eminently reasonable thought.” He then pierced right through the alpha’s paper shield. “But Captain Morgan most definitely stressed quite strongly that you have been in trouble on multiple occasions.”

Their youngest bent down to exaggeratedly look the bedridden alpha over with wide purple eyes. “Ooh, what have you been hiding, Artem? A secretly rebellious past with gang fights?”

“Um…” Artem averted his eyes, causing everyone to perk up in interest.

Even so, they were carefully gauging the alpha’s mood not wanting to step too far. His pheromones dipped and rose slightly nervously but stabilised again.

Exchanging glances, Marius once again spoke up. “I bet I’ve had more variety of things happen to me in the past.” He straightened up and gave an arch smile of challenge with a touch of dark humour. “It won’t be fair for just you to share so we can all compare notes and see who’s really had the worst encounters.”

“That’s macabre.” Luke wrinkled his nose.

“We could play it ‘never have I ever’ style except in reverse!” The young alpha raised his hands and wiggled his fingers in earnest, but manic, enthusiasm. “We don’t have to share details, if we don’t want to.”

Althea shrewdly examined their youngest team member. “I don’t know that I have much of a history to share, but I’m game.” She felt like Marius wanted to get some things off his chest.

Artem’s eyes flicked to Vyn, before settling on the young PAX heir again. Sharing history, sharing trust would help the pack move along in formation. “I wouldn’t share it here. But okay. You would have to explain this ‘never’ game version to me and its rules though.”

Vyn caught the flick of Artem’s eyes and crossed his arms with a slight frown. He could guess the other’s thoughts. He should be grateful the man was thinking of him but he didn’t necessarily want the other opening personal wounds to do so. Boring holes at the blue eyed brunette, he heard Luke pitch in.

“I could. As long as we don’t have to share details,” the other omega cautiously put forward. A thread of wary willingness could be heard. Coral eyes darted nervously at all the members before settling on his childhood friend with a bit of determination.

Blue eyes finally moved from looking at the younger alpha to meet narrowed gold. Vyn took in the alpha’s relaxed form and unbothered face. Vyn’s eyes then moved around the room as he lightly scented the air for everyone’s moods.

Marius’s scent was slightly manic, a touch of suppressed darkness and melancholy in his sandalwood fragrance as well as the signs of a beginning rut. Evidently, he had something he wanted to let out. Considering his mood yesterday, perhaps something had happened and they could support him through that, so this may be good for him.

Althea’s beta smell of muted gladiolus only expressed willingness and slightly troubled concern.

Luke was interesting, in that there was slightly more cloud in his usual sunlight smell, a sign of careful wariness. There was that subtle note of wrongness that always pervaded his pheromones and somehow still the lingering waft of puppy, though he should have fully matured by now. Was it complicated by yearning? Defensiveness? A hidden depth to his rain clouds and sunshine.

Artem was steady cedar trees but with shadows lying out of view. There was no turmoil but there were hints of things coiled out of sight as you walked. His feelings indicated that he considered this an inconsequential, inevitable part of journeying through life together. Steadfast solemnity. Sweetness and balanced floral conveyed a reassuring invitation.

It seemed Luke may have the most problems with sharing deeply but ultimately that this would be a positive move for everyone in the group, either individually or for relationship building.

The psychologist took a brief moment to consider himself. Would he be ready to share bits of his past as brief as the sharing may be? His eyes met blue again.

If Artem was willing to step up, and it seemed healthy for everyone else…

“Fine, it looks like we can make a day of it,” the omega finally acquiesced and unfolded his arms only to rest them on his hips. “In saying that, it may be best to plan for another night besides this one though,” he stipulated. “Artem should still have the rest of today off.”

“I’ll be discharged in less than two hours,” Artem demurred.

“To convalesce at home and self monitor for any changes for at least another twelve hours. Not to start working or doing anything strenuous,” the omega warned. Amber eyes continued to stare at the brunette until the alpha raised his hands in surrender with an amused sigh. His easy capitulation might have been due to some slight concern though as he noticed the pinched eyes and tired way the younger male moved and stood.

“You sigh but we all know what a workaholic you are,” Luke laughed at him. “Even I’m aware despite knowing you the shortest and us having the least reason to overlap in our work.”

The alpha protested. “I am not that bad. I have a very proper work/life schedule.”

“More like a work/life quota you try to stick to and compensate for any missed work during your time off.” Althea narrowed her green eyes at the other man. “Did you or didn’t you work overtime during the week so that you could finish early yesterday, Mr Wing?”

“It means I can truly relax during my break.” Artem tried to excuse himself.

“That’s not a no,” Marius observed with a grin. They were all silently laughing at the besieged alpha. It was true, he wasn’t really as bad as they were making it out to be but… “As I recall, Miss had to confiscate your tablet last time you were hospitalised to get you to rest.”

“Hmm,” Vyn hummed concurrently with his own honey eyes squinted with a slightly muted playful suspicion and a raised eyebrow at the alpha. He had pulled out the seated man’s two key cards from his pocket and was resting them against his chin. Artem met his gaze on hearing the hum and read what the omega didn’t say through his cocked brow. I know what you did three weeks ago when you were sick. “Maybe you should be kept under surveillance.”

Marius bent over slightly to get a clearer view of the key cards in Vyn’s hands. “You have his keys, Vyn?” His purple eyes brightened in mischief. “Should we hold them hostage? Or invade his house?”

“You could just come over,” the alpha sighed. “I’d let you stay over since we’d probably be meeting up again tomorrow if this ‘never’ game is to happen, but I only have one guest room.”

“A sleepover would be fun and would fit the atmosphere of sharing through a game,” Althea said wistfully. “But it doesn’t sound like your place would be practical for all of us unless we brought sleeping bags.”

“My villa would have enough guest rooms to accommodate everyone,” the silver haired omega commented with some reserve. He didn’t mind opening his home to host a sleepover; it would be a simple matter of getting his butler to prepare rooms, but it sounded like it was happening immediately and he wasn’t sure whether the older alpha would prefer to be in his own territory after the ordeal of last night and having had to stay in the hospital with all its foreign smells and people. “And it would be more reassuring to observe Artem directly in case he experiences any changes.” It might be a little draining to entertain them but the possibility of welcome scents in his home may balance out the loss with a likely good sleep at night. He would leave it to Artem to decide what he was ready for though.

Ocean eyes took in the restrained enthusiasm of the younger trio before meeting the golden gaze watching him with reserved composure. If it had been anyone else making the offer when he could see they were this weary, he would have declined, but he trusted Vyn knew what he could handle, and guessed that having the pheromones of the group and his in particular might help the other to actually get gainful rest rather than contribute to his fatigue from his Veronti’s syndrome being stimulated. As such, Artem allowed his lip to quirk up in a slight smile of resigned amusement. “I would like at least a few hours at home before going to Vyn’s house if we are doing this tonight.” He needed to do a few chores and check his fridge before losing the rest of his weekend. Refamiliarise himself with the safety of his territory. Hopefully, the psychologist would also be able to get a bit more rest before they came over.

The other three cheered while Vyn tilted his head with a slight curve to his lips at the alpha for being a pushover. Artem returned with his own look. Afterall, the omega had been the one to open his home to the sleepover. They both then relaxed into small smiles, concern for one another hidden behind curved eyes and lowered lashes. They were both somehow on the same page but in different books.

“I had best check my home is fit for company then. If you wish to come over at 4 or 5, we can perhaps have dinner together,” Vyn moved to Marius's side and held out Artem's car and home card to the brunette alpha as he spoke to the group.

“That would be nice. Should we each bring a dish? I’ll feel guilty if you keep providing." The sole female of the group thoughtfully brought up an idea for their evening meal.

“Last time you came over, Artem was the one who bought the ingredients and cooked the meal, so any guilt towards myself would be misplaced,” Vyn gently shared. “But I would not discourage a potluck dinner if you so wish.”

“Or I could get my chef to whip something up,” Marius pulled out his phone ready to start texting away.

“I’m not that great a cook but I could mix drinks. Otherwise I’ll probably be bringing takeaway.” Luke gave his likely contribution.

“While I enjoy a good wine, I believe most of our group are not that fond of alcohol. Artem also should not be drinking tonight,” Vyn observed.

Althea clapped her hands together with an idea. “Since Artem and Vyn provided everything last time, and we’re using Vyn’s place again this time, how about Marius brings the food, I’ll bring the dessert and Luke brings the drinks. Non-alcoholic.”

“You brought the cake last time,” Vyn began to remind but the brunette girl shook her head immediately in response.

“That was part of your birthday, Dr Richter, so it doesn’t count. You can’t make your own cake!”

Luke was instantly on board with the idea. “Works for me.”

They looked at Marius who was on his phone. “Already telling the chef to start cooking dinner for five people to transport.” He then looked up at the group. “That said, I have a few meetings to get out of the way if I want to make it tonight so I better go.” His pheromone flared in restlessness. His rut should give him a more aggressive edge for the meetings, so he wasn’t too concerned about them running too long and making him late.

They all waved him off. A minute after they were sure he had left, Althea brought up what they had all noticed in the past day. “Something happened to him, didn’t it?”

“Considering the game he wishes to play about sharing unpleasant histories, likely a plot against him,” Vyn analysed, seriously.

“An unfortunate downside of his position as the young PAX heir. It looks like it has reached a stage where he needs to vent.” Artem shared his own view.

Luke clasped his hands behind his head as he leaned back to look at the ceiling. “Not sure what type of support he’s looking for by having us all share our backstories. I don’t think tonight is going to be lighthearted.”

The two older men looked at him before sharing a glance. Vyn spoke again. “The sharing of personal history may be enough to build trust to the point where he thinks we could share some of his burden, even if it is only as a listening ear.”

Althea blew out a breath through her nose. “Sometimes I forget that he’s carrying so much and he’s only just turned 22.”

“You could say that we’re privileged to sometimes see his childish side. It means he feels safe enough with us to do so,” Artem thought aloud.

The room descended to silence as each pondered on the shifting relationships within the group.

It wasn’t too long later that a doctor came by and interrupted them and Artem was able to convince them to let him be released a little early as all his indicators said everything was normal and had since he arrived. The alpha changed into his clothes and went through the process of being discharged. They all then decided to split to their respective residences to prepare for tonight and do or rearrange any last minute things that they had previously planned.

Vyn’s Residence, 19th October 2030, 8.00pm, Saturday, Autumn

The team was just cleaning up from dinner, Marius having arrived last with the food and everyone else having been shown and set up with a room for the night. This time Althea had insisted on rising and placing the dishes in the dishwasher, Marius helping to clear the plates and Artem wiped down the table. Luke was preparing the fruit punch he had made and a warm apple cider for their next plans, having decided to go with Marius’s game after all, and Vyn prepared the living room for comfort and relaxation. He would have longed to set up an actual pack nest in the family room, but without having established the group as an official pack yet, it wasn’t appropriate.

He allowed himself to grab some of the pillows and blankets from the room to set up the area in the loosest terms of a nest though. The couches and armchairs were pushed slightly back from the coffee table and the soft material laid between so that the members had a choice of sitting properly or sprawling on top of the cushions, blankets and pillows that were laid invitingly in the space between, forming a kind of donut shape. Frowning, he went back to get some portable nest walls to act as less movable backrests than the armchairs.

The younger omega brought along the pot of warm cider with a warming coaster, Marius following with the punch bowl, Althea with a set of cups and Artem with some mugs in case people wanted to have both drinks. Althea then insisted everyone change into their pyjamas before really getting settled in for the night.

Marius and Artem both came back in similar style; Marius in an all black long sleeved shirt paired with light grey drawstring pants, Artem in a comfortable blue grey top with darker sleeves and navy blue sweatpants. Luke had a white T-shirt with a thin blue and red stripe along the chest and sleeves with brown mustard pants with black print up the side of the right leg. Vyn had his brown robe top with the large pale collar and cuffs with the matching loose pants. Althea wore a peach nightdress top with frilly cuffed sleeves to her elbows over some matching three quarter pumpkin pants.

Gathering around the coffee table everyone arranged themselves to be comfortable. The couches and armchairs were only used as back rests or support to make a better wall to lay against as they all opted to sit or lay on the cushions, blankets and pillows.

Artem had his back resting against the couch as he sat cross legged on top of the blankets and cushions on the floor, Vyn sitting slightly more upright with his legs gathered just beneath him but also against the couch to Artem’s left. Next to Vyn, Althea had the side, laying on top of cushions so that she could see the two older men while feet being oriented to the silver haired omega and her upper body beside Luke. Luke similarly had his legs stretched out to the side at the moment while leaning on one arm so he was close beside Althea and feet towards Marius, almost mirroring the beta girl. Taking up the other end of the coffee table, Marius had a pile of cushions behind him so that he was sat upright, his legs loosely crossed on top of each other, between Luke and Artem.

Marius was careful to keep his rut pheromones dampened, Artem also letting out his with a calming scent to reduce noticeability of it. The omegas also kept their scent faint so as not to stimulate his alpha instinct making it a relatively comfortable setup close to their usual outings. Their careful efforts made it just comfortable enough that it wasn’t necessary to seat Althea as a beta between Marius and Luke.

As a beta, Althea could identify the pheromone scent of others and have an understanding of feelings though them, but was not as sensitive to the cycles of heat and rut of the other genders and could sometimes miss the finer nuances of emotion. She still read enough of the room to guess and allowed her own scent to flow more freely. Beta pheromones lacked most of the hormonal information packed into what the other genders let out which was why their scents tended to be more muted or neutral to the noses of others. It evened out that betas couldn’t read the feelings of other genders well, so that the same could be said in the reverse as well. It made betas much better at communicating verbally. And those raised by betas also learned to place importance in non-olfactory communication.

All the effort in taking care of one another through their scents throughout the dinner and settling down served to bring a closer sense of care and trust, relaxing various guards held against one another. The need to be wary of an alpha in rut around an omega loosened as they began to let things go naturally. By the time a pack formed, such concerns wouldn’t even come to constant conscious awareness.

Drinks were served out and everyone murmured their appreciation of the taste causing the young omega to brush under his nose with his index finger, pleased at the praise and pheromone lightly flushed.

“Okay,” Artem began as soon as everyone was settled again. “How does this work?”

Marius fiddled with his mostly empty glass as he shrugged and tossed out a lazy answer. “We can just toss out a word or phrase of something we have gone through and anyone who has experienced the same takes a swallow of their drink. Person who says it also takes a drink. Up to the drinker if they want to share more details or not. We go around in a circle until you run out of things to say. Everything stays here.” Seeing Artem still with a slight frown, Marius waved his hand at him. “Anything else we can make up the rules as we go.”

All the members agreed. The others then naturally stared at Marius to start since he was the one who brought it up.

At first the tall alpha shifted uncomfortably before bringing a cocky lighthearted smile to his face in resignation and raised his cup before tossing out a scenario. “Boxcutter cut.” He took a drink. “From doing an art project.”

After a moment, Vyn also took a drink. “A patient,” he shared lightly.

After a moment of no one else moving they shifted to look at Artem for the next prompt. After a moment of contemplation, the alpha chose, “Cutting myself cooking.” To which everyone but Marius took a sip. All drinkers looked at the PAX heir with some humour and teased him for growing up with a chef, causing him to pout.

For the next round Vyn was the only one to drink for near drowning and he raised a glass to everyone before taking a gulp.

When broken bones were brought up, Artem questioned whether fractures counted in the same category or were their own category. They decided as a lesser version of the same category, fractures would be one sip and actual breaks would be two obvious sips.

It continued for a few rounds to be somewhat lighthearted and then Althea brought up being bullied. Everyone but Luke took a sip that time.

“The old guys in business are always trying to pull one over at me at PAX. Some of my cousins used to as well when I was younger.” Marius tossed out.

Artem turned the mug in his hand as he shared a few details himself. “In school. When the family of one of the people one of my parents helped convict at the end of high school found out my connection. And in university. As a freshman for a brief period by a few individuals who knew my parentage and thought I had an unfair advantage.”

“Nonsense,” Althea flared up.

“Indeed. I would imagine that your efforts showed them that no advantage is needed for you. Especially when you became the youngest to pass the bar exam for senior attorney,” Vyn put in with a nod.

Artem smiled at the immediate support. “Yes, it took time and making sure I didn’t overlap with my mother in school work but they eventually had to acknowledge that the work was my own.”

When he shared no more they looked to Vyn to see if he would elaborate. With a slight frown the golden eyed omega spoke. He picked his words carefully, not wanting to inadvertently share more than intended due to still being a little tired though managing to fit some rest in during the day. “As a teenager in Svart. For a period of time there were those who…wished to enforce their views on me of their perceived place for an omega or made an issue of my mixed blood.” His skin prickled uncomfortably at the memories of all the times he found himself cornered by some alphas who wanted to convince him to give up some of his participation in activities as an omega. A subtle scent of sweet cedar and delicate floral drifted towards him in notes of support and concern as a knee relaxed slightly just to meet his own. Vyn pressed back slightly as he let out a breath and gave an arch smile to the group. “I did eventually make them regret their actions.”

Some light claps of cheer and it was Althea’s turn. “I was shy as a child but I also hated when people would make someone feel worse who was already feeling bad and when I stood up to that they turned on me instead. I reported them to the teacher which helped and made me believe in fighting for what was right even more.”

Again things continued but they were venturing more into serious ordeals faced during investigation and business or with patients or the aftermath of cases.

Another rule was brought in to drink for the number of times something had happened to them when a bizarre competitiveness rose up in how many people they had to subdue when someone had attacked them.

“Okay! Someone trying to run you over with a car. One for missed, two for hit.” Luke threw out as something potentially he’d be the sole drinker for. But both Vyn and Artem took a drink. “Patient” and “lover of a client’s opponent” were their respective details. Luke drank twice and shared his was on the chase of a suspect.

“Spiked with aphrodisiacs. Sip for thwarted, double sip for under the influence.” Marius put forth and took a sip.

Vyn and Althea took a sip and Artem took a double sip which everyone’s head whipped to him for. He then sipped three more times, sending the others into confusion until Althea’s face cleared and she began to point at her fingers and ultimately drank three more times herself. Vyn then sipped two more times and Marius shrugged and drank five more times.

“Heard about the plots beforehand so I was able to avoid all of them.” Marius shared.

“I observed the suspicious behaviour of those around me and managed to swap my drinks around.” Vyn said as he side-eyed Artem beside him.

Althea was also looking at the alpha curiously along with the rest of the table as she shared her part. “I had the lipstick and nail polish for colour changes in response to tampered drinks to save me. The lip prints showed me when my drink was drugged.”

“I did drink it twice but nothing happened as I managed to sweat it out and then a friend stopped me from drinking another.” The brunette finally shared. The rest of the group found themselves relaxing in relief.

“As I recall, you mentioned that you sweat out the effects of the drug yesterday as well.” Vyn murmured.

“Yes. A personal trait of mine as a dominant alpha would be that I don’t stay under the influence of anything for long,” Artem elaborated. “When I recognise something trying to control or influence me, my body rejects it. Oftentimes getting rid of the influence of a substance just requires sweating it out. Ah,” Artem frowned in consternation. “Don’t I need to drink two more times from last night's incident?”

After a quick discussion from the others, they believed it qualified so he drank two more times.

They finished that round where it was noted that Artem had drank for each experience they had thrown out. They had a quick toilet break before resettling, though now much more sprawled out, hugging cushions and laying down lazily.

Gold eyes raked over the older alpha assessingly as Vyn spoke out what they had observed. “It seems pretty clear that Artem is in the lead on drinks and unfortunate mishaps.”

The older man grimaced slightly and offered a rueful smile.

Marius lifted a finger which then turned into three. “I propose three more rounds and we see if we can say something that Artem won’t drink to. Extra, extra points if nobody else drinks to it either.”

“I feel conflicted about being so clearly called out as a benchmark,” muttered Artem. 

The others chuckled at him and agreed to the last rounds. The mood then turned a little sombre as they recognised that this would be the time when they or others would probably bring out their most vulnerable moments.

“Okay,” Marius began. His fingers tapped on the table before stroking the relief. He wasn’t quite ready yet but something else… “We’ve already had blackmail, so how about counterfeits? One sip if they were unsuccessful in the attempt or not yours and two if they were.” He then took a drink.

Vyn and Luke took a drink.

The younger alpha huffed. “A counterfeit of my art was made but was revealed to be a fake.”

“Something of mine in Svart was replaced with a counterfeit but was discovered and the original recovered,” Vyn shared.

Artem’s hand twitched as he carefully didn’t think of a suit jacket in his wardrobe. It probably didn’t count.

“One of the antiques taken to my shop for fixing turned out to be a counterfeit,” Luke easily shared.

Artem looked to the ceiling a bit when everyone looked at him for his next ordeal before speaking. “Being tied up or restrained. I don’t think there is a lesser or more degree to this so I guess just one sip for every time it happened.” He then seemed to take a count for himself and eventually stopped at four sips.

Marius drank once and Luke drank four times as well.

Looking at Artem with mixed feelings (because this guy was a lawyer, what was he doing getting into as much trouble as the NSB agent) they waited for any explanation. Maybe he tried bondage.

Unfortunately, “Once when I was young, twice was Neil’s fault during investigation and infiltration and the last one was the case with Kendrick’s.”

By now Marius had to concede that he was far from being the subject to the most misfortune. “Mine was just to teach me what to do if it ever happened. Possibly Payton also wanted me to stop running around.”

Luke nodded along. “Two of mine were for training purposes as well and two were on a case.”

Moving on to Vyn's turn, he narrowed his eyes at the brunette alpha. “I want to say that I am certain you never went through this, but at this point I do not believe anything can be assumed. Sword fight injury.” He then took six sips of his cup.

Artem gave them a crooked smile but didn’t drink to everyone’s relief. They then looked to Vyn who smiled smugly at this strange victory of being the sole drinker. “Training and duelling in Svart. Nothing serious, grazing at most.”

It was then Althea’s turn who scrunched up her face. “Having a stalker. In college there was this one guy that I eventually had to get the school to intervene with.” She took one drink.

Vyn took a drink. “Someone who claimed to fall in love with me.” His countenance was dark and they didn’t push for him to elaborate.

Artem took two drinks. “Once in college that didn’t go beyond collecting my fountain pens, drink bottles and taking pictures. And another was a client.”

Marius swirled his cup. “Does the paparazzi count? That would be too many times. I’ve had three other occasions of people taking my things or trying to break into a room I was planning to stay in though.” He took three drinks when they said he could leave the paparazzi out.

Luke gave a crooked grin. “Do I take a drink if I’m the one who had to do the stalking for an investigation?” They laughed at him, thankful for a slight break in atmosphere and said that he didn’t need to.

“Okay, then I’ll risk it by saying gunfight. One sip for bystander involvement or victim, two if you were shooting back.” Luke continued. He then proceeded to have twelve drinks of his own. “All on cases.”

Artem drank three times. “Attacked by the Mafia once with Neil. That got me to learn about shooting for myself to get over the fear of guns. And Nosta.”

“Ah, I forgot about Nosta,” Luke flopped down. Althea petted his hair in amusement.

“Okay,” Marius drawled. “Round two. Time to take out the big guns.” He sat up straight, causing everyone to straighten and tense slightly. “Attempted kidnapping.” He drank twice.

Vyn drank once.

With a conflicted expression Artem quietly asked, “So does drinking twice mean it was successful?”

Marius waved his hand carelessly. “Yes, but in my case it was two attempts that failed. Didn’t even touch me.”

Artem raised his mug and took two sips.

Silence descended as they all stared at him.

“Please tell me those were two failed attempts as well.” Vyn finally uttered. His own failed attempted kidnapping fell on the wayside of attention for the moment. Even his weariness fled.

Artem cradled his mug but only gave a troubled smile without meeting anyone’s eyes.

“ Artem! ”

Some notes of distress began to permeate the air. Vyn scooted close and bent to meet the alpha’s eyes while trying to calm his disturbed emotions. He rested a hand on the alpha’s knee.

Turquoise eyes met harvest gold with a crooked smile. “It was a very long time ago.” The older man looked up to gaze at the other three as well who were looking at him with stunned, wide eyes. “Obviously I’m alright now.”

The others tried to restrain themselves from their disquiet but their continued shock and unease was obvious in their scents. Vyn sat upright again and had quickly gotten his own scent to neutral. You learned to hide feelings fast when it came to politics and controlled when it came to psychological treatment, but he could still feel his heart beating fast.

“So,” Artem began, “it was when I was twelve.”

“You don’t have to share if you don’t want to.” Vyn immediately reassured, fingers tightening briefly around the other’s knee. The voices of the others promptly piped in with concerned agreement.

One of Artem’s hands left his mug to rest over Vyn’s in reassurance as Artem looked at the psychologist before turning his gaze to the rest. “But you will all worry and wonder.”

“It is none of our business if you do not wish it to be. We all agreed at the beginning that no one had to share details if they did not want to.” Gold eyes and low voice were insistent.

Artem’s cramped smile fell into something a little more natural at the earnest protection and support. “It’s okay. I don’t mind sharing with you. And this is not so easily swept to the back of the mind so I may as well give you some background to set your minds at ease.”

The silver haired omega examined the older man only to see that while he was a little pensive, there was no distress. Even a little relaxation. “If you are certain.” He flipped his hand over under Artem’s and slipped their hands beneath the coffee table from the alpha’s knee to lay on the blanket out of any chanced sight. He then straightened up but let their thighs touch. He let out a calming scent which mixed with Artem’s reassuring one, settling the younger three from their shock. Their eyes were wide but slowly calmed to something more rational, waiting and serious.

Artem gave a small squeeze to Vyn’s hand and began again. “I was twelve when it happened. My father had already been serving in the Supreme Court for a number of years and was working on legislation for commercial law. My mother, as someone well established within that field, was also giving some advice. They were actually starting to work on the section on consumer goods, in particular the pharmaceutical sector.”

Artem paused for a moment and tilted his head. “Thinking about it now, it was about the time the predecessor of the eXVF medication was going through trials. There was a push to make it more readily available when the time came.”

“eXVF?” Althea asked. Her face held a small frown as she tried to remember the familiar term.

Vyn answered her. “eXVF is a medication to aid in fertility for couples that have an alpha or omega by speeding up the timeline of the reproductive cycle. With a fertility specialist, an alpha/omega couple works out the ideal time to start the medication so that their rut and heat cycle can fall in sync and increase the chances of conception for those struggling to get pregnant. A synced cycle increases the chances of pregnancy from 20-30% to 45-65%. Even for a beta/omega couple with the omega the one intended to bear, a sped up cycle will still increase the number of chances they can try to conceive. Between alpha/beta couples, working out the ovulation period and syncing up the alpha’s rut works in the same way in increasing chances of pregnancy though success only increases to 40%.”

He looked to Artem. “If you are talking about its predecessor, then that would be Fertifam. I believe it was not approved for distribution until 10 years ago as initial trials showed a weak effect on actual fertility cycles and was closer to what we call XVL today.”

Artem nodded his head. “There was interest by businesses but also by some criminal syndicates in this new drug. They wanted to pave the way for easy purchasing and distribution. Both my parents were busy during this period for a number of reasons with advising on this issue being one of them. I was often left with a babysitter. A young beta woman of 20. One night we were both taken. The kidnappers took over the food delivery for the night and forced themselves through the door.”

Vyn felt the fingers of the alpha’s larger hand curl and he pressed his thigh close again, stroking his thumb as a reminder of the present. Letting out a breath, Artem clasped the hand in his a little more firmly.

“We were taken to some sort of facility. At first, we were kept together. I could hear,” Artem grimaced slightly at the memory of ambiguous noises and muffled screams, “we weren’t the only ones there. The second day she was separated from me and taken somewhere. I didn’t know at the time why we were taken, though it seems they may have been trying to influence the legislation. I didn’t know what they were doing with all the people until the fifth day. They took me out and led me to a room. For some fun.”

Blue eyes were dark and unfocused on memories of the past, being led down hallways. His memories of that time always seemed tinted in red light and shadows. His voice got quieter. “They could tell that I would manifest as an alpha since I was at the time where puberty pheromones started leaking and were talking about showing me what an alpha, especially a man, should do. It was a room full of mostly omegas and a few alphas under the influence of something like the early Fertifam or XVL. The pheromones were potent and the omegas seemed like they were too weak to move. And in pain. They were asking for…” Artem shook his head. He may not have said it but what was implied was clear. “The alphas could move but they were caught between two primal desires and so were beating themselves up to stop either. Most of the captors were male betas and those that were alphas just seemed to embrace the feelings and both did whatever they wanted. It was a pill that seemed to affect hormones. It was in the air, the pheromones of that room. They were testing a formula they got their hands on.”

His hand unconsciously squeezed Vyn’s and got a squeeze back which brought him back and reminded him to take a few deeper breaths. He sat up straighter from his slight curling and began to speak in a slightly detached tone. “It seemed to become aerosolized through the pheromones of those who ingested it, which in turn affected the people around them. There was a door further in that one of the captors ventured to as I was also pushed further into the room. When it opened I could hear my babysitter.” He faltered for a moment. “By that time I was also affected by the drugs and could feel my body heating up, my thoughts being influenced. But with everything happening around me, I was very stressed. And very displeased.” He had a not quite smile crawl onto his face. “I manifested as an alpha right there. A dominant one. Who really didn’t like the situation around me. And didn’t like being controlled. I rejected the influence of the drug on me which means I also pumped out a lot of my own pheromones to get it out, flooding the place and pulling everyone under my influence and commanded everyone to stop.”

He had been a child crying out in fear against the pain and injustice happening around him. 

“For a while all I could do was tell everyone to just stop whatever they were doing. They did but it still took me a few minutes to gather myself together. Anyone who entered the room and the hallway where my pheromones reached was made to submit. Neil is actually the one who found me at that point. I’m not sure how he found out where we were or how he got in so quickly or if he was already there. When he appeared in the room he got a little affected by the drugged pheromones and then my pheromones but managed to get me to calm down and guide me in what to do next. I demanded a phone and called the police. I didn’t know where I was but Neil talked to the police and also let them know about some other places, people and things he found out. It took me a little time to work out how to let the police go about what they needed to when I was afraid of letting the criminals out of my influence. Turns out I didn’t have to worry since they kept my orders for a period of time even after I let my pheromones go. I was exhausted by the end of it. This was also when I met Captain Morgan for the first time as a rookie policeman. He helped take my statement. There are those who know about the case but not my particular involvement in it since I was a minor at the time and Neil helped to protect my identity.”

The room seemed to release a slow collective exhale as the heaviness finally began to dissipate. Luke and Marius were conflicted with feelings of wanting to comfort but the older alpha was already looking at peace again, taking a gulp from his cup.

Althea didn’t hold back and leaned forward with all sincere empathy and relief. “I’m really glad you got out of that safely, Artem.”

Dark blue eyes flicked up to her from his cup with a slight, unreadable look before then moving to Vyn. “Did you want to share yours?”

It took a moment for Vyn to understand what he was asking. At his slight frown, he felt the alpha squeeze his still clasped hand.

Relaxing and accepting the support offered by squeezing back, they then naturally detangled their hands, Artem to fill his cup and Vyn to grab his mug. The others also moved to sit more comfortably again or fill their cups or mugs.

Making a decision, the omega decided to share a few more details to meet the attorney’s show of vulnerability. “My stalker tried to arrange for me to be picked up during a Svart hunting trip when I was 14. It seemed that they planned to make me disappear as if in a hunting accident. Fortunately I caught wind of the plot when I noticed someone tracking me. I overheard the plans when I was hiding in a low cliff over a river when they were standing above my hideout. When they left I finished my hunt early and exited before they could locate or cross my path.”

“Your stalker actually hired people to snatch you?”

Vyn grimaced around his mug. “Unfortunately my stalker was a person of some influence.”

After settling back against the couch again, Artem began to speak as Vyn stopped speaking further. “Then I guess I’ll continue. I took a drink earlier so it can count for this.” He was slow to continue before finally opening his mouth again. “You could say it’s a little bit of a continuation of what I just shared.” His arms rested on his knees which he had raised. “Strangulation.”

There was another freezing of movement. Vyn set his mug down on the coffee table before him rather than clench his hands around it. He breathed in deeply and let it out in a controlled exhale. Because Artem had said this was a continuation of his earlier story. His kidnapping when he had been twelve . What did he mean by continuation?

The alpha’s low baritone continued. “My babysitter did not recover well from the events and I don’t blame her. I visited her a few times over the next couple of months in the trauma ward because I…” he faltered, and didn’t finish the sentence. Artem felt like he should have been more considerate and sensitive of what his presence would do to someone traumatised because of him. He then continued, “The last time…she had not recovered as well as first thought to the suffering she went through and seemed stimulated by the fact that I manifested as an alpha with such a strong ability to influence others.”

He would always remember her anger and frustration that exploded all of a sudden. Her screaming as her hands came for his neck. That he was born so privileged. That he escaped virtually unscathed from the ordeal. As a boy, an alpha, a dominant. Born to a reasonably well off family. Able to now influence and control his surroundings so easily when she was ruined, weak, reduced to nothing. How she thought looking after him had been a chance for her but it had been a misfortune. How she wished he hadn’t existed and would stop him from harming others before he grew up like those people had harmed her, like he had harmed her . That she called him a mistake.

Gold eyes widened at the absent minded alpha rubbing a finger at his neck as he recalled the second time he’d found the alpha sleeping back when this all began.

Don’t! Sorry.. I’m s-sorry…

Was this the context for that cry?

Seeing the downcast countenance of the man lost in the past, Vyn’s face became serious and he grasped the other’s arm, pulling the attorney out of his thoughts and memories to meet his gaze. “You say you do not blame her, but you do understand that you also hold no fault, do you not, Artem?”

Eyelashes fluttered as blue eyes dipped down before rising to meet gold again, a small crooked smile on his lips. “Of course, Vyn.”

Honey eyes narrowed. He may say he knows it but he does not truly believe it. If he was apologising for something not his fault, then Artem likely still holds a burden of unwarranted guilt. Especially with whatever this woman said to him at a young age, blaming his traits and taking it out on him. He has worked hard to present himself as capable, has been relentlessly hard working and seldom shows weakness. Or rather, does his best not to be a burden on others. He does not have a depressed personality so someone must have helped him to build up some measure of self esteem but his strict personality and high standards for himself may indicate an underlying inferiority in relating to others. That Artem has not considered forming a romantic relationship previously until pushed… could he subconsciously have been keeping a distance from others? Because he feels… unworthy? Or a burden? On the other hand, his serious and strict personality has likely kept a majority of people from getting closer to him on a personal level. Taken the wrong way, it may reinforce the idea that he is undesirable.

Vyn let out a small sigh after the thoughts raced through his head though a thread of determination arose within him. I have a lot of work cut out for me. The omega seemed to take for granted that he would be embracing all of this man’s history and weaknesses, to protect and repair the wounds.

A small complicated bubble of doubt also floated beneath the surface of all his thoughts and resolve, quietly unvoiced. Could he really end up loving me if he is only doing this because of being pushed…? Or is he just… meeting expectations?

The psychologist tuned back into the continued conversation happening around him.

“What happened to her after that?” the beta asked, troubled. She had sympathy for the woman and the ordeal she went through but for her to take it out on a child was terrible.

“My family kept our distance from her after that. We didn’t press charges but ensured that she was entered into a treatment facility that could help her through the trauma and helped pay for part of the cost. As far as I know, she was discharged a year and a half later,” Artem shared.

“Damn, Artem,” Marius started. “Maybe you were the one who should have had some bodyguards growing up.”

“You may not need the drug resistance training, but maybe we should enforce some self defence training,” Luke added.

“That happened a long time ago,” Artem protested.

“Nah,” the younger alpha dismissed, “some of the things we’ve been saying and you’ve been drinking for sound a lot more recent. You should definitely put in some training.”

“Why are you reluctant to learn some self defence, Mr Wing?” Althea questioned curiously.

“Yes,” Vyn joined in, “after all that you have encountered, one would think that getting such training would be the logical action to take. Especially with someone offering so freely.”

Artem side eyed him. “And who was it that declined straight away last time it was offered after Nosta.” Vyn just arched an eyebrow back at him. As the others continued to look coercively at him, he huffed a small breath and, turning his head away bashfully, he admitted the reason for his embarrassment. “I’m… somewhat clumsy in moving my body.” His ears slowly pinked.

The team around him blinked in varying reactions of blankness and amusement.

“That is why instruction and practice exists, Artem. Everyone starts somewhere.” Vyn smiled. “You did fine when I taught you how to dance. I think martial arts and self defence would actually suit you better since they have standard forms and movement.”

Artem narrowed his eyes at the silver haired omega. “As I recall Luke only offered a tutorial.”

“I could take some time to lead you and correct your form. Otherwise it’s just a matter of repeating the movement until it becomes muscle memory,” the coral eyed brunette volunteered.

Artem hummed, neither agreeing or disagreeing quite yet.

“Oh, maybe I can join in too! We could make it a class!” Althea joined in. She then looked at her childhood friend. “It wouldn’t be too hard for you if I join in, would it?” Her eyes were already bright with expectation.

Luke brushed under his nose at Althea’s trust in his capability and puffed his chest out with a pleased and confident face. “Leave it to me! I could teach you even if the class were bigger. I’ll have you guys knowing the basics in no time!”

Artem continued side eyeing Vyn. The psychologist tried to pretend he hadn’t noticed for a while but then caved as blue eyes turned slightly imploring. “Fine. I can join in as well. But if it takes place in the morning you can forget I said anything.”

Althea clapped her hands in excitement. And Artem seemed to relax, eyes soft and smiling.

“What about me?” Marius demanded. “I bet I could help train everyone too! I’ve been trained all my life.”

“If you can find the time, I’m sure we’d be happy to have you join us, Marius.” Althea earnestly answered him but then turned concerned. “Would you be okay between all your studying, art and PAX duties though?”

The black haired alpha pouted. “If it’s just an hour or two a week, I’m sure I can find the time.”

“There’s no need to push yourself though.” Artem also expressed his concern with a frown.

“I agree,” Vyn concurred. “You have a lot of duties, not to mention being part of the NXX for investigations. But perhaps,” the omega added, when he saw the unhappy face of the youngest at being left out, “we can compromise. Luke can give us a lesson on the weekend. When we have an NXX meeting, we can spend 15-30 minutes at the end having our form checked and drilled for building reflexes.”

“That’s a great idea, Dr Richter.” Althea smiled brightly at the psychologist before looking towards Marius again who looked mollified. “That seems perfect to make sure we get the most out of this. Thanks in advance, Luke! Marius!”

“Not a problem,” Luke replied with a pleased face. His face then changed though into something a little troubled and worried. “Though in saying that, my work schedule may not be all that regular.” His coral eyes became half lidded as the hand he had rested on his stomach unconsciously stroked a thumb over the left side of his waist.

The eyes of both Marius and Vyn flickered at noticing the motion and expression, filing it away and scents carefully controlled to not react. Artem’s head tilted the slightest fraction and Althea’s turned, feeling the slight shift in mood and atmosphere, also taking a subconscious note.

“That is perfectly understandable,” Vyn responded. “As with Marius, there is no need to go out of your way. If regular instruction is what we want, for those times that you can not hold a class I have someone that I can contact to step in if really needed. But his methods may be a bit harsh for beginners.” His beta butler, Ogier, was more than qualified to give instruction, but he knew from experience that he could be quite strict in his teaching. He was also sharp enough he may pick up on the actual nature of the relationship between Artem and himself. The former guard cum butler had noted the change in dynamics and interaction but had not yet grasped the dating aspect, so far attributing their spending time together to his health management strategy along with the rest of the group. Not entirely wrong and not far from noticing something more if he got to see them interact up close. He'd prefer not to have Ogier meddling in his personal business for as long as possible if he could help it.

After everyone agreed, there was silence and then they checked no one else was taking a drink before focusing nervously on Vyn.

Vyn pondered for a while, one arm folded up to hold his shoulder. A finger stroked the back of his neck near some small scarring before curling away. He mentally shook his head, still not quite ready and thinking it might be better for something hopefully not quite so heavy after Artem’s sharing, before lowering his hand. “Sabotage.”

The others hummed in intrigue and thoughtfulness as he took a drink and then had three more. Artem also took three drinks, Luke had two and Marius had five.

Vyn went first. “Two equestrian events, once with my car and once in an archery competition, all done against me. I had a small mishap from the polo event with my horse, but all the others I was able to turn around or circumvent.”

Artem went next. “Mine were all cases. There were two occasions where evidence was withheld or tampered with. There was also a witness planted to undermine the credibility of one of my key witnesses through perjury.”

Luke. “I was the one committing sabotage on a couple of cases. Once for a device and once for a weapon.”

Marius shrugged easily. “Someone tampered with my art for a competition once and all the others were business dealings for PAX.”

Althea frowned thoughtfully at the senior attorney. “I’ll have to keep in mind the possibility of something like that happening for my future cases.”

Artem smiled at her. “I’m sure you will be sharp enough to catch it,” he encouraged.

She nodded back at him, thankful for the positive words. She then scrubbed her hair a little in dismay. “Ah, I think I’m running out of experiences. Mmm, I’ll go with being stranded. I got left behind on an outing by my club once when I was in university. That was stressful.” She took a drink.

Artem, Vyn and Luke all took a drink.

“I got separated from Neil on an investigation once during a commotion and was left in an unfamiliar area for a while until I could find a safe place to reach out for transport,” Artem shared.

Vyn spoke next. “It was part of my survival training in Svart so I do not wish to take a drink for how often I did it.”

Luke nodded along. “Training for me as well. As well as for cases so I would prefer not to have to drink for each occasion either. And for my turn I’ll share one I’ll find hard to believe Artem could have gone through: toxic gas attack.”

They all paused to see if Artem would take a drink and he shook his head at them with a diffident smile.

Concerned, Vyn turned back to Luke. “Can I ask if there were no permanent or serious after effects?”

The rest of the team also paid close attention to the answer.

The coral eyed omega affected nonchalance. “I had to take some medicine and the NSB helped me recover from the effects of the gas.” He looked back at all the eyes watching him with a smile on his face. “I guess that’s the end of the second last round?”

“I guess so.” Artem carefully didn’t exchange glances with anybody else though he thought they were all on the same page of the young omega hiding something but naturally looked towards Marius who would be starting the next round. The PAX heir looked thoughtful.

Vyn gazed at his mug and resisted the urge to take a swig, his eyes falling half mast. The younger omega had been rather specific in his answer to his question in having it only pertain to the gas attack. Meaning, something else could have caused after effects. The young man also brought up medicine so perhaps…?

Althea shifted so that she leaned into her childhood friend’s space. She wasn’t sure what Luke was hiding so carefully but it made him tense. She only hoped that she could somehow convey her patient support and openness for whatever, whenever he might share. 

The brunette omega looked over at Althea at feeling her warmth nearby and seeing her worried care, felt the tension bleed out of him. He didn’t want to be guarded against her but also didn’t want to cause her pain. Everyone here was pretty sharp though. Or knew him pretty well. Actually, he had grown somewhat fond of all the people here. If he hadn’t he would have found it easier to keep a distance. 

“The sharing of personal history may be enough to build trust to the point where he thinks we could share some of his burden, even if it is only as a listening ear.”

Remembering Vyn’s words, he longed for that sharing of burden, the listening ear. But it probably would just cause more people to be hurt when…

He should have kept a distance from them. Perhaps for tonight though, he could listen and share just a little more.

Marius breathed out a long breath. “So last round.” His purple eyes left Luke to gaze into the middle distance, all the stories and experiences he had heard so far going around in his mind. “I’m pretty sure you all guessed that something happened already so I’ll just tell you for my last turn. Someone tried to poison me a couple of days ago through some art material. Pretty potent stuff too. Luckily Vincent intercepted it with his gloves still on. He was still mildly affected. He’s been given a few days break and is expected to have no lasting damage but if he hadn’t been there…” Marius shook his head sardonically in the solemn atmosphere, his own scent having turned weighted. “What a waste of good materials too.” He finished off his cup.

Luke switched his posture so that he could lean over to squeeze the tall alpha’s leg in comfort, Althea following him in a sprawl on top to do the same. “We’re very glad that you are fine, Marius.” Coral and olive eyes looked up at purple with sincere thankfulness.

“Indeed, I am also thankful Vincent was beside you and will make a full recovery himself,” Vyn added.

Artem also reached over a hand to squeeze the Von Hagen’s forearm. After a comforting moment, his other hand then lifted his mug and he took two drinks.

All eyes turned to the older alpha, faces deadpan and hoping he was just thirsty.

“Artem.” Vyn intoned for all of them.

The attorney retrieved his hand from Marius and self consciously explained. “So, I was mildly poisoned when I was seven by one of my father’s opponents in court in order to try to make him absent and buy himself more time. He bribed my babysitter into putting something in my food that gave me some pretty bad stomach cramps that wiped me out for a day. Apparently they panicked when the effects were so strong and confessed.” He gave a small shrug. “On the other hand, the nanny chosen afterwards once cooked me spicy noodles and I thought I was being poisoned again except she ate from the same pot. It was what made me decide I would learn to cook.”

“I question again how you are still alive,” Vyn stated impassively in response to his story.

Slumped as they still were, Luke and Althea voiced their consensus along with Marius.

Marius sighed in exasperation when aqua eyes turned to him with what seemed to be contrition in them and shook a finger at the older man. “You are not seriously apologetic for stealing my thunder because of actually being poisoned at one point? I got what I needed off my chest, so I’m good, but you! I don’t even know what to say!”

“I know what to say,” Luke’s voice cut in. He turned to Artem. “Captain Morgan was right. You are a trouble magnet.”

“!” Artem began to protest but then paused as he visibly seemed to have a thought change the direction of his words and sighed. “I think there is no need for me to share what I was planning to say for my round then,” he said in a more reserved tone. 

After a beat of silence, a low baritone rang out. 

“I want to hear it.”

All eyes went to the psychologist. 

Vyn was looking at Artem with a serious face. The alpha had shuttered down slightly, even his pheromones being emotionally restrained. 

Examining the expression and composed posture of the psychologist before him, the attorney’s eyes conveyed the silently wary question of ‘why?’

Gold eyes unwaveringly stared back, thoughts running through his head. Because I want to share this with you. And not because I think you will be a future burden. Because I want to know you. Because I have learnt more about you in the last month than I have in the last two years and I am understanding more now. Because I didn’t make the effort before but I want to make up for that. Because we are dating. Because you are coming to mean something to me and I want to protect you and help you if I can. Because I want you to know that everything that happened is not your fault. Because I care. So many words he could say if it were just the two of them. But how do I convey that without you thinking that you are an inconvenience or trouble, that we would be preparing for the worst? Finally he could only reduce it down to one word.

Softening, gentling, with everything he couldn’t say in his eyes and in his bearing he spoke.

“Please.”

His pheromones were soothing, welcoming. Eyes conveying slight tenderness but voice firm to show he wasn’t weak, but strong enough to be leaned on.

The yellow light of the living room in night mode made the omega seem dazzling, inviting, and the moment stretched until Artem finally closed his eyes to the sight as he felt his defences crumple and disintegrate. “Okay.”

Vyn was relieved to see the alpha’s countenance begin to relax and open up again.

“Mm,” Althea hummed as she raised her upper body off Luke to hold herself up on the coffee table. “I want to know what you have been through as well, Mr Wing. Artem.” The beta smiled up at him. She would have respected his decision to stay quiet but since Artem had said he would share, she wanted to let him know that she didn’t take it lightly. Each story that everyone had shared tonight had made her feel closer to them and though her experiences were not as dramatic as theirs, she hoped they felt the same.

Luke copied Althea so that there were two sets of arms and heads in a row along the coffee table. “Yeah, I need to know what sort of techniques I should teach you. It would be better if you never need them, but I think we would all agree we want to give you the best chances of staying safe.” Luke’s boyish face was filled with the honest desire to help and equip the older man with skills for his protection.

“I agree.” Marius shared his own input. “This wasn’t what I expected when I suggested this, actually I’m not sure what I was expecting caught up in my own head as I was, but I’m actually glad with how it turned out. So don’t hold back on us now, Artem.” He grinned at the other alpha. He felt lighter after having spoken his grievances. Hearing everyone else's troubles as well had helped him put things into perspective. Shit happens and it was unpleasant, but let it out and move on.

A small smile came to Artem’s face as he let down his guard once more. “All right then. I don’t think I’ll have any concerning experiences left after this. My last round is being taken hostage.” He took a drink while everyone else semi-dramatically despaired of him, Vyn rubbing his forehead, Marius slumping back and the other two wailing at Artem’s misfortunes. Luke didn’t forget to take a drink of his own though. The older alpha was able to take it in good humour.

They all then turned to him to have him explain.

The alpha spoke of the events lightly. “I was in the middle of helping Captain Morgan interview someone we thought might be a witness but turned out to be an accomplice. They took me hostage with a homemade firearm and took me away. The policeman I was with was cuffed to a table and left behind but was able to make a call out for help. By then the man had me drive away though and then switch to a taxi and then contacted another accomplice to change again. He seemed a bit too high strung and trigger happy to risk commanding him. They tried to use me as leverage to free the person on trial. It took the police a couple of days to track us down and it was rather tense for a while but eventually it was safely resolved. His weapon kind of backfired on him. It made the case and subsequent trial much easier.”

Marius suddenly began to make an announcement when Artem finished, “I think! We should put a tracker on you. Just for emergencies.” To the wide eyes of his audience, he continued to explain himself. “You’ve been taken away at least three times, twice as an adult! With us being so involved in investigations it would be a lot more reassuring if we had a tracker just in case.” The young alpha’s scent was lively but an underlying hint of concern could be detected.

“I could maybe put something together,” Luke said thoughtfully, already seeming to be on board and pondering how to design it. “I can program a simple GPS beacon but have it dormant unless self-activated by you or activated if you miss at least three calls and we push the program button. Or if your phone gets destroyed? But how to make it something that won’t be taken away…” Luke started muttering to himself ideas and situations to account for.

Looking at him, Althea put in a few thoughts and suggestions. “Jewellery is pretty standard but it could be taken. Something discrete or camouflaged, maybe? But as what?” Her eyes trailed around.

“An earring would be easiest,” Marius interjected, fingering his own earrings. “People hardly think to take those away unless they are obviously expensive.”

They all looked to Artem, scrutinising him, while he seemed slightly overwhelmed by the sudden direction the discussions were taking.

“I…I feel like an earring on Mr Wing would seem out of character,” Althea admitted. The others nodded.

Eyes wide, Artem finally began to respond. “I’m not going to be the only one with a GPS, am I? Isn’t this going a bit far?”

“Your safety is not a joke. But if it makes you feel better, perhaps we should all have one,” Vyn replied as he contemplatively stroked where he knew his beauty mark was. He then turned to Luke. “How about disguising it as a mole? A spot out of the way on the ear won’t draw much attention and can even be hidden by hair. Most people would not even realise it was never there before.”

Coral eyes brightened. “I could do that. I can also do a bracelet or ring component for the self activation and charging parts that need a bit more space to work.”

“Rings would be better,” Marius jumped in. “I can design them. Bracelets would be harder to accessorise with any outfit. I’ll just need to get ring sizes for whichever finger everyone chooses to wear it on.”

Half the group immediately began examining their hands to choose a finger.

Looking at her hands and looking at the group Althea commented, “I feel like Marius and Dr Richter could somehow pull off a ring on any finger.” She went back to her hands with a frown. “I’m not sure which finger to choose.”

“I think something discreet on my little finger would suit me best,” Vyn said as he almost took a drink from his cup. Putting it down again with a slight frown, he got up to fetch a jug of water murmuring that water didn’t count for the rounds. Everyone thankfully took a cup when he set it down.

“The little finger represents children and ‘the joy and responsibility of raising a family’. If you like symbolism, a better choice might be the middle finger which represents self, individuality and self-awareness. Marius would have to make sure it won’t be confused with an engagement ring though,” Artem shared. When they looked over at him for this surprising bit of trivia, they saw him seemingly reading something on his phone. Looking up after noticing their gazes he explained with some embarrassment. “I didn’t think my hands suited anything besides a wedding band so I thought to look up what some of the beliefs around rings and fingers might be so I can explain if anyone asks about it.”

“Oh? What do the other fingers mean?” Althea asked curiously.

Artem briefly skimmed over the article as he answered. “The ring finger is for life partners as everyone would expect, so love, commitment and marriage. The index finger is for siblings and the bonds and camaraderie between brothers and sisters. The thumb, as you can guess by the theme, is for parents, as well as connection and support from one’s family. If we take a step back, the index finger could also work for the bonds and camaraderie, but also since we use it to point where to go, it would be fitting for what the intended purpose is.”

“Thinking about it like that, the index finger does seem suitable.” Luke looked at his left hand.

“I vote for the index finger! I like those meanings,” Althea announced.

Seeing Artem still reading through the article, Vyn questioned him. “Is there something else in there that has caught your interest?”

The brunette looked up, a little startled. “Um, just the explanation about why the ring finger is for life partners. They have this little demonstration you can do.” Putting down his phone he lifted both his hands together as if loosely praying so that the fingertips touched and then folded the middle fingers down, still staying knuckle to knuckle. “So, if you do this and then try to separate each of the other fingers touching, all but the ring fingers can part.” Demonstrating, he continued to explain, even as the others lifted their own hands to give it a go. “It shows how your parents won’t always be with you, your siblings will eventually have their own paths and your children will eventually leave the nest but your life partner should be an unbreakable bond. Folding the middle finger down is to symbolise being able to shape your own destiny.”

“You really can’t part the fingers,” Marius said in some wonder, still trying.

“That’s pretty cool,” Luke agreed.

After they had their fun, “A ring on my right index finger,” was the satisfied choice of Althea.

“Should that be for everyone?” Marius asked and looked towards the psychologist.

“I might as well, if everyone is doing the same,” Vyn acquiesced.

“Great! I’ll liaise with Pearce about the details and send you all the designs to check if it's something you’ll be fine to wear every day.”

Luke gave an okay gesture for his part, already taking some notes for features and specs that he thought of.

“I still think this is a little exaggerated,” Artem uttered.

“Just think of it as for our peace of mind,” Vyn placidly replied. “As long as it truly is dormant unless needed, it can count as extra insurance and team equipment.”

“That’s right. I’m actually looking forward to having it. I admit to being a little relieved after what we’ve been sharing tonight,” Althea added. A little more hesitant, “not to mention how the Kendrick’s case could have gone differently.”

Pulling out of his whirl of thoughts, Luke leaned into the beta, leaking some comfort pheromones while he was at it. Breathing in the familiar warmth, Althea leaned back into him with a thankful smile and her gladiolus scent lightened.

Vyn glanced over at Artem to see him taking a sip of water, eyes not meeting anyone. Vyn looked back to the rest of the group. “Rather than focus on what did not happen, it should rather reassure you to remember that when we got your call for help, we did everything we could to get there. And we would certainly do so again.”

One hand left on the coffee table, he allowed his right to drop so that his fingers could rest on Artem’s thigh, just above his knee, so that he knew the message was for him as well. He turned his head to meet blue eyes that finally looked up.

“Damn right. If you send out the signal a little helicopter fine is nothing,” Marius waived.

Artem gave Vyn a small smile before turning to the PAX heir. “As the one who took that fine, I can say that your definition of little is too different from the majority of the population.”

Vyn took back his fingers as he listened to the banter and went to take a sip of his water before pausing. He was next to share wasn’t he? His face changed to something more serious as he thought about his earlier decision to share something deeply personal. He hadn’t thought it was something he would ever share with another, let alone multiple others.

Exposing his imperfections, was he sure he wanted to risk it?

“Vyn?”

He looked up to see the concerned eyes of Artem and the rest of the team. Immediately, he smoothed his face into the usual pleasant smile. “My apologies. I was just contemplating what to share next for my last round.”

Awareness appeared on their faces as they settled back in their seats, prepared to listen.

Vyn’s eyes took in their attentive postures, still a little uncertain about what to do before gazing at Artem one more time and affirming his choice. The alpha had shared a lot of himself tonight. He could do the same.

He began by speaking to the attorney first. “I would find it difficult to believe that this particular misfortune could happen to you somehow.” He then turned to the rest of the group though his eyes didn’t stay focused on anyone in particular. “An unwanted claiming bite. One for attempted, two for actually being bitten.” He took two drinks from his mug as various degrees of shock and gasps occurred around the room. A degree of outrage and distressed pheromones also floated into the air but he could tell it wasn’t aimed at him so much as for him. Before emotions and thoughts could run too far he reassured them, “I am not bonded.”

Emotions still stayed in turmoil but became just a degree calmer.

“What- I mean, I’m really glad that you’re not bonded, Dr Richter.” Althea had obviously backtracked from asking what had happened. They had promised not to ask for details after all.

“I think at this point, you can call me Vyn, Althea.” Vyn smiled gently at her to which she weakly smiled back. He then sat back and began to share more on what had happened. “I was very fortunate to resist the bonding. At the time that this occurred, I was fourteen years old and home in Svart for the social season. A late bloomer, I was on the verge of manifesting. It was always known that I would be an omega, it was just a matter of when but by then we knew it would be soon since my scent was changing. In any case, my position as part of a noble house meant I had to attend certain social events growing up. Unfortunately, this combination of designation and position gained me a number of unwanted suitors. One in particular you have already heard about.”

The silver haired psychologist paused for a moment, glancing around the group. “I don’t know how much you all know about the Kingdom of Svart but it still has a monarchy which holds some power in union with the Church along with the nobility. The third prince, Magnus, was my stalker who tried to have me kidnapped.” His face twisted into a sardonic smile. 

“After it failed I denounced him in the Court along with the Church of Svart who had been trying to force a marriage using the argument of alpha/omega bonds for the royalty who manifested as such. It was an obvious ploy to undermine my House and bring its power under their rule through the marriage of its sole heir. After that incident, they went the other way and sought to discredit me and have me declared illegitimate. Seeing as both Church and royalty still hold some power I was considered persona non grata among certain circles due to the controversy, though some alphas from certain families still wished to add me to their collection .” Here it was obvious as to his disgust of these alpha’s and their proposals as the word rolled off his tongue like a bad taste.

He continued. “There was no evidence against the prince linking him to the kidnapping attempt beyond my words, so despite the circumstances, he continued to persist in his suit. Etiquette dictated that I could only deny his audience under certain circumstances.” Vyn’s face turned sour in distaste.

His face continued to fall as he came to the next event. “I was summoned to the castle with limited escort to meet him. He along with some other alphas who had expressed interest in me wanted to initiate the tradition of a Chase after I manifested. I declined their proposal very firmly. They were offended. The prince then called out to his guards to block my escort who had been following at a prescribed distance within the royal household. He then told me I had best start running since I turned them down when they asked to prove themselves nicely, as he decided they would Chase me now.”

Vyn’s amber eyes became dark and unseeing as he looked at remembered images. “I ran.” Down the hallway, windows to the ironically shining sun flashing past. “They didn’t give me much of a head start before I could hear them chasing me.” Rapid footfalls, heaving breaths, unsavoury words, pressuring scents. “They were all much bigger than me, being alphas and five to seven years older. I think I only got halfway down the next hall before I was caught.” He remembered a hand slipping down his back, not quite grasping his clothes but slowing him down. Slowing him enough for another hand to bear down on his neck, tripping him up and making him fall to the floor. A weight on top of him crushing the breath out of his lungs. “Got you. You’re mine now.” Goosebumps crept over his flesh even now at the words. He shook it off.

“It was the prince who brought me to the floor. He tried to bite me right there but only got my bite collar that I had taken to wearing, especially when meeting him, since I was close enough to manifesting that it was a concern.” A curse as the jaw unlatched and the prince calling for the cutters. His neck becoming distressingly bare. “They ignored all my warnings and hissing to cut off the collar. I managed to headbutt him once when he tried to bite again.” A satisfying impact and the prince cursed again. “But then he picked me up and threw me against the wall and pinned me there and finally bit me.” He had been stunned, cheek pressed hard against the wall. And then the excruciating pain. “I was disgusted, furious to have anything to do with these alphas, to have anything of him in particular coursing through me. I manifested and my pheromones came out. As a dominant omega.” Heavy rose and juniper flooding out, curdling and curling in the atmosphere. “I rejected the bond and rejected him. I commanded him to let go. I told them all that they disgusted me and were a disgrace. That they should keep their hormones to themselves and not inflict harm on others by trying to have relations with them.” A young Vyn had a hand clamped to the bleeding back of his neck as he spat out vitriol and reprimand, venting his fear and fury, beating them with the strength of his own newly reformed pheromone. 

A darkly satisfied smile started to form on his face. “By the time the guards caught up and I was done commanding, they were reduced to huddled forms on the floor. I was taken home to be treated and was able to reject any future propositions, though those reduced considerably when it was later spread that those alphas became impotent after the incident. They only recovered after several years. I made very sure they knew to watch their behaviour in how they treated others because I certainly would be.” He later found that he could instinctually influence others to a greater degree when it came to repulsion and attraction at the hormonal level, even to the extent of manipulating bonds, feelings and addictions. His hand came up to stroke once at the back of his neck. “Unfortunately, I was left with some small scarring from the incident.” Finally his hands came down to cup his mug.

He fidgeted slightly in the silence that followed, his eyes not leaving his cup as he waited for their response. He hoped they didn’t see him as weak. Didn’t see him as flawed either as much of Svart or others who had seen the scars had. Like used goods. Or broken, to be bitten but not smell bonded. Unfortunately, patches were only meant for short term wear as glands needed to breathe. Collars also felt restrictive and he decided that he wouldn’t cater to the sensibilities of others. The scars made him feel like he had lost something precious though. Flawed. Made him still feel contaminated even without the bond. He was left with a visible mark of his ugli-

“You’re amazing.”

Gold eyes, startled from his thoughts, looked to his right at Artem who flushed at realising he had spoken out loud. He went even darker as he tried to explain himself. “You went through something terrible and was able to turn it around. You’ve even proved yourself a better person and haven’t let it hold you back.” Eyes of spring averted to the side as he smiled self-consciously to the omega. Vyn had done the exact opposite of what his babysitter had after an ordeal. They shouldn't be compared but… “You amaze me.”

The psychologist bit the inside of his lip to stop the feeling of it trembling but couldn’t stop the slight moisture that came to his eyes. He felt strange to have such a strong reaction. Could it be because he was tired?

With the breaking of the silence by Artem the others also opened the floodgates.

“Wow, Dr Richter,” Althea spoke compassionately. “I can’t even begin to imagine going through something like that.” Her eyes were glassy as if she was ready to cry for him. As a beta, she really couldn’t imagine what it was like. As a woman though, she had a hint of being seen as prey.

“What a bunch of assholes!” Marius raged. “An insult to alphas everywhere!”

“Serves them right to become impotent! Good riddance, we don’t need any more of them! They should have stayed that way!” Luke agreed vehemently.

Vyn gave a wan smile in response, having brought himself back under fragile control. Opening himself up like this had taken a lot out of him. He did feel a little better at all the outpouring of support and outrage on his behalf though.

As the high emotions tapered off, Artem hummed contemplatively as he refilled and lifted his mug towards his lips. Surprised, Vyn looked towards him. “Are you drinking?”

“Well,” Artem quietly dragged out, “there was definitely one attempt by the client who gave me the aphrodisiac I mentioned to make me tag them in the mistaken idea I would then feel obliged to take their case. But there is also another story I could tell that you would probably find…well, I’m not sure how well it counts for unwanted claiming bites but I’ll drink for it so I can tell you.” He then swallowed nine times before putting down his mug on the coffee table.

Vyn wasn’t sure how to feel, except to trust that Artem wouldn’t be the perpetrator of unwanted bites on another.

“So, when I was twenty-one, Neil had been taking me to an orphanage that he had connections with. I was doing a few volunteer hours, learning next to him about civil casework but also entertaining some of the kids. I even occasionally did some cooking for them, learning about nutrition and cooking in bulk. After about a month of this, I was apparently quite popular among the children. And we’re not sure from who but some of the younger children seemed to have heard something about claiming bites. These kids were younger than twelve so only had half an understanding of the bits and pieces they heard.”

An inkling of where this was going began to dawn on the psychologist. A few of the others seemed to be catching on as well as the attorney continued.

“Then one day, this little girl of about nine comes to me and motions me down and, thinking she has something to tell me, I crouch down. Next thing I know she’s bitten me as hard as she can on my shoulder which actually caused quite a bit of pain and managed to draw blood. And she just says ‘I’ve claimed you. Now you’re mine, and you have to take me home.’ Then these other children are crying out that it was unfair and start trying to bite me too and I find myself with at least three children biting my arms and shoulders and I am genuinely fearing for my life if I fall over because there are more than four children in the vicinity.”

By now the younger three of the team were in hysterics. Vyn as well had a smile forming on his face. When Artem solemnly finished with, “So I don’t know if we can say this qualifies as unwanted claiming bites due to the age of the perpetrators being minors and wrong bite placement but I can say that from this experience I felt like I was going through a zombie apocalypse. It was exactly like some stories I read. Except I wasn’t able to fight back,” Vyn finally also broke down laughing.

The older man gazed at Vyn laughing with fondness and as he saw him winding down to chuckles, he added a bit more, “It took a couple of years for the puncture scars from their teeth to fade away but it always made me remember the day I survived a zombie outbreak. Congratulations, Vyn. You have a scar of valour from also surviving a zombie bite.” He lifted his mug in salute.

Whether it was the tiredness, stress being relieved or the words, tears finally spilled down as the psychologist giggled. “A zombie bite, hm? Ahah. That is a unique way of looking at it. Hm!” Wiping his cheeks of wetness, his wide smile gentled as he lifted a hand to the back of his neck, finally letting his fingers linger on his scars. He didn’t think he’d have been able to think of this scar differently but now he didn’t think he’d be able to think of it the same way ever again. A mark of valour and survival, huh? After being bitten by a zombie. Was Artem aware of what he was implying?

He turned to Artem with shining eyes to see him watching him with a soft look on his face. Suddenly feeling a bit shy, he questioned the alpha. “What is it?”

His face straightening a little, the attorney pointed at him around his mug with a faint upturn of his lips. “That’s the second time you’ve laughed at my expense.”

Remembering the first occasion, the omega arched a smile at him in return. “Clearly, you were aiming for this outcome this time.”

“Hm.” The other didn’t deny it.

They looked back at the other three who were still giggling.

Finally, everyone lounged back again. Two more people to go.

Althea shrugged minutely. “I don’t really have anything, so I’ll just say an extension of my bullying. Being isolated.” She took a drink. “School was pretty lonely for a while.”

Artem nodded as he drank for the same circumstances.

Vyn drank for the followup to his incident but said he actually welcomed it, so wasn’t sure it counted.

Marius drank for some family gatherings after he had a falling out with some cousins.

Luke didn’t drink so it became his turn. He fell silent as conflicted feelings arose within him as to what and how to share. He wanted to say something about his circumstances and get the support that had been so freely offered to one another. But he didn’t want to cause everyone distress when there was likely not much they could do to help. Perhaps some different wording?

“Being over medicated. Gosh, at one point I was just taking whatever they gave me, not knowing what was inside. The NSB do their best to look after me though.” Luke finished off his drink after tossing out his words.

No one else took a drink, some pondering further on his words.

“Looks like you won your final round, Luke. Falling into a situation to need that much medication sounds terrible though,” Althea spoke, concerned.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Vyn parsed through the other omega’s words. If what he inferred before held true, then the medication could have caused some after effects. That he didn’t know what was inside was a curious comment to make and could be a clue. So an unknown drug? Or a contaminant? And something harmful since he was still taking pills for it and they occasionally saw him in pain.

He exchanged looks with Artem, seeing the other aware of something unspoken as well.

Marius when he looked over was also gazing at the younger omega shrewdly. He then pulled a cocky smile over his face. “We’ll look after you too, of course. We have some not inconsiderable resources of our own, if not quite the manpower of the NSB.”

“Indeed, do let us know if we can help with anything,” Vyn emphasised.

“You might be surprised at what we can do,” Artem added, a flare of his pheromones showing reassurance.

“That’s right, Luke. If you can, don’t do things alone. You can lean on us too.” The beta bumped his shoulder and then leaned against him as a more concrete show of support to what she said.

The coral eyed young man smiled back at the supportive words and leaned back into the warmth. Yeah, this was enough. He hadn’t missed the sharp looks of the other three men and thinks they might have caught on to something. That was fine. He could carefully unweave himself from their lives so it wouldn’t hurt them so much when he…if he didn’t find a solution.

So a half hour to midnight, the group finally wound down from their sharing. Cups were cleared and members moved to their respective rooms to wash up and rest, bidding each other goodnight.

Vyn came back downstairs after checking everyone had what they needed to be settled for the night and finishing his own ablutions. Around the coffee table the various pillows and blankets had been left. Subconsciously it had been treated as a nest, so the one who created it was the only one who could take it apart unless consent or invitation was given to others.

It was far from being a proper nest, with the table in the middle making it into a donut of fabric. But it held all the most welcoming smells of the people he was currently closest to. Who he wanted in his pack. It was filled with the vitality of those he cared for, pheromones of joy and sorrow, worry and trust from all that was shared tonight.

It would be nice to be able to take it to his official nest. Sleep would be glorious and, Vyn believed, easy to attain for once. He could imagine that it would be the best sleep he would have had in a while, not just simple dozing. But considering that bad memories had been brought up, there was a possibility that some might seek comfort during the night. Especially with Luke being another omega, he didn’t wish to be selfish and rob the younger man of a well scented and comforting almost-nest.

The psychologist’s contemplation of the mess of fabrics and cushions was distracted by the measured tread of quiet footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Artem,” the omega identified.

“Vyn.” The brunette responded in a low voice. “I wanted to check on you.”

The silver haired omega straightened. “Oh? And what reason would you be feeling the need to check up on me for?”

Reaching the shorter man, Artem resisted the urge to bring up his hand to brush a thumb over the purple under tired eyes. “You don’t seem to have slept well recently. I was wondering if I could do anything to help but you didn’t seem to be in your room.” He looked to the blankets on the ground and shifted his feet self consciously. “I was thinking I could scent something for you again but it looks like you already have some options.”

Vyn relaxed slightly at the alpha’s response. He hummed before deciding to share his thoughts. “I was pondering whether to keep this set up out here and making it more comfortable in case anyone had a troubled sleep after everything.”

The older man nodded. “Then did you need help moving the table?”

“If you would please.”

Together they each grabbed an end and shifted it out of the way.

Examining the now bare middle, Vyn frowned as he tried to think of how to make it comfortable. The easiest way would be to use nest materials but would that be appropriate?

Seeing the other man unmoving and with a troubled look on his face, Artem enquired, “Is something the matter?”

Pinching his nose bridge at his hazy mind, Vyn explained his dilemma.

The older man joined him in thinking for a moment before offering a suggestion. “Do you have one of those camping mattresses? It would be enough to just fill in the middle and I remember there being a lot of cushions and blankets in the pack area of your family room. It should be enough to bracket the edges for one night.”

“I do have a couple of air mattresses I can set up. They should be just in the storage room.” He began to walk away, Artem following after. It didn’t take long for him to find it among the organised room among the camping gear.

The alpha was a great help in setting them up as Vyn’s own fingers were getting slow and clumsy in his growing fatigue.

Vyn again led the way towards the family room to collect materials, Artem shadowing from behind, slightly worried about the smaller man swaying up the stairs. He insisted on being the one to hold a majority of the selected pillows and blankets, holding his arms out so that the omega could stack them while he was left with just three blankets to carry.

There was a whispered back and forth argument at the top of the stairs about who was actually going down the steps with the cushions until the alpha looked at Vyn with slightly narrowed eyes and began tossing the cushions down.

The omega squinted his eyes back at the abuse of cushions but ultimately deemed it an acceptable compromise. To the extent that he wanted to go back and get the other pillows that he had to leave behind. Artem sneakily stole the three blankets that he had been carrying and by the time Vyn came back he was halfway down the stairs with the blankets piled in one arm while he used the other to throw cushions and pillows the rest of the way down the curve of the stairs. 

“Throw those down and hold the rail.”

Vyn was reaching tired cranky levels and wanted to be contrary but held on to enough sense to know he was exhausted and this was a good idea. He threw the pillows in the alpha’s directions and started tottering down.

Artem occasionally paused in tossing cushions down to watch the other as he made his descent and was glad he did when not too far from him the other seemed to buckle a knee or slip and he launched himself up to support the man between the blankets on one arm and the cushion he still held in the other before he could do more then lean too far forward.

The adrenaline shot served to be enough to get the omega quickly down the stairs without further mishap but Artem looked to the shorter man with a firm, “No more stairs for you tonight.”

A scowl was almost permanently etched onto Vyn’s face by now but he acceded with a “Hn.”

They finally moved all the things to the rug area where the air mattresses were set up.

“Just start putting things around wherever you think,” the omega directed haphazardly. “It is not a real nest so it doesn’t matter how it’s put together.” It was more a reminder to himself than to the older man.

The alpha nodded though he still paid attention to when the omega would point him to placing something somewhere in particular.

Vyn had to fight his own omega instincts to hiss at the other when placing various cushions and blankets around because this was not a nest, so having the alpha help was fine and the not-nest didn’t have to be a perfect weave of scents, texture and structure to cradle people and be home and security.

He still shifted a few things around and he may have swiped at the other man a couple of times because this goes there and this fits better here and this blanket felt better, and the next thing Vyn knew his eyes were half shut and he was being gently pressed to lay down with warm hands.

Glasses were plucked off his face and he grumbled vaguely through squinting eyes at the impropriety of sharing a not-nest. He heard the alpha rumble something reassuring in his low voice with an equally placating scent but didn’t allow himself to drop off until a blanket had been tucked securely around him and oh, it was the nice yellow blanket…

Artem huffed in amusement at the passed out omega that had been tightly tucked in. A truly exhausted Vyn was quite a different creature from the usual collected man.

The older man then set aside three other blankets before settling down onto the couch with his own to doze and wait.

It didn’t take long before he was alerted to the footsteps of others.

Althea peered around the wall and seeing Artem awake, made her way down the stairs and to where he was before whispering, “Is Vyn okay?”

She gazed at the sleeping omega with concern. She wasn’t just asking about the sharing of stories tonight.

“He’s okay,” Artem assured her.

Her gaze went back to him with clear eyes. “He seems to have been tired for a long time.” There was a question in her tone that left out all the other details that she had noticed, trusting her senior to tell her what she needed to know.

The senior attorney smiled gently at her sensitivity. “It’s not my place to tell.”

Her green eyes darted between his own, reading the boundary but also the reassurance in them. She nodded, relieved the older man at least was in touch with whatever was going on with the psychologist.

The older man then tilted his head towards the pile before her, silently asking if she wanted to join in.

“What about you?” she asked curiously even as she stepped in.

“I’m tucking people in,” Artem chuckled lightly with a quick look to Vyn, “for propriety.”

The beta also lightly laughed, guessing who had brought up such words.

Artem directed her to have a gap between her and Vyn, enough to fit another person, checking she would be okay if the other two came down to be flanking her as he tucked her into a blanket. She nodded in consent even as her mind headed towards repose, instinct helping her to half understand the placement.

Alphas would always want to be towards the edge to protect those in the middle. Younger alphas and omegas should be separated unless immature siblings or already courting. A betas less expressive pheromones would be an appropriate neutral barrier, less likely to cause incidents or scandal. It was especially appropriate with the young PAX heir in rut.

Another quarter of an hour later and Artem woke from his light doze to Marius strolling down, having noticed the soft noises in the hall but the lack of return and inferring the reason why. The two alphas nodded to each other and the tall young alpha almost naturally fell into his place next to the sleeping Althea on the end opposite to Vyn. He pouted slightly at being tucked in by the older man but allowed it. A silent exchange was had as purple eyes darted to the sleeping omega and then back to blue. Artem blinked at him and that was that. The young alpha closed his eyes and fell asleep quickly.

Artem went and set out five cups of water on the coffee table and visited the restroom before settling in to wait one more time.

It wasn’t until close to 2am that he heard the last of the awaited footsteps. Hesitant, faltering, they made their way over and Artem greeted Luke with a warm, sleepy smile, gesturing with a tilt of his head to take the place left for him in what would be the middle.

For a moment the younger man stood with an unreadable expression on his face. Finally, he sighed and allowed himself to fold into the gap. He felt the older man tuck him in like all the others had been, a hand stroke once comfortingly in his hair and listened as the other finally seemed to settle in his place on the end beside Vyn.

A sleepy grumble and shift from the psychologist and a soothing scent of sweet scented lavender and wood and the night once more quieted.

Luke breathed in the nostalgically familiar gladiolus, the faint slumbering sandalwood, slightly agitated juniper and rose and the reassuring vanilla, cedar and lavender. Lying on his side, he pressed his face against his chosen pillow and breathed out. He let his mind quiet and fell asleep.

Vyn was the last to wake the next morning. The soft murmur of voices trickled into his consciousness slowly as his awareness rose from the depths of slumber.

The deep satisfaction laid heavy on his body from a good night’s sleep and he allowed himself to luxuriate in it, letting his limbs feed back to him slowly, shifting and stretching as well as he could in his blanket and turning as he gradually became more awake.

At this point, Artem and Althea were watching him move about under his blanket. Observing Dr Vyn Richter wake up was amusing to see, especially since being still somewhat wrapped up, he was like a butterfly trying to break out from a cocoon.

With a final grumble Vyn finally sat upright to escape his blanket. At the light chuckles he heard, the omega turned his head to the kitchen where, with a slight squint to sharpen the image, he identified the two brunettes.

“Good morning,” Artem gently greeted, Althea echoing him.

“Good morning,” Vyn responded, still squinting. Raising a hand up to comb his hair and rub his eyes, he then looked around to see if he could spot his glasses or the other two team members. “Where…?”

“I’ll get them.” Artem stood to fetch where he had placed the glasses last night. After handing them over to the still seated omega, the alpha averted his eyes from the pale chest that he could see from his angle as Vyn’s sleeping robe had loosened. He awkwardly cleared his throat as his ears turned pink. “Luke and Marius already left as they had things to do today, so it is just Althea and I left here. It’s about time for brunch now. I could make you a proper breakfast though if you’d like?”

Placing his glasses on his face after cleaning them, Vyn looked up to see the alpha’s averted face and pink ears. Looking down at himself, he noticed the opening of his robe and tightened it with some amusement in his eyes. “I see. A light meal would be fine seeing as how lunch would not be too long after. However,” Vyn’s eyes flicked up under pale eyelashes to look at the other man, “don't you seem to be taking over my kitchen far too naturally, Artem?” he teased.

The alpha’s eye flickered down to him in embarrassment, settling a lot easier now that the other had neatened his appearance. “You’re right. My apologies.”

The omega waved his hand dismissively. “It is fine. I have been the one to benefit from your culinary ventures. Use my kitchen as you wish.” He then stretched his arms and shoulders one more time before getting up. “If you would both excuse me, I shall go wash up.”

As he passed, his eyes noted the other blankets that had been neatly folded but left in place on the mattress. An inhale noted the fresh pheromones embedded within, letting him know that the others had joined in to sleep last night. Probably why he had slept so well. For once he didn’t even have the hint of a headache and the irritability that usually hummed under his skin was reduced to something just barely like goosebumps on his arms. He nodded another greeting to Althea before making his way up the stairs.

With guests still present, Vyn quickly completed his ablutions and combed his slightly sleep-mussed hair before changing into a beige long sleeved shirt, the sleeves pushed back to his forearms, and belted charcoal grey slim fit pants. He then went downstairs again to join Althea at the counter seats where she was nursing a cup of tea.

Althea had a light cream turtleneck with a pleated grey skirt and patterned white tights. A rose pink woollen cardigan with large buttons and a black scrunchie with two dangling pearls completed her look

Artem had a slate black turtleneck on with black slacks and a dark brown belt. He once more borrowed Vyn’s cream apron with dark chocolate hem, neck strap and waist ties. After having looked at the ingredients available, he checked with the other two if they were okay with having jian bing, Chinese crepes. At their assent, he began pulling out what he needed.

He began making his own wonton skins to crisp and decided to use bacon as a substitute for the chinese sausage. He pulled out the sweet bean paste, soybean paste and chilli garlic sauce and asked which flavour they wanted for the crepe. Ascertaining they both wanted the sweet bean paste, he opted for the soy bean paste for himself and put the chilli garlic sauce away.

As he put his wonton skins to fry, he washed his coriander, scallions and lettuce leaves. He mixed the flour with water to make his crepe batter then chopped his scallions. Taking the wonton skins out, he then cooked his bacon while the skin cooled and drained on some paper towels. After the bacon was ready, he cut it into smaller pieces and then washed the pan, ready to put the crepes together.

As he cooked, he listened in to the conversation that Vyn had started, bringing up some of the reactions that happened last night. In particular with Luke.

“I would like to hear what your thoughts are.”

“Mm, well, I think by now we can all tell that Luke seems to be hiding something but what it is is hard to tell. I would think it has to do with his health with the pills he keeps taking but beyond that, I don’t know enough to tell the extent of the problem. It…really worries me that he’s guarding things so tightly though.” The beta woman drooped in her seat dejectedly while cradling her cup.

“I feel the same. Luke strikes me as a capable young man that is always prepared to give. He shares easily when it comes to cases, orders permitting, but when it comes to personal questions he tends to be a little more measured. It is often only on cases or when it pertains to yourself that we learn more about him.”

As Artem spread the sweet bean paste and sprinkled the sesame seeds, bacon and scallion, he made his own comment. “His reticence could either be that it is something inconvenient but is able to manage it on his own, and or he doesn’t wish to worry others. Though the fact that he shares no details at all is what actually makes it concerning.” He placed the lettuce leaves and coriander before finally folding the crepe closed. Sliding it onto the chopping board, he cut it into more manageable pieces before plating and sliding it to the gold-eyed omega.

The psychologist nodded his head in thanks as he continued Artem’s train of thought. “After all, if he really wished not to worry us and the issue was not serious, it would be more prudent to have shared at least some details to allay our concerns. Sharp as he is, he can not have failed to notice that we have become suspicious of his deflection and worried about his well-being.”

There was silence for a moment as Artem started on the next crepe and Vyn took a bite of his. Althea fidgeted with her mug, frowning worriedly as the words of the two men percolated in her mind.

“Could it be that it’s something bad and he doesn’t think we could help at all…?” she murmured quietly.

Taking the time to swallow his bite, Vyn responded to her words. “I do not know if we would be unable to help but I do know that Luke’s situation smells unpleasant. It has lately been making my fangs itch.”

Artem hummed as he nodded in agreement and placed another completed and cut crepe in front of Althea.

Ignoring it for the moment, the beta girl tilted her head in confusion at their seeming consensus about the strange wording of a well known saying. “I don’t understand.”

The two men exchanged glances before Vyn began to elaborate. “It may be due to the both of us being dominant in our presentations but our sense of smell is more acute than the general populace. As a beta it is also not surprising that you would miss it, but Luke has a distinct smell to his pheromone that is not natural. However, we can not be sure if it relates to his problem or the pills that he has been taking. It has, however, been present for as long as I have known him. As I have become closer to him, it has been making my fangs want to come out. I am as yet uncertain as to the reason for this response.” He looked to Artem to see if he was having the same reaction.

Having paused at the counter while Vyn was explaining before making his own crepe, the alpha answered. “I have also registered the artificial scent to his pheromones. Strangely he also seems to smell unmatured which would be impossible for a man his age unless he had developmental issues. I feel a little reaction in my gums and fangs but it sounds like a milder response than yours, Vyn.”

Vyn licked his gum in thought. The gums above the fangs of alphas and omegas held a specialised gland that produced injectable hormones. When the gums were contracted, the fangs came down more prominently for easier biting and injecting. It was mostly used by parents claiming pups, amongst pack members and also among mates. Modern day thought was that biting was for establishing relationships and family. He knew they wanted to develop into a pack eventually and it stood to reason that their fangs would start reacting as they grew closer towards becoming a pack, but he felt that somehow things didn’t quite fit.

He might try to research more into it.

Artem went back to making his crepe as the other two continued to eat in thoughtful silence.

After they all finished eating and the kitchen was cleaned, Vyn then turned to the blankets and pillows still in his living room as well as the displaced furniture.

Artem and then Althea stepped beside him.

“Would you like help taking it up to your family room?” Artem asked.

Vyn felt conflicted for a moment. “These have not been scented for the purpose of scenting so it would be inappropriate to add them there without washing. On the other hand…” It would help him sleep as had been proven last night.

Artem turned to look at him understandingly. “If it will help you sleep, you are certainly welcome to mine. I’m sure the others would feel the same. As we were saying with Luke, they will have likely all noticed you have not been resting well.”

Althea immediately affirmed the taller man’s claim, nodding her head energetically. “If it will help you, you can definitely take what I have used as a scenting aid, Dr Richter!” The beta vehemently piped up. “I’ve been really worried and I’m sure the others have been too, even if they haven’t said anything. I’m certain they’ll be fine with you using their scents if it will make you feel better. In fact I’ll ask them about it now in the group chat.” She whipped out her phone to do as she said. In the midst of her tapping she paused to look at the silver haired man with an earnest expression. “I know you have had some things going on with you as well but I can wait until you’re ready to talk about it.”

The silver haired man bowed his head slightly, feeling complicated and a bit of shame. But then he took a breath and let go of the feeling. He had nothing to feel guilty over. He was very fortunate to have such trusting individuals in his life but it had not always been the case. It was, however, perhaps a sign that it might be time to open up and tell them about his condition. And formally ask if they wanted to form a pack. Becoming a little certain in his future steps, Vyn looked up once more, sincere and serious in his gratitude. “Thank you, Althea. I appreciate your patience.”

She smiled brightly back at him.

“While we wait for their reply, we can start with our own bedding.” Artem stepped forward to put action to words.

Vyn moved to fold his blanket as the other two stacked their pillows and cushions on top of their own already folded blankets. Artem helped place Althea’s stack in her arms, checking she could see where she was going.

Vyn made them both leave some cushions behind so that they were only holding a blanket and two pillows, saying they weren’t in a rush and could afford to make multiple trips. He wouldn’t risk them having an injury from trying to carry too much up the stairs.

As they were going up the stairs, Althea suddenly let out a giggle. At the questioning looks she received, she hugged the bedding in her arms before revealing a big grin. “I was just imagining if Marius and Luke were still here, it might have become a competition in who could bring up the most or get all their things up here the fastest.”

The two men chuckled. As the group had gotten closer together, Marius seemed to bring a childish competitiveness that sometimes riled Luke up to engage him. They were all sometimes infected by it actually, bringing a liveliness and fun to their get-togethers.

“I can envision that they would become quite creative in their efforts,” Vyn smiled as he opened the door to the family room.

“Marius would probably use his extra height to skip steps or turn over the bannister,” Artem mused. “But would probably find it hard to hold on to everything at once if it didn’t fit in his arms.”

“Luke would let him think he had the upper hand by letting him take off first but then probably pile everything into his blanket to hold it like a sack and then take everything up in one go!” Althea chimed in.

They then all paused and looked at the stacks in their arms with an “Ah.”

“We could have done that too,” Althea stated what they had realised.

Vyn shook his head with amusement. “There is something to be said about the ideas thought up under pressure.”

Artem also smiled. “There are still plenty of blankets down there, so at least in realising it now, we can reduce the number of trips.”

Checking her phone, Althea gave an exclamation. “They already replied! They said it was fine.”

Vyn nodded in thanks. He would be sure to thank them in the group later as well.

They then managed to bring up the rest of the materials in two more trips using the sack method and replace the furniture to the previous setup.

“This is a rather undignified look. At least the method is indeed faster,” Vyn groused. They were then dropping their load on the edge of the pack area, close to the nest. His omega instincts wanted to immediately begin sorting and incorporating the different material into his nest but he had guests present so he resisted the urge, turning to the other two.

In meeting Artem’s eyes, he let his own dart to the pack area before flicking to the beta and then back to blue again. “Did you wish to have lunch together before parting?” he asked them both. 

It took a moment but the attorney got the message and gave a short nod of agreement and a small smile of encouragement. They then both turned to Althea to see what her response to the invite was.

The motions were so discreet and quick that the beta hadn’t caught everything clearly but noticed enough to be aware to expect something.

Curious and buoyant in thinking that they might be willing to open up to her, she agreed. “I would be happy to.”

“Lunch at a cafe then,” Artem suggested. “I can drop you off at home afterwards.”

The other two nodded. Vyn then led them to spend the next few hours in the garden as he checked his plants, went through his morning exercises and idly discussed books they had been reading.

The two had already packed their bags when Vyn was still sleeping that morning so when it was time to go, they brought it to Artem’s car and prepared to set off.

Vyn opened the passenger side door for Althea before seating himself in the back. Artem finished putting the bags in the boot and then got in the driver’s seat. They had already chosen a cafe that was not too far from the beta’s home.

It wasn’t until they had finished lunch and were having dessert and coffee that Vyn was ready to broach the subject to which he had silently indicated to Artem earlier.

When both beta and omega had taken at least the first bite of their slice of cake, Vyn then lowered his spoon to look decisively at the young woman before him. “Althea,” he called, gaining her attention. “I desire to broach a topic with you in the hopes that you might take the time to ponder your amenability to being a part of it.”

“Certainly, Dr Richter.” Seeing his serious countenance, she also set down her spoon to give him her full attention, her olive eyes curious.

Vyn also set down his spoon completely, pushing his plate slightly back, and glanced at Artem who was also setting down his coffee. Turning back to the beta he interlaced his fingers before him on the tabletop and began. “I was uncertain of when or how to bring this up before but after last night, and this morning, I believe it is time. Do know that this will also be discussed with Marius and Luke at a later date, but I have decided you deserve to hear it now after our time together this morning.”

Vyn’s silver hair swayed forward as he collected his thoughts.

“As you mentioned this morning, I am undergoing some personal inconveniences at the moment. I will refrain from the details until we are all gathered, but in the meantime Artem has been aware of the situation and supporting me. In the course of that we have been bringing the NXX team closer outside of just investigations to see the potential of our little group establishing a pack. I believe that so far it has looked encouraging, and therefore time to bring forward for everyone to contemplate.” Here, he looked deeply into her green eyes. “After all the time spent together so far, Althea, I hope that you may consider whether you would be willing to be part of a pack with all of us at NXX.”

Althea blinked in astonishment. It wasn’t something that she had ever thought of. It was relatively rare for packs to be established outside of family groups in adulthood as she understood it, except for some particular fields. She knew some jobs had packs form within them but these were among people who grew close enough to also consider each other family and wanted to connect as lifelong friends. Or at least that was what her novels portrayed, but she recognised that it may be romanticised to some extent.

What she did know, and experienced herself, was that with the majority of the population being betas, beta communities sometimes formed but they were a lot more lenient and organic, shifting with interests and networks. It was enough to feed their social instincts. Packs were apparently on a level deeper. A collective sense of territory and belonging that even betas could feel once established.

“Wow, Dr Richter. Vyn. I don’t know what to say,” Althea said quietly. “I hadn’t even thought about being part of a pack before. Or rather,” here she laughed, slightly overwhelmed, “not seriously beyond fantasising what it might be like when it came to reading fictional stories! I’m not sure how much of what I read is hyped up so I might need to get to know a bit more before deciding. It sounds wonderful though! At this point I don’t think I could imagine being in a pack other than with you all if I did picture it! I’d just like a proper idea of what being in a pack actually means though.” She looked nervously between the two men, hoping she hadn’t offended them.

Artem gently smiled at her and Vyn pushed her cake towards her with a similar openness as he reassured her. “Of course. Take your time. Feel free to do your research and ask us any questions. It is also why I brought it up with you first as there is less instinctive knowledge about being part of a pack before being in one for betas.”

“Each pack is rather unique as it depends on the relationships built between the individuals,” Artem’s low baritone shared. “You would have had some experience with it within your family to some extent but it works a little differently for ones established outside of blood bonds and newly formed packs. Ours would be rather small so our pack bonds may be more intense, meaning that we would probably be quite emotionally invested in each other. Even if our pack expands, our own bonds may always stay the closest.”

“‘Our joys would be multiplied, but so would our sorrows. But rarely would you be left alone to fend for yourself.’” Vyn quoted an often used saying for packs. “There is truth to this phrase. Pack bonds are a personal claim of one another for our own. Protection of our own is fierce, loss devastating. But alongside it is the promise of support and care.”

“Being in a pack demands a certain amount of time spent together,” Artem continued on some practicalities to be aware of. Althea stirred her strawberry latte as she listened attentively. “It doesn’t have to be every day or even every week. It really depends on the pack. You’ll find large packs, like the one Captain Morgan has with the police, can have one large outing every few months and as long as the members attend at least once in the year, the bonds stay strong. But they also have smaller group bonding sessions between those times to help maintain the closeness and support individual members might need. The different teams can be considered a subset of the bigger pack so they may bond more closely in the smaller group bonding sessions but members can move organically within the whole pack.”

Vyn added some more details. “You can tell how often a group might need bonding time by how distant or strained relationships can feel. If neglected too long then there may even be antagonism which requires wrangling and forced bonding time until feelings settle. Ideally we could work out a healthy cycle of regular time spent together before such symptoms can occur.”

Artem nodded. “That’s not to say you can’t go on an extended trip away from the group, but regular communication would be needed and a bonding session to welcome back and reintegrate into the pack would be demanded. Outings are good for touch ups to the pack bond, but bonding sessions, being more intense and intimate would take place in a space where everyone feels safe and relaxed. At least for small packs. Bigger packs like Captain Morgan’s, because there are so many people, can feel safe even when having a bonding session in the park. Pack bonds can fade after a number of years if not maintained, but there will be an untethered feeling in a lost bond.”

“Generally it is the alphas and omegas who choose a space for the pack as they have territorial denning and nesting needs. But it would have to be a space that all members agree to so betas are not left out of the decision of finding a comfortable space.” Vyn tilted his head in thought. “Pack spaces can range from a dedicated room, to a whole house or to even a street or cul de sac if members have made the effort to congregate living space together. There are also packs that rent a getaway house for a period of time these days.”

Artem side eyed him wondering if the omega was considering buying yet another house if they pack formed.

Hoping to head off any thoughts in that direction quite yet, the alpha continued. “In a way you have already had a foretaste of what it is like to be in a pack. All our outings have been about coming together and our relationships seem to work out quite well. The way that we naturally feel the need to spend time together after something has happened to one of our members is also a little like what would happen in a pack. The only real difference might be the intensity of feelings, as we probably wouldn’t want to separate before coming together again, and the lack of reassurance through scenting and bonding.”

Althea nodded. “Okay. That is good to know.” She smiled at the two thankfully for their patient explanation so far. Her face then turned questioning. “One thing I want to clarify though, is what is actually entailed in a pack claiming and bonding?”

Vyn was the one to answer her as Artem drank from his coffee. “Pack claiming involves a number of steps and acknowledgements and differs slightly between whether a pack is being freshly established or if it is just a new member being joined to the group. For a pack to be established there needs to be trust and intent to form a pack. So the discussion about becoming a pack starts first so that any thoughts, disagreement or objections can be brought up. Depending on the relationship of the group, they may need to spend time together to form a closer relationship or foster trust until those who wish to be part of the pack indicate they are ready. It only needs two to start a pack. A new member joining an established pack may not be accepted until they gain a certain level of trust. Some packs work by a hierarchy, others may function more through roles, which have an effect on who the decision makers are.”

Vyn continued on with the actual process. “Then will come the marking and scenting. As you know, alphas and omegas have maxilar glands in our upper gums that produce hormones which can be injected through our fangs. Some call it venom though it is not poisonous. It won't be a full bite, but a light one where our fangs are not pushed out fully, to just the surface level of the gonial scent gland under the jaw.” The psychologist tapped the spot on the neck under the gonial angle where the major scent gland lay. “This is called marking as your scent glands will now produce an additional pheromone indicating that you are claimed and part of a pack. It may be renewed every few years as the scent fades. From here on overlaps with what falls under bonding.”

He moistened his throat with tea before speaking. “Scenting. It seems pretty self explanatory but in this particular instance it involves the glands that have been marked. Pack members will rub them together as an intimate act of vulnerability and trust and also to breathe in the scent of each other. The action, stimulation and smell together have been studied to show that it lights up an area of the mind associated with instinct and relationship. We may not smell of each other for long, but the scent of one another will have been embedded in our minds of who is part of the pack.”

“Lastly would be an act specific to alphas and omegas. Omega have an instinct to build nests made up of various materials. It is a place of safety, comfort and care. An omega would want to incorporate the scents of the pack into the nest and may even on occasion build a nest big enough for members of the pack to join in.” He made sure to give her a warning though. “It would still be best to check for permission to join a nest unless previously stated that it was an open nest as we can be quite possessive and emotionally invested in them.”

Artem then picked up the conversation to explain for the alphas. “Alphas have a high sense of territoriality, so we have a space of our own called a den. We don’t easily let others in, and what is in we don’t easily let go. Allowing others into our den is a sign of trust and also that you are viewed as an extension of us in a way. Depending on the alphas personality and need it can be somewhere that watches over and guards the rest of the pack or somewhere out of the way and hidden. It can be a corner of a room, to a whole house. Or it may have a core that can occasionally expand to involve more if an alpha feels the need to guard. An alpha will ease into letting pack members into their den. Similarly with omegas, it is best to ask permission before entering an alphas den. Those not close may otherwise find themselves facing an aggressive alpha. If the relationship is close though, you may wish to be sure you are ready for what being allowed to step into an alphas den means. As I said, you become ours and we don’t easily let go. If you are pack you have a measure of returned claim but if not, it can be a rather one-sided degree of possessiveness so be careful. Listen to your instincts. Most dens come across as forbidding to outsiders.”

The two men finally fell silent as they let Althea incorporate all the new knowledge, explanations for things she instinctively knew and nuances to the other subgenders she didn’t know into her mind. Picking and slowly eating her cake she finally sighed when she finished.

“Okay,” she said and nodded to herself. Her yellow-green eyes then focused on the two men. “Thank you for taking the time to explain to me. I feel a lot better about knowing what being part of a pack means. I’ll think about it and let you know as soon as I’m sure about a decision.”

Artem nodded around his cup as Vyn gave a slight dip in his seat. “You may continue to ask us any question that comes to mind. I am sure either of us will be happy to answer to the best of our ability.”

Finishing off her own drink, the beta asked one more question. “When were you thinking of bringing it up with the boys?”

Artem looked towards Vyn to decide but added an observation. “Not soon I would say, as I believe Luke was just starting his heat this morning and with Marius having started his rut yesterday, it would be better to wait six or seven days when they are both done.”

Vyn bobbed his head in acknowledgement as he thought. “Maybe on Friday or Saturday then depending on when they are both free or we all meet up. I do not wish to leave it too long after already having discussed it with Althea.” His gold eyes raised to said beta to gauge her response.

The brown haired girl pondered and agreed with the timing. “That should be just nice. I should be more settled with the idea and what it all means by then.”

“By all means, do not take it as a deadline for your reply,” Vyn reassured. “I do not wish to pressure you into making a hasty decision.”

Althea smiled back at him fondly. The two men had been careful, considerate and clear with her the whole time. “I assure you, Vyn, when I make my choice it won’t be because I felt any pressure. It is just good to have a timeline to work with so that I prioritise the time I spend thinking about it correctly.”

With that, their time came to a close and before long they were stopped outside Althea’s apartment. Outside the car, Althea held her bag in front of her and gave a bow to the two men, Vyn having changed to the passenger seat since Althea had left. “Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of a pack and taking the time to explain it all to me. I’m honoured that you trust me enough to want me involved.”

Vyn responded for both of them, leaning against his arm resting on the window ledge, Artem looking over and relaxed behind him. “You are very welcome, our dear Rosa. It has been our pleasure to know you and for someone who has affected our lives so much, who else would we invite but you?”

As the beta girl flushed with the warm acclamation, they waved goodbye and watched her enter the building before driving away.

After a moment of quiet, Artem spoke. “That went well, didn’t it?”

The omega hummed in agreement. “I am glad.” He turned his face to the other man. “I do appreciate you being patient with me. I am aware you were waiting for me to bring it up.”

The alpha shook his head even as his eyes stayed focused on the road. “I think you brought it up at just the right timing. We may not have been ready before last night.”

Vyn hummed noncommittally. He hadn’t forgotten how last night came about or what the lead up entailed. Fortunately Artem was fine after everything, even going so far as to being the one to take care of others in the end. It may have taken longer to reach the level of trust where broaching the topic of a pack felt appropriate without the level of vulnerability shared last night. He both appreciated but felt conflicted that Artem might have pushed himself to be open on things he might not have otherwise.

“You have been doing quite a bit for me. For the group and my situation,” Vyn admitted quietly. “Is there anything that I can do for you in return?”

“You’ve done plenty for me.” At Vyn’s slight scoff of doubt, “No, really.” Artem looked for a place to pull over so that he could give the other man his full attention. “You have let me spend time with you and take care of you even though you have not been feeling your best. At times I thought my attention could be a bit overbearing. Not only that, but you opened your home, checked I was okay when sharing last night, and went out of your way to get me my things and brought me my car.” Blue eyes look lost in confusion. “How can you think you haven’t done plenty for me?”

Vyn resisted the urge to shift in his seat and stared out the front window screen instead. He hadn’t found the other overbearing at all. Was it because he was used to being served? All the other things were also pretty standard things he would have done for anyone. He felt like he had been doing tasks while the other was rearranging his world around him. He had felt very comfortable being under the other’s attention.

“I’ve been happy in our time together. Has it not been the same for you?” The alpha’s dejected tone served to make Vyn turn to him.

“No,” his low voice responded quickly to dissuade the other man of the notion, “I have been enjoying our time together. I just,” the silver haired omega worked through his thoughts and feelings. He didn’t think that being with someone should be this easy. His toes curled in his shoes and he pulled a smile onto his face to hide his uneasiness, “want to make sure you feel cared for as well. So, is there anything that I can do that would make you even happier?”

Artem’s face fell into thought as he examined Vyn’s expression. He then looked away. “Well,” he murmured and for a moment, Vyn’s heart skipped a beat. Had the other felt that something was missing after all? He wasn’t doing enough? But then he saw the alpha’s ears start to turn pink. “If, maybe, on our next date, we could hold hands?”

The omega blanked for a moment. Then his toes curled again as he felt a warmth rise from his feet to suffuse his chest then his cheeks. His worries seemed to disappear as delight swept over him.

Artem watching from the corner of his eye couldn’t help but to turn more as he observed honey eyes become imbued with light and a slow grin fight its way onto the usually composed face. The beauty spot looked best next to eyes shining with elation. This was the version of Vyn he liked best, not holding back or restrained in his feelings. Each time felt like he won a prize.

The psychologist ducked his head as he got his face under control and then brought up a sly smile and leaned towards the watching alpha. Feeling light, he wanted to tease the other. “You mean like what you were doing at the museum? Or you want to go on a date where we hold hands the whole time? Hm?”

Having the attention turn on him, Artem felt his cheekbones and ears burn again. “I mean, yes? Yes, to both.” Surely his head felt on fire and eyes a little moist but he was not crying. He had an awkward little smile but he didn’t mind Vyn’s small bullying. Because…

Vyn settled back down in his seat, collected and elegant once again before laying out a hand between them, palm up. “Well, no reason for us not to hold hands now.”

Artem smiled softly down at the steering wheel he was holding. “Actually, I still need to drive you home.” He restarted the car.

“Then I shall just leave my hand conveniently here.” The omega let his gaze focus out the window as he leaned against the door with his elbow and they pulled out into the road again.

His standard smile became softer as he felt a large, warmer palm settle over his and slightly interlace their fingers as they smoothly travelled down the street.

NXX Headquarters Gym, 26th October 2030, Saturday 3.55pm, autumn

The time to bring up the idea of a pack came on Saturday. Luke and Marius had both finished their cycles and Artem’s overlapped with their last day to start but was already reaching its end. They had their first self defence training session and had finished not long ago.

Marius had used his rut to great effectiveness last week so was able to spare some time to come in and see the first session. He had on a black slim fit long sleeved seamless shirt that hugged his arms and chest. Black shorts with grey geometric designs were worn over some workout tights with black and white sneakers.

Luke wore an orange muscle shirt with olive green workout joggers and white shoes. A white sweatband was on his left wrist.

Althea had chosen to work out in a black sports bra, black tank top and a white crop top shirt with a pale blue motivational graphic and three quarter dark blue leggings. Her hair was tied back in a french braid and a black ribbon woven through. Blue and white sneakers encased her feet.

Vyn had a beige long sleeve shirt with a mandarin collar over grey straight leg workout pants. Cream shoes and sleek sports glasses completed his outfit.

Artem had opted for a V-neck grey speckled t-shirt along with navy blue long shorts with red piping and black shoes. He also wore a red sweatband on his right wrist.

After testing them all they found that Artem did know some moves for restraint and suppression, but was only trained in the basics of fighting back or defending himself. Althea had her minor grappling knowledge and Luke would most likely work with her more since he could remember what was taught to his fellow female agents. Vyn had undergone some training but was somewhat unpracticed, whether due his health or just not duelling with others since coming to Stellis wasn’t made clear, though he was much more accomplished using weaponry. In hand to hand, Marius was always able to beat him easily, but with a weapon, Vyn was deadly.

The young alpha found a good sparring opponent in Luke.

It got his blood pumping to the extent his crowing was getting obnoxious and pheromones became a bit much. 

Artem, Vyn and Althea were sprawled in various positions on the mat, having been worked hard to test their flexibility, stamina, knowledge and reflexes.

Feeling his skin start prickling, Vyn rolled slightly closer to Artem who was sitting while leaning back on his arms and grumbled.

Noticing the shift, the alpha let his pheromone out a bit more and saw the smaller man sigh a little in relief.

Althea watched this interaction with interest from the other side of Vyn.

Seeing Althea’s curiosity, Artem gazed down with questioning eyes at the omega. “Do you think it’s time to tell them?”

Vyn’s eyes turned to meet him before closing. He took in a breath before heaving out a sigh and pushing himself up into a seated position. He raked back his damp silver hair. “Yes. In fact, we can do it now. I will also tell them about my condition so Marius can hold back on his pheromones a bit more.”

Artem nodded. He leaned back to look at Althea to check she had caught on to the topic.

The young woman took a moment but then smiled back with two thumbs up to say she was ready and on board with the talk.

Vyn called out to the two younger boys saying that he had something important to discuss with them.

Towelling off the bit of sweat accumulated, they both joined the rest on the floor where they formed a loose circle, Marius next to Artem and Luke next to Althea much like the night of the sleepover though going in the other direction.

Sitting neatly cross-legged, Vyn began. “There are two things I wanted to talk to you all about. I feel that our relationship has come to the point where I feel comfortable sharing it with you. I believe you have been aware that I have been under the weather for the past few months.” Pausing here, he observed the others nodding and their posture straightening in finally getting some answers.

“So the first topic I wish to talk about is my state of well being. I currently have what is called Veronti’s Syndrome, a pheromone reactive condition that occurs in omega’s due to a number of factors. You can look it up if you wish to know the details, but what the basics to know in how it pertains to me is that exposure to unpleasant or stressful alpha pheromones causes my body to be under strain. One of the factors for Veronti’s Syndrome is that the omega lacks a safe, close social circle involving different gender dynamics to retreat to. From what I shared a week ago, you may partially guess why I might find it difficult to form such a connection. However, the means of a cure lies within the removal of this triggering factor.”

He took a breath. “Which brings me in a way to the next topic. I do have some alternatives so this in no way is meant to force you to agree. But I think we are comfortable enough with each other at this point, that I would like to bring the possibility up for discussion.” He glanced at Artem beside him before focusing on the rest of the group again. “I would like to ask if you would consider forming a pack among the NXX team. Artem has been aware of my condition and the idea of forming a pack from early on and we discussed things with Althea last week so that she would know what it involves as a beta. If you have any questions though, we would like to open the discussion with you. Nothing has been confirmed yet.”

Luke’s face was a careful blank while Marius had both eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Why would Artem know things from the start?” Marius asked. Althea also turned her eyes curiously to the two older men.

Gold and blue exchanged glances before Vyn explained. “He would be the only alpha I know personally whose pheromones have not caused me offence or strain. Most alpha’s at introduction or awareness of an omega seem to reflexively flare their pheromones as if to test for compatibility or to see an omega response of deferring, submission or acknowledgement.” He turned to the chocolate haired alpha. “From what I recall, your reaction was actually to reduce your pheromones before letting it out naturally again. It was such a novel response that it made an impression. You still have that reaction, but it expresses as more of a slight fluctuation now.” Vyn then turned back to the wider group. “So from the first meeting until now, his pheromones have never tested or offended me and the only alpha pheromones within my circle I can comfortably stand. It therefore made sense, along with the relationship within the group, to approach Artem about the possibility of developing closer bonds in the team.”

“I thought there was a possibility there and we could try spending more time together to see if it held true.” Artem took up speaking. “Whether things worked out or not, we didn’t wish for Vyn’s condition to be the basis of our interactions though, so we kept quiet. It was also up to Vyn for when or if he felt comfortable with more people knowing.”

“What are your alternatives?” Luke questioned this time. His expression was still neutral.

Vyn was ready for this question. “When I first made my list, I had four options. The first two are about either forming or joining an established pack. The third is mated. The fourth was my answer the first time round when I succumbed to the extreme symptoms of the syndrome, which was to move countries.”

Marius focused on the two older men with sharp purple eyes. “You know that I already have a strong family pack.”

They nodded. “The decision is up to you on whether to join but we understand if the Von Hagen pack takes priority,” Artem voiced.

Althea perked up. “Wait, how does that work? Being part of two packs?”

Vyn smiled at her. “You could see it in two ways. First, would be something similar to how Captain Morgan’s pack works, one large pack, which would be the umbrella of law enforcement, made up of many smaller packs, such as the different divisions and departments. In most cases the loyalty of the pack members can be rather organic but leaders of the smaller packs would lead with loyalty to the overarching pack law. The second way would be through pack alliances. In this case maybe one or a select few members will be allowed to be part of both packs wanting alliance or connection. Depending on the type of alliance, the primary and secondary loyalty of the member will be formed. Being that the NXX team is unofficially funded by PAX, Marius could potentially choose either way.”

“With regards to alliance pack members and new members joining an established pack that don’t reach the required level of trust for a proper marking and scenting, the marking and scenting takes place on the wrist gland which is less vulnerable, sometimes with just one or a select few proper pack members to vouch for them. The wrist gland produces a weaker scent so when rubbed against the neck gland, the association is of a member with a weaker link to the pack. The rest of the pack will pick up the scent association through the vouching pack members,” Artem added.

The beta female nodded in fascinated understanding.

Marius sagged down with a skewed pout. “I’m in a bit of a strange spot with the Von Hagen pack as is. There is the whole Von Hagen family with rather loose ties together and each family unit being one of the smaller packs but at the moment, my pack is just my dad and me. Giann’s pack bond might fade soon.” He looked up intently at the two older men. “I’ll have to talk it over with my father. He might actually find it reassuring if I have a bigger pack then just him to fall back on.”

Pleasantly surprised they acknowledged his response.

“I still need to get my head around it but I think I’m leaning towards being part of the pack.” Althea twiddled her fingers nervously. “I would feel better if all of us were to join though. Like it would be more balanced. And…I don’t want anyone to miss out on the time and memories we share together.”

She relaxed as the others gave her gentle smiles and grins of understanding.

The eyes all then turned with concern to Luke who had seemed almost withdrawn.

A hand clenched in his pants and coral eyes shuttered, his usually light voice came out forced. “I…don’t think I can agree to being part of the pack.” His scent was carefully suppressed to hide his want.

Half expecting this response, Vyn answered. “We will not force you, but we also will not push you away, Luke. You are welcome to let us know if you change your mind at any time. As yet, nothing has been confirmed after all. If you have any concerns, we are here to discuss them. Talk to us when you are ready.” He let out a welcoming and comforting scent.

Luke nodded in response, letting the smell of the group who all tried to comfort him in their own way with their scent to relax him even as his heart ached. He gave them a crooked, almost pained looking smile.

At the sight Althea launched herself at him to give him a big hug, making him unstable. Marius instantly jumped in with his long arms around the duo, properly knocking Luke onto his back. Artem and Vyn looked at each other and then Artem was pulling a not really resisting Vyn to the group. Artem scruffed the younger omega’s hair with one hand while the other curled around Marius and held himself up from his kneeling above. Vyn’s arms went around Artem and Althea while he distastefully commented that this was a little disgusting as they were all still sweaty making the group laugh.

Chapter Text

27th October 2030, Sunday 11.10am, autumn

They hadn't managed to go on a date over the last week before talking about the pack, having become busy with work again. The break had served its purpose of refreshing their minds; and just as Artem's rut finished, Vyn's heat began.

After the self defence session they had made plans to go out the next day. But when Sunday arrived, rather than go somewhere crowded, in deference to Vyn’s condition both medically and heat-wise, they went for a drive, then opted for a walk along the beach when they cruised past it. Being autumn with overcast skies, the sands were mostly deserted.

Artem wore a long sleeved white shirt with a light brown coat, a thin black and cream woven scarf wound twice around his neck, the excess left to fall down his chest and dark sandy brown jeans, with navy loafers. Vyn opted for a camel mid length coat and a pale cream top that had a loose turtleneck hoodie and coffee coloured chinos. He wore his usual half frame rectangular glasses and some low camel suede sneakers.

After parking, they walked to the edge of the sand and took off their socks and shoes. Artem easily squatted down to carefully fold his jeans up. Vyn bent in a half crouch to pull up his trouser legs but the combination of sand and wind made him a little unsteady. Before he could wobble twice, Artem steadied him, abandoning his own jeans to first fold Vyn’s pants for him to halfway up his calf. The alpha’s own jeans being slim fit and of a slightly stiffer material could only be folded a little above his ankles.

Artem then got his hand holding, their free hand dangling their shoes, as they proceeded with their walk along the sand. They talked about various topics before moving on to the team's response to the pack invite yesterday.

“The pack's formation seems promising,” Artem murmured.

Vyn nodded, looking at the flat expanse of washed grey and white sand before them, feeling the warmth of the hand in his. They were just on the edge of where the waves occasionally reached, with Vyn on the side closer to the water. The wind whipped their hair around and the sound of the waves was constant and soothing. The wind also stripped the air of pheromones, which was both relief and disappointment. Walking close enough to Artem to feel his arm as a source of heat could just about balance the loss of scent.

Vyn finally responded verbally. “Althea sounds to have already made the decision to be part of the pack, merely needing time to digest the knowledge we have shared with her. Ideally she would also prefer the pack to involve the others and be established altogether.”

The alpha rumbled in agreement of his assessment of the beta. They continued on, slightly swinging their clasped hands in silence awhile but for the sounds of the ocean and birds, and the crunch of the cool sand beneath their feet.

The brunette hummed before speaking about Marius. “I hadn’t thought about the fact that with Giann missing, Marius's family pack would be left with just his father and himself.” Vyn made a noise of accord. “It sounded like if he had his father’s approval, he may make the NXX pack his primary one under the umbrella of PAX until perhaps something more stable in his family appears.”

“Mm, yes.” Vyn paused to examine some seaweed and kelp, Artem stopping with him. “Knowing his current circumstances, his readiness to be part of the pack is not as surprising as first thought. I believe that secretly he longs for that livelier family interaction.” He straightened and they continued to walk. “You can see it in the moments when we show we trust and care about him and how his playfulness has come out more when we are not investigating.”

Artem swung their clasped hands in agreement.

“Luke is a concern.”

“He is,” Artem’s low voice echoed.

“All the signs point to him being more likely to withdraw rather than come closer to our forming pack. It is not just the fact that he declined yesterday's invitation or his reticence of the details of his condition.”

Artem continued Vyn’s thought. “It's the fact that he was here for much longer than the timeframe he was in touch with Althea and made no effort to reconnect despite how close they are. He kept his distance until circumstances forced him.”

“Meaning he could either have a very dangerous or confidential assignment, which seems unlikely since his movements are quite free after discovery, or he would be disappearing again after.”

Artem looked into the cloudy sky as he pondered out loud. “Disappearance wouldn’t necessarily stop someone getting in touch with an old friend.”

Vyn gripped the alpha’s hand and he spoke what they had ominously come to conclude. “No. Not unless it was going to be a permanent disappearance… and knowing Luke, if that was a possibility…”

“Hiding seems like the route he would take,” Artem finished. He gripped the omega’s hand back.

They stopped and turned to listen and watch as the waves rushed to shore, sinking into the ebb and flow for a while. The breeze tossed and teased their coats and hair, bringing with it the taste of salt and spray.

“So what do you want to do?” Artem finally asked.

“Whatever do you mean?” Vyn replied lightly.

The taller man turned to look at his companion. “Do you want Luke in the pack?”

Gold eyes looked back into springs of blue. “Do you?”

Artem kept a steady gaze as he responded. “It will hurt more to lose him if he is part of the pack.”

 Keeping eyes locked, Vyn nodded in acknowledgement.

“He has already declined joining himself.”

Another nod.

“He has not shared any details with us.”

Another nod and a slow blink of molten eyes as silver hair swayed wildly in the wind.

Artem smiled gently and detangled their hands to put his shoes into his coat pocket before reaching out to Vyn’s hood.

Pale lashes flickered as the shorter man consciously held still as large hands came around his head and pulled up his hood turtleneck, blocking the wind from teasing his hair and the sight of the eyes before him.

“You want to try helping him and have him join anyway,” came the certain words in that low voice from the lips that were just left in Vyn’s view.

The voice sounded so fond, Vyn put his own shoes in his pockets and reached a hand to shift his hood back slightly so he could see.

The eyes on him were so soft, the clearest shade of electric blue, looking right at him, he unconsciously had to raise his other hand to block the other’s sight.

Cool palm against his eyes, Artem heard the other speak, sounding almost embarrassed.

“Do not look at me with your eyes like that.”

Behind the hand, the alpha tilted his head like he didn’t know what Vyn was talking about.

He couldn’t keep his hand up indefinitely so Vyn let go of both hands and let his hood fall to obscure his vision. He didn’t know why he felt shy or conflicted by the other’s look. Something perhaps to talk out in his diary later.

To divert the attention he returned back to the previous subject. “There is not much we can do until he is willing to share more details but we can make arrangements to keep him from breaking contact with us.”

Artem obediently followed his return to the topic. “He has to interact with us during NXX investigations. We can occasionally plan something relaxed to take place after. Althea’s birthday is coming up as well. I don’t believe he will miss that.”

Vyn relaxed and peered up at the alpha, swaying with the breeze pulling at his clothes. “I think we could also give him something as a reminder of all of us. And establish that it is too late to draw away.”

Seeing the hood almost blown back, the alpha tried adjusting where he stood so that Vyn could have his back to where the wind was blowing from the water with a touch to turn the other man. The gusts were now in his face but at least it mostly just swept his hair back, only occasionally whipping it forward again in his eyes. His own body stopped most of the wind from affecting Vyn on those occasions. “What would you like to give him?” he asked whilst preoccupied with his manoeuvring.

Vyn blinked at being turned in a circle. He absently reached out a hand to the scarf end blown before him. His hood being slightly shifted back by a breeze with the faint smell of cedar, vanilla and lavender and seeing the coffee strands of Artem’s fringe falling in aqua eyes, he realised what the other had been doing. Taking a firmer hold of the scarf, he gave it a firm tug, pulling the other a step closer.

With a playful smile to Artem’s startled look, the omega began to fiddle with the older man’s scarf. At first, just pulling the back up to form a hood of his own. Then undoing the wind around the neck to tie it under the alpha’s chin with a grin like an old biddy. At the other’s exasperated sigh, he changed to trying a turban. Under the alpha’s indulgent look he finally settled on using one end to tie it as a headband around the other’s head, allowing the other end to fall next to his left ear before winding the excess cloth around the neck to hide that Adam's apple and collarbone, tucking it around itself.

Smiling with relish at his indulged fun, Vyn lifted his hands away and finally answered. “Scent scarves seem appropriate. I can also give the excuse that it only felt right since I had received something similar after the sleepover to offer the same comfort to the other omega in the team.”

Artem straightened from his slight bow now that the other seemed finished with his arranging, away from the heat of the omega calling to his alpha nature with the vibrant rose scent and woody juniper notes, and nodded. “We can give them in thanks for his work on the trackers so that he will accept them.”

They turned to walk back, holding hands once more. Rather than walk over their previous footsteps, they stepped slightly higher to leave another trail. It was interesting to see the steps of their meandering journey and the occasionally washed out tracks.

Making their way back, they brushed off the sand and put on their socks and shoes again before choosing to get some fish and chips nearby for lunch. They sat indoors at a window with a view of the beach they had just traversed.

“Should Marius get something as well?” Artem asked, eyes still out the window.

Vyn hummed in thought as he finished chewing and swallowed his fish before answering. “Perhaps just from us and Althea. If we present it at the same time as we are gifting the scarves, Luke will be more likely to accept his own gifts when he sees Marius receiving something as well. He has already put in most of the work for the GPS and the programming so it won’t seem strange to have excluded him when we are trying to surprise him with our own present to him. We can message Althea and think of a gift for Marius together.”

Having confirmed the plan, after lunch they started talking about what they would each do with the rest of their day as they got in the car for Artem to drive Vyn home.

“I was thinking of putting some hours in at the riding arena. My equestrianism has been a little neglected lately and I wish to keep my fitness up.”

At the ensuing silence, the platinum haired omega looked over at the alpha curiously to see him with a faintly guilty face.

Azure eyes glanced over from focusing on the road before the brunette opened his mouth. “Have I been…I mean, we could have chosen another time…?”

“My condition has been the main cause for the neglect,” Vyn gently interrupted. “It would be irresponsible of me to put others and myself at risk when I was exhausted.”

The alpha relaxed in his seat. “But you are feeling better now?”

“Yes,” the psychologist replied. “The team materials helped me recover quite a bit.”

“I’m glad,” the brunette replied before lapsing into another silence. Eventually, he spoke again. “Should I accompany you to the riding arena next time?”

Vyn raised both his eyebrows and decided to tease the alpha. “Oh? Are you interested in riding? Or are you interested in watching me ride?”

“Um…” Why did he feel like there was a trap in those words? Artem had a helpless expression on his face as he concentrated on driving.

Vyn chuckled before having mercy on him with an easier question. “Have you ever ridden a horse before?”

Calming, Artem continued to watch the road as he took a turn and responded. “I can’t say that I have.”

“Would you like to?” Vyn’s eyes glowed in interest of the answer.

Sensing that the other seemed invested in his reply, Artem gave a slow response. “Are you offering to take me riding?”

“Or I can arrange lessons so that you can ride your own horse and we can go riding together one day.”

Artem’s head tilted slightly. “You want me to go riding with you one day? Wouldn’t that take a while?”

“With the right horse, just walking a trail can be done anytime. But we could work our way up to doing something more.”

Artem hummed as he fell into contemplation. He wondered if Vyn realised he was planning for a future with them together. He supposed if the relationship did fall through they could still do this together as friends. Maybe he could also try teaching Vyn to shoot or go fishing together. For now though… “Perhaps I can try it first before committing to getting lessons.”

There was a cheerfulness to Vyn's voice as he responded. “That can be arranged. I can organise it for next Sunday. If you are amenable, you can spend the night before in my guest room and we can go to the riding arena together in the morning. You can watch me first as I run through my routine and then after lunch we can let you try if you are still open to it.”

Artem smiled at the omega’s plans. “Okay.”

The next day, Artem received a text from Vyn asking if he would be able to join him shopping that evening. After reviewing his work progress, Artem agreed and they arranged to meet at the shopping district in front of one of the smaller malls.

At 6.20pm they met up dressed in their daily work wear but for a slightly thicker coat in deference to the fall season and had dinner together first. They talked briefly about their day, Vyn helping Artem think of additional lines of questioning he might want to take and Artem listening to Vyn comment on how it was a day for mostly keeping to himself in his offices and online sessions with his heat pheromones.

When dinner was over, Vyn led the way through the mall until he came to a shabby little tailor shop. There was a dim light on inside but the sign was turned to closed so Artem was curious when Vyn knocked on the door.

Trusting Vyn knew what he was doing, he was rewarded when not long later, a man opened the door with a smile. “Doctor, welcome! Please come in.” Then paying attention to Artem standing beside Vyn, “This is the gentleman? Please, welcome.”

“Vyn?” the alpha asked quietly as they entered.

“I messaged him ahead of time that we would be coming late,” Vyn reassured him.

A little lost, Artem tried to clarify he was asking what they were doing there but was interrupted. “That wasn’t…”

“A complete riding outfit, was it? This gentleman, if you could please step this way.”

“Vyn?” His cedar scent taking on more confusion, the omega finally explained to him.

“You should have some appropriate clothes if we are to go riding this Sunday or in the future.”

Allowing the store owner to manoeuvre him as he took measurements, Artem continued to speak to the silver haired psychologist. “Do they need to be tailored?”

Hand in the pocket of his thicker autumn coat, the omega observed as the owner efficiently took the needed measurements. “It is for the best. You can rest assured of the quality here.”

As Artem held out his arms, he shook his head as he responded, “I wouldn’t worry about that since it was you who took me here.”

Gold eyes blinked at the matter of fact trust shown. The rose in his pheromones bloomed a shade more.

“I’m just not sure of the necessity.”

Vyn’s lips formed into a smile and his eyes honeyed into mischief. “Just take it as indulging me. After all, you will get to see me in a riding outfit. Perhaps I want to see you in one too.”

Artem felt his face heat but couldn’t turn his head as his neck was being measured. When he could move his head, the tailor having moved on to his waist, he gave the omega a light glare but then turned his face away when the other only smiled back at him. He wasn’t pouting. His cedar pheromone turning sweeter with vanilla and soft lavender didn’t mean anything.

Vyn admired the red ears as the store owner quickly finished with his measurements. “Send it to my address by Sunday,” he ordered.

“Not a problem, Doctor.”

Vyn then led the way out, Artem trailing after.

The alpha fidgeted with his coat before finally voicing a question. “Are you…buying the clothes for me?”

The silver haired man peered back at him and arched a brow. “Is that a problem?” This might actually be a good time to see if finances might be an issue between them.

All he got though was a lovely blush and averted eyes.

“No…Not really. It's just been a while since someone bought me clothes. Like this. As an adult.” Artem meant with intent. A whole outfit. Not just socks or a tie. “It’s a little novel.” There was a precious curl of light and warmth blooming within him he wanted to cup in his hands. 

Seeing the others reaction, Vyn impulsively held out a hand before the alpha. Rose flourished and juniper deepened. Blinking, Artem came up beside him, taking the hand in his own, his woody scent rising along with the floral note, sweet and tranquil, before following as the omega began walking again. The omega’s baritone floated back. “You could do with a little more spoiling and it fits within my whims, so it works out to be mutually beneficial, does it not?”

Artem rumbled in amusement, “Is this spoiling me?”

The psychologist pretended to think about it before looking back with a cheeky look. “You indulging me with whatever I wish to do with you? You may be right and I am the one being  spoiled. My happiness is still a good outcome though, is it not?” He shook their joined hands.

Artem lightly squeezed the hand in his, feeling the cool hand in his rise in temperature to match his own as they were clasped securely together, filling his chest almost painfully full with warmth. “Yes.”

With Artem’s frank answer, it was now Vyn who turned his head away to hide the unexpected warmth in return for his teasing.

The next place that Vyn walked to was a shop for subgender specific supplies. Heading to the omega section, they stopped at the area for scenting materials. They went down the aisles for scarves, all individually packed and sealed with a sample swatch on display for testing the feel.

“What should we get Luke?” Artem asked, bending down to see some selections on the lower shelves. It looked like the same material but just a different colour.

Vyn fingered a pashmina scarf further along the aisle with a critical frown. “It depends. Natural materials are safest on the skin to choose if we don’t know his preference. We are not expecting him to necessarily wear them since they are intended for his nest, but he may lay on them and we cannot preclude that he may decide to use them as attire.” He moved further down to examine the striped pattern on another scarf. “If it was merely a scarf for scenting and nothing else I would think each of us purchasing individual scarfs for him would suffice but I think a more individual and personalised reminder of our regard for him would be more meaningful.”

Artem stood and walked closer while avoiding other browsing shoppers. “Then you are thinking of a scarf that we can… tailor? Write on? Put a symbol or a patch?”

Vyn glanced at him before thoughtfully moving to the cotton scarves in white. “Any of those would work. Leaving it up to each of us would make it more interesting.”

Artem looked at the material Vyn had stopped in front of. “Cotton?”

“Yes. Linen would work as well. Considering that most of us likely have no experience of working with fabric, something basic would be best.”

“Hmm,” the alpha hummed agreeably then went to find a basket, while Vyn tried touching both the cotton and linen swatches, trying to decide which one to go for.

By the time Artem came back, Vyn was still frowning and muttering to himself as he flicked through the screen he had pulled up on his phone. “What’s wrong?”

At the familiar baritone, the omega aired his indecision. “I am unable to decide if we should get the linen which is more durable but easily gains creases or the cotton which holds scents marginally better.”

Artem pondered for a moment before speaking his train of thought out loud. “If our aim was only to give comfort with scent…”

Vyn followed the thought, his face clearing, “Then cotton would be fine. But as we are intending to remind him of us as much as possible, if he has to ask us to scent it more frequently, or if he tries to keep distance from us, needs to straighten or iron the scarves, he shall be faced with how much we care.” Nodding, he then proceeded to browse the linens, eventually selecting one with a tight weave of medium weight so that it would be easy to handle.

When Vyn just picked out four, Artem scooped another four. Vyn blinked at first but then nodded, realising they would probably need a practice or testing scarf as well.

Vyn was the one to pay for the scarves but Artem made sure to pick up the receipt, intending to at least pay half or sort it out with the others later if they asked.

By then it was past 8pm. Artem held on to the scarves as he could keep them in the car. They split ways as Vyn had a video consultation with a patient later and Artem said he had some work to do. They agreed that they would ask Marius and Althea to stay behind without alerting Luke at the next NXX meeting and present the idea then. Vyn would also talk to Marius separately about their concerns, not wanting to upset Althea with the more ominous side of their speculation, and task him with keeping in touch with Luke while they were working together on the gadget. Artem would bring up the idea of a gift for Marius with Althea at work after they had discussed the scarves with the others so that Marius would be surprised as well. They also thought Althea may give a better idea for a thoughtful gift to the heir.

Seeing Vyn off with his butler as the driver, Artem turned around and entered the mall again.

In the backseat of the car, Vyn flushed slightly. His heat… was not as uncomfortable as before. From after they left the tailor shop. He still felt complicated about how fast his body was showing interest in the alpha but he wasn’t… unhappy about it. He gazed out the window at the passing lights, one hand hiding the slight smile of his lips.

“You seem happy, young master.”

Vyn erased his smile, though his scent likely still betrayed him. He didn’t want word of his possible relationship getting back to that man yet. He may have to sacrifice other news for now to divert attention. “The signs are promising for forming a pack, Ogier. An improvement for my condition is in sight. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

“That is good to hear indeed, young master. I’m pleased to see you making closer connections with your peers.” Ogier’s tone was a little teasing. Perhaps he hadn’t been able to completely divert the other’s suspicions but it was better than nothing. Vyn chose to keep silent for the rest of the ride rather than say anything incriminating.

A couple of nights later they had an NXX meeting so when they finished, Vyn held Marius and Althea back and Artem made sure Luke left, grabbing the scarves in his car at the same time on his way back.

Coming back into the room, Vyn had started to explain why he had held the two back. “I am sure you are both concerned about the situation Luke may be going through at the moment and his desire to go through it alone. I thought we could do our best to reach out to him by reminding him of our presence and support.”

At Artem’s entrance he looked back and gestured to the bag the alpha was holding. “Artem and I discussed our concerns and I thought the best way to do that may be to give him personalised scent scarves. We went to the mall on Monday and bought some linen scarves for each of us to put our own touch to. We hope he will accept them if we give them as thanks for his work on the GPS tracker he has been working on. Marius can keep us updated as to how that is progressing,” he gave a nod to the young alpha, “and hopefully we can complete it before he finishes.”

Artem started handing out two scarves for each person, explaining they had one for testing what they want to do or for practice.

“You guys went shopping instead of asking me?” Marius pulled an offended look.

Vyn dryly answered. “There was concern you may overestimate the rest of our skills to work with certain materials.” Actually he just wanted a shopping date with Artem.

Althea spoke up before they could get too much into their usual banter. “This is a wonderful idea! I can’t think of what I can do though…” She started with a bright smile before descending into a worried frown.

“Don’t worry, Miss! There’s plenty of things you can do ranging from writing with ink, sewing on patches, embroidery to dyeing. I can help you with any of them!” Marius immediately shifted to being the reliable but cocky brat. “Hand embroidery might be the most time consuming but if you have a design, machine embroidery is possible as well.”

Althea looked speculatively at the scent sealing bags, stroking it absently with her fingers. “That sounds good but somewhat feels like it defeats the purpose of making it personal.”

“You can take your time thinking about it,” Artem spoke absently while typing a message on his phone. “Althea, there is one more thing I need to discuss with you if you have some time for the next ten minutes?” He looked up at her.

“Oh, yes. I can spare some time.” The beta blinked but easily agreed.

“Then I’m gonna go. I’ll see you all next time and message you any updates about the gadget in the group chat. He shouldn’t get too suspicious if I’m just letting you know it will be done soon.” Marius stood, tucking his scarves under one arm and waved as he headed out the door.

Vyn nodded and bid farewell as well, seeing as he had a slight headache he didn’t want the others catching on to. Artem pressed send on his message and then led Althea out the NXX headquarters. In the carpark, they found Marius waiting with his phone out and Vyn just being driven away. Seeing him well out of sight, Marius walked up to Artem waving his phone. “Now, what was this about? Asking me to stay back but not let Vyn know?”

Althea looked curiously at her senior partner.

Artem went to his car and pulled out another bag and opened it. “If you could put one of your scarves back in here and then hide your other one, I can explain when we go to the cafe on the corner where we will meet Luke. This will help you if Luke catches you working on his scarf as well.”

Getting an idea of what the other was planning after having just done something similar with the younger omega and who they were avoiding this time, they obediently put one scarf back and hid the other in their car and bag respectively.

Sure enough when they reached the cafe they saw Luke waiting for them.

Artem walked over with the shopping bag with the other two trailing behind. “I appreciate you waiting for us, Luke. Vyn just left.”

The boyish detective waved aside his excuse easily. “No problem, Artem. You were saying that you wanted to do something for Vyn?”

“That’s right,” Artem and the other two proceeded to sit around the table. Marius and Althea did their best clueless expressions.

Artem proceeded to then give his explanation. This, the other two were genuinely interested about since it hadn’t been explained. “I think you all remember how bad Vyn has been looking with his condition impacting his sleep. What you two,” and here he looked at Luke and Marius, “might not have noticed was just how well he slept during and after the sleepover. From what I can tell, having all our scents helped to ease his insomnia. So I was thinking we could give him some scent scarves.”

He took out some scarves hesitantly and began acting embarrassed. “I wasn’t sure what designs to get for everyone and it would be a bit embarrassing to buy separately and give him different things so I thought maybe we could personalise them?”

The other three blinked at the sheepish older man for varying reasons.

Althea gathered herself from being surprised at how well her senior partner was acting bashful. “Put our own touch to it? I’d be happy to do it but I’m not sure I’d know what to do…” She played it safe by sticking close to what she already said previously.

Marius followed her lead and added in some bragging for his own skills. “Don’t worry, Miss. As an accomplished artist and fashion designer I can help you with anything you might desire. We could keep it simple with some writing or drawing or you can choose something to patch on.”

Seeing Luke’s frown at the scarves, Artem spoke up concerned. “You don’t have to rush yourself. I know you have a few other things going on as well Luke.”

Looking up with surprised coral eyes, Luke noticed his worry and flashed him a reassuring smile. “It’s not that. I just might need some tips from Marius as well. I’ll have to think about what I can do.”

Artem smiled back, relieved, before pulling out the rest of the scarves. “I did get everyone two each so that you could test out whatever you wanted before committing to the proper one.” He once more divided the sealed bags out.

Once he was done, Althea brought up a question she had been curious about. A quick look at Luke and she adjusted her wording. “Have you and Vyn been going out together a lot, Artem?”

The older alpha blinked for a moment before responding with a slight smile. “Yes, you could say that. My pheromones help him and it is easier if I’m with him so that he doesn’t get bothered by other alpha’s, especially when he is in heat.”

Marius frowned. “Has he been bothered by other alpha’s?”

Artem shook his head. “It’s not always about being approached but their pheromones that are the problem.”

Luke pulled a frowny face of agreement. Turning to Marius he shared his own experience. “I don’t think you’re aware of how much alpha’s tend to freely express themselves with their pheromones, especially when it comes to anger or lust. Most are fine and it’s just a burst of a moment’s emotion but there are some that will try to actively intimidate or make their intentions known.”

“Scent etiquette is becoming a lost discipline,” Artem commented.

“Scent etiquette?” Althea asked.

Blue eyes turned to her. “They’re teachings about what is appropriate expression for different situations and relationships. Expressing your feelings through pheromone should be kept to an appropriate level as we all share the same space. When approaching others, expressing interest should be kept to the lightest scent so as not to offend but allow an awareness to be shared. That sort of knowledge.”

“Oh. I guess there are a lot more people who have been using their pheromones liberally citing the freedom of expression.” Althea’s olive eyes showed consternation at the misuse of the term.

Marius pouted and said to Luke sympathetically, “You guys have it hard. I have to work harder at controlling my pheromones too.”

“You’re mostly fine,” Luke reassured. “It’s just when you get excitable your pheromones might get a bit much. And it’s not like omegas don’t do the same thing these days.”

Before the group could end up commiserating any more, Artem decided to break up the gathering and stood. “Don’t rush yourselves with completing the scarves but giving it to him sooner rather than later would be ideal. In the meantime I’ll let you know if Vyn has anything that he could use a really good sleep for and we can work a possible alternative out if needed.”

The others acknowledged him and they split apart.

The next day, they heard that the tentative finish date for the GPS tracker might be just two weeks away. A little faster than expected.

In the midst of work and investigations, Artem tried to wrack his brain on what designs to do and how he was going to work on the scarves. He messaged back and forth with Vyn trying to come up with ideas. He also managed to speak to Althea about a gift for Marius considering the timing they wanted to give the scarves for Luke and having him accept them. The beta agreed to think about it since she would probably spend some time with the young alpha to learn how to decorate her scarf for Luke and message the two older men when she thought of something.

On Thursday, Vyn messaged him, asking if he wanted to try going to an embroidery class on Saturday to which he agreed. So leaving the specific method of attaching his design alone for now, he scribbled a few words that he associated with Luke and hoped it would be enough to inspire a pattern.

When Saturday arrived, Artem packed an overnight bag as after the embroidery class he would be staying over for the riding plans the next day. They’d had to negotiate for the self defence session to take place over lunch, with Artem packing sandwiches and Vyn providing a bevy of drink choices to make up for the inconvenience.

After going home to wash up, Artem dressed in a white button up with a light blue sweater on top, soft grey slacks and brown leather shoes and then went to Vyn's home to pick the omega up for the class and drop off his overnight bag.

Vyn greeted him in a fern green striped high collared sweater with the collar zipped up and tawny slim fit pants. He grabbed a pale cream mid length coat and slipped into his brown loafers after checking Artem didn’t need anything. Letting the alpha place his overnight bag in the door and grabbing his own satchel he locked up and they were on their way.

It was a 3 hour beginners workshop starting from 2pm that they joined with 8 other people. With a warm welcome they were provided the materials and given an explanation of how the day would run, where they could get some tea or water and find the restroom.

Once all the guests were seated, the teaching began on how to prepare the cloth for embroidery, the different types of patterns and stitches and the different tips for outlines and filling in or flower effects. They were all led in giving the different stitches a try so they had a feel for them and the instructor walked around to give more personal feedback and guidance.

Once everyone was feeling a little more confident, they set up to complete the project of the workshop, a botanical themed embroidery.

Vyn sketched some lovely roses, lavender, lilacs and sweet peas. It was a flourishing garden. At his design, the instructor said it would be a beautiful work even if he chose to just do an outline and would be even lovelier if he chose to fully embroider it, but that it would be a time consuming project and he would probably be finishing it at home. Vyn nodded at the feedback and decided to reduce his garden to a bouquet so he would have a better idea of what he could finish in time for Luke’s scarf.

Artem struggled to come up with a good design, drawing a few flowers here and there, before finally pulling up his phone and looking up a sunflower bouquet. He finally found a sunflower and daisy ensemble with some greenery that he quickly sketched out a simplified replica of and got the instructor's approval.

By now almost half an hour of the class had passed. Examining the basic stitches that they were taught, they came to the realisation that the work would be one sided unless they used the satin stitch, but that was more for filling in shapes then for outlines. Raising a hand, Artem asked the instructor if there was a stitch that would make both the front and back look the same. She showed them the holbein stitch and explained how cross stitching would have a faded version of the image, then they were encouraged to experiment in exploring and finishing neatly in getting the effect they wanted.

Vyn started by practising some satin filling before outlining the image with the holbein. Once he felt confident he tried adding pattern and texture by changing the area and direction of his satin filling or doing the outline first and then doing the satin stitching over the top to make it pop as the instructor suggested when she came back around. His design became a little more vibrant with shade and texture.

Artem was slower to get used to the stitches. He kept the image that he had taken his sketch from before him. He frowned as he didn’t quite have the colours to work with to match the image. As he followed the best he could, his embroidery seemed a bit flat and some places that would have been shaded became one strangely shaped blob of the same colour.

Hearing the alpha sigh, Vyn paused in his work and turned to him. “Is something troubling you?”

Artem was in the midst of unpicking his stitches. “I’m not… I’ve…” The brunette pursed his lip trying to find the right words. “The Arts and I don’t have a very good relationship.”

Eyebrows puckered in concern, Vyn shifted closer. “What are you talking about?” He gently used his hand to lower the other man’s embroidery hoop so he could see what he had done so far. “Your stitches look fine.” He carefully fingered where Artem had been starting to unravel his work, seeing the flatness of the shape. “Here, you could try changing the direction of the stitching or stitch style to show the change of shape or shade.” He showed his own hoop to demonstrate what he meant.

Artem nodded after seeing Vyn's careful work and went back to his unravelling.

The psychologist didn’t go back to his embroidery, instead observing his subdued companion. When Artem finished his undoing and started stitching as he had suggested and continued doing so quite well to good effect but seemed no happier, Vyn put down his hoop.

A light hand on the other’s arm he gently asked, “Artem, what did you mean?”

Steadfastly continuing with his stitching, using another technique that he had seen on Vyn’s hoop, it took a while before Artem eventually slowed, relenting in his silence and answered him with a seeming non-sequitur. “I critique films. Did you know?”

Not put off by the non-answer, but rather used to the ways sometimes information unfolded from people as a psychologist, Vyn patiently followed his direction. “I think I have heard it in your speech before when films come up, but I have the impression you are alluding to something else.”

Artem faintly smiled at him for having even picked up that much from the way he talked. He put down his embroidery and instead picked up his phone to navigate to a page. “There’s a certain moniker I use to stay anonymous.”

Curiously, Vyn peered at the page presented before him. The Mockingbird , he silently noted. His finger traced the word before seeing that it was quite popularly followed. Drawing back once he was done, he allowed the other to return to his previous sunflower and daisy image, mentally making a note to check the page out later. He waited for the alpha to continue.

With a quiet voice, the attorney resumed speaking. “I’ve been called a few similar things before growing up. A mimic and a copycat. There’s also been a shadow and a robot too,” he added wryly. Vyn’s brows furrowed. The alpha proceeded with stitching, completing a petal quickly. “I have a very strong memory ability. Not eidetic, but it has aided me a lot in my studies. I can pick things up very quickly, and produce results much faster than others. I am very good at reproducing work or building on skills through imitation. At first some people loved it. They could push me forward as a prodigy. However, it also brewed resentment and dislike. Of course other students would dislike someone who could copy them or reach their level with seemingly little effort when they spent months and years. And true artists and musicians would point out I had no soul. There was no creativity or originality. I could mimic a work but I wouldn’t be able to tell you the technique used, couldn’t fluently read the musical score. And it seemed like no one wanted to help my understanding to catch up. I decided I didn’t want to be someone who was just going through the motions.”

Artem gave a fleetingly placid smile but Vyn thought it looked sad. “Even for theatre, mimicry was only welcomed at first and they were a little more patient with me, but eventually we found that I was more suited to having serious roles. It was good that studying law worked out for me and the skills translated well there. I decided to concentrate on studying rather than participating in extracurriculars.”

Vyn could imagine that it was the isolation that drove him to concentrate on studying rather than any disinterest and ached for a younger Artem. It put the alpha’s words and drinking during the sleepover about bullying and isolation into a different context. 

Artem turned the mug in his hand as he shared a few details himself. “In school. When the family of one of the people one of my parents helped convict at the end of high school found out my connection. And in university. As a freshman for a brief period by a few individuals who knew my parentage and thought I had an unfair advantage.”

The examples he had given had downplayed the extent of what the alpha went through. He had thought place and explanation were linked but perhaps they were different. “Did you find any activity to at least help you relax?”

Artem faintly smiled, eyes still on his work. “I enjoyed going for drives.” Just getting in his car to get away from the occasional loneliness or to feel like he was going somewhere. Learning to enjoy the present and the scenery passing and the quiet. Remembering the deserted highways and mountain roads when he was young where he would recklessly press the accelerator and test his reflexes to feel alive. “I sat as a passenger of a race driver a couple of times as an experience and picked up some tricks then as well. I also still enjoy films as you saw.”

Vyn hummed consideringly thinking of things potentially unsaid but he didn’t ask. The omega picked up his embroidery instead then quietly but brusquely spoke to Artem. “There is nothing wrong with imitative learning. You did nothing wrong. If anything your teachers were in error for not taking the time to work with your learning method to develop you fully. You have always been someone who focused on the details and worked hard for as long as I have known you. I have no doubt you would have done well if nurtured properly. That you have such ability is your strength and you need not be ashamed of it,” he added with an almost echo of what Artem had once told him.

Artem gave Vyn another smile. “Your strengths are different from mine and it is to your advantage to use them.”

The omega pressed his leg against Artem’s and left it there. “Do not hold back in trying things and using what you have. When something truly takes your interest, I know you take the time to learn all the details.” He could remember the enthusiasm Artem had shown at the museum. “You just learn from a different direction to most. Others learn with a picture of the house and then create a foundation and reach the house brick by brick. You seem to get the same image but start from a bare house where you need to go back to learn how it was built and then how to furnish it.” He then pulled his work close between them and patiently showed the other all the different stitches he had tried and his thought processes on the effects, finally drawing the older man into a discussion and experimentation.

The rest of the workshop, as long as they were beside each other, Vyn kept a part of himself pressed against the alpha and felt him go from solid stiffness, to gradually relaxed, to eventually pressing back.

By the time the end of the workshop arrived, they had managed to finish their designs and even experiment with adding a few details, checking that both the back and front looked good in preparation for Luke’s scarf. Both decided they would keep their designs near the fringe of the scarf and got some advice from the instructor on where to get materials.

As they had not finalised the ideas for their designs quite yet, they chose not to buy any materials but they did go shopping for ingredients as Artem decided he would cook dinner.

On the way home, Vyn received a message from Althea and started replying to her one handed, his other left in the gradually familiar place in the centre for Artem to hold when he didn’t need to turn the steering wheel. At first she brought up the idea of gifting an art apron to Marius that they could personalise with patches to which Vyn approved. She then moved to another topic.

Althea Reader: Dr Richter, I was wondering if I could ask you about your condition? 5:18pm

Althea Reader: Only I wanted to make plans for my birthday but don’t want to make you uncomfortable  5:20pm

Vyn Richter: Were you wishing to go out somewhere? You need not concern yourself. Was I not fine at the club? Plan whatever will make you happy.5:21pm

Althea Reader:5:22pm

Althea Reader: You may have been fine at the club but I think we all noticed that you might not have slept well afterwards and now that I think about it, it probably wasn’t just because of the events that night since you never had that problem before. 5:27pm

Althea Reader: I don’t want something as chaotic as the club happening again but I was thinking of doing a karaoke night. I could get a room but wanted to invite more people and I don’t know how comfortable everyone would be with people they don’t know. The other option is a karaoke bar though. 5:29pm

Vyn Richter: I think we all agree that we do not wish for what happened at the club to occur again. 5:30pm

Vyn Richter: I honestly do not mind another night out. It was an enjoyable evening before circumstances changed. As long as it does not take place on a Sunday night it shall be fine. 5:31pm

Vyn Richter: Post your invitation in the group chat. 5:32pm

“Althea is thinking of doing a karaoke night for her birthday celebration.”

“Oh?” Artem glanced over at the omega who was still looking down at his phone. The smaller man’s thumb and index finger of the hand holding his seemed to absently rub together over Artem’s skin as if fiddling with the leaf of a plant.

“She was concerned if going out would be uncomfortable for me with my syndrome.” Vyn navigated to the group chat, waiting for the beta to share with the rest of the group her idea. “I told her to plan whatever she liked as long as it did not take place on Sunday night.”

“Hm.” Artem acknowledged. He refrained from expressing any concern for now, knowing the other didn’t like being coddled. His hand curling slightly over the one beneath his was the only expression of his worry, along with the smallest pinch of his brow before it was smoothed out.

“I told her to put it in the group chat but she seems to still be thinking about it. Or perhaps discussing it with others before bringing it up.” Vyn finally put his phone down when there was no further activity.

Artem wondered if the beta had tried to send him a message since he had said they would come up with a contingency if the scent scarves for the omega were not ready yet.

Sure enough when he checked his phone before starting dinner, Althea had asked him if he thought it was okay. He quickly texted back that she could go ahead with putting it in the group and he would discuss with Vyn if there were any concerns.

Vyn kept Artem some nominal company as he cooked, listening to some classical music and lightly dozing. The workshop had been full of betas but he had forwent his usual rest after riding practice in the morning, not to mention fitting in the self defence session. Friday had also been more tiring as with his heat over, he had compensated for holing up in his office for most of the week by making rounds. A headache had developed toward the end of the day.

Artem called Vyn up when the steak with red wine sauce and steamed vegetables were done. A small bowl of cauliflower soup was also prepared. They sat and ate as the classical music continued to play in the background. After dinner they cleaned up together. By then Althea seemed to have already posted in the chat, with Marius and Luke responding.

Althea Reader: Guys, I’m planning to go for karaoke on my birthday so keep the 9th free! 6:15pm

Luke Pearce: Of course! 6:28pm

Marius von Hagen: Your birthday Miss? I’ll be sure to be there! 6:45pm

Althea Reader: But I’m not sure where to hold it yet 6:52pm

Althea Reader: I wanted to invite some work colleagues too so I don’t know if a room would be appropriate. 6:53pm

Althea Reader: But I don’t really want something as chaotic as the Nightingale. 6:53pm

Marius von Hagen: Leave it to me, Miss! I think I know the perfect spot. 6:59pm

Marius von Hagen: Pin Drop - Resonance Karaoke Lounge 7:03pm

Marius von Hagen: It’s an upscale place with great security. There’s even a back karaoke room for those too shy to sing live but still want to try performing or want an honest assessment before putting it to the public. 7:05pm

Marius von Hagen: Being slightly pricier, it usually gets honest music lovers and fun seekers who respect the rules for a safe space and a booked room can be partially or fully blocked to manage traffic flow so not too chaotic. 7:06pm

Luke Pearce: Can the rest of us afford this place? 7:07pm

Marius von Hagen: I can organise entry and reserve a floor area but drinks will be up to the individual. 7:08pm

Luke Pearce: This isn’t part of the PAX group is it? 7:08pm

Marius von Hagen: No, PAX hasn’t ventured into the music industry yet. But I do know the guy who set it up 7:09pm

Luke Pearce:  Makes sense. 7:10pm

Althea Reader: I just took a look at the website and wow it looks pretty amazing!7:20pm

Althea Reader: They helped some of the recent artists get a decent start in their careers! 7:21pm

Althea Reader: The reviews are great too! I like that they give a theme playlist of music for people to listen to so they can choose something to sing or sing along on the night. 7:25pm

Marius von Hagen: Then shall I lock it in, Miss? 7:28pm

Althea Reader: Yes please! 7:30pm

Althea Reader: If there’s a cost for reserving some space, let me know. I’m sure we can enjoy ourselves even without a dedicated space. 7:30pm

Marius von Hagen: No way, Miss! I don’t want to risk mingling with strangers. Think of it as my selfishness 7:31pm

Marius von Hagen: And Vyn! Think of his condition! 7:31pm

Vyn Richter: Do not bring me into this. 7:32pm

Vyn Richter: However, I do think you should take advantage of his generosity @Althea Reader 7:33pm

Marius von Hagen: See, he does want it. 7:33pm

Vyn Richter: I just see you eager to part with your money and cannot bear for you to be disappointed. 7:33pm

Marius von Hagen: If I was eager I would have covered drinks as well. 7:35pm

Luke Pearce: How do you two argue even when working towards the same goal? 7:36pm

Artem Wing: I do believe this is par for the course. 7:36pm

Marius von Hagen: Artie, you made it! 7:36pm

Luke Pearce: Was the goal achieved? 7:37pm

Artem Wing: Please never call me Artie again. 7:37pm

Vyn Richter: @Althea Reader ? 7:37pm

Marius von Hagen: Sorry, it just flowed into the situation so well. 7:38pm

Althea Reader: I don’t know what’s happening anymore except the karaoke. 7:38pm

Vyn Richter: Then let us consider it as goal achieved. 7:38pm

Luke Pearce: Wait, does this mean we all have to sing?7:41pm

Althea Reader: You better learn more then 🐅🐅,  Luke! 7:42pm

Artem Wing: Two Tigers? 7:42pm

Vyn Richter: Two Tigers. 7:42pm

Marius von Hagen: Two Tigers! 7:43pm

Luke Pearce: … 7:45pm

Luke Pearce: 7:45pm

Artem and Vyn were both smiling as they put their phones down. They decided to work on the design of their scarves tonight since they didn’t have much time if they were committed to hand embroidering rather than another method.

The next hour saw draft images scribbled, scrapped, adjusted and refined. Working together they did well in deciding a good mix of details but simple enough that they hopefully wouldn’t run out of time.

Using their datapads, they then worked on colours and made notes on the type of stitches and patterns so they would be ready to buy everything they needed tomorrow after the horse riding. Vyn mentioned contacting Marius for suggestions on what dye to use on the fabric as well and looking up some tutorials so they could do it themselves.

As it got later, Vyn went to record his audio log and draft his schedule for the week while Artem reviewed his work over the week in his borrowed guest room, making notes for anything to follow up. Finally to unwind, Vyn spent some time reading in the lounge again and Artem joined him, trying to study a bit on riding for the next day. Close to midnight, both went to wash up and bid each other good night and went to sleep. Having spent most of the day with the alpha, Vyn felt his condition calm enough to fall asleep well, a lingering of the other’s scent still attached to him.

Sunday arrived and Vyn gave Artem the package of his riding clothes that had arrived yesterday. 

Similar to the last time Artem had stayed over, the alpha had been up since 7.30am, went out for a swim and made breakfast in time for when Vyn got up. Vyn then spent a bit of time in the garden while Artem did some work. By 10.15am they both started preparing to go to the riding hall, Vyn teasing Artem by checking the fit of his tailored outfit, making the alpha blush as he was circled. He had opted for the more casual choice of attire that he could find of a long sleeved button up navy shirt with white button down collar, placket and cuffs, black buttons adding style on top of the white collar and placket. On his lower half he wore white breeches and knee high black riding boots and belt. A navy riding jacket was matched with a black riding helmet. He looked casual but elegantly handsome.

Vyn had chosen a white button up shirt with a white tie, a tan vest with two thick black lines at the side to draw the eye down the pinch of his waist and beige breeches highlighted his slim figure. He wore his taupe riding jacket open, white gloves tucked into the pocket of his vest, long black riding boots on and black helmet tucked under his arm. Full framed black rectangle glasses adorned his face.

Artem nervously fiddled with the helmet in his hand. “I feel rather overdressed for a complete novice.”

“Looking the part is half the fun and having the right equipment will make a difference to your comfort. You look good,” Vyn assured him. The tailor had done a wonderful job as always, creating something flattering and functional.

The alpha’s lashes fluttered and a shy smile came on his face. “Thank you. You, ah,” he cleared his throat self-consciously, “y-you look good too.” His blush deepened on his cheeks as he averted his head in mortification of his own awkwardness.

“Is that so?” Vyn smiled and a smirk came over his face as he strolled closer to the front of the older man and then bent to the side into Artem’s eyeline. “Am I to believe your words when you are turning away from looking at me?”

Artem raised his head, the hand not holding his helmet now over his face to try to cool the burning and sighed out a breath before peeking out between his fingers to the omega curved around him with his arms behind himself tucking the coat back to reveal the lithe figure and tight waist. “Yes,” he managed to squeeze out, clogging his throat with other words he held back ( that it made him breathless ).

Feeling smug, Vyn had mercy on Artem and spun with flair towards the door. “Collect your things.”

At the riding hall, Vyn introduced the alpha to the layout and a few of the more familiar horses and employees that he worked with. The attorney was then set up in the seating at the side of the field where he could watch Vyn take a grey mare around. The alpha multitasked by playing the karaoke lounge’s playlist and saving a few songs that caught his interest.

Most of them passed him by as he watched the omega take his horse through its paces with concentrated dedication. Before he knew it, almost an hour had passed and Artem had noted a couple of songs he felt suited someone in the group and one that had lingered within his mind.

Vyn trotted over to the alpha and Artem pulled out his ear bud.

“What do you think?” the omega asked.

“You looked very good,” the alpha responded seriously. Vyn was evidently an accomplished rider.

Vyn’s eyes faintly crinkled as he smiled. “Thank you,” he answered, “but I meant if you were still willing to give riding a try.”

The silver haired man watched amused as the other man closed his eyes and flushed slightly. 

Artem half wondered if the psychologist was deliberately vague in his wording to mess with him. “I’m already dressed for it so I might as well try. I don’t imagine we’ll be doing anything at the level you just did.”

“No,” Vyn agreed. “What I just did would require quite a bit more experience. Our aim today shall be to let you have a taste to see if you would be comfortable with what riding a horse entails.”

As he turned his horse towards the stable, Vyn added, “I will let them prepare a horse while I put this one to rest. Come to the stable when you are ready.” He let the horse do a walk to cool down as he went away.

Artem took his time. He often felt like a bit of a mess in this relationship with Vyn. He seemed to embarrass himself quite often. But, he recalled laughter and smiles, crinkled eyes and softness, not being perfect, indeed making mistakes, actually turned out to be… to not be a weakness…

His head tangled complicated thoughts around the box of feelings holding the precious memories that he was accumulating with Vyn. There was still a few weeks until December and he thought he knew where this relationship was heading but he couldn’t be sure. It was a little frightening how much he found himself painfully wanting all that the other man seemed to be offering. How much he was holding himself back. Curbing where all the thoughts and ideas that scrambled his head wanted to go when faced with something that lit the other up in his mind, like mischief, like hand holding, like texts reaching out to him, inviting him out .

There was a swell of hope that sat suffocatingly in his throat he was too used to swallowing back.

Artem let himself breathe and then made his way to the stable.

By the time he made it over, Vyn was leading a fresh black horse out. It was slightly larger than the mare the omega had been riding before and seemed to be equipped with a double seated western saddle.

“There you are,” the omega said. He had taken off his riding jacket after his workout, leaving him in his shirt and vest. He petted the nose of the stallion that nudged him gently. “Come here. Meet Solace. He is a gentle stallion that has experience carrying two riders before.”

Artem came forward to hesitantly offer his hand to the horse who blew a breath over the alpha’s hand before pushing into it. “We’ll be riding together?”

“Not for too long as it is not the best for a horse but you learn better by having experience from many angles to fill in what you pick up so you may get a more realistic idea of what riding involves if you can feel what I am doing and be able to make a more informed decision. I shall be in front so as to have control of the horse.”

Vyn arranged the reins before moving to the left side of Solace, putting one foot in the stirrup and placing his hands on the saddle. “Watch how I mount. I am only putting the tip of my foot in the stirrup. That way if anything happens I will be able to quickly free myself. My right hand is a little past the middle to grasp the other side of the saddle. If you were riding alone, the left hand would be holding the reins and some of the horse’s mane. Keep your body close to the horse. Use your right arm as you go up to keep your centre of gravity over the spine so that even when you put your weight in the stirrup,” Vyn launched up and paused, standing in one stirrup but his centre of gravity where he had said, “you can see that I do not slip back and Solace is also not being pulled around, nor the gear shifting. You can then lift your other leg to clear the horse and seat yourself. Concentrate on getting in the saddle even if the horse starts moving once you launch up or you will most likely fail to seat yourself due to faltering. Trust that I am in control of Solace while you mount. If you decide to learn how to ride, we can let you know the other tips to be aware of but that should be enough for you today.” 

Settled into the saddle properly, Vyn held his left hand out to Artem. “Rather than holding on to the mane, you can hold on to me.”

Artem put his helmet on and then approached. Adjusting his foot and grasping Vyn’s hand, he mentally ran through the steps the omega had told him and matched it with the demonstration. Once he felt certain, he gave a nod to the other and launched himself into a smooth mount, brushing close to the omega’s neck before settling back into place as Solace shifted, adjusting to the added weight.

Now that he was seated, Artem didn’t know where to put his hands. “Um…”

Vyn checked the alpha’s right foot. “Put your foot in the stirrup. Just the ball of the foot though so you can slip it out if you need to. For this ride, just let me do all the work, so refrain from kicking Solace or squeezing your legs. We can adjust the length of the stirrup if you need to.” Noticing the hovering hands, the omega faced forward with a smile. “You can rest your hands around my waist. Just refrain from holding tightly as you will find that riding uses the core muscles and natural body movement. For now just do what feels natural to match the gait of Solace’s movements. It may also be easier if you shift closer.”

Gingerly, Artem set his hands on the waist before him. It became a little firmer when Vyn started them moving, but then relaxed again. Vyn took them on a gentle walk towards the field and Artem learned to relax into the rocking steps.

Rather than talk on techniques and details, Vyn began softly murmuring on how to best treat a horse and forming a good relationship with them. He reasoned that Artem would learn the techniques later if he decided to go ahead with riding but learning that horse riding was not a formula but a partnership to be respected was the most important foundation to start on.

So he spoke on how a horse could sense the mood and confidence of its rider, how their mouths were soft and didn’t generally need to be treated strongly with the bridle, how horses had character and what tricks they could play or dangers they could pose.

He had Artem lay his arms along his, similar to the time at the club, though this time the alpha’s hands gently grasped along his forearm and wrist, and adjusted so that he could see slightly over Vyn’s shoulder. The omega then let him see and feel how he turned Solace and how he brought him to a halt.

He then had Artem return his hands to his waist and asked if he felt up to trying a trot. At Artem’s agreement, he started by giving a few tips on how to move when he felt the change of gait. “Use the stirrups to stay firmly balanced but try not to use them to bounce. Most of the movement will come from the hips.” He then encouraged Solace to move slightly faster and the alpha felt how the movement changed. Seated behind the omega he could feel how the other moved with the motion and adjusted to do the same.

After a minute, the psychologist slowed to a walk again. “I think that should be a small taste of what horse riding entails.” They had been riding for 15 minutes together. “How do you feel?” Vyn looked back slightly at the alpha.

Relaxing back into the rocking motion, Artem answered. “It’s not bad.”

“Just not bad?” Vyn asked. It was an inquisitive question for more information rather than to cause any pressure or mischief.

The alpha hummed thoughtfully. “I do find it an interesting practice and would be curious to learn more. I don’t know that I would develop beyond a casual rider though.”

“That is fine,” Vyn responded, satisfied. “I am just glad that you gave it a try. As long as you enjoyed the experience today I am content.”

Artem’s hands rested around Vyn naturally, not really needing to hold on now that the alpha was used to the relaxed rolling walk. “I thought you wanted to go riding together.”

Vyn enjoyed the time they spent talking and sharing this experience. But what had most gratified him had been the attentive seriousness that the alpha had put into the activity. “And I am achieving that now. If you have no interest in taking up riding there is no need to force yourself.” The lightness of the omega’s voice showed how content he was and the truth imbued in his words. This was enough for him if Artem didn’t want to continue.

The omega had experienced being forced to do what he didn’t enjoy. He didn’t need or want Artem to cater to his every whim. Vyn needed neither a yes man or an alpha that would try to control what he would do, and had actually been comfortable needing no one at all. But now that he was potentially looking at having someone, he wanted someone who could think for themself and treat him as an equal.

“I’d like to experience it,” the steady baritone came from behind him. “What you have shared about horses and learning to ride was interesting. I’d like to learn enough to go riding with you.” The last seemed to come out warmly intimate in the omega’s ear.

Hearing the words, Vyn registered a small sense of gladness form in his chest. With a bit of giddiness he let himself lean further back into the other, back resting on chest, careful to tilt his head to the side so his helmet didn’t smack the attorney in the face. Startled, Artem’s arms grasped him as Vyn then turned his head to look up into blue eyes with his own lighting in the sun.

The psychologist smiled. “I’ll look forward to it.” He looked to the front again, though stayed in the alpha’s arms. “For now we can just enjoy this. We likely will not be riding double again as you will be learning to ride your own horse.”

Artem adjusted slightly so they would both be more comfortable. “Okay.”

 A few quiet moments passed before Vyn chuckled quietly. “I never imagined that I would be the one in this position. I would have thought I would be the one to have someone in my arms.” He had after all thought himself to more likely engage in relationships as a man than as an omega if he were to engage in a relationship at all. He let himself settle more firmly into the chest behind him and breathed in the calm cedar scent. “Being the one held isn’t bad.”

Artem rumbled agreeably and blinked slowly. Juniper and rose filled his lungs as he breathed carefully until the urge to tighten his fingers and bring the other man closer passed. The smaller man was warm in the autumn wind and pale sunlight.

They continued the walk for another few minutes until hunger registered and Vyn straightened up, murmuring it was time for lunch and Solace deserved a rest even if it was just a 20 minute ride.

They walked back to the stables, Vyn talking Artem through dismounting and letting him observe another rider who was doing so further in.

They then found some lunch for themselves after which they investigated what kind of riding lessons were available that Artem could look into.

Whilst they were there, the owner brought up the friendly exhibition polo match coming up on the 16th, asking Vyn if he would be participating.

“I will have to see closer to the time. I would be pleased to be one of the players if the weather and my condition permits.” The psychologist was conservative in his answer.

Artem took note of the date, thinking if they could have his scent scarves ready by then, Vyn may be able to use them so as to be in good enough condition to play. He would let the others know later.

After they had digested and rested enough, Vyn once more went to practise, this time in an indoor arena going through some dressage routines. Artem alternated between the riding information, watching the dressage routine and listening to the karaoke music. He also messaged the others on the possibility of Vyn having an event on the 16th so they could aim for the scarves to be ready by the 14th. The others acknowledged his deadline easily. Perhaps he would be the most stressed. He had no idea what design to put on the scarf. He wanted it personal but not showy or presumptuous.

He tried watching Vyn doing his routine a bit more to try to get inspiration. Seeing the skill and elegance with which Vyn was displaying in what could only be described as a dance, Artem curiously looked up other dressage routines online to understand more.

At 2.30pm Vyn finished and after settling the horse, they discussed their next plans. They could go and buy their embroidery materials but they would make quite the sight in their riding gear in a craft store. They also didn’t wish to waste time though so they ultimately decided to go in without their jackets. They probably bought more thread than they needed but they considered it was better safe than sorry and they still had to design what they would do for Marius as well. They still made a bit of a spectacle with their riding boots and the horse smell lingering around them. They effectively ignored any curious gazes and were able to collect what they thought they needed within a half hour with the help of the plans they already had in their datapad.

Going back to Vyn’s home, they both washed up. Vyn then chose to take a rest, Artem opting to do a bit of work. When Vyn got up, they decided to start on the embroidery of Luke’s scarf and discuss the design for Marius’s apron at the same time, messaging Althea so as to not overlap. Vyn made sure they took breaks, going to tend to his garden or playing some music. Rather than his usual classical, he played the karaoke playlist, leading to some conversation about who they could picture singing some songs and posting particularly good ones in the group with an @ as some of the others had been doing.

By the time dinner was due, they had made good headway with Luke’s scarf and agreed in the trio of who would be doing what for Marius' apron. Althea had sent them a picture of the apron she had bought. It was a charcoal coloured durable apron, oil and waterproof, had a cross back tie, and with multitool and normal pockets. To make their designs consistent they would be making their patches in a cute style.

Vyn didn’t have to do much designing as it would be similar to what he was doing for Luke so he helped Artem put his together. They also realised they had a bit more freedom with the stitches they could use since the patch didn’t need to be double sided. They promised to have it done and pass it to Althea by the next Sunday so she could attach it.

Fingers a little sore from all the needling, they ordered dinner in. They discussed their plan for the rest of the week. Both agreed that they would probably be working on embroidery for the next several days as time was a little tight so would keep to video calls and messages until the weekend with an exception possibly being when they could arrange to dye their scarves.

As it happened, the opportunity to colour their scarves came the next day, Marius being quick to recommend a studio that offered sessions for dyeing projects or learning how to. They also sold dyes to make it convenient. Together they made arrangements to go there that night. Joining a small group of six that included a couple of art students that already knew what they were doing, leaving four beginners, they were able to learn the tips and things to watch out for in their projects. Not realising the preparation work needed before they could colour Luke’s scarf of washing the fabric first, the men bought the colours they wanted so they could do it themselves when they were ready.

Vyn had bought a cheerful golden yellow whereas Artem was torn between the powder, sky and midnight blue so he got all three. He reasoned he could always use the leftover colour to refresh something in his wardrobe as the studio had demonstrated.

Knowing that they now had to fit time to dye their scarves into the schedule, both men committed even more to working on their project. Their workplaces were treated to the odd glimpse of them embroidering in little gaps of time. Their haste lent to some tender fingertips and a few pricked fingers but by Friday, they felt confident in being able to put the finishing touches over the weekend. They snapped pictures to celebrate their progress to each other and commiserated over how their fingers hurt to hold a pen or even cutlery to eat.

By Thursday, Vyn was grumpy, having his condition flare up again to make him sensitive to his surroundings. He stubbornly didn’t want to admit keeping away from Artem for the week had been a mistake and refused to trouble the other man. It made him more impatient and caused more pricked fingers while trying to work on the scarf during the day. The omega ultimately decided to set it aside when he stabbed himself for the fifth time. He was close to finishing since he had also been having trouble falling asleep again. Rather than waste the time tossing and turning, he had turned to embroidering until his eyes blurred.

Artem had also been sacrificing an extra hour of sleep each night to make sure his scarf would be done in time. He had been stressing over still not knowing what to do for Vyn’s scarf so he wanted at least Luke's completed as soon as possible so he wouldn’t have to work on two at once. 

On Friday, seeing that both their scarves only had some finishing stitches to go, Vyn decided they were going to go out together and would take a break from embroidery. Artem agreed, spotting the darker shadows under the other’s eyes. Thinking they would meet up after work, the attorney was surprised to find Vyn joining him at Themis Law Firm at 4.15pm.

It seemed they had both had the same idea of working through their breaks so they could meet up earlier, but Vyn had beaten him.

Once the psychologist had decided to meet Artem earlier, he had cut out his break, pre-recorded his lecture for the students of Stellis University, and contacted his client for an earlier consult.

Artem only had room to reduce his lunch break so it wasn’t really a surprise that if both men decided to speed up their work, Vyn would finish earlier.

Having the omega turn up at his office, he set the other up with some tea before working even harder with some of the firm administrative work. They made some idle conversation about what they would do once Artem was done.

As a long silence lapsed from the silver haired omega, Artem looked up to find the other gazing out the window, upwards towards a patch of sky.

Noticing the alpha’s eyes on him, Vyn came back from his wandering thoughts. “My apologies. I was just pondering if you could observe the sunset from here.”

Artem contemplated the question, trying to recall if he had seen it. “Not particularly well. You can sometimes see the sky turn colours but other buildings tend to block any meaningful view of the horizon.”

Vyn’s eyes drifted towards the window again. “There is a lot to be said about the effect nature can have on us, from the awe inspiring to the calming. What man makes can rarely induce the same sense of wonder, especially when it stays static whereas nature is an ever changing canvas. It is a pity that the buildings block your view. You miss out on the chance to see a uniquely fleeting beauty that may never occur again.”

Artem gaze stayed on the other man for a moment before thoughtfully withdrawing from the absent minded omega to look down at his hands, paperwork before him and the computer screen displaying emails. He looked at the time. Almost half past four and shadows slanting. He looked at Vyn, once more gazing out the window, shadowed eyes half lidded, almost dozing, as he patiently waited for Artem while basking in the waning sunlight shining through the glass. He made a quick search online for when sunset would be.

Looking again at the work before him, Artem made a decision and began gathering the papers into his briefcase and shutting down his computer.

At the sudden activity of the alpha, Vyn turned, startled.

“Come on,” the alpha invited. He pulled on a black trench coat over his usual pinstripe business suit and ivory shirt.

Rather than his lab style coat, Vyn wore a single breasted camel overcoat on top of his usual vest and shirt and matching jacket.

No one questioned Artem leaving the firm early holding a briefcase, assuming he was heading out to fieldwork.

“Artem?” Vyn questioned as he got into the passenger seat of the car.

The alpha put on his seatbelt and checked on the omega before starting the car and pulling out. “I’ll take you somewhere to see the sunset,” the brunette responded.

A small smile formed on the psychologist’s face as he looked at the alpha who was driving intently, skiving work early for an idle comment that he made.

Time might have been a little tight but fortunately the traffic was not as heavy since he was going the opposite direction of parents picking up their children and most workers were not yet off shift. Artem managed to reach the outskirts in just over 15 minutes and then dared to drive a little faster so that at a quarter to five the view out the car windows were of fields passing by. The sky was an awesome array of swirling clouds of pink and gold.

Not too long later, Artem pulled down a track and parked. Grabbing a couple of things from the boot as Vyn exited the car and then stood waiting for him, Artem then began leading him through the field to a higher slope of a gentle hill. Cresting the top, Vyn was treated to the gorgeous expanse of the hills cradling a still lake that reflected the now purple, orange and gold clouds of the sunset sky.

“If it were spring you would see a lot more dandelions and a few other wildflowers.”

Vyn’s large eyes turned from the natural wonder before him to Artem. “This is…” beautiful, stunning, wondrous, “lovely. Just as it is.”

The alpha smiled at him. “This is one of the places I come to fish sometimes. I found it when I was still studying, driving aimlessly and then wanted to get out and walk.” It had been a time when he had wanted to be lost for a while. Finding this place had let him gain a lot of peace. It had been where he had learned to be okay with solitude. Ironically afterwards, he began getting friends.

Vyn’s gaze turned back to the view, wind rippling the lake and swaying through the grasses of the field and sparse dandelion puffs still existing. He was about to let himself sink down to sit on the ground, not caring about his clothes but Artem stopped him in time to open and spread a picnic rug he had retrieved from his boot. The omega then gratefully sat down, leaning back on one hand and long legs crossed at the ankles before him. “I can see why you would like spending time here.” He glanced up at the alpha. “Thank you. For sharing this with me.” He smiled back at the taller man.

Artem crouched down to join the omega on the rug. A quick look at his watch and they had maybe 15 minutes until the sun hit the horizon. Until then they could enjoy the change of the skies palette of colours across the sweeping clouds.

Another breeze bobbed the heads of some nearby flowers. Most stalks were now empty but some late blooming dandelion puffs made known their existence. Vyn reached out a hand and idly flicked one, releasing seeds into the air to be swept away. “I imagine in spring you could make a thousand wishes.”

“Hm?” Artem questioned as he turned to him with a tilt of his head.

The psychologist turned as well, eyebrows slightly raised, surprised the alpha might not know the superstition. “They say if you make a wish and can blow all the seeds of the dandelion off it will come true. There is another saying that the seeds can carry your thoughts and dreams to someone you love when you blow them away as well.”

“Is that so?” the alpha turned to contemplate the puffballs around him. There were hardly any left with a complete head and he reached out to pluck a random one. “Does it count if it’s not still whole?”

Vyn watched him curiously. “I cannot say if there are specifics to the ritual but I would think some may call it cheating.”

The older man hummed in acknowledgement. Still, he closed his eyes for a moment and blew out the half puff of dandelion in his hand. He then began to look around again.

Distracted from the sinking sun, Vyn chuckled. “Are you making wishes or sharing thoughts?”

Artem glanced back at him with a mysterious smile. “Well,” the alpha’s eyes curved as he looked at the shorter man bathed in orange light, relaxed and happy, “maybe both?” At the base of a larger plant, he found a tiny complete puff. He offered it to the omega.

He didn’t think he had anything to wish for but Vyn accepted the flower. He fiddled lightly with the stem but sat up and lifted his other hand to protect it as a breeze came by while Artem searched for another. They spent the rest of the time as the sky turned red and split to intense blue and gold blowing out dandelions that Artem found. Vyn would wait until they both had one and Artem would always pause a brief moment before blowing his out. Finally it got too dark and cold once the sun completely disappeared. Artem pulled out a small flat torch to light the way and they packed up the rug, shaking out little dandelion seeds before traipsing back to the car.

Were Vyn a less restrained man, his omega side would be quietly purring his contentedness. As it was, his pheromones gave away his ease and bliss. Artem’s as well expressed his relaxation and pleasure as he drove them back into the city to find dinner.

“What were you wishing for?” Vyn looked to his left curiously.

Eyes staying trained on the road, Artem faintly smiled. “Maybe I’ll tell you in December.” His right hand clasped around the hand lying open under his, feeling it curl into his in return.

The alpha didn’t stay over this night but did hand over his scented suit jacket so the omega could have a better sleep. They would be meeting up early tomorrow both for the training session with Luke and Althea as well as before heading out for Althea’s birthday party later.

For the night at the karaoke lounge Artem had dressed in a three quarter sleeve midnight blue button up left open at the collar, where the left sleeve and half the left front side was a silver fabric with vertical pinstripe patterns of navy while the stitching on the rest of the shirt was exposed silver with triangular buttons. Black pants and navy belt completed his outfit with black wingtip brogues. His only accessory was a black banded and silver watch. He planned to bring his black trenchcoat just in case but would probably leave it in the car.

He went to pick up Vyn who had worn a white button up shirt with a snap tab collar under a loose yellow gold sweater with a cornsilk ribbon line cutting diagonally down his chest from the left shoulder and another that outlined a square parallel across the shoulder and upper arm. He had slim fit blue jeans with a brown leather belt, over sepia suede bucks. His sleeves pulled slightly back revealed a brown leather strap watch. His silver hair was parted naturally as usual and adorning his face were large square framed glasses of thin silver.

Meeting the others at Resonance at 6pm, they found them already inside with a few other familiar faces to Artem from the law firm. 

The venue took up large spaces with designated floors surrounding a bar. Each floor had a mix of transparent, frosted and opaque walls up between each other, seemingly able to be adjusted for privacy or a more open atmosphere and isolating the music to each room through a misted entrance and the open bar floor. A designated karaoke coordinator was assigned to each space and trained to help run a floor that was reserved for an event, able to keep the vibe up while no one was singing until a request was made. Otherwise it was open public space and people were free to approach to sing.

The lounge had a system for keeping any singers from being too terrible. Their website allowed for anyone intending to attend and sing to create a login and submit a demo of their singing beforehand, adding the song to an approved repertoire if they passed a certain degree of ability. They could then cue the approved songs with the coordinator and be able to sing live. If anyone choked on stage then their demo could also be used to save their performance and had also helped some to relax enough to get back into singing. Consistently high quality singers that kept coming back could also gain a verified membership that allowed them a lot more freedom to try performing original songs or songs not on the week list or cue songs without having to submit a demo first. For reserved party events, the ability level was a lot more relaxed, and terrible singers could even sometimes be approved for comedic effect (with this being made clear and in collusion with the singer) and people could try singing in the back room first to submit a demo before going on stage if they wanted or just play the recording after they were done.

When providing the playlist of the week, videos of dances for the song were also available so aspiring or dedicated entertainers sometimes performed the dance as they sang. Otherwise some spectators and party goers would be the ones dancing either following the choreography or making up their own. The coordinator could choose between special effect backgrounds or a display of the dance for the singer to bring up the atmosphere.

Althea’s floor was the second farthest out of seven spaces from the entrance and she, Marius and Luke were talking to their room coordinator when Artem and Vyn found them.

Marius had chosen to layer his tops, starting with a black inner layer with an insert collar and a white t-shirt on top with phases of the moon across the chest in red and finally a pale blue open button up with dark blue broad cuffs. Slate black jeans with silver chains dangling from the belt loop and Z necklace finished off his outfit of the night with black high cut sneakers.

The younger omega wore a white t-shirt with a burgundy henley over the top. Dark blue jeans and sand coloured chukka boots adorned his bottom half. He wore a black smart watch and broad striped ebony and grey knitted coat with the sleeves pulled back.

Althea wore a dress with pearlescent long sleeves and mandarin collar while the body was a jade green scoop neck a-line that pinched at her waist with a soft brown belt. Looping stitches and a tassel in pearly white and a jade bead adorned the left shoulder. The sleeves had a crisscross pattern of dark brown string and underneath she wore pearl coloured tights with a rose pattern up the sides and green ruby slippers to match her dress. A cream string purse, ruby heart earrings and similarly red heart hair clip with white ribbons threaded in her hair tied half back made her the cute birthday star of the night.

“Happy birthday, Althea,” both older men greeted as soon as they reached her.

The young woman glowed and the smell of gladiolus unfolded in joy as she saw them join her. “Artem! Vyn! I’m glad you made it! Things are just beginning to pick up.” 

The NXX men also murmured and nodded greetings to each other.

Marius held his hands wide encompassing the space. “This is our floor and we’ve made it semi-public so that we’ll still get some minor traffic. Everyone’s pretty free to move around the different floors unless the walls are fully opaque, which means it’s a private party.” His sandalwood scent was lively and proud as if the place was his.

Luke stood with his arms crossed but nodded at a group of tables. “We’ve got some reserved tables for Thea’s party but the rest is open.”

The two older men nodded in acknowledgement, looking to see if any had been claimed yet.

Artem could recognise one of the legal interns, Kiki Bennett with some other interns at one of the tables. A couple of legal assistants were present with partners and he recognised another lawyer. Celestine didn’t seem to be present yet, possibly still on her way with her fiance. He couldn’t imagine her missing out on something like a fun team building activity.

He bent his head, offering a slight smile to some that made eye contact with him but sighed as they gave a quick smile but then averted their eyes from him nervously.

Vyn tilted his head to look at the alpha on hearing the slight exhalation. “Is something the matter?”

The brunette looked down to meet his gaze and gave an awkward smile that was more like a grimace. “I don’t think I will be able to mix with my coworkers. They seem to be afraid of me for some reason.” He had a small frown on his face in confusion, not realising it made him look even more stern. “They won’t be able to relax if I’m at the table with them.”

Marius grinned as he inserted himself into the conversation. “Well, with that face, I think it’s not surprising if no one can relax around you.”

Artem’s brow scrunched even more, not understanding, as now even Luke quietly chuckled but Althea smiled nervously at the forbidding look.

Vyn playfully lifted at hand and poked right between the attorney’s furrowed brows causing the older man to reel his head back in surprise but loosen his expression. Now his eyes were a wide blue as he lifted a hand to rub at the offended spot and looked at the smiling psychologist in bafflement.

Althea relaxed at the change of face and laughed with the others as Vyn told Artem, “You look even more intimidating when you frown.”

A slight pout formed on the older man’s face as he continued to hold his forehead and his pheromones dipped in depression. “But I was smiling at them.”

Althea giggled. “You’re our boss though and we’re more used to when you are in work mode. You get really strict when you are working, Mr Wing.”

Luke nodded on the side, his sunshine and rain cloud pheromone showing thoughtfulness. “I’m not sure if even we have ever seen you really laugh.”

“Hmm,” Marius playfully lifted up his hands and wiggled his fingers, his pheromone rising in challenge. “Are you ticklish, Artem?”

The older alpha drew himself up and glared at the younger man. The smell of his cedar pheromone became like a barricade of woody fragrance, though the hints of sweet vanilla and lavender still came through, indicating he was not in an overly serious mood. “You are not tickling me, von Hagen.”

The young PAX heir immediately lifted his hands up in surrender, playing at being intimidated with his scent dramatically deflating causing Luke and Althea to laugh.

Artem then suddenly jolted in shock as a small current came from a poke in his side. Protecting his ribs with one hand, the brunette looked accusingly at the owner of the once again offending finger.

“I do believe he is ticklish,” Vyn pronounced, his eyes bright and lips slyly curved.

Artem narrowed his eyes at the other. Vanilla combined more with cedar in mock threat.

Gold eyes squinted back as the omega stood confident and uncowed. Rose unfurled under juniper, daring the other.

After a few moments, Artem straightened, cedar and vanilla fading and lavender becoming more pronounced in defeat. A wry smile was on the alpha’s face as he shook his head at himself. He really was conceding far too many allowances to the omega. He didn’t think he would let others invade his space so easily.

As testament to that, his arm chopped down on and in front of a couple hands reaching out to him before he turned a stern eye on the trio who seemed to have been about to follow up on Vyn’s words. “I think that’s enough of that.” He gave them the stink eye.

Vyn was feeling inordinately pleased, rose and juniper lightly flourishing, and generous enough to back Artem up by changing the subject. “What were you three doing here? Cueing up songs?”

“We were just getting to know the system here. Jerry was also telling us about some interesting nights he’s had,” Althea indicated their coordinator of the night who was busy listing songs and looking over requests. Seeing as the floor was for Althea’s group, anyone in her group would be given a decent amount of priority but others could slot themselves in if the mic was free.

Luke proceeded to give them the quick rundown of how to cue a song, though instructions were hologrammed from the tables as well. As Artem listened, Vyn handed Althea his birthday gift in a little bag.

The young beta woman beamed her thanks as she received it. Coming nearer to the silver haired man, she registered a scent and gave a discreet inhale to confirm what she perceived. “Did you already have Artem scent you, Vyn?”

The psychologist blinked and nodded. “We were unsure of how well ventilated this place would be and having his pheromones helps to ease my reactions if there happens to be a heavy outpouring of scents. It also worked well that night at the club to prevent others from making overtures.” He looked around the venue that was far less crowded than the club and very well ventilated. “Perhaps we were premature in our efforts?”

Nearby, Marius shook his head. “It’s only the start of the night. It will get more populated later, especially the bar floor. The reserved floors will be more relaxed though as most will respect the table count. Bouncers will also regulate the amount of people who can get in each space. They're lenient if there’s a particularly good singer but they're trained for crowd control so they’ll shoo people back out afterwards. The bar floor will be playing something from one of the other floors so if someone is really good, they’ll hear it out here anyway instead of flooding to a room.”

“Entry is expensive though. Will it really get that crowded?” Luke frowned in consternation.

Marius cockily grinned at him. “You underestimate the draw of this place. Some budding artists have been discovered here. The chance to see a star bloom or to be discovered is worth it to some people. Music enthusiasts also appreciate the quality here. The higher cost of things also does a certain degree of filtering so the crowd tends to be more reserved than rowdy.”

“You seem to know a lot about this place,” Artem observed.

Marius showed a smug expression. “Like I said, I know the guy who runs the place. We talked about the design and business model. He’s kept me up to date with everything.”

They ribbed him about PAX having its fingers in everything as they made their way over to claim a table. As the main star of the night, Althea would probably move between tables of friends and coworkers but they chose one with space for her anyway. Artem also handed his wrapped birthday present to the beta who received it gratefully before putting it with the rest of her gifts. She teasingly guessed that he had given her a book from the heft and shape to which Artem returned a sheepish smile and an “I hope you enjoy it.”

The night began to really take off as more people arrived. Celestine and her fiance Jeremy also turned up, both betas greeting the other Themis workers easily, Celestine’s bright and easy-going personality letting the employees be at ease despite her being the boss, in contrast to how they treated Artem.

She made sure to greet Artem as well, curious about him sitting with three other men, one being the omega he had danced the ball with. Smelling him on the silver haired man, caused her to raise a curious brow and a wide grin as she looked intriguingly at her senior partner.

The brunette alpha scowled at her but introduced her to his tablemates. She might let him off for now but he could expect a grilling if she found him alone at some point in the future. She chose a table that bridged between Artem’s group and the Themis employees, immediately bringing out her phone and tapping away. The alpha dreaded to know what or who she might be messaging.

When Artem looked over at Vyn, he found the other with his lips suppressed and clear mirth in his eyes. Artem scowled at him too to which the psychologist just smiled wider and pat his shoulder consolingly when the other slumped in resignation.

“Are we missing something? I think we’re missing something,” Marius chattered with Luke while eyeing the two older men. Althea was at another table talking to some friends.

“There’s definitely something that we’re missing,” Luke agreed.

“Think they’ll tell us?”

Seeing as Artem and Vyn held the whole interaction wordlessly, Luke replied, “I doubt it.”

The night progressed. Some Themis employees displayed some surprising talent and others were average but everyone was having a good time.

Althea had rejoined the NXX table where she expressed her surprise at Kiki’s song choice of ‘I’m a Mess’ by Bebe Rexha. Such a bright and positive girl belting out the admittedly catchy tune was such a contrast!

None of their table had gone up to sing yet, so Althea was trying to egg Luke up.

“You did practise other songs for my birthday, didn’t you Luke?”

“Of course I did. But do I have to go up solo? How about we do a group one?”

“Miss is asking for a song from you, though,” Marius argued playfully. “You won’t deny the birthday girl’s request will you?”

“I’m not denying her request! I just don’t want to be first!” Luke protested back hotly.

Althea began bumping into his side cajolingly. “Come on, Luke. I’ll put a song right after you! Don’t worry, I plan on making everyone here sing at least once tonight.”

“Yeah, come on, Luke!” Marius also began knocking into him from the other side, causing the omega to be squished at beat while the two older men just laughed, making no attempt to rescue him.

Being squished three times, Luke finally burst out his seat with an “Argh!”

He pointed a finger at the two who had flanked him. “Fine! Just for that, I’ll pick the perfect song for you two!”

He rapidly made his way over to the coordinator. The app showed no current cue from Althea’s group so he could sing next. Althea got up to follow him to keep her promise of singing after him.

The coral eyed omega opted for the handheld microphone but looked ready to dance.

Althea had just made her way back to the table and turned to watch Luke as the music began, not bothering to sit.

The young omega sang in a light voice as ‘One Foot by Walk the Moon’ flashed on the screen behind him.

“Not a soul up ahead and nothing behind

There's a desert in my blood and a storm in your eyes

Am I the king of nothing at all?” Luke pointed at himself, then pointed to Althea.

“Then you're the queen of nothing at all.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Marius bolted to standing. “That’s cheating! I’m the king! He’s trying to usurp my place!” He started to make his way to the small stage, Althea laughingly following, having predicted the younger man would be provoked by the song.

“Well I remember the fight and I forget the pain

I got my hand in your pocket and my key on your chain

Are you the king of nothing at all?” Luke changed the words provocatively at this point and pointed to the von Hagen heir who was still making his way to the front before indicating to Althea again who was following him.

“Then you're the queen of nothing at all.”

Smiling, Vyn urged Artem up. By the time they reached the front, Marius had convinced the coordinator to let him join in and had a headset on, jumping beside the omega. Althea had also retrieved a handheld microphone to sing and dance with them on stage.

The two older men didn’t take any microphones but they sang along from the front of the 80cm stage, Vyn convincing Artem to also take up the dance at the chorus.

The group was having the time of its life, dancing mostly in sync for the chorus though Artem made the mistake of lifting the opposite limbs to everyone at first before correcting himself, causing Vyn to laugh.

“Not a soul on the road, not a star in the sky

It's a desert in my heart, and I know where to hide

You’re the king of nothing at all.” This time both boys pointed at each other and Althea pointed at them, before they both switched to her.

“And you're our queen of nothing at all.”

The song and the group dancing really brought up the energy, and more people began singing and dancing along. The singing wasn’t perfect but the enthusiasm, joy and liveliness brought a charisma to the performance all its own.

Somehow, even with Artem and Vyn still on the floor below them, they managed to dance together as a group.

“Cross my heart and hope to die

Taking this one step at a time.”

The members surrounded Luke, Althea and Marius beside him on stage and Vyn and Artem in front. Marius and Althea bumped shoulders with the boyish faced omega at the next line.

“I got your back if you got mine.” Vyn and Artem were also looking at him.

“One foot in front of the other

Don't you know that all we have is each other

One foot in front of the other.”

The finish was met with cheers, even the bar floor having caught it from a quarter of the way through. Luke and Marius fist bumped before getting a hug from Althea. The two boys then got off stage to return their microphones as Althea stayed on since hers was the next song.

She had chosen ‘Beautiful Life’ by Bebe Rexha.

“I was lost, but you found me

Hiding in the shadows from my destiny.”

It started slow with just her singing the first lines but began to pick up quickly. Still on the high from the previous performance, as the catchy upbeat music built it encouraged lighthearted fun and dancing.

“And you saw things that no one else could see

You saved me when I was my worst enemy.”

Slow head bobs got faster with the beat. A little swaying got added. Others started jumping around.

Artem. Artem had his body bent, eyes closed, elbows locked and hands fisted in an alternating lift of a slow motion washcloth move like you see people dancing in hand drawn cartoons which cracked Vyn up completely before he joined in, adding a twist to his lower body, his hands at neck height.

“It feels so good to be alive

Just you and me tonight.”

Luke and Marius also followed Artem in his dance, putting their own variation of leg twists or kicks.

“Don't wake me up from this high

What a beautiful life.”

As the music began building up through the second verse, other people began clapping along. But the boys began to let loose as it built to the instrumental, bringing dorkier moves that somehow worked because more people were doing them together.

“I heard your heart call mine

And then all the stars aligned.

Don't wake me up from this high

What a beautiful life.”

By the instrumental, Marius was raising his hands to shoulder height and dropping them as he stepped from side to side like a penguin, Luke seemed to have an invisible shopping trolley he was pushing out to the left and right while his butt poked out the other way, bending and straightening his knees. Vyn now had both arms straight up as he had previously told Artem not to do, going in huge circles one way then the other, hips gyrating just as exaggeratedly around. Artem had now added some more leg work to his washcloth around the neck motion (which was really more of a running man now), alternating straightening one leg and the other, all limbs flailing to the front, side, up, down or back with no order.

Althea was almost cracking up laughing at their antics but did little hops around on stage, little fists up like a boxer and starting the third verse almost breathlessly.

By the time she started it seemed like the boys were determined to make her laugh.

Luke was now dancing like an inflatable man, waving and flopping up and down. Marius had the finger guns going as he alternated lifting his knees high at the sides and then flapped his arms. Vyn bent his knees to walk to one side as his arms did a wavy hula one way and then walked like an egyptian in the other direction and Artem was being a natural in the garden, alternating between the lawnmower and the sprinkler. Or possibly the trombone. He hadn’t quite worked that out yet.

“Cheers, to the thing money can't buy

This thing, I can't deny

Our pretty, little paradise

Can't buy what I feel inside.”

She was impressively making it through, only flubbing a few of the quick lines. She had tears in her eyes and had to turn away, pointing a threatening finger at the guys that they would pay for it later. The audience was very tolerant since they could see the spectacle she was having to deal with and were cracking up as well and more people joined in with ridiculous dance moves.

At the silent pause in the middle, the boys also stopped with a grin. Althea turned back, the biggest smile on her face as she began the chorus again. The fondness was evident and her cheeks were hurting from how much she was beaming.

With smiles back, Marius and Luke then enthusiastically joined a forming conga line, Vyn dragging Artem behind him as he noticed and grabbed on to Luke.

“What a beautiful, what a beautiful, what a beautiful life.”

As the song picked up again, the line broke up naturally and the boys returned to variations of their dorky dances again.

As Althea started her last chorus, Artem and Vyn were holding hands and alternating twirls while Marius and Luke were doing the twist.

“It feels so good to be alive

Just you and me tonight

Don't wake me up from this high

What a beautiful life.”

When it quieted down to the last lines, the older alpha let go of the silver haired omega with a small amount of regret. They all faced the stage as Althea wound down the song and sang the last few words with her.

“I heard your heart call mine

And then all the stars aligned

Don't wake me up from this high

What a beautiful life.”

They applauded her performance and she smiled as she went to return the microphone before charging at the guys and slapping Marius and Luke on the arms and hunched backs as they laughingly ran away, Artem and Vyn the first to escape when they saw her with grins back to their table.

Artem froze for a moment on the way back when he realised all his coworkers were staring at him. His face flushed lightly red as he straightened his stance and cleared his throat. One hand reached up nervously to adjust a nonexistent tie.

Noticing he had left the alpha behind, Vyn turned back to look inquiringly. The attorney was knocked out of his awkward pause by Luke and Marius running into him though. Vyn steadied his stumble and with confusion and apologies, they made it back to their table. Artem sat with his back to his coworkers, hiding his red face in his hands.

Vyn admired his crimson ears, while the others questioned what the problem was.

Artem dragged his hands off his face. “All my coworkers just saw me dancing.”

Althea beamed like it wasn’t a big deal (it was karma for trying to make her laugh on stage), while Marius and Luke started cracking up.

Vyn gave him a cheerful response. “You had said previously that they were intimidated by you. Now their impression of you should be more approachable unless you scare them away again.”

The alpha buried his head in his arms.

“You all became quite the crowd pleasers when you were up there,” the psychologist commented to the younger trio.

The beta woman waved her hand to negate her inclusion. “I barely sang for the first song, and you guys were the ones being ridiculous when it was my turn, causing a different kind of entertainment.” She pouted and glared at them accusingly.

“Your choice of song was a great follow up to mine, though,” her childhood friend argued. “It caught the energy that was still there and made things fun.”

“You also managed to sing it through without too many mistakes when we were trying to make you laugh. Impressive, Miss,” Marius added slyly.

Althea gave a proud little “hmph!” before eyeing the young PAX heir imperiously. “I still expect you to sing your own song, Marius.”

Purple eyes widened as the young alpha reverted to his little boy persona. “But Miss! I already sang once with Luke!”

“That was my song, though, not yours.” Luke shot back smugly. Teach you to squish him.

“No, but Miss! By joining that song, it turned out so well!” Marius insisted. Althea looked unbudged.

“Still not your song,” Luke sing-songed. He then grimaced slightly as he felt pain start to radiate from his right side. Swiftly he reached into his jeans for his pill box, hiding the move by pulling out his phone as well. Faking looking up the music cueing app, he used his other hand to palm a pill under the table. “And who says it was you who brought the song to a higher level? If you want to prove you were the crowd pleaser, you have to sing your own song.” He waved his phone in the other’s face.

The young alpha’s purple gaze was sharp as they took in the small pinch around coral eyes, the minutely tighter smile, the slightly paler complexion. Vyn also seemed to perceive a slight change in body language and Artem raised his head from his arms, sensing a change in the air of those around him. Althea shifted uneasily before resting a delicate hand on the back of Luke’s shoulder and pressing into him. 

Marius seemed like he wanted to say something for a moment. Luke stayed persistently smiling, only a small tightening of the jaw betraying that the young omega might be in pain.

Vyn lightly pressed a knee to Artem’s, receiving a returning pressure, before parting. Both men stood from the table.

Artem moved towards the bar, commenting that it was time to get more drinks after all the dancing. Looking back when he was past Luke’s back he called out to the beta. “Althea, did you want anything as the birthday girl?”

As the young woman turned to answer Artem, Vyn had kicked the von Hagen’s chair. “Come along, Marius. You can not disappoint a young lady on her birthday. Let us go.” Vyn’s last sentence had the slightest hint of dominant omega command and his pheromone held a vague influence unique to him of allure. The tall alpha youth was distracted from his attention on the private detective and involuntarily stood and naturally followed the older omega while complaining half heartedly about singing twice. The silver haired man immediately erased the attracting nuance to his scent as they continued on the journey to the coordinator, the young PAX heir grumbling but obedient. The objective had already been achieved.

Gold eyes gave the tall young man a flat look. “Not the time or the place, Marius.”

The black haired alpha rolled his eyes but didn’t meet the older man’s gaze. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and pouted mulishly. “I got it.” A few steps later, “We are going to talk to him at some point though, right?”

“Hopefully, we can get him to share with us voluntarily.” A sharp glance to purple eyes again. “Though not when he is in pain and still concealing his need to take medication as something else.”

The younger man shrugged guiltily and nodded in acknowledgement of his misstep.

Eyes away from him, Luke quickly downed the pill in his hand, fingers slightly trembling. He might have been too active today and hadn’t measured the time to take the pills effectively. It was a good thing he always carried the pill box with him, just in case.

Althea was requesting a mocktail beside him, Artem making a noise of assent, his voice getting further as he added that he would pick up some bottles of water as well.

While waiting for the other’s return, Althea accompanied Luke quietly, arms woven around one of his, occasionally humming to the music playing.

Before long, the others were back again. Artem had a bottle of water for everyone in addition to the requested mocktail. Marius had to wait two songs as a member of the public was currently singing and then a couple of Themis interns were cued to do a duet.

As they waited for Marius’s turn, Althea was encouraged to open some of her gifts. 

She had declined presents but those closer or who knew her better still brought her something. So in her mix of gifts, she had some fancy chocolates and coupons to a dessert cafe. There was a box of tea and also a stuffed toy. Just before it was time for Marius to go up she had revealed a hair clip that Vyn had made himself of a crystalline red rose with white and green ribbons, and the book that Artem had given her was about a lawyer set in the future titled ‘First-Class Lawyer’.

A pause was then put on any more unboxing as Marius demanded their attention since they insisted he sing his own song. He strut up to the stage and opted for a microphone on a stand and a tall stool.

The song displayed behind him as he sat in place was ‘Wonder’ by Shawn Mendes.

The young alpha then seemed to settle into something quiet. 

As the intro played, Marius flexed his fingers slightly around the microphone. He’d chosen the song a while ago when he knew it was a karaoke event for Althea but he was singing it now with mixed feelings after being frustrated about the whole situation with Luke. Vyn was right, it hadn’t been the time to confront the NSB agent. But it was just so maddening that even though they had all gotten so much closer, practically pack even if the young omega hadn’t agreed, but Luke still tried to hide everything.

So, while the chorus didn’t quite fit how he was feeling, the verses were a bit of a mix of wondering if Luke ever felt like this, accusing or complaining at him, and words that he wished they could say clearer to the other man.

He wished the older guy would be honest when he was hurting. The guy didn’t have to hide the pills he was taking. It wasn’t like they were any less worried now.

Did he have to draw a line with them? Conclude that they didn’t need to know and couldn’t do anything?

Vyn and Artem were worried the younger omega would try to distance himself from them. That he might actually have something potentially fatal. Did he think that they would forget him so easily if he drew away?

Didn’t Luke know how much they all cared about him already? They were friends. Almost pack. They hung out, they worked together. They made a lot of good memories.

Marius definitely wanted to bring it up to Luke’s face sometime. He was also afraid of being too brash about the issue. He wanted to shake the other and make him speak. Marius was clogging with words.

Words like, “Don’t you think you can lean on us yet?” or “Trust me. Trust us. You don’t have to go through whatever it is alone.”

A quiet part of the young alpha, a small one that had already lost family, also wanted to ask, “Is it really that bad?”

For Marius in this song, love and trust was the same thing so he sang wondering what it would be like if Luke trusted them. He hoped the other man could feel how they cared about him. So he sang the last few choruses hoping to convey that to him even if the words were the wrong way around.

So the crowd was treated to the sight and sound of the young alpha singing soulfully, honestly, the feelings coming across putting a different turn to the feel of the song. A slight aggression at the start, to a plea, restrained questioning to the wonder of the song and hoping to convey something.

The rawness didn’t have others really joining and belting along. There was swaying and some people who had a look in their eye as if thinking of another and quiet singing like whispered hopes and wishes to a person not present. Marius got a smattering of applause for his performance and he put back his cocky smirk and gave a bow before striding off stage.

Althea’s area, and especially the other NXX team members, gave him another few claps as they welcomed him back.

“Not bad,” Artem approved. Vyn gave a clap in agreement as did Althea and Luke.

The young alpha smirked and preened under the attention.

At the PAX heir’s puffed up chest, a flash of mischief flashed through Luke’s coral eyes and he nonchalantly sat back, arms crossed, to drawl one critique. “It was a good song, but I don’t know if I’d say it falls into the category of crowd pleaser.”

Marius' eyes widened and he protested, “It had people singing along!”

Vyn waved a hand around idly as he joined in the conversation mockingly. “Not exactly the most difficult endeavour here.”

“It wasn’t that type of song.”

Artem scratched his chin thoughtfully. “It could have been, though. The ending does lend to more voices on the track, so I can imagine that it could get quite the sing along if managed differently.”

The young alpha waved a finger between the two older men. “You two who haven’t sung yet don’t get to talk here.”

“They do raise some good points though,” Althea had laughter in her eyes as she spoke.

“Miss is bullying me too? I should take back my gift…” Marius drooped and pouted like a little boy betrayed by the world. All their pheromones showed they were joking lightheartedly.

The young beta woman cheerfully claimed all the rest of her gifts and unwrapped them before the group. Marius had presented her with a delicate brooch of pearls and swirling gold. Luke had given her a polaroid camera that he had made some modification to so that she would still be able to save a digital version of the pictures snapped.

She was happy to start taking pictures right away. She went around taking pictures of her group and colleagues. Later, she came back frowning slightly in concern.

“What’s wrong?” Luke asked alertly of his childhood friend.

“I wanted to try to take pictures of everyone who came but Kiki seems to be missing. She’s not singing and I asked the other interns and they say they haven’t seen her for about half an hour now. I know half an hour isn’t really that long…” Althea didn’t want to be paranoid but…

“Are you worried because of the recent X-Notes?” Artem keenly saw through her thoughts.

Hesitantly, the young beta woman nodded. “I know statistically the chances are low. This place is clearly well managed. And the two recent cases brought up were of a young alpha female and an omega male disappearing from two different clubs. We don’t know if they're connected or if it’s restricted to those subgenders. But after the last time we were at a club…She left her purse with the other interns so she should have been planning to come back soon. Her phone was still in it.”

The men all frowned at the last detail. 

Artem stood up. “We can take a look around. Miss Bennett has a lively personality. Perhaps she ventured to one of the other floors. Althea, why don’t you get Celestine and check the restrooms and survey the bar floor. Marius, Luke, you can check the floors that are open to outsiders close to the entrance and work your way back in. We can tell the other Themis employees to let myself or Althea know if she comes back to the table.” He looked at Vyn. “Did you want to come with me to check the other floors?” He wasn’t sure how well Vyn was going pheromone-wise. The place was well ventilated but the music sometimes brought up some high levels of emotion. There was no telling how active it would be in the other floors until they got there.

Vyn stood up. “I shall come with you. An extra pair of eyes would do well in this place and there are already enough people here should Miss Bennett return.” 

Artem nodded in acquiescence. “We’ll work our way in from the other direction to Marius and Luke.”

The others also stood to follow Artem’s words.

Althea went to Celestine to explain her worry and her boss nodded seriously. Reassuring her fiance, she went with Althea to check the restrooms. Beta and omega females shared the same restroom since their bodies were shaped the same, so the space was larger than restrooms for other genders. Omega males had their own restroom as did female alphas. It depended on space and luxury if some places separated or combined alpha and beta males. Some places also opted for unisex stalls. Most places had the four different restrooms.

The two women checked the people and called out Kiki’s name but didn’t see her or get a response. A few other women enquired who they were looking for but hadn’t seen her recently in the restroom. They decided to check the bar floor.

Marius and Luke had a description of what Kiki had been wearing, a cream chiffon blouse with lantern sleeves and black lace with a lavender sleeveless skater dress and black belt. They also had a photo, just in case. Once they reached the floor next to the entrance, they split to two sides, still keeping each other within eyesight so they could communicate through gestures but able to see the majority of the space with a sweeping glance. They were able to cover the floors quickly with this method and move on, only pausing to investigate blind spots behind columns or furnishings. 

Artem and Vyn went through the middle of a floor together, looking towards the sides, separating only if there were blindspots on different sides of the room to take a closer look at. They also communicated non verbally, but it was more nudges, pats and guiding hands.

At the second floor that Artem and Vyn reached to check, the attorney in front paused as soon as he walked in.

Alertly, Vyn turned to the other man with a questioning look as he stepped beside him.

The alpha closed his eyes and lost tension with a sigh. “She’s here.”

Vyn perked up and let his eyes scan the room until he saw the bespectacled young woman sitting animatedly at a table of some other young people who were showing her something on their phone.

Artem had already pulled out his own phone to send out the message that Kiki had been found perfectly fine, just distracted, presumably, by some friends.

The pair then made their way towards her.

“Oh, I always get so involved in my ships! It’s always so disappointing when I pick the wrong ones too. I don’t know if I want to get to know a ship that already has a bad ending.” Kiki’s voice was passionately conflicted.

“No, but you see, these two were great! They left room for future hope! We only have this one video but the upside of this is that they hinted at a probable happy ending in the now! If they are actually a couple here, we can possibly keep being fed.” Another young lady in blue spoke persuasively as if trying to lure her into a pit.

“It's risky. They might never post the video and then we will only have this. We don’t even know all that much more about them to venture into RPF. Just hearing about it and I already feel underfed.” A young man interjected.

“They were so good looking though. A group of us already formed a circle so there’s a bit of fanwork going on. But you're right, material is sparse.” Another girl with a bob cut started off dreamily before sinking a little dejectedly. 

Kiki’s curiosity was piqued. “Maybe I could just see the artwork…”

“Miss Bennett.” A familiar low baritone sternly called out her name, causing the young beta to freeze as if caught doing something bad at work before she turned to see her superior approaching her with his silver haired friend.

“Mr Wing!” The legal intern was surprised and didn’t notice the silence that fell on the group she was with. “Um, hello, is-is everything okay? Did you need me for something?”

“It would be appreciated if you could let everyone in our area know that you are alright.” The older man's strict face formed into a slight frown that was mildly reprimanding. “You have been missed and left your phone behind.”

A slight smile was on the face of the shorter man as he gently added on, “There have been a few cases of missing persons, so Althea became a little worried. We all came out looking for you.”

Kiki shot up from the table, flustered and mortified to have caused such distress and search. “Oh my gosh! I completely lost track!” She turned to the people she had been happily chatting with. “I’m so sorry but I have to go! I was actually here for a friend’s birthday celebration.”

The young lady in blue grasped her arm. “You know them?” She rasped with wide eyes.

Clueless, the young intern answered. “Yes. Well, at least one of them. Mr Wing is my superior at work and he’s perfectly safe.” She thought they might be concerned she was being taken away by random men.

Artem’s blue eyes surveyed the group curiously as did Vyn’s as he noticed some gazes looking brightly at them. Their heads tilted at a few faces that seemed vaguely familiar?

This feeling of being stared at with bright eyes… “Museum…?” Artem quietly muttered questioningly.

Vyn glanced at him as if enlightened. “The music video girls? And… the costume retail assistant?” He just as quietly added on to the memory.

Artem became slightly stiff with nervousness of whether they were right and the girls would immediately demand they upload the music video again. “We’ll just go back first. I already let the others know we found you but do come back soon.”

“Oh! I’ll come with you now! I have to apologise for making everyone worried.” Kiki turned to go.

A few others at the table exchanged heated glances and stood up too. 

The girl with the bob cut spoke up. “Kiki, is your floor open to others? We can come with you. Then we can continue talking.” She had a big friendly smile.

The bespectacled beta clapped her hands happily. “It is! That would be great! I’d love to get to know you all more!”

Artem walked a little faster away, Vyn following him with amusement. The omega guessed the other was worried if his colleagues heard about him on a date.

Just passed the entranceway, the alpha slowed then stopped, closing his eyes as if bracing himself. “Celestine is there.”

Vyn chuckled as he moved ahead. Turning to say something, he collided with someone.

A broadly built man dressed in a white undershirt and open flashy button up staggered slightly before slinging his right arm around the psychologist’s shoulders. “Hey, now that’s quite a way to show your interest, throwing yourself into my embrace like that.”

Frowning at the smell of alcohol and the alpha pheromone he was suddenly surrounded with that was already starting to make him feel sick from so close up, Vyn tried to politely but firmly excuse himself. His pheromones more juniper than rose showed his rejection and desire for space. “Pardon me-”

Artem also moved to step in. “Please ex-”

The gelled back spikes and trimmed circle beard of the stranger were suddenly a lot closer to Vyn’s neck, snuffling. “It’s a shame my nose is stuffed at the moment or I’d love to scent you. How about I have a taste instead, pretty?” Before anyone could object, the alpha had licked a stripe up Vyn’s neck, right across the gland below his ear.

Vyn’s face immediately fell blank, then cold. His pheromones flared. He reached the left hand between them behind and up to grab a fistful of the alpha’s hair. His right locked the wrist of the arm slung around him. He then ducked under and back getting behind the alpha, pulling the wrist he locked across the man’s own back before kicking the knees in so he knelt, then stomped on his back so he fell to the floor. His hand now covered his neck where he had been licked. His juniper rose scent sank around him and with cold eyes, he allowed his rejection and disgust fall on the downed man. The man would not be enjoying a libido for the foreseeable future.

The area of where the man had licked felt like it was raging and he felt slightly nauseous from the effects so close to his throat. Vyn had clapped a hand to the area but then his fingers flexed and shuddered to make contact. It seemed like it wasn’t just saliva but some alpha hormones from the maxilar gland as well, causing him to react.

One of the bouncers were quickly present at the commotion and Artem was swift in passing the situation over though making sure to ask for identification so Vyn could press charges if he wanted to. The slightly inebriated man was protesting nonsense of how Vyn had wanted it and that the psychologist was coming on to him, just trying to play around.

Nobody took him seriously. For one, Vyn obviously smelt of Artem still.

Artem hovered his hands around the omega, not sure what to do but not wanting to invade his space when it had already been abruptly violated. “Vyn?”

“Artem, I think he had leaked some alcompagonen to mix with his saliva.” Vyn briefly lifted his hand away, and people who had turned to watch what had happened winced to see the area raised like a welt. “I need to wash it off.”

The brunette alpha nodded. “Okay, you should probably head to the restroom then.” Looking around, he asked a table for a spare napkin, wet it with water and then scented it.

“I might need you afterwards if the reaction does not calm after washing it off,” Vyn admitted with reluctance, starting to feel even more nauseous. He hated showing a weakness like this. Having the extent of his need for help shoved abruptly on to him without a choice made him feel helpless in contrast to the times when he and Artem dated and spent time together. He felt himself start to feel more repulsed and turned to go.

“Vyn! Here.” Artem pressed the scented napkin into his hand. “I’ll come with you.” He looked around at Kiki. “Miss Bennett, could I ask you to get a bottle of water from the bar and meet us at the restrooms?”

Kiki nodded frantically. “I’ll do it right away Mr Wing.” She darted off between the crowds. Her new friends were torn between following her or staying with the two men. Eventually some tapered after her, leaving two in case there was anything they could do, including another omega male who would be able to enter the restroom with Vyn if needed.

Vyn pressed the napkin against his neck and then found himself escorted in the direction of the restroom. As they passed through the crowds, he let out some of his pheromones, this time exuding the opposite effect to what he used on Marius, signalling rejection and repulsion, making others instinctively keep a distance.

Artem also was releasing some subtle pheromones of making others submit, not daring to come closer until they passed. Combined, the two were able to pass through quickly and easily. Both men rarely wielded their particular traits in such a manner to control the behaviours of those around them, only when the occasion called for it.

Artem allowed the other omega male to help Vyn into the restroom while he waited outside. Frowning, he thought about what they would tell the rest of the group. He doubted Vyn wanted them to even know that such a mishap had occurred, not wanting to sour Althea’s celebration. He looked to the blonde beta male that had been left with him from the group.

“Is your group intending to join our room?” he asked.

Intimidated by the stern face of the alpha before him, the young man stammered his reply. “Ye-Maybe? I-I mean, I think they were planning to before all this?”

The brunette alpha nodded. “We don’t want the others to know what happened. Could you let your group know and pick up your drinks or get new ones to give an explanation of our delay in returning?”

“S-sure! I’ll get right on that.” The blonde pulled out his phone to see if he could call one of the others and peered across the floor to see if he could spot anyone. If the omegas came out first he would let his friend know what was going on before venturing out to find the others.

The omegas did come out first. Vyn’s face was still a little pale and his neck was faintly red. His throat rolled and his scent showed hints of his upset. As the other omega went to his friend to be updated, Vyn approached Artem.

Noting all the signs, Artem lifted his right arm worriedly. “Do you want me to scent you?”

“Please.” The silver haired psychologist felt a measure of comfort as the alpha’s familiar pheromone washed over him. The scent gland of Artem’s right wrist came lightly near the affected neck area, letting the cedar, vanilla, lavender scent to present reassurance and protection to the omega. Vyn still felt tense and exposed though, his omega instincts in high alert wanting to seek greater security. He had been attacked while scented already after all. He stared at the neck and shoulder before him. It looked solid and supporting. “Would you allow me to lean on you?”

The alpha looked at him, startled but immediately lifted his other arm welcomingly. “Go ahead.”

Vyn entered into the alpha’s space and rested into the other man's body. His head tilted slightly upwards so that he could fit his chin over the taller man’s shoulder comfortably, eyes falling half lidded as he felt his muscles finally start to ease. His hands lightly gripped Artem’s waist as he breathed in his pheromones and his head lolled slightly so that his neck arched, exposing his licked gland to be closer to Artem’s own gonial scent gland.

Feeling the other slowly relax, Artem gave up on his wrist glands and rested his hands on the upper and middle back of the omega in a hug with the occasional gentle pat.

“I am not a child to need patting for reassurance,” Vyn demurred lazily after a few pats. It felt good to rest his weight on the warm chest before him. His nausea and hypervigilance was slowly fading.

“I know,” Artem said. “But I don’t know what else to do with my hands.”

The omega was amused into a chuckle. Artem was relieved the other felt in enough humour to do so and comfortable to stay in his arms. “I’ve told Miss Bennett's friends to keep things quiet from Althea and the others. They’ll bring drinks to explain why we were delayed in returning.”

Vyn hummed an acknowledgement. “If the redness has not faded, I may ask to borrow some of their makeup to hide what happened.”

Artem nodded. A minute later, Vyn drew back feeling more normal. Taking a step back from Artem to a more appropriate distance he tilted his head. “How does it look?”

Artem examined the pale neck. “It is not as obvious. There is still a slight flush but they may not notice.”

The psychologist nodded as he raised a hand to cover the spot again. “It should continue to fade as I feel the effects have been much reduced. I believe we have been away long enough. We had best get back before they start to wonder where we are.”

They rejoined Kiki and the rest of her group at the entrance to the restroom hallway. They no longer used their repelling pheromones but the group had kept their distance from disturbing the two men. Artem reiterated to Kiki and her group to keep quiet about the incident, not wanting to sour a friend’s birthday, to which they reassured them that they would.

They made their way back to their floor much more normally.

Althea and Kiki hugged to reassure each other, the legal intern apologising profusely for causing worry and the junior attorney just glad her friend was back. It was a little strange that the other had stopped to grab drinks instead of rushing straight over to reassure everyone with her personality but Althea pushed it to the back of her head as Kiki regaled her with the new friends she had made and how she got so distracted because they had been talking about dramas and ships they were fans of.

The group the intern had gotten to know were allowed in and managed to source enough chairs and a spare table to join in the subsequent festivities.

Marius and Luke sniffed slightly as the two older men rejoined them and exchanged a look. Vyn smelled much stronger of Artem’s pheromones then when he left.

The taller young alpha bent closer across the table. “Did something happen?” he asked quietly. There had been mention of a small commotion on their way back.

At the older men’s looks of surprise, Luke explained. “Vyn smells more strongly of your pheromones than when he left, Artem.”

The two men named sighed a breath at forgetting that detail. Vyn waved a hand. “Just a touch up. Nothing important happened.”

“Oh?” Marius looked at them doubtfully. As he recalled, the omega hadn’t needed a re-scenting on the clubbing night.

Vyn arched a brow in response before a faint smile playfully crossed his face. “What? Do you think we could be hiding something?”

Luke examined them critically, Artem who was drinking from his water and Vyn’s mocking smile behind his glasses, resting his head on the hand leaning on the table. “You seem fine. But what took you so long to come back? You didn’t need to come with Miss Bennett’s group and you don’t have any new drinks. We already had water. Why did you need to get another?”

Vyn continued smiling. “I needed the restroom.”

“Miss Bennett bought the water for us,” Artem added. It seemed to imply it had been compensation for troubling them.

Vyn's smile widened marginally. Everything they had said was true. It felt good to have someone working with him to fool others.

Once Althea calmed down again she joined Kiki’s group along with Celestine to get to know them and was now in lively conversation. Artem was mildly alarmed to see Celestine shooting him gleeful looks.

Marius glanced over at the group for the third time. “Do you get the feeling that the group keeps looking over here?” Being a somewhat famous person he was sensitive to being constantly watched. He could dismiss the usual curious looks towards a celebrity but he had the feeling he wasn’t the focus of these particular gazes which perked his interest.

Slightly uneasy as he remembered they could be people who saw him and Vyn at the museum, Artem murmured, “Maybe they think they know us from somewhere.”

Vyn’s gold eyes looked at the alpha disdainfully for that answer. “Or they are attracted by our good looks.”

Marius shot the silver haired omega a mock affronted look. “Then they should be looking more at me!”

Luke snorted in laughter at his antics and they devolved into quibbling.

Althea rocked up in the midst of their argument and asked in cheerful curiosity at the play fighting. “What are they arguing about now?”

The psychologist was sitting proudly like a noble cat on display with a playful smirk in his eyes as he replied to her. “About who here is the best looking.”

Artem was sitting in a relaxed state in amusement as well. He had been told he was handsome but didn’t have much awareness of it. This was one debate he felt underqualified to argue with the others about, even in jest.

Althea giggled slightly behind a demure hand.

Marius and Luke then turned their attention to her.

“Miss, I’m the best looking here aren’t I?” He gave her his little boy imploring look.

“Thea! Didn’t I grow up well?” Luke also looked at her with wide eyes and a boy-next-door smile.

With a sneaky rub to the older alpha’s foot first, Vyn then moved to add to the chaos. He tilted his head and rested a finger on his cheek, just under his beauty mark. “I believe I offer some exotic relief for the eyes.”

Mentally shaking his head at the antics of his… boyfriend? Could he say that yet? Artem nonetheless joined in. Sitting up straighter, interlacing his fingers and leaning on his elbows, he offered a slight smile. “I’ve been informed I have some serious charm.”

“So what is your choice, Miss Reader?” Vyn asked with a teasing tilt of his lips.

The two younger men leaned forward from where they flanked her and Artem gave her a wink even as he smiled at her.

Althea blushed and laughed. She threw a napkin at Vyn. “I choose you two to sing the songs you owe me.”

Vyn blocked the napkin as he continued to joke with her. “You require us to showcase our talents to make this competition fair I see. Very well. Let me think on what song to sing.”

“Must I sing?” Artem asked, though he was already pulling out his phone in resignation.

“Yes, you have to sing! You’re a good singer, Artem. You shouldn’t have anything to worry about,” Althea encouraged.

“Oh? That is to say, Artem has sung in front of you before, Althea?” Vyn asked the beta even as his eyes were trained on the abashed alpha. Marius and Luke also voiced their curiosity.

“Yes, the whole company heard him! It was at this year’s Themis annual meeting game session.”

“It was a dare,” Artem confessed to the curious eyes of the men.

“Hm,” Vyn looked at the older man thoughtfully, his phone lightly tapping on his lip. This was an event that should have happened before they got together but Vyn registered a part of him that was unhappy to have not been involved, which he knew to be unreasonable. But others got to experience a part of Artem he didn’t know. He wanted the other man’s focus on him. If he wanted to combine those two wants together, then, “I shall have to sing something special then.”

He would get the man to sing something to him.

Vyn scrolled through his song list before finally picking one with a smile and sending it to the coordinator. He was next in queue after the time filler song was over. He turned to Artem. “You can make your selection after you have heard mine.” 

His amber eyes glinted behind his glasses, in what others might have mistaken for challenge but had Artem blinking at as an invitation.

“Okay.” He put down his phone in curiosity of what the omega was planning.

The psychologist flashed a small, brief smile before pushing away from the table to go to the coordinator and get ready. His slim jean wrapped legs flashed confidently as he strode over to talk to Jerry. He got a wireless microphone and discussed how he wanted to start and be set up while waiting for the filler song to end.

When it did, Vyn moved to the centre of the stage, no props, but the screen behind him showed some natural scenery. ‘Hypnotize Me by Taylor Berrett’ showed his song choice.

As the guitar strums began, Vyn nodded his head along to the rapid strains and rocked his hips to the music, the movements growing bigger and adding the quick clap to the beat which brought the audience to clap along too.

His eyes flicked up to meet Artem’s aqua ones across the room.

“I am weak, but I think I'm strong

If I don't like the truth then I swear it's wrong

I was born asking why, I was born looking up

I was born telling lies, singing don't give me love.”

He thought the other man could appreciate how he struggled with his current weakness. Artem had always seen and respected his strength. He who had been used to being above others, not needing them until circumstances had forced him to be brought down. And when he found he couldn’t exist alone anymore, Artem had stretched out a hand.

Vyn moved to the words, beginning to dance, rocking and swaying on stage, interacting with the audience.

“But you came like a thunderstorm

Lit a fire in me and it kept me warm

When I was rollin', rollin', strollin' on

You took my heart by the hand til my plans were gone.”

His eyes and words always returned to one person though.

It had been unexpected how well they got along together once they put the obstacles and mistaken impressions out of the way. There was something disarming about being with Artem. Freeing. The alpha would do something like asking to be close, change his plans and take him for a sunset drive, listen to his words and blow dandelions together, and it all just made him feel like he was easy to be with, easy to love. It didn’t feel like they were just trying this out or like his condition was a reason for everything half the time. It made him want to stare at the alpha in confusion. He didn’t think he should be this easy to care about. He was more used to having to take what he wanted, fight for his place, assert his presence.

He closed his eyes.

“I've walked this road alone, dear

And I used to think it made me free.”

His gold eyes slowly revealed themselves again.

“But if letting love stay makes a man a slave”

He flashed a smile across the crowd to a stunned alpha attorney, the one who he could see himself changing around,

“Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?

Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?”

He danced, swayed and turned in place to catcalls and whooping until the next verse started. As he sang the words he put in all the mixed feelings and wonderful memories of the past couple of months of having to turn to another and somehow finding someone reliable, someone willing to take on his walls, someone willing to lay out his pieces for a chance to build something better together.

“I've walked this road alone, dear.”

He found their relationship utterly perplexing.

“And I used to think it made me free.”

He kind of really wanted it to succeed.

“But if letting love stay makes a man a slave

Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?

Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?”

He closed his eyes again, not ready to declare how deep his feelings were beginning to turn for the alpha.

But he could admit the next part. He crooned the next part like sharing a secret. His honey gaze opened again and fell on Artem.

“Don't even know what you've done for me?

It's not enough to feel it.

I don't know why I bare this scar I wear

But I know you were made to heal it.”

He was very aware of the scars on the back of his neck as he met the other’s eyes. 

“And I know you were made to save me

And lift me up where the flowers grow

And I never thought I'd say it darlin'”

He directly sang to Artem his biggest mystery of their relationship so far.

“You're the greatest peace I know”

Because he could be utterly confused and conflicted about their relationship, but feel the greatest peace in the presence of the other man. This man, this alpha who with his honesty, care and admiration had changed how he saw his own scars and weaknesses.

“Darlin' you're the greatest peace I know.”

Maybe that was why the relationship was working. His omega felt safe with the alpha.

“I've walked this road alone, dear

And I used to think it made me free.”

He sang to the wider audience again, bringing the energy back up.

“But if letting love stay makes a man a slave

Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?

Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotize me?”

He finished his lively performance to much applause and cheers. Vyn gave a bow and exited the stage where the next singer was torn with singing next or to let a filler song play first.

Reaching their table, he grabbed a water to drink as the others applauded him.

“You’ve made a hard act to follow,” Luke commented, observing the next singer decide to let another song play before them first.

“A difficult performance to match?” Vyn asked with the bottle still at his lips and a pointed look at Artem.

The alpha returned a glance but stayed silent as he scrolled through his song list contemplatively. If he understood the omega’s actions and looks right, the song had been meant for him. Vyn had been singing about how their time together so far had affected him. He had watched the younger man perform on stage and let the words sink into him when golden eyes turned his way. He knew the other was conveying some thoughts and feelings with his song. A conversation in public of where they were in their relationship a little past the halfway point. He could only respond in kind and think of which song he could use to speak to the other man.

“That song seemed to fit you well, Dr Richter,” Althea commented with a smile.

Vyn turned his eyes to her with upturned lips of his own. “I thought so too with the mention of hypnotism, but technically perhaps someone should be singing it to me since I am the one with some skill in that area.”

Artem half dramatically sighed as he submitted a song. “So, my song choice has gone from matching yours, to matching me, to singing a song for you seeing as I’m the last to go? That might be asking more of me than I can do. You’ll just have to accept me probably making a mess of myself on stage.” Slumping back in his seat to await his turn after the delayed singer went up, he allowed his leg to fall against Vyn's, an indication to not take his words at face value, but to listen to his song later.

Vyn hid a secretive smile behind his drink.

“Who says you’ll be the last to sing?” Marius jumped in.

Artem shot him a look. “Are you saying you want to sing the song for him?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Marius instantly replied.

“What a relief,” Vyn just as quickly quipped back.

“What I’m saying ,” the young alpha tried to bring back the conversation, “is that I think we should have a punishment round.”

“What? Like the one who had the smallest crowd response has to sing again for redemption?” Luke asked. There was an impish glint in his eye as he exchanged looks with Althea who grinned in response. So far, that would be Marius.

“Hey, I got a response! Just not a rowdy one! Mine was a soulful performance.” The young heir immediately began defending his place. “I was going to say Miss should get to choose but you won’t choose that method, will you Miss?” He began his pouting, wide purple eyed boy offence.

Vyn smirked at the young alpha. “Were you not confident in your performance just now? Why are you now asking Althea to not choose that method?”

“I was thinking it could be who chose a song closest to her heart or least difficult to sing!”

Althea chuckled wickedly. “Nope! I like Luke’s suggestion. Let the one with the smallest crowd pleasing effect sing again for redemption!” She and Luke high fived each other while watching Marius dramatically clutch his heart.

As chaos continued to reign around him, Artem had a slightly conflicted expression on his face. The song he chose wasn’t really one to bring a response from the crowd. Battling himself for a minute he sighed and brought up a second song ready to go when his performance inevitably was quiet.

Vyn looked at him quizzically before seeming to think of what his expression and actions might mean. His smile at the trios antics became a quieter one as a small turmoil formed in his chest. Was Artem changing his song? Or was his song choice one he knew would already make him lose? If the former, he would be disappointed but understanding. The latter would mean the alpha was resigned to losing and already picking out the second song, so committed to singing for him despite the loss. That was a different type of conflict and pain. Much as he wanted the other to sing for him, he didn’t want the other to lose out to do so.

Jaw tight and brows ever so slightly furrowed he discreetly moved his hand to touch the alpha’s arm. Artem turned to him and read the conflict and unease there. His face softened, his heart settling easily into his choice of singing the next song for the silver haired psychologist. As the singer on stage finally began to reach the bridge of his song and Artem knew it was time for him to get ready, he gave the omega a reassuringly warm and gentle smile. Getting up from his seat and moving past, he gave a more crooked one to the younger three who had stopped their dramatics, Luke and Althea who were cheering him and Marius who was telling him “Sing well but not too well!”

Shaking his head, Artem made his way to Jerry and set himself up while adjusting his mindset.

Left back at the table, Vyn had his polite mask on. Artem had given him a smile but he felt bad. The other man seemed committed to responding to him. He had made this happen. It had been an innocent little manoeuvre to get what he wanted at the start but the sudden competition was unpredicted and had changed the ideal outcome. Would Artem not hold this against him? He was this type of person and if Artem held even a small resentment for it, it could build up over time. If he didn’t then Artem was too generous. Too…

“Started in the strangest way

Didn't see it coming

Swept up in your hurricane

Wouldn't give it up for nothing,”

Vyn’s head came up as he heard Artem’s baritone. On screen behind the alpha who was cradling a microphone and sharing words and melody like a secret confession, was the song title and artist, ‘About Love’ by Marina.

Gold looked up in time to catch turquoise eyes.

The blue eyes met the omega’s gently. His chin lifted as if wanting the next words to reach the other faster,

“My head gets messy when I try to hide,”

bearing a truth, a small confession.

“The things I love about you in my mind.

I don't really know a lot about love

A lot about love, a lot about love

But you're in my head, you're in my blood”

Artem’s eyes closed and a hand had come to rest on his chest.

“And it feels so good, it hurts so much

I don't really know a lot about love

A lot about love, a lot about love

But you're in my head, you're in my blood

And it feels so good, it hurts so much.”

Blue eyes shot open again electrifying his audience. 

“It feels so good, it hurts so much.”

Artem’s hand that had been clutching his chest moved back on the mic with the other. 

Vyn’s eyes were widened as he saw the alpha attorney vocalise on stage. The omega’s heart was beating loudly in his chest. This was a stronger sentiment than he imagined the other would say. It couldn’t be exactly what the other wanted to convey. Singing other people’s songs was an imperfect method of communication. Not all the words would be the ones Artem wanted him to hear, surely.

“But you're in my head, you're in my blood

And it feels so good, it hurts so much.”

But for some reason, hearing them made him feel the same way. He felt too full of sudden emotion. Vyn abruptly found he wasn’t ready for what he was hearing, or confronting his own response to Artem’s singing these words.

“I know that our love was fate, so I stay.”

Vyn’s heart finally relaxed and he could breathe. That line at least couldn’t be true. He latched onto it like a lifeline. There had been too much friction between them to be considered fate, surely.

“I don't really know a lot about love

A lot about love, a lot about love

But you're in my head, you're in my blood

And it feels so good, it hurts so much,”

Vyn thought he might understand a bit of that aching hurt. Even now as he enjoyed the song there was a phantom pain of fullness and want. Seeing the other man sing a subtle confession of his thoughts with a gentle smile, he felt flushed and couldn’t help but want to smile back.

“I don't really know a lot about love

A lot about love, a lot about love”

Artem rocked slightly as he sang, hoping Vyn could understand how inexperienced he felt.

“My head gets messy when I try to hide

The things I love about you in my mind,”

But there were a lot of things he was holding back on. Waiting for a chance to give to him. If he would let him.

“I don't really know a lot about love

A lot about love, a lot about love.”

It wasn’t time to say it yet.

“But you're in my head, you're in my blood

And it feels so good, it hurts so much.”

But he hoped this was enough to exchange for the piece of Vyn’s heart the man had shared earlier.

With the end of the song, Artem brought down his microphone and gave a placid smile to his applauding audience. It hadn’t been quite as bad as he thought; he had sung well and people had swayed, danced or bobbed along.

A glance back at his table and Vyn was looking back at him with an unreadable look before giving a small, secretive smile and turning to the other three to say something. By the time he made it back to them, there seemed to have been a debate triggered about what was actually going to happen next with the singing.

“What’s going on?” Artem murmured to Vyn, who was sitting back demurely but with a light in his eyes.

Gold eyes darted to him before focusing back on the crowing Marius, playful Althea and pouting Luke. “I mentioned that if you were to sing again according to the previous ruling, that Luke and I could be considered to have sung the least in the group since we only needed to sing once. I might have beaten him out since he sang in a trio and not a solo. But Luke would win in efficiency with less effort for great results."

Artem’s gaze slid over the self satisfied expression of the psychologist and sat down with indulgent amusement to watch the others. His leg pressed familiarly against the omega’s who for once hesitantly nudged back. Artem was turning to look quizzically at the omega but was distracted by the other side of the table.

“You two joined me on your own!”

“And it was great but Vyn’s right and you should sing a solo too to make things even.”

“Which means that Artem and I shall have to sing a duet if we are truly trying to make things even,” Vyn nodded calmly as if he hadn’t planned and triggered this all for that exact outcome.

“Birthday girl’s wishes! C’mon Luke! You have to sing another song for Miss.”

Surrounded by Marius and Althea again, the young omega finally caved. “Fine! At least you two aren’t squishing me this time.” He got up and sauntered over to the stage.

The two younger ones left behind cheered, before calling out encouragement and support.

“You’re the best, Luke!”

“Give us your best! Sing your heart out!”

Vyn leaned slightly over to Artem to decide their duet while Luke was getting prepared. “What are you thinking of singing?”

The alpha raised a brow at the silver haired man. “What makes you think I have a song that would work as a duet?”

The younger man lightly shook his head. “I am just asking as I am curious what your choice of song would have been.”

Blue eyes looked at the other man just taking him in for a moment. His neck was no longer pink. There was still slight bruising under his eyes and Artem suspected the other had used some makeup to lighten the evidence of his restless nights. Some strands of silver hair had become untamed from his performance on stage. He had to resist the urge to put out a hand to neaten it for the omega. 

Under the other’s gaze, Vyn’s eyes began to dodge, feeling suddenly shy. 

Artem looked at Vyn and thought there was something captivating about him that drew him in and made him aware of himself and he had to drag his eyes away. He pulled out his phone.

“Hm,” Artem hummed self consciously and his ears turned a slight pink. “How about this song? We heard it on the drive back last night.”

Gold eyes peered at the song before lighting up in recognition. It was a simple song and undoubtedly they would have heard it before last night as the playlist of the week had been played multiple times to get familiar with the songs. It hadn’t been until they were driving back from the sunset and dandelion field together that the song struck a little different though and even more so now. Something about the warmth of being hand in hand on a drive back home and the happiness of the night had made the song sweet and hopefull.

Vyn nodded. “Then do you want to practise in the back first?”

Artem tilted his head. If Vyn was talking about practising, then he wanted to do more than just sing the song together like the others did. “You want to split lines?”

“And see if we can get you to do a little more than just stand and sing on stage.” Vyn’s eyes curved in mischief.

Artem’s eyes widened before closing in acquiescent resignation with a smile. “Then yes. We had best practice.”

“But first, Luke’s performance.” Vyn turned towards the stage with satisfaction, the private investigator/NSB agent standing with a microphone.

He still had a slight pouty face before finally straightening up and smiling with good humour. Behind him came up ‘Run’ by One Republic.

After a whistling intro, the young omega quickly began.

“When I was a young boy living in the city

All I did was run, run, run, run, run”

Luke had evidently gone with a quick song to get it over with but it was catchy as if to prove his first song’s energy wasn’t a fluke. The young man was great at interacting with the audience to bring them into his music. His singing wasn’t necessarily great but his energy was.

“Yeah, I learned my lesson, count my blessings

Look to the rising sun and run, run, run”

“Interesting choice of song,” Vyn murmured.

Artem cocked his head. Vyn glanced at him before looking back to the stage and elaborating. “When we listened to the songs for the past week, we were choosing songs to sing which means that we generally paid more attention to the lyrics. We would have chosen songs that resonated with us as well as the catchy ones. This song is catchy, but I also find the lyrics an interesting choice for Luke.”

“Hmm,” Artem hummed consideringly.

“Yeah, if I learned one lesson, count your blessings

Look to the rising sun, yeah, run, run, run”

The brunette omega accepted applause once again for his performance and exaggeratedly bowed in Althea’s and Marius’s direction before getting off stage.

They welcomed him back to the table with cheers and claps.

Althea gave him a hug. “Thank you, Luke. You did great!”

Luke stood straight with a pleased and confident expression and rubbed under his nose. “Of course I did.”

“I will admit that you brought some energy to the night.” Marius then turned to the two older men. “Which leaves you two next.”

Vyn stood up complacently. “Then ‘we two’ are going to go practice first in the back room. We shall give a performance as a proper end to the night. Come along, Artem.”

After talking it over with Jerry, they soon had the space to arrange what they were going to do. Artem was glad to find that when Vyn said performance, he didn’t mean individual dances. After that, with splitting the lyrics and discussing what they would do and trying it out, it turned out to be pretty quick and simple. Before long, they were exiting the room and signalling to Jerry, they could be added to sing next.

Artem’s ears were a little flushed and Vyn felt a little secret thrill that during this song they would be showing a hint of feelings while acting according to the song. They got themselves headset microphones this time and when Jerry nodded to them that they could go up, Artem placed himself off centre on stage, while Vyn was just on the edge of entering. The back screen was kept to a camouflaged setting, so that it was just them and the bar but the song title and artist still came up like floating text, ‘Simple as 1, 2, 3’ by Jukebox the Ghost.

The room quieted slightly at the first notes of piano which was fortunate as Artem immediately began singing, blue eyes looking to the side and seeming to be caught as Vyn walked on stage, seemingly not noticing him.

“Someone walks in,”

Vyn looked nonchalantly out across the audience, playing at not paying attention to the alpha singing. He rocked lightly to the music.

“Feels different in a moment,”

Artem shuffled his feet as if suddenly nervous and aware of himself. 

“When it begins,”

Vyn casually put one hand in his pocket, bent a leg and raised his other hand to adjust the collar of his sweater before sweeping it down his chest to straighten the fabric.

“Everything you touch is golden.”

Vyn’s voice smoothly took over singing the next lines.

“And when you feel your pulse,”

Artem looked away just as Vyn finally turned his head and his gold eyes widened at seeing the alpha.

“Knock you over like an animal,”

Vyn jerked his head back as if flustered but then his eyes slid to the side, head tilted shyly to observe the brunette attorney again. 

“Oh, then you know,

 deep breath and off you go,”

His eyes slid away as Artem turned his head slightly back to look at the omega, just managing to catch each other’s eyes. Embarrassed to be caught, each turned away again.

“It's as simple as an omega in a corner,” Artem sang with his back still to Vyn as the silver haired omega turned his head back to look.

“1, 2, 3,” Vyn’s baritone counted out as he turned his head back, missing Artem as he sang the next line and turned to view the back of the silver haired man. They passed the lines back and forth.

“It's as simple as an alpha in a corner.”

“When they want the same thing!”

Artem looked away again but both men’s bodies seemed almost unconsciously curved to the other, a slight twist of the body, a tilt of the head.

“It's as simple as walking over,” the alpha finally seemed to make a decision, turning around and taking some steps to the omega. He tapped on the shorter man’s shoulder and when Vyn turned around he held out a hand in an invitation to dance.

“And saying something. 

Quick, before the chance is over

Here you go.” 

Gold eyes looked at the hand and then the face of the singing alpha before quickly taking the hand in time to sing “1,” the count that fit the waltz “2, 3,” he was pulled into as they circled to the middle of the stage.

They continued to waltz during the instrumental, dancing as if they had eyes only for each other. 

For the next verse, they once more traded lines with Artem beginning.

“So take a risk.” 

Vyn was turned in Artem’s arms so they both faced the crowd, though the omega man’s face was turned as if still focused on the man behind him. Their hands stayed connected and Artems eyes were on the man before him, like an intimate moment. 

“And find a little love.”

They then both straightened and Artem’s hands came up to block Vyn’s sight. 

“Hidden where you didn't see it,” Vyn’s hands grasped each of Artem’s moving the right up and the left down and looked back to meet the alpha’s eyes. They then looked towards the front again.

“'Cause the time you have is all the time you've got,” 

Their arms moved to having the right straight up and and the left down to Vyn’s heart and shifted like time passing on a clock until Vyn was in Artem’s embrace again.

“And when you feel your pulse

Knock you over like an animal,” Vyn burst out of Artem’s arms to the front of the stage but pulled the alpha along to stand beside him.

“Oh, then you know,”

They looked at each other at the end of the stage with a grin.

“A deep breath and off you go,” 

Vyn jumped down as Artem sang his line, the alpha quickly following when Vyn took over the next.

“It's as simple as a beta in a corner,”

“1, 2, 3”

They ran to where Althea was, Vyn reaching her first, and abducted her off her seat.  Vyn spun her into Artem’s arms.

“It's as simple as someone in a corner

When they want the same thing,”

Artem twirled her around in a dance of a few steps before handing her over to Vyn who took a turn with the laughing girl for a quick circle as well.

“It's as simple as walking over

And saying something,”

Vyn then let her spin out, still keeping one hand while her other met Artem’s waiting one. The two men then flanked her as escorts to approach the now standing young men of their team.

“Quick, before the chance is over”

They offered one of her hands each to Marius and Luke who took it.

“Here you go”

Vyn pointed to each one of them to the song’s count “1, 2, 3”

Walking to their backs the older men then gave the boys a push towards the dance floor. The trio laughingly obedient went to do a three way dance, hands still joined together. Vyn and Artem moved on towards the rest of the audience, animatedly dancing together, pulling and twirling people around from the same table before putting them together, sitting with someone or leaning against a table and encouraging them to ask another to dance with a head tilt, moving on to pull someone else up to dance again before coming back to one another. As they could hear the interlude coming to an end, they made their way to the stage. Vyn was startled to find himself boosted by hands on his hips and turned around on stage to find Artem expectantly holding a hand out to him to be pulled up. Shaking his head, the omega complied.

Once on stage they made a show of looking out in the crowd.

“It's as simple as a girl in a corner”

“1, 2, 3” Vyn pointed and waved at three different girls.

“It's as simple as a boy in a corner,” A two finger salute and winks were given to a couple of guys.

“It's as simple as a beta in a corner,” Artem looked over at Celestine and her fiance and raised a brow to which he got a Cheshire cat grin in return.

“1, 2, 3”

“It's as simple as someone in a corner,”

“It's as simple as an omega in a corner,”

They continued to acknowledge and wave at indicated groups, and pointed out space on the dance floor.

“It's as simple as an alpha in a corner”

“When they want the same thing”

“It's as simple as walking over”

Artem and Vyn made their way back to each other from different sides of the stage.

“And saying something”

Artem made another invitation to dance which Vyn accepted.

“Quick, before the chance is over,

Here you go.”

For the rest of the song, there was laughter and easy dancing. When the two finally got off stage and returned to their table with the others, they were met with smiles and friendly applause everywhere.

Marius smacked the table and pretended to complain when they reached him. “Interacting with the audience so directly is cheating!”

Althea giggled. “It was a wonderful performance you were giving at the beginning though.” Her eyes glowed with interest. “You two put that together in the short time you had in the back?”

Artem had a bashful face as he nodded. “Most of it. Obviously we couldn’t completely plan the part when we were off stage.”

“It was nothing complicated,” Vyn added around his drink. “Especially since we both have some foundation in dancing and acting.”

Luke turned to look at them from where he had been running his gaze over the crowd. “I think people will believe you two are together.” He observed them shrewdly.

In response, Vyn just gave a careless shrug. “If it will keep me from being propositioned by strangers, I am okay with that.”

“I’m not currently looking for a partner either, so it also poses no problems for me if it helps Vyn,” Artem nodded.

“Hmm.” Coral eyes narrowed but ultimately left the relationship of the two alone.

Marius and Althea also decided to just enjoy the rest of the night. It had already been a number of hours, so some of Althea’s birthday invites were beginning to say their goodbyes. While the young beta woman was seeing a few people off, Vyn drank some more water and rubbed his eyes under his glasses.

“Headache?” Artem asked in concern, noting the hard press of the fingers.

Marius and Luke also looked at Vyn, though both had thought the omega man only tired, so were surprised when the psychologist answered positively to the older man’s inquiry.

“Time to go?”

Vyn turned his head slightly from where it still rested on his fingers. “For me, yes. But I can call a driver if you wish to stay, Artem.”

Artem shook his head. “I don’t have any plans to sing further or feel the need to watch others do so. It would also be more beneficial if I drive you home.”

Gold eyes looked at the alpha for a while and for a moment Marius and Luke thought the older omega would decline, Marius even about to open his mouth to goad his tutor into not being so stubborn in accepting help, when Vyn finally acquiesced.

“Fine. Let us bid farewell to Althea first and then we can leave.” The platinum haired man turned to the younger men. “We’ll be heading off first. Will you two be staying to the end?”

Luke nodded. “I’ll stay for as long as Thea is; make sure she gets home safe.”

“I’ll keep Luke company while we wait for Althea,” Marius shared. He leaned back in his seat casually and nudged the brunette omega with his foot. “Wouldn’t want you to look like a loner while miss is busy.”

The young detective rolled his eyes. “Instead I’ll have questionable taste in friends.”

“Excuse you!”

And the two were off bickering again. They waved off the two older men as they chuckled and went looking for their beta teammate.

Finding her with some friends, they excused themselves from the rest of the night. Althea shrewdly noted that Vyn looked tired but said nothing, just giving them a hug each in thanks for coming and bidding them a safe trip back.

Artem also gave a nod goodbye to the few Themis employees left. Celestine and Jeremy had left not long earlier so at least Artem escaped any pointed conversations for now. The look in her eyes as she bid farewell let him know that he would probably be interrogated soon though. He idly wondered if he could stay busy enough at work to not have time to speak with her.

It was probably a good thing that she had left first as Artem seemed to unconsciously act as an escort to the silver haired psychologist, shadowing him slightly from behind with a hand that hovered just at his lower back. They looked like a demure omega protected by his alpha as they left the scene.

Behind them, Kiki’s new friends’ eyes were alight with fire having been discretely snapping pictures and uploading videos of the night to a closed fan circle, eliciting much excitement and activity. One of them was frantically typing on her phone of line after line of text, the glow of inspiration on her face.

Unknowing, Artem drove Vyn home. Not sure if it would help the younger man, he let his pheromone to naturally permeate the car. Tired, and evidently still with a slight headache, the omega nonetheless found himself relaxing slightly. There was still a slight lingering of other scents on his clothes which he would be glad to wash off later but being surrounded by one scent, a friendly one at that, made it much easier on his system, especially after the earlier incident. He found himself dozing as the alpha quietly drove.

Upon reaching Vyn’s manor, Artem roused the other man and ushered him inside. 

Artem following him into his home seemed almost natural by now, that Vyn didn’t even question it.

Artem didn’t step far into the house though before quietly voicing his reason for coming in. “Would it help for me to scent something for you before I go?”

Vyn paused from where he was heading to the kitchen for a painkiller before going to wash up for the night. He rubbed his eyes before looking at the older man consideringly and approached for a moment to take an inhale around the alpha. He then went back to his original goal of the kitchen as he answered. “I would presume it could help but you have some other scents clinging to you which I would not wish transferred near anything I would sleep with or in right now. Perhaps if you could wash your hands and wrists?”

Artem nodded before following Vyn to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves while waiting for Vyn to finish his own washing of hands, before intently scrubbing his arms up to the elbow. Lazily observing the taller man as he worked, Vyn idly had the thought that the other would look good as a surgeon.

Once done, they both moved upstairs, where Artem stopped in the hallway while Vyn entered the family pack room to retrieve a blanket for Artem to scent. He folded it so as to lower the risk of it brushing against anywhere else on the alpha as it was scented and then also grabbed a long pillow as well.

Artem carefully received it, moving to drape the folded blanket over the stair rail to concentrate on the pillow. He turned his head to the younger man leaning against the wall with eyes drowsily squinted and arms crossed. “If you want to go wash up, I can just place these at your bedroom door when I’m done.”

Vyn held his eyes closed for a moment and then nodded lightly. “I would appreciate it. Message me when you get home. Likely the next time we see each other will be during the week.” He unfolded himself to start making his way to his bedroom.

“Okay. Rest well, Vyn.” Artem went back to scenting the pillow. When he had completed both the pillow and blanket he looked around and placed them on a small hallway table which he then carefully picked up to put beside Vyn’s bedroom door. He gently tapped on the door and murmured another soft goodnight in case the other could hear him and left. Outside the manor doors, Artem turned back to look at the faint light through the windows upstairs feeling a little uncertain. He felt like something subtle might have changed between them tonight, but he wasn’t sure what. A cold breeze made him shake it off and continue on his way home. He could only continue as he had been and hope things were progressing positively.

Upstairs, Vyn lay in his nest, curled on his side hugging the pillow below his head and blanket draped over him, eyes unseeing as he contemplated a few revelations and thoughts tonight. He couldn’t be bothered to make his way to his office to do his recording so he used his phone in the circle of his body.

“My emotional response to one Artem Wing is stronger than expected for the time we have spent together. I find myself wishing for his attention and desiring to monopolise his time. The occasions we are together are rapidly becoming the highlight of my days and my focus has turned to drawing out the reactions in him I find endearing. While I was aware we were dating and knew myself to be having fun with him, tonight elicited an unexpected response in various ways. I do not believe myself yet in love with him and in singing my song tonight, I indeed kept those particular words from being directed at Artem. My sentiments of experiencing a level of peace in his presence was, however, a surprising truth that came out with an honesty I had not realised was true until I sang it to him.

However, when he sang in response to me, I registered a level of turmoil I had been unaware could be triggered from hearing another express feelings for me. I think it was that moment that I discovered myself to have both been so invested in this relationship and yet still wary, wanting to keep a part of myself protected.”

As Vyn turned on to his back, an arm lay over his eyes, hiding everything from view. He continued in a soft voice.

“It makes sense. We promised that we would wait until the start of December to decide the fate of this relationship. Keeping a part of myself back would protect me if things break down. But I find loving Artem and being loved by him so easy that I feel like if he can take all of these ugly parts too I might trap him with me and never let him go.”

Eyes still hidden, the hand over his face tightened into a fist.

“Obsession, possession, inferiority and ugliness. I may be mistaken and these feelings are not love at all. Perhaps these are all just a result of instinct and circumstance. I have after all been constantly in his company and surrounded by his pheromone. Would it not be stranger if I did not develop some measure of feeling in my state of vulnerability? Artem feels something but the extent…”

Memories of all the times Artem had bent to his needs and opened himself up, sharing his past, riding a horse together for the first time, being bathed in the glow of sunset that gradually turned to dusk, Vyn couldn't decide whether it was indulgent affection or something deeper.

Vyn curled into his pillow again.

“Artem, you idiot. You cannot just give of yourself like that. You will make a person greedy for more than you want to give.”

“If you don’t stop me, I’ll take more and more until I take everything.”

Sunday kept Vyn and Artem in their own spaces, dyeing and finishing their scarves for Luke. There was a meeting for NXX coming up on Tuesday that Luke had shared the trackers would be ready by. So intense work was done by the two older men to finish their gifts. Artem also had an idea for his scarf for Vyn and the one plus side to having delayed it was that he could dye the cloth first, unlike Luke’s, where both Artem and Vyn had to leave their embroidered ends undyed.

On the other hand it also left him with little time for the actual embroidering, but fortunately it was a simple to stitch design that he decided on. The rest of the group had also agreed to giving it to Vyn on Thursday or Friday, just before the weekend so that the scent would be the strongest.

The 12th of November rolled around and the group came together at the NXX headquarters. They started with a regular meeting, getting official business out of the way first.

Once it was all out of the way, the serious atmosphere gave way to some excitement, with Althea eagerly waiting for Luke to bring out his work and Marius feeding into the energy.

“I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with, Luke!”

“That’s right! Don’t keep us in suspense!”

“You’ve always been smart and handy. The things Luke has made for me have all been practical and impressive.” Althea proudly expounded on the talent of her childhood friend.

“Now, I’m really intrigued. Hurry up and show us what you’ve got!”

Unable to suppress a smug smile but narrowing his coral eyes at Marius as he brought out a slim case and a laptop, Luke started questioning the tall alpha who was leaning an elbow on the table. “What are you so excited about? You already know what the rings look like since you designed them.”

Purple eyes curved cheerfully. “Designing is one thing but getting to see them worn by the people they're actually designed for is another.” He turned to Althea and toyed with her hand, stretching it out. “I look forward to seeing my work sit in their rightful place. Will you let me put it on for you, Miss?”

Althea playfully flicked his fringe. “I can wear my own ring. But you can check if it sits right once I’ve got it where it seems comfortable.”

The clicks on the case interrupted any response Marius could have made and then Luke was opening and turning it around so everyone could see what was inside. A piercing gun, 5 rings of different design and 5 little round ‘moles’.

Luke sent some information to the display screen while everyone admired the work and preparation. He also brought up the schematics of the two items to be worn and sent it to the big screen. “As you can see we have the ‘moles’ which hold the tracker beacon and the rings which are used for some minor updates, an additional manual trigger for emergencies, charging and monitoring. All features are dormant unless activated. I’ll need your phones to upload the app I’ve created.” 

A cutesy interface on a phone joined the images displayed. “I’ve called it ‘Tea Party’ to be discreet. Updates are mostly in case there are any bugs to patch. The rings are able to be wirelessly charged using your phone charger, however the tracker will need contact with the underside of the ring for charging,” Luke manipulated the image of the ring to show schematics and then played a small animation that showed the ‘mole’ steadily gaining power, “One full charge should theoretically last up to two weeks when activated. The phone app will keep you up to date on the current charge of both the ring and the tracker with how full the two teacups are. They’re both set for fast charging but it would be better to frequently charge the tracker rather than wait for it to run down so you don’t have to hold your ear for ten minutes.” 

He then reduced the ring and mole schematics to bring the app interface into focus. “I’ve set things up on the app so that the default alert mode is that it activates if you manually trigger a help signal on the ring by pressing the jewel 3 times, if the mole is separated beyond 50 metres from the ring for more than 24 hours or if your phone is broken.” He pulled up a settings window, “There are some changeable elements on the app in case you need to take the ring off for an extended time, as I would probably have to on some missions undercover where it might be inappropriate to be wearing it.” He manoeuvred back to another window and indicated a tea kettle. “We can also trigger an alert on someone if you have tried calling at least 5 times and there is no response even after an hour.” An animation played of the tea kettle approaching boiling point as calls went unanswered until it was steaming and dancing after a 5th call and time indicator of an hour passing and then the kettle being pressed showing a ‘tea party was ready’. “The 4th and 5th time, will cause the ring to subtly vibrate so if you can’t get to your phone, you can at least avert the alert by pressing the gem of the ring. Otherwise, it will allow the rest of us to call the ‘tea party’ as shown and let you know someone’s worried. A tea party invite is what will pop up on everyone’s phone if an alert is triggered. The rest of us will immediately start getting a tracker and ring location when we press in but the one missing will have their phone seemingly freeze on the invite, but will actually be recording sound and image as well as sending out its own location. The ring will also send out a location just in case, so we can get as much information as possible, but likely the most accurate location will come from the tracker. While the phone and ring location transmitters are at a normal standard, I have made the mole tracker into both the the most powerful transmitter I can, but also to be a virus program on the off chance that someone is taken to somewhere difficult to transmit. So it can infect nearby phones and computers as a small package until it can be carried to a place connected to the wider web. Instructions can be found in the app and the app is biometrically locked.”

Everyone was a little stunned at the thoroughness of Luke’s creation and contingencies verging on paranoia.

Althea was the first to respond and she practically burst with praise! “Wow, Luke! I knew you were great but you’ve really outdone yourself this time! Especially when I think that you made this in three weeks! This really puts me at ease!” She turned to her friend and gave him a big hug.

The young omega went from serious to having a pleased expression. “Of course! Nothing but the best for you, Thea.” He gave a cheeky glance to the men. “And I guess the rest of you just stand to benefit by the way.”

The others chuckled.

“This is truly some stunning and thoughtful work, Luke.” Vyn freely commended. “You have really produced a thoroughly amazing creation. Althea is not wrong to praise you.”

“I know we had input for the ring design, but actually seeing it is incredible,” Artem’s blue eyes were bright as they shifted from the rings to the two young men. His face then settled into something a little more solemn. “Thank you both.” He gave a crooked smile, though his gaze stayed serious. “I still think this is all a little exaggerated but I appreciate the sentiment.”

Marius waved his hand magnanimously. “It was an interesting project. Just try to keep it as more for its aesthetics rather than its hidden properties and we’ll be happy.” The young alpha then sat up eagerly from his previous nonchalance, pulling the case towards him. “Now who wants to wear their ring and get their ear pierced first?”

“Do you even have any room on your ears left for a piercing?” Luke barked out from where he was still cuddling his friend. Althea was content to feel the slightest of purrs from the omega, delighted at the sign of happiness from the other man, so wasn’t in a rush to separate.

As Marius turned his attention to the two, already bickering back, Artem reached over to drag the case a little closer, lifting out the rings presumed to be for Vyn and himself. The designs were made to be fairly similar, seeming part of a set. All were a gunmetal grey band, though one made slightly more delicate, presumably for Althea. The differences fell on the grooved design and gemstone. Artem’s had a slight border along the edges of blankness but had a groove pattern of interlacing cedar leaves in gold and blue gold through the middle, cradling an embedded blue Paraiba tourmaline gemstone.

Vyn accepted his which had a winding mix of palladium and green gold inlay of juniper twigs and a cluster of amber ‘berries’ hidden among the leaves and a slightly larger honey yellow sapphire in the middle. It had a thinner border of blank band along the edge then Artem’s.

Pushing the case towards Althea who was making grabby hands from her seat between bickering boys, Artem then tried wearing his ring. A comfortably snug fit on his right index finger, it would take some getting used to having something on his hand. Looking over to Vyn, he saw the omega also flexing his fingers while examining the sit of the ring. Gold eyes then looked up to catch him looking inquisitively and they held their hands out to each other for a vague inspection before turning to look at the younger trio, curious about how theirs looked.

Noticing their interest, Althea held out her hand, a delicate rose gold in her band vividly outlining the sweeping leaves in the gunmetal next to the red rhodochrosite jewels making up a series of gladiolus flowers against the backdrop of grey. Smaller emerald crystals dotted the band like tiny stars that accented the flowers. A thin edge of rose gold bordered her ring.

The older men let their hands be pulled forward and laid in the middle as they examined each other’s rings. She then nudged Luke with her right elbow, while lightly whacking Marius, both who had still been arguing around her, until they paid attention to the display of hands on the table and scrabbled over the rings left and thrusting their own ringed index fingers forward, so that all adorned rings were on display.

Luke had a gunmetal band with a discrete coral gemstone peeking through gold outlined clouds, elegant but cool.

Marius had designed for himself a pattern of titanium sandalwood leaves along the edges of his band with a delicate snake curled around the middle. Purple sugilite dotted down the length of its body and a larger one was in the gap between its head and tail.

All the rings were individualised but the gunmetal grey of the band served to link them together.

After admiring one another’s rings, Artem opened his mouth amused. “For some reason this reminds me of those childhood shows with heroes or magical girls with power rings.”

The others all looked at him for a moment in silence. Luke was the first to start snorting.

“Oh, gosh! Artem, do you feel like a magical girl?”

The others joined in chuckling as Artem flustered, “I never said that!” and then tried to find if a foam piece could be detached from the case to throw at the younger man who was now outright laughing.

Vyn looked at Artem slyly. “You would make a lovely magical girl, Artem.”

Artem shot him an exasperated look before sighing up to the ceiling, knowing better than to fight back. Things would die down faster if he didn’t react. While the others laughed he reached for the piercing gun instead and brandished it half threateningly.

Still mirthful, Luke waved his hands over at the older alpha to pass him the gun. “Give me that. I still need to load it up. Everyone take an alcohol swab to clean where you want this to go. Choose a place you think will be easy for you to hold your ring for a charge.”

Hearing the last advice, everyone fiddled with their rings or reached for their ear to test what would look most natural and felt easy to do.

Vyn , Artem and Althea ultimately opted for a helix piercing with some slight variations on where.

Marius opted to pierce his tragus.

Luke chose to place his on his upper earlobe after contemplating equipment that he sometimes wore for the NSB.

After one instance of play when it was discovered that Artem was the only one who had never pierced his ear lobes and jokingly trying to get them pierced as well, they got their last instructions from Marius about things to watch out for following a piercing.

The group, sans Luke who looked at them curiously when they insisted he stayed seated at the table, then exchanged looks before running around or reaching into their bag before presenting him with wrapped packages.

“Thank you, Luke!” Chorused four voices.

The young omega blinked his coral eyes. He hesitantly reached out to receive the gifts. “What..?”

“You worked so hard on this project, we thought we should show our appreciation,” Vyn smiled. 

He, along with Artem, glanced over to Althea who beamed and reached into her bag once more. Pulling out a slightly bigger wrapped package she put it in front of a startled Marius. Cheerfully she added, “We got one for Marius too. After all, you designed these rings and the material probably wasn’t cheap. We can talk about costs after, but we wanted to let you both know how much we value your work and care for us.”

Slowly, Marius pulled the package towards him, purple eyes wide. He really hadn’t been expecting anything in return. And maybe because he knew the effort put into making a gift for Luke, and, he gave a quick glance to his silver haired tutor, Vyn’s, he couldn’t help but to feel warm and a faint hint of expectation that this wouldn’t be like the perfunctory return gifts that happened often in high society.

Seeing the young alpha looking shocked and wondering at his gift, Luke turned back to his multiple packages, convinced that it was a thank you gift for the work they had done. He picked up the one wrapped in brown with gold embossed patterns on it from Althea. “Can we open it now?” he asked curiously.

“Go ahead.” Artem waved a hand.

“Please. I want to see what everyone else did.” Althea’s olive eyes burned brightly with interest.

Carefully tearing open the wrapping, it revealed the sealed pack of a scenting scarf of a deep royal blue. It had been folded such that two thirds of an end could be seen, revealing some of Althea’s personalisation work of an iron on patch of Sherlock’s iconic pipe and Watson’s bowler hat. An LP was carefully stitched next to the pipe and an AR beside the hat.

“Gah! Why did you have to grab mine first, Luke!” Althea flapped her hand at her childhood friend. “It took me days to try to get everything looking just right before turning it into a patch. You better appreciate it!” She pointed an imperious finger at him with her nose in the air before quickly shifting closer when she saw him just turning the package in his hands. “Oh, you should open it so you can see the rest of what I put on it.”

Coral eyes darted up at her before going back down to the gift and obediently opening the seal. A mellow rush of gladiolus wafted from the bag. Reaching in, the young omega pulled out the scarf in full to see the rest of the hidden edge contained the picture of a magnifying glass in the corner with what looked like Peanut cutely inside it. A grin came over the detective's face to see all his loves on the scarf.

Resisting the urge to bury his nose in the scent but not able to help lowering his nose just slightly closer before turning to his beta friend with a cheeky grin and soft eyes. “Thanks, Thea.” He sniffed mischievously while peering at her. “But what did you do to get the smell so strong here? Did you wear this while you were working out?”

“What? How dare you!” Althea pouted and started mock beating him. “Take that back! I was very normal in scenting your scarf, okay?” As Luke laughingly fended her off, she snatched the scarf from him and wound it around her neck before shoving another of his packages in his hands. “Hmph. I’ll keep the scent strong for when we seal it back in while you open the others.” Her scent was playful and loving despite her aggressive words, and Luke smiled again as he accepted her direction.

She had passed him a silver wrapping with a glittering purple string tie. He looked over to Marius who raised an eyebrow at him. The young alpha had set his own gift before him on the table, cradled between his arms, but seemed content to wait until Luke had finished opening his packages before delving into his. “What?”

“Nothing. Just mentally bracing myself for whatever you might have put in here.” Luke grinned as he heard the younger man begin responding as he pulled apart the wrapping.

“Hey, I’ll have you know that my work is very tasteful, okay? You should be flattered to have such awesome art personally done for you by yours truly!”

“Mm-hm. Sure.” Pulling the last of the silver paper away while giving a bland answer, Luke paused to see another scenting scarf. A quick glance showing that all his packages were the same size, he guessed they would all be the same. What he could see of this one though was more colourful than his beta girl’s had been. Similarly folded, the short end had an inch of blank white margin before revealing inked artwork of some type of landscape. Turning it this way and that exaggeratedly, he heard the younger man huff exasperated.

“Just take it out and see it properly already.” Marius rolled his eyes while the others chuckled at Luke messing with the young alpha.

Annoyance achieved, Luke undid the seal, letting out the brisk sandalwood, cheerful and comforting, wash towards him as he then pulled out the scarf. Unfolding it to reveal its full glory showed a full ink landscape. A soft idyllic depiction of meadow and trees, sunbeams breaking through to dapple the shaded meadow. Delicate strokes brought out a fantasy-like view. Closer inspection showed carefully thought out details; the trees were predominantly sandalwood but there was the occasional juniper and one mighty lebanon cedar; the sunlight highlighted the grass but mostly fell on and revealed in greater colours, a vanilla plant with its pale flowers at the base of the cedar tree, a patch of lavender, red gladiolus and champagne roses, water droplets clinging to the close up branches and leaves framing the view. It made the scent of sandalwood very fitting to the scene, and when placed with the rest of the team's scarves and scents, would no doubt seem even more complete, a picture brought to life. I was a beautiful piece of work that played with shadow and light and scent. Finally in the bottom right corner was Marius’s signature.

Holding it up so everyone could see, the rest of the group admired out loud while Marius looked pleased.

“Nice of you to incorporate all of us into the image. I imagine the effect of it being around something where all our scents would be present would make the image become even more mesmerising,” Vyn commented with a nod of respect.

“Told you it was good,” Marius boasted. “I made it be a mix of shadowed colours and occasional light so that it won’t look too out of place if you did decide to wear it. The only thing would be since the material is linen, no doubt you will wear it scrunched up, so you’ll have to iron it if you do want to look at the picture properly.”

“Right,” Luke responded as he laid the scarf down, fingering the fold creases.

After letting everyone admire the work for a little, Marius grew impatient and whipped the scarf away to wrap around his neck like Althea and flicked the next package over. “Come on, I want to see what the other two did.”

Coming into his hands was the gift wrapped in green tissue paper with a gold ribbon and a small gold star bow stuck on. This one had been produced by Artem so after a quick grin of thanks to the older man, Luke proceeded to eagerly open the gift. On opening, he was met with a cute little embroidered sun and a just as adorable little rain cloud smiling and grumbling at him respectively. Pulling it out of the sealing revealed a deep midnight blue scarf that only left a hands width worth of the original white at the ends. The sun and clouds then alternated along the white end, enough for one side to have three yellow and orange suns and two dark and light grey clouds, and the other side having three clouds and two suns. It was a very cute scarf.

Luke’s eyebrow went up as he raised his head to look at Artem, but found the older man covering his face with a hand, the tip of his ears pink. “I’m not very creative, okay? But I worked very hard to stitch everything myself,” his low baritone mumbled to a gasp of delight from Althea. He peeked out at his work accusingly. “And now that I’ve seen the others, it occurs to me that I’m the only one who didn’t add myself to the scarf or sign it somehow.”

“You stitched it yourself?” Althea’s eyes were wide.

Vyn gave the embarrassed alpha a pat on the shoulder. “You could say the blue represents you.” Turning to Althea, “We both took an embroidery and dyeing class together so both of our work is hand dyed and stitched by ourselves. You could quite literally say it was made with our blood, sweat and tears.”

“I don’t know about tears, but the number of pricked fingers endured were certainly something.” Artem had finally brought down his hands, his gaze now slightly furrowed as he continued to focus on the scarf that Luke was now running his fingers over, feeling the fineness of the stitching. Althea also reached over to run a light finger over a little sun while Marius leaned close behind her and whistled at the tight stitching. It was also permeated with a reassuring woody cedar scent characteristic of Artem, along with the sweetness of vanilla and calming lavender.

“You really did this yourself, Artem?” Marius asked, impressed.

The older alpha nodded still slightly embarrassed with his work. He then held out a hand for the scarf. “Here, let me add something.”

On receiving the scarf, with one hand he then reached around inside his bag, pulling out a little sewing kit. As he picked out a white thread and started threading the needle, Vyn looked over and curiously asked, “you packed a sewing kit with you?”

Shifting the scarf to a blue corner, the older man contemplatively fingered the fabric, mentally mapping out what and where each stitch would need to go so as to not make a mistake when the cloth wasn’t stretched out in a hoop. “I thought it would be useful for reattaching buttons or repairing something small if needed.”

Very quickly the others then saw him stitch an A and the outline of a small cute wing. Going to the opposite corner, he then did another one. Snipping the last thread, Artem finally relaxed. “That should do in representing me.”

“‘A’ wing for Artem Wing, hm?” Vyn said as the younger trio oohed and aahed over the work. The silver haired psychologist's smile curled a little more. “Very cute.”

“It fits with the rest of the scarf,” the older alpha responded, ears still slightly pink. He then reached out for his gift, to pull towards him. “Come on, there is still Vyn’s left to reveal.”

Enjoying the other man’s embarrassment, the older omega’s smile continued to grow. “No need to rush on my account.”

Ignoring him, Artem draped the scarf around his neck like the others and waited patiently for Luke to reach for the last package. It was wrapped in yellow and orange striped paper with the occasional gold line. In anticipation, Luke swiftly peeled the sticky tape apart, and went straight to unsealing the package when he caught a glimpse of the images.

With a rush of soothing juniper and rose, the cheerful yellow scarf unfolded to reveal it to be dyed in a similar way to Artem’s, though the white banding being slightly narrower than the other. Instead of a sun and cloud, though, were chibi heads of the whole team.

In choosing the order of the heads, Vyn had been conflicted. It would make sense to put Luke in the centre as he was the focus of the scarf, and Althea would certainly be beside him. Marius would probably be next closest to the young omega out of the group, so putting him on the other side of Luke would be proper, but that would put Artem and himself at the furthest distance to each other. Much as he’d like to put their heads together, he could not justify it for the purpose of the scarf. But going by the closeness of the relationship, it also meant that Artem’s head would be next to Althea’s and his beside Marius’s, which was annoying. To vent, while one side of chibi heads were normal smiling expressions, the other side had Vyn with a deeply unimpressed look next to Marius with a smarmy grin and a finger gun below his chin. Luke had passionate flame eyes with a determined pout and Althea a big open mouth smile and sparkling eyes. Lastly, Artem’s chibi head had a look of shock. In one little corner was a tiny stylised V.

Once again there was ooh’s and aah’s of delight and laughter over the work. Althea thought they were incredibly cute and insisted on taking a picture of them. Marius and Vyn bantered over Vyn’s unimpressed chibi look when it was revealed his unhappy expression was for having to be beside the younger alpha. They also joked about what Artem’s shocked expression might be about. Possibly chibi Althea’s sparkling exuberance? Or maybe chibi Marius had done or said something that excited chibi Althea but brought up the competitiveness of chibi Luke, or teased him, which caused chibi Vyn to be unimpressed and chibi Artem to be shocked.

After things were hotly debated for a while but wound down in laughter, Vyn finally put the scarf around his neck. “I do believe there is one more gift to reveal. Marius?”

Calming down from all the jibes and jokes, the young alpha perked up, remembering he had a gift of his own to unveil. It was certainly a bigger package than Luke’s had been and in squishing the paint splatter patterned gift, he could tell it seemed to be made of cloth. “Hmm, could you guys have got me a coat? A blanket? No, too small for that. A towel?”

Luke rolled his eyes. “Just open it and we’ll see.”

Marius pouted at him but complied. “You’re no fun.” His hands were quick as he worked, impatiently causing some tears in the paper. Finally, the charcoal, durable cloth was revealed. Half recognising the shape, the young alpha stood up as he reached for it and held it up to reveal it for the artist apron that it was. Turning it around, he laughed to see the customised works that had been added. His name had been embossed through stitching in the same charcoal colour across the chest. There was a patch of another chibi head of his with a smirk and a glint near his eye on the top right of the apron near his name which must have been from Vyn. Another patch of a cute silver snake and purple eyes was on the top left with a paintbrush held in its tail. The bottom right was a patch with three paint cans of the primary colours though the yellow had toppled over and spilled a puddle and a few splotches of colours were splattered around in cartoony effect.

Marius showed it off to Luke who he assumed was the only one who hadn’t seen it.

“Looks like you gave us each a corner,” Artem observed to Althea.

“Yeah! I thought if Luke wanted to add something we could put it in the last spot,” the beta girl cheerfully answered.

Luke’s eyebrows went up before leaning forward his face in thought. “I’m not sure what I could put there. I’ll have to think about it.”

Marius showed a delighted expression. He would get to have something from everybody too! Recently gifts had been flowing all over the place to each other within this group and his birthday had already passed. He was glad that he didn’t have to miss out.

“I’ll make sure to put it to good use,” the young alpha promised while his scent gave off extremely happy vibes. The others chuckled as he turned a sideways glance at the brunette omega. “Though I’ll wait until you give me your patch so that it sticks properly before I put this apron to use. Don’t make me wait too long, yeah?”

Luke scowled at him. “You’ll get it when you get it. I only just found out about it!”

This time Marius just gave him a grin instead of arguing, causing Luke to just shake his head in exasperation before smiling at everyone else at the table. “Thanks. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble. I was glad to do it. It was an interesting project.”

“You didn’t have to go through all this trouble either,” Artem pointed out.

“So a return gift under the same circumstances balances out. You need not think on it further,” Vyn finished. He let his scent permeate the scarf one more time before beginning to unwrap and fold it.

Artem and the others followed suit as Luke sorted out the sealant bags. On each of them was a place to write notes, so taking Artem’s fountain pen, he wrote each of their names on their respective bags. From now on, they would be used just for the respective people to prevent mixing of scents as much as possible.

Clearing away the wrapping paper, they then each passed Luke their phone to get the app uploaded and read over the manual while still lightly joking as he worked before travelling home with their new gifts and adornments.

In a chat group that excluded Vyn, Artem was apologising with the others for needing a couple more days to finish Vyn’s scarf before being able to hand it over to the silver haired omega, meaning that they would probably do the gifting on the Friday night rather than Thursday. He had to deal with the younger trio’s ribbing about being the one asking them to do it but who was last to finish his gift or they could have given all the gifts together at the same time with Luke’s and Marius’s.

Later at home, the alpha attorney pulled the experimental scarf towards him to check how the colour had turned out. Doing a quick white stitch along the scarf to check the effect among the colours, he hummed and planned his next day's activities. He’ll skip his swim tomorrow so he could dye the scarf and let it dry while at work. After seeing the scarves earlier, he also had one more idea he’d like to do, so he pulled out his datapad to search for a tutorial and finalised the design before turning in.

For the next two days, Artem kept very busy, giving excuses to Vyn that he was catching up with work he had delayed to finish Luke’s scarf, and ignoring the other’s in the group chat, especially a sudden flurry of messages that occurred on Wednesday. Something about the museum and a media competition. He did manage to convince Vyn to meet up with the others for a dinner out on Friday night.

By the time dinner was done, Artem was a little nervous. Perhaps he should have let the others hand over the scarves they made yesterday. What would he say if the others asked for an explanation of his scarf?

Luke’s voice served to cut through his thoughts. “Unfortunately, I’m going to have to go soon. I’ve got an assignment I need to prepare for, so hate to cut this short, but can we speed up a little?”

“I’ve got a bit of work I need to do before my next classes myself, so I concur,” Marius sighed.

“Of course,” Vyn nodded politely. “Let us not hold you back if you need to go.” The table had been cleared already, but Vyn became bemused as no one made a move to leave. His head tilted quizzically but then his sharp eyes caught a few exchanged glances before seeing the others at the table reaching into various bags to bring out wrapped gifts or a gift bag.

The silver haired omega blinked and eyebrows raised slightly in surprise to then find them placed before him. “What is this for?”

“Well…” Althea began but then looked towards Artem to see if he would take up the explanation, seeing as he was the one who instigated this whole gesture. The older man looked nervously bashful, however, too uncomfortable to explain, so she continued. Vyn’s gold eyes had followed her eyes though to note the awkwardness of the older man. “Last time we had a sleepover at your place and you benefited from having our scents with you. We gave Luke scent scarves but thought you should have some too.”

“Oh, did we?” the psychologist’s low voice asked dryly as he leaned back in his chair with his arms folded, a pointed gaze on Artem.

“Yeah, yeah, you’ve already guessed it. Artem was the one to actually bring it up but if it helps you, you should have asked for it ages ago. It’s not like we didn’t notice the bags under your eyes.” Marius rolled his eyes. He then shook his silver gift bag at the older omega. “Hurry up and open them already. I want to see what everyone did this time before I have to go.”

Vyn sniffed disdainfully at the younger man while carefully snatching the dangling bag. “You speak as if we were close enough that your scents would have done any good at that point in our acquaintance.” He placed the bag in his lap to dig out what was inside.

Marius huffed but then rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “Point, I guess.”

“At least there’s something we can do for you now, after we’ve talked about becoming a pack. And you can bring it anytime we have a meeting and we can scent it for you,” Althea spoke up to bring some lightness to the occasion. “I’m just glad that there is something simple I can do to help you feel better, Vyn.”

Vyn flashed her a smile as he pulled out Marius’s sealed scarf. “I do appreciate the gesture.” He paused for a moment to observe the coloured scarf he could already see. He did somewhat wish they were in a more private setting for opening the scarves.

“I’m sorry.”

Vyn looked up to Artem who now had a slight grimace.

“I should have picked somewhere less public for handing over the scarves.”

“Hm?” The others had some questioning expressions on their faces though Luke had slightly more awareness.

The silver haired omega shook his head and broke the seal of the bag. “It will be fine. They can just be re-scented again.”

Artem reached over to place a hand over his to pause his pulling out of the scarf. “Your first time seeing and scenting them should be where you feel comfortable and where the scents won’t be contaminated with other smells. Luke had that at headquarters. A re-scenting won’t be the same out here.”

Vyn frowned slightly at the other man. What he was saying wasn’t wrong, but it irked him that Artem could seem to so clearly see and interpret his momentary lapse. Among a more casual friendship group, this type of thing of seeing the gift in public wouldn’t even matter, but the older man already noticed how close he held the others that his omega possessiveness wanted to hoard the first pure scenting experience of a scented gift.

Aqua blue eyes gazed steadily back at him. “You can take them home and send us pictures and we can see them in person next time you bring them to a meeting to be re-scented.” Hand still over the bag, the alpha turned his eyes to the others at the table. “Right?”

The younger three blinked back at him but then readily agreed.

“Of course.”

“As long as I do get to see them at some point, I’m satisfied.”

“It’s not a problem at all.”

The older alpha turned back to the silver haired psychologist again. “It is up to you, though.” At the same time, he pulled back his hand, now letting Vyn decide what to do.

Vyn’s gold eyes narrowed for a moment before blinking back to the bag in his hands. He had already unconsciously held it closed again to keep as much scent trapped inside. “Hm,” he hummed agreeably. He resealed the bag. “I can at least unwrap each one so you can see a part of it. I shall send you a full picture later.”

Saying so he revealed the square plastic packaging of Marius’s scarf to everyone. From what could be seen, Marius had gone with the same style as previously and had done an ink drawing. It seemed to be once again of nature, but all that could be seen was a framing of champagne roses where Luke’s had been white for the end of the scarf, coloured in pale yellows, darker gold and subtle pinks. Shadowed greenery and the edge of sunlight illuminated ground could then be seen for the body of the scarf before being folded out of sight.

The sealed pack was passed around for a closer look as Vyn pulled a different package before him, a realistic floral printed wrapping paper being carefully torn away to reveal another scarf that was made this time by Althea. The body of the scarf was a forest green but a large margin of the end white. In the white rectangle left, she had bordered it with patches of different styles of glasses. Inside could then be seen the images of different styles of teacups.

Next to be opened was Luke’s brown paper and string wrapped package. He had folded his scarf and placed it inside so that it was difficult to see what he had done besides being able to note that the colours were black and white and he had signed his name in ink on a white corner, causing complaints and squabbling among the trio on his packing abilities.

In the last plain white gift bag with a gold ribbon which Artem had placed slightly more distant to Vyn as if wanting to have been last or hidden from view behind the others, Vyn pulled out a sealed package that he paused to see. From what he could see was a white fringed end of a scarf, the strands having been teased out, separated and knotted at the top. Above the fringe was still white, but then bled into a pale blue. If he wasn’t mistaken, the colour seemed to deepen. Turning it over, he was sure of it, as it quickly darkened towards a darker midnight blue. Vyn then flipped it back, now tracing over the stitch work that he could see. White thread carefully picked out stems that led to different sized dandelion puffs.

“Oh? Dandelions?”

Althea’s voice came near his shoulder.

“Yes,” Vyn replied before reluctantly handing it over to be passed around like the others.

“That’s interesting. Why dandelions?” came Marius’s curious voice.

Those not looking at the package turned to Artem for the answer.

The older man gave a slight smile back. “I recently heard of dandelion wishes so I thought I would pass them on?”

Gold eyes continued to watch him contemplatively so Artem busied himself gathering the scarfs that made the rounds of the table before ending up with him and placed them in one of the bags to give to Vyn. Vyn then waited patiently as certain members rushed off, some of their curiosity of each other’s work assuaged, satisfied with the psychologist’s promise to post pictures of each scarf in full. Althea as well had opted to take a taxi home, seeing as they had chosen to have dinner in a central location.

That allowed the omega to spend some time with Artem while he waited for his driver.

“So, what wishes are you passing me with this?” Standing casually in his long coat, Vyn had pulled out the sealed scarf.

Artem stepped up beside him. “Health, certainly. Love, hopefully. Happiness as well.” He shoved his hands in his own coat pockets.

“How cliche.” Vyn placed the scarf back in the bag.

“I found it fitting, as I stitched, to use dandelions to convey my wishes for you.”

“Hm.”

“I had hoped it would be in time to grant you enough rest for the polo game tomorrow.” Artem looked over at the shorter man, a little regret on his face. “It would have been better if we could have given it to you yesterday but I was the one who caused a delay.”

Silvered eyebrows raised in surprise. “Is that what prompted this endeavour?”

“Well, Althea wasn’t incorrect in her response. Now that the others know about your condition and we’ve become close enough to ask them to form a pack, it made sense to offer something as simple as this to help you keep doing the things you enjoy.”

There was quiet between the two as Vyn mulled over Artem’s reasoning. He then let it sink into him to delve into how he felt about it later and changed focus.

“The weather does seem somewhat promising tomorrow for the exhibition match, though it may start earlier with the clouds threatening later in the day.” The silver haired omega pulled a smile on his face. “Were you wanting to come and see me play?”

The older man shifted slightly at the hint of a tease. “If you are feeling up to playing, then I would be interested in watching. Though if you don’t participate, I’m sure I would also appreciate watching with you,” the brunette responded seriously. “You can explain the finer points of the game to me.”

“Hm,” Vyn tilted his head, a faint smile still on his face. “I think I would still prefer to let you see something more exciting.”

The omega male turned away as his car drove up beside him. “As such, I had best go home and get some sleep now if I wish to be rested for the match. Judging by the weather forecast it shall be an early start. Wear your riding gear and perhaps we can see about getting you on a horse afterwards.” Letting himself into the backseat of his car, he lowered the window and gazed up at the alpha with a faint smile. “I will see you at the venue at 7.30am.” He waited for the nod of acknowledgement from the other before bidding him good night. Just before signalling the driver to take him home, he peered up at the alpha one more time, gold eyes full. “And, thank you, Artem.” He ducked his head back in the car when the alpha smiled gently back, blue eyes clear and soft.

Once home, he dismissed Ogier who had been the driver, his intention to quickly wash up and enter his nest. If he wanted to be well rested and alert for the polo match, setting up the scent scarves and spending the night in a nest would be the best place.

After a shower, he entered the pack room with the bag of scarves. Pausing at the doorway, his index finger rubbed at the twisted paper handle before he pulled his eyes from the tempting nest to move to the table set to the left to fulfil his promise of taking photos of the scarves in full.

Frowning at the bare table just before he opened the first scarf, his eyes brightened and he walked briskly to his nest to grab his yellow blanket and laid it over the surface. He then carefully opened each scarf and laid it out, took a picture and then moved the scarf to the nest before moving on to the next one.

In full, Marius’s scarf had a prominent juniper tree in the centre of the image from a slight angle gazing up to make it look majestic. Sunlight broke through the leaves from behind to illuminate the ground of lavender flowers and gladiolus. The dim background was of sandalwood trees and cedars with vanilla plants climbing the trunks. Framing the two ends were the roses, with green leaves and subtle thorns. The colours were a little bolder and vibrant in contrast with the shadows, the young alpha determining that Vyn would be able to pull off the look well, without any threat to his masculinity.

Althea’s scarf was much like what they had seen through the packaging. Both ends of the scarf were the same with small glasses of different styles lining above and below five unique but cutely styled looking patches of teacups. A white teacup, bright blue patterned with gold lines around the rim tilted slightly beside a taller cup with a colouration that reminded Vyn of purple clay. The middle cup was a delicate white cup and saucer with floral print of roses. A sturdy, straight sided cup of glazed green with a bottom margin of grey and occasional speckle like pottery beside a clear glass teacup, shown through the tea displayed inside, made Vyn consider perhaps the first cup could have represented a porcelain and the middle, perhaps bone china. In the bottom corner of the clear glass cup, Althea had stitched a small AR.

Unfolding Luke’s scarf had revealed one half had been dyed black. At the join in the middle was a topside view of a brain, with the half on the white being drawn of a normal brain structure schematic, but the black half had been changed into white outline of gears interlocking into the shapes of the other half of the brain. Vyn supposed it spoke to his occupation as a psychologist, the study and understanding of how minds moved and ticked. He had also signed his name in the corner on a white end.

Last of all was Artem’s scarf which started from one white fringed end that rapidly stained from powder blue to sky and then rapidly deepened to midnight before even reaching a hand length from the edge. The rest of the scarf then stayed that dark colour, the better to reveal Artem’s white stitching. A field of dandelion puffs spread from the bottom left corner on the white side, reaching into the pale blue sky. A couple of more prominent dandelion heads just managed to reach the darkest edges to lose a few of their seeds to an unseen wind. A trail of seeds swirled up into the dark and dispersed like wishing stars in the night at the other end of the fringed scarf.

Vyn’s fingers lightly traced the trail of light in the dark, wondering which petal was the wish for love, before shaking himself out of the delicate feelings taking hold of him. He gathered the scarf and blanket to finally make up his nest. The scarves lined the walls he made to enclose him, Artem’s draped across his pillow just before where his face would lay. The yellow blanket, now subtly coated in the scent of his would-be pack was pulled over him.

His body practically melted with a relieved groan that hummed into a purr of content. His head held tight with tension a moment longer before slowly releasing to finally allow him the blissful oblivion of sleep.

Polo Arena, 16th November 2030, Saturday 7.00am, towards the end of autumn

The scent of horses and grass permeated the air as Artem arrived at the venue. He had made sure to arrive early as per Vyn’s suggestion and message in the morning. He knew that the other man had arrived even earlier than himself, having to prepare the horse and get in touch with the team for strategy and warm ups.

Vyn had told him that he would meet him at the entrance to the stables and to call when he arrived. A few moments after ringing, Vyn picked up the phone.

“You’ve arrived?”

“Mm. I’m between the stables and the stands to the field, closer to the stand side.”

“I regretfully ask for your patience a little longer. Things should wrap up here in another 10 minutes and I shall come find you.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be waiting.”

The brunette alpha took his time to observe the field and the banquet-like atmosphere. Casually standing with his hands in his pockets and tailored riding outfit, the tall alpha easily drew some eyes.

“Artem!”

The alpha turned his head at the awaited call to see Vyn striding towards him. He wore off white breeches and a dark blue and white polo shirt. Artem noted the knee pads and gloves the other was wearing. He was glad to see that the other man did, however, look more well rested than yesterday. Not a hundred percent but certainly stepping lighter.

“You’ve chosen to play?”

Vyn nodded but clarified as he stepped closer. “To be precise, I shall substitute in from half time. Were this a competition match, I would not bother the team, but since this is only a friendly match to keep in practice and introduce others to the sport, I decided to take a turn to keep my skills sharp.” His gold eyes then flashed with mischief with a slight curl to his lips at the other man. “So I shall be able to both keep you company and give you reason to keep an eye on the game.”

Artem shook his head lightly with a crooked smile and blue eyes alight in amusement.

The two began to walk towards the stands, Vyn leading the way.

“How many chukkars will this match be?”

“Someone has been studying. This will be a six chukkar match.”

“And who are you playing?”

At this point, some distaste entered into the omega’s expression. “We shall be playing the Kingdom of Svart.”

Artem paused at the response but proceeded to move past it with other questions about the sport.

Sitting in the stands together, Vyn proceeded to flesh out Artem’s knowledge of the game as it proceeded. He also took note of the weather and the clouds drifting more often in the sky.

Artem was an attentive listener and quick to pick up on the play of the game with Vyn’s guidance. At half time when everyone, including the audience, was called to walk the field to stomp or fix any divots, Vyn parted ways to get warmed up and prepare for his turn on the field.

Before leaving, the platinum haired omega gave his companion a sure grin. “I shall endeavour to show you an exciting match where the game is turned around.”

The Stellis polo team was lagging slightly at this point. Artem smiled in return but a slight frown pulled his eyebrows together. “As long as you look after yourself as well.”

Vyn’s grin softened and his eyes honeyed. “I assure you that I am alert and in fine form. You need not worry.”

Artem allowed his frown to relax. “Then I look forward to seeing your plays.”

A silver brow arched along with a lift of a chin. “And how about my win?”

The alpha finally gave a smile, shaking his head. “I look forward to seeing that too.”

Smile widening once more, Vyn walked away briskly, confident and intent.

When the game restarted, Artem’s eyes focused on the familiar figure, looking sure and elegant on his horse. The pair moved naturally and easily, showing the long trust between mount and rider as well as Vyn’s easy skill.

Being in position 1, which Vyn had explained was the attacking offensive player, he was ruthless in his approach, and by the 5th chukkar, the Stellis team had caught up to the Svart team.

In the break between the 5th and 6th chukkar as players switched horses, Artem was amused and chuckled lightly as Vyn’s helmeted figure looked towards him from the field with an arrogant lift to his chin, as if to say ‘you see? I will present to you a victory.’

He lightly clapped his hands for him in return to convey his praise and support.

As the 6th chukkar went underway, Artem began to frown as the opposing team’s defensive 4th player seemed to grow more aggressive towards Vyn. He had felt the other sticking to Vyn in the 5th chukkar when he was substituted in, but had thought it was the nature of their roles in the game. Looking at the screen as they raced each other to get the ball, it seemed the two were saying something. Vyn’s expression was cold. Was it the trash talk that happened in games?

Blue eyes widened and the grandstand fell silent as the number 4 player took a swing at Vyn with his mallet, knocking off the omega’s helmet. Fortunately, the omega managed to block his next attempted strike as he was circled.

The game came to a rapid pause. Artem then saw Vyn talk to the referee for a while before he made his way over towards the audience stand. As he came closer and it was clearer that it was in his direction, Artem hurriedly moved towards the boundary to meet him.

Vyn dismounted to give his horse some reprieve as he addressed the concerned alpha, frown lines evident over blue eyes.

“My apologies that you had to witness such crass behaviour, but you need not worry. There were no injuries.”

Artem’s frown remained, though his shoulders relaxed marginally. “When you spoke of excitement, this wasn’t what I was anticipating.” He discreetly inhaled, only scenting annoyance and a little tiredness that was now usual from the omega. Not noting anything like pain, had the alpha relaxing even more.

The silver haired man flashed a wry smile. “Neither was this what I had intended or been implying to you.”

Artem’s eyes darted to the Svart team before settling back on the shorter man before him. “The both of you seem to have been in dialogue on the field, with the other player sticking to you rather strongly.” He tilted his head questioningly.

The psychologist grimaced slightly. The other man would be sharp enough to pick that up. He could hear the inquiry if there had been something more to what had happened. It was also no secret that he had come from the Kingdom of Svart so it wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to ask if there was a connection. He would prefer that there was no intersection between his life in Stellis and experiences in the Kingdom of Svart. On the other hand…

Vyn gazed up at the brown haired alpha with locks falling across his forehead, gazing down from the stands with concern in turquoise blue eyes and strength, stability and shelter offered in his cedar sweet scent.

A curl of warmth filled his belly like a small flame in darkness.

If Artem was going to be his mate, his spouse, he would probably become exposed to the mess that was his background one day.

Still…glancing over at the Kingdom of Svart players, the whispers of loneliness and curses spoken in the darkness smothered the flame lit within him, dimming the light, though not snuffing it out. Nothing was guaranteed quite yet in this relationship. The other had made an observation without pushing for information which he appreciated. For now, it would still be safer for Artem to be in ignorance of the troubles of his background and past. 

But perhaps a compromise.

“An inconsequential altercation. We have a bit of shared history.”

Artem blinked at the usually taciturn and deflecting man’s offered information but then nodded his head in acceptance of the words. He wouldn’t push with the other averting his gold eyes as he spoke cautiously and then studying his reactions. “As long as you’re fine.”

The omega relaxed when nothing more was said. The alpha’s scent was reassuring as his own expressed relief. Artem was glad the other smelt of comforted omega to his alpha.

Before much more could be exchanged, a staff member rode up to them. “I apologise for interrupting your conversation, Mr. Richter. Please return to the field to resume play.”

“Resume play?” Artem asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yes,” Vyn answered him. “Seeing as we are not in competition and this is meant to be a friendly exhibition match, I spoke with the referee and expressed that it would be best to continue play with a substituted player from the other team rather than end on a note of disqualification.” He swung back onto his stallion and put his recovered helmet back on.

Artem leaned back from the railing to look at the other. “Then be careful. I’ll see you after you win.”

Vyn stopped wheeling his horse around and raised his eyebrows with a smile forming on his face. “Oh? Now you believe I can win?”

The alpha returned him a faint smile. “After having seen you play and knowing your strength of mind, I can’t imagine you letting this hold you back.”

Vyn’s smile widened. “Now I must live up to your expectations. I would hate to disappoint your perception of me.” With a final flash of his upturned lips, he wheeled his mount around and trot back onto the field.

Artem sat back down in his seat, glad the other’s mood had been lifted. The two sides seemed to have come to an agreement on making this last match be a display of true competitiveness and sportsmanship.

With both sides playing hard, the Stellis side managed to pull ahead and win by two points, the last goal being a surprise as the ball had been stolen when the Svart team was close to scoring and drawing a tie before being stolen by the Stellis defence and a final team effort allowed Vyn to ultimately score and double their lead.

As the audience stood and cheered, the two sides shook hands or nodded at each other in acknowledgment and then waved at the crowd.

The people in the stands then proceeded to move, some to leave or transfer to the riding hall, others to the fields to congratulate and speak to the players. Artem made his way down to meet Vyn on the field.

Seeing the omega busy with others crowding around him, he indicated that he could wait when he caught the other man's eye. He observed the shorter man as he spoke with his admirers, a customary polite smile on his face. In interacting with the spectators, Vyn was politely distant, even cold as people enthusiastically approached and complimented him. It seemed he didn't care much for the accolades, deflecting as much attention away to others as he could or brushing them off. There was the perfume of pheromones showing admiration and liking all around, but the hint of juniper and slight rose on the wind was distant and faintly repelling.

Artem hesitated whether to still offer his own congratulations or brush past it. While he was still hesitating, Vyn finished sending the other spectators away to approach him and his face gentled into one more lively, a marble statue come to life, with a faint hint of anticipation in his eyes. Artem no longer spent time second guessing his actions as he moved to meet him.

“Congratulations on your win. You played very well.” Blue eyes were warm, his low voice clear in sincerity.

The omega’s smile widened and he raised an eyebrow coyly. “You could tell, could you?” he mocked lightly.

“Well, I may not know much about polo yet, but your team did manage to equalise and then pull ahead while you were playing.” Artem’s head tilted with a shrug and a gentle smile that acknowledged his inexperience as he instead responded logically to the other’s dig.

Vyn’s scent was light and teasing as he derisively huffed at the alpha. “I shall reluctantly accept your uninformed felicitations. We should get you started on those riding lessons post haste so that you can come to understand the excellent skills displayed in the game.”

“Excellent skills? Your shamelessness seems to have grown since you have left the kingdom, Vilhelm .”

The hostile voice and burnt ashwood smell brought both men to a pause where they had begun to turn towards the riding hall. Vyn’s lip was already curling in displeasure, recognising the voice of his opponent before. Looking back, sure enough was the red haired alpha man who was disqualified from the Svart team, held back ineffectually by another young beta man.

“Ah, if it isn’t the loser of the game. Oh, pardon me, you were disqualified, were you not? So you would not even count as that.” Vyn’s sharp tongue and sarcastic tone came into play mercilessly.

“You-!”

“Ragnar! You should stop…”

Artem discreetly swayed towards Vyn as he turned properly to face the two men, letting his own pheromones waft faintly around the omega with some discrete notes of protectiveness and concern to counteract the more aggressive scent coming their way. 

Vyn’s eyelashes flickered, registering the support beside him, his metaphorical hackles relaxing from the instinctive rise at the threat he was used to facing alone when it came to the Kingdom of Svart. The collision between his long past experiences of facing things in Svart alone and his current but shorter circumstances of having faced things together with teammates, Artem in particular lately, made him briefly confused of how to react for a moment, before he settled down to wait like a predator to see what would happen next. His body affected an unconcerned posture, eyes falling half lidded as his ears listened, while his skin and nose tried to concentrate on the protective pheromones of an ally over the hostile ones that were making him physically irritable and a pressure to build in his temples, souring his mood further.

“Don’t stop me, Manfred! He has caused me enough insult with his underhanded tactics. I must challenge him today!”

Vyn scoffed. “I do not recall any underhanded tactics, unless you are wanting to admit to something? If you are unable to accept comments, then you should have kept your mouth shut. It is a weak person who blames others for failing to manage their own emotional reactions, especially when they were the ones to speak provokingly first.”

“You-! You!”

Once more Ragnar was held back by Manfred as Vyn shook his head disappointingly at him. “You can not even beat me with words and you wish to challenge me? The outcome will still be the same.” The silver haired man turned to Artem who had been standing silently beside him. “Let us go.”

“Are you running away, Vilhelm?”

Vyn continued to ignore the other man and Manfred’s apologies, indicating for Artem to head to the riding hall.

“Heh, is it because of that alpha? Who knew you could still attract someone as a broken omega?”

The shorter man’s face didn’t change even as he grasped the attorney’s arm to lightly pull him to continue forward when the older man paused and frowned at the insult, not even pausing in his own stride. Still frowning, Artem obeyed the other’s request to not pay any attention though his scent showed his signs of unhappiness. Vyn’s own scent continued to show the indifference that had been portrayed throughout the whole confrontation, though a note of soothing now seeped through. It didn’t make the alpha feel any better, in fact it made him even more upset, though he didn’t let it show, since it meant that the smaller man was probably used to such treatment and comments.

“Though looking at him, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. It seems you’ve inherited a particular taste? And a commoner would be fitting to match your status, ha!”

Vyn came to a stop, causing Artem to also freeze. Meeting the quick glance of gold eyes in confusion, the alpha was further perplexed to hear Vyn finally respond to the other’s taunts.

“I shall accept your challenge. If you lose, you shall apologise to this man.”

Artem’s bemusement cleared quickly, working out the why of Vyn responding now, when the insult was aimed at him, instead of previously when it was only about the psychologist. Artem still had a bit of anger about the whole situation but at the thought of Vyn trying to defend his ‘honour’ as a commoner, a thread of amusement at the absurdity escaped into his scent. The silver haired omega frowned at him when he detected it, trying to work out what the other seemed to find funny.

As the background noise of Manfred trying to reason with Ragnar that a duel of swords in Stellis was unlawful happened, Artem raised an eyebrow while a glint of mirth appeared in his turquoise eyes. “Are you trying to defend my honour at being called a commoner?”

Meeting the tease in the alpha with his own sardonically raised brow, the mood shifted between the two to something lighter despite the unpleasant situation. “Are you going to tell me that there is no need for such an action?” 

“I wouldn’t presume to judge your actions, though it is not as if it isn’t true,” the taller, older man replied. Artem continued to face Vyn in the conversation, his eye moving discreetly to observe through his peripherals to note that the two men from Svart were no longer in argument. His eyes turned back to Vyn, and smiled faintly to see the golden eyes reading him with a hint of interest forming in the shorter man’s face after seeing the alpha check what the others were doing. He proceeded to speak in a normal volume, not hiding what he was saying at all, “but I do find it interesting that someone from Svart who seems to have no true link to Stellis thinks he has any identity with which to make any aspersions on subjects relating to Stellis.” The alpha’s blue eyes were chilled indifference as they glanced at said person from Svart before looking back to gold with something wry forming in them. “When it comes to… qualifications, aren’t you the one who boasts the highest claim out of all of us?” He didn’t know Vyn’s ranking but from his behaviour, he could at least assume it was of some significance.

The way Artem slightly paused before saying the word ‘qualifications’ with some self-deprecating humour made the corner of the psychologist’s lips quirk up in realisation. Was the alpha still sore about Nosta and his double degrees? Vyn's smug smile got wider as the attorney lightly rolled his eyes and huffed at him when he saw the omega’s reaction.

The psychologist looked away, mildly perplexed but warm at his current state. Feeling surrounded by the alpha’s reassuring scent, Vyn found himself relaxing even more. Having Artem beside him, speaking these words that told him his Stellis blood couldn’t be judged by others, and somehow reminding him his Svart status was of more noble origin than those he faced despite not knowing the specifics, let him lower his wariness. He faced Ragnar and Manfred with his usual straight spine but with an ease that he had never shown them before. “Have you decided how you wish to compete?”

Ragnar’s gaze swept angrily from Artem to Vyn. “We shall compete by dressage, immediately. And if I win, I shall have you kneel and clean my boots, Vilhelm.”

“Fine.”

Artem looked on, concerned. “If I remember correctly, this doesn’t look like a suitable place for dressage to take place. The riding hall has the sand pits but I would guess to be quite occupied right now, with a fair few of the polo spectators having moved there like we were going to.”

Vyn’s silver head nodded. “You remember correctly; the field does not suit the requirements for hosting a dressage.” A smile spread confidently on his lips. “But that is what will make this a more interesting and fair duel. It will truly showcase who is the more skilled.”

Ragnar gritted his teeth. “I will not lose to you again.” He turned to Manfred and spoke to him, who then hesitated but then departed while Ragnar went to select his horse.

With the outsiders no longer present, Artem turned to Vyn with some hidden worry. “Are you certain you are okay to do this?”

Vyn pursed his lips. “There shall be no turning back now. But even if my condition were worse, I would not lose to that arrogant upstart.” Seeing the alpha’s continued concern, Vyn softened and gazed up at him reassuringly. “I will be fine. My condition is quite decent despite his foul smell lingering. I would say we could even continue with our original plans after I make him apologise to you.”

Artem conceded to the shorter man’s determination. “You know that it doesn’t matter what they say about me, right?”

“That may be so to you,” Vyn began to reply reservedly, “but if I had let their insult to you slide, it would be showing weakness. Slurs against myself, I can dismiss, as despite their wishes, my rank is higher than theirs. However, there is no point to having a higher status if I can not prove that I am not afraid to use it and have the strength to protect those around me. It is best to cut off such attempts now rather than wait for them to think too much.”

The attorney nodded understandingly. “Politics. They won’t find it easy to target any of us in our group if they did try to make a move though.”

“They remain ignorant of that fact at the moment but I plan to shut any thoughts down thoroughly before it comes to that.” The omega peered up into the alpha’s face. “Would you regret getting involved with me if this becomes a part of your life?” Behind his glasses, Vyn’s gold eyes became slightly guarded as a wry smile formed on his face. This was after all something he had to deal with in both his maternal and paternal side of the family. He might as well use this moment now when the other had been dragged in despite his efforts to test the waters.

Aqua blue eyes blinked down at him before looking away in thought. After a moment, where Vyn waited tensely but patiently, Artem responded. “I believe it already is to an extent through my occupation and the status of my parents. But if we are talking specifically about the future with you in it and how I would be involved then… I can’t actually imagine wanting to leave you alone to face it. Even if we were only friends I would prefer you find me a support rather than a weakness.” Artem’s blue eyes once more connected with gold, like warm springs. “So, don’t just do things alone, okay Vyn?”

Vyn’s gold eyes were wide as he stared up at Artem’s gentle gaze. Unconsciously, his scent bloomed a little more rose, showing how disarmed he was. Noticing his loss of control, Vyn abruptly looked away, a slight flush on his cheeks and the tips of his ears. “Well!” He cleared his throat with a small cough, looking around and spotting Ragnar and Manfred making their way over again. “Then, I shall take you at your word. They are coming back. This time I will show you just how outmatched they are.”

Artem smiled at the cute reaction and just waited patiently for the Svart pair to reach them. He tilted his head when he saw what Manfred had gone to retrieve. “You brought a violin with you to a polo game in Stellis?”

Vyn chuckled beside him at the genuine curiosity in the question. “Nevermind that. Let us give him some room, Artem. He may lose control of his horse.”

“Should we go to the spectator stands then?” The brunette followed his lead and looked towards the stands where he had been sitting previously.

“What nonsense! How could I lose control of a horse? Just you wait and see, Vilhelm! Hmph!” Ragnar swung up onto his horse and moved into place.

The two men proceed to take a few steps back, politely inviting Manfred to join them, who shook his head. Vyn discretely rubbed his brow against a throbbing tingle but it didn’t escape Artem’s notice who then stepped marginally closer and let his reassuring pheromones out. Vyn gave him a small, thankful smile. Though it didn’t nullify all the problems of his condition, it at least helped to ease the ones to do with tension.

Manfred then began to play and Ragnar began his routine. Vyn took the time to explain objectively how the other was performing. “Do you see the motion he is using to control the change of strides? He is using the half halt to allow more weight on the horse’s hind legs, making the pose more elegant. Ideally, we should barely be able to notice its use, but the balance and coordination is off between horse and rider. His flying change, that point where the lead leg of the horse changes in suspension while cantering, and pirouette finishes are awful. With the limited conditions of the field, the horse needs more input from the rider for success, which he has failed to give.”

“Hm, what I recall seeing you practise does give the impression of being cleaner and tighter in comparison,” Artem acknowledged.

Vyn smiled proudly at the alpha’s observation.

With the one song, and the venue, horse and equipment limitation, only four motions were displayed by Ragnar and his horse.

At the end, he rode over to the Stellis pair and dismounted. “It’s your turn, Vilhelm. But wha-!” Ragnar gave a strange exclamation. “Should I find a speaker to hook up to your phone? I mean, that is all you’re suited to use anyway.”

Artem frowned and leaned slightly to Vyn with a suspicious expression. “Is he implying that you should be able to use live music for dressage? All the recorded videos of competitions that I looked up seemed to use recordings, though. Or,” the attorney's eyes widened as if coming to a realisation, “was he just trying to support his friend’s music aspirations?” He turned to Manfred. “You played well. You must be very dedicated to have brought a violin with you while travelling for a match today.”

The beta man stuttered slightly and blushed a little, unsure whether the alpha’s words were an insult or a compliment with his serious demeanour.

“I would offer to play something for Vyn to meet your own performance but I can only play the cello which we don’t have. The only instrument left to me would be singing, but I don’t think you would wish to subject yourself to that.” Artem had spoken so much to defuse the initial slight that Ragnar had spouted.

At this point the red haired alpha tried to jump in as if seizing upon a weakness. “Of course such-!”

“I wish to subject myself to it.”

Artem whipped his wide eyes to Vyn to see a deceptively straight face and bright eyes.

Vyn bald facedly continued. “You are right, we should do our best to match their efforts and since they gave a live performance, I would be grateful if you sang for my routine, Artem.”

“As if having a singer-”

Artem braced a hand on his hip while the other rested on his brows as he sighed in exasperation of the feeling of dropping a stone on his own foot. “You have only heard me sing one solo song a week ago at a karaoke bar. Are you certain you wish to go through this route?”

The silver haired man smiled. “Yes. Would that be okay with you?” His focus during this encounter with his past had shifted from confrontation to being about having Artem sing for him again. He was still greedy to have the song just for him.

Artem brought the hand on his head down, turning to the ignored duo, the alpha now fuming and the beta shifting but silent. “They may not agree.”

“You bet I don’t-!” Ragnar began once again to try to make himself heard before being cut off dismissively once again by Vyn.

“He would be an idiot to disagree.” Vyn indifferently looked at the Svart alpha and spoke without quite addressing him. “I am giving him a significant handicap after all, by having to make up a routine on the spot and perform it without any practice.”

At the omega’s statement, the red haired alpha frowned furiously but ceased objecting at the perceived truth of those words. If the Haspran heir really was attempting a dressage performance to a song he had not practised a routine for, then the chances of mistakes would be higher, with Ragnar emerging the victor.

“Vyn…” Artem also frowned in concern at this fact.

“As such,” the psychologist continued, “there should be no objections if we take a little more time to set up and listen to the music once or twice in preparation before performing. I can explain the circumstances and have the staff set up the sound system as I would like to hear you clearly.” Vyn looked at the attorney to check if the other was really okay with singing before swinging up onto his steed and riding towards the barn. He gave a final mischievous glance to the older alpha as he went past. “You should do some vocal warm ups.”

Artem helplessly smiled as he watched the other depart before his face straightened again and he gave a polite nod to the other two before going to do as suggested and go over the music again.

It was half an hour later before everything was ready to go and Artem met up with Vyn again. The smaller man had changed to his dressage horse and the ranch owner had given his support once he heard about the performance and had organised the staff to set up the needed speakers and adjust the audio with Artem testing the microphone. The team from Svart were sitting in the spectator stands, with Ragnar showing some irritable impatience, his arms folded. All the activity had also brought some curious onlookers back to the field to see what was happening. Vyn was doing a final listen to the song against his planned routine after having warmed up his mare as Artem came to check on him.

Artem looked up at Vyn on his horse from the field. “Are you certain of going ahead with this, Vyn? It’s becoming a rather more public spectacle than just facing those two.”

“I will be fine. I only regret that I am not properly attired to match the occasion. How about yourself? You could still play your demo if you are in doubt.” Vyn gazed down at the alpha.

Artem pet the mare idly on the shoulder as she shifted, nosing at him. “This wasn’t quite what I was imagining when I told you I wanted to be a support and not a weakness for you, but my words still stand. I can sing.” He stepped away from the horse. “Come down for a moment.”

Vyn looked at him inquiringly but obediently dismounted. He turned towards the alpha to find him taking off his jacket.

“I might be a little bigger than you but we should be of a similar build and you have been under the sun for hours.” The alpha held open his navy riding jacket for the smaller man.

Vyn blinked in startlement before turning around, smiling as the other man pulled the coat up his arms to settle on his shoulders. He turned around once more to face the attorney, hands arranging the fit and buttoning the coat closed. “This was certainly tailored to fit you. The shoulders are a touch broader and the sleeves are certainly too long.” Amused, he showed the sleeves halfway down his palms.

Face characteristically serious, Artem reached out for one of the omega’s arms and began folding and tucking the sleeve inside to an appropriate length. He did the same with the other but continued to frown in thought as he held both arms in concern. Looking back to the spectator stands, he turned to Vyn with a, “wait here for just a moment,” before jogging away.

Vyn saw him start talking to a blond woman with curly hair tied up as he fiddled with the adjusted sleeves. After what looked like a brief negotiation she reached into her hair a few times before passing something to the alpha who jogged back.

Curious and alert, Vyn held out his arms again when the brunette indicated, to see the alpha bring out some bobby pins which he then proceeded to use, slipping two over the ends of each sleeve, ensuring the folds wouldn’t come undone during the performance.

“Did you approach a stranger merely to get these?”

Satisfied, Artem straightened up. “Actually, she seems to be another one of our fans from the museum. She seems to have recognised us during the interlude of the polo match when you approached me and had asked me what was happening while we were setting up.” He grimaced slightly. “She asked to be able to record the performance in exchange for the bobby pins.”

Vyn chuckled lightly as he relaxed. “Then I shall have to perform well and ask her for a copy afterwards.”

He swung back onto his horse and checked the length of the coat. “Thank you for the jacket.”

Artem nodded before proceeding back to where he would be singing from the commentary area.

Vyn watched him go, his head discreetly angled to his shoulder to take in the reassuring pheromone embedded within the alpha’s coat. Thoughtfully sneaky alpha, giving him his scented riding jacket. A small smile stayed on his lips as he nudged his mount into motion to get into place.

When he felt ready, he gave a full salute to the spectator stands and Artem in particular, giving full display to his elegance.

The music began.

It became clear quite quickly that Vyn was a better rider. His mare responded readily and cleanly as he progressed from a passage (moving forwards with high steps at a trot) to a piaffe (a collected trot with high steps in one place) and a pirouette to the left and then the right, showing off with some of the more advanced manoeuvres in time with the music.

He truly made it look like horse and rider were dancing to the song. Artem was almost distracted watching but thanks to his good memory, didn’t miss a word. Occasionally the two would make brief eye contact, Vyn smiling and Artem’s blue eyes skittering away before being drawn back once more. Mostly the silver haired omega was concentrating, dedicated to showing off his best self in this spontaneous moment with a song meant for him. Artem also recognised his effort and made sure to meet it, singing clearly despite his embarrassment. Even the ‘Ooh-ooh-ooh’.

Executing the same move as Ragnar, the flying change, showed the obvious difference in skill, Vyn performing it with ease.

From the corner of Artem’s eye, he could see abrupt movement from where the Svart delegation had been seated. The song was reaching its end but it seemed Ragnar was already storming off without waiting for the finish.

As Artem sang the final lyrics and Vyn completed his piaffe pirouette at the same time, the performance came to an end. There was applause from the curious onlookers who had been drawn by the music and the surprise performance happening in the field.

Vyn played into the atmosphere to give a slight bow of acknowledgement and pet his horse on the neck for a job well done before trotting over to where Artem was making his way to the field again.

Vyn dismounted as Artem approached.

“Congratulations on your win again. The both of you performed beautifully together. Your skill was mesmerising to watch.” Chocolate locks dipped around sincerely admiring eyes and a shy smile. Artem’s fingers were tucked into his pockets, hoping his compliment wasn’t too generic but wanting to express the effect the performance had on him.

“Thank you.” Vyn’s lips curled into a smile he couldn’t help forming at the bashful but sincere compliment. Noting the slight insecurity, the omega found himself giving a slight tilt of his head that bared his gonial gland with a hint of pleasure in his pheromones to the alpha, a subtle omega show of acceptance and approval of the other’s gesture.

Even as Artem’s eyes fell half lidded in relief, a short alpha ‘hrrr’ rumbled shortly from his chest in content acknowledgement of the omega’s signal.

It was a communication that showed how their relationship was growing closer and more comfortable.

They were then interrupted by someone approaching. Turning towards the movement, they saw Manfred. The beta male’s eyes darted between the two for a moment as he spoke. “On behalf of Ragnar, I apologise for his rude remarks to you. I hope you can forgive him for his prior actions.” With a significant look to Vyn, he then did a half bow, extending a hand and baring the wrist to the Stellis alpha.

Artem frowned and avoided the bow. Was he expecting a handshake of bonds? Generally, baring the wrist meant an exchange of scents, but the bow added a different nuance to the gesture. He looked at Vyn who was scowling.

“You may return, Manfred. And remember to have some extra sessions with your etiquette mentor.”

Dismissed, the abashed beta man began to retreat.

“He wasn’t asking to be a subordinate ally, was he?”

“No, he made an error in judgement. This gesture is only for married consorts or respected elders.”

“Are you implying I’m not a respectable elder, Richter?”

“...”

“Don’t stay silent, Vyn.”

At the sound of bubbling laughter, Manfred turned his head for one last glimpse and saw a vision that would never have happened in the Kingdom of Svart. The cold moon of Svart is laughing… The distant Haspran heir who never drew close to anyone had bent his silver head, exposing his neck to his companion, discretely covering his petering chuckles with a hand as the alpha stood next to him, clearly both fond and exasperated. The two were obviously close, with the familiarity of the gesture he had interrupted, the shared jacket still worn by the omega and interaction just now. There would be some interesting news to share when returning to the kingdom.

The rest of the day for the two Stellis citizens proceeded as planned, with a slight detour to return the borrowed bobby pins and Vyn indeed claiming a copy of the video recording taken.

At home that night, Vyn lounged on his bedroom settee watching the recording, the fingers of one hand pressed against an aching temple. The woman had found a decent vantage point where she could get a clear view of his routine. Occasionally it would pan out to include a shot of Artem singing. It wasn’t a terrible recording, but the omega still wished it could have been professionally done.

He sent a copy to Artem along with a few messages.

In his study, Artem was surprised to be interrupted by a message notification on his phone.

Vyn Richter: DressageVynSingerArtem.vid 9:06pm

Vyn Richter: Not a terrible recording of our performance. 9:07pm

Vyn Richter: I would prefer a higher quality version of your singing though. 9:07pm

Vyn Richter: Would you sing it again for me? 9:08pm

Flustered, the alpha fiddled with his phone, letting the video play as he went back to the chat screen with Vyn.

Artem Wing: 9:14pm

Artem Wing: Really, Vyn? 9:14pm

Artem Wing: I think the video does fine. We really don’t need a clearer record of my singing. 9:14pm

Vyn Richter: I really do wish for it though. 9:16pm

Artem Wing: For what? Blackmail? 9:16pm

Vyn Richter: I would never do something so crass. 9:17pm

Vyn Richter: You are not a bad singer and I would like one time where I know you are singing just for me. 9:19pm

Artem’s cheeks and eartips felt heated.

Artem Wing: Greedy. 9:21pm

Artem Wing: Go to sleep, Vyn. 9:22pm

Vyn Richter: catpout.gif 9:24pm

Face still mildly burning and now distracted from his scheduling, Artem absentmindedly looked at the messages and tapped his fountain pen, head resting on his knuckles as he thought. He pressed play on the video again. He tapped and flipped his pen once more before pausing as if coming to an answer. Picking up his phone, he stood to head to his theatre room.

Seeing no further response from the other man, Vyn had a small smile on his face. If the other was calling him greedy, then he had noticed his little moves. He should probably stop then. With a disappointed sigh, he brought up his current audiobook to rest his eyes.

Around 40 minutes later, when he had just finished stretching and was checking on his succulent, he was pinged with a notification of a message received. Not in a hurry, he finished rotating the pot, telling it to keep growing well, and finally took a closer look at his phone. His gold eyes immediately brightened in intrigue to see that Artem had sent him an audio file.

Walking back to his room a little faster than usual, Vyn unlocked his phone.

Artem Wing: This is the best I can do when it comes to something clear on short notice. 10:02pm

Artem Wing: Stopcatpout.wav 10:03pm

If Vyn had been a cat, his tail would be high and slightly swaying in happiness. As it was, his eyes were bright and rather than sitting on the settee again, he stretched out on his stomach on top of his bed, phone placed before him, one leg bent and foot waving in the air. Tucking one arm under his chin and eyes falling half lidded, he reached out his other hand to press play.

After a moment of silence, the leading chords of the song began to come through.

And then…

“Started in the strangest way…”

Artem must have been holding his phone or whatever he was using to record before him because he sang softly but clearly, his baritone intimate.

Vyn’s foot swayed in the air, listening and feeling warm.

After the first play through, Vyn reached out to the phone to find a message from Artem that had arrived a minute ago.

Artem Wing: Satisfied? 10:08pm

Rather than respond with text, Vyn decided to express himself with a short video. So when Artem embarrassedly opened the video message after working distractedly, he was met with the image of Vyn laying on his bed, honey in his eyes and a soft omega purr in the back of his voice as he said “thank you, Artem.” Artem’s earlier blush burned even hotter on his ears but he sighed in relief, chuffing in satisfaction of having done well. He debated with himself for a while but saved the video and placed it into a new folder in his phone and watched it one more time before putting it down, now able to concentrate, a smile on his lips.

On bed still, Vyn was also replaying his own personalised recording. Grinning at the end, the omega rolled and then sat up, tapping on his phone and adjusting one specific setting. Deeply satisfied, the psychologist became contemplative, resting his phone on his lip. The alpha had gone to all the trouble to make him very happy. It would only be right to reciprocate somehow.

Instead of just a backing track, though… Vyn looked towards his piano.

He was running on enough dopamine that the headache and nausea from the day was ignorable.

Artem didn’t receive a message that night. In fact, his phone was silent of further communication from Vyn all the next day as well. It wasn’t until he was in the middle of his dinner of a steak and garlic broccoli that a series of messages started appearing on his phone from the omega.

Vyn Richter: catgift.wav 7:12pm

Vyn Richter: Apologies, this took me some time to arrange until I was somewhat satisfied with it. 7:13pm

Vyn Richter: I do hope you will like it. 7:13pm

Perking up in interest, Artem tapped to download the file. Taking a bite of his broccoli, he then pressed play.

The energetic sounds of a piano played out a familiar melody followed by Vyn’s voice joining in.

“I am weak, but I think I'm strong…”

When it reached the end and Vyn let the piano fade away to finish with just his voice invitingly croon “Cmon darlin' won't you hypnotise me?”, Artem realised he had frozen in his eating, fork hovering between plate and mouth with another piece of broccoli on it. Moving his gaze from his phone to his plate, he blinked and hastily finished the rest of his dinner, playing the song one more time as he took his dishes to the kitchen to swiftly wash up.

A quick check to make sure his face was clean and he made a video call to his silver haired psychologist.

In Vyn’s manor, the sound of Artem singing began to play out. The slightly tired omega who was trying to decide what to have for dinner himself revived a little at the music and abandoned his open fridge to answer his phone, knowing exactly who was calling.

Answering the video request, he saw Artem in a tan cashmere sweater with a white shirt collar, a backdrop of his living room and the night view of the city from the kitchen perspective behind him, as if he was leaning back against the counter.

Vyn was also in his kitchen, having set his phone down on the counter, and wearing a cerulean blue wide collared turtleneck top with thin white diagonal stripes from the shoulders towards the chest. Vyn smiled at the alpha.

“You listened to my gift?”

Artem nodded, eyes warm. “I did. Thank you. I appreciate it very much. You arranged the piano cover yourself?”

Vyn’s smile widened a fraction at the other’s gratitude and recognition of his labour. “I did. Hearing you singing made me rather energetic and ambitious. It took me a little while to work out a nice balance between the chords and the melody without it being too busy to add my voice as well.”

Touched by the effort the psychologist had put in, Artem’s brow also slightly furrowed in concern. “I hope you didn’t stay up all night doing this.” He examined the omega’s face for signs of having worked through the night.

Reading the attorney’s concern, Vyn responded. “Worry not. I made sure to give myself a break and sleep at my usual time.”

Artem relaxed, trusting the other man’s words. “That’s good. Then have you eaten?”

Vyn shook his head and looked to the side on the screen, presumably to his fridge or cupboard. “I was just trying to decide what to have when you called. I confess I do not feel up to cooking or anything heavy at the moment and the more I look, the less I have an appetite.”

Artem frowned worriedly again. “Are you still not feeling well? How about soup or congee? I can recommend a few places that taste good, can deliver and have a decent selection.” He reduced the video screen even as he was speaking to bring up the saved restaurant details.

Vyn walked around the counter to take a seat at one of the breakfast bar stools while rubbing between his eyes from under his glasses and gave a sigh. “I guess I had best order something. Soup, I can probably manage. I think being exposed to some actively hostile pheromones might have burdened my condition more than I thought yesterday, especially after having encountered that unpleasant event on Althea’s birthday the week before. I am not so much experiencing nausea but something closer to repulsion and expect I will be hypervigilant for a while if I step outside. Working on your gift was a nice diversion while feeling resistant to leaving my home.” At the message pop up with links from Artem, Vyn set the phone down to disinterestedly browse through the selections. Absent-mindedly, he continued speaking. “Hopefully things will return to normal by tomorrow, but if that is not the case I am debating whether continuing my usual routine would be advisable. On the one hand, I do not wish to reinforce the association of isolation and escape as the behaviour to adopt when in this type of discomfort. However, I also need to consider if venturing out right now would in fact exacerbate my condition due to environmental exposure and possible encounters causing stress to an already distressed system.”

“A dilemma between the psychological and physiological,” Artem summarised.

“Indeed.” The omega finally made a selection and put an order through, eyes then focusing back on the screen showing Artem. “But making that choice will be something that happens in the morning when I can gauge how I feel after another night’s rest. What are you doing now? I presume you have already had dinner yourself?”

Artem hmmed, indicating Vyn was right. “I was in the middle of eating when your messages came through.”

Vyn smiled. “That reminds me, did you see that the museum decided to create a media competition? The others seem to be interested in participating.”

“I think it came out when I was busy working on your scarf. I seem to recall you challenged them to participate against us?” The alpha raised an eyebrow as his own lips curved faintly up.

The omega’s smile turned into a grin. “Did you not say that you wanted to share what we created and see what they would come up with? I merely gave them some extra incentive.”

“And neatly avoided exposing us having been there already,” Artem noted mildly with a hint of fondness.

Vyn preened a little and then lazily leaned on the countertop towards Artem onscreen. “It also means they will likely be too busy to have a group outing including us for the next little while. If you are not too busy with the Heirson investigation, would you like to spend some time together?”

“I don’t have anything at the moment but it will also depend on what happens at the meeting tomorrow night. Was there something you wanted to do?”

Vyn frowned lightly for a moment before seeming to shake away a thought. “Speaking of the meeting, there is something I want to tell you before then. But before we get to that, I feel that you are always the one asking me what I wish to do and following my whims, so on this occasion I would like to ask if there is anything that you have desired to do together, Artem.”

“Hmm,” Artem scratched the side of his face while looking at the other man. “Well,” the attorney started slowly, “how about dinner?”

Vyn nodded, eyes focused on the alpha’s cautious face and did not point out that they have had dinner together multiple times, deciding to see how the details of the other’s want would unfold. “We can have dinner together to start with. Where would you like to go?”

A minute crinkle of a chocolate brow and slight hesitation. “I could cook for you. At my place.”

Not missing the micro expressions, Vyn stared even more intently with a faint smile. “Go on. Surely that is not all.” Dinner at the alpha’s house and having it cooked by the other man should not be the cause for the carefulness.

One hand leaning back on the kitchen counter he was resting against, the other holding his phone, Artem’s gaze wandered to the side and down. “I’d be happy if you watched a movie with me…” The low baritone was quiet and almost mumbling.

The omega’s head tilted at this bashful display. “I would be amenable to watching a movie with you. What is the cause of your hesitation?”

Blue eyes flicked up under long eyelashes to the inquisitive omega. The alpha attorney’s lips pursed and pressed a few times before finally opening. “I have a home theatre room for watching movies. However, you know that it is also where my den is. I don’t know if you would feel comfortable entering there yet.” In an uncertain gesture, Artem’s leaning hand came up to the back of his neck to finger at the hair there before being brought back down again as he earnestly added an alternative. “Otherwise, we can go out to watch a film after having eaten. I’d be happy to do that too.”

The silver haired man sat back in his seat again, watching the fidgeting alpha contemplatively. Entering into an alpha’s den could be taken lightly or significantly depending on the intent and activities of the parties involved. In their case, the invitation was a meaningful step of acknowledging a closer relationship, and the activity a lighthearted one, still more on the lines of friendship or pack. Choosing to step into Artem’s den would be to come into the alpha’s awareness and attention and spending time together there was to accept having a certain level of importance imprinted in the alpha’s consciousness.

A wiser, conservative choice would be to decline, so that they would both be protected from instinctual drives before they had confirmed the future of their relationship.

But since when had Vyn been the type to avoid the possibility of risk when it came to getting what he wanted? He would rather do something small to stack the future in favour of his desired outcome. Especially when the odds looked promising with the alpha being the one having extended the invitation. 

The omega’s faint smile never faded as he made a decision. “A home date, is it? I do not see any problems in granting your wish. It will be just to watch a movie together in your den, no? I trust you, Artem.” There was still a line drawn for appearances sake but in a way both were toeing it with this move.

The alpha’s blue eyes widened in surprise before he smiled back, ears turning a slight red. “Then we can plan it for sometime this week, if we both have a free night. Tell me what you would like to eat and I can prepare the ingredients. I have a lot of films, but if there is anything you are interested in watching, let me know.”

Gold eyes narrowed and a teasing tilt came to the psychologist's lips. “There you go making this all about me again. I want to get to know you too, Artem. Why don’t you send me what you enjoy eating or cooking and I shall choose from among them. The same with what to watch. Tell me what you have been interested in lately or favourite films and let me accompany you this time.”

Artem ducked his head, uncertain. “I’m sorry. Have I been too much?” Had he been coming on too strong? His extra efforts might have been too overbearing or come across as trying too hard, but he was afraid that when he stepped back, he could be perceived as cold. He had heard these comments before when a student and at work. It seems he wasn’t great at judging relationships and often took a passive and distanced approach. Most of his better connections were more due to the effort of the other party, like Celestine’s sociable meddling and Althea’s persistent optimism.

“Not at all,” Vyn responded to the alpha firmly to assuage the concern and self-doubt he read on the other’s face. His own was gentle, but his low voice was serious in recognition that this was an important point to make clear for the future of their relationship and the other man’s self esteem. “In fact, it makes me very comfortable. It is just that I would appreciate the chance to grow and learn about each other together with you then to find one day down the line that I had been given so much through your efforts but conversely had also received so little due to everything being focused on me. It might also be because I am a dominant omega but I am particularly possessive. Do give me a few personal things about you to hoard, won’t you?” By the end, Vyn’s expression was a little playful again, though his eyes conveyed that his words were serious and true.

The brunette attorney relaxed and nodded. “Very well. Then I’ll organise things on my end and we can go from there.”

Vyn sat up, nodding. “Then I shall await your selections. Now, going back to the meeting tomorrow, I recently received an invitation for a particular ship that I believe has come up in our investigations. Why or how I received them is connected to my Svart heritage and I wanted to let you know first…”

The next day, Vyn decided that he would go to work, but conduct what he could through video as a compromise to his still discomfited condition.

The evening was then given over to the NXX meeting where the sharing of information was had and the revelation of Vyn’s noble status as the Haspran heir of the kingdom of Svart was revealed to the rest of the team. It was taken well by the other members, just as it was with Artem the night before, with most of the debate going to who should accompany the Svartian omega with the spare blank invitation onto the Pluto cruise ship, the next step for their investigation.

The three other men had sensitive identities if an incident occurred on the Svart flag ship in international waters. Vyn had said he was fine to investigate on his own, but Althea had volunteered to go with him, not wanting him to possibly enter a risky situation by himself with his current condition. She was firm in her decision that it would be better to have someone from their group there for support than to just rely on scent scarves in case things went awry or longer than expected. The men eventually acquiesced when the beta refused to budge and Vyn assured the others that his father would have only allowed him on board the ship if he had already checked it would be safe for him. With that, the next moves of the team were determined and the group split.

Vyn spent Tuesday getting Althea acquainted with his bodyguard butler Ogier so as to receive some extra training and survival skills. Artem also sent him the list of foods and films so he decided that Wednesday night he would have the home date with the attorney. And maybe they could squeeze one more outing together on the weekend before he boarded the ship on the coming Monday and they were separated for a week.

Artem’s Residence, 20th November 2030, Wednesday 7.45pm, end of autumn

Vyn rang the doorbell of Artem’s condominium and waited to be let in. Both he and Artem had agreed to a later dinner than usual so that they could get all work out of the way first. Without needing to think on consultations or investigations for the rest of the night, Vyn was prepared to relax and so had dressed casually in a black turtleneck with slight stitching at the collarbone and a pearlescent knitted sweater on top with a deep V neckline and large beige buttons on the left shoulder, over soft stretch denim blue trousers. He was also wearing the dandelion scent scarf that Artem had gifted him and gold circle framed glasses. In his hand he brought a couple of mont blanc parfaits he had put together just before coming over.

His condition was much better than what it had been over the weekend, though still more fatigued than usual. But that suited his plans for later.

The door opened to Artem still wearing a black apron over his outfit of a grey sweater with sparse red and green stitching for patterns over a burgundy button up with yellow window pane lines, sleeves folded up. Charcoal denim jeans slim fit over his long legs. The alpha smiled warmly at the shorter man and stepped aside to let him in. “Vyn, welcome. I’m just finishing off the last dishes.”

The platinum haired man inhaled as he stepped inside, changing out of his shoes and removing his scarf, taking in the smell of comfort in the alpha’s pheromones and sweet spice of the dishes cooking. “It smells amazing already.” He held up the bag in his hand. “I brought some mont blanc parfaits I thought we could eat while watching the movie.”

The alpha flashed a smile as he closed the door. “That sounds good. I only had some fruits and nuts for snacks. Here, I’ll put it in the fridge first.” In saying he took the bag and led the other to the kitchen.

As he moved into the kitchen space, he indicated the counter stools and the living room as he took the parfaits out of the bag, admiring the layers through the double glass layer cups before putting them in the fridge. “Have a seat anywhere. I only need to stir fry the vegetable dish and all will be ready. Did you want anything to drink? Water? Tea?”

“Water will suffice.” Vyn opted to sit at the counter where he could keep Artem better company and see what he was doing. As the omega looked over the colourful dishes already laid out on the counter, Artem set out the water as well as the other beverage choices and cups before turning towards his stove with the garlic and kailan leaves.

With his back to the other, the alpha awkwardly cleared his throat as he started quickly frying the garlic. “I hope you won’t mind eating at the counter. It wasn’t until now that I realised I don’t have a table for formal dining occasions.”

Eyebrows raised, a quick glance around by Vyn confirmed that there was no other proper dining spot on the first floor. “Not at all.” The omega’s gold eyes then went to the busy alpha’s back. “How curious that it would be missing in the design though.”

The tips of the alpha’s ears reddened. “I must have missed it when picking out furniture. I don’t exactly entertain, so it has never come up until now.” It really was more of a bachelor pad set up. He tossed the kailan quickly for another moment before adding his prepared sauce. “I should probably look into it. It’s not like there isn’t space.” He subconsciously looked to his left where the floor to ceiling windows to the outside city nightscape could be seen unobstructed.

The silver haired man rested his chin in his hand, the other tucked on the counter as he watched the older man’s movements. “Only if you feel the need to. I do not mind sitting beside you here.” He was interested to see the other seeming a little embarrassed.

Artem continued frying for a little longer before turning everything off and finally plating the dish. As he turned around with the final dish and the wok to place in the sink, the attorney gave a slightly abashed crooked smile. “I can’t say that it is a particularly romantic home date set up though.” His cheeks gained a slight hue as he saw the psychologist brighten in obvious delight and the omega’s scent gain a subtle flush.

The younger man sat up and started speaking, wanting to downplay the happy feelings his pheromones were giving away. “Well, I would not say my own home has an intimate dining area.” Thinking of their previous meals shared at his house, he was startled to realise how natural it had all been. Unconsciously reaching out to help arrange the dishes and cutlery that Artem set out, Vyn then turned to look at the older man as he finally finished putting what needed soaking in the sink, put away his apron and then slipped into the seat beside him. “Actually, just looking back at all the times we have spent together, it is fascinating to see how… comfortable it has been, that I do not feel like I have struggled to make any particular adjustments.”

The brown haired man ducked his head slightly with a smile, turning it towards the other man as he passed him his bowl of rice. “I’m glad you feel that way.”

Vyn accepted his share and tilted his head in inquiry. “Is it not the same for you?” A nervousness fluttered in the omega’s heart as he asked. It would be terrible if he was the only one feeling that way. Was he perhaps being too selfish in this relationship? The older man had been very accommodating.

Artem took the time to think back, blue eyes looking in the distance for a moment in thought. His memories were of making the other man smile and laugh, occasions where he had wanted to reach out a touch but held back and quiet anticipation for a future where he wouldn’t have to anymore. A smile formed again on his lips which he turned gently to the waiting omega. “Well, I think I’ve mostly just been happy spending time and making memories with you.” His pheromones were of a contently pleased alpha.

As cedar, vanilla and lavender bloomed, suddenly feeling shy and his nerves becoming butterflies in his stomach, Vyn turned away from the gentle gaze to focus on the food. He hummed in acknowledgement of the others words though.

Artem tenderly observed the flush on the other man’s cheeks touched by soft silver hair he wanted to push back, the notes of increased bashfulness in the other’s scent and resisted the hurr wanting to come from his throat at having a happy omega beside him. He turned away before the omega’s shyness could overwhelm him into giving into the urge to touch.

Flicking golden eyes to the side to note the other was no longer looking at him, Vyn relaxed and feigned nonchalance to gain back his composure. “Tell me about these dishes and why you like them.”

Letting the other lead the topic change, Artem easily began sharing. “The sweet and sour pork ribs I initially learned…”

They had an easy dinner together, sharing their respective cooking and baking adventures. It also revealed a little about each of their home lives. Artem heard a little more from Vyn about growing up as the mixed blood Haspran heir. Vyn heard from Artem about growing up with two caring but mostly absent parents. They also shared some funnier memories and achievements they made which they cheered each other for. Vyn found fulfilment in being able to bring out his boasts to someone who was purely admiring and supportive, not angling for manipulative advantage. Artem gained a contented peace in having someone who was patiently listening and interested to hear more. There was no rush between either of them and they lingered over dinner and talked for longer than intended.

It was a little past 9pm by the time they stopped eating and Artem offered to pack some of the leftovers for Vyn’s lunch tomorrow, to which the psychologist accepted. It wasn’t as late as Artem usually watched a movie but later than planned for Vyn to go home afterwards. 

“It is fine, Artem. You are able to lend me a room for the night, are you not?” Vyn turned his head to the alpha behind him as they traipsed up the stairs with parfaits and snacks in hand. “My work schedule begins a little later in the day so there will be no issues for me to go home first in the morning after staying over.”

“I can certainly open the guest room for you again.” Artem agreed, then led the way to his home theatre. At the door he once more hesitated. Opening the room, he checked one more time with the smaller man. “You’re sure you want to come into my den?” The scent of marked territory and comfort wafted out. 

A subconscious awareness came alive in the omega’s mind that an alpha’s den was beyond the door. Vyn smiled at the alpha. He appreciated the other asking and the opportunity to set the boundaries clearly for this occasion. “I am sure. We are just here to watch a movie after all. Show me your selections again.”

Artem’s own alpha instincts of alertness settled at having the parameters made clear for both of them. He gave a nod of acceptance and walked in, indicating to the low coffee table and the lineup of films that he had sent Vyn earlier in the week on top of it.

He then turned on some dim lighting before closing the door to shut off the hallway light. “I thought you narrowed it down to the literary film or the historical romance?”

“You are not wrong. But I may think differently if I see the cases before me.” Vyn examined the cases, though perhaps not in the way Artem would have expected. The cases were well taken care of, with no obvious signs of which was most loved. A little disappointed, the omega popped open the cases to the disc inside and finally revealed the touches he had been looking for. A smile came across Vyn’s face to see a little sticky note stuck in the cover with little star ratings for storyline, cinematography, overall score and a personal score. A little note in the attorney’s handwriting also added what he particularly liked in each one and the mood it brought out in him.

“Have you made a choice?” Artem wandered over after setting fruits on the table, bringing out some drinks and setting up the system.

“Hmm,” the omega absently hummed in response, busy skimming over a third film’s summary and matching it to Artem’s note. The literary film had made the alpha contemplative and helped remind him to keep an open mind. The historical romance created wistfulness, pity and respect. A war film had admiration, tragedy and pride for needed work.

“You’re reading my notes?” the alpha finally noticed.

Vyn flashed him a quick smile before focusing back on the next case he picked up. “I said I wished to know you better, did I not? I like this bit of insight. And that you wrote what mood it created in you helps narrow down what I would like to watch. I do not believe I am up to thinking too hard tonight, so I believe the literary film is out. However, I would also prefer to watch something positive for the first time in your den. It would be better to associate the occasion with a nice memory.”

Artem nodded thoughtfully. “Okay.” He took a seat on the other’s left. “Then I would say your options would probably be best out of these three.” Artem tapped three cases. “You're free to keep looking through the cases, but these ones I think are more along the lines of what you are looking for. These two are more along the lines of cathartic happiness through achievements by the characters or story. This one,” here Artem hesitated a little, tapping the third case again, continuing a little quieter, “is a little more wistful but sweet. It’s about family. Going by what we’ve shared tonight, perhaps you’ll feel the same.”

Gold eyes having focused on the face of the older man as he gazed at the case in question, face soft, Vyn set the one in his hand down to reach for it. It was a literary work that used an interesting time lapse style of filming to follow the story of a young love growing into a family, the many drifting apart and then reunions that happen throughout a family’s progression until the cycle started again with the next generation.

As the alpha had said, he had written in his fountain pen, that it caused him wistfulness and sweetness. There was also warmth and, here Vyn squinted a little at a crossed out word, expectation.

He looked up at the older man, fingering the crossed word with a faint question in his eyes that he voiced. “You crossed out ‘expectation’?” There were a few reasons that expectation could be there. Even more that it was crossed out. The silver haired psychologist was careful to keep his face open and neutral, his scent just faintly curious.

Artem's eyes shifted to the side rather than meet the other’s golden ones. “Ah, well. As I have grown and seen more of other people’s relationships, I thought it would be better not to build expectations. Perhaps a better word now would be aspirations.”

Vyn looked contemplatively at the older man. The night had been one of revelations and reassurance, sharing stories of their past and easy companionship. He was glad he had asked for the other to share more of himself. It had showed how the other took his relationships seriously but was often uncertain of himself or self deprecating. There was a fragile heart before him like a flame buffeted this way and that by the wind that he wanted to cradle his hands around to help it stabilise and grow. He hoped he could. But first…

After a moment of silence blue eyes snapped to the silver haired man when he heard quiet chuckling. The omega was holding the case hiding his mouth but his honey eyes were gently mirthful and mischievous. “That is quite a reassuring thing to say to a prospective partner.”

Artem instantly flushed red. “Ah! I-I mean, there’s no pressure! I mean, I’m not expecting anything!”

Vyn laughed a little more and teased, “No, you are aspiring for a family of warm sentiment and sweetness!”

The attorney’s ears were burning . “Ah…” There wasn’t a way to save this. He buried his face in his hands before wet eyes narrowed at the smiling omega. Vanilla scent prominent in embarrassment, the alpha then moved to grab back the film case.

Startled by the sudden move, Vyn instinctively leaned back, pulling his right arm holding the film up and away behind him. 

Intent on his goal, Artem continued to lean forward, his right hand settled on the seat just behind the shorter man to steady himself as he reached and just about grabbed the case when he felt a slight pressure against his chest. Looking down, he froze to find himself in such close proximity to the psychologist, the other’s face right next to his, looking a bit stunned, the delicate fingers of Vyn’s left hand placed just below his collarbone, the cause of the light touch. They were only an inch or two apart, breaths soft and warm, the smaller one almost in the older man’s embrace. The scent of the two grew flush.

“Ah…”

At the exhalation of sound, Vyn averted his eyes down, skating from aqua eyes, over slightly dry, pink lips to his own pale fingertips just resting over the grey sweater on the broad chest. Perhaps he had teased a bit too much. He brought back the case a little closer, causing the alpha to start straightening in response, Vyn following, but his light touch firmed into a hand on the other as he spoke, causing the other to pause again. “It is not a bad thing to know you want to build a family with a warm atmosphere,” Vyn’s voice murmured lowly.

Artem closed his eyes irresistibly to the soft voice and heady mixed scent unfolding between them. “Hmm,” he acknowledged the other man’s words. Both were unconsciously curved towards the other, faces close but necks curved away keeping a delicate distance. Close enough to feel a radiating warmth. A rising heartbeat. An increasingly lush scent. But…

Not yet, was the line whispering in the back of Artem’s mind.

Not here, was the tingling awareness hovering in the forefront of Vyn’s.

A moment more and Vyn sighed and Artem took a breath. Vyn pushed even as Artem drew back. Vyn smiled pleasantly at the alpha, ignoring the heat in their scents as he held out the film case properly. “Put the film on, Artem.”

The alpha straightened and scooted back a little before accepting the case with a nod. He exhaled a quick breath before giving the other a crooked smile. “Okay.” He left the couch to busy himself, ears flushed.

Vyn took a moment to quiet his own butterflies, pouring some cool water and setting up the parfaits.

Artem finally dimmed the lights and took a seat a couple handspans apart from the other man. Both were a little self conscious and aware of the proximity of the other but tried to act natural as the movie began.

There was the quiet passing of snacks, a murmur of appreciation for the taste of the parfait.

Vyn watched the film, a cushion in his lap. He could see why Artem liked the film. It was beautifully made and poignant in its simplistic presentation. He could see how it would engender sentimentality and warmth. To the psychologist, he felt it a little more foreign than warm, but there was the wistfulness for the sweetness. He would probably want to watch it a few more times to learn how to be warm…

Two thirds of the way through the film, Artem noticed movement and looked over to see the omega having fallen asleep, tilting onto his right side.

“Vyn?”

The omega only frowned in response.

Artem knelt beside him on the couch. “You shouldn’t sleep here,” he intoned quietly. An omega sleeping in an alpha’s den was far more than they had agreed to. At being ignored, the alpha exhaled with a crooked smile, observing the tired lines on the other’s face, colours flickering over it from the lights on the screen.

He got up and paused the film before leaving the room.

Left behind, one gold eye lazily opened for a moment before closing again. He let his pheromones leak, a little closer to being actually asleep, a trace of a content omega in the alpha’s territory.

A little later, Artem returned, pausing at the fresh scent in his den, before squatting beside the smaller man again. “Vyn?” He rested a hand on the other’s arm.

Still not getting a response, Artem pardoned himself before taking off the other’s glasses, folding them into his shirt collar, then reaching out both arms. Sitting on the couch edge, he experimentally manoeuvred the slightly smaller man’s torso across his chest. Frowning slightly in thought at how the silver head might lose its support once he moved his arm to properly carry the other, he shifted a little to heft the other a little higher. Now the psychologist’s head rested on his shoulder as Artem had one arm around the middle of his back and arranged his other under his thighs. A quick check, and beyond a little restless shifting, the other showed no other reaction, going limp again.

Mentally, Artem mapped his next steps. Vyn might be smaller than him, but he was still a man of lean muscle. He had to also carefully move him through the doorways.

He had already prepared the way so Artem carefully braced himself, cradled Vyn close and moved. There were a few advantages to being a dominant alpha with his particular trait that he could use but at least on this occasion, the short distance he was to carry the psychologist was not too much of a hardship that he needed to utilise them.

In the guest room, he set the psychologist in the bed, the sheets already turned down, ready to receive the guest. Just before he fully lowered the other man flat, the brunette hesitated on seeing the large buttons on the shoulder of Vyn’s sweater. Lifting him up to rest against his front again, Artem quickly murmured “just going to remove your sweater so you can sleep comfortably, Vyn,” he then suited action to words, only getting a minor grumble of protest at the manhandling. Vyn was then finally lowered to the bed and covered. The sweater was folded and put aside with the clothes he had set out in case the other wanted something fresh in the morning to change into.

Artem finally set the glasses on the nightstand alongside the glass of water already there. He didn’t resist the urge this time to lightly brush back a few strands of silver hair, letting his wrist gland release a reassuring lavender, cedar scent. “Have a good rest, Vyn.”

As he left he heard a purr briefly sound behind him, and instinctively rumbled in response.

Left alone now, Vyn completely let go of his consciousness to deeper sleep, satisfied, comfortable, safe. This alpha was worth keeping.

In the morning, Artem awoke at his usual time. As he had his morning swim, he thought about what breakfast to prepare and when would be best to wake his guest. It was surprising then to find that Vyn was already awake, dressed in the loose long sleeve shirt Artem had set out for him, nursing a tea in his kitchen with another warm cup prepared for the alpha.

Squinting blearily at the older man, Vyn pushed the prepared cup over, juniper scent stronger than rose in disapproval. “It is almost winter, Artem. Why are you still swimming in the morning?”

Artem accepted the cup of hot honey, lemon and ginger with a faint smile crinkling the edges of his eyes. “A brisk swim is good for the body. I’m surprised you’re up.” He then changed to a look of concern. “Did you not sleep well?”

Vyn waved the concern away with a shake of his head. “My sleep was as usual.” Which wasn’t really an answer and he deflected any further worry with his next words. “My apologies, that I fell asleep in the middle of our date.”

This time Artem was the one to shake his head to negate the other’s words as he pulled out ingredients from his cupboards. “No need to apologise. The night was enjoyable and I wouldn’t blame you for needing to rest.” He flashed the other a reassuring smile before turning back to the cupboard. “What would you like for breakfast? Toast and eggs? Oatmeal? Congee?”

“I shall just have to make it up to you with another date, hm?” Vyn smiled tiredly behind his cup. “I would be amenable to some toast, if you would please.”

Artem proceeded to put away the other choices. “Would you like the egg scrambled, an omelette or as a french toast?” He added the last, thinking how the other seemed to have a bit of a sweet tooth like himself.

“French toast would be lovely.”

Sure enough. The alpha had a small smile, pleased with himself. As he proceeded to whip together breakfast, he continued their conversation. “You’ll be busy preparing to board the Pluto for the next while, won’t you?”

Half lidded gold eyes watched the other’s movement as he answered. “It is true there is still some preparation as we won’t know how long the investigation on the cruise will take so I have to organise my work beforehand. The majority should be finalised by the weekend, however, with only updates needed while I am on the cruise itself. I believe the training and work situation for Althea is the same. I believe Marius was still trying to convince the other two to visit the museum on the weekend before we part ways.”

“You make it sound like we’ll be apart for longer than a week rather than just for an investigation.” Artem’s tone was faintly amused.

It made Vyn decide to take up the teasing. “Are you saying that my absence will be felt, Artem?”

Artem looked over at the other consideringly before turning back to his heating pan. “I have grown rather used to being with you, so yes, I believe it will.”

Vyn was slightly taken aback by the light but serious tone.

“So do be careful on the Pluto. I know you said the threats to you had been taken care of but I still worry that you were targeted.”

The kitchen was filled with just the noise of Artem cooking for a while as Vyn digested the other’s words and sombre scent, thinking of how to reassure him.

“Out of all of us, I am probably the best protected considering I have a security detail. And as I mentioned previously, my father will have already made sure the Pluto poses no threat to me. There is nothing to worry about.”

The alpha nodded and grimaced slightly. “Sorry, to bring the mood down.”

“There is no need to apologise for expressing your worries. I appreciate that you can voice them.” It was in contrast to himself, who held his cards close to his chest. Vyn decided to shift the topic. “Speaking of worries though, I am concerned that Luke has been less communicative lately. I hope Marius and Althea will manage to persuade him to join them at the museum.”

Artem hummed in agreement as he plated his first slice of french toast. “Marius has also had a lot of pressure lately. They could all do with some stress relief.”

Vyn pulled out his phone. “Perhaps we can do something that can tip things in Marius’s favour.”

The brunette shot him a curious glance over his shoulder. “What are you thinking?”

Scrolling through his pictures, Vyn came across the one he was after. There was a sly smile in his voice as he shared his idea. “How do you feel about revealing that we have already been to the Three Kingdoms exhibition with one of our photos? In addition to reissuing the challenge?”

“And laying down stakes? I know it will be easy for you to fire Marius up and Althea will easily go along but can we be sure to catch Luke in it as well?” Artem had a questioning tone.

“If we can manage to strengthen the us versus them mentality perhaps. We could also utilise our prospective winner’s privilege to target them.” The psychologist thought out loud.

Artem plated another piece of toast and then suddenly chuckled, drawing the omega’s eyes. Setting another toast to fry before bringing the plate over to place some sliced strawberries and powdered sugar, he glanced at the curious psychologist with mirthful eyes. “I think I know the perfect thing to use for our winning goal. Do you remember what we were debating at the Oceanarium?”

After a moment of recollection, gold eyes lit up. The penguin debate! “That is perfect indeed. There is a little risk to our dignity in proposing it through their retaliation, but the results should be worth it. I shall post the picture and taunt them and you can bring up our desired prize.”

“Althea is going to end up being collateral.” Artem moved the french toast before the other.

Vyn absently accepted the plate, his hands then returning to his phone though his eyes continued to follow the other man. He continued their conversation with a smile. “She would make a very adorable penguin and would likely enjoy seeing Marius and Luke dressed up as so as well. But I wonder if we should stick to dressing them in tuxedos as per our debate or shall we increase the humiliation factor in order to create a bigger metaphorical push?”

“If it is the winner’s privilege to dictate what the other team has to do, technically there is no reason to restrict ourselves.”

“A valid point.”

“We just have to be wary of likely retribution, so being measured is probably the best course of action.”

“Also true.”

“So tuxedo photos with penguin hats in the penguin section of the Oceanarium is the safe bet for the sake of our debate. The extra push, if you want to risk it, could be the same but with the three in a penguin onesie instead.”

An image of an awkward Artem in a penguin onesie appeared in Vyn’s mind. The same image but with a pouting Vyn flashed through Artem’s mind at the same time. Cute , both thought.

“Ahem,” Vyn coughed, “I am willing to take the risk, if you are.”

Artem had returned to his pan already and the tips of his ears turned pink. “Sure.”

Both could probably guess what the other was thinking with the note of abashed warmth in each other’s leaked pheromones.

“Then our prize for winning shall be for the three of them to take pictures of themselves in the penguin section of the Oceanarium, first in penguin onesies and then in tuxedos. Are we in agreement?”

“Yes.”

With a faint smile, Vyn turned to his phone. “Then I shall begin.”

Artem hummed in acknowledgement.

Marius von Hagen: It would be good to unwind before Miss goes on the Pluto. Come ooooonnn!  10:39pm

Marius von Hagen: 10:39pm

Marius von Hagen: 6:52am

Vyn Richter: WintertoSpringAncientCostume.image 8:02am

Vyn Richter: It seems Artem and myself have beaten you to the exhibit. 8:02am

Marius von Hagen: What the-? Who are you and what have you done with Vyn? He’s never up this early. 8:04am

Vyn Richter: Ha. Ha. 8:04am

Althea Reader: Good morning, Vyn! It certainly is rare to have you up this early. 8:04am

Althea Reader: And that’s an amazing photo! When did you two go to the museum together? 8:05am

Vyn Richter: Thank you, Althea. I issued a challenge regarding the museum’s competition, did I not? I thought it best to carry through on my end. 8:06am

Vyn Richter: It turned out rather well, if I do say so myself. You three will have quite the challenge if you are wanting to surpass us. 8:08am

Vyn put his phone down as Artem sat beside him with his own plate.  “And so it begins.” He lifted his cutlery.

The older man nodded before deftly switching plates with the psychologist so that the freshly made french toast was before the other. “Then I’ll put through our bet in a moment. Eat while it’s hot.”

Gold eyes blinked at the manoeuvre. Silver brows turned complicated, warmed by the gesture but also sorry if he made the other feel he had neglected his efforts. He had been waiting for the alpha to join him. He decided to tease to make it clear. “What if I like cooled french toast?” He played at pouting slightly.

Artem paused from where he had been cutting into his plate and looked up to see the smaller man’s put upon childish expression. “Do you?”

The younger man lifted his chin and reached for the other’s plate. “I do not mind it. And I was the one to be distracted while waiting for you to join me, so I should reap the results of my actions.”

Artem pressed the retreating end of the plate down with his fingers so that it halted between them. “How about a compromise and we split one each from our plates.”

Gold eyes narrowed but eventually a smile formed. “I accept.” The two rearranged the toasts, but Vyn made sure to get the one where the top toast had already cooled, icing sugar melted, only made marginally warmer from the hot toast below.

Artem blinked at the other’s quick fingers and his hotter toast warming the one below with its fresh presentation. He shook his head with a faint smile of amusement. He wondered if there would always be these little scuffles of trying to treat the other better. The scent of the two in the air was sweet as the icing sugar on their toast.

He cut into his toast again. “I’ll need to go to work soon. Did you want to stay here a little longer? Or have me drop you off at home?”

Vyn chewed and swallowed his bite of sweet toast before answering. “I do not wish to make you late. I can organise a lift home.”

Artem nodded. “You can stay as long as you like. Just press the lock on the inside before you exit and it will latch behind you.”

It wasn’t long before both finished their breakfast with a little more conversation. Vyn insisted on washing up and directed the older man to start messaging the group to which the attorney obeyed.

As the attorney then busied himself gathering his things to go, Vyn returned to the messages to see they had successfully provoked the trio. Luke was still a quieter party than usual but at least he was engaging.

Finally, he was able to wave his phone at Artem who had gathered his coat and car keys. “We have achieved success. Or at least Marius and Althea have made plans for the weekend and Luke has not refused participation.” He hopped off the bar stool to step towards the alpha at the door.

Artem in a pale blue button up, dark blue grey classic suit and dark sapphire tie waited for the shorter man’s approach, black overcoat draped over his arm holding his briefcase. The other was still wearing the slightly oversized white long sleeve shirt with sparse black and red lines of colour across the chest and down the arms that Artem had set out for him on top of his own denim trousers. A smile quirked his lips up at the other’s news. “That would make it at least two occasions he will have to interact with the group then.”

“Indeed.” Vyn stopped before the other, hands clasped behind his back along with his phone and looked coyly up at the alpha. “And with them occupied for the weekend, shall we create our own plans to meet up? I feel I should make it up to you for falling asleep part way through the film last night. I assure you that the movie was engaging and I would certainly like to continue watching the rest of the film at another time. But perhaps you would also like to go out over the weekend?” His juniper rose scent was open and inviting.

Artem’s own scent was currently a steady cedar with vanilla and lavender sweetness of someone contented. “I would be happy to spend more time with you.” Blue eyes were gentle as the alpha smiled.

Vyn ducked his head at the direct and honest admittance as his pheromones heated slightly with lush rose. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to the other’s straight balls of affection. He looked up again and grabbed his dandelion scent scarf, stepping closer to the taller man. “Then I shall look up what events are happening and send you some choices. Let me know if there is something that piques your interest.”

He then proceeded to loop the scent scarf around the other’s neck. “Re-scent that for me and return it when we meet up.” He then took a hold of the overcoat, indicating he would help the other put it on. The omega then proceeded to finish straightening and arranging the fall and drape of the clothes and scarf.

Artem raised his eyebrows, surprised at the request, wondering if Vyn would be fine without the scent scarf for the next two to three days. He settled then to make an offer of exchange. Had they been of a closer, or rather confirmed, relationship, Artem might have just hugged him to scent the shirt he was currently wearing in warm, woody cedar and sweet floral. As it was… “Then feel free to take something else of mine in the meantime if you need.”

Vyn finally finished his fiddling with the scarf and drew his hands back while retreating a step to resist lingering. He raised a brow at the offer. “Blanket permission to take anything? How very trusting of you Artem.”

Artem tilted his head. “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be,” he said with his usual seriousness, eyes direct.

Hearing the honesty, Vyn turned his head away, though his scent gave away a little of how the comment pleased him. He spoke up before it could register too deeply and waved an arm in mock disapproval. “You are entirely too trusting, Artem. Be careful that it does not get taken advantage of. I should abscond with something unexpected just to teach you a lesson.”

Artem faintly smiled as he quickly checked his watch before looking back to the omega, the slight pink he saw fading from the other’s ears, beginning to turn towards the door. “If it’s you, I’ll look forward to figuring out what goes missing. As for others…” he paused in thought, hand already pulling the door open. His parents might get permission to take something but he would probably put limits as familiarity built shamelessness. Others were not close enough that they would even get an offer. He would probably just choose and give them something directly. Even the boys of NXX would have limits and he would feel the need to hover around Althea. Vyn was close and he had a measure of propriety. “I don’t think I would be so open with anyone else so as to give them free reign.” Stepping out the door, he looked back. “So you don’t have to worry.”

Artem was treated to the sight of a returning blush that bloomed on the Svartian’s cheeks and ears, though he lifted an arm to block it.

Feeling the growing heat in his face and trying to stifle the absolute delight his scent wanted to release and face wanted to form, Vyn tried to hide it while ushering the other man out the door. Fuck, he was happy. “Okay. Get ou- Go! You will be late. I’ll see you later. Good bye. ”

The taller man allowed himself to be pushed out of his own home, stifling his amusement, though the lightness in his scent likely gave him away. Hopefully it wouldn’t embarrass the omega too much by being hidden among cedar steady fondness.

The readily apparent fondness was not helping Vyn in his mortification at his lack of control in the face of happiness. The door clicked shut and he immediately took a moment to stand there with his burning face in his hands. Rose bloomed over juniper with just how pleased he was.

There was a smile stretching across his lips to know that he could be so trusted and liked, that the other treated him with different standards.

He should take revenge on the other for making him feel this way by taking his blanket or something.

Once he cooled down, Vyn stripped the sheets in the guest room and set it aside for the other to wash. He didn’t take Artem’s blanket in the end and resisted stealing his pillow. He finally settled on the pillowcase as just enough cheek but not going too far, and it was heavily scented with the other’s pheromones which was the whole point in the first place of taking something.

When Artem came home that night and went to bed, he discovered the missing pillowcase and laughed. He sent the omega a picture of the sad caseless pillow with the message he should have just taken it too.

Vyn sent back a picture of him lying down in bed already hugging a pillow with a familiar case, face half hidden in it with narrowed eyes and a reply saying next time he would go with his first thought and appropriate the blanket.

Artem saved the picture into his Vyn folder and wondered, hesitatingly if the other would want pictures of him too. But the alpha couldn’t figure out a natural way to take a picture of himself to send back so ultimately gave up and resigned himself to just a voice message. So with flushed ears, his gentle but slightly lower than usual baritone was sent to the omega.

Artem Wing: “Good night, Vyn. I hope you sleep well.” 11:26pm

Vyn Richter: Good night, Artem. 11:27pm

Vyn’s own ears were a little red. He was accumulating his own little storage of Artem related media and this one was definitely a keeper. 

He then put his phone away and rested his eyes, eventually falling into a light sleep with the help of sleepy alpha scent from his pillow.

Just a week and a half to go until December.

As the younger trio confirmed plans to go to the museum on Saturday, and making some vaguely ominous threats of what they would choose as their winnings against the other two, Artem and Vyn also made plans for a weekend trip. They planned to drive out to a nearby town and stay the night so they could browse the farmer’s market in the morning. Together they would spend some time browsing the local wares and offerings and also purchase any produce that caught their eye to which would be used to create a dinner where an invitation to the other three to have dinner together before they all went back to investigating on Monday would be extended.

Friday night, they had one more NXX meeting to check everyone was on track with work and Artem and Vyn told the others to keep Sunday night free for the planned dinner together. While Marius and Althea were instantly on board, Luke hemmed and hawed.

The two older men exchanged a concerned look out of view. Listening to Althea continue to encourage the young detective, they refrained from adding too much pressure, trusting the bond between the two would be sufficient to wear the young omega down. They kept their scents welcoming and openly invitational.

Luke’s scent was a little troubled. Vyn’s gums itched and Artem tongued one of his canines.

“Didn’t think you would turn down free food. And Artem cooked free food at that!” Marius goaded and enticed.

“That is very tempting. But if I’m going to use tomorrow to go to the museum, I may need Sunday to make up for it with the antique store and other assignments,” Luke excused.

“You’ll still need to eat dinner at some point though. Should I pack a box and bring it to you if you can’t make it?” Althea’s green olive eyes were concerned as she made the caring offer.

Luke’s lips smiled, embarrassed and he scratched the back of his head. “It would be amazing if you could pack a box but you better keep it with you and I’ll pick it up after since I’m not sure of my exact schedule.” His expression was sheepish. “That’s dependent on how my day goes though.”

“No need to worry, Luke. We will set aside some of the dinner for you if you can’t join us. Just let us know,” Artem assured while Vyn nodded agreement.

“I wish you all a good time at the museum tomorrow and good luck with your video entry,” Vyn smirked at the younger trio. “I believe you will need it.”

Marius scoffed. “No luck will be needed. Be careful that you don’t hype yourself up so much that it ends up just being a let down.”

“Your concern is noted. We have good reasons for confidence, however. But we can wait until after you have enjoyed the process yourselves and share over dinner. For now, good night all.” Vyn nodded good bye to everyone. Last to make eye contact with was Artem to which a fleeting smile passed over his lips to show he was looking forward to meeting up tomorrow.

They all separated and went home.

23/11/2030 1:46 pm Message Notification 1: You have been invited to a Tea Party!