Work Text:
Toooo hot! Way too hot!
Atsushi bemoaned as he popped open yet another button on his dress shirt, getting dangerously close to exposing more of his pasty skin than was work-appropriate. But it was the only thing he could think of to counteract the unseasonable warmth that had turned the office into a sweltering furnace.
A bead of sweat trickled down his brow, following the structure of his face, like a river through a winding canyon, until it plopped onto the case study he was correcting.
“Ummm… Kunikida,” he squeaked peevishly. “Is it all right if I open a window?” The blond Alpha raised a perfectly shaped brow, looking at him over the rim of his glasses.
“Seriously, Nakajima?! It’s October! If we open a window, we’ll all catch pneumonia." Atsushi blinked. Getting sick was the least of his worries, considering his skin felt in danger of searing clean off his musculature.
“Sorry, it’s just—” he looked around, hoping to find back up from Tanizaki, only to find the Beta hard at work trying to dislodge his parasitic Alpha sister. “so hot. Did someone turn up the thermostat?”
“No, it should be at a perfect 22 degrees. Unless someone…decided to upset the optimal temperature setting.” Kunikda turned and stared pointedly at Dazai, who, obtuse as always, was off in lala land talking to himself while making a wooden carving of a white cat and a black cat… kiss?
Atsushi averted his gaze as another heatwave had him crumpling against his desk. He let out a pained moan as his stomach twisted in on itself. It bubbled painfully, like he’d decided to play it risky and get extra spicy noodles. He grimaced.
Oh, just what I need… a tummy ache.
He’d been getting them almost daily for the last few days, each more painful than the last. “Kid, you ok?” Kunikda worried, deep voice warbling in the echoes of concern.
He let out a hot puff of air against his chin, mouth filling with saliva, as he tried to push himself up. His arms trembled from the strain, and he quickly gave up and braced himself on his desk.
Kunikda’s nose twitched as he crinkled his forehead. “Kid… hold on, I'll go get Yosano.” The Alpha took off in long strides towards the medical ward, leaving Atsushi to exhale loudly, fighting to control the pain. A harsh cramp ripped through his stomach, and he flinched, curling in on himself and pulling his quivering hands underneath him.
The young Beta struggled to lift his head and froze as he made eye contact with Dazai. The older Beta’s eyes were blown wide like two endless galaxies collapsing on themselves. Atsushi blinked slowly, another flood of heat encapsulating him, watching in idle horror as he brunette shot up, stalking towards him with an expression that made his stomach drop.
Dazai-san was looking at him like food. Like the other man was ravenous, and Atsushi was… a juicy steak.
Suddenly, the white haired man was out of his chair and scrambling back on his ass away from the terrifying predator. A breathy cutoff whimper was pulled from him as his back hit the couch and he swiveled looking for a way out, but it was too late.
A fresh wave of nausea overcame him, and he stifled a whine as the air was knocked out of him and he was slammed into the floor. A lanky body piled atop him, pinning his shoulders, and the white haired man threw his head to the side, squeezing his eyes shut as something pressed to his neck.
Obnoxious sniffing noises filled his ears, and he cautiously opened his eyes. Fluffy brown hair filled his vision. Dazai had slammed him to the floor, and now he was huffing and mouthing at his non-existent scent glands.
Atsushi whimpered as chapped lips brushed over his sore neck. Over the last few days, his neck had been painfully stiff. A strange, raised, red area had appeared, stinging to the touch, and no amount of ice or painkillers had alleviated it. If anything, the pain had only gotten worse over time.
Atsushi let out a breathless noise, trying to call for help, only to snap his jaw shut as he felt a tongue lap at the raised part of his neck.
“Omega…” Dazai breathed in amazement, and Atsushi felt his pulse drop. What was Dazai saying?
“No, not Omega. I’m a Beta! What are you doing?!”
“Hush, baby~” Dazai cooed in his ear, forcing a full-body shudder out of Atsushi. The younger Beta tried to force Dazai off, but the other man was strong, and Atsushi was too hot and too nauseous to fight back.
“Someone help—” he tried, thrashing his head only to meet Ranpo’s knowing grin. The detective didn’t seem concerned in the slightest, just continuing to munch on his donut while Dazai ripped open Atsushi’s only work shirt and continued to lather up and down his neck. The older man cooed sweetly to him, keeping him pinned as he mouthed along the Beta’s neck like a truffle pig on the hunt.
What are you doing, Dazai-san? I’m not an Omega or an Alpha, it’s not like you can bite me.
Chomp
“Owww what…?” Atsushi shrieked as Dazai's teeth…fangs? Sank into his neck, clamping down. He stiffened at the all-consuming pain, and then it was gone. His vision blurred, and his head fell limp as he melted into the floor. Curiously, he found it didn’t feel so bad being pinned anymore. Or maybe he was just too numb to feel anything.
He lay boneless, heavy, and feather light all at the same time, like he’d been turned into a rain-sodden cloud on a bright sunny day. The blazing, all-consuming fire melted away into soothing, wonderful warmth, and a strange, unfamiliar scent filled his nose, which was odd considering that as a Beta he had a relatively weak sense of smell, even with the tiger. The fragrance was floral and heady like the bloom of lilacs that flourished in spring outside the orphanage, but there was something else too, something tangy yet cloyingly, with a twinge of thick custardy vanilla.
“Good baby, good omega. Hmmmm~ smell so good.” Dazai sighed in utter delight, and Atsushi made his own happy, relaxed noise. Everything was all fuzzy, and his worries were so far away.
Purrr
Atsushi giggled, chest rumbling slowly and low, like a faulty engine. Wait, is that me… ?I’m purring. That can’t be right? I’m a Beta… only Omega’s can purr.
Dazai made a delighted noise, and suddenly, there was another rumbling chest voicing its contentment. Dazai’s purring? Dazai-san’s an omega?
It made sense, he guessed? He’d thought Dazai was a Beta, considering his neutral scent, but maybe he’d just been using blockers.
Blockers…bad! His brain demanded petulantly, and then he was prodding at Dazai’s neck, sneaking under his bandages until he found a plasticy texture. He dug his nails beneath it and ripped the patch off.
The room filled with the smell of ripe peaches and hearty sweet cream. Atsushi shuddered, eyes rolling back in sensory bliss. It was the best thing he’d ever smelled. And it was coming from his mentor. His purring Omega mentor, who was still pinning him and happily scenting him like a love-sick kitten.
“Good ‘mega. My good baby,” Dazai encouraged, lifting his head to face Atsushi. His smile was impossibly wide, lips slightly red. The brunette’s eyes were nearly all pupil and so deep Atsushi feared he would drown. But Dazai’s words stirred something, a feeling of longing. Atsushi's chest stuttered in its rumbling.
I’m an Omega?
That couldn’t be right. All his life, he’d been told he was a Beta. Just a boring old waste of space, Beta. He just knew he couldn’t be an Omega. The meeker of the designations was treasured and beloved by all. And none of that described Atsushi. He was a burden and a monster. Not to mention, Omegas were beautiful, ethereal creatures, and he was just plain ugly. Not a precious gift to be exulted, but rather a beast to be brought to cull.
And he didn’t mind being a Beta. He didn’t have to deal with being scent-overloaded, or Alpha commands, or with heats and ruts. Plus, he’d never presented. Alphas and Omegas always presented before they turned 18. So, if he were an Omega he’d know by now.
“Stand back!” Yosano’s voice boomed, and Atsushi trembled, arms wrapping around Dazai’s waist in his shock.
“That’s enough, Dazai!” Kunikda demanded, his voice growing louder with each word. “Get off the kid right now!” Dazai froze mid nuzzle, and his purring ceased, replaced by a blood-curdling growl. Mentally, Atsushi knew he should be reacting to an Omega’s defensive call, yet somehow instinctively it didn’t register as threatening. Instead, the “Beta” pressed closer, squeezing his Omega flush to his chest.
“Come on, Dazai, stop this nonsense.” The growling grew louder as Kunikida attempted to pull the older man away.
“My omega!” Dazai hissed, ripping out of Atsushi’s hold to lunge at Kunikida. Atsushi watched in hazy horror as the Omega clamped his jaw around the bespectacled man’s hand. The blond grunted in pain, struggling to push Dazai away as the brunette ground his teeth into the muscles and tendons, until rivulets of blood streamed from the wound onto Dazai’s already bloodied lips.
Atsushi’s hand drifted to his own bite, and he winced at the wetness and size of the wound. Dazai really took a chuck out of me, he thought numbly. He refocused on the violent scene in front of him, panic beginning to really set in. He didn’t want to see members of his pack fighting. And he needed Dazai back, he needed the comfort and safety that came from being cradled by an older omega.
A terrified, unfamiliar noise, something more animal than human, escaped him. Atsushi blinked, dumbfounded; he couldn’t remember ever making a noise like that before. It sounded almost like a pup's call. He’d heard children in the orphanage make similar noises, calling for a parent that would never come. He’d never bothered to call out for a parental. No one would’ve heeded his call anyway; he’d only be punished for it.
Dazai's whole form stiffened, and he released Kunikda, allowing the blond to stumble back, clutching his dripping hand to his chest. The Omega turned to Atsushi, mouth open, his eyes whited out, watery blood staining white teeth and dripping down his chin and neck. A soothing croon filled the room as the taller man clambered back atop Atsushi, snaking his hands around his torso and hugging him, all while scenting his face and neck obsessively.
“Just leave them,” Yosano demanded. Or at least he thought it was Yosano, from the tell-tale clack of heels. Dazai let out a low, earthy grumble, though not nearly as threatening as the last. “Oh shut it, mama bear! I’m not gonna hurt your pup, I just want to check in with Atsushi.” The white-haired man turned his head towards her, watching as the doctor crouched down a few feet away.
Dazai gave a short warning growl, but didn’t indicate that he’d try to bite the Alpha woman. Instead, he paused in his scenting to stare her down, waiting for any attestation that she was a threat. “Atsushi… how are you feeling?” Atsushi opened his mouth to answer, but could only whine as a wave of pain wracked his stomach, followed by Dazai meticulously petting his hair, as though that would somehow mollify him. “Ah, I see.” Atsushi tried again, mouth filling with drool.
“I… ahhh… hot… hurts?” Yosano hummed.
“That’s alright, Atsushi, don’t force yourself. Let me see if I can help clear things up for you.” The shorter man managed a weak nod, and Dazai, dismissing Yosano as a non-issue, returned to the crook of his neck, mouthing over his wound. “See, Atsushi, Omegas between the ages of 12-16 go through a presentation heat. During this time, their scent glands emerge and they experience a non-sexual preheat.” Yosano paused, searching his eyes, and Atsushi blinked back slowly.
What is she saying…
“Congratulations, Atsushi-kun, you’re an Omega!” The white haired boy made a pained noise. An Omega! He was way too old to be going through a presentation heat. “You're probably wondering how that’s possible? You see, you’re quite the rarity. My best guess is that your previous environment wasn’t conducive to presentation. So your omega probably didn’t feel safe emerging. Thus, your presentation was delayed.”
Yosano paused, her face melting into something proud. “I’m so happy you feel safe with us, Atsushi! And I hope you know that we are happy to welcome another Omega into our midsts. As you can probably tell, Dazai, the agency’s only other Omega is very happy you're presenting.”
“Dazai… omega?” He stuttered, and Yosano cooed to him like he was an adorable kitten.
“Yep, he keeps it hidden. Though now I guess the cat's out of the bag.”
“Why… he… on me?” Not that I mind. At this point Atsushi couldn't deny that he was enjoying the older man's attention. It was everything he could have dreamed of to have his crush lathing all over him. It made Atsushi's cheeks burn and his heart swell with the desperation to return the affection.
“Oh, my best bet is he smelled you presenting and it triggered some internal omega protective mechanism. It’s standard practice for an older Omega, typically a parent or relative, to step in and claim a newly presented Omega,” She eyed Kunikida skeptically, and he scowled, pressing a napkin to his wound. “It’s usually to ward off unwanted Alpha attention. And to show that despite presenting, a Baby Omega is not ready to be mated,” she chuckled to herself. And Dazai let out another rumbling growl. “Looks like Osamu fancies himself your Omega. The best thing you can do is just let him do what he wants while you ride out your presentation.”
Yosano grew quiet, and she stood up, leaving Atsush to process. I’m an Omega, and I’m going through heat. I’m an Omega. Dazai’s an Omega, and he claimed me. Does he like me… or is it just instincts? Maybe he feels the same way?!
“What is going on here!” The president yelled, concern rife in his voice. Dazai stiffened on top of Atsushi at the sound of the older Alpha.
“Ahhh… President, you arrived just on time. Atsushi’s just started his presentation heat.” Ranpo's voice called out, though Atsushi couldn’t really see anything from where Dazai had moved to obstruct his vision. His stomach twisted again, and sweat pooled on his brow. Pain still throbbed dully in his stomach, but with Dazai’s coddling and warmth, it had become bearable.
“His heat…?” Fukuzawa probed.
“Yep, turns out little Atsushi is a late bloomer. But don’t worry, Dazai’s got it taken care of. Not that we could remove him if we wanted.” The room remained silent, just Atsushi’s weak breaths and Dazai’s powerful purring to fill the void.
“Everyone out!”
“But President…” Kunikida began.
“Out. Leave the Omegas be. Osamu will act as Atsushi’s caretaker for now. They aren’t to be bothered until Atsushi has fully presented. Everyone is dismissed for the day.”
“Smart choice.” Yosano approved, “I’m not sure how long it will last. With a normal presentation, it’s typically only a day, but this is uncharted territory, so it may be shorter or longer. We can reassess when the Omegas are back to normal.” The office was filled with murmurs of approval, followed by the sound of shuffling feet. Leaving Atsushi in the care of his overbearing Omega.
Dazai’s scent permeated his very being; every breath filled his lungs with the smell of peaches and cream. But as pungent as it was, Atsushi didn’t mind. It was a comforting smell, one that garnered feelings of safety and protection.
He knew he was safe within his Omega’s arms, and maybe for the first time in his life, he felt truly wanted. Dazai let out a low croon before shifting so he was pressed against Atsushi’s side, holding him to his chest while he nestled in his neck. Time passed unbeknownst to him as Dazai brooded. Much to the younger Omega’s relief his stomach pain had nearly vanished, just the occasional grumble.
“Hmmmmm. So proud of you. Been waiting for so long. Such a good Omega… presenting for me,” Dazai rasped, pressing wet lips to his cheek dangerously close to his mouth. Atsushi smacked his lips nervously as he got a fresh noseful of peaches. “Baby, so cute… just wanna gobble you up!” Dazai repositioned, one leg thrown possessively over the younger Omega’s waist to corral him closer, so they were face to face. The brunette’s eyes were glazed in euphoria as he smiled dumbly and leaned in closer to rub their noses together.
Atsushi blinked sleepily and returned the smile. Oxytocin saturated his blood, and a profound fatigue settled in, making the white-haired man struggle to keep his eyes open. Dazai preened at him, eyes glinting with mischief and something unreadable. The brunette inched nearer, so close; hot, moist breath puffed against his mouth.
Atsushi let his eyes fall shut and his lips open. Then Dazai was closing the distance. The younger man shuddered as warm, chapped lips slotted against his, soft at first, almost experimental, as if Dazai were both gauging his reaction and familiarizing himself with the shape of his lips.
Dazai-san is… kissing me? Dazai-san is taking my first kiss…
The realization rang like a bell, cutting through his hazy brain. His heart pounded against his ribs, and he was caught in the delicious juxtaposition of disbelief and an unbearable sense of pure pleasure.
He’s an Omega… and he’s kissing me.
The experience was so surreal Atsushi couldn’t even come to the bleary conclusion that Omegas did not kiss other Omegas. It was unnatural and yet somehow it felt like the most natural experience in the world.
Dazai’s lips moved with a languid patience, unhurried, like savoring a secret pleasure. His mouth dragged lazily against Atsushi’s, coaxing rather than demanding. It was unbothered, like a cat basking in sunlight, like Dazai had all the time in the world to kiss him stupid.
In his shock, the newly presented Omega nearly forgot how to breathe. But then instinct took control. His response was tentative at first, then bolder as desire fueled him. Dazai babbled excitedly, kissing back harder. Their lips slid together, an easy rhythm forming, wet and soft and dizzying.
Every time their mouths parted only to meet again, it left a subtle sting of want, a ghost of absence that begged to be filled. Almost like for the first time, he was truly living in completeness, being honest to his true self. The white-haired Omega’s fingers twitched with the urge to touch, to hold, to claim Dazai as his; mind, body, and soul.
Dazai hummed low in his throat, a sound that vibrated against his lips and sent shivers down his spine. When their lips finally stilled, it wasn’t an ending but a pause, heavy with the promise of more. Their breaths mingled in the scant space between them. Dazai stiffened, pulling away from Atsushi as his eyes flitted nervously.
“I’m sorry to intrude,” A sweet voice called, and Dazai relaxed.
“Hmmm, just a pup,” the brunette explained, before pulling away and sitting up to ‘greet’ their visitor. Atsushi released an unhappy, mindless noise, taking the opportunity to sit up finally.
A small figure hovered in the doorway, clutching something to her chest.
Kyōka.
Her cheeks were faintly pink, but her expression remained calm, steady as always. “I… brought some nesting supplies,” she said quietly, holding out the bundle of soft fabrics and cushions. “If you’d like them.” For a long moment, Dazai didn’t move. His sharp eyes narrowed, that catlike suspicion flickering across his face as he took in both her and the bundle. The atmosphere grew stiff until Kyōka shifted faintly under the weight of his gaze. Only then did Dazai exhale, tipping his head toward Atsushi. A wry, calculating smile tugged at his lips.
“Mm… generous, aren’t you? Well,” he murmured, eyes flitting back to Atsushi’s, “I suppose it’s safe enough.” He rose with unhurried grace, stepping toward Kyōka, before taking the supplies. Then he paused, inclining his head and sniffing lightly before leaning in and brushing his wrist along her neck, leaving his honeyed peach scent all over her.
Luckily, Kyōka was still unpresented; she smelled milky and neutral like all pups. And that meant Dazai wasn’t threatened. Atsushi let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know what he’d do if Dazai tried to attack her. “That’s enough from you, little pup,” he said, shooing her lightly with a flutter of his fingers. “Off you go.” The girl didn’t argue; she just set the bundle down and slipped out silently.
Dazai picked up the stack of fabrics and walked back over, while Atsushi propped himself on his forearms, sweating like a pig. The brunette smiled assuringly at him and dropped the materials before crouching by the pile, spreading the fabrics out with unusual care. “Baby~” His voice dropped, playful and coaxing, as though speaking to a child. “Gonna make you a good nest.” He smoothed one blanket flat, layered another atop it, then fluffed the cushions into a soft circle. His movements were methodical, almost ritualistic, but tinged with hesitance, like it was somehow difficult. “Come’ere, Baby, gonna teach you.” Atsushi blinked, fighting back another wave of cotton settling in his brain.
“I…I don’t even know if I’m doing it right.” Dazai chuckled, patting the growing mound of fabrics.
“That’s why you have me, silly Baby Omega. You’ll learn.” His long fingers tucked the edges just so, moving with practiced ease to position the blankets properly. Atsushi admired the work in progress, sniffing the air and catching a whiff of some of the other agency members. Kunikda’s orange and sandalwood. Tanizaki and Naomi’s unique blueberry and mint scent. Ranpo’s caramel and chocolate, Yosano’s sour grape, and the boss’s bergamot and lemon.
Atsushi felt his chest warm and his eyes water; they had scented the materials for him. He’d get to present surrounded by the scents of his pack. “See? Fold the blanket like this. And this pillow here. Go on, try it, Baby. You’ll probably do better than me, I haven’t nested since I first presented, and that was like a decade ago.” Flustered, Atsushi obeyed, his hands sinking into the fabric. The softness enveloped him, and something deep inside loosened, soothed by the simplicity of the movements.
Dazai’s eyes softened as he watched, though his lips curved in their usual playful grin. “There, there… look at you. My silly Baby Omega. Think it's good enough?” He ruffled Atsushi’s hair with a fondness mixed with an undertone of possessiveness. The younger man nodded his agreement, looking at the cozy setup in awe.
Atsushi’s throat tightened as warmth spread through his chest. For once, he didn’t resist the tug of comfort. Instead, he let Dazai guide him down into the nest. He purred at the feel of soft fabrics and the soothing combo of so many safe scents. Though the smell of peaches was the strongest.
Dazai crawled in after him and clambered back into position against his side, wrapping his hands and legs around Atsushi's chest and back as he nuzzled into his bloodied scent gland. A warm breath puffed against his ear as Dazai nuzzled his cheek, mixing their scents: Fresh lilac and peach. “Such a good Omega. Hmmm… time to sleep. Growing Omegas need their rest,” he encouraged, and Atsushi found it hard to argue when he already felt so sleepy.
Within a few moments, he was melting into the ground and falling asleep, cradled like something precious, and still warm but not too hot.