Chapter Text
Giyuu couldn’t breathe. Shinazugawa was approaching… no it couldn’t be for him. One of the main characters must be near. His eyes widened when murky lavender locked onto his…
“Lord Tomioka!”
Shit!
The omega kept his poker face, barely, as he turned to face Douma. He couldn’t say the man was unattractive, but there was just something about him.
“Lord Douma.”
Oh… Giyuu glanced between the two alphas. What the hell was going on? He could feel the fur on his ears and tail rising at the tension between the men.
“Ah, Lord Shinazugawa. Did I not say Lord Tomioka was a beauty?”
Wait… what?
The wolf let out a low growl before moving a step closer. “I agree. Truly a handsome omega. It would be a shame to treat him like a collectable,”
Collectible? Excuse me, where the hell is the storyline? Aren’t they supposed to be fighting over some pretty little omega?
Douma smirked. “Well, Shinazugawa. I believe I was here first.” The man turned towards him. “Lord Tomioka, such a delightful surprise to see you again,”
Hell nah. He didn’t know what was happening, but he wanted no part of this.
He tilted his head. “Sorry, have we met?”
Shinazugawa burst out a barking laugh. Damn, he really was gorgeous and wow… his scent. It was just like those moments before a storm. Fresh wind with a touch of rain… he was so glad he dumped that ridiculous tea.
Douma paled. “Surely you jest? I approached you a short time ago. In town?”
“Oh,” He tapped his chin, pretending he had to think hard to remember. “Ah, you blocked me from my custard pancake!”
There were more giggles as other guests overheard the conversation. Douma’s smile was cracking. “Yes, you were very keen on the pancake that day. Perhaps now I can interest you in a dance,”
Giyuu blinked. He couldn’t exactly say ‘I can’t dance’ after that obvious display with the pups.
Shinazugawa cleared his throat. “Perhaps you would grace me with a dance,”
He turned and glanced behind him. Mitsuri was already dancing with that Iguro fellow. Kanae was chatting with a group of ladies… and the two lions were together.
“Lord Tomioka?”
Oh… he stared at them, his expression blank. “Wouldn’t you prefer some pretty omega? You know, someone you want to court?”
The two alphas stared at him before Douma released a bell like chuckle. “Oh, my precious omega. Such a sense of humour. Don’t you agree Shinazugawa?”
“Yeah. I guess,”
“Forgive me gentlemen, but I believe Lord Tomioka might prefer a dance with me instead,”
“Or me,”
Alright, what the hell was going on? Who were these… Thomas, alpha, horse… George, alpha, weasel… alright so there were not lords but was he supposed to know who they were?
“Forgive me George, but I asked him first,”
“Please, you are hardly worth such a stunning omega’s time,”
He felt his eye twitch.
“Both of you are not worthy of such a creature!” Another male turned up and Giyuu wanted to cover his nose at the strong salt like scent that invaded his space. Like rotten seaweed baking in the sun. The title popped up above the man’s head. Lord Gyokko, alpha, Stork. “An omega this rare deserves an alpha of excellent bloodline. Besides I am sure when his cycle comes, he will want a large knot,”
Excuse me? Did he seriously just start a size comparison? In front of all these people!
“Oi, watch yourself Gyokko. This is not the place for such talk,” Shinazugawa’s vein on his forehead was throbbing.
“Agreed, a little vulgar. Besides, I was the one who asked first!” Douma had pulled out his golden fan, snapping it shut in his hands.
“Can I….” Giyuu tried to interject but was cut off immediately.
“What does that matter? Lord Tomioka is clearly uncomfortable with this situation. A delicate omega needs to be treated with care,”
He was only uncomfortable because these idiots wouldn’t shut up.
“Agreed,” Douma smiled brightly. “A large, comfortable estate where he can be protected from the world. Have pups as is his position in life,”
Pups! Position! Giyuu could feel rage burning his insides.
“Omegas aren’t property Douma!” Shinazugawa snarled.
Yes, thank you!
“Look…” Giyuu tried to speak again.
“Of course they are!” Gyokko snapped. “Tomioka needs an alpha who can teach him his place!”
Alright, that did it!
“Hey!”
Giyuu blinked, surprised to find the pups storming to his side. Yuichiro was baring his teeth at the group surrounding him.
“My cousin does not need to be taught his place!” The young alpha pushed in front of him.
Tanjiro appeared next to him. “That’s right. Our brother doesn’t even need an alpha. He’s plenty strong on his own.”
“And if anyone tries to lock him away, we will tear them apart,” Muichiro stated calmly, his eyes colder than ice.
Giyuu felt warmth spread through his body. His pups were protecting him.
There was a nervous giggle as Nezuko stepped in between the groups. “I understand you all would like to spend time with our brother, but please remember it is etiquette to let him respond.” There were shuffles as the males grumbled. The little omega smiled. “Brother, is there someone you would like to dance with?”
Right now, he’d rather kiss a frog than dance with any… scrap that. Considering this world was full of animal hybrids, he didn’t want to test fate.
Douma coughed politely, waving his fan a little. “I have an easy solution to our dilemma. Since I asked first, it is only fair that I get the first dance. Then if Lord Tomioka can bear to part from me, he can dance with Lord Shinazugawa second,”
The wolf alpha growled low in his chest while Giyuu raised a brow. What an arrogant piece of shit! Did he really think he could compare to Shinazuagawa? Those shoulders, that waist, those large, thick arms and legs. A slight layer of fat that probably softened his pecs to a divine level of comfort and probably a nice sized… damn it Giyuu. Get your head in this game and out of that man’s pants. The villain doesn’t score the hottie.
“And what of the rest of us?” Gyokko asked coldly.
“That depends on our brother,” Tanjiro smiled, eyes bright with annoyance. “He may decide on more partners,”
“Or he may prefer a custard pancake,” Muichiro stated with a deadpan expression.
Giyuu burst into laughter along with the pups at the looks that comment received. Between Douma’s sour, icy sneer, to Shinazugawa’s small smirk and the sheer dumbfounded confusion on the others, he couldn’t help himself. He quickly sobered up though, when the writing above the men changed from love interest to protentional suitor. What? Did something happen behind him?
Douma held out his hand, his face back to that hated false smile. “Now, shall we, my pet?”
He debated jabbing him in the eye before he glanced at the pups. If Giyuu caused a scene, he could ruin the evening… he sighed internally and took the offered hand.
“One dance Lord Douma and then I will accept Lord Shinazugawa for the next,”
“What about…”
“I will decide after,” He cut off Gyokko. No way in hell was he going to accept a dance with that man. The smell alone….
Douma pulled him back to the dance floor. “As feisty as you are beautiful,”
Yeah, he really wanted to scratch his eyes out.
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Sanemi found himself unable to unravel his thoughts. Tomioka had been cold, strange, calculating and yet here, he was soft, warm, sassy… and when he laughed… it was like time slowed. The crinkled eyes, the dimple that appeared on his right cheek. His brightness went from the soothing gentleness of the moon to the blazing intensity of the sun. His blood burned when Douma took the omega into his arms for a dance. Every instinct screamed at him to charge in, pull Tomioka into his hold… but he hated the old Tomioka? Didn’t he?
“Sanemi?”
“Hey Ma,”
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine ma. Lord Tomioka promised me the next dance,”
“I see.” He could feel his mother’s eyes boring through him. “You really are interested in him,”
That was the issue. Sanemi had never felt a desire like this with anyone and yet, he couldn’t forget the way the omega acted before. The alpha clicked his tongue. “I don’t know,”
Shizu hummed as the man was spun by Douma. “Then you should speak to him. If he is the omega for you, fight for him.”
“Tsk,”
Sanemi crossed his arms over his chest as he observed the crowd. Many eyes were on Tomioka. The omega’s rare features, his class, his wealth made him an excellent choice to court. Could he really compete with so many? Did he even fucking want to? Could a man change so drastically or was the cold demeanour from before an act to attract a powerful mate?
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“You are an elegant dancer my pet,”
Giyuu was struggling to keep control. Every fibre in his body was revolted by this man. He repressed a shudder as a hand grasped his waist.
“You know I have many estates and should you accept my offer for courtship, you would be my official mate. The grand estate would be all yours,”
He raised a brow. “Official mate?”
The man laughed, that creepy fake smile plastered to his face. “An alpha of my bloodline deserves the best. There are some who cannot resist my charm, although they are not of high enough status to become a mate,”
“They are the collectibles Shinazugawa mentioned?”
This caused Douma’s eye to twitch. Barely, but Giyuu was a master at resting bitch face. “Well, I have enough wealth and property to keep them happy. Their families are paid a fair amount.”
“You purchased them?” The sickening feeling in his stomach grew.
“Of course not, my pet. I offer a high dowry to keep them as my concubines. If their family accepts, how is that my fault?”
What kind of twisted logic was that? Was this freak even mentioned in Mitsuri’s story? Surely, he had to be a villain character? Even worse than the original Tomioka and yet he was branded the outcast? What sort of twisted logic was that?
Giyuu hummed like he was thinking. “I guess I could consider you as one of my mates,”
Douma burst into laughter “Oh, now you wish to play hard to get.” He clenched his teeth as the alpha leaned close to his ear. “If you become mine, I will never share you with another,”
Right! Giyuu stopped dancing, yanking his hands away as if burnt. “Let me see if I understand this,” He snapped, drawing attention from the crowd. Douma frowned, pulling out his fan from his jacket. “You have a collection of concubines, yet I cannot have multiple mates?”
“Well, alphas often have more than one mate.” He coughed, waving his fan. “Perhaps, we can discuss this in private,”
“I see nothing to discuss!” Giyuu straightened his posture, giving him a flat stare. “I am not a collectible for your amusement. Now excuse me, I promised the next dance to Lord Shinazugawa!”
He stomped across the floor, stopping briefly to pat the pups on their heads when they gathered to check on him. “I’m alright,” He murmured, waving them off. “Go and enjoy yourselves,”
Giyuu spotted Shinazugawa approaching, a small smirk on his face. “What?” He snapped at the alpha.
The man clicked his tongue. “Just impressed. Don’t think any omegas told Douma to fuck off before.”
“Well, maybe more should.” He mumbled, offering his hand. “Shall we?”
“Would love to,”
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Sanemi admired the omega in his arms. Not only was he stunningly beautiful, but he was smart, strong-willed, good with pups and not afraid to stand up for himself. But his mind couldn’t help remembering the strange figure in the cloak… the rude, cold creature that was only interested in the highest of society… yet he rejected Douma, one of the richest lords…
The alpha’s hand gripped that tempting waist a little tighter, causing those pretty blues blink at him.
“You are hard to read Tomioka,”
“Am I?”
“Yeah,” He spun the man gently before pulling him back into his hold. “I can’t quite figure you out,”
Tomioka raised a brow. “I think I am easy to understand, Shinazugawa,”
He chuckled low in his chest. “That I doubt. Omegas are usually submissive or at least pretend to be,”
“So, I’m just supposed smile prettily and be flattered because an alpha dared to notice me?”
Sanemi growled. “I didn’t say that.”
“Perhaps you prefer a collectible? Quiet, submissive, fake?”
“That is not what I was saying either!”
The omega’s voice was icy. “Then what are you saying Shinazugawa? Speak plainly or don’t speak,”
That did it. He yanked the man closer, until it was barely appropriate. “What game are you playing Tomioka?” He snarled.
The omega glared at him, scent starting to smell like burnt pastry. “I’m not playing any games,”
“Really? So, I’m supposed to believe you are a changed man? One fainting spell and suddenly you are this wonderful omega. Sweet, great with pups? You judged Douma for having a collection and yet rumour was you were throwing yourself at multiple suitors too.”
Giyuu showed his teeth, ears flattening on his head. Sanemi ignored it, continuing to hold him. “It is a simple thing Tomioka. Are you a changed man or is this some kind of act to gain a better position, because I have no interest in a mate like that…”
The omega’s face went completely blank as they came to a stop. The two continued to hold each other’s gaze before Giyuu shoved his hands away. “Thank you for the dance, my Lord!”
The alpha raised a brow at the venom behind that word. “Tomioka?”
The man held up a hand. “No, please. I would hate to for you to think I am seducing you for your position,”
“That’s not what…”
“That is exactly what you were implying, now if you will excuse me, I think it’s time for some entertainment.”
“Hah? What the hell?”
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Giyuu was done! These arrogant, meat-headed alpha fools. He stormed off the dance floor. How dare they! This fucking game was just like those period dramas Tina went on about. Where the women were expected to be demure and subservient to future husbands, except in this world the omegas took that role. Covering their glands, being paraded around to capture a wealthy alpha or beta. Forced to accept if their mate wanted more than one partner, while they played the happy little omega waiting at hom. Well, fuck that and fuck them!
“Brother, are you alright?” Tanjiro was reeking distress.
“I am fine Tanjiro. I just need to play something,”
“Brother, please calm down,” Nezuko was chewing her lip.
No. He would not calm down. It was bad enough that Douma thought the offer to be one of his playthings was such a temptation, but then Shinazuagawa dared to insinuate he was trying to seduce him for his position. Granted, he found himself eyeing the man a few times over the night, admiring his physique, but as if he would date such an asshole!
“Ah, it appears my Lord has decided to bless us with some entertainment,” Murata called out, jumping onto the stage as Giyuu sat stiffly at the piano. “Giyuu please, remember this is an important event,”
Yes, it was important… in showing these arrogant, shallow, empty minded alphas that he was not their plaything. Perhaps he could lean into the villain title a little. Just enough to send a clear fuck you!
He took a deep breath, the song coming to his mind easily. Technically he knew this was a bad idea, a clear insult to certain alphas but he couldn’t resist the pull of the music... the one thing that even death could not take from him. His hands moved swiftly over the keys as he started to sing, throwing as much contempt as he could into the words.
You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht (*)
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf it was apricot
He could already feel the confusion in the room; the song was unknown in this world… excellent.
You had one eye in the mirror, as you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
They'd be your partner and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
There were gasps at the words, so Giyuu put even more soul into the song.
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Sanemi’s jaw tightened. Was that little shit calling him vain? He caught a brief flash of blue before the omega turned his focus back on the piano.
You're so vain (you're so vain)
I bet you think this song is about you
Don't you, don't you?
“Sanemi, what did you do?
“Yeah bro. He sounds pissed!”
The alpha spun, glaring as Masachika, Tengen and his mother surrounded him. “How is this my fault?”
“You were the last one dancing with him and now this?” Shizu tilted her head to the piano.
“Nemi, what did you say to him?” Masa’s brow was furrowed.
Why was everyone assuming this was his fault?
“Tsk,” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I just asked him if the personality change was an act because I’m not interested in a mate who just wants a title.”
The three groaned as the omega continued the song.
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain, you're so vain
I bet you think this song is about you
Don't you don't you, don't you?
Tengen sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair. “Alright. I’ll see if there is anything I can do to turn this mess into something flashy,”
The alpha headed back towards their group. Great, he would tell them everything.
“Sanemi, what were you thinking?” Shizu was frowning up at him, hands clasped tightly. Masachika gave him a look of pity.
“I…” Sanemi stared at the ground in shame. “I don’t know. I told him he was hard to read because most omegas were submissive.”
“Oh son. Why would you start with that?”
“You told me to get to know him!”
“But not insult him,” The little omega rubbed her brow.
“I didn’t mean to! It just came out wrong,”
Well, you're where you should be all the time
And when you're not, you're with some underworld spy
Or the wife of a close friend, wife of a close friend and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain (so vain)
Damn it, that fucking song!
Masachika raised his hands. “Look I’m sure this was just a misunderstanding. We know Nemi has never looked down on omegas,”
Sanemi was still staring at his feet. He knew he fucked up. His damn temper and trust issues broke through.
Shizu sighed and lifted his face in her hands. “Sanemi, you are a good man, but this was badly done,”
He flushed with shame. He wanted to impress Tomioka, instead he chased him off. “Ma, I… I didn’t,”
Shizu’s eyes softened. “I know you didn’t but remember what I said earlier. Forget the past and focus on now,”
He sighed. “I doubt he will want anything to do with me, ma,”
“Tengen is already on it Nemi,” Masachika patted his back and smiled brightly at them.
Shizu nodded. “True and if anyone can ease tension, it’s that man,”
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You’re so vain
Giyuu felt the anger drift from him with the last note… and then came back to himself with full clarity. He just sang a song with the intent to insult a lot of people, powerful people at his pups’ debut…
The omega turned slowly on his chair, staring at a crowd of confused and well, pissed off alphas. He didn’t care if Douma hated him, the feeling was mutual but Shinazugawa… and Mui showed a fondness towards someone who was clearly a relative. Did he destroy the young omega’s hopes of even a friendship with that boy?
He glanced at the pups. Yuichiro was smirking, clearly enjoying the drama, Muichiro shrugged, not fazed and his siblings… Tanjiro and Nezuko were a little pale, yet they offered him sweet smiles. Damn it, now he felt like shit. The pups already forgave him for his tantrum.
Suddenly, loud, deep laughter broke the silence of the room followed by clapping. Giyuu watched in wonder as Lord Uzui approached the stage.
“What a flamboyant performance and your voice, Lord Tomioka, you are a true treasure to our society,”
Lord Rengoku stepped up next, laughing and adding to the applause. “Such burning passion. What a great way to provide some comedy for the evening,”
Comedy… could it be… they were protecting his reputation? There were a few people starting to giggle and add their own clapping.
“Comedy?” Lord Gyokko came to the front of the crowd. “Are you saying that wasn’t a targeted act?
Uzui gave him a lopsided grin. “Of course it wasn’t, unless you are vain enough to believe it was about you?”
Giyuu barely held in a laugh as several alphas paled. They couldn’t accuse him of targeting them without admitting their vanity. Uzui was a master at crowd control.
“I… of course it wasn’t about me.” Gyokko waved his hand to flick his hair. “I am not a vain man,”
There was more laughter from the crowd and shouts of praise for his singing.
“Exactly,” A peach haired man with a scar on his cheek patted Gyokko on the shoulder.
Sabito, beta, common fox… really, the system was still with that crap. “I for one loved that song. What a way for Lord Tomioka to showcase his skills! Piano, singing and acting. Bravo!”
Tanjiro chuckled. “Yes, brother has a wonderful sense of humour,”
“Yes, big brother loves to tell jokes through songs. He is amazing,” Nezuko giggled, smiling at the crowd.
Giyuu felt tears prickle the back of his eyes as the tension in the room started to ease. Somehow, not only did his pups forgive him, but they were jumping to his defence. How did the original Tomioka ignore such amazing children?
“Lord Tomioka,” Uzui spun to face him, his jewellery catching the light. “Would you grace us with another song?”
“Eh,” He swallowed. “Thank you all for the wonderful reception. I would love to play something else,”
“Kyaaa. Please be something sweet!” Mitsuri screamed before flushing. “Sorry, I just, it’s a special debut. The pups deserve something nice, don’t you think?”
Giyuu nodded, glancing at his pups. “Yes, I agree,”
He turned back to the piano. What was needed was a song for family bonds. Something to say he was there for them too… Giyuu smiled as the tune came to him. Yes, that was it. He closed his eyes as his hands began to play.
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Sanemi was reeling. How the fuck did Tengen turn that around so quickly? Obviously, the evening wasn’t completely salvaged. There were still several frustrated alphas, however they couldn’t say shit without looking like the asshole the song was about. Himself included. He shook his head.
“That man was designed for the stage,” Shizu giggled as Tengen soothed the crowd.
“Yeah.”
“Now we need to work on getting Tomioka to forgive you,”
Right… Sanemi clicked his tongue. He knew he needed to apologise if he wanted any chance at courting the omega. Besides, there was Muichiro. The pup chose Genya for his first dance. There was hope the two may become a match when they became adults and Sanemi refused for his temper to ruin his little brother’s first real prospect.
“Oh, Tomioka is going to play another song,”
The alpha focused on the man on stage. He looked completely different. Gone was the stiff posture, the sharp movements. Now Tomioka was relaxed. His hands started to move softly, eyes closed as started to sing.
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow (*)
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' 'till you find the window
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
Oh, Sanemi closed his eyes. Tomioka’s smooth, deep voice was enchanting, powerful. The lyrics beautiful. He felt the last of the anger from earlier leave not only his body, but the room as people were caught up in the performance. No one spoke as the omega continued to pour his very soul into the song.
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this, is my wish
The alpha felt a smile break his face. The words… they hit something deep within him. It was like all his thoughts, his desires for his mother, his siblings, his friends were being drawn from him and put into words he could never utter. He blinked and glanced around the room. Searching for his loved ones, recognising the same thoughts when their eyes met. He felt a gentle touch on his arm and wrapped his hand around his mothers. Gently squeezing it as she looked at him, eyes shining with tears. He understood the message perfectly. This was everything she wanted for him too. He nodded and held a little tighter before focusing back on the stage… completely enraptured by the beauty of the performance.
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This is my wish (My wish for you)
Hope you know somebody loves you (My wish for you)
May all your dreams come true (My wish for you)
The last note echoed as Giyuu woke from his trance-like state. It was always this way in his last life. When the song, no, the performance was special, he lost himself to it. He sighed as he released the last of the emotion that held him captured… and was startled by the applause that met him. He flushed and stood to bow.
“Thank you for the reception. Now, please go back to enjoying the evening,” He called out as he left the stage, just to be swamped by his pups. “Wha..”
“Brother, that song was so beautiful,” Nezuko was crying as she snuggled into his side.
“Yes, thank you brother. We love you too!” Tanjiro laughed, hugging him tighter.
“It was a really nice song,” Yuichiro murmured. Face pink from the show of affection, while Muichiro simply burrowed in deeper.
Giyuu smiled, wrapping his arms around the four pups. The adorable, sweet teens who had shown him nothing except love and kindness since he awoke in this world. “I am glad you liked it. I meant every word,” He whispered.
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Sanemi smiled at the display. Memories of days with his own siblings coming to mind. Surely, a man whose pups loved him so dearly couldn’t be cold or cruel?
He sighed. “I was an idiot,”
“Oh, so you admit it?”
“Fuck off Masa,”
The omega chuckled, slapping him on the shoulder. “Well, at least you can admit your stupidity.”
Sanemi shoved him in retaliation. “Go find Sabito, asshole,”
Masachika grinned before ducking back into the crowd. He shook his head. The man was completely smitten.
“Sanemi, dear. I would suggest going to make that apology. The evening will end soon,” Shizu muttered before heading off to meet with other mothers for a chat. He frowned. She was probably going to discuss his and Genya’s prospects.
He watched as the pups went back to the dance floor while Tomioka moved to the food tables. This was his chance.
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Giyuu was grateful to finally get a break. Tonight was too much drama. The alphas may as well have pulled them out and measured them… but the question was why? It was almost like they were fighting over him… nonsense. Tomioka was the villain.
He heard a loud, wild cackling and raised a brow. Tanjiro was dancing with someone new. A young boy with a pretty face, light green eyes and black hair that ended with light blue tips. Two dark grey ears and a curled tail could be seen, Was he some sort of pig? Damn, the writing was mixed with far too many titles. He wished it would just shut off once they met. He gasped as all writing disappeared. Did it hear his thoughts?
‘Hey, come back on. I need to know the new people!’
There was no response and no new writing appeared. Damn this stupid game!
“Excuse me, Lord Tomioka,”
Shit, he schooled his features and turned to face Shinazugawa. Perfect timing!
The alpha leaned his hand on the table, fidgeting with a napkin. Giyuu stared at him, giving him nothing.
Shinazugawa rubbed the back of his neck before pointing at the table. “I see there are a lot of custard pancakes, hah?”
Really? He rolled his eyes. “What do you want Lord Shinazugawa? I am tired.”
“Ah right,” The man cleared his throat. “Look, I…I wanted to apologise. For earlier. I had no right to question your motives,”
Oh… the omega blinked. This was the last thing he expected.
“It is fine Shinazugawa,”
“No, it’s not. I just, you are so different now...” The alpha trailed off, still rubbing his neck.
Giyuu sighed internally. Shinazugawa had every reason to be suspicious, but it wasn’t like he could explain that he wasn’t the original Tomioka. There’s no damn pamphlet on ‘how to come out on dying and being reborn as someone else’ and perhaps he was a little short tempered after the nonsense with Douma.
He leaned on the table edge. “I understand your confusion. There are gaps in my memories, but I can remember how closed off I was.”
The alpha glanced at him. “Yeah. You acted like everyone was beneath you,”
He flinched. Yeah, that was pretty much how the old Tomioka saw the world. “Mnnn. I can only apologise for my past self’s behaviour. Although, I hope you can see I am not that person anymore,”
Stupid damn game! Setting him up in such a position. Why the hell did he have to apologise for that crappy plot! He hoped the writers milk tasted sour!
Shinazugawa smiled at him and Giyuu felt his stomach flutter. Why did this stunning man have to be here? It’s like a higher power was tormenting him. Here’s a second chance, a new body (although he could have lived without some additions), a man who screamed sex appeal, but here’s the catch, he is interested in someone else.
“Well, anyway. You did a good job tonight. I am sure you will have a lot of callers in the next few weeks,”
Giyuu hummed. “Yes, the pups are wonderful. I have no doubt they will attract attention,”
Shinazugawa furrowed his brow. “Are you messing with me?”
The omega tilted his head. “Huh?”
“I was talking about them, dumbass!” The alpha waved his hand at a group of older alphas watching them.
Giyuu blinked. Why did they have an audience?
Shinazugawa huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t know if you are playing fool or just oblivious,”
“Excuse me?” The hell was his problem? First, he apologises and now he’s calling him a fool! “I don’t appreciate the attitude, my Lord!”
“Oh for,” The alpha put his hand up. “You know what. Fine. If you can’t see it, that’s your problem,”
Giyuu folded his arms across his chest. “I don’t know what you are insinuating,”
The man glared at him. Giyuu glared right back.
“Forget it Tomioka. I’m not here to explain basics to a child,” The alpha straightened and started to walk away. “I’ll see you soon Tomioka,”
Giyuu found himself at a loss for words as the man made his way to his group. Did he just call him a fucking child? Oh, he was so glad the evening was wrapping up because he was done with alphas!
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.
Sanemi waved at Genya as he made his way to his mother. “Hey ma. Time to go.”
The omega smiled and said her farewells before following him out to their carriage. Genya joined them and Sanemi helped them inside.
“Did you apologise baby?”
His little brother’s eyes widened. He poked his nose. “I can fucking say sorry, brat,”
“Yeah, but it’s rare!”
“Shut up!”
“Boys!” Shizu gave them a disapproving look, settling them immediately. “Now Sanemi dear,”
“Yeah, I apologised ma,”
“And?”
Sanemi scoffed. “And he is the densest, stubbornest, most irritating man I have ever met!”
Shizu smiled, her eyes bright. “And?”
“And I plan to take that beautiful idiot as my mate,” He muttered, cheeks flushed.
His mother squealed in excitement while Genya stared at him in confusion. Sanemi laughed, ruffling his hair.
“Nemi!”
“You’ll understand when you are older,”
He leant back in his seat, smiling. Yes, he would court Tomioka. For never had an omega gotten under his skin like that handsome, vexing man.
* Song list
You’re so Vain by Carly Simon
My Wish for you – Rascal Flatts