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Taki’s head was pounding when he stirred out of his sleep, muscles feeling abnormally sore. He peeked across the room, finding Maki still asleep on the bed across from him, he strained to hear for the usual morning chatterings of the birds only to hear the faint chirps of crickets instead. It must still be night. He threw the too hot comforter off his body as he arose from the bed, heading into the kitchen to grab a glass of water and a painkiller, hoping to ease the pounding. As he navigates through the hall into the kitchen, snatching the closest cup from within the cupboards, pressing the water button on the fridge to fill his glass. He stares as the water slowly fills it. Too slow for his liking.
“Ehhk?!” Taki half gasps, half squeaks as a pair of arms wraps around him from behind. The next second the familiar scent of neroli, sage, and cedar hits and his body naturally relaxes into the elder's back hug.
“You scared me, Kei-hyung.” he explains to the older man who squeezes him tighter.
“Pup.” Kei’s voice is rough, choked, as if he were crying, the seriousness in his tone scares Taki a bit. Taki hums to prompt the older man to continue, to explain. “Your scent.”
Taki whips around in Kei’s hold, eyes wide, mind racing, processing the sentence. Kei smiles fondly down at him, watching as Taki figures it out.
“How are you feeling? Headache? That's normal at first. “ Kei moves to rummage through their medicine cabinet to fish out some Tylenol for the younger. Taki gratefully takes it, downing it with a large gulp of water.
Then the younger's gaze locks onto Kei, Kei can swear he sees Taki’s ears perk up and his tail wag, his smile widens showing off his beautiful dimples that give Kei the urge to squeeze his dumpling-like cheeks.
“ Kei-hyung!! What's my scent ? Is it good? Can you tell if I'm an alpha, beta, or omega?“ Kei chuckles at his enthusiastic questions, taking a big exaggerated whiff of air.
“ Hmm, I'm picking up notes of Jasmine and sweet orange, like a tea of some sort. It's nice.” Taki beams at his words, “And it seems like you're a beta too pup, congrats ! I'm really happy for you.” Kei pulls Taki into another hug, lightly bumping noses, scenting the younger. Taki giggles at the action, his calming scent sweetening with joy at being scented by one of his packmates, the packmate which practically raised him.
“Another one, so I don't have to deal with heats or ruts ? This is the best. “ Taki gets gently bopped on the head for that comment, the older omega pouts acting younger than his age as usual.
“Now you get to smell how stinky Fuma, Maki, and Harua get when they're in rut. “ Kei’s information makes Taki pout in return for a sec before transforming into a sly grin.
“I bet you still like Fuma's scent even when it's stinky.”
“Actually it's not stinky to me since we're mates, to unmated wolves it's stinky.” Taki's pout returns, sad he couldn't catch his hyung in a trap.
“Anyways, I'm gonna make a big breakfast as a celebration, Fumas already up, Euijoo too, we smelled you earlier but they decided to let me break the news to you first. We'll all celebrate together once the rest of the pack wakes up, does that sound good to you ?” Taki quickly nods, headache fading into the background, as the excitement and joy that comes with finally presenting courses through him.
“Oh also, you can smell your own scent, you just have to focus more to pinpoint it, our wolf brains register our own scents automatically since it's always there, sniff your wrist, it's where one of the major glands is. “ Taki immediately does so, taking in the soothing nature of his own scent. He's heard that betas are pillars that ground their packs due to having more neutral scents unlike the sometimes overbearingly spicy scents of certain alphas or sweet scents of most omegas. He takes pride in his new role in the pack, looking forward to what this'll mean.
Taki and Kei settle on the couch, passing the ungodly hours of the night turning into morning by cuddling on the couch and watching anime. The two older alphas are first to join them, gently scenting Taki. Fuma places a small kiss atop his head, Euijoo nudges his nose into the younger's wrist, softly congratulating him before he starts a pot of coffee.
Next are the giants, Jo with bedhead and squinted eyes, collapses onto the couch next to him, wrist rubbing against his neck as he stretches out over Kei and Taki, letting Kei comb his hands through his mussed up hair as he lays his head in his lap. Maki kneels before Taki and pulls him into a hug, it's a little uncomfortable with his legs still splayed over him but he doesn't complain as Maki’s nose runs along his neck under his ear. Maki pulls back, a lazy smile on his face before he joins the kitchen crew probably getting something to drink too.
Then come in the cats, Nicholas has a cocky smile on his face, probably hearing the news in advance from Euijoo. Nichol rubs his head against Taki in a silly feline way, then ruffles his hair before going on to do whatever it is he does. Yuma steals Taki’s attention away from Nicholas by joining the pile, jumping onto him and rubbing his nose into the younger's chest.
“Aww, you smell nice for a change.” His words would hurt if he actually meant them, but they both know he's only teasing. The older omega would go to Taki and just lay on the bed with him if he was going through something, seeking comfort in the younger's presence before he even officially presented. His omega must've sensed something, Taki remembers when he'd be gaming on his phone on his bed and the door would creak open, Yuma would enter, oversized hoodie covering him, bags under his eyes, he'd lay face first next to the younger for a while, eventually calming down from whatever was going on, and joining Taki playing whatever game he was really into at the moment.
Lastly is Harua, the alpha has his brows furrowed, nostrils flaring as he takes in the scents mingling in the open space of the living room, clearly having spotted a change. He turns to the source sitting in the center of the pile of limbs on the couch.
“You gonna come scent our new beta ?” Yuma asks as he lifts himself up, making space, Jo is now leaning into Kei’s other side, long legs still over both boys. Harua takes the space next to Taki, his eyes flit up to Taki's neck where his scent is strongest. His body slowly leans into Taki's space, his face finding solace in the crook of Taki’s neck. Amber and rose mix with jasmine and orange creating a lovely harmony. A shiver runs down Taki's back. Harua noses his scent gland gently, for the briefest moment something softer, accompanied by a warm breath, brushes against the gland. Lips ghosting over the new beta's most sensitive spot.
Harua ends his scenting soon, his head still resting in the crook of Taki's neck, hiding away from the rising sun's rays which light up the apartment now. Kei eventually stands up, Maki joining him as they put something together for breakfast. The sound of pots and pans clattering can be heard from the living space, Taki catches the flourish of the stove's flame bursting to life, hears the crack of eggshells, footsteps trained and familiar with the kitchen maneuvering about as a concoction is born
Eventually the scent of bacon, eggs and pancakes makes its way into the living room. The boys shuffle around, Jo had gotten up to freshen up at some point returning much more awake, he's now sitting normally on one end of the couch watching the episode of JoJo that Maki had put on earlier. Yuma is curled up on the other end scrolling through tiktok, Harua and Taki are still glued together. Harua peeks out into the room as Nicholas and Euijoo walk into the living room, chin on Taki's shoulder.
“Morning everyone, “ Euijoo greets his pack, “as we all know by now, Taki presented last night as a beta, we're doing a little celebratory brunch for him and we bought cake too. “ The leader holds out a box proudly. That explains why he and Nicholas disappeared earlier. Taki perks up at the mention of cake. Just in time, Fuma comes out to call them into the dining room, the food is done and ready to be devoured by a pack of hungry pups.
Throughout the breakfast and the rest of the day the pack continuously scents Taki any chance they get, the scent in the pack house grows into something new seeping into the surroundings until every object in the home is infected with the blended scents. Taki notices his headache subsides when he's near any of his packmates, so he finds himself cuddling into them any chance he gets in the days after he's presented.
Usually plopping over Nicholas, Euijoo or Fuma's bodies, they let the pup splay his limbs over them, letting the younger beta make silly faces as he rambles about something or makes commentary on the video game they're playing. Maki and Kei are the ones who seek him out, Kei hugging him constantly, gently poking his mochi-like cheeks and cooing at his little pup. Maki grabs at him, tucking him under his chin in a back hug or as big spoon, Taki feels small and safe in the younger alpha's hold. Yuma and Jo, both less likely to actively seek out skinship, still gravitate towards Taki. Jo's hands constantly pat his back when he laughs at Taki's jokes, leaning into the younger with a big smile on his face. Yuma ruffles Taki's hair Everytime he walks into a space that the younger is taking up and tickles Taki to get him to jump and screech, enjoying the teasing and smelling the way his scent spikes and changes in reaction. They're all learning what the changes in Taki's scent mean. Happy Taki’s scent differs from calm Taki, hurt Taki is a little sour, like a rotting orange, Mad Taki is a little spicy, a hint of lemon or zest seeping in.
Everything has been going pretty well so far with beta life besides Harua’s newly developed Taki aversion. Harua who had previously had his nose glued to the beta's neck has taken a step back, the most skinship they've shared since that initial morning has been skin brushing as they pass each other in the halls, when they maneuver around each other in the kitchen, eyes meeting for a split second when someone comments on Taki's new aroma, an unreadable look in the older eyes. He's been quieter, maybe even outright avoiding the younger. Of course he'll still laugh at Taki's jokes from the other end of the room, who can resist him? However they haven't had a proper one-on-one conversation in days, their usual bickering gets cut short by harua anytime Taki tries to instigate it.
The other day when Taki wanted to nudge his nose into Harua's flannel to inhale his scent, a blend of floral and wood that Taki had always found to be grounding, the older turned just a hair too quickly causing Taki to dive nose first into nothing but air.
This had never been an issue in the past. Taki's wolf has been huffing and puffing, sulking, upset by what it interprets as rejection from Harua. Their twin and best friend. The inability to scent his packmate or be scented by him drives Taki crazy. It feels like there's a rift growing between them causing them to drift away from one another. It makes Taki's heart ache, his head pounding persists despite Kei and the others assuring him it would only last a couple days, it's been five days now, he should be better, he should be fully settled by now.
He decides to confront Harua that night, his wolf taking over, demanding that he seek out the older, he's been howling for attention, longing for the same treatment he received the first morning from Harua. The shivers that ran up and down his body with the closeness of Harua, Harua on him, Amber and rose encapsulating Jasmine and orange, wrapping around him like a safety blanket. The way the older's presence had lightened the weight on his chest, his scars of the past were gently caressed by the older's acceptance. Acceptance the other had for some reason withdrawn now.
Taki takes a whiff to sort through the constant buzzing within the pack house, some members together in the living room, some have wandered off to their own rooms, turning in for the night, a pair of mates is up on the balcony. Harua is alone in his room, Taki can tell by the way his scent is strongest there, tainting the doorknob and wafting up through the crack below the door.
He twists the knob without permission, too tired, frustrated, to care to ask, not caring about being rude when he's been avoided for days now. Harua is laying on his back, knees up, scrolling on his phone, he doesn't turn, doesn't make a sound at the intruder who has entered the room. Taki can tell he's faking nonchalance in the way the amber scent spikes, the warmth with a hint of spice pierces his nose. He can hear the pounding of the older’s heart pick up speed and the faint sound of his breath hitching. Taki doesn't stand there dumbly like he's tempted to, his feet move on their own accord, carrying out a mission. He marches up to the mattress, leaning forward, hands bracketing Harua's legs on both sides. Taki's upper body hovers over him now, he's looking down intently at the older forcing him to drop his act.
When Harua's eyes meet his, the alpha's brows furrow again like he's puzzled by their current position, there's a small frown on his face as he stares up at Taki.
“Why are you avoiding me ?” Taki’s tone comes out harsher than intended. Harua's eyes widen, brows rising, frown deepening before dropping open.
“I'm not-”
“Yes you are, don't lie, you haven't been talking to me, you haven't been playing with me, you haven't bickered, played a prank on me, teased me, scented me, since the morning I presented, what happened? “ Harua's mouth dumbly opens and closes, refutes dying on his tongue before they can escape, continuously cut off by Taki's observations. Harua breaks eye contact first flipping onto his side, trying to turn away from Taki's gaze as he now glares down at him. Begging for answers.
“I- “ Harua's voice is soft, almost a whisper, but alone in the spacious room, Taki catches it effortlessly, “it's not you, I'm just confused and stuff, it's not important Taki, just give me some space okay.” His eyes glance back up to Taki's, the older's shaking pupils break Taki's heart further. Taki reaches out, grabbing Harua's shoulders, turning him so that Harua can face him.
“Talk to me, you can tell me anything right? We always talk to each other about stuff. Me presenting shouldn't change that. “ Taki wants to know why the other had been shying away from him, keeping his distance, as if they're mere acquaintances and not packmates that have bonded and had each other's backs through it all. Harua sighs below him, his head shaking, his baby hairs have become stuck to his forehead, the sheen of sweat along his hairline worries Taki, he needs to know what's wrong with his best friend, the need to help him weighs heavily on the younger.
“Can I scent you? Would that help, I feel restless.. but you can say no if you don't want to, I probably don't smell as nice as you as Yuma or Nicholas would.” Taki’s shoulders begin to shrink, he'd asked instinctively, knowing scenting can calm or maybe soothe. Harua's, now racing, heart is thumping in his ears almost mimicking the pounding that has been at the back of his head for days now, he trembles with the need to do something, hug, nuzzle, scent. He's starting to feel himself succumb to the distressed pheromones that linger in Harua's room; he's not strong enough to resist the influence they have on him. He's feeling himself start to spiral.
Maybe he caused this. Maybe it's his fault.
I don't want him to hate me.
Now that I've changed.
If only I hadn't changed.
Warm palms reach out to cup Taki's cheeks, forcing him to look back at Harua, a gentle smile has replaced the pained frown from before.
“You smell lovely, delicious, who wouldn't want to be drowned in your scent. “ Taki collapses onto the older at his words, a soft puff escapes his lips, like a purr at the praise. He feels the tension that had been building crack, turning in the opposite direction and needing to be released.
He brings his nose up to Harua's neck, mirroring the older’s previous actions by running his nose along the expanse of Harua’s neck, drinking in the sweetness of his scent. The rose smells so gentle and soothing along with the amber notes, his head feels dizzy as he drinks in the alpha's scent. His primal instincts can't help nipping at the flushing lobe of Harua's ear that rests just above his gland, the action makes the older gasp.
“Taki, just scent me normally, please. “ Taki brakes all actions immediately, guilt souring his floral scent, freshness drying into embers of smoke.
“I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me.” Taki quickly tries to move off Harua, off the bed, one leg is now on the floor. Before he can scramble onto the floor though the older's arms reach out, pulling him harshly, the force catches him off guard and he collapses back onto the mattress. Harua is now up on his knees before him, reddened cheeks, lightly panting, his eyes are slightly glazed, but he's still there, holding on.
“Taki, it's okay. I'm in pre-rut, that's why I've been less clingy, not just to you but everyone, I'm more sensitive right now. I'm sorry, I should've explained. I'm sure my actions hurt you, it hurts me too, to avoid you. Before I could cuddle you when in pre-rut without fear of overwhelming you, now that you can pick up on more things I'm scared, I don't want you to see me like this.” Harua gestures to his baggy stretched out shirt, old gym shorts, the sweat stain that's formed on his back, Taki doesn't know if it's new or if it has been there all along, just like the sheen of sweat on his forehead and gathering at the base of his neck. The cogs in Taki's brain click into place finally understanding. Harua is in pre-rut, his scent is more smokey and spicy than usual, being so close to such a potent smell almost burns his nostrils but he doesn't hate it, it's still Harua's smell. It's still grounding, it's still what he had been longing for, he wants it to intermingle with his scent, make him and his pack bond feel complete.
“I'm sorry too, I-” Harua tilts his head at Taki's words, prompting him to continue, “I want to help, how can I help, do you want some water? Food? Cuddles?” Taki's genuine concern and care shines through in his eyes, earnestly drawing a soft chuckle from Harua.
“That's very sweet, maybe we can cuddle, I feel hot all over but I'd be lying if I said the freshness of your scent didn't soothe me, the jasmine is really nice.” Harua sniffs to emphasize his point. Taki beams, his dimples forming low valleys on his cheeks. He tugs Harua into his arms, the older gasps as Taki’s hand cradles the back of his neck, guiding his face into the crook of his neck, tilting his head back so that Harua can fit more comfortably.
“Taki, “ Haura’s voice is muffled, Taki hums in reply, prompting the older to continue. Harua groans softly, Taki is about to pull away again but Harua's arms wrap around his back keeping them together, chest to chest. Harua nuzzles further into his neck, Taki bares his throat to give him more access, feeling the soft warmth of the other's nose as it brushes along his skin.
“You shouldn't bare your throat so easily pup, it really shows your age,” Taki’s fist playfully knocks against Harua's shoulder at his words.
“Shut up, stop trying to act all experienced, also you're only a couple days older idiot." Taki complains, drawing a breathy chuckle from the other Harua's breath hits Taki's neck, causing a little shiver to go down to younger's back.
“Really if it were anyone else, any stranger, they’d pounce to devour you right now, you're making yourself such an easy target right now. I could just-”
Suddenly firm canines are on Taki's neck, nibbling at the flesh, a wet tongue gently laps a stripe over the nipped skin in an attempt to soothe.
“Eat you." Harua finishes his sentence after nipping Taki's neck right over his scent gland, making the fog that's been for inh around the edges of the youngers conscious grow thicker.Taki’s toes curl at the deepness in Harua's tone, it's unfamiliar laced with something dangerous, threatening. He feels like he's floating, not really in his body, the weight of Harua's body as he lays over him, his familiar scent filling everything.
“Eat me ?” Taki doesn't know what he's really saying, is he asking what it means to be eaten or is he begging to be consumed. Harua rubs his cheek against Taki's neck, drying it from the moisture of his own saliva.
“I'm not gonna eat you, “ Taki almost whines, maybe he does, he feels Harua chuckling below him, he can hear the smug smile on the older's face.
“I can't eat you right now, we're both too out of it, plus I took some Benadryl so I'm about to pass out.” Harua explains, his voice getting softer towards the end of the sentence. Taki feels the tickle of lashes fluttering shut against his collarbone, the older's heart rate has somehow steadied into a calmer pace now.
Taki however is left feeling flushed, almost ripping at the seams of his body, his heart's hammering in his ribcage, he doesn't understand why Harua's way of scenting him has this effect on him. What even was that earlier? How the heck is Harua now asleep and letting out soft little snores ? Taki wants to scream, shake the other out of his rest and demand something? more ? Less ? He doesn't even know he only knows that the headache he's been having is not leaving anytime soon.
Takoyaki 🥴
chat is it normal to bite and kiss your packmate when y'all are scenting ?
Makiana 🌚
Huh?!??!!
No.
do you see me giving ppl hickeys to “scent them” ?
That's sus
Yumnyangi 😽
Who's kissing who ?!!!
I want in 😁
Takoyaki 🥴
…
Makiana 🌚
Can we kick him out of the chat -_-
Hyung stop being freaky
Pleaseee