Work Text:
People were entering and exiting from the various shops, a few kids were playing on the road, and the occasional merchant offering samples of whatever they were selling made the town look as lively as ever. Yuuri loved visiting the town to run errands as it reminded him of his younger years helping his parents to carry back the produce they had bought for the restaurant of the inn they owned —sure, he only carried the least heavy item, but that didn’t make him feel any less proud and useful.
Yuuri smiled at the memory. He was walking a couple of steps behind his husband, carrying a box with a suit he had commissioned for a ball they were attending the following week. The suit wasn’t necessary, Yuuri had a myriad of suits back in the manor, but his husband insisted on spoiling him like that for some reason. Part of him thought that the gifts would stop once they got married, but, if anything, they only increased because «gifts are not reserved only for courting and parties, my darling.»
Way before his engagement, Yuuri had heard the tales of the lavish gifts Lord Nikiforov would give to whomever he considered a close friend. It shouldn’t have surprised Yuuri that he would get the same treatment, if not better, once they were married.
Completely lost in his thoughts, Yuuri hadn’t noticed that his husband had stopped walking and crashed into his back, almost making Yuuri drop what he was holding.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Yuuri stuttered out.
“No, I’m the one at fault here, darling. I stopped abruptly. I’m sorry, love.” Viktor smiled apologetically and extended his arms. “Let me help you, the train will depart soon, and we don’t want to miss it.” He took the box from Yuuri’s hands and resumed walking.
Yuuri looked at Viktor’s back as he walked away for a moment. With a sigh, Yuuri turned to the side to look at what had stolen his husband’s attention. On the other side of the display window was a mannequin wearing a beautiful baby blue dress with silver threaded details on the skirt. Yuuri bit his bottom lip and looked back at Viktor.
Did his husband want him to wear a dress to their upcoming ball like an Omega would?
Yuuri shook his head to make the thought go away. This wasn’t the time for old insecurities to resurface... But how could they not when there was the fact that Viktor had been acting weird as of late?
Yuuri had noticed that his husband scented him at every chance he got as the scent didn’t remain on the Beta as long as it would on an Omega. Viktor was also insistent on marking and biting the Beta’s neck as if searching for the bonding gland. And the nests! Viktor nested sometimes like an Omega would, and encouraged Yuuri to help him, often making Yuuri most of the arranging while he scented everything. Could it really be that…?
“Darling, are you coming?”
Yuuri snapped back to the present and rushed to catch up to his husband. He would have time to fret about everything later.
“Lord Nikiforov looks as handsome as ever.” A male Omega whispered.
“Indeed, but don’t get any ideas. He got married while you were away.” A female Omega answered in the same hushed tone.
“I didn’t notice a bonding bite…”
“He got married to a Beta.” She took a sip of her tea. “A male Beta. Lord, can you imagine?”
“All I’m hearing is that I could still try my luck.”
In feigned shock, the lady placed her hand on her chest and began giggling with the man.
Yuuri focused on the gentle swirl in his tea as he added some sugar to it, doing his best to ignore the murmurs and giggles surrounding him. He had expected something like this to happen, but it seemed he wasn’t as prepared as he had thought. Yuuri and his husband had been the talk of the town ever since everyone got wind of their courtship. After all, why would a well-stationed and magnificent Alpha like Lord Viktor Nikiforov settle with a lowly Beta such as Yuuri?
He should have said he had a headache before leaving the manor.
“Marriage suits you, Mr. Katsuki.” A woman sitting next to him said flatly, followed by a tight-lipped smile.
Yuuri nodded in agreement and busied himself by taking a sip of his drink. He was far too busy trying to find his husband in the crowd in what he hoped was a discreet manner. His actions did not go unnoticed, though, much to his misfortune.
“It seems that your husband has been caught in conversation with someone else.” She giggled gracefully. Maybe it was meant to be sweet, or maybe it was intended to sound as mocking as it had.
A few meters in front of him, right next to the chimney, was his husband with a beautiful man perched on his arm. A beautiful, Omega man, as the dress and matching collars and cuffs he was wearing indicated. The same Omega man that had announced earlier that he would try his luck.
“They look so good together.” The woman whispered while covering her lips with her teacup, but it still reached Yuuri’s ears. “Such a shame for an Alpha like him to be wasted.”
Ah, he was meant to hear that. Yuuri should have said something, but how could he when what the woman said was the truth? An Alpha like Viktor deserved a stunning Omega like the one currently at his arm, not a simple and average Beta like himself. What did he have to offer? Knowledge in commerce and assets management? Boring evenings staying in? Poor hosting abilities? Gods above, he couldn’t even offer heirs to his husband! What had Viktor even gained from their marriage? Was he that desperate not to grow old alone?
“Mr. Katsuki, are you feeling faint?” The woman asked with true worry laced in his voice.
“Forgive me, I need to get some air outside…” Yuuri stood up abruptly and walked off without giving an appropriate excuse. He couldn’t think of one when his mind was busy entertaining other thoughts.
It would have been better to stay inside in hindsight. The sun was shining brightly, and the heat of late June made Yuuri feel like he was suffocating even more. He needed to get out of there. The headache that he had wanted to feign was going to be real after all.
Yuuri went back inside the manor to find his husband and let him know he was going home. He couldn’t do it, though. Not when he was faced with his husband lovingly caressing the sheer-sleeved arm of the blushing Omega at his side. Not when his husband’s eyes held a shine that Yuuri had not seen before, but knew that it was pure love and adoration. Not when his husband’s smile widened when the Omega did a gracious twirl. Yuuri really needed to get out of there lest he made a fool of himself further.
Somehow Yuuri managed to find the host and apologized for his early departure as something had come up at his manor, and he had to tend to it immediately. He didn’t bother to let his husband know. Why would he ruin the other man’s fun?
Or the possibility of finding someone that did suit him?
The maids were surprised to see Yuuri back so early, and by foot at that. They didn’t ask about his husband’s whereabouts either after seeing their master’s gloomy demeanor.
Yuuri asked to be undisturbed and locked himself in his study room to do some urgent work. In reality, Yuuri was sitting down with his head resting on his desk, replaying the scene that had taken place earlier that day. He jumped in his seat when the door opened and a maid, Ninette, walked inside.
“Sorry to disturb you, Your Lordship. We thought it would be appropriate for you to have an appetizer after your… lengthy promenade.”
Yuuri sat up straight and shuffled some loose papers to appear busy. The maid still saw through his ruse, though, but instead of calling him out she offered a feeble smile and placed a tray in front of Yuuri with some tea, a couple of pieces of cream and cucumber sandwiches, and a slice of strawberry shortcake.
“The cooks told me to inform you they will be serving katsudon today, Your Lordship, lest you decide to change the menu.” Ninette trailed off.
Ah, the staff was spoiling him again.
“The menu for tonight is perfect, please tell the cooks I’m looking forward to it.”
“Of course, My Lord.” Ninette beamed and curtsied before leaving, making sure to close the door behind her.
Yuuri felt slightly better as he delved into the delicacies. It was comforting to know that there were people who looked out after him.
The manor’s servants had been so kind to Yuuri since the beginning. They were delighted with their new master, Yuuri would even dare say that he was the favorite one out of him and Viktor. He had once heard a maid scold his husband for stealing a pastry from Yuuri’s tray. If they had witnessed what he had earlier, Yuuri was sure they would let their unconformity be known.
Yuuri sighed and rested his head on his arms on the desk. He was exhausted after having such a day. Sleeping in his study room wasn’t the most comfortable option, but it was better than facing his husband.
It was the last ball of the season, hosted by no other than Lady Baranovskaya, Viktor’s governess and —even if she weakly denied it— the closest thing to a mother he had. Everything was flawless, the decorations, the food, the drinks, the music. Especially the music. Yuuri wasn’t the only one under that impression, though, judging by the number of people on the dancefloor. Yuuri looked longingly at them, looking back to the first dance he shared with Viktor, and the ones they had shared during courting. It was a shame they couldn’t dance together now that they were married, having to maintain their image and out of respect to the host. Heaven knew what Lady Baranovskaya would do to them if she found them breaking etiquette.
But when had Viktor cared about etiquette?
Something refrained Yuuri from standing, though —a conversation that was not meant for his ears.
“Have you seen Mr, Katsuki’s attire? One can only wonder if his husband made him wear that or if it’s just a flimsy attempt to keep his husband’s interest.”
The comment made Yuuri shift in his seat for how much truth there was to the second half of it. He was wearing a dress for the occasion. It had taken him a lot of courage and self-reassurance to leave the manor. At least his husband’s reaction had been worth it. Yuuri had finally managed to make his husband look at him with the same longing and adoration he had seen been directed to someone else.
“Haven’t you heard? This doesn’t come from me, you know how I don’t approve of gossip of any kind, but it was brought to my attention that Lord Nikiforov seems to be pursuing an Omega.”
“Definitely an upgrade from his current husband, I’m sure.”
Yuuri felt his eyes begin to fill up with tears, but he wouldn’t give anyone the pleasure of seeing him cry. He stood up and moved within the crowd to find his husband. Maybe dancing together would remind Viktor of whatever it was that he had seen in Yuuri, a plain Beta, during their dances. He would make everyone see that they were wrong, that Viktor wanted to be with him.
A servant mistook Yuuri’s intent of looking for his husband for looking for a drink. It served Yuuri well, he did need a little of the courage that the drink brought with it.
Yuuri found his husband at last… with a beautiful Omega on his arm, the same Omega he had been with during the tea party. There was that shine in Viktor's eyes again, along with an endearing smile that he reserved for special moments… or people, in this case.
The glass slipped from Yuuri’s hold. The sound of it crashing against the floor was drowned by the full swing of the ball. Yuuri walked out of the room as fast as his legs would let him without attracting any attention to himself. One of the many glass doors leading to the balcony was unlocked, providing the man with the refuge he was looking for. Yuuri didn’t know which thing was louder, the orchestra playing or his heartbeat. Not even the solitude of the balcony helped him calm down, the silence was deafening with the company of his thoughts.
Yuuri grabbed the handrail tightly and closed his eyes to do his best not to cry. He couldn’t afford to break down in such a public place… but could also not ignore his husband’s actions anymore. Not when it seemed like Viktor had found his replacement. Surely it was just a matter of time before Viktor came to him and told him to get out of the manor for the Omega to take his place as the rightful mistress of the manor. Yuuri had been foolish to think that an Alpha like Viktor would settle for a Beta like himself. Obviously, Viktor would want someone who was up to par, who didn't generate unsavory gossip, and who could meet the needs of an Alpha.
The glass door opened behind Yuuri, making him gasp and clutch the handrail tighter. The pain of the strength of his grip was nothing compared to the feeling of heartbreak. He didn’t dare turn, not wanting to face anyone, but the other person had different plans.
“Lilia told me she… Darling, are you crying?” Viktor asked worriedly, frozen in place. Comforting people had never been his strongest suit.
Yuuri was going to answer that he was not crying but was betrayed by a loud sob escaping his lips.
“My love, what’s wrong?”
“Don’t,” Yuuri said between sobs. “Don’t call me that.” He turned around to face his husband.
“Yuuri…” Viktor tried to reach out to the other man, only for his hand to be swatted away.
“You don’t have to keep up appearances anymore, I know it already! Did you really think you could hide it from me?” Yuuri balled his fists. “I’ve been a fool for turning a blind eye to it.”
Viktor’s face fell.
“I… Yuuri.” The Alpha gulped. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t want you to think less of me, to think that I was less of an Alpha.” He winced.
Yuuri laughed bitterly at the confession. “Oh, that is the most Alpha thing I could think of, believe me.”
“Really?”
For some odd reason, Viktor sounded hopeful.
“I believe Lilia would even agree with me.” Yuuri scoffed.
“I beg to differ.”
“What will happen now?” Yuuri huffed.
“What would you like to happen?” Viktor grabbed his hands behind his back.
“I’ll leave the manor come morning,” Yuuri sighed and wiped his tears away. “I’ll go back to my parents’ while you arrange for the divorce.”
“I… Yuuri, I didn’t think this would make you leave?” Viktor’s tone wavered. “I thought you might be scared off by it and need some space after finding out, but not that you would want to leave me without even giving it a second thought. I thought you, as my husband, would be more understanding.”
“Understanding? Oh, so you want me to stay in the manor while you also had your Omega under the same roof at the same time?” Yuuri asked in complete disbelief.
“Omega? Yuuri, what are you talking about?”
“Now you’re going to say that I’ve lost my mind?” Yuuri walked towards the Alpha and hit him accusingly with his index finger. “You’re going to tell me that I imagined you spending time with a certain Omega during our recent outings?”
“Darling…”
“I told you not to call me that.” Yuuri stomped his foot in fury. “You don’t have to keep lying, I told you I know everything already. I even know you keep a dress hidden in the very back of your closet, the one you kept looking at when we went for my suit. It’s folded nicely and covered with a coat to conceal it, but I still found it. I know now that it was foolish of me to worry about my comfort wearing it when it is not meant to be for me in the first place.”
“Yuuri…”
“I’ve been trying to act more like an Omega as of late to try and see if it pleased you, to see if I was the problem, but you didn’t even notice! I… I even tried to dress like an Omega in one last effort to make you reconsider replacing me! I tried to see if wearing this dress would make you realize that I could be as beautiful as him! But it was all for nothing! I thought I might succeed when you saw me wear this, this stupid thing for the first time, and yet here we are!” Yuuri started to hit his husband’s chest with both of his fists without any real strength. “The ton talks, Viktor! I thought that you would at least have the decency to do this discreetly. You have no idea to the comments I have been subjected to due to your indiscretion.”
Viktor grabbed Yuuri’s hands by the wrist. “There is no Omega!”
Yuuri ceased his movements. “What?”
“Yuuri, there is no Omega. I only want you. It has and will always be you that I love. That’s why I married you.” Viktor pulled the other man into a hug. “I apologize for making you go through all of that. I should pay more attention to my actions.”
Yuuri could only weep in the Alpha’s arms from both the relief and the torment he had experienced.
“Then, who was that Omega you’ve been with? ” Yuuri took a step back to look his husband in the eyes.
“Ah, that would be Mr. Ayles. He promised to bring me his seamstress’ address.” Viktor said sheepishly.
“Why would you need his seamstress’ address?”
“Ah, well, to have a dress made, of course.”
“Why? What about the one back at the manor? Ah, so you do want me to dress like an Omega. Was the one you bought not my size?” Yuuri’s expression fell once more.
“No, darling, it’s not that. I do not want you to act or dress as an Omega would.” Viktor cupped his husband’s face. “Not that you don’t look lovely in dresses. Just look at you now. You make me look plain standing next to me.”
Yuuri got out of Viktor’s tender hold to hide his blush.
“You can wear whatever you want to, darling. Be it dresses, or suits, or nothing at all.” The Alpha grinned wolfishly and wiggled his eyebrows, gaining a slight shove from the other man. “I love you, Yuuri. I don’t want you to change anything about yourself. You’re perfect the way you are, the way you have always been. I married you for you, not your secondary sex. You could’ve been another Alpha, for that matter, and I would have still chosen you.”
“Then why the need for the dress?”
“For me,” Viktor said almost inaudibly, but Yuuri still heard it. “I wouldn’t wear it outside the manor or even my chamber. I don’t intend to embarrass you.”
“Viktor…” Yuuri’s expression softened.
“I know that it’s, uh, unconventional as an Alpha. But there are days where I wish I could wear a dress or that my hair was as long as it used to be in my youth.”
“Oh, Vitya…” Yuuri embraced the Alpha tightly. “Let’s go home, this evening has been eventful enough, and I believe we have some preparations to make if you got the address from Mr. Ayles, that is.” He smiled.
The Beta watched his husband beam as realization dawned on him. Viktor hugged Yuuri tightly before lifting him from the floor and spun them around, only to bring Yuuri back down in another tight embrace.
The servants were walking around the manor carrying an assortment of things. Yuuri was busy directing everyone and stressing out about one of, if not the, biggest event he would ever host. He ran from room to room to make sure that everything was going smoothly and hoping that would manage to settle his nerves. Yuuri was sure that everyone rolled his eyes by the third time he asked if there were any issues with the tasks. He wanted to keep asking with each round he did but didn’t want to add any additional stress; his own was enough for everyone in the manor.
A maid did notice her master’s restlessness, though, and called Yuuri’s valet so that he could get ready while the final touches were done. The valet had to somewhat drag his master to his chambers, and very, very deep down, Yuuri was thankful for it, even if he tried to pull away to check things one last time.
His husband would have taken him to his chamber to not fret as well, but his means of distraction would be far different from his valet's careful and expert ministrations. It was for the best that Viktor was not home.
On any other occasion, Yuuri wouldn’t have been too happy about his husband leaving the city for nearly a month to resolve some work-related affairs. Still, the absence gave the Beta enough time to set everything in motion for his surprise.
“Do you know if the… ah, present, is already in my husband’s chamber?”
“Yes, my Lord. Everything is in order.” He fixed Yuuri’s cravat and stepped aside for his master to admire himself in the mirror. “The only thing missing now is His Lordship.”
Yuuri nodded and thanked him. He was about to say something else when he heard commotion downstairs, along with the unmistakable voice of his husband. Yuuri rushed towards the foyer, partly nervous and partly excited. He stopped in his tracks as soon as he reached the top of the stairs. Both men’s eyes met, and time stopped.
“Darling, to what do I owe the pleasure of receiving such a grand welcome?” Viktor broke the silence, his eyes still fixed on his husband.
“I have a surprise for you.” Yuuri smiled and began descending the stairs.
“Did it arrive?” Viktor’s face lit up in excitement.
“Why don’t you go to your chamber to get ready and meet me in the dining room?”
Viktor nodded and placed a tender kiss on Yuuri’s cheek before hastily going upstairs. Yuuri entered the dining room and dismissed everyone after dinner was served. He didn’t know how his husband would feel about being seen wearing such an un-Alpha-like attire, even if they both knew how loyal and trusting the household servants were.
The wait felt like an eternity, but oh, was it worth it to see his husband wearing a lavender dress that flattered his figure and looked heavenly on him. Yuuri had seen the dress on a mannequin when he collected it, and it had not looked as breathtaking as it was now. Yuuri stood from his seat and grabbed his husband’s hand, kissing his knuckles softly before guiding Viktor to his seat.
Viktor was radiant throughout dinner. His smile was wider, his laughter more hearty —and his kisses to Yuuri just as loving. Yuuri saw Viktor occasionally feel the fabric of the skirt, most likely reassuring himself that it was real, that he could finally wear a dress openly in front of his husband.
“Darling, thank you for planning a special dinner for me to have an excuse to wear my dress.” Viktor placed his hand on top of Yuuri’s.
Yuuri chuckled and stood up, offering his arm to his husband. Viktor accepted it, and they both walked towards the ballroom. The lighting wasn’t as bright as it would be on a normal event, the only light source being an assortment of candles in the favorite colors of both Viktor and Yuuri —The Beta had to be reassured multiple times that the placement of the candles was safe and that nothing would catch fire. Yuuri hoped Viktor saw it as a romantic ambiance as he did. He let go of the Alpha for him to take in the state of the room. It was decorated with Viktor’s favorite flowers. In the corner were a flutist, a violinist, and a pianist who had been paid to maintain the secrecy of what they would witness for the night.
Viktor let go of Yuuri’s arm and turned slowly. Yuuri watched Viktor take everything in, his breath hitched when he caught sight of the trio and turned to look at his husband with wide eyes.
“Would you grant me this dance?” Yuuri offered his hand, and his husband graciously accepted.
It was always delightful to dance together, Yuuri didn’t know why they had denied themselves that pleasure during the seasons. But maybe the seasons wouldn’t hold a candle to the present. Yuuri was sure that even if they danced together then, Viktor wouldn’t look or feel half as happy and free with himself.
The couple danced merrily around the room, taking turns in who was leading from time to time. They even allowed themselves to dance a few waltzes, holding each other far closer than what would be deemed appropriate if they were in public.
Viktor rested his head on Yuuri’s shoulder, closing his eyes and enjoying the moment, trying to memorize everything. He knew about the awful comments certain people would occasionally make, if not often, and even stopped them in a way that would earn him a stern reprimand from Lilia. And yet, it was worth everything to defend his husband’s honor whenever he could. What kind of husband would he be if he didn’t? Viktor tried to make up for the ill-treatment of others with lavish gifts and constant demonstrations of affection —or at least as often as he could without overwhelming Yuuri. No gift or gesture of his would ever compare to what his husband had organized tonight, though, or to the acceptance and understanding Yuuri had given him after clearing up their misunderstanding.
“I love you, Yuuri,” Viktor whispered, the moment and their dance too intimate and calm for a louder volume. “Thank you for this, I know planning events is not something you enjoy.”
“It is when it comes to you,” Yuuri whispered back.
Viktor didn’t need to look at the Beta’s face to know he was smiling. The Alpha sighed in contempt and let himself be swayed to the sound of the music. The night was still young, and he wanted to make up for all the dances they had missed in the past months.