Marriage of three

by Anonymous

Summary:

Shen Yuan regrets being the third wheel of the relationship between Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan because he believes he has ruined it all; however, he's unable to leave now with a daughter of their own.

Chapter 1

Marriage of three 

Chapter 1

The alpha is back, Shen Yuan noticed as he watches over the little crack of the door. His heart pounds happily in his chest. Yue Qingyuan is back, he returned. That’s good. So, so good. Like seeing the sun for the first time after a very long winter.

 Shen Qingqiu is yelling at him, which is understandable, Shen Qingqiu was heartbroken when he abandoned them, shortly after Shen Yuan announced his pregnancy.

               Shen Yuan does not think Yue Qingyuan ran away from them though. There must had been good reason why he left but he did not have the courage to speak about this with Shen Qingqiu. When the alpha disappeared, Shen Qingqiu’s patient grown thin, and their ‘’relationship’’ was too fragile and tense. The omega suspected Shen Qingqiu barely tolerate him when all three were together.  Shen Yuan did not want to test his luck on this one.

               After all, he’s the plus one here. These two were in a relationship before he came to the picture. He should have never accepted this arrangement. They were already happy, adding him to the mix was a mistake, and if it was on his hands, he would remove himself from here but once the claiming marks were settle on his neck, there was nothing he could do about it.

               What it’s done it’s done. Shen Yuan has grown to the idea of stepping aside, and if it wasn’t because they had a child together, he’ll definitely leave immediately this tiny apartment and get out of the way, but it isn’t possible, not yet. He couldn’t run away with their daughter either, he’d need money and protection to ensure she could grew up safely. The world isn’t very kind with omegas, let alone omegas who were double marked.

Shen Yuan clears his throat as he sits down in front of the door. He lets his head fall slightly back. He will not cry, he cannot cry. He can’t. He shouldn’t and he wouldn’t. Yue Qingyuan is back, but he’s not his alpha, but Shen Qingqiu’s. He’s merely a guest in this apartment, and in this pseudo arrangement he ended up being an incubator. He’s the mother of their baby, but he is not their partner, and he would never be again.

That’s why he shouldn’t get emotional about Yue Qingyuan’s return, he did not return for him. After a couple of deep breaths, the omega slowly stands up and carefully locks the door. He’s pretty sure alpha would like to see his baby but he can wait until tomorrow morning, so he turn off the lights and sneaks to his bed, pretending to be asleep.

Her daughter is in the crib next to him, so close he would only need to stretch his hand to touch her cheek. She’s six months old, born an alpha, thankfully. Now, Shen Yuan is not the type of parent who would automatically hate his children because they are born omegas, he has lived through that experience and it isn’t a nice one, but he understands it’s always better to be born a beta or an alpha.

When time come and his moment of leaving arrived, because that time will eventually happen, Shen Yuan will be comforted by the fact his daughter is an alpha in a world rule by her own race. There will be no heats, no forced marking, no discrimination of any type, just pure praises and privileges. Just a few years until she is not dependent on his omega parent, hopes to leave early while she grew up. Shen Yuan does not want to be remembered.

He tucks himself almost happily under the blankets. Tomorrow will be better than today. Yue Qingyuan will now stop Shen Qingqiu from drinking, will kiss his sorrow and anger way, it won’t be easy, there is a long path to walk through if Yue Qingyuan wants Shen Qingqiu’s forgiveness. He hurt him so much. Shen Qingqiu was an alpha too, and allowed another to marked him, of course he was pissed when Yue Qingyuan left, especially after introducing an omega, convinced him to get in a polyamorous relationship and finally knocking him up.

To this day Shen Yuan is not sure who’s the father, and the thought hunts him at night. His parents were right, Shen Yuan was a whore with no self-respect, and he’s very ashamed of seeing himself in the mirror every morning. He really hopes they won’t mention his existence to Shen Ying when he is gone, it will be very embarrassing for her little girl to find out a what kind of person gave birth to her. Better to think he never existed, end of story.

Alphas are allowed to be with other alphas, or betas. Betas can be together with other betas and omegas or alphas. Even omegas could be with other omegas, frown upon but accepted as long as they did not make it public. Alphas could have several omegas if said alpha got the economic status to support said harem of omegas and off spring. Nevertheless, an omega could never, never have more than one alpha.

Just a few years ago stopped being considerate a crime (if found guilty, the omega could be facing a severe sentence, or even put to death, depending on the state. The alpha did not suffer legal retaliations at all but was considerate strange and of bad taste sometimes when it goes beyond a sexual relationship). It isn’t illegal anymore, but it is not accepted publicly. ‘’Good night’’ he whispers to his already sleeping daughter. She’s his listener no 1. Friends and family disowned him as soon as it was public knowledge of his status, so it has become normal talking to her all the time.

It is not as sad as it sounds, his daughter babbles are adorable after all.

…

‘’I think you broke my nose’’ Yue Qingyuan says, his voice has a tone of fondness though. Besides the swollen nose, he got a split lip. He deserves all of it, even if his absence was not something he had control over, however, if this helps to subside his mate’s fury, the oldest alpha will happily comply.

‘’Be grateful your manhood is still intact’’ Shen Qingqiu says. He’s sleepy and it’s difficult not to drag his voice, but he doesn’t push Yue Qingyuan away when he feels his arms wrapping around his waist, as he should be.

‘’I know, I know, deserved this and so much more. When I get to see A-Yuan, I’ll crouch down and let him punch me too’’ That should earn some sort of scoff from Shen Qingqiu but he stays completely silent. ‘’…He’s hating me right now, isn’t he?’’ The older alpha sighs heavily against his neck. They are still naked and sweaty; Shen Qingqiu just pats his cheek a little too rough in response.

‘’The expected of course’’ Shen Qingqiu says carefully. ‘’I think he hates me more than he hates you’’ Shen Qingqiu had never considered himself a proper alpha. He did not fit into the role. He was insecure, anxious. Easily frustrated when he did not have the results he was expecting. Quick to anger. Of course, his love here was helping him change for good, to have confidence in himself, learning how to wait and to be patient.

               When he left, all of Shen Qingqiu’s fears became true in a single night. His alpha couldn’t mate with him, it was clear. He needed an omega but did not accept Shen Yuan anymore because he was tainted, Shen Qingqiu ruined him the moment they shared him. That’s why he left, to find someone better, and never look over his shoulder where Shen Qingqiu and Shen Yuan were abandoned.

It hurt so much, and when they were evicted from Yue’s property, it did not help at all. ‘’Why would he hate you? Why would anyone hate you, Xiao Jiu?’’ Ah! Qi-Ge. Handsome, kindhearted but fool Qi-Ge. Everything Shen Qingqiu touched, he ruined it. He isn’t sure if his relationship with Shen Yuan had shattered completely but he’s aware things were not good. They hadn’t had sex over a year and a half.

No sex, no kisses, no hugs or touches of any type, barely exchanging a few sentences every now and then, all regarding their baby. Looks like Shen Yuan was not interested in the type of alpha Shen Qingqiu was, he wanted Yue Qingyuan, and he understood the reasoning behind. It makes him irritable, and anxious. There wasn’t a day he didn’t fear he’ll come back home to an empty house. No omega, no child waiting for him.

His worries always made him impulsive and short-tempered, taking stupid decisions, saying things he’ll regret the second it leaves his mouth. He can’t really help it. All he does is a desperate attempt to stop feeling that oppression in his heart whenever he sees Shen Yuan’s lost look on that innocent face of him. ‘’Xiao-Jiu? What happened?’’

The number of things that happened could not be enough to enlisted in one night. ‘’I do not wish to speak about it’’ He says, and for once he isn’t sounding harsh. That’s Yue Qingyuan’s effect. He’s a balm that calms all his wounds, a warm bonfire that melts the coldness of his soul. Yue Qingyuan was simply perfect and necessary on his life. That’s why he couldn’t help but punch him until his knuckles turned bloody. That stupid alpha knew how much he was loved and needed here and was gone. He should had fought harder and quicker. Shen Qingqiu would. He would have slaughtered everyone in that psych ward himself. It wouldn’t have been the first time. If in the past he did it for survival, oh dear heavens, now? he wouldn’t have spared a single person, if that meant he would be coming back home to his alpha and omega. No one would have taken away from him the opportunity to have a family. ‘’Ask Shen Yuan, tomorrow morning before he goes to work’’.

‘’Is he working?’’ The statement has no malice tied to it. Before certain person left home (or was forced into a medical intervention by his family. Whatever), Shen Qingqiu used to be a musical teacher in a prestigious university, Shen Yuan continued studying literature, and it was planned for him to stay at home once he finished. Yue Qingyuan encouraged them to do pursue their true talents and whatever they wanted to, he’ll be providing for both happily. In fact, he was more than satisfied when he covered every single expense from his mates. It filled him with a delightful sensation of pride.

Nevertheless, as soon as he disappeared, Shen Qingqiu was fired and had to take care of a pregnant mate while they were kicked out of their residence. He got blacklisted in that musical field (Yue’s courtesy), and in any other area regarding education, his specialty. Shen Yuan dropped out when they were not able to pay the tuition and found a job that same week. ‘’Yes, he’s working. My services at Cang Qiong were no longer needed. We did not have where to go, or savings of any kind. The first night we slept in a bench on the park’’. The only reason he reveals this is to let him know they didn’t have another choice. Omega’s rights and whatever you wanna call it. Shen Qingqiu did not want to put Shen Yuan to work in his state; it was a sour sight watching him came so late at night (when by chance their schedules matched), cupping his big and heavy belly and walking home with swollen ankles, barely with any energy to get a bath.

It made him feel the poorest excuse of a mate. Shen Qingqiu took extra shifts, of whatever he could find. Tutoring, delivery, in factories, driving. Cleaning. Security guard, it didn’t matter if he could somehow keep Shen Yuan at home resting with how big he was getting, it was worth it.

He expected Shen Yuan to look at him with resentment. After all, Shen Qingqiu was an alpha too. He embraced himself for the fits of anger, the insults, and in general rubbing in his face how ashamed he was for not being able to fulfill his role as an alpha just because Yue Qingyuan was away. He waited to be yelled at he was the most unfortunate person in the world since one of his alphas abandoned and the other was simply poor and useless.

That’s what it tormented him the most. Shen Yuan would look at him with complicity eyes and a resigned smile. There weren’t any accusations of any kind, no yells or blames to be throw in his way. It looks like his omega had made peace with their situation; aware they could only look forward for a bright future.

Shen Qingqiu was indeed a partner in this misery, not the cause of it. The alphas were not used to … whatever this was. Not coming from an omega. ‘’I’m going to make it up to you!’’ Their alpha says, and he believed it, because he could hear the desperation in his voice. ‘’I’ve bought that house you wanted, remember? The one in the hill. We can move out there this Friday, we’re only missing a few things for the nursery’’.

Shen Qingqiu only buries his face deeply in the pillow, unsure about what will happen next. Shen Yuan may be happy their alpha is back but he wouldn’t like the idea of continue living with him too.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Shen Yuan wakes up before dusk. He scarcely sleeps 4 hours nowadays when he’s lucky. Today is not one of those days though. He slowly sneaks out of his room, making sure his daughter continues sleeping inside her crib; her pretty green eyes are shut, sucking on her thumb, so beautiful and clueless of the hell that was living Shen Yuan inside his head.

               He must tide up the house. The alphas made a mess last night, probably confront in each other and then they fucked. Shen Yuan tries not to think of it. Whatever they do or not it any of his concern, that’s their private life. He’ll make sure to focus on his own main tasks: Cleaning and taking care of the baby. He isn’t sure yet if he’d be allowed to continue working.

               Hopefully he will. He’d need that money for his future. He has a few plans or where to go once Shen Ying grows up enough to detach from him safely. ‘’Ah! What a mess’’ he says pitifully as he sweeps off all the broken glasses and plates. ‘’Why couldn’t they fight somewhere else?’’ Like the laundry room or something. They could have thrown each other pants and shirts instead.

               Once the floor is free of any glass, he continues to dust everything off. Reaccommodate the furniture that has been moved, and once that’s finished, next thing it’s the kitchen. Shen Yuan tries to be organized and clean but often fails, between his shifts, Shen Qingqiu and the baby, it’s difficult to also attend the house’s needs. Shen Qingqiu has even less time than him, he barely eats, sleep and shows up, which means he leaves his plates and clothes everyone. Shen Yuan was the same until he realized someone needed to start picking up their mess. His contributions to the family are not as fruitful as Shen Qingqing anyway, so he quietly took the responsibilities on his shoulders without protests.

               He starts a cycle on the washing machine, thankfully this one is still working, and as it works, he returns to the kitchen carrying with him a handful of plates and mugs. He needs to wash those and wash the rest of the dishes too before he can start making breakfast; once he finish everything, he’ll get dress and get the fuck out of here.

               Shen Yuan should be calm about this; there is plenty of time for all of his house chores, however, he’s scrubbing a little too fast, and drying the plates a little too quick. He really, really wants to finish everything in the next hour or so, while the sun does not come up yet. The idea of facing Yue Qingyuan terrifies him.

               He still loves him. Damn, with this mark on his neck he’ll always love them, but it does not mean it’s reciprocated, well, it shouldn’t. The thing here, is that Shen Yuan was invited by mistake. He’s a whim and nothing more. He is not stupid and knows nothing good will come from having any hopes, he planted his feet on earth long ago.

               There is a place for him in this… pack but it isn’t what he thought it would be. He isn’t some sort of sacred shit to be cherished, protected as the last drop of water. No, no, that’s a childish thought, and he knows he’s the one at fault. He has seen too many movies and novels about it. He fell in love with a fantasy that did not exist, but the consequences very much did.

               He throws the clothes in the dryer with a more strength than the necessary. He has made peace with what was expected of him, the roles assigned to his head, sometimes it just gets under his skin remembering his family that if he did not listen to them and obey them, he’ll be ending as some omega bitch, in the bottom of the chain, a servant/toy of some alpha.

               It stings to accept they were fucking right, but dumb Shen Yuan did not want to listen. His life has changed forever now. There is nothing to do about but to learn to live with it. At least these alphas are responsible enough to recognize his daughter as theirs. He could end up worst, Shen Yuan hears daily news about omegas struck down by the government when they do not align with the rules and laws designed for them.

               Shen Yuan could have been one of those. Could been in a breeding cell right now. Meticulously impregnated, once a year, and the result of said insemination process will be taken from him and given to any willing parents who were not able to afford having children traditionally. So many awful, horrible possibilities could be his life right now, but instead, he got to have his baby girl with him still.

               With that upsetting thought in mind, the omega sets the table, is still early for breakfast but he would like to leave the food ready and just flee away. He knows an uncomfortable talk comes near, and he’s sure as hell he can’t escape it but he’ll postpone it as much as he’s can. They will want to speak of what’s next, his position on the pack, about the baby. Many things made Shen Yuan sink into a spiral of anxiety.

               He cooks even faster than he washed the dishes. The eggs are a little burnt at the edges, the sauce is a lil bit salty and the coffee and tea are a little bland and insipid; Shen Qingqing has never complained about it because he can’t do any better anyway. He’s able to push some of it down but his body warns him harshly not to risk it.

The dark of the night is getting dimmer, he has no more time left, and needed to leave quickly. He goes back to his room, at this time he feeds his daughter, she’s already waking up (she’s stretching her little arms and legs adorably by the way), but this time Shen Yuan cannot take his sweet time to feed fer, feel her tiny and defenseless body cuddling against his chest.

He checked the milk supply on the fridge, there is enough for the rest of the day, he can pump more once he gets back. He warms a few ounces, Shen Ying is the sweetest girl he has ever meant, however, when hungry she is as patient as his father, and he really does not wish to have her on a meltdown that could wake up all the residents of this home.

His bounces knee, anxiously as the milk warms up in the microwave, he wants to stay here before the timer goes down but then he hears Shen Ying’s threatening whimper. Oh no. Ny now she would be on his arms, drinking peacefully from the natural source, lullabying her back to sleep as her tummy fill up with his mother’s milk.

Today was a very different morning from her perfect and functioning routine. Shen Yuan curses as he rushes to his room, quickly holding her to rock her slowly and comfortingly. She is not very happy in the beginning, she quiets down when she feels Shen Yuan’s scent filling her lungs, her tiny mouth looks for his nipple and grows frustrated when she doesn’t find it. ‘’Why are you crying as if I had never feed you!’’ He wraps her up in her favorite pastel green blanket like a burrito, taking it with her to rush to the kitchen, where the timer has gone off and this annoying ‘’beep, beep’’ is echoing everywhere. ‘’Fucking fuck, fucks’’. He curses under his breath.

He really doesn’t want to have the talk right now. He knows he won’t be able to do for a long time but he’ll try as long as he can. He’ll make sure to have a double shift today, thankfully now there was Yue Qingyuan, so he can definitely take back his responsibilities raising their daughter too, he better get pick it up fast so when Shen Yuan is not here, he wouldn’t be running around like a headless chicken.

His daughter has a little frown on her precious face, a few tears prickling her lovely eyes as she drinks up desperately, how dare she, her last feeding was just a few hours ago, such an ungrateful little girl. He looks at the clock in the wall, there is still plenty of time to get to work without any issues, the thing is that Shen Yuan cannot stand a minute more here in this place.

He looks then at Shen Yuan’s room. No, no, probably more like their room, not Shen Yuan’s. Oh, those times where they shared a room all three of them were glorious. There was nothing more beautiful in the world for Shen Yuan than opening his eyes to see Shen Qingqing at his side and Yue Qingyuan in the other. Most of the time naked. It would be his loving and kind Yue Qingyuan the one holding him, or sometimes it would be his protective, cold yet softhearted Shen Qingyuan.

Ah. It was nice what it lasted. Shen Yuan has come to terms with the ending of their relationship. It was so nice. ‘’Stupid’’ Shen Yuan mutters. Why is he remembering such things in any case? Time is not going back. What it happened, happened. He needed to move on (and out).

Taking a deep breath, he walked towards their room. His hand is shaking when it touches the doorknob and pushes the door open.

Ah! Heavens. Such  a beautiful scent.

It smells like wood, smokey wood, wet soil. Combined with Shen Qingyuan’s floral, rose scent with sandalwood notes makes Shen Yuan feel as if he was in a garden. Makes go back where he was sitting in his grandmother’s lap, held so tightly and precious as she swiped his tears away. It made Shen Yuan felt he was safe.

He missed this.

He missed Yue Qingyuan. He missed the harmony he brought back home. He missed seeing Shen Qingqiu’s relaxed expression, sleeping peacefully, with his dark, long silk hair spilling like a cascade around the pillows, half of his face pressed softly to Yue Qingyuan’s chest, a lovely natural pink tune in his lips, and a more darker one on his cheeks.

As expected, they are naked. Yue Qingyuan has a swollen nose, clearly from a punch, and a split lip too; but he also has a numerous hickeys and bite marks around his neck, one decorating the area around his nipple. There are scratching marks around his arms, shoulders and back. Their legs are tangle, the sheets are on the floor and yet they were trying to protect each other from the cold with their own body heat.

To Shen Yuan’s eyes they looked… perfect.

Made for each other.

The two of them alone were perfect. There was no need to bring Shen Yuan here in the first place. Why would they? They were good as they were. He was the biggest mistake ever done. ‘’Shen Yuan?’’ Shen Qingqiu’ calls, his voice is again in that calm tone of him, lacking the anger and frustration he had when they had to discuss anything.

Shen Yuan looks away and then Shen Qingqiu seems to understand. What does it look like? There was no idea they had sex just two of them. They were always together, included. ‘’…It’s not what it looks like’’. It was the heat of the moment. The reconciliation. Shen Yuan knows that, these two were a couple after all.

‘’I hadn’t say anything’’. Why would he anyway? Not his business. ‘’Can you please go wash yourself a little and get some pants on? I need you to look over her’’.

Honestly, Shen Qingqiu is still not completely awake but slips out of bed, it isn’t easy. Yue Qingyuan frowns in his sleep (in the exact same way Shen Ning does when his daddy leaves her in the crib for a few seconds), feeling the warm loss when his lover leaves his place on his arms. He stirs but Shen Qingqiu kissed his lips and forehead to let him down he’ll be back quickly.

Oh.

That hurt.

Shen Qingqiu hasn’t kissed Shen Yuan like that in such a long time, not since Yue Qingyuan left. Hasn’t seen that look of love on his eyes. It feels like a punch in the stomach. He’s losing air, he can’t breathe. So Shen Qingqiu could be soft and tender.

Very slowly, he turns around, facing the wall, waiting for Shen Qingqiu to come back, Shen Ning has devoured half her bottle, and soon she’ll finish it and will need someone to get her back to sleep. He can’t this time. ‘’…Do you feel unwell?’’ Shen Qingqiu asks once he gets back. Wearing indeed pants and a sleeping robe.

‘’why wouldn’t I?’’ Shen Yuan says, just a little sharper than usual, which caught him out of guard for a second. ‘’Here, make sure he burps and then let her have her morning nap’’ Gently, he hands her Shen Ning as if she was burning his arms. ‘’Breakfast is already served, there is still milk for a few bottles, should last until tonight’’.

Shen Qingqiu’s raises an eyebrow. ‘’Where are you going? He’s back’’.

They had leaving together for over two years in total and still Shen Yuan keeps surprising him a little more everytime. He was expecting a strong reaction from the omega. To be as angry as him, or to melt down to see their alpha back. To be happy. Something, but Shen Yuan doesn’t even look at Yue Qingyuan’s direction, doesn’t meet Shen Qingqing’s eyes either. ‘’We need to talk’’.

Shen Yuan buries his nails in his palms until it stings. Yes, he knows they needed to talk but he doesn’t want to. He suspects what they would like to talk about, and it doesn’t sit well with him. ‘’…sorry, will work until night today, we can arrange something later’’.

Shen Qingqiu looks at him as he’s stupid. ‘’What nonsense are you saying? Don’t fucking go’’. Shen Yuan works in a department store in a mall. The place is elegant but the salary sucks, like most omega’s jobs. They are pretty things to be show off and attract customers. Shen Qingqiu hated seeing him get into this pretty suit that accentuated his small waist, and long beautiful legs, because he knew they would be a horde of men of all ages eyeing as if he was just some piece of meat.

‘’You know the drill, the diaper bag has everything on, including her favorite toys. I’ll see you later’’.

‘’Shen Yuan’’ Shen Qingqiu’s says firmer, holding his hand. This is the first time he had held his hand since he left. ‘’Stay’’.  For what? He wanted to ask. They had a good night, didn’t they? They looked pretty comfy too just minutes ago. What would Shen Yuan’s present matter now? ‘’Let me wake him up…’’

‘’If breakfast is cold just re-heat it but eat something for once, okay? If you are going to drink at least put something in your stomach first’’.

That’s a stab for Shen Qingqiu, who unwillingly lets Shen Yuan’s hand go. The first months were rough after Yue Qingyuan’s departure and recognized he had a drinking problem that continued escalating for a months to come, ending only until Shen Ning was born. Like he said, he recognized it, and he’s ashamed about it.

Shen Yuan must think he’s disgusting, isn’t he? For the way he avoids looking at him even. When he doesn’t talk to him and only gives him this stupid smile out of pity. Must be thinking he ruined his life by marking him, bringing him from his well accommodated, rich comfortable life to this shithole that was the only thing Shen Qingqiu could found in order to survive.

A lowborn alpha biting into such a precious neck. Shen Yuan’s family could be traced generations ago and be found involved with nobility. Shen Qingqiu’s was not even sure if that were his real name and last name. ‘’…Call me when you are there’’.

Shen Yuan shrugs and leaves the room, closing the door slowly behind him without looking back. Shen Qingqiu stood there in the same place, wishing for Shen Yuan to come back to them as he stared at the door, powerless. Shen Yuan stood outside, leaning against the said door, wishing to be called inside again.

 

Notes:

Hello to everyone :)
I honestly had no idea this would be so well received (had been sitting on my draft/word for 2 years), you are all so kind.
Thank you for your kudos, thank you for your comments and bookmarks, hope this story will not disappoint you.

As you can see, all have their own misunderstanding but indeed, I believe SY baby love had the toughest battle to deal, he had to give birth in an unstable ''relationship'' which, to be precise, during this time he SQ as a forced friend because clearly SQ didn't have any intentions of being close to him anyway, was a little busy working and drinking himself to death after YQ left.

You'll see why YQ left; and yes. SY is very well loved. The three of them love each other very dearly, but they are a bit stupid. The three love the three of them.

Again, thank you so much you for your support, no matter the language.

Have a lovely week, will update as soon as I can.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Sharp at seven a.m Shen Yuan is at his position at the door's entrance. He’s the prettiest omega in all the place, probably from the mall, and he’s there with the mere purpose of luring customers, especially from the alpha sector. Women and men, both are immediately attracted to Shen Yuan’s perfectly carved face, his bright eyes and black, long lashes. The softness of his creamy skin and the way his hair is always down, thankfully they were not able to cut as much as they wanted to.

Because, indeed, in case you’re wondering, there is this very extremist political party (Shen Yuan calls them a fucking cult) called Fathers but above anything they are very obsessed with the omega population. They are making sure their rights are shortened every year, and it was them who proposed the idea of the breeding program for omegas that were considered criminals, ten years ago. Which is tricky, because in law, there is never specified what’s considered ‘’criminal’’, or ‘’crime’’, it depends in the individual criteria. Shen Yuan has seen with horror while growing up, how some omegas fellows had been sent there for minor offenses.

They have followers everywhere, making their lives even harder, and one of them had spotted his neck carrying two claiming marks. Shen Yuan was naïve and did not cover them up correctly, he did not know it could be that dangerous to go out there exposing his neck like that. People do it all the time when they have one mark only. When they saw his neck, oh boy. They wanted to shave his head, strip him naked, and publicly humiliate him to show the rest of the omegas what could happen to them if they dared not to be compliant with one single alpha.

They were able to cut part of his precious long and silky hair, back then it reached his waist. They cut part of it and in the end, they had just ruined his haircut and had to cut even it out at home. His hands were shaking so much, still processing how people decided to slap, kick him, and spit on him when they found out what he was.

He never told this to anyone and rushed to the hospital himself for a checkout, he was only two months along. Thankfully, besides the bruises and a few scratches, Shen Yuan returned home to make dinner that same night, like nothing happened. A dinner that was never eaten by Shen Qingqiu but anyway. In summary, Shen Yuan hated the Fathers and all of their followers.

Which is… peculiar, because Yue Qingyuan’s father was part of said group. Has been a senator since Shen Yuan was in middle school. Shen Yuan's parents helped to his campaing. Their families had dinners together and often skipped said dinners because Shen Yuan hated all types of alphas puffing up their chests, bragging to each other about the achievements of their respective children.

Shen Yuan has two siblings, an older brother, alpha, of course, the golden child. Athletic, handsome. Not academically smart but very bright and charismatic, he had his way with words and could make friends everywhere. He was exactly like their father. They used to play together a lot when they were growing up and were very closed brothers but as soon as his brother hit puberty, he pushed Shen Yuan away without a second thought and hardly spoke ever since.

He also has a younger sister, also an alpha. She was clingy and sweet and were closed playmates too. Used to read books together all the time. Watched the same T.V shows, comics, mangas, anime, you name it. Even got pendants with each other’s name! His little sister was the best. Funny, crazy, very smart in school but a little awkward with people who were not his main family.

Then it happened the same. She grew up, hit puberty and started seeing Shen Yuan like something and not like someone. As if Shen Yuan became some sort of non-people. More like… an outsider, as if he did not belong to the pack. It was understandable when it came from his father, because he saw Shen Yuan as something he could exchange later on to one of his friends for goods, valuable goods, but not exactly as a son of his.

It was normal coming from his mother, the only omega of the pack, who saw Shen Yuan as the cause of her husband’s dissatisfaction when they were told he was born an omega. However, from his own brothers? Why were they losing by having an omega brother? They were cool with him growing up! Best friends!

He thinks more often than not about it. He still loves them; there is still this inner child who misses his big brother, his hero, and also the teen Shen Yuan who used to gossip and tear apart books with his little sister.

As Shen Yuan stared at nothing in particular, with his hand on the handle waiting for a customer to show up, he wondered if they were thinking the same about his parents. If they do feel the same when they find out he left with two alphas, got pregnant, and ended up working here. It isn’t a bad place to work at, he doesn’t quite hate his job, not always! But both parents and brother are used to looking over their shoulders, everyone who does not dress what they dress, eat what they do and in general, people who were not as privileged as they were. His sister was a different case, or so Shen Yuan tried to pull her over with a more emphatic view.

He wonders if it worked if she will be looking at him the same way the rest of the family did. ‘’Are you deaf on top of stupid?’ Shen Yuan is startled at first but quickly makes sure to put a smile on his face.

‘’Mr. Gongzhu, Good morning’’. He owns this store. Not only this store but all branches within the city. Their main products are watches for men, jewelry for women, and a very fine and selected clothing for both genres. All are oriented to alphas, and so, this place is full of them, that’s why the staff are omegas. ‘’Apologies, I did not hear you the first time.’’. He says, with his naturally pleasing omega tone, the one he was taught since very young to sweet himself over for alphas.

He comes and goes every now and then. Thankfully he is not here all the time but likes to pop up for surprise inspections. He’s far too old (Shen Yuan: or is he an old fart) and always finds something to complain about. Once he complained about not having enough natural light coming from outside, and oh surprise they were in the middle of a storm in winter. ‘’You never do. That’s why I want you there at the entrance of my business, looking pretty. No brains need for that, do you?’’ Mind you, Shen Yuan defeated his brother and sister every year and was placed with the highest score of the school. Every single year, was easy for him when he wanted to. He’s a very smart man, and knows there would be schools lining up to take him if he had been born an alpha.

‘’You’re right sir, omegas are meant to be pretty’’ Honestly, he’s seen worse okay? Whatever this stale turd has to say, is nothing he hasn’t heard before. Why would be important what he has to say? He doesn’t know Shen Yuan, he’s no one in his life. Just another alpha-child-like throwing a fit.

‘’Mhm, the only thing they are good for, good to know you are aware of it.’’ He is not as tall as Shen Yuan but he’s trice or so wider than him. He’s almost completely bald and whatever is left of hair has gone white. He uses too much cologne to disguise the smell of urine. As far as he knows, Mr. Gongzhu has some incontinence problems and, in most cases, he’s constantly leaking a few drops during the day because he always has a hint of pee. He’s also having some issues related with his kidneys due to age and old bad habits, so whatever that leaks, it also smells rotten. Maybe that’s another reason why Shen Yuan only smiles at him and says ‘’yes’’ to everything, because he’s sure he won’t last another year. What’s the point on lashing out to a dying man? ‘’Take your coat off, I’ve tell you so many times, you can only wear it in the evenings’’. That’s true, Shen Yuan forgot said rule, rushing too fast out of home the moment he could. ‘’This needs to be in display every single morning’’.

The wrinkly old hands encircled his waist without any shame. Shen Yuan can’t help but twist one side of his mouth in disgusts. He takes his sweet time, feeling the narrow waist between his thirsty hands for a second. ‘’I’ll make sure to keep my coat out during the mornings’’ Shen Yuan says to bring the old bastard back to earth. This fucking dinosaur lets go of him, he seemed to be enjoying himself a little too much but did not seem to notice until he was called out.

‘’Good’’ Almost reluctant he lets go Shen Yuan’s body, perhaps a little frustrated for not finding another excuse to continue touching him. ‘’At 12 p.m  I want you located in the fitting rooms. No excuses’’. Shen Yuan again inhales a frustrated sigh. If there is something worse than the owner getting handy, it’s being backed down to a much smaller place with so many handy alphas that he needed to help get dressed.

…

Yue Qingyuan is marveled. His daughter is just so precious. ‘’I cannot believe we made something so beautiful and perfect. Looks like A-Yuan and you’’. That’s right, though it doesn’t mean it is Shen Qingqiu the father, for some ironic games of life, Shen Yuan and Shen Qingqiu looked too much alike even if they were not biologically related (DNA’s tests were performed). Shen Ying may look at his younger alpha parent Shen Qingqiu, or simply was looking at his mother, Shen Yuan.

Either way, Yue Qingyuan loved her even more for said traits were from the people he loved the most in this world. He cradles her adoringly in his arms, and Shen Ning only saw him with her big, curious green eyes as she sucks on her thumb. ‘’Thankfully has Shen Yuan’s temper’’. And it’s true. She rarely cried, and rarely threw fits. She was cheerful and energetic, very curious and smart.

‘’I wouldn’t have minded either way’’. Yue Qingyuan says, looking beyond happiness. ‘’I wished I could have been there when she was about to come to this world’’.

Of course it eats him alive his absence when he was needed the most. He should have never allowed them to be taken away. Like Shen Qingqiu said, he should had fought harder, and should had killed all of them much sooner. ‘’Say that to him, I believe he’d appreciate hearing it’’.

Or maybe not. Shen Qingqiu isn’t sure what’s going to Shen Yuan’s mind even after living so long and having a baby. Never once did he crash out about why Yue Qingyuan left, never had a meltdown or did he yell and insult him in his absence. It pained him, that was clear, it could be seen in his eyes and in the way he forced himself to smile despite the circumstances. He collected himself, nodded, and started looking for possible solutions, planning with him (whenever he was sober) about what was the next step.

‘’I am not sure’’ Yue Qingyuan says, worriedly but smiles at his… at their daughter anyway.

He can’t demand anything from them. He cannot expect Shen Yuan would be happy with him, with his arms open, spilling tears of joy. Shen Qingqiu did not, he was pissed off and his anger left a few prints in his face that will take a few days to heal. However, he was expecting that retaliation beforehand, he’s been with Shen Qingqiu for years, he knows what he thinks, what he hates, and what he likes, and how he answers when angered.

Yue Qingyuan thought something similar about Shen Yuan. Believed he’ll be faced with yells, insults, questions about why he left them without any explanations, perhaps thought Shen Yuan will be demanding them immediately as soon as he realized he had been back. Heavens, he was expecting to have something thrown at him even.

And what happened the morning after his return?

Absolutely nothing. For Shen Yuan’s was a regular day, the only difference was he was cooking an extra portion for breakfast before leaving, not staying even to acknowledge his return and Yue Qingyuan is not saying this with the tone of: How dare he not wait for me to greet me!, no, no. He’s just stating what happened this morning.

There was a lot of work to do because if there was a lack of reaction for their omega, it only meant one thing: His return did not warrantee anything. That’s to say, Shen Yuan may be shielding himself from another blow if Yue Qingyuan disappears the very next day.

Which will not happen, okay? Yue Qingyuan has made sure to never leave. From now on, there is no one more powerful in his family than himself, and the second more powerful and will be Shen Qingqiu, in case anything came to happen. Yue Qingyuan had not only removed his father from the lead, but also removed or maimed uncles, aunts, cousins, and any alpha who dared to put his claim above his.

Yue Qingyuan is not obsessed with power at all, okay? If it was up to him, he’d be living with his mates and daughter in a cozy house in a village far away from here, where they could raise their child and children to come and have their happy ever after; sadly, that could be only real in his dreams. To have the luxury of mating an omega and an alpha, and to keep their offspring alive, Yue Qingyuan had to get nasty.

‘’He will, resentment is not part of his character’’ He was sweet and kind. ‘’Unfortunately, we… we have wrong him’’. Shen Qingqiu sets his eyes elsewhere as his position tenses. ‘’I’ was not... exactly supporting, especially during the pregnancy’’.

‘’…Oh, Xiao-Jiu…’’ Shen Qingqiu bites his lip when hearing the dejected tone. ‘’what happened?’’

‘’Upon your absence… I resorted to drinking.’’. It is a shameful confession but he should know that now from his mouth that hearing the complaint from Shen Yuan himself.

‘’…Did you relapse?’’. Shen Qingqiu shuts his eyes tightly at nods. This was not his first alcoholic episode. ‘’Once we get installed in our new home, we’ll go to a professional for an evaluation. If I’m told rehab is required, you’ll do it. You will not be alone on this, but you’ll do what is needed. Do you understand?’

Shen Qingqiu doesn’t say anything, just gives him a jerky nod.

Yue Qingyuan never, never uses this tone on him, or on any of his mates. However, right now he could sense not only how mad he was about the situation, but how saddened he was about his relapse, and man, that hurt a lot more than being yelled at. Shen Qingqiu would rather have him screaming for something stupid than talking to him like this.

While Yue Qingyuan was away, it was supposed to be him the one to take care of Shen Yuan and their unborn child. It was understandable they would be struggling financially but they’d have be able to pull it off after a few tries, but the drinking problem aggravated their already poor condition. Shen Yuan should have never, ever, be dealing with a drunk, angry Shen Qingqiu, not today, and certainly not while carrying a baby.

‘’How long were you drinking?’’

‘’Eight and a half months’’.

‘’Did…?’’’

‘’Yes, of course, he fucking knew. I wasn’t trying to be subtle about it. We argued a few times’’ a lot of times to be precise. Shen Yuan was powerlessly seeing him drowning in alcohol whenever he could, unsure of what to do or how to stop him. ‘’Never raised at hand at him if that’s your concern’’.

Shen Qingqiu could be at his worst but the idea of hurting Shen Yuan never appearing, yelling? Yes, it happened often, Shen Yuan was indeed trying so hard to take care of him and it only infuriated Shen Qingqiu further because he did not want anyone around him. 

‘’Have you apologized at least?’’

‘’…No’’.

To be precise, they had never spoken about it. If it's not discussed, it didn't happen, unfortunately, it was their primary form of communication.

Notes:

No worries, next chapter these 3 will be talking, or ''talking''

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

‘’Shen Yuan, a customer wants you to help him out’ He curses internally, hardly given a couple of bites to his sandwich.

‘’Oh fuck off. Go help them yourself. I’m on lunch break’’. It’s three p.m, this is his first break, his feet hurt for standing up so many hours, his face also hurt for how much he’s been smiling. God, he hated this job so much. You know, the richest the company, the shittier the pay and treatment.

‘’He’s requesting you’’. Shen Yuan rolls his eyes and continues chewing and staring into nothingness. It’s not the first time someone ‘’requests’’ him. They all want to get in a cramped space with him under the excuse of needing help for dressing up. They can be stubborn and continue talking about personal matters: If he’s marked, if lives alone, where he lives at, and if he would like to have a drink afterwards.

Shen Yuan is not certainly worried about them as long as they are within the establishment, they will not attempt anything besides being fucking annoying. Perhaps once or twice he actually freaked out when he sees the same person waiting for him at the exit late at night, but that’s a story for another day.

‘’Tell him to fuck off too’’. The thing is that right now Shen Yuan is starving and tired. He really just wishes take his 20 minutes before getting back on his feet.

His coworker takes a deep breath, clearly as fed up as him with this shitty job. ‘’It’s him. Shen Yuan stops chewing for a second.

‘’I’ll be right there''.

…

They couldn’t’ recall how long they had been together. It was easier to confirm how many years they hadn’t. Shen Qingqiu rambled at one of the Yue’s properties when he was a little child, he was a hungry little boy, no family left. To this day, he did not know who his parents were or what his real name was. He believes he may have come from one of the brothels around the outskirts of the city, he was dumped near one and roamed alone around the streets for a couple of years before finding a home.

His parents did not see anything wrong in Shen Qingqiu’s closeness initially. It was important for him to find a loyal servant that could give his life if needed for him, after all, though they did not think it would also be the other way around.

 They never saw him as part of the family, neither was he treated as one but he went to the same schools as Yue Qingyuan, he dressed as nicely as him and eat in their presence, he was an alpha after all, lowborn, of course, but an alpha, those precious genes could not be wasted away. Shen Qing was Yue’s property, a valuable asset.

He was extremely beautiful, naturally graceful and intelligent. He could pick up details no one did. Madam Yue had come to fall in love with him at some point, he was everything Mr. Yue could never be; beyond all of those qualities, Shen Qingqiu had a sensitive heart, he enjoyed arts, his paintings were so striking and his music was absolutely ethereal.

Yue Qingyuan may lack back then the bloody instincts of his alpha father but could smell the lust from his mother’s every time she dared to look at Shen Qingqiu and immediately ensure his mother would never be near him. ‘’Do you like it here?’’ Sadly, they were not able to leave the country, his father would never let them, but Yue Qingyuan took the brave decision of leaving the Yue's manor.

Shen Qingyuan did not answer him but Yue Qingyuan could see the shadow of a smile as he looked through the stunning view of their new apartment. It was very spacious and close to an elite university where they were attending. ‘’Because I love it’’ Yue Qingyuan said, wrapping his arms around Shen Qingqiu’s middle, resting his head on his shoulder.

He smelled good and had been addicted to his scent ever since they met.

For a silly moment, they felt free.

…

‘’So, you are back’’ Shen Yuan says, unable to not sounded relieved.

His friend (and former co-worker) just smiled big at him as he stood up to greet him. Shang Qinghua was another omega. They came from different upbringings and still ended up working in the same place and had known each other for almost two years. ‘’Hug?’’ He said, opening his arms almost shyly. Shen Yuan controlled his breathing and with pursed lips he shook his head, unable to say a word without holding back all his distress. ‘’Ah…! Shit I’m sorry, I… I just came visiting! Come on, sit down! Let’s burn off as much time as we can!’’ He palmed the empty space next to him in the leather bench.

Shen Yuan followed after a few moments of hesitation, siting heavily. ‘’So… you’re back’’ He almost wanted to laugh. Suddenly all the people decided to get back to his life. Next time he’s sure he’d see his parents or siblings going through that door. Damn.

‘’Yes! Well…! Just came back from our honeymoon’’. Shen Yuan looks at him and for a moment he feels a deep, dark envy. ‘’Don’t look at me like that! I definitely wanted to invited you to the wedding but his uncle was a bit of a pain in the ass, so we needed to get married before he played a dirty trick!’’ Shen Yuan quickly feels the regret and shook his head. He has no reason to feel what he feels. ‘’Was so beautiful!! We flee to a private Island and that’s a huge sacrifice for him because he hateees any warm weathers! Anyway! As soon as we landed, I was immediately pulled by a whole crew who got me ready for the ceremony, I took pictures of course, wanna see?’’

Shen Yuan nods. He would be happy for him but he’s not having the best day right now, so he limits to stare at the phone without processing much, giving every now and then a few generic comments, that’s a nice view. Those are pretty colors. The weather looks so good. If Shang Qinghua notices or not, he doesn’t say.

‘’Will you move out?’’ Shen Yuan says, arms crossed as he looked away. Shang Qinghua did not even come here to quit or give a two weeks’ notice. He just stopped coming altogether, blocking everyone’s numbers, even Shen Yuan’s. He knew that. Knew he was just escaping this wretched place, never to look back. Shen Yuan would have done the same if he could.

‘’…Yes, we will. He had a few business to solve here but we got our tickets to leave tonight, he says he doesn’t like it here, it’s too aggressive for me, after you know what’. Shen yuan can’t help but to bite his tongue hard. He has no right on ruining his friend’s happiness with any bitter comment but he feels his stomach churning uncomfortably in a mix of relieve and jealousy. ‘’Once we get installed, why don’t you come to visit? I’m sure Shen Ning and you would love it there!’

Shen Yuan would never. His friend’s husband always looked Shen Yuan down the moment he found out he was double marked. He cannot stand his presence and probably is paranoid of infecting Shang Qinghua with his ‘’immoral behavior’’.  Clearly, he wouldn’t put his daughter and him in such position. ‘’Nah, I’m doing fine, don’t worry for me. Make sure to write often though. Kinda miss your shitty recipes’

‘’Ah, fuck you! As if you cooked better than me! Do you know last time I ate one of your stews, it got me diarrhea? You can’t have the nerve to belittle my amazing cooking skills!’’ Shen Yuan chuckles for a moment.

‘’I’m glad you got out of here’’ Shen Yuan says after his friend’s laughter has died. ‘’Are you pregnant?’ He asks in the softer tone, Shang Qinghua is barely able to hear him.

‘’No, I’m not. Not yet anyway’’ He squirms a little nervous in his seat. They had been very careful. They definitely need children but are unsure or when to bring them into the picture. They were just married after all and were still so young. ‘’I think we’re going to wait a few years before giving that huge step. I’m fine with children but I think it can also like ruin your life if you don’t plan them carefully, you know?’’

‘’Yes, I know…’’

‘’Oh shit, I didn’t mean…!’’

‘’No, no, you’re right. It was my fault honestly. It relied on them in the end’’ Shen Yuan shrugs. ‘’If you want children, that’s okay. Your alpha will need them to pass on the family name, his legacy and all of that shit’’ He understands that. ‘’Before it happens, make sure he gives you a house, do you understand?’’

‘’Obviously! He already gave me one!’’

‘’To your name?’’ Shen Yuan inquires.

‘’…Eeeh, I’m not sure, I didn’t see any papers, I just took the keys?’’ Shen Yuan shook his head. No, that’s not good, Shang Qinghua is just too naïve and that will come to bite him in the ass one of these days.

‘’No. Tell him you want a house. No, two houses, one for you to live and another to rent just in case but both need to be under your name. Open a bank account to your name too and don’t tell him and start saving. It doesn’t mean he’s going to trick you or if he’s scheming something, I’m not saying that. Just be prepared for anything. And if you can, get him to give you a small business to run, also under your name. Nothing too scandalous, if you ask him for shares or to work with him, he’ll freak out. Ask for something more omega suited. A restaurant, book shop, I don’t know. Something that won’t make him feel you are seeking for too much independence or leadership, a small business that you can still make a living out of it. Remember, all of these needs to be under your name, not his, otherwise it is never going to be yours’’.

Shang Qinghua wants to tell him that he’s exaggerating, that he knows his husband and that he would never do anything to put him in a precarious position but he knows Shen Yuan may feel the same. May have smiled as much as he did and trust his companions even more than he does with his own alpha, because Shen Yuan gave them a child in the first year without thinking twice.

He doesn’t tell this to put any bad demons in Shang Qinghua’s head. He’s saying this because he worries for Shang Qinghua and wants him to be ready for any possible scenario, regardless of the situation. They were not immortals after all, even if Mobei-Jun doesn’t want to leave, accidents can happen, people were already after Mobei-Jun’s head and they wouldn’t give a shit about Shang Qinghua if his alpha wasn’t there to help him. ‘’Okay’’ he says in a low tone. ‘’I’ll keep note of that’’. The next few minutes they spent in awkward silence. ‘’…and how is A-Ning? Last time I saw her she was so tiny and bald! How is he doing now, huh? Can you do any pigtails yet? Got any pictures?’’

‘’She has grown a little, she’s still small and chubby but with a lot of hair now, and yes I can do pigtails now, tiny ones, I don’t have pictures though’’. He doesn’t have any photos, he thinks it will make everything more painful.

‘’Aww! Hope I can see her soon! I’m moving out but it doesn’t mean I won’t come to visit you! You can't get rid of me so easily!’’ Shen Yuan though, he doesn’t smile at his joke.

‘’…Would you do me a favor?’’

‘’Of course! Anything you need! Come on, shoot!’’

‘’Don’t come back’’

That instantly make’s Shang Qinghua’s grin drop. ‘’What’s wrong?’’

‘’Listen, I’ll not have her for long and that’s okay, she’ll be well taken care of by both of her alpha parents’’.

‘’Did Yue Qingyuan get back?!’’

‘’Yes, thankfully’’.

‘’…Okay, bro, I think you need time to rethink your situation before you do anything stupid. I’m just saying’’. Many omegas get to the wrong places when they feel cornered. The number of institutions that offered a ‘’safe place’’ for them and in the end were just a façade to earn their trust and the sexually exploited them were too many for Shang Qinghua to count. Shen Yuan is a lonely man with no family or many friends, and now that Shang Qinghua was also moving out the city permanently, it worried him what would Shen Yuan do.

‘’I’m not killing myself or anything, calm the fuck down. I still got a couple of years for my daughter, and I’ll enjoy them as much as possible’’.

‘’If that’s your idea of reassuring me, you are stupider than I thought’’.

‘’I am not killing myself! Too much hustle honestly’’.

‘’Okay, so that's not working either’’.

‘’Anyway. Just don’t come back, alright? Forget about this fucking city. Go away as you can. Get your happy ending, pop out a couple of cute little babies, take a couple of literature classes and then publish your books’’.

‘’Hey! What’s wrong with my writing now?!’’

‘’…Do you want the list chronologically or alphabetically?’’

‘’How dare you! My man is even working on getting my book published by the end of this year!’’

‘’Ah! Love knows no boundaries. Or taste’’.

…

As expected, someone was waiting for him already. Thankfully, it is Shen Qingqiu, he appreciates the gesture as he is unsure he’d be able to keep a straight face if he saw Yue Qingyuan and did not want to have a crisis in public, he’s has been publicly ashamed enough times and at this hour he’s too drained from work for that.

They looked each other for a moment. It looked like two droplets of clean water. Their features were pretty much identical; what it makes it different was there was warm and tenderness from Shen Yuan, a lovely contrast with Shen Qing’s cold and refined demeanor, definitely an omega and an alpha. If a random person saw them, they could be easily mistaken for brothers, if not twins. ‘’Have you eaten yet?’’ Shen Yuan asks, breaking the ice as Shen Qingqiu opens the door for him.

‘’No’’.

‘’Oh, is Qingyuan cooking, right? Thank heavens! Our stomachs will no longer suffer then’’.

And he chuckles. It is no secret, both of them could not cook for their lives. Yue Qingyuan, on the other hand, prepared the most delicious home dishes. His dishes always have a horrible presentation but the taste was always out of this world.

‘’No, they will not’’. His tone cuts the peaceful atmosphere Shen Yuan is trying to create. His voice was loud enough to make Shen Qingqiu agitated and Shen Yuan startled on his seat.

Shen Qingqiu knows Shen Yuan is trying to lighten the mood but whenever it is about Shen Yuan, he loses control over himself. He’s been so well collected all his life. Smiling and talking with needed. Creating and leaving his web treads behind, seducing women and men in the name of the Yue’s for their own interests. And then Shen Yuan came into the picture, with his beautiful green eyes and sweet smile. Kindly looking at him, making him believe Shen Qingqiu was worth something.

Shen Yuan should know better than trying to act all buddy-buddy with a man who may as well think he’s the mistress here. ‘’Sorry’’. He says, buckling up and shutting the hell up. He gets it, he shouldn’t be here in the first place. 

Shen Qingqiu wants to slap himself. It should be him the one apologizing. He does not understand what happens to him? He was trying to have a nice gesture by picking him up himself, alone. To have a few words in the way home and if possible, apologize in an intimacy set for them, for his errors; how can it be that every time he opens his mouth it’s to offend the person who has stick with him regardless of the situation?

Immediately, the anxiety is building up in his chest and fears that if he speaks again he’ll say something offensive. Shen Qingqiu stays silent too and drives home. Clearly, the ambience is tense and awkward, and Shen Yuan is tempted to tell Shen Qingqiu that he could take a taxi to the nearest hotel and spend the night there if they give him some cash. He’s lived with alphas all his life and knows how violent they can get when possessive. He doesn’t want to get in the middle and end up with a mauled, broken neck because of a jealous alpha, okay?

‘’How was work?’’ Shen Qingqiu attempts to soften his tone, but his fears make it difficult.

‘’good’’. Again, the conversation ends.

Great.

---

 Yue Qingyuan is nervous. No, no, that word cannot describe this wretch feeling eating him alive. ‘’I’m going to see your mother now’’ He says to his daughter, Shen Ning is too busy drooling on her own fists to really care about her father’s meltdown. ‘’How do I look? Do I look handsome?’’. He’s changed three times already. First with a couple of suits on black and gray but then returning to change again, thinking it would be too formal, and this was a reunion with one of the loves of his life, not a business meeting. He changed again for something more comfortable but still he looks up to the occasion. ‘’They should be coming any minute now. Ah! A-Ning! I just changed you! You can’t be dirty in the moment your mother gets home, why would he think of me?’’.

He's a little paranoid, already hearing the doorknob twisted and voices inside. He’s dying to see Shen Yuan’s beautiful face again, to hear his voice and melodic giggles. It’s been a torture not to feel his skin, to kiss his lips. Thankfully, it seems Shen Yuan would like to listen. he was not furious about his absence, like Shen Qingqiu was, he’s only hurt. It doesn’t make it any better and it breaks Yue Qingyuan heart to think how was he suffering during his pregnancy and delivery without him by his side, however, it gives him some hope to have a chance to return things like it used to.

‘’We’re home’’. That’s Shen Qingqiu’s voice. Quickly, he washes his hands and wraps their daughter back in her blanket. He rushes back to the living room to meet his soulmates. The food was ready, the lights were dimmed and instead, he had set up dozens of little aromatic candles.

He faces Shen Yuan and his smile immediately blooms. ‘’A-Yuan…’’. He calls and so their daughter squeals in delight as soon as she sees and detects her mother’s arrival through his natural omega scent. ‘’You’re finally here!’’ His cheeks are hurting a little for how wide is he smiling, quickly rushes to them.

Shen Qingqiu knows this is a moment for Shen Yuan and Yue Qingyuan. A time for the two of them to connect, to let Qi-Ge scent their hurt omega, so he subtly turns around to give them some space. Hopefully, he would be able to put some balm on the injuries himself has left on Shen Yuan. ‘’uh huh. We’re here’’. Shen Yuan says, sounding exhausted. This was too much right now for him, his eyes look for Shen Qingqiu for the other man is avoiding them. Shen Yuan looks around and clearly sees the effort Yue Qingyuan has put into this dinner and feels a cold realization. He understands everything now. This must been a romantic dinner between the two of them, not Shen Yuan. That could explain why Shen Qingqiu was in such a bad mood. He needed time alone with his partner and what did Yue Qingyuan did? Sending him off to pick him up. ‘’Ah! Yes. So happy to have you back’.

Yue Qingyuan reads him, looks for any sign of rejection, of anger, but he finds none besides the way Shen Yuan is nervously fidgeting with his hands between his pockets. He’s calm overall. ‘’I missed you so much…’’.

‘’Sure’’ he really didn’t want any misunderstanding between Shen Qingqiu and him. He barely survives the dynamic as the omega at the bottom of the chain. A step in the wrong direction, and he could wake up a violent side in Shen Qingqiu. After all, alphas were possessive and violent by nature. Ask Shen Yuan, he has lived with three before them.

Yue Qingyuan comes closer to him, tilting his head to the side, looking to capture Shen Yuan’s lips, and Shen Yuan dodges him as fast as he could, even when the only thing he wanted was to be held tight and secured in their arms. ‘’Well, ehem… I’ll go get changed’’. He bops their daughter’s nose playfully before giving Yue Qingyuan one last pat on the back. ‘’It’s good to have you back. Have all a good night’’.

Shen Qingqiu tenses, uncrossing his arms. He knows perfectly he’s avoiding them and gulps. He did this. If he hadn’t been an ass all of this time, if he had been softer, more caring and loving, this whole relationship would be totally different and they wouldn’t be in the verge of losing such a important part of their dynamic because of his neglect. ‘’Do it fast. We’re starving’’ Shen Qingqiu pushes. Both Yue Qingyuan and him are desperate to get a hold of the omega. Not in a sexual way, more like in a desperate attempt to keep him with them.

‘’No worries, I ate something earlier and I’m a little full still so, go ahead, enjoy!’’ He shoots this gentle and genuine smile, his nature omega side telling them he is no threat to anyone. He’s a little, harmless guest who’s taking care of their daughter, that’s it. He will not attempt to steal her or any of those sorts. He knows his place perfectly, and before Shen Ning turns five, Shen Yuan would be a distant memory.

He manages to slip past Shen Qingqiu and practically runs to his room, locking himself inside as he nervously breathes. That was close, so close to give in into his real feelings and just offer his neck to them and say yes to everything but he didn’t. Shen Yuan forces himself to do a few breathing exercises. He doesn’t want to feel more than he can handle, doesn’t want to break down, they’ll know, they’ll feel his distress the minute he cries he couldn’t have such luxuries anymore.

Notes:

Ah so sorry for the delay, been torn between work and school/finals, I'm sooo tired that I took a six and a half hour nap by accident on Monday lol

More fics:
Clean slate, wangxian, time travel, it's the cutest/romantic I'd write!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62744167/chapters/160627654

The sons of the traitor, CHENGXIAN, by blood, incest, creepy stuff, please read tags, dead dove, omegaverse

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62988802/chapters/161310241

Rotten apples:
And this one boys and girls, buckle the hell up, this one is very, very dead dove, it's dark, omegaverse. Shen Qingqiu gives birth to Shen Yuan as a product of rape when he was line 11-12 years if not younger. Shen Yuan is missing several limbs as a result of living on the Qiu's manor. It has very heavy themes, ofc SQQ hates/loves SY. It's also Yue Qingyuan/Shen Qingqiu and Shen Yuan/Luo Binghe but Luo Binghe is also a shitty person in the beginning, end game is Shen Yuan /Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu/Yue Qingyuan. This shit will make you angry and cry:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63019309/chapters/161393365

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

‘’Oh no’’. Yue Qingyuan finds a place to sit down. ‘’This is worse than I imagined’. He sits down, still astonished about Shen Yuan’s rejection. It burnt him and left, physically, a bitter taste in his mouth. ‘’He didn’t want me to be near him’’. And he knows he deserved that, he has no right to come here and expect a full, warm welcome from Shen Yuan but still, it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.

Shen Qingqiu looks in direction of Shen Yuan’s room. This is no one’s doing but his. Shen Yuan  was in nice spirits, looking forward to enjoy dinner like a regular family and pretending nothing bad had happened but he did not control himself and disrupted the peace offering Shen Yuan was giving him. ‘’My fault’’ Shen Qingqiu admits, sitting down heavily with his eyes trailing still after Shen Yuan’s way.

‘’Of course it isn’t…’’

Yue Qingyuan knows how difficult Shen Qingqiu can be. He’s special. His temper can be explosive sometimes, and adding his alcoholism, he knew he wouldn’t be easy. It hadn’t been always easy for Yue Qingyuan to build a relationship with him, even if they were together since children.

He cannot imagine how difficult would be for his mate to be together when they hadn’t know even half the time Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu did. ‘’My stupidity got us in this mess’’.

There was a drift between them and their omega. Yue Qingyuan could understand why Shen Yuan was not happy with him. What omega would. However, Shen Qingqiu was here, an alpha was supposed to guard Shen Yuan.

What happened? No, no, better even.

How could they fix this?

…

The next day, Shen Yuan acknowledges his job is a lost cause, though he enjoys watching his phone ring and seeing how it goes straight to voicemail when his boss calls him asking why the hell is he two hours late for work, and that he doesn’t show his ass in the next five minutes, he’ll be cutting off his shifts.

After five calls he decides to silence the phone but doesn’t quite block him yet. Nah, he needs to have some fun later, he wants to read his angry messages and maybe sent some nasty texts as a response. Don’t judge him, there are very little joys he has in life.

Eventually, once his boss has probably suffered a stroke (hopefully), Shen Yuan takes his phone again, and checks his balance. Not ‘’bad’’. Of course he’s been helping out covering up a part of the bills but he never really told Shen Qingqiu how much was he really making. Don’t get him wrong, it isn’t much anyway, but every paycheck without a fail, he made sure to step aside a little something. Shen Qingqiu could die, could decide being a father was not really his thing and runaway too. A hundred possibilities and Shen Yuan was not going to sleep in the streets again, especially not with his daughter.

It isn’t a great amount of money, honestly. Maybe he could buy a flight ticket to the next city and a stay for a week, but that wasn’t far enough to keep the temptation to sneak back again and see how was his daughter doing. She’s the most important matter to him. It isn’t Shen Qingqiu, a man who despised his presence and tolerated him out of responsibility since he baby trapped him. It isn’t Yue Qingyuan, a kind, loving man who lured him to a false life of fake promises. It’s okay, he can live without them, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s lost a family.

His daughter, however, that would be a very painful separation, like losing an organ from his body while he’s fully awake. He knows he’d try to get back for her and he could not allow such a thing to happen. He should leave the country, someplace far away from here and then set his passport on fire. Change his name and seclude himself in a mountain.

The more time he spends here, the more Shen Yuan feels he’s burning alive, and not in the horny way. His libido is a forgotten thing already, it abandoned his body the moment the omega felt all the basic needs were neglected. Even now with Yue Qingyuan has returned, he hasn’t felt a thing, his body is not reacting to any of their scent since the last time they made him feel safe was a distant memory he couldn’t recall anymore.

And that’s also okay. There were many more important things to get worried about than getting screwed. His heats won’t be coming any time soon, he’s constantly on alert and survival mode, how could his body feel safe and relaxed enough to allow himself into a heat. He couldn’t bring more babies when he cannot tell for sure his own future.

Dejected, Shen Yuan gets up from bed, he knows his daughter will start demanding her breakfast milk. He’s a little drowsy and drags his blanket with him along with a pillow. He wanted to get comfortable.

When he reaches to the door, the alpha’s door, their room, Shen Yuan’s former room, he stops for a moment, his hand anxiously on the knob. He feels an uneasy feeling in the back of his throat but refuses to acknowledge. Whatever Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu do or stop doing, it isn’t his business at all. He takes a deep breath and proceeds to open the door.

As expected, they are still sleeping, holding each other even in their dreams. They looked peaceful and in full completion, as if there was anything in the world that could disturb such a peace. Yue Qingyuan cradled Shen Qingqiu so carefully and lovingly in his arms, protecting him from all possible dangers, as Shen Yuan was held once, almost two years ago.

Still, it hurts so much how happy and comfortable they look together, whether he was there or not. Shen Yuan can’t help but twist his mouth slightly in displeasure before forcing to compose himself. This isn’t none of his business like he said before, thankfully this time were fully clothed, they were respecting their daughter’s presence at least.

He avoids their bed masterly before picking up his daughter. She’s still sleepy but knows she’d be demanding food any time soon, and boy isn’t she loud when she’s hungry. Just as he finally picks her securely in his arms, he feels an hand resting in his lowerback, Yue Qingyuan’s to be precise. ‘’Apologies, didn’t want to wake you up’’. He says in a low and polite tone. In the end, he doesn’t hate these men, he’s just deeply hurt.

‘’It’s early enough to start the day anyway’’ His voice is hoarse and deep, it makes Shen Yuan look away, the warm sensation of his hand on his body feels good but he doesn’t want to get his hopes up neither wants to get in fight with Shen Qingqiu for getting in between them.

Shen Yuan doesn’t say anything else, he just nods and decides to turn around and leave the room, only to be pulled softly, his knees making contact with the bed frame. ‘’…Please don’t’’. He begs, dejected, as he’s pulled softly again towards the bed. He has an arm around his baby, and the other is taken by Yue Qingyuan, who’s scotting, making a place for him.

This won’t end well, Shen Yuan knows how can be easily tangled in Yue Qingyuan’s ways. Uncomfortable, he gives up, setting next to him in the bed, rigid like a corpse, and looking everywhere in the room if he can avoid Yue Qingyuan’s praying gaze. ‘’We need to talk, A-Yuan’’.

‘’Don’t call me that’’ Shen Yuan says, pleading, it’s difficult already without him being sweet.

Shen Qingqiu stirs and grunts when he’s pushed slightly to the other side of the bed. Not left out, not pushed away, just moved to make some space for Shen Yuan. They all fit but the are a little cramped. ‘’I’m sorry’’ Yue Qingyuan says, and Shen Yuan doesn’t know if he’s referring to the endearing nick-name or for something else.

‘’I guess you didn’t want to leave, didn’t you?’’

‘’If it had been in my hands, I’d have never, never left you’’.

Shen Yuan knows he’s saying the truth, the thing is, it doesn’t matter. Whether he left because he wanted to, or because someone made him, Shen Yuan doesn’t care. He’s here now anyway. ‘’Thought so’’.

Yue Qingyuan bites his inner check. He can feel the indifference radiating from him, he doesn’t blame him at all. He wouldn’t be happy if he had been in his place. ‘’My father found out about both of you’’. He started, sitting carefully to avoid waking Shen Qingqiu up. ‘’He was furious and threatened to disown me if I didn’t leave this nonsense. I told him I did not care. My banks accounts were mine and mine only, all of my funds were not depending on him, I’ve made my own money or had been inheritance from my grandparents that left on my name, for me only. To be expected, he wasn’t happy with my response’’.

Shen Yuan is already feeding their daughter. She’s drinks gently and in silence, unaware of all of the past tragedy that brought so much pain to their pack. ‘’I can imagine it’’ Shen Yuan comments, unsure or what else to say.

‘’I was sent, against my will, to a psyche ward, under the excuse I was terribly mentally ill and that I was a danger to myself and the people around me’’.

‘’I’m sorry… to hear about that and all’’ What else is he supposed to say? Shen Yuan absently pats Shen Ning’s back to soothe her as she drinks. ‘’I’m happy they let you go’’.

Again, Yue Qingyuan is a little at disarray internally. That’s all Shen Yuan had to say? He isn’t expecting a scene or anything related, but the lack of response from Shen Yuan is frightening. Shen Qingqiu was angry at his father for daring to take him away from them, at him for not fighting and starting a war instantly in order to get released promptly. They are not the same people, he gets that, but was anticipating a different reaction besides a ‘’what a bummer’’ and then staring into the nothingness.

‘’They did not let me go’’. Yue Qingyuan says, the tone makes Shen Yuan finally look at him.

‘’Are we in danger? Would they take you away again?’’ He’s too tired for this shit. ‘’I’m pretty sure I just got fired from my job. Please confirm so I can look for a different job’’. If he ever shows his face off at work, he’s gonna get kicked out by security, 100% sure.

‘’Why is getting a new job your primer concern right now?’’

‘’Have you ever been in the streets, sir?’’ Shen Yuan turns around to look at him. He isn’t in the mood right now. ‘’I’m sad about what happened to you. Really, Shen Qingqiu was pissed, I was worried because I knew if it had been in your power, you would’ve left us, but I’ve assumed you’ll be back. It sucks, I may sound selfish right now but last time you left, we were on our own and it wasn’t pretty at all. My main priorities aren’t you or the other one. It’s my daughter. If you are going to be taken away, I need a plan B’

He isn’t worried as he wants to. Yue Qingyuan was here, in a piece. He was not a part of a breeding, forced program like an omega would if thrown to prison. As a prisoner as he was, Yue Qingyuan was an alpha, he still was seen as a human, still had his rights mostly intact. He was freer locked up than Shen Yuan ever was outside without his parents.

It’s harsh but Shen Yuan has gone through a little hell while he was away and it’s difficult for him to find any sympathy for someone who’ll be respected 10 times over him. He’s fucking drained.

They did not let me go. Yue Qingyuan thinks. So, I’ve to kill them.

Being away from his mates generated physical pain, however, as drugged as he was, there was little he could do against them, until they started messing up with the mark left my Shen Qingqiu. Shen Yuan was not able to bite anyone, he could try but the mark will simply disappear. Shen Qingqiu’s was different. They were afraid said marked could affect his capacity to procreate in a future, because of course, Shen Yuan’s pregnancy was not taken into consideration, they didn’t even know if the baby was Yue Qingyuan’s.

They pushed and pushed until they snapped something inside Yue Qingyuan’s head. In total, Yue Qingyuan took down two doctors, a nurse, three security members, and finally, his lord father. The moment his father died, Yue Qingyuan received his crown, even when his father’s corpse was still warm at the feet of his throne.

Yue Qingyuan was now a free man.

His legal team keep the incident (mass murder) under the water. If the family dared to make this public press charges, they’ll be responding with everything they had, and man, the Yue’s have everything the world wanted. According to them, Yue Qingyuan had been taken into custody against his will, under false medical accusations. It is natural from an alpha to respond, they were cornering an alpha, a natural predator.

What was supposed to happen? How could they did not foresee the consequences of hunting down a dangerous animal? Obviously, Yue Qingyuan will fight back. Deep down, all alphas were beasts. It was their mistake, because of all people, they decided to piss off one of the kindest one.

For the doctors, nurse and security staff, Yue Qingyuan was considered enough to give each family a generous amount as compensation.  Not as an apology. Yue Qingyuan doesn’t feel a hint of remorse for any of their deaths. He enjoyed them. In the mist of the murders, Yue Qingyuan unleashed a part of him that had been asleep long and recalls drinking blood and maybe, a tiniest maybe, eating something from them in the heat of the moment. Not in a sexy way. Now, as sober as he was, Yue Qingyuan tries not to think about it and buries the memory away.

It did feel good in that moment. He felt strong, powerful. Satisfying his anger and frustrations.

Especially with his father. He kept the head as a present. In his psychotic rage, he kept it because he wanted to gift it over to Shen Qingqiu and Shen Yuan, as an apology gift for being away so long.

‘’How could you? Your father! He was your father!’’ His mother was hysterical. They hadn’t made public the death yet, and they wouldn’t. As far as he knew, Mr. Yue, had died from a heart attack.

‘’Mother, please, be quiet’’. His shaking hands were barely holding a glass of cold water. His mind felt dried and pasty.

Yue Qingyuan was having a hell of a headache right now, the drugs were still in his system but the adrenaline had abandoned him long time ago. ‘’How can I shut up! You killed your father! You killed him!’’ he held his head in his hands, god it hurt. ‘’Why!?’’ She yelled and screamed, making his ear buzz and his head pulse.

‘’I didn’t want to’’. That was the truth. He never quite like his father. They were close by any means. Mr. Yue saw a successor, not a son, and Yue Qingyuan saw him as the lead of their family, not a father. ‘’I wanted to be free, he was there, I was unstable. It was not my fault’’. Like it had been said before, Yue Qingyuan did not carry a bloody nature but oh boy, they were pressuring him again and again, depressing his nervous system and stimulating it back. They pushed him to his limits. They caused this.

‘’All of this for what?’’ His mother was not hearing reason. ‘’For another alpha and an omega whore?’’ Oh, oh. She’s on thin ice right now. Shen Yuan has been nothing but loving to him. Never once has he done anything against his mother to be insulted like this and as Yue Qingyuan breathes, he will not allow anyone to murk his name.

‘Mother’ He called, slowly and threateningly. ‘’Would you like to visit your husband?’’

‘’What’s wrong with you!?’’ Mrs. Yue hadn’t been close to her son either. They didn’t hate each other and were more or like cordial, in decent terms. Now he was threatening her with kill her too. ‘’What had those men done to your fucking mind!? You were not like this! You were a good, filial son!’’

‘’They hadn’t done anything bad to me. All the opposite. They showed me what happiness is and feels like. Unconditional love. They belong to me, mine to keep and protect. The fate of these people will happen again to the next person who tries to get in the way. It does include you’’.

‘’What do you mean they didn’t let you go? How did you get here in that case? Will they try again to take you away?’’ Shen Yuan’s worried tone brings him back to earth.

Yue Qingyuan smiles softly and kisses Shen Yuan’s temple. ‘’It doesn’t matter, no need to worry about that. I’m the at the head of my family now, I’ll be taking the decisions moving forward’’. That should settle Shen Yuan down but it doesn't. He isn’t yielding the power, Yue Qingyuan, Shen Qingqiu are, Shen Yuan is still as defenseless as before, the only difference is that he now knows what that means and has a vague idea of what he can do to by his own in case they leave or decide Shen Yuan doesn’t fit anymore in their dynamic.

Don’t worry my ex-virgin-ass, Shen Yuan thinks.

Notes:

UPDATED TAGS
and sorry, lazy ass chapter hahaha been so worn out between school and work, also had a few family issues that delayed just my will of existing haha

hope u like it