Drops of Vinegar

by SolarisWrites

Summary:

Shen Wenlang glared at Gao Tu like somehow the omega was supposed to know what he’s thinking or the secret conversations from the past that are locked forever in his vinegar staunched brain. Which was ridiculous because Shen Wenlang knows Gao Tu can’t.

Chapter 1: Shen Wenlang

“He was just a customer.” Gao Tu refused not to call Shen Wenlang out. There was one thing he wouldn’t budge on since he’d started his own self healing journey is letting himself be heard. Too long had he just kept quiet. He’d been at work talking to one of his regulars when Shen Wenlang saw the other alpha reach over to tug at the frayed stray of his apron. 

“I know that!” Shen Wenlang spat back. His tone was sharp, cold and would cut anyone else. Their therapist did jerk a little but it was from the clear venom in the words. 

“Mr. Shen-” Their therapist attempted to start to descalate the conversation.

“He’s a damn regular customer that knows things about you and feels comfortable plucking fucking strings off you..” Shen Wenlang forced himself to explain. He hated every second of this session. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, but he’d lost his temper seeing that damn alpha just touch Gao Tu. The true miracle had been that he’d not brought the alpha to his knees. Instead he’d embarrassed Gao Tu by dragging him from his workplace. He was such an asshole, and he didn’t have the right to be acting like Gao Tu was his. Even if he felt like he was, they weren’t mated, and until they were Shen Wenlang needed to be respectful of Gao Tu’s life even if it bothered the hell out of him. 

“Just general things that aquaintaces would know!” Gao Tu gave back trying to truely understand. 

“He knows your coffee order.” Shen Wenlang icily responded. 

“Because he’s been a regular for three years, Wenlang. He came there when he was trying to-” Gao Tu gaped when Shen Wenlang growled low. The alpha was showing his level of restraint by keeping his scent tucked back. 

“Mr.Shen, control your anger or you’ll need to step out and return when you’ve calmed down.” 

“I am calm.” Shen Wenlang gave back, glaring at Gao Tu like somehow the omega was supposed to know what he’s thinking or the secret conversations from the past that are locked forever in his vinegar staunched brain. Which was ridiculous because Shen Wenlang knows Gao Tu can’t. This was a new area of their life to navigate together. 

“We know that you’re not. You’re-”

“Jealous! I’m jealous damn it!” Shen Wenlang bit out before pinching the bridge of his nose. He was supposed to get this out here. He’d already had several sessions dedicated to this emotion in relation to Gao Tu. How it’d warped his ability to properly communicate with the omega before. Shen Wenlang had hidden his crush so close to his vest that he never had thought it would happen. “Don’t you know how damn perfect you are? You’re smart, fun, caring, and a great father. Who wouldn’t want you as a mate or just a lover if that’s what you wanted from them?” He forced down the simmering rage at the thought of Gao Tu wanting or allowing others to touch him. 

“Wenlang-”

“God, if you understood just how much  the little bit of concern you showed towards those two lunatics before…” Shen Wenlang let the words spill out like he had in his session with his own therapist. “...made me want to ruin that brat’s whole damn scheme so you wouldn’t care what happened to the two of them. I was so jealous that maybe you’d fallen for one of them and that just made me act so childish.” 

Gao Tu was confused for a moment until he really thought about it; then came the sudden clarity that those harshly worded moments between them suddenly seemed a little less harsh with the understanding that his alpha had been jealous. Should Shen Wenlang have spoken like that? No. Did he get why? Yes. They weren’t communicating properly. So of course things were going to happen. “What about that first day you saw me at the cafe with He Yichen.”

Shen Wenlang finally dropped his hand to his lap as he peered over at Gao Tu. His embarrassment was still evident in his posture at the confession but the question had his heart pounding in his chest.  The anger was simmering down as he spoke the truth. He searched Gao Tu’s gaze, swallowing slowly. “Yes.” 

“At the market with Zhao Bin?” 

Shen Wenlang didn’t want to answer but he couldn’t help but do so. There was a slight waver in his tone as tried not to show his reluctance. “Yes.” 

“Gao Tu,” Their therapist interrupted them before Gao Tu could provide another name, “How does that make you feel to know this? Does it change how you feel about Mr. Shen’s earlier behavior?”

“Not crazy.” Gao Tu shared his own truth. There had been so many times that he’d hoped that it was jealousy in the past and it made him feel guilty. “But also guilty.” 

“Guilty?” Shen Wenlang understood the mental chaos of just his own feelings; surely it had to be the same for Gao Tu. 

“Because I wanted you to be jealous in the past. It fed the hope in my chest that you were seeing me the way I was yearning for you.” Gao Tu replied, heat rising on his cheeks. He fidgeted with his fingers as he forced himself to not look away from Shen Wenlang. 

“And it does change how I feel. Wenlang, you don’t have to be jealous of a regular, my co-worker, or my friend. Nothing has changed since college. You’re still the only one I want.”

“And you’ll always be who I want too.” Shen Wenlang breathed out in awe.

Chapter 2: Gao Tu

Notes:

Story note
♡ Skin graph patches are used to hide bites, tattoos, and other things; it mirrors the wearers skin tone seamlessly.
♡ Shen Wenlang's office update: door has keycard entry after Gao Tu resigned which became benefical when they mated.

“You were rude,” Shen Wenglang tried to keep the smug expression off his face. He could already smell the spices of irritation mixing with his sage scent. A normal alpha might be deterred but by god he wasn’t. In fact he’d be as  crazy as that damn lunatic best friend of his and bottle it. He carefully covered his mouth with his thumb against his jaw while his fingertips rested just below his cheek bone. “Unnecessarily rude.”

“You’re loving this.” Gao Tu swallowed hard then licked his lips. His face felt hotter than the sun as he barely met their therapist's gaze. He didn’t need to look or scent his alpha to know that Shen Wenlang was more than thrilled about the turn of events. 

“One would say even jealous.” Shen Wenlang continued to tease as the memory of what happened Shen Wenlang’s office replayed in Gao Tu’s mind. 

“I’m just taking him his lunch.”  Zhao Bin teasingly exaggerated the word lunch at the end. Gao Tu wrinkled his nose and felt the heat on his cheeks rising as he drove towards Shen Wenlang’s office. “Please tell me you’re wearing that new shirt and those jeans he likes.” 

“Really? This isn’t a date A-Bin. I’m literally just dropping off food.” Gao Tu sputtered, “And there nothing about my jeans that interests him.” 

“Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Besides,you need to let the new secretaries know where his hickies came from.” Zhao Bin didn’t stop teasing. There were two reasons. The first being that his best friend deserved to be loved and the second was that his best friend was adorable all flustered over his alpha. “And that wasn’t a no! You totally are wearing the jeans!” 

“Oh my god shut up!” Gao Tu huffed before swallowing hard. As he paused at the stop light he looked down to the dark wash jeans that fit him like a glove and Shen Wenlang couldn’t resist not touching him when he wore them.  He licked his lips. 

“If you don’t at least let him grope you a little. If not, what was the point of even wearing clothes?” Zhao Bin cackled, true to his nature. 

“How do you kiss Chou-ge with that mouth?” Gao Tu shot back.

“Easily with tongue and everyday!” Zhao Bin shamelessly answered, “You should try it. I bet that’d blow his mind.”

“I’m hanging up. You’re so shameless.” Gao Tu threatened with no heat in his words. 

“Give your beloved alpha a wink and a kiss for me!” Zhao Bin stated with a hearty laugh before hanging up. 

“Shameless. How are we even friends?” Gao Tu’s cheeks were even hotter than before. 

---

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen you!” Secretary Kim proudly beamed from the Secretary’s lounge at Gao Tu. “And you look good. Being away from all this stress has done wonders for you.” 

“Having my son was the key.” Gao Tu flushed. “He’s the light of my life.” 

“And President Shen?” 

“Him too, which is what brings me here. He’d forgotten this.” Gao Tu lifted the bento swaddled in the Minecraft fabric. “You know how it is when you’re busy at the top.” 

“Oh yes, he has so many meetings after lunch. If you want you can go ahead. It’s just Secretary General and President Shen’s new secretary, An Xiang, wrapping up the previous notes I can put in the system for his lunch to start.”

“Perfect.” Gao Tu nodded as he headed for Shen Wenlang’s office. However what he walked into was less than perfect.  

Alright, there wasn’t anything essentially wrong with Shen Wenlang and his secretaries having a meeting. What set a feeling coiling in his chest that he hadn’t felt since they were in college.  Secretary General was sitting in the armchair across from Shen Wenlang’s desk while Secretary An was there at Shen Wenlang’s side hovering.  In Gao Tu’s mind, too close. He’d make sure to get the beta’s smell off his alpha’s jacket. 

“This is the new progress..excuse me but you’ll need to wait fo-”

“Gao Tu.” Shen Wenlang looked surprised and very happy to see him.. His gaze now focused on Gao Tu. That same dark gaze trailed down his body as he raised his hand to stop the recap of the meeting they’d concluded. The progress had been made but they needed to change some of the staff.  Gao Tu watched as the secretary slowly shifted to stand up. He forced himself to control his scent as that ugly feeling tightened. That’s when he noticed the skin graph patches that covered the marks that he’d left on Shen Wenlang last night. The ones that Shen Wenlang said he didn’t have a problem showing off. 

“I will take my leave and send you the recap. It’s good to see you, Gao Tu.” Secretary General  warmly addressed Gao Tu as he stood. He gave a respectful bow after bowing to Shen Wenlang.

“We can catch up soon.” Gao Tu responded, nodding to the man in return. When he returned his attention in Shen Wenlang’s direction, that's when he noticed that the secretary was still just standing there off to the side. Much like he did in the past when he was at Shen Wenlang’s side. 

“You can go.” He instructed the beta. Gao Tu’s cool tone had Shen Wenlang’s sultry smile turn into a wolfish grin..

“President Shen.” An Xiang frowned. 

“Go.” Shen Wenlang also gestured with his head for him to leave and without complaint An Xiang bowed respectfully at them both before leaving.  He waited till the door was shut for him to lick his lips and pushed his chair back so that he could lean back as he took in the sight of Gao Tu approaching his desk. He looked so damn good in those jeans. Shen Wenlang’s hand that was resting on the arm of his chair twitched from the urge to get his hands on his omega. He liked the new top that Gao Tu had gotten. It was the light weight silky material that clung in all the right places. Left Gao Tu’s collar bones slightly on display as well as the necklace he’d given to Gao Tu for his birthday. 

“A-Tu…”

“Take off those patches.” Gao Tu’s voice had dropped low and stern. He hadn’t meant for it to come out like that but he couldn’t help the territorial wave wash over him. Shen Wenlang had told him he could mark him anywhere he wanted so he had. Then his alpha had the audacity to cover them. 

“A-Tu, I just had a zoom meeting with our investor in Thailand…” Shen Wenlang attempted to share even as he started to peel them off his neck. He hadn’t missed the displeased shift in his mate’s scent when Secretary An hadn’t left with his Chief of Secretaries.. It had been faint and putrid. He couldn’t let the grin slip from his lips as Gao Tu heavily sat down his forgotten lunch on the desk..

“And?” Gao Tu 

“And…” Shen Wenlang flicked the last patch into the trash can before he could finish Gao Tu had both hands on the arm of his chair leaning in. He chuckled breathily as he felt his omega taking a deep breath to not just scent him but to see if Secretary An had been the one to put them on him. 

“You said you were proud.” Gao Tu’s tone was headier than before. 

“I am. Don’t-”

“Don’t wear them again.” Gao Tu found himself ordering sharply as he leaned back to meet his alpha’s gaze. A rush of want, embarrassment, but also confidence came over him as decided the best way to deal with all of it was in fact Shen Wenlang. He grabbed him by the lapel of his jacket tugging him up into a hungry kiss. His cheeks flamed as he pushed the thoughts back. It shouldn’t make him embarrassed to be so bold considering he was now mated to the man he loves but thirteen years of having him in the headspace he did was hard to break even after the year they’ve spent together working on having a healthy relationship. 

“One more and I swear.” Shen Wenlang panted greedily against Gao Tu’s lips, pulling him into his lap.

“Wolf.” Gao Tu huffed, heart beating fast as he moved to grip one hand on the back of the chair and Shen Wenlang’s  shoulder. 

“Bunny, if you only knew how accurately that describes me.” Shen Wenlang’s hands traveled up from Gao Tu’s thighs to grasp his omega’s ass, bringing their chest flush, feeling how much the kiss had affected him. That earned him a gasp and for Gao Tu to grip his nape with both hands. 

“I have an inkling.” Gao Tu chuckled, “I…”

“Pardon the interruption, President Sheng, do you require anything for your lunch period?” Secretary An’s voice came through the speaker. 

Shen Wenlang stored the sight of the glare that his omega’s glare at the intercom for another time. He leaned over, pressing the button to respond. “No and I’ll be taking two hours for lunch. You’ll know when you’re allowed to disturb me again.” Then flipped the switch to cut off completely. He didn’t want to be interrupted again. 

“Two hours? That’s ambitious.” Gao Tu snorted as he let Shen Wenlang settle back in the chair. 

“Is it?” Shen Wenlang’s darkened as his gaze traveled to the omega’s neck. The necklace wasn’t obnoxious - a delicate silver chain with a pendant that had their son’s birthday engraved. But the fact that he was wearing it made Shen Wenlang’s inner alpha deeply pleased. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Gao Tu’s exposed neck, feeling him shiver in his hold. “And Bunny, I’m going to make every second count.” He once again slipped his hands underneath the omega’s thighs then lifted him with ease. Gao Tu’s strong legs wrapped around his waist followed by wrapping his arms around his alpha’s neck. He leaned down to capture Shen Wenlang’s lips once more, licking inside to tangle hungrily, as the alpha carried them to the couch. 

Turning around he sat down, keeping Gao Tu in his lap while not breaking the kiss. The perfect meal. Shen Wenlang was going to enjoy devouring. 

Gao Tu found himself purring with pride and his scent wafting out uncaringly that they were at the office. His hands traveled down to slip down to unbutton Shen Wenlang’s jacket, pushing it open. He’d never been more grateful that his alpha liked wearing shirtless jackets to work. All that lovely pale skin against his darker palms. “Wenlang.” He panted, finally breaking the kiss for much needed air. 

“I know, Bunny.” Shen Wenlang shrugged out of his jacket so that Gao Tu could touch him like he wanted. His own hands pulling at the silky fabric where it had been tucked into those sexy jeans. Swift fingers had the top opening instead of ripping the fabric like his first instinct told him too. Maybe next time? They could afford to go shopping, and didn’t that stir up some fun ideas?

The press of Gao Tu’s soft pillowy lips had those thoughts shoved to the back of his mind for later. He tossed the shirt towards the coffee table. His hands running up Gao Tu’s back, feeling him shiver once more before rocking his hips to make both of them moan. 

Gao Tu found himself being carefully flipped to where his back is against the plush couch cushions as his alpha settled above him.. Their kiss finally parted as Shen Wenlang trailed a kiss down his chin and throat. A long finger hooking on the chain, lifting it so that he could press a kiss to the dip at the base of his neck. As the kisses pressed further down another moan escaped past his lips when his alpha latched onto his right nipple before going for the other. 

Gao Tu panted, hands making their way into Shen Wenlang’s soft black hair. His grip tightening as his mate licked down his stomach, going further down. Those hands that’d been at his sides holding him shifted to undo Gao Tu’s jeans. 

Shen Wenlang could barely restrain himself from just ripping the denim off his omega. When he tugged open the jeans, below his belly button was the scar where he’d birthed their son. Shen Wenlang paused, looking up to find Gao Tu already watching him with his breath uneven. His delicious scent enveloping the office along with his iris. He dipped his head down, not breaking their locked gazes to trace the scar with his tongue before pressing tender kisses which earned him yet another shiver. 

“Wenlang.” 

“I know, Bunny.” Shen Wenlang whispered against his stomach teasingly. His hands were already moving to rid his omega of his jeans and feast on his mate. A good, proper lunch.

---

Gao Tu was still flushed as they ended their therapy session and were heading out of the parking lot. He licked his lips and tried to will his blushing to go away. It was a losing game because he caught Shen Wenlang’s small smirk in the corner of his too perfect lips. Rolling his eyes at the smug alpha. 

“I can’t believe you told her.” Gao Tu pouted, swatting the alpha’s hand when he tilted it over the gearshift for them to hold hands. Then glared at him when that long lithe hand creeped over, resting on his thigh.

“Fair is fair, bunny.” Shen Wenlang mused, gently squeezing. He could feel the warmth from his skin through Gao Tu’s denim jeans he was wearing and couldn’t wait to get his hands on his adorably sexy omega. 

“You’re never going to let me forget it.” Gao Tu finally looked over at Shen Wenlang then rested his hand over top of the alphas. 

“I could be persuaded.” Shen Wenlang mused, as his mate pinched him playfully.

Notes:

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Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of You Are Enough