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"Protect Lady Tsuya and the young master!"
Toge almost trips over his feet as the guards usher him and his mother through the courtyard of the estate. He can hear the war bells ringing, and the shouts of alphas as they rush to battle.
"Where is my lord?" His mother asks urgently, ever the devoted omega wife. She's gripping the flowy robes of her kimono, doing her best to not step on them as she runs.
"Our men will protect him," the guard says, but there's something in his eyes that causes seeds of doubt.
The moon is high in the sky, and snow falls down heavily from the clouds. The Gojo clan has picked a perfect night to ambush them— no one would ever think to attack a clan in this weather.
"Please hurry," one of the guards says, before an arrow slits his throat, causing him to collapse onto the ground.
Toge holds back a scream, watching as blood stains the pure white snow. He whips out the knife he has in his sleeve, whirling his head around to look for the enemy. A group of samurai in the Gojo clan's armor is bounding towards them, katana drawn.
"Go, Lady Tsuya, Young Master!" A guard orders, and his mother grabs his hand, pulling him along.
They end up going back inside, feeling too exposed in the courtyard. They hide in a room, his mother slamming the door shut and blocking the entrance.
They'll find us, Toge can't help but think. His mother seems to read his mind, because she gives him a cutting look.
"We'll stay here until your father comes," she says. Toge doesn't have the heart to rebuke her.
He still can't believe this is happening. How did it come to this? Has Toge really been so oblivious to political affairs to not see this coming? Have they all been played as fools?
He's not sure how long they sit there, wincing at every groan of pain and slash of a katana. The paper doors of their estate do nothing to block the agonizing sounds, and as the noises get closer, Toge can only grit his teeth. He keeps his knife clenched between his fingers, poised to strike.
After what feels like an eternity, a chorus of shouts rings through the estate.
"Oyakata-sama!"
"How dare you! I'll—"
"Master!"
"Our lord! Our lord has been killed!"
Toge feels a chill run up his spine. His mother lets out a gasp, covering her mouth as her eyes fill with tears.
The noises only seem to get louder. His mother turns towards him in a rush.
"Toge," she urges. Her gaze causes Toge to shiver. "If the Gojo clan spares us, we'll be taken as concubines, or worse."
She grabs his wrist, taking the knife out of his hand and repositioning it so that the blade faces inward. "We must fulfill our duty and follow our lord."
Toge grips his knife with trembling fingers. He knows that she's right. He has to cut open his stomach and die as a member of the Inumaki clan. To do anything else is nothing but a betrayal.
He kneels down, holding the knife out and pointing it towards his lower stomach. His mother takes out her own knife, and does the same thing next to him. But unlike him, her hands are steady, eyes cold and resolved.
He can hear the chaos of the fight outside, the sounds of katana clashing and anguished screams. His heart rattles in his chest. Is he ready to die? He has to be. He needs to be. He's scared. He can barely breathe. The footsteps are getting louder and louder. They're getting closer. He has to do it now.
He hears his mother choke on her breath, blood dripping onto the tatami floors as she slouches over. Toge can't bear to look.
He takes a shuddering breath, closing his eyes to brace himself.
But just as he starts to move his hands in, the door slams open. Metal clangs against metal, and Toge's knife flies out of his grasp.
He finds himself staring up into a smoldering, soulless gaze.
"No you don't, little one," Okkotsu Yuuta gently chides. The alpha is completely covered in blood, some of it dripping off his katana and onto the floor. He kneels down in front of Toge, reaching out to cup Toge's cheek. His smell fills Toge's nostrils, and he hates how familiar and comforting it feels. Tears spring into his eyes, and he's not sure whether it's from anger or pain.
He flinches away from the touch, causing Yuuta to frown. Discreetly, he glances at his discarded knife. It's in reaching distance, if Toge's fast enough. He dives for it with all he has, but just as his fingers brush against the hilt, Yuuta pins him down onto the ground, knocking it away. The knife slams against the far wall before laying uselessly on the floor.
Toge lets out a growl. "You liar," he rasps at him, uncaring of his hurt throat. He slams his hands against Yuuta's chest, but they do nothing to deter the alpha."How could you do this?"
Yuuta's brows furrow at his animosity. "You'll come to your senses soon enough, my love," he murmurs, and it's almost ridiculous how gentle his tone of voice is.
He shakes his head, choking back a sob. "Just let me die," he begs. "Please. Let me fulfill my duty."
But Yuuta doesn't listen to him. "You told me yourself, Toge," he replies. He reaches out to cup his cheek again, and Toge is too weak to stop him this time. The alpha runs his thumb over Toge's skin, before gently wiping away his tears. His eyes look pitch black in the limited light. He leans in, teeth grazing against Toge's scent gland, causing him to shudder.
"You're mine."
Toge lets out a laugh as he runs, sprinting through the forest trees. Yuuta's not far behind him— he can smell the alpha's scent, a musky breeze of rain and cotton. He can also hear the alpha's footsteps, though admittedly just barely, the man's movements precise and smooth. A telltale sign of a well-trained warrior.
Toge knows Yuuta always loves a good chase. Even when they were still children, they'd run around together like this, Toge giggling at Yuuta's excited gaze. He supposes it just feeds that carnal desire that all alphas have.
But it's not like Toge doesn't enjoy it either. His heart pounds in excitement at the feeling of Yuuta hot on his tail. He likes seeing Yuuta put the effort into chasing him, likes how desperate the alpha looks as he tries to pin him down. And Toge always makes sure that he gives Yuuta a challenge.
He senses Yuuta to his left, and dodges just in time, giggling again at the alpha's growl. He risks a glance behind him, body heating up at Yuuta's expression. His gaze is dark and possessive, eyes dilated as he continues his pursuit.
Toge can't help but goad him on. He gives Yuuta a taunting look, before turning sharply right, behind a tree trunk.
Yuuta lets out another growl, lips curling up into a smirk. He follows Toge easily. To Toge's surprise, he uses the tree trunk as leverage, launching himself forward.
Before he knows it, Yuuta's pinning him down into the ground, their bodies pressed together. The air leaves Toge's lungs, but he still lets out pleased giggle. Yuuta buries his face into his neck, scenting him aggressively. He lets out a pleased hum as the alpha's scent washes over him.
"Caught you," Yuuta murmurs, and Toge lets out another giggle, only for it to turn into a gasp as he feels the alpha's teeth gently brush against his scent gland almost tauntingly.
"Yuuta," he protests, and it's not as strong as he'd like it to be, eyelids fluttering shut.
"You don't want to be my mate?" Yuuta asks. His breath against the sensitive skin of his neck causes Toge to shudder.
He lets out a huff. "You know that's not true," he murmurs quietly. "But my parents would not agree to it."
Yuuta raises his head from Toge's neck to meet his gaze. Toge finds himself lost in the alpha's eyes. Yuuta always looks at him as if he wanted to eat him whole.
"…What if they weren't in the picture anymore?" Yuuta asks, dark eyes watching him intently.
Toge pauses. "What do you mean?"
"If you didn't have to worry about them," the alpha continues. He traces Toge's cursed marks with his finger ever so gently. "Would you by mine?"
Toge blinks up at him, before giving him a smile. He reaches up and pulls Yuuta down for a kiss. He takes the alpha by a surprise, the man taking a moment before eagerly responding, and Toge holds back a moan at the brush of Yuuta's tongue. He wraps his legs around the alpha's waist, gasping at the feeling of the alpha's hardening cock.
"I'm already yours, Yuuta," he whispers against Yuuta's lips.
The alpha lets out a growl, hands fumbling with Toge's kimono. Soon enough the air is filled with the scent of slick and the sound of their moans, Toge throwing his head back as Yuuta pounds his hips.
"Mine?" Yuuta pants out, staring deep into Toge's eyes. There's a fire in his eyes that Toge can't look away from, a desire that almost overwhelms him.
"Yours," Toge breathes, before Yuuta's lips are against his once more. And soon enough the only thing Toge knows is pleasure.
When he returns back to the Inumaki estate later, it's in a rush. He needs to quickly take a bath before he gets caught, Yuuta's scent still lingering on him.
When he arrives to his room however, he freezes. His mother is already there, sitting down and having a cup of tea. Sweat starts to drip down his back, and he hurriedly gets down on his knees, bowing his head.
His mother doesn't say anything at first. She places her tea cup down, before slowly standing up. She walks over to him in small, steady steps.
"You reek, child," she begins quietly, and he lets out a wince.
She slaps him harshly across the face, before grabbing the collar of his kimono.
"I told you," she hisses. "To stop seeing that Okkotsu. How much longer are you going to disgrace our clan? You're lucky that I'm keeping this little secret of yours and not telling your father."
Toge doesn't say anything in response, avoiding her gaze. He doesn't know what to say.
She let's out a scoff, letting go of his collar. He drops down to the ground with a loud thud.
"Take a bath," she orders, before walking out of the room. Her attendants hurry after her, giving Toge glances before shutting the door behind them.
For a moment, Toge doesn't move. Just sits there as his cheek stings with pain.
He's taken back to the Gojo castle. Or more specifically, Yuuta's estate, which is technically its own piece of land—a typical gift from a daimyo to his favorite samurai. Toge has been here more than enough times to recognize the spacious house. He would always approach it with a fluttering heartbeat, excited to see the alpha for their secret trysts. Now, he stares up at it with an empty expression.
The Gojo clan treat him well, and he's sure it's because of Yuuta's influence. He's given a large and spacious room, along with a whole team of omega and beta attendants. They prepare him for bed, bathing him before dressing him up in the finest silk sleep robes. He's too tired and numb to fight them, going through the motions as if in a daze.
He never even got to see his father's body, though his mother's corpse still haunts him every time he closes his eyes, her bloody knife and empty eyes. Yuuta had scooped him up and placed him in a carriage before he could even blink, undeterred by his screams and sobs.
But the alpha is nowhere to be seen now. Toge supposes he's finishing up destroying the rest of the Inumaki clan. He lets out a scoff, ignoring the glance the attendants give him. Now that he thinks about it, he's yet to even see Satoru. After all this, he's not even going to be properly introduced to the head of the clan?
He watches as they lay out his futon in the room, another expensive item made of silk.
"Please rest, Toge-sama," one of the attendants says, probably the leader of the bunch. "Feel free to call us if you need anything."
He clears his throat, trying to do his best to speak as loud as he can. His mother's teachings ring through his mind. In order to gain respect, an omega must be proud.
"You don't expect me to go to bed without meeting my new lord?" He asks, making sure his tone gives off his dissatisfaction. Despite his best efforts, his voice is still raspy, and though he should be more than used to it by now, he still holds back a frown of frustration.
"… The young master and our lord are still preoccupied," the attendant answers. "Okkotsu-sama has ordered us personally to make sure you get your rest. You will meet our lord tomorrow."
She pauses, giving Toge a glance, before continuing. "…Also, the young master has informed us of your condition. There is no need to strain your voice."
He grits his teeth. He nods, before turning away, a clear dismissal. He hears the patters of soft footsteps as the attendants leave the room. Though they quietly slide the door shut behind them, to Toge it sounds like a the clang of a prison door.
He settles into his futon, though he has no intention of sleeping, overwhelmed by his thoughts. What is to become of him now? Does Yuuta seriously expect him to want to become his mate after all this?
The thought of the alpha brings tears to Toge's eyes, and he scrubs at them angrily. He needs to stop acting like this. He needs to get a grip.
He gets off the futon, and begins searching through the room. There's nothing very useful— a pitcher of water rests on the one lone dresser. He digs through the drawers of it, but there are only some more luxurious clothes and a few blankets. He sees a hairpin tucked away, and decides to grab it, tucking it into his sleeve. It's not the sharpest, but it's something.
He walks towards the door of the room, sliding it open just a tad so he can peer out. He sees a long and empty hallway, barely lit this late into the night. There doesn't appear to be any guards. For a second, he's tempted to try and escape, but decides against it. To run away would cause him further shame.
He needs to fulfill his duty, one way or another.
He slides back into his futon, laying down this time, and closing his eyes. His mind whirls with thoughts, body tense in anticipation. He's sure Yuuta will visit him as soon as he's done with whatever he's doing right now. He just needs to stay awake until then.
After about three hours, he starts to hear foot steps approaching his door. They're just barely audible, the movements precise and smooth.
He tightens his grip on the hairpin.
The door slides open. The scent of cotton and rain fills Toge's nose. He forces himself to stay still.
Yuuta closes the door behind him, before approaching. He kneels down next to his futon, and reaches out to gently cup Toge's face, running his thumb over Toge's cheek.
He springs into action, tackling Yuuta onto the ground and stabbing the hairpin with all his might, eyes locked onto Yuuta's neck.
But Yuuta reacts quickly, moving his arm to block Toge's attack. The hairpin pierces into the alpha's forearm, blood gushing out and dripping onto his chest.
For a few seconds, no one moves. The air is filled with the sounds of their panting breaths. Yuuta's eyes look pure black in the moonlight, and his gaze on him is cold and haunting.
"Nice try, love," Yuuta has the audacity to say, and Toge resists the urge to scream.
"You bastard," he hisses out, moving again, but Yuuta easily manhandles him, flipping them over so now Toge's the one pinned down on his back. He rips the hair pin out of his arm with little care, throwing it onto the floor and staining the tatami mats with red. Blood continues to seep out of his wound, but the alpha doesn't seem to mind it.
"Why are you being so difficult?" Yuuta asks. He adjusts so that his hand now has both of Toge's wrists in an iron grip.
"You talk as if you didn't just murder my entire clan," Toge hisses, ignoring the pain in his throat.
Yuuta frowns, grip on his wrists tightening. "I saved you. Don't tell me you actually wanted to die for those people? The people who would've sacrificed you whenever they had the chance, as long as it got them some power?"
Toge falters. "They were my family," he snaps back, struggling in Yuuta's hold again.
Something angry flickers in the alpha's eyes, before the man's expression begins to soften.
"Toge," Yuuta croons, "can't you see that I did this for you? We can be together now. They won't stand in our way."
He leans in, breath hot against Toge's neck before he begins to scent him. Toge hates how his body reacts— instantly relaxing despite his best efforts. He's always loved Yuuta's scent, and that unfortunately hasn't changed.
Yuuta's hands let go of his wrists, moving to run up his body instead. He starts pressing kisses against his neck, causing Toge to shudder, eyes fluttering shut.
"I love you, Toge," Yuuta breathes out, voice desperate with need. "I love you. Be mine."
He snaps himself out of it. He slaps Yuuta across the face, a loud cracking sound in the quiet of the night. It leaves a red mark on Yuuta's cheek, and the alpha stares down at him in surprise.
"I hate you," he snarls, turning away. "I never want to see you again."
For a moment, there's silence. Yuuta's scent turns sour. The alpha grabs Toge's chin roughly, causing him to gasp in pain, forcing him to meet his gaze.
Yuuta's eyes are ice cold, void of any light. Toge feels goosebumps prickle on his skin, heart pounding. He becomes frozen in place, a deer meeting the gaze of his hunter.
"You don't mean that," Yuuta says softly. Dangerously. His hands wrap around Toge's neck, tightening his grip. "You don't mean that, Toge."
Toge struggles for breath, hands tugging at Yuuta's wrists.
"Yuuta," he chokes out.
The alpha leans in, and for a moment, Toge thinks the alpha might really hurt him, with the way he looms over him like a predator, grip on Toge's throat unfaltering. But just as the thought enters his mind, the alpha lets go, moving back.
Toge gasps for breath, turning over to his side as he lets out some coughs.
"You must be tired," the alpha says. He picks Toge up and brings him back to his futon, tucking him in. He grabs the pitcher of water, pouring some into a cup and bringing it to Toge's lips. He finds himself drinking, actions on autopilot. "You're not thinking right."
He presses a kiss to the top of Toge's head, touch gentle and tender. "I'll see you in the morning, love. Rest well."
He then quickly leaves, shutting the door behind him, leaving only red blood stains in his wake.
It's only long after that the alpha has left, that Toge's body finally manages to stop trembling.
"Gojo-dono," Toge's father greets with a bow of his head. Toge follows suit from where he stands behind the man, pretending he doesn't feel the way Yuuta watches him. The alpha is standing next to Satoru, and isn't even trying to hide his staring. "A pleasure to see you."
Toge knows his father is talking out of his ass. The man despises Satoru, ever since the daimyo received the shogun's favor.
It was a huge blow to the conservative faction. Gojo Satoru is far from the traditional and disciplined daimyo, which is what made many clans dislike him. But the alpha's talent as a samurai couldn't be denied. Gojo Satoru is an incredible warrior, and that's why the shogun likes him.
"Wish I could say the same," Satoru brazenly says, and Toge holds back a laugh, hiding his smile behind his sleeve.
His father scowls. "I see your manners are as horrible as ever."
Gojo doesn't pay his father's comment any mind, eyes locking with Toge’s own. "It's been a while since I've seen you, Toge. You and Yuuta used to play together at the Gojo castle all the time."
Toge holds back a wince. He was actually just at the Gojo castle last night, biting back moans of Yuuta’s name.
His father lets out a scoff. "That'd hardly be appropriate now. Surely you've heard of Toge’s engagement to Zenin Naoya."
Toge stares down at his feet. He had begged his mother to change his father's mind about this engagement, but his response had only been a slap across the cheek.
"Do not question our lord," she had scolded. "The Zenin clan is an important ally, and Zenin Naoya is a powerful alpha."
"And that's enough of a reason to make me his slave?" Toge couldn't stop himself from biting back. Everyone knows all about the abuse and brutality that Zenin Naoya's concubines go through.
His mother glared at him, causing him to wince. Surprisingly though, she didn’t hit him. Instead she let out a sigh, turning back to her cup of tea.
"My marriage to your father was also arranged," she had said quietly, before reaching out and gently patting Toge's head. A rare action of affection.
"This is your duty as an omega. You must do it and do it proudly."
Satoru lets out a whistle, snapping Toge back to the present. "You sure know how to pick them, Inumaki-dono."
His father bristles. "Zenin Naoya is a fine alpha."
Satoru lets out a snort. "That's one way to say it."
His father snarls. "You—"
"And what does Toge think of him?" Yuuta cuts in, causing everyone to look at him in surprise. His father looks affronted, but Yuuta doesn't take his eyes off of Toge. For a second, he finds himself lost in the alpha's dark eyes, body filled with yearning.
He swallows dryly, before bowing his head. "… I'll do my best to fulfill my duty," he murmurs quietly.
His father nods with approval at his answer. He ignores the way Yuuta's lips curl into a frown.
"I think it's time we take our leave," his father says. "Come now, Toge."
He bows deeply, before following his father, trying to act natural as he passes Yuuta. He swears the alpha purposefully lets out more of his scent, and he feels his knees weaken.
It's then that he feels it— Yuuta's hand reaching out to brush his. It barely lasts for longer than a second, but it's enough to cause his whole body to rush with heat.
His gaze hurriedly flickers towards his father, but the man remains oblivious, back still facing him. When he glances back at Yuuta, he's met with the alpha's longing gaze.
He turns away, heart pounding, pretending he doesn't catch the alpha's lips curl up in the smallest of smirks as he hurries after his father.
"Inumaki-dono," Satoru calls out, stopping them in their tracks. "Do you really think you and all those other geezers can keep playing your silly little games?"
His father pauses, giving Satoru a glare. "What did you just say?"
The two of them have a stare down, before Satoru lets out a shrug. "Nothing. Let's get out of here, Yuuta. This place sucks."
The next morning, bruises the shape of Yuuta's hands cover Toge's neck like a brand. It hurts to talk, but to be honest that's nothing new, and he can't tell if it's because of Yuuta's actions or the fact that he definitely strained his voice last night.
His attendants don't seem too surprised to see the bruises, nor do they react to the blood staining the floors. He supposes Yuuta must have told them what happened.
One group of attendants help him get ready for the day— they serve him breakfast, which he nibbles at, not really feeling hungry. Once he's done, they start pinning up his hair and dressing him in a luxurious kimono. They also use makeup to cover his bruises, brushing his neck with a fine powder.
Another group of attendants tend to the room— cleaning the floors almost aggressively until the tatami mats are practically shining. With Toge's bruises covered and the blood stains washed away, it's almost as if last night never happened.
"We'll be taking you to our lord," the head attendant says, once they're finished. Considering their attention to detail to his appearance, Toge's not really surprised. He nods, standing up.
It's been a few years since he's actually stepped into the main part of Gojo Castle. It's a short carriage ride from Yuuta's estate, and he can't help but peek his head out to examine his surroundings. The last time he passed through these grand gates was probably when he was about sixteen, the last time their families were on good terms.
Satoru is sitting down on a small chair in a spacious room that's mostly empty. The daimyo's samurai armor is on display in the back. Yuuta sits next to him, though he's on the floor kneeling down on a cushion. To Toge's surprise, Megumi is on the daimyo's other side. They make eye contact, before the omega quickly glances away, gaze focused on the floor.
Toge hasn't seen Megumi in years, not after what happened with the omega's father and the Zenin clan. He had no idea that the Gojo clan took the omega in.
An attendant places a cushion down in front of the men for Toge to kneel on, and he follows suit, delicately adjusting his clothes with well practiced hands before doing so. He places his hands down on the floor in front of him before bowing deeply.
"No need to act so formal, Toge," Satoru chides. When Toge doesn't reply, the man lets out a sigh.
"Well," he begins, "I'm sure you're aware on why you're here. Any questions?"
Toge holds back a frown. He used to appreciate Satoru's lack of formality but now it's almost unbearably grating.
"My clan?" He rasps out. He keeps his eyes lowered.
"All dead," Satoru answers bluntly. "The Zenin clan as well. We've taken their land and will be distributing it among ourselves."
Toge grits his teeth, hands clenching into fists. "Why now?"
He knows that his clan and the Gojo clan have been silently feuding for many years now. But this act of violence still took him by surprise.
"A variety of reasons, I suppose," Satoru answers, giving Yuuta a glance. "But we have always planned on getting rid of the Zenin clan and all their allies for many years."
Years, Toge thinks to himself, body suddenly feeling numb. For how long has Yuuta been with him, staring lovingly into his eyes knowing what he'd do someday?
"… I thought you'd be more happy about this, Toge," Satoru says, after a pause. "Surely you didn't want to actually marry that Zenin Naoya, did you?"
Of course he didn't. But Toge has always been loyal to his clan, has always been proud to call himself an Inumaki, even when it seemed hard to. He knows Yuuta has always hated this loyalty of his— but the two of them would brush it under the rug, too focused on their love and the feeling of each other's touch. As Toge feels Yuuta's gaze burn into his skin, he finds himself starting to regret that now.
He doesn't respond to Satoru. The alpha lets out another sigh.
"I see your parents' teachings still have quite a grip on you," Satoru says dryly, resting his head in his palm. "Hopefully that will change in time."
The alpha plays around with the fan he has in his hands, tapping it on the arm of his chair as he continues to study him. Toge tries his best to keep his expression neutral, eyes practically burning holes in the tatami floors.
"You will become Yuuta's mate," the daimyo orders, "and you will become part of the Gojo clan. I trust that you will fulfill your duties."
Toge bows his head once more. When Satoru excuses him, he stands up and leaves, pretending he doesn't feel Yuuta's eyes watching him with a gaze that makes him feel like prey.
He's taken back to his quarters. Barely an hour passes before Yuuta joins him, the alpha closing the door behind him.
Toge doesn't acknowledge his arrival. He's kneeling at a table and drinking some tea, staring out into the garden that he can easily view by sliding open the doors he has into the courtyard. Even in the middle of winter, it's a beautiful garden, and just staring out at it gives him peace. He hates that Yuuta probably made sure to give him a room with this sort of view, knowing he would like it.
If Yuuta is miffed by Toge's total disregard for his presence, he doesn't show it. He kneels down at the table next to Toge, their knees touching for just a moment.
The alpha doesn't say a thing. His pheromones permeate through the air. Toge wishes he could stop the feeling of yearning the scent causes. Yuuta's gaze is focused on Toge's neck. He had washed off the makeup earlier, and his bruises now stand out starkly against his pale skin.
Yuuta reaches into his sleeve. Toge catches sight of some bandages wrapped around the alpha's arm. The man pulls out a bottle of ointment, resting it on the table. He unscrews the cap, scooping some up with his fingers.
"Come," he orders, and Toge finds himself obeying.
Yuuta starts applying the ointment onto his bruises, fingers gentle. It's a sensitive area for a variety of reasons, Toge doing his best to keep a straight expression even as his heart beat begins to race. Still, he can't help but gasp when the alpha brushes over his scent gland, cheeks burning with heat.
Yuuta's eyes darken, but the man doesn't comment. When he's done, he moves his fingers away from Toge's bared neck, turning away.
You didn't come here to mate me? Toge asks, switching to sign. He half expected the alpha to push him down the moment he arrived.
Yuuta watches his hands carefully. A long time ago, when they were young, they had played around with making a hand language for Toge, so he wouldn't need to strain his voice. Toge remembers how excited he was, to have something special and secret just between the two of them. That memory now feels like a long lost dream.
"I will mate you," Yuuta states boldly, as if it's already a predetermined fact. "But only when you want me to."
Toge holds back a scoff. And if I never want you to?
"You will," Yuuta easily shoots back. His confidence leaves Toge speechless. He turns away from the alpha's passionate gaze, ignoring his pounding heartbeat.
"I love you, Toge," Yuuta says. "And that's the truth. I'll do anything to make you mine."
Toge clenches his fists. Yuuta moves in closer, hands playing with some strands of Toge's hair.
"I've been patient," he continues. "I've watched you struggle in that wretched family of yours all these years, hoping you'd finally realize that what you really needed was me, not them. But giving you to Zenin Naoya is unforgivable. I couldn't stand to let that disgusting alpha touch you."
Toge grits his teeth. "Don't take me as a fool," he snarls, forgoing sign now that his anger has peaked. "Did you really think I'd be okay with you doing all of this? That I'd forgive you and we'd move on as if nothing happened?"
"Did you really think I'd be okay with hiding in the shadows forever?" Yuuta shoots back. Looking into the man's gaze feels like staring deep into a chasm, toes on the edge of the cliff. "While your neck bore another alpha's mark?"
Toge flinches. He doesn't know what to say to that, but finds that he can't turn away from Yuuta's eyes.
"You're mine," the alpha continues quietly. "And I'll never let you go. Ever."
Toge stays silent. Yuuta stands up, leaning down to run his fingers through Toge's hair once more before giving his forehead a kiss. He doesn't move, feeling almost like a doll. The tension between them only rises.
"I'll give you the time you need," Yuuta says, "but you know I don't like to be kept waiting."
He stands up, quietly heading out the door. Toge watches him go.
"Toge," Yuuta whines, "are you almost done yet?"
Toge rolls his eyes, but still fondly pats the top of Yuuta's head. Be patient, he signs. I just have one more letter to write.
Yuuta pouts, before burying his face further into Toge's lap. The boy has been so clingy lately. Toge wonders if it's because he's finally officially presented as an omega.
That's the reason why he's writing so many letters right now— various people have congratulated him and sent him gifts, and his mother insisted he thank them properly.
"It's important to keep up appearances, child," she had said. "A likable omega is a powerful one."
He and Yuuta are now both sixteen, though Yuuta has yet to officially present yet, a bit of a late bloomer.
"Okay, I'm done," Toge says, and Yuuta turns to grin up at him. He sits up, now pulling Toge onto his lap and scenting him, making Toge flush with heat. He tries to not overthink it. He and Yuuta scent each other all the time. He scents the boy back, and Yuuta lets out a pleased growl.
He's not really sure how to describe this tension between him and Yuuta. They have known each other since they were pups, and Toge considers the alpha his best friend. But lately things have felt… a bit different between the two of them. Ever since he's presented, Toge has felt overly conscious of their secondary sexes.
Yuuta lets out a sigh. "You smell so good, Toge," he murmurs, and the flush on Toge's cheeks deepens. The alpha moves back to look into his eyes, and something in the boy's gaze makes him frown.
What's wrong? Toge signs, tilting his head.
"Nothing," Yuuta is quick to reply, but at Toge's look, he lets out a sheepish chuckle. He starts playing with Toge's hair, fingers twirling the strands.
"… I just wish I was the one that presented first," the boy grumbles. "I feel like more alphas are going to try and talk to you now, and I don't like it."
He lets out a sigh again, pulling Toge in a tight hug once more.
"I want to keep you all to myself," the alpha breathes out. His grip on Toge tightens, as if he were afraid Toge would disappear any minute. "I don't want anyone to look at you. If I could lock you up in a room forever, I would."
Toge tries to stop the fluttering in his chest. Yuuta probably didn't mean it that way. The boy has always been a bit clingy and possesive of Toge, ever since they were pups. Toge has memories of the alpha getting upset whenever Toge played with any of the other children, crying to get Toge's attention. He always found it adorable, though people would always tell him he was indulging Yuuta a bit too much.
He forces out a laugh, doing his best to remain calm. "You talk as if we're mates," he teases.
His words make Yuuta pause. The boy moves back again, and his intense gaze freezes Toge into place.
"… What if we were?" Yuuta asks quietly.
Toge stares at him with wide eyes, heartbeat roaring in his chest. He forces out another laugh, beginning to sign. What are you saying?
But Yuuta doesn't back down, hands tightening around Toge's waist.
"I wanted to wait until I presented," the boy begins, "but I don't think I can wait any longer."
It's as if time slows down, the world shrinking until it contains only the two of them. Toge gets lost in Yuuta's eyes, in the way the boy's scent flutters with nervousness, and his ears ring with the pound of his rushing heartbeat.
"I love you, Toge," Yuuta breathes out. "I always have."
A burst of feelings rush through his heart, so many that it almost overwhelms him. He doesn't think, just leans in and gives Yuuta a kiss. It ends as fast as it started, Toge having no idea what he's doing, cheeks bright red.
Yuuta blinks at him in shock, before his eyes darkens with passion. The alpha cups Toge's face and pulls him in for another kiss. It's messy and unsure, but after a few moments, the two of them seem to fall into a rhythm. Toge's hands are grabbing fistfuls of Yuuta's kimono— he's finding it hard to breathe, but he doesn't want to stop.
Eventually, they pull away. Yuuta's staring at him like he's the only person in the world. Toge's heart can't seem to stop pounding.
"Become my mate, Toge," Yuuta pleads, grabbing Toge's hands. "When I present, be mine."
Toge barely finishes a nod before Yuuta is kissing him again. They spend the next few hours cuddled up together, enjoying each other's warmth.
A few days later, the Gojo Clan kills a soldier from the Inumaki clan in a skirmish. Since Satoru ends up punishing the soldier properly, no war happens, but the already strained relationship between the two clans is now forever broken.
"Do not speak to that Okkotsu Yuuta again," his mother orders.
Toge can only nod, hands clenching into fists.
Yuuta keeps coming to visit Toge. They don't talk much— Yuuta will put ointment on Toge's neck, the two of them not saying a word to each other.
When the bruises begin to fade, Yuuta starts to bring other things. Some persimmons to enjoy. A poem that Toge might like. Some nice tea and snacks.
Depending on the day, his actions would cause Toge to enter a fit of rage, or a heartbroken sob. One day he'll be throwing tea cups and whatever else he could get his hands on at the alpha, while the next he'll be sitting and pretending that the man isn't even there.
Yuuta takes everything in stride, easily evading Toge's attacks, or doing whatever he can to get Toge to acknowledge him at least once. He hates how easily the alpha could play him, how familiar he is to Toge's emotions. To top it off, Yuuta is meticulous in making sure Toge never receives anything that he could potentially use to harm himself or others, keeping sharp items away from him.
Tonight, Toge plans to run away.
It's technically his fourth attempt at doing this. All his previous attempts have failed, Yuuta somehow easily intercepting him before he could even reach the gates.
"Aren't you getting tired of this, little one?" Yuuta had said the last time he caught him, uncaring of the way Toge screamed and struggled against him.
To be honest, Toge is getting tired. But every time he closes his eyes, he sees his mother's face, sees her haunting expression as she followed their lord to death.
He slips out of his bedroom long after the household has gone to sleep. It's dark, the moon waning, and it takes some time for Toge's eyes to adjust to the darkness.
His plan this time is to sneak out through the servants' quarters. He has a higher risk of being seen here, but it's also farthest away from Yuuta's bedroom, and the alpha is the more dangerous threat. Thankfully, it seems that pretty much everyone is asleep at this time, besides a person here and there. But Toge keeps his footsteps light, and no one notices him as he walks through the hallways, eventually reaching the exit.
When he's outside, he makes sure to stay low as he goes around the estate, not wanting to be seen through windows. He makes it to the front with little trouble. His heart starts to pound. Could this really be the night he succeeds? He tries to not get his hopes up— he still needs to make it past the gates.
He already knows that the large, wooden doors are going to be unbearably loud at this time of night. Toge presses against them just enough to let his body through, wincing at the groan of the hinges. When he makes it through, he lets out a sigh of relief.
"Going somewhere?"
Toge jumps, whirling around. Yuuta is casually leaning against the gate walls, eyeing him like prey. Goosebumps appear on Toge's arms, heart rattling in his chest.
Yuuta lets out a sigh, pushing off the wall and straightening up.
"That's funny," he continues, "I don't remember giving you permission to go anywhere."
The tone of his voice is saccharine sweet, but that somehow just makes the alpha even more terrifying.
"You've always been such a stubborn boy," Yuuta muses. He starts to approach Toge with steady footsteps, drawing his katana. "Maybe I need to keep you tied up for the time being."
Toge doesn't think. He turns around and starts to run, sprinting as fast as he can.
He swears he hears Yuuta chuckle before the alpha starts to pursue him, footsteps light but menacing. The alpha's pheromones are going wild, and Toge can't help but react to it, beginning to pant from more than just running. His own pheromones release into the air, and he hears Yuuta let out a growl.
And, well.
Toge knows Yuuta always loves a good chase.
He continues to run, lungs burning. He risks a glance back. Yuuta's eyes are dilated with desire as he hunts him down. Toge feels his gut twist, and he's not sure whether it's from fear or longing.
The alpha is gaining on him fast. He pounces, and Toge dodges just in time, before scurrying away. Yuuta lets out another growl, and it causes him to shiver, body flushing with heat. He feels his carnal instincts taking over, getting lost in the rush of pheromones in the air. Embarrassingly, he feels slick start to leak from his hole, dripping down his thighs, filling the air with a sweet scent.
Yuuta lets out a deep moan, the sound causing Toge to blush. It doesn't take long for Yuuta to get back on his heels again, the alpha more desperate now that he's smelt Toge's slick. The man pounces once more, successfully tackling Toge to the ground. He struggles, squirming and kicking his legs, only gasp and moan when Yuuta pins him down, his hard cock pressing against Toge's ass. He buries his face into Toge's neck, teeth grazing his scent gland almost threateningly.
He grits his teeth, bucking Yuuta off, and the alpha lets out a hiss as he pushes against his cock. Toge turns around, trying to pin Yuuta down instead, and the two of them struggle against each other, tussling around in the ground, their kimonos getting stained with dirt.
Somehow Toge manages to get on top, and he pulls Yuuta's short sword out from it's sheathe, holding it against the alpha's neck.
For a moment, no one moves.
"Why are you hesitating?" Yuuta asks, eyes dark. "Aren't you going to kill me?"
The alpha's cock is still rock hard underneath Toge's ass. He's panting for breath, though Toge has a feeling it's not from exertion. The man's face is flushed red, his dark gaze filled with passion, lips curled up in an almost dazed grin.
Toge almost wants to laugh. Yuuta has always yearned for Toge's attention, hasn't he? From his crocodile tears when they were pups all the way up until now. It doesn't matter if it's anger or hatred— as long as Toge is paying attention to him, as long as Yuuta is on Toge's mind, the alpha is satisfied. Maybe even pleased.
And even with knowing all that, even with a blade pressed against the alpha's throat, Toge finds himself hesitating to finish the job.
He stares into Yuuta's eyes, letting out a snarl, before dropping the katana and pressing his lips against the other's.
It's a ferocious kiss, filled with teeth and tongue. Yuuta eagerly responds, groaning when Toge bites his lip harshly, drawing blood.
The alpha growls, rolling them over, fumbling with Toge's kimono. Toge moans when the man presses two fingers into his hole. He's leaking so much slick that they slide in easily.
"Fuck," Yuuta hisses, thrusting his fingers into him fast and rough. It causes Toge to throw his head back, crying out in pleasure. "You're so fucking perfect, Toge."
"Yuuta," Toge whines, squirming from the alpha's ministrations. He needs more.
The alpha lets out another curse, before pulling out his cock. He presses himself into Toge, causing the two of them to moan.
All of their inhibitions now seem to disappear. The sex is rough and merciless, Yuuta slamming his hips against Toge's as he drags his nails down the alpha's back, leaving red marks. Toge's throat is sore from all the sounds he's making, and each thrust of Yuuta's hips just makes him desperate for more.
"I hate you," he sobs out, shuddering with pleasure, "I hate you so much."
Because the thing is, Toge is still unbearably angry. His mother's eyes still haunt him in his sleep, and Yuuta's betrayal still feels like a fresh wound. But at the same time, he can't bring himself to stay away from the alpha— Toge has loved Yuuta for practically his whole life, and he can't seem to stop. He wants Yuuta so badly— wants the alpha in his skin, wants the alpha to keep fucking him dumb, wants to claim him and make the alpha his forever.
"I love you, Toge," Yuuta responds. His knot begins to form, causing Toge to gasp. "You're mine."
Tears spill from his eyes, and Yuuta wipes them away with an adoring gaze. He continues to slam his hips, Toge crying out with each thrust, feeling himself go more and more insane with pleasure as the alpha's knot continues to grow.
Yuuta presses his face against Toge's neck once more, teeth hovering over his scent gland.
He squirms and struggles in protest, but it's more for show than anything, because as soon as he feels Yuuta's knot pulse, he lets out a depraved whine, baring his neck. After one more thrust, the alpha is finally coming, sinking his teeth into Toge's scent gland.
The feeling is euphoric. He shudders and trembles, eyes rolling to the back of his head as he reaches his peak as well, crying out Yuuta's name. He feels his blood drip down his neck, feels Yuuta fill him up to the brim, and his whole body goes limp.
He's not sure how long they stay there, Yuuta soothingly licking his mating mark and whispering sweet-nothings in his ear.
"You're finally mine," the alpha whispers, brushing away Toge's tears and pulling him close.
Eventually, Yuuta's knot wanes, and he pulls out, Toge letting out a whimper as a mess of slick and cum fall out of him.
Yuuta cleans him up the best he can, before readjusting his clothes, making sure he's all covered up. It hits Toge then, staring at the dirt on his kimono, that the two of them really just fucked outside on the ground like animals.
Yuuta adjusts his own clothes as well before standing up and carrying Toge in his arms. The alpha starts to walk back towards his estate.
Toge rests his head against the alpha's chest, listening to the man's heartbeat. He raises a hand to gently brush over his newly formed mating mark, the skin still bleeding and sore.
He thinks of his mother, and his clan. He's betrayed them earnestly this time, now officially a member of the Gojo clan. It causes another rush of tears into his eyes.
There's a part of him that knows that this is what he's always wanted. That knows that he was never that happy with his family, and that he was always going to give in to Yuuta.
But the agonizing burden of his betrayal is still too much to bear.
How long are you going to make me suffer? He signs to Yuuta.
The alpha doesn't answer right away, staring down at him. He feels helpless under that haunting yet beautiful gaze.
"I already told you," the alpha replies, fingers tracing Toge's curse marks softly, before wiping away his tears. The darkness in his eyes only deepens.
"I'm never letting you go."
"There," his mother says warmly, finishing up with tying back his hair. "All done, child."
Toge smiles up at her, and she pats the top of his head.
"Go on and play now," she says, and he nods, scurrying away.
Yuuta is waiting for him outside, eyes brightening when he sees Toge.
"Toge!" The boy greets.
They play by the small creek in the forest behind the Inumaki estate. Toge runs ahead of Yuuta, fearlessly crossing the water by leaping on some stepping stones.
"Toge, wait!" Yuuta whines, as he tries to cross the river a bit more tentatively. The boy begins to cry. "Don't leave me!"
Toge pauses, letting out a sigh, but his gaze on Yuuta is fond. He waits for the boy to cross the river, holding out his hand. Yuuta grabs it, and Toge pulls him in close, wiping the boy's tears.
"Don't worry, Yuuta," he reassures. "I'll never leave you."
The boy lets out a sniffle. "Really?" He says back, staring at Toge with wide eyes.
"Really," Toge affirms. "I'll always be by your side."
Yuuta's lips curl up into a pleased, satisfied smile. "Good," he says back.
They run further into the forest together, hands intertwined.