Archive of Our Own

The air is crisp with the smell of freshly fallen snow as the car heads through the gate. From his view in the vehicle, the area is tranquil and soothing. He thinks it's the perfect area for someone who finds nature healing to the soul. As they drive down the street, Suguru stares out of the window and smiles. In a few minutes, he will pull up to the rehab facility, where Satoru has been receiving treatment for the past three weeks.

A month ago, their friendship was on thin ice; Suguru and Satoru, both on the verge of losing themselves and each other, had the worst fight that they've ever had. Through the support of their close friends and Suguru's parents, the two agreed to separate facilities for treatment. Suguru, suffering from mental illness, went to a psychiatric hospital back in his hometown of Gifu. Satoru, struggling with an eating disorder and a cocaine addiction, went to a detox and treatment facility in Shizuoka Prefecture.

After their interventions, not only did the two repair their friendship, but they also confessed their feelings and began a courtship.

It's the longest that they have spent apart since their junior year in high school. As Suguru gets closer to the main building, his heart begins beating faster.

Satoru was allotted a weekend pass due to his successful detoxing. His detox didn't last as long as they had originally planned, and he was able to enter the second phase of his plan to help with his eating issues.

Suguru had completed his program at the hospital and would start his outpatient therapy back in Tokyo the following week. Now that his mental illness was re-diagnosed and his prescriptions were adjusted and extended, he felt so much better.

The car pulls up to the main door, and he quickly pays the taxi driver and hops out. The door to the treatment opens and a flash of white hits his vision. As soon as the door closes, Suguru runs down the driveway.

"ACCCEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Satoru shrieks, his smile bright and arms waving in the air. Suguru can't get any words out as he runs faster. The two crash into each other, and the pale man jumps into his arms, wrapping his long legs around the alpha's torso.

Suguru shuts his eyes as tears fall down his cheeks, and Satoru wraps his arms around his thick neck. These three weeks have felt like the longest in his life, and he pathetically sobs as he squeezes the omega even tighter.

After a few minutes of crying in each other's necks, they finally pull away to observe their appearances. Satoru places his feet on the ground to take a step back.

Familiar manicured nails run through his black hair before cradling his face. He doesn't even give Satoru a chance to speak before he passionately kisses him. They were only together for two days before they left for treatment, and Suguru was still high in the clouds. He still can't believe that Satoru is now his boyfriend, his partner. They were always meant for each other, and are finally together.

He feels his heart flutter and his knees buckle when pink lips return the kiss. He's then shoved away. "Dammit, let me look at you!"

Suguru grins as he's manhandled. Satoru grips his face and stares into his eyes. "Oh…Ace," he softly says, love and a little bit of lust in his voice, "you look GOOD."

During his time in the psychiatric hospital, the alpha started eating properly, sleeping every night, and was working out again. His face was blemish-free and clear. Gone were his eye bags and dry hair. His eyes were bright and his black strands were thick and vibrant.

He looks the omega over. Satoru looks GOOD as well. Now clean from drugs, his skin looked refreshed. His pale tone no longer looked washed out and gray. White hair smelled like fruit and caught the light of the sun.

Suguru squeezes the man's slender waist, since Satoru ran out of the building with no coat on. "Bird. You look…wow. You look breathtaking."

"I know."

He snorts before laughing. Satoru yanks his arm and they walk down the driveway. "Come on! Let's go inside so you can meet everyone!"

The treatment center covered a variety of issues. Although Satoru had a drug addiction, depression and anorexia, it all stemmed from mistreatment by his family. The center, specifically designed for omegas, also had a program for those who were raised in conservative clans; the reprogramming initiative.

Many omegas who have fled over the years suffered the same issues as Satoru. They were malnourished, sexually and physically abused, and were behind in certain developmental and educational milestones.

Satoru, unfortunately, checked off all the boxes except for stunted educational milestones. Although his social development has improved drastically since high school, it still wasn't up to par with others. He had gained muscle and weight over the years, but was still underweight according to his height. His experiences with scenting in the clan had been coded as sexual abuse, along with the physical and mental abuse from his family. The staff at the center were amazed that he wasn't in worse shape because of his family history.

They contribute him going away to school that helped him not to deteriorate faster. Other omegas who were abused the same way didn't make it to their sixteenth birthdays. Satoru is twenty when he enters the program.

Suguru is greeted by staff when he walks through the door. He extends his hand to greet the lead counselor. She smiles wide. "You must be Geto Suguru! Or rather, 'that damn Ace'," she jokes. Satoru covers his mouth as he laughs. Suguru blushes as he grins. "Yes, I'm that damn Ace."

Satoru had been in treatment the entire time and never told anyone Suguru's real name until he asked that the alpha visit and the doctors pulled his name from the file. The lead counselor, Abe, then steps back and extends her arm, pointing down the hallway. "Please, let's talk in my office. But, I do have to ask, you're wearing patches, right?"

Suguru immediately nods his head and shows his covered glands while Satoru lovingly gazes at him. Being that it was a strictly omega facility, all alphas on the property were required to wear scent blocking patches. Suguru always carried one in his wallet anyway; being more dominant than most, he never felt offended if people wanted him to wear one. To him, if it made others feel safer, then he didn't mind.

He feels a gentle squeeze on his bicep and turns to look at Satoru. "I told you he wouldn't forget," the omega fondly says to his counselor. The couple locks hands as they walk to the office. Once inside, Abe closes the door. She motions for them to take a seat in the chairs in front of her desk to begin discussing Satoru's progress. When Emi completed the admission paperwork for the omega, she wrote herself and Isamu down as emergency contacts, but wrote down Suguru as the lead family member. She did the same for when she admitted Suguru to the hospital.

The couple were each other's first point of contact, someone who the doctors could confide in. Unless it was a life or death situation, Emi had no intention on opening Satoru's medical records. She felt that it was necessary in order for Satoru to place his trust in his doctors and his treatment plan. If he decided to discuss his recovery with Emi and Isamu, that would be up for him to decide. Suguru's records were available to the clan elders due to his status as junior clan head, but as his father, Emi overrode that and had them only available to her and Isamu. It was one of the perks of his parents being in charge.

As expected, Satoru's treatment is going great. Abe goes over the expectations for the weekend as well; no drinking, no recreational drugs, and he has to arrive back on Sunday by noon. Group therapy was at 1 pm, and he was required to attend. Suguru nods in agreement. The room he reserved wasn't that far away from the treatment center, and he promises that Satoru will return on time and sober.

After the meeting, Satoru takes him for a tour around the building. Compared to the psychiatric hospital, it was calmer. Suguru's treatment was at a mixed facility, including alphas, omegas and betas, with his floor being primarily alphas. Although it was peaceful most of the time, people still bumped heads if they were approaching their ruts or their mental issues affected their pheromones. Suguru mainly kept to himself, reading and focusing on his treatment plan. But Satoru's experience was the opposite; here, the omegas formed a community and had each other to lean on.

Satoru shows him his room, while his roommate is at a therapy session. On his side of the room, a few pictures of his friends and his sister, Riko, are taped to the wall. A stuffed animal is on his bed along with his favorite pillow. On the nightstand is a clock and a framed picture of him and Suguru. The alpha picks up the frame and smiles. It's of them two years ago, at their high school graduation.

Satoru had always loved pictures, purchasing a disposable camera for every event or holiday. The pictures that he didn't hang up in his room or at their apartment, he saved them in an album. Satoru leans against him as they stare at the photo. "This is one of my favorite pics," he says. Suguru turns to him. "Why?"

The omega grins. "Because of your stupid face."

In the photo, Suguru is grinning so wide that you can see every tooth in his mouth. His cheeks are rosy and he has one arm around Satoru, who is giving a peace sign. The alpha snorts. That day, he was nervous. Soon after the picture, he gifted Satoru his beloved bird pendant, hand crafted and one of a kind. Suguru rubs his neck, somewhat embarrassed. "I was nervous." Manicured fingers pinch his cheek. "You're such a fucking dweeb."

Suguru grabs Satoru's overnight bag from his bed as they leave the room. Although he enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing the grounds, he couldn't wait for them to spend time alone. It seems that the other man has the same sentiment, because he's practically running out of the center. "Bye everyone! See ya Sunday!" He doesn't wait for people to respond before he swings the doors open and walks down the steps, where the taxi awaits.

A few minutes later, Suguru hears a gasp beside him in the backseat of their taxi. "You got us a room here?" Satoru asks, squeezing onto the alpha's shoulder. Instead of a hotel in the area, Suguru had reserved a room at the mountain ryokan.

The inn is gorgeous, with the hot springs being located in the small wooden area behind the buildings. Suguru had already checked in before he visited Satoru at the facility, so the couple walked past the lobby.

On one side of the area was the communal onsen, where one could relax outside with others. They also shared a small bathhouse. Suguru knew that Satoru wouldn't like that, since he always enjoyed his own space whenever possible. Luckily, when Suguru mentioned their weekend plans to Emi, she handed over a credit card so he could splurge on a private room, with a bath and hot spring just for themselves.

When they unlock the door, Satoru barrels through to look at the room. He spins in a circle, blue eyes sparkling with excitement. The area is huge for just two people, and had traditional furniture. The chabudai table is decorated with small vases of pink camellias. Fruit and snacks are organized neatly in the small kitchen. Hanging up on the wall by hangers are their white yukatas, thin enough to wear comfortably around the suite.

Satoru walks around the corner to the hot spring entrance. When he gets to the door, he opens it and steps outside. The private bath is large enough for four people, and is surrounded by smooth rocks and bamboo walls to ensure privacy. Steam rises from the water, and yet he can still feel a chill on his skin from the winter air. Satoru closes his eyes and inhales.

He smiles when large arms wrap around his waist and pull him closer. Suguru kisses his scalp, temple and then his neck. "Do you like it, baby?"

The omega turns around, his hands caressing his partner's shirt. "I love it." Suguru looks over his face. White eyelashes slowly blink, making him snort. "How tired are you, Bird?" Satoru sighs and bites his lip. "I'm so exhausted. Please don't be mad."

Being in rehab has been the longest time since their junior year in high school that they haven't slept in the same bed. Even at boarding school, when they were seniors, they didn't go longer than three days without sleeping in the same bed.

Being around each other's pheromones instantly relaxed the two. It's apparent by Satoru's body language; the longer that he was around Suguru, the more pliant that he became. The alpha isn't much better. From the moment that they reunited, he's felt his muscles loosen, making him feel as though he were melting to the floor.

"Why would I be mad? I'm just happy to be here with you," Suguru says before he hugs his partner. They stand for a moment, sinking into each other's arms in silence. He feels the omega nuzzle in his neck, and he leans over to leave kisses on his face.

The rest of their evening is relaxing and slow. They decide to soak in the bath the next day, wanting to enjoy it when they were fully awake. Dinner is quiet, as they sit side by side to enjoy their seafood hot pot. Satoru has wrapped around him like a koala bear, latching on to his bicep to be as close as possible. He doesn't talk much, letting Suguru do most of the talking.

After dinner, the two take a quick shower, taking turns scrubbing each other, making sure to take breaks for kissing.

The sun has set by the time they're ready for bed. Although he didn't have to, Suguru scented the bed anyway, and visibly noticed Satoru sink deeper into the blankets. He snorts. Past his tough exterior, the omega really was a softie. Suguru knew that though. He's known that since the first time that they spoke to each other all those years ago. Satoru, the loud and foul mouthed omega, was just a sensitive love bug underneath it all.

He shuts off the lights before sliding underneath the blankets. He goes to speak, but pauses. Snoring. Suguru leans over to look at Satoru. The man is already asleep, mouth partially opened and drooling on the pillow.

Suguru fondly smiles. Once he gets comfortable on the pillows, he brings Satoru into his arms and falls asleep.

A smack on his face startles him awake. His eyes shoot open as he makes a choking sound. Satoru is hysterically laughing, his face rosy from cheesing so hard. Once he gains his bearings, Suguru shifts to his side to put the man in a headlock. They spend the next few minutes rolling around in bed. The blankets are twisting around their feet and the fitted sheet has slipped from one of the corners of the bed. Finally, he pins Satoru against the pillows, and the omega squeals when Suguru blows raspberries on his neck.

He presses his nose against Satoru's scent gland. Then he licks it. He feels the man jolt and release a soft gasp. He lifts his head and makes eye contact with bright blue eyes. "Good morning, pretty Bird." Satoru gently flicks him on the nose. "Hey, pervert."

Suguru kisses his nose, his cheeks and the corners of his mouth. "How did you sleep?" Two hands rub against his chest before sliding to his shoulders. "Great. You?" "Never better."

There's a light knock on the door, signaling that their breakfast has arrived. Although they had a small kitchen in their room, Suguru selected the three meal package so they wouldn't have to worry about cooking.

While dressed in their yukatas, Suguru leads Satoru to the table so he can serve breakfast. Ever the considerate partner, Suguru had requested no meat for their entire menu. When he checked into the ryokan, guest services reviewed the menu options to ensure that he had selected the right choices. After seeing his dominant stature, there was no way that he wouldn't have some sort of meat in his diet. But it ran the risk of smelling rotten to Satoru, who was still struggling with eating meat, so Suguru refused to eat it for the entire weekend. He didn't even eat it in his meal before he reunited with his partner at the rehab facility, because he didn't want to risk the smell and taste being picked up by Satoru.

The sounds of chopsticks and spoons scraping against bowls can be heard from the table, and Satoru stretches his neck to see what the alpha is up to. "Are you poisoning me today?" he jokes. Suguru chuckles as he walks toward the table while holding a tray. "No, I'll wait until after I get my money's worth for this stay," he responds back. He places the tray in front of the omega before heading to grab his own.

Satoru stares at the tray. It has a single bowl on it. Curious, and not wanting to wait for Suguru to sit at the table, he lifts the lid. His eyes dart back and forth as he looks at the ingredients in the bowl. Slowly, he smiles.

Typically, catered breakfasts included a bowl of miso soup. However, Satoru hated the soup. It was a staple in his diet at the Gojo estate, and he refused to eat it if he wasn't forced to by his father.

However, this bowl of miso soup looks different. Suguru had requested no tofu, and asked for salmon as a substitute. Not only that, but the bowl, which was a huge bowl typically used for dinner or stews, was packed with seasonal vegetables and fluffy rice. The smell of mushrooms, green onions, and turnips hit his nostrils. The alpha had taken each individual plate that was on the tray, and combined them to make a soup that the omega could eat. Satoru turns to look at Suguru, who sits beside him, just as he had the night before. He notices that the alpha has the exact same dish.

"Does it look good, Bird?" Suguru asks, stirring his soup. Satoru goes silent so Suguru looks at him.

The omega's blue eyes are watery and he's biting his lip. He nods his head, not wanting to verbally respond for fear of crying into his bowl. Suguru kisses him on the temple before the two enjoy their meal.

After dinner, Satoru leans back on one of his palms while the other rubs his stomach, his bowl completely empty. "Ace, that was delicious."

Suguru is already up, clearing the table. He plans on making them tea. "It was. The broth was fantastic."

He rinses off the dishes and stacks them on the trays while the two make small talk. After he places the trays outside of their hotel door, Suguru walks to the bathroom to grab two bags. Satoru is pouring two glasses of water, and when the alpha returns to the kitchen, he pulls out their pill bottles.

"These are my new medications, Bird," he says, showing his multiple containers. Satoru holds up his vitamins. They spend the next few minutes going over their updated medication. Suguru makes a note to write down their updated dosage and pills when he arrives back in Tokyo so they can implement them to their schedules.

It's after lunch when they decide to try the hot spring outside. First, the two shower and wrap towels. Satoru heads outside first, carrying extra towels to place them on the wooden bench. There's light snowfall in the area, and he smiles when he sees the white dusting on the surrounding trees. Although he hated being cold, Satoru loved watching the snow. He especially loved watching it when he didn't have to travel in it.

After placing down the trays, he drops his own towel and carefully steps into the spring. He hisses at the temperature, now intensified due to the snow and crisp air. The door slides open and out walks Suguru, holding a tray with two cups, a tea pot, sugar, honey and lemon. Satoru's eyes immediately notices the cookies. "Are those Mom's cookies?" He asks, referring to Suguru's mom, Isamu, and his famous chocolate chip cookies.

The alpha sets the tray on the stone in front of Satoru. Then he pulls his towel off. He laughs when the omega turns bright red. Satoru covers his eyes, as if he's not allowed to see the man's dick. "I cannot believe you have that," he says, still somewhat flustered. Suguru snorts. Satoru is such a dweeb. "It's your friend, Bird. Say hello!"

"Keep that hidden underneath the water line!"

Suguru sighs as he sinks into the hot water. He typically doesn't enjoy hot springs, since he tends to overheat. But the weather today is perfect for a soak, at least for a little bit. Satoru pours their cups of tea; heaps of sugar in his with a tiny slice of lemon, and Suguru's cup with honey and two slices of lemon.

Suguru sips as he stares out into the trees. The scenery is gorgeous and tranquil. He loved the snow; although he hated traveling in it, the flakes reminded him of gorgeous eyelashes, arched eyebrows, and fluffy hair. Speaking of snow, Satoru shuffles to the opposite side of the bath to be closer to the edge of the forest to watch the snowfall, leaning on the stone with crossed arms.

Suguru smiles. The omega's shoulder blades no longer seemed disproportionate to his body, and he now showcases slight definition in his back. He meets his partner along the smooth stone, rubbing Satoru's back and kissing his right shoulder.

The pale man turns his head, cheek resting on the curve of his arm. Suguru kisses his neck. His large hand slides up to his shoulder, his thumb softly gliding across the chain of Satoru's necklace. "It's so pretty out here, isn't it?" Satoru asks, his cheeks rosy from the steam and proximity to the alpha.

Suguru nuzzles his cheek and then his ear, moving closer to his partner. "Not as pretty as you, Bird." He pulls Satoru closer. However, he's stopped by a hand on his chest.

"I want to talk to you, Ace." The seriousness in the omega's tone causes Suguru to ignore his perverted thoughts. He makes eye contact with Satoru to prove that he's listening. Immediately, he panics when blue eyes avoid his stare. "I don't want to have sex this weekend, if that's okay." Brown eyes crinkle when he gives a heartfelt smile. "Of course, it is," Suguru says.

Suguru is on the verge of an anxiety attack. He would never push Satoru to have sex. It was the omega's choice, and he respects it. But in order to exchange a mating bite, he had to knot Satoru.

If Satoru didn't want to have sex, then what did that mean for their plans? A mating bite is considered a serious step, especially since Suguru, a dominant alpha, planned on receiving one as well. It was more than a symbol of their commitment, it was a blending of their pheromones, a means to connect their secondary genders.

If that's not what Satoru wants, then what does it mean for them as a couple? Suguru's mind repeats the omega's words in his mind throughout the day. After dinner, Satoru lies down for a nap. When he starts snoring, Suguru grabs his room key, wallet and cigarettes and leaves the suite.

Outside of the ryokan is a path leading to the smoking area. Suguru doesn't know how long he's been sitting on one of the benches. However, he knows it's been a while based on his pile of cigarettes and the half empty cup of coffee that he poured in the main lobby.

His leg is shaking as he lights another cigarette. It's now nighttime and the lanterns are now lighting the paths leading up to the forest and the public hot spring. It's a romantic sight, and if Suguru didn't feel on the verge of throwing up, he would be able to enjoy the scenery.

His mind is clouded with doubt and fear. Does Satoru not want to exchange bites anymore? Did Suguru do something wrong? He runs through the events of the past two days, and nothing offensive pops out.

Exchanging bites was a way to claim each other, and in some ways, can be seen as a form of submission. When someone would see Suguru's future bite, it would show that he belonged to someone. Satoru's bite, in turn, would show that he belonged to someone as well.

Suguru freezes. Is the submission to the man too much for Satoru?

Suguru frowns as he drops the cigarette on the ground. Did Satoru not want to be bonded to an alpha? Is he still worried about submitting to one?

The tan man has tears in his eyes, and he begins frantically chewing on his fingernail. A couple walking by looks at him, worried.

He leans over, grabs the still lit cigarette and deeply inhales, almost close to swallowing it. He knows Satoru loves him, and one couldn't deny their bond. But was his love enough to override Satoru's apprehension of alphas? It was one thing to be intimate with one; it's a completely different situation to agree to submit to one.

Suguru presses his palm against his forehead and sighs. The last thing he ever wants is for Satoru to think he was just like the others. However, at the end of the day, he was still an alpha. A highly dominant one at that.

Suguru's chest tightens as the world closes in. At just the thought of hurting Satoru, he almost passes out. He pinches the bridge of his nose and shuts his eyes.

Okay, calm down, Suguru. Let's remember what I learned in therapy. Certain things are out of my control, and I am not to blame. When I struggle to get out of my head, talk to someone who can pull me out.

Suguru opens his eyes and stands. After collecting his belongings and trash, he heads back inside. He tosses the empty coffee cup in the trash bin, and makes a left to the seating area of the lobby. There, in the corner, are phones that can be used for guests, as long as they punch in their room number before calling out.

Since it's later in the evening, there are only a few people in the lobby, so Suguru can have peace and quiet. He sits in the seat in the corner furthest from the entrance and picks up the phone.

The phone rings twice before the call is picked up. Loud music is playing in his ear, and the person is on the other line, drunk as hell.

"Helllllooooooooo?"

Suguru snorts. "Hi, Ma."

"SUGURUUUU IT'S YOUR BIG NIGHT!!!" Isamu yells, a slight slur in his voice from the alcohol. In the background noise, the alpha can hear people cheer and laugh. His parents are hosting a house party with their neighbors and a few of his relatives. Apparently, their guests also know of Suguru's special weekend.

He shakes his head. Emi and Isamu obviously couldn't help themselves and wanted to tell everyone the good news; that playboy Suguru is officially bonding with Satoru, the man who has captured his heart.

"Yes, it's my big night," Suguru says, twisting the phone cord around his fingers. "Is Dad around?"

He hears his mom walk from room to room with the cordless phone, with people yelling 'Congrats Sugu!' in the speaker as Isamu passes them.

Suguru jolts when his mom screams in the phone. "I LOVE YOU SUGUUUUU HERE'S YOUR DAD!"

He rolls his eyes when he hears kissing noises and Isamu giggle, probably from his dad squeezing his ass.

"Sugu!" Emi says in the phone, completely sober. Always the overthinker, Suguru called her every time that he needed reassurance. She knew this, and purposely didn't drink any alcohol until he called her.

On the line, there are shuffling noises as the music fades, a sign that Emi has gone to her study.

He hears flicking sounds as she lights her cigarette. "What's in that head of yours, sweetheart?"

Suguru sighs and stares at the ground. "What if he thinks this is a mistake?"

Emi exhales cigarette smoke. "Why would he think that?"

The younger alpha leans his head against the wall and closes his eyes. Besides Satoru, Emi was the only person who could calm his irrational fears and anxiety. Although he could speak freely with Isamu as well, it was Emi who has settled his nerves to help him make rational decisions. He had always been in his head too much, even as a child. Emi helped him focus and asked questions that would relax him enough to give him clarity.

"Dad, I'm scared. I'm scared that this will be too much and he'll realize that our relationship is a mistake and you know how much I love Bird and it will kill me if he hates me."

For five seconds, there's silence on the line.

"Suguru, first, take a deep breath."

He nods, even though Emi can't see him. Then he takes a deep breath before exhaling.

Emi shuffles in her seat, pulls on her cigarette and exhales.

"Better?"

Suguru pauses then he says, "I think so."

"Good. Sweetheart, you two have planned this weeks ago. And you know as well as I do that Toru will not do something that he doesn't want to do."

The young alpha presses his lips together as he holds the phone receiver. His father was right. He just wants this moment to be as special for Satoru as it is for him. The last thing he wants is for his partner to feel pressured to do anything in their relationship or regret choosing to date Suguru. It sounds ridiculous, after the last few months and how much they have gone through. But the thought still gnawed at him, a thorn in his side that he focused on ever since they had agreed to share a mating bite.

"Suguru." He focuses on Emi's voice once more, her voice always full of love and kindness. He hopes to one day walk in her shoes, to be the partner and alpha that she is. He wants Satoru to look at him the way that Isamu looks at Emi; with trust in his eyes, love in his voice, and commitment in his actions.

"Yes, Dad?"

"I'm proud of you. This is such a huge step in your relationship with Toru. You value it and don't take it lightly. You're ready, Suguru. And so is he. I've never lied to you before."

His eyes light up and a strange calmness washes over him. He's always known that his father was proud of him; Emi never shied away from expressing her love and pride for her family. Isamu and Suguru are her world. But it still made him emotional to hear loving words of affirmation from her. Although he was a nineteen-year-old man, he was still a papa's boy after all.

Suguru nods and clears his throat. "Thank you, Dad. I'll call you when I make it back to Tokyo."

"Alright, sweetheart. Tell Toru I'll call him on Monday. I love you so much."

"I love you too. Tell Ma I love him. Good night."

He hangs up the phone and makes his way back to the suite.

When the door opens, footsteps patter on the floor. Satoru comes into view, wearing his white yukata. His freckled face is laced with worry, and he reaches for Suguru's hand. "Ace, what is going on? Is everything alright?" The alpha had been gone for two hours. Suguru squeezes his hand back for reassurance. "Yeah, everything's fine. Come on, let's talk."

The two sit down on the bed, with Satoru leaning against the pillows and Suguru sitting in front of him, pulling his legs to stretch them out on his crossed lap.

Before he can speak a single word, it's the omega who speaks first. "Are you nervous like I am?"

His eyes focus on Satoru's legs, and he starts running his knuckles across the muscle, kneading and massaging his calves. "I am. I just don't want to fuck up this experience for you. For us."

It wasn't about the actual bite. It's what it symbolized. Trust and vulnerability. They were giving themselves to each other, in a way that no one else has access to.

Satoru slightly frowns, and sits up straighter to focus more. "Why do you think you'll fuck it up?"

Suguru pauses as he thinks back to his thoughts outside and in the lobby. It's a fear that's been in the back of his mind since they started dating a few weeks ago, a worry that he didn't even confess to Emi on the phone, so he isn't sure how to articulate his thoughts.

He tries to keep his composure, not wanting to fuck up his words. This is important for the both of them, and whatever he says next will alter their relationship for the good or the bad, so he can't mince his words.

"When you said you didn't want to have sex, it made me nervous…that you think I'm just like all of the others. Like the alphas who have hurt you."

He's always known Satoru not to have as active of a sex life as he did. But the fear of his past, his sexual history, being a reason for Satoru to wait or to not want to have sex at all weighed heavily on his mind. Obviously, the omega can choose when and if he wants to have sex. But what if he can never get past Suguru's secondary gender? What if, deep down, he's afraid that Suguru is just another alpha?

Satoru stays silent, and he can see that behind those blue eyes, the wheels are turning in is his head. Pale hands reach for his.

"Ace, are you worried that I'm scared of you?"

Suguru nods, swallowing to push down the lump in his throat. "What if you've realized that this isn't what you want? That I'm not what you want?"

He's never been so vulnerable before, so self conscious. But Satoru is the most important person in his life, his absolute everything. What if, now that they're here, that this isn't what the omega wants? What if not having sex was the start of him not wanting to take things further? What if, after being here, Satoru doesn't want him as a romantic partner?

He's pulled closer to the pale man, who then runs his fingers through his black hair. There's a softness in Satoru's eyes. Suguru has only seen that gaze for him.

"You're too much into your head, Ace."

Pink lips kiss the corners of his lips and then his jaw is gripped tightly by the omega. "But so am I. You have been nothing short of wonderful to me and for me. I don't want any of my past tied to you, and I'm not there yet. But that doesn't mean that I don't want to exchange bites."

He looks at Satoru, who continues as he strokes Suguru's face. "We'll just take different steps to get there. We've always done things our own way."

The alpha smiles and leans toward the soft touch, always like putty in Satoru's hands. "Yeah, I like the sound of that. Doing it our way."

Suguru gazes at him, his deep brown eyes threatening to water. "So, I didn't scare you away?" Even though he won't admit it, he's still worried that he would frighten Satoru, or push him away.

Satoru blushes, slowly blinking as he admires his partner. "You could never scare me away. I'm too obsessed with you." It's a tone that Suguru has never heard before.

Behind closed doors, Satoru has always spoken to him in a softer, more relaxed tone, from the moment they became friends. The omega was always worried that people would judge him if he seemed gentle and easy going. But around Suguru, and especially underneath him, his closed off demeanor would melt away.

Satoru scratches behind his ears, rubbing Suguru's gauges between his fingers. A hint of spice tickles his nose, causing him to lean closer. "You know much I love and need you, Ace. I promise that I want to be here with you. If you argue with me about this, I'll slap you."

Suguru snorts. "I might like that." "You're such a pervert."

They close the last of the space between them, their lips softly connecting. Kissing Satoru feels just as sweet, such as exhilarating as the first time. His shoulders relax, as they normally do when he's touched by the omega.

Satoru has always been the one whom his body reacted to the most. They could be in a crowded room, and Suguru could immediately pick up on Satoru's voice. He could be focused in a fight, and if Satoru places a hand on his shoulder, his stance would change so he wouldn't accidentally harm the omega. When vanilla hits his nose, it floods his senses, soothing him in a way that he has never known before or probably never will again. Nothing or no one could ever compared to Satoru, and to know that the omega is just as obsessed makes his stomach flip.

"You know," Satoru says between leaving feather light kisses on his peach lips. "I've thought about you every night since you've been away. I missed you."

Suguru traces his lips over the omega's chin and jaw. "I've missed you too, baby."

Satoru runs his fingers from broad shoulders, and they pull away from tan skin to touch his own. He gently leaves scratches along his collarbones.

Suguru hums as he starts sucking on the man's neck, leaving his mark along the smooth curve of skin. Heat starts to grow in his groin as blood rushes to his dick.

Satoru continues, partially breathless due to arousal and nerves. "I've missed your touch, Ace. Mine couldn't compare at all."

Suguru pauses mid kiss as his brain short circuits. He turns to stare into blue eyes. "You touched yourself?" Obviously, he knew that. Satoru had a dildo back at their apartment. But it really never occurred to him that the omega pleasured himself without it, and it certainly didn't occur to him that the omega thought of him.

He licks his lips as an idea flashes through his mind. "Why don't you show me?" Satoru immediately blushes and his body stiffens. "You….want to see me? You'd like that?"

Suguru kisses him, soft and slow. He squeezes Satoru's hips as he kisses him again. "Baby, the thought of you touching your pussy is making my dick hard. Let me see how you do it."

A foot presses against his stomach, pushing him back. Gladly, Suguru obeys and scoots to give them space. Satoru slides until his back touches the wall. The omega's robe slowly comes undone, exposing his naked body.

Although they shared a bath earlier that day, the two were in a different mindset than now. That was a time for relaxation, a time to enjoy the slow morning and to catch up on things that they have missed the past three weeks.

But, right now, tonight is different. And Suguru takes his time observing every new curve of the omega's body. One could no longer see Satoru's ribs, and his stomach has gained more muscle. His thighs were thicker, his calves more defined.

Satoru maintains eye contact as his fingers drag across his collarbones, his nipples, his waist. He opens his legs even wider as his fingers reach white public hair, now shaven into a strip.

Suguru instinctively licks his lips. He keeps his hands to himself, at least for the time being, so he can enjoy the show.

His eyes grow large when Satoru's slender fingers part his lips, already glistening with slick. His breath hitches when he slides fingers, his middle and ring, inside of his pussy.

Suguru grips the blanket, fighting to keep his composure as he sees Satoru drag his fingers out, before curling them back into his entrance. A moan escapes his pretty lips and his blue eyes latch onto the alpha. While still maintaining eye contact, his free hand touches his face and stops at his lips. He shoves two fingers down his throat, sucking on his digits as he grinds against his other hand.

Suguru runs his pierced tongue along his canines and he feels a rumble in his chest. Spicy vanilla hits his sinuses, coating his throat. Slowly, he strips down to his underwear, never taking his eyes off of Satoru.

The man pulls his fingers from his mouth, making a popping noise with his cheeks. Spit covered fingers then glide to his nipple, and he gasps when he rolls it between his nails.

By now, slick is coating his inner thighs and dripping onto the bed. On the edge, Suguru seems as though he's in a trance, aggressively palming his hard dick through his underwear.

Satoru already looks fucked out, cheeks tinted pink and eyes glazed over. He adds a third finger to the knuckle and whines. "Ace," he says, almost breathless and frustrated because he's struggling to cum, "help me."

Suguru climbs to where the omega's legs are parted, continuing to stare at his pussy. Slowly he leans closer. Close enough that if Satoru pulls out his fingers, they will hit him on the forehead.

"You're doing great, baby. Keep going." Satoru goes to protest but he chokes up when Suguru flicks his tongue on his slicked coated lips. He runs his piercing along folds, around curved fingers still fucking into Satoru.

Pale legs quiver, so he places his hands on their thighs to hold them still. While Satoru is still fingering himself, Suguru sticks his tongue inside, his rhythm going against curved and soaked fingers.

He pulls away, and slick is already coating his chin. "Play with your clit," he says, his voice now two octaves lower. He stares as fingers pull out and make their way to Satoru's clit, now swollen and red from desire. As he rubs himself, Suguru sticks his tongue back inside of his pussy, grazing alongside moist walls and wet pubic hair.

When he looks up, Satoru has his eyes closed and his head tilted back as his back arches off the bed. "Fuck, Ace, I-" His words are cut off when he releases a moan, sounding so lewd that it causes a knot to form on the alpha's dick.

He sits up and rests on his heels, still continuing to look at Satoru. His large hands squeeze the man's thighs, and one hand slides up. His thumb, scoots pale fingers to side as he makes a circular motion on Satoru's throbbing clit. "Suck your pretty fingers clean, baby," he whispers. Satoru opens his eyes and stares at Suguru. His fingers then leave a trail from his hips, to his stomach, to his breasts before landing on his mouth. As far as they can go, he shoves his fingers down his throat to suck off every drop of slick, down to his knuckles.

Satoru's eyes dilate and he begins to pant. His fingers leave his mouth to grip the sheets. "I'm about to, I'm about to-"

Suguru immediately dips down to sloppily kiss Satoru's pussy at the exact time that he cums, slick dripping off his chin and coating his tongue. He then sits up and slides to Satoru's face.

His clean hand grabs the omega's jaw, and instinctively, Satoru opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue. Suguru spits, saliva and slick hitting his lips and his chin. It was filthy and nasty, just how they liked it, especially Satoru who then grabs the alpha's face to kiss him.

Two large fingers enter Satoru, and both men moan. Suguru didn't have to stick his dick inside of the omega to know that his pussy is perfect. It was soaking wet, warm, and tight; everything that he could possibly ask for. He loves the taste of it, the smell of it, the look of it. He can cum in his pants just from eating Satoru out, that's how much he loves it. Then again, everything about the omega leaves Suguru aroused and always begging for more.

He starts aggressively fingering Satoru, and if one didn't know any better, one would have thought he was fucking him based on the screams flowing out of Satoru. Manicured fingers scratch at his broad shoulders and spicy vanilla fills the entire space.

"Fuck, show me how bad you want," Suguru growls when Satoru's starts tilting his hips off the bed to meet Suguru's fingers. Pink lips are covered in spit, and some is seeping from the corners of his pretty mouth. Satoru whines, gyrating his hips even harder so thick fingers can go even deeper.

Suguru's eyes glaze over, part possessiveness and part love. "This pussy is mine, do you hear me?" Satoru, eyes out of focus and not even knowing who he is, responds with a keen.

He shuts his eyes and snaps his head back when Suguru enters a third finger, pressing against his g-spot. The alpha leans even closer until his peach lips graze over swollen ones. "Whose is it, baby?" Satoru begins to cry, still disoriented and feeling like he's about to burst into flames. "Yours, Suguru. Fuck it's always yours, I-"

His pale hands drop from the alpha's shoulders and begin frantically trying to grab his left wrist.

Weeks ago, when they decided to exchange bites, they also discussed where they wanted to place them. Satoru had decided on the usual placement; his neck where they're showcased to others. However, Suguru didn't want his bite there. The alpha was not only tall, but wore his hair down most of the time, so people might not see the mark. However, he rarely wore long sleeve shirts and showed off his arms more. Because of this, he had chosen to have his bite placed on the scent gland located on his wrist.

He feels Satoru's pussy clench around his fingers, signaling that he's about to cum. As the omega releases, he latches on to Suguru's wrist, biting as hard as he can. Suguru screams and pulls out his fingers to help stabilize his balance on the bed.

Satoru pulls his mouth away before rubbing his cheek over the broken skin, blood staining his skin. He looks at Suguru with love and devotion. "You and me. Always, Ace."

Suguru grinds against Satoru as he's close to his own orgasm, still staring at pretty blue eyes. He knew he wouldn't last much longer, especially since he's always liked when Satoru would pierce his rounded canines into his skin.

As he cums, he leans forward. He wraps arms tightly around Satoru so he can't move. Then he latches onto the omega's neck, biting so hard that he immediately tastes blood.

Satoru releases a choked gasp, part shock and part exhilaration. Peach lips release from his neck, and Suguru licks at the wound in an attempt to soothe his partner. Satoru relaxes underneath him, and starts to gently stroke his back.

The realization of what has just occurred finally hits the alpha like a freight train. He buries his head back into Satoru's neck as he begins to sob.

Satoru's hands leave his back and he feels the omega maneuver their bodies so his arms can move. Slowly, his head is lifted, gently cradling him. His cheeks are stained with tears as he continues to sob. Pale fingers stroke the skin underneath his eyes as a way to calm him down. His brown eyes stare into soothing blues. Blues that have always looked at him to remind him that he belonged.

Satoru smiles, his own face covered in tears. "I'm here, Suguru. I'm here and I'm yours."

Suguru's lip quivers, still an emotional mess. "Mine?" He asks, overwhelmed that someone has seen him, an alpha that was once deemed a monster, too strong and too dominant for others, as worthy to provide love and be loved in return.

Satoru sniffles and nods before smiling, seeing not an alpha, but a man who was created by the universe just for him, to love and be loved just as fiercely and just as deep. "Always yours, Suguru."

Satoru pulls Suguru closer, and as their lips connect, they sink deeper into the sheets, still wrapped tightly in each other's arms.

The first thing he notices is warmth, surrounding him like a soft blanket. The second thing is a scent, like freshly baked cookies. The third is the sound of a small rumble pressed against his ear. Soothing. Grounding. Familiar.

In the early hours of morning, Suguru opens his eyes. Sunlight streams through the window, and if he didn't know any better, he would have thought that he died and had gone to heaven. Or, maybe he was experiencing it while his heart continued beating.

Maybe heaven is toned arms wrapped around him, holding him close. Maybe heaven is warm vanilla, washing over him like spring rain.

His brain finally registers the rumbling sound in his ear. Suguru's brown eyes glaze over, tears flooding his vision.

Satoru's happy purr.

He must have fallen asleep on the omega's chest, and was embraced for the entire night. His fingertips lightly grip onto Satoru's back and he realizes that his own scalp is being lightly scratched, a habit that he didn't know Satoru did in his sleep.

Suguru slightly turns his head to smell soft skin, and when vanilla hits his sinuses, the bite on his wrist pulsates. The tears finally fall as he's pulled even closer to the omega.

"It's alright, Ace," Satoru mumbles, still asleep, but sensing that the alpha is crying, "I'm here."

He's here.

Suguru smiles.

His heart flutters as it remembers that no one will ever treat it with care in the way that Satoru does. He nuzzles his face in between the omega's breasts, and while in the love and safety of his arms, Suguru falls back asleep.

The first thing that he notices are two large hands, cradling his face. The second is sweet cedarwood, hitting his nose and causing his neck to tingle. The third is soft lips on his, leaving kisses that warm his heart and soul. Satoru opens his eyes and smiles when he sees the most beautiful person that was and ever would be created.

"Good morning, love," Suguru whispers.

His hand reaches for unruly inky bangs, hair that has intertwined between his fingers since they were fifteen.

"Good morning, my darling." His eyelashes flutter when they rub noses and thumbs glide over his freckled cheekbones.

"How's your neck feeling?"

"It feels fine. How's your wrist?"

"Great. Breakfast is here. I'll set it up while you freshen up."

Suguru kisses him one last time before he pulls away, helping the omega to his feet. He ties his yukata as he walks to the bathroom.

He's washing his hands and brushing his teeth, mind still foggy from the night before. He zones out, smiling like a fool when he thinks of the fresh bite on his neck.

He pats his face dry with the towel and then tosses it onto the sink. "Ace, are my vitamins in there?"

"I put them back in your makeup bag." Satoru spots the bag by the faucet. He furrows his brows in confusion when he picks it up. It seems heavier than just his travel items and vitamin bottles.

He opens it and tilts his head. On top of his vitamins, lies a velvet box. Once it's in his hands, he opens it.

A white gold choker. The chain is crafted thin with a strong clasp. In the front, on a smooth plate, is Suguru's name engraved in Kanji.

Satoru whips around and sees Suguru leaning against the doorway with a shy smile on his face. The omega continues to stare as his partner walks closer until they're face to face. "Do you like it?"

Satoru looks down at the necklace. "Ace, is this my bonding gift?"

Suguru nods as he tries to read Satoru's face. "It is. It's to mark the transition of our courtship to our bond."

The omega turns to face the mirror. His eyes pan down to his bird pendant, still fastened around his neck. Manicured fingers glide over the metal.

Suguru hands caress his shoulders. Always gentle. Always loving. His brown eyes meet Satoru's gaze in the mirror.

"Of course, you don't have to wear it. It's up to you."

Satoru focuses on the silver bird. The pendant was a gift from Suguru on the day of their high school graduation. The only gift that he had received.

It was a constant reminder in his life that someone, out in the world, cared for him. At his lowest point, it was his compass, leading him back home. Back to himself. Back to Suguru.

But, along with love, the necklace also carried pain. Many nights, he held onto it as if it was sent by the gods to save him. Hands, shaking from rage and hunger, clutched to it between the pads on his fingers until they would crack and bleed.

He was Suguru's. He always had been. But, now, he wanted to walk beside him happier and healthier. Satoru lifts up the bonding necklace. When he looks at it, all he can think of is love. He smiles.

Suguru stands there quietly as he watches the omega unhook the bird pendant and place it on the counter. Satoru then hands him the choker. "Will you?"

Blue eyes light up as the gift is fastened around his neck, the cool metal lying flat against his throat. He turns his body to face Suguru again, who is grinning as if he's won the lottery. Satoru blushes as his hands grab the alpha's face.

Deep brown eyes, glazed over with adoration, stare back.

He thinks of the Gojo clan, always telling him that who he was, would never be accepted. How his father, Seito, would scream that no one would ever love Satoru the way that they did.

Thank the gods for that.

Large hands wrap around his waist, and as always, pull him gently as if he were the most valuable thing on Earth.

"You really want me to be yours?" Satoru asks, his waterline threatening to shed tears.

Suguru isn't doing much better, and has already started crying. Slowly, he nods his head. "Always, Bird."

Satoru sticks his pinky out, as he always did when they promised something to each other. "Swear on it."

His smile drops to a look of disgust when Suguru leans over and takes the pinky in his mouth. "Not like that, you fucking sleaze!"

Suguru snorts, leading Satoru to follow. The thought of the man harassing him for the rest of their lives makes his heart flutter. He can't wait.

He tightly grabs the alpha's jaw, and his own face softens. "Quit fucking around and kiss me."

Cedarwood covers his skin, embracing him with love as his lips connect with Suguru's.

Suguru opens the passenger door before walking to the trunk to grab the overnight bag. He meets Satoru on the curb and together, they walk up the path back to the treatment facility. It's 11:30am, and as promised, the omega is back in time for his therapy appointment.

When they're at the entrance, they turn to face each other. Satoru reaches for Suguru's arm, turns it, and gently kisses the swollen bite on his wrist. "I'll call you tonight," he says.

His partner responds by yanking him close, causing Satoru to yell and thump him in the forehead. Suguru kisses his neck before blowing raspberries on his cheek. "I'll be waiting." Pale arms wrap around his neck, and he blushes.

"I'll see you in two weeks." "I'll be here to pick you up."

Although Suguru's stay at the psychiatric hospital is over, Satoru has two more weeks left of his nutrition program. When the alpha is back in their apartment, he'll prepare their new life for when Satoru returns; going grocery shopping, taking care of his plants, moving the omega's belongings to his room, and of course, wait for him to get back.

He presses his lips to Satoru's ear, now beet red. "Are you going to think of me, tonight?" He jokes. He hisses when two fingers twist around his nipple. When he turns his head, he's met with glaring blue eyes. "I will rip it off." "Do you promise?"

Suguru grins, showcasing his prominent canines. Satoru's icy glare softens as he pulls the alpha in for a kiss. "I miss you already, Ace."

Suguru sneaks in three more kisses before he moves from Satoru's grasp. Is he stays any longer, the taxi driver might leave him, taking his luggage with him. He will definitely miss the train back to Tokyo then.

He takes one final look at Satoru before turning to head back to the vehicle. He's been emotional this entire weekend, and he already knows that if he looks back, he'll burst into a pathetic sob.

The door slams behind him and he focuses on snapping his seat belt, when there's a knock on the window. After rolling it down, Satoru leans into the window to kiss him all over his tan cheeks. "Don't cry, Ace. You'll be back to pick me up before you know it."

Suguru bites his lip and nods. The taxi driver looks at him through the rear view mirror, wondering why such a huge alpha is on the verge of breaking down in his backseat.

When he looks at Satoru, he's met with a warm smile. "I'll call you every night, you big ass dweeb." "Promise, Bird?" "I promise." Satoru leans further into the window to embrace him.

"Now get out of here before the taxi charges you an arm and a leg." The omega slides out of the window and takes a step back. As it pulls away from the curb, Satoru walks to the middle of the driveway. Suguru laughs as the pale man jumps up and down, waving his hands in all directions.

He rolls up the window and sits back in his seat. The trees sway as the vehicle picks up speed, and it's only then that he notices the snow starting to fall, reminding him once again of beautiful eyelashes and winter kissed tresses.

The taxi driver clears his throat before attempting to make small talk. "You and your boyfriend seem nice. It's cool that you were able to visit him."

Suguru looks down at his forearm and pulls back the sleeve of his jacket. His fingers trace over his fresh bite.

"Not my boyfriend," he says, a smile growing on his rose tinted face.

"My mate."