Chapter Text
I know you got them big dreams too
You can show me yours if you want to
They're beautiful
We can look at them for hours
And surrender to their power, yeah
I'll be there when the day comes
(A brand new day)
Head up in the sunlight, baby
I'll be there when the day comes
When the day comes, I'll be there for you, baby
(We know the world)
Show the world just who I can be
beta
"So— are you listening to me?"
He nods listlessly, without even looking at him. The bored expression makes the man grumble and walk away, cursing under his breath. He stays where he is, leaning a little further on the railing, tilting his head and showing off his features so perfect they make him look untouchable.
"And... there goes Wonpil, the fifth this week," they whistle behind him. He grunts in irritation. "At this rate, you're going to turn everyone away."
"That'll stop them coming," he says nonchalantly.
"I think it'll be a challenge, not an invitation to abandon this war full of lost battles."
"They're weak, none of them can beat me and I want you to explain this to me," he demands, irritated and impatient: "Why the hell would I want an Alpha who's less capable than me? It's absurd."
"It's no one's fault you're so big for your caste." He laughs beside him.
"It's something I inherited from Jin... Although instead of a huge back, it was my whole body."
Jungkook laughs, wrinkling his nose. Taehyung, the biggest Omega he knows, is always finding excuses to reject candidates to be his Alpha. It's magnificent morning entertainment. These days it's even more fun, since there's training for the upcoming expeditions. He sees his king training with Yoongi, as energetic as ever.
Just like so many others, training for the same expeditions.
Not far away is the center of attention of the indifferent and "bored" Omega.
It's a smiling pair; they don't take the training seriously. One of them has bright blond hair, is as tall as a ship's mast and so muscular he doesn't look his fifteen years. His younger brother, Matthew, is a mountain that attracts Omegas and Betas like bees to flowers. A perfect Alpha, also a prince.
He's a great Alpha.
However, Taehyung's attention is fixed on the other person. Nearly a head shorter, with black hair below his shoulders and a pair of braids on either side of his head; fine, aristocratic features, dirty, sweaty skin, a smile as bright as a dream; dodging attacks as if his body could move like the wind.
Taehyung sighs lovestruckly, intently observing the black-haired man. Admiring the damp hair clinging to his neck, as well as the loose shirt. Taehyung lets out a silly giggle, shrugging his shoulders: Matthew pulls him completely and most of the shirt rips. He stops, laughing hysterically, putting his hands to his head.
"Did Dad teach you to strip your enemies naked, Matthew? Do you want to kill them or fuck them?" he laughs raucously, swaying as he paces back and forth. Many catch his laughter.
“My enemies aren’t going to be… wriggling eels, Hoseok!” he exclaims, embarrassed by his older brother’s teasing. Hoseok plunges his sword into the ground, panting, hands on his hips.
Taehyung does nothing but watch, his posture worsening as he leans against the wooden railing. Yes, it’s a good day to be an observer instead of training with them as usual. A deep chuckle escapes him at the sight of Matthew “fighting” Hoseok.
“I won then,” Hoseok concludes.
“Of course not—”
“If you needed to rip your enemy’s shirt off, I’d say you lost,” Taehyung remarks, loud enough for the pair to hear. His voice is strong enough to be heard anywhere. Hoseok grins even wider, shrugging his shoulders.
“The Omega has spoken. Deal with it, lil' berk," Hoseok said, hitting Matthew on the head before turning to Taehyung. The Omega maintained that feigned indifference for a few seconds, finally smiling at Hoseok. "Did you reject someone else?" he asked, leaning against the wood.
"He left on his own. I told him not to insist, so I just ignored him." Taehyung shrugged, uninterested.
"Didn't he touch you?" Hoseok glanced at him quickly and Taehyung shook his head.
"No. He was just babbling about his 'achievements' and stuff I'm not interested in," he sighed, bored. "Shall we practice?"
"In those clothes?" Hoseok asked, making Taehyung glance over. "Not a chance. Jimin will kill you and me if you dare to damage them. It's so complicated to make clothes with that fabric."
“I’m going to change, you damn idiot. I like my clothes too,” Taehyung grumbles. He nudges him in the forehead, pushing him. “Are you interested in knowing if someone touched me?” he teases with a smug smile. He smooths down a few strands of Hoseok’s hair, as black as oil.
“He obviously loses his hand, that’s how it should be,” Hoseok says nonchalantly.
“Oh, right.”
That was so disappointing. He straightens up, rolling his eyes.
“I’ve lost all motivation to practice.”
Hoseok raises an eyebrow, confused by his sudden moodiness.
“Want to go swimming?” Hoseok suggests, trying to get his attention again. “Maybe I can catch something for you.”
“Then I’ll be right back. My coat’s going to get ruined.”
Taehyung goes into the great hall them to his parents' room to leave his coat. There he finds his adoptive Omega, Jimin, playing with Chimmy, his enormous brown bear who adores him fiercely. It's only for that reason that the bear goes back and forth to the forest, even though he could survive on his own. Jimin sometimes uses him as a mount. Being a light Omega, he's very much loved by his pet. Taehyung still remembers when he was a cub who could carry him.
"So much effort to dress up and still, no one takes it off and enjoys what's underneath," Jimin remarks, getting up from his seat. Taehyung is taller than him now and although it's a thought he jealously guards, he can't help but think that Jimin is more handsome than him.
Indifferent to the years that have passed and so much more.
He still possesses delicate and tender features, very youthful. Chubby cheeks, a button nose, a puffy eye that makes him look even fluffier and more endearing. He is his father's charming and coveted husband.
"Alphas don't—"
"I didn't say anything about Alphas," Jimin interrupts. Taehyung makes a face. "Do you think there are only Alphas in the world? Anyone can get between your legs, or conversely, you can get between anyone's legs," he states with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"I'm very aware of that."
"So? Why do you think so much about Alphas when it's so obvious you don't want one interested in you?" he laughs sing-songly, and Taehyung feels his face burn. He wishes he had that ease in handling people. While Jimin is his "mentor", he can't quite manage to be like him.
At least, that's what he thinks. Everyone around him would say otherwise. The only difference is that Jimin knows how to manage his family, while Taehyung still struggles with that. He has a lot to learn.
"Is it that obvious?" Taehyung asks in a low, embarrassed voice.
"So much so that we could ignore it because it's normal coming from you... besides, I know how it feels." Taehyung puts a hand to his chest. Is he serious? "Anyway, you can see where I am. On the other hand, I love seeing my pups with people drooling over them. Even Hobi... it doesn't matter that it's just you."
Taehyung laughs nervously. It's not an insult, but sadness. "I didn't think something like this would be so important." Jimin sighs before leaving him alone. Taehyung takes off his boots and most of his clothes. Jimin is sad because no one shows any interest in his eldest son.
His only Beta son.
It's absurd. Taehyung is amazed that all his siblings turned out to be Alphas, even Solar, who was the smallest and weakest of them all. It's chilling how the woman developed enormous muscles that are hidden under her clothes. Only noticeable once you undress her.
Of his siblings, only Matthew remains in Kattegat. The rest found their paths. Solar with an Alpha named Moonbyul in western Norway; Hwasa with an Omega named Wheein in the west; Jongin became a Jarl by killing another to free an Omega he liked; and finally, Vernon, who left with the Omega who pursued him for a long time, named Hoshi. Currently, Vernon is king because he married Hoshi, who was a prince.
Aside from their current partners, they had suitors. Many.
Taehyung has countless suitors.
Hoseok doesn't.
He can't even explain it. Taehyung doesn't understand it either. Why isn't there any attraction towards Hoseok? Is it only because of his caste? He's strong, he's skilled, his smile lights up the nights and he's like having the sun standing by their side; the most wonderful warm and sweet presence.
Hoseok also inherited Jimin's dual nature. Being a star when he wants to be and a wolf capable of tearing apart when he needs to. It's scary when it happens and Taehyung considers him the most attractive person in his little world, where there are rabbits on the moon.
He loves him; he's the one he'd want as a partner, even if they'd be incapable of having an Alpha-Omega bond. Taehyung licks his lips and bites his lower lip. Several years have passed and if it's as obvious as Jimin says, what about Hoseok? Doesn't he realize it? Or does he choose not to? Is it because they're "brothers"? It's not by blood; it's irrelevant. They're both the only castes in Jimin and Namjoon's lineage.
Why not?
Taehyung can take advantage of this swimming trip to try to get closer, like a million other times.
Maybe the billionth time's the charm.