Chapter Text
Letter number twenty-seven smelled of cheap musk and old perfume. Catnap didn't even finish reading it before throwing it into the fire, where the words "strong lineage" and "heritage of purity" twisted among the flames like burning snakes. Since he turned twenty-one, politics had decided that his womb was worth more than his music, and his smile more than his will.
Sometimes he thought that if he died tomorrow, his father would only mourn the grandchildren he didn't leave behind.
With the disgust of someone who had put more sugar in their coffee than they wanted, he picked up all the remaining letters and threw them onto the pristine white floor, unworthy of such trash.
Fine.
Now it was the cleaning lady's problem.
His father, the "great" alpha of the family, a cold and calculating man who would not hesitate to fire his employees for a small mistake like wearing the wrong tie simply because it was wine-colored and not the vermilion he wanted, that kind of person. But the truth is, he was nothing more than a big idiot. A huge idiot.
Why else would he force his son to find an alpha to take care of him? I'm not an old-school omega, he could shove his lawsuit up his ass.
Sigh.
I need a break, my tail is painfully tense from all the annoyance.
Thinking about tails that wag without being asked, a certain fluffy reddish-orange tail immediately came to mind; there's only one place that could take my anger away.
...one more visit won't hurt.
With a new goal in mind: to annoy the silly dog at the café, I got up from my seat and grabbed my sunglasses, changed my hairstyle, and took out my ear piercings.
It was time to go back to being Theodore, an ordinary civilian with no particular relevance.
I would never get a moment's peace if I wanted to go out as CatNap; my career as the lead singer of the Smiling had become more famous than I ever expected. It's annoying.
I grabbed my favorite black cap for these occasions and headed to the "Coffee and Talk" shop, a 20-minute walk from my bachelor apartment. Walking is relaxing; many of my songs were written on the way to the café.
However, this time my thoughts can only go to one place, and it's not to work on my next song or to figure out how to tease the fool who works at the café.
Not this time.
No matter how much I want to escape the hateful situation that the old man I call father has put me in, the news that "The famous singer CatNap from the band 'The Smilings' is an omega! And apparently he's looking for an alpha partner" is everywhere.
How. Fucking. Annoying.
I finally got the freedom I wanted in exchange for finding a fiancé by my next birthday, which is two months away. If only I had played my cards better, I wouldn't be in this situation.
My father was so angry when I decided to become independent before getting married that I would move back in with him just to do it again. Sometimes I wonder if being an orphan would have been better than being the son of an alpha father obsessed with the A\B\O hierarchy.
...if I hadn't been born an omega, maybe...
"Hey, Theo! You're here early today, huh. I'll be right with you!" It was Sam, I vaguely recognize before he disappears into the café.
It looks like he's just opening up, if the "closed" sign is any indication.
Feeling an involuntary, mischievous smile form on my face, I decided I might as well not say anything about it and just go in. The doorbell rings, but the sign remains intact.
Well, it's not my shop to run.
I walk to my usual spot, the smell of coffee trailed me with every step. It's intense but smooth, and somehow not at all annoying. Strangely, it's identical to the one who runs this place.
"Ahahahahah... I'm surprised to see you awake so early. Did something happen?" Sam, that silly dog who wags his tail all the time, is behind the counter adjusting his uniform.
I can't help but notice that every time he stretches, for a beta, he has a very strong build. What I wouldn't give to touch a single hair on him.
"...some decisions I made came back to bite me in the ass. Nothing new."
"Well! That's my cue to brighten your day with a delicious coffee. Do you want the same as always, or is there something else you'd prefer?" Just your attention, if that’s not too much to ask.
My sunglasses were definitely a good choice.
"The usual, Sam," I said, leaning on my hand and watching him move to prepare my favorite. "Oh, and I'd like to try something new... I don't know, what do you have to offer?"
"Hmm... it depends on what you're looking for! Do you want food or another drink? Sweet or savory? I also have some suppressants, in case you're feeling too overwhelmed," he replied, but he was totally focused on his work. "Oh! And there are new donut flavors."
What kind of beta dog has so much energy at 7 in the morning? Suspicious.
No more suspicious than me being awake at this hour, but suspicious nonetheless. It's not like I can tell you didn't sleep with your sunglasses on.
Wait.
"Actually, I was thinking of something more like..." I trailed off, quietly getting up from my seat while Sam had his back turned.
I feel my eyes become sharper, more attentive to his movements. The methodical rhythm of his tail, his elbows, his shoulders shaking in response. Without making a sound, I open the counter door and stand behind him.
"Like what? I'm not a mind reader, you know." Finally, Sam turns around and jumps in surprise, adding a little "Hiiick!" when he sees me. However, he doesn't spill anything.
His ears even fluffed up, damn, he's so cute. And yes, the omega is me.
"Something like..." I hold the freshly brewed coffee in my hands, while I grab his arm with my tail and force him out from behind the counter behind me. "Like you."
"Huh? Me, like me?"
"Uh huh. I want to add the café manager to my regulars from now on." And to add the cherry on top, I wink at him discreetly. His confusion is palpable.
Taking advantage of the fact that he's too stunned to refuse, I sit him down on a chair next to the wall, away from the windows, and take the chair on the other side, making it impossible for him to leave without me getting up first.
Well, that's how you catch an overly energetic dog in three easy steps.
I calmly lean back on the table and watch his features move from side to side, nervous. His eyes can't seem to settle on one thing, there's a trace of red lighting up his cheeks, his ears cover his face slightly with embarrassment, his black, wet nose fidgets.
I love it when he moves his nose.
What is he sniffing? As a beta, I couldn't smell the pheromones in the air. Seduction would be easier if I could, tch.
"Uhm. Theo... I need, you know..." Timidly, he raises his hand and touches my tail tangled in his other arm. His touch is warm, soft, nothing I've ever felt before. "I need to work."
"Really? I didn't realize~"
"Don't be sarcastic now, Theo, my finances depend on this." She pleaded pitifully, her face rivaling that of a kicked dog.
"Well, if some poor soul decides to come in and ask for your services, I'll think about letting you go." The sign outside, sadly closed, came to me like a flash. "Maybe."
"...Theo."
To be honest, I'm not totally against being a submissive omega. In fact, I find the idea of succumbing to my primal desires and being dominated by my partner, being treated roughly as if I were nothing more than a dog toy— stop.
Even betas can smell pheromones if they're strong enough.
Anyway, alphas are usually empty-headed jerks who just want a cute little pet that looks good and follows orders, not a real romantic partner.
So, no. I'm not being that stereotypical omega, nor am I spending my entire life with an alpha who sees me as a trophy.
Did you want me to commit, Father? I will, but you won't like it.
And then, as I was devising my evil plan for the next two months, warm hands gently held my face, removed my glasses, and paused at my jaw. Orange thumbs traced soothing circles on my cheeks, a gentle stimulation.
"Theodore."
But added to the cozy atmosphere, the light but concerned voice, and the intensity in his gaze... it would be so easy to sit on top of him and finally sleep in his arms.
In response to so many stimuli, I melted in his hands. Damn it, I didn't even give my body permission to do that.
"Hmm...?" I opened my eyes, which I didn't remember closing, and met his gaze, closer but not close enough.
"Something's bothering you. Do you want to talk? You know I'm all ears."
It was like being drunk, my head felt very slow and my stomach was hot. Once again, I felt like I might also be hallucinating the brilliant person in front of me. In a world as cold as the one I come from, his kindness and warmth seemed unreal to me.
"Ah... now that you mention it..." I carefully caress one of his hands with mine. Nervous, he tries to pull away from the intimate touch, but I now hold both his hands against me and return the soothing touch in circles. "I wanted to offer you a deal."
Perhaps it was a product of my inner omega, but beyond the rich smell of coffee in the café and the lavender that I continue to emit nonstop against my will, there were light hints of vanilla.
I'm not a big fan of vanilla, but I found it extremely delicious mixed with coffee.
My tail, which had been tangled around his arm the whole time, tightened and slid up to the muscle of his forearm. Underneath all those loose clothes, he seems to have a certain level of muscle tone.
"Uhm. Theo," his voice, quieter than usual, sounded completely dazed, while his eyes wavered between looking at my hands and my tail. Perfect. "Sigh. What kind of deal? You're... unusually clingy today."
"It's very simple." I looked him in the eyes, searching for any sign of greed or self-centeredness, anything that would make me stop this crazy plan. I didn't even think twice, but those kind hands didn't let me think as clearly as I wanted to. "Pretend to be an alpha and marry me."
For a second, the charismatic and eloquent Sam was actually speechless.
If I weren't being completely serious, I would make more jokes like this just to see the look of surprise on his face. He doesn't seem like it, but he's someone who's hard to impress.
"Huh? HUH?" Finally, the information seems to have been processed in his little head of cotton and fluffy hair.
His hands, wrapped around mine and my cheeks, twitched with excitement. When I stroked them again, they actually jumped at the touch and pulled away before I could catch them.
Huh. My reflexes aren't usually that slow. Or is he just faster?
Either way, the silly dog backed up, bumped into the wall he seemed to have forgotten was behind him, and then just stared into my eyes for a long moment.
"Why...?" He didn't finish his sentence, his eyes sparkled, but he expressed what he was thinking. "Theodore, why would you want that?"
"Well, I've been thinking about this." Not at all, I thought about it five minutes ago when I saw you working peacefully, as if nothing else mattered. "My family wants me to marry an alpha soon, and while I can't say no, I also don't plan on marrying just any alpha and being treated like a doll. So..."
I took a deep breath once, twice, moved my tail from his forearm to stroke his jaw with the tip. In response, he tilted his face and allowed the touch.
I love this big, silly dog. He's been the only person I've seen as more than a friend for years.
"As long as I can still choose the person I'll spend my life with, I would never hesitate to go for you. Even if you're not what's expected of me." A pause. I look him in the eyes. If he could smell my pheromones, he could literally smell the sincerity with which I speak among the lavender. "And I know you're interested in me too, you obvious dog."
For the second time in less than 10 minutes, this big dog was left looking dumb, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. He looked like he wanted to defend himself, but couldn't find a way.
He's so... handsome like that, embarrassed. A kiss right now wouldn't hurt, would it?
Or, at least, I tried. The moment our breaths intertwined, he grabbed my shoulders and stopped me from going any further. Fuck.
Did I screw up? But he...
"Before this. Theo, no, Catnap." I stopped dead in my tracks. Now it was me who couldn't find the words. "Actually... that wasn't my question. Why... me? You have thousands of people lining up to get your attention, you could even fake a relationship with someone in your band, someone you trust. I don't even look like an intimidating alpha or, or, or hot. I don't look like one.”
I went blank. Of all the things that could have happened, I really didn't expect him to recognize me. He never mentioned anything or treated me specially. The reason I continued drinking coffee at this place in the first place, several years ago now.
However, I couldn't help but laugh. He knew it, and he never made me feel any different from anyone else. I reaffirmed how much I wanted to have this softie in my life.
"What a silly question, Sun.” I said, only after laughing in his face and seeing his face red with embarrassment and annoyance.
Tender, sweet, and naive Sam.
Unable to see his own sex appeal. I'm a renowned artist with good connections, a little grooming, and a nice cologne, no one would doubt that he's a good alpha.
They wouldn't even need to change much, in fact. I always think and refer to him as cute, dumb, and sweet, but the guy is handsome as hell. On more than one occasion, I've thought about asking him to join our band, even if it's just for the image, damn it. Whoever gave him that insecurity definitely did so out of envy.
"It's because it's you, thickhead. I don't care if you look like an alpha or not, I don't want a damn conventional alpha, I want you." Holding him in a tight grip, I wrapped my free tail around his neck. He shivered from the tickling and I laughed at his sensitivity. "And you'll settle for that answer, because I'm not giving you any more details without getting married first.
He'll always be that big, soft dog who wags his tail for me, of course. He's cute because his heart is just as cute, so cute that it shows in his appearance.
Tch. This dog has me wrapped around his paw.
"Ah. And if you run away, I'll send my fans to find you and I'll catch you. So don't even think about it, Sun.” I added with a smile, tightening my grip on his neck just enough to apply pressure. "You love me, I love you. Just accept it."
Tension. You could cut it with a knife.
Sam didn't move, he just looked me straight in the eyes, analyzing me. There are few people in my entire life who have made me feel truly seen, as if they could see right through me, straight into my soul. I have to admit, even if it's just for me, it's hot when he does that.
Then, as if he had found what he was looking for, he embraced me.
Now, I could feel his warmth enveloping me, his arms tight around me, his face resting on my right shoulder.
The world stopped for me in that moment. Once again, I felt myself melting against him as if I were ice next to a fire. I felt butterflies in my stomach with an intensity I hadn't felt before, when I admitted my love to him.
And against my will, I purred. Damn it, it's not supposed to be like this.
I'm not supposed to let myself be so vulnerable, not so quickly.
This guy is a threat.
In the midst of my embarrassment at my lack of self-control, which I can't blame on my omega biology because it was entirely my own doing, I heard Sam laugh. It was a very low sound, as if he were holding back, and if I couldn't feel him shaking with laughter, I might have believed it.
"So? Is that a 'yes, I accept'?" I asked, my voice muffled against his chest, but I know he'll hear me anyway. He's a big-eared dog.
Once again, I couldn't help but smell the softness of vanilla between his clothes. It was soothing, as if it were creamier than sweet.
"...I think we have a lot to talk about first, Catnap." As creamy as vanilla, his voice was soft and weightless behind it, even though the nature behind the words made my skin bristle. "Then and only then will I accept your proposal."
Uhm. Right, explaining the whole double life thing I played with him... well. It's not like it's that hard.
Before I could speak, however, Sam pulled away from the embrace despite my attempts to keep him close, and as if apologizing for breaking the moment, he quietly stroked my ears. Lucky dog, taking advantage of the fact that I won't refuse anything right now.
"Before that, I remind you that I'm still on duty, Theo. Let's talk later, okay?" He said, but didn't get up from his chair. Well, it's not like I can leave without him stopping me. Ha.
"Sam. You left the sign at the entrance saying closed, no one is going to come in. Just say yes and I'll text my personal stylist, you'll be unrecognizable." His hands are warm, did I mention he's hot? Because he is.
"...you're kidding, I didn't leave the sign..." He stands still, remembering his movements that morning. Annoyed, I wait for him to light up and continue his work. "Okay, yes, I forgot to do that. Let's get things straight now and then I'll go back to work, but that's it. Do you understand me, Theo? I'm not committing to anything until I've thought it through.
Tch. Stubborn dog.
"Don't make that face, Theo, it's to make sure you agree with this."
With a sigh, I stretch my limbs, numb from so much physical contact in such a short time. I've known Sam for years, he can be a big happy dog most of the time, but he knows what he's doing.
It's time to make some confessions, I guess.
“...Okay. What do you want to talk about? I think you know me as well as Catnap and Theodore do.” I picked up the forgotten coffee on the table and took a slow sip. It's cold.
"Yes, I suppose so. I figured it out shortly after you started coming here regularly." His hands moved away, as did his eyes. He seems to be remembering something. "You weren't really trying to hide, were you? You introduced yourself with your real name, not your stage name, and you didn't even take off your piercings back then."
I nodded, but didn't say anything. I want to see what he plans to say on his own; he's more observant than he thinks.
Although, now that he mentions it. In fact, back then he wasn't that famous and was just looking for a coffee after recording a song; I thought he didn't know who I was because he never said anything. Not even when I caught him listening to my music.
Huh. Actually, it seems like I underestimated him myself.
"I, uh, realized it by chance. A customer was listening to one of your songs, and I just recognized your voice. You sing very well, Theo." He continued talking after a pause. "I was very surprised, but I was more embarrassed because a famous singer came here often. And I... did something stupid that may or may not change your perception of me..."
That actually made me stop everything and think. I looked him in the eyes, but he looked away and gave me that guilty puppy dog look.
What could this idiot, who was too worried to look so remorseful, have done?
I gathered the most accusatory look I could muster, but the coffee tasted good and the vanilla in the air was a nice complement, so it wasn't threatening at all. On the other hand, the vanilla coffee tastes better than I expected and has quickly climbed to my top three favorite drinks.
"It's... look, I admit it was stupid of me to let it escalate to this point, but I want you to know that I did it with good intentions at first, okay? After that, I was just afraid of ruining the routine and you would stop coming just because I didn't tell you before, and I thought we would never be more than good acquaintances, so I figured it wouldn't matter at all if you never found out. But then we got really close, and you already said it, but I like you, and out of nowhere you want me to marry you, and I just don't understand how it escalated so quickly...”
In short: sorry, I didn't know how to admit it before.
...how come he talks so much but says nothing? What level of charisma do I have to reach for that, wtf. I should hire him to advertise the band.
Knowing him, he won't stop anytime soon, so... I covered his mouth with my tail for a moment. My hands are holding the coffee, I'm not interrupting that for something so simple. It's annoying that he doesn't say things directly, as cute as it is to see him stumble over his words.
"Just spit it out. I'll decide how bad it is, and I'm warning you that there are very few things that would make me change my mind."
I gave him one last threatening look. I have a cup of (cold) coffee in my hand, and I won't hesitate to use it. I have no idea what he could say, but I couldn't let him get away with something as mild as selling drugs. The Smiling have worse things in their past, y’know.
"Well... ah, it's a little... do you promise not to get angry...?" His voice grew smaller and smaller as he spoke. Tch.
I didn't answer, but I made sure he understood the message: say it.
"Ahhahahah, right, um." With the smallest posture I've ever seen him in, he curled up against the wall as far away from me as he physically could and spoke. "...I'm not a beta, Theo, I'm an alpha. Ahahah..."
That.
It's... I wouldn't say impossible, but it is surprising.
Hm. However, even though some things make more sense now, I'd still like to check it out for myself. He's already tricked me twice, so it would only be fair if I did something in revenge, right?
Justice by my own hand.
I left the half-empty coffee on the table once again, ready to be forgotten. I got up from my seat, broke the distance Sam had tried to put between us, and with every intention of fucking with him, I sat on his lap. All without breaking eye contact.
While my poor prey hesitated, I wrapped my tail around his waist and encircled his neck with my arms. His mouth, open in surprise, looked like a delicious treat, but it wasn't what I was after.
With a smile and a very soft purr, I moved closer to his neck and carefully removed the suppressor patch with my teeth. I made sure to briefly brush against his gland, enjoying every tense muscle I felt tremble from the overly intimate contact, his hands rushing to grab my shoulders but not trying to push me away. Mmh.
However, what I enjoyed most was the rich vanilla scent that permeated this elegant man. And that confirmed my greatest suspicion: the vanilla was not a result of working at Coffee and Talk.
Ha. Apparently, this alpha, after all, wouldn't need to pretend.
I have to admit that I didn't expect this turn of events, but I don't dislike it. In fact, I find it more attractive; this guy's self-control must be insane.
Although my inner omega feels intoxicated by the truth and the newly discovered scent, my more rational side is outraged.
I mean, there were entire days when I would just stop by the coffee to perfume it with my lavender, thinking that, as a beta, he wouldn't notice. How many embarrassing things I must’ve done in vulnerable moments, and this bastard has the audacity to tell me that he noticed everything but never said anything.
Besides, vanilla is good, what bothers me most is that he hid this detail from me. The fang that grazed his gland makes me want more, and when I ran my tongue over the tip, it really tasted like vanilla.
It's not sweet, and although I can't really distinguish the flavor because I haven't tasted it, it reminds me of the taste of eating vanilla essence directly.
It's addictive.
As if he could hear the dangerous thoughts forming in my mind, Sun squeezed me between his hands and spoke.
"Theo. Although I'm glad for the positive reaction, I think it's too positive... Let's continue this later, okay? Give yourself some time to think.”
It always ends at the best part.
Well, two can play this game. I looked enviously at the suppressor patch on the floor, inhaled the vanilla one last time, and stood up.
The dog wanted to work, well, as his "good" omega, I'll let him work. But I'll be back, and I won't leave without getting more than a chaste kiss. And a good shoulder massage, it's amazing how good it feels.
"Sam. Before I go... I fell in love with you, not your gender or your appearance."
I rested my hands on the wall behind his head and leaned down to match his sitting height. With the patch loose, even his breath smelled like vanilla.
I smiled mischievously and challenged him with my gaze.
"I won't let you go that easily."
In an instant, the distance disappeared and we kissed. In fact, the vanilla tasted like heaven.
Damn right. He finally took the initiative, damn it, it was about time. It wasn't too explicit, not even with tongue. Unfortunately. And what's worse, it didn't last long. But it was still a victory for me.
I said goodbye to Sam with a long rub of my tail against his face, his gaze lost in mine.
It was time to come up with another plan, but one that was a little more... juicy.