Chapter Text
"Let's establish a bond." Senku offered, his hands together on the table of the improvised lab he had built with the village people's help. Gen raised an eyebrow. "Magma tried to abuse and kill you. You are a dominant omega and attract a lot of attention. The people in this Stone Age village are like babies regarding the secondary sex system and its influence on social dynamics. You saw in the village that the leader is a beta."
"That was a surprise, I thought they were extinct in Japan."
"And they were. For 4000 years." Senku moved his hand. "But if what we suspect is true, there were betas on the Soyuz craft, and if these are their descendants, then we have betas in our country again." Gen shrugged.
It wasn't really relevant to him that betas existed, the whole segregation of that caste was a huge nonsense from the Edo period that wasn't resolved in modern times. There had been only alphas and omegas in Japan for hundreds of years, it was just a fact.
"Why would I establish a bond with you, out of all the ones I have available?"
"You are a dominant, Gen. You only have your hormonal potential if you possess a bond. And someone will try to get that by force here. Be it Magma or Tsukasa's men."
"But you are a recessive alpha, Senku. How is that going to be good?"
"I am intelligent. And I cannot dominate you. But I can give you the security of not being bound to someone terrible who could use your innate abilities to their full potential."
"Looking at it logically, it makes sense."
"I am also the leader of this village. You would be a leader too. They need a dominant omega who knows how to use pheromones. There are many alphas here with emotional control problems and very insecure omegas. Someone like you would be a leap in social organization."
"I don't want to have children." He declared, and Senku blinked apathetically. "I also don't want you to use me during your rut."
"Don't worry, I am recessive. My cycles are weak." Senku shrugged. "And I have little interest in that. You won't see me asking or anything like that. But if you want my help with yours, I won't oppose."
"And the child?"
"I don't insist on it."
Gen analyzed him from head to toe. Clearly Senku was malnourished, he couldn't tell if it was due to the condition of the stone world, the scarce food and little protein, or if it was his nature. But he wasn't an ugly man. He was at the end of his adolescence, so he still had room to develop. Senku raised an eyebrow, and Gen smiled.
"I think it can work." He said, moving his hand, and Senku smiled, satisfied.
"Are you the type who wants something grand with a ceremony for this, or is anything okay?"
"In the old world I might have had that pretension, but since it's a survival and political agreement, anything is fine. As long as there is a minimum of effort from both parties for it not to be something repulsive."
"I agree with that." Senku made a face. "It's an arranged marriage, we can see it that way."
"As you prefer." Gen placed his hands in his sleeves. "When do you want to do it?"
Senku looked at him, surprised.
"I don't know... Do you think immediately would be possible?"
"Immediately now, or today?"
"I can't answer that."
"Well, you proved to me you can make soda. And the flavor I like. So I am very positive about you. I don't mind if you want to do it today."
"I didn't expect something like this." Senku huffed a laugh. "Seriously, were you bought with a Coca-Cola?"
"It was very good, alright?"
Senku let out a laugh, shaking his head with his hands on his waist.
"You are fun." He smiled, and Gen tilted his head. "And I like your scent."
"Is that why you suggested this deal?"
"Yes. And also because the state you were in shouldn't be repeated. You were incredible for getting out of Magma's ambush alive, but let's try not to repeat the miracle from now on." Senku took a step towards him. "It would be easy if the mark were really just a bite. I could do it now and we'd both go on with our day."
"You'll have to give me a bit more attention than that." Gen laughed against his sleeve. "It's in Chrome's hut, right?"
"Yes. Do you think you can get him to leave so we can use it?"
"Until dusk we'll have a party in the village where he'll need to use his colored fire." Gen offered, and Senku smiled, satisfied, a bit of a sparkle in his eyes.
"Yeah, I found a good husband." He stated, nodding to himself, and Gen turned his back. The matter was already settled. "Mentalist?"
"Yes, darling?"
"Anything you want to ask for our wedding night?" Gen looked over his shoulder; Senku wasn't looking at him, now attentive to his rudimentary glasses on the improvised table.
"A cozy nest." Gen pondered. "And something to protect us from an accident, if you know what I mean."
"A condom isn't possible yet, but I can think of something."
"Sounds good." Gen tilted his head. "Anything else?"
"Did you do the task Kaseki gave you?"
"Ah, I just remembered I promised to talk to Ruri!" He declared, hurrying to leave, hearing Senku's laughter behind him.
Gen knew Senku had been working on something during the week, but when he saw the tree lit up with lights and all the villagers under it, amazed and incredulous, he felt that his decisions since awakening had been the right ones.
"Well, it's already Christmas." Senku stopped beside him. Gen looked at the lights and smiled.
"You really can perform miracles, can't you?"
"There are no miracles, only science." Senku let out a chuckle. "This was a test to see if the electricity we've managed to get so far will allow us more intense uses. Perhaps now we can try making batteries and electric machines."
"You could have tested that with other things, but you wanted to make a Christmas tree." Gen closed his eyes. "You can admit it to me. You like this village."
"Our commitment today..." Senku began, dodging the subject. Gen laughed behind his sleeve and turned around. "Your party now has something even more eye-catching than Chrome's fireworks."
"And that will certainly hold everyone's attention all night long." Gen agreed, letting out his breath slowly, raising his neck and cracking it.
Senku straightened his posture beside him, seeming tense, and Gen laughed.
"Your pheromone is very strong." He murmured through his teeth, and Gen looked at him.
"You made the proposal because of this, didn't you? Let's just give a sample so the people you like become happier." Gen opened his coat, letting his scent mix into the air, his emotions influencing his fragrance, calling the lost ones to the home of a structured pack.
The villagers moved together, closer to the tree, bodies relaxed and immediately starting more affectionate interactions.
Senku placed a hand on his back.
"They don't know how to use pheromones, don't use so much or you might make them go into collective heat."
"Do you think I'm a beginner?" Gen looked at him, closing his coat. "A little scent of a happy and comfortable omega is enough to make them want to stay together in this cold, near the light."
"Mother's scent." Senku pondered, and Gen pressed his lips together, turning his face away.
"I don't want that much responsibility. It's useful for group control."
"It's not the role I want for us. The Kingdom of Science is to evolve, we won't rely on the secondary sex system. But in this beginning, until we can get more nitric acid, it's the best way to avoid internal fights."
"And to fight the dominant alpha that is Tsukasa?"
"If he were the only problem in the Kingdom of Might, it would be easy." Senku rubbed his hand on Gen's back. "Well, shall we?"
"Sure. Totally in the mood for a romantic night after this conversation."
"Wait until we get to the hut, mentalist." Senku laughed, moving away, and Gen took one last look at the tree before following him.
The people didn't seem to mind seeing them leave, accustomed to seeing them together all the time. Gen hadn't realized that fact, but when there's a party happening and no one gives a second glance as you and the leader leave at the beginning, definitely some idea had already formed in the community.
"It wasn't entirely your idea, this contract." Gen realized when they reached the door to Chrome's hut. "You wouldn't do something as flashy as marrying for the second time since you arrived. Especially if this time it's with someone from your own time, risking them thinking you're despising the village people, preferring a stranger to the priestess." Shaking his head, he rested his forehead on his palm. "Of course..."
"You think too much, don't you?" Senku looked at him apathetically with his hand on Chrome's door. "But yes, I had the idea after noticing that some people just assumed we were close. Since I saved you, they think I'm your guardian. I think they got the wrong idea, but I can't blame a Stone Age village for assuming something when an alpha saves an omega." Senku opened the door. "Especially considering the 100 tales that establish the culture of this place."
"One day will I hear these tales, I wonder?" Gen laughed to himself and entered.
"Good question."
Gen smelled it before he actually saw it.
The hut was organized. Without Chrome's stone pots and strange things, but instead a large nest made of leaves and branches lined with animal skins. There were candles scattered about and some food. If it were in modern times, it would be romantic, but in the Stone Age with few resources, the candles were just the only lighting option. Gen sat down, touching the soft animal fur anyway.
"You made the bed." He stated the obvious, and Senku smiled.
"You asked for a nest. Well, I did the best possible under the conditions we have today." He flopped onto the skins, arms crossed behind his head. "This is good enough for me to keep. I plan to improve it over time, when we manage to explore the forest more and have better tools. Consider it a work in progress."
"Whoa, wait a minute!" Gen laughed, looking at him. "I'm keeping this, you make your own!" He declared, crawling into the soft circle and falling on his side with a smile. "This almost feels like a bed. I've missed it." He whined, rubbing the fur as if it were indeed an animal, and Senku smiled as he turned his face to him.
"I made it big enough to share. You and I will sleep together. You need to have my scent. Even if I don't touch you."
"I thought I was the liar who makes excuses to get what he wants."
"There's no material for two beds, mentalist!" He complained, sitting up. Gen stared at him until he let out a laugh.
"Ah, whatever. After having sex, this won't be weird."
"I might be wrong, but isn't there no mood for that?"
"Yes. But we can build it. You're an alpha, you know what to do."
"You certainly have more experience, I'll leave it in your hands."
Gen stared at him. Senku stared back.
The two of them sitting on that bed, dressed and by candlelight, in silence and blinking at each other, would always be a moment Gen would feel embarrassed about.
"Maybe we need a little more time...?" Gen suggested, and Senku blinked.
"We need the mark."
"The definitive one requires sex, but there are temporary ones. You can bite me and kiss me. A bit of your fluid on me will be enough to hold it for a few days."
"That's not enough to achieve the goal."
"So we're having sex for real?" Gen stared at him. Senku stared back.
No movement.
"What's the temporary mark like?"
Gen closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and looked at the alpha in front of him. He had to kiss Senku. It was kind of obvious. Senku knew this. There was no other way.
They remained still.
"Yeah, this isn't going to work..." He murmured, laughing nervously, and Senku scratched his ear.
"It has to work. I don't want internal fights. Magma is accepting my leadership for now, but for how long? I can't have more internal distractions besides the Kingdom of Might."
"I get that, Senku! But you don't even have the courage to kiss me! Let alone have sex with me!"
"I do have courage!"
"You're still a meter away!" He blurted, moving his hand between them, pointing at the empty space, and Senku turned his face away as if it weren't his problem.
It was childish.
His husband of convenience was childish!
"Ah, what a shame. I really liked your idea. If you can't even look at me, then I'll have to find another alpha."
"You wouldn't be that stupid. I know your options well. There's no better option than me." Senku smiled.
Gen narrowed his eyes with a pout.
"Then kiss me."
"Yes."
Senku was still static.
"Senku." He called, pointing to his own mouth. "Your lips, here."
"Alright."
Statue.
"Senku, at least lean in and pretend you're going to try."
"I will." He declared, and Gen looked at the scientist's hands. They were gripping the hem of his improvised lab coat.
He was nervous. That's fine. Gen felt his heart in his throat and his palms sweating. But the logical point was irrefutable, and he still had nightmares about Magma stabbing him. He needed security to have a peaceful life, even in that world.
Senku still didn't move. Gen pressed his lips together.
He couldn't just keep waiting, could he? Senku clearly had a difficulty.
"Alright." He declared, slapping his hands on his knees and standing up.
Senku's eyes widened, he stretched out a hand to hold him, but Gen subtly dodged, raising his hand to his clothes, removing his coat and belt. Senku blinked, surprised, and relaxed.
"You thought I'd leave?" He asked, loosening the ties of his shirt.
"You have options. Even if not as easy as me, they still exist." Senku massaged his neck.
"Well, there are ways to break the ice. I'm just choosing the easiest one."
"Easier?" Senku raised an eyebrow, and Gen sat back down, giving little hops on the fur bed until he was right in front of him.
"Smell me." He asked, taking Senku's hand and placing it on his own neck. "Take a good sniff and let's see if you really haven't suppressed your entire alpha with all this science and logic."
Looking confused, Senku looked at Gen's face and then at his own fingers on his neck. Gen felt the thumb move on his skin and smiled.
"Come on. I'm ready." He declared, touching his chin, inducing him to bring his head closer.
He felt his own fingers were cold and tried to contain the trembling. His heart was beating very fast. This wasn't how he imagined being with an alpha after the world ended, but he had to do it. But it was so awkward. So embarrassing. So exposed.
He felt his face burn and couldn't keep his eyes on Senku's face, looking at his own legs as he pulled the scientist's face closer.
Senku didn't say anything. His hand clenched on the bed furs, squeezing hairs, and he pressed his nose against the side of Gen's neck. It was cold. Gen shrugged his shoulders a little and released Senku's face and hand, joining his own in his lap.
"And then?" He tried after a few seconds of silence.
"I like your smell. But I don't smell a happy or calling omega."
"Ah, well, that would be too much for this situation." He tried, smiling weakly and looking to the side.
Senku moved his thumb on his neck, making Gen shiver.
"But why do you have soft skin? That shouldn't be possible with the sun we get without protection. There are no moisturizers either."
"Omega powers?" He tried, and Senku pulled back just to look at him skeptically.
"Seriously? That's the answer?"
"I came back a few months ago, not a year, like you." He tried again, more seriously. "I've always taken care of myself."
"Hm." Senku moved his thumb on his neck again.
"And then?"
"The smell is more inviting now." Senku laughed, and Gen huffed.
"Of course, you dodged the subject!" He complained, and Senku smiled, holding him by the chin, joining their lips.
Gen didn't expect it. His eyes widened immediately, but he allowed himself to relax as he accepted. Senku pulled away. Gen's lips tingled.
They looked at each other.
Maybe it would work.
Gen smiled as he raised his hand to the face in front of him, and Senku held him by the nape of his neck.
"For real now." Declared Senku, and Gen let out a happy murmur as he let himself be kissed again.
The hand on the nape of his neck was firm, the mouth on his was warm. Gen sighed seeking air, breaking the kiss again, Senku's taste in his mouth. Cotton candy they had just recreated in that world with nothing to remind him of home.
Gen kissed him again. Grateful. God, he could have his life back if he stayed with that man. Senku pushed himself against him, making them lie down, Gen didn't hesitate to let him move him as he wanted. Senku's fresh scent, like a refreshing citrus juice after a heavy summer cleaning, made him feel homesick. For his apartment. For the days in Japan and the nights in the United States.
He could cry.
He moaned feeling Senku's hand caressing the inner part of his thigh.
Above him, Senku looked into his eyes, seeming confused, pupils dilated. He was breathing through his mouth, and Gen thought he could be devoured.
He wanted to be devoured. Felt his body warm, sensitive. It wouldn't be a surprise if he were already aroused and lubricating for the alpha.
He sighed, running his hand through his hair, his hand grabbing the front of the scientist's clothes.
"Take it off." He ordered, closing his eyes.
Senku didn't answer, moved his hand away, and obeyed. Gen moved his own hands to the rest of the shirt he hadn't taken off, losing patience and pulling it over his head while half the buttons were still undone. His pants were opened, and Senku deigned to move away only to pull them off.
There was nothing to say.
Why would they hold back?
Gen saw it in the scientist's eyes, so he just smiled as he leaned forward and held him by both sides of the face, opening his legs and letting Senku position himself as he started kissing him again.
Husband. He didn't want a husband, but Senku came with hope for a promising future and a curious mouth.
Gen let himself lie back on the bed, sighing as Senku's lips descended down his neck, writhing when teeth scratched him. He felt Senku between his legs. Felt how warm he was and how hard he was.
He didn't ask. Moved his hand down, fitting what he wanted where it should be. His head intoxicated by the mix of pheromones made him let out a soft laugh, and Senku leaned in to kiss his ear.
"Mentalist." He called, and Gen felt his body shiver.
The first thrust was strong, a test, clumsy, Gen let out a murmur sinking his nails into the alpha's back, who kissed his chin as if apologizing. And then there was another. And another. Senku leaned more and more against his body, and Gen could barely think as he felt him thrusting in and out, in the sighs he heard near his ear, in the firm hands on his hips. He whined, lost, not knowing what else he could do in that delicious, senseless agony besides letting his mouth utter things whose meaning he didn't know.
When he realized it, he was clinging to Senku, kissing his face, dragging lips over the skin he could access. Adoration. Stimulation. Encouragement. Senku couldn't stop, he would kill him if he did!
And then the bite came. Burning his skin, mashing and cutting his flesh. The taste of blood reached his own mouth, and Gen screamed scratching the other's arms and back, biting Senku's neck by instinct too, unable to think about it. He just wanted to return the pain and ecstasy of it. He needed that. The blood burst in his mouth. Senku thrust into him deeper and harder, making him scream again, eyes clouded to the ceiling.
And then it was dark. His body trembling and hot, spasms that made him cling to the warm body and the sensation of something gushing inside him. Senku's teeth finally released him, and Gen felt himself fall exhausted onto the bed, hair on his sensitive, sweaty skin. A body beside him, trying to adjust, cover, and clean the blood.
His eyes opened, blurs around him. His hand grabbed something and pulled it to him. Senku sighed with his face pressed against his neck, hugging him tightly while Gen squeezed against him.
He didn't need care. He needed his alpha. Present. Everywhere. Senku kissed his shoulder.
Gen didn't see when it ended, much less how he fell asleep.
The sun was what woke him, the light hitting his face coming through the window opening, and Gen groaned, annoyed. Hadn't he planned the position well? Maybe he should ask Senku to reinvent window blinds. Snuggling against the body beside him, he smelled his partner before understanding who was actually there and cuddled closer, promptly being enveloped by arms. His face hurt. His neck burned. It was like a very sore stiff neck, and he was sure his legs would be a problem during the day.
Letting out a whimper, he felt fingers in his hair and stopped. The scent enveloped him like a cloud of overwhelming security.
Was that what people talked about regarding the bond?
"I'll have to ask them to wash these furs." Senku said, still moving his fingers in his hair. "This was white, but the blood stained everything. I didn't know it would be so..."
"Visceral? Well, that's what a bite does." Gen shrugged, and Senku pondered. "Good morning, Senku~"
"Morning." Senku moved to sit up, and Gen allowed it, but made no effort to follow, remaining lying on the furs, appreciating the marks he himself had made on Senku. Red lines all over his back, some with blood, others deep enough to leave a bruise around them. And the bite. That really looked bad.
"You reek of worry and also satisfaction. Care to share?" Senku looked at him over his shoulder, and Gen smiled.
"Nothing worth your time, darling." Gen stretched, Senku kept looking at him as if trying to unravel something.
"We didn't just make a temporary mark." He stated.
"No."
"I underestimated the instinct. I didn't think I'd be so affected by your pheromones."
"Or you can just admit it's been so long since you touched anyone that, since you had permission, you just took everything." Gen waved his hand in the air, nonchalant. "We had already agreed to this marriage, so it's logical you wouldn't hold back."
Senku didn't answer.
Gen let that hang and tried to sit up, but the pain made him lie back down.
"Your husband needs the day off." He sighed as if feeling very put upon, and Senku laughed low.
"My husband needs food. This mark consumes a lot of energy until the bond establishes." Senku raised his hand towards Gen's belly but lowered it again, as if he had thought of touching him but changed his mind.
Gen took the hand and placed it on his own skin, making Senku widen his eyes.
"Come on, you can touch your omega."
Senku pressed his lips together, and Gen shook his head, giving up. He would still have to get used to it, but nothing could be done. For an omega, the mark was like throwing an anchor, driving in stakes, and building a house. Senku's presence and touch would always be welcome.
But for the alpha, it was a frightening anxiety. Any variation in Gen's mood would affect him. A happy or sad omega makes an alpha more protective, distressed, or satisfied. And with his recessive and dominant genes, Senku would be even more sensitive to Gen than normal.
It was almost a joke.
"Too happy, mentalist." Senku huffed, and Gen tried to sit up again, but Senku pushed him by the shoulders to lie down. "I'll bring food. Stay here today. Stabilize those pheromones. Meditate. I don't know!"
"Alright, I'll make the sacrifice!" Gen smiled, and Senku narrowed his eyes and rubbed his face. "Having regrets?"
"Not in the slightest." Senku smiled, a sparkle in his gaze. "This connection seems confusing now, but it will be useful. It will be like having eyes all over the village. I can know what's happening through your perception. That's... fascinating."
"Well, your part of this contract." Gen yawned. "A powerful omega. Congratulations."
"Thank you. I deserve it." Gen kicked him, making him laugh. "I'll bring something. We can talk about this later."
"About what?" Gen looked at him intently, his perception around the alpha more acute, sensing two minimal emotional variations. Insecurity and uncertainty. Something collective and fear of retaliation.
Gen laughed. His body ached. Senku immediately approached with his hands on Gen's face, worried.
"Ah, this is going to take a few days to fade." He hummed, recovering, and Senku turned red, moving away. "Don't worry, as long as I have your scent so strong, you'll treat me like a baby. Fortunately for me! No work!" He celebrated, stretching his arms above his head.
"I imagined there would be an adaptation period."
"Yeah, the whole village already knows." Gen covered his mouth with his hand. "Y'know, the scent spreads. Anyone who passes near here will know a bond was formed. And well, we'll smell like each other for the next few days. Unless you want to lock yourself in here with me until the bond establishes and the pheromone rate drops, they'll know."
"I thought we could keep this a secret. You know. So you wouldn't feel pressured into a role."
"I don't want to be their mother, Senku. But I would love to be the leader they flatter because everyone wants the happy dominant omega."
"And I'll have to prune you on that before you create a society based on pleasing you."
"What a mean husband!" He huffed, and Senku picked up his clothes, putting them on while still sitting on the furs. Gen scratched his own chest, feeling lazy. "So that's it?"
"Yes, that's it." Senku stared at the door. "It's honestly being very easy. I thought it would be awkward when we woke up."
"Our pheromones will prevent that from happening. Like, literally, you are my pack. My partner. There's no reason for me to be embarrassed with you because we had sex, nor for you to fear I'll push you away." Senku blinked and turned his face. "Darling, you don't need to try to silence your instincts with me, alright? Unnecessary energy expenditure. You were the one who proposed the bond, use it selfishly too."
"Like you're doing by not working?"
"And making you fetch food for me." He added, satisfied.
Senku smiled at him.
"I'll think about that." Getting up, the alpha left without further explanation or a last look.
Gen closed his eyes, following Senku outside with the new connection. Like a telepathic line in his head, measuring the distance from his protector, measuring his mood and his health. It would be useful in that world. It could keep Senku alive. It could keep him alive.
Yawning again, he turned over. Maybe another nap would be good so he could take a walk during the night.
When Gen woke up again, it must have been noon. There was a blanket over his body, and he had time to stretch for two seconds before his brain ran after Senku. It was like having a tracker with a built-in signal, he could tell if Senku was fed, if his mood was good, and even if he was far away.
At that moment, he was inside the village—probably. It seemed far, but not enough to be worrying. But even so, Gen curled up feeling his chest tighten, rubbing the furs with his hands and then his face.
It didn't have his scent anymore. Only his own. Alone and cold. Gen felt tears welling up in his eyes for no reason, and his chest tightened.
He felt his rationality questioning that senseless anguish, but he was already sobbing like a lost child on the street, not knowing what to do besides looking around for his parents. It wasn't rational. It was a physiological need. Painful and making his body tremble.
The hut door opened with a bang.
"Gen?" Chrome asked, entering with wide eyes.
Gen choked and sobbed, tried to get up, but fell. His mouth opened, but he stammered between endless sobs.
This was bad.
Chrome seemed oblivious and entered the room, his beta scent was weak, but it was still a problem. This was a newly-marked omega's nest, it wasn't safe. But the compulsive, senseless crying wouldn't let Gen speak.
And then Senku was there.
Pulling Chrome back with a force he didn't normally have, grabbing him by the back of the neck and throwing him against the wall, pressing his face into the wood.
Gen heard the growl, Chrome paralyzed and terrified trying to look back over his shoulder, but Senku kept his hand firm.
Senku's scent was everywhere. Exploding like a bomb. Protection, possession. Gen swallowed dryly, controlling the crying, his hand on his chest. His instincts calmed with the alpha's presence, he felt he could breathe again.
And then he was on his feet, running to Senku and hugging him from behind. He controlled his emotions, influenced his pheromones.
"Calm down." He requested, inducing his scent to envelop them; even Chrome seemed to forget he was being attacked and looked at him. "It's alright."
"Senku?" Chrome called, confused, and yelled when Senku released him, letting him fall to the floor, and turned to Gen.
An arm went under his legs, lifting him off the ground, and Gen found himself being carried by Senku in a way that wasn't even physically plausible until he was back on the bed and wrapped in the blanket. Alpha powers, probably. They shouldn't underestimate nature.
It was stupid not to have planned this period better. Gen sighed, holding Senku's face between his hands and kissing him to try to bring him back to reality, even if by force.
It took a while for Senku to blink with conscious eyes again and practically collapse onto the bed.
Gen sighed, adjusting Senku's head in his lap.
"A recessive alpha wasn't made for a rage episode." He murmured, moving his fingers through his hair, enveloping him in his scent.
On the other side of the room, Chrome moved, uncertain and fearful, but also drawn by what Gen was doing to Senku.
"Chrome, don't come." He ordered, looking him in the eyes, making the beta freeze. "You aren't blinded by pheromones, go back to reason." He commanded, and the boy blinked, confused, and then brought his hand to his forehead, making a face.
"What's happening?" He asked, shaking his head. "Why were you crying?"
"I think it's complicated to explain. And now we can't. You have to leave here." Gen touched Senku's face, who was breathing with difficulty in his lap; the exhaustion from the previous adrenaline spike would probably leave him inert for a few hours.
"Ruri and Kohaku, as well as the others from the castes, were surrounding Senku all day. Me and the other betas didn't understand anything."
"Well, I guess it's not something that happens often in the village. Your generations are clearly demarcated. And you're too young to have seen something like this." Gen pondered, wiping the tears that were still falling with the back of his hand. He was already calm, but physiologically he'd only be at peace when Senku woke up. But at least he could think.
"Why did Senku attack me? He seemed like another person!" Chrome massaged his neck where Senku had squeezed, and Gen pressed his lips together.
"You invaded my nest." He declared slowly, hoping Chrome would realize the implication himself.
It took him a few seconds, his eyes widened, fell on Senku, then on Gen, on Gen's neck. His mouth opened and then closed. He looked around, wanting to see more signs. Gen sighed.
"But this is my house." He murmured, lost, and Gen blinked.
Right. It was Chrome's house. They were invading the boy's house as if they had a right to it and turning it into a hostile environment. Gen looked at the straw ceiling and considered.
"Maybe this is a clear sign we need our own space." Gen tapped his fingers rhythmically on Senku's face as he looked around. "I think putting up some beams..."
"Gen, can you give me answers?"
"Ah, yes. Sorry." Gen smiled. "Well, Senku and I bonded."
"What?" Chrome leaned forward but leaned back covering his nose when Gen instinctively used his pheromones. "Urgh, you don't need to do that!"
"It's not rational." Gen felt his face blush. "Senku is debilitated, I need to protect him by instinct."
"But... It's me." Chrome seemed upset, and Gen shrugged.
"I know... Sorry." Gen saw Chrome press his lips together and furrowed his brows.
Senku in his lap moved restlessly.
He was getting unbalanced; he needed to keep his pheromones under control. Taking a deep breath, he put his head in order.
"Chrome, it's not about you." Gen smiled slightly, tilting his head. Senku hugged him by the waist, turning in his lap, relaxing again with the change in scent. "Since it's recent, the bond makes us sensitive to third parties approaching. My body is weak, and Senku has to protect me until the bite heals completely and becomes irreversible."
"Ah... Wait, so you got married?" Chrome smiled happily, and Gen blinked.
"Something like that."
"Congratulations! That's why the girls were harassing Senku. I didn't know you were together!"
"Ah, well—"
"If I had known, I would have..." Chrome stopped, looked at them again, his eyes falling on the mark. Gen felt his face blush to the same degree Chrome's was, and he averted his eyes.
"So yesterday when you left..." Chrome covered his face with his hands. "This is so weird! My house... How can I keep living here if you did..."
"I had an idea, calm down!" Gen asked, leaning forward. "We will need a place, but don't worry. This behavior is only for a few days, three at most."
"Really?"
"Yes." Gen sighed. "But soon the heat/rut periods will arrive. Especially spring is a critical time. So we'll have to establish a place."
"I don't mind you being here. Or nearby. But I want to be able to enter my house without being attacked."
"Which is fair, Chrome. Don't feel guilty." Gen smiled welcomingly, letting his scent reach Chrome, making him relax his shoulders. "You are a beta. There's no better option for us than you. You'll be able to keep your rationality when we're both lost because of the castes."
"I understand the role." Chrome looked around. "But what do you suggest? Do you want to build a house?"
"That could be a good option. But I don't want to leave you alone." Gen moved his fingers through Senku's hair. "I know you were very happy to have company when Senku started living here and even welcomed me with a smile. So, do you mind if we stay?"
"Stay?"
"I'm thinking of building a second floor." Gen looked at the straw ceiling. "Something simple, but it'll give privacy for us and for you. And we'll stay together. Especially now in winter, that makes a difference. The warmth and the presence. For a beta, feeling that there's someone from a caste nearby makes you feel safer, right?"
"A little." He scratched his cheek. "We don't have individual bonding instincts, but the sense of community is strong. It feels more complete with you here."
"We're a pack, right?" Gen felt he had really gained control when his pheromones shifted and enveloped Chrome, who sighed as if freed from something. It was sweet, protective, and… maternal. Senku moved again in his lap, this time truly waking up.
"Good morning, darling." He greeted with irony in his voice, but the scent, already sweet, deepened.
In response, Senku sat up and kissed him immediately, with hands on his cheeks and a thirsty mouth.
When they pulled apart, Gen was pulled to his chest, and long fingers stroked his hair, making him feel almost undone in that hug. Clearly the scientist was still under the influence of instincts, probably worsening with Gen's scent. He knew Senku would never show so much affection in front of someone. But he wasn't in a position to change anything or be embarrassed; his legs moved on their own over Senku's, wrapping around him and clinging to him like a koala on a branch.
"Don't envelop him." Senku requested, low in his ear. "You are sensitive. If you envelop him like that, we don't know what could happen."
"What?" Gen withdrew his pheromones, lifting his head which was crushed against Senku's chest.
"There are reports that, in antiquity, when resources were scarcer, betas were treated like pups by omegas and alphas. They served and helped protect. Since they don't have reproductive instincts, they acted as support and structural aid during moments of fragility and exposure in heats/ruts."
"A mechanism to ensure the pack had more reproductive success, because they supplied food and care needs?"
"Basically. They were nurses and nannies." Senku released Gen, looking him in the eyes. "And we're back in that time. Remember that."
"Got it." Gen took a deep breath, removing all pheromones around him. "I'll control it." Gen pondered and looked at Chrome, then at Senku again. "Are we also affected?"
"Omegas are more. Because of your fragility." Senku moved him away, making him lie down and covered him again with the blanket. "Having a beta support network is essential for survival, because the alpha is theoretically hunting."
"This is so complicated! I feel like I know this, but I just want Chrome to be happy with us nearby!"
"Yes, because you're recovering from the mark." Senku got up and went to Chrome. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay!" Chrome smiled. "But what comes now?"
"For now, nothing. We'll test ways for you to be here without me attacking you again. Maybe if you wear Gen's clothes when you're inside here?"
"That's good!" Gen agreed, clutching the blanket. "And I can use more pheromones."
"It should work for this period. But during heat/rut it will still be a problem."
"We'll think about that when it happens. One thing at a time." Gen moved on the bed, and Senku whipped his head around towards him.
"Stay still there!"
"I'm not injured, Senku. I'm marked. Calm down. You aren't completely clear of pheromones either." Gen rolled his eyes, getting up and overcoming the pain in his legs. "I'll get dressed. Let's reduce this contamination. I need a bath."
"I'll bring water!" Chrome offered, raising his hand and looking expectantly at Gen, who smiled.
"No. None of that. We're not starting this dynamic." Senku stared at Gen. "I just told you!"
"But if this instinctive thing exists and works, why not use it? Are you going to be glued to me all the time, oh great alpha, Senku?!"
Senku pressed his lips together.
"Betas are important too. And our agreement is to create a cohesive community that facilitates our survival so we can have time and resources to evolve technologically again." Gen raised his chin. "So let Chrome fetch water."
Senku huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Chrome looked at him uncertainly.
"Fine. Go." He gave in, and Chrome smiled as he ran outside. "We have to establish boundaries. I said we're not turning this village into a den to worship you!"
"It'll just be Chrome. We're far from the others too. He'll stay close; if he feels he doesn't belong to our pack, he could have adverse reactions." Gen let the blanket fall and picked up his winter clothes, putting them on. "It'll be good to have more people to count on. Clearly we didn't think about the problematic part, only the advantage."
"I admit that." Senku cracked his neck. "I feel sore."
"It'll pass." Gen finished dressing. "Now, let's make a fire inside here for my bath. Ask Suika to bring the herbs I'll describe to you. We'll inhibit my pheromones so you don't have another episode."
"Alright."
Senku stayed in the house.
Gen had his arms crossed, staring at him while Chrome came with a cart with buckets of water. Senku was in the corner of the house, sitting on the floor, a piece of paper on the ground and a piece of charcoal in his hand, as if he were working, but he hadn't scribbled anything on that primitive yellow leaf.
Sighing and lacking the patience to question it, Gen helped Chrome pour the water into the tub, and poured one bucket into a rudimentary iron cauldron over the fire.
"I never asked, but do you know about scent in soap, Senku?" Gen asked, testing the water's temperature. Since they had left it in the sun for a while, it wasn't cold, so one bucket would be enough to make it comfortable.
"Didn't find a useful material application. Aromatizing soap is just for washing and avoiding infections from dirt, not aesthetics."
"Aesthetics are important."
"Aesthetics don't save anyone's life." Senku lifted his gaze from the paper only to see Gen giving him a dirty look.
They stared at each other for a few seconds, and Gen hit him with disapproval pheromones.
Chrome shrugged, Senku's lips trembled and he furrowed his brows.
"Don't use that on me. It's a useless application. You know I'm right!"
"I could write a thesis on how you're wrong!" Gen withdrew the emotional impact, and Senku relaxed.
His hand touched Chrome's head—a silent apology—and immediately his mind ached with Senku's annoyance at that. Gen touched Chrome again out of spite.
"Stop." Senku requested, standing up, and Gen turned his face away. "Chrome, you can leave. I'll take care of him." He instructed, and Chrome looked from one to the other before obeying.
Gen huffed, but omega instincts were a bitch; it was enough for Senku to touch his shoulder for his heart to race and a wave of joy to hit him.
"When will this sensitive torture end?" He asked, turning to Senku, hugging him and resting his head on his chest. "I can't stand wanting you anymore. This is a drug. I think one thing, but my body seems to no longer respond to what I want!"
"Tell me about it." Senku huffed, irritated, but one hand was stroking Gen's hair while the other circled him. "I have so much to do, and I can't leave this damn hut."
"Only three days. I know this. We learned in school that this dependency is temporary and will be almost like before we made this mark. But this feels like an eternity! I feel pathetic!"
"You're pathetic?" Senku laughed with disdain. "You slept, ate, and were served all day. I've been questioned. Was it an accident? Were you together? Gen is such a pretty omega, he'll have beautiful children! How can a recessive mark a dominant?"
"Great, people questioned you about me. I just started crying because I was far from you and triggered this whole situation with Chrome."
Senku let out a breath as if tired. Now they were just holding each other because. Arms loosely around each other's waists while looking at each other with resignation.
"You stink." Senku said, and Gen just blinked. "Of sex."
"And you of sweat." Gen rolled his eyes, throwing his head back. "When this is over, I don't want to look at you for a few days. Seriously!"
"And we're only in the first twelve hours." Senku shook his head. "There has to be a way to alleviate these symptoms."
"Reducing pheromones might be the best immediate way. We need clean skin to avoid buildup and exude less. Wearing fewer clothes also decreases sweating."
Senku thought for a moment and bent down, kissing Gen's mouth, seeming a bit more genuine than the dependency they felt for each other.
"I think we have enough material for a heater." Senku nodded to himself. "A mild temperature that's comfortable, but still a bit cooler so you don't sweat, should be enough. I can use the electric power from the lights."
"How smart my husband is. I'd kiss you. But seriously. I don't want to be in this clingy mess. Get on with it!"
Senku laughed, lowering his head onto Gen's shoulder, and Gen rolled his eyes.
"Take a bath, mentalist." He recommended. "I'll take one too. Let's solve this with logic, alright?"
"And don't disappear for so long." Gen felt his face grow hot as he spoke, but no matter how embarrassing, it was a fact that had to be addressed. "I needed you here at least every three hours. If your scent disappears and I start crying, I'll kill myself in that tub."
"So dramatic." He huffed, poking Gen's ear, and Gen shook him by the shoulders. "Fine, I'll bring a table here. Happy?"
"If I'm not happy, you won't be happy either!" And as proof, without Gen really wanting to, his emotions influenced his scent, and Senku tightened his arms around him. "Damn it!"
"Right. Omega happy. I'll help." Senku moved away, finally releasing Gen.
His body complained; the cold hit him like a slap. The absence causing phantom sensations. But his mind sang with relief at finally feeling he wasn't actually glued to Senku.
"Want a Coca-Cola?"
"Please! I beg you!" Gen clasped his hands in prayer, and Senku smiled.
"I'll be back in a few hours."
When Senku left, Gen quickly took off his clothes, threw them in a corner, and poured the heated water into the wooden tub, jumping in as fast as he could.
The scent of calming and pheromone-inhibiting herbs made his head and body relax. With a handful inside a piece of cloth, he scrubbed the areas that sweat the most, trying to reduce activity and calm the swollen, sensitive glands.
It was like having an infection.
When finally his own scent disappeared and chamomile was the most present, Gen relaxed in the warm water with closed eyes and slow breathing.
Two and a half days. He'd have to endure another two and a half days.
Staring at the rudimentary cauldron where he heated the water, he considered possibilities.
He should increase the number of aromatic baths. Maybe natural incense in the house would help too. Senku needed inhibiting herbs as much as he did.
And he wanted a painkiller for his muscle aches.
Sex shouldn't leave him sore like that, but it had been years petrified, little real strengthening exercise since he woke up, and they hadn't exactly held back when they finally started.
Gen ran his hand through his hair, irritated.
Learning how to have sex should also be a point to discuss.
Shaking his head, he rested the nape of his neck against the edge of the tub again. It wasn't an immediate concern. Right now, he just had to smell like flowers and tea. That was enough already.