Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kyoko loved having a pack. She’d always dreamt of being in one growing up -- had even play-acted it with Sho, when they were very young. That was before they’d presented, though. Kyoko had desperately wanted to be an omega, to be the perfect wife for her Sho-chan. She’d been trained for it, after all -- okami Fuwa had taught her the best ways to make nests, how to soothe and flatter, and how best to detect and handle an alpha’s moods. All of that had crumbled away when she’d presented as an alpha. That might not have been so bad had Sho not been one, too. They’d still gone to Tokyo as planned, but one day, she’d caught him telling his manager -- a beautiful omega named Shoko -- that he would never go for another alpha. That as an alpha, he only deserved the best omegas. 

She shook her head and closed her locker. That was all in the past -- she was on her way to being an actress now, and she had her very own pack! Kanae and Chiori were the best packmates a girl could ask for. Even if she didn’t see them as often as she’d like (they were all so busy these days), it was wonderful to have people to rely on -- people she could trust. People who would help her at her lowest points, and those for whom she could do the same. 

Which is, in a way, what led to her current predicament. That is to say, one Tsuruga Ren, sitting on the couch in the LoveMe room, looking at her with pleading, hopeful eyes. For a beta, he was very good at that look. 

“Tsuruga-san, are you sure you want to join my pack?” she bit her lip, fidgeting with the strap on her cellphone. She and her packmates all had matching ones that she’d handmade for them and imbued with her scent. 

“Absolutely. Don’t you want me to?” The pleading look in his eyes increased, and she had to look away.

“Fine, just -- let me check with the others. It’s a pack, not a dictatorship.” She turned away and typed quickly.

Kyoko: Tsuruga-san wants to join our pack. Yes or no?

The replies were swift, which she silently thanked them for. She’d have to get them something nice soon.

Chiorin: lol what

Moko-san: Sure, it’ll be good for networking. But don’t expect me to cuddle him, u know I don’t do that

Chiorin: wait are u for real

Kyoko: yes he’s in the loveme room staring at me with big eyes

Chiorin: pics or it didn’t happen

Kyoko: I am NOT taking a picture of him!!! That’d be so rude!!!

Chiorin: chill lol. But I’m with Kanae-san on this, good for networking. Idk if I’m comfortable scenting him rn tho, idk him that well.

Kyoko: No worries! Thanks girls, talk later!

Kyoko swallowed, sent a few emojis to express her love, and then turned back to Ren. “Okay, they said it’s fine. You can join our pack.”

He unleashed Jacob’s ladder on her, and her eyes just about fried out. She blinked a few times, cleared her throat, and said, “Okay! Ground rules -- getting to know the pack.”

He nodded. He didn’t really know the other girls that well. 

“You already know me -- Mogami Kyoko, alpha. I’ll skip this part.” She didn’t notice the disappointment in his eyes. “Then there’s Moko-san, but only I call her that, she’ll get mad if you do. Kotonami Kanae. She’s an omega, but she’s not a big fan of cuddling. Minimal scenting only, unless she’s going to be on a shoot with someone who’s being a jerk. Then I scent her a ton so they can smell that there’s an alpha involved.” She rolled her eyes at the fact that this was a necessity. “And lastly, there’s Amamiya Chiori, whom we call Chiorin. She’s a beta who joined LoveMe on purpose to regain her passion for acting. She’s okay with casual scenting when we see her.”

What she did not say was that Moko was the pissiest omega to ever live, and was actively fighting to get herself spayed. She also did not mention Chiori’s giant complex around being a beta in the entertainment world. Ren could learn those things on his own. 

“So!” She clapped her hands together. “Where do you stand on scenting? I like everyone to be comfortable.” 

He blinked at her, not having expected the question. “I… don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it.” The last time he’d been scented, he was still in California. “It’s been a while.”

She pursed her lips. “That’s no good! Even alphas and betas need to be scented from time to time to stay healthy and balanced. It’s not just omegas!” She took a step forward. “May I?”

Internally, he was doing joyful backflips. Externally, he said, “Ah -- sure,” and tilted his neck to one side, exposing his scent glands.

Kyoko nodded decisively and bent very slightly (he was tall, even seated) to scent him. Japanese pine filled the room, wrapping around Ren like a blanket.

And then she caught a whiff of his scent: Cornflowers. 

And below that, hidden, the undeniable scent of an omega.  

LINE BREAK

Kuon had hated his presentation from the moment it happened. It was one of the many, many reasons his life had gone to shit at fifteen. He’d grown up expecting to present as an alpha, like his Dad -- this was yet another way that he considered himself to be a massive disappointment. So once he’d come to Japan, he’d started scent blockers and heat suppressants. He wouldn’t be taken seriously as a male omega, not in the way he needed to be. So he’d hidden his status away with the rest of his old life, and masqueraded as a beta. After all, betas were far more common than alphas or omegas, even if the entertainment industry had a disproportionate amount of the latter two statuses. 

He’d also made sure to establish himself as something of a lone wolf, to pardon the pun. But that was before he’d met Kyoko again. At first, he hadn’t believed she could be the same girl, but she had soon proven him wrong. Then, she’d formed her pack, decked out in garish pink, and he’d writhed with jealousy. He could smell her on the other girls when he’d passed them in the hallway, and their scents always lingered on her. It was a sense of closeness he longed for at his very core. He’d found himself inexorably drawn to her, and today, he’d finally given in and asked to join them -- to join her, to be close to her, to be the one to bear her scent.

But he’d made a grave miscalculation in his wish: To be scented by her was to have her touch his scent glands, and this was the end of a very long day, when his blockers had almost worn off. If she had been a beta, this might not have been a problem -- but Kyoko was an alpha. And her nose, he knew, was incredibly sensitive. She’d mentioned to a costar on Dark Moon the week before that it helped her with her cooking. 

And now, that incredibly sensitive nose had just found him out. 

She drew back a bit, and he saw the realization in her eyes. A thrill of fear ran through him. What if she was repulsed? What if she detested him now, for lying? What if --

She just nodded to herself like something made sense, and leaned right back in to start scenting him. 

Oh. Oh. So this was why people wanted to be in packs -- wanted to be scented. The smell of Japanese pine surrounded him, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so safe. He’d only wanted this because it was Kyoko , but now -- his hand came up unconsciously and weaved its way into her hair, tugging her closer. 

And then she pulled away.

He let out a low whine. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” she hushed. “I know scenting feels like a lot when it’s been the first time in a while.” While her words were steady, her face was beet red. “Please -- please let me up.”

Then he realized that his hand was still in her hair. He released her, pine sticking to his fingers. “I’m sorry, Mogami-san, I didn’t realize.” 

She laughed awkwardly as she stepped back, then settled on the other end of the couch. “It’s - it’s okay. Like I said, it can be pretty intense if you’ve not been scented in a while.” She cocked her head then, curious pine filling the air. “I’m sure it’s especially so in your case.”

Right. That . “You could say that.”

She glanced up at the camera in the corner of the room. “Let’s not talk about this here. Are you done for the day?”

He nodded. “I have an early night, for once.”

“Then let’s go.” 

They remained silent until they were in his car, when Kyoko asked, “Do you want me to scent something for your nest?” 

“My what?” He blinked, then realized what she was talking about. “Oh, I -- I don’t have one. I’ve never built one.” Mom always had built big ones for all of them, back in the day. It had been nice until his parents’ scents faded, leaving him alone in a cold nest. 

The pieces were falling together for Kyoko. One: this man did not eat properly. Two: he had not been scented in ages, despite being an omega. Three: he didn’t. Have. A nest. 

Her senpai, while a wildly talented, godlike actor, was a complete disaster of an omega. 

“Okay, I’m going to give you directions. We’re going to make a couple stops, and then we’re going to your place, okay? I’ll help you build a nest.” Misreading his expression, she quickly added, “You don’t have to let me in it! I just -- nests are really good for everyone to have, regardless of status. I have one in my futon, with things the others scented for me. Even Moko has one.”

He simply nodded. She’s just doing this because I’m a pack member now, he told himself. It’s not special treatment.

The first stop was a nest supplies store that he hadn’t even known existed. When he made to unbuckle, Kyoko stopped him. “You don’t want people knowing your status, right? Wait here. I’ll get stuff for you. What colors do you want?”

“You pick, I don’t care. But here --” he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. It was a struggle, but she eventually accepted the money. 

Kyoko strode into the store, determination rolling off her in waves. He was part of her pack now, so he was hers to protect, including from himself. She snagged a shopping cart and set about gathering only the softest, most reasonably priced blankets and pillows. She also snagged a special present for him that she paid for with her own money. Call it an extra, belated birthday present, or a welcome-to-the-pack gift. Either way, it would be great in his nest. 

The elderly cashier sniffed curiously when Kyoko started unloading the cart. “Unusual for us to see lone alphas in here, miss.”

“My new omega needs some help with nests.” She was so focused on her mission that she didn’t notice she’d called him hers, not her pack’s. 

“Good luck to you both,” the cashier said with a smile and handed Kyoko the receipt. 

“Thank you!” She bowed and left with her bounty. Ren’s eyes widened at the sheer volume of fluff entering his car, but he didn’t comment on it as she directed him to the grocery store. That was a quick trip -- save for a lecture about higher prices don’t necessarily mean better quality -- and then they were schlepping the goods up to his apartment. 

“Please clear where you want to build your nest, Tsuruga-san, and I’ll start on dinner.” She then hefted the groceries into the kitchen, leaving Ren in a pickle. 

Where do I want to build my nest? He looked around his barren apartment, confused. Would it be too forward to build it on my bed? Would she think I’m making a move on her? Would the guest room work, or would she think that means I don’t trust her or something? 

In the end, he wound up clearing the floor of the living room. The living room was a neutral zone. It was where Mom had always built their family nests. It was a safe choice, even if he desperately wanted to have her scent everywhere . 

Damn it Kuon, focus. 

“Okay, that’ll have to simmer for a bit, so we can start building if you’re ready!” Kyoko emerged from the kitchen, making Ren nearly jump out of his skin. She faltered. “Sorry, did I scare you?” Am I coming on too strong?  

“No, I just wasn’t paying attention. Yes, let’s start.” 

“Okay, so first --” she dug into one of the bags, emerging with a cutesy plush sheep pillow, “--for you! I got it with my own money as a gift, so… welcome to the pack!” Her cheeks tinged pink as she realized how ill-fitting of a gift it was. “If -- If you don’t like it, I can return it.”

He could smell the embarrassment rolling off of her as he gently took the sheep from her hands. “Thank you, Mogami-san. It’s adorable.” You’re adorable.

She flushed darker and turned abruptly to rifle through the bags. “Okay! Let’s, um, start building the base.” She pulled out some thick, squishy blankets and wrinkled her nose as the scent of the store hit her. “I’d usually wash these first, but this is just a learning nest, so it’ll work.” 

He understood those words individually, so he nodded and caught the other end of the blanket when she fluffed it towards him. “Like this?”

“Yup! The goal is to make it super comfy. Somewhere good to relax or even sleep in.” She paused for a moment and sniffed, checking on dinner, then nodded. “So next, you have a decision to make. Do you want this to be an open nest, or do you want it to be more of a blanket fort? Because we could put some sheets over the top if you do.” 

“A blanket fort sounds fun,” he said, fond half-memories of childhood floating through his mind. “I’ll go grab some sheets.”

While he went to find some sheets (and overthink which ones she’d approve of), Kyoko busied herself with scenting the sheep. It’s fine, she told herself. I did this for Moko-san and Chiorin when I got them their pack gifts, too. This is normal pack behavior. It’s normal for me to want a member of my pack to have my scent. 

“Are these good?” Ren had returned with the most expensive sheets he owned, figuring that that made them the best. He handed them to her, exchanging them for the sheep that was now one of his most prized possessions. Gods above, it smells like her. 

It took great restraint, but she did not comment on the thread count -- she could feel how pricey these were. “Any would have been fine. Would you mind grabbing some chairs from the other room to prop up the other side of the sheets? We should do that last, but it’ll be good to have them ready.”

He did as he was bid, then helped her assemble the rest of the nest under her tutelage. They secured the sheets on the chairs, and then Kyoko held up the end of the sheet for him to crawl inside. 

He was awash in pine-scented comfort. He sprawled out (they’d made the nest nice and big at Kyoko’s instructions -- he was tall, after all, and she’d correctly guessed he’d want to be able to stretch his legs), almost purring. She peeked in without entering, a proud smile stretching across her face. Cornflower contentment seeped out from beneath the sheets, giving her all kinds of warm fuzzies. 

Ren couldn’t remember the last time he was this comfortable -- no, this cozy. This would be even better if he was in his pajamas. But the one who would make this nest perfect was still hovering outside. “Aren’t you coming in?”

She knelt and gave him a smile. “Only if you want me to. It’s bad manners to enter someone else’s nest without permission.” 

He filed that under things he should probably have known already. “Please come in.” 

She bit back a giggle. Her omega was so cute like this -- wait, no. Bad Kyoko. Her pack’s omega. Don’t you dare presume to think of him as yours. 

Ren, who would have been thrilled to know her line of thought, scooted over to make room for her. “So what now?”

Kyoko sat back on her heels just inside the nest pensively. “Well, it depends on your comfort levels and what you need today.” When he looked at her blankly, she continued, “Moko-san and I sometimes run lines in the nest, or just chill together and read. Sometimes I’ll play with her hair, if she’s in the mood for it. Chiorin likes snuggling sometimes, but we usually just do each other’s nails. Sometimes Maria-chan will have me over to her nest, and we’ll play with her dolls or practice spells. She likes cuddles, too.” Maria was too young to be a proper member of a non-family-unit pack, but Kyoko didn’t mind. She was her precious little sister, after all.

Cuddles? Cuddles are an option? Cuddles with Kyoko? He kept his face carefully blank. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.” 

She crossed her arms. “No, this is your nest. This is about you, Tsuruga-san.” 

“I… have not had pack cuddles in years, so… if that’s okay?” He needed to play this very, very carefully so he didn’t scare her away. Even so much as him kissing her cheek on Valentine’s day had frightened her before, so --

“Sounds good!” She crawled towards him and snuggled up against his side.

Okay, what the hell? Not one to look a gift Kyoko in the mouth, he wrapped his arm around her, resting his hand carefully on her waist. Pack privileges rock.

Kyoko settled in, breathing in the soothing smell of cornflowers. It mixed with her own pine, conjuring the image of a flower-filled forest, or perhaps a flowery meadow ringed with pine trees. This is normal , she reminded herself. This is exactly the same thing I do with Chiorin, Maria-chan, and even Moko-san when she lets me. Her heart was not pounding rapidly in her chest at his touch, thank you very much. She was completely calm about this situation and was enjoying it a normal amount. Her grudges were not hiding in a bunker about this. Nope, definitely not. She was 100% normal about snuggling with Tsuruga-san in his nest.…okay, so maybe she was freaking out a tiny bit. But that was just new pack member nerves! She was not feeling anything else about it. That would not be allowed. After all, these were certified Mental Health Snuggles. 

Ren was also being exceptionally normal about having the love of his life snuggled up with him. He was going to get a good grade in Pack, which was normal to want and possible to achieve. This moment was not going to haunt his dreams for the foreseeable future, especially not when Kyoko shifted just so and rested her head on his chest. 

Scratch that, he was not being remotely normal about this. He was actively dying. Kyoko -- his pack leader, his alpha -- was snuggled up against him, smelling so damn good. His whole apartment was going to smell like pine for weeks. He was never going to wash this shirt again. Or the blankets. He was going to carry the sheep plush around, huffing it. He was never going to recover from this. 

They stayed like that for quite some time, until Kyoko’s nose detected that dinner was ready. When she went to sit up, he instinctively clamped his arm down around her waist. “Tsuruga-san,” she whined, pushing against his chest for leverage. “The food’s going to burn.”

“Ren.” 

“What?” she squeaked.

Seriously? She’s all over me like it’s nothing, but the mere thought of saying my name makes her blush? “You should call me Ren. We’re pack now. You’re even in my nest.” He loosened his grip on her waist just a little.

She bolted into a seated position, just to dive into a dogeza. “I’m so sorry!”

He blinked at her, confused. “Wait, for what?” 

“I was too presumptuous, too familiar, I should have known my place, I--”

“No, that’s not what I meant --” He scrambled to sit up, but his hand slipped on one of the blankets. He fell sideways, knocking into one of the chairs that was holding up the top of the nest. It collapsed on top of them, effectively cutting the building tension.

Ren was the first to laugh. Kyoko soon joined him, fighting her way out of the sheets, cheeks flaming. “I… okay, R-Ren-san, please call me Kyoko.” 

He opened his mouth to reply. It would have been a truly adorable moment, had Kyoko not yelped “The food!” and scrambled out to the kitchen. 

Ren just chuckled to himself, awash in the scent of pine. I could get used to this.

Chapter Text

Kyoko collapsed into her own nest later that night, soaked in the scent of cornflowers. She’d borrowed one of his hoodies for her nest, and had managed not to die of embarrassment when she’d asked for it. She’d been worried that he might be weirded out by her request, but if anything, he’d seemed… happy. He must be really excited to be in a pack. She smiled as his scent melded with hers, Moko’s, and Chiorin’s. Speaking of, she needed to update them.

Kyoko: So our new omega’s a disaster

Moko: what i thought he was a beta

Kyoko: yeah this is pack-only info. I asked and he was okay for me to tell you though

Moko: huh. makes sense. How is he a disaster

Chiorin: wait you were actually serious?? I thought it was a bit

Kyoko giggled. 

Kyoko: No, I wasn’t kidding. And he seriously needs our help… he has no idea how to be an omega. He didn’t know how to build a nest. And mentioned he hadn’t been scented in a loooooong time. Plus he doesn’t eat right!  

She added some angry emojis. 

Kyoko: so he really needs our help

Moko: your help u mean

Kyoko: ? no? He’s pack now, this is an “us” problem

Moko: u know i don’t do cuddles

Chiorin: and i’ve like never talked to him. like never had a 1 on 1 convo.

Kyoko: I didn’t mean cuddles, I know your limits!!! I meant like, just having a pack will help. Maybe some casual scenting now and then. 

Kyoko: Plus we can introduce you properly, Chiorin! Ren-san’s very friendly when he’s not teasing u

Moko: wait wait wait

Moko: “Ren-san”????

Moko: what the hell did u two do tonight

Kyoko turned a vibrant shade of red. 

Kyoko: normal pack activities! I made him some food and helped him build a nest

Moko: u went to his place again didnt u

Chiorin: again??? I feel like im missing context here

Chiorin: when has kyoko-chan gone to his place BEFORE???

Kyoko: it was for some LoveMe work and for acting practice! Like During early Dark Moon and when i was trying to figure out Natsu. He taught me her walk

Chiorin: i feel like im having a stroke wtf

Kyoko: Are you okay????

Moko: she’s being dramatic kyoko chill

Kyoko: are you sure?

Chiori: yes im fine im just… i will need info at a future meetup. 

Moko: dw we’ll go for karaoke soon

Kyoko: :D!!!! 

LINE BREAK

Sandalwood frustration filled the car. Yashiro pinched the bridge of his nose. “What do you mean you joined a pack?”

“I mean that I have packmates now. I thought you wanted me to join a pack so I’d ‘be less of a drama queen,’” he said, making air quotes around the steering wheel.

“Yes! Of course I do! But these are things you need to tell me first!” He huffed, pulling on his gloves and typing rapidly on his phone. “You’re drenched in pine. Someone’s going to notice.” Then something occurred to him. “Wait, pine?”

“Last I checked, yes, it’s pine.” Manager explosion in three… two… one…

“You joined Kyoko-chan’s pack?” Yashiro squealed. 

“I did.”

“Okay. I’ll start working on things.” He nodded sharply, flipping into professional mode. He had a lot to prepare for, especially once the paparazzi caught a whiff of Ren. 

Well, that was anticlimactic, Ren thought, and continued his drive. 

LINE BREAK

The next time he caught a whiff of pine, it wasn’t from his sheep -- nor was it from Kyoko, to his utter disappointment. But it was a gift from her. There, on the desk in his and Yashiro’s office at LME, was a small bag labeled “To Ren-san” in Kyoko’s precise handwriting. It took all of his willpower not to shove his face into the fabric of the bag and inhale her scent.

Instead, he opened it, determinedly ignoring Yashiro’s knowing looks. 

It was a phone strap -- one that matched the rest of his pack. More importantly, one that matched Kyoko’s. One that smelled like her.  

He immediately took out his phone and attached the new strap. It was a gift from his alpha, after all. It would be rude not to use it. It took every ounce of his willpower to not rub it on his scent glands, just for the momentary rush that it would give him -- the rush of having her scent on him again. 

The paparazzi caught a glimpse of it and instantly honed in on it. Tabloids ran articles about his supposed mate (ha, he wished) who had gifted it to him. Others ran speculation about Lone Wolf Tsuruga finally joining a pack. None of them suspected which pack, though -- most were just nonsense about him and other top celebrities. He was glad that they were so off-base, frankly; it made everything easier on Yashiro. 

“So has she offered to mark you yet?” 

Actually, maybe things could stand to be harder on his manager. “Drop it or I’m kicking you out of the car.”

“Sounds like someone needs some scenting,” Yashiro said with a smirk, but let it drop. He could smell the frustration rolling off of his charge. 

Ren hated that he was right. He did need some scenting. But there was nothing he could do about it. His and Kyoko’s schedules hadn’t crossed lately, even with working on Dark Moon . He hated it. He missed his alpha -- his pack’s alpha, he corrected himself.

Oh, who was he kidding? His alpha. 

LINE BREAK

Ren was getting desperate. After so many years of tamping down his instincts into a little box, the scenting and cuddle session had ripped the lid right off. He felt needy. So he’d dropped to a new low: He’d started stealing her hair ties. It hadn’t been intentional, at first. He’d just noticed one lying on a table during a scene change, and picked it up to fidget with -- and was then smacked by the familiar scent of pine. He hadn’t even thought about it when he slipped it over his wrist. That night, he added it to his nest. 

Then another one joined his collection from the hair and makeup station -- she’d left it behind. He picked it up with the intention to give it to her. He didn’t. 

The third one, the true nail in his coffin, came from when he’d wandered into the LoveMe room and found her locker sitting open. There, sitting neatly in a bowl, was a pile of pine-scented hair ties. He hadn’t even processed what he was doing before he grabbed a handful and shoved them in his pocket.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Only to be caught by his pack’s fellow omega. “Er -- good afternoon, Kotonami-san. Thank you for letting me join the pack.” Please don’t get me kicked out.

“Hi, yes, whatever. Again, what the hell are you doing?”

He guiltily put the hair ties back. “I -- didn’t think.”

She stared at him for a moment, processing. And then she laughed. “Oh my god. ”

“Please don’t tell Kyoko-chan.” Oh god, she’s going to think I’m some sort of creep. What the hell was I doing? This is insane behavior, Kyoko’s never going to look at me again --

“Tell me what?” Kyoko asked, stepping out from the changing area, wearing street clothes and carrying her pink monstrosity. She dipped a bow. “Hello, Ren-san. What aren’t we telling me?”

“I’ll let him explain himself. But first--” Kanae stepped forward and scented Kyoko, lavender wafting through the air around her as she rubbed against Kyoko’s eagerly exposed neck. “I’ve got to go. Get home safely.” 

“Moko! You love me!” Kyoko squealed, scenting her in return once Kanae was done. “You never scent first, I feel so special!” She tried to capture her in a tight hug, only to be evaded.

“Yes, okay, bye, ask him what he was doing.” She slipped away, smug lavender floating in her wake.

Kyoko turned back to Ren, pine curiosity surrounding them and mixing with cornflower guilt. “What’s going on?”

“I…” He looked down at his hands, which still had a hair tie in them. “I’m sorry. I have no excuses. I was taking them.” 

She blinked. “But your hair’s not long enough to --”

“They smelled like you.” 

“Oh!” Contrary to his expectations, she smiled. “Why didn’t you just ask? I can scent stuff for you.”

… There’s no way it was that easy. “Really?”

“Of course! We’re pack. Speaking of,” she beckoned him down with her finger. When he bent down, she rewarded him by scenting him. 

It took far too much effort to remain standing. It was like all the tension left his body. The nagging headache he’d had all day vanished. He felt like he’d just gotten a hit of nicotine in the midst of withdrawals. Was he addicted to this now? He couldn’t bring himself to care, not when her scent had him swaddled in a blanket of contentment. 

Then she pulled back with a smile. “I’ll bring some stuff for you tomorrow, okay? I’m sure your nest is losing my scent by now. Do you want anything from Chiorin or Moko-san, or not yet?”

“Not -- not yet,” he managed. His head was simultaneously clear and foggy. 

She nodded. “That’s fair. We’ll have to have a pack hangout sometime soon so you can get to know them better. I’ll text them about it and we can all figure out our schedules.”

“Okay.” He could live in pine for the rest of his life and be happy, but whatever she said, he’d try. For Kyoko, he’d try anything. 

LINE BREAK

That night found Kyoko panicking. “What is good enough to give him that isn’t weird? ” She muttered, surrounded by scraps of fabric, clothing, and plush objects. Obviously socks and undies were out -- that was the definition of weird. But did tank tops count as undies, if she wore them under her clothes? Or was giving him clothes weird to begin with?

He’d given her one of his hoodies, but that was different, somehow. Even if she was wearing it now… but that was because it smelled like a pack member. And was very cozy. For Pack Member Reasons. 

Maybe if she lent him a stuffed animal? But all of hers had very sentimental value, and still smelled like Moko, Maria, or Chiori. He’d said he didn’t want anyone else’s scent in his nest yet. She was very determinedly not thinking about that. It was just because he didn’t know the others that well. (Plus, Maria didn’t even have her own scent yet -- she’d just sprayed her favorite body spray on it.) That’s the only reason that Ren-san just wanted hers in his nest. Nothing else. 

She shifted through her fabric piles, trying to find something good. The problem was, most of her fabric pile was either too small to really be good for a nest, or it was too ripped-up, or it was just an old sock with a hole in it. She let out a frustrated growl and flopped backwards onto her nest. The familiar, comforting scents helped calm her. 

He really had liked that sheep plushie she’d gotten him. Maybe… maybe she could make it some friends. She sat up and scrambled to gather supplies. About an hour of furious stitching later, she had a small flock of pocket-sized sheep smiling back up at her. Pleased with her work, she set about imbuing them with her scent. 

LINE BREAK

The next night, Ren all but ran into his apartment, clutching the grocery bag Kyoko had handed him in the LME hallway. She’d smiled and said that she hoped he liked them. He hadn’t risked opening it at LME -- Lory’s cameras saw all, and he did not have faith in himself to not faceplant into the bag’s contents. He would never live that down if his godfather saw it. Besides, he didn’t want to risk any outside scents interfering with this precious gift. 

So he showered, changed into his pajamas, and crawled into his nest, since relocated onto his bed. There, he opened the bag. Inside the grocery bag was a ziploc -- sealed to keep the scent in, he realized. Kyoko thought of everything. And inside that bag was a pile of sheep. Sheep. Just like the one she’d given him. 

Except these ones were hand-made. He could tell -- every stitch bore her scent. He gathered them and the original sheep in his arms and laid down, curled around them. Oh gods, this was heavenly. How had he gone so long without a nest? Without her?  

He fell asleep like that, purring with cornflower contentment. 

LINE BREAK

Moko: omg i can’t fucking wait til i can get spayed. had to babysit brats. I’m never having pups.

Chiorin: careful u’ll jinx urself

Moko: u’d think my family was descended from rabbits instead of wolves

Chiorin: LOL

Kyoko: Any news on the doctor front, Moko-san? I know the last one was really rude, asking if your mate had approved of this

Chiorin: ew we hate them

Moko: no luck yet. trying a new one next week 

Kyoko: Do you want me to scent you beforehand or would that backfire?

Moko: maybe at the second appointment? I’ll feel this new doc out first and let u know

Kyoko: (thumbs up emoji) (sparkling heart emoji) (i love you sticker)

“Kyoko-chan! Who’re you texting?” Kijima sat down next to her on the bench, slinging his arm around her as a hello. 

She politely extricated herself. “Hello, Kijima-san. I was messaging my packmates.” 

“Oooh, those other LoveMe girls? You think you could introduce me?” He waggled his eyebrows. “I’m a pretty good alpha, you know.” 

She gave a polite, icy smile. “I think they’ve got all the alpha they need, Kijima-san.” 

“Alas! Worth a shot.” He ruffled her hair (getting a yelp of protest for his troubles) and stood up to go bother Ren, who had just arrived. He stopped a few feet short of the supposed beta, his nostrils flaring. “Whoa-oa-oa! Ren-kun, have you been getting some?” 

Kyoko’s ears did not perk up at that. Her hackles did not raise.

“I assure you I have no time for such things,” Ren replied. He didn’t watch Kyoko out of the corner of his eye as she stood and walked towards them. 

“Nah, you’ve been scented recently. Pretty well, too -- wait.” He whipped his head around and sniffed the approaching Kyoko. “Kyoko-chan? You’re hooking up with Kyoko-chan ?”

“No, I --”

“We’ve been doing normal pack activities,” she explained evenly, joining the conversation. “Nothing that I don’t do with my other packmates.”

That only brought a lascivious grin to Kijima’s face, as he imagined Kyoko and her female packmates. He turned to Ren and smacked his shoulder. “You lucky bastard.”

“It’s not like that --”

Kijima just raised an eyebrow, musky doubt emanating from him. 

Kyoko rolled her eyes and grabbed Ren by the elbow. “Come on Ren-san, Kijima-san’s being a pervert.”

“Oh, so it’s REN now?” he called after them.

She turned back and raised an eyebrow. “Of course. We’re pack.” 

Ren was disproportionately stressed by this situation. His alpha was near, facing off another alpha. He wanted to tuck under her neck and bathe in her scent. He wanted to cuddle.

Kyoko, smelling the cornflower distress under his scent blockers, rubbed her wrist on his arm as they walked, leaving a little scent.

Kijima’s eyebrows hit his hairline, and Kyoko remained oblivious. 

LINE BREAK

Since he’d joined their pack, Ren had noticed that Kyoko had gotten a lot less shy about joining him for lunch on Dark Moon’s set. This gladdened and frustrated him in equal measures. He was obviously overjoyed to have an excuse to be near her. However, since he’d joined the pack, Kyoko had ramped up her insistence that he eat properly. 

“Ren-san, did you have breakfast today?” 

and

“An onigiri is not a proper meal.”

and

“You have to eat lunch to have fuel for your day!” 

seemed to be a constant refrain. Not that he wasn’t flattered that she cared enough to lecture him about this, but -- well, he wished that she was doing it out of anything other than her duty as his pack’s alpha. So excuse him if he was a bit of a brat one day, and when she insisted he eat, he replied, “Make me.”

She fixed him with a hard look, frustrated pine swirling around them. Then it flattened out and twisted into something else entirely . She tilted her head, somehow looking down her nose at him across the table. When she spoke, it was not her usual voice. No, it was her alpha voice. It was a command.  

“Eat.” 

“Yes, alpha,” he whispered. He hadn’t been prepared for her to issue a proper command -- he hasn't been ready to fight his instincts. Hadn’t been prepared for how good it felt to obey. He started eating his lunch without further complaint, not noticing how his reply had made Kyoko’s cheeks flare red. 

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Since Ren had joined the pack, Kyoko's perception of him had changed -- that he knew for sure. But he wasn't sure if it was for the better. She was certainly more comfortable around him, and a lot more physically affectionate (that was a definite bonus). Plus she no longer seemed to put him on a pedestal. All of that was fantastic for him. However... She now seemed convinced that he was akin to a newborn fawn, needing help at every turn. He didn't mind the extra attention, but if she was ever going to see him as a potential mate, they would need to be on even footing. So the question was: How could he convince her that he was a capable member of the pack?

He started with asking google-sensei, but the answers were more geared towards either alphas leading their packs or how to handle a newly-polycule pack. As he was neither an alpha nor interested in two of his three other pack members, this was not helpful. 

So he resorted to plan B, and started sniffing around. Not literally, because his scent blockers also deadened his own sense of smell, but figuratively. He started paying attention to leads on roles that might be good for his pack members, and passing them along via Kyoko. She then created a group chat of the four of them titled “(sparkly heart) PACK (sparkly heart)” so they could all communicate more easily. He also made sure to mention any idiosyncrasies he knew about the directors for the roles in question when passing along the information. 

A nifty side effect of his new plan to Win Kyoko’s Acknowledgement by Being a Good Pack Member was that his other pack members actually seemed to like him now. Or at least, tolerate him. Kanae would give him a sharp nod when passing in the hallways now, rather than her usual cool stare. He still hadn’t properly met Chiori, but she was friendly over text. 

Kyoko, for her part, was thrilled that her pack was getting along so well, and was effusive in her thanks. Both over text (he may have done a victory dance the first time she sent him some sparkly sticker messages in thanks) and -- more excitingly -- in person.

“Ren-san!” she called, bouncing up to him. “Thank you so much for letting us know about that commercial gig! Chiorin got the role!” Her hands were clasped together in front of her as she dipped a bow, then sprang right back up. 

“Oh, it was no problem. I just happened to overhear the director talking about it, and thought it might fit one of you.” I’m good at being in a pack, see?

She rewarded him with a brilliant smile that had him stuffing his hands in his pockets so he didn’t reach for her. What he didn’t know is that she’d had her hands clasped like that so she didn’t hug him in the middle of the hallway, either. 

LINE BREAK

“A pack hangout?” Ren echoed. He’d come down to the LoveMe section room to see if Kyoko could refresh the scent on one of the sheep she’d made him. 

“Yes! I thought it’d be good for us all to spend some time together, and for you to finally meet Chiorin!” She had her hands clasped together in front of her again as she bounced on the balls of her feet. “So I was wondering where you’d like to meet -- newest pack member gets to pick.” 

He opened and closed his mouth a few times, thinking hard. Where would be a good place that wouldn’t risk them all getting caught by the paparazzi? Yashiro had warned him already about the ways this might affect his packmates’ reputations -- not least because he was the only male in the pack. Plus, his manager had said, it might make people look more closely into his own status. The public was, after all, crazy on account of being the public. Anyone who worked in customer service would agree.

Eventually, just as she was winding up for a truly dramatic apology rant, he said, “Would it be weird if we met at my place?” 

Kyoko tilted her head for a moment, considering. “I don’t think so, as long as you’re comfortable with it. One condition, though.”

“Yes?”

“I get to cook. I’m not letting you try to cook and wind up poisoning our pack.” 

He almost protested before he saw the glint in her eyes. Kyoko -- Kyoko was teasing him. Being playful . If he’d had a tail, it would have been wagging a mile a minute. Instead, he grinned back. “Well, if you insist.”

Scheduling the meetup was a bit of a nightmare, but they were able to make it happen one Saturday evening. Kyoko led the other two LoveMe girls up to the building confidently, while they exchanged glances behind her back.

“This place is swanky,” Chiori said, glancing at the front security guard who had nodded as if he recognized Kyoko. 

“Very swanky,” Kanae echoed, meeting her gaze, not having missed that fact either. Something told them that Kyoko had been here far more often than she’d mentioned.

“I know!” Kyoko added once they were in the elevator. “You’re going to faint when you see his apartment. It’s the entire floor. I have no idea what he does with all that room.” She pressed the button for Ren’s floor. 

“The entire. Floor,” Kanae repeated. 

“Seems kinda wasteful, that much space,” Chiori mused. 

“Hey, he’s hosting for us, so be nice!” She adjusted the grocery bag she was carrying. 

“He’s hosting, but you’re cooking.” Kanae rolled her eyes. “But fine, I’ll play nice.”

“His cooking is inedible,” she said matter-of-factly and led the way out of the elevator.

Chiori looked between Kanae and Kyoko’s back. “Wh-- how does she know that he’s a bad cook?”

She furrowed her brow. “Maybe he tried to make her something when she went over there last. C’mon, we’re falling behind.” 

Another glance -- and some stifled laughter -- was exchanged when Ren opened the door before Kyoko could even knock. “D’you think he was standing behind the door, staring out the peephole?” Chiori muttered, getting an elbow to the ribs for her trouble. 

“Thank you for having us!” Kyoko said, exchanging her shoes for house slippers. The other two echoed the sentiments. “Oh, right! Ren-san, this is Amamiya Chiori. Chiorin, this is Tsuruga Ren.” 

“It’s nice to meet you properly. I’ve heard good things,” Ren said, bowing slightly.

“Likewise!” Chiori mirrored the bow. “Thanks again for letting us know about that commercial gig. The director was exactly the way you described her.” 

“Ah, yeah. She’s brilliant, but can be hard to work with unless you know her quirks.” 

Kyoko smiled as she slipped away into the kitchen to whip up a quick dinner for her pack. She was glad they were getting along so well -- having acting as a common interest made it a lot easier, for sure. Hearing the three of them chat really warmed her heart, almost as much as seeing Ren enjoy that first nest had. She giggled to herself, remembering how he’d practically purred. Focus, Kyoko! She turned her attention back to the omurice. She’d certainly felt cheeky lately with Ren -- it must be because they were becoming proper friends, as packmates. That must be it. After all, she teased Kanae and Chiori plenty, and they gave as good as they got. So he’d forgive her for making omurice. 

Ren, for his part, was having the fairly novel experience of hanging out with two women who did not, in any way, want in his pants. They wanted to pick his brain about the acting world, which he was fine with -- along with Kyoko, it was one of his two favorite topics. Frankly, it was refreshing to not have to worry about them trying to make a move on him-- even if he wished that Kyoko would . Pack perks, he thought to himself again, as he realized he was genuinely having a nice time, even with his beloved in the other room. 

Then she made it even better by emerging from said room. Unfortunately, she was carrying a tray of food (he hadn’t even known that he owned a tray), which meant it was time to eat. She set the food out in front of each of them, quirking a small smile at Ren when she gave him his. She’d written “Welcome to the Pack!” on his in ketchup. He ignored the way his heart fluttered in favor of being wildly impressed that she’d managed to fit that on a single plate of omurice. 

That flutter turned into a full-on stutter when she ran her wrist over the back of his and teased, “Are you going to make me command you again, or are you going to eat?” 

Kanae wondered idly as she bit into her omurice if Kyoko knew she was flirting. Then the girl’s words sank in. “Wait, you commanded him?”

She looked away, blushing. “He wouldn’t eat his lunch.” 

Chiori let out a guffaw. “Oh my god .” The thought of polite, demure little Kyoko pulling out a move that was usually reserved for seduction, just to get someone to eat lunch -- and using it on one of the top actors, at that -- was hysterical.

“Food is no laughing matter,” Kyoko pouted, while her packmates (including Ren, who had just realized what Chiori had) laughed around her. “Lunch is a vitally important meal when it comes to combating the mid-afternoon slump.” 

“I promise you we’re not laughing at that ,” Kanae choked out. 

“Then what?”

She exchanged a glance with Chiori, who dissolved into further giggles. “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

“Moko, you’re only a year older than I am.” 

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” she replied, sending soothing lavender to wrap around Kyoko. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Mookooo, that’s not fair, ” she sighed. “I know all the omega tricks….”

“Doesn’t make them less effective,” she smirked back. Her scent had diffused the situation very nicely, in her opinion. 

Kyoko rolled her eyes and let it drop, instead focusing on poking Ren’s leg with her foot until he caught the hint and started eating. Ren let her poke him for maybe a touch too long before conceding. 

Chiori, who had seen this when grabbing the napkin she’d dropped, rolled her eyes. What a dork. I can’t believe I ever thought that he was hot. I guess he still technically is, but he’s way off-limits. She caught Kanae’s eye as she sat back up and grinned. Eh, this is more fun anyway.

LINE BREAK

After they’d finished eating, they settled into a makeshift pack nest -- really, just some blankets and a few cushions arranged on the living room floor. It was comfy enough. But as they tried to figure out where to sit, something both old and new began. 

“Kyoko, come here, I’ll comb your hair,” Kanae beckoned to her, leaning back against the couch. 

Ren bit back a whimper. He’d been hoping to get at least a little bit of a cuddle in, or maybe some scenting. He tried not to let it show, but Kyoko’s astute nose picked up on it. She looked between the two, tilting her head in confusion, but did as Kanae bid. 

Ren sat, swirling in cornflower jealousy. Chiori and Kanae exchanged amused looks over Kyoko’s head. Kyoko, for her part, was trying to enjoy Moko playing with her hair, but kept getting distracted by… well, by the literal stink Ren was causing. 

“Ren-san, is something wrong?” she eventually asked, trying to keep her eyelids from fluttering as her packmate groomed her. 

He bit back a yelp, not having expected to get caught. “Nothing.”

“Dude, we can smell the jealousy,” Chiori said, leaning back on her hands with a grin. 

“You can what?” This time, he did yelp.

“Smell the jealousy?” she repeated. “What, do you not smell emotions or something?”

“No?” When they all -- including Kyoko, he noted with a horribly sinking feeling -- stared at him, he managed to ask, “Was that not -- was that not over-exaggerated for film?”

“Oh, boy.” Kanae shook her head. “No. No, it’s not. I thought the same thing about sexual attraction for a long time. But no. We can literally smell your jealousy.” 

“We can comb your hair next, if you like!” Kyoko offered, completely missing the point.

Even Ren laughed at that, and they settled more comfortably into a pack hangout from there. At the end of the night, he waved goodbye to them, wishing he had the courage to ask Kyoko to stay.

And then, of course, he had a proper freak-out over the fact that everyone, including Kyoko , could apparently smell his goddamn emotions.  

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: mokooo what did you meaaaaaan when u were laughing about lunch

Moko-san: i told u, i’ll tell u when ur older 

Chiorin: (winky face) or Ren-san will. someday.

Kyoko: what does THAT mean???

Kanae: lol

Kyoko: (crying emoji) (sobbing emoji) (ocean wave emoji)

Chiori: what’s with the wave

Kyoko: my ocean of tears

Chiori: (laughing emoji)

LINE BREAK

Ren stepped into the LoveMe room one day -- as he found himself doing more and more often since joining the pack -- after a long day of filming. He’d had to be in close proximity with one of his co-stars today, and her scent was still on him. It just felt… gross. Thick, heavy rose clung to him no matter what he did. So when he stepped into that luridly pink room, it was with the hopes that he could have Kyoko scent him and override it. 

So he stepped through the door, and was met with Kyoko.

Her head snapped up. 

Her nostrils flared and she shot to her feet. Before he could so much as say hello, she struck.

She yanked him down by the shoulder and started scenting him, rubbing until the only thing he could smell was pine. Ren almost whined in relief -- until someone spoke behind him.

“You guys are so lucky it was just me,” Chiori deadpanned, coming in and shutting the door behind her. “Girl. I get it,” she said to Kyoko, who had finally released a dazed-looking Ren. “But you can’t do that with the door open. What if a reporter had snuck in?”

“But -- we’re pack,” she replied. 

“And? You think the drama-mongers would care? Tabloids would twist that to look like you were giving him a mating bite.” When she saw Ren glaring at her over their alpha’s head, she added, “Look, I’m not saying stop. I’m saying be more careful before you start scenting that hard.” 

Kyoko just blinked at her, still clearly confused. “O…kay?”

“Just don’t wind up in the tabloids.” She rolled her eyes and headed over to her locker. “Can you scent me, too, before you go, though? There’s an alpha on my next shoot who’s been really persistent and doesn’t get that the only fuck he’ll get from me is a fuck off.” 

She nodded and did so, covering Chiori with protective pine. She reciprocated with a touch of mint before heading off.

Ren watched this reciprocal scenting, wishing he understood the rules of it all. He wanted to scent Kyoko, too.

LINE BREAK

“Okay,” he mumbled to himself, pacing in his apartment. “Helping them with jobs is working. Kyoko seems to like when I do that. And it made the others tolerate me. Which means they’re less likely to get me kicked out of the pack. But what else can I do? I need her to see me as a good pack member, because if she doesn’t, she’ll never consider me as a mate.” He ran a hand through his hair, making it stick out at fun angles, and then immediately ran over to a mirror to fix it. Kyoko would be here any minute for nest time. 

Because he now had semi-regular cuddle dates with Kyoko. His heart still hadn’t adapted to that. 

Then the doorbell rang, and he ran out of time to mentally prepare. He hurried to let her in. She smiled as she greeted him, and he had to fight not to lean down and kiss her. “Come on in.”

She switched her shoes out for the house slippers he’d begun to think of as hers and then raised an eyebrow. “You said I didn’t need to bring any ingredients. Do you actually have food in your apartment for once?”

“See for yourself.” He swept an arm grandly in the direction of the kitchen. 

She giggled at his dramatics and padded towards the fridge. After perusing the contents, she checked the once-barren pantry. Upon finding them both properly stocked, she turned to Ren, who was waiting in the entrance to the kitchen. Praise me was written clearly all over his face; if he’d had a tail, it would have been wagging in anticipation. And who was she to deny him? “I have to say, Ren-san, I’m impressed.” 

“And I got down all your favorite pans.” 

She did laugh, then, and beckoned him over to her. She scented him when he leaned down, pleased pine flooding his nose. “Good work, Ren-san.”

He could have died then and been happy, but there was cooking to be done. He’d started making the effort to properly learn from Kyoko when she cooked for them -- after all, food was so important to Kyoko that anyone she’d take for her mate would need to know how to cook. Plus, the thought of making something for her and having her enjoy it -- that was something he needed to do. He needed to be able to give her that joy. So he was an eager, attentive student.

Which Kyoko rewarded with little treats. “So you’ll cut the carrots about this big. Here, say ‘ahh.’” 

The treat in question, in Ren’s opinion, was not the piece of carrot, but the fact that she fed it to him. That, and the faint hint of a blush when his lips touched her fingertips. He tried and failed not to read into that. 

“Ah, where’s your mortar and pestle?” she asked, trying to distract herself from how soft his lips were. 

“My what?”

“The really heavy bowl that’s a little raised and the heavy stick that you mash stuff in it with.”

“I have one of those?” 

She bit her lip as she nodded so she wouldn’t laugh. “Yes, I used it last time I was here.”

“Oh.” He blinked, then stared around the kitchen, trying to picture such an object. 

While he was willing it to appear, she started searching cupboards. Of course, it wound up being on a very high shelf. “Found it. Give me a boost?”

Ren, not understanding that she had intended for him to boost her like a cheerleader, instead picked her up like he was Rafiki and she was Simba in the beginning of The Lion King. The realization of what he’d done hit him as she was grabbing the heavy tools, and he started singing the opening song. 

Kyoko took only a moment to realize what he was doing, and almost dropped the mortar and pestle from laughter. She was laughing so hard, in fact, that he had to pull her closer to his body so he wouldn’t drop her. She leaned against him as he adjusted his grip, her laughter slowly winding down, eventually leaving her smiling at him. She bonked her head against his lightly, then bent her neck a bit and scented him.

This was a normal interaction, she rationalized, not knowing that Ren was dying inside in approximately six different ways. After all, it was normal for her, as the pack’s leader, to find a member of her pack so adorable. This was definitely exactly the same way that she found Moko and Chiorin adorable, and not the slightest bit different. She did not have the desire to sink her teeth into his neck and mark him -- that would be ridiculous beyond belief, because they were simply packmates. Nothing more, nothing less.

He set her down, and they resumed cooking as if nothing had happened, aside from a pink-cheeked Kyoko humming “The Circle of Life.” 

After all, they were excellent actors.

LINE BREAK

After they’d eaten and tidied up, it was time for what Kyoko had deemed Ren-san’s Mental Health Snuggles for Omega Safety. “So, do you want to build a nest?”

“Oh, I was wondering if you wanted to… maybe use the one I have?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, if you don’t mind? It’s -- it’s on my bed, but we can make another one if you’d prefer.” 

“No, that’s fine! Mine’s on my futon, too.” She gestured for him to lead the way, very determinedly not thinking about the fact that they were going to go cuddle on his bed. Except it wasn’t properly his bed, it was his nest , and since they were packmates, that was fine. And normal. And --

And he had all the sheep she’d made him, plus the one she’d bought for him, waiting for them in a very cozy-looking nest. She also noticed but did not comment on the fact that he had a bunch of what used to be her hair ties in a fancy bowl on his night stand. She was too focused on the fact that he liked the sheep so much he’d put them in his nest. That had been her hope when she’d given them to him, but to see it in person -- the room was awash with happy pine.

Having already been invited, she flopped into the nest, enjoying the scent of cornflowers and the high-thread-count sheets. She resolved that when she had her big break, she’d splurge on some fancy sheets like this. 

Ren was doing his level best to be very normal and blase about Kyoko, the love of his life, lying on his bed. Especially since she was expecting him to crawl in next to her for cuddles. He could be cool about this. He was fine. He was lying down next to her and she was curling up against his side and he was being so normal . Pine wrapped around him, and that became a little closer to true. 

Kyoko let out a contented sigh. Her omega -- her pack’s new omega, she corrected herself -- had certainly been a quick study about how to build nests. She was incredibly comfy. The fact that Ren was an excellent cuddler didn’t hurt, either. Not to mention eager -- he was more willing to cuddle with her than the rest of the pack. In fact, he was the only one who wanted to cuddle as often as she did. While Chiorin and Moko preferred running lines or doing each others’ hair, Ren always seemed down for a snuggle session during nest time. Frankly, it was a relief. She had years of cuddles to catch up on.

Plus, cuddles with Ren were just so nice. Not that they weren’t with her other pack members! These were just… different, somehow. She reasoned that it was because he was much bigger than Moko or Chiorin. Plus he was much more muscular, and made her feel so safe -- focus, Kyoko. Maybe it was different because he was new to the pack, and she wasn’t used to his scent yet. But that didn’t explain why his cuddles left her feeling calmer than even Moko’s… and her scent was lavender.

But then she picked up one of the sheep to scent, and was firmly distracted by the fact that it smelled like both of them, meaning that he’d been cuddling the flock so much that his scent had rubbed off on them. This realization had her burying her face in his side to avoid kissing his cheek, because that would be too far, Kyoko .

Ren, for his part, was trying to not let Kyoko know that the way she was lying on his arm was putting it to sleep. He was doing a fairly good job of it, too, until his discomfort reached a point that she could smell it, leading to:

“Why didn’t you tell me your arm was falling asleep? I would’ve moved!”

“You just looked comfortable.” And adorable.  

“But if you’re not, then that defeats the whole point of this.” She crossed her arms, pouting.

“Sorry,” he said, more to convince her to cuddle again than out of regret. “I’ll tell you next time.” Maybe.

She squinted suspiciously, but laid back down to resume snuggles. After all, they were for the good of her pack member. That’s all. Right?

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Kyoko fidgeted in the back of Ruto’s car. She was already late to meet the president’s guest for her “Dangerous” mission. All this because three quarters of her pack, the ones afflicted in pink, had expressed their distaste for Vain Day. She bet that Ren would’ve said something similar if he’d been there, judging by the sheer amount of chocolate he’d tried to offload on her and the rest of the pack. She checked her phone again.

Moko: wait he changed the time n place?

Kyoko: Yes and I’m so scared, he said that he’s super short-tempered.

Kyoko: if he beats me up will you visit me in the hospital and pet my head

Moko: why is that what ur focused on??? If he looks scary you need to gtfo, idc what the president says

Kyoko: moko you love meeee (happy sticker) (love sticker)

Moko: just keep me updated

Kyoko: (flurry of emojis)

She bit her lip and tucked her phone away as the car came to a stop. She bowed to Ruto and scrambled out. There was no one at the Hachiko statue matching the terrifying description the president had given her, but then she heard the crowd whispering about a terrifying figure. It has to be him. She steeled her nerves and strode in his direction, only to stop short when the wind shifted.

Underneath the stench of the cigarette he was smoking was the familiar scent of cornflowers. 

At first, she thought it must’ve been a coincidence. Scents weren’t truly unique, after all -- but even the undernotes were the same. But then she looked at him more closely. There was no denying it. She approached him slowly.

“Ren-san?” 

Cold fury emanated from the man before her, but something about it smelled… off. She couldn’t pinpoint it exactly with that horrid tobacco, but it wasn’t true fury. There was some other emotion hiding there. But it was enough to make her freeze, to cause her legs to collapse under her when he stepped over her. 

She stayed on the ground, frozen, for a good quarter of an hour before she was able to stand again. I was wrong, wasn’t I? That can’t be Ren. That man -- there was nothing inside him. He wouldn’t cuddle me with some plush sheep. He… he was dangerous. She shivered, rubbing life back into her arms as she started walking. There’s no way.

When she passed an alleyway, an arm reached out, dragging her out of the public eye. She tried to fight, biting and scratching and kicking, but he was too strong. He held her tightly until she wore herself out, saying words that she didn’t even try to understand. Finally, panting, she went limp in an embrace that felt way too familiar. 

Cornflowers wrapped around her as the man’s words finally cut through her panic. “Kyoko-san, it’s me. It’s Ren. You were right, please relax.” He let her go when he was sure she’d understood. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

She, of course, went into wailing apologies for hitting him. 

LINE BREAK

Honey wrapped around her as Jelly worked her magic. This woman carried a hint of the president’s black tea scent, but had an aura all her own. The transformation, on any other day, would have been a sight for Kyoko to behold. But today, she wasn’t going to be Kyoko anymore. She was supposed to be Cain’s little sister, Setsu. She shot off a quick text confirming her safety to her other packmates, then tucked away her phone. 

She had a disaster onii-san to take care of, since there was no way that this man would eat on his own. 

Before she knew it, she and Ren were standing in a hotel room, both decked out in their “dangerous” outfits. The room had one (admittedly very large) bed. Her immediate thought was I can’t do this. Sharing a nest for a few hours is one thing, but a bed?

But before she opened her mouth to voice this, a thought struck her. But Moko shared nests and beds with her siblings constantly until she moved out. So this… this is normal for siblings, right? It won’t be a big deal. Just… they’re in their own little family pack. So they wouldn’t mind sharing a bed, especially with how they are. 

“Cain,” she said, testing out Setsu’s inflection. “Do you think they’d give us enough stuff to make a nest?” 

Ren, who was busy speedrunning the five stages of grief and inventing new ones, startled when she spoke. She can’t be serious. She’s fine with this? There’s no way -- she should be talking about being a pure maiden. Aloud, he gave a noncommittal “Mmm.”

I have to get into her mind. I have to be a good enough actress to pass this test. “I’ll call down to the front -- oh.” She went to answer a knock at the door. 

He sat down on the edge of the bed, doing his best to keep an eye on her without staring at her ass. The fact that he knew how she felt pressed against him did nothing to help this situation, not when he could see every soft curve of her body wrapped in tight leather. This was bad. Very bad.

And it got worse when he heard her say, “No, we’re fine with this room. Thanks, though.” 

He dropped his head into his hands. Cain couldn’t protest this; he would like nothing better than to share a bed with Setsu. The question was if Ren could survive it. 

“They’re gonna bring us nest stuff, nii-san,” Setsu said, having finished her conversation with the hotel staff member. She flopped backwards onto the bed next to him. Since she wasn’t used to these types of clothes, she didn’t think twice about what type of eyeful Ren might get when he glanced down at her in her corset top. 

“Have them bring it later.” He stood up and grabbed her hand, tugging her off the bed while determinedly looking anywhere but her . “Let’s go.”

“Cain!” she yelped, scrambling to keep up with him. He led her all the way out of the hotel and down the street. Why does he smell so upset? I thought I was doing okay! But then she caught a glimpse of herself in one of the store’s windows. She was awkward, not the low-key outlaw Setsu was supposed to be in the slightest. She grit her teeth and came to a stop, meeting his eyes when he looked back at her. “My feet hurt,” she said. “You’re going too fast.”

He stared at her for a long moment. She thinks it’s an acting test. At least she can’t smell why I’m going insane.  “Sorry… the store’s just going to close soon.”

“Then here.” She walked closer to him and took his arm instead of his hand. “This way, I’m not so far away.” 

I’m going to die, he thought, and led her into Jeanne d’Arc. “Pick out some clothes. I know you don’t have that many.” Please pick pants. 

He saw the wheels in her head turning for a moment before pleased pine seeped out and a grin that would haunt his dreams crossed her face. “You sure? If you’re gonna buy me clothes, I’m gonna get loooooots. Okay?”

He smiled at her, then. As testing as this situation was, he couldn’t deny how fun it was to act with Kyoko. “Sure. Get whatever you want.” 

Her heart fluttered. This was so fun. Scary, but fun. She thought about the role, coming to a better understanding as she flipped through the clothes on the rack. And then she called Cain in to show him the Baphomet costume, fully expecting a “no.”

He didn’t give her the no. He was fully intending to purchase it for her. Grabbing his arm to stop him came far too naturally. “Cain!” 

“You said you wanted it.”

“I don’t want something creepy like that.” You were supposed to coax me out of it!

“Then why’d you say you wanted it?”

“I wanted to annoy you,” she huffed, frustrated pine swirling around them. 

He grabbed her cheek. “Is this the mouth that’s giving such sass?” 

“That’s my cheek --”

He stared her down, power he had no right to exert over his pack leader crackling between them. “Is this the mouth that’s giving such sass?” he repeated.

Right. I’m not in charge here. He’s the older brother. “Yes, nii-san. I’m sorry.”

“Okay, no more fooling around. Try this on.” He tossed her some pants and a tank top to go under her corset. 

And when she said she liked them, he proceeded to buy her ten more. “Cain! It’s too much. You’re wasting your money on me!” 

“I can do what I want with my money.” And putting you in pants will keep me from touching you too much. It’ll keep you from running from me. 

“But you’re wasting it on me ! You should spend it on yourself!”

At which point he pulled out a trick he’d not used since he was a pup, and dialed the puppy-dog eyes up to eleven. “Are you going to take away the one pleasure besides acting that I have?”

Not fair! No using the omega pleading eyes on me now! “That -- I… I didn’t say you had to stop ….” She fidgeted, wanting to reach out and soothe him. Do anything to make her omega happy. To make him stop making that face. “I just didn’t want you to go so overboard. I’m always.. Always happy when you buy me something,” like the new packs of hair ties that kept appearing in the LoveMe room, “but ten is too many. Two would’ve been fine.”

“Three…” he whimpered, really laying it on thick.

She lost. He went back inside to return (most) of the pants, leaving her to deal with how damn cute he’d looked. She wanted to see all the sides of him as Cain -- to see how silly and weird he would be, just for her Setsuka. 

So when she felt a pat on her shoulder, she was ready. Setsuka had truly been born. “Did you apologize to the cashier?” 

But it wasn’t Cain touching her. Musky seaweed wrapped around her. “Noooope. ‘Course not, didn’t do anything wrong.” It was some low-life and his friends, nattering on about how the restaurant staff deserved to be beaten up for serving undercooked rice. And then he offered to take her somewhere fun. 

She wanted to run, but Setsu wouldn’t. Besides, she could see Cain coming out of the store now. “I… don’t mind,” she drawled, tilting her head to glance up at him. When he celebrated, she repeated, “ I don’t mind. But if you want to play with me, you have to get permission from him. ”

She could smell him from here. Underneath the cigarette smoke was cold, cornflower fury. It smelled like the flowers had been set ablaze. 

“These guys want to play with me. Nii-san, may I?”

He tried to control himself, he really did. He tried to just get her out of there. He didn’t throw the first punch. He didn’t throw any punches, not until the one Kyoko tried to stop threw her to the ground. And then he saw red. 

“Don’t kill him!” 

He came to with his fists flat against the wall. The punks who could scattered; the others lay where they’d passed out. Gentle pine wrapped around him. He heard himself ask if he was still himself, if he’d been taken over by a demon. But she smiled at him, and reassured him he was her beloved, klutzy big brother. So he’d snagged her bags off the fountain and taken her back to their temporary home. 

The hotel had left a pile of the best nest material on the bed in their absence. Setsu perused it, approving certain blankets and putting the others to the side, and then rolled her eyes upon discovering that Cain had replaced the pants with other clothes. He departed to take a shower, leaving her to make their nest. 

In their cover, Cain was the alpha, and Setsu the omega. So they’d need to scent each other before leaving tomorrow, she realized. It would probably help if they used the same soap, too. Nest made, she started on dinner. Then she saw the clock. He’d been in there far too long… even Sho hadn’t taken showers this long. Maybe it was something to do with his scent blockers? Or maybe Cain had decided to sleep in the shower. That did seem like something he’d do -- oh, gods, she couldn’t allow that! He’d get sick!

“Cain!” she burst into the bathroom with ladle in hand, ripping back the curtain. A wall of cornflower hit her, unfettered by any scent blockers. Her mouth went dry. 

“What is it?” Internally, he screamed, WHAT THE FUCK? “You wanna join me?” 

She was frozen for a moment, then gave a version of the same response she’d been giving creepy old men at the ryokan since she’d turned twelve. “If I weren’t cooking, I’d love to! Sorry, nii-san, I thought you might’ve fallen asleep and got worried. Take your time.” 

And then she left, allowing both of them to have private mental breakdowns. 

LINE BREAK

Before her bath, Setsuka had grabbed one of Cain’s less-ratty t-shirts to wear as pajamas. She emerged in it, glad that it didn’t have any weird holes, to find that Cain had eaten his soup and passed out in the nest. After tidying up the room, she crawled in next to him, being more of a jetpack than a big spoon, and fell asleep. 

They met the president the next morning, reeking of one another. He gave Ren a very knowing look but didn’t say anything until Kyoko departed for her day. 

And then Ren begged him to send her away, and was told he would have to do it himself.

Fuck.

LINE BREAK

Moko: kyoko are you alive

Kyoko: Yes! Sorry, was too busy to send out my good morning texts

Chiori: i still can’t believe you bought those panties

Moko: what

Chiori: she bought these maneater panties for some friend of hers?

Moko: who

Kyoko: a friend from a loveme assignment

Moko: again, who?? You’ve never mentioned them

Kyoko: they’re. A new friend

Moko: why are you buying a new friend underwear

Kyoko: i was going to see her later and she texted me about a period emergency

Moko: ahh gotcha

Chiori: (thinking emoji)

Chiori: dangerous mission?

Kyoko: maybe

Kyoko: btw what do i wear to a cast wrap party?

Chiori: idk. Something nice?

Kyoko: would my uniform be okay? It’s my nicest outfit

Moko: school uniform, not loveme, right?

Chiori: lol

Kyoko: of course i meant my school uniform!!! 

Moko: ya that should be fine. 

Chiori: send pics from the party!

Kyoko: (heart emoji) (fairy sticker) omg there’s a fairy sticker!

She then proceeded to send the fairy sticker forty-seven times.

LINE BREAK

Ren-san: Kyoko-san, do you want a ride to the wrap party? I’m in the neighborhood.

Kyoko: yes please!

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was not quite sure what happened, but she wasn’t complaining. After all, she was getting her makeup done! And was getting to wear a pretty dress! She just wasn’t sure how she’d gotten here. She knew that she’d been riding in Ren-san’s car, fidgeting with her uniform skirt and chatting aimlessly, and then he’d mentioned Jelly-san. She’d gone on a happy rant about how awesome makeup was, and then he’d said they had time for a quick pit-stop. 

Next thing she knew, she was stepping back into Ren’s car, dolled up in a long, flowy dress with her makeup done and a long wig on. 

Ren, for his part, was very pleased that he was allowed to spoil her like this. He desperately tried not to read into it and failed. Maybe she really meant it when Setsu said she likes when I buy her things? He hoped so. 

They’d walked in, bumping into Kijima on the way. “Whoa, hello, who have we here?”

“Hello, Kijima-san,” Kyoko said, giving her typical bow.

His eyes just about bugged out of his head. “ Kyoko-chan? ”

“Yes?” She tilted her head slightly. Confused pine wafted off of her. 

“Whoa.” He nodded, impressed. Then he addressed Ren. “My man. Congrats.” He held up a hand for a high-five. When Ren didn’t oblige, he grabbed the man’s arm and forced him to complete the high-five. “I’ll back off.”

When he walked off, she blinked up at Ren. “What was that about?” 

“Just him being a weirdo. C’mon, we’ll be late.”

LINE BREAK

Chiori: girl what happened to wearing ur uniform lol

Chiori: you looked gorg tho

Kyoko: thank you!!! (flurry of heart emojis)

Kyoko: I’m not super sure how it happened. Ren-san offered me a ride and next thing I knew he’d made a pit stop and I was getting all dressed up?

Moko: what

Kyoko: yeah idk! It was nice of him though!

Chiori: do u wanna tell her or should i

Moko: be careful kyoko

Moko: i know he’s pack but like

Moko: a lot of guys only buy girls clothes to see her take them off

Kyoko: ? Ren-san’s not like that though. I’m sure he was just being nice bc we’re pack

Moko: just be careful, okay?

Kyoko: Moko you love me! (further flurry of heart emojis) 

LINE BREAK

Kotonami Kanae: if you hurt her i will kill you

Tsuruga: noted.

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

"So I'm thinking we need to scent more heavily than usual," Kyoko said, putting in her earrings. Her lip ring's chain jingled, feeling odd. "So they think that your scent is mine, and vice versa. Since Cain's supposed to be the alpha." She blushed, then forced herself to say, "So I think you'll need to scent me as well."

Ren, despite all the emotional struggles being Cain was dredging up from the depths of his psyche, couldn't help but perk up at this. Really? I get to scent her? "Sounds like a plan. We should hurry, though, the director should be coming by soon."

She nodded, adjusted her wig, and then turned and walked towards where he was sitting on the edge of their nest. "Ready?"

He tilted his head in response, allowing her access to his neck. "Ready."

She stepped between his legs and placed her hands on his shoulders, then began to scent him. At first, it was normal - pine wrapping around him, soothing him, making him feel safe - and then it grew deeper. His hands came up to sit on her waist without his permission. Their scents began to meld, making it hard to tell where she ended and he began. If he let out a whine, she was too preoccupied to hear it.

Finally, panting a little, she drew back. She had to swallow hard before she could speak. "Okay, my turn."

He leaned forward as she tilted her neck for him. He took a deep breath and then began. He felt her shiver; her grip on his shoulders tightened. Gods above, he thought. This close to her, he could hear her heartbeat. Could feel her pulse pounding in her neck as he rubbed her scent glands. How was she so normal about this all those times? He hadn't felt this connected to someone since… well, since before he left California.

Then Kyoko let out a soft sigh, and he stopped thinking anything at all. He simply felt, scenting and scenting until there was a knock on the door. He forced himself to pull back; Kyoko followed him, eyes unfocused, before he managed to bite out, "Door."

"Door?" she echoed, as if it was a new word. Then she shook her head, restarting her brain. "Door!" She scurried to answer.

If Director Konoe had any thoughts about how heavily scented they were, he kept them to himself.

LINE BREAK

Murasame let out a low growl. Who did that Cain Heel think he was? Showing up late, glaring at everyone… that was no way to build camaraderie with fellow actors! That girl with him, though… she was cute. He couldn't quite pinpoint her scent - there'd been too many people around when she was translating for Cain. He went to get his drink and was surprised to see her there, bending over in tight leather shorts to get her drink out of the machine.

"So what street corner does Cain Heel perform on?"

Not his best opening line, but it got her attention. He kept talking, riling her up, hoping to get a response out of her. She'd talk soon; he could smell the anger coming off of her. One more line. "Is he some background actor, one who never gets a good role?"

Thwap. She'd hit him with her water bottle. "Nii-san isn't a second-rate actor."

He stared at her. He still couldn't pinpoint her scent, but he could tell it was something nature-y. "So you're siblings."

"You can tell by looking at us."

"You look more like lovers than siblings. Smell like it, too."

She turned away, blushing slightly, and started to walk off.

"Hey!" What the fuck? Why's she blushing? "So what type of roles has he played -" Burnt flowers - or trees? Either way, something was burning - met his nose. He looked up and was met by the cold fury of Cain Heel.

They exchanged some words in English, and then - "You piece of crap," Cain Heel spoke in perfectly fluent Japanese, "I'll kill ya if you get too close to her." He wrapped an arm around Setsu and led her away.

LINE BREAK

They finished their lunch, Cain having scared off Murasame again. "Setsu." He held out a hand to her at face height.

Misunderstanding, she reached up and linked their fingers together.

Why is she so damn cute? "Glove, Setsu."

She pouted cutely at him (making him die inside a little more) and did as she was bid, removing his glove. He then started petting her with his ungloved hand, heart doing a little dance when she purred and tilted her head, giving him access to her scent glands. He gladly accepted the invitation, leaning down to scent her.

Then he forced himself to pull back. "Okay, glove."

Setsu rolled her eyes and put it back on for him. "Fine, fine."

LINE BREAK

Kyoko came back from the grocery that night (well, that morning, since it was 2 AM), worried about her pack member. He'd looked so disturbed when she'd told him that he was smiling during BJ's fight with Murasame's character - when she'd said that their souls were linked. That wouldn't do. Even if Cain was the alpha in his relationship with Setsu, she was still Ren's alpha, and she needed to take care of him. If it was Sho, she would've picked him up some pudding at the grocery, but Ren didn't really… eat that much.

Fortunately, she'd found just the thing: a little black sheep plush with a grumpy expression. She hurried up to their room, only to find him standing in the hall, wrapped in sheets. "Cain?"

"Where were you?" She could smell his frustration and - was that fear?

She held up the bag she was carrying. "I got groceries."

"Don't go out without me."

"I -" she started to argue, but stopped when she saw his expression. "I'm sorry."

"Come…" He opened the sheets he was wrapped in, holding his arms wide for her.

She walked into them without hesitation, stretching to wrap her arms around his neck. He made a pleased noise, taking the bag from her and picking her up. He carried her back into the room. He didn't put her down, holding her as she put the groceries away. Nor did he let her go when she presented him with the little black sheep, but his scent did lighten a little. He didn't even release her when he crawled into their nest. Only when sleep took him did his arms loosen.

She stroked his hair as he slept, worried. Something was going on under the surface with her omega. She needed to protect him.

LINE BREAK

Right when Cain was wrapping up his makeup, she'd gotten a text from Moko. Ren, recognizing that chime, had told her to "go say hi to Dad" and gone off to get into costume.

Moko: i fucking hate the medical system

Kyoko: what's wrong?

Moko: they fucking asked me what my mate thought AGAIN

Kyoko: ugh

Moko: and when i was like idc i don't have one they were like "but think about your future"

Moko: BITCH WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING

Kyoko: do u want me to kill them

Moko: I'm this close. To saying yes

Moko: can u make it look like an accident

She texted back and forth with Kanae for a good twenty minutes, offering more and more elaborate murder schemes.

Moko: okay im feeling less stabby now

Kyoko: that's good (heart emoji) nest soon?

Moko: yeah. Might even let u cuddle a bit. As a treat.

Kyoko: (flurry of hearts and happy emojis)

Kyoko: ilysm Moko! Keep fighting! I gtg now but I'll text u later

She shut her phone (making sure to turn the sound lower), then speed-walked towards set, making sure to appear unbothered (she was Setsu again, after all).

Only to come upon a scene from her wildest nightmares.

Cain was holding Murasame by the neck at the top of a tall platform, choking him. She reflexively covered her nose to block out the stench of fear radiating off the cast and crew. Then she saw Murasame push off, sending them both falling.

"CAIN!"

He pushed off of Murasame, twisting and twirling until he was able to land in a crouch. While the crew rushed to Murasame, Setsu sauntered over to Cain. She squatted down in front of him and smiled.

"You look so cool." She leaned forward, pushing his hood out of the way, and scented him, being very careful not to smudge his makeup. "I'm gonna take so many pictures."

He relaxed into her hands as she traced his fake scars, their mixed scent becoming the only thing he could smell. His anger and fear ebbed away, replaced by thoughts of her. He needed to do this. He needed to overcome himself - and he would, with her.

LINE BREAK

"Kyoko-chan, you forgot your breakfast!" Jelly called the next morning, as Kyoko was tearing out of the trailer to go to school. When the toast had been retrieved and she'd torn off again, Jelly sighed. "I'm surprised she didn't want to shower."

"Speaking of," Lory stared directly at Ren, "you need to bathe."

He glanced down at himself, then looked at his reflection in the window. "Why?"

The president chuckled. "Your choice. Come over soon for tea… I got some good marjoram tea."

Ren agreed, and left with Yashiro. Once they were in the car, his manager raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you don't want to shower?"

"Okay, what's with you two? I know my hair isn't greasy, it's a wig." His Cain hair was also clean, but he didn't argue the point. He started to pull out of his parking spot.

"Ren, you smell like you were mated."

SKREECH went the tires. He maintained a very blank face. "I beg your pardon?"

"Did you take advantage of Kyoko-chan?"

"Of course not!"

"Then why do you smell like you did?"

"Because Cain and Setsu scent each other heavily." He glanced sideways at his manager, whose eyebrows had hit his hairline. "It helps mix up our scents so no one guesses that she's the alpha."

He let out a relieved sigh. "Okay. But you still need to shower."

"But -" I want to smell like Kyoko.

"No buts. Think of what this could do to Kyoko-chan's reputation." Not to mention yours. "If someone figures out that it's her scent on you, they're going to assume exactly what I did. If not worse."

He pouted, but drove off to do as he was bid.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was having a very weird day at school. First, Nanokura Mimori had yelled at her for showing up at school. She couldn't begin to fathom why, as the girl hadn't so much as acknowledged her in school until now. Second, her classmates were giving her a very wide berth. She glanced down at her indoor shoes, wondering if she'd somehow managed to step in something. Nope. Third, there were the whispers. Her classmates hadn't stopped whispering since she'd arrived this morning, save for when the teachers were talking. Even her teachers had raised their eyebrows at her. But the most worrisome part was that she could tell the whispers were about her. They were even pointing behind their hands. She rolled her eyes. How childish.

She had more important things to worry about, like school - and how to help her pack's new omega. At lunch, she pondered over the latter. He seemed to like the sheep she'd gotten him (he'd had one arm around her and one around it when she woke up this morning), and the cuddles seemed to be helping. Scenting in particular seemed to ground him.

Scenting.

I didn't shower after being Setsu.

No wonder her classmates were acting so strange! She smelled like - like some sort of loose woman! Maybe if I sneak down to the gym before the bell -

BRIIING.

It took everything in her not to swear. This day can't get any worse.

LINE BREAK

The day could, in fact, get worse, and it did immediately after school.

She smelled his tell-tale scent of gasoline before she even saw him. Why is Sho here? He's not even wearing a disguise! She almost growled out of instinct, but caught herself. Back gate it is.

But when she'd hopped the locked back gate, her ankle was handcuffed to it. Mimori stood up and glared at her as if this was her fault somehow, scorched sugar marking her anger.

The conversation the girl had with Sho - he'd bribed her to do this with a kiss - filled Kyoko with equal parts pity and anger. And then Sho dismissed Mimori and all but forced her into the car with him.

"What?" she bit out as soon as the door closed. Sho ignored her, telling the driver to take them to TBM.

It was then that her scent seemed to hit him. He stared at her for a long moment, his own scent betraying his shock.

She stared back at him, daring him to say it.

He did. "Wow. I didn't think you'd sink that low." The reek of furious gasoline started to fill the car. "I never thought you'd try whoring yourself out to try to catch up to me."

Her jaw dropped. "I've not been whoring myself!"

"Then why the fuck do you smell like it?" He surged forward, jabbing her shoulder with his finger. "I know what you smell like, Kyoko, and this isn't it!"

"Maybe I'm trying a new perfume, asshat, ever think about that?" She swatted his hand away.

"Yeah, right!" He poked her again. "That would've worn off by now, and there's no way in hell you would've put on that much, anyway! You always sneezed when Mom used a shampoo that smelled too strong!"

She growled at him. "Why the fuck do you care what I smell like?"

He bared his teeth right back. "Because you said you were gonna beat me, damn it, and how are you going to do that if you're chasing after boys?"

"I am not chasing after boys -"

"You let that pin-headed asshole dress you up like a doll!" He sneered at her. "Next thing you know, he's going to be ripping your damn clothes off!"

"Ren-san wouldn't do that!"

A pin dropped. "Since when do you call him by his given name?" Sho asked, deathly quiet.

She glared back at him. "Since he joined my pack."

"HE WHAT?" he exploded, with a gasoline reek to match.

It was all Kyoko could do not to cover her nose. How I ever thought that smelled good…. "Who I let in my pack is none of your business, Shotaro."

"He's going to take advantage of you, you stupid idiot!" A horrible thought struck him. "You - you don't smell like him, do you?"

"He will do no such thing! He's a good pack member!" She crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue, not deigning to respond to his question.

The driver pulled into TBM, and in that moment, she saw the exact last person she wanted to see her in a car with Sho.

Her eyes met Ren's.

She scrambled to shove Sho down when he looked out the back window.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: Ren-san istg it's not what it looked like

Ren: (read 7:15 PM)

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: I'm dead. Start planning my funeral.

Chiorin: wait what happened?

Moko: first, chill. second, what happened

Kyoko: Ren-san saw me in a car with shotaro and now he's not answering my texts and im so dead

Moko: why the hell were you in a car with the asshole

Kyoko: he handcuffed my ankle to force me to talk to him

Moko: WHAT THE FUCK

Moko: he WHAT

Kyoko: he had nanokura-san ambush me after school and she handcuffed me, and then he dragged me into the car bc otherwise we would've made a scene in front of people and i didn't want to be associated with HIM

Chiori: wtf

Chiori: also who's nanokura

Kyoko: other angel in the PV

Kyoko: and then in the car he yelled at me for smelling like a slut

Moko: he's one to talk

Kyoko: it's cuz i still had ren-san's scent on me

Moko: ahhh

Moko: he was jealous

Kyoko: moko i don't think he wants to smell like ren-san

Kyoko: but that's NOT THE PROBLEM

Kyoko: Ren-san SAW ME IN THE CAR WITH SHO

Kyoko: and now he's PISSED because he HATES SHO and he LEFT ME ON READ when i texted to explain

Kyoko: so i would like a traditional funeral please

Kyoko: unless they let u spread my ashes at dayjoweyland. I've always wanted to go (sobbing emoji) and now i never will bc ren-san's gonna kill me

Chiorin: wait i know why we hate sho. Why does he hate sho?

Kyoko: IDK he just gets super pissed anytime sho's involved. He goes all demon lord

Chiorin: all what now

Kyoko: demon lord. Where he's so angry that he stops doing his fake gentleman smile

Chiorin: I have many questions but they can wait

Chiorin: im not done with the asshat kidnapping you. Can u like, get a restraining order or smth?

Moko: not a bad idea, but entertainment's a tiny world. Might make it hard. Maybe we should talk to sawara-san about what to do?

Moko: or we kill him

Chiorin: oooh i like the second plan

Kyoko: we are not focused enough on the fact that im so dead

Chiorin: chill i don't think he can really stay mad at you

Chiorin: and if he does then he loses pack privileges

Moko: plus it was super rude of him to leave you on read

Moko: to not even let you explain what happened

Chiorin: yeah that's a dick move.

Kyoko: (series of increasingly sad emojis)

She hadn't even told them about Sho pinning her to the fall and forcing her to say she'd never fall for Ren. That she'd return to Kyoko and work as a maid at the ryokan forever if she did.

She had enough to worry about.

LINE BREAK

"I'm home, Cain." Setsu strode into the apartment. She was glad Ren's nose wasn't sharp; otherwise he would've called her out on poor acting. Between her fear about his reaction and her irritation about him leaving his pack's alpha on read - well, she was a vortex of pine.

"Ah." He stared at her, dazed, from his chair.

"Were you asleep?" I don't smell anger.

"I guess…."

"You should sleep in your bed, instead of falling asleep in a chair." She bent to start picking up the empty cans he'd left on the floor. Cain was messy.

"I don't like sleeping in an empty nest…."

She smiled at him. "Poor nii-san. Can't even sleep cuz you've got a cute little sister like me."

"You're right…" He stared at her for a moment. "Why don't I keep you chained up in here so I'm the only one you ever need?"

A smirk crawled onto her face. "I'd love it. Why don't we go buy some chains on our next day off?"

RING A LING

She jolted. What? No! I forgot to turn it off! I had it on loud so I wouldn't miss it if he texted back. Who's calling me? It's almost 2 AM!

No caller ID, the phone read.

Fuck. She declined the call, only for it to ring again immediately. What is he doing?

And then the acrid scent of cornflower fury reached her nose. She froze as Ren approached, plucked the phone from her, and looked at it. His scent thickened, becoming almost smothering, when he saw the lack of caller ID. He turned her phone off and threw it across the room. Fortunately, Lory issued strong cases with all company phones, so it didn't break.

"What's the matter?" His words were calm, but she could smell the truth. "Can't you answer me?"

She was stunned into silence. Why are we talking about this now?

Cornflower fury wrapped around her. "Or was that call not from Fuwa?" He took a step towards her, and she backed away. "Except that the only calls you got without caller ID were the agency," he took a step, "Fuwa," another step, "and me."

She matched each of his steps with one of her own. We're the Heels. Why is he talking about Sho now?

"Except both the agency and I now use caller ID. Meaning that the only one left is Fuwa. Why," he snarled, letting his anger show itself, "was he calling you at this hour?"

She stumbled backwards and fell onto the bed. He's himself right now, but he's supposed to be Cain!

"Why are you still in contact with Fuwa? You showed up at the station yesterday with him, sitting side by side. You looked awfully friendly." He pinned her down, trapping her with his body.

No, this isn't Ren-san, either. This is the 'other him.' The one he's fighting.

"You say you hate him. But what do you actually want to do with Fuwa?" he snarled.

She stared up at him. I can't let him lose.

"If you don't deny it, you're admitting it." He bared his teeth and a low growl emanated from his throat. "Though I'm not going to accept that nonsense, either."

I won't allow my omega to lose.

And then she flipped them.

She licked her lips, looking down at the shock on his face. "What is it? Are you jealous, nii-san?"

The cornflower fury was beginning to dissipate.

"No way am I interested in someone other than you." She traced his lip with her thumb, then leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

And he smiled at her. A true smile.

"Ah…" She tried not to let her scent betray her happiness, tracing the mark on his forehead. "I left a lipstick mark."

Cornflower sadness hit her nose. "It'll go away soon, since it's just lipstick."

Setsu smiled down at him. "Do you want one that'll last longer?"

"Yeah," he replied, unconsciously baring his neck to her. "One that'll fill me, body and soul… because it'll be proof that I'm yours."

She traced the curve of his neck with her fingers. "Then I'll leave my marks where everyone can see them… and where only you can see them."

She couldn't pinpoint the scent that hit her nose when she started to undo his shirt. "Make sure they last forever."

"Sure," she said, flicking one of her canines with her tongue.

And then she leaned down and sank her teeth into his neck, just above where a mating bite would go.

Ren - no, Kuon - thought he might die. He let out a whine, eyes rolling back as the pleasurable pain filled him. He'd been expecting a hickey, but this -

"Setsu. You're supposed to suck," he choked out. "Like - like you're establishing possession. The bruise - bruise will last longer."

She hummed against his neck, pulling back just far enough to say, "Remember, nii-san… you're mine." And then she began to suck, pausing now and then to lick the bite mark.

"I won't forget." He took deep, shuddering breaths. This - this was not how he'd expected this night to go. How'd he wind up with her teeth in his neck? Oh god. He wasn't complaining.

And then she ran the flat of her tongue against the bruise, and he stopped thinking entirely. He just whimpered and looked up at her, begging. He wasn't quite sure what he was begging for, but he knew she could give it to him.

"I'm with you," she hushed against his skin. "I'm always with you."

And then she bit him again, in the same place.

He moaned as her teeth sank into his neck.

Then she pulled back just enough to scent the sore skin. "Go to sleep," she said. "I'll be back before you wake."

"No," he whimpered. "Stay." He draped an arm around her waist.

"We don't have anything for breakfast," she argued, but his arm was so heavy on her back, and she'd had such an exhausting week.

"We'll get room service," he mumbled, half-asleep already.

"But I can cook…" She let out a large yawn.

He yawned as well. "Don't have to."

"Mmm…." She rested her head in the crook of his neck, too tired to argue further. Her hips would be sore in the morning from straddling him all night, but frankly, she wouldn't care. She was just glad that her omega was talking to her again - and that he seemed to have overcome something within himself.

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

True to his word, Cain ordered room service for them. Or more accurately, he handed her the menu and told her to “Get whatever you want.” He had only let go of her when they’d had to perform their morning ablutions. Other than that, he’d been wrapped around her. He was currently draped over her back while she sat in his lap. She called down to room service, then set the hotel phone down and leaned back.

“I’m still mad you threw my phone, nii-san.” She pouted cutely at him. “I have so many good photos of you on there that I haven’t backed up yet.” 

“Sorry,” he mumbled into her hair. “I’ll buy you a new one if I broke it. I didn’t mean to get so mad.” 

“It wasn’t even my fault,” she said, twisting to make sure he saw her pout. “He forced me in the car. And I don’t even know how he keeps getting my number. I’ve blocked him like ten times.” She could smell the anger coming off of him at those words, but understood it wasn’t directed at her. 

“I’ll lock him in a tiny cage.” He pushed her hair aside with his nose so he could get to her neck, scenting her. “And lose the key.”

“You’re so good to me,” she purred. 

“I’ll make it up to you.” He dared to press a kiss to her neck and felt her shudder. “Take you out today. Buy whatever you want.” 

“All I want is right here,” she replied, and wasn’t sure if she was even in character when she did.

Fortunately for her sanity, room service knocked on the door at that moment. He let out a massive groan and finally disentangled himself from her, placing her reverently in the nest when he’d done so, and then went to answer the door. After all, the hotel staff didn’t deserve to see her adorable face any more than necessary. 

As soon as he’d secured the food, he returned to the nest and to cuddling. She ate sitting in his lap as he leaned against the headboard. He only ate what she fed him, as he was far more interested in how nice it felt to cuddle again. It had only been a couple days, and he’d missed it sorely. Am I addicted? Whatever. Sobriety was overrated if it meant not having Kyoko.

“Mmm!” Her eyes lit up as she took a bite of a chocolate croissant. “Try this, it’s good.” She held it up for him to take.

Instead, he took her hand, guiding it so he could take a bite of the pastry, right from where she had. He maintained eye contact until he could see the blush creeping up her neck. Indirect kiss. Score.  

She could smell the happiness rolling off of him like cornflowers in full bloom. He must really like croissants. Setsu graced Cain with a smile. “Nii-san, you’ve got chocolate on your cheek.”

She reached up and wiped the drop of chocolate off of his cheek with her finger, then stuck the digit in her mouth and sucked it off. Cornflower jealousy filled the room as he watched that move. No fair. I want to be the chocolate melting in her mouth.

She looked up at him, confused. “Sorry, nii-san, did you want that chocolate? There’s more croissant.” She held it up for him. 

“Nah.” He dared to press a kiss into her hair. “You’re sweeter.” 

It was a miracle that she managed not to blush. “Compliments won’t get you out of eating breakfast, nii-san.” 

He chuckled. “Worth a shot.

LINE BREAK

After breakfast, they headed out on the promised date. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kept it there -- kept her tucked close under his arm. They’d re-scented before leaving the room, so the other shoppers gave them a wide berth… or maybe that had to do with their appearances. Or both. They didn’t mind; anything that kept others away from their precious one was for the best. 

Kyoko had to remind herself that they were acting. Ren had given up on that facade long ago. 

He led her into a makeup store first. He saw her fight to keep her character in place, and pressed a kiss to her head while she did. “I know you left most of your makeup back home,” he said in Cain’s low rumble. “Get whatever you want.” 

“Cain.” He pulled back just enough to look down and see her face. “You’re gonna regret saying that.” 

He smiled. “Nah.” 

Setsu was very choosy about her makeup, sticking to the colors she knew suited her best. She picked out a basic supply, and then came upon something that stopped her dead in her tracks.

It was a princess-and-villains-themed, giant makeup palette, made to look like a book of fairy tales. It was perfect .

But she was Setsu. 

“What’d you find?” Cain asked, coming up behind her. He’d taken her other items up to the terrified cashier to have her hold them. Setsu didn’t need to be carrying a basket, after all. 

“It -- it looks like the book you used to read me when I was little,” she said, trying to cover up her ogling of something Setsu wouldn’t look twice at.

He nodded. “Okay.” He picked it up and took it to the cashier without a second thought. 

Her mouth dropped open. Wait --

But by the time she got over her shock, he’d already returned to her with shopping bags full of purchased makeup. “Where to next?” He leaned down enough to scent her. Now that he’d started, he couldn’t stop doing it any chance he got. 

“Let’s walk until we find someplace fun,” she said, tilting her neck to allow him better access. “Though try not to spoil me too much, nii-san.” She gave him a little smirk as he pulled back. “You wouldn’t want me to become a brat, would you?” 

He gave her a smile that said he wouldn’t mind at all.

Their next stop was a jewelry store, where Cain made two purchases. The first was a delicate chain bracelet -- “I told you I’d get you chains,” he’d joked -- that he knew she could also wear as Kyoko. Once he’d bought it for her, he’d latched it on her wrist, kissing her pulse point when he did. The other one he was surprised she’d let him get away with. 

Scentable couples’ necklaces had been popular since the invention of the locket. The set that caught his eye was perfect: One was a butterfly that opened to reveal the scentable, porous stone inside. The other was a circular locket with the imprint of the butterfly, also hinged to reveal a scentable stone. They could lock together, one nestled inside the other. The problem? These necklaces were usually reserved for mates. Whether or not Kyoko knew this is up for debate. 

But even if she did, Kyoko was currently Setsu. And Setsu would never turn down something like this from her brother. So they left the store with the necklaces in a bag and hands linked.

Outside another shop was a rack of sunglasses. Setsu took her time examining them, and finally selected a pair -- only to beckon to Cain to bend down. She put them on him. She gave him an open smile, running her tongue over her top teeth in an almost obscene gesture. “Just like I thought -- those look good on you.” 

He had to bite his tongue to keep himself from saying what he wanted to say, and instead bought the sunglasses. He got her a pair, too, so they could match. 

They were already an hour late to the Tragic Marker shoot, and Kyoko almost didn’t care.

Next was ice cream -- Setsu wanted some, and Cain would deny her nothing. They shared a cup, trading bites and nothings as sweet as the ice cream. 

Then Setsu led Cain into a shoe store. She was fashionable , after all, and she didn’t have nearly enough shoes to match the new clothes he’d bought her. He pointed out different pairs to make her laugh, including a LoveMe Pink pair of sneakers. 

Then his eye fell on a pair he knew both Setsu and Kyoko would love. 

“Sit down there.” He pointed at a plush chair. “I’ll be right back.”

She raised an eyebrow. “If you’re gone more than two minutes I’m coming to find you.” 

He huffed a laugh and hurried off. It took flashing his black card for the shop attendant to agree to what he was asking, but in less than two minutes, he was back and kneeling in front of her. It took everything in Kyoko to keep her character in place at the sight of her omega kneeling before her. He gave her one of those looks -- one of the ones Cain reserved for Setsu -- and started unlacing her boots. 

One at a time, he tugged them off, barely restraining himself from pressing a kiss to the delicate skin beneath. Then he revealed the shoes.

They were a pair of crystal-encrusted heels that, at first glance, looked black. But then he moved his wrist, and the shoes appeared to transform, refracting rainbow light. Kyoko was too mesmerized by the shine to question why the bottoms of the shoes were red. He tenderly took her ankles in his hands, one by one, and placed the shoes on her feet. 

“A perfect fit,” came Cain’s low rumble. 

“Let me stand, nii-san.” She smiled. “I want to know how I look.” 

“Don’t need a mirror for that. You’re always gorgeous.”

She rolled her eyes playfully and pushed lightly on his shoulder. “Move, nii-san.” 

He sat back enough for her to stand up. She strode over to the mirror, admiring how the heels sparkled. “I like these. My nii-san has such good taste.” 

“I do,” he echoed, not looking at the shoes. 

It was no small miracle that he managed to buy the shoes without her seeing the price. She would have had a heart attack if she’d known how much they cost. Fortunately (or unfortunately), just as the cashier was about to ring them up, Setsu’s phone rang. Director Konoe was begging them to please come in, because they were two hours late. 

“Boo.” She pouted, walking back to him. “You’re going to have to take me out again to make up for our date being cut short.”

Ren had no problems with this. 

LINE BREAK 

Whispered rumors jumped from cast member to crew member like a bunny on a pogo stick, all centered around one thing:

“Did you see his neck?”

“It’s not a mating bite --” 

“Of course not, they’re siblings --”

“--but it’s awfully close.” 

“Are they really siblings?” 

“Did you notice how he was carrying her around set?”

“Yeah, he said she was sore --” 

(Her feet had been sore from going on their walking date in heels. And who was Cain to make his precious sister walk when he could carry her?)

“I’m sure they’re really lovers.” 

“The bite was deep , too --”

“She doesn’t have one, though….”

“They’re always touching, too.”

“And have you smelled them?”

“I know, you can’t tell what either of them smell like because they’re --”

“Ri-Ri.” Manaka abruptly interrupted the huddled gossip session. “I may have encountered Kyoshiro-san. I think he’s real.”

Murasame’s head snapped up; Kyoshio? The soft-hearted delinquent played by Kuu? “Who?”

Manaka then noticed Cain approaching. Not caring that he had his arm around Setsu, she ran up to him. The excited scent of sugar cookies filled the air. 

“I understand!” she squealed, hands clasped in front of her. Setsu stared at her in disbelief as she went on and on about how Cain was secretly nice and just shy. Then when Cain insulted her and told her to leave him the hell alone, she spun around joyfully because he’d talked to her.  

And then Murasame dropped the bomb: Cain had been somewhat nice to Manaka yesterday.

Setsu turned her head very slowly towards Cain, burning pine fury seeping off of her. “What did you do?” she growled. 

“Nothing, really.” 

“He picked up my coin and smiled and petted my head!” Manaka squealed. “When I dropped my coin in front of the vending machine I was sooooo scared but he was so nice!”

“You petted her?” Setsu’s voice was deathly quiet. “ My nii-san did that?” 

DANGER, Kuon’s instincts screamed. My alpha is MAD. Must soothe. 

She glared up at them, everyone else forgotten.

“She reminded me… of a hamster.” Of you when you’re scared.   “Even I’m compassionate towards animals.” 

While Manaka caused an explosion of cloyingly sweet sugar cookie scent, Setsu continued to glare at him. Murasame intervened and carried Manaka away. 

“Are you mad?” 

She looked away. “I’m not mad.” 

“Really?” He bent down a little to look at her.

Shit. Setsu would’ve pouted openly. However, she was still too pissed at her omega putting his hands on someone who wasn’t even pack to gather Setsu’s spirit. So she turned on the heel of her boots and stalked off. “I’m not mad.” 

“Ah.” He trailed after her as she made her way to the lunch room. “You are mad.”

“I’m not so childish to get upset over something like that,” she said, heaping random foods onto his plate. “Start eating. I’ll get hot water.”

He smiled up at her, and she felt some of her anger dissipate. Unfair. 

“I’ll wait for you.”

Kyoko closed the door behind her and closed her eyes, sighing. I’m in trouble.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko blushed, hard. Ren had handed her a bag containing everything Cain had bought Setsu yesterday as she’d been about to leave. When she’d gone to protest that these belonged to Setsu, not her, he’d pulled out the big guns. 

He’d been sitting on the bed, so he looked up at her, eyes huge and pleading. Then he’d whimpered , “But I thought you liked them?”

Well, she’d not had much of a choice after that. 

So now she was back in her room at the Daruma-ya, getting ready for some good old-fashioned girl time. Before, she would’ve called it pack time, but Ren had been busy. And something told her that the taisho would not take well to a man joining her sleepover. 

So she put her new jewelry away in the box, set her sunglasses on her dresser, tucked her shoes in her closet, and set about prepping her nest. Kanae and Chiori arrived soon after, and they started their usual pack activities. Namely, light scenting, running lines, and doing one another’s hair. 

“Moko, you said we would cuddle!” Kyoko pouted as she braided the older girl’s hair. 

“I said maybe ,” she teased. “We’ll see how we sleep tonight.” 

“You’re so meaaaan,” she said, putting in the hair tie and draping herself over Kanae’s back. 

“Get off,” she protested half-heartedly. “Ew, why does this hair tie smell weird?”

Kyoko sniffed it. “Oh, I think that’s one of the replacements Ren-san got me. Sorry, I’ll get you a different one.”

Chiori snorted. “Did he seriously scent hair ties for you?”

“I don’t think he scented them intentionally. You know he doesn’t have a good sense of smell.” She replaced the hair tie with one that smelled like pine, preening when Kanae didn’t protest. 

“Sure, keep telling yourself that.” Kanae rolled her eyes. 

“No, seriously, remember how he said he doesn’t smell emotions?”

“That’s not what I was talking about, but whatever.” She stretched her arms. “You want to do my make-up?”

“YES!” Happy pine filled the room. 

Chiori lazed on the nest, flipping through a magazine. “Kanae, this would look good on you.” She pointed at a sleek dress. “Oof, that’s pricey, though.”

“Moko looks good in everything ,” Kyoko extolled, grabbing her makeup. 

Kanae’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of the fairytale palette. “Uh, where did you get that? ” 

“It, um, was a gift.” She blushed, trying not to think about how nice it had felt to have him spoil her.

The other two exchanged a look. “A gift,” Kanae echoed.

“I think I saw that being advertised,” Chiori hummed. “It was kinda up there.”

Damn it, Cain! Spendthrift nii-san! “It was on sale?” It wasn’t, but they didn’t need to know that.

Kanae rolled her eyes again, but let it drop. If Ren was going to help her best friend shoulder the cost of being a woman in the entertainment industry, she wasn’t going to spoil it for her. She’d just have to make sure he didn’t do anything else .

“Kyoko-chan, where’s your other blanket? The blue one?” Chiori asked halfway through Kanae’s makeover.

“Mmm.” She focused on drawing Kanae’s eyeliner perfectly before replying. “Uh, closet. Bottom shelf.” 

“Cool.” She crawled over to the closet and opened the door to grab the blanket when her eyes fell on something else. “What the fuck?” she yelped.

“Chiorin, you made me mess up the eyeliner!” Kyoko whined. 

She ignored her. “Where the fuck did you get these? ” she demanded, holding up her new heels. 

“Um. They were also. A gift.” She could feel her ears going red. Pine embarrassment filled the room, warring with mint and lavender shock. 

“Kyoko, those are red bottoms, ” Kanae said, when she’d rehinged her jaw. 

“Yeah, the bottoms are red?” She blinked at her. 

“Like, Christian Louboutins,” she clarified.

“Oh, is that the store brand?” 

“I may actually be having a stroke,” Chiori said, looking at Kanae. “Did she just ask if red bottoms were a store brand? ”

Kanae dropped her head into her hands. “I think those ones are even limited edition. I saw the article on them.”

While the two of them were having an existential crisis, Kyoko was slowly piecing together that Ren had managed to buy her a very expensive pair of high-fashion designer shoes . Before she could work herself up about it, though, Kanae posed a question that stunned her to her core.

“Kyoko,” she said carefully, “these weren’t a courting gift, were they?” 

“What? No!” He would never want me , she insisted to herself. “Of course not! It was just -- a pack thing.”

“Are you sure?” Chiori asked. “Because, uh, last I checked, people don’t tend to buy each other super expensive makeup palettes and designer shoes just because they’re packmates.” 

Kyoko buried her face in her hands and let out a whine. “ I know. ” 

“...You know,” Kanae echoed, staring at her best friend. She knew that whine. “Kyoko. You’re hiding something.”

She whimpered again, looking up with pathetic eyes as shameful pine filled the room. “...Yeah.” 

“What did you do?” She stared down at her, letting the silence stretch between them. Chiori watched, amused. 

“The unforgivable,” she said, at length.

Kanae exchanged an exasperated glance with Chiori. “You took Fuwa back?”

“What? No!” Kyoko reeled back in revulsion.

“Okay, so it’s not the unforgivable.” Soothing lavender started wrapping around her. “So you can tell us. It’s clearly eating away at you.”

“I… Imaybeinlowiresn.” 

“Once more, in Japanese?” Chiori asked.

“I may be… in love with… Ren-san,” she choked out, burying her head in her hands. 

“Ah.” Kanae hadn’t been expecting her to say it so quickly. She looked over at the red bottoms. “So those are a courting gift?”

Kyoko shook her head. “No, but… I think… this might be.” She dragged herself over to her jewelry box and slowly pulled out the necklace he’d bought her. “He… he has a matching one. That interlocks.” She handed it to Kanae, trepidatious pine swirling. 

Kanae stared mutely at the necklace.

“Holy fuck , Kyoko,” Chiori said in awe. 

“I don’t… I can’t. ” Her lip quivered. “I can’t -- can’t become that girl again.” 

“What girl?” Chiori prompted. 

“The girl who is blinded by love. Who gives up everything and jumps in headfirst and becomes stupid. ” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I can’t do it again. But I can’t --” she choked back a sob. 

“You can’t?” 

“I can’t see him with someone else’s mark on his neck.” She laughed then, bitter and horrible. “I can’t have him, and I can’t not . I’m such a fool….”

“So use this,” Kanae said, finally breaking her silence. 

“What?” she looked at her, bleary-eyed.

“Use these feelings and become a better actress.” Sharp lavender started to surround her. “The ugly bits, the angry bits, the sad bits -- and the happy ones. Use all of it. ” 

“But what do I do? ” 

Kanae gave her a rare, soft smile and handed her back the necklace. “I think you already know what you want, Kyoko.” And I will personally rip out his throat if he hurts you.  

She sniffled, but nodded. 

“Okay, enough of that.” She nodded sharply back at Kyoko. “I promised cuddles.”

“Moko, you only said maybe --”

“Do you want your damn cuddles or not?” 

“I do, I do!” 

Kyoko fell asleep that night snuggled between her two packmates, content.

LINE BREAK

While an emotionally drained Kyoko slept, Kanae and Chiori created a group chat with Ren.

Kanae: wtf u got her red bottoms

Chiori: dude u have no subtlety 

Ren: she liked them

Kanae: if she liked the goddamn eiffel tower would u buy her that

Kanae: don’t answer that

Ren: i do have a request

Kanae: ffs

Kanae: what

Ren: i need help with her white day gift

Chiori: did u already buy her everything she wants lmao

Ren: i want to give her tickets to dayjoweyland

Ren: but i am concerned that she won’t accept anything else from me in the near future

Chiori: no shit sherlock

Kanae: just fucking ask

Ren: How do I get her to accept the tickets?

Chiori: frame it as a pack thing

Kanae: i hate what im about to suggest

She exchanged a look with Chiori over Kyoko’s sleeping head.

Kanae: and know that if u fuck this up. i will stab u

Ren: (pleading emoji)

Kanae: don’t even that won’t work

Ren: (same pleading emoji, but bigger)

Kanae: chiorin and i will both be busy on the day of the trip.  

Kanae: but if u fuck this up

Kanae: i will cut out ur damn scent glands

Ren: You have my solemn vow. 

Kanae: ew

Chiori: lmao

Kanae: just be good to kyoko. She’s had enough shit in her life.

Ren: I will.

Kanae let out a low growl and shut her phone off. She hated sharing Kyoko. She would never admit it under torture, but she did. But Kyoko was her best friend, and she deserved the world. 

“You’re a good friend, Kanae,” Chiori whispered. 

“Shut up and sleep.”

Chapter Text

LINE BREAK

Despite Ren’s best efforts at derailing her, Kyoko got through her exams. Okay, that wasn’t quite fair -- he hadn’t meant to distract her. But how else was she supposed to interpret the man showing up to the LoveMe room, scenting her, and slipping tickets to Dayjowyland in her pocket? And then he’d given her that grudge-frying smile and said they could make it a pack outing. If there was any way to kill an alpha, it would be this.

But her exams were over, and she’d landed in Guam for the final shoot of Tragic Marker . 

She couldn’t wait to see her omega again. Sure, they’d done a few calls when they could -- mainly so she could make sure he was eating -- and they’d scented things for one another before he left. But it wasn’t the same as having him near. 

Not when she knew how it felt to sink her teeth into his neck. 

Not when her subconscious had served her up dreams every night of his pleading, his whimpering, his big , big omega eyes looking up at her, begging her to bite him properly. 

So yes, she’d not been sleeping well. 

So at first, when she promised Jelly that she’d stay in her hotel room, she tried to sleep. She honest-to-god tried to curl up on the bed with Ren’s hoodie and sleep. However, trying to sleep with his scent but without him … she’d gotten so spoiled playing Setsu. 

Instead of thinking too hard about that, she’d let herself be tempted out onto the beach. The smell of the sea, the glistening water -- it was perfect for a mermaid encounter! 

Except she didn’t meet a mermaid.

LINE BREAK

Kuon had also not been sleeping well since Kyoko had gone on break from being Setsu. He missed his alpha -- missed the way she felt curled up in his arms, or draped against his back. But tomorrow… tomorrow she’d be back in his arms. He was glad. The black sheep plush had almost lost her scent. 

So to kill time before he became Cain -- and because he couldn’t resist the siren song of the water -- he went to the beach. There were few things that made him feel as calm as the ocean (and all of them had to do with Kyoko). 

When he came up for air for the umpteenth time, he took a deep breath. The wind had shifted, blowing from the shore.

Pine.

He scrubbed the saltwater from his eyes and stared at the figure before him in shock. Wasn’t she supposed to arrive tomorrow? He almost smiled, almost moved to greet his alpha -- and then remembered he still looked like Kuon. 

He tried to walk away from her. He really, really did. He tried to ignore her, tried to scare her away. But when she slumped to the ground, the scent of devastation was so strong even he could discern it. 

Fuck.

So he’d gone back to her and waited for her to look up at him. When she finally did, he used a stick to write in the sand: Are you Kyoko?

The way her face lit up made the risk more than worth it. He had to fight himself not to reach out to her when she cried, expressing her relief that Corn had grown up properly. She knows my touch, he had to remind himself. 

And then he’d “borrowed” a voice, and she’d asked why it had to be that voice. That stung, so he soothed his own ego. “This voice is most vivid in your memories. He must be someone you met or thought about recently.” 

He was not expecting her to blush from the roots of her hair down to the collar of her shirt. She swallowed, hard. “Can you try another voice, please ?”

“I… can only use my magic once a day in the human world,” he said, offering the first excuse he could think of. His mind was far more focused on her reaction. She blushed. She really was thinking of me… and it made her blush!

He’d pretended to read her memory, she’d gotten mad at him, and he’d promised not to do it again. She’d gone to get them a drink, and when she’d come back, she’d stared at him as if realizing something. “What’s wrong?” 

“Why do you look so much like Ren-san? All your proportions are exactly the same….” 

“I borrowed his form. Humans can only see my true self as children.” 

“That’s why you smell like him, then.” She nodded. “Okay. That makes sense.” Then she’d smiled up at him, freer than she’d even been with him once he’d become part of her pack. He felt a sharp twang of jealousy in his chest. “Let’s try this coconut juice then!”

It was horrible.

They sat in silence for a moment, and he could tell she was thinking about something. She poked her straw into the disgusting juice, partway through finishing the stupidly expensive drink, and dared to ask, “Are you… not happy to see me again, Corn?”

“Wh-- not at all!” 

“But you haven’t smiled at all since I saw you on the beach.” 

“It’s….” I hate lying to you. I feel like I can’t allow myself to enjoy this time with you.

“Will you tell me?” She reached across the table and placed a hand over his. “You… have helped me so much throughout my life. I want to be able to help you, Corn. In whatever way I can.” 

He grasped his wrist reflexively with his free hand. I’ve been so distracted by her that I haven’t been thinking about what I took from him… from them. “I’m under a curse.” 

Her eyes widened. 

“I… make anyone around me unhappy, simply by existing in this realm. I ruin people’s lives. The biggest misfortune can never be undone, even by the gods.” I’ve been so selfish.

“Is that why you were cursed? Why they took away your smile?” 

He shook his head, and wondered what she could smell of his emotions. “I can’t smile… because I can’t forgive myself. If I didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have made anyone unhappy.”

“That’s not true!” She shot to her feet, hands flat on the table. “Corn, I never suffered a misfortune because of meeting you. You -- your stone -- you helped me so much. There’s so much that I never would have been able to get through without your support. I --” She swallowed the tears that were threatening to come. “You don’t always make people around you unhappy.” 

The answering look of devastation on his face rendered her unable to say more than, “I’m sorry, Corn. I -- I didn’t think about your feelings. I said… what anyone would say.” 

He looked up at her and wanted to kick himself. I didn’t mean to make her cry. I -- fuck, how do I fix this?  

While Kyoko continued to beat herself up, Kuon thought fast. “Uh…”

She dared to look up at him, unaware of what her teary-eyed expression was doing to his heart. “Yes?” 

He averted his gaze, instead staring out at the sea as if he was trying to remember something. Then he started spinning a story that he was sure he’d regret later. “There was something in a book of magic I read as a kid….” He went on, explaining the convoluted history of the kingdom, and she offered a blood sacrifice to him. He steered her away from that as fast as possible, as he could tell she was dead serious. Then she’d offered to make him his own damn omurice -- and he’d broken. He’d lost the fight with himself. 

“There is one way… I can think of. It’s old magic.” He tapped his lips, and knew that she would understand.

“Corn, that’s -- that won’t work. ” Tears sprang to her eyes again. “That has to be a pure kiss of true love, and -- I’m able to hate. I’m not pure.”

“But don’t you love me?”

She blushed again. Of all the faces and voices -- “I like you plenty. B-but it’s gotta be love to lift a curse. True love.”

“That’s fine then.” When she looked up at him, confused, he dared to say, “I love you.”

And was baffled when she collapsed to the ground. 

How dare he say that with that face and voice! She sat up, and instructed him to do the same. And then she explained to Corn that it would never last -- he was a fairy, and she was just a human. He aged differently. “And I… I can’t be left behind again.” She cleared her throat. “Besides, I can’t -- I can’t kiss you.” 

“You have a mate?” 

“No!” She blushed deeply, shooting to her feet. “I have a vow to protect my purity. I promised Ren-san.” 

“He’s not your mate, so… why?”

“Wait.” She thought hard, and realized: He’d meant not to let Sho kiss me again. “Oh….”

“Plus, he doesn’t have to know.” 

“I can’t keep something like this from him!” 

“Why not?” He stood up too, looking down at her. 

“He’s -- he’s my packmate!” 

“So you’re going so far for a simple packmate?” He raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you an actress? Just fool him.” 

“I --” she started, irritated at the very suggestion. Then a thought hit her. I am an actress. There’s a way to help Corn but also not break my promise. “I’ll do it.”

“Really?” He was annoyed, more at himself than anything. Why the hell am I doing this to her?

Then she’d turned and walked away from him. He followed, only for her to turn around, acting as a high priestess, and offer to lift his curse. She spoke about her past, and how she was grateful for every awful step of the way, cloaked in the words of a priestess. About how it was all worth it -- because it led her to her pack, and to that man .

It took him a long moment to realize she meant Ren. 

So he’d knelt before her, ready to receive the cleansing to lift his curse. 

She’d leaned forward and given him the tiniest peck on the lips imaginable. 

He collapsed on the ground, his mind swirling with her words -- about how it was all necessary to be where he was now. 

Here, with his alpha. 

Then he’d opened his eyes and smiled at her. Her answering beam was blinding. 

She’d surged forward, hugging him. “Corn!” 

He’d wrapped his arms around her, wishing the moment could last forever.

But he knew it couldn’t. 

So they’d stood up and he’d told her -- Corn had to leave, to go back to fairyland. She’d begged him to know when she’d be able to see him again. His silence made her look down, pine emotions he couldn’t read swirling around her. 

He couldn’t help but lean down and scent her, offering his alpha comfort.  And when he pulled back, she looked up at him. Again, he didn’t stop himself.

He kissed her. 

Then he’d pulled back, leaving her beet red and shocked, and thanked her. Thanked her for lifting his curse, for making him glad he’d been born as himself. Thanked her for everything, and promised he’d meet her again.

Then he’d jumped off the balcony, grabbed a flag post, and swung out of view. He’d gotten reamed out by Jelly for being late, but it was so worth it.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko bounced on the balls of her feet, trying to hold in her excitement. She got to see her omega again, and she could tell him all about seeing Corn! She followed Jelly into the parking garage, and was debating whether or not she was allowed to scent Ren with her there. She might report back to the president, after all, but scenting was normal for packmates.

But then she got into scent range of Ren, currently in his Cain Heel disguise, and the bottom dropped out of her stomach. He smelled like cornflowers, yes, and Cain’s disgusting cigarettes. But he also smelled like her.  

She hadn’t seen Ren since she’d been Setsu last. 

So why did he smell like her?

LINE BREAK

Dinner was very, very quiet. Jelly shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Darling had said these two got along well, so what was this tension? Eventually, after eating the main course, she excused herself, unable to handle it anymore. She told them she’d handle the bill on her way out and left.

Ren had been equally confused throughout dinner. Kyoko hadn’t so much as smiled since she’d laid eyes on him. Did I upset her that much by kissing her as Corn? His shoulders drooped and he dared to glance up at her, only to find her staring directly at him, eerily calm. 

“Ren-san.” 

“Yes?” He cringed at how fragile his voice sounded. 

“I am going to ask you something.” She held eye contact with him, expression unreadable. “And you are going to tell me the truth.”

“I -- yes, alpha.” 

“Why, if I have not scented you since we were in Japan, do you smell like me?” 

He froze and broke her gaze. Crap. 

“Ren-san, look at me.” When he dragged his gaze up to her again, she spoke, still eerily calm. “Or should I call you Corn?”

When had he started sweating?

“How long have you known?” He thought the emotionless stare was bad. Her lower lip quivering was worse. “How long?”

“Kyoko-chan, I--”

“Don’t you dare ‘Kyoko-chan’ me!” She stood up, furious pine exploding into the private room, tears starting to stream down her face. “You fucking lied to me! You knew, this whole time, and I bet you were laughing when I told you about you. ” 

“No, I--”

“And this afternoon -- I trusted you.” She swiped at her eyes. “But you got what you wanted, didn’t you?” her voice was horribly bitter. “I’m going to go get transformed. Setsu will meet Cain in the hotel room.” She left. 

He dropped his head into his hands.

LINE BREAK

He dragged himself up to the hotel room, hoping she wouldn’t be there yet so he could get his head on straight. She would still expect him to be Cain, no excuses. 

He was not so lucky.

“Nii-san!” She stood from the bed and slinked over to him, Setsu to the hilt. “I missed you so much. I keep telling you I should drop out so I don’t have to leave you for exams.” She leaned up and scented him.

He couldn’t do this. “Kyoko-san --”

She froze mid-scent, then drew back, a fury in her eyes unlike any he’d ever seen. “You want to do this now? ”

“I have to.” Please, please, please let me explain myself.

“No.” 

“But --”

“I said no!” She pushed out of his embrace, furious pine swirling. “I am too damn mad at you to listen, Ren-san! So if you want to talk, we are not doing it now. And if you really want to -- you can go sit on the fucking balcony.” She glared up at him. “I will call you back in when I don’t want to rip out your scent glands. And don’t you dare jump off again!” 

“Yes, alpha,” he whimpered, and slunk out to the balcony. If he’d had a tail, it would’ve been tucked between his legs. He’d fucked up, and fucked up badly.

“Take your sheep.” She threw it at him before he could get all the way out of the room. 

He caught it, and felt a flicker of hope. She’d scented it for him. 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko glared at the slumped form of her omega, sitting pathetically out on the balcony. He was curled around his sheep plush, holding it as if it was his last lifeline. Not fair. He’s not supposed to be cute when I’m pissed at him!

She turned her back to him and pulled off her wig so she could think better. What the fuck, Ren-san. Or Corn. I don’t fucking know. She set the wig on the wig form and grabbed a comb, starting to undo the knots.

He’d lied to her -- that was clear. Lied and used her affection for Corn against her devotion to Ren. The question was why . 

The other question was who. Was he Ren-san, her beloved senpai and omega? Or was he Corn, her saving grace and childhood friend?

Or was he both and neither? 

She stood there, mulling this over until the wig was completely detangled. By then, she had calmed enough to actually listen to the answers he had to give her. She walked over to the sliding glass door and opened it. 

“I am ready to hear your explanation.”

He scrambled to his feet, looking hopeful and utterly pathetic all at once. She hated how good it looked on him. 

And to his credit, when they’d sat down across from her, he did apologize and explain. He explained everything, from California to Japan to Guam. His explanation brought tears to her eyes and soothed the fury and hurt in her heart. But it left her with one question.

“So why kiss me?” 

He looked down at his hands, then back up at her, eyes unfairly large. “Because I love you?” 

She let out a groan and flopped back on the bed, hands covering her face. “I don’t know what to call you right now. But that’s not fair. ”

“What? Why?” She could smell his confusion and fear, mixed up in contrition. 

“I hate how easy you are to forgive for all this.” She ran her hand through her hair, half-laughing at the ceiling. “I should be cursing you for this betrayal. I should tell you to take your so-called love and shove it up your ass, if that’s how it makes you act. I should kick you out of the pack.” 

Something in her tone let him hope. “But…?”

She sat up, an exasperated smile on her face. “But I love you, too, so I’m gonna forgive you.” 

The next thing he knew, he was coughing and blinking water out of his eyes. “What happened?”

“You passed out.” Kyoko set the cup that had held water back on the nightstand. “So, not sure what to call you --”

Yours. “When we’re alone, whatever you want.”

She nodded. “So, Kuon --”

His heart stuttered. Real name. No honorifics.

She’d chosen that name because it had the least confusion attached to it for her, because it combined Ren and Corn to who he really was. It also made her little promise to Sho about not falling for Tsuruga Ren completely invalid because, well, she hadn’t. “We need to re-establish some dynamics here.”

He swallowed. “Am I out of the pack?”

“I literally just said I’m forgiving you.” 

“Sorry.” He looked down at his hands again. 

She took a deep breath, calming herself. “No, I just -- I’m still kind of mad at you. I will be for a while, I think. But that doesn’t change you being in the pack, and it doesn’t -- doesn’t change how I feel.” She blushed at this. 

Holy fuck I didn’t imagine that.

“Normally, I should’ve been the one to present a courting gift, but you, um, kind of beat me to that.” She gave him an awkward, lopsided smile that had his heart doing loop-de-loops. “I’m… not ready to mark you. I won’t be for a while. I’m just not in a good headspace for that. Something that serious needs to wait.” 

He nodded eagerly. That means she wants to someday, right?

“But I would… um… if you still want to… we can court.” She blushed harder. “I don’t fully know what that looks like.”

“I don’t either,” he admitted. He’d had casual girlfriends in California, but had never properly courted someone. They’d never even scented him. “Maybe… we can figure it out together?” 

She nodded, still blushing, but forced herself to be serious. “I need you to promise me something, Kuon.”

“Anything.” 

“You can’t lie to me anymore. I -- my heart can’t take it.”

“I promise.” He held up his pinky, and she smiled when she linked her little finger with his.

Then she stood up, using their linked fingers to tug him forward, and scented him. He melted against her, purring.  

It was going to be a bumpy road, but they would figure it out together.

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Kuon woke up to birdsong and the sound of waves with his beloved in his arms. He purred and nestled deeper in the blankets of their nest. He hadn’t expected yesterday to happen the way it had, but he couldn’t argue with the results. To be courting Kyoko… he buried his face in her hair, cornflower happiness floating around them. She stirred in his arms, letting out little sighs that made his heart skip. 

“G’morning…” she mumbled, leaning her head so it came to rest in the crook of his neck. “Still… mad at you.” She didn’t sound like it. It was unfairly hard to stay mad at him when she’d gotten the best night’s sleep she’d had in weeks. Not to mention how warm he was and how good he smelled. “What time is it?” 

“Six something. We’ve got time.” He pressed a kiss to her scalp. 

“Need…t’make breakfast….” Though she said this, she burrowed deeper into his embrace. His heart did jumping jacks. 

“We can order something. There’s nothing in the fridge, anyway.” 

She grumbled something about disaster omegas and fell back asleep. 

LINE BREAK

She woke up about an hour later, still in Kuon’s arms. She yawned and stretched languidly against him, unaware of the effect she had on him. Then she met his eyes, and was steam-rolled by the amount of love in them. “...Hi.”

“Hi,” he echoed, leaning forward just a bit so their noses touched. “I missed you.”

She blushed and ducked her head. “I missed you, too.” Shit. Aren’t I supposed to still be mad at him? Stupid, calming omega pheromones. 

He ran a hand through her hair. “I didn’t… I’ve not slept well. Especially not since Baarnaby started losing your scent.”

“Baarnaby?” 

He dug around in the blankets and held up the little black sheep she’d gotten Cain. “Baarnaby.” 

She stared at him for a moment, her lips pressed together, and then smacked her face against his chest. Not. Fair. Where does he get off being that cute?

“Do you not like the name?” She could smell a hint of worry in his scent. 

He really does care what I think of him. “It’s a good name.” She leaned up and scented him, not even thinking about it until she was halfway through. Eh, fuck it. I’ll be mad later.  

He purred unabashedly, tilting his neck to give her better access. After yesterday, he’d been afraid she’d never want to scent him again. When she’d done so last night, he’d almost cried from relief. For her to do it again, now -- he was a very happy omega. 

When at last she pulled back, it was with a sense of pride. Good. Now he smells right. Then she realized what she’d just thought, and blushed to the roots of her hair. “I, uh… I’m going to go shower.” 

He pouted, but released her. “Okay. I’ll order breakfast for you.”

“And for you!” she called back, already in the bathroom.

“Yes, alpha,” he said teasingly, loving it more every time he said it. 

LINE BREAK

Setsu was boiling, intensifying the mix of pine and cornflowers rolling off of her. In fact, the tropical heat was making everyone’s scents more intense. It was enough to make her sensitive nose scrunch. And Manaka was nearby, so her sugar cookie was overwhelming. It was enough to make Kyoko’s head pound. Manaka was saying something, but she was doing a good job of tuning her out… at least until Cain walked over, and Manaka started hanging off his arm. 

Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was her being overstimulated with scents. Maybe it was leftover frustration from everything that had happened yesterday. Maybe her brain just wasn’t developed yet.

But she ripped Manaka off of Cain and threw her to the ground, growling. 

“Hey!” Murasame protested, but she paid him no mind. 

“I’m going to say this once, so listen, brat. ” 

Manaka whimpered. They’d been wrong -- they’d all been wrong. This girl was clearly an alpha. And she was pissed.

“This man has been mine since the moment he was born. So keep your filthy paws off my nii-san.” 

“Y-Yes ma’am,” she whimpered. Somehow, it didn’t inspire the same emotions that Ren’s whimpers did.

“Nii-san, let’s go.” She grabbed his arm and took him to their lunch room, away from Manaka’s stink. 

Ren let himself be led, wondering if it was bad that he’d found that hot.

LINE BREAK

“And you must eat breakfast, every day. The president gave me permission to have room service deliver it to you.” She was sitting in his lap in the nest, back in Kyoko-mode. Time had come for her to leave Guam. He was doing his damndest not to whimper and beg for her to stay longer. “I want you to send me proof that you’ve eaten.” 

“Do you want to video call for proof?” That way I can talk to you every day.

She considered this for a moment, leaning back and looking up at him. “I don’t know that we’d be able to do that daily, with schedules and the time difference.” 

“Worth a try,” he mumbled, enjoying the way she shivered when he pressed a kiss to her scalp. 

“Okay.” 

“Yeah?” Happy cornflower swirled around them. 

Stop being so cute. “We can try. But on the days we can’t, you still need to send me videos of you eating. Actually, do all your meals. So I know that you ate. And have a clock in the background so I know what time it is.” She glared up at him, punctuating her point. “If you don’t….”

“If I don’t?”

“I will be upset.” 

“Yes, alpha,” he teased, enjoying the way she flushed. “I’ll send you videos.”

She blushed harder and scrambled out of his lap. He couldn’t hold back a pathetic little whine at the loss. “Hold on, I got you something.” 

He perked up at that. A new sheep?  

“Here.” She held out a bottle of pine-scented body spray. “It’s not quite me, but it’ll help masquerade Cain’s scent for the next few days.” And that way, Manaka might remember to keep her paws off of you.

“Thank you,” he said, reaching for her. She willingly crawled back into the nest with him. “But scent me before you go?”

“Of course. I already scented Baarnaby for you, too.” She swallowed, hard. “And, um… I can scent your necklace, too. If you’ll do mine.” She peeked up at him. “The ones we got on the shopping trip.”

He was relieved he’d been sitting down for that, but was more than glad to do so. “Before my scent fades,” he said as he scented the little, porous rock, “I’ll be back with you.”

And when she looked up at him, he could see the love in her eyes.  

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: so what does one get as a courting gift for someone who has everything

Moko: what

Chiorin: girl, context???? Is this about ren-san???

Kyoko: yes? Who else would it be

Chiorin: GIRL YOU JUST TOLD US YOU LOVED HIM LIKE NOT EVEN A MONTH AGO

Chiorin: damn you move quick

Moko: no she doesn’t

Chiorin: ??? but --

Moko: if he didn’t beg to join the pack i guarantee she would still be in some sort of denial about this even to us

Kyoko: he didn’t beg, he asked nicely

Chiorin: yeah with big big eyes

Chiorin: begging without begging

Kyoko: ANYWAY

Kyoko: what can i get for him as a courting gift? I’m low on ideas

Moko: yeah no im out have fun

Chiorin: kanae don’t u leave me with this

Kyoko: mokoooo please (pleading emoji) 

Moko: why are we relying on me for this, u know i hate this hormone bullshit

Kyoko: because you read the most and have the most ideas

Moko: fuck, idk, scent some handkerchiefs for him to carry of smth

Kyoko: that’s something i do anyway. But with sheep

Chiorin: sheep???

Kyoko: i made him some sheep for his nest

Chiorin: why sheep???

Kyoko: idk i just thought he’d like them

Kyoko: but i want this to be special so i can’t just make more sheep

Moko: u could make him a good luck charm like the one u made me

Kyoko: (blushing emoji) that seems so presumptuous! 

Chiorin: why am i always out of the loop??? What charm

Moko: (image of the chibi kyoko charm)

Chiorin: aw cute

Kyoko: I’ll make u one (heart emoji) it has a grudge spirit in it to keep u safe

Chiorin: im not even gonna ask

Moko: wise

Kyoko: i was thinking of a watch but his has sentimental meaning. And he doesn’t really wear other accessories aside from his necklace… plus I’d worry about being able to get him something nice enough (worried emoji)

Moko: you could literally make him a macaroni necklace and he’d wear it til the day he died but go off i guess

Kyoko: please take this seriously

Moko: i am serious

Chiorin: uhhhh what aboutttt

Chiorin: idk u know him best. All i can think of are generic guy things

Moko: does he need anything kitchen-wise

Kyoko: a functioning stomach

Chiorin: (cry-laughing emoji) drag him

Moko: (laughing emoji)

Moko: he wears fancy designer stuff so clothes are out

Kyoko: (sad emoji) yeah it’s expensive

Chiorin: maybe like

Chiorin: uhhh

Chiorin: Okay FINE he has EVERYTHING

Chiorin: why don’t you get naked and serve him sushi ffs 

Kyoko: that sounds WILDLY unsanitary and also NO

Moko: i like that your first concern was food safety lmao

Kyoko: i thought the no was OBVIOUS

Moko: well u are gonna court him

Moko: might happen eventually

Kyoko: no

Chiorin: no to sushi or to naked

Kyoko: I’m not answering that

Moko: (eyes emoji) 

Chiorin: (laughing emoji) 

Chiorin: girl it’s chill it’s normal for people who aren’t ace to want to bump uglies

Kyoko: (embarrassed emoji) don’t call it that

Moko: seconded, ew. Let’s not talk about this

Chiorin: boooooo fine

Chiorin: why don’t u make something else for his nest

Moko: oh tru

Moko: didn’t you say you had crochet stuff? U could make a blanket

Kyoko: YOU’RE GENIUSES (flurry of heart and fairy emojis) 

LINE BREAK

Kuon was having, to put it bluntly, a bad time. The pine scent Kyoko had bought him was just close enough to her smell to drive him mad with missing her… without it actually being her scent. He felt like he was going mad. It certainly helped with his portrayal of Cain -- after all, he was going just as mad without Setsu as he was without Kyoko. His skin crawled any time he got close enough to smell someone else’s scent. He had to convince himself to ration how many times he opened his locket -- he didn’t want her real scent to fade. 

He couldn’t get back to Japan fast enough.

LINE BREAK

Finally, finally, he touched down in Japan. He had to convince himself to be re-Ren’d before he went back to his alpha. While annoying, this was a smart move, as his other packmates were there when he showed up at the Daruma-ya. Not that he noticed at first.

Because as soon as he’d entered the little private room to wait, Kyoko burst into the room, pine so intensely happy even he could smell it. “Ren!” 

He’d caught her when she jump-hugged him, and he wondered, not for the first time, why Kanae dodged these. He couldn’t imagine something better than this -- especially not when she tugged on his shoulder, having him lean down enough so she could scent him. 

“Uh, get a room?” Kanae leaned on the doorframe, looking amused. 

Chiori laughed, standing just behind her. “God, you two are hopeless.” 

Kyoko pulled back (Ren held in a whine) and pouted at them. “What? I greeted you two the same way! Except he didn’t dodge me!” 

Kanae rolled her eyes. “Excuse me for not being made of enough muscle to counter-balance your attack.” 

“It’s not an attack!” 

“So are you coming up to the nest, or are you just stopping in long enough to say hi?” Chiori directed this question to Ren, who was only now registering that Kyoko had used his stage name without honorifics, and was trying not to do backflips about it. 

“I --” Ren began to speak, only to be cut short by the very distinct sound of steel on steel. “What was that?” 

“Oh, taisho’s sharpening his knives,” Kyoko said, glancing up at him. 

“...I should probably go. I have to be up early.” And I don't want to die tonight.

Chiori tugged an exasperated Kanae out of the room. 

Kyoko’s pout appeared again, but only long enough for Ren to notice. “Okay. I’m sure you’re tired from traveling.”

Yes, and I want to curl up with you. “Will you scent me again before I go?” 

“Of course,” she said, and did just that.

LINE BREAK

Kuon was vibrating with nerves and excitement. Today, Kyoko was coming over for their first nest-snuggle session since Guam. Meaning it was their first snuggle session as a courting couple.  

And Kyoko… was late.

She said she’d be here at six, but it’s ten past six. Kuon paced in his living room, trying not to lose his mind. Did she change her mind? He picked up speed. Does she not want to court anymore? He was running now. Is she kicking me out of the pack?

DING-DONG.

He sprinted to the door and threw it open. “Kyoko!” 

“I’m so sorry I’m late!” She hefted the very large bag she was holding back onto her shoulder. “I had to finish this. Wait, why are you out of breath?” 

“Uh… exercise. I was exercising while I was waiting.” And not because I was going insane.

She seemed to accept this, and he stepped aside to let her switch out her shoes for her house slippers. He breathed in deeply, enjoying the real pine scent. That little bottle she’d given him had done well enough at keeping him smelling vaguely of pine for the wrap-up in Guam, but it had also made him miss the real thing that much more. 

“I have something for you,” she said, squaring her shoulders, giant bag still hanging off of one of them. 

“I promise I have food for us.”

“No, it… let’s go to the living room,” she said, leading the way. 

When he sat down, she placed the giant bag in his lap. He blinked up at her, his confusion floating in the air.

“Open it,” she encouraged. 

He did, to find an enormous crocheted blanket. Not just any blanket, though -- this was incredibly soft, and it was drenched in the scent of pine. “Did you make this?” he asked in awe, lifting it out of the bag. 

She nodded, twisting her hands together in front of her. “I can’t even begin to match what you gave me… but I wanted to get you a nice courting gift.” 

His jaw dropped open. She had made him a blanket big enough to cover his bed… as a courting gift. He was floored. The shoes were nothing in comparison. “This must have taken forever.”

“I’ve been working on it pretty much any time I’ve not been working since getting back to Japan.” She blushed, not realizing what an inhuman feat of crafting this truly was, then asked, “Do you… do you like it?” 

He’d meant to tell her how much he loved it. Instead, what his mouth said was, “Can I kiss you?” He wanted to smack himself.

But then she nodded shyly and stepped between his legs. “I… I’ve only kissed you. So you can’t make fun of me if I’m bad at it.” Anteaters don’t count.

“Not possible,” he replied, one hand coming to rest on her waist. The other went higher, and his thumb traced her lower lip. 

She bent slightly and kissed him. It was brief but electric. She pulled back to breathe --

And then she did it again, and again, and again, until she was straddling the blanket on his lap. Until their lips were kiss-bruised and they were panting. Until she pulled back enough to nip at his jaw, to scent him. 

Until her stomach growled, breaking the tension of the moment.

They laughed, and went to make dinner.

After dinner, the blanket joined them in the nest for a nice, long snuggle session. 

LINE BREAK

Two days later, Ren’s phone went off with a text message. 

Chiori: yo

Ren: hello?

Chiori: so are u aware of the plans

Ren: what plans

Chiori: kyoko’s rut is next week

He may have dropped his phone.

Ren: I am not aware of any plans

Chiori: oh that’s why i was supposed to text u

She sent him a date, time, and location.

Chiori: wear something comfy that u can get messy, kyoko likes smashing

He definitely dropped his phone. 

The arranged day found him having a proper melt-down in his apartment over what to wear. Okay, not just over what to wear, but that had been the trigger. 

Because apparently, Kyoko -- his alpha, his courting partner -- wanted to smash. Because she was in rut. 

Just over a week after they’d had their first kiss. 

He ran a hand through his hair, frazzled. Isn’t this moving kind of fast? Granted, he’d messed around plenty in his early teens, but this -- this felt different. Mainly because there were feelings involved. Which he still wasn’t fully used to… it was all so intense. 

The alarm that let him know he needed to leave in five minutes went off, and he nearly screamed. He was still standing in his bedroom in his nicest underwear. 

He needed to find something soft -- that was non-negotiable, Kyoko liked soft clothes best. But also, he needed to be able to get it messy, according to the text exchange he’d looked at sixty-seven times in the past half-hour. 

Does that mean she’s going to tear it off me?

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” He scrubbed his hands through his hair again, shoved random back-up clothes into a bag, and threw on the softest suit he had, price or messiness be damned. He had other things to worry about, like the fact that he had to share his alpha with the rest of the pack. He did not want to share his alpha with Chiori or Kanae. He wanted Kyoko to sink her teeth into his neck while she used him however the hell she wanted. 

Okay, focus, Kuon. Leave. Drive. 

 He must have been born under a lucky star, after all, because he arrived at the given location in one piece… and then double-checked the address. RAGE ROOM, read the sign. But he knew he was in the right place, because his pack was waiting for him outside. 

What the fuck?

“Ren!” Kyoko bounced up to him when he got out of his car, and hot damn did she smell good. Her usual pine had taken on an almost spiced scent, deeper and even more captivating. “Wait, why are you wearing a suit?” 

“Uh.” He looked at her, noting that she was wearing what were obviously well-loved clothes. “It’s… old.”

“Dude, who wears a suit to smash furniture?” Chiori asked, coming up behind Kyoko. “I told you to wear something you could get messy.” A mischievous twinkle in her eye told him that she knew exactly what she had done. 

“Can we get inside before the paparazzi finds us?” Kanae called from next to the door. 

“Coming, Moko!” Kyoko grabbed both of their hands and tugged them inside. 

“Finally,” she said, rolling her eyes. “C’mon, we’re in room two.”

“Yes, we got the big room this time!” Kyoko cheered. She dropped their hands (Ren held back a whine) and ran ahead. Ren trailed behind, feeling like he’d just had a rug pulled out from under him.

That said, the maniacal glint in Kyoko’s eyes as she smashed an old table to pieces with a sledgehammer was doing something for him. WHAM. Not to mention the fact that she’d worn a tank top today, so he could see every muscle in her surprisingly toned arms. SMASH. And the way that she looked sweaty…. BAM.

“Earth to dumbass.” Kanae was waving a metal bat in front of his face. “Take this and start breaking things already before I bonk you into horny jail with it.” 

He took it, not even having the mental capacity to be insulted. She pointed him at a decrepit dresser, then when to work out her frustrations with the medical system on a series of chairs. Chiori had been the one who introduced them to rage rooms as a way to vent Kyoko’s rut-fueled energy, having been a fan of them since her journals had stopped working as a way to control her vitriol. 

But something was different about this rut. Because long after the rest of her pack had slumped, exhausted, against a wall, Kyoko kept going. Ruts always made her more aggressive, that they knew. And sure, she usually outlasted the other two LoveMe girls, but not by much. Kanae gave Chiori a meaningful look and pulled out her phone. 

Kanae: so i think they’re courting officially

Chiori: she told u?

Kanae: no but they’ve both been wearing the necklaces/pendants since she told us about making that blanket. tabloids went wild speculating about the addition to his necklace

Chiori: ohh yeah i remember seeing that

Kanae: but i think that’s why miss energizer bunny is still going strong

Chiori: wait is kyoko horny

Kanae: ew

Kanae: she probably doesn’t realize it if she is

Kanae: but what i meant was like

Kanae: u know how mates go into rut/heat at the same time a lot when one’s not on blockers

Chiori: ya

Kanae: well i think them being a couple made her rut more intense

Kanae: bc her primal alpha brain is like “must bite”  

Chiori: idk why but that’s hysterical

Kanae: bc it’s kyoko, head of the legion of pure maidens

Chiori: yknow im starting to be glad to be a beta. this seems exhausting

Kanae: THIS IS WHY I WANT TO GET SPAYED IM TIRED OF HORMONE BULLSHIT

Chiori patted Kanae’s shoulder sympathetically. She glanced over at Ren, who was unabashedly staring while Kyoko demolished what was once a chest of drawers. 

Chiori: I’m gonna go get us another half-hour

Kanae: k im gonna go pee

Kyoko wiped sweat from her brow as the door shut behind her friends. Then she turned to Ren and asked, “Having fun?” 

He averted his eyes so she wouldn’t catch him staring. “Immensely.” 

She glanced at the door, usual inhibitions gone by the wayside. She lowered herself to the floor a few feet from him, then started crawling towards him. “Wanna have some more? ”

His mouth went dry as she approached and then straddled his lap. “Yes,” he managed. 

She started her kisses at his collarbone and worked her way up to the place she’d bitten him as Setsu. She ran the flat of her tongue over that spot --

And then bit him again. 

Which is why, two minutes later, Kanae was pulling Kyoko off of a very dazed and now-hickey’d Ren’s lap. “Okay, that’s enough out of you. We’re going.” 

“But Moko!” Kyoko whined as the older girl muscled her to her feet.

“No buts. You told me to watch you during this rut.” She turned, one arm clamped around Kyoko, and called over her shoulder. “Chiorin, it’s time to go!”

“Wait, what happened -- oh, fuck , girl.” She rolled her eyes. “Kyoko. We left you two alone for maybe three minutes and you put your teeth in his neck?”

Kyoko pouted at both of them. She knew she would thank them later, but right now, she wanted to have fun with her omega. 

“Ren-san.” Chiori looked down at him. “Are you okay to drive or do we need to call glasses?” 

“Whuh?” 

“Kyoko, I’m taking your phone for a minute,” Kanae said, fishing it out of her pocket and typing in the passcode. “Chiorin, hold her for me so she doesn’t jump him again.” 

Kuon privately wondered if that would be a bad thing. 

“Hello, Kyoko-chan!” came Yashiro’s cheerful voice through the phone.

“Close, but wrong. It’s Kotonami. We were doing a pack hangout and need you to come get your charge and his car. Bring a scarf.” She gave him the address.”

“What happened?” She could almost smell his panic through the phone. 

“Kyoko’s pheromones knocked him stupid. Everyone’s fine. Please just come get him so we can get her home.”

“I’ll be there in ten. Bye.”

“Bye.” She hung up and turned to the others, tucking Kyoko’s phone back into its pocket and taking Kyoko-holding duties back from Chiori. “Okay, we’ve got ten minutes. Kyoko, do you want to go back to using your sledgehammer?” 

Kyoko’s eyes were fixed on Ren’s neck. She didn’t answer.

“For fuck’s sake --” She spun Kyoko, breaking her line of vision. “Earth to alpha. Do you want to break more things?” 

Kyoko blinked a few times, then nodded. “Yes.” 

“Good girl. Here’s your sledgehammer.” 

While Kyoko was participating in more wanton destruction, Chiori walked over to Ren and offered him a hand up. “Think you can stand?”

He took the offer mutely, at which point Kyoko stopped mid-swing and growled. Chiori snatched her hand back. “Alpha, chill.” 

“Sorry,” she said, bringing the hammer down. “I -- didn’t mean to.” 

“I know.” She huffed a laugh, then turned back to Ren. “Gotta stand on your own, dude.” 

He managed to do so by the time Yashiro turned up, worked into a lovely state of sandalwood panic. They smelled him before they saw him. He burst into the room, fully expecting to see broken bones. After all, it was a rage room. “What happened?”

Chiori pointed mutely at Ren’s neck, and Yashiro understood why he needed to bring the scarf. 

He would have fun with this later, when his idiot charge was no longer doped out on his alpha’s pheromones. “Give me your keys.” 

Ren obeyed. 

Kyoko was convinced to put down the sledgehammer long enough to say goodbye from a safe distance. Then, once Ren had been escorted out, she plopped down on the floor to pout. “I hate you both.”

“No, you don’t,” Kanae said, rolling her eyes as she knelt down to scent her, lavender swirling around them.

“You really don’t,” Chiori added, taking her turn with mint. 

“I don’t,” she admitted, their scents doing wonders to calm her. After all, she’d asked them before they’d planned this to stop her from going too far too quickly when she couldn’t control herself. “Can we go back to my nest?” 

“Of course. Let’s go.” They helped her to her feet, tried to stop at the front desk to pay (only to find Ren had covered it), and took her home for some snuggles.

When her rut was done, she would send Kuon a long, emoji-filled apology. Which he would reply to with an emoji she couldn’t understand, and then a heart. 

Chapter Text

The first morning after her rut found Kyoko cringing in a ball on her bedroom floor. I can’t believe I did that to him! How could I be so shameless? She rolled around, admonishing herself. We weren’t even in character, and I left that mark on his neck! Again! He’s never going to forgive me for this. I’ve failed as an alpha. After all, she’d used her pheromones (unconsciously, but still) to put him into a daze so bad that Yashiro had to come pick him up. She had to be pulled off his lap. She curled up tighter and whimpered. I thought I was a good alpha, but I couldn’t control myself. I’m just as bad as Sho.  

Her phone dinged. 

Moko: u awake

Kyoko: MOKO IM SO SORRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Moko: pls chill

Kyoko: I WAS BRAZEN, SHAMELESS, A DISGRACE

Chiorin: pls calm ur tits

Kyoko: IM A TERRIBLE ALPHA

Moko: u literally weren’t in control of urself. u even thought ahead to ask us for help so nothing bad happened. That’s being a good alpha

Kyoko: (sobbing emoji, ten times) but I bit him 

Chiorin: yeah i don’t think he minded

Kyoko copy-pasted the emoji message that he’d sent her that she couldn’t figure out. 

Kyoko: then what does this mean that he sent when i apologized (unintelligible emoji and heart)

Chiorin: beats me, but there’s a heart, so i think ur good

Moko: wow he’s bad at emojis  

Moko: u sure this is the one u want

Kyoko: you’re so mean (crying emoji)

Moko: it could be him like… waving it away. Saying it was fine? Is that what that emoji means?

Chiorin: i deeply enjoy finding out how right u were when u called him a disaster this is hilarious

Chiorin: but why not like… ask him if ur confused  

Kyoko: i already feel so awkward. Idk how I’m going to face him the next time I see him

Moko: u could just command him to forget about it

Chiorin: lol kanae you’re so bad

Kyoko: commands are reserved for things of utmost importance, like food

Chiorin: only u kyoko, only u

Kyoko: what

Moko: shh it’s fine (lavender emoji, three times)

Kyoko: u know that doesn’t work over text. 

Kyoko: tell me

Chiorin: (eyes)

Moko: fineeee

Moko: alphas usually save commands for seduction

Kyoko: WHAT

Kyoko: but. Commands… sometimes omegas can’t help but obey???

Chiorin: ya it’s kinda gross sometimes but if u talk about it before then it’s like, fine

Kyoko: I’m going to stick to using it to make sure he eats food like a human

Chiorin: u sure that’s the only thing u want him to eat? (winky emoji)

Kyoko: what else would he eat other than food?

Moko: ew chiorin. Can we not

Moko: anyway just treat him like normal and it’ll be fine. He wouldn’t be courting u if he didn’t, on some level, want ur teeth in his neck

Kyoko: (crying emoji) 

LINE BREAK

Kuon, for his part, was fighting a war with his instincts. His instincts did not want to cover up his alpha’s mark. His instincts said that he should wear it with pride. Should let everyone know how very taken he was. 

But, as he dabbed concealer on it, he knew it was for the best. After all, if it got out to the public who had marked him, she could be put in danger. His fans could be crazy, not to mention the media. So despite his instincts screaming at him to stop covering his alpha’s mark, he blended in the concealer and set it so it wouldn’t smudge. 

He bumped into her at LME, and did his level best to act so normally around her. He was doing well enough until she’d scented him. He’d been left a purring pile of omega on the LoveMe room couch. 

This would not have been a problem had Maria not walked into the aftermath. Initially, her face had lit up at finding two of her favorite people in the same room, and had run to him for a hug. But when he’d obliged, lifting her into his lap, she had suddenly pushed back from him and hopped off his lap. 

“Why do you smell like onee-san?” she demanded, looking between them. 

“We’re pack,” Kyoko replied simply. 

Maria frowned. “But he really smells like you. More than the rest of your pack does.” 

“Moko and Chiorin aren’t very physical people. You’ve seen how Moko dodges my hugs.” She almost shrugged, a bad habit she was picking up from her omega. 

“Onee-san.” Her frown deepened. “What necklace are you wearing under your shirt?” 

“A butterfly,” she replied carefully. This is going to end badly.  

The young girl’s eyes went immediately to the recent addition to Ren’s signature necklace. “You’re courting…” she said, her lip wobbling.

“Maria-chan --”

“And you didn’t tell me?” She stomped one of her feet. “Onee-san, Ren-sama, how could you not tell me?” 

“Wait, you’re not -- you’re not mad that we’re… courting?” she whispered the last word, wary of Lory’s cameras. 

“A little. But if I can’t have Ren-sama then it has to be onee-san.” She crossed her arms and pouted up at them. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“We’ve not told anyone,” Kyoko admitted. “Not even Moko and Chiorin, but I think -- I think they figured it out.” She paused for a moment. “And that Yashiro-san at least suspects.”

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry for not asking permission,” Kyoko said, kneeling in front of Maria so they were on eye level. “It kind of snowballed and happened before I realized it.”

“How long?” 

“Not even a month,” Ren replied.

Maria nodded. “Then you’re forgiven. But I get to be in the ceremony.”

She blinked owlishly at her. “What ceremony?”

“Your mating bond ceremony! After you exchange bites, when you have the party!” 

Kyoko did a wonderful impression of a ripe tomato. 

Ren just said, “Of course.”

Leading to Kyoko becoming an over ripe tomato. 

LINE BREAK

Kuon: (image of Baarnaby meeting the flock)

Kyoko: (heart emoji) (several sheep emojis)

Kuon: Shep has accepted Baarnaby into the flock.

Kuon: (imagine of original, store-bought white sheep sitting with Baarnaby, snuggled in the blanket Kyoko made)

Kyoko: I’m so glad!!! (further heart and sheep emojis) 

Kuon, hours later: (image of Baarnaby sitting next to a bowl of soup) he’s making me eat dinner

Kyoko: Good job, Baarnaby! (clapping emoji) 

Kuon: Did you have a good day?

Kyoko: Yes! Tho I’m sad that this season of Box ‘R’ is ending

Kuon, ten minutes later: (image of the flock arranged on the living room table, watching Box ‘R’ playing on the TV) they like the show

Kyoko: (blushing emoji) (heart emoji) (sheep emoji) 

LINE BREAK

“Kyoko.” Kanae looked up from her phone. 

“Mmm?” she purred. Chiori was brushing her hair. 

“And Chiorin, too, but I was specifically told to ‘tell that scary best friend of yours too.’” She did air quotes. 

“Oh, Hiou-kun texted you! What’s going on?” 

Chiori stifled a laugh.

“Hiou-kun said that we’re invited to some swordsmanship lessons with his grandfather.” 

“Say what?” Chiori asked. “Also, who’s Hiou?” 

“Uesugi Hiou.”

“How the fuck are you two so well-connected?” she demanded, putting down her hair brush.

“Moko met Hiou on an acting job. He has a crush on her,” Kyoko explained. “And I’m not that well-connected.”

“You are courting Tsuruga Ren.” 

She blushed and diverted. “Moko, why did he want to invite us to swordsmanship lessons?”

“I’m trying out for a new role that requires them, and he asked his grandfather to train me. I guess he’s invited the whole pack.” She shot him a quick text to confirm. “Yeah, you’re good to come, too, Chiorin.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Are you talking about Uesugi Kotetsu ?” 

Kanae nodded. “We’ll have to be on our best behavior.” 

LINE BREAK

“He’s mean,” Kyoko pouted to Kuon. “But he’s so nice to Moko because of Hiou-kun.”

“Worth it, though?” He asked, running his fingers through her hair. They were snuggled up in his nest, sheep surrounding them. 

“Oh, absolutely! I’m learning so much!” She then launched into explaining what all she’d been learning.

“Y’know,” he said, once she’d finished her infodump, “I heard of a role you might like.”

She was suddenly at full attention, sitting up. “What is it?”

“It’s a fantasy role. A bodyguard whose charge, the prince, falls in love with her, and she becomes a princess.” He tugged on her waist to have her lie back down with him. “She reminds me a lot of you, actually.” 

“When’s the audition?” She did, but propped her arms on his chest and rested her chin on them. 

“I think the script’s still in the works, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.” He grabbed one of the small sheep she’d made (henceforth known as minishep) and had it walk up her arm to kiss her cheek. 

She blushed, but nuzzled against the minishep. “You’re the best.” 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was vibrating with excitement. Today was the day -- she was finally going to Dayjoweyland, after dreaming about it for her whole life. She was so ready. She’d read up on all the best tips and tricks and had her bag all packed. She was wearing a cute top and some shorts, plus her comfiest sneakers. She’d considered wearing the heels she wore for Natsu, but those might be hard to walk in after a while. She’d also foregone her purse in lieu of a small backpack with essentials. So yes, she was ready. 

Just in time, too, because she heard a car pulling up to the restaurant. She hurried down the stairs, waved to her landlords, and headed out to Ren’s car. “Good morning!”

“Ah, I was going to come in to get you.” He’d just gotten out of his car, wearing a proper disguise. He looked like any surfer tourist, just with a red wig. I want to court you properly. “You’re fast.” 

“I’m so excited!” She beamed at him, a tidal wave of happy pine washing over him as they both got back in the car. “I’ll let them know we’re on our way.”

Kyoko: we’re in the car and on our way to pick you up!

Moko: im really sorry but shoot rescheduled to today. Rain check?

Kyoko: oh no… work does come first, though.

“Moko’s filming got rescheduled,” she told him, lower lip sticking out as he started driving. “Oh, Chiorin’s typing….”

Chiorin: uh funny story

Chiorin: i actually have a second round of auditions for that one i had the other week

Chiorin: sorry i just got the call like 10 min ago

Kyoko: no worries! Break a leg!!!

“Chiorin has work, too.” Kyoko slumped in her seat. “I guess we’re rescheduling.” 

“The tickets are only good today, though,” he said, glancing over at her. “Non-refundable.” 

She squinted over at him, sniffing suspiciously. “Why do you smell happy about this?”

He came to a stop at a red light and looked over at her, eyes huge. “I want to spend time with you. This can be our first date… if that’s okay?” Then the light turned green, and he looked away and started driving again. 

She was, of course, taking that offer in complete stride and replied calmly -- yeah, no, she grabbed heart and curled in on herself so fast her seatbelt locked. “Kuon!” she whined.

“Are you okay?” He pulled over and parked, concerned cornflower washing over her.

“You’ve got to warn me before you do things like that!” Her face was brilliantly red. “I wasn’t prepared!” 

“Prepared?” he echoed, confused. He put a hand on her shoulder. 

“My heart wasn’t ready for that. I was still in pack-mode.” She glanced up at him, embarrassed, and her expression made him perfectly understand what she meant. 

Because how was she that damn cute? “Sorry.” 

“But… yes. I’m -- I’m okay with it.” She looked out the window, unable to meet his eyes again. 

He leaned over enough to press a kiss into her hair. “Sounds good, princess.” 

This is a personal attack. I’m being assassinated by my own omega. Her blush spread down her neck. Not fair to call me princess and take me on a first date to DAYJOWEYLAND. She pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Ow.

They pulled into the parking lot. “One sec,” he said when she went to open the door. “Since it’s just us….” He pulled off the red wig, revealing his natural blonde hair. 

Kyoko’s jaw dropped. “Kuon! Why did you…?”

“I was going to do blonde as my disguise originally -- ironic, I know -- but then I thought it might be a bad idea, so I grabbed the red wig.” He gave her a lopsided, awkward smile that made her insides turn to goo. “But if it’s just us, I want to be me.” 

She didn’t know what to say, so she kissed him. 

When she pulled back, he gave her a dizzy, love-drunk smile. “Ready?” 

A wide smile split her face. “Ready!” 

LINE BREAK

She was not ready for the castle to be closed for repairs. Tears streamed down her face, her dreams of tea with the princess shattered. Kuon grabbed their rain check ticket from the cast members, then leaned down to scent her. 

“It just gives us an excuse to come back, right?” he soothed, wiping her tears once he’d scented her, calming cornflowers wrapping around her. 

“I guess,” she sniffled. “I just… I’m sorry.”

“No need. C’mon, I saw a place to get ear hats.” He took her hand.

Her brain short-circuited, her tears immediately drying. He’s holding my hand. In public. Now, a rational mind might argue that this shouldn’t be a big deal, as she’d put her teeth in his neck twice and kissed him literally ten minutes ago. Kyoko was not particularly rational at the moment. She was far too busy trying to comprehend both he’s holding my hand and we’re on a date in Dayjoweyland . But then he led her into the ear hat shop, and she was swept away by the magic of it. They got matching prince- and princess-themed hats. 

Then he took her hand again, and they got in line for Rose Red’s Enchanted Adventure, a dark ride. He had hoped to steal a kiss or two on the dark ride, but there was no such luck. Kyoko was far too excited by the ride to notice. Oh well, at least I get to see her happy face.

When they exited the dark ride car, she took his hand first. Kuon was sure from the doting looks they got from an elderly couple that his happiness was very obvious to anyone with a functioning nose. And judging by the pure joy radiating from his mate -- future mate, he corrected himself -- so was hers. 

Next they went to the Haunted Mansion, Kuon’s pick. Kyoko kept them entertained in line by pointing out hidden Mouse Masters and telling him every fact she could think of about the park. The line ended before her facts did. He tucked her under his arm when they entered the elevator, making sure they wouldn’t be separated. She especially loved the hat ghost. 

Then the best one: The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast. They spun through the ride in cars shaped like bowls, rewatching the key points of the movie brought to life. Kyoko gasped with delight throughout -- save for when the Beast lay slain, when she grabbed Kuon’s hand for comfort. He brought her hand to his lips, then kissed the scent gland on her wrist for good measure. She leaned against him as they watched the Beast transform back into a man, then laced their fingers together when they watched the animatronics dance at their ball in the end. 

“That was wonderful ,” she extolled as they walked out, hands still linked. 

He used their linked hands to give her a little twirl. “It was.”

“Let’s go get lunch -- I’m getting hungry. Ooh, and then we can --” she was off again, talking about the different rides and secrets of the park. 

They wound up eating at the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall. Kuon convinced her to let him buy her dessert, which included a souvenir plate. She rewarded him with a cutie-honey smile so devastatingly adorable that he understood why she’d clutched her chest in the car earlier. 

They had just started walking to their next attraction when Kuon froze dead in his tracks. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, smelling his shock. When he didn’t answer, she followed his gaze to where a very tall woman was sitting on a bench, surrounded by far too many bags of popcorn and making her way through them at an alarming pace. “Is that…?”

“That’s… Mom.” 

She studied his face and scent carefully before she spoke next. Gently, she asked, “Do you want to say hi?” 

His grip on her hand tightened, and he nodded.

“Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do.” She tugged him down, scenting him to ground him. “You’re going to go wait at the second lamp post down that side street.” When she pulled back from him, she whipped out her phone and snapped a picture of him, making sure to get some of the background in the shot.

“Uh, why?”

“Because if I know anything about your parents, she will not be quiet during your reunion, so it needs to be somewhat more private. Hence the less-used side street.” She checked the time on her phone. “That one should be pretty empty for another hour or so based on what I’ve read. And the photo is for evidence.”

“Evidence?”

“That I’m here with you. She doesn’t know me, Kuon, she won’t follow me just based on my word.” 

“But I don’t want to separate --”

“Kuon, look at me.” When he did, she smiled. “I promise I can find you in any crowd. I’ve got the nose of a bloodhound, remember?”

“Yes, alpha.” He sighed and let go of her hand, instantly feeling the loss. “I’ll go wait by the lamp post.”

“Good boy. I’ll be there soon.” She watched him walk off for a moment before turning and striding determinedly towards the woman on the bench, who was still eating ungodly amounts of popcorn. When she got close, she said softly, “Excuse me, Hizuri-san.”

The woman didn’t respond, just continuing to eat her popcorn. 

“I know you’re in disguise right now. But the one who wants to see you isn’t at the moment.” 

That got her attention, and she looked up at Kyoko. “Pardon?” she asked in English.

Kyoko switched to English as well and held up her phone, the picture of Kuon on display. “I’m here with him today. He’s waiting for us down that side street.”

Julie dropped her popcorn, jaw hanging open. This girl had a photo of Kuon -- the real Kuon, standing in front of the building across the street from them. “My baby?” 

She nodded and offered her a hand up.

Julie took it, her legs shaky. She smells like him.  

Kyoko helped her gather her popcorn and then led her to Kuon. 

“You… you’re Kyoko-chan, aren’t you?” she asked, as they walked towards the side street. When Kyoko confirmed, she said, “Kuu’s sad you never called.”

Kyoko tripped over her own feet, stumbling. “I -- I’m sorry! I didn’t think he’d want me to!” 

“He really does. He -- OH MY GOD BABY I’VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!” She’d seen Kuon, and had taken off at a dead sprint, flinging her arms around him when she was close enough.

Ah , Kyoko thought, as the two had their reunion. So that’s what it’s supposed to be like. She walked up to them slowly, laden with Julie’s popcorn bags. She juggled them to one arm so she could take a picture of the pair. She was sure that they’d want a picture of this later. 

As soon as she was within arm’s reach, Julie pulled her into the hug, causing the popcorn bags to fall to the ground. Fortunately, they were all closed, so no popcorn was spilled, unlike Julie’s tears, which were spilling freely from her eyes. She gave Kuon, and then Kyoko, each a very wet kiss on the cheek. 

“Hi, mom,” he whispered, and Julie broke down anew. 

LINE BREAK

Once Julie had cried herself out (and Kyoko had gotten her a bottle of water so she didn’t get dehydrated), the three sat down to talk. Kuon explained why he looked like himself today -- that he’d wanted to be able to be in public without getting hounded, and that, well, dressing like a tourist seemed like a good bet. Kyoko added with sparkling eyes that the tickets were a White Day Gift. 

“I guess it was a good thing that the rest of the pack couldn’t come today,” she said. 

“You’re in a pack together?” Julie asked.

They nodded. “Kuon joined us… a month and a half ago?” She tilted her head, thinking. Time was such a weird, wobbly concept. 

“It feels like it was longer, in a good way,” he said. 

Julie’s heart melted at the way her son smiled, the way his heart was in his eyes when he looked at Kyoko. She (metaphorically) smelled pups in their future. She couldn’t wait to have grandpuppies. Especially since she now had her son back. The street was flush with maple syrup happiness.

It was official. Kyoko was her daughter now, and would be spoiled as such. 

Once they’d caught up, Julie insisted that they continue enjoying the park (with her serving as an expert guide). And Kyoko had the dubious honor of learning where Kuon’s spending habits came from. If she so much at looked at an item for too long, Julie would offer to buy it for her. And then refuse to listen when she declined. 

Kuon just chuckled and wrapped an arm around Kyoko’s waist. “She’s just saying thank you.” 

Kyoko buried her bright red face in her hands as Julie bought her a sixth souvenir. 

LINE BREAK

Julie had sent two photos to Kuu while they were in the park. The first one was a selfie of the three of them, smiling and wearing ear hats. The second one was Kuon smiling at Kyoko while she explained something, his heart clearly in his eyes.

Then she shut off her phone. 

Kuu, on the other side of an ocean, received these images. Pancake confusion flooded the room. 

And then he changed out of his pajamas, grabbed his wallet and passport, and headed to the airport to catch the next redeye to Japan.

LINE BREAK

Julie was very confused when Kuon dropped Kyoko off at the Daruma-ya that evening. When he’d gotten back in the car (where she’d waited to let them have a moment to say a proper goodnight), she asked, “Aren’t you two living together?” 

Kuon choked on his spit. “Mom, we’ve only been courting for a month! Today was our first real date!” 

Julie, who had been mentally designing baby clothes and also a princess dress for Kyoko, stared at him in abject confusion. Then his words sank in. “I interrupted your first date?”

“I mean, technically, but --”

“Kyoko-chan’s going to hate me!” Maple syrup despair filled the car. 

“Mom, no, it was her idea.” He awkwardly patted her shoulder. “She asked if I wanted to go say hi.” 

Julie sniffled. “Oh, she’s so good.”

“She really is.” You don’t even know yet.

LINE BREAK

Kuu arrived very early the next morning (early enough for it to still be night) and burst into Kuon’s apartment. “MY BOY!” 

Kuon stumbled out of his room, his hair already re-dyed. “Dad? How did you get a key?”

Kuu did not answer this, far too busy wrapping his son in a bear hug. Julie came running out of the guest room to join the hug. 

“Ooh, let’s build a nest!” she exclaimed. “It’s been so long.” Kuu, who was always down for family snuggles, agreed. 

Kuon, for his part, was feeling a weird mix of emotions. On one hand, he wasn’t sure he was fully ready for this -- he’d made a promise not to see them until he could stand on even footing with them. On the other hand, he’d really missed them, and that was hitting him hard right now. He hadn’t been able to eat pancakes in six years without thinking about them -- not that he was much of a pancakes with maple syrup guy, but the point stood. 

So he helped build the nest, even bringing his flock of sheep to join them. Kuu sniffed, then asked, “Is my other son here, too? I smell pine.”

Kuon blinked at him. “No, we dropped her off before we came back here.” 

“Your whole apartment smells like her.” There was no judgment in his tone, just simple fact. If he was more attuned to emotional smells, he’d have been able to tell how happy his dad was about that. 

“I mean, we’re pack.” He ducked his head, a little embarrassed, and put the sheep in the nest. 

Julie picked up one of the minishep. It was drenched in pine and obviously handmade. Her eyes welled up with tears. This girl, this Kyoko, the one who had won her husband’s fatherly affection, was also the one to bring their son back to them -- on their first date, no less. She’d made and scented sheep for his nest. And there was no doubt in Julie’s mind that Kyoko was a big reason that Kuon seemed healthier and happier than he’d been since before Rick died. Not to mention that when they’d had a late dinner after dropping Kyoko off (she’d insisted that she go help with the dinner rush at the Daruma-ya), Kuon had eaten without complaint. Instead, he’d just snapped a photo of his meal as “proof for Kyoko.” Meaning that this girl was a complete miracle worker.

She should’ve bought her more souvenirs. 

Julie grabbed Kuon to her, cradling his head as she flopped backwards against Kuu in the nest. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said, more tears leaking out. 

“I missed you guys too,” he whispered, pancakes and maple syrup cradling him.

He slept as well in the nest that night as he did in Kyoko’s arms. 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: Guys! Dad’s in town!

Kyoko: (screenshot of Kuu asking to come see her since he’s in Japan)

Chiorin: hwat

Chiorin: WHAT THE FUCK

Kyoko: ??? What’s wrong???

Chiorin: first off why is he calling u son and second off WHY DO YOU KNOW HIZURI KUU

Kyoko: I was assigned to cook for him the last time he was in Japan and he had me act as his son for acting practice (smiley face)

Chiorin: mY GoOD bITCH

Chiorin: you never thought to MENTION THIS?????

Kyoko: it never really came up

Chiorin: i think im actually having a stroke for real now

Kyoko: do i need to get an ambulance???

Moko: no she’s just being… actually that’s a reasonable response for her to have

Chiorin: what even is your LIFE kyoko

Chiorin: courting tsuruga ren

Chiorin: friends-and-surrogate-daughter to fucking hizuri KUU

Chiorin: what other high-class connections are u hiding???

Kyoko: well im friends with Maria-chan but u knew that

Kyoko: did u want to come meet Dad? He said he wanted to meet my pack

Chiorin: do i want to come meet hizuri kuu

Chiorin: what kind of stupid question 

Moko: that means yes, we would love to  

Kyoko: yay! 

Kyoko, a few minutes later: he said he can meet us in the LoveMe room today around ten if we’re free

Kyoko: omg also how did the audition go chiorin?

Chiorin: nailed it

Kyoko: (flurry of celebratory emojis) 

LINE BREAK

Kanae and Chiori had never been more nervous in their life than they were when waiting for Hizuri Kuu to arrive. Kyoko, meanwhile, was bouncing on the balls of her feet, both very excited (for obvious reasons) and nervous (because apparently he wanted her to call?) about seeing Kuu again. 

“Kuon!” he boomed, throwing open the LoveMe room door.

“Dad!” Kyoko snapped back into her ‘Kuon’ persona. If she’d thought about it for more than a second, she would’ve started to feel weird about having a character who was the ten-year-old version of her courting partner. Fortunately, she had no spare room to think about it, as Kuu immediately picked her up in the biggest bear hug possible. 

“My boy, I’ve missed you!” He rubbed his face in her hair vigorously, almost giving her a noogie with his head. “Why didn’t you call?”

“Ah…” She shrank in on herself as he finally set her down. “I didn’t think you’d want me to… and I didn’t want to charge personal international calls to the company phone.” 

He stared at her for a moment, then flicked her forehead. 

“Ow!” She covered her forehead and looked up at him with big, sad eyes. 

“I always want to talk to my children. Understood?” He did a remarkable job of holding his composure because his son/future daughter-in-law was so cute . 

“Yes, Dad. I’m sorry.” 

“Good! Now, introduce me to your pack.” He turned his attention to Chiori and Kanae, who both fixed their faces from the expressions of shock they had been wearing. 

“Ah!” Her face lit up. “This is Moko-- er, Kotonami Kanae, and this is Amamiya Chiori.” She gave him a brief overview of their acting careers. This did nothing to endear them to him in comparison to how happy she smelled. 

Kuu’s heart was full as he sat down to chat with his daughter and her pack, swapping stories and giving them acting advice. He also gave them each his number so that they could text him about acting-related questions (or about Kyoko, Kanae and Chiori understood). His daughter had formed a wonderful pack, and no, he wasn’t just saying that because his son was also in it. It may have influenced his opinion, but it wasn’t the only factor. 

And then Julie peeked around the door. “Hello, lovelies! I was just talking to Lory. I heard all about this section and how you work!” She’d also torn him a new one about it for exploiting the labor of young women. “So I’m here with a request.” 

“Yes!” Kyoko snapped to attention. 

“I need some shopping companions for this afternoon.” She came over to kiss Kuu on the cheek. “Darling, I know you wanted to catch up with Lory, too, so that leaves me alone. That won’t do at all.” She smiled at them. “What do you say, ladies?” 

Neither Chiori nor Kanae were going to turn down a chance to spend time with a literal fashion icon. Kyoko was just happy to spend time with the woman who, after about thirty minutes of knowing her, had informed her that she was to call her “Mom.” 

But first, they all had lunch at L.A. Hearts (the Hizuris in disguise), where Chiori and Kanae had the dubious honor of learning exactly how much the Hizuris ate. Kyoko giggled, wondering where on earth Kuon’s bird-like appetite had come from.

LINE BREAK

After seeing the girls off (and surreptitiously slipping money into Kyoko’s bag when she was distracted), Kuu headed up to see Lory. He had a new bone to pick with the kidnapper. After confirming with Ruto that he wouldn’t be interrupting anything except an otome game, he threw the doors open dramatically.

“Lory! Why didn’t you tell me my sons were courting?” 

Lory spit out his tea. “First of all, when did you get to Japan?” 

“Early.”

He nodded. That made sense, given Julie mentioning that she’d gone to Dayjoweyland yesterday. “Second of all -- WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY’RE COURTING?”

Kuu’s eyebrows shot up. “You didn’t know?”

“No!” How could I have missed this?  

“They saw Julie at the park yesterday, and Kyoko brought her over to Kuon. Let her interrupt their first date and everything.” He showed Lory the selfie Julie had sent him of her and the kids. 

“Their what? ”

“Their first date,” he repeated smugly. It felt good to know something before the Lovemon. 

“Where are they now?” he demanded.

“Kuon’s at work, and Julie took Kuon shopping with the rest of her pack.”

“Stop calling them both Kuon, that’s confusing.” 

“No.” He stuck out his tongue. 

“How long have they been together?” How much have I missed? It can’t be long if yesterday was their first date….

“About a month, Kuon said.” 

He didn’t even bother to try to parse which Kuon he was talking about. “They got together in Guam, then. And you’re both here -- he was blonde yesterday, and she brought Julie over. So he told her everything.”

“She’s so good for him, Lory,” he gushed, finally dropping the pretense and plopping down next to him on the couch, taking the snack that Ruto offered when the man materialized out of thin air. “He never used to help build nests, and he and Julie made such a good one yesterday. And Kuon made him sheep for his nest! Handmade plushies -- not to mention the blanket!”

Lory was drowning in the adorable details as Kuu went on, prattling on and on and on and on about his kids. Lory had thought that their love story would be a grand drama. Instead, it was shaping up to be one of wholesome healing. 

Either way, it was riveting.

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Yashiro side-eyed his charge in the car. Ever since he’d picked him up that morning, he’d been oddly… calm. Content. Peaceful, even. Yet he couldn’t smell a whiff of pine on him. He could only smell what little of his cornflower scent made it past his scent blockers. 

“Okay, say it,” Ren said. 

“You’re suspiciously chipper for someone who doesn’t smell like Kyoko-chan.” 

He spluttered a laugh. “She’s not my only source of happiness!” She’s a big one, sure, but not the only one.

“So…?” he gestured vaguely at Ren. 

“It’s a secret.” But hey, he was in a good mood, so…. “But I’ll tell you part of it.” And then he confirmed what Yashiro had suspected since picking him up from their pack meeting at the rage room: “Kyoko and I are courting.” 

“I knew that.” He rolled his eyes. “The tabloids almost know that. They know you’re courting someone, anyway. They’ve been going crazy since you made that addition to your necklace. Do you have any idea how many fires I’ve had to put out because of that, by the way?” 

He shrank in his seat a little. “Sorry.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic for you two. It’s been a long time coming. Sometimes it feels like it’s been twenty-two years.” 

“That’s… oddly specific.”

“Anyway, let’s talk about our game plan. You have your first interview in a while today, and you know they’re going to ask about it. If they don’t, you can get onigiri for lunch.” He adjusted his glasses.

“No, I can’t.” Kyoko would be disappointed.

Yashiro, wisely, did not comment.  

The interviewer did, in fact, ask if he was courting someone. Ren gave a well-practiced smile, just barely tinged with the one he reserved for Kyoko. “I am. I’m courting one of my pack members. But I would like to ask everyone to respect her privacy at this time.” 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was having a fantastic time on the shopping trip, which so far just consisted of Julie trying various Japanese snacks. It was kind of like feeding paper into a shredder, really… very satisfying. But the fact that it was time spent with (most of) her pack and her newly-proclaimed mom made it amazing. 

After her hunger was momentarily sated, Julie summoned a car from literal nowhere and had the driver take them to the single fanciest store Kyoko had ever seen. She balked at the door. 

“What’s wrong?” Julie asked.

“I don’t think I’m allowed in there,” she said, nervous pine hanging in the air between them. 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She grabbed her hand and led the way inside, caught the attention of the worker, and made arrangements. “Now, girls, let’s have some fun. And don’t worry, everything’s on my dime.” She winked at them. “I remember how rough it is getting started. Let’s give you girls a boost!”

They spread out throughout the store, bringing different items to Julie for approval. Or at least, Chiori and Kanae did. Kyoko was more focused on the fact that none of these items had price tags , which meant they were automatically expensive. She was too focused on it to notice Julie approaching her. At least, until Julie flicked her forehead.

“Ow! Why?” She looked at Julie with large, betrayed eyes.

“You need to listen to me, young lady. I said not to worry because I’m paying.” 

“But that makes me worry more --”

“Listen to her, Kyoko,” Kanae called from where she was looking at an evening gown. 

“Just say thank you!” Chiori added. She was examining an emerald green top. 

“I think you’ve been overruled, dear.” Julie gave her a fond smile, then kissed where she’d flicked. “Now, come here, I found a dress that I think will look just lovely on you.” 

She obeyed, blushing. She’d never had a mom figure kiss her forehead before. 

(Chiori, for her part, was thinking that joining the LoveMe section was the single best networking move she could have possibly made.)

Once they’d gathered enough items, it was time to head to the dressing rooms. Kanae went first, gaining Julie’s approval of her sleek, elegant style. Only a handful of items were deemed no good. Then Chiori went; she, too, received Julie’s stamp of approval. And then it was Kyoko’s turn. 

The only item she’d picked for herself (the rest had been Julie’s suggestions, to try things on and start building her style) had been a light yellow sundress, patterned with small daisies. It was just a cotton sundress, but it felt… different. Lighter, somehow, but also sturdier. She’d examined the stitching in the dressing room and had been suitably impressed. Maybe there’s a reason this stuff is so pricey. She did an experimental little twirl -- loving the way the dress flared just enough to be fun -- and then started to walk down their makeshift runway.

Julie’s jaw dropped when Kyoko started to walk for them. Not because she looked that good -- though her daughter was adorable -- but because she knew that walk. It was hers, after all. “Kyoko, dear, your walk….”

“Ah, that’s her Natsu walk,” Chiori said.

“Natsu?” She raised an eyebrow.

Kyoko blushed. “Ren taught me how to walk like a model for my role as Natsu. He said he’d learned it from the most beautiful woman in the world.” 

Julie, internally, turned to goo.

Behind her, in Kyoko’s view, the shop owner turned on a silent television. It was a playback of Paris Fashion Week. And as Julie walked the runway onscreen, she realized where Ren had gotten that walk. 

His mom, she thought, a weight she didn’t know she’d been carrying lifting off of her. He learned it from his mom, not some -- not competition. Kuon would have been thrilled to know that she was jealous. 

“Okay, next outfit. That one’s a yes.” Julie waved one hand, surreptitiously dabbing at her eyes with the other. “Later, I’m teaching you girls how to develop your own runway walks.” 

And she would, after they each left the store with enough clothes to make Kyoko want to faint. Kanae and Chiori, in addition to thanking Julie profusely (as Kyoko did, too, of course), also thanked her by steering Kyoko out of the store while the items were purchased. If she’d known just how expensive they were, she would never, ever have worn them. And Julie, obviously, did not want that. 

LINE BREAK

Kuon was having a hard time keeping his Ren persona in place. It was weird seeing his parents again -- and introducing them properly to Kyoko. It left him feeling kind of giddy, honestly. Excited. Freaked out, but excited. Especially as he wondered what they were doing together. 

Kuon: how’s it going princess

Kyoko: your mom is worse than u are omg i dont want to know how much she just spent

Kuon: ah good she hasn’t changed  

Kuon: she took you shopping?

Kyoko: framed it as a loveme assignment and took all 3 of us. Which was super nice of her!!! But she spent so much!!! (stressed emoji, three times) 

Kuon: don’t worry she can afford it

Kyoko: not the point (crying emoji) how am i ever going to repay her

Kuon: she doesn’t want you to

Kyoko: (crying emoji)

Kuon: well

Kuon: how about cooking dinner for her. You can all come to my place, I’ll get ingredients, and you can cook. I bet dad’s been bragging about your cooking to her

Kyoko: you’re a GENIUS ilysm

He blinked down at his phone, then googled what “ilysm” meant. He then blushed a lovely shade of pink. 

Kuon: love you too, princess (heart and sheep emojis) 

Later, he would print that conversation out and frame it. 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko knocked on the door of Kuon’s apartment, nervous pine permeating the hallway. He’d said she didn’t need to bring anything, but she still felt so awkward. If it’s thanks for the shopping trip, shouldn’t I buy the food? But then… I don’t think I would be able to get enough to feed both of them….

Kuon answered the door, but only just beat his parents to it. “Hi,” he said, a little breathless. 

“Hi.” Oh my god this is also dinner with my partner’s parents. That hit her suddenly, and the nervous pine intensified. 

“Kyoko, honey, there’s no need to be nervous!” Julie called from over Kuon’s shoulder. 

Kuon looked over at her, confused. Then he remembered that, oh yeah, others can smell emotions. “One second,” he said to Kyoko, then turned around and had a hushed conversation with his parents. They withdrew to the kitchen, pouting. Kuon stepped aside and let Kyoko into the hall. “Sorry. They can be… a lot.” 

“No, no, it’s not that! They’re wonderful. I’m just.” She swallowed. “I’m just not used to it.”

“C’mere.” He leaned down and scented her. Calming cornflowers wrapped around her, and he felt her relax a little. He hugged her. “I get it. Frankly, it’s overwhelming for me, too, and I grew up with them.”

“It’s just so weird,” she mumbled into the fabric of his shirt. 

He heard what she meant in the offing. “I know. Well, I don’t know , but I get it.” One hand came up to stroke her hair. “But they mean well.”

“I just feel like I don’t deserve it,” she whispered.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.” He could feel the heat of her blush through his shirt, and dropped a kiss on her scalp. “Now, let’s go cook before they eat all the ingredients.” 

“Right.” She withdrew from his hold and squared her shoulders. Cooking. That’s something I can handle right now.

“We just have to keep Mom away from the spices, or she’s liable to add something weird.” 

She looked up at him with terrified eyes, imagining culinary crimes beyond tastebud comprehension.

LINE BREAK

In the end, Kuu and Kuon tag-teamed distracting Julie while Kyoko led the charge on cooking. Kuu did the second-most in terms of cooking, though Kuon did help with some chopping. The fact that he now knew how to properly slice vegetables was enough to move Julie to tears. In her defense, she’d had a very busy weekend, what with reuniting with her son and gaining a daughter and all. Despite it all, they managed to create a truly impressive feast. 

And then, once dinner was eaten (and Kuu and Julie had lavished Kyoko with praise to the point she thought she was going to die), Kyoko and Kuon were sent to the living room to relax while the others tackled the dishes. She tried to protest but was met by Julie’s disapproving stare. “You did the majority of the cooking, young lady. Go rest.” She turned to her son. “Kuon, go with her and make she she does.” 

“Yes, Mom,” he said, and she melted all over again. 

Then he took Kyoko’s hand and led her out to the living room, where the family nest was still laid out on the floor. She approached it cautiously, not used to him having anyone else’s scent in his nests. It almost felt like she was intruding. 

Then he sprawled out in it, tugging her down to lie with him. He had Shep come nuzzle her until she laughed. “Kuon!” 

“Baaaaaa,” he said in a high-pitched, nasally voice. “Baaaaaaaa.” 

She collapsed against him in a fit of giggles. When she’d calmed, she scooted up until she could reach to scent him. “Thank you.” 

“They love you, you know.” He threaded his fingers through her hair as she scented him. 

She rolled her eyes as she pulled back. “They barely know me.”

“They know you enough.” He had Shep bonk against her shoulder. “Besides, they know I love you. And that helps.”

She turned a brilliant shade of pink and hid her face against his neck. “Don’t say that so casually!”

“Nah. I think you need to hear it.” He wrapped his Shep-free arm more securely around her waist, shifting her against him just enough so he could whisper to her. Tell her how much he loved her, how important she was to him, and how excited his parents had been for her to come over tonight.

This was the adorable scene into which Kuu and Julie walked when they finished doing dishes. Julie snapped a picture on her phone before they interrupted. “You kids down for some family nest time?” 

Kyoko stilled. When was the last time she’d had family nest time? Maybe when she and Sho were still very, very little. “I -- I’d be okay with it.”

“C’mon in,” Kuon said, gesturing with Shep. 

Kuu and Julie settled into the nest, sandwiching the kids between them. Slowly, Kyoko relaxed, allowing herself to enjoy this. To enjoy the thought of parents who loved her. To enjoy being with her partner. To enjoy family nest time. To enjoy the sensation of Mom running her fingers through her hair.

She didn’t even realize when she started purring. 

Nor did she realize that she was drifting off to sleep, until Kuon woke her gently an hour later. She let out a sleepy whine that did not so much tug at his heart strings as it did rip them like a grumpy suburban dad trying to get an old, gas-powered lawn mower to start. 

“Kyoko,” he said, when he’d managed to get ahold of himself. “It’s getting late. Did you want to stay over, or should I drive you home?” 

Stay. I want to stay. I don’t want to leave this nest, ever. “I should get home. If I get back too late, it might disturb taisho and okami-san.” 

That got Julie’s attention. She opened her mouth to ask, but Kuon subtly shook his head. He’d explain later. “Okay, let’s get ready to go, then.” 

When he’d come back from dropping her off, he explained Kyoko’s situation to his increasingly indignant parents -- including the recent TV interview that Kyoko’s mother had done, denying her existence, which their pack had to nurse her through. Julie was ready to hunt the woman down, late hour be damned, but Kuon managed to talk her down. And maybe applied some cornflower scent to help with that. 

Julie and Kuu instead decided to take a subtler approach, and start by completely paying off her schooling. Subtler , because Hizuris are not really capable of subtlety when it comes to their loved ones. And, after all, it was natural for parents to pay for their children’s education when finances allowed. 

Kuon was just jealous that they got to do that, as he knew Kyoko would never allow him to do it. But then, his parents were far more in the business of asking forgiveness than permission when it came to grand gestures. 

Kyoko had no idea about the absolute tidal wave of love coming her way.

LINE BREAK

Nor did she expect to have a certain idiot pounding on her door at two in the morning. She stumbled downstairs, rubbing sleep out of her eyes, to see taisho staring disapprovingly at Sho. 

“I’ll talk to him, taisho,” she said, yawning. “I’m sorry he’s like this.” He went, not back up to bed, but to the kitchen. She wondered if he was hungry before turning to Sho. Scorched gasoline met her nose. He was pissed. “What do you want?”

“Pay up, Kyoko,” he seethed.

“Excuse you? Pay up what? ” 

“Go back to Kyoko, and work at the ryokan, forever.” 

The fact that he wasn’t yelling almost scared her. Almost, except this was Sho. She could tell he was moments from a tantrum. “Why the hell would I do that?”

“Because you swore you would!” There it was, that insane glint he got in his eyes. The smell of gasoline was growing more and more intense. “You swore you’d go back if you fell in love with that bastard Tsuruga Ren!” 

“I don’t need to go back, as I’ve done no such thing.” She crossed her arms. “Now if you’re done spouting nonsense, I’m going back to bed.” She made to close the door.

He lunged at her, and for one wild moment she actually felt a hint of fear -- was he going to choke her? -- but instead he pulled the chain of her necklace out of her yukata. “Then explain this .” 

She wanted to punch him. But she knew from her talks with Chiori and Kanae that sinking to his level only validated him. So instead, she put on her best impression of Kanae, sounding as bored as possible. “It’s a necklace, Shotaro.” She arched an eyebrow and slid the chain out of his hands. “Surely you’ve heard of them?”

“I know what a necklace is, goddamnit!” He tried to grab at it again, but she side-stepped. “I also know damn well that yours matches that bastard’s new charm!”

“Wow, I didn’t know you were such a fan of Ren’s,” she said. “Only the diehard fans recognized that his necklace changed.”

“You know damn well what I mean, bitch!” 

She gave him a cold, hard stare. “Are you done?”

“Not until you get your ass on the train back to Kyoto,” he growled. 

“I don’t need to. I haven’t fallen for Tsuruga Ren,” she said simply.

“But you’re wearing his necklace! He said he fell in love with a pack member, and you let him in your pack!” He was practically frothing at the mouth now. The girls had been right about this approach.

She let out an amused huff, gave him her best condescending Natsu smile, and put her hand on the door handle. “Oh, Shotaro… haven’t you ever heard of a stage name? Tsuruga Ren doesn’t exist.” 

And then she slammed the door in his face, locking it before he even had a chance to respond. She turned to walk up the stairs when he started pounding on it again, yelling obscenities and calling her every name in the book. She groaned. 

“Go to bed.” Taisho had emerged from the kitchen, holding one of his knives. His usual scent of rice had taken on a burnt undertone. “I’ll take care of it.” 

“I’m so sorry about him --” she started, bowing, but he shook his head.

“He won’t be welcome here anymore. Go sleep.” 

She bowed again, this time in thanks, and scurried up the stairs. Once she reached the top, she heard him open the door. Sho’s yells died in his throat, and moments later, she heard a car roar off. 

She’d have to put in some extra hours in the restaurant soon in thanks. 

She entered her bedroom and pulled out her phone, giddy. 

Kyoko: i hope your phones are all off but update: taisho just scared sho off with a knife

Ren: are you okay???

Kyoko: why are you awake

Ren: reasons. Are you okay???

Kyoko: I’m great actually, it was really funny

Ren: what happened

Kyoko: so the idiot showed up at 2 am for some godforsaken reason and was pounding on the restaurant door  

Kyoko: when i met with my mother for my passport she told his parents where i lived and now he knows btw 

Kyoko: so he was screaming about me going back 2 kyoto bc i fell in love with you

Kyoko: but when he pinned me in the garage and made me promise that, he didn’t realize he was using ur stage name

Ren: HE WHAT

Kyoko: yeah this was that day he forced me into his car with handcuffs

Kyoko: so i kept v cool like moko and chiorin said and he just got super angry and it was really funny

Kyoko: and i pointed out that i fell in love with u, not ur stage name (dw i didn’t say anything about ur real name)

Kyoko: and then i slammed the door in his face

On the other side of the phone, Kuon was having many mixed emotions.

Kyoko: but then he started making a ruckus again but taisho sent me up to bed and met him at the door with his big knife!!! And then i heard him drive away like seconds later (cry-laughing emoji, three times) 

Ren: we need to talk to the boss about this guy this is ridiculous

Kyoko: (eye roll) he’s an idiot but idk if he’d do anything serious

Ren: he KIDNAPPED YOU

Kyoko: …okay when u put it like that

Ren: seriously though, are you okay?

Kyoko: yeah im fine this is funny now

Kyoko: it’s not like he hit me again

Ren: what

Kyoko swore quietly. She’d forgotten that he didn’t know about that incident during early Dark Moon.

Kyoko: uh remember that cut i had on my cheek when we were filming dark moon

Ren: I’m going to kill him

Kyoko: not allowed. I can’t defeat him in showbiz if you kill him

Kuon switched to messaging her privately.

Kuon: HE HIT YOU???

Kyoko: yeah i was telling him to stand up to the beagles and he got pissed

Kyoko: so i set grudge spirits on him

Kuon: we’re definitely talking to boss. This can’t go on. If i’d known sooner i wouldve done more

Kyoko: (eye roll) he’s just an idiot

Kuon: he hit you, stalks you, and kidnapped you

Kuon: you’re lucky i just want to tell boss and not mom or dad

Kyoko: ?

Kuon: they would eviscerate him and wreck any chance of his career  

Kyoko: again, i want to defeat him in showbiz and i can’t do that if outside forces do it for me

Kuon: he would deserve it

Kyoko: meh. 

Kuon: (picture of Baarnaby glaring into the camera)

Kyoko: you’re right baarnaby i should go to bed

Kuon: that’s not what i meant but okay. We can talk more in the morning. Love you

Kyoko: (heart and sheep emojis)

Back in the group chat, the next morning: 

Moko: girl wtf at this point u need a restraining order

Chiorin: yeah it’s gotten way out of hand

Ren: pack vote, majority rule. We talk to boss.

Kyoko: it’s not that big of a deal but fine, majority rule. 

(Kuu and Julie would, in fact, find out about Shotaro’s crimes, but not until they were back in the States and Lory was well on his way to handling it. For now, they were allowed to continue their blissful family time.) 

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Lory sat smugly in his most dramatic office chair, waiting for Ren and Kyoko to arrive. Ren had texted him early that morning, asking for a meeting. Obviously, his children had finally realized that it was time to tell him that they were courting. So when they entered, he greeted them with his usual dramatics -- wailing tearlessly about them not telling him.

“Not the time, boss.” Ren plopped down into the seat across from him. “This isn’t about that, anyway.”

“But what could be more important than your grand love story?”

“Kyoko has a stalker.”

Lory dropped his dramatics instantly, straightening up and looking at Kyoko, who was hovering awkwardly a few steps behind Ren. “Mogami-kun, is this true?”

“I don’t know that I’d say he’s a stalker ,” she hedged. Her discomfort was obvious in her scent. 

“He showed up at your place at two in the morning to scream at you.” 

“Come sit, Mogami-kun,” Lory said. “Do you know this person’s identity?”

She sighed and did as she was bid. “Yes, president. It’s Shotaro.”

“Known better as Fuwa Sho,” Ren added, voice dripping with contempt. 

That pinged something in Lory’s memory. “When you joined here, you said you wanted revenge on him -- to catch up with him.”

She shrank in her seat, embarrassed. “...Yeah.”

“I take it there’s… more to this story. Why don’t we start from the beginning?”

Her shoulders slumped. “Well, my mother left me in his parents’ care permanently when I was six. We grew up together. I was hopelessly infatuated with him, and thought he was my prince. He was my only human friend, so I really didn’t have any other options.”

Ren understood why she specified human friend. After all, fairies weren’t human.

“As we grew up, he started pulling away from me. I pretended not to see it. He was all I had. I did my best in school and at the ryokan so I wouldn’t be a burden to his parents… especially after I presented as an alpha, instead of the omega they’d wanted me to be.” She dropped her head, her hair coming to shade her eyes. “When we graduated middle school, Sho asked me to come to Tokyo with him so he could pursue his dreams. He said he couldn’t do it alone.” 

Lory was uncharacteristically silent.

“So of course I said yes. And it was… fine, at first. I worked as many part-time jobs as I could get, and he went from agency to agency pitching his songs. He started coming back to the apartment less and less, and was colder and colder to me. Eventually he would only stay if I got him pudding.” She gave a small, humorless laugh here. 

Kuon reached out and put a hand on her leg, offering comfort. She put her hand over his, squeezing.

“Then one day we had an argument -- funnily enough, he was pissed that Ren was number one in a poll where he was number seven, that was the catalyst. I tried to take him fast food the next day when I got off work to make up for it. I came in on him talking to his manager. He was straddling her lap, talking about how he’s never go for some boring, plain alpha like me. That he only wanted the best omegas… and how he’d only brought me here as a maid.” Again, she let out that horrible, humorless laugh. “So the only friend I’d had… didn’t even think of me as a friend. Just someone to be used.”

Kuon was fuming. He’d known Sho was an asshole -- a bastard of the highest degree. But this? No wonder Kyoko had been so dead-set on revenge when she’d fought to join LME. 

She swallowed. “And then when I yelled at him, he just laughed and had me thrown out of the building. Like he did after he hit me after the Japonet Scope filming.” She shook her head. “Sorry, that’s a little ahead --”

“No, let’s talk about it now.” Lory was more serious than she’d ever seen him. Even his scent had shifted. “He hit you?”

“I mean, I was kind of aggravating him, because I was telling him off for letting the Beagles steal his music --”

“That does not give him the right to hurt you.” Scorched tea filled the room. 

She flinched. “It -- he did apologize. Later.”

“Tell him the rest,” Kuon prompted. 

“Well, there was the Vai-- Valentine’s Day fiasco.” She let out a sigh that would’ve had Maria scolding her, taking her hand off of Kuon’s to bury her face in her hands. “He thought I was dating the Beagle, when really that denizen of hell was blackmailing me into making him chocolate --”

“Who?”

“Reino. Lead singer of a visual kei band.” Even thinking of that monster had cornflower fury stirring. 

“--which he should’ve known I wouldn’t do after what that bastard tried to do in Karuizawa. How bad it all looked, and how I chose not to say anything so it wouldn’t tarnish Dark Moon --”

“We are circling back to this man as well.” 

“Yes, president. Um, anyway, because he thought I was dating that vile beast, he shoved chocolate in my mouth and then fished it out with his tongue. Like an anteater.”

“He forced a kiss on her,” Kuon translated. 

He took a deep breath. “And you’re only telling me this now?” 

“I -- didn’t think it was important.” She scuffed the toe of her shoe on the floor. “It was just Sho being a jerk.” 

“Mogami-kun, that’s sexual assault.” 

“He also kidnapped her recently,” Kuon added.

“And why was I not informed of this?”

“...because I didn’t think it was that serious,” she mumbled. 

“He handcuffed your ankle and forced you into a car.”

“He just wanted to call me a slut for letting you dress me up. He wasn’t taking me somewhere weird, just to TBM.” She rolled her eyes. “This isn’t a huge deal. He’s not dangerous. He’s just an idiot.”

“Mogami-kun.” He waited until she looked at him. “Is there more?”

“...I’ve had to block him multiple times because he keeps getting my phone number and calling me at all hours of the night.” 

“And?” Kuon prompted.

“And last night he showed up at the Daruma-ya to collect on the deal he forced me to make.” At the look on Lory’s face, she elaborated, “The same day he with the car thing, he pinned my hands above my head in the parking lot and made me promise that I ever fell in love with Tsuruga Ren, I’d go back to his family’s ryokan and work there forever.” Then she smiled. “But he didn’t realize there was a loophole, so I don’t have to. And taisho scared him away with his big knife.”

“How did he find where you lived?” 

“Well, when I met with my mother to get my passport papers, she contacted his parents to let them know where we were, and they told him to go check on me.” 

“Alright, Mogami-kun. Let me repeat this so I can make sure I have the facts correct.” He steepled his fingers in front of him. “This ex-childhood friend of yours used you for personal gain, had you thrown out of buildings, hit you, sexually assaulted you, abducted you, repeatedly gained your phone number to harass you, and then showed up at your home in the middle of the night to force you to adhere to a promise you made under duress?”

She shrank in her seat. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

“It is bad,” Kuon said, cornflower fury threatening to choke her senses.

“Ren.” When he looked at him, he continued, “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You may leave us for now.”

“But --”

“Go.”

He ran his wrist over Kyoko’s shoulder as he stood and turned to leave. “I’ll be outside.” 

She nodded. He’s going to fire me, isn’t he? Stupid Shotaro, ruining everything….

When the door had closed, Lory looked at her. “How would you like to handle this, Mogami-kun?”

“I don’t think anything needs to be done, president.” She dared to meet his gaze. “Sho’s just an idiot. He’ll get over this the next time something catches his attention.” 

He shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s not an option.” 

“I just… I want him to leave me alone.” She hugged herself. “I don’t want to deal with him anymore.” 

“Then I’ll make some calls.” He offered her a reassuring smile. “And the other one you mentioned -- Reino?”

She shook her head. “He won’t come near me as long as Ren’s around. And since we’re pack now, he’ll smell him on me and run. He’s scared of him.” 

“Very well.” I’ll make my own investigations, then. “You may go. I will let you know once we have results.”

“Thank you, president.” She stood and bowed.

“And Mogami-kun… congratulations. I look forward to this next chapter in your story.”

She blushed, but dipped another bow before scurrying off. 

Lory watched the door closed, then dialed the number for the president of Akatoki. This would not stand. 

LINE BREAK 

Kuon hugged Kyoko as soon as she closed the door to Lory’s office behind her. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I know that was hard. But he needed to know.”

“I guess….” She returned the hug. “I just… he’s an asshole, but he was the only family I had for a long, long time.” 

“I’m sorry, princess.” Her held her tighter. “But you have a better family now -- one that really, really loves you. You have our pack, and Mom and Dad. Not to mention Maria-chan.” 

She sniffed, trying hard not to cry. 

“And I’m sorry for being so harsh with you at first, when you were joining LME.” 

“Don’t be.” She looked up at him. “I’d be the same way now, if I met someone with those reasons, now that I love acting.”

He leaned down, stepping back just enough to scent her. “Still. You’ve been through enough.” 

She tilted her neck to give him better access. “I wouldn’t change it. I told you that in Guam.” 

He pressed a kiss to her neck before he straightened up again. “Then let’s get this day rolling.” 

“Yes!” 

LINE BREAK

Later, when she entered the LoveMe room, she found a letter stuck to her locker with a magnet. She could smell who it was from before she even saw Kuon’s handwriting. She opened it carefully, not wanting to rip the envelope. 

Kyoko my love,

I know you said that you wouldn’t change how your life has been, because it led you to where you are now. But please know that I wish I could take away the pain, even if it altered our paths. Because I know we would still find each other. Every path leads me back to you.

I’m here for you, always. 

Love, 

Kuon

P.S. This one’s until I can get you a real one.

She furrowed her brow as she read the postscript until she realized there was something else in an envelope. She shook it out into her hand.

It was a ring, just the right size for her pinky finger. The metal was silvery (platinum, but she didn’t know that), and the gem was carved to look like a cornflower. When she moved it, it caught the light, and she realized it was the same type of stone that he’d given her the first time he’d played Corn for her. Tears sprang to her eyes as she slipped it on -- a perfect fit. 

She clutched the letter to her chest, breathing in the scent of cornflowers. This is going in my box of treasures.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: I got your letter (heart emojis)

Kyoko: and the gift. It’s beautiful (picture of cornflower ring on her pinky finger)

Kuon: yay, it fits!

Kuon: i was guessing based on memory of your hands

Kyoko: (blushing emojis)

Kuon: how are you doing?

Kyoko: good, I’m waiting for your mom. She said to meet her in the LoveMe room at two

Kuon: have fun! (heart emoji)

Kyoko: (heart emoji)

LINE BREAK

“You’re leaving?” Kyoko asked, doing her damndest not to whimper. 

“I don’t want to, either, darling, but I have work.” Julie sniffled, clearly holding back tears. “As does Kuu. We have to go back tomorrow.” 

“Oh… I understand.” And she did, even if it hurt. Work was important. “I’ll miss you.”

She lost the fight with her tear ducts as she flung her arms around Kyoko. “I’ll miss you, too! You have to promise to call. Or we’ll call you. No silence from you kids this time.” 

Kyoko nodded, hugging her hard in return. That night, she made them each a sheep -- and after scenting them both, arranged for Kuon to do the same. When Kuu and Julie received these from their kids at the airport, there were floods of tears anew. 

LINE BREAK

In the pack group chat:

Ren: hey remember that fantasy series i told u about with the bodyguard

Kyoko: !!! 

Kyoko: yes

Ren: here’s the details link

Kyoko: (excited face) oooh, Moko, Chiorin, you should try out too!!!

Moko: i’ll audition

Chiorin: yeah it looks cool

Kyoko: thank you for telling us about it!!!! (heart emoji)  

LINE BREAK

Sho kicked a chair of the meeting room he’d been left in. That bitch. The president of Akatoki had called him and Shoko into a meeting first thing this morning. Normally, those meetings were good things -- like the one he’d had recently for congratulations on his record-breaking album. But this one….

“I am disgusted by this behavior,” the president had said. “Do you realize that LME could sue?”

He’d had all sorts of photos and even some video evidence, pulled from security cameras and devoid of context. Plus they had some of the voicemails he’d left Kyoko -- she must’ve ratted him out. 

“This is harassment.” The president had read off a list of how many times he’d called Kyoko after the time she’d let Tsuruga dress her up. “You’re lucky I managed to talk LME’s president down.”

So he was to go completely no-contact with Kyoko, on threat of legal action from LME. Fine by him. If she wanted to be a lying whore, then he’d let her dig that grave all on her own. And when she inevitably came crawling back, he wouldn’t even acknowledge her. That’s what they wanted, after all. They were setting Kyoko up to fail. 

So he would let her burn without him. 

LINE BREAK

Kuon: hey i just realized

Kuon: I never apologized for our first date getting interrupted

Kyoko: no worries! This happened the first time, too, remember? (winky face)

Kuon’s heart stuttered. She only ever winked as Setsu. So she counted that shopping date as a real date, too -- it wasn’t just him.

Kyoko: we’ll just have to try again (heart)

Kuon: I’d love to

LINE BREAK

Kyoko stretched her fingers. They hurt from all the sewing she’d been doing. Maybe someday, when she was more established as an actress, she’d buy a sewing machine. Still, it was worth it. She bounced excitedly on the balls of her feet as the elevator took her up to Kuon’s apartment. She really hoped he liked it. 

Blushing, she let herself in with the key he’d given her recently. His reasoning had been that the paparazzi had been swarming his building since he’d confirmed in an interview that he was courting someone, and that he didn’t want her getting cornered. She’d not been able to argue with that -- she wanted to protect his reputation as much as he wanted to protect her. 

“Hello,” she called into the apartment. It was empty; Kuon would be home in about forty minutes. She shivered. It felt so cold in here without him. She switched out her shoes for her usual slippers and padded towards his room. Maybe I’ll borrow a sweater.  

Which is why Kuon found her, forty minutes later, wearing one of his sweaters and asleep in his nest. He scratched his head, not sure what to do. He wanted to crawl in there with her and sleep until morning. But he had take-out sitting on the living room table, and knew she’d be upset if they missed dinner. So with immense self-control, he gently stroked her face to wake her 

She let out a sleepy little purr and leaned into his hand. “Kuon?” 

“Hi,” he whispered. “I brought dinner. Do you want to eat?” 

“Yeah,” she hummed. 

And because he could, he scooped her up and carried her out to the living room, where he had the food set out on the low table. “I got you your favorite.”

She made no effort to move from his lap as he sat down at the table. “You’re spoiling me.”

He pressed a kiss into her hair and pulled the hamburg steak with eggs so that both boxes were on their side of the table. “You deserve it.”

After they’d eaten, she finally gathered the strength to leave his lap long enough to get his present. “I made you something.” 

“You didn’t have to,” he said, but his scent betrayed his excitement as she handed him a bag. He opened it to find an incredibly soft t-shirt. There was an embroidered sheep peeking out of the front pocket. More specifically, Shep was peeking out of the front pocket. He buried his face in it, huffing her scent. 

“Do you like it?” she asked, wanting to crawl back into his embrace. 

He lowered the shirt away from his face and tugged her back into his lap. “I love it. I’m going to wear it everywhere.” 

“You don’t have to wear it in public -- I know it doesn’t fit your usual style. I just thought it would be a good pajama shirt.” 

“No, I’m going to.”

And he did. The media started guessing that he was dating an up-and-coming fashion designer -- after all, why else would he change his style so drastically?

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Kyoko took a deep, steadying breath. It was time for the audition for the bodyguard-princess role. She just needed to not mess this up, and she could play not only a nice character, but a princess. She just needed. To not. Mess this up.

She popped open her locket and took a calming sniff of cornflowers. She snapped it shut and squared her shoulders. I can do this.

“Kyouko-san,” called one of the workers. “Please step into the audition room now.” 

“Yes!” She stood and did as she was bid, walking primly but silently into the room. She’d dressed for the occasion -- leggings and a tunic-like top, and her most comfortable yet presentable sneakers. She thought they fit the character of Camellia well. She was familiar with the scenes they’d be doing today, as she’d been given them to read in the waiting room. Admittedly, some of her nervousness came from the fact that this would be her first acting kiss. Well, aside from when she’d played a priestess for Corn. Her first professional acting kiss.

Her jaw dropped when she saw who was sitting on the panel of judges. Kuon. He didn’t tell me he was in this! She snapped her mouth shut again, more determined than ever to win this role. I want to act with him again.  

Kuon, for his part, was trying very hard to not let his excitement show in his scent. Kyoko was their final auditioner for this role, and frankly, he’d not been wowed by any of the other actresses. Granted, he was wildly biased, but it was still true. He just hoped she’d forgive him not mentioning that he was in this. He forced himself to focus as the director, having greeted Kyoko and asked some initial questions, called for them to start the first scene.

Kyoko picked up the prop knife, flicking it a couple times to get a feel for the weight, then spinning it in her hand for good measure. Nodding, she tucked it away. Kuon, having caught the movements, raised his eyebrows. Those lessons with Uesugi-san really paid off.

He sat down on the chair in the center of the makeshift set. “There must be some mistake,” he said, pretending to look up from her letter of introduction.” He was close enough to smell her pine. 

Her back was as ramrod-straight as ever; her expression polite. “I don’t believe there has been a mistake.” 

He raised a skeptical eyebrow. “You cannot be more than… what, sixteen?”

“Seventeen, your Highness.” She kept her voice prim. 

“Please inform the duke that next time he wants to prank me, he needs to hire someone who at least looks the part,” he said, rolling his eyes. “A teenage girl? Really, I’m not that stupid.”

And just like it was scripted, she pursed her lips for just a second. Then she smoothly rebutted him, leading to a very polite argument on Camellia’s side. At least, it was polite, until he doubted her abilities one too many times, mocking her. 

So she punched him (not really, she pulled it), then pivoted enough to land another strike on his side. As scripted, the prince, Maximilian, tumbled back. Camellia then stepped around him, delivering further punches and a nice kick, forcing him backwards into the chair.

And then suddenly, she was looming over him, the prop knife at his throat. He understood the prince’s feelings perfectly in that moment, as he’d not been so turned on since the last time she put her teeth in his neck. He barely managed to mumble out the line: “P-Point taken.” 

“CUT!” called the director, and Kyoko leapt back, the prop knife safely tucked into a hidden pocket once again. “Okay, let’s run the second scene.”

Cornflower happiness reached Kyoko’s nose, and she glanced at him. What he knew that she didn’t was that only two other actresses had been asked to do the second scene. 

In this scene, Camellia was enlightened to the fact that she was the prince’s True Love by her long-suffering mentor, the Duke. While Kuon pretended to drown his misery in punch on the other side of the set, convinced that he’d never be with his beloved, the director read the Duke’s lines, arguing with Camellia that there was no reason that she couldn’t be the prince’s True Love.

After that conversation, Kyoko-as-Camellia sat for a few long moments, her body language showing how deeply she was thinking about what she’d just learned. Then she stood and walked determinedly across the set.

Kuon-as-Maximillian sighed when he saw her approaching, thinking her to be coming to him with another idea to Find His True Love Who Definitely Wasn’t Her. “Cam, I’m really not in the mood --”

She cut him off, stopping right in front of him. “I regret to inform you that your True Love is a dumbass.” And then in one swift movement, she grabbed the lapels of his shirt, tugged him down, and kissed him. 

He couldn’t help it. He melted into the kiss, his hands just coming up to cup her face, when --

She pulled back, nodded sharply, and walked off set. 

“Good!” called the director. 

Kuon gave himself a little shake, trying to switch back into Ren-mode. It wasn’t until the director had dismissed Kyoko and called him back over to discuss their options that he was able to do so. 

“So we have three real options,” the director said. She, the casting director, and a few other Important People began to discuss the three actresses who had been asked to do the second scene. Ren remained quiet unless prompted. He didn’t want to influence this too much -- he knew she deserved the role, and didn’t want her to think that she only got the role because they were courting. 

“But really,” the director said, at length, “I think the last option was the best. She was excellent in the bit of action we saw, and she appears to have the best chemistry with Ren-san. Even if her past roles were more villainous, I believe she has what we’re looking for."

There were murmurs of agreement. 

“Alright, then. Kyouko-san will be our Camellia.” 

He couldn’t help the cornflower happiness that escaped. He was just glad his scent blockers dulled it for all but the most acute noses. 

LINE BREAK

Kuon: they’re gonna tell you tomorrow but

Kyoko: ?

Kuon: you got the role

Kyoko: !!!!!!!!!

LINE BREAK

Kuon paced in his apartment, thinking hard. He wanted to get his alpha a present to congratulate her on landing the role -- her first lead role. A role that, given a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, could very well be the next big stepping stone in her career. He was incredibly proud of her -- the director hadn’t seriously considered any of the other actresses. He’d worked with that director before; he’s known from the moment she asked Kyoko to run the second scene that she’d chosen her. So he wanted to get her something to celebrate. But what?

He couldn’t very well get her clothes. Mom had taken care of that (and was planning to send the LoveMe girls her hand-me-downs, tailored to their measurements -- she was both incredibly doting and shared her father’s passion for polishing talent). Plus, after the red bottom situation, she was unlikely to accept anything wearable from him.

And his parents had paid off her school debts -- not that she’d found out yet. He was sure she’d be incredibly flustered about it when she went to make her next payment, only to find out that it wasn’t needed. So that was out, too (not that she would’ve let him in the first place). 

He had yet to see her nest, so he didn’t know if she needed any blankets or plushies -- though knowing her, she probably had the best, most comfortable nest ever. Slowing to a stop, he lost himself in imagining said nest, drenched in pine, until he remembered that taisho lived in the same building and would probably castrate him if he so much as entered her room. 

He started pacing again. Maybe he could do something for her instead of buying her something. But what? They’d already gone to Dayjoweyland (though it got interrupted)... though he was sure she wouldn’t mind going again. But with how busy their schedules were about to be, he doubted they’d be able to get another whole day off together. Not even Yashiro was that much of a miracle worker. 

Maybe he could take her somewhere nice, give her an excuse to wear one of the cocktail dresses Mom was going to send her. But then he’d have to wait for the dresses to arrive, and he was impatient. So that was out. 

He growled. Why was this so hard? He just wanted to do something nice for his mate -- future mate, he reminded himself. Wait. Future mate… he knew one of the qualifications for Kyoko’s future mate. 

He groaned. This was not going to be fun to prepare. 

LINE BREAK

“So what is it that you’re so excited to show me?” Kyoko asked as Kuon ushered her into his apartment. Then she sniffed the air. “Did you get take-out?”

He shook his head, nervous cornflowers swirling. “In here.”

She followed him into the kitchen, which was a certifiable disaster area, save for the island counter. There, sitting in the only clean spot, were two plates of hamburg steak with fried egg on top. “Did… did you make this?”

“I did. I’ve been practicing.” He winced, thinking about all the practice rounds he’d had for dinner recently. “I hope you like it. Congratulations on landing the role, princess.”

Her lip wobbled. “Kuon….”

Shit. “Please don’t cry! I know it looks bad, but I promise you don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it!”

She threw her arms around him. “I love it, Kuon. Thank you.” He cooked for me. He learned how to make my favorite food. For ME.  

He returned the embrace, chuckling with relief. “Don’t say that ‘til you’ve tried it.”

She gave a watery giggle and pulled back enough to look up at him. “Okay. Let’s eat.” 

The hamburg steak was a little under-seasoned, and the eggs were a little overcooked, but it was perfect . She whispered as much to him later, when they were snuggled up in his nest. He responded by having Shep kiss her cheek. 

LINE BREAK

Kyoko: (sobbing emoji, three times)

Moko: what happened

Kyoko: (sobbing emoji, but larger)

Moko: do i need to kill someone

Chiorin: murder?

Kyoko: noooo no murder, happy tears

Chiorin: boo

Chiorin: what then

Kyoko: he LEARNED how to COOK hamburg steak with eggggggggggggggg

Moko: congrats he’s not as much of a manchild

Kyoko: that’s so mean moko 

Kyoko: he put a lot of effort into something he doesn’t care about at all. Bc he knew it would make me happy (crying emoji)

Moko: yes congratulations you two are disgustingly adorable

Chiorin: you really are

Moko: have u heard anything else about the other auditions for the fantasy series

Kyoko: not yet, they’re doing the king and queen auditions first. And the duke i think

Moko: ah ok

Chiorin: it was really lucky that uesugi-sensei invited all of us to learn fighting and weaponry

Kyoko: it was!!! I should make him something in thanks

Kyoko: moko what would hiou like

Moko: why hiou if you want to thank sensei

Kyoko: bc he’s a doting grandfather and a gift to his grandson is a better gift than a gift to him

Chiorin: oh tru

Kyoko: oh i’ve got it, i can make hiou-kun a moko charm! (grinning emoji)

Moko: don’t u dare, that’s creepy

Moko: why don’t we just send sensei thank you notes

Kyoko: oh i did that already

Kyoko: should i send another one?

Chiorin: nah i think ur good, we can just send ours

Kyoko: okay (heart emoji) i gtg, ttyl!

Chiorin: byeee

Moko: c u later

LINE BREAK

Ren opened the door to his apartment to find not Kyoko, but Chiori and Kanae standing there. “Oh.”

“Yes, we know you’re disappointed, she texted that her shoot ran over and she’ll be like twenty minutes late.” Kanae rolled her eyes as she breezed past him, shucking off her shoes and grabbing a pair of guest slippers. Not Kyoko’s, because those had little crowns on them, but the normal ones next to them. 

“You’ll have to survive without her company for a little while longer.” Chiori grinned teasingly, then did the same, grabbing also not-Kyoko’s-slippers. 

“I am not completely reliant on her,” he replied, shutting the door behind them.

They exchanged a look. “Completely being the key word,” Chiori laughed. “You still report all your meals to her.” 

“Please, that’s just an excuse to text her.” Kanae led the way into the living room, where the girls settled on the couch. 

Ren lowered himself into the chair. There was no bite behind their words. It felt… comfortable, somehow. “Can you blame me?” 

“Nah.” Chiori leaned back against the couch. “I mean, you’re not the one wearing LoveMe pink because you wanted to learn from her. So I guess you’re not her biggest simp.” 

“Excuse me?” How dare she! Of course I am!

Kanae snorted. “Try smelling any less offended.” 

“Level: impossible,” she cackled. “Though you did somehow convince her to let you buy her red bottoms. So like, maybe you win this round.”

“Please, I’d bet anything he bought them without her knowing the price.” She rolled her eyes. “There’s no way she would’ve allowed it.” 

He looked away guiltily. 

“Told you.” 

Chiori laughed. “Dude, did you get in trouble when she figured it out?” 

“When you told her, you mean,” he grumbled. She’d talked his ear off about the dangers of his spendthrift habits over breakfast one morning in Guam. It was absolutely not effective. In fact, it had taught him that spending a stupid amount of money was a guaranteed way to get her attention on him (even if she was a little annoyed). Plus, she did genuinely like the gifts. She’d told him as much. And what was the point of being a famous actor if he couldn’t spend his hard-earned money on things for his partner?

…He was turning into his parents. Eh, he could do worse. 

“Y’know, maybe you’re right, dude. You are the biggest Kyoko-simp.” She grinned. “You do keep a frilly apron in your kitchen for her.”

“Not to mention the fancy house slippers that no one else is allowed to use.” 

“Oh, oh! And he’s still stealing her hair ties. Even though she scents stuff for him like, every day.” 

“Seriously?” 

He looked away guiltily again, making them both laugh. 

“It’s fine in the end,” Kanae said with practiced carelessness. “She’s happy.” And that’s good enough for me. Even if it means I have to put up with this wet sack of a man.

Kuon didn’t hear the following conversation, too happy to get confirmation that he was getting a good grade in being Kyoko’s partner. 

“I’m telling her you said that.”

“Don’t you dare --” she said, turning on Chiori. Smug mint warred with furious lavender. 

“Ooh, she’s gonna be insufferable ,” she giggled. 

“I will end you .” 

He heard the key turning in the door and was out of his seat and down the hall before Chiori could craft a reply. They laughed but he didn’t give a damn. His packmates were all bark, no bite. And they all cared about Kyoko, which is why they got along. 

Speaking of Kyoko, she was here . “Hi,” he said, leaning down to scent her before she could even take off her shoes. “I missed you.”

“Ren!” she squeaked. Then she leaned into his scenting, almost purring. “I missed you, too.” 

“Didn’t you dorks see each other yesterday? ” Kanae called from the living room. 

“For like two minutes!” Kyoko called back, pouting audibly. 

“Sickeningly cute.” Chiori shared a fond, exasperated look with Kanae. “How has she not graduated LoveMe yet?”

“Because the president’s a sadist, probably,” she replied, now scrolling through a script on her phone. 

“Now that is true,” Ren said, as the two finally joined the rest of the pack. 

Kyoko settled into Ren’s lap as the pack settled into a delightful evening of swapping stories of Lory’s absurdities. 

LINE BREAK

Kuon, being blessed with above average looks, had never had to try to flirt quite so hard as he had with Kyoko. Even now that they were courting, she still didn’t get his usual comments. So he was trying a different tactic: taking an interest in food. Because she loved food. 

Kuon: what’s your favorite vegetable

Kyoko: (thinking emoji) that’s a hard question

Kyoko: so many good options

Kyoko: maybe carrots. They’re very versatile, and can work in both sweet and savory dishes. Plus they’re very good for u!

Kyoko: what’s yours?

Kuon: i was hoping u would say corn (winky face)

Kyoko: i mean that’s also tasty

Kyoko: (smiley face)

Kuon did not know if she understood her own innuendo or not. To distract himself, he started researching recipes that used carrots. 

Chapter Text

The public was, to put it gently, frothing at the fucking mouth about Tsuruga Ren courting someone. Less because he was courting someone (though there was definitely a sector of his fanbase that wanted to maul her), and more because, as far as they could tell, he was the Best Partner. (And to be fair to him, he was definitely trying his best!)

It started when the paparazzi snapped pictures of him in a flower shop, carefully sniffing various flowers. He was trying to figure out which one wouldn’t be too strong for her sensitive nose. He eventually gave up and just got her some cornflowers, with the reasoning being that he knew that she liked this scent. After all, she liked him. So the flowers he smelled like would be fine. It wasn’t because he wanted a way to make her room smell like him. That didn’t even cross his mind and he would be offended if you asked.  

The public, upon seeing him spend time to pick flowers for his courting partner, immediately proclaimed him the Ideal Partner. Because the public is crazy.

So when he was spotted at a grocery store, poring over different foods while consulting a recipe on her phone, the public absolutely lost their minds. Especially when the fan who had seen him (and received the requested selfie) received confirmation that he was planning to cook for his partner. This would have been more of a problem for Yashiro had Ren, idiot in love, not forgotten to tone down his smile when talking about Kyoko. The fan almost disintegrated and was stuck, frozen to the spot, unable to move until long after Ren had found his ingredients and checked out. The fan then went on social media to report on (read: scream about) how smitten Ren was with his mystery partner.

And then there was the interview. Oh gods, the interview.

“Sooo,” the interviewer said, leaning forward with a grin, “I know you’re keeping your love’s identity private, but what have you learned about yourself from dating her?”

“Oh, I’m learning how to cook,” Ren replied earnestly.

There was a beat of awkward silence. “To cook?” the interviewer repeated.

“Yes, I’m not very good yet, but I’m trying.” He gave an awkward half-smile, one so different from his usual public smile that the interviewer’s heart skipped a beat. “Proper nutrition is very important to her. I want to make sure to be able to be a reliable partner.”

“Wow, that’s very sweet of you.” 

He gave another awkward little smile. “Well, she’s not really one to care as much about material things. Don’t get me wrong -- she’s very grateful -- but presents don’t mean as much to her as when I cook for her.” He laughed a bit ruefully, then said, “She actually tries to get me to not spend my ‘hard-earned money,’” he did air quotes, “on her.”

“Wow, this girl doesn’t seem real! Don’t most people like to get presents?” The interviewer leaned forward conspiratorially. “Are you sure it’s not some sort of front?”

The smile dropped from his face entirely. Even with his scent blockers, the interviewer could smell his anger. “I would appreciate,” he said coldly, “if you didn’t make such comments about my future mate.” 

“I-I’m sorry,” the interviewer said, leaning back reflexively. “I did not realize it was that serious.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Ah… well, those are my intentions. But we’ve not been officially courting for very long.”

“When did you start courting?” she asked, eager to keep him talking (and not glaring). 

“I’d like to keep that information private for now.” He gave her a smile that swiftly ended that line of questioning. 

“Ah, then you have to at least tell us -- was that sheep shirt from her?”

He grinned then, openly. “It was. She made it for me.”

“Oh, how sweet. You really seem to love it.”

“I do. It’s incredibly comfortable, too.”

“So, where can we buy her designs? Is she releasing anything for the upcoming season?” This really seemed to confirm the public’s theory about his partner being a fashion designer.

“She’s not planning to release anything at this time. She’s currently focused on furthering her education.” 

The interview continued from there with Ren talking about upcoming projects. When this interview aired, Kyoko received a message.

Moko: u alive

Kyoko: nO

Kanae followed the trail of embarrassed pine from LA Hearts to the LoveMe room, where she found a beet-red Kyoko curled up in a corner. She snapped a picture and sent it.

Kotonami: look what u did (picture attached)

Tsuruga: I didn’t mean to embarrass her… I know I came on a little strong. Do you think she can forgive me?

Tsuruga: should i get her something to make up for it?

Kotonami: y r u like this

Tsuruga: ive never had a relationship with feelings before, idk what im doing. Cut me some slack

Kanae: u 2 are such a mess

Aloud, she said to Kyoko, “Can you just like… accept affection?”

“HOW?” came the anguished wail from the corner.

She scoffed. “You think I’m the person to ask? I don’t know, but you can start by not hiding in a corner about it.”

Kyoko twisted just far enough to give her best friend the saddest, wettest look possible. 

Kanae sighed. “Or we ignore it for now and do LoveMe work.”

“I can do that.” She stood and walked over to join Kanae at the table. 

“Yay, repression.” She gave a sarcastic little wave of her hand. 

LINE BREAK

Several hours later, when Kyoko and Kanae were coming back from delivering some paperwork, they found the LoveMe room inhabited by one sad, wet cornflower-smelling man. While Kyoko and Ren stood there awkwardly, blushing at each other, Kanae sighed heavily, shut the door, and plopped down on the couch to text Chiori.

Kanae: okay this is minute four of them Standing There and blushing at each other over the interview

Chiori: lmao

Kanae: i refuse to break the silence because they have to learn somehow

It took another two minutes before Kyoko cracked, diving into a dogeza, wailing, “I’m sorry! I don’t know how to handle this!”

Ren caught her shoulders, stopping her dogeza, apologizing as well. “No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I should’ve asked first before talking about any of this --”

Kanae: they’ve broken the silence and are now apologizing all over each other

Chiori: why is kyoko apologizing

Kanae: bc she’s kyoko and that’s her default

Chiroi: girl needs therapy

Kanae: don’t we all

Kanae: okay no im intervening this is so cringe

“Can you two relax, please?” she stood, walked towards them, and pointed at the couch. “Sit.” 

Kyoko let out a sad little whimper as she did so. Ren followed immediately. 

“Okay, you’re both bad at this because you’re new at it. Can you please stop apologizing to each other about this?”

They then started apologizing to her.

“Okay, stop. You,” she pointed at Kyoko, “are being dumb and need to learn how to accept affection without dying on the floor. You,” she pointed at Ren, “are being dumb because yeah, you should’ve asked before talking about her in an interview. You’re building up the public’s expectations of her to an unreasonable level.”

The cornflower confusion in the air said that he clearly did not agree.

Deep breaths, Kanae. “Okay, look. I don’t care enough. Can you two just have any amount of chill about each other?”

“I’m chill,” he protested.

“You have never once been chill in her presence.”

“No, he’s very calm during nest time!” Kyoko protested.

“He steals your hair ties. ” She closed her eyes to prevent herself from rolling them. “Okay, you know what? I’m done for today. Bye.” She left, leaving them confused but with the tension broken. They would later have a discussion with a long-suffering Yashiro about what should and shouldn’t be shared in interviews.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko twirled in front of the mirror, then fluffed her hair anxiously. She was wearing the sundress Mom had bought her -- the one with daisies on it -- and had done her makeup. She was also going to wear her Natsu heels today. Because today, she was going to go have a nest session with her courting partner, and she had realized something: She was allowed to want to look cute.

This was only reinforced when she sent a picture of her outfit to the girls’ group chat.

Kyoko: is this too much, do i look okay for nest time

Chiorin: oooh the sundress hizuri-san got u!!! Looks good!

Moko: agreed. Also he’d like u in a potato sack so have some chill

Chiorin: maybe wear some shorts under the dress for easier nest time tho

Kyoko: way ahead of you! Thank you (heart emojis)

Kyoko: gtg i see his car pulling up outside

Moko: be safe

Kyoko: (flurry of heart emojis)

She hurried down the stairs, heels in one hand and bag in the other. She slipped her shoes on where the home ended and the restaurant began. Ren met her at the door, and his jaw dropped. 

“Hi!” She smiled up at him.

He re-hinged his jaw before speaking, and she couldn’t quite pinpoint the emotion he was giving off. “Wow . You look amazing.” 

“Thank you! I felt like dressing a little special today.” She ducked her head then, blushing at having admitted that. She looked up at him through her lashes. “It’s not… too much, is it?”

“I. Please don’t feel obligated, but -- I think you look incredible .” He had to stop himself from reaching for her. This was a public location, and more importantly, taisho was in the building. 

Then she looked up at him, full cutie-honey smile, and he lost the ability to think for several long moments. By the time he’d regained cognitive function, they were getting into his car. And that meant they were mere minutes from nest time. He drove as fast as he could without endangering the precious cargo in his passenger seat. 

As soon as his apartment door shut behind them, he wrapped his arms around her, ducking his head to breathe in her scent. Maybe it was just him, but she smelled extra good today -- or maybe it was just that she was so happy. 

Kyoko melted against him, not having even taken off her shoes yet. It was strange -- she’d only seen him a couple days prior, but it felt like it had been weeks since they’d been together last. She purred when he scented her, her arms coming to wrap around his, holding them in place. Not that he had any intention of moving them. Even when she toed out of her shoes and stepped into her house slippers, he didn’t let go of her. In fact, he only let go of her long enough to scoop her up in a princess carry and bring her to the nest.  

LINE BREAK

Kuon heaved a heavy sigh as he shut the door to his apartment behind him. This was his least favorite part of nest time -- coming back to his empty apartment after taking Kyoko home. At least he had the hoodie she’d returned (but not before shyly asking for the one he’d been wearing); he headed to his nest to put it on. Unfortunately, she’d washed it before giving it back to him, so it only vaguely smelled of pine. He let out a sad little while when he realized this. Still, slight pine was better than no pine, so he put his arm in the sleeve --

And found treasure.

He pulled out the piece of fabric, recognizing it as a t-shirt she’d worn during prior nest times. He was overwhelmed by the sudden, insane urge to stuff it in his mouth. To eat it, to keep something of hers as part of him forever. The taste of fabric on his tongue snapped him out of it, making him realize he was standing in his bedroom with his partner’s shirt hanging out of his mouth. And it also made him realize she would probably be a little bit upset if he ate her shirt. Mostly because shirts were not nutritious. 

So he slowly pulled the shirt out of his mouth and tucked it into his nest, right next to his pillow. It didn’t fully smell of pine, but it was hers, and that’s what mattered. 

In another part of Tokyo, Kyoko was curled up in her nest, wearing his hoodie. She was fast asleep with a smile on her face. 

LINE BREAK

The problem came when she was next in his nest and found the shirt. She picked it up, puzzled, and asked, “Where did you get this? I’ve been looking for this shirt.”

“It was in the sleeve of the hoodie,” he mumbled, not quite able to meet her eyes. “I -- I didn’t mean to keep it this long, but it… it smelled like you.” He glanced up at her, hoping she wasn’t mad.

Curse his big omega eyes. “I do need this shirt, though.” 

He glanced up at her again, pleading without words for her not to take it.

“...I’ll bring you another one, if you want?” 

That was met by an explosion of cornflower happiness.

So when Kyoko slipped him a sealed ziploc the next day at work, his imaginary tail was wagging a mile a minute. He could barely focus the rest of the day -- it was lucky that he was mainly doing modeling gigs, which meant that a glazed, faraway look was fine. 

When he got home, he didn’t even wait to take off his shoes. He immediately ripped the bag open and shoved his face into the fabric inside. 

Because this one, she’d slept in and not washed before giving it to him, meaning that it was soaked in the scent of pine. Of Kyoko . 

When he finally gathered his brain enough to make it to his nest, he collapsed into a pile of purring omega. The sheep were wonderful -- there was no doubting how fantastic the flock was -- but having her shirt was just different. It scratched some sort of primal itch in the back of his brain. The only way it would be better was if she was there in the nest with him. If his whole apartment, his whole life smelled like her. 

He buried his face in the shirt, daydreaming about her scenting him as deeply as she had when she’d played Setsu. Reliving those few moments when he felt like he belonged to her entirely. How safe and happy he felt, bathed in his alpha’s scent. He longed to experience that again someday, but knew -- knew that he would have to wait until she was ready to bite him. Until then, he’d content himself with this.

And maybe, just maybe, try not to eat the shirt.

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was being equally normal about having her partner’s clothes in her nest. Which is to say, not in the slightest. Which was fine until Kanae came over for some nest time, and almost touched the hoodie. 

And Kyoko had to stop herself from growling at her best friend. She caught herself in time -- and Kanae’s wrist. 

Kanae raised an eyebrow. “Why are you bright red?”

“No reason. But maybe don’t -- don’t touch that.” 

She bent far enough to sniff at it, then rolled her eyes. “You’ve got it bad.” She leaned over to another part of the nest and picked up another item of clothing. “I guess you won’t need my nightgown anymore, then.”

Which, of course, led to Kyoko tackling her to prevent her from removing any of her pack’s smells from her nest.

Chapter Text

I own nothing!

Kuon : (picture of Shep wrapped in Kyoko’s shirt) he stole it (sad emoji)

Kyoko: bad shep (laughing emoji) 

Kuon: (unintelligible emoji) At least Shep smells good now!

Kyoko: nooo did i forget to scent him last time?

Kuon: no, you did scent him, but i used him as a pillow so he lost his scent faster (sad emoji)

Kyoko tried very hard not to squeal at the thought of her partner using the sheep she’d gotten him as a pillow… and failed.

Kyoko: i’ll rescent him soon (smile)

Kuon: (heart emojis)

LINE BREAK

Kyoko was the first one to the meeting room for the cold read of the new show. After the nightmare that was Box R ’s cold read, she wasn’t taking any chances. Granted, given that she was co-starring with her partner, she wasn’t expecting as much drama, but she still wanted Swords (that was the working title) to go smoothly. So now, she just had to wait for the director and the rest of the cast.

Scritch-scratch scrabble-scritch.

Her head snapped over to the door. It sounded like something was trying to get in. Something with claws. She approached the door cautiously, sniffing. Whatever was on the other side of the door smelled… musky. She crinkled her nose. She’d never been a fan of musk. But it smelled frustrated, which was making the musk more intense. So she decided to open the door.

A large, fluffy raccoon sat back on its haunches and chittered up at her gratefully. 

She blinked down at it. “You’re… welcome?” 

Then it scurried into the room and jumped onto the table, right at the head. Not knowing what else to do, she returned to her seat. 

Kyoko: there’s a raccoon

Kuon: ????????

Kyoko: (image of raccoon at the table)

Kuon: ohhhh

Kyoko: wait do you know this raccoon

Kuon: i’ll explain when i get there, but dw you’re safe, she’s had all her shots

Kyoko: that is not as reassuring as you think it is

“POTATO!” The door slammed open again to reveal the director. Distressed garlic rolled off of her in waves. “What have I said about running off?” 

The raccoon (Potato, presumably) shrank a little and chittered at the director. 

“I know you’re excited, but that doesn’t mean you get to run off -- oh, Kyouko-san. Hello.” She bowed.

Kyoko stood and did the same. “Hello, Director Goto.”

“I hope this delinquent didn’t scare you.” She set her hand flat on the table. Potato scrambled up her arm to perch on her shoulder, chittering again. “Yes, I know. But that’s on creative decisions, we agreed that I deal with the people.” When Potato chittered further, she said, “No. We’re not talking about this here. Now drop it or no egg snackies tonight.” 

Kyoko did not know it was possible for a raccoon to pout. She had to admit, it was very cute, and appeared to be very well-groomed. “This is… Potato-san?”

“Right, sorry.” She reached up to scritch behind Potato’s ear. “This is Potato, my co-director.” 

Kyoko, deciding that weirder things had happened to her, rolled with it and bowed again. “Nice to meet you, Director Potato.” 

Potato chirped proudly from her perch on Goto’s shoulder. 

LINE BREAK 

Kyoko glanced across the table at Ren as the cold reading wrapped up, barely able to contain her grin. She loved the character of Cam, and really hoped she could do her justice. She was also thrilled by the prospect of acting with Ren again -- not to mention the slew of familiar faces also on the cast. Her entire pack was in the show! Kanae was playing a character known as the Archive (very fitting, in Kyoko’s opinion) who was her character’s best friend. She’d nearly exploded from happiness when she’d realized this, which is exactly why Kanae had not told her until now. Chiori was playing a smaller role -- a pirate captain who showed up later in the series, but seemed very fun. Then there was another familiar face: Kijima had been cast as a knight who was one of the prince’s friends. He’d thrown an arm around Ren upon sitting down next to him and called him “princey ol’ pal,” so it was clearly genius casting.