Chapter 1
Kurapika kneeled on the wooden floor with his head held high, spine impeccably straight, and a formality befitting of a person beyond his years.
He didn't speak to ensure that his parents focused as much as possible. His mother set to work as she ground an herb with a pestle, her hands shaking with effort. Only the tok tok of wood meeting wood punctured the silence.
"Your hand," his father beckoned to him. He gently took Kurapika's palm in his and squeezed in reassurance. "This will sting a bit."
Kurapika shrugged. He broke his arm and sustained small injuries while exploring with Pairo. At Kurapika's approval, his father took a small knife and quickly slid it over his skin.
He looked more distressed than Kurapika but what parent would want to injure their child? It hurt but it was nothing in comparison to what Kurapika experienced in the past. The blood ran and he let it trickle into the mortar.
His father wet a washcloth and pressed it against Kurapika's wound. He looked apologetic but Kurapika smiled in understanding. He bandaged him up and his mother sighed in relief when the deed had been completed. His father ran his fingers through Kurapika's hair and pushed his bangs up, exposing his forehead.
His mother scooped up the mixture with her fingers and applied it there in two strokes, forming a cross. It seemed to burn into his skin and while it wasn't an unbearable sensation, it still stung.
His parents were quiet. His mother was about to speak but she glanced at his father and promptly shut her mouth. He was just as surprised as she was.
This ritual was supposed to end up with Kurapika presenting as a Beta just like them and the rest of their clan. Kurapika thought it was ridiculous that they had to follow the tradition but he found comfort in knowing that Pairo went through it too.
"So..?"
"The mark is green," his mother finally said. "My son, you're an Omega."
Much to Kurapika's surprise, his father started crying. They pulled Kurapika into a hug, reassuring him that everything was going to be alright even if he was different than everyone else.
At only twelve years old, Kurapika's experienced two life-changing events.
Both were for the worst.
As Kurapika entered the room, Leorio quickly hid a bag behind himself. His efforts were in vain as a bottle tumbled out, rolling across the floor and stopping at Kurapika's feet.
His heart sank.
"I'm sorry, I—I looked through your things by accident."
Kurapika sighed and picked up the bottle of pills.
"I'm really sorry," Leorio pleaded.
Leorio was a Beta and Kurapika had taken careful measures to hide his own status. By using scent-masking soap, he was typically mistaken for a Beta. Although he would not spend his heat with anyone, he also took contraception. The medication eased his symptoms.
"I was supposed to be a Beta."
When people looked at Omegas, they thought of submissive little things that needed protection. Kurapika did not want that kind of dismissive look falling upon him. He wanted to be strong.
"I'm not weak."
"I know. You're incredibly strong," Leorio reassured. "Just know that this won't change how I view you."
Kurapika gave him a small smile and motioned for him to sit at the table. "Thank you."
Leorio walked over and grabbed a chair. He kept his voice low in case Gon and Killua returned. "If it's okay for me to ask, when was your last heat?"
"Two years ago," Kurapika admitted.
Leorio gaped at him. "Suppressing for that long has serious side effects."
It was controversial for Omegas to have their heat as little as once a year. There were more important things for him to focus on.
"I know."
Leorio showed a serious side to him as he explained how long-term use of suppressants were detrimental to an Omega's health. Suppressants could throw his hormones into disarray, making his heats abnormal or irregular. Taking them too often would destroy his body over time.
Kurapika listened to him and assured that he could take care of himself. It was difficult to refrain from medication when his goal was in sight and he wasn't planning to stop for anything. Not even for his bodily urges.
Kurapika didn't need a mate. He wanted revenge and a mate would only get in the way of that.
The rain was difficult to ignore as the moisture sank into his clothes and boots. Running through Yorknew amongst the crowds of people, trying not to lose sight of his targets, was complicated to say the least. However, the weather was the least of his concerns as he continued to tail after the Phantom Troupe on foot.
As Kurapika was getting closer, the group in front of him split up. A man and two women ceased running and turned to face him.
At that moment, Kurapika leapt into the nearest alleyway and hid himself. The man dressed in black had to be their leader.
"Did you see them?" The sound of the man's deep voice forced him out of his thoughts. Kurapika shuddered as he continued to speak to his group.
"I only caught a silhouette. I couldn't see their faces, but one is in the alleyway," the glasses-wearing woman replied.
"Another is behind the dumpster," the other woman pointed out.
"Okay," he instructed, "keep using Gyo."
Kurapika's heart pounded in his chest as the man began approaching him. Even with the fresh and earthy smell of the rain, a strong scent of coffee pervaded the air. His knees buckled and he felt a heat in the pit of his stomach.
No.
Kurapika tried his best to ignore his body, the urges that set his entire being aflame with need. However, as the man walked closer, something was confirmed as they were in proximity. The man was his mate.
No!
At that moment, his mother's words echoed in the back of his mind. Omegas can know who their mate is just by one look. Their mate's scent will be very pleasing, while the scent of other Alphas won't be as nice.
Kurapika held his breath. It was all over if he succumbed now. He raised his hands defensively, ready to give it his all to fight them.
Then the unimaginable happened — Gon jumped in front of them and Killua revealed himself.
The shock of the revelation was enough that Kurapika gasped and felt as if he had been released from a vice-like grip. Part of him felt exhilarated that he found his mate, the other part devastated at the sacrifice of his companions.
He leaned into the air and breathed in as deeply as he could. He needed to hurry but he also wanted to turn away from all the complex feelings in his mind and heart.
"What are you looking at?" Kurapika felt his heart hammer erratically in his chest underneath the searching gaze of the man. The familiar smell of coffee wafted over him and it took everything in his power to control himself.
"I didn't expect the chain user to be a woman."
He doesn't know.
He didn't know about Kurapika's status and he was going to make sure it stayed that way.
"Did I say that? You shouldn't let appearances deceive you," Kurapika said as he removed the wig. He couldn't let the man perturb him. "You should watch what you say, since it may be the last thing to come out of your mouth."
"You won't kill me."
"I cannot forgive you for taking what belonged to us," Kurapika bit out. He was certain that his eyes flashed crimson. If the man did not understand Kurapika's motives, he would now.
"I don't think you can," he replied calmly.
Kurapika's excuse for resorting to violence was that the man didn't know his place. He didn't dodge the punch and Kurapika heard a satisfying crunch and felt the warmth of his blood.
Kurapika kept many secrets.
This was one of them.
He stole everything from Kurapika.
In exchange, Kurapika took away his Nen and his comrades.
The small blade of his chain pierced the man's chest and encased his heart. Kurapika could feel his heartbeat, calm and composed, just from the thin chain.
Kurapika's own heart hurt, the pain ghosting along the edges. He wondered if it would get worse if he took the man's life. Perhaps the pain would remain as a shadow, as proof that he was twisted enough to kill his own mate.
One night, the heavy weight had been lifted from his chest.
Kurapika had failed and everything was in vain.
Yet, for the first time that night, nightmares did not haunt his sleep.
In the coming months, Kurapika grew wiser. His life no longer revolved around thinking of how to destroy the Phantom Troupe for they would never perish. He would dedicate himself to recovering what his clan lost.
After reuniting with Leorio and joining the Zodiacs, he was officially advised to stop taking suppressants. Leorio had begged him to commit being off them for at least several months since he had been taking them for so long.
His own body frightened him. The heat could overcome his inhibitions and turn him into a pathetic, helpless wreck.
At Leorio's request, Kurapika consulted with Cheadle and she agreed with Leorio about health concerns. She sent him away with boxes of special soaps and scrubs.
Kurapika became concerned about his heats. Even though his next one wouldn't be for another month, there was only so much scent-masking soap could do.
On the eve of the Black Whale's departure, a VIP celebration was to take place at the first deck's ceremony hall. In addition to the royal family and politicians from the first deck, celebrities, prominent figures, and wealthy individuals from the second deck were invited to partake in the event. No expense was spared as the delicacies spread out on the tables were as exquisite as the decorations in every corner of the hall.
Kurapika stood by Queen Oito's side as she held Prince Woble in her arms. Amidst a crowd of nobility and affluence, most people had respects to pay her and her daughter. No immediate disaster had befallen them yet.
Standing amongst so many people, especially Alphas, during his week of pre-heat was hurrying his symptoms along. He was paying the price by having taken too many suppressants and suddenly stopping. He just needed to accomplish his mission for the night and he could leave.
His throat felt terribly parched. There was a thirst that none of the drinks could quenched. Concern emanated from Queen Oito but he simply shook his head.
Approaching his target was not necessary because Kurapika was found first. There was no way Kurapika could have been scented, but he couldn't think of any other reason why Tserriednich locked eyes with him from across the room.
Kurapika blanched at the possibility. After saying hello, Queen Oito drifted off with a group of young women dressed in elaborate gowns, leaving Kurapika with him. Despite that Kurapika was the bodyguard, she was the one keeping an eye on him and sent discreet glances his way.
When it came to Tserriednich, however, he didn't seem to expect anything beyond the basic pleasantries. Kurapika tried not to grimace, ignoring the sharp jabs of heat in his stomach, as he gave his praise to Tserriednich and humored him in his knowledge of literature and the arts.
Tserriednich waved off his words with a dramatic show and apologized that he must be bored out of his mind just like him at the event, since no one else could rival their scholarship. That was a sign that their interaction was close to being successful.
As if in an effort to woo him, Tserriednich recited from his favorite poet:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
"I'm a guy," Kurapika said with a biting smile. It was downright sickening to be the subject of another Alpha's attention.
"I know," he responded dismissively. "Then may I have this dance?"
Tserriednich gave a deep bow and took Kurapika's hand. The touch was repulsive and he nearly retracted his hand. Tserriednich leaned down as if to kiss it.
Kurapika only saw a flash of black before his wrist was seized by someone else. Tserriednich's eyes narrowed and Kurapika followed his glare, finding someone with a formal suit, tousled black hair, and untelling dark eyes. Kurapika choked on his breath from the intensity of his scent and a flash of heat wracked through his body.
Kuroro stood there beside him and returned a smile that sent shivers down Kurapika's spine, as if it was one that came before he was about to succeed in stealing something. When he spoke, his voice was calm and cold as ice.
"My apologies Your Highness, but this dance is mine," Kuroro proclaimed with unwavering defiance. His grip was strong, possessive even.
Kurapika was stunned. There was no dance as Kuroro whisked him away, out of the room. He hardly noticed the whispers and gazes that fell upon them.
When they turned into an empty hallway, Kurapika broke out of his grip and prevented Kuroro from dragging him around. "What the hell is wrong with you? What are you even doing here?"
"You're an Omega," Kuroro stated without answering him. It wasn't a question.
Kurapika's throat felt dry and he swallowed thickly. He had no reason to answer him but the word still slipped from his lips, a reminder of his weakness. "Yes."
The warmth was unbearable. It terrified him that his body was betraying him now that it had recognized Kuroro as his. It had been over a year since he last saw him and a part of him yearned to touch him.
Kurapika was good at denying himself.
His turmoil did not go unnoticed as Kuroro reached out and passed a hand over his brow. Kurapika flinched but he let it rest on his cheek. His cool hand was in direct contact with his fever.
He didn't want his first time to be forced by his biology. If Kuroro had any decency in him, he wouldn't touch him and just leave him alone. Even so, he wasn't going down without a fight. Being mated by an Alpha would just reinforce the reality that he was an Omega.
"Why aren't you on suppressants?" Kuroro asked curiously. So he had scented Kurapika. While he seemed composed as always, despite being an unmated Alpha, Kurapika felt like he was being burned alive.
"Leorio recommended that I stop taking them."
"The medical student," Kuroro said. "You love him."
"Yes," Kurapika stated without hesitation. Kuroro's expression darkened. Kurapika was tempted to provoke Kuroro further at how easily he was able to get under his skin, but he decided against it. "I love Leorio. But I also love Killua and Gon."
Kuroro regarded him pensively. "I never thought I would end up with you as a mate. You, with hatred in your eyes and vengeance in your heart."
"I don't want you," Kurapika breathed out.
"But I might."
That hit him hard.
Kurapika felt panic rise in his throat.
"Just because of this—" Kurapika motioned in the space between them, "—bond?"
"You're mistaken. You've peaked my interest in the past, challenging my Spiders, defeating two of them, and even sealing my Nen away." Kuroro gave a wry smile. "How surprised was I when the prophesied god of death turned out to be a brat."
"Well, fuck you Kuroro. Because I'm trying to make the right decisions and being with you is going down a road that I swore to avoid."
Kuroro hummed in amusement.
"I want you to claim me just as I've claimed you," Kuroro revealed with an unyielding certainty. His hand moved to Kurapika's blond hair and gave it a tug to the side, exposing Kurapika's neck.
"You have not claimed me," Kurapika spat. Not yet. "I don't trust you. You have no hope with me without trust."
His dark eyes brightened. "Is that a challenge? I'll just have to seduce you then," Kuroro said softly, in a tone that demanded no argument.
Kuroro ran his thumb over Kurapika's bottom lip. At that moment, Kurapika was sure that a look of reluctance met with horror had crossed his face. What Kuroro said was a different story.
"Let's get you some water and medication. Come with me," Kuroro beckoned and turned away.
"No. I'm not one of your subservient Spiders." Kurapika stepped backwards and pressed his back to the wall for support. The sudden change in attitude was unexpected. He wasn't sure what to make of it.
Kuroro raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself."
"If you don't wish to lose your life, get away from me." He resisted shivering under the weight of his stare.
"How predictable that you're not above killing me," Kuroro deadpanned.
"Leave," Kurapika demanded, trying to maintain an unaffected façade. It was his last warning. His legs were about to give out and the last person he wanted to see him like that was Kuroro.
Kuroro observed him with projected apathy. He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over Kurapika.
"I'll come find you later." It was an unwanted promise.
Like that, Kuroro was gone.
Kurapika ran to the nearest single-use restroom and locked himself in it. He leaned against the door. A desperate sob escaped from his throat and he let his head fall into his hands. He needed to do something, to douse the fire unfurling throughout his body.
He looked up at the mirror and his reflection showed eyes tinged crimson, matching the pink flush on his skin. He had worn contacts but he wasn't sure when his eyes started changing.
He took off the jacket covering his shoulders. Kuroro's natural scent made his thighs tremble. In contrast to his mind telling him this is wrong, don't do this, he held the jacket close to him, breathing in everything that was Kuroro.
His mind went hazy, intoxicated with his scent.
The essence of dark coffee with the crispness of leather was raw yet refined, sultry yet sophisticated. The sweetness and comfort of night-blooming jasmine followed in a narcotic haze. It was mysterious. Kurapika expected danger, but he only felt safe.
His head spun.
He didn't realize he was hard until he looked down. Relief was his greatest necessity at that moment and denying himself that was foolish.
With shaky hands, Kurapika undid his pants. He slipped one hand underneath, wrapping it around his member and stroking himself with fervor. With his other hand, he gripped Kuroro's jacket, keeping it pressed to his nose. He was overly sensitive, quivering with every movement.
He was holding his breath until the thought of Kuroro touching him came to mind. Kuroro, his Alpha, pleasuring him and whispering his name with warm breath against his ear, too close to his neck.
Kurapika gasped. It took several more strokes and a flick of the wrist and he was—
Coming.
His body trembled with an intensity he had never felt before and come slicked his hand. Shame, hunger, and a newfound interest coursed through his very being.
He was terrified he would get addicted.
Notes: First of all, I'm sorry for my absence. I haven't updated my other fic since like Leorio, I am trying to get accepted to medical school. I'm not sure whether to apply this year or next year. Academics are my priority at the moment but I still wanted to upload this. I plan to have three chapters but there's a possibility for more, depending if I have time. If I don't set goals, then this won't ever get finished. I promise that the remaining chapters are longer!
Second, I'm sorry if this made anyone uncomfortable. Omegaverse AUs are very rare in the fandom so I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Third, I'm sorry to Kurapika for putting him through this lmao.
Thank you for reading. You can find me on Tumblr seiyuna. Feel free to leave a comment!