Flightless
Disclaimer: I do not own Haikyuu!.
Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Drama
Pairings: Kageyama x OC, OC x OC, Kageyama x Shimizu, Shimizu x OC
Plot: Kageyama auditions for a gig at a local bar in the city, and meets a stranger who will change his entire life.
Companion Series to Lupine.
(Flightless takes place approx. 6 yrs before the events in Lupine.)
Tiered Genetics: (from most common to endangered)
(upper class) (tier 1)
lupine (wolf) most common
vulpine (fox) common
feline (cat) common
(upper class) (tier 2)
equine (horse) uncommon
bovine (cow) uncommon
(mid-class) (tier 3)
cervine (deer) more uncommon
ovine (sheep) more uncommon
(mid-class) (tier 4)
ursine (bear) very uncommon
procyonine (raccoon) very uncommon
leporine (rabbit) very uncommon
(sub-class) (tier 5)
musteline (skunk) rare
sciurine (squirrel) rare
(sub-class) (tier 6)
cricetine (hamster) very rare
murine (mouse) very rare
(endangered) (tier 7)
oniscine (songbird) extremely rare
pteropine (bat) extremely rare
OCs: (name, genetics, presentation, age)
Mala'chai (Chai) - pteropine B 20
Tulousse - ovine O 17 (turning 18)
Kairoh - oniscine A 22
Diamond (Di'a) - musteline A 23
Zeryce - leporine O 21
Chloé - cricetine B 19
Mathias - murine A 23
Charleau (Charlie) - procyonine A 24
Apple - sciurine (older twin) O 21
Cherry - sciurine (younger twin) O 21
Anita - oniscine B 32 (bartender/owner of The Burrow)
Artemis - vulpine A 34 (Shimizu's sire)
Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Ch 04: Infamy
Shimizu watched the Alpha before her patiently, perking her ears towards him and waiting to see how he would respond. The pitch-black vulpine blinked slowly, exhaling a soft breath, frowning slightly but nodding slowly, his blue eyes returning to Shimizu's soft grey.
"Alright. I understand. I agree to our terms." He blinked slowly, running their arrangement over and over in his mind, nodding to himself lightly once he was satisfied and perking his ears towards her while taking a step closer, smoothing his warm palm over the small bump growing within her lower stomach. "I can understand your reluctance to disclose the name of the lupine whose pup you're carrying. That being said, this doesn't change anything between us. I still desire to sire kits with you, and if you are happy with what I have offered we can begin our arrangement immediately." He shifted to wrap an arm around Shimizu's waist, nuzzling against one of her ears while adding softly, "I do not wish to wait any longer. I've wanted my children to have younger siblings for quite some time now, and I have waited patiently for the time to come when you would once again agree to carry kits for me. I'd like to share my rut with you as soon as possible. Are you comfortable with that?"
Shimizu nodded, gliding her palm over the Alpha's taut abs and up his chest, closing her eyes and nuzzling under his jaw, tilting up her face and searching his eyes. "I give myself to you completely. I'm yours, Alpha. Give me your kits, as many as you desire."
His expression softened and he dipped down to kiss her slowly, smoothing his hand along her back and holding her close. Shimizu closed her eyes, humming softly and pushing herself up onto her toes while wrapping her arms around his neck, the vulpine sighing pleasantly and guiding her towards the bed, laying her down gently and starting to help her undress. Shimizu watched him quietly, resting her hands beside her face and sighing softly as the Alpha smoothed his hands up her thighs beneath her creamy dress and hooked his fingers in the band of her panties, gliding them slowly down her legs. He lifted them to his face, inhaling against them for a moment before setting them aside, returning his attention to her thighs and leaning down to kiss them while pushing up the fabric of her dress slowly, his warm palm settling over her small baby bump. He kissed and nipped at her inner thighs while crooning softly, Shimizu reaching down and combing her pale fingers gently through his dark hair, her cheeks rosy as his hot breath teased against her exposed skin.
"Breed me." She coaxed gently, the Alpha sighing softly and continuing to kiss at her inner thighs, leaving tiny indentations behind where his fangs sank into her plush thighs, Shimizu shivering pleasantly and squirming at the sensation, biting her lip and tightening her hold on his dark locks gently. "Artemis, I want your knot. Give it to me."
The Alpha crooned softly again, lifting himself up and crawling over her, kissing her lips slowly while Shimizu shifted her hands to his waist, unfastening his belt and unbuttoning his slacks before reaching inside and wrapping her fingers around his thickening cock. He hummed and kissed her slowly, deepening his kisses while teasing her with his tongue, Shimizu humming and stroking him steadily as his cock continued to fill, the vulpine eventually shifting into position and pressing forward as Shimizu guided his cock between her wet lips.
She had forgotten how big he was, the length and girth of an Alpha's cock compared to a young beta's. She gasped and arched her back, whining and clinging to his shoulders as he started thrusting slowly, keeping their pace languid while he kissed her gently. Shimizu's thighs were quivering as he lifted her legs and coaxed her to wrap her thighs around his waist, the position keeping him buried to the hilt while he bucked slowly within her.
He sighed against her lips, searching her eyes, marveling at the sensation of her pussy clenching down so tightly around him. She was trembling as she reached up and cupped his cheek, kissing him slowly while he gradually pressed in his knot, the Alpha watching her expression as her body opened up to accommodate his girth, Shimizu whining and clinging to him desperately once he was finally locked inside.
"Good girl." He whispered gently, Shimizu kissing at his lips and jaw while moaning sweetly and arching against the sheets. "Look at me, baby girl. Yes, that's it. Look at me."
Shimizu held his eyes, gasping and moaning at the sensation of his spurs starting to release, rolling her hips gently against his thick knot as the vulpine came inside of her and started seeding her instantly. She could feel the tip of his cockhead jutting against her cervix, the tapered tip pressing just slightly inside and opening her up to accept his dense clusters of spurs. Their locked position kept him trapped at just the right angle to continue cumming directly inside of her womb while he held his position above her, searching her eyes, Shimizu sighing pleasantly and petting through his hair, offering her sire a gentle smile.
"Good girl." He whispered again, kissing her slowly and rolling his hips, fucking into her slowly as his knot continued to release warm, thick waves of cum and spurs. "You're mine, Kiyoko. You've always been mine."
"Yours, Alpha." She purred gently, the vulpine sighing and nuzzling her nose and cheeks, rubbing his jaw against her face and scenting her slowly while petting over her waist, Shimizu kissing at his jaw and tightening her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, her purring growing louder than before.
He was always so gentle with her, careful and considerate, taking time to ensure she was comfortable and relaxed as he bred her, Shimizu waiting until he was finished seeding her before reaching down between them and fingering her clit quickly. She kissed him while moaning quietly and bringing herself quickly to climax, clenching down tightly around his knot and coaxing out more of his cum and spurs, the Alpha grunting and bucking into her shallowly as she sighed pleasantly and licked into his mouth, sharing his breath and searching his eyes.
He was locked within her for almost an hour before his knot slipped free, the vulpine immediately shifting between her legs and licking between her lips, thrusting his tongue inside of her and lapping at her wetness and the cum he'd left behind. He continued licking her until she was moaning and canting her hips against his mouth, the vulpine breathing against her deeply and shifting back a bit to lap at her clit, searching her eyes, Shimizu squealing and crying out eagerly as he brought her to climax.
Her legs were trembling uncontrollably as he settled down beside her, tugging her gently against his chest, rubbing along her back while she nuzzled into his neck with soft purrs. She closed her eyes, sighing pleasantly and relaxing against him fully, lulled into a complete state of calm by his thick scent and comforting warmth. He was quiet as he held her, petting along the slope of her lower back and the rise of her ass, kissing her crown and nuzzling between her ears, relaxed and sated as he shared his natural warmth.
Shimizu wasn't certain how long they lay together before the vulpine shifted, climbing out of bed and padding towards the door, closing it slightly behind him as he disappeared down the hall. Shimizu sighed and rolled onto her back, stretching out against the soft sheets and humming pleasantly while trailing her fingers over the soft layers of her frilly dress, smoothing her hand over her baby bump and rubbing circles with her fingertips over the prickly clusters of spurs she could feel beginning to nest inside of her.
She smiled and bit her lip, trailing her fingers town and parting her thighs while gliding her fingers over her swollen clit, moaning sweetly and fingering herself slowly, rolling over to hide her face against one of the pillows beside her, rocking her hips against her hand while thinking of her brother. His scent, his warmth, the color of his eyes, the taste of his tongue. The way it felt to have him inside her, the curve of his muscled shoulders beneath her hands, the way the curve of his hips felt pressed against her inner thighs, the way he sounded when he cried out in earnest and started to cum. She whined softly, her sounds muffled by the pillow, continuing to finger herself slowly while waiting for her Alpha to return. Her pussy clenched down around nothing as she coaxed herself towards the edge, her excitement slicking her thighs and ass, creating a damp spot on the sheets.
She heard footsteps down the hall, perking her ears towards her sire as he opened the door and padded closer to the bed, sipping at the glass of water held in his hand while setting a second glass down atop the nightstand. He made no move to join her, simply standing beside the bed and watching her quietly while continuing to sip at his water, Shimizu rolling onto her back and parting her thighs while continuing to finger her clit, the Alpha watching her movements appreciatively.
He finished half his glass before setting it aside atop the nightstand and beginning to strip off his clothes, unbuttoning his dress shirt and sliding it off of his shoulders, stepping out of his slacks and shoving down his dark briefs before finally crawling into the bed beside her. He wrapped his fingers around his cock, stroking himself slowly, watching Shimizu with a soft expression while leaning down to kiss her lips, Shimizu gasping into his mouth and fingering herself quicker than before while coaxing him back on top of her.
"Give me your cock." She whispered heatedly, the Alpha crooning softly and kissing her for a few moments longer before giving her what she wanted, Shimizu gasping and moaning out for him while he slowly pressed in to the hilt. Shimizu sighed contentedly, wrapping her arms around his neck once more, holding his eyes and staring up at him as he slowly started to thrust. She hummed softly, carding her fingers through his dark hair and kissing at his jaw sweetly before relaxing back against the sheets, allowing her sire to claim her. He ducked his head against her shoulder, lapping over her neck and pressing his fangs against her pulse, moaning softly as his knot started to press inside. She hummed and tilted her head further, offering her neck submissively, the Alpha nipping lightly at her pulse while pressing fully inside, locking them together once more. Shimizu listened quietly as he grunted and moaned out deeply, shivering at the sensation of him cumming inside of her, then the telltale prickly sensation of spurs following soon after, the beta humming quietly and biting her bottom lip.
As virile as Artemis was, it wouldn't be long until Shimizu was pregnant with his kits. She wouldn't be surprised if he seeded her successfully tonight. She had been lucky that he hadn't reacted badly once Shimizu had revealed her pregnancy, and now with their current arrangement Shimizu could relax and allow her sire to care for her while her pup continued to grow. He had already asked her to quit her job at the diner, offering to pay her living expenses and cover whatever costs would arise as they sought to create kits together.
She could finally breathe, she didn't have to worry about taking care of herself and her brother, and potentially raising an unexpected pup in the slums. Artemis cared about her, he wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to her.
It was a pity that she didn't love him, and he didn't love her. Their arrangement was mutually beneficial, and they enjoyed the time they spent together, but despite creating kits together they had never opted to enter into a relationship together, nor would Artemis ever give Shimizu his mark.
After she gave him another litter of kits, it was likely that Shimizu would never see Artemis again. She doubted she would desire to carry kits for him a third time, even if he asked her to do so. Artemis had already agreed not to ask her to enter into such an arrangement with him again after this, not unless Shimizu approached him about the subject first.
For now, Shimizu would allow the Alpha to tend to her, and breed her whenever he liked. She wasn't certain how long it would take for the vulpine to spark life inside her, or how many kits he intended to create, but Shimizu was certain over the next several months she would be spending more and more time with Artemis in the city, instead of with Kageyama in the slums.
She only hoped her brother understood why she was doing this, and wouldn't be too upset with her absence. Once their arrangement was completed, Shimizu would never have to be away from her younger brother ever again. They would spend the rest of their lives together. One day, when the time was right, Shimizu would create a family with Kageyama too.
-x-x-x-
Kageyama perked his ears towards the stage as Mala'chai tugged him through the crowd, Tulousse giggling excitedly and bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waved to the band practicing on stage. The cricetine singer noticed their approach, perking her rounded ears towards the small ovine and waving back excitedly, leaving her bandmates and walking towards the edge of the stage before going down on her knees to talk to them.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you could make it!" She reached out and wrapped her arms around Mala'chai's neck, hugging the pteropine excitedly, Tulousse stepping closer to reach up and hug her as well.
"We're so excited to hear you play!" Tulousse cheered, tilting his ears towards the drummer and guitarist nearby, his eyes wide as he took in the appearances of her new bandmates. "Wow, these guys are famous in the underground! How did you even meet them?"
The cricetine beta laughed happily and shrugged lightly, her waves of curls bouncing on her shoulders as she grinned cheekily, "I guess I'm just that talented, y'know? I never should have let Kairoh convince me otherwise!" Mala'chai laughed and Tulousse giggled while nodding excitedly, Kageyama watching their interactions with a little grin, perking his ears towards the girl on stage as she turned her attention to him, offering her hand. "It's nice to meet you officially! I'm Chloé!"
"Tobio." Kageyama replied, taking her hand and offering her a little smile before glancing towards the Alphas watching them, the murine drummer and the procyonine guitarist eyeing him warily, Kageyama ducking back his ears a bit as Chloé released his hand.
She followed his gaze, laughing softly and shooing her bandmates with a wave of her hand, perking her ears towards Kageyama and grinning while offering, "Don't worry about the boys, they're just protective of me! It's a rarity to have any upper-class patrons show up for one of our gigs!"
"He's one of us." Mala'chai said, leaning closer to brush his cheek against Kageyama's, Tulousse nodding and leaning against the lupine's other side, patting over his chest.
"He's an amazing guitarist, wait until you hear him play!" The ovine beamed, Kageyama blushing faintly and glancing away with an awkward smile, trying not to look too embarrassed at his companions' words, a warm feeling twisting within his chest at their acceptance and praise.
"I can't wait!" Chloé cheered, pushing herself back onto her feet and gesturing towards the stage. "Meet me backstage after the show? I hope you guys enjoy! Thanks for coming to hear us play tonight!"
"Of course! You're welcome!" Tulousse called, waving as she returned to her spot in the center of the stage.
"Any time!" Mala'chai called as well, smiling as he watched her for a few lingering moments before returning his attention to Kageyama, taking his boyfriend's hand and squeezing his fingers tightly, leaning close and nuzzling against his cheek while whispering against his ear, "I fucking love you, Tobio."
The lupine laughed and blushed a shade brighter, nuzzling the pteropine gently and whispering against his jaw, "Fuckin' love you too, baby boy."
Tulousse started cheering as the lights across the stage fell into something dark and gritty, Chloé striking a few chords on the illuminated keyboard standing before her while leaning into the mic, breathing against it quietly for just a moment before beginning to play.
"I could use another cigarette~
But don't worry Daddy,
I'm not addicted yet.
One too many drinks tonight
And I'll miss you,
Like you were mine~"
Kageyama had chills, listening to the small beta's soft croons as she sang, her voice raspy as she growled out every deep note, the emotion in her lyrics twisting Kageyama's heart.
"All your stormy words
Have barely broken,
And you sound like thunder~
Though you've barely spoken.
Oh, it looks like rain tonight
And thank god!
'Cause a clear sky just wouldn't feel right~
He's taken, and leavin'~
But I keep believin',
He's gonna come 'round soon~"
Tulousse was watching Chloé with an awed expression, Mala'chai perking his ears towards her voice and holding Kageyama's fingers tighter than before. They both looked surprised to hear her singing in such a way, the lupine watching them for a moment longer before returning his attention to the stage.
"You may be my final match~
'Cause I chase everything,
When you play throw and I play catch.
It never took much to keep me satisfied,
But all this bullshit you feed me,
You "miss me", you "need me"~
This hungry heart will not subside!"
She smiled and tossed her hair, her curls bouncing on her shoulders as she played several chords in succession, leaning into the mic again as she started into the chorus once more.
"He's taken, and leavin'~
But I keep believin',
He's gonna come 'round soon~
Until I see him again,
I'm stayin', believin'~
That it won't be deceivin'
When he's gonna come 'round soon."
Kageyama tilted one of his ears towards Mala'chai as the pteropine leaned closer, catching his eyes as the older beta grinned and said with a hint of laughter, "She's singing about breaking up with Kairoh and Zeryce! Hoh boy. He's gonna be pissed once he finds out!"
Kageyama perked his ears curiously, asking, "How would he even know? Is the band she's playing with really that popular?"
"Oh yeah!" Mala'chai laughed, his eyes gleaming with mirth, "They've been around for ages, they played at The Burrow for a while too when they were first starting out!" He grinned and perked his ears towards the procyonine guitarist, then the small murine drummer beside him. "The boys sing occasionally too of course, but with Chloé singing with them now they've got a really unique sound! It's gonna take them places." He smiled and nodded towards the stage, his tone nearly breathless as he watched her perform, "This song is really good. Just listen to her belt it out!"
"Well I may seem naïve
If I cry as you leave
Like I'm just one more tortured heart~
These cracks that I show
As I'm watching you go
Aren't tearing me apart~"
Chloé grinned and laughed, tossing her hair again, gliding her fingers across her illuminated keyboard before repeating the lyrics back again,
"I may seem naïve
If I cry as you leave
Like I'm just one more tortured heart~
These cracks that I show
As I'm watching you go
Aren't tearing me apart!"
Her voice softened for a moment and she played a few gentle chords while crooning out sweetly,
"A songbird* said I'd smile today~"
She grabbed the microphone, screaming out to the crowd as she beat her fist against her chest,
"Well who needs songbirds* anyway?!"
Kageyama smiled in awe, Mala'chai biting his fingers and whistling loudly as the crowd cheered, Tulousse clapping excitedly before falling into rhythm with the beat while the guitarist and drummer behind her started into the chorus again.
"He's taken, and leavin'~
But I keep believin',
He's gonna come 'round soon~
Until I see him again,
I'm stayin', believin'~
That it won't be deceivin'
When he's gonna come 'round soon."
She pressed a few keys before switching a dial on her keyboard, looping her chords and her voice before starting to sing again,
"He's taken, and leavin'~
But I keep believin',
He's gonna come 'round soon~
Until I see him again,
I'm stayin', believin'~
That it won't be deceivin'
When he's gonna come 'round soon."
She smiled to herself, humming and crooning into the microphone, looking out across the crowd while the tempo gradually wound down, returning to something soft and mellow.
"He's gonna come 'round soon~
He'll come 'round soon, I know!
He's gonna come 'round soon~
I can't believe that he's gone,
He'll come 'round soon, I know!"
Chloé smiled and carded her fingers through her curls, leaning in and whispering against the microphone as the song ended,
"I could use another cigarette."
Mala'chai let out a cheer as the crowd roared, whistles and excited applause washing over the patrons clustered around the stage, Chloé taking a moment to wave to them and blow a few kisses before she started singing again, the music smoothly transitioning to the next song. Kageyama danced with Mala'chai and Tulousse as the music turned to something more upbeat, the pteropine and ovine throwing up their hands and moving along with the beat, Kageyama reaching up and flexing his fingers through the neon lights flashing across the crowd, feeling the bass throbbing in his chest.
The small concert spanned the course of several hours, sweat slicked across Kageyama's forehead and nape as he tried to catch his breath once they finally stopped dancing, Mala'chai tugging him down for a kiss while Tulousse took one of his hands, tugging him towards the back of the stage. They waited until the band had finished thanking their audience and left the stage before stepping up the small set of stairs, ducking behind the thick curtain to greet the band beyond. Tulousse was ecstatic, running over and wrapping his arms around Chloé excitedly while giggling and congratulating her again.
"You sounded amazing!" The omega laughed gleefully, pulling back and clasping her hands while rocking on his heels. "Your lyrics are so good! I got chills listening to your melodies! We've definitely got to collab sometime!"
"Oh I'd love that! Absolutely!" She giggled and held Tulousse's hand as she stepped closer to Mala'chai and Kageyama, perking her ears towards them and noting their laced fingers, giving Mala'chai a curious little smile before the pteropine laughed softly, nodding his head.
"Yeah, he's my boyfriend now."
Kageyama blushed faintly, dipping back his ears a bit and watching their interaction quietly, anxiety catching in his chest as he noticed the Alphas nearby were listening, the murine frowning a little, his tail lashing the air behind him.
Chloé hummed softly, nodding her understanding and offering the lupine a friendly smile, saying calmly, "Well...as long as he treats you right, and he makes you happy."
"He does." Mala'chai sighed fondly, glancing over and catching Kageyama's eyes. "He really, really does."
Kageyama laughed awkwardly, blushing a bit brighter as Mala'chai smirked teasingly and nuzzled his shoulder, squeezing his fingers tightly, tilting his face up for a kiss. Kageyama watched him quietly for a moment, hesitating only due to the eyes watching them, then he leaned over and gave his boyfriend a soft kiss, Mala'chai smiling against his lips.
Tulousse watched them with a light blush, sighing dreamily and leaning against Chloé's side, saying impishly while perking his ears towards his friends, "Now if only I could get Di'a to look at me like that! I'd be on cloud-nine!"
Mala'chai grinned impishly as he parted from Kageyama, offering his condolences while meeting his companion's eyes, Chloé laughing brightly and hugging the ovine against her side while exclaiming teasingly, "Oh no! Don't tell me you're still hung up over him? That musteline is a player! You'll only get your feelings hurt chasing after him!"
"I know…" Tulousse sighed mournfully, the cricetine taking his hand and tugging him towards her bandmates who were watching quietly nearby, gesturing to each of them in kind as she introduced them.
"This is Mathias! He's an absolutely phenomenal drummer! He also plays bass, as well as keyboard and rhythm guitar! He's our designated jack of all trades!"
The murine Alpha nodded his head in greeting, his large ears tilting towards Tulousse as he gave the omega a once-over, the ovine's cheeks turning bright pink as the Alpha smiled and gave him a flirty wink.
She gestured to the procyonine quietly watching them next, the dark Alpha giving a little wave of his fingers before recrossing his arms over his chest. "This is Charleau, but everyone just calls him Charlie. He's our uber-talented guitarist!" The Alpha watched Tulousse with mild interest as Chloé introduced him, his fluffy, ringed tail constantly shifting, patting the stage behind him slowly, his ears twitching towards Mala'chai and Kageyama briefly before the omega drew his attention again.
"These are ya forma 'mates, yah?" He asked, Chloé humming and nodding while smiling at the guitarist watching them, Tulousse dipping back his ears slightly while pressing a bit closer against her side. Chloé perked up her ears when noticing her friend's silence, laughing sweetly and leaning closer to nuzzle Tulousse's cheek while squeezing his arm gently.
"Don't be shy, sweetie! Charlie may look like a tough guy but he's a huge softie!" Chloé reassured, wrapping her arm around Tulousse's waist and petting along the ovine's side, the omega's cheeks still pink as he tilted one of his ears to the side and looked between the two Alphas curiously.
Mala'chai smiled to himself while watching their conversation, sighing and resting his cheek against Kageyama's shoulder, dipping back his ears a bit and whispering, "I'm so glad that'll never be us. We'll never have to worry about awkward introductions, or being unsure of our feelings. Cringey first dates, nervous first kisses, and all of those small, awkward instances that happen in-between."
Kageyama perked his ears towards his boyfriend, chuckling softly and leaning closer to nuzzle against his cheek, asking teasingly, "Are you saying you never plan on dating anyone else besides me ever again?"
Mala'chai hummed thoughtfully, glancing up and meeting Kageyama's eyes, holding his gaze and blushing faintly while tracing his fingertips over Kageyama's slowly. "Yeah. I think about it sometimes, what it'll be like being with you a year from now, five years from now, fifty years from now." He tucked his ears back a bit, still searching Kageyama's eyes as he perked them once again, his breath hitching a little as he whispered gently, "I want to grow old with you by my side. I'll never love anyone the way I love you ever again. Not in my entire life."
Kageyama watched the pteropine beside him quietly, realizing Mala'chai was trembling where he clung to Kageyama's fingers, the lupine crooning softly and reaching up to cup his face, leaning closer and kissing him gently. Mala'chai breathed softly against him, pressing closer and smoothing his palm over Kageyama's chest, humming and smiling against his boyfriend's lips as he was kissed over and over again, Kageyama squeezing their laced fingers tightly all the while.
They lingered at the club for a while longer before deciding to go out to eat, Chloé and her bandmates taking the trio of friends to a local pizzeria down the street.
By the time they were finished chatting and saying goodbye, it was dawn.
They rode home together side by side on the train, Kageyama holding Mala'chai's hand while Tulousse dozed off against his other shoulder, the lupine more than content to share his natural warmth with his companions. Kageyama and Mala'chai continued talking together quietly while Tulousse slept, gazing out the large rounded window across from them on the other side of the train car, watching the golden sunlight slowly spread across the city in the distance.
It was one of the last memories Kageyama had of being truly happy, before everything began to fall apart.
-x-x-x-
It took a few weeks for Kairoh to hear Chloé's song for the first time.
Not surprisingly, Zeryce heard it first. She entered the bar one night with her laptop in hand, setting it down atop one of the tables closest to the stage and pulling up the link she'd discovered, playing back the video of the concert that someone had recorded on their phone.
The recording was widely popular, with thousands of comments from fans throughout their city as well as the surrounding provinces, shares and likes reaching from the slums all the way to high-class society. Along with an endless stream of comments, there were even more views, the hits constantly climbing throughout the weeks that had passed since the initial recording and only increasing by the day.
Zeryce wasn't too upset, she hadn't been called out directly in Chloé's lyrics like Kairoh had. The oniscine Alpha on the other hand was furious, trying to reach out to Chloé multiple times only to find she had preemptively blocked him on all social media, ensuring her former boyfriend would have absolutely no way of contacting her once she'd made her debut.
As the song's popularity began to reach unexpected, astounding numbers, there were several comments from sub-class and mid-class managers, even a handful of upper-class managers, reaching out to Chloé and her new band. Their comments were mostly the same, each manager asking to arrange gigs for their band to perform live once again, at much fancier venues than the small bar where Chloé and Kageyama had first met.
The mid-class gig Anita had arranged for them came the following weekend. The bandmates piled into Diamond's van and made their way into the heart of the city. They set up on stage, they played a few songs, and then the main band took the stage and their names faded into the background. The audience wasn't there for them after all, they were just openers. Still, their performance was recorded by event staff, and when it was uploaded Kairoh watched it almost obsessively, waiting to see how people would react, waiting to see what comments would pop up as the days went by.
After another two weeks their performance had a handful of hits and a few comments.
In the meantime, Chloé's band was performing live downtown, selling tickets like hotcakes, each new recording they released bringing in more and more fans and hype.
It was incomparable. She'd lit up the underground and set it ablaze like a lightning strike igniting a wildfire. Whatever hype their band may have gleaned was hidden in the shadows, overwhelmed by Chloé's brilliant light.
More than that, Kairoh was starting to become obsessed with her. It caused a rift between him and Zeryce, and the leporine instigated fights with him more frequently due to her jealousy and frustration, until Kairoh's disinterest in their relationship and his near constant mood swings led to their eventual breakup. Diamond watched the chaos between them escalate into something unrecognizable, and while Kairoh and Zeryce focused on working out their mess of issues he turned to spending time with his other bandmates instead.
Mala'chai was weary of the Alpha joining them at first, but once Diamond was away from Kairoh and Zeryce his personality and attitude completely changed. It seemed being around the oniscine Alpha only drew out the worst in him, making him defensive and territorial despite their close friendship. Once he was away from the other Alpha he finally began to relax and act more like himself, revealing his own personality instead of wearing the tough-guy façade they'd come to know so well, gradually stepping out of Kairoh's shadow.
Two months after Chloé's concert, five weeks after their performance at the mid-class bar, Diamond had grown close enough to them all that Mala'chai and Tulousse were comfortable with the Alpha joining them after practice while they relaxed together. Kageyama was gradually warming up to the Alpha as well. After the spat they'd had over Shimizu, Diamond had never brought up the subject of his sister ever again, and Kageyama found his personality was entirely more likeable the less time he spent with Kairoh and Zeryce, and the more time he spent with Tulousse and Mala'chai.
The four of them became closer each night they spent sprawled out on Tulousse's floor, sharing snacks and passing a joint back and forth between them. Mala'chai brought edibles now and then for them to try, constantly working on new recipes for his side-hustle, and Diamond was more than happy to pitch in and offer Mala'chai his support, offering more money than the pteropine knew what to do with.
Kageyama was suspicious that the Alpha was stealing again, given what Mala'chai and Tulousse had told him before. That was really the only logical conclusion to Diamond's sudden availability of extra funds. He wasn't spending time with his best friend or his ex-girlfriend, and without their support he was handling things himself the only way he knew how. There were mouths to feed, he had a large family to support.
When Diamond wasn't spending time with them he was out on the streets. There were times when they didn't see the musteline Alpha for several nights in a row before he would return to the bar, covered in scrapes and bruises. It was obvious he was prowling all night and brawling with other Alphas. Diamond was affected by Kairoh and Zeryce's fighting more so than any of the other bandmates, and the restless, uncertain atmosphere that had crept over their companionship had the musteline constantly itching for a fight, looking for some new means of stability and control.
Tulousse tried to comfort him however he could, and eventually he convinced Diamond to stop going out at night without them, deciding to do whatever he could to distract the Alpha instead. He was constantly at the musteline's side, giving him attention and coaxing him into hanging out together after practice and sleeping over at his place on rough, lonely nights.
Diamond hadn't shown any interest in Tulousse before, but as the ovine spent more time with him it was obvious that the attraction Tulousse held was less one-sided than it had been before. There were a few times over the following weeks that Mala'chai and Kageyama caught them together, Diamond grinning and trailing his fingers along Tulousse's side while the omega blushed and smiled up at him, watching the Alpha affectionately while they spoke.
Mala'chai had been the one to first walk in on them kissing, and Kageyama had to get between the pteropine and musteline to stop Mala'chai from starting a fight.
"Don't touch him!" Mala'chai had growled out, Kageyama holding him around his waist as Tulousse blushed furiously and glanced between his best friend and the Alpha at his side, Diamond chuckling heartily and quirking a brow.
"What, you wanna keep him all to yourself?" He glanced down at Tulousse, the omega's breath hitching as Diamond dipped down and kissed him again, pulling back and petting his cheek while crooning teasingly, "Am I doin' anything you don't want me doin', sweetheart?"
"N-No…" Tulousse whispered shyly, dipping back his ears a bit and looking over to meet Mala'chai's eyes, holding his gaze for a long moment before glancing away, taking Diamond's hand.
The Alpha chuckled heartily, humming and tugging Tulousse along behind him as they walked towards the bar, Tulousse watching Mala'chai quietly and following along after him, skipping a little to keep up with the musteline's naturally long strides.
"Chai. Hey, look at me." Kageyama whispered, turning his boyfriend to face him gently, Mala'chai's entire face flushed as he stubbornly refused to meet Kageyama's eyes. "Hey, what's going on? Talk to me."
"I don't…" Mala'chai shook his head, one of his ears twitching irritably as a low growl rumbled in the back of his throat. "I don't want them to be alone together, not without us there. I've seen that look before, that's the same way he looks at Apple and Cherry."
Kageyama dipped back his ears a bit, carefully cupping Mala'chai's face and waiting patiently for the other beta to meet his eyes. "Yeah, so? What's the big deal? You know how much he likes Di'a, he's had a crush on him for ages. Why do you care if they're making out backstage? You're not seriously jealous of Di'a, are you?"
"What? No!" Mala'chai frowned and shoved at Kageyama's chest lightly, exhaling roughly as he met his eyes. "I'm worried about Tulousse getting pregnant! Or Diamond marking him!"
Kageyama blinked in surprise, glancing towards the bar and thinking for a moment before realizing what Mala'chai meant. "You mean you think Di'a's only giving him attention right now because it's almost time for his heat?"
Mala'chai snorted, perking his ears towards the bar and growling softly while replying hesitantly, "I don't...I don't know that for sure, but it's instinct! Of course an Alpha would be drawn to an omega that's about to experience their heat! They've been spending so much time together these past few weeks, it only makes sense that Tulousse would let Di'a claim him during his heat if things keep escalating like this!"
Kageyama hummed softly, thinking for a moment before offering gently, "Would it make you feel more comfortable if I asked Tulousse to share his heat with us at my place? If Di'a really is intent on claiming Tulousse for himself, he wouldn't think to look for Tulousse at my place. He still doesn't know where I live."
Mala'chai arched his brow a bit, searching Kageyama's eyes and asking worriedly, "Would you be okay with that? Really? I know it's a lot, hosting him for a whole week while he's in heat, but I'm scared that if we leave them alone they'll…"
Kageyama nodded, leaning closer and kissing Mala'chai's crown, nuzzling between his ears and hugging him gently. "Yeah, babe. Of course I'll host. We've only ever spent his heats at his place or yours, and Shimizu is out of town again visiting her sire this weekend. We'll have the whole place to ourselves. I'd be happy to host for both of you."
Mala'chai let out a deep sigh, relaxing and nodding while tucking his face against Kageyama's neck, inhaling his calm, neutral scent and humming softly, planting a soft kiss against his throat. "Thank you, Tobio. It means a lot to me, knowing that you're willing to do this for us, to protect Tulousse." He pulled back a bit, meeting Kageyama's eyes. "Thanks for stopping me from doing something stupid. Fighting with Di'a right now is the last thing any of us need."
Kageyama chuckled softly, perking his ears up and nodding while petting his boyfriend's cheek, Mala'chai blushing lightly and leaning in for a kiss. They held one another for a few moments longer before Mala'chai took his hand and led him over to the bar, purposefully taking a seat beside Tulousse and giving Diamond a threatening look, the ovine between them blushing and squirming nervously, glancing between Diamond and Mala'chai before looking over and meeting Kageyama's eyes.
The lupine offered him a reassuring smile, reaching out and rubbing Mala'chai's upper back and shoulders soothingly, the pteropine exhaling softly through his nose and tilting his ears towards Anita as she offered them each a drink. He traced his fingertips over the condensation of his chilled sodapop, tapping his claws absently against the pink glass before lifting the bottle to his lips, glancing over at Diamond while the Alpha chuckled heartily, clearly amused at how protective Mala'chai was acting, shifting closer to wrap his arm around Tulousse.
"I'm gonna need something a bit stronger than this." The Alpha grinned, Anita tilting her head slightly and looking between the bandmates settled before her, humming and nodding lightly while turning away, fetching the Alpha a glass and starting to make him a drink.
It had been almost seven months since Kageyama and Mala'chai had shared their first kiss.
Nearly five months since they had started dating.
It would be just under six weeks until Mala'chai drew his final breath.
Lyrics: Come Round Soon by Sara Bareilles
*Lyrics were slightly altered to match AU content.
Thanks for reading! More to come!