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Part 2 of He Will Be Loved
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2018-10-03
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2018-10-11
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2/?
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r a i n b o w

Summary:

There's something about Ye Xiu.

Chapter 1

Summary:

warning for briefly mentioned character death that doesn't quite last? [sweats]

Notes:

I have no reasoning for this other than I wanted to write it. [shrugs]

So everything contained within? As stated in the tags, shamelessly self-indulgent. :')

Chapter Text

Glory had Their favourites, and all of them were Ye Xiu.

While not quite as singular a focus as Glory, Ye Xiu was also a favourite of Fortune and Fate. So when tragedy struck in two different worlds to two different incarnations of the same name though different ages and circumstances…

“This is a bit unorthodox...” Fate frowned.

“He wasn't supposed to die!” Glory retorted, “His path was to be a great one, and now it's been cut short because -”

“It wasn't my fault, so stop glaring at me like that!” The third of the trio, one Fortune, hissed, “You well know that I would never wish such misfortune upon him!”

“Yet he's now dead in one world and dying in another.”

“...”

“Fate, I can only make this request of Death should you allow it,” Glory turned Their back on Their fellow deity, “He owes me a favour, so its possibility is not in question.”

“... Again, this is a bit unorthodox,” Fate sighed, “Yet… He was to be Important to this world, and I suppose I do need to make it up to him for what happened to Su Muqiu in his former world.”

“So?”

“... I give you my permission, though it can't be done without some form of consequence. A give and take, if you please. I'll leave it to your judgement to decide how to go about it, though.”

Glory just smiled.



-- 00 --

“Ah, this kind of sucks,” Ye Xiu stared down at what had once been his living and breathing form, the body most likely cool to the touch now due to the length of time it'd been lying there, “Wonder why I'm still around, though?”

He glanced around, “Isn't there supposed to be some light or something? I don't think I've any regrets to keep me bound to this world.”

At least, none that he would think were big enough to warrant such…

What he wouldn't give for a cigarette right about now.

“Ye Xiu.”

“What?” Ye Xiu blinked, once more taking in his surroundings and seeing nothing save for his corpse, “Is… someone there?”

“I am always around, Ye Xiu, keeping an eye on those who spark my interest.  It just so happens that you -”

“So, in other words, whoever or whatever you are, you’re stalking me?”

“... No, not quite -”

“...”

“... As I was saying, you are one who has always managed to capture my attention.  You burn brightly among everyone else, as though you are not a star but the sun itself.”

Ye Xiu’s lips quirked at that, “Then perhaps that was a sign that my time was coming to an end, for even stars eventually burn out.” He glanced to his hands, translucent as they were, “As I’m sure you can obviously see.”

“You burned out too soon.”

“Or perhaps I burned out long ago, hanging on to remnant fragments of one fallen long ago.” He sighed, “No matter, I am dead, and yet I remain with no light in sight to guide me.  Unless you?”

“Some say death is but the beginning of another adventure.  The question is whether or not it’s one you’re willing to embark on.”

“Huh, can’t say I was expecting that.”

“So, how about it?”

“If I were to be honest, I…” Ye Xiu trailed off, “I wasn’t too impartial to the thought of moving on, of having a chance to once more…” He paused, before continuing in a softer tone, “There is someone I’ve been waiting to see again for over a decade.  Had circumstances been different, I would have continued to wait but now that this happened… Why should I wait longer?”

“You speak of Su Muqiu.”

“Yes, how did you -”

“You would still see him again, should you take me up on my offer.”

“...”

“You have been lonely, haven’t you?  No matter how many surround you, no matter how many care about you and you, them… It just isn’t the same.  That doesn’t need to be the case, not anymore.”

“You…”

“Ye Xiu, across the universes, you have always been so willing to give, regardless of whether it was for Me or for others.  Let me return the favour and offer you something in return - another chance at life and another chance at love.”

“... Who are you, and what… What is it you're wanting in return?”

“Is it so hard for you to believe that all I wish is for your continued happiness? For you to have a chance to continue doing what you love while at the same time having that which eluded you in this world?”

“I am not so naive to believe that anyone would wish me such that isn't conditional on my end.”

There was a sigh, a whisper on the wind, and Ye Xiu found himself leaning into a touch he couldn't see.

“You've been hurt, pulled apart and put back together too many times and yet not once did you let anyone know just how badly you've been scarred.  You, who has given so much and yet offered so little in turn…“ Another invisible hand brushed against his other cheek, lifting his chin, “All I ask is that you trust that I will not lead you astray, that all I wish is for your best interests.”

“Who are you?” Ye Xiu whispered, frozen as lips brushed lightly against his.

“I am that which you always sought.  I am Glory and you, Ye Xiu, you are my Champion, a King among all others.”

Glory.

The one thing which had never failed him, that never let him down.

“If you truly wish to move on fully, then I will let you. I just know there is so much more to your legacy that has yet to be attained.”

One last kiss was offered, the presence drawing back.

Before him, two things appeared.

One, a closed door, beneath which light exuded and the other, what appeared to be a Glory account card, gleaming with a light of its own from where it floated.

“The door once opened will send you to what lies beyond, while the card -”

“Will allow me to live once more?”

“Yes.”

“... What awaits me there, in this other world?  Will it be the same as the life I lived in this one?”

“No, there are similarities but the differences far exceed them. You, for one.”

“So I exist already?”

“Yes, but… The Ye Xiu in that world comes closer to death with the passing time. Should you choose that one path, you would merge with his soul and provide the body with the strength it needs to heal.  In exchange, memories would be lost, replaced with his though everything else would be completely and utterly you.”

Ye Xiu took in a deep breath, eyes shutting for a moment as he considered all that he’d been told, thought of the options laid out before him -

To fully embrace death and give up this ghost of an existence or to take the leap and live again?

He opened his eyes and reached out a hand, spectral fingers closing about the Glory account card.

Laughter sounded around him at the action, jubilant and triumphant in tone, “Yes!”

Then he knew nothing more other than the sensation of pain as his current form was torn apart, rendered to pieces that hovered in the air before coalescing into a pulsing ball of glittering light that shifted through varying shades of multiple colours and hues.

“Safe journey, Ye Xiu, we shall meet again sometime… but don’t worry, even though I might not be around, others will be.”

Both Glory account card and the spherical representation of Ye Xiu’s very essence merged, the once plain rectangular object taking on a changed appearance before disappearing.



-- 01 --

Within a private ward of one of the premier hospitals in Beijing, a tall figure paced, occasionally glancing over to the occupant within the sole bed.  The steady, monotonous beeping and whirring of various machines continued to monitor their patient’s status, indicating nothing save for the fact that, for the moment, he was still alive.

There was a single knock against the door, before it opened inwards, another stepping in.

The newcomer glanced to the bed, then to the one near the room’s large window, a faint frown on his lips at the other’s disheveled looking state.

“Ye Qiu, have you eaten or rested at all today?”

The one now identified as Ye Qiu froze at the disapproving tone, turning guilty eyes towards the other male, “Wenqing, I can’t - what if he -”

“He would be disappointed and upset to know he’s the cause of his beloved older brother not taking care of himself.”

Despite himself, Ye Qiu flushed, “But -”

Han Wenqing closed the distance between the two, arms wrapping about the other and head lowering to nuzzle into his neck where the faded remnant of his claiming Mark laid, “Ah-Qiu, it was you who told me there has been no change in status for the past day or so - do you really think that’s going to change anytime soon if you remain here?”

“It could…” Ye Qiu mumbled, allowing himself to relax slightly within his mate’s embrace, letting out a soft huff at the disapproving growl that rumbled within the other’s chest, “Fine, perhaps not, but I can’t help it.”

“I know.”

“What if he wakes up?  He won’t know where he is, he’ll be confused, scared…”

“Ye Xiu is stronger than you’re giving him credit for being.”

“...”

“Ah-Qiu.” Han Wenqing began, allowing his teeth to graze against the Mark, “Speaking as your mate, this is what we’re going to do, and no I will not accept any objections.  First, our apartment, where a shower and change of clothes is in order. Then food, after which you will be heading to bed to get some sleep.”

“Wenqing -”

“Don’t make me tell this of you as your Alpha, Ye Qiu.” The elder warned, emphasising his words with the slightest bite down on his mate’s neck, the tip of a sharpened fang threatening to pierce the delicate skin.  He allowed a purr to rise in his throat in approval as Ye Qiu stilled before baring his neck fully in quiet submission, “I understand your thinking, Ah-Qiu, but you need to take care of yourself.”

Han Wenqing gave a small, soothing lick to Ye Qiu’s neck before letting him go and stepping back, “I’ll come back here and watch over Ye Xiu while you rest.  He is, after all, as much my younger brother as he is yours.”

It took a moment, but finally Ye Qiu relaxed once more, straightening up and huffing a sigh. “That is such a cheat move, Wenqing, and you know it.”

“It worked.”

“...”

“Come, the sooner we leave, the sooner I can return.”



-- 02 --

Time passed in the now empty ward, seconds turning into minutes which then turned into hours.

Four hours had passed when the atmosphere was disturbed in the form of a single, golden object.  It appeared from seemingly nowhere, hovering above the form unconscious beneath it before slowly descending, a soft glow beginning to surround it.

The closer it got, the further the glow extended until it covered the entire length and width of the body, unhindered by the sheets and blanket covering most of it from view.

One pulse, two…

Three pulses, four…

With each beat of the heart, the light contracted and expanded in time, growing brighter and brighter -

Fourty-one.

Fourty-two.

For a single point in time, Ye Xiu’s heart stopped, the machine monitoring it emitting a single, wailing noise as it flatlined.

The golden card shattered, its pieces falling, piercing bloodlessly through fabric and skin, too-bright light drawing together and converging into a single point above his chest before sinking downwards and disappearing with one last burst of prismatic gold.

One second, two…

Three seconds, four…


Beep.

Beep.

Beep…



-- 03 --

Ye Xiu opened his eyes to find himself staring up at a ceiling that seemed too-white, nose wrinkling slightly at the familiar, cloying smells of a hospital.

His head was spinning, an ache growing as his mind assimilated itself to new memories, integrating what he knew then to what he knew now.  He didn’t know if it was purposeful, but while it was true his past memories were that of this world’s former Ye Xiu, it seemed as though from age fifteen onwards, those of his former world remained -

Or, at least, the ones pertaining to Glory remained, however indistinguishable some of those featured within were.

“Your name is Ye Xiu,” He whispered, “You are fourteen years old, turning fifteen in May.  Ye Qiu is your older brother by seven years.”

He took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

“Secondary genders are something that exists in this world.  Alpha, Beta, Omega. You are unPresented. Ye Qiu is an Alpha.”

On and on he went, speaking aloud in whispered tones helping to ease his headache and organise the chaos which was his current state of mind.

So into his self-driven task, he never once noticed the sound of footsteps against the tiled floor as another approached the bed nor the fact that another now stood beside him until the newcomer spoke up.

“Ye Xiu.”

Ye Xiu started at the voice, turning his surprised gaze towards the other and taking in the taller male.

Han Wenqing, Alpha, Ye Qiu’s mate . His mind helpfully supplied, Older brother.

“Wenqing-ge,” The address fell easily from his lips, the older male seeming to brighten a bit upon hearing it, “Where is gege?”

“He is sleeping right now, Xiu’er, he will be relieved to find out you’ve woken.” Han Wenqing’s dark eyes softened, obvious affection within the ashen gaze, “I know I am.”

“I’m sorry,” Ye Xiu whispered, “I didn’t -”

“There’s nothing to apologise for, you weren’t the one responsible for sending you here.”

“S-still, to be here, you must of -”

“Xiu’er,” Han Wenqing reached a hand out, gentle as he placed it atop Ye Xiu’s head and ruffled his hair, “You are family, nothing would stop me from being here, the team is more than capable of handling themselves without me for a few days.” He chuckled, “Besides, you underestimate how much they all adored you.  Sometimes I feel the fact you aren’t around as often is the main reason most bemoaned the fact that your brother retired.”

Ye Xiu blinked at that, a moment taken to process the elder’s words.

Oh, right.

Ye Qiu had been a starting member of Tyranny when the Glory Professional Alliance first took off, Vice Captain until he announced retirement at the end of third season and Tyranny’s second win.



-- 04 --

The rest of his hospital stay went by in a blur, and Ye Xiu had never been so glad to leave a place as he was when finally, he was discharged, the doctors unable to do much but caution him to ‘take it easy’.

No one was willing to tell the eldest Ye sibling just how much of a medical miracle his brother’s recovery was, the doctors all having been certain of his imminent demise.

“Gege, I’ve had it with being stuck in a bed,” Ye Xiu said, tone plaintive, “I feel fine, I am fine… Please.”

“Just for a few days, Xiu’er,” Ye Qiu responded, “Please, for my state of mind.”

“...”

The eldest Ye stepped away for a moment, reappearing a few minutes later with a recognisable bag in his hands, “Wenqing and I went out and got you a new laptop, seeing as your last one got destroyed in the accident.  I know you’ve never been interested in gaming, but we couldn’t help but get you one of the leading brands for such - it should prove useful for whatever you choose to use it for, though, and if anything will keep you entertained while on bedrest.”

Wouldn’t Ye Qiu be surprised.  The old Ye Xiu didn’t care for gaming, that was true, but now?  

Ye Xiu’s hands ached, fingers twitching and curling against the blankets tucked about him in anxious anticipation.


The first thing Ye Xiu did upon turning the laptop on was not to boot up the Glory browser, but instead bringing up the web browser.

The past memories he held in regards to Glory and its Professional Alliance focused on Tyranny since both Han Wenqing and Ye Qiu had been a part of it, information on the other teams and players an unknown that he wanted to rectify.

Excellent Era was the first thing he searched, staring at the provided information, attention focused on the face belonging to an older Su Muqiu.

Su Muqiu and Su Mucheng, the twin co-Captains to Excellent Era, second season winners and current fore-runners on the leaderboard for the ongoing fourth season.

Further searching revealed more information on the Su siblings of this world - the Su twins, both Alphas, were the sole sons of CEO Su Qiang.

It was all quite a bit to take in, if Ye Xiu were honest with himself, holding off on further searches in order to fully comprehend all that he learned.

‘There are similarities but the differences far exceed them.’

The words Glory had spoken to him came to the forefront of his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel truer words had never been spoken.



-- 05 --

The two account cards, one embossed with a golden leaf and the other with a red umbrella against their silver background, were held within his hand, fingers trembling as they closed about them.

There was absolutely no doubt in his mind to who these cards contained, if the manner in which he’d distinguished them to stand out hadn’t been proof enough.

One Autumn Leaf and Lord Grim, the beginning and end to his journey within Glory of his old world.

“Thank you,” He whispered, “You didn’t have to, but - thank you.”

Tears were beginning to form in the corner of his eyes, trickling down his cheeks and splashing against the plastic of the cards he held.  His eyes shut tight against the flow of tears, finding himself unable to stop them now that he’d started. In some ways, it was almost as though all the tears he had never allowed himself to cry were taking this opportunity to fall.



-- 06 --

Glory was more than just a game, it always had been.  Such a fact was unknown by most, those who were Aware the ones that lived and breathed within Their world - wandering souls without aim or purpose, given a second chance at life and all they needed was to allow themselves to be Contracted to those that called themselves ‘Players’ instead of ‘Summoners’.

These souls once given life were known as Avatars, their loyalties lying first and foremost with Glory and second with their Players.

There were some that went against the norm, considered blasphemous heretics for their differing beliefs, ostracised for daring to voice their dissenting views.

One Autumn Leaf and Lord Grim never cared, neither willing to refute their claim -

“ I approve of your thoughts ,” Stated the one who of all people had right to be angry with them, “ For even though I provided the chance, in the end he was the one to give you life .”

“Let me go with him,” The Battle Mage demanded, “He is Mine, no matter the fact that He was forced to give me to another, and to think of losing Him forever?”

The two Avatars exchanged looks.

In the past, their paths had crossed both within Their world and that of Glory’s, all ending in conflicts that ended in a stalemate.

Now, though, now both had been faced with a situation that neither could or would accept, a silent agreement made between them for now .

“He can’t be left alone, especially in this world you plan on sending Him to - with what He is to be, He’ll need all the protection He can get.” The Unspecialised added, “Even if he were to Contract another there…”

Both Avatars growled at that thought, neither liking the thought of having to share their Player with yet another, especially one actually Contracted to Him.

“ I will allow you both to accompany him ,” Glory responded, Their gaze knowing, “ But through the usual manner in which Contracts work, unless …” They looked from first One Autumn Leaf then to Lord Grim, “ If his feelings for you are the same as yours for him, then perhaps …”



-- 07 --

The constant tears washed over the account cards, each one shed speaking volumes until, finally, they began to ebb.

One by one, the embossed imprints on each card began to glow, faint at first but growing stronger until first one, then the other, flared in a sudden burst of light and heat.

Ye Xiu couldn’t help but yelp as he was burned, the cards dropping as he jerked his hand up -

Before he could bring it to his mouth, a larger hand grabbed hold, drawing his fingers up and between another’s lips.  Sucking at the slender digits to sooth them of their pain, sienna eyes burned into his own with their intensity.

“L-Lord Grim,” Ye Xiu felt faint, leaning back away from the other only to flush as he fell back against another’s chest.  It was with much hesitance that he glanced over his shoulder, looking up into a storming blue gaze beneath a familiar fringe of bangs, “One… One Autumn Leaf…”

“We meet at last, Little Lord,” The Battle Mage stated, gaze flicking to his fellow Avatar, “Let Him go.”

Lord Grim raised an eyebrow but after another moment, let Ye Xiu’s fingers go with one last lick to their tips, “Pardon me but someone had to make certain His hands would remain in shape to continue guiding us.”

“Yes, because I’m certain such concepts such as healing spells are non-existent.” One Autumn Leaf narrowed his eyes, “Don’t act so untoward, especially with Him.”

“Must you always sound so proper?” The Unspecialised scoffed in response, “It’s a wonder one such as yourself is even able to feel for anything aside from a sense of duty.”

“Funny, I find myself thinking similar thoughts in regards to you - how do you manage to survive with such uncouth mannerisms?  It goes beyond mere shamelessness.”

“Um…” Ye Xiu blinked, finding himself between the Avatars as both glared at the other, One Autumn Leaf at his back and Lord Grim at his front, “You two, this - how?”

The air around them seemed to crackle with unseen energy, a shudder wracking him as the very atmosphere grew heavier, oppressive and pressing down upon him.  It took him a moment to realise why - affected by the intricacies of the world they found themselves in, it seemed as though his Avatars had both been designated as Alphas.

Untrained and most likely Unaware, the aggression each shared towards the other were releasing an amount of pheromones that were overwhelming even to one unPresented such as Ye Xiu, himself, was.

He took in a deep breath, ragged as it was, forcing his hands to steady before each one shot out, fingertips touching to the nape of each Avatars’ neck.

Both stilled immediately at the unexpected touch, the other forgotten as they turned to their Player.

“Little Lord?” “Master?”

“I… I am very glad to see the two of you, but,” Ye Xiu found himself breathing a bit easier, “You two are Alphas, and need to learn control.”

The expressions on both Avatars went blank at his words, each thinking back to the information they’d learned of this world.  Neither had ever expected to…

“Little Lord, I am sorry,” One Autumn Leaf was the first to finally respond, raising a gloved and settling it atop the one Ye Xiu held against him; across from him, Lord Grim mirrored the action.

“Neither of us realised, but that doesn’t excuse us,” Lord Grim added, “The last thing we wish is to cause you grief.”

“I-it’s fine, just - you two are very strong and even unPresented, the pheromones being released was just too much.   It’s a good thing neither Ye Qiu or Han Wenqing are here, because then they would wonder to there being other Alphas in their territory… and I don’t want to risk anyone getting hurt.”

Both Avatars inwardly preened at the praise, at the knowledge that He cared so much about them, exchanging knowing glances with the other male.

Both knew what Ye Xiu was to Present as, and being what both were now, there was no chance they would allow him to go uncontested.

Lord Grim lowered his head, breath soft against Ye Xiu’s skin as he brushed a kiss against his ear, “I’ll go first, then, but I will return.”

Within the blink of an eye, he was gone.

“I suppose I’ll be heading off as well,” One Autumn Leaf was more reserved than his fellow Avatar had been, instead choosing to stroke the back of a gloved hand against Ye Xiu’s cheek, “I hope to see you again soon, Little Lord.”

Then he, too, was gone, leaving Ye Xiu sitting atop the bed with the two account cards in his lap and the faint, remaining traces of their distinctive Scents lingering in the air.



-- 08 --

There was no way he could use One Autumn Leaf or Lord Grim right now, not unless he wished to risk invoking their physical presence again - and such was a risk that couldn’t be taken, not until the two learned control.  

Again, he found himself glad he was the sole one in the apartment at the current point in time, not wanting to consider the excuses he would of needed to come up to explain the foreign Scents and pheromones… all of which should hopefully of faded entirely by the time his older brother returned.

Gege should be pleased, He mused to himself, setting the two account cards back where he first came across them and settling back in the bed, Maybe he and I could play Glory together?  He’s bound to still play despite retiring….

Ye Xiu also had the feeling that Ye Qiu would be willing to do whatever it was he asked as long as it wasn’t something that would cause him harm; the dynamics between them were far different than what little he recalled of older them when they were twins in his old world.

It was easy enough to accept things as they were, however, treating the memories of fifteen-plus him to be remnants of a dream that wouldn’t come to pass, the information provided within them filed away until needed; positive memories were carefully cultivated and stored, those of a more negative nature discarded and swept aside.

He wouldn’t allow thoughts of the Excellent Era he had endured and suffered beneath taint the image of the one under guidance of the Su siblings.

No, he -

Firmly, he shook his head, clearing it of excess thoughts, exhaustion settling over him in turn.  It was a reminder that despite being given a clean bill of health, the fact remained that he was , in some ways, still recovering and with the excitement earlier…

Sleep sounded nice, his eyelids heavy as he sank down into the bed, drawing the sheets and blankets up around him.

Maybe Ye Qiu would be back by the time he woke up, and he could ask the other about the possibility of obtaining an account card….

Ye Xiu yawned, eyes shutting as he nestled his face into his pillow, falling asleep shortly after.



-- 09 --

“Tell me I’m not imagining things,” Ye Qiu stated, a gleam in amber eyes as he stared down at his brother, "You are asking me to get you a Glory account card?”

“Yes, gege, please?” Golden eyes returned the elder male’s stare, “If anything, it should provide entertainment until you allow me out of bed.”

“You know you don’t need to humour us just because we got you a gaming laptop, right?”

“I’m not humouring anyone, Qiu-ge.  I promise, I am asking because I want this, for me.”

“Okay, okay!  I just wanted to make sure.” Ye Qiu grinned, reaching out to ruffle his brother’s hair despite the other’s protest, “This is great, though!  We’ll have you becoming a proper fan of Tyranny yet, just you wait and see.”

“I don’t know… I looked up information on some of the teams, and this Excellent Era -”

“Xiu’er, no!  Wenqing would be devastated to know that you’d rather support Tyranny’s number one enemy - you might not be aware of it, but there has been a long-standing rivalry between those two teams.”

Ye Xiu blinked, “Somehow, I don’t think Wenqing-ge would be that bothered…” His head tilted, “And from what I read, it seemed as though the rivalry was more between Su Muqiu and you?”

“When I retired, that rivalry transferred to Tyranny itself.”

“I… don’t think that’s how it works….”

“Older brother knows best, didi.”

“... Of course, gege,” Ye Xiu glanced to the side to hide the slight, amused smile on his lips, “When would you be able to get me the account card?” He once more looked to his brother, “The sooner, the better.”

“You really are eager, huh?  Is there a particular class you’re interested in?  Because I have some alternate cards somewhere that I could let you use until I get you a new one…”

More to rile up the older male than speaking from seriousness, Ye Xiu responded, “Do you have any of the Gunner classes?  Perhaps Sharpshooter, even?”

“... Xiu’er, please, you’re causing much heartache for this older brother of yours.  I’m fearing that next you’ll next be proclaiming undying love for one Su Muqiu -” Ye Qiu paused at that, eyes darkening as he stared at his brother consideringly, “- Please don’t make me consider the best means of murdering someone undetected.  Alphas like him and his twin are nothing but trouble, after all.”

Ye Xiu stared at the other, before deciding this was all something he didn’t quite wish to deal with right now.

“Battle Mage, then?”

“Now that is a choice I can get behind!” Seeming to forget earlier grievances, Ye Qiu clapped his hands together, “There’s no way I would risk Herald of Autumn, but I think I do have a spare Battle Mage account… let me go see.”

The older male left the bedroom, mumbling under his breath as he did so, a bemused Ye Xiu watching his departure.

I don’t know about this world’s Su Muqiu, but if he’s anything like the one I once knew… His gaze dropped, fingers tugging and twisting the fabric of his sheets.

Love, a concept he had never had much time to consider before, but he knew without a doubt that he had loved Su Muqiu, once upon a life.  That had been in a world where there lacked much complications, unlike this one where the whole Secondary Genders was often a matter of consideration when it came to potential pairings -

While accepted, Alpha/Alpha pairings like that between Han Wenqing and Ye Qiu weren’t too commonplace though Alpha/Beta pairings and Beta/Beta pairings were the most prolific due to the sheer rarity of actual Omegas.

Ye Xiu didn’t know Su Muqiu’s thoughts, but he hoped when he finally Presented, he did so as Beta… because then, the main obstacle he might face would be whether or not the other would take a risk with the age difference between them.



-- 10 --

Time passed and before he knew it, May had come and gone, Ye Xiu turning fifteen while Ye Qiu turned twenty-two - interesting, how things worked, the two Ye siblings still sharing the same birthdate despite the difference in their ages.

Since their birthday had come and gone, Ye Qiu had become seemingly more agitated and unwilling to allow his younger brother leave their apartment without him -

“Gege, please,” His protests died on unwilling ears, “Everything is going to be okay, I’ll be fine -”

“You’re bound to Present any day now,” Ye Qiu firmly stated, “One is most vulnerable then, and I’m not risking the chance of losing you again.  So until after, there’s no way I’m letting you out there alone.”

I won’t be alone, though! Ye Xiu wanted to say, his thoughts on the two account cards he carried on him at all times and the Avatars residing within them.  He knew he was safe, knew that there was no way One Autumn Leaf or Lord Grim would ever let him be hurt, but… he also knew that there was no way he could tell that to anybody else.



-- 11 --

Ye Xiu finally Presented on the same day that Excellent Era was announced the winners of the Glory Professional Alliance’s fourth season.

He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry once he’d become coherent enough to comprehend the truth.

In the end he settled for both.


Rare as it was to be one, Ye Xiu had Presented as an Omega.

Chapter 2

Notes:

Nothing too exciting happens in this chapter, but it was necessary.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

-- 12 --

When Ye Qiu entered the apartment, he froze.

The air was positively saturated in pheromones, another Scent heavy in the air - one both familiar and yet, at the same time, not.

That wasn't what caused him concern, however.

No, what worried him was the fact that the pheromones were attempting to Call to him in a manner that only one of the dynamics could.  It was only the fact that he was already Mated and, on an instinctual level knew the two were related, that managed to keep him mostly unaffected.

Even then, the strength and purity promised still managed to tempt him just a little, and that just made his concern grow further.

He forced his hand free from the door frame he'd been gripping, allowing the door to slam shut behind him and kicking his shoes off before going to search for his younger brother.



-- 13 --

The door was all that stood between him and his brother, and Ye Qiu would be lying if he said he wasn't afraid of opening it.

For while his brother was there, it was also Ground Zero for the other's Presenting and consequently where the largest concentration of pheromones would reside - and considering how prevalent they had managed to spread throughout the remainder of the apartment…

“Ye Xiu?” Ye Qiu knocked once against the wood, but no response came even after he knocked a few more times, “Xiu'er, I'm coming in.”

Steeling himself, his hand closed around the doorknob and turned, pushing it inwards - and he was hit with the full force of newly Presented Omega pheromones, pupils dilating and breathing growing harsh, ragged.

Fuck!

Ye Xiu wasn't even experiencing a Heat and yet - It took all seven years of hard-learnt control for him to force down the barest, most primal of his Alpha instincts that demanded he seek out the powerful and fertile Omega to covet as his own -

He's my brother - my job is to protect him from others.

His teeth ground together, fingers curling at his side and nails digging into the palm of his hand.  Even the brief sting of pain wasn’t enough to distract him, a stagger in his steps as he passed the threshold and moved further into the bedroom.



-- 14 --

“Ye Xiu, my dear Ye Xiu.”

The familiar voice brushed against his mind, coaxing him to awaken from the recuperative slumber he'd fallen into and he yawned, stretching his arms above his head and rubbing remaining sleep from his eyes.

“Ye Xiu, remember what you were told?”

“Told…?” He murmured, a slight furrow to his brow as he concentrated, thinking back to the images that had accompanied his rest, the guidance and instructions he’d been given coming forefront to his mind.

“Very good, Ye Xiu.  Now… as you once told One Autumn Leaf and Lord Grim, control!”

Glory gave one final affectionate mental touch, Ye Xiu shivering slightly in result.  He then took in a single, deep breath, eyes shutting and looking inwards as he slowly exhaled.

Control, control, control.

The single word was repeated over and over in a mantra.

You are the Omega, the Omega is not you.



-- 15 --

Ye Qiu stopped at Ye Xiu’s bedside, darkened gaze fixed on the other’s form.  His breathing was heavy, fingers twitching as his hands shook at his side.

Part of his addled mind continued to try and reason, to bring him back to his senses -


Mate, you have a Mate. (Not an Omega.)

Brother, he’s your brother. (It doesn’t matter.)

You need to protect him! (If I were his Alpha, I could protect him so much better.)

Ye Xiu…


His head cleared, the sudden clarity leaving him disoriented where he stood, blinking slowly at his outstretched hand, its fingers so close to touching his brother’s face.

“Gege?” Ye Xiu stared up at him, curiosity in his bright eyes, “Are you okay?”

“I - am I?  E-excuse me for a moment,” Ye Qiu couldn’t help but stammer, abruptly turning and all but fleeing from the other’s bedroom.

He felt absolutely horrified at himself, at what he could of done -

Never had he encountered an Omega like Ye Xiu before, one whose pheromones were so strong and capable of pushing beyond the defences of an older Alpha like himself.  That wasn’t even taking into consideration that the fact the two of them were related should have proved a deterrent and yet, in the end, had not.

If his brother hadn’t somehow managed to bring his outpouring of pheromones under control - and for that matter, how had he done that so quick? - Ye Qiu didn’t want to think of what could have happened, what he might of done.

It wasn’t as though he even wanted an Omega, he truly did love Han Wenqing and never once had he regretted agreeing to become his mate despite them both being Alphas.


(“I’m sorry,” He whispered, hands gripping the counter.  Water dripped down his face from where he’d splashed some, falling into the kitchen sink.

He didn’t even know who he was apologising too, anymore - Ye Xiu, Han Wenqing, himself?)



-- 16 --

The sound of ringing broke through the silence of the training room, all eyes turning to the person whose phone was responsible - almost immediately after, they returned to their screens.

No one was going to question Han Wenqing.

“It’s Ye Qiu,” Their Captain announced, already pushing his chair back and standing up, “I’m taking this call - keep at it.”

Without another word he was out the door, finger pressing the button to accept the call, “Ye Qiu, this wasn’t the best time..”

“Wenqing, this is more important than Glory!”

Han Wenqing frowned, able to sense the slight edge of distress in his mate’s tone, “What happened?  Is Ye Xiu all right?”

“He… is all right,” Ye Qiu responded slowly, “He Presented.”

“So he’s Beta? Alpha?”

“...”

“... Ah-Qiu?”

“Omega.”

His brain screeched to a halt, slowly resetting itself as his grip tightened slightly on his phone, “Excuse me?  I could of just sworn you said -”

“Ye Xiu Presented as an Omega.  An Omega!  This is the worst possible thing that could of happened!”

Yes, yes it was, Han Wenqing was inclined to agree with his mate’s lamentations. Alpha was safe. Beta was safe. Omega, however… In a way it was the safest of all, but it also presented the most challenges and complications.

“There's nothing to be done about it, he is what he is.” He continued before the other could respond, “It'd be okay, we have three years at least until anyone can even consider Courting him.”

“ Wenqing, I - fuck ! ”

“… Something’s bothering you beyond just Ye Xiu Presenting.” Han Wenqing leaned against the wall, “What happened, Ah -Qiu?”

For a moment, all that he heard was the sound of the other’s breathing before there came a sharp intake of air, exhaled slowly.

“ I tried fighting against it, but the Call was so strong .  His pheromones, Wenqing, they - ” Ye Qiu sighed, “ Nothing happened , thank goodness, but… “

“I understand that you might be feeling guilt over what could have happened, but nothing did .” Han Wenqing stated after a moment, tone firm, “You normally possess a strong control over your instincts… if you lost it, then I’m certain I would have too.”

“ Wenqing… “

“We’re good, Ah -Qiu, so focus your worries on making certain Ye Xiu is alright.”

“… Thank you, Wenqing. ”



-- 17 --

Ye Xiu hovered in the doorway of the kitchen, worrying at his lower lip as he studied the elder male.

“Gege?”

His older brother started at his call, turning to face him with slightly widened amber eyes, “Xiu’er?  How long have you been standing there?”

“I…“ Ye Xiu shifted on his feet, “Long enough.  Xiu-ge, I’m sorry. Please don’t blame yourself, I… if I had woken up sooner, I could have - you wouldn’t -”

“Oh, Xiu’er,” Ye Qiu slipped his cell phone into the pocket of his jacket, moving forward to take Ye Xiu into his arms, “There’s nothing to apologise for. If anything, I -”

“If I can’t be sorry, you can’t be either.”

“.....”

“I know that you would never hurt me if it can be helped.  I doubt either of us expected me to Present as an Omega.” Ye Xiu definitely never even considered the possibility.

“That’s right, you…” Trailing off, Ye Qiu seemed willing to forget past incidents to focus instead on his brother’s well-being, drawing back to stare at the other with now-worried eyes, “We should get you taken to a hospital, make certain that everything’s okay. Are you in any pain? What am I asking - of course there's going to be some.”

Before Ye Xiu could make any protests, his older sibling was off with a new purpose and, if he were honest, he couldn't bring himself to begrudge him.



-- 18 --

Once again, Ye Xiu found himself within the same hospital he had first woken up in months ago, though this time not as a patient.

He drew the thick coat his older brother had given him tighter about him, breathing in the familiar Alpha pheromones and allowing them to settle over and further obscure his own Omega ones.

“Xiu’er, come on,” Ye Qiu reached out and took his hand, guiding him over to the receptionist’s desk.  

The nurse currently situated behind it gave the two of them a once-over, not able to see anything right off hand that would warrant either needing to be in the Emergency Room.  Still, she offered a polite smile, tone cordial, “Good afternoon, what can we do for you today?”

Ye Qiu glanced around them, at the sparsely filled waiting room, before leaning over, whispering his response, “This is a Code Zero.  I trust it’d be treated with the proper discretion?”

“Code… Zero…?” The nurse turned her gaze onto Ye Xiu, one hand automatically reaching underneath her desk to press a single gold button she never thought she’d have an opportunity to use, “O-of course.  Give me a moment, and I’ll have someone escort you to a room.”

“Very good, thank you.”



-- 19 --

The doctor that eventually came to see to Ye Xiu was a Beta of average height with greying brown hair, kind eyes and a light, soothing Scent of chamomile and lavender.

He seemed surprised to see just who his patient was to be, while Ye Qiu looked relieved.

“If I had to entrust you to anyone’s care, it would be him,” The elder Ye informed his brother before offering a smile to the newcomer, “Doctor Li.”

“Master Ye, a pleasure,” The doctor responded, “This must be Ye Xiu, the Omega I was told to see?”

“Yes, Presented today.  I want to make sure everything turned out alright.”

“Of course.  Ye Xiu?” Doctor Li offered his patient a small, reassuring smile, “I’m Doctor Li, one of the few Omega Specialists this hospital has on staff. Before we continue, how are you feeling?”



-- 20 --

“We recommend that all newly Presented Omegas experience their first Heat unhindered, for that is the crucial one.  Afterwards, it should be fine to go ahead and get the standard IUD that will last until he turns eighteen.”

Ye Qiu nodded his head, “That all sounds about right - how long do you think we have until his first Heat?”

“Hard to say, it varies from Omega to Omega. There have been a few cases where it happens less than a month after Presenting, while others have gone months to almost a year. There hasn’t been much of a chance to research such, but some speculate that the higher the potential fertility of an Omega is, the sooner they’ll experience their first Heat.”

“I… see.” Ye Qiu turned to where his brother lay sleeping as he recovered from earlier examination, “He’s going to hate it, but until he has his Heat, there’s no way I can let him outside the apartment alone.”

Especially since he knew first-hand just what an affect Ye Xiu could have on an Alpha, and should he fall into his Heat?  

It terrified Ye Qiu just thinking about it, his mind already working to consider everything he would need to get to ensure the best outcome.

“Good luck with that,” Doctor Li’s smile was sympathetic, “Just be certain not to block him from going out at all.” He stood, “Once he has his Heat, feel free to contact me using the personal number I gave you, and we’ll set up an appointment for the IUD as soon as possible.  Also, be sure to let me know if he suffers from any side effects - he shouldn’t, but there have been rare cases.”

“Of course.  Thank you, Doctor Li.” Ye Qiu stood himself, shaking the elder male’s hand, “I appreciate everything you have done for us.”



-- 21 --

Once more defying all expectations, Ye Xiu had his first Heat a mere few days later.

Surprisingly, but much to Ye Qiu’s relief, it wasn’t that bad compared to the aftermath of his brother’s initial Presentation - he still couldn’t quite understand how but since then, Ye Xiu’s grasp of control over himself had been beyond what anyone would expect.

(Far as Ye Xiu was concerned, no one needed to know he had outside interference helping him in that regard.)

So Ye Xiu’s Heat was just an uncomfortable experience for both of them, and one both were glad to be done with once its final day passed.


If Doctor Li were at all surprised to receive a call a week after he first met up with the Ye siblings in regards to setting up an IUD appointment, he was rather good at hiding it.



-- 22 --

Being an Omega was more trouble than it was worth.

Sure, he was listed in some Omega Registrar somewhere, but that was considered Top Secret and Confidential and not something just anyone could view.

Plus, misfortune - or was it more fortune? - had it that he was one of those ‘rare cases’ whose body rejected the biochip whose purpose was to monitor his health and status; apparently, it also had a means of alerting others to the fact that he’s an Omega when he entered certain establishments - and, no thank you.

The less attention he received, the better.


Once the IUD had been implanted, Ye Xiu decided then and there that as far as he was concerned, he was just going to pretend to be a Beta.

Notes:

next chapter will hopefully bring back Glory (the game) into the mix.

---

In this abo world, IUDs exist which are implanted in an Omega once they've experienced their first Heat - it safely repressed the usual chemicals/body makeup that induces Heats and can be removed when the Omega is eighteen.

Eighteen is when an Omega is considered eligible to be Courted/Mated by an Alpha.

The biochip mentioned is implanted in a newly presented Omega and constantly monitors their health in order to ensure that they aren't being harmed and/or abused. An alert will go out when the status hits red, sending officials to wherever the given GPS location is in order to remove the Omega from whatever situation they're in.

It also synchronizes to some establishments, allowing for preferential treatment to the Omega/the party they're with.

Series this work belongs to: