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Chapter Text

Swords were meant for Alphas, and flowers for Omegas. Silk for one and wool for the other. The act of picking up a sword for an Omega meant the death sentence, along with the dismissal of any family member from seats of the government. Beautiful flowers that shone with the pride of holding up the family unit. Each one like the last, like beautiful porcelain dolls, painted in careful swishes of the red brush. They all would become exactly like their mothers before them. Quiet, obedient, and simply a status symbol. To be named an Omega was to become more than your own person, more than just what you could bring in a monetary value. That status meant connections and generations.

Then, there was Pei Ming. The second child and first son of his family. Loud and proud in his almost overbearing personality. Dressing in loose wool and running about even as a small child. His Mother and Father both placed pride within the fact that he would never be weak, that they would never have to ever worry that their son would need anyone else for anything.. A sword polished daily in preparation for the day where his scent would come in.

That had been years ago now. When they waited in anticipation, holding their breaths since the day past his sixteenth birthday and waiting for the day it would all come to fruition. And now, coming upon his eighteenth, Pei Ming nearly slept through the meeting with the woman that would become his Mother-in-law. All thanks to a matchmaker that he will eternally curse.

Hoof storming through town was the only indicator to Pei Ru, the eldest sister of the Pei clan, that not all hope was lost. The cries of people, calling out insults and annoyance, announce the arrival of her brother long before he appears. A grin bursting cheek to cheek as he slings himself off the back of the stead. Straightening out his back and holding himself tall, much taller than his older sister. Brushing the dirt off of his clothes and cheeks before tossing his hair over his shoulder. Patting the horse’s neck as his attention turns to the approaching figure of his sister.

“A-Pei” She sighs deeply, pressing her fingers deep into the bridge of her nose to wane the threat of a migraine. “Do you know how late you are? Are you even going to-”

“-Take this seriously, yes. I know.” He rolls his eyes dramatically before dramatically matching his sister’s deep sight, much to her ever-growing annoyance, “I know I am late. I know that, come on. Let’s not make me later by chatting! Catch me up on the new information after we deal with this absolutely terrible idea of a day.” He brushes past her, a skip in his step that swings his long ponytail like a taunt. Holding it high up and decorating it was beautifully carved of a branch of plum blossoms that twists into a comb. The woolen clothes across a broad chest and the plum blossom comb did not mix in Pei Ru’s eyes. She would have suggested anything else besides that wool clothes, of course, she would suggest to the universe to trade out those Plum blossoms. Breathing out a sigh before she follows the man.

“Is he finally here?” Eyes find the strange sight in the Omega place. The home open to preparing them for important events or helping them to be prepared for weddings had not been open to a first-sex male in a long while. Even Pei Ming had begun to grow slightly warm under his collar, rubbing the back of his throat before smugly grinning. The plainness of his grin does not sway the stares or even the glowering of the older woman who was in charge of such an important place.

Yet, before he could speak, Pei Ru takes a step forward, clearing her throat, “Yes, he is here. I am extremely sorry for the wait. My brother seems to forget that this is much more than playtime and instead time to meet quite the important woman.” She states firmly and calmly. Folding her hands in front of her to control the nerves. The way that they stared down the pair of siblings with unrelenting eyes made Pei Ming swallow the small lump in his throat.

Pei Ming’s eyes trace the room before his sister, taking a small bow, “I am sorry for being late.” He grits out between his teeth, glaring down at the floor as if it had offended him and made him bow his head towards anyone else.

“You are about to meet a very important woman” The older lady sighs deeply, grabbing his wrist to pull him through the others. Women staring at the strange man coming through their space, whispers speaking louder than them screaming insults ever could, “And yet you're late! Late! What have we told you over and over again?”

If Pei Ming had to hear one more time how important this woman was, he would take a knife to his ear drums.

“Alphas love obedient, timely, shapely women, and I am none of those” He grumbles, which earns a quick and sharp glare. “Hey, I’m not a liar! I hate this just as much as everyone else hates me being in here. Really, If I could just, have this appointment passed over and I would not bother anyone again.”

Pei Ru can’t help but sigh deeply again at that, shaking her head as she desperately tries to get any semblance of a reasonable conversation out of this stubborn mule, “If Father heard that you were refusing to meet with your future mother-in-law because of some egotistical-”

“I am not egotistical-”

“-ideal that you are above your secondary status. He would lose his poor mind and his heart would falter again. Would you enjoy knowing that you would be the dark stain on the family name? A-ming, you need to think of other people rather than yourself!” Pei Ru scolds, feeling for a moment as if she’s speaking to a child and truly her tone sounded like it too, “It is simple, go play dress up, meet her, politely, and then you may return to your playing for a few more weeks before your wedding”

Pei Ming’s face pales and lashes flutter at the scolding. Ears feeling as if they were on fire as he listens. Although, the tightness in his throat was harsher than even her words, ‘Think about other people always and yourself last’ he bitterly hisses in the back of his head. Twisting his face away from her sight. “Just afternoon tea”

“Of course” Pei Ru lets her shoulders sag in relief as they enter the bathing room. The sweet scent of bath oils and incense floats through the room, although the steam that had been rising from the water surface was nowhere in sight. The woman moves quickly, stripping the man of his clothing and shoving him hard into the tub full of cool water. Making him gasp and scramble for the side.

“It is WAY too cold! There’s no way I can bathe in this!” He cries as the woman picks up a bucket full of water, dumping it over his head. Shivers rush up his spine as goosebumps litter his arms. Hands moving quickly to scrub at his hair and scalp.

“It would have been much warmer if you hadn’t been trying to avoid this” Pei Ru reminds him as she turns to focus on the clothing that had been made especially for this day. Placing the special bells and whistles around as she listens to her brother’s complaining settles down as the washing woman work. Unfolding a silk cloth before placing it down over top of the soft silvers and reds that would compliment his skin and eyes. Hints of black threading even make their appearance.

His hair was cleaned thoroughly and skin rubbed raw and red until he shined. It all seemed like too much to the young man, dragged out of the bath like a dog caught in the river and dried off with enough force that left a buzz over his skin before put in his underclothes. Pei Ming’s scalp burned as his hair was pulled and twisted, wrapped up tightly into the perfect bun with a few dangling pieces to frame his undoubtedly strong features. The Plum blossom comb was placed once more inside of his hair and a gentle fabric cloth wrapped loosely around his throat to cover the mateable skin.

Pei Ru turns back to the other, walking over and kneeling down, taking his hands in hers. Staring down, miffed, at the chipped and dirty nails. “Why were you playing in the mud again today?” She hisses at the other, who raises said hands in defense. Which only amplified the annoyance in her features.

“I did not! I was simply doing my chores!” he whines loudly as he sinks down deeper into his seat “I hadn’t done anything bad at all!” That was nothing more than an absolute lie. Pei Ming had been digging in the dirt, hiding things in the garden yet again, although she couldn’t possibly figure that out.

“Nothing? Truly? Then how come you have not been taking care of your hands once more? At this rate, your alpha will have to deal with the ugliest hands possible!” As this morning went on, the more annoyed Pei Ru got at the lack of care that it seemed that Pei Ming had for this entire situation. How could he forget exactly why they were forced to marry him off? Pei Ru roughly grabs his hands, glaring at them as she works to try to get the dirt out from under his nails. Which made him hiss in pain as she jabs a sharp and thin metal piece to try to get all of it out. Muttering complaints as she goes to try to calm herself.

“I know!” he snaps at her quickly, ripping his hands out of her own and pressing them close to his chest, “I know. I just wanted to relax and have some fun before this ridiculous thing that you all seem so happy to do” He personally hated every single bit of it all.

Pei Ru watches his lashes lower, the way he chews on his cheek, before rubbing her temples once more. “Ming, stand up, they have to put you into your outfit.” Pei Ming glances over towards her at that, before quietly standing up. Not even an apology.

The woman work, helping him stand to help the man into his outfit. Practiced tying and decorating any omega until they looked as delicate as a rich man's bowl. Even the well-formed Pei Ming had a slight softness to his features once they had begun their work. The muscles hidden skillfully by folds of loose fabric. Waist pulled in even more until he had forgotten if he truly was able to breathe at all. All of it until he stood before them, looking at himself in a small hand mirror.

His stomach jerked and the tightness within his throat had a viper’s grip. The sight in front of him made him sick.

“Perfect” Pei Ru sighs deeply, finally giving him a tight, albeit a very real, smile. Touching his cheek lightly as the high collar strangles him. “Really, A-Ming, this suits you. You…look regal in this. I’m sure that the Alpha’s mother will approve of you in an instant seeing you like this” there was a pregnant pause after that, her words faltering for a single moment before Pei Ru shakes her head, “You will truly be a wonderful addition to their family, Ming. Just prove yourself worthy, and show her that our family values run through you.”

“I will, Ru” He promises softly, despite how his voice shook. “I’ll make sure that you are proud”

She smiles more, before taking a step away, “Your carriage should be out front then. Remember, be polite-”

“And obedient, and quiet. Speak only when spoken to, and never state your opinion. I know” He mutters, turning to start out towards the door before a hand on his arm stops him.

“And Do not speak of weapons or swordplay, Ming. I beg of you. Keep that to yourself, even if offered.” She pleads softly, but Pei Ming simply smiles at her, placing a hand over her’s.

“I’ll be back after tea” He reassures, squeezing her hand once before he is guided out towards the front and into the simply elegant carriage waiting for him. His hands folded neatly over his lap as it slowly pulled away from the Omega home. Not once looking to see his nervous sister watching, chewing her lips raw.

Chapter Text

Trips out of the village usually brought Pei Ming great joy. In fact, he had not been outside of the protective grasp of his family in nearly three years. He would always be right in sight, usually. There were times that he snuck out into the wilderness for a few hours, sneaking a weapon behind there and practicing as he would when he was younger. Listening to the metal of the blade sing. Okay, so it wasn’t three years at all. Pei Ming always snuck out of the house, but he hasn’t been allowed out in three years.

The forest pathway was lined with trees of different types. Green blankets cover overhead, looming and covering the riders from the sun. While other trees carry a golden hue, small pines fall even as they ride on. Red blooms through the green along with oranges. This sight could have been perfect for calming the carriage inhabitants. Especially with these multicolored protectors letting in streams of golden afternoon light. Bathing the entire trip in an orange-ish yellow hue that should have made the trip to a new town that he may one-day call home feel like bliss.

Riding over to the other house took longer than Pei Ming would have liked. The sight of the beautiful trees and light wind where the leaves rustle should have been a balm to his flayed nerves but today it seemed like time was against him. The usual strolling pace of the carriage felt like he was being marched to his end and that they were lengthening it unnecessarily.

Nothing was able to calm his nervous energy that was causing him to continuously shift between the sides of the carriage. Always shifting the curtains out of the way to stare out at the leaves that were changing colors slowly. The worst fact was that the well-worn dirt path that they had chosen to take, which was the fastest route, made the entire ride a bumpy, jostling annoyance that caused the exhausted and nervous inhabitant of the carriage to feel sick to his stomach. The sight of the town ahead made him feel like he needed to gag.

The arrival came with grandeur. The entrance was followed by noise and people calling to others inside the houses. People of the town gather to look out and try to catch any sight of the Omega that was meant to wed into the strongest family. They gather and gawk as they try to catch a single even glimpse of the one that would become the person to sit with their most loved Alpha. To possibly become near the new member of the family who seemed to rule the entire town.

Quiet, Calm, and Obedient.

As the carriage rolled to a halt, there was tension in the air. Breathes were held as children tugged on their parent’s hands. Wanting to see why all of the adults were so anxious while also simply wishing to go play. Even inside the carriage, Pei Ming holds his breath as the doors slowly open. A hand appears in his sight that would help him down from the lush seat where he has been anxiously waiting to escape but now, he was attached to. It takes a long moment before he pushes himself up and out. His legs were trembling slowly as he took the other’s hand. Gripping the poor servant’s hand as if it was a lifeline.

Light burns Pei Ming’s eyes as he takes a step down. Brushing aside the curtain to make his grand entrance for all to see, and the people of the town were playing their part to perfection. Whispers ignited throughout the crowd like wildfire. They spoke in lower, frosty tones, glancing at what should be an Omega yet what everyone saw was an Alpha playing dress-up. Pei Ming elects to ignore the majority of it, but the talking of the small beta maids made each of the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

“How can this be the Omega the matchmaker spoke of?” She whispers to one of the other maids, albeit not at all quiet enough for his sensitive ears, “He cannot marry our young master! There’s no room for such…” There was more, he was almost certain of the nasty comments that would dig deep into his skin, but Pei Ming once more elected to ignore their gossip.

The absolute worst thing about his secondary sex, in his very humble opinion, was the sensitivity. Well, it was a strong tie between sensitivity and the restrictive clothing that choked him constantly. But his heart felt as if it was slamming against his ribs to break free. People who watched his every move made him feel as if he was wearing nothing at all. The voyeuristic stare bore into his chest and back like a hot iron.

It does not even get better whenever they enter the walls of the home. The way that the servants watched his every movement made his skin crawl even more. Finally, the Madam of the house appears, eyes flickering over him with a small indistinguishable hum before giving him a tight smile. “Welcome into my home, Young Pei.” she greets smoothly as if she wasn’t just looking him over with near disgust. She could have at least tried to hide her feelings toward him. “I hope your travels were smooth”

Pei Ming doesn’t argue though, giving a polite bow to her, “Thank you for the invite, Madam. Yes, the road was safe.” He tries to give the usual smile that makes people fawn, but she simply hums at him. Which makes him motion to the one servant brought along to drive the carriage forward to present a nicely wrapped gift basket, “We had quite the well off-season and hope you would enjoy a basket of fruits”

The Madam looks it over slowly, nodding, “Thank you, Young Pei. Come, the tea is being prepared now. The family friend had said that you prefer salty food than sweet, so we have a few of your preferred foods.” The fact that Pei Ming had no clue who this person was tells him he had not been paying attention for the past few weeks. Followed behind her and looked around slowly. The inner courtyard was like a lot that he had seen. Really, a lot of it was not anything special in his humble opinion. The home itself did not scream of old riches of a very wealthy family. It seemed almost new. The red of the pillars had not weathered at all, still glowing brightly. It struck Pei Ming as odd as they crossed through the decorated inner courtyard.

“Thank you very much. I must admit I’m surprised that it was brought up. It is not that I dislike sweets at all, but the consideration is appreciated.” He hated every bit of this. His body felt like it was freezing, causing him to shiver slightly, but the air around him was still warm from the last kisses of summer. There’s no way he would survive this, not if he had to be as polite as this constantly. Trying to be polite and regal and actually put to use all of the lessons to use that his parents insisted on was too tiring. Even the idea made him want to curl back into bed. Especially thinking with dread about all of the new responsibilities he would have to take on his shoulders if he got married. He mourned the loss of any free time if this went any type of well.

Quiet, Calm, and Obedient.

“Of course, I was very pleased to hear of an unwed Omega nearby, especially an older one when my son refuses to marry any younger than himself.” The Madam of the household shakes her head at the idea. Even Pei Ming knew that a younger Omega would fawn and faint at being able to live in a household like this, with servants at their beck and call. Especially if they were from a less fortunate family. The fact that the young master of the household had refused to marry any Omega younger than himself was a positive tick in Pei Ming’s book, but something about the way she had said it made the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

“Although, the way you were spoken about made me believe that you would be more…” She didn’t even have to finish that sentence for Pei Ming to understand what she meant.

“I get that a lot” He barely manages to grit out something that sounded like he wasn’t ready to turn tail and leave. “People simply begin to assume my status by my looks alone. However, I believe that it would be dangerous for me to not at least keep myself in the best shape I can. Especially since it is dangerous for people of my status to travel alone, even in the safest of towns”

Of course, something about his tone wasn’t right. Pei Ming did know that and that near the end he sounded like a bitter child that stomped his foot in protest. It was not what he meant to sound like, he just tended to without realizing it.

“Noticeably. I’m sure that you don’t have any issue about things like that.” The Madam hums softly, smiling towards him over her shoulder before she turns her attention forward again.

Pei Ming can’t help when his steps stutter. Watching the woman in front of him continue to walk without an issue. Assume the best. Quiet, Calm, and Obedient. “Luckily no” He chuckles weakly, “The town I grew up in is very safe and I tend to not go outside the walls of the home often.” That was a complete lie, but she did not need to know that at all. The fact that he enjoys wandering the woods without anyone else and practicing swords was his well-kept secret. Although, that might have to change if he got hitched to this Alpha. Speaking of, he takes a moment, sniffing the air. Finding more of it stale and unmoving. No lingering scents around the home. How strange.

“Well that’s good” The Madam hums softly as they arrive at a beautifully made room. Doors are opened to a lush garden in the third courtyard where the soft twittering of birds floats in the cool breeze. The table and low seats were set perfectly for the best view of the outside while not being close enough to the open doors to cool off any tea or food that was presented. New flowers settled in a vase in the middle of the table, along with a bowl of cut fruits and de-shelled seeds. Pei Ming waits for a moment for the Madam to settle into her preferred seat before he himself sits down. Mentally cursing the restrictive fabric of his clothes for making it feel like he can’t sit comfortably.

The servant moves to place a warm kettle of tea before giving a deep bow and backing out of the room. Which made Pei Ming raise an eyebrow before glancing at the madam, who was watching him expectedly. Ah, right. His brain raced to try to remember how to properly pour tea. Her first, right? That’s the right thing to do? He hesitates before moving to pick up the warm tea, cautiously picking it up and moving to pour it into her cup. The Madam’s stare at him felt like he was doing a child’s task completely and utterly wrong. His mind reeled as he watched the light almost orange liquid stream slowly out. The warm steam danced towards the ceiling as if trying to escape the room that was slowly becoming suffocating despite the open door.

“The cup is about to overflow” The Madam taps her knuckle roughly against the table. Which causes Pei Ming to lose focus and fumble with the kettle. Swallowing roughly as he moves to pour his own drink, much less than the almost too full cup of the Madam. “I see your focus is as feather-light as the servant had suggested”

The insult had also caught him as much off guard as the rough sound of her knuckles. Lifting his gaze at her while lowering the tea down to the table with a quiet clack. “I’m not quite sure what you are getting at with that comment, Madam.” Quiet, Calm, and Obedient. Pei Ming chants that in his head to try to keep himself from reacting. This was important for the family, he can’t mess it up.

“Oh, she had spoken of you and your ridiculous daydreaming” The Madam sighs deeply, “I had hoped upon seeing you that I would find that it was wrong, but I do not see that.”

His jaw creaked as it tightened. Taking in a slow deep breath to calm the fact that he had wanted to toss the table at her and scream. Instead of giving a pleasant smile, “I suppose some people can assume I am lost in a daydream, however, I am very much a realist. Being in one place day in and day out leaves a man without much of an outlet for the mind besides studying.”

“A man” She scoffs but gives a smile back to him, “Ah yes, I can understand. Being trapped inside a house must be absolutely torturous! Many Omegas tend to wish to escape their birth homes. It does not seem you are that eager.”

“Apologies” He hums, touching the cup lightly to feel the heat seeping into his fingers. The calming presence of the warmth kept him from letting his own fire flicker brighter. Calm, obedient, perfect doll. What are the traits of the perfect marriageable omega? His mind did not want to repeat the words as the anger bubbles. “I did not realize that you wished for your precious son to be sent away so quickly. I did not wish to offend you by seeming too eager to sweep him away.” That was a lot bitchier than he meant it to be. Yet, it was very hard to find a reason to give a shit. Smiling to her despite the threat that the Madam would lose more than gain.

Her eyebrows tighten up together, frowning deeply at the other, “I rather he finds a proper mate and not someone of mixed sexes.”

Pei Ming found it hard to breathe for a moment. His throat tightened as he grips the edge of his overskirt. The belt at his ribs felt too tight as he desperately tried to take a deep breath in and out.

Quiet.

“It is such a shame-” She smiles, almost bitterly at him, “-You are the closest Omega that fits his tastes. He demands a firstborn male and for a person as old as he, and yet here you are. -”

Calm.

“-Really, I thought myself sympathetic to even consider accepting someone like you-”

Obedient.

“-Into my family, and yet you have done nothing but spit upon my generosity!” The Madam scoffs, glaring at him in an attempt to glare down at the other. A way to undress him in a way that would have made him feel naked, but his heart was ramming in his chest. It screamed in his head and told him to refuse this. This wasn’t right.

“Your generosity?” He asks softly, before giving her a soft pleasing smile, “I am so sorry that you believe that your son’s status puts him above everyone else. It’s a sad sight watching a mother without a true strong scent falling over herself to finally make something of her family outside a small back-alley town. I’ve had a question the entire time I’ve been here why you did accept my parent’s proposal.”

“You-” The Madam looked nearly enraged, but Pei Ming wasn’t done. No, he was done three minutes ago, but not speaking.

“Why isn’t there a line of Omegas knocking down your door, especially if your son is at a marriageable age? You were right, Omegas are trying to escape their families at a high rate. As soon as we reach age, we’re locked away in a tight room and placed with rules upon rules. You’re completely right”

He leans over the table, a self-satisficing smirk crossing his face, “So tell me why if your son is truly an alpha, then why is he not having a million requests? Or is there something deeply wrong that you are hiding away? And where is his scent?”

The room was suffocating as the Madam snarled, gripping her glass tightly. He could hear the glass creaks and the sound of nails gripping the low table tightly. For a moment Pei Ming thought that she would hurl it at his head and was fully ready to duck when she put her hands firmly down on the table, which creaked under the pressure of her constantly pressing on it. “There is nothing wrong with him at all. He’s the model-”

“I’m quite sure” Pei Ming waves his hand, rolling his eyes at that. “Model, strong, Alpha. Brilliant at swordplay and great at politics. I’m sure he’s in the other room, not excited to be married off much like most people. I’ll make it easy for him, and it seems like you. I will make it instantly easier for us all. I am not going to be quiet, calm, and obedient. I will not bend over backward to keep it pleasant for you when you choose to offend me at every turn. I know what I am, and I refuse to feel bad about it”

He does feel awful about it, but he won’t let them know. He will always keep his head lifted and glaring at the other. That tightness in his throat felt like it let go.

“Get out” oh there’s where the tightness was. Pei Ming almost had whiplash hearing those words. Mouth moving before swallowing sharply. “Get out of my home.” she turns, calling for a maid to guide the omega out of her sight. Dread pools in the depths of his stomach. Making him feel sick.

“Happily,” Pei Ming sneers as he stands smoothly from his place. A small meek brunette maid rushes over to guide him out of the home. As they walked, he felt the adrenaline die in his stomach. Only looking up when he felt the heat of the sun on his cheeks. Everything was slowly starting to feel heavy as the carriage was called over and the door opened for him. Stepping up into it when the curtain is dropped to hide him from view.

His chest burns away to ash. He still couldn’t breathe. But he moves to peak out as soon as the sound of rocks and gentle swaying begins. Watching the people whispering as he passes by. The sounds of children laughing made him feel terrible. The way that people watched the carriage and snickered slightly. The light had barely changed outside and people had just finished their shopping for the evening meal. Chatting to neighbors and friends. The children’s games were just beginning.

He had barely made it half an hour. He made it half an hour of conversation and ruined his own possible engagement. Groaning before slumping back into the seat. He’s going to be a fucking failure. He stares at the wooden ceiling and breathes out a deep sigh. The energy he had inside the home of the Madam finally wore out in a wave of exhaustion and hunger. His mind felt like it was a tightly squeezed rag, rung out, and laid over the side of a forgotten wooden post. It was too much to even handle at that moment.

“Young Master Pei?” The driver finally calls toward the person inside, “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine” he whispers, undoing the ties of his outfit slowly. His head pounded in the back of his skull. It was terrible and he wanted to scream. Nothing was nice about this entire situation. He wanted to cry and scream and throw his hands above his head and quit. He hated this all. Who needed a damn marriage to be happy?

He really didn’t need a marriage to be happy. Not him. Pei Ming just needed to be able to be by himself and he’d be able to be happy.

“I am not doubting that, but perhaps, Young Master Pei, you might want to consider a marriage simply to be able to gain social height. You’re already coming to the age where if you do not, then you will be seen as strange.”

“Why must my marriage status be the reason that people look down on me?” He frowns even more, “Why can they think that because of my birth that they have more right to wait than I do? Why do they get to play around and show off while I must be stuck inside my room all day? Who decided that?”

“You know it’s always been like this” The servant sighs as he leans back, “I’m not sure why people say those things and demand them, but I do know that it’s always been like this it won’t simply change because you scream and hit and demand it to.”

“And why not?” He frowns even more, crossing his arms inside the sickly cramped carriage, “Who says that I cannot find my own way through it all? I can make my way through it.”

The deeper sigh from the front signals the usual tiredness of people speaking to the rebellious young omega. They always sigh at the idea that he could do whatever he wants without any consequences. “Young Master Pei, why don’t we go and gather some of your mother’s favorite flowers?”

“And have her angrier with me than she will be when word comes around that I will not be getting married to my backwater prince?” He raises an eyebrow at the idea, but it did sound comforting. “Fine, just because that wouldn’t be a bad idea and it might comfort her reaction slightly. Although, Father is who I am truly worried about.”

“Pei-Jun is quite the… interesting man” He admits and frowns ahead at the scenery ahead, “I believe that he would understand if you just… explained it to him, Young Master Pei. If you just showed that he was wrong for you, maybe he would understand-”

“Absolutely not” he hisses softly, “Father will skin me alive if he even knew what I said to the Madam! I already fear that he will disown me if I don’t get married within a year.” The thought and looming threat made him flop to the side. Closing his as the road gets bumpier as he rides. Conscious fading in and out as they drove through the fine scenery of the early autumn. A gentle breeze floated through the windows and disturbed the curtains slowly.

Chapter Text

By the time that Pei Ming reached the family home, the sky overhead was overcasted. Rumbles of threatening rain rattled inside of his chest as he stepped out of the carriage carrying the flowers picked for his mother as an apology of sorts. The dark clouds casted a dreary mood on the entire time as it swallowed up the last bit of wanning light before nightfall. His fingers rolled the stems of the wilting flowers, questioning silently if this was even a good idea in the first place. Standing before the doors, Pei Ming tried one last time to brush off any evidence of him ‘playing’ in dirt off of the edge of his outfit. Each speck of filth that buried itself deeper into the silken fabric almost seemed willing to condemn the omega to the wrath of his mother when she noticed.

As he enters the walls of the home, the stale air makes him feel almost sick. Whispering of servants yet not seeing the young master of the house keeps him on edge. The pitying looks that they shared with each other, along with the light sighs that always seemed to follow him like a cloud was putting his entire body on hair’s edge. Pei Ming finally glances towards the rooms where his parents usually spend their time. For a moment, Pei ming’s eyes meet his mother’s world-weary ones, iciness as she holds the gaze of the almost aged out Omega before turning to his older sister once more. The frown prominent on their faces was like a stab to his heart. His fingers tighten around the flowers that he had attempted to delicately hold, twisting the fragile stems into crunched circles before he starts towards the rooms.The sight of his mother and father speaking sent frigid shivers down his spine, much less speaking to his older sister of which they hold in much higher regard.

It was a mistake. This was a giant mistake to speak out. His stomach seemed to shrink uncomfortably as he changed course, rushing towards his room and slipping inside, closing the door so soft that he was certain that it was not completely shut. His breath leaves him as he presses his back firmly against the door. His lungs ached as if he was drowning as Pei ming tried to breathe in deeper, the steady rhythm of his heart screaming loud inside of his ears and growing louder as he stood there. Shoulders turning inwards to make him as small as he was beginning to feel. He had fucked up too much. There was no way that he could recover this time. Even if there was another match, people would talk about his attitude in no time at all. While he could shoulder the consequences of his actions, Pei ming knew that there was more to it- much more to a simple silly action. His younger sister who had yet to present and his younger brother who has presented as an alpha not even a few months ago would be affected by this development. The whispers in town would taint their family name long before Pei ming wore red.

It might even cause him to be disinherited from the family altogether. Pei Ming knew he was already on borrowed time there. What good is a son if he is an omega. What good was iron if it was only casted in it. At least his elder sister, Pei Ru, was a woman and an omega. What a beautiful combo people proclaimed. Flowery words matched with slender figures.

What good is silk from the mud.

Pei Ming felt his stomach lurch and churn as he sits on the ground and lays his head on his knees. The silk fabric of his Quan brushes against his cheeks and makes him feel exhausted. The safety of the room and the area of his nest at least calms his worn out heart. The entire day had been taxing to his poor soul. Even then, his eyes lift hesitantly to the spread out sheets. Pillows thrown against the walls, one having even made it out of the window. Sheets tangled angrily together and wrapped around the bedpost like a serpent. The idea of climbing into a nest leadened his shoulders more, pressing him further into the safety against the door.

At least the bustle of the home outside slowly puts a balm on his frayed nerves. The chatter, although probably about him and his terrible actions, felt nice. A familiar sound of a child laughing and the constant nagging of the older house help the younger would never fail remind him of easier times.

Pei ming finally drags himself up from the ground, abandoning the flowers back to the earth as he does so. Moving towards where his clothes hung neatly as he undoes the sash around his waist. Reaching past the silks and soft dyed clothes and finding a hurriedly folded set of clothes that were stuffed behind everything. The roughness of the hemp felt like a jarring change, but one he’s not opposed to. Although, the thought of the anger he would be met with was unnerving. As he pulled it out from its hiding space, Pei ming gripped the clothes tightly between his hands. Staring at the plain Kuzhe, the lingering scent of the apple trees was nearly faded from the fabric.

The lump in his throat was swallowed back as Pei Ming folds up the borrowed clothes to stuff back into its hiding spot once more, instead yanking out simple clothes with a bit more force than was typically needed. To put away the fancy clothing and relax in at least something he could not feel like his waist was being crushed and back hurt from the feeling of having to keep it straight was the smallest blessing that he could ask for. Dropping the clothes as if they were nothing but scraps as he changes into the lighter clothes. Undoing the painful twists in his hair and dropping it all to frame his back instead. His scalp screaming in agony from being unused to the type of style, but the relief of letting it down was too much. As Pei Ming massaged out his scalp, he ignored the disaster that was caused earlier, climbing onto the wooden bed and stretching out his aching back. Pei ming reaches to wrestle with the serpent sheet until it finally submits to his will,

He snuggles into the sheets and lets his eyes flutter shut slowly. The lingering scents of mooncakes and river streams was a calming temptation for sleep. His own scent was almost barren from the nest, and that was perfectly ideal for him. He sinks down to the ground for a moment, closing his eyes tightly.

His chest burns as he breathes to calm down. A sweet scent of plum blossom fills him with disgust. Fingers found his own throat for a moment, pressing roughly into the scent glands there. Eyes flutter and teeth grit. It hurts as he presses in more. Everything hurt even more. The room felt cold despite the placement in the house away from the outer walls. Keeping them securely cocooned inside the warmth of the family’s influence.

His stomach lurched.

Pei Ming keeps his eyes closed and tries to find other scents besides his own. Pressing harder into his glands as his eyes burn. Breathes coming in sharply. Blood swirled in his ears and made it harder to hear any of the whispers outside. Then copper filled his nose.

His hands rip themselves away from his neck as his mouth drinks up the air. The water in his mind clears slowly as his ears ring. Shivers run through his arms and back as he peers through his lashes and find blood coating both fingers. Bile burns his taste buds, clogging his throat.

Light knocking pulls his attention from the blood on his fingers. Blinking through tears and shaking his head as the woman speaks from the other side, “Young master Pei, dinner is prepared and you are being requested to attend in person”

Of course he was. He clears his throat weakly before shaking his head. Blinking even more rapidly before he rises from the ground, “Thank you” he calls with a grin that she cannot see, “I’ll be out in a moment”

There was some pause before the woman does leave. Pei Ming has no doubt that she was going to tattle on him and the smell of lingering blood in his room. He pauses for a moment before moving to the wash basin. Dipping his fingers until they brush the copper bottom. Watching as the diluted red bathe the entire water in a haze. Cupping the water and lifting it, he watches as it slips slowly through the cracks of where he was holding it.

His fingers looked like they were coated in blood. Wet and dripping off fingers that barely looked as if they lifted anything heavier than a brush. Gentle is how they’d be described. Perfect for cradling a soft head with skin that was treated regularly with potions of herbs.

The sickness that he had waved away came back full force. Choking him and making him gag sharply and suddenly. Eyes screwing closed to ignore that painful thrumming behind his eyes that screamed for him to take a knife. Take it and carve out what his hands need to look like. Abuse his body until it was formed back into the way he wanted it to be. A weight dropped heavy on his shoulders and upper back until he was bending. Pressing his forehead into the cold metal. Trembles shaking through him. It felt odd. It was overwhelming.

It was sickening.

The water soaked the wood below his feet. Breathing coming in short and stilted. Everything felt cold as the realization of what he thought sunk in. He runs his wet fingers through his hair, pushing the long strands back away from his forehead. A small chuckle drags it through his chest and out his throat. Curling cruelly into the air.

Pei Ming moves to tie his hair into a low bun. Stabbing a comb of plum blossom into the hair to keep it into place before turning to dry his hands. Reciting a poem in his head to keep it from being silent. To keep the mind from dragging itself back into the depths.

Wind kisses his cheeks when he opens the door. Whispering into his ear a calming tone. Pei Ming slowly steps out of the comfort of the room and glances around. For a moment, it felt like peace could be in reach. That it was alright.

The house was quiet when he approached for dinner time. The seating was arranged around the table with everyone already sitting down and talking in a whisper. Even his brother-in-law had made an appearance for once.

His younger sister clears her throat, “Ming-ge!” she cheers, “We were waiting! Shiji was telling us you had an important meeting with a madam this afternoon!”

His eyes darted to his older sister, Pei Ru, grimacing before sighing deeply, “yeah” he mumbles, taking a seat, “I did…”

“And, pray tell, did it go?” His older sister already knew the answer. The fact that his brother in law was there and her fine eyebrow was quirked with a tight frown told him more than he really was comfortable knowing. Rolling his shoulders back and sighing through his nose.

“It went…” he pauses, unsure how to really explain himself. Their eyes bore into his head and made it feel like he was being burned alive and shifting down slightly. “Fine.” he gets out through gritted teeth. Yeah, fine. Perfectly fine.

Pei Ru rolls her eyes and scoffs loudly at that, “Fine. Fine enough that you let this chance slip through your fingers like a complete and utter buffoon.” Her words were like blades, stabbing into his chest and making his stomach tighten into a heavy stone. “A-Ming, This was incredibly important! Do you know how long it took to convenience the Madam for you two to meet! We were getting to the next stages already and you’ve messed it all up!”

Pei Ming grits his teeth, enduring the rage from her before giving a tight grin, “What do you mean? It’s not that big of a deal. There’s other marriages out there! I mean, it isn’t…” He pauses at the awkward air and glances away from him. His mother cleared her throat lightly and avoided his eyes. Slowly, his shoulders sank.

“There… was only that one?” He asks softly, voice cracking as the heat slitters up his spine. Resting its claws at his neck. “There can’t only be him. No way! Ru had at least ten people courting her-” his hand waves towards Pei Ru for a moment, “-before she settled for her spineless husband! There are already offers for Kuo and Luan and they haven’t even presented yet! Why…”

He could already feel a tightness around his throat, digging more and more into his throat. His chest feels abnormally heavy and it’s like a cold splash of water in his face. This day was awful. He was completely and utterly over it and sick of it all.

“Because A-Ming, it’s an unusual situation” Pei Ru rubs her temples slowly, although softening her tone, “You need to calm down before you send yourself into a panic. There is another option of a family further away, however, it would mean not being able to meet the eldest beforehand.”

“It’s either that or seeking out an already married lord” His mother chimes in, which does not calm the panicking Omega at all. Recoiling from them and trying to grin through it all, despite the twisting of his stomach. He slumps back slowly, his eyes slowly moving down towards his hands. They dig into the meat of his palms slowly and radiate the numb pain slowly into his hand. All his words die on his leadened tongue. The fight that burned inside of his chest felt like a flicker of an ember.

For a moment, the words hung in the air. Resting over Pei Ming’s neck like a noose. Either he bucks up, takes one for the family, or he simply becomes the outcast that no one speaks of in years. He’s already been told that he’s too ‘emotional’ to run the family business. Too omega they mean.

His nails scratch at his neck idly.

“A-ming” His eldest sister began before stopping, laying her chopsticks down with a soft click. “It is not like this is hopeless, just you need to be a bit more understanding and willing.”

“I’m going to bed,” Pei Ming says, pushing himself up from the table. Turning on his heel to step out of the suffocating building into the cold sting of the evening air.