Chapter Text
Weaving through the dense crowds, not different from a thick and lush forest, Atsumu clutched the inside of his pockets with an almost ferocious force, wearing down the ragged and fragmented layers of the cheap and eroding fabric amidst his pockets. Weakened by the bulk and constant pressure of strangers goods and possessions, they sagged and left Atsumu looking like a beggar. Not that he was far from that, just more determined; a visionary if you will.
Osamu and Rin accompanied him in the profuse legions of wealthy others, their lackluster performances of willing volunteers painfully clear, especially Osamu’s thinly veiled aggravation. He’d probably prefer being at home sucking Rin’s face or stuffing him with his knot in a cruel-fully proximate spot from him, had Atsumu not forced them to run some errands with them.
The blonde happily teetered between bodies, noticing muted scents surrounding him, receiving indifferent stares as he roughly directed himself through the mobs of fortunate individuals, each one adorned with some expensive festoon, worth enough to feed some less fortunate families not too far from these stands and markets. Atsumu frowned, glancing back at his companions. Neither one seemed as provoked at the display compared to Atsumu.
Rin appeared to be lost in conversation, fox eyes shifting cynically across the pop up merchants and adorned sidewalks as he voiced his displeasure and frustration with Atsumu, likely requesting Osamu to maul Atsumu when they were in their warm and cozy hideaway. All while Osamu stared at his boyfriend with appalling affection, a firm hand splayed across the small of Rins back, studying his face. Atsumu slightly glanced between the two, and was reminded of the sickening connection the two shared. It would be endearing, if said viewer didn’t practically hurl at the sight.
He gagged dramatically, a nauseated expression sported on his boyish features. Rin hardly retaliated- he never did tho however, as he was more of the instigator between the twins. He simply raised a thick dark eyebrow at Atsumu, almost scrutinizing the blonde under his gaze, and promptly bumped Osamu, as if command to assault the offender.
“Honestly, if ya two are just gonna sit there ‘n slobber over each other, walk home or something,” Atsumu blanched, holding eye contact with the demon he knew as his twin. His satanic brother’s scent spiked with annoyance.
Osamu’s eyes narrowed as they continued walking, before he swiped at Atsumu from his position a few feet back, gloves catching on the rigid material of Atsumu’s coat. Before Atsumu could dodge, the two materials connected. An electric shock went through the two as the fabrics connected, and left the twins twitching simultaneously. Rin snorted as he surpassed them, slowly walking ahead. Osamu and Atsumu quickly tussled to regain their spot, with Atsumu at the front and Osamu ogling at Rin.
“As usual, you’ve failed to inform us of what the hell we are doing,” Rin observed snidely, inquire gleaming in those dark eyes.
“Yea, I could be home making dinner for me and Rin, but instead i’m here walkin’ around watching rich people look at stuff they don’t need,” Osamu contemptuously snarked, eyes narrowing.
Atsumu hesitated to answer, though he was fully aware of what his plans were. It was practically outlandish to even assume the holidays wouldn’t bring great rewards to the three, though his two “followers “ seemed daftly unaware, or just stubbornly ignorant.
How they were yet to look around and see the holiday specials, the festive treats, and nostalgic goods and not assume or predict today’s initiative was great dishonor to the many years the trio had collaborated in to achieve safe and efficient pick pocketing. He pouted at the thought, woefully sighing.
“Well, since the rich have decided our part ‘o town is ‘refined’ enough to visit, why not profit? Not like some douches will notice a few coins, yes?” Atsumu quizzed excitedly, hush whispers meant for his twin and friend’s ears alone.
He was met with incredulous silence: a wincing alpha and bored omega.
“I’d rather not be held in custody during the holidays.” Osamu said, shrugging. Rin nodded.
Atsumu raised a fist in the air, ready for some great declaration of how the moral compass could be changed for them, how it would favor them, a group of 16 year old thief’s, before knocking over a large alphas hat off. The hat looked luxurious, far from anything Atsumu could afford or rather repay. He glanced up at the scowling man, and grinned sheepishly. He quietly mumbled an apology before walking away.
The amused duo strides behind him as he scurries away.
“Because!” He began again, after distancing himself from the man. “This is compassionate stuff to do! We’re like… Robin Hood!” Atsumu claimed proudly.
“I believe Robin Hood gave to the poor.. we are the poor,” Rin grimaced.
“Yea, an’ i’m certain yer greedy ass won’t be give’ anyone a share of yer stealing’s,” Osamu countered, crossing his arms mid stride.
Atsumu refused to dignify those complains and insults with an answer as he surged forward.
Yes, at the ripe and educated age of 16, the three orphans had selected a respectable occupation: thievery.
Had the three have had a choice, maybe they would have started working elsewhere. Maybe Osamu and Rin could have been ran a quaint restaurant together, working as a couple and business partners. Possibly afford a house, and make meals every night in the soft atmosphere of the kitchen. Shit, even have pups. Atsumu slightly bit his lip, rheumy eyes pivoting to the sky. What would he be if he had a choice? Something creative, maybe an artist. Yes, he would like that.
But instead, they were here. Impoverished and young. Hormonal and emotional teenagers who got by with robbing the rich.
The faux blonde sighed, continuing their excursion until they reached a spherical indent in the road.
Each light-post and railing was adorned with festive ornaments and miscellanies, as soft layers of snow were layered atop random spots, almost like patchwork. The cloudy sky couldn’t even dull the atmosphere, as rich colors and hues bejeweled the scenery. Several medium sized stands were lined around the circular section, selling food and trinkets, yelling and requesting people to simply look at what they had to offer.
Affluent guests filled the stands, carefully examining the displays. Many wore thick and expensive coats; fur lined and made with premium quality. Those who noticed the three slowly walking in ignored them, only ever sparing them a glowering gazes.
Atsumu exchanged mean looks with any snooty guest, as Osamu and Rin conversed behind him unbothered.
Atsumu often came here to draw, using his vintage styled and decrepit notebook and cheap materials to draw landscapes and whatever he saw. He enjoyed drawing simple trinkets and objects, despite the lack of enthralling details or appealing visuals. The simplicity was soothing in a way. Just staring at a water bottle as he sketched it with practiced hands.
What he did not like drawing however, was humans. It wasn’t the arduous anatomy of the body, or the struggle to replicate emotions. If anything, he was adept and easily equipped to draw masterpieces of anyone who requested. Instead, it was the references- the people.
None of them appealed or sparked something beneath Atsumu’s skin satisfactorily, nor inspired him with their radiance and charisma. No motivation or bribery from an applying customer would ever be able to make him truly enjoy sketching their face and body. Maybe there was just no one truly beautiful enough. Many omegas who lived in the same conditions as him and survived in the same bracket were still pretty, but he was yet to find a muse who truly evoked something in him.
In summary, no one exceeded his expectations.
He walked towards a neglected area in the large horde that connected to an alleyway, the signature eeriness of it compelling people to avoid it, thinking that robbers or delinquents may roam the thin stretch of darkness.
Abandoned, Atsumu noted as he stepped into the concealed darkness before turning to face his accomplices. Looking over their shoulder momentarily, he grinned before squatting down to map out their plan.
Several of the deep-pocketed alphas were accompanied by omegas, dazzling and delicate humans that were classified as subpar; submissive creatures to dominate.
Most of these “decorations”, as the cruel alphas of influence would call them, were found hanging off the arm of their husband, or following closely behind loyally. They were instructed to never stray far, to always be accessible to their alphas.
It was obvious upon examination where many of these omegas originated from. They were bought and labeled as property of alphas. And they all came from one sector of the land. The pleasure districts.
The district of the city that housed these courtesans was always packed, many trying to catch a glimpse of the prized merchandise. Be it poor or rich, there were always alphas and betas throwing money to get a private session with said omegas. Atsumu was devoted to never set foot in that realm for the purpose of exploiting the unfortunate omegas. He was well aware that many experienced major debt and had only one way out: prostitution.
Atsumu hated anyone who believed that keeping omegas chained to these stereotypes was remotely civilized or moral, being so close to Rin and knowing the kind of behaviors he experienced by so called “gentleman’s”. Alas, he was willing to take advantage of these poor circumstances if it meant getting dinner on his plate.
The blonde alpha walked up carefully to a couple in front of a stand that showed artistic paper lanterns, intricate and detailed designs splayed across the thin material. The omega was pretty, long green hair with pale skin, with a frail and elegant body. She was dressed in a modest kimono, a plain deep purple. Omegas were taught to be presentable, just there, not something extravagant.
The alpha was an average looking guy, dressed in luxury apparel. He raised a mocking brow as Atsumu approached, only for a horrified expression to bestow his face when the blonde raised the omegas hand and pressed a feathery kiss to it.
“Please excuse me sir, but I couldn’t help but notice yer beautiful wife. Truly a specimen, isn’t she?” He grinned lazily, the seductive look that always seemed to work on sheepish omegas. His insidious gaze had the wife’s cheeks burning, her ears tinted, before her hand was yanked back by the husband.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” The man exclaimed, red in the face. “I don’t know what impoverished and irksome hole you crawled out of, but I believe it’s in your best intentions to return there,” the alpha huffed, pheromones and scent spiking.
As he continued to lecture and belittle Atsumu loquaciously, Rin sneaked behind the man and began removing his valuables with nimble fingers. And if the startled omega noticed, she didn’t say anything.
After Rin had successfully emptied his pockets, he swiftly fleeted, an ennuied expression on his face, obviously tired and over the situation.
Now with their dear larcenist done robbing the unsuspecting man, Osamu trudged over with a furious expression on his face. Even as the man continued to turbulently harass Atsumu, Osamu wasted no time and promptly punched the blonde.
“Shit! Fuck that hurt ya scrub! Yer a total asshole!” Atsumu screeched, cradling the spot where he was bruised.
“Oh shut up, you whiney little bitch,” he huffed, turning to stare at the bewildered man with an equally trenchant gaze.
“We’ll be off now. I apologize fer my brother’s inappropriate behavior,” the grey haired alpha gritted out.
He obviously hated having to act so obedient and respectful towards a scum who wouldn’t give another look to the starving children in his street. Nonetheless, he bowed before dragging a whining Atsumu by his collar.
The second the identical twins were far from the staring audience and outraged man, the two broke into a fit of laughter as they dashed back towards the original alleyway, where Rin was already assorting the goods.
The twins scrambled over to the omega, faces pink as puffs of cold air surrounded them, small snickers as they watched Rin carefully organize the contents.
“Good amount of money, some things of jewelry.. and that’s about it. The rings and necklace were probably for the omega,” Rin analyzed, frowning.
It was too late to go return it, but he couldn’t help but feel bad. It was probably something the woman had begged the alpha to purchase for her, just for it to be stolen.
Osamu shrugged lightly as he helped Rin distribute the items into equal piles for them all to carry back to the house.
“I’m sure she’ll be alright in her mansion with servants and boxes of jewelry,” Osamu grumbled.
Rin looked back up at him with a frown, oddly offended.
“That’s not fair, ‘Samu. She probably didn’t have a say in the arrangement.”
Osamu only blinked back, mouth slightly agape. Rin never voiced his complaints about how oppressed and vulnerable omegas were, how much he disliked the idea that omegas under rich alphas were “spoiled”. So even his partner was a baffled when he finally said something.
Osamu nodded, eyes still studying Rin’s face before talking again.
“Yer right. I’m sorry that was.. not what I meant,” Osamu whispered back, cowardice.
Rin only hummed before he was standing up and walking out of the alley way.
Osamu watched him go before following beside an equally baffled Atsumu, who blinked slowly with slight amusement and concern.
The blondes gaze flickered between the two. The omega leading the way out of the technical and pervasive crowd, and the guilty and whipped alpha, who was already pouting and whining.
Atsumu rolled his eyes. The two were always getting in fights, but it was never long before they cursed Atsumu’s eyes with a spontaneous make out session right in front of him. Truly hormonal beasts.
The histrionic monster beside him who smelled of burnt pinewood and combusting needles was far from appealing to visit with as they directed themselves through the many groups.
Rin still appeared upset, his strong lavender scent brewing with silent and judicious anger. It was justified, however bratty it may seem.
Rin’s background was still a conundrum to the twins, or at least Atsumu. When the twins were venturing across the land, they traveled through a modest village, nothing unusual besides the form sitting on the sidewalk. They had found him dressed in expensive attire, hair styled with extortionate accessories. The omegas physical appearance however, was much worse. He had eye bags, tear stains, and an inflamed scent.
After much convincing, they brought him along with their journey to a better life.
It was revealed after some months and romantic tension between his twin and the omega that he had been offered for an arranged marriage to an influential family, with a heir in need of a wife. The two had hardly interacted, but Rin labeled him as disgusting from the very beginning.
The very first introduction they had was awful. He said vile and crude things in hushed moments, degrading and insulting his promised finance. That very night, the omega left with the twins, and never returned.
And now here they were, two crazy whipped teenagers who can never fight more than a week before someone’s hands are in the other’s pants. Awful, really.
Osamu was usually good at giving advice or even just comforting people, but when it was Rin or him that were struggling, he didn’t have the balls to do anything.
Atsumu clicked his tongue against his mouths roof as he pondered the solution of this.. scuffle.
He tossed his head back slightly, dragging a hand through dyed hair.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed through the crowd.
“Hold it! You delinquents stop right there!”
The trios heads swiveled in sync towards the descent of the noise, only to be met with the worst possible sight.
“Fuck.”
The entire plaza was silent and watching with wide eyes, scents and pheromones of pure confusion and chock infiltrating his senses. Two police officers and the man they had stolen from stood there a few feet away, already stomping towards them. The omega was being roughly dragged by the alpha, a tight and almost scornfully aggressive arm holstered around the waist of his wife. The officials spared no time and immediately began demanding they empty their pockets, as they surged forward. A simple glance was shared between the three before they began running.
Loud shouts behind them informed the group of the chase from the officers, as the thieves began running wherever looked most exploitable to their escape. They registered a corridor of windows and crates set between two large shops. Rin leaped atop the boxes, and snappily hurled himself over, landing gracefully on the floor before continuing to run, closely followed behind the clumsy twins who basically flipped over the boxes and fence to the other side.
The sound of barking and demanding yells behind them were easily associated to the officers who were chasing them promptly. The parts of the street that weren’t cluttered with conventions and markets made this difficult, as they were easily spotted amongst the eased public, due to their frantic actions. They slid behind a building, utilizing it as a hiding spot.
Well traveled and experienced in the map and terrain of their city, Atsumu initiated a plan.
“Rin! ‘Samu! Go back to the house! I’ll distract them!” Atsumu said, between huffs as they stayed flat against a wall, hiding.
Osamu leered at him as if he was crazy.
“The fuck? No yer not,” Osamu growled, staring at him like he had grown a second head.
“I’m not sacrificing myself ‘er something! I’m just making sure we don’t all get caught!” Atsumu retaliated.
“No, what yer doing is idiotic! Even for a scrub yer totally stupid!” Osamu snarked, scent rising.
Before the two could begin fighting and get them all caught, Rin placed a cautious hand on Osamu’s shoulder, despite how serious his face appeared.
“Samu. Atsumu is tougher than us both. I’m sure he’ll be fine. Let’s go,”
He stared at Rin with wide eyes before he turned his optics back towards Atsumu with an alarmed expression. His jaw tightened, before he finally ducked his head and muttered a curse.
“If ya get arrested or die, I will kill ya,” he rasped, as if it made logical sense.
“Right, i’m sure.”
The couple finally stood up, and began running towards the house, as Atsumu stared at the departing figures.
“There he is! Detain him!”
Atsumu swiveled to see the chasers on his right. Instead of cowering in fear, he stuck out his tongue tauntingly, dragging his eye socket down with a finger.
“Ya’ll gotta be the fattest group of officers i’ve ever met! Can’t even catch up to some measly teenagers?” He inquired mockingly, a cruel expression on his face.
The men only narrowed their eyes, scents rising, but it was obvious this became personal. Now, they were truly worried about catching him.
Darting upwards, Atsumu assessed his options. He was heading towards the pleasure quarters, home to several homes and rivaling districts. That would likely be the saftest refugee for him currently, as any detour or pivot between his run would likely only get him caught. He could hardly fathom a plan in this state of running, and he felt himself getting more and more winded.
Running and ducking between buildings, he was becoming painfully aware of the chances that wild dogs were following him. He would rather not be torn to shreds.
The gates of the entertainment complex were in view now; bright red gates adorned with gold plating and a black archway. Such beautiful architecture for such a cruel establishment.
He continued onward, a burn in his lungs as cold air cycled through his adrenaline drunk body. It was only through the craze of his mind he noticed two guards stationed in front of the pearly gates to hell.
He clenched his teeth in frustration before making a hard turn to the right, and sprinting hard despite the burn in his lungs and ligaments. Hard pants escaped his mouth, before a tall, wooden wall caught his eye. If he were to climb it quickly enough, with ample momentum and speed, he could scale it for sure. Definitely.
His blood pounded in his ear as he leaped onto the fence, mind racing.
It wasn’t until he felt the thud and agonizing pressure shake his body with spasms and gasp for air that he registered where he was. Back 12 feet down, on the floor.
He shakily exhaled, frame quivering as the adrenaline wore off, his fight or flight response racking his body in tremors. He was ready to sleep. That’s all he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Sleep, eat, sleep, eat, repeat. He was never going to steal again-
“Who the hell are you?!”
The blondes gaze spun around in panic as the voice finally initiated his brains response system. However, it didn’t seem that, cerebrum activity or not, he would have the words to describe the arcadian sight before him.
A slim and refined body stood before him, dressed in a traditional black kimono with bird designs sewed into the fabric. The dark color contradicted the pale and angelic tone of the goddesses body, allowing the beauty of it to stand out. The already impossible appearing physique all led up to the world’s 8th ancient wonder.
Large and beady black eyes stared down at the blondes crumpled form, their doe and alluring shape expressing the deep confusion of the witness. Pouty and full lips were strewn tightly, examining him with an irked expression. Even with such distaste displayed on his face, his lips looked soft and kissable. Two beauty marks sat above his eye, one above the other, creating a segment. Black and thick coils adorned his head, adding a slight softness to the already delicate and ethereal features.
Has he entered heaven?
This gorgeous being watched him, scent flared.
And oh, the scent. Addicting and pungent jasmine scents flooded his glands, leaving him droopy and purring. Definitely an omega. So comforting, as if he had been enveloped in a tender hug or a blanket of the softest drapery there was to exist. His eyes lidded slowly, as he stared hazily at the intoxicating sight.
Unfortunately, it was hard to anchor onto the image before him when he was being beaten with a broom.
“Hey! Hey wait wait!” Atsumu shrieked as he shuffled back, his recoiled form slowly expanding to let him stand up. His eyes were still slightly agape as he truly studied the form. He swallowed slightly.
“I asked you a question!” The boy seethed in his face, holding out the swisher like a shield.
Before Atsumu could retaliate, he sensed the fragment of fear in the omegas face and scent. The blondes eyes softened as he slowly raised his arms above his head in a form of a treaty.
“I.. apologize for breaking an entry. However, I was in a bit of a pickle ya see,” he spoke carefully, planning his rebuttal cautiously. “Officers were chasin’ me, bad deal y’know,” he lightly laughed, attempting to humor the shaken boy even a bit.
The angels eyes only narrowed further, but the whitening grip on the broom eased, and his knuckles were visibly less tense.
“I dunno how long i’ll be here.. probably get outta yer pretty curls in a bit, kay?” He smiled gingerly, comfortably admiring the teens appearance.
The boys face and expression stayed the same, though his ears reddened, a flattering shade of pink tinting the pale skin.
“I don’t know who you are or what business you think you have here, but let me just tell you it’s not important enough for you to infiltrate and make a mess of the houses garden!” He suddenly exclaimed, gesturing towards the disheveled pebbles and small puddle of blood from a gash he hardly even noticed till he was informed.
“I’m sorry ‘kay? Jeez, thought you courtesans were supposed to be sweet or somethin..” he grumbled, as if he wasn’t already entranced by the offensive omega so deeply.
Any softness or tolerance left the boys face immediately.
“Out. I’ll clean up this mess, and you are to never interfere with me again. Illegally may I add!”
He scrambled for purchase against the decorative greenery, instead shedding the leaves off an expensive looking plants as he gripped it with panicked hands.
“Sorry!” Atsumu squeaked, watching the omegas eyes twitch and scent broil with annoyance.
He didn’t wait for a response before he was mounting the wooden border and tugged himself up. He slightly turned his gaze to the mysterious figure, staring at the gorgeous teen. Had he ever known someone of such radiance existed, he would have seeked him out promptly. Instead, he staggered back over the fence, the image of an otherworldly beauty burned into his brain.
He slipped into the brewery, looking slovenly and scruffy with his cheap coat bruised to scraps, and his hair tossed in random directions. Sweat plastered onto his forehead from his jog back home, attempting to shun any sightings from roaming and patrolling officers. Aran hardly spared him a glance, whilst Kita raised a suspicious eyebrow.
The motherly beta opened his mouth momentarily before shaking his head and drying off the glasses, lined up and polished to perfection.
The couple had run the tavern for years, with Kita inheriting it from his grandma, keeping it exactly the same before it had been handed over. They sold affordable yet classy and rich wines and boozes that served many woeful regulars, and the occasional travelers who shared daring stories with the three teenagers when they were on duty. How the trio had even arrived here was a faint memory.
He remembered asking just about everyone in the neighborhood for some shelter even just for a night, offering Osamu as tribute and Rin as sacrificial service before he was quickly attacked and belligerent beat by the two. When they knocked on the taverns doors, a younger Kita had opened the entryway. Upon hearing them out, he offered a bargain that seemed too good to decline.
They worked partially for free, serving and cooking occasionally, while all tips and money went to Aran and Kita. The duo would provide housing and shelter, dinners on nights they were struggling, if the teenagers could live up to their expectations and provide for themselves.
Kita also just seemed to have a soft spot, but he would never admit that to the taunting faces of horrific teenagers.
He stomped into the spare room behind the bar and main establishment entry, and was immediately yanked from where he stood.
“Where the hell have ya been? You mother fucking scrub i’m gonna kill you!” Osamu practically roared in his ear, hues of red painting his face with pure annoyance.
“Im the reason yer at home able to slobber all over yer stinkin boyfriend ain’t I? Don’t yell at me!” Atsumu snarled back, vicious canines aching.
“Okay, both of you need to sleep. Everyone is tired and will feel better tomorrow. Stop thinking with your dicks,” Rin muttered.
The twins exchanged glares, both so strident yet so exhausted.
Osamu climbed into bed against Rin, tucking his head into the omegas shoulder, and almost fell asleep immediately.
Atsumu, also to fatigued to complete any nightly routine, laid in his bed.
The image of a certain boy was burned into his mind. His body ached to go back and sleep on the teenager, his alpha practically whimpering and pathetically whining about how wonderful and comfortable the scent smelled even when