Chapter Text
It had barely been a week since the Remnants had returned to Jabberwock, but they were settling nicely into a routine. It was anything but seamless, but Hajime had insisted on set mealtimes to ease some of the strain on Hanamura, and had been met with minimal grumbling; this particular group of ultimates could easily get lost in long solo projects, and Izuru agreed with Hajime that group socialization was important for recovery. Thus, most days, everyone ate together.
Hajime smiled a little, watching them. Across the room, Ibuki was hanging off Imposter’s arm, excitedly chattering at Mitarai, who still seemed somewhat alarmed at the situation he found himself in. Komaeda was at the same table, and as Hajime watched, he briskly stood and took his dishes to the basin and then made a beeline to the veranda, passing Hajime’s table as he went. And just like every time Komaeda came into scent range since they all woke up, Hajime was instantly dry mouthed and white knuckled with lust.
As a Beta, Hajime had never really thought about any scents too deeply before, but the enhanced senses he had gained from the Kamukura Project had him reeling from all the new information he was now privy to. He could discern beta scents, and even smell changes in mood, health, and especially fertility. All of that he processed as background information now, but nothing had the same effect on him as Komaeda’s natural scent. Even Izuru’s interest would perk up at the mouthwatering vanilla and mint aroma; and there was something else, underneath the sweetness, that made it seem even more delicious, made Hajime feel a little more out of control. He had been holding back for far too long at this point, and felt ready to explode at any second.
It’s not like he’d never thought about it before, even in the program, often and sometimes shamefully, the fact that Komaeda is an Omega and what that means. Hajime knows it’s wrong that he’s essentially objectifying his friend, but he can’t make the thoughts leave his head. He can’t stop picturing Komaeda, legs spread and needy, open and honest about what he wants, his gorgeous, fragile body soaking wet and desperate to be filled up.
And Hajime, well, he’s talented now. He knows with unerring surety that he could make Komaeda feel so good . Knows that if he could get his hands on Komaeda, if he allowed it, Hajime could bully him into feeling such exquisite pleasure he would tremble and cry for him. The Kamukura project took a lot from him, but it gave him this knowledge, this confidence, and maybe now that he was better, Komaeda might give him a chance.
Not today though; today Komaeda was already out the door before Hajime got his wits together enough to call out to him, maybe see if he wanted to join the same work rotation and Hajime’s pavlovian erection kept him in his seat. Komaeda threw him an enigmatic, pretty smile over his shoulder and disappeared. Hajime let himself blink now that Komaeda was out of eye-line and sighed, resisting the urge to put his head down on the table. Why didn’t his new and improved brain work around Komaeda any more?
Saionji smacked the table in between them, lightly, “You’re making it way too easy for him, Big Bro. Rein it in a little bit, at least.” She has one elegant kimono sleeve held over her nose, delicate features twisted into a familiar, mean smirk, “Also you completely reek, I’m trying to eat breakfast.”
“While I certainly disagree with Hiyoko-chan’s taste,” Hanamura waved his hand dismissively, chiming in, “Hajime’s scent is a perfectly balanced and deeply sensual aroma. I have to concede that it doesn’t pair well with my famous pain purdu, so discretion would be appreciated at the table.”
“It is wonderful that you feel so strongly!” Sonia said with a starry-eyed smile from further down the long table, shredding a piece of french toast to feed Cham-P IV, as she did often, “Though it is a little rude in so public a place to send out such possessive pheromones. I have come to expect such bold actions from our Nagito-kun, but not from you, Hajime!”
“What in the hell are you all talking about?” Hajime pushed his plate back and sat up straight, confused, “Possessive? I’m a Beta, so whatever you’re smelling isn’t me.” He punctuated this frustrating declaration by stabbing the last strawberry on his plate.
Hajime would be lying if he said it never rankled, being so average, and he had the scars to prove it after all. Plenty of Ultimates were betas, most of the Remnants were; but being beta was just one more in a long list of ways that he didn’t stand out. Average looks, average brain, average dynamic, outsized inferiority complex.
Thoughtfully chewing his mouthful of strawberry, Hajime looked up to a suddenly quiet room with all eyes glued to him in various states of shock. Old Hajime might have jumped a little in his seat, but under Izuru’s steadying influence he simply stilled and asked, “What is it?”
The question started a ripple of motion that consisted almost entirely of pointed looks and shrugs in a whispered flurry before Imposter, dressed in Togami today with the authoritative alpha scent to match, put up a hand to still the rest of them.
“Hajime,” he started, serious and even, “You really don’t know?” Imposter waited the barest minimum amount of reaction time for Hajime to shake his head no, then continued in a practiced way, “Izuru Kamukura was an Alpha. Maybe you were a Beta before the project, but you’re certainly an Alpha now. We all thought you knew.”
That’s correct. Hajime stilled, Izuru rarely spoke to him directly in his mind, preferring to let his impressions bleed into their shared consciousness more organically, but they were going to have to have a conversation now, I wanted to see how long it would take you to figure it out yourself. My prediction was that it would have taken you four more days, give or take an hour.
Izuru, seriously, what the fuck ! Hajime sputtered, eyes and mouth closed so he wouldn’t have a repeat of last time, where he had had a one sided conversation out loud in front Peko and Mahiru that was apparently quite disturbing. You didn’t think this might have been too important not to tell me? I could have hurt someone!
The risks involved were minimal Izuru replied cooly. Though Hajime could sense that Izuru was both surprised and elated by Hajime’s response, as was often the case between them, And my opportunities for fun are limited. You were only ever going to feel this once, so I thought it best to maximize the experience. Although I ought to have modulated your pheromone levels so the others wouldn’t have noticed. Then you would have lasted four more days, as I intimated. Although, I am enjoying this result as well. Thank you for introducing me to selective awareness, Hajime.
This isnt funny, Izuru. Hajime replied, attempting a firm tone, If we had lost control of our instincts we could have done irreparable harm. I don’t know how to control an alpha temper!
Boring. Izuru sighed back at him , You have hangups about the strangest things for someone who is usually quite forward thinking. You will not suddenly fly off the handle any more than you usually might. There will be few if any large changes to your daily life: you will go into rut about twice a year, your senses are that much sharper, and you will be able to knot and bond with Komaeda Nagito during his heat, and potentially breed him as well, though I doubt his health will allow it.
I’m sorry, what? Hinata sputtered immediately, poleaxed, Firstly, Komaeda would never actually want me to do any of that. I’m sure he’s got no interest in being bonded and especially not to me, maybe if it was just you he’d consider it. And secondly, who says I want those things?
Hajime, I’m in your head, it’s not as though you’ve been subtle about what you want. Not in your own mind. Izuru’s prim response made Hajime want this conversation to be over before Izuru could repeat any examples. Perhaps sensing this, he continued And his display has been flagrant, although clearly he will have to upgrade to completely shameless since it appears you haven’t even noticed. I predict this afternoon he will succeed in securing your cooperation in his plan.
What plan? Hajime spouted, now alarmed for several reasons , What the fuck are you talking about? Izuru!
But Izuru had stopped responding, seemingly feeling that Hajime had enough information to be getting on with and that giving any more away would spoil his fun. Hajime did feel like he was getting better at reading Izuru, but it wasn’t helping him currently.
Looking up, he came back to awareness in a room swimming with chaos.
“Look what you did you ugly skank,” Saionji was sneering down at Tsumiki, who was sitting in the seat next to Hajime’s, taking his pulse, “You totally broke Big Bro Hajime.”
“H-his pulse is steady, and I didn’t do anything,” Tsumiki replied, she always had a bit more authority in her voice when she was working, “It isn’t catatonia, I think he m-might be talking to…you know, h-him.”
A distinct drop in the noise in the room followed that statement, and Hajime strategically chose that moment to open his eyes, putting both hands up in a halting gesture to forestall questions.
“Yes, I was conferring with Izuru and yes, he confirmed what you all told me,” Hajime said, standing up from the breakfast table at last, “Thank you all for worrying about me, but I’m going to need some time alone to sort this out in my head. Hopefully it won’t take too long, and if anything comes up, Imposter is in charge. I’ll see you all later.”
He didn’t wait for a response, gently dislodged Tsumiki’s grip, nodded to Imposter, and left the restaurant as quick as possible, cutting through the pool on his way to his cabin. Komaeda was reading by the pool in the shade from an umbrella, Hajime tried not to stare at him as he rushed past and failed. Izuru was right, he wasn’t fooling anyone.
He reached his cabin and wasted no time locking the door behind him and collapsing back into bed fully clothed. He meant what he said about needing processing time, but maybe he could get some sleep before the next life changing realization.
——
Nagito sat poolside and considered his next move. Hinata-kun had failed to come after him again, so he must be doing something wrong. He cracked open his newfound constant companion to see if the answers might be within.
Ibuki had given him the slim volume Attracting and Keeping Your Alpha: A Guide for Omegas on their second day back to the island. She had found it in the hotel lobby and had handed it off to Nagito in what he assumed had been an attempt at a joke, but as his luck would have it, the book was exactly what he needed to execute his plan.
Nagito had always been a planner, it helped him manage his luck cycle to look at a situation from all angles and from them select the path that inspired the most hope. He rarely failed at what he set his mind to and this time could not be the exception. Before the week was out Hinata-kun would not only be seeing Nagito through his heat, but he would be so consumed by desire that he would bond them together without Nagito having to explain to Hinata-kun why they should.
Somehow talking always seemed to muddle things rather than making them clearer. In the NWP, even when Nagito wasn’t hand-feeding him clues or needling him to success through trials, Hinata-kun always sought out his company and his opinion. Worthless Reserve Course Beta Hinata Hajime, who had nothing to gain from spending time with a lonely, putrid wretch like himself, nevertheless made every effort to try to understand him. He also seemed to leave every conversation upset or disturbed and still came back for more. Therefore Nagito was certain that words were not the solution to this problem, as they hadn’t worked at communicating his depth of feeling in any conversation prior. Hinata-kun still didn’t seem to know how happy Nagito was to be in his presence, to be allowed to adore him up close, even to wear his favor on the end of his disgusting, mutilated arm. Anytime Nagito tried to convey this sentiment in words, Hinata-kun tended to flush and make excuses to be elsewhere, which was not ideal for the plan going forward.
Surmising that Nagito’s tragic conversational skills and miserable personality were scaring Hinata-kun off, but unable to deny that he kept coming back for more punishment, he had sought outside council.
Ibuki-chan had been thrilled and started shouting out what she considered to be his good qualities in a sing song way, “Nagito-chan is smart and thoughtful! He always remembers what everyone likes! Nagito-chan has great legs and a pretty face! And nice skin and a great ass! Ibuki is sure if you asked, Hajime would smooch you good and mark you up even better!” And she could not be stopped for a good while after that, despite Nagito’s increasingly impolite protests. Later she had given him his guidebook, so he could not be too irritated at all the sweet lies, she was really only trying her best to help him.
Sonia, as an Alpha herself, had been somewhat more helpful when he consulted her, “Perhaps it’s pheromonal compatibility, if he’s been seeking you out often. Hajime might not be aware of it himself, sometimes a compatible Omega scent can call to you instinctually. Of course in Novoselik we receive training at presentation to hone our awareness, though it seems not to be the case in Japan.” Her opinion had merit, Nagito knew Hinata-kun’s spiced orange and pine scent made his knees weak and his diseased blood sing in his veins, so it stood to reason it might go both ways. If biology was his ally, it was surely a matter of luck, and he would take every possible advantage because he had to.
Because his love for Hinata Hajime was so overpowering, more than anything he had ever felt, to the point that it felt like his only foothold in a world nearly devoid of the hope he couldn’t help bring about, because he wanted him so badly, his luck would ensure that Nagito would have him. But Nagito couldn’t settle for being merely desired, he needed Hinata-kun to be dangerously, monstrously obsessed. Nagito needed him slobbering after him on his knees, needed him pushed past the brink of sanity, past need, even past hope. If he couldn’t have Hinata-kun on completely equal terms, then what was the point? Nothing as fleeting as simple slaked thirst could satisfy Nagito, no, he intended to drive Hinata-kun so out of his mind that he’d bond them in a frenzy, and then he could take his time making Hinata-kun love him back with no interference from the others. It was for Hinata-kun’s benefit too, if he was going to be luck’s pawn either way, better that he think he had some agency in the decision.
So far, his plan had been working, but not fast enough. The book was certainly intended for stately, serene romances drawn out over possibly years and Nagito’s heat was in less than a week. It had been easy to stoke Hinata-kun’s confused new instincts with some mild breaking and entering: scenting his bedding and clothes, trailing slick covered fingers over his things, and temporarily appropriating some of his used things from the laundry and wearing them around so that Nagito already smelled like he belonged to his soon to be mate. It wasn’t enough yet though, he needed Hinata-kun desperate and reckless and he was running out of time.
Not to mention, someone else was going to notice what he was up to soon, and depending on who, they might interfere. Nagito had complete faith in his luck, and it would deliver Hinata-kun to his nest, but keeping him there would take all of his cunning as well. He was also up against Tsumiki and Hanamura, fellow Omegas who on paper were more charming and more worthy of the attention of an Alpha like Hinata-kun. More proper Omegas, certainly, who were soft and delicate and doting and who knew how to behave appropriately. Omegas who both could execute plans reasonably well, who had the determination to kill, and who would be gunning for an Alpha like Hinata-kun if they had even a scrap of brains between them. Which was why this upcoming heat was so important, and while Nagito should let the Ultimates with real talents have a crack at making Hinata-kun happy, he would not go down without a fight.
Rechecking the heavily notated volume, he nodded to himself and briskly snapped it closed, looking up to see Hinata-kun pass by the pool area on the way to the cottages with a handsomely furrowed brow and a stubbornly set jaw. Not the right kind of mood to catch him in, and the book specifically said to not chase. Alphas had hunting instincts and would not take kindly to being pursued; it was the most difficult part for Nagito, who preferred to be at Hinata-kun’s side when possible, to bask in his hope and to assist him with smaller problems as they came up so that his superior talent could be applied to the truly vexing issues. Hinata-kun so far had only chased him down when he misbehaved, and would then supervise his work rotation, which truly was only extra incentive to be his worst self so he could further monopolize his attention. Clearly now was not the time to needle him, and breaking into his cottage was impossible while Hinata-kun was already in there sulking so Nagito stood to return to his own domicile to work on his clothes.
Koizumi was rushing down the restaurant stairs as he set off, fretting, and she waved Nagito over when she saw him, “Komaeda-kun hey, did you see Hajime go by? I was hoping to catch him.”
“He was heading to his cabin when I saw him moments ago Koizumi-san, and while I’m sure trash like me is beneath his notice at the best of times, he seemed to be in a temper and didn’t say hello.” Nagito dropped his pleasant smile, putting on a mildly concerned face, “I wonder what could have happened since I left breakfast…” Koizumi looked at him in a very flat manner, which cheered Nagito to see, such an honest response to his transparent request for information!
“Oh, right,” she sighed, “You had already left, but apparently Hajime still thought he was a Beta. Imposter told him the truth and he was pretty shocked and asked to be left alone for a while. I was going ask him about the work rotation and to make sure everyone knew who wasn’t there, so now you know.”
Nagito didn’t know what expression he had on his face, which was never a good sign, “I see,” he said in what was hopefully still a cheery upbeat manner, as rage pumped hot blood into his eyes and fingertips, “What a terrible shock that must have been for Hinata-kun! Who was it, that told him? Hanamura-kun? Tsumiki-chan?”
“Um, no,” Koizumi was now giving him the look that meant his face was definitely not behaving right and had discretely shuffled back a few steps, “Hiyoko said something about his pheromones putting her off breakfast.”
How could he have been so foolish? Saionji was an Omega too, Nagito had counted her out because she seemed to only be interested in Koizumi but it seems even she was not immune to Hinata-kun’s allure. She was cleverer than the other two put together, and if Hinata-kun could put up with being around him just to get a whiff of Omega pheromones then Saoinji’s abrasiveness wouldn’t put him off either. It was time for more drastic measures.
“Excuse me Koizumi-san,” he said dismissively, already heading towards his cabin, “I’m afraid I’ve just thought of something that must be done without delay.” Determination lit him up from the inside with warmth, a little spark that was growing more with every step.
At least, he thought it was determination