[ caelus fidgets with the bottom edge of the collar around his neck. it's the most basic option, a ring of thick, black fabric, the bare minimum to ward away any potential pair bites. since caelus isn't fending off any potential bonding at the moment, it serves another purpose which is to prolong a lie.
But I'm not an omega, he'd told kafka.
It will all turn out how it needs to, she'd told him back.
he has no trouble fulfilling jing yuan's request that they take a private stroll around his gardens, although he suspects it's a secret test of some kind. caelus had kept his mouth shut during all the initial negotiations, nodding when appropriate but otherwise taking no dialogue options. that jing yuan noticed the behavior enough to pry into it is proof he's not a bad guy.
this isn't a bad situation.
but it sure is a situation. what the heck had kafka meant? and how does caelus ace this talk without spilling that he's got one foot out the door? so far, the man he'd supposedly be removing this collar for has a good disposition. not bad on the eyes, either. but looking nice and truly being nice aren't always the same.
caelus demands of himself: say something. anything. ]
I'm surprised you're not already dating someone. [ ...yeah! that's so close to a compliment, right? ]
[ things have already been rather tricky for many alphas and omegas that call the xianzhou alliance home, at least those with a very large presence and an abundance of pheromones, but things have been even more difficult since the ambrosial arbor's reawakening. something in the damned tree, the so-called gift from laoshi, exacerbates symptoms of heats and ruts, making them more frequent. making the individual more mindless, sometimes more sex-crazed in the worst of them.
and they can trigger others if their pheromones are strong enough. the betas and automatons should not be left to contend with this at best, and at worse... well. he tries not to think about it.
jing yuan holds onto his faculties well enough through sheer determination (and age, leading to experience aiding him). but he has been through oh so many omegas before the bloom of a reawakened ambrosial arbor, it's only worse, now.
a proposal, from a party that does trade with the xianzhou - and, specifically, the luofu - does intrigue him. someone that could stand up to the general himself. perhaps even help to stabilize his ruts, make them less intense, less frequent. he smiles serenely during the talks, as he always does when his own tensions aren't high. he's recently off a rut, so his mind is unfogged, clarity not needing to hold on by the fingernails. caelus is... interesting. quiet. something stands out to him.
so, once he has the chance - they're out, under the guise of getting to know one another. jing yuan isn't inclined towards bedding unwilling partners, and this deal being proposed niggles at something in the back of his head, instincts sharp, alert.
still, the smile upticks at the corners into something beyond his default when caelus says that. amused. ]
I'm afraid that I am, primarily, married to my job. It can make for "getting out there" being difficult.
Likewise, though, I'm surprised you're not already spoken for.
[ caelus has been at war with himself since the stellaron hunters retrieved him. he wasn't so much told nothing as given an influx of information and given few tools to untangle the threads. before showing up at jing yuan's illustrious doorstep, he heard all about the ambrosial arbor and the trouble it was causing the luofu's citizens (as much as its tourists and visitors). to a more granular extent, he knows beyond the basics when it comes to the needs and expectations of alpha and omega, although the whole time caelus couldn't figure out why it mattered. artificial or not, his body was made beta. he can't even tell when others are about to enter their heat or rut--he has to be told pointblank.
but kafka seemed so certain this wouldn't be an issue. elio or fate or something apparently had told her, in clear terms, that caelus was the only person suitable for this role. didn't he want to help the poor, true omegas that couldn't handle their beloved leader? and didn't he want to help jing yuan, too? surely he would, once he met him.
now, caelus has met him. begrudgingly, he finds that last part was accurate. the man doesn't seem like he deserves his predicament whatsoever, yet he handles it with aplomb. ]
I'm unusual for an omega. Nobody's been able to detect my pheromones and I can't sniff them out well, either. [ so it's a lie but also not a lie. it's a warning he's not sure the party negotiating with jing yuan for caelus had mentioned. ] But that's probably why I'm here in the first place.
Mm, yes, I do recall that being the main... "selling point," as I had been told. [ the smile is still intact, but it shifts, just a little, to a pleasant knife's edge that says exactly what he thinks about that particular phrasing from the negotiating party. it does relax again afterwards, at least. ] But I had been more interested in what your thoughts were for this particular arrangement proposal, to be quite honest. You were rather quiet during the discussion.
[ head tilting, jing yuan regards caelus thoughtfully. interested. he's no fool - whatever is happening here, surely there's more beneath the surface, whether it's in caelus himself or if it's further behind the scenes than what even this omega realizes. ]
While I certainly can't lie and say I'm not intrigued, as that is curious... should you be in this situation unwillingly, different arrangements can be made to ensure your safety, and to keep such a thing from happening again. [ the offer is given calmly, low voice even and genuine, but not a rejection by any means. ] However, should you be a willing participant in this, you'll be well taken care of during your stay aboard the Luofu.
[ caelus is a decent listener, a skill he honed in preparation for becoming a decent speaker. he allows jing yuan to speak his full piece, even when pauses are peppered throughout the general's speech, offering caelus ample space to interject. no, he's polite, giving the false impression of a mild-manner when he's closer to overstimulated than calm.
it's a good thing that jing yuan caught how little caelus spoke in the presence of the others. it means the general was paying attention to his future mate and not only the terms by which he'd have access to him. he's been nothing less than a perfect gentleman.
caelus wouldn't even have to admit he's a beta in order to escape this ordeal. jing yuan wants a willing partner with a mind of their own. all caelus would need to do is say he doesn't want the other man and he'd be safe and...
and alone. on the luofu, but no longer of true concern to jing yuan. the general would return to his search for an omega that could handle him and caelus would spend a lifetime watching his back for the stellaron hunters there to retrieve their asset. ]
I'm here because I want to be. If I hated the idea of it, like if you were a jerk or this place was too dreary, I would say something about it. Right now, it's closer to 'to good to be true.'
[ laughter rumbles quietly from his chest, his expression softening further and visible eye creasing with clear amusement at caelus' response. he thinks, maybe, that they will at the very least get along well enough, which his good to know. even better is that caelus does not seem to be answering from a place of duress, so that concern is eased away as he raises his hand up to cover his heart.
playful sincerity, an easy friendliness despite his prestige and position and responsibilities. it's easy to think that perhaps he's completely unconcerned with everything, sleepy and comfortable, at ease. ]
Ohh, I'm sure there are many that I've met who would call me worse than a jerk. Perhaps it's best to keep you from meeting them to save my own dignity.
[ but, jokes aside, he hums - considering, focusing on caelus' face instead of letting his gaze roam. at least, right now. talking things out comes first, as he hopes to soothe any worries or nerves caelus might have. ]
I'd certainly say that the Xianzhou Alliance is far from dreary. The Luofu itself boasts many places to go, sights to see, events to attend... quite the list, that we would be here all day, even with the troubles that we face. Even when I am preoccupied with my duties, you would be given the opportunity to roam most places at your leisure, with or without a guide or company.
However, we do have a multitude of troubles that we face. Some areas of the Luofu are dangerous due to the Mara-Struck, and we are not completely crime free as a society, so even the everyday resident or visitor can cause problems. But the reason you're here - I hope that you were informed of the afflictions that alphas and omegas have been suffering since the Ambrosial Arbor's blooming?
[ it's true. at the mere mention, caelus wants to meet anyone that would call the man before him a 'jerk' or even less than a perfect gentleman. that would be a fun conversation to navigate, potentially illuminating when caelus only knows jing yuan as warm and considerate. this thought bleeds into another: he'd like to see what jing yuan looks like when he's lost his temper.
caelus knows his expression will be under observation. prepared, he smiles and holds jing yuan's gaze, nice and steady. ]
I know something about the Mara-Struck. I can fight, so you don't have to worry about that.
[ it's not a true answer to the question at hand, but it feels worth deviating to say. because otherwise jing yuan might assume he's dainty, fragile, in need of protection.
back to the matter of the ambrosial arbor. ]
I've heard some of it. It's upsetting your cycles and stuff like that. The more powerful the person, the more troublesome that has to be.
[ that's why jing yuan can't go on without a mate, is it not? no tiptoeing required. ]
And I'm here since it's been a real hassle for you personally.
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folklife2024-08-11 09:35 pm
jumping in the deep end || arranged marriage, a/b/o, sleeper agent pt 1
But I'm not an omega, he'd told kafka.
It will all turn out how it needs to, she'd told him back.
he has no trouble fulfilling jing yuan's request that they take a private stroll around his gardens, although he suspects it's a secret test of some kind. caelus had kept his mouth shut during all the initial negotiations, nodding when appropriate but otherwise taking no dialogue options. that jing yuan noticed the behavior enough to pry into it is proof he's not a bad guy.
this isn't a bad situation.
but it sure is a situation. what the heck had kafka meant? and how does caelus ace this talk without spilling that he's got one foot out the door? so far, the man he'd supposedly be removing this collar for has a good disposition. not bad on the eyes, either. but looking nice and truly being nice aren't always the same.
caelus demands of himself: say something. anything. ]
I'm surprised you're not already dating someone. [ ...yeah! that's so close to a compliment, right? ]
no subject
and they can trigger others if their pheromones are strong enough. the betas and automatons should not be left to contend with this at best, and at worse... well. he tries not to think about it.
jing yuan holds onto his faculties well enough through sheer determination (and age, leading to experience aiding him). but he has been through oh so many omegas before the bloom of a reawakened ambrosial arbor, it's only worse, now.
a proposal, from a party that does trade with the xianzhou - and, specifically, the luofu - does intrigue him. someone that could stand up to the general himself. perhaps even help to stabilize his ruts, make them less intense, less frequent. he smiles serenely during the talks, as he always does when his own tensions aren't high. he's recently off a rut, so his mind is unfogged, clarity not needing to hold on by the fingernails. caelus is... interesting. quiet. something stands out to him.
so, once he has the chance - they're out, under the guise of getting to know one another. jing yuan isn't inclined towards bedding unwilling partners, and this deal being proposed niggles at something in the back of his head, instincts sharp, alert.
still, the smile upticks at the corners into something beyond his default when caelus says that. amused. ]
I'm afraid that I am, primarily, married to my job. It can make for "getting out there" being difficult.
Likewise, though, I'm surprised you're not already spoken for.
no subject
but kafka seemed so certain this wouldn't be an issue. elio or fate or something apparently had told her, in clear terms, that caelus was the only person suitable for this role. didn't he want to help the poor, true omegas that couldn't handle their beloved leader? and didn't he want to help jing yuan, too? surely he would, once he met him.
now, caelus has met him. begrudgingly, he finds that last part was accurate. the man doesn't seem like he deserves his predicament whatsoever, yet he handles it with aplomb. ]
I'm unusual for an omega. Nobody's been able to detect my pheromones and I can't sniff them out well, either. [ so it's a lie but also not a lie. it's a warning he's not sure the party negotiating with jing yuan for caelus had mentioned. ] But that's probably why I'm here in the first place.
no subject
[ head tilting, jing yuan regards caelus thoughtfully. interested. he's no fool - whatever is happening here, surely there's more beneath the surface, whether it's in caelus himself or if it's further behind the scenes than what even this omega realizes. ]
While I certainly can't lie and say I'm not intrigued, as that is curious... should you be in this situation unwillingly, different arrangements can be made to ensure your safety, and to keep such a thing from happening again. [ the offer is given calmly, low voice even and genuine, but not a rejection by any means. ] However, should you be a willing participant in this, you'll be well taken care of during your stay aboard the Luofu.
no subject
it's a good thing that jing yuan caught how little caelus spoke in the presence of the others. it means the general was paying attention to his future mate and not only the terms by which he'd have access to him. he's been nothing less than a perfect gentleman.
caelus wouldn't even have to admit he's a beta in order to escape this ordeal. jing yuan wants a willing partner with a mind of their own. all caelus would need to do is say he doesn't want the other man and he'd be safe and...
and alone. on the luofu, but no longer of true concern to jing yuan. the general would return to his search for an omega that could handle him and caelus would spend a lifetime watching his back for the stellaron hunters there to retrieve their asset. ]
I'm here because I want to be. If I hated the idea of it, like if you were a jerk or this place was too dreary, I would say something about it. Right now, it's closer to 'to good to be true.'
[ it is, but only one of them knows that.]
no subject
playful sincerity, an easy friendliness despite his prestige and position and responsibilities. it's easy to think that perhaps he's completely unconcerned with everything, sleepy and comfortable, at ease. ]
Ohh, I'm sure there are many that I've met who would call me worse than a jerk. Perhaps it's best to keep you from meeting them to save my own dignity.
[ but, jokes aside, he hums - considering, focusing on caelus' face instead of letting his gaze roam. at least, right now. talking things out comes first, as he hopes to soothe any worries or nerves caelus might have. ]
I'd certainly say that the Xianzhou Alliance is far from dreary. The Luofu itself boasts many places to go, sights to see, events to attend... quite the list, that we would be here all day, even with the troubles that we face. Even when I am preoccupied with my duties, you would be given the opportunity to roam most places at your leisure, with or without a guide or company.
However, we do have a multitude of troubles that we face. Some areas of the Luofu are dangerous due to the Mara-Struck, and we are not completely crime free as a society, so even the everyday resident or visitor can cause problems. But the reason you're here - I hope that you were informed of the afflictions that alphas and omegas have been suffering since the Ambrosial Arbor's blooming?
no subject
caelus knows his expression will be under observation. prepared, he smiles and holds jing yuan's gaze, nice and steady. ]
I know something about the Mara-Struck. I can fight, so you don't have to worry about that.
[ it's not a true answer to the question at hand, but it feels worth deviating to say. because otherwise jing yuan might assume he's dainty, fragile, in need of protection.
back to the matter of the ambrosial arbor. ]
I've heard some of it. It's upsetting your cycles and stuff like that. The more powerful the person, the more troublesome that has to be.
[ that's why jing yuan can't go on without a mate, is it not? no tiptoeing required. ]
And I'm here since it's been a real hassle for you personally.