Chapter Text
Clink.
The sound of wine glasses tapping against each other is a sharp noise as compared to the many voices held in conversation. It’s an evening party to celebrate the acquisition of Bough of Rift Inc. The air in the ballroom is fresh and crisp, and everyone is in a good mood.
Well, almost everyone.
Phainon can still pick up on the scent of displeasure coming from some of the alphas from Bough of Rift Inc, unhappy that their new CEO is someone so young, while others are simply disappointed that their company has been sold off to a company that has been around for a lesser period of time.
Those things don’t matter to Phainon.
What really matters to him is the lovely but maddening sight of his former university professor standing at the corner of the ballroom with his companion by his side. Anaxagoras’s companion is a young omega, probably only a year or two older than Phainon, with a meek demeanor and sweet smile. He has his arm wrapped around Anaxa’s, and the alpha allows it. A heavy, nauseating feeling unfurls in Phainon’s chest as he watches the omega’s fingers cling tighter around Anaxa’s arm.
His professor has never been an outwardly affectionate person. Back when Phainon was still Anaxa’s student, Anaxa never allowed anyone to get physically close to him. He’d politely retreat or physically recoil, depending on who the other party was. It didn’t matter if it was a student who simply got too close or a coworker who was being overly-friendly. Anaxa kept his distance.
Phainon takes a sip out of his wine as he returns his attention back to the alpha standing before him, going off about what needs his attention once he gets into the office. Irritation blooms in Phainon’s chest. He knows of the omega’s existence but seeing it in person still upsets him. It doesn’t help that the man before him won’t stop talking. His words constantly diminish Phainon’s team’s efforts and try to undermine his own work, overstepping his place and getting cocky.
“I’m sure you know what I mean. A CEO as young as you are? Anaxagoras will be a better fit and guide.”
At the tender age of twenty-six, Phainon has already clawed his way up the industry with blood and sweat staining his hands. After graduating, he pursued his dreams of opening a video game development company. It started off small, just him and his college friend who roped her other friend into the game. Things grew bigger and bigger, and their company eventually grew into a company known across Amphoreus as one of the biggest game development companies, held successful collaborations with other games, and Phainon was named youngest CEO of their time, second in line only to Anaxa who’s named youngest CTO of his time.
Not many people agree with that opinion; Phainon is too young, too inexperienced and too brash. When the board of directors at Bough of Rift found out that their soon-to-be CEO is so young, they threw a huge fuss, demanding answers and objected to the merger.
Phainon takes a slow sip out of his own glass of wine, the familiar intoxication already settling in his blood stream. Still, Phainon knows better than to react to such words. A few years of experience has taught him that much. Everyone always wants a rile out of him just to prove that he’s exactly as they think of him.
Exhaling slowly, Phainon offers a warm smile, something that he’s learnt helps to soothe over different situations and ease the displeasure of his partners. He waits until the alpha finishes his tirade before he speaks.
“Lycurgus, are you doubting what I’ve said about Phainon? Do my words no longer carry merit?”
What immediately comes out, though, is not words from Phainon’s mouth. Anaxa stands behind Lygus, his eyes sharp and his voice cold. His omega companion is nowhere by his side. Phainon doesn’t bother to look around for his companion. Not when Anaxa is standing there, his burrows furrowed in annoyance and his lips pressed together into a thin line. His suit is iron-crisp and the dark colours compliment his hair that's styled to curl lovely around his face. His long hair is held together with a dark satin ribbon and his lips are stained a glossy nude.
Phainon’s heart skips a beat, mesmerised by the beautiful sight of Anaxa. It's an unfamiliar expression that will soon become a familiar sight to Phainon. Not because he is the one on the receiving end but because people around him are the ones receiving it.
If it isn’t for the fact that Anaxa is annoyed because people insulted him, Phainon might be a little jealous.
“Anaxagoras,” Lygus begins, not even fazed that Anaxa has interrupted their conversation. It’s as though he’s been expecting him this whole time. “As CTO, surely you must agree that Phainon is simply too young to be our CEO. You bring at least twelve years of experience.”
Lygus speaks as if Phainon isn’t standing right here, listening to his words. Anaxa inclines his head, his own wine swirling as the alpha rolls his wrist. His mild scent of spices and mint settles sweetly into Phainon’s lungs and the alpha struggles briefly to keep himself together. “You speak as if I didn’t start young. Honestly, Lycurgus. It’ll do you good to remember who you’re speaking with sometimes. Phainon has done nothing but exceptional work building Worldbearer Co. from the ground up. At least, I think being bought over by them is better than some old fart who only wants our name because they’re bored.”
Anaxa’s words warm Phainon from the inside and he bashfully ducks his head down. No matter how many years have passed, Phainon still feels like he is twenty again and in his first day of Anaxa’s game development class.
Lygus scoffs, folding his arms as he puffs out his chest. His scent is acrid as he says, “Geniuses don’t come by very often. What are the odds that Phainon is actually someone capable?”
Anaxa opens his mouth but it is Phainon who answers with a gentle smile. “Our first board meeting is next Monday. Maybe I’ll be able to change your mind then, Mr Lycurgus.”
A soft snort makes itself known as Anaxa lifts his glass to his lips. Instead of listening to whatever Lygus is spewing out of his mouth, Phainon watches as the rim of the glass rests against Anaxa’s plush, lower lip and his tongue presses down flatly to welcome his sip of red wine. His lip gloss leaves a mark on the rim of the glass, and Phainon struggles to not gawk.
Anaxa catches sight of Phainon’s gaze and Phainon finally notices the amusement shimmering in those beautiful eyes. As his former professor lowers his glass, the pink tip of his tongue sneaks out to lick his lips free of red wine. When Anaxa turns his attention back onto Lygus, the alpha has a look that’s stuck between a sneer and irritation, and he can’t seem to make up his mind.
“Sure, let’s meet at the board meeting on Monday. We’ll see what everyone has to say then.”
Phainon barely gives Lygus any interest as he walks away. His attention is completely stolen away by the alpha before him. Anaxa’s wine glass is nearly empty so Phainon flags down a nearby waiter to grab another glass of wine for him.
“You’ve changed,” Anaxa points out after he thanks the waiter for exchanging the glasses in his hand. He takes a slow sip out of his glass before he says, “you used to be more impulsive and ready to bite back at every opportunity.”
Phainon perks up at the compliment. His cheeks grow warm and he hides his embarrassment behind his own drink. The flavour of white wine pops on his tongue, acidic and refreshing, like Anaxa’s scent. “Does professor think it’s for the better or worse?”
A look of thoughtfulness crosses Anaxa’s features before he realises what Phainon is doing. Huffing, he scolds, “Still trying to fish for compliments at your age?”
His cheeks warm up more but Phainon says nothing to defend himself, earning him a small scoff from Anaxa. A hand claps down on his arm, fingers curling briefly around the muscle before Anaxa lets go. “You’ve grown a lot, Phainon. Congratulations on the merger.”
Phainon laughs, scratching the back of his head. Anaxa’s gaze follows his movement before his eyes briefly land on Phainon’s neck. The scent gland that rests on the left side of his neck is still perfect and unmarred. Even at his age, Phainon still has no mate. His family encourages him to find one and settle down soon, but Phainon has set his eyes on someone else a very long time ago. He’s just waiting for the perfect opportunity.
His smile is sheepish as he says, “I still have a lot of ropes to learn, so I hope my professor will still be as lenient with me as he used to be.”
“You’re the boss now. You shouldn’t be calling me professor anymore. Just Anaxagoras will do.”
A lump forms in Phainon’s throat. He takes in a breath and says quietly, “Anaxa.”
The alpha bristles at Phainon’s insistence. For the longest time, Phainon has always called him Anaxa. It curls with a tenderness that crosses the line of a professor and a student, testing the boundaries of something more casual, more intimate. “It’s Anaxagoras.”
Phainon shrugs, his smile light. “Anaxa.”
With a sigh, Anaxa shakes his head. “Some things about you never change.”
Bashfully, Phainon asks, “Shouldn’t that be a good thing?”
Anaxa hums softly, his response neither a yes or a no.
Phainon can only laugh and take another sip of his wine. “I’ll be under your guidance, Anaxa. Please take good care of me once more.”
His statement finally cracks Anaxa’s aloofness, a faint smile curls up his lips. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around, now that you’re my boss?”
Phainon laughs, earnestly for the first time throughout the night. “But I’ll always be your student.”
Sentiment flickers in Anaxa’s eyes as he looks away with one arm folded across his chest. He holds up his wine glass, swirling it gently. As he is just about to speak, the omega from earlier returns to Anaxa’s side shyly, as if afraid to interrupt them. Annoyance flares up inside of Phainon as Anaxa’s attention is taken away from him. The smile that Anaxa thins out as he greets his companion and Phainon can already smell his owen scent changing into something more sour.
“Oh, you’re here.” Anaxa says softly.
Wrapping a hand around Anaxa’s hand, the omega dips his head down apologetically. “Sorry for disappearing. One of the directors is looking for you. I couldn’t remember his name… A tall gentleman, white hair, green eyes…”
“Oh, it must be Empedocles. Apologies, Phainon. I’ll have to go and look for him.”
A small pang strikes precisely into Phainon’s chest. He knows of Empedocles. He’s Anaxa’s former teacher who was invited to join Bought of Rift Inc. after Anaxa became their CTO. They have a bond that Phainon is jealous of. Empedocles has been in Anaxa’s life for a very long time, from since he was a university student until now. There’s not a lot of people in his life that have stayed this long; most of them getting busy with their own stuff while others couldn’t see eye-to-eye with Anaxa’s philosophy.
“Let’s catch up again later, Phainon. I’m sure there are a lot of people waiting to speak with you as well.”
Phainon lowers his gaze with a wry smile. He’s already tired at the thought of entertaining other people. He wants to hoard all of Anaxa’s time like he used to do as a college student and ask the most ridiculous questions.
But Phainon has grown into an adult and is now Anaxa’s CEO. “Of course. But I always prefer to spend more time with you.”
Anaxa gives him a dry, fond look. A look of uneasiness spreads across Anaxa’s omega’s face but Anaxa doesn’t seem to notice. “Spoiled as always. I’ll see you later.”
“See you later, professor.”
His words trail off quietly as he stares at Anaxa’s retreating back. The unnamed omega leans into Anaxa’s space, asking him a question with a look of discomfort. Anaxa merely shakes his head and disappointment blooms on the omega’s face. He sneaks a look back and jumps in his place when he notices Phainon’s intent gaze on him.
His apple bobs as he gulps, his expression crumpling completely. He turns away hastily, his cheeks flushed and his hands curl tighter into Anaxa’s forearm.
Phainon’s mood takes a completely worse turn and his grip on his glass nearly shatters it in his hold.
“Huh!” A light voice interrupts, completely unaware of Phainon’s mood. Golden eyes are wide and bright as Stelle stops by his side, her own glass of wine sloshing in its glass. “That’s the alpha you’ve been pining for years? I expected someone more outgoing and taller!”
Phainon says nothing, choosing to empty his current glass of wine in a few sips. Once he’s done, he waves down another waiter, grabbing two glasses of wine at once. Stelle watches with a curious glint in her eyes. Her gaze flickers between where Anaxa now stands with his omega as a guest, and back to Phainon.
“Aww, are you jealous, Phai? Why haven’t you tried to hit him up yet?”
There are a lot of reasons, Phainon thinks. Anaxa has his fair share of lovers over the years; some alphas, most omegas. But the relationships never last. For most alphas, they can’t accept the fact that Anaxa is just as dominant as he is. They think they can mold him into an obedient alpha or even try to turn him into an omega, but Phainon knows better than that.
After all, he was Anaxa’s student six years ago. He’s learnt what makes him tick, what makes him laugh, what makes him scoff under his breath, and what leaves a glint in his eyes. Even after graduating from university, Phainon continues to learn so much about Anaxa that he doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to stop learning. He knows that Anaxa will never bend backwards for another person.
“He’s wary of dating alphas,” Phainon explains with a hopeless smile. “And I’m an alpha. You know how things work.”
Stelle shakes her head, her silvery hair falling over her face. She gently brushes a few strands away and shrugs. “Alphas dating alphas are unusual but that doesn’t mean you can’t.”
He chugs down both glasses of wine, feeling the burn of the liquor in his chest before it settles warmly in his belly. The lightheadedness that comes with intoxication begins to make itself known in Phainon’s head. Stelle looks at him warily, a small frown forming on her lips. “Phai, I know it’s a stressful night but you should try to minimise your liquor intake…”
“I can take a few more glasses, don’t worry. It’ll be ill fitting for a CEO to not be able to hold his liquor, right?”
She purses her lips and says nothing, opting to stay close to his side the rest of the night. Phainon cycles through a few other directors and some party guests, exchanging congratulatory wishes and hopes for the company now that the merger is complete.
As CEO, it’s hard for him to turn down drinks, especially when it comes to shareholders and board members. Despite the number of people he has to entertain, Phainon always keeps Anaxa in his peripheral vision, watching him carefully as he entertains his own share of directors and stakeholders.
The omega stays by Anaxa’s side the whole night, his back straight as a ruler and his smile doesn’t fully convey its gentle politeness. His eyes kept darting across the room anxiously, and whenever they locked gazes, he ended up jumping and turned away, thoroughly afraid of Phainon.
By the time the party starts to wind down, Phainon is somewhere in between the lines of being tipsy and drunk. Stelle frets over him as she guides him to a seat, crossing her arms as she begins to nag at him.
“I told you not to drink so much! How are you planning to get home in this state?”
Phainon thinks he waved a hand at her dismissively but he’s not too sure. He feels his hand go up but whether it moved is another story.
“I’m fineee. I’ll be able to call a ride and get home safe.”
Stelle clicks her tongue, her phone in her hands. “I’ll ask Mydei to drop you off on our way back.”
“Don’t—“ Phainon pauses, swallowing a wave of nausea and turns his attention away. He feels miserable from the sickness but he also feels good. There’s no need to think about work, no need to worry about an impending deadline, and all he can do is focus on Anaxa.
Anaxa, his teacher and intense first love. With a sigh, Phainon slumps down on his seat. It’s not right or proper but most of the guests have already left. Only a handful of people remain, all choosing to mind their own business of finding their own means of transport home.
“Don’t wanna trouble Myyydei. He’ll have lots to say…”
“Well, I have lots to say too!” Stelle scolds, her expression worried and stern.
“Ms Stelle,” Anaxa’s calm voice interrupts their conversation and Phainon’s heart rate spikes even higher than it already has. Phainon’s vision blurs for a second before it focuses on Anaxa, who is standing before them with his partner by his side. “I can drive Phainon back.”
“Ah-!” The sternness immediately melts away and surprise takes its place. “Mr Anaxa, I cannot trouble you with Phainon…”
Somehow, Phainon thinks her words aren’t even sincere.
“It’s alright. Phainon has always been a little of a troublemaker, so it’s nothing new.”
Stelle’s gaze flickers between Anaxa and his companion, before she weakly asks, “Is this really okay? Are you both okay with this?”
Phainon bristles at their conversation. They’re acting as if he’s not here but he’s still listening very intently and watching them closely. Anaxa’s companion does look bothered at the thought of sending Phainon home, but he doesn’t say a word, as if it’s his way of trying to impress Anaxa.
His candy-sweet scent smells mildly like burnt sugar, of discomfort but his expression says otherwise. Anaxa exchanges a glance with his companion, who merely nods and smiles faintly.
“Yes. There’s really no issue in driving Phainon home.”
Stelle nods, fast at first, then she catches herself and slows it down to something less eager. “Oh, if it’s really no trouble, then I’ll leave my troublesome friend to you…”
His words come out in a slur. “‘m not troublesome…”
Anaxa snorts, folding his arms over his chest. “Alright, Phainon. This isn’t our first rodeo. C’mon, it’s time to get you home.”
Phainon mumbles something about being able to get home on his own but listens to Anaxa. He always listens to Anaxa. Even throughout the years that they’ve never kept in contact, Phainon kept his words dear and close to his heart.
“Bye, Stelle. Tell Mydei he owes me a drinking session.”
A delicate brow raises itself as Stelle shakes her head. “Tell that to him yourself.”
His mouth opens to retort but a warm hand presses itself to the small of his back, essentially melting away whatever words are about to form on Phainon’s tongue.
“Come.”
One single word is filled with both authority and gentleness, it leaves Phainon with a dull ache. They bid a few more guests goodbye before they leave the ballroom, and Phainon finds himself staring at the back of Anaxa’s head as the other alpha walks ahead of him with his companion by his side, the three of them walking in some sort of painful silence.
Intentionally or not, Phainon’s not sure. Maybe it’s because he’s drunk? But that can’t be. His tolerance level has always been good, so it can’t be. Then it must be intentional.
Suddenly, Phainon grows upset. He really doesn’t need to be sent home. He doesn’t want to be a third-wheel to whatever is happening between Anaxa and this omega, and watch whatever is happening from the back. He can call a ride just fine. If Anaxa is going to flaunt his companion in front of him, he really doesn’t want to be witness to it.
It has always been someone else by Anaxa’s side. Never Phainon. It used to be his ex-fiance, then some random omega, and then the striking blow was an alpha.
“You’re always like this,” Anaxa finally says as they head down to the carpark. “Always keeping to yourself and not wanting to bother other people.”
Phainon has pressed himself to a corner of the lift, enjoying the cool surface against his burning hot temple. Sighing, Anaxa pries him away from the corner and makes the alpha lean his weight on him. Phainon struggles for a while, mumbling about not wanting to trouble Anaxa despite the delight in his chest from how good it feels to be under Anaxa’s attention.
A slender arm wraps around Phainon’s waist but it’s not enough to reach around fully. His fingers slip into one of the belt hoops of Phainon’s pants, the fingertips pressing into Phainon’s waist. He forces Phainon to lean his weight on him but it’s an awkward sight. Phainon is too tall to be leaning all his weight on Anaxa, and Anaxa can’t possibly hold up Phainon on his own. Huffing, Anaxa mutters, “Can you wrap your arm around my shoulder, Phainon?”
From the corner of his eye, Phainon catches Anaxa’s companion shifting uncomfortably on his feet, as if trying to make himself look smaller. “I’m fine, Anaxa… I don’t want to trouble you any further.”
With a sigh, Anaxa tightens his hold on Phainon, his arm pressing into Phainon’s lower back. He can feel the warm heat of Anaxa’s arm deep through the fabrics of the clothes, setting Phainon ablaze. Anaxa’s scent is refreshing and invigorating with an underlying tinge of sweetness. It’s perfect for Anaxa—he hides his enjoyment of sweets behind his facade of aloofness, not wanting others to find out how much he loves them.
“You still haven’t changed. Even back when you were still my student, you acted like this all the time.” Anaxa slides himself under Phainon’s arm to steady the alpha, but all Phainon can focus on is how small Anaxa feels. He feels too thin, too sharp, like he hasn’t been taking care of himself. Phainon doesn’t like that. He makes a mental note to make sure Anaxa eats more, even if he has to do it in ways that’s out of the norm.
A sour scent catches Phainon’s attention and he subtly glances out at Anaxa’s companion, who keeps their back straight and face forward. Phainon leans more weight on Anaxa, feeling the alpha’s hold on him tighten.
“Can’t help it,” Phainon murmurs, burying his face into Anaxa’s hair. The alpha stiffens momentarily under Phainon’s hold but quickly composes himself. The lift door to the parking lot opens and Anaxa’s companion steps out to hold the door open for them. “You’ve always been too good to me.”
“Thank you,” Anaxa says softly to his partner. His companion gives him a weak smile in return. Turning his attention back to Phainon, Anaxa sighs. “Spoiled child.”
Oh, if only Anaxa knows how spoiled Phainon actually is.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Phainon’s irritation is beyond his limits at this point but he maintains his front with a friendly, warm smile while listening and agreeing to actual concerns the board has.
Empedocles, the quality assurance director, flags out problems that Phainon should take note of, while the director of marketing runs through the plan for the launch of their newest game. There are a lot of changes to make, things to reference, and structures to rearrange. Only a handful in the room bring actual use to the meeting, while others keep making snide remarks that get on Phainon’s nerves.
The one that’s most quiet is Anaxa, who is settled two seats down from Phainon in the conference room. He’s been looking through his laptop, fingers dancing across the keyboard while looking unbothered and unattentive.
But Phainon knows better. Anaxa has been listening this whole time, just not participating. Unless there’s an actual need for him to speak up, Anaxa doesn’t bother. He does, however, scoff when one of the directors makes a scathing remark that doesn’t contribute to the conversation. It’s loud enough for the director to have the decency to be embarrassed after what he’s said.
Of course, there are still others who have a lesser self of self-preservation, and one of them includes the production director, Lygus. Or maybe he just has a grain to grind with Phainon. He rebukes every suggestion Phainon proposes, cites the inefficiency in Phainon’s plans, and downplays Phainon’s team’s efforts.
The tension in the room has grown thick enough that it requires a sword to cut through and everyone is on their toes from how pungent Phainon’s scent has turned into. His warm expression is what terrifies the whole board the most. Despite how sour his scent is, Phainon is still smiling charismatically and patiently.
“No one wants to say anything but you’re too young, Phainon. You’re leading a company that is at least two decades old and everyone here is clearly more experienced than you are.”
“I am aware of my inexperience,” Phainon says quietly. His voice is barely louder than Lygus, but it's commanding enough that the entire room falls quiet. “When we first expressed interest in the company, we’ve highlighted many times that Worldbearer Co. is a young brand but has an experienced team. We’ve also retained most of your staff because of their experience. For those we had to let go, they were compensated for their work.”
Lygus rolls his eyes, folding one arm over his chest. “Those are things that can be done easily, Phainon. We’re talking about the future of Worldbearer Co. Now that you’ve acquired our company, we’d like to see your grand plans for our future.”
A slow exhale leaves Phainon’s chest, relaxing his entire frame as his fingers curl around his pen. “I understand your concerns. Worldbearer Co. is not a company that appeared out of nowhere overnight that took over as one of the biggest gaming companies. If anything, I think you should learn to humble yourself a little.”
The entire room stiffens at Phainon’s comment, all of them immediately understanding what the alpha is trying to say. Those from the old company’s faces turn red and bristle, while Phainon’s own team pretend to busy themselves with their work.
Anaxa snorts out loud, his lips curling into a smug smile as he finally raises his head. “Lycurgus, you’re always trying to find ways to humiliate us. I’m starting to think you’ve a kink for things like that. Times have changed and a new era has been rung in. If we don’t move forward with faith that this acquisition is for the better, what’s the point of us agreeing in the first place?”
A silence bestows itself upon everyone and Phainon’s shoulders begin to relax. He didn’t expect Anaxa to speak up, ready to argue with Lygus until one of them grows weary. The other alpha looks upset, almost annoyed that Anaxa has spoken up.
“You’ve always been biased towards Phainon, Anaxagoras.”
Anaxa’s eyes narrow at the implication before he laughs. “Why shouldn’t I be? He’s always been my exceptional student. He’s proven his worth as CEO of Worldbearer Co. I don’t think my word has much weight as compared to his own work.”
Phainon massages his temple and releases another breath slowly, evenly. “If the only thing left on the agenda is to discuss our incompetencies, then the meeting is adjourned.”
Almost everyone files out almost instantly, leaving Anaxa behind. The tension dissipates once almost everyone leaves but the headache lingers for Phainon. He takes his time to pack up his stuff, shuffling papers between each other and closing his laptop slowly.
“You’re different now.”
Phainon blinks wryly in Anaxa’s direction, not catching what he means. With his laptop in one hand, Anaxa steps closer to Phainon to look at him carefully. Tourmaline eyes do a sweep from head to toe, with Anaxa craning his head backwards to meet baby blue eyes that used to be much brighter, more full of life. Anaxa is so small before him, Phainon is almost sure he can dwarf Anaxa.
“The old you would have been more than eager to prove yourself right. But now… You’re playing the long game and planting seeds of doubt into the directors’ hearts. If I didn’t know you any better, I would keep my distance.”
Hearing that, Phainon’s heart drops. That’s the last thing he ever wants. It’s been years since he’s this close to Anaxa and he’s not going to put some kind of distance between them again. He’s waited this long, played the waiting game and finally won.
A warm hand pats Phainon’s cheek and the alpha has to blink back to focus. Anaxa is smiling up at him, his smile more careful and sharp than anything else. His heart jumps to his mouth, feeling the softness of Anaxa’s hand against him. Anaxa has never been this physical with someone, it buries hope deep within Phainon’s chest. “Careful, pup. You better learn to rein in that sweet and charming smile of yours, otherwise you’re going to have a long queue of omegas in line for a chance with you.”
Phainon barely restrains himself from nuzzling into Anaxa’s hand, his heart thumping so fast and so hard that he’s very sure Anaxa can hear it too. This close, all he can smell is Anaxa’s fresh mint scent. There’s none of those horrible, rancid pheromones that belong to the other directors. Simply just Anaxa.
“I don’t want any omega,” Phainon blurts out earnestly. “I don’t want anyone.”
Anyone that isn’t you. He’s spent years perfecting his knowledge on Anaxa, knows that Anaxa is the only one for him. No one else can compete with Anaxa.
Anaxa clicks his tongue and strokes Phainon’s cheek gently with his thumb before pulling back completely. “Be careful with your words. You’ll give people the wrong impression.”
The alpha nearly follows but manages to hold himself back at the last second. He laughs and rubs his head sheepishly. The spot where Anaxa just touched is warmer than the rest of his cheek and Phainon doesn’t want to lose this sensation. “What wrong impression? I’m just being honest, professor.”
“Anaxagoras.” A cold voice cuts through their conversation. Phainon throws Lygus the coldest look he’s ever mustered for interrupting the two of them, his mood back to being awful just from Lygus’s mere existence.
Anaxa rolls his eyes, ignoring Lygus as well. “You’ll break many hearts.”
Phainon lowers his head and smiles wistfully. “Doesn’t really matter to me.”
There’s only one heart that does, and Phainon has been taking care of it the best he can. He protects Anaxa as much as he can, chasing away those unworthy and monitoring those who have proven their worth. It hurts every time Anaxa dates someone new but Phainon tries to not let it get to him.
After all, he’s been perfecting his life just to be enough for Anaxa.
“I know you’ll do well. Your office is right next to mine, so if you have any questions, my office is open for you.”
“…Just like how your office doors have always been open for me during university?” Phainon cheekily asks. Anaxa’s eyes briefly go wide before he turns away with a small scoff. Phainon isn’t sure if his eyes are playing tricks on him or if the room’s lightings are bad, but Anaxa’s cheeks seem to darken. He clears his throat and glances at Phainon’s papers on the desk, humming softly. Phainon’s head goes light at the sight, wondering if he’s allowed to even think what he thinks Anaxa is feeling.
“You’re exceptional, Phainon. I know you’ll do great things. Do not let anyone drag you down.”
The corners of Phainon’s lips lift feebly as his heart softens. It’s the same words Anaxa has once told him, but it feels even more sincere than before.
A sneer tears down the little bubble and Phainon sighs tiredly, his headache worsening each time he hears as much as an exhale from Lygus.
“Anaxagoras. We have another meeting to attend to.”
Anaxa’s eyes flicker over to Lygus, his lips pulling thinly into a flat line. “I have another meeting. You’re merely there to listen for feedback.”
Embarrassment finally seems to show itself on Lygus’s face as Phainon gathers his own stuff. He doesn’t see Lygus as a threat. Not very much. The man has been trying to get into Anaxa’s pants for the last two years but to no avail. Everytime he thinks he’s gotten his way, Anaxa always shoots him down.
Even now, as Anaxa walks towards the conference room doors, Lygus bravely tries to place an arm around Anaxa’s shoulders. The alpha lets it linger for a moment, long enough for Lygus to give Phainon a smug, satisfied look, but Phainon merely challenges it back with a slight incline of his chin. Jealousy runs hot inside of Phainon’s chest but he refuses to let it be seen. There’s no need for Lygus to know how he affects him.
There’s truly no need.
Because Anaxa swats Lygus’s hand away quickly, his gaze sharp and angry. “You best remember this is a professional work environment, Lycurgus. I will not put up with this.”
The smirk that forms on Phainon’s lips must have been infuriating because Lygus sneers in his direction. Anaxa’s heels click down the hallway to another meeting room and Phainon watches as Lygus trails behind him like a disowned dog.
The conference room still smells like Anaxa even though he’s gone and Phainon wants to grow drunk off of the alpha’s scent. He takes in a few deep breaths, filling up his lungs with as much of Anaxa’s scent as he can. His blood rushes south, his length filling out rapidly and Phainon can only drop his head down with a soft groan.
He settles himself back down on his seat, his arousal pressing snug against his dress pants. Blood runs hot in his veins as he recalls the glint in Anaxa’s eyes, a little bit challenging, a little bit too unfamiliar. Running both hands through his hair, Phainon sighs. Mydei has once said that jealousy is an ugly colour on him and he agrees. It was never meant to go this far, but every time Phainon sees another man stand by Anaxa’s side, it makes his skin crawl even more. None of them are good enough for his professor. None at all.
A soft knock on the door has Phainon looking up from his place and he’s greeted by his young omega assistant standing there with a thin smile, his expression indifferent. In his hands is a thick folder that probably contains what Phainon thinks it is. “Sir, I’ve brought the file you’ve been asking for.”
“Bring it over, Ermis.”
Ermis doesn’t close the distance all the way, stopping halfway across the long conference table and slides the folder across. “This is all we dug up on Director Lygus’s work since he started at the company. There’s a lot, so I’ve taken the liberty to highlight any concerns and major projects he’s personally worked on.”
“Good work,” Phainon says as he begins to flip through the folder. “Is there anything in particular I should take note of?”
Ermis shakes his head, a thoughtful expression breaking through the indifference. “Not that I can think of. But he tries really hard to impress the CTO.”
“Everyone wants to impress Anaxa, he’ll need to get in line.” Phainon utters under his breath. Ermis smiles faintly. He’s been with Phainon long enough to know how highly his CEO thinks of Anaxa, and thus worked hard to help secure the acquisition. Reading through the file, there’s not much that’s new for Phainon. He’s known about Lygus’s existence years ago and he’s nothing more than just a mere annoyance that Phainon wants to get rid of.
The alpha is good at his job, so there’s no proper reason to let him go, but the more Phainon looks at him, the more irked he gets. Eventually, he stops reading the papers and leans back in his seat, his eyes burning from how bright the room is. Draping an arm over his eyes, he finally gets to relax a little bit from how dark everything becomes.
Lycurgus is not good enough for Anaxa. He’s too arrogant, too egoistical. He thinks he’s able to take care of Anaxa, but he’s not. No one is good enough for Anaxa. Only Phainon is.
Phainon, who has spent his youth building an empire for himself. Phainon, who set his eyes on Worldbearer Co. at a tender age and made sure that he’ll be able to conquer it one day. Phainon, who did everything for Anaxa, is the only one good enough for Anaxa.
Taking in a slow, deep breath, Phainon closes his eyes. Anaxa just hasn’t realised it yet. But there’s no rush. Phainon will eventually prove his worth and Anaxa will see him for who he is.
He just needs to slowly bide his time.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
The endless chatter around them eases the tension in Phainon’s shoulders, a weight that’s been sitting on it for weeks. Picking up his cutlery, Phainon begins to give his pasta a good mix as Anaxa takes a sip of his coffee. The cafe they’ve picked for a lunch meeting is a twenty minute drive away from their office, somewhere they won’t be interrupted, and a place that they’re both familiar with. They’ve found their usual spot, right by the large ceiling to floor windows, enjoying the view outside while they eat and discuss work.
It’s a cafe near their old university campus that Anaxa sometimes invites Phainon to join him at when they have discussions on Phainon’s thesis paper and his office isn’t a good environment. Thinking back, Phainon wonders if it’s because Anaxa used to do it intentionally. They only got interrupted on rare occasions in his office while Phainon was buried face first in his laptop, and those were urgent instances of his other classmates in dire need of Anaxa’s attention or Anaxa’s other coworkers who needed help.
The food here still hasn’t changed; its standard is still as good as Phainon remembered it to be. The eggs are smooth and soft, and each bite is filled with flavour. The drinks are still as delightful, each sip refreshing Phainon’s throat and waking him up for the long day ahead.
But times have changed. Phainon is no longer that young university student who keeps chasing after Anaxa and pestering him for answers and help. Now, he’s his boss and having lunch meetings because Lygus just has to keep interrupting their meetings when it’s done in the office.
Serenity softens Anaxa’s entire frame, his body completely at ease as he eats his own lunch. He is completely unbothered, happy in his seat. When the sunlight hits just right, Anaxa’s tourmaline eyes shine blue. It’s a rare sight that Phainon has never seen before and it makes his heart stumble in its place.
“I believe your head of marketing has already shown you the elaborate strategy of promotional ads and media publicity for the game launch. I did flag out some concerns to her, so we’re in the midst of making changes.”
Phainon nods slowly, thoughtful. “We’re knee deep into the project at this point, so I don’t want to make any unnecessary changes. I trust you’ll be able to guide the team to a successful launch.”
He doesn’t get an immediate response but he does feel the weight of Anaxa’s gaze on him. When he looks up, Anaxa is looking at him with a glint in his eyes that’s too gentle on his professor.
A quietness settles upon them as they eat, but Phainon can’t help but feel a little bit self-conscious. He picks at his food and peers at Anaxa from under his lashes.
“You’re different now,” Anaxa eventually points out quietly. “You used to be this bright and brash boy who always has a point to prove. Now… You’re quieter, more thoughtful. What happened?”
Brows furrow together in confusion as Phainon places his cutlery down. He’s not sure if he likes Anaxa’s words. His tone is careful, which is very unlike him. Phainon’s heart drops in anxiety.
“Is… Do you not like this version of me?” Phainon asks softly, his voice laced with a tinge of hurt. In front of Anaxa, he wonders if he can shed that jaded appearance. Does Anaxa prefer him soft like he used to be, or someone more cautious?
He can’t tell. All the men Anaxa used to date have such a wide range of personalities; bright, puppy and sunshine energy to gloomy, quiet personas. Phainon really can’t tell what he likes.
Anaxa huffs, taking another bite out of his food. He chews slowly as he locks gazes with Phainon. “You’re always like this, trying to fish for compliments in any way you can. That part of you has never changed.”
“I…” Phainon begins, but words completely fail him. So he picks up the method he used the most back when he was still Anaxa’s student. He musters the warmest and softest smile and ducks his head down shyly. “Does it bother you, Anaxa?”
“If it bothered me, I would have made it known on day one.” He pauses, a small frown tugging down on his lips. “No. I just wonder what has changed over the years.”
His gaze is inspective, sweeping over Phainon again, as if he can’t believe the man before him is his former student. He has done this a few times now, the most obvious one was when they first crossed paths again, when Phainon was an interested party in the buying over of their company.
Anaxa’s gaze had lingered much longer than anyone else's, his tourmaline eyes filled with disbelief that his former student is the one interested in buying over.
Now, it seems softer, filled with something Phainon can’t exactly understand, which makes it so strange. Anaxa has always been one who keeps his distance from everyone, his presence demanding a respect that makes most alphas keep their distance. Those that don’t fear Anaxa’s commanding presence try to toe his boundaries.
That includes Phainon.
He always likes to test Anaxa’s limits and see how far he can get, and Anaxa always humors him. He’s the only one that can get away with it and Phainon wonders if it’s simply because he does it in a way that doesn’t get under Anaxa’s nerves, or because Anaxa lets him get away with it.
“Maybe the industry changed me.” Phainon teases with a wry smile.
Fingers drum themselves against the table top, slow, in thought. “The industry is cruel, but I thought you’d have a few more years before it changes you.”
“I didn’t have my professor by my side, maybe that’s why.”
Anaxa snorts, his gaze catching Phainon’s. “Do you use such sweet words on all your omegas?”
Sourness begins to bloom on Phainon’s tongue, his own cutlery goes down on the table with a clink, startling anaxa. “No omegas.”
The glass that Anaxa is lifting to his lips pauses midway, his eyes narrowed. “No omegas?”
“Have you seen me with an omega before?”
“…No. Just thought you’ve been too busy to date. There are omegas who are throwing themselves at your feet. Why not?”
Lowering his gaze bashfully, Phainon smiles softly. “I already have someone in mind.”
He doesn’t notice the way Anaxa’s fingers grip his glass tightens and his gaze shifts. “Oh?”
“Yup.”
His attention moves to the view outside, where the streets are filled with passing vehicles and people walking down the sidewalk, Phainon can still vividly remember the last time the two of them met here.
He was running late from a class and couldn’t make it to the cafe with Anaxa, so his professor had gone ahead without him first. When he arrived, Anaxa was standing outside the cafe, lost in his own thoughts. Phainon had thrown himself over his professor, exclaiming about something he can’t remember anymore, and pressing himself against Anaxa, risking him smelling like another alpha the whole day.
Anaxa had looked at him with exasperation and gently brushed him off so that they could get to work, and Phainon laughed, his boyish, toothy grin blinding everyone in the vicinity.
“I see.” Anaxa’s voice is chipped and cold, and Phainon can only tilt his head to the side, unsure why Anaxa suddenly seems upset.
“What about yourself? Are you getting serious with the omega you brought to the party?” Phainon asks, trying to even out the acidity in his own tone. He doesn’t like the omega at all, they’re too soft and gentle for Anaxa, and he’s certain Anaxa will be the one caring for him instead of the other way around.
But that’s not what Anaxa is like. Anaxa barely takes care of himself, doesn’t eat enough, doesn’t rest enough. He pours all his time into his work and neglects his own health. Even now, with a full meal before him, Anaxa has picked it apart and taken only a few bites out of it, while Phainon has nearly swept off his whole plate.
Anaxa is about to answer when his phone on the table vibrates. Out of politeness, Phainon picks up his own phone to check through his notifications while Anaxa does the same. It doesn’t take long before a sharp and short exhale leaves Anaxa and he puts his phone back down, his scent turning bitter around the edges.
Phainon peers up from his phone and sees a dark look on Anaxa’s face. “Is something wrong?”
Picking up his cutlery, Anaxa takes a slow bite out of his lunch. His mouth wraps around the fork that has pierced through a piece of meat and Phainon watches. The small mouth can barely wrap around the food properly, and the most inappropriate thoughts begin to surface. Phainon shifts subtly in his place, his thoughts running all over the place.
“He cancelled tomorrow's dinner,” Anaxa says flatly, his expression indifferent. But Phainon can tell it matters to Anaxa. He doesn’t like that it matters, but if it upsets Anaxa, then he can’t help it. “Doesn’t matter.”
“The same omega? Anaxa, it’s okay to be disappointed.”
Tourmaline eyes flicker upwards sharply and Anaxa stares at him. “Who said anything about being disappointed?”
Phainon picks up his glass of juice and takes a sip before he answers, “You. Your scent changed.”
The usual fresh mint smells more wilted, like disappointment. It’s rare for someone to upset Anaxa like this and a jealousy flares up inside of Phainon. An omega made Anaxa feel like this, made him this reactive. Phainon absolutely hates it. There’s absolutely no need for anyone else when Anaxa has him now. He’ll never disappoint Anaxa like how his dates have.
Anaxa’s jaw tightens slightly. “You’re always so perspective.”
Phainon’s laughter is light and bashful as he meets Anaxa’s fierce gaze. “When it comes to you, Anaxa, I will always be attentive. Besides, there are plenty of options out there. Just because one disappoints, doesn’t mean everyone will.”
The frigidness in Anaxa’s shoulders seems to melt by an inch. “Omegas are disappointing but alphas are too.”
Phainon understands. Not from Anaxa’s perspective, but his own. None of them have the right and capabilities to stand next to him. Anaxa deserves someone independent, strong and caring. Someone who will be able to take care of him, ensure that he’s well fed, looked after, and that he’s happy and content.
“I’m sure eventually the right one will come.”
Anaxa snorts, taking a bite out of his food. “And you? When are you looking to settle down?”
When you’re ready, Phainon almost blurts out. Instead, he smiles self-consciously, rubbing the tip of his nose with his finger. “I think I still can afford to wait.”
“Wait?”
“Mhm. But let’s not talk about that, professor! It’s been so long since we spent time like this today. Surely we can talk about old times instead.”
A thin brow raises itself. “You want to talk about old times?”
“I’d talk about everything with you, professor! Just not things that will bring down the mood.”
The corners of Anaxa’s lips barely lift but Phainon knows. There’s no denying it this time. Anaxa’s cheeks are tinged pink and he refuses to look him in the eye.
“Just call me Anaxagoras, none of that professor nonsense. And finish your food. We have to head back to the office soon.”
Phainon whines, which is quickly followed up with a pout, but he listens to Anaxa and clears the rest of his plate. Anaxa watches as he finishes up his drink, his cheeks still pink.
The air around them is sweeter, more bearable, like a fresh spring day, and Phainon feels his heart stutter. This time, he really isn’t hallucinating.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Unlocking the door to his apartment has become such a muscle memory that sometimes leaves Phainon wondering how he’s managed to get back home in. But he doesn’t quite question it. He has better things to do, like greet the huge white ball of fluff that’s standing on his hind legs as Phainon shuts the door behind him.
Snowy barks a few times, his tongue lolling out as he excitedly greets his owner. With a grin, Phainon leans down to give him a few head scratches. “Hi, Snowy.”
He receives a few licks on his hand, and when he squats down, a few on his face too. Phainon’s ass meets the floor when Snowy throws himself at him, his tail wagging happily behind him. The full body purrs rumble hard against Phainon as he continues ruffling Snowy’s fur. The alpha feels the last tension of the day leave him as his puppy continues to seek out affection from him.
Mydei had suggested getting a dog to keep him company since he was always alone at home or at the gym. But it was Snowy who found him on a rainy day, curled up outside his old apartment unit, helpless and desperate, and Phainon’s heart was still tender and soft.
He might not have had a lot, but he was more than ready to provide a safe space for a beautiful, stray pup. Snowy had been by his side since he graduated from college and watched Phainon fall in love. He followed Phainon as he moved out of that small, shoebox apartment and into this condo unit that he bought with his own hard-earned savings, and always welcomed him home, no matter how long he was away.
As Phainon moves around his place to take care of Snowy’s needs, his dog follows him wherever he goes. He refills Snowy’s water bowl, makes him his meal, and checks Snowy’s bathroom before he winds down for the night.
His shower runs hotter than usual, the warm water pleating down his back as he scrubs himself clean. It’s been another long, dreadful day at work that was only made more bearable by Phainon’s team and Anaxa’s presence. He knows that it’ll take time to change minds, but sometimes, he can’t help but think people are really resistant to change.
But it’s alright, Phainon thinks. This isn’t their first acquisition and they’ve bought over much smaller, indie companies before. He will be able to change minds. Plus, it puts him in a good light in front of Anaxa. Every single time Phainon is able to stand up for himself and prove his worth, he can see the gleam of approval in Anaxa’s eyes.
Dinner is something simple; Phainon hasn’t had much appetite lately with the amount of work that’s been piling up on his plate. When he thinks about his own meal, he can’t help but wonder about Anaxa. Is Anaxa having a proper meal? When he left the office, Anaxa was still around and said he’ll be leaving soon.
But Phainon doesn’t really believe him. Once he is settled down at his table and boots up his laptop, Phainon picks up his phone.
Phainon: anaxaaaa, have you gone home yet?
Phainon: have you had dinner too? :(
Anaxa’s reply will likely take a while, so Phainon indulges himself in his dinner while Snowy pads across the living room to settle himself against his own. He rumbles in content as one of Phainon’s hands sink into his belly for scratches. Phainon’s other hand alternates between his spoon to eat his dinner and his laptop to navigate an application he had built from scratch and opens it up.
Just as the application finishes loading, his phone vibrates on the table. On his laptop’s screen, multiple windows pop open, showing off the interior of many different places. The one that Phainon immediately clicks on shows the familiar sight of a messy office that he’s used to by now. The office has papers sprawled all over the table, a coat haphazardly tossed across one of the couches, and a man sitting right in the middle of the mess, his own phone in his hands. His phone illuminates his gorgeous face, casting a nasty, yellow glow through the surveillance cameras.
Anaxa: Not yet.
Anaxa: I’ll be heading back soon.
Phainon sighs helplessly, knowing that ‘soon’ means a couple more hours. It’s already eight in the evening and Anaxa is still working hard. He’s pretty sure Anaxa hasn’t eaten either, so it’s just him not even realising he’s running on an empty stomach. His food is left untouched as he clicks into another screen, of a condo unit that’s currently unoccupied. Papers and books are also scattered everywhere with photographs lining the bookshelves.
Anaxa’s condo is exactly how it has been for the last decade; an organised mess. His kitchen looks very unused, Phainon has an inkling if he opens that fridge, there’s probably only water and some ready-to-heat meals in there. His heart sinks at the thought of Anaxa living like that, not believing that it’s possible for someone to be this negligent of his own health.
There’s a folder on the application that Phainon keeps, and he opens it up after staring at Anaxa’s apartment for another moment. In that folder, it contains the last ten years of Phainon’s research and observations.
Anaxa climbed to success at a tender age of twenty, with his professors calling him a genius and prodigy, and became CTO at twenty-three. Was engaged to his fiance of two years but broke off after Anaxa was far too focused on work. Since then, Anaxa went on multiple dates, but everyone didn’t work out. Phainon made sure of that; he made sure the people that actually deserved to be with Anaxa were worthy.
Throughout the years, Phainon kept up with Anaxa’s news; his successes, his engagement, his sister’s wedding, his exes, his circle of elite friends, and his hobbies. Every single detail that Phainon can find on the internet, he made sure to keep a note on it. Whatever photos he can find online, he downloads it to store it in the folder. Any news clippings of Anaxa are immediately saved, and any highlights of Anaxa’s achievements are kept safe on this application. After all, how can he say he cares for Anaxa if he doesn’t know what he’s been up to?
Anaxa’s health scare three years ago forced Phainon to be more attentive, even when they haven’t crossed paths again. He frets and worries, meeting up with Hyacine more often with the pretense of catching up with her after not seeing her for so long. Phainon does treasure his friendship with Hyacine, and she never once suspected anything wrong.
Phainon: please eat soon :(
Phainon: should i order dinner for you?
On the smaller window, Anaxa’s expression softens.
Anaxa: Don’t trouble yourself. I’m almost done with work.
Anaxa: I’ll grab something on the way home.
Phainon sulks as he reads Anaxa’s message. Of course, Anaxa is capable of taking care of himself. Otherwise, how did he make it to his thirties?
But Anaxa deserves to be pampered, to be cared for. He needs someone to watch after him. Phainon can do that. He’s been watching over Anaxa for so long anyway. He clicks on the small folder at the corner of the application, and a spreadsheet pops out, showcasing different dates over the years, of consolidated work trips and who Anaxa has brought along on those trips.
Jealousy flares in Phainon’s chest as he goes through the list. There’s nothing wrong with Anaxa bringing his partners since he had management’s approval and the other items were paid for by Anaxa himself. But the thought of Anaxa and his partner going at it after work upsets Phainon more than he likes for it to be. He thinks about all those men flocking around Anaxa, alphas, omegas, and even betas, and grows even more irritated. Those people really don’t know what they’re lusting after, or even trying to pursue.
No one knows Anaxa like Phainon does. Phainon knows what exactly makes Anaxa tick, knows how to crawl under his skin, and how to tilt his head back and look at Anaxa with big, pleading eyes with a small pout to get things going his way.
Phainon: but i always worry :(((
Phainon: send me pics of your dinner when you get to it!!
Recently, Anaxa has been more stressed than usual with their upcoming game launch and his shoulders have been tense almost all the time. Even his scent is more strained and the bags under his eyes makes Phainon want to tuck him into bed and make sure he gets at least a solid six hours of sleep.
On his screen, Anaxa is looking at his phone with his shoulders relaxed and, even through the low camera resolution, wearing a small smile on his lips.
The sight makes Phainon’s heart stutter. The yearning in his heart really can’t be contained any longer. Anaxa is so beautiful and lovely, and every time he smiles, Phainon feels his iron-clad will falter.
Since they crossed paths for the first time years ago, Anaxa has been a constant in Phainon’s heart. He has never felt this intensely about anyone at all. None of his exes came close. At first, Anaxa was his professor and it was inappropriate, but a very small part of him genuinely believed that Anaxa might have reciprocated his feelings, but was not able to act on it because of their statuses as teacher and student.
It was that one fine evening during graduation where Phainon finally saw Anaxa for his social status; a successful corporate executive who was worlds ahead of him. Phainon would have been a stain to Anaxa’s name if he even tried to pursue something with his professor then. It also didn’t help that rumours started going around that Anaxa was seeing someone.
Someone that Phainon didn’t know.
So Phainon worked tirelessly to build a reputation for him. He clawed his way up the corporate ladder; stayed late at his internship, worked harder than his peers to ensure the success of the company’s upcoming games, started his own company once he knew the ropes and started all over again from scratch. The game he worked on was inspired by Anaxa, with Anaxa in mind, and for Anaxa.
Anaxa would never know, and Phainon felt like if Anaxa ever found out, he would tease Phainon mercilessly for it.
Snowy whines as Phainon’s mood takes a dip and he paws at his owner’s lap. The hand in Snowy’s belly gives him a few more rubs, easing Snowy’s discomfort.
Anaxa: Still such a worrisome pup
Anaxa: Alright, I’ll send photos.
Phainon: :3
Phainon: you have to take care of yourself more, anaxa
Anaxa: Am I not?
Anaxa: You’re always ask me to lunch when we’re both in the office
Phainon: yeah but when i’m not there, you don’t eat!
Anaxa: How do you know?
Phainon freezes, cursing for that slip up and quickly types a response.
Phainon: ermis always tells me that you’re stuck in ur office and you rarely go out for lunch!!
Anaxa’s typing bubble hovers over the screen for a while and Phainon feels his heart sink. Surely, he didn’t get caught over something like this, did he? Panicking, he glances over to where his laptop sat to see what Anaxa was up to, but the other alpha was merely relaxed in his seat, his phone illuminating his face that’s wearing a small smile that looked far too fond.
Even with the distance between the camera and Anaxa, he can tell how relaxed Anaxa is and Phainon wants nothing more than to reach out to Anaxa and hold him in his arms.
Anaxa: Ermis is such a tattletale, isn’t he?
Anaxa: I promise I’ll eat tonight.
Phainon: with photos? 🥺
On camera, Anaxa sighs, his smile softening.
Anaxa: Alright.
Phainon: yay!!!
Phainon: drive safe 🥺
Anaxa: Should I also report back when I’m home, Mr. CEO?
Phainon’s fingers still before he laughs a little hollowly. He can’t tell if Anaxa is teasing him, but it stings to be addressed that way. But another part of him runs hotter at being in a higher position than Anaxa, of being Anaxa’s boss.
Anaxa may be older than Phainon, but Phainon is definitely someone with more power – as Anaxa’s boss and as an alpha. The thought runs dangerously in Phainon’s head as he finishes up his dinner and sends off another text to Anaxa.
Throughout the night, they exchange texts back and forth while Phainon unwinds for the night. Shortly after their texts started, Anaxa had left the office and had gone to get dinner.
It was less than what Phainon wanted Anaxa to get, but he’ll take it.
As he lays in bed that night, a strange thought makes its presence known once more in Phainon’s head.
How different will things be if Anaxa is an omega? He’d definitely have a long line of alphas waiting to date him but would he give them the time of day? He wonders what kind of scent Anaxa will have as an omega. Will it still be refreshing and minty, or will it be more sweet and sugary?
It doesn’t seem like the kind that suits Anaxa but Phainon is not particular. As long as it’s Anaxa, he’ll like it.
Pressing his lips together, Phainon starts typing into his phone. Then, he hesitates for a moment once the searches show up. Is this what he really wants for Anaxa?
Maybe?
He doesn’t really know. But it doesn’t hurt to read up on it, and so he does. Phainon ends up spending a good portion of his night scouring the internet because he’s far too invested and far too curious.
It’s a thought he’s been having since he was a university student, but as more and more alpha relationships pop up over the years, more information becomes readily available on the internet.
Can alphas become omegas?
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
There’s a little fluffy, green creature with an eye patch that stares down Phainon when he steps into the apartment.
“Awoo?”
Phainon’s heart is in his throat as he stares down at this chimera that just keeps staring back at him. There’s a quizzical look in its eyes that’s almost unsettling, like it’s trying to gaze right into Phainon’s soul.
“Uh, um. Hi?”
He’s never seen this little creature before. Not on Anaxa’s surveillance cameras, nor on any purchases. This adorable little thing just appeared out of nowhere and settled on his hind legs, observing Phainon.
“Awoo.”
If he recalls correctly, this cute thing before him is called a chimera, who can understand the human language but not speak it, and is almost on par with humans’ emotional intelligence. He didn’t know Anaxa had gotten one. Chimeras are incredibly rare and expensive, and caring for them takes a lot of time and effort that he’s pretty sure Anaxa doesn’t have or give.
“What’s your name?”
“Awooo.”
Phainon deflates.
Anaxa’s apartment smells faintly like the alpha, is messy with books lying all around the place, some unwashed dishes in the sink and a full laundry basket that looks like it can use some attention. Phainon sucks in a breath and gets to work. He’s already tampered with Anaxa’s surveillance cameras, putting it on an endless loop from the last couple of hours to ensure that it doesn’t look like it’s a repeat. He’s not sure how or when Anaxa will access the cameras, and if he comes back to a clean apartment, he’ll definitely check in. What he’s hoping for is for Anaxa to not notice until a few days later. Surely that can be done.
Bracing himself, Phainon pushes up his sleeves and places his bag on the table. The fluffy chimera follows behind him everywhere he goes and it’s honestly unnerving. His little pat, pat, pat of his paws against the ground worries Phainon. Will the chimera just bite him out of nowhere? Will he try to chase Phainon around the place, or out of the house? But the longer Phainon lingers in the house, the more he realises something. This chimera doesn’t have any survival instincts – why is he just watching someone who broke into his owner’s home?
Regardless, Phainon tries his best to ignore the cute little being on the floor. He starts from the living room, clearing up the couch and tidying the coffee table. Once that’s done, he puts some of the books back into the shelf and notices the chimera’s bed next to the couch. It has a small pillow that looks like it has seen better days and he can’t help but fluff up the poor thing.
The chimera is sitting next to him, its good eye big and glassy as he observes Phainon. When Phainon is done with his bed, he’s biting the hem of Phainon’s pants and tugging. The little chimera doesn’t seem to have much weight, because each tug feels adorably light and Phainon’s heart swells.
It’s as though he’s telling Phainon to follow him, and the alpha can only oblige.
The chimera guides him to one of the closed doors and nudges at it with his snout. Confused, Phainon opens it, and he immediately stops in his place, his length filling out rapidly as he takes in a shallow, shaky breath that nearly knocks him off his feet.
The scent that greets him is potent; thick and sweet, and it nearly makes Phainon lose his sense of reasoning. He can taste Anaxa on his tongue, the refreshing mint, the mild spices, and everything that makes Anaxa Anaxa. He’s brought to Anaxa’s bedroom, where Phainon can see Anaxa’s half-made bed, with his coat tossed over an armchair, and his bedside drawer half-closed.
He forces himself to swallow the lump in his throat while his legs freeze in its place. Finding Anaxa’s bedroom is to be expected, but he didn’t think Anaxa’s own chimera would be the one guiding him there. The chimera bumps his head against his ankles, as if pushing Phainon into Anaxa’s room.
Maybe he thinks Phainon is Anaxa’s housekeeper? A new hire?
He doesn’t know, but since the chimera is pushing him into the room, then Phainon will compel. Stepping into Anaxa’s room, he soon realises a few things; Anaxa’s bedroom is considered one of the more well-kept areas of the house. It’s almost minimalistic with the small number of items he has in his room. A bed, a bedside drawer, a wardrobe, and a study area. His laptop is shut, but Phainon has an inkling that if he even pushes it open, it’ll light up to show what Anaxa was working on.
Anaxa’s room smells so thick of him that Phainon’s heart trembles in his place. His length is filled fully and he can almost jerk off to Anaxa’s scent right here and now. If it wasn’t for the fact that Phainon can potentially leave a trace of his own scent in Anaxa’s room, he very well might. Also, Anaxa’s pet chimera is right there.
“Fuck,” Phainon gasps, his head reeling from how good the room smells. If it’s already this good from just the remnants of Anaxa’s scent, he can’t imagine the full fledged potency of Anaxa. If only there’s a way for Phainon to keep Anaxa’s scent… To bring it back…
He pauses, turning to look at the wardrobe. Maybe, just maybe…
It takes about fifteen minutes for Phainon to tidy up Anaxa’s bedroom and when he’s done, he realises he has learnt a lot about the alpha. The chimera who gave him access to the bedroom is rumbling happily by the door, looking pleased with themself. Tender hearted, the alpha bends down to give him a pat, but the chimera has other plans. The chimera flops on his back and bears his belly out, and Phainon places his hand there instead for rubs.
“Awoooooooo!”
In better circumstances, Phainon will have preferred to spend more time with the chimera. They’re so rare that none of his friends own one. But he’s a man on a mission and he needs to spend it in the kitchen. Phainon plays with the chimera for a while more before he eventually apologises to the chimera and retaches his hand, much to the chimera’s dismay.
He doesn’t even know what the chimera is thinking. How can the chimera let Phainon into the house and not even be guarded against him? Does he even know what Phainon is here for? Is he not worried about his owner’s items?
Phainon probably needs to talk to Anaxa about this somehow. How can a pet be this negligent? There are so many questions about this chimera that won’t stop following him around. Even as he washes up the dishes, packs the fridge and replaces the processed food with actual, healthy items, the chimera is just there, watching him, observing him.
If Phainon is a lesser man, he might think the chimera is a little bit freaky. The chimera doesn’t even do anything but keep his one good eye on him. It’s almost unnerving.
The irony.
Phainon doesn’t have a lot of time left. He knows Anaxa has a dinner meeting today, so he’s here, trying to improve Anaxa’s habits and lifestyle. After all, it’s the main reason he’s here. Taking in a deep breath, Phainon pulls out the ziplock bag that he’s kept in his jacket and deposits its content into Anaxa’s water filter and food. It’s not enough, but for now, it’ll have to suffice.
It should help with Anaxa’s health and address the exhaustion that always seems to show on Anaxa’s face. It’ll take a while, but slowly and surely, Anaxa will get better.
And if he doesn’t, at least, Anaxa has Phainon to lean on.
Phainon make sure to take care of Anaxa and get the love and affection he deserves.
After all, no one knows Anaxa like Phainon does.