Chapter Text
The drizzle was kind of a funny companion, coating his Army Green Service Uniform like a veil. It stopped feeling soothing once Jeongguk figured he still had some time before he'd be tapped out from his service; if at all.
Almost ¾ of his squadron had already been gleefully greeted into loving arms and tearful family speeches that gave way to more happy memorabilia. The sound of laughter, happy crying, well placed teasing was starting to make his head dizzy. Maybe that just wasn't in his book, not like his entire service hadn't been the endgame of a twisted happenstance( granted, by his own doing); it had been either that or jail time, afterall.
Maybe that was another lesson the Moon Goddess had in store for him. He'd taken for granted his entire lavish life; the city would do that to you, spoil even the most innocent hearts, when the law seemed just a few pennies away from turning a blind eye.
It took a blasted DUI for the patriarch of the Jeon House to put his ailing foot down, overriding even his currently acting Alpha father who finally accepted he'd lost the reins on his wayward son for some time. Father and grandfather joined forces and gave their ultimatum before they completely cut ties with him if he didn't get his records straight; the pun hadn't been lost on Jeongguk.
It wasn’t like they breathed family support and all that mush; the lack of a gentle figure in an all alpha pack would probably do that to a family, even an old blood one like theirs. But, as cruel and radical as their stance had seemed at the time, it had been the first time Jeongguk felt heard and seen. He hadn’t even realized just how much he’d lost himself along the years his mother had only been a face in huge portraits.
As it stood, he didn’t exactly have anyone he could confide in just how harrowing his nights have become ever since he almost took a life because of his foolish choice of driving while under the influence. Maybe a mother wouldn’t excuse his conduct, but would try to soothe his aching guilt for a bit? Pipe dream, he knew better .
The best his family had done had been to make him face his actions and take responsibility, which had turned out the best wake up call. The whole military code had practically rewired his entire bad boy agenda, allowing for a healthier, more grounded mindset, but who's to say he wouldn’t fall back- like so many other times- into old habits?
So, for a little bit more time, he'd pace himself for disappointment. Hence, on the off chance he still had a close one able to celebrate his graduation, he didn’t see any of them joining the jolly crowd around the training/ ceremony grounds. And the rain didn’t have anything to do with it. Or the fact that he hadn’t bothered to give them a heads up about the end of his service. He knew the Jeons were on top of news, no matter the field of interest, but they rarely engaged in trivial ones, if it didn’t financially benefit them in the long run.
He would’ve appreciated being offered a lift, at least.
Worst comes to worst, his sarge will tap him out, even if he was the last one on the field.
Not a second later, he spotted his drill Sergeant silently making his way toward his spot. The man had become his beacon of rational thinking above all the physical trials, not exactly sharing a close of a connection, but for Jeongguk it had been enough to keep his head clear; he hadn’t come here to make friends, afterall.
“Raining cats and dogs around you as always, private. Not much has changed since the first time you muddied your soles into this field.” His baritone voice was both grounding and vexing, reminiscing of the rainy day he had arrived at the base, butting heads with army officials in a condescending manner. “I'm thinking I should hurry and relieve us of your bad omen presence, Jeon and tap your sorry ass out. Gotta be honest, though, I didn't expect a pack as grand as yours wouldn't afford a damn umbrella and come retrieve their mutt,” he drawled, eyeing him with the most sincere apprehension, as if reading just right into Jeongguk’s chagrin.
Jeongguk knew better than to give chase to the bait, not having been granted permission to speak, yet. And he definitely didn't want to verbally admit he shared his Sergeant's opinions. Bitterness was adding to his gloomy mood, but he guessed he had it coming. It would be a while before his family would greet him with open arms. He had to prove himself, first.
Lost in thought, he barely felt the tap on his left hip, or more like taps followed by frantic tugs and…sniffing?
Both him and his Sergeant gawked, then frowned at the action, looking downwards at a very energetic Blue Dutch Shepherd, mouthing at Jeongguk's side pocket.
“Well, I guess this could be accepted as a passable tap out,” his Sergeant hummed, almost amused, a gesture as foreign as his grandfather professing his elderly love for him. A once in a lifetime miracle.
“Sarge, OFF! Goddess, so help me, this won't look good on your resume, mister!” A panicky blur of a boy was instantly rushing to release the dog's muzzle from Jeongguk's pants before ripping. It was a lost battle, if he were true to himself; the animal was probably aiming for the hidden piece of beef jerky he'd been stashing inside( a comfort snack of his as of late). “So sorry about this! We're new to all this, I hope we didn't mess with the...uhm, ceremonial ritual.” The ashy blond kept yapping, alternating between addressing both military men, whilst futilely trying to contain the enthusiastic dog. “Come on, Sarge, you're better than a snack addict, just LEAVE IT!” The finality of the command was so effective, even Jeongguk felt its gravity.
His drill Sergeant was also on the situation, as second nature, quickly digressing the matter by eyeing the dog with the utmost imposing aura, as per his military station.
“As we share the same name, I expect you to act as professional as myself, soldier.” The dog was instantly standing proud and alert, no sign of excitement, just pure concentration as his owner also stiffened beside them. It had barely occurred to him the blond was an omega, judging by the faint distressing pheromones.
“I apologize, he…is still a pup. We're only…he-here….” The stammering was only growing, almost triggering an overwhelming wolfsbane smell surrounding them, even with all the sprinkle around them.
“He's more bark than bite.” Jeongguk said, foolishly giving into the strange pull of appeasing the omega.
“Bold of you to assume I'd let you off easier just because you graduated, Jeon.” The Sergeant eyed him seriously, but it was clear he was only half jesting, most likely aware of the troubled omega before them. Something was off to both of them, but he knew when to stand down.
“Jeon?! That's who we're here for.” The omega released a sigh, almost talking to himself. He barely looked at him, half ashamed, half relieved for some reason. “Of course you'd pick up on his scent, Sarge. I'm sorry for doubting your skills,” he slowly patted the dog, awarding him a treat from a pouch hidden under his soaked sleeve.
Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle as he eyed his superior. Any easy conversation would be welcome, even at the stake of the older’s teasing, though it seemed like a long way from the truth.
“I sure hope you're not thinking what I suspect you're thinking, Jeon. I am not above ordering you for 10 laps around the compound; graduated or not.” The man had definitely read into his whole mindset, all the more accustomed after 2 years of service.
“I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome. So, no… I was only happy about Sarge, here being such a good boy that it earned him a snack, right buddy?” he bent down to pat the dog, which yipped with joy, licking at his hand briefly, then retreating as if scolded. Maybe the omega pulling gently at his harness had something to do with it.
“Get out of my sight, private. Let the last 2 years be a lesson learnt. Make me proud, Jeon.” The salute was more telling and meaningful than he could've ever expected, their connection unparalleled throughout the military service. It held so much more unspoken words than either were ready to admit.
To his surprise, the man turned to the omega, also granting salute. “You keep strong. Sarge is following your command. Whatever's holding you back, is minor if you choose your battles right. And dealing with Jeon, here isn't an easy task; take my word for it,” he eyed the blond like an equal, which had always been a bit of a baffle to Jeongguk, as well as a pleasant surprise. Not many alphas were that down to earth, plenty still under old habits of superiority when facing the omegan population. As far as his Sergeant was concerned, any hardworking, authority-abiding man or woman was deemed worthy of his respect, no matter their affiliation.
“Uhm, I'm actually chaperoning on behalf of the Jeons.” The omega gulped, patting Sarge as if trying to calm himself; the dog kept pushing against his leg, as if in tune with the nerves both army men were picking up on. „I really must excuse our rash entrance, he probably just traced the scent faster, once I parked. We didn't mean to intrude.” He tried to take a few steps back, shoulders cowering, not entirely because of the rain falling down on them, rather in a defensive manner.
"You kidding me, he was about to wail he had no one to tap him out.” His Sergeant nodded his head towards Jeongguk. „You did both of us a service. Now get out of the rain before you stink up my field.” After another hand salute, he turned and left them to deal with the aftermath.
Jeongguk was tempted to believe he sensed the effect he had on the omega and didn’t want to aggravate him further, but maybe he was reading too much into the latter’s actions. For a short while he looked fond and rather pleased with the blond showing up.
The Sergeant was gone as fast as his 2 years of training, but Jeongguk wouldn't put it past him he'd search for the man’s advice or company as soon as the occasion would present itself.
It only left him and the other two awkwardly standing in a muddy field, the rain already stopped and giving way for a tiny ray of sunshine to pierce the clouds. He felt the omega battling reticence, surprise and annoyance, his scent doing somersaults on his olfactory senses, but mellower than he realized.
Sarge decided he'd played nice long enough, nuzzling again at his side pocket.
"No, drop it, what's gotten into you?” The omega rushed to hold him still by his handmade harness, but Jeongguk raised his hand.
"It's fine, his smell is top notch. And I get why he's so crazy about this one in particular." He said, retrieving the last 2 pieces of beef jerky and giving them to Sarge who practically inhaled them in one go. "This is the best treat, ain't it, boy? I'd run, too if I smelled it.” He chuckled again, scratching the dog behind his ears. "So, what's this about my family sending a chaperone?” He eyed the omega who, for once looked like he accepted a lost battle, a tiny shadow of a smile adorning the corner of his mouth.
"Uhm…well, I didn't get into much detailing, but they hired me to drive you back home safely.” The blond flustered, suddenly very interested in an empty part of the training field.
"Mhm, and what about Sarge?” If he didn’t know better( he really didn’t, he just met the guy) he’d think he got shy, but he genuinely looked like he lost focus for a while. Maybe he wasn’t too thrilled being surrounded by alphas, or having to cater to them; Jeongguk had expected at least their old chauffeur to make a presence, not a total stranger.
"He's…with me.” He admitted with a tiny whisper when Sarge started licking his palm, nudging it restlessly. "Shall we get going, then? You must be anxious to get back home.” He said, keeping a stronger hold on the harness and swaying on his feet as he looked aimlessly for the way out.
"I'll take a raincheck on that. But I wouldn’t mind a lift, since…It'll be a while before I get my license back.” Jeongguk said, eyeing the barracks.
"Don't you need to get your stuff?” The omega stopped him mid step, as if only then aware of the fast departure.
"You really should ask for details next time.” He smiled bitterly, reminiscing the way he got to the base camp with only his brand clothes on, just after the short visit to the Police precinct, where he’d been handed the offer of going to the military or face prison time( all with the help of their family’s lawyer working her charms).
"I don't make it a habit to book the same person twice so why bother?” He raised his shoulders. "Come on, Sarge. You, too, Jeon.” He encouraged with a new found energy boost in his speech pattern.
Jeongguk was still debating if the omega pleased or irritated him, but his aura was enticing enough to follow his lead, even if just to the car.
"Could I at least get a name? I might be a big boy, but, you know…Stranger-Danger alert still applies.” Jeongguk tried to ease some of the tension, once they got inside.
The omega eyed him as if he grew two heads, a tiny sign of a smile ghosting his full lips again before vanishing completely.
"I'm a part timer with the Stand-In Need company, for now. You can check its credentials online as we drive.” The blond offered, securing Sarge on the back seat. Do I honestly look like I could harm you?” He frowned, exhaling through his nose as he got behind the wheel.
"OK, maybe if you lend me your phone, mine's MIA, see?” He tsked, not entirely keen on giving that piece of information.
The omega was still a question mark, kinda bizarre, but each to his own secrets. It was a bit jittery to allow him to drive them around without too much information, though. He might not look it, but he did stand his ground, albeit shakily, around a military official and also had a pretty good hold on a rather stubborn/ fierce dog breed.
"What would a mere omega hold to an imposing, big shot Alpha, anyway?” he asked, handing him a rundown, old model phone.
"Aha, what if you wanted to kidnap me for ransom? Or hold me hostage to….”
"Let me stop you there, cowboy!” The blond hit the breaks at the first stop, eyeing him with annoyance. "I have better things to do than play with bored old blood packs heirs. Not that it's any of your business, but I'm actually filling in for a friend, if that makes your ass feel better. If you could keep it to yourself, so as not to get him in trouble, I'd very much appreciate it. Goddess knows he needs this job.”
"A good Samaritan in the flesh. No wonder I can't find any info on you. Do you even socialize?” he wondered out loud, the lack of social platforms apps on his phone a huge surprise, even to him. ”There's no contact in your agenda.” He showed him the empty log on the phone.
"Hey, stop snooping through my stuff, you said you only wanted to….” The blond tried to reach for the device, only to be interrupted by the honks behind them.
"Just drive; not even a hacker would bother with you. They'd be out of commission. Does that friend of yours even exists? How do you get in touch with them if there's no number in here?”
Before the omega could protest, Jeongguk input his contact number as ICE, maybe out of spite, maybe as a collateral. He didn’t know what came over him, but one thing that kept real about Jeongguk, he could hold grudges.
"Not all of us are important. The fillers can be overlooked and just as easily disposed of.” The omega whispered, minding the road.
"I don't agree with your views, but since we don't plan to clash again, I guess it's not a battle worth sweating over.”
"We're two worlds apart, Jeon.” The omega held tighter on the wheel, his knuckles almost white. "What could we ever possibly clash over?Are you done messing with my phone, now?” He asked after the minutes of silence stretched a bit longer than both their comfort.
"You don't have internet service, much good it did.” Jeongguk pouted, folding his arms as he leaned his head on the side window. Can you wake me up when we reach Central? Give me a bark, Sarge, I don't trust your owner much.” he eyed the dog, silently napping on the back seat.
To his credit, Sarge growled, making the omega giggle.
"Is insulting your second nature or something? Gosh, it's a wonder you're still in one piece.”
"How could I have possibly insulted him?” Jeongguk pouted, crossing his arms.
"He's not a pet, but a service dog. We're …partners in crime, sorta speak.” The omega sighed, nervously licking his lips.
"You're a trainer?!” Jeongguk finally realized. "Huh, never would've pictured you as one.” He eyed him with a bit more apprehension.
"Again, we're strangers.” The omega signed between them, his fingers trembling slightly. "How could you have known or guessed? Now, do all of us a favor and sleep the ride off.”
"Yes, sir.” Jeongguk saluted, lulled by the omega’s softer tone. Somehow, in the midst of their quarrel, his scent had also toned down to bitter orange blooms.
Jeongguk had the scent(or the name of it) at the tip of his tongue, but still out of his scenses’ reach. It shouldn’t have been as ailing as he felt. The only downside being that he kinda needed to name it before his alpha went berserk.
Ever since their peculiar meeting he’d been drawn to the omega in one way or another, something definitely having stirred the beast’s attention; it was a foreign feeling and a bit miffing, if he were honest. All his life, his secondary gender had been nothing but a stronger chemical response, still him, only more vigurous.
The more time he spent near that omega though, he felt like a vessel of a greater force, one that demanded a front row seat and total decisional reign. Jeongguk wasn’t anywhere near ready for such a power shift inside his own mindset, hence why he felt increasingly aggravated by the push and pull.
The shallow nap he managed to achieve during the ride was cut short by Sarge frantically scratching at the rundown driver’s seat as he tried to squeeze in between the front seats. A bit unexpected from a well behaved dog, but still dismaying.
"I know, I know....I’ll stop soon. We’re still a great way until our destination.” He heard the omega sigh, lips smacking in a repetitive pattern. "Dammit.”
Once pulled over the side of the road, Jeongguk stole a glance at the blond beside him, still feigning sleep for reasons he couldn’t explain. It seemed easier to pick up pieces of information when he didn’t confront him directly, the omega letting his guard down easier when not under scrutiny. However, Sarge became more insisting in whatever he tried to convey to his trainer, the more the omega delayed his reactions.
He could practically sense an overload of bad omens from both of them, the scent of wolfsbane knocking his olfactory system with great force, even though all the omega did was simply looking hazily across the road.
"What’s wrong, did you see something?” He chanced a glance, only to find an empty view; just a barren field, dull and slightly muddy, nothing that would’ve warranted such a distressing scent. "What was it, buddy?” He reached to unbuckle the dog, his eyes never straying too far from the unmoving omega. "I can’t get anything from...”
All of a sudden, the blond inhaled deep, gulping air like he was thirsty, which turned out not far from the truth, as he bent to retrieve a water bottle with shaky hands from the harness around Sarge who didn’t waste any second jumping frantically on his lap, licking at his fingers.
"Whoah, there...let him live, will, ya?” Jeongguk chuckled at their sudden display. "You’d think he lost you and just got you back with this amount of excitement.” He continued, overlooking the omega’s shying away from him and petting the dog’s muzzle. "You almost make me jealous; haven’t had this type of affection directed at me in a long while. And there you are, getting it from a trainee.” He tried joking the matter, only if to ease up from the gnarly stench.
Come to think of it, the scent was off putting by all sorts of reasons, like the omega genuinely tried to push everyone off from the get-go; it wasn’t that he became distressed, he exuded it as a norm.
"We share a common ground.” The blond spoke softly, accepting Sarge’s paw attack on his chest. "Alright, I’m sat, you goof.” He smiled lazily, gulping again from the small bottle. "Sorry about the break, my arm started numbing from the gear shifting.” He said, avoiding looking at Jeongguk, while busy flexing his slightly trembling fingers in the dog’s fur.
"Not a stick guy, huh?” He smirked, earning himself an unexpected waft of orange zest. If he didn’t know any better he’d think the omega was angry, but given his regular scent, the shift might’ve implied something closer to shyness. "Well, I’d offer to help but I’m kinda off driving for the time being.” Jeongguk admitted bitterly
"Because of your DUI.” The blond mumbled, nodding his head as he nuzzled into Sarge’s. "They were pretty cheap with details, but this kinda slipped. Uhm, I’m not above bending the rules, so...if you wanna give it a shot, I won’t tell if you won’t?” He offered.
Jeongguk allowed himself a bit of reasoning before deciding going along with the offer; he missed driving, sure, but what really convinced him was the tiny expectant tone in the other’s voice, like a silent plea that was more foreign to him than speaking it out loud.
As soon as they switched places and restarted the car, bitter orange blossoms settled all around them. The other one was definitely content with his decision.
Jeongguk never felt like he’d done a greater deal of good like he did in that moment.
He had to give it to the omega, as repellent as his scent seemed, he sure managed to stir his alpha reflexes to the most considerate levels, even making their parting a harrowing deal.
"Well, safely delivered. I hope your travel was satisfactory.” The omega exhaled once he cut off the engine. They had already retrieved their respectful places just before entering the city. "Could I convince you to leave a positive review? My friend could really use the extra points on his chart.”
"I don’t know if I can honor that request. My satisfaction is solely atuned to your services.” Jeongguk’s humor must’ve took a downfall lately, because as soon as the words left his mouth, the entire mood turned 180 degrees.
The strong scent almost made him raise his shackles, the hair on his arms bristling in pure animalistic response to a counterpart he didn’t even consider facing thus far. He only felt the urge to protect, fight, soothe!
What he got out, though, was the growling recognition of Aconite -as the omega’s scent, something that would inevitably put a harsh stop to any future civil encounter between the two.
"Part-timer, remember? And my services have already been discontinued.” The omega retreated in his seat, holding tightly onto the seatbelt.
"I’m....I didn’t...” Jeongguk tried to amend any possible comeback, but to no avail. Sarge was already in prowl stance, growling at him. He got the message to get away, but only moved because he saw and smelled how troubled the blond got again. As much as he wanted to make things right, he knew he had fucked up in the first place.
"If you could close the door? I’m late as it is.” The blond dismissed his presence with a last effort of authoritative voice. He got the feeling it took a big toll on him to confront an alpha, but some greater instinct won over his fight reponse.
Not a second later after Jeongguk stepped out, the car sped like a lightning bolt. So much for chivalry, on both their parts.
It wasn’t until he lost sight of the vehicle that he realised he never got his name.