Chapter Text
“Inumaki-sama,” Okkotsu greets Toge two days later after the note incident once Toge finally makes his way downstairs. “If you’re willing, I would like to take you somewhere today.”
Toge blinks in surprise. He’s barely half-awake since he’d once again woken up to watch Okkotsu jump rope in the early morning before going back to sleep. He really needs to stop being creepy and actually take care of himself.
“I thought it might do you some good to start going out more since your parents have given you the go-ahead to do so,” Okkotsu explains, looking shy as he speaks. The expression is so unlike him. “So, I would like to take you somewhere tonight.”
Toge lights up at the prospect, feeling once again like some lovesick omega, considering that they’ve been spending so much time together lately, more than they should be. He doesn’t mind it though, if anything, he finds himself craving even more time together.
It’s like his biology has created an attachment to Okkotsu, probably mistaking him for Toge’s alpha and soon-to-be mate. It would make sense since biology doesn’t care for modern-day ideas of having an alpha around as a bodyguard.
That aside, things have been going well for them. There have not been any more signs of Noritoshi, and no more mysterious packages have arrived at Toge’s apartment. He and Okkotsu still eat all their meals together and hang out in Toge’s entertainment room afterward, watching a movie or a few episodes of a show before bed.
They’ve gone out a few times, but it’s always been somewhere close to the apartment. Toge wants to go out more and do more, but Okkotsu is cautious, so this seems like the opportunity for it. Toge had been planning to meet with Nobara soon to hang out now that she has some free time in her busy schedule, so Okkotsu proposing they go out further than his apartment opens up that possibility as well.
Toge has found himself feeling happier and calmer than he has in a long time despite having Okkotsu as his ball and chain. He tries not to focus on the fact that the clan dinner is soon and there seems to be no way out of it. He’ll deal with that as it comes. There’s no reason he should stress about it right now…at least that’s what he tells himself to feel better about the incoming sense of doom he feels.
Where? Toge asks Okkotsu, knowing damn well he’ll agree to go anywhere with the alpha at this point. They could go watch paint dry and he’d be happy to go out.
Toge is so ridiculously whipped; that he can’t even imagine what his friends will say the next time he sees them. They’re probably going to tease him into a puddle. It’s part of the reason he hasn’t told them he’s on better terms with his bodyguard when they’ve video-chatted and texted throughout these past few days. They don’t even know about his failed attempt at running from the alpha yet. He supposes he’ll test the waters when he sees Nobara soon.
“I was thinking we could go to dinner and see a movie,” Okkotsu proposes. “…You like movies.”
Toge hasn’t been to the movie theater in so long. He isn’t opposed. Plus, dinner…this almost feels like a date.
“Is there a place for dinner you’d like to go?” Okkotsu asks. “We can go anywhere, within reason, and as long as you behave, of course. We also can’t risk anyone recognizing you either so anything fancy and reputable is definitely off the table.”
Toge scoffs. I won’t run off again, he promises, thinking of where he’d like to go eat that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Okkotsu doesn’t comment, making Toge laugh. He supposes he wouldn’t fully trust himself yet either.
How about you take me somewhere you like, Toge proposes, feeding his delusion. I want to know what kind of places you enjoy going out to eat at. Plus, I doubt anyone would recognize me there.
Okkotsu hums, thinking for a moment. “Those places might not be what you’re used to, Inumaki-sama.”
I don’t mind, I want to go, Toge promises, enjoying how flustered Okkotsu is right now. He wants to know Okkotsu more, so the more lore he can learn about without having to directly ask, the better. Surprise me.
Toge can barely contain himself later that day when they get ready to leave.
Okkotsu is dressed casually tonight, wearing dark jeans and a hoodie to blend in. He wears that necklace with the ring on it again, fueling Toge’s curiosity toward it. He doesn’t want to overstep and ask about it so he’s waiting for an opportunity where it feels natural to do so instead. Hopefully, tonight that opportunity arises.
Toge dresses to match Okkotsu since the alpha told him to keep a low profile…no other reason. He puts on a mask to keep his face hidden as well, practically bouncing on his feet. Just in case, he puts on a crossbody bag, putting some extra scent patches, his wallet, and his phone in there as well.
“We’re going to need to keep a low profile,” Okkotsu reminds him as they make their way to the elevator. “We can’t have anyone knowing your identity and because of your ex, so we won’t be taking your car tonight since where we’re going, a car like that would only attract attention.”
Toge nods. That makes sense. Noritoshi knows his car, down to the license plate numbers. Plus, it always tends to get attention when Toge drives it around, no matter the place, given that it’s a luxury brand and he did have it wrapped…
They end up taking a private taxi to wherever they’re going for dinner, heading toward a part of the city Toge doesn’t frequent much.
Okkotsu seems to know the driver, nodding at them once he and Toge get into the backseat of the car and giving them the address to where they’re headed toward. He seems a little paranoid now that they’re outside of Toge’s apartment, probably because of Noritoshi.
Toge has noticed that the alpha has been more cautious lately. He probably feels responsible for the delivery that got past the lobby staff. The management of the building had been extremely apologetic, probably nervous about Toge’s father retaliating against them. The management isn’t wrong to fear Toge’s father, given his status.
Now, ever since the Noritoshi incident, whenever Toge goes out, even if it is somewhere mediocre like to get coffee, Okkotsu is on him, looking like he’s ready to strike at the first sign of trouble. It’s kind of hot if Toge is being honest. He might’ve minded having an overbearing alpha bodyguard before but now, he just sits back and enjoys the show. It’s almost like they’re back in the primitive times when people lived in packs and Okkotsu is defending his claim on an omega.
Toge shakes his head at his delusional thoughts, looking over at Okkotsu.
Tonight, for some reason, Okkotsu seems and looks extra tense. It’s probably because they’re going further from Toge’s apartment than they have been since the whole shopping incident when Toge tried to make a run for it.
Toge reaches over and pokes Okkotsu in the side, feeling something hard brush against his fingers.
He blinks in surprise.
It hadn’t occurred to him that Okkotsu carries weapons on his person, but he supposes that makes sense, considering that the alpha is a bodyguard and a trained fighter. Wow, suddenly Okkotsu’s aura just shot up a billion points.
Everything will be okay, Toge signs when Okkotsu glances at him. He hopes the alpha understood, given that it’s a little dark in the car since the sun went down some time ago.
Okkotsu reluctantly nods, offering Toge a soft smile. “Yeah, you’re right,” he agrees but his expression is still tense. “Everything will be fine because I’ll make sure of it,” he states, sounding extremely determined.
Toge just shakes his head and turns to look out the window. He trusts Okkotsu.
The taxi drops them off close to the restaurant they’ll be eating at, leaving them to join the busy crowd. Okkotsu walks beside Toge, keeping a respectful hand on his back to guide him through the mass of people, fully in bodyguard mode now. Honestly, though, he looks more like an overprotective boyfriend.
Toge preens under Okkotsu’s touch, thinking back for a moment to his late-night fantasies, happy for once that he’s wearing scent patches tonight. He doesn’t need Okkotsu to smell his scent and unravel all his dirty thoughts. He’d probably die of embarrassment.
The more Toge thinks about it, the more this does feel like a date. They’re walking together, nearly pressed against one another due to the crowd, with Okkotsu’s hand on his lower back, once again looking like a protective boyfriend more than a bodyguard. It’s romantic, like in the movies. Toge doesn’t think he’s ever been out on a date like this before. It makes his head spin.
He wasn’t joking when he told Okkotsu that Noritoshi would normally just meet him in the back of whatever place they were going to, always worried about what people and his family would say. It had always made Toge feel so self-conscious of himself, like something was wrong with him. He wishes he could go back in time and slap some self-esteem into himself.
Okkotsu leans down to whisper in Toge’s ear over the loud crowd. “We’re going somewhere close to the dojo I used to go to. I think you’ll like it, and I doubt anyone there will have any idea of who you are, so we should be fine.”
Toge nods, suppressing a shiver. He looks up at Okkotsu as he signs. Do they know what you do for work now that you quit judo? He asks. Or is this a hush-hush type of situation?
Okkotsu shakes his head. “No, outside of my immediate family, no one knows since my clients are all high profile who demand privacy. It would go against the NDAs I sign when I take jobs to reveal my profession and clientele. They probably think I work a busy office job now and I won’t tell them any different. So yes, it’s like you said, a hush-hush type of situation.”
Toge nods again. He supposes that makes sense, and it explains why his internet search of Okkotsu had multiple articles wondering what had ever happened to the judo star. He’s sure Panda probably had their family’s legal team draft a million NDAs for Okkotsu to sign once the alpha was hired.
“You get more clientele by marketing yourself that way,” Okkotsu explains, keeping Toge close as he scans the crowd. “The rich and elite like anonymity so it makes sense that they’d want private security that share the same views.”
But you were an Olympian, Toge points out, almost losing his footing when Okkotsu pulls him closer when someone nearly knocks into the omega. Okkotsu catches him easily, putting a hand on Toge’s side. Weren’t you on TV for that? I feel like that would make it hard for you to remain anonymous.
Toge swallows now that they’re pressed fully side by side. Okkotsu feels like a solid wall of warm muscle against him. It’s awfully distracting.
“I was but eventually people forget your face,” Okkotsu explains. “Most people tend to forget a face within twenty-four hours. Besides, I never did anything for advertisements or anything like that even when I was at my peak in judo, so that certainly helped.”
Toge nods. He supposes that also makes sense. Okkotsu isn’t like Rika who kept shining in different events after the Olympics. She’s one of the best athletes in tennis up to date, known worldwide now.
“We’re here,” Okkotsu says, ushering Toge inside a small restaurant. “Let’s go in.”
Despite the size of the place, it’s busy and lively.
“Okkotsu?!” The person behind the counter calls out, looking like they’ve seen the king of curses rise from the shadows. “Is that really you or am I seeing things?”
“Muta, hey, it’s been a while,” Okkotsu says, smiling when a man, alpha, comes over to them. He looks flustered at the attention. It’s a cute look on him, one that makes Toge smile behind his mask.
“Yeah, it has, wow, holy shit,” Muta responds, looking toward Toge. “You’re dating again?” He smiles. “I would’ve never thought!” He says, turning to greet Toge properly. “This is awesome!”
Toge gives a soft laugh from behind his mask, especially when he sees Okkotsu’s flustered reaction to that.
“Muta, please,” Okkotsu waves off his friend. “This is Toge,” he introduces the omega. “We’re here for dinner if you’re not too busy and no, we’re not dating.”
Muta scoffs and narrows his eyes. “Of course you’re not dating, sure!” He says, leading them over to a small table that is still moist from being recently cleaned. “It’s been so long since you’ve been here, who knows when I’ll get another opportunity to see you so have a seat!”
Okkotsu shakes his head as he and Toge sit down. “It’s not been that long. I’ve just been busy with work, that’s all.”
Muta doesn’t believe him. “Oh really? When was the last time you went to the dojo, hm?” He asks. “Todo tells me you haven’t been around in forever and that man does not lie. He’s always promising his students that one day you’re going to stop by and spare with them, you know. It is his best selling point these days to get students to join.”
Okkotsu laughs at that. “Well, I don’t know why he’s promising them that, he knows I retired from judo a long time ago.”
“You still owe him a rematch, you know, he’s never forgotten that one day you beat him after you won your last gold medal,” Muta reminisces, turning toward Toge. “You need to tell Okkotsu to get back into the dojo!” He looks between Toge and Okkotsu. “He used to practically live there and now, we’re lucky if we hear from him once a year, if that.”
Toge nods in agreement, mostly to tease, looking over at Okkotsu. “Okkotsu,” he says in feigning disappointment, crossing his arms across his chest as he slowly shakes his head.
“Alright, once a year is an exaggeration,” Okkotsu defends himself, looking at Toge in utter betrayal. “Besides, I don’t know why Todo keeps insisting on a rematch, he’s never even gotten close to beating me.”
Cocky, Toge lazily signs at Okkotsu once he uncrosses his arms.
It’s a good look on the alpha.
Okkotsu grins softly at Toge’s sign, shrugging.
Toge can’t help himself. He gently rams Okkotsu’s leg under the table to get back at him.
Okkotsu’s expression doesn’t even falter as he secures Toge’s leg with his much longer one, looking back over at Muta who seems obvious to their little game.
“Well, you should still go by and see him, maybe go one day when he has sessions,” Muta insists, putting his hands on his hips. “You need to introduce him to Toge. He’s never going to believe that you’re dating again.” He looks over at Toge. “It’s a good thing,” he reassures the omega. “After his last relationship, we never thought he’d bounce back.”
“Muta,” Okkotsu nearly growls. “Please.”
Muta sighs and raises his hands in defeat. “Fine,” he gives in. “I’ll give you a moment to look over the menu. I have to go tell Kasumi you’re here tonight, she’s in the kitchen right now, and she’s not going to believe me.”
With that Muta leaves, making Toge give Okkotsu an amused expression at that whole interaction all while still trying to free his leg. It’s fun seeing Okkotsu around people he’s familiar with, it lets Toge see a different side of him.
“You wanted to come somewhere I frequent, and this gave me an opportunity to see some old friends,” Okkotsu explains, keeping Toge’s leg pinned for a few more seconds before releasing it. He smiles at Toge’s frown over it. “Also sorry about what he said regarding us dating. He is right about a few things though; it’s been a while since I’ve been here and seen them.”
Toge nods in understanding, trying to pin Okkotsu’s leg this time in retaliation because he’s petty and hates losing. He seemed excited to see you. How do you know him?
“Yeah, we went to high school together,” Okkotsu fills him in before reaching a hand under the table and grabbing Toge’s ankle, nearly pulling the omega under. “His mate, Miwa Kasumi, too. I was lucky that they decided to open a little restaurant near the dojo I used to practice at growing up after graduation. I would come here after nearly all my practices when I wasn’t being sent to other dojos and stuff, especially during the busy seasons.”
How come you don’t go to that dojo anymore then? Toge asks, trying to pull his ankle free. He nearly squirms when Okkotsu’s hand tightens around his ankle. It seems like everyone misses you there.
Okkotsu rubs his nape with his free hand, acting like he doesn’t have Toge by the foot under the table. Honestly, his poker face is quite impressive. “It’s complicated,” he confesses. “I’ve been busy with work and stuff, so there’s never any time really.” He looks back at Toge, cocking his head to the side when Toge doesn’t stop pulling his foot back. “You should try the special here, it used to be my favorite whenever I came here after practice. Miwa is an amazing cook.”
Okay, Toge agrees, not even glancing at the menu on the wall to see if he’d like it. He swallows when Okkotsu accidentally brushes against the small sliver of skin between the omega’s sock and pants. Would you ever take me to the dojo? He asks. I’ve never been to one and it seems kind of fun. Apparently, a place where Olympians are born.
Okkotsu hums, trying to look nonchalant about being an Olympian and having a hold on Toge’s foot. “You’d want to go see the dojo?” He asks. “It’s not a very glamorous place, mostly sweaty alphas kicking the shit out of each other. I do have good memories there though.”
Toge nods, smiling now. Yeah, I don’t know much about judo either so I’m really curious. Maybe you could teach me a few moves just in case Noritoshi sneaks up on me again, he jokes. I’m a fast learner of many things.
Okkotsu grimaces at the mention of Noritoshi’s name. “Please don’t even joke about him, Inum—” he insists, finally dropping Toge’s foot.
“Shh!” Toge shushes him, reaching over the table to press his finger against Okkotsu’s lips. He almost knocks his chair back in his haste. “Toge,” he reminds the alpha since they’re out in public.
“Excuse my language, Toge, but I would sooner bash that asshole’s teeth in than let him get close to you,” Okkotsu finishes what he was saying, making Toge laugh.
Someone gasps beside them.
Toge turns to see a beta woman with blue hair and a huge pregnancy belly smiling at them, looking absolutely delighted at the sight of Okkotsu.
“So, it is true!” She smiles, lightly clapping her hands. “You’re actually here, Okkotsu, and you brought your new partner, how exciting!” She looks at Toge. “He’s always been the protective type, even back when we were younger. It’s nice to see he hasn’t changed, such a romantic, this one, isn’t he?”
Toge can’t help but preen at that. He’s extremely a little delusional, sue him. He’ll also admit that he’s enjoying this so far, having all the attention be on Okkotsu tonight and seeing the alpha around his friends.
“Miwa,” Okkotsu properly greets her, glancing down in surprise at her pregnancy belly. “Woah,” he gasps, smiling. “Congratulations!” He stands to pull her into a hug but struggles because of her belly, making Miwa laugh. “I can’t believe Muta didn’t say anything when he came over,” he says, looking toward Muta with a frown. “How have you been, well aside from this?” He asks, gesturing toward her belly. “I know it’s been a while,” he apologizes. “This is Toge, by the way.”
“We meant to tell you,” Miwa confesses, blushing. “We just never see you anymore and figured you were busy with work. The baby is due in two months so definitely spare some time to meet your nephew,” she says, making Okkotsu nod and blush, looking like she’s just given him the mission of a lifetime.
Toge almost dies from seeing Okkotsu in this situation, this is so endearing. He imagines Okkotsu holding a baby then nearly dies again! It’s all too much for his poor heart.
“Of course!” Okkotsu nods again. “I won’t miss it for anything in the world. I will do my best.”
“So, Kokichi told me all about Toge in the kitchen,” Miwa says, turning toward Toge with a mischievous smile. “You two look so cute together. And don’t think I didn’t see the two of you playing footsie under the table,” she confesses.
Toge freezes for a moment, thinking back to what they were doing. Yeah, they were totally playing footsie under the table like some lovesick teenagers, holy shit.
Even Okkotsu looks caught off guard at Miwa’s words, looking like someone just caught him doing something naughty. His expression makes Toge and Miwa laugh.
“You’re even matching tonight.” She looks over at Okkotsu. “You’re going to the dojo after this, right?” She asks. “Okkotsu, you have to take him to the dojo!”
“Well,” Okkotsu nervously laughs, such a contrast to his usual well-put-together persona. Toge makes sure to soak this all in, feeling like he’s seeing a new side to Okkotsu, one he’s really loving.
“Todo would be over the moon to see you,” Miwa points out. “Besides, you have to take Toge,” she insists, looking back over at the omega. “It’s like a shrine to Okkotsu over there,” she laughs. “Todo, our old friend, recently took over the dojo after his parents retired and he has labeled Okkotsu as the best student to have come out of that place, after him of course. Those two go way back. They’ve known each other longer than Kokichi and I have known Okkotsu.”
“Alright, well, the only reason Todo does that is because he’s never beaten me in a match and he hates me,” Okkotsu explains, grinning now. “We took judo lessons together when we were little at his parents’ dojo,” he explains to Toge. “Even when he got bigger than me as a kid, he still never beat me.”
“Well, yeah, you’re a prodigy of a judoka,” Miwa reminds him. “You should’ve seen him in high school,” she says to Toge. “He was already fighting fighters older than him and sweeping the floor. It was crazy.”
Toge nods, urging her to continue. He’s having too much fun learning about Okkotsu’s lore right now.
“Miwa, please,” Okkotsu stresses, face red now.
Miwa giggles. “Fine, I won’t embarrass you anymore,” she gives in. “Have you two ordered yet?” She asks instead.
Okkotsu shakes his head and orders them two of the specials, making Miwa light up.
“I thought you would’ve forgotten about that after so long,” Miwa confesses. “Give me about fifteen minutes and I’ll be back with your food!” She promises. “It was lovely to meet you tonight, Toge, I hope I get to see more of you soon!” She winks at him before departing back to the kitchen.
They seem to really care about you, Toge signs once Miwa leaves. It’s cute.
Okkotsu nods, looking sheepish. “Yeah, we’ve been friends for years now. I feel kind of shitty that I didn’t know they were having a baby. It’s just been busy with work and stuff. Besides, I can’t exactly tell them what I do for work now, you know.”
It’s cute they got mated, Toge signs. Were they dating in high school too?
“Yes,” Okkotsu says, expression turning excited now as he talks about his friends. “They’ve been together since I met them. I was third wheeling for a while well until I started dating Rika.”
Toge nods, wanting to know more. Yeah, where did you meet her? He asks, wiggling his eyebrows, totally not fishing for more information. Tell me, come on. You already know about my ex.
The omega mentally punches himself. So far for acting calm, cool, and collected about learning more about Okkotsu’s lore.
“We met at a park,” Okkotsu indulges him. “I was running early in the morning before school since I was trying to stay in shape for judo, and she was out running too. She was listening to music and didn’t notice the light had changed and was about to cross so I ran as fast as I could and grabbed her. We were inseparable after that,” he goes on, looking down at the table again. “She played tennis, and I did judo, so I guess in a way we both balanced each other out. She was my first real relationship, so I didn’t really know what I was doing back then,” he confesses, shaking his head. “But like I mentioned before, we broke up shortly after the last Olympics I competed in and that was that.”
Toge nods as he listens. Are you guys still friends? He asks, trying to connect the timeline in his head and feeling nosey.
He has his suspicions that they’re not friends anymore since he might have looked Rika’s socials up (again) to see if there were any traces of Okkotsu on them and found absolutely nothing. He even scrolled down to the first posts and nope, no Okkotsu. Weird.
Okkotsu frowns, looking uneasy now. “Not really,” he says. “It’s for the best though. We were kind of toxic toward the end of our relationship. It wouldn’t have helped us to stay friends.”
Oh…interesting. Well, now Toge has to know more about Okkotsu’s past.
Toxic? Toge asks, throwing caution to the wind and openly fishing for more lore now.
Okkotsu grimaces. “She thought… I was a lot, like I mentioned before,” he explains drumming his fingers on the table. “Too intense of an alpha, I think she said, and things only got worse after that.” He shrugs. “It doesn’t matter now, but after we broke up, I decided to take time off dating. It was for the best.” He seems to remember himself then, eyes going wide. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go on about my personal affairs like that again, Inum—Toge.”
It’s fine, I like learning more about you, Toge admits. You weren’t one of those crazy traditional alphas, were you? He tries to lighten the mood and investigate further.
Okkotsu laughs this time, tilting his head back. “No, I never forced those kinds of outdated stereotypes on her given that she was an omega. I was just…overly possessive, among other things,” he slowly admits, rubbing at his eye with the heel of his palm. “We weren’t good together, very oil and water.”
Toge nods, surprise crossing his features at the confession. He decides to lock that information about what kind of alpha Okkotsu is away for his fantasies later.
So, you haven’t dated anyone since Rika? Toge asks, almost not believing it.
“No,” Okkotsu says. “There hasn’t really been anyone that’s caught my eye, well until…”
The food arrives then, cutting their conversation short. It makes Toge want to scream. He was so close to discovering even more about Okkotsu, but he supposes that being interrupted by good food isn’t a horrible fate. Plus, the food is just as Okkotsu had described it, delicious.
They eat in silence after that, but Toge finds that it’s comfortable, so he doesn’t mind. It’s kind of scary how domestic they act sometimes. Toge feels like he should be more freaked out at how compatible they are but lately, he seems to always be looking at Okkotsu through rose-tinted glasses. It’s probably just his biology and instincts making him see Okkotsu like that.
How embarrassing, Toge hopes Okkotsu at least considers them friends, or the omega might have to go off the grid if the alpha ever finds out about his delusional thoughts.
Once it’s time to start heading to the movie theatre, Okkotsu bids Miwa and Muta goodbye, promising to come back soon.
Toge stands behind him after Miwa and Muta make it known how much they enjoyed meeting him and tries not to laugh at the murderous glare Miwa sends Okkotsu’s way.
It seems that Miwa and Muta got to Okkotsu because the alpha decides to stop by the dojo while they wait for their car to arrive. They still have a good amount of time before their movie starts, so it’s perfect.
“We’re going to make a quick stop at the dojo, if you don’t mind,” Okkotsu says as they walk down the sidewalk. “I know you want to see it and plus, I should stop by and say hello,” he adds, sounding guilty.
Toge doesn’t protest. He’s eager to see the dojo and discover more about Okkotsu’s past. He wasn’t joking when he’d said he wanted the alpha to teach him some judo.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get closer to Okkotsu and watch the alpha work out up close. Honestly, Toge is such a genius. If only he could apply this kind of brainpower to academics, he would truly be unstoppable and probably take over the world.
Do you miss judo? Toge asks as they walk toward the dojo, finding himself curious.
They walk close together, once again with Okkotsu practically plastered to Toge’s side, scanning the crowd for a potential threat. Toge is certainly not complaining about their proximity.
Okkotsu nods, keeping a respectful hand on Toge’s lower back. “I do, a lot. I try and keep up my training, but it’s not quite the same as to when I was doing it full-time. Of course, I’m glad to have a job where I get to incorporate my skills, but it’ll never be quite the same.”
Can I ever watch you spar? Toge asks, grinning up mischievously at Okkotsu. I’ve never seen a judo match before in real life. I think it would be cool.
He omits to tell Okkotsu that he already watched the alpha’s past matches online after he’d looked him up…probably for the best he keeps that to himself. What Okkotsu doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him.
“Maybe one day,” Okkotsu answers, alternating between looking in front of him and down at Toge. “It’s difficult to find the time with my work schedule. I also am not sure how your parents would feel about me taking you to something like that outside of my obligations. I feel like I’m already pushing it by taking you out tonight.”
It’s fine, Toge insists because once again, what his parents don’t know, doesn’t hurt them. You could teach me judo, he suggests, thinking that it’s the perfect excuse to get Okkotsu in the dojo and not have his parents worry. I heard it's great self-defense, especially against alphas who don’t understand the word no. I bet my parents would love that.
Okkotsu hums, considering Toge’s proposal. He looks conflicted but not against the idea. “That might actually not be a horrible idea,” he confesses, making Toge grin so big his eyes become little crescents. “But there would be rules, Toge, you would have to behave and listen to me since we’d be somewhere public where there might be danger.”
Toge scoffs, thinking Okkotsu is overthinking this. It’ll be fine. He doubts Noritoshi would be stupid enough to come looking for him at a dojo full of trained judokas. I will behave, I’m a changed man, just trust me.
Besides, this really is a great idea. Toge’s parents will probably be over the moon once Toge tells them he’s taking up self-defense, his father especially. He’s going to be taught by an Olympian which only sweetens the deal. He can make this work in his favor, all he has to do is pull that dolce, sweet expression on his father and everything will go the way he wants.
“I will think about it,” Okkotsu promises, offering Toge a sincere smile. “Let’s see if you still feel the same after seeing the dojo,” he says, pointing toward a large building on their left.
They reach the dojo and Okkotsu leads them inside. It’s a large place, with a tall ceiling, and mats covering the floor. It smells heavily of sweat and pheromones, making Toge scrunch his nose behind his mask. This place could give someone a deadly headache.
Sure, enough just as Miwa had said, on the walls, there are pictures of Okkotsu, ranging from when he was younger to when he was in the Olympics. Some of them are signed as well. It’s truly an impressive collection.
“Hey, we’re closed!” Someone calls out from a side room, sounding like they’re rummaging through something. “Yuuji, if that’s you, could you go ahead and lock the door behind you?”
“Todo, it’s me!” Okkotsu says as he closes the doors behind Toge and locks them.
Todo comes barreling out of a side room, looking at Okkotsu in disbelief. He’s a large man, a beta, and has a sweet scent, a total contrast to his appearance.
Toge watches as Todo marches over and grabs Okkotsu, pulling the alpha into a hug before he starts to berate him.
“It’s like you disappeared off the face of the planet!” Todo scolds Okkotsu, shaking Okkotsu by the shoulders. “No calls, no messages, no nothing!” He shakes his head in disapproval. “You’re just like Yuuji and Yuki, never letting me know what they do for work or where they are. If I didn’t know you three any better, I would think you’re all in the yakuza now or something!”
Toge blinks. He didn’t know Todo knew that Yuuji and Yuki as well. That’s interesting. He’s been more connected to Okkotsu than he’d realized. To think they could’ve met by chance if Okkotsu hadn’t been hired as his bodyguard.
Todo smirks when he looks over at Toge. “Oh!” He laughs, tossing his head back. “I see now,” he expresses. “You have a new boyfriend, Okkotsu, and you didn’t want me to know!” He nods in understanding. “You didn’t have to go through all that trouble, I would’ve approved of him, he’s a baddi—”
Okkotsu blushes and starts waving Todo off. “No, that’s not—”
“Now, your absence is starting to make more and more sense!” Todo goes on. “You see, Okkotsu’s boyfriend, back when we were younger and had barely come into our dynamics, I asked Okkotsu what kind of omega was his type. He hadn’t answered me then, which made him boring, but a few years later, he started dating Rika and she was kind of interesting…but you, Okkotsu’s boyfriend, you’re very interesting!”
Todo grins, he’s enjoying this a lot.
“Okkotsu, you shouldn’t feel so shy about bringing your boyfriend to your old stomping grounds!” Todo scolds Okkotsu again, reaching over to put an arm around Toge and lead him away. Toge, eager for more Okkotsu lore, goes willingly, missing the dark gaze Okkotsu sends Todo’s way. “Especially since I just had the dojo repainted. I actually took the opportunity to reframe all the photos, yours especially. Come, Okkotsu’s boyfriend, let me show you the best, well third best aside from Yuuji and I, student this dojo has ever produced.”
Okkotsu reluctantly follows after them.
Toge turns to Okkotsu after he’s given an in-depth tour of the Okkotsu shrine.
You and Todo should spar when we come for self-defense training, Toge tells Okkotsu, making Okkotsu cross his arms across his chest with a hesitant expression. Please, he practically begs. He wants this so badly.
“What does Okkotsu’s boyfriend want?” Todo asks.
Toge looks at Okkotsu with raised eyebrows gesturing toward Todo. If he didn’t have his mask on, everyone would be able to see his pout. He’s desperate here. Come on, please.
“He wants to see us spar,” Okkotsu reluctantly mumbles, making Todo grin. “He’s never seen a judo match before.”
“That’s an excellent idea, Okkotsu’s boyfriend!” Todo exclaims. “Let’s do it, Okkotsu, right now!”
“Toge,” Toge reminds the beta of his name, but it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
“I don’t know,” Okkotsu tries to weasel his way out of the match, making Toge frown. “I’m not really dressed for sparring.”
Toge frowns but sees right through Okkotsu. I’ll be fine. You’re acting like Noritoshi is about to burst through the door the moment you’re distracted.
Okkotsu grumbles but doesn’t deny it.
Todo shakes his head at Okkotsu. “You get rusty and suddenly you don’t want to spar anymore, I see…you’re afraid to lose, aren’t you?” He taunts, making Okkotsu frown. “You don’t want your omega watching your fall from glory.”
“No,” Okkotsu defends himself. “It’s complicated though.”
“Because you’re rusty,” Todo taunts.
“Rusty,” Toge chimes in softly, keeping his speaking to a minimum to spare his throat later.
“See, even your boyfriend agrees,” Todo points out, making Toge nod.
“Fine,” Okkotsu gives in, probably because Toge is giving him the most pathetic, pleading gaze known to man. Toge has never denied using dirty tactics to get what he wants. It’s his art and he is a master at it, just ask his parents and friends. “One match, the first person to hit the ground on their back loses.”
“Great!” Todo smiles. “Go change, you know where everything is,” he says. “Let me set everything up.”
“You,” Okkotsu turns to Toge, expression serious now that they’re alone. “You stay right here and watch, behave, and don’t wander off, Inumaki-sama, I mean it.”
Toge gives him a mock salute. I promise, he signs afterward.
Okkotsu seems to accept that and physically relaxes a little. He pulls his phone out to check the time, probably worrying about the movie.
We have time, Toge reassures the alpha when their eyes meet. Besides, if you’re really good, you’ll beat him in no time, right? There’s no need to worry about missing the movie if that’s the case.
Okkotsu nods, eyes on fire now. “Yes,” he confidently states, leaving to change.
He returns a moment later, wearing a judogi, white with a belt around his waist. Todo wears an identical outfit, both of them going toward one of the mats barefoot.
Toge follows after them, knowing that if he wasn’t wearing scent patches, his scent would be radiating the excitement (and arousal) he feels right now.
He takes a moment to admire Okkotsu in the judogi, especially since the flaps of the front of the judogi are open, giving the omega a peek at the alpha’s toned chest.
Damn, Okkotsu and his toned body.
“This won’t take long,” Todo says, warming up. “Whoever throws their opponent to the ground on their back first takes the win,” he repeats the rule from earlier.
Okkotsu nods, warming up as well. “Fine with me,” he says. “Just don’t be a sore loser when I beat you again,” he teases, grinning now.
Toge swallows a little at that. He decides he very much likes this version of Okkotsu, a lot.
Todo huffs in response. “You’re pretty cocky for a man that’s not come around in almost a year,” he points out. “How long has it even been since you practiced?”
Okkotsu scoffs, stretching out his body. “I practice constantly.”
Todo just laughs and sets a timer for four minutes on a large board, showing Toge where to push to start it.
They both crouch in defense positions when the timer starts, all humor is wiped off their faces.
Okkotsu looks determined now, eyes focused and movements calculated, reminding Toge of what the alpha looked like in the videos he watched of him. It’s so hot.
Todo reaches first, trying to grab Okkotsu’s sleeves but Okkotsu seems to have expected that and slaps Todo’s hands away before reaching for the beta himself. He looks like a predator on the prowl, ready to strike at any given moment.
They rally on like this for about a minute, alternating between trying to grab at each other’s sleeves to slapping at each other’s hands. They pull at each other’s arms and chests, trying to gain a stronghold enough to yank the other to the ground in an impressive show of strength. Todo might be bigger than Okkotsu, but Okkotsu doesn’t seem determined by that in the least.
Toge soaks everything in, eyes trying their best to follow the spar’s movements but it’s hard, considering how quickly Okkotsu and Todo move, each trying to throw the other onto their back to end the match as quickly as possible. There are a few moments where Todo gains the upper hand, only to have Okkotsu break free and switch their positions with ease.
Finally, Okkotsu grabs Todo by the arm, hauling the beta over his shoulder in an impressive show of strength. He ends the move by sweeping his foot under Todo’s feet, tripping the beta, and landing him flat on his back with a low growl.
It happens so quickly that Toge almost misses it.
The timer reads 2:50.
Okkotsu stands up and offers Todo a hand to haul him up. “I guess I’m not that rusty,” he laughs, making Todo scoff but take his hand. “I beat you before the timer even hit the middle mark.”
“There were a lot of factors at play!” Todo defends his loss but he’s smiling, looking more amused than anything else. “We’re not even in the same weight class to begin with.”
“Happy?” Okkotsu asks Toge as he wipes his sweat with his sleeve. He looks flushed, and his hair is sticking to his face. It makes Toge wonder what Okkotsu must look like in rut… “Was it everything you expected it to be?” The alpha asks, going over to get some water.
Okkotsu’s scent patches came off during the spar, so Toge is getting to smell the alpha’s musky scent firsthand and it’s very delicious, to say the least. The scent is strong, nearly knowing Toge off his feet. Not to mention the flaps of his judogi opened even more, giving Toge a front-row seat to the alpha’s sweaty chest.
Toge nods. He’s very happy right now and trying really hard not to do something stupid like slick in the middle of this fucking dojo.
“You two are so in love it’s making me sick,” Todo bemoans from where he watches them, smirking. “Seriously, get a room!” He laughs. “No wonder Okkotsu didn’t bring you around, Okkotsu’s boyfriend, he didn’t want me to see how whipped he is for you!”
Toge blushes all the way down to his chest and turns to glare at Todo. He can’t believe the beta blew his cover like that. He thought he was being sneaky with his staring! He’s going to kill this man!
Okkotsu chokes on his water, making Todo laugh. The water drips down his sweaty neck and chest, making Toge’s blush intensify even more, which as a result, makes Todo laugh even harder.
“Toge, we’re—we’re going to miss the movie if we don’t leave soon,” Okkotsu desperately tries to change the subject as he coughs up the water, soaking the front of his judogi and exposing himself even more. “I’m going to help Todo finish cleaning up and change, so go sit somewhere over there!”
Toge, for once in his life, doesn’t protest and eagerly agrees, hoping Okkotsu doesn’t notice his flushed face.
He practically beelines it for the restrooms where he rips off his mask and splashes cold water on his face. He looks to see if his scent patches are still holding up. They’re barely holding on, holding the frontline to keep Toge’s pheromones back.
When Todo was teasing him, Toge had gotten nervous that his scent had leaked through but no, the beta was going off his and Okkotsu’s expressions. It makes him wonder what kind of expression he was sporting that even the mask covering his face didn’t cover.
In all the years since Toge came into his dynamic, he’s never felt so affected by an alpha before, not even Noritoshi did this to him and that man was a lot of Toge’s firsts. But with Okkotsu, it’s like going from zero to a trillion within a second. Toge feels like he has no control, and he doesn’t necessarily hate it.
Carefully, Toge replaces his patches and makes sure he looks presentable before putting his mask back on. He stares at himself in the mirror and thinks about Okkotsu again. It’s like the alpha has carved a special place in Toge’s mind where he permanently exists now. There’s no escape.
Again, Toge doesn’t hate it but he’s trying to think rationally here. Okkotsu is only his bodyguard, he knows that. They’re not friends, not even close, but then, why does Toge feel so stupidly possessive over the man and lovestruck whenever they so much as lock eyes?
Even though he enjoyed learning more about Okkotsu today, he won’t lie, a possessive, ugly part of him hates knowing there has been someone else in the alpha’s life. Someone who has known Okkotsu as a lover. It’s stupid, considering Toge isn’t even dating Okkotsu, but his instincts won’t settle once he starts thinking about Okkotsu and Rika together.
Jealousy is a disease and sadly, Toge is terminal.
For starters, Rika is so beautiful and successful. She’s an Olympian for crying out loud. It’s no wonder Okkotsu dated her. Toge is nothing but the only son of a rich clan in comparison to her. She has everything and once, she had Okkotsu as well.
She probably called him Yuuta too. She probably knows everything about him, his dreams, his fears, and what makes him happy. He wonders if they ever spent Rika's heat and Okkotsu's rut together. He wonders if Okkotsu misses her and ever thinks of her. He wonders if he’ll ever come close to her in Okkotsu's eyes.
Toge has never felt so irrational before but here he is, crashing out at the mere thought of Okkotsu and Rika together. It’s so fucking silly yet there’s a growl building in his throat at the thought. He feels so stupidly possessive again, wanting nothing more than to scent Okkotsu until only his scent lingers on the alpha.
Just imagining them together being happy, it makes Toge’s scent go wild underneath his scent patches and clench his jaw hard enough that it might as well shatter into a million pieces. He’s glad he replaced the scent patches now because the old ones wouldn’t have held up against his insanity. He feels so overcome with emotion that one word from his lips might cause the entire dojo to explode.
He never thought having a crush on his bodyguard would be his demise. It shouldn’t have him crashing out in the dojo’s restrooms. He should be more in control of himself. But his instincts won’t hear it. It’s not a silly crush to them, they’re just following nature and nature says that’s his alpha, not Rika’s, his and his alone.
But are his instincts right about Okkotsu or is he just feeling what he wants to feel? He's well aware that growing up spoiled has given him everything he's ever wanted and now, he's faced with the one thing he wants and can't have: Okkotsu.
Okkotsu’s friends seem to think they’re dating, they even appear to be happy about it. Toge doesn’t want to overthink it and make his delusions worse but it’s hard. It’s hard when he lives with Okkotsu, spends all day with Okkotsu, and has Okkotsu looking out for him. He wants Okkotsu.
His biology and instincts scream that Okkotsu is his alpha and Toge is quickly slipping into the bottomless pit of love. There’s no one to help him up or see reason. He isn’t sure he wants anyone to help him.
This isn’t good. He needs to do something to get his mind off Okkotsu and everything the alpha entails before he truly does something he’ll regret or overstep Okkotsu's boundaries. They're just bodyguard and client, nothing more. Yet, Toge's skin crawls with the need to go and bury his face in Okkotsu's neck, at the source of the alpha's musky scent.
“Toge, are you okay in there?” Okkotsu calls out from the other side of the door, sounding genuinely concerned.
Okkotsu’s words make Toge’s heart soar, and his hands slip, falling fast and hard into the pit of love.