[Fic] I Wanna Walk On Your Wave Length

[thesockmonster]

Title: I Wanna Walk On Your Wave Length
Pairing: Jongdae/Minseok
Rating: NC-17
Length: 9.6k
Warnings: abo, heat sex, rimming, knotting, tentacles, tentacle . . . knotting, Jongdae's dick
Author's Note: The first rule about Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club.
Summary: Jongdae, omega smuggler extraordinaire, stuck on a space ship with extremely hot alpha Minseok. Absolutely nothing can go wrong. Or everything can.



Jongdae’s foot kicks out, heel catching the lever of the throttle and it brings to life the hunk of metal floating through space that he has the nerve to call a ship. It might be a hodgepodge of rusty parts welded together, but it gets him from one place to another, one planet to the next in the search for adventure (read:credits) and that’s all Jongdae can ask for. Well, that and a functioning life support system. It’s just him anyway. He doesn’t need to fancy up the place if he’s the only one who’s going to see it.

There’s a flashing red light on his terminal and he thinks about not taking the incoming call, but the last time he blew off Kyungsoo, the man had tracked Jongdae halfway across the system and trapped him in an airlock until he agreed to be more swift about his responses. Jongdae would much rather deal with Kyungsoo’s dominating alpha scent sticking to his skin than spend his last few moments staring at the back of a ship as he floats into the inky black darkness of space.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Jongdae purrs when Kyungsoo’s face appears on his screen, using all his natural omega charms to coax Kyungsoo into being gentle with him.

“I have a shipment that needs to be taken out to Primus and you’re the only one I know who’s greasy enough to negotiate their way into that cesspool.”

“I’m both complimented and offended,” Jongdae deadpans. Kyungsoo’s eyes focus on Jongdae and even if they are separated by a few planets, Jongdae can feel the burning judgement and he subtly sits higher in his chair, shoulders square. “You came to me,” Jongdae states directly, foregoing the charm for practicality. “It will be my usual fee plus half. The last time I was on Primus for you, I nearly lost a limb. Consider it insurance.”

Kyungsoo doesn’t look particularly pleased, but after a terse few moments, he gives a sharp nod of his head. “You know where to find me.”

The screen fuzzes out and Jongdae slumps back in his chair, nose scrunching in distaste. He hates going to Kyungsoo’s place. It always reeks of alpha and even if Jongdae wears a filter, some of it gets through and it takes forever to get it out of his clothes and skin. He shudders, but sets the new course, minimum thrusters. He didn’t say how quickly he’d get there.

Kyungsoo’s ship is in a low orbit around the moon in an effort to go mostly undetected even if everyone knows where it is. It’s not exactly a secret that Kyungsoo runs the black market, but the governments are too afraid to confront him directly and Kyungsoo is nice enough to make an attempt at appearing like he’s in hiding to aid their mutually beneficial existence. With far more firepower at his command, the United Planetary Alliance would be fools to pick a fight they could never hope to win.

The tractor beam on Kyungsoo’s vastly larger vessel latches on to Jongdae’s ship as soon as he’s in range, leaving Jongdae free from having to perform any feats of dexterity to attach. Docking is a simple thing when he’s not the one who has to deal with it and Jongdae takes one final glance at himself - flawless - before disembarking.

The nearly undetectable filter that rests on Jongdae’s nose does a wonderful job of helping Jongdae keep his wits about him. That distinct spicy taste of alpha that clings to the back of his throat with every inhale isn’t nearly as debilitating as it could be. Jongdae is pleasantly underwhelmed, teetering back on his heels when the person sent to greet him appears.

Jongdae’s eyes are affixed to the nicely shaped thighs in front of him, a perky alpha by the name of Zitao guiding Jongdae through familiar halls to where Kyungsoo is waiting. There was a time when Jongdae would have given anything to remain aboard a ship mostly occupied by alphas just for the attention, but he’s since grown out of his simpering for affection phase and has moved on to far greater, more independent, goals.

Perhaps that’s why Kyungsoo hadn’t immediately cast him aside when Jongdae had come to him in search of a job; most omegas who attempt to assert dominance are seen as a nuisance, pushed to the side until they finally give in. But Jongdae had other plans. He’d pleaded his case and then voluntarily allowed Kyungsoo to lock him in a room with an alpha during his rut. It had been the longest, most painful stretch of Jongdae’s life; his every instinct had been clawing for him to rush to where the alpha was chained to the wall, laying underneath him with his legs spread, belly up. But he’d persevered without giving in to his omega side and Kyungsoo had given him his first job only a day later.

Since then, Jongdae’s reputation for finesse, for breezing his way through potentially violent dealings, has gotten him enough work to get by and save up enough for a few additions to his ship. However, he’ll never forget that Kyungsoo was the first to give him the chance and Jongdae would never bite the hand that fed him. Which is why he’s here and not two quadrants away, cozying up to whoever looked like they could afford to buy him a few drinks.

It’s a knee-jerk reaction that has Jongdae stutter-stepping when he catches the faintest whiff of something different than the alpha scent he’s accustomed to. Even through the filter it has his wolf rising to the surface, irises blinking red before fading to his natural brown. Interesting.

They turn a corner and Jongdae is ushered into one of the smaller cargo holds. Kyungsoo is already inside, as is someone Jongdae is certain he’s never seen before, but his attention lays with the cargo. Black metal boxes stacked three high and six wide sit in the center of the room, hardly taking up half the floor space. If this is the cargo Kyungsoo wants him to deliver, it falls short of expectations.

“Jongdae, I was expecting you sooner,” Kyungsoo begins without turning around. Jongdae doesn’t think anyone’s ever been able to sneak up on Kyungsoo. His nose is too keen, his wolf too sharp.

“I was on the outer rim,” he answers, sliding his way over to where Kyungsoo is standing, taking a place at his side without noting the other presence in the room. Although, it’s tempting to peer around at him seeing as that muskier, thicker scent seems to be radiating from him specifically.

“This shipment is time sensitive,” Kyungsoo continues, taking Jongdae’s response in stride. “The containers are temperature controlled and must be monitored. Minseok here will be tagging along. He has the necessary skills to handle a malfunction with any of the containers and the contents. He also knows the contact on Primus.”

“So I’m a glorified babysitter,” Jongdae states, not bothering to question the specific type of cargo he’ll be carrying. Kyungsoo would tell him if he asked, but Jongdae doesn’t want to know. Not knowing could save his ass out there.

“An over-paid, glorified babysitter,” Kyungsoo amends. "And I expect Minseok to be returned to me immediately after the drop," Kyungsoo adds, quirking an eyebrow at Jongdae who is now openly leaning forward to stare at Minseok. "He's invaluable."

"Duly noted," Jongdae rumbles, licking over his lips contemplatively.

"I'll have the boxes moved to your ship. I suggest a quick refuel. I've added a few crates of supplies for the trip since there's an extra mouth to feed."

"How kind of you."

Kyungsoo takes his leave, but only after getting a parting nod from Minseok. Jongdae finally gets a face-to-face with his new passenger and he makes no effort to hide the way his eyes drag slowly over Minseok's body appreciatively. He's definitely an alpha, that part Jongdae is one hundred percent on because of that smell, but he's not sure what species of alpha he is. It's not wolf like the standard crew Kyungsoo keeps on his ship.

Minseok is compact, with a short stature and defined muscles that ripple when he lets his arms drop to his side, small computer tablet clutched in his hand. A pair of inquisitive eyes roam over Jongdae appraisingly, a quirk of pink lips enough to let Jongdae know that he doesn't fail to impress.

"Kyungsoo says you're the best," Minseok states, his tone indicative that he's not entirely sure of Kyungsoo's assessment.

"Not to stroke my own . . . ego, but Kyungsoo is never wrong."

Minseok appears amused, now walking toward the exit. "We'll see," he tosses out, but Jongdae doesn't hear him. He's a little too preoccupied with the way Minseok's aroma has just washed over him like a caress that leaves him light-headed and struggling to find his voice. By the time he unglues his tongue from the roof of his mouth, Minseok is gone and Jongdae is left wondering if his filter needs replacing.

Getting his ship’s engine primed for a mission that takes him out of the solar system takes a few hours and Jongdae spends the time tidying up the mess he's managed to leave across every available surface. He never even knew he owned so much junk, but it piles up when he buys new trinkets from every trading post he visits. Jongdae sees them as physical proof that he's been out there in the universe, that his dreams have been made reality and each one holds a special place in his heart - even if some of them are merely nothing more than heated stone molded into an unnatural form.

Jongdae finally tracks down his magnetizers, attaching a small one to the bottom of each trinket and lining them up on his console. The ones that don't fit end up in the bathroom, adhered to the back of the sink. It not only clears up the clutter, but now the place looks lived in.

By the time Jongdae hides his dirty laundry inside the chest attached to the foot of his bed, the cargo has been loaded and Minseok is standing in the cockpit, bent in half to examine Jongdae's collection.

"No touching," Jongdae warns and Minseok stands up, turning to Jongdae with an amused expression. "Come on, I'll give you the tour."

Jongdae's ship is no prize, but he takes pride in it anyway. Some of the patchwork is shoddy and it isn't pretty, but beauty isn't essential when it holds in deep space. Minseok follows dutifully behind Jongdae as they move from the cockpit to the narrow hall that leads past the tiny area for food storage that's now overflowing with crates and to Jongdae's quarters and, further down, a smaller room that Jongdae uses as cargo spill-over. It will suffice as a room for Minseok, seeing as his cargo doesn't take up much space this run and he’s fairly sure there’s a bed in there.

"The engines and cargo bay are below," Jongdae explains, gesturing to the lever that opens the hatch in the floor. "I'd prefer if you didn't tamper with the equipment. My baby is sensitive and she takes a certain touch."

Minseok merely walks into his room, setting his bag on the bed and peering around.

"It's not much, but she gets me where I need to be."

"She has personality," Minseok remarks. "I like her."

Jongdae preens as if the compliment were directed at himself, allowing a smile to blossom over his lips before leaving Minseok to the task of getting himself settled in. It isn't until he's taking off, the image of Kyungsoo's ship fading in the background, that he takes off his filter, tossing it down the waste tube.

The thing about traveling between systems is that it takes a few weeks even at full power and Jongdae's ship has never been known for its speed. It will take approximately three weeks to make it to Primus and while Jongdae can entertain himself on his own, he has company now.

Minseok doesn't take up much space, usually spending a few hours down in the cargo bay, meticulously opening each container to check the contents. Jongdae admits that he's curious. It's not often that the cargo in his hold needs personal attention. Still, he refrains from asking.

When he isn't hidden below deck or locked inside his room, Minseok likes to spend his time in the cockpit. Usually with Jongdae. It's not cramped with the two of them together, but Jongdae has come to realize that it's not his filter that’s been going bad. It's just that Minseok's natural scent is more powerful than the filter can handle. Jongdae had still kept one in for the first few days, ignoring the tingle that liked to run straight down into his gut and curl loosely when a fresh wave of Minseok wafted toward him.

Now, Jongdae is feeling more adventurous. And he's running out of filters.

Over the years, Jongdae has conditioned himself to hide the way his body naturally responds to the presence of an alpha. He still feels it; Jongdae's gotten great at what he does by learning to control what he chooses to show the people he's dealing with. He could take suppressants if he were afraid that his omega instincts would take over, but that would also deprive him of his best asset.

So he suffers the brunt of Minseok's scent in silence. Minseok smells fucking amazing and it's already started permeating the ship, wedging into the cracks to settle along with Jongdae's more sweet aroma. It keeps the fine hairs on the back of Jongdae's neck raised, his wolf a little closer to the surface and he gets a curious look from Minseok when Jongdae's eyes momentarily flash red before he can force it down.

"Are you alright?" Minseok inquires, voice like smooth velvet whispering against Jongdae's brain.

"Acclimating," Jongdae gives as a vague answer. "I'm not accustomed to company and I'm not very good at entertaining guests."

"Last I checked, babysitters weren't required to entertain," Minseok jests. "You just need to make sure I don't get into mischief."

Jongdae smiles, head tilting as he regards the alpha sitting next to him. "It wouldn't be any fun if there wasn't a little mischief."

Minseok isn't bad company, surprisingly. The pleasantries and impersonal conversation topics are worn out by the end of the first week. Minseok still spends part of his day down in the cargo hold, seemingly satisfied that everything is as it should be. And Jongdae is increasingly curious about what it is that's so important down there, yet, not curious enough to voice it. There’s another query that takes precedence.

"What are you?" Jongdae asks one morning over breakfast. The rehydrated eggs in his mouth taste like crumbled bits of cardboard, but he'd added enough salt to overload his taste buds.

"I'll admit that it's taken you longer to ask than I'd thought," Minseok tosses back. "Most people get one good whiff of me and that's all it takes."

"I wasn't going to pry," Jongdae admits, leaning toward Minseok in favor of finishing his eggs. "In my business, prying can get me killed. But I figure, since we're stuck together, it might be pertinent information in case something were to happen."

"I'm Exonian," Minseok says after a pause, clearly watching Jongdae for his reaction.

Jongdae's eyebrows raise and he lets out a low whistle. "You could have won me a bet a few years back. Some little shithead kept telling everyone that your kind were extinct."

"Not quite," Minseok responds, shifting down in his chair. "Not yet."

Exonians, once the master race in this region of space, had nearly gone extinct when their planet overheated, forcing them to evacuate. That was thousands of years ago and the results had led to the Exonians adapting for optimal breeding even as their numbers dwindled rapidly. Jongdae's heard rumors, stories of the few left still out there looking for a way to survive, yet he’s never been given the chance to confirm or deny until now. And he’s dying of curiosity.

But something keeps his mouth shut. Probably the sadness in Minseok's eyes because he could very well be the last generation of his species. That's a heavy burden to carry. "I'm sorry," Jongdae offers, the unfamiliar edge of remorse cutting through his usual cavalier attitude.

Minseok gives a soft, one-shouldered shrug. "Every species has an expiration date. Mine's just up before yours."

Jongdae doesn't bring it up again. They stick to safer conversations - like Jongdae's numerous encounters with near death and his predilection for putting his foot in his mouth - and it keeps the atmosphere light, enjoyable. Jongdae's beginning to wonder if maybe he should think about keeping someone around on the ship for long missions like this. Not necessarily Minseok - although the idea has more appeal than he would like - but someone to talk to, someone who will talk back to him.

Minseok's smile first thing in the morning, his dark hair sticking up in every way and mouth lopsided, makes the start of Jongdae's day that much better. Now that they're getting to know each other, making an effort to go beyond pleasantries and tip-toeing, Minseok spends less time in the cargo hold and more time sitting in the cockpit with Jongdae. Jongdae shows him the navigational computer, warns him not to go near the autopilot button on the right side of the throttle, and pulls up old films stored in the database on the screen when staring into space becomes monotonous.

Attraction is something that Jongdae is well versed in, and it really comes as no surprise when it rears its ugly head every time Minseok is around. And it's not his scent. It's Minseok himself that Jongdae is drawn to and this could be a problem. Jongdae has no qualms about slipping into someone else’s warm bed, especially during one of his biannual heats, but physical attraction and mental attraction are two entirely separate things. Sadly, for Jongdae, he's experiencing both forms when it comes to Minseok.

Jongdae is unequivocally drawn to Minseok - the desire to crawl into the alpha's lap and bury his nose in Minseok's neck mounting each day until Jongdae is clutching at the sides of his seat to stay put. Every now and again, Minseok will turn toward him, almost as if there's a question ready to drip off the tip of his tongue, but he never gives voice to it. Jongdae is certain that he's going to go mad being trapped with Minseok in a ship that’s beginning to feel smaller and smaller.

Jongdae is choking on all the things he's feeling, the undercurrent of Minseok's scent wrapping around his ankles to pull him down further.

One evening, not long after his revelation, Jongdae finds himself hunched in the small shower in the corner of the bathroom, frantically tugging at his cock with one hand and plunging three fingers in and out of his ass with the other, his head filled with thoughts of Minseok. Images of Minseok pinning him down so that Jongdae couldn’'t move, of Minseok baring his teeth and leaving marks all over him, claiming him to keep have Jongdae swallowing down Minseok's name when he finally comes.

He stares down at his cock in betrayal, fingers slipping out of his slick hole as the tepid, lukewarm water washes his sweat off to swirl down the drain with all the other incriminating evidence. It's the middle of the night cycle, which means Minseok is locked away in his own room, asleep, and there's no chance of him catching the thick, hormone saturated air that reeks of Jongdae's arousal. It's that comforting thought that Jongdae carries with him when he stumbles across to his quarters and falls into bed, naked and damp and desperate to fall asleep before his body decides to wake him up with dreams of Minseok. Again.

Primus is a wasteland of a planet; most of the population lives in metal structures that stretch high above the smog and pollution that has rendered the surface unlivable even for most plantlife. The majority of trade - legal and illegal alike - happens on the giant ring that surrounds the planet. It’s a space station that houses everything from politicians to chemical peddlers, the proud purebloods to the genetically (and mechanically) enhanced.

The docking platforms on the ring - Nebula as the locals call it - are outdated and Jongdae has a rough time getting his ship to exactly where it needs to be. They scan his vessel and Jongdae sends his official identification file, and Minseok's, to flight control and security before he's allowed access.

Minseok is already waiting by the door, tablet in hand, and bottom lip in his teeth as he waits. He's impatient; Jongdae can smell it, but at least it's not twinged with nervousness. Most of the alphas that work on the ring are fine-tuned to pick out the guilty or nervous visitors, giving a heads up for security to keep a closer eye on them.

They walk off the ship together, taking their temporary passes from security after going through the body scanner. Minseok's contact is waiting for them in one of the more reputable bars, which is a change of pace for Jongdae. Most of his dealings are with the lower level lackeys who hide their intent with cheap alcohol in dirty glasses. This is a step up.

Low music plays in the background, most of the clientele are spread throughout the place and Minseok quickly guides Jongdae toward the center of it all. Minseok's contact - Chanyeol - is tall, loud and Jongdae takes to scoping out their surroundings as the two begin their business to ensure there are no interruptions. It's not his place to eavesdrop, which has never stopped him before, but it's Minseok so he makes an effort not to, turning his attention elsewhere.

It's not long before Minseok is standing, smiling at Chanyeol before they take their leave. All in all, Jongdae isn't sure what he was needed for at all.

"Just in case," Minseok answers when Jongdae inquires. "Better to err on the side of caution."

Minseok heads back to the ship to wait for Chanyeol's men to come unload the cargo. Jongdae takes a different path, intent on refilling his food stores and changing out the water and air filters. The strain of having two people on board for so long instead of just one has probably worn them both to their limits.

Plus, it gives Jongdae some time away from Minseok to clear his head. He's anticipating that finally getting his scent unclogged will do him some good, perhaps lead to the discovery that Jongdae really isn't nursing an infatuation with the alpha.

He puts it out of his mind as he wheedles and deals, bargaining down decent prices for cheaper ones and coming out on top. There aren't many alphas on the ring who can resist the flirtations of an omega they haven't had before. Jongdae soaks in the attention and then leaves with a sway of his hips. It's good to be him.

By the time Jongdae makes it back to his ship, it's been several hours and he has a few more trinkets to add. The food is still being loaded when he arrives and Minseok is nowhere to be seen. Jongdae stands watch until everything is on board; his ship is ready to leave, Minseok is probably ready to leave, but Jongdae . . .

Jongdae is still unsure. He could probably get away with staying one more day on the ring in the name of putting his ear to the ground on Kyungsoo's behalf, but it doesn't sound very enticing. And it's a flimsy excuse. And Jongdae has never been one for excuses. He's the one who charges in head first, consequences dealt with as they arise.

With one final deep breath of fresh, filtered air, Jongdae finally boards his ship, petting the outside fondly before sealing the hatch behind him.

"I've alerted Kyungsoo that the transfer is complete," Minseok informs Jongdae the moment he steps into the cockpit. "I think he actually smiled."

"Wow, I think the last time I saw his face crack was when Baekhyun took an electric shock to the groin when he was upgrading the comm systems."

Minseok breathes out a laugh and Jongdae's stomach swoops dangerously low. He finds himself shuffling forward, intent on discovering what Minseok's laughter tastes like until he realizes what he's doing. It's easy enough to bend around Minseok with the reasoning of rechecking the navigational settings and plot course for the trip back. It's easy to see that Minseok doesn't believe him, but Jongdae brushes it off, settling in for the long haul.

Jongdae has decided that being confined in such a small space with Minseok is a terrible thing. It's almost as if the universe is having a good laugh at his expense, allowing Jongdae to relax around the alpha before reminding him - none too gently - that Minseok is incredibly attractive and now resting his hand on Jongdae's thigh. It only happens for a moment before it's gone, but the heat of Minseok's palm stays seared to Jongdae's skin for hours after.

Minseok is rapidly becoming bad for Jongdae's health. Far too often, Jongdae finds himself either in the bathroom or his own room, the door locked and his pants around his ankles. With his eyes squeezed shut, he remembers everywhere that Minseok has touched - his thigh, his shoulder, his waist - and it fuels his desperation to come quickly. The last thing he needs is for Minseok to realize that Jongdae can't stop jerking off to him, nose buried in his shirt because it smells so much like Minseok now.

Jongdae kicks off his pants, whining as he lays on all fours on his bed, ass high in the air. He's already so wet at just the thought of being touched that the first slide of his fingers into his hole has him jolting forward with a low moan. There's never been a moment in Jongdae's life when he's wanted an alpha to actually lay claim to him, sink his teeth into Jongdae's neck to leave a mark for everyone to see. But the very idea of Minseok claiming Jongdae has him coming in record time, cock untouched and dribbling white onto his dirty sheets.

Jongdae teeters out of his room on shaky legs, intent on hopping into the shower before Minseok picks up the smell clinging to him. The door to the bathroom opens and Jongdae has one foot inside when he finally realizes that the room is occupied. Minseok is in the shower, standing naked under the spray and Jongdae greedily drinks in the image - Minseok's head tipped back, rivulets of water racing down his arms and back, slowing when they get to the curve of his ass before dripping down thick thighs.

Minseok turns slightly, eyes closed and still unaware of Jongdae's presence. Jongdae, still awestruck at the powerfully built alpha before him, nearly drops to his knees, turning as quickly as he can without tripping, and leaving before his sudden spike of arousal catches Minseok’s attention.

Jongdae barely gets into his room, body sagging against the door, before fisting his hardening cock. He’s heard about Exonian physiology, but never given it a second thought because stories are always exaggerated, especially when coming from the mouths of drunkards. This one, however, seems to be true.

Instead of a cock hanging between his legs, Minseok has tentacles. They’re not long, but still larger than the average length of a dick, their bulbous tips thick and flush red because Minseok had been unmistakably turned on. Jongdae has to admit that it’s surprising to see for himself and more than a little intimidating. One dick he can handle, but several? Then again . . . Jongdae can’t help but wonder how it would feel to get fucked open by one, the rigid tentacle throbbing inside him as Jongdae clenches around it.

The hand on Jongdae’s cock moves faster, his fingers tight and slick as he imagines taking two of Minseok’s tentacles at once, letting them pump him full of come so Minseok can watch it drip back out. Jongdae chokes on a loud moan when his climax hits, coming over his fingers and the floor until he’s spent, panting and sweating and still itching for someone’s hand other than his own around him.

It doesn’t get awkward. Jongdae doesn’t let pesky little things like jerking off to the thought of someone get between their functioning relationship - such as it is. If anything, he gets closer to Minseok, shameless about the way he invades his personal space. Minseok isn’t bothered by it, never pushes Jongdae away. On more than one occasion, Jongdae has seen Minseok’s eyes go dark, his gaze fixed on Jongdae’s mouth and Jongdae will let his teeth scrape gently over his lip before swiping his tongue over it just to see the way Minseok’s breath hitches, smell how much he wants.

If Minseok were to ever act on it, Jongdae would willingly give himself over and over.

And Jongdae revels in it.

Perhaps too much. They’re only ten days into their return journey when Jongdae wakes from a dead sleep, burning hot and antsy, breathless. He’s no stranger to being hard when he wakes up, but this is different, stronger. It’s also too early.

When Jongdae was planning this journey, he knew he had ample time to get Minseok back to Kyungsoo with a few days to spare before his heat was supposed to hit, and yet it’s already clawing at him, unrelenting and demanding. Jongdae shifts on his mattress, the sheets running coarse over sensitive skin. There’s a wet spot spreading between his legs and his hole throbs with the need to be filled, knotted, mated. There’s already a sticky line that runs from the tip of his cock to his stomach, precome pooling more the longer he lies there.

This is only the beginning. Jongdae has to pull himself off the mattress, sitting with his head hanging and elbows propped on his knees. When he opens his eyes, all he sees is his cock bobbing upward, throbbing and too stiff to touch without the pleasure bordering on painful.

Jongdae stares at it with disdain. "Couldn't wait it out, could you?" he chastises. "Just had to make an appearance when I'm stuck between systems. Selfish bitch." Jongdae can only imagine the smug look his cock would give him if it had a face of its own.

At least Jongdae still has his wits about him. The beginning of a heat-cycle, at least for Jongdae, is nothing more than raging hormones; it's later, when they’ve built up in his system, that he loses himself in it, along with most of his pride. Right now, there are two things Jongdae can do - either rub one out and try to get back to sleep before the itch starts up again, or try and douse the heat with a freezing shower. Neither option sounds great and he groans, glaring at his dick again. Such a traitorous little bastard.

Jongdae moves slowly, his limbs leaden as he rearranges so his back is to the wall, his legs spread in front of him. He swipes his hand through the slick mess on his thighs, hissing at how sensitive he is already, digging his heels into the sheets to brace himself because the first touch is always a doozy.

Jongdae nearly loses it when his fingers wrap around his cock, the shaft pulsing hot in his grasp as he twists his wrist carefully and drags upward. A shudder runs through him, one that's not entirely pleasant, and Jongdae only hopes he can get through it quickly. The first orgasm during heat is always the worst.

Jongdae swallows his own moans, stroking himself with strong, quick tugs of his hand until his thighs are tensing, ass lifting off the bed as he comes. It's not a very satisfying climax and he grimaces at the mess on his hand, his stomach and the puddle on his sheets. His one spare set of blankets are in use on Minseok's bed.

Minseok.

Jongdae's cock twitches and Jongdae smacks it lightly. "Go to sleep," he commands.

The sleep Jongdae manages to get, despite the adrenaline fighting to rush through his system, is enough to stave off some of his crankiness when he wakes again, painfully hard and legs pressed together to ease the ache in his ass. He grimaces as his natural lubrication squelches between his cheeks, vaguely wondering how omegas could have possibly been seen as a good call on the evolutionary scale if there's a chance they'll die of dehydration because all the water in their body seeps out their ass.

In a moment of frustration, Jongdae kicks all the coverings off his mattress, bemoaning his own misfortune even as he reaches between his legs to push at his slightly swollen rim. Even that light touch sets his nerves on fire and Jongdae's legs fall open as he slides two fingers inside himself. A small sigh of relief escapes, followed by a loud moan as he spreads his fingers and drags them almost all the way out.

If he can get through his heat without having to touch his dick too much, maybe he can finally finish a cycle without having to waddle for two days because his dick is chapped. His breath catches in his throat, legs spreading wider and fingers moving quicker, dexterous as he works himself open. The slide is easy and the scent of his own arousal is heavy around him, coating his tongue with every raspy inhale. His hair is already damp with sweat and the discomfort of his mattress is enough to keep him from enjoying himself fully. Of course, there's little about a heat that Jongdae enjoys unless he has a skilled partner to help him through it. And clean sheets.

Right now, Jongdae has neither.

It takes some work, enough for his hand to get sore as he rubs the pads of his fingers against his prostate over and over, before he feels the pressure mount high enough to finally get him to the end. He whimpers as his muscles go rigid, hissing in a sharp breath of air when he lifts partially from the bed.

A bang on the outside of his room startles Jongdae out of his climax and he falls with a bounce, casting a dirty look toward the door. "What?!" he spits through gritted teeth, fingers still buried in his ass and his near orgasm fading away with the passing seconds. He isn't pleased.

"I can fucking smell you," Minseok growls and oh the things his voice does to Jongdae's vulnerable state of mind. "You’ve been clogging the ventilation system with your fucking hormones for weeks. Will you please just let me fuck it out of you?"

"That's not the proper way to sweep a man off his feet," Jongdae yells back even if every single part of him would love nothing more than for Minseok to fuck him into a stupor.

"Is that what you want? Proper?" Minseok snaps.

Jongdae moans at the rumbling of his voice even if it's muffled through the door. "No," Jongdae admits with a breathy whine. "I need you to fuck me through this, but only if you can do it right. This is going to last for a while."

"You know I can," Minseok answers without hesitation. "I'll have you hanging off me for days."

The visual of Minseok pounding into him is what has Jongdae finally rolling off his bed. Every part of him aches, throbs, screams to be touched, bruised, scratched. Fucked. His ship is old enough that there's no voice activation system so Jongdae has to drag himself to the door to open it, hand slamming down on the control console until the metal slides away with a hiss.

The first thing that hits Jongdae is Minseok's scent as it surrounds him and practically knocks him flat, has his fingers tingling and ass clenching around nothing in anticipation. He blinks Minseok into focus, pleased to find the alpha naked and breathing heavily, drawing in Jongdae's aroma.

Jongdae means to pull Minseok into his room, but Minseok is already leading Jongdae out, fingers tight around Jongdae's arm so he doesn't stumble over his feet. Disoriented, Jongdae can do no more than focus on the heat of Minseok's body, the overwhelming aura of dominance that makes Jongdae want to sink to his knees.

He doesn't stop until they're in Minseok’s room and Jongdae would worship the clean sheets on the mattress if he wasn't less than two seconds away from ruining them.

There's something entirely pleasing about being lifted off the floor and tossed onto a bed. Jongdae appreciates the flex of Minseok's muscles, the way he looms over Jongdae when he crawls onto the bed after him. His eyes are dark, narrow and everything about him screams alpha, which is perfect because Jongdae has never wanted to be an omega as much as he does right now.

All Jongdae has to do is let go; his head tipping back in submission, body relaxed and ready for the alpha stretched over him. Minseok's eyes widen for a second, clearly expecting Jongdae not to make it so easy, but Jongdae's wanted this for too long to resist.

"Alpha," Jongdae purrs, letting his tongue drag slowly over his lower lip.

Minseok replaces Jongdae's tongue with his own, drawing the air from Jongdae's lungs with the passion of his kiss. Jongdae moans loud, finally getting to taste Minseok directly instead of living off the scraps of his scent alone. Minseok is thorough, licking every part of Jongdae’s mouth he can, teeth scraping over Jongdae’s lips before kissing him again. Jongdae’s fingers bury in Minseok’s hair, fisting the strands to hold tight as Minseok’s hips wedge between his legs.

When they part, Jongdae peers down, jaw slack as he counts six tentacles now sliding along the skin of his thighs, his stomach, brushing against his rock hard cock. “Are all of those functional?” he asks, breath hitching as one of the tentacles brushes down the crack of Jongdae’s ass.

Minseok smirks down at him, leaning in until their mouths are together, lips brushing. “Fully,” he answers, grinding his hips forward. Jongdae keens, whimpering into Minseok’s mouth. “And I’m going to fuck you with all of them.”

"Please," Jongdae begs, fingers scrambling from Minseok's hair to his back, curling around his shoulder blades to hold. "Fuck me."

The one tentacle that had been teasing his crack now pushes forward a little, brushing over Jongdae’s rim and he rocks his hips against the pressure, desperate for more. Another pass and the tip catches, nearly slipping inside him and Jongdae could sob from want, his fingernails digging into Minseok’s back.

“Alpha,” Jongdae moans.

Minseok growls as the flared tip of his tentacle slides, slick and slippery, into Jongdae’s body. It’s pulsing and wet and hot as Minseok pushes the rest of the way inside, satisfying Jongdae’s need to be filled. Jongdae’s taken a lot of alpha, and a few beta, dicks up his ass, but none of them can compare to this. No one has even come close.

Jongdae doesn't have to wait long for Minseok to fuck him exactly how he needs - brutal and fast. The sensations of Minseok's other tentacles are almost forgotten, Jongdae's teeth clacking with every thrust that rattles the bed frame that's bolted to the wall. But then he feels them moving, running slick over his skin and catching along his hips as they go. Jongdae spares a look down to see that four of Minseok's tentacles have lengthened significantly.

Instead of their usual size, now they're long enough to wrap fully around his thighs and waist, small suction cups adhering to his skin so they don't lose their hold. The ones around his thighs pull his legs further apart, allowing Minseok to fuck into him deeper. Jongdae clenches around the one still plunging relentlessly into his ass, moaning when he hears the gruff rumble of Minseok's groan.

Jongdae can't move, pinned in place by Minseok and his tentacles, and he fucking loves it.

The pair of tentacles around his waist rock Jongdae's body down, freeing Minseok's hands to tease over Jongdae's sensitive nipples, tug on his hair until he's bursting. Come shoots from Jongdae's untouched cock, painting his chest and stomach in stripes. But it's not enough; all it does is take the edge off his desperation. Jongdae still needs more, much more.

Minseok doesn't slow down, eyes burning as he stares at Jongdae, mouth open to breathe and lips too tempting to resist. Jongdae whines when they kiss, licking as far into Minseok's mouth as he can, wanting all of him and more.

His entire body jerks when he feels the glide of another tentacle over his balls, creeping down to where he's already speared open.

"Can you take it?" Minseok challenges, voice raspy and sweat beginning to trail down his temples. The second tentacle nudges against Jongdae's rim and the omega gasps, thighs trying to close in at the thought.

"Yes," Jongdae answers, the word cutting off when he feels the tip pushing against the other tentacle, stretching him so so so deliciously wide.

Minseok stops, the sudden halt jarring, but Jongdae can't complain when it's only a long enough reprieve for the second tentacle to slide in beside the other. Jongdae relishes the slight burn, the fullness that is nearly as satisfying as a knot. The two of them move together, thrusting into him just as hard and fast as before.

Jongdae’s cock quickly hardens again, throbbing in time with the rapid pace that has his throat sore from the noises he can’t keep quiet, and his body clamping down as hard as it can, wanting more more more. There’s a biological itch that slithers through Jongdae’s veins, one that has his instincts surging to the surface. His eyes go red, elongated nails scratching red trails down Minseok’s back in an effort to sate that itch.

Minseok's chest vibrates with a growl, his face close to Jongdae's as he fists the strands of Jongdae's hair hard, tugging his head back. Jongdae whimpers, helpless as Minseok noses along his neck, teasing Jongdae with scrapes of his teeth that are never hard enough.

There's a loud squelch that fills the room, sending a shudder up Jongdae's spine because one of the tentacles has slid out of his ass. It leaves him clamping around the other one, wanting to take back that sudden loss. But then he feels a knot on the first tentacle, his eyes growing wide and air stuck in his throat as it pushes through his rim, stretching him open even further. Fuck, he didn't know that Minseok could knot and now he's stuck on one. Jongdae tries to wiggle further down on it, but he’s stopped by the strength of Minseok's other tentacles.

There’s a hissed command waiting to be voiced, but Jongdae chokes on it when a wet tentacle wraps around his cock. He tenses, overwhelmed as it pulsates around the shaft, stroking up and down in a tight, steady rhythm. Jongdae’s eyes roll back in his head, spine arching off the bed as he comes for a second time from the double stimulation.

Jongdae is still in mid-orgasm when he feels the first throb of Minseok’s knot inside him, the alpha stilling as he pumps Jongdae full of come. The tentacle around his cock keeps moving and Jongdae cries out from the sensitivity, writhing from it until Minseok notices and lets it slide away. Jongdae is still full, pinned to the mattress as Minseok rocks into him shallowly, breathlessly.

“What does it feel like?” Jongdae asks, fingers scratching through Minseok’s damp hair. He clenches down around Minseok when he feels his knot pulse again.

Minseok grits his teeth. “Like you’re trying to break my knot off inside you, Jongdae, these don’t grow back.”

Jongdae chuckles up at Minseok, amused entirely at the way Minseok is straining over him, but then Minseok is pushing forward, his knot lodging further inside Jongdae as it presses insistently on Jongdae's prostate.

"Fuck," he hisses, thighs fighting against the tentacles holding him open. It sends a sliver of heat through him, his body overheated and still responding to the stimulation.

Minseok dips low, his breath hot on Jongdae's face. "Is this what you wanted?" he asks softly, his hips rolling forward and back just enough for his knot to rub against Jongdae's prostate over and over.

Jongdae can't answer, voice caught in his throat. It would be too much for him if his cock wasn't coming to life again, slowly hardening and rubbing through the mess already on his stomach. Minseok drops soft kisses and teasing licks over Jongdae's face and neck, smirking as he shifts low to lave at Jongdae's nipples.

By the time Jongdae is completely hard again, the heat thrumming under his skin and begging to be sated, Minseok's knot has shrunk small enough to pull out. Along with it comes a stream of come and Jongdae's own slick. It coats the sheets and Jongdae's thighs, the scent of it filling the room. And fuck if it doesn't have Jongdae growling for more.

"That better not be all you have," Jongdae grunts even as the second tentacle prods with interest through the mess before trailing up his crack and to his leaking hole.

Minseok gets this leer on his face, a smirk that has Jongdae's cock throbbing and ass clenching around air. "We have a long way to go before I'm done with you," he promises.

Jongdae has to hold on tight as he's stuffed full again, moaning appreciatively and complimenting Minseok on his size which is something Jongdae never does. Jongdae likes to be the one with the control during sex, even when he's in heat, and acknowledging that Minseok is keeping up with what he needs is a Big Step for him.

Then again, he can't seem to keep his tongue still, letting Minseok know just the way he loves it and Minseok follows instruction well. Jongdae ends up on his elbows and knees, legs closer together than before and pleasantly aching from the earlier stretch. Minseok's hands are on his hips, one tentacle fucking into him relentlessly and another wrapped around his cock. The other four are clinging to his thighs and Jongdae looks down, sees the small circles left behind from where they'd been suctioned onto his skin earlier, and some primal part of him craves more. He wants Minseok to mark him, bite him, claim him.

The burning in his gut twists, coils, rises to the surface until Jongdae is coming again, Minseok's tentacle milking all it can from him before wrapping softly around his thigh as Minseok's second knot swells inside him. Jongdae grinds on it, accepts the almost pain that comes with how highly sensitive he's become and uses it to bring Minseok to the end. He moans loud, even with Minseok's weight pushing him hard enough into the mattress that he can't breathe.

Jongdae is left trembling, weak, close to sobbing when Minseok's knot slips out from him. But his cock is hard again, demanding attention. He can't hold himself up anymore and Minseok rolls him over onto the small dry spot left on the bed. Even though he's a sweaty mess, cheeks and chest pink and shining, Minseok is still so fucking good looking that Jongdae wants to hit him.

"How many more?" Minseok asks him, softly bumping his nose along Jongdae's cheek as Jongdae struggles to keep his eyes open.

"One more," he eventually answers. One more time and this wave of his heat should be broken and they'll have time to clean up before it strikes again.

Minseok nods, his movements languid, tired, as he kisses Jongdae's lips, his chin, his Adam's apple, his chest and all the way down in a trail that has Jongdae squirming and unable to keep from smiling. The alphas he's come across in his travels are never this caring, this sweet. Minseok is one of a kind.

Minseok also pries Jongdae's legs open with his tentacles and keeps them there as he buries his face between Jongdae's ass cheeks. The first swipe of his tongue has Jongdae's stomach contracting, his pupils dilating and body wanting to push into it. Minseok's hands hold his cheeks apart and his mouth works around his rim, tongue pushing through. It's wet and filthy and Jongdae pulls at his own hair with both hands, throat hoarse from his moans.

Tears fall from the corners of his eyes when he blinks, vision blurred and mouth dry, his skin itchy and toes curling in the sheets. Minseok fits two fingers in alongside his tongue and moans, tongue curling and pulling out only to plunge back in again. Jongdae is too wound up to last long. His final orgasm is mostly dry and his body tenses long enough to ride it through to the end, till he can't do more than go limp.

Minseok is gentle as he stretches Jongdae's legs out comfortably, wiping the mess from his chin before dropping a kiss on Jongdae's forehead. Jongdae whines pitifully, using the last of his energy to chase Minseok for a real kiss. Minseok is smiling when they part, brushing Jongdae's wet hair from his face and trailing his thumb over his cheek.

"What do you want to do first?" Minseok asks.

Jongdae has to swallow twice before he can answer. "Drink all the water," he groans. "Then take a long shower and a longer nap."

Minseok helps him, wiping away what mess he can with the soiled sheets before holding up Jongdae's weight. He stays at Jongdae's side even when he's slumped in the too small shower, Minseok crowded in the corner to keep him on his feet as he washes the sweat off his skin.

And because Jongdae complains about wet sheets, Minseok wraps him up in a sweater and lets Jongdae nap curled up in a chair in the cockpit. When Jongdae wakes, there are no sheets on either of their beds, but there are blankets and Jongdae crowds Minseok into the closest room - his own - because the heat is clawing at him again.

It's less than a day into his heat when Jongdae finds himself on his side, one tentacle circling his leg to lift it into the air as another plunges into him from behind. Minseok's breath is fanning over his neck, sending shivers down his spine as he clenches around the swelling knot that pulls at his rim. His fingers are twisted in the blanket and he pushes back against Minseok, desperate for more even as another tentacle is curled around his cock, squeezing to alleviate the pressure.

"Claim me," Jongdae demands with a moan. "Fuck, Minseok, claim me please," he whines. His head is dizzy from thinking about it, knowing it wouldn't take much for Minseok to open his mouth and bite. Jongdae's exposed neck is right there.

But Minseok doesn't.

Even as Jongdae gets angry, sharp nails tearing holes in the blanket and, later, scratching lines of red over Minseok's thighs as he rides him desperately, Minseok doesn't claim him. It has Jongdae shutting Minseok out of the bathroom later even when he can barely stand, his body aching everywhere. Jongdae's instincts constrict around his throat, leave him begging for something he can't have.

It takes three days for Jongdae's heat to break for the final time. He lays in a puddle, heaving in gulps of air as Minseok pulls away, probably fearing another backlash. Shame riddles Jongdae's chest and he doesn't speak, just lets Minseok tidy up the mess they've made.

"M'sorry," Jongdae forces out before Minseok can leave the room.

Minseok smiles at him from the door. "I know what a heat can do, Jongdae. I don't blame you. I'm just glad you've come to your senses."

"Yeah," Jongdae whispers as Minseok walks out. "Me too."

Jongdae is under no illusions when it comes to his relationship with Minseok. They were friends before his heat and at the very most, he expects to still be friends now that it's over and he can handle his emotions, his hormones, his still unwavering desire to have Minseok's claim on him.

Which makes it a pleasant surprise for Jongdae when he steps into the cockpit to make sure their course is still unhindered and he doesn't need to make any adjustments for rogue comets lingering in the outskirts of the solar system. Minseok greets him with a smile and a lingering kiss pressed to the side of his mouth.

"You look well rested," Minseok comments, eyeing Jongdae up and down with a fond sort of look on his handsome face.

Jongdae's heart wobbles in his chest. "I feel well rested, thank you." And he doesn't hesitate to teeter forward on his feet to kiss Minseok again, nipping at his lower lip before pulling away.

The rest of their trip is spent being what Jongdae calls disgustingly cute, his nose wrinkled as he tries to pull out of Minseok’s arms while Minseok laughs at him. Jongdae isn’t the cuddling in the cockpit while they watch the stars sort of guy, but with Minseok things are different. His heart likes to leap into his throat around Minseok and his mouth has a way of finding itself attached to Minseok’s mouth more often than not. And even if they don’t end up in bed again, Jongdae is content just making out in every nook and cranny Minseok manages to back him into.

Kyungsoo’s ship isn’t a welcome sight, but a necessary one. Minseok is already packed up and ready to leave when they arrive and Jongdae just wants to grab his hand and ask him to stay. It’s not an easy yearning to swallow down and they still haven’t talked about Jongdae’s gut wrenching need for Minseok to claim him - mostly because Jongdae is afraid to voice it. He’s never handled rejection well.

“Your payment has been credited to your account,” Kyungsoo informs Jongdae as soon as they set foot on his ship. “Will you be staying aboard to resupply and refuel?” he tacks on, already walking away because he knows the answer is yes.

Standing on Kyungsoo’s ship, reeking of Minseok, Jongdae realizes that he doesn’t have his filter on. And he doesn’t need it. There are dozens of other alpha scents that permeate the air, saturating everything around him and yet the only scent that draws Jongdae is Minseok’s. It would be worrisome if not for the fact that Minseok is holding his hand out for Jongdae to take as he begins walking.

“Where are we going?” Jongdae asks when he gets to a part of the ship he’s unfamiliar with. He’s usually kept to the cargo holds and the docking bay where most of the traffic comes through. Minseok has taken him down several halls and onto a lift, moving up and further into the ship.

“My room,” Minseok replies, casting an unknown look at Jongdae. “I thought we could talk before you leave.”

Jongdae’s stomach sinks. “Oh.”

The room Minseok inhabits on Kyungsoo’s ship is a lot nicer - and larger - than the one on Jongdae’s ship. It’s cluttered with Minseok’s possessions and the one chair is covered in a pile of laundry. Minseok apologizes, but Jongdae assures him it’s alright and chooses to sit on the bed instead.

“I don’t know what this is,” Minseok begins, leaning against the desk across from his bed. His fingers curl over the edge to betray his nervousness, but he maintains eye contact. “But I don’t want it to stop.”

Jongdae breathes out a sigh of relief. “Me either.”

“What if you stick around for a while?” Minseok suggests, pushing off the desk and over toward Jongdae, stopping in front of him.

Jongdae stares up at Minseok, a little in awe at how much he really likes that idea even if he’s never been one to stay still for long. Maybe with Minseok, things can be different. “What if you get tired of me?” Jongdae teases. “I’ve been told I have quite the mouth.”

Minseok’s eyes flash dark and Jongdae swallows hard. “Then I’ll have to gag you.”

Jongdae lets out a soft moan, standing to gets his arms around Minseok, pulling him in for a kiss. “You make the sweetest promises,” he whispers against his lips.

“And if you still want me to claim you after all this, I will.”

Jongdae slides his hands down, grabbing Minseok’s ass to pull him forward until they’re both falling onto the bed. “The sweetest promises,” he repeats with a laugh before Minseok kisses him breathless.

Jongdae anticipates an extended stay.