"Come with me, Yori," Kenta Himura said, suddenly. "Let us see if they have something more satisfying to drink than what's currently on offer." "That's vintage Champagne, grandfather," Tatsuya protested, as Yori spoke; "As long as it's non-alcoholic." "That's no fun," Kenta said, dismissively, leading Yori away. After being stopped several times by father's parading their sons and daughters, likely as potential marriageable candidates for Kenta's remaining single grandchildren and even a widow or two targeting Kenta himself, the old man managed to pause long enough to convince a waiter to provide him with a shot of malt whiskey and Yori with a virgin cocktail. "I don't know why they seem to think who my grandkids marry is up to me, anyway," Kenta muttered, beneath his breath. "You didn't seem to think that way thirteen ago," Yori pointed out. It had been with aim to view his brother as a marriage candidate that had brought the old man to that house in the first place. Himura grunted, dismissing this point with an old excuse. In reality, the president did enjoy interfering in his grandchildren's love-lives and there had been several break-ups and divorces due to his disapproval of those partners. Yori was certain that the old man had been on the lookout for a partner for the Omega brat he'd taken under his wing also, despite Yori's protests. "I met with Hideaki the other day." "Hideaki?" "My brother," Yori replied. "He's getting married soon and he invited me to the wedding. The rest of the house probably won't be attending." "Well, if I recall, he wasn't a bad kid," Himura offered. "Pity about the rest of the family. How are you feeling about that?" "I'm going to try to get to know him," Yori admitted. "It's a fresh slate for both of us." "If that's what you want...". Himura said. "Of course you should probably look to start your own family instead..." "Uncle!" Yori warned, as two men approached with their drinks. A warm shiver trickled down his spine as the familiar figure approached. "Good evening, sir," Ryota smiled amicably, "I understand you were seeking something a little stronger that what was supplied for the party. Might I recommend..." he offered the old man a name and year and poured a shot of the dark amber liquid into a crystal tumbler. The old man swirled the liquid, before testing it's scent and taste. "You have good taste, young man," Himura complimented. "Thank you, sir," he bowed again, before offering Yori a sparkling drink, which burst into flavour upon his tongue. "You work here?" Yori asked him, hoping he sounded casual, ignoring the glance Himura sent his way. "Ah, I happen to be the manager of this establishment," Ryota admitted and offered his card, before sending the waiter who had assisted him on his way. "I noticed that one of my staff was having difficulties deciding on which would be the most suitable beverages for our guests thus stepped in to assist." "Your assistance is appreciated," Himura said. He flashed Yori a slight grin. "Now if you'll both excuse me, I have more potential candidates to greet." "Uncle...!" Yori called after him, before cussing slightly under his breath. Ryota watched after the old man, before turning his gaze upon Yori. He felt the colour begin to rise once more as he turned his own eyes away. "Quite the character, your Uncle," Ryota said, lightly. Yori gave a nervous chuckle. "Yes, that he is." "So, Just Yori is actually Just Yori Himura?" Ryota asked, teasingly. "Hmm? Well, actually, Kenta isn't really my uncle, it's just an affection," Yori advised, before wondering why he was sharing this information. Usually, he just let people assume what they wished. "He insisted, saying he just wanted one nephew that he could say he liked. He was probably joking though... about not liking his nephews... I think." Yori took a large swallow of his cocktail to end his babbling. Ryota laughed behind his large fist. "At least his real nephews wouldn't look so out of place here." "It's not that you look out of place, Just Yori," Ryota smiled at him with those intense eyes. "Look about you. These men and women put effort into their appearance to try and stand out from the crowd. Your suit is no less tailored, your shoes no less polished, but you exude an effortlessness that is without compare. And that is why you truly reveal your presence here." Yori's flushed face rose to unable to see any dishonesty in Ryota's. "I'm just an Omega..." Yori protested. "Just Yori is never just an Omega," Ryota murmured, before bowing and returning to his duties, leaving a perplexed Yori unable to do anything more than watch his departure. ***** I am definitely attracted to him, Yori thought as he later flopped down upon his bed. Ryota's words had woven about his body, teasing his senses. He felt as if his body had suddenly awoken from a deep slumber and he felt more aware of his physical self than he'd ever in the past. But pretty words were just words, he tried to remind himself. Ryota was an Alpha and Yori couldn't trust his words no matter how much he wanted too. He had also noticed several of the Alpha girls approach Ryota after he had left him, after all Ryota was a ruggedly handsome man, unlike the refined suitors about them or the fresh-faced Tatsuya. They recognised a man who held himself with confidence rather than arrogance and were likely as charmed by the smooth words as Yori. His fingers reached into the breast pocket of his shirt and touched the card Ryota had given him. For perhaps the first time in his life, he wondered what it might be like to be held by a man, or rather not just any man, by Ryota. He swallowed hard as he felt his body begin to react to his thoughts. Stop, he told himself, stop thinking about it. There is no happy ending for me, he thought even as his hands sought to quell his passion. Ryota's voice reverberated through his soul, sweeping like a wave through his body and inflaming every cell of his being until reaching its crescendo and exploding. Breathing heavily, he glanced at the remnants of his lust, disheartened. There can't be a happy ending for me, he thought again, so why am I torturing myself over this?