Chapter Text
Kim Hongjoong was bored. Well, maybe not bored per say. He felt uninspired, which seemed utterly impossible as he sat in his massive CEO’s office on the top of his ten story high fashion empire being shown what was about to become pieces of the fall collection by three designers who were tripping over themselves to get his approval. It was time for darker browns and gorgeous oranges and reds, yet they’d thrown it all out the window for blacks and faux fur. Hongjoong found it all boring, even as they tried to sell it as a ‘return to our former selves, when wolves ruled’.
Finally he stood, blue eyes pinning the three designers and they all fell silent as if he’d glued their tongues to the top of their mouths. Hongjoong had never been violent, nor really ever raised his voice in his company. In the five years he’d owned it and turned it into what it was, he had never had to. He exuded an aura that most alphas would kill for, and though he was small and delicate by many standards, his pure charisma kept him squarely in charge.
“I’ll be honest. I hate all of it except those two pieces.” He pointed to one that had a splash of red, and another with silver filigree along a black dress. “We did black last year, it was a hit, I understand wanting to try and capture that view again. This is all...the same. I want new pieces by next week, and I want you to actually enter the section of the bolts in our fabric shop that has colors.”
“B-But sir.” Hongjoong, and the other two designers, turned their gaze at the one who spoke. He flinched at the sudden intense stare from the CEO, and the utter bafflement from his fellow teammates. “W..We thought you wanted…”
“No. You did not ask me what I thought. You decided this was what I wanted.” Hongjoong cut him off, raising a cross-slit brow. “Did any of you send me co-design e-mails? Or your drawings?”
“No sir.” All three said sheepishly.
“Did you think, at any point, to tell me when I came to visit your design studios, what you were working on? That’s why I do that, to see what you’re working on and help you. You’re my three best designers, I want you to succeed because you make me succeed. Do you understand?” Hongjoong tried to keep his tone even, not wanting to be too sharp.
“Yes sir. We’re sorry, sir.” All three replied, bowing.
Hongjoong took a quick breath, taking in their scents. Anxious, but thankfully not scared. A far cry from their first meeting five years ago. He gave them a small smile, nodding. “Go on then, like I said, two new pieces each by next week, and we’ll create the line from those.”
“Yes sir!” The three chorused, quickly gathering their things and heading out of his office.
Hongjoong watched them go, making a small face and sighing in frustration. They were good, they were his best designers, but he was worried they were in the same creative rut he was in. Fingers running through his carefully coiffed silver hair, he grabbed his cream jacket off the chair he’d thrown it on in the morning, slipping it over his pastel blue long sleeved shirt, heading out of his office with a distracted ‘Going to floor three’ to his secretary. Pressing the button for floor three, he bounced on the balls of his feet, feeling jittery and ungrounded. He hated feeling uninspired and bored, it made his anxiety grow and let his mind wander. That was the worst part, not focusing on work and not staying in the now.
Quickly escaping the elevator, the silver haired alpha turned down the dark blue marble floored hallway, passing the artistically painted walls of creams and whites with splashes of golds and silvers to accent, turning after three doors to head into a studio. Inside a photographer was working with a model, lights glowing and a dozen people bustling about pulling this or shadowing that, all at the gentle voiced photographer’s demands.
“Sangie, raise your chin a little bit more? Perfect. Left, right, good. Alright, that’s enough solo shots. Ten minute break and then we start with the pair.” The blond photographer smiled as he put his camera down, turning and stopping when he spotted the silver haired alpha.
“Joongie?” He asked, frowning immediately and heading for the other. “What’s the matter?”
Hongjoong said nothing, just burrowing his face into the big male’s chest. Long arms immediately wrapped around him, hugging him to the other and protecting him from the outside world just for a moment. There were many things his Yunho could do, and being the protective alpha, even to a den of alphas, was one of them. Inhaling deeply, he just breathed in the scent of warm salty beach and sunshine heated sand that the other alpha exuded, strong but calming.
“Hey...Joongie come on, tell me what’s wrong.” Yunho gently prodded, carefully unwrapping his arms and pushing the other alpha back so he could look into his eyes.
“I’m...bored.” Hongjoong replied, frowning when he couldn’t quite explain how he felt. He gestured hopelessly at himself and then into the air, hoping it could convey what his words lacked.
Yunho seemed to understand, smiling in that fond way he always did, that made the corners of his gorgeous brown eyes crinkle. “Did the design team disappoint you? I’m sorry, Joong. They’ll do better next time.”
“Is our alpha upset?”
The model’s deep voice came from beside Hongjoong, and he looked over at the beautiful statuesque angel to his left, immediately making grabby hands for the other male. Yeosang rolled his eyes, smirking as he allowed Hongjoong to cling to him and nuzzle into his neck. The blond shifted so Hongjoong could get at his scent gland, letting the other breathe deep of his own scent that was reminiscent of a deep walk in a forest, pine and petrichor with a hint of sweet lavender. Each scent anchored Hongjoong, his pack, as strange as it was, kept him here and in the now. Finally releasing the beta, the silver haired alpha sighed.
“What uh...what are you working on?” He managed to get out, feeling better but still not complete.
“Oh! One of our clients asked for a modern take on Greek Gods, so we’re doing a few test shots to see if they like what we have designed now, and we’ll tweak it as we go. Sangie here is our Apollo.” Yunho replied brightly.
Now that Hongjoong didn’t feel like he was going to shatter into a million pieces, he actually took in the beta. Yeosang was always gorgeous, and ever since he’d dyed his hair to that near white crisp blond he had become near ethereal. Tied with the beautiful white suit he was wearing, and gold bangles on his wrists and arms, as well as stretching along his ears, with a golden laurel crown on his head, he really did look like a God. What attracted Hongjoong the most was the actual suit. It looked like a simple three piece suit from one glance, but he could tell it was actually an asymmetrical design, sewn together with golden thread to give it that extra pop. Along the entire suit was hand stitched flower and leaf patterns, and on the back was a beautiful hand sewn phoenix adorned with gems and crystals.
“I love this design, who made it?” Hongjoong asked curiously.
“I’m not sure, actually. The clients sent it over, they said this piece was what inspired the whole shoot idea. Mingi’s got one too, actually. Mingi!” Yunho called over to the redhead in the makeup chair. “Come show Hongjoong that jacket you’ve got!”
Mingi smiled up at his make-up artist, giving a wink and a ‘one second’ finger, before hopping up and grabbing his jacket that he’d carefully put on a nearby chair. Heading over to the others, he held it up to let Hongjoong see it. “I love it! They said I’m Hades.” He explained excitedly.
Hongjoong was amazed at the detail. This jacket was cropped, but with a thin blue silk material that had been stitched along the cropped seam, giving it an ethereal draped look. On the back was a design of a three headed beast, in blues and silvers, decorated with gems and jewels like Yeosang’s. The suit itself had silver thread stitched along it to give it a pinstripe look, and it matched perfectly with the pinstripe pants and suspenders Mingi was wearing.
To say the outfits were inspired was an understatement. Hongjoong could practically feel himself salivating over them. Nuzzling into Mingi’s side just to take in both the outfit and his last mate’s scent of woodsmoke and chocolate, he reached out and gently ran his fingers along the stitchwork of the design.
“I want to know who made these.” He decided. “I want them in my company, or to work a collab with them or...or something. I just need to know who it is.”
Yunho laughed. “Last time you got this excited we ended up with a whole new fashion show just for that one designer, and he’s still here.”
Hongjoong snorted. “Chan’s designs are perfection and he and his team basically just rent out the fifth floor and pay me for it. Best acquisition I’ve made.”
Continuing to study the stitch work, Hongjoong reluctantly pulled away from Mingi, earning himself a small kiss to the temple from the tall red haired alpha. He smiled back at him, giving him a wink.
“Alright, someone find me that designer. I’m gonna go to my studio, I have an idea for what I want to show for fall this year.” He said, finally feeling complete as he had the three scents of his packmates on him.
“Don’t stay here too late, you promised you’d come home and help me cook dinner.” Yeosang pouted.
Hongjoong nodded. “I know, I’ve got it set as an alarm in my phone, I promise I’ll be there with a very fashionable apron on.” He grinned at the blond.
“Good, I’m throwing a pot at you if you’re not.” Yeosang replied, drifting more than walking really, towards his makeup artist to get ready for their continued shoot.
“Love you, Joong.” Mingi said with a dopey grin, heading back over to his own makeup artist to let her continue her work.
“Love you too.” Hongjoong turned and looked at Yunho, reaching up to ruffle his honey blond hair. “Thank you.” He said softly.
Yunho gave him a soft smile, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “Go on, go be artsy and amazing.” He told the other alpha, turning to head back to his monitor and check his photo sets.
Hongjoong smiled as he watched them all work, heart warm and full. He felt anchored again, just like he always did when he saw his pack. Some looked at him oddly when they saw his pack was composed of two other alphas and one beta. There were others more brazen that asked him where his omega was. He dismissed them, no one needed an omega in their lives, and he certainly needed no one except the others. Mingi and Yunho had been a connected pair when he’d met them, and Yeosang had pursued them before they’d all three taken to pursuing Hongjoong. It had been a very strange time, but rewarding as their three year anniversary was soon approaching, and he regretted not a minute of it.
Turning, he headed out of the studio, much more calm and honestly feeling inspired. Those jackets were perfect, and he had a growing vision on how to take the soft silks he’d seen into an idea for an outfit for fall. Heading for the sixth floor, where his own studio took up most of the floor, Hongjoong waved his hand when he entered the room, classical music immediately beginning to play. Taking a seat at his design desk, he slid on his half moon reading glasses, picking up his pencil and opening his sketchbook. He smiled as he studied the blank page, just waiting for his ideas to blossom upon it.
“Thank you, mysterious designer.” He said quietly, and then he began.
---
Seonghwa stared at his laptop screen, frowning as he scrolled through pictures. They’d asked for another six outfits for their pantheon set, bringing the number up to twelve, and he wasn’t sure which ones to use. He’d already picked the easy ones for his first set of six, and now he was trying to figure out his next six.
“San, do you like Artemis or Demeter more?” He called over to the dark haired male stacking fabrics across the office and storage area.
“Mm? Why?” San asked, grey eyes flicking over to the other, holding the bolt of satin to his chest.
“I got requested another six outfits, I’m trying to decide which Gods to do. I’m not sure...huntress versus agriculture? I guess maybe huntress since it’s fantasy, but...I do like the golds and creams afforded by Demeter.” Seonghwa frowned.
San looked thoughtful, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Well, you’ve got whites and blacks, I think maybe deep greens and golds would go really well to accent, so I think Artemis.” He decided finally.
“Perfect, thanks Sannie. That’s all of them, then.” Seonghwa smiled at the other, letting him get back to work.
He smelled the jasmine and vanilla before Wooyoung entered the room off the main shop, the blond beta bouncing excitedly towards his desk. “Hwa! Hwa! Look at this order I just took!” He said proudly, holding up a packet of papers. “Six suits for a wedding next year! The bride might even come and ask us to make her dress. She saw my beadwork on that dress we made last winter.” He was about to bounce through the ceiling, and Seonghwa couldn’t blame him.
Smiling brightly the omega reached out to pull the other in a hug. “I’m proud of you, Youngie. Let us know what help you need.”
Wooyoung nuzzled into him, soaking him in the lavender and vanilla scent. It mixed well with his own somewhat muted rose and gentle lemon. As a technically unmated omega Seonghwa tended to wear scent blockers when he could, but he liked that he could smell himself around his pack.
“Oh! Sannie! You have to help me with all the liners okay? I’m hopeless.” The violet haired beta said quickly, looking pleadingly at the dark haired male still stocking.
San turned around, looking thoughtful. “I dunno, what do I get out of it?” he challenged, grinning.
“Yah! Sannie please! You get my love and admiration!” Wooyoung replied, quickly pulling away from Seonghwa to go tackle the other omega, immediately nuzzling into him.
San looked pleased as he was snuggled into, but tried to keep up his ruse. “I get those no matter what, what else?”
Wooyoung huffed, squeezing the other tighter. “I’ll buy you mint chocolate ice cream.” He made a face, clearly this was the worst sacrifice.
San laughed, and Seonghwa enjoyed breathing in the pleased citrus and fresh sun heated grass scent off the other omega. “Alright, I’ll help you, for ice cream.” He agreed, snickering as Wooyoung cheered and spun him around in a lift.
“Now I just need Jongho.” Wooyoung said, eyes sparkling in whatever idea he’d concocted.
Seonghwa smirked, going back to his laptop and continuing to look up images for his inspiration board. “Don't do anything that will disturb his studies.” He called out.
“I won’t! Who do you think I am?” Wooyoung pouted, perking up when he heard the door chime from their front door. “Ooo, maybe that’s him.”
Seonghwa couldn’t help but chuckle as the beta all but ran out of the office, getting up. “I’ll go watch the shop since he’s going to be chatting Jongho’s ear off.” he told San.
“I’ll be out in a second to help.” The other omega told him, picking up his last bolt to start putting it away.
Seonghwa nodded, heading out of the storage and office, into his small shop. The shop itself was full of every bit of equipment they’d need to make just about anything someone might ask for. From suits to even just alterations to regular clothes, Red Thread Tailors was happy to make anyone’s fashion dreams come true. Or at least that’s what their flyer said. Heading towards the front, he had a moment to notice Wooyoung staring at the person who’d come in, before he caught sight of their visitor.
Silver hair perfectly flipped so it looked tousled, sharp almost feline features that rivaled San’s, and the most beautiful blue eyes Seonghwa had ever seen. His clothes were clearly hand made, stylish jean jacket with an orange creamsicle shirt beneath it. His white pants stopped above his ankle, revealing a pair of Italian leather shoes in white. His ears were decorated in silver adornments, studs and dangling chains, and around his neck was a silver necklace that ended in a gothic cross. He was flawless from his eyebrows, the left with it’s cross cut at the end, to the small tattoo that peeked out of the bottom of his pant leg. Seonghwa felt dumbstruck.
Then he felt anger.
“Hi! I’m Kim Hongjoong, I was looking for the designer of these outfits.” The silver haired alpha was saying to Wooyoung, his expensive phone out and showing the beta pictures.
“Oh! That would be our owner’s work! Park Seonghwa is the best tailor and designer in the whole city.” Wooyoung replied proudly.
“Park...Seonghwa?” Hongjoong’s brows furrowed, and then he looked up just as Seonghwa stormed over.
“Get out.” The dark haired omega practically growled.
Wooyoung flinched as even with the blockers the omega’s scent was fiery and burning in anger, wilted roses and acrid sharp chemical lemon. He looked confused, staring between the two, trying to understand what was going on.
“Seonghwa! It’s been forever!” Hongjoong said brightly, as if the omega hadn’t just demanded he leave.
“Get out of my shop.” Seonghwa repeated, fists clenching as he tried to calm himself down.
“Wait, hear me out! Your client that asked for those outfits? They’re using my company to do all the modeling work. They’re inspired, Seonghwa! I wanted to come meet the person who made them, and I was shocked when I got sent to this small shop that’s a forty minute subway ride from the main part of the city. Please, just listen, you know who I am, you know what I could do for you.” Hongjoong put on his best winning alpha smile, trying to calm the omega in front of him.
There had been a time, many years ago, when that smile could have calmed him. It would have tugged at his heart strings and he would have done anything the other had said. Seonghwa steeled himself, grey eyes narrowing.
“I know exactly what you can do for me, Kim Hongjoong. Get. Out. Of. My. Shop.” He punctuated each word sharply.
Hongjoong faltered then, his smile fading just a little and Seonghwa felt a small stab of triumph when he saw a flicker of anger in those crystal blue eyes.
“Seonghwa, please. Just listen to me. There’s no reason to get this angry.” He tried again.
A sharp growl from behind the alpha had Hongjoong turning, staring up at a crimson haired burly alpha male who was dressed in a nice sweater and long black pants, dark eyes burning with anger.
“I think you heard him. You should leave now, sir.” The young alpha said, voice very polite, but it was obvious that if Hongjoong refused again, there would be more problems than just an angry omega to contend with.
Realizing he was outnumbered, Hongjoong finally backed off, frowning and looking at Seonghwa. When he saw nothing but anger from the omega, he sighed and took out a business card, sliding it on the glass front counter.
“I want to talk to you about those outfits, and possibly working with my company. Call me when you can.” He told the dark haired omega, before finally moving around the other alpha and escaping the shop quickly.
Seonghwa took a deep breath, realizing he was shaking. He lowered his head, eyes closing. He felt deep burning embarrassment when he realized the two he’d just had a fit in front of had no idea what was going on. “I’m sorry.” He finally said, voice small.
“Don’t be sorry. Whatever that guy’s issue is, it’s our issue too! That’s what pack is right?” Wooyoung replied, reaching out to gently run his fingers up and down the omega’s arm, not wanting to spook him with a full hug just yet.
“Seonghwa, are you alright? I can go make sure he actually leaves.” Jongho offered, frowning. He’d never seen the tall omega like this, and his protective instincts were flaring harshly.
“No, no it’s alright.” Seonghwa opened his eyes then, giving the alpha a small smile. “Thank you, for protecting us. Wooyoung has something to ask you.” He reached out to take the card Hongjoong had left, giving the beta a gentle hand squeeze and leaving him to the alpha, heading back into the office.
San was suspiciously still at the bolts, and Seonghwa caught him giving him a long look and then looking away when he saw Seonghwa had caught him.
“It’s okay San...he’s gone.” Seonghwa said gently, moving to sit back at his desk, tossing the card next to his laptop.
“Are you okay?” San asked, approaching the other omega to wrap his arms around his head, cradling him against his stomach and gently pressing a kiss to the top of his hair.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just wasn’t expecting Kim Hongjoong to walk into my shop.” Seonghwa snorted. “Out of all the fashion designers in all the world.”
San smirked. “The biggest upcoming designer in the last five years just happened to wander into your shop after you made a killer collection of clothes? Weird.” He kissed the top of Seonghwa’s head again. “It’s been eight years, Seonghwa. You shouldn’t have to see him, but you shouldn’t carry that anger so much.”
Seonghwa sighed, eyes closing as he just soaked in the warmth of the other omega. “I know...it just...it hurts to think of what could have been, sometimes. I wasn’t expecting it to crop up in the middle of my day.”
San chuckled, finally letting him go, gently smoothing the other’s dark hair out of his eye, only for it to flop back over stylishly. “Just remember you have a pack that loves you, and we want you to be happy. I’ll go punch Hongjoong if you want me to.” He teased.
Seonghwa finally grinned, shaking his head. “No, but if you could do me a favor? Act as my secretary and call that asshole and see what he wants? I may hate him, but I don’t hate his money, and if we can milk him for a couple thousand my injured heart might mend a bit.”
San laughed, eyeing the other. “That’s the Seonghwa I know. No promises, but I’ll see what I can do to get your broken heart fixed fully.”
Seonghwa smiled as he watched the lithe omega grab the card to go put it in his own desk for later, before heading out to the front to join in on Wooyoung and Jongho’s antics. Letting out a slow breath, he rubbed his face and then just thunked his forehead on his arms. Of all the days, of all the times, it had to be the day before the anniversary. Seonghwa snorted, shaking his head. It didn’t matter, Hongjoong didn’t matter. All that mattered was he had his own dream shop, with a cute two story apartment building above, two packmates he adored and a little baby alpha that would join them officially once he was done with university. His life was amazing, and no asshole Kim Hongjoong would disrupt it.