#Alpha Alejandro Vargas x Omega Rodolfo Parra | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

callsign-bunnie · 1 year

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Umm I have a request of a slasher AU with alpha Ghost x omega soap and alpha alejando x omega Rodolfo

Rudy and Soap go on a class trip to the woods with there teacher. The class goes into this abandon building where they soon find out that serial killers are there. Soap and Rudy run but gets pushed by some class mates to the killers.

I did a little different from a class trip since that's the exact plot of the first chapter of Slasher Fieldtrip and went with a party, instead

Rodolfo rolled his eyes as Soap went on and on about the party they were going to. A party in the woods in the middle of September. What a great idea! It’s apparently at this abandoned school, too, which…

“Why are we even going to this again?” Rodolfo sighed and turned to Soap, hugging himself. He didn’t like dressing nearly as… showy as Soap. He would not slut shame his best friend. Even if he dressed in a manner similar to one. And had lots of sex. He would not slut shame him.

Soap looked over at him. “God, Rudy, could you be more of a stereotype?” He came over, pulling Rodolfo’s shirt back and tying it. “Try to look a little sexy! Come on! We’re having fun!”

Rodolfo huffed and pulled away, untying his shirt. “No. I’m only going to this party because you want to go. Which, again, I ask, why are we going??”

“Because I am bored.” Soap sighed. “It is our second year of college and maybe you’re content with doing nothing but studying and being bored all year, but I want to do something. You don’t want me to go alone.”

Rodolfo sighed, since Soap had a point. “Yeah, I guess…” He shook his head. “Fine, but don’t expect me to dress… sexy or whatever. I’m content like this.”

“Of course you are.” Soap shook his head. “Fine, fine.” He smiled and then he kissed Rodolfo’s cheek. “Let’s go!”

Rodolfo snorted, unbothered since Soap was always affectionate. “Yeah, yeah, let’s go.”

They took Soap’s car and Rodolfo let Soap drive, his nerves growing as they went down the dirt path that led to the old school. He wondered why it didn’t have like a road or something that led to it, but he didn’t ask out loud, doubting Soap had bothered to find out.

He loved his best friend, but he didn’t ask very many questions. Rodolfo was the opposite, constantly asking questions. When they parked in what look like a very beat up parking lot, he wasn’t shocked to see a fair amount of other cars. “What if the cops get called?”

“Eh, no laws are being broken, save for maybe underage drinking. The owner of the property’s daughter is running the party.” Soap explained as they got out, locking up the jeep he’d bought the year before. “So, we should be fine. Are you going to be drinking?”

“No, I’ll have to drive us back.” Rodolfo snorted. Not to mention, he rarely drank at parties. He shook his head and followed Soap inside, cringing as they went into the doors of the school. It was apparently an elementary school, which maybe added to the eerieness a little.

The lights were off, though floodlights had been set up, and most of the party appeared to be in the cafeteria which could be seen through this big glass wall in the direct entrance. So, Rodolfo and Soap went there.

Soap immediately dragged him to the drink table, getting a beer, and Rodolfo made a face, just grabbing a soda. “Loosen up,” Soap nudged him. “At least try to have fun! Come on! It’s a party!”

“Yeah, exactly, I don’t go to those!” Rodolfo groaned and shook his head. He was grateful he’d made the choice to wear scent suppressants, cringing a little as some people accidentally got too close to him. He got an idea, knowing how his best friend was. “Can we explore the rest of the school a little?”

“Sure.” Soap grinned. “I want to check it out.”

Rodolfo relaxed, his head pounding from the loud music, and he grabbed Soap’s wrist, dragging him out of the cafeteria and to a random hallway. There weren’t any flood lights down it so Rodolfo got out his phone flashlight and they hesitantly started down the hallway.

Rodolfo glanced into doors, seeing mostly bare and empty classrooms and they paused at a door that was closed. Soap just immediately opened it and Rodolfo went to stop him. Both cringed and froze as the smell of sex hit them and Soap immediately shut the door. “Gross.” Rodolfo muttered.

“I dunno, gives me ideas.” Soap laughed and Rodolfo just lightly shoved him. “Come on, when was the last time you had sex?”

Rodolfo winced. “It’s been a while.” He admitted. “I don’t have time for sex.” That was a lie, he just didn’t like hookup culture and he had no interest in trying to form a lasting relationship with the alpha douchebags that went to their college.

Soap didn’t look convinced but shook his head and they continued down the hallway. Finally, they found a room that still looked like it had stuff in it, so they went into the room, using Rudy’s flashlight to look around. Rodolfo found the drawings still taped to the wall to be eerie, going up to them. They looked to be drawings of apple trees. “Why did this place close down, anyway?”

“One of the student’s father kept killing kids and the school did nothing about it.” Soap explained. “Apparently another kid went missing, too, and the school just didn’t care.”

Rodolfo blinked and frowned. “What were both kid’s names?”

“Uh, the first was Simon Riley I think? The second was Alejandro Vargas.”

Rodolfo winced, holding his head. Why was that second name familiar? He shook it off and tried to clear his sudden headache. “So they just closed it?”

“They had to, I think. I dunno, Rudy, I’m not a lawyer.” Soap snorted and came over to him. “Oh, shit, see!” He pointed to one of the drawings and Rodolfo looked at it, frowning as he saw Simon Riley was the name on the drawing. It was a fairly normal drawing.

Kind of.

Then, Rodolfo noticed the weird like demon thing which appeared to be standing behind a tree. “Creepy,” he mumbled as he pointed it out to Soap, who nodded in agreement. “Wonder if Alejandro Vargas’s is on here.”

“Yeah, probably,” a voice came from behind, startling them, and both whipped around.

But, no one was there.

They shared a look. “Maybe let’s go back to the rest of the party.” Rodolfo suggested and Soap immediately nodded.

Rodolfo was glad for the silent agreement to just not talk about what just happened as they started back down the hallway. But right as they got to it, the doors which separated the hallway from the rest of the school closed, cutting them off. Rodolfo jolted back at the sudden noise and looked at Soap, who was making a face.

“I think we’re being pranked.” Soap muttered.

“Yeah, by who?”

“Don’t be mad.” Soap winced. “Please.”

“Soap.” Rodolfo crossed his arms, already mad.

Soap pouted. “Please, Rudy, don’t be mad. You have to promise first.”

Rodolfo narrowed his eyes before sighing. “Fine. What did you do?”

“I told Wayne you’d be here.” Soap cringed. “It was how I even got the location in the first place.”

“Soap, you fucking asshole!” Rodolfo groaned, touching his forehead.

“Don’t be mad, you promised!” Soap immediately said and Rodolfo just glared at him. “Please! Besides, I only told him you might be here.”

Rodolfo couldn’t fault Soap too hard. Soap didn’t fully know why Wayne and Rodolfo had broken up the year before… “So you think he’s pulling all of this shit?”

“Maybe…” Soap mumbled. “I’m really sorry, Rudy.”

“It’s fine.” Rodolfo shook his head, even though it wasn’t. He just went to the door, yanking it open, and relaxing when he saw the rest of the party. Just don’t react, don’t give in. That was the best way of dealing with Wayne.

Rodolfo and Soap went back to the cafeteria, where they found a small area for Soap to continue to drink in and Rodolfo just hugged himself as he watched to make sure no one got too handsy with Soap, not wanting his best friend to get taken advantage of.

“Hey, Rudy…” An arm snaked around Rodolfo’s shoulders and Rodolfo immediately felt uncomfortable. “You might want to be careful, I’ve heard this place is haunted.”

Rodolfo shoved Wayne’s arm off his shoulders. “I think I’ll take my chances, thanks.” He glared at Wayne, who just laughed.

“Are you sure you want to, baby? Come on, I’ll keep you safe.” Wayne grabbed his waist and pulled him closer and Rodolfo gagged at the scent of him. He shoved Wayne away, again, and shook his head.

“Eat shit, Wayne.” Rodolfo muttered and pulled away.

“God, you’re such a bi-”

Soap shoved Wayne down to the floor. “Don’t talk to him like that.”

Wayne snarled and was up a moment later, but Soap moved in front of Rodolfo, puffing out his chest. Wayne looked between them and just shook his head. “Whatever, you’re not worth it.” He spat and then walked away, immediately finding some omega to start grinding up on.

Rodolfo relaxed as he was gone, shaking his head. “I think I’d rather take my chances with the fucking ghosts.” He joked as Soap shook his head.

“Fucker.” Soap muttered. “I shouldn’t have told him you were here.” He turned to Rodolfo, who just shrugged and shook his head.

“Whatever. You did, not much we can do to fix it.” Rodolfo shrugged and sighed. He was almost tempted to drink, now, just because of that interaction. Even still, he did not accept the beer Soap offered him as he grabbed another.

Soap grinned. “Well, you wanna take your chances with another hallway?”

Rodolfo rolled his eyes. “Yeah, sure.” He muttered, since they knew whatever “ghost” was haunting them was Wayne, now.

So, Soap tugged him out of the cafeteria and to another hallway. Rodolfo followed him as they walked down it, avoiding the closed doors. They’d learned their lesson. They found one that oddly had a floodlight in it, but was completely empty, save for some old desks and some posters on the wall.

Soap shrugged and climbed up onto a desk, sitting on it. Rodolfo grabbed the teacher’s desk from behind the desk and pulled it over, sitting in it. “Figures.” Soap muttered. “We’re at a party and we find some way to be alone.”

Rodolfo laughed. “We’re best friends, aren’t we?”

Soap shrugged. “Fair.” He smiled. “Wish I’d brought my weed.”

“Fuck, me too.” The one substance Rodolfo had no problem consuming, but he had a card because of a head injury when he was a teenager.

Soap leaned back on his hands after putting his beer in his lap and looked up at the ceiling. “Kind of eerie being in a place where a bunch of kids died, you know?”

“No,” Rodolfo huffed, “because I was trying not to think about it.”

“Yeah, you like to do that, don’t you?” Soap snapped and Rodolfo flinched.

Rodolfo shook his head, looking away. “Fuck you, that was uncalled for.”

Soap was silent and then he sighed. “You’re right, I’m sorry.” He mumbled. “I don’t know, I’m just… Maybe this party wasn’t a good idea.”

Rodolfo wasn’t sure he disagreed. He wasn’t ready to face how awkward things had been between them since Halloween. That tended to happen when your best friend randomly started crying about how lonely he was and then tried to make out with you in front of an entire party. “Still, we’re here now.” Rodolfo lifted his foot, nudging Soap.

Soap smiled and nodded. “You’re right, we are.” He relaxed and sighed, shaking his head. He downed the rest of his beer and then cursed. “I should have grabbed a second one, just in case. Stay here, I’m gonna go grab another.”

“Please be quick,” Rodolfo pleaded as he sat up.

Soap laughed. “I will be. I promise.” He then left the room and Rodolfo found himself tensing, immediately.

He tried not to panic, taking deep breaths and closing his eyes. He really didn’t like being alone in dark rooms. Not for any reason, he was just a normal human being. “Fuck…” He muttered and scratched at his arms, getting up and going around the room, looking at the posters which were lit up by the floodlight in the room.

They looked to be for a slightly older age group. Fifth graders if Rodolfo had to guess, since that had been the oldest in the school. Well, he was assuming since it was an elementary school. He frowned as he heard someone enter the room, turning around and then stopping dead in his tracks when he saw someone was standing in the doorway, wearing a black skull mask.

Rodolfo froze, noticing blood on their mask. He tried not to shake, hoping this was just another shitty prank by Wayne. “Wayne, I’m not in the mood.” He glared at them.

They didn’t move.

Rodolfo made a frustrated sound. “Wayne, I fucking mean it! I’m not in the mood! Go play your games with someone else!”

They still didn’t move, except to slowly tilt their head. Rodolfo frowned, deeply. Wayne had never been able to hold onto a bit for this long… Maybe he’d gotten better. Rodolfo took a deep breath and clenched his hands into breath. “Wayne, I mean it.”

They finally moved, stepping further into the room and then stepping up to Rodolfo.

Rodolfo tensed as the scent of alpha hit him, but they were wearing light enough blockers that he couldn’t distinguish their smell. Wayne hadn’t been wearing those, he didn’t believe in them. But, he did believe he’d try them just to torment Rodolfo. That was kind of his whole thing.

Rodolfo took a deep breath and then slowly looked up at them, met with warm brown eyes. Wayne’s eyes were blue. This was… not Wayne. Rodolfo flinched back as they moved their hand, watching them pause and stop moving for a moment before they were continuing to lift their hand and then they were pulling their mask off.

The face underneath was young, probably around Rodolfo’s age. They were a male alpha, their skin only a few shades lighter than Rodolfo’s, with hair that was black. They didn’t look especially cruel, but they also were wearing a mask splattered with what looked like blood, so he wasn’t too sure.

Rodolfo backed up a little and they didn’t move again, their eyes just watching him. “I- Did- Did Wayne set you up for this?”

“No.” They shook their head.

Rodolfo’s heart finally started to race. He took a deep breath, only backing up more in his fear. “What do you want?”

“Eres hermoso.” They smiled, softly, continuing to watch him.

Rodolfo’s skin flamed despite the situation and he looked towards the door as he heard his name called, recognizing Soap’s voice. He went to call back but he was shoved to the floor, landing on his front. When he looked back, they were gone and Soap was rushing into the room. “Rudy- Rudy we have to go!”

Soap came over and helped Rodolfo up and Rodolfo shook his head. “Did someone come out of the room??”

“Fuck, I couldn’t see, it was too dark! Whatever, Rudy we have to go!” Soap grabbed Rodolfo’s arm and started to yank him out of the room.

Rodolfo’s eyes widened as he saw something dark streaking the floor in the hallway, his mind only able to imagine what it possibly could be. “Oh god, Soap, what’s going on??”

“Someone is killing people or- I don’t know. There’s just a lot of fucking blood.” Soap was pulling him to an emergency exit and Rodolfo quickly rushed with him.

Right as they got there, however, they were yelping and jerking back as someone slammed against it. Another person in a skull mask, though this one was white. Or, it looked like it used to be because it was covered in blood.

They both backed up from the door and watched them reach down and Soap immediately lunged forward, locking the door with the deadbolt it had.

The person on the other side of the door stopped moving and they just stared at them. In the very faint light spilling out from the room behind him, Rodolfo saw they also had brown eyes, which were so dark they looked black.

He took deep breaths and looked at Soap, who looked just as at a loss. So, Rodolfo grabbed his wrist and tugged him in the other direction, running with him out of the hallway. They saw the main area was now dark where it’d been previously lit up and Rodolfo took deep breaths, looking around and trying not to panic.

They heard screaming down one of the hallways and looked at each other, both seeming to make the decision to go literally anywhere else. Rodolfo looked around, seeing the entrance they’d came in through and headed that direction before yelping as he was grabbed and yanked into a room.

Soap was yanked with him and they turned around to see that most of the party goers were in the room. Several of them appeared to be bloody and the room was lit up by a flood light. “What’s going on?” Soap immediately asked who’d yanked them in.

Rodolfo recognized them from classes as an alpha named Brandon. Brandon shook his head. “Fuck, I don’t know. We heard screaming, saw blood, and most of us filed in here. A couple of them might know, but… From what I’ve gathered, two alphas are running around killing people.”

“Were they from the party?” Rodolfo asked.

“I don’t know.” Brandon shook his. “They were wearing masks.”

“Great.” Soap grunted and then sighed. “Has anyone been able to get a hold of the cops?”

“No, the school has some sort of data blocking thing.” Brandon winced.

Someone suddenly pushed through everyone to them and Rodolfo groaned as he saw Wayne emerge from the crowd. “It’s two alphas, right?? Let’s just chuck them back out there as sacrifices. They’re both omegas, right?”

Rodolfo rolled his eyes. “Real funny, Wayne. I don’t think that’s going to work.”

He looked around the room, seeing everyone was avoiding his eyes and he shared a look with Soap, who looked incredulous. “You’re fucking kidding! Why would that work?? They’re killing people! They’re just going to kill us and then come after all of you!”

“It’s worth a shot.” Brandon mumbled. “Only alphas seem to be missing…”

“Seriously?!” Soap spoke up. “Have you considered that maybe we don’t deserve to die?!”

“You’re the last ones in here.” Wayne snorted. “Here, let’s pull a vote. All in favor of throwing these two out and then running the other direction?”

Rodolfo just felt… in awe at how many people raised their hands. “Assholes.” It was really the only thing he could say. They were seriously going to fucking sacrifice Rodolfo and Soap and… there was no fucking way it was going to work.

“Absolutely not.” Soap muttered, grabbing Rodolfo’s arm and yanking him out of the room. However, both were grabbed before they could get anywhere.

Rodolfo was shoved to the ground and he tried to struggle, but his hands were bound behind his back despite his struggling. He could hear Soap cussing and growling beside him, and his heart started to beat faster and faster as his brain caught up to what was happening.

Oh god, these bastards were going to leave them to die.

If he survived this, he was going to kill Wayne.

They were eventually lifted back up and borderline dragged to the hallway they had previously came from, where Wayne said that the killers had came from, and Brandon had just nodded and agreed. Rodolfo did try to struggle a few times, but it was really of no use because he and Soap were forced to sit with their backs to each other in the middle of the hallway.

“You think that’s fine? Should we like… do anything else or?” Brandon asked.

Wayne looked at Rodolfo and Rodolfo’s heart spiked with fear. Wayne laughed and just shook his head. “Nah, this should be fine. Let’s go.” He gestured and Brandon left. They closed the big doors behind them and Soap cursed, softly.

“Someone unlocked the deadbolt…” Soap muttered.

Rodolfo had another spike of fear hit his heart. He swallowed and took deep breaths, trying not to throw up from fear. It was an old habit, one that had yet to die. “This… this could all just be a prank from Wayne.” Rodolfo mumbled. “We don’t know if anyone has actually died…”

“Rudy, I’m… I’m staring at a pair of bloody legs right now.”

Rodolfo squeezed his eyes shut, taking deep breaths. “It could be a really good prank.”

“They’re not attached to a whole body.”

“Oh god, we’re going to die…” Rodolfo felt tears fill his eyes and he shook his head, leaning it back against Soap’s shoulder. “Fucking bastards!” He kicked at the ground, cursing loudly.

“Rudy?”

Rodolfo finally stopped moving and just slumped his body, opening his eyes and looking at the ceiling. “Yes?” He asked, after a moment.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry for telling Wayne you were coming and… I’m sorry for constantly trying to change you…” Soap’s voice sounded rough, likely with tears.

Rodolfo’s whole body trembled and he took more deep breaths, trying not to break down sobbing. “It’s… It’s okay… I forgive you… I’m sorry for… treating you like you’re dumb and… thinking you’re a whore.”

“You think I’m a whore??”

“I don’t- Yeah…” Rodolfo admitted. “I’m… I’m sorry. You’re not one, you’re just… not like me and I shouldn’t judge you for that.”

Soap was silent for a moment and then his shoulders dropped. “Heh, maybe I am one.” He mumbled. “It’s okay, though.” His head fell back, hitting Rodolfo’s shoulder. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and they won’t even know we’re down here.”

Rodolfo snorted and then his head was jerking up as the doors in front of him were swinging open. He watched as a very bloody Wayne was held up by his collar and dropped in the doorway by the alpha wearing the black skull mask.

They dropped down and lifted Wayne’s head by his hair. “Go and apologize.”

Wayne didn’t even hesitate, scrambling across the hallway to Rodolfo. Rodolfo tensed up as he neared, doing his best not to just start screaming. He could feel how tense Soap was behind him, and he managed to find Soap’s hands, linking fingers with him.

Wayne stopped in front of Rodolfo. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” He was sobbing and Rodolfo gagged as he saw Wayne’s stomach was cut open. How he was even alive was beyond Rodolfo, since his organs had started to spill out. “Please forgive me.”

The alpha came over to Rodolfo and crouched down beside Wayne, standing in front of Rodolfo. “You can decide if he lives. Do you forgive him?”

Rodolfo glanced between the alpha and Wayne, who was begging for forgiveness, his hands together. “I…” He couldn’t speak, he could barely breathe. “Oh god…” A sob escaped his chest.

The alpha’s eyes softened under the mask. “It’s okay… I know this is a hard decision. Why don’t I ask Johnny?”

Soap tensed more, somehow. “How the fuck do you know my real name?!”

Rodolfo would definitely like to know as well, since it was not something he gave out to just anyone. But, he didn’t say anything as the alpha grabbed Wayne’s hair and dragged him around Rodolfo and disappeared out of Rodolfo’s peripheral.

He heard a soft thud and Wayne sobbing harder. “Should Rudy forgive him?”

Soap was dead silent and then his voice was hard as he answered. “No. No he should not.”

Wayne screamed, the sound guttural, and Rodolfo felt Soap gag before hearing him, and then he heard Soap vomit and felt him hunch over. Another sob forced its way through Rodolfo’s body as he forced himself not to think about why Soap might be throwing up.

“It’s okay…” The alpha was speaking again. “It’s over, now, see?”

“You’re a sick bastard!” Soap yelled and Rodolfo tried not to choke on his sobs.

The alpha didn’t reply, coming back around to in front of Rodolfo. “It’s okay that you couldn’t decide… I’m not angry at you… It’s a hard decision to make. Not to forgive someone. We’re taught that forgiveness is… natural. That choosing not to forgive someone gives them power, but it doesn’t.” The alpha crouched down and then he removed one of the black gloves he was wearing, wiping Rodolfo’s face. “You’re too pretty to be crying like this…”

Rodolfo flinched back from the alpha’s touch, only able to cry harder. “Don’t touch me…” He meant it to sound harder. Stronger. But it only came out weak and scared. “Please..”

The alpha went still and watched him. “I’m going to be back.” He said as he stood. “Don’t go anywhere.”

Rodolfo wasn’t exactly sure they had a choice, taking a deep breath. “Soap…”

“You don’t want to know.”

Rodolfo decided to believe him and put his head back, again. “Do you… Do you think he’s going to kill us when he gets back?”

“What else could he do?”

Rodolfo had a bit of a fear as to what exactly the alpha could do and he was starting to think just dying was the best option. “I’m scared…”

“Me too.”

Rodolfo tried to take more deep breaths, but they just ended up shaking as he sobbed. “If we get out of this, you can dress me however you want for the next party…”

“I’m gonna hold you to that,” Soap answered, clearly trying to joke. “Actually, I think I’m done with parties after this.”

“Me too…” Rodolfo relaxed and took a deep breath. “I love you. You’re a really good friend. Better than I give you credit for.”

“You are… a fucking phenomenal friend. It’s my fault we’re even in this shit.” Soap took deep breaths.

Rodolfo shook his head, but didn’t respond, closing his eyes and clasping hands with Soap, again. He again tried to take deep breaths, but it just didn’t work.

He opened his eyes as he heard footsteps approach and he tensed as the alpha in the black skull mask reappeared in the large doorway. He shook his head as he neared. “Please, I’ll do anything, just please don’t kill us…”

He saw another alpha enter as well, the one in the white skull mask. In the doorway, Rodolfo was able to see that this alpha was… fucking huge. It only added to Rodolfo’s terror and he tensed up as the alpha in the black skull mask crouched in front of him, again. “Shh… I’m not going to kill you…” He murmured and then he reached up, pushing the mask up on top of his head and pushing the hood of the hoodie he was wearing back. Even his face was splattered with blood and Rodolfo tried not to flinch back as his hand moved to touch his face, again. “God, you’re beautiful…”

“Alejandro, the police are on their way.” The other spoke. His voice was a lot deeper than Rodolfo was expecting, but maybe Rodolfo hadn’t really been expecting anything. “We need to get them out of here if we’re taking them.”

“Alejandro?” Soap spoke up. “You’re… you’re that kid that went missing.”

“In the flesh.” Alejandro nodded.

Rodolfo’s brain was more focused on the “taking” part. “Where… Where are you taking us?”

“Away.” Alejandro shook his head and then he was moving to touch Rodolfo’s waist.

Rodolfo jerked back, immediately, and shook his head. “No, no, I’m not going anywhere with you and neither is Soap. Leave us alone!” He kicked at Alejandro, but Alejandro moved out of the way before his feet could connect.

Alejandro frowned at him and held his hand up as the other moved forward. “They sacrificed you.”

“You killed people.” Soap spoke up.

Rodolfo sniffled. “I want.. I want to go home. I want to go back to the college.”

Alejandro stared at him and then his jaw clenched and he almost looked angry. Rodolfo tensed, now growing afraid of what the consequences of that action might be. “You don’t remember me.”

Rodolfo paused and then he looked over Alejandro’s face but… nothing. “Why would I remember you? I don’t know you…”

Alejandro looked away from him, glaring at the floor. “You grab the other, I’ll grab Rudy.” He spoke to the one in the white mask and Rodolfo screamed, shaking his head and kicking again. He managed to connect with Alejandro’s knee, causing him to fall backwards.

Rodolfo flinched back as Alejandro stood and then he winced at a splitting headache starting. Oh no. Oh no no. “Soap, Soap, I…” Already, he felt lightheaded. It made sense, this honestly should have happened sooner.

“Fuck!” Soap cried, starting to struggle.

Rodolfo’s head fell back and he watched both Alejandro and the other freeze. The vision in his right eye was fading and the whole right side of his head felt heavy, thick. “Soap…” He mumbled, hoping Soap was catching onto what was happening.

“Rudy, no! Keep your eyes open, you can’t let yourself pass out! Goddamnit! Your fucking medication is in the car!” Soap struggled harder behind Rodolfo.

Rodolfo was trying to keep himself awake, but his head just felt so heavy. “Soap… Soap…” Everything started to fade and he shook his head, desperately trying to keep himself awake. He could vaguely tell that Soap was speaking, again, but his brain was just not picking it up.

Oh well, maybe this was better than dying by them.

Rodolfo blinked open his eyes, wincing at how bright it was. He held his hand up, shielding his eyes from the light, and frowned as he recognized the gray tile of a hospital. He looked around, seeing Soap was asleep, his head laying on the bed.

“Fuck,” he muttered, holding his head.

Soap immediately jerked awake, looking at him. “Oh thank god, you’re awake!”

“Reluctantly…” Rodolfo mumbled, touching his face. “What happened?”

“Well, when you passed out, Alejandro asked what the fuck was going on. I explained about your TBI and how you have… episodes and that the only thing that could save you from potential brain death was going to the hospital, so they both sort of waited until the police came and then just… left.” Soap winced. “Well… not completely left. I… Alejandro said they’d be back. They just have to ‘fix some things’ and then they’d be back.”

Rodolfo wished he could be afraid, but the medication made his brain too foggy. “Great…” He just sighed and shook his head. “Have you been here the whole time?”

“Not quite, I did talk to the police, but other than that… yeah.” Soap winced. “They said you can go as soon as you wake up.”

Rodolfo snorted. “Good. Get a nurse so I can get the fuck out of here.”

Soap nodded and stood, leaving the room. He came back a bit later with a nurse and Soap told Rodolfo that the police wanted him to give a statement when he woke up, so they resolved to go to the police station after that.

Rodolfo changed and then he was discharged, and so they went out. Apparently the police had let Soap bring his jeep, which Rodolfo was grateful for, not wanting to have to bother with public transport. He went up to the jeep, frowning when he saw Soap freeze.

Then, a presence came up to his back. “Miss me?”

Well, his brain certainly was working through the fog, now. He closed his eyes, feeling something press against his back.

“Let’s go.”

Tempted to jokingly call this Slasher Party. Fuck it.

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miss-multi45 · 5 months

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Hello again, peeps.

I'm redoing my intro post.

Hello, I'm Cassiopeia, you can shorten that down to whatever is good for you.

I will write for these Harry Potter characters:

Fred Weasley

George Weasley

Hermione Granger

Harry Potter

Ronald Weasley

Ginny Weasley

Luna Lovegood

Draco Malfoy

Cedric Diggory

I will write for these Creepypasta characters:

Jeff the Killer

Homicidal Liu and Sully

BEN_Drowned

Sally Williams

Lazari

Zalgo

Stripes

Lifeless Lucy

Ticci Toby

The Hooded Man/Hoodie

The Masked Man/Masky

X-Virus

Rouge/The Prowler and Wilson the Basher

Nurse Ann

Dr Pain

Dr Smiley

Eyeless Jack

KageKao

Jason the Toymaker

Candypop

Laughing Jack

Laughing Jill

Papa Grande de Magico

Nathan the Nobody

Clockwork

Nina the Killer

Jane Everlasting/Jane the Killer

Judge Angels

Bloody Painter

The Puppeteer

The Pianist

The Bartender 1941

Dark Link

Glitchy Red

The Cat Hunter

The Black Wolf

Frankie the Undead

The Chessmaster

Vine the Dollmaker

Kate the Chaser

Sam Williams

Zero

Emra

Suicide Sadie

The Roadwalker

Isaac Grossman

Candy Cane

April Fools

The Item Stealer

Lulu

Lily Kennent

I will write for these Call of Duty characters:

Simon 'Ghost' Riley

John 'Soap' Mactavish

John Price

König

Kim 'Horangi' Hong-jin

Alejandro Vargas

Kyle 'Gaz' Garrick

Rodolfo 'Rudy' Parra

Valeria Garza

Keegan P. Russ

Phillip Graves

Kate Laswell

I will write for these Lockwood and Co. characters:

Anthony Lockwood

Lucy Carlyle

Quill Kipps

George Karim

I will write for these Ghost members:

Dewdrop/Sodomizer

Swiss Army Ghoul/ Swiss

Rain

Phantom

Aether

Mountain

Cirrus

Cumulus

Aurora

Sunshine

Omega

Alpha

Ifrit

Mist

Terzo

Cardinal Copia

Any Papas

I will write for these Sleep Token members:

Vessel

III

The Vesselettes

I will NOT write p*d*philia, zoophilia, rape, b**stiality. Or anything too gory, like, Black Christmas 2006 level gore or Terrifier level gore, because it makes me extremely uncomfortable.

I WILL write for angst, smut, fluff, crack (funny stuff), Incorrect Quotes, headcanons, scenarios, imagines (same as scenarios??), wholesome shit, and I will write matchups and create a scenario/headcanons with your oc as long as you describe them to me.

#my writing #harry potter #harry potter x reader #creepypasta #creepypasta x reader #creepypasta fandom #ghost the band #ghost x reader #sleep token band #sleep token x reader #i need sleep #lockwood and co #lockwood and Co. x reader

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vampsquerade · 2 years

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Requests Rules (Current Status: Open)

Characters Per Request for headcanons: Maximum of 2.

Characters Per Story: Maximum of 4 (all characters will be partners with the reader; exceptions can and will be made if i like it enough).

Characters Per NSFW Alphabet: Maximum of 1

Characters Per SFW Alphabet: Maximum of 1

Please be as specific as you can when requesting as it helps me with my writing

Please specify whether you want headcanons or an x reader, so I don’t accidentally write something you didn’t want

Requests are now open for a short time! Please just read my rules and request accordingly!

Characters I’ll Write For: Rainbow Six Siege/Extraction and Call of Duty. This may change later on, however, once I feel like branching out!

Rainbow Six Siege/Extraction:

Chul Kyung “Vigil” Hwa

Olivier “Lion” Flament

Erik “Maverick” Thorn

Jordan “Thermite” Trace

Miles “Castle” Campbell

Gustave “Doc” Kateb

Gilles “Montagne” Touré

Julien “Rook” Nizan

Saif “Oryx” Al Hadid

Dominic “Bandit” Brunsmeier

Elias “Blitz” Kötz

Marius “Jäger” Streicher

Sébastien “Buck” Côte

Håvard “Ace” Haugland

Mark “Mute” Chandar

Mike “Thatcher” Baker

James “Smoke” Porter

Seamus “Sledge” Cowden

César “Goyo” Ruiz Hernández

Masaru “Echo” Enatsu

Liu Tze “Lesion” Long

Collinn “Warden” McKinley

Aleksandr “Tachanka” Senaviev

Maxim “Kapkan” Basuda

Timur “Glaz” Glazkov

Shuhrat “Fuze” Kessikbayev

Ryad “Jackal” Ramírez Al-Hassar

Call of Duty:

John “Soap” MacTavish

Simon “Ghost” Riley

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick

Captain John Price

Phillip Graves

Talon

König

Hong-jin “Horangi” Kim

Zhiqiang “Zimo” Wong

Jesus “Chuy” Ordaz

Enzo Reyes

Sobieslaw “Gromsko” Kościuszko

Rodolfo “Rudy” Parra

Sebastian “Krueger” Krueger

Hans “Golem” Blaustein

Benjamin “Otter” Lee

Jackson Wyatt

Valeria “El Sin Nombre” Garza

Alejandro Vargas

Alex Keller

Gary “Roach” Sanderson

Sergio “Morte” Sulla

Vladimir Makarov

Thibault “Riptide” Lefebre

Roland “Swagger” Kaminski

What I Will Write:

Fluff

Light Smut (Vanilla)

Heavy Smut (Hardcore: dubcon, consensual non-con, and somnophilia are allowed under the circumstances that you explicitly specify that reader in the scenario will be consenting to it. if you aren’t comfortable requesting or reading that there will be time for you to scroll away. Doing this has helped me with my trauma.)

Angst (good, neutral, and bad endings)

NSFW Alphabets

SFW Alphabets

Character/Reader: Friends to Lovers

Character/Reader: Enemies to Lovers

Sick Character or Sick Reader

Gender Neutral, Female, and Male Readers

Mental Health (c-PTSD, Depression, Insomnia, and Anxiety will be the only ones I write about because those are of the few things I have been diagnosed with. I am not romanticizing these at all, keep that in mind)

Omegaverse (Alpha/Beta/Omega Character or Alpha/Beta/Omega Reader)

Monsterfucking

Multiple Partners (Exceptions will sometimes be made if I like the prompt enough)

Substance Use (only weed and alcohol)

Cheating and Toxic Relationships (My therapist has recommended I try to write stuff that helps ease off the trauma I’ve gotten from these)

Stalking

What I Will NOT Write:

Incest

Blatant Rape

Domestic Abuse

Child Abuse

Animal Abuse

Racism

Transphobia

Homophobia

Torture

Comforting Self-Harm (I used to allow this one but I’ve been in therapy for this for a good while now and it will trigger a relapse if I ever write for it again. Very slim chances of me writing for prompts like these ever again)

Suicide (Very, very, very slim chances of me ever making an exception for it)

Any obscure or gross fetishes/kinks

Character/Character (Exceptions can be made for this though!)

Pregnancy (I never properly addressed or clarified any of this and would like to apologize for what it was previously listed as. I am avoiding fetishization of anybody who can get pregnant because I have received 2 asks by the same person back in August and as you can tell, I never wrote them because they were offensive fetish prompts centered around stereotypes. There are no exceptions for this one)

Thank you very much for requesting!!

#fic writer #request blog #request rules #fic blog #r6s #rainbow six siege #r6e #rainbow six extraction #cod #call of duty #fanfic writing

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alexkellersgymshorts · 9 months

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Misguided Revenge - Chapter 3

[Chapter 1][Chapter 2][Ao3]

Alejandro Vargas x Rodolfo Parra

Sadistic Omega Rodolfo Parra x Hurt Alpha Alejandro Vargas

Alejandro discusses what he should do about Rodolfo being right within reach with Valeria. On her advice, he talks to Soap and Gaz, who promise that they can arrange a meetup with Rodolfo for him, though it... quickly goes south.

Warnings: ABO, torture, Dead Dove Do Not Eat, manipulation, gore

“You’re sure it’s him?”

Alejandro paced, having just fully recounted the entire afternoon to Valeria, who had decided to just ditch her class. Alejandro had had to cancel with Ghost, there was no way he could just go and get drinks after what had happened. He’d made the excuse of suddenly getting sick and being unsure he wanted to drink with that. Thankfully, Ghost had seemed to understand. Or… he hoped he had. He knew Ghost would never say otherwise.

“Are you sure? You’re positive it’s him?” Valeria furrowed her brows before shaking her head. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“No, it was him. I’d recognize him anywhere.” Alejandro stopped and looked at her. “He also… ran away when I looked at him. It’s too much of a coincidence for it to not be him.”

Valeria sighed. “We agreed to give up looking for him last fucking month and he almost, practically, falls into your lap.”

“Yeah, well, the most annoying part is that he’s friends with Gaz. Alex’s… thing. And, Soap, the cafe owner that Ghost has been interested in.” Alejandro made a frustrated noise before returning to pacing. “That means that this entire time, he’s been in reach and… I… I didn’t even know Soap and Gaz knew each other! Fuck!” He hit his fist against his side before shaking his head. “So close!”

“Why would he run away?” Valeria asked and Alejandro frowned, looking at her. “You said he ran away when he saw you, why?”

“I mean… there’s probably thousands of explanations why. He ran away for a reason, I was part of what he was running away from. He probably hates me for not being there to protect him…” Alejandro took a deep breath before turning away from her, again. “Not that I don’t deserve it. One stupid fucking episode…”

Valeria came to stand in front of him, shaking her head. “No, Alejandro, don’t do that. You’ll spiral again… We’re so close to him, you can’t spiral into another episode.”

“I’m not. I’m- I’m not.” Alejandro shook his head, taking a deep breath. “I’m taking my medication, I won’t spiral. Not now. Not with him practically inches away. I just need to… to get face to face with him and then I can apologize and…”

“Explain?”

“No, no. I can’t tell him the reason why I wasn’t there.” Alejandro immediately backed away from her. “He’ll think I was incredibly weak.”

“But how will he accept your apology if he doesn’t have an explanation as to why you weren’t there? What if it’s not enough for him? What if he looks you in your eyes and he says he doesn’t forgive you? What will you do?” Valeria looked up at Alejandro, and Alejandro found himself cringing back from her. “What will you do, Alejandro?”

“I… I… I’ll figure it out. I’ll lie or… beg for forgiveness. I can’t…” Alejandro was spiralling. God, he could practically feel it. The buzz in his muscles, the way his jaw was already tired from clenching so much. His vision wouldn’t fully focus because he kept glancing around the room. And he was so so desperate to have Rodolfo back again. “I can’t… I can’t lose this chance, Valeria…”

Valeria watched him and then she almost appeared to soften. “I’ll pull strings. Talk to Gaz or Soap, see if they’d be willing to contact him on your behalf. Okay?”

Alejandro relaxed before allowing himself to nod. “Yes, yes, I can do that…”

“We’re close, okay? We won’t let him go, again…” Valeria shook her head and then took a deep breath. “Stay here, tonight, and in the morning we’ll get started. I’m worried about you being alone…”

Alejandro couldn’t blame her, so he just nodded, and then turned, going to the room he usually slept in when he stayed with her. His mind was already consumed by Rodolfo and the idea of getting him back, of having him back in his arms. He couldn’t waste anymore time, he couldn’t be away from him anymore.

Rodolfo had been beautiful, too. The details of him were re-etched into the grooves of his mind. The green shirt he’d been wearing, the way it hugged his body. His dark eyes, so dark, so… dark. Black, practically.

Alejandro wanted to drown in those eyes, he wanted to suffocate in them. He wanted them to fill his entire existence until he had nothing left but just the way they’d looked at him before they’d been filled with recognition and betrayal.

He would do anything to make Rodolfo forgive him. Anything… He was still so desperately in love with him. He’d love to pretend he wasn’t but he was…

Alejandro rolled over onto his side and covered his head with a pillow, taking deep breaths and trying to drown out the sound of Rodolfo filling his head, coating every inch of his skin. Or maybe he wanted more of it, wanted more of the reminder that Rodolfo was right there and within reach…

He was so close…

Alejandro took a deep breath, staring at his phone. Valeria was out, pulling whatever strings she had decided would be helpful. Right now, he was trying to work up the courage to call Gaz, dialing the number and finally putting the phone to his ear.

It rang for a few minutes before Gaz answered. “Hello?”

Alejandro felt like he couldn’t breathe, already. But, he forced a smile on his face and then spoke. “Hi! It’s Alejandro, Alex’s friend? Sort of. Um… I…” Fuck, just ask the question, idiot. “I… Yesterday… You…” it suddenly occurred to him how weird this might be. Whatever, just blast through it. “You and Soap are friends?”

“... you know Soap? ” Gaz asked, sounding confused. “ Yeah, he’s one of my close friends… why? ”

“The other omega you were with… what’s his name?”

“ Why do you want to know? ”

“He looks like someone I used to know… An old friend. You don’t have to tell me but I just… want to know if it’s him.”

Gaz was silent for a bit before he sighed. “ His name is Rodolfo.”

Even having been so sure, Alejandro’s breath still caught in his chest. It really was him… “Do you think you could give him my number? Tell him-”

“ Actually-” it was a different voice, Alejandro recognized it immediately as Soap’s. “ Hey, Alejandro. What if we arranged a meet up? He was just talking about recognizing you. We’ll set up somewhere for you two to meet, again. So you can… catch up. ”

Hope filled Alejandro, causing him to feel as if he was practically bursting with it. It was… so easy. “I- God, I’d love that! Thank you, thank you both. I-” He felt like he needed to repay them in some way. But, how could he? He’d talk to Alex and Ghost, he decided. Kick their asses into gear.

“ Of course, Alejandro. You’re a friend. ” Soap answered. “ We have to go. I’ll text you the location. He would probably prefer somewhere private. He doesn’t like going out much. ”

Alejandro could only imagine. “Of course, no that’s completely fine. Gracias, Soap.”

“ Of course. ” They hung up and Alejandro immediately texted Valeria.

He wants to meet up!

Are you sure?

Yes, I talked to Soap and Gaz and they promised to set up somewhere for us to meet up!

That’s… too easy. Suspiciously easy.

Yes, but that’s exactly in line with this last month. Everything was too easy.

I just don’t know if I trust it. But… if you think it’s fine, go.

Valeria, I am begging you to be optimistic for once.

I am being optimistic, Alejandro! But I’m not being stupid!

What is there to even be stupid about?! What are Soap and Gaz even going to do?!

You’re right, I’m being… overly suspicious. It doesn’t make sense for this to be anything bad. But… please just still be cautious, Alejandro. Don’t just jump at whatever anyone says. I know you want Rodolfo back but please do not sacrifice anything you’re not willing to lose for it.

Alright, I won’t. Thank you, Val, for helping me with this.

Obviously. Someone has to keep your stupid ass in check.

Alejandro rolled his eyes at his phone and then sighed, leaning back in his seat. He could hardly take this anymore. The idea of having to wait even a few days felt almost excruciating to Alejandro, but he knew it was necessary. Oh, but he wished it wasn’t.

However, he didn’t want to complain and risk jinxing everything. When Rodolfo was ready for Alejandro to see him, Rodolfo would say and then Alejandro could… If he pushed things, it might risk Rodolfo running again and then Alejandro would have to completely restart.

So, he just took a deep breath and waited for a time and date.

Alejandro couldn’t help vibrating with excitement as he knocked on the door to Soap’s apartment, trying very very hard to contain himself. He’d not really been able to believe it when Soap had texted him and informed him that Rodolfo had given consent for them to meet up the next day, instead.

He’d also decided against texting Valeria about it, not wanting her to get even more suspicious and pessimistic. Instead, he’d just decided he would tell her, afterwards, and deal with the consequences. So, now here he was, wearing something semi-nice so he looked put together, and he’d brought flowers.

Why had he done that?? Fuck, were they too much??

Well, it was too late, now. He just took a deep breath and knocked again before waiting. Finally, he heard footsteps and then Soap was answering the door, which… despite it being Soap’s apartment, was still quite a bit of a disappointment.

However, Alejandro just shook it off as Soap let him in, though he did note the way Soap side eyed the flowers, looking almost jealous. Oh, don’t worry, Soap. Alejandro had plans to help Ghost pick out a massive bouquet. An absurd bouquet.

“He’s not here, yet. I think he slept in.” Soap informed Alejandro, smiling a little, and he led Alejandro to a couch. Alejandro was kind of surprised to see Gaz was sitting on an armchair, curled up with his knees to his chest. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Alejandro startled and looked up at Soap before nodding. “Uh, just water, thank you.” He didn’t want to be impolite and turn down the offer. After a very brief glance around the apartment, in which he comprehended nothing, he decided to try to make conversation with Gaz while Soap likely got the water. “I uh… I wasn’t expecting both of you to be friends.”

Gaz laughed, softly, and shrugged. “It’s a small world, isn’t it? We didn’t even know you had history with Rodolfo.”

“It really is…” Alejandro relaxed a bit and then nodded. “We were best friends in High School.” He accepted the glass of water he was given, thanking Soap, and noting how Soap sat on a different chair, facing him as well.

“Gaz, when did Rudy say he’d get here?” Soap asked, humming softly. “Did he say a couple minutes?”

“Fifteen.” Gaz answered, getting out his phone.

Alejandro could wait 15 minutes. It’d be an excruciating 15 minutes, but he could do it. His mouth felt kind of dry, so he sipped water, annoyed at how it hardly helped. In fact, it almost seemed to add to it, but he didn’t really want to embarrass himself by guzzling water in front of them, so he just restrained himself to sipping it every few seconds, instead.

Even still, he finished the glass early and just set it down, deciding to attempt to make small talk, instead. “How long have you known Rodolfo?” He asked, curious.

Soap was the one who answered. “We met on a web forum so… A while. Since all three of us were 16, at least.”

“Ah.” Alejandro nodded. So, Soap must have been the friend that Rodolfo ran to. Makes sense. Well, he hoped they’d taken care of Rodolfo, since it’d been so long.

He couldn’t imagine going through what Rodolfo had… especially with the perception of being abandoned, too…

Guilt flooded his chest and he looked down at his hands, fidgeting with the plastic on the flowers. He touched his head, a little tired. He hadn’t slept well the night before, so it made sense. No matter, he could ignore it. Anything to see Rudy, again.

He blinked the tired from his eyes before he was starting to get a bit annoyed. He shouldn’t be this tired, he did still sleep. Of course, now, his body chooses to fuck him over.

“Did you do it?” Gaz’s voice sounded distant and Alejandro looked up at Gaz, a bit confused by the haziness of his vision.

“I’m sorry?” He asked, trying not to appear rude by just ignoring Gaz and his question. “Sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Did you do it?” Gaz repeated, now fully sitting up. Soap was gone. Where did Soap go?

Alejandro didn’t understand. “Do what?” He asked, rubbing at his temple. Fuck, he needed this to clear up. Did he remember to take his medication?

“Rape Rodolfo.”

“No!” Alejandro exclaimed, immediately, and stood before swaying on his feet and immediately sitting back down. Fuck…

Soap came back, finally, and Alejandro frowned at seeing he had a bag. “Careful, you don’t want to do that.”

Do what? Alejandro tried to ask, but his tongue felt too heavy, he just couldn’t form the words. He slumped to the side, having trouble keeping himself up. Then, it finally started to dawn on him. Did Soap drug him?

“Please, I didn’t- I didn’t…” Alejandro barely managed to speak, but he needed to defend himself. Tears filled his eyes and he took deep breaths. How could he explain without revealing? How could he make them understand? “I didn’t…”

“I don’t believe you…” Rodolfo murmured, his face suddenly in front of Alejandro’s. His voice was so gentle and sweet, so caring… Rodolfo always had been… “How could you do this to me?”

Alejandro let out a heavy sob, trying to reach for Rodolfo, but he couldn’t move any of his limbs. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

His consciousness started to fade and he fought it to keep apologizing, to make Rudy see how desperately sorry he was for not being there. He should have been, he should have been there.

He was so incredibly sorry.

#Alejandro Vargas #Rodolfo Parra #Alpha Alejandro Vargas #Omega Rodolfo Parra #Alejandro Vargas x Rodolfo Parra #Alpha Alejandro Vargas x Omega Rodolfo Parra #Omegaverse #Sadistic Rodolfo Parra #Dead Dove Do Not Eat #Bipolar Alejandro Vargas #alejandro cod #rodolfo cod

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alexkellersgymshorts · 9 months

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Misguided Revenge - Chapter 2

[Chapter 1][Ao3]

Alejandro Vargas x Rodolfo Parra

Sadistic Omega Rodolfo Parra x Hurt Alpha Alejandro Vargas

Rodolfo Parra did not deserve to be attacked by his best friend. He didn't deserve to have to run away and start an entirely new life in an entirely new country. He doesn't deserve to have to run back into the alpha who attacked him. What does he deserve?

Revenge.

Warnings: ABO, torture, Dead Dove Do Not Eat, manipulation, gore

Rodolfo was terrified of being discharged.

Every time he closed his eyes, he was being reminded of what had happened, and it scared him more than anything else in this entire world. How could he do this to him? Why?? What had Rodolfo done to deserve that??

The nurse came in, an omega. His entire team had been omegas, because that’s what always happened when an omega was attacked like Rodolfo had been. She smiled at him, politely. “Are you ready to go home? Just nod or shake your head, dear, your neck still looks like it’s healing.”

Rodolfo shook his head, wishing he had some way to beg them to let him stay. He so desperately didn’t want to be at risk of… of that monster attacking him, again.

God, he could still hear his voice in his ear. It had sounded so close, so clear despite the drugs in his body. Why?? Why did he do that?? If he’d wanted his body, Rodolfo would have willingly gave it to him… he didn’t have to… to…

Bile rose in his throat as he remembered exactly what Alejandro had done to him. He’d been drugged and blindfolded before anything else, but he knew Alejandro’s voice. He’d worn scent blockers to, presumably, keep his scent off of Rodolfo’s furniture.

The nurse softened, looking sad. He didn’t want her to look sad, he wanted her to let him stay! “You’ll be safe. Your parents are here to take you home.”

Rodolfo would rather fucking die than have them take him home. They hadn’t visited once while he was in the hospital and he was sure, since his mother adored Alejandro, that they would chalk this up to some big misunderstanding.

The nurse came over to him, gently touched his neck, tsking. “It’s healing nicely, but… wait a few days before you start talking, hmm?”

She checked his back where Rodolfo remembered something long and thin had repeatedly struck against it. Alejandro had wanted to break him into little pieces, he remembered. Rip him to shreds.

Rodolfo wanted to shred his own skin off.

Finally, she stopped touching him and smiled. “Do you want me to walk you down to the lobby?”

Rodolfo shook his head. No, he could go alone… He had to do everything else, alone. He was so fucking terrified of going home. What if they made him see Alejandro? No, no, no, he couldn’t do that. Regardless, he finally pulled his hoodie on, taking deep breaths. He accepted his phone when it was given to him, looking through it. Oddly enough, no texts from Alejandro.

He was grateful, he didn’t think he could stomach that.

Huh, there was no texts or calls from Valeria, either. Maybe she was in on it… Regardless, she’d probably defend him, even if she wasn’t. He shook it off as best he could and very reluctantly started out of his hospital room and down the hallway to where he could see the sign for the lobby.

As he approached the door, he slowed to a stop, peeking through the window and seeing his parents were out there. His mother looked… disinterested. His father looked irritated. Of course, neither of them looked worried. He’d been beaten and raped so badly he’d ended up in the hospital, and neither looked like they cared.

Fuck them.

He turned on his heel and went the other direction, ducking down a hallway that said “Children’s ward”. Surely, the children’s ward would have a lobby, as well as an exit, right?

Thankfully, he’d been smart enough to bring his backpack with him, begging the EMT to grab it, so it was on his back. In it was his wallet, since he’d cleared it out for the weekend. He’d go to an ATM and take out every bit of his savings, knowing he had at least a couple grand in there.

Then, he’d go somewhere. Anywhere but here.

Soap.

Soap lived in America, and he was seventeen like Rodolfo. However, due to some bullshit, he was emancipated and lived in his own apartment. Rodolfo had joked about running away a few times, and Soap had joked back about Rodolfo finding him and living with him. He hoped he hadn’t been joking too much about it.

He got out his phone and texted Soap How easy would it be to get to America?

Legally or illegally? He wasn’t shocked by the fast response, Soap was just like that.

What would be fastest?

I have a few friends, let me give one a call.

What should I do in the meantime?

Find a hotel, lay low.

Got it.

Rodolfo took a deep breath. His cell phone could be used to track him, he didn’t want that. So, he went to take the battery out before pausing and seeing Alejandro’s name, pinned to the top of his messages list.

Tears filled his eyes, again, as he was reminded by the betrayal, of exactly just what Alejandro had done to him.

So, he texted him just one thing before he took the battery out and tossed the phone in the trash.

How could you do this to me?

Rodolfo groaned as Soap and Gaz dragged him around the department store, having to listen to their alpha woes. He’d stayed away from all of that, almost desperately fighting to keep it away from him. He wasn’t interested in letting another alpha hurt him like that.

“He was so cute and… I liked him a lot.” Soap lamented, leaning against a jewelry case. “But…” His voice lowered, a little, “there was the problem with his therapist.”

“Was?” Gaz chuckled and Rodolfo tried not to shiver at the dark twinkle that was in his eyes. Sometimes, his best friends scared him. He’d met both of them online in forums about teen omegas with horrible mental health. It… had a shorter name.

Anyway, it had become pretty easy to see, pretty quickly, that both of them had darker tendencies. Rodolfo wasn’t quite sure what he believed them to be but… they hinted to things that gave him a pretty good idea. He was more than positive Soap had killed someone before.

“Was.” Soap confirmed, smiling and touching the glass, appearing to examine the jewelry inside of the case. “Not anymore.”

He’d definitely killed someone.

“Ah.” Gaz answered, shaking his head. “Rudy, what do you think I should get?”

Rodolfo frowned and went to the glass case, looking down at the jewelry inside. “What is it for?” He asked, since he didn’t know what to suggest. His eye was drawn to a butterfly necklace, but… he didn’t know if he’d agree that one was for Gaz.

“Hm… Just to buy.” Gaz answered and then his eye seemed to be caught by a gold anklet, with no charms, just a chain. He asked the lady behind the counter if he could see it and she carefully got it out, handing it over.

Rodolfo watched Gaz admire it, looking it over. “It’s beautiful.” Gaz said, and both Soap and Rodolfo agreed.

“I dunno, Gaz, I think it might make a good earring .” Soap grinned and Rodolfo and Gaz rolled their eyes in sync.

“You’re so dirty minded.” Gaz muttered and Soap just laughed. “You’re gross. Anyway, I think I’ll get it. What were you saying about Ghost?”

“Oh, right.” Soap flushed. “I just… I want him but… I don’t think he wants me. It’s not a big deal, I can move on and find other alphas, but… it would be nice to get his attention.” He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I wish I could help you, but I haven’t even managed to succeed on my front.” Gaz muttered, sounding bitter. Rodolfo couldn’t help but wince. He knew why, since Alex, the alpha that Gaz was romantically interested in, refused to make them official. Rodolfo didn’t really know why, he’d never hung out with them.

Gaz had invited him and Soap to hang out with Alex and a few of his friends, but… they were all alphas. Five of them, to be exact. Five against three weren’t odds that Rodolfo wanted to risk. Soap didn’t really say why, but he’d kept rainchecking, apparently.

Soap shook his head. “I don’t get it. You’re a gorgeous omega, you’re smart, you’re funny…”

“I’m tall, I’m lanky, I’m clumsy.” Gaz seemed to be counting on his fingers. “I’m not pretty like you and Rodolfo. I’m actually rather plain. Besides that, it’s not detriments, it’s what I don’t offer. I don’t want children… I only have an adopted dad, not an entire family… I don’t offer anything valuable. I’m not even really that great in bed. I can’t blow his mind like you can, I… prefer to be taken care of.”

Soap seemed to soften and then he sighed. “Gaz… You do offer a lot. Like I said, you’re gorgeous, and you’re smart. You and Alex can talk for hours on end. And your humor is that perfect, hilarious dry humor that never fails to make anyone laugh. As for practical things… you are weirdly good at budgeting and making grocery lists. None of the three of us have ever ran out of groceries because you keep the apartment very well stocked. And… well, I know what you’re like in bed and… Alex is a simple man with simple wants and you’ll knock it out of the park.”

Gaz narrowed his eyes and Rodolfo decided it might be time to move on from the conversation. “I really like this necklace.” He pointed at the butterfly necklace he’d glanced at, before, and looked at them. “What do you think of it?”

“It’s beautiful.” Soap smiled and nodded. “You should get it.”

“No point.” Rodolfo sighed and shook his head, though he really liked it. “I don’t go outside unless I’m going out with you guys and… even there, I think I’d rather just not waste the money.”

Gaz rolled his eyes and asked the lady to get the necklace out. “I’ll buy it and then, if you end up not wearing it, I’ll take it off your hands.”

Rodolfo knew he couldn’t really argue with them on these things, so he had no plans to really bother but… man, a part of him wanted to. A part of him wanted to fight them on it. Instead, he just nodded and sighed. “Alright, I can accept that.”

Gaz smiled and then he paid for both pieces of jewelry, and ended up paying for everything that everyone else had. Rodolfo wasn’t shocked and, hey, he wasn’t going to complain. Maybe, one day, a long time ago, he might have but his friends had worn him down on that stuff.

However, he did speak up before they started to leave. “I’ve never met Alex, but… I don’t think he’s holding off for lack of want of you… Or, at least, for anything you lack. Alphas… they like to play games.”

He watched their faces grow somber and both nodded. “You think you can trust them and you can’t.” Soap continued for Rodolfo. “You’re right, it’s probably Alex, not Gaz.”

Gaz winced. “Even still, I wish…. I wish he actually wanted me. I feel inadequate.”

Soap touched Gaz’s shoulder. “You’re not inadequate. Alex is just blind and dumb. But, we love you and… there are other alphas.”

Gaz leaned into Soap and then they were rubbing their faces against each other, affectionately. Rodolfo wished he could partake in things like that but… he just felt more lonely when he tried. He felt like he was acting…

The truth was, he hadn’t felt normal since that night, and he doubted he ever would.

He shook his head, turning away. “I think I’m going to head home.” He sighed as they finally fully left the store.

“Aww…” Soap pouted, coming around to stand in front of Rodolfo. “Can we at least get lunch, please? It’s so hard to get you to go outside and you’re doing so well… Please?”

Rodolfo shook his head. “No, I really don’t want to… I’m tired…” He mumbled, but he was already really giving in. He did say no to a few more of Soap’s pleads, softening and dropping his shoulders as Soap put his hands together, appearing to beg. “Alright, fine… Where do you want to get lunch?”

“There’s this artisan pizza place I’ve been wanting to try!” Gaz immediately spoke up, half grinning.

Rodolfo shook his head, affectionately. Even if he felt like he couldn’t take part in their affection, he still loved them. They were his best friends, he’d let them be the first people he’d been intimate with since the attack. Even when they were begging him to be social, he couldn’t help but love them.

He sighed and they finally turned to cross the street, following Gaz’s direction.

Rodolfo’s body froze before his eyes seemed to have caught on to what had happened. Warm brown eyes staring directly into his own. He couldn’t move, they were headlights on him, he was a doe caught in them. Rodolfo was already braced for impact, tensed and taking deep breaths.

Words from that night came to his head, everything Alejandro had said to him. I’m going to rip you to shreds. You’re going to like it. I hate you so fucking much.

His whole body was trembling. He needed to leave, he needed to go, he needed to run. He’d found him, he was right there. What was Rodolfo going to do? Fuck! He’d been so meticulous about leaving.

Alejandro, himself, appeared frozen as well. Why? Had he not expected his prey to be right there? Had he not expected bruised and bloody meat to lay across the street from him? Nightmares had came of razor sharp teeth ripping deep into Rodolfo’s body and he was so close to that happening right now.

The headlights were getting closer as Alejandro started to step off of the curb and make his way towards Rodolfo. Rodolfo didn’t really have any option, he couldn’t be a deer, caught and waiting to be a meal again. Again.

So, he turned and fled, the only option he really thought he had, and as he desperately sprinted across the sidewalk, there was only the sound of his pounding footsteps in his ears and a thought in his head, the last text he’d ever sent Alejandro.

How could you do this to me?

Fear never leaves you. It never lessens. You get used to it, you ignore it, until it’s staring you directly in the face and all you can do is run.

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callsign-bunnie · 1 year

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Could you write an arranged marriage AU with king/warlord Alejandro with Rudy being offered to him as spouse so he won't invade the kingdom Rudy comes from? Maybe Rudy would be scared to be offered to Ale because his reputation is scary but then it turns out Ale falls in love at first sight, but Rudy doesn't believe him at first.

SCREAMS, SCREAMS SO LOUD anon I could kiss you, also this is ABO because... idk. It took so unbelievably long because I was setting up an entire AU for it!

Rodolfo could have cried when he looked in the mirror. He was dressed to be a bride and he hated it. He'd agreed to this, for his kingdom. Granted, he didn't really have a choice because they were going to send him, regardless, but he had decided to agree to it.

"It could be worse, Rudy." Soap, his best friend and who would be his first lady in waiting, tried to joke. "He could be unattractive."

"His personality far outweighs any outer attraction." Rodolfo shook his head, keeping his voice soft in case anyone could hear him. He doubted they could but he'd like to be careful. "Have you heard what they say about him?"

Soap cringed, reaching up and carefully readjusting Rodolfo's veil, making sure it covered his eyes. It was a deep blue, with gold flakes in it, that gave an impression of stars. "For what it's worth, you're beautiful."

Rodolfo smiled, sadly. "Thank you." He murmured, touching Soap's face. He'd been "gifted" to Rodolfo by his parents on Rodolfo's thirteenth birthday. It was customary in his kingdom for Noble's to offer their child to royalty. It gave them the chance to learn how to play at court, and potentially gave them a seat at a war table or strategy board. Or, in an omega's case, a chance of marrying someone who would be at those table.

Soap grinned at him. "Besides... I'm here. Can you really be so sad with your best friend here?"

"No, I suppose I cannot." Rodolfo agreed and turned back to the mirror. He tried to suppress the way his hands shook as he raked them over the fabric on his body, trying to smooth it out. "I'm terrified..."

"I'm right here, Rudy. It's going to be okay." Soap nodded, meeting his eyes in the mirror.

Rodolfo took a deep breath. "What will he do to me?"

"Nothing. I know you. You have a fiery spirit. You'll stand tall and demand he respect you. Or else. Because that's who you are." Soap smiled, reassuringly. "I've seen you stand up to war generals."

"Not Kings. Not my husband." Rodolfo shook his head. "Not King Alejandro."

Soap hesitated before sighing. "Alejandro Vargas is just an alpha, at the end of the day."

Just an alpha. Right. Alejandro Vargas, king of the Red Kingdom, named that for the amount of blood it's spilled over the centuries it's been established, was more than just an alpha. He was a Warlord. It was the custom of his kingdom. He'd won his first battle at 13, his first war at 18, and he'd quickly started to rebuild the Silver Empire. And at 24, he was succeeding, too. Rodolfo's marriage to Alejandro would cement their kingdom's rejoining of the Empire, the 6th kingdom, of the original 13, to rejoin.

Alejandro had a reputation for being bloodthirsty. He drank with his breakfast, some would say. Rodolfo had been told many times that Alejandro would chew him up and spit him out. He liked to break omegas. Would push them until they snapped. Left a broken shell of their former selves.

And Rodolfo Parra, second born of his family into the second largest Kingdom of the Old Empire, Artemea, (the largest being the Red Kingdom), had to marry him. He wondered, as he finally followed Soap to where the ceremony would take place, how long he'd last. How long would he last before Alejandro broke him like he apparently broke other omegas?

Months? Years? Gods, he'd probably barely last days. Where would he find himself in the weeks after their marriage? A husk, only pulled out for events? He'd seen other Queens befall that state. He'd always vowed that would never be him. Yet, here he was, being dressed and preened for the slaughter.

Rodolfo quickly grabbed Soap's hand when they reached the door he was meant to go through, tensing. "Soap..." He whispered, hardly able to breathe. "I can't do this..."

"You have to, Rudy. It'll be alright." Soap murmured and took his hand, patting it. "I'll be there. Right off to the side. I believe in you."

Rodolfo almost stopped him as he let go of Rodolfo's hand, turning and leaving so he could take his place. Rodolfo took in a shuddering breath and when he heard the Priestess say his cue, he finally went in.

Alejandro was wearing red, a big shocker, with gold accents. As Soap had pointed out, he was attractive. If Rodolfo wasn't terrified of his actions, he would have fawned over him with Soap the moment he found out he was to be married to him.

His face was neutral as Rodolfo stepped in, hard almost.

It only frightened Rodolfo more. He hadn't expected affection in his eyes, but... he'd wanted something. He couldn't read Alejandro's expression at all. He didn't like that.

Rodolfo managed to keep himself from running back out of the room, doing as Soap said he would. He straightened and set his chin, taking a deep breath. Stand tall, don't show your fear. Alejandro may try to break you, but he won't steal your dignity in front of everyone here.

When he was in front of Alejandro, he looked up at him, taking in a breath as he studied Alejandro's features. They were sharp, angled in all of the typical way an Alpha's features were expected to be. Light facial hair, Rodolfo believed it was called stubble, dusted his jaw, though it was clean.

That was one thing the red kingdom was known for. They cared about their looks, their appearance, their presentation. First impressions were apparently everything to them. Alejandro... seemed to be making a clear effort with his.

Rodolfo's eyes traced over his features, though they were easily caught by a long jagged scar that went down the right side of Alejandro's face from the bottom of his eyelid to his jaw. The way it was shaped suggested a slash, not a cut. He wondered which battle had earned him that one.

Honestly, he didn't look all that frightening. Everyone had described him as something close to a monster. Hard eyes constantly searching out violence, jagged features, a stance that could strike fear into the hardest war generals. But... Soap was right. Alejandro was just an alpha.

The priestess started the ceremony. The first part was to hold out their hands. They would clasp them, gently, and then the priestess would bind them together. Rodolfo held out his left hand, trying not to show how much it shook.

Alejandro definitely noticed, though, because a small frown appeared on his face as he took Rodolfo's hand with his own left. His hands were slightly rough on Rodolfo's skin, his skin much warmer than Rodolfo's. Alejandro's skin was slightly lighter than his own, but only slightly. It was only noticeable when they touched. It made sense, Rodolfo spent most of his time in his castle's garden, reading while Soap rambled about anything and everything.

"With this silk rope, I bind you King Alejandro Vargas of the Red Kingdom to Prince Rodolfo Parra of Artemea." Rodolfo watched her tie the rope in a marriage knot around their wrists, forming an infinity symbol around their thumbs. While the knot was formed, Alejandro's hand turned to the side, slightly, and Rodolfo could see a deep scar across his wrist.

He had to put everything into not looking at Alejandro in shock and just continued to stare at the rope on his wrist. He knew what that scar was. And... he had to admit, it clashed against everything he knew about Alejandro.

Alejandro was a very successful king. Why would he feel the need to end himself?

When the knot was tied, the Priestess then got a goblet from the side table. She took a carafe of wine from two tables. One had a Sun on it, the old symbol of the Red Kingdom before it became known only for blood, and the other had a moon, the symbol of Artemea. She poured wine from both carafes into the goblet, speaking a prayer in the old tongue, a language Rodolfo had never felt the need to learn.

The priestess then held the glass between them. Rodolfo was to take it first, so he did. He wasn't sure why. Soap had said, when Rodolfo had asked after the rehearsal ceremony, that the reason was because it was so an alpha could have their first taste of their new wife.

Alphas would place their lips over where their omegas had just placed theirs and it would be as if they were tasting them with the wine.

Rodolfo wasn't quite sure he believed him.

As was customary, Alejandro reached forward and pulled Rodolfo's veil back from his face, slightly, so Rodolfo could pull the goblet up to his lips. It would be hard to do himself, with his hand bound to Alejandro's. He took a small sip, trying not to make a face at the taste of the wine. it was ceremony wine, not good wine, so it did not taste great. But, he got through it.

Then, Alejandro took the cup from him. He turned the cup in an almost rehearsed way and took his own drink from it, his mouth right where Rodolfo's had been. Huh, Soap may have been right.

Then, the goblet was taken from them and Alejandro was lifting the veil over Rodolfo's face. The veil had muted the light a little, so his eyes had to adjust once it was moved, and he glanced around a little to help them.

When his eyes fell onto Alejandro's face again, he was shocked to see his features had softened, considerably, into an expression of almost awe. If Rodolfo didn't know better, he would have claimed admiration was there. "The gods could not have prepared me for how beautiful you are."

Rodolfo flushed dark at Alejandro's words, especially as they were spoken in the native language that both of their kingdoms shared. "Thank you." He responded, to be polite.

He knew the mating bite was next. That had terrified him. Kept him awake at night. He'd imagined Alejandro, his teeth sharp fangs, tearing into his neck. Mauling him. Ripping him open at their own altar.

As he'd seen at other ceremonies, of which he'd attended many, he expected Alejandro to grab him with his free arm, yank him over, and sink his teeth into Rodolfo's neck, leaving Rodolfo with the decision of forcing himself to stay quiet or humiliate himself with whimpering in front of everyone.

Instead, he was surprised when Alejandro moved to him, his arm going around Rodolfo's waist. He didn't pull Rodolfo, instead he cradled him. In fact, Rodolfo barely moved an inch. Then, Alejandro was leaning down, tilting his head. He kissed over Rodolfo's neck, carefully, until he found that spot that had Rodolfo letting out a breath, involuntarily, scenting Alejandro immediately.

With Alejandro so close, he could pick up his scent and it suddenly hit him that he hadn't been able to before. Distinctly alpha, no doubt of it, and he smelled of cinnamon, smoky cinnamon to be exact, maybe a hint of something softer... Rodolfo leaned into the sent, reaching to grasp at the blood red cloak that hung off of Alejandro's right shoulder.

Alejandro didn't hesitate, why should he, to sink his teeth into the spot. At first, pain erupted up Rodolfo's neck and down his shoulder and Rodolfo felt tears spring to his eyes. But then, as Alejandro held it, scenting him, Rodolfo felt the pain melt into euphoria. It was soft euphoria, nothing to drive Rodolfo too wild, but the scent definitely had him dizzy.

Alejandro pulled away a moment later, using his thumb to wipe Rodolfo's blood from his lips, and Rodolfo had to give himself a moment to let his mind clear. He released his death grip of Alejandro's cloak and flushed a little.

Then, again, Alejandro was leaning forward, baring his neck so Rodolfo could do the same. Rodolfo worried he wouldn't bite hard enough. Or he'd bite too hard and it would piss Alejandro off. But, he leaned up regardless, grateful when Alejandro tilted down a bit.

Alejandro temporarily moved his arm to tap where his mating spot was and Rodolfo felt immediately grateful. He kissed it, just to make sure, dizzying again at the scent it released, and flushing. Then, he pressed his teeth to the spot and bit down, as hard as he could without hurting his own jaw. His teeth broke the skin easily and he tensed when Alejandro suddenly grabbed his waist.

Fear flashed through him as he worried he'd bit too hard and now Alejandro would be angry at him. A million possibilities of how Alejandro would punish him for this ran through his mind and he tried to suppress his own scent, but already it was stained with fear. He knew he smelled like wildflowers, but when he was afraid, it turned to something sickly sweet, like honeysuckle that was rotting.

Rodolfo broke away, quickly, and backed away from Alejandro, immediately scanning his face for anger, but he was only met with neutrality again. Somehow, that only scared him more. But, he managed to get a handle on it, suppressing his scent.

Finally, the last part of the ceremony. The priestess came over and Rodolfo bowed his head as a gold crown with rubies was set on his head. It was lighter than he expected and the priestess discreetly secured it on his hair. "As this rope and those bites secure you to your alpha, your alpha secures you to this throne. Long live the new Queen of Aela, the Red Kingdom."

Rodolfo kept his head high and turned with Alejandro to the people watching them. It was a small crowd, nobles mostly, all sitting at tables.

"Today is a most joyous day." Alejandro began and Rodolfo found himself flushing, even if he wasn't sure Alejandro meant it out of affection for him. "I have taken a most beautiful bride and our beloved Artemea rejoins the Silver Empire upon our union. This will connect the Southern half of the continent to the Northern Half, as it did 500 years ago. I believe Artemila and Aelius both smile upon us, glad to see their beloved kingdoms reunited."

Rodolfo met Soap's eyes, who was smiling brightly. He was never afraid, Rodolfo wasn't surprised. Alejandro then guided Rodolfo to their table, sitting with him.

Then, music started, and everyone who was standing also found their seats. Now that Rodolfo wasn't focused, he got a good look around the room. Dark oak decor, several grand paintings... Rodolfo liked it. It was all beautiful. Of course it would be. Soap found his seat beside Rodolfo and a man wearing a silver mask, shaped to be a skull, sat beside Alejandro.

"Mi Estrellas," Alejandro started and Rodolfo found himself blushing at the nickname, finding it fitting, "I'd like you meet General Ghost. My closest friend and the highest in my army."

"Your only friend," Ghost corrected. Rodolfo didn't like the way his eyes picked over him, making him feel exposed. Judged.

Alejandro laughed, shaking his head. "Sadly."

Rodolfo went to bow his head in response to Ghost's bowing, flushing dark when Soap tapped his leg to remind him that he wasn't supposed to do that as Queen. Rodolfo had known he'd be Queen of some kingdom, eventually. Luapin had been who he'd assumed since they were small and Artemea's biggest ally, but... He'd never quite gotten the hang of the switch from Prince Rodolfo to Queen Rodolfo. It was hard.

Princes bow their head out of respect, Queens only nodded an acknowledge. Soap had paid more attention than he did.

Rodolfo nodded, once, instead. "It is wonderful to meet you."

"Your accent is thick." Ghost commented.

Rodolfo wasn't sure whether he should be offended or not, especially since Alejandro had the same accent. "My kingdom still relies heavily on our native tongue." He settled on, shrugging slightly.

Soap tapped Rodolfo's leg again and Rodolfo took a breath, introducing him. "This is So-" another tap, what would Rodolfo do without him? "Johnny Mactavish. He's my first Lady in Waiting." Only, more like, but that was only because Alejandro would pick the rest of them.

"It's nice to meet you," Soap bowed his head to Ghost and then to Alejandro, deeper as he was king. Ghost bowed his head to Soap and then Alejandro nodded a greeting.

The rest of the banquet was rather boring. Just guests offering them gifts, which Alejandro would choose to accept or regift to someone else. None of them particularly interested him, until a mechanical bird which could sing lullabies. Rodolfo watched it with fascination, unsure how it could work like that. It looked almost too real, he caught Soap making a face at it.

Alejandro seemed to notice his interest and smiled. “Here. We’ll keep this one.” He murmured, taking Rodolfo’s hand and gingerly placing the bird in it. Rodolfo flushed. He looked at it, having it play one of the songs.

“I don’t recognize these songs.” Rodolfo said softly. They were beautiful, though, and he liked the sound of them.

“They’re Aelian,” Alejandro explained. “Old Aelian. They’re not used anymore. You can hear the lower notes.”

Rodolfo could hear them, even despite how high pitched the bird sang. “Artemean lullabies are more high pitched, more monotone.”

“He knows. He learned several before your wedding.” Ghost spoke up, chuckling.

Alejandro glared deeply at Ghost and Rodolfo understood why everyone said he was terrifying. Rodolfo genuinely worried for Ghost’s safety. He’d heard a story of Alejandro cutting an advisor’s face during a meeting for speaking out of turn.

“Please don’t hurt him, I’m sure it was a harmless comment.” Rodolfo pleaded, both for Ghost’s safety and for not wanting to see bloodshed at his own wedding.

Both Ghost and Alejandro seemed to stop and stare at him for a moment before Alejandro softened. “Mi Estrellas, I will not harm him. Not for teasing.” He murmured.

Rodolfo relaxed, immediately, and flushed. He turned and looked down at the table, embarrassed. He glanced at Soap, who looked concerned, and offered a smile to reassure his friend. “I’m okay.” He murmured.

More gifts and they seemed to up in interest. A set of hour glasses, one with navy colored sand and one with blood red sand. A matching set for both of them, Rodolfo realized. Alejandro kept that one.

A set of books in the old language. Alejandro smiled, “can you speak it?”

“No. I was never taught.” Rodolfo shook his head.

Alejandro shrugged. “Neither do I.” He regifted them to Ghost, who apparently did speak the old language, and then continued on.

A few leather bound journals, another matching set which Rodolfo took interest in immediately. Alejandro again seemed to notice and kept them. Rodolfo felt surprised, Alejandro seemed to be so considerate of the things he liked.

Then, two blades were set in front of Alejandro by an Artemean noble. “We understand that Aelian omegas do not learn the dance of the blade but… Artemean do.” They bowed to Rodolfo, who smiled softly.

Alejandro seemed surprised. “You can sword fight?”

Rodolfo hesitated, worried Alejandro wouldn’t like that fact. “Yes, we’re taught from a young age to defend ourselves.”

Alejandro smiled. “That’s wonderful.” He nodded. He seemed almost impressed. He stood and lifted one of the swords, sliding the sheath off of it. The sheath was blood red and the blade itself was of obsidian steel and large, clearly built for Alejandro’s arm.

Rodolfo loved the way the black caught the light but even more dazzling was the red adorning the blade, somehow mixed into it. Rodolfo knew the process, it required moonwater to strengthen the gem, which would then be pieced and fuzed to the metal. It was a beautiful process. One Rodolfo enjoyed watching.

Alejandro admired it for a moment and then got the other blade out. It was smaller, the blade thinner, more suited for an omega. It was a bright silver with inscriptions of the moon in the blade. The light caught on it and it appeared to almost glitter. “Stand, Mi Estrella.” Alejandro murmured and gestured.

Rodolfo did as told, immediately, nervous. But, all Alejandro did was have him weight the blade in his arm. It was a little light but Rodolfo had no doubt he could adjust to it with practice.

“Matching blades.” Ghost commented. “How romantic.”

Alejandro was almost grinning. He compared their two blades which held mostly the same shape with the usual distances. “It’s a showy blade, not suited for heavy combat but... when we travel together, it’s enough.”

Rodolfo ran his fingers of the blade meant to be his. “I adore it...” He murmured. He adored it.

Soap looked in awe of the blade and Rodolfo gently handed it over so he could admire it. Soap had always loved blades, though Rodolfo had been partial to the bow in combat. “It’s beautiful.” Soap agreed, touching the edge of the blade, which broke the skin on his fingertips immediately.

Soap shrugged. “Respect striker.” He murmured, gesturing to everyone in the room who were in fact staring at Rodolfo with some mixture of awe and respect. Rodolfo’s face flushed red slightly and he thanked Soap for the name.

“Respect striker.” Alejandro nodded. “I like it.” He lifted the sheath. “May I?”

Rodolfo hesitated before nodding, moving away from the table. Alejandro was gentle as he secured the sheath around Rodolfo’s waist. Then, Rodolfo slid the blade in carefully. In combat, he would wear in on his back since his arrows would rest at his side instead, but, for daily wear, it would rest on his waist.

Rodolfo flushed when Alejandro’s hand smoothed over his stomach and then he carefully sat again, watching Alejandro thank who had gifted them the blades. “Thank you, Lord Kate.”

Lord Kate bowed her head. Rodolfo recognized her as an a noble from one of their neighboring kingdoms. She was often at court with his parents, doing business, though she was the Right Hand to King Price, of the Kingdom Drodora, which was on the sea. Artemea was on the sea as well, but Drodora’s main exports came from the sea.

Lord Kate wished them a happy marriage and then returned to her table, where Rodolfo recognized King Price himself sitting there. He raised a glass when he saw them glance over.

Rodolfo flushed and turned back to Alejandro. There were only a few more gifts and all were things for Alejandro, which he regifted most of them. Soap ended up messing with the bird some more, seeing everything it could do.

Rodolfo felt himself become more anxious as the evening drew to a close. After gifts, it was eating, and then... consummation. Luckily, he knew enough to know that it was not customary in Aelian culture to check the sheets for blood like it was in other cultures but... Rodolfo was still nervous at the idea.

He’d never had sex before. He didn’t know anything about it. Soap had told him a few times about it but... he’d mentioned the first time always hurts. A lot. But, it could get better after that. Maybe for Soap but... if Alejandro was anything like everyone said...

Rodolfo was terrified.

When the night drew to a close, Alejandro offered his hand and then they dismissed themselves, as was customary. Rodolfo tried to keep himself from shaking with nerves as he followed Alejandro to their bedroom, taking deep breaths. Soap had told him it would be okay but he didn’t really believe that.

Alejandro let him enter the room first and Rodolfo tried not to jump at the sound of the lock clicking on the door. “I prefer privacy.” Alejandro explained. It was a nice room, large, as expected for a King’s room. It was decorated in red, also expected, and gold. The farest side of the room was all balcony, though curtains drifted in the breeze over it.

Rodolfo nodded a little, standing at the foot of the bed and just kind of staring at it. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest, it filled his ears and Rodolfo would have believed it filled the room, too.

“You don’t have to be so tense, Mi Estrella. I won’t hurt you.” Alejandro was suddenly close behind him and Rodolfo couldn’t help jumping that time. He wasn’t sure he believed Alejandro’s words. “What do you know of sex?”

Rodolfo decided to be honest. He didn’t think he could lie with Alejandro so close behind him. “I’ve heard it hurts the first time.”

“It doesn’t have to.” Alejandro started to pull off the jewelry Rodolfo was wearing, starting with the veil. “It only does with careless alphas.”

“Are you careless?”

“No.”

Rodolfo flushed and closed his eyes, his skin warming wherever Alejandro’s brushed against it. “They say you’re a monster. That you enjoy breaking omegas. That you’ll break me.”

“People love to spin such tales, do they not?” Alejandro chuckled. “The way they speak about me would have many believe I was a dragon. That I could spit fire and rip a thousand men apart with my claws. I am simply human, Mi Querido. I do not enjoy breaking omegas. I will not break you.”

Rodolfo liked the way Alejandro spoke. He liked to flourish with his words. But, he knew alphas who liked to flourish their words often flourished their lies as well. “Are you a dragon?” He asked, attempting to be playful, though it likely failed.

“No.” Alejandro laughed and Rodolfo relaxed a little. “I only wish I could be. Would win this war for the empire faster.”

Rodolfo turned dark red as Alejandro started to pull his clothing off, but he didn’t resist. He did hug himself when he was fully undressed, complying as Alejandro turned him around. “I never imagined myself ever being in the presence of such beauty. It is hard to believe you are real.”

Oh. Rodolfo was very quickly flustered from Alejandro’s words, softening. Even if Alejandro was lying, he would do it with such pretty words and Rodolfo could appreciate those at least. Rodolfo was gently pushed onto the bed and he tried not to fall onto it, moving up so he could lay against the pillows. His eyes followed Alejandro as he undressed himself and then climbed up the bed, settling over Rodolfo.

Rodolfo took deep breaths to stay calm, settling into the pillows. Alejandro leaned down and kissed him, gently, though the passion there sent warm through Rodolfo’s body. Alejandro’s hands roamed his skin and spread the warmth, making Rodolfo shiver.

Then, Alejandro’s mouth was moving down to Rodolfo’s neck, kissing and biting over the skin. Rodolfo had had his neck touched before, usually by Soap trying to bug him. This was different. He made soft noises from the sensation, pressing up into Alejandro without thinking.

Alejandro’s hand found it’s way between Rodolfo’s legs and Rodolfo grasped at his forearms, tensing with nervousness again. “Shh.. it’s going to feel good, I promise.” Alejandro murmured.

Rodolfo nodded a little, looking up into Alejandro’s eyes. He found tenderness there, affection. It shocked him and was a bit too much so he closed his eyes again, looking away. But, Alejandro turned his head back to face him. “I like your eyes. Keep watching me.”

Rodolfo turned bright red but nodded, gasping as Alejandro was suddenly swiping the slick that gathered between his legs. Alejandro made an appreciative noise and then his fingers were pushing inside. Rodolfo grabbed harder at Alejandro’s arms, keening into him.

It was an entirely new sensation, one which Rodolfo wasn’t sure how to cope with. He buried his face in Alejandro’s shoulder, gasping as his fingers pushed in deeper.

“You’re so slick…” Alejandro purred, his free arm wrapping around Rodolfo and holding him close. “I have you…”

Rodolfo bucked his hips against Alejandro, moaning as he moved his fingers in and out at a steady and even pace. “Mi Sol…” He whimpered. The nickname was natural to him. He was Alejandro’s star… so Alejandro was his Sun. “I don’t- I can’t-” he wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say.

“It’s okay, mi estrella. I have you…” Alejandro rubbed his face against Rodolfo’s, adding a third finger but keeping the same pace. Rodolfo could feel Alejandro’s scruff against his skin and he couldn’t help whining, pressing his face into the action. Alejandro scented Rodolfo and he melted involuntarily, his mind going hazy from the sensation. This was fantastic… He didn’t want it to stop. “There we go…”

Alejandro pulled his fingers away suddenly and Rodolfo couldn’t help whining, looking at him with an expression of soft betrayal. Alejandro only laughed gently. “Just one moment, mi amor, I promise.” He pulled back, untangling himself from Rodolfo’s arms.

Rodolfo complied and fell back into the pillows, looking up at Alejandro and wondering just what was going to happen next. Alejandro moved himself between Rodolfo’s legs and then he was pushing in and it was intense and Rodolfo was having to grab at the sheets, gasping and squeezing his eyes shut.

Alejandro leaned back down and kissed over Rodolfo’s face, keeping the kisses light and gentle. “How do we feel, mi querido?”

Rodolfo took deep breaths. It didn’t hurt, it was just a lot. “It’s… it’s okay…” He nodded, opening his eyes to look up at Alejandro’s, seeing concern there. He just melted at it, leaning up and nuzzling the side of Alejandro’s face. Maybe the rumors weren’t true, maybe Alejandro was soft and kind. At least, in this moment, he was.

Alejandro pet his hair and Rodolfo melted as his body relaxed into the feeling. Then, Alejandro started to move, which was even more intense. He cried out as Alejandro thrust back in and quickly wrapped his arms around Alejandro’s shoulders, hiding in his neck.

Alejandro cradled his head, the other going around his waist and continued to move, moaning softly in his ear. Rodolfo flushed dark as it sent shivers down his spine and he pulled away slightly, looking at Alejandro. Alejandro kissed him softly and gave another sharp thrust.

Rodolfo cried out and arched into him, breaking the kiss slightly, though Alejandro chased it and met him again, tilting his head to deepen it. He sharpened his thrusts and Rodolfo cried out his name, breaking away fully. He flushed dark when he saw Alejandro’s eyes darken and then he was thrusting like that every time, biting over Rodolfo’s neck.

Rodolfo at first tensed, expecting the sensation to be unpleasant but it wasn’t, it was wonderful and maybe it was a lot but Rodolfo wanted more. He rolled his hips to meet Alejandro’s thrusts, arching his back into him.

“Just like that, mi querido. Just like that.” Alejandro panted, moaning again, and bit harshly at Rodolfo’s neck. Rodolfo whined and dug his nails into Alejandro’s back, rewarded with a faster, harsher pace.

Alejandro licked over the bite and Rodolfo melted, but he kept rolling his hips to meet Alejandro, his movements clunky and inexperienced. Thankfully, Alejandro didn’t say anything about it, though his hands moved down to grab at Rodolfo’s hips and guide him. They moved together and Rodolfo found himself comparing it to the dances he’d had to learn for events.

Rodolfo tensed at a strange sensation in his stomach, looking at Alejandro in alarm. But, Alejandro only smiled affectionately, moving a hand to press down on Rodolfo’s abdomen. He whimpered as it intensified the pleasure, even beyond how intense it already was.

“Just give into it, let the waves wash over you… it’ll feel good, I promise.” Alejandro murmured. His thrusts went even, but still sharp, and the feeling grew and grew until Rodolfo was throwing his head back and crying Alejandro’s name again, his whole body shuddering and trembling.

As Alejandro promised, it felt amazing, like lightning was being sent down his body and then right back up.

Alejandro groaned and thrust sharply, once, twice, and then he was burying his cock deep inside Rodolfo as his knot grew, making Rodolfo feel so full he was almost bursting. Alejandro stilled and buried his face in Rodolfo’s neck, nuzzling him.

Rodolfo panted and half clung to Alejandro, enjoying the feeling of fullness and warmth. “You were right… it didn’t hurt.”

“It never will, Mi Estrella.” Alejandro murmured. “I promise now- no. I vow to Aelius that I will never hurt you. Not intentionally.”

Rodolfo frowned. A vow to one’s patron deity was a big deal, even if it was known that said Deity had taken away his blessing. Revoking or breaking said vow could have you invoking your deity’s full force of wrath on yourself which… Would be inconvenient at best, devastating at worst.

Aelius was an omega and he was known to be gentle but… the full force of his wrath was certainly something to behold. It could level cities.

Rodolfo trusted that Alejandro was not making this vow lightly. And… slowly he relaxed into Alejandro. “Thank you…” He murmured.

“Mi reina…” Alejandro pulled away slightly, being very careful not to jostle Rodolfo, which Rodolfo was deeply grateful for. He was now sore and very very tired. Alejandro seemed to pick up on the way his eyelids drooped because he gently pet his hair and nuzzled him. “Sleep Mi Reina…”

Rodolfo did not have to be told twice, closing his eyes and drifting off.

Okay, so this will have seperate plotlines like Teeth and Skin and the Magic Users AU! Gaz and Roach will have their own plotlines as well!

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callsign-bunnie · 7 months

Note

Do you think Alpha Alejandro wears the scratches he got from Rudy during a heat with a bit too much pride? Like finding excuses to take his shirt off so people see where Rudy scratched him?

Oh yeah, definitely. Though, I think Vaqueros are very casual with each other, anyway. I mean, Alejandro regularly has them to his ranch for asada, they're basically a family.

So, I don't think it's unfair to think that walking around shirtless during slow seasons is really that uncommon, so it's not that out of the question for him to maybe go shirtless for a bit after Rudy's heats. Los Vaqueros know who gave them, anyway, and if he takes a bit of pride out of it, who's going to really tell him not to?

Definitely flexes when one of the others bring it up, showing off the ones on his shoulders and even down his arms, though those are never as deep as he'd quite like them to be. Hey, they're a sign of his own skill.

Rudy doesn't mind, though he does go a bit red when jokes are passed around about the particularly deep ones...

(I imagine he shows the non heat off ones more, since they're a bit rarer and much farther in between)

#alejandro cod #rodolfo cod #call of duty #rodolfo parra #alejandro vargas #Alejandro Vargas #Rodolfo Parra #aledolfo #Aledolfo #alejandro x rodolfo #Alejandro x Rodolfo #call of duty: modern warfare ii #Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II #Call Of Duty #omegaverse #alpha alejandro vargas #omega rodolfo parra

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callsign-bunnie · 3 months

Note

Hey! Love your writing so much, I've been reading it for about a year now, and I still love it! I have one ask, though. I love the 'My Sweetest Vice' so much, but a thought popped in my head. What if Rudy was instead in the military and Alejandro was still El Sin Nombre. Again, I love your work, and have a great day :)

Hi! Thank you so much for reading My Sweetest Vice! I know that this took me a hot minute to answer but it ended up being a lot longer than I was expecting it to be!

This is ABO because My Sweetest Vice is ABO and also because none of my books are ABO (obviously) so you guys have to deal with me indulging over here!

TW: angst, perceived death, drugs, COD Typical violence

Rodolfo had known he was going to follow Alejandro wherever he went. Even when they presented and Rodolfo was an omega and Alejandro had presented as an alpha. Especially when Alejandro had asked him out barely a year later.

It was the natural course, them ending up together. Both of their families were traditional, as were they. Rodolfo had had a crush on Alejandro since fairly shortly after he’d presented, anyway, and Alejandro asking him out had been better than a dream.

So, when Alejandro went into the military, Rodolfo had followed the next day. He still remembered that conversation, too. Alejandro had taken Rodolfo out in his beat up shitty truck. He’d worked for two years to buy that truck, even though his family was wealthy. Alejandro had told him “I just want to buy something myself. I just want it to be mine.” Rodolfo had understood, he knew how Alejandro’s family was.

They were both freshly 18 when he had taken him out, driving them to this clearing that they’d called “their spot”. It was supposedly a ranch that was for sale, but he and Alejandro had been sneaking onto it since they were both 13, both for fucking and just to spend time together.

Rodolfo frowned as Alejandro turned the truck off, as Alejandro hadn’t told him why they were driving out. He’d just picked him up. “Ale?”

“I need to tell you something. I need you to promise not to yell at me.” Alejandro murmured, looking down at his lap.

Rodolfo frowned, still softer than he should be. He had lost that, eventually, but at this time, he still saw good in the world. He’d still thought that kindness was key. “Alejandro… I promise I won’t yell at you. What’s wrong? Is it your family? Whatever it is, we can handle it.” He took Alejandro’s hand, bringing it up to kiss his palm.

Alejandro was silent for a long moment before his eyes were dragging over the seat and then up to Rodolfo’s eyes. “I signed up for the military.”

Rodolfo dropped Alejandro’s hand, immediately, shock hitting him square in the chest. “You what?!”

“Rudy, please, you promised not to yell at me.” Alejandro immediately pleaded and took Rodolfo’s hand, kissing all over his knuckles and then up to his elbow and back down. “Please, mi amor… Please…”

Rodolfo took a deep breath and looked away from Alejandro, glaring out the window of the truck. “Why the hell did you do it? Is it- Is it to impress your family?? Alejandro, you’re never going to do that and this- This certainly is not how, regardless.”

“No, no, it wasn’t- It wasn’t to impress them.” Alejandro shook his head and then he was quiet, again, for another moment. Finally, he spoke again, pressing Rodolfo’s hand to his forehead. “I want to be something, I want to make something of myself. I want to fix the cartel problem, I can do that in the military.”

“No you can’t! They haven’t even succeeded in doing that!” Rodolfo exploded, yanking his hand away from Alejandro and then throwing the truck door open, getting out. He could already feel tears as they sprung to his eyes, trying to blink them away but already knowing he was going to fail.

Hearing Alejandro exit the truck only made him angrier and he started to storm away from it, unsure what direction he was even going in.

“Rudy-”

“Fuck off, Alejandro!” He cried but whipped around when he heard Alejandro run to catch up to him. “Why would you do this?? What am I supposed to do? You’re just going to end up dead or even worse! You can’t fix the cartel, there’s only assimilation or death. You know that, we’ve grown up hearing it, we’ve grown up saying it.”

Alejandro shook his head. “I can. I believe I can. I want to help save Las Almas.” He looked so genuine, he looked so determined.

Rodolfo broke into sobs because he knew Alejandro meant it, too. He knew that Alejandro genuinely wanted to save Las Almas and there was nothing Rodolfo could do about it. Once Alejandro had his mind set, he rarely changed it. When Alejandro moved to hug him, he didn’t shove him away, instead letting Alejandro pull him close and instead sobbing into his chest, trying to let the cinnamon and honey scent sooth him like it always did. “We were going to get married… You promised me that we would get married one day…”

“I know… I’m sorry…” Alejandro murmured and shook his head. “\We’ll still get married, Rudy…”

“I can’t marry a corpse!” Rodolfo cried, unburying his face from Alejandro’s chest just to look up at him. “I can’t marry a dead alpha!”

“Rudy, I’m not going to die…” Alejandro’s face became full of distress, and it soon filled his scent, too, and it made Rodolfo feel awful, but he couldn’t stop sobbing. He was terrified.

Rodolfo was now sobbing too hard to respond, burying his face again and letting Alejandro rub his back, though he still smelled distressed and almost panicked. “Rudy… It’s going to be okay… I promise, it’ll be okay…”

Rodolfo could only shake his head.

Well, Rodolfo had woken up the next morning knowing exactly what he was going to do. Omegas could join the military, but it was still seen as rather weird. Regardless, he’d marched right to the local recruiter and signed up. The recruiter hadn’t even questioned him on being an omega, in fact she was an omega as well and had simply smiled and said she was glad to see more omegas joining.

His sister was already in, herself, and she’d screamed at him for two hours, since he “should have known better after watching her suffer” and she’d screamed even louder upon finding out that it was to follow Alejandro, as he was risking his life to “chase some stupid alpha”. Even still, he’d sat through the entire thing, asking if she really wanted her leave to be spent screaming at him, which had seemed to silence her.

Then, he’d taken his papers to Alejandro and said they’d be joining the same training unit. Alejandro had been dead silent, though he’d went very pale, and the only thing he’d asked the entire time was one very quiet “why?” To which Rodolfo had simply shrugged and responded “wherever you go, I go.”

A promise he had kept. Everyone learned rather quickly that the omega that followed Alejandro around (they’d kept their relationship quiet) was a lot more deadly than would first be assumed. Rodolfo never got into fights, not in front of everyone else, but he would finish Alejandro’s. Don’t piss the omega off or you’ll find snakes and spiders in your bunk. Don’t fight Vargas unless you plan to lose and still sleep with one eye open, even after. Alejandro struck hard, but Rodolfo struck silently later.

One in their unit had made the mistake of targeting Alejandro a little too much. Sure, Alejandro’s reputation was already growing as he was aggressive but smart, hard to kill though it had been tried. No one can kill Alejandro but Alejandro. No one but Rodolfo knew why, too.

Jealousy was a hell of a drug. It had you doing stupid things and this idiot had done the worst. He’d actually tried to kill Alejandro. Rather… he’d tried to injure him beyond repair but it’d gone wrong and almost killed him. Alejandro was already on his way to moving way up the ranks, Rodolfo following close behind, and this jackass had made it clear he hated Alejandro from the start.

All of their pranks had been played off as just friendly, but he didn’t target anyone else the way he targeted Alejandro. First it was tacks in his bunk, nothing permanent, but Rodolfo hadn’t forgotten and had started to keep a tally.

Getting Alejandro’s uniform dirty so he was reprimanded and punished. Knocking into him in the mess hall and getting food everywhere. Spiders in his shoes, even though Alejandro was already well known for hating them. Hiding the items on his bunk so he was forced to look for them, ultimately landing him in trouble when he couldn’t find them. Rodolfo had remembered it all.

Then, he’d started to put rat poison in Alejandro’s food. The first time, Rodolfo hadn’t noticed, but he’d picked it up in the way that Alejandro gotten violently ill afterwards. How he’d thrown up. Rodolfo recognized it because his own go to had been rat poison. Not enough to kill anyone, but hey if someone was targetting one of his siblings or god forbid Alejandro, they might find a very tiny amount in their food.

Rodolfo had swapped food with Alejandro, just pretending that Alejandro’s looked better. Alejandro had never been one to say no to Rodolfo, ever, so he’d just shrugged and swapped food. Rodolfo had felt bad, since his portions were smaller as he was an omega, but Alejandro had never said anything and Rodolfo had forced himself to eat every bite so none of it could go to Alejandro, who would eat his leftovers if he ever had any.

When he’d gotten ill, it’d been taken a lot more seriously. Not because they cared or anything, but he’d been accused of being pregnant and then the rat poison had been found in the asshole’s bunk. Rodolfo hadn’t even intended to tell anyone, he just didn’t want Alejandro to get sick again, and had mostly planned on hiding it. He just hadn’t been fast enough to hide himself throwing up.

Alejandro had apparently had to be held back from beating the asshole to a pulp, though Rodolfo had only heard about it later on. The other had gotten in a lot of trouble, almost discharged, but had saved himself by claiming it was a prank and took punishment instead. Rodolfo still wasn’t sure how that was even allowed, since that was a clear attempt on… well, Rodolfo’s life, but apparently he had said he had only put enough to make them puke, not die. Rodolfo hadn’t wanted to ask how he knew it only made them throw up, not die, since he was unsure if he wanted to know if he’d known or not.

Instead, he’d just hoped their punishment would be enough, but was ultimately unsurprised when it wasn’t. He still remembered the sight of Alejandro’s body slamming into the tree. Rodolfo had been sent in with a few others to clear the building first.

Well, the building had actually been empty but it had been turned into a literal minefield with homemade proximity bombs that had ultimately led to them being forced to retreat out of an opposite exit. Something had also, however, jammed signals from their radios. It was clear that it had been set up to just wipe as many of them out as it could, their demolitions expert had just immediately recognized the hardware and stopped them all.

But, they hadn’t been able to get a warning across so no one on the other side of the massive building had known what was going on and not to go in. They’d been told to go all the way around and just tell them, since they had been told to wait, anyway.

Rodolfo had come around the corner at just the right moment to see Alejandro scream his name and deadsprint towards the building. He was only saved by Rodolfo screaming no, causing him to stop in his tracks before the building had somehow blown anyway, sending anyone close flying back, which had included Alejandro who’d gotten thrown into a small tree so hard it had snapped with his weight.

Thankfully, Alejandro hadn’t been too injured, just landing in med bay with several bruised ribs and some shrapnel, but Rodolfo had taken it for what it was. The rat poison had reasonable doubt, but this? This was a clear attempt on Alejandro’s life.

So, he’d waited. Someone told him that the asshole had suddenly frantically ran over to Alejandro and told him that he’d heard Rodolfo over the radio, pleading for help, which had triggered Alejandro to run into the building. So, Rodolfo had waited.

He’d waited for the day before everyone went on leave, when Alejandro would also be released from med bay. He’d played nice, he’d twirled his hair and flirted with the asshole, a little, though away from everyone else, and had lured him away from everyone else, somewhere very secluded on base.

He’d gotten him drunk, too, having gotten his sister to sneak some alcohol on base, and pretended to get super drunk as well. There, he’d revealed the grenade he’d stolen. He’d said nothing as he pulled the pin, placed the grenade in the asshole’s hand, and sprinted out of the building, just to stand back and watch as it blew up before making sure to be back in his bunk with no evidence of ever having left.

They’d ruled it a suicide and Rodolfo had pretended to know nothing about it to everyone, including Alejandro. Rodolfo had never felt guilty. He’d already shot and killed a few cartel members, so he’d just put it in the box he’d put those in, and moved on, justifying it with what he’d done to Alejandro.

Hell, he didn’t even remember his name.

When Alejandro’s military career careened towards the Special Forces, Rodolfo had forced his in that direction as well. He’d tried not to lose it when they’d ended up on different squads, trying just to be happy that he was in the same unit.

Alejandro had ended up taking a leader role, anyway, and his reputation only grew more, turning him into practically a myth in some circles. He’d also started to hang out more with a female alpha, named Valeria Garza, as they were both on the same unit.

Rodolfo had found his own friend, anyway, another omega named Jesus Ordaz, though he went by Chuy. They’d become close, very close, and Rodolfo had been so grateful to have someone who understood the struggles of being an omega in the military. It became even better when it was revealed that Chuy and Valeria had been secretly together, the same as Rudy and Alejandro, and so they’d started to all four spend more time together when off duty.

Then the raid on the Son of La Araña. Rodolfo had had a sick feeling about it, all day. Something felt off, but he had never been able to figure out why. He’d voiced it to Chuy when getting geared up, but Chuy had only told him that he was probably just nervous. Rodolfo knew what being nervous felt like, though, and this had not been that.

Even still, he’d gone on the mission.

However, everything had went south so fast. Rodolfo and Chuy’s unit had been in charge of keeping La Araña’s forces back, but there hadn’t been any. Even Chuy had thought it was suspicious. When their men had started to disappear one by one, Rodolfo and Chuy had both voiced maybe retreating against orders.

Rodolfo had seen pictures of what was done to the omegas captured by the cartel, and the look on Chuy’s face had proven that he had, as well. Even still, they’d held their position for hours until they’d gotten spoken to, on the comms. Sergeant Parra and Sergeant Ordaz, you are being ordered to retreat now!

They had very gladly done so, coming back to the base where they’d immediately been separated and Rodolfo remembered being questioned for hours. He had been dead on his feet when he’d finally been allowed to go back to his bunk, having reiterated over and over that he didn’t know anything. They’d asked him about Alejandro and Valeria and the rest of their unit, and he’d just told them the truth.

Alejandro and Valeria’s task had been to arrest the son of La Araña, potentially La Araña as well if he attempted to stop the arrest.

Chuy had came to him, later, his face grim. Rodolfo hadn’t been able to sleep, Alejandro’s whole unit had apparently disappeared, which had explained the odd questioning. So, seeing Chuy’s face had made his heart sink and he had immediately assumed the worst. “Chuy… Chuy, what happened??”

“They’re dead, Rudy. They’re both dead. Their whole unit was found, shot execution style.” Chuy had whispered.

Rodolfo remembered shaking harder than he ever had, and this sick feeling had rose in his body, leaving him hunched over and fighting bile as it rose to the surface. “How?? They’re positive??”

“Ale and Val’s bodies weren’t found.” Chuy mumbled and sat down beside Rodolfo. “But… their tags were found next to a scorched pile of bodies.”

Rodolfo had immediately started to sob, screaming Alejandro’s name as Chuy had yanked him close and both omegas had cried over their partners for hours until they couldn’t anymore.

Once the investigation was over, it’d been determined that a rival cartel had intercepted and attempted to take over the cartel, as the son and La Araña were both found dead, though their places had been very quickly taken over.

El Sin Nombre and El Zorro. Both were very secretive in their identities, and Rodolfo had never interacted with them, but they’d been known to have equal power over the cartel.

Rodolfo had just became numb, and Chuy had been in a similar state. He stayed in the military, he had nowhere else to go. But, his sister had left and started her own PMC, which meant all he had was Chuy. So, when Rodolfo had been offered the position of Colonel, he’d had no one in mind for his SIC than the other omega, making him Sergeant Major Jesus Ordaz, and Rodolfo was Colonel Rodolfo Parra.

Rodolfo knew why they’d stuck him as Colonel, too, despite being an omega. They had seen a clear path for Rodolfo to fail, which… what else could he do? El Sin Nombre and El Zorro had grown the cartel at a very steady rate, taking it from just Las Almas’ problem to one of the biggest cartels in Mexico.

Regardless, Rodolfo had taken the position, content to fail and be their scapegoat. Chuy had even seemed resigned to the idea, and so they’d both made history as both of them were omegas. His sister’s PMC had also grown very fast, and so he had her in his back pocket.

Alejandro and Valeria’s squad had been known as Los Vaqueros, and so Rodolfo had adopted the title for their whole unit, in their honor. In Alejandro’s honor.

And… to everyone, including Rodolfo and Chuy,’s shock, they hadn’t failed. Rodolfo and Chuy had both been content to fail, of course, but both had agreed that they were going to go down swinging, and so they’d both put their best foot forward. Of course, Rodolfo had been held back by the rest of the military at first.

Another omega, General Núñez, especially. Rodolfo had figured out why, later, as it had been rumored he was one of El Sin Nombre’s personal play toys, but Rodolfo had still had to go toe to toe with him for every decision, even when he should have had no say!

Then the corruption, the hold that the cartel had on the military, was revealed. Everyone had been, again, investigated and while Los Vaqueros had came back clean, no one else had, and so the military had unofficially divorced themselves from all units in Las Almas. The general military had been left to the cartel and Rodolfo and Chuy had been finally free to make any decisions they wanted.

Officially, both would still receive supplies when ordered but… that was about it. So, Rodolfo had identified gaps in their systems, and he’d reformed the entire thing. Los Vaqueros no longer was just a special forces unit, they became a family under Rodolfo’s leadership.

Rodolfo then started to really push back against the cartel. He’d instilled a sort of ruthlessness into his men. He and Chuy had similar values, so both had shaped Los Vaqueros into a killing unit. More and more omegas had joined, too, and Rodolfo had been damned if he was going to let the atrocious happen to them, so more and more training had been focused on survival and evading capture.

Los Vaqueros had come to be known as just as terrifying as the cartel. Their Vaqueros had been known to kill themselves the moment they were captured. One had even went to such lengths as bashing their own head in when captured by a sicario who had a particularly stomach churning reputation around the omegas he had captured before.

However, Rodolfo had started to gain his own reputation. He was described as quiet, off putting, and strikingly intelligent. Beautiful but far too deadly to put your knot anywhere near. It was said he listened to everything, even when you were sure he hadn’t. He’d been called every insult an omega could receive and a few more, and he’d received just as much praise.

Chuy had, of course, gained his own reputation. Chuy had never been able to hide just how strange he was, though Rodolfo had never minded it. Fuck, it had made him happy to be around someone who could comprehend him. Either way, Chuy had come to be known as “psychotic”. These crazy tall tales of him smiling and laughing while castrating alphas spread and spread, though they were all bullshit. Both were just… human. That’s all. Just… omegas.

Eventually, the cartel stopped growing. It stopped being able to expand, as Rodolfo had become too fast in stopping it before it happened. Then, both’d been captured.

Really, it was stupid how it’d happened, but Rodolfo had been slammed into a chair with a bag over his head, and it’d been ripped off to reveal two masked alphas, with Chuy at his back.

He remembered seething and snarling, threatening both alphas with everything he could think of, but he’d only been met with shock on the taller’s face, a male alpha wearing the same mask worn by bandits and thieves in children’s shows. “What?!” He’d snarled at the expression, turning to see the female appeared just as surprised, coming around from where she’d been listening to Chuy’s own threats. “Shocked the Colonel is an omega??”

“Very.” The male had snorted, finally seeming to recover. “I’d heard rumors, but I guess I didn’t believe them. So you’re who’s been making our jobs very difficult.”

The female also seemed to recover, chuckling softly. “How progressive.”

Rodolfo clenched his jaw, stopping Chuy when he felt him start to twist his hand to break his thumb. As much as he’d love to do the same to get out of the cuffs keeping his hands behind his back, he’d rather not get them both killed so fast, though he knew it was likely the end. “Neither of us are going to give you any information.”

“We know.” The male sighed, deeply. Rodolfo tried to scent either of them, but the only thing he could get was the distinct scent of alpha and nothing else. Not even laundry soap. “We can’t kill you, either.”

The female looked away and Rodolfo had frowned at what looked like guilt in her eyes, but he couldn’t see them very well and so he’d decided he was making it up. “Come on, just put the bags back over their head and send them back. The faster they’re gone, the better.”

“I agree.” The male murmured.

Rodolfo had gone to protest, had threatened them even louder as they had put the bag back on his head, but then something had pinched in his arm and he’d woken up on top of Chuy in the back of an abandoned truck, and both had been forced to walk back to the base, confused as hell as to why they’d been let go.

After that, Los Vaqueros had stopped dying. Of course… so had the cartel, because it became impossible to do anything. No raids, no arrests, nothing. The cartel had become smarter about everything they did. Raids would find buildings that had been cleared out, narcos would allow themselves to be arrested, just to be let out at the end of the 24 hours because the evidence would just disappear.

Hell, Rodolfo had tried purposely putting himself in danger the few times they’d managed to find narcos. He’d ended up on his knees with a gun to his head in front of one, and the conviction in their face had had him accepting his fate.

But, another nearby had seen the “Colonel” on his vest and had immediately started to whisper at the other. “That’s the Colonel… If you shoot him, El Zorro will kill you slow and painful…”

And Rodolfo had been let go again.

Both he and Chuy had found it odd and frustrating but… what could they do about it? Nothing. They were forced to become stagnant. The cartel couldn’t grow, but Los Vaqueros couldn’t vanquish them, either.

Nothing could be done.

“We’ve got it.” Rodolfo looked up as his second in command burst into his office, raising an eyebrow. He was holding a laptop in his arm, their unit having long made the switch to be mostly digital, so both had laptops for military business. “I told you! I told you those fools would make a mistake!”

Rodolfo blinked, surprised by Chuy’s lack of expletives, though he was still able to pick up on who those fools were. Who else but El Zorro and El Sin Nombre? Chuy never called them their titles, they were always those (insert some random insult). “Chuy,” he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “what mistake did they make?”

Chuy had done this before, he’d burst into Rodolfo’s office with a brand new lead that would ultimately lead nowhere but Rodolfo taking a scalding hot shower and debating stepping down as they found nothing, again. “They are harboring a terrorist.”

Oh. None of the mistakes had been to that level, yet. “They… what?!” Rodolfo stood, immediately, and rushed around the desk, taking the laptop from Chuy, who grinned and handed it over.

Sure enough, they’d been informed that the British SAS would be sending a taskforce to Mexico in order to arrest the said terrorist, Hassan Zyani. This had all been relayed by Kate Laswell, a CIA agent that Rodolfo knew semi-well as they’d worked together when the cartel would occasionally overstep into the US and something had to be done, though she’d always be ordered to retreat once the cartel was back to being just Mexico’s problem.

Rodolfo knew she didn’t want to, so he’d never harbored any resentment. Regardless, she was a hell of a lot more pleasant than many of the other alphas he’d been forced to work with, and so he would give his full cooperation to her.

Chuy was beaming, and Rodolfo knew why. Because this task force would surely help them. This meant that the cartel had officially became someone else’s problem, which meant that they would help… right? “Captain John Price will be sending two of his soldiers. A Lieutenant Simon Riley and Sergeant John Mactavish.”

“...only two?” Rodolfo frowned and the sudden hope was squashed by disappointment. “No, no, two isn’t enough.” Two would be nowhere near enough.

Chuy winced. “Only two, as far as I could see. But I researched this Lieutenant, he has… quite the reputation, even in Mexico. You know Roba’s cartel? How it mysteriously disappeared?”

Rodolfo frowned but he nodded and looked at Chuy. “Yes… That was an awful year for us, we had to work double time to make sure our cartel didn’t take up where it disappeared.”

“Well… it’s rumored that he had close ties with them.” Chuy shrugged. “Rather… well, his unit went missing in Mexico and he was found months later by Texas rangers in a very awful state. Around the time that Roba disappeared, he was again spotted in Mexico. It’s rumored he wiped them out.”

Rodolfo made a face, never one for ghost stories, but he still shook it off, looking more into the message. “They’re called… Ghost and Soap? Soap is an omega?” Well, at least they had that.

Chuy nodded a bit. “That’s what it says.”

“What an odd pair.” Rodolfo furrowed his brows, unsure how he felt about the names. They were silly, but… call signs were given for a reason. “When will they arrive?”

“Next week.” Chuy hummed, as Rodolfo’s eyes found the date in the message. “Even if they can’t fix the problem, surely they can help us chip away at it? We’ve made zero progress in three years, this has gotta help us turn it around.”

Rodolfo prayed it would, though he still didn’t have much hope considering they were only sending two people. Regardless, he put together a scouting team, sending Chuy with them, and learning that the cartel was keeping Zyani in a safehouse close to the coast.

Rodolfo had not dared let Chuy attempt an arrest, still entirely unsure on how the cartel was getting information, so he’d ordered Chuy to retreat and they’d instead waited for the two to arrive.

Rodolfo had driven to pick them up from the helo, which had landed at an older base as their own landing pad was currently out of commission. Chuy was with him, of course, rambling about how he knew this was what they needed, that this would finally be exactly what would chip fully at the cartel and pull it to pieces.

Rodolfo knew it was just desperation, so he hadn’t said just how unsure he was that this was going to do anything. Instead, he was silent as always, and had tried not to laugh at the sudden intense silence that Chuy always had when meeting new people, having cut him off mid sentence as they got out of the truck and stood to wait while the helo landed.

Seeing the pair that exited the helo had put a small bit of hope back into Rodolfo’s chest, as they were certainly… formidable. Lieutenant Riley, especially, who wore a skull mask that would intimidate most, Rodolfo was sure. Maybe if Rodolfo hadn’t come to be well acquainted with tall alphas in skull masks trying to make themselves scarier than they were, he might have found himself shivering and avoiding eye contact. But… neither he nor Chuy even flinched as the alpha approached. “Lieutenant Riley, Sergeant Mactavish.” Rodolfo greeted as they approached, unsurprised that both appeared to be wearing blockers.

“Colonel Parra.” Ghost was the one to return the greeting, accepting Rodolfo’s hand as it outstretched for a handshake.

“Laswell says you’re called Ghost.” Rodolfo acknowledged, mostly to see if that’s what he would prefer, which Ghost nodded at.

However, Mactavish immediately half grinned. “Actually, I think he prefers to be-”

“That’ll do.” Ghost immediately cut the sergeant off, who appeared to pout.

Rodolfo and Chuy shared a look of confusion, before Rodolfo just chalked the interaction up to not having interacted with many Brits before and so maybe this was just how they interacted with each other. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Ghost then shook Chuy’s hand as it was offered, before Soap was quick to follow, grinning wide at them both. “My second in command,” Rodolfo explained as Soap shook Chuy’s hand, “and my best friend. Sergeant Major Jesus Ordaz, but we all call him Chuy.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Chuy greeted, though his expression didn’t change from being utterly serious. Rodolfo knew that the other likely had to be internally imploding from excitement, but Chuy never showed it to anyone but Rodolfo. Well… not anymore. Grief had changed them both.

Soap grinned. “Pleased to meet you, as well. Gotta admit… Laswell didn’t mention that you both were uh… uh…” He suddenly seemed to falter, and it was clear from the way his face went red and the clear amusement in Ghost’s eyes that he had spoken before thinking. “Uh…”

“Omegas?” Rodolfo guessed, and chuckled as he watched Soap duck his head. He shared an amused look with Chuy before shrugging. “We both worked hard to get here. We’re just as capable.”

“Certainly.” Ghost agreed and then appeared to nudge the sergeant. “They’re just as capable as any alpha, you should know that, Sergeant.” His tone was clearly teasing, but Soap still glared at him.

Rodolfo shook his head and gestured for Chuy to get in the vehicle, which Chuy did after being polite and opening the back door, while Rodolfo did the same, letting their visitors get in first before he finally got into the driver’s seat. “The cartel is holding your target in a safehouse ten clicks from here. Laswell… mentioned that this Hassan Zyani… he is moving something, no?”

“Missiles.” Ghost answered. “Three of them.”

Rodolfo frowned and looked at Chuy, who now looked very concerned. “I do not want war in my city…” He murmured, starting to drive.

Chuy nodded, in agreement. “Las Almas has seen enough.”

“We won’t let there be war.” Ghost answered. Rodolfo wanted to believe them, he really did.

However, Soap leaned forward a bit later, resting his arms on the back of their seats. “I’ve never been to Mexico.”

“This isn’t Mexico.” Chuy laughed, finally breaking his seriousness, and Rodolfo couldn’t help rolling his eyes, as Mexico had made that very clear. “This is Las Almas. Welcome to the city of souls.”

Ghost and Soap appeared to be very confused, both sharing a look, and so Rodolfo decided to move on. “Our base is your base.” Rodolfo spoke up, and Chuy nodded. “Anything you need… ask.”

“Of course.” Ghost nodded. “General Shepherd extends his thanks for your cooperation in this issue.”

Rodolfo rolled his eyes at the formal statement, instead gesturing to Chuy, who just laughed. “I’m afraid of Ghosts…” He teased, in Spanish so their guests couldn’t understand.

Chuy turned to glance back at their guests. “You speak Spanish?”

“No.” Soap shook his head, and Ghost did the same.

Rodolfo wasn’t shocked, shaking his head and continuing to drive. Of course not. Look at them. Chuy chuckled and settled back into his seat, shrugging. “You will.”

Rodolfo also doubted that.

They continued down the streets of Las Almas, a small convoy of only a few trucks, as Rodolfo had worried more might alert the cartel. Even now, he found himself tensed and glancing everywhere, unable to relax even when Chuy touched his arm and assured him that everything would go smoothly. Nothing ever went smoothly.

His attention was caught, though, by Sergeant Mactavish suddenly speaking. “White truck, four with guns on the back-” He had reached for his own gun, but Rodolfo was quick to stop him.

“Aye, tranquilo.” Rodolfo quickly said, glancing in the rearview mirror to make sure the Sergeant calmed. “That’s normal, here. Very normal.”

Soap didn’t look convinced but did stop reaching for the gun. Chuy sighed, softly. “Guns on the street are the jurisdiction of the police.”

“Where are the police?” Ghost asked.

Chuy winced, and Rodolfo realized the size of the cartel problem must have been understated to them. “Few are left.” Rodolfo answered. “Rather… few are left uncorrupted. Las Almas has a serious problem… those who resist corruption often disappear.”

“What about the military?” Soap then asked.

“They recruit us.” Chuy answered, furrowing his brows. “The military is well trained, so the narcos were extra careful to recruit from us.”

Rodolfo snorted. Not Los Vaqueros, though.

“Why not you?” Ghost asked, and Rodolfo noted that they seemed to talk in tandem.

Rodolfo and Chuy shared an amused look. “Cartel took everything we had.” Chuy answered. “Rodolfo and I grew up here. We want to… keep Las Almas alive. Los Vaqueros, they call us… Cowboys. Rather… a squad of us was wiped out, once, by the cartel. They were called Los Vaqueros. We keep the name to honor them. All of Los Vaqueros have some reason to stay and fight. Las Almas is our home. We will die fighting for it.”

Rodolfo made a face since… that was a rather romanticized reason why. But, he wouldn’t correct Chuy, instead glancing to see that this reason seemed to have satiated the Brits, who fell silent.

Not for long, however. The sergeant had had his eyes focused out the window almost the entire drive, though Rodolfo did note that Ghost’s eyes had remained on Soap. Odd. “Kids, guns, and balloons. That’s a new one.” Soap commented, turning to look at Ghost, who just silently watched him.

“El Zorro is generous.” Chuy explained, and Rodolfo nodded in agreement. “He wins over the people with generosity.”

“El filanthropo.” Rodolfo muttered, rolling his eyes. Mexico abandoning them had given the cartel more leverage, stepping up where the government left.

Soap furrowed his brows, appearing perplexed. “Even the children?”

“Especially the children.” Rodolfo answered. He slowed to a stop beside two bodies, wanting their guests to fully grasp the situation, and they appeared to as both of their expressions turned grave.

“What is on those sheets?” Soap asked, leaning over Ghost to look out the window.

“Cartel cloths. It’s to mark territory.” Chuy explained and Rodolfo finally continued to drive. “The bricks of our sidewalks are repaved with death.”

Rodolfo glanced over, suppressing a shiver at the big red El Sin Nombre and El Zorro on the sheets, and he finally started to drive again.

“Who’s Sin Nombre? And El Zorro?” Ghost asked, his voice a bit startling when it wasn’t heard in a while.

“The Nameless and The Fox. The leaders of the Las Almas cartel.” Chuy explained, wincing.

“Where can they be found?” Soap asked, a surprising snarl in his voice. Rodolfo hadn’t known many omegas who could do that, naturally.

“You can’t.” Rodolfo explained, sighing softly. “But they’re both everywhere. It’s a challenge.”

“Los Vaqueros like challenges.” Chuy grinned and nudged Rodolfo, who couldn’t help smiling and shaking his head. “We have been working at this issue for many many years.”

Rodolfo snorted and he glanced at a pedestrian, though he tried to keep his eyes on the road, shaking his head as he noted the skull balaclava they wore. “With your mask… you will fit in well here, Ghost.” Chuy laughed at his joke, but Ghost just stared at him in the rearview mirror.

It was… unsettling, and so Rodolfo just went silent, refocusing on the road again. He slowed to a stop at seeing a checkpoint, trying not to growl in frustration. “The army…” He muttered, glancing to see Chuy was tensed completely. “I’ll just turn.” He prayed that this was a coincidence, that somehow they hadn’t been tipped off.

Chuy nodded a bit, but Soap just looked confused. “Why?”

“Most troops are in the pocket of El Sin Nombre.” Chuy explained, while Rodolfo focused on finding a new route to the safehouse. He murmured into his radio for the other two drivers to remain close. “As we said… they’re everywhere.”

“They’re hiding Hassan across the river.” Rodolfo spoke up, taking a route that would be only a few minutes longer. “We hope he will still be there.”

Rodolfo pulled them to part outside of the small neighborhood and parked, reminding his men to group on him before separating. “Where are they holding Hassan??” Soap asked as he came over.

Chuy rolled his shoulders as Rodolfo approached, and Rodolfo chuckled, softly. “Building at the far edge, this is the only way through. Cartel took this over long ago, so it’s one of their hideouts. We mostly leave it alone, so they’ve assumed it’s safe.” He explained. “Chuy will take a team around the other way while we go through.”

“Civilians?” Ghost asked as they started to approach the entrance point, Rodolfo calling Rodriguez over. Rodriguez was also an omega, which both of their guests seemed to notice immediately.

“None. As I said, cartel took over.” Rodolfo shook his head. He waited for it to be clear and for Chuy’s signal that they were on their way before signaling for entrance, staying close behind Ghost who moved in first.

They carefully moved through, taking out narcos that popped up, and Rodolfo found himself gradually starting to relax. The narcos were a good sign that the cartel had no idea what was going on, so they continued.

Rodolfo had them pause in a house, wanting to make sure his men made it, stopping Soap as he went to go through a door. “What happened to the families here?” Soap asked while all four were paused.

Rodolfo winced. “The cartel brings violence… So they leave. If they’re lucky.”

Soap frowned, shaking his head. “What about your family?”

Rodolfo hadn’t spoken to any of them besides Liliana in many years. His parents wanted nothing to do with him, and his siblings had never reached out. They’d all left Las Almas about a decade before that point, and Rodolfo hadn’t spoken to them, since. Apparently Liliana hadn’t, either. “Left.”

Soap seemed to understand, furrowing his brows and looking out the window. “Safe, I assume?”

“I don’t know.” Rodolfo answered, honestly, and furrowed his brows. “I wish I did. No, I… I have a sister. She’s helping to fight this problem just as I am. I don’t know about the rest.”

“I see.” Soap nodded, and finally Ghost and Rodriguez came into the room, having been fully clearing the house.

Rodolfo asked Chuy for a sitrep, relaxing when he heard they’d made it and nodding for Soap to continue on once he’d gotten confirmation on concealment via smoke. They moved to the safehouse, where Rodolfo gestured and Rodriguez rushed forward to breach the door.

But… it was empty. No narcos, no Hassan.

Rodolfo resisted kicking a nearby piece of furniture, hissing “attention Victors, no Hassan. Stand for attention,” into his radio with barely contained frustrated rage.

He only received a disappointed “roger” back from Chuy, which echoed his feelings. “They must have moved him.” He explained to the other two, who didn’t even look shocked. They must have expected this. Rodolfo had, too, but… it was still frustrating.

“When?” Soap asked, starting to check around the room for a clue, but Rodolfo knew that would likely not be found. The cartel was always thorough.

“I don’t know.” Rodolfo answered, frowning and touching a flag on the wall. “You recognize it?” It wasn’t the Mexican flag, that was for sure.

“It’s his country’s flag, he definitely was here. Your intel was good, after all.” Ghost answered, reaching to touch the flag as well.

Rodolfo went to snap back, but his attention was caught by Chuy’s voice over the radio. “Commander! Come in, come in.”

“What is it, Chuy??” Rodolfo quickly asked, a cold spike of panic piercing his chest.

“Núñez.”

“Fuck!” Rodolfo cried, rushing to the window to see it confirmed by the green army trucks rolling through the streets. “The army is here. Chuy, fall back. Ghost, Soap, cover my men as they retreat.”

Ghost and Soap quickly moved into position, and so Rodolfo watched as well, tensely. “You want us to engage the Mexican Army??” Soap asked, and Rodolfo rolled his eyes.

“No. These are paid for by El Sin Nombre. They’re protecting Hassan.” Rodolfo answered, not really sure he wanted to get into introducing the idea that these troops had been just as abandoned as Los Vaqueros.

Thankfully, that seemed to satiate them, and Rodolfo had them hold off fire until he was certain Chuy and the rest were safe and then he had them retreat to the mountains. “We can lose them through here!” He ordered as they ran, only slowing down once they were fully in the tree cover.

“The old route, Colonel?” Rodriguez asked and Rodolfo went to answer before he watched Rodriguez hit the ground from a gun shot, immediately rushing over and dragging him behind a rock while Soap and Ghost joined them.

“Where are you hit?” Rodolfo asked, ignoring as Soap and Ghost yelled to each other over the gun fire.

“Just my back plate, I’m good.” Rodriguez promised and Rodolfo relaxed, taking deep breaths. Rodriguez and Alvarez were their most trusted majors, he couldn’t imagine anything happening to either. Both were omegas and both could argue like there was no tomorrow, but he and Chuy adored both.

So, he took extra care to make sure that Rodriguez was really okay, glad to see there was no injury safe for a forming bruise.

So, he was quick to have them move on, ordering Rodriguez to call for extract. However, they got no response, and Rodolfo made a frustrated noise, guiding them deeper into the mountains.

“You know these trails??” Soap asked, his tone making it clear that this was from genuine worry.

“Very well.” Rodolfo reassured as they took a moment behind another rock. “I grew up running through them.” With… Alejandro. Often chasing each other or taking picnics or… other things. Both had been very horny teenagers. His heart stung in the same way it always did at the reminder of his loss.

He shook off an obvious look of concern from Rodriguez, urging him to try to contact Chuy again, but there was again no response. “Fuck! Come on.” He guided them even further into the mountains, praying they could get some response soon.

“Alright, you’ll have to jump here!” Rodolfo called, heading to a cliff he remembered very well. Alejandro had been the one to teach him how to make long jumps.

“Will we make it??” Soap asked, and even Ghost looked hesitant, which was very silly to look at.

So, Rodolfo chuckled and gestured for Rodriguez, who made the jump first. One he was safely over, Rodolfo glanced back at the Brits, half grinning. “Buena suerte, hermanos.” He then rushed forward and threw himself to the other side, being careful to roll as he landed, while Soap and Ghost followed.

He then sent Soap forward while Rodriguez crouched low and continued to try to make contact with Chuy, while looking for snipers. However, when the contact again failed, he just pushed them forward, deciding the river would be their safest bet. The water would help provide cover from bullets, and the stream would guide them to safety.

However… He knew exactly how they would have to get to the river, so he instead lied and told them that they would be running towards a bridge. He didn’t want anxiety over jumping off a cliff slowing them down.

Rodriguez, however, made a face and raised an eyebrow at Rodolfo, though Rodolfo just shook his head and Rodriguez shrugged in response.

Rodolfo had tried to say no when they reached a cliff that required carefully edging across, wanting to make sure Rodriguez made it over, first, but Ghost and Soap had insisted, and so Rodolfo had taken a deep breath and carefully made his way over, Ghost following close behind.

Then Rodriguez and Soap came, and Rodriguez was right at the other side when suddenly he was jerking and his eyes rolled into the back of his skull before he fell forward, plummeting off the cliff face.

“Rodriguez!” Rodolfo screamed, lunging forward before he could stop himself, only caught by Ghost grabbing him and yanking him back.

Soap quickly rushed to the other side, panting and staring down where Rodriguez’s body was only a speck on the ground. Rodolfo’s hands shook as he stared at the speck, he wondered what he was going to tell Alvarez.

However, like always, an intense rage overwhelmed him and he turned around, glancing around for the sniper’s glint, using his own scope to see that they wouldn’t be able to shoot them at the angle they were at. Rodolfo used this to his advantage, crouching down and to the edge before shooting the sniper down, aiming for their neck.

“Bloody good shot,” Ghost spoke, startling Rodolfo as he was right behind them.

Rodolfo looked up at him and he didn’t like the way the alpha looked at him. Recognition was in his eyes and Rodolfo could see a spotter scope in his hand. So… he had seen where the bullet would have landed. But, Ghost didn’t say anything to Soap, and Rodolfo perked up at hearing voices.

He could recognize Núñez’s, immediately, and everything in him wanted to track him down and rip him to shreds, but he didn’t, instead forcing himself to go forward. While they continued, he practiced it in his head. Major Rodriguez was shot off a cliff.

Major Rodriguez didn’t make it.

I’m sorry… Major Rodriguez didn’t survive.

Tears stung at the backs of his eyes and the only thing pushing him forward was duty and knowing that the other two wouldn’t survive these woods without him. But… he still made a mental note that he and Chuy would go back and retrieve Rodriguez, later. And any fallen soldier, not naive enough to believe Rodriguez was the only casualty.

What would he tell Chuy?

I failed… We lost someone because I couldn’t protect them.

Rodolfo stopped at the exact cliff they had to jump from, wincing as he’d completely forgotten this. “You led us to a dead end!” Ghost accused.

But, Rodolfo was unfazed, squaring his shoulders. “Jump. Don’t lose your weapon.” He then jumped from the cliff. Feet underneath you, feet underneath you. Thankfully, he remembered exactly how to jump, landing safely in the water and immediately starting to swim further until both had jumped and he had confirmed their safety.

Turning around showed that Soap was saying something to Ghost, who appeared to be nodding. Crazy had been the word that Soap’s mouth was forming and Rodolfo almost laughed, despite everything. “Not crazy, Sergeant… Fearless.” He corrected, before turning and starting to swim downstream. “This way to the bridge. Use the rocks for cover.”

He then tried Chuy again, frowning at the garble he got back, but taking that as a good sign, as that meant that they might have communication re-established soon. But… then he heard more of the voice, frowning and realizing that was not Chuy. Chuy’s voice was a lot higher pitched than this, and he certainly didn’t speak with an American accent.

Actually, Rodolfo recognized the accent rather quickly, having interacted with those from Texas quite a bit. “They… sound American?” He pointed out after informing Soap and Ghost that his radio was picking something up.

But they didn’t have much time to theorize, as fire immediately rang out, so they rushed down the river. It was slow and tedious, but Rodolfo didn’t want any more casualties. Instead, he led them to the bridge, hoping that finally he’d be able to make contact and have Chuy extract them.

However, it was soon pointed out to him that trucks were gathering on the bridge and Rodolfo cursed, loudly. “They’re not ours, get down!” He ordered, pushing up to a large rock where they could hide behind while gunshots rang around them.

God, this was hell.

“We can’t do shite with the whole bridge covered!” Soap yelled, a bit redundant as Rodolfo very much already knew that.

Regardless, Rodolfo shook his head and tried his comms again, unsurprised when he got no response. Frantically, he looked around, trying to consider some way of escape. They couldn’t swim under the bridge for a few reasons, they were surrounded on all sides… Fuck!

“This is Shadow 0-1, engaging the bridge to your front. How do you copy?” Finally came over the radio.

Rodolfo’s head whipped up and he looked at Soap and Ghost in alarm, surprised to see they both looked relieved. “Who the hell is that?!”

“Commander Graves! He works with Shepherd!” Ghost informed Rodolfo.

Rodolfo didn’t get the chance to ask more questions, as he had to duck down while explosions hit the bridge, causing it to collapse and drag down into the water.

“Good effect on target, no enemy movement detected. Good to see you boys.”

“Likewise, mate.” Ghost appeared to fully relax and Rodolfo let him take the lead, following him to shore.

Rodolfo followed them up to some trucks, furrowing his brows but rushing around to the driver’s seat. “We have a possible hit on Hassan. Two clicks north from here.”

Rodolfo knew the location, just as unsurprised as he had been that entire day. “Cartel compound, I’m not shocked.”

“Well, Colonel, if you’re ready, let’s get that hit on Hassan, now that you have eyes in the sky?”

Rodolfo shook his head. “Let’s do it.” He was ready for this to be done, anyway. Screw the help, this had already been more trouble than it was worth.

Communication with Chuy had finally been established as they grabbed Hassan, who thankfully very much was there and had been easy to get with Commander Graves in the sky. “Commander! Are you alright??” Chuy asked as Rodolfo climbed into the truck, Soap, Ghost, and Hassan hot behind them.

Rodolfo could only shake his head, and Chuy seemed to understand, nodding before driving away.

“This ought to send a message to the cartel, eh?” Soap grinned, nudging Rodolfo.

Rodolfo and Chuy both shared a grin and Rodolfo couldn’t help relaxing. “More than a message… Their reputation will be hit. We won.”

“Una victoria... Ojalá encontremos otro.” Chuy murmured and Rodolfo agreed. This was good. They’d… lost Rodriguez, but they had Hassan, this was a victory.

Their first victory in a very long time… It was bittersweet.

Regardless, they’d pushed forward with the plan, Graves eventually meeting them on the ground before they drove to the middle of the desert on Rodolfo’s orders, as the merc had mentioned wanting somewhere “private” to question Hassan, and Rodolfo had understood that this might not be fully legal.

So, he and Soap had dragged Hassan out to the dirt, while Graves and Ghost set up cameras which fed directly to Agent Kate Laswell and General Shepherd. Rodolfo took the opportunity to silently size up Commander Graves, or… Phillip Graves. An alpha, he reeked of it. His scent wasn’t unpleasant, though, a sweet honeysuckle scent. Florals were a bit odd on male alphas, usually on female alphas, but he didn’t say as such. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the alpha, yet.

“Is the picture clear?” Graves asked, stepping back.

“Crystal.” “All set.”

“Perfect.” Graves grinned and then he stood and came over.

Hassan had made audible protest when Rodolfo and Soap had dragged him out, which had had Rodolfo resisting cussing at him, instead remaining silent. But… it’d been pretty clear it was because both were omegas and Hassan was an alpha.

“Finally, another alpha.” Hassan said, and Rodolfo noted that Soap’s jaw visibly clenched. “Do you speak Arabic?”

“No.” Graves answered, his own face already showing irritation. Rodolfo wasn’t sure if it was the comment that he was irritated at, but Rodolfo found himself warming up to Graves already.

“Farsi?”

“Hmm… No.” Graves sighed.

“Of course not.” Hassan shook his head, his expression amused. “Then I will speak your bastardized medieval English. You are uneducated street dogs and whor-”

Graves cut the other off, laughing. “Hassan, Hassan… we’re getting off to a bad start here.”

Rodolfo resisted pointing out that he spoke Spanish as his first language. Rodolfo also knew four dialects of sign language, and both he and Chuy knew a fair amount of arabic, though it was entirely unrelated to this. Instead, he remained silent, watching Hassan glare at Graves. “You’re talking to a Quds force officer.”

“And you attempted to call a Mexican Special Forces Colonel a whore.” Graves shrugged. Oh, Rodolfo definitely liked this American. “You’re the commander of a foreign terror operation.”

“I could say the same to you-”

“What’s your target?” Graves asked, his tone suddenly turning irritated. “Major.” He added, with a fair amount of snark.

“What was your target when you sent missiles to my land?” Hassan fired back and Rodolfo raised an eyebrow, looking up at Graves.

Graves just clenched his jaw for a moment. “Wild guess? To nail your ass.”

“You will learn to respect me when your nation sees fire.” Hassan snarled back and Rodolfo stopped him from leaning forward.

Graves clenched his jaw, again, and he met Rodolfo’s eyes for a moment. Rodolfo had issues reading his expression, just seeing irritation there before the alpha’s eyes flicked back down to Hassan. “You are in bed with a cartel, Hassan. If you disappeared, no one will know where to look for the fucking stain.”

This time, Hassan just laughed. “I have no doubt you would take great pleasure in torturing me-”

Soap stepped forward and cut him off. “Where the hell did you get American missiles, Hassan?!”

“I don’t answer to anyone, certainly not an omega.” Hassan answered, his tone only seeming to calm more and more.

Rodolfo was then startled by the reminder of their viewers, as Shepherd spoke up. “I don’t care who they’re from. Where are they going?”

Rodolfo furrowed his brows, confused by the question. Surely an origin was good information to have? However, he knew time was sort of “of the essence” at that moment, so he knew that maybe targets would be more pertinent. Personally, though, Rodolfo might have found himself employing other means to extract this information. Were it up to him, he’d have given Hassan to Chuy and said to get the information however was possible.

Instead, Graves backed away from Hassan, making a dramatic show of looking around the desert, and Rodolfo picked up on the animal noises, looking down to see Hassan swallow, his eyes turning afraid for just a few moments. “Take a look around, Hassan. Now… you can either become part of the food chain, or you can start talking.”

Hassan snarled again. “I’m a hostage, here. This is illegal.”

“You’re a prisoner of war.” Rodolfo finally spoke, glaring at the alpha. “Interrogation is not illegal.”

“Iran has no war with Mexico.” Hassan shot back, jerking his shoulder out of Rodolfo’s grasp. “I’ve broken no laws.”

Rodolfo didn’t agree with that statement, as he’d broken several just by hooking up with the cartel. In fact, he was halfway to stating as such, when Hassan continued to speak. “These men and their commanders are the law breakers.”

Soap stepped forward, again, “you and your beloved Go-”

“You do not speak his name!” Hassan lunged forward and Rodolfo immediately yanked him back to his knees. “You do not speak his name, whore. You executed him unfairly and now you will pay for your crimes, only god can help you now.”

“I want this bastard in permanent custody or looking up at the goddamn stars, now!” Shepherd ordered.

Rodolfo had no problem complying, halfway to getting his gun out when Laswell spoke. “General. Killing Hassan would be an act of war. Keeping him is illegal. Right now, he is too hot to hold.”

Actually, Rodolfo wasn’t sure of the legality. However, he did take a moment to think about the consequences of this. Sure, killing Hassan would feel good right now. However, they didn’t know where the missiles were or where they were going, and bringing the hammer of the UN down on them would likely not lead to Mexico being very happy with Los Vaqueros, so Rodolfo sighed. “Agent Laswell is right. I will not risk war in my city.”

Graves made a frustrated growl and moved to the laptop, pulling it up and onto the truck’s hood. “Let me handle this.” The way he spoke to the General was sort of… odd. It was like a child begging their parent to be allowed to do something they couldn’t. “Let me finish this.”

Shepherd was silent for a moment. “Laswell, please tell me you’re getting something tangible.”

“I’m working on it, General.”

Graves growled, again, and shook his head. “Let me handle it! I can make this just disappear-”

“There is nothing I would love more than to let you put Hassan in the dirt, Commander. But… Laswell is right. Without proof, we can’t detain him.”

“I’m not suggesting detainment-”

Soap, however, cut Graves off as he rushed to the computer. “He’s right here, General, you can’t be serious.”

“I’m afraid I am, son.”

Graves shook his head and lightly hit the truck, backing away while Ghost stepped forward. “Did we get anything from his phone, Laswell?”

“Affirmative. We got a hit on a location.”

“Well, that’s something, at least.” Graves snorted, gesturing. “What do we do?”

“Take him back and let him go.”

Well… none of that said he had to have a pleasant trip, so Rodolfo just shoved the bag back over his head, making sure to make it seem perfectly easy as he dragged Hassan to his feet and shoved him back into the truck that Graves was driving.

Then, Rodolfo ran to his own truck and got in. Chuy was driving this time, which Rodolfo didn’t mind, ordering everyone back to base. “We got nothing. This was all for nothing.”

“No, no, commander.” Chuy smiled at him. “It was not for nothing. We won, remember? They won’t care that he had to be let go, because we still got him in the first place. Hell, we got him and then we just… let him go. That’s a clear message.”

Rodolfo relaxed at the reminder, nodding. “You’re right, Chuy… I… Rodriguez was… shot. Off the cliff… He didn’t survive.”

Chuy went silent and Rodolfo saw his knuckles turn white around the steering wheel. “His sacrifice won’t be forgotten.” That was all Chuy said, after a moment.

Rodolfo turned to look out the window, nodding. “It won’t be…” He promised.

“There has to be someone else who knows where the location of those missiles are.” Graves stated, standing in Rodolfo’s command room. The alpha had a way of just… claiming the space around him. It was Rodolfo’s base and yet Graves had this way of making it feel like it was Graves’ base, not theirs.

Rodolfo didn’t like it.

Regardless, he sighed and leaned back in his seat. Laswell and a John Price were on the laptops. For some reason, Shepherd hadn’t been bothered. He glanced over at Chuy, who looked amused as always. “El Sin Nombre and El Zorro are protecting him, so… they’re likely the ones who know.”

“How do we access them?” Soap asked, standing at the command table and looking down at a map of Las Almas. “Rather… can we?”

Rodolfo sighed. “We could likely access one of them… El Zorro… He has a casino. La Guarida Del Zorro or… The Fox’s Den. They both own multiple but he’s usually reliable to be found there. Neither of us have managed, though.”

Ghost looked surprised by this. “You two have never interacted with either of them?”

“Once.” Chuy shrugged. “They managed to grab us. But… they let us go. Never were sure why, but we decided not to try to see if it will happen a second time and steer clear.” Rodolfo did blink at his SIC, given the very blatant lie, but he didn’t correct him. He trusted Chuy to have a reason.

The other three nodded and then Soap sighed. “So… we go to the casino and arrest him.”

“Yes, we go into the casino swarming with Narcos, arrest their boss, and just… leave?” Graves pointed out, and Rodolfo had to stifle a laugh, coughing slightly to hide it. “We need a better plan.”

Rodolfo tilted his head when he noticed Soap didn’t immediately buck back against Graves. Of course, nothing that Soap had done would really lead to that judgement, but it just didn’t seem to fit when Soap, the day before, was teasing his superior officer in front of another. Instead, he watched Soap blush and look embarrassed, while Ghost notably did not look at either Soap or Graves, and instead appeared to focus on Chuy, who had stood and moved to the map table, as well.

“You’re right, Shadow.” Chuy murmured, shaking his head. “Unless… someone lured him to a quiet area. I think the roof of the casino would be best. There, we could keep his reinforcements to a minimum and then arrest him.”

“I have a helo.” Graves agreed. “What about you, Colonel? You like this idea?”

Rodolfo wasn’t blind to Soap’s behavior. Graves had a certain… charm. Rodolfo had seen other alphas with the same charm, Valeria had it all over her. She had always had this way about her, Chuy had gone crazy both for it and over it. Rodolfo could remember him ranting about it for hours, ranting about the omega attention it brought.

So, when Graves made sure Rodolfo had a say, he wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t unaffected. It was the appropriate thing to do, to make sure that Rodolfo had a say, but most alphas wouldn’t have bothered. And Rodolfo knew that Graves knew that. He decided that maybe he shouldn’t like the alpha, as he knew other alphas like Graves, who used charm to hide their worst intentions.

He’d keep his other Vaqueros away, too, not wanting any of them tangled up with the Shadow.

Still, he smiled and shrugged. “I think it sounds like a fair idea. Chuy is usually my strategist.”

Chuy raised an eyebrow at Rodolfo, likely because Rodolfo was lying. However, Rodolfo didn’t want to appear flattered, so he’d deferred authority. The look of amusement that he got from Commander Graves showed that it had been picked up on. Despite his resolve not to like him, Rodolfo still did. He wouldn’t admit it, out loud, but he loved little games like this.

Regardless, Ghost spoke up. “Who would go and distract him?”

“One of the omegas,” Chuy answered, looking significantly more nervous. Rodolfo would have to apologize for the spotlight. “El Zorro is a… playboy? I think you would call it. It’s said he’s weak for beautiful omegas.”

Soap shrugged. “I can do it.”

“Not so fast, chiquito.” Rodolfo quickly interjected, standing and moving to the table. “No offense, but… you’re not El Zorro’s type. It will have to be one of us.” He gestured between himself and Chuy.

Soap raised an eyebrow, looking almost offended. “I’m not his type?”

Rodolfo blinked and shared a look with Chuy before looking over Soap. “No, you likely wouldn’t be.” The omega was attractive, Rodolfo wasn’t denying that, but he severely doubted that El Zorro would go for a… Scottish omega. Not to mention the mohawk. “El Zorro is traditional.” He settled on.

This seemed to satisfy the omega and Soap stepped back, nodding. “I wouldn’t fit into that on first glance.”

“No, nor on the second.” Rodolfo shrugged. “I’ll do it. I… happen to know that he has a particular interest in me for… some reason. So, it would be best if I go.”

Chuy winced but he nodded. “I’ll remain here with a holding cell ready for the arrest.”

“You’ll need to dress the part. Do you have nice enough clothes?” Graves asked Rodolfo.

Rodolfo laughed, softly. “I think I’ll have something. I’m only 32, boys, I do still go out.”

“You don’t look a day over 25.” Ghost joked, shaking his head. “I don’t own nice clothes. Not nice enough for this.”

“Neither do I.” Soap winced.

Rodolfo couldn’t imagine. Regardless, he didn’t say anything and shook his head. “I’ll have clothing. We’ll do it tonight.”

The plan was fully cemented. Rodolfo would go into the casino and arrest El Zorro by luring him to the roof where they would then silently transport him back to base. Soap and Ghost would hang out in the casino as customers to keep an eye on Rodolfo while Graves was their eyes in the sky, staying high enough that he couldn’t be detected.

So, Rodolfo was dressing himself up nice. Nice outfit, something red which was well known to be El Zorro’s favorite color, and minimal makeup because he wasn’t good enough at it to risk it.

Once he was dressed, he got himself a wire, hiding it under a blazer and in his hair. “Colonel Parra, is everything set up?”

“Positive. Mactavish and I are already at the casino.” Ghost answered.

“Shadows are in the sky.”

Rodolfo relaxed, smoothing his hands over a loose fitting red blouse. Black blazer, black trousers, and a red blouse. He had to commend himself for cleaning up so well. He wasn’t perfect, certainly wasn’t that eye catching, but he would be good enough. Chuy had taught him how to flirt a long time before that, when he was trying to make Alejandro jealous once.

Alejandro… That old familiar ache returned. He had never really tried to move on. For one… how would he try? Two, it felt wrong. He’d loved Alejandro more than anything that moving on felt like he’d be betraying Alejandro’s memory. He couldn’t do that.

Everything he had done had been for Alejandro’s memory, to honor him in every way. He’d stayed in the military and fought the cartel for Alejandro. He stuck with the title of Los Vaqueros because of Alejandro. To move on would be to untangle himself from every aspect of his current life, he couldn’t do that.

“Victor 0-1 is on route to the objective point.” He spoke before getting into the unmarked pickup truck that he would be taking to the casino, a lot more inconspicuous than one of their heavy duty ltvs.

He received a few confirmations back and so he started to drive, mentally preparing himself to do this. He had his plan, he would find a way to get at El Zorro’s poker table and get his attention. Then, he would move to the bar and pray he took the bait.

Really, Rodolfo just had to hope a prettier, flirtier omega didn’t show up but if they did, he’d just have Ghost knock him out and they’d smuggle him up to the roof that way.

Brilliant.

Regardless, he parked and then went into the casino, looking around the main game room as he entered. There, he caught Soap’s eye first, seeing he was at the bar, leaned up against it.

Ghost had somehow secured a uniform, passing out cards at a card table. Rodolfo smiled and turned to the side to talk. “I wasn’t aware Lieutenant Riley could deal cards.”

“I’m an alpha of many talents, Colonel.”

Rodolfo shrugged and moved to the bar, by Soap, where he ordered a sangria. “What will he look like?” Soap asked.

Rodolfo shrugged. “He’s tall and he wears this ridiculous bandit mask like the fox from Dora the Explorer.”

“Swiper??” Soap laughed as Rodolfo confirmed. “That’s… ridiculous. He runs things around here?”

“The mask is to hide his identity.” Rodolfo shrugged, though he found it equally ridiculous. “It’s a good thing he hides it because I would have his head if he didn’t. The moment I knew. I would kill him in front of his family.”

Soap frowned. “Why? I mean… I don’t doubt you have good reason, just… why?”

Rodolfo considered if he should tell him, looking down at the glass in his hands. “He killed my lover. Rather… he had a massive hand in it. His name was Alejandro… Alejandro Vargas. I loved him more than anything else in this world. El Zorro and El Sin Nombre killed him.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.” Soap frowned and looked down at his own glass. “No wonder you want to take down the cartel so much.”

Rodolfo snorted. “It has taken a lot from everyone. Chuy, Rodriguez… Well, it took Rodriguez, now, I guess… Alvarez, too. My sister. Everyone I know has lost something to the cartel.”

Soap furrowed his brows and then shook his head. “I’m glad I’ve never had anything to lose. I was an orphan. Hardly had a roof over my head at night, let alone anything that was mine. Never dated, though I tried. All I really have now is the military. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

“Growing up an orphan is still awful.” Rodolfo frowned, shaking his head. “To not know what it’s like to have something to lose… I hope that you do, one day.”

Soap softened and smiled. “Thank you. Heads up, I see our target in the far corner.” He gestured and Rodolfo quickly turned around, seeing that El Zorro was, in fact, sitting at the largest table.

So, Rodolfo finished off his drink and rolled his shoulders. “Lets do this.”

Ghost visibly looked at El Zorro and so Rodolfo headed over, glad to see there was an empty seat at the table, which he smoothly slid into. This chair would put him across the table from El Zorro, who visibly noticed and looked amused as Rodolfo sat.

Something about the expression made Rodolfo want to slap him as hard as he could, but Rodolfo pretended not to notice him, instead accepting his deal. He did glance around the table, noticing how everyone else seemed to cower. They knew what table they were at.

So, Rodolfo didn’t. He wasn’t scared of El Zorro, he wasn’t intimidated by him. Instead, he straightened his shoulders and glanced over his cards. He didn’t want to win, he didn’t want that much attention. Instead, he played it cautious, putting in as low of a bet as he was allowed to before relaxing back in his seat and finally allowing himself to look at El Zorro.

“You’re new.” El Zorro spoke, staring right at Rodolfo.

Rodolfo shrugged, noticing that others immediately looked at him. “I don’t gamble much.”

“Oh? Why not? Not to your taste?” El Zorro asked, after putting his own bet in.

Rodolfo shrugged. “I’m not one for risks I don’t have a return guaranteed on.”

“Two men by the back door, Rodolfo.”

Rodolfo glanced at the back door, seeing two narcos with guns. Oh well, he had figured that would be the case. He’d have to lure him through the main building.

El Zorro chuckled, softly. “Yet you’re here, at this table.”

“I’m bored.” Rodolfo answered, accepting a drink as the waitress brought it over, glancing back to see Soap must have sent it, as Soap immediately looked away, playing nonchalant.

El Zorro’s eyes followed the glass all the way until it set on the table and Rodolfo kept his hand around it, leaning back in his seat. He played the game, making sure to play cautious and backing out when he thought he had a fair amount on the table. Even still, he didn’t win, and he feigned a pout. “Desafortunado.” He murmured before leaving, going outside to one of the balconies before he had seen El Zorro’s reaction.

“Colonel, are you sure going outside is the safest option? I can’t see you out there.” Soap asked.

Rodolfo softened, able to hear concern in the other omega’s voice. “I’ll be alright, Soap.”

“I can see him.” Graves spoke, chuckling softly.

Rodolfo shook his head, leaning on his forearms. “Ghost, is he moving?”

“He keeps glancing at the balcony you left to, but… no, not yet. Don’t come in yet, though.”

Rodolfo hadn’t planned on it. He knew El Zorro wouldn’t want to risk coming off as eager, so he instead ran his fingers over the balcony, looking out over the estate part of the casino. It had a fairly decent sized yard with a fountain, hence the balconies back there.

He smiled as he saw dahlias around the fountain, shaking his head. They’d always been his favorite. These ones, especially, as they were a dark wine color. He’d seen some pretty blue ones, once, that were fairly close to his favorite shade of blue, but he’d only seen them once.

This balcony reminded him of one of his dates with Alejandro, when both were 16. They were kids, playing at the charms and romance of adults. Alejandro had brought Rodolfo as his date to a gala that his parents were going to. It had been at this massive estate and Rodolfo remembered having to go out onto a balcony like this in order to get some cool air.

Alejandro had found him, moments later, and had apologized for how stuffy and boring everything was. Rodolfo, however, hadn’t thought it was that way at all. Alejandro had been very handsome in his outfit and they’d already danced together so many times, it was magical.

Rodolfo blinked his eyes to clear the forming tears, straightening when he heard Ghost speak. “He’s moving, Rodolfo.”

Rodolfo waited, relaxing when he heard footsteps approach and then the scent of alpha was approaching behind him. “Algo tan hermoso no debería estar aquí solo.” El Zorro spoke behind him.

Rodolfo turned around and leaned back against the balcony. “I’m not alone. I have you out here.”

El Zorro chuckled, softly, approaching the balcony and leaning against the railing. “I suspect you’re doing all of this for my attention.”

Rodolfo laughed, softly, since it was a fair suspicion. “Maybe.” He admitted, turning back around to look out at the fountain. “Do I have it?”

“Maybe.” El Zorro joked, remaining facing Rodolfo. “Did you know red is my favorite color?”

“I had a suspicion.” Rodolfo shrugged and half grinned at Alejandro. “I think the whole of Las Almas knows that red is your favorite color.”

“I don’t think that’s true.” El Zorro shook his head, chuckling again. “I don’t think my favorite color is that important.”

“Maybe not.” Rodolfo looked at the fountain, watching the water that sprayed out of it in a circle.

“What’s yours?”

“My what?” Rodolfo frowned and looked at El Zorro, who seemed to be watching him rather intensely.

El Zorro shook his head, appearing amused again. “Your favorite color.”

“Oh.” Rodolfo looked away to hide the way his face immediately went red. “Blue. The darkest part of the sky at night.”

“That’s just black.”

Rodolfo stopped, ice flooding his veins. He’d had this conversation before, once, with… Alejandro… “No… It’s midnight blue.” He mumbled and furrowed his brows, glancing at El Zorro again.

El Zorro moved closer and his hand touched Rodolfo’s chin, turning Rodolfo to look at him, and so Rodolfo did, staring into the warm brown eyes in front of him. No… There was no possible way. Right?

But, his eyes started to put the features together, started to match them up with an image of Alejandro that his mind had fought desperately to cling to. “Eres hermoso…” El Zorro murmured and the sound of it was exactly from Rodolfo’s memory.

Rodolfo couldn’t stop himself, reaching up and grabbing El Zorro’s mask, pushing it up his face and then gasping and stumbling back. Alejandro winced and closed his eyes for a moment, but he hadn’t moved to stop Rodolfo. “Rudy…” He murmured, opening his eyes and smiling at Rodolfo.

Pain. Rodolfo felt a hell of a lot of pain. He turned and marched off the balcony, no longer caring enough about this arrest to worry about if Alejandro was following him. “Rodolfo?? What the fuck are you doing??” Ghost asked and that was enough to put Rodolfo in the direction of an elevator.

He heard soft running behind him, so he carefully slid into the elevator doors, making sure the doors closed and watching Alejandro chase after him as he did so, while pressing the button for roof access.

When he made it to the roof, he reached up and slapped his forehead, unsure how to cope with the sheer amount of emotions he was handling. Grief had returned, crashing into him, but there was also betrayal and anger.

When he heard another elevator ding on the roof, he whipped around, coming face to face with Alejandro. “Rodolfo, wait-”

Rodolfo laughed, the anger swelling up inside of him. “Wait?! For what?!”

“Rodolfo, please…” Alejandro came over to him, cupping the side of his face and looking down at him. “I wanted to tell you, I did. Valeria didn’t think it was a good idea-”

“Valeria?!” Rodolfo backed away from Alejandro, just in time to see the very alpha step out of a door and approach. He was quick to back up, but then Soap was following her out, grabbing her.

“I tried to stop her as soon as I saw her follow.” Soap explained, while Valeria struggled in his grasp. “What should I do with her?”

Rodolfo didn’t hesitate to grab Alejandro’s hand and put a cuff on it, quick to get his hands behind his back to cuff them together. “Arrest that one, too. Meet El Zorro, Soap. And I’m guessing El Sin Nombre?”

“El Sin Nombre??” Soap glanced at Valeria, before cuffing her.

“E soy Valeria.” Valeria answered and she looked away from Rodolfo, her face filled with shame. “Hello, Rudy.”

“You know them?” Soap frowned.

Rodolfo snorted. “Graves, we have El Zorro and El Sin Nombre. Ghost, you are cleared to come to the roof.”

“Roger.” Graves answered and the helo started to approach the roof so Rodolfo and Soap pushed both alphas to the edge of it, just as Ghost made it to the roof.

Graves chuckled as he landed, coming out onto the roof. “Hiding in plain sight?” He asked.

“We’re everywhere.” Valeria answered and Alejandro chuckled in response. “Everywhere.”

“I like that.” Graves nodded and gestured, where two shadows started to escort Valeria and Alejandro into the helo.

Rodolfo clenched his hands into fists as he watched them, taking deep breaths to remain calm. However, he still ended up flinching as Soap touched his arm. “¿Hermano? ¿Que pasa?”

So, Rodolfo turned to Soap and shook his head. “Meet Alejandro Vargas.” He mumbled before following them up and into the helo.

Rodolfo glared at the two alphas as they were put into chairs in the holding crate that Chuy had put together. Chuy’s eyes were wide, though, and he looked at Rodolfo who just silently nodded. Chuy remained silent, as well, and quickly looked away.

Instead, Graves gestured at Rodolfo. “You know them.”

Rodolfo snorted and shook his head, unsure how much he wanted to reveal to the shadow. Had he not accidentally already told Soap, he wouldn’t let him know. “They’re… old friends.”

Alejandro raised an eyebrow. “Éramos más que eso, ¿no?”

Rage flared in Rodolfo’s chest and he immediately stepped forward, “¡Te mataré, cabron!” He hissed, though he was quickly stopped by Chuy, who grabbed his arm.

He jerked his arm out of Chuy’s grasp and shook his head. “I can’t believe this.” He muttered and shook his head, turning around and pinching the bridge of his nose.

When he turned back around, everyone was watching him and this pissed him off more than anything else. Regardless, he gestured. “Tell them.” He told Alejandro.

When Alejandro remained silent, his jaw clenching, Rodolfo could only just laugh. He looked at Valeria, who winced and continued to avoid his eye. “Unbelievable. We all served together. Same unit…”

“Different squads.” Alejandro finally mumbled, sighing and leaning back in his seat. “It was how it was done back then. Alphas and omegas usually had separate squads.”

“Your squad was always known for being wild, regardless.” Rodolfo muttered. “Until they were found execution style shot in the back of the head. All of them except you two.”

“Rodolfo, I wanted to tell you-”

“Oh, save it.” Rodolfo shook his head. “It was the raid on the son of La Araña, remember?” He went and stood right in front of both of them, leaning down to first get in Alejandro’s face and then Valeria’s. “Remember?”

Valeria glared up at him. “Mi memoria es perfecta.”

“I bet it would be. I remember that day very well.” Rodolfo backed up, glaring at both of them. “Chuy and I were tasked with keeping out La Araña’s enforcers. However… none ever came. We both thought it was odd, but… you were his enforcers.”

Both again went silent, Alejandro glaring at the floor. “We didn’t have a choice.”

“You faked your deaths.” Rodolfo hissed. “Te lloramos. Los lloramos a los dos. Te lloré hasta que no pude llorarte y entonces todavía te lloré.”

Alejandro immediately looked guilty, softening. “Rodolfo, por favor… Mi luna-”

“¡No! ¡No me llamas así!” Rodolfo lunged forward, again, but this time he was caught by Soap and Chuy, who dragged him backwards despite his struggling. Eventually he managed to shove them off and panted, taking deep breaths.

He no longer wanted to be in this crate, he wanted to be very far away from there.

Even still, he took deep, deep breaths. He ran his hand through his hair and straightened his shoulders, trying to regain some modicum of composure in front of their guests. “Their job was to escort him into the mountains. There the arrest would be made by Helo. To prevent bloodshed.”

“We did that!” Alejandro shook his head. “We did everything we were supposed to. Rather… I did.” He mumbled.

Graves finally spoke up from where he’d been silent in the corner. “What do you mean by that?”

Alejandro shot a glare at Valeria, who chuckled softly. “I was kept in the dark about our squad’s involvement with the cartel.”

“You would have never gone for it.” Valeria answered, shaking her head. “Honestly, I was shocked when you put the mask on and took over.”

Alejandro shook his head. “When we got to the mountains, Valeria started to execute our squad mates. When I asked why, she told me that they were planning to betray me, to sell me out in exchange for letting him go. She then killed him and La Araña, and then… she just… stopped. She’d done all of this and she couldn’t take over. So… I did. If neither of us had taken over, Las Almas would be in a worse state.”

“Oh, look at you…” Rodolfo laughed, angry again. “¿Afirmaste que el cártel era la muerte de Las Almas, ahora afirmas que es la vida?”

“Yo soy su vida.” Alejandro answered, his gaze softening.

Rodolfo again leaned down to get in Alejandro’s face. “Eres la imagen misma de su muerte. Apestas a eso. And us? Hmm? I mourned you. I grieved you.” He moved over to Valeria. “You left us both scared, resourceless, grieving.”

Both again looked away and Rodolfo backed up, looking over at Chuy who had again went fully stiff and formal. “So you both run the cartel?” Soap asked, furrowing his brows. “You faked your deaths and took over?”

“I did.” Alejandro nodded. “Valeria is my second in command.”

Graves shook his head. “Why are you harboring a terrorist?”

“It’s good for business.” Valeria answered. “He also was willing to pay well.”

Rodolfo made a face. “Good for business? What the fuck does that even mean?”

Valeria sighed and rolled her eyes. “¡Saca la cabeza del, Rodolfo!” She snapped and Rodolfo made a face, even as Alejandro touched her arm to calm her. “If there is a war on terror, there will be no real war on drugs.”

Rodolfo shook his head. “I can’t believe this. Give us Hassan and the missiles.”

Valeria went to speak but Alejandro raised a hand and she silenced, immediately. “Fine. I will give you the Irani, and I will give you the location of the missiles. In return, the gringos will leave. And while they’re finding everything, you will stay here with us.”

“You’re not in any position to make demands.” Rodolfo grit out, but he could see how everyone was looking at him. He felt pressure, an annoying but intense pressure. So, he sighed and took a deep breath. “Fine.”

“Commander-” Chuy stepped forward and Rodolfo looked at him. “No confío en esto…”

“Yo tampoco, pero hay que hacerlo.” Rodolfo mumbled and shook his head. “Chuy will go with Graves, Ghost, and Soap. And I will remain here with the prisoners.”

Chuy watched Valeria, Rodolfo could see him. He knew what Chuy was watching for, he was waiting for Valeria to make similar demands. But… she didn’t. Instead, she just remained silent. So, Rodolfo straightened up. Chuy was his best friend. “However, Valeria will be in a separate container. I don’t need you two conspiring under my nose.”

Valeria immediately went to protest, but Rodolfo wasn’t hearing it. “Is this going to be a problem?” He asked, cutting her off before she could speak.

However, he didn’t look at Valeria, looking at Alejandro instead. Alejandro looked up at him and then shook his head. “No, Colonel. It won’t be.”

“Perfecto. Give them the location so they can go.” Rodolfo gestured.

Alejandro shrugged and looked up at them, giving them the location. Chuy then immediately dragged Rodolfo outside. “Rodolfo-”

“They need those locations.” Rodolfo sighed. “I know that you don’t like this…”

“No, I don’t.” Chuy looked down and dropped his shoulders. “She barely looked at me… All I’ve dreamed about for the past… 9 years was to see her again and she… she doesn’t even look at me.”

Rodolfo softened and touched Chuy’s arm. “They’re in our custody. We have mountains and mountains of evidence. They’ll be put away and we’ll never have to deal with them again.”

Chuy nodded, looking up at Rodolfo, again. “I really thought they’d died… I… I loved her more than myself, more than the world… She’s back and… what am I supposed to do?”

“We’ve survived this long.” Rodolfo reminded and Chuy did seem to agree. “We’ll survive even longer, Chuy.”

“Thank you…” Chuy relaxed. “We can. I… I can and I will.”

“Once all of this leaves us and everything is back to normal, you and I should… take a vacation. Just a few days.” Rodolfo promised.

“We should…” Chuy agreed. “I’ll make sure we find these missiles fast. So they can leave and we can wash our hands of this.”

Rodolfo relaxed, trusting that Chuy would. “I trust you, Chuy. Weapons hot.”

“Si.” Chuy grinned and nudged him before he walked off, presumably to join the others, and Rodolfo went back into the crate, glad to see that Valeria had already been moved.

So, Rodolfo grabbed her chair and sat in it, settling in for a very long stretch of time.

Shockingly, Alejandro was fairly quiet for the first hour, just watching Rodolfo. Rodolfo had very quickly gotten bored, pacing around the holding crate and ignoring the way Alejandro’s eyes followed him, and the way that immediately filled his tummy with butterflies. No, he couldn’t give in.

“I missed you.” Alejandro had finally said, when Rodolfo had sat back down.

Rodolfo, however, just snorted in response.

“I did.”

“If you missed me, you would have taken me with you.” Rodolfo mumbled and leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs. He was still in the outfit from the casino and he was debating having Alvarez bring him up some clothes. “Or never faked your death to begin with.”

“I didn’t think you would come.” Alejandro mumbled and looked down at his hands. “And, as for faking my death… I had no idea it was going to happen until it did.”

Rodolfo rolled his eyes. He believed Alejandro, but it was still frustrating. “When you had Chuy and I… you didn’t tell us. You let us go.”

“I could have never killed you. Valeria… moved on from Chuy but she’d never kill him, either.” Alejandro answered, watching Rodolfo again. “I wanted to tell you, I did. But… how were you going to react? Likely exactly like this. I know you, Rodolfo… I was scared you’d do something drastic.”

Rodolfo supposed it wasn’t an unfair fear, Rodolfo likely would have. But… he still couldn’t help but be angry. “You promised me… You promised me that we would get married. You promised me that we would get married and have children and a life… You lied.”

“I wanted all of that, Rodolfo!” Alejandro pleaded, putting his hands together. “I never lied, I just… I got- Fuck!” Alejandro stood and started to pace. “I didn’t know what was going on until it was happening. All of a sudden Valeria had a gun to my head and then she was backing away and I barely even knew what I was doing until I had this entire… empire in my lap.”

Rodolfo went silent, listening to Alejandro speak and glaring at him. “At what point do you reach out to me??”

“I didn’t plan on ever reaching out!” Alejandro cried, slamming into the chair. “I wanted to leave you alone because I didn’t want you in this life. Then you were Colonel and… I was terrified you’d hate me forever.”

“I might.” Rodolfo was lying, he already knew that. Regardless, he set his chin parallel with the floor. “I loved you, Alejandro.”

“Loved?” Alejandro looked completely heartbroken and it struck Rodolfo in a completely painful way. “Rodolfo, I love you. I never stopped.”

“That’s why you’re known for loving beautiful omegas?” Rodolfo accused. “You never stopped loving me, but you moved on.”

“No! No, I have… slept with exactly one omega since and I hated it because she wasn’t you. The rest were just… acts. Paid money so they’d lie, didn’t correct the ones who were already lying.” Alejandro shook his head.

Rodolfo hated how transparent Alejandro was. He hated how hard it was for Alejandro to lie to him. Because he knew Alejandro was telling the truth. “I just wanted you to be alive… I wanted you to come home to me.”

“I’m sorry…” Alejandro moved to the floor and Rodolfo had to resist snapping and immediately telling him to get up. Instead, he watched as Alejandro moved closer to him, on his knees in front of Rodolfo.

“Get off the floor, Alejandro.” Rodolfo said, fighting to keep his voice neutral. What an image. El Zorro, the leader of the Las Almas cartel, on his knees before Colonel Rodolfo Parra. Okay, maybe it was slightly flattering.

“No.” Alejandro shook his head, taking Rodolfo’s hand. “I love you. I would do anything for you. Only tell me what you want, and I will do it.”

Rodolfo stared down at Alejandro, “I want you to take a gun and shoot yourself with it.”

Alejandro blinked up at him and then shook his head. “You don’t mean that…”

Rodolfo looked away, clenching his free hand into a fist. “I wish I did.”

“I know, mi amor.” Alejandro murmured, kissing over Rodolfo’s knuckles. “I love you… I love you more than everything. My empire, you can have it. My power, my money, my soul… It belongs to you, mi luna.”

Rodolfo hated the way his heart and body just melted from Alejandro’s words, so easily. All these years and Alejandro still knew just how to get to him… “9 years… I’ve missed you for nine years…”

“They’ve been so long…” Alejandro agreed, looking up at Rodolfo with earnest eyes. A moment later, his familiar scent of cinnamon and honey washed over Rodolfo, which didn’t help his resolve. “I salivated over hints of your scent… Just the sight of you had me mad with desperation just to be around you.”

Rodolfo took his hand away and stood, moving away from Alejandro. “I cried for days. Weeks. Months…” He hugged himself, shaking his head. “I joined the military for you! To keep you alive and I had failed!”

“No, you hadn’t failed.”

“But I thought I had.” Rodolfo turned to look at Alejandro, again. “You were gone… I thought I would never see you again.”

Alejandro looked down at the floor, standing again. “I’m sorry.”

“What about Chuy? What does he do?” Rodolfo shook his head. “Valeria is alive, great. But she’s clearly moved on. Where does Chuy go? What takes away the sleepless nights? The night terrors over what horrors might have taken you two away? What about the baby he gave up?”

“Chuy gave up a baby?” Alejandro frowned, now looking very concerned. “I… did you?”

Rodolfo was quiet and he shook his head. “No… No, thank god.” He looked up at Alejandro. “But I’ve had a total hysterectomy. Heats got in the way.”

Alejandro came over and cupped Rodolfo’s face. “I can’t make you forgive me. I don’t plan to… But I’m here. When you came into the casino, I thought- Foolishly, I thought you’d figured it out and you were there to slap sense into me and take me home. I don’t think I can convey just how happy I was.”

Rodolfo couldn’t say he hadn’t been tempted to smack Alejandro a few times. But… even still, he melted into Alejandro’s touch, closing his eyes. “I love you… I hate that I still do, but I do…”

“Oh, mi luna…” Alejandro murmured and then his lips were pressing to Rodolfo’s.

Rodolfo just melted, he’d missed the alpha more than anything in the world, and so he leaned into the kiss, meeting Alejandro with as much passion as the alpha gave him. In his heart, he had always belonged to Alejandro and he always would.

Alejandro pulled away a moment later and continued to stroke over the side of Rodolfo’s face. “I missed you, mi amor…”

Rodolfo felt tears fill his eyes and he hugged Alejandro, burying his face in his chest. The scent of Alejandro filled the air around him and it soothed him in ways he’d so desperately craved for years.

“I bought that ranch.” Alejandro murmured, rubbing over Rodolfo’s back. “The ranch we used to break into? I bought it. Cleaned it up… But… it was always missing something. Missing you…”

Rodolfo melted, closing his eyes and purring loudly. The idea of Alejandro buying their ranch had him all warm and fuzzy. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Alejandro nodded and smiled, leaning down and brushing their lips together again. “Seeing you in this outfit… You make me so crazy…”

Rodolfo laughed, laughing more when Alejandro managed to manhandle him into a dancing position. He didn’t fight him, laying his head on Alejandro’s shoulder. “They’re the nicest clothes I own.”

“A crime… I’ll buy you more.” Alejandro chuckled, softly, and kissed Rodolfo’s knuckles again. “I’ll buy you the nicest clothing I can find.”

Rodolfo softened, looking up at Alejandro. “I don’t need any of that…”

“No, but you deserve it.” He murmured, twirling them around. “I have a lot to make up for.”

Rodolfo softened and shook his head. He went to pull away, but then the door to the crate was opening and two shadows stepped in. Rodolfo frowned and raised an eyebrow, fully pulling away from Alejandro. “Can I help you?”

Immediately both shadows grabbed him and bound his hands behind his back. “We are under orders to take you to Commander Graves.”

Rodolfo laughed with shock. “In binds?”

“You’re under arrest.”

“Like hell I am.” Rodolfo muttered but he didn’t fight, shaking his head. Alejandro looked enraged, but Rodolfo smiled at him to soothe him. “I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding… Let me find out what’s going on.”

“Right.” Alejandro nodded, crossing his arms. “I’ll wait.”

“Thank you.” Rodolfo relaxed and let the Shadows escort him out, rolling his shoulders and preparing himself. What the hell was he about to have to talk himself out of?

He was brought to the command room, where Soap, Ghost, and Chuy were all standing. And, of course, Commander Phillip Graves. He looked almost smug and Rodolfo was starting to get the feeling that they were being overthrown.

Not if Rodolfo had anything to say about it.

“Ah, Colonel, glad you’ve joined us.” Graves gestured and Rodolfo was guided and made to sit down.

Rodolfo sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. “What is this?”

“The immediate future.” Graves shrugged.

“We’ve been had.” Soap spoke up, his arms crossed. “We’re all being arrested.”

Rodolfo looked up at the ceiling, trying to think his way out of this. Graves was just a glorified lap dog, after all. “Did Shepherd order this?”

“Shepherd sends his regards. But… yes.” Graves nodded. “Clearly-”

Rodolfo looked at Graves and then he smiled, getting an idea. Alphas were all the same… so self important… So full of themselves. They get on a track and it’s all tunnel vision, but it makes them easy to guide. “You don’t have to do this… Whatever he has on you… I can help.” He kept his tone gentle, soothing.

Graves made a face. “I don’t know what game you’re playing-”

“No, it’s not a game.” Rodolfo feigned confusion, furrowing his brows. “I want to help you…” Repetitive manipulation. You insist on a lie and slowly it wears down into the truth. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I-” Graves shook his head. “Shut up. He doesn’t have anything on me, he pays me and I do what he says.”

“Like a lap dog.” Ghost spoke up and the amusement in his eyes made Rodolfo think that maybe he had caught on. “The Colonel is right… You’re in Mexico, Shepherd would have no influence here. We can help you.”

Soap, however, looked fit to ruin it, because he just looked angry. Fair… Even Chuy looked pissed, but Chuy knew better than to speak up when Rodolfo had a clear plan. “I’m calling Shepherd-”

“Why?” Rodolfo shook his head. “Don’t tattle like a child, Soap… We’re all adults here, I think we can handle this without any form of… supervision.”

“Yeah, Soap, we’re all adults.” Graves taunted and Soap’s face went completely red.

It was unfortunate that Rodolfo had to tear down the other omega, he didn’t want to, but if they wanted out of this alive, he would have to. “Ghost, get a leash on your Sergeant.” Rodolfo sighed, looking away from Soap and then at the ceiling again.

“Johnny, just be quiet…” Ghost murmured, visibly softening.

Soap did look even angrier, but he shut his mouth, his jaw visibly setting. Rodolfo sympathized with Soap, he really did. Psychological warfare was… a mastery that not many even dreamed of approaching. Rodolfo knew he was nowhere near that mastery, yet. However, for the past five years, it’d been his only warfare.

So, Rodolfo squared his shoulders and focused back on Graves. “Is it your family? Just tell me what he has… and I can fix it, okay? If it’s a person… Arrangements can be made to help them. You just have to tell me.” He turned his tone to be a bit more maternal.

He’d interacted with alphas like Graves before. Not a single one of them didn’t have issues with their mother.

Which, given the immediate release of tension in Graves shoulders… Rodolfo had found the pressure point. “It’s okay… No one will be angry with you… This can be forgiven. We all commit evil when we’re scared or threatened, okay?” He smiled at the mercenary. “What does he have?”

Graves clenched his jaw and looked away. “He doesn’t have anything.” He insisted. “This is what I’m being paid to do. Tie up loose ends.”

Rodolfo gestured his head at Chuy, indicating he wanted him to talk. Chuy made a face but then rolled his eyes and sighed. “Colonel Rodolfo is right… We have connections. We can help you. We have safe houses… An island, actually.”

“And negotiations are being made with the cartel.” Rodolfo added. “Whoever it is will be safe…”

“My wife and daughter-” Rodolfo relaxed, immediately, letting out a breath. Fuck… Thank god. “If he finds out about them, he’ll kill them both. I have manpower but…”

“You still have rules.” Rodolfo guessed and Graves nodded. “I don’t. Just… bring them here and I’ll keep them safe until you can…” Uh, do whatever needed to be done. The implications of Graves defying these orders was slowly wearing on Rodolfo, but that was an issue for the Shadow, himself, not Rodolfo. “You can handle this.” Appeal to his authority, too.

Finally, Graves seemed to give in and he gestured to Rodolfo. A shadow came over and cut the binds around his wrists, alleviating a cramp that Rodolfo hadn’t noticed until right that moment. “My wife… he’s Mexican. From here, actually.”

Oh, this was a cake walk. Rodolfo couldn’t even let himself feel proud, now. Graves was always going to give in. Fuck. “Then bring him back. I’ll keep him here until you decide it’s safe and then I promise, I will give him back.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because you’ve demonstrated that you can take over.” Rodolfo raised an eyebrow. “I have no choice but to give him back?”

“You don’t.” Graves agreed and then nodded. “Fine. I will bring him here… In the meantime… Valeria told us that the last missile is in Chicago. I will send my men to go after it.”

“It’s our job to retrieve them.” Soap spoke up, no longer looking as angry. “We will retrieve it.”

“Boys…” Rodolfo warned. “You could just go together. Shepherd doesn’t need to know.”

“Rodolfo is right.” Ghost agreed. “We’ll just have to talk to Price-”

“About what?” A new voice entered the room and Rodolfo turned around to see more brits were now in the room. Two of them, both tall, but one smelled like omega and the other smelled like alpha. “We’re already aware.”

Graves sheepishly grinned. “No loose ends…”

The alpha appeared to roll his eyes but came over to Rodolfo and Chuy. “I’m Captain John Price. This is Sergeant Kyle Garrick, or Gaz. It’s nice to meet you, you must be Colonel Rodolfo Parra.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.” Rodolfo shook his hand. “I am, this is my SIC, Chuy.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Chuy mumbled, shaking Price and Gaz’s hands.

Rodolfo then turned back around, seeing that Graves was now talking into his radio. However, Ghost and Soap both came over. “I need to learn how you did that.” Ghost laughed.

“You alphas are easy to manipulate.” Rodolfo shrugged. “Just appeal to your authority and don’t let the truth show. I guess, though, I had help. He would have always caved, I just needed to keep digging.”

“Wise words.” Price chuckled. “I heard as we were approaching. Kate would be impressed.”

“Incredibly.” Gaz agreed, nodding.

Rodolfo took a breath and then shook his head. “It’s survival, that’s all it is. We’ve survived this long.”

“We’ll survive longer.” Chuy spoke up.

Rodolfo nodded. They would…

Well, everything ended up okay. Graves’ wife and child were on the way, but… well, Valeria escaped and disappeared. Rodolfo, at first, worried that he’d been betrayed, but Alejandro was pissed.

He’d spent hours pacing and growling about how he never should have trusted her, so Rodolfo assumed that everyone was equally in the loop surrounding that. So, Chuy had volunteered to go and work with a mercenary group named “SpecGru” in order to eventually catch her and bring her back.

Rodolfo had also released Alejandro from holding and they were planning to work some things out. So, now, he was seeing the absurd amount of Gringos off, as well as his second in command. Graves had left a few shadows behind to make sure his family was received, and Rodolfo had learned their names were Velikan and Mila.

“You’re always welcome in Las Almas.” Rodolfo told Ghost and Soap, who had lingered behind. “Once this last missile is found, if you guys need somewhere to lay low, just come back.”

“We will.” Ghost answered, nodding. “Uh… good luck.” He gestured to Alejandro, who laughed.

Rodolfo turned to Soap, shaking his hand. “I’m… sorry. I didn’t mean that Ghost should put you on a leash… I wanted to keep us alive.”

“Eh.” Soap grinned, laughing. “I like leashes.” He winked.

Rodolfo made a face and Soap only laughed louder. “Even still… I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven.” Soap shrugged. “We’re friends now. Omegas have to stick together… right?”

“Right.” Rodolfo relaxed and softened, before jumping when Soap hugged him tightly. But… Rodolfo hugged back and closed his eyes.

“When we come back, I want you to tell me about everything.” Soap said when he pulled away, gesturing at Alejandro again. “I want to know everything.”

“I will.” Rodolfo promised, nodding. “You and Gaz, both.”

“Perfect!” Soap grinned and then held out his fist, so Rodolfo fist bumped him and then they both finally started to walk back.

“Soap!” Rodolfo called before Soap could get on the helo. “¡Manténgase a salvo allá afuera!”

“¡Nunca!” Soap responded, a word Chuy had taught him, and grinned. He threw his fists in the air before Ghost nudged him up and onto the helo.

Chuy then came over. “Are you sure things will be fine without me?”

“I am.” Rodolfo nodded. “I have Alejandro… We’ll get Las Almas evened out. Are you going to be okay?”

“I will be.” Chuy took a deep breath. “I’m happy for you… One of us has to get our happy ending.”

“You’ll get yours.” Rodolfo reassured, touching Chuy’s arm. “I am worried about losing my best soldier but… We’ll be okay.”

“I’m not your best.” Chuy laughed and blushed. “But… thank you. And… thanks for coming back, Alejandro.”

“I was stupid for not coming back sooner.” Alejandro spoke up, an arm snaking around Rodolfo’s waist. “Blind.”

Chuy snorted. “I don’t disagree. Well… I guess I should… go.” He gestured to the helo.

“Come back alive. With or without Valeria.” Rodolfo ordered. “You come back alive.”

“I will.” Chuy softened and then he, too, hugged Rodolfo tightly. “I’ll be back before either of us even notice I’m gone.”

“You better…” Rodolfo hugged back. It started to hit him just how much he was going to miss Chuy. “Eres mi hermano. That’ll never change.”

“Nunca.” Chuy teased and Rodolfo couldn’t help laughing. “I’ll um… help them with their Spanish.”

“Please.” Rodolfo laughed as Chuy pulled away. “Especially before they come back.”

“If they are not fluent, it wasn’t my fault.” Chuy laughed and backed away. He then waved and headed towards the helo.

However, in true Chuy fashion, right as he made it to the ramp, he tripped. Rodolfo immediately stepped forward, but he didn’t have to, because someone in the helo had immediately rushed over to catch him.

He was much taller than Chuy, but he had a sort of charming smile as he helped Chuy up. “Careful…” He spoke English. “Don’t need you falling on us. Is your ankle okay?”

“Yeah…” Chuy looked absolutely starstruck and Rodolfo had to suppress a laugh. “Yeah, I uh… I think it’s fine.”

“I’ll check it on the helo.” The other nodded, now looking concerned. “I can help you?”

“I’d like that… What’s your name?” Chuy accepted the offered arm.

“Enzo Reyes.” The other answered, helping him up into the helo and then Rodolfo saw him help Chuy into a seat, though he could no longer hear them speak.

However, as the ramp started to lift, Rodolfo saw Chuy turn to him and immediately fan himself and grin. Rodolfo laughed and shook his head. “I think he’ll be fine.” He murmured to Alejandro, who laughed. “I think he’ll be just fine.”

“What about you, mi luna?” Alejandro turned Rodolfo towards him. “I think… you need a break?”

“I think you’re right.” Rodolfo just melted into Alejandro, smiling up at him. “A very long break…”

“Hmm… What about the ranch… Just you and I…” Alejandro murmured, leaning close to Rodolfo’s ear and wrapping his arms around Rodolfo’s middle. “Until your gringos come back… Nothing but us and land as far as the eye can see…”

“Oh, mi amor… That sounds wonderful…” Rodolfo closed his eyes, leaning more into Alejandro. “You have quite a bit to make up for…”

“I better get started as soon as possible, then, hmm?” Alejandro chuckled and then leaned in to nip Rodolfo’s neck. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Gladly.” Rodolfo purred and then pulled away, getting into a vehicle with Alejandro. Maybe things would be alright… Yes, he had pain he would have to work through, later. Alejandro still wasn’t fully off the hook.

But, for now, he had Alejandro back. He would have responsibilities in about a day, but in that moment, it was nothing but him and an alpha who made it clear he was willing to put in long and hard work for forgiveness.

How could Rodolfo not give in to that?

So, he got in the driver’s seat and followed Alejandro’s directions to the ranch, realizing that he really would follow Alejandro anywhere.

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#call of duty #rodolfo parra #alejandro vargas #alejandro x rodolfo #aledolfo #omegaverse #call of duty: modern warfare ii #alerudy #alejandro cod #rodolfo cod #rodolfo x alejandro #alejandro vargas x rodolfo parra #rodolfo parra x alejandro vargas #omega rodolfo parra #alpha alejandro vargas

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callsign-bunnie · 1 year

Text

Map for Regency AU

This is mostly so I can put it in AO3 but here you go!

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callsign-bunnie · 11 months

Note

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a bit of a Slasher au? I noted that in the College au that Rudy studies law.

So what if he was a lawyer, and Ale or Ghost were slashers and Rusy defends them in court as their lawyer? Obviously, they fall in love with Rudy because of his determination that they are innocent (they aren't)

It's honestly in your control, and however you want to go about writing it is up to you! Whatever ship you want is good as well! <3

I am working on a PT2 but you can see why I had to go ahead and post what I had for this one

Rodolfo sat across the table from them and he carefully pushed the little stuffed bear across to them. “Laswell said you should be exonerated. The charges are being dropped.”

Ghost was the one to pick up the bear and Rodolfo could see his eyes light up under the mask. It had his skin growing warm and he quickly looked away, meeting Alejandro’s eyes, instead. Alejandro took his hand and smiled, that same attractive half grin that always had Rodolfo melting. “Thank you, mi corazón…” He murmured. “You helped us get out of here, we will forever be in your debt.”

Rodolfo softened and then he shook his head. “You’re innocent, you deserve to be freed for that. I can’t… stand to see innocent people go away for crimes they didn’t commit.” He murmured. “Do you two have somewhere to go when you’re free?”

Both of their expressions seemed to drop and then Ghost was the one to answer. For alphas, they were always so gentle when they spoke to him. He loved it. “No…” Ghost admitted and shook his head. “No family, no friends.”

“That’s alright.” Rodolfo shook his head and then smiled. “You two can stay with me! I have a large apartment, courtesy of Laswell, so you two can stay there until you find something.” Which, he prayed they didn’t. He so very much didn’t want them to leave.

Both seemed surprised and then Alejandro was half grinning at him, again. “Really? We’d love that. Thank you, Rudy, you’ve done so much for us.”

“We’ll find some way to return the favor.” Ghost nodded and they both shared a glance.

Rodolfo went to protest that he didn’t need them to, but he got sort of a firm look from both of them so he winced and ducked his head, nodding a little. “Okay… You’ll both be out in a week… I won’t be able to see you until then.”

“That’s alright, Rodolfo.” Ghost murmured and Alejandro agreed. Ghost went back to looking at the little bear and Rodolfo watched all of his features soften as he looked over it before he shared another look with Alejandro.

“We’ll see you, then, mi amor.” Alejandro let go of Rodolfo’s hand and so Rodolfo stood, taking a deep breath and leaving. He frowned as he passed by Laswell, who was just coming in, and she looked pissed. As she walked in, he paused by the door, knowing he’d be able to hear if he stayed close. Even if it closed.

“You both will be free in a week and then I want you to disappear. Fuck off back to John Price and you stay away from Rodolfo.”

“Why the actual fuck would we do that?” Ghost was the one who replied.

“Because. Rodolfo is good. He is sweet and kind and I will not let you two ruin that. He is good and you two are not. I did this as a favor to Price but I will not let you two take advantage of him.”

“He wants us around. Why should we break his heart by leaving?” Alejandro. “It would be cruel.” Rodolfo could hear amusement in his tone, it had his skin red involuntarily.

“You will leave.”

“No, I don’t think we will.”

“You will leave or I will tell him the truth.”

A soft growl came as Ghost replied and Rodolfo had to fight not to shiver. God, his body reacted to every little thing they did. “You will not. Rodolfo is ours.”

Rodolfo had met… them on a Tuesday. He remembered it so distinctly, because how could he not? In fact, he remembered everything about that day. It was raining outside and so his sweater was still slightly wet. His coffee had been a bit too bitter that day, tasting like the coffee shop had burnt the espresso when they made it and he’d woken up to a hole in his favorite sweater, which had put him in a seriously unhappy mood.

He was an intern for another lawyer, her name was Kate Laswell, and she was… brilliant. She was a criminal defense attorney and apparently this was a favor for her best friend, John Price, though she’d never explained to him what the favor was in return for.

Rodolfo was her only intern, she didn’t like taking them. In fact, she’d been a bit hesitant about taking Rodolfo, but he’d been desperate. He was in school on a scholarship and he had to do an internship and… Well, none of the others would take him on. He’d shown up at the alpha’s office at 3 AM and borderline begged her to. (He’d offered a few things he wasn’t proud of, but she’d just shook her head and given him the internship and in fact, was very paternal to him.)

It’d been a year, now, and they were both very close now. She had even offered him a position at her firm when he finally passed the bar and had jokingly considered a name change to “Laswell and Parra”. He had met her two adopted children, Alex Keller and Farah Karim, and while they weren’t close to him, he would consider them friends.

Laswell had said this would be a tough case, and looking over the charges… Rodolfo believed her. There was no evidence that said her clients committed the crime, but there were witnesses, one of whom had picked them out of a lineup five separate times. And the DA was… tough. Phillip Graves. He and Laswell were friendly rivals, sort of, and so she had expressed to Rodolfo that this was going to be a hard case, but she was confident.

Rodolfo had done as much research as he could, and that had started with researching their clients. Alejandro Vargas and Simon Riley, though the latter went by Ghost apparently. Rodolfo… didn’t quite know why.

Both alphas had come from bad homes, horrible homes that had had Rodolfo feeling horrible for them. And, supposedly, they were serial killers. A small party had taken place in the woods and both had apparently wiped it out. They’d gotten arrested at their school, too, on.. Honestly bullshit evidence.

Quite literally just word of mouth that they were both violent and odd. The other evidence had came later and Rodolfo thought it was all bullshit when he’d been looking over the charges. The only reason they were even at risk of being found guilty was the DA was Phillip Graves and… that fucking witness.

She had picked them out of a lineup five separate times but… she’d also said that they’d worn masks the entire time so… It all just felt like a case of targeting to him. Proving that they were being framed and targeted would be the hard part. But… he was confident. If Laswell was confident, he was confident.

“Boys, this is Rodolfo Parra, my intern and he’s my student. Rodolfo, this is our clients, Alejandro Vargas and Simon Riley.” Laswell introduced them.

Rodolfo sat at the table, across from them, and finally allowed himself to look up and at the other two, watching Simon make a face and shake his head. “I prefer Ghost.”

“You’ll be referred to as Simon in court, so that’s what I introduced you as.” Laswell sighed and then finally sat at the table with Rodolfo, laying out folders.

Rodolfo finally looked over both alphas, taking them in. Ghost, as Rodolfo had decided to refer to him, was wearing a black hoodie with a skull printed face mask. He was… large. Much larger than Alejandro, though Alejandro was pretty big, too. In fact, both of them practically dwarfed Rodolfo.

Ghost was blonde, pale, and he had brown eyes, which gave him barely a glance over before they were turning back to Laswell, watching her lay everything out.

Alejandro, on the other hand, his eyes followed Rodolfo. He had black hair, dark skin, and very warm brown eyes. His face broke into a smile when Rodolfo finally looked at him and he shook his head. “My apologies. You are beautiful.”

Rodolfo found his skin dark red from the use of spanish, but he straightened his shoulders, not wanting to appear easily flustered or easy to buy with compliments. Though… he was already on Alejandro’s side, he didn’t need to be bought. So, he settled with a simple thank you, ignoring the way Alejandro’s shoulders seemed to drop and ignoring the way he found himself almost feeling bad.

Finally, Laswell spoke again, folding her arms on the table. “The evidence is… flimsy. To us. The problem will be convincing the jury of that. The DA… He’s really tough, he’ll spin every angle he can. The worst thing we have right now is that witness, she picked you out of a lineup five times.”

Rodolfo took his opportunity to speak up. “Even there, Laswell, we have cracks… She claimed they wore masks, she also claimed they never took them off. How would she pick them?” He tried to ignore the looks they both gave him.

“Supposedly, build and eye color, but you’re right, Rodolfo. We’ll work that angle as well… I’ll warn you boys, I don’t fight fair.” No she did not. Laswell didn’t just fight in court, she fought out of it, too. She played every angle she could, discredited every official, got rid of jury members…

She’d gotten a DA completely disbarred before in order to win a case.

“That’s alright. We can’t go to prison.” Alejandro spoke up and shook his head, sighing. “Thank you for even taking our case, Price said you would… He said you’re a brilliant lawyer.”

Laswell laughed, softly. “Price likes to flatter me. So, we’re going to start with the most important thing. Your court date is in a month, and… all points considered, I’ve decided the safest place for you two to stay will be with Price until it’s over. Your bail has already been paid, Price will pick you up from here.”

Both alphas nodded and then Laswell checked her watch before shaking her head. “I’ll be right back. Just one moment.” She got out her phone and answered it as she left, closing the door behind her.

Rodolfo had to admit, he was nervous to be left alone with the two alphas, but… not because he thought they were dangerous. He just… felt nervous. They both turned to look at him and then Alejandro winced. “We’re sorry if you’re uncomfortable working this case…”

“Why would I be? You’re innocent.” Rodolfo shrugged his shoulders. Obviously. The evidence was flimsy and he doubted Laswell would take the case otherwise. “I don’t… understand why everyone is ganging up on you two, though…”

“I don’t know.” Alejandro furrowed his brows. “I thought people liked me. I’m active in social clubs, hell I’m in a frat…”

“I dragged you down.” Ghost sighed and shook his head, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. “Everyone fucking hates me. They think I’m a freak. We’re friends and so you have to be a freak, too. Sorry.”

“Don’t be like that…” Alejandro sighed and then nudged him. “They’re just assholes. All of them. I guess it doesn’t help that everyone at that party.. Well… Nevermind.” Alejandro went silent.

Ghost shook his head. “No. He should know. If that DA finds out, it’ll be proper motive. The truth is, Rodolfo, that I don’t feel bad that they’re dead. I’m glad they fucking are and I honestly wish I was the one to fucking kill them. Whoever did it is real fucking lucky.”

Rodolfo frowned, deeply. He didn’t like the sound of that. “Why?”

Alejandro looked away and he looked to almost be in pain. Suddenly, he got up, “I need to use the restroom.” He left the room and the door slammed behind Rodolfo.

Rodolfo furrowed his brows and then dropped his shoulders. “I’m sorry…” He realized this must have been a hard subject for them to talk about. “I… I didn’t mean to upset him.”

“It’s not your fault.” Ghost sighed and then he straightened up. “He was a party animal his first two years of college. But… he decided to clean it up. Got in treatment for his bipolar, went to less and less parties, stopped drinking… Then for Christmas, his frat buddies said they had a gift for him. They… got him really drunk and high and…” Ghost trailed off for a moment and Rodolfo’s stomach dropped, realizing. “The video was around the school before he’d even found out what had happened. Ale sued them and… won.”

Rodolfo felt sick to his stomach. “And… his frat buddies are the ones who died?” Ghost nodded and Rodolfo had to admit, he agreed that they were better off dead. “That… That’s awful… I’m sorry…” Rodolfo knew it may have been his own trauma but… he found himself immediately empathizing with the alphas. It made him think of the reason he even pursued this career in the first place and he looked down.

Ghost sighed and shrugged, before shaking his head. “It makes sense that everyone chose us, I guess.”

Rodolfo couldn’t help wincing before nodding slightly. “Yeah… I… I’m really sorry, I wish I could help…”

“There’s nothing you can do but help us win this case.” Ghost sighed, his shoulders dropping. “Of course, we’ll probably have to change schools after this… He was already thinking about it.”

Rodolfo hesitated and then his resolve hardened. “I will. I’ll do whatever I have to. This is unfair, you two don’t deserve to go to prison for that, especially after… after… that.” He bit the inside of his lip and then shook his head. “I’ll help.”

Ghost looked at him for a moment and tilted his head. “You… truly believe we’re innocent?”

“I do.” Rodolfo nodded. “Especially now, but I did before… Laswell wouldn’t take a guilty client and… You both seem genuine. Innocent. I believe you…”

Ghost nodded. “I see… Thank you. You don’t understand what it means to us.”

Rodolfo softened and then he smiled. “I’m going to do whatever I can.”

Rodolfo hesitated before knocking on John Price’s door. He’d met the other professor before… but, he’d never been to his house, despite him supposedly being Laswell’s best friend. He was coming to talk to Alejandro and Ghost but… he hadn’t found a good excuse, yet.

For some reason, they’d been stuck in his head. Maybe it was what Ghost had told him about Alejandro… Maybe it was the deeper research Rodolfo had done, later, and had found out that Ghost had his own trauma with that frat… Maybe he just was curious about them. He didn’t know.

But, he figured he wouldn’t need an excuse since he was working for Laswell. Hopefully they’d just think it was that.

When the door opened, he was greeted with the History Profesor, John Price, who smiled at him. “Rodolfo, hello, it’s nice to see you.” Price offered a hand, which Rodolfo shook. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m here to see Ghost and Alejandro?” Rodolfo said, smiling. “I just… need to talk to them about a few things.”

“No, no, of course, of course. Come in.” Price moved out of the way and let Rodolfo in. He knew Price was an alpha and he also knew he was sleeping with one of the math professors who was… also an alpha. Why did Rodolfo know? Rodolfo knew everything about everyone who was related to cases. He had to. Everyone had skeletons in their closets and it was important to know which ones to bury.

Maybe he should have used that excuse to come see them.

Regardless, he was here now, so he followed Price inside, turning down his offer of a drink and food before he followed him to the basement. “Boys,” Price said, knocking before pushing open the door.

The basement was… pretty nice. It was fully furnished from the looks of it and incredibly spacious. So spacious that both alphas had enough room to fully spread out as Alejandro was playing video games and Ghost appeared to be doing something on his laptop.

They both sat up when Rodolfo and Price entered and Rodolfo offered a little wave of a greeting before Price left, telling Rodolfo to just yell if he needed anything. Rodolfo watched him leave before turning back to the alphas and suddenly… well, not having an excuse to come hit hard because what was he even suppose to tell them he was there for?

Both looked at him, expectantly, and he froze, unsure what excuse to even throw out. “I… I had some questions…”

Alejandro smiled. “Oh? What for?”

Fuck. “Um… About that video. Ghost was right, it could be considered proper motive. However, you sued them and won, so I don’t… really think it will hold up. I don’t even think the DA will take that route. But… I want to be thorough in case they do.”

“You want to be?” Ghost spoke up, raising an eyebrow. Rodolfo noticed he was still wearing a face mask.

Rodolfo wasn’t fazed by this question, going and sitting in a desk chair. “I do. This is my job. This is what Laswell pays me to do. I need to know everything about everyone and everything.”

“Do you?” Alejandro asked, looking almost amused and tilting his head.

Rodolfo hesitated and then shrugged. “I try to. I think I know most of it about the people I have encountered. Try me. Give me a name, I’ll give you their darkest secret.”

“Okay. Rodolfo Parra.” Ghost was again the one to speak. They seemed to almost take turns.

And, Rodolfo was definitely slightly fazed by his own name being thrown out there. “No. I don’t give mine. It’s my job to know others’, but… I’ll keep my own close to my chest.”

Neither seemed to like this answer. “You know ours.” Alejandro acknowledged. “I assume you do, anyway.”

“I have to. It’s my job.” Rodolfo reiterated. “But…” Well, he supposed it was slightly unfair… He looked at them both, seeing they were both staring at him. “I don’t have secrets. I didn’t get that privilege. Google my name. Just… not when I’m here.”

Alejandro frowned and Ghost narrowed his eyes for a moment before they both sighed. “Alright.” Alejandro nodded. “Why? What are we going to find?”

“Well, hopefully, not pictures. But.. a lot of articles.” Rodolfo sighed and then shook his head. “I don’t want to describe it.”

They again gave him odd looks but neither questioned it and instead nodded. So, Rodolfo crossed his legs and looked at them. “I know it’s probably a lot to ask but… I need that video.”

“No.” Alejandro shook his head. “I don’t want you to see it.”

“Could… Laswell watch it?” Rodolfo offered, wanting Alejandro to be comfortable. He knew this likely would be a sore spot for Alejandro. “If it gets thrown out there as evidence, neither of us are going to be prepared to handle it.”

Alejandro clenched his jaw before getting up and going to the desk that Rodolfo was sitting at, leaning over him. Rodolfo tried very hard not to pick up Alejandro’s scent, but it hit him pretty hard. Cinnamon and honey… He closed his eyes and grasped at the arms of the chair, trying very hard to hide his reaction.

However, when he opened his eyes, he was startled by Alejandro’s face being directly in his own. “You didn’t come here to talk about this video, did you?” He acknowledged, holding a USB in his hand.

Rodolfo swallowed because no, he hadn’t. Granted, he hadn’t had a particular excuse in his mind. Alejandro’s hands rested on the desk chair and he pushed it back, causing Rodolfo to fall back against it. Rodolfo’s breath caught in his throat, even more so when he saw Ghost seem to perk up.

“Did you?” Alejandro repeated.

Rodolfo hesitated before shaking his head, telling the truth. Why did he do that? He should have just lied. He should have told them he had, take the USB, and go. But then… Alejandro’s eyes darkened and his eyes moved to Rodolfo’s mouth and suddenly Rodolfo didn’t quite want to go home.

He glanced at Ghost, again, hearing him move, and seeing that he’d fully sat up on the bed. His eyes were filled with a mixture of curiosity and amusement and it had Rodolfo’s skin covered in goosebumps. Alejandro moved his hand and touched Rodolfo’s neck, trailing his fingers down it.

Rodolfo swallowed, again, and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. “Your body reacts to us so well…” Alejandro murmured and then Rodolfo felt his breath fan over his neck, causing him to press his legs together and dig his nails into the arms of the chair.

“Careful. Don’t shred my chair.” Alejandro murmured and Rodolfo carefully unclenched his hands, taking another deep breath. “Good boy…” Fingers trailed down his jaw and then moved over to his mouth, where they pressed gently against his lips.

Rodolfo didn’t even hesitate to slightly open his lips, blushing dark when the fingers were pushed into his mouth and then they pressed on his tongue, forcing him to open his mouth more before they were pushed down into his throat, not enough to make him gag, but enough that he had to make a sound of protest.

The fingers were removed and he heard Alejandro chuckle, opening his eyes and looking up at him. His hand was took and the usb was put into it. “You should go home. You can watch it, but I don’t want to know if you do.”

Rodolfo hesitated and looked down at the USB and he felt… disappointed. “Oh.” He murmured, “okay.” Were they… toying with him? He looked over at Ghost, again, and was unable to read his expression.

He got up, putting the USB in his pocket, and then he glanced between them. Both were watching him and he ducked his head, moving to leave. Last minute, he was gently grabbed and looked up, surprised to be greeted by Ghost, who was holding his arm. “You’ll come see us again, right?” His voice was… softer than Rodolfo was used to, sweet. Though it still had that natural growl in it, it wasn’t quite as smooth as Alejandro’s.

He looked almost… eager, though it was barely there and Rodolfo could have been mistaking it. Even still, he softened and nodded. “I’ll try… When?”

“Anytime.” Ghost answered and then he let him go.

Rodolfo hesitated and glanced between them before quickly leaving, barely tossing a goodbye to Price before he rushed out to his car, getting in. And as he drove home, the only thing in his mind was two pairs of brown eyes and the way they had looked at him. Had looked over him.

Shit.

They consumed every thought in his head until his brain was filled with nothing but Alejandro and Ghost. Ever since that day, he’d been lit on fire by need and want and he was desperate for the alphas. He never thought he could ever experience this level of… of… craving.

But he was and he desperately needed to be satiated.

However, Laswell had gotten busy with the case and she had Rodolfo busy as well, needing him to find some way to handle that witness. Jessica Whitney. She was an omega, but her brother was one of the victims who had died and was also a frat member.

Finding this out had had Rodolfo’s brain spinning.

He hadn’t told Laswell about the USB drive. He… knew he should, but she didn’t even know about the video and it felt wrong to give it to her. But… Rodolfo didn’t exactly want to watch it, either. He didn’t want to see Alejandro in that position.

He wished he’d had some way to be able to comb over it without watching, but… he didn’t. This was his job, he told himself, and he had a growing suspicion that he needed to see if he was right about something.

So, he’d put it on his computer and… he hadn’t watched it. Not for an entire week. Instead, he’d asked around the school about her but… since he worked for Laswell and it was known Laswell was representing Ghost and Alejandro, no one had been willing to talk to him.

So, he’d tried to look over the yearbook. Still nothing. Just confirmation her brother was in the frat. She didn’t do anything social. No clubs, no sports, nothing. She wasn’t in a sorority, she wasn’t in a coed fraternity. (Rodolfo, himself, had been tempted to rush a sorority, but then everyone at school had found out what had happened to him and… well, it wouldn’t work out.) She didn’t do anything but go to her brother’s parties.

So… if he was positive what he thought he was going to find indeed was what he was going to find… He knew he would end up having to watch the video.

As it was, Ghost ended up texting him. Rodolfo hadn’t even been aware either had their number, but apparently Laswell had given it to them so they could ask him questions when she wasn’t available. Did you watch it, yet?

I thought Alejandro wanted me to have Laswell watch it.

He said you could and I know you’re curious.

The opposite was the problem. Rodolfo felt sick at the idea of watching it. No, I haven’t.

That’s fair. It’s… not a pretty video. I was asking because I wanted to check on you if you had.

I haven’t. Neither has Laswell.

Ah.

Rodolfo furrowed his brows at his phone and then turned back to the laptop. He supposed all of this combined was meant to be his sign that he needed to watch it but… god, he really just didn’t want to. He didn’t want to invade Alejandro’s privacy and he knew it was going to trigger him, but he knew he might have to.

Best to get it over with, right?

So, he took a deep breath and played the video. Right off the bat, he hated it. It was so clear that Alejandro was high and drunk and even there, he said no so many times. However, right before anything happened, he paused when he noticed someone in the background, talking to another of the frat members.

She was laughing, pointing at Alejandro, and he recognized her as the witness, immediately. Jessica Whitney. Of course she was in the video. So, he sent the clip and the video to Laswell, pointing her out. Brilliant catch, Rodolfo. But it won’t be enough. We need more. All this does is provide motive and make her look guilty.

Rodolfo furrowed his brows, but he realized Laswell was right… Fuck. He needed to… to… he didn’t know. He looked down at his phone as he got another text from Ghost. Why haven’t you come to see us again?

It’s only been a few weeks, I didn’t know you wanted me to come so fast or I would have…

A few weeks is a long time.

I’ll come on Friday, okay?

Alright, we can accept that.

Rodolfo relaxed, glad. The first court date was that Friday morning, so he supposed they may need some comfort afterwards. He felt horrible for them, especially Alejandro… He turned back to the video and decided not to watch any more of it, closing it and then putting the USB in an envelope.

He hadn’t even been looking for the second thing he’d needed. No, he’d been scrolling through social media under his sock account that he used to collect evidence when he’d found it. A post which was a video of a concert.

And in the background was Jessica Whitney.

Now, obviously, just a video wouldn’t be enough. Plus… when was the concert? It couldn’t possibly have been the day of the party, right?

So, he’d researched the concert and the artist, finding it was a rapper he didn’t know or listen to. But… their concert had not only been the same day as the party, but it’d ended later than it was supposed to due to some technical issues midway through. And, it was 2 hours away from where the party had taken place.

There was no fucking way she was at that party.

But, again, just a video wouldn’t be enough. Regardless, he screen recorded it and sent it to Laswell before getting on his laptop and starting to search for the concert. He found plenty of videos, but no more of them proved Jessica was there.

Posts… pictures… She had been diligent, it seemed.

He’d almost given up and tried a different angle when he had went to one of her mutuals’ accounts and there he’d found a picture of tickets, and one of them had her name on it. Jessica Whitney.

Again, not proof, but he still sent it to Laswell, proving that she had intent to go, at least. Maybe a video and tickets would be enough? No. He wanted to be positive. He wanted there to be no way she could lie her way out of it.

So, he scrubbed through her account, again and… nothing.

So, he went back and looked at the video. Her outfit was… very distinctive. Blue tube top, yellow pencil skirt… and a red hoodie toting the name of their school on it… Witness statement.

He immediately went and got the file, sitting back down and looking over it. Sure enough, she was described as wearing a blue tube top, yellow pencil skirt, and a red hoodie with the school name and logo on it. Bingo.

He took a picture of the witness statement and a screenshot of the video and sent it all to Laswell, beaming when he earned a thumbs up back. I can question her in court if you’d like.

I’d expect nothing less, Rodolfo.

Rodolfo had never been nervous in court. Ever. He’d always been calm, cool, and collected. And, now was no different. Alejandro and Ghost had been… quiet the entire time. Though, he hadn’t expected either of them to be hyper. They had cracked a few small jokes here and there, but he knew they were likely terrified and they'd been very quiet and only when it was busy.

He had caught them glancing at him, a few times, and he found himself hoping they were impressed when he went and questioned Jessica. He really hoped they were.

Phillip Graves had seemed to be in a docile mood. He barely even looked like he wanted to pick up this case but… that was one of his methods. He was trying to catch them off guard. Rodolfo wasn’t sure why he was trying that one, it never worked on Laswell, but.. Oh well. If he wanted to waste his time.

“Does the defense call to question the witness?” Was finally asked when it was Jessica’s turn and so Rodolfo stood and stated they do.

He did notice the odd stares, but Graves didn’t even look fazed. Laswell just continued with the small bit of paperwork she was looking over, making sure her statements were filed. They were, Rodolfo had done it personally.

He straightened himself and took a deep breath, going up to the witness stand and doing his best to smile. “Hello. Jessica, right?” He asked.

She nodded, hunching her shoulders in. What a neat little trick, appearing small and fragile. “I am.”

“Jessica… Whitney.” He opened the folder and furrowed his brows, looking over it. He tried to appear nervous, like he wasn’t sure of himself. But… he was. “It says here that you attend University with Vargas and Riley. But… you’re a year behind, correct?”

Jessica nodded. “I am. My brother, Jackson, was in their grade.”

“Right.” Rodolfo nodded and continued to look over the folder, though he had everything in order. “Your brother, Jackson, was… also in Vargas’s frat? Right?”

“Yes.” She nodded, again. “They were friends, I thought.”

Lie number one. Rodolfo glanced back, seeing the way Alejandro tensed. “Oh?” No, Jackson had been listed on the names of the alphas Alejandro had sued and won. Rodolfo had looked it up, later. “Hmm…” He did his best to appear confused. “I have to ask, Ms Whitney, but are you sure?” He was giving her a chance to back down. He prayed she didn’t take it.

Jessica flinched and then nodded. “I’m positive. Jackson talked very positively about Vargas… He looked up to him.”

“And it says here that you picked Vargas and Riley out of a lineup. Why?”

“I saw them. At the party.”

“You did? You were there at the party?”

“I was.”

“What time did you get to the party-”

“Objection, relevance?” Graves spoke up, standing.

Rodolfo smiled before the judge even had a chance to speak. “I promise it’s relevant, your honor. It’s important, I have to ask.” He fidgeted with his hands and pretended to glance back at Laswell, who gave him an encouraging smile. This was a bit he did often.

The judge seemed hesitant but eventually sighed. “Overruled.”

“Thank you.” Rodolfo relaxed and didn’t glance back at Graves, pretending to avoid his eye. “What time did you get to the party, Ms Whitney?”

“I would say… 10 O’Clock.” Jessica frowned. “Yeah, about 10.”

Lie number 2. She wasn’t at the party. “I see.” Rodolfo nodded and closed the file, going and dropping it on the table before coming back over. “Lights, please.”

The lights were turned off and the evidence projector was turned on, so Rodolfo got the clicker for it from the bailiff, who he smiled at before going back over to the projector screen. “I would like to call attention to evidence piece number 14. A set of pictures.”

He clicked and pulled up the picture, which was just a still from the video. One where Jessica was laughing with one of her friends. “Can you identify the woman in this video?” He used the laser pointer to single her out and then turned to her.

Jessica furrowed her brows. “That’s… Me. It appears.”

“Oh?” Rodolfo clicked to the next, which was a later still of her again. “And this woman?”

“That’s also me.”

“I see. I now call attention to evidence piece number 15, which is instead a video.” He clicked to it and took a deep breath.

Rodolfo glanced at Jessica, who just looked confused. Alejandro, however, looked to completely tense up and Ghost appeared to be checking on him. Laswell nodded for him to continue, so Rodolfo did.

“I won’t show you the entire video, it’s unnecessary, but these first five minutes are.” He clicked play and turned to watch Jessica as he did. Her eyes widened in realization and then she appeared almost ashamed.

When she showed up in the video, he paused it and turned to her. “You identified this woman to be you, correct?”

“I-” She’d gone pale. “I- I- I mean I thought it was me but I don’t-”

“You identified this woman to be you. Correct?” Rodolfo repeated.

Jessica went silent for a moment before dropping her shoulders and nodding. “Yes. That is me.”

Rodolfo smiled. “I see.” He was slowly letting the nervous fall. “This video, as you can likely infer, is of Alejandro Vargas being assaulted. And here you are, in the background. It looks like you’re having fun, Ms Whitney.”

She didn’t answer, so Rodolfo shook his head. “No matter.” He sighs. “I call evidence pieces numbers 16, 18, and 21.”

This pulled up the video of her at the concert, a screenshot of her ticket, and then her described outfit from the witness statement. Jessica looked almost horrified as Rodolfo turned to her, watching her eyes frantically glance between the pieces of evidence. “This concert took place the day of the party. Rather, at the exact same time as the party. And, it got let out two hours after the murder allegedly took place. I wonder… how could you be at the party, when here you are, dancing in the background of a video of the concert?”

“I- I…” Jessica stammered, but didn’t answer.

Rodolfo smiled. “I found you. Twice. In the background of a video. You might want to start being cautious when you see cameras start filming. No further questions, your honor.” He went back to the table. As he walked there, he glanced at Alejandro and Ghost and… was surprised to be greeted with something dark in their eyes.

It sent a shiver down his spine as he sat down at the table and he tried not to focus on them the rest of the court session. Jessica was charged with lying under oath and her entire statement was thrown out. Which was definitely a victory.

“A small victory,” Laswell clarified as they packed up. “But, a victory, nonetheless. Rodolfo, you can have the rest of the day off. Brilliant work, brilliant.” She pat his shoulder before they left.

Rodolfo went straight to Price’s house, meeting Ghost and Alejandro there. Price, who had apparently watched it, had again reiterated that Rodolfo had been brilliant. Or, well, he tried to, because almost as soon as Rodolfo was there, Ghost and Alejandro were dragging him down to the basement.

“That was fucking badass.” Ghost immediately said when they got to the bottom of the stairs and Rodolfo flushed bright red as Alejandro nodded in agreement.

He was backed up until his back hit Alejandro and then Ghost was touching his chin and making him look up at him. “God, we want you.” He murmured.

Rodolfo’s breath caught in his chest and he tried to keep it steady and even as he looked up at Ghost, though it was significantly harder when he felt Alejandro’s fingers graze his skin under his shirt. “Every reaction of yours drives me crazy…” Alejandro purred and then his breath was again fanning over Rodolfo’s skin, hot.

Rodolfo let out a soft whimper of need and reached up, grasping at Ghost’s hoodie and pressing his eyes closed. His head was turned to the side, suddenly, and a mouth was on his, kissing him deeply as he was yanked back against Alejandro.

His neckline was tugged to the side, popping the top few of his buttons, and kisses were pressed down his neck and over his shoulder, hands shoving up his shirt and groping over the soft bits on his torso. He gasped, breaking the kiss, as nails were gently dragged over his ribs, but then they pulled away from him and appeared to share a look before fully moving away.

Rodolfo frowned, feeling almost like he’d just experienced whiplash, and shook his head, blinking. “I don’t… I don’t understand… Why do you… keep doing that?”

Both alphas looked away from him and Rodolfo started to doubt it was to toy with him. They both looked ashamed. He bit the inside of his lip and then hugged himself, wondering if something was wrong with himself. “I… I think I'm going to go.” He said, quietly, and turned to leave before gasping as Ghost was immediately across the room, standing in front of the door.

“Wait, wait. We’re sorry, you’re right.” Ghost said, blocking the doorway. Rodolfo frowned and glanced back at Alejandro who looked just as panicked. “It’s… It’s complicated.”

“That’s stupid.” Rodolfo retorted. “Just let me go.” He went to step around Ghost, but he stopped when both alphas made soft noises, raising an eyebrow.

Ghost seemed to pause before taking a deep breath. “I… We… Fuck, Alejandro, can you just explain, I’m not good at this!”

Alejandro came over and took Rodolfo’s attention, pulling him to the bed and having him sit. “We want you, we do.” He promised and touched Rodolfo’s face. “But… we’re on trial for murder. We both… worry. Neither of us want to take advantage of you.”

Rodolfo looked up at Alejandro and then furrowed his brows. “Why… Why touch me and make me excited, then? It feels cruel…” Incredibly cruel. It made him feel like they were just playing with him. “I’m not a toy.”

“No! No, you’re not a toy, you’re right.” Alejandro shook his head. “We forget ourselves. I, especially, do.”

“Well… keep forgetting yourselves.” Rodolfo huffed. “I… I want this. I do.”

They both seemed to pause and hesitate, so Rodolfo shook his head, growing frustrated. “Whatever.” He got up and glared at Ghost until Ghost moved out of the way, storming up the stairs and out to his car. Fuck this.

Despite his irritation, he’d found himself thinking about the alphas constantly. 24/7 they were in his head. Neither of us want to take advantage of you. But… Rodolfo desperately wanted them to. He so badly wanted them to do nothing but take advantage of him.

The idea of it had his skin warm and made him press his legs together, but he couldn’t find himself exactly stopping thinking about it, either. It wasn’t fair. Why play with him like that if they had no intention of going through with it? What games were they playing with him?

Rodolfo didn’t know, but he didn’t want to keep playing them. He wanted them…

That’s why he found himself driving to Price’s house at 3 in the morning, his mind set on demanding they stop playing games with them. That if they wanted him, just to take him.

When he got there, he went up to the door, knocking quietly, and being shocked when Price just opened the door, fully dressed. He looked surprised and that may have had something to do with the fact that it was pouring down rain and Rodolfo was sort of soaked from the trip up the driveway. “Rodolfo-”

“I need to speak to Alejandro and Ghost…” Rodolfo immediately said. “Please…” He knew he probably looked odd at best, pathetic at worst.

“They’re probably asleep, but I’ll see.” Price frowned and let Rodolfo into the house. “Just… Just wait here.”

Rodolfo nodded, now shivering as the AC hit him. It was mid June, it made sense they’d have the heat on, but he was soaked and cold. He watched Price go down to the basement and took the opportunity to look around.

Price didn’t seem to have many pictures up, but Rodolfo did see pictures of him with two other boys. One was dark skinned with black hair and the other was pale and blonde. Writing said their names were Kyle and Gary.

Rodolfo jumped when he heard someone speak, turning around to be met with Alejandro and Ghost. His skin darkened at the sight of both of them, since Ghost was wearing loose sweatpants that hung down around his waist and just those, while Alejandro was just in a pair of boxers.

Neither articles of clothing left anything to the imagination and Rodolfo was suddenly unsure of himself. All of his urgency and confidence had started to wane as they stared at him. “I… I…” What had Alejandro even said? Or had Ghost been the one to speak?

Price said goodnight and then he started up the stairs, all three watching him go.

Rodolfo turned back to the alphas and hesitated, again. “I…”

“You’re soaked.” Ghost spoke, his eyes appearing to take up half of a frown, though his mask covered the bottom half of his face. “Alejandro, he’s sopping.”

Rodolfo turned dark red. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was raining until I was already driving over here… I… I had to see you.” He went up to them, looking up and between both of them. “I’ve come to ask you not to play games with me… I want you… Both of you… Please… You’re all that’s in my head… I know you don’t want to take advantage of me, but I am begging you to…”

Both alphas looked down at him, clearly deeply concerned. Vaguely, he worried that maybe showing up in this state was only going to drive them away. That they only wanted him because he always did his best to appear put together. But he couldn’t help it and maybe if they turned him down, he could mourn it and move on.

Finally, Alejandro touched him and Rodolfo melted, closing his eyes as Alejandro’s hand cupped his face. He was tugged and so he opened his eyes, again, following them both down to the basement before gasping as he was caught between them.

He barely got a moment to think before Ghost, who was behind him, was pulling his shirt and hoodie up and off of him and Alejandro was helping him out of his jeans. “Gorgeous…” Ghost purred into his ear before biting under it and Rodolfo gasped, reaching up and grasping at Alejandro’s arms.

Alejandro captured his mouth, holding his chin so he couldn’t escape. Ghost’s nails raked across his sides and he had to press his legs together, able to feel himself growing slick.

However, Ghost just reached down and nudged them apart, again, softly scolding him. “Don’t, princess.”

Rodolfo’s skin flamed from the nickname and he made a displeased sound. “I’m not… I’m not a princess…” He mumbled, breaking apart from Alejandro.

Both seemed to pause and then Alejandro shook his head. “Our apologies… What would you prefer?”

Rodolfo relaxed and melted. “I don’t know but not prince or princess… It feels like you’re calling me a brat…”

“You’re not a brat, we know that.” Ghost chuckled, before his neck was bit, again, a bit harder this time. Rodolfo hoped it would make marks, he was desperate to be marked by both of them, to have both of them own him.

Thankfully, neither tried out more nicknames, and instead he was picked up by Ghost with a fair amount of ease and he was spread out on the bed in front of Alejandro who immediately thrust his fingers inside Rodolfo, causing him to cry out.

They worked in and out of him with ease, due to how slick and open he was. He should have been embarrassed, but arousal came off both alphas in waves and so he only felt proud, instead. “You can go first, Ale, but only because I worry I might wear him out too soon if I go first.” Ghost chuckled and Rodolfo shivered at his words, looking up and watching them both look over him with dark, dangerous eyes.

“Thank you, hermano.” Alejandro’s tone dripped with sarcasm, but he wasn’t exactly insisting Ghost go first.

Rodolfo moaned as Alejandro’s fingers pushed deeper. “Fuck you’re so wet…” Alejandro growled and Rodolfo’s skin coated with goosebumps. “Eres hermoso…”

Rodolfo whined. “Please… Take me… I’m ready…”

“Go ahead, Alejandro.”

“Last I checked, I didn’t need your permission, Ghost.”

Rodolfo looked up at the ceiling for a moment, irritation and impatience growing until he just took a deep breath and pulled himself up, glad to see Alejandro had discarded his boxers while Ghost had carried him.

So, he climbed into Alejandro’s lap, lining up and sinking down before the other had a chance to question what he was doing. It was a bit of a stretch that he wasn’t expecting and perhaps he’d gotten a bit too eager, but he just put his forehead on Alejandro’s shoulder and took a deep breath.

“Impatient.” Alejandro tsked and gently grasped Rodolfo’s hips before his scent was drowning him, making him dizzy.

Alejandro bit over his neck and then he was rolling his hips up into Rodolfo and Rodolfo whined, digging his nails into Alejandro’s arms. “Fuck…” Rodolfo whimpered and moaned.

“Cariño…” Alejandro purred into his ear. “We should keep you… Fuck you constantly… How would that feel? You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

Rodolfo couldn’t say he wouldn’t. In fact, it sounded heavenly… He cried out as Alejandro thrust into him and then he was suddenly pushed into the bed, Alejandro’s hand wrapping around his throat as he started to fuck into him.

Pleasure coursed through his entire body, shooting through him with each thrust and Alejandro’s hand cut off just enough air to cause euphoria to entangle with it until it was flooding every vein in his body with heat and need.

Alejandro cursed and grabbed his thigh, yanking him up and giving a deep angle that had Rodolfo’s mind completely blank, full of nothing but Alejandro and the desperate need to be knotted.

Alejandro did not oblige him, instead continuing to fuck deep into him while Rodolfo dug his nails into the bedsheets and tried not to make holes. It was overwhelming and too much and not enough at the same time and Rodolfo desperately wanted more.

“Alejandro… Knot me… Please…” Rodolfo pleaded, arching his back and causing his neck to press more into Alejandro’s hand.

Alejandro cursed under his breath when Rodolfo clenched around him and Rodolfo cried, desperate to be knotted. “Please!”

Alejandro shook his head, groaning. “Fuck, can’t.” He dug his nails into Rodolfo’s thigh, cursing again.

Rodolfo cried in frustration and hit his hands on the bed, not quite understanding why Alejandro was being cruel. However, he barely got a chance to be too angry about it because then his body was tensing and he was crying out as he came.

Alejandro was quick to pull out and Rodolfo’s body trembled, disappointment coursing through him. Alejandro had had to clearly exercise a lot of restraint because he was panting and pressing his eyes shut. “Fuck you owe me for this, Ghost.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Ghost chuckled and Rodolfo finally understood as his legs were grabbed and he was yanked over, Ghost pushing in in one fluid motion.

Rodolfo whimpered, slightly overstimulated, but Ghost didn’t stop, just moving so his forearms were braced on either side of Rodolfo’s head, though Rodolfo was eye level with his chest. “Fuck, you’re tight…” Ghost cursed and Rodolfo blushed dark red.

His thighs shook a little as he lifted his legs up to wrap them around Ghost’s waist, trying very hard not to think about the way the muscles in Ghost’s arms flexed as the angle pushed him even deeper.

“Fuck me… please…” Rodolfo pleaded, wrapping his arms around Ghost’s middle and using his legs to pull him closer.

Ghost very quickly obliged him, moving an arm under Rodolfo and lifting his waist before starting to fuck into him. He was slow but it was just as intense, probably more so because of the sting of overstimulation, but Rodolfo was still so so slick, he could hear it with every thrust, though it was drowned out by Ghost moaning in his ear.

The sound of Ghost’s pleasure filled him with pride and he clenched around him, earning a soft curse before his neck was attacked, harshly bit to a painful extent that had him crying and lightly pushing at Ghost’s head.

Ghost, however, only thrust harder into him, presumably to shut him up because the pleasure was so intense it cut the function off and then he was making some sort of gesture and Alejandro was there, shoving fingers down his throat and making him gag a little as he tried to moan around them.

Alejandro’s hand caught and captured his wrists above his neck and Rodolfo thrashed a little as Ghost wrapped his hand around his cock, the pleasure immediately overwhelming him. He had to fight not to scream with pleasure, though Alejandro was quick to fix that problem, covering his mouth.

Remembering Alejandro hadn’t gotten to knot him, Rodolfo fought to get a hand free before reaching blindly for Alejandro’s cock, tilting his head back so he could see and then wrapping a hand around it, stroking him in time to Ghost’s thrusts, squeezing if Ghost was a bit too harsh and hearing Alejandro curse every time he did.

“Such a thoughtful thing…” Ghost laughed, finally lifting and holding one of Rodolfo’s legs up, too tall to throw it over his shoulder.

Rodolfo’s head rolled back in his head as Ghost continued to fuck into him and then he cried out as his thigh was harshly slapped, opening his eyes to see a very angry red mark on the inside of it. God, please fucking bruise. He hoped he was covered with Alejandro and Ghost in the morning.

Pressure built inside of his body and he whimpered, worried about the consequences of climaxing a second time. He’d never orgasmed twice in a row before, but he wasn’t quite sure he had a choice about it as Ghost sped up his pace, cursing.

Alejandro’s grip on his wrist and his mouth tightened and so Rodolfo tightened his grasp, working hard to make sure Alejandro popped his knot at the same time as Ghost.

Ghost suddenly grabbed his hips and yanked him close, his knot swelling inside Rodolfo and filling him until he was full, making him scream into Alejandro’s hand as the sensation made him cum, his vision whiting out with pleasure. Alejandro knotted his hand shortly after, his hand gripping Rodolfo’s face so tightly he was sure it would bruise. And Rodolfo was confident his wrist would.

Both alphas panted as they came down and Rodolfo just melted into the bed, his body going slack with exhaustion. He wasn’t entirely sure he even had the ability to move, panting and then whimpering as Ghost did move, jostling him.

“Shh…” Alejandro soothed, petting his hand and then both were swiftly moving so he was laying between them, Alejandro at his back and holding him close.

Ghost nuzzled into where both had bitten into his neck and Rodolfo melted, snuggling him and melting into Alejandro. “Thank you…”

Neither alpha responded with more than a noise of acknowledgement and then the blanket was pulled over them. “Stay the rest of the night…” Ghost asked and Rodolfo just nodded.

Alejandro nuzzled between his shoulder blades and then he was chuckling. “Which was better?”

“Alejandro!” Ghost barked and Rodolfo couldn’t help laughing softly.

“Ghost, but only because he knotted me when I asked.” Rodolfo teased.

Alejandro whined and then huffed. “You know what, get fucked, cabrón, next time I’m just going to knot him and you can wait a little bit.”

“I never asked you to do anything else!” Ghost laughed and Rodolfo felt a growl in Alejandro’s chest. “Look, next time I’ll go first.”

“Fine.” Alejandro seemed sated by that and he nuzzled Rodolfo again. “Pretty little omega… All ours…”

“All yours…” Rodolfo confirmed and felt Alejandro grin into his back.

Ghost moved and Rodolfo ended up being able to see his face better, unsurprised by the scarring that was there. It looked like chemical burns, covering a decent portion of his jaw, though there was a slash scar over his eye that Rodolfo didn’t understand why he hadn’t seen before.

Even still, the alpha was beautiful. Look, Alejandro was deeply attractive, but that was expected, look at him. And, Rodolfo had seen his face on their first meeting. But, he was only just now getting to see Ghost’s face and he didn’t understand why he kept it covered.

“Holy shit, you have a tattoo?”

Rodolfo’s face flamed dark at Alejandro speaking and he saw Ghost’s eyes suddenly flash open. “What??”

Rodolfo blushed more. “Yeah, I got it in high school.”

“A phoenix?”

“It meant something at the time.” Rodolfo admitted, whining when he was pushed slightly onto his stomach, Ghost lifting up and craning around him. He pulled out, his knot not deflated enough for it to be completely pleasant and Rodolfo dug his nails into Ghost’s arm as he did. He’d have to lecture the boys on carelessness.

“Holy fucking shit.” Ghost murmured and Rodolfo felt both of them touch over his back. He knew it was both because Ghost’s hands were cold, whereas Alejandro’s were warm. It was an odd contrast.

“You just became ten times more appealing, hermoso.” Rodolfo could hear Alejandro’s grin in his voice and it had Rodolfo somehow flushing darker.

“Might have to try for another round, hmm?” Ghost teased.

Immediately, Rodolfo shook his head. “No. I can’t do another round…” He whined, whining more when both alphas laughed, before shaking his head. “Assholes.”

“You came here, desperate for us.” Ghost reminded and Rodolfo looked away, sheepish. Ghost had a point, but still.

He yawned and snuggled into both of them, moving back to his side and then hugging Ghost since he was in front of him. Alejandro moved to practically cling to his back and Rodolfo melted, closing his eyes and starting to doze off, finally.

Rodolfo furrowed his brows as he filed paperwork, trying not to think of how dull this was. After the night before that he’d spent with Alejandro and Ghost, he was finding it hard to focus on paperwork and Laswell talking on the phone.

She seemed to be having an argument but he didn’t care enough to listen. “They’re taunting you, John.”

Wait, maybe he did. He perked up, listening to her speak. “No, no, listen, I do care. But, it’s been four years… Why would someone suddenly pop up claiming to have them?”

Rodolfo’s mind immediately went to the picture he’d seen in Price’s house. The fact that his basement seemed to be perfectly set up for two people, too set up to just be holding two alphas while they were on trial. He pretended to work on paperwork, listening carefully.

“No, John, don’t hang up-” she yanked the phone away from her ear and cursed loudly, throwing it on the table. “Rodolfo-”

Rodolfo looked at her, immediately, tilting his head. She hesitated and took a deep breath. Normally, she wore blockers, but she must have been really worked up because he could smell her. She was actually quite a pleasant smelling alpha, smelling like a lavender earl grey tea he’d been pressured into trying once. “Yes?”

Laswell took a deep breath and ran a hand down her face before planting her hands on the table. “Phillip Graves is taking the route we expected, but he’s hitting it hard. Alejandro and Ghost have complete motive and no alibi. Getting rid of Jessica was helpful but… it’s an almost guaranteed conviction. He… dug something up on Ghost.”

Rodolfo frowned, confused.

“Two months after Alejandro was assaulted, Ghost confronted them and they held him down and poured acid on his face.” Laswell sighed.

Rodolfo’s stomach churned at the idea and he remembered the scarring on Ghost’s face. “That’s…”

“Fucking awful, I know.” She ran a hand down her face again and Rodolfo saw her eyes shift around the room before she took a deep breath. “On top of that, I think Graves is… pulling something with Price to distract me.”

Rodolfo shook his head. “What is it?”

Laswell hesitated and so Rodolfo sighed. “Laswell, I can’t help unless I know what it is. I need to know everything, that’s the one job you gave me. I need to know whatever can be used against us.”

“I know.” Laswell sighed and then she carefully sat in a chair, folding her arms on the table. “Price had two sons. They were adopted. However… four years ago, both went missing. They were both omegas so… the possibilities of why are endless. He never received a ransom note or anything… They were just gone. Went on a trip together and never came back.”

Rodolfo frowned, since… he couldn’t imagine. With what had happened to him when he was a young teen, and the possibility of this, he’d made the decision to never have children, unable to stomach the idea of losing them in such an awful way. “I… That’s horrible… How would Graves use that to distract you, though?”

Laswell hesitated before sighing. “Someone has… called Price and claimed to have them. Price is erratic about it. They’ve said they’ll only give them back if he pays them 3 million dollars which… he doesn’t have.”

Rodolfo made a face. “That’s abhorrent.” It was disgusting, it was vile. How dare someone do something like that. And, he’d admit, the timing lined up enough that Phillip Graves being the culprit made sense… “I’ll find something.” He promised.

Laswell sighed. “You need to do it quickly, the last court date is in a month… Phillip Graves keeps his secrets close to his chest. He’s going to use this new discovery about Ghost for motive. And it’s a pretty fucking good one, too. The evidence is flimsy and I’m afraid we relied too much on that, because it’s still evidence. Getting rid of a key witness wasn’t enough.”

Rodolfo was afraid he agreed. No, he wouldn’t let Alejandro and Ghost go to prison… They were innocent, they didn’t deserve that. And he certainly wouldn’t let someone who would stoop so low to prey on an innocent man who just wanted his children back put them away. “Where can I start?”

“That’s the problem.” Laswell shook her head. “We have nowhere to start. Like I said, he keeps his secrets close to his chest… I have nothing on him. No ammo, no weaknesses. He’s a clean alpha, gets rid of his messes or… shoves them into locked cabinets.”

Well, it was a challenge. It was fortunate Rodolfo loved those. He loved prying people open and picking out their secrets, digging up the skeletons in their backyard. Finding them in their closets. “No one keeps anything too hidden.”

Laswell snorted. “I’m sure you could find anything you set your mind to, but I’m just hoping you find enough within a month to get rid of him. We need to nail him with every fucking thing we have or he’s going to win. The jury may be sympathetic to Alejandro and Ghost, but sympathetic doesn’t mean they’ll find them not guilty. And… Graves has yet to issue a plea deal. He’s confident.”

“I won’t let that happen.” Rodolfo laughed, because he wouldn’t. Alejandro and Ghost wouldn’t go to prison, not if he could help it. “Like I said, I’ll find something. Just… give me time.”

Laswell took a deep breath and then nodded. “Good. I trust you, Rodolfo.”

Rodolfo watched her stand then leave before immediately turning back to his laptop, abandoning the paperwork he was filing. One of the other interns in the game might find themselves hiring a PI. As it was, Laswell had one that she frequently worked with, a man by the name of Nikolai. But, Rodolfo knew better.

PIs worked for finding secrets people didn’t want to keep. They were good from a distance. And they only worked if you had a string to follow. Rodolfo didn’t have any. Yet.

No, Rodolfo knew the fastest way to find a secret from someone who liked to keep them close to their chest was to go right to the source and look yourself. So, rather than email Nik like he would for anyone else, he instead went to a different website.

And he ordered cookies.

Phillip Graves, despite keeping his secrets close to his chest, was known to have at least 2 vices. Well, three if you counted the alcoholism, but who the fuck wasn’t alcoholic in this economy. And… Rodolfo wasn’t quite sure how to exploit that one.

However, the first of the other two were young, beautiful omegas. That one, Rodolfo wasn’t quite sure if he could fill. Beyond just not knowing his type, he also wasn’t ready to enter that game, yet. His older sister, Liliana, was an escort with a pretty big company. And she had promised him that once he was ready to play those games, she would help him win them.

Even still, he was far from ready to play those games, and had decided to wait. Well, decide was spoken lightly, since Laswell’s wife had also threatened her with a divorce if she let Rodolfo use his body to get information. Alex and Farah didn’t seem too keen on the idea, either, even if they were alphas. Rodolfo had wanted to tell all three to get bent, since it was his body and not theirs, but he’d let it go.

Sort of.

Anyway, for the sake of Laswell’s marriage, he’d held off. He liked Jen, anyway, since she was a kind omega who’d always been nothing but sweet to him. She had told him he’d always have a plate at her house and he could tell she was trying to be a mom to him but… he didn’t really need one of those.

His was dead. His dad was dead. He wasn’t in the mood to replace them.

Regardless of any of this, that first vice was not anything Rodolfo was trying to fulfill.

The second, however, was much easier. Phillip Graves was known to have quite the sweet tooth. Hence why his first instinct had been to order cookies. They were very expensive cookies, but he’d charged them to the business card.

This cookie place had a bit of a gimmick of fancy, new flavors, which… Rodolfo didn’t get but they’d had a “spiced chocolate dream” cookie that he’d stolen out of the box and bought another to replace when he’d gone that had been pretty fucking fantastic and he may have planned to order another if they still had it, later.

Alejandro and Ghost had been texting him frequently. Nothing much, just cute little texts saying they missed him and asking how he was. He would text them back every time, and often received cute little emojis from Alejandro, while Ghost never really gave a response back.

They were getting to be quite the distraction, constantly in his mind, even now as he walked into Phillip Graves’ office building, right up to the secretary. “Hi!” He smiled, picking up that the other was an omega, immediately. “I’m here to see Phillip Graves.”

The other was hispanic, like him, though slightly paler and with darker hair. He smiled back when Rodolfo approached. “I’m sorry but he’s in a meeting right now.” The other omega looked so familiar, but Rodolfo had trouble placing him.

“Oh…” Rodolfo frowned, feigning disappointment. “I’m from Kate Laswell’s office? She sent cookies…”

“Oh?” The other frowned. “Isn’t he in a case against her right now?”

“Oh, yes, but… I think she mentioned it was a peace offering? You know how this culture works.” Rodolfo waved his hand and set the cookies down on the desk, sighing. “Anything to win a case, right?”

The other made a face that said that he knew exactly how the culture worked. He was young and Rodolfo would admit, he was beautiful. From what little Rodolfo could see, he had a nice figure, and he hardly looked older than 21.

Already, Rodolfo’s mind was turning this omega over and over in his head. That first vice returned to his head and he decided there was no way Phillip Graves was not sleeping with his secretary. “I’m curious, do you go to the University?” Rodolfo asked, to gauge his age.

The other smiled. “I do! I’m in my second year.” He seemed almost eager to have someone to talk to, which was interesting since Rodolfo was working for the person Graves was in a case against.

So around 20, likely. Rodolfo smiled and nodded. “I’m in my fourth year. I’m 22. Do you plan to go to law school after this or is it just a job?”

“Oh, definitely.” The other nodded. “Phil is going to help me find a good one!”

“Phil?” Oh he was definitely fucking this secretary. Rodolfo may jokingly call Laswell “Kate” to mess with her, but he would never call her Kate to another intern or secretary. She was Laswell to everyone she wasn’t close to.

The other blushed bright red. “My boss, Mr Graves…” He mumbled and Rodolfo could see he was fidgeting under his desk.

“I have to admit, you look very familiar.” Rodolfo said, tilting his head. “What did you say your name was?”

“Oh, I didn’t! It’s Lucas. Lucas Vargas.” The other flushed and smiled at him. “Um, you might have a couple classes with my uncle? He’s also in his fourth year.”

Vargas. Oh that was… interesting. Look, it could be a case of a shared last name… but Rodolfo doubted it. “Your uncle? What a small age gap between uncle and nephew.”

“It’s… a long story. His name is Alejandro Vargas?” Lucas winced. “We don’t really talk anymore… Or at all.”

Rodolfo tried not to get too excited. “Do you.. Know what the case between Laswell and Graves is about?”

Lucas winced. “Does it make me look like a bad secretary if I say no? I… Haven’t seen any of the paperwork for it, nor has he told me anything about it. I know it has to be a criminal case and I think he mentioned something about two students at the university being on murder charges but… I don’t really pay attention to the news.”

That sounded like Graves was hiding it from Lucas. Obviously, it could not be. Graves could not be sleeping with Lucas, he could have just neglected to tell him that he’d picked up a case against his uncle, and Graves could be a perfectly sound alpha. But Rodolfo very much doubted it. He also doubted Lucas knew what a gold wrapped gift he was to Rodolfo.

“When did you start working for Graves? I’m curious, I didn’t think he’d hire a secretary so young.” Rodolfo asked, leaning against the desk. He started to look over Lucas, noting a necklace that dipped under a loose white button up blouse. He could fully see a black skirt, which was… short. Not short enough that it may show anything if Lucas stood, but if he bent over, which Rodolfo knew from experience would happen often in an office, it would ride up.

This again didn’t prove anything. Lucas was a pretty omega, surely he’d want to show that off? But, it gave Rodolfo somewhere to start.

“Oh, um… middle of my first year.” Lucas smiled. “I desperately needed a job and he gave one to me.”

“I see.” Rodolfo nodded and then smiled, again. “Interesting. I’m basically a glorified secretary for Laswell.” Not quite true, while he tended to do things a secretary did, he mostly was the one to gather information for her while she built cases. Anything he did that was secretarial was because she just wouldn’t do them and he was tired of papers being unorganized. “Does your pay take care of you?”

“Oh, more than.” Lucas laughed and brushed his hair out of his face and Rodolfo caught sight of a gold bracelet. No clasp. Or… not one that he could see.

“Oh, that’s gorgeous.” Rodolfo caught his hand and saw Lucas turn a bright red as he looked over the bracelet. No. No clasp. He’d heard of them before. They were called infinity bracelets and usually were done with couples. “Did it hurt to get done? My boyfriend and I are considering one for me.”

“Oh, no.” Lucas shook his head, looking almost flustered. “Are you um… in the lifestyle?”

Rodolfo stared dumbly at Lucas, he would admit. The… lifestyle? Wait, did Lucas mean kink? Well, Rodolfo frequented a few websites but… he wouldn’t classify himself as… in the lifestyle. “Yes,” he lied, anyway, feigning sheepishness. “It’s… a lot.”

“Oh, definitely, but I love it.” Lucas seemed to completely relax. “We don’t go to clubs or dungeons or anything… My boyfriend is rather possessive, and wants to keep me to himself. But, we do have a pretty involved lifestyle.”

Rodolfo didn’t understand what the fuck Lucas was talking about, but he filed it away in his head in case it would help him. If this mysterious boyfriend was Graves, that is. Which… he doubted it couldn’t be. Granted, he had very little evidence, but the evidence he had was incriminating. “Well… I feel like stirring the pot a little. Since he’s in a meeting, why don’t you tell Graves these were from someone else?”

Lucas flushed and then he smiled, looking almost amused. “Okay! It was really nice talking to you! We should hang out once this case is over. I don’t… really have a lot of friends.”

“Oh, definitely.” Rodolfo agreed and then wrote his phone number on a notepad. “Text me if you want to hang out. Just because our bosses are against each other, doesn’t mean we have to be.”

Lucas looked… over the moon and Rodolfo kind of felt bad, since he clearly was excited to make a friend. If… Rodolfo didn’t end up ruining his life to ruin Graves… maybe they could be friends. Well, no, not when Rodolfo had plans to keep fucking Lucas’ uncle.

Ghost, too.

So, he watched Lucas stand and saw that the skirt was very short. He also saw that there were lines on his thighs, though they were hard to see under the skirt. Rodolfo felt really bad, now… but, he had priorities. Sadly, an omega he’d just met was not a high one.

He watched Lucas go into a back room and moved to listen closely, first glancing to make sure no cameras were directly pointed at him.

“Lucas, why are you back here? Oh, what are those?”

“Oh, um… Shepherd sent them over, I think. The boy who delivered them said he did.”

“Cookies? Thanks, Luca.” Graves sounded irritated, he sounded annoyed. “I’ll eat them, anyway, but just turn away anything else from him. I really don’t want peace offerings from my father.”

Rodolfo’s eyes went wide and he covered his mouth. Shepherd was a pretty high up judge. Now it made sense why Graves had never done a case where he was the judge… Oh, he was definitely filing that one away. He would save it for something petty…

Lucas came back a moment later and smiled, sitting back down at his desk. “Anything else I can help you with?”

“Nope.” Rodolfo shook his head. “Have a nice rest of your day, Lucas. Definitely text me, I um… I don’t have many friends.” If Lucas was smart and vetted his friends, which he definitely should be, he very much doubted they would be. No one wanted to be friends with him. Not with what was attached to his name. Trauma tended to push people away.

Maybe they found it too awkward, maybe they just thought he was a freak. But… No one wanted to be friends. And he doubted Lucas would be any different.

“Of course! It was nice to meet you!” Lucas smiled brightly and then he turned to his computer.

So, Rodolfo turned and left, calling Nikolai when he got out to his car.

“Rodolfo! It has been a long time.”

“Nik,” Rodolfo smiled, “it has been. Laswell has been working on petty cases lately. I have information I need you to find.”

“Rudy, you are like a son to me. You should call me for non-business things occasionally.”

Rodolfo flushed and sighed, now feeling bad again. Nik struck him as a lonely old man and… despite being an alpha, it was fairly clear his mind was not on omegas, since Rodolfo had never ever seen him show any interest in them. He and Laswell were friends and he treated Alex and Farah like his own, too, but… Well, like he’d said. He had no interest in making a new dad or mom. “I’ll try, Nik.”

“What is this information you need?”

Rodolfo took a deep breath. “We’re working against Phillip Graves. Which… I’m sure you know he’s hard to dig up secrets on.”

“He is like a steel safe. Hard to crack.”

“Exactly.” Rodolfo agreed. “But… I think I found something that… won’t be. I need you to start tailing an omega named Lucas Vargas. He’s Graves’ secretary but… I think they’re sleeping together.”

“I need your reasoning first, so I know where to start.”

Rodolfo tried very hard not to groan, but he sighed instead. “Right. Well, for one, Lucas calls him Phil. He’s his secretary. I would… never call Laswell Kate. His outfit that he works in is very revealing, he has an expensive infinity bracelet, and he mentioned being in the kink lifestyle. However, in the same sentence, he told me his boyfriend is possessive. I don’t think, if his boyfriend is possessive, he’d be okay with Lucas wearing revealing clothing around his boss. Unless…”

“His boyfriend is the boss. I see, I see. I will watch this omega… Lucas Vargas? Same last name as one of Laswell’s current clients… He’s only 20 years old, that certainly would be scandalous… I will come to you, Rodolfo, when I have more information.”

“Thank you, Nik. Really. How about we discuss it over dinner? You promised to cook for me, remember?”

“I did! I will cook you an amazing meal! You can gossip to me like young omegas do! Tell me your problems! I will listen well!”

Rodolfo laughed, softly, and he found himself softening. The alpha was sweet, Rodolfo could tell he was trying. He just felt more bad that he couldn’t fulfill a son role. For anyone. He was too damaged. “Hey, can you also look into something else for me? John Price, Laswell’s friend? He had two kids go missing and… I want to know what happened.”

“I cannot, Rodolfo. I am sorry.”

“What?? Why not??” Rodolfo frowned, confused.

“I think it is bad to spy on one’s boyfriend.”

“You’re with Price??”

“I am! I know, I know, we’re both alphas, but-”

Rodolfo laughed, softly. “I don’t care, Nik! I’m happy for you!” He was, even if that was inconvenient for him. Nik seemed lonely, Rodolfo really wanted him to have someone. “That’s okay, I will… figure out something else. Let me know when you have that information!” They both then exchanged their goodbyes before Rodolfo hung up and took a deep breath.

God, he hoped this came up with something.

Dressing for the “alpha gaze” was something Rodolfo still struggled with. Out in public, he could dress however he wanted. But… in the privacy of his own apartment, Rodolfo found it hard not to sexualize himself. He felt more watched in his own home than he did walking through the street.

Which is why he found himself sitting on his counter, eating and wearing nothing but boyshort panties, the type he preferred, and a large tee shirt, while looking over some files Nik had sent him. Nik had apologized for dinner not being able to accompany them but something with Price had came up and the trial was in a week, so Nik apparently hadn’t wanted to wait to give them.

Rodolfo had no doubt it had to do with the phone call Price had gotten. No matter. However, this had meant he hadn’t been able to see Alejandro and Ghost since they’d had sex and… well, he was missing the alphas. They texted him every single day, almost every other hour, and he very much appreciated it.

Boyshort panties had been made for male omegas. Which was probably why he preferred them. They kept him covered and supported while also giving him a nice shape, he thought. His were seamless, because he hated the feelings of seams, and they weren’t patterned with flowers or anything like that.

They were pretty similar to the boxers that alphas wore, though not like the loose ones that male alphas wore. Rodolfo didn’t enjoy them, the material was never soft enough. Call him delicate, he liked to be comfortable.

Funnily enough, he found himself wondering what type of panties Lucas Vargas wore as he looked through pictures of Lucas locking up the office building. Nik had given him everything he’d had, which sadly included some boring pictures.

The reason why Rodolfo was wondering, however, was because that skirt was awfully short. Graves liked them young, petite. He imagined Lucas might go for something not particularly meant for male omegas. Something meant for style, not comfort.

Something black, he decided, something with lace. Though… maybe Graves was fucked up. Maybe he liked them pale pink with stripes and a little bow on them. Or, maybe Lucas wore thongs with that too short skirt. Showed everything when he bent over.

Graves was the type of alpha to like a view. He had a gorgeous cliffside house, Rodolfo had seen it during a dinner party the year before, and it had the most beautiful view of the mountains. A massive bathroom had overlooked it and Graves had joked liking it to be the first thing he saw when he stepped out of the shower. That he was an alpha who liked a view.

He’d made a gross joke about morning wood, too, that had had many of the alphas in the room laughing and several of the omegas trying not to look uncomfortable. Rodolfo hadn’t been sure what to do. Pretend the joke made his skin crawl? Or laugh and pretend it was funny?

Maybe that was why he liked Alejandro and Ghost so much. In their few interactions, he’d never acted. He’d never been playing a role. Well, save for that first one, when they’d met. But… the second and third interaction, he’d been genuine. That fourth one, he’d definitely been genuine. He felt… human. Odd, he’d never felt inhuman before, but he supposed he almost was.

He was whatever he needed to be. Whatever anyone else needed him to be.

Right now? Right now he was a lonely omega, sadly overlooking pictures while eating chinese food out of the carton. The media perfect picture of rock bottom. That’s how they always portrayed omegas at rock bottom, right? Clean but wrinkled tee shirt, just panties, but not ugly panties. Not, god forbid, granny panties. Panties you’d let someone fuck you in. Messy hair. For Rodolfo it’s a too long hairstyle overgrown from lack of a haircut.

Smudged makeup, though Rodolfo would admit he wasn’t wearing any. Didn’t like the sensation of it on his face. Eating fatty foods out of the box, like chinese food or pizza. Rock fucking bottom.

This was, thankfully, not rock bottom for Rodolfo. Rock bottom had been waking up at 16 years old to pictures of you spread all over the internet, to your mom and dad being dead from a car crash, and your older sister informing you she’s had a miscarriage when you didn’t even know she was pregnant. Rock bottom was the bottom of a bottle of Diphenhydramine, and not enough pills because you’d forgotten to buy more.

12 wasn’t enough to kill yourself.

Rodolfo was actually doing fairly well, right now. He loved his job and schooling was going well. And he was about to help Laswell win another court case. Why? Because he was staring right at a picture of Lucas Vargas in Phillip Graves lap. Or rather… on Phillip Graves' lap.

Considering the omega was completely naked, so was Phillip Graves, he could recognize the bedroom as Graves’ cliffside house, and Lucas had his head thrown back, his mouth open… Well, it was obvious what they were doing.

A second picture had Lucas actually facing the camera, where Rodolfo knew a mirror was, if he was remembering the layout of the bedroom correctly, and so it was undeniable who it was.

He also found records of Lucas’s age, stating he was 20 years old. And… proof that they were seeing each other when Lucas was freshly 18. A receipt of a dinner, in fact, and Rodolfo wasn’t quite sure he wanted to know how Nik had gotten that. But, fuck, he was going to sit and listen to Nik cook and give him advice for sure after this.

Hell, he’d even call him Dad.

Getting into Graves’ office in the middle of the night was pretty easy. Since it was the middle of the summer, and Graves was there, Rodolfo had just gotten in through an open window.

There, he’d navigated to Graves’ office, hearing him in the printer room, he assumed from the sound of a printer going in it, and the alpha was humming to country music, a genre Rodolfo loathed. He’d set himself up in Graves' chair.

Nik had made copies of every photo, so Rodolfo had brought the ones he had and put them in a file on the desk, before propping his feet up. And then he’d waited.

Funnily enough, Lucas had never texted him. Rodolfo was sure he knew why. Either Graves had told him not to or… Lucas had searched his name. Either way, Rodolfo wasn’t upset. He’d never deluded himself to think they could be friends.

He grabbed a candy bar that was sitting on Graves’ desk and looked around his office, liking that it seemed well decorated. He was shocked Graves had a private office, being the DA and all. Hmm, he wondered if Daddy Dearest had set that up for him. Probably.

Finally, Graves came back, and Rodolfo smiled as he came into the office. “Phil!” He mocked. “You’re working late!”

Graves seemed startled and raised an eyebrow before chuckling, coming fully into the office. “Rodolfo… I have a heavy case load. Working late is what happens. You know that.”

“Oh, do I.” Rodolfo hummed, biting into the candy bar and taking a moment to chew and swallow before continuing. “How does your omega feel about you coming home so late?”

“My… omega?” Graves snorted. “You know I’m single. Relationships aren’t for me, I like to… ride it solo.” Graves was really too casual around a 22 year old omega. One might think it was inappropriate, but Rodolfo knew what it was. He was compensating. He was terrified.

“It must be weird for him. Locking up and knowing you’ll probably be back to work. Tell me, Phil, does he get worried?”

Graves looked at him for a moment and his tone went dead neutral. Bingo. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you?” Rodolfo nudged the file with his foot before continuing to eat the candy bar. “Go on, take them, I have copies.”

Graves seemed to almost go pale before he was coming up to the desk, opening the folder. Rodolfo had put in the most revealing ones. “That one where he’s facing the mirror is gorgeous. Boudoir level. You should get it framed. I could have the RAW emailed to you.”

Graves had gone deadly silent, looking over the pictures. He sat down in a chair across from the desk and shook his head. “I’ll lie. I’ll say it’s not him.”

“Okay.” Rodolfo shrugged and then sat up, reaching into the folder and pulling out a picture of a high school yearbook which had a picture of Lucas on the cheerleading team. “He’s a dead ringer, don’t you think? You know, I think it’s more weird that you happen to be fucking an omega that looks exactly like your secretary. Or… that you hired a secretary that looks exactly like your omega.”

Graves put the folder down and then shook his head. “God, you’re fucking evil. You would do that?”

“Ruin your life? Oh, completely.” Rodolfo leaned back and put his feet back up on the desk. He liked this act he was putting on. It was fun. Careless.

“So what? I’m fucking my secretary. Big deal.” Graves shook his head. “It won’t be a shocking scandal. I’m known as a playboy, even at 39. I’ll get a slap on the wrist.”

“Mhm.” Rodolfo nodded, agreeing. “Might make Dad look bad when I reveal Judge Shepherd is your father but… you’re right. What’s the worst that can happen? Hmm… Except, Lucas is 20. You’re 39. And I have evidence that you were sleeping together when he was freshly 18. I know this doesn’t break the law but um… Your reputation will be in the fucking sewer.”

Graves watched him speak and then he shook his head. “You’d do that to another omega? You’d ruin his life?”

“I’m ruining yours. Lucas is collateral damage.” Rodolfo shrugged, finishing the candy bar and tossing the wrapper in the little trash can beside the desk. “Does Lucas empty it?” He gestured.

Graves blinked and then looked at the trash can before sighing. “Yes. It’s part of his duties.”

“I bet he doesn’t crouch to do it, either. It’s the perfect distance away, I bet he makes a long show of bending over and pulling the bag out.” Rodolfo taunted, watching Graves’ face go red and then turn to an expression of anger.

“He was 18 when we started to sleep together.”

“I know that. You know that.” Rodolfo acknowledged. “I’m sure any smart person who looks at the pictures will be able to put that together but… will they?”

Graves looked away from him. “I’ll… go for minimum, only. They can go for an Alford guilty plea, maintain their innocence.”

“No. That’s not good enough.” Rodolfo snorted, knowing he didn’t have to settle for that. “Thirty years is too many. I want you to drop the charges for a lack of evidence. They will plead not guilty.”

Graves stared at him. “All of this, for two alphas? You ruined Jessica Whitney’s life. She lost her scholarship for lying on the stand. You’d ruin mine if I kept with the charges. You’d ruin Lucas’s.”

“First, I’d ruin your life for a good dinner.” Rodolfo smiled, though that wasn’t true. Rodolfo didn’t like frivolously ruining lives but… For Alejandro and Ghost? Anything. “Jessica Whitney ruined her own life by lying on the stand. And Lucas is, again, collateral damage. Technically, you’re ruining his life. Don’t sleep with a freshly 18 year old, next time, I don’t know what else to tell you.”

Graves shook his head. “You can’t genuinely believe they’re innocent.”

Rodolfo looked at him and then he shrugged. “I do.”

“They’re not.”

Rodolfo met Graves’ eyes, fully, and then he smiled. “I choose to believe they are.” It had crossed his mind that they were guilty but… that frat deserved what they got. It sounded like they bred evil. “It doesn’t matter if they are or not. Because you will drop the charges.”

Graves shook his head. “One day, you’re going to wake up, and you’ll see the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows-”

“Cut the speech.” Rodolfo snapped. “Look up my name, pendejo. Google me. Look at the pictures that pop up when you use incognito mode. Look at everything attached to my name… I know the world isn’t sunshine and rainbows. Besides, you just called me evil. Pick one.”

Graves frowned and looked at him before shaking his head, again. “I’ll drop the charges. Tomorrow.”

Rodolfo smiled and then folded his hands across his stomach. “Perfect. I’m glad we came to this agreement.” He pulled his feet off of the desk and then he stood. “I’ll see myself out. I’ll use the front door. You can keep the pictures, I really think you should get that one framed. Oh, one more thing, using an alpha’s missing kids to distract someone else is fucking sick.”

Graves seemed confused. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“John Price. You taunted him with his two missing children to distract Laswell.” Rodolfo turned to look at Graves, again, frowning. “That’s more than evil.”

“No the fuck I didn’t. I didn’t even know he had missing kids.” Graves furrowed his brows. “I’d met his two sons Kyle and Gary a while back but… I didn’t know they were missing. That… explains a lot, actually.”

Rodolfo frowned and then furrowed his brows. If… Graves hadn’t… who had? What sick bastard would do that? If he believed Graves. Regardless, he didn’t feel like threatening him for the truth, so he started to leave again, sighing when he was stopped. “Wait, Rodolfo. You ever consider working for someone new? I don’t think I want to end up on the opposite side of you, ever again.”

Rodolfo blinked and turned to look at Graves. “Is that a job offer?”

“Yeah, I think it is.” Graves chuckled.

Rodolfo laughed, softly, at the absurdity of that. “No. I like Laswell too much and… you can’t afford me, Phillip Graves. Unlike others, I don’t take payment in knot.”

Graves rolled his eyes, clearly unhappy with that last statement. Rodolfo would admit that he may have been just trying to piss him off at that point. “Name your price. I’m sure whatever it is, I can pay it.”

Rodolfo looked at him and considered for a moment before smiling.

“Revenge.”

Alejandro and Ghost moved in once the charges were dropped. Rodolfo had had a small worry that it would turn into a case that once they were in, they’d be horrible and Rodolfo would grow to hate them, but the only problem that had ended up arising was that they had a lot of sex.

After he’d heard Laswell confront them, Rodolfo had gone straight to her and confronted her in return.

“I don’t care if they’re innocent or not.”

“What?”

“I don’t care, Laswell. They make me happy.”

“I don’t understand-”

“Yes you do, I heard you talking to them. I am asking you to not interfere in my love life.”

“Rodolfo… I want what’s best for you…”

“I know. I understand that. But… Please, Laswell. You know I feel like I have to act around everyone, even you. But I don’t feel like that around them… I feel like… I feel whole. I feel… like a person, again. Please don’t take that away from me.”

“Rodolfo… Are you sure?”

“More than. More sure than I’ve ever been. I love them, I’m desperate for them. Please don’t take them away. Promise me. Promise me you won’t take them away.”

“I won’t, Rodolfo.”

“Promise.”

“I promise.”

So, Rodolfo had settled in to being between them. As it was, despite being potential murderers, they weren’t toxic. Sort of. They weren’t, any more than Rodolfo could be.

Yes, they were possessive, but the blame of other alpha’s eyes never fell on Rodolfo, it fell on the alphas. Rodolfo was never confronted, never asked to stop wearing something… No, the alpha was simply told to stop looking.

They were quick to anger, but never at Rodolfo. If they did get angry at him, they would leave the room, find somewhere to calm down, and then they would come back, later, calm and collected, and things would move on. They’d be fine, again.

And, strangely, they’d started to pick up on when Rodolfo was putting on an act. Ghost had called them “masks”. Playful, nervous, confident, irritated… Every single role he put himself into, both of them had picked up on them, and when he did it around them, they’d found ways of pulling the masks down, of bringing Rodolfo back to himself…

He needed them. He needed them more than he needed air. He was desperate not to lose them, to lose the only tether he had to himself.

He had picked up on other things. While they would give oral, neither would accept it, and Rodolfo had the feeling it had to do with his trauma. And… he didn’t mind. It triggered him, he knew that, and they didn’t expect him to give in and give it anyway. They didn’t take pictures with him unless he said they could, they only ever posted them if he said they could. Ghost didn’t take many pictures to begin with, though.

So… Rodolfo settled in to move on to the next case, hoping that it was far away from anything that could pull them apart.

“Rodolfo, our next… project won’t be an actual court case but it’s going to be tough as hell.” Laswell spoke as soon as she came in and dropped a file on the table.

Rodolfo blinked and then furrowed his brows, frowning. “What do you mean?”

Laswell sighed and shook her head. “I have… reason to suspect that the person taunting Price is Judge Shepherd. But I don’t know why. He has no MO, no reason to do so. He’d have nothing to gain, he doesn’t need 3 million dollars. We’re not taking any cases until this is over and you don’t start classes until August.”

Rodolfo looked at the file and then he furrowed his brows. “What’s the goal here? Get them back? They’re probably dead.”

“I know that, but… Rodolfo, John Price is my closest friend. We are like siblings… He is… destroyed over this. Nik can’t comfort him. We had only just gotten him to move on, I don’t-” She seemed to get emotional, which was a little disturbing if Rodolfo was honest.

“Alright.” Rodolfo sighed. “Alright… We need somewhere to start… I guess the first place would be… Well…” He hesitated before groaning softly. “Graves.”

“Graves?” Laswell looked surprised and then sat down. “Why?”

“Well, while I was looking for a way to make him drop the charges, I… I discovered that he’s Shepherd’s son. I did some digging, he has his mother’s maiden name, and they’re estranged. I had Lucas, the secretary he’s fucking, say the cookies were from someone else and he said they were from Shepherd. Graves said to throw them out if he sent more, because he didn’t want peace offerings from his father. I don’t think they have a good relationship.” Rodolfo folded his hands on the table and crossed his legs. “I may have an in with that secretary… Well… Graves also offered me a job. Said he didn’t want to be on the opposite side as me, ever again.”

Laswell blinked. “That is… a lot of information. First… I think you’re right, I think, if Shepherd is Graves’ father… Graves would be the place to start. Second, a job? You consider accepting it?”

Rodolfo laughed. “No. I’d rather skin myself alive than work with him.”

Laswell laughed in return and shook her head. “That’s fair… I thought I’d ask, anyway.”

Rodolfo scrunched his face and then he considered before sighing. “You’re not gonna like this but… maybe I should handle this alone. You’re really close to the situation and I worry that if you try to work it, if anything goes wrong or… things happen, you’ll get distracted or frustrated and-”

“You’re right.” Laswell’s shoulders dropped and she shook her head. “I… I am too close to the situation. I need to, instead, focus my efforts on helping John get through this. Are you going to be able to do this, alone, though?”

Rodolfo considered, again. “I could have Alejandro and Ghost help me. I’m not sure there’s much they can do, but there’s likely something they could do?”

Laswell didn’t look like she liked that idea but she sighed. “At the very least, if it throws you somewhere dangerous, they can protect you… Alright, fine. But, Rodolfo, if you need my help, please ask for it. Don’t get yourself in trouble and refuse to let someone pull you out.”

Rodolfo winced but nodded. “I promise I will.” Then, he pulled out his laptop, emailing Graves to try to meet up.

Alejandro and Ghost both looked at him, their expressions confused. “Kyle and Gary are dead, I thought.” Ghost furrowed his brows. ��You’re saying someone is taunting Price with them?”

“Yes.” Rodolfo nodded. “I doubt whoever it is seriously has them but… Regardless if they do, someone is saying they do.”

“No wonder Price was so upset the last few weeks we were there…” Alejandro furrowed his brows. “And you want us to help?”

“It would be nice.” Rodolfo smiled, relaxing as Alejandro moved behind him, hugging him. Rodolfo leaned back into him and closed his eyes. He loved every time they touched him, finding himself almost completely addicted to them. “Laswell doesn’t want me doing this completely alone.”

“Well…” Ghost shrugged. “What can we help with?”

“I’m talking to Graves, tomorrow. Laswell suspects that whoever is taunting Price is Shepherd and Graves has a connection to him. And… I have reason to believe Graves will give him up if he is.” Rodolfo answered. “Meanwhile, I need one of you to research him and another to go to a job interview. He’s hiring for interns. I’ve built a fake profile, you just need to follow it.”

Rodolfo leaned over, ignoring the way Alejandro whined and followed him, picking up a file. Alejandro snatched it out of his hands. “I’ll do that.” Alejandro chuckled. “I’m more charismatic, Ghost hates talking to people.”

“I want to be mad, but it’s true.” Ghost crossed his arms. “I don’t know about more charismatic, though. Regardless, I’m fairly decent at finding information. Maybe not as good as Rodolfo,” Rodolfo flushed, but he continued, “but I think I could manage. Actually, I’m better at getting people to give UP information.”

Rodolfo relaxed and nodded. “Good. Tomorrow, I will have lunch with Graves and you two will do these things. Then, we’ll reconvene tomorrow night and see where to go from there.”

“Reconvene?” Alejandro’s voice was heavy with suggestion, his breath close to the skin of his neck. Rodolfo shivered as Alejandro’s breath hit his neck, moving to grasp Alejandro’s arms.

Rodolfo shook his head. “I’m worried that if you two had your way, I’d never be able to walk…” He looked up, seeing Ghost’s eyes had darkened, watching them. It sent a dark need coursing through his body and he couldn’t help shivering softly, especially as Alejandro’s fingers trailed up his sides, pulling the oversized teeshirt he was wearing with them.

“Oh but wouldn’t it be fun, mi cariño?” Alejandro purred into his ear and Rodolfo made a soft noise, pressing his legs together to hopefully keep the smell of the slick that was quickly gathering out of the air. “Never wanting for anything because we would take care of it for you… Being covered in our marks and scent…”

Oh, it sounded heavenly… Another shiver went through Rodolfo’s body as his shirt was pulled completely off and then Ghost was suddenly over to them, tilting his head up and claiming his mouth with his own.

He was picked up by Ghost and his legs moved to wrap around his waist, Alejandro kissing over his shoulders and then down his back before he felt them being moved and he was being dropped on the couch, suddenly.

He helped them slide his panties down and off before his legs were pushed up and Alejandro’s head was between his legs, lapping at his slick. He whined with pleasure, cut off by Ghost kissing him again. Ghost’s hand felt over his body, grasping at the soft bits on his torso.

Rodolfo’s hand found Alejandro’s hair, grasping slightly and shoving his face deeper, gasping as Alejandro chuckled into him, though he kept going. His tongue worked inside Rodolfo, lapping at his insides and pushing warmth through Rodolfo’s body.

Ghost moved from his mouth down to his neck, biting harshly. Rodolfo whimpered and grabbed Ghost’s arm with his other hand, squeezing his thighs around Alejandro’s head and jolting when that earned him a slap on one of them, quickly pulling his legs back open again.

“Don’t crush his head.” Ghost chuckled and Rodolfo glanced down, meeting amused eyes from Alejandro.

Rodolfo wasn’t even sure he had the thigh strength to manage that, but he heeded the warning all the same, letting his head fall back and instead grinding against Alejandro’s face. “Fuck, Ale…” Rodolfo whimpered as Alejandro’s tongue somehow worked impossibly deep inside him.

Fingers pressed inside him a moment later, only adding to the pleasure and causing his hips to bow off the couch. He turned and buried his face in Ghost’s chest when Ghost wrapped his hand around his cock and started to stroke him. Ghost cradled him close, though Alejandro kept him open to him. “Sh, my love… We’ve got you…”

The gravel in Ghost’s voice did horrid things to Rodolfo’s body, and he came completely unwarned, digging his nails into whatever he was grasping with either hand and whimpering as wave after wave went through his body. When he was done, Alejandro moved away and Rodolfo was wrapped up in Ghost’s arms, allowed to curl up and recover while Ghost stroked his hair, carefully.

Eventually, Alejandro joined him and then both of their scents were flooding his senses, causing him to melt. “I wouldn’t mind being between you two forever…”

“Good, because we plan to keep you, forever.” Alejandro chuckled. “You’re too pretty to let anyone else have you…”

Rodolfo felt his skin go dark red and he shook his head. “Flattery is a second language to you.”

“Technically it would be my third, but you’re right. It’s all true, though.” Alejandro gently kissed over his shoulder and Rodolfo moved to snuggle more into Ghost, yawning.

“Take a nap,” Ghost murmured, his lips pressing gently against Rodolfo’s forehead. “Or, it’s 10, go to sleep.”

Rodolfo wasn’t sure he minded that, yawning again. “Okay…” He reached up and grasped at Ghost’s shirt, shimmying to get more comfortable before he started to doze off.

In case you guys are wondering why these are so long, lately, is I have a lot of ideas and I don't want to keep getting stuck waiting for asks for PT5 or 6 of a thing, so I'm just doing this instead. Grace and Patience's PT2 will probably also be long as fuck, too, and the PT2 for this one will likely also be long.

Do you want to be added to this taglist? Reply to this post that you wish to be added to the taglist and I will start to tag you in it every time I post it. You can also use this form!

Ship: @thegodofsleep @lieutenant-storm @roachboy @del79jji @stardust-medic99 @spacedout-ace

Omegaverse:

@arwenprinses @vergilnelosparda @del79jji @thisisthedarknessofmymind @stardust-medic99

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callsign-bunnie · 1 year

Note

You got anything for a Western AU?

Yeah, but I'm doing ABO. I'm also obligated to remind you guys that a lot of cowboys and outlaws and whatnot were POC and Queer. I'm still doing ABO and I'm also doing Alerudy, but I have headcanons for a full western AU if you guys want them. (Please, I've put too much thought into this)

Rodolfo looked up from where he was peacefully trying to read a book in his carriage to an alpha just jumping in. “Excuse me-”

His breath caught in his chest as the alpha looked at him. Then, he was giving him a sort of half grin. “Mis disculpas, Mi Señora, but I am in desperate need of assistance.” His accent was thick, clearly from Rodolfo’s home country of Mexico.

The alpha was… gorgeous, Rodolfo would admit. If Rodolfo didn’t have as many manners as he did, he may find himself fanning himself to relieve some heat. Instead, he frowned, appearing concerned. “What do you mean, señor?” He let his accent thicken, not suppressing it like he normally did, and looked around.

“You see that alpha over there? On the street corner?” The alpha murmured, pointing behind Rodolfo.

Rodolfo turned around and looked back at the street corner, which was some distance from them, and frowned even more as he saw a very large alpha was standing there. He had a cloth tied around the bottom half of his face and he was leant up against the pillar of the saloon that was on that corner, watching them with a rather intense look on his face.

Rodolfo shivered. “He’s frightening.” He admitted, reaching up and holding onto his hat as a breeze swept by them. He found himself shrinking back as the alpha seemed to almost glare at him. “How am I to assist you with him?”

“Well, I owe him a decent amount of money.” The alpha beside Rodolfo, who was of considerably darker complexion than the other, admitted. He had black hair and tanned skin, whereas the alpha who was watching them had paler skin with blonde hair. “Now, we might be able to hold him off if we ride to a different side of town.”

Rodolfo raised an eyebrow and glanced at the alpha beside him, amusement suddenly streaking through him. He loved games. “Oh? Well, then, let’s not waste any time.” Rodolfo laughed and turned, sitting fully in the seat. He pulled his dress up so it would rest more comfortably in the carriage and then he urged the horses to start moving, laughing softly when the alpha fell into his seat.

“You’re a quick one.” The alpha grumbled and Rodolfo only laughed more. “Well, I suppose I should be grateful all the same.”

“You should be.” Rodolfo agreed. “I’m doing you a favor, after all!” He smiled and drove the carriage closer to the library, stopping in front of it. “Well, señor, do you think this was far enough?”

“I might say it is,” the alpha nodded and then started to dismount the carriage. “I thank you very much for your assistance, Señora. May I ask the name of whom I received help from?”

Rodolfo smiled and leaned forward, about to answer, before he noticed the alpha glance to the side and frown. “Let me pause you, Señora,” the alpha shook his head and climbed back into the carriage. “He has appeared to follow us.”

Rodolfo glanced back, seeing the blonde alpha was now standing in front of the Sheriff’s office, again leaning against a post. And, again, he was staring at them. “Well, we can’t have him catching you, can we!” Rodolfo again started to drive the cart, taking them right to the edge of town, this time, and parking them by the General Store.

“Do you think this will be far enough?” Rodolfo asked once they were stopped, though he didn’t drop the reins. “You know, you should go right inside that General Store and ask Mrs Brandy for some peach lemonade. She grows the peaches on her and her husband’s farm!”

“Oh?” The alpha laughed and started to dismount the carriage again. “Well, Señora, I think I might just have to.” He reached out a hand and Rodolfo accepted it, blushing slightly as the alpha pulled his knuckles to his lips. “May I again ask for the name of who assisted me?”

Rodolfo smiled and again he went to answer before watching in amusement as the alpha hopped right back into his carriage. “Oh? Has he returned?” He looked around, spotting the alpha right next to where they’d just been in front of the Library. “Oh no…”

The alpha sighed. “He really is tenacious. You see, Señora.. I don’t have the money to pay him back. I worry what will happen if he gets his hands on me…” He appeared to tug at his neckline. “His name is Ghost, have you heard of him?”

Rodolfo had. Ghost was known to strike fear into the hearts of Alphas and… heat between the legs of omegas. Okay, maybe he didn’t have nearly as many manners as he pretended to. But, he also knew of Ghost’s partner, Ale. “I have… I’ve heard many tales..”

“Si, Señora. Most are true. And I’m not ready to find out which ones.” The alpha turned to Rodolfo. “So, if there is any way you can help me, Señora…”

Rodolfo looked around and then smiled. “Hmm… Well, I believe just yonder, past those trees, there’s a bit of a valley where one is hard to spot. We could drive out there and maybe he’ll get bored and give up? You don’t think he’d do anything in front of a Lady, do you?”

“Oh, no, certainly not!” The alpha laughed. “Ghost is a real gentleman. He wouldn’t do anything if you were around.”

“Well, then, I guess you best not leave my side!” Rodolfo smiled and then he started to drive the cart down the trail out of town, going beyond the trees and then down to a small valley where you could only see the tops of the buildings from town and nothing else.

“Señora, I do not know how I could thank you enough!” The alpha took his hand and kissed it, again.

Rodolfo shook his head. “No thanks are necessary. I hate to see a kind gentleman such as yourself be injured on account of bad banking!” He teased and watched the alpha duck his head, clearly embarrassed.

“Well, since we shouldn’t be interrupted, again,” the alpha turned to him, “what is your name, Señora?”

“Rodolfo.” Rodolfo answered, bowing his head slightly and reaching up to hold his hat at another gust of wind.

“Well, Rodolfo, I am very interested in getting to know you better.” The alpha moved closer, leaning into Rodolfo. Then, a sweet smooth smell, like honey, with a slight hint of something spicy like cinnamon, was washing over Rodolfo, causing him to have to fight the urge to just swoon. Not yet. “Can I see you again, tomorrow?”

“Oh, no, Señor…” Rodolfo shook his head, looking up at the alpha. “I get on the road back home, tomorrow…”

“Well, what about tonight?” The alpha frowned, looking almost disappointed. “Surely you have tonight?”

“I must pack, tonight.” Rodolfo shook his head, feigning disappointment as well. “I am sorry, Señor…” He ducked his head, slightly, before allowing himself to blush as the alpha caught his chin and turned his head to look at him, again.

“Don’t look away, Señora… You have such beautiful eyes…” The alpha purred and then smiled. “Well, then, I suppose all we have is right now.” He murmured. “Tendré que conocerte tanto como pueda, ahora… Causa una buena impresión duradera…”

“You will, won’t you?” Rodolfo looked up at the alpha. “You’ll make sure to make quite the impression?” He dropped his lashes so he was looking up through them at Alejandro. “I mean… since you and your partner went through so much trouble to get me to come out here, right?”

The alpha paused and looked at him before half grinning. “Oh, I will make sure to make the best impression…” He leaned closer, his breath fanning across Rodolfo’s face.

Rodolfo shivered and closed his eyes, reaching to put his hands on the alpha’s arms and pull him closer. “I’ll hold you to that…”

“You’re making me almost concerned. You could at least pretend to be frightened… hesitant.” The alpha joked. “You know I’m an outlaw and yet your body seems so willing to have my touch on it…”

The alphas fingers trailed down Rodolfo’s face and to his neck, trailing down and tracing over where Rodolfo’s bodice lay flush against his skin, the lace making the skin slightly sensitive. He let out a breath as the alpha touched him and then he tried to make his features appear frightened. “Oh, please, Señor… Do not hurt me… I am a lady, I am so delicate…”

“Much better…” The alpha murmured before his lips were pressing against Rodolfo’s and his body moved flush against his. His hands moved to Rodolfo’s waist and pulled him as close as possible before his mouth was moving down to Rodolfo’s neck, kissing and biting right under his jaw.

“Oh, Alejandro… It’s been so long since you last saw me…” Rodolfo grasped tighter to Alejandro’s arms as his grip tightened against his waist. “I was frightened you would never come!”

“I am here, now,” Alejandro assured as he bit Rodolfo’s neck, though he was careful not to leave a mark. Rodolfo almost was desperate, almost told Alejandro to throw care to the wind and cover him in marks, so the world may know who he belonged to. But, it was dangerous. He couldn’t until Alejandro cleared his name. “You are as beautiful as I remember… and no less sweet…”

Rodolfo closed his eyes and bore his neck for Alejandro, closing his eyes as he felt Alejandro reach behind his body and untie his bodice, before he was sliding it down Rodolfo’s arms, his fingers trailing along the skin with it. “Moments feel like an eternity when apart from you…”

“Eons, mis estrellas…” Alejandro spoke into his skin, sending slight vibrations through it and gasping Rodolfo to shiver, slightly. “I feel as if I have spent two eternities from you…”

“I long for the day when we no longer have to part…” Rodolfo leaned back against the cart as Alejandro moved to bite over his collarbone and then he was being lifted and turned around, his dress falling further down his body. He braced himself against the cart, able to feel his own slick dripping down his thighs.

Alejandro’s fingers were soon pressing inside his body as he started to mouth over Rodolfo’s back, tracing down his spine. “Soon, mi amor… Soon…”

Rodolfo moaned and pushed back against Alejandro’s fingers, desperate for his touch, for his body… “Soon is not enough!” He shook his head, laying his head on his arm and closing his eyes. He whimpered as Alejandro shoved his fingers deeper inside, digging his nails into the wood of the carriage.

Alejandro shook his head and didn’t answer, instead Rodolfo heard the rustle of fabric before Alejandro was removing his fingers and then his body was covering Rodolfo’s as he pushed into him. The pleasure shot warmth through Rodolfo’s body and he moaned loudly, not afraid of anyone hearing them out there.

“I am here, for now, mis Estrellas… Can’t that be enough?” Alejandro pleaded, panting into the skin on the back of Rodolfo’s neck.

Rodolfo supposed it had to be and he nodded, closing his eyes. Alejandro relaxed onto him and the weight was pleasant, keeping the permanent ache of loneliness at bay for the moment. Finally, Alejandro lifted and started to move, rocking into Rodolfo.

Rodolfo moaned and closed his eyes, nuzzling into his own arm as heat covered his skin. It settled deep under it and Rodolfo panted, pushing back against Alejandro and earning a growl in response. “Your body is always so eager for mine…” Alejandro leaned down and bit his shoulder again, his pace harshening. “No matter how long we are apart…”

“It always will be.” Rodolfo promised. “For as long as we live…”

“I believe that.” Alejandro leaned back down and then he continued to make love to Rodolfo, not stopping until both of them were thoroughly exhausted.

And then, he pulled away and cleaned Rodolfo with some sort of cloth before lacing his dress, gingerly. “This pale blue is beautiful against your tanned skin…” he complimented, sitting back down in the carriage and pulling Rodolfo close.

Rodolfo smiled and his eyes closed, sleepiness dragging at his body. “Thank you… The woman I stayed with let me have it. It was from her days as a maiden, she said. She even tailored it to fit my body better.”

“When I have cleared my name, I must have more made for you…” Alejandro nodded. “It suits you so well.”

“Do you think I could have some rose colored dresses?” Rodolfo looked up at Alejandro, melting when his nose was delicately kissed.

“Mi amor, you can have any dress you please. You will have the finest I can buy.” Alejandro promised. “And many more.”

Rodolfo relaxed and then his smile started to fade as he realized Alejandro would likely leave, soon… Tears filled his eyes and sorrow filled his heart. “No, no, Mis Estrellas… Do not cry…” Alejandro touched his face, wiping away his tears.

“I wish you did not have to leave…” He whispered. “My heart aches for you when you are gone… You are the only thought in my mind… What am I to do??”

Alejandro softened. “Oh, Rudy…” he leaned down and brushed their noses together before kissing Rodolfo, softly. “It will not be much longer, I promise. Ghost and I have almost found my brother and then we will force him to confess and clear my name, I promise. We are so close. It will not be much longer than a year, if I can help it.”

“A year is so long…” Rodolfo closed his eyes, unable to help as more tears welled up in his eyes. “I wish you could stay, now… I understand why you cannot but my heart cannot take much more of this distance…”

“I promise that it will not have to…” Alejandro pulled him closer. “Rest. I will not leave your side until tonight, I promise.”

Rodolfo hesitated and sniffled before nodding, curling up into Alejandro’s side and touching Alejandro’s chest. “When this is over, you still promise to marry me?”

Alejandro was silent and then he was reaching into his pocket. “It’s not much of a ring, but it was all I could get my hands on. I have a chain for it, so you can wear it on your neck.” He got out a necklace with a simple gold band on it.

Rodolfo sat up, immediately, and took the necklace before just melting. “Oh, Alejandro… It’s more than enough…” It was a promise. A physical promise. It was more than the world!

Alejandro gently took the necklace and then he put it around Rodolfo’s neck. “When this is over, we will have a grand wedding. With a grand cake and you’ll have a grand dress. I promise.” He touched Rodolfo’s chin and made him look at him. “Soon, my omega… Soon…”

Rodolfo melted and closed his eyes. “Soon…” He relaxed and laid back on Alejandro, letting himself drift off to sleep.

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@sinclairbrosbathmat @The_pluto_828

Please ask me more about this au, i'm begging you. Please.

#Gunpowder Promises COD AU #alerudy #rodolfo parra #alejandro vargas #rodolfo x alejandro #alejandro x rodolfo #aledolfo #omegaverse #omega rodolfo parra #alpha alejandro vargas #outlaw alejandro vargas #lady rodolfo parra #western au #queue for dinner again hunny?

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callsign-bunnie · 9 months

Note

do u have any fun facts abt the regency au that u have ?? just fun stuff abt the world n all that :3 i live and breathe for the regency au i am so serious

Sure! Here's some that I have randomly floating around

You can't really trust anyone's knowledge about Kingdoms that aren't their own. This is shown when Horangi knows an entirely different legend about Laupin than Roze states

Even there, thanks to stories being passed down by word of mouth, you can't really trust them, either

Rodolfo's current wardrobe is inspired by Daenarys's later show wardrobe

Most of the characters are interconnected, even if you wouldn't know it. For instance, Horangi and Roach are actually very deeply connected, by way of Horangi knowing and killing Roach's alpha parent

Originally I planned to end the fic with Kyle and Farah both waking up and have a happily ever after but then I had new ideas and I realised I had a ton of loose ends

Alex actually isn't originally from Sylmea, he's actually from Artra. In fact, Valeria isn't Artran, either. She's... something else.

If I could go back and change a bunch of things, i would, including Kingdom and magic structures. 12 is a lot to have to juggle continuously

Everyone is unreliable as narrators, you have to piece things together from each storyline. This is the same as in An Academic Achievement, because each character has to draw conclusions, and they tend to get a lot of things wrong

All of the characters still have the mental illnesses I headcanon them with, just without official diagnoses thanks to time periods! Alejandro still has bipolar, Rodolfo Ghost and Roach are still autistic, Soap has ADHD, etc etc

The reason Rodolfo doesn't remember his father abusing him is because Liliana made a deal with their father to stop it and used magic to get rid of the memories from both Rodolfo and Soap

Soap's original plotline was actually going to end up with him actually dying and fighting in the afterlife to get back, but that felt very complicated and was more than I wanted to fight to do

Yes, that dress ref chapter IS coming, i have most of it done, but my life sort of went south that week and I've been sprinting to catch up

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callsign-bunnie · 1 year

Note

this one might be a bit much but…Professor!Graves x student!Rodolfo. with Rudy and Ale going to college, Rudy is in love with Ale, but Ale is starting to get kind of distant from him, finding new friends. Rudy gets heartbroken and his history professor starts to take a… special interest in him. Rudy likes the attention, even if his friends think its bad

(This would be amazing in ABO but only if you're comfortable) Sorry if this is too much!

I almost didn't write this one but it took up so much prime real estate in my brain that I almost had to.

Rodolfo sighed as he looked over his notes. The class was about to end, so he was just reviewing everything he had. He could barely focus on it, though, thinking back to the Friday before.

Alejandro had dragged him out to another party, despite him knowing that Rodolfo didn't really like those. And within five minutes, he'd ditched him. Found some pretty little omega to flirt with and Rodolfo was left to figure out what to do.

Rodolfo didn't even think Alejandro had noticed he went home early.

Rodolfo sighed when class ended. He gathered his stuff up and went to stand before realizing his professor was right in front of his desk. "Oh, Professor Graves." He said, standing.

Professor Graves was his history professor. Rodolfo wasn't even sure why he was required to take a history class, but he would have taken it, anyway.

Professor Graves was... well, hit or miss with his students.

Rodolfo didn't mind him. He was okay if you weren't a shitbag. He was an alpha, too, and wasn't that big of an asshole, even to the omega students. Some of his alpha teachers had a tendency to talk down to them.

"Hello, Rodolfo. Sorry, I couldn't help but notice you seemed down." Graves smiled, gently. "You're usually so attentive in my class."

Rodolfo flushed. "Oh, uh..." He hesitated. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just..." he wasn't sure what excuse to make. "Went to a party last night. Tired."

Graves raised an eyebrow, seeming surprised. He tucked his hands in the pockets of his jacket, a black leather one he was never seen without. "Oh? I have to say, I didn't see you as the party type."

Rodolfo couldn't help snorting. "I'm not. My best friend, Alejandro, likes to go to them, though, and he always wants me there for some reason." He winced at how bitter his voice sounded and looked away.

Graves definitely picked up on it and Rodolfo cringed. “Anyway, so yeah, I’m just tired. I did manage to take notes, though, if you’re worried about that. I won’t fall behind.”

“I wouldn’t let my best student fall behind, don’t worry.” Graves chuckled and then he Pat Rodolfo’s arm, his touch lingering a little. Rodolfo wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

Rodolfo smiled, weakly admittedly, and turned, leaving. He shrugged his bag onto his shoulder and sighed a little. Of course, half way through his walk, his second best friend Soap Mactavish decided that he absolutely had to ask Rodolfo about the party.

Soap ran up on him and threw his arm over Rodolfo’s shoulders. He was an omega, like Rodolfo, but honestly acted more like a beta. Until he got around Alphas, that was. Then that omega instinct kicked right in. “So! How was it??”

Rodolfo sighed. “I don’t know. I left early.”

“You left early?!” Soap frowned. “Why the fuck would you do that?? What if this was your chance to tell Alejandro!”

“It wasn’t. He ditched me for some other omega the moment he had a chance.” Rodolfo shrugged. “And Valeria wasn’t there, so I just left.” Valeria was kind of the third in his and Alejandro’s friendship. She was closer friends with Alejandro and Soap’s boyfriend Ghost than Rodolfo, though he would occasionally hang out with her if he saw her.

Soap cringed. “I’m sorry, Rudy. That sounds shitty.”

Rodolfo shrugged. “He doesn’t like me. It’s okay.” It was not okay but Rodolfo didn’t really want to deal with pity.

“You could always have a threesome with me and Ghost.” Soap joked. It was never a serious offer, or Rodolfo hoped it wasn’t, but he made the offer occasionally, when Rodolfo was having problems with Alejandro.

It was clearly a joke. A way to show Rodolfo he was still wanted somewhere. It didn’t work.

“It’s harder and harder to say no.” Rodolfo joked, but sighed. “But, no thank you.” He pat Soap’s shoulder. “Anyway, I need to go to class.”

“Okay, Rudy.” Soap nodded and left.

Rodolfo was still down about the party. It’d been two days, he really shouldn’t be anymore, but he was. He sighed, trying to pay a little more attention to Professor Graves’ lecture.

It was an interesting lesson, anyway. About the Greeks. Rodolfo liked the way Graves taught. He tried to keep it interesting, but he didn’t talk to them like they were children. He also had a tendency to joke around a lot and he wasn’t one of those professors that you could get completely off topic so he’d stand around and talk the whole class. Maybe everyone else liked those professors, but Rodolfo was paying for this class, he’d like to take it.

Rodolfo sighed, softly, watching him teach. Again, his mind wandered to Alejandro, and he found himself slumping a little. Maybe it was time to just move on and find someone new.

After class, he sighed and went to pack up his stuff. He got a little too careless with his laptop and it slid off his desk. His heart jumped as he went to catch it, but Graves was immediately there, catching it easily. “Don’t want to break this.” He chuckled, holding it out to Rodolfo.

Rodolfo flushed but relaxed, thanking him. “I definitely do not want to break it.” He slipped it into his bag.

“I found something interesting I thought you might like.” Graves stuck his hands in his pocket, smiling. “Do you have a class next?”

Rodolfo tilted his head before sighing, reluctantly, since he did in fact have a class. “Yes, sadly...”

“Alright, do you wanna come by this afternoon then? My office hours are 6-7?” Graves leaned against Rodolfo’s desk and Rodolfo hesitated before nodding a little. “Perfect.” Graves gave him a half grin and then touched his arm again.

Rodolfo flushed and quickly left, curious what Graves was going to show him.

Rodolfo was kind of excited. He liked to see interesting things and with Graves, he could only imagine. The professor was known for randomly just finding interesting artifacts and buying them. And... he had to admit the idea of Graves wanting to show just him... made him feel odd things.

He had also dressed kind of nice. He didn’t know why he’d had the urge, but Soap, who was also his roommate, had teased him about it. Rodolfo had lied that he was meeting someone for dinner, since... He didn’t want Soap to know the truth, which was that he’d dressed up to meet a professor.

Rodolfo knocked on Graves’ office door, noticing it was slightly open. He pushed it open a little, peeking in. Graves looked up from where he was slightly hunched over his desk, looking at something in a clear box. “Rodolfo! Come in!”

Rodolfo relaxed and went inside, looking around his office. It was fairly big, for an office, at least it was bigger than any of his other professors, but Graves had made it kind of cozy. Warm lighting with dark oak furniture.

Rodolfo went over to him, now curious. “What is it?”

“A ring.” Graves moved to Rodolfo could look at it. Rodolfo raised an eyebrow but looked over the ring. It was clearly bronze, and had a purple stone in it. Garnet, if Rodolfo had to guess. “It’s Roman.” Graves explained. “I’ve managed to get it loaned to me for my Roman Studies class but I thought you’d like to see it. You take an interest in the jewelry lessons.”

Rodolfo flushed, surprised he’d noticed. “I just think it’s fascinating how they added so much intricate detail…” He looked over the ring. “It’s well protected.” Which, it was, in a locked plastic box.

“It’s worth 15,000 dollars.” Graves chuckled. “It has to be.”

“And they let you borrow it??” Rodolfo looked at him, shocked. That seemed like a lot of value to just be sitting on a professor’s desk.

“The museum curator owes me a favor. I helped identify some artifacts.” Graves chuckled, seeming almost amused by Rodolfo’s expression. “It pays to know people.”

“Yeah, networking, I guess.” Rodolfo sighed and turned back to the ring. He picked up the little magnifying thing Graves had been using to look at it, just in awe at the detail. “It’s so intricate…” he murmured. “They could put in such little details. It’s fascinating.”

“Isn’t it?” Graves nodded. “But, we can so easily put the same details in, now, at barely a fraction of the speed.”

Rodolfo straightened up again and looked at him. “I guess.” He nodded and smiled. “It's interesting to see how the progression of skill is, now.”

“Not skill, technology.” Graves shook his head. “If we were using the same technology they were, we’d only be able to craft with the same amount of detail.”

Rodolfo frowned. “But hasn’t a progression of technology been due, largely, to a progression of skill in humanity?”

Graves seemed to consider his words before smiling at him, shrugging. “I suppose you’re right. You’re very bright.”

“I’ve heard that before.” Rodolfo laughed, but he was flattered all the same. “Gifted student.”

“It shows.” Graves moved to the ring again and ended up brushing against Rodolfo. Rodolfo tensed and flushed dark, quickly moving out of the way.

Graves didn’t acknowledge it and leaned back down to look over the ring. “Royalty wore this. And it sits in an old History Professor’s classroom.” He chuckled. “What an odd place to find yourself.”

Rodolfo frowned. “You don’t look old.”

“I’m 39. I suppose I’m not, yet. But I feel old.” Graves shrugged and sighed, sitting in his desk chair. He looked up at Rodolfo, watching him for a moment. His eyes seemed soft, almost. He looked at Rodolfo the same way he looked at the ring. Awe. Admiration.

Rodolfo flushed and looked away. “Is the ring the only thing you wanted to show me?” He mumbled, shy.

“Yes,” Graves nodded and sighed a little. “I suppose you should get back to your dorm. My office hours are almost up.” He looked disappointed and Rodolfo couldn’t help but feel the same. “I know you like this stuff, though. I could show you the pieces we’re restoring at the museum?”

Rodolfo perked up. “I’d love that.”

“How does Friday sound?” Graves hummed.

Rodolfo smiled. “Okay, I can do Friday.” He waved and then left.

“Rudy!” Alejandro caught up to him in the hallway, wrapping his arm around his shoulders and grinning. “There’s another party tonight, we’re going.”

“You and who?” Rodolfo tilted his head, since he was absolutely not going. He already had plans.

“You.” Alejandro chuckled. “Who else?”

“Val.” Rodolfo shrugged, nudging off his arm. “Not me. I have plans tonight.”

Alejandro frowned. “Ditch them.”

“For a party? Yeah, I’m good.” He shook his head, stopping in front of his class. “Plus, you’re just going to ditch me, again.”

“I didn’t ditch you.” Alejandro frowned.

Rodolfo rolled his eyes. “I’m not going tonight. Find someone else to go with.” He went into the class before Alejandro could stop him, irritated. He always acted like he could tell Rodolfo to do whatever and he’d just do it.

Granted, usually Rodolfo would. But he was looking forward to that night. He really wanted to see the restoration projects. He... really wanted to spend time with Graves.

So much so, in fact, he barely paid attention to his classes. He just skated through them and then he found himself happily on his way to Graves’ office.

When he got there, he nudged the door in, peeking in first. Graves had his back to the door, leaning on his desk. He was on the phone and for once, he didn’t have his jacket on. Instead, it was draped against the back of his desk chair.

Rodolfo flushed, his eyes following the outline of his arms and back. He had to admit, Graves was attractive. He was a little small for an alpha, though still slightly bigger than Rodolfo, but his build was distinctly alpha.

Rodolfo quietly stepped in, closing the door behind him and making sure it made noise. Graves immediately glanced behind him at Rodolfo and then he was half grinning, holding up a finger. He turned back around and continued his conversation. “Yeah, send the pieces over. I’ll receive them tomorrow.”

Rodolfo tilted his head, wondering what he was talking about. He waited near the door, clasping his hands behind his back. He had to admit, he’d dressed up again. Black shorts that went mid thigh, since it was still fairly warm at night. A loose sweater with a button up underneath it.

“Awesome! I’ll be there to sign it off. Thank you, have a good night.” Graves then hung up and turned around. “I’m sorry. That was a confirmation for some documents I’m receiving.”

Rodolfo smiled. “It’s alright, really.” He went a little closer to him. “How are you?”

“Fantastic. We should go now, so we don’t arrive so late. I don’t want to have to fight with the doormen. Oh, quick question. You ever ride on a motorcycle?”

Rodolfo’s eyes went wide and he quickly shook his head. “No...” He flushed.

Graves grinned and he led Rodolfo out to the parking lot, guiding him over to a motorcycle, which was sitting close to the building. It had a backseat area, which made Rodolfo frown and wonder if Graves showed a lot of his students these things.

Why did that make him jealous?

Graves held out a black helmet to Rodolfo. “Safety first, sweetheart.”

Rodolfo flushed at the nickname but accepted the helmet, sliding it on. Graves ended up having to help him and his breath hitched when Graves’ fingertips brushed his neck. But, Graves made no acknowledgement and pulled away. “There. Nice and snug.”

Rodolfo nodded his head. Graves put his own helmet on and then got on the bike, gesturing for Rodolfo to do the same. Rodolfo hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate to be this close to his professor. Well, it was kind of too late to back out, now.

He climbed onto the back of the bike, putting his feet where Graves told him to and then wrapping his arms around Graves, carefully. His heart pounded in his chest from the closeness, but he reminded himself Graves did this all the time. He was just showing him some artifacts.

Graves reached back and pat the side of Rodolfo’s leg and Rodolfo could feel his face flame. He was so grateful for the helmet, since it hid his blush from the world. Especially Graves.

It was a short drive, it felt like. Rodolfo wondered if Graves had sped to get there, but he wasn’t going to question his professor. He got off the bike, his legs a little shaky from the sensation of riding. He stumbled a bit and Graves instinctively touched his hip to catch him, frowning. “Woah. Don’t fall.”

Rodolfo flushed. “I’ll try not to...” He said as he took the helmet off, setting it where Graves pointed.

Graves smiled at him and then gestured for him to follow, which Rodolfo gladly did. “My office is right downstairs.”

Rodolfo nodded and followed him, tilting his head. The museum wasn’t quite closed, yet, but it was clearly about to as most of the lights were off in the already closed exhibits and there were little to no people. He found it oddly peaceful, though the vague outline of large statues was eerie.

He shivered and quickly caught back up to Graves, following him down a short flight of stairs. “I mostly help to identify pieces, but I’ve been working on some restoration projects.” Graves explained as he scanned a card outside of a door labeled “employees only” and then they were walking in.

Rodolfo first noticed how little light there was in the room. He wasn’t surprised, since so many artifacts were light sensitive. It made sense that they’d try to keep the lights off. The second thing he noticed was how little people there were. “I thought there’d be more people.” He admitted.

“No, not usually. A lot of them like to work during the day or even later at night than this.” Graves shook his head, leading Rodolfo to a door and then letting him in. Rodolfo thanked him as he was let in first and he stepped into the office.

It was much bigger than his office on campus, though it was decorated similarly. Rodolfo saw crates in the corner with big “fragile” labels on them. “I thought those were only in movies.” He joked, turning to Graves, who was stepping over to the crates.

“Ha, where did you think movies got it from?” Graves laughed. “There is an air of truth in every lie. Media is no different. Most ideas come from somewhere, right?”

Rodolfo supposed he was. He turned away and continued to look around the office. He smiled at the paintings on the wall, recognizing a couple recreations of famous pieces. Starry Night, the Mona Lisa. He took an interest in a recreation of Sunflowers, stepping up to the painting. He’d always been fascinated by the piece.

“Did you know he painted more than one?” Graves asked, startling Rodolfo.

Rodolfo blinked and turned to him. “Hmm, I guess I didn’t. I didn’t take art history.”

“He did.” Graves came over and stood by him, looking up at the painting. “This particular version is from a paint by numbers kit. Pain in the ass to do, I hate those things.”

“You painted this??” Rodolfo blinked and looked at Graves before turning back to the painting.

Graves laughed. “Yeah. It shows, don’t you think?”

Rodolfo looked over the painting, starting to pick up how almost clinical the paint had been applied. “I wouldn’t know,” he said, anyway, “I’m not an artist. Or a writer for that matter.”

“Neither am I. The museum passed them out.” Graves waved his hand. “I actually still have a couple, since I was the only one willing to take them.”

Rodolfo followed him over to his desk, which was quite large and covered by papers and a few boxes. Small boxes, like jewelry boxes. Graves was looking at one of them and he gestured to Rodolfo, grabbing this weird desk attachment thing that looked like a mirror on a swivel arm. He moved it and put it in front of Rodolfo’s face.

Rodolfo blushed, remembering he’d put the slightest amount of black on his waterline to accentuate his eyes. He turned to the mirror, watching Graves move around him and then he heard movement behind him before Graves was carefully putting a necklace around his neck. It was large and a bit heavy, made with gold and rubies. “It’s beautiful…” He reached up and touched it, liking the way it looked against his dark skin.

He tried not to let his breath hitch as Graves’ fingers brushed against his skin, while he adjusted the necklace.

Graves chuckled. “Just wait.” Rodolfo then watched the alpha grab a book and come over, holding up a painting in it beside the mirror. Rodolfo blinked, shocked to be looking at a picture of a royal who looked uncannily similar to him.

“Oh…” Rodolfo blushed a deep dark red, able to see it in the mirror, and he looked at the painting, recognizing the jewelry piece in it. “We could be twins.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a descendant.” Graves chuckled and put the book down. “I saw the resemblance when I received the pieces and the book the other day. He was known for being quite beautiful. An omega, like you.” He then moved the mirror and leaned against the desk. “I can see how people say he was beautiful.”

Rodolfo noted how Graves did not glance down at the book as he said that and instead just kept looking at him and he tried not to think about the way that made his heart flutter, looking down at the book. He turned the page, seeing the jewelry piece had a page dedicated to it. He wasn’t surprised to see that it was made from real gold and real rubies, but then he felt himself pale at the value.

“A million dollars?!” Rodolfo straightened up, immediately. He went stiff, now absolutely terrified to move.

Graves laughed, softly. “Calm down, sweetheart. It’s just a recreation. It’s for an exhibit. The real one is in Spain.” He shook his head. “Well, that one isn’t for the exhibit. I had someone make an extra of it and…” He got another box from the desk, pulling out a matching crown, that Rodolfo also recognized from the book.

He gingerly placed it on Rodolfo’s head and smiled. “The set is only 500 dollars, so don’t worry. There’s earrings, too, if you want them.”

“500 is still more than I think I will ever spend on jewelry.” Rodolfo looked up at the crown, relaxing a little. Admittedly, for his interest in historical jewelry, he didn’t own much of his own. “Wait, want them?”

“Yeah, you can have them.” He gestured to both pieces. “They were practically made for you, regardless.”

Rodolfo felt himself start to blush again and he tried not to show how ridiculously flattered that made him, smiling. “Oh…” He reached up and took off the crown, pulling it down so he could look over it. “It really is beautiful…”

“It suits you.” Graves nodded. “Here, let’s get them both back in their boxes.” He took the crown from Rodolfo and put it in its box before going back around behind him and taking off the necklace before also putting it in its box. He put them both in a brown paper bag with handles. “So no one tries to steal them.” He explained and Rodolfo relaxed, nodding. He also slipped a smaller box in the bag as well. “I have more pieces if you want to see them. Royalty, through the ages, is the exhibit.”

Rodolfo blushed dark. “Yeah, I’d like to see…”

He followed Graves out of the office and to where some mannequins were being dressed up. “You can touch everything, like I said, it’s all recreations. It’s meant to be a touch and feel exhibit.”

Rodolfo ahhed and then touched one of the dresses, feeling over the trim of the bodice. It felt kind of itchy and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stand wearing that all day. “It looks so heavy.”

“It was.” Graves nodded. “In the victorian ages, there were quite a few times that omegas would die because they’d walk too close to a fire place and couldn’t get out of their dress, so they’d burn alive.”

“That’s… fucking gruesome.” Rodolfo made a face, unsure he liked that fact. “I’m incredibly grateful to be alive in the modern times, then.” He mumbled and turned back to the dress, backing away from it.

“Hey, Phil!” Both turned to someone who was calling out to them. “It’ll just be you tonight, so just remember to lock up when you and your friend leave!”

“Got it, thanks!” Graves called and waved before turning back to one of the mannequins, appearing to adjust a few things and then sighing, stepping back and putting his hands on his waist. “Well, anyway, welcome to my lair or whatever. This is where I spend most nights when I’m not teaching.”

Rodolfo looked around, smiling. “I like it, but I’m not sure I’d enjoy spending the night here.”

“Oh, I never said I enjoy it.” Graves laughed. “When I first started this kind of work, I was paranoid the statues would come alive and kill me.”

Rodolfo laughed, finding the fear rather silly. “Oh? That’s so sweet!” He tilted his head, seeing Graves almost appear to blush. But, he looked away, looking at a statue in the distance and moving over to it. It was naked, which wasn’t a surprise, but it had a cloth draped over its shoulders and Rodolfo felt in awe of how it almost looked like he could reach up and touch the cloth, and it would move.

He frowned, feeling his phone buzz in his pocket, and he saw a text from Valeria.

Hey, did you come tonight? -Val

No, I didn’t. I had plans.

Oh. Alejandro said that, but I guess I didn’t believe him. Did you guys fight or something? -Val

No, I just didn’t feel like going to another party.

Alright… Well, it’s for the best, he’s pretty drunk, anyway, and I’m on my way. Have fun, whatever you’re doing. -Val

Rodolfo rolled his eyes and made a frustrated sound. God, he just… wanted some time where he wasn’t constantly being reminded about Alejandro and how Alejandro didn’t like him. He put his phone back in his pocket and sighed, turning and seeing Graves was watching him. “Do I have something on me?” He joked, going back over to him.

Graves shook his head. “Why do you let him treat you like that?”

“Well, that wasn’t him that time.” Rodolfo winced. “But… I don’t know. He wanted me to go to this party tonight but… I don’t… really like parties?” He turned to the left, touching the dress on the mannequin again. “I don’t know… We’ve been friends forever. But… ever since we started college, things have been… different.”

“College does that, sadly.” Graves sighed. “It changes things.”

Rodolfo snorted and then blushed dark as Graves touched his chin, making him turn and look at him. He didn’t stop the alpha, not really able to find a good reason as to why he should, and he watched Graves eyes, which had moved to his mouth. “You’re too pretty to let an alpha treat you like that.”

Rodolfo blushed, again, and he melted, parting his lips as Graves’ thumb moved over them. “How would you treat me?” He asked, lowering his voice a little.

Graves chuckled, not moving his hand. “I think I’d have to show, rather than explain.”

“Then show me.” Rodolfo said, growing a little bold. “I’m asking you to show me…”

Graves’ eyes finally moved up to meet Rodolfo’s and then he moved forward, kissing him softly. Rodolfo leaned into it, melting as the scent of whiskey and paper surrounded him, coating his skin. It was sweet and intoxicating, making him dizzy.

When Graves pulled away, he took his jacket off and put it around Rodolfo before having him lay down. Rodolfo just melted at the thoughtfulness in the action, his skin feeling warm and fuzzy. “You’re such a gentleman.” He teased, looking up at Graves.

Graves looked down at him, his expression amused. “Well, I have to take care of a sweet little lady such as yourself.”

Oh. Rodolfo’s stomach clenched and he tried not to think about how hot that made him, distracting himself by sitting up a little so he could pull off his sweater, blushing when Graves helped him and then Graves carefully undid the buttons on his shirt, running his hand down the skin as it was exposed.

Rodolfo shivered as Graves’ slightly cold skin touch his own. He was always warm, likely from the layers he liked to wear, and so the touch was nice. He tilted his head as Graves moved down and started to kiss over the skin on his shoulder, his shirt getting pushed down around his arms.

The sex was slow, sensual, and oh so fantastic. Graves clearly knew what he was doing and while Rodolfo didn’t really, he didn’t have so little experience that he didn’t know how sex was supposed to be. This was definitely how it was supposed to be and more.

So, when Graves had told him that he could rest for a bit, he’d just ignored that his phone was buzzing and Alejandro was on the caller ID, turning his phone off, and dozing off to sleep.

I think I could do a part 2 if anyone wants it, I do have a few ideas.

No taglist for this, since I doubt it's a ship I'm going to get many requests for. If you want a part 2 and you'd like to be tagged if another is posted, reply and I'll tag you.

#rodolfo parra #phillip graves #rodolfo x graves #omegaverse #call of duty #omega rodolfo parra #alpha phillip graves #alejandro vargas #johnny soap mactavish #professor phillip graves #student rodolfo parra #graves x rodolfo #phillip graves x rodolfo parra #rodolfo parra x phillip graves

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callsign-bunnie · 1 year

Note

MURDER MURDER MURDER MURDER KIDNAPPING AND MURDER GIMME GIMME GIMME

(I'm very normal about slasher party can we please have more pls pls pls pls)

I'm not doing anymore after this part. (Unless I get enough asks, then I may be persuaded or someone gives me a compelling idea.)

Rodolfo hugged himself as Soap came into the motel room and dropped the food he’d bought on the bed. They’d been in this particular motel for a couple months. “What did you get?”

“Just some freezer meals.” Soap shrugged and sat on the bed. “I found a kitchenette a couple towns over. Might switch to that one.”

Rodolfo nodded a bit and got up, going to microwave the meals. It was a bit of a silent agreement between them. Soap was working so they could afford the motel room and Rodolfo was taking care of it since he couldn’t work.

“How was your shift?”

“Exhausting. It’s still disorienting getting used to Mark as a name.” Soap mumbled and laid back on the bed. “But… We’re surviving so I guess it’s okay.”

Rodolfo nodded in agreement. No one had really asked questions about why two omegas were checking into a hotel and seemed to be hiding. Well, the possibilities were kind of endless, weren’t they?

Rodolfo had checked the news, he’d seen that they’d been declared missing persons. He’d wanted to call and explain that wasn’t the case, but Soap had said no and told him that it might lead… Them to them.

Them, being Alejandro and Simon. They’d figured out the second was Simon Riley shortly after managing to get away. Rodolfo winced as he was stabbing the plastic on the second freezer meal, getting a headache.

“Let’s go.”

Rodolfo looked across the jeep at Soap and then looked to his right as he saw movement in his peripheral. He could see another alpha was crossing around the jeep to get to Soap.

Soap met Rodolfo’s eye and then they both seemed to have the same idea because Rodolfo watched Soap yank open the door of the jeep and slam it into the alpha as he came around, right as Rodolfo jerked forward and then whipped around, kicking his leg out and connecting with Alejandro’s stomach. He reached behind himself as Alejandro stumbled back and grabbed the door handle, barely managing to get it open as Alejandro lunged forward.

Rodolfo tried to climb into it, crying out as his ankle was grabbed. He moved around to his back, hearing the other door slam and then Soap was grabbing him, trying to yank him into the car.

Rodolfo kicked at Alejandro’s hands until he managed to get him to let go and then he jerked forward as Soap started to drive, yanking the door closed. They peeled out of the parking lot and Soap got onto the road, his breath heaving.

“What do we do??” Soap asked. “Do we go back to the campus or?”

“Is the tank full?” Rodolfo asked, though he was already leaning forward and confirming that it was almost full. “Just fucking drive, Soap, don’t fucking stop until we are far fucking away from here.”

“Got it.” Soap nodded, grasping the steering wheel tightly. “Where will we go?”

“Any-fucking-where but here. Just… we’ll figure that out, later.” Rodolfo took deep breaths, trying not to let himself panic because if he panicked, he’d pass out and they couldn’t handle that. “Just… anywhere but here.”

“Got it.”

Rodolfo held his head, his vision feeling a little fuzzy. Fuck.

“Rudy?” Soap was over, immediately, making Rodolfo look at him. “Are you okay?”

Rodolfo blinked away the fuzz in his sight and then tried to smile, nodding. “I… I wish we could get my medication again…” He mumbled.

“I’m working on it.” Soap shook his head. “This alpha at my work, he said he can get his hands on any prescription medication, but… he doesn’t quite trust me enough, so I’m working on it. Okay?”

Rodolfo frowned but nodded. “Yeah, okay…” He tried, again, to smile, and then he went to turn around and work on the food, but instead, Soap nudged him to the bed. Rodolfo didn’t really want to argue with him over it, since his head was hurting bad enough, so he just headed that direction and climbed into the bed, listening to Soap microwave their food as he laid down. “This is exhausting… I wish we could go home.”

“Me too, trust me.” Soap sighed and then he was bringing Rodolfo over his food.

Rodolfo sat back up, sighing and then taking food and starting to eat. “Maybe they gave up?”

“I really doubt that.” Soap made a face and sat across from him on the bed. “They don’t seem like the type.”

Rodolfo wasn’t sure he disagreed, looking down at his food for a moment. “It’s not fair… Why us?”

“I don’t… I don’t know.” Soap winced. “But, they’re not going to get us, I promise. I won’t let them.”

Rodolfo hesitated before sighing and nodding, continuing to eat. “I trust you, Soap.”

“Good.” Soap nudged him.

Rodolfo teared up as he looked around, recognizing the hallway. No, no, not again… He couldn’t be here, again…

The doors swung open and he shook his head, sobbing. “Please… I escaped, I left…” Rodolfo pleaded, watching the alpha stalk forward and then crouch in front of him. “Please…”

“Silly Rudy…” The alpha murmured, trailing a knife down the side of Rodolfo’s face. He could feel it break the skin and he tried not to sob harder. “You’ll never escape me…”

Rodolfo hunched over as the knife was plunged into his stomach and he screamed, gagging on the sound of it. But he didn’t stop, he just kept screaming and screaming

and screaming

and-

“Rudy! Rudy calm down!” Soap was shaking him, looking down at him.

Rodolfo blinked open his eyes and looked around before relaxing and calming. “Sorry… I…” He touched his head and relaxed back into the bed. “Are you back from work already?”

“Yes.” Soap nodded a bit and sighed. “I… I figured out how to get your medication, but you’re not going to be happy…”

“Oh no…” Rodolfo sat up a bit.

Soap winced. “He… He wants us to come to this thing with him and a couple friends. There should be a couple other omegas there, too. It’s just at this old warehouse.”

Rodolfo did not trust that. “Soap…”

“It’s just for a few moments so we can get your medication! He said he’ll even bring it out to the car.” Soap shook his head. “Rudy, you need your medication and he’s managed to get his hands on it and… We’ll just go by and we won’t even get out of the car.”

Rodolfo hesitated. Well, he supposed it should be no problem if they weren’t getting out of the car… “Alright.” He nodded and relaxed. It would be really nice to have his medication. To not be dealing with his head feeling so heavy all of the time.

Rodolfo got up and went to the little bathroom that was in the motel room, running himself a bath. He got in once it was ran and pulled his knees up to his chest, not surprised when Soap came in and sat on the sink. “How long do you think we’ll have to run before it’s over?”

“I… I don’t know.” Soap sighed, leaning his head back against the mirror. “I… don’t think it’ll ever be over.”

Rodolfo looked down, Soap’s words hitting him square in the chest. “Oh…” He mumbled and rubbed at his chest before looking away and laying his head on his knees. “What if we went to the police?”

“They won’t do anything, I don’t think.” Soap snorted. “They are historically useless.”

Rodolfo knew Soap had a point. Soap was known around campus as promiscuous and Rodolfo was hispanic. The cops might help them, but… probably not. “I just want this nightmare to be over…” Rodolfo mumbled. “I would like to go back to school.”

“I never thought I’d say this, but me too.” Soap snorted. “I actually fucking miss the place.”

Rodolfo dipped his fingers into the water and swirled them around before sighing and closing his eyes. “When are we going to move on?”

“Let’s give it another month and then we will.”

“Okay..”

Rodolfo took a deep breath as he went around the grocery store. Soap was working a double so Rodolfo was having to do the very minimal amount of shopping that they do. They didn’t need too much, just things like shampoo and some food.

He made a frustrated sound at seeing the shampoo they used was on the top shelf. Oh, this was irritating. He went on tip toe, trying to reach and having to jump slightly. Even still, he was struggling since the bottle was pushed back a bit.

Someone came up and reached up, grabbing the bottle and getting it down. Rodolfo melted at the scent of alpha, leather and olive oil, hitting him. “Th-Thanks…” He mumbled, accepting the bottle and looking up at them before jerking back and hitting the shelf. Alejandro…

No. They stared at him with concern. A male alpha, but he had facial hair and glasses. And his actual hair was a bit longer. Facial hair was used, lightly, it was more of a light scruff. “Are you alright?” Considerably less of an accent, too.

“Y-Yeah… You just looked like someone.” Rodolfo mumbled and looked away, putting the shampoo in the basket. “Thanks…”

“Of course. Didn’t like watching an omega struggle.” He chuckled.

Rodolfo blushed dark, now shy. He bit the inside of his cheek. “I don’t understand why the top shelf has to be so high…”

“Me either. Honestly, it’s kind of annoying having shelves so low, too.” He nudged the bottom shelf with his foot. “I’m Daniel, by the way.”

“Oh… I’m Rodolfo.” Rodolfo smiled a bit and nodded. “I um… I should go. Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” Daniel shook his head. “It was nice to meet you, Rodolfo.”

Rodolfo waved and then turned and left, getting the rest of the things he needed before quickly leaving. He started to walk to the motel, a little annoyed since it was a close to thirty minute walk. “Hey! Hey!” Rodolfo frowned and turned around, seeing Daniel was coming up to him.

“Oh…” Well, that was a bit odd.

“Are you walking?” Daniel asked as he got closer.

Rodolfo frowned. “Uh… Yeah. My friend has the car…”

“Oh. Well, I could drive you.” Daniel smiled at him.

Rodolfo only frowned more. This felt… off. He didn’t like the sound of this. “No thank you, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? I really don’t like the idea of such a pretty omega walking home, alone.” Daniel shook his head. “It’s a bit dangerous around here.”

No, this was definitely off. “Well, I walked here.” He joked, trying to seem lighthearted. “I like walking, I’ll be okay.” He went to walk away, yelping and jerking his arm away when it was grabbed.

“Woah,” Daniel frowned. “Hey, I’m just- Look, I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I didn’t at least make sure you got home safely.”

Rodolfo paused and then softened, now kind of feeling bad. “Oh… I… Okay… You can drive me home…”

Daniel relaxed and nodded. “Good, thank you.” He gestured for Rodolfo to follow and so Rodolfo did, following him to a black car. He got in when Daniel unlocked his door and hugged his bags to his chest. Then, Daniel also got in and Rodolfo told him the name of the motel he was staying at.

He blushed when he noticed Daniel kept glancing at him and he leaned into the door, biting the inside of his cheek. He really hoped Daniel wouldn’t try anything. He was not interested in… anything. He just wanted to go home.

It was a quick drive and Daniel parked in the motel. “There.” He smiled and then unlocked the doors.

Rodolfo gathered up his bags and then got out of the car, leaning down to thank him for the ride, before going to leave. “Wait-”

Rodolfo tensed and turned to look at Daniel. “You look familiar.” Daniel murmured and Rodolfo froze, immediately. Fuck, oh no.

Daniel narrowed his eyes and then he was getting out of the car and coming over. “You’re from the news…”

“News?” Rodolfo laughed, nervously. “I don’t think so. I’m not that interesting, though that sounds amazing.”

“No, you- You were definitely on the news.” Daniel shook his head. “Or… you look really similar to someone who was. Whatever. Could I… get your number?”

Rodolfo blinked and then cringed back. “I… I uh… No.”

“Oh.” Daniel looked disappointed and then nodded. “That’s alright.”

Rodolfo relaxed. “Bye.” He turned and went up to the door of his motel, getting out the keys. Or… trying to, because he couldn’t quite seem to get his hands to work right. He took deep breaths and wrapped his hand around the keys.

Someone approached behind him and Rodolfo tensed. He turned around, about to tell Daniel to fuck off or he’d call the cops, but he was surprised that no one was there, in fact seeing that Daniel’s car was running. It was too far of a distance for Rodolfo to see in it but… Well, he doubted someone like Daniel would leave their car running.

So, he just shook his head, turning around and unlocking the door, finally, and going in, setting his bags on the table by the door and locking it before starting to put them away.

“Hey, let’s go.” Soap nodded, sighing. “I don’t want to be late, in case he changes his mind.”

Rodolfo looked up from where he’d been laying down and watching tv and frowned before nodding, sitting up and swinging his legs over the bed and standing. He’d told Soap all about Daniel and Soap had been pretty pissed that Daniel had the nerve to pull that.

He stopped and pulled his shoes and then a jacket on, since it was getting cold, and he went over to where Soap was standing by the door, hugging himself as Soap unlocked the door and then they went out before Soap was locking the door, again.

Rodolfo followed Soap down the stairs to the parking lot, frowning when he saw Daniel’s car was still there, though it was turned off, now. He… didn’t like that, admittedly. He didn’t say as such to Soap, though, not wanting to freak him out.

Instead, he just stuck close to Soap, following him to the jeep and getting in. Then, Soap was getting in and driving. It wasn’t a particularly long drive, quiet and mostly uneventful.

Rodolfo scratched his arms, looking around as Soap parked. “I have a bad feeling about this…” Rodolfo mumbled.

“Trust me, I don’t have a great one, either, but we need your medication.” Soap leaned back in his seat, getting out his phone and texting him. If Rodolfo was assuming, that is.

“What’s his name?”

“Uh, Sean, I think.” Soap sighed and shook his head. “He’s kind of a douchebag, but I can verify that he does manage to get his hands on the medication.”

Rodolfo winced but nodded and then reluctantly settled back into his own seat. “What if we… What if after this, we left and went somewhere along the coast?”

“I like that.” Soap nodded and smiled. “I like that, a lot. Find a little beach motel. I’ll get another job.”

“Yeah…” Rodolfo relaxed and looked at Soap, biting his lip. “We could stay there for a while. It’d be winter, but I don’t mind the coast during the winter. It’s actually kind of pretty, if I’m honest.”

“Yeah.” Soap nodded and leaned his head back. “I was… actually thinking of trying to find some way to get our hands on fake identities and just fully disappear. Try our hardest to live a new life. I don’t think they’d find us, then.”

Rodolfo hoped they wouldn’t. He couldn’t keep running and he was terrified of them catching up to them. “Yeah… I think it’d work.” He bit the inside of his cheek and then looked out the window. “Shouldn’t he have come out by now?”

Soap winced. “Maybe.”

Rodolfo glanced at Soap, seeing he was also nervously looking out the window. “Stay here.” Soap sighed and got out.

“Soap- Soap-” Rodolfo tried to stop Soap, but he just shut the door and Rodolfo flinched back, his anxiety immediately spiking. So? He got right out of the car, rushing after Soap and up to the doors of the warehouse.

“Rodolfo! Get back in the fucking car!” Soap hissed and Rodolfo shook his head. “Ugh… You drive me insane.”

Rodolfo winced. “I didn’t want to be left alone…”

Soap looked at him and then softened, nodding. “Fine.” They fully went up to the doors and Rodolfo hugged himself as Soap knocked, carefully.

The door swung inward with a startling creak and Rodolfo swallowed. “Do you… Do you think we’ve been had?”

Soap looked pissed and shoved the door open, stepping into the warehouse. “We better fucking not have.” He growled.

The warehouse was dark. Eerily dark. Rodolfo followed Soap into it, trying his hardest to make out anything. There was a movement in front of them, but it was side to side if Rodolfo was making it out correctly.

“Fuck.” Soap hissed and Rodolfo heard a soft thud into something soft and wet. “Gross.”

Rodolfo cringed and backed up a bit, trying to find the wall to look for a switch or something, remembering most warehouses sometimes had a lighting system. He doubted Sean or whatever would have… a thing at a warehouse that had no light. Of course… he didn’t know Sean.

The wall didn’t have a light switch and Rodolfo took a deep breath. The swinging object behind him was making a deeply unnerving sound and made Rodolfo’s nerves high. He felt along the wall, but he was met with nothing but smooth metal.

“Rudy,” Soap spoke and Rodolfo turned in the direction of his face, jumping when a light was suddenly pointed at him, seeing that Soap had found a flashlight. “Come to me and we’ll look around, okay?”

Rodolfo nodded and carefully made his way over to Soap. There was a disturbing amount of mud on the floor, which Rodolfo could barely make out in the bare light from the flashlight. He finally made it to Soap and Soap started to point the flashlight around. It really was just a bare warehouse, having some high up platforms and a couple stacks of pallets, but nothing else.

Soap turned to the left and then a face appeared in the light and they both jumped back, screaming. Rodolfo tripped over something soft and landed in a puddle of mud. And Soap managed to stay standing.

Soap immediately helped Rodolfo up and he turned back around. The “face” was a man sitting on a couch and… Rodolfo felt nauseous as he stared over the body, Soap’s flashlight traveling down it. The face was in his stomach, poking out. “Well…” Soap’s voice was strained. “Meet Sean.”

Rodolfo hunched over, throwing up. “Oh god…” He teared up, holding his stomach and wiping his mouth.

Soap turned to him and Rodolfo couldn’t make out his face in the glare of the flashlight. “Rudy… Don’t look down at yourself.”

Rodolfo almost immediately went to but Soap yelled at him not to. “Don’t!” The flashlight finally moved off Rodolfo and Rodolfo could barely make out Soap’s expression as deeply terrified. “Let’s get out of here.”

Rodolfo nodded, having no problem with that. He turned to leave before getting hit by something and falling over. It couldn’t have been a person, it hit the top half of Rodolfo’s body. Rodolfo realized it had been the thing that was swinging and he almost didn’t want Soap to point the flashlight at it, but was unable to stop him as he did so.

His eyes went wide as he recognized Daniel almost immediately and he screamed, covering his mouth. Soap’s flashlight immediately moved to point at him and Rodolfo was able to make out red covering his hands, causing him to just scream louder.

“Rudy!” Soap rushed over and crouched down, helping Rodolfo up. “Let’s go, we need to get out of here!”

They both started to rush to the doors but then they were closing with a loud slam, plunging the warehouse into complete darkness, save for Soap’s flashlight. Rodolfo trembled, moving as close to Soap as he could.

Then, the lights turned on, and Rodolfo jumped back, flinching again. The first thing his eyes made out was just how much blood there was. In fact, there wasn’t any mud at all, just blood puddles.

The second was the five bodies in such disgusting displays of death, Rodolfo didn’t even want to think about it and he squeezed his eyes shut, pressing as close as he could to Soap and taking deep breaths.

“You ran away.” The voice was distant but loud and Rodolfo frowned, not recognizing it. The accent was different, the voice was deeper. “Why won’t you trust us?”

“You bastards killed people! Damn, why the fuck wouldn’t we trust a couple of murderers??” Soap yelled.

Rodolfo peeked a little, seeing the man who had rounded the jeep to Soap was on a balcony thingy, watching them.

“For you.” The second voice was much closer. “We’d only killed one person and that wasn’t our fault. But then they did that to you and- What choice did we have?? Besides, I’d seen what that bastard was doing to Rodolfo the year before, I wasn’t going to just let him get away with it. You knew what would happen if you said for Rudy not to forgive, and yet you said not to. You wanted it to happen.”

“No, no, I didn’t-” Soap shook his head. “I didn’t want that to happen… He sucked and he deserved to die but not like that.. Not… No.”

Rodolfo flinched into Soap as someone approached from his right. He wasn’t sure he agreed with Soap’s sentiment of Wayne deserving to die. He was a person… “Why are you doing this to us?” He asked, turning his head and seeing Alejandro was approaching. “We didn’t do anything…”

“No, no, we’re not doing this to hurt you…” Alejandro murmured, getting close to Rodolfo, though Soap didn’t let him get too close. “No, no. I… Ghost, get down here.”

The one on the top of the balcony thing seemed to hesitate before he was dropping down and coming over. Rodolfo flinched back, seeing he was wearing his white skull mask. His heart picked up in pace and his head started to feel heavy again. Oh no…

“Shh…” Alejandro took him from Soap and before Soap could stop him, Ghost had grabbed Soap, holding him back.

Rodolfo stumbled and then he fell into Alejandro, slumping. Alejandro moved to the floor with him and then he was getting out a water bottle and some pills. Rodolfo could make out his name on the bottle and… well, he didn’t really have any other choice. He didn’t think he could get away, this time.

They looked fairly convincing, too, and so he tilted his head, letting Alejandro help him take them. Vaguely, he was aware of voices, but he could barely hear, his ears starting to ring. Then, he slumped into Alejandro, again, and closed his eyes, trying to take deep breaths.

It was slow and then his head started to clear and he blinked as the ringing faded. “There you are… isn’t that much better?” Alejandro was murmuring, rubbing his back. “We’re not trying to hurt you… Either of you… We want to protect you, to keep you safe from the rest of the world. It’s too cruel, it doesn’t deserve you.”

Rodolfo teared up and shook his head. “No, no…” He looked up at Alejandro, closing his eyes as Alejandro cupped his face. “I… You’re a murderer…”

“No one I’ve ever murdered didn’t deserve it.” Alejandro’s voice was so gentle and sweet. Rodolfo couldn’t help but start to believe it, his head going fuzzy as the scent of honey and cinnamon washed over him.

“Please just let us go.” Soap’s voice became audible, again, and it sounded heavy with tears. “We won’t tell anyone it’s you… Please…”

“We can’t.” Ghost spoke up and Rodolfo looked over, seeing he had Soap by the arms. “Please just come with us.”

“You’ll live a content life.” Alejandro made Rodolfo look up at him, again, and Rodolfo sniffled. “You’ll never want for anything.”

“Yeah, and you’d have us barefoot and pregnant.” Soap hissed. “Perfect little wives for your sick fantasies-”

Alejandro visibly gagged. “Okay, let’s get one thing straight, kids are not happening. Disgusting. No.”

Rodolfo blinked, surprised. “I can’t have kids, anyway, Soap.” He reminded and then slowly, carefully, he curled into Alejandro, exhausted. He was sticky and he wanted to shower.

“Regardless, I-” Soap struggled. “Just fucking let us go.”

“No.” Ghost didn’t even look to be struggling that hard to keep him in his grasp.

Rodolfo sniffled. “Soap… They’re not going to let us go, I’m just… I’m sick of fighting… I… Let’s face it… I’m disabled, I can’t… I can’t do anything and do you really want to go back to that school? They sacrificed us. They’d do it again if they got a whiff that they wanted us…”

Soap looked at him and then his resolve seemed to slowly crumble. “I… You’re right…” He mumbled and he relaxed, though he did jerk out of Ghost’s grasp.

Both alphas seemed incredibly happy, however, and then Alejandro was peppering kisses all over Rodolfo’s face. Rodolfo whined and squirmed before relaxing as Alejandro stopped and then he closed his eyes and curled up into Alejandro again. “I’m sticky and covered in blood, I want to… I want to get clean.”

“Let’s go back to your motel room and then you can shower and we’re gonna take you home, okay?” Alejandro murmured, nuzzling Rodolfo’s cheek.

Rodolfo softened and nodded. “Okay…” He held on as he was carried, relaxing into Alejandro.

And then he was being carried out.

@Humanmilkerr @vergilnelosparda @cathsolos @caspertheassholeghost @midnighthunt3r @the-snarky-dragon @smadrawz @thegodofsleep @hufflepuff-hugz @bonesincatharsis @stardust-medic99 @a1bird1 @arwenprinses @bl-nk-sp-ce

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