Chapter Text
It's so silent in the drawing room that you could hear a pin drop as they all stare at their butler.
If Jimin heard it correctly, Mr. Choi just informed them that Lord Min is here for a social call, even handing over Lord Min's calling card to Jimin's father as proof, but that's completely absurd.
Yes, for some unfathomable reason Lord Min had been introduced to Jimin at the local Assembly Room a few days ago, had made polite conversation for a short while and had then asked if he were allowed to visit for a social call at a later day, but Jimin had assumed that he simply hadn't been informed about the Park family's financial trouble back then, about the scandal, and that someone must have informed him afterwards.
And if they informed him, there is no way he would be here now.
It's therefore with the utmost disbelief in his voice that Jimin stammers: "Lord – Lord Min, you said? But – but he can't be here… He -?"
"He is waiting in the hallway, milord," the butler answers, starting to look rather uncomfortable himself.
As if all of them had truly believed they had heard Mr Choi wrong, a shocked look is passed between Jimin, his omega father and his younger omega sister, Jimin's father once more glancing down at the calling card in his hands in utter bewilderment, until Jimin's sister finally weakly says: "Well, in his defence, he did say he would call…"
That pulls a somewhat hysterical-sounding giggle from Jimin's throat, and he quickly hides his mouth behind his hand and utters a 'Pardon me' before he replies: "Yes, but we could have very much been excused for believing that he would not follow through on that, given the circumstances… Maybe – Maybe no one told him?"
He throws a look at his father, willing him to give any kind of guidance on what to do with this situation, and is glad to see him straightening his shoulders, the needlework he had been working on getting decisively laid on the side table next to him.
"Well, it seems like we must find out the truth for ourselves, children. Mr Choi, show Lord Min in, please."
Mere moments later Mr Choi is back, Lord Min indeed actually following behind him into the room, and for a moment Jimin allows himself to hope, peering at Lord Min from under his lashes. He looks absolutely dashing, just like he had at the Assembly Room, with his dark, slightly curling hair loose and almost reaching his shoulders – quite a bit longer than current fashion dictates but very well suited to him, in Jimin's humble opinion – and his white, ruffled cravat and dark overcoat looking flawless, much like the fairy tale-esque suitors that a younger Jimin had always imagined would court him one day.
How wonderful would it be if Lord Min were actually here for him, to court him, to sweep him off his feet, towards a happily ever after?
He quells his hopes quickly, though. His alpha mother's continuous 'misfortunes' in investing ever since she inherited the estate plus her inability to pay back the debts she accrued with multiple of their former family friends had effectively ruined every chance of such a bright future for not only Jimin but his two older omega siblings and his younger omega sister, too.
The oldest two have by now been married off to suitors that could for some reason overlook the lack of dowry and bad reputation of the Park family, which Jimin had quickly learned did not bode well for his omega siblings. His oldest brother had had the worst luck, getting married off to a nasty, controlling old alpha who was in desperate need of an heir, yet due to his disagreeable nature could not find any other willing candidate, while a lower-class but rich alpha had been found for his older sister. Apparently, for some, the mere increase of status that marrying into the gentry would bring was enough to overlook their family's lack of fortune and good reputation.
Jimin is smart enough to know that he will likely meet the same fate, and for that reason alone he knows that any normal, proper courtship with Lord Min is not in the cards for him. The Min family is one of the wealthiest in the county, one of the most respected: there is no way their heir would go to a fallen family like his for a bride.
No way at all.
Lord Min must simply be either uninformed or after something else than a proper courtship, and neither is likely to lead to any kind of positive outcome for Jimin.
It's with that firm reminder to himself that Jimin refocuses on the scene before him, watching Lord Min bow politely to his father and then to him and his sister, rattling off the usual 'Mr. Park, Mr. Park, Miss Park'. In turn, Jimin and his family curtsy back from where they had all stood up at Lord Min's entrance, only sitting back down when Lord Min gestures at them with a friendly 'Please sit'.
It's awkward for a moment after that, Lord Min taking a seat on the settee opposite of the one Jimin's father and sister are sitting on, and Jimin looking on from his armchair on the side.
"Shall I call for some tea –"
"Your Lordship must wonder –"
Jimin's father and Lord Min start talking at the same time, and Jimin watches on with fascination as Lord Min actually seems to grow flustered, the faintest of blushes painting his cheeks and one hand reaching up to rub over his nape. He clearly steels himself, though, clearing his throat and sitting up straighter.
"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Park. However, I am not sure I will stay long enough for tea. You see, I have a specific… -"
Lord Min lets silence fall for a second, his eyes darting towards Jimin and away, "- offer to make towards Mr. Park. If you are amenable to it once I explain it, I would like to stay for tea to discuss matters further. If you are not, however, I completely understand and will gladly see myself out."
He falters for a moment, grimacing as he says: "Do forgive me for my bluntness. I am aware that this is highly unusual but I assure you I have nothing improper in mind; my offer is simply… well, unusual, and I believed it to be best for your nerves if I got straight to the point instead of keeping you in the dark about my intentions."
A deep breath is taken before he continues: "If you are willing, I would like to describe my… predicament, as one may call it, and you may decide for yourself whether we shall discuss further after that. However, if indeed you are willing to hear me out, I do have to strongly request that the information I share does not leave this room."
With a look at Mr. Choi, who is still standing just inside the door, he adds: "In case you are willing to hear my proposal, I would therefore also request that all except for Mr. Park and Mr. Park give us a moment of privacy."
Lord Min has effectively gotten all of them at the edge of their seats with his enigmatic words. Jimin isn't sure whether to be excited or terrified: Lord Min is here for him after all, but clearly not in the usual manner. He just for the life of him can't imagine any intention Lord Min could have with him that is not usual courting and also not something improper, and especially not anything that requires this level of secrecy. Maybe his and Lord Min's definitions of improper differ? Lord Min could surely not want him as a mistress of sorts, could he?
Jimin's thoughts are interrupted when his father speaks up.
"Well, Lord Min, you sure know how to pique our interest. Jieun, dear, Mr. Choi, please leave us for a moment."
He speaks decisively, clearly very willing to hear Lord Min's story, and Jimin is happy for it: he's sure he would die of curiosity if his father were to send Lord Min away without hearing him out. Plus, if there is even the slightest chance of Lord Min somehow wanting to take Jimin under his wing, Jimin knows they have to take it: with huge debts and four children still at home, they couldn't be more desperate to have even one less mouth to feed.
Jimin swallows heavily as he realises: maybe, even Jimin becoming a mere mistress to a rich Lord would be a viable option to his parents at the moment. The thought alone is almost enough to have him break out in hysterical laughter: even though it's clear by now that Lord Min does know of their financial situation, Jimin is quite sure he isn't aware just how desperate they exactly are, and how he could ask almost anything and they would still probably agree to it as long as there is financial benefit to be gained.
They are silent for a moment as Jieun and Mr Choi make their way out, although Jimin's father calls out at the last moment: "Jieun, dear, I believe we would like some tea after all; could you prepare us some? I have a feeling Lord Min has quite the tale to share…"
Jimin knows very well that they all haven't had tea in ages, the leaves far too expensive for their household at the moment and being kept for very special occasions, but his father is rather proficient at playing pretend, making it seem like they have tea on the daily and are not at all in the states of ruin. It almost makes Jimin smile: if nothing else comes from this meeting with Lord Min, at least Jimin will have had some proper tea again for the first time in years.
The door is barely even closed when Lord Min leans forward a bit in his seat, looking first at Jimin's father and then glancing at Jimin himself, seemingly eager to begin his explanation.
"Thank you for giving me the chance to explain," he rushes out, "I truly am sorry for the commotion I'm causing."
He takes a deep breath, his gaze once more travelling to Jimin before settling back on his father.
"Right. As you may well know, my father, the late Lord Min, died recently, after prolonged illness."
Lord Min is already opening his mouth to speak on when Jimin's father interrupts: "Of course: our deepest condolences, we are very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," Lord Min says, the tightening of his grip on his own thigh giving Jimin the idea that he's not quite as thankful as he claims to be, which is further corroborated by the way Lord Min doesn't sound affected at all when he continues: "It was something we all knew was coming, although it remained sad when the day did finally arrive. Now, as you know, with me being his only alpha child, everyone expected the estate and lands to pass to me, which they did."
There's a moment of silence before Lord Min adds: "To some extent."
It's like Lord Min is willingly increasing their suspense, again letting a pregnant silence fall before he continues: "As it turns out, my father drew up a will before he passed. A will containing a rather unexpected clause: namely that I will only inherit both the estate and lands if I am to marry, father a child, and have the child be born before my twenty-fifth birthday."
He has not even properly finished speaking when Jimin is already mentally calculating, shock coursing through his veins at the revelation: he doesn’t know Lord Min's exact age but he's rather sure he has been twenty-three for a while already now, which gives him approximately –
Before he can finish his thought, Lord Min answers for him: "Since I am to have my birthday on the ninth of March, this leaves me with fifteen months to make sure I meet these conditions. If I fail, the estate and lands will pass to my eldest cousin instead, and I will be left with nothing to my name outside of any funds that I manage to procure by my own doing."
Fifteen months. Of which nine will be needed for the pregnancy itself, which leaves.. only half a year to marry and impregnate the future omega Lord Min. Jimin's eyes grow wide as he fully realises: that is very little time. With very severe consequences were the plan to fail.
It is suddenly becoming clear why Lord Min came to them instead of trying his luck with more respected and financially stable families. Tying yourself to the Min heir would certainly be a great achievement, one that many young omegas may wish for, but tying yourself to the Min heir who might just lose everything that made him so desirable in the first place in less than two years is far less appealing. In fact, terrifying might be the better word to describe it.
Conceiving within half a year – minus the time it takes to get wed, even – is of course possible and Jimin has seen it happen for both his older omega siblings, but he also knows many couples for whom the first pregnancy took considerably longer to arrive, and even if one would manage to conceive in time, one would still have to hope to God that it wouldn't result in a miscarriage, or even worse, a stillbirth. Both not exceedingly common, but also most certainly not rare.
It would be a great gamble indeed.
A gamble that maybe only people in a desperate situation would dare to make.
Jimin starts feeling a bit nauseous as the full implications of Lord Min's visit dawn upon him, and also his father clearly needs some moments to digest Lord Min's story. Lord Min himself does not seem to be quite done yet though, since he clears his throat before saying in a soft but business-like tone:
"Of course, in exchange for such a large risk attached to marrying me, it would only be proper to offer substantial benefits. As for now, the estate does still belong to me, which implies that the funds of my family are mine to do with as I wish. This means that I am not in need of any dowry that a bride may bring, and may even offer a… compensation, of sorts, to the family instead."
And that's when Jimin knows with certainty: Lord Min is not by any means an oblivious or gullible man. He knows exactly what he's doing and had probably targeted Jimin from the start, not in spite of but because of his unfortunate family circumstances.
A young, newly debuted omega who is not bad to look at – Jimin knows that much after being propositioned by a large number of so called 'respectable' gentlemen for all kinds of nauseating, lewd actions during the two times he has been out in society until now – with exactly the desperate need for a saviour that Lord Min requires of his future bride.
In fact, even if Jimin would really face the prospect of ending up on the streets in fifteen months due an inability to conceive in time in case he marries Lord Min, Jimin's parents would probably still go for the deal, simply because they need the money Lord Min is apparently willing to offer now.
It's a brilliant plan from Lord Min's side. And while Jimin's stomach revolts at the idea of practically being sold off, he also has to admit to himself: wouldn't that have also happened if Lord Min were not in the picture?
Jimin has barely been out in society for two weeks, ever since his nineteenth birthday, and the only two callers that have shown up until now have been far worse than Lord Min is, even considering the risk of ending up on the streets.
One was a gentleman some ten years older than Jimin who proposed to pay for the use of Jimin's 'services', as if he was a common whore, and the other, the one that still gives Jimin shivers when he thinks back at the encounter, was a rich alpha woman of around fifty years old who told them she would like a nice 'plaything' like him and proceeded to assess him as if he were a horse for sale. He can still feel the way her clammy fingers dug into his skin when she held him by the jaw to better look at his face, the way her smoky, repugnant scent made his eyes water when she leaned in close.
In all honesty: what are his chances of finding a better offer than Lord Min's? Sure, Lord Min would practically use him as a broodmare, but the same would probably count for any other alpha that would end up claiming him, and at least Lord Min doesn't actively repulse Jimin, much unlike the other two earlier 'suitors'. Plus, if Jimin is able to conceive in time he will live a wealthy, comfortable life for the rest of his days, undoubtedly far better than any other potential suitor could offer him.
And if he fails… Would a former Lord Min really end up properly impoverished? Jimin has already grown used to cooking and cleaning the house himself along with his omega family members, his family having let go of almost all their staff years ago already: would the life he would have with Lord Min really be worse than that? He can't imagine Lord Min not having the contacts to keep at least a somewhat comfortable lifestyle even if he were to lose the estate.
It seems like Jimin's father has gone through the exact same thought process, because Jimin is torn from his pondering when his father responds: "That is indeed quite the predicament, Lord Min; I am sorry for your difficult circumstances. I pray I do not offend you by asking, but if the worst were to happen and you would marry without fathering a child in time, what would your situation be like?"
"Quite different than my current standard of living is, as I'm sure you understand," Lord Min directly responds, "but I am confident it would still be comfortable by most standards. As you may be aware, I have spent the past few years making a name for myself as a composer and concert pianist in London – which I'm afraid is the very reason my father went to these extreme measures. He was rather…-"
Yoongi's expression pinches as if tasting something unpleasant, "- traditional, and firmly believed that the playing of instruments should be left to omegas. Of course, I always disagreed and continued on my path regardless of his wishes, and, forgive me for discussing it so openly, as I learned in the process, the fees I would receive for my art were quite considerable."
A wistful smile grows on Yoongi's lips.
"If I were to have known my father's future actions back then, I would of course have saved the funds instead of spending them. However, I am aware of my uncertain future now, and have every intention to change my ways for the better. I believe that by continuing my career as well as engaging in some smart investments, I can procure enough funds to guarantee a decent life for both myself and my future bride, even if the estate would fall out of my hands."
"That is excellent news," Jimin's father replies, and Jimin can see from his posture how this is already enough for his father, how he would be very willing to seriously entertain this option, even with so little true guarantees for Jimin's safe and happy future.
Jimin is sure his father is already in the stage of planning their nuptials as he asks: "And the wedding would need to take place sooner rather than later, I presume?"
"Indeed," Lord Min says. "Unfortunately, procuring a special licence will not be possible, but I do intend to reach a decision about my bride to be this week, and the wedding would take place as soon as the banns are read – say in approximately one month. Would this be objectionable for you?"
Jimin feels his blood rush in his ears, looking from Lord Min to his father and back with wide eyes, as his father directly responds with an amiable 'Not at all, not at all!'. It feels like mere moments ago that they had been peacefully sitting in the drawing room, working on their needlework, and now his father and Lord Min seem scarily close to having arranged Jimin's marriage.
In a month.
It has all gone so fast that Jimin isn't quite sure what to think, the fear rising within him that he'll be sold off before he has even had the time to think through all the implications of the deal, and it's therefore on impulse that he speaks up, not even quite knowing what to ask but burning with the need to keep Lord Min here a while longer, to at least learn more about him before this goes any further.
"Lord Min, I – "
Jimin flushes under the instant attention of both his father and Lord Min, feeling blood rush to his cheeks under their gazes. Still, he wills his voice into staying steady as he continues:
"You said you will make your decision this week, which leads me to assume you are in negotiation with multiple families. My deepest apologies if I am being too forward, but are there any specific qualities you are looking for with regard to your future bride?"
Not that it seems like Jimin will get much say in the matter of his betrothal to Lord Min, but it is still his future they're talking about, and Jimin would very much like to know at least a bit what kind of man Lord Min is before potentially tying himself to him. Wants to know if he should mentally prepare for the worst, his older brother's situation coming to mind, who is at complete mercy of the whims of his controlling husband and is not allowed to visit his family or even write to them as often as he would like, or if there is any chance of happiness in his future.
It is a rather daring question though, one that gets him a disapproving look from his father, and Jimin therefore breathes out in relief when Lord Min assures him: "It is not too forward at all. In fact, now that it seems like you might be open to entertaining the arrangement that I can offer –"
Lord Min pauses shortly to gauge their reactions, giving a short nod when Jimin's father answers with a polite but rather enthusiastic 'Indeed', "- I would very much like to get to know each other a little better, so that we both can estimate if we think we might be a good match."
It's quite impeccable timing when at that moment there's a knock on the door and Jieun walks in, bearing tea, and they are silent as Jimin's father pours it for them. It pains Jimin that they cannot even offer biscuits or anything of the sort but Lord Min doesn't even seem to notice, nodding gratefully when his tea is poured and waiting until the door has closed behind Jieun again before he speaks on.
"As for your question: yes, although, as you can imagine, my choices are limited, I am indeed in contact with multiple young omegas simultaneously; I hope this does not offend you. While time is a heavily constraining factor in this situation, marriage is still a large commitment, and I find it pivotal to arrange the best possible match, not only for my own sake but also that of my future bride."
He takes a sip of his tea, proficiently masking his distaste of the cheap leaves if he so experiences it, and sets back the cup on their fine but slightly chipped china.
"Specific qualities I am looking for of course include a disposition and scent to my liking, but most of all I am looking for a mature, independent omega."
That alone is enough for Jimin's jaw to have certainly dropped to the floor if he hadn't learned to school his features at all times as part of his education.
Independent?
Jimin has heard of a lot of qualities in omegas that alphas may search for but he has never come across this one, and had never even believed alphas could ever be in want of such a quality. As he has learned in general and observed in his own family, alphas want their omegas to be virtuous, obedient, and even truly submissive in the case of more traditional and less agreeable alphas. Their omegas should not busy themselves with anything other than arranging the meals with the housekeeper and other 'frivolous' little tasks like that, increasing their alpha's status by being good hosts to his friends, and making sure they bear as many children as their bodies allow.
Being independent truly has nothing to do with the lives of most omegas, and hearing Lord Min speak in this manner leaves Jimin shocked, as well as thoroughly intrigued. Luckily, Lord Min is already explaining himself further:
"As I mentioned, I intend to continue pursuing my career in London as soon as matters with the estate and my father's will are settled. With my two omega siblings happily married and both my parents having passed away, the country house would therefore often only see my future bride residing there. For that reason, it is very important to me that my future bride be capable and happy to run the household independently, entertaining themselves by receiving neighbours or friends and keeping the place in order."
Jimin clearly reads between the lines: without bothering me. It is evident that Lord Min wants as little to do with his bride and estate as he can, and while this may be disagreeable to some omegas, to Jimin it sounds perfect. No one to look over his shoulder and tell him what to do, or heaven forbid, discipline him; the freedom to be himself, exactly as he is.
Where Lord Min's deal had merely sounded like his best option amongst bad options before, now it starts to sound like a great option.
"Of course, I would return home at times, and we would also have the period… -" Lord Min is clearly rather embarrassed to have to spell this out, "- during which we would try for a child, so I would be looking for a match with whom I share mutual understanding and compassion; maybe even a friendship. For that purpose, it would be preferential if my partner were of equal mind, able to converse with me on an intellectual level about topics that interest us both."
With a small smile, he adds: "Maybe even challenge me at times; that would certainly keep things interesting…"
"That sounds very reasonable," Jimin's father responds, clearly wanting to get the conversation away from Jimin and his too direct questions, but Lord Min's gaze stays on Jimin, and he indeed also doesn't pay Jimin's father any attention as he asks before Jimin's father can continue talking: "And what of you, Mr. Park? What would you be looking for in a match?"
It sounds like a challenge, and once again Jimin has to fight not to lose his composure and start stammering or blushing like a fool. Instead, he takes a deep breath and takes a moment to collect his thoughts. Then, he softly says, doing his best to keep eye contact instead of shyly looking down at his lap: "I think I would desire mutual respect and, if possible, fondness, most of all. Of course, I would wish for an alpha who is a good and gentle father. And, if at all possible, I would desire a husband who would allow me to… -"
He looks at his father for a moment, knowing he again won't approve of what he says next, and swallows heavily before adding, even softer than before: "- to be… free in some ways. Free to be myself, and to pursue the activities that I enjoy most."
Normally he wouldn't dare to say something like this, but Lord Min's talk about searching for an independent omega gave him courage, and he hopes to God he made the right decision in sharing his most honest wishes. Still, he quickly adds, a bit louder and more rushed: "I of course should be happy to perform any duties expected of an omega spouse, and would try my hardest to honour my husband in all I do and keep him happy and satisfied. That would naturally come before all else. I just –"
"Do not worry," Lord Min interrupts to his surprise, a small smile on his face, "your wishes are not unreasonable in the slightest. In fact, I think you brave for being this open, and thank you for it. You do pique my curiosity: what are these activities you like most?"
"Oh!" Jimin's father quickly says, practically falling over himself to take over from Jimin and save them from what he must surely think is disaster, "Our dear Jimin has the sweetest singing voice, and has moved many to the point of tears with his beautiful performances. I am sure that an accomplished musician as yourself should enjoy it very much…"
Lord Min's piercing gaze just finds Jimin again though, one brow lifting in what seems like amusement as he asks: "Is that so?"
"I –" Jimin starts, feeling a bit put on the spot. "Yes, I do enjoy singing very much. It is one of my most cherished hobbies, next to horse riding, and, most of all, reading."
He avoids looking at his father, knowing that this is a topic they have clashed over many times before, and instead looks at Lord Min, relieved to find the man merely looking interested.
"Reading? And what sort of literature do you find you enjoy most?"
Lord Min really does seem like he would like to learn about Jimin's interests without judgement, which feels like an absolute revelation, and Jimin therefore once more ignores his upbringing and says honestly, even though he feels his heart racing with fear: "Conduct books, of course, to educate myself further on the most virtuous of ways, as well as various works of poetry. But – But what I enjoy most are books of science."
He lets a moment of silence fall, almost expecting some negative backlash from Lord Min – his father sits very silently with his lips pinched together so hard that they're turning white – but when it doesn't come and Lord Min merely keeps looking at him with curiosity in his eyes, he very softly adds, twiddling his fingers in his lap: "Especially books on astronomy. I very much enjoy learning about the stars."
Jimin feels overly warm by the time he finishes, as if he just shared an embarrassing secret. Throughout his youth, both his parents had heavily condemned his interest in anything other than the typical omegan interests, and especially Jimin's love for learning. Learning to play an instrument or a foreign language was all good, expected even, but Jimin had always wanted to learn about everything, and had very soon learned that that was very much not considered his place.
Reading had therefore become somewhat of a secret hobby, with Jimin sneaking into their small library when no one was around and bringing the books up to his bed where he could read them by candlelight at night. He had been found out multiple times, times that resulted in getting strongly disciplined, but he had simply been unable to stop.
Engaging only in boring activities like needlework, going for social visits to the few people who could still bear to socialise with them where one would talk about nothing, or singing the same old boring songs for his family had driven Jimin mad, and spending some stolen moments actually learning about the world had always been his one bright spot on any given day.
He knows that revealing his unsuitable hobby to Lord Min is dangerous to the point of the lord maybe choosing not to pursue him further, but Jimin can't explain it: it seems like Lord Min is different. Like he wants an omega who is not typical, and his interest in Jimin might actually grow if Jimin dares to be honest about who he is.
It's a dangerous game to play since there is a lot at stake, but Jimin feels like he needs to follow his instincts, needs to trust in what Lord Min had said about what he searches for in a spouse. If intellectual conversation and maybe even a challenging conversation partner is what he wants, it would only be good for a potential bride to have a broad set of interests, would it not?
And apparently he was right, because there's a genuine smile on the alpha's face when responds: "The stars, you say? The universe is fascinating indeed, although I know of very few omegas who would endeavour to learn about it… I should think that you would be very partial to using the telescope we have at the estate; the view it shows of the stars can at times be quite astounding…"
For the first time since Lord Min's arrival, Jimin's social mask completely slips. He's sure his eyes are bulging out of his head in excitement as he repeats: "A telescope?"
Jimin's father breaks the moment with a slightly panicked 'Some more tea, Lord Min?', but Jimin sees Lord Min's amused little smile at how Jimin reacted as he finishes the last of his tea to have the cup filled again, and that's enough to warm Jimin's insides.
He had never expected it, but he finds that he actually wants to marry Lord Min, that he can imagine a future as his husband that he might actually like, and he feels excitement course through him as he realises: this might actually happen. He might be able to escape the tragic fate that seemed to be set in stone for him; might have a happy life after all.
When Lord Min politely asks about Jimin's siblings, Jimin therefore decides: he needs to make Lord Min choose him. This is his one chance: he needs to fight for it with all he has. And so he answers before his father has the chance to, looking Lord Min straight in the eye with a hint of challenge: "Both my elder omega siblings are married, and have since started a family. Both conceived within mere months; it seems like my family is rather… healthful."
"Is that so?" Lord Min answers, a glint in his eye, clearly picking up on Jimin's meaning.
It makes it impossible not to let a small smile grow on his face as Jimin replies: "It is indeed. One way in which we are very fortunate…"
They make some more polite small-talk, but Jimin is more focussed on how their eyes keep meeting, an unspoken arrangement seeming to have been made between himself and Lord Min. At least, that is what he hopes with all his heart: he could not have made his pick me, pick me clearer than he had. Now he just has to hope that Lord Min follows through and chooses him.
It's not much later that Lord Min finishes his tea, decisively setting his cup on its saucer.
"I'm afraid it is time for me to be off; thank you for your kind hospitality. Before I go though, I have one request…"
He looks at Jimin's father, and Jimin again finds himself burning with curiosity.
"I know this is once more rather unusual, but may I request a scent exchange? Given the urgent nature of the situation it may be excusable to fast-forward matters a bit?"
Jimin barely stifles a gasp. During courting, it is usual for alphas to gift their omega of interest a scented item, but propriety dictates that this only happens after at least three meetings have been held between the omega and alpha. Then, if the omega is partial to the scent, they may choose to give a scented item in return, and courting would continue if both find the other's scent pleasing enough.
An actual scent exchange during which both the intended would sniff the other's scent glands – those on the wrist, of course; those on the neck are strictly out of bounds for non-spouses – would only occur if these first exchanges were successful and both partners were very serious about the courtship.
To request it now… It is very improper, surely, but at the same time it is not a bad idea if a decision needs to be made this week, in Jimin's opinion. They do need to find out about each other's scents somehow. In fact, now that Lord Min has suggested it, Jimin finds a thrill running through him at the prospect of finding out what the alpha smells like.
As is proper, both Lord Min and Jimin are wearing scent-muting cream, so Jimin has no idea yet as to the nature of Lord Min's scent: only actually being close to his scent glands will tell. He hopes with all his might that he will like it, but even more so, he hopes that Lord Min will like his scent. Flowery scents are in fashion nowadays and his scent is definitely not that, so he dearly hopes that Lord Min is the exception here, too.
Needs him to be the exception here, too.
Jimin therefore has trouble subduing his anxiety when his father does indeed give his consent for the exchange, and watches on with wide eyes and trembling hands as Lord Min approaches him, kneeling on the floor in front of him.
There's a soft, murmured 'May I?', and when Jimin nods Lord Min carefully takes one of his gloved hands in his, looking up to meet his gaze as he gently pulls the glove off.
Jimin can't quite remember when, if ever, someone other than his close family has actually touched his bare hands, and he then also feels his cheeks flame, a mix of excitement and fear rushing through him as Lord Min gently takes his bare hand in his own, the warmth of his fingers around Jimin's only speeding up his heart further.
Please, please let him like his scent, please…
He inhales shakily, and then does his best to think happy thoughts. Having his scent smell sour due to his anxiety will not do; he has to at least give the best impression that he can. He closes his eyes, thinking of relaxing rides through the countryside, feeling the sun on his face, reading his favourite book – and then gasps and has his eyes automatically fly open again when he feels the barely-there pressure of touch on his scent gland.
What he finds is Lord Min with his nose practically against his scent gland, eyes closed as he breathes in deeply, and all he can do is watch on with wide eyes, his heart practically galloping out of his chest. He has never felt this rush of feelings before, doesn't know what it means, but he does know that time seems to still for a moment, the air heavy with anticipation.
And then Lord Min's eyes open, dark pupils focussing on his.
"Cinnamon… and a hint of vanilla? It's – it's very lovely; you have a wonderful scent."
Lord Min's voice sounds somewhat rough, and it makes Jimin's voice come out as a squeak as he asks: "I do?"
He just gets a simple 'You do' back, and it's silent for a moment as they stare at each other before Lord Min seems to shake out of his daze and adds: "In fact, we seem to match…"
With that, he carefully and somewhat clumsily pulls Jimin's glove back on and then pulls one of his own off, presenting his wrist to Jimin.
Touching someone else's wrist may even be more thrilling than having Lord Min touch his, and Jimin is stuck in limbo for a moment before he finally dares to reach out, his fingers trembling visibly as he carefully takes hold of Lord Min's hand. Then, heart rate increasing with every passing second, he slowly pulls it closer and leans in, closing his eyes as he breathes in deeply.
Instantly, a mixture of cloves and cardamom hits him, and he feels himself grow somewhat dazed as he quickly breathes out and then sniffs deeply again. They do really match, their spicy scents complimenting each other in a lovely way, and Jimin forgets all about the situation they're in and just breathes in deeply again, a wonderful feeling of tranquillity washing over him.
It's like something deep within him can't quite get enough of the smell, and it's not even consciously that he leans in closer, actually touching the scent gland with his lips. It's just when he's overcome by the silly and very disastrous urge to lick it that there's a pointed fake cough from across the room, and Jimin's eyes fly open as the moment breaks, his cheeks flaming.
Oh God, he did not just almost do that…
He's almost glad to see Lord Min also not looking particularly composed anymore, the alpha's pale skin suddenly rather rosy, and he shyly looks on, still trying to calm his frantically beating heart, as Lord Min quickly stands up again, quickly stepping back from Jimin.
"Right, this has been most enlightening. I really should take my leave now; do I have your permission to call once more tomorrow? I think some time to elaborate on the matter may be beneficial for both parties."
Lord Min is gone before Jimin even fully realises it, and he's left staring into space in shock.
He might have just found his match.
And it might actually be a good one.