A Soulmate's Scent

Ciel The coffee shop was busy and noisy that Wednesday afternoon and Ciel had taken a seat at the farthest corner. He was by himself, but he didn’t feel lonely. Restlessly tapping his heel on the floor, he absently scrolled through his cell phone to take his mind away from his state of anxiousness. He tried not to feel too hopeful, but he had been thinking about it the whole day. Getting rid of his friends had been burdensome (especially today that it was his eighteenth birthday), but he’d managed, all for the sake of a stupid, frivolous wish that he expected to see fulfilled. It was ridiculous, he thought, with a condescending chuckle. Boy, he was naive. How confident was he, going through all this trouble because of a simple text message? Do you want to see me today? Those words alone told Ciel that the person had remembered what day it was. The suggestion also alluded to that certain someone knowing about Ciel’s feelings – the assumption wasn’t wrong. Ciel had wanted to see him from the moment he’d woken up that morning, it had been all his mind had focused on all day long. Shouldn’t I be asking you that? Ciel had replied, teasingly so. I’ll come to you if I can, was the simple reply. The two hadn’t even arranged for a place to meet. Just thinking about it made Ciel want to laugh. How was it possible that the other young man would know exactly where to look for him considering their situation? Ciel didn’t understand, but it had been that way since they had met, all those years ago. As long as they were within a 50-meter radius from each other, they would be able to find each other easily. After eighteen years of this, Ciel had long since stopped trying to understand why this happened. Besides, it was no use - this connection wasn’t something they had ever talked about, and even if they ever did, nothing could come out of it since their families wouldn’t allow it. The other person knew where Ciel studied, so from there, it wasn’t difficult to sense where Ciel was, but still, he couldn’t help but feel like an i***t. The person might not even come at all. But Ciel couldn’t help it – if there were the slightest chance that they could see each other, he would take it. Setting his cell phone down on the table, Ciel absently played with the small plastic box in front of him by poking it with his index finger. He’d even gone as far as to cook something so that he could offer it as a gift to the bastard. ‘Crazy’ didn’t even manage to describe him. With a sigh, Ciel picked up his glass of coke and took a sip just as a familiar feeling made his muscles tense. He froze. He was coming. Ciel felt his heart swell with happiness. Slamming his glass down on the table a little too noisily, he tried his best not to grin like a lunatic as his cheeks caught fire from excitement. The stress he’d subjected himself to throughout the day had been worth it. He knew the guy would take a few minutes to get there if he was coming by foot, but still, from the moment Ciel had sensed him, every step the other took towards him came with a feeling of unexplainable bliss, and the closer he got, the stronger his presence felt. Ciel could only put his elbows on the table and bury his face in his hands as a stupid sense of joy he didn’t understand showered him, along with a strange sense of relief. It only felt better with every passing second. God, was he glad that the few of his kind in the coffee shop couldn’t sense his chaotic state – he was young and hadn’t had his Awakening yet, so his scent was still relatively weak to others. So immersed had Ciel been in a bliss that he hadn’t noticed the time going by, and in what felt like only a couple of minutes, a familiar scent filled his nostrils, causing his heartbeat to quicken at once. Spreading the fingers of both hands, Ciel peeked through the gaps between them to see the person he’d been waiting for entering the coffee shop. The other teen's dark grey eyes immediately met his without needing to search the area. Damn, the guy looked fine. Kei, Ciel thought dreamily as the other young man approached his table with confident steps. Gulping, Ciel lowered his hands and a little awkwardly tried to fix his unruly blond hair, faking an air of nonchalance as he did so, not wanting to seem eager to please the other’s eye. They hadn’t seen each other in a few months, but Kei had grown up, the college life making him look more composed, his dressing style having matured – he looked as handsome as ever, and Ciel had a hard time pretending that it didn’t affect him. Still, Ciel didn’t smile, and neither did Kei as he pulled the chair across from him and promptly sat down. “Hi,” Kei said, and even his voice sounded deeper, sexier than Ciel recalled. “Hi,” Ciel replied plainly, taking his time raking his eyes over the other’s figure appreciatively. He tried not to be too obvious, but he ventured a deep whiff so he could take in the other’s scent. Ciel could tell Kei’s pheromones had changed, even if his scent was still painfully familiar and distinct. It was stronger now, and the most delicious thing Ciel had smelled in all his life. He wondered how he’d react to Kei’s scent if he’d had his Awakening already. “Were you waiting for long?” Kei asked casually, his own eyes roaming over Ciel quickly, but apart from the way his left eyebrow rose for a millisecond, his expression didn’t change. “Not really,” Ciel mumbled, shrugging. “I didn’t expect you to come.” “I don’t have much time; I should’ve been home by now,” Kei explained but didn’t seem in a hurry at all. He pushed the bag towards Ciel with an elegant hand. “Happy birthday, by the way.” Heat flooded Ciel’s body, but he tried his best to simply seem mildly surprised. “What is it?” “I couldn’t think of anything else to give you, but I think you’ll like it, anyway,” Kei said, for the first time, a mischievous smirk curving his perfect lips. Trying not to feel too excited, Ciel tugged the bag towards him and checked the contents. It was a piece of dark blue fabric, and as he pulled it out, he realized that it was a scarf. At once, he knew Kei hadn’t purchased it in a*****e because it smelled heavily of its previous owner. The only reason why Ciel didn’t shove his face in the scarf was that he had a little more dignity than that. Plus, he wouldn’t give the bastard in front of him the satisfaction. Still, Kei had known he would deeply appreciate something like this – he always did. Fortunately or unfortunately for both of them, they seemed to know each other too well despite living in entirely different worlds, rarely seeing each other. Regardless, Ciel was happy beyond himself, and no matter how hard he tried to conceal it, Kei’s gentle pheromones gave away the fact that he knew, and it pleased him. Ciel cleared his throat and tried to look composed as he folded the scarf carefully and put it back inside the bag. “Thanks. I have something for you as well,” he said, sliding the plastic box he’d brought towards Kei. “Since I didn’t get to see you on your birthday. Now I’m wondering if I should give you something of my own, as well.” Kei grabbed the box and immediately opened it, checking the contents. He smirked again. “Did you cook this yourself?” he asked with a knowing smirk. “No,” Ciel lied, even if he knew Kei would see right through him. “I had a friend cooking it for me.” Kei rolled his eyes as he closed the box, shaking his head - he knew well Ciel loved cooking. “Fine,” he nodded, clearly giving Ciel the upper hand by dismissing his blatant lie. “In that case, you can give me your bracelet.” The request took Ciel by surprise. “What bracelet?” “The one you always wear on your left wrist.” This time, Ciel knew his embarrassment was evident. It was just a brown leather bracelet that he’d been wearing as a good luck charm for about three years. It was pretty worn out already, and he’d never guessed Kei would’ve noticed something like this. It made him blush, though. Without hesitating, Ciel promptly unbuckled the accessory and passed it to Kei. He felt disappointed when their fingers didn’t touch as the other grabbed the item, but the sense of satisfaction he felt as Kei immediately put the bracelet on his left wrist was worth it. “That’s my good luck charm,” Ciel retorted, seriously. “You better take care of it.” Kei’s face turned severe then as if he somehow felt offended by Ciel’s words. “You know I will.” Biting on his lower lip, Ciel looked into Kei’s eyes. Silently, they gazed at each other for what felt like a long time. Yes, he knew it. Ciel knew that both of them came from families that didn’t see eye to eye. He knew they were both Alpha males, and he knew they barely knew each other despite having known each other since babies and having been meeting in secret since the moment they had gained some freedom and independence. He knew these forbidden moments were a mere fickle indulgence, leading nowhere. Ciel and Kei were a lost cause. However, Ciel also knew that, from the moment they had met, something had clicked. They had a pull on each other that was unique, unusual, and unlike anything he had ever felt with anyone else. It had started with them becoming infatuated with each other’s scents as children, then them being aware of each other’s presence within a certain distance from each other. As they grew up, their interactions felt strangely intense. Progressively, things had gotten weird to the point where Ciel had no idea where they were in their relationship or what they were anymore. All he knew was that he felt things because of Kei that he couldn’t feel with other people, but it would be scandalous for both their Packs if this secret came to light. Ciel couldn’t claim to be in love because he didn’t know Kei, but he also didn’t know what was happening between them. He loved Kei’s scent, and loved Kei’s alluring pheromones – they just brought him immense satisfaction and happiness, and he felt content. At least, for now, that's all it was. The fact that Kei reached out to him on his own indicated that he might feel something similar at least. Maybe it would disappear once they both had their Awakenings and realize they couldn’t stand each other’s pheromones once both manifested their Alpha dominating scents. The chance that they would react differently to each other was high-ish, though, since Ciel was that kind of rare Alpha, but even that was considered strange amongst their race, so Ciel preferred to keep quiet about it – he wouldn’t bear it if Kei thought he was disgusting. It was already weird that two Alpha males seemed to be attracted to each other; plus, they were both expected to have heirs with proper partners to preserve their respective bloodlines. Not that Ciel couldn’t provide heirs for Kei, but the thought was weird even to him. He had often wondered if his unique nature was what allowed him to be interested in all genders, but he had never really considered being on the receiving end of another Alpha male, neither did he want to serve the purpose of being a breeding machine. He was an Alpha from head to toe, his genes of the highest quality, and he would someday become the Leader of his Pack. It was in his essence to lead and dominate. Then again, it was the same with Kei. Like Ciel himself, Kei's bloodline was ancient, unblemished, and pure. If they had been of opposite genders, and if their families didn’t bump heads, they’d probably be a match made in heaven. As it was, there was nothing to be done. Why am I even thinking about this? Ciel thought, shaking his head in defeat, not noticing he was doing it. “What is it?” Kei asked, having noticed his strange demeanor. A little crestfallen, Ciel offered the other young man a small smile. “Nothing; I was just thinking about stupid stuff,” he said. “Nothing new there,” Kei teased, another devious smirk exposing beautiful teeth. “Shut up, asshole,” Ciel muttered, with a slight pout as he crossed his arms over his chest. They exchanged yet another look, words they wouldn’t dare to utter hanging between them and making the air feel suddenly stifling. There were far too many messages they tried to convey to each other, even if they knew it was no use. Ciel often wondered why they even bothered to meet like this when there was no future for them. Even if they wanted to find out what this pull was, it wasn’t as though they could actively do something about it. Even if they both wanted to, there always seemed to be a wall between them, reminding them of who they were and keeping them in check. Kei straightened his back suddenly, and when he cleared his throat, he was no longer smiling. “I have to go,” he said, almost formally. “Text me sometime, will you?” “Yeah, sure,” Ciel agreed, his heart sinking a little as he realized he had no idea when they’d be seeing each other again. “Thanks for coming to see me.” “You’d cry if I hadn’t,” Kei countered, and Ciel felt his cheeks heating up because it was probably true. “As if.” They didn’t know each other at all, yet it always felt like they did whenever they met in secret like this. Sometimes, it felt like they had been friends forever, interacting with each other as if they did so every day rather than once in a blue moon. Their history was a long one, but unfortunately, there wasn't much to tell, nothing memorable to register. With a slight nod of his head, Kei picked up the box in front of him before getting up from his seat, his actions so elegant and poised - so unlike Ciel’s always clumsy and rough manners - he didn’t seem like a natural existence. But then again, Kei had always been someone that seemed perfect, way out of Ciel's league with impeccable manners and so handsome it was impossible for him to go unnoticed. Even if their future was similar within their respective Packs, their upbringing was quite different, a fact that was painfully obvious to Ciel. With surprise, Ciel watched as Kei walked around the table until he was standing next to his seat. There was a fluttering in his stomach as the other leaned over, his sudden proximity causing Ciel to tense instantly in awareness. He craved Kei’s closeness as much as he feared it, his instincts screaming at him every time, telling him to move and let his most primal urges take over, and this wasn’t something Ciel understood, yet knew enough about to be sure that there would be trouble if he gave in. Mouth suddenly dry, Ciel swallowed, his hands turning into fists that rested on his lap. As Kei’s mouth reached his ear, almost as if to tell him a secret, he could only close his eyes, knowing what was coming. He felt Kei’s nose brushing the back of his ear, nuzzling the spot experimentally before taking a slow yet deep whiff of his scent that had Ciel’s skin breaking in goosebumps and his heart beating faster. There it was, that intimate but chaste ritual they had been sharing for years and that they could never skip whenever they saw each other. Biting down on his lower lip, Ciel could only will his body to stay still as he turned his head to the side, allowing his nose to bury in the silky black strands of the other’s hair and allow himself the indulgence of taking in Kei’s scent. It was familiar, like the nostalgic smell of home after a long journey away, intense as every Alpha’s scent was, and so deliciously intoxicating it made him feel dizzy, every animalistic instinct he had trembling with the urge to take and own. It was the most fantastic smell in the world. Kei’s scent had a hint of something different from what he remembered, darker, more enticing, undoubtedly thanks to the fact that he already had his Awakening. Now a mature Alpha, Kei’s pheromones were virile, extremely imposing, and demanding submission. However, Ciel felt confused by the effect they had on his body because he was also an Alpha, even if not fully matured, and wanted both to give in to the lure and to impose his dominance, as well. Because of their mutual attraction to each other’s scents, doing this was a mere indulgence, a quick fix that relieved the yearning but failed to soothe the ache. The desire to shove his face in Kei’s neck and bite down was painful, the impulse to pull him in challenging to bear, but they were both far too used to it already, even if it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain calm in each other’s presence. “Hey, Ciel,” Kei whispered in his ear in a low, inviting voice, his breath warm. “Give me a call when you feel your Awakening coming. It can be overwhelming if you don’t have someone you can fully trust to help you.” “Bold of you to assume I trust you,” Ciel uttered challengingly, glad that his voice hadn’t trembled and that he could at least pretend not to feel as affected as he did. Kei chuckled darkly. Then, he placed a lingering kiss in the curve of Ciel’s neck before leaning away - which caused the other to shiver wantonly - breaking the short spell between them. He poked Ciel’s nose with his index finger, his mouth curving in yet another charming smirk. “See ya, loser.” “See ya,” Ciel muttered, feeling his throat constrict. With a wave of his hand, Kei quickly walked away and out of the coffee shop. With a sinking sense of emptiness, Ciel’s blue eyes followed Kei until he couldn’t see him anymore. He ended up groaning to himself, a hand coming to rest on his neck where he could still feel the feathered-like press from Kei’s lips. It wasn’t fair that they couldn’t just give in to whatever this pull was. The moon Goddess must be punishing him for something he’d done in a past life, he thought, because this situation completely sucked and all he could do was endure it without ever daring to hope for anything else. Heaving a long sigh, he gathered his things and got up - it was time for him to get going, too, and he couldn’t have his family suspecting him of socializing with someone his family disapproved. Willing himself to let go of the weight in his heart, he made his way to the counter to pay for his things. Time to go back to the real world.