17 The meeting

Sunday

In his apartment at Southbank Tower, poor Lucas McCallister was feeling awful and didn't know what to do. Ever since Dorian had asked him about the telephone number to some drug dealer Lucas once knew, he felt like shit.

Lucas was a recovering drug addict since four years back. For some reason, Dorian thought that Finian still had some contacts left, which Finian unfortunate had.

Lucas first got really surprised and then worried when his brother asked. Dorian hadn't even looked at drugs in over fifteen years, not since his 'rave-days,' but when Dorian told his brother what he wanted to buy, it all made sense. So Lucas did give Dorian a number, and now, four hours later, he was on the verge of having an anxiety attack because of the regret he felt.

On the computer screen in front of him, was an article about this new illegal drug, and Lucas had just read it with his heart pounding in his chest. People bought it to terminate unwanted bonds between mates, and it was much more effective than the older ones. But according to the article, the side effects were horrible with hallucinations, memory loss, blood clots, infertility, and cancer. And almost everyone that had taken the drug experienced nearly every side effect. The cancer was especially aggressive in the omega.

Dorian couldn't go through with whatever plan he had. Lucas had to stop him. But how?

He also knew that Dorian would hate him if he ever said anything to Finian about this. But he couldn't just stand by and watch as Dorian risked not only his own life but the life of another person.

Lucas was bewildered; this wasn't like Dorian at all. He wasn't cruel; he would never do anything that could hurt anyone else. The amount of stress and guilt this had put on Dorian was most likely crushing him. Dorian was desperate, and desperate men often couldn't see clearly.

And Lucas felt sorry for him, he did. But he couldn't keep quiet; he just couldn't.

********************************

Monday

Shiro stood in front of the mirror and frowned, his eyes filled with disgust.

He was pale and had dark circles under his eyes, and his face showed apparent traces that the man hadn't slept well at all.

"I look like shit!" He complained and turned to the olive-skinned woman on his right.

Doctor Joy stood with her arms across her chest and shook her head.

"Don't be silly; you're very handsome."

"Yeah, Shiro, the doctor is right. You look great," Deion said and tried to smile, but he couldn't force himself and just lowered his gaze.

Deion wasn't happy at all. Since that night at the club, he had been affected by Shiro's heat twice, and now Shiro's life was on the line.

If meeting this Finian McCallister didn't help, then they had no idea what to do. Shiro had been allowed to leave the hospital after just one day, but he wasn't okay. He didn't say anything, but Deion knew Shiro, he saw that the younger man was struggling.

Doctor Joy had promised to help Shiro and even took a temporary leave from work. As the woman had said when she arrived at the hotel, she was invested in this. Finian was one of her closes friends, and she had become found of Shiro.

"How's the shaking in your hands? Do you want something to calm it down?" Joy asked.

But Shiro shook his head and smiled gratefully towards the older woman.

"No, it's okay. I'll manage it."

When he woke up that morning, Shiro's hands were slightly shaking. It wasn't much, but it was one of the first physical signs that the withdrawal had started, and the shaking would get worse over time.

Joy told them that the symptoms usually started to show after as little as 24 hours from being exposed to the pheromones from the alpha. The signs were anxiety, shaky hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and sweating.

In less than two weeks, the symptoms would get worse with confusion, racing heart, high blood pressure, and fever.

Either the high blood pressure would finally cause a heart attack, or the person would go into a coma without the right amount of pheromones. And after a month since being last exposed to each other's pheromones, the condition would be life threating.

Shiro was, be all right, very scared, and so was Deion. The tall American had been Shiros manager for ten years, and Deion cared for the singer like a younger brother.

Shiro was a natural-born performer and started as a child actor when he was eight years old. At first, Shiro did commercials, then a few years later, he starred in his first movie. Shiro was twelve when he played in his first Hollywood movie. However, after Ikumi was born, the young star didn't want to act any longer.

Shiro started to sing. That was when he met Deion. The manager had been living in Japan for a few years, together with his Japanese girlfriend at that time. It wasn't easy being a black American in Japan. Still, Shiro hired him after only one meeting; he didn't care about the color of Dieons skin or the fact that he was a foreigner. There was something about Deion that made Shiro trust him without a doubt. And both Kei and Ikumi loved Deion.

Shiro's family, especially Hayate, looked down upon the brown-skinned manager. But, Shiro hated Hayate, so that didn't matter to him. Shiro now considered Deion as one of his closes friends. And he was thankful Deion was there by his side through all of this.

********************************

Wearing skinny black jeans, a white shirt with long arms, and a black coat, Shiro arrived at the café together with Joy and Deion. He was so nervous that he almost threw up in the car on the way from the hotel.

This whole situation was surreal, and he hated it. He would now meet the husband of his fated pair and have a proper discussion with him. It was terrifying, and Shiro wanted to flee away.

The atmosphere inside the café was calm, and it wasn't that many people. Shiro took off his sunglasses and his large brim fedora hat. He was pretty sure that any reporters or photographers would be in there were pretty slim.

While he pulled his hand through his long black hair, he noticed a man in the far back standing up from his chair. It was a handsome man, taller and older than him with short red hair and red stubble on his cheeks and chin. He wore a light brown leather jacket and dark blue jeans.

"There he is!" Shiro heard Joy say and she walked in front of them, on her face was a big happy, smile.

Shiro felt the panic creeping, and he turned to Deion, his eyes said everything the manager needed to know.

"I can't do this!" Shiro whispered, his voice trembling.

Deion put his big hand on the smaller man's shoulder.

"Don't worry. Remember, Joy told us that Finian is very kind and easy to talk to, and I'm right here if you need me."

Shiro closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He really, really didn't want this, but he knew he had to, so he nodded and looked over. Joy was waving for him to come over, and Shiro started walking, Deion close by him.

When Shiro got closer, he could scent the comforting smell of sandalwood and cedar, and a pang of jealousy hit him. Shiro flinched and looked annoyed at the red-haired man.

"You smell like him," Shiro said before he could stop himself, the jealousy evident in his voice.

Shiro realized what he just said out loud and panicked he clapped a hand over his mouth. But to the omega's surprise, the alpha looked guilty for some reason.

"I'm sorry. I tried not to get any of Dorian's scent on me. Still, I guess that was impossible," the man said, sounding apologetic.

Shiro frowned in surprise. Why was the alpha apologizing to him?

"Alright, should we get started. Shiro, this is Finian McCallister. Finian Luv, this is Shiro Nakamura," Joy said, moving the conversation forward.

Finian put out his hand, and on his lips were a little smile. Shiro didn't hesitate; he grabbed the hand.

"Nice to meet you, Shiro. I'm just sad it had to be under these circumstances. My daughter Caoimhe is a big fan of yours."

Shiro just nodded and let the hand go. Everything felt surreal.

"I think me and Deion will go and buy some cake and coffee for everyone and then sit at this table over here, so you can talk alone. How does that sound to you guys?"

Finian and Shiro told her that it should be alright, and the doctor and manager left them alone. The alpha sat down on the chair, and Shiro did the same, his heart beating like crazy of nervousness.

It took a little while before Finian started talking, his eyes filled with a sadness that made Shiro's guilt even greater.

"This is hard for me, Shiro, and I hope you understand that. I love Dorian so much, and just the thought of him being with someone else breaks my heart."

Shiro didn't make a sound; he just sat there and listened while Finian talked. And he had to keep himself from bursting into tears. Shiro could see the hurt in the other man's eyes, and he hated that he was the cause of it.

"But because I love Dorian, I'll have no other choice than to help you."

Shiro flinched.

"Really? You will?"

Finian nodded.

"Yes, of course. I can't watch my husband and the father of my children die. But I know Dorian, and this won't be easy for any of us. He will do everything to keep me from getting hurt. So we will have to find a way to convince Dorian that this won't hurt me."

"But, you will get hurt! You are hurting now, " Shiro said.

He understood that the love the alpha felt for his husband was amazingly strong. Shiro could hear the deep affection in Finian's voice when he mentioned Dorian's name.

"I won't lie, of course, this will bring me grief, but it's up to us two to make this as painless as possible for everyone."

"How?"

"I want to get to know you, Shiro. I want to get to know my husband's fated pair. Is that alright with you?" Finian said, and a genuinely kind smile graced his plump lips.

Shiro was without words. He had never met anyone like Finian before. This man gave such a friendly and caring impression that Shiro felt a lot calmer about everything. He still felt guilty and like he was the worse person in the world, but merely knowing that Finian didn't hate him made him feel a little better.

Joy and Deion came carrying trays with coffee and cake. They looked concerned until they noticed Finian's smile.

"How's it going, Shiro?" Deion asked with his dark voice.

Shiro glanced at him and gave him a little smile.

"It's fine, Deion. By the way, Finian, this is my manager, Deion Johnson. Deion, this is Finian McCallister."

Finian and Deion shook their hands, and Shiro could see that Deion relaxed a bit.

"Nice to meet you. American?" Finian said, and Deion nodded.

"Yeah, LA."

"We actually crossed the States last year. Rented an RV and traveled for three months. We stayed in Los Angeles for two weeks then, and we liked it a lot."

Deion smiled, and Shiro knew that one of the things Deion loved talking about was his home country, which he missed plenty. But Deion was dedicated to Shiro and would stay with the singer even if that meant he never move back to the States.

"We're sitting at the table over there. If there's anything, just shout or something," Joy said and smiled.

Both Shiro and Finian nodded at that. While Finian took a sip of his black coffee, Shiro tasted the chocolate pie, which was delicious.

"You have a daughter, right?" Finian asked, and Shiro wasn't surprised he knew that when Finian's daughter where a fan of his. All his fans both adored and were jealous of Ikumi.

"Yes, Ikumi. She's ten years old. How old is your daughter?"

"Caoimhe's eleven. That's nice, they're only one year apart. I'm sure they will get along just fine. And Eamon is such a kind kid; he will take care of Ikumi like a sister."

"Do you think we will be able to convince your husband?"

Shiro didn't want to say his mate's name. It felt like he didn't have the right.

Finian nodded as he was confident of that.

"He doesn't have a choice, does he? I won't allow him to kill himself."

Shiro cleared his throat and asked with a quiet voice.

"Could you tell me something about him. How is he as a person? Is he a good husband and father?"

And on Finian's lips, a big bright smile formed.

"Oh Shiro, Dorian is simply the best person in the world. He is kind, fair towards everyone, and treats everyone equally. You know, Dorian was the first employer in the UK to get rid of the rule that job applicants had to state what gender they have. Both genders. Dorian wants to hire competent people regardless if their man or woman, alpha, beta, or omega. He got a lot of shit for it from other companies, but he never cared about what others think."

That impressed Shiro. Being an omega himself, Shiro knew all about how omegas were treated, and it really didn't matter which country they lived in. Omegas were looked down upon all over the world. But Shiro had his face and his voice. If not, he would have struggled far worse in life.

"As a father, Dorian is devoted and understanding. He spends a lot of time with the kids, and even if he's very protective, being a Prime Alpha and all, he understands that they have to be able to make their own mistakes in life. I can promise you that Dorian will take care of your little girl. If that's what you want."

Shiro pondered for a second. He remembered what his mother had said. That a Prime Alpha never would want to take care of another alphas child. But Finian knew Dorian better than anyone, and according to him, Dorian seemed like a loving, caring father.

Would Shiro want this person to be in Ikumi's life? Would he replace Kei as a father? Sure Dorian was maybe the perfect father to his children, but could Shiro be sure that this man would accept Ikumi?

Shiro was unsure of that. He needed to get to know this Dorian really well before he could even think about bringing Ikumi into this.

"Have you known him for a long time?"

Finian swallowed the cake he had in his mouth and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"We have been best friends since we were nine years old. We went to the same primary school, and he saved me from a bunch of kids that bullied me because of my Irish accent and my red hair."

"Irish accent?" Shiro asked, frowning.

He couldn't hear any accent except that typical London accent that everyone living there seemed to have.

"I know. It's gone. I moved to London with my mother when I was little and only spent the breaks over in Killarney. So my accent went away."

"So when did you two become a couple?"

"When we were thirteen. It was love at first sight for Dorian, but he didn't have the guts to ask me until four years later," Finian said, smiling fondly at the memory.

And Shiro felt that jealousy burn once again. Two different, opposite feelings controlled him. One who knew that Finian had a stronger claim to be with Dorian than he had. While the other part, the omega driven by emotions he could not control, considered Dorian as only his, just because they were fated pairs.

Finian looked at his wristwatch and frowned.

"I sadly have an appointment I need to get to in a short while. But I want us to continue to keep in touch Shiro, and together we will find a way to solve this without anyone getting hurt. How does that sound?"

"Yes, I think that would be for the best," Shiro said, and they exchanged their contact information.

"Tell me, Shiro, when is your next heat?"

Shiro looked suspicious at Finian but figured that the man most likely had a good reason for asking such a personal question.

"In two weeks."

Finian sighed at that, his gaze was serious.

"That's too far away. In less than one week from now, you both will become sick, and we have to see too that you'll meet each other before that."

Shiro stared at Finian with big eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Finian was planning when his husband and Shiro would have sex. How level-headed could a person be?

Finian seemed to be contemplating for a while before he continued.

"We will have to figure something out in less than a week. I will contact you soon, Shiro, and if you start feeling unwell, please call me. Alright?"

"I will," Shiro promised, and when Finian stood up, Shiro followed. Joy and Deion did the same at their table.

"Take care, Shiro, and it was nice talking to you," Finian said, his green eyes full of warmth.

"Yeah, you too," Shiro said and watched as the red-haired man walked over towards Joy and Deion's table to say goodbye.

Doctor Joy and Finian embraced and whispered something to each other before Finian walked out of the café, Shiro staring after him.

Quickly Joy and Deion walked over, and while Deion was looking worried, Joy just smiled.

"So, how did it go?"

Shiro didn't know where to start. Finian McCallister had made quite an impression on the younger man.

Finian was beautiful, both on the outside and on the inside. There didn't seem to be any flaws in that man at all.

"He is remarkable," Shiro just said, and Joy laughed a little.

"Yes, he truly is. So don't worry, Shiro. Finian will find a way to make this work. And there isn't anything Dorian wouldn't do for him, so Dorian will accept whatever Finian suggests."

Shiro understood that, but a part of him wanted to be the one that Dorian loved that much. And Shiro hated that part.