fromfryingpantofire: (A - Research 2)
[personal profile] fromfryingpantofire
It had been a very long day so far. For Sam, that day mostly meant waiting, fidgeting with the present in his hands.

More than a few of the others had watched him as they waited, wondering what he was doing here and, more than once, Sam had found himself wondering the same. The Novaks were a family with a lot of wealth and a lot of connections, political and otherwise. He'd done his research. The family was full of Alphas and Betas, insinuated into massive companies and running more than a few of their own. They were old money and old power and most of those who had come to court were the same.

Not Sam. Certainly, the Winchesters were an old family, but they weren't wealthy by a long shot. They were involved in law enforcement, which wasn't exactly a rich occupation to begin with. Sam was going to law school, but his interest wasn't in making money but in helping people and putting away those who abused their positions and their power. But, long ago, John Winchester had made a promise to the Novak family because Mary Campbell had mated him rather than Michael Novak. That one of his children would be offered as a mate to the Novaks should there be a compatible one. It had been a sop, meant to quiet tensions between the families but nobody had thought much of it. Dean had been a Beta and Sam had been an Alpha and that seemed that.

Until the Novaks threw an Omega. Not unheard of, but rare. And, suddenly, Sam seemed to be the one Winchester with a chance, small enough though it might be.

He started when he heard his name called, pulling himself to his full height with the present clutched in his hands. He followed Zachariah Novak trying to ignore the feeling of unworthiness. He was an Alpha from a good line. There was no reason, other than money, to think he didn't have a chance here.

Date: 2014-05-31 08:41 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] attentive)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
It's been a long day. Too long. Castiel feels every crick in his back, every pull of his muscles from sitting here all day to a seemingly endless parade of potential suitors. It's not unkindness that makes him feel like he just wants to have the Winchester appointment over and done with - he doesn't know the alpha, Sam Winchester, only knows that he needs to move, stretch, be anything but a poised statue.

Cold, aloof, some may say. He's just doing as he's been taught. It's rare that the Novak clan produces omegas, but it happens, occasionally, and Castiel has no illusions over the little regard Zachariah has for him, or what is expected of him now. Alphas and Betas stay in the family, have other clans marry in. Omegas are married out to strengthen ties and produce children that can come work for the Novak clan.

The table in front of Castiel is littered with expensive gifts. Glass figurines, jewelry, clothes. off against the wall are paintings, even a piano.

Castiel doesn't play the piano.

He doesn't wear jewelry.

The painters aren't his favorites.

And as for the flowers... well, he prefers them growing in gardens or meadows, and doesn't much care for bouquets.

If Winchester comes in here with more of the same, Castiel isn't sure he can keep his composure. He's well trained, but he has his limits, he has the wish for freedom clawing in his chest, and he can't be pushed too far...

Castiel sits up when the door opens. Zachariah enters, and his face isn't pleased. What that means, Castiel can only surmise - he knows the Winchesters are no one's first choice, but how bad could it possibly be. When Sam approaches, he rises, offers his hand - palm up, inner wrist exposed so the alpha can scent him. It's customary, a sign of submission. Even an alpha from the least likely clan on the list is worth more than an omega to the Novak clan.

"Hello, Sam."

Date: 2014-05-31 11:09 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([explaining] see?)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Sam Winchester has big, warm and gentle hands. Castiel can appreciate that much, even if he's unlikely to appreciate much else about the man. That's not an assessment based on his family's wealth or status, it's not something Castiel thinks to be dismissive.

It's just that Castiel has had to face a long row of unpleasant, awkward meetings with people who clearly regarded him as a status object, a way to gain more power and influence, a breeder, a trophy mate. He won't enjoy another meeting like that.

Sam Winchester looks nice, but then, all the alphas presented do. Sam is the tallest, Castiel can tell that much easily, and he has charming dimples to go with his smile.

"You have my gratitude for the gesture."

Because it's just that. Just another trinket that Castiel won't ever regard twice, proof of wealth - or lack thereof, in this case - meant to impress Zachariah more than Castiel. But when he unwraps the package, he finds a book. It's not a first edition, very obviously, and for a moment Castiel isn't sure what to do with it. Then his eyes widen when he recognizes the author name and the title.

He devoured this book, and others from the author, as a child. They remain among his favorites to this day, and the dead author's signature makes this copy fairly valuable despite its lack of literary mastery.

"This... is very thoughtful, Sam. I'm... thank you."

He looks up, then, wonders how he knew, if he knew, or if this was chance.

Date: 2014-05-31 11:22 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] you see)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Castiel doesn't smile, but his expression softens considerably, something warm sneaks into his eyes. It's a start, although Zachariah's expression is downright murderous.

"I adore it. This novel has a lot of sentimental value to me."

Gabriel read it to him. It's the book he learned reading with, though it wasn't exactly child friendly material. The story tells of underdogs and outcasts, and that's something Castiel can relate to.

One of the heroes is an omega, too.

It's a good story.

"I'm told you study law."

Date: 2014-05-31 11:37 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] listen)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
It's at this point that ignoring Zachariah is no longer an option. He clears his throat, mouth twisted into an ugly sneer.

"Of course, our family ties would allow you a more... highly decorated position in a company of your choosing."

Which is a subtle but clear way of saying 'you'll go be a career lawyer, or you can fuck off'.

Luckily, Zachariah's opinion isn't the end all be all in this situation, though it's obvious from the blankness returning to Castiel's face, that he very much tends to defer to the man.

The young omega shifts a little, then makes eye contact with Sam again. "I've heard your family business only recently returned a young omega to her mother after her father tried to steal her away. Pro bono."

Date: 2014-06-11 11:53 am (UTC)
freetobe: ([smile] cute)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Market her off to the highest bidder. Yes, Castiel can somewhat relate to that idea, given that it's precisely what Zachariah is currently attempting to do to him. So he just nods, lets the words linger in the air.

There's a small smile playing along his lips. A chance to marry who he wants. It begs consideration. His family expects something specific of him, but Sam's words are... intriguing.

"Do you want to marry me, then?"

Date: 2014-06-12 01:55 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] tentative)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Zachariah scoffs. "You're wasting all of our time, Mr. Winchester. Our schedule isn't wide open just for anyone to disrespect this family and..."

Castiel interrupts him. He will regret it later, but for now, he offers Sam his hand - to shake, not to scent. Like equals. Like an omega and alpha who are not prospective marriage partners, but potential friends. No sex, no attraction, not marriage in question. It's insane because Sam is one of his official suitors - but he likes what Sam has to say, likes that Sam sees him as a person and not just a breeding option. "I look forward to getting to know you, Sam Winchester."

Date: 2014-07-06 01:41 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([thinking] deep thoughts)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
It's a flaw in logic that sadly bleeds through many conservative clans - that an Omega should be happy or at least content with what its family chooses, with fulfilling the role they were born for, breeding future generations and being good mates for their alphas.

And when the omegas fall barren, they are blamed for that circumstance.

To be treated with respect, to be treated like a person and not just future breeding stock....

Castiel feels like he will be in trouble with Sam. Still, he lightly squeezes Sam's palm and lets the man envelop his hand with gladness.

"There will be dinner in a little while. It's customary for suitors to attend, though you're not obligated and can feel free to spend the remaining evening at home if you'd prefer."

It's Zachariah's way of subtly suggesting Sam leave.

Date: 2014-07-21 09:20 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([thinking] hesitate)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
"Of course, Sam. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Just as subtle, but a clear sign that Castiel disagrees with his uncle's handling of the issue. Feeling like breeding stock being auctioned off is bad enough - so he'll see that he at least keeps some pleasant company throughout all of this.

"I would very much like to see you at dinner. We've elected to have it at a round table, so no one is actually seated away from me."

And therefore, no one will feel slighted. Sitting to Castiel's left and right will be his uncle and oldest cousin, and in a half circle around the other side of the table all suitors. Castiel will be under close scrutiny through the entire evening. Privacy looks different... but at least this way, no suitor can be left out either.

Date: 2014-07-22 12:36 am (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] promise?)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Castiel smiles and nods, and lets Sam shake his head again as they take their leave of one another right now. Zachariah berates him the entire time until dinner, but at least Castiel can move, stretch his legs, use the bathroom, drink some water to hydrate again.

It won't be long until one of these men out there - or the one female - gets to have him, take him home, knot him, breed him like a bitch. He'll spend his life being paraded around during the day, especially once pregnant, and spreading his legs for his alpha during the night, birthing another clan strong alpha or beta children.

Castiel knows what's expected of him. He doesn't like it, but ever since he's proven to be nothing more than an omega, he has known.

Sam sits a little to his right, only one chair down from Castiel's cousin, next to the female alpha called Meg. Castiel is tired, but tries to keep appearing dignified while the suitors talk to his uncle and cousin, hoping to impress the ones offering Castiel up. He's not sure he still has an appetite.

Date: 2014-07-22 08:16 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([thinking] shock)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
For a moment, it's silent in the room, and Castiel doesn't understand why. Then he looks up from his food, and realizes that he's being talked to.

That... is new, honestly. Color rises to his cheeks, and he straightens up now that everyone stares at either Sam - who broke protocol so severely - and Castiel, who needs a moment to gather his wits after letting his mind wander far away.

"I... no, Sam. I'm an omega."

As if that's all the explanation one would need for why he doesn't study anything.

And in Zachariah's world, it is. Some of the suitors chuckle, finding Sam's question laughable. Zachariah feigns a polite smile, when really it's just condescending.

"Castiel knows what's proper. He will tend the house and rear the children."

Date: 2014-07-22 08:37 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] dream?)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
Castiel looks almost crestfallen, but doesn't dare say a word as Zachariah barks a laugh.

"And right there we have one of the reason this nation of ours is in decline. How can you breed your omega properly if you send them off to school or worse, work."

And Castiel thinks, he likes literature, he likes business, he likes to use his head. Shame that all anyone here is interested in is his body, of course. His womb, more precisely.

He wonders if Sam would grow to want that, that. Want to mate Castiel and knot him, get him heavy with child after child.

He doesn't know if he can do that for anyone here at the table, despite his orders from Zachariah. Doesn't know if he'll ever be happy enough with his role that he'll want to limit himself to it.

"Isn't that dangerous for unclaimed omegas?" he asks, because... because it interests him.

Date: 2014-07-23 12:26 am (UTC)
freetobe: ([sad] empty)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
One of the other alphas now turns to Sam, obviously perplexed. His name is Inias. He's young, but influential - and too influenced by his hard-lining mother. "Excuse me, but you say... if they end up pregnant, as if that's not an inevitable and desirable state."

Castiel looks from Inias to Sam. He can't pretend that he's not interested in this, that he's not hanging on Sam's every word.

A university where omegas are accepted, desired, protected... it sounds mad, to him.

It sounds... too good to be true.

Another alpha suitor, an older man named Crowley, snorts. "Nonsense. Alphas lead. Betas work. Omegas are bred. That's the way of it, boy." He's had three omegas, Castiel knows this. Childless unions. The first had an accident. The other two turned out to have... illnesses.

Zachariah likes him - his money, his influence. Castiel knows that union would mean certain death if he can't produce children for the man - the creature.

Date: 2014-07-23 08:02 pm (UTC)
freetobe: ([calm] serene)
From: [personal profile] freetobe
"It's ridiculous," another Alpha pipes up, while Crowley ponders his scotch and Inias looks like Sam has actually given him food for thought. "They go into heat. If they prance around in public like that, they're basically just asking to be claimed. Sluts, all of them, if you ask me. An omegas place is at home with the kids. I work in the office all day, I expect my omega to be there with dinner, heavy with child, when I get home."

Zachariah nods in approval.

Castiel, meanwhile, looks at Sam in contemplation. As if he doesn't quite know what to make of all this. But there's a spark in his eyes, a certain interest. He still sits stiffly and eats little - but he does speak up again. "You wouldn't want that, Sam? To come home to warm dinner and a pregnant omega mate - you'd accept a childless omega bent over books?"

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Sam Winchester

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