Chapter 12: Suppressants

Suppressants.

“Suppressants?

You’re in heat?

Why didn’t you tell President Mu?

Have you two marked each other?”

Aunt Chen fired off questions anxiously.

Ning Jiu gripped her sleeve tightly, biting his lower lip without speaking for a long time.

He did not know whether he should tell Sir.

Nor did he know in what capacity he could ask.

Was marking something that should happen between them.

They were not lovers.

“I can’t tell Sir…”

The cat’s ears and tail drooped in frustration.

His cheeks were flushed from heat, tears shimmering in his eyes.

“Did you quarrel?

You young people, honestly.

What can’t be said face to face?”

Aunt Chen patted his head comfortingly.

“I’ll go buy it right away.”

When she returned with the suppressants, she placed them in his hands and said earnestly,

“Try talking to him.

He… he’s very reasonable.”

At least at home.

Especially with the cat.

Ning Jiu did not think further.

He tipped back his head and drank the colorless suppressant in one go.

Then he lay curled on the sofa, waiting for it to take effect.

Gradually, the suppressant flattened the rising heat inside him.

Desire was forced down.

Sharp pain spread beneath his skin, dragging him back from the edge.

He clutched his tail between his legs and bit down on its fluffy tip.

Soft fur covered his face as he rubbed against it, trying to ease the pain.

“Mm… it hurts…”

He swallowed his cries, keeping his voice low.

The quiet whimpering turned into trembling sobs.

Just like countless times before.

Abruptly cutting off heat was painful.

Each time, it grew worse.

One day, suppressants might not be enough.

He released his tail and wiped away tears with its curved end.

Completely drained, he lay limp on the beanbag chair, staring blankly ahead.

He was used to suppressants.

Even as his altered body grew less able to endure repression.

Even as pheromones threatened to erupt.

He handled it quietly.

Without complaint.

Without asking for comfort.

Obedient beyond reason.

Turning his head, he gave Aunt Chen a weak smile.

“Thank you… I’ll help with chores later…”

“There’s nothing to thank me for.

Rest.”

She handed him warm water and draped a blanket over him.

He repeated “thank you” again and again, unsure how else to repay kindness.

Aunt Chen unpacked the medicine bag.

“There’s an injection too.

If it gets worse, you can use this.

And supplements.

Suppressants harm the body, so take these on time.”

Ning Jiu carefully examined the unfamiliar bottles and tried to put them back.

“They’re for you.

Don’t skimp.”

She insisted until he swallowed them.

She felt heartache watching him.

Her own omega child had never suffered like this.

It must be that damned factory.

“Kitty, why can’t you tell President Mu?

Heat is serious.

You’re the omega he brought home.”

Ning Jiu shook his head hard, ears trembling.

From childhood, the factory had trained him.

After differentiation, the conditioning only deepened.

Omegas like him were commodities.

Tools to provide pheromones.

Marked only if needed.

Not loved.

Marking belonged between lovers.

His nose stung.

His chest felt squeezed tight.

He remembered Sir’s words.

“You’re just a kitty.

Be a happy kitty and you won’t be abandoned.”

…He could only be a happy kitty.

But he did not feel happy.

He had once only wanted shelter.

Food.

Clothes.

Safety.

He had all of that now.

Yet he wanted more.

Closeness.

Just a little more closeness.

When Mu Jingyi returned that evening, only slightly later than dinner time, Ning Jiu stood by the door as usual.

Smiling brightly.

This time, he opened his arms.

“Sir, welcome home.”

Mu Jingyi embraced him, resting his chin atop his head.

His suit was cold from the wind.

Ning Jiu shivered and burrowed closer.

“Sir, kitty’s tail can keep you warm.”

He caught those cold hands and tucked them into his fluffy tail.

Warm.

Soft.

Mu Jingyi drew energy from the embrace as if recharging.

But as Ning Jiu leaned closer to inhale the familiar catnip scent, he froze.

His tail halted mid-sway.

Within the faint catnip fragrance, he detected something else.

Another feline scent.

Cats never misjudge scent.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing.

I’m hungry.”

He slipped away to the dining table.

Leaving Mu Jingyi feeling oddly hollow.

During dinner, Ning Jiu buried his head in his bowl, refusing to respond.

“Kitty, what happened?

Tell me.”

Mu Jingyi softened his tone and touched his arm.

Ning Jiu pulled away.

His thoughts were tangled.

There was another cat.

He knew Sir’s catnip-like pheromones would attract others.

Any cat would come.

Not just him.

No.

There couldn’t be another cat.

Pets were replaceable.

Lovers were not.

He stared at his rice gloomily.

He did not want to be sent back.

He wanted this place to be his territory too.

“Kitty, is it my fault?”

“Sir…”

Mu Jingyi set down his chopsticks and knelt beside him.

Tall and steady as always, yet now lowering himself so Ning Jiu looked down at him.

The gesture dissolved any sense of pressure.

Leaving only gentleness.

“Kitty wouldn’t be upset for no reason.

If I did something wrong, tell me, alright?”