Scott had been to dozens of balls over the span of his lifetime.

He remembered when he was young, and too tiny to be allowed at such functions, sneaking into the ballrooms just so that he could watch, mesmerized by the swishing skirts and interesting smells until ultimately one of his nannies caught him. The glittering chandeliers seemed so much brighter when there were people twirling beneath them, the din of hundreds of voices speaking seemed almost magical. Scott kind of wished he could go back to that time when the prospect of a party was exciting rather than just another headache.

Still, the night seemed to pass quickly. Princess Emeline stuck to his side like glue, but the champagne slid down his throat easily, enough so that he didn’t feel quite so nauseous being in her presence.

“Princess,” He began once the song had ended, leading her away from the dance floor before she could talk him into another dance, “You’re making me out to be a bad host. I really must check on my other guests.”

“You’ve become so uptight, Your Majesty,” Again, there was that anger, concealed by a thin layer of playfulness that had Scott’s stomach curling uncomfortably, “I remember you being much less concerned about such trivialities just a few short years ago.”

“Perhaps you’ll understand once you become queen then.” He suggested with a bow, “If I don’t see you again before the night is over, then I’ll see you at breakfast. I do hope that you enjoy the rest of the party, ma’am.” Then he beelined away, trying not to make it too obvious that he couldn’t wait to get away from her.

He made his rounds, greeting the nobility of the area, and though it was boring, it was definitely a welcome change to the overbearing presence of Emeline. He also grabbed another glass of champagne, though he should probably cut himself off after that glass. He could hold his alcohol well enough, but his thoughts had gotten a little fuzzy in the past hour.

He danced with one of the Beta Suitors that he wasn’t particularly attracted too, but it was during the middle of the dance that Scott saw something strange.

Scott wasn’t stupid, he had noticed that Allen and Robbie had been joined at the hip as the weeks had progressed. Robbie was cute, in that sort of innocent way that Alphas seemed to like, so he wasn’t all too surprised that Allen had interest in the Omega, but it wasn’t exactly appropriate. Especially when Robbie seemed to be leaning against him as they made their exit, but really, Scott couldn’t tell much as he twirled across the dance floor.

“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to cut this dance short. I’m afraid I have some unexpected business,” He bowed quickly, “My deepest apologies.”

Scott left the Beta who was stuttering over their words in bewilderment, but he didn’t pay her any mind as he made his way towards the doors. It didn’t take him long to catch up with them, they were only at the foot of the main staircase. Allen seemed to be trying to pick Robbie up, though the Omega was giggling and squirming away, saying something about “being ticklish.”

Robbie noticed him approaching first, brightening considerably. “King Scott!” He called; voice slurred. He stumbled over, and Scott grabbed him by the arm so he didn’t topple over, “Please tell Allen to stop being such a meanie.”

“A meanie?” He mused, wrapping an arm around Robbie’s waist to keep him from potentially running off. He was clearly drunk, if the dark flush on his cheeks and shameless manners were anything to go by. Still, he wasn’t sure what was going on, but playing along seemed like a good idea, “Why do you say that?”

“I’m trying to get him back to his room, he’s definitely not fit to be out in public, Your Majesty,” Allen explained, and Scott definitely caught the way his eyes lingered on where he was touching the other Omega.

“I’m fiiiine. I’m not even sleepy,” He whined, but Scott ignored him.

“You were planning on taking him back to his room? By yourself?”

“Well, yes?” Allen responded.

“An Alpha, alone with a clearly inebriated Omega? I don’t think so,” He scoffed, and shook his head, “What were you going to do, just drop him off with his maids?”

“Sent my smaids home,” Robbie huffed, “They looked sleepy.”

“I see.” Scott pursed his lips, “I’ll escort Ms. Quarrels to his room. You may return to the ball, Mr. Perez.”

Scott moved to begin the process of coaxing a reluctant Robbie up the stairs, but Allen stepped in front of him. The Alpha didn’t look happy, and the sharp, bitter smell of mint burned Scott’s nose. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

Robbie whimpered, looking between the two of them warily, “No arguing. ‘S not nice.” He mumbled.

“We’ll just take you together, darling.” Scott ran his hand against Robbie’s waist up and down in a soothing manner, shooting Allen a quick glare, “Would you like to walk? Or Mr. Perez can carry you.”

The Omega seemed to mull over his options carefully, eyeing Allen with a hint of skepticism. “Wanna be carried.” He finally said after a moment, looking more and more sleepy by the moment.

Allen scooped him up without a word, and they began their ascent up the stairs. Scott did not miss the way that Robbie comfortably wrapped his arms around Allen’s neck, the familiar way he nuzzled his nose into the Alpha’s temple. They made it to his room without any issues, and Robbie seemed to be getting sleepier by the second, eyelids drooping.

It was only when Allen set him down outside of his room that came problems. He was clearly displeased, leaning against him with a whine. “You’re not going to carry me to my nest?”

“No, I’m not,” He said, voice low, looking a little uncomfortable.

“Come on, darling. I’ll help you out of your dress, hm?” Scott suggested, and Robbie allowed himself to be pulled into his room, but with a pout that he couldn’t help but find endearing. Robbie’s room hadn’t been modified at all really, despite the encouragement for the Suitors to request any changes so that they could be more comfortable during their stay. The only personable part of the room seemed to be his nest, which held carefully arranged stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets. It was neatly organized; Robbie was clearly one of those Omega’s who was very particular about his nest.

“You know, it’s not very becoming for an Omega to get drunk during a ball.” He chided softly, though there was no actual anger in his voice. Scott was curious more than anything really. “It’s not safe, either. Not everyone respects courting Omegas.” Especially considering that Scott was also an Omega, but he decided not to mention that.

“I’m sorry.” Robbie mumbled, though he was still on the verge of sleep. He turned so that Scott could undo the clasps of his gown, shivering when Scott brushed his fingers across his bare neck. “Can we talk about it tomorrow? Maybe when I’m not so drunk, and nauseous.”

“I suppose we can. I have a lot of questions for you.” Scott made quick work of his dress and the corset as well, and he only got a glimpse of his soft, milky skin before Robbie made him turn around so he could put his pajamas on himself.

“I have a question for you too, you know.” Robbie said once he was dressed, and Scott turned around. He looked adorable, hair fluffy and drowning in a large t-shirt, apparently deciding to forego pants for the night. His eyes were fiery with determination as he moved to lean against him, a seemingly ever-present pout on his lips.

“Yes?” He prompts, hands sliding up under his shirt to hold him. Robbie flushes deeper, shivering under his touch, but doesn’t protest.

“How come you haven’t kissed me yet?” He asked, pointedly looking away so that he didn’t have to meet his gaze.

Scott studied him for a moment, “Do you want me to kiss you, little Omega?”

“Yes,” Robbie breathed, pretty eyes flitting up to look at him.

“Alcohol makes you brave, hm?” He chuckled, leaning forward to place a chaste kiss on his nose, “I’ll kiss you tomorrow, if you still want me too. It’s time for you to go to bed though.”

He doesn’t put up a fight this time, getting into his nest without complaint. Scott is careful not to touch anything as he leans over and plants a kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight, Robbie.”

“King Scott?” He asks, looking small curled up in his nest, stuffed bear snuggled to his chest, “Can I have something of yours? For my nest.”

Scott resists the urge to coo and just climb into his nest with him, Robbie really was such a sweet Omega. He didn’t really have anything with him, besides a handkerchief, but that’d have to do for now. “Tonight, I’ll sleep in a sweater and give it tomorrow. Does that sound okay?” He pulled the piece of fabric out of his suit jacket and offered it to the other Omega.

“Okay,” He hummed, eyes fluttering shut as he took it, and brought his up to his nose without any reservations, “Just don’t forget. Goodnight, Your Majesty.”

He moved to pour Robbie a glass of water from the pitcher on his bedside table and getting some pills from his medicine cabinet for the headache he’ll no doubt have in the morning. He also scribbled a quick note for Robbie’s maids, encouraging them to let the Omega sleep in. By the time he flicked the lights off, Robbie was sound asleep.