ABO Desire - Shen Wenlang/Gao Tu alternate ending

This alternate ending for Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu’s story starts in the middle of the Desire chapter Extra: The Liar/Fraudster 10, after Ma Heng takes Gao Tu to the hospital and he is transferred to the regional hospital.

The doctor tells Ma Heng that Gao Tu needs pheromones from an Alpha. Ma Heng gets tested and is somewhat compatible, so the doctor suggests that he try giving Gao Tu his soothing pheromones. He starts to do so and Gao (while unconscious) resists the strange pheromones, as described in “The Liar/Fraudster 10.” But rather than tell him to keep going, in this alternate version the doctor tells Ma Heng to stop, because it isn’t working and is causing too much strain for Gao Tu and the baby, putting them in even more danger.

The doctor then tells Ma Heng and Gao Qing that given Gao Tu’s grave condition, he needs pheromones from the baby’s father - otherwise he and the baby may not make it.

Meanwhile, Shen Wenlang had gotten Gao Qing’s phone number from Gao Ming and has been blasting her with tons of calls and text messages, begging her to let him see Gao Tu. Gao Qing had been completely ignoring his messages, but after hearing what the doctor said, she starts to reconsider.

*******

Gao Qing looked at the ridiculous number of messages from Shen Wenlang, each one more pleading and pathetic than the last. She knew that Gao Tu had been trying hard to avoid him, but after hearing what the doctor had said about needing the right Alpha’s pheromones, she felt so confused. Questions flooded her mind…

He wouldn’t really go to this length to try to see Gege* if he was just a scumbag who wanted to reject Gege and the baby, right? And all those public messages he put out too? Maybe there was some misunderstanding between them? What would be the harm in listening to what he has to say?

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the call button on Shen Wenlang’s contact in her phone.

Gege, forgive me… I can’t let you die…

She pressed call, and was surprised when Shen Wenlang picked up after the first ring. He fired a string of questions at her, one after the other, in an agitated voice:

“Gao Qing? Is that you? Where is Gao Tu? Is he okay? What about the baby?”

Gao Qing was stunned into silence and lost her words. After a second, Shen Wenlang continued.

“Can I see him? I’m so worried about him. I read that a pregnant Omega needs pheromones from their Alpha. Gao Qing, please, I’m begging you...”

After hearing this, Gao Qing sighed. She made a decision and finally spoke.

“Shen Wenlang - Gao Tu is in the hospital. He and the baby need you…”

……..

Shen Wenlang rushed to the hospital the moment Gao Qing gave him the address, and every minute of the journey there felt like an hour. Not only was he incredibly anxious to see Gao Tu, but after hearing from Gao Qing, now he was also very worried. Will I make it in time? Gao Tu, please hold on… I’ll be there soon.

After he arrived, he scared a poor nurse half to death by demanding to know where he could find Gao Tu, his pheromones barely controlled. He ran to the room and pulled open the door. When he first caught sight of Gao Tu lying there unconscious, he was flooded with conflicting emotions.

One part of him felt relieved to finally be near the person that had occupied his thoughts so much in the last few months. But Gao Tu looked absolutely terrible, and seeing him in that state tore Shen Wenlang’s heart in two. He walked past Gao Qing and went straight to Gao Tu’s side, gently touching his cheek and taking hold of his hand. He felt a deep, powerful instinct to protect this Omega, so strong it overwhelmed him. In that moment, Shen Wenlang knew with every fiber of his being what he had long suspected: he was completely, irrevocably in love with Gao Tu.

Shen Wenlang began giving his soothing pheromones to Gao Tu right away, and the effect was almost instantaneous. Within a few minutes Gao’s uneven breathing eased, the color started returning to his face, and his blood pressure normalized. The doctor was thrilled with the results and encouraged Shen Wenlang to stay and continue the treatment. He didn’t realize that his words were completely unnecessary - at this point it would have taken a full squad of top tier Alphas to tear Shen Wenlang away from Gao Tu. Shen stayed by Gao’s side for the next three days, only leaving to visit the bathroom, and only eating when Gao Qing forced him to.

As he watched attentively over Gao Tu, he had nothing to occupy him but his own thoughts, which were tumultuous at best. Now he finally knew for sure how he felt, but how did Gao Tu feel about him? Will he accept me? Shen Wenlang tried to comfort himself by reminding himself of Gao’s constant, loyal, caring presence in his life over the last ten years - that had to mean something, right? And would he risk his own life to protect the child growing inside him if the baby’s father meant nothing to him?

But Gao Tu’s recent disappearance had shaken Shen Wenlang. Gao had gone to such lengths to cut Shen out of his life completely. How did he feel about that night they had shared in the lounge at Royal Tian Di Hui? Maybe Gao Tu actually hated him…

Finally, in a fit of anxiety, he couldn’t help but slip out of the room for a quick call to Hua Yong, who had served as his unwitting love coach, and who seemed to know everything about Gao Tu. Hua Yong managed to reassure Shen Wenlang while also brutally insulting him. After listening to him rant for 5 minutes about all his insecurities surrounding Gao Tu, Hua Yong had snapped: “Shen Wenlang, are you an idiot? Even someone as clueless as you should have realized by now that Gao Tu never would have put up with your bad personality for so long if he didn’t have strong feelings for you.”

Shen Wenlang: …

Even as he started to feel more confident about Gao Tu returning his feelings, one concern still gnawed at him: the baby. Shen Wenlang had never liked children, and felt completely awkward in their presence. He was an only child, and hadn’t spent any time around young children. He had never even imagined himself as someone’s partner before, much less as a father. What if I feel nothing for this child? What if I resent it? Gao Tu had given up so much and endangered his own health to protect this baby - it was clear he wanted the child.

These worries continued to plague Shen Wenlang, until one of the nurses who cared for Gao Tu wheeled a machine into the room. She explained that she was going to perform an ultrasound to check on the baby. “Gao Tu is a high risk patient, and ultrasounds are particularly important for pregnancies in male Omegas, because the position of the reproductive cavity makes it more difficult to assess the baby’s health through external examinations.”

“I see,” said Shen Wenlang. “Of course.” He moved aside so that the nurse could set up the machine, and sat down across the room. After the nurse finished preparing for the procedure, she looked over at Shen. “You’re the baby’s father, right? Don’t you want to see your child?” She motioned for him to come closer so that he could see the screen more clearly.

Shen Wenlang hesitated for a moment, but then moved over to Gao Tu’s other side, across from the ultrasound screen. He watched attentively as the nurse put the wand in place and pressed gently on Gao Tu’s belly. And then… there was the child. My child. The baby was small, but had grown enough that some features were now recognizable. The head, the arms, the tiny feet. The baby was fairly still as the exam started, so the nurse suggested that Shen Wenlang give Gao Tu some of his pheromones. As soon as he did so, the baby began to move - a lazy little dance that mesmerized Shen Wenlang. His chest tightened, and he felt a surge of powerful emotions - that same instinct to protect that he already felt with Gao Tu. My child. Our child.

………

In his hospital bed, Gao Tu was still dreaming, but his dream had started to change. He still saw Shen Wenlang’s face and heard his voice, but in this new, sweeter dream, Shen Wenlang was actually nice to him! He said kind words instead of harsh ones, and promised to protect Gao and the baby. Gao Tu wanted to stay in this dream forever…

Gao Tu slowly started to regain consciousness. The first thing he noticed was that he felt remarkably better. Not only was the pain almost gone, but he actually felt… calm and peaceful. Then he noticed the strong pheromone smell in the room… the unmistakable scent of Iris that he knew so well.

Iris?!?!? Gao Tu’s eyes flew open. He looked around and saw that Shen Wenlang was actually sitting right next to him, holding his hand, Shen’s head resting on Gao’s legs as he slept.

What is he doing here??? And why is he holding my hand?

In a panic, Gao Tu tried to pull his hand out of Shen Wenlang’s, but even in sleep, Shen refused to let go. The motion stirred Shen Wenlang - he opened his eyes and blinked sleepily, then he smiled.

“Gao Tu, you’re awake!”

“President Shen, why are you here?”

“What do you mean? I’m here for you and the baby, of course.”

Gao Tu looked at him anxiously. Here for what exactly?? To get rid of the baby?

“How did you find me?”

“Gao Qing told me… but don’t be upset with her. The doctor said that you and the baby wouldn’t survive without my pheromones, so she had no choice.”

Gao Tu tried to process what he had just heard. Shen Wenlang came here to… save me and the baby? Why would he do that?

“But… but… you hate Omegas… and children. Didn’t you want to abort the baby?”

Shen Wenlang sighed deeply. “Your father was the one who said that. I admit I was shocked when I first found out, and this is complicated for me. But Gao Tu, you’re not just any Omega. How could I abort the child I created with the person I love?”

Gao Tu froze. He felt like time had stopped. Shen Wenlang’s final words repeated over and over again in his mind. The person I love… the person I love… He couldn’t possibly mean me, could he?

Finally he sputtered out a few words. “President Shen, what did you just say?”

Shen Wenlang smiled. “You heard me right. I love you, Gao Tu. Actually I’ve loved you for a very long time. I’m sorry it took you leaving for me to finally figure it out.”

Gao Tu was stunned. He blinked once, twice, a third time. Am I still dreaming? Is Shen Wenlang really saying these words… to me? He pinched himself to test his theory.

Shen Wenlang chuckled. “No, you’re not dreaming. But I don’t blame you for doubting me. I know I behaved horribly toward you. Those cruel things I said… I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was jealous. I thought you had an Omega partner that you loved instead of me.”

Gao Tu frowned. That’s why he was so upset?? “I just said that as an excuse because I needed to take leave during my own heat…”

“So you could go through it alone? How could you be so reckless? And that’s another thing, Gao Tu. Why did you lie about being a Beta for so long? Why take all those pheromone suppressors? The doctor said you almost killed yourself that way.”

Gao Tu looked at Shen Wenlang sheepishly. He wasn’t sure how much to share. He hesitated, and finally spoke in a quiet voice.

“At first it was because of my mother… my father used her to get money for gambling, so before she died she made me promise to hide my Omega identity. And then I met you… you hated Omegas so much, and all I wanted was to stay by your side…”

Shen Wenlang felt like his insides were being ripped apart. Gao Tu has suffered terribly, and I was the cause of so much of that suffering. How can I ever make it up to him? Before he even realized it, tears started to slip from the corners of his eyes.

Gao Tu stared at him with wide eyes. “President Shen… are you crying?”

Shen Wenlang broke down. The tears started to flow even faster. He held Gao Tu’s hand in both of his. “Gao Tu, I’m so, so sorry. I’ve been so stupid. I have my own reasons for disliking Omegas, but I never imagined that my careless words would hurt you this much. Can you ever forgive me?” He looked at Gao Tu anxiously.

Gao Tu stayed still for a long time. Finally his lips broke into a small smile. “The mighty President Shen… wants my forgiveness?”

Shen Wenlang exhaled in relief. He didn’t even know he’d been holding his breath. You can even tease me in this situation? Gao Tu, I’ve underestimated you!

“If you forgive me, I promise I’ll never hurt you like that again. Please give me the chance to show you that I can be the Alpha you and this baby deserve.”

Gao Tu felt like pinching himself again. But instead, he simply nodded.

……….

Later, the doctor came to check on Gao Tu and give an update on his latest test results.

“With the influence of the father’s pheromones, your condition has improved significantly. You and the baby are both stable for now, but not completely out of danger yet.”

Shen Wenlang spoke up immediately. “Not out of danger? What does that mean? Will he continue to improve if I keep giving him my pheromones?”

The doctor hesitated. “Yes, I do think that will help. But not as much as…” he trailed off and looked awkwardly between Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu, as if unsure whether to continue.

Shen Wenlang jumped in again. “What is it? Is there something else we can do? Doctor, please tell us.”

The doctor looked reluctant, but finally he addressed Shen Wenlang. “What would help the most is if you marked him.”

Gao Tu spit out the water he had been drinking, and started coughing. Shen Wenlang looked at him with concern and patted his back, but seemed completely unfazed by what the doctor had said.

Shen Wenlang asked: “Which kind of mark? Temporary or permanent?” This sent Gao Tu into another round of coughing.

The doctor answered: “Well, even a temporary mark would create a bond that would help to resolve his pheromone disorder and further stabilize him and the baby. But certainly a permanent mark would be better…”

Shen Wenlang smiled. I’ll have to remember to give this doctor a big tip when Gao Tu is discharged.

……….

1 week later…

A few days ago, Gao Tu had finally improved enough to be discharged from the hospital. Shen Wenlang insisted on taking him directly to his own home in Jiang Hu. Gao Tu tried to resist at first, but he quickly realized that Shen Wenlang wouldn’t take no for an answer. Shen had already secured a private doctor that would stay at his home and provide around the clock care when needed. He also arranged for Gao Qing to be enrolled at one of the best schools in Jiang Hu.

Although he knew it was likely futile, Gao Tu felt compelled to raise the issue of money with Shen Wenlang. “President Shen… This school is very expensive. Not to mention the hospital bills, the private doctor, and everything else. How will I ever repay you?”

Shen Wenlang scoffed. “Why are you even bringing this up? You are my partner, and you’re carrying our child. There are no debts between us anymore.”

All of a sudden Gao Tu felt like pinching himself again. He stayed quiet, so Shen Wenlang continued. “Also, I wish you’d stop calling me President Shen. Our relationship isn’t one of boss and employee anymore, and it feels strange hearing that in my own home.”

Gao Tu frowned, and thought for a moment. “Then… what should I call you?”

“Hmmm…. Maybe just Wenlang? After all, we are the same age.”

Gao Tu bristled. “I’m not sure if I can do that.”

In response, Shen Wenlang smirked and said “Then why don’t you try calling me Laogong* instead?”

Gao Tu blushed a deep shade of red. “Let’s… talk about this later.”

********

That night, the two lay side by side in bed, a little awkwardness between them. Shen Wenlang turned to Gao Tu. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t feel ready.”

Gao Tu smiled at him. “I’m okay. The doctor said that this is what will help me and the baby the most, right?” Then he added quietly: “Besides… I want this. I want you.”

Shen Wenlang felt his desire swell. The scent of Iris bloomed in the air. Never before in his life had he wanted to possess someone so much. But he was determined to keep himself under control. He wouldn’t hurt Gao Tu like the last time. He had even done some research online and (he was ashamed to admit) asked Hua Yong for advice about what he could do to make the experience better for Gao Tu.

“I know our first time together wasn’t… ideal. I don’t remember everything, but I know I was too rough with you. I promise this time I’ll be gentle. Please tell me if there’s anything you don’t like.”

Gao Tu simply replied “I trust you,” making Shen Wenlang’s heart clench. He kissed Gao Tu, slowly at first, then with more urgency, their lips pressing together and tongues mingling. Gao Tu let out a soft moan, making Shen impatient with desire. He buried his nose in Gao’s neck and inhaled deeply, the smell of Sage filling his nostrils. How long he had waited for this… his need was overwhelming.

He kissed Gao Tu’s jawline, then his neck, then his collarbone, trailing a path of kisses down his body, stopping to savor his nipples. The sweet noises Gao Tu made were like music to his ears, helping to boost his confidence. He kept himself propped up, making sure not to put any pressure on Gao’s stomach.

After some careful preparations with his fingers and a generous amount of lube, Shen Wenlang slowly entered Gao Tu’s tight passage. When he saw Gao wince, he froze, meeting his eyes, but Gao Tu reached up to cup his cheek and nodded reassuringly. They stayed like that, eyes locked, as Shen Wenlang began to move inside him.

Shen’s breath hitched, becoming ragged. It felt so good, he thought he would explode. He started moving a little faster, adjusting the angle until Gao Tu gasped with pleasure, his cries growing louder with each thrust. Emboldened, Shen Wenlang quickened the pace, losing himself in the sensations.

When the time seemed right, he held Gao Tu’s body and swiftly lifted him while turning, so that Gao was now sitting on his lap. Gao Tu began to move on top of him, and just the sight of him like that practically drove Shen Wenlang wild. He could feel the animal inside him, hungering to claim his one and only mate. He pulled Gao Tu’s chest close to his, kissing his shoulder, the tip of his tongue tracing a line toward that sensitive spot on the back of Gao’s neck.

“Are you sure?,” he whispered into his beloved’s ear. The response came at once: “I’m sure.” He bit down on Gao Tu’s gland, gently at first, then deepening the bite, his pheromones surging out, marking Gao Tu as his own - now and forever. The scents of Iris and Sage mixed in the air, filling the room with a thick fragrance that was both sweet and savory.

They moved together in a perfect rhythm, their senses heightened, their bodies ablaze. As they both reached the peak of their pleasure, Gao Tu softly called out “Laogong.”

………..

Epilogue: Four Years Later

Sunlight sparkled on dewy grass in the large lawn behind Hua Yong and Sheng Shaoyou’s home.

Hua Sheng (who everyone called Peanut) and Shen Lele played together, chasing each other across the yard. Nearby on the terrace, their parents were still eating lunch and chatting, occasionally looking over at the boys to make sure they were playing nicely and not straying too far away.

It had taken a long time for Sheng Shaoyou and Shen Wenlang to reach an accord. It was especially hard for Sheng Shaoyou - despite Hua Yong assuring him many times that nothing improper had ever happened between himself and Shen Wenlang, it took over a year before Sheng Shaoyou could be in the same room as him without scowling. But seeing Shen Wenlang’s devotion to Gao Tu had helped, and watching their children become like cousins had further eased any tension. If not exactly close, they were cordial now, even coming to consider each other as friends.

Shen Wenlang’s mind began to wander. As he looked at the people around him, especially his loving partner and his beautiful son, he felt a sense of wonder. If someone had described this scene to me ten years ago, I would have called them delusional. He never could have imagined this life that he treasured so much. He felt so grateful that his stubborn foolishness hadn’t kept him from it. He gazed warmly at Gao Tu, who smiled at him in return. Thank you, Gao Tu. Thank you for not giving up on me. I’ll do everything I can to prove to you that you made the right choice.

The end.

******

*Gege = older brother, Laogong = husband