his favorite

Meris had been shocked when she found the little chat room online, where she found Henry. They had met on a little subsection of the chat room for dominant and submissive people to find each other. She had caught his attention in the general chat room complaining about how her father wouldn't let her nest and he had sent her a private message. They had talked all night about how mean her dad could be, but she didn't give him many details. But it surprised her to find an alpha who outwardly would encourage his omega to nest.

Fast forward a couple of weeks, they spoke every day. Sometimes even on the phone. Meris loved their little phone calls because it was the one time in the day she could really feel like herself, snuggled up in her bed, pretending to nest while he'd read her a story. Always calling her his little princess. But she thought she was talking to a 22 year old college alpha, not a 32 year old miner.

Today was a little different. Meris was very upset, after her father told her she wasn't allowed to have a sweet sixteen birthday party. She had never even had the princess birthday of her dreams, and all she had asked for was for her mom to make her favorite cake and let her have some friends over for the night. They were going to watch movies and stay up late, that was all. She hadn't even asked for any presents. She had tried to make sure she wasn't asking for much, knowing how her dad could be. But he still refused to entertain any of her ideas.

Sinking down into her bed, Meris fluffed the pillows around before pulling out her phone. 'I know you're probably working... If you're not, could you call me? Or whenever you can? :'(' Henry was always the first person she'd message when she was upset.

Henry's shoulders sagged as he moved into the elevator that took him back up to surface level for his lunch break. He dragged his hands down his face, his body already aching as he padded into the lunch room. He was already tired and wanting to return home to rest but that wasn't something he could even entertain for another seven hours. Dropping down at the table, Henry pulled his lunch container from his bag and opened it before he looked at his phone.

When. he saw Meris' text, Henry's brows pulled together as he set his sandwich right back down. Henry pressed the 'call' button, before moving taking a bite of his sandwich. "Hey, princess. What's goin' on?" Henry's voice greeted Meris the moment that she answered the phone. The little frowny face in her message had him far more concerned that it normally would, a frown of his own settling on his face.

"I'm just on my lunch break right now but I figured I'd give ya a call," Henry murmured, holding his phone to his ear with his shoulder. "Have a rough homework problem?" Henry teased, trying to lighten the mood because he wasn't sure what was going on with Meris quite yet. Setting his sandwich down, Henry took a sip of his drink before letting out a tired sounding sigh. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, listening to her tell her story.

"What's the problem with a party? It's not like you were having some rager..." Henry trailed off, rolling his eyes as he shook his head. "I swear your dad sounds like he's crazy."

Meris didn't expect an immediate text back, knowing that if he was working that could be awhile, but she was certain the moment he could, he'd call. And luckily, that wasn't very long. "Hi, daddy," she whimpered. Just hearing his voice was enough to calm her down, but eventually talking about the issue had tears in her eyes. It made her feel guilty, putting her emotions on him during his only break. She should've waited. Her scent turned sour, causing her nose to wrinkle up as tears slid down her face. Not even his little joke could make her crack a smile.

"I-I don't know, but he's being really mean.. I don't even ask to have friends over ever...but it's for my birthday." Meris pulled the one blanket on her bed up to her chin. It was small and thin, definitely wouldn't be good for nesting, but it was the only one she was allowed to have. "Instead, he's taking mommy out to some retreat for the weekend." So they wouldn't even be around to celebrate it. Sometimes she thought it was all some punishment for being an omega. Her mother wasn't even omega, she was a beta. So it didn't really matter to her that her father treated Meris this way. It always seemed like he'd wanted an alpha.

"I'm sorry if I'm ruining your lunch, daddy..." Meris frowned, sniffling as she felt a tear run down her chin. "just wanted you to make me feel better," she whined, her voice low, not wanting to upset him. Meris had been afraid to tell him about her birthday, not wanting him to feel bad that he couldn't see her.

@ castle.

Henry had to fight back the growl that threatened to spill out as he listened to Meris' explanation. Her father was taking her mother out for the weekend and leaving his pup to fend for herself, on her birthday weekend? Henry ran his hand down his face, gritting his teeth as he shook his head. "Princess, I'm so sorry," he spoke, his voice gentle despite grinding his teeth together. Henry set his sandwich back down, trying to remind himself he was at work. There was nothing that he could do right at this moment except to try and cheer Meris up.

"When are they leaving? I'll have some flowers delivered. Maybe a stuffed teddy, too," Henry suggested after a moment. He hoped the suggestion would ease her worries. While he had never met her in person before, Henry could still pick up on the sadness in her voice and it was breaking his heart. It made him feel powerless not to be able to do anything from here. Henry already cared so much about Meris that all he wanted to do was make sure she was happy and cared for.

"Nono, princess. It's okay. I'm glad that you had me call you. I just wanna make sure you're happy, okay? No matter what's going on, I'm always going to be here for you, okay?" Henry pressed, sitting up a bit straighter in his seat. Clearing his throat after a moment, Henry couldn't help the way his lips twisted into a smile. "Or I could come over, you know? We don't have to do anything, just wanna make sure you're okay and you have a good birthday weekend, you know?"

When it came to Meris' dad, it was obvious she'd told Henry enough to make him not like her dad. But Henry only knew what happened on the surface. She didn't think it was appropriate for someone she didn't really know to have to carry those kind of things around. And while she was sure Henry wouldn't care to, part of her was still a little scared of him. He was an alpha after all and she had heard horror stories, what if he was more similar to her dad than she realized? That, and what if he wasn't really who he said he was?

"I.. I don't know, daddy," she whimpered, not liking the way it felt to tell him no. "Not s'pposed to have anyone over and I don't wanna get in trouble..." That might've just sounded like her play, but it was a real concern. What if her father caught his scent after they returned? She didn't want to think about what kind of punishment that could bring down on her. Meris eventually dragged the conversation along enough that Henry had to go before getting the answer he wanted. All Meris left him with was a very doubtful maybe. "Love ya though, daddy," she bit down on her lip, making him promise they'd talk that night.

---

Her parents left around six that evening and by seven Meris was tired of waiting for Henry to either call her or show up online. Five hours until it was her birthday and the more messages she got from her friends the more upset she became. Pacing around the house, Meris kept eyeing the liquor cabinet in their dining room, the fancy crystal glasses sitting above it on the shelf. If she was going to be alone on her birthday, couldn't she at least enjoy it?

She went back and forth in her head for a few minutes, before deciding to risk it. If she had maybe been talking to Henry, she would've been distracted or he could've reminded her it was a bad idea, but she was alone. And upset. Pouring half a glass of some whisky over ice that smelled strong enough to choke her up, she felt more and more daring.

By the time Henry called her after his shift, she was properly buzzed, her head swimming. Only having finished that half glass, but being as young as she was, it didn't take much at all. "Hi, daddy," she purred, her words lazy.

@ castle.

Henry had just gotten to his apartment and had decided not even to bother showering before he grabbed his phone to call Meris. It was her birthday and he knew that she was all alone. The thought of his omega being completely alone on her birthday when her family had decided to go to a retreat? It was all sorts of messed up to him, he couldn't stomach the idea of her being alone. He had tried to push for Meris to let him come over so that he could keep her company but she had ignored his request the last time that he had brought it up with her.

"Hi, princess," Henry greeted her as he dropped down onto his couch, running his fingers through his hair. He couldn't help but grin at the sound of her voice initially, only for his brows to pull together when he noticed the way her words slurred. Not much at all but it certainly wasn't something that was normal, coming from his omega.

"How's your birthday going?" Henry asked, propping his feet up on the coffee table in front of him. He was quiet for a long moment before he let out a ragged sigh, not wanting to ask what was on the tip of his tongue but he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that there was something wrong with Meris.

"Meris, sweetheart," Henry spoke gently as he sat up, pulling his legs up beneath him. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to push the issue on such an important day to her but it was because he cared. It was okay because of that, right? Henry said a silent prayer as he took a deep breath before speaking, "what have ya been up to?" Henry had his suspicions and Henry wondered if he should ask her directly or he could... use it to his advantage. If she was drinking, and had been for long enough to be slurring her words together, she just might be ready for him to come over and they could finally meet.

"Princess, Daddy wants to make sure you're okay. That you're bein' safe... where are you right now?"

Meris had sank down on the couch, buzzed enough to do the one thing her father always forbid. Tugging the blankets off the L shaped couch, she piled them all together before hoarding the pillows. "It's really boring, that's what," Meris complained, stomping her foot a little and wrinkling her nose as she shifted her nest around. The poor thing didn't even really know how to make one, she was just following her instincts. Whatever seemed comfortable.

The young girl didn't even notice the concern laced in Henry words, how bitter sweetheart fell off his tongue. Crawling into the blankets, she relaxed and looked up at the ceiling. "I'm not doing anything, daddy... Nothin' at all," she sighed, feeling her whole body was swaying from side to side though she laid perfectly still. Her face felt hot and that's all she could focus on, not on Henry prompting her for her address. "I'm fine, I'm at home, pwomise." Her eyes slowly fell shut as Henry kept doting her on and soon, she was telling him exactly where lived. Didn't it sound nice to have her alpha over on her birthday? To meet him for the first time on such a special day?

Henry hung up, promising her he'd be over soon. The longer she waited, the more nervous she became. What if he's not who he said... The doubt was still there, just vaguely. Meris couldn't worry on it, instead getting up to go change into something more comfortable. A onesie designed after her favorite pokemon. Something she was only daring to wear since her father wasn't home. She also stopped to play some music on the radio in the living room. Playing some soft rock, she bumped her hip on the edge of the banister coming back down the stairs. "OooOw," she groaned, her vision a little dizzy as she heard a knock at the door.

Tiptoeing over to the door, she glanced through the peephole not really sure why. She had no idea what Henry looked like anyway, nor could she see very well. Swinging the door open, Meris hid most of her body behind the door, feeling shy now that he was in front of her. Her face was blushing red from the alcohol, and she leaned back and forth on her heels, biting her lip. "Henry?"

@ castle.

"Daddy doesn't think he should believe you, princess," Henry answered when she tried to deny that she wasn't doing anything wrong. His brows knit together, pressing again for her address. There was no way that she wasn't up to no good. With continuing to slur, Henry couldn't help but question what exactly she was up to. It wasn't a matter of if she was up to something but rather, what she was up to at that point and Henry was pretty damn sure he knew the answer.

When Henry finally got Meris' address out of her, he didn't hesitate to promise that he would be there soon before hanging up. Henry rushed to the shower, taking the quickest one of his life before heading out of his apartment. Already halfway to her house, Henry decided to stop at the local Mcdonalds for a chicken nugget meal because there wasn't anything better than chicken nuggets and fries when you had been drinking. Besides it was Meris' birthday.

Henry pulled up to Meris' home, climbing out of his truck before heading up to the door. He hid the bag of food behind his back, knocking on the door before he stepped back. An easy smile settled on his face until Meris appeared. "Hey, pup. I figured I'd bring ya something for your birthday... cover your eyes, hm?" He prompted after he stepped into the house, the door shutting behind him.

"Here!" Henry declared as he held up the bag of food, grinning as he held it out. "Nuggets and fries for my sweet babygirl's birthday!"

Even though she'd been drinking, Meris was still a bit surprised. Henry definitely was not a twenty-two year old college student, but- Before her mind could run away with worry, Henry demanding she close her eyes. He had brought her something? It was that easy to divert her attention. Closing her eyes, she stepped back out of the way so Henry could come in. Only opening them again when he told her it was okay to.

"Daddy!" She gasped, her eyes lighting up as her smile spread across her face. Reaching out for the bag, Meris grabbed it, eager to get her hands on the treat. "Thank you, thank you!" Meris stepped forward, wrapping her arm around Henry's waist as she lost her balance a little and leaned against his chest. "I think you're really the surprise, though," Meris slurred, her face blushing pink as she tried to flirt. Centering herself, Meris grabbed Henry's hand and pulled him into the living room, towards the couch.

Pressing a finger to her lips, Meris shushed him, about to tell him some huge secret. At least, to her it was. "I made a nest, but don't tell on me, okay?" The little omega only dropped her hand from his fingers when she was close enough to the couch to crawl into the nest, careful not to accidentally squash her food. She was so relieved to have someone over and, truthfully, she was ecstatic that it was Henry. Her friends would've been nice, but she was happy she was finally getting to meet him.

@ castle.

A smile broke out on Henry's face when Meris seemed so excited from the meal that he had bought her. It had been such a simple surprise but her excitement made it clear that it had been the right decision to make. "You're welcome, princess," he murmured, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Anything for you on your birthday," he teased, keeping his hand on her lower back to help keep her balanced as he followed her through the living room, to the couch.

Henry couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at her comment, squeezing her side carefully. When he noticed the nest, Henry was quick to move away from it to sit on the arm of the couch. He didn't want to disturb her nest, such a sacred place for an omega. THe comment that she made about it being a secret made Henry's brows raise.

"Why would I keep it a secret?" Henry asked, tilting his head to the side. "Nestin's pretty normal for an omega, sweetheart," he spoke softly, reaching out to run his fingers through her hair. His touch was gentle, not wanting to scare her away when it was their first meeting. "It helps you feel safe and secure and that's all I want for you, ya know."

Meris looked up at Henry, her pale face flushed red as she arched an eyebrow up to the man. "Can't let dad know," she whispered, embarrassed from his reaction. She sunk away into the covers, watching as he lowered himself down on the opposite side of the couch. "Dad says I'm not supposed to nest..." Her brow pulled together, and she dropped her gaze down to her hands. Meris' voice turned bitter every time she mentioned her dad, starting to shake at just the thought. He'd beat her if even saw the remnants of a nest. "He'd get really mad if he knew..."

She leaned forward into his touch when he ran his fingers through her hair. "Yanno...it's not a real nest..." She bit down on her bottom lip, pushing back to make room for him. "Even if it was... I'd let you in..." The alcohol was definitely helping her relax, helping her to be much more inviting to him. It might've been because she was buzzed, but his scent was everywhere... Causing her mouth to water as she reached out for him, making grabby hands towards his shirt. It was nice hearing that he wanted just what was best for her, that he wanted her to feel safe and comfortable.

@ castle.

Henry's brows pulled together as he considered what Meris had just admitted to. Her dad thought nesting was a bad habit? Why? It wasn't as if it caused any problems for an alpha. Especially since nests were usually in private places where the omega was sure not to be bothered unless it was something dire. Henry huffed as he shook his head, turning to face Meris fully, focusing on the way his fingers pulled through her hair. Her second little admission made an idea form in the back of his mind. An awful idea, Henry knew, but he didn't care one bit. There was a needy little omega in front of him, she was all but begging for more from him. Was it really an awful thing to help her have a good birthday?

"Let me in, huh?" Henry murmured as he turned to kneel on the couch, inching toward Meris. "C'mere, sweet girl," he murmured, pulling Meris into his chest. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over her kind delicately before he leaned forward to kiss her. Hesitant, Henry was trying to be gentle, carefully pushing her until she was laying down on the couch, his body hovering above hers.

Meris' felt a little tingle of nervousness when Henry turned in her direction and started to inch towards her. Even if it wasn't her real nest, he was a real alpha and she wasn't supposed to have anyone over... Even with her buzz, the reality was starting to settle in and she knew she was going to be in big trouble. His scent was going to be left all over the house, on the couch, over everything... She'd have to clean nonstop the moment he left to try and remove his scent from the cushions... Even then, she was sure the second her dad arrived home he'd catch on to the unfamiliar scent. She was dead, end of story.

All she could focus on was how hard her heart was beating in her chest, she could almost feel the pounding down her arms. Henry scooped her up into his arms, pulling her tight against his chest and she instantly melted against him. A small part of her mind tried to tell her that this alpha could be dangerous, that he wasn't who had told her he was online... He was much older, but wasn't that what she'd been looking for? Someone big and strong who could protect her? Meris' eyes flashed up to Henry's and she was about to open her mouth to say something, to ask him about why he'd lied, but before she could, his lips ed were against hers.

Oh, she thought and just like that, all of her drunken worries went out the window. They'd come back later when she was sober, but for now, all she was focused on was the man in front of her. Her hands shot to his sides, holding him gently as he laid her back down against the couch. They were so close together, his body hovering over hers with his arms around her. It felt almost like a cage, but she kissed him anyway. His lips were soft, but his mustache scratched her skin, a small reminder to not get too comfortable.

@ castle.

Henry could tell just how nervous she was but he thought it was just because this was going to be her first time with an alpha. He didn't think much more about the possibility that it could have been something like her father abusing her. No, that was the last thing on his mind right now. All he wanted to do was make Meris feel good while getting a little something for himself, too. It didn't seem like Meris would mind too much, outside of how nervous and shy she was.

"You just tell me if you wanna stop, okay? Or if you need to take it a bit slower, sweet girl," Henry whispered as he pulled away from her just long enough so that he could speak. He wasn't going to be nearly as understanding or gentle the next time he was with her but he had to at least convince her that he was everything he had made himself out to be. Henry started to kiss down her jawline, trailing further down her chest as he tugged the zipper on her onesie down.

"You're doin' so good, princess. I promise I'm going to make you feel real good," Henry murmured, nipping at her skin. His gaze lifted to watch her reaction as his tongue teased her nipple, careful not to startle her as he pushed the material of her onesie off of her shoulders. He lifted his head, raising an eyebrow. "This okay?"

The sound of the zipper on her onesie sounded so loud, but Meris knew it was just her anxiety. The realization that this just became very, very real. What did she expect would happen when she finally caved and sent him her address? Especially after letting him in, even though it was blatantly obvious he'd lied about who he was. And now there was certainly no going back. A shiver ran down her spine, her nipples hardening once they were exposed to the colder air in the room.

Warmth pooled between her legs feeling his breath against her skin, his tongue barely grazing against her nipple as he pushed her sleeves down her shoulders. "I.. Y-Yes," Meris whispered, her whole body trembling as she tried to relax underneath of him. This wasn't something she'd been expecting, nor preparing for. Her first time with an alpha. She'd thought about it often, but she didn't think it would be like this... In a mess of blankets on her couch...

Until, suddenly she wasn't so sure. "M-maybe this isn't a good idea," she raised a hand to his chest to try and stop him. A wave of nausea suddenly washed over her, knowing some alphas didn't take kindly to being told no. All she could think about was her dad finding out, that and how this man had clearly lied to her. How old was he? Who was he?

@ castle.