(Here it is! Sheith flipped abo, service top shiro, twink keith, side allurance, age gap, buyable alpha au)

Shiro's a happy man. Really. He works at NASA, for fuck's sake. He's an admiral. It's fulfilling. And maybe that's why he decides to go on the alpha market.

After all, he's reached the highest rung of his career ladder. He's paid well. He had to fight his way up there, as an alpha, and now he's made it.

But that's not all there is, right? He feels like a bit of a trope, but when he hits 40, his domestic itch needs scratching.

He's talking to his friend Allura--an alpha who wants nothing to do with the life she's expected to live of obeying and protecting and breeding up an Omega--when she mentions going on the market. "You could go to a dealer," she suggests, stirring the mixed drink--

--her partner Lance made her. "Put yourself on the market. You'd get snapped up in no time, I'm sure, and then you can live your little alpha dreams." Shiro laughs.

"You think so?" he says. "I dunno, I might be a little grey around the ears for most Omegas..."

"Does your knot work?" Lance asks, his head laying in Allura's lap while she plays with his hair. "Because if it does, I guarantee you won't have any issues."

Shiro blushes a little. He doesn't like to tell people that he had little time for anything but work, he's--

--never actually knotted anyone before. But hey, maybe that'll make him more valuable. Some Omegas get hot for virgin alphas. And the idea of being provided for and spoiled by an Omega, breeding them up, raising their children...it just makes him feel warm inside. Not to--

--mention the things it does for his knot.

So he does it. He calls up the most reputable trainer and dealer in the area, and he says he'd like to put himself up for sale. The dealer takes him on readily, and suggests that he move in with the other available alphas, as is the--

--custom. Shiro says yes, and moves in by the end of the week. Most of the other alphas are college kids or younger, some there to get trained so they're more marketable, some for sale already. They're nice, but they do treat Shiro strangely, and he gets that, honestly.

It is a little unusual that he, a comparably ancient man with a good career, is on the market, anyway.

And maybe that's why so few Omegas are interested in him. He's older, and he's also disabled, and for shitty, miserable, ableist reasons, that makes him less--

--marketable. He goes to be viewed whenever he's requested, and the alphas prod at him as if humoring themselves and then pass him by. It's frustrating, and he's starting to lose hope until, two months into Shiro being on the market, a 27 year old Omega comes in.

***
It's time for Keith to pick an alpha, get knocked up, and, in the words of his friend Hunk, "get somebody to cook for you that isn't me." Keith has a forward-thinking view on alphas compared to some--that they should be able to direct their own lives, choose their mates.

And that's probably why it takes him so long to try out an alpha market. He researches, and finds one in the area that's well-known for its ethical practices, all consensual sales and such. He gets Hunk in the car and they drive the three hours to the market to take a look at--

--the available alphas. Keith, as always, knows what he wants. Someone mature and disciplined, either trained or naturally calm, someone with strong instincts and a warm demeanor. Someone who can give him pups and take care of them well, who doesn't have that "demure alpha"--

--complex.

He tells the dealer that, and the dealer, of course, rushes him over to a bunch of twenty-somethings who kneel at the scent of him.

"No," Keith says once they're out of earshot of the alphas. "Where are your older alphas? Untrained?"

"Why don't I show you some--"

"--of our trainees?" the dealer offers, leading Keith past a tall man with grey hair and one arm amputated just above the elbow. He smiles at Keith; he smells like bread and warm, burning wood.

"What about him?" Keith asks, stopping short.

The dealer waves a hand. "You don't want him," he dismisses; Keith is glad the alphas are kept behind glass with little vents for the scent to pass through, so they can't hear them.

"Who says?" Keith replies, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't I the customer? Bring him out."

The dealer huffs and buzzes into the little showroom where the alpha waits. "Takashi," he calls. "Step out here, please."

***
That is the prettiest Omega Shiro's ever seen. Dark hair, violet eyes, a spice and fire scent that melts his heart.

And then he wants to see Shiro? He can't believe his luck. He comes through the back hallway and out to meet the Omega, fidgeting with his hair.

He walks out into the viewing hallway, smiling.

"This is Takashi Shirogane," the dealer says, gesturing to him. "Takashi, this is Keith Kogane."

"Good to meet you, Takashi." Keith is so pretty, Shiro thinks stupidly. He smells so good.

"I'm interested in starting a family--is that something you could help me with?"

"Yes," Shiro says, maybe too hastily. Keith must notice, because he laughs.

"You smell fantastic," he says. "Mind if I get closer--"

"Yes," Shiro says again.

Keith looks to the dealer, who--

--readily takes the hint and steps out for a moment to let Keith scent his potential alpha in private.

Shiro's skin prickles as Keith gets close. He puts a slender hand on his waist--he's so small and lean, muscled like a cat ready to pounce--and Shiro's knees go weak.

Keith nuzzles up to Shiro's jaw, taking a deep breath through his nose, huffing against his skin, then breathing in again.

"You're perfect," Keith grins as he steps back. "I'd like to take you home, Takashi. Would you like that?"

Shiro nods. He'd let Keith mate him there.

"Please."

(Keith's about to make the purchase of a lifetime! Expect another installment Sat and a third Sun, unless, ofc, you'd like the whole thing 2morrow--in which case, you can kofi me over at http://ko-fi.com/shiromyhero ! PS, big s/o to whoever kofi'd me last nite! V v appreciated )

(Oh my god!!! The kofis are already rolling in! Thank you all so much I'm :')!! You guys are getting all of this thread, *and* the rest of my choose your own adventure monsterfucker thread ( https://twitter.com/sluttyrogers/status/1250758580384432130?s=19) within the next 24 hours!! Because you rule!! )