"I'm so sorry, Zichen." XXC had told him through sobs. "I can't- I can't help it. He's my mate. I didn't mean for this to happen, but-"
SL slammed the door, and left them behind him. He'd spent days, in hollow agony, watching his husband get fucked by an alpha. It was too much

SL found a hotel room, then, after awhile, he found an apartment. XXC and him had spoken through text a few times. XXC left their home, and moved in with XY. XXC begged for forgiveness, but SL didn't blame him. He blamed this world, he blamed fucking alphas.
He hated them.

A few weeks later, SL stood stiffly, putting clothes into a washing machine. His joints has begun to hurt, likely from stress. He felt sore, and tired. Likely from not sleeping well.

"Hey, you shouldn't be here if you're going into heat."
SL felt a hand on his shoulder. Heat?

"I'm a beta," SL hissed, shrugging off the hand.

"Really?"
SL winced as his head was shoved down onto the cool metal of the washing machine, and a hand grabbed the back of his ass.

"How dare you-"

"Betas don't get wet like this." The alpha laughed, and SL froze.

That's not possible, SL thought. He was nearly 28 now. People displayed their secondary traits by age 18. There's no way, it simply wasn't possible.
But, he felt his stomach cramp, and the fingers pressed up against him... He could feel the wetness.

How could this be happening?

"Hey," a voice called, and suddenly the alpha behind SL vanished. Moreso, he was grabbed and thrown away by a bigger shark in the ocean.

SL stood back up, breathing hard, and turned to look at a man taller than himself. That wasn't common, even in alphas.

This man looked older than him, and broader. He was looking down on the other alpha that had assaulted SL like he was scum of the earth.
It was an effortless level of power, coming off him in waves.

This new alpha turned, slowly, meeting SLs eyes. His stomach clenched again.

SL grabbed at his middle, wincing, sliding down the side of the machine. An arm grabbed his, holding him up.
"Where's a safe place for you?" The man asked. He wasn't chastising, he didn't feel threatening.

"U-upstairs," SL got out that and his room number. Before he was carried.

SL hadnt been carried since he was a young boy, XXC had jokingly tried to lift him a few times but it was for not.
This alpha picked him up like they weren't nearly the same height, and carried him to the elevator. He supported him in there as well, as SLs brain felt like a fog.

When they got in SLs new apartment, the alpha looked around. It was sparse, a few boxes XXC had sent, with sad notes attached. Photos.
"When will your husband be back?" The man asked, not looking like he was interested in claiming SL.

SL realized he must have seen the ring.

"I don't have one anymore," SL said quietly, laying on the cheap fold out couch he'd bought. "He got claimed. Cheated on me."
The alpha looked mildly sympathetic, but moreover, the answer seemed to motive him into moving. He went and grabbed some food from the fridge, some water.

"I'm sorry to hear that, though omega omega relationships can be-"

"I didn't think I was until ten minutes ago," SL glowered, which stopped the alpha in his place. "I thought I was a beta, my entire life. I mean, look at me."
He looked like no omega he'd ever seen.

He looked like no omega he'd ever seen anyone want, either. Even XXC had been insulted before, being too tall, even though he was stunning.

"I see," the alpha said, handing him the water. "My name is NMJ. Your first heat is likely going to be rough, especially at your age."

My advanced age, SL thought with some venom. This was the ultimate cruelty. Not only had he lost the man he loved most, now he'd never truly be wanted-
"I could help you out," NMJ said firmly. "I won't claim you if you don't want, realistically we don't know one another."

SL looked up, was the alpha suggesting what he thought he was?

"I'm older, I'm more mature, I'm not going to fly into mindless rut," NMJ told him. "I could ease your pain, maybe let it feel a bit good. But, I'm not going to force you into it."

"You'd knot me?" SL asked.

He had flashes of memory, of XXC moaning in front of him, as XY fucked into him - of XXC begging for his knot. It made his stomach turn.

"I'd do what you wanted," NMJ answered easily. "If not, I'll go - but you need someone to help take care of you in terms of food and water."

SL had no one anymore. He didn't trust what would happen if he told XXC. Would XY try to take him as a mate as well? Would he force him, be as cruel to him?
He hated this.

"I don't have anyone..." SL said quietly. "I guess...I accept your offer."

His heart was already broken.

NMJ glanced around the apartment, and his expression didn't radiate confidence in the surroundings.
"I know I just got you up here, but I could call a car and take you to my house. It would be a lot more comfortable than your first heat on a fold out couch, with no AC."

SL shrugged a shoulder, downing his water - he really was starting to feel the heat aspect of this. He had no allegiance to this apartment though, he didn't mind leaving.
NMJ texted someone, and a few minutes later, he was helping SL back into the elevator.
SL cast one look back.

He could still see a picture of him and XXC, laying on a moving box. Their engagement. He'd been so happy back then.
He didn't think he'd ever be able to feel happiness again.

He leaned into NMJ, even if they were close to the same height, it was a small comfort. The feel.

Someone else, next to him. It'd been so long it felt like.
SL barely recognized as he was moved into a car, his fingers clenched into the other man's jacket.
"I don't want to be alone again."
He'd not meant to say that out loud.

"You won't," NMJ said, and SL tried to believe him

"I hate alphas," SL felt strange, like a fever had over taken him. His mind wasn't working the way he wanted it to, his body moving strangely. Wanting things he didn't understand. Specific textures, feelings.

NMJ barked out a small laugh, "understandable."

SL closed his eyes.

When they opened, he was in a room. A good sized room, of dark blues and rich woods. There was an antique looking bull head mask on the far wall, it looked heavy, and with likely real horns.

SL tried to sit up, but his body throbbed in pain as another muscle spasm ran in him.

"I brought tea that will help," NMJ said, walking into the room. He was wearing less clothes, but still looked well put together. SL realized he looked wealthy, it hadn't fully occurred to him before.
"My younger brother is an omega, of course he's a disgrace of one, but still."

"I have every herbal remedy on hand, from when he still lived here." NMJ sat down next to SL. "Then he married a friend of his, and left all his shit with me."

SL just stared at NMJ.
"My neighbor turned out to be an alpha, fucked my husband, and kept me there for a week."

NMJs brows furrowed in what seemed like both anger and disgust. "He did what? He kept you there?"

"I couldn't go, I couldn't leave Xingchen. I love him, more than... But... It was too late. I wasn't good enough-"

"Bullshit," NMJ glared. "They're both assholes."

SL tried to shake his head. XXC was perfect, he was-
"You don't lose all reason in heat, and if they locked that quickly, I know for a fact your ex had to have been aware of what was going on. He let you stay. He's an asshole."
NMJ laid down beside SL, with a grumpy expression.

SL nearly smiled, he'd seen similar looks on his own face at times. He thought he'd get along with this NMJ man, generally speaking. But, right now all he felt was numbness and pain.

"This is the worst," SL said, closing his eyes, waves crashing through his body.

"I know."

"But, you're strong. I can tell." NMJ reached over, and moved hair from SLs face. "I like that. I'll help you out, but I wouldn't mind getting to know you after."

SL wanted to feel the same, but something like an electrical bolt ran down his spine, which left him arching up.

It was somewhere between deeply painful, but also pleasant. He felt slick between his legs gush, and for a 27 going on 28yo man who thought he was a beta, it was a deeply unsettling feeling.
"Help," he breathed out, and NMJ sat up, and began to remove his clothes.

It wasn't long before they were both naked. SL had a brief moment of panic, and deep gut wrenching sadness.
He'd not been with anyone but XXC. Not ever.
NMJ slid a specially shaped pillow under SLs hips, and moved between his thighs.

He certainly was an alpha.

His dick was huge, bigger than XYs from what he could see, but had was unsurprising. XY was shorter than SL too.
NMJ stroked it a few times, looking down on him.
"Do you want this? I can bring you some toys that might help take some of the edge off."

"Do it," SL said.

SL was expecting it to hurt, to burn, to feel strange. He rarely bottomed with XXC, XXC simply didn't like it, but the few times he had it simply felt..OK.

SL wrapped his arms around NMJs neck, eyes wide. It felt like the universe has aligned. It felt... So strangely perfect.

He felt full, he felt completed.

"Gods, you're..." NMJ exhaled, leaning down to press his forehead against SLs. "You're perfect."

SL didn't know why he did it, maybe it was the hormones, maybe it was just because he truly wanted to believe it was true.
He kissed him.

It was slow, sensual - but NMJ didn't seem to do much of anything softly. SL didn't mind that, as NMJ pulled away from their kiss.
"I'm going to make you forget what's his name."
That'd be impossible, SL thought.

But NMJ got close.

SL stared at the ceiling, heart pounding as he came down from another orgasm. NMJs knot was... His body did respond well, it seemed. It was easy to lose himself to the feeling, and focus just on how the man above him moved, how far it reached inside him, the sounds of his breath.

"I sympathize, you know." NMJ said, voice low and deep. "I don't know how awake you are, but when I was younger, early twenties, I had a boyfriend. He was everything omegas should be, or do they say. He was small, beautiful, submissive, and kind."

SL rolled his head over to him.

"Not... Like me?" SL didn't know if he meant it as a joke, because he was never particularly good at those.
NMJ had a hint of a smile, as he leaned in to kiss SL again.

"No. Not like you. He seemed nearly flawless to me, but I knew there was something off. I didn't want to see."

NMJ smiled wrly, but his expression was more grim. "I found out he was sleeping with the boss of my biggest rival company. Of course, he said it was to help me - but I realized the truth I wanted to deny. He was gauging his options, finding the most powerful alpha he could."

SL was silent, as he tried to think back on his life with XXC - were there any signs that this could happen?

"I understand, what it feels like to be betrayed. I know what it feels like to not be able to trust anymore."

SL let out a shaky exhale. "I loved him."

"Me too."

"There's a reason I'm the age I am without a mate." NMJ pulled SL closer to him, up against him. "Part of the reason is my tastes have changed as I got older. I find that I appreciate... Not the stereotypical omega."

SL felt his hands run down his back, to his hip.

"I don't even know how to be an omega - I don't know how to do any of this..." SL whispered, but his worries were cut off with another kiss.

"I'll take care of you, until you feel confident."

SL felt a pang run through his chest, fear or pain of heat, he wasn't sure which.

"Do you ever want to claim a mate?" SL asked, because right now he was torn between wanting desperately for someone to want him, and never wanting to see another person again.

"Maybe," NMJ answered, rolling atop him again. "For the right person. Someone reliable, trustworthy."

SL arched up as he felt himself spread back open, taking in the sizable cock once more. His body accepted it gladly, and the waves of need were hitting him quicker again.
He wasn't like small omegas - even small betas. His muscles were all firm, his body was toned and fit.

He'd never seen porn or any other depictions of omegas like him, then again, he didn't pay much attention to it, apart from what culture pushed into his face. He thought he might be an alpha when he was younger, he was tall enough. He didn't need to care beyond that.

The only omega he cared for was XXC - beautiful, elegant XXC.
SL thought his voice was too deep, when he moaned as NMJs knot began to fill. He wasn't petite or sweet sounding.

"That's it," NMJ said, raising SLs hips. "Let out your voice, let it all out. You look amazing."

Like this, SL realized he could barely smell the other alpha, or the one from the laundromat. He couldn't really smell his own pheromones very well. Maybe there was something odd about him, maybe that's why he didn't display his omega characteristics until now.

NMJ sat back on his thighs, pulling SL up with him. SL was tall enough on his lap, that he found himself looking down into NMJs face. He didn't look overcome with lust - he looked proud, maybe?
"I like your hair down." NMJ said, pulling free SLs ponytail."You look like a warrior"

As his heat drew to a close, SL didn't feel so bad. NMJ had been careful about bringing high protein meals, some carbs for energy, and plenty of water and electrolytes.
NMJ seemed pleased that SL knew exactly what foods he wanted.

Still, it was odd that it was ending.

SL stood under a stream of water, staring at the tile. His neck hurt still, feeling a bit swollen from where his body wanted the alpha to claim him.
Did he want that? Did NMJ? They didn't know eachother well enough yet, but that hadn't stopped many alphas.

NMJ stepped in.

He was... He had the kind of body SL always wished for, and he was admittedly close to. He thought he'd long for softness of flesh against him, but as NMJ hooked an arm around his waist, SL liked how it felt.
Strong. Confident. But, not cruel.

"I think you should stay awhile."

NMJ had a chin on his shoulder, arms around him. SL could appreciate now how close in height they actually were. He just barely had to lean up to meet his lips, if he so desired. And, he desired so, frequently. It was a small comfort.

"My heats almost over, I think." SL said.

NMJ hummed, pushing SL up against the wall, pressing fully up against him, their erections pressed into their stomachs. SL wasn't small there, either. Not like an alpha, but NMJ seemed to like it.
He'd thought XXC liked it.

"You're still relatively unused to this, though."

SL had to admit that was true. He wasn't familiar with all the ins and outs. He knew XXC had some medications, birth control, different doctors, but he didn't know the details
"I don't want to impose."
NMJ chuckled, and SL could feel it reverberate in his chest. "Who's imposing?"

"I invited you, didn't I? I happen to have enjoyed your company. Not just because of your heat."

SL frowned, looking the other man squarely in the face. He didn't seem the lying sort, but he'd not thought that of XXC either.

But, that apartment as too painful. Those photos...

"If you don't mind," SL said after a moment. "I'd... appreciate any advice. And.... I'd appreciate the company. I could use a friend right now. My only other friend cheated on me."

NMJ smiled at him, and SL realized in this lighting... He had dimples.
"I just have one rule."

SL raised an eyebrow, before biting his lip as NMJ wrapped a hand around their dicks, pumping them together.
"Never call me da-ge."

They both seemed to have bad memories, some baggage.

"I suppose gege is similarly off limits?" SL asked, an honest question, but NMJ laughed.

"That's fine, if you'd like."
SL hadn't called someone gege in quite some time, he'd not been particularly close with anyone besides XXC . It sounded a bit alien in his mouth.

"Gege." SL repeated, and NMJ kissed him. And kissed him again.
Maybe this strange feeling was good.

NMJ lifted him up, against the wall, and pushed inside. His knot was filling quickly, and SL found himself looking forward to the feeling of cum dripping out of him. He had no idea sex could feel so...Intense.
"You're strong," SL commented, impressed with how easily he was lift.

NMJ did a slow look over SLs body, taking in his stomach, his chest.
"So are you. It's intoxicating, how good you look - especially like this."

"No- ah-" NMJ began to fuck into him harder, picking up pace. "No one's ever told me that."

"Then the whole world is blind."

SL spun, narrowly avoiding the strike coming at him. He spun, and delivered a kick towards his opponents head. His leg was caught, and SL was pulled nearly entirely off balance, as his body was pulled towards the other man.

"You're good," NMJ said, holding SLs leg.

"Not at good as you, evidently." SL said in all seriousness, but he was starting to feel the tingle of want run through him. He wasn't in heat anymore, he wasn't supposed to- ... What? Want sex? SL berated himself. He'd been having sex since he was 20.
This was normal.

It just wasn't his usual, SL realized. He was a married man, he'd always feel guilty looking at anyone besides XXC. He had no thoughts to ever stray, so this experience... It was tempting to tell himself that it was just hormones.
He was allowed to be attracted.

SL pushed in closer, grabbing NMJs head, before jerking his leg downwards, breaking the hold NMJ had on him. He hooked his leg behind the other man's ankle, before tripping him off balance. With a push, NMJ fell to the padded floor below. SL crouched down, over NMJ.

The other man looked pleased, and brought his hands up to SLs hips.
"Like I said, you're good."
His fingers ran across SLs sweat pants, and over his erection that was now tenting the fabric.
"Do you need help with this?"

SL was already flushed from sparring, sweating. "Gege..."

They didn't say anything about heats or alphas or omegas. NMJ simply slid SLs sweats down, and let his cock bob out.
While it was a more old fashion and regional belief, some alphas never cared about an omega cock. They wouldn't touch it, suck it, do anything to it.

They thought an omega should cum just from their alphas cock and nothing else. It was stupid, but for some reason, it pleased SL to watch NMJ suck him off. This huge alpha, below him, sucking him.
Even when fingers found their way down the back of his pants, inside him.

It didn't matter. This was just for him, just for SL.
He came with a gasp, hips jerking forward as NMJ swallowed him down.
NMJ quickly spun them around, so SL was falling onto his back. He smiled down at SL, before leaning down to kiss him again.

This was okay, right?

After another round and a losing spar, NMJ pinned SL to the mat, and fucked him again. He did it slowly, and seemed to like watching SLs reactions. How quickly he could take him to the edge, but never push him over.
Over and over SL would feel like he was right there.

But, it was ripped away from him. Just as finally, finally NMJ fucked him a bit faster, a bit harder, SL thought he'd cum.
No, NMJ pulled out, right before then. He moved, aiming his cock right at SLs face, cumming across it. Alphas always came so much, SL felt coated.

He felt claimed, in a sense. Not like an omega, but like an animal marking it's territory.

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you." NMJ said, grabbing up his hips.
SL cried out, like an electric bolt ran through him.
He'd never been eaten out before. He'd never had a rim job.

And NMJ had him bent at such an angle, his face buried between his thighs. Licking, sucking, tongue fucking him. He could probably taste his own semen, which was ultimately the thought that had SL finally cumming.

NMJ laid him back down gently, and reclined beside him.

"Another round?"

SL scoffed. As much as it sounded nice, he didn't think he'd be able to walk much after this. They'd been having sex like young lovers for days now, even outside his heat.
It was a good distraction.

"Uh, da-ge?"

They both sat up, and looked towards the door.

SL covered himself quickly, grabbing his shirt that had fallen to the side, looking to NMJ for explanation. The older man just looked mildly annoyed.
"Why are you here? Come to get more of your shit? I'm going to start burning it soon."

The young man in the doorway feigned shock

"You would never - I just ran out of tea, I forgot most of it here. I didn't think you'd gotten a mate."

NMJ turned to SL, waving a hand. "My younger brother, NHS. Hopefully he'll be gone soon. Then again, I told that to myself for 23 years. Just ignore him."

He was the omega younger brother? SL could barely smell him, either. On some level, he recognized they were related, but that was it.

"I'm not his mate," SL said, remembering what NHS had said. "We're just..."

"I helped him with his heat, we got along. That's it." NMJ said.

That's it, SL told himself. He was right, of course. But... Still.

NHS looked blatantly like he didn't believe them. "You don't get along with normal people, and you barely talk to omegas, let alone scent mark-"
NHS shut up with a look from his older brother.

NMJ scented him?

"Get out of my house," NMJ said, pointing towards the door. For just a moment, SL was worried he meant him. But, no, he was clearly glaring at his younger brother.
NHS sulked for a minute, turning to leave, before looking back at SL.
"Say, how do you feel about ornate fans?"

SL stared. What?
"If they don't serve a purpose, there's better things to invest time and money in."

NHS huffed, leaving the gym, muttering something about NMJ and SL.

Which meant they were alone again.
"... You scented me?" SL asked quietly.

NMJ sighed, and nodded.

"It was a normal part of being an alpha during your heat, and I suppose I just continued it afterwards. It's meant to be calming, to feel more secure. I thought it may help you, in a new situation." NMJ explained.
"I thought you knew, just from the smell alone."

"No," SL admitted. "I think that's something I should see someone about, now that I have displayed omega traits. I have almost no sense of smell, when it comes to pheromones. I can barely smell you."

NMJ looked rather surprised at that.

"What? Is something wrong?"

NMJ just smiled a bit, helping SL to his feet, and grabbing his pants that had been thrown elsewhere.
"I thought you were continuing to want sex possibly due to that you are scented by me. I have a fairly strong scent."

"No," SL met his eyes. " I just... like being with you."

SL had a reoccurring nightmare almost every night that he wasn't in heat. Where he'd walk into his apartment, and find XXC with XY. It wasn't always the same circumstances, but it always ended the same way.
'I never actually loved you,' XXC would tell SL.

Then he'd wake up.

SL would stare at the ceiling for some time, regardless of not being able to see anything.
He'd sit up, and plod towards the bathroom. Sometimes it'd happen faster then others, if the experience left him nauseous to the point of vomiting.
It hadn't been that bad lately.

"What's wrong?" NMJ rasped, feeling SL sit up beside him in bed. SL didn't have to sleep in his room, NMJ said whenever was fine as long as he was staying. But, SL wanted someone beside him.

"I keep having a nightmare, but it's not entirely fiction." SL whispered.

"When I wake up, I want to turn over and see my husband. I want him to tell me I'm being silly, that he'll always be with me. But, this is my reality." SL admitted to the other man, his stomach churning in his chest.
"Moreover... I feel a bit relieved, still. When I see you."

NMJ sat up beside him, he could feel their shoulders touching, their legs. The warmth of his body.
"I'm worried I'm moving too fast with you, and that there will be an inevitable fall. That I'll reach a point where I want what you don't. I...don't know what to do."

NMJ wrapped his arms around SLs waist, pulling him backwards, so SL was resting against his chest. SL could feel his heartbeat like this, in the darkness of the room.

"I know those dreams. I've had years to process mine, but they still come from time to time. But..."

NMJ kissed to side of SLs head, and SL could feel his muscles relax. He felt like he could fall asleep again, which rarely happened after those nightmares.
"SL, I don't want to push you, since your wounds are much more raw than mine. But, I'm never going to ask you to leave."

SL tied back his hair, standing in front of the large bathroom mirror.

He'd been here for 3 months now, and had officially decided it was time to get back to work. He'd been telecommuting, but he needed a sense of normalcy back.
He felt... better recently. NMJ was good for him.

Irregardless of the fact sex was amazing between them, ignoring the fact they were alpha and omega, NMJ was a smart man. They saw things similarly, they had good discussions about everything ranging from economics to religion. NMJ was a bit more brash, and he didn't mince words.

But, SL liked that. He needed that right now.
And, one thing NMJ was adamant about was getting back to doing something, getting out of the house.
"It's no good cooping yourself up. I can tell you like being active." NMJ had said during a spar, and SL finally agreed.

"You have my number, if anything happens, I'll be there." NMJ said, leaning against the door, holding SL close for one more kiss.
It was SLs first time truly going out after becoming omega. He wasn't worried, neither was NMJ, but they both knew SL couldn't pick up on scent well.

"How bad could it be?" SL muttered between slow kisses. "They barely spoke to me anyway, that's what made them good coworkers."

NMJ snorted, and let SL step back.
"I'll see you later."

"Yeah," SL agreed. His chest still ached time to time, but he had someone to go home to.

Not hugely shocking, none of his colleagues said much of anything, but he heard them whispering.
They'd thought, if anything, he'd be an alpha. Yeah, welcome to the club, SL sighed.
He had a brief discussion with the section head about policies regarding omega rights and safety.

It was information SL already knew - he'd studied up on all the laws and policies he could find while he had the time. And, of course, now that it directly affected him.

But, overall, the day was going fine. Until SL decided on going to lunch. It was his favorite spot.

He always got the same thing, which XXC had teased him for, but it's what SL liked.
He'd just gotten his food and walked outside, making his way back to work, when he saw him.

SL froze.
Standing on the sidewalk, outside a shop, was XY.

He dropped his lunch.

SLs fist crashed into XYs face before the other man had time to fully realize what was happening. XY went to the ground, falling on an arm and knee.
That was enough time it seemed.
XY looked up slowly, his face not displaying much in the way of pain, even as his nose bled.

"I was wondering what happened to you," XY said in a monotone voice, standing.
A group had began to gather, pointing and looking.

SL punched at him again, but this time XY dodged it, and hit a knee into SLs stomach.
But, SL had been sparring with NMJ for months.

He used XYs closeness to bring an elbow down on XYs back, sending the man back down to his knees.

"Zichen!"

SL had been ready, to kick XY right in his face - that horrible face that haunted his nightmares.
But XXC was the one who truly haunted him.

SL turned, to face him.

XXC stood in the entry to the shop, looking horrified. SL looked up, and saw what kind of store it was. His stomach turned. He couldn't even say the name. He didn't even want to think about it.

"I'm surprised," XY said with a laugh from the ground. "You're an omega?"

XXC paused, looking between his mate, and his ex-husband. Realization seemed to hit him all at once too.
"Zichen, you-"

"I don't want you to talk to me," SL said coldly, and watched XXCs beautiful face fall. It hurt him probably just as much. "I loved you, and you destroyed me."

A few shaky tears dripped down XXCs face, and he looked away.

"You were never truly happy with me, were you? You always wanted your true mate. Well, I hope you're happy, Xingchen."
XXC opened his mouth to deny it, but the words didn't come out.

"And you," SL said.

His attention slid to XY again, anger bubbling up in his chest, the urge to beat, to hurt, to destroy was screaming at him.
"You-"

"What about me?" XY spit out. "You want to know about me? I lived next to you for years. Do you understand what that's like? You must now."

SLs brows furrowed, and XY got to his feet once more. The alphas hands were shaking, and he had a mockery of a smile on his bloodied split lip.

"I knew from the moment we met that XXC was mine. My mate. We were meant for eachother. I could smell it. But he was married to you."

SL tried to think back on XY as a neighbor. He was polite enough, quiet. They'd spoken a few times. That was about it.

"I had to see him with you," XY snarled. "I had to hear you having sex. I had to smell him going into heat - my mate! Next door! And I couldn't do anything."

"A-Yang," XXC whispered, and it broke SL away from any sympathy he'd briefly felt.

"I don't care," SL said quietly. "You made me watch. You took everything I loved from me. I don't care."

He started to hear sirens, someone in the surrounding crowd had called the police.

SL took a step back, feeling tears stinging his eyes.
"I might forgive you one day, Xingchen, but I don't want to see you again. Not for a very long time. XY, If I see you again, I'll rip out your heart like you did mine."

SL turned stiffly, not looking back. "Congratulations."

SL went back home - or rather, to the only place that felt like it anymore.
He had been given keyless entry to the house by NMJ. SL walked slowly up the stairs, until he found the bedroom. His body felt like it was both heavy and light.
That was it.

He didn't call NMJ.

But, when NMJ got back, SL heard his footsteps go from a standard gait to picking up speed.
He didn't look up when NMJ pet his hair, sighing.
"Do you want to talk to me? I could smell you from downstairs."

SL didn't look up at him.
"I saw them today. On accident."

NMJ moved around the bed, so he could lay down beside SL.
"I hope you hit them."

He couldn't do that to XXC.
"I hit XY."

NMJ kissed the back of his head, it was a comforting motion, one he did frequently. He wasn't very verbal about affection, neither was SL. He understood.

"I don't want kids," SL said more to himself than NMJ. He was staring at the wall, the open door. "What kind of omega-"

"Who cares what kind of omega?" NMJ said. "I don't either. Shouldn't I as an alpha? Or maybe nature is diverse, and we're individuals with our own wants."

SL rolled over, almost nose to nose with NMJ.
"Can I ask you something?" NMJ agreed of course. "Since I can't smell scents well, I feel like... I'm missing things. Clues, signs from people. I want to know... What am I to you?"
He pictured XY claiming XXC to be his true mate.

"You want to now about life mates, true mates, that sort of thing? NMyj raised an eyebrow. "All I can tell you is I know just from your scent that we're very compatible, that you're more distinct to me. What that means, I'm not sure. I know what I think it means?"

SL met his eyes. He didn't want to make rash decisions, he didn't want to jump ahead without thinking things though. He didn't want to cause more issues for NMJ.
But...

"Next time I'm in heat..." It was months off still.
"Next time I'm in heat... Would you want to claim me?"

"If you asked me a year ago, I couldn't imagine taking a mate." NMJ said easily. "I'm not going to say yes right now. You need time to heal first. Would I be honored to have you at my side, as my mate, as many partner? I think yes, I would. But we're in no rush."

SL didn't know if he was relieved or worried more. His fingers clenched into NMJs button up, and he closed his eyes.
"I feel so stupid. I feel weak. I miss him, so much, but I'm so angry. And, I want you too. I hate feeling like this."

"I know," NMJ said, bringing a hand up.

He ran it through SLs hair, softer than you'd expect a man of his size and demeanor to be."You're going through hell right now, but you're a fighter. When my ex cheated on me, I lashed out - but I was in mourning for our relationship. Our friendship. I was drinking, destructive."

"My brother, for all his faults, is a smart man. He talked me into seeing someone, professionally, to talk about things. I think you need that. I'm no expert on emotional affairs, but it helped me. Let me give you some numbers. You can decide what to do with them."

SL agreed.

"You're going into heat," NHS commented over dinner. NMJ was out of the country on business, which meant NHS, JC, plus a few others had come by. NHS claimed drinking in his old house was a different vibe, and JC was simply not going to question it. He picked his battles wisely.

"I'm...I am?" SL asked, and JCs brother WWX nodded.

"Yeah, we can all smell it, but we're too nice to point it out with NMJ away." NHS agreed, with a click of a wineglass.
JC elbowed both his mate and his brother.

"I really can't tell," SL said, annoyed with himself.

He didn't feel anything more than a few muscle aches, but he'd been working out more with NMJ gone. He needed to burn off excess energy in a new way.

"When will he be back?" JC asked.

"Next week," SL said, and watched NHS' favorite fan flip open.

"Just call him, he'll come."

SL didn't want to do that, even if he did want NMJ there for his heat. They'd talked about it, over the last few months, and ultimately SL decided to wait before they formally were mated.
Therapy was helping, but it wasn't a fix. He needed time to heal. To get to know NMJ better.

The one thing they'd decided was to officially move in together. SL got rid of his shitty apartment, and put a bunch of things into storage.
They were dating, which was strange and nice and terrifying to put a name to finally.

They just hadn't counted on this.

SL stared at his phone that night, wondering if he should text him or not. He didn't want to ruin a meeting for NMJ, or force him home earlier.
But... his muscle aches were getting worse.

He really wanted him home-
SL froze, hearing the front door open from downstairs.

He left the bedroom in a hurry, looking over the banister into the entryway.
NMJ was there, hanging up his coat, a bag at his side. He glanced up, and smiled wryly at SL.
"I'm going into rut. Cut the trip s-" before he could finish, SL was taking the stairs 2 at a time.

He pushed NMJ against the door, kissing him hard. NMJs bag fell, as he decided he'd rather use his spare hand to dig into SLs hair.
"You're in heat," NMJ said, when he got there chance. "Lucky."

Yes, SL thought, as NMJ grabbed him, and they tumbled to the stairs. Lucky.

The stairs weren't comfortable, but SL wouldn't really care about that until later. His knees would hurt, but it didn't matter when NMJ was finally in him. It'd been a few days since they're seen eachother - it shouldn't have made much of a difference, but SL felt it.

He felt the stretch more, he felt his hands, his body over him. He felt everything more. He was so hard, and NMJ knew it. When normally NMJ might try to draw out their sessions, bring SL to a slower, harder climax, this time he wanted SL cumming and cumming again.

He fisted SLs cock, jerking him as he fucked in. It was a fast and shaky orgasm, but as his heat was hitting strong now with NMJ back, it didn't matter. SL would be ready again in minutes, which just gave NMJ time. His knot would increase in size, and soon he'd be filling SL.

But, with rut, like heat, NMJ would lock up, then his knot would go down, only to restart the process again.
The next few days would be intense. Lost to pleasure, and during breaks where the heat with die down, they'd lay with one another. Enjoying each other's company.

NMJ kissed up one of SLs legs, before reaching his cock.
"I love your legs. I love how they wrap around me. I love how you look in a suit."
NMJ sucked his dick and SL got the chance to hook his legs across NMJs shoulders as he did so.
His second heat was dying down.

"Can I ask you something?" SL said, after he'd cum down the back of NMJs throat. He liked leaning against the other man's chest, between his legs.
"Why were you there? In my building?"

NMJ hummed to himself. "I had to pick up some paperwork from my ex, he lived nearby."

"I was in a rotten mood, because he always needs to poke an prod, while playing the victim. On the way back to my car, I started smelling something - smelling you. I've not reacted to a scent like that before. That room was on ground level, and I saw what was happening."

SL looked up at the intricate ceiling pattern, thinking it over.
"Did you offer to help me because you were upset with him?"

"No," NMJ sounded like the idea was absurd. "The second I saw you, I forgot all about that weasel."

"Thank you, by the way." SL turned, kissing him.

Then, it felt like kissing wasn't enough. They'd just had sex, he could feel it inside him still...but...

"I want your hands on me," SL said, sitting up between NMJs legs. He pushed him down further, from where NMJ was leaned against a pillow.

He loved riding him.

SL ran his hands down NMJs chest, his pecs. They were nearly the same height, but NMJ always looked thicker than him, even when they worked out together.
He wasn't complaining, though.
God, it felt good to touch.
XXC was a mix of softness and hard edges, but NMJ was strength.

He was built for exploring, for battle, for destruction.
"Let's go to the cabin again," SL said, sinking down on NMJs cock. "Whenever you get the chance. I want to be away from everything, just you and a fire."

"You looked damn good in firelight, how could I say no?"

SL arched his back, rocking up and down slowly, hands digging into NMJs broad shoulders. One of the hands on his hips moved up, to rub across his stomach, pressing in just barely on the muscles there.
"So tight, I can feel my knot." NMJ told him, voice rasping.

"Mingjue," SL's thighs burned as he fucked himself harder, sweat dripping down his brow. He was breathing hard, and didn't want it to end. SL slowed down, feeling like his chest was going to burst.
"Mingjue, I trust you."

NMJ smiled at him, a soft smile most didn't see.

"I trust you too, SL. I want you here with me, for good. I think about you all day long. I look at your picture, and think how lucky I am-" SL leaned down to kiss him.

He'd been here for over half the year now.
He felt he'd found a home again, truly.
"I'm happy," SL whispered

The door buzzed, and SL walked down stairs to check who it was. He could see them on the camera, and they certainly didn't look like anything he had to worry about.

"Can I help you?" SL asked, swinging the door open.
The man smiled up at him.

"Is NMJ home?"

"No," SL said easily. "He'll be back later. I can leave him a message-"

"That's fine," the man laughed softly. "Da-ge wouldn't want to see me much anyway. I have paperwork for him. You can give him this." SL was handed an envelope.

Da-ge?

"Who are you?" SL asked, but he knew.

"My name is JGY," the man said, with an unnerving blankness in his smile. "Am I to presume you're his new...ah, well you're no mate, are you?"

This was NMJs ex, wasn't it? He'd used a different name though, what was it again...Meng Yao, that's it.

"We're dating," SL answered.

JGY hummed, and he was a pretty thing. Not as beautiful as XXC, but certainly he'd be attractive to many people, especially alphas.
"He certainly picked someone the very opposite of me, didn't he?" JGY looked SL up and down. "I'm surprised you're an omega, no offense meant."

The very opposite of JGY? Yes, SL, he supposed visually, they were quite different.
"I'm sure..." SL said, his mood souring. "I'll be sure to give him the envelope. Have a good day."

"You too, and good luck with da-ge. He can be hard to handle." JGY took a step backwards.

Hard to handle?
"I've not had issue with him," SL said icily, using his height to his advantage to look down on the other omega.

"Yet, he's not claimed you. But, of course, that's none of my business." JGY took the steps down to the bottom of the entryway, before turning back.

"I was wrong, about one thing." JGY said, and his voice sounded just a bit sharper than it had before. Like he was having more trouble feigning his friendly demeanor.
"He's always liked long hair, hasn't he? We have that in common, at least."

With that JGY left, getting in a car

When NMJ came home, he saw SL and frowned. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing much," SL responded, pouring them both a drink. "You could smell he was here?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Not strongly, but I know a rat anywhere." NMJ took a glass from SL.
"You cut your hair."

SL touched the back of his head. It was strange to feel it short now.
He shouldn't have gone into the bathroom after JGY left and grabbed the scissors. It looked horrible, and he had to go to a barber before NMJ came home.

"I did, yeah."

NMJ reached his hand up, to touch it.

"Well, you look good, but I have to wonder if it was before or after he came over?" NMJ asked, but he didn't move his hand, just rubbed at the shorter hair, and the bare nape.

"...It was after," SL admitted. "He may have mentioned we both had long hair."

NMJ sighed.

"He has a way of getting in your head, but you're nothing alike."

SL knew that, and that worried him a bit. Was NMJ trying to avoid dating anyone similar to JGY? Was that why he picked SL?
He didn't think so, not after being together so long now, but worries circled in his mind.

"I like it," NMJ said, turning SLs face fully towards his."I've always liked long hair, it's why I grew mine out too - but you look good either way. It's soft, softer than my hair."

SL leaned into him, and they both had alcohol on their breath now.
"Grab it as hard as you like."

"Are you offering?" NMJ chuckled, bringing his head close to SLs until they were cheek to cheek. NMJ was kissed his jaw, nipping gently at his ear.

"I can't smell him, but I don't like the fact you can." SL breathed out, bringing a hand between them to rub at NMJs crotch.

"I don't want any trace of him here," SL admitted.
Was he jealous, or nervous, or just...a defensive omega? He supposed it didn't matter.

"Agreed," NMJ said, moving his arms around SLs waist. He pushed a hand down the back of SLs pants, grabbing at his ass.

He squeezed hard a few times, as he moved his mouth to meet SLs. His fingers were quick to find and rub at his hole, already a bit slick.
"You're so wet, for being out of heat." NMJ said into their kisses. "It makes me so fucking hard."

SL could feel that too. He wanted it.

NMJ groaned, leaning against the table, as SL was in his knees before him. His hands were hooked in NMJs pockets, as he bobbed his head on the sizeable cock.
He'd been used to XXC before he met NMJ. It was definitely a learning curve.
Size alone made it more difficult.

It also made it more rewarding, when NMJ pushed all the way in, and SLs mouth felt full. His tongue, heavy from the weight of his cock.
He really loved this feeling, to the point it surprised himself. Seeing NMJ like this was like taking favor from a king.
His hands felt so good

This had been a good idea NMJ thought to himself, reclining on a towel on white sandy beaches.
He'd finalized a new deal, and it seemed like a good time to go on vacation. SLs next heat shouldn't be for another month, and it gave him time to relax beforehand.

Afterall...

It'd nearly been a full year since SL moved in, and NMJ was feeling quite content with himself in that fact. They were still learning things about eachother, but by now, they had a solid relationship. They lived and worked well together, SL was growing to be quick friends with JC

Not to mention, NHS seemed to start treating SL like family, rather than a boyfriend of his brothers that he had to test.

NMJ looked up over the rim of his sunglasses, as SL stepped out of the water. The light reflected off his sunkissed skin, tanned and perfect.

Water droplets dripped down SLs chest, as he pushed hair out of his face. It was getting longer again, almost touching his shoulders.
NMJs keen eyes watched a droplet run down his chest, into his bellybutton, and then down.

SL walked towards him, until he was above NMJ.

"Want a drink?" NMJ offered, as SL kneeled, straddling his thighs. He loved the image before him, those broad shoulders, tapering down to a thin but strong waist.
NMJ took a swig of his alcohol, for SL to lean forward, kissing him until it filled his mouth too.

Things were good.

He'd let SL ride him for awhile, until his back began to sting from the warmth of the mid day sun. Then, NMJ fucked him into the larger beach towel he had spread out, knees digging into the sand as he did so.
They could be as loud as they wanted, he'd rented this whole area out.

But, it hadn't gone unnoticed by NMJ that SL was wetter than usual, making a bit more noise. And more pointedly, keeping his neck free to access, with no stray hairs covering it.
"I think you're going into heat," NMJ growled into his ear, causing SL to pause in his moans.

"I...That's early..." SL said, sounding a bit upset about it for some reason. Maybe because they'd miss out on some things on vacation, but NMJ had no issues just extending the trip.

"It's not a perfect science," NMJ responded, but SL was turning over, causing him to pull out.

SL sat up, frowning. He'd pulled his legs up to his chest. "I wanted to talk to you before I went into heat, while we were here..."

NMJ didn't like him looking so upset. SL had been so much more relaxed since his last heat, he'd been happier. He'd gotten a new job.

He was flourishing, and they still had time together. He'd thought SL was happy, up until this moment.
"What's wrong? Why before your heat?"

SL glanced towards the ocean, where fish were jumping. "Because I don't know if you'll want to during my heat..."

"SL," NMJ said quietly, even if he didn't have to worry about anyone else around. He took ahold of SLs hands, kissing his knuckles. "Tell me?"

"I... it's been a year. I've had two heats." sL started, looking nervous. "I...really don't want anyone else, besides you."

Regardless of what many thought, or his ex thought, NMJ was not a stupid man. He felt his emotions strongly, but he wasn't stupid.

"SL," NMJ reached a hand up to cup the other man's face. He had such perfect features. "Did you want me to claim you?"

"...Yes."

"I don't know if you're going to think it's just hormones or..." SLs hands were shaking, just barely. "I've been thinking about it for a while. I know it's not something to decide drastically. I've talked about it with my therapist too..."

NMJ wanted to soothe his worries.

"I just," SL brought up a hand, to wipe at his eyes. He wasn't crying, not fully, but they stung. "I realized I didn't want anyone else. I didn't think I'd ever feel this way about anyone else, but I do. I love you."

NMJ kissed him, and kissed his tears away. "I love you too."