What Forever Means To Me
US x UK (and others)
R18
Author's Notes:
Jumping on the Omegaverse bandwagon because I'm fascinated by the concept. If you don't know or aren't sure of what Omegaverse is, don't worry. This first chapter is an overview chapter; it provides pretty much all of the basic information that you'll need. The actual story begins in the next chapter. If you're confused about something, please don't hesitate to ask!
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THE OVERVIEW (THIS CHAPTER). In essence, the concept of Omegaverse is a template - it provides a foundation for the AU, but the details are up to the writer. Therefore, every Omegaverse AU is different. There are similarities between them that tie them all to the idea of Omegaverse, such as heat cycles and mating and scientific terminology and such, but . . . anyway, just read the overview. And let me know if there's anything I should add to it for clarity.
ALSO IMPORTANT: NINETY PERCENT OF MY OMEGAVERSE AU (AND THIS OVERVIEW) WAS CREATED SOLELY FROM MY IMAGINATION. Please, as a fellow reader and writer, respect me and let me know before you borrow any of my ideas.
Okay, that bit's done. Next . . .
Warnings: Omegaverse, mpreg (that has anatomical backing), future angst, future drama, Omegaverse and normal cliches, tons of dialogue
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
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Overview:
Terminology, Breeding, Anatomy, and Types
In the Omegaverse AU, there are three distinct types of individuals in the social hierarchy: Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. Alphas are at the top of the pyramid, while Omegas occupy the bottom sector. An individual's type is derived from his or her parents' and grandparents' types according to Mendelian genetics (the Alpha and Beta traits are dominant, the Omega trait is recessive).
Terminology
Bonding — the process that two individuals go through to become mates; consummated through sexual intercourse and often conception
Heat cycle — applies mainly to Omegas; the period during which an individual's fertility and reproductive needs peak
Knotting — the event in which the base of the penis engorges after ejaculation and prevents its owner from pulling out
Mother — an individual who gives birth to a child or children; gender-neutral
Pheromones — a chemical substance, released by an individual, that acts as a stimulus for certain behaviors in other members of the same species
Physical maturity — the age at which an individual becomes able to reproduce
Type — the category under which an individual falls (Alpha, Beta, or Omega)
General Information About Breeding
Each type is comprised of both sexes. Anatomically, males and females are similar in the fact that they are both capable of carrying children to term and giving birth, and have the necessary body parts and natural aids to do so (see General Information About Reproductive Anatomy), regardless of type. However, only males may impregnate their mates, and the suitablity of each individual in terms of childbearing is closely dependent on his or her type. For example: while still possessing the ability to do so, Alpha males have bodies that are the least suited to childbearing. In contrast, Omega males have bodies that are far more adapted to the rigors of carrying children. Couples in which both mates are female have alternative options in regards to raising a family, such as artificial insemination or adoption.
The gestation period of an expectant mother usually lasts somewhere between eight to twelve months, depending on his or her physical condition. The length of labor while giving birth can extend anywhere from two hours to two days. Single births are the most common; twins are rarer. It is possible for fraternal twins to have different types (i.e. twins that are an Alpha and a Beta), but identical twins invariably share the same type.
General Information About Reproductive Anatomy
Both sexes, regardless of type, possess ovaries, uteruses, vaginas, and the other organs needed to bear offspring, as well as the means to self-lubricate. However, the locations of these parts differ between males and females. In females, the vagina is located above the anus and opens into the vulva. In males, the vaginal canal is a secondary tubular structure that opens into the sigmoid colon, with a protective muscle that shutters tightly into place and seals off the canal when it is not in use. Preceding the opening of the muscle, glands located around it secrete lubricating fluids to clean the passage and prevent contamination. During intercourse, childbirth, and any other instances in which the vaginal canal needs to be open, another muscle will close off the sigmoid colon from the rest of the large intestine. It is possible for the individual to open either of the two barrier-like muscles according to will (but not at the same time), or it may occur naturally, through reflex.
Alphas
Alphas are larger, broader, more athletic, and often more physically beautiful than Betas and Omegas. They are typically born with a "dominant" mindset and are raised accordingly. They are the respected leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, models, and athletes of the world. Alphas have an extra, natural dose of pheromones that makes them attractive to Betas and Omegas, but — upon reaching physical maturity at around age thirteen — they have difficulty controlling themselves around Omegas in heat, though they themselves have no set heat cycle. Nonetheless, they are unquestionably dominant in most (if not all) of their interpersonal relationships and have a higher, more potent ability to "father" children than the other two types. Female Alphas will carry the children of their lesser Beta or Omega male mates, but also have the option of having their mates impregnated through artificial insemination. It is not possible for a female Alpha to directly impregnate her male or female mate. Alpha males, on the other hand, not only have the ability to impregnate their mates, but are also able to knot, which increases the chances of conception. Alpha males typically knot immediately following intercourse with an Omega in heat, or following intercourse after a long period of previous sexual inactivity.
Alphas generally prefer to bond with Omegas, but they will settle for a Beta if the occasion calls for it. Most Alphas take around three to four mates in a lifetime, and some may have up to two mates at a time. Due to the nature of their personalities, Alphas rarely bond with one another.
An Alpha is identified by the tan Alpha birthmark (A) on his or her chest.
Betas
Betas are the average, practical, everyday members of society. They are neither ambitious nor exceptionally strong, but it is their orderly work and resilient personalities that support the frame of the world. They understand and accept the fact that Alpha leaders need Beta followers. Despite this, it is far from uncommon for a Beta to have a developed mind of his or her own; their type is proficient in utilizing simplicity and pragmatism as problem-solving skills in daily life. If there is an Alpha launching a campaign, it is almost a certainty that a Beta is organizing the details in the background. Betas may not be at the top of the ladder, but they are the ones that help hold that ladder up.
Betas reach physical maturity at around age fourteen or fifteen. They do not go through heat cycles, nor are they as intensely affected by the heat cycles of Omegas as Alphas are. Usually, Betas prefer to bond within their own type. Once in a while, they may bond with an Alpha or an Omega, but their reproductive and fertility rates are best when bonded to other Betas. Betas typically have one or two mates during their lifetime.
A Beta is identifed by the rose-colored Beta birthmark (B) on his or her shoulder.
Omegas
Omegas are at the bottom of the social hierarchy, though their higher-type peers often feel the drive to protect them. Once Omegas bond, they are expected to stay at home and care for the children that they will have with their mate. It is rare for an Omega to pursue a career; in fact, a large percentage of Omegas leave school after reaching physical maturity— which is typically between ages twelve and fourteen — to find a mate and raise a family. Omegas possess two distinctive traits: short, slim statures, and the intense heat cycles that they go through once physically mature. It is also common for Omegas to have sturdy hips and well-built pelvises. During a heat cycle (which, though it varies from Omega to Omega, usually occurs once every three months and lasts until either conception occurs or it burns itself out), Omegas are helpless to their own physical needs. Their bodies release concentrated pheromones that are designed to attract Alphas and the occasional Beta; depending on the intensity of the pheromones, Omegas in heat often need to be removed from public environments and isolated to avoid causing disruptions. Because they are weakened and vulnerable while in heat, Omegas are easily taken advantage of, and their families and mates are often highly protective of them during a heat cycle. Pregnant Omegas experience milder, less frequent heat cycles until they give birth.
Omegas have the highest fertility rates of the three types. In between heat cycles, the chance of an Omega conceiving is around twenty percent; during heat cycles, it increases to eighty percent. The number of mates an Omega bonds with during a lifetime varies greatly depending on many factors, such as health, the types of the mates, the number of times impregnated, and so forth. Omegas are naturally more attracted to Alphas, but will bond with either an Alpha or a Beta. Omegas very infrequently bond with one another.
An Omega is identified by the dark Omega birthmark (Z) at the small of his or her back.