Walking the Edge of a Blade
By Ahro
Chapter 3
"Alfred."
The blond ignored the stern voice of his brother in favor of tooling about in front of the open refrigerator door. He already knew what was going to happen next but the idea of a BLT was far more inviting.
"Alfred, I know you're listening, so stop acting like you're five."
Matthew's voice sounded unamused. Alfred guessed coming out from the fridge with celery sticks wedged in his mouth like a walrus was out of the question and simply turned to face him like the not-five-year-old that he was.
"Look, man, nothin' happened," Alfred grumbled as he blew out a sigh. His hand went up to rub the back of his neck, avoiding his brother's gaze. "Can ya just lay off, and-"
"No. Alfred. I will not 'lay off'. Do you realize the amount of danger you were in?" Matthew fumed, always in a level voice, yet lathered with authority. It was something unique about his brother compared to any Alpha Alfred had met. Just his posture and assertive confidence was enough to put anyone in line. When Alfred thought about it, Arthur seemed to give off that same sort of vibe. It was just another example on how even male Alphas broke the stereotypical norm.
The Company was so keen on promoting a healthy male Alpha as one who was tall, strong, loud, and knew what was right for Betas and Omegas to follow. This ideal had grown to the point where a pharmaceutical company was bought to develop a drug which amplified the power of male Alphas in those who were lacking. It was just another item on The Company's list of grievances and another to reason he was in the lab every day.
"Yes, I know," Alfred huffed as he tried to move past his brother, but was stopped when Matthew outstretched his hand, "but, what'd you expect me to do? Suddenly decide to take the stairs twenty flights?"
"Yes."
Alfred rolled his eyes.
"Or, make some excuse that you forgot something in your car. Anything, would have been better than riding an elevator with an Alpha during your Heat." This time Matthew made a move, bringing Alfred directly in front of him and resting his hands on Alfred's shoulders. He could feel his brother's eyes drilling into him as he tried to communicate his concern.
As much as Alfred appreciated it, and on most occasions needed it, everything came down to a matter of after years of being on suppressants, his brother's protective nature still left Alfred feeling like he had failed in his work. It was a constant nagging feeling whenever he was in his lab: what if he hadn't been careful enough? were the suppressants working? was Matthew's cautiousness really necessary? At times he had had to fight the urge to wipe his hard drives and set fire to his specimens.
With a heavy sigh, Alfred relented with a nod. "You're right. It was a dumb idea and I knew better. It's just-"
"Don't even think it, Al."
This time, Alfred jumped as he locked his gaze with his brother's. "Think what?"
Matthew heaved a sigh but never broke their contact, "Don't gain an attachment to him."
"Oh, come on, Matt!" Alfred tossed up his hands as he turned away from him, "The lack of credit you give me is revolting. So I whacked one off to thoughts of him a few minutes ago. Big deal. It's what I do, I'm a fuckin' unmated Omega!" This time he turned around to face his brother. It was rare for him to find the courage to stand up to any Alpha in such a way, but his limit had been hit. "You realize the sacrifice I go through every day having a goal like mine? I play it off each Heat like I'm just overly horny, but there is more to it than that. There's this lonely feeling that nags at me that no amount of suppressants can change. Seeing happy female Omegas on the streets with their Alphas and knowing I can't have that. Even that maternal urge to have children, Matt." He finally looked away, his hands shaking at his side as they balled into fists.
"I'm getting older, Matt. I'm twenty-nine. Even if I succeed, I might be out of luck to appeal to an unmated Alpha. And having children... well..." His emotions had finally broke past what little of his suppressant remained in his system; there was no holding back the few tears that fell. "I don't want to stay on this stuff forever. I need a mate, Mattie."
Alfred hadn't realized he had sunk down to his knees until his brother wrapped his arms around his shaking form. His voice had turned soothing, murmuring of sweet words. One hand gently rubbed at the nape of Alfred's neck to try and comfort him. It had been a long time since Alfred had a breakdown like this but, as it was, no suppressant was left to take the edge off his frustration. Part of him worried Arthur had had more of an effect on Alfred than he thought.
"Shh, none of that. You know you're almost at your breakthrough. And you'll find someone, Al, but, you can't jeopardize your life's work. You'll pull through this. Just give it a bit more time."
He knew Matthew wanted to help, but his words still spoke a truth that was becoming harder to face. The idea of laying it all to rest for some rose-colored future was too tantalizing to refuse. But if he gave in, it would mean the end of everything he had worked for and there would be no need to worry about children, The Company would see to that.
He lowered his head to rest his forehead against Matthew's and, with a quivering sigh, nodded again. He felt a pat on his back and firm hands on his shoulders as they got to their feet again. Matthew wore a warm smile on his face and, just like everyone claimed about Alfred's own, it was infectious.
"There you go, now. See, you'll be fine, alright. Now go get some sleep and you can get a good jump start tomorrow at the lab."
Alfred was about to step away when he turned back, his eyes wide in disbelief at his brother's words. "W-wait, you mean you're not goin' to demand I stay home for the rest of my Heat?"
Matthew shook his head, "You might be at your weakest right now but I haven't exactly been very supportive of you during these times." It was Matthew's turn to look away, biting his lip as he fretted over his words. "It's ingrained into me, my Alpha need to protect you. But if I'm honest with myself, you don't really need it, Al." He trained his gaze back on Alfred, "You have control over this. It's taken me far too long to see that and I'm sorry. You're going to succeed, Alfred, and I don't want to be a hand in keeping you from that."
Alfred thought he was about to cry again but his brother cut him off with a laugh, "Alright, you are beyond a wreck right now, so go to bed and take your suppressant in the morning. You'll feel better."
"Thanks, Mattie."
Matthew only smiled, patting Alfred on the shoulder before turning back to the sofa and the book he had neglected in his haste to meet Alfred at the elevator.
Despite all the pains you go through, you've been my support from day one, bro. A Type is a Type and, for better or worse, I'm grateful. If you hadn't been there for me all these years, I would never be where I am today.
The monotony of preparing slides was a chore for a lab assistant. Today though, the dull work felt soothing after Alfred's heated emotional rollercoaster the previous night.
He had woken up and taken his suppressant, immediately feeling its effects; mood swings calmed, the need to reproduce and take a mate ebbed away. It allowed him to go about his normal life, while not having to fear being caught by an Alpha. Though, he still had yet to rid the hypersensitive need for sex. He had managed to quell it some; otherwise he would be taking the position to be mounted by any Alpha that walked by. Only when an Alpha drew too near, or he found himself attracted to an Alpha, did it grow a bit difficult. Both turned out to be true today and it was keeping him focused on the slides and specimens in his gloved hands since the Alpha that had gained Alfred's interest was currently charting right beside him.
God, he looks amazing today. So prim and proper, like the typical English gentleman that he is. The way he holds himself: such perfect posture with his shoulders back and chest out. And that sex-mussed hair. Fuck! It's almost like he knows and is primping his feathers to drive me wild.
"Are you alright?"
"Wha- what?" Alfred jumped and almost lost the slide in his hand as he quickly turned away from his lab partner. A flush crept up his neck as he felt those drilling emeralds at his back. He might as well have been on trial from how guilty he felt about his lewd thoughts.
"Well," he heard Arthur reach out across the exam table. His arm brushed Alfred's side absently as he grabbed up a set of slides Alfred had finished. "You just put away an entire batch
of slides without any specimens on them."
While struggling to get past the slight touch and scent of that cologne, Arthur's words finally registered with him.
"Oh, I did?" The flush left him, his focus again on his job, and he lifted up the slides to the light to see the truth in Arthur's words. With a heaved sigh, Alfred lowered the slide to the table, rolling his shoulders forward and lowering his head to his chest. It was monotonous work for sure, but it still needed to be done right.
"I've been a bit under the weather this week." Alfred leaned on his arms as he closed his eyes, annoyed at himself and the impression he was giving to Arthur.
He couldn't see the other researcher with his arm in the way, but he sensed the man shifting beside him. He knew Arthur wasn't sure what to do. It didn't happen often, but Alfred had grown aware that some Alphas grew confused in their actions around Alfred. Their bodies could tell something was different, but what they saw and assumed told them the opposite. It had been an interesting experience observing these actions in Alphas, but with Arthur, Alfred had to fight off his own attraction as well.
It's just because I'm in Heat. When it's over I'll be back on my 'A' game and this awkward confusion between us will no longer be there. Then, when my Heat comes back around next month, I'll have it in check.
"If you've been sick, you shouldn't be at work. Your immune system might be compromised and working around Flu strains won't help, especially if you're slipping up in your work."
"I'm not slipping up!" Alfred turned quickly to face Arthur. His irritation at himself flared more that his work ethics were being questioned.
"Honestly, now, is that necessary?" Arthur stared Alfred down, his tone exasperated at Alfred's sudden outburst.
Alfred huffed as he bit his lip and turned back to his work. He had stepped out of line and there had been no reason to be defensive. Arthur was simply showing some concern for his health; certainly another sign Arthur would find odd later, if he hadn't already noticed the strangeness from the night before. Alfred was at a standstill as to what to do, so instead he began the tedious task of pulling the wet slides apart that lacked specimens and let an awkward silence fall between them.
He could still feel Arthur glaring at him, but heard a relenting sigh that allowed the tension to seep from Alfred's shoulders as he worked. A continued silence—as he had anticipated—was not forthcoming since Arthur seemed to decide a change in subject to break the tension was in order.
"Last night," Arthur started, quickly causing Alfred's palms to sweat at what the man might say, "I couldn't help but notice you were wearing a volunteer shirt. Might I ask what it is you volunteer for? I'm actually quite interested in doing some community work."
This change had certainly caught Alfred by surprise. Of all the things the man could have mentioned, his volunteering had not been one of them. Though, he had to count this as a blessing in disguise. It was a chance to find some solid ground and recover his facade as an Alpha.
"Oh, yeah, I was coming back from one of the few soup kitchens I volunteer at downtown."
"Oh really? That's quite a noble cause. What lead you to pursue that? With how much work you have around here, I'm surprised you can find the time."
Alfred smiled at this, feeling his cheeks flush lightly with heat at his praise.
"Ahh, well, it's mostly a personal thing. My family wasn't very well off while my brother and I were growing up. We had a lot of struggles and challenges facing us to get us to where we are today. Since then, I wanted to give back what I could to those people that encouraged and believed in me. I just wish there was more I could do."
Alfred startled from his slide prepping when Arthur clasped his hand on his shoulder.
"Well. That's quite admirable of you, Alfred." The smile Arthur offered Alfred had his heart pounding in his chest. It was such a warm and inviting smile. One that had Alfred pining to be held close, but the researcher in him was too busy questioning the hand on his shoulder and that warm smile.
Why is he acting like this? I know I'm still in my Heat, but usually Alphas back off; talking themselves down that I'm an Alpha, not someone they should be showing any sort of comfort or affection towards. So, why is he not backing off?
"So, I take it that was your brother last night?"
Alfred nodded with a sigh as memories came flashing back to him.
"It's all your fault, Alfred!"
He was ten again. It was raining. They were down a dark back alley, just having dodged a few agents on The Company's payroll. It was just another day. Constantly on the run, moving from rat hole to rat hole and the occasional home of a sympathizer. Alfred didn't understand his brother's sudden aggression. Why were they surviving together one moment and another found him crying on his knees in the mud?
"If you weren't an Omega, Mom would still be here with us! We would never have had to leave home! We would never have had to leave Hero!"
Then he was sixteen. He was running. Shouts called out after him as flashlights lit up the ground around him. He had ran away from his brother during his Heat and his scent had gotten the attention of a few Alphas roaming the streets. Now he had Company agents tracking him and he had nowhere to go.
He soon found himself stumbling into an old playground. The surrounding fence was overgrown with vines and hedges, while the old metal swing set, see-saw, and merry-go-round, were rusted and broken. A faint wind blew causing the metal swings to creak as they were pushed, as if the ghosts of families past were still swinging their children on the once loved metal skeletons.
There was an old wooden play fort, rotting and moldy from the rain and humidity that had eaten away at it over the years. Thick overgrowth had wound its way over and around it, practically concealing it from view. It was the closest thing he had to a hiding place and he hoped the smell of rotting wood would help mask his own musky scent.
It had worked, but he was cold, wet, and terrified of venturing out in case he was found again. He had fallen asleep there amidst the wet leaves and bugs, unsure how much time had passed until he awoke to the gentle touch of a hand on his shoulder. He hadn't startled awake, knowing his brother's scent immediately, but he had gotten up quickly to throw himself into his brother's arms.
Alfred just curled into a ball as his brother rocked him and whispered calming reassurances and apologies in his ear. It had been from that moment on that his brother never wavered in his stance on protecting Alfred. They had come too far, sacrificed too much, and all that kept their fragile plan together was each other. Once they had both realized that, everything seemed to come together.
The message was clear and now they just needed to follow it.
Alfred shook his head to clear his thoughts as he refocused on the bland white walls in front of him. He had to laugh now at how absurd his brother's actions might have looked to Arthur in the elevator. The lie rolled off his tongue with well-practiced ease.
"I was really sick as a kid. Our mother couldn't do much for us and our father wasn't in the picture. So, my brother took up a very protective role over me." He laughed as he rubbed at his eye absently, "Pretty ridiculous now that we're older. Hard to break old habits though, I guess." He yawned.
"I see." Arthur went quiet for a moment, which only set Alfred's nerves further on edge. He focused on his work again—making sure specimens got onto the slides this time—though he attempted to catch a glimpse of his new partner out of the corner of his eye. If he was suspicious before, he had hoped his story had quelled any rising curiosity.
"You've both lived quite the trying life." Arthur didn't look over to Alfred, but continued with his own slides. "You're a true success story. It's quite the pleasure to work alongside someone who started with such modest beginnings."
"Oh, well, it's not that big of a deal. American Dream, right?" Alfred laughed as he finished up a set of slides before moving to finalize his charting on them.
A smile played on Arthur's lips as he nodded before pushing his own work to group with Alfred's.
A silence fell between them again, though this time, Alfred was thankful for it since he needed to finish up some work today. There was a lot to be done and, with Arthur helping, more would be finished. However, now Alfred had to walk on eggshells around the one place he could relax. Living with an Alpha brother had its moments where he just wanted to leave. It was confining, but after the previous night's events, he hoped that would begin to change
"Alright, well," Alfred started as he packed up the slides and paperwork. "I'm gunna head out and bring these across town. I've got a few errands to do while I'm out, so I won't be back 'till late. If you need anything, feel free to ask Francis."
A nod was his reply. It was good enough and Alfred was ready to be rid of any further awkward questions that might strike the Englishman's curiosity. Why the man had felt inclined to learn so much about Alfred was beyond him, but it had warmed him some. The only person he had to confide in was his brother. To be able to talk about anything that bothered him to someone else would be a welcomed relief. Though, he knew it was impossible. Chances were high that Arthur was just trying to be nice; what with being in a new job in an entirely new country. Regardless, it was another instance of getting his hopes up that Alfred did not need. He faced too many let-downs on a regular basis that he didn't need to add a new one.
With a heavy sigh Alfred rested up against the cement wall of the lab as the automatic doors shut behind him. He didn't realize how hot he'd been until the cool air of the open hall hit his face. It wasn't the lab that was hot, but he felt stifled under Arthur's scrutiny. Was this how it was going to be from here on out? Would there be anything normal about this partnership?
I'm just struggling right now because I'm in Heat. Soon it'll be over and Arthur will just be another Alpha. I'll know how to handle him without my hormones and emotions running rampant.
It was a pleasing enough thought, one he'd have to settle for, as he climbed into his Mustang and placed the packaged slides on the passenger seat. A drive would be good to help clear his head before he had to do it all over again.
With Alfred gone, Arthur could finally get some actual work done. He had planned on something a bit more to his level than preparing slides, but was surprisingly thankful for the simple task. He had found himself feeling strange around Alfred both his first day on the job and the night before in the elevator. Despite searching for an explanation throughout the previous night - managing a maximum of three hours sleep - but he had only come up with one possibility.
Alfred was a Beta.
It had to be the case. Even though Alfred appeared the part of a strong, dominant Alpha, his actions spoke otherwise. From averting his eyes from Arthur, to cowering down to his older brother. An Alpha would never exhibit such behavior, and because of that, Arthur felt relieved that his attraction to his new partner was excusable.
The big question is though, why does he try to present himself as an Alpha? And if he's always acted this strange, why hasn't anyone said anything to him before?
When he moved to the states, the last thing he thought he'd be researching was his partner's odd habits to his Type. And the way Arthur felt his own instincts flaring to life around the researcher was another factor to the equation. It wasn't unheard of for Alphas to be attracted to other Alphas, but it wasn't the most opportune relationship. For one, Alphas could not be propagated. Omegas were the most well suited for breeding purposes, but Betas could produce offspring as well, however, a bit more difficult and less likely. Male Betas were even less likely to conceive. More often than not Betas took Omegas for mates, so the probability of finding an Alpha/Beta pair, with two males, and the Beta getting pregnant was a very small.
So, if I happen to act on my instincts with Alfred, and he responds, so long as I don't knot we'll be alright. That's a relief. For a while I thought something was wrong with me for wanting to fuck another Alpha.
"Monsieur?"
"Emm?" Arthur partly turned to the voice while his thoughts ran rampant over Alfred.
"Excusez-moi, but you've been staring off into space since dear Docteur Jones left. I do hope you are not coming down with something as well."
Arthur had still not snapped out of it until he felt a cool hand pressed against his forehead in which he backed up abruptly, almost knocking over a stand of glass test tubes.
"Oh, Francis, my apologies. No, I'm quite alright. I was just thinking..." Here he paused. Perhaps asking about Alfred's bizarre behavior wouldn't be too nosy. If it was coming off as obvious to Arthur, surely Francis—his lab assistant for the past six years—would also have taken notice of the researchers odd behaviour.
"You're a Beta, Francis." Arthur started as he turned back to his work, trying to play off his interest as minimal.
"Oui, Docteur Kirkland."
Arthur could see the man smile slightly from the corner of his eye. It unnerved Arthur for a moment, but he continued.
"Ah, yes, so, as a Beta, you must be able to tell something is... a bit odd... about Doctor Jones."
The eerie smile only widened as the assistant edged closer to Arthur.
"Emm, perhaps." Francis brushed up along Arthur's side, sending a chill through the researcher. His floral cologne was almost sickeningly sweet and had begun to make his head spin as he tried to focus.
"Then you know he's a Beta?"
"Isn't that obvious? Why, Docteur, are you interested in Betas?" This time, Francis lightly skimmed his hand up along Arthur's arm which finally forced the researcher to jump back.
"No!" Arthur barked, but quickly fought back his professional control and straightened his lab coat. "No, Francis, I am not. Only Omegas interest me."
Francis had turned to lean back against the lab table, his arms crossed across his chest while one hand went up to twirl a long strand of hair.
"Very well, sir," Francis quipped, a smug smirk on his lips that screamed he was unconvinced.
Clearing his throat, Arthur returned back to his original investigating questioning, "I am merely interested in why Doctor Jones asserts himself as if he were an Alpha? There is nothing wrong with being a Beta," he mused, though he now made mental note of their overzealous French assistant.
"No there isn't," Francis started, "But how many Betas do you see in such a respected position as Chief Medical Researcher of the CDC?" he chimed, looking up from under his thick lashes to the Alpha.
Arthur hummed as he brought his finger up to rest beneath his lower lip. Francis had a point. Many senior and executive positions were filled by Alphas. It was another reason Arthur had been so confused with his attraction to Alfred. For a Beta to have Alfred's position was practically unheard of. Namely because of the issues that strike up with people in lower positions. Alphas were not known to take orders and especially not from a Beta.
"I see. That does make sense. So he's trying to wear this facade because of his position." Arthur paused, "Has he always been this bad at it though?"
Francis shook his head, "No. Most of the time I forget he's a Beta with how well he throws his authority around." Francis then leaned to the side towards Arthur, waggling his eyebrows as he added, "He is also quite attractive, oui? With those broad shoulders, and chiseled abs."
"You've seen his chest?"
"Oh, so you are interested in him, Docteur." The Frenchman winked coily.
Arthur sputtered as he felt his face flush, "We are partners! It is not professional to strike up a relationship with your co-worker!"
Francis held up his hands in defense, "Never said it had to be a relationship."
Arthur grumbled at that, "I don't believe in promiscuous sex."
"To each his own then." The Frenchman shrugged.
A silence fell between them again as Arthur went back to his work. He tried to look past what Francis had said, but part of him did feel a strong urge to get a little intimate with the man. He couldn't quite understand it either. He had been around other Betas in his life, and never did he feel such a pull towards one, especially a man. There was just this scent that set a fire to his nerves. It wasn't strong, but nothing he'd ever picked up from another Beta before. Even Francis didn't give off such an attractive scent. Of course, he couldn't deny that Alfred was extremely easy on the eyes.
What am I thinking! I just started this job yesterday and here I am pondering doing exactly what that Frechman mentioned!
"Why isn't he mated?"
Arthur's eyes bugged out the minute the words left his lips. The thought had only just crossed his mind before they were being vocalized. The hell is wrong with me? Since when have I talked so blatantly with the brain in my dick? Francis had now turned to look at Arthur directly, not allowing Arthur to back out of his previously blunt statement.
Arthur swallowed as he felt sweat bead up across his forehead.
"Er, I mean, such a successful Beta like him, must be fighting off fawning Omegas left and right. Surely there must be someone in his life."
"The docteur is very private in his personal affairs. I have not once seen or caught him with another woman or man." He winked.
"So he's interested in men?"
Francis laughed, "You seem quite interested for someone not interested." Arthur scoffed again at this, but before he could retaliate, Francis stepped in with his own question. "Might I ask as to why you are without a mate, monsieur?"
The researcher groaned at the question. His thoughts immediately scrambling over the reason he was a researcher, and the reason he was now living in America. It wasn't because of his job, or the money and location. It was an effort to continue to prolong his inevitable arranged marriage to Elizabeta Héderváry; thanks to his family's old-fashioned ways.
"I just- haven't had the best of luck with the ladies." Arthur laughed.
"Well, maybe you should start building up some luck." Francis stepped over to him, his hand resting on the researcher's arm, "You are too lean for an Alpha. Why not check out the gym Alfred goes to after work." He smiled before quickly turning away with a flourish of his lab coat. "Here, let me jot down the address for you." He had turned back around in record time, brandishing a folded piece of paper and a bright smile.
"Oh, ahh, thank you. I had asked Alfred if I might tag along. Now at least I won't have to bother him."
Francis nodded, his wavy blond hair bouncing with the acknowledgment.
"Oui! Buff up a bit and you'll be having gorgeous Omegas all over you." Francis winked. "Do let me know how it all turns out."
"Emm..." Arthur had drifted off as he stared down at the paper he'd been handed. Francis' obnoxious laugh trailed off, leaving Arthur alone in the lab. The Frenchman had also jotted down a phone number. He assumed it was to the gym, but why would he need to call them if it was a 24 hour establishment? It didn't look much like a business number; more of a cell phone in fact. Whatever the case, he had wanted to find a gym, and he had yet to hear back from Alfred. Perhaps he would check it out that evening. His furniture had been delayed once again from home, so his unpacking had gone nowhere.
With a decisive nod to himself, he tucked the piece of paper into his lab coat pocket and turned back to his work.
A/N: Major thanks to the lovely Hada for Betaing! :D
Hey everyone! Thank you for your patience in waiting for this new chapter. I hope I did not disappoint. Some interesting events are soon to come. ;) As always, I love to hear from you, so please do leave a review and tell me what you thought! :D
Thank you again for reading!
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