And the chappy is late, again. Please read the bottom note for further information. Guess it was just plain stupid to start my very first fanfic only weeks before my finals. BUT, I can only repeat myself. I'm finishing this story, no matter what! I love you all very, very much my dear readers, for your support and your kind words. It's your reviews, favs and alerts that keep me going and I am truly enjoying the experience of writing something. I do hope that all this comes out as a success.

Special thanks to: uskoic, Francislovesyaoi, xBluieLovex, SnakeAyame, chibi-unicorn-girl, Tordyy -El Tord, khaji-da lover, mochiusagi, hexa, Empress Vegah, a Guest, Dreiks, another Guest, 01blackcat02, kyouko68, ichigosan and dasavioreHyde.

You make me grin and run around my room with joy. ;w;

Another important announcement: If you haven't noticed it yet. An Omegaverse-Fic I greatly enjoyed reading was recently taken down by the website. Its name was 'Of Social Importance'. But the author sweet ayako15 decided to continue it on archiveofourown and tumblr. Links are on her profile! Just thought you might be interested in that.

On a side note, someone asked what RWBY is. It's a web series by Rooster Teeth. Episodes are on youtube as well. I originally started to watch it because I love Haku's art so much and she's an environment concept artist for the series. :3 It's really cool, though.

For the future: If you have a question, please sign in so I can reply to you personally. :)

Chapter Ten - Step Ahead

Through a gap in the curtains soft rays of morning light fell into the room, across the floor and onto the bed, grazing the blanket where a sleeping figure was still huddled comfortably underneath. Tiny grains of dust were dancing vividly in the sun. Outside, birds could be heard singing, children were playing and shouting merrily in the yards, men and women were taking early morning jogs through the park. The world was wide awake around Arthur Kirkland who couldn't care less. Blissful oblivion was still sparing him from his impending hangover. And another, rather unexpected surprise.

Down the hall, a delicious smell was coming from the kitchen where Alfred was humming absently as he prepared breakfast for the both of them - bacon and eggs, toast, a stack of pancakes, fresh fruit, unsure of Arthur's preferences. Upon hearing a groan and a string of curses following closely after, he took the pan from the stove, grabbed a glass of water and two aspirin, deeming it time to wish his guest a good morning.

"Arthur?" he inquired with caution, knocking softly on the door to the guest room. The lack of any response - or protest - led him to the assumption that he was allowed to check on the Omega, so he opened the door and risked a peek. He half-expected the easily flustered Brit to make a scene at Alfred intruding his personal space. Who knows which adventurous conclusions he could jump to when waking up to a foreign home? After last night, though, he probably was in too bad of a shape to care, or perhaps, he hadn't even noticed him or his environment over the pounding of a headache. Yet.

"Arthur," Alfred repeated as he approached the unmoving lump on the bed. He set down the glass and the painkillers on the nightstand, trying to attract the other's attention. "Arthur, hey. If you don't get up, your hangover won't be getting any better." He gently shook what he assumed was Arthur's shoulder, only to receive an annoyed grunt in response.

Being Alfred F. Jones, he wouldn't let the Omega - or anyone for that matter - brush him off like this. Carefully, he began to peel the blanket off the slumped figure who was in return clinging even more desperately onto his momentary sanctuary. The most bitter face greeted him when the figure's head wasn't shielded anymore and daylight, albeit dimmed, cruelly attacked sensitive eyes.

"Good morning, Artie," Alfred beamed, as brightly and noisily as always, much to Arthur's dismay. As if the world was okay as it was, and there wasn't a gruesome pain torturing his every sense. For Heaven's sake, if God was really as merciful as people believed why wouldn't he end his life then an there?

Another grunt escaped his lips as the Omega squeezed his eyes shut. "Go 'way. And lemme die." After a few moments of burying his face in the pillow, however, he seemed to realise that something was wrong. Very and utterly wrong. He lay completely still and eyed Alfred suspiciously who crouched down beside his bed, shirtless, with tousled hair, ever so handso - Wait, why was here?

"Wait a second. What are you doing here?" he finally dared asking, barely disguising his horror. No, not in a million years would he invite the American git over, but probing his memories of the previous night he was greeted by complete blankness. He had absolutely no recollection of what had happened during or after they had left the gala to find the next bar. Even the images of the charity event itself were blurred. Only vaguely he remembered some familiar faces, his frustration at being left out of conversations and..crying when Alfred had confronted him about it. He shuddered.

"I heard you waking up and figured you could do with something to drink and aspirin against the headaches," Alfred informed him, offering him the glass of water, helpful and friendly as he was, but oblivious of the answer that Arthur was seeking. Arthur sat up slowly and downed the glass greedily along with the painkillers, getting used to the brightness gradually.

"No, what are you doing in my house?" he asked, but as he took in his surroundings there was no familiarity to the room. Instead of the usual beige walls and dark furniture he woke up to in the morning a warm yellow covered the walls. This wasn't his bedroom. Or any room in his flat. No, no, no. Recovering from his initial shock he turned to Alfred who stared back at him in bewilderment – or was it bemusement?

Cautiously assessing the Brit's reaction the Alpha voiced the dreaded words. "I'm not at your place. You're at mine."

The Omega shook his head in denial. No, this couldn't be. And where were his clothes? At least he still wore his boxers. Instinctively, he pulled the blanket closer to his nude form, inching away from the American.

"What happened last night?" he bellowed when Alfred couldn't bite back the snicker any longer. To him Arthur's behaviour was just too funny.

"Relax, you just got wasted after the ball. I took you out to a drink and didn't notice in time what a light drinker you actually are." He shook his head at the vivid memories flooding his mind. "So I brought you here and put you to bed. Your clothes are clean and already in the dryer." Alfred was speaking with such honesty that Arthur felt comforted. Slightly at least.

"Come on, I made breakfast."

.

To say that Alfred confused and irritated Arthur a little was an understatement. They took their seats at the richly set table and while he was grateful for Alfred's hospitality the mischievous glances sent his way, for God knows which reason, unnerved him beyond belief. "Do I have anything on my face?" he snapped irately, still in a sour mood because of his hangover.

Beside ridiculously large eyebrows? the Alpha thought, grinning inwardly, but he wouldn't dare saying that aloud. "No, but I like my clothes on you, Artie," he purred, just for the sake of teasing the smaller male. It was true though.

"Wha-?" Arthur tried to will his blush away. "Don't say such indecent things. That's no way of a boss to talk to his employee," Arthur chided, deeply flustered, eyes flickering everywhere but in Alfred's direction. The git would someday be the end of him, really.

They barely spoke during the rest of the meal. While Alfred was wolfing down pancakes after everything else he already ate that one might think inside his stomach was a black hole, Arthur was deep in thought. He prayed that he hadn't said anything embarrassing last night but judging by Alfred's amused expression earlier luck might not be on his side entirely.

.

Being the ever annoying, American pest Alfred had insisted on driving him home. After showering and changing back into his own clothes and feeling comfortable again Arthur had been all too eager to leave already. The Alpha wasn't done, though. Not yet. There was still the nagging guilt at the back of his mind that haunted him ever since he had seen the other break down in tears. Taking him to a social event had been a mistake on his behalf. Not that Alfred was all too bothered by Arthur's differing mindset. But he knew that the Omega was upset by the role that everyone else expected him to take.

After about fifteen minutes of dragging silence the American finally broke it. He was no good at these things, so much he knew, but if he ever wanted to earn more than frowns and mistrust from the other he needed to apologise. "Arthur," he started, eyes still focused on the traffic. "Last night…I shouldn't have taken you to a social event. Don't take me wrong, I enjoyed your company. But, I know that you don't like to take that typical Omega role. Hell, that's why you fascinate–" he paused, no that sounded completely wrong! "Scratch that, what I'm trying to say is.."

Watching the American struggle with his words that strange warm feeling was filling Arthur's chest again. "Alfred," he cut him off, "apology accepted. I was overreacting. It wasn't your fault."

"But it was," Alfred wailed, "I know you aren't what one would call 'socially conform' but I still took you despite everything you've been suffering because of absurd and discriminating rules this society set up. I don't want to force a personality on you that doesn't suit you."

"Hey," Arthur pointed out before he could stop himself, "it's not that long ago that you put me in my role yourself, Alfred." Why am bringing this up now? Admittedly, after starting over with the Alpha he couldn't recall an occasion where the other had let him down - disregarding the ball. I need to know, though. If I can put confidence into him.

If the other was taken aback he didn't let it on. Instead he bore a saddened look, a small bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Arthur," he began, looking the Omega in the eyes before his gaze wandered back to the street. Seas of blue were outright gleaming with sincerity. "I've treated you horribly. I was..stupid. And unfair. I know that now. When I saw you at Mattie's place I was shocked because I couldn't believe what I saw. I just couldn't. It meant that..all those months ago I was defeated by an Omega-"

"You just said, you didn't care if I took my Nature role."

"I don't. Not consciously. But part of me was absolutely furious and I didn't know you personally yet. I knew it wasn't ethical but I needed to demonstrate my superiority which was why I employed you. I wanted to see you weak and powerless, in my charge." Alfred stopped and shook his head, trying to get rid of the memory. He didn't risk a glance at the Brit who'd gone completely rigid, incredulously staring into the distance, memories of his first days flooding back in. "It was a mistake, though. I was mistaken. Soon I saw that breaking you wouldn't bring me any pleasure. I don't care if you are a good and devote Omega, I don't want you to change, okay?"

Arthur couldn't help but notice the Alpha's cheeks flushing slightly, another very uncommon thing among his kind, confident and proud as they were. Alfred's missing experience in conveying his feelings was sort of appealing. "Okay," Arthur replied for the lack of anything else to say. "I..I believe you." His hesitation didn't go unnoticed.

You will, Alfred thought with determination. I'll make you believe me, Arthur.

The remainder of the drive passed uneventfully, each trailing after their thoughts in silence. As Alfred stopped in front of the apartment complex, Arthur thanked him for the ride and bade him farewell.

"See ya on Monday." Alfred's carefree expression had returned once more and he waved vigorously as the Brit exited the car, slamming the door behind him.

When Alfred returned from his jog the following morning – which was just as fair as the last – Feliks was lurking behind a hedge that separated his garden from Alfred's own, as if he'd been waiting for him. The Polish blonde who always kept eyes and ears open for gossip and rumours smiled smugly when his neighbour rounded the street corner on his way home and entered the gate to his front yard.

"Good morning, Alfred," he called, waving enthusiastically. "Haven't seen you ages." He made it sound like a reproach, so the tall American would feel obligated to talk to him.

"Morning, Feliks," Alfred greeted him cheerfully and approached the hedge, though he was always a bit wary of the other. His fondness for gossip wasn't much of a secret.

"How have you been? You look...refreshed," he paused slightly before he went on, "finally, like, seeing someone?"

The Alpha stared comically at his neighbour. Had anyone found out about the dating agency? "Oh, I'm fine, thanks. But I think you're mistaken. I'm not dating anyone. What made you assume that?"

Feliks frowned at that, assessing Alfred who scratched the back of his head nervously under the scrutiny. "No? And I was, like, totally told that you brought someone to that charity gala on Friday. And," he quickly continued before Alfred could interrupt him, grin widening, "when I peered out of my window that night I saw you carry someone into your house."

Dammit. Why did people have to be so damn nosy all the time? "Err, well yes. But that was just an employee of mine. We went out drinking after the event and he can't really hold his liquor. There's nothing going on between us."

The other only gave him an amused expression. "Oh really? Totally didn't look like that. You carried the cutie bridal style, remember?"

How could he forget? Alfred fought the blush creeping onto his face, scowling. "I may have done that, but that doesn't mean anything. Since when is helping out a friend an equivalent to harbouring romantic feelings? I have enough things on my mind as it is."

"If you say so." That smug smile hadn't vanished, though.

"Yes, I say so. Now stop sticking your nose into other people's business. There's no rumour for you to spread." He hadn't meant to snap at Feliks but he was too horrified by the truth behind his neighbour's assumptions. After the events of the last days he had finally come to the realisation that he might like Arthur more than he wanted to. The concept of romance was deterrent to him in its entirety, though, and just as he'd told his mother he didn't want to engage himself in a relationship. He'd heard too many stories of divorce, tears and marital strife; they outnumbered the ones full of happiness on the tabloids in great quantities. There was no way he was keen on investing time or nerves into it.

.

That afternoon the ring of his doorbell left Alfred confused for an instant. He seldom got visitors, except for the postman or an occasional acquaintance. But usually they notified him beforehand. So he paused the game he'd been playing, tossed the controller aside and got up to open the front door, revealing an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.

"Mattie," Alfred exclaimed blithely and wrapped his brother in a bear hug. "You're back!"

No matter, how long they knew each other, Matthew would still be overwhelmed by Alfred's exuberance at times like these. "Can't...breathe," he gasped, trying to wiggle out of his twin's grip. Did the Alpha even know of his strength?

"Sorry," he replied sheepishly, loosening his arms around the Omega but not releasing him completely. "I'm just happy that you're here again. How was Canada? How's Mom? She still cross with me? I even went to that stupid agency for her..Sorry, come in first."

A few minutes later they were settled comfortably in Alfred's living room, sipping coffee and eating leftover pancakes from the previous morning. "Mine are still better," Matthew commented smugly as he took a bite from the pancake, just for the sake of teasing his twin.

"Hey, I used your receipt!" he protested. There was nothing wrong with his pancakes!

"Plainly following the instructions of a receipt doesn't make you a good cook though. Usually I'm not even measuring most of the ingredients," the purple-eyed man explained coolly. He silently enjoyed the feeling of exceeding his brother in at least some areas of expertise.

"Whatever," the taller blonde pouted, puffing his cheeks like a five year old, and decided to change the subject. "You haven't told me about your trip yet."

Matthew smiled to himself. So his brother had acknowledged his defeat. "It was just what I needed I guess. Exploring the country really helped me forget Francis for a while. And I met some interesting people."

Alfred knitted his eyebrows sceptically. "Interesting people? What do you mean by that?" He couldn't let his brother fall for the likes of a certain Frenchman again. The memory of holding his crying twin was too fresh, too vivid.

"I think you're getting the wrong idea," Matthew chuckled at his brother's immediate reaction. "I came across an organisation defending Omega rights. They are trying to gradually open up societal barriers, so Omegas will get access to higher education and so on. Arthur might be interested in it as well." He rummaged in his bag for a bit until he got hold of a flyer which he handed over to Alfred. It was slightly crumpled at the edges. ORA, it read. We're fighting for your rights!

Alfred skimmed it thoughtfully for a moment before he looked up again. "There are similar organisations in the States, too. But they aren't very successful." He felt bad for trying to suffocate any spark of hope in his brother, but while he himself liked to be optimistic he didn't want him to suffer disappointment.

"But up in Canada, they started an open debate about the justness of the current restrictions. The topic is still left untouched by any higher instances here. I think it's time that we change that." The Omega's voice sounded determined. He knew he might fail but nothing could be achieved if no one dared to speak up. "I know you don't want me to end up disappointed. But you should let me do that. I'm a grown man who doesn't need protection or supervision."

Alfred sighed. "I know. I'm just trying to protect you, okay? I don't want to restrict you."

Matthew smiled. He knew that, of course. "I am aware that there are no bad intentions behind your actions. I just thought it needed saying because you tend to get overprotective of me. Now that I finally found something that's giving me hope I needed assurance that..that you are on my side. I remember when I started dating–"

"That was just because you kept it from me. I was just..hurt 'cause I thought that we'd share everything. Besides, the Frenchie was an asshole."

"He wasn't all the time. But it won't happen again, 'kay?" Matthew said, glad that differences between them were always settled easily.

"All right. Now," he replied, beaming at his brother. He picked up the controller where he'd flung it earlier. "Wanna play some video games?"

Between combating his brother and collecting valuables in a virtual world part of his mind wandered from the screen and back to his earlier conversation with Feliks and a certain Omega with emerald eyes and a set of unruly hair on top. There had to be a positive side of dating, right? Why else would people do it then?

"HA!" Matthew's shout of victory brought him back to the real world. Game Over his part of the screen told him, causing him to stare incredulously between his controller and Matthew. He shook off his nagging thoughts and started the game anew.

When Arthur entered his office on Monday he was still unaware of Alfred's decisions, made while lying awake late at night. He went after his usual tasks, not expecting abnormalities when his boss entered his office to anno- err, greet him like every morning.

"Good morning, Arthur," he chirped happily as he opened the door with his trademark smile. "How are you today?" Carefully, he desisted from irking Arthur or else he wouldn't even consider agreeing with his plans. For some reason, though, his behaviour rose suspicions in the Omega who was used to atrocious nicknames, horrendous butcheries of the English language, and ridiculous attempts to scare him by now.

"Good morning, Alfred," he said, trying to sound unimpressed by the strange acting. "I'm fine, and you?" He eyed the other critically over his monitor.

"Me too," he replied and looked around the room. To his disappointment they weren't alone like most of the time when having their morning chat. "Look, do you mind coming to my office for a sec? There's something I need to discuss with you."

Ha! He knew that the other wanted something when acting so nicely. What are you up to, Jones? he wondered, but trailed after the Alpha nonetheless. Far too quickly he found himself sitting in the office he knew far too well by now with the magnificent mahagony desk that would look far better if it was less chaotic, the black (un)comfortable leather chairs and a stunning view over Manhattan. Alfred just liked to summon him for the most idiotic reasons that could be discussed over the phone as well, if they required discussion at all.

Now, here he once again sat in front of Alfred's desk, waiting for him to speak. His boss, though, looked distracted, deep in thought, fruitlessly searching for the least awkward way to start the conversation.

"Arthur," he said at last. "I've been..thinking a lot lately. About our conversation in the car and the one on the balcony..and the last couple of weeks in general. I've come to like you, a lot." Shyly, he looked up from his hands he'd been fiddling with to meet Arthur's dumbfounded stare. "I'm looking forward to see you every morning and I feel the need to apologise again for the way I treated you at first. And therefore – "

"There is no need to do that, really. You already said, it's different now, isn't it?" Arthur had snapped out of his trance. He had a nagging feeling that he knew where this was leading to.

"Please, it's not just about apologising," Alfred retorted hastily, preparing to voice out the dreaded words. "I'd like to treat you to dinner. Just the two of us. On a date." The Alpha felt his cheeks warming a little and wondered when again, his confidence had left him. The answer, though, was far too simple. Since Arthur had started to matter to him.

But said man only stared at him in utter shock, at a complete loss for words. Part of him had hoped that he erred and Alfred wouldn't ask him out. But what was he to expect after the other had started their conversation the way he had? Another, even smaller part of him tried to convince him to say 'yes', because frankly, he did like the American even through all the annoying traits that he possessed. Since he'd known him better he'd, too, started to look forward to seeing him at work, he felt less lonely when he was around him – and even more so when he lay awake at night with his thoughts revolving around a certain blonde.

But that part sadly wasn't loud enough to drown all the worries and fears racing through him at the same time. Never would he be able to open himself up to someone fully. The memory of crying in front of Alfred – of all people – still sent shudders down his spine. "Sorry," he started, unsure how to reject the American whose blue eyes shone desperately with terror and hope at the same. He could see that the other was genuinely scared of rejection. "But..I can't. I'm sorry. I–"

Alfred's face fell but he tried to take it bravely. "It's okay, Arthur. It's okay. Never mind, I just hoped that maybe...maybe you'd like me, too." He ruffled his hair in frustration.

"I do," the Omega said quickly, too quickly, before realising how it sounded. "I mean, I like you but I don't know if I can..do that. I need some time to think, Alfred." Hesitantly, he reached out to lay a hand on top of Alfred's fiddling ones comfortingly. "I need some time to come to terms with myself. You know that it's been difficult for me."

"How long?" Alfred's face lit up. Anything was better than outright rejection. "Please, I need something more specific. Or else..."

"That's not that easy, git." Arthur scowled, but seeing the Alpha's pleading look his resistance wilted. "All right. Let's say...Friday?"

"Friday it is then. Meet me right after work in my office again. I'll try not to bother you until then."

A/N: Betcha thought they were finally dating by now~ ;D ;D ;D

ORA = Omega Rights Association. (haha, ain't I creative?...8D)

mehh..and somehow I'm never really satisfied when looking back at a chapter...D: Perhaps, someday I'm going to rewrite some of it. But I barely have the time now so..who cares Dx

Now to what I've already hinted at in the top note, though. I'm not sure if I can keep my weekly update schedule when school is starting again. The time before autumn break was quite relaxed but with all the exams in November and December, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test on 1 December, and my finals in January (plus the oral exams in March) I'll need to dedicate more time to my studies if I want to reach my goal of a 1.0. In the last couple of days I was already preoccupied with homework, the reason why this chapter is late to begin with.

I'll try to at least update on a biweekly basis while making the chapters longer as the story deepens. I hope you understand. Still love you all!