Hello! I hope everyone had good holidays! I did ^.^ Breaks over now though, back to updating. So here's your next chapter, I hope you enjoy~
"No, That's bullshit! He's my Omega!" Alfred yelled. Matthew winced and burrowed under the blankets a little further, hands pressed over his mouth, trying to muffle the sound of his crying as fear and aggression filled the room
"He is, and you have say over what happens with him when you sign this." Arthur replied calmly.
"I'm not signing anything until you change it so I have control over my own kids!" Alfred continued to shout.
Arthur sighed "Alfred really, why must you always make everything so dramatic? It's only the Omega's, and It's not like you won't profit. It all goes into the estate, I'm not cutting any part of your life style off"
"I don't give a flying fuck about my lifestyle!"
The fighting continued and Matthew shook listening to them. He had come out of the heat room, bathed gently and carried out by Alfred to lay in his bed to rest. The Alpha had stayed, not wanting to leave his side for the night, and curled up in the floor pillows to sleep. When morning came, so did Arthur. A brief eye rolling and comments were followed by paperwork and contract talk. Arthur had been waiting for Alfred to show up and get it done the day before in the office, but had grown impatient.
It was boring, but fine as Matthew sat in bed eating. Alfred sitting on the end on the bed, nibbling on a piece of bacon as everything went. Matthew wasn't even really paying attention until Alfred stood suddenly and the argument started. he was only now starting to catch the gist of it… and it was terrifying. He curled tighter, breathing coming faster. He thought he was out from under Arthur's thumb after this heat!
"And what the hell is this?! you hold control over the-" There was the sound of paper fluttering "'Children of Omega orientation, as well as those who have the potential to be Omega, as well as the reproductive organs of the mother Omega' "
Arthur rolled his eyes "It's only a formality, it simply means if he isn't producing anything of profit I can provide treatments to try and remedy it, or halt the process if it become more costly than it's worth. I don't know why you're making a fuss, You'll have complete control over the Alpha children Alfred, and once it's clear if any of them are Beta's you'll have them too, Those are the children you raise and focus on. Though, hopefully, If you take after me enough, you won't have many of those" Matthew could hear the idle clicking of a pen and it almost hurt.
"And my Omega kids? What? you're just going to sell them to the highest bidder the second they're through testing?!" Alfred snarled.
"You make it sound so callous," Alfred scoffed, but Arthur continued "They'll be put into the finest Havens of course. Assuming they don't develop their mother's attitude, they will all find good families and be well taken care of."
"No! No I won't do this!" Alfred yelled again.
"Well, that is up to you." Arthur said cooly, the sound of papers being gathered, "However, if you've decided you don't want him, I certainly have no use for a second hand Omega, so I'll call Western Home after lunch and arrange a transfer-"
"Wait!" Alfred snapped, his voice sounding strained, Matthew froze as the aggression thinned. "You wouldn't do that…"
"I told you Alfred, if you didn't want him, I had little interest in keeping such a handful around." Silence hung for a second before Alfred spoke.
"Give me the papers…" Alfred half whispered "I'll sign them just… hand them over."
Matthew's sobbing had ceased as the aggression did, but he was still a shaking mess under the covers as the sound of pen scratching across paper repeated over and over.
"That it then?" Alfred asked darkly a few minutes later,
"Yes, that's everything.." Arthur trailed, as if he was reading "He's all yours." He ended boredly as his voice moved away. the sound of the door clicked and Matthew flinched.
He couldn't help but go over the words and jumble of facts in a panic… So he was owned by two Alpha's? Like he'd been cut in half and they both got a piece. He clenched his jaw, Arthur would be sweeping his children away… After everything he still won. he still owned Matthew… And Alfred-
"I'm sorry…" Alfred's broken voice came through, as his weight hit the end of the bed again. "I'm suppose to protect you and I…" he broke off. Matthew winced at the sound of the Alpha's voice. a few days ago, he'd want to hate him for this, but after everything he knew Alfred gave up, and the way he'd fought…
Matthew took a second to try and compose himself, pulling out from the covers slowly. He looked at the Alpha on the bed in front of him. Alfred's head was in his hands, he looked so pained… It struck a cord. Pushing back the part of his brain that screamed that he couldn't, that he didn't want to, the part that kept flashing a pale face and snowy white hair, he crawled over the blankets to Alfred. Matthew curled next to him with his head on the Alpha's shoulder, "It's not your fault…" he muttered, eyes looking down. He had no idea what else to say in that moment. It wasn't okay really, but it wasn't less than he should have expected… Arthur Kirkland had never been one to let go of anything easily…
Alfred's arms wrapped around him and Matthew allowed himself to be pulled into Alfred's lap, sitting stiffly as his hair was stroked. They sat like that for gods knows how long. Matthew was not comfortable with it, but he bore it for the sake of the other. He had no idea how Alfred found it at all comforting… and he tried to relax, but he couldn't. He was already fighting off a wave of guilt and irritation at being freely touched.
Finally it became too much, and in an attempt to halt the uncomfortable affection, Matthew started asking questions leading into talking about Alfred's Beta. Kiku apparently was his name, and the delicate nature of the discussion was enough to grant Matthew some space off of Alfred's lap as well as a cure for his curiosity.
Alfred seemed to have no end of little stories, all sorts of things about the Beta. Matthew was riveted by them. it wasn't the normal, boring and downright weird things that Alfred went on about endlessly. Matthew found himself caught up in the charm of it, torn between sadness that Alfred had to leave the Beta and a nagging jealousy that Matthew had no right to feel…
It took all morning, but eventually they rolled through what had to be the pairs entire history. From meeting in highschool, to falling for him, a first kiss right up to a last as he said goodbye to head home on his birthday. It was all drawing to a horrible close as Matthew knew what came next. The ending. The part where Matthew showed up, ruining it all…
"The night I uh.. The night after we met, I called him…" Alfred started the pair had migrated around the room through the day, and Alfred was currently sitting backwards on a chair while Matthew sat at the easel listening quietly "I was so confused, It all happened so fast. I mean it wasn't like I hate Omega's or anything… just… ya know taken a bit off guard?" He looked at Matthew with apology, and Matthew looked down nodding. He'd come to terms with the meeting already, but it still wasn't a happy memory, and he doubted it ever would be for either of them. Alfred continued,
"anyway I told Kiku what happened and that my dad had said I could keep you, but if I chose not to, he would probably put you in a heat house." Alfred's look turned pained, " So, that pretty much made the choice obvious for both of us… " He practically whispered the sentence.
A brief silence hung, and Matthew frowned in confusion, not really understanding the explanation. The word, 'Heat house'... It really didn't sound like anything he was going to want to know about but, he asked anyway, needing to know what could be so bad that both would give it up for a stranger. An Omega one at that. "w-what's a heat house?"
Alfred looked at him for a second cringing deeply. he turned his head, not looking at Matthew as he spoke "It's where they put… dysfunctional Omega- Not that I think you are! It's just… for Omega that aren't easily kept. weather they're too rebellious, too much of a danger to themselves, or not really all there anymore and need too much extra care." Matthew nodded stiffly as Alfred's eyes flickered over and away again,
"The government runs them and it's kinda like a haven… except... " he paused and swallowed hard looking a little sick, "A-Alpha's pay to… breed the in heat Omega's there. They don't get to keep the kids… those go to adoptive families right away." His face hardened "but,any lengths to 'fulfill our responsibility to preserve the Omega race' "
Matthew cringed at the words of the decree, feeling a sense of sick panic himself. Arthur wanted to send him there… the title of 'Western home' suddenly came to mind and he felt even more scared, the smell tinging the air. Rebellious Omega… one's who aren't all there, who are a danger to themselves. He easily could have fit that, and Arthur had been ready to send him there this morning...
"I would never let that happen to you…" Alfred murmured looking down. "Neither would Kiku. He told me if I even considered it, he'd never forgive me." Alfred smiled sadly and Matthew felt another stab of guilt, but any confusion was soon answered.
"He works with Omega you see.. In a haven." Alfred continued "His job is to help them, calm them after they're ripped from their families, while they adjust to living in captivity. He had to tell them they can't play games, or eat things, or even dance around like most kids can because they may get hurt, and that somehow makes them worth less. He's seen them after they get torn down for not being perfect enough by Alpha's. He watches how devastated and terrified they get if they aren't chosen, because even a shit Alpha is better than a heat house. How mindlessly happy they get over something tiny, little compliments or 'good job's. Then there's the alterations which just-"
Matthew flinched and Alfred looked over cringing "Sorry… It's not that it…" He tried and Matthew just looked down. They sat in silence for a minute. "Did it hurt a lot?" Alfred finally asked, Matthew looked up to see a deep frown and worried blue eyes.
"It…" Matthew started, but dropped his eyes, Yes, it had hurt. Healing had been a nightmare and feeling a piece of himself gone was traumatic... But Alfred didn't need to hear that right now. Not when he already looked guilty for something he hadn't picked. "It wasn't bad" he lied, "They gave me medication to help and… I was fine." Alfred didn't look convinced. Matthew felt a little hopeless before he remembered
"Actually…" Matthew stood from his spot at the canvas, the painting had been forgotten a while ago. He moved to his bed, pulling a storage box out. "Arthur gave me something after that helped and uh… maybe you want it back?" Matthew pulled out the blue sweater, ignoring the album that had come out with it and now lay on the floor. He turned to Alfred holding it out with a sheepish smile and a shrug.
Alfred looked confused for a second then realization set in "That's my jacket?" He asked reaching out for it.
Matthew nodded and handed it over his cheeks dark red, "I uh… I wanted something of yours after and that's what he had, it helped…You helped me in a way,"
Alfred turned the material over in his hands, eyebrows raised as he looked at the tag in it, cheeks flushed a bit as he undoubtedly caught sight of his name, now worn, written in it. A small smile crept onto his face, and Matthew felt a flood of relief. "Wow…" He said with a chuckle, tilting his head "this had to be from like..."
"I was ten, so, eight years ago" Matthew said helpfully gently smiling back.
Alfred's smile faltered, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion, "You… you've known about me since you were ten?" Matthew turned brighter red, eyes opening wide. Alfred didn't know he'd been bought that long ago?!
He kicked the photo album under the bed without looking at it, suddenly interested in the wall as he scrambled for words, "I uhm…" This was awkward… the memories of daydreaming of the alpha who hadn't known he existed, having his picture by his bed… His face was flushing deeper and deeper as he thought about it.
It hit him suddenly and Matthew shook taking a step back as Alfred started to look a little less confused and a little more upset, aggression light, but there. "How long ago did he buy you?" Alfred asked, eyes still on the hoody, trying to keep his voice even.
"I… I was eight…" Matthew whispered scared at the sudden turn.
"Did he buy you for himself, or for me?" he asked sharply, Was this some sort of jealousy thing, some possession trip?! Matthew felt his eyes filling. Here it was, he was claimed and now the truth came out. Alfred had a taste of having an Omega and now he was going to realize Matthew was just a toy… Had this morning even been out of concern, or jealousy? Did he just not want anyone else touching or controlling something that belonged to him?
"Y-you… h-he told me the first time we m-met I'd be a g-good Omega for his Alfred…" Matthew said tearily as his head spun.
Alfred must have caught the scent of fear as Matthew slowly backed away, he looked up and his anger fell off a bit, though not completely, "No, no Mattie! come on I'm not-" It came out harsh and he sighed, holding up a finger as he took deep breathes. His expression was still irritated, but his voice was gentler. "I'm not mad at you… I'll never be mad at you…"
Matthew maintained his distance, still shaking
"Please… just… come here okay? I'm all good!" Alfred said with that heartbroken look taking over again. Matthew hesitated, but took slow step towards the chair, stopping just out of reach. "I'm sorry… It's just a lot to process i guess." He gave a lopsided smile.
Matthew nodded looking down, he wanted nothing more than to go back to the bed and hide…
Alfred sighed and Matthew looked through his lashes to see the Alpha's head pressed against the back of the chair "Today has kinda sucked so far huh?" He asked.
Matthew pursed his lips before nodded looking back at his feet, "Yeah...you could say that."
"I have an idea that might make it better" Alfred said, that smiling tone back in his voice. Matthew looked up fully, silently questioning and reproachful. "Well…" Alfred said, standing from the chair, a smirk on his face "I signed the papers, you're mine now. Dad said I could do what I wanted so…"
Matthew's eyes opened wide in horror, oh god no! He could possibly think.. oh no way! no no no!
Alfred looked confused for a moment then laughed and rolled his eyes "Yeah, not exactly what I had in mind, though good to know your stance on that! Come on" He said cheerfully and reached out and grabbed Matthew's hand, pulling him towards the door "We're gonna explore!"
"W-wait what?!" Matthew said as the door opened and he was pulled to the edge "But will get mad!" He said regressing a little to his younger days in the face of something new.
Alfred turned with a boyish smile and laughed "But that's half the fun! come on!" He winked pulling Matthew forward more. The blonde Omega cast a longing look back. Oh dear…
of all the rooms in the house, It shouldn't have surprised Matthew they'd wind up in the kitchen "Here ya go!" The blonde Alpha said, picking him up to place him on the counter with little warning, causing Matthew to squeak. Alfred just smiled brightly "Now you can watch me work my magic!"
"D-do I have to be up here to watch it?" Matthew asked shifting uncomfortably. The counter would only come up to his rib cage, but sitting on it it felt high!
"Don't worry Mattie, You'll be great. I wouldn't let you fall" Alfred said with a smile as he grabbed stuff from out of the fridge. "I know you guys don't really get to see much work in the kitchens right? too much hot or sharp crap. It beats having to sit in that room and make another pillow case cover… plus! I'm gonna make you some real food!"
Matthew bit his lip, watching as Alfred put a couple kinds of ground meat into a bowl mixing them together "I guess so yeah…" He gave a small smile looking down at his bare feet "I use to hang out in the kitchen at the Haven when I was little, but I couldn't get too close to the work station. I uh…" He went a little red "I had appetite problems"
Alfred looked at him and raised an eyebrow "You? Really? They musta fixed that then!" He said grinning before quickly adding "Not that you look fat! Just healthy, you know!"
Matthew snorted a bit at that and it earned an amused look. "Sorry" He said chuckling. He couldn't help but find Alfred's repeated foot in mouth moments funny. "Yeah, Arthur watched my eating habits pretty close so, here I am" He said leaning back and waving a hand down himself.
He felt relaxed, it was odd… But Alfred's energy just seemed to ease him into a familiar position. He refused to look into the connect of why a loud, energetic and dorky guy would be comforting… He just needed to keep his head in the moment.
Alfred looked thoughtful as he mixed with his hands, Matthew wrinkling his nose. "So… What kinda rules did you have there?"
Matthew frowned a little. Worried about setting Alfred off again… but he had just spent the whole morning talking about Kiku, which had to be painful, so…
"Well… We couldn't run around much, had to eat what was on our plates, eight pm bedtime, seven am wake time. Classes and all that" Matthew listed "Obviously anything dangerous like climbing, or carrying too much was out. only ages fifteen and up could take up needlework of any kind." He shrugged.
"Okay…" Alfred said, chopping up something green and leafy to put in. "But any you specific ones?"
Oh… He wanted to know what his father had pushed for… huh… He sighed "well… uh… I had to take singing lessons, a little less physical activity and bigger portions at meals, I wasn't suppose to lose weight or inches. I grew out my hair, my uniforms had to fit properly and I wear contacts." He listed nonchalantly, frowning trying to think if he'd missed anything.
"wow… that's- Wait… you need glasses?" Matthew nodded. He'd been wear contacts solidly since arriving, taking them out at night and for his heat. "I don't know how you wear contacts… I hate them."
Matthew shrugged "I didn't exactly have a choice. I'm not overly fond of them"
"Do you have glasses" Alfred asked,
"In my night stand yeah…"
The tall blonde nodded "After I'm done this we'll go get 'em. I'd tell you to, but you might get lost. It takes a while for people to figure out the layout of the house. You'll get the hang out it soon enough though"
Matthew tilted his head and raised an eyebrow "I will?" Wasn't this a one time thing.
"Yup! Come on Mattie~" He whined as he started grabbing handfuls of the mixture forming circles. "That room is great and all… but it's boring! We need to be able to wander around right? I don't wanna spend every day in there."
Matthew blushed and looked down at his feet again trying to hide his annoyance, "you don't have to come see me everyday…" He said quietly.
there was suddenly, of all things, a clean spatula handle under Matthew's chin, Alfred's slimy meat covered hand holding the other end turning Matthew to look into smiling blue eyes "And if I want to?" He asked grinning.
Matthew's eyes widened for a second before he looked away "well… you've been there almost everyday so far so… I guess… yeah…"
Alfred frowned "do you not want to? "
Anxiety filled Matthew, not wanting to upset the Alpha he scrambled, "I… it's just… I'm use to some quiet time" Alfred blinked "Alone. -not that I wanna be alone all the time! I just… maybe a bit of me time in a day?" God now he sounded like Alfred….
The Alpha hummed and nodded "that sounds reasonable. But I still want you to be able to be free in the house. I feel weird locking a person away... I know!" he said suddenly excited "I'll get you a hat! If you wanna be alone, wear the hat and I won't bother you! "
Matthew fought back the urge to protest. A hat? That sounded ridiculous. Not to mention uncomfortable to read in. .. but after a minute he sighed in defeat, if it got him a little bit of quiet without being stared at… "just not a big one okay?"
"you got it Mattie!" Alfred said cheerfully as he pulled out a counter top contraption… Matthew watched quietly. He still wasn't completely sure about how he felt about any of this… but at this point, he'd learned to just go with it.
Even if it lead to having to wear a hat to read.