So after a year of Hiatus on this story I decided to come back with an update, the date finally happens and Eren and Jean can finally talk. If you have any ideas for future chapters, again please leave in reviews of PM
I hope you like it :)
Jean sat in silence on a nearby bench, his eyes glued to his phone as he scrolled through his Spotify playlist and checking his texts diligently. Trying to ease his anxieties about his date with Eren finally having arrived. Music had always been one of his personal comforts ever since he was a kid, drowning out the world and filling his mind and body. Taking him away from reality and simply allowing him to feel the vibes of the musicians. Like this wasn't his life, that it was all a dream he could escape from.
Given he had tried to deny the fact that Eren was his alpha, and then his first meeting with the latter had led to him forcefully kissing him. He had ever right to be on his guard and worry about Eren trying something stupid again. Omega's were looked at as breeding tools and nothing more, being respected by anyone other than their own kind or Beta's was rare. He had just hoped that romance would be involved with his future partner, though rare not all Alpha's were the monsters people made them out to be. He had packed some medication just in case, the last thing he needed was an episode while he was out. Given he was still unmated with his Alpha, he was weak to his pheromones.
As a kid he had always imagined in his head how the meeting would go. Like something out of a cheesy rom com or some Japanese shoujo, a beautiful sunny day, having an internal monologue, trees in bloom and then bumping into a random stranger. Only to find this handsome man or stunning woman was his soulmate. But then of course, this was reality and things were never that smooth. His meeting with Eren had been unorthodox and embarrassing, reminding him of why romance in movies was complete bullshit. Jean's phone buzzed abruptly, temporarily pausing his music. He flipped through his many messages before a familiar name came up. A fond smile appearing on his face, easing his cautioned mind just a little.
"Let me know how today goes, wishing you luck man"-Marco
Marco would be checking on him through the day and he knew it. He had been looking out for Jean since they were kids, he would make sure Eren didn't pull any funny business with Jean again. Though he was often known for being a sweetheart, when it came to his closest friends, Marco could be as fierce as a guard dog. He still hadn't told his mother that he had found his Alpha, he didn't want her to worry about him being endangered. Being a Beta she couldn't understand his heats or his problems, but being a loving mother she supported him as best she could. He didn't want her to know that he had met his mate, more so that until they became one that he would continue to be affected. She would only become anxious and overly protective.
Even being out now he felt anxious, that other Alpha would pick up his scent and try something. He felt vulnerable and exposed, hoping Eren wasn't playing some awful trick on him. That he hadn't made the offer only to stand him up and get his hopes up, he really thought Eren would be above that sort of thing. That he had changed since they were stupid teenage rivals always butting heads. But life didn't always work that way, sometimes people could still be cruel no matter how much time had passed.
"Breathe, it's just a date. That's all, Don't get too worked up" he mumbled under his breath. He would get worked up, he would panic, he would do something reckless. That was the last thing he needed. Eren had felt bad about what he did otherwise he wouldn't have apologized. He wouldn't have made the journey to his apartment, then spent all that time being sulky around him. So he wasn't as cocky and self-centred as he made himself out to be. Back when he was a kid and learned of his Omega nature, he never saw himself dating such an immature and clingy Alpha, but admittedly that sensitive and stubborn side of Eren was adorable. Plus it was something he could tease him about in private. They would just get food, talk and then go separate ways, just something casual. Nothing he wouldn't do when he was in a group of friends.
There was no need to overthink and blow things out of proportion, putting too much pressure on themselves would only make things even more awkward. Jean didn't own a suit and tie, nor could he afford to eat at the 5 star places Eren was probably used to. His father wasn't a rich doctor, he didn't even know what his father was doing now. Given he walked out on himself and his mother when he was a kid, disowning his son's bisexuality and identity as an Omega altogether. He ran his hand through his undercut in frustration, trying to tone down his abrupt and sharp tongue. The last thing he wanted was to act like an ass towards Eren when they were doing this so he could make up his past actions to Jean. But he was still nervous, though he had dated Beta females in the past and even some Omega guys. This was his Omega, his soulmate, how was he not supposed to be freaking out about this?
They would have a future together, marriage, mating rituals, family, childbirth etc. It was pretty basic stuff that all Omega's grew up aware of, that Alpha's were meant to provide for them in some way, but were lucky to have caring Alpha's who respected them. Rather than manipulating them and constantly putting them down. Reminding them of how low they were on the food chain compared to their beloved Alpha. He wanted to hope that Eren wasn't one of those people more than anything.
"Yo, been sitting there long? You're really concentrating there" a playful voice joked. He looked really cute when he was thinking, he got the feeling Jean was as nervous as he was. Though that thought made him feel a little more relaxed himself. Knowing that they were both blushing morons who were freaking out about a first date. His mother had screamed down the phone in excitement at the potential of meeting her future son in law. Eren had bashfully explained it was still early days but glad Jean already had her approval.
Jean blushed, he had hoped Eren would be late, allowing him to psyche himself up a little more. But he had been quicker than he thought, probably trying to be punctual. But now he felt even more nervous. He shifted, taking out his headphones and hiding them in his pocket. He took a quiet breath and licked his lips, he could run away and hide, but then he would be the dick this time. No, he had to face the music. He looked up, Eren had his hands buried in his pockets his face slightly flushed with embarrassment. He was wearing a denim fleece-lined jacket, black ripped jeans, a white T-shirt and converse. It was a casual look but it looked good on Eren.
Eren blinked at him, aware Jean was now staring at him wondering if he looked odd. He had dressed down so he could not make too big of an impression. To not look like he wanted to outshine him as an Alpha, that he was more than his status. "What? Your brain shut down or something Kirstein?" he muttered awkwardly. He felt like he was being judged by him, though his Alpha nature would usually get angry and put him in his place, he knew part of him was also overthinking due to nerves.
Jean blushed, feeling like an idiot for staring. He slowly got to his feet and buried his hands deeper into his pocket. "So, now what? You have anything in mind?". Since Eren had been the one to ask him he thought he would at least have a game plan. Making plans with friends was one thing, making a date with a potential lover was something else entirely. They had a bond and no matter how much he tried to escape it, it was fate, the red string binding them together eternally.
Eren shrugged casually, he got the feeling Jean didn't like showy arrogant guys so he didn't have to try and impress him. He didn't have to use his influence on him as an Alpha and treat him good. "A walk maybe, chew the fat and get some food. We need to get to know each other, I doubt sweeping you off your feet will make you love me" he joked. Jean was a fiercely independent guy, he was in the top 5 in their class, he was self-reliant and strong-willed. He was no ass kisser and he would never bend the knee to Eren. He wanted mutual respect and love from his partner.
Jean had expected some grand gesture, a five-star restaurant, black suit and tie, like something out of a rom-com. Even going out of his way like he would with other Alphas in his clique. But he supposed he was being considerate of his comfort zone and trust. He smiled shyly, yeah he could work with this. "I like food, given I have no idea where you have in mind. All we can really do is talk" he replied quietly.
Eren smiled, he knew Jean had expected him to pull something extravagant to show off his status. He attended fancy dinners with his father all the time and honestly they got boring. He wanted something different, something casual, down to earth. "Guess that takes a weight off my shoulders to show off" he grinned. But yes, knowing he didn't have to use his influence to make an impression was a relief, trying to act like a snob to make a point.
"Your mum's a Beta?" Jean replied in shock, for some reason he had always imagined Eren as a pureblood. He would make up for how cocky he could be. He never pictured their mothers would be the same. But then different environments did help shape the way you thought as you got older. He wondered what kind of person his mother was, whom it was out of his parents whom Eren got his looks off of. But then he would meet her soon enough, as would Eren meet his own too.
Eren shrugged, he knew it sounded odd but his father had broken tradition and married for love. His mother had been a past patient of whom he fell in love with and ended up marrying. Thus Eren was born an Alpha but though living in wealth, his mother was always a modest woman. "Yeah, she was once a barmaid in her past. But she and my dad met and then got together. I just inherited my father's blood and not a Beta like her". She may not have been among the higher flock of Alpha blood, but she didn't let anyone talk down to her, showing her pride for her husband and son. Nobody ever dared rub her the wrong way.
Jean couldn't help but scoff, he wishes he had been so lucky. His family were Beta's and he ended up being born an Omega, just his luck. Wondering how much easier his life would have been if so. But then again, if he hadn't. He never would have met Eren, to begin with. At least the guy was trying to be romantic and put the effort in. But it did take away his opinion that Eren was nothing more than an arrogant Alpha.
"What about you? I mean I remember your mum being a really nice person, gentle even" he hummed thoughtfully. He remembered Jean had an awkward relationship with her back in high school. She often came into school with a lunch for him, though at first he had been bashful and snappy with her, over time he was more awkward and yet kind. Showing how much he had grown. But then everyone had their awkward teen years, now that they were soon to enter their twenties, Jean had began to grow up somewhat.
Jean sighed, he never really liked to speak about this outside of his family or close friends. Mostly out of fear of bullying or being taken advantage of by others. I mean there was nothing to brag about after all. "My family are Beta's, family bloodline or something like that. I'm an only kid, but I was born the only known Omega. The black sheep or something, it's why they're so protective. They don't know how to handle it". His mum was always protective of him as a kid, never letting him go out alone. Scaring off kids that would bully him, making sure no Alpha's looked at him funny. Buying him medicine and teaching him about his Omega nature. She had a kind heart and wanted him to be happy, her sweet son. If she knew about Eren she would become worried, making sure he had met the right guy.
Eren gave him a look of genuine awe, his eyes wide and looked like he had just seen Jean grow a second head. For some reason he expected at least one of his parents to be an Omega or an Alpha. Beta's giving birth to an Omega was rare. No wonder his mum was so stern, her first and only child being born of his status. Though she would be unaffected by his heat cycle and the likes, she would undoubtedly worry. But it showed how much she cared about him. "Well she's a lucky woman, she's got such a cute son and now an even better son in law" he teased. He was aware he was a jerk sometimes, but he used playground methods to woo Jean. He couldn't help it. He was just so easy to mess with.
Jean scoffed, his mother took a lot to impress, she had even been a bit edgy around Sasha before she came to adore her. Due to her energetic personality, but soon she got used to it. "She's no pushover Eren, she's a scary woman. If she knew about that diner situation, she'd skin you alive" he mocked in amusement. Hoping to put him in his place. Eren pouted, he really was going to hold that against him for a while. He had just been messing with him. Hell if he hadn't bitten him someone else would have tried to dig their claws into his mate.
Jean absentmindedly gazed into his beer glass in silence, staring at the foamy goodness with curious eyes. Though he had gone to many secret house parties during high school, given he was now 18, he had started to drink alcohol more openly in public. The alcohol now in his veins was easing his internal anxiety and helping him relax a little. Even Eren seemed less annoying now and more tolerable.
Eren had gone to order some food for them both but kept looking over his shoulder to check on Jean. Making sure nobody approached him or tried to hound him. He was almost amused by the gesture, but it showed he cared. I mean the softness he showed around Mikasa showed he had a kind side, he just allowed his temper and attitude to get the better of him. Honestly, he wondered how Mikasa put up with him so much. He supposed Eren was now his problem.
The bullying and ostracization from Alpha's he received as a child was the reason he had such an aversion to them. Seeing them as prideful and mean people who loved to parade their status around. The reason why he kept Beta's like Connie, Marco and Sasha around, because they treated him as an equal. Mikasa was the only Alpha he knew who was sincerely kind and modest. He tried to stay away from Alpha's as much as possible, but fate had other ideas. But he was trying to warm up to Eren, to give him a second chance and allow him to prove his sincerity. No matter their connection if he sensed Eren was truly messing with him he would cut him off. Trying to find someone who would truly value him.
Eren soon returned to the table with an apologetic look "Sorry for the wait, I put in our order but we will have to wait a bit. At least we can talk over drinks". He wanted this date to last forever, to allow him to spend all the time in the world with Jean. He knew after college, he would be expected to take responsibility as his father's heir, finding a secure job placement with a good income. But he wanted to forget about that and enjoy his freedom while it lasted.
Jean shrugged, he had been out enough with his friends to know how hectic queuing could be. "Can't be helped, it's a popular bar". He could see a lot of groups and couples on dates, meaning it had to be popular. Eren obviously knew this place, meaning he had come here before. Though he doubted on a date, his status would never allow it. Fancier, high class places with candlelit dinners and waiters seemed more of Eren's type of place, not a casual hipster bar like this one.
Eren peered at him in silence for a while, taking in his appearance, placing his hands in his pockets. He wondered if Eren was going to get mad or scold him for being such a brat when his Alpha was being so nice to him. Instead, Eren approached and collapsed in the seat beside him. He sighed in exasperation and gave Jean a suspicious look, he knew he was sulking about something. He wanted to have a good time with Jean today, but his partner looked bored and conflicted about something. Making him feel a little anxious about what he was thinking. "You wanna tell me about what's going on in that head of yours, or do I have to guess?" he groaned.
"I just don't go out much is all, I'm used to a different company. I have a big friendship circle". He was used to people he could be himself around, comfortable, safe. He felt like he had to put up airs and a protective guard around himself with Eren. Scared that he may end up being hurt, that if he let Eren in too much he may betray him in the end and take advantage of him. His strong will would never allow that to happen.
Eren softened, leaning slightly on the table and watching him intently. Now that he was closer, Eren's eyes seemed greener than ever, with a slight glassy shine. God, they had always been so pretty. A fond smile on his face. "Yeah, those guys really care about you. Back then I never saw you and Marco being friends. But you attract people to you like a moth to a flame. You're all oddballs, but you embrace it. I like that" he mused. But he seemed genuinely happy, maybe even a little jealous.
Jean had never seen Eren talk about his friends that way, he was usually such a gruff guy. He didn't know what to say, of course, he appreciated his friends. They had supported him since high school, helping him through the troubles of his heat every month. Making sure he got his meds on time, visiting when he was at his worst. Sometimes staying over so no nearby Alpha's tried any funny business with him.
"But it's what makes you so cute. How they bring out the best in you, that leadership, loyalty and passion" Eren smirked. Jean chose his friends well, causing him to realise how blessed he was. What made him fall for him to begin with. He always looked out for his friends whenever they were in trouble, he would never let anyone take advantage of others. He gave pep talks to people when they were down, earning him a lot of admiration from his peers.
Jean was taken aback, snapping out his bored haze and suddenly everything seemed brighter. Was it the alcohol or embarrassment that was making it so warm? His voice suddenly became a croak and he was unable to speak a minute longer. He could only cough and avert his eyes to the floor. Eren certainly had a silver tongue to make someone weak in the knees. He wondered if he had won over someone before with sweet words like these.
"You know, when you get all flustered it makes you vulnerable" Eren reminded him, closing the gap between them. But Jean didn't hesitate, he didn't move away and he didn't try to leave. Meaning he hadn't overstepped his boundaries. He placed his fingers underneath Jean's chin to tilt his head back, his honey amber eyes gleaming in the sun like honey. His soft lips and lightly tanned skin. God he loved this boy so much it hurt. He was damn near perfect it hurt. However, he stared at Jean in silence, his green eyes staring back at Jean's waiting for permission. He wouldn't kiss him again unless he really wanted to.
Jean swallowed, aware people would be staring at them but he didn't care. Eren's fingers were so gentle and his hands were so patient. That last kiss at their apartment had been so nice. He knew he wanted to feel like that again, he just hoped Eren wasn't messing with him. He nodded shyly in approval. Eren smiled back in relief, he then slowly tilted Jean forward, leaning his body towards him. Not once looking away or closing his eyes, watching Jean's every reaction. Able to feel the quick pace of his breath and the scent of his cologne. Capturing his soft lips slowly and sweetly, enjoying the kiss. Jean closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle kiss from his Alpha. He was still getting used to Eren being so patient and soft with him, but he liked that side of him. His lips were soft and tasted like peppermint, he hoped more of their kisses would be like this in the future.
Jean could still feel his heart hammering against his chest, walking in a daze as the feeling of Eren's lips lingered in his mind. He was still getting used to that, but it was slowly starting to feel good for him. He hoped he didn't have one of those stupid dreamy looks on his face or he would never hear the end of it from Eren. He probably had enough against him as it was, he didn't want to give him more blackmail material.
"That good huh? If you ask nicely I'd kiss you all day long" Eren grinned. He would always make his Omega feel loved, allowing him to understand just how much he loved him. That he was more than just a breeding tool in his eyes. He was secretly the affectionate type, he loved to show those around him they were loved. But sadly he was the easily embarrassed type, that his anger got the better of him under pressure and he messed up a lot, often doing or saying the wrong thing.
Jean scoffed, but he wasn't going to let Eren know he was a kissing demon. That his Alpha's pheromones drove him crazy, secretly longing for more affection and acceptance from him. To know that they were truly fated and he wasn't just a toy for amusement. Yes, he was happy, though awkward he was enjoying today. He was getting used to Eren being more of a permanent presence in his life, instead of a stranger from afar. I mean in terms of social circles they couldn't be any more different.
Eren was the son of a well-known doctor and Alpha, while his mother was a Beta and an ex barmaid. Though both parents were dead, Armin was a prodigy and proved his Alpha intelligence. Living with his elderly Grandfather who was a Beta, but someone Armin loved dearly. Mikasa came from a prolific family of Alpha's, the Ackerman and her Asian heritage. Her parents had both been Alpha's, her uncle was an Alpha, her great Uncle Kenny was an Alpha and her Great-grandma Kuchel was an Alpha. She had, however, chosen to date Sasha, a Beta. Out of love rather than following family tradition and marrying another Alpha or Omega like so many others.
Ever since he was a kid, he had learned to put up walls to keep himself safe. Staying away from people who would bully him or take advantage of him. Hiding the pain he was caused by the way people looked at his kind. Spending his time alone and sulking about his frustrations behind closed doors. Wishing more than anything he hadn't been born an Alpha, just so he could fit into the world.
Eren softened, though he had accepted his affection he could tell Jean was putting up his guard. Closing off a part of himself from Eren, something he didn't like. He didn't want his Omega keeping secrets from him. He reached out and squeezed Jean's hand, causing him to stop in his tracks to give Eren a confused look. "Jean, you may not want to believe it. You may think I'm messing with you. But I do love you, I wouldn't tease you so much if I didn't. Today really means a lot to me". Yeah, he could follow tradition and marry another healthy female Alpha and make more alpha babies. He could marry for wealth and business to show off his pride and status, but he didn't want that. He wanted to marry for love. He had loved Jean way before he knew he was an Omega, let alone his mate. But he planned on keeping Jean by his side no matter what the cost.
Jean stared at him, Eren was being mushier than usual. He wondered if Eren showed this face to Mikasa or if he was lowering his guard for him. This didn't feel like a trick, but if it was, he would knock Eren for a loop, Alpha or not. "I… It's just… dating, our differences. I…. this is new to me Eren. My kind, we aren't exactly praised by society" he mumbled. He had learned over the years to harden his heart so the painful words from Alpha's would never hurt him, holding his head high and refusing to show shame and cry in front of them. Promising himself he would prove he was better than they thought of him.
Eren's expression became pained and his eyes gleamed briefly with rage. His grip on Jean's hand tightened and he rubbed his thumb across his knuckles affectionately. He didn't want Jean to feel like that around him, he wanted him to feel loved. "Jean, I'm not like other Alpha. You may not believe it, but before we were mates I liked you. Having you as my fated partner means the world to me. Omega or not, I don't think I could think about being with anyone else" he joked nervously. God, here he was confessing to his crush, he felt like he was on a stage about to give a speech at one of his dad's gala's. His heart in his throat like he may choke.
Somehow these words eased Jean's anxieties just a little. Knowing Eren would ever consider breaking the status quo for his sake. I mean an Alpha going against laws just to run away with him. That was the sweetest thing he had ever heard. "You're an idiot Eren…" he scoffed, but there was no malice in his tone. It seemed today had been a good idea after all. Speaking to Eren would certainly become easier in the future, but being seen with him around strangers, that would take some getting used to.
Eren pretended to look offended "My Omega calling his Alpha an idiot. The shame" he gasped dramatically. Slapping his hands to his cheeks in mock outrage, to which Jean bit his tongue as he tried not to burst into laughter. He knew Eren was putting on a show to make him smile which he appreciated, showing he was still the dork he had been back as a teenager. He had worried Eren may have changed for the worst since their school years.
Jean smirked, being playful, joking around with Eren and having stupid arguments like they used to. It felt comfortable, safe, things like this he could get used to. "Yeah, well it's going to happen a lot so don't act so shocked" he grinned. Yes, Eren was a stupid idiot, but he was growing on him. When he wasn't being a manipulative ass, he was rather cute. That cheeky smile and the way his eyes lit up with a warm shine, he felt his heart flutter.
Eren smiled, glad Jean had began to relax around him at last. "Good, I like it that way". He would rather Jean be himself around him, the boy he developed a crush on. Instead of being a loyal and submissive Omega, who cowered in fear of their Alpha like so many were manipulated into. He wanted Jean to know he was his equal in the relationship. All he wanted was for Jean to love him with the same amount of passion and loyalty.
"You keep talking like that I might kiss you again" Jean teased. The moment felt right and Eren was making him smile like a schoolboy in love. Honestly, he hadn't felt this girlish and free in a long time, he supposed this was what love was supposed to feel like. But making Eren wait for it would make him impatient, which amused Jean. But so long as he didn't make him too angry, he wouldn't push it.
"What? Wait are you being serious?" Eren babbled in confusion. If he was, he wanted that kiss right now. Was Jean doing payback for him being such a tease until now? That wasn't fair at all. Jean walked ahead silently, still grinning like an idiot while Eren trailed after him. Starting to confront him impatiently about whether or not he was going to follow through on that promise of a kiss. To be in control of his alpha for a while was quite fun.
Jean walked down the street, having subconsciously moved closer to his Alpha as the sky grew dark. He felt like an idiot, but he knew he was safest when he was by his mate's side. Nobody would lay a hand on him when he was in his presence, not unless they wanted to get hurt. Walking home alone at night, he took pepper spray, an alarm and a taser. He shouldn't have to, but there were cases of Omega being attacked on the street by Alphas. That was the last thing he needed.
Eren had noticed but said nothing, enjoying how needy his Omega was. How he wanted his attention and his safety, knowing Jean needed him around. Showing that deep down he was a softy when he wasn't being stubborn. But they had that in common. "You better call Marco when you get home, let him know your safe and all" he mumbled. Marco and Jean had been friends since they were 15. He knew how protective the latter was of Jean. He would know of their date and relationship, so of course, he would worry that he was safe. Though he was a Beta, he knew all too well how risky life was for Omega's.
Jean shifted, he had occasionally texted Marco through the day to check-in. But he never really considered that Eren would notice. Though he was amused at the fact that Eren was jealous. "He's like my brother, we've known each other for years" he argued. He knew he was on a date and respected his privacy, but worried about trouble possibly raising its ugly head.
Eren smiled, he knew that feeling. He had known Mikasa since they were kids, she was like his sister. He had always been a little jealous of her natural talents and pure bloodline, but he was still proud of her for choosing Sasha over marrying a stuck up Alpha for money. "You're lucky, it's good to have such loyal friends who look out for you" he replied fondly. It meant that Jean had someone to look out for him when he wasn't around. He knew Marco and Sasha would never let anyone lay a hand on him.
Jean smiled, Marco was a gentle soul with a fierce temper who would confront anyone who gave Jean any crap. He was a loyal friend who believed in him to be more than what society thought of him. Just another dumb Omega who couldn't live without being controlled. Sasha was a quirky, odd but sharply intuitive and kind girl, she knew how to take care of herself. Though she was obsessed with food and sometimes clueless, she was self-reliant and protective. She was like a sister to Jean and would always cheer him up when he was down. The fact that she was able to melt Mikasa's frozen heart and turn her into a clingy, protective ball of love was amusing enough.
"Today, this was nice. If you gave me the chance, I would take you on more dates like these" Eren offered. He wanted to have these goofy romantic times with Jean. Sharing fries with a beer at a hipster bar. Sitting on the sofa and watching cheesy movies. He would take all of that over a black suit and tie at some stuffy bistro. The small things meant more to him than empty meaningless moments, boring candlelit dinners with people putting on a facade to impress him.
"You're going to have to work harder then. Don't think I've melted in your hands yet" Jean reminded him. He had enjoyed today, but to truly make him believe in Eren. He would have to try just a little bit harder. But it did prove one thing, Eren was able to put in the effort when he tried.