Chapter II – O for Omega

Sweet?

Arthur's scent is … sweet? Feliciano felt himself lean closer to the blond but before he could fully pinpoint the scent, Arthur moved away and the teachers ordered them to take seats. Feliciano blushed and mentally scolded himself for his behaviour. Smelling other people is not something you should do. It's considered impolite.

Alfred growled and reassured the teacher that he didn't need to go to the nurse despite his bleeding nose. Instead he was shooting a suspicious look towards Arthur who harboured a satisfied teasing smile. Alfred took seat next to Ludwig and strangely enough remained quiet and serious, not the chitchatty loud idiot he usually is. Feliciano looked around and found his friend Kiku (Beta) already seated next to their common friend Elisaveta (Alfa). With a resolute sigh, Feliciano went to pull out a lonely empty seat in the far back of the room and hoped nobody would disturb him. As he propped his head against his desk, the Italian heard the chair next to him move. He looked up in surprise. Usually nobody wished to sit next to him. Well, except from his close acquaintances (and he had very few of those), most people enjoyed isolating him and making him out as the freak of the class. He expected to be the only lonely seat of the class this year too and was truly amazed when he saw the emerald eyes look down on him.

"May I? All other seats are taken." Arthur's voice was soft and kind, as if he was addressing a small child and was afraid to frighten him.

Feliciano blinked and nodded back, unable to speak, his mouth hanging stupidly on his blank expression. Arthur chuckled and sat down. His aura of Alfa was still very present and intimidating, even the teacher had trouble meeting eyes with the blond and most people in the classroom were shooting him curious glances. Arthur didn't seem to care and instead was watching his new neighbour with amusement. He pointed at Feliciano's mouth and whispered with a smirk.

"You'll catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that."

Instantly Feliciano shut his mouth. It wasn't an order. But Arthur's presence was just so overwhelming that it made you respond to him on instinct. Just like Alfred had nearly apologised to Arthur earlier out of reflex, when your body submits to the more dominant presence. Except …

Arthur isn't an Alfa.

Feliciano was sure of it now. He was certain that the blond was not an Alfa. He acted, behaved, spoke, moved, and looked like an Alfa. But his scent was too sweet for it to belong to an Alfa. Feliciano could never have enough of smelling Arthur. His scent was just delectable and addictive. The sweet flavour of strawberries on a warm summer day with a hint of roses. Delicious.

"Next!"

Feliciano jumped as he heard the teacher call. He looked around and noticed that they were all asked to present themselves and state their status. The usual for when you enter a new school. Names and status followed but Feliciano barely paid attention. He knew almost everyone in this class. Most of the pupils here came from the same middle school as him. Soon it was his turn and Feliciano ignored the snickers and humiliating whistles of his classmates as he stated his status of Alfa. It was clear that his life in High School would be as humiliating and lonely as Middle School. Then came Arthur in last. The room fell silent instantly as the blond rose from his seat. Just his mere presence and his cold emerald eyes were enough to silence even the most turbulent Alfas in the room.

Nobody expected his words.

"My name is Arthur Kirkland. I come from England, Europe, and recently transferred here."

Excited whispers and chatter started to erupt though Feliciano had no idea why. The chatter died down when Arthur opened his mouth once more.

"I'm an Omega."

Omega.

The social class considered as the weakest and with the sole purpose of breeding new generations. The ones that society forgets to voice. The ones that promote peace the most and enjoy subjects that are considered futile and pointless such as Arts and Philosophy. The ones that hold the lowest of rights in any court of law. The ones that suffer from constant bullying from Alfas and Betas. The ones unable to fight back and defend themselves. Said to be the lowest of lowest.

Omega.

THERE IS NO FUCKING WAY THAT HE IS AN OMEGA!

The entire class was mentally screaming those words while Arthur simply sat back in his seat, relaxed as ever and calmly waiting for the lesson to start. His entire being screamed Alfa and yet he claimed to be an Omega. Feliciano now finally understood why Arthur's scent was so sweet. But even for an Omega, Feliciano has rarely smelled a scent quite as delicious as Arthur's.

Minutes ticked until the teacher finally seemed to snap out of her stupor. Homeroom started but nobody really paid attention. The attention focus was on the odd Omega neighboured to the freak Alfa. An unusual couple to say the least. But strangely enough, Feliciano felt slightly happy not to be the only weird one anymore. Of course, he'd rather be strong and intimidating like Arthur but at least, he wasn't the only freak now. Arthur pulled out a book and started to read, ignoring the many odd stares of his classmates.

"Hey, Feliciano?"

"Ve! Si!" Feliciano suddenly stood up from his seat, trembling like a leaf as he heard the strong voice summon him. Homeroom was over and they were now having a short break in between classes. People shot him curious stares but then everyone returned to their conversations, dismissing the military stand up of the freak Alfa. Feliciano felt his cheeks flame as he realised that upon dozing off in class, he had once again made a fool of himself. He looked down a met the blank stare of Arthur's green eyes. Sitting back down awkwardly, Feliciano averted his eyes away from the shocked ones of his caller. Arthur shook his head and cleared his throat.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He apologised. Feliciano blinked way too much then started to feel uncomfortable again.

An Alfa never apologises to weaker than himself. But then again, Feliciano kept forgetting that Arthur is not an Alfa. The feel of dominance he emanates was so present and choking that it was hard to understand his behaviour. Arthur's thick eyebrows furrowed as he noticed Feliciano's nervous fidgeting.

"Feliciano? Did I say something to make you uncomfortable?" Arthur truly didn't understand what he could have done to make the Italian nervous.

"N-no … it's just … you don't … need to apologise … to someone like me." Feliciano stuttered as he looked back into Arthur's eyes. He knew he shouldn't be staring straight in the eyes of someone superior to him but Feliciano found himself unable to detach his gaze from the vibrant green orbs. Besides, Arthur didn't seem to mind and instead rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Seriously? And here I thought you might be different from all the other idiotic gits!"

"Ve …?"

"You're an Alfa, aren't you?"

Feliciano's head suddenly dropped in shame as he nodded. He heard Arthur click his tongue in irritation but still didn't look up.

"Lift your head up, chap! I'm not judging you! In fact, I have theoretically no right to judge you since I'm an Omega."

"Ve! B-but …!" Feliciano's head snapped up and once again his eyes locked with the deep green of Arthur.

"You're an Alfa. I'm an Omega. But we both agree that you don't sound or behave like an Alfa, and I an Omega. So instead of following conventional rules that don't apply to us, why not just go by our own rules, alright? You don't have to fear me or treat me like an Alfa. In fact, I'd rather if you didn't." Arthur chuckled lightly and smiled at the Italian.

Another one of those sweet melting smiles. Feliciano felt his heart leap and his face warm up. A large beaming smile of his own broke his face and seemed to surprise Arthur as the blonde could not find the words to describe how blinding Feliciano's expression was.

"Ve! Sorry! I won't anymore!"

"You don't need to apologise either, Feliciano. Now, what I wanted to ask: Would you be free to show me around school during lunch break? I'm still not really used to this place."

"Si! Of course! I know everything here because my fratello has friends in the older classes!"

"You have a brother?"

"Si! An older twin brother! Lovino Vargas! But he's in another class. He's an Alfa too! A real Alfa, not like me …" Feliciano's dropped on that last part and Arthur could only frown at his new friend's poor opinion of himself.

"You're a real Alfa too, Feliciano. Just because you're not a brainless brute doesn't mean you're not an Alfa!"

"… You think so?" Feliciano blinked in disbelief. This was the first time anyone told him that he had the right to call himself an Alfa. Even his friends thought of him as a failed Omega or an incomplete Alfa. Nobody ever told him that being different was not an issue in being an Alfa.

"I know so. See? I'm an Omega and I'm a crap of a cook!" Arthur laughed at his own failure as a typical Omega. He didn't seem to care if he wasn't a conventional Omega and in fact, seemed proud to be an Omega.

"Ve? Really? But Omegas all know how to cook!"

"Well, I've tried and I can't cook even to save my life. I blow everything up if not worse." Arthur laughed. "I remember that one time, when I was 12, I baked a cake for my brother's birthday and I ended up poisoning my entire family! We spent the birthday in hospital!"

Feliciano felt himself laugh along his new friend, not realising that for once in his life, he felt at ease. He didn't feel odd or misplaced at all. He wasn't nervous or scared either. He truly enjoyed talking to Arthur and comparing their experiences. Neither of the two noticed the odd stares they were receiving. If they had, they probably wouldn't have cared.

"So I sent him flying and that was that." Arthur smirked evilly as he taled another one of his past stories to his eager friend. Feliciano and him were now walking down the halls towards the cafeteria to have lunch before Feliciano would show Arthur around the school.

"Veeee! That's amazing, Arturo!" The admiration in the bubbly Italian's voice and wide eyes caused Arthur to blush slightly at the compliment. It was odd for him. People usually never compliment him when he acts not-so-omega. They either stare in shock or outrage. Outrage that an Omega, an Omega, would have the balls to defy an Alfa … and over-power him!

Of course, Arthur was well-aware of the social tensions he caused. But he couldn't help it. It's in his blood. He was brought up to be an Alfa. He should have been born an Alfa. His blood resonates with Alfa. But he's an Omega. Fate can be quite torturous. The blond shook his dark thoughts away, distractedly listening to the endless ramble of his new friend.

To say he was amazed of meeting someone in a similar situation as him was an understatement. Feliciano had all the characteristics of an Omega. But he's an Alfa. Ironic. Arthur wondered what would have happened if he and Feliciano had been born matching status to their personality. Would he have even noticed the cheery Italian? Probably not. Arthur for starts never really had friends. Partly because he scares off all the Omegas and Betas, and partly because he gets into fights (and half of the time beats up) Alfas. He never seems to fit in. At all. And he could tell that Feliciano had the same problem.

The blonde let a small smile curl his lips as he watched his friend point out various buildings of the school and taling stories that were completely unrelated to what he showed. It was so cute and innocent and somehow … somehow, Feliciano didn't have trouble crossing eyes with him. That's a first. Sure he got scared and reacted like any Omega when Arthur let out a little too much of his Alfa-like dominance. But not once has the Italian looked down or averted his eyes in submission. Not once. And Arthur wasn't sure if he was scared or happy about this. Most people on instinct would look down when facing him. A natural submission sign. Arthur was used to impose himself over fearless and strong Alfas so for him, being considered an Alfa had become second nature. But he isn't one. And he couldn't help but feel isolated and lonely. He'd never get a mate because he is unable to submit to an Alfa, in fact, there's a risk that he might force the Alfa to submit to him instead. Now, that's a scary thought!

Of all the times Arthur had found himself drawn to some Alfa, not once had it turned out beyond disastrous. Arthur was just … he just needed the absolute best! That's all! He wouldn't submit to someone unable to impose his dominance over him. And if that happened … the potential mate would then have to ask permission to Arthur's Head Alfa of his family. And that never ends well. It happened … only once. And Arthur feared the next time it would occur, so he gave up all hopes of finding a mate. He thought of getting a Beta but they all feared him, or couldn't handle the irrational dominance of Omega Arthur. And two Omegas mating is just unconceivable. So, that said, Arthur long knew he would never get a decent partner.

…

So, why was everyone staring at him?

Oh yeah. The rumour about the Dominant Omega Freak had probably circled the entire school three times now.

Arthur unconsciously felt his body language betray him once more. Instead of feeling scared and embarrassed by all those stares on him, the Omega squared his shoulders, lifted his head up high, and walked in the cafeteria proudly like a King. Now, that's not the best way to convince everyone that he's an Omega. But Arthur couldn't stop himself. His inner body functions just kick in and he always ends up acting Alfa-like even when his brain tells him to not be so overwhelming and obviously dominant. Too late now.

A nervous whimper caught his attention and Arthur shot curious emeralds at the weeping sound behind him. He felt a hand unconsciously grip the back of his uniform shirt. Feliciano was hunched over, blushing bright red, fidgeting like a grasshopper and fumbling his feet as if about to sprint into a race and disappear from the surface of the earth if he could. Arthur couldn't help but smile softly at the sight.
An Alfa behaving so helplessly was just … unconceivable. Especially for someone like him. Arthur was brought up in the idea that Alfas should be over-poweringly strong in any circumstance, honourable in every action, and willing to bet their life at every moment. Everything that Feliciano is not. But then again, who was he to judge?

"Feliciano, just ignore them." Arthur wanted his words to be calm and appeasing. Instead, he heard a sharp and cold order. Dammit! Why can't he stop being so … so … so goddamn Alfa!

Strangely enough, Feliciano didn't shy away at all. He got scared, he reacted, he panicked upon Arthur's words. Of course. But … he didn't run and hide. Feliciano's body bolted upright and his arms flew to his side as he stood up straight on his military stand. And Arthur couldn't believe that the Italian's delicious chocolate eyes once again went to bore into his own green ones. He never removed or averted his gaze and Arthur was fully faced with the fear, shame and angst in Feliciano's wide eyes. Why didn't he look away? Why did the lad always hold his glare? Because Arthur was well-aware that his emeralds glared almost all the bloody time even when he doesn't want them too. If not a glare, they grow cold and emotionless, shining down anyone that risks himself to address him. But not Feliciano. The Italian started babbling on incomprehensible pleas and excuses, and half of what he spoke included the word 'pasta' for some reason.

"Sorry." Arthur sighed the word and placed his hand on the Italian's head, patting it gently. If his words rang threatening, he was actually really gentle in his actions, and never really felt the need to harm others. It's just others tend to pick a fight with him. So, obviously, he fights back.

Feliciano blinked repeatedly and soon a wide smile turned his sad expression upwards. How could he just switch moods like that was beyond Arthur's understanding. Being overly-emotional is a very Omega trait and it's the most obvious characteristic of his friend. Arthur still couldn't understand how an Alfa could be so … so Omega. He felt like staring into the eyes of what he should have been like. It both frustrated him and fascinated him.

"Arturo! They have pasta for lunch today! Do you like pasta? I love pasta! Arturo? Arturo!"

Arturo?

When on earth did he become Arturo?

Arthur watched, his expression as cold and serious as ever, and people would probably never guess but the English teen was truly amazed and shocked by his friend's behaviour. Feliciano went on another stream of ramble, not really needing Arthur's participation in the one-sided conversation. And frankly, Arthur didn't mind. He rarely had anyone talk to him for so long. And more impressive, Feliciano seemed to be enjoying himself. He was all smiles and bubbly, occasionally dragging Arthur around and pilling food onto the Englishman's plate, asking random questions but never waiting for the answers. He seemed so at ease. Nobody has ever been this carefree around Arthur except his family.

Just thinking of his family, Arthur's expression turned dark(er) and people around him started to retreat in fear as his eerie aura grew. Until suddenly all the tension dropped when Arthur blinked to see Feliciano's face inches away from his own and staring at him intently and concerned. Concerned? People are never concerned about him!

"Arturo? Are you angry? Did I say something wrong?" Feliciano's voice trembled and Arthur even saw brimming tears form in the half-lidded brown eyes.

Oh god … how can an Alfa have such an adorable puppy face? How can an Alfa cry so easily? How can Feliciano be so sweet and carefree around him to the point of crying in concern? Arthur felt questions running in circles in his mind as he tried to make sense of them.

To anyone else, all they saw was the teary Italian freak about to cry and the serious English freak staring at him with a look that would kill anyone in a radius of 10miles. But then, the oddest thing happened. Arthur's cold façade broke apart and, for the whole cafeteria to see, a warm and sweet smile curled his lips. A smile only an Omega could make. God he looked gorgeous with that smile! Even Feliciano felt his tears dry out and his eyes suddenly widen. He couldn't stop the throbbing of his heart as he felt Arthur's hand once again pat his head. Although Feliciano was a couple of inches taller than him, it didn't feel odd for Arthur to be petting him. And the Italian gasped at the softness of Arthur's hand.

"Sorry. It has nothing to do with you." Again, he had made Arthur apologise and again, Feliciano felt he was in the wrong for making Arturo apologise.

"S-sorry! I shouldn't have …!"

"You shouldn't have what?" Arthur's smile fell instantly and his expression returned to the cold normal seriousness is constantly shows. "You shouldn't have concerned yourself about me?" Disappointment and pain rang in the words, making Feliciano regret ever opening his big mouth.

"No! No! I just … uh … veee … PASTA!"

Arthur blinked at Feliciano's outburst before falling into a fit of laughter.

"Alright, you're hungry. Let's get a table and eat."

"Si!" Feliciano's bright smile returned instantly, worries all forgotten in the blink of an eye. Arthur shook his head indulgently and followed after his hyper-active friend.

Neither noticed the odd glares they were receiving. One particular dark glare narrowed angrily on Arthur as the person stood up and growled threateningly.

"Oi! What do you think you're doing to my fratello, bastard?!"