For the next few weeks, this continued, this 'better'. There were still nightmares, and he still had light meals, but otherwise, it wasn't quite so . . . bad. Roderich had contacted the college he attended and was able to explain the situation. The dean of the university said they understood and Roderich would be able to make up his work and exams he had missed. Fortunately the omega had only missed two weeks, since the . . . unfortunate event had occurred just as the two-week spring break had started.

Besides that, the only bad thing was . . . there was now no food. Roderich was pretty sure crackers and peanut butter could only last him so long. So that left him where he was. Glaring at his phone. The little device seemed to mock him. 'You can't do it. You can't make a tiny, innocent phone call to say you're ready to work again. Pathetic.' With that thought, Roderich snatched up his phone and hit dial before he could change his mind. It rang two times before the line was picked up.

"Hello, Maria Habsburg speaking. What can I help you with?" The calm voice of his omega employer helped settle Roderich's nerves.

"Hello Maria. It's me, Roderich. I was, uh, calling to let you know I can come back to work." The omega stuttered as he talked. There was a pause on the other side of the line, then a slight clatter of dishes.

"Sorry about that, I had to put down some plates. Well, I'm glad to hear you're doing better. And you called at pretty good time, the lunch rush just ended. Anyvays, if it's not too much, could you actually come in tomorrow? I'll get you your schedule and you can start again with waitressing." Roderich sighed.

"Ja, that sounds gut. See you tomorrow, Maria. Gute nacht, Miss Maria." Rubbing his neck, the omega shivered as wind gusted in through the open window. He pulled it shut as his employer bid him goodnight.

"Gute nacht, Roderich. See you at seven tomorrow, it will be good to see you working again." With that final statement, the his employer hung up.

The omega gave a sigh of relief. I am quite glad I got that over with, the musician couldn't help but think. Puttering around his room, Roderich gave the place a once-over. Dust covered most of the furniture and small dust bunnies hid in the corners. Wrappers and tissues were piled in the trashcan, overflowing onto the floor like a flood gate broke loose. Dishes in the sink resembled a mountain, and the stench of depression was still heavy in the air. In a word, it was filthy. Roderich's omegan instincts came to the forefront, clamoring at screaming at the disorderly mess.

Surveying the 'filth', the omega gave it a determined glare as he rolled up his sleeves. Going to the cleaning closet, Roderich pulled on a bandana to cover his mouth and hair and some plastic gloves, letting the gloves settle on his his hands with a satisfying 'snap'. Giving the mess a malicious grin, the musician attacked. For the next few hours the college student cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. When Roderich finally looked at the clock, it was much later than the omega thought.

"Eight? Already? I hadn't even noticed. I thought my stomach would have-" Right on cue, Roderich's stomach gave an enormous rumble, demanding food. Despite no one being around, the omega gave a small blush at the sound.

"Ja . . . that." Going to the small kitchen, the omega got out some peanut butter and crackers, as well as a glass of water. While rummaging around, Roderich was even able to come across some bread.

"Danke gott I'm working tomorrow. I don't think I could possibly stand another meal of peanut butter and crackers." he muttered to himself. Absently gazing out the window, the omega gave a slight smile as he saw Nervtötend, the albino blackbird he had saved a week ago. It had taken to perching outside his window, and occasionally came in and sat on a chair by the window whenever Roderich left the glass open (which was more often than not).

"Allo Nervtötend. And how are you today?" The small bird gave a happy chirp. Roderich chuckled happily, before placing a few small cracker crumbs before in front of the albino blackbird. He ran a finger down the bird's back, stroking the soft downy feathers. Pulling away, Roderich grinned as the little bird seem to huff indignantly.

"Oh really? That's interesting. And how's that going?" The bird gave a squawk. "I'm sorry to hear that." A slight whistle. "Well, it was good to see you. I'm working tomorrow, so don't be surprised if I'm not here." Nervtötend bobbed his head, as if he understood. A rustle of feathers, and the little blackbird flew out the window. Roderich looked on, smiling.

"Goodbye." Glancing at the clock, Roderich sighed internally. 'Time to go to bed.' Getting into pajamas, the omega turned on his alarm before snuggling into the fresh covers that he had changed earlier. Slowly his eyes slid close, and he was finally asleep.

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BEEP-BEEP-BE-. The alarm cut out as Roderich pressed a slim finger to the button before it shut off. Half-asleep, the poor omega took a shower before throwing on a white button up and black slacks. Eating a small breakfast of toast and some horrible instant coffee, the omega quickly swallowed his suppressant pills with a gulp of water. Deciding against putting on his usual indigo coat, Roderich wrapped a scarf around his neck before locking up. The walk to the cafe wasn't far, and Roderich enjoyed the scenery strolling down the street. But as he went along, he passed a construction site. The musician nearly gagged at the amount of alpha scent was in the air. Keeping his face blank, he stared straight ahead. Roderich nearly tripped however, when a chorus of wolf whistles rang through the air.

"Hey baby, come back!"

"Yeah, comeback sweetheart!"

"Mmm, work it sweet thing!"

"Need help melting, ice queen?"

Roderich tried to keep the blush off his face, but he must have given something away as all the construction workers laughed. The omega continued walking, keeping his head up and staring straight ahead. Thankfully the cafe wasn't too much farther, and Roderich swept in the door with his usual , he grinned as saw his employer.

"Allo Marie. The morning rush start yet?"

Marie Habsburg looked up from the drink she was making up for a customer.

"Allo Roderich. Ja, but the next rush should be starting any minute now. Put on an apron and join me behind the counter, would you?"

The omega manager handed the cup she had been mixing to the customer and put the money for the drink into the register. Roderich circled around the back of the counter and slipped on the black apron. It was not long before the usual Saturday morning rush came, and Roderich was busy taking orders and making drinks. Thankfully the rush only lasted about an hour before gradually dwindling down to a couple of customers that were sitting down at the tables in the cafe. Roderich gave a happy sigh at the sight of the tip jar, and just how full it was, and just from the two morning rushes. His thoughts were interrupted by a pair of bright green eyes.

"Hola! May I order an espresso?"

Roderich blinked once, gazing at the tall alpha. He was obviously of Spanish descent, and had a happy disposition. A smile grew on Roderich's face.

"Hallo Antonio. How are you?"

The alpha grinned at the omega.

"I'm good, thank you! How have you been, Roderich? I haven't seen you working lately."

Roderich's smile slipped off his face for a moment before he was able to get it back.

"Ah . . . gutte. It vas just some family issues I had to take care of, und school became very hectic, so . . . " He trailed off weakly, still trying to keep the smile on his face, and from any sadness in his scent from leaking out.

Antonio subtly sniffed the air, noting the depressed odor that came with it. He looked over Roderich, trying to read the omega. He was thinner than when he last saw him. Roderich was also paler, and looked like he was recovering from sickness . . . or depression. Antonio put on his signature smile, trying to put the omega at ease.

"I understand. I remember how crazy it could get during exams week."

Roderich nodded in agreement, relieved there were no further questions as he handed the espresso to Antonio. The alpha gave him a kind, reassuring smile, leaving quickly.

The rest of the day passed by with little to no hitches in the schedule, closing sharply at eight pm.

Going home that night, Roderich's pocket was significantly heavier with the tips earned throughout the day. The construction site was empty, everyone already having gone home for the night, so that was a relief. Once he was in his apartment, Roderich ate a light meal and studied for school, alternating between his numerous subjects before finishing up the materials for his music classes. Going to bed, the omega fell asleep easily as he cuddled into the covers, content.