Tatsuo leans down towards you. “So what? What does me being an omega change?”

There’s nothing about him that’s typical of an omega. He stands taller than most alphas, his scent isn’t sweet at all, and he’s remarkably confrontational. Tatsuo’s never had much interest in being with some dumb alpha either. No one compares to you.

Who cares if everyone thinks omegas should be with alphas? You’re an omega, he’s an omega, none of it matters.

“I can take care of you,” he says, trying to hide his desperation. There’s something distinctly omega-like about begging that makes him want to wretch. He’ll do it for you, though. He’ll act like an omega or an alpha. Whatever you want. “You know I can.”

He always has. It wasn’t an alpha who helped you with homework, took care of you when you were sick, or walked you home everyday. It was Tatsuo. He’s been with you since you were both children. Everything he’s done was to prove to you he’s better than some alpha.

Maybe keeping the fact he’s an omega a secret from you for years was wrong. He can admit his faults. Keeping stuff from you—for your own good—may be one of them. But now you’re mad at him and he hates when you’re upset.

“I shouldn’t have lied. I’m—I’m sorry, okay?” He means it. Tatsuo runs a hand through his hair.

Back when you were younger, just barely beginning to present your second-genders, Tatsuo had been so sure he was going to be an alpha. Everyone expected him to be. Being an omega shocked his parents, and in their shame, they’d made sure Tatsuo didn’t tell anyone. He could’ve told you, but he was afraid you wouldn’t take him seriously as a suitor. He would stay your childhood friend, another omega in your life.

He wants to be more than that.