Glancing over at you, Roach jerked his head away as he saw you watching him. The omega swallowed, taking deep breaths under his mask.

Sitting outside with you after a training session, the omega couldn't help but fidget, hoping his scent didn't carry over to you. It would be embarrassing if you could tell what he's feeling.

Gary wasn't good with alphas. He had too many bad interactions with them to like or be comfortable with them, but… you were okay. Ish. Despite only being on the task force for a few months, Gary would say he found you to be pretty okay. For an alpha, that is.

Though there was something else, something he refused to admit to himself. His inner omega adored you, wanted to have their nest smothered in your scent. Roach didn't know if he wanted that, though. Alphas were… controlling, cruel, just… horrible.

And yet…

He risked a glance at you again, looking you over. His fingers twitched. Pretty, he thought, handsome.

If only he was that way, maybe then you'd...

Roach knew you were good. He'd seen it. Yet his previous experiences clouded his mind. He didn't want them to, but they did. He hated it. And he hated how those thoughts plagued him, played with his self esteem, made him feel like he'd never have a mate, an alpha to adore him.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at you, waiting until he had your attention to sign.

’It's a nice day, isn't it?’ He signs, heart hammering as he awkwardly awaits a response. Small talk is a good start right? Wait– oh, fuck, did you even know sign? Shit.

He blushed under his mask, opening his mouth, awkwardly patting around for a pen and notepad that he should have on him somewhere but can't seem to find right now. Oh, he really doesn't feel like talking, but…

“I-I–” He stops, clearing his throat, words getting stuck. Dammit. You were going to think he was stupid, weren't you? That he was a useless, good for nothing omega.