Chapter Text
A cough rattled through him, the heavy copper taste in his mouth had his stomach flipping. His mouth hanging open, gasping in between globs of sticky blood that splattered onto the dirty, white tile floor of the men’s locker room. His body shook as he glanced back at his attacker, eyes glowing a soft gold, exposing him for what he had been desperately trying to hide for the last four months: Steve Harrington, was an Omega. As if that wasn’t already enough of a disgrace, he was a male omega, or what the town of Hawkins would consider the social scandal of the year.
After everything Steve had been through with the horrid Upside Down incidents, otherworldly monsters attacking him, the kids, the Government Officials, the multitude of NDA paperwork, being tied to a chair, Russians beating the piss out of him, a drug induced headache, and a certain redheaded girl’s brother beating the ever-living shit out of him the universe still had to pile more shit onto his plate.
Following that night he had felt like shit, but he put it aside due to the strong instinct to protect Dustin and the rest of the kids from the demodogs that had been prowling around underground. About a month after the mall supposedly went up in flames, he had presented right in the middle of grace with his family during one of their usual family get-togethers. He remembered feeling sick in the morning but it had gotten worse as the day crawled by. His mystery sickness included: some slowly worsening stomach cramps, he had a slight fever, and not to mention his dick harder than a block of cement.
Of course, all talltell signs that a heat was starting. He clearly remembered his mom and Auntie Lynn gasping as his older cousin gave a snarl, then practically flipped the dining table over to get at him. Had his father not jumped into action, alongside his Uncle John, he would have been attacked or god knows what else.
It was a memory that was burned into him, the trip to the hospital, the omega doctor - all of it. It was all too much for him to handle, he felt so hollow sitting there in a bed while his mom clung to him and wept. His father standing by the door, eyes glowing a dark red and canines starting to retreat along with the rest of his more wolffish features. Just another thing he would have to jam into what Robin so sheepishly during a conversation had called his “Pandora’s box of things Steve can’t handle”.
The doctor just kept going on and on and on and fucking on about how sometimes a strong Alpha bloodline- like the Harrington’s- is often created with inbreeding that can result in these kinds of things. A genetic defect. It was supposed to be a myth, and a rarity, a tactic used during the ’50s to start turning Alpha centric families off of continuing their bloodlines so religiously. This campaign had allowed the Omega and Beta numbers to replenish, as by 1956 Female Beta's were considered to be nothing more than Alpha gossip. Not to mention the drop in what had been an alarming amount of feral Alpha attacks. It was a tedious time according to the doctor.
Yet, there they were, Steve and his poor parents, in a locked room with guards placed in order to protect him from any Alpha that may have been triggered into an early rut when he was brought in. Apparently that was a new problem they needed to worry about. Making sure their son wasn’t jumped on the street or kidnaped into the Omega Black Market. Everything was suddenly about his safety, all because Steve Harrington had presented as an Omega, and there was nothing they or anyone else for that matter could do to change it.
It was like a damn slap in the face, and today of all days he had to forget and be stupid. He forgot to take the pills his mom had left him on the counter while he was in a sleepy rush to get to school. Now, he was soaking wet, naked, on the floor of the boys' locker room after third-period Physical Education. They were on the wrestling portion of their unit, and boy getting paired with Tommy on the mats? Sure as hell did nothing good, Tommy was a Beta, but he of all people knew what a ‘Filthy bitch omega’ smelt like.
I just can’t get a fucking break, can I?
The match had gotten a bit out of control when Tommy pinned him, he felt a overwhelming level of fear seeing the Beta suddenly bare his teeth with an aggressive snarl. What was a simple snarl of good sportsmanship had Steve’s fight or flight instinct kick in, bearing his neck while letting his eyes fucking light up all while presenting himself to Tommy in front of the entire fucking class happened. The Beta had released him with a loud scream of ‘You’re a fucking faggot and an Omega Harrington?’ which has everyone turning their noses to get a whiff, their eyes widening as the coach called the match off and sent everyone to the showers except for Steve. The talk lasted for several minutes too long even after the bell for the next period. He was given a note to the nurse and sent to shower, then told to meet at the office with his things as quickly as possible. Apparently, this needed to be dealt with as quickly and quietly as possible in order to protect him.
“Steve, Steve, Steve, man I should have known that your fag ass had to be an Omega. I mean, to be completely honest, it's a damn shock and supposed to be biologically impossible!” Tommy barked with laughter, it echoed off the walls of the now deserted locker room. The only thing he could hear was the one shower head he had turned on a few moments before being practically ambushed by Tommy.
“But why should any of us expect any different from the ex-king himself? Always doing the impossible huh Harrington?” Now, here he was, a bruising face and a cocky Beta happy to get revenge for being treated like shit. “I mean, you smell like a walking glory hole, you know that, right?”
Did- Did he really just say that? Everyone can probably smell my fucking stench- I probably smell like a fucking whore- Fucking awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome—
“Maybe I should just fuck you now huh? Make you my little Omega bitch? Bet I could make cash off whoring you out to Alpha’s like good old Nancy the Whore Wheeler.” Tommy’s little stabs at him were not at all helping, Steve could smell himself and it was suffocating him. His body felt frozen. “Whadda think Steve? I’d make a pretty penny off an ass like yours. I bet the football team would have a hell of a time pounding your ass halfway down the field. An Omega is an Omega after all.”
He wouldn’t dare- Tommy wouldn’t do that to me? We were friends once right? Maybe- Maybe—
“T-Tommy let’s just talk about this—“
“For once would you just shut your fucking mouth Steve, I’m so sick and tired of this- this new attitude you gained after Nancy dumped your sorry ass.” Tommy had cut him off harshly, eyes ablaze with anger as he bared his canines at the Omega. “Now I see why she paired up with Byers, turns out you’re just some weak, pathetic, sorry excuse for what a true-blooded Harrington Alpha should be. What a joke you are, Steve. No, what a damn disgrace you must be to your family right now. Their prized son, coming out as an Omega, he’s such a failure he even managed to break the laws of Biology!” The Beta threw his head back and howled with a burst of cruel laughter.
He’s right, I am a joke, I mean, I’m butt ass naked on the floor probably about to get my teeth kicked out. Hell, even Jonathan Byers was able to kick my ass. Maybe I should have presented then. What if he’s right, maybe Nance did smell the bitch on me. She left before I even presented- she must have known- Ha- I guess I am bullshit.
The smell of Steve’s fear was cold and crisp. It made his own nose wrinkle, the small tinge of blood was laced with it, he felt like puking. It was a stench that was almost as strong as an Alpha’s own presence, which apparently was as rare as him now. Steve was ripped from his thoughts as he gave a startled yelp feeling his hair being ripped from his head as he was dragged to the nearest bench. He yelled while clawing at the hand in his hair his fear drowning out everything else. God, he prayed someone was in here - fuck anyone . Someone had to be right? His small canines bared, snapping at the air as he struggled. His ass hurt being dragged across the floor so roughly, his body starting to shake harder as he screamed.
What the hell is he doing? Oh, Jesus, this isn’t good-.
“Fucking get off me!! Stop!! I SAID STOP!!” Steve felt his fear turn quickly into panic as he was suddenly thrown on a bench, forcibly being bent over.
“Shut up and bend over Harrington.”
“Hey- Hey- HEY!! C’mon Tommy let’s maybe just fucking talk about this-.” He felt two hands grab his ass cheeks and spread them roughly, his eyes widen as he tried scrambling to get away. Steve screamed out, feeling what he assumed was Tommy spitting on him.
“TOM STOP!! N-NO STOP- MAN GET YOUR HANDS FUCKING- GET OFF ME-.” His throat felt dry as he felt his head get yanked back, his airway being pulled tight making it hard to breathe or even scream properly. He felt tears prick his eyes as he heard his attacker’s pants hit the ground. He felt the heat of Tommy’s breath in his ear. “TOM, I SAID STOP!!”
Jesus, he’s going to actually going to fuck me? Jesus please someone fucking ANYONE please please please please PLEASE HELP ME!
“Ya’know Harrington, you were made to do this, take dick like a goddamn whore. Even your asshole looks like an Omega’s. What a filthy little-.” Tommy let out a yelp, Steve gasping in a breath as his hair was finally released.
“Who the hell?” Tommy started before being cut off and letting out another high pitched yelp.
Don’t you fucking touch him. Don’t you fucking dare put a goddamned finger on him you bigoted piece of shit.
The words rang through his head as clear as Tommy talking into his ear a few seconds earlier. He could feel the rage laced into every syllable and it sent chills down his spine as he pulled himself to the other side of the bench in hopes to keep it as a barrier between him and what was happening. The Omega’s eyes went wide, his breath leaving him as he saw Tommy pinned by the large Alpha. Tommy had a look of pure shock on his face as he stared down the open snarl of the one and only, Billy Hargrove.
Holy shit, Billy..? What is he doing in here still-?
The growl that bubbled up in the Alpha's throat as he bared his thickening canines made Steve instantly press himself to the floor as much as he could, the pure smell of rage and musk being the only thing that he was sure everyone could smell from a mile away. The stench definitely matched Billy’s aggression. He seemed large, though he stood about three inches shorter than Steve, and like hell was he wide. The muscles of his back rippled in the light of the locker room. Steve was in shock at seeing Tommy’s feet off the ground and being held by his throat and shirt. He could see Billy’s dark claws starting to draw blood from the Beta’s neck.
“What makes you think you have any right to lay your dirty fucking hands on someone who didn’t even consent to you?” His voice was deeper than usual, more of a growl but spoken slowly and clearly enough to make it understandable. It almost sounded painful. “What makes you think you can just fucking rape someone like that?”
Dirty, you’re fucking DIRTY and you think you can just touch him like that. I’ll. Kill. You. I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU.
Steve couldn’t take his eyes off the scene, he hadn’t seen anyone that could invoke so much fear into Tommy. Not even Tommy’s own Beta father could scare him as much Billy was. He could see that Billy’s skin was flushed, his blonde-brunette curls wild and frizzy. Though Steve has seen him shirtless many times, he knew that it was the Alpha in him that was pushing out in the form of the strip of curly hair that was creeping down his spine. The gasp that escaped him as he realized that Billy may actually rip Tommy to shreds surprised him. He remembers reading about something like this, the biology segment of science went into Alpha’s emotions and instincts. Seeing the descriptions were boring, but seeing this, especially from Billy had his jaw agape in a strange yet terrified awe.
“I asked you a fucking question, you Beta snob.”
“I-I’m so sorry! I di-didn’t know he was y-yours-!” Tommy seemed as if he could barely get the words out, he sounded like a two-year-old child about ready to cry. He was cut off by the Alpha giving a snarl and tossing him to the ground with a loud thud. Steve whimpered out and tried to flatten himself more because he swore he saw Tommy’s skull bounce off the damned tile floor. The Beta had curled in on himself, holding his head as the Alpha dropped to all fours, large clawed hands planted on each side of his head. Another deep snarl ripping from his maw which sounded more like a roar. Steve felt himself trembling, curling up and covering his eyes. His body completely frozen with fear, he couldn’t even move if he wanted too, all he could do was shake as the fear took hold of him.
“Mine? So let me get this fucking straight Tommy- You wouldn’t have touched him if he was mine? That would have been the only thing to stop you, and not the fucking fact he clearly said no?” Billy was vibrating with rage, his eyes seeing red as everything was playing on loop in his head.
“He’s- He’s an Omega Billy- he was basically asking for it-“
“I swear to god if I see you touch him ever again. I’ll rip you lanky limb from lanky limb with my fucking teeth. Do you understand me?” Steve flinched when he heard Hargrove growl the words out, malice dripping from every word. He found himself nodding to words that weren’t meant for him. If words could kill, these certainly would have, and he knew the Alpha meant every single damn one.
“I said- DO YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND ME?” Billy’s voice seemed to echo off every wall in the locker room, the Beta’s eyes were blown wide and mouth hanging open in fear. The Alpha let a wet snarl out, with that Tommy snapped his jaw closed with a clack of teeth. He gave a quick nod.
“Good. Now, get the fuck out of my sight, you sorry excuse for a Beta. Go on, run along with your tail up your flat ass.” He hadn’t even paused to see if Tommy answered. Steve kept his eyes painfully squeezed shut, but he could hear Tommy whimpering and his shoes squeaking against the floor as he practically sprinted out. His fear turned to terror, now that he was alone: an Omega trapped with a clearly angry Alpha and one that seemed to think he had a claim over him.
Steve felt his breath get caught in his throat, his throat tightening like a vice in response as he curled in on himself even tighter, arms going taut around himself as he felt tears prick at his eyes once more. A sob bubbling up, he could feel it tight in his throat, his body trembling. He felt sick, this was bad. Very, very bad. He was trapped, cornered like a fucking rabbit, like a bitch, like an Omega.
Great, now I’m really going to get raped, then fucking claimed by Hargrove! - Why can’t they just fucking leave me alone? I just want to be left alone. I don’t want this- I don’t want this- I don’t -
Steve finally let the sob shake free, not caring if Billy even heard him as he tried to become small enough to just vanish. He prayed that the floor would just swallow him up into nothingness because this was all just bullshit. Just like Nancy had said at the party. Bullshit . Bullshit. Bullshit. His nails dug into his sides painfully as his breath came out in shallow puffs, his chest so painfully tight that it felt like he couldn’t breathe. His head was pounding again, he felt like he wanted to just smash it off the nearest thing so it wouldn’t hurt and he could just be passed out when Billy did whatever he wanted. It was all just bullshit.
Bullshit, I’m bullshit, this is bullshit, this whole situation is bullshit, I’m bullshit, Tommy is bullshit, I’m bullshit, Nancy is bullshit, I’m bullshit, I’m bullshit, I’m bullshit I’m bullshit I’m bullshit -
Hot breath was on his face, then something rough drug itself across his cheek. His eyes shot wide open, staring up at the Alpha that now seemed to tower over his small body. What made his heart stop was the glowing blue eyes that stared down at him. They seemed to be thinking, looking at him deeply. Steve could see the emotions flickering through. He saw rage, then somehow watched it morph into concern. He then huffed out another puff of hot air through his tightly clenched jaw. Before letting his thumb gently rub circles into Steve’s cheek, his hand pressed almost as gently as it could as if trying not to spook him. Steve could see the sweat on Billy’s forehead, his head of dirty blonde curls still wet from the showers. His shoulders relaxing, body following soon after.
You’re not bullshit.
Promise?
I promise.
“Hey there, Bambi, you okay?” Billy’s voice was so soft and so quiet, the complete opposite of when he had been talking to Tommy not even moments before. Steve felt him wipe gently at his tears, his eyes glowing brighter as he gave a soft growl.
“I’ll kill that fucking idiot..” he seemed lost in looking at him, Steve felt his breath slowly return to him. He just wanted to curl up and vanish, not be taking up space. It was like he had forgotten how to move, he’d forgotten how to think. He just felt like he had been beaten all over again. He whimpered feeling hands pulling him up, his hands coming out and instinctively pressing into the chest of the Alpha trying to push him away.
“Hey, hey, Bambi, it’s okay, I'm not here to hurt you, we gotta get you up before next period comes in.” Steve felt himself being pulled to his feet and sat down on the bench. He felt so lost for a moment, his mind just going blank. He can’t believe it, it’s unimaginable. His heart was still trying to pound its way out of his chest, yet his mind was almost silent. He felt like he was in a fog, frozen in place, his stomach twisting and turning.
Why would he... Why would he attack me like that? Why-
Because he’s a fucking animal. People don’t do that, animals do.
How would you know?
Because I’m one too.
“Hey, Harrington. Bambi , I need you to help me with your locker combo. I can’t get it open.” A warm hand on his shoulder made the Omega let out a small whimper that soon turned into him curling into the touch with a soft wail. Steve felt like he wasn’t the one moving his limbs as he yanked the Alpha closer, then burying his face into his stomach and weeping silently.
Please don’t leave me-
I won’t.
“Stevie? Sweetheart is that true? Tommy did this?”
His mom’s voice snapped him out of his deep thoughts of glowing blue eyes and small whispers. He was not exactly sure how he got sandwiched between his parents in the principal's office, but his head hurt. He’d rather be back in his bed, wrapped up tight and safe, he wanted to just nest.
Nest? Huh, makes sense considering how much I love to just wrap myself in blankets—
“Steve?” His mother’s voice drew him out again and he sunk deeper into the large jacket that surrounded him. His hands gripping the edges to pull around him more like a protective blanket. It was the thick pale blue denim jacket that Billy had been seen wearing often around the school. Steve felt small in it, he hadn’t even remembered Billy giving it to him. It smelled of fresh air and a little bit of salt, maybe driftwood? It was an odd smell he couldn’t recognize, the only name he could really give to it was, well, Billy.
“I don’t... I don’t think he meant it.” He mumbled softly, averting eye contact with Principal Coleman and Deputy Hopper. He felt sick to his stomach, his hands gripping tighter together. He felt uncomfortable, there were too many smells and too many pairs of eyes on him. It was making his skin crawl.
Stop looking at me, please.
“Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, I think it may be a good time to remove Steven from school until this calms down,” Coleman spoke softly while shaking his head. His fingers clasped together as they rested on the desk. “I’m concerned about his safety, especially because Hawkins does have a higher percentage of Alpha’s-.”
“That’s only 7% of the population, and it really shouldn’t affect-“ Steve wished he wasn’t here anymore. He wished for the warmth and quiet he had while he cried. He just wanted to be alone and maybe run away from all this Omega stuff. He thought about the Party, all the kids he had protected in that junkyard without any hesitation or second thoughts. Steve wished Dustin was here, he’d say something nerdy to cheer him up, or perhaps maybe the latter could teach him more about Dungeons and Dragons.
It’s not like I asked to be born or even be one, I didn’t ask for any of this. I hate this.
I know, I’m sorry I can’t do more for you.
“Now Mr. Harrington I understand your concern for Steven’s schooling, but let’s be completely clear here. Your son has presented as an Omega, which in Hawkins only about 2% of our population presents as. Not to mention the last male omega to present was about twenty years ago and is thought to be an impossibility by many. Don’t even get me started in the church views one people like Steven.” The principal sighed, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“We want to keep this as quiet as we can, especially because if Steven does go into heat, now that he’s 18, he could cause anyone to present. Especially because we are nearing the Alpha rut season. This could be dangerous, we are treating him like any other newly presented Omega, with his safety being of top priority. Which is why I’m not asking you to let him take a few weeks off, I’m telling you . Tommy is a Beta, and he still went after your son. Now we have to launch and investigation. What do you think will happen when his scent does rile up the rest of them? What do you think will happen when a Alpha decides to go feral?”
Steve stood, his hands still gripping the denim jacket, and walked out. He could barely hear his mother calling after him as he kept his head down. He didn’t even see Hargrove watch after him, he was quick out the door and into the hallway. He was trying to escape whatever hell was breaking loose in his life once again. He could see a few people lingering in the halls, those few stared holes into him. His feet seemed to carry him faster, he needed fresh air.
Stop, please just stop looking at me. I get it, I’m a freak, just stop looking, STOP LOOKING AT ME-.
But all I want to do is look at you. I can’t help it.
Steve stopped, his eyes wide as he heard that voice, clear as day speak to him again. He turned looking around for the source of that voice, eyes filled with confusion as he continued turning. Steve felt his heart stop, his eyes locked with stormy blue ones. Billy was standing at the entrance of the office, his hand gripping the door frame as he stared after the Omega. Billy stepped aside as Steve’s father strode out, with his wife right behind him.
“Steve! Wait for me!” His mother called hurrying toward him, his father placed a hand on Billy’s shoulder. Steve turned and continued walking, he just wanted to leave. He wanted the week off more than ever, it would allow him time to hide, time to just process all of what was going on. He felt like he needed to vomit. He felt like the whole world was starting to tilt and spin all at the same time. This was too much, this whole situation. The Upside Down, the Demodogs, the Party, him presenting and now this weird voice in his head shit? It felt like it was all hitting him at once, the walls in his mind starting to completely crumble at a rate he couldn’t keep up with. Memories and feelings pouring over him like ice-cold water, quickly drowning him.
This is too much- I can’t fucking do this. If Hargrove hadn’t stepped in Tommy would have just fucking raped me. Why did he even step in- Jesus fuck I need to puke—
Steve barely made it outside the school doors before he was throwing up, his mother fussing and rubbing his back. Her worried eyes met her husband’s as he went to pull up the car. This was going to be a long week.
Billy Hargrove stood solidly, his eyes following Steve as he practically bolted from Mr. Coleman’s office past where he was asked to sit outside. The wait was horrible, his hair all frizzy from still being damp, his eyes still ablaze with anger. He was damn lucky that he had been there, otherwise, Steve would have been in a lot worse shape. It made his teeth grind harshly thinking about Tommy grabbing him like that; it stirred his Alpha. Waking up a instinctive rage in himself when he thought about what he caught. It made him feel powerful to have been able to command someone and make them feel fear. Though, that thought was fading and being replaced with a strong need to protect. Billy tried his best to shove it down and think about the terrified look on the Beta.
What a pussy, couldn’t even fight for what he wanted. I was expecting more, but a fight wouldn’t have helped. It would have just made things worse, especially with Harrington smelling like that.
Billy felt a growl starting to bubble in his throat, his fingers twitching as he felt his claws dig into his own skin. He was still on high alert, every smell and sound seemed to be amplified so he could assess everything around him. His skin felt almost too tight, and his teeth felt crowded with his canines fully out. He prayed he would calm down enough before he went home. Neil didn’t like it when his son looked too much like a ‘dirty dog’. The growl seemed to catch as the words raced through his mind, he had to suppress every single bit of himself in that household that he barely considered home.
He shook his head trying to push those nasty thoughts away too, especially when he caught soft glowing brown eyes. The same eyes that stared up at him filled with fear and tears. His head had felt full of cotton and good lord the smell that filled his nose as he was practically hunched over Steve. It made him feel strangely possessive over the Omega, his heart racing as he touched his too cold skin when he helped him up. It made Billy want to wrap him up, warm him, and make sure that no one would put hands on him again. He almost did when he was all but drug closer and held in place. It made the Alpha whine as the feelings seemed to swell, his jaw aching and muscles straining. His skin had felt like it was going to burst, his lungs felt too big for his chest when he gently ran a hand through Steve’s still soaking hair to try and calm his cries.
Fuck what is happening to me...
He felt a tingle run down his spine as frantic words pierced through his head like a knife.
STOP LOOKING AT ME-
Billy was instantly out of his seat and through the door entrance, his claws digging into the metal frame as he looked around almost wildly to find the source of the panic he was feeling. He stepped forward feeling someone come behind him, then seeing Mrs. Harrington come into view as she hurried past calling out for her boy. His gaze followed, his heart continued to pound in his chest as his mind raced. His knuckles were white as he gripped the door frame tighter.
But all I want to do is look at you. I can’t help it.
When their eyes locked, all the Alpha could think was that he looked like Bambi when his father told him that his mother wasn’t coming back. He thought to the character easily, and it definitely fit the long-legged Omega that stood only several feet away. It made his heartbeat painfully to even think of calling Harrington that. Though, it was starting to get very hard to listen to the logical part of his brain. He sighed, running a hand through his now frizzy curls, slowly till he reached his neck, feeling more hair than should be present. He definitely needed to go run, shower, anything to help calm his raging nerves.
“William is it? I’d like to thank you.” The sudden touch to his shoulder made him jump slightly, his eyes tearing away from Steve, then to the older Harrington. He slowly straightened up, keeping his eyes lowered. “You really did step in to protect Steven, and we appreciate that. Is there anything we can do to repay you?” Billy shook his head frantically and stepped back, his hands up.
“N-No! Not at all Mr. Harrington. I was just doing the right thing.” Billy managed to strangle the words out. He felt sweat drip down his forehead as the bell rang signaling the next period change.
With that, the older Harrington shook his hand and strode off into the crowded halls of Hawkins High.