Chapter Text
“Did you have to rent the whole arena?” Luka laughed, his white buffer jacket covering him completely, the tip of his nose was red, his hair hiding behind a beanie. He looked so cute and soft, that Sergio couldn't help it, he walked and hugged him close to his chest.
“What?” Luka laughed again in surprise as the alpha squeezed him into the hug. Nevertheless, Luka was so happy to be in his alpha's arms.
He seemed to like doing that, hugging him, that is, Luka would say something that Sergio found cute, and he'd hug him. He'd do something clumsy, he'd hug him, even right now when all he did was laugh happily at the alpha renting the whole ice rink for their second date, Luka received a hug.
“Yes, I had to. Come on, let's get you ready.” Sergio broke the hug and grabbed his omega's hand, pulling him in to help him with the skates.
Sergio chose the right size for him and Luka, before he told the omega to sit down and knelt in front of him, in contrast to him refusing to do so in front of Fernando this morning.
It made Luka panic.
“Oh, Sergio! I can do it myself.” Luka pushed on the alpha's hands as he tried to take off his shoes in order to put the skates on.
“Shh, let me,” Sergio whispered, pushing the omega's arms away, before he dropped a kiss on the omega's knee.
He laced the ice skates up on Luka's feet, before he did the same to himself, enjoying the blush that made Luka's cheeks even more pink.
“Are you ready?” Sergio asked, offering his hand, to which Luka took it yet again and nodded his head, smiling, before they stepped out onto the ice.
Both of them were skilled, gliding smoothly on the ice in harmony. Well, that's until Sergio started to do random dance moves, putting his leg and arm up, imitating a flamingo.
He was like a male bird showing off to his mate to lure him in, which in a way he was, Luka laughed loudly at each weird move he did, finding the ridiculous alpha absolutely charming.
Until Sergio did one bad move, which was one among many, and the inevitable happened; he slipped and fell, ass down on the ice.
“Ughh!” Sergio let out a loud groan in pain which made Luka run to him quickly.
“Oh my God, Sergio! Are you okay?” Luka went down on his knees to check on the alpha, his eyebrows creased in worry.
But the breath was knocked out of his chest when the alpha grabbed him from his waist and slammed him on top of him.
“You're worried about me? I'm stronger than this.” Sergio laughed and tightened his hold on Luka.
Luka slapped him on his chest two times, and went for a third when Sergio caught the small fist and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss on the knuckles.
“I thought you were actually hurt. Don't scare me like that again.” Luka scowled. Too bad for him, he didn't appear serious to Sergio, only adorable.
“Won't promise. I like seeing you all worked up for me.” Sergio smiled, his right hand went from the omega's waist to his neck where he massaged the scent gland gently, which made Luka's eyes flutter and his mouth opened in a low moan.
The sound was so erotic it went straight to Sergio's dick. His excitement got the best of him and he swiftly flipped them so the omega was helplessly under him, caged between his strong thighs, while the alpha's arm supported his neck and head.
That show of strength made Luka slick abruptly, and the delicious, sweet smell filled the small space between them.
Sergio couldn't hold it anymore, so he dived in to place an overdue kiss on Luka's lips.
Luka gasped, opening his mouth, which allowed the alpha to slip his tongue in easily. Sergio explored the omega's mouth, licking his teeth and the inside of his cheeks. He was literally eating him, and Luka's arms gave out on the ice.
They continued making out hungrily, Luka barely able to keep up with the alpha's rhythm. Sergio's hand went down to palm at the omega's privates, which made something inside the omega tick, and he pulled away from the kiss and put his hand over the alpha's to stop him from touching him further.
Sergio blinked, smacking his lips. He opened his eyes, looking down at the omega, and he felt his dick harden even more; the omega looked absolutely fucked out from a simple kiss, lips red and plump, eyes glazed over. He was such a sinful vision that would be imprinted on Sergio's mind for a long time.
Luka took a breath before he licked his own lips, his hand was still on the top of the alpha.
“What's wrong, baby?” Sergio asked.
“I don't- I don't think I'm ready for this yet.” Luka murmured, looking down in embarrassment. “I'm sorry.” He added.
Sergio felt his heart sink. It was his fault. He let himself get carried away like a teenager without asking for the omega's approval first, and also forgetting that they were in a public place. Yes, he rented the whole arena, but who knew? There could be still some staff around, a guy or two for monitoring or closing when they leave, one of them could have seen his omega in such a vulnerable position, or worse, filmed them.
Sergio stood up, pulling Luka along with him.
To his shock, the omega's eyes were teary.
“Luka, I'm sorry. It's my fault. Please don't cry, I'm so sorry.” Sergio pulled the omega in a hug again. Sensing the anxiety in Luka's scent.
“I'm sorry for disappointing you, alpha.” Luka's voice came out broken.
Alpha…
Sergio's head may have short circuited. Luka called him alpha with his pouty lips and sad bunny eyes, he felt his heart physically ache.
“Oh no, no, you didn't! You could never disappoint me, Luka. Alpha is happy just being with you, okay? Please don't be sad.” Sergio cooed and dried the omega's tears that fell over the soft cheeks with his thumb before placing little pecks all over his cheeks and eyelids.
Sergio cursed himself inside his head. He knew Luka was raised traditionally, on the idea that an omega should please his alpha, do whatever he said no matter what. But Sergio wasn't that type of alpha, he wanted Luka to be able to speak his mind freely and refuse if he wasn't feeling like doing something.
“You can always say no to me, Luka. You can stop any moment if you feel uncomfortable. Remember how you used to treat me back in middle school when we played football?” Sergio added, his fingers playing with the blonde strands poking from under the white beanie.
Luka let out a teary laugh, “I can't treat you like I did back then,”
“Why not?” Sergio smiled, his heart lighter seeing the omega laugh.
“Because you were just a friend, not my alpha.” Luka explained, his eyes turning slightly bigger.
“You mean your BFF?” Sergio winked which made Luka laugh again.
“I've always been your alpha, Luka, and I'll always be.” Sergio added with a low voice next to Luka's ear, the omega purred and buried his face in his neck, breathing his calming pheromones.
.
Leaving the arena, Luka felt like he discovered a new part of Sergio's personality.
He had always known Sergio was caring, but today he felt reassured, he felt lucky to be his.
While he was still a little bit embarrassed at denying his alpha, he let his nerves and guilt get the best of him. He scolded himself, he should have been more open to try, and he literally wanted to try. On the other hand, Sergio had many hookups before during his ruts, he was experienced, and his partner shouldn't be scared and denying like Luka was today.
But wasn't an omega's worth in his virtue? Sergio must appreciate that no one had touched Luka before, right? He must like the innocence.
Without noticing, Luka was carrying those old views of his parents, the ones he hated growing up and didn't even believe in, he was carrying them and using them in his new relationship with Sergio.
“How about some cocoa with marshmallows?” Sergio asked him as they were getting out of their skates, and the omega nodded excitedly.
For now, he'd stop thinking and enjoy his date with his alpha.
.
Luka hugged the hot cocoa close to his chest just under his chin, rubbing his tiny hands against the cup to warm them up.
After their time at the ice rink, they went to the small café they used to visit when they were still in high school. It was still the same cozy space they were used to, with the owner doing slight changes, adding some new lights and furniture.
“Do you remember how it used to be? You'd feel sleepy the minute you got in with how bad the lights were.” Sergio asked as he licked the chocolate off his mustache.
“Yeah, I like what they did here, I'm happy we decided to come.” Luka smiled, looking around the area.
Sergio suddenly looked guilty. Luka saw him purse his lips before he took another gulp of his cocoa.
Luka frowned at his sudden change in his expression, he gathered his courage to put his hand over the alpha's on the table.
“Is something wrong?” He asked, tracing Sergio's hand tattoos gently.
“Hmm.. it's just- I don't want to ruin our date, but I need to tell you something.” Sergio looked down at their intertwined hands, sighing.
“What is it?” Luka felt his heart beats rise in worry. Sergio didn't usually give an introduction before talking, if he wanted to say something, he'd just say it. It had to be something serious.
“It's about my family.” Sergio finally admitted.
“Okay,” Luka sat straighter, “Do you think they won't approve of me?” Luka's voice trembled.
“I gotta be honest with you, I don't know. They hadn't allowed me to date just anyone, you know? And they've refused all proposals that came to me without letting me know. Even my ruts, they always hired professionals for me who signed NDAs,” Sergio started, before he took another gulp.
Luka frowned, he was aware of the existence of Sergio's rut partners, but still hearing him talk about it and thinking of his alpha spending his ruts with other omegas, it made his blood boil, he wanted to go to them and gouge their eyes out or something.
He took a deep breath, he needed to calm down. Sergio was his and not theirs. They were just random faceless people doing their job, he shouldn't get jealous.
“But I think I have some idea of what they want, and you know I can't bypass them.”
“Okay..” Luka didn't know how to feel about this.
Sergio felt the omega's hesitation through his scent, and he squeezed his hand in reassurance.
“No matter what, I'm not giving up on us. But there are some things we can do for now and I think they will help us stay together and get my parents to approve later.”
“Okay, what do I need to do? What are their standards?” Luka couldn't believe he actually said that, it felt.. kinda degrading that he was willing to do anything to get Sergio's parents’ approval, but he'd do what he can, because Sergio was not an ordinary alpha, he was one of the most desired alphas, and to stand next to him, Luka needed to be deserving.
“My family is big on omegas in power, and you hadn't done anything after you graduated from Art school. You've been postponing your gallery for what? Three years now?”
“Yeah, I just don't think my paintings are that good,” Luka pouted.
“Stop right here, you are literally one of the most talented painters I've met.” Sergio assured him, which made Luka smile lazily.
“Thank you, but will a gallery make your parents impressed enough?”
“Probably not. But the award for best gallery will. You know the Drammys awards are being held in June, if you've opened your gallery by then, you will get a nomination and if you won, it'd be huge media and my parents would definitely be impressed, and I can talk to them about me and you mating and making it public.” Sergio's eyes sparkled as he explained his plan. He made it sound easy when it definitely was far from it.
“June, Sergio? So about two months from now? And nominations come out in May, Which means I need to launch the gallery and have the critics dazzled to give me a nomination in one month?! I'm sorry but do you think I'm super human?!” Luka threw his arms around in complete shock.
It was way too much to ask of him.
Sergio grabbed both of Luka's hands between his own and his eyes softened in silent plea.
“Please, Luka. I'll help you with everything you need and I'll give you all the necessary resources for you to make it happen. It's hell to convince my parents. I've been thinking since last night and this is our chance.”
Luka stared at the alpha's pleading eyes. He looked at him hopeful, like their future lay in Luka's hands.
He couldn't destroy this hopeful look, he needed to do it, he needed to show Sergio that he's ready to fight for their love and be deserving of standing next to the almighty Sergio Ramos.
“I'll do my best.” Luka finally agreed.
“Yes!” Sergio jumped from his seat to hug the omega tightly, rubbing his neck on Luka's to scent him fondly.
Luka smiled. It was worth it, to go through hell just to be in Sergio's arms.
“There's something else too,”
“Yeah?” Luka pulled back to look at Sergio. His face in the level of Sergio's stomach.
“Until we make our relationship public, we can't meet outside anymore.”
“What? But why? We've always gone out like that, even before we got together.”
“We're not 17 anymore, Luka. Going out as an alpha and omega, both unmated, could bring us a lot of unwanted attention. Let's lay low just for now. By the summer, we'd be able to go out however we please.”
“So does this mean no more dates?” Luka thought he might cry any minute now.
“No! Just no more outside dates! We can have as many movie nights and bowling dates in my house as we want. It's just for now, Luka. Things will be different soon. I promise.” Sergio placed a kiss on the omega's hair who couldn't do anything but nod helplessly against the alpha's warm embrace, his heart feeling heavy.
.
“You're telling me you're gonna force yourself to finish the gallery in like one month just to get his parents’ approval?” Iker asked, glaring at Luka.
Luka sighed. He could have lied to his friends about his sudden need to put the paintings he'd done so far in a gallery, pretending it's because of this or that, but he never knew how to lie to his friends.
“When you put it that way.. oh boy,” Macelo raised his eyebrows awkwardly.
Luka still didn't reply, he kept playing with the straw of his lemonade.
“No, I don't understand. Tell me again how are you planning on doing that? I don't know much about galleries but one month?! Come on, that's not enough time.” Iker argued and before Luka could format an answer the omega continued,
“And is Sergio for real? Making you do it? Like there must be another way.” Iker continued, “Man, I'd never do it. Working this hard to get anyone to accept me, if they don't want me as a I am, then fuck them!”
“Woah woah, Iker! Luka has no choice if he wants to be with Sergio. We all know how his parents are.”
“Here you are defending him again, he didn't even ask his parents, maybe they already approve of Luka, but no, let's overwork my omega just for the chance of being with me? He really thinks he's the shit.”
“Guys guys, please don't fight over this.” Luka put his arms between them as if they were physically fighting.
“Luka! How could you agree to do this?” Iker asked again, his voice full of disbelief.
“Because I want to be with Sergio. I wanted him for so long, and I understand his situation. He's the most eligible bachelor in Spain, and I'm.. me.” Luka whispered the last part.
“And you're Luka Modrić! I don't know why you can't see it but he's not better than you in any way. Just because he kept every alpha away from you with his obnoxious scent, doesn't mean you're not desirable and wanted.” Iker added, placing his hand over Luka's.
“Thank you, Iker,” Luka smiled, “But I want to do it, not just for Sergio or his parents’ acceptance, it's for me too, for my career. Sergio is right, I've been delaying it for too long, I should start taking things more seriously.”
Iker wanted to say something else, when Marcelo put a hand on his shoulder, like a reminder to just let it go.
“Okay,” Iker sighed, “But don't get yourself too tired, and remember to eat, I know you forget when you're busy.”
“I will do my best.” Luka smiled again to reassure his friend.
He looked at Marcelo and could see the pity in his eyes.
He regretted telling them the truth.
.
Iker and Marcelo were getting back home after dropping Luka off at his home.
They both were feeling sad for their friend. Luka didn't deserve to be treated like this, like he wasn't enough.
“I can't believe Sergio is doing this to Luka.” Iker mumbled, shaking his head.
“I think he's just desperate for his parents to agree to him mating Luka.”
“Can you tell me what would happen if they mated without their approval? Like seriously what the worst that could happen? They'd disown him? Cut him off the will? Come on, they won't! Sergio is their only son.”
“I think Sergio is fixating too much on what his parents would think of him, he grew up obeying their every word, he doesn't know how not to anymore, he's used to being the perfect son.”
“But Luka doesn't deserve this, he's gonna work himself to death to open that fucking gallery just to please Sergio, Luka always said he didn't feel ready to do so. Keep in mind, Sergio knew this and plus he didn't even talk about Luka to them, they might still disapprove for different reasons.” Iker concluded.
“You're right. But I can't shake off the feeling that Sergio might know something we don't, or else he wouldn't do that to Luka. You know how much he loves him.” Marcelo said as he parked the car. He had always stood beside Sergio, he thought his friend must have legitimate reasons for why he's asking this of Luka. He remembered when they talked at the bar, Sergio was definitely hiding something.
“His love is destructive.” Iker uttered lastly, while he got out of the car, slamming the door behind him.
.
Marcelo was right. Sergio wasn't doing all that out of thin air.
It started just a day before he had his second date with Luka, he was just about to leave the house for another work session, he opened the door, half-asleep after the 20 minute power nap he took, and he saw his father's assistant along with a young man he never saw before standing just outside their door.
They both greeted Sergio, his father's assistant even giving him a hug before Sergio left.
He wondered why was his father's assistant at their home. And who was that man with him?
As he arrived at their garage, Sergio noticed he had forgotten his phone, he cursed under his breath and rubbed at his eyes before he went back home.
He was about to take the stairs to his room when he heard a name he never thought he'd hear the assistant say.
Luka Modrić.
Sergio's heart pounded in his chest. He got close to the living room, eavesdropping on the conversation, and he heard his mother's voice.
“Good, very good. The busier he is, the less he has a chance to go on dates with Luka.”
“Yes ma'am, his schedule is too tight now, you don't have to worry.”
“What about you, did you take any new pictures?” His mother asked the young man.
“They haven't met since that time they confessed to each other in the street so no new photos.”
“Okay, make sure they never leave your sight. And pay attention to any paparazzi, Sergio's name is getting bigger and we have the deal with Torres enterprises coming, our rivals would search for anything to ruin it for us. Any cameras you see you destroy immediately, don't think of the consequences.”
“But ma'am, some of these paparazzi have insane ways of getting pictures, I might not be able to track them all,” the young man explained.
Sergio frowned, his mother had placed a stalker on him?!
“At least we can do some damage control if anything got leaked to the public.”
“Yes, ma'am. Understood.” the young man said respectfully.
“I hope my plan goes on well before things get out of hand, I like Luka, I don't want to have to destroy him, after all, he's a sweet little omega.”
His mother stood up, indicating the end of their conversation, the men excused themselves to leave, with his mother telling them that the payment they agreed on, would be transferred to them this evening.
Sergio quickly got out of the way and went to get his phone from his room. When he stepped in, he threw himself on the giant armchair in his room, his hand covering his mouth in shock.
There was so much to unwrap that he felt his head might explode.
First of all, his mother already knew he was in a relationship with Luka.
Secondly she seemed not to approve.
Thirdly she put a fucking stalker on his tail.
And she had a plan, one that if it didn't work out, she'd destroy his beloved omega.
Sergio felt hurt, why would his mother do all that for? Why didn't she at least confront him? He knew his parents never found Luka's family up to their standards but he never thought they'd go this far.
He sat for a while, his mind working hard on how he could get Luka out of trouble and get his parents to accept him.
He felt the anxiety killing him, and he didn't have one clue on what to do. Except he had to be careful not to be seen with Luka, their dates needed to be in private from now on, but maybe he could give him one last date before that.
Taking a deep breath, he finally grabbed his phone and went down. The men had already left, but he could hear his parents' voices talking.
“Do you think we're doing the right thing, dear?” His father asked his mother.
“I think we are. Sergio doesn't know what's best for him right now.”
“But Luka is a good kid and his father is an excellent secretary. All companies are working to steal him away.”
“I know, Luka is the nicest omega ever. But he's also not a powerful omega deserving of our son's huge alpha status. He graduated from that prestigious Art school, the same one that the former prime minister's son graduated from, but look at them both, one is already an established name in the industry, as a successful actor and model, while Luka didn't even open his first gallery. There's no comparison here.”
“You're right. Luka needs to work on himself more in order to get a powerful alpha. His father knows that, so I wonder why he isn't doing more to help him?”
“You know how his father is, he's traditional and probably thinks the omega's future lies in their alpha's house.”
Sergio had heard enough, he had an idea of what he and Luka had to do now.
.
Days passed and Luka felt like he was running for his life.
The first thing he did was telling his family of his intent to open his first gallery, and his mother was very supportive, but his father not so much, he even deemed that unnecessary, to which Luka ignored. Sergio had been supportive as well, the many messages asking him if he needed anything every few hours were.. something.
Honestly, Luka didn't want those messages.
He surprised himself when the thought came into his mind, because he'd always loved to receive any type of messages from Sergio, but those felt heavy, felt pressuring. He recieved them for two days and he wanted them to stop. He even told Sergio that he'd call if he wanted anything for the gallery, but Sergio assured him it was no big deal. Luka was too shy to tell him the real reason he didn't want those messages.
22 days passed since their last date, and he had only seen Sergio one other time when there was a get-together at their old classmate's house, in which Sergio pecked his cheek but relativity ignored him through the whole night. Before he left, he squeezed his hand and apologized in his ear, gesturing to the tons of phone cameras recording the party.
Luka nodded and didn't comment, but his friends noticed his disappointment.
.
Finally came the day of his gallery's opening.
After a month of constant hard work, Luka could say he was 60% satisfied with what he'd done with the gallery. If he was given more time, he'd have definitely birthed a much more satisfying result.
But he was glad he did it. He discovered a lot of things about himself, he was able to put on a gallery in such a short time and finished most of the paintings that were on hold for more than a year, all in one month.
That gave him faith in himself again, even if time was short, he, Luka Modrić, could still accomplish great things if he put his mind to it.
Those were his feelings while on the road to the opening of his first ever gallery as the professional painter, Luka Modrić. His family was driving him there, his father was impressed, Luka saw how proud he was of Luka for the first time ever.
Except he didn't feel like this along the way, this month was a rollercoaster of emotions.
He painted too much with his hand that it cramped, he made so many calls, more than he did in a year, he had to make sure everything was organized, from the staff to the invitations sent, everything had to be as perfect as possible. Good enough to get a nomination for the Drammys for best gallery.
Sergio was also a great help in choosing the guests they should send the invitations to, and in providing him with the best agency to work with. After Luka got used to the check-up messages, things went more smoothly.
He cried a lot too, when things got too much, calling Sergio with broken voice, but hiding his cries so the alpha wouldn't think of him any less; like he couldn't do it.
Sergio felt his emotions through his voice, he gave him encouraging words and promises of better tomorrow once he got his award. Doubts filled Luka's mind, what if he didn't get the award? What would happen then?
But every time he wanted to ask, the question stayed stuck in his throat. Because he believed. He believed he should just do it and God will handle it from there. He just needed to do it.
.
In less than ten minutes, Luka arrived at the gallery, the organizing crew had already put everything together and were waiting for him to open the gates.
The first thing he saw was three congratulatory floral stands. The ribbon banner had “to the best painter ever, congratulations on your first gallery, SR4”
It was Sergio. Luka smiled, he couldn't wait to see him and see how proud he was of him, because he did it, all for him. He'd make sure to tell him that.
At exactly 10 AM the gallery opened, and people started arriving shortly after.
The first day was open only for invited people, while the three days after were for the public.
Luka, wearing a beige colored suit and a white shirt underneath, he had lost some weight, but he was still shining under the gallery's lights, the suit complimented his natural blonde hair and made him look angelic. His smile was wide as he welcomed visitors and answered their questions.
The first to arrive of his friends was Marcelo, wearing a black suit and styled his wild hair for the first time in ages, Luka couldn't help but point it out as he laughed and hugged him in greeting.
His omega Iker, was in a matching black suit, he congratulated Luka with a big smile on his face, hugging him and kissing his cheeks.
Luka was surprised to see Gareth Bale, the alpha he met a while ago on Sergio's birthday, had come with them as well, wearing a brown vest over beige slacks. The outfit was simple but the alpha's physique made it ten times better.
“Congratulations on your first gallery,” Gareth smiled as he extended his hand to shake Luka's. And in a similar act of what he'd done in Sergio's birthday party, he lifted Luka's hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.
Luka blushed deeply and pulled his hand away faster than what was polite, as he thanked the alpha.
“Thank you for coming,” Luka smiled, he didn't remember he sent him an invitation, but he also wasn't mad at seeing him here, not in the slightest.
“I wanted to come the minute I heard Marcelo say you're opening your first gallery ever, I couldn't miss it. But I'm afraid I'm gonna confuse between you and the art pieces.” Gareth flirted and winked.
Luka blushed even more, Gareth was a trouble if he ever saw one, his flirting was refreshing, and boosted Luka's self-esteem greatly.
“Thank you,” Luka added shyly, he didn't know what else to say, the tall alpha was handsome and big and Luka couldn't control his blush.
The gallery went on, the staff danced between people with trays of red and white wine, and soft music and laughs were heard throughout the large hall, which offered such a peaceful experience
Two hours later, and with tons of explanations and a lot of compliments, Luka felt exhausted, and there was no sight of Sergio yet.
Luka started to get worried, they talked last night and he said he'd be here for the opening, but then texted him this morning that he'd be a little late because his parents wanted to visit as well and thought it was more polite to arrive together, but still no one showed up. He sent a quick text asking him why he hadn't arrived yet and went to stand with his friends to calm himself down.
Despite wearing a heavy scent patch and taking suppressants, his scent still came out slightly sour.
“Congratulations again, little brother,” Marclo said again, giving him a side hug.
“Thank you, Marcelo.” Luka leaned into his embrace for comfort.
“You finally did it, I'm so proud of you, my friend.” He added and ruffled his hair.
“Where's Sergio?” Iker asked him curiously, “He should have arrived earlier right? It was his idea after all.”
“Iker,” Marcelo warned him, and Iker uncharacteristically kept quiet after this.
“He's coming with his family, he's just waiting for his parents to get ready, he said he'll arrive soon.” Luka's ears got red as he half lied to his friends for the first time, Sergio hadn't replied to his messages yet. He had no clue where he was now or why he was late.
“Is Sergio your alpha?” Gareth asked suddenly, which made Luka open his mouth in shock. It was improper to ask such personal questions. He noticed Gareth didn't seem to have much etiquette in him.
Before Luka could reply, one staff member came to him, informing Luka that the critics had arrived and he should receive them himself. Luka was grateful to escape from Gareth's question but he was also nervous to meet the critics.
He felt his back get sweaty when he saw them with their eyeglasses and small notebooks. He forced a smile on his face he greeted them and walked them briefly through his art pieces. They didn't ask many questions and looked uninterested, but that didn't necessarily mean anything.
After they seemed to finish their questions, he left them to walk freely throughout the gallery and saw them write down notes.
Luka sighed, his scent was now like flowers under the heat of the summer, withered and tired.
At that moment, he smelt something that made his mind immediately calmer. He looked around and here he was, Sergio.
The alpha stole all eyes when he got in, wearing a black suit with grey shirt that fitted him perfectly, on his eyes there was a pair of tinted sunglasses, and his usual rings were covering his fingers, along with one of his expensive gold watches on his wrist.
His eyes met Luka's from afar, and Luka barely suppressed a sob, he was so relieved to see his alpha.
Sergio's parents were also there, and Luka's legs worked without thinking as he went to welcome them. They both congratulated him and hugged him, with Sergio's mother kissing both of his cheeks, before they went to greet Luka's parents.
When Sergio stood closer, Luka watched him in disbelief, it felt like years since they last saw each other, Luka looked up at the alpha with eyes full of tears he couldn't hold back anymore.
Sergio hugged him and his first tear of many fell after, he tightened his hold on the alpha's neck, burying his face into his shoulder and sobbed silently.
It's like the exhaustion of the past month had finally caught up to him, he felt drained and his only source of energy was his alpha's scent.
“Hey baby, I missed you.” Sergio whispered low in his ears, which made Luka sob harder.
“Shhh, calm down, everyone is looking at us.” Sergio pulled a little to stare at his omega's eyes, big and full of tears. He was so beautiful, Sergio couldn't help but think.
“You made it. Alpha is so proud of you.” Sergio patted his shoulder, to mimic bros’ salute, trying to make it look brotherly and less suspicious.
“Yes! I did it! Only for you!” Luka nodded through his tears and sniffled. It broke Sergio's heart.
“You did so well, my omega. So talented and hardworking,” He pulled him again against his chest, hiding him from unwanted eyes and whispering praises in his ear softly. And he was so happy to be awarded with the smell of his omega's scent blooming again.
He forced himself to break their hug a second time, and looked at Luka's face fully finally.
“Yes, that's it. Please don't cry anymore. It hurts me to see you cry.” Sergio resisted the urge to wipe his omega's tears.
“I'm sorry. This month has been the hardest, constant running and labor, and I missed you.” Luka patted his face with his handkerchief.
“I know, baby. You are amazing.” Sergio assured again and Luka smiled widely.
“Give me a minute, I'll go wash my face and come to walk you through the paintings.” Luka said, he was so kind.
“Okay,” Sergio nodded and squeezed Luka's hand, before he let him go and went to greet his friends.
Sergio hugged Marcelo and Iker before he frowned when he saw that tall alpha he had seen before at his birthday party.
Him again? What was his name? Sergio forgot. While he wasn't sure of his name, he remembered he was Marcelo's employee, and an alpha who once stood too close to Luka.
“Oh Marcelo, do you bring this employee of yours everywhere now?” Sergio asked sarcastically, looking at the alpha in displeasure.
Gareth frowned, his hand was mid air, offered to Sergio when the alpha opened his mouth. He clearly had some kind of problem with him, because he didn't even reach out to shake his hand.
“He came to show his support to Luka actually.” Iker smirked. Sergio looked at him briefly from the side, this feisty omega, Sergio thought, he knew what he was playing with; the string of jealousy.
“I don't think I asked you, Iker.” He nearly snared.
“It's true, Sergio,” Marcelo followed up, “He met Luka in your birthday party and wanted to come to support him.”
“How nice of you, Bareth Gale.” Sergio faked a smile.
“It's Gareth Bale.” The alpha frowned.
“Like I care.” Sergio mocked and Gareth was two seconds away from charging at him.
“Hey, you two, cut it out. Don't bring trouble to Luka's gallery.”
Sergio and Gareth kept glaring at each other. Gareth was more confused than ever. He was catching strays by simply existing.
At that moment, Luka came back and placed his hand on Sergio's arm, “Did I make you wait?” He asked softly, his face looking much better.
“No, you didn't, let's go.” Sergio put his hand behind the omega's back and guided him away, while his eyes stared the alpha down.
They walked away, with Luka thankfully not noticing the tension.
“What is his problem? Disrespecting me when I literally didn't do anything to him, like at all.” Gareth wondered, his eyebrows met in contained anger.
“Don't mind him, Gareth. He acts this way towards every alpha.” Marcelo explained.
“Really? Well, if it wasn't in respect to you and your little friend, I'd have shown him what an alpha can do.” Gareth's scent spiked, and people around him stared anxiously.
“Could you please control yourself? We're in public.” Marcelo asked as Iker went to get under his arm for safety, the strong alpha pheromones were making him feel uncomfortable.
Gareth sighed and tried to calm down, his eyes following Sergio and Luka. The lovely omega was glowing since that alpha stepped in.
Gareth thought there's no way in hell these two didn't have something going on.
.
Luka walked Sergio through every painting, happy to be close to the alpha in what felt like forever. He was honestly surprised he agreed to stand next to him for so long, and even walked with him.
What Luka didn't know, that if it wasn't for alpha Gareth being here and steering Sergio's jealousy, he'd probably have given some excuse to Luka so he could leave and prevent his parents from noticing their close proximity which might bring them trouble.
It pained Sergio to think that this time he wasn't scared of someone filming him, but of his own mother. He was terrified of what she could have in store for Luka if she thought they'd gotten too close.
Speaking of his mother, he looked at her and she was charming some women he didn't recognize, laughing and engaging in the conversation. If he didn't hear what she had planned himself, he'd never believe
that his mom would do something like that.
“Sergio, are you listening?” Luka's warm voice got him out of his thoughts.
“Sorry, what were you saying?”
“I said the boys are gonna throw an after party at that bar that opened recently, will you come?” Luka looked hopeful.
“I don't know if I can tonight. Father already handled me tons of work and I have skipped two meetings to come here.”
“Oh.. okay.” Luka nodded, he looked hurt, and he was. Sergio's heart felt heavy.
“But I think I can come by for half an hour for my dear omega.” Sergio added, he'd try to sneak in, he couldn't bear the disappointment in Luka's face. His omega already worked so hard to please him, it'd be the bare minimum to at least grant him this wish.
“Really?! Thank you!” Luka smiled wide and jumped in his place excitedly. Happy omega pheromones filled the air, and Sergio's alpha felt proud of being the reason of his omega's contentment.
Sergio smiled and resisted the urge to touch his hair, getting it out of those sweet eyes.
“Sergio, are you ready to leave?” Sergio saw his mother coming towards him and he nodded.
“Yes, mother.”
“Congratulations again, Luka. I hope you get your nomination at the Drammys, I know some of these critics and I'll make sure to put a good word for you.” She smiled before giving Luka a hug.
Sergio didn't like the idea of his mom knowing the current critics. She wouldn't influence them against Luka right?
Luka hugged her back and thanked her softly for coming and for her support, before he turned to hug Sergio a quick goodbye hug.
“See you tonight,” Luka whispered in his ear and Sergio nodded, placing a chaste kiss on Luka's hair.
He didn't want to leave with that alpha Gareth still here, but he also couldn't stay when his parents were leaving.
As he got into their car, he pulled his phone out and typed a quick message to Marcelo, asking him to take care of Luka and keep an eye on him tonight, at least until he'd arrive.