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As an Atlantean, Kaldur knew next to nothing about human courting customs. Nor the specifics behind their secondary genders.
The same dynamics applied to his people, yes. Alphas were favoured as combatants due to their aggressive nature. Omegas were empathetic and naturally talented in diffusing tense situations.
However, the way omegas, in particular, were treated in Atlantean society was remarkably different from those on the surface world.
Atlantis did not discriminate when it came to battle. Should they so choose, omegas were welcome to participate in the art of magic or combat. They had equal rights to both Alphas and Betas. Secondary genders were simply that. Secondary. Omegas were not expected to procreate should they wish not to; these freedoms allowed them to flourish as individuals, bringing new talents and insights to both the Atlantean military and society.
It had been a terrible culture shock, seeing the way Wally had been rapidly treated so differently, all because of his nature. Perhaps it had something to do with how the surface-atmosphere transmitted scents. Pheromones were easily detected here, compared to underneath the waters. Kaldur could understand how an Omega’s heat would drastically affect Alphas on land.
But still. There was no excuse for the atrocious behaviour he had witnessed since Young Justice had been formed.
Kaldur was ashamed to say that he had not thought into how these stereotypes affected the small, but still significant, percentage of omegas in the United States. He had gotten a live demonstration of this discrimination a month ago when Wally had been savagely pushed to the ground by an overbearing Alpha who thought himself worthy.
His behaviour had been absolutely revolting. Kaldur was thankful that M’gann had chosen to intervene on their behalf. Had it been Conner who first stepped forward, the consequences for that foolish Alpha would have been much worse.
Kaldur finds himself alone with Wally one Saturday evening. The Team had no missions and most had opted to leave the den for the night. Conner and M’gann were going for a movie date. Artemis was visiting family, while Robin had an important mission with Batman.
So, it was just the two of them. Kaldur was worried Wally would complain about the lack of nightly excitement, but it was for nought. Despite his normally serious and cool countenance, the speedster had no qualms dragging Kaldur into more lighthearted shenanigans. Like watching subpar Hollywood Blockbusters to pass the time.
“C’mon, dude. You’re going to love this, I promise,” Wally pleads, holding up a DVD cover for The Meg. Kaldur sighed.
“Surely, there are more suitable options,” he leans back against the sofa, eying the expansive shelf of movie titles Robin and Wally had set-up. “Like a film about something other than the ocean?”
“Aw, man. I thought you’d be psyched to watch this! There are sharks in it,” Wally says. “Though… I guess I see your point. It’s probably really fake to you, huh?”
“That is correct,” Kaldur nods, pleased that Wally understood. “A movie about surface dwellers, perhaps? You must be an expert.”
The omega puffs out his chest. “Damn straight.”
Eventually, they decide on Jurassic Park. Another movie about prehistoric beings that no longer exist. Kaldur reckons Wally has a liking for the genre.
The movie is nowhere as bad as he had expected it to be. Soon, the boys fall into a comfortable silence, reclining against the large sofa, a bowl of popcorn in Wally’s lap. Kaldur occasionally asks questions about the creatures they see in the movie, and Wally answers them enthusiastically.
He already knew of Wally’s penchant for science; it pleases Kaldur to see his friend discuss something he was obviously passionate about. He knew Wally would do amazing things one day, both as a hero and as an academic.
They end up watching all five movies. By the time the credits roll on Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom, Wally is asleep. He snores loudly, head slumped against Kaldur’s right shoulder.
Kaldur does not have the heart to wake him. He looks content. Peaceful. Given the recently upsetting mission involving Kent Nelson, it is a relief to see Wally finally getting some decent sleep. His younger counterpart had been incredibly torn up about how Nelson had met his end.
He was too hard on himself. It hadn’t been Wally’s fault.
So, Kaldur turns off the television, puts the empty bowl of popcorn aside and decides to let Wally rest for as long as he needs.
“Aw! That’s so cute!”
Kaldur is abruptly awakened by M’gann’s excited voice. He sleepily examines his Team standing before him, all in different clothing from the day before.
With a start, he realises that he had slept throughout the night. Wally is still propped against his side, dead to the world.
Giving the redhead a gentle shake, Kaldur attempts to rouse him.
“Wally. It’s morning. Wake up.”
“Buh… five more minutes…”
To his utter embarrassment, the speedster turns and wraps his arms and legs tightly around Kaldur’s rigid body. He feels the warm puff of Wally’s breath against his gills, as his friend nuzzles into his shoulder.
Turning to the Team for assistance, Kaldur raises his eyebrows as he sees Robin and Artemis both postured aggressively, reaching for Wally’s shoulder at the same time.
He wisely sinks back into the couch, allowing their hands to tug Wally (slightly forcefully) away from Kaldur’s body.
“Rise and shine, Kid Mouth!”
“Yo! Earth to KF!”
Wally groans as Artemis gives an overly aggressive tug, sending him sprawling onto the carpeted floor. The hard landing finally wakes him up, and Wally leaps to his feet, sending them both an annoyed, sleepy glare.
“What the hey! Rude!” Wally snaps, then breaks into a yawn, stretching his arms over his head. The bottom of his shirt rides up, and Kaldur definitely notices the way both Artemis and Robin snap their gazes to his exposed abdomen. “Can’t a guy get some sleep around here?”
“It’s ten in the morning,” Artemis deadpans.
“Yeah, and?” Wally sinks back onto the couch, flopping casually against Kaldur’s side, which seems to make both Robin and Artemis bristle. “Dude. It’s freaking Sunday.”
M’gann stifles a laugh at Artemis’ outraged expression. Conner is less amused, crossing his arms and stepping between the unhappy duo.
“Back off,” he tells them coldly, then turns to regard their resident omega with piercing blue eyes. “Wally. Do you want us to go?”
“Nah, it’s cool. I’m not going back down. Could go for some breakfast.”
“Oooh! How about that new vegan place? It has five stars on Yelp!” M’gann suggests, excitedly scrolling through her new smartphone.
“Hard pass. I need meat! A growing boy needs his nutrients. Puberty and all that jazz,” Wally rambles, still half-asleep. “Kaldur, carry me.”
Blinking in confusion, Kaldur exchanges a glance with Conner. The Kryptonian shrugs, unperturbed by Wally’s uncharacteristically clingy behaviour. So Kaldur just nods.
“Alright. I don’t see why not.”
“Sweet,” Wally snorts with laughter as Kaldur heaves him onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry. “To the showers!”
Conner shakes his head, trailing after Kaldur and Wally, leaving behind an annoyed Artemis and disgruntled Robin. As soon as they’re out of earshot, Conner explains.
“He’s been really touchy lately,” he says, giving Wally a flick on the ear. “Something to do with instincts.”
“Um, hello? I’m right here,” Wally scoffs. “But… yeah. Sorry, Kal. You can put me down if you want.”
Shaking his head, Kaldur doesn’t falter. “It is fine, Wally. Though I am rather curious. Could you elaborate?”
“Sure. No biggie,” Wally shifts, playfully kicking at Conner, who rolls his eyes. “I mean, I’m going to be sixteen soon. That’s usually when us land omegas start looking to form a pack.”
“I see,” Kaldur adjusts Wally to a bridal carry with little difficulty, wanting to look him in the eye. “So, this is... instinctive?”
“Pretty much. Testing the waters, you know? My pack has to be open to touch, and body contact. It’s part of what omegas do to feel safe and wanted. Cheesy as it sounds.”
Kaldur nods. “Well, you certainly have nothing to worry about. I have no qualms providing you with physical gestures of affection whenever necessary.”
“Me too,” Conner confirms, giving Wally a nod. “And M’gann already does.”
Wally grins, big and bright. He positively glows, and Kaldur wonders if there had ever been any doubt that the Team would agree to be part of Kid Flash’s pack. They were practically joined at the hip. Nothing would ever tear them apart.
(Though he had to wonder what Artemis and Robin thought, given their oddly irritable moods earlier in the lounge.)
“Aww. Thanks, guys,” he gives Kaldur a cheeky smooch on the cheek. Kaldur chuckles. The trio finally reaches the showers, and Kaldur gently lets Wally back onto his feet.
“I knew I could count on you,” Wally says confidently.
His words make Kaldur’s chest bloom with a pleasant warmth. It felt nice to be relied on like this. The omegas back home, like Tula, did not require physical affection regularly.
While the surface dwellers were startlingly backwards at times, treating omegas like volatile, compromised goods only good for child-rearing; Kaldur was starting to see the benefit of these passionate gestures.
Coming to the surface had definitely been the right choice.
“Always,” Kaldur promises Wally. “Whenever you need me.”