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It was a very bad no good day for Lando. The train home was crowded and the smells of so many people in the crowded carriage was just making his senses go haywire. Lando sighs deeply and hides further into his hoodie. He just wanted to go home.
“Excuse me? Is this seat taken?”
The voice is soft, polite, but the scent tells Lando that whoever it is, they're an Alpha. Just his luck.
With a deep sigh, Lando nods, allowing the Alpha to sit next to him. Now the stranger is closer to him he can take in his scent and oh, okay this Alpha’s scent isn’t so bad.
Lando risks taking a peak and he makes a soft sound. Oh okay. So this Apha smelt good and looked good as well. Long curled hair, a soft looking beard and intense blue eyes. Lando swallows a little and looks away, missing the amused glance the Alpha sends his way.
Strange. The Alpha wasn’t reacting to him even though he was an Omega. It was interesting and rather welcoming for a change. It makes Lando feel like he could relax.
Lando lets out a little breath, still feeling nauseated but it’s easier to handle, especially when he focuses mostly on the nice smelling scent of the Alpha next to him.
It’s curious. Apart from a glance at his direction when Lando bounces his leg uneasily, the Alpha hasn’t made a single move on him. It’s something Lando isn’t used to. Back home his friend Carlos, another Alpha, had made it his life’s mission to keep any unwanted Alphas away. To not have this one’s attention was almost unheard of. It makes him huff a little. Lando WAS interesting thank you very much.
Lando risks another glance at the Alpha and this time the man turns around and meets his gaze.
Oh.
The Alpha gives him a rather dashing smile. It makes Lando’s breath still. “Long commute?”
Lando almost forgets what English is. He nods softly, gesturing around the packed train. “It’s uh…also overwhelming?”
The Alpha gives a nod. “I could understand that.” Then he looks concerned. “I’m not really helping sitting so close to you, am I?”
“Oh..no…no you’re fine. I mean, you’re okay. Your scent isn’t bothering me.” Lando stutters out, blinking a little and feeling rather shy.
“Oh that’s a relief. My name is Sebastian.” The Alpha holds out his hand to Lando.
“Lando.” Lando whispers back, taking the Alpha’s hand in his and trying to ignore the tingle racing across his skin when their hands touch.
“Lando. Interesting name.” Sebastian looks curious, leaning back in his seat.
“Thank you.” Lando looks at him, feeling his heart race at the way Sebastian looks at him. It feels different to how all the other Alphas have looked at him. It was less like he was theirs to claim and more like they wanted to actually get to know him. That and Sebastian smelt so good it was making his head spin in a good way.
“So where are you going?” Sebastian asks, drawing Lando’s attention back to him. Oh, he hadn’t realised he had been lost in his own head there.
“I’m visiting my friend, Max. He recently mated with his Alpha and we finally have time to meet up.” Lando answers, feeling like he was okay talking to this Alpha about it.
“Ah newly mated. A friend of mine also found his mate recently. I’ve yet to hear back from him but I’m pretty sure he’s fine. I’ve met the Alpha. He’s a good person. That’s what matters.” Sebastian tells him, giving a gentle smile.
Lando clears his throat, not knowing why but he finds he trusts this Alpha even if he’s only just met him. “I uh…I’m the only one left of my friends who hasn’t found a mate.”
“How so?” Sebastian’s question is soft and gentle, his head tilted to one side. It doesn’t even feel like he’s prying.
Lando fidgets in his seat, looking down. “I’ve never found an Alpha I’ve liked.” He admits, almost quietly. “They’ve never really wanted to know me. Just what I could offer them.”
“A release.” Sebastian nods, pulling a face. “I’ve never liked any Alpha that has just lived on their instincts. That’s not how it should be.”
Lando looks up at the Alpha. “But what about when you’re in rut? Surely then you think any Omega is there for the taking?”
Again Sebastian doesn’t look thrilled. “It’s a two way street. The Omega must want it. Heat or not. The Alpha must also want it.”
“Well I’ve yet to meet any Alpha bar you that thinks that way.” Lando points out.
Sebastian snorts softly. “They are out there, but they’re overshadowed by the much louder Alphas I’m afraid.”
Lando has to return the laugh, looking up at Sebastian. “You can say that again.”
Sebastian looks at Lando gently. “You seem to have more colour on your face. That’s good. How do you feel now?”
Lando blinks a little in surprise as he realizes that he doesn’t feel as overwhelmed anymore. It seems like talking to Sebastian had distracted him from his discomfort.
Sebastian looks knowing and taps his own nose with a grin. “Sometimes the best way to deal with being overwhelmed is to focus your attention elsewhere.”
“Thank you.” Lando says softly, a little awed. For the first time since getting onto the train he could breathe.
Sebastian nods softly. “You’re welcome.”
The intercom beeps overhead, announcing the next stop and Sebastian sighs softly. “Time for me to go.”
Lando suddenly feels his heart sink and disappointment fills him. “Oh….” He swallows and looks up at him. “Thank you for your help.”
Sebastian gives him a little smile and takes out a card from his pocket, handing it to the young Omega. “If you ever want to give me a call, here’s my number.”
Lando feels his heart pick up pace as he takes the slip of paper from him. “Sebastian Vettel: Bookseller.”
“I run a little bookstore in Heppenheim. Perhaps one day you’ll visit me?” Sebastian asks, almost sounding hopeful and Lando turns to mush right there and then.
“Maybe.” Lando gives him a little grin. “Books aren’t really my thing though.”
“Oh that’s a shame.” Sebastian hums, gathering up his things and trying not to look disappointed. But it’s obvious he is.
“I could make an exception for the owner though.” Lando says, his smile coy.
Sebastian gives a relieved laugh and nods gently. “Well I hope to impress you when you decide to visit.” He gets up, shouldering his backpack. “Safe travels.”
“Yeah, you too.” Lando says softly, giving Sebastian a wave as the Alpha leaves the train.
Once he’s gone a feeling of longing fills his chest and he glances down at the card in his hand. He thinks about it for a moment before he takes out his phone and taps in the number on the card, sending one simple text.
Are you free a week Friday?