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Sebastian stood, staring opened mouthed, at the woman storming out of the restaurant, unable to believe such a movie like scene had just happened to him. Her wine had seeped through his shirt, a large red stain right above his heart and everyone was staring at him, wondering what he had done wrong.
“On second thoughts, I don’t think we’ll be needing the dessert menu. Can you bring the bill?” Sebastian asked the waiter, who hurried away to avoid being pulled into whatever it was that had just happened. Clearly a highly intelligent man.
“Need help with the valentine’s event?” he text the pack group chat as he waited for the bill. Right now the residents of all Dermott owned orphanages, who weren’t enjoying a date of some kind, would have been enjoying a valentines themed buffet, followed by romantic comedies. Some of the orphanages had arranged additional events, or had managers that had provided gifts for each resident, or an alternative anit-valentine’s day event for those omegas who didn’t really want to celebrate. The smart ones, Sebastian was beginning to think.
“We’re all good.” Mustafa was first to text back. “Bad date?”
“How did you guess?” Sebastian sent back, putting the phone down as the waiter came over and paying the bill with a generous tip.
“Did you suggest she should be on a diet?” Rowan questioned. Ok, that had happened once, but only because the guy had totally misinterpreted what he was trying to say. They had been talking about working out. How was he to know that the guy was so sensitive?
“You made some joke that made you look like a potential serial killer again, didn’t you?” Erik had suggested. Erik was worse at dating than he was, thankyou very much. Some black magic must have happened for Erik to end up married.
“You need to leave descriptions of your sex toys to at least the second date.” Sapphire remarked.
“Leave him alone, it’s probably not his fault… this time.” Mamoru commented, making Sebastian sigh and place his phone away. He knew it was all just gentle teasing, but his date’s reaction had really cut deep this time. He drove home with no real idea of how he got there, entering the house he shared with a few of the other betas, not a family home like the luckier ones had, and headed to his bedroom to get changed. Luckily everyone was out, either on more successful dates or working for the pack, so he could have a quick shower and change in peace.
With the intention of having an anti-valentine’s day party of his own, consisting on watching horror films alone in the main house, he set out, hoping he wouldn’t meet anyone on his way to the home cinema. He only wanted to think about which film to watch and if he should make himself some popcorn. He wasn’t so lucky, as before he had even picked out something to watch, Joey was joining him.
“I wouldn’t take what they’re saying to heart. It’s just jokes.” Joey said, lingering in the doorway with a look of concern.
“I’ve not even read most of the comments.” Sebastian admitted. “You don’t all need to be so nosy.”
“Nosy, or concerned?” Joey wondered out loud. “When you don’t joke back, that’s when I know something bad happened. You don’t need to tell me but at very least, let me stay with you. I don’t think you should be alone right now.”
“I was going to watch a horror.” Sebastian warned, knowing Joey could be jumpy. “I suppose though I could settle for a comedy. Nothing romantic.”
“Dumb and Dumber?” Joey suggested. It wasn’t a bad choice, so Sebastian confirmed that would be ok and settled down in one of the luxurious chairs.
“She was both.” Sebastian said, knowing Joey would never question him on what happened, instead staying by his side until he caved and opened up. He was the type who needed to talk things through and Joey probably was the best person to open up to. “I swear, this time it was nothing I did.”
“I believe you.” Joey said and he truly did. Joey, with his glasses and less muscular physique didn’t look that much like a stereotypical beta, but he did act one. Loyal to the pack to a fault, happy to follow both Leon’s requests and orders without fuss and usually smart enough to not need to question him either. Joey had his beta brother’s backs and cared deeply for the pack omegas. Truly an unsung hero of the pack, as he stayed in the shadows, leaving Erik and Mamoru to take the roles of Leon’s left and right hand men, as he himself kept the pack financially secure and financially thriving.
“It was going good.” Sebastian shared. “She was sweet and funny, I let her lead the conversation without being too talkative myself. I complimented her when I should and didn’t do or say anything to upset her, until past partners came up. The moment she knew I was bisexual, she accused me of being a deceitful liar and wine was being thrown at my brand-new shirt. I doubt that stain will come out.”
“You can buy a new shirt.” Joey reassured him, which was true. The shirt was hardly one of a kind and nobody ever questioned his purchases, unless it was a new car, which had never been denied him. “As for the woman, who needs that kind of energy in their life? It’s good she showed her black heart early on.”
“I don’t get it.” Sebastian complained. “She knew I was in a pack. Knew that meant a male alpha with a male omega. I didn’t take her as homophobic at all.”
“Perhaps she’s the type that are fine with homosexual relationships, in a ‘I’ll just ignore them’ kind of way??” Joey asked. “Or assumed all betas were straight? Even so, who cares? She’s beneath you. You will find somebody Sebastian. Somebody who deserves an awesome guy like you in their life.”
“I hope so.” Sebastian said, feeling utterly defeated. He had as much chance of finding the one as Joey, who rarely set foot off pack land. At least Joey had the peace of mind that if he did look for someone, he wasn’t going to mess everything up. Even when he really tried, there was always something wrong about him.
“It’s your date who is wrong in her judgement.” Joey warned, as if capable of reading his mind. They had know each other for a long time, it wasn’t too surprising that Joey could figure out what he was thinking. “You’re awesome and I can assure you, not one person in the pack has an issue with your sexuality.”
“That’s because the pack is awesome. Leon picks good people.” Sebastian confirmed. “Maybe I should ask him to recommend somebody for me again?”
“Careful, you’ll end up with several husbands if you’re not careful.” Joey teased him.
“Two husbands, two wives. Perfection.” Sebastian declared, feeling a little better already. As bad as the date had ended up, at least now he could keep Joey company. He was sure the older beta appreciated that.
“Don’t even ask.” Erik said, as he entered the cinema room and fell into one of the chairs with a can of beer in hand. He merely glanced at what was playing before tilting the chair backwards and letting out a groan.
“Argument with your wife again?” Sebastian asked him.
“I said don’t ask.” Erik retorted.
“And you know that makes us want to know even more.” Sebastian encouraged, getting only a glare from Erik.
“Curiosity killed the cat.” Erik muttered to himself.
“But satisfaction brought it back.” Joey finished the saying. At least, Sebastian assumed that was the end of the saying. Joey was smarter than him, more knowledgeable, so he had fallen into the bad habit of just trusting Joey’s facts were correct. For all he knew, Joey could be manipulating him with false information but he didn’t think he was. It wasn’t brotherly behaviour and Leon had always been firm that they should treat each other as a much loved brothers.
“If I put you two six feet under, you’re staying there.” Erik retorted. “But yes, I argued with my wife. No, you’re not getting involved. I’m not talking about it. End off discussion.”
“Let’s just watch the film.” Joey said, quick to keep the peace. Nodding, Sebastian settled back to do just that, enjoying the antics on the screen and the easy company that his companions brought with them. Even in a bad mood, Erik merely sulked, which was good as he wasn’t in a consoling mood.
“Found you!” the cheerful voice of an omega called out. Glancing over at Ruby, Sebastian couldn’t help but smile. Ruby was always easy on the eye, with pretty features, beautiful blond waves of hair touched with a hint of red and a feminine taste in both perfume and fragrance. His happiness of being one of Leon’s omegas always showed, leading to him almost always smiling. Ruby had his bad moods, just like anybody, but they were rare and far between. Either directed at Sapphire, who was the one he argued with most, or something from outside the pack that had gotten on his nerves. “When I saw the messages on the pack chat, I began to worry. You haven’t read any of them.”
“I’m hardly hard to find.” Sebastian retorted. “When I’m upset, I’m either here or in my bedroom.”
“That’s true.” Ruby agreed. “It’s not been a great valentine’s day, has it?”
“Says the one in the happy marriage.” Erik muttered, mostly to himself.
“Yes, but I don’t get my husband for valentine’s day.” Ruby complained. “As it turns out, Amethyst drew today and is impossible to negotiate with.”
“Is that how you got Leon for the last three valentine’s day?” Joey asked. “You weren’t just super lucky?”
“Well, Sapphire only draws as he knows he can use winning Valentine’s day as a means of extortion.” Ruby described. “Emerald draws as to not upset Leon, but is such a sweetheart he doesn’t care which day he gets. Amethyst though…”
“Is super stubborn when he wants to be,” Sebastian finished for Ruby. “And clearly cares about the day. When did you get?”
“Tomorrow.” Ruby said, his smile returning in an instant. “It’s going to be so romantic! But for now, I’ve had a nightmare getting Felix to settle down and then Isabelle was acting up just because she could. I’m exhausted.”
“Come sit with me then.” Sebastian said, lightly pulling Ruby’s hand until the light omega was sat on his knee. He wrapped an arm around Ruby’s shoulders, breathing in the soothing floral scent of one of his four favourite omegas. “What do you think guys? Ruby and I look good together?”
“Ruby always looks good.” Erik declared. “Makes you barely passable with his presence.”
“Thanks Erik. I can always count on you.” Ruby said, blowing Erik a kiss as he settled down to watch the film that was almost over. It was nice having somebody to hold, even if it was just platonic. Ruby was always a safe option, so loyal to his alpha that even Leon wouldn’t mind this show of affection.
“There was some leftover!” Ruby declared, carrying a plate of heart shaped biscuits into the room. The little kids had been decorating them earlier, and probably some of the older members of the pack as well, but these last few remained untouched, some slightly broken or a little bit burnt, but surely delicious all the same.
“Good find.” Joey said, taking a biscuit from the plate as Erik glared over. He was done with valentine’s day, that much was clear, Sebastian totally understood why but a biscuit was a biscuit, so he picked up two halves of a heart and began to eat it as Ruby encouraged Erik to take one as well. “Who made these?”
“Emerald got some of the residents at Clarence House involved.” Ruby shared. “They must have baked hundreds, as he only took back the ones not given out to the residents.”
“Probably a lot of omegas involved.” Sebastian concluded.
“What are you saying? Omegas belong in the kitchen?” Ruby challenged him.
“I mean, if they’re making biscuits this good, maybe?” Sebastian replied, getting a light slap on his arm for the joke.
“You deserved that.” Erik said, pulling out his phone as a message came through. “Got to go.”
“Guess that argument has been resolved.” Joey remarked. “Good for him.”
“Yeah, good for him.” Sebastian agreed, feeling a little jealous.
“You know, there’s no reason the two of you can’t find somebody to.” Ruby scolded them both. “You’re both such great guys. Anybody would be lucky to have either of you in their life.”
“Such a sweetheart.” Sebastian complimented the omega, who smiled back in return. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he was convinced omegas were magical creatures. No matter how bad things got, just the presence of almost any omega lifted his mood. The ones in the pack were best at it, but they had the home team advantage in knowing the best ways to cheer him up.
“Felix doesn’t think so. I’m the monster who made him go to bed tonight.” Ruby half complained. He loved the kids and never seemed to hesitate before agreeing to look after them, so Sebastian didn’t take Ruby’s complaints about Felix tonight too seriously. At best, Ruby was taking out his jealousy over Amethyst spending tonight with Leon by criticising Amethyst’s children. The same children he probably volunteered to look after.
“Truly terrifying.” Joey joked.
“And don’t you forget it.” Ruby declared. “Which is why Sebastian, you’re going to hand me your phone. I’ll find your next match for you.”
“Can’t chose worse than the biphobic bigot I just bought dinner for.” Sebastian relented, handing his phone over to Ruby. He didn’t think there was anything in it that the omega shouldn’t see and if there was, Ruby knew how to keep secrets. An essential trait for anybody who got too close to the less legal sides of the pack business.
“Well doesn’t that just suck.” Ruby commented. “But clearly this woman can’t read. It’s on your profile that you like men and women.”
“It’s not like I try to hide such things.” Sebastian agreed. “I think she read beta and just jumped to conclusions.”
“You know, I think I might try setting up a profile.” Joey said, surprising the two other men. “What? You think I have no interest?”
“It’s not that,” Ruby said tactfully. “Just you have been so introverted and…”
“Scared.” Joey corrected. “You both know where my feelings towards strangers come from. Let’s accept it and not talk about it. Ok?”
“Sure.” Ruby was quick to agree, giving Sebastian a look that made it clear he wouldn’t be happy if the beta did anything to upset Joey. Which honestly, was a possibility without Ruby’s magic spell that prevented any beta from being upset around him. Ruby would make a cute witch, in a red pointed hat with golden accents that brought out the blond hues of his hair. “Let me help you with the profile. Sebastian, have a look at Dani will you.”
“Yes, Sir.” Sebastian said, complete with a salute as he checked out Dani’s profile. He hadn’t selected none binary as a preference but he supposed it didn’t matter too much to him what Dani looked like beneath their clothes. They were a good choice, he thought, not sure what spell Ruby had used to find somebody so fast. Maybe Ruby had made a deal with cupid? He hit like on the profile, browsing the photos some more as he grew more attached to meeting this person.
“This one is better.” Ruby was explaining to Joey. “It’s great to have a pet in the photo, but make sure you’re the focus. You’re looking really good here.”
“I’ll trust you on this. For a married man, you know you’re way around dating apps.” Joey teased him.
“Well somebody needs to prevent all you betas from dying alone.” Ruby replied, wearing a smile that suggested he was only teasing them both.
“I won’t die alone. If I must, I will kidnap one of you omegas and make you my own. Leon doesn’t need four of you.” Sebastian joked.
“I’m sure he won’t notice one of us is gone.” Ruby agreed. “No wait, he’d go full berserker mode to get any one of us back.”
“What it must be like, to be so loved.” Sebastian said, feeling a little jealous before realising his profile had matched with Dani’s. “What do I tell them?”
“Start generic,” Ruby encouraged. “Hi, I saw your profile and thought we might make a good match. I’m Sebastian, I like dancing and noticed you did to. Which kind of dancing do you do?”
“Dani is a dancer?” Sebastian asked, surprised to learn this.
“I guess neither you or the gremlin you took on a date can read.” Ruby said, with false disappointment. “Maybe you were both a better match than I originally thought.”
“She did seem nice.” Sebastian said, glancing back at his phone to message Dani.
“To you maybe.” Ruby said, taking Joey’s phone off him to type out the about me section of Joey’s profile for him. How many betas had Ruby helped like this, Sebastian wondered. Or more likely, it would be the omegas they helped that Ruby had set up dating profiles for. That would explain why he was so good at this.
Grinning he read Dani’s response, easily opening up to discuss their love of dancing with him. The safe opener seemed to have worked but he knew he couldn’t just rely on Ruby to respond for him. He had to be himself from the start to give this relationship a chance to work. He carefully answered Dani’s questions, asking some more of his own, trying to keep the conversation on their shared loved of dancing. By the time he was done with his response, Joey was all set up on his dating profile.
“Ruby?” Isabelle called from the doorway, entirely adorable in her koala pyjamas. “I can’t sleep.”
“Really?” Ruby asked. “I better check your bed is comfortable enough for you.”
“It’s not the bed.” Isabelle protested, as Ruby took her hand and began to lead her back upstairs. With Cupid being stolen from them both, Sebastian knew there wasn’t much point spending time here with Joey. Making sure Joey was fine with him leaving, he headed home, excited to read the next message Dani would send to him. Sure, valentine’s day had been a bit of a disaster but if Dani was free at the weekend, that seemed far more promising.