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Middle school
The most confusing and awkward phase of a young person’s life.
The phase where you are no longer a kid but not quite a teenager either. Where you are considered too old for recess and toys, but too young to drive or get piercings.
Instead, you are something in between.
This couldn't be more true for the prepubescent silver-haired omega, as he slipped on his favorite black sweater over the white dress shirt. Xeno used his hands to smooth out the fabric before making his way over to his bedroom mirror. His outfit wasn't any different from the clothes he usually wears to school, but somehow Xeno felt as though he looked different.
He has been looking different.
Ever since his 12th birthday marked the beginning of an omega's puberty, Xeno has been undergoing constant change.
Though it’s true that he still retained his “baby face”, as his cheeks still had that soft roundness to them, and his eyes were as cartoonishly large as always. The most change occurred to the rest of his body.
For instance, his once stubby little legs were now long, firm, and slender. When did that happen? Xeno’s hands trailed down and rested upon his waist, which was rather slim, and his hips became more defined.
As an omega, he was built to breed and carry children, something that made him feel…
Weird.
He was too young even to be thinking about that, but his body was already preparing him for it.
The black slim-cut jeans he wore clung to his legs, and Xeno turned to see how he looked from behind. His jeans, though plain in their design, undoubtedly brought attention to his backside. Which has become much…fuller,
Xeno felt his cheeks heat up the more he checked himself out.
Has he really changed so much in just a few months?
No.
No, of course not.
After he presented at the tender age of 8, Xeno promised himself that he would not let being an omega change him. He wasn't going to fall into the expectations and ideals that society expects of him. He was going to be a scientist. He was going to build rockets for NASA. Just because his body has changed, doesn't mean he has…
Right?
“Xeno!”
Xeno’s head snapped towards his door as his mother’s urgent voice rang through the halls.
“Hurry and eat your breakfast or you're going to be late!” He quickly looked over the clock beside his bed, and his obsidian eyes widened at the digital numbers blinking at him.
7:45
“Shit-” Cursing under his breath, Xeno grabbed his books from his desk and slung his backpack over his shoulder. Just how long had he been staring at himself?
"Coming!”
.
.
Xeno made sure to finish his breakfast as fast as humanly possible. Normally, he always made sure to have a balanced meal before leaving for school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
But he wasted so much time judging himself in the mirror, he settled on a quick and easy bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Xeno bid his parents a hasty goodbye before quickly rushing out the front door. He walked out of the house in such a rush, he nearly crashed into-
“Stanley!” The blonde resembled a deer in headlights as he stood there with his hand raised, indicating that he was just about to knock.
The two blinked at each other until he gave Xeno a sheepish smile as he shoved his hands back into the pockets of his navy blue hoodie.
“Hey Xe, you ready to go?” Xeno felt a smile tug on his lips as he gave a quick nod.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
The two began their usual walk towards school. Xeno’s father always offered to drop the boys off before he had to leave for work, but Xeno didn't see the point. The school was only a few blocks away, and the walk there was quite scenic. Also, any additional time spent with Stanley was always going to be a bonus. Speaking of Stanley, Xeno couldn't help but sneak a glance at his dear friend.
“Your skin looks clearer.” Xeno felt a twinge of pride swell up in his chest as he got a better look at his friend’s face. “I assume the ointment I made has been proving effective?”
“Uh, yeah.” Stanley took his hand out of his pocket to awkwardly scratch his cheek. “It’s been a great help, still don’t like the smell though.”
“Stop touching your face, you are going to make it worse.” Xeno tried to swat Stanley’s hand, but the blonde’s reflexes were too fast for him. “And if you don't want to be at the receiving end of your brother’s ridicule, you are gonna have to deal with the smell. Besides, it’s not that bad.”
“Easy for you to say”, Stanley rolled his eyes. “You don’t have a single zit on that perfect face of yours.”
“You think my face is perfect?”
“Shut up, man.” Laughter bubbled out of Xeno’s chest as Stanley playfully pushed his shoulder against his. Amidst his laughter, Xeno caught a shy smile on the blonde’s lips, a smile that made his heart flutter.
Xeno would be lying if he said he hadn't noticed how much Stanley has changed over the past few months.
His once clear, smooth skin has been riddled with prepubescent acne. Xeno remembers how utterly distressed Stanley was, fully believing he was ugly now. What a silly idea. Stanley? Ugly? That is almost as ridiculous as claiming that the Earth is flat.
Xeno had to explain that it was simply the result of hormonal changes. This results in oil glands becoming more stimulated, producing more oil, thus causing blockage. That didn't make Stanley feel better, however, and Xeno dedicated his extra free time to making him an ointment that would help clear his skin.
Stanley has also grown several feet seemingly overnight. He is now much taller than Xeno, as well as being much stronger. He tries to pretend he hasn't noticed the developing muscles in his friend’s toned arms and legs.
“Hey Xeno, just a reminder I have track -” Before Stanley could finish his sentence, his voice went up an octave. He quickly tried to cover it up with a cough, but the second he saw Xeno’s smiling face, the tips of his ears turned bright red. “Shut up.”
“I didn't even say anything.”
“You don't have to.”
“I don't see why you get so embarrassed, Stan.” Xeno turned the corner, and the school was right there in the distance. “You aren't the only person in school whose voice cracks occasionally. It’s natural, your larynx is growing, which means the vocal cords are-”
“I don't need to know the reason behind it, I don't wanna talk about it.” A frown painted Xeno’s lips; he truly didn't understand why it bothered Stanley so much. Xeno found it to be very charming.
“Anyway, like I was saying before,” Xeno followed the blonde up the steps towards the school’s front doors, the chatter of their peers surrounding them. “I have track after class, but we could still do something afterwards. It shouldn't take long, just a couple of drills.”
“Well, you’ll surely be hungry afterwards, so how about we get something to eat?”
“Bigtop Burger?”
“Naturally”
“Sounds good.”
.
.
As always, Xeno found class to be extremely…dull.
From the tender age of 6, Xeno was offered a chance to attend university, and though that offer was tempting, he ultimately turned it down.
As cliché as it was to say, Xeno wanted a somewhat normal school experience. Though he finds prep rallies to be a waste of time and spirit days absolutely dreadful, at least he has Stanley. He couldn't bear to leave his friend behind. If Stanley has to go through the social warzone that is Middle school, then Xeno would do it right beside him.
The teacher’s bored monotone voice droned on as Xeno had already finished the worksheet that was handed out at the beginning of class. It was such an easy assignment, he could do it with his eyes closed.
Xeno felt his consciousness drift away as the lackluster lecture was putting him to sleep, when the sound of giggling woke him. Shifting his eyes to the right, Xeno could see a female omega classmate twirling her blonde hair as another student, a female alpha, sneakily blew her a kiss.
Ugh.
Xeno took it all back.
It wasn't the boring teachers, stupid pep rallies, or cringeworthy spirit days that made middle school a hellscape.
It was the stench of preteen romance.
From the first day of school, Xeno has noticed the changes in his fellow omega classmates; their bodies have changed just like his, but they are much more curvy. Their legs were much longer, and their thighs were much thicker. Female omegas also started developing breasts, something that made preteen alphas drool over them.
It wasn't uncommon for Xeno to see his classmates being hit on, whether during or after class. But lately it seemed like the flirting had increased, no doubt with the stupid spring dance coming up. Every omega in his class has been getting asked out by their alpha peers to go.
Every omega.
Except him.
Not that he cares, of course.
It’s not like he is jealous of them; why would he be?
Being chased after, like he was a piece of meat on a stick, sounds largely unappealing.
Sure, he wouldn't mind being paid a compliment or two.
Maybe even being confessed to.
Would he like to be seen as attractive?!
Sure! All omegas do
But Xeno isn't all omegas!
He isn’t desirable!
He’s…
“Ugh”
Xeno rested his face on the palm of his hand as he looked out a nearby window.
“When did I get so shallow?”
.
.
The bell rings, signaling everyone to go on about their day. Xeno finds his way towards the bleachers outside the track field. With a huff, he plops down on the 3rd row, not too high where he has to fear accidentally dropping his pencil, but just high enough where he could see Stanley doing his drills.
Oh, how elegant he looked.
It was hot, so Stanley had taken off his shirt before the drills started, and Xeno could see the glistening sweat dripping down his toned abs. How the sun reflected beautifully against his blonde locks, looking like a halo made out of golden light.
Xeno always pretended he hated waiting at the bleachers while Stan attended his drills, but in truth? It was something he always looked forward to, seeing Stan in his element, which was truly a sight to be seen.
Xeno was confident that Stan could excel in any sport he wanted, but the blonde settled on track. Claiming it was the simplest and easiest to do. Xeno had his doubts, but who is he to properly judge the difficulty of any sport? He can’t even do a quick sprint without being completely drenched in sweat.
A smile tugged on his lips as he watched Stanley effortlessly jump over the hurdles. A confident smile painted on the blonde’s lips, making Xeno’s stomach do all sorts of flips. He was glad he was alone; it’d be embarrassing if someone caught him smiling at his best friend like a fool-
“Yo, Wingfield.”
Xeno felt his whole body tense as he slowly tilted his head to the left, where he could see a familiar figure climbing up the bleachers.
Trent Miller was heading right towards him.
He was easy to recognize, with his slick black hair, striking light blue eyes, pale skin, and overall toned body.
He was the son of their local sheriff, an alpha, a straight-A student, and well-liked among their peers. Xeno himself doesn't personally know the guy, as they have no classes together and only ever see each other in passing. But Stanley shared P.E with Trent and made it clear he doesn't like him, and if Stanley doesn't like Trent.
Well, neither does Xeno.
Instead of acknowledging his existence, Xeno chose to turn his gaze back towards the field. If he ignores him, maybe Trent would take the hint and go away.
“What are you working on?”
"Huh?" Xeno looked back at Trent, to find the taller boy pointing to what Xeno had on his lap.
Ah, right.
Xeno was drawing up new designs for the latest railgun he was working on. That is, until he got distracted by Stanley’s elegantly developed abs.
“It’s nothing.” Quickly, Xeno turned his notebook away from Trent’s gaze, not wanting the other to see his work.
“Doesn’t look like nothing.”
“Then allow me to be more clear.” Xeno’s thick eyebrow twitched in annoyance as he gripped his pencil tightly. If he were as strong as Stanley, he might have been able to snap it in half. “It’s something you wouldn’t be able to understand.”
“Aw, Xe, you wound me.” Trent placed his hand on top of his chest in mock hurt. The charming smile on his lips made Xeno feel uneasy. “But seriously, a guy with a brain like yours? I'd imagine you spend your free time in the library reading math books for fun.”
Xeno nearly rolled his eyes out of his head as Trent took a seat right beside him.
“I don’t really picture you just hanging out in the bleachers for fun.” Xeno didn’t like the way Trent pressed his leg against his; they were practically flesh to flesh. “So, what are you doing here?”
“It’s none of your business.” Xeno tried to scoot away, but Trent only scooted closer.
“Let me guess, you're here for Stanley?”
Click
The pencil Xeno was fiddling with his hand was now on the bottom of the steel bleachers, slipping out of his long, nimble fingers. He slowly turned and felt his shoulder tense as he saw Trent smirking at him. As if he had just caught Xeno doing something he wasn't supposed to do.
For a moment, the two just stared at one another, and subconsciously, Xeno’s hormones began to emit a distressed scent. Trent’s nose began to crinkle.
“Sheesh, calm down, I'm not here to judge you, I just wanted to ask you something.”
“And what’s that?” Trent then tilted his head back towards the field, his eyes fixated on Stanley, before returning his gaze to the omega.
“Show me why Stan likes you so much.”
Blink.
Blink.
“Excuse me?”
“Come on.” Unease stirred in Xeno’s gut as Trent leaned in closer. Their noses only inches apart. “I am sure that little mouth of yours can do more than just talk.”
“What on Earth are you talking about?” Xeno scooted several inches away, his eyebrows knitted in confusion. What the hell was Trent trying to insinuate? What does his mouth have to do with Stanley being his fiend? It doesn't make sense-
“Well, aren't you two fucking?”
…
“What?!” Xeno’s entire face turned bright red, and he stood up from the bleachers. His notebook fell out of his lap. “No! Of course, we aren't!”
“Really?” The alpha just cocked his head to the side and had the gall to look more confused than Xeno.
“Yes!" Xeno was truly grateful that the bleachers were far enough from the track, that the coach and team were none the wiser to what the two students were discussing. “What makes you think we are?!”
“Everyone in school thinks you two are fucking.”
“They what?”
“Yeah, I mean, why else would Stanley be friends with you?” Xeno’s mouth clamped shut. Trent’s words hit him like ice-cold water being poured over his body.
The omega’s once-red face was now pale, and instead of looking embarrassed, he now looked… lost.
Like an equation was just placed in front of him that he has no way of solving.
“W-what-” Xeno began to fiddle with his hands. “What do you mean?...”
“Come on, Xeno, no way you're that naive.” Trent was back to smiling, which did nothing to soothe Xeno’s nervousness, “No alpha is just friends with an omega.”
“What a ridiculous notion, Stanley and I have been friends since diapers.” Irritation was now laced in every word that came out of the omega’s mouth, as he placed his hands firmly on his hips. “And even if we weren't, alpha and omegas can develop and maintain a completely platonic friendship.”
“For once in your life, you're wrong, Xe.” The look in Trent’s eyes made Xeno’s once confident glare falter, as doubt crept in. “There is no such thing as an alpha and omega just being friends; an alpha will always want something out of it.”
“That’s not true…” Xeno tried to sound confident, but it fell flat, as his voice dripped with insecurity. Even Trent could see Xeno was unsure if he believed what he was saying.
Stanley wasn't like that…right?
No, of course he isn't, he isn't shallow!
He made a promise to Xeno that he wouldn't let their secondary genders change anything…
But had Xeno been a fool?
Xeno vaguely recalls Stanley mentioning how some of his track teammates had already "done it" with their girlfriends or boyfriends. How they would brag they got to "second base" or, at the very least, "got head"
Xeno dismissed it at the time, believing Stanley was merely complaining. He seemed annoyed at his teammates' immaturity. But what if Xeno had been mistaken?
What if this whole time, Stanley's been trying to hint to Xeno that he wanted more out of their friendship? Had he expected Xeno to give him access to his body?
Did puberty change Stanley so much that he had failed to notice?
“Well, it all makes sense now.” Xeno’s attention was unfortunately brought back to Trent, who had stood up from the bleachers. “Whenever we ask Stanley how good you are, he always tells us to shut it. I always thought he was just too shy to say, after all, the quiet ones are always the freakest, right?”
Xeno’s round face was painted red, not out of shyness, but out of pure shame.
Shame for how his body turned him into nothing but a slab of meat.
Shame for not seeing how much things have changed.
Shame for being an Omega.
“Word of advice,” Trent turned his back to Xeno, and he began to walk down the bleachers, “If you want Stanley to stick around, you gotta give him something. Maybe a handjob.”
Once he reached the bottom of the bleachers, Trent looked at Xeno one more time, a smirk on his lips.
“But hey, if you don't wanna do it with Stanley, you know where to find me”. As Xeno stood there still, he could hear the shrill sound of a whistle blowing.
The track meet had ended.
.
.
“Yo Xe,” Stanley took another sip of his large Coke as he eyed his best friend, who was unusually quiet. “Why haven't you eaten anything?”
“That’s not true, I have eaten some fries.”
“Come on, you know what I mean.” The blonde gestured towards the double bacon cheeseburger in front of the omega, still in its paper wrap, “You haven't taken a bite of your burger, I thought it was your favorite?”
“I guess…” Xeno’s shoulders slumped as he let out a deep sigh. A sigh he wasn't aware he was holding. “I am just not hungry…”
A suffocating silence fell upon the two friends.
Xeno could feel Stanley’s eyes staring at him, but he didn't dare look up. He didn't think he had the strength to, as Trent’s words kept repeating in his mind.
“Everyone in school thinks you two are fucking.”
“Why else would Stanley be friends with you?”
Is that truly what everyone thinks?
Trent said Stanley always denied that they did anything sexual. So it wasn't the case of a small fib spiraling out of control...
Xeno knew he wasn’t exactly the most…popular amongst his peers. Blowing up the science lab doesn't do well in bolstering a good reputation, but still. He never imagined they all viewed him as so…unappealing.
What was it?
What was it about him that made them believe Stanley wouldn't openly choose to be friends with him unless Xeno was providing some sort of sexual service?
Was it his appearance?
Xeno was aware he was by no means a supermodel, but he didn't think he was ugly either.
Was it the silver hair? Did it make him look too old? Maybe it's the fact that he was too tall and lanky for an omega? Could it be his weird, big eyes that people are so quick to tell him that he resembles a rabid chihuahua? Or was his forehead? He knew it was a pretty big, but surely not THAT big to be considered unattractive…
“Xeno,” Snapping out his overwhelming thoughts, Xeno lifted his head to find Stanley looking right at him, a frown on his face. “Did something happen?”
Xemo wanted to lie.
To brush it all off and claim it was nothing.
That he was just tired is all.
But the look in Stanley’s eyes, those deep pools of honey brimming with pure worry and concern for him…
Xeno could never lie to him.
“Trent…approached me, during your track meet…” Xeno took immediate notice of how Stanley’s shoulders quickly tensed upon hearing black haired alpha’s name. “But it’s fine, Stanley, I-”
“Did he do something to you?” The erupting and serious tone of Stanley’s voice caught Xeno off guard. He had never heard his friend sound so livid before, not even when his brother Tyler ratted him out to their mother about the secret candy stash underneath his bed.
“Xeno,” The scent of uncomfortable anger hit Xeno’s nose, causing him to wrinkle in discomfort. Stanley was releasing his pheromones. “If that asshole said or did something to you, I swear I’ll-”
“He wanted me to show him why you like me so much.”
“Huh?” Though Stanley’s scent remained bitter, his eyebrow knitted in confusion. Xeno took his time wrapping his lips around his straw and taking one long sip of his ice-cold Coke.
The fizzy bubbles of the soda tickled his throat, and he placed it back onto the table. Xeno kept a straight face as he opened his mouth to clarify;
“He was under the impression we were having sex.”
..
“HUH?” It was almost comedic how quickly the anger in Stanley’s eyes diminished as his face turned a bright pink. Xeno would have found it cute if it weren't for the circumstances. “W-Why would he even ask that?!”
Shrugging his shoulders, Xeno leaned back on the leather booth. “Why else would you be friends with a weirdo like me?”
“What?” Stanley tilted his head to the side, as if Xeno had said something completely foreign to him. When Xeno averted his gaze, his confusion turned to concern.
“Hey…” Stanley reached for Xeno, and he cupped the omega’s smaller hands gently. “Trent’s a loser who thinks he is all high and mighty because of who his daddy is.”
Stanley leaned over the table, his voice much softer, a tone he only ever used when he was speaking to his dearest Xeno.
“You are an amazing person, and if they can’t see that, then who needs them? It's you and me, Xeno, always.”
“Stanley…” A shy smile formed on the omega’s lips as all the doubt he held slowly began to dwindle. Now he was just left feeling a bit embarrassed.
“I am sorry for being so emotional lately, I guess I was just feeling a tad bit insecure…”
“Insecure?” The look on Stanley’s face was the perfect mix of shock and skepticism. “What on earth do you have to be insecure about?”
As much as Xeno wanted to change the subject, he didn't want to lie to Stanley. He was ashamed of allowing his omega hormones to get him so wound up. But he needed to be honest with what he was feeling. Regardless of how silly and shallow his feelings are.
“I am painfully aware that I am not as… pretty as the other omegas in school.”
“Xeno, what are you talking about?”
“Stanley, please.” Crossing his arms in frustration, Xeno began to feel upset that Stanley dared make him spell it out. As if he didn't already feel embarrassed for feeling this way. Feeling like a stuttering docile omega.“Look at me, look at my face-” Xeno gestured at his forehead, “You don't exactly see a forehead like mine in the cover of Vogue magazines. It’s fine, I’m odd-looking, I accepted that-”
“You’re beautiful.” Xeno’s breath hitched, as Stanley, unaware of what he just said, stared at him with eyes so full of genuine, unashamed admiration.
Xeno felt his face heat up the longer Stanley looked at him as if he were the most desirable person in the room.
No.
In the whole world
“I-I mean-” Stanley’s eyes widened as his own words sank in; he now realized what slipped out of his mouth. “What I meant was- you have a lot of features that are pleasing to look at! Your skin is super soft and smooth- your hair is silky- Not that I spend a lot of time looking! I-It's just-”
The more Stanley mouth vomited about all of Xeno’s features he found attractive, the redder his face got. Xeno didn't know it was possible for someone to be redder than a tomato. When the alpha mentioned how cute his pout is, Xeno couldn't help the small smile on lips.
“-and you’re sophisticated! Some people are intimidated by that- b-but others find it r-really cool!”
“Stan.”
“Well, cool isn't the word- really, pretty? No, that's not it either.-”
“Stanley.”
“I mean, you are pretty! I-I just mean.-”
“Stanley!” Finally snapping out of his sputtering mess, Stanley was back to looking like a deer in headlights.. All previous shame Xeno held had all but melted away, and what was left was a newfound burst of confidence.
“The spring dance next Saturday, do you want to go with me?” Honey colored eyes blinked once or twice as Xeno wore a playful smirk on his lips.
“Like…like a date?”
“No, not like a date.” Xeno linked his fingers together and rested his chin on top of his hands. “Just a date.”
“Oh…Oh!” Stanley's cheeks were an adorable shade of pink. “Of course! I mean-” He quickly cleared his throat before leaning back on the booth, shrugging his shoulders in an attempt to appear as nonchalant as ever. Sure, sounds cool…”
“Cool.”
The two shared a smile, and Xeno finally unwrapped the mouth-watering double bacon cheeseburger that Stanley had bought him. He took a big bite and felt himself melt as the flavor hit his tastebuds.
Though Xeno and Stanley indeed had originally planned to wait until they were both 15 before they officially started dating. There was no harm in moving those plans up. So what if they were 2 years early? Why prolong the inevitable?
Things change.
He certainly had, and though he hadn't enjoyed all the changes, omega hormones are unpredictable and too messy for his liking. Something was telling him he was going to enjoy this change.
Stanley was already an incredible best friend.
Xeno does not doubt that he is going to be an incredible boyfriend.