Chapter Text
A delta.
Not an omega, not a beta, just a weird mix of the two. Some hormonal anomaly that led to some betas later in life developing a heat cycle.
They were called deltas. Rarer than every other designation by a long shot, they're a mostly forgotten bunch, not taught about in sex-ed or any other type of education.
It was always going to be a challenge however, to whoever would develop like that later in life.
Or so you would think.
…
A fan slowly vibrated in the corner of the room, light flickering away every now and then as the sound of papers being shuffled filled the room. Majority of the pack scattered around the table or in the room nearby, all busy with new information.
John hummed, reading through the pamphlet the doctor had given him. Taking a sip of his drink, he studied the: ‘what you should know! Helpful tips and tricks!’ Part of the pamphlet, nodding a little as he kept reading.
“Huh… says here that I should experience some mood fluctuations, muscle aches, changes in my scent and scenting abilities during my pre-heat leading into my actual heat… That's good to know.” He remarked, as Smitty nodded, thinking it all over.
“I mean… Yeah, sounds about right… But you may still just be a beta with a genetic anomaly… Like… doctors aren't always right.” The alpha shrugged, looking over at all the pages of printed information.
John's just returned from a check up, to follow up on his blood test results. The doctors had mentioned an increase in certain hormonal values, commonly found only in deltas. It had been a little shocking to hear, but quite frankly, John couldn't really care less about his gender, so he didn't see the point in making a big deal about it.
He's mentioned it to everyone else who's asked him about it, and he's currently busy doing research into it all, so they know what to expect.
“Can't hurt to be prepared though Smitty… They said it was highly likely, I don't wanna be surprised with anything! Not dealing with a sudden life changing experience, going in blind or anything. I'm too old for that shit now.” John mused, studying the pages as Smitty shrugged in response, his voice quietening.
“I guess so…-”
“Listen to this! A delta's heats are pretty much always going to be more rare then an omegas heats, but a side effect of that results in a more painful, emotional and longer heat process. I don't know whether to be jealous of the long gaps or pity you for the shit it's going to throw at you..” Pezzy remarked, looking over at the older as John hummed again.
“Well… if you have two five day heats, and I have a single seven day heat, I guess you're technically worse off… Unless mine are super fucking painful….” he calculated, as Pezzy groaned, a scowl emerging on his face.
“Yeah true. Fuck you then John. Always gotta out do me.” He teased, dropping the paper back onto the table, scampering away.
“You got anything you think you want us to grab you before it comes? Like snacks or drinks wise?” Rectrixx asks, as Matt nods.
“Yeah, we could go shopping with you, and you can pick out what you'd want! It's what we do with Pezzy!” He smiles as John tilts his head.
“Yeah, I know…. I was literally in charge of planning those trips, remember?” he snorted, looking over at the two betas. “However, unlike princess Pezzy over there, I think I'm going to be a lot more easygoing when it comes to what I want to eat. Provided we have my usual safe foods, I'll be chill.” John shrugs as Matt narrows his eyes.
“Don't play smart with me!” he grumbles, as John smirks.
“I still resent that name! Just so we're all clear!” Pezzy calls out.
“Don't be such a moody bitch then!” John called back, as he looked over at Matt. “Look dude, I'll be fine…”
“You're coming with us so we can buy the damn food, John! It's our job as betas! We need to be included!” He whined, as John rolled his eyes.
“Fine! If it makes you feel better, then okay! I guess I can come and buy the fucking food.” He snorts, making Matt and Rectrixx smile.
“Good. Glad we could come to an agreement then!” He answered happily.
“Do all the betas have to come?” Puffer asked as Rec and Matt nodded. “Honestly, I much preferred when we couldn't all fit in the car and I would get to stay home… Right Yumi?”
“Speak for yourself asshole, I'm buying out all the candy I want and charging Smitty's credit card for it all.” Yumi snorts, as Puffer pouts.
Smitty sighed, trying to be the voice of reason. “Guys, you all need to calm down! It might not even happen! We don't wanna be over-prepared for something that may not turn out to be true!” He said, watching everyone start planning, as Grizzy laughs.
“Face it Smitty. Everyone's excited at the thought of spoiling someone new for once.”
“It keeps all of you plotting monsters off my back too.” Droid chimes in, crossing his arms as he looks back and forth. “I know y'all been taking bets on if I'll present as an omega… Praying for my downfall…” he jokes, pouring himself a glass of water and gulping it down.
“Droid, honestly, the fact you haven't presented yet, ain't looking good for you. Ain't no alphas presenting this fucking late dawg. Plus I know Pezzy's been itching to teach you how to build a nest.” Yumi snorts, as Droid pouts a little, placing the now empty cup back down.
“As I've said all along. If I turn out to be an omega, I'll happily learn, but until then, I gotta keep grinding. The bag waits for no one.” He smirks, as Matt frowns, thinking of something.
“Speaking of nesting…. What are you going to do for your nest John? For your heat?” he asks, catching John off guard. The oldest froze, pausing his reading.
“Um… I don't know.” He answers earnestly. “Haven't really thought much about it, to be honest.”
“I can help!” Pezzy almost yelled, dashing back into the room in his excitement. “Please! Please let me help! I love making nests!” he whined, body practically shaking with excitement.
Puffer winced at how loud Pezzy was, quickly leaving the room for his own, a quiet grumble leaving him as he fled the loud noises.
John's eyes flicked over at the excited omega, before he shrugged. “I mean, yeah okay.”
Pezzy cheered, long ears erupting from his head as he chittered to himself, Grizzy snorting in surprise.
“Damn, you really is excited to nest with someone else, huh? No point in denying it… You even shifted a little.” He says, fingers gesturing to the shorter's head, voice amused as Pezzy nods his head.
“I have been WAITING. FOR THIS DAY. For an opportunity like this!” He says solemnly, pulling his ears down excitedly.
Smitty watched the rabbit shifter with a sigh, gently prying his hands away from his ears. “Calm down bro, it's not that serious. All you had to do was ask!”
Pezzy pouted. “But…. Anxiety…” he whined as Matt snorted.
“You can't pull that card when you're literally a spoiled demon during your heats….” he said, making Pezzy glare back at him.
“Too much reading…. I'm bored now.” Grizzy shrugs, John starting to agree.
“Might be right… Plus I'm kinda hungry…”
“Are we cooking or ordering in?” Yumi asked, as everyone looked at each other. “I'm just saying, we all know it's Droid's turn, and he low-key gave half of us food poisoning last time, so…”
“How many times do I have to apologise for it! I'm sorry that I put food Grizzy and Pezzy were allergic too into the curry, and then I'm sorry that some of the meat was under…” Droid whined, as Pezzy shuddered.
“Let's order in.”
John moved from his seat to the couch, and then sat back and smiled, watching his pack fondly, as they then started the argument of what to order. Smitty sat next to him, his arm pulling John in closer, nuzzling into his hair.
“Maybe you're right… About all that…” he mused, scenting John again. “Your scent has definitely sweetened in the last few weeks or so…” he said, as John made a quiet noise.
“That's… Well… I guess that's going to be my life now.” He mumbled back, looking over at Smitty.
“You know we're all here for you, right?” Smitty smiled softly, kissing the top of John's head. John pretended to gag, before gently laying his head back on Smitty's shoulder.
“I know… but honestly? I think it's going to be okay.” He said, optimistically as Smitty rumbled.
“Knowing you? Something’s going to happen.” he mumbled, so quietly, John barely even heard him.
Smitty's words stuck with him for the next few days however.