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Argyle shivered as he burrowed deeper into the cluster of blankets in the back of his van that served as a nest. He should be in the apartment he shared with Jonathan; but, his omega didn't trust the place anymore.
If Argyle was being honest with himself, he should just go back to California. Would his family accept him back after he abandoned them for some “Midwestern tortured poet”?
No, he's sure he burned that bridge months ago. At the time, he thought it would be fine. Jonathan promised he loved Argyle more than he loved anyone else. He swore he was over Nancy and wanted to make a life with him.
And for months, the beta acted like it was true. He took Argyle on dates, swept him off his feet, made him believe he'd be caught if he jumped off the deep end.
Then, two months ago… Nancy dropped out of college and came back to Hawkins.
For two months, Jon chased after the alpha while Argyle waited in their apartment. Cooked dinners, set the table, and waited patiently for his beta to return. Every night, the food grew cold. Every night, Argyle boxed it up and stowed it in the fridge. He cleaned up the dishes and fell asleep on the couch, hoping Jon would walk through the door.
Every morning, Argyle woke up to find that his lover did come home. Jonathan’s scent lingered slightly, like a quick breeze. For the first few weeks, he draped a blanket over the omega and ate some left overs, before he changed his clothes and left again. But one day, Argyle woke up shivering, no blanket or dirty dishes to be seen.
He tried to ignore it. After all, Jonathan promised. It didn't matter that he hadn't kissed him for weeks. It didn't matter that the last real conversation they had was days ago, with Argyle asking when Jon would be home and the beta answered “don't worry, I'll be home for dinner,” but he wasn’t.
He tried to ignore it. After all, Jonathan knew Argyle didn't have a pack here. He didn't have a job, but Jonathan promised he'd take care of him so he didn't need to worry about it. He didn't have friends but it was fine because Jon promised he'd introduce him to his eventually.
He tried to ignore it. After all, they shared an apartment. They lived together, his nest was in the spare room because they shared the main one. It didn't matter that the only scent in it was his because Jonathan’s had long since faded. It didn't matter that Nancy’s scent was there too. Slowly, like a gas leak, she invaded their home until she became a part of it.
For months, Argyle's heart broke. A chip, then a crack… until last week when it shattered.
In a desperate attempt to win back his beta, Argyle went to the one person who knew Jonathan better than him: Joyce Byers.
He figured, if anyone could help him it would be the man’s mom. But when he pulled up to the Byers-Hopper home, Jonathan’s car was the only one there. Odd. He was supposed to be at work.
When Argyle peered inside the open window, his knees gave out.
Laying on the couch was Jonathan, with Nancy straddling his lap. Both naked as the dawn, except for the engagement collar around Jon’s neck. He wasn’t sure how long he stood there; but it was long enough for the sun to dip below the trees. They never noticed him, too wrapped up in each other.
In a haze, Argyle drove back to the apartment and packed up everything he called his. It wasn't much, but everything else was theirs.
Now, it all sat in his van. For the past week he's been parked here next to Lover’s Lake. He couldn't bring himself to go back, but couldn't bring himself to leave either. It's stupid but he still hoped Jonathan will find the stupid engagement collar he bought that was still under the bed.
He couldn’t look at it without crying, so he didn’t bother to pack it. Maybe when Jonathan found it he’ll remember the promises he made. Knock on his window and say he didn't know what he was thinking. That Argyle was the only one for him.
Knock, knock, knock.
For a second, Argyle thought he imagined it.
Knock, knock, knock.
There it was again.
With high hopes, Argyle sat up and climbed from his nest, a giddy smile on his face.
“You okay in there?” Questioned a voice he didn't recognize.
The small glimmer of hope died as quickly as it appeared. With a resigned sigh, Argyle hid away again.
“At least let me know if you're alive man,” the voice called. If he didn't answer, eventually the guy would go away. The gentle rumble sounded pleasant at least.
The next knock came from the back door and was more frantic than before.
“If you don't answer me in the next ten seconds I'm breaking in!” He threatened.
Still, Argyle didn't answer. Either it was an empty threat, or the guy would see him alive and move on.
The door handle rattled and the guy cursed. That's right, Argyle locked it for once.
The guy muttered to himself as he fiddled with the door. He expected his omega to be more concerned. Maybe scared that someone was breaking in, afraid that the person would harm him.
But he was so drained from the last few months, it's like he didn't care what happened to him. Maybe if he died, Jonathan would regret choosing Nancy. Or at least, he'd feel guilty for not breaking it off properly first.
Eventually, the guy popped the lock and yanked the van doors open. Blinking harshly, Argyle almost hissed at the bright sunlight leaking in.
“Hey there,” the guy whispered as he climbed in. Rude. But he very carefully stepped around Argyle's nest, being sure not to enter it. That was nice of him.
“Hi,” Argyle rasped. His throat hurt from just the one word, reminding him just how long it's been since he spoke.
“I'm Eddie,” the guy began. Argyle only blinked at him, so he continued. “I've seen this van parked here for the past few days and I just wanted to check on you,” Eddie smiled softly. He seemed to be pushing out some calming pheromones but they were muted behind a scent patch.
“Why?”
“No offense sweetheart, but you reek of distress and it’s sort of leaking out of your van. It hasn't dissipated since you parked here and I couldn't sit back and wait for you to waste away,” Eddie shrugged.
It took him a second, but he eventually realized this man was an alpha. Why was this strange alpha trying to help some random omega? Was he some sort of creep or criminal?
“I'm fine,” he finally mumbled.
“You sure?” Eddie asked, raising an eyebrow.
Argyle nodded quickly; but at the same time, his omega crooned in distress. Eddie's eyes widened at the sound. It was rare for omega to make that sound, especially in front of strangers. It signaled to anyone that heard it, that the omega was afraid, alone, in need of something.
If Argyle was making that sound now…he was more upset than he thought.
“Don't worry honey. I won't hurt you,” Eddie whispered as he slid a little closer.
Argyle stared with wide eyes, looking for any signs of a lie on the alpha’s face but all he found was calm sincerity. Eddie pulled off his scent patch, probably to reassure him further.
“Argyle,” he whispered. The full force of this alpha’s alluring scent made his head spin. Before he knew what he was doing, Argyle was straddling the poor man. For a moment, they stared at each other in shock.
“Shit. I'm sorry,” Argyle mumbled and attempted to scramble away. With quick hands, Eddie gripped the omega’s hips, stopping his escape.
“Shh, you're okay omega. Seems like you may need something from me, yeah?” Eddie asked, releasing more and more calming pheromones.
There was no denying it. Not when his omega whined and cried audibly. Instead, Argyle only nodded and tucked his face into Eddie's neck, nuzzling against his scent gland. It was stronger at the source. Spiced rum, tobacco, and a hint of motor oil. Though, that could have more to do with the mechanic coveralls he was sporting.
Still, for the first time in months, Argyle felt safe. It was a strange sensation to get from an alpha he just met, but there was something different about Eddie. His hands were calloused and rough; yet he held Argyle gently, not like he was glass, but like he was precious.
“Do you need help getting back to your pack, Argyle?” Eddie asked, breaking the silence they'd fallen into.
The question should have calmed him, but it only reminded Argyle what he didn't have. It also filled him with intense panic.
Eddie was going to leave him.
His heart rate sped up as his fingers tightened around Eddie's biceps. His omega whined and his scent soured even further. Shivers wrecked his body as he trembled with fear.
“Hey, hey,” Eddie whispered. The alpha’s chest rumbled as he attempted to soothe him. It wasn't working. The rational part of his mind seemed to retreat behind his omegan instincts.
Spots appeared in his vision, he couldn't breathe, a heavy weight sat on his chest, and his mouth filled with blood.
And something…tangy?
“What the hell?!” Eddie shouted and pulled him off, staring in shock. The alpha’s tobacco scent turned ashy with it.
All at once, Argyle crashed back to reality. The blood in his mouth wasn’t his… and that tangy taste? It was the fluid from Eddie’s mating gland.
The one Argyle’s little omega canines pierced. He gasped in horror, scrambled off Eddie’s lap, and plastered himself to the other side of the van.
I can’t believe I just did that. What self respecting omega would bite an alpha he just met?
Oh, god… his mother was right. He is just a stupid whore, too empty headed to survive on his own. Not only did he lose the beta he left his entire life for; but now, he’s gone and tied himself to the next person who came along.
For several moments, they sat frozen in place. Eddie didn’t speak. He didn’t move, or blink, or breathe; but he didn’t leave either. That had to mean something, right?
“I’m so sorry,” Argyle whispered. Eddie’s only response was to hold up a finger to quiet the omega. It took a few more minutes of terrified silence before Eddie finally spoke.
“Let’s go to my place.”
Argyle’s eyes widened with renewed fear. Was Eddie the type of alpha to keep his omega locked up? Did it matter?
Sensing his hesitation, Eddie sighed and held his hands up placatingly.
“You bit me, not the other way ‘round. I’m not going to hurt you, I just think we need to be more comfortable to have this conversation. Come back to mine, take a shower, relax a little. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?” Eddie asked, sliding closer.
His scent settled back to that sweet tobacco. It seemed once the initial shock wore off, Eddie went right back to caring for a stranger.
Argyle nodded softly, blushing a little when a huge grin lit up Eddie’s face.
“Do you think you can follow my van?” Again, Argyle nodded. He was too afraid to speak, he didn’t want to say something to stop this kindness.
“I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Eddie ducked out of the van and walked over to his own nearby. Like the gentleman he was, he waited until Argyle was in the driver’s seat before he even got in. Only once Argyle was ready, did Eddie peel away.
The next ten minutes tested Argyles resolve. If he had any common sense left, he’d drive in the opposite direction. Lick his wounds and find somewhere to start over. Yet, he kept going until he parked next to Eddie in front of a gray trailer.
Steeling his nerves, Argyle meets Eddie at the front door.
“Welcome, ‘scuse the mess. The maid’s on vacation,” Eddie joked and waved him in with a flourish.
Eddie’s scent permeated the space, flooding his senses once again. A second scent tickled his nose and he unsuccessfully tried to swallow a whine.
“I live with my uncle,” Eddie explained. “He’s at work, won’t be home until the morning.” Taking his hand, Eddie led him to the bathroom. “Towels are under the sink, let me grab you some clothes.”
Gratefully, Argyle accepted the bundle of fabric before stepping into the bathroom. The water didn’t exactly get hot, but it was warm enough. He snagged a bottle of 2-in-1 and scrubbed it through his hair. The bar of soap he found smelled like mint and he sighed as he rubbed it along his skin.
Once he felt refreshed, he dried off quickly. The sweatpants were a little snug, but the t-shirt fit just right. He wrapped his hair in a second towel and checked the mirror. He didn’t look any different than the last time he saw his reflection. Maybe deeper bags under his eyes, but nothing more.
When he was finally brave enough to leave the bathroom, he found Eddie waiting at the small kitchen table with two mugs in front of him. Cautiously, Argyle sat in the empty seat and wrapped his hands around the Garfield mug. The heat from the coco warmed him from the inside out.
“So,” Eddie began. “Should we talk about this?” He gestured to his neck. It seemed while he was in the shower, Eddie managed to clean and bandage the wound. Once again, guilt strangled him.
“I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me. I just got so scared you were going to leave me and I would be alone again, that I…” Argyle trailed off, desperate to keep the alpha from calling the cops. “What can I do to fix this?”
Eddie sipped from his best nephew mug as he thought. “You can tell me who hurt you so badly that your omega would rather mate a stranger than go back to them,” Eddie replied. The omega in question whined at the reminder, but Argyle guessed he owed Eddie that much.
“My boyfriend — err ex-boyfriend. I met him in California. His mom was transferred for work and we became good friends. When we met he had a girlfriend but they broke up after a few months. We were together for a year before his mom was transferred back,” He sighed.
“Who’s idea was it for you to move with him?” Eddie asked.
“He asked but I would’ve offered. Like an idiot I was in love and I thought he loved me. I gave up everything for him.” Tears finally escaped his eyes. Without a word, Eddie slid a box of tissues his way. Argyle took a few, dabbing at his eyes.
“So what happened? Why were you living in your van?”
Argyle sighed and told Eddie everything. The loneliness and abandonment of the past few months, then what he saw that night a week ago.
“So, you move across country for this guy and he cheats on you with his ex?” Eddie asked incredulously. “What a scumbag!” His ire startled a laugh from the omega and Eddie smiled softly for a moment. “What’s his name?” He asked hesitantly.
“Jonathan,” Argyle whispered. The growl from the alpha made him jump and nearly fall off his chair. It was so loud, Argyle trembled in fear. His omega urged him to run and hide, to find somewhere safe. The scent of angry alpha wasn’t helping.
"Byers?!" Eddie shouted, shocking him again. "That fucking asshole, I oughta—" he cut off when Argyle's scent soured.
All the anger seemed to disappear from the air and be replaced by concern. Eddie rushed forward, alpha rumbles pouring from his chest. Once again, Argyle found himself in Eddie's lap, tucked against his neck. He worried they’d break the kitchen chair but didn’t have the energy to fight the hold.
"How did you know it was Byers?" He mumbled. Hands ran soothingly up and down his back as he calmed.
"It's a small town, honey. As soon as you said he moved to Cali and back, I suspected it," Eddie grit his teeth. "Can't believe he'd ditch someone like you for Wheeler, no accounting for taste I guess. Though, if he hadn’t, we never would have met.” Eddie's tobacco scent turned sweet.
"And I never would've bitten you against your will, "Argyle couldn't help but tack on. Eddie's hands on his back stilled.
"Yeah, I have a theory about that. Do you mind if I..." Eddie gestured toward Argyle's side. He nodded and leaned his head to the side, baring his neck.
Slowly, Eddie leaned in and tucked his nose against Argyle's scent gland. A shiver ran down his body as Eddie breathed in his scent. With a grunt, the alpha's hands tightened on Argyle's waist and yanked him closer. A purr started in Eddie's throat. Alpha purrs were so rare, any omega would have a hard time not joining in. Argyle didn't resist the urge.
Teeth scraped his mating gland, almost as if asking for permission. Argyle whimpered and pushed into the sharp fangs.
"Mine,” Eddie growled before biting down.
Bursts of lighted filled Argyle's eyes as their bond formed. It was like he was seeing the sun for the first time. The alpha's heart beat inside Argyle's chest, right next to his own; something that should only happen when—
"We're soulmates?" He gasped. Eddie pulled away with a soft smile and gently grabbed Argyle’s chin.
"I was right," Eddie grinned. "This really is my year." He leaned in, pressing their lips together gently. Argyle melted into the alpha, finally feeling safe and wanted.
They kissed chastely for a while before a yawn from Argyle forced them apart. With a soft chuckle, Eddie coaxed him into standing. Once again, he took Argyle’s hand and led him to the bedroom at the back.
“Let’s get you to bed.” Eddie tucked Argyle in under the soft covers but when he turned to leave the room, the omega whined.
“Don’t leave,” he whispered. Eddie knelt next to the bed and took his hand, pushing more calming pheromones through his scent.
“I’m just going to sleep on the couch,” he tried to reassure. With a pout, Argyle shimmed over and yanked Eddie onto the bed. “Alright, alright,” He laughed. Eddie slid in and shuffled Argyle around until his back was pressed to the alpha’s front.
“Goodnight,” Argyle whispered, kissing the arm next to him.
“Night,” Eddie replied, burying his face in Argyle’s hair. Within seconds, the alpha was snoring.
As Argyle settled in, he smiled. The road to finding his soulmate may have been full of heartbreak, but he didn’t regret any of it. His eyes slipped shut and for the first time in a long time, Argyle was content.