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George stops him at the door after his little speech. The other omega’s delicate fingers wrap around Lance’s forearm, and his face is concerned, blue eyes a little sad below his elegant eyebrows.
”You didn’t say if you want a collar or not.”
None of this is George’s business, but it has always been his habit to stick his nose in everything. He could just go to live his beautiful life with his adoring alpha, and leave Lance to be lonely and sad in peace.
”I don’t even have an alpha.”
No omega needs to have an alpha, and he is noticing what Lando and Oscar are to each other, but Lance definitely has a desire for an alpha’s affection. He had just always felt a little wrong, his face a little too angular for an omega, body a bit too sturdy and shoulders a little too broad. He could have company for one night alright. Alphas don’t mind fucking him, but they don’t see him as a potential long-time partner or a mate.
”Maybe you’ll have one in the future.” Easy to say to George who has the looks, the success, and would have alphas circling him if Max wasn’t in the picture, but Lance finds himself softening a little at the look George is giving him. He just tends to have that effect, people wanting to bring a honest smile on his face.
The omega reads him well, eyes brightening, when he raises the glossy brochure again.
”Just tell me the details, and you’ll have your delivery next week.”
Lance sighs, not unhappily.
Another surprise of the day is Gabriel waiting for him outside Aston Martin.
”Got a minute?”
”Yeah, sure. He isn’t in a hurry, and had just been on his way back to his hotel. Lance would have a run before taking his well-earned rest in his travel nest. Maybe he has sometimes daydreamed of an alpha protectively curling around him in said nest, but it’s cute and cozy anyway, and with the pieces of clothing from Esteban, Mick, and his sister it smells safe, helping him to relax in his routine.
”I have been wanting to ask if I could take you out? On a date, I mean.”
He has a gift too. It’s an old, respectful thing to do when an alpha shows interest towards an omega. It’s not so necessary in the modern world, where omegas can take the initiative too, but Lance appreciates the gesture, accepting the small, green gift box.
”What did you have on your mind?”
”Dinner at my place? I can ask one of the rookies to be present too if you are more comfortable that way.”
Another sweet, old-fashioned idea. Lance doesn’t need a chaperon to go on a date – he hasn’t been on that many, but it’s nice from Gabriel not to assume anything.
They have been talking a little, and Gabriel has always asked how he is doing, and made sure Lance has space to sit down. He had liked the young alpha’s smiles, and tentative touches. Lance couldn’t have imagined it taking this path, but he is not complaining. Gabriel is funny and polite, and even if it wasn’t going to be more, it could at least be a new, positive experience.
They arrange the details, the alpha asking about his food preferences. He is not going to cook, but would order the meal from one of the close restaurants.
”Can I hug you?” Gabriel asks before going, his smile boyish and carefree. Of course he can.
Lance spends a long moment looking after the alpha before remembering the gifts box. It’s a tiny white teddy bear he could put it in his nest. The teddy is well-made, good quality, and smells of nothing, Gabriel having avoided assuming Lance would like the alpha’s scent in his nest.
Lance walks into the Aston Martin hospitality, keeping the grin off his face.