Work Text:
He had only really admitted it to Arvid. In a dark room during one of their late night discussions. That Liam didn’t know how to be an omega, that he had always been embarrassed, and disconnected from his omega side. Arvid was making him feel things he had considered impossible to himself, and Liam didn’t want to mess up or disappoint him.
The alpha turned the small night lamp on, and looked at him carefully, not like a silly little omega, but like someone who had needed a hug for a long time. ”Can I touch you?”
They held each other for a long time, Arvid’s nose touching his neck, and finding Liam’s clear, simple mango scent. He is insecure about that too, Arvid knows it. Omega scents are usually deeper and sweeter, meant to soothe alphas and their tensions.
”You should come to meet my friends, I think. No pressure, but it could be good for you.”
”Ooh, a new omega.” He wasn’t prepared for the tiny hurricane of kindness that was Kimi Antonelli. Not knowing the words shy or hesitant the younger omega wraps him in a tight hug, Liam swallowing at the simple joy he finds in Kimi’s scent. This is someone who has grown up respected and cared for, and has never been told to be embarrassed of his omega identity.
”Come to nest with us.” Liam startles when he gets the first whiff of Kimi’s boyfriend, Oliver. He is an omega too, his coconut scent like a hug after a long day.
”Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.”
”It’s okay. Arvid told us you haven’t been around many omegas. Come, it’s cool.”
Shyly Liam accepts the invitation, taking a spot between the pair on the bed.
”We can watch something or you can just nap. Try to rest. Arvid would like that.” Kimi’s voice is softer now, his fingers running through Liam’s blond hair like it would be a familiar routine, and a comfort to them both.
He learns with Oliver and Kimi and the other omegas of their friend group. Kimi comes home from classes and his shift at the restaurant, loudly complaining about having horrible cramps, and expecting someone to cuddle him immediately. Often it’s his boyfriend, his natural choice, but he regularly pulls Liam in with him too, his presence telling the older omega to calm down. They are safe.
There is Paul who is so fierce and bright-eyed and never lets people tell him he can’t do something because he is an omega. They find a shared wavelength, making morning jogs together a regular thing. He is being courted by Franco who looks at the omega like a miracle, and gives him steady kind of love that smells of coffee and apple pie.
”I think Isack is in love with one of them, or maybe both”, Liam tells his partner, when they are alone, Arvid raising his eyebrows at the words. ”You think so?”
”He smells a bit sad. But only around those two.”
”Your nose is getting sharper”, Arvid tells him, pressing a kiss on Liam’s cheek. He is right there. He can use his nose better now, when letting his omega out a little bit doesn’t seem like an immediate threat.
”I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I love you anyway, I just wanted to show you something different. I never meant to imply you should somehow change.” Arvid moves a little next to him, hugging Liam with one arm.
Omegas who don’t hate their identities. Omegas who face the world with open hearts, and demand it to give space for them. Getting in Arvid’s social circle had taught him a different perspective towards life, but it had also given him honest friendships, and companionship, people who care about his well-being.
”You said you love me.” He has known it that Arvid deeply cares for him, but the big L-word is a new one.
”That’s what I did. I hope it wasn’t too early or anything?”
”No, not at all. I love you too.” The alpha rumbles a little, deeply happy in their moment together.