Chapter Text
When another human was discovered on Erid, Ryland expected to become best friends. Yknow, the only two humans for light years, it was only natural, no?
Ryland was sorely mistaken.
The man, an alpha Ryland quickly discovered, hated his guts. Ryland was upset, obviously, but tried not to take it personally. The alpha was clearly traumatized, Adrian discovered him in a blood filled submarine, welded inside with no way out. Ryland can’t imagine the horrors he’s been through, so he took the verbal abuse like a champ! (Not really, he complained and cried to Rocky a lot).
When the submarine was first discovered by Adrian, the Eridian instantly sent Rocky to get Rylands ass over there. He was in the middle of teaching a lesson to the pebbles when Rocky disrupted class, chanting ‘apology, apology, apology!’ before stealing the teacher and dragging him to the banged up submarine.
When Rocky mentioned human life onboard the submarine, Ryland selfishly felt giddy. He felt excited to meet someone like himself, someone with a secondary gender, someone he could relate to.
Yes, Ryland wouldn't trade Rocky for the world, but sometimes he felt so isolated on Erid. The Eridians had no concept of secondary genders, not even a scent for the omega to cling to. He was the only omega for light years, an isolating feeling that made Ryland cry from time to time. He doesn’t think he’d ever go back to Earth, he’s content with his life on Erid, but sometimes the primal part of his brain screams and cries for a pack, for a mate.
Being an omega in space was hard. He constantly wished his biology would magically change, turn him into a beta. It didn’t help that the Petrova Task Force hadn’t prepared for an omega on The Hail Mary, it was supposed to be an all beta team to make close proximity travel easy and safe. Ryland was (unwillingly) sent with little to no preparation, barely supplying him with enough heat suppressants, and embarrassingly enough toys for if the heat suppressants hadn’t worked or he ran out. He wasn’t given any scent blockers, as Yáo and Olesya were betas so it wasn’t needed, and they didn’t feel like going through the work of supplying that many blockers. Lazy, cheap fucks.
The lack of scent blockers didn’t phase Ryland too much, considering it was just him. Though, he did have to get used to his own scent again, used to years of a diminished scent due to working in a school setting. He did freak out a bit when he met Rocky, afraid his scent would affect the little rock alien, but Rocky hadn’t been affected at all.
At least he had heat suppressants. Not that they did much, Ryland had an extremely weak heat anyways. Due to the severe stress he endured on The Hail Mary, he rarely had a heat. If he did, it was manageable and only lasted a day or two.
When he got to Erid, the suppressants ran out. Ryland was initially scared, he wasn’t under as much stress anymore, what if his body began inducing natural heats? Not only did he not want Rocky, or any Eridian, seeing him like that, but he had no one to spend them with. That would be lonely, painful, isolating.
So Ryland made his life even more lonely, painful, and isolating by purposely neglecting his omega instincts. He neglected to make a nest, which was extremely hard, every primal instinct begging him to nest, but he didn’t crack. He stopped purring, stopped giving into any sexual desire, and scenting. The stress on his body caused by his own neglect has riddled away his heat, usually he just experiences cramping now.
Essentially, Ryland lives as a beta in an omega's body. Being on Erid made it easy, very rarely did his omega side cry out for anything. Sometimes he had the instincts, the urges, but after years of managing them, they’re easy to tuck away.
So when Rocky was exclaiming another human was on Erid, Ryland couldn’t help the way his omega preened. It was odd and exciting, would he meet another omega to find solace with? An alpha to keep him safe? A beta to comfortingly scent? He wanted another human so bad, someone to form a pack with, someone to relate to. He’s spent so long suppressing his omega urges, and now they’re ready to spill out just from the idea that there’s another person here.
The duo ran towards the wrecked submarine where Adrian and a team of Eridian scientists stood back. They looked frightened, much to Rylands' concern.
“What’s wrong?” He yelped, concerned gaze focused on the Eridians before sight of a burly, blood soaked man made him freeze.
Adrian skittered to his mate and human, blocking Rocky and Ryland from the fearsome man that stood in front of them.
“Adrian help human escape. Blood everywhere. Human big, scary, angry. Adrian keep Rocky Grace safe.”
Ryland frowned sympathetically, looking back at the man who stood defensively. He looked scared, who wouldn’t be, surrounded by rock aliens? Not to mention the blood that soaked him, what had happened to him? Was that his blood? Someone else’s?
It was too much blood to just be his own. But he did look to be in bad shape, left arm completely torn off.
“H-Hey!” Ryland called out nervously, walking towards him. Adrian and Rocky did not like that, chirping out a symphony of concern and fear, not wanting Ryland to go any closer.
One look at his build and Ryland assumed he was an alpha, despite seeming to be an inch or two shorter than Ryland. He was broad shouldered and carried a permanent scowl on his face, one that made Ryland think twice about approaching him. His presence was intimidating, and the teacher didn’t miss the way his beautifully sculpted jawline clenched when the omega took a step forward. The stranger looked perpetually angry at something, or someone, and that anger was being projected at Ryland.
“You need help, right? Armando can patch you up-”
Before Ryland could register what was happening, the blood soaked man was lunging at him. Oh no. Jumpscare.
He had Ryland impressively pinned down with only one arm. Hatred, pain, and fear painted his face, and the omega felt bad, even though he was being choked by said man.
“Who the fuck are you? What the fuck are these little rocks? You’re not putting me back in that submarine- I’m gonna fuckin’ kill you.” A deep voice growled in his ear, and with him so close, Ryland could smell the dominating scent of something earthy. Okay, he was definitely an alpha.
Oh no. This was really off to a bad start.
“Woahwoahwoah! Wait!” Ryland squeaked, hands clawing at the wrist of the hand that had him pinned by the neck. The action caused the man to growl, making Ryland even more scared, omega instincts clawing at him to bare his neck, beg for mercy.
The primal instinct shocked Ryland. Shocked him even more when he actually did it, head tossed to the side, vulnerable, and whiney. It’s been a long time since his omega came out, willingly or unwillingly, it must be because of the presence of an alpha.
The alpha looked shocked, hand quickly removed from Rylands throat. He was about to sputter an apology, but Rocky interrupted him.
“Grace hurt! Rocky save!”
“What the fu-”
Rocky is hurtling himself at the stranger, much to Adrian’s dismay, and knocking the alpha over. Considering Rocky was basically the weight of a fridge, he successfully rendered the alpha unconscious. Oh dear.
“What that 90’s TV show Grace like? Did Rocky do that?”
“It’s did I do that,” Ryland corrected, Steve Urkel impression and all. But now was no time for jokes, they had an unconscious, blood soaked stranger from another world laying at their feet! They had to help him!
Adrian wasted no time scuttling over, checking over their precious mate for any injuries. Rocky, of course, was fine! He was more worried for Grace than himself.
“Throw mean man back in metal ball. Revenge for Grace.” Rocky sings, already trying to pick up the injured man. Ryland shrieks, shaking his head indignantly. Even though he was just attacked by him, Ryland wanted to keep him. He was the only other human, Ryland could tank a few hits until they become friends.
“No, no, Rocky! We have to help him, he must’ve just been scared!” The teacher defends, getting in the way of Rocky, who’s now letting out a noise akin to a cry seeing Ryland get close to the attacker again. Rylands face softens seeing Rocky so scared, kneeling down to be level with the Eridian and giving him a tight hug, or, as tight as he could through the xenonite suit. He understands why Rocky’s so afraid, he lost all his crewmates and almost Ryland, it's natural for him to feel so afraid when met with a threat.
“Shh, it’s okay, buddy,” Ryland soothed his best friend, beckoning Adrian in to join the hug. “You won’t lose me. We just need to give him a chance. If he hurts me again, you can hit him again.”
Adrian joins, loafing like a cat, and nuzzles into their smaller mate comfortingly.
“Adrian watch over new human. Keep Rocky Grace safe.” Adrian suggests, well, moreso demands. They know if Grace gets hurt, Rocky will subsequently get hurt. They’re not letting their mate get hurt again after so many years away.
Thus, Adrian became the man’s primary caretaker! Surprisingly, the alpha warmed up to the alien much better than expected, yknow, considering the whole choking thing that happened earlier. Adrian discovered the man’s name was Simon, an alpha born on Eden. It took the scientists a long time to understand what Eden was, a space station, Simon claimed. He comes from a world where all the stars and planets vanished, an event he calls The Quiet Rapture. Oceans of blood occupy the space, and Simon had been welded inside the submarine to venture through the blood ocean for whatever wackass reason they tried excusing. He constantly mentions the C.O.I and something about an eel, but they still have yet to make sense of it all.
Understanding that Simon is just like him, a man forced to give up his life for the cause of humanity, Ryland is desperate to get to know him. But he’s rejecting all his advances!
Ryland made sure the Eridians built him his own separate living space, a home Simon chose to be veeeery far away from Rylands in the synthetic forest. Okay. That hurt a little bit. The only human for light years and he chooses to live the farthest away he possibly can. Yep. Ryland can handle it.
Discovering Simon’s fascination with plants through Adrian, Ryland helped make him a little garden outside his house! Surely he’ll appreciate that, right?
Wrong. Or as Rocky likes to say, “loud incorrect buzzer.” Thanks, Rocky.
Simon wouldn’t stop complaining about Ryland stepping into his territory. His territory?! Who did this guy think he is! He may be the alpha here, and on Earth alphas were higher up on the hierarchy, but this was Erid! Ryland was here first- he has no right speaking to him like that!
So now, the two are constantly attempting to avoid each other like the plague. Simon because he doesn’t trust Ryland, Ryland because he’s sick of alphas being so disrespectful. He thought he finally ran away from it, but one just had to fall on Erid and be a problem!
Ryland was never on Simon’s science team in the first place, but he stopped showing up to any meetings pertaining Simon’s identity and origin. If it really was important, Adrian, the lead scientist, would report to him. The alpha clearly wanted nothing to do with Ryland, so he’ll have nothing to do with him.
Stupid alphas, Ryland endlessly complained to Rocky. They had very little conversations pertaining to secondary genders back on The Hail Mary because Ryland had been too embarrassed. He also didn’t want Rocky to worry about him, considering he wasn’t being a very good omega and taking care of himself properly. If he did mention omega behaviors back then, Rocky would realize Ryland wasn’t taking care of himself, and force him to. So, Ryland only briefly mentioned he was an omega, and left it at that.
But now, filled with irritation, Ryland could only complain about the alphas back on Earth and how this one was no different.
“He’s so territorial, Rocky! Alphas are always such jerks, always have been. Doesn’t matter if an omega was there first, they’ll always take advantage of their alpha status and get what they want,” Ryland huffed through grit teeth, arms crossed over his chest.
“Alpha Simon stupid,” Rocky agrees, loafing next to Ryland. “Why alphas so mean to omega, question?”
“Us omegas get the short end of the stick. Society thinks we’re so weak and fragile, but we’re not. Alphas use that to their advantage and walk all over us,” Ryland ran a hand down his face. He never had good experiences with alphas, probably why he could never keep a relationship.
He had been deemed a ‘difficult’ omega from a young age. He was smart and stood up for himself from a young age, didn’t let his alpha twin, Colt, boss him around. The stereotype seemed to stick throughout college and his career, which he was publicly ridiculed by a leader scholar, no doubt an alpha. All Ryland did was stand up for himself, ridicule the knothead back. Even though Ryland was defending himself, he had been the one ostracized and fired, because he was a ‘difficult’ omega. Not the alpha who ridiculed him first, no, he was praised. Stupid society and their stupid hierarchy, Ryland was grateful to be on Erid where such dynamics didn’t exist anymore.
Until now, with this territorial, rude, stupid alpha running around in Rylands space!
“Rocky no think Grace weak or fragile. Grace very brave. But why Earth send omega to space if so weak and fragile? Rocky hate Earth. Stupid.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
It’s been a month since Simon has settled in and somewhat began to trust his surroundings. He only really trusted Adrian, the alien that fixed him up and listened to his story with no judgement. Adrian had his mate, Rocky, build him a prosthetic arm to make everyday movement more accessible, and Simon was grateful.
Simon requested to meet Adrian’s mate, thank him for the help, but Adrian bluntly told him Rocky hated him. What the hell did he do?
“Rocky hate Simon. Adrian very sorry,” Adrian explained, nudging Simon towards the garden, making the alpha stumble forward.
“Jesus Christ, stop hitting me,” Simon growled, which only made the alien nudge him harder. Ok.
“Why does Rocky hate me?” Simon grumbled, unaware of Rocky knocking him unconscious a month prior.
“Rocky no like Simon hurt Grace. Grace very sad, make Rocky very sad, make Adrian very sad.”
Simon hasn’t gone out of the way to see Ryland or apologize. In fact, he actively avoids Ryland if he sees him coming by. The alpha was perpetually terrified of what he had done to the omega, choking him out like that. Back on Eden, such an act would have you castrated. He was terrified for whatever punishment would come his way for defiling such a treasured thing.
Adrian insisted Ryland wanted to be close. Simon didn’t want to be close. He didn’t trust anyone, except maybe Adrian. He knew he was safe here, but there was always that nagging voice in his head that this was the C.O.I playing a sick trick on him, trying to make him feel safe until they threw him back in that wretched ocean again.
He purposely pushed Ryland away. Not only was he guilty of what he did to him, choking him out, but he was guilty of his own desires. He had no omega back on Eden, not even a beta. Omegas were treasures reserved only for the best of the best. Forced into close proximity with one here, Simon was terrified his instincts would get the better of him and he’d claim him right on the beach.
It didn’t help that Ryland was initially so sweet. A precious little thing that wanted nothing more than to welcome Simon into his life. And how had Simon repaid him? With anger, pushing him away so he couldn’t get close. It’s no wonder the omega doesn’t stop by anymore, no wonder his scent turns bitter when he sees the stubborn alpha.
Simon also feared if Ryland wasn’t the sweet, innocent omega Adrian made him out to be. What if he was an omega tasked by the C.O.I to get his guard down, take him back to the submarine? He’d lure Simon into giving into his desires, then when he’s at his most vulnerable, lock him back up. Simon wasn’t a trusting person after what he’s been through.
But Adrian’s posture, so pitiful and desperate, made Simon cave. Curse this stupid morbidly obese rock.
“Okay, Jesus, I’ll go say sorry, okay?” Simon grunted through gritted teeth. Adrian seemed more than pleased, swaying side to side in what Simon assumed was a celebration dance.
“Happy, happy, happy! Adrian bring Simon now. Grace happy to have human.”
“Now? I’m about to water-”
“Now, now, now.”
Simon didn’t have much of a choice, pushed the entire way to Rylands home on the beach by the ridiculously large rock alien.
“I can walk myself,” he groaned and growled the whole way there, but Adrian was pretending not to hear him.
When Simon was in the vicinity of the home, a sweet scent of cookies and something akin to coffee wafted through the alphas nose. It was inviting, a scent Simon had the strange urge to bite into. Rylands scent. He doesn’t get the opportunity to bask in it, constantly distancing himself away from the sweet smelling omega, so now it’s overwhelming. He could get drunk off the scent.
Adrian directed Simon to stand by the door as they scrambled inside. He heard Adrian’s melodic chitter alongside another Eridians, and a humans. Rocky and Grace, they sounded upset. Simon leaned closer to the door to get a better listen, but he couldn’t make out what the Eridians were saying without the translator. Grace must have been here a long time to understand them, and he was saying something about a ‘stupid alpha.’ Simon assumed he was talking about him, sheepish.
More conversation ensued and Adrian was returning to Simon, Rocky and Ryland beside him. Ryland had his arms crossed over his chest, and Rocky was copying him.
“Rocky Grace want apology,” Adrian insisted, sitting down to nuzzle their disgruntled mate.
“Ok. Um, I’m very sorry for choking you out.”
“Is that all?” Ryland scoffed, eyebrows furrowed, scent turning bitter. Rocky made a noise similar to a scoff. It was cute how the alien copied the omega.
Seeing Ryland in person, face to face, Simon couldn’t help but feel angry knowing Earth sent an omega to space. How disgraceful! The most sacred of genders, and they forced one onto a one way trip to space, to die! Eden was a horrific place, a place Simon never wants to think about again, but at least they valued their omegas. Earth isn’t a place Simon ever wants to go to if this is how they treat their omegas.
“Uh… I’m sorry for making you both upset…?”
“You… You stupid alphas are terrible at apologizing! The only reason I’m accepting this is because Adrian likes you! And we need to at least be acquaintances if we’re going to be living in the same biodome from now on. So introduce yourself, properly.”
Bratty.
“Simon, my name is Simon.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Simon,” the teacher mumbles, sticking out a hand. “I’m Ryland Grace. You can call me whatever, but Rocky and Adrian call me Grace.”
Grace was pretty. Like the name of an angel. He kind of looked like an angel, too, now that Simon’s actually looking at him properly. A halo of golden hair, sweet blue eyes that shined beneath the sun, and soft features that made Simon want to cradle him. The scent of cookies and coffee intensified, it made Simon primal with hunger. He wanted nothing more than to bury his face into Rylands scent glands, sink his teeth into the delectable flesh and claim.
Huh?
“Ok.”
Wow. What a response.
Ryland looked about ready to smack him, face contorting in anger, but he was quick to calm himself.
“Right… Do you want to come inside? Adrian said we should all have dinner together.”
And so, Simon is cautiously stepping inside the teachers home with an encouraging nudge from Adrian. Ryland seems more tense than upset, scent giving that much away, while Rocky looks downright angry. Sometimes Simon wished the Eridians had a scent, so he could understand their emotions better.
Rylands home is a little more spacious than his, and that addictive smell is flooding the home. Simon wishes he lived closer to Ryland so he had the opportunity to smell such a scent everyday.
“Adrian give Simon tour while Rocky Grace set up dinner!” The large Eridian cheered, making Ryland sputter.
“Uh- Tour? This is my home, Adrian, you can’t just let people in and show them around as you please-”
Adrian was already scampering off with Simon, who felt bad. This wasn’t right, he shouldn’t be snooping through someone’s home, that was private. An omegas home, no less. This was inappropriate, he should be dragging himself away from Adrian and returning to the kitchen.
Adrian, however, had no sense of privacy, sticking their big body through Rylands bedroom.
“Is Grace room. Rocky like.”
Simon tries to steer his head away, not wanting to impose on Rylands privacy and see his nest, but to the alphas surprise- there is no nest! What the fuck?! Why did an omega have no nest- this was a sin, a crime worthy of punishment. Simon will punish whoever did this to Ryland.
Omegas were treated as royalty on Eden. Very few existed, so those that did were treated to the highest of standards. Only poised and proper alphas were allowed to mate with them, the rest destined to spend their painful ruts alone or with betas. Simon, of course, was not a poised or proper alpha. He was a convict, he couldn’t even score a beta if he wanted to.
Simon honestly believed omegas were a myth, he never met one before, until now. He only knows about their behaviors through stories, and Adrian, who surprisingly has a lot of knowledge about secondary genders. He knew that omegas needed to nest, it was a natural instinct of theirs. Without a nest, they’d get unbelievably stressed out, and their biological cycles would be ruined. Such conditions forced upon an omega would have an alpha back on Eden castrated.
Instinctively, he growls. The noise scares Adrian, who scuttles backward.
“Where is his nest?” Simon growls, deeper this time. He doesn’t mean to scare Adrian, it’s his primal instincts, he can’t help them. Adrian can only make a noise of confusion.
Simon is an asshole. He shouldn’t be projecting his anger towards Adrian- they’re an Eridian, an alien species that has little to no knowledge of secondary genders and their customs aside from Ryland. Why Ryland hadn’t told them about nests and omega comforts, Simon wishes he had the answer to. He’s been living here for God knows how long without a nest- the bare minimum comfort an omega needs. Those humans back on Earth must have fucked him up.
Simon mutters a quick apology to Adrian before racing back to the kitchen where Ryland stands with Rocky, hips swaying back and forth as they clumsily attempt to plate the food they’d prepared for dinner. If Simon wasn’t so distressed, he’d have appreciated the sight.
“Ryland.” Simon growls, and Ryland almost falls to his knees just at the sound. Gosh, since when did his instincts act up like this?
“Uh- Y-yes…?” He manages to stutter out, head tilted to the side in confusion. Did he make the alpha mad? He smelled mad, really mad. And his scent was much more suffocating than before- he was pumping pheromones.
Simon’s face had an expression of pure, unbridled anger. Only the anger an alpha could muster, and Ryland hated how it made him instinctively whine, legs clenching together.
“Who’s abusing you? Who isn’t letting you nest?”
Simon’s voice is deeper, huskier as it spat out the question, enraged. His instincts wanted nothing more than to protect, shield Ryland away from whatever monster stripped him of his biology. Probably the monsters that sent him here. Earth must be a terrible place, considering they forced an omega into space.
“N-no one!” Ryland squeaked, fixing his askew glasses and shaking his head wildly. “I stopped doing omega things to stop my heat- it would’ve been too painful to experience a heat on Erid alone-” As embarrassing as it was to discuss something so intimate such as heat with an alpha, a topic reserved for mates, he had to be honest before Simon started blaming the Eridians for his fucked up biology.
This was so foreign to Simon. An omega willingly giving up their heat, something so special and precious to them?
Simon lived in an entirely different world from Rylands. He had no idea what omegas went through during heats, he’s never even met an omega until now. He only knows that heats are sacred back on Eden, and it’s an alphas job to pamper and omega before, through, and after their heat.
“Why did Earth send you without an alpha?- No, why did they send you at all? Omegas should be cared for-”
Simon is genuinely distraught over this, hands clutching at the ends of his shoulder length hair, tugging enough to cause pain.
Ryland is just as confused as Simon, his society believing practically the opposite of Eden. Omegas were rarer, yes, but by no means were they treated as sacred beings, as the top of the hierarchy. Omegas were bottom of the barrel, it shocked him to meet an alpha so distraught about an omega's wellbeing.
“Where I’m from, it’s different,” Ryland tried to gently explain, attempting to calm the alpha from being sent into another rage. Ryland never thought he’d be missing his omega qualities, but now, he was. He wanted nothing more than to purr for Simon, comfort him, but all he could muster was a weak trill. Unfortunately, that made Simon even more mad.
“You can’t purr?” Simon gasps, nails digging into his own skin.
“Grace! Grace okay?! Rocky scared! Simon hurt Grace, question?”
The pair is interrupted by Rocky, who’s rolling clumsily into Rylands legs and scooching between the two so there’s space. Ryland was thankful for the distraction, not only did he feel guilty for making Simon upset, but he felt unbelievably insecure that he wasn’t a proper omega anymore.
Not that he ever was a proper omega. He was difficult. That’s what they always said.
“‘m okay, Rocky,” Ryland sighed, wishing Rocky didn’t weigh almost 400 pounds so he could cradle him like a little kitty. Grown ass Eridian, by the way.
Simon, however, was not okay. He’s pointing an accusatory finger at Rocky, growling low in his throat.
“Why doesn’t Ryland have a nest?! Aren’t you guys supposed to be taking care of him?”
Rocky recoiled, “nest, question? No understand.”
“I never told Rocky about that stuff,” Ryland quickly interjected, afraid they’d get into an argument and Rocky would knock the alpha over again. “I knew Rocky would make a big deal out of it, so I never told him.”
“Grace keep secret from Rocky?! Rocky angry, angry, angry!”
Great. Now Ryland has an upset Alpha and an upset rock to coddle.
“Why would you hurt yourself like this?” Simon questions, and Ryland hasn’t seen an alpha pout until now. It’s cute, but mostly makes him feel guilty and sad.
“Uh, self preservation? I don’t know, when we got to Erid I had no more suppressants left, and I really didn’t want to go through a real heat after years on the suppressant. So I just stopped doing omega things so my heat wouldn’t come.”
“We- I have to fix this,” Simon grunts, and before Ryland can get another word in, Simon is storming out the house. What a dinner that was.
Rocky is crying in Eridian, sad little trills and squeaks that wrack his body, nudging Rylands feet and making him want to curl into a ball and sob. The crying alerts Adrian, who is running over to comfort their mate.
“Grace lie to Rocky! Rocky thought Grace best friend! Grace hurt self! Why! Why!”
“Rocky…” Ryland frowns, kneeling down to his level.
“I’m so sorry, Rocky. Really, I didn’t want you to worry for me- I didn’t want to be a burden on you. And the whole omega stuff gets gross and embarrassing, I didn’t want you to have to see that.”
“Rocky no care! Rocky love Grace, is Rocky best friend. Tell Rocky now, or Rocky leave!”
Okay. Time to teach an omega biology lesson, to keep his best friend.
Ryland wishes Simon were here, too, so he could understand Rylands biology more. It seems omegas are treated differently on Eden, and it’s possible their biology is, too.
At least Rocky and Adrian are here. Adrian made Ryland wait so he could prepare materials to jot everything down, eager to understand secondary genders and their biology better.
Ryland explained the whole ins and outs. How omegas are treated and viewed back on Earth, though Rocky already knew most of that. He explained their biology, how and why heats occurred every 2-3 months. He compared it to Eridian mating, which helped the mates understand a little better. Ryland explained how, with no mate or pack, he felt scared to continue his heats and neglected to satisfy his omega identity. Nests were crucial for omegas, Ryland honestly doesn’t understand how he’s lived so long without one. He explained the importance of scenting and purring, and how he neglected those, too.
“Must make Grace nest,” Rocky concludes after the long lesson, stretching his limbs before skittering off to Rylands room. Ryland stops him in time, thankfully.
“Rocky… Making a nest is an extremely private matter for an omega. I don’t really know if I want to make one, to be honest… But, if I do, you and Adrian can give me some of your stuff to add to it. Only soft things, though.”
“Grace must make nest. Necessary for omega health,” Rocky buzzed, stamping a foot on the ground out of frustration. “Rocky bring soft thing for grace. Contribute to nest.”
“I don't know… I’m scared my heats will start again. I haven’t had one in, God, I don’t know, a decade? Maybe two? It will be painful.”
“Grace no worry. Alpha Simon will help,” Adrian suggests, making Ryland shriek and turn red.
“I can’t make Simon help me-”
“But Simon alpha. Grace say alpha help omega in heat.”
“Yea, if they’re mates. Simon isn’t my mate!”
Rocky and Adrian share a look. They’re plotting something, and Ryland doesn’t like it.
Simon was distressed, flying into his house and rummaging through what little comfortable items he owned. How had Ryland been so sane for an omega living without a nest for so long? Disgusting, stupid Earth that sent a precious omega up into space with no regard for his wellbeing.
Simon was anxious to urge Ryland into building a nest. He knew from his mother that omegas nest with soft things with comforting scents. Simon’s never been complimented on his scent before, but he hoped it was comforting enough for the teacher.
Grabbing spare blankets, a pillow, a couple things from his own nest, and a few articles of clothing with his scent on them, Simon rushed back to Rylands house. He needed to encourage the omega to nest soon, afraid he’d drop dead from stress any minute now.
On the trek there, Simon scented the items further, even rubbing a shirt against his enlarged scent gland. The instinct to scent and claim overwhelmed Simon’s senses, making him growl pathetically like a pup. The last time he felt so feral was during his first rut, before he quickly learned how to subdue his desires.
When he reaches Rylands house, the Eridian mates are scuttling out. They look at Simon, then back at each other, then seemingly giggle. Was he being mocked?
Oh well, he didn’t have time to worry about them, he needed to see Ryland.
The omega looked shocked to see Simon already back, various items in his arms. He was just subtly out of breath, chest heaving from sprinting there and back.
Ryland is almost instantly overwhelmed by the scent, earthy and soothing, he wishes he could purr. He wants to nuzzle into the scent, drown in it.
“F-for me?” He gasps, carefully taking a few items to ease the alphas' load. He very discreetly brings a shirt to his nose, inhaling the scent like it’s a drug.
Simon nods, “for your nest. You should make one.”
Ryland hopes Simon realizes what he’s doing right now is basically courting.
“I-” Ryland begins, though he doesn’t know where to start. He feels emotional, no alpha besides his twin has ever treated him this sweetly.
“Okay.” Ryland finally agrees, though he’s trembling. “I’m scared of my heat-”
“I’ll help you.” Simon is quick to respond, almost desperate. Ryland can’t help but whine pathetically nodding.
If Simon was being serious, it would change their dynamic forever. But Ryland was desperate for that connection, he always has been. He wants nothing more than to curl into Simon’s arms, scent each other, kiss lazily until they got too tired. Maybe it’s just his omega desire to be mated, and with an alpha accessible, it’s making him feel needy. Stupid instincts.
Simon helps Ryland bring his things to his room, though he doesn’t enter this time. Nesting is private, he’ll be able to witness it if (when) Ryland invites him during his long awaited heat.
Simon begrudgingly leaves, although every instinct of his yowls to stay by the omegas side, even if he has to sleep on the floor. But Ryland said he wanted to be alone for now, that he’d have Rocky and Adrian notify Simon if his heat starts.
Simon will wait. He’s not a patient man, but he’s willing to become one for Ryland.
It takes Ryland the rest of the night to set up the nest. He’s never sure of himself, constantly moving things around, organizing, and removing. Rocky and Adrian stopped by shortly after Simon to drop off a few softer pieces of jewelry and miscellaneous items, which may have had no scent, but Ryland was just happy to have something belonging to his best friends in his nest.
Ryland for once is happy for the small collection of, ahem, toys, the Petrova Task Force supplied on The Hail Mary. He’s had them hidden deep in his room this entire time, but now he’s properly cleaned them and stored them close by his nest. In case he gets too nervous to invite Simon, or in case Simon gets tired out and he needs another form of relief.
A few hours of rearranging and Ryland is finally satisfied, trilling uncontrollably at the sight. He turns off the lights, comfortable, and finally settles into a nest after years without one.
Ryland didn’t expect just the morning after to wake up unbelievably hot. He was already gushing slick, blanket below him soaked. That was fast, he was expecting at least a week of symptoms such as cramping before the actual heat hit.
“Simon,” he whines to air, hips bucking up into nothing. He wasn’t heat drunk yet, he still had a sensible mind to call for Rocky, who was quick to skitter over.
Rylands hypothesis was correct- it was painful. So painful, he needed someone to hold.
The first someone to enter his room was Rocky, followed by Adrian.
“Ew. Ew. Ew. Grace so leaky,” Rocky exclaimed, though rather than showing disgust, he showed concern by checking Grace’s vitals.
“Need alpha- Simon-” Ryland whimpered, curling into the slick soaked sheets, clawing at the hem of his shirt. So hot.
Adrian gave a noise of confirmation before making his way out of the room. Rocky began to follow, but Ryland stopped him.
“Rocky,” he gasped, hand reaching out for the Eridian. “C-can you stay? Until Simon gets here?”
Who was Rocky to deny his best friend? He curls up beside Ryland, letting him rest his head on one of his legs. Tears stream down Rylands face, and all Rocky can think of is how leaky he is. Disgust.
“Grace hot. Grace okay, question? Rocky scared.”
“Grace okay, statement,” Ryland manages to stutter out, peeling off his shirt in the process. In any other situation he’d be beyond embarrassed right now, but he didn’t have the time to feel embarrassed. He’s ripping off his pants next, which Rocky doesn’t seem to care about.
“Just- need Simon,” the omega whines again, fresh tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Stupid Grace.” Is all Rocky manages out. If he weren’t chirping so sweetly, akin to a purr, Ryland would think he’s mocking him right now. But he’s trying his best to comfort Ryland during such an overwhelming time, and Ryland has the urge to hug him close until Simon arrives.
Simon arrives faster than Ryland thought, rushing through the door and instantly groaning at the scent drowning the house. Simon’s never smelled a heat before, but God, is it addicting. An overwhelming scent of arousal, welcoming. Simon can smell the desperation, and he rushes into the omegas room.
Simon is ashamed of the growl he lets out upon seeing Rocky in the nest, which affects Ryland much more than it does the Eridian. The omega is already naked, legs spreading just from the noise and keening. Poor thing was so needy, no wonder after years with no heat.
Rocky scrambles away, “Disgust. Human mating disgust.”
“Eridian mating disgust,” Simon bites back, joining his mate- Ryland in his nest.
“Is beautiful.” Rocky declares before finally leaving.
Ryland is beautiful. A precious angel that makes Simon want to serve. He’s been worshiping the wrong God this whole time, he should have been worshiping Ryland. A beauty no match for the most treasured of omegas back on Eden.
Simon’s only ever known dominance. He was aggressive and big and mean, one hell of an alpha to mess with. The other convicts feared him, he probably would’ve been one of the chosen alphas if it weren’t for his inherent aggression.
But now, ironically enough, presented with an omega in heat, Simon feels the need to serve. He wants to be bossed around by the bratty omega, told exactly what to do and how to please.
Simon cups Rylands face. He’s hot, burning to the touch, and Simon coos.
“Tell me what to do. What do you need, angel?” Simon groans, leaning into the omegas scent gland. He can’t help but lap at the skin, making Ryland cry. What a pretty noise, he wonders what other noises he can fuck out of the omega.
“K-kiss,” Ryland begged, hands scrambling at the hem of Simon’s shirt. He tugs at the material, a silent request for Simon to take it off. If he didn’t look so pathetic in heat, Simon would’ve teased him and told him to use his words. Next time he’ll do that. If there is a next time, he hopes.
Simon rips the fabric off before suffocating his Ryland with a kiss, messy and desperate and so fucking delicious. Simon is quick to shove his tongue into Rylands mouth, get the omega all whiney and stupid and pathetic.
It’s easy to get Ryland to that point, already humping his clothed thigh. His pants would be ruined, perpetually stained, but Simon can’t help but groan at the knowledge of it. He’d happily walk around with the slick-stained pants the rest of his life, let all of Erid know he tapped that pretty omega that saved their world.
Simon grabs him by the hips, keeping him still. Through the kiss Ryland whines, all bratty and needy and he slaps Simon’s shoulder weakly.
Simon should be punishing him for that, but instead he’s trailing a hand down the omegas stomach, applying pressure above the womb, before trailing back down to his entrance. Slick is gushing out uncontrollably, making it easy for Simon to glide a finger right through his folds. The finger slides back up to his clit, circling the sensitive bud twice before sinking into the soaking heat of Rylands cunt.
Simon is pleased to discover Ryland is a loud little thing. He doesn’t hide his sounds of pleasure, sweet little “ah, ah, ah’s!” spilling from his lips from each thrust of Simon’s finger. Simon decides he deserves another finger, thick pointer finger sliding in with the next thrust.
“So fuckin’ pretty,” Simon praises, moving away from the kiss to admire his omegas debauched state.
The praise has Ryland arching his back so prettily, greedy to take more from the alpha.
“More, need more, Si, please- Need you- inside- Not enough!”
Simon will have only himself to blame when Ryland inevitably becomes spoiled. But for now, all he does is smile sweetly. It’s his job to serve his sweet omega, and he’s glad to give him what he needs.
“‘f course, angel. Think you can take me? Think you can take my knot- fuck- Wanna knot you so bad.”
That has Ryland clenching around his fingers, velvety walls fluttering desperately. He’s nodding frantically, spreading his legs further. How flexible was he?
“Pleasepleaseplease- Wan’ you to knot me s-soooo bad!”
In heat, Ryland was a completely different man. He was spoiled and bratty and so fucking needy Simon almost popped a knot right then and there. He can’t believe he’s spent this whole time pushing Ryland away, he’s gonna beat himself over that for the rest of his life. He has to make it up to the omega now, serve him until he’s fucked dumb enough he can’t remember his own name.
“Yeah, fuck, gonna knot you, angel. Gonna fuck you so hard the only thing you can think about is my cock.”
Simon has no idea where he learned to dirty talk so well, this was his first time. Must be the alpha instincts.
Simon fumbles to take off his pants as fast as humanly possible, the wait making Ryland pout and whine. He wastes no time holding Ryland by the back of his thigh, spreading the limbs so they’re flushed against his own chest. The position has Rylands glistening pussy on full display, vulnerable and gushing slick. Simon now wishes he got a taste beforehand, but he’ll go down on him later, he needs to be dicked down now.
The slick makes it easy for Simon to slide the tip of his weeping cock in, but it still stretches Ryland out enough to make him cry.
“Poor thing,” Simon cooed, leaning down to kiss a stray tear that rolled down his cheek. “Been so fuckin’ long without a heat, you’re so tight. Don’t worry, alphas gonna take good care of you. Relax, baby, I’ll be gentle.”
“D-don’t-” The words stumble out of Rylands lips, and Simon is so afraid he’s already hurt the omega, he’s about to slide his cock out-
“Don’t want gentle,” Ryland manages, finishing his sentence. Oh. Ohhhhhhh.
With his omega asking him so sweetly, how could Simon deny him?
With a mean thrust, he’s slamming his remaining length inside Ryland until he’s bottomed out. He thought he was too rough when he heard Rylands choked out gasp, but then he’s squirting like a fountain all over his dick, and Simon moans just from the sight alone. Ryland sobs through the explosive orgasm, hugging Simon close to his body for comfort. Simon groans when sharp nails run down his back, rutting into him at the sensation.
“Fuuuuuck baby, so fuckin’ pent up you came so fast. Want me to keep goin’?”
Rylands too dumb for words, drool leaking out of the corner of his mouth as he nods viciously as a yes. He’s feral with need from his heat, and Simon wants nothing more than to devour him.
With the confirmation, Simon begins to drag in and out at a punishing pace. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoes through the room, and Simon momentarily prays no Eridian can hear, considering their exceptional hearing.
Ryland is a moaning mess, babbling incoherent nothings as he’s pounded into oblivion.
The moans are soon accompanied by incessant purrs, and Simon loses his shit. He had been so angry when the omega couldn’t purr earlier, this moment had him tearing up. He feels embarrassed for crying, but the sound is just so pretty, so soft and so beautiful, he can’t help the tears that roll down his face as he fucks Ryland harder. He wants to claim him so bad.
“Fuck, baby, found your purr? ‘S so pretty, wanna hear it all day. Gonna knot you, ‘boutta pop,” Simon’s hips gain speed, though become clumsy in the process. He’s close, he knows he is. His knot is swelling and he knows he’s gonna knot the sweet thing any second now-
“Claim me.”
“H-huh?” Simon’s hip stutter.
“I said claim me, stupid alpha.”
Simon grumbles low in his chest before diving into Rylands neck. His canines dig into the sweet flesh of the omegas throat, sinking in a deep mating bite to secure their bond. At the same time he’s cumming, knotting Ryland with a pleasured groan.
The bite has Ryland singing moans of praise, eyes squeezed shut in a mixture of pain and ecstasy. For once, Ryland didn’t feel like a difficult omega like all the people back on Earth made him out to be. He felt wanted, like he was the prettiest omega in the world.
When Simon detaches from Rylands throat, licking and kissing the bleeding skin to soothe it, Ryland nuzzles into Simon’s throat to give him his own mating bite.
The two are interlocked by the knot, panting heavily from the intense love making and claiming. Ryland looks blissful, nuzzling into Simon’s chest when he finishes the claiming bite.
Simon feels overwhelmed with emotions. He feels so much love for the omega beside him, and he feels the love reciprocated. He never thought he’d have a mate, he thought he was destined to die alone for being a monster. But Ryland, his sweet, angelic Ryland, gave him what he never thought he’d have. Simon’s crying again from the sheer amount of love he feels, and Ryland looks concerned.
“Si-”
“Rocky come check on Grace Simon! Very loud noise, Rocky scare- Humans so leaky! Disgust! Human mating disgust!”
What a cockblock. The newly mates share a look before bursting into laughter, nuzzling into one another comfortingly.
“That was so good,” Ryland praised, chest still heaving. Simon dips down to offer him little kisses, forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline, neck, you name it, Simon’s peppering ticklish kisses all over his omegas body.
“I was scared I wouldn’t please you. It was my first time,” Simon sheepishly admitted, hiding in the crook of Rylands neck.
“That was your first time?!” Ryland gasps, voice hoarse from the constant moaning and whining.
“I have so many positions to show you. I’ve probably got a long heat, probably the whole week. Or maybe two. I’ll make sure we fuck in every position before it’s done,” Ryland is purring again, all sweet and innocent like he hadn’t just promised to fuck Simon all week long. Ryland was already rutting back on his interlocked dick. This was gonna be a loooong week. Or maybe two.