Chapter Text
Growing up, it’s always just been Atsumu and Osamu. Osamu and Atsumu. The Miya twins against the world. They’ve cared for themselves since they can remember since their mother died in childbirth, and their father is away for work in Hong Kong more often than not. Atsumu always assumes that since they’re twins that they’ll always be together, always the same. One isn't seen without the other close behind. Though there are differences between the two boys, of course, it isn’t until they’re twelve that the first major differentiation occurs.
They’re at the age where most children begin presenting as their secondary genders, and it isn’t at all a surprise when the Miya twins come to school one day beginning to exhibit characteristics typical of alphas.
Atsumu, despite the strange abdominal pain, is especially pleased with the development. Being an alpha is so easy. They get all the benefits in life. Sure, times are changing, but living in the Kansai region, old habits often die hard. The term proper omega is still used in the west more often than you’d think. Plus, Japan is typically a fairly traditional country. Alphas, on the other hand, are often held in higher regard. To top it all off, they don’t have to deal with shit like heats. Those seem like such a waste of time.
Another thing about western Japan is that omegas are born at an extremely low rate. No one is really sure why, as the east has birth rates that compare to the rest of the world. Some say it’s a punishment from the gods because of how the Emperors of old treated the omegas in their harems, but who can really say. Then as per usual, rates of male omegas make up the smallest percentage.
A couple of weeks later in the middle of volleyball practice, the pain becomes so unbearable that Atsumu collapses. It feels like someone is repeatedly stabbing him or that there’s something trying to literally claw its way out of his abdomen. He can’t stand or uncurl from the fetal position. With sweat and tears trickling down his face from the pain, Atsumu thinks he might be dying.
Being an alpha in the middle of presenting, Osamu immediately goes into defense mode to protect his brother. It takes Suna, a medic, and their father on the phone to calm him down. Only then can they attend to Atsumu and bring him to a hospital.
Imagine Atsumu’s surprise and absolute horror when his diagnosis is that he’s actually presenting as an omega. An omega with something called pseudoalphaism. That’s the first and last time he hears the medical term for a long time.
No one talks about how painful presentation is for those of the rarest dynamics, those being female alphas and male omegas. It’s a long-drawn-out process. They literally grow and form new organs. Like holy shit. The hospital does an ultrasound and shows him where his uterus is growing. Between his and Osamu’s wide eyes and gaping mouths, he’s not sure who’s more shocked. Those hold children. Like actual human beings. Oh god. Dread builds in the pit of his stomach. Is that what he’s going to be subjected to? Is he going to be sent away to one of those omegan boarding schools to become proper?
The hospital wants to run some more tests on his status, but can’t without his dad’s signature of consent. Breathing a sigh of relief, he’s released with some pain medicine and advice for bed rest.
Atsumu begs his brother to not tell a soul. He’s an alpha. It was just a really bad stomach ache—that’s what they’ll tell everyone. Not even their dad can know the truth. He wouldn’t be able to survive at one of those stupid prep schools. He can’t be separated from his twin. Ragged breaths and cold sweat consume him as he clutches Osamu’s shirt.
The younger twin hugs his brother tight and promises that no one will take him away. If that’s what Atsumu wants, then no one else needs to know. The doctor had said that pseudoalphaism isn’t dangerous, so that’s all he cares about.
The only other person that they let in on the secret is Suna, as he’s both twins’ best friend, and they trust him. He promises to take the secret to the grave. The tone he uses is one that’s seldom heard, and they know he means it. The three are an inseparable trio. They mesh well together, especially being composed of one of each dynamic, but that’s their own secret.
It’s not until high school that Atsumu interacts with another male omega for the first time. It’s at the InterHigh, and the few he sees are beautiful and graceful or cute and small. It’s no wonder a lot of male omegas are models. When he looks in the mirror, he’s none of those things. Maybe he’s just not meant to be an omega.
Now at the prime age of twenty-two, Atsumu has been living as an alpha for ten years. He knows the habits, the subtle body language to give off in certain situations, how to influence his pheromones to smell a certain way. For all intents and purposes, he’s an alpha. This is his life.
It’s not that he’s ashamed of his true dynamic, not exactly. Over the years, he’s met plenty of male omegas that he thinks highly of. Several of them are amazing individuals and defy all odds. However, at this point, he feels like there’s no reason to go get checked out at the doctor for his condition. He’s fine. Sure, there are times it’s crossed his mind, but ultimately it’d be a hindrance.
How often would he have to take time off for heats? Would they be painful? What if he’s like those omegas he hears about that absolutely lose it? Would his omegan instincts demand that he find a suitable mate? He doesn't have time for that.
It’s not until two new members join the Black Jackals roster in April that he contemplates his options more seriously. Both of the men are familiar faces, though they have definitely changed. Hinata is your typical male omega, smooth skin, round face, smaller frame, and undeniably cute.
Then there’s Sakusa Kiyoomi, and holy fuck, he’s grown up. No longer is he this lanky adolescent alpha with a mop for hair. Nor is his strongest scent reminiscent of the cleaning aisle at the store. No, this Sakusa Kiyoomi exudes the presence of a mature, powerful alpha. Calm, collected, confident… Not to mention that he’s filled out quite well. He’s hot, okay? He has undertones of sandalwood, and he’s really fucking hot. That new hairstyle really suits him too.
When he makes eye contact with Sakusa, he refuses to succumb to stupid hormones and blush. So in typical Atsumu fashion, he winks at him with a mischievous smile. This earns him an icy glare, which really shouldn’t look that attractive when it’s directed at him.
If his inner omega was a material being, it would be rolling around in a field of flowers writhing in excitement. Even though it’s just that inner voice that lives in his head, it’s annoying. It doesn’t happen often with his whacked-out hormones, but it does make an appearance in the forefront of his mind on occasion. However, this time it’s completely unwelcome and can go right the fuck back to where it’s been hibernating.
That night at home, Atsumu looks in the mirror. He looks like the definition of an alpha. Tall, broad, sharp jawline, muscular—just naming a few. Turning his head side-to-side, he sighs. Would he still look like this if his hormones weren’t fucked up? Would an alpha actually approach him with romantic intentions?
The only people who typically approach him are omegas and female betas, and he doesn’t swing that way, unfortunately. Romance for him is a bit of a lost cause because no one can find out what he is. He’s never even been with anyone sexually because he’s terrified. One, because he’s scared of how he’ll react; and two, what if they find out the truth? The thought is literally petrifying. Like what would they do to him? Would they be mad that he lied? Would they… hurt him?
Looking ahead, his golden-brown eyes stare back at him. Why after all these years is he having a crisis about this now? Or is he just finally allowing it to break free? Atsumu has no idea what being an omega means. He’s ignored everything about his true dynamic since the day he found out the truth. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
After their first official practice, he approaches Hinata Shouyou. His inner omega is urging him to befriend another omega. In fact, it’s screaming at him. Instincts fucking suck. However, befriending Hinata is on his to-do list anyway. Sakusa… Well, that’s an entirely different story.
“Shouyou-kun! Ya gotta tell me ‘bout Brazil! What did they feed ya there? ‘Cause, damn, yer even more of a monster!”
Hinata’s tinkling laughter fills the locker room. “Well, a lot of weird spices for one. And beach volleyball really revs up the endurance!”
They continue to converse as they walk back to the Black Jackals complex together. They click easily, and Atsumu vaguely wonders if this is part of some omegan instinct thing that he's unaware of. Omegas do tend to group together. That’s a real fact that he’s totally not making up, right? Fuck. He knows nothing.
But then again, Hinata definitely has no idea he’s speaking with another omega. Why is all this dynamic shit so complicated? It’s stupid! It shouldn’t matter! Fuck instincts and hormones! Just let him live his life!
However, they don’t listen to his pleas. The more time he spends around Sakusa, the more this deep-seated urge to do something claws at him. He doesn’t quite understand what it’s trying to say. All he knows is that Sakusa is really fucking hot and a giant fucking dick.
“Miya, I swear to god, if you keep tossing the ball that high I’m going to kill you, and no one will be able to prove it.” Sakusa glares at him with beads of sweat running down his forehead.
Atsumu scrunches his nose and argues, “But ya can hit it! Yer reach is so much higher than what yer scrub of a setter was doing for ya in college.”
“Kibo was a perfectly good setter.”
“But I’m better. Now shape up, Omi-kun. Ya have so much untapped potential.”
If looks could kill, Atsumu would be six feet under. He feels a shiver run up his spine, and it’s not one borne of unpleasant feelings. Maybe he has a death wish.
Bokuto, sensing the tension, comes over and throws an arm around Atsumu’s shoulders. “How about we all go out to an izakaya tonight! Akaashi is coming to visit too!”
Akaashi Keiji. He’s one of those male omegas that’s ethereally beautiful and graceful. Atsumu once tried to get to know him but ended up being unfairly intimidated. Akaashi appraised him like he was looking for something. That gaze was unnerving, and Atsumu didn’t want to wait around for him to come to a conclusion. It’s just like he knows something and can’t wait to poke around just to see you squirm.
He kept a healthy distance away from the other omega after that. Even though he can feel eyes on him when they’re together. He’s pretty sure Akaashi is a closet sadist and enjoys the discomfort he causes Atsumu.
“Akaashi-san is coming?!” Hinata suddenly pops up out of nowhere. “I haven’t seen him in ages!”
So that’s why the four monster generation players, plus Akaashi, are sitting at an izakaya on this fine Friday evening. Atsumu is shocked Sakusa decided to join them. Apparently, university did him some good in social etiquette.
It’s actually a pleasant outing. Sakusa isn’t being unbearably prickly, and Akaashi is keeping his analyzing gaze to himself. Or rather it’s focused on Bokuto. Honestly, if those two could get their act together, it would be a miracle. Just watching Bokuto’s attempts at flirting is sad. He doesn’t seem to be picking up on any of Akaashi’s signals either. Sad indeed.
Atsumu feels those eyes on him again when Hinata leans in to whisper, “Why does Akaashi-san keep looking at you like that?”
Apparently, Sakusa has hypersonic hearing, because he quirks an eyebrow in interest. “Is he interested in you or something?”
“Ya need to get yer eyes checked if ya think he’s here for anyone other than Bokkun.”
Hinata hums in thought. “I mean, that’s what I thought, but I’ve never seen him appraise someone like that outside of a volleyball match.”
Shrugging he takes a sip from his drink. “All I know is that he kinda terrifies me a bit.”
Sakusa makes his first comment on the subject with a raised eyebrow. “Did he scare you away after you tried flirting with him?”
“What? No, of course not. I’d never do that to Bokkun. Plus, I’m not interested anyway.”
“Oh? That’s surprising,” he says with amusement.
“What’s that s’posed to mean?”
Sakusa gives him a look that says he should know exactly what he means but elaborates anyway. “You seem like the type to enjoy company.”
Hinata’s eyes go wide as he takes in the meaning, his head swinging back and forth between the two. Fully turning in his seat, Atsumu gapes at Sakusa.
“Excuse me?”
“I know a playboy alpha when I see one.”
Atsumu blinks a few times before bursting into laughter because, oh man, is he so off the mark. He’s pissed, don’t get him wrong, but it’s also fucking hilarious. He clutches his stomach trying to contain his giggles.
“What’s so funny?” Sakusa seems affronted by this sudden change in demeanor.
“You.” Atsumu smirks up at the other. “Yer pro’ly just jealous that no one comes onto ya. But maybe if ya got that stick outta yer ass, some nice little omega will take an interest.”
“You’re an asshole.” The glare he receives only elicits more laughter.
“Takes one to know one.” Atsumu stands then, ready to leave. “Well, as invigoratin’ as this conversation has proven to be, I’m goin’ home.”
After saying his goodbyes to everyone and turning, he feels two pairs of eyes on him this time.
Back in his unit, he stares at his reflection once again. It’s becoming a nightly thing, so it seems. Hm. He does give off a douchey alpha vibe. Maybe he’s overcompensating and should tone it down a bit. But then again, when has he ever really cared about what other people think?
Always. His brain supplies.
Right.
Being the “better” twin. Being the “best” setter. Being a “good” alpha. Being a “proper” omega.
Atsumu isn’t any of those things. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Trying to conform to what’s expected of him. Because why? Because he’s afraid?
What would it be like to live how he really wants to? But at the end of the day, does he even know the answer to that question himself?