Chapter Text
Two weeks.
That was how long it had been since Steve Harrington was last with his alpha, with Billy. It had been two long and miserable weeks since he had been given the courting bracelet and two weeks since they last had sex or even exchanged more than the odd sentence.
Courtship was overrated.
Steve could admit he wasn’t an expert on the subject, but ignoring each other wasn’t what he had envisioned when he agreed to court. Perhaps it was foolish, but he thought it meant they would act like a couple, go on dates, make out between classes, and behave like two dumb lovestruck teenagers. That was what he had craved from this relationship: to be carefree, dopey, and in love, especially after how everything ended with Nancy.
That wasn’t what he got.
Why couldn’t he ever get that kind of affection from anyone? Or any type of affection? Was there something wrong with him?
Billy acted like he wanted him as his boyfriend and omega. Wasn’t that what they had established that morning at the picnic tables? That they belonged to each other in that sort of way? Yet outside of that morning, the alpha had barely acknowledged him; he didn’t approach him between classes or at lunch and hadn’t asked to hang out, either. It was like they were strangers.
Was he supposed to ask him out? He had been waiting for the alpha to make a move, yet the boy seemed content to ignore him. Whenever Steve tried to get him alone, there was always some excuse for their conversation to get cut short. The truth was obvious: Billy was trying to avoid him. It was painful to admit, but the evidence was staring him in the face.
Why was he rejected? None of it made sense.
He knew the alpha was still interested in him. There was no ignoring how those sapphire eyes tracked his every move, especially during basketball practice. It was embarrassing at first, but practice was the only time Billy had bothered to acknowledge or touch him. Steve shouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as he did; there shouldn’t be anything hot about the way the alpha found every excuse to rub his lower body against his own, pressing his half-hard dick against his ass. If he wasn’t so damn desperate, he would have said something.
Billy had done something similar back when they hardly knew each other, but Steve had never been bothered, always assuming it was a mistake. Sometimes, adrenaline causes the body to react in strange ways. It wouldn’t be the first or last hard-on someone got during practice, especially someone as physical as Billy. Steve knew better now, though. Billy was trying to rile him up, and he, begrudgingly, looked forward to it, even leaning back into the touches. It was shameful. Those hands expertly knew how to wind him up, and it almost seemed unfair. It started simple, with fingers gripping his hips, pretending to be innocent by holding him in place. They never stayed innocent, though, sliding under his shirt to grope his chest, teasing against a nipple when nobody was looking. Billy used it to throw him off his game, he was sure. It would have annoyed him if he didn’t crave the unmistakable scent of desire rolling off his partner every time those hands grazed his bare sweat-soaked skin.
Being fondled by his alpha during practice shouldn’t have been such a turn-on. Steve was learning that many things in his life shouldn’t be how they were, but caring was far too much effort. Billy didn’t make his interest a secret, yet the boy never approached him to talk or take things further than those scant touches.
The flowers he found in his locker complicated the issue. Every morning, he would arrive at school, and a single flower would be placed on top of his textbooks, a faint scent of musky cinnamon pine lingering. It wasn’t always the same type of flower. Sometimes, it was a rose; other times, it was the unnamed one from the other night that he didn’t recognize. It would be worth looking up if he felt less conflicted over the whole thing. Billy refused to speak with him yet wanted to leave him flowers like they were courting.
Why?
Steve thought they had left things on a positive note, but maybe he was wrong. It would hardly be the first time he had misread a relationship, but he felt things with Billy were different. The way the alpha treated him made him feel special and cared for in a way he wasn't entirely used to, but Billy must have changed his mind. It was something he was too scared to face; the heartbreak was too much. Steve wasn’t good enough for Nancy, and apparently Billy, too, and he had no clue what he’d done wrong this time. They only courted for what felt like a day, so how could he have messed it up so quickly? Was he that unlovable? Probably. The better question was why Billy didn’t break things off if that is what he wanted.
Thinking too heavily about their relationship only served to upset him, so Steve ignored it. His inner omega was lashing out, but he dismissed those instincts. Playing into what his omega wanted only ended in pain; he was over it and wasn’t interested in behaving that way again. Being a beta had worked well for him for the last seventeen years, and he couldn’t see any logic in acting differently, not anymore. He tried, and it clearly didn’t work out. Life as a beta was simpler.
With Billy not in the picture, Steve did his best to reintegrate himself into the social circle. He couldn’t continue to be the pathetic, antisocial mess he had been the past few weeks, and it didn’t take much to fit back in with his old crowd. The basketball crew made it easy. It wasn’t like he hadn’t hung out with them over the past year, especially at parties, but he could admit he had let some friendships drop. He didn’t realize how much he had used Nancy as a crutch socially or that he had retreated so much into himself since his presentation. Tommy had commanded so much of his time even before Nancy, so while he was friendly with his teammates, they weren’t exactly close.
Being with them beat being alone, however.
Steve knew he had Chrissy; they still ran together every morning before school. Their friendship was effortless and genuine, yet he was worried about demanding too much from the younger omega. The last thing he needed was for her to get sick of him. He excelled at that recently, so he kept some distance, at least at school. She didn’t understand why Billy was ignoring him, which he found reassuring; for once, he wasn’t being a clueless idiot and missing something obvious. According to her, Billy had to have his reasons, and she suggested that he use his “assets” to his advantage. The idea was absurd. Steve didn’t have anything to show off, and he had tried to have a conversation with the boy; Billy had made it clear that he was interested in him anymore, at least outside of fleeting touches and prolonged stares.
The basketball clique that wasn’t associated with either Tommy or Billy meshed into a grouping with other jocks. Most were friendly, and Steve easily slipped back into those relations.
One boy, Keith Johnson, was eager to accept and invite him to hang out. He was an alpha the same year as him, and they knew each other growing up. They were both part of the swim team, though Keith opted for track instead of basketball. From what he knew, the boy was quite talented, though the track wasn’t something Steve was into; he might enjoy running, but it wasn’t something he wanted to do competitively. The two of them had a couple of conversations over the years but had never been particularly close. Now that he no longer had Tommy smothering him, he felt he had options. It felt almost liberating to befriend someone new, especially someone kind, sweet, and easygoing like Keith. He had emerged as a solid friend, and they had tons in common. Their conversations flowed smoothly and were fun, and there was no pressure to act a certain way, either.
Billy might not want to be around him, but at least he was making friends.
It was a lazy Friday afternoon, and the week had been long, exhausting, and filled with endless tests. The bell to end their last class had rung a few minutes prior, and Steve was standing next to his locker, shuffling around some textbooks with Keith by his side. They shared most of the same courses his semester; it made their friendship feel natural, and Steve didn’t feel like a bother or burden when he was with him. The boy was complaining about their latest test marks in Biology. He had only gotten a B-, which annoyed him, but Steve came out with an A. He wasn’t going to complain, though he understood why Keith was upset. The test had been a doozy.
It may be the weekend, but Steve planned on studying despite his newfound desire to be social, and that involved bringing home some textbooks. He was slowly beginning to form a healthy balance between being social, his sports, and studying, at least if his latest marks were anything to go by. None of that filled the emptiness growing in his core, however. It didn’t matter that he spent most of his free time with the brats or Keith; he was still left feeling as lonely as ever. It was aggravating.
Why was he this pathetic? Had he always been? He shouldn’t yearn for somebody who made it clear they didn’t want him, yet his inner omega was growing out of control, like a trapped bird in a cage struggling to get free.
When he reached to grab some books from the top shelf, Keith leaned his weight against the opened locker door, amusement marked on his lips and clouding his thick, leathery scent.
“Tell me if I’m overstepping, but I couldn’t help but notice your bracelet. I think it really flatters you, and I’m assuming it’s from Hargrove, right?” He asked, his eyes widening in curiosity as his fingers gestured towards the courting bracelet that Steve still had clinging to his wrist.
The question immediately had him lowering his hands back to his side as he turned to face the boy directly.
It had been two weeks, and nobody had commented on the courting bracelet except for the squealing from Chrissy when he showed it to her. Feeling self-conscious, he pulled his sleeve downwards, covering the bracelet from view. It was a valid question, yet the answer felt too complicated.
Were he and Billy courting? Steve wanted to think they were, but the mixed signals confused him. Despite this, his instincts demanded that he keep the bracelet on until Billy told him otherwise. He spent the last two weeks ignoring his meddlesome instincts, but that wasn’t one he felt he could overlook. If Billy no longer wanted him as an omega, he had to man up and tell him that. Until that time, he was going to wear it.
It was bizarre that Keith was suddenly drawing attention to it.
“Uh, thanks. It is, um, from Billy.” Steve stumbled out before shrugging.
There was an awkwardness filtering between them, though there was no reason for it. Steve and Keith were friends, and this was merely one friend asking another a simple question. It only felt uncomfortable because Keith was an alpha. He had a nose, and it wasn’t like Steve hadn’t come to class a few times smelling like he was fucked and owned by Billy Hargrove. While he felt it was a strange question, he could also understand it. Billy had been intent on ignoring him, so it wasn’t like they were acting like a courting couple. Steve might be oblivious, but he knew being ignored wasn’t part of a regular courtship. He was just in denial.
Keith shifted his weight, briefly flashing his teeth in a smile as he leaned into his space to give him a friendly nudge.
“You know, if it were anyone but him, I would probably still wanna ask you out.”
That was the last thing Steve expected to hear.
“What?” He questioned, narrowing his eyes as the heat rose to his cheeks.
Was Keith trying to hit on him or something?
“Why wouldn’t I? You’re insanely hot, and we have a lot of the same interests. Figured we could have some fun together if you gave me the chance.” Keith continued, seemingly oblivious to his growing discomfort.
He was definitely hitting on him. Why, though? They had been friends for years, and the boy had never shown any interest in him beyond friendship. Even after his presentation, Keith had never given him a second glance, though Steve could admit that he hadn’t been looking. Was this the reason the alpha had been so friendly towards him recently? The thought didn’t sit well with him.
It wasn’t that Keith wasn’t attractive. The boy was taller than him, with jet-black hair that travelled down to his shoulders and gorgeous honey eyes. He had a lean, athletic build from playing so many sports, a clear olive complexion, and a friendly personality that drew others toward him. Steve could admit he was an attractive alpha, more so than many of the others he knew, but he had never considered him as a romantic or sexual partner before. Billy was the only boy that caught interest, but it wasn’t like Keith had no appeal.
The more he thought about it, Keith was easy on the eyes, and he liked his scent well enough. It was crisp, like a fresh winter snowfall mixed with a light leathery musk; it wasn’t completely revolting and reminded him of Nancy’s fresh yet domineering scent. However, Keith wasn’t the alpha his omega yearned for.
“Uh, because?” Steve started before pausing, trying to think of the best words. He thought the point of wearing a courting bracelet was to let others know you were taken. That was what Billy had said, and Chrissy confirmed it, too. Didn’t that make this sort of questioning inappropriate? He shook his head quickly before continuing. “I didn’t think you thought about me like that.”
Wasn’t that the truth? There were far more attractive omegas in Hawkins to choose from. Their numbers may have been low, but more than a few were single. A handsome alpha like Keith shouldn’t have any issue finding an omega interested in him.
“I’m not blind.” Keith shrugged before biting his lip, his amber eyes eyeing him up similarly to what Billy tended to do. Unlike with Billy, it wasn’t flattering. “If you ever get sick of Hargrove ignoring you while he cozies up to some beta bitch, just know you have options. Very interested options.” He added with a smirk.
The words were hit hard, and Steve lowered his gaze, shuffling his feet awkwardly. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen Billy with his arms wrapped around various female betas over the last two weeks. To his knowledge, the alpha hadn’t done anything more than touch them, maybe a kiss or two, but nothing serious. That helped lessen the blow.
Why didn’t they break up if Billy didn’t want him anymore? It was confusing, especially with the flowers every morning.
Seeming to sense his unease, Keith reached his hand out, fingers lightly grazing his cheek before lifting his chin upwards, forcing them eye-to-eye before he continued.
“Wanna go shoot some hoops? As friends, of course.” He asked, his smile widening.
Why was this happening? How was Steve supposed to forget this exchange and go on as if the boy hadn’t just admitted he had a crush on him. Maybe calling it a crush was taking it too far, but the alpha had just expressed his interest; that made things awkward, and it wasn’t something he would be able to forget, even if he liked to spend time with the alpha. It didn’t help that the confession had him second-guessing every conversation they’d had in the past few weeks.
Was it so bad that he just wanted a friend his own age?
“Maybe some other time. I have to pick up a kid to babysit soon.” He shrugged, giving the boy a half-hearted smile as he leaned down and picked up his book bag.
It wasn’t a complete lie; Steve did agree to drive Dustin to the arcade after school. Afterwards, he was supposed to drive all the brats back to Wheeler’s for a night of DnD. It was the first time Will was allowed to leave home since the incident, so it was a big deal, and he was happy to be of service. Dustin hadn’t shut up about it all week, so there was no way he would miss out. It also had the advantage of getting him out of whatever this was between him and Keith.
“S’cool. I’ll see ya next week then.” Keith winked before giving him another playful nudge.
The alpha didn’t look or smell too disappointed, which was a relief. Maybe Steve was overthinking everything, but this whole interaction was odd.
“Definitely.” He nodded as he watched the boy slowly walk away.
Once he was out of sight, Steve pressed his face against the cool metal of his locker. He didn’t want to deal with someone he viewed as a friend liking him; he just wanted to cuddle with the alpha he wanted, with Billy. Nobody would try to hit on him if he was covered in his scent. Unfortunately, that wasn’t something his alpha wanted to give.
Whatever.
He spent the next few minutes exchanging textbooks at his locker and listening as the students passed by. The last thing he wanted was to go back to his empty house, and he had another hour before he had to drive Dustin anywhere. If he left now, he would probably get stuck in the parking lot behind the other students leaving, so procrastinating was ideal. It was only when he was about to head out that he heard somebody approach him, though it would have made more sense to say that he smelled them first. The delicious scent of pine and cinnamon was hard to miss, not when he fantasized about it every night. He didn’t know why he was surprised to see Billy stalking toward him before leaning against the locker next to his.
“Hey, you.” The boy greeted, not being subtle in how his striking blue eyes trailed over his entire body, a low appreciative growl leaving his throat.
Usually, Steve would get a rush out of being checked out by his alpha, but not anymore. All Billy had done recently was eye him up like he was a piece of meat. It was comical that he thought he could just saunter up and start talking to him as if he hadn’t ignored him for two weeks. If that is how Billy thought this would go, he was in for a rude awakening.
“Billy.” Steve sneered before slamming his locker door and causing the alpha to flinch backwards.
He could hear the chuckle that left the boy as he was quick to lean back into his space, the smile on his lips growing wide and cocky. His every instinct was screaming to lean forward and kiss the alpha, to welcome him back and spread his legs, but Steve still had his wits about him. He wasn’t going to give in simply because Billy was breathtakingly attractive. There was no ignoring that, not when he was wearing his usual too-tight jeans that framed his toned ass perfectly. They were paired with a white tank top showcasing his muscles and usual leather jacket. He looked ravishing, good enough to eat, and Steve couldn’t pretend he didn’t want to get lost in the familiar scent of pine needles and smoke hovering between them.
Screw that.
“You look pretty today. Fuckin’ gorgeous.” Billy commented, biting his lip as he continued to eye him up. It was similar to what Keith had done earlier, which irritated him.
Steve merely shook his head, letting out a light huff.
There was no way he would put up with the blonde suddenly appearing, complimenting him, and acting like nothing was wrong. It was just unfortunate that those were words that his omega longed to hear. Steve wanted to know that he looked pretty and that Billy was still attracted to him. Staring at him was one thing, but saying the words aloud? That meant something, and it made him want to swoon.
Billy, his alpha, thought he was gorgeous. How was that not a positive?
In the past few weeks, he wore the clothing he bought with Chrissy, especially once the hickey on his neck disappeared. They made him feel confident and framed his body and newfound curves perfectly. He could feel eyes lingering on him as he walked, and he knew it wasn’t because he looked terrible. Chrissy had spent a significant amount of time trying to convince him of this, and she always chose his outfits after their runs. Steve trusted her, though deep down, he was still skeptical. He tried his best to feel decent about his body and his appearance. It was difficult since his presentation, but he liked to think he pulled it off. He knew he couldn’t compare to other omegas, but he looked better than before.
That didn’t mean he was ready to deal with this conversation.
Not wanting to dignify his partner with a response, Steve shifted and started walking down the hallway.
“Aw, c’mon, sweetie. Don’t be like that.” Billy called out before quickly following him.
That pissed him off, and he immediately turned to face the blonde.
“Like what?” He shot back, narrowing his eyes at the other.
Steve knew that he was in his right to be upset. Billy was an idiot if he thought he could ignore him and face no consequences. He may be bullshit, but he deserved better than that.
Billy sighed as he leaned against a nearby locker, running his hand through his hair and straightening some of his curls. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before finally speaking.
“Listen, I know I haven’t been the greatest to you, so why don’t you come out with me tonight and let me make it up to you, yeah? It’ll be fun.” He smirked, tossing him a playful wiggle of his eyebrows. It was enough to get his blood pumping.
It was a tempting offer; Billy always seemed to exude pure sexuality at the drop of a dime. It wasn’t like Steve didn’t want to go out, especially since it would no doubt end up with him getting the knot he had been craving. It would feel amazing and settle his rambunctious instincts. He needed it, honestly, but he wasn’t ready to forgive and forget. Steve wanted everything that came along with being fucked. He wanted to be kissed, touched, held and to be told he wasn’t bullshit, that he wasn’t unlovable. His inner omega demanded it, yet his alpha was the one that left him feeling this way.
Instead of charming him, the words only reaffirmed his anger. Billy ignored him after he had been vulnerable, showing him his true self.
Screw him.
“I’m not in the mood,” Steve said with a roll of his eyes before looking solemnly down the empty hallway. He didn’t want to hear Billy’s excuses. Nothing the boy would say would make him feel better about himself, not after these last two weeks.
He was bullshit. It’s why nobody wanted him, and opening up had been a mistake.
“Think we both know I can cheer ya up, sweetie.” Billy flirted, tongue peaking out in his smile before taking a step closer towards him.
He wasn’t wrong.
Steve might have caved if Billy hadn’t ignored him. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to talk and hear why the boy said everything he longed to hear from a lover, only to disregard him afterwards. How was that supposed to make him feel? It merely proved that he was bullshit and didn’t deserve to be treated so well. It was clear the alpha still felt attraction towards him, but did it even matter? Lust was lust, and everyone knew Steve was an easy lay. While he may not deserve love, he knew he didn’t deserve to be strung around, either.
Billy can grovel for all he cares. They would eventually talk, but it wouldn’t be today.
“Screw off, Billy.” Steve shook his head before he started walking down the empty hallway again.
He only got one step before the alpha reached after him.
“C’mon, don’t be like this,” Billy whined, his fingers digging into his elbow and stopping him from walking away.
The action pissed him off, and he turned back to face the alpha, ripping his hand out of the hold and not bothering to hide his discontent.
“Like what? Be upset that you’ve ignored me for two weeks?” Steve shot back and could see the way the alpha grimaced upon hearing his anger, his blue eyes focusing on the ground as he leaned his weight against another locker.
Whatever.
He pursed his lips, feeling his anger flow through his veins, but he was determined to stand firm. Billy was wrong, and Steve wouldn’t let him charm his way into his good graces. He had more self-respect than that. If the alpha wanted to act like he was being irrational, he could go right ahead; Steve wasn’t going to cave. He might be bullshit as an omega, but he wasn’t being unreasonable about this.
A dark, distinct bitterness floated through the air, masking the piney sweetness that usually emulated from his alpha. It was gut-wrenching, yet Steve refused to let himself be affected. Billy was getting upset, but that didn’t mean he would forgive him.
“I-I know I haven’t been great or given you the attention you deserve.” Billy stumbled, a faint blush tainting his cheeks as he looked up to face him.
That was an understatement.
It was comforting to know that the alpha could admit his faults and that Steve hadn’t misinterpreted their distance. However, that didn’t make him feel any better. It felt safest not to bother answering, and Steve tilted his neck to focus on the hallway behind them. He really should leave. Sticking around wasn’t doing him any favours.
Billy released a frustrated sigh before reaching and seizing hold of his hand. It forced Steve to turn his attention back onto the boy as he intertwined their fingers before taking another step into his space.
“Did you get the flowers?” Billy asked shyly before bringing their conjoined hands to his lips and peppering soft kisses against his palm.
It was a terribly sweet gesture. His omega urged him to forgive their alpha, but Steve refused to give in so easily. It didn’t matter if Billy gave him a flower every morning, not when he chose to ignore him; it made them meaningless. Was it so bad that Steve wanted to feel desired? To feel as if he wasn’t a complete failure? It was foolish to believe he would ever get that. He didn’t deserve it.
There was no point in having this conversation, not now, at least.
“It’s cute you wanna pay attention to me again, but I’m mad at you. Just leave me alone, okay?” Steve spat before yanking his hand out of their hold and turning to walk away.
It surprised him when the alpha immediately grabbed his forearm before spinning around to face him again. Billy looked panicked, his mouth agape and fear shining through his eyes. His scent was easily giving away the sourness of his distress. It was impossible to ignore, and Steve allowed himself to be shifted as Billy drove him back against the lockers before leaning against him, pressing their bodies flush against each other. It was intimate, but it felt wonderful to have his partner pressing his weight against him. There was no hiding the trace of fingers ghosting across his chest, teasing over the fabric of his shirt.
Having his alpha so close was dangerous. Steve may be upset with the boy, but he was also desperate for any kind of attention. He could feel his resolve crumble as Billy planted his face directly next to his scent gland before inhaling heavily, lips teasing against the sensitive skin. Steve could hear the stuttering breath that left him, and he couldn’t stop himself from leaning his neck backwards, wanting to give his alpha more room.
This was something he wanted. It was something his omega needed. For the first time in weeks, Steve felt whole.
“M’sorry. Shouldn’t have done that, but I miss you. Need you.” Billy mumbled, nose teasing against his neck.
It was almost enough. Steve could feel the heat pooling in the pit of his stomach. There was genuine affection shining through in those words, and he smiled in response. This was precisely what he wanted to hear. It made him feel worthy, but the logical side of his brain was still vying for control. Giving into the alpha would only be pleasing his omega, and Steve was done giving into those pathetic urges. They only ever led him towards heartbreak.
Screw Billy Hargrove.
“Well, you shoulda thought about that before you ignored me to cozy up to random chicks,” Steve remarked snidely before shoving the alpha away.
Billy allowed the action and stepped backwards before looking up at him with tears glistening in his blue eyes. He looked incredibly small at that moment, and it tore his heartstrings. It took everything to not give in, but Billy had hurt him. Steve could handle being ignored. Heck, that was half of his relationship with Nancy, something he was too stupid to realize it until it was over, but Keith wasn’t lying about Billy spending time and cuddling with pretty betas. Steve saw it and did his best to ignore it. It was never the same girl for more than a day, but that didn’t matter.
It wasn’t something he could forgive.
He didn’t blame the alpha for choosing others over him. Every girl he had seen with Billy was attractive, with pretty faces and perfect curves. None of them were omegas, which he found odd, but it was clear that they were offering Billy something that he wanted, and it was something that Steve didn’t have. It was impossible not to compare himself to them, but how could he compete? Sure, he might dress better these days, but he was far from anything remotely attractive. These girls, though? They were hot and sexy. He would know, given he had slept with quite a few. They also knew what they were doing in bed, another advantage they had over him. Steve was ignorant when it came to pleasing boys.
Maybe he shouldn’t have blown Keith off. What was a blowjob or two between friends?
Steve wouldn’t back down, even if his inner omega wanted him to forgive Billy. He was doing just fine on his own. They would eventually discuss things, but he didn’t want it to be now. He needed time to think. It was the weekend, and he intended to spend most of it cuddling with his nesting blanket, with only the occasional studying. There was no getting around how much he loved the blanket; he got an insane amount of enjoyment from it. The fabric was incredibly soft against his skin and had the added benefit of smelling like his alpha. The scent had begun to fade, but it was still present enough to satisfy his yearning. It couldn’t replicate the feeling of being held or touched, but Steve made do with what he had.
It was frustrating that he had put more effort into being social in the past few weeks than in the past few months, yet he still felt unbearably lonely. He could feel it in his core, which didn’t make sense. Nights always seemed to bring these feelings to the surface. It didn’t help that he still had nightmares. The nesting blanket helped, making him feel safe and protected, but the nightmares started to resurface in the last few nights. Without sleep, his mind was given ample time to linger on why he was alone, festering in negativity.
Nobody wanted him, and he couldn’t blame them.
“It wasn’t like that.” Billy defended, jumping in before reaching to grab his hand again.
Steve let out a bitter laugh, though he allowed the boy to cradle his hand against his chest, fingers lightly tracing over the courting bracelet against his wrist. How else was he supposed to interpret his alpha ignoring him in favour of flirting and cuddling with the pretty girls instead? If Billy didn’t want to be with him, he could just say so. It would make things easier.
“Well, I don’t care,” Steve stated, drawing his hand back and planting it inside his pant pocket. He needed to stand firm before the alpha started in with his excuses. Nothing could be said to make him feel better about himself, so why bother listening? This whole interaction was exhausting. He could see the hurt in how Billy looked at him, which didn’t make him feel any better. Letting out a heavy sigh, he continued. “Just leave me alone. We’ll talk on Monday or something.”
That was a solid compromise. It would give him the weekend to decompress and time to consider his feelings towards the alpha, and it would serve him well to have some time to himself. He hadn’t entertained the idea that Billy would still want to be with him. It went against everything the alpha had shown him recently, and as much as his instincts wanted him to give in to the handsome teen, Steve wasn’t that desperate.
He could see how the alpha started to clench his abandoned hand, yet Billy gave him a heavy nod, his scent turning into the burnt sourness of misery. It made turning and walking away difficult, but Steve needed to keep his focus. If he stayed, he knew he would give in to his instincts and comfort the alpha. It would be so easy, and it was everything his omega was screaming for, but this was something he knew he had to do. A tiny part of him was pleased that the alpha was listening and letting him walk away despite what his own instincts might be demanding. Steve knew it wasn’t easy, but he liked knowing that Billy would respect his boundaries. The boy had proven in the past that he could easily overpower him if he wanted, yet instead of using force, he was listening to him.
Perhaps it was foolish, but it made Steve feel like he was the one in control and with the power in their relationship. It wasn’t something he was used to.
He didn’t stop walking until he made his way to his Beamer, quickly slipping inside and before resting his head against the steering wheel. Only then did he allow himself to let out a miserable whine.
Damn it. How had his afternoon turned so awful? He didn’t know where to begin to digest the events. He just wanted comfort, something he knew his alpha would give him if he allowed it.
Billy confused him; his actions didn’t line up with his words. Steve was a fool to believe anyone would want him for more than a quick fuck. In his gut, he knew that Billy would have an excuse for his actions, but the alpha had hurt him. Steve let himself be vulnerable, and the boy took his heart and crushed it. It was worse than with Nancy because he felt, in his core, that Billy was serious about him. He was an idiot for ever thinking otherwise. He didn’t know if he was more upset with Billy or himself for believing anyone could ever honestly want him.
Having the alpha suddenly want to play nice didn’t make sense.
Why was Billy acting like this?
Steve needed this weekend to work out his feelings and devise a plan. He knew he would inevitably have to hear the alpha out, but he struggled to think of a valid excuse for such behaviour. Did he even want to forgive Billy? He didn’t know he could face the reality of having his heart broken again. That was the only thing the alpha would grant him: a broken heart, and this proved it. Steve needed to stop wearing his heart on his sleeve. That way, he wouldn’t end up in this position so often. Even if he forgave Billy, he had better protect himself moving forward.
This weekend would be perfect for him. He would get sorted and return on Monday as a stronger, better man. He just needed to make it there first.