#sentryagent fluff

With a crisp slap, all ten of his books he balanced in his folded arms land on the wooden floor. He hit the ground just as hard, an unpleasant sting in his butt and lower back. What he smelled after was the normal smokey and spicy scent of the leatherjacked mixed with aftershave then it hit Bob with full force. Copper, moss and a hint of lime? Unusual for sure but this was far the most divine aroma that ever made its way into Bob's system.  

That didn't stop him from panicking though. He knew very well who or rather, what he just ran into. Normally the few alphas on the campus walk around in small packs, not really interested in the betas and always keeping a proper distance to the even fewer omegas, like Bob. They were all here to study, to become something great so why on earth did he run into an alpha? 

When Bob finally finds the courage to look up and the blond man turns around to face him it dawns Bob. He doesn't go here. Bob knows all the alphas by name and looks. This one is not one of them. His thick leatherjacket is not what the students wear around here. His beard is a little too untamed and he seems a little too old maybe? Sure if you have to repeat some curriculums the years can add up fast but this man was definitely somewhere in his forties. 

In an instinct of flight Bob shuffles away, his back hitting one of the many bookshelves. The way the man looks down scares him yet at the same time his blue eyes seem so, soft. 

When he reaches down Bob presses himself even more against the shelf feeling like an animal in a trap the other man doesn't seem to care as he picks up one book after another.

He places the stack on a desk nearby then holds his hand out for Bob to take. With a hard swallow he takes it and regrets it in an instant. Now he is getting caged with one arm against the bookshelf and he knows the nervousness that's running through his body only makes the situation worse. The man takes him in with a long and dragged sniff, he is not coming closer but right now somehow Bob wishes he would. 

The other man's breath on his face is what ultimately lets Bob's cheeks blush into a light pink. 

"I like your scent, little omega."

At the deep and raspy voice Bob's eyes flutter back, that is until they land on the clock hanging on the wall. 

"Shit sorry, sorry I- I have to go." While every fiber in his body screams to stay right where he is he manages to grab his books and runs yet again. Not knowing that the alpha he leaves behind will make sure that they will meet again whatever it will cost. 

At 4pm he is done for the day walking through the large building proud of himself that he was able to concentrate for the rest of the day after what happened in the library. Before his mind can wander back to those memories someone taps him on the shoulder. 

"Hey Bob, you’re alright?"

"Yes Yelena, thanks for checking in. How was your sports psychology lecture? Did the notes I made for you help?" 

"You are my saviour Bob, I’m starting to understand, finally. Thank you again!" 

While talking they make their way downstairs, outside a warm evening breeze hits them. Yelena and Bob continue to talk until Bob freezes in his stance. His eyes were blowing wide. 

"Yelena? Who is that?" 

"Oh that is my brother, I told you about him, remember?"

"Yeah sure of course I remember. I just thought he lives in canada?" 

"He moved back here this spring. He says it's just cause. I bet he just missed me."

Bob can’t believe it. There he is. One helmet in one hand and a smaller one in the other, the man from the library, Yelena's Brother.  

The closer they come to the man the weaker Bob's knees go. He tugs at the collar of his shirt feeling as if he is suffocating. When they come to a halt Bob stands there mouth slightly agape, staring in a rude manner. 

"Bob, that is John, my brother I told you about. John, this is Bob, my friend and favourite omega around here."

John reaches his hand out "I hope she only told you about the good stuff." Bob takes his hand and shakes it awkwardly. 

"Yeah yeah only the good stuff." 

Yelena takes the smaller helmet out of John's hand and steps over the bike. "See you tomorrow Bobby." 

With a devilish smirk John eyes him from head to toe. "Yeah see you tomorrow Bobby." 

Bob gulps hard and is surprised that he doesn't faint on the spot. 

The next day he squirms in his seat through the whole of his last lecture. When the bell rings he is the first to leave the classroom, he doesn't wait for Yelena he just runs as fast as his body allows it. 

He continued this routine for the next week until Thursday when his last class got cancelled and he knows Yelena’s aren't so he doesn't have to hurry because, why would John walk around here two hours early right?

"Hey!"

Oh no that can’t be. He perfectly avoided John for over a week. Why does his lucky strike have to end now? He turns around, slowly, his hands holding the straps of his backpack with a deathgrip. He is not able to form a single word as John comes close to him, uncomfortably close. 

"I’m getting a feeling you're hiding from me, little omega." Bob huffs. How can someone be so attentive yet so oblivious? He takes a step back. 

"My name is Bob but you already know that and I’m not hiding from you I’m avoiding on purpose." John overcomes the small distance Bob created. 

"And why are you avoiding me on purpose hm?" 

"I don’t like alphas like you."

"Like me?" 

"Yeah. The ones who think the whole world belongs to them. The ones who just take without asking, the ones who can’t respect a no." 

"And how can you be so sure that I am one of those?" He is not sure to be honest. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was simply his rational thinking. He doesn't need an alpha in his life, especially right now. He only let Yelena in his life because she is different, she would never use a command on him and besides that she is not interested in man. 

"I’m having a feeling."

"A feeling? Wow okay, so I guess there is nothing I can say to convince you to have lunch with me before I have to pick up Lena right?"

Why on earth screams every neuron in Bob's brain to take the offer and go with him his words physically hurt. 

"No John, thank you." John takes a few steps back, his eyes wandering shamelessly over Bob. "No problem, you know where you can find me if you change your mind, see you around Bobby." And with that John heads off and so does Bob just when the old door to his one bedroom apartment falls close with a creak it hits him. John accepted his no. Without poking, without making a scene. 

-------------

Bob hated it. Now he sat over his books and just couldn‘t concentrate. Every number seemed to swap. Every word started to blur the second he focused his eyes, his mind always strayed back to the blond man, especially his scent. 

After three days of this torture Bob had enough, he needed to get rid of this, of this itch. So the next time he knew his lessons would end earlier than Yelena's he took a deep breath to gather all his courage and went straight to where he would expect John. 

The second he saw him the courage was gone as fast as it came but Bob had a mission and when he put his mind to something he would get it, no matter what. 

His steps were big, he even pushed out his chest a bit, his gaze fixated on John's shades, cold sweat running down his own back. When he finally stood before the alpha he didn't give him the chance to speak first. 

"Iwouldliketogotolunchwithyounow." Bob would have expected a mocky response something like "Oh now you changed your mind?" But it's not coming, instead John just shrugs and answers in a way too nonchalant manner "Okay." 

Since there aren't a lot of options on campus Bob offers to go to the students cafe. Bob orders himself a coffee, all he can afford at the end of the month, and swats John's hand away the second he takes out his wallet, this is not a date. To Bob's surprise John orders a peach ice tea. 

Then it gets weird. They just sit there, Bob staring at his cup while John stares at him and in honesty now Bob doesn't know what he should say. 

"Are you just going to stare at your coffee like it just broke up with you or do you want to talk?" That is a really good question. 

"I- I don‘t know i didn‘t thought that I would make it this far I usually don‘t-"

"Don‘t what?" Maybe it's that smug grin on his face but Bob already has enough.

"You know what this was a stupid idea I will-" the second he attempts to push his chair back John grabs his forearm "Don‘t leave. Please?" It's not a command, far from it, it sounds like a genuine question and Bob inches closer to the table again. 

"Can I ask you something even if you're not in the mood to talk?" Bob just nods. 

"What is your major?" Bob chokes on his coffee, which was not what he expected, again. 

"I uhm, Yelena didn't tell you?"

"I asked but she told me to fuck off and ask you myself." 

"That sounds exactly like Yelena." 

"She also told me that if I scare you off she will beat me to death, so." Bob has to giggle at this point. 

"Biomedical engineering." Now it was John's turn to choke on his drink. 

"Wow that is- that is cool." 

"You thought I am studying some typical omega stuff like education or social work?" 

"No no that's not it just why biomedical engineering?"

"I want to get my master's degree so I can work on suppressants. I am sick of all the side effects. Maybe someday we can even discover a way to make everyone the same you know. No omegas, no betas, no alphas, just humans you know?" 

"And what about us alphas?"

"Are you kidding me? You are on top of the chain. Twenty years ago I wouldn't be allowed to study here let alone have my own bank account. What can you complain about? You guys have everything." 

"You know what? You are right. Let's talk about something else. Do you have a favourite subject?" Oh that was the right question now the gates were open and Bob's eyes lit up. 

"In my first semester we had computing and were introduced to Python that was so cool because…"

John nodded on occasion when the timing was right, mixed with an "interesting" here and there. He listened in honesty, his chest blooming at the way Bob talked with so much enthusiasm but who could blame John that only understood every  fifth word or so. 

Time passes and John's glass is empty while Bob's mug stays half full. The sound of Hotel California from John's phone is what breaks the scene. 

"John? I‘ve been waiting for twenty minutes now!" 

"Oh shit I‘m coming!" Quickly John stands up putting his shades back on. "Lets do this again someday, okay?" Bob nodded a little too eagerly. 

Somehow it worked. After their talk Bob was his old self again for at least two hours or so, then his mind shifted to John again but this time the thoughts were different. What could they talk about the next time, was he too overbearing already? What is John doing for work? Why did he really move back to town?

The next day he gets jumpscared out of his daydream while leaning against a pillar. 

"And how was your date?"

"That wasn't a date Lena." 

"What was it then huh? Just two friends? Hanging out? Having a good time?"

"God you two really are siblings." 

"I'm supposed to give you this, he likes it oldschool."

Yelena slips him a piece of paper. 

-Friday, usual spot at 4, bring a jacket-

This wasn't a date either Bob repeated to himself while changing his outfit for the third time. He settled with an old pink floyd shirt, some washed out jeans and a matching jacket. He left his apartment 20 minutes earlier than he had too yet John was already at their spot when he arrived. 

"Hey."

"Hey so... what are the plans?" 

John holds the helmet into Bob's direction. 

"I- I don’t know if that is a good idea I never been- I never." 

"You will never know if you never try." 

With hesitance and a slight tremble in his hands Bob takes the helmet and attempts to put it on and fails miserably.

"Let me help you." Suddenly John's half-glove covered hands brush Bob's chin and Bob is glad that the helmet covers his now flushed face.

John's grip on his hand is soft while he helps Bob climb on top of the bike. It is then that Bob realizes that the only place he can hold onto is John's waist. 

The roar of the engine is loud despite the protector over his head the second they take up speed he clings to John with a deathgrip. He hears his own heartbeat in his ear but he could swear that he is hearing Johns too and that it beats a little too fast. 

Bob has his eyes closed nearly the whole ride, to his luck they don’t drive long. John kicks the kickstand in place and helps Bob down. 

"Oh my- what are we doing here?" 

"Lena told me you need new books for psychology."

Bob lets out a giggle. "Physiology, actually." John scratches the back of his head, then secures the gear. 

The second they step into the bookstore Bob calms down. He could get lost in the smell alone. Behind him John clears his throat. "Take as long as you need, I can entertain myself." Bob is gone the second the words leave John's mouth. 

Ten minutes later he is back with the books he needs for class. "I don’t have anything planned for today, you can look around, have fun." Bob's eyes shoot wide. "Are you sure? This store is way bigger than the one on campus. It could take some time."

John doesn't say anything, instead he takes the books Bob already gathered out of his arms and gestures with his head for him to go on. 

Thirty minutes later curiosity got the best of him and he looked for Bob who was hunched over the comic books searching through the rows like a man possessed. 

"Can I help you somehow?" 

"Mmmh I’m looking for the second version of this." Bob hands the comic over to John. 

"The big fat kill? Okay." 

Now they are searching together in silence until John raises his hands "This one?" 

"Yes yes! Exactly this-" The second Bob eyes fall on the price his smile falters. "You know what I think that is something for next month."

"I can buy it for you if you want."

"No no it's fine. I have something to work towards to." 

Bob presses his lips together and slips the comic back between the others. "I think we can leave." 

"I actually wanted to ask you for a recommendation." 

"Are you looking for a gift or something?" 

"Something to read for myself actually." The bright spark in Bob's eyes is back. He drags John to the thriller and horror section We have always lived in the castle is one of Bob's favourites to this day even though it is a little short. Then he drags John to the non-fiction shelf ranting about how good The devil in the white city is. 

"Bobby, if you could only read one book ever again which one would it be?"

Without thinking twice he leads John to the Romance section. "This one, definitely this one." Bob holds the book up like a prize. 

"Pride and Prejudice?" The way Bob nods lets John's heart melt as he tugs the book to his side. 

At the checkout he sees Bob gulp down hard as he slides his credit card through the device. 

Outside the sun slowly starts to go down and dips the city into a beautiful orange. 

"Shit I forgot my book at the counter, give me a minute." In the meantime Bob throws his books into the bags of the motorcycle and nervously checks his bank account. He will have to ask for an extra shift this month. 

"And I’m back, sorry, would you mind getting dinner together? I’m starving."

The diner is nice and clean with good air conditioning so the only smell in the building is the one from the beef and fries. 

Sat at the booth Bob calculates again and settles with fries only. When the waiter is coming John takes the word. 

"Two cokes, two burgers with fries and the pie of the day for later." Of course the waiter doesn't ask Bob single question. 

"John, I'm actually on a tight budget. The books were a little more expensive than I thought." 

"Sorry to hear that. It's a good thing I'm inviting you then, isn't it?"

"I don’t like owning people."

"I owe you for spending the afternoon with me. Besides, gaining a few pounds wouldn't hurt you."

They eat in silence and afterwards Bob feels like he is going to explode. 

"Do you want me to cancel the pie?" 

"Nah, there is always room for dessert." 

The pie arrives and Bob can't hide his excitement, key lime pie is his favourite.

"John, can I ask you something?" 

"Shoot right ahead."

"What exactly are you doing for work?"

"Mostly I work at a repair shop." 

"Mostly?" 

"Ask me something else." 

"Lena told me you just moved back into town, why?" 

"Work." Okay that is Bob clue to not push any further he fixes his eyes on the dessert instead. 

"If you really want to know, I got fired from my last job, don’t ask why." 

"Wasn’t planning to." 

While eating the rest of the pie Bob studies John's expressions with precision and is sure that he is seeing something beyond shame, he can’t pinpoint what. 

The streets are now beaming with city lights and a cold shiver runs down Bob’s spine. 

"Would you mind driving me home?" 

"I wouldn’t mind at all."

When they arrive at Bob’s apartment John has this frown on his face again. He doesn't like this area. "You live, here?" 

"That's all I can afford right now, yes." 

To avoid any more uncomfortable questions Bob leans forward and gives John a peck on the cheek. 

"Thank you, I had a really good time."

"I- I did too. Do you need help carrying-" 

"It’s fine really." Bob holds back the fact that he lives on the sixth floor without an elevator. He watches John drive off and makes his way inside. 

The second he puts the key into the lock the stack of books shatters to the ground and something that doesn't belong there slips into Bob's view. A foiled comic book. 

-------------

The next few days John doesn't appear on campus which is totally fine, Bob tells himself. "He is busy with work." Had Yelena told him with a smirk. As usual Bob drowns himself in schoolwork the end of the year including the exams are coming near on a rapid speed.

He is blaming it on the rising of humidity and too much caffeine that Friday after class he makes a terrible mistake. It is an unwritten rule but a rule nevertheless. The space between the hockey field and the gym is alphas only area. He simply went out the wrong door with his nose deep in a book. 

"Yo Omega, get your ass over here!" 

Oh no. He can’t do anything about it. His feets move before he can think and even then his instincts wouldn’t let him do anything else anyway. 

"What do you want, Daniel?" 

"Watch your mouth Reynolds. My friends and I are looking for our entertainment for the weekend." 

"Thank you Daniel but I have to study." Daniel Anderson comes way too close. The smell of pickles, green apples and mowed lawn infiltrating Bob’s nose. 

"How old are you now Reynolds, 35?" 

"31."

"31 and still no alpha. It's pathetic, you should solve your purpose instead of wasting government money on your cute little scholarship." 

"Fuck you Daniel." 

"What was that omega?" Anderson clenches Bob's shirt in his left fist the other already in the air. 

"Sorry sorry. Please, fuck you Daniel."

The punch stung like hell still it was worth it. Bob fully braced himself for the next one or two but they didn't come.

He feels Daniel’s hands leaving his body and sees how he gets lifted in the air.

"What is your problem huh? Like picking on innocent omegas?"

"Innocent? Bet he slept with the rector to get that scholarship."

Now John is the one yielding up his fist but Bob is not letting it happen and throws himself between them.

"John don’t." Confused, John blinks between Bob and Anderson and carefully sets him down.

"Wow Reynolds, I underestimated you. A tamed alpha? Respect."

"Come here." Bob does not get a say. John manhandles him all the way to his apartment and regrets it the second they pass the threshold.

In every crack, in every corner it smells like omega, like Bob. John shakes the feeling away as good as he can and throws Bob on the couch and comes back with a first aid kit.

To Bob's surprise instead of sitting down right next to him John kneels down, in front of him, an alpha kneels in front of Bob and worse. The skin on John's hands is calloused, his fingers thick yet the way he tilts Bob's head up and down, left and right is so different. It is soft and tender, filled with concern.

"Lucky you. His punch was weak, no need for stitching." 

"If you forgot. I’m a grown ass man, I know how to take a punch." 

"Of course you do." The second John puts on a little pressure to apply the sanitizer Bob winches. "Ow be careful and stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" 

"I’m not a wounded fawn, I can take care of myself." 

"I never doubted that, not even for a second." 

"Then -ow- then why did you step in?" 

"Because it wasn’t fair." 

"Because he is stronger than me?"

"You could be the strongest person on earth and would have to submit to his commands. We both know that."

Bob lets his head sink, he hated it, all of it so god damn much, but he left his "Why couldn't I just be an alpha" phase in the past. 

"Thank you by the way for not beating him up when I asked you. Why were you even there?" 

John shrugs, "Had a feeling." Bob bites back a chuckle. 

"A feeling? Really?" 

"What?" 

"It’s just, you know what that could mean right?" 

The way John looks at him lets every cell in Bob’s blood freeze. This can’t be, right? They can’t be made for each other. That would be absurd, wouldn’t it? 

John gets an Ice pack from the freezer, wraps it into a kitchen towel and presses it against the bruising part under Bob’s eye. Despite the gentleness Bob can’t suppress a hiss of pain. 

"Okay big boy, try to cool it as often as you can, don’t shower too hot." Why does Bob feel the urge to grab John's wrist to stop him from leaving? 

"Here. I’m not really into texting but you can call me any time. 3pm or 3am doesn't matter." 

Bob takes the piece of paper in a quick motion and secures it in the pocket of his jeans. 

"I will take you by that."

-------------

Bob really wanted to. He pulled his phone out every twenty minutes, his finger hovering over John's number but he couldn't. He can’t use a distraction, not with the finals on his doorstep. 

And then there was this accident that shattered some of his own world view. "Oh my god." Bob does not even get a chance to explain himself, Yelena's hands are all over his face inspecting his eye. "Was that John? I’m going to fucking kill him! I told him-"

"Lena, what the hell are you talking about? John could never do that." 

And the look Yelena gave him as a response? It scared Bob, a shiver running down his spine. She can’t be serious. 

"It was Anderson by the way."

"That motherfucker. I’m going to sedate him."

"And then what? You're getting kicked out while he stays and I’m all alone again?" 

To his dismissal John enters their conversation at the wrong time. 

"John, tell your sister that she is unreasonable."

"John, tell your boyfriend that Anderson needs a lesson." 

"I’m not his boyfriend!"

"Yelena you're not picking a fight with him, I took care of him yesterday." 

"You two are unbelievable." She storms off “Lena wait," John stops Bob from running off by grabbing his wrist. "Let her come to her senses, short temper runs in the family. Can I bring you home?"

"Can we walk this time?" John nods quietly, none of them seem to register that John's grip on Bob's wrist slowly turned into a hold. 

What Bob notices while making their way over the campus ground are the looks some of the other students throw in their direction. Some frown in disgust, one even covers his mouth as they walk by. When Bob looks to the side he sees that John’s eyes are fixed on the pathway. 

At the doorstep John squeezes Bob’s hand for a second as if he was scared to let go, that Bob could run away and disappear. Or maybe he was just cold. 

"Sorry for those nasty looks they gave you, next time we should meet off campus." John can’t hold back a huff through gritteth teeth. 

"They were looking because of me, not you." 

"Why should they?" 

"Bobby, you're an omega, I’m an alpha and you have a blue eye." 

"But that is stupid you would never do that, not to me." 

"How can you be so sure?" 

"A feeling." 

They don’t see each other for two weeks after that, to Bob it feels like hours, the guilt bites back when he sees John on campus knowing fully well that Yelena doesn't even have class today.  

"God Bobby, you look terrible." 

"Thanks, that was exactly what I wanted to hear." 

"Sorry I didn’t mean it that way." 

"I know, it's fine." 

"You didn’t call so I wanted to make sure you are okay."

"I am, it's just finals."

"Would you mind me keeping you company?"

"Like going home with me? Why?" 

"I miss you." Oh wow that was direct. Bob can feel the red creeping back into his cheeks. 

"John, I don't think that is a good idea, I really have to study." 

"We don’t have to do anything! You can study and I read no talking, I promise."

Ten minutes later they are back at Bob's apartment, books, empty energy drink cans and clothes scattered around.  

"I know it's a mess, sorry."

"You worry too much." 

To their surprise it works. John makes himself comfortable on the couch while Bob sits down at his desk focusing on his assignment. He is so caught up that he doesn't notice when John puts his book aside. Walking around on tip toes, tossing away the cans, gathering the worn clothes to later bring them down to the laundry room of the building. 

The thing that Bob pulls out of his trance is the ring of the doorbell. He only hears John muttering a thank you and the smell of Chinese Takeout lingers in the air. Then he feels John's hand on his shoulder squeezing just the tiniest bit. 

"Come, you need to eat." 

John was right, with the first bite Bob couldn’t hold himself back anymore eating like a vacuum. The empty plastic container now sitting in front of him, John is still eating. He doesn't miss the small sound of Bob's stomach. 

"Here I’m full." 

"Are you sure?" 

John just shoves his food in Bob's lap and watches him eating the rest, making a mental note to order more of the shrimp fried rice next time. 

"Why do I feel so much better now?"

"I taught you're the smart one, shouldn’t you know that humans need food?"

Bob wants to stand up but John is faster. "You relax, I take care of the rest."

The second John steps back into the small living room a deep, shaking snore tells him that Bob fell into a food coma. John lifts him from the couch as if he weighs nothing which would still be too much. 

When John slowly lets Bob down to tug him into the bed he has to face another problem. Bob is not letting go, like a piece of gum in the hair. "Bobby, you need to sleep." 

"Downd go, pleees."

For heaven's sake, how could he? Half an hour, till Bob was fully asleep, he said to himself. He laid down with him pulling the blanket beneath their chins. 

Half an hour but Bob’s body cuddling him from the side was just too soft. Till Bob is fully asleep but his smell dances so comforting between them that John muscles would relax for once. Just a few more minutes but then Bob takes John's hand, on purpose, interlocking their fingers and the vision around John becomes blurry. 

The next day Bob is rather confused still in his jeans and shirt from the last day, a note to his side. 

-Had to leave for work. Drink well, eat plenty.-

The confusion rises some more with the second sentence until he steps into the kitchen and opens the fridge. Fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and even some packed meat. When he opens one of the cupboards a pack of Instant Ramen falls to the floor, Bob’s favourite. 

-------------

Bob basically aced all his tests and assignments being on top of the class this semester. Now he had something sacred, he had time.  

"Hey Lena!" 

"Did you pass?" 

"Nearly a perfect score."

"Urgh I wish but at least I don’t have to repeat a year again, he is not picking me up by the way." 

"Thats not what I wanted to ask." 

"So?"

"Can you tell me where he works, I want to surprise him."

Bob really hopes that John will drive him back later. He has to switch the bus two times and walk for twenty minutes till he arrives. 

It’s a little rusty, a fan blowing some air around but something inside Bob tells him that the people here know their handiwork. Bob jumps in his spot when a heavy arm wraps around his shoulder. 

"Welcome to car and care repair. If it has more than one wheel we take care of it. What can I do for you young man?"

"I'm looking for John?" 

"As in Walker?" 

"Yes?"

"Ah you must be Bob so glad to meet you." Did, did John talk about him to his coworkers? Is all Bob can think about while awkwardly shaking the hand of the other man. 

"He is in garage Nr. 2." 

There wasn’t anything more that Bob wanted to just shout into John's face that he is finally done for this school year but he stops, takes a step back and watches instead. 

Every time they met John was getting swallowed by his huge leatherjacket or a loose shirt but not here. He hovers over the open front part of a car, a white tight tank top covering him. Stains of dirt, oil and different kinds of paint all over it. 

In the background the radio is playing and with the next song John quietly sings along with it. 

"The whole day through…" 

"A song of you…"

"Other arms reach out to me..." 

"Other eyes smile tenderly…"

"The road leads back to you…" 

"Keep Georgia on my mind…" 

"Georgia on my miiind- Jeez Bobby! How long have you been standing there?" 

"Long enough, don’t hold yourself back because of me." 

Given the deep red on John’s face the show is over, sadly. He quickly cleans his hands with a cloth and turns the volume of the radio down. 

"Did Lena tell you where to find me?" Bob takes a big step closer to him. "She did."

"It is a long way here without a car. Did something happen?"

"I passed my finals for this semester!" 

Suddenly Bob is up in the air, John twirling him around by his armpits. 

"That is amazing! You can be so proud of yourself, you worked so hard." 

Bob feets are back on the ground but he can’t think clearly, not when John is beaming over him with so much joy. 

"I- I am and I’m free for the rest of the summer so, what are you working on?" 

John's eyes are even wider than before now. 

"Trying to get this baby working again but she is a little sensitive."

"Can you show me?" 

"Really? Your clothes could get dirty." 

"They are just clothes." 

Next Bob is pressed between John and the car. He can’t catch up with what John is telling him but it has something to do with the engine. Bob's attention is somewhere else. It's where John's body heat radiates off of him. Where the thick fabric of their jeans meet. At the buzzing sensation that shoots through him when John leans over. 

Just a little. Bob turns his head just a little and John's warm breath hits his face. Bob can see the droplets of sweat sticking to his beard. Bob can see every little tear in John’s beautiful lips. 

"Are you not feeling well?" 

"Huh? Oh no I’m fine, I’m fine." John takes a step back and Bob curses in his head. 

"Lets call it quits for today, you deserve a break. Want me to drive you home?" 

Bob can only nod, his mouth as dry as the desert. He observes silently as John changes and his eyes nearly fall out of his skull. The small belly is way too adorable for a man his age, his arms are well trained though. Probably from work. And then there is the happy trail Bob wants to explore with his…”

"Earth to Bob, you're ready?" 

"Yeah yeah of course. Of course I’m ready."

As they make their way through the shop Bob's eyes fixate on something else. 

"John, do you know if that DVD player is working?" Bob wasn't prepared for John to shout so he jolts in his spot. 

"Nico! That player working?" 

"Of course! I repaired it myself. Take it, nobody uses them anymore anyway." 

Bob could convince John to stay for a movie night. "You're my guest so you pick." 

"I’m fine with whatever you want to watch." 

"John, at least give me a genre. I have fantasy, horror, action, rom-com, comedy-"

"Horror sounds good."

"Slasher, Supernatural, Psychological, Si-Fi, Monster?" 

"Supernatural, I guess?" 

They settle with Sinister and John regrets his decision, he should have picked a rom-com. He is genuinely surprised that Bob is able to watch something like this. 

Bob can sense that John is not feeling too well and makes a bolt move. He drapes his arm and his leg over John's body and can basically hear how his heart rate goes down. 

When the credits roll a sign of relief slips past John's lips. 

"You made it through one of the most terrifying horror movies there is, congratulations." 

"Not gonna lie, the scene with the lawn mower was something else." 

Bob gives a big stretch and a deep moan. Sliding on top of John like it is the most normal thing in the world. 

"I will keep you safe, my big, strong alpha."

That was unfair. Bob fell asleep the second he lowered his head on John's chest and John could do nothing about it. He let his fingers slip into Bob's curls to calm down but his words were ringing in his mind. Bob called him my alpha, his, he began to pray that he wouldn’t embarrass himself in the morning. 

Seems like John's prayers were heard. Bob woke up first, admiring the view beneath him for a second too long. He is in the bathroom in a matter of seconds looking down on himself. He is rock hard but that can’t be, the suppressants should block this. He tries to simply think it away. He thinks about his first grade teacher who usually always had something between their teeth. He thinks about smelly feet and rotten milk but it is no use. He can’t face John like this. 

The strokes are way too fast and rash. He bites back every whimper and moan, blinking away the tears that dear to roll down his face. In his mind only one body, one face. 

He comes into a bundle of toilet paper and flushes it down. 

"Bobby, are you in there?" 

He opens the door, not able to look John in the eyes at first. 

"Everything okay?" 

"Yes, it's free if you want to shower or something." He wants to sneak away but Johns not having it, eyeing him from head to toe. "Youre a little red." 

"It's summer." Bob shrugs it off and finally escapes the scene. Right before John leaves for work he is the one being a little more on the reddish side.

"Would you like to go watch the new I know what you did last summer movie at the cinema on tomorrow?"

"Yes! Lena said she wouldn’t go with me. It's an insult to the original." 

"She just can’t sit still for more than half an hour. I pick you up at eight." 

"I will be here." Or not. If Bob hadn’t picked up his damn phone. 

"Bob we need you tonight, Steph is sick and Paul is on vacation." His job paid way too well to risk it so Bob agreed. After closing the line with his boss he calls John. 

"Hey Bobby." 

"Hey uhm my boss called me for an emergency shift for tonight or rather in forty minutes."

"I thought you were free the whole summer?"

"I know I’m sorry but Paul is on vacation and Steph is sick and I can’t loose this job and-" 

"Calm down, everything is fine. An old friend is in town anyway so we're going to hang out tonight then." 

"That is great, I have to get ready now. Tomorrow, same time?"

"Tomorrow same time."

The call from his boss came so suddenly that he had to run the short distance from the bus stop to the bar to be on time. The staffroom is quite empty for a saturday night but that only meant more tips for Bob. If only he had gotten the call sooner, he forgot to apply his scentblocker at home so he had to use the cheap version laying on the table. The instruction says it needs at least two hours to work fully, damn. Well could be worse, saturday nights were usually regular nights. Most of the alphas already knew him and Bob knew them, most of them by name. He could deal with a little bit of flirting and a hand on his hips or waist, they know better than to harass him. 

The bar is filled with a thick layer of smoke, hints of strong alcohol and the mix of different alpha scents. Two of his regulars greet him with a whistle when they catch his appearance. If he works properly he will be able to pay for the movie tickets tomorrow. One hour in and Bob already has more than he made in the six hours of his last shift. Everyone is having a good time and settling down with drinks. Bob still has this weird gut feeling of trouble in the air. One look at the bartender is enough communication for them and Bob flees outside through the backdoor. 

The first drag is always the best, his body and mind gets to relax for a few seconds. Next the cigarette falls down to the concrete, a large hand around Bob's throat not pressing yet holding him against the wall. 

"Hey little omega I saw you in there and god," the stranger takes a deep sniff "You smell absolutely delicious." 

"Sir, let go of me, now or I’m calling the security." The man only scoffs at Bob's weak attempt to scare him off. “This shady place doesn't have any security. We both know that. 

"Sir I’m saying this only one more time. Let. Go. Of. Me." Now the man starts to press and Bob begins to panic. "Are you giving me a command, you stupid little thing? Has no one ever teached you some respect?" 

With a harsh grip the man tears on the collar of Bob's dress shirt tearing the first three buttons. 

"I knew it. Poor little omega, no alpha claimed you yet huh?"

"Fuck you!" The slap across Bob’s face sends him back all those years ago. When his father was so sick of him called him names and beat him to the point that his mother had to drive him to the hospital. 

"God you're such a slut. First you're wriggling your ass in there for everyone to see and now you act like you don’t want this."

He takes another deep inhale and Bob is short before throwing up. 

"Don’t worry. I’ll get it out of you. I’m sure you will not need a lot of punishment, you stupid little thing." 

"The law says only alphas that are mated to their omegas are allowed to punish them."

The hand goes to Bob's jaw forcing his mouth agape. "Do I look like I care about the fucking law? Turn around. Now!" 

"Let go of him you little piece of shit." 

Bob closes his eyes, recognizing the voice immediately. 

"Get back inside man, this is none of your business." 

Without further warning John struts forward, pulling the man away from Bob. The first punch audibly breaks some bones, with every word the punches become angrier. 

"I said get away from him you son of a bitch."

"John stop! You're killing him!" And Bob is pressed to the wall again but this time by John's pure body weight. 

"What are you even doing here?" 

"I work here. What are you doing here?"

"I told you we would go out,” John takes Bob by his wrist and attempts to pull him back inside but he slips out of John’s hold. “What the hell are you doing?" 

"We're leaving, you will not stay here."

"I will finish my shift John." He wants to grab Bob's wrist again but Bob flinches.

"I’m not kidding, Bobby we’re leaving." 

"I’m not kidding either. I can’t afford to lose this job." 

"I thought you had a scholarship?" 

"It's only paying for my tuition, I have to pay everything else myself." 

John lets go of Bob and takes a step back, his chest is heaving at a concerning rate, his knuckles open, his pupils dilated. 

"John, your bleeding let me-" 

Within a matter of seconds John is gone, Bob not able to move, only the shout of the barkeeper to get his ass back inside is what pulls him back into the here and now. 

The rest of the night passes peacefully workwise. Bob's mind is racing with shame and guilt.

The next evening at eight he waits. The clock ticks 8:30 then 9 at 9:30 Bob has enough and calls him. After the twelfth try he tosses his phone aside. He fucked up as always. What was he thinking? That he and John had a connection? That John loves him? A bitter sob echoed through Bob's apartment. Then Creep by radiohead starts playing and his hope rises, it is Yelena. 

"Hey Bobby, I just wanted to ask how your time off is going." Apparently John didn’t tell her so he does. Holding back his tears as best as he can. 

"If you want I can give you his address, there is a spare key under the garden gnome."

"You would do that?"

"Exceptionally yes. I can’t live with the idea of you being hurt. I’m sure he is just sitting on his bed, brooding and wallowing in his own self-pity." 

Bob manages a fake laugh at the thought. When he stands right in front of John's door guilt washes over him. He is going to invade John's privacy. He turns the key around loud enough that everyone inside should be able to hear it. 

"John? You're there?" 

No response. Maybe he is out with his friend Bob thinks to himself but a guttural sound gives John away. This is suspicious, if the sound of the lock didn’t announce Bob his smell should have already told John about his invasion. 

With small and quiet steps Bob follows the sounds. The smell lingering around the apartment flooding his senses already, they are stronger than usual, John must be in pain. 

Bob allows himself a peek first through the door he suspects John behind, the view is definitely not what he expected. 

Johns usually slick back hair falls over his forehead in thick streaks. He has a hand underneath the blanket, his hips thrusting up and in the other he holds a shirt to his nose, Bob’s pink floyd shirt. That explains why he didn’t smell Bob when entering. 

John stops his doing completely when a loud creak of the wooden floor under Bob's feet ultimately gives him away. He doesn't flinch as John stands up and walks over to him in big predatory steps. This is not John, not really, he is taken over by his instincts.  

Bob feels a tight squeeze on his shoulders as he gets dragged inside the bedroom and pressed against the door. He nearly can’t see any of the soft blue, only a pitch black in John's eyes. 

"What the hell are you doing here?" 

"You didn’t answer your phone. I was worried."

"As you should. Leave." 

"You are in a rut. I will not leave you on your own, you are in pain." John closes the distance some more, his nose now brushing Bob, his eyes fixating on Bob's pink lips. His mouth right next to Bob's ear, his voice a low raspy whisper. “You have no idea what you are offering.” That is the truth Bob never slept with anyone before, let alone an alpha in heat but he is not backing out of this. 

"One more time Bobby, leave!" 

"Is that a command?" John lets his head sink in defeat even in this state he couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t give Bob a single command even though it would mean keeping him safe.

"Then take me." The kiss is nothing like in the movies. No exploding fireworks, no cheering, just pure unadulterated need. John's tongue demands entrance without Bob savouring the kiss first. 

John’s hands work quickly and unforgiven. Bob's shirt ends up in scrambles on the floor. While tugging at his belt John leaves some light scratches on Bob's lower belly.

At the point when Bob is stripped to only his boxers they are panting into the other's mouth instead of kissing.  

Bob is swept off his feet and thrown into the bed. John licks over his lips and then his teeth. "This is all your fault, omega." Bob crawls backwards but John is not having that. He pulls him to the edge of the bed by his ankles standing tall between Bob's legs. 

"Yes I should have claimed you all the way back then in the library," John throws his own shirt aside and Bob swears to himself that one day he will bite every inch of this damn tummy “I didn’t. I wanted to take my sweet time with you. I wanted you to trust me and as I’m seeing right now, It worked." 

John lets his fingers glide over Bob's mouth and he opens with needing to be told. As soon as John pushes his thick fingers further down Bob's throat he has to gag but John is not pulling them out, he holds them in place. "Coming here was your first mistake, the second was to think you can actually help me." 

Finally John's fingers leave his throat and with a harsh twist his face hits the sheets, his boxers gone now. "Gods look at this," the hard smack lets Bob's hips jolt up and John uses this advantage to get a hold of Bob's cock. The loud whine Bob breaths out in response is music to his ears. "All of this for me, pretty omega?" 

Bob frantically shakes his head and John hits another smack. "Answer me properly when I talk to you."

"Yes alpha! It's all for you. Only for you." 

"Not for that motherfucker at the bar?" This time the smack is way harder than the previous ones and Bob jolts again. 

"It’s only for you John! Thank you for protecting me from that other alpha." He hit the right nerve apparently. "Center of the bed, now." Bob obeys and listens, he hears another piece of fabric falling to the ground,  he feels the mattress dip behind him and then a hot shot of panic floods him. 

John is rubbing his  huge massive cock is right between his asscheeks and even though Bob can’t see, he feels and it scares him, the air getting stuck in the back of his throat. 

"I don’t think it's is going to fit," in a weak attempt Bob crawls forwards but John pulls him back immediately "I-I mean it is too big- it’s." 

"Ssh pretty boy, it will not hurt." At his words Bob relaxes under John's touch, that is until he feels the rough skin of John's fingers around his hole. "Let's see how ready you are for me." Both of them were surprised, the suppressant should block the lubrication process altogether and John was already thinking about where he put his last bottle, he will not need it. "God Bobby, do you feel that? Can you feel how much your body wants me?"

It was just the index finger yet Bob could feel how his head emptied. "I asked you a question, omega." It’s mean, the way John pushes his finger inside completely while repeating his question. "Yes, I want you. I want you so bad, please."

Bob needed to take a deep breath when John's middle finger accompanied the other. A puddle of drool pooling where his face rested. "You're not even in a heat still so needy, it’s almost pathetic." Bob could only sob as John worked him open, with every move he felt lighter he didn't even register when John added a third, just when the touch vanished Bob whines in disappointment. 

The only thing he could see was John's shadow hovering over him. WHen he could feel the tip of John's cock at his entrance he regretted it just for a second but he knew even if John tore him apart now he would stitch him back together in the morning, when he is himself again. "Don’t move too much, pretty boy, you will only hurt yourself." And Bob tried. He tried so hard to hold still as John glided inside him in one, long move but it was too much. 

Bob dug his fingernails into the sheets, his toes curling every direction in succession. He couldn’t speak even if he wanted to. John pressed all the air out of his lunges. As John was bottomed out droplets of sweat were falling on Bob's back by then. He didn't grant Bob time to adjust; it would come with the action he chose to go slow but deep rolling his hips.

"Jesus I can’t you're so damn tight, pretty omega." John's next move was down right cruel as he pressed Bob's hips down while pounding inside with one harsh thrust. Bob can’t himself anymore, he cries out shamelessly with only John's name on his lips. "You can be so proud of yourself, taking me so well." Bob chokes on his own spit while John takes up some speed, skin clapping on skin. "What is it hm? What do you have to say?" Bob wonders if John would stop now if he told him too, that doesn't matter at the moment "Can you go faster alpha, please?" 

Who was John Walker to deny his omega such a lovely request? After a few minutes John wants more so much more. He forces Bob out of his comfortable position on his tummy and pulls him by  his throat, his back forming a beautiful arch. It had the not so slight side effect that John hit even deeper now and high pitched moans escaped Bob's mouth. "You like this huh? Like the way I take you, like the way I claim you?" Bob only nods frantically, not able to form a single word, only noises and it drove John even more wild. John buries his nose in Bob's scentblades and his eyes roll into the back of his head. 

With a firm push Bob's head is back on the mattress, his ass still in the air. His grip on his hips is tight and hurts in the best way possible. His rhythm starts to spiral out of control, Bob can feel it and is burning in anticipation. 

"Look at your hips, they are perfect, so perfect to carry our pups." Bob knows that there is no way that he could get pregnant now and John probably knows somewhere in the back of his head too, Bob just goes along with it. "Yes please alpha, please!" 

"You want that? You want to get pregnant with our pups?" John's pace alters from pounding to drilling and Bob sees stars behind his eyelids. "Yes, please!"

"I hope it will be a boy, I wouldnt mind a girl but fuck. A boy with my blond hair and your smart brain can you imagine that?"

"Yes, yes. We try until it's a boy I promise." And that did it for John three erratic thrust later he came with a ground shaking groan holding Bob's hips into place to take him, all of him. The moan coming from Bob is something between relief and pain, tears uncontrollably running down his face. John's body falls slack onto Bob's and they stay like this for a couple of minutes. Just when Bob's breath begins to come to a regular pattern again he feels it. John is still hard, his hips start to move again, John is not done with him. 

"Just one more Bobby I know you can do it." At least John was certain about that. Bob's entire body feels like jelly and his mind does too, so when John pulls him around on his back a cry so desperate shoots out of him that it scares himself. "If you could see yourself right now, you are so beautiful." As soon as Bob finds the strength to open his eyes his jaw drops to the floor. To him John looks like an angel, no, the lord himself. John takes this to his advantage and places his thumb into Bob's mouth who then sucks eagerly on it. 

"Going dumb already little omega? Even with that smart brain of yours?" Bob moans in response and yet again John picks off his pace. Out of desperation Bob pulls him down and John buries his head at the side of his neck. Licking and sucking every inch of skin he can reach. John's hands grab into Bob's hair as he can feel his second high approach. "Just a second longer Bobby, youre doing so god- oh fuck." 

At the same time both their eyes roll back as John spends himself again inside Bob's delicious tight hole while white ropes coming from Bob shoot between them. The last thing Bob feels are gentle pats on his head, the last thing he hears is an honest and  love-drunk "You did so well for me little omega." 

The next morning it takes John a couple of minutes to remember the last night when he does he panics because Bob is not laying next to him. His search is short, Bob sits at his desk with a pen in his hand, his hair wet from a shower. 

"Bobby?" Not a flinch, not a squirm. He turns around, the look in his eyes soft and happy?

"Morning John. Did you get enough sleep?" 

"I guess. Are you okay?" The worry in John's tone is what gets Bob to discharge his paperwork. 

"I’m more than okay to be honest, a little sore. You?" As Bob stands up John's gaze falls onto the bruises on Bob's hips, his waist and his neck. His gaze drops to the floor, tears pooling at the corner of his eyes. 

"Bobby, I'm so sorry. I lost control. I thought I was too old. For fucks sake I didn't had a rut in years." The sniff breaks Bob's heart and he cups John's face with his hands. "John, last night was amazing really. I felt safe, with you, the whole time." It was a strange scene, an alpha crying was rare, an alpha seeking comfort in the arms of an omega was a myth but here they were now. John in Bob's arms, crying his heart out for all he cared. 

It took the rest of the summer to convince John that everything was fine. He couldn't count the times John brought him flowers, took him out for dinner and he had more books than he could ever read and more movies he could ever watch now. With a little prep talk from Yelena's side, John was nearly his regular self again by the beginning of the new semester. 

With what Bob had planned for his biomechanic class John will probably forget all of this in no time. At the end of his bachelor's he wants to present a suppressant with fewer or even no side effects. For that he needs a body for a test who could be better for that than himself, the problem? He has to stop taking them first. So for the first time in fifteen years Bob does not walk to the pharmacy for a restock. 

Throughout the first week he feels rather normal. In the second week the first side effects appear, some are good some are not. He is not as tired anymore which is a plus on the negative side he is not sleeping well but he can handle that at this point he is used to it. In the third week things go a little sideways. In class Bob is not able to sit still, squirming and shifting in his chair. The leaves are still on the trees brown instead of green, yet Bob was sweating like hell he had to borrow one of Yelena's shirts during lunch. Back home he aimed for his bedroom, throwing every pillow and every blanket on his bed he could find, when he unconsciously reached out to throw John's hoodie on it as well it dawned on him. 

Nothing helped, not his fingers, not his toys, not his hand around his cock. His thumb was shaking when he dialed John's number, he said 3 am was fine too right? 

"Hey Bobby everything okay?"

"You need to come here, it's urgent." John needed only fourteen minutes instead of twenty. He thought that Bob was sick or falling into a panic attack, which wouldn't be the first time. What John clearly didn't expect was to get hit with a strong dose of honey, dark chocolate and burned wood as soon as he stepped into the apartment. He also didn't expect to find Bob naked, humping a pillow that was covered in John's hoodie. He only stops when he sees John, his cheeks already red from crying. 

"Oh god John you're finally here. I need your help. I don’t know what to do." 

Slowly John makes his way over to the bed, gesturing for Bob to come closer to him. The back of John's hand against Bob's forehead confirms what he was suspecting from the start. 

"Bobby, you're in heat. Did you forget to take your meds?" 

"No, I stopped taking them on purpose. I didn't know it would become this bad." 

"Why on earth did you do that?" 

"For science reasons, John, please I need you." 

Need was definitely an understatement at this point. John should decline and tell him to sit it out but he can’t. Not when it looks like Bob is short before dying. This time though John could think clearly he was in charge of himself. 

"I need you to lay down on your back for me, can you do that?" With no hesitation Bob does as he is told, giving John his biggest puppy eyes. Slowly John gets rid of his own clothes, scattering them on the bed.

With John between his legs Bob begins to squirm in anticipation, pressed cries fill the room and John places his hand gently on Bob's thigh. 

"Ssh I’ll make it go away just lay there and breathe for me." 

Bob was incredibly wet the last time, now he was soaked drenching the sheets under him. John's fingers glide in way too easily. “Bobby, have you worked yourself open already?” 

"Mmhh. I thought it would help but it didn’t." 

"Poor little thing." John lines himself up with Bob's hole and as he glides in Bob arches his back. "You feel good, pretty omega?" 

"Yes yes yes, please I need more." The bed exposes that John obeys Bob's wishes but it is just not enough for Bob. He grabs John's hips, urging him to go faster, deeper but John is too hesitant, too caught up in his own guilt from the previous time. "John, I need you to take me like the last time." John grunts not able to give in "Fuck Bobby I can’t. I don’t want to hurt you again." 

The element of surprise is on Bob's side, that is the only explanation how he manages to overpower John who is so much stronger than him. At the sight on top of him the only thing John can do is stare in administration while Bob rides him. Meanwhile Bob digs his nails into John's pecks for leverage, leaving a trace of tiny scratches on the skin. What follows next takes John by surprise again. "Mark me!" 

"Bobby, we haven't even told each other I love you yet." 

"I love you. I love you. I love you John. I want to stay with you forever so please mark me as yours." Not now, not in this state John will make sure of that still he wants Bob to feel the release he chases so desperately. He pulls Bob in a bear tight hug, thrusting up into him. 

"You really want me to mark you? You want to be my mate?"

The way Bob nods so eagerly lets John's heart melt, raising his hopes that Bob actually means it. John brings his teeth to the sensitive spot on Bob's neck and bites hard enough to send Bob over the edge and well John too. Bob's body temperature finally ebbs down and John lets out a small sign of relief. Since Bob is trembling like a new born fawn John strokes his back mumbling in his ear. "I love you too Bobby, so much." After a few minutes the trembling stops and John carefully pulls Bob off of him, placing him on the soft pillows. With a warm washcloth he cleans the two of them as best as he can and together they fall asleep. 

A loud thud is what wakes John up. He looks over to the desk but Bob is not there. As he starts his search his eyes fall onto the paper sheets with Bob's handwriting on them. 

Third week without suppressant’s

-Raising body temperature 

-Nesting 

-Heat with a need for mating 

-Unable to think clearly 

Ah yes, science reasons. John continues his way through Bob's apartment and hears a pressed sob from the bathroom. He knocks but opens the door while doing so, much to Bob's dismissal who is hunched over the toilet. "Get out." John is on his knees immediately, his hands holding Bob's face inspecting it of an illness. "How often did you throw up?"

"For the past hour, I don't know how often." Bob hears the click of the front door but can’t pay it too much mind as the next wave annouches itself. He flinches in his spot when John holds a piece of plastic in front of his face. "What the hell? I’m not pregnant."

"You are off suppressants so you could be."

"I’m not even a whole month off. Reproduction does not come back before the third. Also morning sickness is common after the first month, there is no way," as Bob throws up again John prepares everything. Who would have guessed, it is negative and so are the other three John brought. John wastes no time after that, he rushes Bob to the hospital where they run some tests, the pregnancy test and the ultrasound are both negative. 

Interestingly John is more nervous than Bob while they listen to the attending doctor. 

"Mr. Reynolds. We couldn’t find anything that shouldn’t be there. My diagnosis is that since you took the suppressants for so long the side effects are a little stronger. Take some vitamin B for the next two weeks and you should be good." John gives Bob a big smooch to his cheek. "You scared the shit out of me for real Bobby." 

"There is something I want to discuss with Mr. Reynolds, alone." The eyes of the doctor land on John and he gets the hint on the spot. "Sure sure I’m waiting outside if you need me." 

The door shuts and the expression of the doctor changes from relaxed to serious. 

"Mr. Reynolds, as I am aware there has been no mating process yet?" Bob's hand flies to his neck remembering that he asked John and that he bit him but he couldn’t feel a mark so he shakes his head in a no. 

"Maybe you want to discuss what I will tell you next beforehand. Mr. Reynolds, due to your long take of the suppressant your infertility."

If he would have gotten this diagnosis a year ago Bob would be happy. He never wanted children to be honest. He was too scared that instead of passing his intelligence the only thing he would pass was his dads aggression but now there was John. A man with very limited time to become a parent, a man who wants to become a parent, to a boy with blond hair. What would his parents say? Bob remembers that Yelena always said that she also never wanted children, if John found a mate who couldn't give him one, it would end their bloodline. Bob failed, he failed at the only natural thing there was, he failed being a proper omega and he caused it himself. 

Back at home John's hand on his thigh, the very same touch that gave him so much comfort caused nothing but pain inside Bob. He is withdrawing completely. He doesn't answer calls, he doesn't open the door, no matter if it's John or Yelena, he even skips class and that is what bothers John the most. Too many days pass like this and as soon as Yelena tells him that Bob might get expelled if he misses any more classes. That is what gets John banging against Bob's front door and he will not leave till they speak. 

Scared that the neighbors would call the police, John uses one of his old tricks and lets himself in. Bob's usual sweet smell is covered under sweat and rotten food.John finds him in a fetus position on the couch, not caring that John stands in his living room. 

"God Bobby, I beg you please tell me what is wrong…" With what seems to be his last energy Bob stands up and hands John the letter with the diagnosis, it doesn't matter anymore, nothing does. 

As John starts to read Bob mutters under his breath, his voice hoarse. "I was on the streets. I would have been too risky without them. I would have never thought that…" 

John’s first instinct is to scream because, this is nothing, it doesn't change anything he really does not understand what Bob's problem is. He is not asking for permission as he pulls Bob into a tight hug who is not hugging him back. "Bobby, I'm so sorry." 

"No John I am. You want children and I can’t give them to you, I failed you." John shakes his head in utter confusion and forces Bob to look at him. 

"What are you talking about?"

"You want a boy. A boy with blond hair and I and I can’t..." Bob starts to cry violently and John's heart shatters. He would have liked to punch himself at the moment. 

"Listen to me okay? I didn’t mean it. I was in a rut, you know best how this stuff works. I wasn’t thinking clearly."

"Don’t lie to me. It's fine, you can look out for another-" With more force than before John holds Bob's face, wiping away the tears with his thump.

"Bobby, when I close my eyes and think about the future, I only see you." Bob throws himself into John's arms and so they remain there until the exhaustion knocks Bob out. It gets better afterwards at the very least Bob is attending his classes again. Still he declines every invitation, no cinema, no bookstore, nothing. John knew that none of his words would go through the thick barrier of Bob's head so he did what every normal person would do in this situation. He got himself tested too.  

It was a little silly, he crafted a small basket with flowers, little trinkets and Bob's favourite chocolate and hid the letter from the doctor in a fancy golden envelope. 

"What did I do to deserve you John?" 

"You are just being yourself, you should read the card first though." 

This is definitely not a card was the first thing Bob thought to himself, the paper was way too thick. Bob starts to read in silence then he looks at John who looks at him like he just won the lottery. 

"Do you know what that means?" Bob is only able to nod. 

"Do you feel better?" He shouldn’t but he does, it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders. "John, you didn't had to do that."

"I know but I wanted to. I want you to be happy." And happy Bob is indeed so happy that he overpowers John and preps his face in little kisses; his voice is still heavy with guilt. "So I guess it will always just be the two of us."

"As long as I have you Bobby, who else could I need?"