Chapter Text
Life is a careful balance. A balance of strength and weakness, of pride and humility, of level headedness and irrationality.
This careful balance is easily found in everyday life, in the way their society is built and functioning. The balance is achieved by managing the strengths and weaknesses of the three subgenders and allowing society to function around them. Alphas are strong and protective but irrational and slaves to their nature. Omegas are physically weaker but mentally advanced, beautiful and rational, the perfect leaders. The third subgender, betas are a perfect balance of both, stronger than an omega but less irrational than an alpha, calm and organised but willing to obey their omegas.
Society wasn’t always this way. At one point in time alphas ruled strong and wide. Their mentality and self importance, their obsession with ruling through strength and fear almost caused the downfall of human society. Aggressive, running their packs into the ground through wars after wars, losing all their strong, virile alphas in bloodbaths that no pack won, not with the devastation they caused. They always wanted more . More land, more omegas, more food resources, more money. More power. They couldn’t (and wouldn’t) discuss anything, they could never come to an agreement, they always went to the only thing their strengths played to. Fighting. Fighting because an alpha from another pack looked at them funny, stared a little too long, scented that tree that rests on the border of their pack's lands. Parents and mates were lost, packs starved, children and omegas ripped from families raped and murdered because there were no alphas left to protect them. Beta’s were worthless to alphas, they made up the most of the population but were seen as useless even with their amazing capabilities. They were abused and worked to death by the packs who’d lost their alphas to the wars and fights and eventually everything came to a head.
Omegas because restless, worried and sick of the constant loss, of the needless death and injury caused by unfit leaders. They came to a conclusion that alphas just weren't suitable to rule. Too aggressive, lacking the intelligence to solve issues in any way other than using their strength. The omegas and betas of the time had taken the opportunity whilst the numbers of alphas was low to change who ruled, who was in charge. Over time alphas became tamer as omegas withheld themselves from alphas, making themselves a rare resource that only ‘well behaved alphas’ who protected and obeyed were rewarded with. Whilst the alphas resisted for a good few decades this promise of a reward changed something in the nature of alphas overtime. They became a subgender that thrived from dedicating themselves to their omegas, lived to protect and serve, to make their omegas happy and keep them safe. They even changed to accept and value betas too, understanding that they were only number one in strength and were below the other two sugenders in every other way. Omegas continued to sit at the top of the food chain, rebuilding the population lost during alpha superiority and ensuring to resolve any issues verbally, logically. They took the betas as their right hand men, using them to build the foundations of packs and families, their help invaluable to the development and growth of the human race. The betas were committed to doing everything and anything to support omegas, doing the groundwork whilst omegas sat prim and unruffled at the top. A strong, dependable shoulder to rely on, controlling of alphas but obedient and weak to omegas. Betas became a must have in packs and families, a firm hand with alphas who’d ensure every wish of their omega was met and then some and if that meant whipping a few alphas into shape then they were more than capable.
Now it’s important to mention that alphas were never to be treated badly. They were always intended to be loved and valued pack members and they truly brought so many important values to society. They’d become protective and brave, loyal and adoring alphas who’d kill for their omegas but would also happily bow at their omegas feet. The majority of modern alphas despise the thought of their ancestors and the way they lived. Why fight for violence and chaos when omegas protect the peace? Why would they rather fight than worship their omegas? They truly felt confused by the mere thought of the way they used to live, crazed and ruled by their instincts and urges. Over the years as alphas and omegas settled into their new roles, as alphas became obsessed with the thought of serving their omega well, alpha training was introduced. Thought up by a faithful beta who only wanted the best for his omegas care, he created a small school where alphas of age were sent to be trained which slowly expanded across the globe till eventually it became the norm. Pups would stay with their parents till they presented, which usually happened around 10 years old when they started going through puberty, after that their lives changed depending on their presentation.
Any newly presented alphas were congratulated on their presentation as alphas, praised and thanked for their dedication to keeping omegas happy. Their alpha parents would grin in sheer happiness, eyes full of pride as they hold their pups shoulder and tell them what an honour it will be for them to find their rightful place protecting their future omega whilst the alpha pup would preen at the praise. They knew what it meant, were taught about it in school and by their parents, they knew how the world worked and were incredibly excited when they were moved to an alpha education school to learn what it means to be a good alpha. The alpha pups stayed at the school all year round apart from 1 week over Christmas and 2 weeks during the height of summer. This was decided after a couple of alphas who went home on the weekend attacked their families in a hormonal rage, their parents unprepared and suffering severe injuries. It was unanimously decided after that that until their hormones settled and they could control themselves they would remain at school for the majority of the year in the hopes of avoiding further incidents. They were taught how to please their omegas, how to fight for their safety and happiness.
Betas were allowed to stay with their families after their presentation, their hormones changing but for the better. Calm and level headed, organised and dedicated to learning how to care for and support their future omegas and alphas. They were sent to a school for beta’s but came home every night as they weren’t a threat to their families or the general public. There are more beta schools than alpha academies and omega education institutions put together due to them making up a large amount of the population. Betas would usually go down one of four paths after their education finished. They would either dedicate their lives to caring for an omega, train to work in an alpha academy, train in alpha care to look after the alphas staying in alpha houses waiting to be purchased by the perfect omega or they would move into a high power job. Over the years betas fell even deeper into their biology and over time were urged to take the stress of everyday life from omegas, eager to take some of the tiring responsibility from them and hopeful their actions would bring omegas some relief which it certainly did. Betas became the largest population of workers taking over the important jobs so omegas didn’t need to unless they wanted to. They studied to become doctors, businessmen, retail workers, chefs, builders and many others, every important and labour intensive job they studied and dedicated themselves to. It allowed the omegas who wished to follow those paths to do so and those who didn’t have an interest not need to. Betas truly became the backbone of their society.
An omegas presentation was truly a celebrated occasion. Omegas are so highly adored by alphas and betas that the presentation of an omega, the next generation to be cared for presenting was always an emotional event and still is to this day. The pup's parents would weep tears of joy, hearts full of adoration and pride, family and friends, and their community would send gifts to the new omega. Rich, luxurious foods, expensive soft clothes, books, toys, even exotic pets were sent to congratulate and please the new omega. This event marked the rest of their lives as they would forever be adored this way, flowers given to them on the street, sweet treats offered for free, gifts pouring from the doors of their homes.
Once an omegas presentation period finished they would begin their education and could choose which life they wanted to live, a simple life for those who didn’t have a dream of working in a specific role and an intensive education for those who wished to progress further with their studies and wanted to be the next generation of leaders. Most of the time an omega’s parents choose their path in life and enrol them in the necessary school based on their desires for the pups futures, some parents didn’t want their precious omega pup working and some did. It wasn’t taboo or frowned upon either way. For the omegas who didn’t need to study hard for a future job their education would be basic, based on how to control and care for alphas, general history and education such as maths and language and linguistics. They would finish their education at 18 and would be cared for by their parents and beta packmates for the rest of their lives. Omegas who would be studying to work would go to specific advanced education schools followed by specific universities depending on their study subject. It worked well and omegas were able to do whatever made them happy.
All genders stayed in their respective education systems until they turned 18 years old. Omegas and betas move on, go off to work and take their place in society. Alphas however couldn’t be released with nowhere to go, couldn’t be trusted to walk in society like omegas and betas so depending on their families wishes and their prospects (whether they were deemed worthy) they would either go to be purchased by omegas to join their pack or they would go on to a further education alpha academy where the best alphas were carefully trained, skills honed and perfected for the next few years. Once an alpha finished standard education they would be sold to alpha houses, the money from the sale split between the alphas family and the academy where they were trained. Betas working for the alpha houses care for them and present them to omegas looking for new mates or pack mates, hoping for a good sale to make back the money they paid for the alpha and to help please an omega. It was a carefully well organised process and the alphas' wellbeing was prioritised the whole time and the Alpha Care Authorities (ACA) were set up to ensure the safety and health of the alphas in these homes.
In a nutshell, betas lived to please and serve omegas, alphas lived to protect and please and omegas lived to keep the peace, rule and be adored. It was ingrained in their biology and their society and each subgender was more than happy with their lives and the roles they have to play and fulfil. Alphas and betas are trained to serve omegas and omegas in return care for them.
Yeosang’s family is a perfect example of societal norms. At the age of 21 he’s lived nothing but a life of luxury. His parents, his omega father and alpha mother, had spoiled him from day one, their only pup and one as beautiful and sweet as Yeosang. Adorable face, polite and soft spoken with a cute little lisp. His parents had been wrapped around his fingers ever since he was a tiny pup and his presentation as an omega only made them adore him more. His father, a successful business man had made sure his omega pup never wanted for anything and his alpha mother protected him and kept him safe, even the staff in their home adored him. After his presentation his father had decided Yeosang would be best not working in the future, too soft and gentle to go into politics or business, hand tremors preventing him from being a doctor so they enrolled him in basic omega education where he’d stayed until the age of 18. The last three years since leaving school have been uneventful but he knows it will change soon, his parents will surely approve of him taking an alpha soon!
As he stands staring at his reflection in the mirror one of his personal staff knocks on the door, a kind older beta lady Mrs Oh who’s always dressed impeccably, not a hair out of place in her perfect French twist. She pokes her head through the door and smiles at him softly. “Yeosang dear, your father and mother have requested your presence. They are waiting for you in your fathers office.”
“Oh, thank you Mrs Oh! I’ll be there shortly.” He replies gently. After acknowledging his reply Mrs Oh backs away from the door and closes it softly. Taking a moment to smooth out his appearance he takes in the image of himself reflected in front of him. Long blonde hair swept off of his face and tucked behind his ears, soft, pale skin and big doe eyes. Slender and petite, tiny waist emphasised by his high waisted trousers and tucked in chiffon blouse. One more glance at his reflection later he’s out his bedroom door and walking down the ridiculously long hallway towards his parents wing of the house. The family staff and betas greet him as he walks past, bowing to him as he smiles back at them, greeting them softly. Before long he’s knocking on the heavy door to his fathers office, being called into the room immediately. The office is all dark, heavy wood and tall floor to ceiling bookshelves, huge windows letting unfiltered light into the dim room. He enters to find his father sitting in his favourite armchair positioned next to the fire, a small table next to him with a cup of coffee and a half read book atop of it. His mother is standing at attention behind his father, one hand placed on one of his fathers shoulders, gently stroking the tense muscles.
“Yeosang my darling boy! How are you this morning? Come give your father a hug.” his father exclaims, pushing himself out his chair and holding his arms out for Yeosang to slot himself into. Giggling, Yeosang walks over and wraps himself up in his fathers embrace, the comforting smell of caramel engulfing him. After separating from his father he is pulled into his mothers arms and quickly told to take a seat on the couch opposite his parents.
His father takes a deep breath and his head drops, his mother immediately offering comfort, pushing out waves of calming pheromones and gently rubbing his fathers back. With a reluctant sigh his father speaks. “Yeosang, me and your mother adore you and we love having you here with us but our friends have been pushing us lately, saying we’re holding you back. After discussing the issue we’ve decided it’s true and that it’s time for you to go your own way. You’ve just turned 21 and you are more than ready to have your own home and life. It’s time you move out Yeosang, you need a chance to start your own life and you can’t do that until we send you off. We will buy you your new home and you will start making your own pack.”
Yeosang is stunned to silence for a moment, he knew this time was coming and that it would be sooner rather than later but never imagined it would happen so soon! Pure excitement and joy rushes through his body and he grins at his parents, hands clasped together in front of him as he stares at them imploringly. “R-really? You mean it?”. He asks, his parents laughing at his excitement.
“Yes my pup, we mean it. Your mother, all though reluctant, has agreed that it’s time for you to take alphas of your own, to have your own home and pack. I want to emphasise there is no limit on the budget for this Yeosang. We only want the best home and selection of alphas for you. You can have whatever alphas you want regardless of price and anything else but the Omega Care Organisation says that 6 alphas to one omega is the best for omega happiness, safety and satisfaction so you must have 6 alphas and a beta.” His father explains, adoration obvious on his face as he gazes lovingly at his son.
Yeosang positively squeals, jumping up and down as he thanks his parents profusely. Heart hammering in his chest and tears of joy misting his eyes. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“You must promise us Yeosang, you’ll only choose the best and won’t settle for less. You know your fathers family could only afford one alpha for him and whilst we have had a wonderful life together we still miss the companionship of more mates. We have more than enough money to keep you happy and well looked after and to ensure you have the best of everything.” His mother speaks up, her deep and husky voice soothing to him and he nods in understanding. His parents had told him what his father came from, abusive, poor parents and caring grandparents who went hungry to ensure his father got at least one amazing alpha so it's no wonder they want him to have as many amazing alphas as possible. Determined to make them proud he promises not to settle, to find the strongest, most handsome and protective alphas possible. Suddenly teary he throws himself into his parents arms, crying silently into his fathers shoulder as his mother strokes his hair soothingly.
“Good boy my beautiful, perfect pup. We’ll make sure you have the best of everything. Now go choose a beta you like first, you’ll need your beta before finding a home and looking for your alphas. As soon as you’ve chosen, come find us and we’ll go from there. Off you go pup!” His father ushers him out of the room quickly but Yeosang doesn’t miss the tears welling in his usually stoic fathers eyes and pretends he doesn’t see him crumple into his mothers strong waiting arms. He can't bring himself to think about it now, not when he has the task of choosing his beta whirring around his mind. He doesn’t even need to think, he knows exactly who he wants as his beta. Yeosang can’t think of anyone else, heart desperate for the only beta he’s ever wanted.
His wonderful Wooyoung.
He’d known Wooyoung since they were pups, Mr and Mrs Jung are the head betas to his parents and the family house, in charge of all the other staff and the running of the house as well as helping to care for his father, so Wooyoung, his siblings and his parents lived on site in the staff houses. They’d been close when they were younger, only a few months apart in age, glued at the hip and always together. Playing around the grounds and running through hallways together, his parents were just happy their son had such a close friend. They stayed close until they presented at around 10 years old, after that everything changed. When Wooyoung presented as a beta and Yeosang an omega they were immediately stopped from being around each other anymore, their parents separating them and telling them that under no circumstances could they play or be alone together anymore. All because Yeosang presented as an omega. The first few months after presenting was the only time Yeosang ever wished to have not presented as an omega, wished he was a beta so the aching in his heart would disappear. His young heart had broken at the distance, at the sudden loss of his friend that he adored deeply but they obeyed their parents. They went to their separate schools, came home and ignored each other, never going further than a polite bow in greeting. In public that was.
The second they found themselves alone, every now and again meeting in an empty room or quiet hallway they would stare at each other longingly, soft, fleeting touches exchanged between them before they’d tear themselves away and rush off in opposite directions. He’d hear about Wooyoung sometimes, how he was excelling in school, how he’d decided to dedicate himself to being a pack omega, ready to live his life serving and caring for whichever omega chooses him. Yeosang couldn’t bear to hear those words and would run away, hiding in a quiet corner and crying, silently praying that his parents would allow him to take Wooyoung as his before another omega could. And to the best of his knowledge they had. About a week ago he heard Wooyoung’s parents discussing how even though their son was the best beta option out there he still didn’t have an omega, didn’t have a pack and Yeosang had immediately felt a bright spark of hope.
It’s finally happening, he can have his Wooyoung back.
He runs through the hallways, desperately searching for his beta, getting scolded a few times for running and being told to walk to avoid injury. He begrudgingly agrees and speed walks around the house instead, reluctant to have one of the betas in the house insist on escorting him to prevent injury, he needs privacy to tell Wooyoung the news. He searches everywhere in the main house, every library room, music room, and kitchen, opening every room door that isn’t a private bedroom. Eventually when it's obvious Wooyoung isn’t in the main house he moves outside into the immaculate gardens knowing Wooyoung helps the gardeners with caring for the plants sometimes when it's nice weather. It’s the middle of the summer and the sweltering heat from the sun beating down on his pale skin is uncomfortable and he stops under the shade of a tree, pouting to himself as he thinks of where else Wooyoung could be. It’s still working hours for most staff so he shouldn’t be at home, it's not his off day so he can’t be out of the grounds but where else could he be? Eventually one of the beta gardeners walks past, tanned skin gleaming with sweat as he pushes a heavy wheelbarrow full of tools and plants down the garden path, the kind old man stops just in front of him and walks over slowly, cooing softly when he sees the sad pout on Yeosang’s lips.
“Oh dear, wherever is making our Yeosang pout like this. Tell this old beta what's troubling you.” The kind man speaks gently, keeping a respectful distance but offering his comfort in a polite manner. Yeosang just pouts more and shakes his head, frowning as he sulks. “Okay then, I’ll leave you to it! Oh! I saw Wooyoungie walking towards the back of the gardens, haven’t seen him out here for a few days.”
With that the beta leaves, bowing to Yeosang and pushing his wheelbarrow away as he whistles to himself, cheery and happy. Well at least he’s happy, that makes Yeosang a little happier and… Their old hideout! That’s exactly where Wooyoung will be at this time! Uncaring of the unbearable summer heat he rushes back into the sun, heart hammering in his chest and butterflies fluttering in his stomach as he thinks about what to say to his beta. Eventually he makes it to their favourite place, his favourite memories all happening here in this overgrown haven of a space. They’d found it one summer when the heat was almost too unbearable to stand, desperate to cool down they’d run over to the shadiest area of the garden and after some pushing they’d found their little area. An overgrown, walled area with huge blooming flowers, green plants, a lush pond and gentle natural fountain, covered by overgrown clematis plants, sunlight streaming through the gaps and casting a beautiful pattern on the floor. They’d fallen in love and immediately begged to borrow some garden tools to make getting into their hideout easier, after that day they spent almost every sunny day there.
Standing in front of it now feels overwhelming in a way it never did when he was little. He’d never come back after their separation, the memories kept here too painful to think about and he’s frozen as he tries to step under the overgrown vines into the hidden space. His stomach turns, excited anxiety tugging at him. Taking a deep breath he ducks under the foliage in the entrance and walks in, their place is as beautiful as he remembers but the man standing in front of him is even more beautiful. His Wooyoung stands next to the pond, face covered in shock and confusion as he takes in Yeosang entrance. He’s painfully handsome, high cheekbones, strong jaw and sharp eyes, wonderfully filled out in a lean strength. He’s very slightly shorter than Yeosang, nape length dark brown, almost black hair carefully trimmed and styled and skin tanned a delicious golden colour from his time in the garden. Yeosang’s heart palpitates wildly, hand tremor more obvious than usual as he stands there like an idiot.
Once Wooyoung has taken in his presence, eyes roving over his face and body, he begins walking to leave and speaks, desperation clear in his voice. “We can’t be alone together Yeosang-”.
“I- My parents have decided it's time for me to move out and start a pack of my own! They asked me to choose a house and alphas and there's no budget! Only the best for Yeosangie and all that! And-and before I can look at any of that I need to find a beta, they told me to choose a beta and let them know. I want you Wooyoung. Please let me take you as my beta, it’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Yeosang interrupts Wooyoung, blurting out a mindless string of words, desperate to keep Wooyoung here, to make sure he knows what this means for them. Silence engulfs the space as Wooyoung gapes, shock clear on his face as his mind turns the words over and Yeosang can see the moment his words sink in, the moment Wooyoung realises what this means. His beta bursts into tears Yeosang follows suit, hands covering his face as loud, hiccupping sobs escape his throat as relief and joy overwhelms him. Footsteps quickly approach him and the next second Wooyoung is gathering Yeosang close, holding the omega tight in his arms the betas scent of fresh, clean sheets overwhelming his nose and immediately calming his stuttering breathing.
“Thank you, thank you, thank god. I’ll be eternally thankful, thank you, thank you.” Wooyoung whispers as he holds Yeosang so tight, as if he’s scared the omega will disappear from his arms. The beta presses kisses all over Yeosang, lips pressing reverently anywhere he can reach as their hands run over each other, making up for all the time they couldn’t seek comfort in each other. Their scents wrap around each other, Wooyoung's fresh and neutral where Yeosang’s is light and fresh, a delicate lavender with a hint of lemon.
“You- You’re being serious, Yeosang? We can be together again?” Wooyoung whispers into his hair, unwilling to break the peace around them. Yeosang nods softly.
“My parents said I could choose my beta and never mentioned it couldn’t be you. Once they’ve accepted you as my beta we can start looking at houses and alphas! We need to see my parents now, I want them to accept us straight away!” Yeosang is excited again, the intense emotions have subsided gradually as they hold onto each other and he feels stable enough to retreat from Wooyoung's warm neck to stare at him for a moment before taking his best friends, no his mate to be’s hand and tugging, eager to get back to his parents. Wooyoung laughs and allows himself to be pulled out of their special place and back across the gardens, fretting over the omega as he takes in the heat of the sun beating down on them, taking off his outer shirt and holding it over Yeosang in an attempt to shield him from the harsh sun rays. Yeosang’s body warms at the action and it's not from the sun. Rushing into the main house they walk through the halls with urgency, hands clutching onto each other tightly. Without waiting a second Yeosang raises his hands and knocks on his fathers office door as soon as they stop in front of the heavy wood. His mother calls for them to enter and Yeosang tugs Wooyoung through the door into the room, panting and sweating from the heat outside.
“Oh Yeosang! You look flushed, dear, turn the air conditioner on!” His father demands as he takes in Yeosang’s condition, his worry clear in his voice. His attention turns to the hand clutched in his, eyes raising to take in Wooyoung. “And Wooyoung, hello dear. I’d say I’m surprised to see you but I was expecting this.”
“I- you were?” Yeosang whispers, still out of breath and hot from being outside. His parents just laugh.
“Oh sweetheart of course we did. We always knew the two of you were made for each other. Me and your father were ecstatic when you both presented as you did. We couldn’t allow you to be together due to prying eyes and listening ears but we are happy for you both and accept your chosen beta.” His father states, voice calm and kind, so fond of the pair in front of them. Wooyoung lets out a sob and drops to his knees, bowing to his parents as he cries his thanks to them. Yeosang bends to stroke Wooyoung’s shaking back and his parents coo at them.
“Stand Wooyoung, no need to bow to us, we’ll be entrusting our precious pup to you and we are grateful for the adoration and love you hold for him, we know you’ll take the best care of him. In all honesty we knew about your little touches and glances but we let it go, it hurt to keep you apart but we had to. We’ll make the official announcement that Wooyoung is Yeosang’s beta. In the meantime, Wooyoung, pack your belongings and move into Yeosang’s room. Look after my son and adore him. You’re all he has right now, you need to protect and care for him until he has some alphas to help.” His father speaks to them, the pair of them nodding in understanding before he turns to his mate. “Got anything to say pet?”
Yeosang’s mother thinks for a moment, silent and glaring at the beta in front of her. “You take good care of him or I’ll kill you. There’d better not be a single scratch on him ever and if you ever make him cry in a way he doesn’t want I’ll rip your limbs off.”
“Okay dear, that’s enough. Honestly, this is why you can’t ask alphas for their input! Such aggressive beasts but very true my mate, you take care of him Woooyung. I know you’ll be an adoring and dedicated mate to our pup for the rest of your life.” His father laughs and smiles at Wooyoung kindly. His beta returns the smile and bends at the waist, bowing deeply to express his gratitude before standing straight and speaking.
“I will. Nothing in my life will be more important than Yeosang and his happiness. I’ll love him and worship him as he deserves.” With that they are dismissed, walking out of the office hand in hand. Wooyoung tugs him into a gentle hug as soon as the door is closed behind them and they stay like that for a while. Breathing sighs of relief as they take in the comfort of finally being in each other's arms, together at last.