The Reluctant Omega

Forgiven?

Jaxon woke up that afternoon feeling like a truck had run him over. When Grey texted him and said he wasn't feeling good and was heading home early, he planned on going by to check on him after work, but he wasn't expecting to start his rut. It had to be because they had been apart for a while and then Grey's pheromones must have triggered it. Fortunately, he was taking the highest dose of inhibitors he could safely take, so his symptoms were pretty mild right now. He headed downstairs and found Lex in the kitchen, making lunch. He paused in the doorway when he noticed that Lex was wearing his shirt.

"Why are you wearing my shirt?" He asked, confused. Lex shrugged, giving him a smile.

"I got something on my shirt when I was making lunch, so I just grabbed a shirt from the laundry," he replied casually, "come sit down and eat...how are you feeling?" Jaxon sat down at the bar as Lex slid a plate of food over to him. He pulled out his phone and texted Grey, asking how he was feeling. When he got in early this morning, Lex was waiting up for him and Jaxon stumbled up the stairs to his room, letting him know he wasn't feeling great and locked himself in his room the rest of the morning. Thankfully, he had stayed lucid the whole time, at least.

"I'm ok." He murmured. Grey still hadn't replied even after they had finished lunch. Jaxon was starting to get worried.

"I'm going to check on Grey," he said, starting for the stairs so he could go up and get changed, "he wasn't feeling good last night."

"Wait," Lex called out, grabbing his arm to stop him, "do you think that's a good idea right now?"

"I'm worried about him," Jaxon replied, frowning, "he's not replying to my messages."

"You're still in rut," Lex murmured, stroking Jaxon's arm as he stepped closer, "why don't you let me take care of you...like when we were together?" Jaxon jerked his arm free and took a step back.

"I'm with Grey, Lex," he stated firmly, "he's my boyfriend."

"I know," Lex said, smirking up at him, "but that doesn't mean we still can't have some fun together." Jaxon scoffed, glaring at him.

"Are you serious," he demanded angrily, "I'm not going to cheat on my boyfriend!"

"Oh, c'mon, Jaxon," Lex exclaimed, "I know you still have feelings for me...why did you let me stay here then?!" Jaxon narrowed his eyes at him, his mouth set in a straight, rigid line.

"I let you stay here because we're friends and your ex hit you," he stated sharply, "I felt bad about how things ended between us, but you're delusional if you think there's anything more than friendship between us now."

"He'll never be able to make you feel like I did." Lex said, frowning up at him.

"You're right," Jaxon said quietly, "because the way I feel about Grey isn't the same way I felt about you." He turned to head up to his bedroom when the statement that Lex uttered next stopped him cold in his tracks.

"Well, you're too late anyway." He stated fiercely.

Jaxon called Grey the whole way to his apartment, but he didn't answer even once. Thankfully, Grey had given him the access code to the front entrance, so he was able to go right up to his apartment.

"Grey," he called out, frantically knocking on his door, "it's Jaxon." No answer. He was just about to knock again when he heard the lock click and then the door opened just enough for Grey to look out. His eyes were red-rimmed and puffy like he'd been crying nonstop. When Lex confessed to what he had done to Grey this morning, Jaxon told him to pack his shit and leave. He didn't care where he went, but Jaxon wanted him gone before he came back home. Jaxon didn't even realize Lex could be so manipulative and vindictive. He thought they were both finally on the same page about being just friends now, but Jaxon let his trusting nature get him in trouble again.

"What do you want," Grey asked quietly, "I thought you were spending your rut with him?"

"We need to talk." Jaxon stated firmly. Grey frowned up at him.

"You didn't think about talking to me before," he snapped, "why do you want to talk now?" He went to shut the door in his face, but Jaxon stuck his foot in the doorway, stopping him, and shouldered his way inside. He was still feeling more aggressive than normal from the lingering effects of his rut, but he would be damned if he was just going to leave without putting up a fight. Grey let out a surprised sound when Jaxon barged in and shut the door behind him.

"W-what are you doing?" Grey stammered, stumbling back a few steps. Jaxon faced him, pinning him in place with an intense look.

"We're talking." He replied sternly. Jaxon's pheromones were so strong that Grey's Omega was practically begging him to submit to this Alpha. Grey gritted his teeth and turned away from him before rushing to the opposite side of the living room. When he felt he was a safe distance from him, Grey looked to him, waiting.

"What Lex told you was a lie," Jaxon said, "nothing happened between us."

"Why should I believe you," he demanded angrily, "you didn't even tell me he was staying with you...I had to find that out from Hanna...that's lying by omission!" Jaxon sighed deeply, shaking his head sadly.

"I know," he said, his tone softening some, "I should have talked to you about it first, but I didn't know how to bring it up without it being weird or awkward...Lex was in a tough spot and I still felt bad about what happened between us so I accepted before I even thought it through...but I didn't think he would go this far." Grey folded his arms tightly across his chest.

"You apologized to him, Jaxon," he said quietly, "you owned up to your mistakes so you don't owe him anything more...I know you want to make things right, but you could have helped him out a different way," he hesitated for a second, glancing away, "we could have figured something out together...I didn't hate Lex...until today I guess." Jaxon had to stifle back a chuckle.

"I know you didn't, baby, and I am truly sorry you found out this way...I should have talked to you first," he said softly, "and I swear nothing happened between us...I would never hurt you like that." Jaxon noticed the instant Grey's shoulders started to relax and he slowly lowered his arms back down to his sides.

"He didn't hurt you or anything during...?" He murmured softly. Jaxon smiled slightly, shaking his head.

"No, I was lucid the whole time and locked myself in my room." He replied. Grey nodded, glancing away.

"Ok, good," he said, "I'm not much of a fighter, but I would have kicked his ass if he had." Jaxon finally chuckled softly as he imagined Grey throwing down with Lex. It made the tightness in his chest lessen and a gentle warmth flushed through his body, knowing that Grey was back on his side.

"I know, baby," he murmured, "and that's why I love you."

Jaxon honestly wasn't expecting Grey to say I love you back. He had surprised himself when the words just tumbled from his lips. He wasn't sure what kind of reaction Grey would have, but he definitely wasn't expecting him to burst into tears. Jaxon crossed the room to him in a few long strides and immediately gathered him up into his arms.

"Why...did...you...say...it...now?!" Grey choked out between sobs.

"I'm sorry," Jaxon murmured, "I've been meaning to say it for a while now and I should have told you sooner."

"But I'm all mad right now." Grey said, his voice muffled against Jaxon's neck. Jaxon couldn't help but laugh.

"It's not funny." Grey scolded him, slapping him lightly on his chest.

"I know," Jaxon said softly, "I'm sorry, baby." They were both quiet for a few seconds just holding each other.

"I...love you too, you big jerk." Grey murmured softly. Jaxon froze for a moment before drawing back slightly to meet Grey's eyes. They were shining so brightly.

"What?" Jaxon whispered. Grey finally smiled.

"I said...I love you too, you big jerk." He whispered back. Jaxon lifted his hands to gently cup his face before pressing a desperate kiss against his lips. It was so consuming that Grey felt it all the way down to his toes. He leaned into Jaxon, wrapping his arms around his waist. Grey pulled back slightly to take a breath, but Jaxon still held him close, pressing his lips against his forehead.

"Stay here tonight...please?" Grey whispered.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here with you." Jaxon whispered back.