The Sum of Our Parts

Chapter 5

Karasuno did not win Nationals that year, but they made it as far as they could. The issue with omegas being in play was stuck in debate, and they hadn't heard much else from it. Some wanted the rule on the books, but others argued that it would be more harmful to females than males. After all, the males would soon no longer be an issue.

Instead, they forced through a new rule stating that every player must submit paperwork from a doctor directly to the league to verify they were on suppressants. Any player not on suppressants would be removed from competition. At first, that seemed fine.

In Hinata's senior year, it was no longer fine.

"They're saying that because the biology of male omegas is so unknown, it's not safe for them to be on suppressants." Yachi was summarizing the new law to Hinata and Kageyama in the equipment room.

Kageyama paced in agitation while Hinata sat on the floor, knees pulled up to his chest, and arms wrapped tight to keep him in a ball. Yachi scrolled through her phone as she read the article, bringing up the points that were most important.

"What the hell are omegas supposed to do, then?" Kageyama growled.

"They are saying that if an omega is unable to function because of his pheromones, or if he is affecting others around him despite scent blockers, then the omega should be removed from public environments. That it's safer for the omega to stay at home."

"How can they even say that? What about getting an education? Does that not matter anymore?" Kageyama realized his voice was too loud, but he couldn't help it. He kicked the closest thing to him, and sent something flying out of the room and into the gym.

"According to most politicians, anything beyond basic education is unnecessary for omegas because they can't join the workforce. They're saying it's a waste of funds..." Yachi's shoulders slumped. "For all sexes..."

"FUCK!" Kageyama exploded, causing Yachi to flinch. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'm sorry..."

"I-it's okay..." Yachi nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. "I understand. I'm angry, too."

"Why are they doing this?" Hinata whispered as he pressed his face into his knees. "It's not like I want to be a freak. I just want to live a normal life."

"Oh! Hinata, no!" Yachi clasped her hands in front of her chest, eyes filling up with tears. "You're not a freak! You're amazing! You're more than amazing!"

"Why wasn't I born a beta?" Hinata sniffed.

"Don't think like that," Yachi fretted. "You're perfect just like you are."

Kageyama should have been doing something — anything — to comfort his partner, his friend, his boyfriend, his omega... But he had no idea what to do or say. He stood there, helpless, with no recourse as to how he could fix this. A shitty partner, a shitty friend, a shitty boyfriend, a shitty alpha...

Why did he think he could somehow singlehandedly save Hinata? Just because he was an alpha? Because he thought he was smart enough to pull one over on the government?

He had manipulated Hinata, and for what? For Hinata to end up in exactly the situation he had feared — rejected by others, hidden away from his own life, and forced to stop doing all the things he loved.

"I should have just let them take me," Hinata mumbled.

"No!" The word was heavy with the force of Kageyama's alpha instincts. He could practically feel his scent glands forcing out his command despite the muffling of his suppressants.