Three Months Later

“Aren’t you don’t yet?” Flynn whined from his sprawled position on Kit’s bed.

Kit released a beleaguered sigh, “I told you. We have a test in a couple of days and I need to study.”

“What you need is a break,” Flynn replied absently, looking at his phone, “You’ve been studying for this test for weeks. You’ve memorized that book inside and out. What you need is a little fun.”

Kit was about to reply when he realized that Flynn was right. He had memorized the code book a week ago. But since book learning was his weakness he couldn’t get past the gnawing feeling in his chest that he will fail.

Suddenly, the book was pulled out of Kit’s hands and he yelped in protest. He looked up and found Flynn gazing down at him, his expression morose. “As your senior, I order you to leave the premises immediately.” Flynn grinned, “And go have some fun. There’s this new arcade I’ve been wanting to go to.”

“First of all, you’re only four years older than me. Second, you’re technically not my senior since you’re in a completely different department. Third, why don’t you go with Damon?”

Flynn rolled his eyes as he walked to Kit’s door, “First, four years is ancient from what I recall when I was your age. Second, I am your senior on the base. Third.” Flynn rolled his eyes again, more dramatically, but his voice was tense, contradicting his nonchalant demeanor. “Damon’s been too busy with that virus outbreak out in Corna. Almost all the military doctors left eight days ago and I have no clue when he’ll be back.” His tone light once again, Flynn grinned at Kit, wiggling his eyebrows, “So, you’re my victim. Will you surrender quietly or not?”

Kit felt like he should protest more but Flynn’s expression was so eager and ridiculous, Kit found himself chuckling and following Flynn out the door. Flynn continued his stream of chatter as they walked through the base and out the front gates. Kit noticed that they only received a few curious looks and felt himself relax slightly. Ever since Flynn decided they were ‘friends’ three months ago, he’d been hanging around the Hawk dorms and Kit a lot. At first, everyone was surprised to see the Omega and ‘Beta’ together, especially since they were in different departments. But since then, the interest had died down, mostly thanks to Flynn. He was just so damn nice and friendly with everyone, people accepted what they felt like pity on Flynn’s part for the somber and lonely Beta. And Kit was fine with that. It wasn’t like he was trying to make any friends here.

At that thought, Kit tightened his jaw, recalling Michael’s frequent attempts to befriend him and convince him to become his training partner. Kit always managed to find ways to wriggle out of it, but there were times Kit was forced to work with the Alpha. It didn’t help that as soon as they started training, Kit would feel that familiar exhilaration of working with someone who was almost as skilled as him, who responded to his every move and thought almost perfectly. Kit had to keep reminding himself dozens of times that getting close to Michael would be a terrible idea. Could cost him his dream of being a soldier! Even if he found his perfect military partner, the comradery wasn’t worth it. He’s been alone his whole life, and he was perfectly happy to remain that way. 

Flynn looped his arm through his as the base disappeared behind them, and Kit’s cheeks warmed at the reminder that he wasn’t completely alone anymore. 

“Oh yeah, we’re going to watch that new movie this weekend right?” Flynn asked excitedly.

Kit jolted at the reminder and winced, “Yeah, about that-”

“Don’t you dare cancel on me again, Kelly,” Flynn stated in a firm voice. “We’ve already rescheduled this movie three times because you were busy,” Flynn added air quotes around the word 'busy' just in case Kit didn’t already get how annoyed he was.

“But I am!” Kit protested. “We’ve had training every day and have quizzes almost every week, both physical and written. I’m just trying to keep up here.”

“I thought you were in the top two,” Flynn said with puzzlement.

“I am. But I can easily lose that spot. Andrew is always right there and he’s naturally stronger than I am.” Kit felt that familiar annoyance and frustration whenever he thought of the Alpha. “I have to stay on my toes or else...”

“Or what? You might lose to an Alpha?” Flynn stated.

Kit stopped in his tracks and looked down at Flynn’s hard expression, then flicked his eyes to his feet and tried not to fidget. It wasn’t the first time Flynn had used that sharp and frank tone with him. Ironically, that’s the reason Kit felt comfortable enough to share his insecurities with him over the last few weeks. But it didn’t mean he liked everything Flynn said, no matter how true they were.

“So what if an Alpha is stronger than you? It’s only natural,” Flynn stated bluntly. “If people find out you’re an Omega, do you really think they’ll think of you as an equal because you beat an Alpha? The world isn’t that forgiving or understanding. They’ll just see you as an upstart or an anomaly, and not in a good way.”

Kit swallowed. While Flynn had always been frank with him, he’d never been this harsh and Kit wanted to curl into a ball and hide, cursing himself for what he deemed his Omega weakness. “So, what’s your point?” Kit mumbled.

“My point is. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Everyone already thinks you’re a great Beta. That won’t change as long as they don’t know who you are. To you and your family, you might be proving that an Omega is just as strong and just as amazing as an Alpha. But no one else knows that. And no one else will care. So, why do you have to be so hard on yourself? You already proved you’re not a typical Omega. Now focus on the other reason you joined the Hawks, to save people. Or did you lie when you told me that’s why you want to be a soldier?”

Kit contemplated Flynn’s words and felt like a dam had opened within him. Flynn was right. He wasn’t proving himself to anyone. Even if he kept beating Andrew, no one would know that an Omega had done the impossible. So why hold on to his anger and conviction to tear down everyone he faced?

“We’re here,” Flynn proclaimed, gesturing widely at the building they stopped in front of. Kit blinked as he realized that he’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t even realized they’d reached the arcade.

“So, what’s your answer?” Flynn asked, his eyes gazing at Kit knowingly.

Kit smiled ruefully and nodded, realizing once again how much he needed this Omega in his life, “You’re right. I need to focus on what my grandpa wanted. To go out there and save as many people as I can.”

Flynn patted Kit’s shoulder with approval then turned to face the arcade entrance. “Alright, enough with the heart to heart crap. Let’s get serious here. Just so you know, I’m totally gonna kick your ass.”

Kit grinned, feeling himself rise to the challenge at the gleam in Flynn’s eyes. “Oh we’ll see about that you cheeky Omega.”

“Bring it on, bratty Omega.”