Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"A long time ago during the Precohabition Era, predator and prey hybrids were natural enemies. Predators used their superior strength to oppress prey types by raiding their settlements, often killing off the prey Alphas, forcing the betas into roles of servitude and keeping the omegas for themselves. This in turn built up resentment amongst the prey-hybrids who after a drawn-out period of oppression began attacking the Predators in return. They began killing off all dynamics and ages of Predators, not wanting to leave any alive to procreate. Predators had physical prowess on their side, however, Prey-type omegas are capable of carrying larger litters, leading to a much larger population size. This in turn led to the longest and bloodiest war in history.”

Cloud had long since blocked out the teachers rambling. Anything to do with the war disinterested him and he had no fond feelings for the other race as it were.

“Do you know what ended the war?” Mr. Teems, a beta mouse-hybrid, asked the class.

Cloud just barley restrained the urge to roll his eyes.

“True love!” A feminine lilting voice answered cheerfully.

This time Cloud did roll his eyes. He glanced to the side that he heard the voice and saw that it was a slight omega wolf with delicate fairy-like features. She was wearing a white and pink button up tank and a pleated pink skirt with thigh high white stockings. She had fluffy brown ears that were a shade darker than her chestnut hair that was done up in a pretty pink bow. The tresses reached the base of her tail. She appeared almost too delicate to be of the predator species, but when he caught her emerald eye that sparkled with mischief, she gave him an all too pleased fanged grin that quickly stamped that thought out. He gave her a narrow-eyed glare before turning around, his nose twitching in irritation as he redirected his glare out the gloomy windowpane. He opted to watch the rain pelt against the glass with his chin propped up in the palm of his hand and his elbow the desk. Cloud felt his snow-white ear swivel in the direction of Mr. Teems voice when carried on.

“Yes, thank you Aerith.” The teacher sighed out sarcastically, causing small chuckles to circulate around the room. “War general Ziether was an alpha-wolf who was known for his aptitude in battle. He had led successful charges during Battle of the Talmani Ravine and Sunti Falls, and smaller skirmishes. Despite his successful endeavors, he was unsuccessful during the West coast siege when the prey had learned of his coming ahead of time from scouts and drew troops they had elsewhere to the coast. Quickly General Ziether became overwhelmed. The prey won the battle and left the General for dead. There on the battlefield he was found by an omega hare named Tenri. Tenri was a medic who has been looking for the wounded from the battle, unable to leave the General, the omega took him back to his hut in order to care for him”

Cloud hated this part of the story even though he knew it well. Hell, every predator and prey type has had to of heard this story a thousand times over. It was told as a story to infants in the crib and was highly romanticized.

“The two quickly became close and then, the unimaginable happened. Tenri conceived a predator type’s child. This is something that was impossible. As you already know, one cannot copulate outside of their own species, and yet it happened. The offspring was an alpha rabbit that they named Ferin who possessed even more strength than the predator hybrids. “

Cloud knew this part like the back of his hand since his adopted family are alleged descendants of Ferin and very proud of this. The Lockhearts were regarded like royalty back in Nibelhiem, a completely prey settlement far up in the north. That was before the village tragically burned down and his adopted father ended moving them to the gigantic city of Midgar. Cloud almost threw up in his mouth when he saw a billboard leading into the city, boasting in obnoxious neon lights “The place where predators and prey can live in perfect harmony!”.

“It was through their offspring that he was able to end the war by-“

Cloud allowed the patter against the glass pane to drown out his teacher’s voice, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep on his desk.

The blond groggily opened his eyes, jolting violently backwards when he saw the omega-wolf the teacher called Aerith sitting backwards in the chair of the desk in front of him with her arms crossed over the top of her seat. Her head resting on her arms as she peered inquiringly at him.  

“Class already ended when you were off in dreamland. Cloud, right?” Aerith explained before asking. A smirk quirking the corner of her pink glossy lips as the blond levelled a glare at her as he readjusted himself in his seat after he barely avoided falling out of it.

“You moved here last week.” She informed, then stuck a delicate hand under his face.

“I’m Aerith!”

“…I don’t really like predator-types.” Cloud awkwardly stated, unsure why he was having a hard blowing off this wolf.

“Hmmm? I hadn’t noticed.” She said with a knowing smile, thrusting her hand forward till the bunny-hybrid begrudgingly shook it, causing her smile to widen almost blindingly.

Cloud ducked his head, hiding beneath blond bangs. Nose twitching irritably.

“Aww! How cute!” the omega-wolf squealed, poking his nose with a slender finger. Pink sparkly polish glittered off her nails in the light of the room.

“Back off!” Cloud bit out as he brushed her hand away. He stood up abruptly, gathering up his books and stormed out of the class. He thought that would have signaled to the other that the discussion was over, but going by the tinkling laughter following behind him, he didn’t think it was particularly successful. In fact, she started chatting excitedly next to him, not at all discouraged by his sighs of disinterest. She was nothing it not determined. It was like this all day. Every class that they had together, she inevitably made sure they always sat together. He saw the glances they were getting from their other classmates. It wasn’t so much that they were prey and predator than it was the differences of their appearances. Aerith was a gorgeous, classy omega and she dressed in a way that reflected this. Cloud was a simple omega from bumfuck nowhere, dressed in a hoody, faded jeans, and converse sneakers. All in the color black. He didn’t think of himself as emo, but practically everything that he owned was the color black.

“Have you joined a club activity yet?” She whispered as to not get caught by their teacher. She leaned in close enough where the blond caught a whiff of her perfume that mingled pleasantly with her natural sweet pheromones.

Cloud had been only half paying attention to her with one white ear tilted in her direction and one towards the teacher.

“Mmm.”

“No right?” She interpreted from his grunt. “You know you only have till the end of this week, right?”

“Mmm.”

“If you don’t pick a club, they pick one for you. Did you know that?”

“Mmm.”

“So, I was thinking you could sign up with my club.”

“Mmm.”

“Thanks Cloud!”

Suddenly, a chill went down the bunny-hybrid’s back and he glanced wide-eyed at Aerith in panic. She stifled a snort behind her hand.

“Wait!” Cloud half-shouted.

“Yes Cloud? I hope there is an incredibly good reason as to why you are interrupting my lesson.” Mr. Rhapsodos, their literature teacher with fiery temper. He was a cat-type omega, though aside from his fair appearance, very little else was omega-like about him.

“Umm-“

“Perhaps you would like to read out the next chapter of loveless in front of the class?” His instructor made it clear it was more than a suggestion.

Cloud stood up, but not without shooting daggers at the wolf-omega chortling at his misfortune.

The omega-rabbit was intending to make Aerith take back his so called ‘agreement’ to join her club. Unfortunately, after class, for as much as the other omega had been sticking to him like glue, she disappeared like a ghost. Cloud dejectedly collected his things from his locker, aggressively shoving his books into his backpack. A black bag with a silver sequence skull on the front.

“That rough huh?” Tifa’s alpha scent and voice washed over him welcomingly. She had dressed in baggy black cargo shorts and a white cut off that showed her midriff and hugged her bust.

He turned around with a huff. “Do you know an omega-wolf named Aerith? She has green eyes, brown ears and tail?”

“A-Aerith!?” The brunett-rabbit blushed, as she fiddled with her dark-brown hair and her wine-red eyes couldn’t quite look him in the eye.

“Uh-huh…” Cloud replied dubiously with his arms crossed over his chest.

“I don’t know that much about her.”

“But you know something.” The blond omega pressed suspiciously; his adopted sister was acting incredibly conspicuously.

Tifa’s sleek black ear twitched, “Well, she is one of the prettiest, most popular omegas in the school.”

“Tifa, we have been here like one week. How do you know this? She isn’t even in your grade, she’s in mine.”

Finally red eyes made contact with blue, “Because unlike some people I know, I like interacting with my fellow students.” The alpha lightly chastised, “Why are you asking about her anyway? I thought you hated predators.” She asked.

Cloud snorted, unamused, out of his nose. “She’s not the type to leave you alone no matter how much you want her to.”

Tifa chuckled, “Sounds about right.” She tilted her head curiously, “So, you haven’t answered me yet. Why are you asking about Aerith?”

Cloud let out a heavy sigh. “She kind of tricked me into joining her club.”

The uncharacteristic bark of a laugh Tifa let out first caused him to startle before he crossed his arms over his chest defensively.

“What’s so funny!?” He growled out, his ears which typically perched upright were lowered till they brushed his upper arms.

The alpha-rabbit tried her best to school her features before answering through chuckles, “Cloud, you know that Aerith is the cheer captain, right?” at the other’s blank expression she clarified, “She’s a cheerleader Cloud.”

At the complete look of horror that came over her little brother’s face she couldn’t hold back the laughter any longer and laughed so hard she was bent over holding her stomach.

Chapter Text

Tifa looked at her appearance in the floor length mirror. She left her long black hair unrestrained as it fell past her short black bunny tail, concealing it unintentionally as it peeked out of the hole in her baggy black pants. She opted for a faded military green cut off. The cut off was loose enough that it would reveal her black sports bra underneath if she raised her arms up. Her sleek raven ears stood up proudly as she admired her figure. She was taller than most prey-types, including her adopted little brother. She was stronger too. Which is why she joined the karate club despite the fact that she was the only prey-hybrid, well, one of the reasons anyway.

Looking around her room, her personality was imbued as deeply as her alpha scent. The floor and ceiling were a dark grey color and the walls stark white. Her bed covered in charcoal covers. A dark red pillow on her bed and a similarly colored carpet under her bed brought a hint of boldness to the modern designs of her room.

Satisfied with her appearance she grabbed her black leather backpack on her way out the door, throwing it over her shoulder.

“Tifa?” Her father’s voice sounded from downstairs when he heard her footsteps.

“Yeah?” She called down, bracing herself against the rail as she waited for him to reply.

“Can you get your brother up? He still isn’t down here. Tell him to hurry, you kids won’t have time to eat if he takes much longer!”

Tifa rolled her eyes. She bet it had something to do with him being strong-armed into a club he would rather be caught dead than participating in. In some way though, she figured it would be good for him. It would be great if Aerith could wear down his hatred for the other race, but Cloud’s scars ran deep.

Shaking the depressing thoughts from her head she pushed off the rail and walked over to the omega’s door, smiling at the sticker posted to the front. A threatening rabbit skull with a speech bubble next to its bared teeth, bold letters exclaiming, “Keep out!”. She knocked until she heard her little brother’s unenthused-

“Go away Tifa!”

Her smiled widened as she started banging even more obnoxiously until he wrenched the door open aggressively. A sour expression set on frowning lips. She managed to pull her fist back in time to avoid hammering his face. That would have just made his mood even worse.

She frowned when she saw that he was still dressed in his jammies. A pair a short skull print shorts and a baggy black t-shirt.

“Are you serious!?” Tifa exclaimed, “You’re not even dressed!”

Cloud slammed the door in her face in response. She immediately resumed pounding on the door with more rigor. She was not missing breakfast because of this little shit.

“I’m not going!” He yelled from the other side.
“Yes you are!” She shouted back. “If you aren’t downstairs in five minutes, I will pull you out by your fluffy white tail and drag you to school in your pajamas!”

“Dad wouldn’t let you do that!”

“Dad will have left for work by then! He said he had to head out early today.”

When she heard the exaggerated groan, she knew she won. Pleased she successfully accomplished her mission, she hopped down the stairs in order to sate her hungry stomach.

Their father looked up from where he was reading the newspaper at the dining room table when he heard his eldest walk into the room humming a pop-tune.

Tifa paused her humming when she noticed her father cocking a greying brow in suspicion at her overly cheerful demeaner. Neither of his children were morning people after all.

“What?” She asked innocently, plopping down in a chair at the table and started heaping eggs onto her plate.

When she heard her grumbling little brother descending the stairs, she made sure to give him her brightest smile when he saw their dad sitting at the table and not at work. She tried to look as blameless as possible when the omega shot her the dirtiest glare. Going by the weary sigh behind the newspaper, she failed.

Cloud his dumped his bookbag onto the floor next to his chair as he took a seat across from his sister, glaring accusingly any time they made eye contact. Their parental figure very pointedly ignored the tension between his children until they were cutting the time close, and he reminded them to get their tails into gear.

Cloud dejectedly followed his sister out to her beat-up blue Saturn, causing a twinge of guilt in the elder. When they both were seated in her car, she glanced over to her brother in the passenger seat. He was resolutely staring out the window, seemingly shutting the alpha-rabbit out, but his nose twitched in frustration and his white ears were flopped pathetically behind him.

The nose twitching was a childhood trait of rabbit-hybrids whenever they were scared or worked up. Most grew out of it by middle school, but Cloud never did. The child-phycologist said it was most likely due to the trauma he suffered as a small child.

“Cloud, don’t be upset with me.” Tifa whined at the omega, releasing calming pheromones.

When the tension in his shoulders bled out, she let out a relieved breath. She turned the key to her car and pulled out of the driveway.

After a few moments went by, Cloud finally broke the silence. “I’m not really mad at you.” He said with a sigh. “I just….” He paused before continuing, “I can’t be a cheerleader Tifa!”

“Why not? You would make a cute cheerleader!” She insisted, ignoring the way her brother crinkled his nose in response to the c-word.

“It’s got the word ‘cheer’ in it for one.” He said through gritted teeth.

Tifa had to give him that one. Cloud wasn’t a particularly cheerful bunny.

“And two, I have no experience dancing around in skimpy outfits!”

“I actually think you will do just fine.” She continued, ignoring Cloud’s skeptical expression, “Remember when we were kids, and we joined a gymnastics class because you thought it would help you get into SOLDIER?”

Cloud blew out a heavy breath and leaned his head against the window with a thunk, “That was years ago Teef.” The second part of the sentence went unsaid. The part where Cloud stopped attending classes when he learned omegas couldn’t apply to Shinra’s SOLDIER program.

“Well, I remember some of our lessons. I can help out a little bit with some of the moves. At least with the flips and handsprings.”

Cloud looked over at her excitedly, “You could join with me!” It was the perkiest she had seen him be since their father decided to move them to Midgar

Tifa gave him a sad smile and ruffled his hair, before turning her eyes back to the road. “Sorry bro, I already signed up for karate.” She continued over his dejected appearance, “And you should know this, because I told you last week.” She scolded.

“Whatever.” He said with a grumble, knocking her hand loose from his hair. He was already dreading this day. Maybe he could avoid the peppy wolf-omega, but he seriously doubted it.

His suspicions were confirmed when he saw Aerith’s bright smiling face greet him as soon as he closed his locker door. The predator-omega was dressed in a baby pink, slightly oversized, sweater, fitted light blue jeans and pink sneakers. Her characteristic pink bow in place at the top of her high ponytail\. Cloud tried not to feel inadequate in his worn-out black hoody and washed-out jeans.

Hello, my favorite bunny!” She cheered. Bouncing on her toes in her genuine excitement.

“Morning demon.” He greeted flatly.

At first, he thought he may have offended the other omega when her green eyes widened in shock and glossed lips parted. His hopes were dashed when she broke into a fit of pleasant-sounding giggles. He clicked his tongue and turned on his heel, walking briskly away from the other who bounded after him with ease.

“So, I was thinking since you most likely don’t have any experience with cheerleading-“

“What gave it away?” Cloud deadpanned.

“I thought I could give you some private lessons during break.” She continued on as if she never heard his interruption. “It would be just you and me. So, no need to feel uncomfortable or pressured. Ok?”

“What you just said makes me feel uncomfortable and pressured.”

“Tryouts don’t actually begin till next week so I’m gonna work you to the bone, so be prepared!” She once again continued over the top of him.

“Great.” He muttered unenthused as they entered the classroom, feeling uncomfortable with all the stares he was getting. He was certain he did not garner half as much attention before Aerith started sticking to him. And going by the narrowed-eyed glares, it was nearly all negative attention.

Predictably wherever he sat down the other omega elected to sit next to him and begin chatting as if they were old pals.

“Why the hell is Aerith sitting next to that freak?” Cloud’s ear twitched as he heard a voice, that was not even attempting to go unheard, mutter behind him.

“Look at what he’s wearing. Is he poor or something?”

Cloud gave a sigh and turned to the girl sitting next to him, jolting slightly when she was already facing him with a grin, her chin perched in the palm of her hand.

“What?” Cloud began to ask, but she put a finger to her own lips and shushed him.

“Is it pity? Aerith is really slumming it!”

Instead of getting upset, the exact opposite happened, and the girl bust out laughing, going as far as slapping the desk with her hand, and Cloud couldn’t help but grin a little. Immediately she stopped laughing with a gasp, getting right up into his face, eyes sparkling with mirth.

“You smiled!” She exclaimed excitedly.

Cloud quickly frowned and looked away in response.

“You have a really pretty smile.” She complimented and the blond snorted in response.

A crease furrowed between blond brows as he contemplated the wolf’s reaction to the harassment.

“Hey,” He began, continuing when he regained her attention, “Why didn’t what they said bother you?”

“Cause, it was funny.” She said with a smile.

“Huh?” Was his intelligent reply.

“Well, it wasn’t like they physically hurt me, right? What is the point in wasting energy getting mad, so I might as well laugh. Besides, the reason they are complaining is because they are jealous.” She stated with surprising insight.

This confused Cloud. “Jealous? Of who?”

“You.” She said straightforward.

“Why in the world would they be jealous of me?” He asked incredulously. As far as he was aware, there was nothing Cloud had to be jealous of.

Before Aerith had a chance to respond, the teacher came into the room announcing their itinerary for the class. Cloud looked back at the other omega and she gave him a little wink before facing forward again. With every interaction with the predator-hybrid it left him more confused. But what confused him the most was his response to her. For some bizarre reason he just couldn’t bring himself to hate her.

“Alrighty! I brought everything that we could possibly need.” Aerith said as she clapped her hands together cheerfully.

The other omega had brought him onto the stage area during their lunch break. Luckily the curtain was pulled, so no one who was using the gym could see them. The stage area was very large and had a gigantic mirror placed in front of them. Aerith said this was so they could observe themselves as they went through the routine. She had a music player set up on a chair, but explained that they were most likely not going to be able to get to the music part for a couple days.

“Great.” Cloud unenthusiastically cheered.

Aside from the complete lack of enthusiasm, Cloud actually found it rather easy to do the simple routine Aerith had him following. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that he looked like a moron.

“You’re a natural!” The wolf generously complemented after she brought their practice to an end, and Cloud couldn’t have stopped the snort that escaped even if he wanted to.

“Aerith, a monkey could follow this routine.”

“Actually, you would be surprised. There are a lot of hybrids that cannot keep a rhythm.” She explained.

“Something tells me the routines you do are not this easy.” Cloud said as he pulled the collar of his shirt from his neck, allowing air to circulate and cool his swear.

“Well, no.” She admitted. “We will get to more difficult routines when the actual group gets together next week Friday, and we can safely practice the more dangerous maneuvers.”

Aerith brushed her sweaty bangs back before moving over to a baby-pink duffle. Cloud observed her curiously as she pulled a piece of paper from a teal binder and handed it to him.

“What’s this?” He asked as he took the paper with a suspicious expression.

“You’re going to have to fill this out and hand it back to me. Preferably by tomorrow.”

He looked down to read the piece of parchment when the alarm Aerith set on her phone went off.

“Alrighty! That’s all the time we have today. Let’s mosey on to class, ok?” She cheered.

He helped her move the mirror and music player back into a storage room on the stage before heading next to the next class. As usual, the peppy omega stayed next to him for every class even though she already got what she wanted. At least from Cloud’s perspective.

It was finally the end of school, and Cloud was at his locker getting ready to leave was he felt a small hand grasp the sleeve of his hoody. His scented Aerith, so he wasn’t startled by the sudden action. He was surprised, however, to see the other omega shyly biting her lip and avoiding his eye.

“What?” He asked perplexed.

She let go of his sleeve and reached into the back pocket of her fitted jeans, pulling a pink sparkly phone that immediately caused him to wrinkle his nose at the obnoxious colors.

“Can we exchange numbers? It will make getting a hold of each other a lot easier.”

Cloud supposed that it made sense, now that he was, unwillingly, part of a new club. So, with a sigh he grabbed her phone, plugging his number in hers and vice versa. His own phone a predictable black with little silver skulls.

“Thanks!” She said when he handed her the pink monstrosity back. It even had a pink furry pom pom attachment. “..um” She once again hesitated, “There’s actually one other thing…uh…can I take a photo with you?” She still wasn’t looking at him. Her brown ears were tilted down, and her tail was ever so slightly tucked and immediately he knew he couldn’t refuse her.

“It’s ok if you don’t want to.” She started to say after a long pause and Cloud exhaled loudly through his nose. He just knew he was going to somehow regret this.

“It’s fine.” He muttered monotone.

Immediately her ears perked, and her tail resumed wagging.

“Yes!” She jumped in the air with an enthusiastic fist pump. Colorful bangles on her wrist jingling with the movement.

She cuddled close with her arm around the back of his neck, pressing the sides of their faces together. He grumbled at their proximity but looked dutifully at the camera of her phone as she beamed at their profiles. She pulled away, her painted thumbs clacking away at her screen before turning to face the blond.

“Thanks Cloud!”

At first, he had thought it had all been an act to get what she wanted, but her emerald eyes were sincere. He grunted in response, before turning on his heel to walk away.

“See you tomorrow!” She called after him excitedly. And if there were a tiny grin on his face, well, she would never see it.

“Good day at school?” Tifa panted out next to him as they lay out on the ground in the park.

True to her word, she attempted to replicate their old gymnastics routine from when they were kids. Attempted being the key phrase here. It was clear they were both hysterically out of practice. Cloud probably had more bruises than skin.

“Why do say that?” Cloud managed after he finally caught his breath. He was not as in shape as Tifa who kept up with her martial arts even after leaving Nibelhiem.

She turned towards him from the sky with a knowing smile, “Because you were humming in the car.”

“Whatever.” He grumbled, looking back towards the smog-filled night sky. “I miss the stars.” He commented softly after a few moments of silence had gone by.

“Me too.” His sister replied nostalgically.

The stars had been magical at night in NIbelhiem and the two of them used to lay out in the crisp cool air underneath the dancing lights. The dew-dampened grass seeping through their clothes, giving them a slight chill that neither truly minded.

Suddenly Tifa stood up, disrupting Cloud from his reverie. She brushed off the dirt that had stuck to her clothes before reaching her hand out to her brother, pulling him up.

“Come on, Dad will be expecting us for supper. He said to be home by seven.”

After a refreshing shower, Cloud flopped onto his soft bed with a heavy sigh. It felt good to relax after such a busy day and with a full stomach. The image of his father’s shocked expression popped into his head, causing a loud snort to escape. They arrived home covered in bruises and dirt. It took a lot of convincing before he would believe that they didn’t get into a fight. After all, they didn’t have the greatest track record. Cloud used to pick fights all the time, and Tifa would get involved, trying to protect him when he was in over his head. In fact, he was pretty sure that was the reason Tifa took up martial arts in the first place. Of course, his sister will fervently deny this, but he knew it was true.

He glanced over to his black bag, remembering with a groan that the peppy wolf wanted him to fill out a form. Ignoring his protesting muscles, he begrudgingly moved off his bed to rifle through the backpack, looking for the paper Aerith gave him and a pen to fill it out. When he found it, he moved back to his previous spot on the black covers. He laid on his stomach, reading it over as he chewed the end of the pen.

It had him fill out his sizes, which filled him with dread when he remembered he would have to wear the cheerleading outfit. He hoped it wasn’t something too ridiculous. It also had him fill out his height and weight, but he supposed it was helpful for knowing who could be thrown into the air. The rest was essentially a waiver that denied responsibility for any injuries sustained on the cheer team, a promise not to do drugs or alcohol, and an agreement to show up to all the practices and games unless given special permission. He felt as though he was signing his life away. He imagined that the waiver for SOLDIER was quite similar to this.

As he finished his last stroke of the pen his phone started to buzz. It was a text from Aerith saying, “We look so cute!” and below was a photo attachment of the two of them. Aerith looked flawless as she beamed at the camera, flashing pearly canines, whereas he just looked sulky. He didn’t realize he was smiling at his phone until he felt his cheeks hurt from the unfamiliar movement. He set the form and his pen aside and flopped onto his back with a huff. He never had an actual friend before. He had Tifa, but that was different.

“I still hate predators.” He mumbled out before burrowing his face into his pillow. “But maybe not all of them are so bad.”

“Hey Zack? Who’s this hot little number that’s next to your sister?” Luxiere asked as he stared at the screen of his phone. Opting to lay on his back on the bench press, forgoing his exercises. He had been slacking off for ten minutes going through his social media.

“Huh!? Who!? Show me man!” Lee, who was supposed to be spotting for him abandoned his post to go look at whatever the blond lion had on his phone.

“Whoah! They’re super-hot! Kinda dressed like a hobo though.”

“Let me see too!” Another voice chimed in.

“Dude, you reek! Go look at your own phone man. I know you follow her on ChocoboChat.”

“Shhhhh man!” the voice frantically tried shushing the other.

Zack let out an irritated sigh as he dropped his weights. The football team members were supposed to be training in the weight-lifting room, but half of them had been goofing off for last half-hour. He dried the sweat off his face with a scratchy towel and ran it over dampened raven hair before he made his way over to Luxiere to see what all the fuss was about.

“Man, Aerith is so cute!” Johnny, a beta-hyena, crooned before a low growl of disapproval cut through the chatter. Immediately, the redhead glanced over to their team’s quarterback, who had his teeth bared and ears back.

“S-sorry!” Jonny apologized, giving wide berth as the alpha-wolf side-eyed him warningly as he made his way past.

Despite being known as the prettiest omega in school, Aerith never had a single date, thanks to her overprotective brother. Usually, the members of the football team were careful not to openly ogle at their captain’s little sister, at least not while he was around.

“Alright, show me what all the fuss is about.” Zack ordered as Luxiere turned the screen so the wolf could get a better look.

The picture was of his sister who had a genuine smile as she was pressed close to a bunny-hybrid with pale skin. The bunny had long ears that were white as snow and peeked out from a nest of blond spiky hair styled in a punk-rock kind of way. A pout settled on pink lips and an ever so slight blush livened their pale cheeks. But what stood out the most were the deep cerulean eyes that stared out at him, a story locked away under their sapphire depths, forbidden from being discovered which, of course, only made him curious. Aerith had captioned in pink bubbly letters across the screen, “Omega Besties!”

“Yeah, they’re pretty cute.” He conceded.

“Yeah, aren’t they?!” The lion-alpha grinned excitedly.

“Yeah, too hot for you moron!” He joked as he cuffed the other lightly on the back of their head. “Now stop slacking off, or the Midgar Turks will kick our ass this year!”

The weight-room broke into laughter as Luxiere sulked, grumbling before he dutifully put his phone away to lift weights. Zack picked his own weights up and started up his reps as that soulful gaze lingered in the back of his mind. For the rest of his practice, he couldn’t get the omega, who had brought a genuine smile to his sister’s face, out of his mind.

Chapter Text

Ch3

Aerith was super stoked for the day; she hadn’t stopped humming from the moment she woke up. She looked over her selection of bangles, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and chose a pair of silver earrings that had stars hanging down, attached by a long delicate chain. Earrings tended to be some of the most expensive jewelry because it had to be specially made for each hybrid type. It was a special fitted half-circlet with clasps at either end to attach to the ear. Some varieties actually went through the lobe but her parents wouldn’t let her do that. She put a hand behind her soft brown ear to admire the small silver circlet that curved delicately around the back of the ear, a few small chains dangled down with dancing stars sparkling at the ends in various sizes. She applied a light shade of pink gloss to her lips and smiled at her reflection.

“Ready to go!” She winked to her twin before hopping off the seat of her vanity to run downstairs. Today she had chosen to wear a light-colored jean skirt that ruffled at the bottom just above the knees and high neck cashmere tank, of course in the color pink.

Her family was already seated at the dining room table already eating. She pouted a bit when she realized no one waited for her, but knowing how exciting today was going to be, it didn’t weigh her down long. She happily skipped over to take her seat next to her eldest brother Angeal. It looked like her Oma (Omega bearer) had served pancakes, of course with plenty of sausage for her carnivorous pack.

“You’re in a good mood. Thinking about an alpha you like?” Genesis, her brother's mate, teased her from across the table, a playful smirk on the corner of his lips. Ironically enough, he also happened to be her Literature teacher. Doesn’t mean he showed her any favor though.

“Better not be.” Angeal growled next to her, and Genesis gave an exasperated sigh.

“I swear, the poor dear will be lucky to not die an old maid with how overprotective this whole family is of her.”

“You’re being dramatic as usual, Genesis.” Elmyra, her Apa (Alpha Sire) lightly scolded. She herself was a stoic and traditional Alpha, and hadn’t been a fan of the theatrical Omega, but her eldest had his heart set on him, so she begrudgingly accepted him into their family.

Genesis just huffed a sarcastic laugh through his nose, a biting retort died in a muffled yelp before it could leave his lips and he leveled a poisonous glare at his mate from across the table, who had presumably kicked him to prevent his mate from straining his relationship with his Apa-in-law more than it already was.

Aerith watched the familial banter with a light grin before announcing, “Not to worry, I’m not looking for a mate right now.” A relieved sigh could be heard from her eldest sibling. “I’m thinking about my new friend!”

Almost immediately silence dawned at the table and tension was palpable in the air. Aerith elected to ignore her family’s reaction and kept eating. It was at this time that Zack’s sleepy steps shuffled down the stairs, disturbing the quiet almost comically as he descended. Eventually someone even as obtuse as her brother Zack could read the stifling atmosphere and paused where he had been lazily scratching behind his ear to read the room.

“Someone die or something?”

Aerith couldn’t stop the unflattering snort that escaped her nose at her brother’s impossibly inappropriate question at such inopportune timing. Really, her brother truly was a master at being inept in the art of social grace.

“Aerith was just telling us about her new…friend.” Elmyra hesitated and Zack’s ink-colored ears perked excitedly. His tailed wagged eagerly as he bounced over to his sister and plopped down on the other side of her.

“The bunny omega with blond hair right!?” He spoke too excitedly and was embarrassed to find that everyone at the table was eyeing him with a quirked brow.

“Interested much?” Genesis teased, causing the raven-haired wolf’s blush to deepen.

Despite being interested to know how and why her brother was already in the know of her new friend, she decided to give him a break.

“Yep!” She chirped, popping the P.

“Well, are you going to tell us more about them?” Her Apa asked, trying to appear calm and only casually interested as she resumed cutting her pancakes.

“Well…” She started, pondering how to describe the prickly omega, “He’s a little awkward, standoffish, kinda rude…”

Her family was feeling increasingly alarmed as Aerith continued her depictions.

“But a total sweetie!” She ended, the joy barely contained in her voice.

“He sounds lovely dear.” Ilfana, her Oma, said as she placed another platter of pancakes on the table, much to Zack’s glee as he quickly began heaping the steaming flatbread onto his plate.

“Yeah…lovely…” Genesis deadpanned, clearly relaying his contrary opinion.

As soon as Aerith finished, she took her plate to take to the kitchen and grabbed her pink bag to head off to school.

“Wait!” She heard Zack shout from behind her. When she glanced back to the table he was quickly wolfing everything down, amazingly without choking. He ran to the kitchen, more throwing than setting his plate in the sink, earning the ire and a harsh scolding from Ilfana, and darted towards his sister.

“I’ll take you!” He offered in reply when she stared at him in confusion.

She had originally planned to have the chauffeur take her to school seeing as Zack usually liked to take his bike, and their parents didn’t like the idea of Aerith riding with.

“I’m not supposed to ride on your bike.” Aerith sounded out slowly with hands perched on her hips. Zack already knew this rule. He simply grinned his blinding smile and dangled his car keys above her nose.

“I wasn’t planning on taking my bike.”

The confusion on her face slowly faded into clarity, and a mischievous smile quirked her glossy lips. Zack’s own smile faded as he warily regarded the change in his little sister’s demeanor.

“W-what?” He asked a little defensively.

“~Oh nothing!” She said airily in a singsong fashion before skipping out the door, a knowing grin on her face.

Zack stared after her in befuddlement, scratching the back of his head in a nervous tick before following after her.

“Get up Cloud! I swear I shouldn’t have to do this EVERY morning!” Tifa yelled through the door in exasperation.

The addressed bunny simply pulled his pillow over his head to block out the obnoxious ravings of his sister.

“I will break this door down!” She warned and Cloud was suspicious enough that she might do it. Even at the risk of incurring their father’s wrath.

“I’m going to count to three!” She continued and Cloud angrily flung the pillow off his face with a growl that the predator hybrids would envy. He stomped over to the door and wrenched it open as soon as she got to three, making sure to venomously glare at his sister who had a cheerful triumphant expression on her face.

“Good Morning Sunshine, ready for your big day-” She promptly got a door slammed in her face. “Guess not.”

Not being ready was an understatement to how Cloud was feeling. More like, wishing to be eaten by a Zolom or trampled by a Behemoth. Regardless of how he felt, for some reason he still felt that he couldn’t turn down the overly peppy wolf that he somehow became friends with. It was like, her peppiness was a cover for something deeper, not fake, just hiding. Somehow similar to him...without the pep.

Bzzzz.

A buzzing noise pulled Cloud from his thoughts and he grabbed his phone from where it was sitting on his dresser.

“Good luck today, I know you’re gonna kill it! Those guys on the team won’t know what hit em!” A text from Aerith read and he quickly stifled the grin he felt trying to pull at his lips.

He walked over to his closet trying to decide what to wear, but ultimately chose his usual. A hoody and worn out jeans. Feeling another buzz, he pulled out his phone.

“P.S. Bring something you can move in for practice…or wear what i bring =)”

Feeling a chill at the thought of wearing something pink and sparkly that Aerith would bring, he made sure to toss some exercise clothes with in his bag. Feeling a little more put together he opened his door, half expecting to see Tifa waiting for him. To his relief she was not. In fact, when he walked into the dinning room, only their father was waiting at the table.

“Did Tifa leave?” The omega had to ask as he glanced around. Their father looked up in surprise as if he also just realized the absence of the younger Alpha.

“I asked her to go wake you up a while ago…she didn’t come down with you?” He didn’t seem concerned, just confused, and Cloud was as well. Tifa wasn’t exactly a morning person, but she had a routine, and that routine usually had her at the table before her younger brother.

“I just wanted to finish getting ready.” Her voice sounded from the top of the stairs, and Cloud and their father couldn’t help but gawk as she descended, causing her to blush self consciously.

She had on a tight leather skort that showed off her long legs, making them seem to go on for miles, black thigh-high stockings that ended in her red high top sneakers. A skin-tight white tank that hugged her generous bust with a black sports crop tank underneath for support and black leather suspenders to complete the look.
“Is it too much?” Tifa asked timidly, nervously fiddling her sleek black hair. The action was nostalgic of their childhood when his sister was a lot more reserved, and her alpha traits less obvious. He supposed she became more bold when Cloud came into their family.

“No, you look…great.” He complimented awkwardly and his sister smiled appreciatively.

“Puberty.” Their father muttered behind his daily paper, causing his alpha child to furiously blush again.

While in the car, Cloud glanced over at his sister, tempted to ask for the reason behind the wardrobe change, but thought better of it. She seemed nervous enough as it was. Which seemed rather ironic to him, seeing as he was the one who had to perform in front of a bunch of preppy snobs so he could join their club.

Exiting the vehicle, Cloud could have slapped himself for being so oblivious as his sister damn near had a panic attack when they spotted a blur of pink in the distance.

“That’s Aerith!” His sister hissed through her teeth and nervously clutched his arm. Oh no! Cloud had no idea how to handle the idea that his big sister had the warm cuddlies for his, reluctantly gained, friend.

He quirked a blond brow and glanced over to where she was to confirm that, yes indeed, it was Aerith. But his eyes were more drawn to the sleek black sports vehicle, which could only be the recently issued model Infrit F-X. that she was standing next to.

“Would you like me to introduce you?” Cloud asked, unperturbed by the Alpha’s sudden onset of shyness.

“Oh, I don’t know…” Tifa began to ramble, playing with the hem of her skort.

Cloud rolled his eyes and grabbed her forearm and began dragging her, ignoring her protests. He supposed it was payback for this morning….and every morning really.

“Hey Aerith!” He shouted when they got close and cringed when he realized there was a whole crowd of people surrounding her and that sweet sweet car Cloud really wanted to get a closer look at. ‘Whatever’ he thought, ‘I’ll just roll with it.’

Hearing her name, Aerith’s ears instantly perked and she looked to spot the speaker.

“Cloud!” She shouted, and actually started jump waving in her excitement.

The group parted to let the rabbit siblings in, and Cloud tried not to let the fact that most of the people in the group were predator hybrids get to him. Luckily, Aerith took the chance to run up to him, tossing her arms around his shoulders in a hug. Vaguely, he could tell she was scenting him, which only intimate friends, family, and intended ones were supposed to do.

“So, this is the hot new number?” A voice sounded way too close to Cloud’s ear for comfort.

Letting go of Aerith he immediately swung around to face the potential threat and came inches from a blond-haired lion-hybrid. His nose twitched irritably as he scented the alpha’s musk, a snarl at his lips.

“Uh, Luxiere, maybe give Cloud a little space?” Aerith chimed in, gently pulling the omega bunny back a few inches to give him more breathing room.

As more and more Alphas curiously pressed in, Cloud’s irritability became more pronounced as it flooded his pheromones, which in turn caused the alphas to be more on edge as they scented his distress. Close to snapping, something Cloud hadn’t done since childhood, he vaguely could hear his sister calling him and scented her calming pheromones, but it wasn’t enough as the other alphas pressed closer to the distressed omega. Suddenly a low commanding growl ripped through air and instantly Cloud could feel fresh air circulate again as the crowd of people backed away.

“Enough! Give the bunny some space already!” The command weighed heavily and left lesser ranks no choice but to comply and the alphas were smart enough to heed it. Though the command wasn’t aimed at him, both he and Aerith had their necks instinctively bared. He could offhandedly hear him shooing the crowd away, but internally his omega happily preened at the authoritative presence, which he squashed down with a vengeance.

“Are you ok?” He scented his sister and allowed her calming pheromones to wash over him.

“Y-yeah.” He mumbled, forcing himself to straighten his neck. He felt Tifa clasp both his wrists and he eventually met her wine-red eyes, intense worry apparent in her gaze.

“I’m fine.” He reiterated a little more firmly, hoping to reassure her, but she only looked skeptical.

“It’s just…you haven’t had an episode in a while-”

“I didn’t!” Cloud bit out, with a little more ire than he originally intended. Suddenly he scented Aerith’s soft floral scent joining Tifa’s cinnamon and bourbon, and it wasn't long before he felt her arms wrap around his waist from behind. He hadn’t realized his heart was pounding until it began slowing under the soft assurances of their presence and scents.

“Sorry.” Cloud muttered when he felt a little more collected, immediately feeling ashamed at his lack of control.

“It’s ok Cloud, that’s what we’re here for!” The omega wolf gently consoled against his back.

“Y-yeah.” Tifa agreed, an embarrassed flush graced her cheeks when she realized how close her crush was, albeit with a Cloud shaped barrier in-between.

Taking pity on his elder sister he decided to finally introduce them.

“Aerith, I don’t think you have met my older sister, Tifa, yet.”

The wolf finally detached her arms from the other omega to get a closer look at Tifa, and Cloud didn’t miss the way her green eyes flickered appreciatively over her figure, causing his sister’s blush to deepen.

“As you’ve already heard, my name is Aerith! Pleased to meet you!” She chirped as she offered her hand in greeting, “I’ve actually heard a lot about you. You’re our school’s Karate team’s Ace, right?”

Cloud didn’t think his sister’s face could get anymore red as she shook the wolf’s hand.

“Sorry about those guys, they were just a little too eager to meet the new omega. They didn’t mean any harm.” That authoritative voice from before, except….it sounded less dominating and more….energetic? Friendly? It was clearly the same voice, but completely different sounding without the hard edge and alpha command. Curiously Cloud turned around and almost had to take a step back from the sight of the approaching Alpha. He was tall, had to be over six foot, and well-built. He was dressed in dark wash designer jeans that were loose enough to be comfortable, but tight enough to hint and the muscles underneath. A slight V in his navy muscle shirt revealed the outline of his pectorals and Cloud didn’t doubt the rest of him must be equally ripped. A chiseled handsome jaw was framed by spiked raven locks so thick it hinted at untamed but still stylish. His eyes were so icy they almost seemed to glow against his tanned cheeks. It wasn’t until the alpha smirked that Cloud realized he had been staring…like full on gawking. He jerked his head away with a blush burning on his cheeks. He felt the other approach even closer and the scent of his spicy pheromones did things that Cloud wasn’t ready to acknowledge, so as soon as the other opened his mouth to introduce himself, the omega took off at a brisk pace, ignoring the calls from Tifa and Aerith and he headed into the school.

“Was it something I said?” Zack asked, scratching the back of his head as he watched the blond bunny flee behind the security provided by school doors.

“Sorry about that, Cloud is just a little shy.” Tifa offered as an apology on her brother’s behalf. She glanced over at Aerith who had a knowing grin on her glossed lips.

“Are you gonna be at the cheerleading auditions?” Aerith turned her attention to the tall brunet and it took a while for Tifa’s brain to turn on to process what the pretty omega said to her.

“I’m already in the Karate club though.” Tifa explained confused, because Aerith had mentioned this before.
The slight wolf started to giggle, flustering the alpha rabbit.

“I meant to cheer Cloud on!” She explained through her laughter.

“O-oh! Right!” Tifa looked away embarrassed, mindlessly fiddling with her hair, unaware of the soft smile being sent her way. Aerith found this Alpha’s reserved nature to be rather cute and honestly refreshing.

“Well, I best catch up to Cloud before class, lest he change his mind about tryouts.” Aerith joked softly as she departed, heading the same direction as the wayward omega.

“Sooo….Cloud…he’s your brother?”

Tifa startled a little at the question. She had been so focused on the little omega wolf that she forgot about the other alpha.

“Yes.” She answered with a curious lilt to her head, unsure of where the conversation was going.

There was another awkward pause before Zack continued, “Is he seeing anyone?” He asked as he rubbed the back of his neck, not really looking Tifa in the eye.

She observed him carefully. He didn’t seem like a bad guy, plus he was Aerith’s older brother, so she figured she should let him down easy.

“Listen Zack, my brother is more than just shy. He actually kinda has this thing against predator types, especially alphas.”

“I’m pretty good at getting people to warm up to me!” He said with a confident grin.

Tifa already knew this about the other Alpha just from sharing classes with him. He was cocky and hotheaded, but not arrogant, flirty but not a scumbag. Honestly, he reminded her more of an excitable puppy than a dangerous wolf…well, sans a few minutes ago anyway. He was probably the most well liked alpha in the school. Immense popularity was something both of the Fair siblings seemed to share. Tifa shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her as if to soothe herself. The soft mannerisms shocked the other alpha. Tifa was alpha in build and scent, but her mannerisms were almost too gentle.

“No, it’s not like that. You see, something really bad happened to Cloud when we were kids. Now he holds an intense resentment in his heart. One that won’t be very easily erased. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.” She emphasized the last part, making sure to meet the other’s eyes. And the hard glint that stared back at her was surprising to say the least. All playful traces were gone, and the smoldering scent of an angry alpha could be scented.

“What happened?” He tersely asked, his jaw clenched.

“Probably not quite what you are thinking, but it’s not my place to share. I don’t want you asking Cloud either. He doesn’t need the past brought up.” She added with some alpha command lacing her voice. It couldn’t control other alphas, but it let them know you meant business and were prepared to act out if the warned party didn’t heed you.

Zack seemed to relax a little as he unclenched his muscles, giving Tifa a slight nod that he heeded her warning. She gave him an appreciative nod and walked back to the school, cursing as the bell rang, signaling her tardiness.