Immer: Dear god WHY. I already have a workload, and now I'm starting TWO stories at once on top of everything else!? But I couldn't ignore this one. So here goes nothing.

Summary: This is an AU Omegaverse. In the cooking industry, Omegas are seen as a distraction and deemed unworthy to cook. Soma is an Omega, but his passion for improving his cooking knows no boundaries. And when he was sent to the elite culinary school, as luck would have it, his heat was delayed. Not taking the chance, Soma takes suppressants and coats his scent enough to fool almost everyone that he's a beta. Until the semi-finals of the Autumn Elections. Once his secret was out, it was only a matter of time before alphas take notice. Now he must struggle between proving his worth as a chef, as well as growing urges with any alpha that catches his interest.

Note: I have NO IDEA WHO TO PAIR SOMA WITH. In my head I have like three possible people, one a maybe but more of an angry bodyguard, and then one alpha who "helps" with the first heat cycle, but doesn't take him as mate (you'll understand why later). But so far it's mostly two or three people. So votes or suggestions will be awesome, thanks in advance.

Warning: This will get heavy with racism towards Omegas. And later on threats of rape and other stuff. So...this isn't for the fainthearted. None of my stories are, come to think of it.

Story title lyrics from Centuries by Fall Out Boy.

Chapter One Soma's Secret

SHOKUGEKI

It was the semi-finals of the Annual Totsuki Autumn Elections, and things were heating up. Yukihira Soma had everything on the line against Mimasaka in return for the 100 knives he wrongfully won in his unbreakable streak of Shokugeki battles. Should Yukihira lose, he would give up cooking forever.

It's all I've got to equal the knives Mimasaka won.

Soma felt the pressure. He wasn't just doing this for Takumi Aldini alone, even though that was the catalyst, he was doing this for everyone who was crushed by Mimasaka in the worst way possible. The worst thing to do to a chef was hurt them where it hurt the worst while they were down. And Mimakasa did just that to one hundred souls. Soma wasn't going to stand for it.

Next time you lose, lose to no one but me.

His father's words echoed in his head. Soma felt the fire within burn, unwavering despite Mimasaka's antics of getting under his skin. Thus far Soma was playing along as he cooked his curry.

Nothing he's doing is damaging.

Until seconds before Mimasaka served his dish.

"It would be such a shame, but it would be better for your career to end here, Omega." Mimasaka sneered and Soma froze.

How did he know!? I have been careful, beyond the extra mile careful. How!?

The audience was in an uproar. Whispers were overwhelming, some yelled or booed at him, cursing his name, saying how an Omega should be for breeding instead of cooking. Soma breathed in, remembering the warm atmosphere of Yukihira Diner, the inticing scent of his father's cooking.

"Why can't Omegas cook in the kitchens?" Young Soma asked his father.

"Omegas are seen as a distraction. But I believe anyone can do what they can, despite whether they're omega, beta or alpha. So, should you want to pursue cooking Soma, you'll have to overcome the negative of what you are." His father paused in his cooking and glanced down at his son.

"Do not let the views of omegas hold you back. Use whatever you can to at your disposal to prove your worth. Let your cooking speak for you, for once they taste it, nothing else matters, even if they know you're an omega."

Soma breathed out. He opened his eyes, and with quick precision he continued his work. His movements were calculative, perfect harmony to perfecting the meats Nikumi gave him. So what the whole school knew his secret now? Being an Omega didn't matter, his cooking was worthy to be in the finals. And he was going to prove it here and now.

As he presented his dish, the crowd was louder in protest.

They really believe I shouldn't be here.

"Enough!" Dojima stood up, his voice commanding as his alpha status spread through the whole stadium. His scent was overpowering, and his voice had all the younger alphas shaking to obey.

Standing before him, Soma was hit the hardest. His body tensed, his throat constricting as he shivered. Somehow he wasn't reduced to his knees, despite how much his instincts screamed at him to kneel at Dojima's feet. Soma gulped as he focused solely on standing still as possible. It was difficult to breathe, let alone stand.

And here I thought bathing with him was difficult enough.

"Yukihiria Soma is a Canidate of the Autumn Elections. Whether he is alpha, beta or omega, he has shown his worth every step of the way. He has faced every challenge head on. At this point it is too late to eliminate Yukihira as a contestant because of his omega status." Dojima heatedly argued, and Soma stared wide eyed.

He's protecting me? Why? But his reputation...

"But the rules state that an omega can't enter this school!" Someone shouted at the top of their lungs, and then the whole stadium was in an uproar.

"How did he get into the school?"

"I bet he slept with anyone to pass him!"

"Omegas don't belong in the kitchen!"

"The punishment for an omega in the school is expulsion!"

"Expulsion! Expulsion! Expulsion! EXPULSION! EXPULSION!"

"THAT IS ENOUGH." Another voice boomed.

Everyone looked up to the highest seat, where the director stood all alone. He peered down with seriousness, the perfect image of someone important. Everyone went quiet to listen to the director, who continued in his greater alpha voice.

"I knew of Yukihira Soma's records, but I also know that his heats have been delayed! Thus far, Yukihira hasn't been a distraction in the sense of an Omega. As long as he proceeds from here on with caution as he has been, then he can continue on being a student here, for as long as he is worthy to remain!" Director Nakiri laid down the stakes.

Soma felt his heart pounding in his chest.

I can stay as a student...?

"However! Should he fail at restraining his heat cycles and causes an uproar, or is shown unworthy to be a student, then Yukihira Soma will be expelled, and never cook again." Director Nakiri added, causing a bit more of a reaction.

Of course. There's always a catch.

Most of the alphas sneered, eyes filled with a growing hunger. Megumi stared around, heart racing as she became scared. She was a beta, and cared deeply for her friend who helped her achieve so much. Beside her Nikumi snarled, her alpha status driving her to protect Soma. Takumi stared at the redhead, still processing the idea he was an omega. He wasn't the only one, as Hayama and Kurokiba watched silently.

I had a feeling something was off with your scent, Yukihira.

Hayama recalled the first time they officially met. His nose had told him straight away something was different about Yukihira's scent. But he didn't get the chance to ask, let alone have the redhead alone without the girls constantly clinging onto them. Now he had his answer to a little mystery that had oddly been nagging his brain, sneaking up on him when he wasn't thinking of the elections.

If I didn't have Miss, I would find Yukihira more interesting. But he won't last much longer here, so it doesn't matter anyway.

Kurokiba was indifferent. He had the same thought that Yukihira didn't belong here, but for the same reasons as most other alphas. In his eyes, eventually the wild nature of biology will overwhelm Yukihira. And when that time came then he will realize he didn't belong in the kitchen.

In her own booth, Erina Nakiri stared in her own shock.

So he had been an omega...all this time?

What caught her offguard was that Yukihira didn't act like an omega. She thought he had been a beta with some alpha characteristics. From her experience with omegas, they all groveled at her feet. Just by being in her presence, omegas knew their place. But wait, Yukihira didn't know his place.

He doesn't care for statuses, family background or social standings. Everything that should have made him beneath her, beneath everyone else, and yet he continued marching onward. And now he was here at the semi-finals of the Autumn Elections. Yukihira Soma made it this far despite everything stacked up against him that should have made it impossible.

Then it hit her that her grandfather knew.

He knew and yet he still let Yukihira join!?

Erina was at a loss for words.

"Now, let the judgment commence!" Director Nakiri urged, and all eyes turned to the judges eagerly.

Only to be disappointed when Yukihira won by a landslide.

"I understand you wish to return all of these knives to their former owners?"

"Yes! They should all return to where they belong." Soma nodded with a grin.

People rushed forward. Many passed him without a second glance. Some thanked him, and he felt his heart warm up when a girl explained about the knife Mimakasa took had belonged to her late mother. It was her final gift in her passing. Soma was glad he could return it to her. He glanced behind him and noticed there was one case left.

"Yo! Takumi! Yours is the last one! Come and claim it." Soma grinned as the blonde came forth.

Suddenly the case was shoved into his arms.

Soma blinked, only to stare into blue eyes. He felt his body shiver under his gaze, as he felt a part of him stir underneath the surface. It was something similar to being around an alpha like Hayama or Dojima. Maybe Takumi had the chance to become a high alpha, but hadn't yet been allowed to grow.

"One day I will win this back in a Shokugeki against you, Yukihira! So until then, don't lose it." Takumi snarled, and it took a lot for Soma not to grow weak in the knees from the heavy alpha scent invading his nose.

He's finally found a greater goal to challenge himself with. This should be more interesting from now on.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Takumi." He braved a smile.

SHOKUGEKI

Back at Polar Star Dorms that night, everyone held a celebration. Included with the other students of the dorm were Nikumi and the Aldini twins. Everyone gathered around a table for once, having a good time of their lives.

"So, Yukihira, why did you keep your secret for so long?" Isshiki inquired with a purr in his voice. Yukihira smiled, resisting his alpha charms with ease.

"I lived for so long as something I wasn't, I guess I kind of forgot. It's been nothing but a habit now, taking the suppressants as prescribed and pretend I'm unaffected by most alphas."

"Oh? Shall I turn up the charm?" Isshiki tilted his head, a weird glint in his eyes.

"Isshiki-senpai, stop!"

"You're making the room uncomfortable!"

"Don't you ever touch Yukihira! Anyone who does have to answer to me! Got it?" Nikumi proclaimed, her breasts bouncing as she stood up, fist in the air.

"Are you two a thing, then?" Isshiki challenged.

"Um - No! I'm just acting as a concerned friend! What makes you think he and I could possibly...?" She blushed, freaking out as she waved her arms about.

"Then I'm free to charm him." Isshiki grinned, giving off the image of a fox.

If I'm a rabbit, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

"Not gonna work. I've been working alongside alphas for so long I'm mostly immune." Soma scoffed, finding it really weird at how hard the seventh seat of Totsuki Ten was trying to seduce him.

At his words Isshiki dropped the charm. He didn't seem hurt to being rejected. Instead he seemed proud, like a big brother. Soma breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't see Isshiki like that, and he didn't want to make everything awkward.

"Really? You can resist alpha charms?" Megumi was in awe of this talent. She found alphas intimidating and difficult to approach, minus the few like Isshiki who weren't all about being macho.

"The only time I've been affected were instances like earlier today when Dojima stood up and called for everyone to stop." Soma admitted, recalling how difficult it was for him to remain standing.

"And you managed to stay up on your feet, Yukihira-kun, that's amazing." Yuki said in between bites of her food.

"Especially for being so close to him." Ryoko nodded in agreement.

"It was hard, I will admit that much. It's been so long since an alpha had that much effect on me, I had to remind myself I was standing in the middle of a stadium." The redhead shivered.

"So in other words, normal alphas don't affect you." Fumio commented, after a moment she grinned. "Looks like you'll be fine, Yukihira-kun."

"What do you mean normal alphas?" Yuki frowned with a tilt of her head.

"There are sub classes of alphas, ranks, if you will. There are basic alphas, they are sort of like a hybrid of alpha and beta. They are caring and fair. Then there are high alphas, they are dominant even among other alphas. Dojima is a good example of a high alpha. And then the rarest is the king alpha, who by presence and voice alone can command everyone around them. Director Nakiri, although old in his age, is a king alpha." Marui elaborated. He adjusted his glasses as he stared at Yukihira.

"Wow, I didn't know there were different ranks of alphas." Megumi admired.

"How does it happen? The alpha ranks?" Soma tilted his head.

"Usually in the social standing as an alpha matures." Ibusaki answered, and Isshiki twerked his hips, his bare behind on display for all to see. The Aldini twins had the best view of the display.

"Yes, it's very rare for an actual high alpha or king alpha to be born. But to achieve those ranks, one must shed themselves, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. An alpha must condition themselves to be a leader, even if it means taking an unpopular side or opinon and sticking by it. Dojima and the director displayed this earlier." Isshiki explained.

"The fact an omega who can resist most alphas is rare, especially when most of the population here at this school are alphas. I suppose it's a good thing you were assigned to a dormitry that isn't at full capacity." Marui was an alpha, and he had no interest of pursuing Yukihira.

"Hah! So Isshiki is a normal alpha!"

"Yeah, Yukihira isn't affected by him at all!"

"Do you plan to become a high alpha?" Megumi asked innocently.

"I already am in the making of becoming high alpha. But I'm clearly not Yukihira's type. Most would be shaking under my charm, but Yukihira isn't influenced at all."

"So what is your type, Yukihira-kun?" Nikumi had a weird glint in her eyes.

"What, hoping to gain an idea if you stand a chance, Nikumi?" Isshiki teased.

"Don't call me by that!" The blonde hissed.

"My...type?" Soma was dumbstruck.

"You mean you don't have one?" Takumi stared, oddly surprised and hopeful.

"I never gave relationships a thought. Since I was young, I've only focused on my cooking to become better than my old man. He told me that I shouldn't allow my status to hinder my goals." Soma shrugged, being brutally honest.

"Then as long as you avoid high alphas as much as possible, then you'll be fine."

"But are there are any high alphas here that aren't adults?" Ryoko inquired with growing concern. The other girls showed the same worry on their faces, and the atmosphere became gloomy.

"I suspect Hayama. He has the attitude of a high alpha, but hasn't fully grown into the status. If he continues as he is, then he will easily become a high alpha." Isshiki theorized, and many nodded.

"Kurokiba is definately a high alpha." Takumi stated without a doubt.

Everyone agreed. The way he cooked with quick precision and burning fury was definately a sign of a high alpha. He probably already achieved the rank despite his age. Alice Nakiri probably had a hand in that, she chose him as her aide.

"But then what will happen in the finals?" Megumi was scared what would happen to Soma. Whoever he would face would mean an alpha who could possibly reduce him to his knees.

"I've gotten this far without any problems. I'll be fine." Soma put on a brave face.

Inside his head was storming. He wasn't sure, but he was starting to think his first heat cycle will come upon him soon. His body was tingling just by being in the presence of Takumi, an alpha he previously had an immunity to until recently. It all changed the moment Takumi handed him his prized mezzaluna, the way his eyes burned had Soma weak in the knees.

In that instance his scent had changed, too.

At first Takumi smelled of summer and mix of Italian foods and spices with a flair of fresh Japanese cuisine. He was a gentle breeze, a nice break from the usual harsh scent of most alphas trying to be intimidating. But in that moment his scent changed to something sharper, the breeze turned into a strong wind with a purpose. He wasn't like the other alphas in Soma's mind. Takumi stood out to him, much similar to Hayama and Kurokiba.

I guess I have to tread extra carefully.

"Hey, Yukihira-kun."

Soma glanced up to see everyone staring at him fondly.

"Should any alphas give you any trouble, come to any of us. We support you, omega or not. And if you feel like your heat is about to start, we'll protect you."

Soma felt his eyes water. He must be close already, as he was never this emotional. But he had always been alone, carrying the burden of his omega status. And now his friends were willing to protect him, despite the possible consequences and backlash for openly supporting or protecting the only omega who was allowed to attend the most grueling culinary school of the world.

Dad, I think I'll be fine.

During his random visit here, Soma's father had inquired if he would be safe if being an omega should present itself as a problem. At the time Soma wasn't sure. His dad said he had strong feeling the others at Polar Star would provide him the security he needed. Now Soma understood what his dad meant.

Soma felt secure, he felt safe.

And now all he had left was make everyone feel proud at the finals. No matter what happens, he wanted to give it his all and prove he can go the distance. His background shouldn't matter, his status shouldn't matter, none of it should matter because he made it to the finals. It would further prove his point if he won first place.

I'll win the Autumn Elections.