Omega Struggles

The following day, Taira and Saku stayed in the hospital, their check out would be at noon after they've had a talk with Edogawa. As much as Beck and Recall wanted to come along for moral support, the group had to proceed to Densetsu Records for a meeting with Ikeda and the board. Or rather, since the bands weren't officially launch to the public and have yet to make a debut, the meeting mostly consisted of the Board and Ikeda, with Ikeda passing the discussion later.

"Basically, since they were already skeptical to it in the first place, they think it's obvious more than ever to forget about the project. The only reason they humored me was due to my position and contributions to the Label." Ikeda said after Ichinose poured the boys some tea. "Still if there's a way around it, I'll find it. Provided you boys are willing to go the extra mile."

Recall and Beck shared looks. Of course they still wanted to make this work. But it doesn't change the fact that there will be complications if Taira kept playing, especially for a long-term tour. While all members of Beck were important and the band wouldn't exist without either of them, that was especially the case for Taira and Saku. The fact that they are the sole bassist and sole drummer of Beck made them even more vital.

Ryusuke spoke up behalf of Beck. "It's obvious that Recall can push through with the tour, but it will be difficult for us." he started. "Sure, we could play on without Taira since he's technically the only one who needs the Maternal leave. But we won't. Something as big as this, we got to start it together."

"It's not like we'd be able to pry Saku away from him, either. I mean, come on, he's the fucking daddy." Chiba sighed, crossing his arms as he leaned back on his chair. "Not that we want to, anyway. Did you see him bark at those Alphas the other day? I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end."

Koyuki nodded. "Yeah, I have to agree with that." He said, looking apologetic. "Sorry if this will hinder Recall as well."

"Let's not be too hasty without considering any options." Ikeda told them. "Of course I won't force Taira to go through with the concert if he's unable. But if he's willing and we get a Doctor's approval, well, the best we can do is to also shorten the tour so by the time he starts showing, it would be over. For his sake as well, he'll need a regular income to fund his pregnancy check ups and needs. I know that whenever the band was short of funds, he'd work labor jobs like construction work as a living. But he obviously can't do that now."

Ryusuke frowned, sharing looks with Koyuki and Chiba. Ikeda had a point. If they just used Koyuki's insurance, which Taira would reject eitherway, then it would be used up. Never mind hospital bills, once the baby was born, the everyday necessities would be expensive. Plus if Taira and Saku planned on schooling the kid... Enough said. The cheaper option would be for them to give the baby up for adoption since both Saku and Taira are too young to raise a child but that's out of the question. With how rare it is for a Beta and Omega to conceive, the two aren't foolish to let it go.

"Okay, we'll have to confirm with the other two, but knowing Taira he's probably going to be up for it." Ryusuke had to eye-roll. "Reliable bastard."

Koyuki and Chiba had to smile, all too aware of Taira's obstinate independence.

"You'll have our support, too." Manabu spoke up "plus, Eichan could babysit "

Eiji gawked. He woukdn't mind giving his support but the other offer was a bit much for him.

"Oh shut up Eichan. Kids are scared of you. You need the practice for when we get ours."

Eiji turned beet red. "Woah, woah, woah! Taira's own kid isn't even out yet, and you're already thinking of that for us?!"

"Agh! Why am I the only one always thinking of our future, Eichan baka!" Manabu stormed out.

Eiji went after him. "Wait! Manabu, come on I didn't mean..."

"I better go help mediate them." Yoshito sighed, going after his band members. "Things I put up with it..."

The three boys left in the room and Ikeda watched the scene with weary looks. Ikeda sighed, "I sincerely hope they're not planning to have one of their own too soon." He said. "Going back to the matter, I'll need to reconvene with the board to tell them the tour may still push through. But before that, well, you'll need to do something to help me convince them first that this risk is the right course."

"How do we do that?" Ryusuke asked.

Ikeda smiled at them. "By showing them your band is worth the risk."

As for Saku and Taira's own meeting, it was something like an interview of sorts. Edogawa started off by having them fill out some parental forms. She also informed them that if it was all right with them then she could be their personal OB/GYN doctor. The couple had no troubles with that. The woman just offered to pay for their room stay and monitoring, after all. And she seemed very nice and accommodating. She gave them her contact number and Hospital clinic schedule, advising them to contact her anytime they encounter problems.

"Problems?" Taira frowned, pulling away from Saku a bit. "N-now, Is... Is there something wrong with the baby?"

Edogawa smiled softly, satisfied that as far as affection was concerned, there would be no problem between the mother and the unborn child. "No, despite you having not known that you were actually carrying one, it still seems healthy. But since it has not, technically, developed to the stage when it can be called a baby yet, it really is too soon to tell his condition."

"So it really is a he?"

Edogawa chuckled. "Oh, no, no. But I really dislike calling your child an 'it' and since you keep using the male pronoun, I went with that." she told them. "It's also too soon to tell the gender, but I see you already have a preference."

"Well, no, not exactly. I guess since we're both guys too and surrounded by males almost twenty-four-seven, it's an instinct." Taira said, a little flustered. "But I honestly couldn't care less, Male, Female. I don't mind that we keep it a surprise and wait for the baby to arrive. As long as the child's healthy and Saku's, I'm happy."

Saku blushed but couldn't help but laugh. "Well whose else could it be?" He wrapped his arms around the blond, gently as to not squeeze his stomach to hard. "You're not about to tell me that you're seeing other men, are you?"

"Baka" Taira scowled. "you think I'm a cheater who sleeps with just about anyone?"

Saku blinked, not expecting the snappy attitude. "Uh, no, I was just teasing."

"That's not the kind of tease I wanna hear from you, Yuji." Taira grunted, crossing his arms. "I keep saying not all Omegas are around just for a fuck."

Edogawa cleared her throat to get their attention once more. "If I may ask, though." Edogawa spoke up. "You may decide not to answer, but I am curious, how many times have you two had intercourses with each other?"

Both Saku and Taira turned bright red. Even though they knew she was probably asking for health or medical reasons, it was till an embarrassing question.

"Er, we've actually only done it once so far..." Saku managed to say. Edogawa's surprise was expected, but not completely for what they thought. She knew that the father of the child was a Beta and didn't have the barely controllable libido of an Alpha, but they were still both males so frequent sexual frustrations was expected, especially after having a taste of it. "I kinda, er, went a little rough and t-tore uhm... that area so I decided not to try another till I'm more... prepared."

Now Edogawa found that amusing, and a little sweet.

But Taira looked scandalized. "Yuji!" he snapped. "You didn't have to tell her in detail!"

"Huuuh?!" Saku looked surprised. "B-but... No, I'm sure that description was vague enough!"

"Now you're talking back in that way?"

"Talking b... I was just saying. She's a Doctor she might need to know that... And what... What way is that?"

"Oh shut up already!"

"Yoshi, why are you so upset?"

"I'm not upset."

"Uh, no, you clearly are. Is there something I can do?"

"I already told you, shut up."

"Yoshi..."

Saku looked really concerned but he was mostly confused. He also looked like a kicked puppy.

The Doctor would be concerned if she didn't know that it was normal and there was no real heated conflict.

Hang in there, Sakurai-kun. This is just the beginning... Edogawa chuckled behind one hand, already seeing early signs of mood swings. She made a mental note to warn Saku to be extra patient. "But it is rather amazing, though." She cut in before the argument could get worse. "You're a Male Beta and Omega couple, I've never really heard of a case that such are able to conceived on the first try. So do your best, Taira-san, Sakurai-san."

The two looked at the woman and nodded, Taira forgetting what he was upset about as he held Saku's hand in his. The Beta didn't question it and just let it be.

"But Sakurai-san, since you are the father of the child, there is something that I strongly advise you do. Or rather, go back to doing."

"Huh?"

When Taira and Saku checked out that afternoon, Beck was there to pick them up in their van, originally Taira's van but now used by any of them since the family bonding. They had lunch in a Sushi place, as per Eiji's treat. Although they had a personal request to have the fish for the sushi somewhat cooked to consider the pregnant blond. Both parties brought each other up to speed about their respective discussions. Beck was glad that there was a nice doctor willing to support them. When Ryusuke started to tell them about what they missed, though, Taira started feeling guilty and dejected.

"Oh man, what are we going to do now?" Taira whined. "I know a baby is expensive, and with Saku having to finish his schooling... Ugh, I hate this, I'm burdening you all..."

Ryusuke and Chiba gaped at their usually rational and collected Maternal Head show of weakness, Eiji looked surprised too, Manabu was empathetic, while Yoshito looked on in understanding. Koyuki whimpered and leaned into to the older Omega in comfort. Saku mouthed to the surprised Alphas 'Mood swings...' and they understood. The Beta went about soothing his Omega.

"So Saku has to go back to school, huh? Sucks."

"Well, it would suck more if I didn't. Edogawa-san said that I have to at least finish my High School education so I could be eligible to take care of Yoshi and our pup," Saku suddenly frowned darkly that even Eiji and Yoshito shuddered. "apparently, if I prove to be an inadequate father and family head, social workers could give them both up to a more capable mate, preferably an Alpha."

Taira shook his head, burying his face into the crook of Saku's neck. "No... No Alphas, I want my Beta only... Only Yuji..." he wasn't completely aware that other people were around. As far as he and his hormones are concerned, he only sees Saku.

"Shh, shhh, it's going to be okay. I'm not giving you up, Yoshi."

Ryusuke scowled. He heard of that, it was fairly common in Western countries. While their world is changing, the archaic stigma that Omegas are just fuck tools to produce offspring isn't completely gone, meaning they can be taken away and given to a more well-off mate for their safety, since they'd be considered too fragile and incapable of taking care of themselves. While no one here doubts Saku's capability, the fact that he was even younger than Taira with no finished education is enough to raise skepticism.

"Well, we're gonna make sure they'll see Saku more than adequate. He's fucking worthy, damn it!" Chiba scowled, ready to fight any social workers that says otherwise. "He's getting that education!"

Ryusuke couldn't help but snort, hearing his fellow Alpha talking about education seriously. But it wasn't like he didn't share the sentiments.

"Thanks guys. I'm planning homeschool, though. I mean, I know you guys will always be there to help watch out for Yoshi, but I don't want to be away for far too long." Saku held his mate closer to him. "At least that way, I'd still be around. Uhm, provided I figure out how to make it work." he sighed, knowing that it'll be much more expensive than going back to his public high school

Ryusuke smiled. "You don't have to worry, Ikeda is still giving us a chance after all with this project. So we'll be able keep up the funds." he finally told them. "as long as you two are up for-"

"Baka!" It was a good thing they got a private booth, so no one else really saw Taira throwing his glass of water right on the Alpha's face. "Say that first next time!"

Ryusuke sputtered, the water was really cold and the air condition made it even colder. Koyuki panicked, grabbing a lot of tissues and going about wiping his face before he had time to think of why he was doing it. The blush helped in warming up the Alpha faster. Saku looked apologetic as he tried getting the Omega to calm down again. Edogawa warned him about how bad an Omega can act up in the process of pregnancy, he just wished it happened gradually for him to have time to get used to it.

"So," Taira sighed once he calmed down once again. "how do we keep this project?"

Yoshito went on to explain that. "Before the still considered on-hold concert, we'll have the test run. Except this time, it's not just to see how well we get the word out that we'll be having a tour. But we have to get it out, to a lot of people as much as possible. Aside from our already made songs from before and that collaboration we've been rehearsing for the passed weeks, both our bands need to come up with a new song that will be our first Singles under this Label." He rubbed the back of his head. "this is the hard part, though. Our bands are suppose to have Singles Sales for about 250,000 each."

"Since Ikeda has connections to have it reached out to America, a combination of our sales would make a Platinum since our Sales would be considered as one due to the nature of our contract," Eiji interjected. "although it's basically a half-platinum, which is how Ikeda-san wants to put it."

Ryusuke finally finished. "Yeah, so after that concert the Singles will be released, in Japan on the first week and America the next. If we pull up those Sales numbers, then we get to keep the Label because we'd have proved the board that we deserve keeping it." he suddenly looked determined. "In short, this next Beck song has to be a Dying Breed '50cent wisdom' worthy Single."

"What's with the Dying Breed reference?" Eiji actually laughed. "We'll be awesome on our own. Let's do this!"

"Yeah!"

It wasn't easy. The bands, most especially Beck, had to juggle several schedules. Not that Taira and Saku had to go see Dr. Edogawa everyday, but they had to be watchful. They both bought some pregnancy books and even parental books. Taira was worried he wouldn't make a good mother.

"Of course you'll make a good mother. How you take care of Koyuki is proof of that."

"Koyuki is a full-grown boy. He may be the baby of the pack but it's different taking care of him to an actual baby."

"So I act like a baby?"

"Ah, no, well... He just means you are the youngest..."

"Well... I do seem unreliable and in need of being taken care of, huh..."

Ryusuke and Saku shared concerned looks. Koyuki had always been sensitive, so him adjusting to Omega genes made it worse. Even though he was clearly getting used to it now than before, Taira's pregnancy mood swings easily affected him as well.

"You're very reliable, Koyuki." Ryusuke assured him. "I mean, Taira is more comforted by the fact that he's not the only Omega around."

Koyuki seemed to take the bait. Saku got to console his own mate by asking the blond to teach him how to cook their favorite meals, proving his reliability as a home maker. Chiba just watched on and thought that maybe it wasn't so bad being single or having no one to pin after.

They usually had rehearsal after noon and up until night. Saku had to be more wary. While they told Taira to tell them when he needed to take a rest, the Omega's sense of pride usually made him not speak up. When they weren't busy rehearsing, Saku was looking up Homeschool programs that he can enroll in after they solidify their Label contract more. Ryusuke stressed himself over composing their new song for the first Single. They're not really allowed to ask help from the Label's songwriters on this one. It has to be solely their own. Koyuki had offered to help out, too. And Ryusuke accepted, since it meant getting more time with him, too. But maybe it also made it more distracting. He finally decided to try finishing on his own when he found out that Eiji had done Recall's song on his own.

"It's an Alpha thing, I guess." Ryusuke told the younger boy, who was worrying that he wasn't much help. "If Omega's have their pride, an Alpha's is just as worse. Just think of it as a good-natured rivalry between me and Eiji. It's not that you're unhelpful. Thanks to you, I at least got part of the melody down."

Koyuki smiled a bit, glad that he was of some help.

But apparently, Eiji got to finish his song faster since he already had one in his reserve that he started writing but haven't finished since it wasn't up to par with Ran's standards. Inspired by getting together with Manabu, he got to finish it.

And that gave Ryusuke an idea.

"Huh?" Eiji blinked, a little surprise. "You want a day off for tomorrow, too? It's a Day off today, what weren't you able to do?" He never expected Ryusuke would want to take it easy as far as band matters are concerned.

Ryusuke shrugged. "Koyuki went to scoop up some Homeschool programs since Saku and Taira had a schedule check up with Edogawa." He told the red head. "I want to go on another date with him."

"Uh, dude, is now really the time for that?"

Ryusuke nodded. "I need to finish my song. And I wanted to have it to be something Koyuki could sing. You finished yours with a little inspiration from Manabu." He said. "I figured a date is what I need."

Eiji didn't know whether to laugh or punch the guy. Manabu would definitely slap the Alpha for his Ulterior motive. But he couldn't say he was too shocked. Ryusuke's song compositions had always been in the rough side that Chiba could sing them. Of course for a more soulful singer as Koyuki, it needed a softer touch. And Ryusuke needed more of that. He decided to humor him.

"Fine," Eiji sighed. "Manabu's been bugging me about more intimate time, and apparently he didn't want it just limited to the bedroom."

Ryusuke scrunched up his nose. "I really don't want to hear about what you guys do in private."

"And I didn't want to hear about your pinning, but here we are." Eiji shot back. "So shut up."

Chagrined, knowing he had a point, Ryusuke did just that.

Koyuki knew that the Alpha wanted to compose their Single on his own, but he couldn't help but try and do more contribution to it. He didn't know why, but he wanted to prove himself even more to the Alpha, and he thought getting this song done would be the best way. So he tried playing with some of the chords Ryusuke already plotted out but with a few improvisions. And maybe leave the scoresheet accidentally lying around where the Alpha can notice it.

"The voice... uh, no. Again. The voice I... Hm, maybe I should change it to a G then to a D... Okay, once more... You're–"

There was a knock to the door, and Saku came in. "Hey Koyuki, thanks for scouting the places of the programs I looked up. Here, I got you some Stir-fry take out." he smiled, coming to sit down beside his friend.

"Ah, it was no problem. You didn't have to but thanks." Koyuki smiled, pushing the drafts and scratches to the side. He made the Telecaster lean against his bed as he took Saku's offering. He gave him a flyer. "I really think this place is a good one, has a good reputation and it's not as expensive as the others at least."

Saku browsed through the flyer, but he also noticed the scratches of song lyrics cluttered on the floor. "So you're still helping Ryusuke with the new song?" he asked.

"Er, not exactly. I didn't tell him I'm still keeping at it," Koyuki rubbed the back of his head. "I want to impress him, so I'm working hard on it."

Saku looked thoughtful. He chose his words carefully. "Koyuki, can I ask you something a little personal?"

"Huh?" Koyuki blinked at the sudden question. "Uhm, sure. Go ahead."

Saku went on. "As an Alpha, how do you see Ryusuke?"

"Uhm, well, there are times that he still scares me like other Alphas do." The young Omega replied. "But I really trust him, I think he's doing his best as our Head Alpha."

Saku smiled dryly, although he was glad that his friend really does trust him, it wasn't the question. Plus, that part was obvious. "No, what I meant is" he sighed, figuring he had no choice but to say it point blank. "do you see him as a possible mate?"

Koyuki's face exploded red, suddenly flustered. Even if this was Saku it was still embarrassing. "D-don't be silly! He's... He's just a friend, and really awesome. So I just want to impress him, that's all." he insisted.

"Koyuki, I asked that question because I think you do feel something for him and I just want to make sure it's not just because of your Omega genes. Think about it, do you want to please Ryusuke himself or the Alpha in him?" Saku told him.

Koyuki frowned, looking thoughtful. He did like Ryusuke a whole lot, even moreso than most people. But he wasn't sure about attraction. He had been in love with Maho, after all. And he did used to prefer girls till presenting as an Omega, suddenly making him more open minded about liking guys. Or maybe that was mostly because of Saku liking Taira. Either way, before then, he was never really into guys. If he did like Ryusuke, would it just be because he had some semblance to Maho?

Koyuki shook his head. No, even if they do look alike and have the same strong personality, I can't really call them similar.

But if he was suddenly attracted to the Head Alpha, was it just the Omega in him? Or did he like Ryusuke as he is and as himself? He thought about Saku and Taira, how they act towards one another, finding that he actually wouldn't mind it at all if he had that same thing with Ryusuke. Especially after that kiss.

Koyuki suddenly blushed. Does that I mean I actually like him?

"You don't have to give me an answer," Saku interrupted him from his thoughts suddenly. "you actually don't even need to have an answer for now. But just... consider it, okay? Don't overthink it, just be open to the possibility. Okay?"

Suddenly, Ryusuke came inside the room. He blinked when he saw the Beta. "Oh. Sorry, I thought Koyuki was alone. Are you guys busy talking?"

"Actually, I was just leaving." Saku looked at Koyuki who took the chance to shove the papers under his bed. He winked a bit. "See you, Koyuki. Remember what I said." The Beta headed out.

Koyuki scowled at his best friend for giving him these thoughts right before Ryusuke came in to talk to him. Granted, it wasn't like he'd known that the Alpha would come in, but still.

"Koyuki?" Ryusuke frowned at the expression. "Sorry if I interrupted something. I'll call Saku back, we can talk later."

Koyuki blinked and reacted fast, grabbing Ryusuke's hand. "Ah, no! It's okay." he spoke a little louder. "Saku was just being really annoying just now!"

"It's a best friend's right, Koyuki!" The Beta called back with some mirth in his voice.

Ryusuke chuckled a little bit. "You might want to keep it down when you talk smack about Saku, Koyuki." he smirked. "Taira's mood swings are unpredictable. He might even snap at you if you talk about his mate like that."

Koyuki suddenly got worried.

"Hey, I'm just joking. But... I guess there is some truth to it." The Alpha shrugged. "Well, I don't think he heard, last I saw of him, he was in the kitchen absorbed in making some kind of peanut butter and pickle sandwich." He scrunched up his nose. "I'm glad Alphas don't have to worry about being pregnant... or weird cravings."

Koyuki chuckled wearily. "So," he started. "what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Well, I was wondering if there's anything you wanted to do tomorrow."

Koyuki blinked, a little confused. "Uhm, well, I know we have rehearsals tomorrow so... As for wanting to do something, well, sleep?"

"Actually," Ryusuke had to stop his thoughts from imagining another implication for sleep. "I talked to Eiji and asked him for a second day off, I already told Taira about it."

Koyuki widened his eyes. Back then, even during day offs, Ryusuke would work on something band related. He wondered what made him request for another one. Then again, he did mention Taira.

"Does Taira need the extra rest?"

"No, nothing like that. But it could help, too." Ryusuke replied. "What I'm really trying to say is I want to have that second date."

Koyuki blushed, Saku's voice echoing back. Don't overthink it, just be open to the possibility. Okay?

A/N: I actually don't know who owns the van Beck took to Greatful Sound in the Anime but I'm going with Taira since he was the own driving. Anyway, I know this is turning more into a Saku x Taira fic, but trust me, it's necessary. It's not just self-indulgent. I never write for no reason.