Nathaniel was already used to be the target of glances and whispers, he faced this for years since his name became public because of Ares. However, something was different.
Putting his feet in college he already noticed that the eyes were sharper. As he walked through the corridors of the administration course building, he was shot with curious looks, some judgmental and others contemptuous. Although he kept his mysterious appearance — his cap and mask and the black clothes that hide his scars — few people felt intimidated as before.
And when this happened, it was a sign that some article had been published about him.
Following the corridors of the administration course, Nathaniel kept his face expressionless and cold eyes. That aura around them was enough to keep everyone away and did not dare to approach.
In the classroom, the omega sat on the last desk and there was crossed arms. As his classmates came and discussed something with each other, he could hear one thing or another.
— Eh? again?
— Seducing another guy? So did he...
Irritated, the omega faced the group closer to him, and that in a way did not disguise the curious glances in his direction.
— Tell directly to me.
The instant they heard that thick and intimidating voice, and the cold look in their direction, the group shut up. Nathaniel doubted that they would have the courage to keep talking loudly, but was surprised when a beta girl approached and sat in the chair in front of him.
— Nathaniel... there are rumors that you're sleeping with the Mckenzie heir.
Just to mention the name of Jake the omega shook, and it was noticeable.
— What?!
The girl leaned down at the table to talk lower.
— I've heard that he is engaged to a girl, but has been caught cheating on her with you.
Nor was it necessary to say more than that. On the neck of Nathaniel you could see his vein jumping with anger.
Bianca.
— Ha! That girl really doesn't know her place — Nathaniel murmured.
Unable to continue the conversation after the teacher entered the classroom, Nathaniel could not even pay attention.
The last time Nathaniel talked to Bianca it was clear that she would not leave him alone if he was around Jake. It was to have been a clear threat that would have the expected effect. However, it seems that that omega was no longer afraid of facing Nathaniel.
After all, that day she appeared next to Jake's mother.
Scribbling in the notebook, Nathaniel circled some random words. Bianca must be trying to separate him and Jake through rumors. Perhaps she believed that the alpha would be bothered with people looking at him and judging him and not withstand the pressure.
But Nathaniel knew that Jake had been through something like this before. In the abandoned building, his boyfriend told him about his last relationship and how he acted against his own family just to stay true to his feelings.
For someone who has faced the most powerful family in the country, what would it be to face a girl from the countryside?
— She's not that smart... — Nathaniel whispered looking at his notebook.
— … Anyway, class, we will have the June party together with the other courses on Friday — announced the professor before finishing the class — It seems that the staff of University Athletics will be responsible for some activities during the party.
— What activities, teacher? — Asked a student — Will you have gang dance?
— Haha, yes. It seems that their proposal is to bring not only the games and jokes typical of the June party but also bring other things. If you stay until night, you can enjoy the fire.
Nathaniel bowed his head remembering that in the years before the University Athletic always prepared to innovate something. Now that the omega thought well, was Rapoxia involved in University Athletics? Considering that athletics brought together students from different courses to fit in activities, including sports — which justifies the Rapoxia's existance — it was likely that they were the same people in both groups.
Jake's friends were really amazing.
— Should I call him to go to this party?
The idea was not bad, thought Nathaniel.
After class, the omega followed its path to the gym. Now the looks were already completely ignored by him thanks to the idea of having a date with Jake at the June party. Although the whispers and prying eyes accompanied him even when he arrived at the gym.
— What's up joker! — Matheus greeted with a smile — Jake is still in bed? He didn't show up at the gym today.
Nathaniel woke up from his daydreams and agreed with the head.
— His fever had dropped when I left home.
— That idiot. I can't believe he caught a cold from staying in the rain.
Yes, Jake had a cold, however the symptoms were also very pronounced because of the effects of the bite. Nathaniel had already heard about how the bite could be painful in the early days, which causes a weakness in the body as if it were a cold. But Jake was so lucky that, in fact, he was bedridden for getting wet in the rain.
— Anyway, thanks for leaving him at home while he's sick. I know that must have bothered your family.
— In no way, everyone was very receptive to it. — Answered the omega by lowering the mask that already left him muffled — Even more with you guys trying so hard to help me, it's natural they want to give back in some way.
Matheus left his hands on the waist and looked to the sides. Noticing they were alone, he whispered.
— So you heard, huh? About Jake's parents, I mean.
— Yes. I think that was harder for Jake than it was for me.
— Sure, good or bad... They're still his parents. — Matheus whispered massaging his forehead — And now with these damn rumors...
— So you already know too?
— Everyone is aware. They are not making any issue to hide. But... You're good? Anything Rapoxia can intervene.
Matheus was a good friend, Nathaniel perceived by softening his expressions.
— I'm fine, don't worry. I've been through worse.
When Nathaniel said that, he had no idea of the extent of the problems that would come over the week. Probably because they took advantage of Jake's absence, someone thought they could face the omega.
Yes, now everyone knew that Nathaniel was an omega.
To avoid more problems, he even avoided going to the gym since he did not want to involve Guilherme in this mess. Nathaniel asked to Matheus, and for Rapoxia's boys, to take care of his brother in college, because Nathaniel wanted to face it alone.
Then, on Thursday, Nathaniel saw his table completely shabby. It was ridiculous and not irritating.
— What a lack of creativity — whispered the omega.
He just need change his desk with one that no one used.
Throughout that day the provocations increased. Now the boys who thought they were the last cookie in the package made fun of the omega when it passed through campus. When he walked, they threw empty cans on his feet waiting for him to stumble, or then they bumped with him.
But when they received the cold, sharp look of Nathaniel, they had no courage to continue.
Because they were too scared.
This revived the rumors of the joker who was serving probation for having killed someone. It was as if Nathaniel had gone back in time, before he met Jake and felt that he could enjoy academic life without any problems.
And even in the middle of gossip, Nathaniel exchanged messages with Jake with a smile hidden in his mask. The cold had passed, but Arabella made the alpha stay at the Mantovani's house until he was a hundred percent recovered.
"Nathaniel: Are you eating well? Do you need me to take something after class?"
"Jake: I'm bored, bring your presence that I heal quickly."
Nathaniel let out a muffled laugh, and his heart gave an accelerated silly just with that fifth-rate flirting.
"Jake: I'm sensing you liked that."
"Nathaniel: did you feel it?"
"Jake: I feel a lot of feelings right now. Like... you're angry about something."
Jake was trying to touch that subject again. Thanks to the bite, he was now sensitive to Nathaniel's emotions. Every day the omega came home, the alpha asked if something had happened because he "felt" that something was wrong.
Because of Jake's state of health, Nathaniel did not want to worry him unnecessarily and said it was just the stress of college. However, when Jake went back to school he would find out the rumors.
— Haa... I just wanted him to recover completely. But there's no way I could hide anything from you, is there?
Typing again on the phone, Nathaniel answered.
"Nathaniel: Bianca has been spreading rumors that you're her fiancé, and that you cheated on me. So... things have been a little annoying lately."
As soon as Nathaniel sent the message, it did not give even a minute, and Nathaniel's phone rang at the time. The display showed the name of the alpha when he answered the call.
— Yes, Jake?
— How that crazy girl spread rumors?! And why didn't you tell me before?
— Because I want you to recover first.
— Fuck my recovery, Nathaniel. This is serious stuff.
— For me your health is more important than rumors. — answered the omega calmly, smiling.
Jake was silent for a moment and then sighed.
— Nath... I don't want you to face things alone. You know you can count on me and the people from Rapoxia.
— It's just rumors, Jake. People always looking at me and gossiping, I'm used to that. — Said the omega, getting up from the bench and walking around campus.
— I know that, but even so, I'm still worried.
— So recover soon and come to college. I want to go to the june party with you.
— Are you inviting me on a date?
Nathaniel had a low laugh as he walked into the building and up the ramps to the library.
— Yeah. Do you accept?
— Super accepted! I want to! Let's go! I'm feeling even cured now.
— Hahaha, I'll see you after school.
— All right. — Jake said it in a lighter and more lively voice — Oh, Nath…?
— What is it?
— I love you.
Hearing those words, even on the phone, made Nathaniel feel his heart racing and his face warm. A loving feeling that enveloped him and took the weight of stress of the last days.
— I love you too.
As soon as the call ended, Nathaniel went into the library and looked for the book he would need to do a job. He had even forgotten his problems, since his head was full of the memory of Jake's voice saying that he loved him.
— It seems that things are complicated for your side — commented Julius when Nathaniel handed over the book he was going to borrow.
— They are children wanting to attract attention, do not care about that.
— But you're okay, aren't you?
Nathaniel agreed with the head, and the alpha opened a smile while typing on the computer recording the loan of the book.
— Good! It must be horrible to have so many people misinterpreting your friendship.
— You're not wrong, I'm actually with Jake — commented simplistic Nathaniel.
Julius' eyes shone at that moment. Returning the book, the alpha smiled.
— Are you guys together? And the part of the bride...
— A girl with elbow pain. Jake rejected her and stayed with me, so she must be spreading these rumors.
— What a horrible thing — Julius said with a smile, which was very contradictory to what came out of his mouth — You seem to be always involved with troubled people.
Taking the book back, Nathaniel opened a smile under his mask.
— The troublemakers always recognize each other. See you.
— Goodbye~
When Nathaniel left the library under the prying eyes of some students, Julius crossed his arms and tilted his head with a whisper.
— Haa... You really aren't boring at all, Nathaniel Callegari.