#kinda want to look for beta centric omegaverse now tho

[tumblweeds-omegaverse]

random 1am thoughts on betas:

when everything else is equal? betas are better at puzzling out scent clues than anybody.

that is: put a beta and any other dynamic in a space where they can both smell but not see a third person. tell third person not to block or control scent in any way. have third person listen to (eg) music that stirs up their emotions. the beta is going to pick up the associated change in the third person's scent. either with better accuracy, faster timing, or more clarity. exactly how depends on specifics of course.

this feature is part of why some betas end up helping others with scent control training. they might not know why it changed, or how it's changing, but "that is different!" is a common thing for them to notice.

a beta that struggles to read social cues will realize that something is happening, but might lack the context. this can be frustrating. especially when people around them act like it should be obvious. or when they try to pretend they're fine, not realizing that subtle changes might be giving them away.

betas don't have scents? nah, betas can smell each other just fine. alphas and omegas walking by are obvious - it's intense, or it lingers, or it almost leaves a trail behind. not their fault that alphas and omegas assume that everybody is as smelly as them.

youngsters are also obvious, but not due to intensity. the emotions are more in flux, so there are different elements of scent appearing and fading out all the time. betas who teach the older grades learn quickly the importance of good ventilation and breaks for fresh air.

beta parents spend extra time scenting their kids before letting them go far away for long periods. an omega might settle for a lengthy cuddle that morning. an alpha may go for a long hug at the door. but a beta? they've been taking naps with the brand new backpack for days, rubbing a wrist on each sweater collar, getting friends to sniff test their kiddo's favorite comfort item one more time. whatever it takes to ensure that their little camper doesn't get homesick. it's just 3 nights with their cousins? doesn't matter!

everyone assumes betas don't have to worry about the other dynamic's issues...and in a way, that's true. they don't have to live with those same problems. but they still want many of the same things - and, perhaps, have to face other struggles.

not just "betas are second choice as partners" or "betas are the invisible wheels that keep society going" or "betas are normal and boring" either.

in a world where the signs of an omega being treated poorly are well known, do people know what it looks like if a beta is being harmed? what about if the beta is the one doing wrong? do people take it seriously?

in a world where betas struggle to procreate, compared to alpha or omega peers...are they treated with pity or overlooked in comparison? are they left out of social depictions of happy families? are they depicted on the sidelines, only shown as a token?

in a world where betas are assumed to not be attracted to other dynamics, is it a struggle to find representation? are there young betas who realize the happy couple they thought were o/o, are actually o/b, and there's a surge of interest and excitement they can't name?

do betas struggle to feel valid when they are different? are they so likely to be painted with the "average" brush that they assume their issues aren't significant? young betas who see the depiction of the hormonal chaos of being a young alpha or omega, and come to the wrong conclusions. surely, the fact they they've felt nothing for weeks is just the post-presentation normality setting in. that vague sense of dread felt on waking up every morning where they have to leave home - that's nothing. they were able to get up, so it's fine. they aren't avoiding mirrors and their reflection. they just don't care about that stuff. only showering in the dark is a sign of nothing. even if it was, there are people who wish to be betas, so who are they to complain? betas believing that problems are for others and not for them. so used to being called the norm, that the idea of needing help slips through the cracks with them.

(where was I going with this? past me! explain yourself! which setting was this for?!)