"Haaaay..." I gave a deep sigh when it was finally my turn on the urinals.
"Your urine is dark, you should drink more water."
I look at Aahmes who stood right next to me.
"What are you staring at?!" I turn my back to him and pull my pants up. "You done?"
Aahmes followed me to the sink.
"Your lips are chapped again." He took out a stick of lip gloss after washing his hands.
"I'll do it!"
I took it from him and paused when I looked at the mirror. I guess I really look like my kuya when I'm all dressed up. If he was here right now, would people think we are twins?
"Are you ready, professor?" called Aahmes who was staring at me.
"Ah, yeah..." I applied the lip gloss and handed it back to him.
"You missed a spot."
Aahmes touched my chin to fix it. I stare at his ever changing eyes as he did. His long lashes partly cover it, thick as his eye brows, yet delicate like the rest of his face. His cheeks are a bit flushed, and his pink lips look so..."
"Professor?"
"Wah!" I quickly stepped back. I didn't notice him staring at me! "Aren't you done yet?! What's taking you so long?! Why do I have to use this in the first place?! Let's go, the event had probably started already!"
I quickly left the restroom and went straight to the ballroom where I saw Pedro waiving at us again.
"Did we miss anything?" Aahmes asked our companions.
"Nothing much, just some intermissions."
Needless to say, the event was one big bore.
I hardly knew any of the awardees. Good thing there was a buffet of finger foods and unli-cocktails to pacify the guests. The only problem is that the table next to us hosted a brood of alpha assholes that included Hitler.
"Dr. Abdel, is the seat beside you taken?" He dared approach our round table.
"The seat's taken," I quickly answered.
"Ah, Prof. Antonio, good to see your left hand is better?" He sneered at me like a mangy dog. "As you can see, the seats at our table are all occupied. If you don't mind, Can I sit here with you? After all, there doesn't seem to be anyone else coming from your team."
"I told you, the seats are already taken," I repeated.
"And who might your other guests be?"
I stood up and sat on Aahmes' right side.
"Me." I placed an arm around Aahmes' shoulder. "Habibi, can you move over? I'll seat here to make sure that pesky flies don't disturb you."
"Thank you, professor."
Aahmes transferred to my place while I took his former seat.
"Well now, Hitler, do you want to sit next to me?" I smiled at him, batting my lashes. "Go ahead, I already had my fill. I don't mind losing my appetite for the rest of the night."
Hitler's jaw stiffened as he gnashed his teeth in irritation. He glared at me and simply returned to his table.
"Hmph. Good riddance. Thick faced bastard can't keep his hands off my people..." I mumbled irritably as I went back to eat.
"Honey, your boss is so nice!" Pilar's mom whispered to her. "He just chased off that alpha trying to pick-up your co-worker."
I couldn't help but grin from the compliment.
"I thought you said he's just a cranky old bas – "
"OH, MOM!" Pilar suddenly spoke up. "You should try these canapes, they're really good! Here, have some more!" she said with a nervous laugh.
"Shh, it's time for the Research Team Award!" Pedro hushed her while tightly holding his partner's hand.
"And the award for the Research Team of the Year goes to..."
I took a big bite off my deviled eggs.
"Universal Laboratory's Alpha Division!"
The folks on the table beside us all stood up as I ate the rest of my food.
It was obvious who the winner is, anyway.
It's always the 'Alpha Team' of one company or another. No matter how absolutely stupid their products are.
"I would like to thank the great minds in our Alpha Division for the creation of this brand new Alpha perfume that enhances the natural scent of the dominant beast in every alpha!" said Hitler in promotion mode.
Sounds scripted. It's probably from his uncle, Gadxilla.
"Isn't my award up yet?" I asked, feeling bored.
"You are going to receive a special award, Professor, it would probably be given near the end of the program," said Aahmes.
"Ugh... can't we go home already?" I tried the fancy rose-shaped bacon to pass the time.
"Wait just a bit more, Sir! We'll all be cheering for you! It'll be like we won an award as well!" said Pedro who remained as bright and cheerful as ever.
So I tasted all the food in the long buffet table until they finally called my name.
I tapped Aahmes on the shoulder as I rose from my seat.
"Let's go."
"I beg your pardon?" he looked up at me.
"You're all coming with me."
"Sir?" my two minions stared at me like idiots.
"What are you three waiting for? Are you coming or not?"
Pedro and Pilar stood up. I even had to pull at Aahmes before he finally let me drag.
The clapping never stopped as we made our way to the stage, all the while, Dona and Pilar's parents kept taking pictures with the rest of the photographers. I didn't even notice the audience were all standing until we got on the podium. Even Hitler had no choice but to cheer for us!
"Ladies and gentlemen, Prof. Ericson Antonio is also this year's recipient of 'The Heart of Gold Humanitarian Award' for his outstanding contributions to different omega institutions worldwide."
The cheering grew even louder. It only settled down when I stooped down to talk on the mic.
"Hello," I gave it a small tap. "I thank you all for the honor, but I would never would have achieved this without the help of the people who worked hard with me." I look at the people beside me. "My interns and lead researchers, Dr. John Peter Simeon and Dr. Maureen Peralta for their tireless help and perseverance, and of course, Dr. Aahmes Abdel, my trusty and ever patient assistant." I handed Pedro one of the awards, and Pilar the other. "This is for all of us."
The two looked like they were about to cry while Aahmes looked beautifully blank, as usual. I was just glad that it was finally over.
The clapping resumed as we made our way back to our seats, some people I don't know even shook my hand and clasped my shoulders.
I guess I would need another bath when we get home.
"Congratulations Doc!" Pilar's parents greeted me as I sat down. "Thank you for taking our Maureen to the stage with you!"
"Think nothing of it," I replied with a smile.
They finally called the last award after that, which was the 'Best Giant Pharma Award', and of course, the winner was Universal Labs.
"Ahh, we could finally leave!" I stretch my arms as I stood up.
"Sir, aren't you going tho the after party?" asked Pilar.
"Nope. You go ahead and have fun, since it's way past my bedtime."
I notice Pedro try to suppress his laughter.
"How about you, Habibi, are you staying as well?" I asked, though I knew that he would never stay without m – "
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I plan to join the reception as well, it is a good way to meet endorsers and potential investors for future projects."
"Ha?!" I stared at him with disbelief! "Then how am I supposed to get home?!"
"You can always come with us," he said with a sneer.
Damn this bastard! He knows damn well that I can't drive myself home.
Hmph, we'll see about that!
"Okay then, please book me a GrabMe. I'll just go home by myself."
"Suit yourself," he replied, the sneer disappearing. He took out his phone to book me a ride. He even waited for it to arrive and watched me get in the car.
I guess he really plans to stay.
Well, who cares anyway. I'm used to traveling on my own, after all. I can take care of myself, no problem.
"Call me when you're on your way back, and don't stay out too late!" I reminded him. "You still need to make me coffee when you get home!"
"Yes, of course, professor. Please also take care on your way home."
I couldn't help but feel irritated as the GrabMe left the venue. I glared at the image of Aahmes in the rear view mirror who grew smaller as the car drove away.
Just what is so important about some stupid investors, anyway? It's not like we're lacking of funds! I mean, it's true that half the fund given to our department have already been spent, but that's no reason to kiss some capitalist's ass just to get some extra! Besides, we both have enough money to support our own research! There's no need to act pretty just to be for more!
Hmph!
Well, Aahmes is pretty, so obviously, there won't be a shortage of investors that would want to fund our research. It's just aggravating to think that most, if not all of those investors would probably be alphas. Horny ones, at that, zoning in on a pretty omega.
They would probably strut their feathers to get his attention. They might even invite him to some godforsaken place to do whatever they...
Wait a minute, what date is it today?
"Mister, what date is it today?" I asked my driver.
"Sir? May 26 po."
I sudden chill passed down my spine.
Last month, Aahmes had his estrus on April 24th. That means he's still probably in his estrus period!
What if some dominant bastard like Hitler decides to hit on him?!
Shit.
Hitler.
How could I have forgotten!?
"Sir, are you okay?"
I look at the driver who seems to be worried about something.
"Y-yeah... I'm okay..." I replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, you seem to be having trouble breathing..."
I look at my hands and see that they are shaking.
My breath starts to get faster.
"Sir, are you an omega? Would you like me to take you to a hospital? I have a suppressant here in case you..."
"No..." I try to breath deeper, "take me back to the hotel... I need to get back. Fast."