My Omegaverse
Hello! This is my Omegaverse post in general! But applies to The Pitt!
I feel like I made it more complicated than necessary, but I just wanted to give it a bit…more? I agree with a lot of the little things, but it is the main over arching things that confused me/bothered me a bit. I will link at the end what inspired me for certain aspects and where I got my information from (I don't know if it is necessary, but I just think it would be nice in case y'all wanna look deeper yourselves)
Onto the universe!
A/N: I switch between parents and caregivers, this is not a slight and saying that caregivers cannot be parents, but it is to make the distinction when I am referring to birth parents and then to whomever actually cares for the child. I decided to eliminate the word birth for ease of writing, but in general think of caregivers for children. This is also U.S. based since I am from the U.S. and that is all I can base my knowledge on considering the amount of research and world-building I did for this. QUESTIONS ARE WELCOMED AND I WILL HAPPILY ELABORATE <3
Edit: on my soul I discussed how genitalia worked???
Sexes/Traits
I have decided to refer to them as "traits", even though colloquially it is referred to as one's second sex. So if you filling our an intake form at the doctors, you would fill out a section for Primary and then Trait.
So, you have your primary sexes and gender (M, F, Non-binary, etc.) and then your secondary trait/sex. I decided to apply a punnet square to it so the options are: AA, AB, AO, BB, BO, and OO. Now this does not mean that the Alpha traits dominate the Beta or Omega traits — or that that the Beta traits override the Omega traits — just that the trait before it shows more.
Here are some examples:
An AO mix would have ruts instead of heats, but during the rut they would feel more comfortable in a nest during that time
A BO mix wouldn't have a heat, but would feel comfortable nesting
Primary Sexes
This is irrelevant to one’s gender, this is purely want is in one’s pants. Male Omegas have smaller genitalia and Female Alphas have engorged clits; this is a sliding scale in accordance to if Alpha or Beta Dominant).
In a universe that has MPreg: there is a separate “chamber” (I think one of the links discusses it better) that has a uterus-like organ for Male Omegas (not for BO/AO males, but in rare cases (I do not want to equate this to intersex that is completely separate and still a real normal thing)) Female Alphas (yes for AO & AB) the engorged clit does have a testes-like organ that is connected to it (think of a female hyena).
Scents
There are general scent categories, which includes Betas as well. I feel terrible that they are always excluded in this category.
Scents are affected by emotions, hormones, and situations, but I believe that the environment one grows up in affects it as well; as well as diet.
Ex: Someone who is an AO would have a mix of those two categories of scents, but it would be affected by the fact that they grew up on a farm so you would get may a tinge of crop smells (corn & soybeans most likely) and unfortunately animal poop or if they grew up in a more Urban area you have the chance of a bit of a polluted smell tainting it.
It is common for perfumes to be used if one doesn't like their natural scent as well (Pheromone perfumes exist to make the base smell more pronounced). Scent Blockers can come in pills, patches, or lotions and have the chance to last 6, 12, 24, or 72 hours; it is recommended to talk to your doctor get a prescribed dosage, but the patches have a safe dosage to be over the counter.
The scent glands have varying placements on people actually and someone can have multiple: nape/back of neck, neck/shoulder area, and wrists are most common. At birth it is common for a temporary one to be behind the ears until they are around a year old.
Alphas
Savory Scents
Harsh Outdoorsy Scents
Betas
Neutral Scents
Think of Linen and Fresh Cut Grass
their Scents if in distress can smell more citrus (e.g. Lemons and Oranges) and if more pleased or happy can be more flowery (e.g. Daisies and Sunflowers)
Omegas
Sweet/Pleasing scents
Healthcare/Social Laws
The joke is on you if you thought I was going to make the laws terrible. I have a bleeding heart but also a brain, so I am being reasonable here.
I will discuss Healthcare first:
Not terrible at all in all honesty. You have standard biases that exist all around, but I would believe that the care would still be competent considering living with Traits/Secondary Sexes is not easy (especially since most people have mixed traits now)
I mentioned previously that scent blockers in patch form are the most accessible, but last the shortest. It is recommended to talk it out with your doctor no matter what form you decide to have your blocker as.
As a healthcare worker: it is highly recommended to wear/take any type of blocker as to not affects the patients when they're in distress. The A/C is also on constantly to try and air out the scents. There are de-distressing rooms and specialists relating to the Secondary Traits/Sexes (I do not know who to source for this idea).
There are specialists and it is a lucrative field, but not many go into it since it is additional schooling upon the traditional medical school; though a rotation is required for medical school.
Social "Laws"/Ideas
Not too different from our world and what you would expect; it obviously varies from region to region the severity of the treatment.
The usual stereotypes are that Alpha dominant Traits are dominant and rough, Omega Traits are more submissive, and that Beta dominant Traits are neutral on most topics. Obviously since a lot of people are now mixed Traits these stereotypes of lessened and transitioned into being more misogynistic towards female Alphas and Traitist(?) towards male Omegas.
Presentation/At Birth
One technically has their Trait since birth, but it "presents" during puberty (especially for Female Alphas and Male Omegas). I would describe the pain of this puberty as a 6-7 out of 10. It is the kind of pain that is very uncomfortable, but not terrible. They have the sex organs necessary for the type of Trait they have, but it just grows during puberty.
During this time they have pseudo-ruts and pseudo-heats, which are just someone experiencing the symptoms that come with it, but not a full one (e.g. presenting with a more dominant Alpha trait will be a bit more aggressive during this time and more protective of friends/partner or presenting Omegas may feeling more body heat and drowsy; dominant Beta traits unfortunately do not have anything in relation to this). The combination does affect the severity of this.
Scents get more defined at this stage of life! I like the idea that kids/pups have a pretty plain smell or smell more like their parent(s) when they are younger until this puberty hits.
The typical age range for this is 11-14, but it can be earlier or later just like any other puberty. Sex Education is also extensive, though this does vary regionally.
Aging
As someone ages, their sense of smell gets worse and their ability to produce their scent/pheromones lessens. This can also occur if someone experiences a traumatic physical event.
Mating Cycles
As previously mentioned, in this Universe most of the world population are mixed Traits unless you are weirdo "purists" (which is becoming a belief trend again, but it is not that favorable among the younger crowds). This is the general information on it if you are AA, BB, or OO, but if you are any other mix (AB, AO, BO) then these are more subdued or infrequent (think of a period cycle and how it can be either regular or not and the variations between days and symptoms; and yes, periods do still occur in this universe).
Alpha
Ruts
Alpha dominated Traits will have an increase in emotional reactions and lower self control as well as a spike in adrenaline and lack of exhaustion. Pre-rut is often signified by significant food intake and irritability, and a change in smell. Post-rut, one is often extremely exhausted.
Sexual
This is heightened and constant sexual arousal.
The body will feel like they are experiencing a fever and be extremely sweaty. They can also be in and out of consciousness.
Low refractory period.
Induced
This is often suddenly and a reaction to someone close to them being in active or intense pre-heat.
Often times it leads to being more protective of that person instead of being aroused by that person.
Proto-Rut/Pseudo-Rut
This happens mostly with teens and very young adults.
They experience their first true instincts of feeling protective and territorial and have the chance to learn how to navigate these feelings. Family members can find this either amusing or irritating; not as amusing if this occurs in college/university.
Knots
I will also use this as an opportunity to say that female Alphas do have knots, but they are not as large as male Alphas. They can also technically get pregnant, but it is more likely for them to miscarry and they are more equipped to be the giver than the receiver. The ovaries for them work the same as testes in this case.
Beta
Betas do not necessarily have a heat/rut cycle, but they do have periods where they can get more aroused than usual, but that is usually if they are around another who is going through a rut or heat at the moment.
Omega
Heats
Sexual
Pre-Heat
There is an increase in nesting behavior, but most often it is re-scenting items if the nest is complex.
Also signified by overeating, but at the same time a loss of appetite (very dependent on that persons prior eating habit).
Mood swings
Arousal to the point of pain as well as overheating. Rationality can be loss, but frequently it is not, that is in extreme cases.
Large amount of slick.
Induced
This is often suddenly and a reaction to someone close to them being in active or intense pre-rut.
This can induce an actual heat.
Proto-Heat/Pseudo-Heat
Very similar to proto-ruts/pseudo-ruts
More clingy or isolative depending on personality; nesting tendencies begin and fever & chills
Can be mistaken as illness
Slick
Self-lubrication. That's it. Still use lube though since this can vary in consistency and thickness.
This can have a smell, but that is diet dependent, but most do not have a smell.
Underwear liner is sold for pre-heat slick.
Mating Bites
This is not as common in the 21st century as it has been in the past. It was viewed as something that bonded people or that you claimed your partner and it was usually reciprocated. Nowadays it can be seen as a bit tacky to have on display, but it is sweet if done. If seen on a celebrity though it does generate a whole controversy and messiness (kind of an ego thing if paraded).
Pregnancy
Associated with BO and OO Traits most since they have the proper anatomy for it. This follows traditional pregnancy: 39 week gestation period and roughly 1-2 kids but can be more. Nothing too insane with this.
Nesting
I think we all know what nesting is, but I will elaborate a bit more for this world! So AA and BB do not have any urge to nest, but they won't be opposed to being in one if their partner or friend has one. AO, BO, and OO are the most common to nest and for AO and BO it is more of a comfort thing and it is a very simple and bare nest. OO nests are more complicated and sometimes people can dedicate a room to it, but otherwise it is traditionally in the primary bedroom.
It isn't uncommon for caregivers to cuddle with their children in their (the caregivers) or in the child's nest for a comfort thing. It is actually nice to offer comfort for them. A pre-teens first nest is often full of comforting smells so it can be family smells or smells they like in general, but as they get it older familial scents tend to get sorted out.
The nesting process during pregnancy though is often shared and can also branch to the nursery as well. This can apply for at-birth adoptions as well.
Courting
Adults
This has traditionally been initiated by Alphas, but as Traits started to mix, it became Alpha dominated and Beta dominated that could initiate the courting.
This follows traditional gift-giving, love-bombing (in a good way, just focusing all attention to one person, or multiple if poly), as well as gifting scented items.
Similar to traditional dating, but a lot more obvious in intentions with actions. The initiator would rather a silent agreement happen than overtly asking, but that does eventually come.
Teens/Young Adults
Similar to more mature adults, but still awkward and everyone still often messes it up. The "messing up" often comes from the fact that the trends are changing to everyone can initiate this "courting" process, but traditional instincts are combating it, so oftentimes they still fall back into the traditional courting mannerisms.
Situationship/Friends with Benefits
The older generations definitely are not the biggest fan of this because of the dangers that come with it if you accidentally get a mate bite from it or accidentally bond to someone.
This is common though as someone to get their grounds and understand the boundaries they want to settle with.
Bonding
There are several types, but I will mention the non-familial ones since I mention that one in the children section. This is often done nowadays to show ties to one another.
Romantic
Most commonly done after a year or two in a relationship and often includes rubbing on each others scent glands and leaving scented items with each other or switching clothing. It is more or of a softer version of a mating bite.
Platonic
This is commonly seen with hair ties, bracelets, earrings. Sharing smaller items that do not hold a lot of scents to them, but enough of a scent to know that you are friends with someone. A great way to try and open your friend circles!
Broken Bond
This can be done through divorce/separation, death, or abuse. This does require medical observation (mostly done through a weekly check-up) to make sure the person recovers mentally and physically from this separation since it can lead to a multitude of physical and mental issues. If it is in the case of abuse, it more advised that the person goes to in-patient observation.
Children
Children have a blank slate when it comes to smells, which is why they need to be scented by their caregivers. This early scenting often prevents them from becoming overly attached to daycare providers and teachers when they are younger. Typically children have a small cloth that their caregiver(s) scents so when they are separated, it is an easier transition.
Typically milestones to see for certain Traits is the time they grown their canines (Alpha dominant Trait is around 10 months, Beta dominant Trait 14 months, and Omega Trait 18 months). Caregivers tend to obsess over that for multitude of reasons, but most common are for toddler teething toys and to prepare for the upcoming Trait behaviors (which is not always linear). Another one is when they start yipping/chirping as it is a sign to if they will start speaking/babbling soon; they do also purr.
Puberty is non-liner and is difficult. It is often skipped over in pediatric appointments, so caregivers rely on oral teachings from themselves, family, or the school teachings. If you know what American Girl is they have puberty books for girls and boys (I will have those in the references), but those have been created for all three Traits and they acknowledge the very common mixed Traits.
Late teens and early adulthood is when things start to mellow-out and settle in personality, but adverse experiences can always regress people.
Pup is a term you can call children, but that is usually referred to infants to toddlers and stops around early elementary. Caregivers will use it as a tease to their children though.
Scruffing
This is a calming technique that is used on rowdy children, but it is not uncommon to lightly scruff a child to prepare them for nap time. Important to note that this is solely for primary caregivers to do. A substitute for this would be rubbing a child's neck or nose bridge.
One's partner can ask to be scruffed, but not commonly asked (or at least not publicly announced).
Adoption
Oftentimes children will be connected and start to be scented with their parents at birth to establish that attachment, but in the case of adoptions it works differently.
If it is from an at birth adoption (or surrogacy) then it is not too different than a non-adoption bonding since the caregivers still have the opportunity to have that early connection. I would give it twelve months before the lack of scenting/bonding becomes gradually more difficult.
As mentioned in the previous bullet point, if adopting a toddler onward then it becomes more difficult purely out of personality may not working and having to build that connection with the child first. It can be easy or difficult or not happen at all depending on the child.
Scent-Drunk
A state where a child can become lethargic from inhaling too much or a family members scent or from being over scented. Most common in children who are attached to caregivers frequently. Usually resolves within a 24-48 hours, but can lead to a longer coma-like state (still not worrisome just requires some separation and light monitoring at home). This is a common worry for first-time caregivers and a common pediatric issue.
Extras/Terminology
"Voice"
I would describe an Alpha Voice or Omega Voice as something that is more akin to a parent's voice when chastising a child in public or trying to get their attention. It is used primarily towards children and is seen as odd if used towards a partner.
There are varying octaves of a chirping, but it more isolated to familial usage (e.g. caregivers getting a child's attention or children stimming/self-soothing).
Purring
Purring is most commonly done for children (could be for any child to offer comfort).
There was initially distinct ones for each Trait, but now the only difference is the "octave" of the purr instead of the pattern. This is akin to how different cats purr and dogs bark, similar, but not the same due to crossbreeding.
References
https://jar-of-omegaverse.tumblr.com/post/642422224606920704/omegaverse-worldbuilding-starter-kit
Example questions you could ask if you are curious about things that are not implied
https://jar-of-omegaverse.tumblr.com/post/665786347630575616/masterlist
This has packs in it, but I used this for a lot of brainstorming
https://archiveofourown.org/works/8240798/chapters/18885217#workskin
https://fanlore.org/wiki/Alpha/Beta/Omega
https://www.tumblr.com/sortingabosincebirth/617925685871247360/purring-again
https://www.tumblr.com/sortingabosincebirth/619834740386758656/purring-instincts
https://www.tumblr.com/sortingabosincebirth/615485399956062208/purring
https://www.americangirl.com/products/guy-stuff-the-body-book-for-boys-fgm82
https://www.americangirl.com/products/guy-stuff-feelings-book-gxc99
https://www.americangirl.com/products/the-care-and-keeping-of-you-1-book-hxv31
https://www.americangirl.com/products/the-care-and-keeping-of-you-2-book-hxv32
https://www.americangirl.com/products/the-feelings-book-f4640
