Chapter Text
Felucia isn’t one of the planets Crosshair would have chosen, but it was a planet Omega wanted to visit, so he kept his mouth shut. Besides, no one complained when he said he didn’t want to trek across the humid, hot jungle.
Crosshair’s stomach has swelled more. He no longer fits his blacks, so he uses Wrecker’s, but at the rate his belly is growing, Crosshair will need more clothes by next week. His mates are kind of…fond of the swell.
Wrecker is gentler than before, offering his hand when Crosshair walks off the ramp and rubbing his shoulders gently. Echo is fussy, ensuring Crosshair eats the right foods and lecturing him on straining himself. Tech is observant yet humorous; he keeps track of Crosshair’s cravings and makes sure he has enough blankets and pillows for his nest while joking at him.
“Ah, I recognized your cadence, Cross’ika,” Tech mused as Crosshair walked into the cockpit. Tech smiled at him, cheeky and mischievous. “You're waddling like a porg already at sixteen weeks.”
Tech was not allowed back in his nest for a week.
Hunter is more protective and obsessive than he was which is impressive. Crosshair doesn’t find much enjoyment in walking around marketplaces or trader’s posts. The times he does find himself out of the ship and walking around, Hunter is plastered to his back, leaning down to scent him.
No one touches his bump; they keep their hands a respectful distance away.
Expect Omega.
The pup is curious. Omega’s hands reach up to try and palm his tummy. She constantly bounces around him answering questions.
“Why does your belly get bigger? How’d the baby get in there?” She asked, squeezing his hand.
“The belly gets bigger because that’s where the fetus grows,” Crosshair answered. He ignored the second question.
“Why is the puppy growing in your belly? I thought puppies grew in tubes,” Omega commented. Crosshair huffed out a laugh.
“This is how puppies are born,” he answered. “Only clones grow in tubes.”
“Oh,” Omega hummed. “How does the puppy get out?”
Crosshair shooed her off and buried himself in his nest.
He’s just begun to acknowledge the fetus growing inside of him; Crosshair isn’t ready to confront giving birth.
Tech assures him frequently that he has studied childbirth and everything should be fine when the time comes, but that doesn’t really make Crosshair feel any better.
Echo and Wrecker snuggled with him in the nest and asked him to be honest about how he felt. Crosshair waved them off, playing nonchalant then purring and rubbing himself against them to make them forget the conversation.
I’m fucking terrified, Crosshair admits to himself.
He did his own research into childbirth and found himself horrified. Omegas screaming as their bodies were ripped apart by force, seizing out as blood pools from their vaginas with pups wailing in the background, and wheezing as infections take their lives. Uterine rupture, chorioamnionitis, hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism, failure to progress…those all happen in top of the line medbays.
Crosshair’s mind conjures up all sorts of nightmare scenarios about giving birth on an attack shuttle.
I don’t want to die…Crosshair’s mind whispers to him.
Crosshair hums unhappily and borrows himself into Echo’s side. He keens for attention, bumping his head against Echo’s. The alpha rumbles softly and wraps his arms around the omega.
“Sleepy?” Echo questions.
“Kinda, yeah,” Crosshair lies. He stretches his limbs and places a chaste kiss on Echo’s lips. “Tech droned on and on about nysillin last night…his lecture kept replaying in my head while I was trying to sleep.” Echo chuckles, kissing Crosshair’s temple.
“He loves when you listen to him,” Echo says. He snorts. “What can you tell me about this plant?”
“It is a healing herb that can be found across the galaxy,” Crosshair answers. “However, the crops grown on Felucia are known to be bigger due to the planet’s naturally humid atmosphere.”
Echo laughs aloud, throwing his head back and squeezing Crosshair closer.
Hunter pokes his head in and smiles softly at the sight of his omega nestled comfortably. He walks over to kiss Crosshair’s temple then nuzzles his nose.
“Good morning, mesh’la,” Hunter greets him. “Wrecker made your favorite pancakes for you this morning.” Crosshair hums in delight, propping himself up on his elbow.
“What’s the occasion?” He asks, tilting his head. Hunter smirks and shakes his head.
“No occasion,” he answers. “We just love you.” Crosshair’s heart backflips. He purrs happily and rubs his cheek against his husband’s. Echo kisses the back of Crosshair’s neck, rumbling as he does.
Hunter presses three firm kisses to Crosshair’s cheek before straightening up. He jerks his head towards their “kitchen”.
“Go eat up, baby boy,” he says. He points to Echo, smirking. “Echo here could use a shower. I can smell the sex on the two of you.” Crosshair scoffs and rolls his eyes.
“You’re just jealous you missed out,” he teases his first mate. Echo laughs as he disappears into the fresher. Hunter frowns, but Crosshair can see the playful glimmer in his eye. Hunter dips to mischievously nip the mating bite he left on Crosshair. Crosshair’s breath catches in his throat, and he tilts his head to give the alpha more access to kiss, lick, and bite his neck.
Crosshair gasps in surprise as Hunter grabs his wrists and pulls him off the bunk. He tumbles into his mate’s chest. Hunter chuckles and presses his lips to the top of Crosshair’s head. He then carefully pushes him towards their kitchen.
“Go eat,” he says as he playfully swats Crosshair’s ass. “Before Wrecker uses all the syrup.” Crosshair glares at his mate as he walks off. Entering the kitchen, he sees Wrecker carefully plating pancakes. He waddles up to wrap his arms around his alpha’s stomach and squeezes. Wrecker turns around to enclose Crosshair in a hug.
“Good morning, firecracker,” he greets. Wrecker nuzzles his face to Crosshair’s, a deep rumble coming from his chest. “How are you feeling?”
My back hurts, my breasts are huge and aching, my gums are bleeding, and I’ve got stretch marks all over my ass, thighs, and tits, Crosshair internally grumbles.
“Fine,” he answers as he shrugs his shoulders. “Breakfast smells good.” Wrecker’s chest puffs out in pride. Crosshair would roll his eyes at the alpha’s need to provide, but his alpha is happy, and Crosshair loves seeing the happy glimmer in Wrecker’s eyes.
“Thank you,” Wrecker says, kissing Crosshair sweetly. “Tech’s already awake, but do you mind getting Omega?” Crosshair huffs out his nose but nods.
“Sure,” he pulls away from Wrecker and heads towards the gunner’s mount. “Go ahead and make me a plate.” Crosshair watches Wrecker plate his food out of the corner of his eyes and smirks softly.
Crosshair climbs the ladder slowly, his belly weighing him down more and making it difficult to properly grip the rungs. He peers up to see the kid wrapped up in her small blanket with Lula clutched in her arms. Omega has her thumb tucked into her mouth, and the sight makes Crosshair’s heart clench. He used to suck his thumb when he was little. He sucked his thumb until he was around seven natborn years old.
Glel Nuus beat it out of him.
Crosshair can’t help but see Saara as he reaches out to run his hand through her hair. Omega whimpers in her sleep, her head tilting towards his hand subconsciously.
“Wake up…Omega,” Crosshair tries her name on his tongue. Another hurdle crossed. He reaches his other hand out to poke at her cheek. “Wake up. Wrecker made pancakes for us.”
Omega whines as he eyes flutter open. She squints questioningly at Crosshair. She sits up, the blanket falling off her shoulder as she stretches out and yawns, and rubs the sleep from her eyes.
“What time is it, Mama?” Her small, sleepy voice rings out.
Crosshair flinches, his hands jerk back. He knows what he is to her; what she is to him. But that title still haunts him.
“Don’t call me that,” he rasps out. Omega sniffles as she rubs her eyes.
“What?” She asks, likely not realizing what she said.
“Don’t…” Crosshair trials off as he stares into her big, brown eyes. The kid blinks and cocks her head to the side. Crosshair swallows around the lump in his throat. “Breakfast is ready.”
He turns on his heels and leaves a confused Omega in the gunner’s mount.
I have to know more people than Cut and Suu, Crosshair grouses internally. Well, people who are responsible anyway.
“Would you feel comfortable giving the child up for adoption on a planet with a more stable environment?” Tech asks as he returns to the nest with water. He holds his datapad out for Crosshair to read. “Naboo has an excellent adoption program. The planet also has a peaceful culture, strong leadership, and multiple opportunities.”
“I guess,” Crosshair hums. Tech tilts his head in question and leans to peck Crosshair’s cheek.
“Bespin then?” Tech suggests. “It has one of the top universities in the galaxy, and the economy is continuously stable.” Tech takes Crosshair hand in hid and squeezes it gently. “How does that sound?” Crosshair hums and shrugs one shoulder. Tech sighs out his nose, but he moves to kiss Crosshair on the lips. “Take your time to think it over, my darling. We still have time.”
Not much, Crosshair thinks as the fetus moves inside of him.
The ramp to the ship opens, revealing the others as they climb abroad. Echo is holding a bundle of milk grass, needle blossom, and orchidfern, and Wrecker is carrying Omega on his shoulders. Hunter kneels down to kiss Crosshair’s nose.
“Hello mesh’la,” he greets, rubbing their cheeks together.
“Riduur,” Crosshair returns as he purrs happily.
“Heya firecracker,” Wrecker playfully drops Omega to the ground, making her squeal in laughter. Crosshair’s heart skips a beat as the pup drops onto her feet.
“Be careful!” Crosshair hisses at him, sitting up in the nest. He smiles and holds a hand out to the young pup. “How was Kashyyk?” She grins as she sits right outside the nest.
“It was great!” Omega cheers. “Hunter took me up into a huge tree, and Trikk let me climb on his back!” Crosshair nods, encouraging her to continue. The pup is so excited she’s nearly vibrating. It reminds him of Tech. “We swung on a vine, and I got to swim in the ocean! Oh!” Omega turns to grab at the tote bag slung across Hunter’s shoulder. She pulls out a giant pink shell. Crosshair can see fruits and vegetables in the bag as well. Omega kneels outside the nest and hands him the shell. “I got this for you!”
Crosshair blinks in surprise as he takes the shell in his hands. He runs his finger over it, feeling the ridges and divots. He can smell the salt water coming from it. Crosshair lays the shell on the shelf above his nest. He reaches a hand out to Omega and brings her small hand to his cheek. Omega grips widely at him as he rubs her hand in thanks.
“It’s lovely,” he tells her. Omega, in her excitement, falls forward to wrap her arms around him and lay on his distended stomach. Crosshair instinctively tenses. But as Omega happily rubs her cheek on his breast, he begins to run his hand through her hair. She purrs quietly, and Crosshair can finally take in her scent. Omega smells like milk and powder, puppy smells, but he can detect a hint of sage.
Still just a baby, Crosshair muses to himself.
Crosshair hums as his hand gets caught in a lock of her hair. He pulls out a twig and snorts. Omega’s blonde hair covered in mud with Felucia’s flora sticking out of it.
“Did you roll around in the trees?” He teases her. Omega pulls away from his breast, and her cheeks tint a cute pink color. He smirks. “I wash Hunter’s hair all the time. Would you like some help washing your hair?” Omega’s eyebrows jump as her eyes shine in excitement. He sees all his husbands’ eyebrows jump up in surprise, and he chooses to ignore it.
“You would?” She asks. Crosshair hums and nods. She grins and jumps up and down. “Please! Please! Pleeeeaseee!” Crosshair chuckles as he stands from his nest.
“C’mon, kid,” he lays his hand on her shoulder and guides her to the bathroom. He looks over his shoulder to wink at his mates. “We’ll be back; Omega needs a spa day.” They all smirk at him fondly while Tech discreetly takes a holophoto.
As Omega bounces around, Crosshair lays out his shampoo, comb, and some towels. He drapes one over the sink and waves her over.
“Lay down here,” he instructs her. He helps her get her head into a comfortable position. Crosshair turns the water on and runs his fingers through it until it gets to a good temperature. He tilts his head to look her in the eyes. “How’s the water feeling, kiddo?”
“Nice,” Omega says, closing her eyes and smiling.
Crosshair hums as he rinses Omega’s blonde locks from her roots to the tips of her hair. He takes the time to pick out each piece of nature stuck in the pup’s hair. Crosshair combs through it gently, cooing in apology when he snags a tangle. The comb snags on a stubborn tangle, making Omega whine and yelp. Crosshair lays his cheek on her head and coos to soothe her.
“I’m sorry, puppy,” he coos instinctively. Crosshair takes her hand and presses a chaste kiss in apology. Omega smiles and kisses Crosshair’s hand in return, making him huff in laughter.
“You’re so much like Hunter,” he comments. “I can never kiss him without getting one in return.” Omega beams at the statement.
“He’s teaching me how to track!” She announces. “I was able to track down the Ordo Moon dragon that stole our capacitor all by myself after Hunter passed out!” Omega’s little eyes sparkle in pride.
“Huh,” Crosshair comments.
What have my mates been up to? Crosshair wonders. He glances back down at Omega and realizes he has the answer to his question.
“What else have the others gotten into?” He questions her as he pours shampoo on her head. Omega takes a deep breath before launching into rapid fire retellings.
He massages her scalp gently yet thoroughly as she speaks. Omega’s talking slows as she relaxes under his tender ministrations. Subconsciously, Crosshair begins purring.
Crosshair rinses her hair and combs through it again. He squeezes out the excess water then twists her hair into a towel hat.
“There,” he says, stepping back. “All done.”
Omega grins as she admires herself in the mirror. She turns to barrel into him, planting her chin into his stomach and beaming up at him. Crosshair’s lips twitch up into a smirk and he goes to ruffle her hair.
“Thank you, Ma-”
The ice grips his heart again. Crosshair steps away from her. The fond expression drops from his face. He stares down at the kid with a blank expression.
“Don’t call me that,” he tells her as he leaves the fresher, not looking behind him.
“Summertime and the living’s easy…”
Crosshair sings along with his datapad as the hot water soothes his aching muscles. He sighs as he rakes his fingernails through his hair as he shampoos it. A sharp kick to his kidney makes him stop and wince. Crosshair rubs his hand up and down and across his stomach to try and quiet the bolo ball player in his womb.
I never thought of which alpha sired you, Crosshair internally mutters to the fetus. But those kicks are definitely from Hunter.
A knock on the wall next to the shower makes Crosshair jump. He hisses and grips his belly instinctively.
“Sorry, sorry,” Wrecker apologies as he pokes his head in the shower, his hands up in surrender. “I was wondering if I could join you?” Crosshair shuffles to make room for his largest mate.
“Come on in, cabur,” Crosshair purrs, chirping happily as he does.
Wrecker grins wide, his smile stretching his facial scar, as he undresses. He slips into the shower and plasters himself to Crosshair’s back. Wrecker tucks his face into Crosshair’s neck, his lips on the mating bite he left, and rumbles.
“Can you hold my belly up?” Crosshair asks, slightly embarrassed. Wrecker kisses where his lips lay and cups Crosshair’s swollen tummy. Crosshair groans as the weight lifts from his hips, alleviating the constant discomfort.
“Thank you, ner riduur,” Crosshair sighs out, leaning back into his husband’s chest.
“Anything for you, firecracker,” he says as he playfully rubs the omega’s cheek.
Silence surrounds them as Crosshair continues washing himself. He offers to assist Wrecker, but the alpha turns him down. Crosshair’s nostrils flare in excitement as his alpha kneels in front of him. Wrecker gently washes his legs and takes his time to massage Crosshair’s swollen feet. Crosshair fully relaxes and lets his eyes slip closed. He gasps slightly when he feels a chaste kiss against his clit.
“Can I?” Wrecker asks, leaning his head so Crosshair can see him over his heavy belly. “You’re just so pretty and sweet.” Crosshair nods frantically, already panting in excitement.
He’s so sensitive lately. Crosshair grows wet at the slightest touch and the quietest whisper from his mates. His nipples have grown huge and more responsive to touch. They leak so much and Crosshair came when Tech wrapped his mouth around one and sucked.
Crosshair is almost constantly horny.
He feels Wrecker grin against his thigh before diving in the lick up his vulva. Crosshair covers his mouth to muffle his shriek. Omega is asleep already, and Crosshair was the one to finally get her to sleep. He doesn’t have it in him to read another six books.
Crosshair braces his hands against the shower wall as Wrecker truly begins to eat him out. He feels his face heat up as more slick pours from his cunt. His pussy dripping faster than Wrecker can lick it up. Wrecker’s teeth tease his clit, and Crosshair’s thighs begin shaking as he comes over his mate’s face.
He closes his eyes and pants as he comes down from his orgasm. Wrecker pulls away and stands to kiss Crosshair on the cheek.
“So tasty,” he comments. Wrecker grabs Crosshair’s face and slips his tongue into his mouth. Crosshair hums as he gets a taste of his own slick. Wrecker pulls back to smirk. “Wouldn’t you agree?” Crosshair’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Wrecker,” he gasps out. Wrecker shrugs and chuckles.
“You’re beautiful,” he replies. “Gorgeous…do you think you can take my knot?” Crosshair can’t stop the whine that escapes his mouth, answering Wrecker’s question without a word.
Crosshair flips around to brace his hands on the shower wall. He watches Wrecker behind him from the corner of his eye. Wrecker laughs as he lifts one of Crosshair’s legs. In one smooth, fluid motion, Wrecker pushes in fully, filling Crosshair completely.
“Wrecker!” Crosshair squeals. “Shit.”
“You’re so tight,” Wrecker comments as he lays his head in between Crosshair's shoulder. “I’ll be gentle.”
Wrecker moves slowly, gently rocking his hips. Crosshair moans each time Wrecker’s cock brushes over his most sensitive spot. A huge hand comes down to cup the swell of Crosshair's ass, squeezing and slapping it intermittently.
Crosshair moans and babbles as Wrecker increases the pace. He lays his forehead on the wall and brings a hand down to touch himself.
“Pretty boy,” Wrecker coos in his ear. “Come on my cock, Cross’ika. I wanna feel you squeeze me.”
“Ah, ah, ah,” Crosshair moans. A tear slips down his face as he comes again, soaking Wrecker’s cock. He pants as Wrecker continues pounding into, and he keens loudly as Wrecker’s knot swells and locks them into place.
Crosshair relaxes with the knot inside of him. Wrecker starts to tenderly massage his back, digging his thumbs into his hips. The knot deflates, and Crosshair and Wrecker grunt. Crosshair turns his head to nuzzle Wrecker’s cheek in thanks.
“Help me dry off?” Crosshair asks. “The water’s getting cold.”
Wrecker dries Crosshair with his favorite fluffy towel. He lotions Crosshair without having to be asked, kissing each his skin as he does.
“Omega told me what happened the other rotation,” Wrecker says. Crosshair frowns in confusion.
What happened? He asks himself.
“She called you Mama,” Wrecker clarifies. “Omega called you Mama and said you left her in the fresher.”
Crosshair’s cheeks pinken at being tattled on by a puppy. He fumbles his words before finally getting a sentence out.
“I’m not her mother,” he says, shaking his head. He purses his lips tight. Wrecker raises his eyebrow.
“C’mon, Cross,” he sighs. “Technically, you are. You’re the closest thing she has to one.”
“I’m not a mother,” Crosshair scrunches his nose. “I’m not. I’m a sniper, a soldier…I’m not some nurturing figure.” Wrecker huffs out a laugh.
“Don’t lie to yourself,” Wrecker chastises playfully. “Who is the one to coddle Hunter whenever he has a migraine?” Crosshair glares and blows a breath out of his nose. He already knows where this is going.
“I do.”
“Who makes sure Tech sleeps in the bed and gets a good night’s rest?”
“Me?”
“Uh huh,” Wrecker smirks proudly. “Who is there to reassure Echo when he’s upset?”
“I do.” Wrecker rumbles and leans in to rub his nose against Crosshair’s.
“Who massages my aching muscles and makes sure I don’t overexert myself?” Crosshair sighs and nuzzles Wrecker in return.
“Me…I do all of that.” Wrecker rumbles, pleased with himself.
“Yeah, you do,” he replies. “You are nurturing, Crosshair, but you're also strong and brave and tough.” Wrecker presses multiple kisses to Crosshair’s face. Crosshair sighs.
Wrecker’s logic makes sense. However, all his life Crosshair has been running from being more than an omega, a stereotype, more than what the galaxy has labeled him as.
He can’t voice it-all his fears and anxieties surrounding his designation and potential loss of identity.
He doesn’t have to. Wrecker has always been able to read him.
“Ya know Omega sees Hunter has a father, right?” Wrecker questions, tilting his head. Crosshair nods. “Well, do you only see Hunter as a father?” Crosshair huffs.
“Of course not,” he answers. “But Hunter’s an alpha. He’ll always be seen as one; it’s different for me.”
“I know it is,” Wrecker responds easily. “But not everything is black and white.”
Crosshair swallows around the lump in his throat. He falls into Wrecker’s chest and curls in on himself.
“I’m trying,” he whispers. Wrecker kisses the top of his head gently.
“I know…Omega loves you, ya know?” Crosshair’s eyebrows jump up in surprise. He pulls back slightly to gaze up at his mate. Wrecker chuckles. “She does; she’s under the belief you hung Rishi’s moon.”
Crosshair looks down at the ground. He steadies himself by taking long, deep breaths.
Would it be so terrible? He wonders.
“She’s a sweet kid,” Crosshair replies. “I…have grown fond of her.” He can feel Wrecker grinning. “But I…” Crosshair trails off to find the right words. “I can’t be what she wants. Not-not yet… I just don’t-”
“Shoo, shoo, shoo,” Wrecker shushes him and squeezes him. “Just…talk to her about it.” Crosshair chuckles humorously.
“She’s five,” he points out.
“Omega’s smart,” Wrecker counters. “She’ll understand if you just…explain you’re more comfortable being a brother to her.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Wrecker replies, kissing Crosshair’s temple. “She’s a lot like you…she’ll understand.”
Crosshair gulps. Omega is sweet, a kind, gentle pup. He’s nowhere near as close to her as the others are, but his heart hurts at the thought of her being hurt by him. Her wide, glistening eyes crack at his soul.
I don’t want her to suffer like I did. I want to protect her from the trauma I went through, he realizes.
“There’s a nice playground around here, right?” Crosshair asks. They’re currently docked on Chandrila, a safe, stable planet. “I can take her tomorrow…we’ll hang out alone.”
“That would be nice,” Wrecker agrees. “Are you ready to go to bed? I can sleep in your nest with you.” Crosshair nods.
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
Crosshair remains awake long past when Wrecker begins snoring, his mind racing.
Omega bounces along, excitedly babbling as she does. Crosshair grips Omega’s hand just a little tighter instinctively.
“Tech told me there's a swing!” Omega shouts, shaking in enthusiasm. Her other hand comes up to tug on the poncho Crosshair borrowed from Wrecker. “Will you swing with me?”
“I don’t think I should,” he answers her. Her bright smile dulls slightly, and Crosshair hurries to placate her. “I can push you though.” Omega purses her lips in thought, humming as she thinks. She nods her head in agreement, lips curling slightly.
“Okay, that’s acceptable,” she agrees easily. She gasps in elation and points to a small cart manned by a twi’lek. “When we leave, can we get snowcomes?” Crosshair follows her small finger and finds himself craving a lemon mint snowcone.
“Sure,” he replies. She cheers. Crosshair smirks and bends down to meet her eye. His lip curls into a smile as he places a finger on his lips. “It’ll be our little secret.” Omega covers her mouth to giggle.
Crosshair hears the playground before he sees it. The sound of shrieking, happy pups is impossible to drown out. The playground is impressive. It contains a rock climbing wall, a fort with a slide, multiple swings sets, a climbing dome, and a merry-go-round all brightly colored and themed to Chandrila’s local fauna.
Omega squeals and bounces on her feet.
“Can we go on the swings?” She begs him, whirling around to flash her puppy eyes. Crosshair chuckles and jerks his chin towards the equipment.
“Pick which one you want,” he tells her.
Omega clambers onto a red swing and wiggles until she gets comfortable. Crosshair starts slowly with her, since she’s never been on a swing before. Soon, she looks over her shoulder to request to go higher and higher.
Girl lives on a ship, he smirks to himself. Of course she’d want to reach the stars on the swing.
Crosshair’s lower back begins aching, and the fetus starts protesting by kneeing his lungs. He pulls back and instructs Omega how to swing herself. As he suspects, she picks it up perfectly.
He settles on a beach a few feet away to keep a close eye and ear on her. Omega abandons the swings to climb all around the fort and slide down the slide. She finds a spot on the merry-go-round and politely asks a few older children to spin her. She shrieks as she grips the bar between her hands.
“Faster!” Omega requests to the Rhodian child. “Please!”
Crosshair clenches his fists each time it looks like she’s close to flying off, and eventually the g-force is too powerful and she slides off. He couldn’t get up quick enough to catch her due to the weight of his belly. Crosshair is able to wrap his arms around her head.
“Om’ika?” He asks, peeking at her. “Are you okay?” Omega peers up at him, her bottom lip wobbling as she sniffles. She coughs then bursts into tears.
Crosshair sighs out of his nose as he picks Omega up to cradle her close. She blubbers as she tucks her face into his neck, yipping instinctively. Crosshair kisses the top of her head, rubbing it with her cheek to soothe her with his scent.
“I’m so sorry, sir,” the rhodian child apologizes. “It was an accident.”
Little fucking prick, Crosshair’s mind hisses. He’s the reason your puppy’s crying.
Crosshair wants to snap at the kid, but he takes some deep breaths, taking in Omega’s powder and milk puppy scent. He cuts his eyes at the child.
“Accidents happen,” he says, hurrying his pace.
Crosshair sits back down on the bench and situates Omega in his lap. Typically, he would be able to drape her across his lap and cradle her, but now he has to move her around his stomach. Crosshair rocks her gently as he nuzzles her face. Her cries and yips taper out to small, quiet sniffles. Crosshair snorts as her eyelids start drooping. Quietly, he begins to sing to her.
“This is a simple song, gonna write it for a friend…”
Omega slips into a tooka cat nap as Crosshair sings. Her thumb found its way to her mouth, and her face remained in its place at his throat. Despite Omega being fast asleep, Crosshair continues rocking her and humming.
She wakes nearly forty minutes later, yipping as she does. Crosshair places his datapad back into the tote he brought along and returns his attention to her.
“Have a good nap, sleepy head?” He teases her, tickling under her chin. Omega twists away from his fingers and whines. “You hungry, kid? I brought some snacks.” Omega’s eyes pop open as she sits up fully.
“What kind?” She asks, glancing at the tote.
Omega eats some fruit pieces and continues to cuddle against Crosshair’s side. He notices she is people watching, eyes carefully combing over everyone at the playground. Crosshair smirks at the action and kisses the top of her head again. Omega perks up and squints at something near them.
“What’s she doing?” She questions. Crosshair follows her line of sight. Omega is looking at an omega nursing their pup one bench over.
Poor thing. She never got comfort like that, Crosshair muses.
None of us did.
“They're feeding their baby,” he answers her. The other omega looks up and smiles politely at Omega.
“You’ve never seen holos for your mom nursing you?” The other omega asks. Crosshair knows they meant it in good jest, not to be malicious, but his hackles raise.
“No,” Omega replies. “He didn’t nurse me.” Crosshair feels his breath leave his lungs as the omega cuts their eyes at him, obviously judging him.
“Let’s go,” Crosshair says, standing with Omega in his arms.
“What did I-” Omega starts.
“Not now,” Crosshair hisses quietly. Omega curls into herself, tucking her face back into his neck.
Crosshair walks away from the playground. Shame, embarrassment, and self hatred boil inside of him. He finds a bench along the walkway and plops down on it.
“Why did you say that?” He asks her, trying to keep his voice calm to not upset her. Omega pouts her bottom lip out.
“It was the truth,” she shrugs. “You didn’t nurse me, and there’s no holos.” Crosshair pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs.
“Yes, I know that,” he responds. “But nursing a child is an important part of a pup’s upbringing. Now that omega thinks I’m a bad mother.” Omega squints in confusion before snuggling closer to Crosshair and kissing his cheek.
“I don’t think you’re a bad mom,” she says. Crosshair feels a lump form in his throat. He blinks away the moisture trying to form in his eyes. He brings a hand up to cup the back of her head. He can’t stop the purr from escaping him.
“That’s sweet of you,” Crosshair whispers. He pulls back to look her on the eye. “Spekaing of, we need to discuss something.” Omega cocks her head in confusion and sits up some more.
“About what?” Crosshair purses his lips and chews at it.
“I…I am not comfortable…” Crosshair trails off as he sighs. “I’m not comfortable with you referring to me as your mother.” Omega’s expression drops.
“But you are,” she insists.
“I know,” Crosshair admits aloud for the first time. “But I…never imagined I would have a pup, and it takes me a while to…adapt to changes.” Omega is no longer looking at him. She’s looking off into the distance with her nose pressed to his throat.
“Do you…” Omega’s breath catches in her throat. “Do you love me?”
Crosshair tightens his grip on her. He doesn't know. He cares about her; he wants her to be happy and safe and loves whenever she talks to him.
He’s not there yet.
“I do,” he lies to her, not wanting to hurt her in any way. “I just…love you like a brother would.”
Crosshair can feel Omega physically deflate against him. Her sweet puppy scent sours. He kisses her temple and rubs her cheek to hers, trying to drown out the sad smell.
“Let’s go get snowcones, yeah?” He suggests. Crosshair stands with her still in his arms and digs his credit pouch out of his tote bag. He kisses her cheek and nuzzles his nose to it. The puppy giggles, her hands coming up to grip Crosshair’s cheeks in return.
It’s the sweetest thing he’s ever felt.
Something wakes Crosshair deep into the night cycle. He lifts his head from where he was resting on Hunter’s warm, bare chest. He cocks his head and sniffs. Crosshair smells each of his mate’s individual scents-they all smell content, and Hunter smells pleased. However, his nose picks up a sickly and fetid smell coming from the gunner’s mount.
Omega.
Crosshair sits up quickly, groaning as his body protests the sudden movement. He clambers out of his nest as quickly as he can. Hunter pops up, grabbing his forearm.
“Baby?” Hunter’s sleep-addled voice mumbles. He rubs his eyes with his fingers and leans out of the nest. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
“Omega,” Crosshair answers, pulling out of Hunter’s grip. “Something’s wrong with her.”
Crosshair is lumbering down the hall when he hears the tell tale sound of someone retching. He quickens his pace and steps on the first ladder rung to throw the curtain open. Poor Omega is sitting on her knees hunching over herself with her arms wrapping around her stomach. Bile pools from her mouth as she coughs and gags.
Crosshair climbs all the way up and settles next to her. He pulls her hair from her face and kisses her temple. He gently shushes her as he continues vomiting. Omega hacks up more, crying out as she does.
“It’s okay, Om’ika,” Crosshair coos at her as he wipes the sweat from her forehead. He notices how hot she feels, how her night shirt clings to her skin due to the sweat coating her body. Crosshair holds her tight to his body as he retches again, stomach acid falling to the floor.
Oh shit, Crosshair curses.
“Get Tech,” he orders at Hunter who has been staring wide eyed in worry. The alpha nods wordlessly and runs off. Omega whines out again as she gags, clutching Crosshair’s hand.
“Mama…” she sputters out. “It hurts.” Omega gags again, tears cascading down her pale cheeks.
Crosshair’s heart clenches at the title, and he pulls her closer to him. He knows how to fend off a headache, how to set a bone or stitch a cut, and how to ease a stomach ache. He can’t make her feel better, he can’t take away her pain, and it’s killing him.
“Shh, shh, shh,” Crosshair shushes her, kissing her temple again and cringing at the heat. “It’s going to be okay, Omega. You’ll be okay.”
“Watch out,” Tech says as he sits on his knees next to Omega. He scans her with the med scanner until it beeps. Tech purses his lips and hums.
“It seems to be a rather severe form of viral gastroenteritis,” he deduces. Tech leans to pat Omega’s back. “It is a stomach flu. Nothing to be worried about, Miss Omega.” Tech squeezes Crosshair’s forearm in reassurance. “It should pass on its own in a few rotations. Hydration and rest are vital to combating the virus. Maybe later we can try some bland foods, and if we need to, we can give her loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate.”
Crosshair nods along to Tech’s explanation. Omega is now shivering against him. He gently situates her on his bump so he can pick her up.
“Let’s get you cleaned up, Om’ika,” he coos, kissing her temple. “You can sleep in a bunk tonight.”
Echo and Hunter work together to clean out the gunner’s mount, Wrecker gets his bunk ready for Omega to sleep in, and Tech gathers supplies they might need. Crosshair continues comforting Omega, kissing her face and rubbing his cheek to hers to scent her.
“Here you go,” Wrecker pats the then sheet. “All ready for you guys.” Crosshair transfers Omegas into his riduur’s arms so he can climb in. He settles on his left side and slips his pillow between his knees and under his abdomen. Crosshair opens his arms and keens for Omega.
Wrecker lays Omega in gently, patting her back in apology when she whines. Crosshair shushes her softly as he brings her close to his chest. She nuzzles her head between his breasts, groaning as she fully relaxes against him. Crosshair sighs sadly and brushes her hair from her eyes.
“Don’t worry, princess,” Echo says, coming up to grip Crosshair’s hand. “Tech said she should be okay. She’ll be back to bouncing around the ship in no time.”
Crosshair hums and kisses Echo’s knuckles gently. He lets his own eyes slip closed as he squeezes Omega tighter.
But something continues to nag at the back of Crosshair’s mind.
Three rotations go by slowly, but Omega is in worse condition than she was the night cycle it started. Her energy is depleted, and she’s lethargic. Omega hasn’t left to bunk on her own. Crosshair helps her wash up and change her clothes, but she is so drained she can’t lift her head.
She hasn’t had anything to eat or drink either. Omega hurled up crackers, rice, and oatmeal. Tech tried to give her water and electrolyte packets, but Omega threw it up as well. She hasn’t been able to keep anything down.
Tech sighs as he runs a hand through his hair. Crosshair can see the worried glint in his beta’s eyes. Normally, he would lean over to kiss the worry off his husband’s face, but Crosshair is too consumed by his own stress.
“I will need to insert an IV to keep her from dehydrating,” Tech sighs out. “I…do not need to disclose what will happen otherwise.” Everyone hangs their heads nervously, and Crosshair clutches her closer. Hunter runs a hand through his hair then lays it on Omega’s head. He winces at the heat radiating from her.
“Let’s sit her up in a crash seat,” Echo suggests.
Tech prepares the IV drip for Omega while the others tend to her. Crosshair sits in a crash seat and accepts Omega into his arms. Echo and Hunter sit on either side of him, both of them holding one of Omega’s hands. Wrecker hovers nearby. Omega’s eyes peek open.
“Don’t worry, kid,” Crosshair tells her, kissing her temple. “Tech’s got something to make you feel better.” Her eyes glance over the Tech holding her arm carefully as he positions the needle. Omega shrieks out in fear and thrashes in Crosshair’s arms.
“No!” She screeches as she attempts to jump from Crosshair’s arms. Echo and Hunter stand to hold her still so Tech can treat her. “No! No! NOOOOOO!” Omega flips her body to cling to Crosshair desperately, her nails digging painfully into his neck.
“Omega, stop it,” Crosshair hisses at her. “You’re sick, baby. Tech is trying to help you.”
“No needles!” Omega cries, tears falling onto Crosshair's neck as she burrows her face there. “Please, Mama! Please!” Crosshair huffs as he cradles the back of her head. He understands how she feels; he does, but Omega needs the IV drip to heal. Tech manages to press the needle to her skin, and Omega yips loudly.
It’s instinctual how Crosshair jerks Omega away from Tech’s grip. How he hisses and bares his fangs at Tech. His mates back off, staring down at the omega and the pup with worry. Crosshair purrs to calm the puppy’s nerves and rubs his cheek all over her to scent her.
“Crosshair,” Tech whispers, laying a hand on his shoulder and leaning down. “Omega needs this.” Crosshair hisses again, quieter, but just as fierce. Tech blows a breath out of his nose and stalks off. Hunter kneels down next to him.
“If we don’t treat her here,” Hunter begins softly. “We’ll have to take her to a hospital.”
“I know,” Crosshair grouses. “Just…” Crosshair trails off as an idea pops us into his mind. “Give us a minute, yeah?” Hunter kisses his forehead then Omega’s.
“We’ll be in the cockpit if you need anything.”
The door to the cockpit slips closed. Crosshair looks back down at Omega and wipes at the tears still falling from her eyes. He stands up and walks to his nest. He lays Omega in first, resting her on a soft, pink blanket, then slips in to rest her against his chest.
“I don’t like needles,” she whispers, her voice weak and despondent. Crosshair kisses her cheek.
“I know, baby,” he replies. “We’re going to try something, okay? Work with me here, baby.” Omega hums in response as Crosshair begins removing his top.
His milk can in a few rotations ago. Crosshair’s breasts are swollen and leaking, and his nipples are puffy and large. It’s caused him some pain. His mates have all come together to help alleviate the pain. Tech rigged up a hand made breastpump that works decently. Echo bought a cute tooka plush they can warm up to press to his chest. Wrecker and Hunter suckled from him.
Now there is a pup in front of him who can help ease his ache, and in return, Crosshair can nurse her to health.
Literally, he thinks as he undoes his breastband and slips out his fuller breast.
“Okay, Omega,” Crosshair says as he cradles her to his breast. “Let’s see if this works.” Omega’s eyes stay closed as Crosshair brings her mouth to his nipple. His nipple brushes her bottom lip, and her mouth closes around it. Crosshair jumps as her tongue curiously pokes around his sensitive nipple. Omega grunts as she begins nursing.
The instant relief makes Crosshair hiss through his teeth. He pulls her closer to him, and one of her eyes slips open. He grabs one of her hands and brings to it his lips to kiss it tenderly.
“Keep drinking up, baby,” he tells her. “Just rest.”
Crosshair purrs as he nurses her. He rocks them back and forth on the crash seat, stroking her hand as he does. Omega pops off his nipple, her little mouth smacking as milk dribbles down her chin. Crosshair huffs a laugh and wipes her face with a corner of his shirt.
“How do you feel?” He questions her, laying her on his shoulder and rubbing her back in comfort. Omega hums and tucks her face in his neck.
“‘M sleepy,” she mumbles. Crosshair smirks and rocks her at a slower pace.
“Go ahead and sleep,” he coos as he kisses the top of her head, her blonde wisps of hair tickling his nose. “I’ll be here when you wake.”
Omega starts quietly snoring minutes later. Crosshair counts out how many minutes pace. After seven minutes go by without Omega jerking awake to vomit, he lets himself fully relax for the first time in rotations.
Omega’s health drastically improves after. She’s able to drink water and nibble on some toast. Tech gives her some medicine for her fever, and Omega is finally able to walk around the ship. She’s still slightly lethargic and tires more easily than usual, but she’s laughing at Wrecker’s jokes and hanging onto Tech’s every word as he rambles to her.
She has yet to return to her little alcove in the gunner’s mount. Each night cycle, Omega slips into the nest with Crosshair, yipping and nuzzling against him, and tugs shyly at his top. Crosshair knows what he’s said to her, what conflicted emotions run through him, but he cannot deny the sweet pup the nutrition she needs; the care and comfort she never received as a baby.
The care and comfort Crosshair was denied to give her, the experience and bonding that was withheld, no, taken from him.
No one says anything, but Crosshair can see the mirth dancing in their eyes.
Crosshair runs his fingers through Omega’s hair as she nurses from him slowly. Her hand cups his breast as she kneads it gently. Crosshair sings to her softly.
“I’m on the run, with you my sweet love…”
Hunter kneels next to Crosshair and rumbles happily as he scents him. He jerks his head towards the rest of Crosshair’s mates standing behind him.
“Can we join you and the pup in your nest?”
“I’d like nothing more,” Crosshair answers.
It takes a little maneuvering, and Omega’s mouth never leaves his breast, but they all manage to get comfortable. Crosshair lays on Wrecker’s chest with Echo and Tech on either side of him. Hunter lays on his stomach on top of Crosshair, angled so he doesn't squash Omega or Crosshair's swell.
“Keep singing, princess,” Echo requests. “I love your voice.”
“I do too,” Wrecker pipes up.
“You sing like a rishi canary,” Hunter comments, kissing the swell of Crosshair’s breast.
“I have always found myself attracted to your voice, my darling,” Tech begins. “You have a soothing cadence whenever you sing, and I find myself listening to the numerous recordings I have of you singing.”
“It’s not a competition, boys,” Crosshair laughs. “I know how much you all love my voice and me.” They all hum in agreement, each of them kissing him. “Now quiet down, and I’ll sing.”
Here, in his nest, with his mates around him and the pup suckling from him, Crosshair feels more at home than he ever has before.
Crosshair found Corellia to be a boring planet, but Omega wanted to see it, and his mates are useless at telling her no. They all decided to stop at the capital city and walk around with Omega. Crosshair declined the invite, wishing them fun while he finished his novel stretched out in his nest.
Crosshair datapad is next to him softly playing music as he reads through the book. He’s so captivated with his reading that he misses the ship’s ramp opening.
Tech is the first to enter the ship, running past Crosshair and starting up the engines.
“Tech?” Crosshair questions, setting his novel aside and sitting up. “What happened?” Hunter and Echo strom in next, with Wrecker hot on their heels. The ship lurches slightly as it takes flight. Crosshair’s stomach drops when he realizes someone is missing.
“Where’s Omega?” He asks, standing and walking over to where his mates gather around the information center. They whisper amongst each other, rapidly talking as they loom over a holo. Crosshair’s nose curls angrily as he grabs Hunter’s shoulder. He twists his alpha around and snarls.
“Where’s Omega?” Crosshair hisses.
Hunter takes a deep breath and releases it through his mouth. He gently takes Crosshair by his forearm and guides him back to his nest.
“There’s no need to panic, Cross’ika,” Hunter begins, only fueling Crosshair’s anxiety. “This has happened before, and Tech has a location on the tracker.” Crosshair bares his fangs slightly.
“What happened?” He questions his alpha. “Where is Omega?” Hunter purses his lips then sighs.
“She’s been taken by a bounty hunter.”
Crosshair feels his heart drop to his stomach.
“What?” Crosshair responds, his voice small and quiet like a cadet’s. Hunter pulls him into his arms for a hug.
“Tech put a tracker in her bracelet,” Hunter assures him. “They haven't left the planet yet.” Hunter cups Crosshair’s cheeks with his hands. “We’ll get her back, mesh’la. She’ll be okay.”
Crosshair blinks as his mind wraps itself around the scary reality he’s never imagined before. Just hours ago, Omega was gripping his hand and begging for pancakes for dinner, asking for him to braid her short hair, shyly requesting to nurse before she goes to bed tonight. Now she’s alone-frightened and sad.
His brows furrow together as he pieces everything Hunter has told him.
“This has happened before?” Hunter nods.
“The Empire had a bounty on her,” he explains. A chill goes down Crosshair’s spine.
Had, his mind reminds him. This is probably some rookie hunter.
“Omega was able to contact us and escape…” Hunter nuzzles his cheek to Crosshair’s-his serene rain scent trying to calm the omega. “We’ll save her, Crosshair, don’t fret.” Crosshair leans into his alpha’s space, nuzzling against him in return.
“What happened to the bounty hunter?” He asks.
“I don't know,” Hunter shrugs. “It…wasn’t important at that moment.” Crosshair nods then pulls away to grab his rifle case.
“Well,” Crosshair says as he puts his sniper rifle together. “It’s important this time, and that bounty hunter will be taken care of.”
Hunter doesn’t say a word. He doesn’t have to, and he won’t try to stop Crosshair from coming along to rescue her or killing the bounty hunter.
Crosshair has cleaned his rifle three times over when Tech’s voice rings out from the cockpit.
“We are approaching the tracker.” Crosshair nearly trips over his own feet as he runs to the cockpit.
The Marauder approaches a small, dingy hanger obviously made for repairing and refueling ships. Likely smugglers and bounty hunters given the rather remote location. A freighter sits near the refueling station, and Crosshair can see someone working on the ship.
“There’s that demagolka,” Crosshair hisses, baring his fangs as his hackles rise.
“Not him,” Echo confirms. “The demagolka we’re looking for is human.”
“Our target must be inside,” Hunter deduces. His eyes flick over the Tech as he engages their ship’s landing gear. “What’d you think, Tech?”
“I concur,” Tech agrees, standing after landing the ship. “Omega could be in the ship or with our bounty hunter.” He purses his lips and hums. “Both possibilities are equally likely; however, I infer she’s with her kidnapper.”
“Alright then,” Hunter nods and slips his helmet on his face. “Plan 36.” He moves his helmet towards Crosshair. “Do you think you can find a good spot for a clear target?” Crosshair’s gaze slips over to where his old helmet sits. He considers grabbing it, but the Crosshair who wore that helmet is no more. Crosshair is a new man, no longer a soldier, but not just an omega.
He’s an enraged mother.
“I’ll make the shot,” Crosshair answers his mate. He holds his rifle by the stock and the barrel. “I’ll give you my signal when I’m in position.”
Crosshair waits at the top of the ramp, just out of sight, as the others run down. Wrecker grabs the human refueling and grabs him by his arms and throws him to the ground, knocking the man unconscious. Echo, Tech, and Hunter speed into the small building, taking the back entrance. Crosshair sprints out of the ship, as quickly as he can with his belly weighing him down, and perches himself on the bounty hunter’s ship, right out of sight, and aims his sniper at the building’s entrance.
Crosshair counts the minutes that pass, his finger resting on the trigger. His breath catches in his throat when he sees Omega.
The demagolka is carrying her by wrapping an arm around her waist, carrying her like a sack of grain. Omega flails his limbs against him, smacking and hitting wherever she can reach. Studying her face, Crosshair feels pride pulse through him. Omega is wearing an angry, fearless expression as she struggles against her captor. He can see she’s scared, her eyes betray her.
It only fuels Crosshair’s wrath.
The bounty hunter skids to a stop when he spots Wrecker looming over him. He pulls a blaster from his jacket and aims it at the alpha. Echo, Tech, and Hunter run up behind him, pulling their blasters on him. The bounty hunter looks between them frantically before his gaze turns to Omega. He goes to press the muzzle of the blaster to her temple.
The bounty hunter doesn’t get the chance to use Omega as leverage. As soon as the cold metal muzzle kisses her temple, the bounty hunter falls to the ground, his brain splattering the ground behind him. Omega shouts as she falls with him, but Wrecker dashes forward and picks her up.
“You okay, kid?” He asks her. Omega nods and throws her arms around his shoulders, sighing in relief.
Crosshair is running down the ramp before his mind registers what he’s doing. As he gets closer to Omega, he chirps to her of his own volition. Omega whips her head around to him. Her spring expression wilts away to a pitiful one.
“Mama!” She sobs out, wiggling out of Wrecker’s arms. Crosshair kneels to the ground and props up on one leg. He catches her as she dives at him. Crosshair pulls her close to his body and tucks her face into his neck. He coos and kisses the temple the blaster brushed. His puppy sniffles and hiccups as she nuzzles closer, like she can climb into his chest.
“I’m here, Om’ika,” he assures her, rocking her back and forth. “Mama’s here, my baby, Mama's here. Oh. I love you, baby. It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.”
“The thing about being on the road, is there's too much time to think…”
Crosshair sings to Omega as he braids her hair close to her scalp. She’s clean and back to smelling like herself and Crosshair; he didn’t let go of her until she smelt like him again. Omega pats her legs quietly as Crosshair sings.
“And…” Crosshair trails off as he ties off the braid. “All done, pretty girl.” Crosshair reaches for the hand mirror he keeps on his shelf. He holds it out in front of Omega. “What do you think?”
Omega grins wide as she takes the mirror in her hand. She moves her head to get a good look at her hairdo.
“I love it!” Omega cheers. She spins to throw her arms around Crosshair’s neck, rubbing her cheek to his. “Thank you!” Crosshair kisses her cheek.
“It’s no problem,” he assures her. Omega drops her arm and sits on her haunches, facing him, her expression serious.
“Are…are you my mother now? Can I call you Mama?” She questions, hesitant to irk Crosshair’s ire.
“I…” Crosshair trails off as he gathers his thoughts. “I am ready now.” He nods, pursing his lips. “Thank you for being patient with me. I had to work through some things before I could accept it.”
“Oh, yay,” Omega replies. “What kind of things?” Crosshair cringes, he was hoping Omega wouldn’t ask that.
“Personal things,” he answers. Omega cocks her head curiously. She shuffles forward slightly and lays on his stomach and chest. She imitates his purring.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” She asks him.
Sweet little puppy, Crosshair thinks as he snuggles with her. Didn’t get that from me.
He twists his lips together as he comes up with a child friendly, easily understandable way to explain identity loss.
“You know how we sometimes call you kid?” Crosshair begins. Omega hums in reply, nodding. “Well, you know you’re more than a kid, yeah?” Omega nods again.
“Tech says I’m very bright and resourceful for my age,” she adds. Crosshair bites his lip to avoid chuckling at her lisp from pronouncing “resourceful”.
“Exactly,” he confirms. “I had issues with that. I was nervous if I was a mother, that’s all I would be.”
“Oh,” Omega hums. She tilts her face up to look up at him. “You don’t believe that, right?” Crosshair shakes his head.
“No, no,” he answers. “Not anymore.” He smiles down at her and kisses her nose. “You helped me with that.” Omega grins and kisses his nose in return. Pulling back, she yawns. Crosshair huffs out a laugh. “Someone’s sleepy.”
“A little,” she replies, indicating just how tired she is given that she’s not arguing it. Omega’s small hand comes up to pat Crosshair’s breast. She peeks through her lashes shyly. “Can I nurse a little?”
“Sure,” he responds, already shrugging his top off.
Softie, his inner voice mocks him. Crosshair brushes it away; his puppy is hungry and needs him.
Omega presses against him and latches on immediately starting to nurse. Her mouth forms a strong seal around it, and her muscles are more powerful than Saara’s were. Crosshair holds his hand at the back of her head, keeping her in place so she can suckle as much as she wants. He purrs as he nurses, and soon Omega falls fast asleep, still nursing from him.
“All those years of begging you to see how valued you were and all it took was a few months around Omega to break your thoughts,” Hunter’s voice pipes up as he squats in front of the nest. Crosshair shrugs.
“I can’t explain it,” Crosshair shrugs. He motions for Hunter to join him in the nest, and lays against his alpha’s chest. Crosshair runs a finger down Omega’s face tenderly. “It just…clicked.”
“Well, I’m glad it did,” Hunter replies. He rests his head on Crosshair’s shoulder and watches Omega. “So…now that you’re taking on the role of mother with Omega, would you consider it with the-”
“I don't know,” Crosshair snaps, interrupting his mate. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He can feel Hunter sigh against him and tenses.
“I’m sorry for pressing it,” Hunter apologizes, kissing Crosshair’s shoulder in apology. “I know you’re…still coping…”
The silence hangs in the air.
Crosshair ignores the fetus growing in him. He doesn’t want it-he doesn’t. An infant will be more difficult to manage and care for. Omega is pretty self sufficient. She can dress herself, clean herself, and entertain herself. She only really needs assistance doing her hair. An infant requires round the chronometer care. Crosshair would never get the time for himself that he does with Omega.
With Omega, he can still be himself.
He can’t with a baby.
“I’m looking,” Crosshair whispers. “We..they…I’ll make sure they’ll have a good home.” Hunter squeezes Crosshair tight.
“I know you will, mesh’la,” he replies.
Hunter falls asleep soon after, snoring along with Omega. Crosshair does not sleep all night. His mind and stomach worry him until the lights of the ship flicker back on.