Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jason couldn’t pinpoint when it happened, but sometime over the last year it has become a comfort, lying here in his nest and watching Dick sleep. Cuddled close, with a possessive arm thrown over Jasons bare chest and snoring softly against his side. Feeling each soft exhale against his skin and accepting the warm body against his own.  

A year ago he would have laughed incredulously at even the suggestion, that this is how they would end up. That he would ever have an Alpha willingly this close to him. A year ago nobody even knew about his late presentation. One Jason could have gone without, to be honest. Omegas just have too much bullshit thrown at them by biology and the general public.  

Heats, the inclination to follow Alpha commands and the need and want for healthy bonds just to mention the worst offenders. Jason took the first presentation heat and decided to nope the fuck out. Suppressants it had been. The really expensive kind instead of the shit that got dealed underground. Military grade scent blockers and he always, always carried antidotes against Ivy’s pollen. Also the good shit, because he takes it from the bats. If Bruce noticed it, he never said anything and Jason was just fine with that kind of status quo.  

It worked for a good while and life went on. His truce with the bats and birds went from unstable and unsecure to something dependable over time. He wouldn’t have called himself back with his old pack, but he would be a liar if he would have called himself an outsider. Jason helped them out when they requested it and didn’t kill anyone. Even if he really, really wanted too sometimes. It certainly hadn’t been easy to let some of these monsters go, knowing that it wouldn’t be the last time they saw the light of the day.  

That aside he was mostly content with everything for the first time in forever. Which obviously meant that he had to go and fuck it up.  

It hadn’t even been a big operation. Just a dealer trying to get into the bigger leagues. And Jason still can’t say what triggered him so much as he took the scene in. That weren’t the first kids that he had seen trafficked. Not by far. There were more then enough degenerates around in Gotham that thought no one would fight for missing streetkids.  

Maybe it had been the taunting of the bound asshole. Maybe it had been the empty look in the girls eyes as he extracted her from her cage. Maybe it had been the stuffed toy in the hands of another boy. Maybe it had been the fresh scent of semen.  

Jason doesn’t know. But from one blink to the next, there had been a loud bang and a hole in the head of the asshole. And him lowering the one gun that still holds live rounds. It didn’t even get his blood pumping in rage. He just lined the shot and took it. Not thinking about his maybe pack or the truce or anything really. Jason didn’t even spiral as he is prone to do. That guy needed to die and so he did. Thats all.  

He stayed long enough to help the kids, trying to keep them calm, until the red and blue lights came closer. Then he took off, over the roofs and in direction of his apartment. He wanted his nest and not some shitty mattress in some even shittier safehouse.  

Jason just opened up his window, after dismantling his traps as someone barreled into him and with that, both of them into his living room. He had attacked his intruder without even thinking about it. Didn’t even matter that he recognized Nightwing fast enough. That asshole had no right to invade his home like that and after the night he had, there was enough aggression in him to be happy about an outlet for it.   

Not that the other Vigilante didn’t give as good as he took. Whoever would be willing to dismiss Nightwing, with his more athletic and not purely strength muscled build, would be in for a surprise. Jason wasn’t. He knew. He knew very well and didn’t hold back the power behind his punches.  

Only that it didn’t matter, as he found himself thrown and pressed against the wall, his hands in a hold against his back. High enough that it didn’t only hurt but threatened dislocated shoulders too. Which was the moment he realized that Dick was actually angry. Not the usual disappointment that got angled at Jason whenever he did something that doesn’t go conform with the pack rules. There had been no quips or words to try and calm him down either. The whole fight had been as silent as could be.  

Jasons body stilled at that, while his heartbeat skyrocketed.   

The Alphas body pressed close against him, a solid and unmoving wall, more snarling than speaking: “You killed. Again . And I have had it with you, Jason. Seeing as words and threats won't work, I will deal with you as you should have been dealt with from the beginning. Bruce can be lenient with you all he wants, but I will not have you trample over the rules.” While talking Dicks free hand searched and found the secret latches of his helmet and took it off. Letting it carelessly fall to the side.  

Jason snorted. “You can fuck right off, Dick. I am not part of your cute little pack. Spare me the theatrics.”  

“We will see about that, Jason. Won’t we?” For what Dick is saying and alluding to, his voice is scarily even. And that might have been the point at which Jason tried to fight the Alpha off again. This had every chance to end badly for him now. An emotional Dick is handled easily enough. This one? This scheming and cold version of him, that does what needs to be done? Thats the scary one.  

“Get off me, assh..” 

“Silence.” 

The Alpha command sings through his body, through the suppressants that would have worked, if there hadn’t been the bond that Jason would have loved to deny til the end of days. The bond that recognizes the command as coming from a high ranking Alpha pack-mate and locks his muscles up. Silences him in the middle of talking. The fucking bond that still has Dick written into his DNA as one of the two Alphas he ever submitted to. That are his and with that knowledge perfectly safe to follow commands from.  

Really. Fuck pack-biology and especially his Omega that is giving it’s best to flood Jason with the feeling that it is alright. That it is about time he finally gets put down, out of his head and being cared for. If Jason could only tell that fucker that this is not what's happening there.. 

“Looks to me as if you are still in the cute, little pack. What a surprise. Well, I guess for you at least. Walk with me to the chair.” 

It's a bit like an out of body experience. He wants nothing more then to rip out Dicks throat, to show the Alpha what he thinks about his belittling words. Instead, Jason follows him like a lost puppy. He can feel his cheeks burning in humiliation and the distant knowledge what might happening to him now. Dick still thinks of him as an Alpha and to bring one to heel after having fucked up for the pack, there are a lot of ways to do it. None of them pleasant. 

Dick sits down on the wooden kitchen chair. “Get out of your boots and pants. Then get over my knees.” 

Even while feeling the insistence of the command, Jason can’t help but stare at his older brother. Who is sitting there like some kind of vengeful god. Still in full Nightwing regalia, including the mask. With a displeased frown showing around the corners of his mouth. This is not only Nightwing, this is a very angry Alpha. Believing the bond, that now is in the forefront of his mind and pulsating with unhindered negative feelings, one of his Alphas.  

He follows the command.  

Getting out of his combat boots, before opening his reinforced pants and getting out of them. Kicking them away in a show of resistance and so god damn thankful for the boxershorts he has worn under them. The next part? The getting over Nightwings fucking knees part? That one had him fighting the command for real this time. While his Omega seemingly loves to follow the commands of an Alpha from their pack, it does deal with humiliation just as well as Jason. Which is to say, not at all.  

In the end Dick repeats the command sharply enough that Jason almost falls into the Alphas lap. And lets himself stupidly get arranged until his ass is in perfect position for what's to come and his head hangs down on the other side. Not only getting red with shame and humiliation.  

“I told Bruce you wouldn’t be able to hold yourself back. Without the repercussions of dealing with the pack afterwards. Without the leash you so obviously need. Without the comfort we could provide to stabilize you, but you always will be too prideful to accept.”  

Dicks hand moves in almost soothing but ultimately unpersonal gestures over his clothed ass cheeks. “He still thinks you would come back to us and leave your ways behind if we wait long enough.” The Alpha snorts disparagingly. “He is obviously wrong and with him gone for a long term League mission I am more than willing to correct that oversight. And if I have to fight you every step of the way, I will do it Jason. It’s time to stop acting out and come back home. It will start with this punishment and afterwards you will remember what it means to be forgiven.” 

Thats when the first hit lands and Jason inhales sharply at the sting. Shit, that hurts and shows that the Alpha really means business. A punishment for killing? With following forgiveness? Jason huffs out a mean sounding laugh. “That sounds a lot like wishful thinking.” 

Dick doesn’t react verbally, instead getting a better grip on him and started raining down more hits. With interchanging intensity and spots, so it's impossible to steel himself against it. Jason growls deeply, his body still not ready to follow his will to jump up and fight the asshole again. Dick just growls back. A lot deeper and threatening. It has Jason shuddering slightly, before hissing in pain as an especially hard hit lands.  

Not that this will have him giving in. If anyone is used to pain, it's him after all. What might give him new nightmares, after this is done, is the pure shame he feels at the betrayal of his body and some parts of his mind. Parts that are actually going conform with Dick and his actions. That whisper to him that he would do so much better with a pack around. And the pack-bonds that would bring. Not just the ghostlike ones that swim around in his head and have started to build without getting claimed into the pack officially.  

He is catapulted out of his musings as the Alpha changes his tactic and starts hitting the same spot. Again and again. Jason squirms and his breathing is harsher, but he holds on to his pride. Even as it gets really uncomfortable and the pain radiates in hot waves around the spot Dick is hitting unrelentingly. 

Jason squirms again, as if to relocate even the tiniest bit. Dick isn’t fooled at all.  

He takes another few, before it gets too much. To fight the pain and his own Omega. He sucks in a harsh breath. “I am sorry. Please don't.. Fuck.. Dick, please.”   

“You aren’t sorry for what you did. You are sorry that you were careless enough to get put in this position by me.” Dick counters immediately and Jason growls mentally at being figured out this easily. Everyone was always waxing on and on about friendly and nice Dick Grayson. They always forget that you don’t hold a whole city on your own and being leader of a whole ass group of so-called heroes by being nice and friendly. The Alpha behind the facade had a mind sharp as a knife and enough ruthlessness for two.  

“You are even still addressing me wrong for the situation. No little Alpha, you aren’t sorry. Not nearly enough at least. But you will get there.” 

From his position he can feel Dicks stomach muscles work, whenever he brings his hand up, before snapping it downward. And while Dick did change the spot, beside his words, it only means that a new one is worked on, on his other cheek.  

Jasons breath stuttered for a moment at being called a little Alpha, taking the little power he gains from his enraged inner Omega and pulls it into enduring. This is nothing. He can take a spanking for fucks sake. After the Joker he can take anything. After the league probably too, if only he could remember more of that time.  

Only it doesn’t mean that it’s suddenly easy. There is a reason this kind of punishment proved successful over time and time again in pack environments. There are whole studies about it, not that Jason remembers what they say.  

Although they are meant for Alphas and not Omegas. Probably with reason, Jason notices as hot white rage suddenly builds in his belly. Omegas are not meant to be handled like that from their Alphas. If this continues Dick might get Jason to sob like a little child but will have him trying to rip the Alphas throat out as soon as he can.  

Honestly, at the moment he can’t wait for it, as the next hit actually rips a painful sound from him. And sadly not only that. The enraged growl that builds deep in his belly and continues to grow through his whole body until the sound emerges from his throat is purely Omegan.  

Dick freezes and every single muscle in his body, that Jason can feel from his position, is suddenly under pressure. Jason closes his eyes in defeat, knowing that the cat is out of the bag now. Especially since he can’t stop himself. Instead the sound he makes gets deeper. If there is something that can be called angry purring, he is doing it.  

“Jason?” Dicks voice sounds unsure for the first time, before the Alpha stands up, pulling Jason to his feet with him. Which stops the sound for a moment, instead switching to a painful whine.  

The Alpha rips his own mask off, without any regard to his skin and suddenly Jason is face to face with wide blown brightly blue eyes that stare confused at him. Jason takes that moment to growl again and lunging at Dick. Teeth bared with a clear goal in the Alphas throat.   

Dick could stop him with a single command, but the Alpha is obviously in some kind of blue screen, with trying to compute this new information about Jason. Sadly, he has still enough reaction in him, to bring up his arm and Jasons pulled down fangs burrow into the hard kevlar of the Nightwing uniform and not into soft skin. A fact that only enrages him more.  

“Shit! I.. Jason! Stop!” 

Jasons body stills at that. Barely. He still keeps his bite up, useless as it is. The Omega isn’t as inclined to follow his Alpha as before. The Alpha that failed him. Jason glares at him and Dick returns the look. The confusion already giving way to calculation and disbelief.  

The Alpha ignores that Jason is trying to use his forearm as chew toy and uses his free hand to reach out and search for his scent blockers. Which elicits another threatening growl, that is ignored as Dick finds the patches and pulls them off. One after another. It doesn’t take long for his scent to emerge. A mix of usually soothing green tea and softly underlying brown sugar is soured with the transmitting emotions of rage-humiliated-shame-scared-Omega. 

Dick stays silent, still ignoring the bite that probably hurts Jasons fangs more but is most likely still felt by him, and continues to pull his own blockers off. Bringing his own scent of the ocean and the fresh smell after a thunderstorm with him. Together with confusion-disbelief-guilt-Alpha. 

They stare at each other, in this laughable position they are in, until Dicks scent suddenly changes to anger that slams hard into Jason. Hard enough to disengage the bite. Not that it does much, because suddenly the Alpha is in his face, snarling and with burning eyes. 

“You didn’t think it would be important to inform your pack about being an Omega?!”, he roars with so much underlying Alpha rage that Jason would have probably buckled to his knees, if his own Omega weren’t still in disbelief how he just got handled.  

“You are not my pack!”, he shouts back, not ready to give a single inch. 

Dick gives the most false laugh in the history of false laughs. “I just proved you differently, Jason! What?! You hate us so much that you prefer to stay alone and slowly die again without any packbonds?!” 

“I don’t fucking hate you!” Jason roared, not even thinking about what he is saying and giving out. “But I wont be kept in the manor like some animal to be petted and fucked at any given time!” 

Dick blinks at that, before growling. “You have a funny way showing that! And you know that we wouldn’t do that! We are not Omegan traditionalists for fucks sake!” 

Jason scoffs. “You are enough of a traditionalist to have me over your knee and spank me until you would be satisfied with my reactions!” 

Which brings the Alphas anger only further up. “And you just took it! You let me do that! Knowing that it could destroy our bond!” 

“It’s not like I could help it!” Jason brings his hands up and shoves Dick aways from him. “The suppressants don’t work when my Alphas command me!” 

Suddenly Dick looks as if a train has hit him out from left side. He silently stares at Jason, who wonders about it for a second, before cringing. Oh shit.. “No, wait..” 

“Your Alphas..”, Dick has already latched onto that Freudian slip and he can see it working behind the Alphas forehead. “Our bond isn’t new. You submitted fully to me as a pup. Your Omega still recognizes that.” 

Jasons shoulders come down in defeat, but he isn’t saying anything. Which should be answer enough. And it is, by the silence that stretches out between them. Dicks scent is changing between emotions so fast that Jason hasn’t the faintest chance in catching them while his own kind of stagnates at resigned.  

That is until.. “Do you have a nest here?” 

Jason stares incredulously at the older man. “What?” 

“I asked if you have a nest here”, the Alpha repeats with seemingly suddenly never-ending patience.  He doesn’t trust it. At all.  

“Why?” He can’t help the suspicious tone. Why the hell would Dick ask about his nest now? 

The Alpha sighs and runs a hand through his black hair. “To get you into it so that I can take care of your backside without your Omega trying to maim me again.” 

“That..”, Jason flounders. “Are you serious right now? It was a spanking, not a god damn bullet wound.” 

The look Dick throws in his direction is pure steel and determination. “Jason you need to understand something fundamental here. I was prepared to get your Alpha in line, and I am just as prepared to do it to your Omega. Don’t test me on that. You won’t like the outcome of that any more then you liked the spanking. I know how to punish an Omega just as well as an Alpha. Do yourself a favor and just accept that I want to care about my Omega.” 

With how casually Dick not only took the mantle as one of his Alphas but just as easily returned the ‘favor’ with the thrown out ownership, Jason knew that he was fucked. Any real bites aside, the Alpha just put his fangs into him. Unwilling to let go again.  

Chapter Text

Jason Todd had not been prepared.  

Not for the rest of the night and not for anything that followed. Not for a suddenly calm but forceful Dick Grayson who overruled every single of Jasons protests and certainly not for himself, lying half naked on his stomach in his nest and getting his ‘wound’ treated. Not for his still grumbling Omega, that saw the simple act of getting a creme massaged into his bared and throbbing butt cheeks as God given right and absolutely not for the melting of said Omega as Dick pulled of his last scent patches, around his wrists and started scenting him.  

He must have fallen asleep (and isn’t that the single most disturbing thing that happened the whole night?), because daylight hits his face as he finally wakes up. From the best sleep in forever, which annoys him on a level he can’t even describe. What also annoys him, is that not only his nest and his whole bedroom smells like the notable absent Dick and Alpha but Jason does too. What the hell did that idiot do while Jason had acute brain damage and decided that it was perfectly safe to sleep with an Alpha in his nest? Rub his wrists over Jasons skin for the whole night? 

Right now, in the light of the day, the whole thing feels like a hazy dream. The fight was nothing new, they do that from time to time. The rest? Not so much. The audacity not only to punish him but then getting angry about it. Is it really Jasons fault that they didn’t know about his presentation? Had anyone of them ever asked him?  

No, they hadn’t.  

Not that Jason would have answered but it's the principle of the matter.  

Rubbing a tried hand over his face he stumbles out of the nest, noticing that he is still only wearing a shirt and deciding that with all things happening, this won't be the hill he wants to die on. None of them had ever learned to be shy about their bodies anyway. Thats what happens if you put a kid in dangerously small shorts and send it out to do the crime fighting thing at night. 

If Jason ever had children they wouldn’t be allowed to show skin until they were 30 years old. Looking back, he can see so many red flags, he could hold his own parade with them.   

Doing his morning rituals and taking a shower, he is marginally more awake as he stands in his kitchen and stares at the note that is lying on his table. Blinking down at it, he takes a moment to understand what he is seeing. Is that.. a timetable? There are dates and times with little notes. Like grocery shopping & cooking, doctors appointment at Leslies, joint patrolling, movie night and getting coffee or food. There is a whole month of activities planned out.  

What the fuck? 

Noticing the little arrow in the corner, he turns the paper around, to be confronted with rules. He is not surprised by the first one, which states the obvious no killing. Rolling his eyes, he reads further, while wondering in some part of his brain why he isn’t exploding all over his apartment already. 

The next one is about scenting every time they meet up and aren’t in their Vigilante costumes. To keep the bond between them and Jasons mental health in good shape. Then he apparently isn’t allowed to keep the scent patches on longer than six hours in one setting, excluding emergencies, before taking at least a two-hour break. Also to keep him healthy.  

Barring any information that might come out with the doctors appointment, he must get off his suppressants at least every six months for a scheduled heat. One that he can have at a place of his choice but at least one member of the pack must be allowed to stay with him.   

The tracker in his helmet has to stay online at all times.  

Jason takes a deep breath to calm himself, only to get more of Dicks Ocean scent into his nose. Which has no right to be as soothing as it is. Absolutely none.  

Letting his eyes roam further down he lands in the punishment section and suddenly understands what the timetable is all about. Sure, all these activities can be counted as pack bonding and the attempt to keep his Omega happy. It is also showing that the Alpha is not only prepared but able to provide. But if that’s the case he and his fucking Omega will be freaking devastated if these activities are taken away again. Because if there is one thing Jason is really, really bad at, it’s trusting in a good thing and then see it taken away again.  

Just as is threatened in this last section.    

Jason narrows his eyes. Seems like someone really did his homework. Pain and humiliation don’t work for like 95% of Omegas. They usually get agitated, angry and downright vindictive if they feel themselves mistreated by their pack. And while it is preferred to keep Alphas, especially younger ones, wondering about what will happen to them if they get caught at something they shouldn’t be doing, the opposite is the case for Omegas.  

They don’t want surprises from their Alphas. They want a stable and secure environment and are known to surrender to punishments from trusted Alphas gracefully. Even when breaking pack-rules without meaning to. The moment they get notified about it, it’s best that they know what is coming for them.  

And for most of his rules it seems that means that Dick would cancel the before outlined activities.  

But not for killing. For that one there is a rudimentary outline how Dick, as his Alpha, would put him in his place, with whatever it takes and would work best. Good thing that isn’t ominous at all. And all this together? It is in definitive need of capital letters. A lot of them. 

What the actual FUCK?! 

Jason feels like a robot as he makes himself a strong black tea and sits with it, and the damn letter in his hand, on his sofa and stares at the wall. What he should do, is burn this thing, give the self-righteous asshole the middle finger and shred their bond to little pieces.  

But the thing is, that Dick seems to be more of an evil genius then even Jason had been willing to give credit. Jason is drenched in the Alphas scent, which might or might not mingle to something surprisingly pleasant with his own, and whenever he even pokes the bond, his Omega shies away. Not willing to even touch it with anything but positive thoughts.  

He knows what that means: He is being completely outplayed by his Alpha and Jasons very own biology.  

Sure, he can decide to ignore the rules, seeing as there isn’t anything to take away from him at the moment. But after yesterday it is pretty clear that Dick will find a way to get his will. The moment the Alpha had realized the truth and switched tactics, Jason hadn’t had brought up any real resistance anymore. Dick had handled him with unshakeable self confidence that had made it seemingly impossible to go against it.  

Jason groans and let his head fall back onto the backrest of his sofa.  

Fuck his life. 

********* 

Looking back, Jason has a hard time to decide if the grocery shopping and following cooking or the appointment at Leslies was worse.  

It’s probably a nice thought, to go shopping with an Omega and be all Alpha-helpful. If only Dick weren’t the kind of Alpha that is a hypocrite about Jasons health but likes to eat cereals at every time of the day himself. Jason had come close to shoving Dick into the nearest shelf and be done with this whole farce.  

Adding to the guys uselessness is the fact that Jason hadn’t really an idea how to.. be around Dick anymore. Maybe it was only in his head, because the god damn big bird had been his usual charming self. Nothing to be seen from the forceful nature from a few nights ago. All natural, easygoing grace and charming behavior.  

And yes, maybe that helped the whole thing along, because after an hour of exasperation and honestly devastation at Dicks glaringly underdeveloped knowledge around food they had been bickering like an old married couple. Jason didn’t even have the time to get into his head to panic, with all the idiotic ideas the Alpha provided so ‘helpfully’. Dick had taken to Jasons insults to his intelligence like Teflon to water. 

Instead, his smile got brighter and he even dared to laugh at some of Jasons comments. And if that hadn’t been infuriating enough the Omega had caught himself smiling too. Once or twice...  

Their cooking had been resulted in Dick being banned to the kitchen table and Jason doing the actual work. Honestly, he had been scared about his oven and appliances. Although it had been somewhat nice to be praised over the moon for simple spaghetti carbonara.  

The scenting after they had eaten had been painless and fast enough before Dick had taken off, with the reminder of their next meetup at Leslies. So, the problem that day hadn’t really been Dick. It had been as Jason had been alone again. Almost feeling the silence of the Apartment on his skin. And the nagging feeling that everything that's happening won't end well for him. At the latest when Bruce will be back from his mission probably.  

But this hadn’t anything on the visit with the no nonsense Beta doctor. Who put him through all the fucking tests at Dick insistence. And was afterwards fully on board with the Alphas insistence to take the suppressants off for scheduled heats. Jason only hadn’t any real problems – for now – because he took the expensive shit.  

From the looks of it he was fertile and overall healthy, with the Lazarus pit seemingly having no effect on these parts of his biology. Probably because he presented afterwards. She advised him to work on getting more healthy bonds, because there had been the first signs of bond sickness to see in his bloodwork and if that continued it would have weakened his heart over time.  

She asked him about birth control and if he wanted it and Jason denied.  

And this, this had been the thing that had Dick out of his mind as they came back to Jasons Apartment. Completely waving aside Jasons reasons of not fucking around and therefore not wanting any more artificial hormones in his body.  

“Do you know how high the rate of rapes is with Omegas? You are a Vigilante! We get captured more often then anyone of us would like. What if..” 

Jason had crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared unflinchingly at Dick. “What if I get raped?”  

Dick flinched at that and Jason shrugged, seemingly uncaring but his eyes had told a different story. “Guess you will be able to try out your number one punishment then, if they let me alive afterwards, because when I am done with them, there won't be anything left to identify them.” 

Dicks whole demeanor had shut down at that, while Jason could watch it work behind the Alphas eyes. On the paper there had been no exceptions to the rule and Jason would bet a small fortune that Dick hadn’t even thought about something like this. But now, confronted by the idea that it could very well be the Omega he casually claimed as his in the pack..  

There had been a lot of Court cases that had spoken Omegas free of all faults if they killed their abusers or rapists. Not that Jason wouldn’t do everything in his power to never get in this position, but Dick wouldn’t do anyone any good if he would enforce his rule in this case.  

But then the Alphas blue eyes iced over and his cadence had dropped into glacial rage. “If that ever happens to you Little Wing, you wouldn’t be the one to get to them first. If you believe nothing of what I say, believe at least that.”  

Dick had never looked more dangerous in Jasons eyes. Alone the thought seemed to send the Alpha into a fury that leaked not only in his suddenly heavy scent around him. There had been that kind of energy that just waited for the smallest pebble to fall into the snow to invoke an avalanche. 

“You would kill them?” Besides the presented picture, Jason hadn’t been able to mask his scepsis and Dick had scoffed and searched for his eyes.  

“Do you really not know that I killed the Joker, Jason? If Batman hadn’t intervened..” 

“You.. he.. what?”  

Jasons whole worldview changed in the following minutes as Dick laid it out. What and how it happened. And for the first time, since coming back from the dead, he was the one to initiate contact as he unthinkingly threw himself into the Alphas arms and hugged him for dear life. Sobbing into Dicks neck and thanking him. For being the only one that cared enough. For at least having tried. For unknowingly trying to keep Jason safe.  

The Alpha hadn’t said anything, returned the hug and simply had Jason let cry himself empty while his scent screamed protective. They had ended up in his nest where Jason silently latched onto Dicks broad and stable frame, hiding his face in the Alphas neck. Who had scented him, not filling the silence with unneeded chatter. Being the watchful sentry over the now exhausted Omega and packmate. Providing security and simple but priceless presence. 

Jason felt safe for the first time since his death. His Omega was sure that nothing, absolutely nothing would get to him in this moment.  

He purred for the first time ever and the Alphas arms around him pulled him closer against the warm body. 

He scented Dick back the next morning, also for the first time. 

And while it wasn’t the first time he ever heard that particular sound of pleased Alpha rumble, it could have just as well been, with the warm feeling it evoked in him.  

It definitely had been the first time, that had him wondering. 

About them. 

Chapter Text

There were a lot of things Jason wanted to do, after a long night patrolling and making his stance about dealing to kids clear again. Climbing through his window, only to be met with the somewhat uneasy looking Replacement, sitting on his couch weren’t one of them. Hiding his sigh, he finished his climb and closed the window, reenabling his traps, before turning around and staring at the kid.  

The kid that is still in full costume.  

Before he can even open his mouth, or decide what he wants to do with that, the boy starts talking really fast.  

“Dick messaged me, to come here and to let myself in. He would explain later. I thought this is one of his safehouses!”  

Jason rolls his eyes unseen, before opening the latches on his helmet and taking it off. He has a good idea what this all is about. “And? Where is he?” Tim does look surprised by his calm reaction and now thinking about it, they both kept their distance from each other. Sure, they are able to exchange information and if really needed to work a case together, but that’s it. Jasons belly still burns guiltily when thinking about his actions at Titans Tower, and not knowing what to do with that, thought it best to at least try not to traumatize the kid further. 

Tim shows his phone and wiggles it. “He just wrote that something came up and he will be by later.” 

Jason snorts at that, putting his helmet down and rubbing through his hair, letting fresh air onto his slightly itching skin. “Wow”, he deadpans “if that isn’t Dick the master of subtlety.” 

He doesn’t know who of them both is more surprised by the short laugh that escapes the boy, but it is a nice sound. “Listen,” he starts, only to be interrupted by Tim, who is already standing up and unheedingly trying to smooth out his costume. “Thats.. I am sorry I intruded into your den, and I will be out of your hair now. I just hadn’t wanted to leave and have you thinking I broke in with some malicious intentions.” 

Jason blinks. “Thats nice, little birdie. Now go into my bedroom and change into something more comfortable while I make us something to eat.” He nods to his TV. “You can search for a movie afterwards.” 

“Uhh..” the poor kid looks lost for a moment and Jason had no idea how he ever thought hurting him would be anything but insane. While Red Robin is certainly a force to recognize, Tim Drake isn’t. At least outside of his usual social norms it seems. He is tempted to declare the boy worse then himself at it and only raises an eyebrow. Which seems enough to get the boy moving. Honestly.. 

Glancing at the clock he takes his scent patches off, having stayed in the allowed timeframe for it. And Jason had been deeply annoyed the first few days. With the damn rule, with himself for following it and with Dick for being a controlling asshole. If it hadn’t only taken these few days to have to acknowledge that his scent glands feel better. He hadn’t even noticed that they had been slightly swollen and subtly itching until it stopped. Not that he said anything about it, the Alphas smug smile had been enough as he noticed it while scenting Jason.  

Shrugging out of his leather jacket he opens his fridge to see what he has left to work with. The week had been full of going after leads for a time sensitive case and he had been too deep into work to care about refilling. And this week only today's movie night had been on his calendar, so he hadn’t been forced to do it either. Closing the door, he decides that ordering pizza sounds good enough.   

Turning around as he hears footsteps he has to hide his amused smile. Tim really looks like a kid and not like a teenager in his too big clothes. Honestly? Jason never really got it. All the talk about being brothers in the pack. Dick had never treated him like a brother and they had barely gotten to the point of accepting each other as members of the same pack before he died.  

But seeing the kid now, in a Wonder Woman shirt he didn’t even remember owning, he guesses he can see the appeal. Somewhat. Or maybe it’s his Omega instincts that finally kick in, after being off his suppressants. Jason certainly noticed that he spent even more energy in making sure the kids in crime valley stay safe over the last two weeks.  

“Can I take my scent blockers off? They are starting to itch.” 

Jason nods and throws the takeout pamphlet on the low sitting table in front of the couch. “Sure. Order us something, will ya? Peperoni for me and if you order pineapple on your pizza I will throw you through the window.” 

Somehow these are the words that finally bring the kids shoulders down, while he is busy with getting rid of his patches. “What about Dick?” Jason waves the question away, already moving in direction of his bedroom to get changed himself. “Get him something with anchovies.” 

Tim flounders for a second or two. “But Dick hates anchovies.” 

“Oh really?”, Jason returns sweetly. “Too bad I couldn’t hear you over all the scheming Alpha noises in my ears.”  

A snort and a mumbled “One anchovies pizza coming up” is the last thing he hears as the door to his bedroom closes behind him. 

It doesn’t take him long to change into sweatpants and a loose black shirt, while musing about the outcome the big bird would want from this. It probably has to do with Leslies talk about needing more healthy bonds. The Alpha had been trying to get him to the manor to meet the rest of the pack properly. Not only in their Vigilante getup.  

Jason had been steadfast in his refusal. This all will be crash and burn bad enough as it is. He hasn’t the mental strength to stop Dick from this, but he will be damned if he opens himself up for even more heartbreak. He doesn’t think that Bruce will throw him into Arkham anymore, but that doesn’t mean the pack-alpha would allow Jason to get this close to the pack. It was him killing again after all, that got Dick all worked up and into his face. Bruce wouldn’t look away from that.  

With his Omega being appeased and strangely content with all their meetings and the Alphas general attention and care, it will be devastating enough when Bruce orders Dick to back up. Jason isn’t blind to that fact. Doesn’t matter if he thinks it's a lot of bullshit and that he did well enough before the Alpha decided to insert himself into Jasons life. Now his Omega has gotten a taste how it could and should be, at the bare minimum, and he shudders at the thought of losing it again. 

He can bitch at Dick all that he wants, but the Alpha for once actually knows what he is doing. With the schedules and the parameters he set out for Jason to meet. It gives him more than enough room to maneuver around but also the steady knowledge of having someone looking out for him.  

And by God does Jason know what world of hurt is coming for him afterwards. 

Shaking his head, to lose these thoughts, he enters his living room again, only to frown at the new scent. Something mint with a faint underlying vanilla. “You are an Omega.” Tim looks up from his phone and frowns, seemingly confused. “Yes? So are you?” And it shouldn’t surprise Jason. This is his home. Of course the kid got Jasons scent figured out. It still rattles something fierce in him.  

Walking over to the couch he let himself fall unceremonially at the end of it and stares at Tim. Now that he knows it is actually hard to imagine anything else for the kid. All slender and agile body, sharp and aristocratic looking cheekbones, the inviting looking neck and overall enticing look framed with stylishly black hair and blue eyes. That one will be a heartbreaker if he is done growing. Maybe he already is. One can only hope that Bruce and Dick have an eye on that. Or it might be Jasons turn to threaten a few broken bones.  

.. he shouldn’t think like that about Tim. That kid is not his pack. Jason attributes that to his annoying Omega. 

“And, how is that working for you?”, he finally asks and Tims until now rigidly posh posture falls together as he sinks deeper into the couch.  

“You have no idea how bothersome it is!” the younger Omega exclaims, before looking sheepish. “Well, I mean now I get that you know it probably too.” Jason chuckles at that and makes a hand gesture that means to go on. And Tim does. 

“Damian and I had a perfectly functioning relationship of sadly disguised mean comments and the occasional attack and now all I want to do is coo at the Pup and scent him! I only had two heats so far and with my last one I got so agitated that they had to order him into my nest, because I wouldn’t settle down without him!” 

Jason blinks at that, before giving a heartfelt: “Well fuck, that sucks baby bird.” He can imagine it too. Suddenly the annoying little brother is still the annoying little brother but also the unpresented Pup in the pack. Without having a sexual heat, there wouldn’t be much to convince an Omega that said Pup didn’t need to be in the nest. Safe and sound.  

Sadly, that is just how it is. Beside the real bodily differences between the dynamics, the designation of Alpha, Omega and Beta are just names for instincts. Instincts that can and do overrule logical thinking. Jason and Dick could fight each other bloody and be hateful, but the second the Omega would for example get sick, their bond and Alpha instincts would force him to care for Jason. 

Just the same for heats that swing for whatever reason into the sexual area. Be it through hormonal imbalances, the simple want for it, through Ivys cursed pollen or being too close to someone the Omega perceives as prospective Mate. Whatever the reason, the moment it happens the Omegas instincts demand to be mounted and bred, no matter who is in range. Which is exactly the reason Omegas used to be more of homebound breeding mares in the past. Nowadays it is only the so called Omegan-traditionalists that still want the good old times back.  

But it is also the reason that packs and especially their Alphas tend to go overboard with securing a safe space for their Omegas in their heat.  

“It really does!”, Tim pulls him out of his musings. “And don’t get me started on my heats in general! B is the absolute worst!” 

For a second Jasons heart drops into his stomach and he can feel the green rising tide burning in his veins. Bruce wouldn’t dare.. Jason will rip him from limp to limp if.. 

“All I want to do is sleep until the cramps and fever are gone and maybe cuddle and wait until it is over, but I can’t relax at all with him getting out of the nest every hour to do a parameter check and growl at shadows! I was so tired afterwards that I almost slept a full day and had to miss even more work!” 

Jason closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. While he can understand Tims agitation, in theory at least, seeing as he got through his only heat alone, he is fucking happy that this is all.  

“That does sound terrible”, he presses out and hopes that he sounds sympathetic enough. Let Tim think that this is the worst that could happen to him in his own home. No need to let Jasons own fears and possible paranoia stick to the kid.  

“But now..”, there is something calculating in Tims voice now and Jason frowns, instinctively knowing that he won't like whatever will come out of the kids mouth. “I could spend my heats with you!” 

“Absolutely not!”, the words are out before he can even think about them, but instead of backing down and remembering that Jason beat him half to dead and being scared of him again, the silly little bird doubles down. 

“But think about it! If we get technical you are the elder Omega in the pack. You could forbid Bruce from entering our nest and he could do his thing outside the room!” 

Going by the assumption that Jason is in the pack, which he is not, he would have the elder rang, no matter his real age. Simply by not being the only Omega in the pack and being the oldest one. And that would mean that he could declare a heat nest an Omega only territory.  

It’s Jasons turn to burrow himself deeper into the sofas cushions. “Listen little bird, even if I wanted to help you, I am not in the pack.” 

Tim waves that away like a tiresome fly, sitting up with suddenly seemingly endless energy. “Dick says you are.” 

“Dick says a lot of things if the day is long enough.” But then he has another thought. “Couldn’t Dick stop Bruce from making an ass out of himself?” 

Tim shrugs, suddenly looking unsure and shifty. “Dick wasn’t really there. Sure, he checked in from time to time, but he said someone had to stay out. Can’t have all of us gone for a few days after all.” 

That.. doesn't sound like Dick at all. Free cuddling and providing security for a packmate in need are the things that are written down as law in the Alphas bones. Jason would swear his life on that. Until he remembers the rules for a platonic heat. He sits up at that again, leans forward and rests his underarms on his legs. “Did you.. Do you..?” How the fuck is he supposed to ask something like that? 

The kid saves him, although with a beet red head and looking down in shame. “I guess I kinda propositioned him in my first heat and he took off afterwards. I felt really bad about it later. I mean, he is hot but.. it's Dick. We are brothers.” 

There are a lot of things happening in Jason after hearing that. Feelings. He isn’t all that surprised that Tim in his heat addled brain decided to test the waters with Dick. Doesn’t have to do with age or whatever. The first heat is a wild mix of hormones, pain, need and feelings. It can’t be called sexual or platonic. It just is. Of course, the little bird would go for Dick. An unmated, good looking, caring and loving prime Alpha in the same pack. Thats sunny side Malibu real estate with direct access to the Ocean. Yacht included. 

Jason can’t fault that.  

His Omega can and does. 

He had been fine, thinking about the Alpha helping out with a platonic heat. There is no way a tactile person like Dick would ever give that up. But knowing that this young Omega, who is sitting on his couch in his home, has dared to go for his Alpha..  

Jason has to stomp down hard on his own scent, to hide these feelings, but they are there. And how couldn’t they? With how much effort and courage it had cost him to submit willingly to Dick. He still remembers that day very well. After a few weeks of staying with Bruce it had been easy to do it for him. To show how committed he was to his new life and pack-alpha.   

The need to do the same for Dick had come as a surprise for him. They hadn't gotten along that well. Nowadays he can understand the Alphas feelings, about being suddenly replaced without any warning and being told to get along with his new brother. Maybe some part in Jason had been able to feel the fledgling prime in the Alpha. Who knows? Fact is that Jason had gotten on his knees, with his throat bared and eyes closed. With his heart beating hard enough that he got lightheaded. He must have stunk up the cave with scared submission. 

It had been all worth it, as Dick didn’t take long after giving a surprised sounding exhale, to get on his level and put his teeth in a careful reconstruction of a bite against Jasons vulnerable throat. Accepting the offer. The whole thing didn’t take longer then a minute, but it sealed the bond between them. Changed the neutral packbond to their personal one.  

The Alpha had scented him thoroughly that day and gave him his number. To call him if Jason ever needed help. And well.. The rest is history, as they say. He doesn’t even know if Bruce ever found out about that.  

His to that date nonexistent Omega does still remember it and insists on things. Jason wishes he were still on his suppressants so he could ignore these feelings again. Or that he were at least able to explain to his instincts that it is useless to think like that. Dick only took the mantle of being his Alpha back up again because Jason acted against rules. And while it all felt good and grounded him, there hadn’t even been a hint of anything but wanting an estranged packmember back.  

His Omega can insist that all that attention to him means something all he wants, Jason is the one that can read the room.  

Doesn’t change the fact that the powerful need to put the younger Omega down and show him his place in the hierarchy was there. Singing in hot demand under his skin. This would make it very clear, that Jason had the longer and deeper claim on their Alphas. And on that one especially.  

Jason closes his eyes and rubs his hand against his temples. For fucks sake. He isn’t a god damn animal and Tim is a fucking kid. Presented or not. He needs to get a grip.  

“You should talk to him about it”, it never had been harder to form words. “Dick will understand and then the air between you will be clear again.” 

Tim doesn’t look convinced, but before he can reply Jasons doorbell rings. Saved by the delivery guy. One that seems to be very happy about the tip Jason gives for that. He orders the little bird to get the movie going before writing a message to Dick, to get his ass over here, because he is absolutely done with talking. 

And surprise, surprise. It only takes the very busy Alpha five minutes to get there while Tim decided on Beauty and the Beast. Jason snorts at that. Yeah. Right. Perfect choice. 

With Dick wiggling in between them, after changing into his civies and casually scenting them both in greeting it only takes another minute for his whining to start.  

“Really? You got me anchovies?” He sounds deeply offended and Jason takes great pleasure from that.  

“You snooze, you lose. The only people that get the food they want, are the ones on time.” And if he makes a show about biting in his delicious peperoni pizza it is no one's business. It’s not his fault Dick is a scheming bastard. On screen the prince gets changed into the beast.  

The Alpha, who still has a nice blush from the colder air outside on his darker toned skin and whose black hair is still windblown, stares dejectedly at his pizza.   

“You can have..”, Tim starts and Jason jumps in with a loud: “Nope!” Suddenly there are two blue eye pairs on him. One pleading and one subtlety amused.  

“Jay, you can’t do that to me. Anchovies are atrocities. A crime to humankind.” There is a definitive whine in the Alphas voice. Jason rolls his eyes. Belle sings about books. At least one heroine that got their priorities right.  

“In his defense, he got here somewhat on time. The food is still hot.” 

Jason refrains from telling Tim how exactly that wonder happened. “Wow, now you are sticking up to him, little bird? I am deeply hurt.” He ignores the sudden burn on his own cheeks as Dick smiles softly at Jasons pet name for the younger Omega. Damn it. 

“We could each of us exchange half of our pizzas with him.” Tim rigorously ignores Jasons ribbing.  

“Absolutely not. He will have at least to eat a quarter.” He turns to Dick. “You are the one that is always on my ass about punishment. Are you really trying to get out of it completely?” 

Dicks face falls while Tim looks way too intrigued. The Alphas deep and defeated sigh shows that he knows that he is beat. “Fine. I can probably eat a quarter without dying.” 

“Probably”, Jason agrees. “What a strong Alpha you are”, and his smile isn’t fond. It isn’t. Especially not since his words brighten Dicks scent into something happily pleased. God. What a goof. 

It takes a bit, but in the end Jason has the biggest part of the offending pizza and everyone is munching happily enough. After Dick choked down his quarter in record time, trying to get it out of his way as soon as possible.  

It’s warm and comfortable, sitting here, more or less leaning against the Alpha and watching a silly movie. Their scents are softly mixing, telling about relaxing comfort. Jason doesn’t notice that he started purring until his eyes stay closed for a second too long and he startles, stopping the sound. Almost immediately there is an arm winding around his shoulder, pulling him closer to the Alpha.  

“Everything is alright, Little Wing. You can sleep”, is being murmured into his hair and Jason takes the words as truth as he sighs and burrows closer before closing his eyes again.   

He wakes up in his nest, with everything smelling like Dick again. After the long week of not meeting up, it had been grown weak. Not anymore. And it takes a moment to identify the other scent, but the folded clothes at the end of the bed clear that up. Jason stares a long moment, before rumbling defeated and snatching up the clothing to incorporate them into his nest.  

Next time he sees Tim he will scent the other Omega. The kid deserves it to have the protective smell of another Omega around him. Like Jason so often wished he still had, after his own mother died. The one that earned the title. Drugs or not. 

************* 

“So, I heard Red asked you to fuck him”, he murmurs, still looking down at the pier they are watching, following up a rumor about a big weapons deal. On his side Dick chokes on his own spit in surprise and coughs around it.  

“What the hell, Hood?!” Nightwing croaks and Jason grins safely behind his helmet. “You can stop clutching your pearls, N. The kid told me. He still sees you as brother. Was only a lapse of judgement in the middle of battling his first heat.” 

The older Vigilante fidgets at bit, before stilling again. “He told you that?” 

“Mhm”, Jason makes an agreeing sound. “More or less. I can’t believe you didn’t talk to him afterwards.” They are all too well trained to make even the smallest identifying noise, but he could have sworn that Dick suppressed a tiny, wounded whine. 

“I was scared he meant it seriously. I had all these scenarios in my mind about letting him down carefully and I got into my head about it. And did nothing.” Dick admits, sounding a mixture between unsure and angry with himself. 

Jason turns to look at him and isn’t surprised by the frown. If there is one person that is always too harsh on himself, it’s Dick fucking Grayson. And it took Jason quite a while to see that, behind the golden undefeatable persona. “You can stop being all maudlin anytime now, Wing. Red isn’t exactly traumatized. Take him out for some monstrous coffee and tell him that all is good between you. He just wants his big brother back.” And whoever had made him of all people into the voice of reason should better start paying him.  

At least his words bring the smile back and the Alpha nods resolute. “That sounds like a plan. I felt really bad with staying away at his last heat but..” 

Jason nods. “Yeah. I get it.” He juggles the next words around in his head, but soldiers on anyway. “He wants to spend his next one with me. Seems like B drove him up the wall.” 

Now it’s Dick that turns from looking at the pier to him. “Thats.. Uh..” 

“Yeah. I told him that I am not in the pack.” He doesn’t know why he does that to himself. Why he started the whole conversation. Fuck. He is always so good in fucking things up for himself. 

Dick is frowning again. “Why do you have to be so stubborn all the damn time? Of course you are in the pack. I have no idea how you can claim otherwise.” 

He shrugs, not mentioning the missing packbonds, looking down again, hoping for some movement. But everything is silent as can be. “It’s probably better anyway if you spent the next heat with him. With him being your Omega too.” 

“What are you even..”, Dick trails off. “Red isn’t my Omega. He is automatically Batmans, seeing as he is the pack-alpha and an Omega packmate for me.” 

His Omega howls in glee at these words, while Jason wonders again. With his full submission to Dick he accepted the Alpha as his. Something that Dick returned casually. With words at least. Which is fine and normal. Nothing anyone would ever frown upon. It doesn’t need to lead to anything. It’s more about prioritizing. About declaring favorites.  

“If I join the pack again”, not that Bruce would ever allow that, “I would be B’s Omega too.”  

The Alpha freezes besides him, before taking a deep breath. “He wouldn’t see you like that.” 

Jason doesn’t ask the obvious question, and they silently return to observing.  

Chapter Text

Starring at the calendar that magically found its way on his fridge two weeks ago, he frowns at the red X that marks next Saturday. Or more specifically, the X that negates the MN that had been writen down there before. Movie night. Cancelled.  

Jason barely remembers coming home at all. Or falling face down on his couch, not bothering with anything but taking off his helmet. Patrol had been brutal, in more way than one. Weeks' worth of work, stakeouts, following every little whisper about the deal and some plain detective work culminating in one night. Successfully but not without taking hits and fighting for what felt like hours.  

Setting a whole boatload of drugs on fire at the end had been worth it. So very much. Jason might have dealt that organization the biggest hit that they ever had to take. And it had felt good. No, it had felt fucking amazing. Standing there and watch the fire burn in different colors. Being protected from the fumes by his helmet. It had been worth every lost minute of sleep, to know that he stood between them and Gothams people. Especially the people in Crime Vally of course. The market wouldn’t be swamped by the damn thing now. Bad enough that it existed. A substance that makes every dynamic vulnerable to an Alphas Voice. An atrocity.  

And going by how he felt every muscle in his body, they hadn’t been happy at all to give that shipment up. Not that Jason cared. Nothing got broken, he didn’t get shot and the rest would heal. Although, deep bruising was going to be a bitch. No one that ever had some of these, would ever again talk about ‘only some bruising’. Sometimes these were worse than a clean bone break.  

The goddamn X on his fucking schedule indicates that he didn’t dream up Dick coming in and waking him, from his dead like sleep. Wrangling him up and out of his suit and into his sleeping shirt. All the while mumbling something that Jason had been too tired to care about. Honestly, if Dick had put him against the next wall, he would have just slept there.  

He does remember the feeling of having his sweat soaked scent patches removed, the little sting as they took a while to peel from his skin. He remembers getting helped into his nest and instantly falling asleep again. So, he isn’t all that sure about the fingers, threading through his hair that he is remembering darkly. 

Now, looking at the cancelled activity, he might just as well have imagined it. And.. he doesn’t know how to feel about anything of this. Yes, he forgot to take the damn patches off. Obviously. But it hadn’t been something he had done out of spite or whatever. Hell, he didn’t even take off his boots.  

Seemingly exhaustion to the point of almost blacking out didn’t excuse him from having to follow the rules. Some part of him scoffs irritated. He isn’t a god damn child and if he wants to watch a movie, he can do it without problems on his own. He doesn’t need Dick fucking Grayson's presence for it.      

Another part is honestly enraged that he even has to face this farce of enforcing rules. He just saved this city a lot of heartbreak and problems and this is his thanks? They can all go and jump collectively from a bridge. Next time he can just as well distribute the shit himself and lean back and watch the show go to hell.  

And then there is this deeply, very deeply annoying part in him that simply accepts the mockingly red gleaming X. It is nothing more and nothing less than had been announced as consequence for breaking one of these rules. There is no one to whine at but himself, for not organizing himself and his own resources better. Honestly, how hard can it really be to take off a few little patches before falling asleep? It’s not like someone expected him to do a nine rounds boxing fight against Bane.  

“Fuck this.” He opens the fridge to get for what he actually limped into his kitchen. Which is an ice-pack for the nice purple and yellowish bruising on his side. That only hurts like a motherfucker every time he moves and dares to take a deep breath. Should have shot out more than kneecaps. A little grey brain matter would have gone nicely with the overall decor of that warehouse. 

Making his way back into his living room and onto his couch, it takes a while to arrange himself in a way that doesn’t put more pressure on his hurting parts and closes his eyes. A shower would sound heavenly but Jason doesn’t have the energy. Simply thinking about getting up again is exhausting.  

Grabbing the remote for the TV, he soon settles on some nature documentation as background noise for taking another nap. Something about meerkats. The coldness of the ice-pack soothes the hot throbbing of his bruise and his eyes fall close as the narrator talks about the pack caring together for its offspring. 

He startles awake and halfway up as something clinks as it is put down on his couch table. “Wha..?”, he mumbles confused and groans as his bruise makes itself known again. There is movement at the corner of his sight and then a hand on his forehead, followed by an unhappy sound. “You are running a bit of a temperature. Did you take something against the pain?” 

The Ocean scent makes it clear enough, who the person is, but Jason still rubs at his eyes, trying to get the sleep out of it. “Dick?” 

“The one and only. I brought food. Did you take anything, Jason?” 

What the hell? How late is it? There hadn’t been anything on the calender for today, right? “Why are you here?” His voice sounds rough and he wishes he had shown the foresight to bring something to drink with him before. “Food?” Somehow his brain isn’t able to understand whats going on. He stares up the Alpha who still has his hand on his forehead with bleary eyes.  

Dick is in his civies. Wearing a comfy looking sweater and jeans. Looking down at him with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, food. You might know it as the thing that gives you energy back. Energy you are in dire need of. I almost couldn’t wake you last night.” 

Last night. As Dick was here too. Again.  

The takeout boxes on the table look like Chinese and his belly gives a growl at that. He huffs softly, already deciding to give up that fight. Food really sounds almost as good as a shower right now. “Was a long night”, he murmurs distractedly, before swatting Dicks hand away. “Didn’t take anything.” 

The Alpha makes a humming sound, before stepping back and taking one of the white boxes to give them to Jason. “Better to take after eating anyway. How are you feeling?” Jason opens the container, takes the chopsticks that are on the side and starts mixing the food with the rice that sits under it.  

“Fine. Nothing’s broken.”  

Dick takes his own food and sits down on the other side of the sofa. “So, bruising from hell?”, he asks after having taken a few bites and Jason grunts his agreement around his own. The Alpha grimaces emphatically and Jason lets it go. They all know how it is. Dick probably more than him, if he has to be honest. His own armor is a lot thicker than the Kevlar in Dicks suit. And jumpy menace or not, they all take hits from time to time. 

The TV is showing something about the history of Formula 1 now and Jason can’t be bothered to switch channels. So that's what they watch while they eat. It’s strange as fuck. They didn’t do things like this before Dick had his little power trip. And since then, all their meetings had been planned.  

This is new and it should be more awkward. It isn’t. In the same way their other meet ups hadn’t been. And yes, Jason is intelligent enough that he can attribute that to himself and his own behavior. When he doesn’t threaten Dicks life every five minutes or spews something hurtful and takes off, they click surprisingly well. At least as long the Alpha keeps his righteous opinions to himself. But still.. 

“This should be stranger”, he grumbles, putting his empty container on the table and angling for his ice-pack. That had fallen down at some point and isn’t all that cold anymore.  

Dick makes a questioning sound, taking his eyes from the TV and looking at him. Jason thinks he looks tired. Or maybe feels tired. Usually there is all that boundless energy around the Alpha. Right now, it is muted. As if asleep. Or maybe recharging. Jason points his sticks between them. “This. I shouldn’t be fine with you breaking and entering into my home whenever you feel like it.” 

The Alpha doesn’t pretend to not understand. “If you go by that, you should have shown a lot more resistance to everything I put into place from the beginning. Ever wondered about that?” 

He had. Only not very deeply. None of the very mixed feelings that he usually has for the bats and birds and that are mostly the reason he keeps his distance, has reared their ugly head. Or maybe he had kept that lid closed, before it could open again. For once in his life Jason had decided to go with what had been laid out in front of him. He nods. 

“I should have.” 

Dick throws him a quick smile. One of the honest ones. “But you didn’t. Want to know my theory?” The Alphas body language didn’t change since they started talking. It’s open, without any smugness or aggression. No dominance. It’s just a talk. About something important. Historically, Jason doesn’t do important talks very well.  

“Let's hear it then.” 

Dick puts his own food away and turns more in his direction. Pulling his bendy legs into a cross-seat. “You won’t like it, but Leslies bloodwork confirmed it. You were very close to bond sickness before our own bond snapped back into place. Us being close not only soothes your Omega needs but it should feel good at its own. I think that overrules your need to lash out at the smallest offense.” 

Jason stares for a moment, letting the words sink.  

Yeah, that sounds about right he guesses. The easy banter they fell into. That he allowed Dick to bring Tim into Movie night. That he follows the rules, when he isn’t in danger of falling unconscious at least. That he doesn’t want to offend the Alpha enough to get angry again. And to probably take off, because that has been Dicks MO for years.  

He frowns at that thought and something in his scent might have changed, because Dick straightens up and his attention turns to laser focus. “Jason?” 

“That.. We are only..? Because of the bond?” He has no idea how to formulate what he feels, but his scent sours before he can stop it. Dick will know that he is hurt by whatever he thinks, and it shows, as the Alpha is on his feet and crouching by his side in the blink of an eye. Taking his hand and gently rubbing their wrists together. Intermingling their scents. The mans eyes are so god damn blue, crowned by wavey black hair, as he stares up at Jason. 

“I think”, Dick starts carefully, not letting Jason out of his eyes, “the bond gave you a legitimate reason to hold all of your resentment back. And that taking you off your suppressants helped overcoming your fear of rejection. If I am right, your Omega didn’t give you much of a choice in the matter. That doesn’t make everything any less real.” 

Dicks fingers are warm. He stares at their intertwined hands.  

His fear of rejection. Just stated as simple fact. Dick is completely sure about that statement. And while he doesn’t like the feeling of being psychoanalyzed like that, he can’t deny it. If he rejects all of them first, they can’t do it to him. Again. Like they would, the moment he doesn’t fit into their molds for him. Thats how it had been, before the Alpha waltzed into his life and rearranged it.  

“I don't.. My submission..”, Jason starts, before shaking his head. Trying to gather the words he desperately wants to say, while wanting to shove them down into the depths of his mind simultaneously. “I don’t want to be a bother. An unneeded obligation. One that you feel you must take on, because I did that as teen.”  

The soft and amused laugh wasn’t really what Jason had expected as answer to that. He flinches back but stills as one of Dicks hands finds its way into his neck. Putting down warm and comfortable pressure and directing him to look back at the Alpha. Who is showing a small but affectionate smile. “Jason, give me the first answer that pops into your head. Don’t overthink it. What or who am I to you?” 

“My Alpha.” The answer probably wouldn’t even change if he had given himself the time to overthink it. This is the one fact that simple is . The thumb in his neck draws little circles into his skin, as if to reward his answer. Leaning into it is almost automatic at this point. 

“Between all the mantles and titles I have worn over the years, this still is and always has been one of my favorites.” He finds himself staring at the Alpha, who simply smiles back. Without any shame or discomfort. “You are mine to take care of and I am happy and not burdened that you are finally letting me. The Omega bit was a surprise, but you have no idea how thrown and ultimately proud I was as our bond snapped back. That you still recognize it. That you still give me the chance to honor it. There is no obligation driving me.”  

That is too much to hear for Jason. He closes his eyes and takes a somewhat wet breath. He can’t stand to look into these warm eyes anymore. Can’t stand the thought how hurtful he had been to Dick and how the Alpha is still here, without holding all of that over his head.  

He doesn’t offer any objections or resistance as Dick gets to his feet and, after some arranging, slips in behind Jason. Embracing him from behind and being a stable presence at his back. The Alphas voice is a bit deeper then before, it’s warmth slipping right under Jasons shaking exterior, while one hand slips under Jasons shirt, being placed carefully on his belly. Providing more skin contact with the Alpha, soothing the distraught Omega. 

“The world hasn’t been kind to you, since you came back. Isn’t that right, sweetheart? You have grown so strong and capable at looking after yourself, because no one did you the favor to do it for you. All that fighting for your life, against the Lazarus Pit and your own feelings. Even against your own dynamic. I am so proud that you never gave up. That you are still here. That you are still looking out for others on top of that.” 

Dicks voice sounds so sincere and Jason hiccups, still trying to hold himself together. Feeding on the contact and stability the Alpha provides him at the moment. Not being able to respond in any other kind or way, but to melt into Dicks arms. 

“And while I can’t condone the killings, I can’t say with clear conscience that I don’t understand where it is coming from. From where you are coming from. Especially with what I did to the Joker. I only wished you had reached out to me, even when I understand why you didn’t. I should have been there. That’s all I thought about for months after your death. And I understand why my failure in keeping you safe bore resentment in you. Honestly, I do. But I still wish..” 

The tears that are running down his face are unstoppable after that. How can that be? How can the one person Jason never faulted for his death be the one to beat himself up about it? How can the one person that would have every right to expect more apologies from Jason, be the one that feels guilty? 

“God damn it, Dick. Being off planet as I got killed, might have been the only thing I never raged against it. It’s not your fault. It never has been. Stop beating yourself up. I am here now. I am here.” 

Dicks head falls between his shoulders with a quiet whine. Just lying there for a moment, while they both try to get a grip on themselves. “Yes, you are”, the Alpha finally murmurs, and Jason has to listen carefully to understand him. “And I will do everything in my power that it stays that way. I don’t think I have enough strength to let you go again, Little Wing.” 

It doesn’t escape Jasons notice that Dick didn’t acknowledge his absolution, but what else is new? “You always were so possessive”, he muses, and he can feel Dicks chuckle more against him, than hearing it.  

“Nothing changed on that front. If I could, I would wrap you up and bring you home to never have you out of my sight again.” 

Jason snorts, feeling himself getting calmer again. He still feels frayed at the outskirts but.. It doesn’t look like Dick has any intention of getting up any time soon. It will be fine. Sooner or later, it will be fine. “Is it the same with the others?” 

The Alpha sighs, bringing his head up to nose along some invisible lines in Jasons neck. His heartbeat stutters at the feeling. “From time to time”, he admits, exhaling air against Jasons skin, giving him goosebumps. “It’s easier with them. My Alpha feels contend with them being at the Manor and under Alfreds care.” 

“Alfreds care, hm?”, Jason echos, somewhat amused, bringing his hand to the one over his belly. Interwinding their fingers. Dick gives a short squeeze of acknowledgment.  

“We would have all died without Alfred. Bruce is a lot of things, but a direct caretaker is not one of them.” 

And isn’t that the truth? 

They both fall silent, staying exactly as they are, with their scents calming and forming something that Jason finds soothing right now. With how often Dick scents him and apparently parts of his apartment and nest, it feels like home. Relaxing and secure.  

“Omega”, Dick suddenly rumbles against his skin and Jasons heart almost jumps out of his chest. That address for him is new. Should he..? He hesitates for a moment, before deciding that if anyone had earned it, it would be Dick. “Yes, Alpha?” There is the softest, approving rumble, that almost doesn’t reach his ears. As if Dick is trying to keep it in. 

“I want you to trust me. Let me take care of you. Let me make you feel good.” 

He shudders at these words. Is that..? Is Dick really saying..? “How good?” 

Suddenly there are teeth in his neck. Softly nibbling and Jason arches unthinkingly into them with a moan, like a junkie would for his next fix. 

“Very good, little Omega. So very, very good.” 

Chapter Text

Over the next few days it happens at the strangest times. That he remembers vividly. The only times he seems safe from it, is when he is really concentrated on patrol. Or in a fight. All other times? Not so much. Doesn’t matter if he is in the shower, cooking a meal, doing his grocery shopping or cleaning his guns.  

From one moment to the next he has the Alphas deep and assured voice in his head again. Telling him, what a good Omega he had been for his Alpha. Praising things that doesn’t seem worthy of it for Jason, but were able to reduce his Omega into a purring puddle of happiness.  

He remembers the roaming hands over his naked chest. Firm and with enough pressure to feel grounding. To tether him to the situation and preventing him from drifting completely off. There had been nothing sexual about the warm and callused fingers against his skin and they still left trails of pleasure. Pleasure that only skin to skin contact is able to provide.  

It had been so easy to sink into the care of the Alpha. To let him provide that moment with the deep seeded knowledge that he was safe with Dick. That the Alpha would be careful with his bruises and himself. That there was no need to stay alert, because he was being watched over. He was protected. Whatever would want to get to him, would need to go through Dick first. 

Only the teeth and lips on his neck and free shoulders provided little sparks of something different. Of something more than platonic care for his Omegan needs. And while the lips and careful nibbling did provoke softly exhaled moans and ignited something hotter in his belly, these feelings mixed with sheer lazy content. They highlighted, but didn’t overwhelm the whole experience.  

Just as well as the seemingly never-ending pleased rumblings of the Alpha, whose vibrations Jason was able to feel down to his very bones. And while it pinged as strange somewhere deep in his brain, to be told what a good Omega, what a good boy he was right now for his Alpha, he never felt as.. well.. good as in that moment.  

Jason remembers how the whole room had been drenched by proud-happy-possessive-protective-Alpha. Another thing that would usually annoy him in that intensity in his own home, but only left him feeling more secure. 

He wonders a lot about that in the next days. Feeling for once as if he is on the same page with his Omega. Being aware of some of his instincts in the back of his mind, without being overwhelming or fighting for attention. There is nothing crawling under his skin in search for something. For once everything seems to be in place and as it should be.  

Yes, he had known that packs provided stability for their Omegas and that Alphas in special were built to do it. But that is just a sentence in a book. Nothing that his brain connected with something like this. Quite honestly, Jason hadn’t thought about what it meant at all. And maybe, probably, his own misgivings about Omegas in context with Alphas might have a part in that. Most likely a huge one.  

But Jason isn’t sure if he can fault himself for it. He didn’t exactly grow up around healthy packs or anything that he would call a caring Alpha. Most Omegas that he had known, and does know at least about now, had been prostitutes. If there had been others, he hadn’t known about them. And the behavior of Alphas around them was nothing to write home about. Or at all really. Crime Alley was a place where only the strong stayed alive and well. And that often played out as being the most cruel.  

His mind would have never even been able to conjure what Dick did with him as a possibility. Providing sounded more like giving enough food to help the Omega staying alive. Maybe clothes. Not this.   

His time with Bruce and Alfred didn’t really help with that either. An Alpha and Beta caring for an unpresented Pup with the help of the sometimes being there second Alpha. There had been nothing there that would tell him how high society packs worked with Omegas. Most things Jason knows about the dynamics is from school. Like some of the titles, like the Elder.  

All in all, he hadn’t been that interested in it anyway. There was a whole new life and circumstances to adjust to. Not even mentioning all his training to be able to be Robin. Jason thinks his submitting to Bruce and Dick had been the most he ever did in concern to any kind of dynamics.  

A noise from his window startles him from his musings and stirring the pot. Turning around Jason can’t even say that he is surprised as Red Robin makes his way through his traps and into his living room. Which he can see from where he is standing. He sighs exasperatedly, already turning back to his cooking. “You know, my front door and bell are both in working order.” 

“You would actually let me in?” 

Jason rolls his eyes unseen but doesn’t admit that he probably would. “What are you even doing here? Dick canceled.” Which is a nice way of saying that he is being punished for bullshit and that he hates it very much. After what happened the last time, the knowledge that his Alpha should be here, but isn’t at Jasons own fault, is nagging fiercely in him. It’s really no wonder that this shit works as actual punishment. 

“Yeah. Dick canceled his little meetup with you. But now it’s mine. No silly Alphas needed.” 

He turns at that and stares for a moment at the unrepentant looking younger Omega, that already had put off his mask. Tims blue eyes shimmer stubbornly and the disbelieving laugh explodes out of Jason without permission as he connects the dots. 

“Oh my god, you little shit. You are circumspecting my punishment with a loophole, aren’t you?”  

The kids whole being brightens at Jasons reaction and he is smiling. Not that this means that the sneaky sparkle in his eyes vanishes. He waves one of his hands carelessly and unconcerned. “Now, what would a good, little Omega like me know about punishments anyway? I only want to spend more bonding time with my Packelder obviously.” 

“Obviously.” For once in his life Jason doesn’t spit out that he isn’t a part of the pack anymore. How could he right now? Tim is already rummaging in his backpack and suddenly presents a Tupperware box. “I even brought bribes in the form of Alfred cookies.” 

The “Deal” is faster out of Jasons mouth then he can think. Shit. There is a lot he would do for Alfred cookies. For the real deal. It might be that moment that Jasons realizes that he should take one Tim Drake a lot more seriously. Shaking his head a little, he points at the kids getup. “Get changed. The food is almost done. And yes, you can take your patches off.” 

The kid grins at him as if Jason had just given him some kind of big reward and walks off. He returns to the chili con carne that he is preparing since yesterday in pure spite. He knows that Dick loves chili in almost every form and Jason is not above silent retribution for his own peace of mind, even while staying quiet about the Alphas punishment. Really, it’s too bad the Alpha will not be here to get a taste. Sad. So very sad. For Dick, at least. 

Tim comes back, again swimming in Jasons clothes, which he chooses to ignore. He orders the kid to get something to drink for them out of the fridge and prepares two bowls of food and cuts some of the fresh bread. They move it all into the living room, together with a smaller bowl of sour creme and make themselves comfortable.  

The little bird stares for a moment at the food, before grinning again. “Your love language really is food, isn’t it? Poor Alpha. First anchovies and now missing out on this?” 

Jason allows himself a small, satisfied smile. Which has everything to do with how good the chili tastes and nothing with unneeded and maybe undeserved revenge. At all. “I have no idea what you are talking about, little bird.” 

Tim hums and takes his phone out to take a picture of his bowl. Jason doesn’t ask why and the kid doesn’t provide the reason for free. They settle on some silly tv show while eating and Jason finds himself finally relaxing after the long day he had. His bruises are still there but more annoying then really being painful by now. 

“I know you talked Dick into talking to me”, Tim suddenly mumbles and Jason throws him a look. Not even trying to diffuse that statement.  

“Wasn’t that much of a hardship. Just told him to get his head out of his ass and to stop being an idiot.” 

Tim shrugs. “Either way, it worked. We bumbled over some embarrassment, but I think we are good again. So, thank you for that.” 

There is a part in Jason that wants to deflect. Maybe even go into some kind of offense over that. A part that squirms at being thanked for something so easy by the kid he had beaten half dead. A part that wants to reach for the easy out. For the shimmering green that still resides deep in him.  

But the bigger part of him, the part that spends enough attention to see a young Omega sitting on his couch, in search for a connection with someone of his own dynamic, wants to reach out. To reassure the kid, that is sold to him again and again by Dick as a little brother. As someone to cherish and protect.  

He nods, accepting the words and waits until they are done eating before wiggling his fingers in Tims direction. “Come here”, his voice is a little rougher then usual but after a moment of obvious hesitation, the younger Omega slides closer. Close enough for Jason to reach out, tug him into his side and starts scenting him. Rubbing his wrists over Tims scent glands, shoulders and hair.  

The kid freezes for a second, his scent screaming surprise, before melting seemingly boneless against Jason. Who isn’t disturbed by it in the slightest, while he lays down his protection. He likes to imagine that it is a whole story. Fuck off-mine-touch and die-claimed by most malicious Omega . 

His somewhat aggressive scenting overpowers the other scents easily. Not that they are very pronounced anyway. What is the pack and the kid doing at home? Bruce is for once in his life excused, seeing as he is offworld. But the rest? Dicks Ocean protection has been there, the same as Alfreds. But both muted. As if only transferred by the smallest touch. And the others? He doesn’t know Spoilers or Black Bats scent and he only vaguely remembers Damians. They are all missing. 

He grumbles about that, but chose to ignore it for the moment. His own scent is the most important one anyway. His own Omega seemingly agrees, providing more then enough need to claim the kid. His younger brother. His little Omega.  

Tim lets him do exactly that for a long while, before struggling up a bit, reaching for the remote control. His words sound a bit slurred, but are clear enough. “We should watch The Office.” 

Jason makes an agreeing sound, tugging Tim back into his side and starting purring in satisfaction. The little bird starts his own purr, moving into a more comfortable position. “You want to know, why The Office?” 

Jason couldn’t care less, but he nods against the black hairnest in which he has his nose anyway. And there is that sneaky humor again, in the kids voice. “Because you aren’t allowed movie night.” 

It takes a moment, but then Jasons body is shaking in laughter. The fucking Office is a TV show and not a movie. Another loophole. This little shit. “You little fucker. Bruce has his hands full with you, hasn’t he?” 

“I have no idea what you are talking about”, Tim sniffs. “I am a delight.” 

“God help me”, Jason chuckles, “but you really are.” And if Tims scent brightens happily and stays like that for all the episodes they watch, Jason won’t say anything about it.  

He writes Dick a message a few hours later, after having carried the sleeping kid over into his nest, that the little bird is staying the rest of the night with him. No need to worry the Alpha and pack after all. Even if there could be made the case that Jason might as well be one of the least safe persons to be around at any given time. 

He gets a thumbs up emote back. Ok then..  

The next morning, or more likely the next noon, has them sitting with coffee and breakfast in his kitchen. With Tim telling him about his cases, rambling about school and some possible upgrades for Jasons helmet. It’s the sort of background noise that only needs some encouraging humming sounds from time to time, instead of his full attention. It’s nice. A different kind of nice that Dick provides him, but a good feeling none the less. At least until.. 

“You smell a little bit differently. Is your heat coming up?” 

Jason looks up from the depths of his coffee after hearing the question and frowns. “Different how?” 

Tim concentrates at that and inhales deeply. “I don’t know. Heavier? Your scent feels usually very light.” 

Hm. His appointment with Leslie was a few weeks back now. Five? Six? He frowns. “I can’t be sure. I was on suppressants for a long time. Leslie told me she couldn’t probably tell me when my heat would come up. Could be anything between days and months.” 

“Huh..”, Tim takes another sip from his coffee, and stares over the cups rim. “You scented me very intensely. Maybe that's a sign?” 

Jasons waves that away. “I decided on that the last time you were here.” But are there other signs? He knows there are more, the closer a heat gets. Like the need to secure the nest. Keeping the pack or Mate or both close and healthy. Some Omegas are having cramps and light fever before the real thing starts and Jason hopes he isn’t one of them. 

“Oh”, Tim stares at him, before smiling somewhat bashfully and ducking his head. “I really had fun last night.” Jason wants to snort at that admission. The little bird had been sleeping through most of the ‘fun’. “And if your heat is really coming up.. I mean I don’t know how you will.. With whom.. Uhm..” The little bird starts stuttering, while Jason finds himself staring at him. Oh shit. Is it normal to find little siblings adorable? Yes? Right?  

“I mean!”, the younger Omega takes a deep breath. “If you would want me there, I would be.” And makes a ‘so there!’ hand gesture.  

Which would be honestly sweet, if Jason had even spent a single minute thinking about his upcoming heat. So far that had been some threat on the distant horizon. Something that would maybe mean something further down the road. In some kind of future.  

And fuck, he should have thought about it. No, he needs to think about it. He.. Is honestly floundering right now. Jason remembers his presenting heat very well. And obviously he had known as what he would present at that time. A cunt doesn’t grow over night and all the other changes in his body that had him aching had been a dead giveaway. But the heat? The one that is the sign of his body having finished with all the changes? That one had been harsh.  

Obviously for one because he had been alone. That had made everything so much worse. And for the other, because Jason had ignored all the changes beforehand. Because he is an idiot that on some days can’t even look himself in the eyes in the mirror. Which meant there hadn’t been a nest. Only a mattress in a shitty safe house that hadn’t been equipped enough to bring him comfortable through these days. He had seldom felt such hunger as at the end of his heat. 

Not even talking about his Omega fully emerging without someone to latch on. To get his bearings with all these new instincts whithout others looking out for him. Jason hadn’t thought a single second about it, before pumping himself full of suppressants.  

He finds himself staring at Tim, who looks more uncomfortable by the second. Shit. “Sorry little birdie. I appreciate the offer. I might even come back to it.” If the kid really sees him as some kind of Packelder stand-in, he wouldn’t do them any good to admit to his own failings and floundering with his dynamic. He is supposed to be a stable presence. Someone for younger Omegas in the pack to lean on. Fuck. This is like making the blind the leader.  

At least his words bring the kids shoulders down again in some sort of relaxation and the mumbling that he only wanted Jason to know that the option was there. After the breakfast he more or less shoves Tim out of his apartment. In the most friendly manner possible. And he keeps the rest of the cookies, that didn’t end up as unhealthy part of their breakfast. 

He stands there for a long moment, in the middle of his living room, before searching for his phone and calling Dick. Who sounds as if the call had just woken him up. Not that Jason cares. “What do I do with my heat?” 

There is silence at the end of the line, before Dick mumbles: “What?” 

Jason rolls his eyes. “I asked you what I do with my heat.” 

He can hear some movement. Something that sounds like sitting up and the throwing back of some sheets. There even is a half-stifled yawn. “I am not following, Little Wing.” 

Yeah, that much was very clear by now. Jasons growls, something between agitated and frustrated. “Tim says I smell differently and that this might indicate my upcoming heat. I have no idea what to do with that. It’s your fault that I have to go through that again in the first place! As if the one time hadn’t been hard enough!”  

“Jason..”, suddenly the Alpha sounds a lot more awake and alert. “You should stop lying to yourself. You have every possible option open to you and you know it.” 

Closing his eyes and rubbing one hand over his forehead, he takes a deep breath. “You are talking about the Manor.” 

“That is one of the available options, yes.” 

It isn’t. Not really. Jasons sighs, mentally preparing for the shitshow that is for sure to follow. “Dick, I don’t have packbonds. That is what I mean when I say that I am no member of the pack. These aren’t my hurt feelings or pride speaking. The possible bondsickness wasn’t because of too weak ones. It was because I didn’t have any.” He can almost bodily feel the Alphas confusion coming through the phone. With their own bond still existing, dormant as it might have been, the Alpha couldn’t have known. Jason just had been protecting himself, without openly admitting to it. At least that is what he tells himself. 

“What?” Dick sounds like a wild mix between confusion, anger and disbelief. “But you are working with the pack for over a year now! You are talking with Bruce! You are working single cases over days with other packmembers from time to time. How can you not..?!” There is a very short break. “What the hell is Bruce thinking?!” 

“Probably that I am a monster that kills for fun and giggles”, he deadpans. “Wasn’t that the reason you put me over your knees?” 

“Stop talking about yourself like that!”, the Alpha orders, bordering on enraged and Jason can hear that he is moving around. “I didn’t put you down for a spanking because I thought you a monster. And I am still not thinking that. Actually, that is so far from what I am thinking about you, that it could just be as well the distance to the Moon. Stay put. I am coming over.” 

“Uhm.. You know, now that I think about it..” Jason flounders. Again. This hadn’t been why he called the Alpha. Not that he could really say why exactly he did that. Ignorance is bliss. 

“I am coming over.” Dick hisses down the phone and disconnects the call.  

Chapter Text

There is something about cleaning his guns that borders on meditative. Probably has something to do with how well he knows them. Every single scratch and their weight in his hands. It is easy as breathing to take them apart and use the different utilities on them. And sometimes, like now, he simply does it to give his hands something to do, without having to think about it. If needed, he can do that for hours. 

In this case it’s about twenty minutes before Dick arrives. Through the window, because he is just as uncivilized as the baby bird. Jason doesn’t look up from where he is polishing the gleaming metal. He can hear the Alpha moving, reassembling the traps and finally turning around. The Omega can follow it, without having to watch it. Just as he can feel the look that Dick shoots him afterwards. It feels heavy on his skin and it takes a bit, not to shudder. 

Finally, there is a somewhat resigned sounding sigh and Dick sits down beside him. With just enough space between them to not touch each other. “I couldn’t believe it.” the Alpha finally starts and Jason huffs softly, which Dick ignores. “So I asked Alfred.” And if Jason jerks the tiniest bit at the name and the movement of his hands hesitates for a second, the Alpha ignores that too. “And he gave me this little disappointed frown and told me that he hadn’t been able to feel any connection to ‘Master Jason’ since your death.” 

Dicks fingers are drumming on his thighs, telltale signs of an overflowing current of energy in the Alphas body. “And at that point I realized that I could spare myself the time and didn’t ask the others. They came after you. There is no snowballs chance in hell that they would have one and Alfred wouldn’t.” 

Jason would have a few retorts to that, but somehow his mouth stays closed while he works the single parts of his guns with a soft cloth and polish. “Jason.” 

He gives a soft, questioning hum, watching his hands doing the work. “Would you please look at me?” 

Closing his eyes for a moment, he sighs deeply and turns his head a fraction. Just enough to slant his eyes and look at the Alpha. Who for once doesn’t look all put together but frazzled instead. Seemingly not being able to contain his restless energy in smaller parts of his body.  

“Do you still have a bond with Bruce?” 

He looks away and down at his hands again. Rubbing the cloth a bit more insistent then needed over the guns muzzle. And maybe he uses the movement to hide that his hands started shaking. And maybe his silence isn’t a weapon anymore, but a defensive wall between him and the rest of the world.  

Dick makes a frustrated sound, and Jason can smell the second he takes his scent patches off. Inching closer until they are sitting pressed together. It isn’t until he notices how warm Dicks body feels that he acknowledges how cold he is. But not really. More just inside?   

The Alpha starts scenting him. Rubbing his wrists in careful movement along his arms, up to his shoulders and into his scent glands. Surrounding him in Dicks steady and protective scent. Jason feels his defensively raised shoulders come down a bit and if he had any less restrain, he would sink just as bonelessly against the Alpha, as Tim did with him.  

Dicks hand follows up to his neck and deep into his hair. Jasons chin drops as if by itself, giving better access and the Alpha hums satisfied. “See how good you can be”, he murmurs, “won’t you give me an answer?” 

There is the smallest of pleased rumblings from Jasons Omega, before he groans defeated and let everything in his hands clutter on the table. Balling them into fists and resting them on his knees. He stares unseeingly down, fighting the stronger growing need to get away from Dick and his obvious manipulations. As good as they might feel. 

“It’s not that easy”, he decides finally to say, for now holding still as a statue, with his muscles tense under his skin. Dick rewards his answer with another petting through his hair.  

“Would you explain that to me, Little Wing?” 

Jason wishes there were something derogatory in the Alphas voice, to have something to brace himself against. To have something to rage against.  

He can’t rage against the honesty he hears. He can’t do anything against Dicks approach. Nothing but reacting with the truth. And anyone that had ever anything to do with Jason, knows that he is perfectly able to weaponize that. And there is certainly the deep seeded need in him to do exactly that. 

But it is Dick asking him. It is his Alpha that has his hands in Jasons hair and that soaks the Omega in protective scent. If he can’t even talk to the one Alpha that is trying so hard with him, besides everything that Jason has done, not only to him but to the whole pack, will there be any kind of chance for him to ever have something like normality? 

“I haven’t searched for it exactly”, he starts, carefully choosing his words. “But the spot where it should be, doesn’t feel empty. It’s like ours. Before..” 

“So you could reach out for it.” Dick concludes and Jason turns to him so fast and growls, that the Alpha jerks back in surprise. 

“So could he, Dick! Aren’t your detective skills only second to Bruce?!”, so much for keeping his cool. At least the rages that fills his veins now feels natural and not tainted with green. “What do you think would happen if I recognize that bond and bring it back up again? You think he would welcome me with open arms? After he wanted to throw me into Arkham again and again?! Or would it be a lot more likely that he shreds the bond himself this time?” 

He stops for a second, jerking his head, so Dick lets go of his hair and takes a deep breath. “And have you the slightest idea what that would do to me? What if the other packbonds snap back? Just to have them ripped away shortly after? I would go insane. Again. I can’t risk that.” His breath goes faster at the end and his voice breaks at the last words. The weight of them settling between them like concrete. “That might just as well kill me, Dickie.” 

The Alpha stares wide eyed at him. Both of their scents souring the room with all their heightened emotions. “Bruce wouldn’t..” 

Jason scoffs. “Dick! I beg you, think about it for a minute! If I can feel the remains of the bond, so can he! He is the Packalpha.” He stares directly into the so god damn blue and earnest eyes. “You tell me all the time he wants me back, but he never does or did anything about it. At no point in time. And like you said, we are all working together for over a year. Did you really think my own stubborn pride was deep enough to slight you all like that? It’s just that I can take a hint.” 

For a moment Dick looks so hurt that Jason feels like crying over it. He hadn’t wanted to hurt the Alpha and even if he knows that he isn’t hurt directly by Jasons actions or words this time, it is still him that lays it all out.  

“I thought..”, the Alpha murmurs, looking away from Jason, starring instead into air. Seemingly recalling instances or memories. “He said he wanted you back! Verbatim. That it probably would take time and that we should you let come to us.” 

“Yeah? How did that work out I wonder? Oh wait. I don’t need to wonder. I had bond sickness hanging over my head.”, Jason grumbles and gives up his rigid posture to let himself fall back into the couch. Glancing back to the Alpha on his side. Who frowns deeply and rubs a hand over his face. 

Suddenly he finds himself under the focus of the Alphas attention. He swears he can see the thoughts swirling in these eyes. “Did you kill again because you gave up on us in the end?” 

Jason blinks at that, before honestly shrugging. “Not consciously. But I was at a point of pure indifference to the packrules again I guess.” 

To his surprise Dick nods, as if he just said something Dick had already put down as truth. “And how couldn’t you? From your perspective we must have used and mistreated you. Only calling you in with cases that needed your specialties and experiences. Or if we didn’t have another choice. Oh god..” The Alpha looks and smells devastated.  

Jason sighs and reaches out, for once pulling the unresisting body against his own and starting to reciprocate the earlier scenting. He had a year to come to terms with the thought that he would never be a part of the pack again. And while he raged and sometimes cried about it, he made his peace. He needed to make his peace with it. At some point there was only the way forward or giving completely up. And Jason didn’t crawl out of his coffin to give up again.  

Dick curls wordlessly into him, but Jason can feel every muscle in the Alphas body brimming. He wonders what Dick would do to Bruce, if the Packalpha were here in this moment. “Stop blaming yourself. It’s obviously not your fault. You thought Bruce had some kind of plan or idea and you trusted the guy that brought you up and is your Packalpha. It’s only natural.” 

The derisive snort is a bit of a surprise. “Brought me up..”, the Alpha grumbles. “Yeah. Sure. And kicked me out after I almost died, because that was obviously enough of my fault, so that... the rogue could get away.” 

“Uhm..”, Jason has no idea what to do with that. “What?”  

Dick shakes his head decisively. “Never mind that. But I will have words with Bruce, as soon as he is back. A lot of them.” 

Which probably translates into having a screaming match. At least on Dicks side. Jason wonders how much of that temper the newer people in the pack have ever seen. And what the hell did Dick mean with getting kicked out after almost dying? What the fuck? He will shelve that for now, because he doesn’t even know if he has enough energy for the conversation happening right now. He can’t open another can of worms at the moment. But he swears to himself to investigate that later. Thoroughly.  

Pulling Dick even closer, if possible, he puts his nose into the Alphas neck. “You can’t scream me back into the pack.” 

“Watch me.” 

The snort that escapes him is entirely unvoluntary. “I had a long time getting used to the facts.” 

“These aren’t facts. Thats all Bruces bullshit and emotional inability. Jesus Christ, you must have thought me so cruel while I was always nagging you about coming to the manor to meet the others out of their costumes.” 

“Fucking stop it with the self-flagellation! You are so good down to your very core, sometimes I want to vomit, simply thinking about it. You don’t have that kind of cruelness in you. I knew that even in my deepest Lazarus rages. At most I thought you thoughtless.” 

Dick still makes an unhappy noise, but his muscles relax slowly. And with Jasons nose being so close to the source, he can smell how the freshly emerged rage mutes down into something simmering in the background. He wouldn’t want to be in Bruces shoes right now. There isn’t much that Jason would ever admit to fearing, but he knows that Dick has the capabilities to be it. And the training. And the sheer power. Yeah. Dick Grayson and even more so Nightwing are certainly on that list in the right, or more likely wrong circumstances. Jason never saw the need to lie about that to himself. 

Time to turn that boat around then? 

“Are you hungry?” 

This time it’s Dicks turn to snort. “If I smell that correctly I haven’t to wonder any further why I had a message from Tim this morning. Wordless with only a picture. I guess you feel yourself thoroughly punished right now?”  

Jason hums but can’t stop the soft chuckle. “I might have felt like it, as I started cooking. Before the little bird crashed the pity party and decided that his Villain name would be Loop Master.” 

The Alpha turns around in the embrace until they can look each other in the eyes again. And thank god, there is more amusement in them now and nothing from the hurt from before. “And did it taste better without me being here?” 

“No”, Jason admits, “but it didn’t taste worse either. I didn’t break that rule on purpose.” 

Strangely Dick smiles fondly now. The smile looking a lot more beautiful on him. “I know. Who do you think informed Tim about the canceled movie night? I hadn’t invited him to it beforehand.” 

“Oh..”, Jason stares, before shaking his head exasperatedly. “God Dickie, why the cancelling at all then?” The Alpha shrugs.  

“It wouldn’t provide real stability if I decided on a whim when to enforce the rules. You wouldn’t be able to trust me on enforcing them correctly. But that doesn’t mean that I want you miserable about something like this.” 

Now it’s Jasons turn to smile fondly. This Alpha.. “So, food?” 

“You can try to stop me from eating it.” 

Which is how he finds himself sitting at the kitchen table, watching Dick inhaling the leftovers from the Chili and being praised for it. Jason wouldn’t want that as his breakfast, being already noon or not, but he isn’t going to start judging Dick for it. At least it’s real food. And it does feel good on a level he by now can attribute to his Omega. Having the Alpha here, eating his food and being so obviously happy about it.  

“You know”, Dick notices between bites, “you do smell differently. But I am not sure that has to do with your heat.” 

Leaning back into his chair he raises an eyebrow. “What's your theory then?” 

The Alphas eyes roam over him for a moment. “It’s the first time you are off your suppressants in a long time, isn’t it?” Dick waits just long enough for Jasons nod to continue. “I think you just got to the status in your health and dynamic to be at the point you should have been from the beginning. You smell good. Only not in a way that would indicate a soon starting heat.” 

“Huh..” That would explain how neither Tim nor he found any of the other signs indicating an upcoming heat. And didn’t he just recently think that his Omega for once feels untroubled? “That does sound possible”, he admits and has to fight his blush at the bright, delighted smile he gets in return. He doesn’t need to get close to Dicks neck to smell how proud the Alpha is with that revelation.  

Jason tries to overplay it with grumbling. “What even does an Omega smell like when their heat approaches?” 

Dick stares thoughtfully into the air for a moment, absently playing with his spoon. “If I have to describe it, the best word is probably inviting.” 

“And I don’t do that?” As soon as the words are out of his mouth, he wants to take them back. Desperately. Especially since Dicks eyes snaps instantly back to him. As if measuring him up. It takes all his self-control not to squirm in his seat like a little kid. 

“You do to me”, Dick confesses softly, and they stare at each other, before they both look away at the same time. Jasons heart beats fast in his chest, while knowing that he already lost the fight against his burning cheeks. Fuck. This is so far out of everything he feels equipped to handle. But at the same time.. If his face didn’t already give it away, his scent certainly does. How God damn pleased and embarrassed he is with that admission.  

“Uh.. I mean, that's nice. I guess. Probably.” If his face burned before, it is glowing now. He sinks deeper into the chair with a defeated sigh. “Someone shoot me now, please.”  

Dick chuckles quietly, obviously gaining confidence back with Jasons awkward reaction. “Let’s not be overly dramatic here. But if you really wanted, I could spank you again.” 

“Oh god..”, he croaks and burrows his face into his hands.  

“No honestly, that can be feeling really good. If you know what I mean”, the Alpha continues cheerfully, and Jason can hear the laughter in his words.  

“I swear if you don’t stop right now..!” Jason growls or at least tries to growl and his kitchen is promptly filled with the Alphas laughter. He can’t help himself but taking his hands down and watching the other man. Who looks so unburdened in the moment. With his shaking shoulders and shining eyes. The whole face lifting up and Jason only notices now how tightly put together the Alpha still had been. Fuck if he doesn’t look like a whole apparition. The Omega can’t look away. 

It takes a moment until Dick has himself under control again and smiles warmly at him. “That aside, don’t we have a meet up for coffee in two days? Would you like to make a date out of it?”   

“A date”, Jason repeats dumbly. “You and me?” 

There is that damn fond look again. “Thats usually how it goes. Wouldn’t be much of one all by myself.” 

“But..”, there are so many ways he could finish that sentence. But he is a murderer. But he is a monster. But he is the worst Omega on earth. But he doesn’t even look like one. But he hurt the pack. But why would Dick even want him. There are so many ‘buts’.  

Dick waits him out for a moment, before asking: “Was that too fast?” 

Jason jerks out of his circling thoughts and shakes his head. Shit. He hadn’t even let himself think in that direction. Not really . Had tried so hard to take everything as it had been presented. An Alpha trying to reign his Omega in. To build their bond into something stable and healthy. He hadn’t dared..  

God, that's Dick fucking Grayson sitting in his kitchen and asking him for a date, isn’t it? Hell, that Alpha could throw a stone out of the window and whoever it hits, would instantly say yes. And he is asking Jason of all people. That’s..  

“You have to mean it, Dick. I can’t just for..”, again he has problems finishing his own sentences and from one blink to the other the Alpha is out of his chair, coming around the table and slipping into Jasons lap. His hands come up automatically, resting on Dicks hips and for once Jason is looking up to him. Somehow the others weight and closeness does soothe the panicked beating of his heart into something slower. 

“There is nothing spontaneously about my question, Jay.” Dick assures him, while resting one hand on his shoulder. The other having found its way into his hair again. Playing with some of his strands. Jason has the sudden thought that the Alpha smells pretty inviting to him too.  

“I am not playing around as principle and even less with you. Obviously, there is a lot of history between us but the more I got to know you over the last weeks, the more I want. I want you to let me take care of you on a much broader scale. I want to mean it even more, to be the one to praise and punish you. I want to be around you all the time. In your heat just as much as watching a movie together. I want to call you mine with every meaning of the word. Asking for a date only is the smallest step. The one I thought wouldn’t have you running for the hills.” 

He is helplessly staring up at Dick, having the words burning into his mind and heart while thinking that the Alpha has never looked that intense before. He shudders out a long exhale, with his scent being a wild mix of every feeling between elated and scared to hell. Dicks on the other hand is a steady projection of primal want and strangely enough patience.  

Jason groans and puts his head on the Alphas shoulder, inhaling deeply. “Why the fuck do you have to be so intense? You could have just said that you are not playing around.” 

The Alpha huffs, gently threading his fingers through Jasons hair. “You are prone to look for the worst outcome for yourself, so that you can brace for it. It’s the only way to get through your defenses.” 

And when the fuck did Dick learn to read him like an open book?! He didn’t think he had been that obvious. And while he is panicking about everything that could go wrong and burn his world down, his Omega is elated up to the Moon. “Yes”, he mumbles against the Alphas grey shirt. 

Which already has the Alpha rumbling happily, but Dick needs to be more like his namesake. “Yes what, Little Wing?” 

“Yes to the date.” And if you asked his Omega, to everything else too. But he shoves that purring beast aside for the moment. This here is almost too much as it is. No, it is too much. Fuck Dick for never being able to be normal even once in his life. He doesn’t notice that he is shaking until Dick embraces him. Holding him for dear life.  

“That makes me very happy. We take this at your pace. Thank you for letting myself prove to you.” 

Jason still can’t understand how the only person in the universe that thought him important enough to kill the Joker for him, still thinks he has something to prove to him. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? But with his instincts as some pile of purring goo at his feet, this has probably more to do with their dynamics.  

“Your food is getting cold.” He needs to take a step back. Or maybe a mile. He needs to breathe without having Dick and his scent this close. And the Alpha seems to understand, giving his hair a last gently tug before slipping from his lap. Jason has to concentrate, to let his hands go from the mans hips.  

“We can’t let that happening. The Chili is too amazing for that”, Dick chirps and retakes his seat, on the other side of the table. Jason sighs, rubbing a hand over his still burning neck. “You are really too much sometimes.” 

He only gets a content smile back. Jason can live with that. 

************* 

Getting on a date with Dick is intimidating in ways Jason hadn’t foreseen in the two days he worried about it. Hell, he had been distracted enough to let some dealers go with a few choice words and only broken noses. He isn’t usually that lenient with them. 

But now, sitting in daylight in the cafe like normal people and being under the full and undivided attention of one charming Dick Grayson, he thinks he should have extended more of his energy beforehand. He can almost hear the thoughts of the other people around, that trail after Dick with their eyes. What a lucky bastard he must be. Jason is inclined to agree.  

Dick is wearing form fitting Jeans (of course he is, there is probably not a single kind of pants in Dicks possession that isn’t form fitting), and to battle that, an extra loose black shirt that tend to show of parts of his neck and shoulder, whenever he let his shoulders down. It garners more of Jasons notice then the Jeans. Which is confusing. Isn’t it mostly Omegas that like to direct the gaze of Alphas to their unmarked necks? It shouldn’t mean shit to Jason, but he still catches himself looking. 

And maybe people would confuse them, with Jasons own build and all, but there is no missing that Dick is an Alpha. A very confident one too. There is just this.. Aura in lack of a better word for it, around him. Doesn’t matter that they are both wearing their scent patches.  

There is only a bit of dark humor in him, wondering if people think that Dick is on a date with another Alpha. Some sort of illicit but not forbidden romance. More or less mostly frowned up. Because the yellow daffodil that is lying in front of Jason and that Dick handed him in the beginning, makes at least the date part pretty clear. Good thing there weren’t that many people around to see him highly embarrassed by that gesture. Only he had been surprisingly pleased as well and Dick had clocked that somehow, besides Jasons own maybe somewhat harsh words. There is that thought again about being read like a book.  

They order while Dick regales him about something what Spoiler, no wait Stephanie, said to him the other night. Jason is sure it is a very engaging story, if only he could concentrate on it.  

This feels all so strange to him, and he is still deciding if it falls more on good or bad. He can’t even remember the last time he sat in a cafe, for anything else then getting information or something like that. Not at his own leisure. Or more likely their leisure. At least it is a normal looking one, with not only pairs around or something like that. He isn’t sure he would have been able to stand that.  

“You aren’t listening at all, are you?” 

Taking his eyes from Dicks hands, that had just been moving around while the man talked, he suddenly grins at the somewhat amused looking Alpha. “Haven’t heard a single word.” 

Instead of getting angry, Dicks amusement deepens. “What has your mind all occupied?” 

Jason takes the daffodil in his hands, letting it gently rotate between his fingers. “Thats a unusual flower to gift for a date, isn’t it?” 

“Are you asking me for its meaning or telling me you don’t like it?” The Alpha leans back, looking relaxed and his part of his shirt is showing his shoulder again. Damn him. Jason shrugs, deciding it is safer to look at the flower again. “I like it just fine”, he might be embarrassed but he wouldn’t lie about that. He might actually be happy that it isn’t something so cliche as a rose. It shows that there had been some thought put into it. Or at least a google search. And accepting that token had felt good. Especially since it had been such a surprise for Jason. “So, there is a meaning?” 

Dick nods, but keeping the answer as their waiter brings over their order. Some kind of fancy latte for Dick and cappuccino for Jason. They both decided against some sort of sweets for now. The guy smiles at them, his gaze lingering on Jason for a moment, for whatever reason. He has to hold himself back from checking over himself. There shouldn’t be anything on the red shirt he chose, after a lot more deliberating then he will ever admit to, and the black slacks.  

“It is said to stand for rebirth and new beginnings.” The Alpha tells him, before frowning after the waiter. Jason hums at that, putting the flower on the side again. “Morbidly correct on both terms. I like it.” 

That brings Dicks attention back to him and the smile that is shown is a bit smug. “I thought so. Especially with all the zombie jokes you are so prone to make.” 

“It’s a low hanging fruit”, Jason agrees before taking a sip. He likes tea a lot more than coffee, but this seems to be a good one. “It’s the reason I stopped with the dick jokes. Too easy.” 

Dick rolls his eyes good naturedly at that and takes his own taste from the straw. Which might just be another thing that Jason has a hard time looking away from. Fucking Christ, he slept together with the guy in his nest. They cuddled and the other thing that Dick did do to him. How can he get flustered now about a halfway shown shoulder (and the very nice muscle play there) and lips around a damn straw? This date thing might drive him insane and they are like ten minutes in.  

“I thought you stopped with them, because they were too juvenile.” 

Jason snorts. “Yeah right, because my other jokes are all so grown up.” 

“Well you know..”, the Alpha grins. “Takes one to know one.” 

“Isn’t that the truth Dickie.” For once they grin at each other. They both are the worst with their jokes and they know it. On his really good days and Nightwings average ones they both take a lot of joy in needling the other bats and birds into despair. When it happens that he is on their frequence on the comms.  

They fall into easy talk and Jason even listens to the story about Stephanie and her quest about getting some real Belgium waffles. Time flies by and before he knows it, they are on their second cups and discussing Avengers. Jason is team Iron Man all the way. Obviously. “But I have to admit that the Winter Soldier is kinda hot.” 

Their eyes meet. “You into bad boys, Jason?” The Alpha almost purrs the words and immediately the mood changes into something more electrifying. The Omega clears his throat, but doesn’t look away from Dicks captivating blue eyes. 

“Think it has more to do with his movement. All powerful stalking predator.” He offers carefully. This is flirting. Right? He sure hopes it, with how the Alpha stares at him now.  

“I am sure we have some of these around here too.” There certainly is an interested gleam in Dicks eyes and Jason swallows at the pictures that provides in his mind. He hums his consent to the sentence, his fingers drawing circles around his coffee cups rim.  

“So I heard. One of them is being said to have the most amazing blue eyes. Or so they say.” 

Dick cocks his head to the side, eyes gleaming. “No dice there Jason. I heard that one has a thing for bad boys. With him stalking the Red Hood and all.” 

 “I am not sure that guy appreciates getting stalked.” 

“But what kind of predator would he be, if he let things like that stop him from getting to his goal?” 

“His goal?” If his own pupils blow a little bit wider, it has nothing to say. Or when is pulse skyrockets at the thought of being stalked and hunted down by Nightwing. 

“Why”, Dicks grin is all cocky Alpha. “Catching and keeping him of course.” 

“Of course,” Jason echos and coughs to suppress his squirm. “Good luck with that, I guess.” 

The Alpha leans back, stretching out all of his muscles in a lazy showing. “No luck needed. In the end it’s all about skill, isn’t it? About bringing his prey down.” 

And there is his fucking blush again. He knows that he is staring wide eyed at Dick, who dares looking amazingly self-satisfied.  

“Shit,” he murmurs, watching around out of the corner of his eyes, to see if someone spends any attention to them. “You can’t just say stuff like that.” His heart is beating in his throat. He hadn’t anticipated the catching part. The getting caught part. And he certainly wouldn’t have framed it as ‘bringing down prey’.  

Suddenly he wonders. Would Nightwing catch up to him on a roof? Would their scuffle be long? Would it take long to bring Jason down? To bring the Red Hood down? Fast enough to really feel like prey in the hands of a predator? 

And why the fuck does that have him swallowing again? Why does that get his skin prickling, as if in anticipation? Why.. 

The Alpha is bringing down his voice too. Only makes it smoother. Like dark chocolate. God, what is his brain doing?!  

“If I had known that this excites you, I would have done it ages ago.” 

Is Dick really implying here that this is something he would do? Would have done it already? He heard other Alphas talking drunkenly about having a hot night, after catching their Omegas, when they are in a mood. Jason had rolled his eyes and put that down as simply bullshit Alpha talk.  

But could there be some truth to it? Or does this have nothing to do with his Omega and all with himself? He can’t say. 

He hears himself say: “Playing with you like this sounds.. Yeah, I am down. But I have never..” He frowns. “If I wanted to stop..? Sometimes the Lazarus..” 

Dick sits instantly up and reaches over the table for his hand. “I told you, we are doing this completely at your pace. Right now we can leave it at a promising adventure for the future. And no matter the circumstances.” The Alpha leans forward, pinning him down with his eyes. “No matter when and how, there is no way I would ever ignore a no or a stop or anything in that direction. It is very important to me that you understand this.” 

Nodding, he tangles their fingers together. “I never thought differently about you or we wouldn’t be sitting here, Dickie. It’s just that I probably will never be completely rid of the Lazarus effects. If we decide to play around like that you need to keep that in mind.” 

Strangely, talking about this whole thing is a lot easier for him, then deciding to go on a date with Dick. Probably because of the underlying possible violence. Or because that makes so much more sense to him, than sitting here as pair in a cafe.  

Even if he is really starting to like this too. Dick makes it so easy to like it. To like him.  

“And I will”, the Alpha promises and the air between them gets lighter again. Until suddenly both of their phones ping with messages. Frowning, he reaches for his. It’s from Tim. 

Bruce knows. 

Chapter Text

Before he can even start to wrangle with his instinctive fight or flight response or give into his need to rant about the absolute uselessness of the message, the next ones are popping up.  

Apparently he got home last night. We ran into each other in the kitchen.  

He came close, probably to scent me and got all constipated and started sniffing.  

Asking what had happened that I had to meet up with Jason.  

Then he looked like a truck hit him, murmured something and left.  

Think he did go into the cave.  

It isn’t the most important question here, but why does Tim write messages as if he is trying to save letters? Looking up from his phone, he can just see how Dick sets his own carefully down at the table. And that little gesture tells Jason everything he needs to know. That is such a conscious controlled move. Something the Alpha had to think about, instead of just putting the device down or shoving it almost carelessly away as he usually would do. In conclusion, Dick is thirty seconds away from jumping up and driving home to scream at Bruce.   

Jason doesn’t know what to do with that, or the whole situation really. He is an adult. Shouldn’t he at least try to fight his own battles? Should he insist to come with Dick? Only that thought pings his flight instinct hard. Simply seeing Batman is still a ride for his mental being on good days. Downright triggering on bad ones. Especially when Bruce is nitpicking everything that Jason did wrong in his eyes, again. Honestly, sometimes it's a wonder they don’t get into physical fights more often. 

Probably because Jason leaves the scene usually as soon as Batman appears.  

Which means, he maybe should go with Dick, but he won’t. That way lies disaster and a world of hurt. Neither Bruce nor Jason had ever been able to talk to each other when it counted. Not even before. Not to come to a reasonable outcome. Sitting together and wrangling their own hurt and angry feelings back, to talk to each other and not at each other wouldn’t be possible. Not like Dick and he did. Which means there is only one possible outcome here. 

Jason sighs, rubbing his temple as if to staff off an upcoming migraine. “Just go.” 

The Alpha looks up from the table he had been staring holes into. “I have been thinking, these last two days.” 

“That’s scary”, Jason mumbles and takes the quickly there, quickly gone smile as the victory it clearly is. By now the Alphas thumb is drumming on the table and he would bet that Dicks legs under the table are just as restless.  

“I hoped we would have a bit more time to talk about it.” The Alpha continues. “Jason..” 

By now everything about Dick screams seriousness. His whole focus is on Jason and his possible reaction. “After our talk I sat down and thought about the whole situation. And the longer I did that, the more complicated it got. Which means I understand how unfair my next question is, but I must ask anyway.” Every single twitch of the Alphas muscles and the slant in the corner of his lips, screams about Dicks regret and miserable state. “What even would be the preferred outcome?” 

And isn’t that the million dollar question? Fuck. Really, fuck this whole shit. He shrugs lifelessly.  

“Who cares? We both know that it won’t change a single thing, no matter how much you scream at him. You just never learned that lesson. Or your temper got the best of you anyway.” Jason had the dubious pleasure of hearing enough of the arguments. There hadn’t been an instance when it hadn’t ended with Dick fucking off to Bludhaven again. Hell, Jason won’t ever judge Dick for it. He knows exactly that the need to do something, to scream, to hit, to shoot, sometimes overwrote everything else.  

The most Dick ever got out of Bruce always happened when it didn’t degenerate into shouting.  

There is a soft agitated growl, but the Alphas blue eyes show unwilling understanding besides the hurt that Jason expected. Dick opens his mouth, probably to retaliate, but stays silent, before growling again and rubbing his hand through his hair. Leaving it more on the unruly side instead of stylish. It’s still a good look, and probably nothing Jason should think about right now. He doesn’t want to fight with Dick. Thats actually the absolute last thing he wants to do. 

“I am sorry”, he offers, before the Alpha can decide on an action. “That wasn’t fair. I am lashing out. I have no fucking clue what the best outcome would be. Probably the one where we all hold hands and run laughingly into the rainbow.” 

Dicks whole posture relaxes and he more or less slides down in his chair. A picture of defeat. “No, you are right. I never learned that lesson and I probably never will. He always has that effect on me. There is always the moment I just can’t take him anymore. Guess we are all fucked up in our own ways.” 

Jason raises an eyebrow knowingly. “Probably doesn’t help right now that you want to scream at him either, I would wager.” 

Dick huffs but there is something like gallows humor about him as their eyes meet again. “It really doesn’t.” At least it is there, until they ice over and the Alpha straightens up. “Jay, you don’t seem to grasp that I am so far beyond mad, that I can’t articulate it anymore. There is so much anger in me at the moment, it burns through my veins. I don’t enjoy feeling like this, but I am unable to wrangle it back down. I am scared that my control is slipping but I still won’t be able from stopping that confrontation. I might actually need it happen.” 

By God, does Jason know these feelings. He can relate to them on a level that most people wouldn’t be able to. And while he had always known about that part of Dick, it still feels so wrong to hear him admit to it. That’s not how the Alpha should be. That’s not how the Alpha wants to be. 

“Dick..”, he starts a bit helplessly. “Dickie, didn’t you say I smell healthy? And with us..”, he trails off, gathering his thoughts. “There is no real need to shake up the status quo. You are my Alpha. You are helping me so much already, with actively taking on that role. I don’t want to see you getting hurt.” Or at all. If he could only get it better into words. How he feels about the situation. How Bruce has the secret power to make every situation worse, even sometimes without meaning to.      

The Alphas eyes are glittering like diamonds. Hard and unrelenting. “And in what world do you think I would ever stand for my Omega not being in a pack with me? Or allow it long term?”  

Jasons loses his breath for a second, starring at the Alpha. Because that is, what is happening here. That’s Dicks Alpha on the surface. If Dick were still in complete control he would never talk like he owns Jason and can decide for him. Certainly not outside some scenarios that would have them both closer and more in tune with their dynamics. And he always had the feeling that Dicks Alpha would be a lot more unrelenting and uncompromising than Dick himself was.  

It shouldn’t come to a surprise anymore that he doesn’t find the tiniest bit of resistance in himself about it. Only taking their dynamics into account, he gave Dick the rights to talk like this. And it feels good either way. To see that the one he kneeled for years ago, is still this invested and prepared to do his duty. At the very least.  

“Okay”, he gives in. “Do what you must do Alpha. I’ll be with you in the end either way.” 

Which obviously means he can watch Dick drive away on his bike, after he brought Jason home. He is a hot mess of nerves right now. Still debating if it really was such a good idea to let the Alpha go alone. To let him go at all in the state he is in. The guilt for it gnaws at Jasons mind. Isn’t that a bit as if Dick would let him walk away in a pit rage? There are so many things that could happen. So many things that could go wrong.  

Bruce usually isn’t one to let go of his own Alpha, but he might take it as a challenge from Dick, if he comes down hard enough. And Jason himself always is a sore point. For seemingly everyone.  

Groaning, he turns around and takes the steps up to his apartment. Maybe he should write Tim to be on the lookout. But what then? Jason can’t in good conscience make the kid responsible to go between the Alphas. Not even as Omega. As far as Dicks Alpha is concerned, Tim isn’t the elder. That even includes Tims Omega, that latched at Jason for that. And Bruces Alpha wouldn’t see anything but a kid Omega, trying to interfere.  

Fuckity fuck. He will change into his gear and.. 

Of course, Bruce would stand in his living room. How could he have ever thought anything else? Stupid. So fucking stupid. Now he has to face the Alpha alone of all things. 

Trying to convey how very unconcerned he is, he let the door behind him fall close. Not letting the man, who is at least also in civies, out of his sight. And who thankfully also wears scent patches.  

Bruce Wayne is standing in a living room in Crime Alley. Some part of Jason is in hysterics about that fact, while every other part stands at attention. Prepared for everything possible.  

“Jason.” The Alpha nods in his direction, both of his hands in his trousers pockets. Trousers that are part of an immaculate suit that probably costs more than every single piece of furniture Jason owns.  

“Bruce”, he returns flatly enough. “How nice of you to drop by. Unannounced and uninvited.” He can’t even remember the last time he had to talk to Bruce without his helmet. Jason feels suddenly very naked and exposed. 

The Alpha hums, looking around. Not that there is much to see. The only place that shows more personality is his bedroom and his nest. There is the shelf with his books and other creature comforts. Out here? It’s down to necessity.  

“Dick has been here. Tim too.” 

What an amazing detective. Dicks scent is by now so drenched into his couch that it might as well never come out again. And while Tims scent is fainter now, two days later, it is still there. With his own, very Omegan scent too.  

“They don’t know how to use the doorbell and wait until they are invited in either.” What does Bruce want him to say? That he abducted and tortured them or something?   

As the Alpha turns his attention to Jason, he finds himself under the scrutiny of another pair of blue eyes. Only that this one is so very differently. He always had a hard time reading the man, whenever the Alpha closed down on his emotions and hid them behind a wall of indifference.  

“You never told us.” The Alpha inhales subtly. “Or more specifically me.” 

Jason shows a smile with lots of teeth. “I never told them either. Noisy bunch. Might get them killed someday.” He imagines Bruces scent souring just as much as his suddenly strained shoulders would indicate.  

“You are being antagonistic.”    

He scoffs, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Only to notice too late that this shows off his god damn flower.  

“Are you..”, Bruce frown deepens. Jason hadn’t thought that possible. “..being courted?” 

“What? A guy can’t have his own secret love for flowers?” He puts it on the next best shelf, without having to move much closer to the Alpha. Courted. What an outdated principle. Even if Jane Austen had a way with words that made it seen as something.. nice. But books are books, and this is the real world.  

“Jason”, Bruce sounds exasperated, “you never could stand flowers. You found them too girly and boring and did everything to get out of chores in the garden.” 

Bruce still remembers that? Jason is completely thrown for a second, before reminding himself that a functioning memory isn’t exactly surprising. Bruces brain wasn’t the one that got worked over by a crowbar. “I am not being courted. Now if that is all?” He makes a gesture to the door.  

“No, it is not.” Of course not. Jason growls lowly in his throat, giving up his spot at a distance and stomps into his kitchen. Does he have something alcoholic? He can’t remember if he restocked after the last time he decided it would be an amazing idea to get shitfaced. And regret it very much the next day. 

“Then start talking. I have places to be.” 

Bruce comes after him and leans onto the doorframe. Looking as if he owned the place. Asshole. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“Why would I?” He opens his fridge, quickly searching its contents and taking out the last beer. A cheap one. Urgh. Jason doesn’t like beer at all. But in this situation, it will do. The can hisses as he opens it. 

“Because you have very different needs as an Omega.” 

Taking a big gulp, he hides his grimace at the taste, before turning to Bruce and sneering. “Oh please, tell me everything about my own needs. I can’t wait to hear that little revelation.” And besides, Dick already did that. More or less. Not that Bruce needs to know that, if Jason has anything to say about it.  

The Alpha isn’t deterred, having seemingly decided to ignore every single one of Jasons barbs. “You need the pack.” 

For a second Jason is scared that he might start bawling like a baby, before rage fills his whole being. “Are you fucking serious right now?! I need the pack?! As Alpha it's perfectly fine to starve me out of packbonds but as Omega you dare to dangle them in front of my face?!” he roars enraged and while Bruces eyes widen for a moment, there is no other reaction.  

“Your whole temper tantrum had made sense as an Alpha. I was simply waiting for you to be done and finally asking to be taken back.”  

His temper tantrum. Not his pit madness. Not his hurt feelings. Not his fear of rejection. No.. his temper tantrum . That he had after being tortured to death. After crawling out of his coffin. After being braindead for however long. After being thrown into the Lazarus pit. After being trained and used by the league. After finding the Joker still alive and very much kicking. After.. 

Jason hates the green tingle in his vision with the power of a burning Sun. He hadn’t had an incident in months, and he had dared to be proud of himself for it. He wants to break down and to cry at his failure but at the same time he doesn’t do anything to stop it.  

He throws the beer at Bruce and lungs for the man. There isn’t any thought about the best way to fight the Alpha. Or how to utilize his own strengths against him. There is only the will to hurt the man as much as Bruce hurt him. And probably to both of their surprise his first punch hits his target dead on.  

The Alphas face snaps to the side with the power behind the punch. And the satisfying crunch of a broken nose is being heard. From there it's an all-out fight. Deeply growled Alpha threats and just as deeply answered enraged Omega.  

Later Jason would think a good while why Dick had such a seemingly easy time, pinning him against the wall, while Bruce couldn’t get a hold on him. And decided that his Omega had been fully on board with fighting Bruce but not Dick. It made all the difference. Probably to his own demerit.  

Their clothes are torn and both of them have upcoming bruises and other wounds, that Jason can’t discern this moment as Bruce finally growls: “Stop!” And Jasons fucking muscles lock up in a dejavu. This fucker! He should have never kneeled for the Alpha. Jason should have been more intelligent. Dick had been more or less a teenager that felt safe and had started to be kind to him. Bruce? Bruce had been an adult and every other adult in his life had let him down. How could he have ever thought that this would be a good idea?  

Now his cursed Omega is at the very least reacting to the power behind the command. One from not only an established Pack-Alpha with a healthy pack, but from one of the two he ever knelt for. Even while splittingly mad, there is the first moment he follows and needs to gear up to fight the command. 

His eyes glow in a splittingly mad green, as he stands there, flexing his fists and not letting the Alpha out of his sight.  

Whose frame strangely looks bigger and more dangerous, now with the torn suit and the broken nose. “You need to be reigned in. You can’t continue like this.”, the Alpha grumbles and Jason would love to taunt him, that there already was an Alpha that did a lot of a better job at it, but before he can even open his mouth Bruce is on him. Turning Jasons head and biting down hard, with fangs out into the back of his neck.  

His knees give out as if they are toothpicks and his mind gets all sluggish and slow. Only noticing the fireworks in his brain somewhere. Getting completely overwhelmed with all the new bonds snapping into place. He can’t reach out to them, to contain them safely. Can’t accept or reject them. He can’t do anything, with being put down by his Alpha. 

His Alpha? Bruce ? 

But.. 

He blacks out, groaning in pain about the sudden overload. 

********* 

  “.. ced submission! I can’t beli ..” 

“.. completely out of .. ” 

“.. will hate ..” 

Jason knows he is awake, not only because he can feel his body like he had a long rodeo with killer-croc, but because he doesn’t tend to hallucinate the scent of the cave. Or the sick bay, if he wants to nitpick. Which he doesn’t because he is already growing agitated with being here.  

His neck throbs painfully, as he tilts his head to not have to stare directly into lights, the first moment he will open his eyes. What the hell? Carefully opening first one, then the other, he is disappointed but resigned about actually being where he thought he would be. At least the lights are dim enough.  

Did he really take on the croc, without remembering? Feargas maybe? That would explain the packs need to bring him into the cave at least.  

Only then something outside crashes loudly and Jasons startles. Which brings a hand to his shoulder and with it, his memories flood back. “Fuck”, he groans, already trying to sit up. “That asshole really..”, he can feel them. New strands in his mind, that tangle and mixing together as pack does. Bringing the knowledge of each of their scents, without ever having smelled them. Burning against his mind, as he struggles with accepting them.  

With his Omega being in a state between downright terror, humiliation and vicious snarling.  

A glass of water with a straw is presented to him, and he is still confused enough to accept and drink without objection. Could also be the case, because he filed that special brand of mint and vanilla away as safe. Tim.  

“ .. might have just as well ruined everything with your bullheaded inability to ..!” 

He blinks and looks to the door, letting go of the straw and the soothing water.  

“I have never seen them like this.” 

Jason turns to the voice, Tims voice, and automatically notices the defensively brought up shoulders, the way the Omega is making himself smaller, the tightness around his eyes. Fear – his brain supplies and now that he concentrates on the scent, it’s obvious discomfort at the very least.  

“What happened?” he croaks and lifts his hand, to touch his neck. Only there is some kind of bandage there. Or a very big and fluffy plaster.  

Tim stares down at him with wide eyes, as the next angry shout is being heard. “You don’t remember?” 

“I remember the bite. Afterwards is missing.” And he refuses to let that scare him to death and letting the whine escape that locks in his throat.  

“Bruce brought you here. To get medical attention.” 

And probably not only that, if the bonds are any indication. This might just as well be his second worst case.  

“How long have they been at it?” 

“Uhm..”, Tim fidgets. “A while. Dick pretty much lost it, the second Bruce got you out of the car. It was like you weren’t at home. Only following commands.” The sour scent of fear gets more pronounced and Jason isn’t surprised. Forced submission is the kind of thing that is not done in polite company. Or in civilized packs. It’s the boogey man to get kids to behave. “They have said some awful things to each other.” 

Again, Jason isn’t surprised. He hates everything about it, but he isn’t surprised. He nods abruptly and closes his eyes, turning his attention to the bonds. There is no way around it now, isn’t there? Taking a deep breath, he tries to relax. To accept these new additions. The first ones since his death. Alfred and Tim are easily found. Bruce too obviously and it takes every single ounce of restrain, not to attack and shred that one. He can’t. This might be the one thing he isn’t allowed to do under any circumstance right now.  

Not before another visit with Leslie or maybe even a doctor specialized with bonds. But they shouldn’t make the mistake and think he will take this lying down. Being forced like that.. Jason shudders.  

There also is Damian. Stephanie. Cass.  

He lets them all rest, acknowledging the pack bond and finally the burning subsides. His own mind stopping its own attacks against the intrusion. For now, there is only one he cherishes and one he welcomes. Maybe two. That will depend on Alfreds reaction to him.  

“Help me up”, he demands, already stretching out his hand and Tim startles to his feet, doing exactly that. “Where is the rest?” 

“I think only Alfred has been allowed to stay down here.” 

Jason hums. “What about you?” The younger Omega shrugs. “I didn’t want to leave you alone.” Well.. maybe he will cherish two bonds. Sooner or later. Being back on his feet, he reaches up to take off his scent patches. It’s a somewhat chaotic mix on emotions that emerge after that, but determination is one of the bigger ones. He carefully puts his wrist over Tims hair, deciding that this is enough for now. More then anyone could expect him to do, after what Bruce did to him. 

“He had a fully blown episode, Dick! And he killed again! ” 

His body jerks at that, as if being punched again. There goes his record, hm? Taking a deep breath, he steadies his body and starts walking. He so loves being bruised. Nothing gets over being in pain for the simplest movement. 

Leaving the room, with Tim somewhere behind him, he follows the screaming and growling until he can see them. In the middle of the cave. Bruce, changed into comfortable clothing, same as the one he is wearing, now that he thinks about it, stands there. His aggression just as high as his defense, but still in the realm of words. Jason can’t help the mean thought that the broken nose looks great on him.  

Dick on the other hand is brimming with barely suppressed aggression. There is something wild and untamed about him, seemingly just waiting to be left off the leash. His black hair looks as if the Alpha had run his hands through it more then once in frustration.  

Jason steps closer, with having Bruce now looking at him, which in turn brings Dick around. He thinks he can see Alfred near the entrance to the manor. He doesn’t care. He is on his own mission and he will make his stance on everything that happened very clear.  

“Alpha”, his voice isn’t exactly loud but it is demanding. An Omega reaching out. Dick moves, instantly ignoring the possible fight in front of him, before Bruce even gets his bearings. Jason sinks to his knees, bringing his head back and closing his eyes. Just as he did the last time. He needs to reaffirm that claim. His Omega is almost feral with the violent and uninvited reclaiming that the Packalpha did. He can’t stand the thought, not having Dick at least at the same position of power. As the Alpha he chose and would choose again and again. 

The Alpha doesn’t hesitate. Jason can hear him crouching, feels the careful hand at the back of his head to support him. And then the teeth are there. Just as careful. Just enough pressure to accept his submission. To reaffirm their bond under the new circumstances.  

Jason sighs in relief as Bruces bond dims and the one with Dick brightens. He won’t be following Bruce like a dog. He has an out. His safe haven. Someone to anchor himself to.  

“Thank you, Alpha.” he murmurs and opens his eyes. But what he sees in the Alphas eyes lets him curse inwardly. Already reaching out, he pulls the lowly growling Dick closer. “Okay,” he whispers. “Everything will be okay. Look after Tim for a moment. You guys scared him a bit. Alright?”  

The Alpha looks behind him. Probably to Tim and nods mechanically, before standing and helping Jason to his feet. He hesitates as he notices Jason moving closer to Bruce, but Jason nods him to the younger Omega. “Everything is alright. Just make sure he is doing fine. Okay Alpha? I’ll be with you again in a moment.”  

Dick does as he has been asked. 

Bruce is stoic as Jason comes close to him. “I will take Dick with me. You won’t stop us.” For once there is surprise, before it is locked down. “Jason..” 

“He is almost in rut, Bruce!” Jason hisses out. “You really want him to go for your throat that much? Evidently, he has been the posterchild of holding back, after what you did to me!”  

That has Bruce staring after Dick and probably Tim. “You submitted to him.” 

“And it’s not the first time either. I will not have you Alpha command me into the mold of being your little Pack-Omega! Dicks just as much my Alpha as you are now.” 

“I would never do that.” 

Jason snorts. “Just as you would never put anyone in your pack into forced submission, I guess? Fuck off you hypocrite.” 

“To stabilize your bonds you..” 

“I will come back after he has calmed down or did go through his rut. Then we can negotiate. And don’t you dare touching my bond.” He is speaking very clearly and slowly. This is him. Not the pit. Not some misplaced whatever. This is Jason fucking Todd speaking from his heart. “I will rip apart everything you have ever loved or even only liked from afar, if you touch the bond to me.”  

He stops for a second, already having turned half away. “Or if you try to use the pack and especially Dick to get to me. Don’t think for a moment I wouldn’t do it. See how it goes with an elder in the pack that despises your very existence, old man. And for fucks sake, reassure Tim that you aren’t planning on doing to him what you did to me.” 

Jason knows what he is doing. What is happening. That he is compartmentalizing, like he isn’t sitting on the sinking Titanic. But for now there are more important immediate things that need him. Just like he wanted to do before Bruce ambushed him. Separating the two Alphas being priority one. Now followed by getting Dick somewhere the Alpha will be feeling safe enough, if he really falls into a full-blown rut. With it being triggered like that, Jason at least won't have to shove him into a room to ride it out alone. Protective ruts have very little to do with sex.  

He also shoves the thought aside that he isn’t even sure that he would let Dick go alone through that. Ruts can be just as harsh as heats but are a lot easier to suppress. He knows Alphas that hadn’t one in years. It’s just bullshit anyway nowadays. If you aren’t trying for a kid, there is zero reason to have something around that makes Alphas not only more fertile but more aggressive and, in some cases, even paranoid.  

The Bats should be all up to their shots, including Dick. That the Alpha tethers the line now, only shows that it wouldn’t have taken long for everything to end in a fight. Which a part of Jason desperately would want to have right now. He would pay money to see Dick beating down Bruce for once.  

Taking a deep breath, he steps up to the other two. Tim looks so confused and there still is the tightness around his eyes and shoulders. Probably only accepting the silent fussing because of the.. Well, silence. The Alpha being nonverbal is just another sign. “I need to get him out of here.” 

The teenager blinks, before suddenly nodding. “Where will you go?” 

Thats another good question. Usually, he would bet that Dick would want to go through that here in the Manor. If only the trigger and with that perceived danger to everyone around weren’t also here. Bludhaven would be the next in line, but Jason won’t go to Titans Tower and he doesn’t know about the state of some of Dicks safehouses. Which only leaves one option. 

“Back to mine”, he finally answers, grabbing the Alphas hand because he just froze and carefully watches Alfred. Who Jason maybe would like to talk to, but at the same time doesn’t. The Beta could have gone between the Alphas. Or not really between but at least brought them down again. Ordered them into different parts of the cave or hell, the Mansion. He could have thrown Damian at Dick.  

Jason doesn’t find himself very forgiving in the moment. 

He tugs on Dicks hand and for now the Alpha is still complacent enough to follow. He doesn’t want to lose that time window. “You will feel better if you talk to Bruce.” From what he had seen over the last year, Bruce isn’t usually some kind of abusive Pack-Alpha. And Tims surprised and scared reaction would help that statement. Which fine.. That part of the asshole seems always be reserved for Jason. Why not. He can take it a lot easier then Tim or the others apparently.  

The younger Omega nods, but turns around to leave the cave, after telling him that he can call any time, if they need something. 

Grabbing Dicks keys, he directs the confused Alpha to his Bike, taking another minute to talk him onto it and be on their way. 

Jason gets a deeper appreciation for people that care for mental disabled persons, as he tries to convince Dick to come up to his apartment and leave his bike behind. The bike the Alpha suddenly has a deeply possessive connection to and doesn’t want to leave behind. At that point it is good that he isn’t one of the usual Omegas, that tend to have more Tims body build. In the end he more or less bullies Dick forward and tries to ignore the angry growls.  

Only to find themselves in his living room, that still shows the obvious signs of the fight that took place. Shit. With everything happening he forgot about that. Just like he put aside the little and bigger pains coming from his own body. And from the fucking wound in his neck.  

Dick stills for a long moment. Surveying the damage in the room. The toppled over couch and the TV that had fallen from the wall and is most likely broken now. His couch table had met its end with either Bruce or Jason being thrown on top of it. Jason sighs. He guesses it could be worse. A quick look into the kitchen reveals that they contained it to the living room. 

“He hurt you.” Dicks voice sounds rough, as if he had chewed on nails. Or screamed at Bruce for a few hours. Jason steps up to him, bringing his hands up to encompass the Alphas face. Carefully breaking his line of sight from the damage.  

“Nothing I didn’t return, Dickie.” If one likes to ignore the brutal bite in his neck at least. That forced him into submission.  

The Alpha shakes his head slowly and Jason takes his hands back. “Noo”, Dick sounds as if he had been drugged and needs to wrestle every single letter to the surface. “He hurt you. That’s not..”  

Jason starts peeling the scent patches of the unresisting Alpha and hums softly. “Look. Why don’t you make sure the den is safe now? And then we go into my nest and you can make sure that I am alright? Does that sound good, Alpha?” 

The bait of securing the space is too big to ignore in the state Dick is in. And while the Alpha does exactly that, it gives Jason enough time to bring some snacks and water bottles into his bedroom. And thanking some higher deity that nothing smells like Bruce. That could have been a disaster with all of Dicks instincts probably screaming that he needs to protect.  

Maybe he should have brought Tim with them. Or Damian. Or both. Dicks Alpha knows that there should be a whole pack to protect. But while Jason likes Tim well enough now, something in him doesn’t want it. He doesn’t want anyone of the pack that he wanted so badly but was ultimately forced upon him, anywhere near them. Not right now. Not like this.   

Having finished his meager preparations, he changes into his own comfortable clothes and gets into his nest. It doesn’t take long for Dick to follow and climbing in with him, after having checked his window and a walk around the room. Scenting every possible surface with a short rub of his wrists. Very superficial but they need to work with what they have. At least there was already a lot of Dicks scent around beforehand.  

There is some awareness in the blue eyes but their black pupils are big as saucers as the Alpha crawls into Jasons lap and pulls his shirt up to his chin. Dicks scent sours in angry agitation as he takes in the bruises that litter Jasons chest. It’s only the gentle touch of his fingertips that roam over their outlines. 

“We both have gotten more hurt on normal patrols. This is not your fault and it’s not that bad. Everything is just fine Alpha.” Jason doesn’t try to fight the need to reassure his Alpha. Just as Dick would reassure him, were he in any state to do that. Instead the Alpha gives a long drawn out but almost none noticeable whine.  

“You are doing very good now”, he assures. 

If the circumstances weren't so fucked up, he would be hard pressed to call it cute. Jason doesn’t feel embarrassed by all that singular focus on him. On his naked chest. That got very much thrown out the window as Dick took all the time in the world to touch and praise him.  

One could call it returning the favor. Soothing Dicks instincts and providing him what he needs at the moment. A packmember, even better an Omega, to take care off and making sure he stays safe. And it's not exactly a hardship, having Dick that close and being examined by him with careful touches.  

His purr is therefore not surprising. Or that the Alpha reacts to it, with sliding to his side and pulling and shoving at Jason until it’s Dick that lies between the door and the Omega. Pressing close and pulling Jason into his strong arms, with his nose in the Omegas neck and scent glands. With only lowly growling at the bandage from time to time and otherwise staying silent. Listening out for every noise that could indicate danger.  

With the knowledge that the Alpha on his back will attack anything that comes into range, it is easy enough to let go and fall into a light slumber. With Dicks scent now having eased into a nice blanket of protection that turns Jasons instincts into goo. Which in return makes it easier for Dick to relax himself.  

Jason begins to think that protective ruts aren’t half bad.  

He has no idea how much later it is, as he is being roused by Dick slotting in behind him again. Probably just coming back from a perimeter check, or whatever it is that Alphas do in that state. An arm and leg move around him, pulling him closer into the trained body. He shivers slightly and hums happily enough. Close contact to his Alpha had never been a bad thing so far. 

“You awake?” 

Jason hums, not ready to let go of his sleep completely. This is nice. Everything feels good and warm and soft and safe. He wants to stay here forever and ever. There is the barest press of tender lips against his shoulder.  

“We need to talk.” 

He grumbles and turns around, what only works the moment Dick realizes he isn’t trying to get away from the Alpha. He slips down a bit and presses his forehead against the Alphas chest. Burrowing in, in a silent statement. Jason can hear and feel the small chuckle.  

“Don’t be grumpy..”, Dick murmurs but against his words, the arms around Jason tighten and the Alpha presses another kiss into his hair. Thats nice too. “I would love to stay like this, Little Wing. But the pack is blowing up my phone and we really need to talk.” 

Opening his eyes, feeling his eyelashes fluttering against Dicks shirt, it’s his turn to growl lowly. “They can all fuck off and die.” His words are muffled but clear enough. He can feel the Alphas chest expanding with the deep sigh he takes.  

“Thats what I figured.” The arms around him loosen and the nice weight of the leg around him vanishes. “Come now, the situation won’t go away with ignoring it.” 

“Worked just fine for me so far.” 

“Mhm”, the Alpha doesn’t sound convinced.  

“Or shoot at it. That usually works. One way or another.” 

“That could end at least one of our problems.” 

Jason groans annoyed and wiggles a bit back, before sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “That was a fast rut.” 

Dicks hair looks wild and in dire need of a brush. It should look ridiculous, but he finds himself charmed by it. For fucks sake. He is very much gone on the Alpha, isn’t he?  

Said Alpha now pulls himself up, getting into a cross seat and shrugs his shoulders. “I think the suppressants started working. Thank you, for taking care of me.” 

Jason frowns. “No need to thank me. As if I would have left you back with them.” 

Dicks eyes slant to his neck and the bandage there, looking thoroughly unamused. “He really did force you into submission, didn’t he? The wound looked deep as he brought you in. As if you trashed around.” 

The Omega sighs, feeling the walls in his mind already crumbling. The ones he had built to keep functioning. To not have to confront everything that had happened. “I can’t do this now. I need a shower and a smoke and..” 

The Alpha reaches out, taking one of Jasons hands and squeezes it gently. His eyes are clear and without any doubts. “If you want us to leave the pack, we will.” 

Well.. isn't it nice to start the day by crying like a little baby? 

Chapter Text

It’s the second time in so many weeks that he cries himself empty on Dicks shoulder, with the Alpha being all solid and caring. And this time? It makes Jason angry as hell. He takes a last shuddering breath, before shrugging Dicks arms off and looking up. Staring directly in the so caringly warm eyes. Which only fuels his already burning flame.  

“What the fuck Dick!”, he growls and the Alpha stiffens in surprise. “I mean..”, he starts, searching for words and not finding any that would satisfy him. “What the actual fuck.” These will have to do. 

“Jason?”, it is obvious that Jasons reaction has thrown Dick. And he can understand that. Going from having someone crying in your arms to being growled at is probably a whiplash.  

“You need to stop with your god damn martyrs act. I am not some kind of charity case.” He doesn’t give Dick any time to react, instead even growling deeper and more agitated. “You wanna look me in the eyes and tell me that you wouldn’t die for the pack? That it wouldn’t break your fucking heart to leave them? I have absolutely no fucking interest in being the reason for that shitshow. So, you can fuck right off with that suggestion.” 

There is a foreboding spark in Dicks eyes as he growls right back at Jason. A sound that travels through his very bones but doesn’t let him shrink back. “You know what would break my heart? Staying in a pack that slowly dies from within. I can already tell that your feelings for Bruces actions have swept over to the others.” The Alpha closes his eyes for a second, seemingly gathering himself, before looking at Jason again. “The thought about seeing leaving the pack as a viable option isn’t exactly new for me. Nor is it directly tethered to you. You and what happened are only amplifying these feelings. It has nothing to do with some kind of misplaced charity.” 

Jason blinks, before his anger leaves him just as fast as it erupted. He leans his head to the side, showing his neck and part of his throat in silent apology. Dick doesn’t hesitate to press his lips against his pulse, before sighing softly against his skin. Jason ignores the goosebumps, but keeps his eyes closed for the moment.  

“Okay, so you thought it through”, he accepts the Alphas words. “But you can’t fault me for thinking that it would hurt you deeply. What about the demon brat? He prays on the ground you are walking. Even I can see that. Includes your grand plan poaching him too? And letting the others back alone with Bruce?” 

Dick leans back and Jason opens his eyes to look at the Alpha again. Who frowns and his scent drops into unhappy. But he is reaching out to Jason again, wiping the last tear traces away with his thumb. “So, tell me your grand plan then.” The touch feels cool against his hot and most likely blotched skin.  

“I don’t know. I am having a hard time not thinking about how violated I feel.” He turns his head, pressing his own lips against the thumb. “Which drives me half insane, because I also feel that I did a lot worse things to the pack, ever since I came back to Gotham. And to add insult to injury, my Omega is overall feeling pretty good with the new bonds but still wants to go for Bruces throat. There is a lot going on in my mind.” 

The Alpha is silent for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face, before his hand moves slowly into Jasons neck. Over the bandage and putting careful pressure on it. It doesn’t hurt, but it does something. Jason exhales softly. 

“Maybe we should give your mind a break with something better.” 

Jason swallows, not being able to look away from the suddenly captivating eyes again. “Yeah?” 

“Yeah,” Dick murmurs and leans in again. Bringing their lips together in a soft kiss. Mostly the gentle pressure of lips against lips. A sudden warmth explodes not only in Jasons chest but in his face too. He melts against the Alpha, in silent search for more. He can feel the smile against his lips, before Dick puts more pressure on Jasons neck, directing him closer and into the kiss. 

Guiding him with patience until Jason feels secure enough to reciprocate. And it is just a simple kiss. Jason knows that. Only their mouths touching. But it feels so good. As if somebody put a lot of little fireworks into his belly, that explode one after another. Its caring and gentle and loving in a way he can’t warp his mind around.  

Jason hasn’t been kissed a lot, but none of the others have ever felt that respectful and giving. As if Dicks whole attention is on giving him everything he could have ever wanted from a kiss. And it’s working. He gives a pleased sigh against the Alphas lips, who uses the opportunity to deepen the kiss. Entangling their tongues in a playful manner that has Jason shuddering with the new sensation. Dick tastes like he smells, only magnified.   

He has no idea how long they keep kissing like this, only taking the shortest breaks, before searching out the other again. It's like a warm blanket over his mind. As if Dick encompasses him completely in a cocoon. His Omega couldn’t be more delighted and smugger at finally getting what he wanted from the beginning.  

They finally break off and look at each other, before grinning. Brightly, happily and so, so stupidly. Jasons fears that his blush might as well be permanent now and even Dick has some color on his cheeks. It only brings out his eyes more. God. How can one person alone be that beautiful? Handsome doesn’t even come close. 

“You are so lovely, Little Wing.” Dick murmurs and his grin morphs into a smile that even Jason would be hard pressed to call anything but besotted. He really has no idea how he managed it, but at last it registers for him, that he somehow caught Dick Grayson of all Alphas in the world.  

“We should shower.” Which is the best reaction he could bring himself to have, even if the playful smile that appears in Dicks face isn’t surprising.  

“Together?”, the Alpha teases, only for Jason to roll his eyes. “I am not that shy about my body, if you are looking for some kind of virgin reaction.” He rappels himself up and glides from the bed. Looking down at Dick. 

Who groans lowly and stretches out on his back. Crossing his ankles. “You shouldn’t tease me like that. I am trying to woo you here.” 

“Woo me”, Jason echos, walking around his room and gathering fresh clothes. “Not courting?” 

“I don’t care what you want to call it. I am doing it. I gather you should be treated like you deserve for once in your life.” 

That closes his throat up and he has to swallow, before turning to the Alpha. “Yeah?” 

Dick smiles, somehow looking like a lazy King that has decided to take audiences while still lying in bed. “Yeah.” 

He decides that fleeing into his bathroom is a perfectly understandable reaction.  

Dick takes the shower after him, seemingly having raided his wardrobe for clothes. Jason silently approves, but frowns at the clock. His inner clock is obviously out of order. It’s four in the morning and he is wide awake. That’s usually the latest he comes home after patrol, ready to fall into his nest. He guesses that's what happens, after falling asleep in the early evening.  

Being hungry either way, he starts on some fried eggs and bacon while starting the coffee.  

He is just putting everything on plates and cutting the bread as Dick joins him again and pours the coffee into cups. They eat mostly in silence, but it doesn’t feel heavy. Even while knowing that they aren’t done talking by a long shot.  

Afterwards the Alpha decides to follow him up to the roof, so Jason can finally have a smoke. Which he has reduced a lot over time but right now he really wants one and for once Dick isn’t nagging at him for it. They both let their feet dangle over the edge, looking over the unusually silent city.  

Inhaling deeply, he exhales the smoke slowly and hums. That is really hitting the spot. And thinking about hitting.. “You know, I attacked him first yesterday.” 

“And I am sure he didn’t goad you at all”, Dick mutters full of sarcasm and Jason snorts. “Oh boy, did he.” He takes another drag from the cigarette. “Had my first pit rage in months.” 

“Aw, fuck.” It is so bizarre to hear Dick cursing. Not that the Alpha never does it. It’s more like Jason has this perfect picture of him in his head and there isn’t room for cursing like normal people tend to do from time to time. Kinda dumb, now that he thinks about it. 

“Guess his reigning me in is a lot different from yours.” He can feel the Alpha side eying him, but he keeps staring into the barely illuminated city.  

“Honestly?”, Dick grumbles and leans back on his hands, looking up into the sky. “I think he was panicking and had no idea what to do about it. He was never good with feelings and even worse with ones he isn’t prepared for.” The Alpha makes a sound like an unamused laugh and deepens his voice: 

“Oh no, the son I thought to be an unruly Alpha is suddenly a poor Omega without pack and living alone in Crime Valley. ” 

Jason snorts, amused against his own will by the not half bad imitation. “And suddenly the answer appears like the response to a prayer. Best to bite him like a savage, bring him into submission and back into the pack.” 

Dick hums. “That means he acted like he needed to play out the worst case. If we accept that, then what?” 

“There need to be rules.” The answer is out of his mouth before he can think longer about it. But on the other hand, it was obvious, wasn’t it? And maybe he had already thought about it. Maybe he didn’t do much else, whenever there had been a moment of silence.  

The Alpha nods. “Living situation?” 

“I guess you are going back to Haven, now that Bruce is back?” Suddenly it is even more important to look out into Gotham. And fuck, it’s not like the city is on the other side of the planet but..  

Dick is silent for so long that Jason starts thinking he won't get an answer, before the Alpha sighs and rubs over his head, through his hair. “I have to. I stepped in for Bruce for a long time now.” 

Jason knows that. Just as much as he knows that Dicks heart is beating for Blüdhaven. But that doesn’t change the appearance of the lump in his throat. By now he is so used to the Alphas random visits and what about his schedule? Will give Dick that over to the pack? If so, it already sucks.  

“I won't start living full time in the Manor. I can’t.” He decides to ignore the heavy feeling that the thought of Dicks absence invokes. Or the other one, that tells him that he is being trapped. “But if I want to settle the bonds I will have to stay there a few nights a week.” 

“You know, you could stay three days there and come to Haven for the rest.” 

That succeeds in bringing his eyes back to the oh so obviously relaxed looking Alpha. “That..”, he doesn’t even know how to react to that suggestion. “You didn’t think that one through.” He settles on in the end. Dicks eyes slant to him and they look darker in the night.  

“How do you figure that?” 

Jason scowls. “You want the Red Hood in Blüdhaven? Who is just the smallest step into Vigilante away from former Crime Lord? Yeah right. Did you already forget that you jumped and spanked me for my ‘out of line’-behavior just a few weeks ago?” 

The Alpha shrugs unconcerned. “I want Jason Todd in Blüdhaven. The rest is just logistics.” 

“Jason Todd is still very much dead.” 

“But maybe he shouldn’t be anymore and maybe it’s time to overthink the whole Red Hood persona anyway. Is that really the name you want attached to yourself for much longer?” 

His instinctive reaction is wanting to lash out. To return some biting comment and storm off. Showing how angry he is about being questioned. And there is some anger. But there is also the warm feeling in his belly, that comes with the knowledge that Dicks wants Jason with him.  

“Wouldn’t that make us official brothers again?” 

“Nah”, Dick waves that concern away lazily. “I never was officially adopted.” 

Jason thinks that he should be somewhat used to it by now, with how casually Dick drops these bombs. Just little sentences in conversations. He isn’t. And that reminds him that he still has to figure out the thing from the other night. About having been kicked out. “Sometimes you drive me insane, Richard.” 

The Alpha gives a surprised laugh. “I would hope only in the good kind, if you are bringing out the full names.” 

“The insane kind”, he insists before rolling his eyes and leaning back himself, copying Dicks position. “I will think about it.” 

“The official resurrection or coming to Haven?”  

There aren’t really any stars to see above them. Gotham has too much smog and is too brightly lit, even at night. “Both.” They are both silent for a moment. “Is this really what you want, Dick? There is a big difference between meeting each other every so often for a few hours and what you are suggesting.” 

“I am sure.” The Alpha doesn’t offer any deeper explanation. Only the one line, said in the kind of tone that makes it clear that the decision is final and that there isn’t further conversation needed. Jason wished he had that sort of believe in his own decisions.  

“Fine”, he acquiesces. “Three days at the manor and four away. No one gets into my nest without invitation.” 

“That should be obvious”, Dick points out, accepting the first part silently.  

Jason nods. “It should be, but I still want it to be a rule.” 

The Alpha nods, taking out his phone and starting to type. “Best to write it down. I want you to keep the rules that I gave you.” 

“Bruce might have something to say about the one about my heat.” He points out and Dick frowns. Jason explains. “Your rule says I can spend it wherever I want, if at least one packmember is with me. I don’t see that flying overly well with him.” 

“You are an adult that has his own place.” Dick sounds like he wants to be bewildered but actually is resigned.  

“I am also the one untamed son that already died and in his eyes proved again and again how unreliable I am. Including my own health. And killing people.” He doesn’t know why he has to explain Bruce side of things to Dick of all people. But it probably has more to do with saying it out loud for the sake of discussion than anything else. A trial run for the real thing.  

“I don’t care. I gave them to you, he can stuff it.” 

“Yeah”, Jason huffs out a tired laugh. “That will go down well.” 

“You won’t have that discussion alone with him, so you can leave that part to me.” 

Jason slants an amused look to the Alpha. “You want to scream at him again?” Dick grumbles and throws one of the little pebbles lying around at him. “Shut up. I am the older one. I happen to know how to be an adult if I must.” 

“I’ll take your word for it.” Jason returns the favor with another pebble and chuckles as it bounces against the unmoving Alphas head. “No Alpha commands. No biting.” No more forced submission. 

Dick types, but puts his lower lips between his teeth worrying them, before sighing. “You know that he will circumspect that with something like: No commands until you are going off rail again or something like that.” 

Finally, that angry growl that had been locked into his throat for some time now emerges. “He can fuck right off!”, he hisses. “If he can’t stop me otherwise he needs to retire.” 

Dick is completely unaffected by the growl and stares at him. “You want to give him permission to use physical force on you?” 

And that.. Jason deflates like a balloon. His stomach rebels just at the thought of having Bruce close enough to touch him. To scent him. To fight him. Not the best mindset to have about ones Packalpha, but it is what it is for now.  “Fine!” he growls, fidgeting to release at least some of his mounting tension. All the good feelings from kissing Dick seem from a lifetime ago. “No touching. Commands only to stop me from rampaging.” 

The Alpha nods, not commenting on Jasons little outburst. “We might need to specify that in the talk with Bruce, but he might accept.” 

“He better..”, Jason grouches. “He won’t get much more from me.” 

“Mhm..”, Dick seems to be deep in thought. “I can see him demanding other things. Like therapy or scheduled talks with him or people in the pack. 

Jason goes for another cigarette. “Fuck. He will make a full project out of me, won’t he?” 

“There is little doubt about it. If we are feeling charitable, we might even accept that it comes from a wanting to help mindset.” 

Jason doesn’t feel very charitable and Dicks snort as the Alpha looks over to him, makes clear that his expression might convey that very well. “Yeah, I am not feeling it either.” 

“We let that one flow.” Jason decides and takes a deep drag. “I am not delusional enough to spit on the concept of therapy, but I would want concessions. No reporting to Bruce. It would need to stay private.” 

“Sounds fair enough. If it is any help, we could do some double sessions.” 

“What? You think we already need couples' therapy?” 

Dick rolls his eyes but they are both grinning at each other again. “Vigilante therapy more likely. Maybe we should make a group event out of it.” 

He chortles. “God, can you imagine it?” 

“I am trying not to, for my own sanity.” The Alpha mumbles dryly.  

“At least you have some of that left.” 

“Cheers to that.” 

Jasons grin deepens. “Sorry, I did throw my last beer at Bruce.” 

They didn’t get anymore done after that, but it was such an unusual and strange feeling to laugh until they teared up over something so silly.  

It’s easy to return his couch to its former secondhand shop glory and Jason is sitting on it, watching Dick fumbling with the TV to see if it is really broken. It blows his mind how their talk ended in laughing and not him storming off and shooting at people in a green haze. Somehow the Alphas presence is able to make many things easier, with the simple but effective method of taking Jason at his word.  

Dick stands his ground when he thinks he needs to but otherwise has shown himself open to Jasons opinions. There hadn’t been any obvious ‘reigning him in’ going on either. The Alpha seems content with the borders he set and treating him otherwise as his own person. Not just as the Omega under his care. No overbearing Alpha that demands things, just because of his dynamic.  

“Would you say you are a normal Alpha?” 

The older man looks surprised up from the cable that he tries to connect again. “What brought that up now?” 

Jason pulls up his shoulders. “I mean, it would be unfair to compare you to all the assholes we meet night for night, but even compared to Bruce you seem a lot more easy going.” 

The Alpha mulls that over, finally giving up on the cable and with that condemning the end of his TV. “I guess I never really thought about it. Or compared myself to other Alphas. Do you mean in general or with you in special?” 

Must be nice, to just do and not overthink things. Maybe Dick is a lot more accepting of his Alpha then Jason is with his Omega. Although that did get better a lot over the last few weeks. Thanks to the very man that gets to his feet and comes closer. Jason leans his head back to look up at him.  

“I am not sure”, Jason confesses. “I second guess where some of my feelings are coming from a lot since I am off my suppressants.” 

Dick unashamedly crawls into his lap, already getting a hand into Jasons hair. Which seems to be one of the things the Alpha loves to do. Jason isn’t complaining. Instead bringing his hands up to the side of Dicks thighs. “Which means the question is more about our interactions?” 

Once again everything about Dick is so damn earnest. It is a question the Alpha asked because he is interested in it and the reason Jason brought it up. There is no superiority there. No sneer that Jason should at least be able to know the basics of his own dynamic. The Omega happily leans into the hand that massages over his scalp. “Maybe. The thing you did with me. With the touching. Is that something you learned in super-secret Alpha school about Omegas?” 

Dick snorts and mouths “Super-secret Alpha school”, before shaking his head amused. “No. That was something I thought you needed, and I wanted to do for you. That what this is about? You want me to do it again?” 

“Alpha”, he starts, instantly gaining a very different kind of interest from the man sitting in his lab. “There won't be a time I would say no to that.” His Omega purrs at the thought about getting the Alphas hands back on him. “But its not really about that. I think I am used to a lot more forceful and demanding Alphas? Even when not directed at me.” 

“Noted for later”, Dick muses and smiles. “I guess I can be just as demanding as other Alphas. It is a part of our instincts. But you haven’t given me reasons, Jay. Maybe you don’t recognize it, with all that has been happening, but you have been so good. You did everything I wanted you to do, and you brought your own walls down from the very beginning. You started actually talking and listening to me. Why would I react with any kind of force to that?” 

Jason flushes furiously. Fuck. He did all that, didn’t he? Like a starving puppy that got fed for the first time in months. Having been ‘good’ for a bit of attention. “Shit. You can’t just sit there and say that to my face. That is so embarrassing.” 

The Alpha turns serious from one blink of an eye to the next. “There is nothing embarrassing about having needs. Or wanting to be taken care of. Especially not by me. It doesn’t make you weak or whatever stupid things are told about Omegas by idiots.” 

He almost blurts out that Dick absolutely makes him weak in his knees, but holds it back in the last second. He is already admitting to enough and something tells him that the Alpha already knows it anyway. Jason swallows, staring directly into these unbelievingly blue eyes. “You say that a lot. About taking care of me. What does that even mean?” 

“Everything that feels good and helps grounding you. Or helps you to let go. Depends on the situation.” The answer is instantly, as if Dick had known Jason would ask that next. Is he really that easy to read? 

“What do you get out of that?” 

Dick hums, his hand gliding down from Jasons hair to encompass half of his face. “It does feel good, no matter if being the one doing the touching or being touched. And I can’t say what exactly it does to you but for me and my Alpha there is a mix of pride for being allowed to do it. Excitement about being able to be the one to give you what you need. Pleasure about the whole thing. Some heightened protectiveness. Like I said, it’s a mix of a lot of things.” 

Huh. Suddenly the whole thing makes a lot more sense to Jason. Which now sounds stupid. Of course the Alpha would get something out of it too. Why wouldn’t he? Sometimes it feels as if he lost the ability to use his brain with all his thoughts and feelings about being an Omega.  

“Do you want to know what I need right now?”, he murmurs and Dick raises an eyebrow in question. “I need you to kiss me.” 

It’s like the sun is going up in the Alphas face. “See?”, Dick smiles. “Our needs are able to align.”  

Jason and his Omega are wholly on board with the whole needing thing, if it always feels like this, because kissing Dick again is just as mindblowing as the first time. Maybe even more so, with the Alphas solid weight and body above him. Not even to mention the scent that clouds his senses full of Ocean and happy and eager Alpha. He thinks his own might be similar. Shit, they better do that for the next hours, because suddenly there is a lot of need in him.   

He brings up his hands to pull Dick closer. 

Chapter Text

He thinks he can at last understand what is meant when they say ‘You can cut the tension with a butterknife’ because that is what's happening. Here in Bruces office, with Jason and him on one side of the desk and Bruce on the other. With the Packalpha looking between them, his expression giving nothing away. With all of them wearing scent patches, all they have left is body language and Dick hopes that his seems relaxed enough, because Jason isn’t.  

The Omega looks every inch like someone who wants to be everywhere else on the planet. His back and broad shoulders in a rigid line and his lips pressed together in an unhappy, white line. So unlike only a few hours ago. As the same lips couldn’t have been more inviting and soft. As there was so much warmth in the teal colored eyes that it bordered on smoldering. A sirens call that Dick hadn’t want to resist. Hadn’t needed to resist.  

Appraising cool eyes roam over his body, probably to make sure he is completely out of his spontaneous rut. Dick doesn’t roll his eyes, remembering that he doesn’t want to add to the terse situation. This is mostly about Jason and his wishes. His rules.  

Doesn’t change the fact that his Alpha is growling and snarling. Still in disbelief about the treatment his Omega received and had to go through. No matter that Jason didn’t say that much about it, after having cried and admitting that he felt violated. Which was a fair description of what happened, and Dick and his Alpha are deeply unhappy about it.  

Since that night, as he put Jason over his knees, for what he was horrified after finding out that he did that to an Omega, there hadn’t been the smallest need for force. Jasons whole being folded like a card house under Dicks rules and care. Rules that are so obviously mostly there to give a guidance and over whose he brooded the whole night. With him scenting the sleeping Omega for hours, after having tried to make good on his misstep. It had been clear to Dick that Jason would need rules that still left him with a lot of freedom, but would still be controllable and with that enforceable.  

Not in his wildest dreams, could he have ever guessed how easily the Omega would give in. It left him devastated, thinking about how lonely and badly feeling Jason must have been to do that. Especially with the independence streak that is more then a mile long.  

Over the next weeks, Jason ripped a lot of Dicks expectations to shreds. Sometimes it gave him whiplashes how easily the Omega followed the flow. All Dick had to do, was to show him the bare minimum on human decency. It broke his heart in more way then one.  

He can’t remember when he decided to throw his own caution about Red Hood into the wind and concentrate on Jason. On the Omega. That already had surprised years out of him, as he suddenly knelt for Dick. Submitting so freely and beautifully to him. He had sworn to himself then and there that he would protect that pup with his life.  

Only to be devastated by the events that had occurred while he was in space. Dicks Alpha has been unconsolable. It had been a wonder that he didn’t try to rip Bruces throat out, as he was made aware through the media that Jason died. That his funeral already happened.  

To say that he didn’t know how to react years later to the disclosure that the same little pup that had put his trust in Dick, was the violent and out of control Red Hood, would be the understatement of the century.  

That it all ended in his Alpha finally snapping and trying to regain enough control to bring Jason back to them and with the following surprise.. Dick sometimes still has a hard time believing it. Or that it felt so easy, as soon as he decided to look at the person behind all that violence.  

Jason Todd was still prickly and would most likely not know how to express himself without swearing and violence as outlet. But Dick hadn’t to look far behind that first wall, to see the grumbling caretaker. To see the person that cared so very much for the most vulnerable in his territory. To see the man that emerged from the sweet but very defensive pup. It didn’t take much effort at all, to see that the world and Jasons experiences in it formed a lot of his opinions.  

The first few scentings left Jason boneless in pleasure he tried to hide. Dick wanted to kick himself and all the others, with Bruce as a first contender, for all the neglect they had thrown carelessly at the Omega. Because they saw a powerful frame with a sharp mind and thought Alpha. Again. They didn’t look close enough and were satisfied with their conclusions.  

If he spent years to try and make up for that, it might still not be enough.  

Maybe Jason somehow clocked that Dick was serious or he felt worse enough to grab this seemingly last straw. Whatever it was, the Alpha was very thankful for it, because Jason let him in.  

He accepted Dicks presence not only with simple bonding stuff, but also on patrol. He shared his intel and was easily backing off if Dick could provide him a reason for taking another approach. Which might just have been the most important piece in the puzzle for Dick. It was another one that hurt.  

Jason reacted like a perfectly sane person if he was treated like one. So simple. So effective. Another way to break Dicks heart.  

But also a lot of fun. Dick hadn’t had any bad feelings about sending Damian off with the others on the designated nights. What he got for it, was someone with a sharp mind, an even sharper tongue and some ridiculous humor. Someone that didn’t shrink back from something, because he was missing some schoolyears. If that Omega finds something worthy enough for his attention, he bites and then he works. He had watched Jason working himself in the ground, without ever expecting the smallest ‘good job’. He had watched Jason as he took out enough people, that would have others at minimum have hesitate to jump in.  

There was a lot to see and to learn about this older Jason Todd and Dick found that he was neither willing nor wanting to look away again. Talking and listening to the Omega soon became just as important as scenting him. As was thinking about ways to ease Jason about his instincts.  

Because that was something that became painfully clear in short time: Jason had no idea how to simple be outside of his plans and work. Even less so about his own instincts as Omega. 

With Dick being the most tactile person in the pack, he had been delighted to find out that this was something Jason silently craved. Having the Omega lean on him and purring as he slipped closer and closer into sleep? Invaluable. His Alpha had been over the moon. If Tim hadn’t been there, he would have dragged Jason into the Omegas nest and scented him until even the most nose blind would know about Dicks claim and protection.  

And how could he not? Jason was the whole package. Powerful, headstrong, intelligent, a body that left Dick with more then one wet dream and a shyly emerging badly damaged heart of gold that only seemed like black steel on the outside. If Jason hadn’t Dicks name written all over him, then who had?  

Nobody.  

Dick and his Alpha had been set. At the very latest as Jason gave in and let Dick touch him to his hearts content. And it had obviously been mostly about the Omega and showing him that an Alphas touch can mean a lot more then just sex and violence. But there also had been the part in him that growled satisfied at being able to rub his scent deep into Jasons skin.  

Not to mention the little nibbles he wasn’t strong enough not to engage in. As if every little pleased sigh and small moan weren’t little trophies he put on his wall. Because he did that and he had been allowed to do it. And god help him, if Jason didn’t smell and taste like the most amazing thing. The subtle but stronger growing green tea and the hint of sweet brown sugar. Dick couldn’t imagine a more enticing smell in the world. 

His Alpha had been more then ready to roll over and show his belly in that moment. Which was something that never happened before. Usually Dick had no problems with his Alpha, but there had never even been the idea of showing that much vulnerability before. He is pretty sure his Alpha would have laughed at him, if it were possible, because the next thought made it seem so logical. Why wouldn’t he be able to be vulnerable while being with his Omega? 

Besides all that serious stuff, he also delighted in teasing the most beautiful shades of red out of Jason. Where Jason was brash his Omega was bashful. A combination that shouldn’t work but did. All the shy glances at Dicks neck and shoulder on their date would fill his fantasies for ages alone. Gentle teasing shot very high on the list of things that Dick likes to do with the Omega.  

Only to be dethroned by kissing him senseless. His fantasies hadn’t prepared him for the almost overwhelming need to worship and ravish, as soon as their lips touched. It couldn’t be called anything but perfection. Especially after the Omega just growled at him before. Having that powerful being melting against him and purring had him on a high like nothing else. What a power trip to be trusted and wanted like that.  

“I have been told that my forceful handling of the situation had been wrong and I want to apologize for that. I shouldn’t have put you down like that and I can’t offer you an explanation that would satisfy you. Maybe only that there was nothing on my mind, but the need to get you back and make sure that you are safe.” 

Dick silences the sigh and growl that wants to escape him. No more daydreaming for now. 

************* 

Jason has no clue what he is expected to say to that. They had that more or less already pegged. But still, it is an actual apology from Bruce. That’s not something the Alpha does on a whim, or at all. At least Jason knows that much. He exchanges a quick glance with Dick, before nodding slowly. He has promised to try and stay calm and to give some sort of sign if he needs Dick to take over and give him a break. Best before he explodes.. He wonders who it was, that got through Bruces thick skin. Maybe Tim? 

“Thank you”, he answers, giving Bruce that much at least, relaxing his fingers forcefully into open palms again. He stands up from the comfortable chair and puts his list down in front of Bruce. “This is a list of rules I want you to acknowledge and communicate to the pack. There is also the list of rules Dick gave me. These stay in effect.” 

The Packalpha raises an eyebrow, before taking the paper and reading silently over it. He hums, before putting the paper down and spreading his fingers over it. “You want to continue as Red Hood then?” 

Jason nods, before thinking about what Dick said. If he really wants that name associated with him any longer. That might be something to mull over, at night in his nest most likely. If only because the Alpha didn’t demand anything or told him that he has to change his ways. It was a suggestion that came from a well meant place and not an order. Maybe.. Maybe it is something worth thinking about. But Bruce doesn’t need to know that right now.  

The Alpha hums again and suddenly there isn’t a sound that Jason finds more annoying. He grinds his teeth.  

“One of the reasons I reacted like I did, has to do with you killing again.” Bruce states and turns his whole attention on Jason.  

“Let it go, Bruce. That has been the reason Jason and I.. reconciled. It has been taken care off.”  

Jason likes to fight his own fights, but he can admit that he is thankful for Dicks calmly spoken intervention. No matter what they talked about it before, this whole thing is already under Jasons skin and it is crawling.  

Bruce turns his head in the smallest way. Staring at his eldest. “Has it now?” 

“Yes”, this time it sounds a bit less calm and a bit more hissed. The idea starts to form, that both of them are the absolute worst people to have this kind of discussion with Bruce. 

And there is that god damn humming sound again! Jason rolls his shoulders in agitation, but otherwise keeps still.  

“I see that it is also one of your rules”, the older Alpha muses, before turning back to Jason. “You are committed to these?”  

“I am.” This time it’s his turn to slowly press out the words. What is it about Bruce that has both of them on the edge without doing more then asking questions? It’s annoying as fuck.  

The Packalpha nods and takes one of the pencils from its holding spot. “I’ll say yes to the rules Dick gave you. We might have to talk sometime later about some schooling for you and adding them to it. But that is for the future.” 

Jason blinks. Schooling. That would mean that Bruce has plans to resurrect him for the public, right? He can’t decide what he thinks about that, before the Alpha continues. “Did you also tell Jason what happens when these aren’t followed?” 

While Dick explains everything that is already in place for Jason, he wonders how the same thing can feel so differently? Why it feels as if Bruce put a leash on him and is throwing him into a cage with the very same rules and consequences that Dick had decided on? While it hadn’t felt anything like that with the younger Alpha. There he experienced it more like an overview. As something that proofed that he was looked after.  

“.. kills again he will have to face me directly, with an appropriate punishment.” 

Jason rubs his temple at that, closing his eyes for a moment, remembering that ominous line.  

“You?”, Bruce questions and Jason likes to imagine that there is some disbelief there. “Might I remind you that I am still both of your Packalpha?” 

Dick doesn’t hesitate. “And might I remind you, that Jason is just as much my Omega as yours? I put the rules out, I will enforce them.” 

“And how will you do that from Blüdhaven, to where you surely will go back again, now that I am back?” 

There is a low growl coming from Dick, which isn’t returned by Bruce and if Jason were sarcastic, he would say that his almost reminds him of the old days. They just need to get louder.  

“Thirty minutes isn’t that long of a drive and only one of the rules would need me here instantly anyway. Not that it matters, because Jason had no need to kill in the last weeks and if this doesn’t go down the hill, he won’t have it in the future either. He did really good.” 

And fine, that is new. That Dicks main intent isn’t to have a go at Bruce, but to keep himself between the Packalpha and Jason. Damn it, if that doesn’t drain a lot of his upcoming agitation. He isn’t alone here. He isn’t alone in this. Dick had told him that he wouldn’t face this alone and the Alpha is keeping his promise. 

“Yes”, Bruce murmurs. “Tim said something similar.” There is a moment of silence, before the man nods. “Then this is how we do it. Most of your other rules are fine too, not that you needed to write them down. We are not savages. The first that tries anything because of your status as Omega will have to face me.” 

Jason takes a deep breath, slowly trying to loosen up his muscles. So far so good. They might end up doing it. Even when joining a pack should be something joyful and not a business transaction. He kinda resents Bruce for it, while being the one that brought all of this up. It’s not exactly reasonable. 

“I understand that you don’t want to stay fulltime in the Manor. You are an adult and you have lived alone long enough. But I can’t have you stay in Crime Valley. Especially if we take your possible heats into account. One of the pack being with you or not, that doesn’t sit well with me. At all.” 

And there it is. He wants so badly to look at Dick for reassurance, but at the same time he doesn’t want to appear weak. In need of his other Alphas good will. “You want me to have them here.” It’s not a question but Bruce nods anyway.  

“That would be the preferred outcome, yes.” 

“With a packmember of my choice.” Another not-question. 

Another answer. “If it is only one you want with you.” 

He crosses his arms in front of his chest and stares at the desk in thought.  

And then the decision is suddenly very easy. And it had been from the beginning, if he would be honest to himself. It still might be the biggest step he has ever taken in concern with his dynamic, as Omega, but it is still easy.  

“Dick will be my nominated packmember for unforeseen heats. Pollen or whatever the fuck. And seeing as I plan living with him, when I am not in the manor, that shouldn’t be a problem for my normal scheduled heats either.” There. He said it. 

Bruce stiffens in surprise, while he can feel Dicks eyes on him. Jason doesn’t look away from the Packalpha, wondering if he would come to the right conclusion. 

“You are planning on having full Omega heats. With Dick?”  

Which is a very polite way of asking him if he wants to get fucked. High society talk at its finest. Rich people would never have lower base instincts. Jason shrugs, still not looking at Dick. “Not necessarily. That will depend on my Omega, won’t it?” He isn’t childish enough to jump up and scream ‘Them are the rules!’ but it is tempting. If his Omega sees Dick as potential Mate, which stopping with the self-denial now, it does, the probability is high for a sexual heat.  

Bruce suddenly looks completely done with the situation and turns to Dick. Who starts talking before Bruce can open his mouth.  

“Don’t start about us being brothers now please. You see us as your sons. I get it. We get it. But I am not adopted, and we didn’t live under the same roof at any point in time. We didn’t even interact all that often.” 

There is a whole rock falling from Jasons heart. Dick doesn’t sound opposed. Or not opposed enough to contradict him in front of Bruce. Thank fuck. And if his Omega is already salivating, that's alone the Omegas thing..  

It is also the strangest thing he has ever seen in his life, but Bruce is floundering. Not in the crazy way he does, every time it happens. But in the silent kind of way, that only shows in his shoulders and twitching fingers. 

“I..”, the man starts, only to stop himself. “Do you..”, a quiet deep breath. “Are you both clear on the implications?” 

Jason snorts the same time Dick answers with a succinct: “Of course we are.”  

“This is serious then?” 

“No, I just let anyone that looks halfway hot fuck me silly.” 

While Dick bursts out in a surprised laugh and exclaims: “Jason!” it is now Bruces turn to rub his temples.  

“You will have to answer any possible questions the pack has yourselves.” Which Jasons translates into Bruce doesn’t want to touch this with a 10 feet pole and just hopes that ‘whatever that is’ will go away silently. Jason sure hopes Bruce is wrong. Also as usual. 

But then the Packalpha is peeling off the scent patches on his wrist, turns in the chair and waves him over. “Please let me welcome you back into the pack, as I should have from the beginning.” 

And Jason?  

Jason stands up, pulls off his own and steps up. With rocks in his belly and acid in his throat just as much as a suddenly fluttering heart. They are doing it. They are really doing it.  

Bruce scent is just as he remembers it. Fresh but hard woodplanks with underlying steel. It’s a combination that shouldn’t feel good or safe even, but it always did to Jason. And now being close to it after years.. It's a lot.  

He doesn’t exactly melt into it, like he did with Dick, but it does loosen his shoulders and let him feel as if he really did come home. “Just this once”, he mutters and for the first time Bruce smiles. “Of course, Jaylad. Now I believe the rest of the pack is waiting to welcome you too.” 

It doesn’t take long afterwards until Dick and he are outside the office, outside the closed door and staring at each other.  

“No screaming”, the Alpha sounds amazed and Jason nods. “No extra rules and stipulations either.” 

Dick frowns, looking back over his shoulder as if he could see through the closed door. “Mind control?” 

“Body snatchers?” Jason counters and Dick slants his eyes to him, before suddenly grabbing his hand and pulling the Omega with him. “Uhm?” He let the Alpha lead him into the next best room, where he is just able to see the white linens over some furniture, before he is being pushed against the wall and kissed. And this time there isn’t anything soft about the hands in his hair, the thigh between his legs or the demanding lips against his.  

And okay.. Fuck.. It's kinda hot, as Dick starts nibbling and kissing down over his throat. Good thing he decided to forgo the bandage after his shower. He pulls Dick even closer, one of his hands gliding under the Alphas shirt. Exploring the warm skin on the Alphas back and getting an approving rumble for it.  

Leaning his head back, to give Dick more space, he can’t reign the moan in, as the Alpha licks over the gland where the mating bite would go. “Fuck..”, he shudders, almost not noticing that he rolls his hips against Dick and how that creates the most delicous friction.  

“Jay”, Dick murmurs near his ear. “You just told Bruce of all people that you want me as your heatpartner.” 

“That not where it was going?”, he asks a bit confused, but mostly interested in bringing down his hand and pressing it along Dicks ass. And damn it if that doesn’t feel just as good as looking at it promised. 

“You amaze me so much, Little Wing.” The Alpha admits before engaging him in another kiss. One that is so dirty that it has his knees weak. Whatever Dick does there with his tongue, it has his toes curling in his boots.  

There is a sudden knock on the door. “Todd. Grayson. You better finish up whatever you are doing in there. We are waiting for you in the dining room. Alfred has the food almost ready.” 

It’s Dick that gets his bearings first. “Sure thing Dami. Five Minutes.” 

“I convey that to the others.” 

They don’t hear anyone walking away, but that is to be expected. Jason sighs. “Not even an hour here and they are already annoying.” 

The Alpha smiles brightly at him, giving him another little peck, before stepping back. “The perks of having a pack.” 

“Mhm..”, Jason returns a lot less enthusiastic before swallowing. “Dick you know that I meant what I said in there? I didn’t just say that to shock Bruce into compliance.” He waits a second. “Even if that was a nice side effect.” 

Dick rolls his eyes, his expression fond as he reaches out for Jasons hand and presses little kisses against his fingertips. “My enthusiastic reaction should have already made it clear, that I never thought anything else.” The Alpha searches out his eyes and Jason thinks once again what unreal blue they are. “You meant the part about living with me too?” 

He nods. Not that he has really thought it through, but in there it seemed so clear and his Omega is all but rolling around in excitement. “Yeah. I guess so.” 

The Alphas smile morphs into something softer. “There will still be wooing. I won't stand for anything less.” 

Jasons answering grin is god damn happy, for all that they just have braced Bruce together. “Does that mean you won't throw me against walls any time soon again?” 

Dick pupils grow wider and the Alpha groans as if in pain. “I really shouldn’t.” 

Well, seems like Jason might have to do some of the throwing himself. It’s not like he is afraid of some challenges after all. “Alright, pretty bird. Lets head out and meet the mob.” 

“Pack. You mean pack.” 

“Yeah. Sure. That.” 

Chapter Text

He had been too full of nerves before, but walking through the mansion now feels a bit like walking through a distant and hazy dream. One from before all the pain. For a moment Jason fears that his throat might close up and he will have an panic attack, staring unseeingly at the stairs leading down to the ground floor. It takes Dicks voice talking about something Jason doesn’t listen to, to help him from pulling back from memories he doesn’t want to examine. Especially not right now.  

That little almost episode, has him already tensing up, as they enter the dining room, and walking into the sudden silence and having all attention from the people inside on him doesn’t help either. Oh god, this is such a bad idea. He doesn’t really belong here anymore. This feels like sinking into the abyss while the others paddle away on their little lifeboats.  

“Why did none of you assholes tell me that Zombie-boy is hot under his helmet?” 

Jason blinks at the blonde, Stephanie he thinks, who stares him up and down as if he is a piece of perfectly cooked steak. Tim turns wide-eyed to her, expression shocked. 

“Steph!” 

The little Alpha girl shrugs, unrepentant. “Sorry, not sorry.” 

“You are an embarrassment for humankind, Brown.” 

Jason blinks before smirking at the grinning kid. “Why thank you, Missus five-minute Robin.” 

Dick who had frozen at first, stifles a laugh, while walking to the table and over to Damian, to scent the somewhat grudgingly accepting pup.  

“That was a bit uncalled for”, Steph mutters with a pout. She is sitting beside Tim, who is still berating her. The girl that must be Black Bat, Cassandra, sits on Stephanies other side and her attention is fully on Jason until she nods at him. “Welcome.” And well, after a year more or less working alongside the pack he is somewhat used to her way of talking. He returns the gesture with a nod, before looking at the Demon Brat, that finally shoves Dick away with a little growl. Something that Dick only acknowledges with a laugh and the try to ruffle the pups hair.  

He decides to take the free seat on Tims other side, casually running his wrist over the younger Omegas neck. Something that is certainly noticed around the table, but not brought up.  

The kid smiles at him, looking unsurprisingly a lot more relaxed and happy then yesterday. Which isn’t a wonder. And hell, was it really only a day ago?  

He relaxes marginally as Dick takes the free spot on his other side.  

“What Brown meant to say, is that we are welcoming you back into the pack.”  

Jason raises an eyebrow at Damian, leaning back into his chair and trying to look unaffected. “Thanks pup. I am sure we all will be one big happy pack in no time at all.” Maybe his voice is full of lying, sugary syrup, but they won't call him out for it anyway. And indeed, the little Demon Brat nods regally, as if Jason said something deeply profound. Dick gives him a sideway glance, but soon turns to Alfred and Bruce, that both enter the room together. The older man carrying their food on a little cart.  

He still isn’t sure what he feels about the elderly beta but decides to let it go for now. Not being very interested in watching how their food gets served, he turns to Tim again. Lowering his voice. “Spill it. What happened after we left?” 

The kids blue eyes slant to Bruce for half a second, before they turn back to Jason. “I waited until Cass came home and we confronted him together. He promised that he would never do that again, outside of life threatening situations.” 

That is good. Very good. Not really unexpected either. But it still slides a knife under his skin, knowing that he is again the big exception. He wonders if it is really too much to hope for, that it would end somehow. The bit with him always being the exception to everything. 

“You believed him”, he states. Mostly for his own peace of mind and earnest blue eyes look up to him. “After Cass confirmed it as truth.” Jason nods at that, accepting that assessment. Mostly because it would drive him insane to do otherwise.  

He turns back to the rest of the table as Dick slides a filled-up plate over to him, while talking to Damian about some art project in school. The simple gesture brings warmth back into his cheeks. It should make him uncomfortable and maybe snapping that he is perfectly able to prepare his own plate but instead has him holding down a smile.  

They start eating, after everyone has food in front of them and Alfred wishes for them to enjoy the meal. And he can be undecided about the older Beta all he wants, but Jason still and probably always will love the food.     

“Will you be staying in the manor?” Tim asks into the silence, that is just on the wrong side of oppressing. Jason spears a pea and shrugs.  

“At least a few days a week until the bonds settle.” 

Stephanie hums. “Does that mean you go out on patrol with us on these days?” She doesn’t look up, being busy to cut her meat into a lot of bite sized pieces.  

“Of course he will.” 

He dares a quick peek at Bruce, who just decided that for him, to no ones surprise ever and bemoans that he hadn’t thought about that, as he talked to Dick about potential rules. The big golden cage is certainly a lot smaller from the inside. Somehow this makes Dicks insane idea of them both living together a lot more appealing. In fact, Blüdhaven doesn’t seem to be far enough from Gotham, as far as he is concerned. 

“Apparently”, he gives in, because this is how these small things always will go. There is a reason after all that Dick clashed so much with Bruce. At some point not even distance makes the heart fonder to overbearing controlling.  

“Thats cool”, the blond girl smiles, ignoring the freezing undercurrents. “I have a case that leads into your little Alley of Crime and I could really use your help on it.” She points her fork in his direction. “But no taking over!” 

Cass nods at her side. “Sharing is caring.” While Tim frowns. “Is this still about the Weapons? Didn’t you just say yesterday that you got it handled?” 

“I have!”, she defends herself, again pointing at Jason. “There is all the information sitting that I could ever need.” 

Tim frowns and Steph frowns right back, before they start bickering and Jason can already feel the migraine coming from a mile away. In honesty, he doesn’t have problems, working cases with Spoiler and maybe he is just sensible with everything going on. But it’s kind of a raw spot, to now be expected to share everything the pack could have ever wanted to know.  

He does usually help them out with information because he isn’t petty enough to sabotage cases or let them go sideways and hurt possible bystander and victims through it. But that means that they come up to him, presenting the case and asking for his help.  

He wonders if there really is that much difference. They are pack now. They have bonds with each other. Why wouldn’t she thinking like that? Isn’t that also some way of showing her acceptance with his presence here? Has he been alone for so long that he can’t tell normal behavior from strange one anymore?  

Shoving the still half full plate away from him, he is already halfway out of his chair while turning to Bruce. “Where did you put me?” 

It’s Alfred that answers. “I have cleaned your old room for you Master Jason.”  

Jason nods jerkily, before obviously fleeing the room and the stiff situation. Hell, he can’t breathe in there. Closing the doors behind him, he rolls his shoulders anxiously, before walking up the stairs again.  

Entering his room and looking around in it, feels like another punch. What the fuck is this? The museum of the last day of Jason Todd? There even is some of his old schoolwork at the desk. And really.. This is so much of a big fat nope. He will not be staying (living) in his own mausoleum.  

The dumb posters, showing Wonder Woman and some kind of festival, are put down easily enough. He shoves everything on the desk carelessly into the bin, before staring at the bedding. That has some planets printed on it. What even.. He simply takes the whole thing and kicks it out into the corridor. As if he would sleep in his old shit! By now growling angry, he rips the doors to the closet open and isn’t surprised anymore. They really kept all his shit.  

It lands in other armfuls right beside his bedding. And maybe he would have kept one or two things under different circumstances, because there is some story there, like the Superman hoodie, but right now, everything just needs to get out of the fucking room.  

Turning his attention to the bookshelf he is undecided for the first time and didn’t even notice how Dick came in and leans against the door frame, until he hears the unamused snort. “Bruce really has something going on with this room. They should have just given you another one.” 

Jason turns to the Alpha, who kicks carefully at the bedding. “I thought about it, but it is starting to feel cathartic to take all of this down. That kid died and won't come back. It’s time for everyone to finally accept that fact.” 

Dick hums, now fully leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, crossing his arms and looking around the room. “That’s it, isn’t it? The feeling that you aren’t what they want when they look at you?” 

“That one is obvious”, Jason mutters scornfully. “It’s easy to build up a dead kid in your head and compare it to the thing that came back in its place.” 

The Alpha is in front of him so fast, he might as well have teleported. Blue eyes blaze angrily at him. “You aren’t a thing!” Dick growls lowly and against all odds, Jason finds himself darkly amused.  

“You didn’t see me, before they shoved me into the Pit, Dick. And even afterwards..”, he shakes his head. “The fact is, that the Joker killed the kid that Bruce may have loved and that I am something very different from that kid.” 

“Jason..”, the Alpha starts, a bit helplessly. “It has been more extreme for you in every sense of the word, but we all are different from the kids we grow up from. Don’t buy into the delusion that you wouldn’t be, even if you hadn’t died.” 

He huffs. “Don’t kid yourself. People don’t see a grownup version of me. They see the violent and ruthless killer I was never meant to be in their eyes.” 

The Alpha reaches out to take hold of his hands, still looking so damn earnestly. “I see someone who is trying to make his own choices after finally being able to do so, without being influenced by other sources. I think you are far from done, about finding out about yourself and who you want to be.” 

Stepping closer, he whines softly, almost inaudible, before leaning his forehead against Dicks. “If that is the truth, how can I do that here? In the manor? In this room?” he swallows and whispers even lower: “Sometimes I wish I hadn’t come back at all.” 

Something in the Alphas scent drops into heavy sorrow, before he is being pulled into a hard embrace. “Please Little Wing, please don’t ever think that.” Dick begs against his ear, holding him so close that Jason feels as if he can sense the Alphas heartbeat against his own chest. “I can’t lose you again.” 

Closing his eyes, he let Dick take on most of his weight, his own heart hammering painfully. “I wanted this. The pack. Everything felt so painfully empty. But now everything feels so wrong and stifling. As if I can’t get enough air.” He can’t stop the words from spilling out of his mouth. He can’t stop the onslaught of feelings, that he did hold back for so long. 

“That is all Bruces fault”, the Alpha mutters darkly. “What you are rightfully thinking and feeling about his methods is spilling over into the other packbonds.” If possible, the strong arms around him enclose him even more and he burrows his nose in Dicks scent glands. Taking comfort in the Alphas scent, even while being sour from distress and anger.  

But then Dick straightens, seemingly having reached some kind of conclusion or decision. “We need to fix what we can at the moment. Including this room. Come.” 

A bit thrown by the sudden change in pace, he follows outside and a bit further down the hallway into the Alphas room. That looks a lot more lived in, then his own did. With some magazines and casefiles lying on the desk and a lot of photos on the walls. “You will take mine for now. The bed should be big enough for a nest. That should at least take some of that pressure off.” 

Jason stares around for a moment, before nodding slowly. “You know”, he starts, watching the Alpha putting away some of the clothes that had been hazardously lying on the bed, the ground and one chair. “This is like a replay.” 

“What do you mean?” 

He sits down on the now free bed, with the dark blue colored bedding. Rubbing a tired hand through his hair. “You should remember that. My old room was your old room first.”   

Dick looks surprised up from the pants he is folding, before his expression clears. “Oh. You are right. Oh my god, do you remember..?!” 

Jason huffs out a tired laugh. “You getting into the bed, thinking it was still yours and us fighting about it? Yes I do.” He hesitates for a second, before continuing. “You probably didn’t notice it in that moment, but I had your scent in my nose for something like half a year or so whenever I got to sleep.” 

The Alpha stills. “They didn’t change the mattress?” 

Shaking his head, he can see how Dick pinches the root of his nose. Seemingly begging for patience from a higher power. Jason can understand that gesture. He didn’t think much about it as pup but now they both know how inappropriate that had been. Especially from someone with the money that Bruce has.  

Huh.. Now that he thinks about it, that might have contributed to the factor that he trusted Dick enough to submit to him. He slept in the Alphas scent and nothing bad ever happened to him in there after all. Not that Jason regrets doing that. Not anymore at least. But it would explain it, together with the kindness the, at that point young Alpha had shown him. With giving him Robin and showing him things, even while being mad as hell at Bruce.  

“This whole pack is so fucked up”, he mutters and Dick snorts, before finishing his task and coming over to sit beside Jason. Leaning back on his hands and looking around the room.  

“I fear that’s a given”, the Alpha agrees. “You should talk to Leslie again. I think we need to know more. Maybe a part of you is still rejecting the bonds and that makes everything worse and amplifies your negative feelings.” 

Jason nods placidly enough to that suggestion. “I had thought about asking her for a recommendation for a specialist, right after Bruce bit me.” 

The Alphas scent, which had evened out, sours again. Somehow that brings a smile out of Jason. Dick is usually a lot better with controlling his scent but the reminder of what the Packalpha did to him, seems to be a very sore spot. Jason is more than assured by that. Not that he would ever think that Dick would do something like that, but still.. Thinking and knowing are two different things. 

“You reacted bad to me bringing it up for us both, but are you thinking about breaking them yourself?” 

Turning a bit, he glances at Dick, who is looking right back at him. “That had been my first thought, yes.” 

“But?” There is no judgement in the Alphas eyes and that gives Jason enough security to answer honestly. 

“But..”, he starts, frowning deeply. “I am not sure? I can’t say for sure if I am not overreacting at least half of the time. Down there nothing really happened, and I still got to the end of my rope and all emotional with the need to get out.” 

“Feelings usually don’t tend to be rational.” 

He rolls his eyes before shoving at the Alpha. “Thank you, Dr. Freud.” 

Dick grins and shoves right back. “Keep your German psychologists to yourself.” 

“He was from Austria you illiterate.” Jason sniffs, only to grin back a second later.  

There is a little knock on the still open doorframe and the look he exchanges with Dick at that is very clear. They are idiots. Talking like this with an open door. Amazing Vigilantes right there.  

Tim waves a bit shyly at them. “Uhm, I wanted to see if I could help with something.” He turns a bit, seemingly looking up the corridor and to the mess that Jason made in front of his old room.  

Jason rolls his eyes and nods at Tim. “Come here baby bird.” A command that Tim follows and he pulls the younger Omega in, as soon as he can reach him. Squeezing him between Dick and himself, with the Alpha instantly taking the opportunity to scent the kid.  

Something Tim tries halfheartedly to get out off, with holding out his hands in defense. “Heaven, Dick! You don’t need to scent me every time I am in range now.” 

“Yes, I do. After you allowed Jason to do it you have no excuse left.” Dick replies airily and continues undisturbed. The kid sighs in deep disappointment. “Jason is different you koala!” 

“Pff”, Dick gives Jason a wink over the kids head. “I see how it is. All the Omegas unite business.” 

The younger Omega gives the cutest little growl and Jason snorts, slapping Dicks hand away from Tim. “Don’t hog him or I will call the Omega Union.” And promptly starts scenting the kid himself. “As if Tim needs some lowly Alpha scent to protect him anyway, when he can have just mine.” 

By now Tim has frozen and stares disbelievingly back and forth between them. 

Dick looks enraged and Jason has to hide his smile. “Lowly Alpha scent? You go away from him! Omega on Omega is like a double invitation to scumbags.” 

Jason shows his teeth. “Say that again and I show you inviting.” 

“Ok guys, stop it! You can both scent me! Surely that is fine?!” 

From one second to the next the smile is back on Dicks face. “See, that wasn’t so hard.” 

“He will learn”, Jason murmurs, already rubbing his wrist over the kid again, who looks stunned before the coin seems to drop.  

“You are both the worst.” Tim might be complaining but he leans right into Dicks shoulder. 

“Hear that Dickie? You are the worst.” 

“Right after you, Little Wing.” 

“I learned from the best.” 

The kid rolls his eyes so hard, Jason fears he might give himself a headache. “Why are you both like this?” 

“Experience”, Dick replies at the same time as Jason says: “Practice.” 

That seemingly brings Tim to the decision to be the adult of the group. “What are you doing in here anyway? Or do you want to throw half of this room out too?” 

“Nope”, Dick replies. “I am giving Jason my room for the time being.” 

The kid blinks at that before shrugging. “Yeah, I can see that.” He turns his attention to Jason. “I can show you where the nesting stuff is being kept.” 

He can’t form an answer to that, before Dick is on his feet, giving out one hand for each of them, to help them up. “Lets go together.” 

And somehow that is what they are doing. With Tim and Jason discussing the fabrics of the different blankets and pillows and Dick being all silent Alpha patience with Omegas. Bringing all of his selection back, its the first time in Jasons life that he doesn’t build his nest alone. It’s strange but soothing. Having his little Omega kid brother there to straighten out the blankets and his Alpha to give them every item, at whatever they are pointing. It’s fun too, with a silly discussion about some colors not going together and Dicks insistence that they do.  

It’s the first time since stepping back into the manor that Jason feels not only good because of his Alphas presence. And at the end the nest does look inviting and cozy as hell. No matter where it is placed, he falls instantly in love with it. Especially since he bullied Tim out of his Hoodie and took another one of Dicks to work them both into it. His Omega very much likes that part too.  

Not that he needed even more of Dicks scent, as his whole room is full of it. It’s the principle of the matter and Jasons hindbrain. It must be in the nest, or it doesn’t count. And apropos scent. Right now there is a nice mix between them, as they consider their work.  

“After Dick leaves you are going on patrol with me this night, baby bird.” Jason suddenly decides, waving away the throw-in about Steph needing help with her case. “It’s you or no one tonight.” And that shuts the kid up well enough.  

Half an hour later, after Dick has said his goodbyes to the others, they are standing by the Alphas bike. Looking up at the rapidly darkening sky. 

“This feels wrong”, Dick mutters. “Maybe I should just stay the three days here with you.” Jason shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants. “You left the people in your city alone for long enough. Isn’t that what we got shoved down our throats from the very beginning? The quest before all else or whatever the fuck the saying was.”  

“The mission”, the Alpha corrects quietly and Jason nods.  

“There you have it. Three days. How hard can it be? Living the rich people life and all that.” Both of them are very pointedly not mentioning his little episode, back in there. Which is good, because Jason doesn’t want to think about it anymore. It’s the Bat approved way to deal with emotional situations after all. 

He goes willingly as Dick pulls him in, leaning into the soft press of the Alphas lips. “You stay in contact with me”, the Alpha orders against his mouth and the Omega nods. “And if it gets too much you get out. Or go to Tim. Don’t just endure.” 

“Yes Alpha.” Its probably unfair to play that card, but he does it anyway. Dicks suddenly very pleased scent and little rumble is worth it.  

“Fuck this. I should just pack you up and take you with me.” 

Jason answers that with another kiss. “We are both too brainwashed for that.” It should be a joke, but they both know it isn’t. Good soldiers and all that. “You go and get into that unnecessarily skintight outfit, so that I can look at pictures from Nightwing watchers online.” 

The Alpha smiles sunnily at him. “Or I could just send you Dick pics myself.” 

They stare at each other for a second before Jason flushes brightly and groans as if in pain. “You did not just say that to me. Why are you like this?” Which has Dick giggling like a little girl while still including an aura of smugness.  

“Oh my God. Just go.” 

And if he receives a selfie with a grinning Nightwing that shows Blüdhaven from above in it later that night, thats labeled Dick-Pic, he certainly doesn’t make it into his background picture. Or laughs himself silly. And he doesn’t send one back, with holding one of his guns out, as if he is ready to shoot the camera. One that Tim didn’t take like twenty versions until they both thought it badass enough to send.  

It also doesn’t start up a picture war between them, that soon includes Red Robin in it too. And if so, no one will ever tell Batman about it.  

Three days. He can do it.  

Chapter Text

Turns out, that three days already feel endless while lying in the new nest and trying to sleep. Despite how comfortable it is, with all the high-class materials and all the scents he wants in it for now, it is too silent. No cars driving by, no neighbors screaming at each other, no too loud music from downstairs and nothing in between. It's just Jason and the sound of his own breath. It’s driving him insane until he finally gives in and let some random playlist play from his phone.  

He is rightfully cranky as he wakes up again, with the sun shining in his face, because he opened everything in the hopes to hear something. Jason would have never believed it, but he misses his shitty little apartment. With the blackout drapes, the unexplainable stains in the faded carpet and all his traps. He especially misses it as he stands in his perfect bathroom, with the almost blindingly white tiles. He doesn’t remember if it felt like this for him as he first started living in the manor but right now it feels as if he is the blemish that shouldn’t be here.  

But damn it, if he wont steal the super fluffy towels that are feeling like heaven on his skin. He isn’t exactly purring, but it is a satisfied hum as he dries himself. Maybe it also has to do with the fact that he still can smell Dick on them. Who knows?  

Pulling some of his clothes out from the bag he put together yesterday, he wonders if he should unpack. He had send a gleeful Tim on a little round through Crime Valley, the other Omega being over that moon that he was finally allowed in, and gone back to his home, packing a few essentials. While wondering when that thing had started to feel like home and not as one of his better safe houses. 

Picking up one of the case files Dick had left on the desk, he takes it over to his nest and starts reading. It seems to be about a brewing fight between two Blüdhaven factions, about some territory on the waterfront. With the warehouses there perfect in their location and closeness to the possible ships. Jason can see where the Alpha made notes, some seemingly jumping to conclusions, that got verifed later into the file. All alone in the city or not, Dick knows his big players in an out. He would be lying if he told that he isn’t impressed by it.  

There is a single knock on the door, before it opens. Revealing Damian, who stares at him, before pressing his lips together. “Todd. What are you doing there?” 

Jason glances over the file, taking in the obviously displeased pup. Obvious for him at least. He kinda waves with the file. “Should be self explanatory for someone with your skillset.”  

The little Demon makes an even more displeased sound. Jason wonders what did crawl up his ass and died but turns his attention back to his reading.  

“I mean in here.” 

Jason doesn’t miss a beat: “Reading.” Which garners him the tiniest enraged growl and he is glad that the papers hide his smirk.  

“Don’t play the fool, Todd! Why do you have a nest in Richards room?” 

Letting the file sink down on his chest and looking back to the angry little kid, he wonders how far he should take this? And the answer is obviously: Further. 

“Because I built it yesterday.” He swears he can see the rage barometer shooting stratospheric. It’s funny until he remembers that Damian has a really big soft spot for Dick. “Chill, little princeling. Dick offered me his room for the time being. My old one hasn’t been.. up to standard.” 

The expression in the kids face blanks out again. Really, it is so annoying to look at league teachings on someone so young. Disturbing. He wonders if that makes it easier for Bruce to go out with Damian on his side. Finally, someone that doesn’t question orders or makes a nuisance out of himself.  

“Oh. Then it is acceptable.” 

“Much obliged”, Jason mutters, taking in the straight and under pressure body language. “You want to come in and go with me through Dicks file?” He doesn’t even know why he asks that. Why he offers a spot in his nest. Temporarily as it might be. By the widening of Damians eyes, the pup is just as surprised as Jason.  

“Is that about the territory dispute? He told me about that.” Suddenly the kid doesn’t sound like a fifty year old in a childs body anymore. The tone is less deep and sounds more alive.  

Jason nods and taps the spot beside him invitingly. It isn’t a big nest, but it will comfortably hold two people. Damian with his smaller stature will have lots of space. And whatever the real reason might be, he comes closer and let Jason feel like some sort of animal handler. Which means that he holds still and waits until the pup actually climbs in beside him. Carefully mindful about not touching the Omega.  

He huffs, uses one hand to shove the file into the kids hands and the other to pull him closer. The usual scent of simple freshness that every unpresented pup carries with them and an underlying whiff of berries reaches his nose. Bruce is there too and a bit of Alfred and Dick.  

Damian stiffens as Jason carefully rubs his wrist over his neck, but doesn’t complain. Meanwhile the Omega doesn’t even try to excuse his behavior to himself. It's a pup in his nest. There is no possible way he wouldn’t scent him. The only pup in the pack. That should have all their scents on him anyway.  

Jason frowns. “Why are half of the pack scents missing on you?” And no, he will never be called a diplomat. Sue him. 

Damian stares into the file as if it holds all answers in the universe. Still stiff under his hand, but with his shoulders coming down, as if against the pups own will. “I don’t deem it important enough to waste my time to renew their scents on myself.” Jepp. That one is Bruces son. No DNA test needed.  

“What about Tims?” Even he knows that packs are overall healthier if they all exchange scentings with their Omega, if one exists. Especially for pups that don’t have a strong scent of their own.  

Damian huffs, probably not noticing how he subtly leans against Jason by now, still staring at the papers in his hands. “I don’t need Drakes scent to function at a high percentage.” 

“He doesn’t want to scent you?” Jason translates and the pup growls again. It’s almost as cute as when Tim does it.  

“Drake made it a stipulation that I have to ask for it.” 

Well, that would explain why Damian came into his own nest so willingly. The pride in that little thing.. Hell, it is something that Jason can understand like not much else. It’s once more human brain against instinctive needs.  

On the other hand, he can understand Tim just as well. In particular as they both didn’t get along all that well on the surface. At least before Tim presented.  

Hell, the bigger part of the pack is made out of kids, teenagers and young adults. Even more so from the permanent residents of the manor. Each of them traumatized in their own ways, being led by an Alpha that sees the showing of emotions as a personal fail or something. If Bruce didn’t have the full control over everything Batman and Batman adjunct, there probably wouldn’t be a pack at all.  

Strange, how happy and whole everything appeared from the outside to him. But that could just as well be, that a lot of things look good compared to his experiences in life so far. The time as Robin and at the manor is still outshining everything else.  

Or maybe not everything else anymore, as he thinks back over his last weeks.  

Fuck. He really needs to get his shit together, doesn’t he? He needs to find out what is going on with his bonds and if he is healthy enough again, that leaving could at least be a short term solution.  

And glancing at the kid on his side, that is just explaining something about the case to him, he needs that decision in one way or another soon. He can’t get into his head, with feeling sorry for the pack and end up doing the shit that the other adults should have done ages ago. He might not be everyone's biggest fan, far from it actually, but he doesn’t want them lead on either.  

As if he hasn’t enough problems with figuring out himself without all this bullshit.  

************ 

Leslie frowns at the papers in her hands, before looking over to him again. “Well”, she starts and Jason has a bad feeling about this. “Your bloodwork looks a lot better then the last time. The suppressants are fully gone and I can’t find anything that would show that your Episode with the Lazarus infused rage had any negative effects.” 

He had to tell her about it, as she zoomed in on his healing bitemark. Jason thinks she would already be on the phone with Bruce and screaming at him, if there weren’t the little thing called patience confidentiality. The doctor had ranted about idiotic oldschool Alphas that couldn’t phantom what such a bite actually does to a body and that the ramifications could be very unpleasant. Sometimes even dangerous for the recipient. Even worse when it is done to an Omega. 

Jason hadn’t been happy to hear that at all and agreed to another full check-up. Telling her in the broadest sense what had happened since the last one. With her muttering that at least one Alpha in the pack seems to know what he is doing, as he explained how Dick and he tried to strengthen their bond. “Here look at this”, she takes the chair beside him and holds two papers out. Both showing some charts in colors with different numbers. “The upper one is from your last bloodwork. The lower one from today. Overall, you have left the dangerous numbers.”  

She gives him a long look, worrying her lower lip before sighing. “Jason, you need to know that changes to the body like that don't appear overnight. There is a reason people need to take medicine for a longer time before it is reaching its full effectiveness.” 

He slants his eyes over to her. “What are you trying to say?” 

The older Beta sits back and crosses her legs, letting him hold onto the papers. “Remember what you told me last time. About the headaches, having a hard time falling asleep and still feeling tired afterwards, lightheadedness when standing up too fast and easier feeling cold?” He nods. “When was the last time you felt like that?” 

And thinking back.. “My headaches got better almost immediately after Dick started scenting me. The rest..” He had slept a lot better and falling asleep had been gotten easier. He couldn’t say that the rest was completely gone, but it had gotten so good that he didn’t even notice it anymore. “Huh..”, he murmurs and Leslie nods. 

“I wouldn’t contribute these numbers to a healthy, male Omega of your stature and age with enough well cared for packbonds, but you aren’t in any danger anymore. There are enough people out there that have a small family or only one partner that aren’t dying from a weak heart. We would only see the effect from your new pack in a week or two from now.” 

“Fuck..”, he doesn’t have any idea what that does to him. His mind draws a complete blank. But there is the question he needs to ask. That he wanted to ask. That only suddenly seems even bigger. “What if I break off from the pack again?” 

“Thats the question, isn’t it?”, she mumbles, rubbing her temples absently. “The fact is that you were bond starved and now have more then the one to Dick. There is the possibility of sending your Omega into shock if you break them off like that again. Which could go as far as falling into a coma.” 

Suddenly Jason feels like laughing hysterically. “Are you saying that I would have been perfectly fine, but now I would end up a lot worse if I try to go back to that point?” 

“I fear that is exactly what it is. We need to monitor your numbers and overall wellbeing until you reach 80 percent in these two categories.” She bends over and points at two of the charts. “Any action before that, is a gamble with worse odds then Russian roulette.” 

********* 

All Jason can think about, as he drives back to the mansion, is that he would have been fine. That Dicks rules and possible punishments and his scenting and overall attention and care would have been enough. Maybe with the added presence of Tim, even without a real packbond between them. It would have been enough. He would have had the time to sit down and think. To decide if he wanted to reach out and how it would have happened.  

Or if he would have taken another direction. Away from this pack and to another one? Jason has no idea who this other pack would have been, but it would have been his decision.  

One he was robbed from now.  

Because Bruce fucking Wayne had found out that he was an Omega. No other reason. No waiting for unruly Alpha Jason to stop his tantrum. No. The Omega had to be brought home, screaming and kicking. To make sure the fully trained Vigilante and murderer was safe.  

What a joke.  

What a fucking joke! 

Batman wouldn’t have cared if the Red Hood met his end, somewhere fighting out there. Batman couldn’t be bothered to claim the problematic Alpha or even Beta. To bring him back. But the poor, poor Omega with his instincts to care for packmembers, that one was worth it suddenly.  

God, he needs to shoot something. Changing his course, he doesn’t drive up to the manor but takes the entry into the cave. He doesn’t care that it is a bright day. Bringing his bike to a stop, he looks around. The need to lash out and do the most possible damage burning under his skin.  

Poor little Omega, yes? Jason will give them all the poor little Omega he can manage in the shortest amount of time. They probably think they have figured him out. Now that they know that he is an Omega, and saw how he behaved the last days and maybe talked to Tim, they might think him tamed. Submissive. Contained.  

And fuck them all, because he isn’t. And if he is, sometimes, then not for them. They haven’t earned it. They haven’t proven themselves to his Omega. Least of all Bruce. They have done nothing and are expecting him to be on his best behavior.  

His eyes fall on the monstrosity that is his memorial. And wouldn’t that be the perfect outlet for everything that he needs to let out? He wanders over to the little body shop for their vehicles and looks for the biggest wrench he can find. If that doesn’t work, he can still go for his guns. Or a crowbar if he wants to be seen as a full maniac.  

Humming softly to himself, he takes the wrench and hits it carefully against his other palm. Getting a feeling for its weight before throwing it with all his might against the showcase. It doesn’t break instantly, but there are little spiderweb like blemishes going out from the point of impact. He smiles.  

It takes a few minutes and his blood is boiling under the workout, before he hears steps behind him. Coming up fast. Jason decides that he doesn’t care, because he is almost through. He can feel it in each hit.  

There are dual deep growls as he is being tackled and he lets go of the wrench to be able to react better. Bruces scent hits his nose. It translates into confusion-determination-fury. Jason laughs breathlessly and tries to hit the Alphas face with his elbow. The next minutes are a somewhat macabre reenacting of the fight in his living room. Only that he isn’t in a mad green haze this time.  

He has a feeling the others tend to forget it. Or like to oversee it. But with Dick in Blüdhaven, Jason is the best trained one after Bruce. And that puts them on very close to equal in a fight like this. The Omega isn’t easily pinned or contained. Not without gadjets and whatever Batman usually relies on. He also isn’t easily overpowered but still has enough agility ingrained that it would need more speed and sudden movements then Bruce can provide, to take him by surprise.  

Maybe Bruce also doesn’t like to think about it, because it is his body, that is kicked into the memorial, that finally breaks it.  

Jason stops, watching as Bruce picks himself up, grinning at the scene. “Isn’t that ironic? The good little soldier doesn’t seem so good now, does he?” Bruces eyes are blazing in an almost unholy light. “Do you feel better? Now that you have destroyed it, Jason?” 

“Do I feel better?”, he repeats, seemingly thinking about it, slanting a look to the rest of the pack, that are around but completely in shambles in undecision about what to do. “No I don’t.” he finally decides to say. “It doesn’t feel nearly enough.” 

The Packalpha looks at him warily, shifting his body subtly. Jason watches him like a hawk. “What brought that on?” 

Ah. Talking. Jason narrows his eyes. “What brought what on?”, he questions softly. “Did you actually think that bringing me forcefully back here would somehow mellow me out?” 

The Alpha growls a deep warning. “You agreed to rules.” 

“Sure”, he nods, ignoring the uneasy feeling that growl created under his skin. “And I still follow them. No one did ever say I couldn’t take down my own little memorial. What? Does it hurt? Probably not as much as the crowbar did.” 

Bruce doesn’t even flinch at that, but he comes closer, every single muscle in the Alphas body screaming danger and aggression. “You are acting out again.” 

Jason huffs. “And what are you going to do about it? Biting me again? Is that all you can ever do? React with violence to words?” 

“It wasn’t your words that destroyed the showcase. It wasn’t your words that only killed a few weeks ago. It wasn’t your words that just fought me.” 

This time it is Jasons aggressive growl that fills the cave. “If all else fails, just come back to me killing people. It’s so easy, isn’t it? You lose ground, just point out my utter failing as human being and you are the automatic winner.” He shows his teeth in an undeniable threat but doesn’t move otherwise. “Pathetic.” 

“Jason..”, his name is a threat coming out of the Alphas mouth. “Don’t overdo it.” 

“Or what?”, he counters. Shrugging of the undefined orders. “You forced me into the pack again, because I am an Omega. No other reason. You couldn’t care less about me as I appeared to be an Alpha or Beta. But now you apparently care about my safety. Tell me, Alpha, in what form have I been safe in your presence? Was your usage of your Alpha voice safe?  Was you forcing the packbonds on me safe? Was you forcing me into submission safe?!” He screams the last sentence and something in Bruces face hardens.  

“You are taking everything out of context.” 

“You uprooted my whole life just because you panicked!” 

Bruce roars back. “You hadn’t much of a life to uproot to begin with!” 

Jason refuses to let that have any kind of impact and shows a feral grin. “That what you would like to think, isn’t it? Just shows what a hypocrite you are. You know what? I give you a hint how to handle me! Just break the packbond again. I might fall into a coma from the shock and you can put me into a little showcase too and write deeply profound bullshit lies around it! Wouldn’t that be nice and easy?!” 

With how he goaded Bruce he shouldn’t be surprised by the lighting fast strike that goes for his face, but somehow he is. It is purely his ingrained reflexes that have him block it in the last second. Which still rips a noise out of him at impact.  

The shocked whine from one of the others have Bruce instantly stepping back and Jason can’t stop it. He starts laughing. He laughs and laughs until his stomach hurts. “Fuck, do I feel safe here. It’s amazing.” 

He turns his back on Bruce and starts walking away.  

“Jason..” 

He is staring at the rest of the pack, while still walking. “Don’t worry old man. I will still follow the rules and play nice with the pack. This was a test and you failed horrible. Might want to talk to the others though, they seem a bit confused now.” He reaches the stairs upwards and raises his voice a bit. “Don’t put that shit up again. You didn’t lose a good soldier, you lost a son.” 

******* 

The problem with rage and anger wasn’t in the moment, it was that these feelings tended to cool down and leave and what’s left behind, that is the problem. Which is something that Jason is intimately familiar with. The difference simply being that he remembers everything now, instead of being kept wondering what happened in his latest rage episode.  

The surprise this time is, that he isn’t devastated about his clash with Bruce. Instead he finds himself at the kind of rock bottom that he prefers. This whole thing had never been about his wellbeing or whatever Bruce likes to tell himself to sleep better. It is about having leverage. It is about control. Jason is even willing to give him, that it is about safety in the farthest explanation of the word. It’s about the perceived safety of people Jason wouldn’t think twice about killing. It’s about the Jokers of this world and Bruces sense of what counts as justice and vengeance.  

Against all odds, this is a mindset that is easier to swallow for Jason. He can understand where the Alpha is coming from. Is it fucked up beyond believe? Sure it is. But is it a lot more believable as the sudden talk about his wellbeing and safety and whatnot? Absolutely.  

Jason can work with what he got now. He knows what is expected from him and where the lines are drawn. And while the pack might have problems with the little showdown, for whatever reason they still like to keep on their blinders, he feels at least the tiniest bit secured again.  

He knows where Bruces pressure points are and he didn’t even use half of them. Still, he baited the Alpha and hacked against his self control and Bruce didn’t try to go for real restraints again. No Alpha voice to have him kneel or whatever and no lunging for his neck.  

The hit? Jason can take a few hits. That’s not exactly his problem. It might become one, if he weren’t the only one that can needle that kind of reaction out of Bruce. Jason had a lot worse. And yeah, the psychological side and all that bullshit.. He can admit that it isn’t the best feeling in the world to know that the guy that adopted him and had been his father had tried to hit him. In the face.  

But the same guy already put him through so many other things, baited or not. Does it really matter that much as this point?  

What would have surprised him would have been the honest try to deescalate. To let Jason destroy the thing in silence and then start talking to him. Asking him why the thing needed to go in this way. Asking Jason what else he could do, to make the integration into the pack and into this life easier.  

That would have surprised him.  

Reacting with violence to being helpless against words? Isn’t that Batmans whole stick in the end of the day? Why would anyone be caught unaware by that? 

Hell, the guy called his adopted son a good soldier in his grief or whatever. Because that is their worth to Batman. It’s not the kid up in the mansion. Its the little Vigilante out in the night that follows orders and makes Batman even stronger.  

As it happens, that does not even touch the failures as Alpha and worse, as Packalpha. Jason knows that the mansion has rooms that had been used as packden. As one big nest to come together. They should have opened up again, at the latest, as Tim presented as Omega. No matter if Tim wanted to spent his heats in there, they should have been there as option. 

And why aren’t there times for the pack to come together? To exchange their scents and to strengthen their bonds? Or is this what movie nights are for? But if so, why is the packs pup running around with only half of the packs scents?  

Now that he thinks about it.. Does Tim have a similar set of rules? Does he have any? The kid had been very flippant about breaking rules. And yes, Jason had taken the opportunity and Dick had kind of engineered the whole thing, but still. He kinda likes his rules by now. If Dick is the one behind them. He feels good with them. They guide him at least a little bit. Does Tim have the same security from Bruce? Or even from Dick? Would Dick try to insert himself like this, over Bruce?  

What about the others? He knows that Alphas need more in the direction of the spanking he received, to keep them in line and secure in their spot. Yes, he doesn’t like it, but at that point it is probably his own Omegan instincts speaking. He never heard any Alphas complaining about it.  

So, does it happen within the pack? From Bruce?  

And is that the reason for his impulses to go for violence instead of anything else?  

Groaning softly, he reaches for his cigarettes and lights one up. Good thing he could climb up to the roof from Dicks room. Inhaling the smoke deeply he debates a moment with himself, before taking out is phone.  

You: Leslie said I am healthier but not enough to break off from the pack again. Not without risking serious consequences. Also had a little fight with B. Don’t let the others be all overdramatic about it.  

The call comes not even a minute later. Sighing he presses the green button. “I guess that means they already got to you.” 

The Alphas voice is full of barely supressed anger. “Is it true, Jason? ”   

“Is what true? Be more specific.” He exhales the smoke slowly, savoring the scratching along his throat.  

“Did he hit you?” Dick presses and Jason sighs. “Eh..”, he scoffs. “it was more of a tussle.” 

Sadly Dick is like a bloodhound, once left from his leash. “So, he didn’t try to punch you in the face?” 

“The magic word here is tried. I baited him, he reacted as he usually tends to do with me. I am not sure why you are all worked up about it. You know how he is.” 

“Yes. Yes, I know how he is. I certainly do.” the Alpha murmurs and Jason frowns. That doesn’t sound like the answer he expected. “This is still unacceptable.” 

“Maybe it is”, he will give Dick that much. “But it doesn’t change a single thing. I can’t break off and he didn’t try to bite me again. I think the lines are drawn and as long as I dance to the beat, nothing will get worse.” 

There is a long silence on the other end, before he can hear the Alpha cursing quietly. “What if he does it with the others too?” 

Jason hums. “Why would he? They like dancing to his tune, and he usually reserves that shit for me.” 

“Not exclusively.. ” 

He straightens up. “Dick, are you telling me what I think you are telling me?” 

The Alphas laugh is bitter. “Yeah, I think I am. You aren’t the first.” 

And would you look at that? Suddenly there is some green at the corner of his sight again. “When?” 

“Doesn’t matter. I should have been the only one.” 

Jasons laugh is disbelieving. “Like I didn’t think the exact same thing?! Fuck!” The cigarette crumbles in his fist. “FUCK!” The green gets more intense and he closes his eyes, trying a few of the breathing exercises he read about online. He can already feel it under his skin.  

“Jay, listen to me. Please keep it together, sweetheart. It wasn’t anything recent and I could take it as much as you. I am more worried about the others.” 

Right. The others. Shit. Taking another deep breath, he leans his head back, looking up into the sky. “You are right. We need to keep it together. You stay where you are. We don’t need that to blow in our faces.”  

Another long silence, followed by an harsh exhale. “Yeah. Fine. I just never thought..” 

“In all honesty, it doesn’t change much.” Besides the burning need to pummel Bruce into the ground for touching the one person that would have never earned it.  

“Which might just be the worst part about it.” 

“He is a mighty good general and a lousy everything else.” Jason grumbles. “I still don’t think that it applies to the others. They looked all shocked enough by it. If it contains to us, it isn’t perfect but whatever. I blocked it and I think he knows he would have a real fight on his hands if he tries again. I am not that easy to take down in a fair fight. This is not an emergency situation.” 

Dicks voice is soft with his next words. “I still hate the thought. I can’t help it Little Wing.” 

“Same Dickie. Same.”  

Chapter Text

He doesn’t go out on patrol or leaves Dicks room that night. He closes the door and locks it. Somehow keeping his mind just busy enough to ignore the ongoings outside the door. He even finds a book. Unsurprisingly its a detective story and if he takes the wear and tear of the pages into consideration then Dick had found out who did it at roughly the same time as he did now. Ah well, the author tried. 

Jason waits until he is sure the others have left the mansion, before going down and in direction of the kitchen. He is hungry and there is something he needs to do. And it seems as if Alfred had known, as he is sitting on the kitchen table, a teacup in front of him and one sitting in an empty spot, with the pot in between. There is also a sortment of little sandwiches.  

Sighing, he steps closer and takes the spot as the old Beta nods at him. “Master Jason.” He watches as the man pours him the tea, Earl Grey if he isn’t mistaken and puts some of the sandwiches on a plate for him.  

“Alfred”, he finally returns, nodding his thanks and taking up one with cheese and ham. “I have some questions.” 

The intelligent eyes muster him, before returning to their own tea. “You are angry with me.” 

“Angry..”, he muses before taking a bite. “It is strange. In all the time when I didn’t feel much besides anger and rage, it somehow never touched you.” He tries the tea and as expected, it is just as good as the food. “What is going on? You can’t tell me that you don’t see it.” 

The man sighs, using a little silver spoon to stir the already perfect tea. “There is a big difference to before.” The Beta takes his own sip. “Do you know what you and Master Richard had always in common?” 

“Our hardheadedness?”  

The smile is fleeting but fond. “Quite right, Master Jason. But not what I meant. As Master Bruce brought home young Master Richard, he brought also other things back into the house. Laughter. Mischief.  Hugs. And most important stubbornness and life.” Jason blinks at that, but knows better than to interrupt the man he once saw as grandfather.  

“As he.. left, he took most of these things with him and you returned them, as Master Bruce brought you home. In very different ways, in your own ways, but it was still there. You and Master Richard challenged Master Bruce in different ways and you both stood your ground and laughed or got angry. You both made the house into a home.” 

Jason remembers Dick throwaway commentar, now that Alfred stumbles over Dicks supposed leaving, but for now returns to his tea. Nodding, to show that he is following. He supposes that Alfred could see it like that. At least he isn’t overly surprised by it. It goes conform with what he remembers.  

“After we lost you, you took even more with you as Master Richard before you. Old and new grief, woven into the very halls of this house was all one could feel on some of these days. And the manner and way Master Timothy joined the house, didn’t change much of that. He couldn’t and it would be a fools idea to believe that it could ever be the job of a child to fill these holes. And even as things got better, as they tend to do over time, the difference between him and Master Richard and you became clear as day.” The butler sighs, searching out Jasons eyes. 

“He is a very fine young man, but his own brand of stubbornness never challenged Master Bruce outright to be better. To do better. To be more human. He didn’t run through the halls, loudly laughing. He never believed me, when I said that he wouldn’t get kicked out or fired from being Robin, so it would have never entered his mind to do anything that could disturb the house. He didn’t bring life, he worked himself into the silence that was already there and I fear in one way or another it is the same for the others.” 

They both take another sip and Jason takes another sandwich, his mind already reeling. “You can be angry with me, and the truth is that I failed on many occasions and was deep into my own grief, about losing a grandchild. About seeing Master Bruce losing a child. I let things slide and it kept happening. And now I am old and finding myself missing the energy that would be needed to start fixing things. Meanwhile Master Bruce has gotten more and more fixed on his own ways. Master Timothy made a good Robin, but he wasn’t the one that would have been needed. What he thinks he fixed, wasn’t the most important part that needed fixing.” 

Jason is silent for a long time, trying to make sense out of these words. And maybe for the first time in his whole life, he actually starts to understand that Alfred is just as human as they all are. He seemed like that big and stable person that could do no wrong to a younger Jason. But the truth is, that he can’t take the easy out and pull it all over Alfreds head.  

And sure, there are a lot of things he could use as a reply and point out all the ways in which some things would have been better handled. Or that it is complete bullshit to pull Bruces wellbeing and functioning as balanced human being over a kids head. He could do that. But what would it accomplish? Alfred obviously does see the problems. Is admitting to it. But it’s also a truth that the man got older. And at what point is it really the sole task from a Beta in the pack, to keep them whole and healthy? 

It’s just another reminder about their Alphas failures. Only that it hurts a lot more to think about it suddenly. Because Alfred hadn’t been wrong. There had been laughter in the mansion. Jason had been a stubborn little shit that got into the Alphas face and sneaked out. There had been evenings with boardgames and sometimes Bruce had sat in the library and Jason had read a book aloud and they had discussed it afterwards. He guesses that is the kind of life Alfred means, that seems to be missing now.  

He could say a lot of things right now. About this all not being able to end well. About the complete disarray of the pack. About Bruce being so compromised by his emotions and inability to handle them, that he needs to get physical with his supposed kids. But in the end he reaches out and puts his hand over Alfreds. “I am sorry it took me so long to come home. I should have at least called you. Or visited.” 

The Betas eyes are wet as he primly smiles. “You always had such a big and caring heart, Master Jason. You just never learned to protect it. Against all odds I find your dynamic is the only one that had ever been possible for you.” 

Jason allows them both the illusion and nods to the words. And maybe they are true, at least from Alfreds point of view. But that still doesn’t mean that he will be the one to shoulder this pack. He isn’t Bruces little sidekick anymore. He isn’t his partner and he hasn’t been his son in a long time. For now he might be the Elder Omega of the pack, but the more he hears and sees, the more he begins to understand that his life before being brought back, might not all have been roses and flowers, but it had been a lot more honest then whatever this shit is. 

******** 

The next day he only leaves his room for food and for a few books from the library. The door stays closed and locked. He doesn’t react. Neither to Bruce, who tries it once, nor to Tim who also tries it once.  

But he goes out that night, after the others already left and thinks about seeking out Stephanie. If mostly because he had been scheduled to patrol with Dick that night and doing nothing seemed like a failure to comply. He hated it. He hated everything about it. He didn’t want Spoiler. He didn’t want to help her. He..  

Jason stops at the top of a roof in the middle of his territory and stares down to the busy street corner. Hookers. He knows all of them by name. With some even the name of their kids.  

Which is such a ridiculous thought, while he is questioning himself about when he started to give a fuck about some odds? Russian roulette or whatever. Hadn’t his body been the deciding factor in so many fights against any odds? Wasn’t that the whole thing he got out of the Pit besides madness?  

Sitting down and letting his feet dangle over the edge, to be here if one of these asshole Johns decided to make stress, he notices the difference.  

He had been alone before. No one to worry about. No one that would be devastated if Jason really would fall into a coma. And sadly, there is no doubt in Jasons mind that Dick would be devastated. Because he cared. About Jason. Not Jason the Omega. Or at least not only about that.  

After all it is the same for him. He doesn’t know how he would react to something like that happening to Dick, but it would be terrible. And not only because it would concern his Alpha. It would be, because it is Dick. The one person that doesn’t need to decide between being more Dick or more Alpha because both are simply good.  

Both of them are caring and loving and a rock-hard foundation in their believes. It makes Alpha Dick Grayson into the one being that has Jasons complete trust. It also does stop him from doing the thing he wants to do the most: Ripping the bonds apart and laughing like a maniac while doing it. Not giving a single shit about any possible consequences. 

One can dream after all.  

And while he is already sitting uselessly around here, there is another thing Dick said to him, that comes up in his thoughts from time to time. About Jason wanting to be the Red Hood for forever.  

With the truth being that it is convenient. He still has a reputation and is remembered for his violent crime lord times. It is convenient for a lot of things. But now, looking down at his chest and looking at the red bat, he starts wondering.  

It was meant as taunt. Obviously. But nowadays the sign is probably more in line with his work with the pack. Which makes the Red Hood another bat. One of Batmans underlings.  

God, he wants to hurl.  

Growing up and finding out who he is, huh?  

Does anyone ever actually sit down and think about that shit?  

But the truth is, that he wishes that there had been more time. With Bruce away and Dick and Jason growing closer. With all the new stuff he was learning about himself and the discovery that he actually could sit down and have a normal night with other people, without starting a fight or getting too agitated. And having fun while doing it. He liked how he felt when Dick touched him. Grounded him with the alphas presence and words.  

And while he liked the rest too, hell who wouldn’t like getting kissed by Dick, it was already overshadowed with Bruce.  

So, if he decided to bring a new identity to life, it couldn’t have to do anything with Batman. But would he like to be named in a breath with Nightwing? To be associated with the one hero that was loved all around the world? Or would that only put a different kind of expectations on him? And would Dick even want that? Once again it seems time to use his phone for another conversation.  

You: Do you even need a sidekick?  

He wonders if the Alpha would get what he is asking out of the blue. Jason waves back as some of the girls finally see him, but shakes his head as they sign for him to come down. If it were important they would start screaming at him and he isn’t in the mood for their humor tonight.  

Not-Superman: No. But I would take a partner. 

Jason huffs out a laugh at the fast answer. God, that fucking perfect asshole.  

You: Maybe. I am thinking about a theme. 

Not-Superman: Do you know why I called you Little Wing? Because that night you were my sidekick. Under my wing. And I was too angry to call you Robin. Maybe its time for an upgrade. 

You: Like what? 

Not-Superman: The story that gave me my name talks about a partner. Flamebird.  

Shit. How the fuck does Dick do this all the time? Just laying it out, as if Jason would never react in any way that could hurt the Alpha. No fear at all. Jason finds himself envious as hell about it.  

People tend to think that he has a big understanding with truth and that he is the posterboy of holding nothing back. But that only applies when he can use the truth to hurt. To hit someone in the face with it. And while it is easier with Dick then every other person before, it still isn’t that easy.  

You: Another bird that flew the nest? 

Not-Superman: Yupp! And it stays with your color scheme. 

You: I will not wear the same skintight shit. And no bats. Anywhere on it. 

Not-Superman: Thats fine. I wouldn’t want anyone to ogle you anyway. Think about it. We can work something out when you are with me. 

Jason thinks he flushes way too easy for how long he knows Dick by now. And it annoys him deeply, because it’s not like he is fine with others salivating over Dick either. Maybe he should keep the helmet, just to be contrary. At least with it no one did ever see him grimacing.  

You: I’ll think about it. Going back on patrol. Take care big bird. 

Not-Superman: Miss you, Little Wing! Ttyl! 

Well, seems like he is actually thinking about a change like this. And going by Dicks almost instant answer, the Alpha did too. New beginnings, hm?  

Fantastic. His life was a novel now. Maybe he should just bunker down and hope for a romance instead of a thriller. 

******* 

His breakfast starts with him actually going and sitting down with the others at the table. After he kinda did throw a case file at Steph. “There. I wrote down what I know. You can come into the Alley and intercept the shipment.”  

She stares at him for a moment, probably wondering how he got the file. The answer would be breaking and entering her room. What can he say? If everything is fucked up anyway, then what does it hurt?  

“Uh, that is more helpful then I thought”, she mutters after reading his added information. Ignoring the big red herring in the room. He rewards that with a shrug. “Sure.” It’s not like he wants more weapons around the Alley or in Gotham. His should be enough, as far as he is concerned.  

“Thank you!” He nods to that, too busy with putting honey on his bread. The others give him side eyes in every variation and Bruce is staring with the same subtlety as a fist to the face.  

Urgh. Sometimes Jason dislikes his own thoughts. Really.  

“Jason.” 

“Bruce.” He takes a bite and glances over to the Packalpha. Who doesn’t seem to know what to say, after saying the Omegas name. The following silence feels oppressive but Jason doesn’t care. This is the last day before he gets to have a break. Unlike the others, he does have a light at the end of the tunnel. He can take a bit squirming with that knowledge.  

And he can’t run around the pack forever, if he wants the two values from his bloodwork to go up. Which means, sitting here and eating breakfast with the others like nothing ever happened. If Jason were a meta his superpower would be compartmentalizing. Thats a given by now.  

“Do you still plan to stay the other days with Dick?” 

Going by the expressions around the table, that is news for the rest of the pack. Going by Damians microexpression Jason isn’t the only one that wants some light in the tunnel.  

“Thats the plan”, he confirms, taking two of the already prepared eggs and starts peeling them.  

“What about patrol?”  

Jason points lazily at Tim. “That one loves Crime Alley. He can have it for the time being.”  

The younger Omega looks up from his journey into his next coffee at that and frowns. “You hate it, when we do anything there without you.” 

Jason hums. “I did”, he admits easily enough. He shot them all at one point or another for encroaching into his territory. It’s not exactly a secret. “And now I open the door, and you can go and see that it is just as much the usual bad stuff, as in every other area in Gotham.” Now. After he cleared the shit and did hold it for over a year. After he had been a bad, bad killer without remorse. And yes, it is still bad there. But it certainly isn’t the worst part in the city anymore. Let them see it. What a bit real pressure can do.  

Bruce hums contemplatively and Tims frown deepens. Probably already thinking about what Jasons angle could be. He doubts that it would occur them that Jason, who lived, breathed and bled as Red Hood, could be thinking about quitting the whole gig. The whole town. The whole pack.  

He is still doubting himself after all. 

“You are still here tonight, aren’t you?” Steph asks and continues at Jasons nod. “Would you mind coming with me? The information is great but having a native is greater.” 

“A native”, he mumbles before he can’t help the grin. “Yeah sure. I’ll go out with you tonight.” He brooded the last two nights away. He can do some work in between. Probably.  

“Great!”  

That little Alpha either has no awareness of her surroundings or is just as good as Jason in ignoring it. If he is the tiniest bit impressed, it is against his will.  

“Master Jason, is there anything you would like to keep from your old room? It has been decided to clear it out and overhaul it completely.” 

“Oh, has it now?” He throws Bruce a glance, whose full attention is on his own plate suddenly. “Nah, throw everything out for all I care.” There are one or two things he would maybe be willing to keep, but he wont tell the others about them and he isn’t willing to go in there again. So, good riddance to them too.  

“As you wish.” 

What he wishes for, is for this day to end. 

********* 

He hadn’t been that surprised to be stopped by Tim on his way back to the room and the conversation is still on his mind, as he drives into Blüdhaven after his patrol with Spoiler. He informed Dick that he would come over tonight instead of tomorrow and received a thumbs up and a heart for it.  

And while that is a pretty clear message, Jason still hates emojis. Words are a thing. They are useful. People have used them for thousand of years and did go away from languages that had been pictures. (Hello Egypt). Why does society need to go back to something that unclear and easily misinterpreted? 

Shaking his head, he takes off his bike helmet and stores it, before pulling his bag over his shoulder and ringing at Dicks Apartment. He wonders on his way up, what it says about their life that he finds it strange to use the intended entry. 

Dick is waiting in the open door for him, as the elevator opens up and Jason doesn’t think anymore. He doesn’t remember walking over, before he is already throwing himself into Dicks arms. The Alpha returns the hug just as fiercly, pressing his nose into Jasons neck, besides the scent patches he is still wearing.  

“God, I missed you so much. There is nothing in here that has your scent. It was as if you were gone again. It was terrible.” 

Jason doesn’t ask why Dick didn’t take the drive. He knows. The distance between everyone was probably the only thing that kept the pack together. By default.  

“Are we exchanging our experiences?”, he mumbles while nuzzling his nose against the Alphas chin. Acknowledging him as pack and higher rank. “You had a joined patrol planned for us yesterday. I felt the whole night as if I had broken your rules.” 

Dick pulls him into the hallway, kicks the door closed and is already busy with pulling Jasons patches off. The Omega is only too happy that the Alpha already had done that with his own. Not that he had been the one to miss the scent. Seeing how he pretty much slept in it each night.  

“Damn it”, Dick curses. “I hadn’t thought about that. I am sorry Little Wing. You didn’t break any rules. It’s quite the other way around. I am so proud how you managed the last days. You have no idea. I wouldn’t have been surprised if you torched the earth around the mansion. Instead you have been so, so good.” 

He hadn’t the faintest idea how much he needed to hear that. He whines against the Alphas throat and pulls him even closer. “Fuck. I missed you too, Dickie. You and your stupid rules.” Finally the patches are off and Dick noses his scent glands, inhaling deeply. Jason shudders and tilts his head to give the Alpha more space. He can feel the smile against his skin. 

“If you like them that much, I can give you a lot more.” 

Jason grins his own smile against the warm skin. “Fuck off.” 

“I am just saying..”, they keep standing like this, in the god damn hallway, just being happy about being close to each other again. Jason has the smallest thought about codependence but shoves it aside. Who the fuck cares? Especially with how much happiness Dicks scent conveys. Probably his own too, if the Alphas little sigh is anything to go by. They have earned this.  

As they let go of each other in the end, they are still smiling like lunatics. Its a bit as if Dicks blue eyes are glowing in competition with the bright smile. Jason is once more thrown by the reminder how freakishly beautiful Dick is.  

“Come, I’ll show you your room, before I tug you into the couch and refuse to let you go for the next hours.”  

“My room?”, he isn’t sure if he is disappointed or relieved about getting his own room and suddenly the Alpha shifts.  

“Yeah, about that..” 

Jason frowns. “Why are you getting all awkward?” 

“I am never awkward!”, Dick returns indignant and Jason waves his hands over in the Alphas direction. “Right now you are!” 

And that has Dick shifting again. “Well, yes. Maybe. I mean it is easy to uphold boundaries if you are not living together and..” 

The Omega blinks. “Okay. Let me stop you right there. They will just as easy be upholded as before. I say no and you stop. You say no and I stop. It’s not exactly rocket science.” 

Dicks expression is unreadable for a second. “One would think so.” 

“No!”, Jason exclaims. “This one sentence throw away bullshit needs to stop right now. If this continues I soon have a full book of them. You say what you want or need to say or you don’t. Don’t throw me crumbs and let me spiraling about them!” 

They stare at each other for a moment, before Dick mutters something. But then the Alpha straightens up, shoulders back defensively. Looking for all intense and purposes as if he gets ready for a fight. “People don’t always take me serious when I tell them no.” 

And Dick might be thinking that Jason is wondering how that could be happening to such a strong Alpha and be preparing for the disbelief and being made fun of. But the truth is, that Jason is once again living out fantasies where he can kill people without everyone else in his life getting all weepy about it. There are people that have earned it. And people that did that to Dick fucking Grayson? The golden boy? The sweetest Alpha on Earth? 

Jason puts these assholes very much at the top of his kill list. Right beside the fucking Joker. 

“Well, fuck them. And not in a good way.” He remembers all the times that Dick didn’t dig deeper into stuff and let Jason change the subject without objecting. “My own room it is. I can still invite you into the nest, right?” 

The defensive posture melts away as if it had never been there. Only that it serves as another reminder this time. The Alpha isn’t half as much pure sunshine as he would like others to believe. “Of course! And you can come into my bedroom too. This wasn’t meant to create walls between us. You are welcome everywhere here. I only wanted to give you your own space. Come. I’ll show you around.” 

Jason nods. “Sounds good. But Alpha..”, he trails off and Dicks attention heightens instantly. “Maybe showing off your bedroom might be enough for tonight. I had a few hard days and I remember you clearly telling me about taking care of me.” 

Dick steps closer again, putting his hand on Jasons cheek, before letting it slowly glide into his neck. Over the healing bite mark. The weight is comforting instead of being scary. “I will always take care of you, Omega.” The Alpha promises, before kissing him gently.  

Jasons purr literally explodes out from him. “Maybe throw a few more of these in too.” 

Dicks smile is blinding. “With pleasure.” 

Chapter Text

Jason can’t remember if he ever woke up, feeling this content, lazy or warm. Which might have to do with the body he is curled up against and with the alluring scent in his nose. Humming to himself and without opening his eyes, he noses against the soft skin. How can one single person be able to direct all of Jasons senses onto him, without doing anything besides lying there and breathing?  

He has no idea, but rubbing his cheek against the Alpha in a probably unsubtle claim is still the way to go. There is a small sigh, but the continued unhurried breathing would suggest that Dick is still asleep.  

Opening his eyes, he is once more met by all this skin. Darker then his own and more importantly, in reach. Throwing an arm around the Alpha, Jason pulls him closer and brings himself up to press his nose against Dicks neck. Nosing against the scent gland, the humming forms into just as lazy purring. God, he wants to crawl into the scent and drown in it. And maybe rub himself all over the Alpha, to have his own scent on him too.  

He licks experimentally, wondering if he could taste it too. The vast majority of unexplored Ocean. With all its deceptive power and might, just looking so pretty on a normal sunny day.  

The Alpha shivers under Jasons attention and makes a questioning sound. Not fully awake. Jasons purr only grows louder at that. It tastes like victory on his tongue, to be allowed this close to one of the most vulnerable spots on the Alphas body. Knowing that his presence doesn’t ring enough alarms in Dicks mind to wake up faster. 

There is another shiver and the so tantalizing smell in Jasons nose gets heavier. Fuck. How can Dick smell this good?  

“Little Wing?”, the Alphas voice is deep and rough, still drunk from sleep. This time its Jason that gets goosebumps all over him. He nuzzles against Dicks chin, before returning his attention to the neck. Salvia is gathering in his mouth. Wouldn’t the skin there look so nice with a few bitemarks?  

Dick inhales deeply, before Jason suddenly finds himself on his back, starring up to the Alpha that just dislocated him from his neck. Jason frowns, very displeased to have been taken from the source. Clear blue eyes are being framed by tousled black hair, as Dick leans closer. Inhaling again, before closing his eyes, with an expression as if he were praying.  

Luckily for the Alpha, Jason is too busy with staring at the mans naked chest or he might have protested. God, he remembers touching all that skin. Carefully exploring the well trained upper body. Inspecting every scar and being giddy about it. In awe about not only being allowed but to encouraged to follow up on his wish to touch. It had felt so good.  

“You are in pre-heat.” 

And that gets his attention away from the tempting body. His eyes snap back up, searching out the blue ones above him. Wide blown ones, as he now notices. “What?” His own voice is just as sleep riddled as Dicks.  

The Alpha clears his throat. “Remember what I told you, about how Omegas in heat smell? You do that. Right now. A lot.” 

“Oh”, he mumbles, a bit distracted by thinking how nice his Alphas voice is. But then it clicks. “Wait. What? I can’t be in pre-heat.” 

“I guarantee you, you can, and you are.” 

“I don’t even have a nest!” Jason whines and Dick instantly rumbles assurance and security. “Don’t worry Jay, we will build one.” 

The Omega growls lowly at that and Dick flinches almost unnoticeable. “You can build it. No matter how, you will have one.” 

The growling stops and Jason blinks. He hadn’t even wanted to growl at Dick. Hell. He liked the time they build his nest together. “Uhm. Sorry about that.” 

Dick only nods, throwing him a smile, before leaning back and sitting down beside him. “This is..”, he strokes through his own hair, letting it stand up even more. “Okay. We kinda have to talk here Jason. This doesn’t smell like a platonic heat and..”, he stops, his eyes roaming over Jasons body. “Shit. I thought we had more time.” 

Jason narrows his eyes, somehow feeling defensive. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t want this anymore?” This time it is Dick that sends a low growl into his direction. “I am trying to tell you, that I wish our first time wouldn’t be with you in heat!” 

Sudden warmth explodes in his face, flushing it instantly. Because holy shit! Sex. They were going to have sex. With each other. He was going to have sex with Dick Grayson.  

“Right”, he mumbles, already sitting up. “You know what? I think I need to take a shower. Before.. all that.” And beat himself up, again, about not thinking in more depth, or any really, about his fucking heat. Which he never had to do before, because suppressants are a gift from God if anyone would ask him.  

Dicks arms wind around his chest and pull him against the Alpha before Jason can do more then halfway turning away. His protesting whine gets cut off as he notices how good the firm body feels against his own.  

“Sorry Jason, but we are somewhat on a timer now.” Dick states his reason for confining the Omega. “This talk needs to happen now, because we have no idea how your heat might affect you. You might not be able to consent later on.” 

Because that is something that can happen, when falling into a sexual charged heat. That he waves goodbye to his sanity and only wants to get fucked and bred with no regards to anything else. And with that little fact being the reason that Alphas are so adamant about where and how Omegas spend their heat. Dick is actually doing him a favor here, because if he weren’t the most caring and loving idiot to ever walk this Earth, he would just need to sit back and wait to get everything he could ever want from Jasons body.  

He relaxes against the Alpha and nods. What is one more talk that he never wanted to have? 

Dick nuzzles his approval into Jasons shoulder. “Thank you, sweetheart. To be honest, I wouldn’t have thought your body would deem you ready for a heat with all the stress you just had.” 

“That makes two of us”, he grumbles but tilts his head, to rub his cheek against Dicks hair. Doing that just seems so important. The Alpha has to smell like Jason. That one is his. And he lets Jason do it, without complaining. 

“Are you alright with us having penetrative sex? I could help you through this with toys.” 

He thinks his face might be as red as a stoplight, as the mortifying question registers. Penetrative sex. Oh god. He should just give that damn blanket permission for everything and be done with it. But some other part in him, is appalled by the question and however it happens, that part wins. Jason thinks it might be his Omega.  

“What? I am not good enough to fuck me yourself?” 

Instead of getting angry, the Alpha huffs a laugh against him. It runs pleasantly along his hot skin. “Jason, I am an Alpha that is attracted to you. If we had been at that point in our relationship, I would have probably taken you against the wall by the door yesterday.” 

Fuck. A different kind of heat explodes in his belly, alone by thinking about it. Imagining how Dick would press him against the wall and.. He takes a shakingly deep breath. “Yeah”, he groans. “Yeah, I am alright with it.” Just don’t make him say it. He might melt down and never come up again.  

“Good”, Dick praises and that only sends another shiver through his body. “What about knotting?” 

Oh god. More questions that want him to pull the blanket over his head and loudly sing ‘lalala’ or jump the Alpha, pull off his sleeping pants and get on with it. “Yepp, that one too.” He decides on simply speedrunning the questionnaire and maybe outrun his feelings about it.  

Dicks already heavy scent changes again and now Jason can finally translate it. Arousal. It waters his mouth, and he has to swallow after inhaling. If Dick could pull that into bottles to sell, he would be a millionaire over night. It’s the whole seducement act in one scent package.  

“Oral?”  

The yes is so fast out of his mouth, that he finds himself at another, even higher level of embarrassment. But god damn it. Dicks mouth. Ok!? There really doesn’t need to be said anything else.  

.. maybe about his fingers. Jason remembers the costume with the stripes. Allright? It’s not like he can’t help it. And it had been lonely nights in the manor, and he had a lot of time thinking about.. things.  

There is a moment of silence. “You thought about that one, didn’t you?” The Alpha sounds so fucking pleased. Jason stiffens but Dick lifts his head and nips at his earlobe. “Don’t worry. I can’t wait to taste you.” 

“For Christ sake, Dick”, he croaks with his heart hammering away in his throat. “Do you want me to stay lucid or spiraling down?” 

“Would it be bad if I said both?”, the Alpha licks the soft patch of skin behind his ear. “You already smell so good and you haven’t even hit your full heat.” A soft sigh. “What about your ass?” 

With just having basked in the admission that he smells that good for his Alpha, he is thrown by that question. “What about it? You want my ass when my pussy will be swimming in slick?” 

Dick hums. “As I have been told, it’s more about having a different kind of stimuli in between or even together.” The Alphas lips wander further down, until they meet his healing bite mark. The reminder provides a bit of the much needed grounding in reality.  

Jason frowns, one of his hands gliding without thought over the thigh he is hold in between. “No idea.” Which in truth, might be the case for most of the things they are talking about. “Never really thought about it. It doesn’t repulse me or anything.” He would put himself down at neutral. Probably.  

“Lets put that down as a no for now”, Dick decides and Jason is fine with it. It doesn’t seem like a big thing anyway. But now that he feels a bit less lightheaded, there might be something he should mention.  

“I let Leslie give me a shot, the last time I was there. With the suppressants fully gone and after me telling Bruce that you would be my heat partner, it seemed logical?” 

Somehow Dicks scent brightens in approval. “That means we are both on birth control and clean. You want me to use condoms?” 

He isn’t surprised in the least that Dick is one of the responsible Alphas that secure things from their side too. And honestly.. “Nope. Go right ahead. I wanna feel you.” And with everything they have talked about so far, that is the one that rips a small but heartfelt moan out of the Alpha.  

“You know that you are not the only one in danger of spiraling, Little Wing?” Dicks arms around him vibrate for a moment, before stilling again. “You are a risk to my composure.”  

And if Jasons Omega isn’t smug as hell about that little admission. And preening. Lets not forget that. “Aren’t we done by now? I really want that shower and my nest.” The nest is important. He hadn’t one with his first heat and he had been even more miserable for it.  

“Almost. I’ll bring you the nesting stuff right afterwards.”, Dick promises. “Is there anything you don’t want me to do?” 

“Uhm”, he wiggles around until Dick loosens his hold enough that Jason can better look at him. “Dick”, he starts, not exactly wanting to speak, least of all about that, but knowing that he would be monumentally stupid not doing it. “I thought you knew. That I am not exactly experienced?”  

When would he have had the time or inclination to think about casual hookups? And it couldn’t be anything else but with strangers, because he would never risk, getting the information about his dynamic out into the world. So, sue him. Sex had never been at the forefront of his mind and even if it had, somewhere deep in his heart he hadn’t wanted his first time like that. With some random, unproven and weak Alpha in some kind of back alley. 

The Alpha observes him for a moment. “I had put that down to only having a few..”, Dick shakes his head slowly, as if to clear his thoughts. “I will be your first?” 

Nodding stiffly, he grunts surprised as he is being hauled even closer against the Alpha, with the hold around him tightening up. “That really, really shouldn’t excite me like this.” Dicks voice is pure gravel that rolls over Jason like a tidal wave. “But it does. God, Jason, I will make you feel so good. You won’t know hell from heaven when I am through with you.” 

Is it really a wonder that he can feel the first hint from his slick incoming at these words? For fucks sake, after all the shit in his life he seems to have damn well lucked out in this aspect. Who wouldn’t want an Alpha that doesn’t see his inexperience as hindrance but as challenge? To make it good for his Omega?  

Jason has no doubt in his mind that Dick has every intention to make good on his promise. And, going by the sheer possessiveness that radiates from the Alpha now, then some more.  

“Thats. Yeah. Ok.”, he has no idea what he is supposed to answer to that declaration. “I will hold you to that, Alpha. But maybe we should..?” He gestures in front of the bed and it takes a hot minute before Dick takes a deep breath and lets go of him.  

“Right. Nest. And showers.” 

His legs are already feeling a bit wobbly as he climbs out Dicks arms and the bed. And does he feel warmer too? But that wouldn’t be a surprise after that talk and Dicks voice and Dicks skin and Dicks..  

He rubs his hands through his hair. “Are you good on the other stuff? Like food?” 

The Alphas eyes are on him and they feel more intense than the night before, as they did both lose their shirts. “I have enough here for a few days.” And maybe Jason looked a bit sceptic, because suddenly the amusement in Dicks eyes is back. “I am doing this whole adulting stuff a bit longer then you, Little Wing. Go take your shower. It’s down the hall on the left.” 

It feels surprisingly strange to leave the room and the Alpha behind, but the big shower is a definitive plus. Which he uses to it’s full function, after using the toilet and having brushed his teeth. The water does feel good on his actually heated skin. It’s not too bad for now, but the blush in his face isn’t only from talking about sex and being close to Dick.  

The Alpha that he will spend the next few days fucking. His Alpha. The most likely most beautiful being in the world. From outside and inside. Hell, Jason shouldn’t even be allowed to come anywhere near him, in fear of tainting all that annoying goodness. But somehow, he is and the Alpha wants him too. Words aside, it couldn’t have been clearer in Dicks scent.  

He uses Dicks products to clean himself and only grimaces half heartedly at the mess between his legs. It’s good that it is there after all. He heard about dry heats and no thank you. He will take the win that his body is working as intended for once and ignore the rest. It’s mostly Dick that will have to deal with it anyway.  

And maybe he groans frustrated as that thought slicks him up again. This is bullshit. If he only could tell his body that humanity invented lube for a reason. If he had not been an idiot that didn’t want to think about this whole stuff, in some unlikely event that it would go away without him having to deal with it, he would have bought heat underwear.  

That stuff seemed a lot more sensible to him now, while he got all indignant as he learned about it. Denying that he, the fucking Red Hood, would need anything that reminded him about diapers. Just shows what he knows. Pretty much nothing. But honestly, he doesn’t understand that every single porn shows Alphas going wild for the stuff. Maybe if he could smell it the same way?  

Eventually having to leave the shower, he dries himself and rubs his hair with a towel, silently moaning about the fact that a lot of Dicks scent is now only faintly left on him. Rummaging around his bag, he goes for boxershorts and nothing else. He will take it off anyway.  

Taking the bag with him, because as Tim cornered him for a talk before he left the manor, he also shoved a few other clothes into his arms. And thinking about the nest, that really burns under his fingers to build now, he finds that he is thankful for it. He wants that scent with him, with them, in there.  

Like promised, there is a lot of stuff lying in front of the freshly made bed. Taking one of the black fluffy blankets and sniffing on them, he thinks they are new and freshly washed. With the same subtle detergent that Alfred uses. Going through the other items, it gets very clear that they are mostly new. There is a blue pillow that has seen some wear and tear that feels amazing under his fingers and has Dicks scent all over it. There is also some fluid resistant thing that resembles bedding, but is intended to be used as first layer between mattress and nest.  

He never in his life heard about something like this, but now that he has, it makes a lot of fucking sense.  

The shower starts up again just as he finished his first decision run about what he wants in his nest and where. Strangely that part about being an Omega had never been a problem for him. On suppressants or not, he had always felt better to sleep enclosed. And obviously it is a purely mental or instinct driven thing. Because what will a few blankets, pillows and clothes do against an intruder?  

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

But that was the part when his brain decided that he wanted it, and so he got it. End of discussion. And yes, he sees the irony, that he only decided to ignore that practice as he knew his presentation was close. Because obviously his stubbornness could withstand a few instincts, right? 

Wrong. So very, very wrong.  

Jason rolls his eyes, being annoyed by himself and his less then sane decisions and starts pulling out the first layer thing. Time to go to work. 

In the end it doesn’t take all that long and he very much likes all the blue, black and red that is the main theme. There is nothing cute about it, like he had seen from other nests in magazines and he is proud about it. His nest has no business to look cute. Cozy and soft? Yes. But he likes to imagine his own fierceness in the red and black, just as well as Dicks protection and power in the black and blue.  

Which is something he has never before thought about any of his nests. Shaking his head about it, he opens his bag and pulls out what Tim gave him. Another red Hoodie, similar to the one Jason already snatched from him. Bringing it to his nose, the younger Omegas scent hits him in a soothing way. Silencing something in Jasons hindbrain about the need to have more scents in his nest. Including the Alpha that takes his damn time under the shower.  

Growling unhappily about the fact, he pushes the Hoodie somewhat near the head of the nest. Where it goes nicely between the black. Only to go back to his bag, because.. Yep, there is another shirt. Bringing it to his nose, he frowns for a moment as the fresh pup scent registers. And while Jason would be undecided about it, his Omega is very much on board. The grey shirt finds its way with a satisfied purr into his nest. Fine. He can take a hint.  

At least that is all. There might be other stuff around Dicks apartment from the pack but Jason is done. The nest feels good how it is. Mostly. There is still his Alpha missing. The one he knows is close and who irritates him more and more with being outside the nest and not close enough.  

Crawling into his inviting nest, just to stop himself from being stupid and go to carry the Alpha in here, he rolls from one side to the other. Testing and deciding that he very much likes it. Perfect height too. Coming to rest on his back he stretches out and closes his eyes. The air feels nice on his warm skin.  

All in all, everything could be a lot worse. It could have happened while at the manor. Although Dicks thoughts about Jason being too stressed out for going into a normal heat, somehow ring true. At least there. He doesn’t feel stressed now. Not even about his fast closing in heat. He is safe here. He has a nest now. His Alpha will care for him. His instincts are quite happy about everything and while the talk with Dick had been daunting and mortifying on many levels, he feels secure and grounded now.  

There is nothing to fear because his Alpha had taken the time to make sure that Jason understood that nothing would be happening that he wouldn’t want. And while he does have mixed feelings about it being his first time and all, he is a god damn Omega at the end of the day. Supposedly his body is made for fucking. How hard can it really be? He won’t be the first to be bad at it, right? 

Could he even be bad at it, while in heat? 

The door opens and finally his missing Alpha comes in, seemingly also having decided that shorts are enough clothes and carrying some water and Gatorade bottles with him. Just as a still closed family box with different snacks. Jasons follows his movement, as Dick puts everything down on his nightstand, before looking down at him. There is a proud little smile in the corner of the Alphas mouth. “Look at that nest. You did an outstanding job, Little Wing.” 

Jason preens. Fuck yes he did. But Dick is still too far away. “What the hell are you doing, Dickie? Do you need an extra invitation or what?” The smile morphs into a grin. “I kinda do.” 

Oh. Right. “Stop being annoying and come in.” 

“How could I resist with such a lovely invitation?” Dick teases but finally does as asked and Jason reaches out as soon as he is close enough. Already getting his wrists all over the Alpha as he settles down beside him.  

“You washed my scent off”, he accuses a bit growly and Dick that asshole leans comfortable back on his elbows, watching Jason scenting him.  

“Just means you can rub it all over me again.” 

“I will”, Jason mutters darkly and Dicks little chuckle and fond amusement in his scent doesn’t deter him. At all. The arousal is still in the air, but it is more muted. Right now, the Alpha seems content to allow Jason to claim as much of Dicks skin with his scent as he can.   

At least until Dick tugs him closer and returns the gesture. Only that his touches are more massaging his scent into Jasons skin, who doesn’t have the nerves for that anymore. The Alpha needs to smell like his. So that others can right back the fuck off. They need to understand that this one is taken and that there will be violence if Jason is being crossed. A lot of it.  

Dick unerringly finds his way into Jasons neck at some point. Just resting there before: “Are you planning on stopping it with the growling anytime soon, Jay?” 

Damn it. He hadn’t noticed that he worked himself up into his own brand of possessiveness. But the Alpha is right. There is nothing here to growl at. For once everything does feel completely right and as if his body needed that thought, every muscle in his body relaxes. Cuddled up against Dick, he closes his eyes and his heartbeat and breath slows down. He did everything he was supposed to do. It is fine to let go of the scepter. To hand it to his Alpha and let him take care of the rest.  

“There you go, darling”, Dick whispers, the praise clear in his voice. “Just relax until it really hits. You will be thankful for every bit of energy later.” 

Jasons purr is quiet but there, as he slowly drifts deeper into his mind. 

Chapter Text

If Jason had even the smallest part of his mind left, he would probably laugh incredulously about everything happening exactly like it was described in the novels he may or may not like to read. One second, he is lying on his Alphas side, basking in their intermingled scent and happily dozing the time away and in the next one need is burning through is veins like molten magma.  

He hears a low winded needy keen and it takes him a while to understand that he is the one making the sound, already being busy with rubbing himself against his Alpha. Having turned around in the secure hold that had been around him and bringing his hips up, to gain some friction. Not caring in the slightest against which of Dicks body part he ruts himself.  

He whines petulantly as firm but gentle hands on his shoulder direct him on his back again. The answering rumble is steady and confident. Pulling around and over him like a safety blanket. Opening his eyes, he watches his Alpha sitting up and patting his hips in a silent request. One he follows instantly. Bringing them up and heaving a relieved sigh as Dick pulls his shorts off him. He hadn’t even noticed that they were annoying him.  

The Alpha glides between his legs, kneeling in between them and looking down. His hands gliding over Jasons thighs, massaging upwards. “Aren’t you a vision, Little Wing?”, he murmurs, seemingly distracted by taking in Jasons appearance one inch at a time.  

“Fucks sake”, he grumbles, already sitting up again and reaching for his Alpha. He needs and he needs now. Dick goes willingly enough, their mouths clashing together in something that might resemble a kiss. With the Alpha licking deep into his mouth and Jason shuddering, already feeling helpless with the igniting sparks in his belly. With the slick gathering between his legs. “You need to fuck me. Right now.” 

The smile against his lips is irritating, but the hands in his hair that pull his head back are grounding. Dicks eyes are so fucking blue as they finally meet. The air is heavy with arousal and for the first time he gets, what is meant by Alpha musk. The usually so clear and crisp scent, that tells about the ocean, is heavy and heady in his nose. It's full of promising interest. If only there would be a lot more happening. “Dick!”, he doesn’t care that he is already whining. There is one perfectly fine Alpha kneeling between his legs and nothing is going on!  

“Shh”, Dick finally soothes him, easing up on the grip in Jasons hair and petting through it. “I’ll take care of you, Jason. You just need to remember one thing: This is your show, but it is my theater. You’ll just need to be a good Omega for your Alpha and I’ll give you everything you could ever wish for.” Dick noses against his cheek, his voice low and filled with rough gravel. “You can do that for me, can’t you?”  

Jason nods instantly. “I can.” 

Dick hums and presses a rewarding kiss into the corner of Jasons mouth. “You can be what, my sweet little Omega?” 

There is the smallest indignation about being called little, but it is there and gone so fast that Jason can’t be bothered with it. His Alpha wants something from him, before giving him all of what he more and more desperately needs. “I can be good”, he murmurs, distracted by another gentle pull on his hair, that seems a reminder that he took too long to answer. 

“Very good”, the Alpha gives a simple praise that turns his brain even more mushy with the scent of pleased and aroused Alpha hitting deeply. If only his skin wouldn’t feel so hot. Why isn’t Dick touching him? Another insisting keen leaves him and Dick smiles his beautiful smile. Jason wants to lick it off his lips.  

“Just one more thing to remember, darling. For whom will you be good?” 

Jason is happy, because that is an easy question. “For you. My Alpha. Mine.” 

“Thats right”, the grip in his hair gets harder and he follows the tug until his throat is bared completely for the Alpha to pursue. “And I will take care of my Omega.” Teeth are carefully nipping at his vulnerable skin, in a mimic from the time as Dick accepted Jasons submission. It rips a low moan out of Jasons throat and the Alpha rumbles. “All you need to do, is lie down again and take what I give you, Little Wing.” Another fast lick against his skin and he is being guided down on his back again. 

Dick sends him another fleeting smile, seemingly happy with his compliance, before leaning down and taking one of his nipples into his mouth. Sucking harshly on it, without as much as a forewarning and already rubbing the palm of his hand over the other one.  

Jasons back arches in surprise and hot pleasure shoots directly between his legs. The Alphas wet mouth and tongue have him shivering in no time. And while it isn’t what a big part of him wants right now, it still feels amazing. With Dick finding just the right amount of teasing him gently with his tongue and worrying the nub between his teeth. Jasons hisses before moaning. Bringing up his hips, in mindless search for something, only to whine as the Alpha presses one hand against his hipbone, to secure him down again.  

Seemingly deeming that one nipple worked over enough, Dick goes for the other and Jason burrows his hands into the sheets under him. Already feeling out of his mind. Enough to not care about any sounds he makes as his body silently screams for something else, feeling more and more empty by the second.  

And maybe Dick knows that, because after blowing playfully over his wet nipples, he kisses his way downwards over Jasons chest. Taking his time at the different scars, mapping them with his tongue. The Omega is torn apart by relishing in the soft touches and wanting more. So much more.  

He keens in surprise as suddenly a warm and calloused hand wraps around his achingly hard prick and teases his already leaking slit with a thumb. He is almost swept away in his own lust with how good it feels. By then Dick is back to kneeling between his legs, looking down at what he does to Jason.  

“Should have know you wouldn’t have one of these little dicks that Omegas tend to do”, he murmurs and Jason has no idea how the Alpha can still sound this sane, while he is losing his mind over here. “Such a nice looking one too. My pretty amazing Omega. Can’t wait to get my mouth on it further down the line. You are big enough that you could make me gag on it.” 

“Oh god..”, he groans, not knowing if his head is burning from his heat or from how Dicks words impact him. But the image! Oh god, the image. The thought of having the Alphas mouth and lips around his own dick.. By now he is seriously leaking slick. 

Something that his Alpha probably noticed long before him, but only now gets his attention as his free hand unerringly finds his entrance and rubs his fingertips gently over Jasons folds. Dipping into the Omegas slick, before bringing the fingers to his mouth and sucking on them. Moaning appreciative.  

Just as Jasons had been moaning about having at least something close to where he wanted it. Just as he had been melting and burning all the same about being touched there. “Alpha..”, he protests and gets shushed again.  

“God Jay, you taste incredible.”  

Jason only hums, as his legs are further spread, his already in overtime working heart speeding up again, as the Alpha actually burrows between his legs and takes a long lick along his folds. The Omega shudders in unkept arousal. Still trying to keep himself in check, about feeling the warm and wet stripe, before howling as Dick starts eating him out. Using his fingers to rub and tease, before holding him open and dipping his tongue into Jason.  

The Omega howls and is hit out of nowhere by his orgasm as Dick sucks and teases his way deeper into Jason, with the vigor of a starving man. He shoots his load onto his own chest and his thighs quiver around the Alphas head, whose radiating smugness without stopping. Further pleasuring the Omega, before sneakily entering him with one finger. Which slides in without the faintest resistance and reminds Jason through his mix of satisfaction and lust that he still wants more. That he wants to be filled and claimed completely by his Alpha. That he wants to be bred. 

“Alpha.. Alpha, please!”, he begs. His body won't stop shaking and somehow, he feels even emptier, now that he had found some release.  

With a last lick and kiss, the Alpha sits up, gathering the last of Jasons slick around his mouth with his tongue. Keeping the finger in Jason and moving it slowly in and out, with the Omega pressing down against it, as much as he can. A needy whine leaves his lips, his desperation mounting rapidly.  

Dicks answering grin is a wicked thing. “Don’t you beg prettily? Do you feel how you try to keep my finger in? Does it feel good, Little Wing?” 

Jason moans. “So good, Alpha. More. Please.” 

Dick hums again, all pride and Alpha. “Of course. Everything for my pretty Omega.” The second finger glides in just as easy as the first. It’s amazing. It’s not enough. Not nearly enough. He whines again, as the Alpha starts scissoring him. “Can’t wait to take you, Little Wing. You already feel so hot around my fingers.” It registers somewhere in Jasons mind that the Alpha doesn’t sound all that cool anymore. That his voice is breathless in anticipation. He finds himself preening at the thought of being responsible for it.  

The third one does make him feel fuller, but it still isn’t enough. He already feels overstimulated and not nearly enough at the same time. “Dickie, please!” 

“Fuck. Alright. Hold on.” The Alpha removes his fingers, which has Jason keening in protest until Dick let his cock glide between Jasons folds. Getting it slicked up. There are a lot of breathless words leaving Jasons mouth, but he can't’ be bothered to care about them. He needs Dick in him. Now! 

They both moan loudly as the Alpha finally positions himself and slowly enters Jason. The Omega tenses for a moment, thrown by the sheer feel of size difference, instantly being soothed by gentle hands petting him and murmurs. 

“Relax sweetheart. You can take it and it will feel so good.” 

Despite being overwhelmed by his need, by finding himself clenching around Dicks length and getting used to the feeling of being penetrated like this, it’s the Alphas voice that grounds him. That is so loving over his heated skin. He gives a sigh and does as being told. Relaxing around Dick, who praises him and continues to fuck deeper into him with short and shallow trusts. Getting further inside with each one, until Jason has finally taken him completely.  

The Alpha releases a harsh breath, before stopping his movement. Still petting over Jasons skin, who tries to get used to the feeling of being this full. Of having his Alpha this deep in him.  

“You are such a good Omega, Jason. You feel amazing and you are doing so well for your Alpha.” 

His pleased keen at that morphs into a moan, as he moves unintentionally. Fuck. Fuck, it feels good. “Move”, he orders or begs. He doesn’t know anymore. And Dick does. The first thrusts being slow and careful, with Jason feeling every inch sliding against his inner walls. Almost leaving him before gliding back in with one long and slow thrust. It’s heaven. He never wants to do anything else in his life ever again. Having his Alphas thick and hot cock sliding into him, over and over again, being that close to him, feeling claimed and cared for. Feeling wanted. His mind swims with everything he feels.  

They fall into a rhythm until Dick leans forward and Jason surges up. Kissing each other open mouthed. Conveying the need to be even closer. To touch each other in more places. To connect even more. Jason moans into his Alphas mouth, his hands now being able to roam over the sweat glistening body. Feeling the hard muscles move under the warm skin. He mumbles Dicks name mindlessly between moans before something in the Alphas scent changes and slams into him. Has it been arousal and lust before, now it's the deep need to possess , to own and to claim. It hangs heavy between them as the Alpha picks up the pace. Faster and if possible, even deeper thrusts and Dicks mouth leaving him, to leave a trail of little bites everywhere he can reach on Jasons skin.  

Their moans and heavy breathing are underlined by the lewd sound it makes every time Dick slides fully into him. Eased by all that slick that is still flowing out of him. Jason holds on for dear life on Dicks shoulders as he feels the first sign of the Alphas knot forming. Already widening him further with each press. He whines and shivers in anticipation. Accepting the low, possessive growl in his ear with tilting his head, driven by pure instinct. Showing his throat and his submission. 

He comes with a shout as Dick thrusts hard enough into him, to get the further growing knot in and sucks on his mating gland with intend. His vision whites out for a moment, as Dick ejaculates deep in him and his knot sets. Stretching him out until it feels too much. Too full. Only to have his attention taken away from it. 

“Do you feel that? What you do to me? You are mine. My Omega. Mine.”  

Jason clenches down at the almost aggressive sounding words, making everything even more intensive and overwhelming. He can still feel Dick throbbing. Finally, his Alpha breeds him.  

“Yours”, he murmurs, nuzzling against his Alphas temple, who still licks and sucks over his mating gland. Each new touch from Dicks lips and teeth having Jason shuddering under him in pleasure and the little lightning strikes of anticipation under his skin. 

“I won’t ever let you go again.” 

Jason huffs. How can his Alpha be this stupid? As if he wanted to be anywhere else. With how good he had just been fucked, and is being stuck on his Alphas knot. “Zip it and fill me up.” 

The Alpha laughs against his neck and suddenly the mood is lighter. The underlying aggression gone just as fast as it came up. “What do you think I am doing here?” Dick thrusts forward, just as much as the knot allows and Jason bites into the Alphas shoulder, to suppress his moan at the smoldering hot pleasure. Which only has the Alpha twitching more, while giving a satisfied and pleased rumble.  

And with the knot still there, pulling them together and Dick filling him up, he still can’t help it: “We are so doing that again.” 

Dick presses one last kiss against the gland, before finally relaxing against Jason. Who doesn’t mind the Alphas weight on him at all. It’s grounding. As if the Alpha is supposed to be right there. “We will not be doing much else the next few days.” 

Jason yawns, suddenly feeling tired again. Leaning his temple against Dicks he hums. “Thats good. You did very well Alpha. Bred me so full. I can feel you so deep.” He doesn’t question where these words are coming from. He wants his Alpha to know that his Omega is happy with him. And going by the proud scent, happy Alpha purring and all the little kisses against his glistening skin, he delivered the message.  

The silence that spawns between them is relaxed and satisfied and maybe Jason would have been a bit more apprehensive about it, if he had known that he wouldn’t fully come up from it for quite some time, after his next wave hit him.  

Time is a blur after that. There are flashes that have him aware and remembering, but the bigger part is one big pleased and needy haze.  

He remembers needing a few more knots that first day, before he could even think about sleep. He remembers parts of the second day, with Dick bringing him to enough orgasms between knots, to have him crying overstimulated tears. Because otherwise he never would have gotten enough and settled down. With Dick lapping them up from his cheeks and praising his good, perfect Omega.  

Jason remembers being handfed, because he couldn’t be bothered, having had more interest in licking his Alphas fingers.  

Or being lured into the shower, with Dick cleaning them both up and then ruining everything with blowing Jasons mind. Literally. He thanks every listening deity, that he still remembers the Alpha on his knees before him. Worshipping Jasons cock with his mouth, before fucking him against the wall without knotting him. Which might have enraged Jason at that time, but now seems like a good decision on the Alphas part.  

The third and last one, had been a lot slower, after the manic energy from the second day. With his mind still completely logged in on sex, but his need to get a knot a lot less burning. As he had finally be able to appreciate his Alpha fully. To stare and admire Dick in his naked state. To touch and taste and getting a crash course in returning favors. And fuck if he didn’t understand Dicks never ending rumblings about Jasons taste then. Because the Alpha tasted just how he smelled to the Omega. Mouthwatering and tantalizing. Heady and salty. All male and Alpha and powerful.  

Dick hadn’t complained at all about Jasons exploration, more than willing to show what and how he liked it. Never even an ounce of shame anywhere in sight and that, and the heat obviously, helping Jason a lot along the way. Especially with winding down and noticing that he liked some things more than others himself.  

Strangely enough Jason was melted wax in Dicks hands, whenever he fell back into that deeper Alpha mindset. Dominating and deciding how and how much Jason had to take. With directing touches that never left the firm but gentle domain. With claiming bites all over his body and marks sucked into his skin, that never felt anything but on the good side of painful. With declarations of ownership that never failed to reassure and please him.  

God, he loved that side of Dick and even now, feeling as if the smallest movement was too much to ask for, he hopes that it is a reappearing occurrence in the bedroom. He can take that kind of Alpha there, without getting mad about it.  

And never mind that he marked up Dick just as obsessively. Because he needed to do it and to give his teeth something to do, beside biting into the Alphas mating glands. Which had been a thought he had. Only like 300 times or so.  

Most likely he hadn’t been alone in that, because Jason can feel his own in a way he never did before. Which isn’t any kind of wonder with how much Dick sucked and nibbled at them. They are probably all red and abused by now. 

It’s no wonder that a lot of accidental matings happen like this. With the Alphas head full of heat pheromones that bring every instinct to the surface. Including the need to claim the Omega they are pumping full. And seeing how Jason felt after smelling and hearing Dick like that, he thinks it impacts Omegas just as much.  

The arm that had been lazily lying around his hip tightens for a moment and Dick, who had spooning up to him, nuzzles between his shoulders. “What has you thinking so deeply? Everything alright?” 

Jason gives a content purr, now being reminded about his Alphas naked body against his own. It feels safe and right to have him there. Even out of heat. Or maybe especially out of it. Dick purrs right back. A sound Jason came to appreciate over the last days. A sound that isn’t meant to be heard outside from closest family. A pair. Their pups. Maybe in a close knitted packnest, but no further.  

“Just trying to get the last days in some kind of order in my head.” He finally answers and Dick chuckles. “Yeah, you were a bit out of it most times. How are you feeling?” 

Jason wiggles himself around in Dicks arms, until he is lying on his back and glancing over to his Alpha. Who looks just as tired and worn out as Jason feels. With his hair hanging into his forehead and his eyes only half lidded. Not to mention all the little bruises in his darker skin, that the Omega just had thought about. None the less, the scent in the air is all content, happy, satisfied and proud. Jason thinks the Alpha has every right to be proud.  

“Besides feeling every muscle in my body and even a few I never knew I had, I feel surprisingly good.” And he does. There is no regret. He brings his hand up to Dicks cheek and smiles at him. “I am glad it has been with you.” 

The Alpha presses a soft kiss into his palm before groaning quietly. “Don’t say things like that to me now. I might want to take you again and I can’t anymore. You wrung me dry.” 

A surprised laugh bursts out of Jasons chest and Dick grins at him, not even looking the tiniest bit chagrined. It only slowly turns into a smile that can’t be anything but loving. “I am glad you feel that way, Jay.” 

Jason returns it, thinking himself a bit silly with how much his heart overflows with tenderness for the Alpha. “You threated me well after all.” 

“How could I not? You deserve that and so much more.” Dick, who had been getting up and leaning on his elbow, to look down at Jason, leans in and kisses his temple. “I plan on keeping doing that for a long time, my darling Omega.” 

His purr intensifies, already knowing that his scent tells Dick everything he needs to know. With how very pleased he is and how much affection Jason has for him. Maye even his love. Which is something he isn’t ready to bring into words and he knows that Dick would never pressure for it. He can smell the truth from the Alpha anyway. It’s as much curse as it can be blessing.  

“At least you are not calling me little anymore.” 

The grin is back. “I gathered you wouldn’t let me get away with it anymore.” Another kiss against his bare shoulder. “But you liked it. Just as much as every other pet name. Your Omega is a lot more honest than you are about these.” 

“Yeah, right”, he snorts amused but not disputing it fully. “Because that doesn’t go for your Alpha as well, Mister Ownership.” 

Dick is surprisingly unrepentant. “Can’t really help it. My Alpha never claimed anyone for himself before, so it’s a bit hard to keep him in check.” 

He blinks. “Uhm.. What about Babs? Or Kori?” 

The Alpha looks apprehensive for a moment, before a thoughtful expression takes over. “I loved them both, but that part of me was always.. indifferent? Not hindering but not urging forward either.” 

His pulse skyrockets as his heart starts hammering in his throat again. “And with me it’s different?” 

Dicks answering smile is fond and so warm. “Very different.” 

Damn that stupid, caring, idiotic Alpha that has no right to trample into Jasons soul and make his home there, but he has to kiss him. 

And so he does.      

Chapter Text

Dicks apartment was, for the lack of a better word, homey. Cluttered in a good and lived in way, with pictures on the wall and cozy looking colorful rugs over the hardwood flooring. The furniture was done in light tones, adding to the open feeling. It was everything the manor wasn’t, which its stiff air that screamed old money. It also was everything that Jasons own apartment never got the chance to be. Jason couldn’t say what it was exactly, but it all felt so very much like Dick.   

For a moment it amuses him somewhat that it took him the better part of three days to finally get a look around, but it is what it is. The room the Alpha prepared for him is still pretty bare, compared to the rest. For him to shape it into something of his own. It feels good and wrong at the same time.  

He likes the idea about having a place to close the door and be allowed his privacy. One that wouldn’t be invaded without good reason. On the other hand, he doesn’t like the thought of not sharing a nest with Dick. Maybe it’s the aftermath from his heat, or the simple fact that they spent it together, but there is this sheer wrongness about thinking sleeping in a room apart from the Alpha. 

Which is why he closes the door and heads back into Dicks bedroom, to redo the nest and later to prepare the much needed load for the washing machine. Mostly because it feels right and to turn his mind away from the fact that Nightwing is out on patrol. To at least get a bearing about what happened outside while they had been fucking each other silly.  

Jason hadn’t brought his Red Hood stuff, after thinking it over carefully. If there would be some kind of emergency, there are always black clothes and normal Domino masks. It still is strange, to be here and doing household stuff while Dick is out there, fighting whoever. Doing Omega shit, while the Alpha is keeping the city safe. He snorts at his own dumb thoughts, finishing up with the nest and gathering the bedsheets and anything else that needs it up in his arms.  

Good thing that he is comfortable enough with himself, to not start spiraling about something like this. He could dance around here in a pink dress and high heels and it still wouldn’t change the fact that he could fight most Alphas as easily as breathing. Doing things that others would see as appropriate for his dynamic, isn’t breaking stuff from his crown.  

That weren’t the parts that had him fighting with his own instincts. At least before Dick and the Alphas endlessly patient guiding. And now? Now that not only his brain but his body knows that Dick is honestly interested in him and in something serious, what is there to fret about?  

Having filled up the washing machine, he starts the program and leans against it for a moment. Honestly, some of his problems might have come from a different place then the thought about Omegas in general.  

As his body started changing, preparing him for his abnormal late presentation he had still been struggling with himself. With his body. With the man that stared back out to him from the mirror. To this day he doesn’t know if he grew into most of it while being a braindead zombie or if it really was all done by the Pit. If this was even how he was supposed to look like, if he had had an easier childhood?  

He still had been in a phase when he had a hard time acknowledging that he was having problems with himself. With his impending presentation added to that, was it really a wonder he struggled? Personally, he doesn’t mind his body now. Jason likes to be strong and able to be taken seriously. But then? With no pack to support him? With still ongoing fights against the madness to stay sane? With all that tension with Batman and the others?  

He hadn’t made it easy on himself either. Not once sitting down and confronting himself about these thoughts. Add being an Omega to that and the explosive mixture had been perfect. Of course, with all the shit happening to him, this had to been piled up on him too.  

But the thing is, along the way he seems to have done something right. Or maybe Dick had. Because he hadn’t thought even once that he should hide his body from the Alpha. That Jason wouldn’t be appealing to him. That Dick would have to force himself to touch him or some other shit like that.  

He trusts that Dicks attraction to him is real, despite Jason being so very far from looking anything like what would be called standard for Omegas.  

Moving into the kitchen, he is pleasantly surprised to find enough stuff to get a stew going. The preparation for it is mindless enough and they both need something more then the sandwiches they did gobble down like cavemen. Hell, it had been as if his body decided out of the blue to remember that he needs food. The stuff that he did accept from Dick while in heat, not having been nearly enough to fill him up. Or to sustain a body like his.  

Afterwards he let Dick have his shower first, after having been promised a bath. And usually Jason isn’t the bath kind of guy. It always felt like it made him too vulnerable. What if someone found him like that? A shower can be done in minutes. It had been comfort against safety and it should be clear what always would win in his mind.  

But this time? With Nightwing out on patrol? He kinda started to understand why others raved about it. His muscles getting a chance to relax had been another big plus. He even found out that he was a lot less wound then he thought he would be. The biological wonders of slick or whatever.  

Turning down the heat on the finished stew, to let it simmer, his eyes stop on the calendar on the fridge. That, on a probably very coincidental note, is the same as the one that appeared on his own, shows that they only have tomorrow left before he has to go back. Which sucks a lot. Not about spending his heat with Dick, by now honestly really. Nothing against it. But he hoped to spend time with the Alpha that he actually remembers. Time that would refill his empty batteries with human interaction when he wouldn’t have to think over every single one of his words and actions.  

It also a reminder that, while he feels pretty great right now, there is still a world full of problems waiting outside of this little bubble. And these are a lot differently from the ones he is used to.  

He can hear the sound of traps being dismantled, with that one being so ingrained into his brain that he would be able decipher it out of his sleep. Walking over to the living room, he leans against the doorframe and watches Nightwing climbing in and closing the blinds, after having armed the traps again.  

Besides knowing that the Alpha is just as tired as Jason, every movement is all silent grace. Only enhanced by the striking blue lines on the black suit, that as usually shows off every single sinuous muscle line.  

“You know”, he starts after a sigh, crossing his arms in front of his chest and raising an eyebrow as Dick turns to him. “It’s a bit annoying to have you look like your usual perfect self when even the thought about sex has me tearing up in lost energy.” 

There is a secretive little smile on the Alphas lips as he crosses the room and noses against Jasons temple, before kissing his cheek. “I am not too sure about the perfect bit, but if the suit does anything for you, I am sure we can do something about it at a later point.” 

Returning the greeting with nuzzling against Dicks chin without thinking about it, he rolls his eyes. “Don’t be obtuse.” He waits exactly long enough to see the Alpha preparing for an answer. “There is no fucking way I wouldn’t want Nightwing between the sheets at some point or another.” 

He would love to be able to smell what Dicks scent does at that little declaration. Or his eyes. But sadly, the mask and scent patches are still on. The little smile returns. “Oh, you think there is a difference?” 

Jason brings up his shoulders. “No idea. I don’t care. There doesn’t have to be a difference. It’s the god damn suit. You can’t tell me that you have no idea what that thing does for ones fantasies.” 

The smile turns into a smirk. “No idea at all.” 

“This is so unfair”, Jason points out exasperated. “Everyone sees your smile and thinks ‘good guy’, instead of identifying you as a certified bullshitter.” 

“Takes one, to know one.” Dick waves him away uncaringly, pressing his lips against Jasons in a short kiss before moving away. Probably to change. “I still have the one with the stripes, you know?” 

Jasons low rasped “Fuck” is being met with another smirk, before the Alpha vanishes in his bedroom. Asshole. 

They decide to forgo the table and are sitting on Dicks couch. Each with their own bowl of food. The shirt the Alpha is wearing is loosely hanging around his frame, showing off at least one of the marks Jason left on Dicks collarbone.  

With how worn out Jason feels, he isn’t getting all worked up about it, but the deep satisfaction is still there. Which reminds him about something. Turning his upper body around and leaning his shoulder against the sofas backrest, he stares thoughtfully at the contently eating Alpha.  

“As my heat started one of my biggest thoughts was that you needed to smell like me. That I needed to claim you. I always thought that was more of an Alpha thing?” 

He has to hand it to Dick, he doesn’t appear to be startled by the question at all. His blue eyes slant over to Jason. “You seem to work under some kind of misconception here, Jason. I won’t deny having explored my sexuality, but you are only the second Omega I spent that kind of heat with.” 

And wait, what? Misconception alright! “No way”, he breathes, feeling his eyes going wide. “You were all confident and taking charge!” 

“So?”, Dick points his spoon at him. “You got confident too after a while. Instincts and pheromones do go a long way.” The Alpha hesitates for a second, before barreling on. “And honestly, heat sex is easy. Omega wants knot, Alpha gives knot.” 

That.. Jason feels the flush he is kinda getting used to by now. Some part of him wanting to go silently back to his food, but the other part is being encouraged by Dicks obviously unconcerned reaction. Talking about sex is normal. Talking is used to make things better. Nothing to be ashamed of. His brain just needs to accept the fact. 

“You did more then that”, he finally points out and Dick nods his agreement. “I don’t like easy sex. I like to make my partner feel good with a bit more then my knot.” The blue eyes wander over Jasons body. “If you are interested there are a lot of things I want to show and explore with you.” 

And listen, there is no world where Jason would say no to that. In either dimension. And boy, does he resent his body this moment, but without getting some of Ivys pollen directly into his bloodstream there isn’t any way of getting hard anytime soon. “That”, he croaks and nods. “Yes. Super interested.”  

Hell, he would probably care about appearing needy, like it is said about being Omegas, but Dicks smile is so pleased and happy that he can’t bring up the energy. “Who was the other Omega?” 

The Alpha hesitates for a second before sighing. “Wally”, he finally admits and Jason raises an eyebrow. That might have been the last name he expected to hear. Dick continues before he can ask questions. “It’s still unclear if the heat was somehow induced or one of the freak accidents that just sometimes happen, but it didn’t even dip into platonic. He chose me, from the people there to help him through it.” Dick looks away, staring into nothingness, seemingly remembering. “It was awkward on so many levels and easy on others. We trusted each other and did what was.. needed, but I always had that thought in the back of my mind. That he was my friend and while I love him as my best friend, I don't in that way. We were uncomfortable with each other for a while afterwards, until we sat down and talked it out. We both could have gone without the experience, but in the end it made our friendship stronger.” 

Jason is silent for a while, eating his stew and mulling it over. But in the end he decides to repay the honesty with his own. “As my body decided to grow a pussy and rearrange my insides, I obviously knew what was coming and having seen a lot in the streets, that played a big role in my decision to get and stay on suppressants. Wally can count his lucky stars that you had been there and that you had been willing to help him.” In his mind there wasn’t even the smallest part that thought that Dick would have touched the Omega without being asked for it.  

“And I mean that. Getting it on with just the next best random Alpha seems terrible but going through my presentation heat alone, I can understand that it might seem as the smaller evil for some Omegas.” 

Although it does seem kinda horrible to sleep with a friend like this. It’s no wonder that they had a hard time with each other afterwards. “Sometimes it feels as if Omegas are just set out to lose in one way or another.” 

Dick had been relaxing as Jason talked, maybe having been ready to get unfairly judged or something. Hell, the Alpha has definitely a thing for blaming himself about stuff that isn’t his fault to begin with. “Just another reason that makes packs so important. The probability to fall into a sexual heat are so much lower in a packnest.” 

Leaning over to put his empty bowl on the lower couch table, he sits back again. “Especially with another Omega or pups there.” 

“Jupp”, the Alpha copies him, with his own bowl and turns to Jason. Both of them sitting sideways and facing each other now. “A big hurray for healthy packs.” 

Jason finds himself on the ball for the change in the air. “I had wondered”, he murmurs, his fingers playing out a silent melody on the back rest. “With you being a prime Alpha.. You never felt the urge to.. I don’t know. Just take over?” 

Dick huffs, silently torn between amusement and something else that swings in his expression and scent but Jason can’t instantly identify. “Your instincts always were sharp. There aren’t many people that clocked that.” 

“They must be blind or just haven’t brought it up with you.” Jason scoffs. That one was just as obvious as a big billboard sign on the street. The bigger Alpha population in the world was just that. Alphas. Perfectly fine to lead packs made out of family. And then there are primes. Alphas that are biologically born leaders. Able to form big packs that didn’t need the bonds to be familial.  

High ranking military officers are the example that is brought up most often, when discussing primes. Jason had always known that Dick would be growing into one. Saw him already as a fledgling one as he submitted.  

The Alpha is silent for the longest time, until he questions very softly: “Do you really want to know the truth about that one, Little Wing?” 

He nods. Doesn’t even need to think about it. Everything between them right now, feels like an intimate space for thoughts previously unvoiced. Like a place without judgement.  

The Alpha takes a deep breath, before searching out his eyes. “I don’t want the pack.” And hell, Jason would be lying if that doesn’t hit him completely out of left field. “I.. What?” 

There is a strange little smile on Dicks lips. “Surprising, isn’t it?” 

“You could say that”, Jason answers stupidly. “Why?” 

“Many reasons actually”, the Alpha replies, seemingly fine again, now that he started talking. “I get the pack if I win in a challenge fight against Bruce and I never found it in me to do that. And even if I did, then what? The mansion, the cave, all the resources and everything is Bruces. What the hell would I do with a pack like this?” He waves a hand around him. “Should they sleep on the floor, or what would be the grandiose plan?”  

Jason simply stares, as Dick continues, now being on a roll. “Should I tap into the money I got from Bruce? The Alpha I would have just dethroned? And then what? Let him be, ready to bring the next new Robin into the fold? Without being there for damage control? And the pack would just accept everything and just go with the flow? God..”, Dick brings up a hand into his hair and pulls, seemingly not even noticing that he is doing that. “Do you have any idea how many nights I was lying in my bed? Thinking about cutting ties for good? Leaving the pack and Bruce behind? In the end, the most I ever accomplished was moving here and put at least some distance into play.” 

Urging forwards, he pulls the surprised Alpha into a fierce hug, ignoring the exhale that would indicate that he uses too much of his strength. Their position is not exactly comfortable but he doesn’t care. “Stop it with the unflappable facade you self-sacrificing idiot Alpha”, he murmurs into the black wild hair. “You did more than anyone could ever expect from you. You are allowed to be overwhelmed with a situation. You are allowed to take a fucking break from being strong. I am the last person on Earth to judge you.” 

Dicks body is unrelenting until he takes a wet sounding breath and all but sags into Jasons arms. Burrowing his face against the Omegas neck and starting to shudder from time to time. Jason stays silent, only using a hand to rub slow circles over the Alphas back. Not acknowledging the wetness on his skin or the pain and sorrow in Dicks scent. It breaks his fucking heart and he wonders if this is how the Alpha feels with Jason sometimes, after being there for his own breakdowns. If this helplessness in his veins is normal for that kind of situation? If the unfocused rage he feels, at the thought that Dick had to carry everything alone for this long, is normal? 

Leaning his cheek against the Alphas head, he promises himself to be better. To be more observant and to call Dick out. And to wrap his head around the fact that besides everything he just told Jason, he had been honest in his offer to leave the pack with Jason. The heart of this man..  

He doesn’t know how long they are sitting like this, with Dicks tears having long stopped, but his body still shivering from time to time and Jason trying to provide stability and safety for once.  

So, he is almost surprised out of his trancelike state as the Alpha suddenly murmurs against his neck. “I thought about telling someone.” 

Jason clears his throat, still continuing his strokes over Dicks back. “Telling whom what?” 

This has the Alpha sitting up, but not moving back. The blue eyes are a bit red rimmed and lightly swollen, but it doesn’t look terrible. Honestly, at this point Jason isn’t sure that Dick has the ability to look terrible.  

“Clark. About everything.” 

Everything sounds like a whole lot if one would ask Jason. And there is another problem. “Did Bruce ever spank you? Or something like that? You know, the Alpha side of punishments?” He stutters to a halt, swallowing something down that could be bile. “I don’t mean.. not that stuff.” 

Dick sighs, his breath gliding over Jasons chin. “That didn’t happen as often as you seem to think. Bruce isn’t abusive.” 

“Then what is he?”, he counters without thinking about it and maybe already regretting it at Dicks flinch. But isn’t that his thing? Continuing even after knowing that he started something he might not be prepared for? His whole shtick? “Okay. Let’s say he isn’t. Could you answer me please?” 

“In the beginning a few times”, the Alpha admits softly. “Mostly when I endangered myself against his orders. It stopped as a whole in my teens.” 

Jason nods stiffly. “And lets say he would do that to Damian if he presented as Alpha. Would you feel ok about it?” 

Dick looks thoughtful at the question, but it takes a while before he nods. “Yes. I did feel grounded afterwards and like I was worth to be kept safe.” Which clearly states the differences between Alphas and Omegas, but Jason wouldn’t be able to judge that and so he doesn’t try. He needs to trust Dicks judgement here.  

“And would Clark understand these differences if we would go to him? Between the behavior that we have problems with and normal Packalpha shit?” Superman doesn’t have a dynamic as far as Jason knows. Everything is already complicated enough with them trying to understand it. How could they ever explain that to someone existing outside of all these useless instincts? 

“No”, Dick concedes. “Probably not to the extend we would need him to understand.” Which would also exclude the other person that Bruce might be willing or forced to listen to, with the Amazons somehow never having gained secondary genders. And going through the other people that they might even entertain telling something that uncomfortable and shameful, not that they should feel that way, but they probably both do, there aren’t many left. If any.  

“God damn it”, he curses as the pieces come all together in the end. Showing a picture that he would have liked to avoid at many costs. Dick looks at him, his eyes dark with turmoil that Jason is pretty sure are copied in his own. “You already thought about all that as you offered me to break with the pack together with you, didn’t you?” 

The Alpha nods, an unhappy slant in the corner of his mouth. “It got worse as the bond between us grew and we got closer to each other. Especially after Bruce forced you back into the pack.” 

Jasons makes a defeated sound and leans back, bringing Dick with him. Having the Alpha lying above him, between his legs as they stretch out on the couch. “Which means there is really only one option left, without risking my health and feeling like shit for the rest of our lives about leaving the others behind.” 

He closes his eyes, as if to avoid the truth that spills from Dicks mouth and that condemns them both. “We have to fix the pack.” 

Chapter Text

Getting down from the bike, he just let himself drive by Dick for forty minutes, he can’t help himself about starring at the Fair that thrones up before them. Already lit up with all its colorful lightbulbs, with the sun slowly going down. The big Ferris wheel overshadowing everything at its end. The music and the screams from people in the rides are audible, even out here at the parking lot.  

Jason can’t remember when he has been last to a Fair and probably never to a state one. Which, according to Dick, was the whole point. The Alpha had been adamant about them spending that day together. “Just for us, Little Wing.” Or what had been left from it, as they had finally woken up. They both had a hard time with sleep after their talk and each hanging around with their own thoughts while watching some late night tv shows.  

Truth to be told, Jason had been quite willing to go along with everything that wasn’t another dramatic episode for both of them. Which meant lazing around with their coffees and lunch and Dick deciding on their next date in his quest to ‘woo’ him. Maybe he had dryly pointed out that Dick already had him in bed and there certainly was no need for it anymore. 

Dick had rolled his eyes and told him that sex never had been the point of it, before grabbing a small parcel from a drawer and handing it to him. And listen, maybe Jason hadn’t known what to do with his feelings, as a small silver earring landed in his palm, as he opened the gift. In the form of a single wing, just big enough to cover his earlobe. He had walked silently into the bathroom to put it on his left ear. Turning his head just enough to admire it in its simplicity.  

The Alpha had followed and watched him with dark eyes. Smoldering with something that didn’t take Jason long to identify with the hints coming from Dicks scent too. Another hint might have been the way and manner he found himself being pressed against the counter and kissed senseless. With one of the Alphas hands, holding his head and caressing over the earring with his thumb.  

Dick was staging another claim and getting all hot and bothered with his own possessiveness over it, about seeing the wing on Jason. He can’t say that he minded it. At all. But he still wouldn’t have been himself if he didn’t tease the Alpha. “I am not getting a tattoo with your name. Dick.”  

Dick had frowned for a second before nodding, easily admitting defeat. Too easily. “A Nightwing in black and blue would look better anyway.” And god damn it. Jason had stayed silent too long, still processing and imagining, because Dicks satisfied smirk didn’t leave his face for a long time. No matter how much Jason tried to tell him that the Alpha could forget it.  

Storing his helmet besides Dicks, the Alpha smiles and takes his hand, to pull him forwards. “Stop looking like that. This will be fun.” 

“Dick”, he hisses softly, catching up but not releasing the warm hand that holds his so securely. “I am not sure that I can remember the last time I had any kind of fun outing!” Which earns him one of Dicks patented ‘poor little thing’-looks that he doesn’t like at all if they are aimed at him. He had other things to do and to accomplish! Going to a fucking Fair hadn’t been exactly high on his list. Or even on there.  

“That only makes it more important, Jay.” Dick assures him, bringing their intertwined hands up to kiss the back of his. Again, looking so earnestly at him with his open blue eyes that hide nothing. Dismantling all his defenses before Jason can mount them. “We are allowed to have fun. To have this.” And fuck it all. And fuck Dicks manipulation with including both of them, because they are. They are allowed to have this.  

But damn it, if he will give in gracefully. “Fine”, he grouches. “But you better shoot me something. I won't be seen with an Alpha that can’t.” 

Somehow Dick has started with these little smirks around him and Jason can’t help it but feeling weak to them. They just look so good on the Alphas face. Especially when they are playful. Or charged with sexy energy. Or both.  

“Aww, that's so cute! You want your Alpha to shoot you some plushie?”  

Jason doesn’t know what his face does at that, but it must have conveyed his horror enough because Dick starts laughing. Deep laughs from the belly, until he leans against Jason. “You are so easy to tease, Little Wing.” 

He rolls his eyes, but drops their hands and sneaks an arm around Dicks hip. And his own horror and Dicks teasing or not: “Let's see who will laugh at the end when I show you up.” 

The Alpha only grins brighter. “I have no problems with my Omega showing off.” Which is another thing the older man has started to incooperate a lot more in his sentences since his heat. The little claims about Jasons being Dicks. And while not wrong, it does something to him every fucking time.  

By now they are at the entrance and kind of in the middle between many of other people. A lot of different kind of music is being heard from the stalls and rides and the air is full of sweet and savory smells. There are just as many families around as teenagers. Or pairs like them. Or groups of friends. It’s a happy atmosphere. He thought it would make him more uncomfortable, but now he wonders why. No one here cares about him, or them, in one way or another. It is somehow freeing to just be some other random dude between so many others.  

“You want me to show off?”, he murmurs finally, his eyes roaming over a shield that declares what stuff the booth sells. “Should we get a Corn Dog?” 

The Alpha shakes his head. “Later. Lets drive something first.” 

Jason sighs. “You will have me on the Ferris wheel too, won’t you?” His answer is another smile and he concedes to his fate with giving a long exasperated breath while already getting dragged to one of the rides. It's tall with a lot of arms that have the seating thingies on them. They don’t only turn with the ride, but in itself too. Jason eyes it distrustful. “We should have just gone to an Amusement Park. Roller Coasters look a lot better. Or you know? Universal? With the cool Jaws ride?” 

“Little bit short notice for that”, Dick answers, while already paying for their tickets and gently bullying him further in. “And I hate to be the one to tell you, but that ride has been closed for years.” 

“No way!” Jason feels personally betrayed by that information and let the attendance guy control the security as Dick hands over their tickets. “I always wanted to go on that one.” 

“You like Jaws?” The Alpha looks intrigued and Jason frowns at him, as the ride slowly starts.  

“Who doesn’t like Jaws? I think I watched that movie so often that Bruce and Alfred got so sick of it, that they set up an extra tv in another room.” For once it doesn’t evoke uneasiness to talk about before.  

“What about the other parts?” 

The rides speed is picking up and their capsule starts spinning around itself. “Listen”, Jason starts. “The second one is fine but the third is pure guilty pleasure. I adored the idea of that kind of waterpark. That made it good.”  

Dicks hair swirls wildly around him. It’s a good look. But just as the Alpha wants to answer, the speed picks up again and finally Jason understands why this ride had been so silent. He is being pressed into his seat and simply unable to talk. Or scream. Not that he would. He is not the type to scream in a fucking fair ride. 

But he still might be very happy as it finally stops with all the forwards and backwards turns at a neck breaking speed. And if his stomach is the tiniest amount of wobbly, he will never tell anyone.  

“Ah, that was a great start!”, Dick gushes besides him, eyes already roaming around. Probably in search for the next terrible ride. The whole body brimming with energy and the hair still all windblown. Jason really can’t help it. He has to reach out and pull the Alpha in, to kiss him.  

Nothing deep or indecent, there are kids around after all, but he needs to express himself. What he feels more and more often when he sees the Alpha all happy. Dick smiles against his lips and all that is missing is the Alphas scent. But they are obviously wearing scent patches. The same as everyone else. It’s law for this kind of gathering and no one wants to smell this many people after all. The chaos that could conjure up would be unbelievable. 

Freshly presented Alphas getting whiffs from Omegas in early pre-heat? And that is just one of the scenarios. Also, like this it is a lot easier to hide dynamics and not being harassed about it. Because there are always people that like to do that shit.    

Finally letting go of Dicks lips, Jason kisses his hairline. “Alright Alpha, what's our next ride?” 

It is fully night by the time Dick is finally ready for them to ‘relax’. And that seems to be the new code for a ride on the Ferris wheel. “Dickie..”, Jason is not too proud anymore to admit that he is whining. He let himself be cajoled into every single ride that wasn’t explicitly for children. He even found some of them actually good. But there are so many enticing smells around and he is getting hungry for real. “Can’t we at least eat before?” 

Dick looks torn for all but a second, before shaking his head. “Nope. Come on.” Jason thinks he might be the most dumbly smitten Omega in the whole Universe to only sigh and allow this shit.  

The cabin is big enough for four people, but they get one alone. Seems like this is a thing. Romantic or whatever. Jason would like to point out that he is totally romanced by Dick wearing a shirt that shows off his marks, while sitting on a couch. Or the earring. He is super romanced by that one too.  

The Alpha sits down beside him, leaning shoulder on shoulder and their hands find each other again. They are silent for what feels like the first time in hours. They fell from one theme to talk about into the next, the only breaks in between on the fast rides. Once started, it had been so easy to fall into the banter and easy jokes. To debate the Jaws movies and what kind of bikes they liked. About some of the games they saw and would like to try out later that night. About seemingly being underdressed in their jeans and normal shirts. That one had them giggling like little kids, after watching some other pairs in front of them.  

The silence now is comfortable and warm. They don’t need to talk to have a good time with each other. And as they slowly get higher and higher, Jason has a little revelation. “I think I might actually feel wooed right now.” 

“Oh, that so?” Dick answers, his face being half in the dark and half being lit by the gaudy red bulbs that sit on the big wheel. “Are you having a good time?” 

He finally gives in, after hours of looking at Dicks wild hair and reaches out to tame it back a bit. “Strangely, I have.” 

The Alpha lets him, waiting him out until Jason is satisfied with his work. Through some magical reason the blue eyes look even brighter in this half-baked darkness. “Then it might be time to tell you that this”, he taps on the earring, “is a courting gift.” 

Jason raises an eyebrow. “Weren’t you the one that said you don’t care about what name to call it?” 

“I said I was doing it anyway, no matter what it was being called at that time. First to lure you in with wooing...”, Dick is leaning closer, his warm breath puffing over Jasons lips. “To then reel you in with courting.” The Alphas lips are just as soft and warm as before, but it still feels different. With more meaning? More intent? Jason finds he doesn’t care, as long as they kiss him. As long as Dick kisses him as if he is something special. Something to be treasured. He keens into the kiss and the Alpha rumbles back.  

“And it’s a good thing that I do that, with how clueless you are to other peoples interest. You didn’t even notice that one Alpha duo that ate you with their eyes.” 

Jasons snorts, leaning back a bit to stare incredulously at Dick. “What the hell are you talking about?”  

The other man gesticulates in his direction, rolling his eyes. “Thats exactly what I am talking about. You clean up so nice and you don’t even know it! They would have so gone for you, if I hadn’t draped myself all around you.” 

“Yeah. Right. You are a bit delusional. Don’t make your taste into everyone elses.” Not that Jason hadn’t been pleased with his Alphas full attention the whole time. But this? This was crazy. 

Dick honest to God growls lowly at him. It doesn’t sound playful, and he finds himself freezing. “My taste is immaculate, Omega. And I don’t appreciate you putting yourself down again. They were there and I didn’t imagine the rest. You could give me that much awareness at least.” 

He chirps at Dick, that being a sound he didn’t even know he could make, before starting to laugh. “Oh god, Dick. My heat fucked you up. You are worse than usual with your Alpha talk.” 

The Alpha looks constipated, before it morphs into sheepishness and it might not only be the red light from outside that highlights Dicks cheeks. “You can't fault me!” Jason raises an eyebrow, still more on the side of amusement than anything else. “I can’t?” 

Dick shakes his head. “Nope. You know, I still have your scent in my nose.” He comes closer and starts nuzzling into Jasons neck. Who leans his head to the side, to automatically give the Alpha more space. “I still see you, all spread out before me, every time I close my eyes.” He starts nibbling at where Jasons scent glands are covered by the patch. “I would break arms before they could touch you, Little Wing.” 

Jason groans, sudden heat burning in his veins. So very differently from his actual heat, but still smoldering. “Shit, Alpha. Don’t say things like that to me, while we are on a very public Fair ride.” He let his fingers tease the seam of Dicks shirt, before slipping under it and touch the warm, smooth skin greedily. The muscles quivering under his fingertips giving him a heady feeling.  

“You are the one going under my clothes”, the Alpha points out, laughing breathlessly, before leaning back. Clutching at Jasons hands to bring them back into kid friendly territory.  

“See”, Jason snarks back, already grinning again and settling down with their hands between them. “I would never do that, if you wouldn’t edge me on.” 

“Mhh”, Dick hums, looking way too pleased. “I remember that too.” 

This time Jasons groan is on the painful side. “You are such a fucking tease, Dick.” And he might mean the body part this time and not the name. Which the Alpha seems to clock, but quite happy to ignore. His smile is promising all kind of things. “Darling, I swear that I won't tease you unduly later. You just have to let me be a bit possessive about you for now.” 

Jason huffs, ignoring that his heart pumps his blood a lot faster through his body now. “I have not even told you to stop. You can go all out Alpha for all I care. Just don’t get stupid enough that I want to sink into the ground in shame.” 

“Because you like it”, Dick states knowingly and Jasons squirms at having that pointed out so confidently. And maybe the Alpha isn’t such a dick after all, as everything about him gets all warm and inviting again. Promising comfort. “I would wear something from you too, Jason. This isn’t exactly a one-way street.” 

That gets Jasons interest in a new way and his eyes glide over Dick. To his ears, throat and down to his hands. Imaging different styles of jewelry. But then he is shaking his head, pressing gently down on Dicks fingers. “Not now. I would want that something that feels right. I am not too sure what symbol I would like to represent me at the moment.” 

There is understanding dawning in Dicks eyes as he returns the little squeeze and they both fall silent again as they reach the peak and are able to oversee not only the Fair but a good bit further out. Just them. Above all that loud music and happy screams and everything else.  

“Do you sometimes wonder if that is really what you want to do for the rest of your life? With moments like this always on the wrong side of feeling stolen?” The words are faster out of his mouth then he can think about them. And as they are, they still ring true.  

Dick makes a contemplative sound. “I think there isn’t anyone in the business that hadn’t thought about it at least once.” 

Turning that around in his head, he finds himself nodding. But still.. “I have thought about it as I presented. Didn’t matter that I was still deep in the business for vengance and all that rage.” He can feel the others eyes on him but he continues looking out. Down to all these tiny looking humans.  

“Why didn’t you?” There is no judgment in either direction in the Alphas voice and Jason shrugs.  

“Guess the same reasons most others don’t quit either. And because I couldn’t see the one thing that would make me do it as a possibility.” He wishes he could smell Dicks scent. Taking his cues from it had become something as easy as breathing over time.  

“With thinking about it at your presentation, you are talking about getting pregnant?” Nodding he slants his eyes to Dick, searching out the eyes that are already on him. Not at the least bit surprised how fast Dick had completed the scenario.  

“Getting pregnant. Family. Anything in that direction really. We have it all seen happening, haven’t we? That these kind of soft targets are used as pressure points. To blackmail. To torture.” 

“You would stop for your children.” It’s a statement and it is again without judgement. Without any kind of pressure to direct Jasons thought in one direction or another. So his defenses stay down and he nods again.  

“Don’t get me wrong, there is too much shit going on to earnestly think in that direction. Not even to mention that I don’t feel remotely ready for a kid or a commitment of that magnitude. But if..”, he clears his throat. “But if that comes back on the table in some future, then know that I will do everything in my power to prevent any kid of mine to even touch that business. There is zero reason to bring kids into that, and it won't happen to mine. Ever.” 

No one would ever get to touch his children. To train them into little child soldiers. To have them out at night and fight the worst of the worst. To see dead bodies before they even know their own. They would be safe, healthy and be loved and that would be everything he would ever expect from them.  

Dicks answer is almost instantly. As if the Alpha doesn’t have to think about it. Scooting closer, Dick puts his head on Jasons shoulder, so they can look out of the big window together. “If that future is ever brought on the table, the business would be closed, before it arrived. There can’t be doubt about that.” 

Jason closes his eys and presses his nose deep into Dicks hair, his arm coming around and pulling the Alpha closer. He doesn’t need to ask. He doesn’t need to confirm. He doesn’t need to do anything. Because it is all there. They stay like this until the wheel slowly completes its circle.  

After eating more or less their bodyweight through the different stalls with all of their offerings they finally land in front of the shooting game. With Dick eating the remains of that pink monstrosity made from cotton candy, that is so sweet that Jason had to gag as he tasted it. It is with morbid curiosity that he watches Dick eating the whole thing with obvious delight. What a freak.  

“Have you decided what you want?” 

Making a questioning sound Dick rolls his eyes fondly before gesturing with the long pink stick to the stall. “What you want me to shoot you.” 

“Oh”, he blinks. “You still think you are good enough?” He grins at the obvious offense in Dicks posture.  

“In case you forgot: I was a Cop. They don’t give you the badge just because you look pretty.” 

“Such a shame”, Jason teases. “You would have gotten it instantly.” The Alpha rolls his eyes but his expression is fond.  

“How about this then. We look for one plush we both like and shoot at the same time. First one to get the points wins.” 

Jason is already grinning. “You really think you have a chance against me?” 

“You want to make an extra bet on top of it?” The little smirk is back and maybe all that confidence should tell him something. But it is shooting things. He is better at it then the whole pack. He is better at it then most other trained people are. Crossing his arms confidently he hums. “What kind of bet?” 

Dick doesn’t have to think long. “A wish. For later tonight. When we are back in the childfree zone.” And that certainly got Jasons attention, even with the little voice in the back of his head, that tells him that the Alpha would probably fulfill any wish he would state anyway. He isn’t experienced enough to go for stuff that sounds in theory hot but he isn’t confident enough about yet.  

“You’ve got yourself a deal, Grayson.” 

They decide on something that looks like some kind of penguin with big eyes that can close if you squeeze it. It’s cute in that kind of annoying way. Cute enough to answer questions about it with ‘My Alpha shot it for me’ and not being too embarrassed because this kind of shit was expected from such a date.  

They both get asked how many shots they want to take and they both order forty. Weighting the stupid thing in his hands, he probably has to admit that it might not make all that much of a difference if he can take shoots with his guns blind or not. It’s a toy at the end of the day.  

The guy behind the counter seems amused by their competetiveness and counts down for them. They both go for it at zero. The high number shots are obviously hard. In timing and in numbers. And as it happens, they both go for the tiny flying UFO at the same time. Only to glare at each other, after the hit and already starting the argument about who hit it. In the end the guy that mans the booth gives the shot to Dick and Jason grumbles about it the whole time.  

Because without the UFO he can’t make it to the needed amount of points in forty shots and surprise, surprise Dick does finish hitting everything. With the overly proud asshole handing him the penguin with flourish, and even hearing one little “Aww..” from the crowd, Jason has a hard time staying mad. But he still tries. Its shooting!  

Shooting !! 

Dick is absolutely unapologetic with hugging Jason (and the damn way too big plush) close and nuzzling contently into him. He tries to ignore it as well as one can ignore a human limpet and tells the guy behind the counter to give Jasons points to the next person that looks like they could need it. The guy is a good sport about it and suddenly Dick and him find themselves back at the bike.  

With the Alpha crowding him against it and smiling brightly. “One visit at the Fair. Zero deaths, only half an argument and we are still alive. I would count that as a win.” 

Chuckling at that he pulls Dick between his legs and kisses him. “I liked it more then I thought I would. Thank you for the date.” Then he grimaces and pushes the penguin into Dicks chest. “But I am still thinking you cheated somehow. This thing will stay at yours.” 

“At ours”, the Alpha corrects softly and how can Jason not melt like butter in the sun with that? How? “And I know we should have talked about out problem with Bruce and the pack today, but I really wanted to spend that time with you, Little Wing.” 

Leaning their foreheads together and staying silent for a moment, Jason finally nods. “It was worth it. You made it worth it.” 

Their next kiss is deeper and sensual. With their tongues meeting and gliding against each other. With Jason tasting the too sweet candy cotton that suddenly tasted so much better from Dicks mouth. He moans into it, trying to chase the taste until Dick gently but firmly ends the kiss.  

“Lets drive home. I want to make love to you.” 

Looks like he doesn’t need to win bets to get his wishes fulfilled.  

Chapter Text

On the drive back to Gotham Jason had to take a stop, in the middle of nowhere, to lean against his bike and take a smoke because his damnable brain couldn’t stop thinking about the night before. Heatsex? Why the hell ever, that had been a ‘been there, done that’ kind of deal for him. Hot, amazing, overwhelming in the kind of way that left him all floaty and checked out but still needing? Yes, to all of that.  

But sex outside his heat with one very enthusiastic, too godlike for his own good Alpha? Overwhelming in its sudden clarity and intensity. Smoldering in the best way. Elating him to a different kind between need and want. And for fucks sake, how could everything always be about Omegas and their god damn heats, when there is normal sex out there? Maybe because all these other poor souls don’t have an Alpha like Dick Grayson in their beds.  

If so, they would be hard pressed to ever leave it again. Jason knows what he is talking about here, because he had been. And it had nothing to do with going back to his pack and everything with one still sweat glistening, full of further promise purring Alpha.  

And yes, Jason knows that most people in the vigilante and hero business have bodies to kneel down for, if one is so inclined. But Dick? Dick is on another level as far as Jason is concerned. Everything about the Alpha is enticing to him. Fucking everything, down to his calves. There had been so much to touch, kiss and explore again. With a clear mind. Not even speaking about the tase or scent.  

The Omega might have gained a deeper understanding about the old masters haven written whole dramas about their chosen ones. He will read them again with a whole new understanding now.  

He also gained a new understanding about how unrealistic porn is.  

Because, while Dick has a cock that is honestly mouthwateringly nice looking, it is very much on the normal size for Alphas. On the bigger side in girth. And it still felt freaking gigantic without him drowning in heat pheromones and slick. Dicks laugh had been so breathlessly pleased as Jason told him as much.  

That had been after he put Dicks fingers on the list of endangered things that need to be protected at all costs. Oh god, these fingers. If Jason had three braincells left, he might have been ashamed about all the sounds and pleas the Alpha wrung out of him, just with them. Endlessly and unrelenting.  

Just to still not feel prepared enough as Dick finally sunk into him. The Alpha assured him that it would get easier with more experience and Jason was not sure if that was a good or sad thing at the end of the day. 

Even more so as the Alpha didn’t do more then staying above him, getting Jason used to the feeling without moving until the Omega whined. Then he slid out completely and manhandled them both until Jason was above the Alpha, sinking down on him. And what the actual fuck? That had been even more. Deeper, bigger, everything. It first got better as he leaned forward to kiss his Alpha open mouthed. Barely having enough coordination for it. And then it got to ‘oh my god, lets never stop doing that’, as Dick directed him to move his hips and finally sitting up again as it started to feel good. And listen, Jason might never even need to watch a single porno in his live again, because now he has that in his brain imprinted. That being his Alpha with blissed out expression, closed eyes and thrown back head, just taking whatever Jason gave and enjoying himself unashamedly while doing it.  

Jason might never be able to rub one out again, without thinking about it.  

And the knot. The fucking knot.  

Something that felt just right and good and not that big of a deal in his heat was on every god damn side of too much now. In the end he was coming dry, because that asshole Alpha couldn’t hold still and Jasons overly sensitive nerves reacted to the tiniest muscle twitch. If Dick ever has a death wish he only needs to start teasing Jason again, about crying on his cock.  

Like he did then, as Jason couldn’t do shit about it, because opening his mouth could be another muscle twitch too much. The Alpha only stayed alive because Jason was so done with everything as the knot finally did go down again. And because Dick cleaned them both afterwards with a wet towel and cuddled and kissed him to sleep, blanketing him in the Alphas scent.  

So, how should he drive a bike without endangering other people while thinking about it? And how can he stop thinking about it? 

And when can they do that again? 

Looking down at the amount of cigarettes left, he sighs and rubs through his hair. He might as well sit here for a while and clear his head. 

********** 

Driving into the cave, he isn’t that surprised to see Tim on the computer, with Steph sitting beside him on the table, letting her feet dangle into the air. And maybe it is his own good mood or the thought in his hindbrain that he can’t ignore obvious facts anymore, but he get off is bike and walks over. Taking the surprised Omega into a headlock and rubbing his wrist all over the struggling teen, before reaching out to the laughing Alpha girl and doing the same to her.  

He can smell their surprise and while Tim is a mix between annoyed and happy, Stephs is one of wonder. And god. They are kids. This is kinda his little Omega and that little Alpha is rumbling. So he stays still after letting them go and rolls his eyes after a sigh, spreading his arms slighty and somewhat chirping back. Which gets him two arms full of kids and an enthusiastic scenting.  

Until Steph wrinkles her nose. “I know you are staying with Dick, but hell Zombie-boy. If I wouldn’t know better I would think I am scenting him.” Beside the crude words, her shoulders are down and she is still rumbling in her throat. More than obviously happy about the scenting and to be allowed to scent back. Jason is again a bit thrown by something that should be very normal between packmember. Especially after seeing each other for the first time in days. He hates it. And feels a little bit bad for them. The tiniest amount. But that doesn’t make him less of an asshole.  

“It’s a bit hard to get some parts out after a heat, has-been-Robin.” 

Her sunflower scent drops into shocked surprise while Tim chokes on air and starts coughing. So easy.  

“You”, she starts, her eyes wide as she stares at him. “Dick. Heat.” 

He grins wryly. “No need to start it with the name calling there.” 

Tim blinks at him owlishly. “You and Dick? I.. didn’t see that one coming.” And before Jason can get offended Steph turns to the younger Omega and starts shaking his shoulders. “See! We could have had sex! But noo, you told me that it would be better not to do between pack!” She points at Jason, still looking at Tim. “They did it!” 

This time it is Jason that is a bit thrown. “Wait, what? I didn’t know that you two are together?” 

Steph gives him a look. “It’s heatsex Jason. There is no need to be together for some honest feel good times.” And there can only be one answer. 

“Hell no”, he pulls the still bluescreening Omega back into his side. “That one is a no sex zone. Omega heat nests only. No feel good times without my consent.” 

This has Tim pulling back into reality again. “What? Why?! You can’t just roll in here and decide that!” 

Jason is unconcerned. “Watch me. You wanted an elder, now you got one. There will be no funny stuff going on without an interview and a background check.” 

The kid struggles against his hold, which does nothing but show that the kid is obviously not prepared to get assholes off him. “But you can fuck around with Dick, without it?” 

“Bruce knows”, he points out and that breaks their minds again. Damn it. Why did no one tell him that baiting teens is that much fun? Or is it his general good mood? Even down here in the cave?  

He glances over to the spot where his dumb memorial had been and is glad that it is still empty. Which might be better for everyone involved.  

“Wait”, Steph is leaning forwards, her intelligent eyes zooming in on his ear. “This is more then fucking around, isn’t it?” 

Jason smiles and somehow that had both kids flinching subtly. “How about you guys tell me what you did to my Alley?” 

“Smooth”, Tim grumbles and is finally able to duck out from under Jasons arm. Glaring for all that its worth. “Can’t believe I started to miss you asshole.” 

“That is no way to talk to the packelder”, Steph reprimands him, grinning brightly. “Especially not if you want me to chaperone your dates with you-know-who.” It gains her an elbow into the side. Jason finds himself approving and disapproving at the same time.  

“Shut up”, the Omega hisses, as if Jason isn’t close enough to hear him thinking, never mind whispering. “Or I might accidentally talk about that Alpha girl.” 

“Oh? Going for other Alphas?”, Jason questions and isn’t even mean enough to let her squirm. At least not for very long. “Good for you, you little deviant!” He taps on her shoulder. “But that needs to be observed as well.” 

Tims vindictive “Ha!” is drowned out by her whining. “What? Why? I am an Alpha!” To which Jason rolls his eyes, again, and points at her. “I don’t give a single fuck about your dynamic. You are a kid and that is all I should have to know. If Bruce doesn’t care, Dick certainly will. One way or another, one of the ranking Alphas will have an eye out.” 

And he must hand it to them both, they take that a lot more graceful then he would have at their age. Before he died. Or maybe it only made it more clear, that the pack had wanted to be one for a long time, but there had been no one that was enough of an asshole to just walk in, take them by their necks and demand stuff. 

“I thought you would be more fun”, Steph sulks and Tim nods, frowning at him. Jason shrugs his shoulder. “Fun starts when consent is granted. The kind of consent you guys can give is only valid with an adult approving it beforehand.” 

“What about shooting people?” 

Jason stares at Tim before deadpanning: “I am not allowed to do that anymore. Well, the killing part about shooting people.” 

“Seems terrible”, Steph points out, having gone back sitting on the desk. “Now no one is allowed any fun stuff anymore. Soon we all will brood, with our dark capes on some high buildings and only grunt in different pitches.” 

Tim, after sneakily running his wrists one more time over Jasons arm, goes back to his chair. “That would be tragic. How intrusive does this background check need to be? Down to the parents? Grandparents? Bloodtype? Known sicknesses? References from former partners? Should it be a checklist or are these interviews completely individual?” 

Jason blinks. “Oh nice. You are both insane. Suddenly a few things make a lot more sense.” 

Steph scoffs. “Like you are one to talk, murder-popsicle.” She snips her fingers into Tims direction. “What about, you know, bra size and dick length? That could be important information for some.” 

The Omega looks thoughtful for a moment, before starting some kind of list. Jason isn’t sure if he should take what's happening as win or write it off as things that happen when one has to deal with the bat-pack.  

“Girth too, while you are at it”, he mutters and walks to the stairs for the exit into the mansion. Best not to get too involved with that.  

********* 

He doesn’t exactly know how long he stands there, staring at the door, but he does know that he can’t keep doing it. And Omega or not, he isn’t a scared little bitch. He knocks but doesn’t wait for the answer, opening the door to the packalphas office and stepping inside without invitation.  

Bruce looks up from his monitor and seems perplexed, before his expression smooths out. Driving his chair back a bit, he turns and gives Jason his complete attention. “You are back.” 

Nodding a bit stiffly he slowly moves closer. “Yeah.” They are both silent for a moment, measuring each other before the Alpha sighs and invites him to sit down with a handgesture.  

“It is good that you have sought me out. I would like to talk to you.” 

For Bruce standards that is suspiciously friendly. Usually talks with him tend to start with ordering around. Damn it. For once Jason would feel better standing. He can’t even say if that is just to be contrary or if it is about something else. But he still has Dicks words in his head and remembers the wetness against his skin. He takes the offered chair.  

The Alpha nods at that and clears his throat. “Your old room is completely overhauled by now and I have decided to accept your.. remodeling in the cave.”  

Jasons eyebrow raises without his input, his skin already bristling. That might as well be the worst apology he has ever received. But on the other hand, it is Bruce. Remembering.. He needs to remember.  

“Thank you”, it is work to bring the words through his teeth and at least he can take a bit vindication from the Alphas surprised look. Which vanishes just as fast as any other emotion.  

“Jason..”, Bruce begins, only to stop and seemingly thinking it over. Whatever it is. “Can we try talking to each other without any resentment? And yes”, he holds up as hand as Jason growls lowly without really giving his permission. His Omega making his displeasure very clear. “I know that this is a lot to ask. Not only with our latest clashes and how I brought you back. I know . But the truth is that I don’t know how to establish contact between us, without asking this from you.” 

He finds himself staring at the Alpha while blood rushes through his ears. Deafening him for a second. This is not what he came here for today. This is not what he is prepared for. Hell, he was barely prepared to walk into the room.  

But every single completely sane reason aside, that is still his Packalpha. No matter how his Omega snarls. It is a reasonable request that could be forced quite differently. If they ignore that Jason would be gone as fast as a blink if that would happen.  

Taking a deep breath, he is surprised to get the Alphas fresh scent into his nose. Usually Bruce tends to wear scent patches while working his dayjob. No matter if he is at the tower or at home. The emotions are still muted. Bruce had always been one of the most able people to control that.  

There is some agitation. Something that borders on nervous. Stubbornness that always tends to cling to the man. And something Jason can’t decipher completely. Ah. Fuck.  

“Talk then”, he wont make this easy. There is nothing easy about the whole situation. No matter from what side he comes at it from. He wishes Dick were here.  

Bruce nods, accepting Jasons words as consent for the rules. “You are right. I threated you differently from the moment I knew about your dynamic and you are also right to resent me for it. But the truth is that it gave me a line to you. You can hate me all you want, but as Omega there was at least the chance that you wouldn’t shred the bonds at the first opportunity in some kind of rage. Which was a lot more likely as Alpha or even Beta.” 

Jason huffs, crossing his arms in front of his chest and looking away from these piercing eyes. “Sounds about right. Doesn’t make a single thing about it better. And I don’t buy that act for a second. It was the easiest way in which you could establish your dominance. Nothing else. Or why else didn’t you try anything at all as you thought me an Alpha? You knew our bond wasn’t completely dead! You knew that meant I hadn’t a new pack! You knew !” 

Surprisingly Bruce nods again, without getting angry. “Yes, I knew. But just biting you wouldn’t do anything. I thought your anger and resentment for me would level out over time, but that never happened. You worked with the pack but you still growled threats at me at every opportunity. If you didn’t take off first. I have told you, that I waited for your tantrum to finish before I bit you, but the truth is that I hadn’t any idea how to approach you. You rebuffed Dick at every opportunity, and he was the most vocal to bring you back. He told you what he wanted, and you laughed into his face at best and shot in his direction at worst.” The Alpha is silent for a moment before sighing and rubbing his temples.  

“There wasn’t a snowballs chance in hell for you to react differently to me. In fact, I think the probability is high that you would have told me to go and screw myself if I had tried. Probably thinking I had some kind of plot planned against you. Or to gain power over you. And if I had followed Dicks suggestion about bringing you back like an unruly pup, I am sure you wouldn’t have seen it like that, coming from me. And again, would have probably shredded the reestablished bonds as soon as you could. If just as big middle finger to me. It’s not so much that I didn’t want you back as Alpha or Beta, as that I didn’t see a way to accomplish it.” 

Jason jumps up from the chair, growling agitated, his heart beating crazily in his throat. Adrenalin is shooting up his veins as if it soon goes out of fashion. “No! You can’t do that to me!”, he croaks and stiffly turns to walk to one of the many bookshelves around. Staring unseeingly at the many spines before spinning around again. 

“You can’t say all this seemingly very rational and thought-out shit to me, after you tried to hit me! In my face! Not in a fight but because you couldn’t handle words, Bruce! Words !” He blindly grabs a book and throws it in the Alphas direction. And another. And one more. “You can’t do that to me and Dick! Who is the next?! And then what?! You sit them down too and appear like a good Alpha that just needed time to think about the best way to frame shit?! To put everything that did go wrong on me ?!” 

He has a hard time actually noticing how grey Bruces face suddenly is, with how blurry his sight is. Because he is fucking crying. Again. Fuck this. Fuck everything about it. He sucks air in harshly as he notices that he stopped breathing at some point. Doesn’t do much to the blackness he can already feel.  

At least it isn’t green.  

“Dick says you aren’t because his heart is too big to stop loving you, but I will say this: You touch one of the other kids and I will expose your abusive shit to the whole world. I will see your reputation die and burn to the ground!” 

He turns to the door, his hand already on the handle. “I came in here to inform you that I would open the pack-den again. This whole pack is in disarray and after everything I had to endure, I won’t stand for living in a place like this. For once don’t make it worse. Take the fucking hit and tank it instead of retaliating. You have kids and a pup here. Suck it up.” 

He opens the door, but finds himself morphing into a stone statue at hearing his name. Standing and waiting.  

“I am so sorry.” 

He leaves the room without looking back or reacting. Walking directly into Dicks room and into the nest there, to curl around the pillow and stare unseeingly at the wall for a long time.  

******** 

He ignores the knocking on his door, his phone and everything that isn’t breathing and just lying there. His mind blank for once and he would like to keep it that way. He can’t believe how happy he had just been yesterday. Or this morning. He only doesn’t cry, because he can’t anymore. He won’t anymore.  

The thing he can’t ignore anymore, is the pup breaking first into his room and then entering his nest without invitation. Crawling over him and squirming into Jasons chest, taking away the pillow and arranging his limbs until the Omega gives a deep, shaky breath and closes his arms around the pup. Pulling him close and nosing into his lush hair. Breathing the clear and fresh scent in.  

He notices at the very edge of his mind that the room stinks. Telling about a miserable Omega. He doesn’t care. 

“Grayson send me, to make sure you didn’t die in some embarrassing way.” Jason only pulls the astoundingly unresisting pup closer. Although the huff is impatient. “Stop this dramatic display and call him back, Todd.” 

“Tell him I am sleeping and that everything is alright.” His voice is hoarse, as if he had been screaming for ours. Like for real and not only in his head.  

“This is unacceptable. It is weakness to show ones vulnerability like this.” Damian grumbles and Jason would probably laugh at that, seeing as the pup is squirming some more, to make himself comfortable and had reluctantly started to scent him. But he can’t be bothered. “And stop worrying Grayson or he will come over and drive us all insane with his mothering.” 

“Little liar”, Jason mumbles, his eyelids dropping a bit. “You like that he shows so much attention to you.” Damian is warm and real and there. A pup that doesn’t have more expectations from him then being safe in an Omegan nest.  

The pup snorts derisively but somehow wriggles enough to get his phone out and starting to text. Jason can see his glowing red cheeks through his half open eyes. “You will owe me for this, Todd.” 

“You are such a good pup”, he praises and starts up a bit a stuttering of a purr, but Damians cheeks still deepen into a nice pink. 

“I will present soon.” 

Jason hums. “Of course you will.” 

The phone makes a few sounds and Damian sighs as if he had been tasked to end world Hunger. “You are to call him as soon as you ‘wake up’.” Jason can see the quotation marks. He thinks it is some kind of talent.  

“Sure”, he agrees and stares at the wall again. Only this time with a smaller, warm body against his own, with calming scent in his nose. He is surprised the pup is staying and without further whining about it too. But on the other hand, Dick is always saying that there is a lot more to Damian then his cold assassin facade would suggest.  

Maybe a lot more people should listen to Dick. Him included. 

But for now? He just wants to lie here and stare at a wall. That was enough activity besides breathing.  

Chapter Text

He lets Damian go after a while and turns on his back. The wall is getting boring and now it's the ceiling he is staring at. The thing is, that he can’t even answer himself why he feels so empty. Maybe because there had been some truth in Bruces words. Jason knows that he sometimes just runs on spite as motivator. Or had been? He actually can’t see himself giving in, in the scenario Bruce made up for them. He also couldn’t see giving in to Dick either. He would have shoved them both away again and again until something big happened.  

Like it did with Dick.  

But the thing is, that he wouldn’t have taken that from Bruce lying down. And not to kid themselves, Bruce wouldn’t have reacted like Dick anyway, after finding out Jasons dynamic like this. There would have been no gentle but unrelenting decision to put Jason into his nest and scent him. There wouldn’t have been aftercare for the spanking. The rules, they would probably have been there. But not the kind that Dick laid down for him. And not in the way it happened.  

Which means that Bruce isn’t wrong on all accounts. Jason would have shredded the bonds besides feeling like shit already. He would have been scared about his autonomy and what it meant to be an Omega in the pack, without knowing about Tims dynamic. He would have seen it as a leash within a cage. He would have panicked.  

He will give Bruce that part of his reasoning. But it still feels wrong. There is a reason his Omega trusted Dick pretty much instantly, even while being enraged about getting spanked like some unruly Alpha. And it has only halfway to do with having already submitted to him.  

Jason trusted Dick on that instinctive level because he had already tried before. And not just once. Yes, the Alpha had been there the night to force the issue between Jason and the pack, but it had been for Jason. Not for Jasons dynamic.  

So yes, he does get that part from where Bruce is coming from, but he isn’t willing to accept all the blame. The Packalpha didn’t even try.  

At least he thought about it? 

But did he really? Or is that the conclusion that Bruce decided to present him with, after their last fight? The man is highly intelligent. It wouldn’t be hard to ‘gather’ the evidence so to speak, and to present it like that now. Or is it Jason that is getting too paranoid now?  

Everything is so muddled. Its annoying as fuck. And that doesn’t touch the problem with Bruce reacting with real violence when he finds himself in an emotional corner. And yes, Jason has reacted like this before too. Has actually done a lot of stuff he isn’t proud about now. That shames him deeply, if he is being honest about it. And he won’t take the easy route and say that it is all the Pits fault. Or that he died the way he did. But he guesses it is fair to say that his mind wasn’t in a good place?  

All in all he had been ready to accept Bruce reactions to him. They both have done shameful stuff, so it’s ok, right? They are both fucked up in their own ways. Jason had been ready to live with it in one way or another. He would defend himself whenever it happened and be done with it. He just wasn’t the type to take it lying down.  

If only he wouldn’t also know about Dick now. And if only his brain didn’t put together a picture he hates looking at. Dick, who also thought that it was fine as long as it was only him. Who would, and of that Jason is certain, be able to win a challenge fight against Bruce, but instead stays to be the wall between the Packalpha and the others. Dick, who still wasn’t ready to call it abusive, because it didn’t happen ‘that often’.  

Fuck. Dick was talking as a victim there. One that is used to protect the source of their pain. And that only meant one thing: Dick would take it lying down. Because the Alpha would take on very much everything if it meant protecting his loved ones.  

That is just as unacceptable to Jason, as the thought that it might swap over to the others. 

And now he has thought himself into a circle again, because that's where Dick and he had found themselves before. With the worst part being that he could see Bruce trying. Their talk hadn’t come from a mean spirited place. The Alpha had been trying to reach out to Jason. He isn’t sure if that doesn’t make everything worse.  

There are other hints for this too. The Alpha hadn’t tried once to regulate Jasons movement. Not to forbid him as going out as Red Hood. Not about spending days with Dick. Nothing about how he should spend his days. Nothing about how he should interact with the pack. Not even any rules about eating with them, which was a house rule overall since forever. Also no rules about not being allowed alone with Alphas outside the pack.  

But that might have been to do with his little bomb about Dick being his heat partner. Who knows? 

It is still a fact that he might have the most freedom out of all people living in the manor as of now. Which is a bit mind blowing, now that he thinks about it? 

Sitting up in his nest with sudden adrenaline in his veins, he narrows his eyes. What if he is looking at the picture from the wrong angle? Or not exactly wrong, because it is his angle.  

Bruce is a prime Alpha. Just as Dick. That doesn’t only come with net positives. No matter how collected Bruce looks, at the end of the day his instincts are strong. To build a pack. To keep them secured, educated and healthy. Healthy in the way of being well fed, well clothed and giving everything they need in their daily and nightly lives. Ignoring their mental health for now, that is exactly what Bruce has been doing.  

And taking in that Dick and he gathered that Bruce panicked, the moment he got a whiff of Jasons scent on Tim and clocked his status as Omega..  

Ignoring packs that have Omegan traditionalist mindsets, Omegas always have a special spot in them. They are not really ranked in the way Alphas and Betas are. They have the kind of laws and rules that not even a Packalpha would ignore. Like entering their nests without invitation. Jason isn’t sure about much, but he knows that Bruce wouldn’t or even couldn’t go against his own Alpha in that case either.  

A normal Alpha brain is wired to protect their Omegas. Especially in their heat. Which comes from old times as Omegas had a so much easier time to conceive as the other dynamics. With today's medicine that reason is mostly gone, but the instincts are still there. Their society hadn’t been able to evolve them out. 

Of course, there are always psychopaths around that can and will go against these instincts and it is easier for them, when they are not in the same pack, but the groundwork is overall the same. Which also had been the reason that Dick had been so horrified and angry about finding out about Jasons dynamic the way he did. 

All that meant only one thing: Bruce Alpha is scared shitless that Jason would leave the pack again. Because to Bruces Alpha Jason was worth a god damn lot. A fully grown adult Omega with more than acceptable training and strength. An elder that could reign in Tims Omega. One that the man had adopted at some point in time. One that was his in every kind of the word. As Packalpha and father.  

No matter that seemingly not even Bruces Alpha could reign in that god damn awful temper, in his own way the Alpha made sure that there weren’t any other reasons for him to leave. Allowing and giving him everything he demanded so far without even putting up the farce of a fight.    

Hell!  

Jasons heart is beating as if he had just finished a marathon. But holy fuck and fucking hell! If even half of the stuff he just thought about is true, then his power in the pack is only second to Bruce himself. For Bruces Alpha, who first wanted and protected and then mourned him as a son, Jason is irreplaceable. This right here, this is the only chance the Alpha has to keep Jason with him. With the pack.  

And if that doesn’t open a lot of doors for Jason to exploit, then what does? 

Now where the fuck is his phone? 

********* 

He can hear how the others are saying their hellos to Dick, as Jason walks down the stairs in the direction of the living room. Seems like Alfred did as he asked him and gathered the pack. It’s an hour before they would usually head down into the cave to get ready for the night. Taking a last deep breath, he straightens his shoulders and tries to look as if he doesn’t hold onto his notepad for dear life. And pretend that his pulse is in a normal range.  

Glancing around as he enters, he isn’t surprised to see most of the pack gathered around Dick in one way or another. With the Alpha sitting on the couch with Damian and Tim on each side. Cass and Steph standing before them, already in a discussion or another. Alfred is being busy with the tea trolley and Bruce has taken over his usual armchair.  

Dick notices him and gives him a strange combination between a smile and a frown. The Alpha hadn’t been all that happy as Jason called him, only to tell him he had to be there tonight and didn’t go into the reason for ignoring his messages and calls. Jason hadn’t had the nerves to go into his thoughts at that moment. For this to work, he needs to believe that it does. No second guessing.  

That the others fall silent as they notice that Dicks attention switched only deepens the unease under Jasons skin. But he made the decision, now he will follow through. He isn’t a coward for fucks sake.  

“Great, you are all here”, he nods the two girls to a free loveseat and puts himself in front of the tv. Bruces expression is unreadable but not aggressive. Which Jason generously counts as another point for his epiphany. Dick is still frowning slightly but his body language is open. The others are just plainly curious or trying to look bored in Damians case.  

Jason clears his throat. “I have a proposition”, he starts, already overthinking if he really should have worded it like this and not as a rule, but at the end of the day he doesn’t want to be another dictator.  

“Oh. I am so sorry Jason, but you just aren’t my type.” Steph interjects and gets the elbow from Cass for it. Damian and Tim roll their eyes the same time in the same way. Jason kinda wishes he could have filmed it. He throws Stephanie a look but continues. “Bruce allowed me to open the pack-den again and I think it would be good for us if we had at least two standing meetings a week. For those of you that have never seen them: There are a few rooms. One of them with a big pack bed that were mostly used for heats and ruts with the pack but also for bonding time, as Alfred tells it.” 

Alfred had also been the one to tell him that Bruce ordered them cleaned and brought up to standard already. Another thing that Jason took as a sign.  

Tim looks confused. “I didn’t even know we had something like this.” He looks over to Bruce, who is silent for a moment before actually answering. “They were closed with my parents death and honestly, they skipped my mind. The pack hadn’t enough members to need them before.” 

Jason had explored every nook and cranny in the manor in the first month or so. The more he knew, the less could surprise him. He had wiggled his way into every room. Closed off or not. He had to know and so he did. If needed over the windows.  

Steph looks excited. “Thats so cool! I only heard about them before. Most packs usually just make some kind of blanket nest in the living room for pack bonding.” 

Cass nods, sending the Alpha besides her a smile. “True.” Meanwhile Damian looks a wild mix between interested and bored coolness as Dick leans forward, without dislodging the arm he has around the pup. “What do you have in mind, Little Wing?” 

Jason shrugs his shoulders. “Movie nights for starters. Or evenings. I plan on bringing one of the bigger flat screens in there. And maybe game nights. The thing is that we need to do stuff as pack. As family. Because I have no idea how you guys stand to live with each other as it is now.” 

This finally gets him the surprise and a few defensively holed up shoulders. With Tim being one of them. Of course he would take offense to these words. So far he had been the packs only Omega. But Jason couldn’t care less about dynamics. Kids are kids. Fuck. 

He rubs a hand through his hair, only watching Bruce out of the corner of his eyes. “You can’t play the surprise card with me. You all have functioning noses. Half of the pack doesn’t even smell like a real pack.” He points lazily to one of the windows. “People out there call us the Batfamily but our only Pup had only two scents on him. Prickly little shit or not, you think that’s normal? Do you even feel as pack or more like a frat house?” 

Bruce frowns but his fingers, that seem to drum some silent melody into the chairs padding suggest that he is thinking. “Jason..” 

“He is right”, Dicks voice breaks in before Bruce can amount whatever defenses he wanted. The others turn to their second highest Alpha, with the scents in the room telling about more surprise and maybe chagrin. Jason can stay here and talk all day but Dick is the one that is loved and respected. His words have weight with the pack, not only a hold over Bruce.  

“You think I am running a frat house?”, Bruce asks him and his voice is cool but still controlled. Dick shakes his head. “Of course not, but you have to admit that Jason is right about scenting in between packmembers.” Bruces corner of the mouth twitches before he looks back at Jason.  

“What difference does it make?”, Tim throws in, still looking a bit peeved and to Jasons big surprise it is Damian that scoffs. “It doesn’t surprise me that you wouldn’t understand what Todds problem is.” 

“Oh and you do of course?!”, the younger Omega hisses, with Dick between them the Alpha being most likely the only reason that they are not already on each others throats. “Obviously”, Damian returns, with his nose high enough to copy some kind of arrogant noble. “It’s all about instincts Drake. You can tell your brain all you want that someone is pack but as long as they don’t smell like it, it might bring problems. Especially with our nightlife. Say two of us are hurt and the one that doesn’t smell like pack would need the attention first, you would still go for the person that you instinctively recognize as pack. Probably only for a moment, but that moment could mean a lot in that situation.” 

Tim stares a moment, before turning to Bruce. “Is that true?” It is Alfred that answers, while rolling the trolley around them and giving each of them their own tea together with two biscuits. “There are studies that have proven that the human mind still tends to get overruled by such a thing as packscent in highly emotional or stressful situations. Young Master Damian has explained it well.” 

“Honestly, I kind of thought we are just a group headed by Bruce. No offence meant.” Steph added the second sentence after Bruces blue eyes switched to her. “Explain that please, Stephanie.” 

She cringes. Probably already regretting her big mouth. “I mean”, she starts, squinting around. “I had wondered about the missing pack activities and bonding time for scenting. And I wanted to scent the others, but it always felt like it would be overstepping their boundaries? I am not sure I thought about everyone as real pack? And not just as a word to describe us?” 

“But we have a bond. You have packbonds”, Bruce points out and she shrugs again. “They are like really weak compared to the bond I have with my mum?” The packalpha seems to be thrown by that, but he nods his thanks and looks thoughtful. Jason decides to take back the word. 

“As soon as the rooms are open, I want everyone of you to scent them and to bring a blanket or a pillow in there with your scent too. Tim and I will build the nest, so we can be all comfortable for movie nights or whatever.” He glances at Dick, whose attention is fully on him. “I want also to declare them as a nonviolent and non-screaming zone. These rooms are to be a safe space. For everyone. Ever.” 

Dick blinks before smiling softly while Bruce stiffens in his shoulders. The rest of the pack exchanges glances that they probably hope are subtle. They aren’t. 

“And seeing as I am the Elder Omega for the pack”, he ignores Bruce for this and keeps eye contact with Dick. Seeing nothing but the sky-blue eyes that are able to let him feel so much and are able to ground him. “I want you to know that I am not that kind of asshole that would let you all hang out to dry, if you are feeling bad. I can see and acknowledge that you all at least tried to welcome me with open arms and I want to return that gesture until we are really comfortable with each other. That includes that I want you to come to me if you find yourself.. threated unfairly or in any other unacceptable way within the pack.”  

Jason likes to imagine that his eyes freeze into something intensive as he turns from Dick to Bruce. “Because I will not stand for it and I will not take it silently. No matter against who it is directed. I will not care, and I will react accordingly and as already stated.” 

The mood turns just as fast as their scents do but Jason doesn’t look away from their Packalpha. A look that Bruce returns for the longest while, before nodding his consent. Slowly. “Noted.” 

Jason isn’t sure if any of the younger ones understand what just happened, but Dick certainly has, and he is staring disbelievingly between Bruce and the Omega. Who just put the Packalpha against the metaphorical wall and told him that he would shoot with live ammunition as soon as the Alpha would cross the line. And the Alpha agreeing to it! 

The Omega is beyond elated. He had been right! He had been fucking right!  

“Thats nice and all but guys”, Steph interjects. “Isn’t it more important to make it clear how we decide on movies? Or we might never watch one at all.” Tim throws a pillow at her head, Damian growls at her and even Cass holds her hands over her face in silent despair.  

Only Bruce, Dick and Jason are still in the strange three way lock of staring at each other, before the Packalpha gives a sigh and rubs tiredly over his forehead. His shoulders coming down and him nodding again, as if the reassure that his consent had been real. Then he turns his head to the unapologetic looking girl. “No need to be dramatic. Each of you get to decide on the movie in the week that is your turn.” He turns to the couch. “The first turn will be Damians.” 

Jason nods and Damian tries to stay aloof while Dick pulls him closer, rubbing his wrists gently over the pups shoulders. “I am sure Dami will pick a great one”, the Alpha enthuses and Jason can see the secret pleasure in the pups eyes from where he stands. Fine. Seems as if every living and breathing being needs to hero worship Dick. He can live with that. 

Probably. 

Tim stands up abruptly and waves his hands impatiently in Jasons direction. “Show me these rooms. Now I want to see them!” And while Alfred tries to deflect, even the old Beta must finally give in, as the others pile up on him too. It’s with a defeated sigh that he waves to the others to follow and leads them out of the room.  

Leaving Jason alone with Bruce and Dick.  

Starring at each other.  

Until Dick starts fidgeting and Bruce takes a noticeable breath. “I would like us three to sit down at the weekend.” He gives Dick a longer look before returning to Jason. “I..”, the older Alpha is obviously fighting himself for words and Jason adores and frowns that Dick steps automatically closer to him.  

“It seems I need to take a good and long look at some things, and I hoped you two would be willing to go through my findings with me.” With Jason nodding in suspicious surprise and Dick agreeing easily enough, the Alpha murmurs about needing to get ready for the night and leaves them alone. And Jason.. He doesn’t even know what to feel in the moment.  

Until warm arms encircle him and a voice growls into his ear: “Do you have any idea how worried I was? What horror scenarios I had envisioned? If Damian hadn’t told me.. “ 

Tilting his head to show more of his throat is by now a deeply ingrained instinctive reaction to that cadence in Dicks voice. “I am sorry Alpha. Bruce got me flat footed into something and I couldn’t deal.” 

The teeth against his throat are not hurting him, but they aren’t the acceptance he hoped for either. “I can understand that Jason but let me know at least. I can wait but I don’t want to worry about you.” The threat from the teeth vanishes, as soft lips press against his pulse and the Alpha lets go enough, so that they can look at each other. Or, so that Dick can look confused at the now closed door.  

“What just happened here Jay? Did he really..?” the Alpha looks lost for a moment and Jason takes him by the hand and brings them over to the couch. Snuggling against Dick and purring as the Alpha pulls him closer.  

It takes a while to explain his clash with Bruce, his explosion and even that he cried. It takes even longer to explain his thought process but finally Dick stares at him with big eyes. “You are effectively blackmailing him into.. behaving?” 

“I mean you could see it like that?”, Jason replies, not being completely sure if that is what he is doing. But then Dick shakes his head. “Maybe it was that you cried in front of him. I think that is a reaction he has never gotten.” His voice gets smaller. “I am not the most stubborn Alpha but I would have never..” 

Jason snorts, pressing his nose against Dicks chin. Nuzzling carefully against the warm skin. “It’s not like I am any less prideful. It just did happen without my consent.”  

The Alpha hums his assent. “Words are easy, deeds are hard. I would say we stay with what we talked about.” 

“With you coming over for the afternoons on the days I am in the manor?” 

The Alpha nods, pressing his nose into Jasons hair and inhaling. “Yes. And apparently for movie nights and other bonding stuff. That was a bit genius, to present it as a need from your Omega to the pack.” 

Its so easy to relax against Dicks strong frame. With the Alpha here, nothing seemed all that black anymore. Which was total bullshit, but still how he felt. “I am not sure that it was completely untrue. My Omega is happy about more packscents and being close to the whole pack.” 

“Makes sense”, Dick aquieses easy enough. “And to your Alpha. Right?” 

Jason grins. “And to my strong, caring and loving Alpha. Correct.” Finally Dicks scent is bright again. A happy day at the ocean. Beautiful and strong.  

“When Bruce can’t help himself the next time, you should just blurt out that I am courting you. That might shut him up again.” Dick points out after a few minutes and Jason can’t help the surprised laugh that escapes him. “Holy shit, Dick!” 

The Alpha chuckles amused. “Just an idea, no need to get all worked over it.” 

Jason glances to the still closed door. “Do you know what you should work over?” The grin he shows is a mix between playful and daringly. “Me.” 

Dicks clear blue eyes are certainly interested, but the answering grin is just as playful and Jason has learned by now that it isn’t that easy to rile Dick up enough to win easily. “But we need to go out on patrol, sweetheart.” 

Jason sighs. Yeah. He did see that one coming. And it is the truth after all. He can’t just shove the Alley at Tim and hope the kid can know what is going on in Jasons head about it. “Fine.” 

The arms around him hold on, as he tries to stand up and Dick nips teasingly at his earlobe. “But maybe you should be on the lookout. I heard that someone is on the hunt for the Red Hood and that this someone might be in the area this night.” 

And if that isn’t incentive to get up and into his gear, he doesn’t know what would be.  

After all, there isn’t anything better out there then getting caught by Nightwing.  

By Jasons Alpha.

Chapter Text

„I sure imagined something different as you asked me to go out with you.”

Jason rolls his eyes, but doesn’t look away from the comic book store that also serves drinks and snacks outside, so people can instantly read what they just have bought. Or, more truthfully, he doesn’t look away from the awkward pair of young adults, that have their heads bend together over such a book. There is a soft crackle beside him, as Dick goes for another one of his sour gummies, happily munching the bag more empty by the minute. That hog.

He turns his head slightly and Dick instantly holds one of the sour sticks out to him. Which he takes and only slightly scrunches his nose. For once these things are living up to the promised sourness.

“I wont let this count as date, just so you know”, the Alpha mumbles around a full mouth. It should disgust Jason but as so often, he finds himself helplessly charmed. “It’s still your turn for the next one.”

Swallowing the candy, he returns his attention back downwards. “That’s fine. My ideas are better anyway.” Dick snorts and presses his shoulder in a light shove against Jasons. “Right. Like you weren’t totally gone on the Monster Truck thing.” And damn it, he can’t exactly deny it. That had been a great one. Watching all these enormous trucks race along the track and these high jumps had been worth the hours long drive there. As had the somewhat crazy food options, they had an amazing time exploring. Not to mention the equally enthusiastic sex they had there. And the blowjob against the bike. And later in their hotel... Jason clears his throat.

“Yeah. Fine. You win that one.” The two under unnoticed observation are in some discussion, pointing at different spaces in the comic. Probably rambling about which hero of the series was the better one. Jason had heard that before. The whole pack had heard them, and they could talk for hours about which powers makes the one or other hero great. Also, they usually tend to have misaligned opinions on that and are still trying to convince the other. Its tooth rottenly cute and Jason hates it.

“You can’t still be thinking that boy is some kind of bad guy in disguise.” Now the Alpha sounds endlessly suffering and Jason huffs. “Doesn’t matter. He is an Alpha that looks at Tim as if he wants to eat him.”

“What an unimaginable crime! Someone should call the police.”

He throws Dick an unamused look and only gets a bright grin back for it. “You really should be more concerned here! What kind of Alpha are you?” The blue eyes light up in mischief. “The kind that watches my own Omega as if I want to eat him too. And what do you know? You never said anything against that.”

Jason huffs, trying to overplay his suddenly burning cheeks. “That’s like comparing apples to pears.” After all this time it shouldn’t surprise him anymore, but it still does. How fucking fast Dick can move, when motivated. From one moment to the next the Alpha is behind him, hugging him close and nosing along his neck. Reminding Jason about that powerful frame that is hidden under their civilian clothes.

“What is this really about, Jay? Bernard is as much as a puppy Alpha as one could ever wish for Tims first deeper relationship. And they have been calling each other boyfriends for months now. You weren’t against it.” Following the words are soft kisses, pressed into his skin. Following invisible lines that only Dick ever seemed to be able to see. Sighing, he relaxes into his Alphas arms, but still keeps his eyes on the pair.

He knows that Dick is telling the truth. Not even Bruce had found anything on the kid. The ‘puppy Alpha’. And the thing is, the kid is honestly nice. A bit on the crazy side of things if it comes to conspiracy theories but overall.. And Tim really likes him. Had admitted to it, as he snuggled as deep into Jasons side as possible as they lounged in their den.

“I don’t know”, he finally admits and growls. Lowly but agitated. Dick instantly replies with his own rumble. Comforting and steady. Just there, as he had been from the very beginning. There hadn’t been a day when that had changed. Not even when they fought over stupid stuff. Jason knows that the Alpha would always be there, no matter if they had a fight beforehand or not.

“Did you have a fight with Bruce?”

The question isn’t exactly unexpected. In the last years the pack had grown close and it hadn’t only been Jason and Bruce that had a relationship to repair. There had been a lot of screaming in the beginning. The wary admittance that they all probably needed professional help. Which they got after some small or not so small mental breakdowns. No, repairing the pack hadn’t been easy and if Jason hadn’t been able to fuck off to Blüdhaven with Dick for days to get air back into his lungs, he might have been gone onto a killing spree. Or ten.

And that doesn’t include Dicks own episodes. In all honesty, it would have been so much easier to just let go. To let it be. But they are all stubborn assholes in their own ways and if they, broken as they were, decided to fix them, then they would fucking fix them.

Now, five years after that first pack meeting, they are as good as it might ever be possible for them. No one would ever put them on a reality tv-show to show up the cutest packs, but they are functional, and they love each other in their own ways. There is scenting and pack activities. (Others then galas..) They are a family because they still want to be one. After all that shit that happened.

But, no one came over to perform a lobotomy on them, which means they still sometimes crash and clash. And whenever it happens between Bruce and Jason, the whole pack is walking around as if on eggs. Because as good as it is now, after all that work, it would be so much easier to break off. There is no pup left in the pack. Damian might still be a teenager, but one that doesn’t need them close as often or wouldn’t be able to visit them in Blüdhaven.

Since Dick and Jason mated, two years ago, they would have no problems at all, if they wanted to break from the pack. In all honesty, it was almost expected in some packs, for a young and strong pair like them, to break off and do their own thing. And yes, they had talked about it. On another roof. On another night. And decided that they fought too hard to leave now. They finally could recognize Bruce again, as the man that brought them into the manor and not the general that sometimes used to hit his own kids.

He shakes his head. “That’s not it. He even asked my opinion on that newest charity project.”

Dick makes a thoughtful noise, slowly rubbing his temple against Jasons. All that’s missing is their intermingled scent but as usual when they are out and about, they are wearing scent patches. “Something about Tim then, that has your hackles raised?”

Frowning, he stares down at the pair. They had known each other from school and met again. Tim told him, that he liked how respectful the young Alpha was. How excitable. How passionate. That’s pretty much how Jason would describe Dick too. And maybe he had seen that little spark in Tims eyes and started to worry.

“I think they are serious.”

Dick had his chin on his shoulder by then, also looking downwards to the younger pair. “Are you talking about mating here?” There is only a hint of incredulously in the Alphas voice. Not enough to get Jason angry, but it conveys how ridiculous Dick finds that notion. “That’s Tims first serious relationship.”

He turns his head, to nip none too gently into Dicks cheek. Which earns him a surprised yip, but otherwise the arms around him only tighten. “Don’t flounder all your old relationships now, asshole. You were my first serious one too.”

There is so much pure masculine, Alpha pride in Dicks blue eyes as they slant over to him, that the happy purring wouldn’t be needed to bring the point across. “I still am.” The Alpha leans in, to nipple on the mating bite. “And always will be.”

“Fuck”, Jasons mutters and leans his head aside to give his Alpha more space. He always is like fucking melted butter whenever Dick does that. “That just proves my point, you silly bird.”

“No it doesn’t”, Dick murmurs against his skin. “That’s your Omega talking, Little Wing. Do you remember how mad Tim got as we told them that we plan to mate? Because he thought he would lose you? That’s the same just reversed.”

Yeah, that had been a surprise. Neither Dick nor Jason had thought to get any backlash from the pack. Seeing as they were already together for three years at that point and had been living together from pretty much the start of their relationship. And while Jason had finally decided to stick it out with Red Hood, by then Blüdhaven had known that he had made the last step into real Vigilantism, away from Crime Lord. It worked. They worked. And the pack had been happy for them. Even Damian. Only Tim.. well Tim had been a problem that they hadn’t seen coming.

It took them quite a while to figure out what the younger Omegas problem was and then equally as long to assure him that Jason obviously still would be there. Would still be the Elder Omega. That Dick didn’t plan to chain him into the kitchen and leave him there, or whatever strange things did happen in Tims brain at that time.

Overall it only brought them closer. Not that they hadn’t been before. Out of everyone, and Dick aside, Jason would always put Tim down as the person he was closest with in the family. His little Omega brother. Of which he was very protective.

He groans. “Fuck. You could be right.”

“As it so often happens.” Dick quips and Jason rolls his eyes. “Don’t play all benevolent Alpha with me. I am telling you: Tims next heat will not be with the pack.” And just as thought, that has the Alpha stilling and the purring suddenly stops. “What?”

Jason snorts and shoves at the arms until he can turn, to get a better look at his mate. “Heat. Fucking like bunnies. Together. I am not sure how I can make it any clearer for you.”

“No way!” Dick whines and points down. “I mean. Look at them! They are tiny! Bernard is..”

“An Alpha that will want to fuck his Omega boyfriend?” Jason returns dryly and Dick presses his lips together until they are only a white line. “That is not happening.” Jason chuckles, which slowly but surely evolves into a real laugh. “Oh my god. I never knew that you could be such a hypocrite!”

Impossible blue eyes glance back to him, accompanied by a small growl. “I am not.”

“Sure. And we didn’t fuck in my heats at all.”

And the white lined lips are back. One long breath. Another. Then Dick slumps against him. “Having little brothers sucks. Especially when they are Omegas.” Jason reaches out, to let his fingers glide through the stylishly black hair. “That happens when you laugh about my Omega instincts.”

“I didn’t laugh”, Dick mutters mulishly, but leans into Jasons fingers like he is a overgrown cat. “You talked to Tim about contraceptives?”

“It’s cute that you think that they are not having sex already. But yes. I did.”

The Alpha groans. “What about Bernard? Can we let Bruce at him?”

Jason thinks about that for a hot minute, imagining how furious Tim would be about that and finds himself nodding. “Sure. I think Packalphas are kinda required to be assholes about their Omegas.”

That at least has Dick perking up again. “I am so glad I never got that kind of talk from him.” Only to lean in and kiss Jason softly. “Not that it would have changed a single thing.” Jason smiles into the kiss. “Oh, my Alpha would have been brave then?”

“So very brave”, Dick murmurs before deepening their kiss. Sometimes Jason still can’t believe it. That it all worked out. That they are here. Happy and mated. With up and downs like every other pair, but their core is so solid, he can’t even imagine what would be able to break them. They already lived through so much..

They have fought impossible villains together and won against stacked odds. Closer to death then alive, but still there. Jason had finished school, after being ‘brought back to life’ by Bruce and the whole family had been so proud. They even accepted that he didn’t go to university but started working for a non-profit charity. It fulfilled him in ways that he could see continuing.

Dick had been on a long term mission in space for three months and Jason had hated it. Would have probably done some stupid shit as a form of rebellion against his own feelings, if the pack didn’t drop by like clockwork. He never was alone on patrol. He never got too much time to be miserable. Still, as his Alpha finally came back, to his never-ending horror, he might have cried like a little baby in a full blown meltdown and Dick had been panicked out of his mind.

The Alpha had stepped down from his Titans Leadership the next month and declared himself off limits for long term missions if not the world or whole universe would depend on it. This had a row of epic proportions between them as result, as Jason hadn’t wanted to be babied, but Dick hadn’t given in. What good would missions like this do, if he came always home to a distraught and miserable Jason?

Yeah, his therapist tried to tackle Jasons fears about being left behind and alone, but it was slow going. Really, really slow. The Titans accepted the change easier than Jason did himself. Donna, to this day, still likes to tease Dick about being smitten out of his little Alpha brain. And Dick, the big dork, is proud about it. “Why wouldn’t I be smitten about my mate?”

Honestly, most people think Jason is the one that has the last word at home, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. They actually do this adult thing, where they sit down and talk about the bigger decisions. Why it would be good or bad. What it would mean for them. All in all they are amazingly equal in their daily lives.

But at the end of the day Dick is his Alpha and, at least in Jasons mind, a very good one. Jason still has rules and boundaries that he is expected to follow if he doesn’t want to get punished. Although nowadays some of them come with a wink and he breaks them, whenever he wants the more.. special kind of punishment and attention from his Alpha. Which is something that works very well for them.

All in all, they fought for the life they have now. For them and for their pack. For their Vigilante work and for the work they do on regular hours. Even if they have reduced these to a few days and these not always full. The burnout was too much and they hadn’t enough time for themselves.

Both of them finally gave up and did dip into the money Bruce had set aside for each of his children, to buy a bigger apartment. One that could host other members from their pack or their friends and that would still relieve them from paying monthly rent. It had made it so much easier to do less daylight work.

It had been bittersweet. Because both of them hadn’t wanted to feel indebted to Bruce, but in the end their Packalpha had been so happy with their decision that the feeling slowly vanished. Bruce wanted them safe and sound and money was just money.

“They do look cute together.”

Dicks voice cuts through his thoughts and he nods after a short look, leaning more comfortably against his mate. “That ‘little puppy Alpha’ reads every wish from Tims lips.” Dick hums. “As a good Alpha should.”

“Oh?”, Jason teases. “You mean to tell me you fulfill all of my wishes?”

There is an amused smile on his Alphas lips. “You dare to tell me I don’t? You might just as well be the most spoiled Omega around.”

“Spoiled!”, Jason huffs and laughs as Dick tackles him, so they are both rolling over the rooftop. Wrestling each other and giggling like little schoolgirls. One wouldn’t believe that Dick had dipped his toes into the scary thirties now.

They are still laughing as Jason finally lands on his back, with Dick above him. “Peace! I give up!” The Alpha shoots him a bright grin. “See? I even bring you peace.”

Jason snorts. “Sometimes I can’t believe your audacity.”

“It’s a brave new world between mates.”

“Mhm”, Jason nuzzles against his mates chin and receives a pleased rumble for it. “Hey, Alpha mine?”

“What is it, Omega?” Again Dicks mouth unerringly find his way to the bitemark, even after two years it hadn’t lost its alure.

“Do you remember the day you gave me my earring?”

The Alpha looks up at that, glancing at said item, the single silver wing that Jason almost never takes off. “Of course I do. It was my first real courting gift to you.”

Jason grins up to Dick, his hands wandering along his mates sides. “Bruce almost had kittens as he finally caught on.”

“Nothing he could do about it. You already accepted the gift.” There is so much self gratulatory smugness in Dicks voice that Jason has to laugh again. “Don’t sell that as some sort of mastermind move now, Dickie.”

The Alpha huffs, amusement still very clear. “I wanted you and I got you. You can call that whatever the hell you want.” And fuck, that still has his heart beating faster. For his Alpha. For his mate. For Dick. Who decided once and never strayed from the path. No matter that Jason did let him wait for three years. His insecurities not allowing for anything else. No matter that he did know that it would be Dick or no one else for him just as early.

“My heat is in three weeks.” He says and Dick raises an eyebrow expectantly. Jason tends to fluctuate wildly around with his heats. Between only Dick and the pack or only Tim and him and it usually starts with Jason stating some timeline. He wets his lips, reaches out for one of Dicks hands and carefully sets it on his belly. “I.. do you still..?” It had been a long time ago that he hadn’t known how to finish sentences around Dick. It doesn’t feel good.

Dick who looks up, eyes full of wonder and hope. “Really?” The question is asked so softly and quietly. As if his mate is scared that Jason would change his mind again, if he asks too loudly or directly. God. Jason loves him so much.

“Really”, he confirms. “Lets make a pup.”

“God, yes! Or maybe two. Or three.”

Jason can’t answer before he is being pulled into an enthusiastic kiss.

Looks like the Red Hood will retire.