Chapter Text
It finally seemed like everything was falling back in place, at least for Din. He got his ad'ika back and was able to feel calm once again. The Omega was currently thinking about going back to bounty hunting, since now he had a partner in crime, and it was always good to have someone watch your back. For Din tough Boba was more than just that, a lot more. The three of them got really close, Grogu fell in love with Fett in a matter of hours. As it turned out, Boba was amazing with kids. He knew dozens of stories and games from all over the Galaxy and had more patience than Din could ever suspect. The Omega could feel his heart melting every time he saw his child playing with the Alpha.
There was however one thing that worried Din. His Buir didn't really enlighten the Omega about those things. Sexual education was something everyone at the Covert figured out on their own. Well, Din didn't have a chance to and didn't know much about ruts in general. Of course, he did possess general information and has seen a few Alphas in a pre-rut time. From what he had observed, they were tipped-off, but they certainly weren't acting the way Fett was.
Boba acted as tough something kept biting him on the ass. His face carried a certain grimace and his aura was beyond irritated. Not to mention how he snapped at everyone. Well, everyone except Din and the kid, but poor Fennec really had it rough with him. Boba constantly scented Din or at least kept his nose pressed in the Omega's neck, breathing in heavily the calming scent.
Din didn't mind the scenting nor the possessive wrap of hand Boba was cultivating, always clinging to the Omega, keeping him within hand reach. It didn't bother Din because it was helping the Alpha, and Din's own senses were on over drive. He kept sensing a pissed off Alpha all the time and needed to listen to Boba's growls and commanding tone. It was never directed at him, but it was still affecting his instincts.
He just kept telling himself that it wasn't his fault that the Alpha was displeased and took great pride in those moments when Fett came to him in order to calm down, his inner Omega purring with happiness that he was being helpful.
They were currently back on Nevarro. They had planned to drop Cara and get on their way, but after some talks they agreed it would be for the best if they stayed. Fennec's precence on the ship was more and more irritating for Boba, and it wasn't a great plan to have a child aboard during a rut, wheter they will do anything sexuall or not.
They had just left Grogu with Cara and Fennec, who were definitely too eager to spend more time together, and were sitting in a cantina right now. Boba giving out loud puffs now and then, any time another Alpha crossed their table, and Din started to think it would be better if they just stayed on the ship. They could survive some more time on ration bars, and being surrounded by his scent only would definitely calm Boba's mind. He did tell that to Fett, but the Alpha kept insisting that they go, and eat something remotely normal before spending days on the ship, so here they were.
Din was sipping a shuura shake through a straw, while Fett scanned the area on full alert, daring anyone to come too close. The Omega pressed into his side harder every time he could feel the tension in Boba growing, and it did seem to help.
At least until Din saw a familiar blue beskar armor among the crowd of people. He had almost choked on his shake. Boba immediately perked up, trying to spot the threat he had failed to see before.
"What is it?" his voice tense, shaking with the need to eliminate any danger that was threatening his Omega.
"Nothing, just... Spotted a friend" Din kept trying to calm down although his heart was hammering. He could tell that the Alpha wasn't convinced.
"A friend?" Boba kept prodding while still looking around the guests. The other Mandalorian had already disappeared in the crowd.
"Yes, well... We had some misunderstandings in the past, fought a little, but it's all fine now... I hope" he immediately regretted saying that, by the way Alpha's smell spiked up, he could tell that Fett wasn't pleased.
Din didn't actually think that even past fights will make Boba act this way. It must have been the hormones messing with his head. Din decided to act before it could turn worse than necessary. No way he's going to risk their meeting. Paz was an Alpha, and if he sees Din he will probably want to talk, and that was enough for Boba to throw hands.
"You know what, let's go" he brushed his hand on the Alpha's thigh "I have enough of people, let's go back on the ship"
"Yeah" Boba's voice was a little shaky, and it made Din even more uneasy "I'll go get us some more ration bars, and we can go" Din gave his Alpha's thigh a little reassuring squeeze.
"I'll be right here, Alpha" Boba gave out a small huff, clearly only now beginning to understand that going to the bartender means leaving the Omega alone.
Din tried to understand what Boba felt like, but he could only barely grasp what the Alpha was going through. Seeing everyone as a potential danger, spending the past few days worrying about everything.
Din went through a heat only once, and it wasn't even a full one, as first heats were usually less intense. All he could remember was the terrible itch, the hotness on his damp skin and how utterly helpless he had felt. But that was a heat, what a rut felt like he could only imagine. It probably wasn't any better judging by the distress mixed in Boba's scent. Once again he felt pity for Fett and bumped his helmet with his own.
"You can go, everything's fine" he kept his tone light, trying to ease Boba's worries. The Alpha gave out a shaky breath and nodded.
He got up slowly, clearly still not sure whether he wanted to leave Din alone. Boba made his mind up eventually and went further in the cantina with one last look behind before he disappeared in the crowd.
Din could feel himself easing a little bit, not sensing the tension around anymore. He started observing the guests, Boba picked up the most secluded place in the far corner of the cantina, but Din was able to see a few other tables. Just normal folks going on with their days, nothing interesting. Din sighed and started looking towards the direction where his Alpha had disappeared instead. He was so focused on the task that he didn't notice when someone approached him, at least until the person spoke up.
"Din" the Omega could feel his heart stopping. He would recognize that voice everywhere. Din turned slowly, already expecting what he's going to see.
"Paz" was all that left his mouth. He looked up at the Alpha looming over him. The blue beskar standing out from the surroundings.
"What are you doing here?" Vizsla asked, moving closer, his hand resting on the top of the table, his large frame blocking most of the Din's view.
"Travelling, bounty hunting" the Omega shrugged, not really sure what else Paz could expect him to do. Not like Din ever did anything beyond those "You know, the usual"
"I get the picture, Beroya" the Alpha smiled at him, and Din could feel shivers running through his body at the name Paz had used.
Vizsla had always called him that back when they lived at the Covert, back when Din was in love with him. It did bring some memories, and he wasn't really sure whether they all were happy ones. Especially the vivid image of Paz trying to tear his helmet off to prove that Din wasn't a Mandalorian.
In one moment Paz looked straight at Din, his chest heaving, and it became clear that he was breathing in the sweet scent of Omega.
"Your scent has changed" Paz noticed with a certain amusement in his voice, and Din wondered whether Vizsla could smell the other Alpha on him.
Surely he must have carried some of Boba's scent on himself. He did leave Boba's den in peace, not needing that much comfort since Grogu was back, but Fett kept scenting him all the time. Especially now when his rut was approaching.
"I'm off suppressants" the Omega hoped that will be all on the subject. He still wasn't that comfortable around Paz. Even though they did talk a little after that failed courting, Din still felt bad around Vizsla. The Omega inside him whining at not being good enough.
"I can smell someone on you, but faintly. You're not bonded, are you?" Din stared at him blankly, trying to figure out why Paz cared about that out of all things. Why couldn't he just drop the subject. The Omega shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"I'm with an Alpha actually" Din said, his voice somehow distant "But no, we are not mated yet"
They weren't mated technically, but for Din it was already serious. They planned to say the marriage vows soon, once Boba will be able to think clearly and to bond afterwards. That is once Din's heat comes, and that was a tricky case.
The Omega had been taking suppressants since forever. He stopped once they got the kid back and didn't feel the slightest change yet. It did make him more and more anxious. What if his heat just never comes, what if he was messed up in a way? Of course Boba kept reassuring him that everything was fine, that they had time. But Din still felt bad, guilty almost. He tried talking with the Alpha about bonding outside of heat, but it seemed like the last thing Boba wanted to hear about. Clearly not understanding how important it was for Din, how willing he was to go through the worst of pain just to be Fett's once and for all.
"Pity" Paz said after a short while, stopping the Omega's train of thought "If I were your Alpha, I would bite you straight away" Din just snarled.
"Yeah. Well, you had your chance" his voice was tight, the memories once again pushing their way through his mind.
Paz just turning him down, making Din feel so useless, so condemned. The sheer humiliation, the looks he got from everyone at the Covert. No Alpha wanted him after that. He was marked for the rest of his days. They all knew he wasn't enough, that something was wrong with him.
"And I was stupid for not taking it" Paz said it with a certain carefulness in his tone, as though he tried to say more by the statement "Guess we all change... Kriff, If you smelled like that when you approached me back then, it might have been a completely different talk" The Alpha's posture was soft, the scent almost welcoming, and Din decided he didn't like where this was going "This Alpha of yours is irresponsible, shouldn't leave you alone like that"
Yes, Din tried to embrace his Omega side more now, because he had a pup in his care and a dotting Alpha. But it didn't mean he was any less independent than he was before. He certainly didn't need any Alpha's supervision.
At that moment it hit him hard. The realization that's what his life could look like. If Paz had said yes, Din would be one of those Omegas. Sitting at home with nothing to say and nowhere else to go, a prisoner in his own house. His Alpha telling him that the separation from the world is for his own good. Din had seen many of those cases at the Covert. Some of his friends just disappearing once they got bonded. Yes, Mandalorian Omegas were fierce warriors, but the Alphas were even fiercer.
With the corner of his eye Din could see Boba making his way through the crowd, or pushing more like it, and let out a breath of relief. Then he remembered just why the two Alphas shouldn't meet.
"Well, thank you, Paz. But it's really not the best time" it really wasn't. Boba was on the verge of ripping everyone's heads off. If he'd heard at least a half of what Paz has been saying, he would slit his throat. Whatever Paz wanted from Din would have to wait, and then Din could decide whether he even wants to know what that is.
"Move away" Boba growled, his smell hitting Din hard even though he was wearing a helmet. His Alpha was furious, that was easy to sense. Paz didn't seem bothered though, turning to the other man slowly steady as a stone.
"So, you must be the Alpha, that didn't take claim yet" there was something offensive in his tone, and Din rolled his eyes. Clearly Paz was planing on a testosterone show off, and it never ended well "You should look after him a little more" Boba let out a snarl at the remark. His ability to look after his Omega was criticized, and it would hit any Alpha deep, but Boba was obsessed with making DIn feel happy and secure. The Alpha inside him was probably raging by now.
"I said, move away" Boba wasn't even talking anymore, it was a pure growl that sent chills down Din's spine.
He even thought about getting up and just separating them, but even with the little knowledge he possessed about Alphas he knew one thing: Fighting Alphas should be left to solve their issues alone. Besides, Paz was coming at Boba, and Fett should have a chance to defend his honor.
So Din remained seated. Focusing solely on emitting relaxed vibes and praying that Fett will settle down once he notices that Din is not in danger.
"Since he's not bonded yet, it's still anyone's game" Truly, Paz couldn't mean... "You are clearly not good enough for him. I want the right to court this Omega"
Din squeezed his eyes. What the hell was Paz doing. An alien without scent would be able to tell Boba was in a different state of mind right now. Paz was an Alpha, and he really couldn't scent that Boba was a day away from his rut? That he was ready to kill with his bare teeth? The only thing Fett saw in Paz right now was a threat, and it was clearly ticking him off. It was a miracle he didn't react yet.
Besides, Din wasn't a thing to be fought over. How in the hell did Paz get the idea that Din would want him? Yes, he had tried courting the Alpha before, but he was young and stupid. Back then he thought that if an Alpha is big and intimidating it will be a great partner material. Well, he had grown up and the only Alpha he had eyes for was Boba. It pissed Din off that Paz hadn't even asked. He just simply assumed Din will take him back with open arms.
The challenge that was thrown straight into Boba's face made the Alpha stiffen up, his chest puffing out, and Din tried to give some more calming pheromones off. A fight was the last thing they needed right now.
"You want him as your mate, so do I, let the better one win" Paz kept pushing. His posture turned into a more offensive one as he tried to intimidate Fett.
Boba clearly had enough. The way he jumped on Paz was truly stunning, like a wild animal, going straight for Paz's neck, and Din could swear that if it wasn't for the helmet, he would be biting.
Fett kept hissing and snarling as his hands rammed around the bigger's Alpha body. His scent was truly overwhelming and Din was glad that he was still seated as it would surely make him sway on his feet.
For Din, it was clear that Paz had absolutely no chance to win. He tried to fight, but it was to no avail. Boba practically went feral, and the other Alpha's tries to fight back were only ticking him off more. Currently, the most basic instincts took over his mind. To protect his Omega and to dominate anyone who dared to get in his way.
Whatever Paz tried to do, Boba stopped him midway. The Alpha managed to stay on top of Vizsla, even though the other man kept wriggling and trying to toss him off. The second Paz grabbed for a blaster or a vibro-knife it was tossed out of his hand with one sickening growl after another. Fett's hands kept going for Paz, smashing the helmeted head against the floor or simply trying to choke him.
It was going on for a while, Beskar flashing in the dim cantina light. Some guests had scattered away, some watched the fight. No one even trying to separate the two Alphas.
Finally, after what seemed like eternity of growling and metal clashing, Paz gave up, turning his neck in defiance. Boba was dissatisfied however, his actions not stopping. He was too far gone to settle for submission and clearly wanted his opponents death.
Din took a long breath. Paz was obviously not thinking. Yes, he was a jerk, but he was also a Mandalorian, a part of Din's tribe. To live with the shame of defeat would be a punishment enough.
Din swallowed down the embarrassment that was surely to come and gave out a longing whine. Boba immediately jumping up from his spot and turning towards him. Nothing was more important than an Omega in need, than his Omega.
Everyone around them was scrambling back, hiding behind their seats, and Din was simply mesmerized. The Alpha he was looking at was just magnificent, a true warrior. His posture godly, chest puffed out, shoulders raised, his strong smell filling the whole cantina. At that moment Din was as sure as never before that he had made a good partner choice.
Still, Boba wasn't pleased with the fight's outcome, and Din decided to let him feel like a winner. He tilted his head resting it on his right shoulder. He had done this before for the Alpha but not in such manner, it was simply making scenting easier for Fett.
Right now he was doing it to show submission, and he was doing it publicly. He swallowed hard, feeling the piercing gaze of Boba's eyes on his neck. It was a clear sign not only for the Alpha, but for everyone around that Fett had won. Everyone knew that the Omega submitted to him, and the winner could claim his prize.
Boba growled again, but it was a different kind this time, not the one filled with anger. It reminded Din more of a croon, but it still wasn't this. Some kind of purr, content and delighted at the sight of a willing Omega, giving himself to him.
He was still full of adrenaline, Din could tell that much. His hands were shaking a little, chest heaving as he came closer to the Omega. Paz was still laying on the ground, not daring to move. It was a good strategy. Din wasn't sure whether he could distract his Alpha once more if he decided that Paz was still a threat.
"Come on Alpha" Din spoke to him with his softest tone, neck still barred.
Boba took his helmet of on the way to the table, and once he approached Din his head went straight for Omega's neck. He was breathing Din's scent hard and soon started lapping at the delicate skin.
The Omega could feel his breath shuddering, skin heating up as Boba started licking his scent gland, scenting him in a more permanent and dominating way.
For a second Boba's teeth scratched his skin, and Din wondered if this will be it. His heart missed a beat as he waited for the Alpha to just bite down, but nothing happened.
Fett seemed to calm down, his eyes weren't as unfocused or filled with rage as before. If he didn't bite the Omega in his worst moment, he certainly won't now.
Din took a try and started straightening up. Boba didn't protest, pliant as he was coming down from the adrenaline rush. He only had given a quick one last lick, before Din changed his position. The Omega's hands came to rest on Boba's face, grounding him.
Din could feel heat radiating off Alpha's face. Either the fight had warmed him up or triggered his rut to come faster. The Omega sighed, there were still things they haven't spoken off, and he wasn't sure whether Boba will be able to make reasonable decisions now. Highly doubtful that a rut driven Alpha will say no to an Omega's company, but Boba had said before that they will talk it through.
"Are you ok?" Din needed to know. He had too little knowledge on the subject, and every Alpha was different. Was Boba even able to make it to the ship, should they find a vacant room somewhere around here?
"Yeah" his voice was raspy and certainly tired. Din gave him a little reassuring smile "We still have a few hours"
"Let's go on the ship" Din purred, and Boba nodded slowly, clearly wanting to be somewhere safe.
The Omega grasped his hand and passed Paz, who was still frozen, waiting for them to leave. He could feel the grip grow tighter once Boba noticed his opponent again, but his Alpha didn't even growl, clearly worn out.
They went through the now almost empty cantina, and just now Din could feel pride swelling his chest. He really did make a good choice when it came to his future mate, and whatever happens, they will sort it out together.