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Jason Todd was an omega, but you'd never know it by looking at him. He was a lot taller and broader than your stereotypical omega, for one. For another, he was practically allergic to the idea of nesting.
You see, he had hardly presented before the Joker went and blew him sky high. The memories of his singular heat spent in the manor gave him just enough pain as they did comfort. And in the League, heats were something to outsmart, not embrace.
Jason clung to those habits, even after returning to Gotham. At first, it was because he refused to let something as elementary as biological processes throw him off of his master plan. Then it was merely his new normal, and he couldn't see any good reason to stop.
His method was simple: he powered through. With enough suppressants and pain relievers, his heat become nothing more than a distant nuisance, a headache throbbing at the edge of his consciousness every three months or so. If he pushed himself a little harder those days, so what? It was nice to have a distraction. Plus, the bone-weariness that cloaked him at the end of each day kept him from pining after unwanted company.
Jason had a system, and it worked.
At least, it did. Before Richard Grayson brought the whole thing tumbling down.
It all started with Dick poking his nose where it didn't belong. Asking personal questions that Jason shouldn't have to answer. Apparently, it was horrifying that Jason hadn't been to an omegan doctor since his untimely death and resurrection. Because, apparently, it could lead to potential health risks in the future.
"Make an appointment, Jay," Dick ordered, stealing a fry from Jason's bag. They were camped out on top of Batburger, refueling before they made the trek back to the Cave. Ignoring the wounded noise his brother made, Dick continued, "Seriously. I get that we're not big on doctors, but this is the one thing you don't want to mess around with."
"If I go, will you stop bothering me?" Jason grumbled, snatching his fries out of reach.
At the very least, Dick had the decency to look chastised. "Scouts' honor," he swore, raising a hand.
So Jason went, if only to get his older brother off his tail. Made an appointment for the next day and forced himself down to the omegan care clinic.
He should've known it would all go to shit.
"I'm sorry, what?" Jason demanded, his heart threatening to give out for a second time.
The beta doctor sitting across from him met his eyes, the neutrality of her face cracking slightly. "You need to get off those suppressants, Mr…" she paused, eyeing his chart. "Mr. Jodd. Now. I shouldn't have to tell you that taking unprescribed heat suppressants is a huge risk. And that isn't accounting for the fact that you haven't had a proper heat in…" she checked his chart again, a vein jumping along her jaw. "Years. In all honesty, Mr. Jodd, I'm surprised we haven't seen you sooner."
"But they've been working alright," Jason snapped back, somewhat faintly. "I haven't had any problems."
"Yet," the doctor cautioned, eyes narrowing. "As uncomfortable as it is, going through heat cycles is vital for an omega's continued health. It helps regulate hormone levels in your body and strengthen your immune system. While suppressants can be useful to alleviate more severe heats, they shouldn't be taken around the clock… and especially not unless prescribed by a doctor."
"I don't have the time to go into heat," Jason argued. He knew he was grasping at straws now, and he knew it wasn't a good look, but he couldn't help it. Considering everything he had seen and done in the last few years, there was very little that scared Jason. But this? This terrified him.
"Many could say the same for sleeping," the doctor pointed out, raising an eyebrow. "But that doesn't mean we should—or can—stop. If it's a matter of employment, most jobs offer cycle accommodations for both heats and ruts. It shouldn't be an issue to open up your schedule a bit in order to take care of yourself."
She sighed, her tone taking on something more sympathetic when she suggested, "If you need, there are resources we can provide you. There are quite a few reputable agencies that lend workers to help folks through their heats…?"
His ears flaming in horror, Jason stuttered out, "No! N-no, that won't be needed. I'm all good there. Thanks, Doc."
The woman nodded. "I know this is an inconvenience. But your health is worth it. Give yourself the care and attention that you deserve, alright?" She held his gaze a second too long, Jason squirming beneath the weight of her genuine care.
"Right," he muttered, hand flexing as he gripped the edge of his jacket. Looking everywhere but at the doctor's face, Jason cleared his throat. "Anything else I need to know?"
"Your heats may be a little more intense at first, since it's been so long," the doctor cautioned. "I suggest you come up with an action plan beforehand. Just a moment."
There was a soft rustling as the woman reached behind her. A moment later, she passed a handful of pamphlets to Jason. "These will list some helpful tools for alleviating symptoms."
Jason flicked through the pamphlets, his dread growing as he took in image after image of smiling omegas. One was curled in a nest, surrounded by soft blankets; another was sandwiched between pack members, a blissful expression on their face. Feeling distinctly nauseous, Jason set the papers to the side.
The doctor didn't comment on his visual distress, although her voice did soften when she asked, "Do you have any questions for me, Mr. Jodd?"
There was something stirring in the back of Jason's mind, something small and young and far too soft. He shied away from it, reaching for a distant, roiling anger that over the years had become as familiar as breathing. Jason let it sink beneath his skin, jaw clenching reflexively as he sought for the politest thing to say.
"No," he settled on after a moment, fighting the urge to kick at the floor like a child. "No, I think I'm good."
Robotically, Jason moved through another round of pleasantries as he gathered up his things to leave. The pamphlets went into his pocket; he had every intention of tossing them once he stepped outside. But for now, he had a far more important mission.
He was going to kill Dick.
~~~~~
Too angry to drive, Jason took to pacing the parking garage as frustration rolled off of him in waves. Had he felt a little more charitable, he might've regretted not putting on scent blockers; no doubt his bad mood would stink up the area for the next few hours. But he felt very selfish at the moment, thank you, and gave about zero fucks when it came to his scent.
Something occurred to him, Jason yanked his phone out of his pocket with murderous intent. He hardly had to look at the screen as he thumbed towards the contact name. Bright white letters, spelling out "Cock", lit up the display as he pressed the phone to his ear.
"Fuck you," Jason announced by way of greeting, when Dick finally picked up.
"And hello to you too," his brother indulged him. "What's up?"
"Just got back from the doctor," Jason couldn't stop the spiteful bite that leaked into his words, "And guess what? Thanks to a certain meddling bitch, I have to go off suppressants. So, thanks for that, man. Really appreciate it."
"Look, I'm sorry," Dick replied, his tone painfully mild, "But I'm not the one neglecting your health. What did the doctor say?"
Jason's pacing picked up speed. "Some bullshit about hormone levels and immune systems. I don't have to listen to her," he realized, somewhat mulishly. "I get my suppressants elsewhere, anyway. I can keep taking them."
"And risk getting seriously sick? Or, hell, developing cancer in a few years? I know you're upset, Jay, and I don't blame you. But it isn't worth it," Dick soothed. And god, how Jason hated him in that moment. Fucking Richard Grayson and his fucking ability to always know the right thing to say.
Jason sank to a crouch beside his motorcycle, suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of terror. His voice dropping to a whisper, he managed, "I can't do this, Dick. I don't— I haven't— Fuck, man. The last time I went through this, I was fifteen."
"You can do this," Dick countered. His voice ticking up mischievously, he pressed, "C'mon, Jay. You're a stubborn ass; you can ride out a heat, as obnoxious as it's gonna be. I mean, you managed to get over being dead, so this can't be that much harder."
That startled a laugh out of Jason, and he swore a moment later to cover for it. Painfully aware of the way Dick must be grinning on the other side of the line, Jason grumbled, "This is still your fault, by the way. God, I miss the days where you used to sulk all the time and I never saw you. Can we go back to that? Can you do that again?"
"So you literally hate me?" With that childish quip, Dick barreled on, "When's your next heat due, then? Did you go over a plan with your doctor?"
Jason pushed himself back to his feet, flicking road grime off of his jeans. "Uh, not sure." He squinted up at the ceiling, silently doing the math in his head. "Probably about a week or two, I guess. And no… no, we didn't. She recommended some, er, services. But, uh…" Jason trailed off, bringing his eyes back to the ground.
"Ah," Dick answered eloquently. "I mean, hey. If you don't want to, you know, go with a stranger… If you called up Roy, I'm sure he'd—"
"God, Dick!" Jason yelped, yanking the phone away from his ear as if that'd erase his brother's words from his mind. He shuddered, memories flooding his mind. Sure, he and Roy Harper had had something going on, but it was hard to commit to a guy when he was still hung up over your asshole of an older brother.
Cautiously drawing the phone back to his ear, Jason forced out through gritted teeth, "Absolutely not. Never suggest that again."
Dick sounded suspiciously amused when he relented, "Alright, alright. I won't."
Satisfied, Jason took a deep breath to chase the last of the embarrassment from his mind. "No, uh… I don't want it to be that kind of heat. I'm just gonna… ride it out alone."
Dick hummed. "You're going to be miserable."
Jason scowled. "I'll be fine."
"Trust me, Jay. If you go at it alone, it's going to suck," Dick cautioned. There was a brief, tentative pause, then— "Listen, I know you'll probably want your space, but I could always come hangout? We don't have to, y'know, cuddle or anything. But just to keep an eye on you, make sure you're okay."
Jason's first instinct was to laugh the offer down. But the second was a rush of needy desire, the long-dormant omega in the back of his mind unfurling. That wretched beast cast an image to the front of his mind, a soft-edged daydream of Jason curled up in the pack nest at Wayne Manor, Dick and Bruce pressed against him on either side.
Nostalgia swelled in the back of Jason's throat, tampered with nausea. He swallowed thickly, forcing the image from his mind before he replied, "Uh, sure. Sure, that… that could be nice."
"Really?" Dick sounded genuinely surprised. He coughed, his voice sinking into something more neutral when he continued, "It's a plan, then. You just let me know whenever your symptoms start and I'll head over. Is there anyone else you want?"
His instincts must've really been getting him for him to even consider it, but Jason found himself pausing.
Slotting himself into the silence, Dick pushed, "I could bring Damian, maybe…?"
Jason grunted. "I can't picture the kid being willing to nest."
"That's what he wants you to think," Dick chuckled. "He talks big about being independent, but he adores it. He's kept me company for my past few heats, and honestly? A puppy's about the best thing you could have in your nest during your heat."
Yes, Jason's omega whispered, perking up. I want the puppy.
"Fine, fine," Jason sighed, carding his fingers through his hair. "Bring the kid. But no one else, okay?" he added sharply, glaring into the distance as if Dick could see him from here. "I'm barely agreeing to Damian as is."
"Duly noted. But trust me." Dick's voice was heavy with amusement. "You're going to want the puppy."
~~~~~
Jason's heat came on suddenly, just about a week later.
One moment, he was curled up in his favorite armchair in his favorite safe house, nose-deep in his favorite novel. The next, the book had slipped from his hands as a tidal wave of nausea washed over him, bringing with it an aching, burning emptiness that hollowed him from the inside out.
"Fuck," Jason managed, clutching an arm around his throbbing gut. It came out as a whine, something awakening deep inside of him. His skin on fire, he fumbled for his phone, his head empty except for the knowledge that Dick should be here. He needed his big brother, and he needed him now.
Dick picked up on the second ring. "Hello?" He sounded blurry, like he'd just woken up from a nap.
"Dickie, hey." Jason let out a stuttering laugh, which cut off as another ripple of pain spread from his gut. "It's go-time, man. Get your ass over here, before I regret inviting you."
"Oh." There was a pause as Dick seemed to parse out his words; another point to the just-woke-up theory. Then— "Oh!"
A loud thump issued from the other end of the line as, Jason assumed, Dick hurtled himself out of bed. "I'll be out the door in five," his brother reassured him, somewhat breathlessly. "I have to pick up Damian, but we should be there within the hour. Think you can hold on?"
"Yeah." Jason winced, curling in on himself. "Just… get here fast, okay?"
"I will, fast as I can," Dick promised. "You go ahead and go take some pain meds, okay? If you feel up to it, you could get started on the nest, too. And if you can't, that's alright, too."
Jason pulled the phone away from his ear to glare at it. Call him a contrarian, but now that Dick had suggested he couldn't, he was determined to prove him wrong. Putting the phone back to his ear, he pushed out, "I can do it."
The call ending, Jason pocked his phone with a shaking hand. He steadied himself against the arm of the couch for a moment, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself. Then, jaw clenched in determination, he staggered towards the kitchen.
A glass of water and handful of ibuprofen gave Jason just enough energy to stumble to his bedroom. Passing through the doorway, he grabbed on to the threshold for support. Something scratched at the back of his mind, an animalistic fear that raised his hackles and coaxed a whine from the back of his throat. It was strange how alien your own home could seem under the fog of heat.
The lump of blankets on his bed was just as unfamiliar. Jason ran hot at night; any more than a thin sheet had him breaking into a sweat. But, per Dick's orders, he had gathered every blanket and pillow he could find in preparation of his incoming heat. It had seemed excessive before, but now…
Jason blinked, hard. A shiver ran down his spine as he took a step back from the bed. There was something inside him, something sharing his cage of bones. An animal, a strange and simple beast that he thought he had strangled ages ago. It whimpered, so he whimpered. It longed for a nest, so he looked at the mountain of pillows in desperation. It lunged forward onto the soft rise of the mattress, so he fell, barely catching himself in time.
Bile rising in the back of his throat, Jason scrambled back from the bed. People spoke of their instincts as if they were soothing, the familiar touch of an old friend. To Jason, it felt like nothing less than possession. Blind, crawling terror crept across his skin as another flush of heat spread from head to toe.
He could feel his reason slipping from him and he… he hated it. He hated feeling compromised, his logic taking the backseat as his instincts pushed themselves to the forefront. He hated the burning itch beneath his skin that begged him to hide, to nest, to huddle close, to submit.
Jason gritted his teeth, tears prickling the backs of his eyes as he stared at the mound of blankets on the bed. They seemed to mock him; he knew, were he to give in, he could whip up a cozy nest in no time. But he didn't want to give up the reins, not yet. So he dug his heels in, fists clenched at his sides as he fought through wave after wave of feverish dizziness.
He was still standing there when Dick arrived, breezing through the front door like a man on a mission. "Jay? We're here." His cloying scent hit Jason a second after his voice did, a steady, syrupy rush of safe-love-concern.
Jason's eyes fluttered; he could feel his instincts straining at the borders of their cage, demanding he run to Dick and let his pack omega take care of it. He shook his head mutely, face screwing up in concentration.
"Jay?" Dick's voice echoed closer. "Jason, you in here?" There was a brief pause; Jason could smell him, hovering in the doorway. Then, with a heavy sigh choked in sympathy, his older brother rushed to his side.
With great effort, Jason turned his head, forcing himself to meet Dick's eyes. Those deep, dark blue pools swam with an understanding that made Jason's skin crawl, and he felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment.
Cocking his head to the side, Dick offered gently, "Can I scent you?"
Jason nodded slowly, some of the tension easing from his muscles as Dick trailed his wrist against his jaw. His brother's scent thickened, a heady mix of rose-and-peach that threatened to turn Jason's limbs to putty.
And, like… like an omega, Jason burst into tears.
"I… I can't do this," Jason sobbed, leaning forward to bump his head against Dick's shoulder. "I don't— I can't—" He bit his lip, hard enough to slice through the soft skin. The metallic tang of blood steadied his head, just long enough to feel a rush of shame at how pathetic he must look.
Dick threaded his fingers through Jason's curls, tucking his brother's head close when he replied, "You can. I know you hate this, but you can." His scent deepened; Jason was practically drowning in it now, and he couldn't help but gulp it down like a man dying of thirst.
Some small, young thing in the back of Jason's mind lurched forward. Without quite meaning to, he whispered, "I'm scared, Dickie."
He felt Dick flinch beneath him. Leaning back, Dick cupped Jason's face in his hands, forcing his younger brother to meet his eyes. "Jason," he murmured, rubbing his thumb along his brother's jawline, "Do you trust me? Do you trust Damian?"
After a second of hesitation, Jason nodded, fighting the urge to melt beneath Dick's touch like a puppy.
His older brother smiled, and god— Jason may have long lost the hero worship he had felt as a Robin, but there was no denying the way his heart surged whenever that grin turned in his direction.
"Alright," Dick continued, apparently oblivious to the power he held. "Do you trust we can keep you safe?"
Jason nodded again. Maybe it was the warm, callused hands rubbing circles into his skin. Or maybe it was the sweet, familiar scent that cloaked him from head to toe. Either way, he could feel his fear and self-loathing begin to drift, carried away on a tide soft instinct.
Dick seemed to be reaching his conclusion. "Do you think we'd take advantage of you in a compromised position?" he pressed, searching Jason's face intently.
The answer came quicker this time, and Jason shook his head. Dick was a lot of things: melodramatic and emotionally constipated, with a temper that could turn on a dime. But if there was one thing Jason knew about his brother, it was that Dick had his back.
Dick leaned forward, bumping his forehead against Jason's. "Let go, 'mega," he whispered. "Let us take care of you. It's going to be okay, I promise."
So Jason did.
Mind hazy, limbs giving out, Jason let Dick coax him towards the bed. It took considerable effort to hoist himself up onto the mattress, but he managed, Dick a steadying presence at his back. Jason collapsed in the pile of blankets, his omega purring in satisfaction.
Dick's hands vanished, and Jason surprised himself with the whine that curled out of his throat. He lifted his head, vision blurry as he searched for his older brother.
Comforting fingers stroked through his curls, and Dick soothed, "I'm still here, little wing. I'm going to go grab some supplies, okay? Why don't you finish making the nest for us?"
The idea sounded unusually appealing; Jason gave into the suggestion without much argument. He hardly noticed as Dick crept from the room, too consumed in rearranging the pillows and blankets until he was satisfied. This whole nest thing was far easier than he had anticipated; he couldn't believe he'd been so worked up over it earlier.
There was something wrong with Jason's nest, though. He nosed into the corners, his heart sinking as he confirmed his suspicions. Other than his own scent, a light old-books-and-chamomile, the nest was completely bare. Jason's distress grew, and in that moment, he cursed himself for being such a recluse.
But wait— Jason straightened, scenting the air. He had caught a whiff of something, buried just beneath the sugar-sweet rush of Dick's scent. He hadn't noticed it before, but now that he had, he couldn't think about anything else. He sniffed the air again, a purr rumbling to life in the back of his throat.
A puppy.
It was odd— a part of Jason knew that it was just Damian. That part remembered the plan and the tentative offer that Dick had extended on the youngest Wayne's behalf. But Jason's hindbrain—which was much louder in the moment—had latched onto the scent of a pup like a moth to a flame. It didn't matter who it was, so long as the pup made their way to the nest in short order.
Positioning himself on the edge of the nest, Jason gave an experimental trill. It came out lopsided, his throat unfamiliar with the noise. Furrowing his brow, he tried again. He managed to hold it for longer this time, and the sound rang out like a siren's call.
The milky-sweet scent hidden beneath Dick's rose-and-peach strengthened— Jason could pick out the individual notes now, as well as the subtle tilt of Damian's curiosity. As stubborn as the pup could be, he was still a pup. And the summons of an omega in heat were nearly irresistible.
Jason trilled a third time, and it wasn't long before a small, familiar shadow filled the doorway. Hovering just beyond the threshold, Damian peered into the darkness of the room, his little face pinched in uncertainty. "Todd?"
Words were entirely unnecessary; Jason knew that the pup was smart enough to figure out what he needed. He trilled again, eyes narrowing in concentration as he fought to push his intention into his scent. It had been a while since Jason had controlled his scent in this fashion; it was nowhere near as smooth and encompassing as Dick's.
Still, it did the trick.
Even through the daze of his heat, Jason could see the very second that his message hit home. Damian stiffened, brows furrowing in concentration as he did his very best to fight his instincts. Jason had been there, of course, not even ten minutes prior. But there was no time for that now, not when the puppy needed to be in the nest where he belonged.
With a soft purr, Jason beckoned Damian forward, scooting back so that there was plenty of room in the nest. The pup hesitated, pushing up onto his tiptoes like a bird longing to take flight. Then, a look of resolution shuttering his features, he crept towards the bed.
This was very good; Jason could sing, had he had the wherewithal to do so. His purr rose to a rumbling cacophony as Damian pushed himself into the nest, the milkiness of his pup-scent mingling with Jason's.
Damian had hardly settled before Jason pounced, bundling the pup into his arms. The pup squeaked in protest, but he didn't have a say in this any more. Hushing him with a soft chuff, Jason rubbed his cheek against Damian's as he set to work scenting him. The poor thing stank of alpha scent that set Jason's teeth on edge; Bruce, a tiny voice in his brain provided.
No, no. That would not do. This was Jason's puppy now, and it was imperative that he smelled just like him.
The more Damian was lathered in scent, the faster the tension drained from his body. It wasn't long before he'd melted into a small puddle in Jason's arms, bright green eyes half-lidded as he allowed Jason to rub his scent over his head. Damian's soft purr stuttered to life, harmonizing with Jason's.
Dick was right, Jason noted, lost in a haze of instinct-fueled euphoria. The puppy is very, very nice. He was pretty sure he wanted the puppy in his arms all the time. In fact, it was vital that Damian stayed here forever so Jason could hold him and cuddle him and scent him and…
…and it was a massive relief that Dick wasn't a mind-reader, because he couldn't believe he had just thought that.
Although, Jason mused, rationality slipping away from him not even a second later, It would be good if Dick could read minds. That way, I could tell him I need him now, and to stop lazing around out there.
Jason shifted, discomfort growing beneath his skin. He was glad he had the puppy—and good lord, he was never giving the puppy away again—but his nest was still incomplete. Jason and his puppy may have been perfectly cozy, but they certainly weren't safe. And without an alpha to guard them, the next best thing would have to do.
Jason whined, long and loud, the sound carrying through the open doorway. He waited, distress growing as the seconds ticked by. He whined again, his panic bleeding into his scent. Why wasn't Dick answering? Where had his older brother gone?
The puppy stirred beneath him, clearly agitated by his fear. "Todd?" Damian piped up, slurring his words. "What's wrong?"
Oh, his poor, innocent puppy. Jason cuddled him close to his chest, landing a few tender kisses on the top of the pup's head. It was clear that they had been abandoned. It would be up to Jason to take care of him now, to raise him in a way that such a smart and handsome puppy deserved.
Yet… could Jason be the mother that his puppy deserved? His puppy, who was such a good, good puppy, needed only the best. And Jason… he was broken! Incomplete! A sorry excuse for an omega! He wasn't even producing milk right now, which meant his puppy would starve and he would be the only one to blame—
"God, little wing," a voice echoed from the doorway, their frustration tempered by amusement. "If I had known you were going to get that worked up, I wouldn't have left."
They were saved! They weren't abandoned after all!
Jason jolted upright, his purr rumbling back to life as Dick made his way across the room. He shifted to the side to display his puppy, hoping his older brother took note of how clean and comfortable the puppy was. Damian was already well on his way to slumber, dark lashes fluttering against his cheeks.
"I see you did a very good job," Dick purred, easing himself into the nest. The moment his rose-and-peach scent washed over the blankets, Jason felt himself relax. Finally, finally, the nest was right. "You did wonderful, taking care of the puppy."
Jason preened, bumping his head up against his older brother's chin. Dick purred, looping an arm around Jason's shoulders and hugging him to his chest. It was a bit of an odd fit—Jason was several inches taller and many pounds heavier than Dick—but it felt nice to be held like that.
"You did wonderfully," Dick reiterated, his voice soft. "But now it's my turn to take care of you. So why don't you go to sleep, Jay? You can take a nap with the puppy and I'll watch over both of you."
Jason stiffened, a soft whine tearing from his lips. He trusted his older brother, that wasn't in question. But the part of him that was still sane, fighting against the tide of instincts and hormones, swore that he wasn't safe. That he was never safe. That no matter what, things would always go south. That as long as Jason was involved, there would never be a happy ending.
"Shh, shh," Dick hushed him, carding his fingers through Jason's hair. "You're alright, Jay, you're alright. I promise."
In a fit of delirium, Jason wondered if his brother could read minds after all. That's when he noticed the tears tracing down his cheeks, their salty tang muddling his scent.
He whimpered again, only to be silenced by Dick's nose nudging against the top of his head. "You're safe," Dick whispered, his warm breath stirring Jason's curls. He rubbed his knuckles beneath Jason's shoulder blades, a soft point of contact to keep him grounded. "I'm not going to leave you. I'll stay with you the whole time."
Jason sniffed, flipping over so that he could curl up next to Dick, face pressed against his chest. Dick chuckled, and he could feel the vibrations through his shirt. "See?" Dick purred, each word rumbling against Jason's cheek. "I've got you, little wing. You're safe with me."
And he was, wasn't he? To be honest, Jason hadn't felt this safe in… well… he wasn't sure how long. And maybe it was just the instincts talking, but he couldn't help but relax into Dick's embrace, molding himself against his brother's body with the hope that they would never separate.
"You're safe," Dick repeated a third time, his words just above a whisper. "I've got you. You're safe." His hand traveled upwards, fingers curling through Jason's hair as he rubbed a steady rhythm into his scalp.
I'm safe, Jason's omega agreed, a rush of exhaustion washing over him. I'm safe. He felt his bones melt, every fiber of his being intent on giving into slumber. His world had been reduced to this: the soft nest that surrounded him, the brush of Dick's fingers through his hair, and the soft puff of Damian's breath on his back.
Dick's lips grazed the top of Jason's head, pressing a kiss into his scalp. "Go to sleep," he murmured, the sound rumbling through Jason's bones.
So, he did.