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There had been something different about Tim recently. He was still himself of course, but more muted? Softer? It was hard to explain. It was typical for him to live off of caffeine, drinking coffee and energy drinks like it was his lifeblood. Yet when Alfred had swapped out his normal mix for decaf, he had barely complained. What's worse was that he hadn't even switched it back yet! He'd accepted it with a grumble about missing caffeine! Of course that wasn't all. Tim had begun eating three square meals a day. Alfred of course was pleased, as was Bruce though his pleasure was muted by suspicion. It was like Tim had suddenly decided to take care of himself. It was weird.
Normally he would work relentlessly on cases. Days and nights would blur and the computer screen would give him strong headaches. Then, once he cracked the code on whatever he was working on, he would suit up the first chance he could and go finish the job. Quick, precise, methodical. Now, he simply worked on his cases at a reasonable pace. He'd eat meals away from the cave, and what was even more wild was that he'd actually set a case down to go to sleep.
Dick had been the one to find out the truth. A post-patrol shower was everything and he took as long as possible if he could help it. The cave had the best water pressure and it always soothed sore muscles. Plus, it eased the itchy feeling he got after removing his scent patches. His alpha hated them understandably but he'd long since grown used to them. As far back as a pup. So maybe he had stayed in the shower a little too long. Long enough that when he got out and towelled off he found that Jason had stopped by after patrol. Which was… not uncommon? But it wasn't often that he decided to stop by and actually socialize with them all. So it was even weirder that Dick stepped out of their makeshift locker room set up to find the bigger alpha hanging over Tim, their only omega, who sat leaned back in the bat-computer chair.
Dick felt his alpha's hackles raise and a growl build in the back of his throat. He suppressed the urge to defend the pack's omega. This was Jason's pack too. Sure, Jason hadn't technically been pack since before the… accident. But that was fine! He was pack. He was just really close to Tim. Super close. Leaning over and into Tim's space. Dick felt restless and he inhaled deeply to try and ground himself. It would be rude to come to Tim's defense without a proper reason to. Tim could handle himself. It was fine.
It was fine.
Dick watched as Jason leaned down to Tim. Close. Closer. Nearly touching. Dick took a staggered step forward. Jason said something to Tim and Dick watched, baffled, as Tim actually laughed then nodded at whatever Jason said. Jason leaned back and stretched and Dick's alpha settled. Then Dick's jaw dropped as Tim actually shut off the computer and got up to stretch as well. Then he left. He actually straight up left! Presumably to go to bed! Dick was floored. It was barely past two in the morning! What alternate universe did he drop into? Was his shower a magic shower? Who was this person and what did he do with Tim!
Jason turned smoothly and shot Dick an unimpressed look, “Do you seriously have to stink up the entire cave?”
Dick blinked, “What?”
A scoff, “Don't play dumb Dick-wad. Your scent is literally everywhere. Like some sort of freshly presented pup.”
He paused and sniffed the air. It was muted to him but sure enough, he had forgotten to reel in his scent. Just like Jason had sarcastically said, he was like a freshly presented pup who hadn't figured out how to control his scent. Dick flushed in embarrassment.
“Shit, sorry. Forgot I had taken off my blockers.” Dick apologized honestly.
Jason raised an eyebrow but shrugged, “Yeah whatever.”
Then the younger moved to leave and Dick found himself floundering, “Wait- Jaybird!”
Jason paused and sighed, “No, I'm not staying for dinner. I gotta get back.”
“Wha- no, not that though that would be nice,” Dick added thoughtfully, “No I wanted to know how you got Tim to go to bed.”
The taller alpha blinked and then a grin stretched on his face, “Trade secret.”
Dick sputtered as Jason left the cave with a cackle. He wasn't sure what he had exactly expected Jason to say but he couldn't say he was surprised.
See what Dick had neglected to notice was that Jason had said that he ‘had to get back'. Yet the younger hadn't said what he was getting back to. His alpha had distracted him from the subtle details a detective shouldn't miss. Like how Jason had finished his patrol early, by multiple hours. His civilian clothes were evidence enough that he was done for the night. Another detail was that Jason rarely came by for no reason. Dick had been so focused on the exchange between the lone alpha and the pack's omega that he had missed what the motive could've been. Once Tim had left, Jason had turned to face Dick. Implying he had known the entire time that Dick was there. Still, too focused on how to get their resident night owl to sleep, he missed that detail.
Dick had missed a lot, too distracted. Though Stephanie, being one of Tim's best friends, had noticed something pretty big. As all good friends do, she pointed it out and asked one day at brunch.
She took a long sip of her caramel-something drink and stared at Tim who had barely touched his fruit or his breakfast burrito. Instead he sipped his tea. She knew Tim and the Tim she knew did not drink tea unless it was brewed by Alfred himself.
Tim looked at her and rolled his eyes, “Just asking, you obviously want to.”
The fellow omega lit up, “Okay so first off what's with the tea? You do not drink tea, like ever. Secondly you haven't been at the manor recently, so spill. Is it a case? Oh! Are you and Bruce fighting?” She gasped. “Are you seeing someone!”
Tim quickly shushed her, “Steph, I love you but be quiet. Look, I just wanted to try this place's tea. And no, it's not a case or Bruce.”
Stephanie grinned, “You didn't deny it! You're seeing someone aren't you?”
He laughed lightly, “I can assure you I'm not seeing anyone new. I just… wanted to be in my apartment. Y'know the one with my, uh, nest?”
Her brow furrowed as she processed it, “Why… oh! I gotcha! Your heat is coming up isn't it? Did you need me to stop by? Cuddles, food, water?”
The male omega flushed and quickly shot her offer down, “No! No, I'm fine, trust me. I got it all covered.”
She raised an eyebrow but shrugged and used her fork to stab her waffle, “Suit yourself, but I don't wanna hear from you in a week about how miserable you were.”
The conversation deviated after that. Discussing recent cases, cute people that had caught Steph's eye, pranks that they could play on Bruce the first chance they got. Just a nice, easy day hanging out.
Steph never did hear how Tim's heat went.
Mostly because he had spent it holed up in his apartment. Specifically heaving up most of the food Jason made him. The nausea had set in late and he found himself miserable. Mysteriously, Red Hood hadn't been sighted in Gotham around the same time as Red Robin took his leave. Most who knew him assumed that he was out with the Outlaws. Of course, if anyone asked Roy he covered for his friend. The archer didn't know what Jay was getting up to in Gotham but he'd cover for him if he needed an alibi.
From that week onward things with Tim got weirder.
He went on patrol less, well not less per say, but he never went alone and for less time. When asked he'd claim being tired. They all knew how often he worked himself to the bone so no one really looked too close at the excuse. The weird part was Jason.
Red Hood had been seen working with the rest of the Bats more often. Specifically with Red Robin. The latter complaining often. To which Hood would reply with ‘go home then’. It was a weird dynamic for criminals to witness. As for the family, most were just happy to see Jason getting along with them again. Even if it irritated the alphas of their pack. Tim didn't seem to truly mind Hood tagging along so they tried to ignore it as much as they could. They preferred the omega and alpha being on good terms as opposed to ostracizing Jason again.
Protectiveness aside, they all were happy to see the two getting along. Even outside of patrol they were spotted near each other. Bruce had been the one to catch the two in Martha's old library. He watched as Jason leaned over from where he sat on the shared couch and into Tim's space. Bruce's alpha stayed dormant. He watched with the eyes of a detective as Jason gently brushing his wrist over Tim's neck. Scenting the younger. Tim leaned into it, but grumbled. Jason snorted and returned to reading. Bruce retreated. Good. His alpha gave a pleased rumble. He liked it when his pups got along.
It all came to a head during one of their monthly Sunday night dinners. Family night. According to Dick. To almost everyone else it was mandated bonding. Except Alfred, and they never denied Alfred. As such, both Tim and Jason were in attendance. They sat next to each other and Steph shot Tim a suspicious look from across the table. Bruce sat at the head and looked a little lost as usual. Alfred’s ‘no work at the dinner table’ rule was in full effect. Thankfully, Dick could help foster conversation to fill the gap. Bruce hummed as Dick told him about what some of the Titans were getting up to, Damian not present as he was relieved from having to attend dinner to be with the Titans instead. Steph chatted with Tim amicably, occasionally shooting watchful looks to Jason who had snuck his arm around the back of Tim's chair with a smug look.
Alfred sat out the food and leveled Tim with a look. Tim averted his gaze. In a family of detectives it did not go unnoticed.
Bruce cleared his throat, “Tim?”
Tim's head whipped to Bruce, “Hm?”
“Is there something… going on?” Bruce said uncertainly.
Steph narrowed her eyes as Jason's arm slipped around Tim's shoulders protectively. Jason wasn't paying attention to her anymore. He was watching Tim with an almost nervous look.
Tim frowned, “What do you mean?”
Bruce made one of his infamous noncomital noises, “You've just been different lately, that's all.”
He shot Bruce a grin, “All good here, no need to worry.”
The pack's leader frowned, “If something is wrong you can tell us.”
“Nothing is wrong.” Tim reassured.
Bruce didn't let up, “It's just that you've been taking care of yourself more lately, which is good of course, but your patrols are shorter lately.”
Tim nodded, “Yeah I was meaning to talk to you about that actually.”
Bruce almost looked relieved, “Yes?”
“I'd like Red Robin to go on hiatus. Just for a bit.” Tim said tentatively.
Bruce's brow furrowed and his frown deepened in confusion. A clatter drew attention to Dick who had dropped his cutlery on his plate. The oldest pup of their pack sat in shock. Even Stephanie, who wasn't technically one of their pack by traditional means, sat at the dinner table in surprise. Only Jason seemed to be unbothered by the news. Bruce folded his hands in front of him.
“That should be fine, but I'd like to know why.”
For the first time that night, Tim hesitated. His mouth opened but no sound came out. Eyes averted and he took his time to come up with an answer. He had known that he wouldn't be able to get away with everything without at least a few questions. Answers would have to be given and if he didn't give them freely they'd be taken from him. Honesty was the best policy but did that account for how people would react? There was a lot to consider. Would he be shunned for it? Any of it? No matter how you went about it you were still opening the can of worms. Even if you only let a bit of water out of the dam you were still stuck with a flood. Could he weather the flood? Though knowing his family it would be more like a tsunami.
A hand that Tim had neglected to notice squeezed his shoulder softly.
Ah. Right. He wasn't alone in this. No matter the outcome he'd have Jason.
They had already discussed every possible outcome till they were blue in the face. Tim was much too thorough not to consider every possibility. Who would take off work, what would the family think, who would they tell and when, if at all, etcetera.
As much as he would have rather kept the little secret he had all to himself, Tim had to admit that it was getting harder. He had ditched caffeine, all but moved out, and Jason's alpha had been so overprotective that he had been practically glued to Tim for over a month at this point. Not to mention the scenting! Tim wondered if he even had a scent anymore or if it was just all Jason's smokey scent. Between the nausea and the bone-deep exhaustion, Tim knew it was only a matter of time. At least if he said it now then nearly everyone in the pack would know at once.
Tim inhaled and exhaled softly as he came to a decision.
The pack waited patiently, expectantly.
“I'm pregnant.” Tim stated bluntly, unsure of where to look.
He heard more than he saw. Stephanie gasped dramatically. Bruce inhaled sharply. Dick seemed to have stopped breathing all together. Suddenly Tim found himself acutely aware of the protective scent Jason was emitting. Grounding and safe. Despite the anxiety he was feeling, he relaxed into the calming scent.
Bruce cleared his throat but it didn't seem to help, “You're… pregnant?”
Tim almost laughed at how constipated the alpha sounded though he restrained it, “Yes. I'm a little bit past the first trimester.”
“I can't believe you didn't tell me!” Steph never practically shouted with a smile, “I am gonna be the best aunt ever. Babs is gonna have to fight me for the position!”
Tim snorted and relaxed even more. Dick had yet to say anything and it made him nervous.
Bruce looked pale, “Do you… you're planning on…?”
Jason let out a low rumble and Tim quickly placated, “Yes, I'm planning on having the pup. It's why Red Robin is going on hiatus. I'm not planning on being gone for forever but I definitely need to lay off patrols for a bit.”
Dick finally found his voice.
“You've been on patrols.” the older alpha said accusatory.
Tim nodded, “I have. It's not like I'm an invalid or something. Besides, haven't ran solo for well over a month now.”
Dick opened his mouth then paused. His eyes wandered towards Jason and narrowed considerably.
“Jason knew.” Dick accused once more.
Jason raised his hands in defense, “Hey it was Tim's choice as to who to tell and when.”
Tim sighed as both of the alphas all but began growling. Leave it to Jason to piss off Dick. He wondered what sort of thrill it brought Jason to annoy Dick in particular.
Dick let out a growl, “Why should you be the one helping Tim? Shouldn't the family be the one helping him?”
Jason growled right back, “What exactly are you implying there Dickwad?”
Dick stood, “I think you know.”
Jason mirrored the stance and snarled, “Maybe you need to say it.”
The scent in the room had gotten considerably thicker. Alphas having a standoff tended to do that. All Tim knew was that he was getting nauseated too quick for his liking and he really didn't want to throw up Alfred’s cooking. A glance across the table showed that even Steph had a hand over her nose.
Tim stood abruptly and let out his own growl. Lighter than either of the alphas’. Still, it sent a message and paired with his own projected scent sweetened by the notes of pregnancy it had both alphas sitting down nearly instantly. Both alphas were connected to Tim and both were upset to have pissed off the pregnant omega in their presence. Jason especially looked guilty and for good reason.
Tim sighed and looked at Jason, “You knew better.”
The man turned his head away and mumbled, “Sorry.”
Next, he turned to Dick.
“There is no reason to be jealous, Dick.” Tim scolded.
Dick practically pouted, “But Jason-”
Tim cut him off with a tired sigh, “Is my mate.”
For the second time that night the table went silent. This time Tim dared to meet their faces. Steph looked like she wanted to throttle him, but in the way one did when excited. Dick looked gobsmacked. And Bruce? Bruce looked… carefully neutral.
“Bruce?” Tim asked tentatively.
The pack's alpha hummed and turned to Jason, “You'll be good to him?”
Jason rolled his eyes but nodded, “Always.”
Bruce gave a slow nod, “Good.”
Warmth filled Tim at the approval. Steph had appeared at his side and hugged him tightly. Even going as far to scent him lightly. If it bothered Jason he didn't show it and Tim would have to make sure to tease him about it later. Tim found his gaze wandering to his brother.
“Dick?” Tim asked softly.
The older man met his gaze.
Tim frowned “Are you okay?”
Dick breathed deeply before responding, “It's a lot to take in. My baby brother is mated and expecting a pup. I… I'm gonna be an uncle.”
Tim nodded encouragingly, “You can be the one to teach them gymnastics, if you want.”
His older brother smiled, “I'd like that.”
He smiled happily as his mate comfortingly draped himself over Tim. Jason scented him openly and it satisfied something deep inside him. Steph was talking animatedly about could shopping for onesies and Dick was nodding along slowly, quickly warming up to the idea. A look towards Bruce showed an impassive face but the alpha's scent betrayed his true feelings. Pleased. Tim grinned as Alfred appeared at his and Jason's side, a fond hand resting on his shoulder. Their pack's elder was the real one to get approval from and luckily they had gotten it long before they had become mates. Because of course, Alfred knew all.