#maybe Jason having a heart felt conversation with Dick about how he can't just give up his life

[youhavelessproof]

I feel like so much Jaydick content could be done exploring the fact that the last confrontation scene in Under the Red Hood was canonically happening at the same time Blüdhaven was bombed and Dick did the equivalent of a suicide attempt.

if you don't believe me:

like the amount of shit you could make with this? infinite.

(if you don't know what I mean by Dick basically attempting suicide, he's told by Clark that if he goes into Blud, he will die, and yet he goes in anyways. Bruce acknowledges that Dick had been suicidal for 6 months prior to this too.)

Jason came back at a very bad time in Dick's life. <3

[jaybird-redhood]

propinquity

wc: 2.2k

pairing: jason todd // gn reader

The first thing you think when you see him for the first time is that he has the cutest smile.

That��s a lie, the first thing you think it that he is so incredibly in shape, and it looks great on him, but the smile thing sounds better in your head.

He's moving into the apartment across from yours a month after you moved into yours. Weird, because the two people in your building closest to your age are 2 and 63, respectively.

You suppose that some wicked twist of fate must’ve brought this upon you for missing your cousin’s birthday party last week, because the guy standing across from you is crazy hot. And looking right at you. And you are in the huge neon Wonder Woman t-shirt that your best friend got for your birthday last year.

Yeah. Karma.

“Nice shirt,” the guy offers, holding in a grin. “You’re really making it work.”

“I-”

“See you around, neighbor.”

And with a shut of a door and an awfully charismatic smirk he’s gone.

The next time you see him is a week later, and this time- luckily, you think- you’re dressed somewhat put together. You run into him while unlocking your door.

"What's got you in a twist?" he asks.

"Um," you start, "I just. Ugh I have so much to do. Like 3 hours of homework, a lecture tomorrow that I cannot skip, and I'm completely out of bread and eggs and can't even you to the store until, like, Thursday at best."

Once you start rambling you can't seem to stop. You slouch against your door. You're not entirely sure why you're telling a stranger all this, but he seems to be listening, so you suppose that’s a good sign

"I get the feeling," he offers, and you look up at him. "I'm majoring in English Lit and my classes are kind of kicking my ass."

You give him a small smile, "Glad to know someone in this building is struggling as much as I am."

"Jason," he says, and he reaches his hand out to you. "My name."

You shake it and tell him yours.

As you both turn back into your respective apartments you think that he maybe isn't as intimidating as you thought.

~

The next day goes by with a really boring lecture and another 3 hours of work you need to do.

The ride home from uni isn't that long, but it's long enough for you to contemplate all the ways that your life went wrong after moving to Gotham. And, maybe as payback for thinking mean things about the city, rain that you think should belong to a category 3 hurricane starts to whip around your car 10 minutes into your drive.

Your clothes are dripping water in literal puddles by the time you get back to your apartment.

Groaning, you start fishing for your keys in your purse while walking up the last flight of stairs.

When you get to your door you stop. Right in front of it there’s a grocery bag. Picking it up and looking inside you see a loaf of bread and a small carton of milk.

You pick it up smiling.

“Jason?” you ask, knocking on his door.

No response.

You shrug and turn around. Remember to thank him the next time you run into each other; you think.

~

That next time doesn’t happen to be that long and thank goodness for you.

“You know, we really need to stop meeting like this,” he says to you.

You’re sitting on the floor outside of your door looking rather pathetic, and he’s giving you the most awful smirk you’ve ever seen. (Not that it looks bad on him though. You seem to think that nothing could really look that bad on him)

“I swear I’m usually more put together than this,” you sigh to him. “You moving here jinxed me!”

“Yeah yeah. You’re locked out, aren’t you?”

You give him your best withering I’m going to kill you stare, but it must not be working because he just laughs even harder at you.

“This is completely not my fault it’s just I lost my second set of keys like right when I moved in and then today when I got home, I accidentally left them in my car, but my second set of car keys is in my apartment so now I can’t get them out, stop laughing at me!”

“God you’re a mess,” Jason says- finally finished laughing at you and maybe taking a bit of pity on how disheveled you look. “You couldn’t call anyone to get you in?”

You shake your head.

“My friend is the only other person with a set, but they’re out of town, and our landlord is being a dick and telling me it’s my fault in the first place, so I need to deal with it. I’ve been sitting out here for like an hour.”

“All I’m hearing is that it is your fault and now you’re just moping about it feeling bad about yourself.”

You tilt your head against the door so hard that it makes you wince a bit.

“Ok fine,” he says crossing his arms.

“What?”

“Wait right here.”

He goes into his apartment and comes back out with a skinny metal thing you don’t recognize.

You look at him in confusion and he just motions for you to scoot out of the way as he sticks it in your locks and starts to pick it.

You sigh in relief.

“Thank you thank you thank you. For everything. I swear I will get my life together, so you don’t feel like you have to keep cleaning up my messes.

“I don’t mind,” he says with a small smile, “Take your time.”

And with that he opens the door to your apartment and turns back to his.

“By the way, you should really get better locks. That was way too easy.”

You make a note in your head to get that done sometime. As you’re lying on your couch that night, you’re AirDropped a photo on your phone. Saving it up you see it’s a piece of paper with neat handwriting on it: a phone number and a smiley face, Jason’s name at the bottom.

You smile too and add the number to your contacts.

~

Over the next few weeks, you and Jason start talking more, both over text and through the various times when you run into each other outside your doors.

Each interaction is better than the next, and you soon start to realize that Jason isn’t just some hot guy with no brains. He’s sweet and charismatic, has a whole wall full of bookshelves, could probably quote any classical novel by heart, has incredibly good taste in music, and best (or worst) of all, would make incredible friend material.

It’s just that as you become closer friends, you start to realize that that might not be all you want.

It’s a stupidly cold Friday morning when he texts you, and you’re covered in blankets and wrapped in sweatshirts in your bed. Movie at my place tonight?

You text back your approval and a quick be there at 6 before getting ready for classes.

The day goes by slower than you hoped.

It might be the anticipation of seeing Jason again, or more likely the hours of lectures you have to sit through, but you’re elated when your final class for the day gets let out.

The hours in between are a blur.

A blur which leads to the two of you sitting on his couch watching Romeo and Juliet together, a blanket thrown over your bodies.

You have the obligatory bowl of popcorn resting on your legs, and every few minutes Jason reaches across your lap to take a handful.

The way you’re laying half on top on him is completely deliberate, as to take as much of his body heat as possible. Your landlord had turned off heating 3 weeks prior to ‘save money’ or some other bullshit.

Jason’s not complaining though.

Once your popcorn bowl is finished and your head is in his lap, he runs his fingers through your hair absentmindedly. It might be the nicest feeling you’ve ever felt.

Throughout the movie you exchange snide comments about the plot back and forth. You start trying to say funny things whenever you can just to hear how sweet his laugh sounds to your ears.

By the end of the movie, you’re only slightly in tears, or so you tell yourself.

“Are you crying right now?” Jason asks incredulously, wearing a teasing smile.

“It’s not my fault,” you half say half moan, “Leonardo DiCaprio just has that effect on me.”

He just laughs and pulls you upright until you’re sitting on his lap.

His eyes are a shade of blue green that you’ve never seen before, although you could swear their getting greener by the second.

You watch his gaze drop down to your lips before staring you right in the eyes again.

“Can I kiss you?”

“God yes,” you tell him, and kiss him right back.

~

The next week is somewhat uneventful, even though you and Jason had been meeting each other almost every night, rotating apartments based on whose house was warmer each particular night.

Tonight is your night, and you’ve been waiting the whole day to show him the film you had rented to watch together.

The walk up to your door is easier than usual, and you have a bounce in your step that’s making you feel even more elated than normal taking out your keys to unlock your apartment.

You open your door and your bag drops. The keys clatter when they hit the hardwood, and the silence that follows is deafening.

“You’re bleeding on my carpet,” is the first thing that comes out of your mouth.

There Jason is, bleeding quite profusely, and using your kitchen counter to keep himself vertical. He’s wearing what looks to be a torn half of a domino mask and an extremely hot leather jacket.

(Not that this was the time for noticing his fashion choices, but you filed that thought away for later.)

What really catches your eye though is the huge red bat symbol on his chest, and the red helmet next to it sitting on your counter.

He shifts a little to the side before stumbling through saying, “Um, so, I know this isn’t ideal and I’m really sorry to put you in this situation, but I seriously do not feel like bleeding out tonight and-”

“Oh my god this is great,” you cut him off with. “I thought you were a hit-man!”

“Wait what.”

“Shit no that’s not what I meant- kind of, hang on we should probably stop you from dying before having this conversation.”

You walk over to him to get a better look at his wounds.

“God Jace, you look like death warmed over.”

He just stares at you.

“You have a bunch of stuff in your bathroom, right?”

At least this elicits a reaction. He grimaces in pain but gives you a nod of his head in conformation.

“Ok I’ll be right back, don’t move.”

He gives you a look that says seriously, where would I go.

3 minutes later you’re back with a needle and thread, and some sterilizing spray.

“This should be fine,” you tell him, “I took a first aid class last year with my friends and passed with flying colors according to the nurse.”

“Just try to keep them tight and neat. I trust you,” he says, and your heart pounds just a little harder.

You respond with a nervous laugh but take a deep breath and start working.

~

An hour and a half later you’re done.

The combination of pain meds, bandages, and a whole lot of stitches eventually led to you and Jason laying in your bed together, both completely exhausted.

He turns his head to face you.

“Could we maybe go back to the hit-man thing?”

“Oh uh. Well I saw a bunch of shirts covered in blood in your laundry in the bathroom, not to mention all the weirdly specific first-aid you had,” you tell him.

“And also the assorted guns and knives you have hidden all over. I guess I just assumed? But the whole Red Hood thing is so much better,” you reassure him.

“You found all my knives?”

You smile up at him.

“I love that that’s thing you chose to focus on.”

“And you’re really not mad that I didn’t tell you about the whole vigilante thing before?” he asks.

“Jay, I had already resigned myself to life forever with some shady hit-man that also happened to be incredibly good looking. Red Hood is ten times better than that. I’m not going to run away from you just because you’re incredibly intimidating and probably could kill me. I see that as an added bonus,” you say, with as much charm as you can muster without yawning.

“Just. Be careful, ok? I’d hate to make this a routine.”

He responds by pulling you closer to his body.

“I promise,” he whispers into your head. “You really to remember to get better locks by the way, breaking in was still way too easy.”

You let out a small laugh and finally you let yourself give into sleep.

[bumblesimagines]

No Light, No Light

Request: Yes or No

I'm doing everything but that Jacob Black fic lmao. I'm obsessed with this song and this (Y/N).

You are the hole in my head

You are the space in my bed

You are the silence in between

What I thought and what I said

Jason watched as you laughed at one of Gar's jokes, hands covered in cookie dough as you, Rachel, and Gar attempted to make cookies. In Jason's mind, your smile alone could lift anyone's spirits and the way your eyes shone with happiness. It made his heart swirl with affection and butterflies fill his stomach. You grinned, rubbing cookie dough on Rachel's cheek. She squealed, laughing. Gar took the opportunity to eat some cookie dough before Rachel could scold him.

"Jay!" Christ, nobody could make his legs turn to jelly and his cheeks turn soft pink like you.

"Come join us." You cooed, eyes soft and angelic.

You are the night-time fear

You are the morning when it's clear

When it's over, you're the start

You're my head and you're my heart

You sipped on your orange juice, watching the cookies bake in the oven while Gar and Rachel laughed in the other room. Jason's eyes looked at the golden markings on your (S/C) skin. They were gorgeous and fit you perfectly. Jason reached out, tracing one with his finger. Your skin was warm and soft to the touch. You finished your juice, licking your lips and placing the cup in the sink. Jason glanced up at your eyes. You really were Apollo's son. When Kory and Dick told the team, he almost laughed. Then, he saw you. You had been very suspicious and distant at first, you had an injured wing of course, but you grew closer to the team and eventually joined them. Jason couldn't stop his feelings from flourishing.

No light, no light

In your bright blue eyes

I never knew daylight could be so violent

A revelation in the light of day

Jason hissed, hands gripping the sheets.

"Sorry." You whispered, eyes filled with cocern. You continued to use your power to close up his wound. It gave a slight burn. the deeper the wound, the more it burned. It made sense, your powers had to do with light and fire afterall. Jason shrugged.

"I've felt worse." He mumbled, watching the wound close completely. A scar took its place. You gave a small smile.

"You should be careful, Jay." You gently grabbed his hand, rubbing your thumb against his, unaware of the way his heart sped up. Jason grinned, playfulness shining in his blue eyes.

"I'm always careful, can't you tell?" He motioned to the scar. You let a laugh slip and rolled your eyes.

You can't choose what stays and what fades away

And I'd do anything to make you stay

No light, no light

Tell me what you want me to say

You took notice of the way Jason shivered. The temperature had suddenly dropped over night, it was no wonder he was freezing. You pulled the cozy and warm blanket up, giving a smile as you stood.

"Can you stay?" Jason asked, fingers wrapping around yours as he stared at you with hopeful eyes. You gave in, not being able to resist his puppy eyes. You got into bed with him, feeling him cuddle against you, seeking your warmth.

"Christ, you're like a heater." He mumbled. You chuckled, watching him use your arm as a pillow. You ran your fingers through his messy dark locks, watching him doze off. Jason scooted closer, heading moving onto your shoulder as his arms wrapped around your torso.

Through the crowd I was crying out and

In your place there were a thousand other faces

I was disappearing in plain sight

Heaven help me, I need to make it right

You watched as Dick and Jason argued, getting into each others faces. You stood up from your spot on the couch, approaching them.

"Guys?"

"If you weren't so reckless-"

"Reckless?! I was protecting the team!"

"Guys!" You spoke louder, breaking their argument. They stopped and looked at you. Dick sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He let out an exhausted sigh.

"What?" He asked.

"Can you... Solve this disagreement more calmly? Or at least not in front of the others?" You asked, motioning to Rachel and Gar. Dick glanced at them before nodding.

"Yeah," He nodded. "Can do."

"Jesus.." Jason rolled his eyes, arms crossing.

"You know what? I don't need this shit." Jason snarled, storming out after bumping shoulders with Dick. You watched him leave with a sigh.

"He'll be back. He'd never go far without you." Dick said as he walked past you. Your brows furrowed at his brows.

You want a revelation

You want to get right

But it's a conversation

I just can't have tonight

You shifted your gaze away from the music sheet and looked at the figure leaning against your doorway.

"What's up, Jay?" You asked, nodding for him to enter. He did so, closing the door behind him and getting closer to you.

"Sorry for my attitude earlier, (N/N)." He apologized quietly, barely above a whisper as his fingers drummed against your desk. You faced him, brows raising as a smile slipped.

"You should be apologizing to Dick, not me." You said, locking eyes with him for a brief second before he tore his eyes away.

"I know.." He licked his lips, gaze focusing on your lamp. "I don't want to though. Not yet."

"Okay, but do it soon." You gave a comforting smile.

"You wanna sleep in here again?" You asked, putting away your music sheets and standing up. Jason nodded, cheeks and ears turning a soft red.

You want a revelation

Some kind of resolution

You want a revelation

You approached your dresser, hearing the bed squeaking as Jason sat down. You slid off your shirt, rolling your shoulders. Jason studied your wing markings, capturing and memorizing every detail. You changed into some sweats before going to your bed and laying down. You turned off the lamp once you pulled the blankets up and shifted to face Jason. Your eyes adjusted quickly to the dark so you were able to see Jason's face more clearly. Your raised your hand, fingers tracing random shapes against his cheek until he fell asleep. You leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

"Night, Jay." You mumbled.

No light, no light

In your bright blue eyes

I never knew daylight could be so violent

A revelation in the light of day

You can't choose what stays and what fades away

And I'd do anything to make you stay

No light, no light

Tell me what you want me to say

"Did Jason ever come back last night?" Dawn asked, pouring you some juice. You nodded. Her brows furrowed.

"Really? When I checked his room he wasn't there." She said.

"He slept in my room." You told her, grabbing the cup and bringing it up to your lips. Her brows raised and a smile appeared on her face.

"Oh?" You cocked a brow at her tone.

"What?"

"He slept in your bed?" She asked with a grin. You rolled your eyes, figuring out where she was going with the conversation.

"Pay attention to your pancakes, Dawn."

Would you leave me

If I told you what I've done?

And would you leave me

If I told you what I've become?

You read over an article, talking about the new Robin being too brutal and unlike the old one. You looked over at Jason, watching play random keys on your piano. You weren't aware of the inner conflict going on in his mind. He was tore between asking you if you thought he was a bad Robin or not.

"Jay?"

"Yeah?"

"You're a good person, you know that, right?" You asked. Jason sent you a grin.

"Obviously." He watched you snort and look back at your phone. He relaxed, playing a decent tune on the piano. Jason licked his lips, switching onto a different conflict. Confessing his feelings.

Because it's so easy

To say it to a crowd

But it's so hard, my love

To say it to you out loud

Jason turned in his seat, looking at you. He cleared his throat. Your eyes flickered over to him.

"You've... You're into guys, right?" Jason asked. You nodded, putting your phone on the nightstand. He nimbled on his bottom lip, racking his brain for ways to confess.

"I think, no, I know I'm into guys." He said, avoiding eye contact. Jason heard the bed squeak and looked up, seeing you sitting.

"And... For the longest time, I've had feelings for you. I thought it was just a small crush at first but..." Jason's typical confident and cocky attitude flew out the window. He was beyond nervous.

"I figured out that I really like you. Maybe more than like. You don't have to return my feelings or anything, I just wanted you to know how I feel about you."

No light, no light

In your bright blue eyes

I never knew daylight could be so violent

A revelation in the light of day

You can't choose what stays and what fades away

And I'd do anything to make you stay

No light, no light

Tell me what you want me to say

Jason felt anxious. The thought of you rejecting him was bad but the thought of you never speaking to him again was worse. He had gone to you with all of his secrets. He had spilled out all his thoughts and problems. Jason had told you about his past, Bruce, all his problems. He heard the bed squeak again and swallowed as your footsteps approached him. Jason kept his gaze on the floor, not wanting to look at you and break down. Warm hands cupped his cheeks, tilting his head up. Soft and gentle lips covered his and Jason froze up. He stood, his hands going to your wrists and grabbing them as he kissed you back. It was his first but he had seen enough to know how to kiss properly.

You want a revelation

You want to get right

But it's a conversation

I just can't have tonight

You want a revelation

Some kind of resolution

You want a revelation

You pulled back slowly, Jason almost chasing your lips for another kiss. You laughed at his flushed face and eagerness. You rested your forehead against his, bumping noses with him. Jason dropped his hands and instead placed them on your hips.

"Does that mean...?" He trailed off. You chuckled, nodding.

"Yes, you dork, I like you too." You grinned, watching his blue eyes light up. Jason leaned in, capturing your lips. It was sloppy but sweet.

You want a revelation

You want to get right

But it's a conversation

I just can't have tonight

You want a revelation

Some kind of resolution

Tell me what you want me to say

[lovecinnatwist]

Hi! Oh man i loved your abo!jaydick GCG dick cheating with jason. Would you do more? I’m dying to know what happened afterwards.

No problem Anon! I hope this fulfils your needs!

After Freedom PRT II - JayDick  / KaraDick

Contains: Omegaverse, Cheating Dick, Angst and mating cycles/in heat

The affair doesn't stop there.

Dick is drawn to Jason like a moth to a flame. At night in Kara's arms, he finds himself longing for the other alpha.  Kara's gentle fondness being scorched away by Jason's lawless lust. He knows that nothing will come of it. That each forbidden tryst brings them closer to the end. Still, Dick knows that he will go back for more. Wanton and passionate in the brief moments he can steal.

He hears Kal cry in the cradle, the baby decidedly ready for another feeding. Dick's chest is sore from Jason's mouth earlier. He doesn't let that stop him from getting up, however. Not performing his omega duties would make Kara suspicious. Something he can't afford. Not after imprinting on Kal and certainly not after giving so much to his new family.

His alpha doesn't stir. She sleeps silently but does sigh as his warmth leaves the bed. She's stunning. Always has been and always will be. He drinks in the sweet serenity on her face. The beauty he finds is unearthly. How did he ever think this woman- his alpha had been human?

How did he ever think something this beautiful could love him?

His feet carry him to Kal with familiar ease. The nursery only right across the hall from their room. The second Dick peers over the edge the baby's wails come to a stifle. His chubby fingers reach up with a desperation that makes Dick's heart glow.

At least he never had to wonder how Kal felt about him. This incredible, marvellous child is his in every meaning of the word. He coos down at his fussing baby and gets a puppy whimper in return.

" Shh, Mama's here. "

He picks up Kal with care. Despite how tender his chest is, milk still swells to the surface. It's instincts. The same ones that made him lactate the first time he held the pup. Privately he nuzzles down into silky soft hair. The action earns him a huff. Kal clearly too hungry to enjoy the affection.

" It's okay Kal, I'm going to feed you right now. "

He makes his way over to the large nursing chair in the corner. It's one of the most luxurious things they own. The cushions are plush and support his back, while the bottom rocks with just a little movement. He's spent so many hours here. Not only feeding Kal but also reading to him and playing games.

A dark voice reminds him that he could lose this. That if he gets caught with Jason, it will jeopardize his claim over his pup. That Kara can take him away and Dick will be out with no pack and no one.

He swallows down the guilt and fear like a shot of whisky.

Once both he and Kal are comfortable, he pulls up his shirt and tucks it around his neck. He looks down into beautiful blue eyes. The pup nuzzling against the bare skin with fervency. It takes very little to lead him to a nipple and get him to latch on.

The relief that goes through him when the pup finally does is soothing. Kal is a vigorous eater. His little mouth nurses milk so quickly that some spills. Dick coos, tenderly brushing away stray droplets. It's uncomfortable but doesn't hurt which he's grateful for. Like this, he can enjoy Kal's serene expression and the sweet smell of content pup.

It melts his heart a little more. For a brief instant, he allows himself to imagine a little girl with blonde hair. Maybe with his blue eyes and Kara's complexion. Kal would be a wonderful big brother he's sure and Kara- well she's already an incredible alpha. What would be one more pup to their family?

For a while content, suckling sound keeps him busy. His awareness entirely on the adorable baby in his arms. It doesn't take long to shift, however. Not with the way soft black, curls and wide blue eyes make him think of Jason.

He's sure this is what their pup would look like.

How many times has Jason whispered this fantasy in his ear? How long did it take for the idea to take root in his very core? Thinking of Kara and his child has always been a thing. Since Dick's taken on the omega role in the pack, it's always been a possibility.

When did he start thinking of Jason with that kind of possibility too?

A content whine draws him out of his daydream. Kal tilting to the side clearly done. Dick smiles and shifts the baby over his shoulder so he can burp him. It takes very little to get him to do so. A few light taps and Kal is comfortable and sleepy once again.

Dick never thought he could be a mother, let alone such a good one. He feels pride at the way he'd managed to give himself over to this role. Once Kal is fast asleep, Dick carefully takes him back to his crib. He stands over the cradle afterwards. Just staring at this beautiful, wonderful child that he's been given. He doesn't realize how long he's standing there until slivers of sunlight come through the curtains. He swallows the uncertainty that comes with it.

" You're up early. "

Kara's warm arms encircle him from behind. Pulling him into a steady embrace that makes him feel secure. He doesn't let his eyes leave Kal, but he does reach back to touch her. The alpha tangles their fingers before bringing them to her mouth to kiss.

" Kal was hungry. "

Is all he offers. Kara accepts it without question. She nuzzles into his neck and draws in deep breaths of his scent. It's intimate and tender. Typically Dick would preen under this attention. Now all he feels is guilt curling in his gut.

" You smell good. Your heat must be coming up. "

Dick licks his lips. It's rare for Kara to mention his heat. At least in this context. There's a dark murmur in her voice that sounds almost possessive. Like an alpha claim that he's never gotten before. A hopeful part of him swells.

" Yea- next week. Lois said she'd watch Kal for me. "

He swallows. Choosing his next words carefully.

" Do you want to spend it together?"

Turning up the omega charm, Dick looks down through his lashes. Pressing his curves against her in a way he hopes is suggestive. The action makes Kara step back. The loss of her heat lets him know the rejection is coming before she speaks.

We can't 

" We can't. "

We aren't in a stable place.  

" We aren't in a stable place. "

We need to focus on Kal.

" We need to focus on Kal-"

Dick stops her. They've had this conversation so many times. Why they can't cross the line. Why they can't take it any further. New Gotham needs Super Girl, she needs to stay focused. He's tired of the excuses. Tired of being pushed to the side.

" That's not enough to make a relationship work Kara."

The alpha tenses. The air around her visibly shifts the atmosphere. Her posture is defensive. The same way it always is when they talk about this.

" What's that supposed to mean? "

God, they were going to argue. What Dick wouldn't give to not fight about this for once.

" It means that I have needs too. That you have responsibilities to more than just new Gotham."

Kara's eyes flit away, unable to keep eye contact. He knows she loves being a hero. He's glad that she can make a difference and help people. Still, why is it every morning she leaves his mouth feels tastes bitter. It isn't enough anymore. She leaves him in charge of taking care of the house while she takes care of New Gotham but then who takes care of him?

" You don't- "

His voice cracks before he can continue. Emotion thick in his throat. He can't bring himself to say it. How can he be honest when what they have is already so delicate? He curls in on himself and takes a step back. Something about his demeanour cools Kara off. Her gaze softens.

" What,  What don't I do Dickie? "

God, he just wants things between them to be good. Like a customary alpha and omega pair. Like a proper pack. The emotions bubble inside of him until their spilling out of his eyes. He can't bring himself to say the words. Can't bring himself to ask for what he needs.

All it takes is a soft hand taking his for him to break. For him to confess.

" You don't treat me like your omega..."

It feels too quiet to convey everything swirling around inside of him. The guilt, resentment and fear. Emotions that have been slowly poisoning him every day and making it harder and harder to be alive.

He feels oh so tired.

Understanding blooms in Kara's eyes for the first time since they've gotten together. She reaches out for him with warm hands that burn. Drawing him into an embrace that shatters his walls. Tears of defeat fall involuntarily.

" Oh, Dick. Oh, Dickie, I'm so sorry I've been a terrible alpha to you."

The sympathy of her tone makes him sob.

" I'm so sorry Dick you're right. I don't share your heats, I don't help you with Kal, I don't take care of you... "

She’s shorter than him so he has to duck into her. Hiding his wet face into her fragrant neck. She strokes his hair with care. Whispering apologies that make his heart full. Then murmuring promises he finds himself believing.

" I'll do better alright? How about I spend the 3rd day with you. I can't stay for the entire thing- but I'll at least be there for when it gets really bad. "

Dick's arms squeeze around her shoulders. He hesitantly smiles into her warmth. Enjoying the embrace and vibrations of her soft alpha rumble. His heats have always been dreadful. He wouldn't mind them having their first time then. During the height when he's most sensitive and desperate. The thought draws a wavering purr from his throat.

" Yea? you mean it?"

Kara hovers enough to brush their noses together. Her touch is soft and comforting. She holds his face in her hands. Soothing his broken heart with care.

" I mean it. "

He believes her without question, swallowing down his bitter confessions of betrayal on his tongue. How could he let Jason lead him away from this? Why did he doubt Kara would understand? Why didn't he just talk to her in the beginning?

They stay like that for a while. Gently holding each other until Kal stirs. When he does, It's the alpha who picks him up. Taking Dick by his hand and leading the omega to the kitchen.

They would be alright. Dick just needs to trust her.

After they make arrangements for his heat, Dick makes a vigorous effort to avoid Jason Todd. He goes to the market in New Gotham even though it's further. He doesn't go back to Big Al's and generally keeps away from where he can usually find the alpha.

After all, Kara has bought him a trunk full of nesting material for their first time. He, himself has gone to the doctor to get a birth control shot. Everything's right on schedule to happen. He doesn't want to mess this up. He doesn't need any unnecessary distractions.

" Wing! "

The voice is loud enough to carry over the park. Dick finds himself shifting his hold on Kal, his steps becoming long. He has no hope at outrunning the alpha, but he tries anyway. Jason cuts him off with physical effort. The man outright sprinting.

" Jason. "

He hopes it comes across as cold and indifferent. He clutches Kal to his bosom but has to loosen when the pup whines. His heart is pounding in his chest. Memories flood to the surface and drown his lungs. His pup, as if picking up his distress, starts to whine.

"  You shouldn't be here. "

Jason ignores it. Dick hates how relieved the alpha looks. He can tell from the open body language that a heavy, weight is taken off of him. He doesn't want to think about what that means. Looking too deeply into Jason's affection means losing the nerve to chose his family.

To his credit, the man does keep his distance. Blue-Green eyes look at Dick to the baby, then back at him. It makes him feel uncomfortable. It's almost as if he's exposing his pup to his infidelity. To his disloyalty.

" I know, I'm sorry you just disappeared. I didn't know if you were alright. "

Dick closes in on himself. It's this that drew him into the alpha. The concern, the caring, the attention. Of course, it had been too easy to fall for him. He had been broken before, desperate and wanting. Not now though, now he can still feel the burning weight of Kara's words. They ground him and stop him from leaning into temptation.

" I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me anymore. "

The words are thick in his mouth. His tongue feels heavy. It's nothing he can't handle. Not when he and Kara are finally going to fix things.

" I-I'm spoken for. "

Alpha possession flashes in Jason's eyes but quickly retreats. Dick doesn't look into it. He doesn't want to acknowledge the sorrow, the heartbreak. The man gives him a teasing smile. Here, in the light of day and away from the bar, he can see it for what it is, self-conscious.

A facade.

" She can't give you what I can. "

Dick doesn't waver.

" You're right, she'll give me more. "

Jason tenses, his back straight and eyes searching. Dick can see the disappointment in the clench of his jaw and the tightness of his fist. Still, he stands across from him. Trying not to let the sudden burst of emotion make him hesitate.

" Yea? Well, whenever this phase of hers fizzles out. Whenever your little pack falls apart again. Don't think you can come back to me. Don't think I'll take you back. "

The words hurt more than Dick wants to admit. Though he knows that this has gone on way longer than it ever should have. Jason had been a fantasy, an idea that made him feel better about himself. This had all be a mistake.

" I was never yours, to begin with. "

Jason's jerks, recoiling from the words like a physical blow. The barely concealed pain there is hard to stomach.

There are people all around them in the park. Thankfully, no one he knows. The display earns them a few brief glances. Nothing to be worried about. The audience seems to make Jason restless. The alpha struggles, the attention clearly making him uncomfortable.

" You'll eat those words, and it won't be me who feeds them to you. "

Dick rolls his shoulders back. " I won't."

The only other time he's seen Jason quite this red is in the bedroom. Embarrassment and shame roll off of him. Nearly masking the subtle scent of pain and anguish. It makes Dick feel at least a little guilty. He should have never led the alpha on.  

Somewhere deep inside he had known it wasn't just sex. The promises and touches that offered more had been genuine. Just as real as Jason's constant offers to run away with him.

The alpha leaves just as quickly as he came. Stocking off to his bike, and getting on with a rough heavy-handedness he's never seen. The machine roars to life and Jason tears off loud enough to draw the attention of everyone nearby. The noise is deafening. Ripping a cry from the small pup in his arms.

Dick soothes Kal. Rocking him while pressing soft kisses to his scalp. Long after Jason is out of sight, he keeps crying.

At least the worst part was over with, maybe now they both could move on.

The journey back home is exhausting. Dick finds himself falling apart before he even gets through the door. He pushes on to get Kal ready for his nap. The baby needs it, maybe he does too.

He bathes, changes and feeds Kal on autopilot. He needs time to emotionally decompress, a break. The second his pup settles down in the cradle he gets it.

Jason's words replay in his mind on a loop. His face is vivid in Dick's memory. The guilt rises in his throat like bile. Making him feel dirty and beaten. He's wrong. Kara loves him, she wants him. Jason just wants to mess things up, to make Dick doubt so they can go back to their previous arrangement.

" Don't come back to me. "

Dick strips out of his clothing. The sudden need for a shower making his skin crawl. He reminds himself that he's done a good thing today. That working on things with his pack alpha is way more important than a rouge alpha. His family needs his mind and heart here.

Once he gets under the hot spray, tension starts to bleed from his body. It's a small comfort, one that he isn't afraid to bask in for a moment. He needs to focus on the positives. Like his upcoming heat in two days.

He could process all of this after. When he's feeling a little more stable in his and Kara's relationship. A small smile comes to his lips at the thought. They were fixing things.

Dick manages to throw himself into his chores to keep himself busy from any thoughts of Jason Todd. The closer he gets to his heat, the more excitement bubbles in his chest. He's adjusted all the furniture in the master bedroom three times now. He wants everything to be perfect for his and Kara's first time.

He's never been one for nest building, but he tries his hands at it anyway. It's a little messy and full of colours that clash, but he loves it. It smells like them and their home. It's warm and safe. Moreover lying in it makes Dick's blood hum. He feels blessed.

The moment the well-known itch of heat starts to break out on his skin he's ready. He spends the first two days satisfying and touching himself to ideas of Kara. Of her firm hands and sunshine scent. His thighs tremble with the knowledge the soon she'll be inside him. A more optimistic part of him yearns for her bite.

He tries not to get too caught up, but he does allow himself a few smaller fantasies. One's that leave him panting in the middle of the pretty nest of fabric. By the time the third day comes his skin is nearly searing. He's so worked up with keen excitement that he finds himself throbbing for it.

It takes a lot of discipline not to touch further, to deny himself in anticipation for Kara. For her touch, for her hands and for her knot. He whines into one of her jackets. Drawing in her scent by the lungfuls. He can't believe he's so close to getting everything he wants.

Dick doesn't realize she's hasn’t come until the last day. His body trembling against sweat and tear, soaked fabric. His first moment of clarity is terrifying.

Jason was right.