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Robert didn’t think much of it when Chase began to lightly scent him.
It was a nice scent, it made him think he was in a meadow of freshly cut grass or outside just after the rain. It suited the older omega since he liked to spend time outside running around everywhere. He knew that scent better than his dad’s and he was afraid to admit that it sometimes calmed him faster too.
While his dad made sure to scent him before going out, the comfort it offered didn’t last long. By the time the older man returned from days of hero work, the scent mostly faded. Robert technically was still a pup and it sucked not having the scent of pack surrounding you. He always ended up grabbing a blanket from his dad’s room to make up for it but it wasn’t the same. He ached for pack and was so relieved the first time Chase scented him.
He didn’t think the older boy was aware he was even doing it. The moment his dad’s scent began to fade, Chase was there, rubbing his wrist together with his. Or ruffling his hair and rubbing his wrist along his jaw, close to the scent gland in his neck. He found himself wandering less to his dad’s room for blankets just to have a familiar scent. His stupid pup brain had latched on to Chase’s omega scent like a leech and was confusing Chase as his pack omega.
He knew it was bad when he stopped caring that his dad’s blankets still smell like laundry detergent because the man decided to stay another night out. He was disappointed yes but, losing the scent didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would.
Why should it when the mini nest on the couch Chase built had his scent for him to lay in instead. His anxiety from having no pack to protect him was gone in an instant the moment he cuddled next to the older boy. His dad’s scent stood no chance when the scent of comfort-love-protection was there to reassure him.
They never did talk about it, but it was obvious that Chase’s omega was claiming him as his pup. He was afraid if he mentioned it, he would lose the hugs and cuddles that he craved. He didn’t know how much human contact he missed until Chase started providing them to him.
Just the thought of losing that comfort from Chase cause his scent to slightly sour. Chase was in the kitchen, grabbing popcorn for their movie night and he quickly called out to see what was wrong. “Now I know you are not ruining my perfectly good nest with that nasty smell. Kid you can’t be in a bad mood if I’m letting you stay up on a school night to watch a R-rated movie.”
Robert answered quickly, meaning to lie and say everything was fine. Instead he let out a whine, and not any whine no. He let out a cry that pups usually used to call out for pack members when they were in high distress. Chase was in the room in seconds, rocking him close and purring trying to calm him down.
“Hey, hey I’m here pup. You’re safe kid, whatever is going on you can tell me,” Chase said softly as he rubbed his back.
“It’s stupid, I don’t even know why it’s bothering me,” Robert mumbled, face slightly squished against Chase’s chest. He refused to look at the omega’s face, not wanting to see his reaction to his childish behavior.
“Well, it may be stupid but let me hear it anyway. God knows I’ve said some stupid shit now and then, yours can’t be much worse.” Chase pushed him away so they’re facing one another. His relaxed grin eased Robert’s worries and the scent of safe-comfort-affection helped give him the strength to confess his guilt.
“Lately you’ve been scenting me and now my stupid pup thinks of you as my pack. My dad’s scent isn’t the one that I look for anymore, it’s yours! Now you’re gonna stop scenting me cause who wants a kid who clings on the scent of a nonpack member like a freak,” Robert confessed, feeling his face heat up in shame.
Instead of the look of disgust, like he expected, he’s confused to see that Chase is staring at him with happiness? Is it just him or is there tears starting to form at the corner of his eyes as well.
“Kid you were right, it was kind of stupid. Cause why the hell would you think I wouldn’t want you in my pack. I scented you because I wanted to make sure you were safe and knew there was more than one pack looking out for you. Your old man might not always be here but, I sure as hell will be. So don’t worry, I’m glad your pup choose me cause my omega did the same.” He wipes his eyes and gives him one last hug before getting up from the nest.
Oh.
The explanation is so simple but, it’s just…Robert can’t believe someone would want him. The thought never crossed his mind. He watches in stunned silence as Chase makes his way to the kitchen.
“If the heart to heart is done, I’m gonna finish in the kitchen so we can start the movie night. You’re still up for it right?”
The thought of getting to watch the movie helps him snap out of his shock. Robert grins and nods yes, grabbing a blanket to wrap himself in. He doesn’t make it far in the movie, falling asleep ten minutes in. That’s not what matters though, he knows when he wakes up there will be someone by his side. He realized the pack his pup was longing for was here with him all along.