desk jockey

[csyeehaw]

“Well, if you’re offering them, I’ll take them,” Nick purrs in a tone that almost playfully denies seeking any sort of alleged desire for cuddles. When the arm around him settles, the omega hums lowly in contentment.

A low string of air flows through his nostrils as he nods.

“Yeah. The teething’s really starting up now. I think needing something to bite down on is a bit foreign to him. I mean, the kid never really even needed a binkie, but the frozen teething rings help, but he doesn’t want to keep gnaw on it.”

Nick runs a hand down his face, a part of him wondering where he’s gone wrong with this. He knows no parent really knows what they’re doing, but he can’t help but feel he failed Shane somewhere along the way.

[spinalscar]

"That's... rough, Nick. I'm sorry."

And Jack would offer taking over sometimes, but when Shane gets really bad like that, he really only ever settles for his mother. Jack understands why, sure, but it doesn't make him feel any less like he ought to be helping out more.

Especially with his date of deployment so close.

Brushing his nose atop Nick's head, Jack nuzzles him in the hopes it soothes the omega, even if only a little. "Is it just something he's got to get used to?"

[csyeehaw]

@spinalscar

“Shane’s finally down for now,” Nick gently announces as he returns to the living room and plops down onto the couch next to the alpha.

It’s hard to believe that Jack had already been here a week, and Nick hated that their time is already halfway through. And yet, the fact they’ve synced so well when it comes to functioning as a pack in such short time is baffling. Nick knew Jack was going to be a great help, but he still can’t help but feel a bit badly that his time here seemingly overlaps with the worst of Shane’s teething.

With a soft sigh, he moves his head against Jack’s shoulder, looking up at him from where his head lays.

“What do you want to do now?”

[spinalscar]

"It looks like you wanna do some cuddling," Jack offers, his arm wrapping around Nick as he does. Though he was already a fairly tactile person before this-- Jack's memories have quite a bit of hugs, high-fives, and hair ruffles in them-- it still amazes him how touchy Nick is as an omega. He really shouldn't be surprised, all things considered, but to have all this affection makes it all the more stark knowing he'll lose it when he's deployed.

"Which I'm not opposed to, by the way."

His lips smooch the top of Nick's head.

"Took a while longer to get Shane down this time, huh?"

[csyeehaw]

"Oh, absolutely not. You'll be lucky if you get them back in the next hour," Nick laughs bluntly as he takes hold of Shane as he's offered to him. "Though, maybe I can see if he'll take a trade."

He looks into his son's eyes and raises a brow as if he's getting ready to make the business deal of the century. "What do you think? You willing to barter?"

Shane babbles in response and Nick nods as if it's some sort of coherent response.

"I think he's willing to play ball, Jackie. What are we thinking? Maybe a stuffie instead? Binkie?" Shane blows a raspberry, Nick shakes his head. "Alright, he doesn't like those options. It's alright, kid. We'll figure it out."

He reaches a hand to settle on Jack's shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"While I work out negotiations, the bed's all made up for you."

[spinalscar]

Something possesses him to do it-- to take Nick's face in hand and lead him down so he can kiss him on the mouth. But they hadn't done it since the night before, not even after they'd decided to really do this whole bonded pair thing properly, and it feels important to let Nick know he wants him.

A kiss isn't really a big deal, in the grand scheme of things. But it's romantic enough to Jack's otherwise inexperienced self to make a difference.

"Thanks," he says when he pulls away, thumb stroking along Nick's cheekbone. "I'll see you in a couple hours."

With that, he gets to his feet and disappears into Nick's room. The scent of them lingers, but it comforts him more than turns him on-- that's his omega, this is their nest. And as he toes his shoes off and lands in the bed, Jack buries his face in a pillow that smells like Nick, sighing in relief.

Sleep comes easy. It's the easiest it's ever been.

[csyeehaw]

When Nick makes his way back into his bedroom, the stench of sex hits him full force. He feels dizzy and as he- admittedly stupidly- attempts to take deep breaths to steady himself, he can't help the soft whine that puffs past his lips.

Fortunately, the sound of giggles rooms over is enough to bring him back to reality, and he's quick to put everything into the dryer and grab the spares to makeup the bed once more.

He stands outside of the kitchen for a few moments to try and deter the blush he knows is on his face, but as he moves in, the sight of the two completely deters the remnants of all of their unholy acts from the previous night in his head.

He's silent, watching the two most important boys in his life fondly. Pulling out his phone, he takes a picture of the two. As much as he'll love it regardless, he also knows full well that when things get rough at work, he'll need the reminder of this moment.

With a few more moments spent enjoying the two of them, he returns to them.

"Can't believe he's teasing you like this, Shane," he jokes before kissing Jack's cheek once more and reaching a finger up to tickle Shane's tummy.

[spinalscar]

Nick's lips on his cheek make Jack grin, and he glances at him out of the corner of his eye. "What can I say? I'm a teaser."

But since Shane had been happy, and is even more so with the return of his mother (the tickling makes him laugh and coo), Jack figures he isn't in any real trouble.

With Nick taking up all his attention, Shane finally grabs the tags dangling from Jack's hand. He squeals in delight, and Jack says a quick "whoa, you did it!" to match. He gives Shane a quick tickle himself for good measure, but ultimately defers to the omega.

"You think he'll let those go any time soon?" he asks, offering Shane back should Nick be all right with taking him. For a moment, the kid will babble and reach in his direction, but ultimately he'll pick mother dearest. As always.

"I mean, I don't mind. He's just got a week and six days before I have to take them on the plane."

[csyeehaw]

Shane giggles as he's bounced initially, and it warms Nick's heart. Though, the proud laughs that follow one of his louder burps gets a chuckle out of Nick.

At the mention of the previous night, the omega flushes a bit.

"Yeah, I guess I got a little bit more sleep than you, didn't I?" Once he knows Shane's finished burping, Nick gets up. "Hold him. I'll go change the bedding so you can go right to sleep."

Normally, he'd leave it as an option, but not this time. Jack's been more than Nick could have ever asked for, so this is the least he can do. He presses a kiss to Shane's temple and tells him he'll be right back before handing the babe to the alpha when he's ready.

[spinalscar]

"Oh, I..." Nick's holding Shane out, so Jack takes him in his arms, blinking down at his little face.

"...okay."

He watches Nick go, taking in a breath at the sight of his walking and how the soreness has affected it, but then immediately puts his attention back on the baby with a little hum.

"What're we gonna do while your mama's away, huh?"

Shane coos, which is as good an answer as any.

By the time Nick returns, Shane's trying to reach for Jack's dog tags from where he's dangling them a few inches away from the baby's face. He'll drop them here and there, at which point Shane will giggle and try to reach up, but each time Jack will yank them up again just before Shane can grab it.

This seems to drive him crazy, if Shane's laughter is any indication.

And Jack, ever the asshole, says a playful little, "Ooh, so close!" before doing it all over again.

[csyeehaw]

Nick's tongue clicks against the roof of his mouth as if he's trying to recall some distant memory. "See, funny thing is, I don't really remember thinking I was going to get any relief with that," he murmurs teasingly.

Still, for good measure, he sends a playful wink Jack's way.

"Yeah, you hear him saying your name?" Nick coos in his baby voice as he looks at Shane, leaning in to press a kiss to the top of his head before moving to set the finished bottle down. He adjusts Shane in his hold to gently bounce and burp him.

"Usually in the mornings I do some play time with Shane, then lunch, so probably after that? Maybe around one or two? Does that work with you?"

[spinalscar]

"Yeah," Jack says, finishing the last of his first waffle and working on the next one. This time he adds some fruit on top of it. "Definitely does.

"I just, um... I didn't get much sleep last night." Because I was so busy going to town on you doesn't sound at all appropriate to say, so Jack doesn't. But he does remember it, and tries to focus on his breakfast instead of how good Nick felt.

(Dimly, he thinks the fleshlight buried in his duffel bag is probably redundant now.)

"I was gonna nap a couple hours 'till lunch, I think? Probably after I've either washed your sheets or burned them. You know, while you go play with Shane."

[winterswake]

JACK RYAN “Tertia Optio”

[csyeehaw]

“I think I’ll be able to make do,” Nick retorts, meeting the alpha’s gaze with a playfully snarky look and coy smirk of his own. “You gonna be able to keep your paws off of me? I mean, if you get thirsty, you’re probably gonna have to use the water fountain.”

After all of the uncertainties that had run rampant in Nick’s head from the previous night, it’s nice being able to tease one another about these things.

He finagles his fork with one hand to carve out a piece of the waffle, humming happily.

“Jackie, you sure know how to keep an omega happy.”

[spinalscar]

"Wow," Jack says immediately. "Remind me not to give in if you ever tell me you're feeling swollen again."

But he doesn't mean it, really. And he can't deny that he'd enjoyed the flood of Nick's milk that'd been given to him the night before. That it got him hard is borderline humiliating, but Nick had gotten off on it too, so maybe it isn't that bad at all.

Given the look of pure joy on the omega's face as he compliments him, Jack supposes his one lapse in judgment isn't as bad as it could've been.

"What time did you wanna take Shane out?" he asks. At the sound of his own name, Shane lets out the gentlest little noise.

[csyeehaw]

“He most certainly is,” Nick hums as he watches the baby drain the bottle as rapidly as he always does. He’s well aware he got lucky with Shane. The kid was rarely fussy, always napped and ate when he was supposed to, was good through the nights usually, and even took to the bottle immediately.

Though, Nick wasn’t as thrilled with that last one. He misses the closeness, but he knows it’ll be better in the end.

Beaming up towards Jack, the omega nods as he shifts the baby to be cradled in one arm, steadying the bottle in his hand. “Yeah, you picked my favorite outfit for him, actually. I really love this color on him.”

He grabs his fork and digs it into a piece of cantaloupe to bring to his lips.

“I was thinking about taking Shane to the park for a walk later. Did you want to go with us?”

[spinalscar]

Having swallowed a mouthful of waffle, Jack says a cheery, "I'd love to."

Nick looks so happy with his baby. Jack had thought as much the first time he saw them together-- how sweet Nick was when he looked at him, how much Shane loved to make noise just so Nick would look at him. It's a world he's always thought he'd be closed off to, but actually being part of it doesn't feel like a bad thing, anyway.

The timing couldn't be more awful, with how soon he's going to be sent to Afghanistan for God knows how long. But he tries not to think about it, opting instead to take every moment he can get with Nick and Shane. He would've done as much, anyway, even if they weren't his pack now.

Jack's lips curve, crooked and mischievous. "You gonna be able to walk, though?"

[csyeehaw]

Nick giggles lowly as the other speaks, shaking his head affectionately and the blush remaining on his cheeks. “I’ll be sure to shower you with nice things constantly, then.”

He takes the bottle with a word of gratitude and begins to feed Shane who garbles joyously as he’s presented with breakfast.

It’s hard not to feel the butterflies in his gut in this moment. The way Jack is inherently so good with Shane on what can only be described as a paternal level is a glorious thing, but he’s also good at taking care of his omega. It makes him swoon like a teen being asked to the prom by their crush, and he feels a bit pathetic for it, but he can’t help it.

“Thanks, Jackie. You didn’t have to do all ‘f this, but I really appreciate.

“And, uh, yeah I can drink coffee.”

He almost wants to make a joke at how Shane’s not the one he’s nursed recently, but he’ll spare Jack this time.

[spinalscar]

"Eh," he says casually at the expression of thanks, offering a shrug, "after all the babysitting I've done for your siblings' kids, I figured I'd put my talent to good use."

Once he's made Nick's coffee-- a preference he remembers from all the times he'd bunked at his place-- Jack takes both mugs to the table. He places Nick's down then sits in his own seat to get his waffle set up.

"Kid's a big eater, huh?" he muses, watching how eagerly Shane seems to be draining his bottle. It evokes some memories (the alpha wanting to soothe Nick's ache, wanting to ensure nothing goes to waste), but just like the night before, Shane's presence does a good job of keeping Jack's more aggressive instincts under lock and key.

"Did I dress him up okay? I thought the blue number was classic baby boy cute."

[csyeehaw]

As Jack explains what had transpired while he was in the shower, Nick can't help the way his chest clenches as he looks at him with an adoringly impressed gaze.

"You're amazing."

The words come out without forethought, and his cheeks turn a dusty rose as he realizes how smitten he clearly is towards the young alpha. He ducks his head slightly as he brings the babbling baby into his arms so Jack has less on his plate.

"I mean, uh... well I mean you're amazing, but you always are. It's just... I appreciate how good you are for Shane... I think is what I'm trying to say.

"Before I say something else stupid please tell me what you need me to do."

[spinalscar]

"Oh, by all means," Jack starts, taking the bottle out from under the stream of water once he's sure it's warm enough, "if by 'stupid' you mean you have more nice things to say about me, I don't think you should hold back."

The bottle's wiped dry and Jack hands it over. Then he heads off to grab mugs for the both of them, waiting by the pot for the coffee to finish.

"You should sit, though. I made waffles, cut up some fruit-- I wasn't sure if you wanted any eggs or anything?" Jack leans against the counter, smiling. "It'd be easy enough to just throw 'em in the pan if you did.

"Can you drink coffee while you're nursing?"

[csyeehaw]

As nice as the shower feels, Nick keeps reminding himself he can’t take his sweet time. He can’t stop to let the warm water ease his muscles and let the liquid just run over him. He’s sure Jack wouldn’t mind it so much, but Nick does. Jack’s already doing so much and he doesn’t want to take advantage of it.

So, he’s quick to wash the dried stains from his body. Only when he’s completely cleaned and dried off. he leaves the shower and moves to change into comfy pants and a plain shirt before making his way to pick his son up from the crib. Though his brows furrowed at Shane’s absence, his heart warms when he makes his way to the kitchen and sees him in Jack’s arms.

“I wish I had my camera so I could take a picture of my handsome guys,” Nick coos fondly as he moves towards them.

He raised his hand towards Shane to stroke his cheek, but the outstretched hands grab onto random fingers.

Chuckling after watching him for a moment, he glances up at Jack and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for taking care of him.”

[spinalscar]

Jack almost envies how easily Nick's able to give affection. In his mind it still feels like something that shouldn't be allowed, and while it doesn't stop him from enjoying the way Nick kisses him (and blushing from the pleasure of being called "handsome"), it's still more novel than anything else.

"I went to check on him and he'd already woken up," Jack says, happy to hand the baby over should Nick decide he wants him in his arms instead. "All he really did was talk to himself and watch the mobile you had set up.

"I figured it'd be good to have a bottle ready for him, though, even if he wasn't crying for it."

[csyeehaw]

“Old man, he calls me. Can you believe this guy?” Nick playfully grumbles to Shane as he finally begins to will himself to move.

There’s a soft groan that leaves him as he finally sits upright on his own, and only then does he realize just how sore he is. Even though he wants nothing more than to stay in bed all day, it’s the best feeling in the world. After all, it’s from an alpha who cares for him.

And then he remembers the mess all over him that he’ll absolutely need to clean off before he puts on clothes.

“I need to shower. Do you mind just keeping an ear out for Shane while I do? I’ll put him in the crib before I do. He should be okay, but just in case?”

[spinalscar]

"Yeah," Jack says easily, "I can do that no problem."

He helps Nick get out of bed, but in curiosity lingers behind him while he walks. True enough, he can scent slick and cum on his thighs, and when some of his own mess drips it awakens something horrible in him.

But to Jack's credit, he resists the alpha urge to ask if he can watch Nick while he cleans up.

When they separate, he keeps true to his word, listening for Shane even as he moves around the kitchen. Jack's no expert chef, but waffles are easy enough, and so is preparing fruit for them both to eat. By the time he leaves the kitchen to see Shane, the only thing waiting is coffee in the pot.

Once Nick is done showering, Jack will have taken Shane to the kitchen, carrying the baby in one arm while the other holds a cool bottle of milk under a stream of warm water. He turns, looking over his shoulder, and grins.

"Hey," he says, then looks down to Shane, who's been dressed in clothes for the day. "Your mama's here."

The baby'd already begun turning his head, but Jack pivots so that Shane can see him. Two little hands reach out, mindless babbles leaving his pink mouth, and Jack chuckles.

"Looks like he missed you."

[csyeehaw]

Nick smiles fondly as he melts further into Jack, a laugh puffing through his nostrils as he hears some happy, sleepy gurgles coming from Shane. It’s nice knowing Jack feels this way about him. It’s even better with how honest he is about all of the unknowns. Nick will always be worried about the future and what it’ll hold for them, but Jack’s managed to get through to him already.

Maybe they really will be okay.

Nick finds bliss being like this, curled up with his son and his mate. It feels like a love he’s never thought he’d receive. It feels like a home he belongs in. It feels better than anything he’s ever experienced.

So when he realizes the time, a soft sigh leaves him.

“We should probably get up,” he breathes, despite making absolutely no effort to move.

[spinalscar]

Laughing as Nick stays in place, Jack says, "My carrying offer still stands."

But he's got a good feeling that isn't the reason Nick's staying in place.

Ever the responsible one, though, Jack gets into a seated position, fingers absently ruffling Nick's already messy hair.

"Get up, old man," he teases. "You need me to do anything?"

[csyeehaw]

Nick's face flushes at the mention of Jack's seed catching. Considering the mess that's still coating him in and on him in a few spots, there's no doubt in his mind that it happened. And yet, he's at peace with the concept.

Leaning into the touch against his face, Nick closes his eyes as his inner omega croons at the words of possession.

He finally begins to calm down once more, at least to the point he can push aside his insecurities as he looks up at Jack once more. His gaze shifts over his features, and he finds his heart clenches at the sight of the cute nose and big, brown, puppy-dog eyes he's always possessed.

"I really am glad it's you, you know," he murmurs before he readjusts himself and Shane to move and tuck himself under Jack's chin.

[spinalscar]

"Good," Jack says, sighing quietly in relief. "Because we're a pack now."

And for the first time since all this, he finds he's more at peace than concerned. Nick doesn't hate him. Things are okay. Even with the trial that'll be his deployment, knowing Nick is glad they're together will surely help keep him sane.

For all his attempts to take things slow and resist the alpha impatience, he'd barrelled straight into Nick absolutely mercilessly. The irony isn't lost on him. But the fact they're going to try even after all their mistakes... that's good, isn't it? Even beyond the inevitable inexperience of only being in his twenties?

"Let's just... cuddle 'till Shane needs his breakfast, okay?" He'll pretend saying the word "cuddle" didn't make something in his brain curl up and die. "Being close to you always makes me feel better." He kisses the top of Nick's head. "And it did even without the alpha stuff, too."

[csyeehaw]

Nick keeps his gaze upon Shane, even after he quiets down once more and the dribbles are wiped from his face. It's easier than seeing Jack's face as he attempts to tell Nick everything's okay, at least a little.

"How do you know that for sure?"

He presses a kiss to his infant's head before turning to press a kiss to the back of the hand against the mark.

"Things are hard enough in life and you've been through so much already, I just... I don't want you to live with any regrets, Jackie. I don't want to be what you regret."

[spinalscar]

"I can't be sure of anything, Nick."

And while Jack knows this isn't the inspirational speech he should be giving, what point is there in lying? Nick deserves better than any fabrication, and Jack only knows so much.

"But I'm going to be deployed, it... if I'm gonna regret anything in life, I doubt it's the nice omega waiting for me back home." And maybe that's morbid, Jack doesn't know. It's realistic too, though, and that's what matters.

"Maybe I'll wanna try forever. Maybe I won't. But right now, you told me you didn't regret this, and I... I was happy. I am happy. And I'm not gonna think about who I am twenty years from now 'cause he doesn't matter.

"All that matters is us. Now. And Shane, and..." Jack flushes some, thinking about Nick's scent, and then sighs at his own predictability. "Well, whoever comes next, assuming my seed took."

His hand cups Nick's face, thumb stroking his cheekbone.

"It's my turn to say you don't have to apologise. Whatever you think of yourself, you're still my Nicky.

"My omega."

[csyeehaw]

"It's the other way around, Jackie!" Nick counters as he looks up at him finally, though, it does nothing to ease the guilt churning his gut. "I'm older. I've had my shot at other prospects. I'm the one that wasn't on suppressants.

"But you? I'm the one that robbed you of all of that."

An almost defeated sigh puffs out as he closes his eyes and ducks his head.

"I'm still-I still want to make this work. That's not- that hasn't changed, alright? I just... I should have known better."

Jack's just a kid, Peyton's voice echoes in his head.

[spinalscar]

Frustrated, Jack's frowning mouth opens in a "Why the fuck does it matter--"

But then Shane makes a noise, babbling after. The upset in their tones seems to have woken him, and he coos softly before a round fist pokes at Nick's chest. The smallest glob of drool builds in the corner of his mouth.

So Jack bites his lip, holding his tongue. As Shane is tended to, he calms himself down.

"I don't need other prospects, Nick," he says quietly, reaching down to fit his palm over a mark he'd left only hours ago. "Just... I don't need to touch anyone else but you."