Tech closed his eyes against the spray of lukewarm water. Thankfully the house had two bathrooms available( though the one he was in was standing room only)- it would have been awkward to bump into Crosshair or Mayday trying to clean off his morning activities. Though the scent lingering on him would be obvious to any AlphA, and with the timing off it…
Tech resolved to stay in his room for as long as possible. He had water and a restroom. Thoughts of something greasy made his mouth water a bit and he frowned. Usually he wasn't ever hungry and he hardly had food he particularly ‘craved’.
But heats always carried such different reactions from him.
They were a hassle. Suppressants themselves weren't very healthy taken in such repeating cycles. But being a soldier no one batted an eye at it. Back to back missions left little time for days in bed. It was even better because heats only induced an AlphA’s runt so all the more reason to cut them off.
The first few he'd missed left Tech unsteady, like his body was telling him it was wrong. But any thoughts of changing back fled at the realization he was fully in control of himself. No aches, no heat fevers. Emotional highs and lows had all but vanished.
It was as freeing as it was terrifying.
A strong cramping sensation in his midsection left him wincing. Another thing he hadn't missed. He cracked the tiny square window to let out the build up of steam and leaned back against the tiles. He ran his fingers over the swirling squares of turquoise and dark blues.
They would find out. Tech was unsure if it was better to return to Hunter and Wrecker or stay here. It felt unfair to be so close to a newly mated pair. The idea that AlphA’s had no control at the scent of an OmegA’s heat was laughable but it was rude to be so close to a bonded pair during your heat. Crosshair's lingering unease at his BetA status only made the situation worse.
But the thought of being around Hunter and Wrecker was unbearable. They wouldn't ever hurt him. They’d just feel sorry for him.
The look of pity on Hunter's face when he asked to share Tech's first heat still made Tech flinch. It was one of those things that only experience could help you understand.
Tech clicked off the shower and stepped out, the plush towel felt itchy as he dried off.
Another side effect. Joy.
He leaned naked against the edge of his dresser and eyed his clothes, rubbing the fabric of it between his fingers.
His sheets were clean but he's start to slick tomorrow. Regretfully he pulled on a thicker pair of bottoms and immediately crawled into bed. His heat wouldn't begin at least for another day so he’d dealt with it then. He was back asleep before he had another thought.
××××
Tech wasn't sure the smell of something frying or the pounding on his door woke him first.
He blinked awake, groaning. Then closed his eyes. He was warm and comfortable.
“Tech get up. Mayday made everyone breakfast.” Crosshair's voice said, very close. Too close.
Tech whined, he'd forgotten to lock the door. How could he have forgotten to lock the door?
He was hot now, too hot.
“Tech.” A hand shook his shoulder, it felt good to be touched. Tech flinched away from the feeling.
“Fuck you're warm- are you sick?” Crosshair palm ran over his damp forehead. Tech made a weak sound but didn't pull away this time.
It was nice.
“Mayday-something’s wrong.”
The scent of an AlphA in his space had Tech reaching out before he knew what he was doing. He grabbed weakly at the AlphA, gripping onto only fabric with a frustrated sound.
“Crosshair he's in heat. “
“Wha- he hasn't had a heat since we were shinies-”
“That doesn't mean anything-”
The repeating word brought Tech back and he apologized.
“Hey Tech. No. it's okay.” A hand touched his cheek- not an AlphA but still good. He leaned hard into the touch. Curled around it.
“Why is he so out of it -”
“If it really has been that long- probably heatsickness-”
“Heatsickness?”
“It is a buildup of hormones from suppressants.” Tech muttered, cracking his eyes open to see Crosshair’s badly masked look of relief.
“Of course you come to just to explain it.” Crosshair teased, his free hand pushed the sweaty strands of Tech's hair back off his flushed face.
Mayday leaned over Crosshair's shoulder, looking worried, “If you know about it, you know how dangerous it can be.”
Tech eyes drooped, “I merely need to stay hydrated and possibly have a few orgasms.”
Crosshair choked. On what Tech didn't know. Mayday's voice was not amused.
“It's more than that. You need to eat something, probably have someone nearby to regulate your hormone imbalance.”
Crosshair’s voice was hard, “He doesn't want anyone for sex.”
Tech forced his eyes open at the tone, watching as Mayday held up his hands.
“Now I didn't say sex. It's more about comfort. Safety.” He pulled at his beard, “It's like in a pack where you protect each other. Say if you're ill. You heal better when you're not stressed.”
He pointed to where Tech's hand held onto Crosshair's own. It had slid down to his neck and had begun to rub over Tech's sensitive mating glands.
“Like touch. Doesn't have to have any sexual implications. And if he didn't trust you he wouldn't have let you anywhere near those.”
Tech was flushed already but if he could have gotten any redder he might have. Crosshair just looked fond.
“You still trust me?”
Tech was annoyed then and said, “Why would I not?”
Mayday's hands clapping together had them both jumping.
“That settles it. Get into bed.” He shoved at Crosshair, pulling at the sheets. “I'll bring breakfast to you.”
Tech started to protest but Crosshair's bare chest pressed against his naked back had him sighing and slumping into it instead. He felt Crosshair’s chuckle more than he heard it.
“Don’t worry Tech.”
And Tech didn't. He always felt comfortable when Crosshair was watching him.
