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”I was thinking about making a nest for tomorrow night. Any preferences I should be aware of?”
Ah. Of course. Carlos keeps his sigh inside his mouth, because this is adorable boyfriend making an adorable suggestion, and he should only look excited, not vaguely terrified.
They haven’t nested together before, but he has had his mouth on Charles, and his fingers inside the other omega. He knows Charles’ body, his silky inner thighs, and how he is often a little shy at first, needing time to build the moment in his head.
He had seen Charles’ travel nest in hotel rooms, his teammate preferring to build it on a spot where sunshine doesn’t reach the nest, but Carlos hadn’t yet been invited to share, and he wouldn’t have dared to ask.
”What kind of preferences do you mean?”
”You know, how some people like lights, or stuffed toys…”
”No, no important preferences”, he murmurs, proud of keeping his voice steady.
Charles was a gift. Adored omega prince of Ferrari, the one who was so comfortable in his own skin. One only needed to take one look at him to know that Charles had grown up in an environment in which his omega status had never been considered flaw.
He would have been fine with their easy friendship, letting the rays of Charles’ glow warm his tired bones.
Charles being interested in that way wouldn’t have entered his wildest day dreams.
”A date?”
”A date, yes.”
”You would do that with another omega?”
”I have only dated omegas and betas. Alphas are… They can be a bit much.”
Carlos wouldn’t have known. He wasn’t an untouched virgin, but had spent his life alone, telling his inner omega that they were absolutely fine, when the night was so terribly dark, and sleep had ran away hours earlier. He had had encounters, picking betas at clubs, when the urge to feel other person’s skin against his own got too much to resist. After orgasms he rested against the person quietly, letting himself to drink in the moment, the quiet breathing, the softness of their skin, and the sweet ache between his legs.
Being in a relationship with his teammate wasn’t a distraction. It was a source of strength and peace. They were rivals on he track, but that was a separate box in their lives, the negativity never leaking between them, when the lights were turned off, and the race was over.
It should be good. They have a few precious days at home before flying out for the next duty, and Charles had suggested a quiet night at his apartment.
The last panicky cruise on Google before leaving for the date doesn’t help at all.
Half an hour later he is at Charles’ door, quite successfully radiating fake calm confidence.
They kiss briefly, and Charles’ warm vanilla scent is like a hug, like a fluffy blanket.
”For you.”
Charles smiles at the gift, smelling the pale pink flowers.
”Beautiful. Thank you.”
He takes off his jacket and shoes and follows the other omega into his bedroom.
Charles has built the nest on his bed. The colours are dark, looking good against the white of the sheets. Carlos is noticing a couple of shirts that surely used to be located in his own wardrobe.
The omega enters the nest, giving him a heavy look.
”I have no idea what I’m doing.” It’s Charles. Charles doesn’t want to hurt people intentionally.
”What do you mean?”
”I have never nested.”
”That’s so sad.”
The concern in his voice doesn’t make Carlos feel pathetic. Charles is not laughing at his issue, him being way too old to be this lost with his primal instincts.
He couldn’t afford being soft.
Charles is soft. Outside his car he is soft smiles, pretty dimples, and the gentle scent of vanilla. There is a reason why people feel so drawn to him, feeling like a few minutes in his presence could heal any wounds their souls have.
But in his car he is nothing less than a predator with a killer’s instinct.
”Not every omega nests. There are no general rules. You can’t do wrong as long as you and your nesting partner are comfortable.”
”Are you? Comfortable?”
”I am.”
He is still teetering, tempted by the cozy sight, and worried, because this kind of comfort had never been allowed to him.
The pack room and the omega room at the paddock are both nice. He could have glued himself to another omega, let the chatter of Charles or George carry him over the threshold, but in the end he had only remembered the lessons of his father. Him being an omega had already shamed his family name. There was no need to take the embarrassment even further, and bring attention to any of his silly omega urges.
He wanted soft conversations and the warmth, letting himself fall asleep between other omegas. Going under an alpha, and letting himself to get bred was the last one of his interests, but his father had made sure that the same shame colored both ideas.
It had been just enough to have his relationship with Charles, but his omega needs and wants more. He’d be welcomed with open arms if he was brave enough to take the step.
”Carlos, love? Nest with me?”
It’s an easy, clear invitation. Charles wouldn’t take an offense if he shied away, thinking it’s a little too much, and too early. Carlos follows, climbing into the nest, and taking a spot next to his partner. Charles leans close, pressing a kiss on his temple.
”We can just be here. Forget the world. I’m here, I’ll keep you safe. I’ll always keep you safe.”
Carlos breathes slowly, in and out, in an out. He is aware of Charles putting his arm around his waist, letting Carlos come to rest against his chest.
”I’ll go get the food and drinks. You can pick a movie. Do you want a blanket? I have extras.”
He takes the dark blue blanket, letting the heavy fabric cover his legs. He would have a lot to think about, but right now he only cares about Charles’ company, and the peace in the apartment.