Chapter Text
Robby was old.
Okay, technically he was middle-aged but for an unmated Alpha he was old. He tried not to let it bother him. Told himself it was for the best he’d never found a mate. He didn’t even date anymore, not really. And when he did it was usually Betas. There was no chance of an Omega wanting more that way, asking for a bond he wasn’t sure he could give. No, he was better off alone.
None of that stopped him from watching you over the top of his glasses as you talked to the little boy on the other side of the ED. He’d come in via ambulance along with his father that was having chest pains. The kid was understandably scared but you were working your magic. Between your soft words and the sucker you’d produced from your pocket, you had him giving you a small smile in no time.
Robby’s lips curled into a smile as he shook his head in disbelief. You were amazing. Incredible. Sweet. Perfect. Damn it, Robinavitch. He knew better than to let his mind stray in that direction. You were far too pretty, far too smart, far too soft for the likes of him. He tore his gaze away and focused on the computer in front of him.
“You should ask her out.” Dana’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
He didn’t look at her. “Who?”
She huffed a laugh. “Don’t be an idiot. Our resident peds expert, that’s who.” When he didn’t say anything, she continued, “You know, the one you keep staring at when you think no one will notice.”
Robby still didn’t look at her as he made a mental note to not look at you so much. Even as he had thought his eyes darted up to watch you lead the kid over to Kiara. Fuck. He forced his eyes back to the computer. “That is not going to happen.”
Dana came to lean beside him so she could see his face. She crossed her arms and frowned down at him. “And why not? What’s wrong with her?”
He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Dana—”
“No deflections. She’s sweet, good with kids, a fucking knockout. And I know you like her so what’s the problem?”
“There is nothing wrong with her. That’s why she deserves better than an old Alpha like me.”
Dana stared at him for another beat before shaking her head. “Whatever you say, Cap.”
***
You loved your job.
Even when it was hard, you loved it. You had specialized in pediatric emergency medicine and were offered an attending position at PTMC as soon as you finished your residency. You served as a general attending as well, but the peds cases were always directed to you.
You loved the people you worked with. You were normally on day shift but had been known to cover a night shift on occasion. There wasn’t anyone you worked with that you didn’t like. No one made you feel lesser because of your designation. No one hesitated to come to you for help. You and Dana had become quick friends both on duty and off. Princess and Perlah were teaching you Tagalog. Jesse and you met for coffee once a month or so. There was only one problem.
You loved one Michael Robinavitch. You tried not to but the moment you saw him, your inner Omega started jumping with glee. He was the perfect Alpha in your opinion. He was patient and kind and protective of those he considered his ‘pack’. The more you got to know him, the more your feelings shifted from a harmless crush to full blown love.
You’d caught him watching you more than once as you worked and had hoped he’d ask you out, but no luck. You didn’t want to ask him as some Alphas didn’t like forward Omegas. Robby didn’t seem the type but you didn’t want to chance it. A little hope, no matter how small, was better than none at all.
Dana found you in the lounge when you were brewing a fresh pot of coffee. “Hey you.”
You smiled at her. “Hey yourself. How’s it going?”
“Same as always, semi-controlled chaos.”
That got a laugh out of you.
“We’re friends, right?” she asked, causing you to frown.
“Of course we are.”
She leaned toward you. “Good. Then you’ll listen to me when I tell you that Robby is hopeless, clueless and crazy about you.”
Your eyes went wide. “I…What?”
Her lips tilted in a crooked smile. “You heard me. He is also very unlikely to make the first move. That puts the ball in your court, kid.”
You tried to swallow down the fluttery feeling that was threatening to overwhelm you. “What do you mean?”
“There is nothing that says Omegas can’t court their Alphas. Show him what he’s missing.”
“Robby doesn’t seem like someone that appreciates attention,” you said.
She nodded. “He’s not. He’s stubborn, set in his ways and convinced he’s better off alone. But he’s also one of the best men I know. You should show him that. He won’t know what hit him.”
And with that she walked off, leaving your head spinning with possibilities.
***
You started slowly, leaving fresh coffee and a protein bar at his work station. Making sure the station was always clean and tidy. As the day progressed, you’d replace the coffee with water. One day you brought his favorite sandwich from the deli across the street and tucked it in the fridge with Robby written across the foil.
“Someone’s leaving me food, water, coffee,” Robby told Dana that afternoon. “Every day this week.”
Dana glanced over to where you were consulting with one of the residents on a case, your back carefully turned to the conversation. “Maybe you have a secret admirer,” she suggested.
Robby snorted. “More likely someone feels sorry for me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Heaven forbid someone actually do something for the great Michael Robinavitch because they care for him. What a thought.”
Despite his protests, you noticed he ate every offering, sometimes closing his eyes briefly as he appreciated the coffee or a fresh pastry. You timed your gifts for when he wasn’t likely to catch you, when he needed the sustenance or comfort the most. Every time Dana caught you, she’d give you a look that said ‘where are you going with this’ and you’d just shrug and hurry away.
Then one Thursday you were offered an unexpected opportunity. Robby slipped out of his favorite navy hoodie and held it up to look it over. It had seen better days. The front was stained, both pockets had holes in them, there was a tear on one sleeve and the elastic in the cuffs was all stretched out. He’d taken to rolling the sleeves instead of pushing them up.
“Think it’s time to let it go.” He sighed and showed it to Dana. “Can’t even keep a pen in the pocket anymore without losing it.
“About time,” she replied. “That thing has been on it’s last leg for at least a year.”
He draped the hoodie over the back of his chair. “It’s broken in just right though.”
“Guess you’ll just have to get to work on a new one,” she said with a shrug.
Robby shook his head before heading to an exam room for a consultation.
You pretended to be engrossed elsewhere but your mind was racing with possibilities. The hoodie was more than just a piece of clothing to him. It represented comfort, familiarity. The way his fingers had lingered on the fabric told you everything.
Not caring if Dana saw you made it easy for you to tuck the hoodie under a blanket and stash it in your locker. She’d simply smiled and shook her head.
Robby panicked briefly when he couldn’t find it later but all it took was a simple “What difference does it make? I thought you were throwing it away,” from Dana for him to move on.
That night after you showered and changed into comfortable clothes, you spread the jacket out on your table to assess the damage while you ate cereal for dinner. The pockets needed to be fixed and reinforced. There was a tear in the sleeve where it had caught on something. Some holes where the fabric had worn around the hood. And the stains on the front that you really hoped were coffee. All in all it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle.
After picking up some supplies, you spent the next two days restoring Robby’s beloved hoodie to the best condition you could. You removed the stains as much as you could. You stitched up holes and fixed pockets. You even replaced the cuffs. And if you happened to wear it while you watched TV that night so it smelled like you, well that was your business.
The next morning, you arrived at the hospital early. You placed the folded hoodie on the bench near Robby’s locker, then hurried out. Forty-five minutes later you were at the hub chatting with Jack waiting for Robby so you could do handoff. When he appeared from the direction of the locker room he was wearing the hoodie, running his fingers over the mended areas.
“Isn’t that the hoodie you were going to throw away?” Dana asked, looking up.
Robby nodded. “Someone fixed it. Found it in the locker room this morning.” He pulled the fabric closer around himself. “Wish I knew who to thank.”
Dana hummed in agreement, eyes flicking to you as you listened to Jack go over the board. When he finished, he left with a quick goodbye. You grabbed a tablet to go check on the three current peds cases when Robby spoke up again from where he’d parked himself in front of a computer. “This thing is seriously better than new. And it smells amazing.”
That had your steps stuttering. Dana glanced at you again before looking back at him. “That so? What’s it smell like?”
His face flushed red as he turned to face her fully. “You’re going to think it’s stupid but it smells like home.”
Oh. Heat rushed to your cheeks and you turned away to keep him from seeing the small, satisfied smile curling your lips. Throughout the day you caught Robby burying his nose in the collar of the hoodie when he thought no one was looking, inhaling deeply. Each time, a thrill ran through you. Your Omega instincts jumping for joy at having provided comfort to the Alpha you were quietly courting.
***
Robby was walking through the ED while he scrolled through lab results on a tablet when an angry voice cut through the air.
“I don’t give a shit what you say. Who qualified you to be a doctor anyway? Omega bitch.”
You were the only Omega doctor on shift today. Robby caught Frank’s eye and they headed toward the treatment room you were in seeing to a child with abdominal pain. Ahmad was right on their heels.
“What’s going on here?” Robby snapped as he stepped into the room. You were pressed up against the wall with an angry Alpha towering over you, exuding enough pheromones to make Robby’s nose wrinkle. He could only imagine how bad it smelled to you.
Tension visibly flowed from your body at the sight of him and he couldn’t help the spike of Alpha pride he felt that you trusted him to protect you. Robby immediately put himself between you and the other Alpha. “Back off,” he ordered.
The smaller man stepped back, clearly not as willing to face off against a much larger Alpha. “I’m just trying to get some help for my kid.”
“And she is the best pediatric specialist in the hospital so what is the problem?” Robby said. Your hands gripped the back of his hoodie.
“She barely looked at him and said he needs surgery. How could she know that?”
“Suspected appendicitis,” your voice came from behind him, soft but sure. “I told him we’d need imaging to verify then consult with the surgeon.”
Robby hummed. “If that’s what she said, I’d bet my license that’s the problem. Dr. Langdon here is going to take over this case. If we have any more issues, you’ll be escorted out. Is that understood?”
He could tell the man wanted to argue, that he was used to being in charge. Not here. This was Robby’s domain and he’d guard it fiercely if needed. The other alpha nodded and stepped back.
Robby nodded to Frank as he reached back to take one of your hands in his and pulled you out of the room behind him. He didn’t look at you, just led you through the ED, nodding at Dana to let her know everything was handled. Only once you were in locker room did he turn to face you. You were unlikely to be bothered here mid shift.
His hands settled on your upper arms. “Are you okay?” He kept his voice soft, knowing the last thing you needed right now was another loud Alpha.
“I’m fine, really,” you said, though your hands were still trembling. “Thank you for stepping in and for everything you said.”
“It was all true. And that guy was incredibly out of line. Using his status to try to intimidate you was unacceptable.” His jaw tightened at the reminder.
You nodded. “It happens sometimes. Not often, thankfully.”
He narrowed his gaze as he studied your face. “It’s happened here before? With other patients?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle, Robby. I’ve been an Omega in medicine long enough to develop a thick skin,” you said with a small smile.
Frustration and no small amount of anger bubbled up at the thought that you had to deal with any of that. For a moment the air between you seemed charged and he found himself desperately wishing he could remove the suppressant patch on your neck and bury his nose in your scent gland.
The fact that his Omega had been threatened—Robby physically moved back, shaking his head. His Omega? It was the same thought that had risen unbidden when he’d seen the other Alpha threatening you. It was inappropriate, unprofessional and exactly what he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do with you. You were his colleague, not an Omega to be claimed or protected by him.
He cleared his throat. “If it happens again, call for me immediately.”
“I will,” you promised though you both knew you probably wouldn’t.
He lingered for a moment wanting to say something more. To offer more reassurance, maybe. Or beg you to let him protect you all the time. Jesus. What the fuck was wrong with him today? He ran a hand across the back of his neck. “I should get back. Take some time if you need it.”
When the door closed between you, he released a shaky breath. He lifted the edge of the hoodie to his nose and inhaled the sweet scent. He immediately felt better, relaxed. Now he needed to put some space between you and hope he’d quit thinking of you as his.
***
A few days later you’d had a particularly brutal shift. A pileup on the parkway, two gunshot victims, and a four-year-old who’d fallen from a third-story window. Despite your best efforts, the child had died on the table, his tiny heart refusing to restart. You and Robby had worked the case together and you could see the toll it took on him with each minute that passed. When he finally called time of death, his voice had been steady, but you’d noticed the brief closing of his eyes, the slump of his shoulders before he straightened and moved on to the next crisis.
By the end of shift, everyone was drained but Robby looked utterly exhausted. The lines around his eyes had deepened, his movements slowed by a weariness that seemed to seep from his bones. Your eyes followed him as he trudged toward the exit, his shoulders curved inward.
You pulled out your phone and scrolled to your favorite Chinese place ordering a small selection of food. Some you’d seen him eat before, others you just thought he’d like. You’d been to his house a couple of times for get togethers so you pulled his address up from your notes app and added it to the order. You hoped the food would offer some solace. Under the delivery instructions you said to ring bell and leave at the door as you didn’t know if he’d beat the food home or not. You added a generous tip and pressed order, your heart beating a little faster.
“Whatcha doin’?” Dana said from beside you making you jump. Her tone said she knew exactly what you were doing.
“Why are you still here?” you asked instead of answering her.
“Lena’s running late. Why are you?”
“Just taking care of something.” You didn’t meet her gaze as you slid your phone into your bag.
She hummed. “I see that. You know it’s real cute how you’re taking care of him, but it doesn’t do any good if you don’t let him know it’s you.”
You sighed. “I know that. I want to tell him.”
She arched a brow but said nothing.
“I do,” you insisted. “But what if he doesn’t want me?”
She patted your shoulder. “I really don’t think you need to worry about that, honey, but I get it. Just think about letting him in on the secret, huh?”
You nodded as she walked away, Lena finally arriving. As you walked home, Dana’s words kept running through your head. She was right, you just weren’t sure you could do it.
The next morning, you were already at the hub talking to Dana when Robby came in. “Morning,” he said, greeting both of you. “You didn’t by any chance send food to my house last night, did you?” he asked Dana.
“Now why would I do that?” Her lips lifted in a smirk. “I already have a mate. Don’t need to court one.”
Robby scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Who would bother courting me?”
“Right. Because you’re such a terrible catch, Robinavitch. Absolutely nothing to recommend you.” She put on her readers and looked at her computer. “Idiot,” she muttered just loud enough for him to hear it and you had to cover your mouth to keep from laughing.
***
Over the next two weeks you tried many times to tell Robby that you were courting him but it seemed every time you worked up the nerve, something happened to stop you. You were beginning to think the universe just wanted you to keep your mouth shut.
A flu outbreak was sweeping through Pittsburgh, filling the ED and leaving shifts shorter staffed than usual. Robby had worked eight days in a row and was scheduled for the next day as well. You continued bringing him coffee and making sure he ate or at least shoved a protein bar down his throat. It was about all any of you had time for at the moment. You didn’t want any acknowledgement, you just wanted to take care of him. To offer him a bit of support.
You were standing outside a room looking through labs when you spotted Robby at his computer. He was slumped forward, dark smudges under his eyes. He looked haggard for lack of a better word.
Dana approached and leaned against the counter beside him. “You look like hell.”
Robby grunted and scratched at his beard. “Been a long week.”
“Always is,” she agreed. “You need to take better care of yourself.”
“I’m fine. Just need a decent night’s sleep.”
Dana studied him thoughtfully, her eyes darting up to find you. “What you need is an Omega to take care of you. Don’t you ever just want to be taken care of?”
Robby’s response was sharp. “The absolute last thing I need is an Omega to be responsible for. I actually can’t imagine anything worse than that right now.”
You sucked in a breath. Well, that answered that didn’t it? Dana’s gaze darted back to you. One look told her you’d heard every word. She frowned at Robby. “You’re an ass.”
Confusion contorted his features. “What the hell did I do?”
“For someone so observant, you can be incredibly blind.”
“What are you talking about?” His annoyance at the topic was clear in his tone.
“Figure it out,” Dana snapped, pushing away from the counter. Her eyes found you again. You gave her a small smile and stepped through the curtain putting the ED and Michael Robinavitch behind you.
You had one more plan for him. One more thing you wanted to do for him and then you’d leave him alone. The last thing he needed was you.
That evening you caught Dana before she left and told her your idea. “You’re a better woman than I am. But you’re right. He needs it.” She handed you the sweater she kept in her locker in case she got cold.
You hung around until Robby had completed handoff and headed home before you hunted down Jack. “Got a minute?” you asked when you caught him near the hub.
He frowned and looked you over with concern. “Everything okay? Why are you still here?”
You led him to a corner where you could talk and not be overheard. “Have you ever wanted to do something for someone even when you knew they might not appreciate it?”
He leaned against the wall and tilted his head. “Depends why you’re doing it. If it’s to get something in return, probably not worth it. If it’s because you genuinely think they need it, that’s different.”
You nodded. “Then I need a favor. Two favors actually.”
“Name them.”
***
The next night Robby dragged himself up the front steps to his door. He was ready to crawl into his bed and not leave it for the next two days. He was exhausted. When he stepped into his house, he felt a prickle of awareness. Something was different, but he couldn’t place it.
He moved through the house quickly, eyes darting around but not noticing anything significant, just a subtle feeling that things were out of place. Odd. Deciding he was too tired to figure it out now, he headed to the bedroom. He froze in the doorway, exhausted brain trying to process what he was seeing.
His bed had been transformed. Where normally there were rumpled sheets and a single blanket now stood an elaborate nest. Plush pillows in varying sizes had been arranged creating a barrier around the bed. Soft blankets in shades of blue and gray were layered with obvious care, building a den of comfort in the middle. Even from the doorway he could see how thoughtfully every element had been positioned.
“What the hell?” he whispered, approaching slowly.
Nests were deeply personal structures, typically created by Omegas for themselves or for their mates and families. It wasn’t unheard of for them to do it for unmated Alphas in need but he’d never heard about it being done like this. Robby hadn’t had a nest since childhood when his grandmother would build one when he was ill or had a bad day.
He sniffed the air trying to place the aromas he was picking up. Dana. Jack. And a third scent he’d only recently become familiar with. That heavenly scent of home that permeated his hoodie. He picked up one of the pillows, bringing to his face and inhaling deeply.
Home. Home. Home.
Jesus.
Robby set the pillow down and pulled out his phone scrolling to Jack’s number.
“What’s up, brother?” he answered after two rings.
“Who was it?” Robby demanded, pacing around the bed, taking it all in.
There was a beat of silence and Jack cleared his throat. “You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Don’t play dumb. You’re the only one with a key. Who did you let in my house? Who built me this nest?” His voice cracked at the end.
“Ah. You found it.” Amusement colored his words. The fucker was enjoying this.
“Of course, I found it. It’s on my bed. Who was it, Jack?”
“Sorry. Told her I wouldn’t tell.”
“But why?” Robby slumped onto the edge of the mattress, careful not to disturb the nest. “Who would build me a nest?”
“Someone who thinks you’re worth taking care of.”
He closed his eyes, chest tight. “Please just tell me.”
Jack sighed. “I’ll try to convince her to tell you but if all you’ve seen is the nest, I suggest you look around before you crawl into it.” With that, he hung up.
Robby stared at the phone then looked around his bedroom. The nest wasn’t the only change. Things had been straightened, cleaned. A new book sat on his nightstand next to a bottle of water.
He rose and moved back through the house, flipping on lights and taking his time to look with greater attention. An incredibly soft blanket was draped over the back of the couch and things had been dusted.
The kitchen truly stunned him. His normally half empty cabinets were now stocked with food. The refrigerator and freezer were both filled with prepared meals in containers labeled with contents and instructions. He pulled out one labeled: pasta salad. Eat cold.
He grabbed a fork and took a bite, closing his eyes as he savored the taste. It wasn’t anything fancy but it was good. As he stood in the middle of the kitchen eating, he was utterly overwhelmed by the care he was being shown. He was certain he hadn’t done anything to deserve it.
After a few more bites, he put the container back in the fridge and the fork in the sink. He returned to the bedroom and stared at the nest once more. This wasn’t just carefully arranged bedding. It was comfort, a space where he could rest and heal.
He stripped out of his clothes and moved to the bathroom where he found a new super soft towel hanging on the hook by the shower. And as he stood under the shower’s hot spray, he looked over the new bath products arranged on the shelf. A body wash for relaxation, another for invigoration, fancy shampoo he probably didn’t need but it smelled heavenly.
Back in the bedroom, he hesitated only briefly before carefully crawling into the center of the nest, burrowing in the blankets and the smell of home. The nest cradled his exhausted body perfectly, the blankets settling around him. Tears welled up and one ran down his face to the pillow beneath. “Thank you,” he whispered to the empty room, voice rough with emotion.
His eyes grew heavy, the perfect comfort of the nest lulling him toward sleep. For once, his restless mind quieted and he fell into the deepest sleep he’d had in years.
***
For three days, Robby badgered Jack about the identity of his mysterious caretaker. He sent multiple texts (Just tell me her name), harassed him during handoff (this isn’t funny anymore, Jack) and even resorted to bribery (I’ll take your Christmas shift). Jack remained unmoved, showing only amusement with Robby’s constant questioning. “If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you herself.”
Meanwhile, you’d been gathering your courage. When Jack told you about Robby’s reaction, how desperately he wanted to know who created the nest, you figured you needed to tell him. Even if for no other reason than to get him to quit pestering Jack. It was possible you’d tell him and he’d ask you to leave him alone. But a part of you refused to give up hope that he might feel for you a portion of what you felt for him.
That evening you left after your shift and lingered outside, waiting for Robby. He passed by without noticing you, pulling his earbuds out of his pocket. You stepped forward before he could put them in his ears. “You don’t owe me anything, you know.”
Robby turned, clearly surprised to find you standing there. Despite his evident fatigue, his face brightened when he saw you. “Hey. I’m sorry, did you say something?”
You stepped closer, hands clasped in front of you. “I said you don’t owe me anything.”
His brow furrowed in confusion. “I’m not sure I follow, sweetheart.”
“For taking care of you, I mean.”
Emotions played over his face. His confusion gave way to disbelief melting into wonder as understanding struck him. His lips parted, eyes widening. “It was you.” The words were barely audible.
You nodded, biting your lips nervously, unable to meet his gaze.
“The food, my hoodie, the nest. It was all you?”
Another nod, your eyes still fixed on the ground between you.
He closed the distance in two long strides. His voice was rough with emotion when he asked you, “Why?”
You forced yourself to look up then, to meet his eyes. “Because I think you’re amazing,” you said simply. “And there is no Alpha I could want more.”
He made a sound of disbelief and raised a hand to rub the back of his neck. “I’m cranky and overworked with more gray hairs than patience. There are dozens of younger, less damaged Alphas in this hospital alone.”
“I don’t want them.” If you were doing this, you might as well go all in. “I want the Alpha who stays with bereaved parents long after his shift ends. Who explains complex procedures to scared patients and med students with endless patience. Who defends staff against aggression and administrative bullshit.” That earned you a small laugh. You barreled forward. “I want the Alpha who orders food for everyone on rough days and doesn’t even ask for a thank you. The Alpha who protects everyone he deems as his.”
Robby stood motionless for a long stretch. “You see all that?” he asked quietly.
“How could I not?” you said. “All I see is you.”
He swallowed hard, taking another small step forward. “Why didn’t you say anything? Why the secrecy?”
You shrugged. “I wasn’t sure you’d be interested. You’d never given any indication you noticed me as anything but a colleague, regardless of what Dana said. Then you said an Omega was the last thing you needed. I didn’t want you to think I expected anything from you.”
His eyes widened. “You heard that? God, Dana was right. I am an idiot.” He raked a hand through his hair in frustration. “I was…I mean, I didn’t know it was you.”
“It doesn’t matter, Robby. I just wanted you to know. I’ll stop if you want me to, leave you alone.” You looked away, preparing yourself for his rejection. “I never meant to make you uncomfortable.”
“Please don’t stop.”
The raw emotion in his voice drew your eyes back to his face. Longing and something you couldn’t decipher reflected in his gaze.
“Let me earn the right to be called your Alpha.” His voice was soft as he reached for your hands. His fingers were warm as they enfolded yours. “Let me show you that I’m worthy of all you’ve done for me.”
You shook your head, a smile curving your lips. “You don’t have to earn anything.”
He stepped closer so you had to tip your head back to look at him. “Let me do it anyway.” And then his lips found yours.