is there a way to blend\fade objects into the object behind it?

[tom whalen]

i created 3 shapes, 2 with a gradient. the shapes look great, but i want them to blend more into the red shape behind them. i want them to like taper off into the middle of the red. shape. is there a way to do that?\\

[Rick Gerard]

Does this reply I made on July 4th help? You add transparency to gradients in shape layers.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects-discussions/circular-gradient-mask/m-p/13049005#M204902