Chapter 7
Stephen had recovered after a week. Christine came over whenever she was free and stayed with him. Pepper checked on him every day, bringing flowers from Stark. Stephen had stopped asking why Stark was doing this, knowing he would never get an answer. His doctor, Tao, was also good company, helping him forget about his financial problems during those days.
"Stephen, you'll be discharged tomorrow. You can go home. But be careful with your arm and leg; they need more time to heal," Dr. Tao said.
"Thanks, Doc. But to get discharged, we need to pay the bill, right? I don’t have the money," Stephen replied.
"All your bills have been paid. Don’t worry," Dr. Tao reassured him.
"Who paid? Christine can’t afford that much," Stephen asked, puzzled.
"Mr. Stark left a blank check for you," the doctor said.
Stephen couldn’t understand what game Stark was playing. Was he trying to get him back under his control? Was all this generosity meant to turn him into a sex toy? Stephen let his mind spiral into doubts.
As he was lost in thought, Christine entered the room.
"Hey, Steph, how are you feeling now?" she asked.
"I’m okay, Christy. I’ll be discharged tomorrow," Stephen replied.
"Oh? About that—I was planning to go home this evening since our year break has started. But it’s okay, I’ll stay for you," Christine offered.
"You don’t have to, Christy. You haven’t seen your family in a long time," Stephen said.
"But you can’t manage by yourself," she insisted.
"Doc, can I stay in the hospital until my hand and leg are completely healed?" Stephen asked Dr. Tao.
"Stephen, I’m afraid not. We only admit patients who need close care. In your case, you can rest at home," the doctor explained.
"Oh, okay," Stephen said, disappointed.
"Stephen, I’m not leaving," Christine said firmly.
"No, you should. You’ve done so much for me already. I can’t ask you to stay too. I know how excited you are to see your family," Stephen replied, smiling.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes," he confirmed.
"Alright, then I’ll go pack. Take care of yourself," Christine said before leaving.
"Stephen, what are you going to do? You can’t walk on your own," Dr. Tao pointed out.
"It’s fine, I’ll manage," Stephen said.
"Why don’t you go to your family?" the doctor asked.
"I... I can’t. I’m not welcome there," Stephen said with a sad smile.
"Alright. Take care, and I’ll handle all the discharge paperwork," Dr. Tao said before leaving.
Stephen leaned back on his bed. He wished he had died in that accident. Now, he was alone again. Tears began to well up in his eyes.
It was the day of his discharge. Wong helped him pack.
"Stephen, where will you go?" Wong asked.
"I’ll go back to my apartment. I can manage," Stephen replied.
"I wish I could bring you to my place, but you know how my girlfriend feels about bringing other omegas to our house," Wong explained.
"I understand, Wong. It’s okay. Can you get me a cab?" Stephen asked.
"Sure," Wong said.
As they finished packing, Pepper, Rhodey, and Steve entered the room.
"Steve, Rhodey, take his bags to the car," Pepper instructed.
The two men grabbed Stephen’s bags.
"Miss Potts, what are you doing?" Stephen asked, confused.
"Dr. Tao called me. You don’t have to be alone while you recover. You can stay at Stark Tower," Pepper said.
"But I don’t want to. I don’t want to work for Mr. Stark anymore," Stephen protested.
"You don’t have to. He wants to apologize for what he did. And you need a place where people can take care of you. You’ll be safe at Stark Tower, I promise," Pepper reassured him.
"I don’t know..." Stephen hesitated.
"Stephen, you can’t be alone. Go with them," Dr. Tao urged.
"Stephen, no one will judge you for what happened. You can see it as just hanging out at my place. That’s it," Pepper added.
"Miss Potts is right, Stephen. You should go with them," Wong said.
Stephen didn’t know what to say. He didn’t have any other options, so he followed them. Wong helped push his wheelchair and got him into the car.
When they arrived at the tower, Rhodey and Steve helped Stephen out of the car. Pepper showed him to his room.
"This is your room, Stephen. The maids will assist you, and you can call me if you need anything," Pepper said.
"Thanks, Miss Potts," Stephen said.
"Call me Pepper," she smiled before leaving.
Stephen sat on the soft bed. The room was large and luxurious, though not as big as Stark’s own. Stephen had never slept anywhere this nice. He wasn’t sure what Stark was planning, but for now, he needed shelter. He couldn’t burden his friends anymore, so he accepted it.
Tony was drinking at the bar when Pepper approached him.
"Tony, Stephen is here," Pepper said.
"Mmh... How is he?" Tony asked.
"Better. Do you want to see him?" she asked.
"No. It’ll just freak him out. He hates me," Tony replied quietly.
"Yes, he does. And no one can blame him," Pepper said.
Tony remained silent.
"I came to remind you about the meeting you have tomorrow," Pepper added.
"Mmh... I remember," Tony muttered.
Pepper nodded and was about to leave when Tony called out, "Pep."
"Yes?" she asked.
"Make sure he’s comfortable. Only you can do it," Tony said.
"Yeah, I’ll take care of it," Pepper replied before leaving.
Tony finished his drink. What was this feeling he had? He had never cared about anyone, but with Stephen, he regretted everything he had done to him. Stephen might never forgive him, and Tony couldn’t forgive himself.
The next day, Tony attended the meeting Pepper had mentioned. Stark Industries was collaborating with one of the most powerful businessmen in the world, Odin.
"Mr. Stark, my father couldn’t attend today’s meeting. I, Thor Odinson, his eldest son, will represent Asgard Industries," the young, handsome alpha introduced himself.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Odinson. I’m aligned with your proposal," Tony said.
"Great, then let’s sign the deal," Thor said cheerfully.
They signed the documents.
"Mr. Stark, to celebrate, I’m throwing a gala tonight. I know you’re into omegas and betas. You can choose whoever you like," Thor said, clapping Tony on the back.
Tony just smiled and nodded.
As promised, the gala was grand, with drinks and beautiful people. But Tony couldn’t enjoy any of it. He was tired of meaningless hookups and casual flings. Nothing and no one excited him anymore.
"Mr. Stark, are you enjoying the night?" Thor asked.
"Yes, I am," Tony lied.
"I know what would make it even better," Thor said, pulling a woman toward Tony. "She’ll show you heaven and beyond," he winked before leaving.
The woman leaned into Tony, her hand trailing over his body. But Tony pulled away, walking over to Pepper instead.
"What’s wrong?" she asked, noticing his agitation.
"I’m leaving. Handle things here," Tony said before exiting the party.
He drove back to the tower. It was late at the night. Tony quietly walked to Stephen’s room and peeked through the ajar door. Stephen was sleeping peacefully, his arm and leg still bandaged. Tony wanted to go in and check on him but didn’t want to scare him. So, he went to his own room instead.
Tony couldn’t understand what was changing inside him. But he regretted everything he had done to Stephen and felt a strong urge to be better.