To Be Right There in That Moment
Oh, I am hurt to death, my Love;
The shafts of Fate have pierced my striving heart,
And I am sick and weary of
The endless pain and smart.
My soul is weary of the strife,
And chafes at life, and chafes at life.
Time mocks me with fair promises;
A blooming future grows a barren past,
Like rain my fair full-blossomed trees
Unburden in the blast.
The harvest fails on grain and tree,
Nor comes to me, nor comes to me.
— “One Life” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Dr. Cho frowned as she studied Steve’s latest results. She could see higher levels of distress in both Steve and his pups. “And how have you been?”
Steve shrugged. “Fine, I guess.”
She pursed her lips.
“Can I see de babies now?” Steve asked.
Nodding, she focused on the twins’ development.
They were both a little smaller than they should be with undeveloped lungs and hearts.
“A-Are dey ‘ealthy?” Steve’s voice trembled.
“I believe they inherited your medical ailments before the serum,” Dr. Cho said honestly. “I also believe that your well-being is affecting theirs.”
“I’ve been takin care o’ myself.” Steve’s hand curled around his round stomach.
“I know,” Dr. Cho assured. “There’s nothing you could do about hereditary conditions. What I mean is that there are certain things all of us need, but there are specific things Omegas need.”
Steve sighed. He’d heard it before, at least an antiquated version.
“Ideally, you would have your mate,” Dr. Cho regretted saying that. “But a pack bond…”
Dr. Cho found Tony in his lab.
“Hey, doc.” Tony pushed his goggles up.
“We need to talk about Steve,” Dr. Cho said.
“That doesn’t sound good.” Tony frowned, fiddling with something, needing to distract himself.
Dr. Cho sighed. “Do you do this often?”
Tony shrugged.
“Do you even know where he is?” She asked.
Tony shrugged. “Jar?”
A screen projected a video feed of Steve. The Omega had made a nest out of couch cushions, blankets, and pillows. He was curled in the middle of his nest.
Dr. Cho didn’t say anything about the invasion of her patient’s privacy.
“He won’t sleep on the bed,” Tony whispered.
“A lot of soldiers can’t at first.” Dr. Cho frowned. “Maybe, we need a specialist.”
Tony hummed. “Maybe.”
“He shouldn’t be alone,” Dr. Cho said. “He needs an Alpha.”
“I can’t.” Tony shook his head.
“Just your presence would help,” Dr. Cho added.
Tony shrugged.
“It’s been two weeks since the Battle of New York,” the reporter was saying. “But the city is hurting. The people on the streets are starting to shift the blame to the Avengers. The Avengers saved the city, but they also did a lot of damage. What are they doing now?”
Tony turned off the tv and faced the others. “What are we doing?”
“We’re waiting for when they’ll need us next,” Natasha said.
“They need us now!” Tony exclaimed.
“What do you want us to do?” Bruce asked.
“I’ve got an idea,” Tony said. “The Maria Stark Foundation is opening a relief program. Dr. Cho has already agreed to help. And I’d like you to join us too.”
Bruce nodded.
“I guess Thor, Nat, and I could volunteer at shelters or visit hospitals,” Clint suggested.
“Great idea, hawk guy.” Tony grinned.
Clint stuck out his tongue at him.
Nat’s eyes narrowed. She was just about to say something when the elevator opened.
The Avengers regarded the Omega curiously.
“Steve!” Tony sounded false even to his own ears.
The Omega shrunk back. He obviously hadn’t expected all of them to be in the common room.
“Welcome, Omega Stark!” Thor exclaimed.
Steve flinched shrinking in on himself.
Thor looked like a kicked puppy.
“Pizza?” Tony asked. He wanted to provide for the Omega and the pups under his care.
To his surprise, Steve nodded.
Maybe, he was trying too.
“I apologize if I offended you, Omega Stark,” Thor said gravely.
“You dedn’t,” Steve said softly.
“Your reaction was perfectly natural,” Thor said, fondly remembering a time he attempted to touch Loki’s rounded belly and got a knife through his hand.
As Steve relaxed, so too did the others.
“Have you gone baby shopping yet?” Clint asked.
Steve cocked his head, not quite understanding the question. “I-I was gonna ask bout dat.”
Tony perked up Steve asked for so little, and he was dying to smother him and the pups with gifts.
“I-I need yarn and knitting needles. Maybe, an embroidery hoop.” Steve looked so uncomfortable. “There’s a lot of extra materials in the future, plenty to make baby blankets and clothes.”
Tony’s jaw fell open.
Before he could say anything, Natasha did. “That’s a lovely idea. You and I will go shopping. We will find everything you need.”
Steve smiled genuinely at last.
***
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