Chapter 5
Mal had been dreaming such nice things, till his phone woke him with it’s ringing. Checking the time, he noticed it was almost 9 and it being a Friday was strange. He never set an alarm after a show night so he realized he would be an actual call.
“Hello?” Malcom sat up and ran a hand through his tangled mop of auburn hair.
“Uncle Mal when you coming home? We miss you!!!” Mal suddenly took the phone away from his ear as his oldest nephew hollered the last part. He was started to pick up the other 3 saying much the same when there was a loud shriek and thud on the other end of the phone and a much calmer voice came on the line.
“Hey buddy, sorry for the wake-up call. Kids got my phone away without me noticing.” Bryce chuckled no doubt giving a disapproving glare towards his children.
“I needed to be up anyway. Busy day. Hey, would you be able to coordinate with the others watching my place for another few days? My cousin is wanting to do some family bonding over the impending wedding and what not.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem for us adults, these kids however are going nuts not getting to see you. Any chance for a video call tonight or tomorrow?” Mal’s heart was full, these kids where a big part of his life and he would do anything for them.
“Sure, I can figure something out. Give the munchkins some hugs and kisses from me and I can try and text later if it’s a go for a video call. Love you bud.”
“Love you too, pass along our greetings to your cousin and such.” They hung up and Malcom gave a soft sigh as he rose from the bed and his body gave some light cracks and pops along the way.
Mal took a quick shower, proceeding to get ready for the day ahead. Just as he was finishing the fishtail braid to his hair. He was given the shock of his life when a tall blonde man in burgundy sweater and tan slacks fazed through the wall. Malcom shrieked and quickly grabbed the towel around his waist to insure it stayed there.
“I am terribly sorry. I was just coming to inform you that Wanda has made breakfast if you wish to join us.” Mal got his breathing under control and nodded as the man left his room using the door this time and caught the subtle raised voice of a woman chastising the man.
That’s one way to meet your floor mates, I guess. Malcom quickly put on some skinny jeans, tucking in a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and replacing his dock martins from the previous night. He grabbed his phone and checked to see if there were any messages or pressing emails.
As it turned out he had some messages from his group chat with his alphas, messages in the group chat with his friends, and some emails from work. Sighing he opened the chat with his friends first and saw that they all were able to make it work so he could stay a couple more days and stating they missed him dearly and that his cats where just as demanding as always. Clare had even sent photos of the two cats sleeping on his bed trying to take up the whole thing, which was a feat since he splurged on the Alaskan king.
He decided to deal with the emails after breakfast, no doubt just news letters and inquires when he would be submitting his teaching plan for the year. He opened the chat with his alphas and gave a warm smile.
Terminator: Good morning omega 😊
Man with a Plan: Good morning omega
The messages were followed up with a photo from Bucky of the two alpha’s cuddled in bed with a white cat tail drapped around Bucky’s neck. Steve in a white tank top and Bucky shirtless. The omega blushed something fierce and sent a quick good morning and moved to exit his room and join his floor-mates for breakfast.
“Good morning, FRIDAY said we were finally going to meet you. I’m Wanda and this is my mate Vision. You must be Pepper’s cousin Malcom, right?” The young red head looked up from dishing up a plate at the moderate sized dinning table, set up to split the space from kitchen to living room, giving a warm smile. Mal smiled back and nodded as he moved and took a seat across from her.
“I am, it’s great to finally meet you both. But please, don’t do the phase through walls into my room unless it’s an emergency.” Vis nodded and went back to watching Wanda with a kind smile. Wanda gestured for Mal to take the plate she held out dished with French toast and grapes. Mal took it, giving a smile and small thanks as he felt his phone go off in his pocket. He ignored it as he and Wanda tucked in.
“Are you not going to eat Vision?” Mal noticed that the man simply had a book on the table in front of him and lack of plate or food in sight.
“I see Tony hasn’t filled you in as to what I am. I don’t need to eat as I am an android.” Mal tried not to openly stare in wonder at the news. Tony hadn’t mentioned this and had only refered to the man as a new team mate and friend.
“Wait, that explains why JARVIS disappeared and you sould just like him. I thought it was just the fact he based JARVIS’s voice off of yours or something. Huh.” Mal went back to eating. He had questions but figured it would be rude to just go on a tangent of them. “Any friend of Tony’s is a friend of mine. This is one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in a while, thank you Wanda.” The woman seemed to preen at the praise and the soft hints of flowers coming off the woman. His hind brain registared her as Omega and safe. He couldn’t get a scent from Vision and put that up to him being android.
Mal’s phone set of another vibrate and he knew it was an emergency tone he set. He took it out of his pocket and saw that it was not in fact an emergancy but just mutiple texts from his alphas asking if they could come up to the floor or if he wanted to come see them in the main common room. He looked over at Wanda and Vision trying to figure out the best way to ask if it was okay when FRIDAY gave a ping.
“Mr. Hoffman, Misters Rogers-Barnes would like to know if you would like to meet them on the main common floor of the building for breakfast?” I chuckled and finished up my plate.
“Please relay to them I just ate but would be down to come spend time with them and will be down in a 10 minutes.” Wanda smiled and continued to eat not saying anything.
“We can do the dishes if you want to get down to them.”
“My grandma would be rolling in her grave if I did such a thing. You cooked and served, the least I can do is wash my own dish.” Mal noticed the dishwasher and when he opened it he saw the dishes Wanda had used from making the food. He placed his rinsed plate and fork in and shut the door. “Thank you for breakfast. Hopefully we can get to know each other later?” Wanda smiled nodding and Vision gave a soft affirmation.
Mal moved to the elivator and FRIDAY started the jorney down to the floor his alphas where on. As soon as it opened the scents of nervous alpha’s mixed with the scents of the other avengers. He stepped out and noticed that mostly everyone he met last night was there spred into their little groups. Nat, Clint, and Loki were seated at a large dinning room table with the tall omega between the beta and alpha, his arms drapped over the backs of their chairs. Maria and Sam were lounging on a love seat with Sam’s head resting on Maria’s lap. Tony was in the kitchen talking with Steve and Bucky while Pepper sat on a couch with Happy and Rhodey.
Pepper sent a warm smile and wave to her cousin as she went back to her conversation. Mal was suddenly grabbed in a hug and could tell it was Tony. He moved his head down and scented the older alpha.
“Good, maybe you can talk some sense into these two.” Tony let go and led Mal over to the alpha pair.
“What is going on Tony?” He moved following Tony and stood with his hands in his pockets. The alphas smiled and held back the urge to swarm the omega. They had both agreed that they would go at Malcom’s pace. It was proving difficult but they wanted to prove to the young omega they were worthy.
“These two don’t think we should move you to their floor.” Malcom paled. Did they not want him?
“And as we have been trying to get through his head: We want you there but not till you decide you want to be there. There is no rush and we want it to be your decision, not ours or anyone elses.” Steve stated in a low alpha tone that Tony didn’t seem to acknowledge.
“Tony, I love you but please give us time. We just met last night and are still getting used to this.” Tony sighed and nodded, putting the argument to rest for now. He moved over to Pepper and stood behind her at the couch massaging her shoulders.
Mal turned to look at the alphas and gave off a pleased omega scent. His alpha had said exactly what he needed to hear. His alphas wanted him but would take this at his pace. He moved closer into the bubble of the two men.
“Morning, did you both sleep okay?” Bucky chuckled and held out his right hand to Malcom. Mal took his offer and just held it. A bit of a line of comfort and acceptence.
“Yeah, till Alpine decided it was time to eat at 5 in the morning.” Mal chuckled and reached out a hand for Steve, who took it and brought it up to his mouth to lay a kiss on Mal’s knuckles.
“I fed her before my run. Not my fault she doesn’t like the new diet.” Mal chuckled and smiled up at both men.
“That is why I have timed feeders for my two. It automatically feeds them and even can tell them apart so they can’t steal food from the other.” Bucky’s eyes widened and looked at Steve.
“We need one of those!” Steve shook his head and wrapped an arm around Bucky’s waist.
“We tried that remember? She refused to be in the same room as it.” Mal laughed and released the hold on Steve’s hand to fish out his phone.
“Binx was the same way, but with some patience and acclimating he came around to it. Took time but I think after a month we had him fully using the timed feeder.” He pulled up a link to a step by step guide to getting a cat used to a different bowl and feeding system, he sent it to the group chat with his alpha’s. “There, give that a try and if it still doesn’t work maybe talk to her vet for ideas.”
“Thanks sugar. Where did you get the feeder from?”
“Oh, I had Tony make it. I’m sure he can make another for Alpine.” Mal looked over at Tony who had heard his name and gave a questionioning look from his new spot of next to Pepper on the couch. “Tony, could you make another timed feeder like you did for Probbie and Binx but for Alpine please?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. What do I get out of the deal?” Tony rubbed his chin and cocked his head to the side just as Pepper patted his hand and whispered something in his ear that caused him to blush.
“I’ll be the officiant of the wedding in full drag?” Tony jumped up, rushed over to the taller and grabbed him spinning him in a circle.
“DEAL!” Mal was laughing so hard and tapped Tony on the shoulder. Tony did and kissed the omega on the cheek before returning to the couch. Pepper shook her head and gave a look to her cousin.
“At least he didn’t ask for what he said he would if we asked for anything for Alpine.” Mal looked at Bucky with a raised eyebrow. “He asked to be named godfather of our firstborn.”
“I mean, there are worst things to ask for?” Mal shrugged and then started to move his weight from one leg to the other. Steve noticed this and ushered them to the large bean bag in the living room.
“Want to sit here, at the table or the couch?” He got his answer when Mal all but pounced and began to sink into the oversized beanbag. The alpha pair chuckled and watched their omega get comfortable. Malcom settled and patted the spaces on either side of him for the alpas to join him.
“So anything planned today other then your lunch with Pepper?” Bucky chuckled while pushing the hair out of his face. Steve was lounging on the other side of Mal giving small alpha purs being in the space of his mates.
“Not really, maybe go do some shopping and get some suvineers for my niece and nephews. Possibly some gifts for my friends who have been watching my place and cats while I’m here. I also need to video call the kids later, got a wake up call of the oldest saying they all miss me.” The alphas cooed at the mention of kids and the way the omega lit up talking about them.
“There are pleanty of toy stores around New York, or you looking for something different?”
“Well Cayden, the oldest, likes books about the palce I’ve been and maybe some post cards or photos of me at my favorite place I saw. The twins, Jamie and Grant, like photos of the local zoo if I go and maybe a stuffie for each. Gale, the youngest also likes stuffies and I have been trying to get ones of the state bird or animal. I also get a book from a famous author from that state if I can find one.”
“How many places have you been?” Bucky asked while playing with the end of Mal’s braid. Mal had to stop and think.
“I have been to California, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Conneticut, Massachusets, Minnesota, and Missori. Just to name the states. Not a lot but more the some people.” Steve nodded and noticed that Malcom hadn’t been outside the U.S..
“Favorite place so far?” Steve wanted to gauge if Mal had preferences on where he traveled. Already schemeing for the future.
“I enjoyed them all. But I think my favorite would be Massachusets, got to go to Salem around Halloween time. Was such a fun trip.”
“Why did you go? Just a vacation? Work?”
“It was vacation/drag show. My friend Bryce used to preform and that was their last out of town show before they married, bonded, and settled down. He got me into the whole thing and I’ve continued to do it even if he retired.” Mal smiled fondly remembering how his life and his friends had changed for the better just from one drag show. His nose twitched at the smell of burnt vanilla and chocolate. “Down boys, need I remind you he is happily bonded, married and a dad to boot?” The two alphas hid their blushes in Mal’s neck and the omega chuckled just as his phone went off with his emergency ring tone. He quickly jumped up and looked at his phone.
“Go for Mal.” The room silenced and all eyes seemed to follow Mal as he quickly went to the open bathroom that he saw and closed the door.
“Hey Mal sorry to call while you are out of town, but you know how I have some people you asked me to keep an eye out for any news on? Well, I got a ping and figured you would want to know asap.”
“Just rip off the bandaid Trevor, I don’t like suspence.” He looked up at the soft knock and noticed Pepper coming into the space with a look of concern.
“You aren’t alone? This is going to hit hard.” Mal’s mind was going a mile a minute. He knew it wasn’t the kids or Bryce and Adam, Clare was probably home sleeping in on a day off.
“No my cousin is here with me, now please just tell me.” Pepper grabbed the phone and put it on speaker phone so she could hear what was being said.
“I got a ping on Dale Lee Morton, he passed away a few days ago. I’m so sorry Mal.” Mal was beyond shocked. He had known his grandfather hadn’t been doing well and had been under the care of his mother, who had been released after serving her time for the abuse charges against Malcom. Mal had always felt guilty for not being able to fight for the title of care giver for his grandfather but even if he had fought the judge would have awarded it to Laura anyway.
“How? Where?” Mal was feeling the familiar darkness making itself known.
“He passed from old age in his home of Miami Oklahoma after a long fight with Parkensons and Dimentia. Your mother did list you in the Obit as grandson so there is that. Memorial is going to be at his home. I looked up will and the latest will and it’s one that was filed after your mother went to jail, Everything of his was left to you. I already reached out to the lawyer and he will be doing a reading after the memorial at the house.”
“I cant drive like this and don’t want to leave my car…” Mal was trying to think of how to make this work. Pepper rested a hand on her cousin’s shoulder and gave a reasuring squeeze.
“Trevor, this is Pepper Potts, Mal’s cousin. Could you send all this info to my email that I am texting to you as we speak. I am planning to get Mal, myself and my mate down for the funeral. Will any of you or your friend group be making the trip?” Pepper sent along a text to the phone number on the screen of Mal’s phone and pulled Mall into her and felt him going down to sit on the floor so followed him and sat him on her lap.
“I will, not just as Mal’s friend but his lawyer. The Thorn’s most likely won’t as they have the kids and Bryce has the shop. Clare might join me, Mal do you want me to reach out to them and let them know what’s going on?” Mal nodded and Pepper relayed that his actions. “I’m so sorry for your loss Mal. From what you shared of him and your grandma they where great people. Hail the traveler.” Mal mumbled a hail to the traveler. “I’ll be in touch on when I leave for Oklahoma, do you need me to make a reservation at a hotel for you all?”
“That won’t be necessary. Either me or my omega will take care of it. I also feel that a pair of alphas will be joining us for this. Please let me know if Clare is joining asap and we will make reservations for you both as well.”
“Will do, sorry to be ‘meeting’ under these cercomstances. Please know we are all in your corner Malcom and are sending love and positive energy to help you through this.”
“Bye-bye.” Mal hit to end the call and stared off into space.
“Hun we need to move and I need to start looking into hotels to stay in for the funeral. Lets move this to the other room or do you want to go to mine and Tony’s floor?” Mal looked at her with a vacant look and startled when FRIDAY chimmed.
“The only people on the common floor currently are Misters Rogers-Barnes and Mister Stark.” Mal’s phone started to ping as the door to the bathroom opened revealing Tony.
“Go for Mal.” Mal rose and exited the bathroom to go curl up on the bean bag.
“Trevor just called and told us the news. We are so sorry for your loss Mal. Do you need anything?” Adam and the random babbling of Gale came through the phone that was back on speaker.
“I don’t know. Pep is working on hotel arrangments for people. I know you and Bryce can’t get there cause kids and jobs. You have that deadline coming up for the new novel and Bryce has to train the new guy.”
“Do you want us there? It will be the first time seeing the she-devil since you were still a teen.”
“I should be fine. Trevor, Pep, Tones, and alphas will be there.” Mal was rocking and playing with the stitching on the leg of his pants.
“Finally got around to that did you? Good, they better treat you right or they have me and a horde of children to deal with on top of the rest of our group. If you change your mind and need us we can have my mom watch the kids and we can be there.”
“I know, just don’t want to be more of a burden then I already am.” There was a low growl from Steve and Bucky who were stitting on the couch closest to the bean bag. Wanting to give Mal some space but still show they were there if he needed them.
“I am going to ignore that and remind you that in no way are you a burden. You are our best friend and platonic soulmate. I hear you call yourself a burden again and I will put you over my knee the next time I see you. Now I have to go light a candle and get back to work, we love you Mal. Talk soon okay?”
“Love too, talk soon.” Mal ended the call and looked up at the ceiling. His grandpa was gone. The guilt of not fighting to take care of the man eating at him. Tony had moved over and sat on the bean bag and as soon as he was situated he moved Malcom to lay his head on his lap.
“Pep got word that Clare will be there and managed to book a hotel in the town your grandpa lived but it’s still like a 30 minute drive from his house. Forgot he lived out in the middle of nowhere.”
“Sorry there isn’t a better selection of hotels for your refined taste Tony.” Mal grumbled as he took his hair tie out of his hair as an invitation for the older omega to play with his hair.
“Not a problem at all. As long as there is wifi and a bathroom I will be fine. There is wifi right?” He looked up at his alpha for confirmation and was shocked when she shrugged.
“How we getting there? If we are driving we need to leave today” Mal looked around at Pepper then finally over to his alphas. What a mess, he just wanted to spend the day getting to know his alphas and helping his cousin plan her wedding.
“Well we can drive, give you time to process and see some beautiful contryside. Or we can load up a couple cars on the quinjet and have someone drop it off with us at a nearby airport and drive the rest of the way. What do you want to do sweet tooth?” Mal shrugged, the first option could be fun and less noticible then the second. No doubt the news would travel through the small town fast of the quinjet touching down in the barely used airport.
“Driving, less likely to bring unwanted attention. Does that work with the hotel reservations?” Pepper smiled and nodded. She had made the reservations to reflect an arrival on the night before the funeral.
“We have to leave by 1 and drive most of the day and night but it’s possible. Just have to let the team know. I have already told my secretary and she is working on rearanging mine and Tony’s schedules. Do you need clothes for the trip Mal? We can shop now or maybe Clare or Trevor can grab you some clothes before they leave?”
“Clare can, she’s staying at my place anyway. Shit, Probbie and Binx.”
“Trevor says Adam and Bryce will check on them and Clare is making sure their food is full along with the water dishes.” Mal nodded and started a message with Clare and Trevor.
***-***-****: Hey, will need clothes for funeral and a few extra outfits. Suit I want is in the blue garment bag at the back of my closet, please grab black tie, pentical cuff links, any watch and my black brougues with the cherry blossom socks.
Clare: On it, also grabbing a protection pendent for you to wear under all this.
***-***-****: Thanks hun, we are driving and leaving soon. Will message when we stop and such for breaks and gas.
Trevor: Thank you and Pep informed me of check in for hotel and such. We will meet you there. We will also let you know when we stop and such. Safe travels and see you in about a day.
“They got me covered for clothes. I’m guessing we are taking two cars?” Mal looked up from his phone glancing around the group.
“Yeah, probably best. Lets get packing and meet up in the garage as soon as people are ready?” Tony looked around and at the nods everyone piled into the elevator.
“Steve, you wanna pack and I’ll go help Malcom with getting his stuff?” Steve looked from Mal to Bucky.
“Sure, but this gives me free reign to grab what ever I want to put you in.” Bucky blanched at that.
“How about you both go pack and I will meet you back on your floor?” Mal offered. The elevator opened and The two alphas agreed as they stepped out. The ride continued and Pepper placed a kiss on her cousin’s check before he exited. They elevator shut and took the remaining pair up to their room.
Upon entering the floor Mal noticed his bags packed and waiting in entry way to the elevator.
“Natasha came down and told us about what’s going on so we packed up your bathroom stuff and brought your stuff out here. Hope that’s okay.” Wanda greeted as she came over from the living room. Vision was nowhere to be seen.
“Thanks, that was really helpful. It’s greatly appreciated.” Wanda smiled and gave Mal’s hand a squeeze.
“I gave FRIDAY permission to share my phone number with your phone if you wanted it. If there is anything me or Vis can do for you, please feel free to text or call me.”
“That’s fine, and FRIDAY can give you my number. We need to get going, but I will reach out if I need anything.” Wanda nodded and ushered Mal back to the elevator with his bags.
Once in the elevator took Mal down to the garage. There were Steve and Bucky standing beside one suit case and each had a garment back in hand.
“We figured it would just be better to meet down here. You got everything?” Steve asked taking a step closer to Mal and took the case out of his hand.
“Yeah, Natasha and Wanda packed my stuff up that I had taken out and had it waiting for me. Do you guys have someone keeping an eye on Alpine?”
“Yeah Sam mostly will but Nat offered as well.” Bucky said as he came closer and wrapped an arm around Mal’s waist. “You okay with one of us driving?”
Mal thought about it. This car was one of the most important items to him. He wasn’t much for matierial items, this being the exception. He looked from Steve to Bucky as the elevator opened and out stepped Pepper and Tony, suitcases and garment bags in hand.
“Rogers is the best driver of the two, just saying. Not letting you live down the escape car insident from last year Barnes.” Tony stated as he moved over to the Rolls-Royce Phantom from last night and started loading cases into the trunk. Pepper loaded the Garment bags into the back seat on the hangers. “FRIDAY get directions up on gps for the trip please. Ready everyone?”
“No, still doesn’t feel real.” Mal burried into Bucky’s hold but held a hand out with the keys to the Impala. “Hurt my baby Steve, I hurt you. Got it?” The alpha nodded and pulled on the hand holding the keys to give Mal a hug and breath in the milk and cookie scent.
“Yes omega. Buck, how about you ride in back with Mal for a bit. Tony, you driving?”
“Duh?”
“Bucky or Mal will message when we need to stop for gas and Pep can do the same if you do?”
“That works for me, Lets get this going.” Tony and Pepper loaded up after brief hugs to Mal. He got into the back seat with Bucky and they trip got under way.