Chapter 6
"Nat, what's wrong?" Steve asked when they got to the front door.
Even as stoic as ever, he still managed to read her. She hated to admit that she could sense the omega's worry. And that she too was just as nervous to leave him there. Over the months Tony had become much like her own pup. She just wished she could care for him the way he needed. "Step outside with me for a moment."
No questions asked he did as told, stepping out onto the stoop outside and closing the door on the chatter behind him. The man noted how tense his friend seemed to be today. He wondered if it had anything to do with that omega she brought them, he seemed odd. "Are you okay?" She didn't answer. "Nat?"
"I don't want to leave him, Steve." She admitted quietly, a tone much unlike herself. It made Steve's stomach churn with unease. "He's been so nervous. For days now. I-I tried to help, I even made sure he packed his stuffy. It's in his bag, so-"
"Wait," He said, causing her to stop. The words just seemed to tumble out of her mouth. Things made even less sense as she continued to talk. He didn't understand. "I'm not following. What stuffy? Who are you talking about?"
"Tony!" She exclaimed as if Steve was missing a few brain cells. "The little omega I brought you to help babysit while you and your mate clean. Him, Steve."
"Oh," He realized. "Oh okay?"
"It's been a while since he's been around a pup. He's been so nervous Steve, so nervous. I didn't even think he'd make it here today, but he wanted to help so bad. And this is the only job he's been able to find in weeks." She sighed a little, running her hands through her hair. "It's taking everything in me not to run back in there and grab him."
"I'm sure he'll be okay, Nat."
"God, I hope so. I really do."
Of course though Steve just had to eat his words. Not even five minutes later and he's met with a scene he rather run from. There on the couch, his mate sat comforting the bawling omega. His arms holding him tight as the little one held onto their pup. He could barely make out the words he was blubbering as he entered the room.
"...a-and I couldn't e-even keep him" He croaked.
"Shh, don't cry 'mega. It's okay, don't cry."
"What's going on here?" Steve asked, eyeing Tony suspiciously. He was on high alert now after his conversation with Nat. He should’ve asked her to stay. Neither he nor his mate knew how to comfort an omega.
Bucky responded with a pained look. One that could only mean he had fucked up, badly by the looks of it. Steve was really starting to wish he hadn't agreed to this, it was ending up to be more work than they had bargained for.
Thankfully remembering Natasha's reminder, he moved to the omegas side where his bag lay discarded. The stuffy was right where she said it'd be, overtop a packed lunch and small wallet. Bucky looked at him strangely as he pulled the bunny from the bag, neither of them had really expected it to be there.
"Hey Tony, how bout I trade you, huh?" Steve said gesturing to the toy in his hand.
Tony didn't want to let go of the pup, but he knew his stuffy would be better than nothing. He was sobbing uncontrollably at this point, the reminder of giving up his baby weighing heavy on his heart. Moving to hand Peter back to the alpha, he felt something change. And the pup had too, his little eyes welling up with tears at the loss of the omega. He had been so content in his arm, even while he cried. The sudden change surprised all of them as he let out an ear-piercing scream.
"Oh pup, what's wrong?"
"Don't cry Petey, daddy's here."
The alphas though surprised, jumped right into the action ready to tend to him. Their voices mingled as they talked, growing distance as Tony realized the problem instantly. He had been so in tune with his body when he was carrying. Every jolt, kick, and move was memorized and treasured. And the moments spent together afterward were just as special. Tony had heard that cry before, his lungs were proud and strong. It had to be a coincidence. But the pup- no Peter, had a scent so recognizable, so sweet, so much like his own, he knew it couldn't have been.
Welcoming his child back into his arms tighter than he had before, he continued to cry. The pain in his chest growing stronger as he realized he'd probably never have this moment again. He'd have to leave here today, as the worst babysitter they could've ever hired. Not as Peter's Oma, the one who tried so hard to bring him into this world. The one who had already missed so much of his life. And he'd have to deal with it just as he had before. Alone.