Chapter 10
Upon Tony's return to the mansion he learned that many things had changed in his absence. His mother had started a charity, choosing to spend the majority of her time elsewhere—in other words, away from Howard. Jarvis and Ana had retired shortly after he was kicked out. They were getting older now, it was probably for the best. Though the most surprising was that the rest of the house staff changed too. There wasn't a gardener, cook, or even a maid on the premises. His father had cut their schedule down to once a week, they'd apparently become a nuisance. Obviously, Howard hadn't changed a bit, he was still just as cold and distant as ever.
Despite that he knew that his father cared for him. He just struggled to express it, as all Stark men do. That became more evident as the days passed and he saw him more and more. They never spoke to one another or anything. Just two ships passing in the night and all the crap. But eventually, a wall broke. Howard gifted him a new breast pump and some clothes for his maturing omegan figure. A bit odd for him to be so considerate but it was appreciated nonetheless. It was more of an effort than his mother made, she barely even acknowledged him now, far too busy working on her side projects. It was confusing, how his parent's roles had reversed.
Howard had said that he didn't want him there. At least at first, but the truth is the man hated to be alone. Now that his wife was off galivanting around town and his best friend/butler retired, he had no one. Tony quickly understood that his father rather keep him than be alone, even if it meant they both had to play nice for a while. It frustrated him to no end, but he was glad that he wasn't on the streets. If circumstances allowed, he'd never go back there.
His father asked him about that—life on the streets. It was one thing Tony, hadn't wanted to share with anyone really. Never in his life had he been so humiliated, so depressed. The only good thing to come out of that was Peter. Who his father refused to even acknowledge as if the sheer thought of having a grandchild was just too much for him to bear. Truthfully, a part of him was thankful for that. As much as he missed his baby, he didn't think he could talk about it. It was far too painful.
That of course, didn't stop his body from yearning. Hence, the much-needed breast pump. He felt like he'd explode if he didn't use it, even if most of it was wasted. His father didn't exactly see it that way though.
"Do you have to do that every day?" Howard asked one morning. The annoyance evident in his tired voice. For once they sat at the breakfast table, the morning light trickling in through the windows as they ate.
Tony sighed to himself, sure his father was smart enough to know that. "Yes, unfortunately, that's what happens when you have a baby."
"Well, I don't see one here."
"Because I gave him up!" His cheeks flushed as he yelled. He had tried to be calm and yet just like always he failed. Turning away from him, his body gave up the fight. Bursting into tears he felt himself drop, ready to collapse onto the harsh floor. Before his body could even drop the arms of his sire caught him. A whine slipped through as he realized his mistake.
"Anthony," His father said softly. His voice vibrated above him as he leaned into his chest. "I'm sorry."
For a moment Tony didn't know what to say. His father never apologized, not even when he was wrong. Perhaps the last year had been life-changing for both of them. "It's okay."
It wasn't okay, not in the slightest but it would be eventually. Howard would make sure of it. All he had ever done was push his boy to better. His own arrogance fueled him to do so, but deep down he was proud of all he had accomplished. He was his greatest creation, and he loved him so.
On the other side of town, a couple of alphas felt the same. Though their pup hadn't come from their loins, they treasured him with everything they had. He was the light of their lives. Every moment with him was precious. Just maybe not this one.
"Stevie, please just try the formula. It's all we have." Bucky begged his mate as he held the crying infant. For weeks he had been feeling off, refusing to sleep or eat. The weight was dropping off of him quickly and the poor soldiers were terrified. Nothing they tried was working.
"No, we need to get milk from Nat. She was supposed to drop off a crate or two last week. I'm just going to get it myself."
"I thought she said she ran out."
"I'll believe it when I see it." Steve sighed in frustration. "That's the only thing he'll eat, Buck."
"I know, I know, but maybe he needs to see a doctor too. Something is wrong, I can feel it."
Looking down at his son, Steven couldn't help but agree. Though he was just as beautiful as ever with his tear-streaked face, he seemed unwell. His skin had lost its usual olive tone and his dark hair had lost its shine. And his crying hadn't even reached the octaves it used to.
"Yeah, maybe we should see a doctor first."