Chapter 17
All eyes turned to him as they awaited his answer. He wasn't at a loss for words as much as he was confused. Their reasoning made sense, yet he couldn't understand why they would want him in their home. His father was right, they hardly knew him. Though he was past his experimenting phase now that he had his masters. He still had baggage, more than he was worth. During the last year, he had lived a rough life—letting strange alphas use his body as they pleased, doing even worse things to them. It had cost him his peace of mind, but turning his gaze to the pup in his arms suckling heartily at his breast he knew it was worth it.
These alphas would never know how much he sacrificed to protect Peter even before he was born. He wouldn't dare burden any of them with that knowledge, not even if they tried to claw it out of him. Stark men were made of iron, they were strong. So strong that if it meant he had to deny himself the need to live with his son and his alphas he would. There was no way in hell he could afford any of them to hear him relive moments of begging for mercy at the hands of deranged alpha. He couldn't let them see him crack, he couldn't let them see how weak he had become.
Bucky was quick to take back his question as Tony hesitated, "You don't have to decide now, there's still time."
"I'll uh- do that, if it's okay."
"Of course, Tony. Take your time." Steve said just happy he hadn't said no.
"If you'd rather stay here Tony, we can clear out the room next door and set up a proper nursey. I'm sure your mother would love a new project to tend to."
"I- " The boy could hardly get a word out.
"Or we could move you upstate, somewhere quieter. You could be closer to Jarvis and Ana, I know you've missed them."
It's not that his suggestions were bad, but they didn't exactly sit well with him. All of them would push him and the pup away from the alphas. They might not have a bond as strong as he does with Peter, but that would certainly break their hearts and he wouldn't stand for it. "No, that's alright. I don't think I'd want to leave the city just yet."
"It's your decision Tony, whatever you chose. We'll figure out a plan later, just think about it." Bucky said dismissively hoping to end Howard's long list of suggestions.
"That's very kind. Thank you." Tony said softly, his eyes fluttering closed as he returned to his thoughts. He wasn't sure if he could make a decision. There was too much to think about and that was the last thing he wanted to do. "If it's alright with everyone, I think Pete and I will get some rest now."
He wasn't tired, not in the usual way. He just wanted the conversation and the stares to end. He couldn't give either of them what they wanted. Thankfully they left fast enough before they could see him start to teeter. Even sitting down he felt unsteady, unsure of what was to come. His eyes ever so bold, carried the weight of a thousand tears. He was so overwhelmed, so terribly sick of them walking on eggshells one day and burning down cities the next. He couldn't handle how fast everything was changing. It felt like just yesterday he had bared down as the world caved in and given birth to the most beautiful baby in the world. Time had slipped away from him.
And so had his nerve. Moping about was no way to make a decision. He needed to move, he needed to build. But there was no way on earth Peter would let him leave to go to the lab, and he wasn't sure he had the strength to be down there anyway. It was worth a chance anyway, he'd do anything to get out of his stuffy room. It was scenting of milk and sickness, not a great combination if you ask him.
"You want to go on an adventure, Pete?" He asked his doe-eyed twin. "Mama has so much he wants to show you."
His slowed blinks were enough to motivate him to crawl out of the nest for what felt like the first time in days. Though he had showered that morning, he felt gross still. Changing into an old pair of jeans and a cotton shirt he felt rejuvenated. He hadn't noticed it much before but his body was changing. Long gone was his boyish body college alpha's praised, he had kept the weight he'd gained in pregnancy making him look and feel like a true omega. The curve of his backside had protruded along with his hips and bust. Had it not been for the familiar face looking back at him in the mirror he would have never known how much he had grown.
Strapping the pup to his front he took his time making his way out of the room and down the hall to the stairs. His bare feet shuffled along the carpet enjoying the feeling of being set free for once. He took each step carefully, paying close attention to the state his body was in. If he hurried he could make it as long as no one saw him. It seemed luck wasn't on his side today as he heard Bucky call out in surprise.
"Tony! What are you doing downstairs?"
"I thought you were on bed rest, are you alright?" Steve asked equally as astounded.
"I'm fine, we're fine. I just wanted to get out of the room, maybe grab some lunch and show Peter my lab." He gave up trying to lie before he even spoke. There was no fooling these alphas. The worried looks he received only justified that. "Really, I'm okay."
"If you say so," Bucky said eyeing him closely. "Come sit, I'll fix you a plate."
"Do you think he'll let me hold him while you eat?" The other man asked as he took a seat at the kitchen table.
"God, I sure hope so. I haven't been able to eat in days."
"May I?" He gestured making sure it was alright to take Pete from his carry on.
He nodded hoping this time would do the trick. They had tried for a few minutes yesterday too, but neither alpha got to hold him for long before he started to cry for his Oma.
Peter must have been feeling better too. He let Tony finish most of his meal before he got fussy. Even though he hated to hear his cry, he loved that he was able to experience these moments with him. It was truly a treasure to have his baby back again.
In the spirit of keeping everyone calm, Tony took the initiative and invited the alphas to his lab. They would have forced their way in any way had he not mentioned it, they were becoming fiercely protective of him. A biological trait he had yet to understand in all its scientific glory.
"Wow this is really something," The brunette said, his eyes wide in awe as he looked at his work. "Do you have robots too?"
Tony laughed, his chest vibrating against the baby's as he'd been returned to his arms once again. "Do I? Of course, I do."
"Oh geez, that's amazing. Steve look at that." His mate's eyes were just as wide as his. Though he wasn't as nerdy as him he appreciated the beauty in Tony's form. To create something so complex was an art form all on its own.
"Look Petey, these are your brothers. This is Dum-E and this is U. They're practically babies too, just a few years older than you." The alphas watched as Tony talked to Peter about the robots. Showing him equations far too complex for any of them to grasp but him. It made their hearts swell with anticipation, that they could possibly have this. The normality of a peaceful life together—Tony, them, and the baby. "...and this is a one-of-a-kind, artificial intelligence. Don't tell grandpa, but I named him after Jarvis. He needs some work but I'm sure he'll be ready soon. I guess he'll be your little brother since he's not quite finished."
Steve smiled to himself as he watched the scene unfold. Bucky was right. "Yeah, he's cute."