Chapter 25
In a frantic search to figure things out for himself, Tony recalled a moment from his childhood. He was nearing the preadolescent age of 11, when he was invited to his first "real life" board meeting. His father was sure he'd be an alpha, even before there were signs to prove him right. He wanted the Stark name to be the talk of the town and in doing so he needed Tony by his side. He didn't remember much about that meeting except for the pheromones in the air.
Alphas—all of them. They were truly terrible. Each one with their definition of what was right and wrong, and at the head of the table was his father. He peered down at them like they were nothing and yet they were all too thick-headed to understand. That day, Tony prayed to whatever deity would listen that he'd never become an alpha. To have no reason or direction in life, only to plow through everything like an animal.
His aunt Peggy tried to explain that it was just what businessmen did. Still, even as a pup, he knew never to cross one. They were dangerous, especially to omegas like him.
"Anthony," He heard his aunt answer with a gasp, "Oh dear, I was so worried. Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry I didn't call before, things were confusing for a little while. But I'm fine now. How are you, auntie?"
"I know that tone, you're not fine. Did those alphas do something they shouldn't have? Why I'll give them a-"
He spat out a rushed, "No, of course not." It wasn't that simple, at least not to him.
"Tony, is it your heat? Is that it?"
He paused unsure how she knew, "It's coming soon, I don't know when but it is. They're treating me differently, I don't know what to do." He admitted.
"Oh dear," She sighed. "How differently?"
"It's just- they're acting like they really like me. They keep calling me all these sweet names and doing things for me. Gosh, auntie they even proposed to court me."
"...and this is a problem?"
"Yes! Don't you understand, it's my scent. Once my heat is over they won't want me."
"What? Anthony, no that's preposterous." Her tone confused him. "If anything they'll want you more. That's just how alphas are. Give them a chance and relax for once."
It wasn't as easy as said as done. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't just relax. This was going to be his first heat since he presented. He didn't know what to expect or what to do. Moments like these made him wish he could turn back the clock and run to Natasha. She was a snake, no doubt about it. But she had helped him when no one else had and somehow she always had the answer to his questions.
"I'll try, but I-"
"Just try, okay?"
She wasn't going to reason with him, he should've expected him. That woman was all straight to the point but she'd entertain him just enough to ease his anxiety. There wasn't much in the way of setting up for his heat early, but he'd really only been there a week. He'd have to wait until it started, then he'd know.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He'd been stalling for too long, too nervous to tend to the still sleeping pup.
"Hey Doll, is it alright if I come in?" Bucky asked peeking his head through. Tony wouldn't have stopped him anyway, it was only the nursery. There wasn't much by means of privacy when it came to Peter.
"Y-Yeah, of course." He tried to reply.
The dark-haired man stepped closer, towering over him. In a way, he found it comforting the essence of a big strong alpha. It was different than what he had imagined, then all those sourpuss alphas he'd met years ago. There was no growling, no gnashing of the teeth, just a calmness enveloping them both.
"I wanted to check on you after...breakfast. Steve gets ahead of himself sometimes, I swear I'm trying to reel him in."
"It's alright. There was no harm done, I know how alphas get."
"Doesn't mean we can't be a bit more courteous to you. At the least, you deserve that, not two pining idiots like us." He said, surprising him. "Listen, Tony, I know things are a bit rushed. We've spent only a few weeks together really but I need you to know that how I feel, how my mate feels is real. We adore you and your pup, and we want you to stay with us."
"Oh, I- Bucky, that's a lot. I'm not quite sure what to say."
"I know you said you'd think about courtin' us but we want so much more than that. Honey your the one for us, you're our missing piece. After everything you've been through I figured it'd be better if I was honest from the jump. At least then you know our intentions aren't just about-"
"You don't have to prove anything to me. I see, that you're different. I have a lot of things that I need to work through but I'll try to give you guys a chance. Not just at courting, but being your omega."
Bucky smiled, "That's more than I could ever ask for."