Chapter 26
The next few weeks were awkward, to say the least. Tony still hadn't really felt comfortable around the pining alphas, regardless of their honeyed words and courting gifts. He couldn't remember a time when he had been treated to such esteem. The poor omega had grown up so fast, bouncing from one school to the next. He collected degrees more than he interacted with other people, especially alphas.
Before Obadiah hurt him the way he did, he'd never really had a problem with alphas. Sure, like most omegas he was sensitive and a bit wary of them, but he never had a reason not to trust one. His Aunt Peggy was one and so was Jarvis, his very first friend and caregiver. Neither of them treated him any differently when he was around, at least not until he presented.
Tony wanted to forget that day as much as possible. He had came down from college to visit, it was nothing special really. The day started off fine, he hadn't felt off or anything. But then things took a turn like they always did. Obadiah found him before he even realized what was happening. The man tore off his clothes with the same vigor he'd handle a steak. It was like he meant nothing, like he was nothing. For the first time, he realized why omegas were seen as the lesser sex.
It's not that they were considered weak, lord knows that was far from the case, it was just that- being an omega was terrifying. His body had the ability to create life, to attract mates, and ultimately make him a slave to his biology. Like clockwork each month he'd go into heat, useless to do anything but beg for a knot or come. If his needs weren't met he'd just have to suffer through it. And if they were, he'd have to wonder what mindless alpha got caught in his scent long enough to fall for him.
Lucky for him, he didn't have to worry about that until now. Despite his less than ideal conception, Peter was a blessing. He gained his little love and a long break from his heats. He'd only ever had the first and it had gone so horribly, he'd been dreading what would await him later. Though his warm heat had shown him that the alphas he'd been residing with were trustworthy he worried still. There was so much he hadn't shared with them, so much he didn't want to share with them. But they opened up there home to him and they were falling for him just as he was doing the same. Something would have to give eventually.
Of course, it'd be him in the end. He woke one Saturday morning sweating bullets, the sheets were damp and sticking to his skin, and the ache between his legs grew stronger each moment. Had he not heard the cry of his pup in the next room over, he'd have curled up in a ball for the rest of the day. The pain Tony had begun to feel was unbearable, but so was listening to Peter's wails.
He trudged down the hall painfully, stopping every now and then to catch his breath as the cramps set in. It was a wonder he even made it in the room before collapsing onto the carpeted floor. Steve had just come back in from a run, he rushed up the stairs upon hearing the thump. Unsurprisingly, Bucky had met him in the threshold, hearing the same alarming sound.
"Shit!" Bucky said, not wasting a moment to take action. "He's in pre-heat, Steve."
"I can tell," He replied scenting the air. He'd gone to his pup's side as Bucky went to help their omega. The precious babe could feel his Oma's distress through their bond. Steve could only hold him in comfort. "If this is only the beginning, it's going to be bad."
Bucky through him a look, as if to say "Ya' think." Neither of them even had to scent him to know how much pain he was in. They could see the sweat rolling off of his forehead as the brunette turned him over.
"Stay with him, I'll get a cool cloth." Steve said taking the baby out of the room. His alpha was yearning to care for his family, even if he could only do so much. He knew his mate was feeling the same. Bucky had clenched his jaw when he saw Tony's face, his omega's distress becoming his own.
"Here," he said handing off the pup. "I think he needs his Daddy right now, don't you think?"
Bucky looked like he wanted to refuse, but he took his baby anyway. "Everything's going to be okay, pup. Your Oma's going to be just fine, see Pete." He whispered to him, watching as Steve took his place by Tony's side.
The alpha kneeled next to the small man, his hands coming to cup his face as he wiped away his sweat. "Hey, sweetheart. It's just me, don't worry. I'll take care of ya' we both will." He said more to himself than anyone.
Tony could only whimper in response, his eyelids suddenly too heavy to lift. He could hear the commotion around him, the nervous alphas, and the equally distressed pup. It made him feel sick to know that his heat hadn't even truly begun. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before, pure unadulterated pain.
"Let's get you back in bed, okay Tones. I know this floor can't be all that comfortable."
"Get his nesting supplies while you're at it. He won't feel right without 'em." Bucky said remembering what he knew about omegas. He wanted to make sure he'd do all he could for his, especially after everything he'd been through. The poor thing had no idea what was coming his way, he just wanted him to be comfortable.
Steve felt the same way, diligently listening to his mate's instructions on how to help Tony. His nest had been packed up after his warm heat, the man claimed he didn't need it. They knew otherwise, choosing to keep his supplies ready regardless of his statements. Depositing the omega back in the bed he noticed the pool of slick dampening his clothes. His nose flared in primal want and dominance. The soldier stepped back quickly, thankful for his self-control.
If there was anything Steve didn't want, it was to make Tony feel uncomfortable or unsafe. He knew the omega hadn't lost his senses entirely yet, still, he worried if even his presence was taking advantage of him. "Can I stay with you while you rest, honey?" He asked him softly, afraid he might deny him.
"Please," Tony begged, his small hands reaching out for his alpha to comfort him. He couldn't believe his actions either, though he was unashamed in doing so. He needed Steve now more than ever. If only to hold onto him while his belly clenched in pain, that would be enough. "Stay with me."
"Always"