Chapter 27
“Steve,” The alpha heard his mate call from the hall. “Take care of our omega while I’m gone. I’m going to take Peter to Peggy.”
Had it been any other time, the man would have been appalled. They never needed help before to take care of their pup. This was different though, Tony needed both of them. He hated to admit it that Bucky was right. The wafting scent of pre-heat clearly leaving him as the more level headed party. Still, he feared what could happen
“Aunt Peggy?” Tony asked hazily, overhearing the two of them.
“Yeah O, Buck’s gonna take Pete to you aunt for a little while. Is that okay?”
They waited patiently as the man turned over their words.
“I’ll be right back, doll. You’ll hardly notice I’m gone.” Bucky said.
“If it’s okay with you, alphas…I don’t think I can take care of him right now.”
“It’s okay, baby. We know this was unexpected.”
Tony huffed as another wave of pain caught him, his hands clamoring for his alpha for support. He didn’t hear much after the fact. With his pup on his way to his aunts and Steve by his side, he had half a mind to cease his worrying. There would be bigger issues awaiting him. He needed to save his strength.
“I’m sorry, I’m such a mess. I should have been ready.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying sweetheart. Don’t say things like that, okay? You are not a mess.” Steve tried to assure him, stroking his sweat soaked hair off his forehead. “Nobody knows the day or the hour. It’s all uncertain.”
“Be that as it may, I’m aware enough to know that God wasn’t referencing heats when he said that.”
His alpha smirked, happy to know that he still had some amusement left, “Alright that’s a fair point. Still, you could be kinder to yourself. You’ve been through so much. I know this can’t possibly be helping.”
“Please,” Tony begged, “ I don’t want to talk about that.”
“Omega I’m not trying to pry– ”
“Then don’t.”
Steve sighed dropping his hands into his lap. He knew they couldn’t continue like this. He wouldn’t know what to do if he or Bucky ended up hurting Tony.
The alpha stood suddenly from where he had sat beside the boy, his palms digging into the other as he held his hands tight. He watched as Tony struggled to keep up with his movement. He was dropping faster by the minute and he’d already angered him. Steve swore to himself, unsure if he should wait any longer.
“Tony, we need to have a discussion before this gets too bad. I want to be able to help you, Bucky certainly will want to as well. But neither of us can do that unless we set some ground rules first.”
“What are you taking about Steve?” The omega asked in confusion, “What rules?”
"You know, rules about how we care for you."
"I-I don’t understand."
"Tell me what you’re not comfortable with." Steve said simply, "And tell me what you are comfortable with. Your heat is all about you. As an alpha, I only want to help you feel better. Tell me how I can do that, Tony."
"Oh. I um—"
Steve smiled at him encouraging, hoping he’d find the words to express himself. He knew Tony was young and inexperienced, but he the reality of it was something he hadn’t expected. The omega was so lost, so confused by his own nature. It pained him to see Tony like this.
"I don’t really know what I’m comfortable with." Tony admitted more to himself than the other man in the room. "I guess, if anything I just want to be in control."
"Okay, we can work with that. Thank you for telling me."
"But- " Tony cut himself off, seeming unsure of himself.
"Go on." Steve guided.
"I don’t know how to be in control. I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do in heat. "
Despite his growing temperature, Tony was able to recognize that his confession struck a chord in Steve. The look he gave him left him feeling too open, too raw.
The alpha only knew what Natasha had told him. Tony was tight lipped about his pregnancy and what lead to it. The long months he had spent alone, even more so. Steve wasn’t a fool. He was sure the omega had been hurt then, likely taken advantage of in his fragile state. Everyone knew he’d do anything to protect Peter. Yet, they all knew that by doing anything Tony put himself in an even worse position.
Steve couldn’t help but look at him with a pained expression. He couldn’t image how difficult that had been for him—an expecting omega, all alone on the streets. If it was up to him he’d never let him want for anything ever again. He’d give him his all, surely just as Bucky would. They both knew there was no going back after today. He was theirs to claim, to love, and cherish.
"When your heat hits, the only thing you’ll need to do is let your alphas take care of you. Bucky and I, we’ll help you through this. Whatever you need."