Gil
Whistling at the impressive room, he looked down at Peter, who practically bounced on his step. "That looks like some complicated stuff, Pete. And you can do all that?"
"Yeah, I can! Uncle Brass says I'm the best!" Peter beamed up at Tony, as he was doing his warm-up. "I can do a whole set of push ups, do you wanna see?"
Tal got started racing Loki around the assault course while Peter showed Tony his push up skills.
"Wow!" Tony clapped, with a small smile as he watched the kid go at it. "You're doing awesome, kid! Better than me, that's for sure."
Peter grinned, still going.
It was then when Peter started to break into a fit of coughs that Tony started worrying. With a worried furrow of his eyebrows, Tony stopped his exercise, rubbing the child's back soothingly. "Pete, honey are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah." the child nodded, but the coughing didn't stop. If anything, it got worse. He was flushed, his eyes lidded and tired, but still determined. "Wanna-wanna play!"
"Okay, just take a big breath, calm down." Tony cooed, trying to get Peter to calm down, wincing from the loud coughs, as if he was struggling to breathe. Tears started to gather in Peter's eyes.
"Wanna play," he sniffed "Wanna play!"
"Steve!" Tony called his boyfriend, wiping away Peter's tears. "Steve, can you come here?!"
Steve came rushing in as quick as he could, and quickly whipped Peter up into his arms. Tal and Loki rushed over as well. "What happened?" Steve demanded from Tony, worry for his son overtaking the need to be nice.
Tony tried not to wince at Steve's harsh voice, knowing he was just worried for his son. "Pete was showing me some push-ups and he started to cough all of a sudden..." he explained, worry evident on his face as his hand rested on Peter's forehead. "He has a fever. I think he's sick."
"'m not sick!" Peter sobbed, which broke Tony's heart into pieces. "'m not sick, wanna play with Tony and daddy!"
Steve knew exactly why to do, and took him to one of the little beds, laying him down and softly combing fingers through his hair. "Peter." his tone was laced with the commanding powers of the Alpha, though it was soothing. "Sleep." It was hardly above a whisper, but it began to work almost immediately. Peter slowly drifted to sleep. Steve hated doing that to his son, pulling rank, but it had to be done. "I need a medic down here, can someone please get me one?" he asked softly to the room in general, though he looked at Tony, trusting him with the task.
Tony was already off by the time Steve looked at him with those trusting eyes, putting his faith into him. Dragging a medic over where the little body was currently shaking on the bed. Peter's sleeping face was peaceful, but almost swallowed in red because of the severe fever. Anxiously, Tony bit his nails as he watched the medic examine him, holding Steve's hand as he did so. 'I'm here with you...' Tony though, wishing Steve could know what he was thinking 'I won't let anything happen to you.'
Sighing, the medic stood up, taking his kit with him. "He's sick, all right. Just a virus, common to kids. I recommend a week or two of rest and he should be fine." she said, tapping Steve's shoulder. "Though, I also say to ease up the training. It takes a number on 'em since he's so young, alright? Toning it down a peg or two won't hurt him."
"Our old leader was a bit forceful with the children when it came to training, I hope not to do the same." he agreed, easing up his clench on Tony's hand now that he knew his son was OK. "Thank you, I'll make sure to get him and the others to rest." he turned and looked at the other kids, giving them a pointed look. "kids, I know you don't sleep at night as usual but tomorrow I want you all to take an extra hours rest instead of the normal few hours you have, OK?" his tone left no room for arguments though he wasn't being mean, if anything his eyes spoke all the softness that needed to be said. "It's late Tony, you should probably get some sleep." he finally turned to his boyfriend now.
Tony shook his head "I don't want to leave you guys." he whispered " Especially not with how sick Peter is now. You need someone to help you. but if you want me to... I will."
"It wasn't a question, Tony... I can look after my son." Steve replied, not cruel but stern. Tony needed rest as well, more than the wolves. "Go get some rest. You're no use to anyone tired..."
"I'm fine!" Tony insisted "You all sit here by Peter's side, and I can't? I'm worried, Steve, I want to see if he feels any better, please?" he pleaded, hoping Steve will let him.
"Tony, it's a cold." Steve said, a little more firmly. Damn stubborn human. "We don't sleep at night time, you do. Go and get some rest. And let me take care of my son..."
Tony didn't want to go. He really, really didn't. He wanted to stay here with Steve and take care of Peter together, to lessen some of the weight Steve held on his shoulder. But he couldn't force it. If Steve didn't want him around for now, he couldn't stay. Nodding softly, barely above a whisper, Tony said "Okay." he turned to Bucky, trying his best not to seem upset. "You'll call me if something comes up, yeah?"
"Of course, no question. Go get some twinks in. Not literally." that made Tony laugh a little, as he left, whispering a gentle goodbye to the room. Turning to Steve, Bucky clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't make that face." he said, as gently as he could. "Come on. I'm gonna make something for Peter and we need more blankets to warm 'em up."
Steve sighed and nodded, he liked Tony, he wouldn't have asked him out if he didn't. But there were boundaries and most involved his son. He didn't like it when people were too... Not clingy. But not far off... He hadn't realised that when it came to humans it wasn't just the wolf that got overly attached way too quickly.
As Bucky prepared dinner, he wondered what could really help Peter. Sickness for werewolves was very different for a human one. Most human children could come to their sense from medication and rest, but a werewolf... A werewolf usually needed something equally as supernatural. They didn't leave with any supplies above some clothes and things of value like jewellery. Not the herbs and healing supplies they always used and dearly needed right now. But Bucky was pretty sure Steve would rather chew his own tail off than see Gil again.
Some healers tried making something out of what they had but it wasn't nearly enough for the sick pup. Thinning his lips in thought, Bucky eventually said' "I'm going to the store." he lied, putting on a jacket, the sting of his wound still present. He hoped that's all his Uncle was gonna do to him once he saw him again. "I'll be back in a little while, alright? Just stay with the pup and feed him the soup I made. Try not to light the kitchen on fire."
Tal gave him a dubious look, and though Steve didn't seem to notice, the vampire could smell a lie a mile off, as could Loki, but he didn't really know Bucky too well so didn't really question the lie. "I'll come with you, Buck." Tal said, yanking on their jacket. "Get it done quicker." They added, and Bucky knew they were leaving no room for argument.
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They arrived at a random store Bucky brought them in. Taking a big breath, Bucky put on his beat smile he could muster. "I'm gonna go for a walk, get my mind off things. You don't mind buying the groceries, Tal, do ya?" He asked, knowing they'd say yes. Tal was just too nice of a person to refuse, even if they had a very unsettling dark streak, and it was easy to take advantage of that. He did feel guilty for it, but put that aside for now.
"I know what you're up to." Tal grumbled. "I don't like it, and I won't lie to the others. But, if they don't ask, it's not lying. I'll be watching in case anything goes tits up. Be careful, B." They sighed and rolled their eyes. "You need to stop thinking you can hide things from me~" They took off down the aisles to find the food, making it quick so they could assist Bucky if need be. They weren't the type to get into a fight for no reason, but would be the type to wait on the sidelines in case they were needed. Vampires were good judges of character - most of the time. Tal was no exception to that. Bucky should have known.
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Needless to say, the atmosphere on Gil's face was a grim one. The ones in there looked at him like he was the devil himself walking among them, some like he was a savoir, some just looked bored. Nothing seemed to have happened since they left. Simon, the elder who refused to come with them, looked at him like he knew exactly why he was here. "They're in Gil's office." he nodded, look sour "He's drunk off his ass. Should be easy to take them."
Bucky nodded his thanks and headed into Gill's office, keeping his whit's about him just in case, before he went fully in he turned round and just as he thought Tal was stood at the edge of the forest, ready to get involved if need be. Bucky nodded to them and headed into the office.
The thing about Gil Redwood was, no one could figure him out. It stayed like that in the war, and it stayed like that outside of the battlefield. 'The man with a thousand faces' that's what they called him. He found it laughable, even now when he heard the same whispers from all those years ago whisper the same thing. One face tells he misses his pack. Another one is angry he was weak and let Steve take away his Alpha position. And the last one- and with this, Gil actually agrees with, - says Ginnie would be disappointed in what he became. Taking a swing of his vodka, Gill tells himself that with the alcohol leaks the feeling of sadness in his chest, and he believes it for now. Not looking at his nephew, he circles the tip of the bottle with his fingertips. "Second drawer, green bottle." he said, emotionless.
Bucky kept a close eye on Gil as he moved swiftly to the draw. The bottle was where he said it was. "How do I know this is what I need?" Bucky asked, eyes still on Gil, ready to defend himself if anything happened.
"You don't. You'll have to guess, I assume." he shrugged with a small smirk. "Just like when you were a pup and we played those guessing games with rocks, remember? You feeling lucky, sport?"
"I'm in no mood for your games, Gil." Bucky practically growled. "I've had enough of your shit over the years... Pushing me around and beating down on me just because you thought it was fun or you had too much to drink and nowhere to place your anger." He added, looking down at the bottle. It looked like the right concoction, he knew one of the elders who was curled up in the corner with some of the teens would know, if only he could get them out of here. 'Get ready to sneak under the tarp of the tent, I'll distract him for now. Get yourselves out, my friend is on the boarder, once you cross you'll be free from Gil.' He told them, making sure to not let Gil hear his communication.
"I assume you want an apology, " he said, no sign of mockery in his voice as he took another neck full of vodka. "I'm sorry. Is that what you want to hear? I'm sorry. I fucked up, and I'm sorry. There." He crossed his arms around his chest defensively. "but it's not like you had a break anytime outside of me. Your daddy did more to you than I ever did-"
"Don't." Bucky clenched his fist. "Don't fucking talk about my dad and don't compare those two. Those were different, those were-"
"I know, I know." Gill sighed, then hiccuped, standing up obviously drunk, as he made his way to Bucky, taking the young man's face in his hands. "Listen... I was an ass hole to you,and your brother, but I did it to toughen you up, you know that. I-I know it wasn't right, but I also known that.. that it made you strong, right? James..." he yawned, falling at Bucky's feet "All i ever did I did for you. Cause I love ya.'' He snored, falling asleep at his feet.
Sighing, Simon raised Gil up, giving Bucky both herb bottles just in case. "Go." he waved him off "The others are at the bridge. They're waiting for you."
Bucky kicked the old Alpha off, letting him lay there. "I don't need your apologies..." He grumbled at the unconscious man. Hopefully he'd choke on his own vomit. "Come on, guys, let's go." He nodded to the others, taking them from the tent and ignoring the protests of the only few werewolves left who gave a shit about Gil and his twisted ways. The pack was officially broken, there was too little wolves left who still supported Gil.
"As soon as we get to the boarder, you can focus on breaking the tether." Bucky told them. "It'll hurt a little bit, but not as bad as staying here." He added, watching them walk. "You all look like he's starved you." When they got to the boarder he took Angela to one side, showing her the bottle "Is this healing tonic for wolfs cough?" He asked.
Inspecting the bottles, she gave him a nod. "Yeah, those are it. One of you are sick?" She asked, her healer instincts kicking in.
Bucky nodded, handing the bottles to Tal, who place them in their satchel. "Little Peetee. Steve doesn't know I'm here. I'm sure he'll forgive me when he sees I've finally managed to get you guys out."
Tal stepped forward. "We can't stay here. You lot are gonna have to break the tether, you'll be a part of Caps pack now, he'll look after you all."
"Right." Bucky nodded, and they all set off to S.H.I.E.L.D.
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"How was the store?" Steve asked, clueless to where they really were as he fed Peter some soup.
"Great." Bucky smirked, stepping aside, letting the others into the room. Steve was quick to stand, looking at them all as a smile crept into his face.
"Oh, my... How did...?"
"We have our ways." Tal smirked, lifting up a bottle of green stuff and heading over to Peter, feeding him the recommended amount. "You'll be better soon, pup.
"Buck, are you ok...? I mean... If you went back... Did he hurt you...?" Steve asked his best friend.
"No." Bucky whispered. "He's... Not what he used to be, I'll tell you that much." He kept his gaze on the ground, not meeting the Alpha's eyes. "How's Peter?"
Steve nodded "Sleeping, now we have medicine he should heal a lot quicker." He nodded. "And I don't care if he's dragging himself across the floor begging to be forgiven. After everything he's put us through he can't just except us to come back because some people may pity what he's become."
"He doesn't." Bucky shrugged "I think he accepted he lost. It doesn't sound like him, but... It happened." He whispered, watching in the distance "I'm gonna take a nap. You take care of yourself, alright?"
Steve nodded, though his eyes held concern for the other man, it was the early hours of the morning after all, he must have been tired. "Buck." He waited till the other turned round. "Thank you."
Holding his gaze a bit more, Bucky nodded, carefree smile again plastered on his face as he winked. "You can thank me by gifting me a pretty brunet wrapped in a bow. I don't mind clingy." he smirked, as he walked off.
"Good luck with that!" Steve called after him, a smile appearing on his face. He shook his head softly and headed back to Peter, sitting next to him, the boy looked better already.
Peter coughed softly, climbing in his father's lap. "I get better?" He asked, rubbing the tiredness off his eyes.
"Not yet bud, but soon." Steve smiled, holding his boy in his arms. He got onto the bed, wrapping himself protectively around his baby.
Peter snuggled closer to his daddy, still wrapped up in some kind of blanket burrito. "Tony?"
"Tony's sleeping, just like you should be. Rest, little pup."
"Mk..." Peter yawned, fighting to keep his eyes open so he could ask the one question he had waited to ask ever since they came to S.H.I.E.L.D. "daddy? When we go home?"
"Not yet, baby. Now sleep." Steve answered, he couldn't say more than that for the moment.
Peter was out before Steve finished his sentence, peacefully closing his eyes knowing his daddy would keep him safe.
Steve closed his own eyes as everyone left the room to go do other things and give them some privacy.
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Tony was uncomfortable staring at the bouquet of flowers Justin Hammer was offering him. It was immense. At least 50 roses tied together with a bow as the man smiled charmingly - or rather, Tony assumed he was trying to be charming - and rested his elbow on the counter. Justin was someone Tony happened to know because of the man's insistence with flirting every day. Tony figured he was harmless, so he let him down gently every time, hoping he'd get a hint. He didn't. He just thought Tony was playing hard to get. Everyone knew about it and told him to shut Justin off once and for all, but Tony just couldn't be harsh with others. Even Justin. "You like them, sweetheart? Bought them just for you! I know they're your favourite."
Dandelions were his favourite. "Oh, thank you Justin, it's sweet but I already have a-" he didn't get to finish as Justin held a hand up.
"Please Tony, no need for thanks! It was all my pleasure, you know that right? Hey, actually, how about you make it up to me by coming to dinner? My treat, of course."
"Oh, thank you, but I already-"
"Have plans? Totally understand, maybe another time then, I was actually pretty busy myself." Justin interrupted him AGAIN, as he picked up the treat he ordered, slapping Tony on the shoulder, where he kept his hand for a good moment. "Hey, tell you what, I gave you my number so just give me a call when you're ready for the night of your life, alright babe?"
"But I already have a-" he was gone by the time Tony finished his sentence "...boyfriend." he sighed as he placed the flowers in the water. They were too pretty to throw away, he concluded. As he prepared some pastries, his mind flew to Steve, hoping he and Peter were okay. He didn't get much sleep yesterday, too worried for Peter, but also didn't phone because he figured Steve needed space.
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Meanwhile Steve practised as his wolf form, Fury liked to see he was keeping as fit as he could so missions were as easy as possible.
"Hmm." Fury hummed as he watched him go, arm crossed as he analysed the wolf's movement with his watchful eye "Satisfactory, as always, let's say. Alright, enough, give me back the human."
The wolf huffed but turned back into Steve, thankfully S.H.I.E.L.D had a specific type of clothing made so that it stretched with the wolf and shrink back to human.
"You're getting better at this, " Fury said, as they both walked together "anything new changed in your group?"
"Bucky went and got the others, there's only four people left at the old zone, one of which is the old Alpha, the others power hungry idiots..." Steve responded.
Fury snorted "I don't envy you in the slightest, then." he ruffled Steve's hair with fondness. "Just do your best and don't fuck it up"
"Very reassuring." he rolled his eyes but a smile made its way onto his face. "I'm going to keep practising. Could you go check on Tony for me...?"
"Can't, I've got a meeting." Fury shrugged, sighing. "Kid... You know you can't stay here forever."
"I know, I haven't, it's been a day and I took Tony out last night so... Technically I've hardly been here." Steve rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, tell that to the bastards on my ass." Fury grumbled, sighing "Listen, they want you out asap. Said we could use the space you occupy for something that's actually useful which is bullshit but..." shrugging, Fury's tone was apologetic. "I don't make the rules. I only enforce them. And that means I have to follow them too. You've got 48 hours. Sorry, Rogers."
"We've only been here for a day! That's complete bull!" Steve argued. "We're only taking up a couple of rooms and shield has billions! And those rooms are designed for living in, nobody else is using them!"
"Yeah, tell me something I don't know." Nick said gently but firmly "I tried to tell them and they didn't listen to me. It's not fair, but its how it is. The most I can do is stretch your time to a week or two. Other than that, there's not much I can do."
"But I have a room here like the other agents do, and what I do with my room is my choice, S.H.I.E.L.D agreed. It'll be cramped but..."
Nick stared at him "It's a one room person. You have like thirty people in there. You wanna throw them all together like a pack of sardines that's your business, but as long as they're here they're my responsibility and I can't have them stay in those conditions."
"A one wolf room, not one person, and there's nothing to say they have to stay in the room the entire time, we can take turns. It's only until we manage to sort these issues out!"
"Take a walk, Rogers!"
"...Was that a werewolf joke?"
Sighing, Fury massaged his temples. He was used to dealing with Steve's wolf temper but sometimes it was just hard. "I'll see what I can do. Go chase a Frisbee with Peter or something, I'll keep you updated."
"Fine... but as I've told you before, i will do anything to keep my family safe." Steve walked away, he hated the owners of S.H.I.E.L.D, the government never knew what they were doing.
"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of..." Fury murmured, trying to find a solution for this mess.