Broodmare

(I edited the hell out of chapter 3 and 4 for it to make more sense. Please to go back and read it.)

Winter walked Tony down the staircase slowly. For his part, Tony was leaning heavily on him with his eyes focused intently on his pups.

Kamala and Riri were entertaining Nova, while Gwen and Peter twirled each other around wearing purple and pink frilly tutus respectively. Miles was sitting next to Amadeus looking at his picture and chattering excitedly.

It took a second for them to notice him, but when they did the reaction was instinations.

A loud chorus of “BOBA!” followed by Gwennie and Petie racing towards him. They stopped at the base of the stairs jumping and practically vibrating with excitement.

“Boba! Boba!” Peter exclaimed excitedly. “Look it! LOOK IT!” He squealed as he and Gwennie spun in circles. Tony chuckled, but grew concerned when Gwen seemed to get a little dizzy and almost fall over; but Miles swooped in and caught her just in time. But Peter kept spinning and spinning and spinning until he was out of breath and dizzy.

“IT’S SO FUN, Boba!” He exclaimed as he stumbled around drunkenly. Miles took pity on him and guided him over to the couch. They were all giggling and that put Tony’s concerns at ease.

Winter guided him over to the couch and helped him down to sit in the middle. “C’mere,” he said. “Show me what you guys got.”

“Boba, looky, looky!” Gwen exclaimed as she rushed forward; seemingly over her momentary dizziness. “Lookit! Mrs. Shuri calls it a hoody and I love it!!” She pulled the hood up over her head and spun around for him to see.

“We all got em too!” Peter proclaimed as he pulled the hood up over his head and spun around again.

“You guys are going to get dizzy and fall on your heads if you don’t stop spinning like that.” Kamala warned softly.

“BUT IT’S SO FUN, MALA!!” They exclaimed in unison.

Tony couldn’t help but smile. His pups, being pups. Getting to be pups with all the chaos that it involved. Running and spinning and laughter; it hurt almost as much as it healed his tender heart. He’d never be able to take back what they had missed. But he would do what he could so that they never had to be hesitant or fearful ever again.

“They gave us so much STUFF Boba!” Gwennie exclaimed dramatically. “Never knew there was that much STUFF!”

Peter nodded. “And SHOES too!” His brow furrowed. “But it’s hard to get used to em…I keep on almost falling over.” He grumbled.

“You’ll get used to it, I promise.” Amadeus said as he ruffled his hair and sat next to him on the coffee table.

“I dunno…” Peter muttered, unconvinced. “Can’t we just go BAREFOOTED!?”

Amadeus clucked his tongue at him and tweaked his nose. “Inside the house, yes. But outside… nah. There’s glass and trash and it’s just not safe.”

Peter pouted his lip and crossed his arms. “Then we won’t go outside then!”

Everyone chuckled and shook their heads. “C’mere, you little ragamuffin.” Tony grunted as he pulled his second youngest into his lap and tickled him.

“GAH! Boba!!” He breathlessly laughed.

He let up but pulled his boy close to his chest. “We have to go outside. There’s so much to see and do and experience. You can’t do that all inside.”

Peter heaved a heavy sigh. “I guess then. I’ll just have to get used to em.”

Tony kissed the top of his head and gave him a squeeze. Gwen climbed into Winter’s lap and rested against him, mirroring the way Peter was rested against Tony’s chest.

Tony let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. They needed to talk and he was dreading it. Most of all he was dreading how Kamala would feel about it. He didn’t want her to feel left out. Her Alpha may have been gone, but he wasn’t going to exclude her from everything that was going to happen.

“Okay guys, we need to have a talk. So gather ‘round. There’s important things that are going to happen soon and I won’t let any of it take you by surprise.”

The pups all looked at one another before coming closer and gathering around the couch, sitting on the coffee table.

“What’s going to happen, Boba?”

Tony took a second to collect himself before clearing his throat and beginning.

“Remember how we’ve talked about how you each have a different Alpha?”

They all nodded, with Peter and Gwen chiming in. “No matter who our Alpha is, we are all half Italian.” They repeated the words Tony had teasingly told them not so long again. It gave Tony a pause and a little smile crossed his face.

“Yes. And I love you each the same. No matter what. Even Amadeus. To me,” his voice cracked. “To me, you’re all my pups. And no one can take that away from me, or you. Got it?”

They all nodded.

“Now, as I’m sure you all know, Amadeus’s parents are safe.”

“YAAAAAAAY!” they exclaimed, turning to Amadeus’ and ruffling his hair.

“And as of, probably a couple of minutes ago, they are probably heading our way.”

Amadeus gasped, jumping to his feet. “REALLY? Seriously? Here?!”

“Yes,” Tony said softly. “T’Challa asked me if it was okay… and I gave him the go ahead. They should be here, about this time; or a little later, tomorrow.” His voice cracked a little, but he tried to hide it.

Amadeus was oblivious. “THEY’RE COMING! THEY ARE REALLY COMING! OH MY GOD!” He flung himself onto the couch next to Tony and buried his face into the side of his shoulder. “Thank you, Sukbu. Thank you.” He whispered tearfully.

With the hand that wasn’t holding Peter close he reached over, pulled him a little closer and kissed the crown of his head. “I’d give anything to have been able to have done it sooner.”

Amadeus shook his head. “It’s happening, Sukbu, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Tony cleared his throat before turning his attention back to the rest of his pups. “But there’s more.”

“More?” Miles and Riri parroted.

With a chuckle he nodded. “Yes, more.” He paused to clear his throat. “Ahem… I … I gave T’Challa permission to tell the Alphas. I mean, your Alphas. I mean…” It was coming out all wrong and he wasn’t sure how to make it right.

When he looked up the pups seemed confused. “What’s wrong?” He asked softly.

“Why do we need more Alpha’s?” Miles asked.

“Yeah, we already got Winter.” Riri added.

“Winter’s a good Alpha.” Kamala added. “Why do we need more?”

Winter was gobsmacked. He had considered himself their Alpha, but he had never dared voice those words. He didn’t have a right to them. He wasn’t their Alpha. Hell, in his own mind, he was barely an Alpha at all. But to hear them say it, to see Peter and Gwen nod in agreement. It was more than he had ever hoped for.

He cleared his throat and said softly. “I’m happy you consider me your Alpha. It’s an honor I don’t think I’ll ever quite feel like I’ve earned. And I will be your Alpha for as long as I can; as long as Tony wants me too.” He glanced at Tony and noticed his eyes were wet with unfallen tears.

“But I think the point Tony is trying to make is that that’s not how it works.”

Tony swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. “You see, you each have an Alpha. They haven’t had a chance to get to know you or about you. They haven’t had a choice too. And now they are going to know about you and are probably going to want to meet you.”

Miles and Riri looked skeptical. “But they can’t take us… can they?” Riri asked softly.

“Absolutely not.” Winter answered sharply. “They’ll be in for one helluva fight if they try anything like that.”

That seemed to allay their fears, for now.

“Kamala.” Tony said softly.

“Yes, Boba?”

“C’mere.” He gently nudged Amadeus to make room for her. Amadeus got up and sat next to Miles.

“I … I don’t want you to feel left out. Just because there are going to be Alpha’s here and Poppa Yens--”

“I know Boba. Poppa Yensen is always with me.” She said softly as she wrapped her arms around his upper arm and buried her face in his shoulder.

“Yes, and just because he’s not here, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t part of this. I want you to meet the Alphas. Because you are just as important as the rest of the pups. They don’t get to leave you out just because they aren’t part of you the way Poppa Yensen was. Okay?” He whispered his voice thick with emotion.

She nodded, telltale tears glistening in her eyes. “Will, will Winter be there?”

Tony turned to Winter who was watching them intently. Winter reached around the back of Tony to ruffle her hair. “I’ll be there if you want me to be.”

She nodded. “Can I call you Poppa Winter?”

Both men paused and Winter looked at Tony and Tony nodded his head in consent. “Yes, Kamala, I would be honored if you called me Poppa Winter.”

She smiled at him sweetly behind Tony’s back. “Poppa Winter.” She said it softly.

Tony wasn’t sure whose body deflated more, his or Winters.

“Poppa Winter.” She whispered again with a smile. She untangled herself from Tony and crawled over the back of the couch to wrap herself around Winter’s arm. “Poppa Winter.”

“Poppa Winter.” Chimed Gwen, lunging for his neck.

“POPPA WINTER!” Peter bellowed playfully as he launched himself at Winters free arm.

“Poppa Winter. Poppa Winter.” Riri and Miles sing-songed as they joined the puppy pile on the couch.

Tony could only look on with amazement filling his being and love nearly exploding his heart. In all their time the pups had never referred to Winter as anything but Winter. He had always known the pups loved Winter as if he were their Alpha, but to see it, to hear it… it made it all the more real.

He felt a tug at his shirt and realized that Riri and Peter were pulling him into the pile and allowed himself to be dragged in with a laugh.

-------

T’Challa took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He repeated it several times before pushing the button to bring up the vid-screen to call Director Fury. But he hesitated on pushing the button. Once he made the call there would be no taking it back. On the one hand he wished to give Tony and his family more time to adjust. But on the other hand there was also a terrorist organization less than 100 miles outside of Wakanda. That alone was enough to call in S.H.I.E.L.D. reinforcements. But the pups… his shoulders sagged in resignation. A secret kept for overlong was a secret that could shatter trust. Though he were loath to admit it, he needed as many allies as he could get in some of the more ‘delicate’ international affairs that his country dealt with.

With a heavy sigh he closed his eyes and pressed the call button.

Fury answered almost immediately.

“Why, hello your Majesty. What can I help you with at ridiculous o’clock of the morning.”

T’Challa grimaced realizing that it were barely six am in New York.

“I apologize for my early morning call, but I have a matter of grave importance that I must speak to you about.”

Fury sat down his steaming cup of coffee, sat forward in his chair and steepled his fingers together. “I’m listening.”

“I am formally requesting the assistance of the Avengers in Wakanda.”

Fury narrowed his one eye. “Your Majesty, I was under the impression that Wakanda took care of its own problems.”

T’Challa nodded but then shook his head. “This is no mere matter of me looking after my country or my people. This is a matter of international importance.”

“Would you mind elaborating?”

“There is a terrorist cell on the outskirts of my country that needs taken care of.”

“And you want S.H.I.E.L.D.’s assistance?”

“No, Director Fury. I need the Avengers assistance.”

Fury rose from behind his desk, walked around and sat on the front of his desk. “I feel like you are leaving something out.”

T’Challa hesitated.

“You’re leaving something out.” Fury surmised.

“It is a complicated and delicate situation. I need the Avengers.”

“You’re asking me to bring the entire retinue of the Avengers to a closed off separatist country and giving me very few details.” He paused. “I don’t like being left in the dark, your Majesty.”

“Not all of the Avengers, sir. Very specific members of the Avengers.”

This brought Fury up short and made him pay closer attention. “I feel like you’re leading my people into an ambush.”

“I would never do any such thing. But as I explained, it is a very sensitive and delicate situation that has arisen.”

Fury crossed his arms over his chest. “Proceed.”

“Thank you. I am formally requesting the presence of yourself, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanova, Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Scott Lang, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, The Consultant, Dr. Bruce Banner and his wife Helen Cho.”

Fury stepped closer to the camera and glared ominously. “The Consultant consults. He is an Avenger in title only. He’s the only non-combatant on the team. Banner is a last resort and Helen isn’t even an Avenger. What the hell is--” He cut himself off.

“Wait… does this have to--”

“I will not answer that question, Director Fury. The Hulk, and by extension, Banner can smell a lie. I would never put you in a situation that which would put you in the path of Hulk’s ire.”

“And the rest? You know that Lang doesn’t do missions without Hope. There is also a small matter of Thor being on world--”

“Hope is welcome, and bringing Thor might be a good idea. With all that has transpired with Loki; I believe that this may do him some good, as well as educate him on certain aspects of our culture that he hasn't quite encountered yet.”

“I am concerned now.”

“I need time, Director. Wakandan air space will not be open to any visitors of any sort until noon tomorrow Wakandan time. Not one moment sooner. I believe this will give you time to assemble all those necessary and gather the supplies needed.”

Fury looked as though he wanted to fight him on every level, but he swallowed his arguments.

“Will we need to be armed?”

T’Challa shook his head. “Come prepared to battle, but not until the more delicate matters are taken care of.”

Fury looked mutinous. “And you can’t tell me anything?”

“Unfortunately no.”

Fury seemed to consider it before nodding. “Okay, we’ll be there no sooner than noon tomorrow. This had better be worth it, your Majesty, or you will be answering to me.”

“I assure you, Director Fury, I would never call upon you without due cause.”

“See you tomorrow.” Fury said as way of farewell before cutting off the call.

T’Challa’s shoulders sank.

It was done.

And now, they waited.

-----

Fury stormed out of his office shouting out orders. “Hill! Contact the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. They are going to need to cover for the primary line up of the Avengers for at least the next couple of days.”

“On it, sir.”

Clint Barton and Natasha Romanova walked around the corner having just finished a debriefing.

“Good, just the agents I need.”

“Uh oh.” Clint muttered.

“Yes, ‘uh oh’. Romanova; I need you to contact Lang and Hope Pym. Then see if you can wrangle Thor. Pro tip: look for a thunder storm. Barton; find Wilson and Cap; if you're lucky they'll be together. Then talk to Dr. Banner and Dr. Cho. I’m going to call up the Maximoff’s and the Consultant. We have a mission.”

Both came to an abrupt halt. “Banner and Cho? The Consultant? What the hell is going on here?” Clint wondered out loud.

Fury turned to them sharply. “I have no idea.” He said honestly. “All I know is that the Black Panther needs us in Wakanda.”

“Wakanda?”

“Did I stutter, Agent Romanova? I said what I said. Wheels up in 5 hours. Pack accordingly, and bring whatever weaponry you can fit on a medium sized quinjet. I get the feeling we are going to need it.” He said as he walked away. “And while we’re at it I want word from our inside man in Wakanda. I want to know what the hell is going on!!” They could hear him bellowing from around the corner.

Natasha and Clint looked at each other. “Did he just say ‘we’. Like, himself included?”

“Yeah, we better get a move on. Wheels up in 5 hrs. Get a move on Barton.”

----

“Absolutely not.”

Clint chuckled. “I don’t think it was a request, Doc.”

“No.” Bruce turned to Helen. “No.” He turned back to Barton. “No! There is no reason for this. Hulk is a last resort. Helen isn’t even that kind of doctor, and neither am I. There is absolutely no reason for either of us to step foot in Wakanda unless there is going to be a radiation event or a large sum of people need to use Helen’s cradles.”

Clint started to pout. He understood Bruce’s point, but the Director didn’t make suggestions, he gave orders. “Look, I totally understand your viewpoint. But this is Director Fury we’re talking about. This isn’t exactly optional.”

“Bruce, dear.” Helen interjected. Bruce turned to her sharply. “There is obviously something going on, and from the looks of it, even the Director is in the dark.”

Clint nodded. “If the way he was yelling as he walked down the hall is any indicator; I’d bet 3:1 odds he’s just as out of the loop as we are. He wouldn’t ask you both to come without a reason.”

Bruce turned to Helen. “No, please, not right now..” he pleaded softly.

Helen closed her eyes but shook her head. “We should--” her words were cut off by Bruce slamming his hand on the counter and him stalking away to their private rooms.

Helen turned to Clint; who had jumped up on the counter, grabbed a butcher knife, and was holding it like he would a weapon.

“I’m really sorry about that.”

“What was that?” He asked as he set the butcher knife back in its holder. “I’ve never seen him get so mad like that without a real reason.”

Helen sighed heavily. “It’s… Tomorrow is Amadeus’s birthday. We.. we usually don’t do anything but remember our son, look at pictures, pray.”

Clint felt the bottom of his stomach drop. “Oh, I am so sorry. If I could delay this… really I would--”

Helen nodded. “I appreciate it. It’s just a sensitive time for us.” She sighed heavily, her eyes looking down the hall Bruce stormed down. “He’ll cool off. Probably pack for the both of us. How long do we have?”

“Five--” He glanced at his watch and winced. “Four and a half hours.”

Clint nodded and went to leave but stopped himself short. “You know… this thing, you know, kids.” He shook his head wearily. “I… I don’t forsee myself ever having any. Too much…” he rubbed his chest. “I know this sounds shitty from someone that’s never been in your shoes. But… I know you two never got closure. But I really do hope that you get him back in some way. I can’t imagine.” He swallowed hard. “I respect the hell out of you two because I don’t think I could do it.”

“Thank you…” She swallowed hard against the lump rising in her throat. “Some days are better than others. And then there are the days I expect him to come around the corner ask to spend time in the lab with us or to go the science museum.” She let out a sad laugh. “Just do me a favor and let the good Director know that he owes us one helluva vacation after this is all said and done.”

Clint let out a snort as he crossed the kitchenette and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. “Oh, he’ll know. He’s footing the bill. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

Helen returned the hug and laughed into his shoulder. “I’m not asking for miracles.”

Clint pulled away and smiled sadly. “We could all use a miracle every once in awhile.”

She dabbed her eyes and smiled. “See you in four hours, Agent Barton.”

He nodded and saw himself out of their house. After he shut the door he sat on the front stoop and sagged. “This sucks.”

------

As Pietro and Wanda walked out of Starbucks a black hummer pulled up beside them and the window rolled down. They looked over and saw Director Fury. They waved cautiously as he came to a park and opened the door. “Get in, we need to talk.”

Wanda turned to Pietro. “I call shotgun.”

Pietro cursed under his breath before getting in the back.

It wasn’t until she closed the door that Fury noticed she had two drinks in her hand. She smiled and offered him the other cup. “Your favorite; with sprinkles.” She added with a shy smile.

“Do you know what I’m about to say?”

“Nope, only that you would be coming for us and that you haven’t had your coffee yet.”

Fury begrudgingly too the offered latte and pulled into traffic.

“Is something wrong?” Pietro asked as sat a little closer in the back.

“Yes, and no.” He turned to Wanda. “Anything you can tell me? I’d take anything right now.”

Wanda closed her eyes and concentrated before shaking her head. “Only a vague sense of upheaval.”

Fury swallowed a strangled noise of frustration. “I could have told you that… Sorry Wanda, I’m just frustrated, that’s all.” He took a sip of his latte’ and let out a pleased noise, he wasn’t sure how she knew he liked his latte’s or how she knew about the sprinkles, but he appreciated it.

“I got an early morning call from His Majesty T’Challa. He has a problem and needs the Avengers help. But not just any Avengers, he asked for very specific people.”

The twins both stopped mid sip. “He asked for US?” They asked.

Fury smirked. “Don’t sound so surprised.”

Pietro’s eyes lit up. “Does this mean what I think it means? Does this mean we’re going to WAKANDA?!”

“Yes, and I need you to be on your best behavior. I have no clue what I’m getting into and I don’t need to be worrying about my Avengers creating an international incident. And yes, I’m having this exact talk with the others.”

Pietro suddenly turned to Wanda. “This is why we packed?”

“This is why we packed.”

“And the other bag?”

“You packed already?”

Wanda shrugged. “Like I said ‘upheaval’. Sometimes ‘upheaval’ is of a moving kind.”

“And the other bag?”

Wanda shrugged again. “Just an intuition.”

“Do I need to know what’s in it?”

“Nothing deadly or explosive, so no.”

Fury stopped at a red light and turned to them. “So that’s it? No questions? No needling? You’re just going to go along with this because I asked you too?”

They shrugged. “Can you stop by apartment so that we can grab our bags?”

*Continued in the other chapter that would not chill*