New chapter for you wonderful people. A couple of notes for this chapter. One: all translations are done through google so they may be wrong. The languages are either Italian or Irish, but I'm sure you can figure out which is which lol.
Second: I still haven't finished Agent Carter, but I do know that Peggy's brother is alive so for this story he was around and fighting in the war so Steve met him a few times.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy.
Sighing, Tony headed down the hall to Steve's room wondering how to discuss a tender subject. Knocking lightly on the door the alpha waited to be invited in. "Hey Caramellino, what are you up to?"
Steve was leaning against his headboard with an open book in his lap. "Just catching up on my reading."
"Steve…I want you to come with me for a bit, but I don't want to tell you why. I'm worried you will take it the wrong way." Tony couldn't look at his son so instead, he kept his eyes on the small bookshelf beside Steve's bed.
Putting the book down Steve looked at his dad. The man looked worried and nervous, two looks that he had never seen on the alpha's face. "Okay," Steve whispered making Tony's head snap up. "I trust you Athair, you don't need to tell me if you don't want to or can't. I promise I'll try to listen before jumping to conclusions."
Nodding, Tony just turned and headed for the elevator. Knowing what their father had planned, Jarvis took the pair down to the necessary floor. Still not speaking, Tony led the way to one of the private offices. "Steve this is Jen, she's…well she's, my therapist. I was hoping that you might want to talk with her as well."
Steve stood frozen in the hallway, not quite able to understand what was going on. "I don't…I don't understand."
"Look Caramellino, I know you're not crazy, that's not what this is about. Like me, you have gone through hell, including fighting in the second world war, on top of that you are now seventy years in the future. I come and talk with Jen for a couple of hours every week and she's helped me. I would like for you to come and talk with her a few times before you make up your mind. If, after you've talked with her and you decided to stop, then I won't say anything. I just ask that you make an honest try of it."
Uncertain, Steve looked between the therapist and his dad. "Can…can you stay with me?"
Wrapping his arm around Steve's shoulders, Tony guided his son further into the office. "Of course." Together the pair walked into the office, closing the door behind them.
Steve was in his room working on this year's Christmas presents. Even though Christmas was still months away he wanted to get a head start on present making. This was going to be his first Christmas after the war, and he wanted it to be perfect. It was a peaceful afternoon and Steve was enjoying being the only one in the tower.
"Steve, I hate to interrupt but Father has returned with a guest he would like to introduce you to," Jarvis told him.
"Okay. Just let me finish this bit then I'll be right out." Steve worked as quickly as he could without making mistakes until he was at a good stopping place. Putting his work down, he made his way out to the living room. "Hey dad, sorry about taking so long. I just had to find a good stopping point."
"It's all good kiddo. I brought my cousin to meet you." Tony gestured to a young beta woman standing in the living room. "Steve, this is Sharon Carter. Sharon, this is Steve."
"Carter? As in Peggy?"
"Yeah," Sharon laughed as she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't tell many people that she's, my aunt. Well, great-aunt, but she doesn't like to be reminded of that."
Steve laughed. "No, she wouldn't. You're Michael's granddaughter then."
"That I am. It's nice to finally meet you, Steve. Aunt Peggy has told me lots of stories about you."
"Well, that can't be good."
A laughing Pepper joined them carrying a tray filled with coffee and snacks. "Come on you three. Let's sit down and visit like civilized people."
Steve and Tony allowed themselves to be herded to the large couch while Sharon took the chair. Tony, Sharon, and Steve spent hours trading stories of Peggy and the Commandos for hours. Eventually, Pepper had Jarvis order dinner. She even relaxed her rule about food in the living room, knowing that there was no way those three were moving anytime soon.
After dinner, the topic of conversation switched to Sharon's childhood with Tony. Despite his dad's protests, Sharon told Steve several embarrassing stories about a young Tony experimenting at Peggy's house. "The next thing we know Aunt Peggy's garage is on fire and Tony staggers out covered it soot, his hair sticking right up and his eyebrows missing," Sharon laughed as she dodged the pillow Tony threw at her.
"Don't listen to anything she says Piccolo," Tony pointed at Steve. "Sharon has always liked to tell stories. It's why Fury loves her, she's such a good spy."
"You work for SHIELD?"
Sharon nodded. "Yeah. I joined under my mother's maiden name. I…um didn't want to be held to the same standard as Aunt Peggy. That and I wanted any success to be because of my actions, not my family connections."
"That's fair," Steve nodded. "I suppose it would be difficult trying to live up to Pegs."
"I'll drink to that," Tony lifted his cup of coffee and downed it. Steve was shocked as the coffee was still quite hot. Then again, Steve thought with a smile. Nothing should surprise me anymore when it comes to dad.
A few days after Sharon's visit Steve had hidden away in his room. The visit had shaken him, not only was Michael's granddaughter older than him but so were Peggy's grandchildren. She even had a couple of great-grandchildren. He had lost so much time. A small part of him was consoled that even if he hadn't gone into the ice, there would have been no children for him, not with Bucky gone.
"Steve, Father is asking if you might be willing to join him in the gym," Jarvis said quietly, not wanting to startle his brother.
Blinking, Steve shook his head to clear it. "Oh…what does he want? Do I need to change?"
"I'm not sure what father wants, but I would suggest changing. Just to be on the safe side."
"Okay. Let him know that I'll be there in a few." Forcing himself to his feet Steve went in search of workout clothes. Once changed he headed for the elevator and Jarvis took him down to the gym where their father was waiting.
"Steve!" Tony called out the moment Steve stepped out of the elevator. "Excellent! I was hoping you would come down. Pep has kicked me out of the lab and told me to find something else to do. So, I thought we could spar."
Steve could only blink at his dad, not quite believing what he was hearing. "You want to spar with me?"
"Yes! I know what you are thinking. There's no way your old man could possibly keep up with you, at least not out of the suit. Right?" Tony smiled and winked at Steve, wanting to make sure the pup knew he was joking and not throwing his words back at him.
Thankfully, Steve understood and gave his dad a cheeky grin. "Those are your words, Dad. Not mine."
"Well, I'll have you know that I have multiple black belts. Just because I fight in the suit, doesn't mean that I can't hold my own without it. I haven't needed to use them, but I have kept up on my skills. So, you won't have to worry too much about hurting me, just hold back a little," Tony laughed.
Steve just chuckled a little. "Alright, I'll humour you and test you out. But promise me that you'll let me know if I'm hitting too hard. I don't want to hurt you."
"Promise."
"Okay," sighing Steve shook out his arms and made his way to the mats. "Let's do this."
The pair spared for a few hours. Steve was surprised that Tony was able to keep up with him for that long. Tony was even able to get in a few hits. "Okay," Steve tossed Tony a water bottle. "I'm impressed. Some of those hits actually hurt."
Catching the water bottle, Tony used needing a drink to hide his smirk. "You do realize that each suit weighs around five hundred pounds. I may not work out with the rest of the team, but I do work out."
"The suits weigh that much! I had no idea. We should do this again. I really enjoyed sparing with you."
"Yeah, I'm up for doing this again. Why don't we get cleaned up then head out for lunch? Pepper isn't supposed to be home from the conference until tomorrow so we can have a boy's day."
"That sounds like a great idea. After lunch, we should make plans for tomorrow for when mom gets home."
Laughing, Tony shook his head. It amused him how eager Steve could be sometimes versus how he was as Captain America. Tony wasn't sure if it was a forties thing or from Steve losing his mom so young. "First you need to get washed and changed. I'll meet you in the living room in half an hour then we can head…no running in the halls! Oh, sweet science I'm acting like a dad." Shaking his head Tony headed for the elevator Jarvis had waiting for him.
Fifteen minutes later saw Steve bouncing in excitement as he waited for Tony. "Steve," Jarvis said laughing. "If you want the others have gathered in the common room. I can let Father know you are there."
Scowling at one of Jarvis' cameras Steve made his way downstairs where the others could distract him until his dad was done.
"What's with the scowl, Steve?" Bruce asked from where he was cuddled against Thor on the couch. It had come as a surprise to the scientist when Thor had asked him out on a date. Despite his reservations, Bruce had agreed. The pair had been together for a few weeks now.
"I merely suggested my brother come and join you as a distraction while he waits for Father."
"Jarvis!" Steve exclaimed. "You are such a blabbermouth."
The others just laughed. "Come, Steven," Thor patted the couch beside him. "Join us while you wait for your father. He'll be here sooner if you are distracted." Sighing, Steve allowed himself to be pulled onto the couch. Once he was settled, Thor pulled him close so that Steve was cuddled into one side while Bruce was on his other.
Tony arrived a few minutes later and paused in the doorway. "Jarvis," he whispered. "Can you take a picture of this for me and send it to Pep please."
"Of course, Father. Done."
"Thanks, J," heading into the living room Tony cleared his throat. "Hey kiddo, you ready to go?"
"Sure," Steve jumped up feeling excited. "Where are we going?"
"That's a surprise. First, we are going to lunch. Come on," taking Steve's hand Tony led his pup to the elevator. In the garage, one of Tony's cars was waiting for them.
"You're driving?" Steve asked as they got in.
"I'll have you know I am fully capable of driving myself around. Happy usually only drives me for public events. We should look into getting you a diver's licence if you're up for it. Though with the amount you'll probably end up driving it's not a rush."
"That's fair. What are we doing for lunch?"
"Don't worry, it's nothing fancy. Just a little dinner I've been to before. No one will bother us there." Tony pulled the car over and gestured to a small restaurant. "We're here." Getting out of the car Tony waited for Steve by the door. Leading his son into the dinner Tony nodded to the waitress. "Afternoon Wendy. Got a free table for us?"
"Of course, Doctor Stark. There is a table in the corner that's free. I'll keep the tables close to it free while you're here."
"Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate it." Tony led Steve to the table Wendy had gestured to. "Settle in Squirt, we're in no rush. Their milkshakes are to die for."
"Doctor?" Steve asked when they each had a milkshake.
"Yeah," Tony nodded and took a long sip of his shake. "I have a doctorate in physical and electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics."
"That's a lot," Steve wanted to whistle but stopped himself.
"I guess," Tony focused on stirring his milkshake. "Have you ever thought of going back to school?"
Steve froze and searched his dad's face. "I don't know," looking down he focused on his shake. "Bucky and I took a semester at Auburndale, but we ran out of money."
"Would you like to go back? Or maybe try something new? You don't have to answer right away," Tony was quick to reassure Steve. "I'm just saying, money is not a problem for you anymore. Think about it."
After a wonderful lunch and three amazing milkshakes, Tony guided Steve back, out to the car. "Time for your surprise Caramellino."
"Where are we going?"
"I just said it's a surprise. I'm not telling you where we're going." Steve, being the grown-up he is, stuck out his tongue. Tony just laughed. "Here we are," Tony pulled into a parking garage and a conveniently empty spot near the door. "Come on kiddo I promise you will enjoy this." Getting out of the car Tony waited for Steve, then led his pup to the main entrance.
Steve followed his dad across the parking lot, trying to figure out what the man had planned. As they went through the doors, Steve looked around curiously. It took him a moment but finally figured out where they were. "The Museum of Modern Art! You brought me to the Museum of Modern Art!" spinning around Steve tried to look at everything at once.
Tony couldn't help but smile. In this moment Steve truly looked like a pup. His face was lit with amazement and wonder. "Come on kiddo. You won't see the paintings from the entranceway."
Smiling, Steve led the way into the museum. Tony followed behind taking pictures of Steve bouncing around like a puppy to send to Pepper. It felt amazing to Tony that he got to see his pup like this, happy and carefree, probably the first time since nineteen-forty. That thought hit Tony like a brick and reminded him again of just how young Steve was. In that moment Tony promised himself to do everything possible to protect the pup.
Three nights later Jarvis called the entire team down to the gym. When Steve arrived, he was shocked to find Tony, Phil, and Nat facing each other on the mat. It took a moment for Steve to realize what was going on. The alphas were going to fight for control over the pack.
Pepper came up and placed her hand on his shoulder. Together they walked over to Tony, each rubbing their cheeks against his in a show of support. Holding his mother's hand Steve allowed Pepper to guide him off to the side. Steve had never seen a pack fight before, though he had heard about them. The few stories he had been told were about a bloody and deadly fight where only one alpha walks away. Part of him knew that no one would die in this fight, it didn't stop anyone from being horribly injured.
Steve knew that the only reason he wasn't expected in the alpha fight was that he was still underaged as all the others still thought of him as an alpha. Steve had to bite his tongue to prevent a whimper from escaping his lips. He knew that this fight had to happen to keep the family from breaking apart or killing each other, but he didn't like it. Part of him was worried about what would happen to him if Natasha won. She was too close to Fury for his liking and would demand he reveals his second gender. That would most likely lead to him being forcibly bonded to an alpha of Fury's choosing.
In the alpha circle, Tony was having similar thoughts. The alpha knew that he needed to win this fight to protect his pup. Science only knew what Fury would do when he found out that Captain America was an omega. The Director didn't care about Steve the pup, only what he could get out of Captain America. If either Phil or Natasha won this fight, then Fury would have complete control over all their lives and Tony would rather die than see that one-eyed asshole in control of his family. Pulling off his shirt, Tony glared at the two other alphas. He could feel a rumbling growl growing in his chest and let it out, smiling when he startled the other two.
Phil looked at Stark feeling confused. While an alpha fight was important for pack stability, he knew that neither he nor Natasha were taking it overly seriously. Yet, it seemed that Stark was. What was he fighting for? By now Phil thought he knew the other alpha fairly well and could honestly say that Tony Stark didn't want to be the alpha of the pack for the status…so why did he want it?
Taking a step back, Phil tried to catch Natasha's eye and get her to back off for a moment. He needed to think this through and maybe reschedule the fight. Unfortunately, Natasha either didn't see his signal or decided to ignore it and rushed Stark. Both alphas were going at one another as if to kill. Taking another step back, Phil watched the fight with the others, not sure who he was hoping to win.
Natasha didn't want to rule the pack, it would get in the way of her duties as a spy. If she was honest with herself, Natasha knew that Tony Stark was the perfect alpha for their pack, however, she didn't want to just hand the pack over to him. She wanted him to earn it, so she would not be going easy on him.
From the sides, Steve and Pepper could only watch in horror as Natasha and Tony fought. Steve knew from experience that his dad could hold his own against a super soldier, but he was still worried. Unlike himself, Natasha won't hold back and won't care if she hurts Tony.
Steve wasn't sure how long the fight lasted, but eventually, it was Tony who stood victorious. Bloody, bruised, and injured, but victorious. Tony turned and looked at Phil, daring the agent to challenge him. Knowing that he wasn't a challenge, Phil lowered his head while bearing his neck and stepped back acknowledging Tony as the pack alpha.
Pepper was quickly on her feet and rushing for her mate, pulling off her scent blockers as she raced across the room. It turned out that the suppressants Tony had ordered for both her and Steve were much gentler on the system but didn't fully suppress their scent. This led to both her and Steve wearing scent blockers as well.
Reaching Tony, Pepper paused, not wanting to hurt him further but needing to hold him. Tony just held his arms open for her, welcoming his omega close. Steve was quick to follow his mom, though he kept his scent blockers on despite wanting them off. Spotting his pup, Tony shifted Pepper to the side and held out an arm, inviting his pup to join their hug.
"I'm impressed Stark," Natasha said, rubbing her own injuries. "I didn't think you had it in you."
Tony just shrugged. "I wasn't about to let Fury run this pack through you or Agent." Neither Natasha nor Phil bothered to deny it which was an improvement in Tony's books. Looking over his new pack Tony felt a rush of pride and protectiveness. He was going to do everything in his power to protect them. "Let's all get cleaned up and bandaged then meet up in the common room. I'll have Jarvis order in dinner tonight." Wrapping an arm around Pepper and Steve, Tony guided them out of the gym and towards the elevator. He was hurting but didn't want to show it to anyone other than his omegas.
Pepper and Steve kept quiet until they were safely on their floor. Once the elevator closed behind them the omegas quickly rushed to help their alpha. Steve took all of Tony's weight as he helped his dad to the couch while his mom went for the first-aid kit. Together the two omegas took care of their alpha's injuries.
Once his injuries were tended and he felt stable again Tony asked Jarvis to tell the team, now pack, to gather on the common floor. Standing, Tony guided his omegas down to the common glad to see that everyone else was already there. Leading Pepper and Steve to the open couch Tony stood behind them and looked over his new pack. "I am now Pack Alpha. If any of you have a problem with that then feel free to get out." The alpha paused and looked each of the pack members in the eye. "Good. Now, I have one rule. Break it and I'll kill you myself. I don't care if anyone tells Fury or any other member of SHIELD what happens when we are on missions, however, anything that goes on in this tower stays here. We all need a safe place where we can relax without worrying about what the public or SHIELD might think. Understand?"
When everyone nodded Tony relaxed a little and sat down. "I'm not going to be one of those alphas that demand complete obedience and submission from their pack, cause let's face it, it would never happen here. I will ask for respect though. This is my building and I won that fight fairly. If you have a problem, talk to me and we'll try to work it out. If you want to go off your suppressants and not wear scent blockers, that's fine, but don't hassle anyone who doesn't. We all have our reasons for doing things and don't always want to share. Any questions?"
Thor looked around at the other pack members, noticing that while none seemed upset, none of them made eye contact with Tony. Bruce had been kind enough to spend the last few weeks explaining what a pack is and how they are formed to him. The banished prince had fully enjoyed spending time with Bruce and was hoping for more. For the moment though he had one burning question for the new pack alpha. "What's for dinner?"
The rest of the pack broke out laughing. "I ordered a variety of food for tonight," Jarvis told them. "I included Shawarma, Chinese, Sushi, Italian, and for Prince Thor, I ordered from a Norwegian restaurant."
"Thanks, J," Tony relaxed and settled on the other side of Pepper. As much as he wanted to sit between his omegas, it would give away Steve's secret and he couldn't have that.
The whole team had gathered up on the rooftop garden to watch Tony and Pepper get married one August afternoon. After long talks, the couple had decided to keep their wedding small and intimate, even going so far as to get Rhodey ordained. Tony and Steve had worked together to create special attachments for the bots. Dum-E and U both wanted to be ring bearers, while Butterfingers wanted to be a flower bot.
Pepper had asked Natasha to be her maid of honour while Tony had asked Steve. The four stood together at one end of the garden while the rest of the pack sat in comfortable chairs among the flowers.
"Lady and gents, we're here today because Anthony and Virginia…wow that's weird and I never want to say that again. They have said to one another, "Honey, I love you so much I've just gotta get the government involved!"
Seriously, though. Tones and Pep have given me free rein on the ceremony so we're going to have a fun couple of minutes while we get this hitching done, then we'll all have even more fun when we get to the food and booze. Okay, let's get to it!"
We hold marriage up as a tradition in this country, and we've debated over it a lot in the last few decades, but at the end of the day, why do we do it? I made the joke about loving each other so much we're going to get the government involved, but is that all it really is? Of course, not! It's a tradition, yes, but we change traditions all the time, and we keep the essence of those traditions alive in their new forms. So nowadays marriage isn't what it used to be when Ralph Kramden promised to knock his loving wife Alice "straight to the moon!" night after night in the fifties - Pepper you're definitely not allowed to do that. At all. And neither are you, Tony. Nobody is allowed to knock anybody straight to the moon, no matter how hairy things get or how often Tony swears his suits can do it.
Ahh… There it is. The crux of why we do this marriage thing. Sure, it's a lot of work. Sure, it takes a lot of compromises. But at the end of the day, when you're married, you've got someone to come home to. You've got someone who's promised to love you no matter how smelly your socks get, or no matter how bad your mood is, or no matter what the universe decided to drop on your head this week. And you've got someone to have spaghetti fights in the kitchen with. Someone to laugh at the same silly inside jokes with. After a while, you'll find you've even got someone you share a little inside language with.
We do marriage because it helps to have someone around to walk through life with.
Tony, Pepper, I can't think of two people more suited to go through life together than you. In the time we've gotten to know each other, you've certainly both made me smile, and I've seen that your marriage will be built on a foundation of love and trust, and that's the best shot any of us can give it. You'll need to depend on that foundation of trust and love throughout your marriage. You'll need to be more patient than you've ever had to be before, especially you Pepper. You'll experience higher highs, and lower lows than ever before, but now you'll be in it together - for good.
With that in mind, let's check some legal boxes, shall we?
Tony. Do you take Pepper to be your lawfully wedded wife and omega, to love and comfort her for better or worse, in sickness and health, through all the paperwork, and reap any and all tax benefits for as long as you both shall live?"
"I Do."
"Pepper. Do you take Tony to be your lawfully wedded husband and alpha, to love and comfort him for better or worse, in sickness and health, though all lab binges, and reap any and all tax benefits for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Okay, Tony, now it's time to put a ring on it. Repeat after me, please. Pepper, I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honour you, cherish you, and that I'll try not to get too absorbed in my lab, and I may even make you dinner once in a while.
Alright, Pepper, it's your turn. Repeat after me, please. Tony, I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honour you, cherish you, and that I'll try not to nag you about spending too much time saving the world, and I'll try to clean up after myself.
Well, after that touching exchange, I guess there's only one thing left to do, and that's for me to do my part! By the power vested in me by the state of New York I now pronounce you husband and wife! Well, don't look at me! Kiss her already!"
Steve watched his parents kiss and while he was happy that they were properly mated and married another part of him was a teenaged pup watching his parents' kiss. He really couldn't help himself if he wanted to (which he didn't). "Eww."
Thor and Bruce laughed at the offended look Tony threw his pup. Throwing an arm around Steve's shoulders, Thor guided the pup away from the couple and towards the elevator. "Come, Steven, let's leave your parents alone and go in search of food. Søtning, (Sweeting) are you coming?" Bruce blushed and allowed Thor to wrap an arm around his waist.
Phil pulled Clint close and together the pair followed the three into the elevator. Seeing Tony and Pepper get married made Phil think. He and Clint had mated years ago, but they never bothered to get married. It seemed redundant to Phil at the time, an unnecessary expense and waste of time. Perhaps it was time to rethink his stance on marriage.
Steve and Jarvis had organized the reception in one of the conference rooms. A thoroughly vetted DJ had set up in one corner while a large table with enough seating for everyone was kiddie-corner. Next to the table was a truly massive buffet along with a decent-sized bar. The rest of the room was devoted to a dance floor.
Everyone had gathered by the time Tony and Pepper arrived. They all cheered while the DJ played Shoot to Thrill. Steve shook his head at his dad's choice in music, clearly, he had bribed the DJ. Thankfully, Pepper decided to have lunch first before starting the dancing. Dinner would be served later as they all expected to be here late into the night. Settling down beside his mom Steve figured that most of the pack wouldn't be feeling too good in the morning.
After everyone had eaten Tony stood and pulled Pepper up and onto the dance floor. Soon the notes of Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed' started playing.
He was rather shocked when Pepper pulled him out onto the dance floor next. He was glad that Pepper was such a good dancer as he was still rather hopeless. Together they laughed as he tripped his way around the dance floor. Eventually, Pepper released him to find food while she danced with Rhodey.
Every member of the pack pulled Steve out onto the dance floor at least once throughout the night. He even got to dance with Tony; they had decided against a special dance as it would seem odd to the rest of the pack. Part of Steve was upset, it was just one more thing he had to give up to protect himself and his status as an omega. Thor had given him a bit of his Asgardian mead allowing Steve to get a little tipsy.
As soon as he could Steve excused himself and retreated to his room. The alcohol had lowered his inhibitions and he was feeling terribly maudlin. Curling up in his bed Steve hugged his knees and allowed himself to cry and feel sorry for himself. This was something he would never have.
Natasha stormed into the common and grabbed Steve's arm, hauling him up. "Come on, you're coming with me."
Steve got up and followed his sister, confused. "Where are we going?"
"To the shooting range. I'm teaching you how to shoot!"
"That's really not necessary Nat," Steve tried to protest.
"I wouldn't bother Steve," Clint laughed as he and the rest of the team followed behind. "Once Nat's decided on something, she won't stop."
"Besides," Bruce added with a smile. "It would be a good idea for you to have another weapon. After the last battle I know I would feel better knowing that you had something besides your shield to fight with."
"I'm going to have to agree with Brucie-Bear and Nat on this one Caramellino," Tony reached up to pat Steve on the shoulder. "I would prefer if you had more than one weapon out in the field."
Steve sighed. "I don't mind carrying a gun, but I don't need Nat to teach me."
"Nonsense," Nat shook her head. "You can't just pick up a weapon and fire it without the proper instructions. That would be dangerous. So, you are going to have lessons from myself and Clint."
Steve gave up and allowed his sister to pull him to the shooting range. It annoyed him that they forgot he fought in a war. True he had only spent a few weeks in basic, but he had kept up with his training while on the War Bond circuit. That and George Barnes had taught him and Bucky how to shoot when they were kids, and Bucky had been the greatest sniper in the 107th for that reason.
Once they got to the shooting range Natasha began lecturing Steve on the different types of guns, how to use them, and how each would be best used in battle. Looking the guns over it only took a few moments for Steve to figure out how to use them and compare them to the ones he used to use back in the war. Reaching out he picked up the first gun (a Glock) and looked it over.
"Steve," Natasha warned holding her hand out for the gun. "It's probably not the best idea for you to be waving that gun around."
Ignoring Natasha, Steve cocked the gun and aiming down the range Steve quickly emptied the clip, hitting the center perfectly. Putting the Glock down, Steve moved down the line picking up gun after gun and emptying each clip into the targets. When he was done there was a perfect hole in each target. Leaning his hip against the counter Steve lifted an eyebrow as he smirked.
"Well…" Natasha looked between Steve and the targets. "I suppose you don't need lessons."
Clint laughed, "yeah. You're almost as good as I am."
"I was taught to shoot by George Barnes, the same person that taught one of the greatest snipers of all time. You all seem to forget that I fought in the Second World War and had a gun through the entire thing. It was SHIELD who decided I didn't need any other weapon other than the shield."
"We are going to change that," Tony told him with a smile. "Clearly you are comfortable with guns. Is there one that you prefer using?"
Steve looked over the guns again, considering them all. "During the war, I had a Glock and a rifle. They worked for me. I do like this one," Steve held up the Glock. "And it's small enough that I can easily carry it into battle without it getting in the way of my shield."
"Well for now you can keep that one," Tony told him. "I'll work on something better for you."
"Thanks, dad." Together the two men headed for the elevator.
"You know," Clint said following them. "I may have to challenge you to a shooting contest one of these days."
"Sure, thing Clint," Steve quickly agreed. The moment he was alone the smile fell a little from Steve's face. What I wouldn't give to see Bucky outshoot Clint.
"Steve," Pepper said quietly that night after his big birthday dinner. While the pack had agreed when Steve requested no large party, they had insisted on having a large dinner. After all, it wasn't every day that their youngest member/leader turned nineteen. Dinner was followed by a massive cake that Bruce and Thor had made. Then came presents. Most of the avengers had gotten Steve books while Tony and Pepper had given him art supplies.
Like every other night, Tony, Pepper, and Steve heading back to their floor after dinner to watch movies. It was partially a way to get Steve caught up and just a way to bond as a family. Tonight, Steve decided to settle in the large, overstuffed chair, leaving Pepper and Tony to take the couch.
Pepper sat on the edge of the couch, leaning forward to put a hand on Steve's knee. "We have been talking and want to offer you…an idea. You don't have to say yes. You don't even have to say anything right away."
Instantly, Steve was on edge. Turning to face his mother, he took a deep breath and tried to relax. While he mostly knew that neither Tony nor Pepper would get rid of him, there was a small part of him that was used to people not wanting Steve Rogers, not when they could have Captain America.
Realizing that Steve was on the edge of a panic attack, Tony passed him a few sheets of paper. Taking them, Steve was grateful that no one was trying to make him speak. Turning his attention to the paperwork, Steve quickly read them over, then had to stop and reread them. There was no way this was accurate. Reading it through once more, Steve looked up at the pair.
"So, we were thinking that maybe we could make this family of ours a little bit more legal. If you want," Tony told him after a while.
"What about the public?" Steve asked quietly, not taking his eyes off the paperwork, specifically the spot where his signature was to go.
"With you being underaged, the paperwork will be sealed," Pepper reassured him. "We've already spoken to our lawyers about it, without telling them your name, and we've been assured that no one will be able to find the papers. Jarvis will also be keeping an eye on the digital copies to prevent them from being found until you are ready. I want you to know there is no pressure for you to agree-"
Steve reached over and snatched the pen from the table and quickly signed his name. Smiling, with tears in her eyes, Pepper got up and pulled Steve up into a hug. When she finally pulled back, Pepper didn't fully let Steve go. Instead, she dragged him to the couch and settled him down between her and Tony.
"When you're ready, Pepper and I will announce that we have adopted an underaged pup. If you are comfortable with it, we can say that we've adopted an omega, but if not, we can just leave it out," Tony said as he wrapped an arm around his son. And didn't that feel amazing, knowing that Steve was now officially and legally his son. "Buon compleanno, figlio mio." (Happy Birthday my son.)
Tony and Pepper stood together at the podium, waiting for the gathered press to calm down. "Thank you for coming," Pepper started speaking, getting tired of waiting for the press to shut up. "We have some wonderful news to share with you all today. First, Tony and I got married a few months ago in a private ceremony at Avenger's Tower. Yes, we will be releasing photographs to the press after this statement. No, we saw no need to invite any press to the ceremony. We decided to keep it small and intimate, only our friends and family were present."
Here Pepper paused to let the press shout out questions for a few moments before continuing. "Second," Pepper nearly had to shout to be heard over the press. "For the past few months, we have been working to expand our family, and we are extremely glad to announce that the paperwork has finally gone through on our adoption of a pup. Yes, the pup is living with us. Yes, Tony is an amazing father. No, you won't be receiving any pictures. Now, as the pup is underaged that will be all the information you will be receiving about them. Thank you."
Smirking the pair left the stage and headed straight for the car. Once Happy had closed the door and pulled the car away Tony broke out into laughter.
Christmas came quickly for the Avengers. Steve found himself pulled into the preparations by each pack member. Tony and Pepper asked him to help decorate their floor and the common floor. Tony took Steve to the tree farm where they picked out multiple trees. One for the common floor, one for their private floor, along with a couple for the foyer of SI. While SI's professional decorators took care of the trees in their foyer, Tony, Pepper, and Steve decorated the tree on their floor. Tony pulled the entire pack together to decorate the common floor tree.
Clint and Phil invited Steve to watch some of their favourite Christmas movies. It was quite surprising just how different the Christmas movies were from when he was a kid. Clint was excited over watching Die Hard, despite Phil arguing that it wasn't a traditional Christmas movie.
Bruce and Thor took Steve shopping with them, even though Steve insisted that he already had gifts for everyone. The two men just shrugged and told Steve to come anyways, he could help them with ideas for gifts.
Steve was most surprised when Natasha stole him for an afternoon to bake. Together the pair made ginger snaps, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, shortbread, oatmeal cookies and pryaniki. By the time they were done, there were nearly 24 dozen cookies.
Christmas morning came along with a snowstorm. Steve woke a little later than normal and found that his parents were already awake and waiting for him. "Morning Caramellino," Tony greeted him, holding out a cup of hot chocolate.
"Morning Athair, Máthair," Steve gratefully accepted the hot chocolate and settled down in the open spot between his parents.
"Did you sleep alright?" Pepper asked as she ran her fingers through Steve's hair.
"I did."
"Did you want to head down to the common floor now or wait a bit longer?" Tony asked. "We don't have any gifts on this floor, so if you want presents, we have to go down."
"Can we wait a bit? I don't feel up to the whole pack just yet." Slumping into the couch, Steve leaned into Tony resting his head on the alpha's shoulder.
Jarvis interrupted them a half-hour later. "Father, the rest of the pack are wondering where you are. Clint is threatening to open all the presents if you're not down soon."
"Okay!" Steve jumped up, knocking the breath out of Tony. "Let's go! I don't want Clint getting his hands on your presents." Not bothering to wait for his parents Steve rushed for the stairs and was gone before Pepper could stand.
"What does it say about that boy that he's not worried about his presents but ours?" Tony asked as he and Pepper headed for the elevator.
"That he is a truly good person and far too good for either of us," she joked. The pair arrived just in time to see Steve tackling Clint over the couch. "Steven!" Pepper scolded while trying not to laugh.
Steve turned and looked properly chastised. "Sorry, Máthair. Clint was going for your present."
Phil shook his head from where he was curled up in the oversized chair. "I did tell you not to touch the presents, Clint." Clint just shrugged as he climbed up into Phil's lap.
"Would it be safe to assume that we are doing presents before breakfast," Pepper laughed as she and Tony took the loveseat.
Steve paused where he was standing in front of the tree, a present already in his hands. Turning he looked at his mom sheepishly, "yes?"
The others just laughed. Pepper covered her mouth to cover her laughter. "Carry on handing out the presents, Steve." Having been given permission Steve began passing out all the presents. "Steve," Pepper laughed. "don't forget to take one for yourself." Blushing Steve went back to the tree and picked out a small one with his name on it.
"Oh, Steve!" Pepper cried out as she pulled a beautiful lace knit scarf out of the box. Wrapping the scarf around her neck while trying to get a better look at it. "This is wonderful. Wherever did you get it?"
"Um…" Steve blushed and lowered his head. "I made them."
Hearing this the others quickly opened their presents, eager to see what Steve had gotten them. Each Avenger had gotten a scarf in their colours. Tony had been ecstatic when he unwrapped a red and gold scarf with Iron Man helmets on either end. Clint had gotten a dark purple scarf with bright purple arrows on the ends, while Natasha's was black with red widows' symbols. Phil had gotten a dark grey scarf with black sunglasses. Bruce had laughed at his green and purple scarf with Hulk hands, while Thor had begged Steve to show him how he had created the grey and blue scarf with Mjolnir on the ends.
"Are you going to open yours, Steven?" Thor asked as he wrapped his scarf around his neck.
Blinking up at Thor, Steve seemed to remember that he was holding a present. "Right," chuckling Steve began carefully unwrapping the present.
"Steve! You're killing me here," Tony groaned and leaned his head against the back of the love seat. "It's not the depression or the war anymore you can just rip the paper."
Looking up at his dad, Steve slowed down even more. When he finally got the present unwrapped and the box opened Steve's breath caught. There in the white tissue paper was a first edition of The Hobbit. "Bruce, Thor! This is too much! How did you know?"
Bruce shrugged, "I figured since it came out in thirty-seven you might have read it."
Steve clutched the book close to his chest. "Bucky used to read this to me when I was too sick to get out of bed." In his mind, Steve could still see Bucky sitting on the fire escape with a smoke between his lips reading the book while the radio played in the background.
After a sharp look from Tony, the others left Steve alone and continued opening presents. Thankfully, the rest of Steve's presents were not as upsetting. Most were clothes and art supplies. After watching Steve's reaction to Bruce and Thor's present, Tony felt a little bad about what he had for Steve but knew that after a few tears, Steve would love it.
"Caramellino," he called out once everyone was done with presents. "Your mom and I have special gifts for you."
"We meant for some of them to be birthday presents, but it didn't work out in time," Pepper added as she and Steve watched Tony get up and leave the common. They had stashed Steve's presents in one of the large closets, just off the living room. Steve watched, confused as his dad brought out a large stack of boxes, most of which were not wrapped.
"I feel like I should apologize for the crying you're going to do," Tony chuckled a little, feeling both excited and nervous.
"Why would you get him a present that you know will make him cry, Tony?" Phil demanded. He and Natasha both looked ready to challenge Tony again.
Pepper held up her hand to stop an argument. "Just wait and see. I helped pick everything out, so there is nothing horrible. Quite the opposite really."
Steve ignored the others, far too used to their arguments by now, and he was far more interested in what his parents had gotten him that they thought was going to make him cry. Reaching for the boxes Steve looked up at his dad, silently asking which one to open first. Tony wasn't quite sure which would be best but tapped the largest box first.
Opening the box Steve paused before moving the tissue paper out of the way. Instantly he froze, unable to believe what he was seeing. Carefully he reached into the box, scared that it might disappear on him. Pulling the blanket out of the box he buried his face in it, ignoring the tears streaming down his face. "How?" Steve lowered the blanket just enough to look at his parents.
"I contacted the Smithsonian a few weeks after the battle and asked what they had of yours. Then I went through the list of items and asked them for these. It took a while for them to listen to me and understand that the items were for you and not my private collection," Tony laughed a little. "We thought you might like some of your Ma's things back."
Gathering up the blanket his Ma had made for him when he first presented, Steve crawled up onto the couch and buried himself between his parents. "Thank you." He couldn't open the other boxes just yet but knowing that they contained his things from before made him feel warm and cared for.
Phil silently motioned for the others to head for the kitchen wanting to give the small family time together. "Let's get started on breakfast for everyone. Give Steve some time to calm down."
"I'm really impressed with Stark's gift," Natasha said with a smile.
"I don't know why," Thor frowned at her. "Anthony has been a wonderful father for Steven. He and the Lady Pepper have done everything they can for him. I have greatly enjoyed my time here far more because of Anthony."
"I know," Natasha held up her hands in surrender. "I figured out how wrong I was a long time ago. Stark…Tony's a great alpha and runs this pack like he should."
"Awe, I'm touched Agent Romanoff," Tony snickered from the doorway. "Now, where's my breakfast?"
After breakfast was done, Steve (still wrapped in his blanket) went back to the other boxes. Pulling the boxes closer to him, Steve leaned against his dad's legs. Tony and Pepper were cuddled up on the loveseat while the rest of the pack spread out around the living room while Jarvis turned on Christmas movies.
Steve was thankful that the others were distracted with the movies and weren't watching him. Opening the second box he was happy to find his sketchbooks. Picking the first one up he flipped through and smiled through his tears. There in charcoal was his mother's face. Reaching out with trembling fingers he gently traced the lines.
Tony leaned down and ran his fingers through Steve's hair. "If you want Piccolo, we can get framed for your room. Jarvis can also scan them so that you will always have them."
"Go raibh maith agat, a Dhaid." (Thanks, Dad.)
"Rud ar bith duitse, a mhic. (Anything for you, my son.) Tony was glad that he had started to learn Irish with the help of Jarvis, though Steve told him his accent was shit. That comment was usually followed by Steve telling him, 'Cé, is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste.' (Though, broken Irish is better than clever English.) He and Pepper had noticed that when Steve was distressed, or feeling nostalgic, he slipped into Irish. They also found that it was happening more and more often as he relaxed.
Switching the boxes Steve continued to go through his and his Ma's things feeling more and more content as the time passed. He found himself cocooned in his Ma's blanket leaning against his parents' legs. His mom's fingers running through his hair while his dad's hand rested on his shoulder. Letting out a content sigh, Steve rested his head on his dad's knee. At that moment Steve felt like he was on top of the world, nothing could bring him down.
Steve woke up screaming. Panting, he rubbed a hand over his face then remembered the date. His heart sped up and he found himself gasping for breath. It felt like the attacks he used to suffer when he was a pup.
"Steve," Jarvis said quietly, not wanting to startle his brother. "Are you alright?" In the months since Steve had moved in Jarvis had grown quite attached to his younger brother. He went out of his way to make sure that Steve had everything he needed or wanted. "It is currently, three-forty-seven in the morning of February first, two-thousand and thirteen. The weather is predicted to be negative fifteen with scattered flurries throughout the day."
While he was trying to talk his brother out of a panic attack through one speaker, Jarvis used an earpiece to contact their father. Tony had made the earpiece so that Jarvis could alert him at night without bothering Pepper. "Father, it's Steve. He appears to have woken from a nightmare and is currently having a panic attack." Jarvis had taken up calling Tony, father when it was just the family and both he and Tony were loving it.
Tony was instantly awake. Shifting slowly to not wake Pepper, he slipped out of bed and headed down the hall to Steve's room. He thought about knocking, but quickly threw that idea out, instead, he just opened the door and let himself in. "Steve? Caramellino?" Tony looked around the dimly lit room, thankful that Jarvis had turned the lights on low. Steve was curled up in a small ball on his pillow, hiding his face behind his knees, rocking back and forth. "Oh, Piccola. Andrà bene; era solo un brutto sogno." (Oh, little one. It will be okay; it was just a bad dream.)
"Chaill mé athair dó," (I lost him dad) Steve whispered as he buried himself in his father's chest. "Bhí mé ag sroicheadh dó ... rinne mé iarracht é a tharraingt suas. Rinne mé iarracht…" (I was reaching for him…I tried to pull him up. I tried…)
Tony froze when he realized what Steve was talking about. Today was the anniversary of Bucky's death. For me and the rest of the world it had been 68 years, but for Steve…for Steve it had only been a year. Fuck. "I know you tried; everyone knows you tried. You can't blame yourself for something Hydra did." Tony ran his fingers through Steve's hair trying to calm the boy. Once Steve's breathing evened out Tony shifted a little so he could look Steve in the eye. "Come on Caramellino, let's get back into bed. I'll stay with you if you want me to."
Steve allowed himself to be pulled upright and lowered back into bed. Tony reached down and pulled Steve's quilt up to his pup's neck. Cuddling into Tony's side Steve let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, dad. Love you."
Shocked Tony froze for a moment. Then, with a soft smile, he leaned down and kissed his son's head. "I love you too bambino."
Hope you all liked it. Let me know what you think.