…Between Illusion And Love…
/Warning/: The story contains, cursing, angst, sadness, smut, violence, Darkness, arranged married, attempt murder, murder, mention of pregnancy, manipulation, mention of infidelity, character(s) death, death and blood, mental breakdown, mental health issues, implied Steve/Bucky, possessiveness, obsessive Steve. All reviews are appreciated.
P.S: This is an Omega-Verse story as in Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamic, with Alpha Tony Stark and Omega Steve Rogers; it is a dark story that takes a place in the MCU timeline, but with many major changes such as Tony Stark/Iron Man being a villain and that Steve Rogers is not Captain America.
Disclaimer: I will only say this once. I don't own anything and make no profit from this story.
…Love…
It was on a normal boring day, Steven Rogers realized…
He was in love with his husband…
.
…
.
Steve Rogers didn't experience what anyone would have called a normal childhood; with an absent mother who work herself tirelessly as a nurse to pay for their everlasting debts, and a father who does nothing other than drink and gamble their money away, life was hard. It wasn't like Steve didn't know that his mother loved him, he know she does; that's why she work day and night to try and provide for him, even when they don't have enough money to go by. It wasn't like Steve didn't know his father cared about him in his own twisted way; he knew his father does; that's why every time his Dad wasn't passed out in his own vomit and gambling their money away, he would take Steve with him for a Father-Son day, teaching him self-defense and telling Steve, stories about his days in the military.
Even with all of that, it didn't stop Steve from being lonely, after sitting alone one too many birthdays in the kitchen waiting for one of his parents and receiving nothing, he couldn't help getting lonely. He knew his parents didn't have the money to buy him a cake or even a present, he knew they couldn't offer something silly as decorating their apartment and hosting a party like every other kid in Steve's class did, he knew his mother was always busy with her work and his father was hopping from one bar to another, wasting their money away… it didn't stop him from wishing that his mother and father would tell him 'Happy Birthday' on their way out, instead of leaving him sitting alone in their apartment, gazing at the disgusting wallpaper that was ripped in some places while waiting for a miracle.
Steve was a big boy, though, so he must act like one. Big boys don't cry when their parents fight for the hundredth time about money, big boys don't bother their mothers to buy them new shoes when their old ones get tattered and ripped; big boys should help their parents as much as they can with the house chores, not grimacing and getting sick as they wiped away the vomit from the floors and throw the empty alcohol bottles in the trash. Steve can do that and more, he was a big boy, and big boys don't cry, even when they get bullied by their classmates and getting laughed at by some of their teachers.
It continued like this… his mother being absent and absent day and night, sometimes only returning home after days or weeks, and even then, she doesn't give Steve anything other than a 'Hello' and a passing glance before she went to her room to sleep. It continued like this… his father drinking and drinking, gambling and getting into fights day and night, leaving Steve alone as he went on his quest, returning weeks, sometimes months after; their Father-Son day is forever no more as the man lost himself and forgot his family. It continued like this… Steve was a big boy, cleaning the house and doing his chores; studying and finishing his homework, always making sure he gets full marks because big boys should always ace their studies. Steve was a big boy, so that meant he had to find a job and bring money home, help his mother pay the bills; Steve was a big boy, even if it meant waking up early for his job, walking in the dark every day to deliver newspapers.
Steve was a big boy, but that all changed when he met Bucky Barnes… after that he didn't want to be a big boy anymore… he met Bucky on his first day of high school, accidentally bumping into the teen while he was hurrying into his next class; Steve didn't know how it happened, but by the end of the week Bucky declared himself, Steve's best friend, refusing to leave Steve alone, always attached to his side, even when Steve always pushed him away.
Bucky was a charming young man; smart, athlete; he was a man, presenting before his classmate as an Alpha. Bucky was loved by everyone, and many wanted to date him or want to be his friends; it still confused Steve to this day how Bucky wanted him to be one of his friends when all the school was salivating and doing what they can to get his attention. But as they said, life goes on. Steve became Bucky's best friend, and being Bucky's friend meant he had someone who cared about him and wanted the best for him; being Bucky's friend meant someone always asked 'How was your day, Stevie?' or 'Are you alright, Stevie?' or 'Here, Mom, baked this for you.'
Being Bucky's friend meant meeting his family; it meant meeting 'Winnie', 'George' and little 'Becca', and being considered one of their own. Being Bucky's friend meant always being invited to family dinners at the weekend, it meant having someone to study with; it meant having someone punching the bullies away when they harass him. Being Bucky's friend, meant experiencing many different emotions and feelings, it meant he didn't have to carry the burden on his own anymore, it meant that he had someone in his corner when everything and everyone turned against him; being Bucky's friend, and being considered a family, opened Steve's eyes to how defunct and neglecting his family was…
Being Bucky's friend was the best thing in his life, enabling Steve to experience many things, hope for many things, wish for many things; it gave him the stability to stand up for his own and take charge of his own life. Being Bucky's friend, meant going to Winnie and George first when he presented as an Omega, which as much as it should have shamed Steve (And it did at that time before Winnie and George sat with him and talked to him, giving him their love and support and never judging him. His parents never wanted an Omega, an Omega was useless, nothing but a burden and money consuming; Alphas have better chances at getting jobs, so Steve should have presented as one) on the opposed, it made him happy because then it meant he had a chance with Bucky… because being Bucky's friend, meant he will eventually fall in love with him.
For the first time in his life, Steve was actually happy and content…
Everything was fine, everything was good, and for once Steve's life was looking up; he was going to graduate high school and go into college thanks to being smart enough to get a scholarship; he had grown up, no longer the small sickly boy, but a man of his own right, passing the six feet mark, with a muscled body thanks to taking up boxing with Bucky when George boasted about turning them into world champions when he was done teaching them… but the most important thing, was having Bucky by his side, Bucky who confessed, kissing him sweetly as he asked him out, reducing Steve to a blushing mess as he said 'Yes' over and over again.
For the first time, Steve had something to look up to, for the first time he had something to hope for; a future with Bucky where he imagined having a family. A beautiful house, with a nice garden surrounded by a white picket fence, and maybe… maybe if the two of them wanted, a child or two running and playing in the garden with Bucky while Steve being content drawing them… everything was fine for once in his life…
Until his mother got sick and hospitalized…
Suddenly, it meant that Steve had to be once again a big boy, working day and night to provide enough money for the treatment for his mother; a mother that looked at Steve like this was somehow his fault. Suddenly, his mother's sickness brought his father back (It brought him back after a year of absence) bringing with him a mountain of debts and debt collectors who constantly knocked on their apartment's door, threatening the man and later Steve with harm if he didn't pay everything back. Suddenly, Steve was drowning day after day, being forced to smile against his will as he once more trying not to imagine stabbing his mother repeatedly in the heart and pushing his father down the stairs as he told Bucky 'Sorry, Buck, but I can't go on a date tonight, I have work', it meant his grades dropped drastically that he was told if he didn't get his act together he will lose his scholarship, it didn't really matter to Steve, not when he ended up graduating only because Winnie and George insisted that he still attend school and not spent his time working day and night. Steve was drowning and sinking to the bottom of the ocean, but this time, not even Bucky can save him as he did all these years ago; this time, not even Bucky managed to make Steve stable enough to forget about the murderous thoughts and anger he always felt.
Steve really hated being a big boy...
"You don't have to do this all alone, Steve, I am here, I can help… please let me help…" Suddenly turned into "You don't own them a shit! Why are you destroying your life for them when they were the ones who abandoned you?" This turned into "Let's run away! The two of us, you and me; we have the whole world before us, Steve, please, let's run away from here…" That later turned to… "Please, Stevie… I can't do this anymore… I can't see you drive yourself to the ground… I… I am s-sorry… so s-sorry…" That ended with Bucky enlisting in the army and leaving Steve alone; Steve never blamed Bucky for that, he never got mad or cried or cursed the world for taking Bucky away from him, not when Steve was the one who drove him away, and not when everything lost its colors and left Steve constantly numb to everything. Steve was grateful that even after he ended up breaking both of their hearts, Bucky didn't leave him completely, that he still declared himself Steve's best friend; always sending Steve's letters and asking about how he was and what he was doing.
Life goes on, and Steve was still drowning, until that day…
Steve hummed tiredly as he put the few flowers he managed to pick in the vase before him, ignoring the penetrating gaze that his mother was sending his way; his mother was probably thinking of something that not even Steve know about, maybe she was even thinking about his father who was passed out in his own vomit in one of the many alleyways in Brooklyn. "So… you presented as an Alpha…" His mother suddenly asked, making Steve pause for a second before returning back to his job of arranging the flowers, just to have something to do with his hands.
He shouldn't answer, Steve doesn't owe his mother any explanation, but in the end, he only huffed before leaving the flowers turning to his mother to see that she was still looking at him; expecting. "I presented as an Omega," Steve said, not feeling any shame for his designation, not even when his mother scrunched up her nose momently.
"I see…" She said, looking him up and down and seeming to study him before she turned away, letting out a huff as she found what she was looking for no doubt. "Then you better keep that to yourself; a body like this would never attract any Alpha, the only thing you got going for you, is your face, and even then, it wouldn't get much attention if you kept that attitude going." His mother stated, her words breaking what's left of Steve's heart and causing his eyes to mist with tears, but Steve just swallowed and controlled himself; he was a big boy, and big boys don't cry.
"Yeah, well, it isn't like I am looking for an Alpha or anything; so my attitude doesn't matter in the end." Steve rolled his eyes, once more ignoring his mother's huff as he walked to pick up his backpack from the ground. "I am going to come back tomorrow after work; here I brought you this." Steve took a few of his mother's novels he brought from home, putting them on the nightstand beside the bowl of fruit, not paying too much attention to how his mother seemed to pause in her place.
Steve closed the zipper before turning around walking to the door, planning on going to his next job now that he gave his mother what he came here to do. "Steve…" His mother whispered softly, and Steve almost didn't hear it, but he did, and he turned to look at his mother to see if she needed anything; his mother wasn't looking at him, though, instead, she was gazing at her clenched hands before letting out a tired sigh. "I am sorry…" That was the only thing she said, and Steve didn't even know why she was apologizing; was she apologizing about what she said earlier? Or was she apologizing for all the nights Steve spent alone, wondering when one of his parents would return? Or was she apologizing for being the reason he felt trapped and helpless, feeling anger and wanting to kill and choke anyone that as much as looked at him? In the end, Steve just hummed, but didn't answer her, closing the door behind him, not wanting to stay a moment longer… he had a job, and the conversation these words brought is no doubt heavy and would cause Steve to feel guilty when he wasn't the one who should feel like that.
Walking; Steve walked as fast as he can it was hard for him to say he didn't run away, and why wouldn't he run away, when he knew that he can't handle hearing what his mother was going to spew next? Walking inside the alley, a shortcut that would get him faster to his workplace, Steve paused when he heard the whimper of fear coming not that far away… Leave, ignore them and leave… part of Steve whispered, urging Steve to turn around and leave this place, not wanting to be thrust in the middle of another problem when he already have a lot more on his plate. But as always, Steve never saw a problem that he didn't middle in it, which was why he squared his shoulders and walked faster to where the sound was coming, letting out a growl when he saw one of the local gang members pointing a gun at a lady, who looked shaken in her place and tears were streaming down her face.
"Let her go, asshole!" Steve snapped, running fast and punching the Alpha in the face, taking the man by surprise and stunning him enough for Steve to kick him in the nuts; when the man fell down in pain, Steve ran and griped the woman's hand, pulling her out of the alley as he heard the Alpha snarl in rage as he tried no doubt to stand up and go after them. Running into a crowded area, Steve let out a relieved sigh, knowing that the man won't follow them now, not when there were too many witnesses to test against him or stop him when he threatened them with a gun. "Are you OK, Ma'am?" Steve asked turning to the woman who was a little shaken, but other than that was thankfully alright. Omega… was what Steve realized when he managed to catch a waft of the woman's scent, and part of Steve couldn't help but get sick at the thought of what the asshole would have done to her if Steve didn't step in time; even old and no doubt a mother, it was something that wouldn't have stopped the Alpha before especially when the Omega was beautiful and elegant.
"Oh, yes, thank you so much." The woman trembled as she said those words, trying to smile as she wiped her tears away, giving Steve a grateful look. "I didn't know what to do when he pulled me into the alleyway, and then he refused the money, and I… I didn't know what to do…" The woman explained, and Steve tried not to wince or grimace in front of the woman, his suspicion confirmed about what the asshole from before wanted… good thing that Steve managed to get there in time, but now, Steve was going to be late for his work, that and the asshole no doubt saw his face and would come after him later… which was just great.
"It's OK, Ma'am, everything is going to be fine; next time though, try not to go to these kinds of areas," Steve said, glancing at his watch and wincing when he saw he only had fifteen minutes to make it to work, which he really needed to go to; but on the other hand the older woman was holding his hand tightly, refusing to let it go, which was a problem. "Do you want me to wait with you until your ride arrives?" Steve asked, ended up cursing himself for being so soft-hearted, but the relieved look the woman sent his way made him melt a little and took the woman to the café across the street, letting her take a seat near the window as he went to order tea and some cakes for them; Steve knew he shouldn't have spent money he didn't have on these kinds of luxuries, but he was also starved and haven't eaten anything since yesterday's breakfast… he was sure a few dollars for indulgence won't hurt. "Here you go, Ma'am." Steve put the tea and cakes in front of the woman, causing her to smile gently at him and put the phone in her purse.
"Thank you, young man; I am sorry for burdening you with helping me, you probably have important business to attend to." The Omega whispered before taking a sip out of her tea, letting out a happy sigh when the tea no doubt warmed her from the inside. "Oh, where did my manner goes! My name is Maria Carbonell, what about you, dear?" She suddenly asked, causing Steve to turn his attention from his tea to the woman.
"Steve Rogers, Ma'am; I would have said nice to meet you, but I would have preferred if we have met another way," Steve stated wryly, causing the woman to laugh softly, her laugh was melodic in a way, causing Steve to relax in his place, giving the woman a shy smile of his own. The two of them talked about nothing in practical, exchanging smiles and laughs as they chatted about many things; and it was only then that Steve was told that Maria came to this side of Brooklyn to buy something for her mate, an old relic of the past that she only found in these parts, which was equally sweet and dangerous. As they talked Steve tried not to look at his watch, knowing exactly that he had already run out of time and when his boss was going to see him, he was going to chew him out for being late; but for now, Steve didn't care, not when this was the first time in months that he had a really good time, being talked to like he was a human instead of a mean to an end, and not having those dark thoughts brewing in the back of his mind… it was nice, talking to someone like that again, the only ones he talked to are Winnie and George, and even then, this past year and a half was a hell that made him drift apart from the ones he considered his true family.
"Oh, this must be my ride…" Maria said after some time, when a fancy car that shouldn't even come to these parts of the town parked outside the café; they stood up, and Steve guide the woman to the car, part of him fearing that the nasty Alpha from before had found them while another part wanted to get a closer look to the fancy car. "Thank you, for saving me today; Steven, I'm very sorry for troubling you." Maria hugged Steve as she said that and Steve couldn't help but flush a little, a small smile painting his face; the last time someone hugged him like this was Winnie and it had been a long time since he saw her that he missed her so much.
They talked for a little while more, with Steve advising Maria to not come into this part of town unless she had a chaperon, that this place was not safe, especially, for people who wear fancy clothes like the Omega before him. "Thank you for protecting, Mrs. Carbonell, young Alpha, if there is anything you need, please inform me and I will do it to the best of my ability." The driver 'Jarvis' told him offering him a business card, making Steve raises his eyebrow and give the Beta a strange look.
"I am an Omega," Steve stated wryly, trying to ignore the hurt at the shocked look he was at the end of; Steve knew he was not what you may call an Omega, being tall and muscular, with a big attitude and a bigger mouth, it also didn't help that Steve take suppressant and mask his scent (Mainly because no one wants to hire an Omega that may cause troubles when they can get an Alpha) but Steve never felt ashamed of what he was and would never be, even when people give him strange looks like he was some kind of dancing monkey. "And I don't need anything from you, thanks; I can get by on my own." Steve gave the Beta an icy smile, turning to Maria before waving his goodbyes and continuing on his way, knowing fully that his boss was going to have his ass for being late that day…
It was only a few days later that he saw Maria once more…
This time she came to him with her husband…
It was one of his rare days off, where Steve knew he was going to clean the dirty house from top to bottom while throwing many alcohol bottles away, knowing damn well that his father would no doubt scream his head at him when he realize that Steve found his stash and dispose it outside the house, that or Steve was going to find his father passed out in an alley and he had to drag him home and run him a bath. It was a day that Steve knew he had to buy groceries with what was left after paying the bills and some of his father's debts while knowing that he had to cook something and bring it to his mother because no doubt she was getting sick of the hospital food. It was one of the days when he was still going out with Bucky, the Alpha would have stolen him for the whole day, checking him over before spending the day hugging and kissing him, telling him how much he loved him and that everything was going to be OK.
So Steve cleaned the small apartment, grimacing at the vomit, alcohol, and other substances sipping into the carpet which meant he would throw it away and he did, after wrestling with it for an hour, knowing that no one would buy a carpet full of piss, vomit, and alcohol. He went and bought groceries with the meager change he had in his pocket, bread, tea, and cheap food that would last them until the end of the month or until Steve found another job that would help him save a few more dollars for the food. He prepared a meal for his mother, planning on taking it to her after he rested a little bit more, knowing fully well that as soon as he saw her, she would no doubt try and 'Apologize' to him while berating him subtly in the same breath, which would make Steve's fists twitched as he tried not to put his hand's around his mother's neck and squeeze. The only thing that was worth it, was the letter he received from Bucky that day, making him smile happily as he read about the adventures the Alpha encountered in the barricades with the other cadets; Steve was happy that the Alpha didn't abandon him completely, that the two of them were still his best friends even if they couldn't be something more, and who knows? Maybe if this was over and Steve managed to free himself from his shackles, if this was over and the two of them were still single, maybe they could try again… maybe the cozy house and the beautiful garden were still within reach…
It was only when his door was being knocked on, that Steve stiffens in his place, wondering if it was his father, or if it was another loan shark that would threaten Steve with the unspeakable if he didn't pay what his father owed them. As much as Steve wanted to leave whoever was knocking on his door out there, there was no answer to what they would dare to do, and Steve wasn't in the mood to have someone break into his apartment and go through everything, even if there was nothing worthy to steal, that and Steve just cleaned the apartment.
"Coming!" Steve called out, letting out a tired sigh and a grimace as he walked to the door, preparing himself to encounter a loan shark who ask for their money or his father who woke up in one of the dumpsters and came home to crash on the couch once more. What greeted Steve was not one of those, instead, when he opened the door, Steve was greeted by Maria who was beaming happily when she saw him while holding the hand of a much older gentleman that was trying to hide the grimace at the sight before him. "Mrs. Carbonell?" Steve asked, giving the Omega a confused smile as he opened the door to the pair, wondering what people are going to say when they see these fancy people entering his shabby apartment… he hoped he won't get mugged for it.
"Steven! I am so happy to see you again!" Maria called out, letting go of her no doubt mate and coming to hug Steve tightly, a smile panting her red lips showing him her white teeth. Steve was confused even more at such a display and how the woman found his place, but nevertheless, he hugged the woman and invited her and her mate into the apartment.
It was only when everyone was seated with a steaming cup of tea that Steve finally dared to voice the question swimming inside his head since the first time he opened the door and saw Maria in front of him. "Um, not to be rude or anything but… why are you here? Or better yet, how did you know my address?" Steve asked, his eyes darting from Maria to her husband who was still eyeing Steve's home with scrunched nose and grimace, which was rude.
Before Maria can answer, her husband stopped her and turned to Steve, his mouth sit in a frown and his eyes were sharp as they took him in. "We have a proposition for you." The stated in a strong voice, and even Steve had to raise an eyebrow at the commanding tone the man tried to use on him; a few seconds passed, and the man blinked a few times as he studied Steve before his lips twitched. "Your hand in marriage in exchange for all your family debts being paid." Steve inhaled harshly at that, looking at the man like he had lost his mind or was talking alien, and maybe he did, because Steve may have heard something like 'You' and 'Marriage' and later followed by 'Debts' and 'Paid' in the same sentence. "...Of course, we will also pay for your mother's treatments, she would be seen by the best doctors there is; they do say she is up to a speedy recovery and…" Steve raised his hand, cutting the man from saying anything else, especially when he was feeling lightheaded like he was about to faint any minute now.
"Excuse me… I will probably sound rude, but… what the actual fuck?" Steve spat, looking at the man before him like he was from another planet completely because he was sure the man told him, he would solve the family debts that plagued him since he was young, and told him that he would pay for his mother's treatment and the speedy recovery she is in for. "Sir, I don't even fucking know who you are, and you probably don't know shit about me, and you are asking for my hand in marriage?" Steve looked between the scandalized man and Maria, who was having a hard time controlling her laughter, putting a hand on her mouth to stop her loud laugh from being heard.
"Of course, I know about you!" The man snapped; face red in embarrassment as he glared at Steve like he couldn't quite believe that he was embarrassed by an Omega with a foul mouth. "Steven Grant Rogers, age 19 would turn 20 in five months; would have graduated from high school with honor and scholarship if it wasn't for your mother getting sick. Work three jobs to pay for your family debts and your mother's treatment. Having an alcoholic father who gamble your money away and a nurse as a mother who worked twenty-four/seven to pay the debts; you have been involved with James Buchanan Barnes a schoolmate and a friend until the Alpha enlisted in the military. You-" The Alpha was cut by Maria elbowing him in the ribs, sending him a reproaching glare and ordering him silently to shut up.
"Enough, Howard, you already scared the boy with your stalk-ish tendencies," Maria stated, glaring at Howard and ordering him to be quiet for she no doubt was going to handle the situation that Howard ruined. "Sorry about him, dear, he can be… pushy... sometimes…" Maria smiled tiredly, not even knowing the right way to descript her Alpha; pushy? The man was more than pushy and board on invasive, but Steve was not going to point that out to the woman, not when she was looking tired and done with her husband's middling. "The thing is, I like you, Steven, not only because you saved my life, but also with how spirited and strong-willed you are; not many people, least of all an Omega would dare to interfere in what could have been a possible death, not only that, the way you hold yourself as you stated what you are without a shame is admiring. Someone like you is just perfect for our son; you see my son… you can say he is a challenge on his own, not many can understand him, and even less wanted to get to know him, but I am sure with you in the picture that would change and soon." Maria smiled as she said those words, giving Steve a knowing look before standing up and putting her hand on Steve's head running her hand through his hair. "Just think about it," she said, putting a business card on the table before kissing his forehead, pulling her mate with her, and guiding him outside while waving goodbye to Steve; leaving Steve frozen in his place as he touched his forehead that was still tingling.
This was absurd, crazy; insane… out of the world even! Steve was no doubt dreaming about this madness, but the business card still on the coffee table informed Steve otherwise. Steve took the card intending to rip it to pieces, but he thought better than that and put it in his pocket, shaking his head as he went to the kitchen, taking his mother's lunch and a few more books before making the journey to the hospital. Reaching his mother's room, it was the same as always, with her looking at him like he was a stranger that she doesn't know how to handle, trying to apologize while insulting him subtly in the same breath, and maybe she doesn't realize she does; always pointing that he needed to tidy his look, put a little bit of makeup, get out there and try to find an Alpha who would accept an Omega with Steve's size. His mother was a Beta, so Steve ration with himself that she doesn't understand what it meant to be an Omega, but even then, her words hurt more and more as she continued, only to apologize later and smile at him tiredly like she didn't just insult him and broke him with her words, then she started thanking him for staying by her side when other wouldn't. Returning home, Steve was greeted by the sight of his father passed out, leaning on the front door as he snorted loudly, a bottle in one of his hands while the other was under his head; bruises coloring his face informing Steve that the man had been either involved in a bar fight or the loan sharks get a hold of him, again. Closing his eyes tightly, Steven swallowed as he went to help his father up, dragging him to his bedroom before taking off his shoes and jacket, throwing the bottle away, and putting a wastebasket near him; it was only an hour or two before someone knocking on the door, another loan shark, someone new, who again threat Steve with a deadline and pain if the money wasn't delivered.
Rinse and repeat. Wake up and 4 A.M. in the morning and then go to work, have a short lunch break and then more work, go to his mother when the sunset and sit for half an hour to hear her complains, complements, and insults before going to work; return home after 1 A.M. to find his father passed out outside of their apartment in various states of pitifulness, often accompanied by a loan shark and debt collectors that demand their money and threat Steve daily… rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat; rinse and repeat… rinse and repeat…
Steve lasted a month before calling Maria Carbonell…
...Love…
The Carbonell family turned out to be the Stark family, and to Steve's horror, it turned out to be the famous Starks that rule America, possibly the entire world with their fortune and companies. Maria Carbonell turned out to be Maria Stark, and part of Steve didn't know if he should feel betrayed or continued to be shocked at the turn of events that greeted him. But as they said life goes on; the Stark held their end of the deal, paying all of his family's debts and his hospital bills and treatment, leaving Steve for the first time in his life... free... which made him take a shuddered breath at the temporary freedom he gained, because it was Steve's turn to hold his end, and with that, it meant marrying their son, the Stark heir, an Alpha, and someone who was older than him by six years, and probably not interested in a child who didn't even start college yet.
Anthony Edward Stark… as steve learned, was a strange man and stranger Alpha, which was the closest Steve, can descript him without going deep into his confusing and strange personality. He was cold, he was calculated, he was rational, and at the same time childish, a man who act like five years old instead of someone who was twenty-five. All of that Steve gathered from the Alpha's first impression when he saw Steve, which was nothing short of a harsh frown and a glare sent to his parents before the man pouted and started insulting everyone; through all of that, Steve had to swallow his curses and growls, trying to tame himself and control his foul mouth least he cursed like a sailor in front of his future husband and all of that jazz... if it was up to Steve, the Omega would have punched the man in the face and called it a day.
"Don't ruin this, Steven, a chance like this comes only once in a lifetime; don't be foolish and waste it on dreams and wishes, and for God's sake, take care of yourself as a proper Omega! No self-respected Alpha would care about an Omega who doesn't make an offer! Especially, the Stark Heir who is surrounded by models and beauty all of his life…" That was what his mother hissed at him when he came to inform her about his marriage.
"Finally found something to be useful at, eh? Don't ruin this, punk; you landed on a gold mine, don't do anything stupid to lose this opportunity, and do anything the Alpha asks of you; just make sure to keep your mouth shut, and legs spread!" That was his father's words before he took the leftover money, going to another bar to waste himself away leaving Steve alone.
It wasn't like Steve didn't know that already; it wasn't like Steve didn't realize that he was giving his life and future to a strange and eccentric Alpha that could turn out like his mother, or his father… or maybe turn out to be worse, and abuse Steve daily without the Omega being able to say a word back. Steve knew his role in all of this farce; stay pretty, keep your mouth shut, do whatever the Alpha want, and don't make a sound if he raised his hand to hit you, and in the end birth a baby or two when the Alpha felt like continuing his line and raise them without any help or love. Steve knew that he knew that, he knew that! He was a big boy and he doesn't need his mother and father to guide this relationship to ruin as they did with Bucky who never send a letter back after Steve told him about getting married.
After the first disaster meeting with Anthony Stark; Steve expected to be told that he was unwanted and that he has to pay back every penny the Stark family gave him, something that brought Steve nothing but nightmares and anxiety. Instead, Steve was told that he was to move into the Stark mansion, where he and his future husband would get to know each other before the wedding that was going to be a month and a half later.
Steve expected nothing but humiliation and hurt, he expected many things to come from Anthony Stark; what he didn't expect was an overworked Alpha, who spent days in his workshop and only get out when he remembered eating or someone went to drag him out. What he didn't expect was a respectful yet distant Alpha who never once made fun of him for how he looked or how he acted, or ridicule him because he was an Omega; what he didn't expect was a man who shook his head with a small smile and told Steve to call him 'Tony' after he called him Mr. Stark one too many. Maybe, Steve would admit, he judged the Alpha harshly the first time they met, thinking the worse of him and thinking the worse of his family; maybe the man was just tired the first time they met? Or the age difference was the thing that made the Alpha cross with him?… maybe the two of them can put this all behind, and start their life together as friends if the Alpha would have preferred that…
For the first time, Steve was hopeful…
He was hopeful when Tony start slowly interacting with him, asking him about his day and how was he doing; he was hopeful when the two of them would have dinner together exchanging witty remarks and later playing chess. Steve was hopeful when Tony told Howard to back off, that Steve had the right to continue his studies and get a job in the future if he wanted; he was hopeful at the thought of him being lucky enough and getting an understanding Alpha as a spouse…
Suddenly the idea of the cozy home and the beautiful garden doesn't seem so far away…
Suddenly Steve found himself married to Tony with Bucky by his side, congratulating him and being his best man, telling Steve that he was always there should Steve need him, and he was sorry he didn't answer steve back then; finally, started sending Steve letters once more, and calling him every time he got, asking Steve about his life and if Tony was hurting him. Suddenly, Steve didn't have to deal with his 'Loving' parents anymore, his mother finally getting all better, moving to LA to live the high life after divorcing his father, never asking about Steve unless it was to gossip about her life in California or berating him for not getting pregnant and securing his position as a Stark; his father once again disappeared from his life, resurfacing only when asking for money Steve refused to give before disappearing once more. Suddenly, Steve found himself in college, studying business while he minored in art, even if he wanted the other way around; it didn't matter, not really, he was happy that he got to make something with his life, and have Tony backing him up even against Howard's wishes. Suddenly, there was lunch dates with Maria and sometimes Winnie, both of them feeling more like a mother to him than his own birth mother; while Jarvis who he met once more was like a father who taught Steve everything he needed to know, especially how to handle Tony when he is in one of his moods. Suddenly, there were dinner dates with Tony, and the Alpha making an offer to know him, even if he was still distant and sometimes unapproachable; there were galas and parties the two of them attended together, there were opening events when they had to smile and hold hands; there was sex and the two of them being intimate after Steve shying away many times but finally getting to know each other as mates should, there was that disaster of heat when Steve panicked so much, and Tony spending it trying to calm his panic away and taking care of him without touching him improperly, making Steve flush every time he remembered that week.
The days turned to weeks, which turned to months, which turned to years… and day after day, Steve couldn't but help but think he was lucky every time his gaze found Tony's; even distant, even if he was cold to him sometimes, and didn't touch him much unless mood strike; Steve can see that the Alpha before him was a good man who would never push him, would never humiliate him, and would never hurt him…
It was on a normal boring day when Steve was preparing breakfast that he realized…
He was in love with his husband…
There was no grant gesture when he realized the truth, there were no fireworks and shocked gasp; it wasn't like Bucky when Steve's heart pounded in his chest and butterflies fluttered in his belly, surprising him and flustering him all along. It was just there, a known fact that Steve knew all alone, sneaking on him and submerging him slowly until Steve was under; the day Steve realized that he loved his husband was like any other day in their life, with him kissing his husband and being happy that his affection was returned in his husband's own reserved ways…
Steve never felt this happy before…
…Love…
Everything was good, everything was perfect, and for once, Steve felt like everything was going to be OK this time, he felt like his mind would stop hissing and growling like a bag of angry cats… what Steve didn't count on was his shitty luck and Howard Stark being a useless alcoholic, leading both him and Maria to their death in a car crash, leaving everything beautiful broken and in shamble. That day, that car crash, those deaths, causing every hope Steve felt, every wish he wished, everything he worked for vanished with the wind.
His husband grew distant more than he was before, drinking his days away and locking himself in his workshop at night, leaving Steve alone in the big mansion keeping the company of ghosts. His mother and father came to see him at the funeral, not to consult him for losing someone who cared about him, not to give him hugs and say sorry or anything; they came to ask Steve if Maria 'Had left something for him, in her will.' That ended with Steve holding his screams and shouts, holding his snarl, and the wish to grape the knife from behind him and stab his parents in the eyes, not wanting to cause a scene while his husband was grieving his parents' deaths. Bucky was there, trying to help Steve regain the sanity that was slowly slipping from between his fingers as he saw the funeral turn into the circus show that he never wanted to be in.
Day after day, after day, Tony was pulling away from him, glaring at Steve hatefully as if the Omega was the one at fault for the death of his parents. Day after day, Steve had to stay strong and keep his head high when the vultures followed him around trying to film any mistake he was going to make… day after day, after day, Steve had to read about his husband getting drunk in a club, or getting into a bar fight, or not showing up to his meetings in SI, or being photographed with actors and models with his hands around their waists as he whispered something in their ears. Day after day, Steve was forced to be the butt of the elites' joke as they giggle and point at him, shaking their heads, and say that Tony was finally leaving his arm candy for greener pastures. Day after day, Steve handled it all silently, keeping his head high and glaring at anyone who dared to drag the Stark's reputation to the ground, while trying to save his husband from embarrassing himself and destroying the company Howard left him, by buying the vultures silence and handling the business that was his husband's; Steve knew that Stane wanted this, he knew the Alpha was looking for a chance to seize the company and throw Tony out, and Steve knew his husband, was giving Stane that chance on a golden plate. Something that Steve tried over and over to save his husband from such fate and protect him and what's left of his tattered reputation.
Day after day… until it all shattered when he saw his husband cheating on him with her!
Not him too…
Not him too…
Please not him!
Don't make him leave me too!
That was the only thing that rang in Steve's mind, the only thing that Steve could think of, as he watch with ever-increasing horror how his husband was pleasuring another on their bed. That was the only thought that came to mind before the fury and anger at the sight before him; that's what he felt before the betrayal that coursed through his body at the sight of his husband with another, his hands itching to grape something sharp and attacking the two in his bed, and kill them…
Not his husband too!
No!
No!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!
No, no, no, no, no! Not fair, not fair, not fair; Not Fair!
First his parents… then Bucky… then the Barnes family… then Jarvis, followed by the Stark family… and now his husband? Why? What did Steve do wrong that everyone he ever loved left him alone? Why him? Why now? Hurt, anger, betrayal, and so many more emotions swam under his skin, making Steve buzz in his place as anger and fury finally dominated over Steve. He wanted to scream and shout; enter the room punch Tony in the face and drag his Omega whore by the hair, kicking and screaming as he threw her outside of his home or choke her until she stopped thrashing… but he can't do that; Steve can't do that…
"J.A.R.V.I.S. do you know who she is?" Steve finally dared to ask when he managed to escape the horror he witnessed to the safety of the library, shaking and breathing harshly as he tried to control himself… He is going to leave you… was chanted over and over by his snarling Omega that was brawling and roaring in his mind… Everyone left, your fault, your fault; your entire fault that everyone leaves! "Please…" Steve pleaded with the A.I. looking at the ceiling with pleading eyes… pleading with the A.I. (That felt like the child he wished for but Tony wouldn't give) to tell him if his nightmare was true or not.
"I am sorry, Master Rogers…"
It wasn't until Steve heard this that he broke down, curling around himself as he sobbed. Master Rogers… it was always Master Rogers; not Mr. Stark, not Master Stark, not even Rogers-Stark… just Master Rogers, Mr. Rogers. Or Mr. Stark's Omega; Steve had never paid any attention to this before, he never wanted to, not when it was probably just a silly notion that Steve would overthink… if only he paid attention to it…
Suddenly Steve was faced with the fact that he had to leave Tony, leaving him, and continues with his life as he did before meeting him; alone, with no one beside him, with the Barnes family back in Indiana, and Bucky still in the army, having moved on from Steve and their immature relationship, his parents have long since left him and refuse to contact him if it wasn't about the money that he refused to give, which caused a rift that was even harder to fix than before. He either had to leave Tony or… or stay with him, stay beside him and pretend that he didn't know about his side affair, pretend that he wasn't furious and angry on the inside that his husband was sleeping with another Omega while Steve was right in front of him.
The thing that infuriates Steve the most was that the whore Tony slept with was beautiful; she was beautiful and pretty, all soft curves and soft voice, silky blond hair, and striking green eyes. A beauty that the public had dubbed as the classic Omega that everyone wants… a beautiful arm candy that was the stereotypical Omega every Alpha wants… not like Steve who was big and muscular, who possess nothing of the softness Omegas' have, with a mouth and opinions that made people often think of him as an Alpha or at least a Beta if they didn't get close enough to scent him; Steve was so far away from the normal spectrum that it was funny and sad to compare him with the whore his husband was sleeping with.
Steve knew if it came to it, Tony wouldn't leave his whore, no matter how much Steve plea and beg him to; on the contrary Tony might laugh in his face and leave him all alone, abandoning him as he went with his new side chick, leaving Steve watching his back as he disappeared. Steve, he knew he can't leave Tony… won't… leave him; the Alpha was the only stability he had in his life after Bucky left, he was the only one that Steve have, the only one left that didn't outright abandon him or left to a faraway place leaving Steve unable to follow him; to make things worse or better, Tony's treatment didn't change at all, the Alpha still smiled at him, still slept with him and give Steve what he wanted, he still hold Steve's hand tightly as they went to galas and many events together, acting like the two of them were in love. Everything was normal as always… everything was normal with Tony, so the problem had to be that whore who attached herself to his husband; was it possible she played with his husband's mind and kind heart? Just that thought alone made anger and fury course through him; was his husband this vulnerable after his parents' death? Unable to decide and know what was good for him? Was that it? Did he just need Steve to protect him and guide him when it was supposed to be the other way around? These thoughts calmed Steve's mind because everything became clear to him then, the screeching in his mind stopped, and for the first time, Steve was able to think. Tony was a genius, that much Steve know; ever since he was a child, a lot of pressure was put on his shoulders that no doubt, he couldn't make sense of anything at such age, so of course, he only had his parents and Jarvis to guide him, of course, losing them would have caused him to be lost too.
That was it; that must be it! Steve was the Alpha's only family, so it was his turn to take care of his husband and stop him from the foolish action he was doing. Steve was a good husband, so he not going to leave Tony alone with the vultures, and neither Tony was going to leave him when he realized what was going on because Steve was sure the man loved him from the way he act but is unable to experience it. After making his mind, Steve knew the one that needed to leave was the leech who attached herself to his husband and manipulated him, and Steve was going to make sure she disappeared from their lives entirely, and then he would make sure to protect his husband who turned out to be the vulnerable one in this relationship.
That's why he was waiting in her apartment (A nice cozy place that Tony bought for the bitch with their money) sipping his wine as he waited for the whore to show her face, anger and fury clouded his eyes as he read through the papers he found in the woman's safe… cementing his thoughts of Tony being played with and manipulated, Tony didn't even realize that the woman was a spy and was using Tony and stealing his work so she can sell them for the highest bidder; but what was alright, because that's what Steve was here for, he was here to protect and support Tony, and when needed correcting his mistakes when the time was right. Wasn't that what Maria told him on his wedding night? That she entrusted Tony to him to protect and love? Steve was going to do all of that and more, insuring not only Tony's safety, but the safety of his legacy, and one day when Tony open his eyes from the dark place he fell to after his parents' death he would see what Steve was doing, and then the two of them can return back to how they were before the death of Maria and Howard Stark, and before Tony's vulnerable mind become easy to manipulate.
The sound of the door opening took Steve's attention from the detailed paper that talked about Tony's latest project; Steve smiled and leaned back, waiting until the woman strolled into the living room before she froze when her sight fell on Steve, waiting for her in the with a glass of wine in one of his hands. "Hello," Steve stated dryly with a smile, taking a sip of his wine, watching how the Omega before him started to squirm when she noticed the papers in his lap. "Miss Miriam Shure, right? Or do you prefer being called Melissa Gold?" That seemed to get the reaction Steve wanted; fear started clouding the woman's eyes before she seemed to control herself and a snarl appeared on her face.
"Who the fuck are you?" The Omega snarled, taking a threatening step toward Steve, which only made the man smile as he stood up, putting his glass on the table with the files that were no doubt Melissa Gold's life in his hand; oh, Steve will enjoy destroying that whore, and maybe even wave these papers in Tony's face and watch the realization paint it as he read through everything that was going to destroy his life because he wasn't careful enough.
"How funny, asking me this question when you have been foraying with my husband behind my back…" Steve's grin widened, even more, when he saw the look of shock and realization on the woman's face. "Did you really think that your actions have no consequences, Miss Gold? I assure you, they have, and when I am done with you, you will beg me to end your pathetic life." Steve hissed, enjoying the look of terror and fury on the woman's face, taking an envelope from the pocket inside his coat and putting it on the coffee table. "Enough money for you to leave America and start living where no one knows who you are, be assured, by the end of this day, your life will be ruined and no one, not even your precious Tiberius Stone can save you." Steve straightened himself, giving the woman a court nod before taking his leave, ignoring the harsh inhale the Omega took as she no doubts tried to control herself.
"You bastard!" Steve heard a scream of rage before he was attacked; the female ran to him and jumped on his back trying to choke him from behind. "I will kill you!" She shrieked, trying to choke Steve and as she screamed threats, ignoring the growl Steve let out as tried to prey her arms from around his neck. It all happen in seconds, Steve tripping on the rug underneath him and falling back, the sound of cracking was heard followed by a choked whine.
Steve took the chance when he felt the arms loosen around his neck and freed himself, scrambling to stand on his legs and turn to the woman in case she was planning to attack him again. What Steve saw though, made him pause in his place and tilt his head as he gazed at the fallen woman. She was dead. That was the first thing Steve's mind registered as he gazed at the Omega, seeing the strange angle her neck was twisted in; Steve blinked as he noticed the blood on the coffee table's corner and he realized that his fall was broken by the woman underneath him, resulting in her death.
Steve expected to feel horror; he expected fear and terror to dominate him. He expected having to call Tony and ask for his help, telling him what happened and how innocent he was in all of this, showing him the evidence he gathered, and accept the consequences; he even accepted offering Tony to never protect him again if he stood by Steve's side. Instead of fear and irrational thoughts, Steve felt nothing… nothing at all… except his initial surprise at the turn of events, Steve wasn't feeling anything but curiosity; his mind was calm and collected (For the first time in years), and no irrationality or fear clouded his judgment. Steve returned back to his previous seat, his eyes catching the sight of his wine glass that miraculously didn't fall over, with that Steve picked the wine glass from the coffee table, and downed the mouthful that was left, gazing at the body as his mind calculated many different ways to get out of this situation unscathed, coming out with few that can work in his favor.
An undercover spy, no contact with family members, and was playing the role of an orphan, a shadow that only see Tony whenever the Alpha wanted to knot something soft and pretty; her only contact who knew who she is, was the person who hired her, Tiberius Stone, someone that Steve know would cut the bitch faster than she could say 'Mother'. Now Steve was once again, faced with a dilemma he had to solve, either come clean and hope that Tony would help him after he showed him the proof; something that was debatable with his husband's weak state of mind and may even cause SI and Tony's downfall if the news got out; there was also the fear Tony refusing him after this because of fear… Steve can't safely say that he wouldn't kill Tony if it ended like this…
The Mad Husband! Killed His Mate And Mistress Before Killing Himself…
Oh, the Daily Bugle would have the day of their lives with a scandal of this scale; even if this was rolled as self-defense, which Steve can surely play it as, who said what's to come wouldn't be the thing that Stane needed to lock Tony completely out of the company and seize everything Tony and his parents worked for? Steve needed to get rid of the body without leaving any traces that would show his involvement or Tony's. Gazing at the glass in his hand, Steve tilted his head to the side deep in thoughts, a slow smile stretched on his lips as he let the glass fall to the ground, watching it shatter and spray the pieces in every which direction. "J.A.R.V.I.S. dear; erase every trace of me on the cameras within fifty miles of this point. If anyone asked, tell them I spend the day today in my studio; painting." Steve stated, standing up as he stretched his body a little.
"As you wish, Master Rogers… May I ask how are you planning on getting rid of the body?"
A voice came from his pocket answered him, causing Steve to smile and get his phone out; count on J.A.R.V.I.S. to have it all figured out. "What do you think?" Steve asked, walking to the fallen Omega, carrying her bridal style as he went to the bathroom; the A.I. comforting voice instructing him on what to do and how to effectively dissolve the body in the bathroom's tub and then cleaning the place to erase every trace of him being there.
It was six hours later that Steve was safely in his home, drinking wine, and raising his eyebrow in amusement at how agitated Tony was; no doubt angry at his mistress for ignoring his calls all morning after breaking up with him so suddenly. Steve hummed as he saw Tony head back to his workshop, no doubt to unwind and ignore the sting of rejection he suffered at the hand of his mistress, which as much as Steve knew had hurt his poor husband, the man needed it to toughen up…
As much as Steve wanted to step forward and present Tony with the evidence he found at Miss Gold's place, he doesn't want Tony to break down even more and do something stupid and drastic, so he just contained himself and returned to his book, knowing that Tony would need his protection and support since he started spiraling down and refused to see a therapist to get better. It was fine, Steve accept and forgave Tony after his stupid mistake, as long as Tony was healthy and happy, as long as he returned back to Steve in the end, as long as his husband chose him; Steve can allow the Alpha a little room for playing around and doing some mistakes, maybe it would help the Alpha to grow up…
It didn't mean that Steve was going to be happy about it…
…Love…
The years passed, and life continued, and suddenly, Steve found himself on his and Tony's sixth anniversary, sitting alone in the library as he watched the flames dancing in front of his eyes. Wondering about Tony's whereabouts and what the Alpha was doing in California at the moment; was he attending the conference that Steve had nagged him about for weeks, or was he drinking and gambling in one of the casinos and ignoring his word after Stane played him with a few words and fatherly actions? Or was he out with possible Murder Target No. 16? Six years of marriage and one would think that Tony would be able to realize when his rivals send spies or reporters to be his downfall; but that was OK, that's what he had Steve for, after all, wasn't it the Omega's job to clean their Alpha's mess? Steve had to say, he would make a fine assassin one day; it would go fine in his resume if he needed a change in jobs. After getting rid of No. 8 (An assassin Stane sent to get rid of Tony) Steve mastered the art of killing quite well.
That wasn't going to stop Steve from having a strong-worded argument with Tony when the Alpha was going to come back, and maybe even inform him to be careful of the spies that Stone, Hammer, and even Stane send after him; which Steve knew would just go over the Alpha's head and confused him which would result in the Alpha drinking, gambling, and shaking Steve's love and care for him as if Steve was the one with an ulterior motive. As Steve didn't risk his life daily to ensure the Alpha was always safe and content!
Maybe Tony needed a new approach? Maybe Steve was going at this the wrong way? Maybe instead of trying to be himself and show his concern and love to the Alpha by lecturing and snapping at the Alpha when he did something wrong, Steve just needed to act like how his conquests do? Cheery, overbearing, with no care in the world, and always acts like nymphos? Was that really the way Tony responded? Would Tony listen to him and consider his opinions if Steve acted like this? What did Steve lose by acting like this? Surely nothing, because surprise, surprise, Steve tried every trick in the book to get Tony to listen and failed because his Alpha just turned out to be a big child in need of constant supervision and guidance.
"Master Rogers… I detected someone in Sir's study."
"Call the police, J.A.R.V.I.S. and tell them to be quick, maybe even say something about shooting." That was the only thing Steve said standing up with his wine glass and walking silently toward the study and using shortcuts to reach there faster and prevent being detected by the intruder's buddies. The rustling of papers informed Steve that his guest had already managed to open the safe and was going through it as they please, which made him roll his eyes, knowing that there was nothing important to the Stark family in there; Steve had made sure of that years ago. Leaning down, Steve raised his eyebrow when he saw a red-headed woman frowning harshly as she went through the papers, hissing something under her breath as she continued; Alpha, from the aggressive smell that was waving out of the woman.
Tilting his head in deep thoughts, Steve hummed a little before standing up and straightening himself, this was either Murder Target No. 16, or someone he can use to appeal to Tony's more protective side; which was tempting. "You won't find anything in there Ma'am," Steve stated as he came into the woman's view, sipping from his glass and enjoying the look of shock that the woman managed to mask fast; so a professional. "The police are on their way, so I will advise you to leave if you don't want to be caught." That managed to get a twitch from the woman as she stood up, tilting her head as she looked Steve up and down, studying him no doubt.
"You are… not afraid…" The woman stated in surprise, causing Steve to smile cheerfully, better to get the act of the dumb Omega perfected before his husband is back. "I am not alone…" The woman stated, taking a step toward Steve as if trying to intimate him with her presence; which she failed to manage.
"You stop being afraid after being nearly kidnapped every month. Now, before I remove you forcefully from my home, can you answer my question?" Steve replied cheerfully, ignoring the subtle threat the woman made when she mentioned her partners, as he also took a step inside the office and walked to the bar in the study, feeling the woman's penetrating gaze on his back as he put his glass down before turning to her. "Who are you working under? Is it Tiberius Stone? Nah, I don't think so, the spies he chooses are usually blonds; Justin Hammer is arrested at the moment, and Obadiah Stane is in California… Hmmm, that leave fifty-five other possible employers, but I am leaning more toward Sunset Bain, especially, after her last scandal; but I could also be wrong and you are a spy from another country, we don't get many of those breaking in our house, but I managed to detect a Russian accent." Steve crossed his arms over his chest after giving his detection, tilting his head as he studied the woman; nearly rolling his eyes when he saw the surprised and impressed way she was looking at him.
"None of the above, although, you did get it right about the Russian thing," She said. Relaxing as she eyed him up and down, making Steve's skin crawl. "So… you are Steven Grant Rogers, Tony Stark's husband; tell me, are you aware of your husband's infidelity?" She asked, curiosity coloring her voice, and Steve had to bite his tongue last he snarled and attack the woman, instead, he pulled a bottle of wine and pours himself some more.
'Who do you think killed those whores?' Steve wanted to say but in the end, he smiled and sipped his wine. "Of course," Steve stated dryly, smiling as he saw the control smirk slip from the woman's face once more. "And I don't think it's called infidelity when both parties know about it and accept it. Tell me, did you ever hear about an open relationship?" Steve could only smile as he saw the last bit of control the woman had was slipping between her fingers; if she thought that bringing Tony's playing around with his toys was going to weaken him, she was wrong, it only made Steve surer about killing her and burying her in the garden outside. Steve was sure when Tony grow up from this phase of seeking other people out, he would return back home and apologize, especially, when the two of them were meant to have children in the future. "Oh, look, the police are already here…" Steve said in boredom, smiling happily when the sirens blared loudly, informing them of the police arrival.
Steve couldn't help but smirk behind his glass, as he saw the Alpha curse and rush to the window, probably planning on using the tree outside to climb down and make a run for it. Steve, though, wasn't going to allow the woman to escape, not when she just invaded his territory and rubbed his husband's childish actions in his face; instead, Steve throw the wine glass at the woman's head and watched in amusement as she moved fast to avoid the flying object, causing it to break when it collides with the wall. Professional, indeed.
"I am sorry, Ma'am, but the only way for you to leave here, is restrained by cuffs, so…" Steve didn't give the woman another second before he attacked her, throwing the first punch and avoiding her retaliation; they fought until the police arrived, Steve gaining the upper hand, even with the Alpha in front of him was fast and no doubt had years of training, Steve was smart and knew how to used his body. George's lessons in boxing and his father's military training did come in hand, with Steve hounding them and learning different fighting styles in the past four years after he started hunting those who wished to harm his husband.
"Police, don't move!"
That was the end of their fight and the Alpha surrendered when she saw the guns pointing at her; just as Steve told her, the only way the woman was going to leave, was in cuffs, and that's what exactly happened. Steve was seated in the ambulance outside, paramedics inspecting his bruised ribs and bleeding lip, and checking for more injuries, cooing and trying to comfort what they think of as an Omega in shock after getting attacked; Steve's eyes trailed after the woman as she was being lead in cuffs, noticing the satisfied smirk on the woman's face as she straightened her broken nose.
To Steve's surprise and happiness, Tony arrived the next day with Mr. Rhodes, for once looking actually worried about Steve as he inspected him; even Mr. Rhodes winced when he saw the black eye he was sporting and his split lip and tried to comfort him, something that the Alpha wouldn't do, especially, when he seemed to have developed some hater for Steve for some reason. For once, Tony actually took a week off and stayed with him the whole time to take care of him, he was even receptive to Steve's new cheerful persona, actually smiling happily, touching him, and giving him a chance to speak! Just for that, Steve decided to spare the Alpha woman's life, letting her live in a cell with charges of assault and break-in, and later go on with her life as if nothing happened.
It was a few weeks later that Steve saw the woman once more; he sitting in his favorite café outside of the new Stark tower; enjoying his lunch break and fantasy about the penthouse Tony told him about (The Alpha seemed to think that the mansion and the events that took place in caused Steve to have some sort of trauma, which is why he decided to move in the new Stark tower after they finished constructing it… Steve never corrected his husband, why would he do that, when the man had been focusing on him and his wellbeing these past few weeks?) Steve was enjoying the calm as he was drawing the tower, a soft hum leaving him until it stilled when someone pulled the chair in front of him and took a seat.
Steve frowned harshly, raising his head to snap at the rude person who sat without asking, only to pause in his place when he saw the red-headed Alpha smiling happily at him, accompanied by African-American wearing an eye patch; Steve blinked and leaned back in his chair, studying the Alphas in front of him just as they did the same. "So, you work with the government; I should have expected that. Although, you usually make an appointment beforehand, care to introduce yourselves?" Steve ended up saying, crossing his arms over his chest as he raised an eyebrow at the smirking woman who by the look of it was having the time of her life.
"Mr. Rogers, tell me, did you ever hear about S.H.I.E.L.D.?" That was what the red-headed Alpha asked him before she started explaining who she was 'Natasha Romanov' and who the man with her was 'Nick Fury'; slightly stunning Steve when he realized that the organization they were talking about was founded by Howard and a few of his buddies from the war. But that didn't interest Steve as much as when Natasha told him about the reason she broke into the mansion (To find a document Howard left, which could lead them to the whereabouts of something called the Tesseract, which could save the lives of people and possibly the world… blah, blah, blah… as if Steve was actually going to believe what the woman was saying) Steve wanted to tell the woman that she should have made an appoint if she wanted the Tesseract so badly, breaking in just put her in the list of people Steve was going to kill for being a possible threat to his husband.
"Interesting…" Steve said slowly, remembering that he had read something about Project 'T.E.S.S.E.R.A.C.T.' when he was moving the important documents into safe places; Steve hummed as he remembered a document talking about a secret basement under Howard's workshop in the mention, informing Steve that Howard probably hides it there. If Howard was afraid of the Tesseract and hide it from the organization he founded after Peggy Carter crashed her plane in the arctic, it meant that Steve too, shouldn't tell them anything and protect the Tesseract; who knows? Maybe Steve can use it to further protect his family. "Unfortunately, there was nothing mentioned about what you are looking for; the only thing I found is in the safe were our contracts with other companies, bank accounts, properties, and the likes; I advise you to search somewhere else for this Tesseract," Steve stated, his face was neutral as he took a sip of his tea and enjoying the twitched on the man's face and how the woman pursed her lips.
"You are the son of a military man…" The man 'Fury' suddenly stated, for the first time since their meeting he dared to interrupt and talk, and that was nice because Steve was getting bored by hearing Romanov's seductive voice, and seeing the interesting look in her eyes; how amusing of the Alpha to think that just because Steve told her he is in an 'Open Relationship' it meant she can seduce the words out of him. "Not only that, you actually managed to go toe to toe with Romanov, the best of the best of our agents, landing not only a few hits but causing her concussion, and fractured bones..." The man continued, amusement coloring his eye as he studied Steve only for a satisfied spark to appear in his eye. "Tell me, Mr. Rogers; are you interested in a new job?" Steve paused at that, looking between Romanov and Fury before humming…
After that day, Steve joined S.H.I.E.L.D., not for anything other than benefitting himself and Tony; it turned out that while Tony knew about the existence of S.H.I.E.L.D. the Alpha never involved himself with them, which was as much as a smart and a stupid decision combined together. With resources like S.H.I.E.L.D.'s, Tony would have gained everything he wanted; the Alpha could have gotten rid of his rivals and enemies a long time ago with such spies and resources at his disposal. But that was OK; Steve knew that Tony was kind-hearted and innocent in a way, always easy to be fooled, and easier to play with a few kind words and suggestive gestures. That's why Steve was here after all; to protect his husband from doing something stupid that would not only destroy his career but result in his death. Steve loved his husband and Alpha too much that he accepted the burden of being the one who makes the hard decisions; the one who played God and choose who was going to live and who was going to die. Steve was sure his husband would be proud and happy with him when he realized how much Steve sacrifice for him and their marriage…
That day was the birth of the first Super Villain; The Captain…
…Love…
Days turned to weeks, turned to months, and turned to years. Steve and Tony were still married, they started living in the Stark tower which made Tony happy, which in turn made Steve happy; Steve started working with S.H.I.E.L.D. gaining respect and recognition for his tactile mind and analysis powers catching villains and terrorists, making connections, and being one of the few who knew what was going to happen before it did. On the other hand, Steve's 'Night job' continued to bloom, and suddenly Steve went from a small-time national terrorist, into an international supervillain; a ghost story that everyone talks about in both fear and awe, the one who controls the world from the shadow and has connections with every country there was. A villain that kept S.H.I.E.L.D.'s on their toes, and caused the higher up to shake in both fear and fury… Steve had to say, the apple doesn't fall from the tree; only thanks to his parents' neglect and them living in a neighborhood famous for its gangs and crimes that Steve managed such a fate… it didn't hurt that Steve was smart and J.A.R.V.I.S. was a sweetheart who always had his back.
Steve can say he was… content in a way. Tony was by his side, always smiling at him, always taking care of him when Steve returned back from a mission banged up and in need of care; Steve was happy in a way, but what he wasn't happy about was the drinking and sleeping around that even after years, Tony didn't grow out of. It had been eleven years since the two of them married, and no matter how much Steve nagged at Tony to get his act straight (In the cheerful, dumb mask that Steve started donning, which gritted on him, but was a good cover that Steve needed if he wanted to keep people off his back) the Alpha didn't seem to listen; acting a child-like and going as far as to start sleeping with his personal assistant Virginia 'Pepper' Potts, which did nothing but infuriate Steve, considering that the Beta woman was Steve's assistant when he was the one taking Tony's place at SI and the only reason he hired her as Tony's assistant, because of her no bullshit and professional treats… Steve guessed he was wrong about the woman. He would have gotten rid of her a long time ago; if it wasn't for Tony considering her as a friend, and actually listening to her when she nagged him about attending his meetings.
Steve accepted that his husband (No matter how much Steve wished would grow up from his childish habits and return home) would always be a rebellious kid, and maybe this is what Maria meant when she warned him about Tony being a challenging persona to deal with. It didn't matter to Steve though, because he strangely made a peace with his Alpha's habits, and was sure Tony would grow tired of it; but Steve wanted Tony to grow up now, so the two of them would start thinking about their future and family. Steve was longing for a family, children with Tony's look and his eyes, children that Steve would spoil and take care of when his husband decided to spend his nights away. All of Steve's friends got married and had children; Bucky got married to a Beta named Sam Wilson (A friendly and cheerful Beta that even Steve warmed up to when a part of him was angry that Bucky chose someone else) and adopted a child with him, a boy they both named Riley. Hell! Even Becca was married and had three children, and she was younger than Steve by 12 years! So yes, a little part of Steve was annoyed and a little angry about waiting for his Alpha to get himself together so the two of them can start with their own family.
Steve was planning on talking with his Alpha about starting a family… but then his Alpha had to go and get himself kidnapped in Afghanistan; news that devastated Steve and nearly caused him to have another meltdown. But he ended up pulling himself back together because every minute (NO! Every second) was important. Steve walked away from S.H.I.E.L.D. ignoring Natasha (Who liked to think of herself as his friend, not knowing that Steve used her many times to further strengthen his hold on the crime world) and Fury's concern and advice as they ordered him to sit this search out because he was compromised.
As if Steve was going to leave his husband in the hand of terrorists!
With that, Steve went searching for his husband, founding the rescue mission himself, because he knew how cheap the military was; Steve knew if he left the search to them, they would probably abandon it midway and give him some bullshit about Tony being KIA. When Steve wasn't searching for his husband with the rescue teams, he was handling SI and making sure the company was kept afloat, while clashing with Stane every step of the way. When Steve wasn't handling SI, he was searching for his husband as The Captain, using all of his connections to gather enough information about what took place and where was his husband… and boy; was he enraged when he realized that Stane was the one behind his husband's kidnapping? Steve made sure to publish everything about Stane worldwide; destroying the man's reputation and everything he worked for, forcing him to flee America if he didn't want to get caught and locked in a prison cell for the rest of his life; Steve didn't care about the man's escape he knew he would find him, his network was vast and wide and nothing escaped him (But that was after Steve brought Tony back home, and making Stane the sole villain of what took place in SI, saving his husband and company the lash the would have received from the public)
In all of the three months, Steve spent searching for his husband; James Rhodes made sure to accompany him in his search, always wide-eyed when he saw how Steve handled the situation, snapping and ordering the military around with the authority of a General… at first, everyone ignored his orders and commands, thinking of him as a delicate Omega who thrust himself in an Alpha world; it took Steve wiping the earth with half of the unit he was assigned to before they started taking him seriously, and one of those Alpha was James Rhodes, who started to respect Steve only when the Omega made him kiss the dirt.
"Miss Romanov; I said this once, and I will say it again. Fuck off! And tell Fury I will not be back to S.H.I.E.L.D. until I find my husband and made sure he is safe at home; I am sure the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D, and the thousand other agents can manage themselves, they are not completely stupid." Steve growled one night, glaring at nothing as he tried for the thousand times to make Natasha Romanov understand that; No, Steve wasn't going to return back to S.H.I.E.L.D. unless he made sure that his husband was back home, sleeping safely in Steve's nest after making sure that he was treated and taken care of. And, no, Steve was not interested in unwinding when his poor Alpha was probably shaking and shivering in some dirty cave in Afghanistan's deserts. "You know what? Goodbye, and don't call me unless I called you." Steve snapped when Natasha tried to change his mind once more, taking his phone away and cutting the line, huffing as he put it in his pocket, trying to calm himself before he did something stupid that would expose him.
"You care about him, don't you?" Someone asked Steve, causing the Omega to pause and then turn behind, to see James Rhodes coming toward him while holding two mugs of coffee, before giving him one. "Tony, I mean, you really do care about him… you are not just in it, you know? For money…" James Rhodes asked, causing Steve to blink and turn to the man, raising his eyebrow at the guilty look he was seeing.
"I love him…" Steve answered, ignoring the harsh inhale of breath the Alpha let out as he turned to Steve, studying his face before nodding, the shock and surprise on his face didn't mask the increased guilt and embarrassment. "I never cared about the money, Mr. Rhodes, not now, not before, I had no use for it other than a means to an end." Steve saw from the corner of his eyes how the Alpha shifted uncomfortably before glancing at Steve then at his coffee several times. "If you wanted to know something; ask," Steve stated as he sipped his coffee, causing the Alpha to still himself and asked Steve.
It turned out that James was there at the Starks' funeral, and had heard his mother and father being so crass as to ask about Maria's will and the money instead of respecting the dead and grieving as a proper family; Tony probably had heard these words too, which made Steve so angry and furious. If that was true then Tony's childish actions and sleeping around was because of his parents and them middling and destroying his life once more (If his father wasn't already dead in a ditch years ago, and his mother remarrying a very powerful and useful man working for Steve, would have killed them both with his hands and watch them bleed to death)
It ended with Steve explaining his parents' situation and how Maria saved him from them when he was younger; how he hadn't seen them since his marriage with Tony and cutting ties with them and for years refused to give them any money because it wasn't his but Tony's. The guilt on James Rhodes's face was clear, the angry and disgusted look he always gazed at Steve with disappeared and was replaced with understanding and respect. By the end of the night, Steve gained a new ally who is with no doubt was going to help Steve gain his husband's love back; by the end of the week they found Tony and they brought him home.
Steve, couldn't be happier, his husband was back home; safe and sound if a little bit bruised and broken, but that was fine because Steve would make sure to avenge his husband and destroy the Ten Rings for daring to lay a hand on his Alpha. But what made Steve over the moon with joy, is Tony always seeking him out and holding him tightly every night when he slept, taking comfort from being with Steve and seemed to finally grow up into himself after he stopped the weapon manufacturing and started to follow his own path… It didn't hurt one a bit that he stopped drinking and sleeping around, finally devoting his time to himself and to Steve.
Steve would have been happier and content if his husband didn't turn out to be more childish and foolish; nearly giving Steve a heart attack when he decided to become the newest supervillain that everyone started fearing after The Captain. A man in lethal armor that went around the world blowing everything in his sight and starting a worldwide purge, destroying terrorists' cells, government properties, and even military bases; Iron Man was what the people called him. If only Tony realized how Steve and J.A.R.V.I.S. had to scramble around and pull favors left and right to protect Tony and destroy any lead that would expose his identity; for the first time in years, Steve was grateful that he had joined S.H.I.E.L.D., at least then it meant he was close enough to take actions when needed to protect his stupid husband from doing something even more foolish, like exposing himself to the world.
Even being an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Steve can sense that Natasha started to suspect him, after covering up for Tony one too many times, which caused him to take drastic measures, and give everyone a little Lead on The Captain, hoping S.H.I.E.L.D. would be too busy trying to catch their most wanted supervillain, to pay Tony anything but a fleeting glance. It did mean that Steve had to make The Captain commit a genocide, lose several of his safe houses in many countries, and nearly kill himself by his imposer in front of Natasha and Coulson, and Barton, which made Natasha Romanov all that much bloodthirsty to catch The Captain and bring him to justice while making sure that Steve stays behind so he doesn't tangle himself in The Captain's case anymore, since that the crazy villain 'targeted' him once because he found a lead on him.
Steve was so going to have a long talk with Tony after this…
Steve never really managed to have his talk with Tony, not when they both were busier than ever with their lives, and then their secret identities, barely managing to see each other for days, sometimes months, and even when they do, it was usually about rest and sex before they had to force themselves to move once more. Tony always running and being busy with his company and being Iron Man; Steve with S.H.I.E.L.D., being The Captain and trying to protect Tony when he decided to do something stupid, like taking off his helmet when there were cameras recording… thank God for J.A.R.V.I.S., if it wasn't for him, Steve would have ripped his hair ages ago...
Everything came to a halt one day when Steve discovered that he was pregnant…
…Love…
Steve didn't know what to do as he gazed at the two lines glaring at him, informing him that he was in fact, pregnant. Fifteen years… that's how long Steve wished for children with his husband; fifteen years and the closest thing to a child that Tony gave him was J.A.R.V.I.S. and the bots he invented and kept in his workshops. Steve had made peace with himself; in the back of his mind accepting that he and Tony were never meant to have children, especially with the dangerous side jobs both of them had. But here, in his hands, was a test that told him, against all odds, against all the birth control and suppressants he took… Steve managed to fall pregnant; after fifteen years.
Wonder coursed through him as his thumb trace the two lines. After passing out when sparring with Natasha and being dragged to the medics, Steve was fearful, thinking the worse and fearing being sick and dying; who would protect Tony from doing something stupid if he died? That was all Steve could think of when he woke up a few hours later. At first, Steve refused to believe, when the doctor at S.H.I.E.L.D. who told him he was pregnant and the reason he passed out was due to stress. At first, Steve refused this possibility because he wasn't prepared for it, he didn't know what to do with a child when he already had Tony to take care of, and his husband was a handful with him risking his life and nearly exposing himself nine times out of ten.
It was only when he was on his way back home that excitement and happiness nearly overwhelmed Steve; tears clouded his eyes as he leaned on the elevator wall, the news of his pregnancy finally sinking in. God, he wanted to rush home and tell Tony about the news, tell him that he was pregnant… that after fifteen years, Steve was finally pregnant against all odds. Oh, God! Steve needed to leave S.H.I.E.L.D., he was going to back away from the Iron Man case Fury assigned to him and quiet (It wasn't like Steve needed them to gather the information he wanted, his worldwide network was worth a hundred times what S.H.I.E.L.D. would give) being in that organization would be to dangers even after he gives birth to his baby, who said the people Steve put behind the bars won't come out one day and follow him to hurt his family; it was enough the danger his baby was going to be put in because he was the Stark heir, Steve doesn't need another organization trying to hurt his child. Steve also had to stop being The Captain, he had to make sure to disappear completely until the end of the pregnancy, and maybe until his child grow up; that was OK though, The Captain was known to disappear for months, up to a year sometimes, two or three years of absence won't affect Steve and his work at all, especially when J.A.R.V.I.S. is there to manage thing from his side. That leaves Tony… Steve had to talk to him, the Alpha can't continue being his reckless self and nearly causing his destruction when he has a family waiting for him… a mate, and a child waiting for him… Steve needed to talk with his husband and fast before he was forced to take drastic measures and make Tony listen to him. "J, sweetheart, empty Tony's schedule on November the 1st, and book us a reservation at the Italian restaurant he likes," Steve ordered, getting a confirmation from the A.I. which made Steve relax and stand up when the elevator opened into the penthouse. Two weeks, that's all the time Steve was going to give Tony before taking charge of the situation, and if Tony still refused to listen and see things from Steve's side, and cause harm to their child in the process; then Steve…
Steve had to get rid of him…
.
…
.
Steve let out a hum as consciousness started returning to him, sighing softly as he rubbed the sleep away from his eyes as he sat up; a gentle smile took over his face when he saw Tony still sleeping beside him, mumbling and turning around, no doubt dreaming about something excited by the pout on his face. Stretching Steve stood up and headed to the bathroom, taking a shower before going to make breakfast. During the time Tony was still sleeping, Steve chatted a little with the A.I. going with him over Tony's schedule and even getting a call from Miss Potts about an important meeting; the bitterness Steve heard in the woman's voice caused Steve to smile as he drank his orange juice, knowing that the woman still hadn't forgiven Tony for 'dumping' her a year ago. If Steve made J.A.R.V.I.S. send Tony to his office where Miss Potts was having the time of her life with Happy Hogan and resulted in their 'breakup', then no one needed to know…
Shuffling and a crash came from inside of the bedroom, causing Steve to blink and tilt his head, wondering if Tony rolled off the bed or something, but Steve rolled his eyes at Tony's antics, it wasn't the first time that happened, and he was sure it won't be the last, considering that in several more months, their house would be filled with baby's cry that would result in both Steve and Tony rolling off the bed more than they want. Steve took a few more minutes to put the breakfast on the table, the coffee pots were already prepared, so Tony only have to follow his nose before running to find his 'Ambrosia' as Tony calls it.
It was only a few minutes later, and Steve had to smile; because just as he predicted, Tony started running to the kitchen, no doubt awakened by the smell of coffee. "Oh, you are up, that's great, I was about to wake you, you know? Miss Potts called, saying something about you having a really important meeting to… Tony, are you OK?" Steve smiled, only to pause at the state he found Tony in; the Alpha was so pale, Steve was worried he was sick, that was until he saw the tears in Tony's eyes, which made his stomach drop. "Tony… why are you crying, is something wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?" Steve asked, concern coloring his face and voice as he stood in front of Tony, extending a gentle hand toward the Alpha, touching his forehead before touching his cheek; thinking that maybe it was like one of those days after Maria died, and Tony fell sick with fever, crying as he walked in the mansion's hallways and calling his mother. "You don't have any fever… is it the nightmares?" That was Steve's last thought, as the Alpha was nightmare free for over a year now; he had to swallow at the sob that left Tony's lips, followed by another one and another one as he all but threw himself in Steve's arms, causing a surprised gasp at the uncharacteristic act.
Tony continued sobbing as he clutched into Steve's shirt and tightened his arms around the Omega which made Steve's heart pound in his chest, even as his concern and nearly panicked voice fell on deaf ears. Steve had to collect himself, he had to make sense of what triggered Tony's fear; he tried to block that part of him that purred happily at how his Alpha was touching him and clutching him tightly like he was a lifeline, which made a shiver run down his spine.
"I am sorry, I am so sorry, I promise I will be better, I promise I will change…" Was Tony's mumbles as he tightened his arms even more around Steve, causing the Omega to still in his place, his breath hitching and his hands freezing on Tony's shoulder, wondering what happened to the broken Alpha in his arms…
Did Tony finally wake up and see?
…Illusion…
So what do you think?
The second part is here, and it's more disturbed than the first!
Is Steve delusional? Yes. Does he have a load of mental health issues and problems? Yes. Is it unhealthy to become a crime lord as a side job to keep your hubby safe? Absolutely. Was his child's death his wake-up call? Probably. But I didn't remember saying that Steve was stable in this… so (^-^)v
To everyone who wondered about why I didn't write Steve's side of the first chapter… well, I think it was obvious in a way, Steve was living in a delusion of his own creation for over fifteen years, protecting Tony in hope of his husband realizing how superior he was to any other person his husband chose, and it was his child's death that was the breaking moment that opened his eyes to the lies he fed himself all those years, causing him to seek revenge on the person he spent over a decade and a half protecting. Steve's delusion came from many undiagnosed mental issues and abandonment issues that he suffered because of the life he lead before marrying Tony; his marriage to Tony was the only stable and fixed point in his life, so of course, he would do whatever he can to keep it that way and not lose the stability he had after Bucky. If you are wondering how did Steve managed to become a supervillain that no one caught; well, you have to thank J.A.R.V.I.S. he is the true mastermind behind everything, and he has a great fondness for Steve while still sharing the same goal as him, which is protecting Tony.
Read and Review
And tell me what you think…
Nazaki-Sama
