Chapter Six:
The next couple of days were perhaps the most confusing of Tony's life. Okay well, that was patently untrue. Tony had done and gone through a lot of crazy shit in his lifetime. Still, those days left him scratching his head, his shoulders tense with unease. That first night he was woken up every 4 hours by the gentle press of Steve's strong fingers against his cheek. Tony wasn't much of a sleeper. There were too many nightmares and too many memories that returned to him when he closed his eyes. So when he did have a restful sleep he was not a fan of being woken up every four freaking hours. He had grumbled, lips turned into a pout, and turned his body away from the chuckling Alpha while he buried his face into his new favorite pillow. It would be the next day that Tony realized that his new favorite pillow happened to be Steve's abs.
'Okay, Tony. Okay.' Gentle amusement had colored Steve's voice. Tony fell asleep to hesitant fingers carding through his hair.
The next morning Tony awoke, a little stiff and sore, but otherwise well rested. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept so well. Groaning, he sat up and stretched, wincing when he pulled on his bruised ribs. His head cocked to the side at the smell of bacon wafting through the air. It made his stomach go tight, rumbling gently. Was someone cooking breakfast? Unease wormed its way through him. It was his job to make breakfast. If he allowed someone else to do it… would he still be allowed to go into the city? He was a little over a week away from his goal. He had been biting his tongue and keeping his head down and if anyone thought a little sprained ankle and bruised ribs was going to stop him from his trip they had another thing coming. It was god damned necessary. Tony flung the blanket off of his lap where it lay curled and bunched. Slowly he heaved himself up on his own two feet before setting off toward the kitchen. It was slow but steady progress. He made it halfway across the living room before Steve strode around the corner, shaking his head.
"You are the most stubborn…" Steve muttered under his breath. Which was rich, coming from him. A yelp escaped him as he was once again scooped up into Steve's arms and carried around the house like a toy poodle. Tony was unceremoniously dropped off in front of the downstairs bathroom door.
"There's spare toothbrushes in the closet, and probably whatever else you might need." Steve said as he opened the door to the guest bathroom as if to usher him inside.
Scowling, because he so did not appreciate being treated like an invalid, Tony cocked a hip (nearly toppling over in the process) and met Steve's eyes boldly.
"You're sure you don't want to do that for me too? Think my ankle might be too sprained for me to do it on my own." The sarcastic words fell from his lips before he could think to stop them. Memories assaulted him then. He remembered a much younger version of himself popping off at the mouth to Howard. He hadn't been able to help himself then either. His fingers ghosted unconsciously up to his mouth, as if pressing against the phantom of the fat lip Howard had given him on more than one occasion, while he turned his head and offered his neck in submission.
Steve chuckled. "I mean, if you need help, I'm more than happy to oblige-" His strong hand wrapped gently around Tony's arm, guiding him toward the sink. Tony jerked free, making slapping motions at Steve until he backed off and got out of the bathroom.
"Come into the kitchen when you're done." Steve called over his shoulder, a subdued laugh in his voice, as he quick walked back to the kitchen.
"Smart ass," Tony mumbled, brows pulled down into a scowl as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. At some point today he would need to take a shower, but first he needed his coffee. Nothing came before coffee.
After finishing up in the bathroom Tony quietly slipped out and made his way toward the kitchen, this time unaccosted by well intentioned Alphas. He made it no farther than the dining room when Steve once again came bustling around the corner with two plates in his hands.
"Take a seat Tony, I made breakfast this morning."
Tony's fingers wrapped around the back of the chair as he leaned against it for support. His eyes narrowed.
"Coffee…?"
Steve set the plates down, one in front of him, and the other directly across the table, before he turned back toward the kitchen.
"Sit down and I will grab you a cup."
Tony eyed Steve dubiously before shaking his head and taking a reluctant seat at the table. He sat quietly, with a plate full of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in front of him while Steve brought out a mug of coffee and the creamer. Closing his eyes Tony wrapped grateful hands around his mug and took a sip. It wasn't as good as the way he brewed his own, but it wasn't half bad. In all honesty he had been expecting worse - or at the very least the crap he had been serving Steve.
"Thank you," he mumbled, eyes still closed as he savored the freshly brewed coffee. Steve snorted and soon the sound of silverware clinking against china filled the quiet of the room. Once Tony was finished he set down his mug and opened his eyes to meet the amused gaze of Steve Rogers.
"Not much of a morning person, are you?" Steve murmured, blue eyes tracing the furrow in Tony's brow, the stubborn jut of his lower lip.
"More of a night owl." Tony sighed, contemplating getting up to grab another cup of coffee. He looked down at the breakfast Steve had prepared for him. The eggs were fluffy. The bacon crispy. Everything looked perfect. Because of course it did.
He drummed his fingers against the table and worried his bottom lip between his teeth. When he looked up it was to see Steve with a mug halfway to his lips, a pale brow arched in question.
"Is this going to count against me? I could have made breakfast still." Tony muttered, stubbornly. "I mean maybe there's something else I can do so that I can still-"
Steve sighed, leaning back in his chair as he took a fortifying sip of his coffee.
"Tony, the only thing I want you to focus on is relaxing and healing. Doctor's orders. I will still take you to the city." Steve's voice sounded tight, with a thread of disappointment laced through it. Disappointed in him? In the situation? Was he mad that Tony couldn't do his chores or that Tony wanted to do his chores?
This not knowing was getting old. Tedious. Tony longed for the days where he had no one to answer to but himself. No one to disappoint, not really. Did Pepper count? He loved Pepper, and more than once she had leveled him with the very same look that Steve was shooting his way now. And of course Rhodey. Tony guessed he was just destined to disappoint those closest to him.
"See that? Whatever you're thinking? Stop. And eat your breakfast, it's getting cold." Steve set his mug down, scooping up his empty plate as he got up from the table.
"The rest of the team is going to be here shortly. We're going to run some drills outside and could use your help."
Tony's brows winged upwards in surprise. "What could I possibly help you with?"
Steve paused, full lips turning upwards into a smirk. "You're gonna be the bad guy."
Tony snorted, amused, as he motioned towards his wrapped ankle. "You guys sure don't like a challenge, huh? Do you also steal candy from babies? Kick puppies? Steal the towels from hotel rooms?"
Steve chuckled. "I think everyone has taken a towel from a hotel a time or two."
Tony mock gasped, clutching at his neck. "Captain America!" he sounded scandalized.
Steve shook his head at Tony's theatrics. "Don't worry, you won't be in any danger. We need you to sit on the side lines and control the remote discs. They fly and shoot lasers. I mean, not enough to really hurt, but it can still sting."
Tony cocked his head. "More's the pity. But why me?"
"Well, you're clearly free, and Clint is under the impression that you'd be a natural at this. Something about Mario Kart."
Tony rolled his eyes skyward. You critique a guy in passing one time and now all of a sudden he could take on the avengers?
"He had smart steering on. That is for children, Steve . It's like bumpers on when you go bowling. Training wheels on a bike."
Steve stifled a smile. "All the same, we'd sure appreciate your help on this Tony. It would be good to not have an automated practice session. They're getting kinda predictable."
Tony pressed his lips together. That's because they were using SHIELD tech. Give him a day and the right tools and he could come up with an autonomous, self learning, tech that would really put them through their paces. But he couldn't do that, could he? A hot flare of frustration shot up within him. Instead he merely nodded.
"Sure, sounds fun."
And it was fun. Tony enjoyed playing the villain to the pack. It had taken a couple of rounds for him to get used to the controls. He had about thirty of the little flying, laser shooting, discs. The pack had set up a "training" ground, complete with barriers and fences out in the middle of the field, about a quarter of a mile from the pack house. The "controller" for the discs was as big as a keyboard, and the least intuitive thing that Tony had ever had the misfortune to stumble across.
Playing the villain was fun. At first they seemed to be going easy on his little laser shooting discs. Lazily dismantling them or sending them plummeting to the ground. Black widow had, at one point, hopped from one to the other to make it to the finish line, like using rocks as stepping stones to make it across a lazy river. The folks at SHIELD had told them that the training discs were virtually indestructible. Maybe for a bunch of regular folks, or special ops soldiers, that would be true. As it was the Avengers had to be gentle lest they render the discs broken and useless. Even Hulk had sat down, criss cross applesauce, chin resting on a fisted hand as he lazily batted them away as if they were annoying flies.
Tony was a pretty safe distance away. The objective of the avengers was for all of them to get from one end of the field to the other without being shot by a laser. By the end of round two, Tony was ready to turn up the heat. He hadn't managed to land a single shot. And in all honesty, it was purposeful. He wanted to gage their fighting style, how they moved across the field. Where they were weakest. He wanted them to underestimate him.
"I was expecting more from you Tony! Where are those villain like tendencies I've hear about!" Clint called from atop a barricade made of broken wood and ladders. Natasha was sitting on a hay bale, one knee tucked up to her chest and foot swinging freely as she shook her head.
"He's doing fine, Hawkeye." Steve admonished, waving them back to the starting point. "Let's go again. Maybe we can just do two at a time if that's easier for you Tony?"
Aww. Steve was trying to be kind. Tony ducked his head to hide the smirk that was forming on his face.
"Whatever you think is best, Alpha!" Tony called in a cloyingly sweet voice. Demure, even. Natasha immediately sat up straighter, emerald eyes bright with sudden interest.
Steve turned to study him quietly, broad hands planted on his hips. A minute of inspection passed by agonizingly slow. Tony would be a liar if he said that it didnt affect him when Steve did that. As if he actually saw Tony for who he was. Having that gaze turned on to him made him feel like a bug beneath a magnifying glass. Tony blew him a kiss and batted his eyes. Sure he was planted in a reclined position on a lawn chair, sprained ankle propped up by folded blankets and the controller/keyboard spread across his lap. He looked helpless.
Steve's eyes narrowed before an easy smile spread across his face.
"Alright guys, let's all take it from the top. One more time."
Hmm. Interesting, Tony thought as he watched Steve in his Captain America get-up stroll back to the starting point. It seemed Steve refused to underestimate Tony, at least in this.
"You ready, Tony?" Bucky called out, arms both flesh and metal crossed over his chest. His pose relaxed despite the threat of the laser discs. Tony threw his head back and gave his best maniacal evil villain laugh. He even threw in a twist of his imaginary mustache.
"Let us begin!" He thundered in his villain voice.
As the Avengers tore across the field, Tony directed his discs toward the rushing superheroes. The objective was for all of them to make it across. He laughed, delighted, at Clint's curses as ten of the discs broke formation and targeted him specifically. Dodging and sweeping, determined not to lose his precious discs to Hawkeye's arrows, Tony divided and conquered. He had the discs flying in complicated, weaving, patterns. All twenty of them came together to form a solid unit that pummeled the arrow wielding avenger in the stomach before breaking apart and scattering. Clint was sent flying backward, skidding across the grass. Natasha paused atop a barricade, an amused smile on her face as she sent one of her widow bites after a low swooping disc, destroying it and sending it careening into the disc behind it.
"Looks like Hawkeye needs some back up!"
The team turned back around, and Tony delighted in sending the stinging laser beams dancing their way.
"You...little...shit…"Clint grunted as he tried, in vain, to dodge laser beams.
Tony threw his head back on another over-the-top laugh. "You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me."
The collective groan from the field in front of him let him know that his Vader quote had not been well received. Oh well, maybe they needed more. Tony was having fun. As the avengers fought off his discs, he peppered the battle with some memorable star wars quotes.
"Now, young skywalker, you will die."
"Power! Unlimited power!"
"Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends!"
"You don't know the power of the dark side!"
By the end of that round he had burned a big S into the back of Clint's vest that was still smoking. Steve had been pegged twice, once in the shoulder and again in the right buttock (because how could he not). The Winter Soldier had been shot twice in his metal arm, dead center in his forehead, and once in the upper left thigh, perilously close to his groin. Natasha, he had managed to clip only once on the ankle as she dove for cover - she was a slippery one. The round had ended only when Hulk had become enraged with the flying discs that repeatedly shot lasers at him because, well, he was a big green easy target. He had stormed across the field straight at Tony, roaring so loudly it shook the ground. Wide eyed, Tony had tried to scramble away.
"Easy buddy, it's just a game!" Tony rolled off the chair and did an awkward crab walk backwards and away from the big green monster that was charging toward him.
"Hulk!"
"Stop!"
"Stand down!"
The pack's shouts did nothing to deter him, and they were too far away to stop him. Before he knew it Hulk scooped him up in one large fist. His feet dangling in the air, brown eyes wide as he stared into the familiar green face that twisted with annoyance and anger, Tony swallowed thickly.
"Easy there big guy," Tony's neck lolled to the side, submissive. "It was just a game, for practice, for training. I'm sorry if I upset you." Tony whispered, projecting meek and submissive into every muscle in his body. Despite the strong grip and the perilous distance between his face and the big green one scowling at him, Hulk didn't tighten his grip. He didn't shake Tony or try to hurt him. Instead he brought him closer, hot breath fanning against Tony's neck as Hulk inhaled his scent.
"Omega, pack. Smell like friend." Hulk grumbled.
Tony nodded his head almost comically fast in agreement. He looked like a bobble head doll on the dash of a jeep going 4 wheeling. "Yes, Omega. Friends."
"Fight good, Omega." Hulks other hand came up to pat the top of Tony's head gently. Well, gently for Hulk. It was still jarring. Tony felt it all the way down his spine.
"Th-Thanks."
Hulks nostrils flared. "All done now. No more fight." he said in an admonishing tone. He set Tony gently on the ground and ambled away.
Tony's hand came up to clutch at his stuttering heart. "F-fuck." he whispered as a grinning Steve ran up to him.
"Good work out there Tony. Sorry about Hulk, he goes off script sometimes."
"No shit." Tony gasped breathlessly. "I thought he was going to eat me."
Steve blew out a hard breath. "You know, for a second there, I did too. Seems like he knows you're one of us though." Steve reached a hand out and mussed Tony's hair. "Welcome to the team, Omega."
Tony was too shell shocked to bat the affectionate hand away. He didn't even protest when Steve scooped him up again and walked him back to the cabin.
"Well that was fun. We on again for tomorrow?" Natasha called out as Clint cursed behind him.
"He shot me like forty times in the back. FORTY TIMES."
"He got me in the forehead. And almost the balls." Bucky grumbled. "Oh hey, you have a big S on your back. Ha, for Stark." Bucky chuckled.
Tony turned his face into Steve's shoulder as he choked back his laughter.
Steve turned his gaze down to stare at the giggling omega in his arms. "You know, you're not half bad, Tony. You're just full of surprises."
That seemed to make the smaller man chuckle harder. "Oh, Rogers, you have no idea."
Tony enjoyed the next few days with the pack. He especially enjoyed giving them a run for their money with a depleting army of laser discs. He was surprised to find that he was disappointed when Steve told him they would be going away for a few days to continue their training with SHIELD.
"Don't worry Tony. I'll be back in time to take you to the city. I haven't forgotten." Steve promised, ruffling his hair again. Tony batted away his hand, finger combing his hair back into a semblance of order.
"I'm holding you to that, Rogers."
"Clint's family should be by tomorrow to check on you, see if you need help with anything."
Tony rolled his eyes. Steve was worse than a mother hen.
"Thanks Mom , I think I can handle being on my own for a few days. I promise not to throw any ragers. And we only got the pony drunk that one time."
Steve sighed, shaking his head, and jogged down the front steps. "Be good Tony!"
"Be safe, Steve!"
He watched silently, arms folded across his chest and shoulder planted in the jam of the door, as the pack climbed into their various vehicles and left him behind.
With a sigh, he made his way back inside, closing the door firmly behind him. The quiet of the packhouse pressed down on him, oppressive. Using his crutch that Bruce had given him, he limped inside and toward the touch screen on the war room. He paused, debating.
"Fuck it." Bringing his wrist up he pressed a series of buttons, twisting the dial until a holographic control screen popped up.
"A Quiet Place Protocol." Orange beams cut across the floor, up the walls, and to the ceiling as Tony moved slowly from room to room, scanning in a grid.
"All clear sir, no recording devices detected." The crisp cool voice of his AI had Tony breathing a heartfelt sigh of relief.
"Missed your voice, Jarvis." Tony said heavily as he made his way back to the touch screen that had been tempting him for the past month. "And I yours, sir." Jarvis intoned as Tony connected his watch to the touch pad, uploading his AI into the cabin's sad excuse for a security system. It was time to make some much needed upgrades. After all, when the Alpha was away, the Omega would play.
Notes: Hey guys! Long time no type! I hope everyone is hanging in there with this covid-19 pandemic going on. I know my house has been crazy! Long story short, it looks like I probably wont be able to post as frequently as I have in the past. So my apologies for that! I had big plans for this chapter. Huge. It totally veered off into a different direction. Things happened that were not planned. *shrugs* But don't fear my friends! I have explanations and angst coming up in the next few chapters. Poor Tony :( As always I apologize for spelling errors and grammar. I went through it a few times and fixed what I could but I'm sure it's still riddled with errors. And I super duper appreciate your continued support and your lovely reviews that always make me smile and laugh! You guys are the best. Thank you for the kudos! Hoping you and yours stay healthy during this pandemic. 3