Chapter Text
~ JANUARY 5 ~
Upstairs in their bedroom, Phil whimpered, squirming slightly against Clint and whining pathetically. Despite being nearly lost to the Haze, his heightened senses still picked up on there being something wrong. Of course, one would have to be dead to miss the smell of unsettledness and pain. He whimpered again, not sure why the feeling of discontent was suddenly creeping in.
Clint held Phil tighter to himself. He'd softened by now, but he didn't pull free. The haze of Rut still held him, just like Heat held his Mate, but that didn't mean while his body was recovering for another round he couldn't pick up on his Mate's distress. //Wrong?// he asked.
//Tony. I... I dunno. Feels wrong. Something's upset downstairs...// Phil's mind fought through the haze, trying to make sense of it all. He whimpered again, but made no attempt to move from where he was. It was a horrible conflict! Wanting to find out what had upset his best friend and Beta, but being caught in the middle of a Heat and enjoying it with his new Mate.
Clint growled a whimper. He couldn't smell anything wrong, but he trusted his Mate - and it wasn't as though he could hear if there was a problem. //Try,// he managed, reluctantly pulling free, gritting his teeth against the instinct to grab and keep and take and have. He wasn't sure how long he could hold back. He clenched his hands forcing himself to let go and not take back.
Phil whined loudly but moved quickly, carefully. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to get back in that bed and press himself against his Mate, but still... his dearest friend was in trouble! ...At least, he thought he was. He wasn't sure, and that was making things worse. Yanking on a pair of boxers, he hurried to the top of the stairs. "T-Tony!? What... what's going on? I... Are you... Everything okay?"
Hearing Phil at the top of the stairs, Tony pulled himself together and rushed in his direction. He saw that Clint wasn't with Phil, and was immediately on high alert. Things could get very dangerous, if he wasn't careful, for all of them. "I'm fine, Phil. I just had an argument with Bruce. Everything's fine, you need to go back," he said carefully and quickly.
Phil eyed him carefully for a moment, clearly trying to process, before he gave a nod. "You're sure?"
"We're being stubborn at each other, it's fine. We can talk when Heat's over. Phil. Please." I don't want us to get hurt. "Go back to him, he's in Rut, and he doesn't know how to handle Rut yet, it's only his second, you KNOW this," Tony was vaguely aware that his distress made him speak faster than usual, which was a feat in and of itself. "Everything's fine, it's all fine here, I'm just an asshole, we know this, everyone knows this, it's a thing. I'll bring you some food after the next bout - got some Mango, it's awesome."
Swallowing thickly, Phil finally gave another nod before turning and disappearing back into his and Clint's room, shutting the door and having his boxers off before it even clicked shut. //I'm back... I'm sorry... I... I had to check....//
Clint was already halfway to the door, tugging Phil close and hard, biting on his bond mark with human teeth and pressing his fingers against his hole, resenting any bit that may have leaked from him when he stood, moved, was away from him.
Phil yelped, both in surprise and at the small jolt of pain at having Clint bite at him and tug him so hard. Whimpering, he went pliant in his Alpha's arms, submissive in every way. If he could, he'd roll onto his back and be belly up. //Clint! I'm sorry!//
//Mine.// Was the only reply, and that barely formed as Clint dragged Phil back to the bed. He pulled back and looked at him, eyes cataloguing everything about him. He pressed his nose to Phil's skin, dragged his tongue over it as he kept his fingers pressed against Phil's hole, pressed over it to keep him from losing anything more. Finding him uninjured, Clint growled low, tugging him back to front and slow, gentle, slipped his fingers away and carefully slipped back where he belonged, straight past the half knot, fingers slick with his come running over Phil's chest, marking him with his scent.
Phil's breathing was quick and shallow, eyes hooded and completely blown. In an act that should have had him absolutely terrified, he actually found deep comfort. He was claimed, and Bound, and his Mate wanted to keep him in bed for, well, for seemingly forever! Whimpering softly, compliantly, he keened when Clint slipped back inside him and he settled back against his Mate's chest. //I'm sorry... I'm sorry... not going to leave again... promise... I'm sorry....//
Once Clint was where he belonged, had his MATE where he belonged, He nuzzled Phil's shoulder. He couldn't think, couldn't make words happen, but his hand resumed petting Phil's stomach as he pressed his mouth to the back of his neck, lightly nipping the skin, hips moving slightly, only enough to stay hard and keep his Mate filled. The only reply was, //Love. Mine.//
~JANUARY 6~
It was well after dawn by the time Bruce finally returned to the house. He'd done a few patrols around the property, making sure that no one was trying to sneak up on his friends while they were unable to defend themselves; as well as gone back into town just to do some thinking and pick up the last contraption that Tony had been working on before they'd gone to visit Phil and Clint. Maybe if he returned with something for his Mate to tinker with...
The door snicked closed and locked quietly. Taking off his coat and boots, he gathered up the box he'd carefully packed things into and slipped into the living room wordlessly, not sure if Tony was awake or not yet. The whines and growls could still be heard from the upstairs bedroom, making him give a heavy sigh. //...Tony?//
Tony was awake, pacing in front of the staircase. He turned slightly. //I'm in the hall.//
Stepping into the hall, Bruce drew up short, instantly on alert. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"
Tony looked at him, Nodding. Shaking his head. Nodding again. "Phil came out to make sure I was okay. Clint barely handled it, I'm just making sure nothing sounds wrong." The guilt he felt at it all was clear in his tone.
"Phil came out?" Bruce's face twisted in confusion. How in the WORLD had the Omega been able to get away from his Mate? More importantly, WHY? He and Tony had fought through their Bond so that they didn't raise their physical voices at each other.
"I've known him, feels like, forever. I'm Your Omega, but I'm His Beta. How do you think I ended up in B. F. Nowhere? He went through a Heat without someone watching his back because I couldn’t get a goddamn flight with the storms going through, and something was starting to freak him out." He shrugged. "It's a thing."
Giving an understanding nod, Bruce glanced down at the box in his hands. He stood still for a moment before stepping closer, holding it out for him just as Phil's near howl of pleasure came through the door. Lifting a brow, he chuckled softly. "It sounds like everything's fine up there."
Tony glanced up the stairs at the door and nodded. "Yeah," he said, looking back at Bruce, then the box he offered. He took it, opening it. He swallowed and looked back at Bruce. "I'm not angry with you, y'know," he murmured.
"I... figured you might be getting bored and stircrazy..." Bruce answered with a shrug, arms coming up to fold over his chest before dropping them back down to his sides. Folded arms meant closed off, he didn't want to make Tony think that that was what he was doing. Reaching up, he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I thought you'd like something to keep your mind busy until it's time for you to check on them again."
"My mind's always busy, you know that," Tony said, clutching the box gratefully just the same.
A small smile tugged at Bruce's face. "Especially at night when normal people would be sleeping."
"I'm not normal people. I'm abnormal vampire," Tony stuck out his tongue.
"Abby-normal. Even before you were turned, your mind was busy at night. I never needed the Bond to know that."
Tony flicked his fingers. "That's irrelevant. There's too much to think about and not enough time during the day, when is your Rut due, anyway?"
Moving to slip into the living room, not wanting to listen as Phil and Clint started up again, Bruce took a breath. "Not for another couple weeks. Providing the pheromones and hormones bouncing around in here right now don't throw it off."
Tony followed, shutting the heavy door to help block out the sound, while he could still keep an eye on the doors, though with Bruce here, he knew Bruce would have done a perimeter check, first - and it being winter made everything safer from travelling gangs anyhow.
"Okay," he nodded, mind already racing, coming up with ways to compensate.
Bruce settled himself down on the couch, watching his Mate move, and held his hand out for Tony, wanting to pull him in close and hold him, nuzzle and love on him in apology for the night before. "I think, once those two finish their mating, we should maybe talk to Clint about making a couple of safe rooms to have Heats and Ruts in."
Tony nodded. "You mean soundproof?" He sat down and leaned against him, fingers tapping the box.
"That too, but also safe rooms. Designated. That way they don't go into one that smells like us, and we won't go into one that smells like them." Bruce slipped his arm slowly around Tony's waist. "Remember what happened in college? Two Omega's living in our suite? The Heat's eventually sync'd up. The same can happen for Alphas. If there's a safe room to take care of Heat and Rut in, the pheromones and everything could be filtered through a vent system instead of filling the house. Then there shouldn't be the possibility of cycles syncing up."
Tony hadn't thought about that. "You're right." And crap but didn't that give him something else to worry about. Steve and Natasha had gone off looking for someone, and Tony knew Clint wasn't sure when they'd be back, IF they'd be back. He was sure, however, that if they did return, Clint would have them stay - in which case everything would be fine, but if things synced up before then, who would keep watch. "Crap. Crap, crap," he set the box down and started pacing again.
Bruce stood, catching Tony's arm and pulling him in close, resting his chin on his Mate's head. "Shh... it's okay. It's not something that's going to happen right away. It took months for it to happen with the Omegas." And oh hadn't poor Phil been so confused when his Heats suddenly were thrown off. "It's going to be fine. We'll discuss it with them once they're finished and in their right minds again. It's nothing to worry over right this second."
"Sure," Tony said. But that didn't mean he shouldn't start preparations regardless.
//You're thinking and worrying too loudly, Tony,// Bruce pressed his lips to his Mate's hair, doing what he could to try and calm the man through their Bond. "C'mon, sit back down and show me what it is you've been building. I'm not sure if I grabbed everything you need for it... so if you're missing something, let me know and I'll go home and get it for you."
"I'm sure it's fine. Actually, I'm kind of hungry."
Bruce tilted his head just slightly, just enough to expose his neck, a questioning look on his face. "Hungry hungry? Or for actual food?"
"Hungry," Tony admitted. "I hate it, did you know that? I mean, I know I have to, but," he made a frustrated noise. "I don't mind making sure everyone else gets what they need, I just," another frustrated noise and his face was in his hands.
"Shhhh..." Gently taking Tony by the hands, Bruce pulled him back to the couch. "We'll stay right here, crack the door a bit so we can keep an ear out. It's okay, Tony. You need to eat."
"I don't want to," he said sullenly.
"I didn't ask you if you wanted to. I said you need to." It wasn't exactly up for discussion.
Thing was, Tony was getting Hungry - it'd been several days since he'd had something other than regular food, and he wasn't sleeping right the last few nights. "I don't want to need to," he replied, pressing his lips together, trying to ignore the offer.
Bruce frowned, a crease furrowing his brow as he looked his Mate over carefully. "You don't want me?" He asked, more confused than hurt at the moment.
"I want you," Tony said. "I don't want blood."
"But you need it." Sighing and shaking his head, Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose. "You know enough about biology to know that when an Alpha's offering is rejected, it's essentially a sign that they themselves are rejected. Tony, please. If I could find a way to make it more appealing, I would for you."
"Can't we just. Ignore it until I have no choice?" Tony whined.
"And risk you going too far? Tony... you're a genius. Please think about all the reasons that would be a very bad thing to do," especially with a mortal in the house, going unsaid and unsent through the Bond. They all knew that Tony would never intentionally hurt his best friend, but at the same time, if they waited until he had no choice, it could be too late.
In an unsaid fuck you, Tony got up and went to the kitchen. In the kitchen, he found a ziplocked steak in the freezer, dropped it in the sink with a clunk, and turned on the water to defrost it more quickly.
Sighing heavily, his shoulders slumped, Bruce ran a hand down his face and stood. This was not going well, at all. Glancing to the kitchen, he shook his head and turned. //I think it'd be best if I stay away for the next couple of days, until the levels in here straighten out again. I won't be far. I don't want to cause anymore upset.//
//Don't do anything stupid,// Tony replied, pushing at the steak and trying to get it to defrost faster, give him something to DO.
Without a word, Bruce slipped back outside to sit on the porch for awhile, debating what he should do, or where he should go to hide for a while.
Tony finished the steak, just searing it on both sides. He preferred it medium rare, not halfway mooing, but he knew he had to get something in him. When he was done, he grabbed his box, and went back to tinkering in a chair near the door to upstairs, keeping watch, and keeping his hands busy while making mental lists of what he'd need to start up with once the Heat-Rut for his friends was over.
~JANUARY 8~
It lasted a little longer than usual, but finally instinct fully loosened its hold on both Clint and Phil. The vampire remained with his arm curled around his Mate, however, something in him still determined to stay inside until he had no choice in the matter. He woke from his doze hungry, and nuzzling Phil's throat. No choice in the matter had clearly come, and he winced as he slipped out, reaching over Phil for the thermos resting on the bedstand.
Phil whimpered and whined softly at the loss, letting it drift through the Bond to Clint as he sleepily pawed around for his Mate. He was pleasantly sore in all the right places and for all the right reasons, but still, he hated not having Clint still inside him. Biology had him keeping clenched shut as he shifted and moved, alternating from his stomach to his side, trying to figure out the best way to sleep before finally opening his eyes blearily. //...Clint?// His mind voice groggy and sleepily confused.
//Here,// he promised, chugging down what was in the first thermos. He rested his hand on Phil's stomach, rubbing gently.
Keening quietly at the touch, Phil sighed, nestled himself back into warmth and safety. //Mmm....// Smiling, he tucked an arm under his head, shifting just enough to be able to look down and watch Clint's hand stroke across his flat tummy. His heart and stomach flip-flopping places at the sight. //Heat's breaking....//
Clint finished the thermos, reaching for the other before chugging it down, too. He didn't answer until he'd finished, licked his lips clean and retracted his fangs. He lay down beside Phil, still gently rubbing his stomach. //Tired?//
//Yeah... a little.// The dopey little smile had become a permanent fixture on his face, his fingers feather light as they brushed over Clint's arm as it moved over his skin. //Feel... good, happy, more than anything.//
//Yes,// Clint agreed, nuzzling at the gigantic bruise over the twice-bit bond gland, pressing a soft kiss there. A general feeling of love and protectiveness came in gentle waves across the bond as Clint nuzzled him, pet him.
Head tilted to give access to the mark, Phil practically purred in approval. He'd never felt so content in his own skin before. Glancing back over his shoulder to his Mate, he gave a small, sleepy smile before reaching into his own bedside table. He dug around for a moment before pulling back and handing a purple and blue swirled rubber plug across to him. The widest part just slightly larger than Clint's partially inflated knot. //So I can roll over?//
Clint gave him a pleased smile, taking it and gently, running it through the slick and slowly pressing it inside him, keeping him full. There was a rumble in his chest as he leaned in to kiss Phil, just the barest trace of blood still on his tongue.
Rolling onto his back, Phil moaned softly into the kiss, lazily licking around his mouth and around his tongue while muscles that were protesting being in the same two positions for too long released and settled as he stretched himself out. Lying out on his back as he was, there was the faintest of bulges to his lower abdomen from having near every last drop of Clint trapped inside him after every release.
Clint kept rubbing at his stomach, a flare of possessiveness crossing between them again. //Mine,// came the thought, smooth as silk.
Phil pulled back from the kiss slowly, nuzzling against Clint's cheek and neck as he sighed, everything about him screaming Submissive. Claimed. Mated. //My Alpha,// he thought back, before the scent of fresh food finally caught his attention and had him moving to sit partially up. //I'm hungry... is there something for me to eat?//
//Plate full,// Clint replied, sitting up and reaching for the tray Tony had left. Bread and cheese, fruits in a tupperware seated inside a bowl of half melted ice. Three bottles of water.
Sitting up, Phil moved until he was sitting between Clint's legs, leaning his back into the Alpha's chest and nuzzling his jaw bone, dipping to be able to nose and nip just under his chin. //Bread, please?//
Clint set the tray over his lap, taking a piece of bread and holding it to his Omega's mouth.
Phil gladly accepted, nipping lightly at Clint's fingers before leaning back to chew carefully, his own arm draped over his stomach protectively. //Love you...//
//Love you,// Clint replied, nuzzling at Phil's temple, content to coddle, glad his haze had lifted aside from the fierce protective feeling he was sure wasn't going to abate any time soon.
Sighing, Phil glanced down to his stomach again, the Omega hardwired Hopehopehope! OursOursOurs! pouring through the Bond as he continued to nibble away at what Tony had brought up for him.
Finishing, he turned his head to the side, pressing his nose into Clint's neck and humming wordlessly into his skin.
Clint could feel his hot breath and set the tray aside, holding him close, pulling the blanket up over them both at the chill left behind.
Phil stayed with his back pressed to Clint's chest, face turned towards his, keeping still and breathing relaxed. //...we should shower and change sheets... before another wave hits.//
Reluctantly, Clint nodded. The worst of it was done, but he knew it was possible to start up again. He huffed a laugh against his Mate's shoulder, just so happy to be here, to have him.
The call of a nice cool shower was too much to resist. The idea of getting to share it with his Mate just made it all the more desirable. With a couple of quiet whimpers, Phil moved to crawl off the bed, shifting to make sure the plug was still secure before he stood. His knees were maybe a little weak from lack of use and exhaustion, but he was able to keep himself upright and take Clint's hand, pulling him off for a shower full of tender kisses, and nuzzles, and gentle caresses.
Clint gently dried his Mate off when they were done, lifting him in strong arms and carrying him back to their bed. //Sleep//.
Curling up into Clint's side, Phil rested his head on the vampire's chest, letting himself drift off to rest before another bout of haze hit.
* * *
Tony slipped into the room, gathering up the eaten food and replacing it with something with a little more protein. He watched them sleep a moment before slipping out again and going downstairs.
//Bruce.//
There was a moment of hesitation before the answer. //Yes, Tony?//
It'd been a few days, and Tony whimpered. //Please come back?//
//I'm not sure that's still such a good idea just yet.// Bruce sighed, running a hand down his face. //I'm not far from you.//
Tony didn't reply, throwing away the trash, putting the rinsed dishes into the dishwasher, and curled up in the living room under a blanket. What did he know about keeping an Alpha. He was just a stupid Beta.
Bruce reached through the Bond, stroking against his Mate's mind gently, lovingly. //I love you. Are they almost finished? I'll be back once they're done.//
//Maybe one more,// Tony replied. //They ate everything today.//
//I'll be back later. I love you, Tony.// Bruce sent a wave of calm and love through to him.
//You too,// was the subdued reply.
* * *
It was nearing midnight when the sound of boots crunching slowly through the snow and up the front steps sounded from outside. Bruce stared at the door for a long moment before glancing over to the porch swing. //Tony? I'm here. Would you... come outside and sit with me for a little while though? Please?// he asked, already moving to clear the snow off the seat. The moon was bright, even as it was starting to set, the stars twinkling in the clear dark sky.
//Minute.// Tony sounded a little out of it, and it was five minutes before he came out, bundled in a long coat and unlaced boots to join him.
Bruce stood up when the door opened, his hands loose by his sides as he looked his Mate over. "Tony..." His voice soft and gentle, right hand lifted to take Tony's.
Tony held his hand, stepping in and nosing under Bruce's chin tiredly.
Pulling him in close, Bruce rested his chin on Tony's head before pulling him down onto the wood swing with him. He gathered his Mate into his arms, petting through his hair gently. "You're so tired. Tony, I'm sorry..."
Tony shook his head. "I'm fine." He said, even as he relaxed against him.
Pulling him in closer, into a tighter hug, Bruce sighed softly. //I know you're not, Baby.// "How're things inside?"
"Quiet, now. They're in the pass out and sleep for an age phase." Tony half shrugged, not answering the rest.
Bruce nodded, thumb stroking down Tony's cheek and over his ear. "So by mid-tomorrow I should be able to take you home and make love to you like you need and deserve?"
Tony made a scoffing noise, then nodded. "Yeah, sure."
"Tony... please? What's going on? You're starting to worry me." Bruce clamped down on his feelings, refusing to let them slip through and risk upsetting him anymore. "There's something wrong and I want to help you, I want to take care of you. You're my Mate, I love you. ...But I can't help if you won't let me. Did I, is it anything I've done?"
"NO, no," Tony shook his head. "'m just tired. Didn't sleep."
Glancing back at the front door, Bruce thought for a moment before kissing Tony's head again. "If I go inside with you, will you try to get some sleep? I'll stay up and guard in case they need something."
Tony nodded. "Sure," he agreed easily. "Yeah, we can do that."
Pressing his lips against Tony's temple, Bruce rocked them in the swing gently, eyes partly closed. //Sit out here with me for a little while longer, get some fresh air in you, then we'll go in and get some sleep. Okay?//
//Okay,// Tony replied, eyes closed and soaking up just being with Bruce again.
Bruce held him close, petting him gently and just staying quiet. He watched as a small scattering of meteors shot through the sky before finally tilting Tony's chin up to kiss him softly. "Come on," //Let's get you inside.//
"Mm," Tony hummed, already out of it. He shuffled up so that Bruce could stand, leading him inside. He flopped on the couch.
Shedding his coat and boots, Bruce soon followed him, easing him out of his own outerwear. Slipping in so that he was on the outside and Tony was between him and the back of the couch, Bruce tugged the blanket up to their ears and tucked his Mate under his chin again. //They'll be fine. You need to sleep. Please try to sleep for me?//
Mmhmm," Tony replied, easily quiescent at this point.
Bruce kissed his head once more before reaching up to turn off the light at the side of the couch. He would stay up and keep an eye out, protect the new Bound couple while his Mate slept.
It was a long, quiet night.