His skin felt like it was on fire. Everything itched underneath the surface, just out of reach, as he leaned back against the wall, sitting on the floor in only his boxers, the cold tile providing little comfort.

Bob has specifically asked Valentina to procure another bottle of heat suppressants, due to him running out a week ago. He figured he could deal, really, but he hasn't had a heat without suppressants in years.

He was unused to the flames inside his belly, the hardening planes of his body, the need etched into his veins. He had sequestered himself away in his room at the Avengers Tower, a DIY do not disturb sign on his door, as if it was a secret to anyone else in the tower what he was going through.

Yelena and Ava stayed specifically in their respective areas, avoiding him entirely, while Walker and Bucky took nearly every mission they could to stay away. Alexei was just happy whenever and wherever, entirely oblivious to the world around him unless gunfire was present.

You were the outlier.

A beta, unused to heat or rut or whatever happened to omegas and alphas during their 'special time'. Bob was a sweetheart, and you did want to help, you just didn't know how. You could’ve done your research, but you really couldn’t be bothered. It was never your problem.

Your room was directly across from his, while the other's rooms were scattered across the tower, so you had to hear every agonizing and slow moans as he... took care of himself.

Eventually, you couldn't even turn up your TV to the highest level without hearing his whines and mewls. When you'd had enough, you pounded on his door, to which he did not open, only groaning a weak, "Don't come in!"

As if that would stop anyone.