Chapter Text
Tony let out a soft sigh of contentment as the alpha ran his fingers through his hair, feeling utterly relaxed and spoiled. The warm water of the bath, the gentle touch of Stephen's hands, and his soothing presence were pure bliss.
He leaned back against the tub, his eyes closed and his body boneless, letting out a low hum of pleasure. "You know, you're a little too smug for your own good," he muttered, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Stephen chuckled at the beta's comment, a satisfied grin on his face. He knew he was being smug, but he couldn't help it. He loved taking care of his mate, especially when Tony was acting so needy and vulnerable.
"I can't help it, sweetheart. You look so damn beautiful like this," he replied, his tone low and affectionate. "Completely relaxed and boneless, just letting me take care of you." He leaned down, kissing Tony forehead.
Once the beta was all clean, Stephen helped Tony up, hearing how the beta purred softly as he leaned into the alpha's chest, "Yeah, you're all clean, huh?" Stephen hummed, wrapping a warm and fluffy towel around Tony.
Tony hummed in response, feeling utterly pampered and cherished. The towel was soft and cozy against his skin, and he snuggled against Stephen's chest, savoring the alpha's warmth and comfort.
"Mmm, I feel like a pampered little housewife or something," he muttered, a hint of a grin on his lips. He looked up at the alpha with a cheeky smile, "Are you going to carry me back to bed now?"
Stephen chuckled softly at the beta's cheeky words, amused by his bratty attitude, which the alpha adored, "Of course, sweetheart. I'll carry you to bed."
With ease, he scooped up the beta in his arms, the beta's smaller frame felt perfect in his arms, and he carried him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. He gently laid the beta down on the bed, the soft, warm blankets enveloping him.
"Mh hey, you also have to do my skincare for me," Tony sighed, sitting up on the bed, back propped against the pillows.
Stephen stopped.
Blinked.
Scratched his chin.
"Skin- Skin what?" He asked, utterly confused, he didn't know what skincare was. Well, he did, but not to the extent of how much Tony knows, hell, Stephen uses soap and water to wash his face and calls it good.
Tony had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes at the alpha's confusion. He loved Stephen with all his heart, but the alpha could be so goddamn oblivious sometimes.
"Skin care," he repeated, enunciating each word slowly and clearly. "It means taking care of your skin. You know, like using moisturizers and exfoliators and serums and all that stuff to keep your skin healthy and looking good?"
He could tell the alpha was still confused.
Stephen's confusion only deepened as Tony explained. Skin care? He had never paid much attention to that stuff. He used a good quality soap in the shower and that was about it.
"Okay, I'm not quite understanding here," he admitted, scratching his head. "Why do you need all that? Your skin looks perfectly fine to me."
He really didn't get it, as far as he was concerned, Tony's skin was smooth and flawless and absolutely perfect.
Stephen chuckled again, his amusement growing at the beta's exasperated expression. He knew that Tony had very finicky skin, and he found it cute how particular the beta was about his skincare routine.
"Well, not all of us can be genetically blessed like me," he teased, his tone light and playful. "But I will help you with your skincare. Just-" He paused, clapping his hands together, "What do I grab?"
Tony tried to hold back another eyeroll and failed. He knew Stephen was teasing, but he was also genuinely clueless about skincare. Oh well, he thought, might as well start from the beginning.
"Alright, I'll need you to grab cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, and a moisturizer. They're all in the bathroom, in the bottom drawer." He gave the alpha detailed instructions while Stephen rummaged through the drawer, eventually finding the three products.
Stephen looked at the bottles in his hand, a bewildered expression on his face. "Okay, now what?"
Tony couldn't help but snicker at the alpha's bewildered expression. He found it adorable how clueless Stephen was about skincare, even with the detailed instructions.
"First, squeeze a bit of the cleanser on your hand," he instructed, watching as Stephen followed his words with a confused look on his face. "Good, now rub your hands together and gently massage it into my face."
He leaned back against Stephen's chest as the alpha massaged the cleanser on his face, the gesture was surprisingly pleasant.
Stephen was focused on the task at hand, his large, calloused hands surprisingly careful and gentle as he massaged the cleanser into the beta's face.
"Like this?" He asked, his tone a mix of concentration and uncertainty. "I'm not pressing too hard, am I?"
Tony let out a soft sigh of contentment, his eyes closed as he relaxed into the alpha's touch. "No, that's perfect. You're doing great, babe," he replied, a small smile on his lips.
Satisfied with Tony's response, Stephen continued to gently massage the beta's face, his fingers working in small, circular motions. He couldn't help but marvel at how the beta's skin felt under his touch, soft and smooth.
"I'm glad I'm not doing a terrible job," he murmured, a smirk on his face, "Because you'd definitely yell at me if I did."
He couldn't help but tease the beta, knowing full well that Tony was not above criticizing him for the smallest mistakes.
Tony let out a groan of mock annoyance, but he couldn't help but chuckle at the alpha's comment. "You know me too well," he retorted, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If you did a terrible job, I'd make sure you'd know it."
He opened his eyes and looked up at the alpha, his gaze soft and affectionate. "But you're doing just fine. Just keep going."
"Okay, next, grab the toner."
Stephen reached out for the bottle of toner, his fingers finding it easily. He glanced at the bottle, then back at Tony, still looking slightly confused.
"This one, right?" He asked, holding up the bottle. "And I just... apply it to your face after the cleanser?"
Tony nodded, a small smile on his lips at the alpha's cluelessness. "Yes, that's right. Just pat it into my skin. Gently."
Stephen nodded as well, his focus back on the task at hand. He popped open the cap of the toner and poured a few drops onto his hand, then gently patted it into the beta's skin with the pads of his fingers.
"Like this?" He asked, his touch gentle and cautious, not wanting to do it wrong.
Tony hummed approvingly, his eyes closing again as the cool liquid felt refreshing on his skin. "Mmh, yes, just like that. You're catching on fast."
Stephen couldn't help but feel a small surge of pride at the beta's words. He had to admit, he was actually enjoying this whole skincare routine thing. Maybe it wasn't as complicated as he thought.
"Told you I'd learn quickly," he replied with a smirk, continuing to pat the toner onto Tony's skin. "What's next, sweetheart?"
Tony chuckled at the alpha's proud tone, finding it endearing how Stephen was actually enjoying the skincare routine. "Alright, you cocky alpha," he teased. "Next, grab the serum."
He watched as Stephen picked up the bottle of serum, his eyes focused and intent. "This one's for moisture and nourishment for my skin," he explained. "Just a few drops of it on your hands."
Stephen nodded, following Tony's instructions. He squeezed a few drops of the serum onto his hand, then gently spread it all over the beta's face.
Tony sighed softly as the serum absorbed into his skin, feeling its nourishing properties working their magic. He had to admit, Stephen was a natural at this. Maybe he should have the alpha do this more often.
"You're doing really well, Steph," he murmured, his eyelids fluttering shut as he savored the alpha's touch. "I'm surprised. I thought you'd have a harder time with this, being a clueless alpha and all."
Stephen chuckled in response, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Hey, I told you I'm a fast learner. Don't underestimate me, sweetheart."
Tony smirked, feeling a slight shiver run down his spine at the alpha's words. There was something incredibly sexy about hearing such a capable, powerful alpha taking care of him, especially with something as mundane as skincare.
"Alright, you win. You're a fast learner," he conceded, his tone slightly teasing. "Now grab the eye cream."
He watched as Stephen picked up the eye cream, his fingers delicately holding the small bottle. "This one is supposed to reduce dark circles and puffiness," he explained. "Just a tiny amount, under my eyes. dont get it in my eyes. I will hit you if you do."
"Noted. No getting the cream in your eyes," Stephen replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. He gently applied a small amount of the eye cream under the beta's eyes, using his ring finger to gently pat and blend it in.
"Is this amount enough?" he asked, his touch precise and careful. "I don't want to overdo it."
Tony smiled at the alpha's care, feeling loved and spoiled. He opened his eyes, looking up at Stephen, his gaze soft and affectionate. "That's perfect, babe," he said, his voice filled with appreciation.
Stephen let out a soft hum of approval, happy that he had done it right. He took a moment to look at Tony's face, the beta's skin looking radiant and moisturized.
"You're glowing," he couldn't help but say, his voice slightly awed. He found himself mesmerized by the beta's beauty, admiring the soft features and rosy blush on Tony's cheeks.
"Last thing is moisturizer," Tony said, breaking Stephen's thoughts. "Grab the bottle."
Stephen did as instructed, picking up the moisturizer and squeezing a small amount onto his hand before rubbing it into Tony's face.
Tony's eyes fluttered shut as the moisturizer sank into his skin, feeling the nourishment and hydration it provided. He leaned into Stephen's touch, the alpha's hands surprisingly gentle and precise.
He let out a content sigh, feeling completely pampered and relaxed. "Mmm, that feels so good," he murmured, his voice soft and satisfied.
Stephen chuckled at the beta's pleasure, enjoying the sight of him so blissed out and boneless. He couldn't help but tease him a little though.
"You're such a spoiled little thing," he said, a smirk on his lips.
Tony playfully rolled his eyes at the alpha's words, a small grin tugging on his lips. "Shut up," he retorted, his voice filled with mock annoyance. "I am not spoiled. I just like being pampered."
He loved the way Stephen was taking care of him, though he wouldn't admit it out loud. His body had been feeling worn out and heavy lately, carrying their little miracle inside of it. "Should make your rub my feet, they're all swollen..." He huffed, pouting.
Stephen chuckled at the beta's pouting face, finding it endearing and cute. He shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're such a little princess, demanding a foot rub. But I guess I can't deny you, since you're carrying our pup."
He reached down, gently lifting one of Tony's swollen feet. "Let me see, let me see," he murmured, his tone teasing. "Oh, your feet are definitely swollen. Guess I have no choice but to pamper you."
Tony couldn't help but grin as Stephen lifted his foot, feeling pampered and loved. He let out a soft sigh as the alpha began massaging his foot, the pressure of his hands feeling so good.
"Mmh, you're lucky I'm pregnant," he said through giggles. "Any other time, I'd kick your ass for calling me princess, but I'm in no condition to do that right now."
Stephen chuckled softly at the beta's words, amused by his feisty personality. "You're a feisty little thing, even when you're round with my pup," he replied, his fingers working magic on the beta's swollen feet and ankles.
Tony closed his eyes, a groan of pleasure escaping his lips as the alpha continued to massage his feet expertly. He felt the tension in his body melting away, replaced by a blissful sense of relaxation.
"Damn, you're good at this," he murmured, a small, blissful smile playing on his lips. "You sure you're not a closet foot masseuse or something?"
Stephen chuckled at the beta's question, his fingers working their magic on the beta's swollen feet. "No, just naturally good with my hands," he replied, his tone smug.
Tony let out a low moan as the alpha's fingers hit a particularly sensitive spot on his foot, his toes curling in pleasure. "Oh god," he murmured, his eyes still closed. "You're gonna send me into a coma if you keep this up."
Stephen chuckled again at the beta's response, enjoying the little whimpers and moans he was drawing out of him. "Oh, is it too much for you, princess?" he teased, his touch firm and skilled. "I can stop if you want me to."
Tony let out a low whine at the thought of the alpha stopping, his eyes fluttering open to glare at him. "Don't you dare," he protested, his voice almost a whine. "It feels too damn good to stop now."
He tried to pull his foot away, but Stephen's grip was too strong. He was completely at the alpha's mercy, and he both hated and loved it. "Just shut up and keep rubbing my damn feet," he grumbled, glaring up at the alpha with a pouty expression. "I've earned it."
Stephen chuckled at the beta's reaction, amused by his pouty expression. "Of course, princess," he replied, his voice filled with mock adoration. He continued to rub the beta's feet, applying just the right amount of pressure.
"You're adorable when you're all needy and demanding like this," he teased, his tone light and playful. "All big tough Tony Stark, reduced to a puddle by some foot rubs."
Tony couldn't help but grumble at the alpha's words, feeling a mixture of annoyance and affection for him. "Shut up," he snapped, his words lacking any real bite. "I am not needy. I'm just... pregnant."
He let out a soft moan as the alpha hit a particularly tense spot on his foot, the pleasure shooting up his leg. "Mmh, oh god, right there, don't stop." he panted. "And you're lucky I can't get up to kick your ass right now."
Stephen couldn't help but laugh at the beta's empty threat, finding his grumpy and needy attitude so damn cute. "Oh really? You're gonna kick my ass?" he retorted, his tone laced with mockery.
He increased the pressure on the beta's foot, his fingers working the sore muscles skillfully. "In your current state, princess? I'd have you pinned down and begging in two seconds flat."
Tony's breath hitched at the alpha's words, a mixture of annoyance and arousal running through him. "Cocky bastard," he muttered, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Don't get too cocky. I could still take you if I wanted to."
His toes curled as the alpha continued to rub his foot, the pleasure intensifying. He tried to concentrate on their banter, but his mind was starting to fog up, the sensations overwhelming him. "I-I could still fight in this state, y'know. I'm not completely helpless..."
Stephen chuckled at the beta's feistiness, finding it endearing how the beta was still trying to act tough even in his current state. "Oh sure, sweetheart," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure you could take me on just fine. Just try not to trip over your swollen feet."
He continued to rub the beta's foot, working out each kink and knot with expert precision. "Besides, I like you like this. All needy and helpless and at my mercy. It's a good look on you, princess." He let his hand move higher, brushing against Tony's inner thigh, pressing deep and making Tony gasp aloud.
Tony involuntarily spread his legs, his breath hitching. "You-" he tried to protest, but it came out as a whimper instead.
He hated how easy it was for the alpha to turn him into a needy mess. "I hate you," he said weakly, but there was no real anger behind the words. He was completely at the alpha's mercy, his body responding to every touch and tease.
Stephen let out a low chuckle at the beta's words, knowing full well that the words were an empty lie. His hand continued to roam higher, his touch both possessive and teasing.
"You don't hate me, sweetheart," he said, his voice dripping with smugness. "You're just mad cause you're too damn sensitive right now, all needy and desperate. You're all soft and pliable, and I can do anything I want with you, can't I princess?" He gripped the beta's thigh tight, his fingers kneading the flesh there.
Tony let out another whimper, his body arching into the alpha's touch, completely powerless against the sensations coursing through him.
He hated how right the alpha was, how needy and desperate he felt. "Shut up," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You're such an arrogant bastard, you know that?"
His words were met with another possessive squeeze of his thigh, the alpha's hand leaving marks that would surely bruise tomorrow.
Stephen's smirk widened at the beta's weak protest, thoroughly enjoying the state he had reduced him to. "But you love it, don't you, princess?" he teased, his voice low and commanding.
He continued to grip the beta's thigh tightly, his fingers digging into the flesh, leaving behind possessive marks that would last. "You love it when I'm cocky and in charge, when you're all needy and desperate for me, letting me do whatever I want with you. Admit it."
The beta flushed bright like a red christmas buld, "Just shut up and keep rubbing my feet!" He groaned, hiding his face in his hands.
Stephen couldn't help but chuckled at the stubborn beta trying to command him. He found it adorable how he still tried to act all defiant and in control, even when he was so damn needy and desperate for him.
"Tsk tsk," he tutted, his voice filled with mock disapproval. "No need to get all bossy princess. I'll continue to rub your feet, but you better watch that mouth of yours, or I'll find a better use for it."
He continued to rub the beta's feet, his hands moving more firmly and possessively.
Tony let out a low whimper, the alpha's words igniting a fire within him. He tried to glare at the alpha, but he knew he was failing miserably.
"You're such a jerk...," he muttered, the words lacking any real bite. He was torn between being annoyed and aroused, his body reacting to the alpha's every touch. "I hate you."
He didn't. Obviously. He was just being a hormonal, pregnant brat.
Stephen just chuckled at the beta's feeble attempts to maintain his defiance, finding it adorable how the beta was trying so hard to resist him.
He continued to massage the beta's foot, his touch firm and precise, but his words were teasing and taunting. "You don't hate me, princess," he replied, a smirk on his lips. "You're just mad cause you're all needy and sensitive right now, and you can't help but respond to my touch. You're all mine, you little brat."
Tony rolled his eyes before tilting his head back and pressing a kiss to Stephen's jaw. "You're a big, mean alpha, you know?" He huffed.
"Damn right I am," Stephen replied, his tone filled with smug satisfaction. He relished in the beta's neediness and submission, feeling a deep primal satisfaction from having the beta at his mercy.
He leaned down, nipping at the beta's neck, marking his neck with possessive kisses. "You're all mine," he repeated, his voice a low growl. "And I'm gonna take good care of my little princess."
Tony tried to bite back a moan as the alpha's teeth and lips worked at his neck, marking him with love bites.
Tony could feel his body responding to the alpha's touch, his resistance crumbling with each kiss and nip. He knew he was being weak and needy, and he hated it. But he loved it at the same time, feeling possessed and claimed by the alpha.
He let out a soft whine, tilting his head to give the alpha more access to his neck. "You're the worse," he mumbled, trying to maintain some semblance of defiance. He tried to shift, but it was hard to with how pregnant he was. "Steph, Steph, stop for a sec, I gotta pee," Tony whined.
Stephen chuckled at the beta's needy whines, finding it adorable how the beta was trying to hide his weakness, but failing. He pulled back from Tony's neck, his eyes gleaming with affection and amusement.
"Alright princess, let's get your little pregnant ass up."
He rose up from the bed, lifting the beta into his arms with ease. "Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you?" he asked, his teasing tone replaced with concern.
Tony grumbled at the alpha's concern, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. He hated feeling weak and helpless, but he was heavily pregnant, so he had to accept it.
"I can walk," he muttered, although he knew he wouldn't get very far on his own. "Just... give me a minute."
He pushed himself off the bed, but his wobbly knees nearly gave out as he tried to take a step. He cursed under his breath, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Damn it.. Carry me, Steph?"
Stephen couldn't help but chuckle at the beta's stubborn insistence on doing things independently, despite his current state. He shook his head, amused by the beta's stubbornness.
"You're hopeless, princess," the alpha teased, before scooping the beta up into his arms with ease. "You can't even walk a couple steps without tripping over your own damn feet. You should just let me carry you everywhere." He pressed a kiss to Tony's hair before carrying him toward the bathroom and setting him down, he slowly set Tony down on the toliet.
Tony looked up at him. "Turn around, plug your ears. It's embarrassing." He whined.
Stephen chuckled again, his expression still filled with fond amusement. He couldn't help but find the beta's stubbornness so damn endearing. He let out a mock sigh, his tone teasing as he turned around with his hands over his ears, giving Tony a bit of privacy.
"All right, princess. I'm turned around, and my ears are plugged. You can pee in peace now."
Tony let out a huff of relief, feeling both grateful for the alpha's compliance and embarrassed by the situation. He quickly did his business, feeling vulnerable and exposed in his state, but the knowledge that the alpha was still there, even if just outside the bathroom door, gave him a sense of comfort.
Once he was done, he called out to the alpha. "I'm done," he said quietly, his voice barely audible through the bathroom door. "You can turn around now."
Stephen waited patiently outside the bathroom until he heard the beta's voice signal that he was finished. When Tony finally told him he could turn around, Stephen removed his hands from his ears and turned back toward the bathroom, his eyes immediately falling upon the beta's form, who was sitting on the toliet, blushing. God, how utterly adorable.
He smiled softly before stepping toward Tony and helping him up, "There we go," He whispered, pressing a kiss to Tony's lips.
Tony's blush deepened as the alpha helped him up, his heart skipping a beat at the tender kiss. He leaned into the alpha's touch, the embarrassment still present from needing the alpha's help with something as basic as using the toilet. But the kiss helped ease his discomfort.
"This pregnancy thing sucks," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and fondness. "I feel like a damn beached whale."
"You've mentioned that before." Stephen teased.
Tony let out a grumble, feeling both annoyed and vulnerable at the alpha's teasing. He hated feeling so damn helpless and dependent, but there was little he could do about it.
"Yeah, well, it only gets worse as I get bigger," he replied, his voice a low grumble. "I can't even see my feet anymore. Everything's swollen and sore. I can't get comfortable, and I have to pee all the damn time. Plus, my emotions are all over the place. I'm a hormonal, whiny mess." He thunked his forehead against Stephen's shoulder with a groan.
Stephen's expression softened at the beta's grumbles, his heart filling with empathy for the beta's struggles. He knew the pregnancy was hard on Tony and that it was taking a toll on his mind and body.
"I know it's tough, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice gentle and soothing. "But you're doing an amazing job. You're carrying our pup, and that's the most incredible thing in the world."
He reached up to brush the brown strands from Tony's forehead, his touch tender and affectionate. "Just a few more months, princess. You're almost there."
Tony let out a sigh, his irritation softening somewhat as the alpha's words and touch. He leaned into the touch, finding comfort in the alpha's reassurance.
"Easy for you to say," he muttered, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "You're not the one with a pup growing inside you, making you swollen, tired, and whiny. You're just standing there, all handsome and relaxed."
Stephen chuckled softly at the beta's words, finding his grumbles adorable despite the beta's current mood. He could tell that the beta was feeling vulnerable and frustrated, and he wanted to make him feel better.
"You're right," he admitted, his expression softening, "I'm not the one going through all of this. I'm just here, watching you get bigger and more beautiful with each passing day. But just because I can't feel what you're feeling, doesn't mean I can't offer my support and help."
He wrapped his arm around the beta's waist, pulling him close.
Tony tried to maintain his grumpy demeanor, but he couldn't help but melt a little as the alpha pulled him closer, his arm wrapped possessively around his waist.
"You always know how to make me feel better," he muttered, his voice slightly gruff but with a hint of softness. "Even when I'm being a pain in the ass, you still treat me like I'm precious. It's annoying, you know that?"
Stephen let out a soft chuckle at the beta's protest, finding his feigned annoyance utterly endearing. He knew the beta was just trying to cover up his vulnerability with false grumbles.
"Oh, I know you're a pain in the ass, princess," he replied, his tone filled with affection. "But you're my pain in the ass. And I can't help it if I find your grumpy, whiny, pregnant-self to be damn adorable."
Tony couldn't help but crack a small smile at the alpha's response. He rolled his eyes, trying to keep up the act of annoyance, but there was a hint of warmth in his expression.
"You're an idiot," he muttered, his voice lacking any real bite. "Calling a heavily pregnant beta 'adorable' is just asking for trouble. I'm supposed to be grumpy and irritable, dammit." It felt a bit odd still to say pregnant beta, but... It was true. He was a pregnant beta.
"Now, I'm sleepy and I want my alpha to hold me while I get my beauty sleep," Tony demanded with a grin, resting his chin on Stephen's chest and looking up at him.
Stephen chuckled, his expression growing soft at the beta's demand. He found the beta's stubbornness endearing, even in his sleepiness.
"Your alpha will gladly hold you, sweetheart," he replied, his tone affectionate. "But you have to admit, even when you're grumpy and irritable, you're still damn adorable. Pregnancy hasn't changed that."
He gently scooped the beta up in his arms, carrying him back to the bed. He laid Tony down softly on the soft sheets, before climbing in next to him and pulling him close, wrapping his arms around the beta's waist.
Tony let himself be scooped up and tucked into bed, his grumpy act finally slipping away as he melted into the alpha's embrace. With a soft sigh, he leaned his head against Stephen's chest, seeking comfort in his warmth and closeness.
"Hold on, my back will be hurting all night if I sleep like this," Tony murmured.
"Oh shit- right, sorry," Stephen apologized, the two quickly shifted in their positions, Stephen on his back, with Tony too on his back but the beta close enough to have his head on Stephen's chest.
"God, I can't wait to sleep on my side again," He whined.
Stephen chuckled softly at the beta's complaint, finding it adorable how the beta was already missing sleeping in his old position.
"Only a few more months, sweetheart," he reassured, rubbing the beta's back softly. "And then you can sleep on your side to your heart's content."
He pressed a kiss to the top of the beta's head, his voice filled with affection. "Just relax and rest, okay? I've got you."
Tony let out a content sigh, his body growing lax as the alpha's touch and words soothed him. He snuggled closer to him, burying his face into the crook of Stephen's neck and inhaling deeply, taking in his scent, which gave him even more comfort.
"Mmhm, yeah..." he mumbled, his voice drowsy as sleep started to tug at him. "I know... You always got me."
His eyelids fluttered shut, the feeling of the alpha's strong, protective embrace surrounding him, and the weight of the pup growing inside him made him feel safe and secure.