Work Text:
Most people are afraid of Stephen.
They try not to show it, especially if they’re in a position of authority relative to him, but skill at reading body language is an essential skill for any alpha, even more so for an alpha who isn’t pursuing an “alpha” profession. A lot of those alphas respond by presenting themselves as inoffensively as possible.
Inoffensive isn’t really in Stephen’s nature.
So yes, there’s an element of fear in most of Stephen’s interactions. The only exception is other alphas.
And Tony Stark, apparently.
Tony never hesitates to argue with Stephen. He doesn’t flinch or tense up when Stephen raises his voice. If he needs to get up into Stephen’s personal space to make a point, he does it. He taps Stephen on the shoulder or bumps him out of the way the same as he does with anyone else.
There’s a sense of freedom to working with Tony that Stephen honestly finds a little intoxicating. He’d worry about the pheromones he must be putting out, except that Tony’s pheromones are strong enough to make it through Stephen’s filters.
They’re both fully capable of keeping it professional regardless. But Stephen’s not sure he wants to.