Archive of Our Own

Tony hadn’t expected to meet the love of his life on an average day at Stark Industries.

He’d been making his way through some design specs when Pepper had come in, looking annoyed. “Tony.”

“What?”

She raised an eyebrow, gesturing at his desk “What are you still doing up here? We’re late.”

He could remember his own schedule. Definitely. He had a...ummmm…“Late for...?”

“The meeting with Comms and design. They’re hiring a new designer for the StarkScan launch, part of the new medical line? We’ve got less than twelve months to finalise everything and you said you wanted a say.”

Tony snapped his fingers. “Yes, I remember. I totally remembered the whole time.”

She rolled her eyes, but there was a touch of amusement there too, so he knew he was in the clear. “Uh huh. Up, come on, time to go,” she said, and Tony could see she was impatient but not flustered. That meant he had a bit of wriggle room.

“Do I have enough time to grab a coffee from the good barista on floor 60?”

She huffed. “Yes, you do, because I know you, and I factored that in.”

“And those are the magic words.” He grabbed his phone, slipping it into his pocket, and took his suit jacket off the back of his chair. “I’ll meet you there. You want one?”

“Yes please. And a cronut.”

Tony threw her a salute as they parted ways at the door to his office. “You got it, boss.”

Tony was in a pretty good mood as he carried the coffee and snacks towards the conference room, humming to himself as he went. He pulled out his phone to check his emails, so he was distracted as he neared the elevators, trying to read through the latest report on the arc reactor project.

He became rapidly undistracted, however, as he was suddenly struck from the side and thrown to the floor, coffee and pastries flying everywhere. Tony grunted, a twinge in his elbow from the fall. The bitter scent of the coffee and the sugary sweet of the pastries rising up from around him, almost like a taunt.

“Oh god, I am so sorry,” a voice said from his chest, and then a weight was lifted as the owner of the voice presumably rolled off him. Tony was pulled to his feet. It was so disorienting going from standing to floor to standing again in such quick succession that it took a moment for Tony to tip his head down slightly to focus on his helpful assailant. The first thing Tony became aware of was a pair of bright blue eyes.

“It’s ok,” Tony managed, but there was a frown above the man’s eyes that said he disagreed. 

“It isn’t. Honestly, I’m such a klutz.” A hand brushed over his jacket, removing some stray pastry crumbs that dusted it. Tony blinked and finally got a good look at the man in front of him.

He was...cute. Very cute. The aforementioned blue eyes, blond hair, a slim frame that was shorter than Tony’s own, and a pretty blush covering the sharp cheekbones. He was lovely. 

“It’s really fine, I swear,” Tony offered, looking down at the mess on the floor. “We’re not going to be popular with the cleaning staff though.”

“Shit,” the man said. “I’ll clean that up - grab some towels or something.”

“Nah, don’t worry. The cleaners have the good stuff. I can put in a request.”

“If you’re sure. God, what a mess. I really am sorry. I’m late for a meeting, and I got a bit of tunnel-vision.”

Toyn flapped a hand. “It’s cool. I should’ve been paying more attention anyway.”

“Let me buy you a new coffee at least,” the man said, still looking embarrassed, but very much like he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Please.”

Tony sighed. “Fine, but only if you tell me your name.”

“Oh, it’s Steve.” He held out a hand to shake and Tony took it, surprised at the firm grip.

“Tony.”

“Well, I think I saw there was a cafe two floors up,” Steve said, and he led the way, Tony following dutifully. 

When Steve tried to pay, Tony had caught the barista’s eye, winking so she’d know to charge it to the corporate account -a trick they used when Tony was flying under the radar -and they’d made their way back down to the 58th floor. Steve looked around. “So, I better get back to my meeting. Sorry again.”

“Really it’s fine. Good luck!”

“Thanks,” Steve grinned, and then he headed off towards the conference rooms. Tony watched him go, eyes caught on his more...prominent assets until he turned the corner.

Well. Wouldn’t do to be seen ogling tower visitors. But maybe he could ask around later: see if anyone knew of a sexy blond who had signed into the building. Maybe. Tony took a sip of his coffee as his phone beeped, letting him know Pepper had noticed his absence. Back to the grind.

He stopped to tap in a clean-up request into the intranet on his phone and then tucked it into his pocket to head into the meeting.

He pushed open the door, balancing the tray of coffees and pastries on one hand. “Sorry, I’m late, you know how it is, when your name is on the building, you stop caring about schedules. Mea culpa.” He slipped into his chair. “So what are we-- oh.”

“Uh hi,” Steve said, looking like a deer in the headlights. 

“Hi.”

“I see you’ve met,” Pepper said, the tone of her voice suggesting there’d be questions later. “In which case, we can get down to business.”

The rest of the meeting went well, Steve stealing glances at him the whole time as they discussed the project. By the end, it was clear Pepper was sure he was right for the role, and she offered it to him after Tony gave her their subtle signal for agreement. 

As they walked out Steve hung back, and Tony figured he should probably do the same.

“I’ll walk him down, Pep,” he said, waving her on. “You’ve got another meeting.”

She gave him a curious look, but ever the professional, a smile spread over her face as she shook Steve’s hand, promised to send over the paperwork, and disappeared down the hall.

Tony turned back to Steve, opening his mouth to say something, but the man beat him to it.

“Wow, I look like a complete knucklehead, huh?”

“I’d say you made an impression, and really that’s key for a job interview,” Tony joked and Steve gave him a dirty look. “Really - it made you memorable.”

“I should’ve caught you, but I was too focused on reading the briefing packet, so I’m sorry about that,” he looked frustrated, but Tony’s eyebrows nearly shot off his forehead. Caught him? The guy was like a foot shorter and half his weight: Tony probably would’ve crushed him.

“Probably best you didn’t. Not sure the lawyers would be pleased if I cracked some guy’s rib by squashing him,” Tony said, trying to lighten the mood. 

Steve smiled, though there was an odd twist to it. “I guess that’s true.” 

Tony figured he was probably a little sensitive about his height, so he changed the subject. “We’ll be working together then?”

“Looks like it. I’m glad, it’ll be nice to see you again.” Steve’s smile faltered and he looked embarrassed. “Not that we’ll be hanging out, I just meant maybe in a context where I’m not on top of you.” He went redder. “Oh god, I mean—“

Tony burst out laughing, waving a hand at him. “Jesus, don’t hurt yourself. It’s fine, I get what  you mean. It’ll be nice to see you again too.”

Steve grinned, though his cheeks were still red. “I should let you get back to work. But thanks. I appreciate the opportunity to work here.”

“You earned it.”

Steve settled his portfolio more securely on his shoulder. “Uh...see you round?”

Tony took in the pretty pink blush once more before he nodded. “Definitely.” He’d make sure of it.

Steve gave him one last smile and headed for the elevators, without mishap this time, and Tony tapped his phone against his chin. He wondered when Steve’s first day was. 

Tony looked around the party with a sense of loneliness. He should be having a good time. It had been a good year for Stark Industries: he’d gotten their new line of medtech out before the deadline, and now he was able to celebrate with his employees at the annual Stark Christmas Party on the top floor of a five-star hotel. The canapés were delicious, the drinks were flowing, and yet Tony felt like his smile was plastered on. He bantered, he chatted, he flirted a little in some cases, but it was all hollow. Unfulfilling. 

Tony wasn’t a genius for nothing. It was obvious to him why. If Steve were here, he would’ve already noticed Tony was out of sorts. But Steve wasn’t here, and he was just going to have to get used to his absence.

He just wanted to go home, hide away in his workshop, but instead he forced himself to eat a few snacks and shake hands and give his annual speech, which Pepper had thankfully written for him when she’d realised the state he was in.

All in all, it was fine.

Until the ten masked men had burst in the doors, waving guns and shouting “this is a hostage situation.”

After that, it all sort of went downhill. 

After their first rather spectacular meeting, Tony didn’t seek Steve out straight away. 

It would’ve been weird for one, and also he was actually pretty busy a lot of the time.

But his designs came across his desk, and Tony inspected them with a curious eye. They were very good, really captured the essence of the products and had a humble, down-to-earth feeling to them that shiny, futuristic Stark tech didn’t usually have. Tony liked it.

But eventually their paths did cross: in the lobby of the tower, as Tony was heading out to grab donuts from his favourite place. 

No dramatic crash this time - just Steve calling his name and Tony turning to see him carrying his bag, a work laptop, a coffee, and a large stack of files that were precariously balanced under his chin.

Tony’s eyes widened, and he walked over to take the files that were sliding off the top. “How are you carrying all this?”

Steve grinned. “Practice.” He nodded at the door. “Heading home?”

Tony squinted suspiciously at the small arms wrapped around the pile and shook his head. “Nah, I live in the penthouse. I just figured I could use a coffee and a snack.”

Steve frowned. “That’s not exactly dinner.”

Tony shrugged. “Eh. I eat when I eat.”

Steve frowned more. “You should eat.” 

Tony raised an eyebrow, and Steve seemed to remember he was talking to the owner of the company and flushed. “Sorry, I mean—“

“Tell you what,” Tony offered, and he pointed to the pile. “You let me give you a ride home so you don’t have to carry all that junk on the subway, and in return I’ll eat dinner with you.”

Steve’s eyes widened. “With me?”

“Sure, unless you’re busy. Guy like you, you must be out on the town every night.”

Steve shook his head. “No, I— I’m new to the city, I don’t really know anyone yet. I’m still getting used to things.”

Tony grinned. “Then that works for everyone.” He pulled out his phone. “Happy, bring the car around.”

“I can take this home and meet you,” Steve offered, looking a little overwhelmed. “You don’t have to—“

“Move it or lose it, Rogers,” Tony called over his shoulder, already heading out the door. Steve followed after him dutifully.

“You ever had wagu?” He asked as the car pulled up outside. 

“I don’t think so. I haven’t tried a lot of stuff.”

“Then this is going to blow your mind.”

It was the first dinner they had together, but as things turned out, it wouldn’t be the last. Steve had naturally loved the wagu - before having a mild heart attack when he’d googled it and seen the price -  but Tony had realised pretty fast Steve was more of a beer-and-burgers guy, and thankfully that suited Tony to a tee. They still tried new things, of course - Steve had a surprising lack of experience with different cuisines - but Tony’s favourite times were the relaxed and casual atmosphere of a diner as Steve wolfed back more fries than seemed possible for someone his size. 

Tony wasn’t even sure when things began to change. He had been attracted to Steve from the start obviously: the guy was a snack, made all the better by his hidden depths of snark and a fierce belief in fairness that took Tony by surprise. 

When he thought about it, Tony was pretty sure the first time he had realised he had it bad for Steve was when he watched him stare down a guy who had yelled at the waitress and refused to tip her.

“Hey jerk, she lives off that tip. Hell, she deserves a lot more than fifteen percent for putting up with your ugly mug.”

The guy had looked surprised when he’d seen who was scowling at him. “Fuck you. Why are you getting in my face about it?”

Steve had gotten up then and stood toe to toe with the guy, hand clamped on his shoulder, as he’d growled, “Because if you don’t throw down at least a twenty right now, I’ll toss you out on your ass.”

Tony had been frozen, so sure Steve was going to get punched. But something in his expression must’ve rattled the guy because instead of knocking Steve’s lights out, he opened his wallet, threw a handful of notes on the table, and left without another word.

It had been hot as fuck. 

The diner had been grateful and their waitress, Angie, always had a treat for them whenever they went back. 

Tony had rewarded Steve for his passionate stand for social justice as well: by tugging him into the alley outside and kissing him senseless. 

Steve had been bright red, but he’d gotten with the programme quick, pulling Tony against him and getting very handsy. Tony had loved it. 

After that, it had been almost effortless, in a way none of Tony’s previous relationships had been.

Steve didn’t mind his crazy schedule since he did commissions on the side and sometimes had to take business trips or work late. He liked hanging out in the workshop, which was nice, but Tony also found he tended to leave it more to spend time with Steve. 

And needless to say, that fiery spirit didn’t end outside the bedroom.

The first time he’d made that discovery, Tony had been left stared at the ceiling, still trying to get his breath back. “I don’t know how you did that. But we’re doing it again. Lots.”

Steve grinned as he flopped down onto Tony’s chest. “Yeah well, won’t hear any complaints from me. I got a lot of time to make up for.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “You know being a virgin at twenty seven isn’t a big deal.”

Steve snorted. “Yeah, well feels like a hell of a lot longer.”

Tony wrapped an arm around him pulling the blanket to cover them. “Nap and then brunch? I’m feeling pancakes.”

At the word, Steve’s stomach started to rumble and Tony snorted. “Seriously, already?”

“What can I say, I use a lot of energy around you,” Steve replied, running a hand over Tony’s thigh. It was tempting to keep going, keep the motor running until they were ready to go again, but Steve was hungry and Tony could remedy that. 

“Come on,” Tony said, pushing himself up. “We can go get bagels.”

Steve wolfing down breakfast on his couch while Tony sipped his coffee was becoming a familiar ritual, and Tony soaked it in, their hands tangled together between them. 

Tony put his hands behind his head obediently, watching the men carefully. 

They were dressed head to toe in black, combat uniforms with a strange symbol on the sleeve. Tony squinted at it. Tentacles? 

They rounded up the partygoers, piling them all into one part of the room, and several guards were put in place. The rumble of fear from his employees was quickly shut down by a barked order, and they stood quietly waiting for what would happen next. 

Tony cursed that they hadn’t  just held the event at the tower. They never would’ve gotten past JARVIS.

From what he could see, a man with dark hair seemed to be in charge, speaking into an earpiece on the other side of the room. 

He clearly received some instruction, because he nodded and turned back to the party. “The Boss is on his way. In the meantime, everyone is to sit down and shut up, or you’ll be sorry.”

When people didn’t move fast enough, they were shoved, and Tony felt the anger flare up in his chest.

He stepped forward, clearing his throat. “And who exactly is your boss? Why has he interrupted our party?”

“Ah, Mr Stark,” the man grinned, sending a shiver down Tony’s spine. “You’ll be unsurprised to find he’s here for you. Seems you owe him something.”

Tony glared at him. “I doubt it. Stark Industries doesn’t work with people like you.”

“People like us? That’s not very friendly.” He gestured with his gun. “Take a seat. The boss will be here soon enough.”

Tony felt a tug on his arm from Pepper, and he stepped back, but it apparently wasn’t fast enough. One of the guards grabbed her arm tightly, making her cry out, and shoved them back towards the wall. Tony helped her sit down, taking his own seat next to her.

These fuckers would pay.

The thing about living in New York was that even a walk to get lunch could turn exceedingly dramatic. And potentially fatal.

This reality was particularly hammered home for Tony as he and Steve walked to get lunch on a cool September afternoon at some small family-owned place Steve had discovered.

There was a loud rumble overhead, followed by a sharp crack that hurt Tony’s ears, and he looked up to see the edge of the Oscorp Tower, breaking off as smoke poured out the side. There were screams as large chunks of concrete and glass rained from the sky, and the people around him started to run, quickly turning the street into stampede. 

Tony had no choice but to follow the crowd, losing Steve in the chaos. 

“Steve!” His head turned frantically, trying to catch sight of him, but there was no familiar flash of blond, no strong hand in his. He let himself be herded until he could break free, climbing up on the plinth of a statue to give himself some height. Now he could see the Avengers had arrived, along with Spiderman, to fight some green figure on a flying scooter. He could see the Hulk scaling the building, and there was Hawkeye on the skyscraper, notching an arrow. He wondered where--Oh! There he was.

Captain America. 

The superhero had popped back up a few months back, joining the Avengers team in a very publicised move. The details were a little hazy, but apparently he was the real McCoy, flash frozen in the 40s and thawed to fight crime. He was a natural leader, spoke out on social justice, and could pack a punch. Tony had to admit, he watched the fight longer than he meant to, fascinated by the way the Captain moved, his tall, strong form still somehow so graceful. 

Eventually the supervillain was defeated, Cap leaping onto the hoverboard and crashing it into the roof of Oscorp Tower, with Spiderman webbing the green villain and lowering him to ground level to be taken in by the police. 

Cap gave the crowd a little salute before disappearing with the other avengers 

Now that the battle was over, Tony set to finding Steve. He hoped that he’d just been pushed to the side and was further along. 

He walked back until he reached the cordon, checking the medical tent that had been set up to check over injuries. No sign of Steve. A tendril of panic started creeping up his spine as he considered the aftermath of the battle. What if Steve was in amongst that mess, yet to be discovered?

He pulled out his phone, hitting call, and for a moment he worried it might go to voicemail. But then he heard a phone ring behind him, the tone familiar, and he spun around. 

“Steve!” he called, and Steve turned to see him, a big cut across his cheek.Tony hurried over to him, running his fingers gently over the heated skin. “Holy shit, what happened?”

“It’s nothing,” Steve said, fingers circling Tony’s wrist and holding on. “Just got caught in the rush. Some guy caught me with his elbow, and I took a tumble.”

Tony huffed. Steve was so unfortunately elbow height. “Well, this looks nasty. We should go talk to the paramedics - get them to clean it out.”

Steve shook his head. “Nah, it’s ok. Looks worse than it feels. Let’s not miss our date - if you don’t mind getting lunch with a guy who looks like he just had his clock cleaned.”

Tony let his hand drop, instead intertwining their fingers. “I don’t mind. Hell, I’ll even lie for you and say you were saving a cat from a tree or something.”

“Or something,” Steve agreed, a grin covering his face. “Let’s go. We don’t want to miss out on a table.”

Tony pretty much forgot the incident after that, except to tell Pepper about the fight. He’d been too caught up in the sound of Steve’s laugh, the flush of his cheeks when Tony complimented him, the heady scent of his skin when he let Tony lean against him in the car back to the tower. 

He was in love. He couldn’t deny it. 

And so he made plans to tell Steve.

A few weeks later he took Steve on a surprise trip to his house in Hawaii, kissing him beneath the palms, as the soft sound of the waves crashed on the shore like a lullaby. 

Hearing Steve say it back to him was like being handed the whole world in his hands, and Tony didn’t think it was possible to be happier.

Tony was angry. 

He sat with his back against the wall, trying to stay still.

He was absolutely furious. How dare these men come here and treat them like this. If they tried to lay a hand on Pepper again, he’d do more than swear at them. 

Stupid party planner. Who cared about the hotel’s aesthetic when the tower was already a work of art?

Then he caught sight of the woman herself sobbing in the corner. He sighed. It wasn’t her fault. 

He felt a touch to his wrist and turned his head to see Pepper looking at him. He raised an eyebrow in question. She tilted her head to the side, and Tony followed it, seeing a door ajar. His heart started pounding. That hadn’t been open before. They must’ve left it open. If Tony and Pepper could distract the thugs guarding them, they could sneak a few people out. His brain was already running through the list, prioritising. They had at least three over sixty, including his P.A. Mrs Arbogast. Melanie from records was seven months pregnant. David in legal was a diabetic, and was already looking pale. If they could get them out, they could make it to the back exit, where hopefully the authorities were waiting.

“Melanie, David, Mrs Arbogast, Jonathan and Francis,” Pepper whispered in his ear, on the same wavelength as always. “They’ll need time to get down the stairs.”

“I know,” Tony agreed, his voice barely a murmur. “You go tell them the plan. I’ll make some noise in five minutes.”

His heart was beating like a rabbit’s, nervous in a way he hadn’t been since the first time he’d presented to the board when he’d taken over the company at twenty-one. He checked his watch, counting down the minutes, until he took his sunglasses out and slipped them on, relishing the feeling of protection they gave. He looked to Pepper, who nodded, and then he stood up, wandering over to their guard. 

“You there, big guy,” he called, approaching the man worryingly stroking a semi-automatic. “You think we can get some more water? I’m parched.”

“Sit back down.”

“Come on man, it’s Christmas Eve. We can’t even get water? Where’s your Christmas spirit? Your heart shrink three sizes or what?”

“I said, sit back down, or I’ll make you sit down, and you won’t like my methods.”

Tony slipped his hands in his pockets, trying to look unconcerned. Out the corner of his eye, he could see Pepper helping Melanie up and out the door. She’d removed her heels, making their movement almost silent. 

“Look, you seem like a smart guy. How much is it worth to you? I’ve got a hundred on me right now.”

He took out his wallet, flashing the green as Pepper saw the last woman through the door and returned to their spot on the floor. 

“I said no water,” the man snapped, and before Tony could react, there was a blinding pain as the butt of the man’s gun hit his eye. He grunted in pain, hand coming up to cover it as it ached. He felt the note ripped from his hand. 

“Thanks for the tip though,” the man said before shoving him backwards. “Sit down.”

Tony stumbled back to Pepper, letting her pull him down to rest on her lap as his head began to ache all over. At least his people were safe.

As he lay there, he couldn’t help but wish Steve was here. Not in danger, of course: he’d never wish that. But the warmth of Pepper’s thigh against his sore cheek reminded him of lazy Sundays in his bed, Steve holding him and running his hand through his hair as he checked the news. Then they’d make their way to the kitchen, unable to keep their hands to themselves as they made brunch, curling up on the couch together while Tony tinkered and Steve sketched. 

He swallowed hard, trying to fight back the swell of longing. He wouldn’t get to have that again. He really thought they’d been seriously in love. Hell, they were still a month off their first anniversary, and he’d been thinking about when would be too early to propose. 

But that was over now.

All Tony had was a sore eye, a life-or-death situation, and no idea if Steve would even care or not when he heard the news. 

He let his eyes fall shut. 

Tony was reading a news report on his tablet - the Avengers had apparently stopped an alien invasion, though Captain America had taken a tumble from the craft by the looks of the video - when he heard the sound of the penthouse elevator pinging open. Tony looked up and his jaw dropped. 

“What happened this time?” Tony asked, exasperated. 

Steve smiled sheepishly. “Some guy didn’t like the cut of my jib.”

“What?”

“I pissed someone off, and he knocked me over.”

Tony got up off the couch, the news forgotten, and walked over, catching Steve’s cheek in his hand.

“How does someone so small cause so much trouble?” Tony lamented, taking in the scrape on Steve’s chin and the far more pressing arm in a sling. “What am I going to do with you?”

Steve grinned. “Maybe you could let me take you to Coney Island, like I’ve been suggesting. And I’ll pay, since I’m meant to be learning a lesson.”

Tony raised an eyebrow. “This is like the seventh time you’ve been semi-maimed since we met. How do you keep attracting so much injury?”

“Semi-maimed is an exaggeration.”

“Is it though? You have a dislocated arm.”

“Dislocated arm isn’t a thing: that’s joints. And it’s just a minor sprain. The doctor says it’ll probably be fine by tomorrow.”

“And yet you think going to Coney Island, where you’d be shook around like ice cubes in a cocktail shaker on every ride, will help your arm?”

“Won’t know till we try.”

Tony huffed. “Alright. Tomorrow we can go - if your arm is better. But Steve, baby? I need you to stop insulting guys who are beefier than you. And travel in packs.”

Steve snorted and leaned up to give him a peck. “I’ll do my best. But in the meantime, I hope you’re ready for hotdogs at Nathan’s and a romantic walk along the boardwalk.”

Tony raised an eyebrow. “And that’s it?”

Steve hummed. “And maybe a few rides. Just a couple. Definitely at least the Cyclone: I have a score to settle.”

“Do you know how many people have died on that thing?”

“I’ll protect you. Don’t you worry. You’re safe with me.”

Tony ran his eyes over Steve. “Yes, I have no doubt.”

Steve kissed him again. “Knew you’d love the idea.”

There was a ding of the elevator, and the henchmen straightened almost imperceptibly. 

“I want to hear good news,” a voice boomed, and a man entered the room. “Where are my weapons?”

The man who had hit Tony looked falsely apologetic. “He says they don’t deal with people like us, boss. I thought perhaps you might like to talk to him.”

“Perhaps I might.” He was an older man, dressed in a nice suit and polished shoes. If there hadn’t been gunmen around Tony likely would’ve mistaken him for one of the guests. “Alexander Pierce, Mr Stark. Maybe you’ve heard of me.”

Tony sat up, getting to his feet. “Can't say I have. But I’ll tell you what: why don’t you make an appointment with my PA and we’ll do lunch?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have the time. I’m on a very busy schedule, so what I need is what your father promised me a long time ago,” he smiled, wide and dangerous. “An arsenal.”

Tony feigned disappointment. “I’m sorry, it seems you missed the memo. Stark Industries doesn’t do weapons, and we don’t do IOUs. So you’ve stormed our Christmas party for nothing.”

Pierce’s expression twitched, the anger peeking through. “You seem to think this is a negotiation. It isn’t. I want the weapons I know you have hidden here.” He walked up to stand toe-to-toe with Tony. “And most of all I want the power source. I want the arc reactor.”

Tony had to work to keep his face blank. He hadn’t told anyone about that. It was still just a prototype, an idle idea of showing up his dad by making it smaller and more useful. But it had worked. He had dreams of presenting it as the new future of green energy, but it wasn’t there yet. And so he hadn’t shared it with anyone, yet Pierce knew about it. That suggested a leak Tony hadn’t seen, but he’d be plugging it as soon as they got out of here.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. And I don’t care. You need to get the fuck out of my party.”

“You seem to be operating under a misapprehension that you’re in charge here. Let me tell you, if you don’t start being more helpful, I’ll order Rumlow here to start shooting civilians.”

Tony grit his teeth. “You do, and I promise you won’t walk out of here alive.” One of his staff must’ve called the police by now. Pierce would be mincemeat. 

“I was thinking, maybe you could come to the fundraiser with me?”

Steve glanced over looking awkward. “The one on Friday?”

“Yeah. It’s for one of the charities we work with that uses our Medtech. It helps them, and it’s our last chance to build hype for the StarkScan before it goes live next month.”

Steve bit his lip, and Tony already knew what he was going to say. “I’m really sorry Tony. I’m going to be-”

“-out of town,” Tony finished with him in unison. “Again.”

“I’m sorry-”

“No it’s fine,” Tony told him, pouring coffee from the carafe into his favourite mug. “Well, actually it’s not. I don’t mind that you have to travel, but it’s just starting to be weird that you have all these last-minute trips that you won’t tell me anything about.”

Steve fidgeted, making Tony more annoyed. “I told you, they’re work trips. I can’t say any more than that, client confidentiality.”

And it’s not like that was unreasonable, but well. It wasn’t exactly Tony’s first rodeo when it came to people he trusted keeping secrets. Ty, when they’d dated at MIT, would often be away on “business trips” with his father, frequently going away at the last minute. Tony had been fooled for about six months before he’d realised that unless Ty’s dad was also a red-headed philosophy major, there wasn’t any business taking place. Well, not the suit-and-tie kind anyway. 

Steve wasn’t like Ty. Tony knew that. But the excuses were the same: the sketchy attitude, the unwillingness to share details. Steve also had a second phone, which he’d never told Tony about, but which Tony had caught glimpses of from time to time. If it was just for work, why hide it?

“Sure,” Tony said, looking into his mug. “Lot of confidentiality needed for art commissions, huh?”

He watched Steve carefully, feeling a little guilt at the flinch he gave. “Tony.”

Tony didn’t answer.

Steve slid off the couch and walked over to him, taking his hand. “Tony, I promise, it’s just work.”

“I wish I could believe that. I really, really do,” Tony said, looking at him, his chest feeling sore. “Only, last Monday you told me you were in Washington, and Pepper saw you downtown. You were talking to some redhead. She was sure of the day too, because it was the same day the Avengers fought that sea monster thing, and she got stuck in traffic. So, I guess the redhead was just some client too then?”

Steve’s eyes widened, and Tony could almost see him formulating the lie. 

“I don’t want to hear it.” He stepped back even as Steve reached for him, just feeling so tired. “I love you, but I can’t be with someone I can’t trust. I’ve been burned too many times before.”

Steve swallowed, the devastation written clearly on his face. “If that’s what you think is best.”

“It is.”

Steve nodded, looking down and scrubbing the back of his hand over his eyes. “I just want you to be happy Tony.”

Then why lie to me? Tony wanted to snap, but he bit his tongue. It wouldn’t do any good now. 

Steve lifted Tony’s hands to his lips and kissed his knuckles. Tony tried not to shiver at the sensation. “I’ll pack up my things and see myself out.” 

He turned away and went to the bedroom, where Tony could hear the sounds of a bag being unzipped. Tony wanted to go after him, apologise and stop him, tell him not to go.

But he couldn’t. All he could remember was the humiliation of past betrayals and the urge to protect himself overtook him. He fled for the workshop, staying there for several hours until JARVIS gave him the all-clear. 

When he came back upstairs, it was silent. Steve’s art supplies were gone from the coffee table, his clothes missing from his drawer, his round art case no longer leaning against the wall. The only sign of him was a loose leaf of paper on the counter. It was a sketch: one of Tony sleeping on the couch. It was so lovingly drawn, and for a moment Tony’s heart clenched. He took it, reading the inscription in the corner. 

If you ever need me, just call. 

I’ll miss you, 

Steve. 

Tony fell into bed that night, face buried in the pillow that still smelled faintly of Steve’s heady cologne. 

He’d made the right choice. He had.

So why did doing the right thing hurt so much?

“I grow tired of waiting, Tony,” Pierce drawled, and Tony felt the henchman’s gun thud into his kidney, forcing him to his knees. Ow.

“I don’t really care,” Tony told him, the anger radiating off him. “It’s almost as if listening to a homicidal maniac’s monologue doesn’t really do it for me.”

“Joke all you want, but you’re wasting time. The longer it takes for me to get what I want, the more of your guests I add to my execution list. Is it still funny now Stark?”

Tony clenched his teeth angrily. He was stuck. He couldn’t risk everyone here, but there was no way he could give weapons to what was clearly some sort of terrorist group. Who knew how many people he’d hurt?

“You have to know the cops know something’s wrong by now. You’d be better off getting out before they charge in here and arrest you and your flunkies.”

“Please,” Pierce smirked. “You think I don’t have an exit strategy? After I got up here, one of my men went to wire the doors with explosives. If any try to enter they’ll be killed, and it’ll take hours for them to send anyone else. We’ve got all the time I need.”

After. That should’ve been enough time for the others to escape. Tony felt a rush of relief.

“So I’ll ask you again, Mr Stark. Where are my—“

BOOM!

An explosion rocked the building, and there were shouts and screams from the guests. Pierce’s head whipped around, his grin manic.

“You see? They won’t dare try again for a while. But I believe that moves my timetable up. You tell me how to access the plans and schematics for the latest Stark weapons now, or I’ll start shooting.” The look on his face told Tony the negotiation period was over. 

Fuck. But he couldn’t.

“No.”

“Have it your way.” He clicked his fingers “Rumlow, grab the redhead.”

Tony felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. Pepper! 

But before the true horror could grip him, Pierce’s radio buzzed in his pocket.

“Boss? We have a problem.”

“What is it?”

“There’s someone here. Someone from outside. He’s coming up the main stairwell, and he’s—ACK!”

“He’s what? Answer me!”

The line went silent, and Pierce turned towards Tony, anger writ across his face. He held down the button on the radio. “Team Two, check on Team One.”

“Yes sir, we— he’s coming down the hall! Shoot him! Shoot him! CRRK!—“

Pierce grabbed Tony’s tie in his hand, dragging him to his feet. Tony really wished he wasn’t wearing the one Steve had given him: Pierce was getting it all wrinkled. 

“Who is that man? Is he your security?” He gave Tony a shake. “Answer me!”

Tony shook his head. “I don’t know. Everyone was accounted for. He’s not one of ours.”

The radio gave a burst of static in his hand. “Boss, he’s made it to the 70th floor. I can hear him in the vents!” There was a thud and a crash, and then the static abruptly cut off. 

“He’s close! You,” he pointed at the guard by the door. “Go stop him. He doesn’t make this floor. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir,” the man replied, gesturing to another and going out the exit to the stairs. Pierce pointed to the guard who had hit Tony. “Bar the door. He’s not getting in.”

He dragged Tony to the furthest point of the room, and Tony caught Pepper’s worried gaze before they stepped behind a low divider wall and the rest of his employees were out of view. The room was quiet as they waited, and then there was a thud against the outer door. A few people screamed, the guard barking at them to stay quiet. Pierce held his breath to see if the door would withstand the assault. The door shuddered as something knocked against it a few times, but the heavy furniture in front of it kept it on its hinges. 

They waited for a moment, and when everything fell silent, Pierce grinned. “There. No one shall stand in our way. Come we’ll take Stark to the--”

The room was plunged into darkness, and the only light was the ghostly light of the moon.

Pierce was tense beside him, his grip tight at Tony’s collarbone. “He cut the power. We need to--”

CRASH! 

Something burst through the window, the glass spraying onto the floor. Pierce twisted them away instinctively, pulling them down behind the bar. Tony fell to the floor, but around the corner he could see a long, imposing shadow cast across the floor. His heart beat fast in his chest. Who was it? Someone here to save them, or a competitor here to steal him from Pierce for his own purposes?

“You have ten seconds to drop your weapons and surrender,” the newcomer said, with the commanding tone of someone who expected to be obeyed. “I won’t ask again.”

The voice was almost familiar. But that must be the adrenaline talking. Because there was no way it could be who it sounded like. 

Pierce got to his feet and seemed to freeze. Then he burst out laughing. “I hardly think you’re in any position to demand anything of me. Is this what the Americans consider a threat?” Then he launched himself over the bar.

There was the sound of skin hitting skin - a series of thuds and grunts - and Tony pushed himself up to peer over the counter. 

Pierce was fighting hard, sweat already forming on his skin. He tried to land blows against the other man, but each was blocked. Now that Tony could see a little better, he could see the white of a tank top, dark with dried blood, and thick blue pants and combat boots. The man’s face was hidden by a cowl, eyes shielded in the shadows caused by the moonlight streaming in. 

“I will destroy you,” Pierce growled as he tried to sweep the man’s leg from under him. “And when I am victorious, I will take Stark, and he will build weapons you can’t even comprehend. Hydra will rise.”

Well, if the man wasn’t a homicidal maniac, Tony supposed that might be a compliment. But there was no way he was doing that. 

“I see you didn’t get the memo,” he called, getting both men’s attention. “SI hasn’t made weapons since my father was in charge, and there’s no way in hell I'm helping you.”

“Your father owed me weapons. If I have to take my pound of flesh from the son instead I will,” Pierce growled, and his attention was on Tony for just long enough for the man in blue to land a solid punch to Pierce’s jaw, knocking him to the floor. 

“Holy shit,” Tony managed, and the man’s eyes snapped to his, a small smile curling his lip. Then his eyes went wide. 

Tony didn’t even have a chance to react before an arm wrapped around his throat, and he was pulled bodily against something solid. 

“Don’t move,” a voice said, rough against his ear. “Or I’ll shoot him.” Tony’s heart was pounding. Clearly Pierce’s goon was going off script.

The man in blue’s expression hardened. “I thought your boss wanted him to make weapons. He can’t do that if he’s dead.”

“The boss’ plan is falling apart. I’d rather get the fuck out of here while I can. You want him alive, you better let me leave.”

“You the one who blackened his eye?” The tone was cold - Tony could almost hear the ice forming.

“So what if I am?”

“Then I’m afraid I can’t be responsible for what comes next.”

The man was across the room in a flash, and Tony found himself thrown free. He watched in awe as the man in blue lift the henchman off his feet and into the air. The guy was so strong for being so slight. He couldn’t be any taller than Steve, but he was lifting nearly two hundred pounds without breaking a sweat. 

“Let me go, you fucker,” the guard shouted, trying to get free. 

“Your call,” the man said, and with barely any effort at all, he flicked the man sideways, sending him careening out the broken window, the guard screaming as he plummeted. 

“Oh fuck,” Tony said, feeling a little sick, “Did you-- is he--”

The man chuckled. “He’s fine. My team will get him. Just thought maybe he deserved to piss himself a bit first.”

Sure enough, the guy bounced back up, tangled in some sort of netting and still screaming his head off as he rose through the air on a cable, out of sight. Tony stared, his brain not really processing the situation properly. 

The man in blue pulled out a communicator from his belt. “Building’s clear. Rescue team can enter. Turn the power back on.”

“Yes Captain,” came the reply, and a moment later, the lights came on, flooding the room in a yellow glow. 

Tony blinked as his eyes adjusted, and when the spots cleared, the man was in front of him, his hand on Tony’s jaw and his thumb brushing the bruising beneath his eye. “That’s a real shiner you got there.”

And maybe he was in shock. But those eyes. Such a pretty blue. A familiar pretty blue. But that was impossible. Steve was a ninety-pound asthmatic who bruised like a peach and was too clumsy for his own good. Tony was pretty sure the knock to his head and his tragic-break-up feelings were making him see things. 

Then the man was kissing him, and Tony nearly pinwheeled back to get clear. He may not have been in a relationship at the moment, but he was not ready for this. “Um, hey I don’t--”

“Oh right,” the guy said, shoulders slumping. “I shouldn’t have done that. Just because I saved you doesn't mean I’m forgiven.”

Forgiven?

Tony opened his mouth to ask what the hell the guy was talking about, but then the cowl was pushed back to reveal…

“Steve?!” Tony’s jaw dropped, taking in the familiar, dirt-streaked face. “What the fuck?”

Steve gave him a self-deprecating smile. “Sorry I couldn’t say anything.”

Tony stared. “You threw a guy out the window! How the fuck did you do that?”

“I--”

“Captain Rogers,” a man in a suit walked into the room and handed over something round and metallic. “The civilians are being cleared out. Also we found this downstairs. Figured you might like it back.”

“Thanks, Coulson,” Steve said, and as he turned it over, Tony realised it was covered in painted circles and -- oh. Oh god.

“You’re Captain America?! Wait, how? The guy’s like six foot and ripped.”

“I’ll leave you to it,” Coulson said, looking amused, and he handed Steve what looked like a blue jacket. “You might need this when you head out.” He gave Tony a nod and headed off to speak to some of the other agents.

Steve looked at Tony, gesturing with the clothes.  “Lifts and a padded suit. The serum was meant to make you know," he gestured tall with his hands," and pretty much invincible, but it just made me super strong and means I heal fast. The suit makes me seem more intimidating and keeps my identity safe.” He shrugged. “Had to ditch some of it to wriggle through the vents.”

Tony blinked. “I can’t believe it. You’re Cap. That guy kicks ass!”

Steve flushed. “Sometimes. Other times, he has to lie to his boyfriend because his job is a matter of national security, and he’s not allowed to say anything no matter how many times he argues with his boss.”

“Steve…” Tony managed softly. Because oh god: he’d thought Steve would cheat. Steve. “I’m sorry, I thought…” He trailed off, unable to say it. 

“No, it’s not your fault. I gave you every reason to doubt. But when I heard you were in trouble, I couldn’t stay away.” Steve looked at him, eyes serious. “Fury didn’t even try. He knew I’d come anyway.”

And well, Tony considered himself a pretty capable guy, but there was something kind of...hot about knowing your boyfriend had just beaten up a bunch of guys to rescue you. He felt like he should ask about them, about what this meant for them now: could they have a future after all? But what came out instead was, “so how much can you lift anyway?”

Steve looked at him and then snorted. He slipped his arms behind Tony’s legs and lifted him in one move, Tony’s weight seemingly nothing to him. Tony stared down at him, legs coming around Steve’s hips on instinct, arousal flooding through him. “How--how long can you do that for?” he rasped. 

Steve grinned wide, a glint in his eye. “I could do this all day.”

Tony shuddered. 

Steve smiled. “Can I assume, then, that maybe now that you know my dark secret, that maybe we could...try again? I miss you Tony.”

Tony felt a swell of relief, glad they were on the same page as he nodded. “Yes. Please yes. I’ve missed you too. I hated being without you.”

Steve’s smile went soft. “Then you don’t have to be. Not anymore. I love you, and I think right now I don’t want to let you out of my sight.”

“Take me home, Steve.”

Normally Tony would feel ridiculous being carried out of a building damsel style, but he was pretty sure he was going to be bragging about being rescued by Captain America to everyone he knew, so really the pictures on the news site would just back up his story. 

Plus, it was hard to be mad when he could see the love and pride in Steve’s eyes from beneath the dark blue mask.

“So does this mean you let me fall on my ass on purpose when we met?” Tony asked in a low murmur as he waved to the cameras.

“I was trying to be incognito,” Steve replied, mouth lifting at the corner. “And I was trying hard enough that I distracted myself. But I guess now that you know, I can swear to never let you bruise that perfect ass ever again.”

“You old romantic, you,” Tony teased, but he could feel the heat in his cheeks nonetheless. His car pulled up, with Happy in the driver’s seat, eyes boggling at Tony in Steve’s arms. 

“A guy should treat his fella right. In my opinion.” Steve put Tony in the car, and closed the door behind him, leaning over the window. “I’ll meet you back at the tower after we’ve debriefed.”

“And maybe do a little debriefing of our own?” Tony asked, wiggling his eyebrows. 

“So I can make you rest. Captain’s orders.” But he had a glint in his eye that told Tony he could be convinced. 

“Sir, yes, sir.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “I’ll see you soon. Get home safe.” He looked around for a moment before ducking closer. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Steve gave him a little salute and a dopey smile before he jogged back towards the hotel and the guys in suits. “Take me home, Happy.”

“You got it, boss.” 

As they drove away, Tony saw the Falcon make kissy faces at Steve, who gave him a punch in the arm and snorted. 

His boyfriend. A superhero. 

Tony couldn’t wait to put those powers of his to good use.