Work Text:
Tony Stark was a dead man.
He was late to a meeting with Pepper and he was going to be murdered on sight. He sighed and thought about stopping for a pair of Jimmy Choos as a peace offering but then spotted a sign the read Sarah's Garden and thought of a better option. Who doesn't love flowers right?
The place was filled with bright, beautiful flowers; Tony didn't know much about flowers but even he knew these were different, brighter and bigger than what he'd seen before. He forgot himself for a minute and walked around looking at the flowers.
"Good morning, how can I help you?"
And wow.
The man at the front counter was the most beautiful person Tony had ever seen in his life. He was tall, broad and blonde, but it was those blue eyes that Tony would be unable to forget.
"Ah. Um, I uh - I need some flowers?" he fumbled, and the blonde let out a deep chuckle that cause a shiver to run through Tony's body.
"Well, you are at the right place for it."
"Ah right,I need something that says, 'I am sorry I am late, please don't kill me.' You got anything like that?"
"Actually I do. Give me a minute." Tony was surprised when instead of bringing an already made bouquet the adonis began putting together individual flowers and arranging them in front of him. He worked confidently and with a small smile in his face.
"I am guessing Sarah has taught you all she knows huh?" he joked, and he got a bigger smile.
"She did. She loved the language of flowers and how to arrange different flowers to get a message across while looking beautiful."
"Your wife?" Tony asked nonchalantly, or so he hoped.
"Mother, actually," and the mirth on those blue eyes told him he wasn't as sly as he thought he was. "So, who are these flowers protecting you from? Girlfriend, boyfriend?"
"Neither," Blue Eyes was not very subtle either and Tony's grin spread in response, "I am late to meet my agent."
"Agent?"
"I'm a writer."
"Oh! What do you write?"
"Murder." Blue Eyes froze and Tony laughed.
"Excuse me?"
"You ever hear of Howard Potts?"
"The crime writer?"
"Yup! That's me."
"I can't believe it! I do know your books, I'm a huge fan." A large beautiful bouquet was set on the counter.
"Well, they do alright. I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself, Tony Stark." He put up his hand for a handshake and a large hand enveloped his.
"Steve Rogers."
"Well, Steve Rogers, that is a beautiful bouquet that might just save my life. So how much do I owe you." Steve sighed in return.
"Well considering all the flowers, the work and the vase, I'll take...a cup of coffee?" Tony looked up from his wallet startled.
"What?" Steve smiled crookedly in response.
"How about you let me take you out for a cup of coffee as payment?" Tony's heart stuttered in his chest. This man was dangerous.
"I'd love to."
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Roses.
There was an enormous bouquet of red roses at his front door.
Tony blinked and stepped back as the unexpected sight brought his frantic exit to a halt.
He fumbled with his manuscript and the huge travel mug in his hand, deciding finally to put it down and pick up the roses. The thing was heavier than he expected and looked even bigger sitting in his kitchen island. He plucked one from the bouquet and brought it to his nose. They were beautiful. A deep shade of red and blossoming in a way that seemed almost unreal. A smile broke from his face when he realized where they'd come from.
He'd actually paid for the bouquet that day and left with the flower arrangement, a phone number and a pep in his step. They met for coffee and had been on a couple of dates now and Tony felt so comfortable with Steve. He was a kind, gentle man who looked at Tony like he mattered. He'd only known him for a few weeks and he knew that he was well on his way to fall head over heals for the guy.
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After the roses came the lilies. Then the marigolds. Bellflowers. Lavender. But the roses always came back, there were different kinds of roses and in an array of colors. His brownstone always smelled like roses and whatever other flowers joined the bouquets.
And he fell in love with Steve Rogers.
They went out on dates regularly, saw each almost every day and had been staying the night at each other's places almost every night too. He'd even been thinking about asking Steve to move in. The only nights they spent apart were Sunday nights, because that's when Steve would go work on his gardens.
"I need to prune the roses you love so much," Steve laughed as Tony whined about him having to go, Tony whined some more but eventually released him.
"Well if it's to keep bringing me roses go ahead." he replied haughtily.
"Only for you, Sweetheart." and the sincerity in Steve's face always left him breathless. "Besides, you are suppose to be working on your manuscript."
"You and Pepper need to stop hanging out together," Tony groaned.
"Hey, I am only reminding you as a fan. I cannot wait to see what you put up next," and the proud smile on his boyfriends face was all the encouragement Tony needed.
It had been months now and he was the happiest he'd ever been. Pepper loved Steve and she was by far their biggest supporter, Rhodey, however was a different story.
"I can't believe you are dating one of your fans."
"Stop making it sound weird. What has Steve ever done to you?" Pepper scoffed.
"I like the guy just fine. But the fact that he's a fan is a bit disconcerting, what if he's some stalker that's been waiting for the right time to approach Tony?"
"Woah there Rhodey the Platypus, that's a bit extreme. I walked into his flower shop, it's not like he randomly popped up somewhere I frequent and accidentally' bumped into me. He's sweet, nice and way hot, so can you just be nice to him?" He sat next to his best friend and gave him The Bambi Eyes, to which Rhodey simply rolled his eyes and huffed.
"Tones, your work attracts a lot of weirdos. You need to be more vigilant."
"Hey! Don't call my fans weirdos," he pouted.
"They're obsessed with murder."
"They like my writing."
"...About murder."
"Stop being a killjoy Gummy Bear! He brings me roses every Monday, treats me like I am something precious. Don't you want that for me?" Rhodey sighed and nodded which Tony appreciated and thanked by smacking a kiss on his cheek.
The brunette understood where his friend was coming from. Tony had started writing crime novels from the dorm room they used to share back at MIT, and it was a surprise even to himself when his first book became a New York Times Bestseller. From then on his writing career had taken off and he was soon nicknamed "The Merchant of Death." His books became known for drawing people in and bringing them into the story...as well as how well he wrote murder. Which meant that every now and then, someone would approach him with dark little gifts.
No one had ever gifted him flowers though.
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Tony released his new book, visited a couple of talk shows, did some readings, and every Monday like clockworks Steve would bring him flowers. Until a particular Monday when Tony went to open the door for his boyfriend and found two other strangers with him. Steve seemed thoughtful but not alarmed and simply greeting him with a kiss and came to stand next to him.
"Mr. Stark," the red headed woman greeted first, "good morning. Sorry to bother you this early in the morning, but we have a couple of questions for you." Her partner behind her, a disheveled blonde man with sharp eyes flashed an FBI badge at him.
"Uh sure, of course. Please, come in." The agents nodded in gratitude and walked in as Tony led them to his living room and Steve put the flowers on the coffee table and left to drop off his bag in his room.
"Nice flowers." The blonde said as he looked around, sharp eyes running over ever crook and cranny of the living room.
"Ah, thank you." Tony offered them the couch and took a seat across from them. "But please, how can I help you this morning?"
"Mr. Stark, I am Agent Natasha Romanoff and this is Agent Clint Barton, and we have a couple of questions regarding your whereabouts this last night." Tony blinked at the agents in confusion.
"I was here at home."
"And your partner can corroborate this?" Agent Barton asked.
"Well he knows I was home last night, but he works Sunday nights. What is this about?"
"We are in the middle of an ongoing investigation for a number of murders committed in the last 6 months."
"How come we haven't heard about this on the news?"
"We believe we may be dealing with a serial killer and at this time we cannot release this news to the public and cause panic. Since all the murders have been local we have narrowed down the suspect to be in the city."
"That doesn't really narrow it down now does it. But," Tony met their eyes, "what does that have to do with me?" The agents looked at each other and back at him, and Tony felt like he was going to lose his mind if one of them didn't speak soon.
"Mr. Stark," Agent Romanoff continued, "each murder scene has been lifted straight from one of your books. In chronological order, from the very first book and through every book that follows." Tony's heart dropped.
"It took us some time connect the dots but one of our interns is a big fan of your work, so they saw the similarities immediately and we have connected every single murder scene to a scene from your book." Barton picked up.
"Which means we are going to need your full cooperation on this case."
"Um, am I a suspect on this case?" Tony croaked.
"No, we need your whereabouts more as a formality at this point. We are very sure this person is someone who has had a lot of experience killing."
"We also know, that he admires your work a lot, enough to bring it to life. So we are hopping you can help us get to them."
"Sorry for the interruption." Steve carried a tray of coffee cups in his as he joined them, "I got some coffee ready for us. I'm Steve Rogers, nice to meet you."
"Agent Clint Barton," the agent greeted as he picked one of the cups after Steve set the tray down. "This is my partner Agent Romanoff, you are Mr. Stark's boyfriend?"
"Yes," Steve smiled at Tony, but the smile dropped from his face as he caught Tony's ashen face. "What's wrong?"
"Um, someone is using my books to kill people."
"What?"
"We are investigating some murders that have taken place for the past 6 months. All of them are modeled after the murders Mr. Stark writes about." Tony felt his entire body shake and Steve pulled him into his arms. Tony did his best not to cry.
"Oh Tony."
"I am sure this is a lot to take in, but we need to know something else. The bodies are all laid out as described on your books, but they seem to be missing their hearts. That was never mentioned in the books, but does it mean anything to you Mr. Stark?"
"No," he croaked out, "I have never even thought about adding that."
"Okay, well we must be on our way, but please be alert. This person may be someone that admires you a lot and may try and reach out to you. Please be safe, and let us know if you see anything or think about anything that may help us." The agents dropped off their cards on the coffee table and walked out.
As soon as the door closed, Tony crumpled in Steve's arms and cried.
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Tony had a stalker.
After reviewing getting more information from the FBI he realized that every person who'd been found dead had somehow hurt Tony. It had started with Christine Everheart, who had written a really damaging story on Tony and how he must be insane or a killer to write murder scenes so well. Then came Obadiah Stane, Tony hadn't even been aware Obie had gotten out of jail. The Vanko, Hammer, Sunset, the list went on and on.
Tony was beside himself. He was horrified that someone out there had taken his writing and used it to take another person's life. He shut himself off, cancelled his book tour and press appearances. He never wanted to write again in his life. Steve did his best to take care of him, he fed him, held him and was his literal rock. Whenever he had to go to work he always made sure to have someone come and stay with him, no one had reached out to Tony yet but Tony did feel better knowing he wasn't alone. Sunday nights were the hardest though. Steve still needed to take care of his garden and Tony loathed to bother Pepper and Rhodey every Sunday.
Tony walked in to his dark bedroom, a chill running down his spine. He felt eyes on him as he reached for the light switch and turn on the lights.
Oh no. Dead blue eyes stared at him, unblinking. Steve's blonde hair matted with blood and blood everywhere. Tony knew without looking that Steve's heart was missing.
"STEVE!"
"STEVE!" Tony screamed himself awake. He gasped for breath as he looked around frantically in panic. As he gulped deep breaths, he remembered that it was Sunday night and Steve wouldn't be home until the next day. But he needed to see him.
With hands shaking he pulled on sweatpants and one of Steve's hoodies, he snatched his car keys and raced to Sarah's Garden. When he got there the front door was obviously locked so he went for the back door, adrenaline was still rushing through his body. The images from his nightmare still too fresh in his mind. The door was open and that made his blood race faster, what if the crazy murdered was targeting Steve because he was important to Tony? What if Tony got him killed too? Tony walked in softly making sure not to make any noise, cursing himself for forgetting his phone.
A muffled shout left him frozen and his heart was twisting in his chest. He ran into the back room, tears running down his face as he raced to try and save Steve. He burst in, not caring about what would happen to him.
"Steve!"
But Steve was not the one tied down.
Blue eyes met his brown ones, and Tony couldn't undestand what was happening. He looked down to the person struggling and he was surprised to see that he did in fact recognize him. Tiberius Stone's face was one he'd likely never forget.
"Sweatheart."
"What...what is this?" He was losing his mind. There was no way Steve was...no. He couldn't even think it...but the scalpel was in Steve's hand.
"Tony," Steve put down the blade and pickup a rag to clean the blood of his hands. "Sweetheart, you shouldn't have to see this."
"Shouldn't have to see this?! Steve what the fuck?! Are you...are you the serial killer?" Tony felt lightheaded. This couldn't be happening. It would be just his luck that the one time he thinks he's found the right man, and it turns out he's a psychopath.
"I am taking care of you." And the way he said it was so sure of himself that Tony had to stare at him incredulously.
"You are actually crazy. Dear God, you are crazy and I'm such an idiot for thinking I'd finally found someone to be with for the rest of my life." Tony cried.
"You are not an idiot," Steve said as he lunged for Tony but stopped when Tony jumped back. Tony watched as those blue eyes he loved so much filled with tears.
"Stay back."
"Tony," Steve was openly crying now, "you are not an idiot. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, inside and out. And it has been a privilege to love you. I understand you are horrified, and maybe I am sick. Sick for wanting to kill every single person in this world for hurting you, but God do I love you."
"How long?"
"I'm sorry?"
"The police said the person who was doing this was obviously experienced. So how long have you been doing this?"
"...since I was 16."
"What the fuck!?"
"My father was a mean drunk. He was a soldier once and the war changed him. But he used to drink himself sick, and then he'd come home and hurt my mother and me. Back then I was a lot smaller, couldn't protect myself much less my mom. And one night, he came in and he started hitting my mom but this time he wouldn't stop. So I had a choice to save my mother or let her die, and I don't regret that choice. I never will."
"What happened then?"
"I was frozen I didn't know what to do. But my mom did. She took the bloody knife wrapped it on a kitchen towel and had me help her drag the body to out backyard. She didn't say anything to me. Not a single word. But we started digging, and once the whole was big enough we pushed the body in...then she planted rose bushes on top of it." Tony froze.
"I am assuming that after that you caught a taste for blood and continued killing."
"I don't kill for the thrill of it Tony." Steve snapped. "I have only ever taken a life from someone who doesn't deserve it, abusers, sadistic killers, rapist, pedophiles. And those who hurt those that are precious to me."
"You said your mom buried your father under rose bushes. Where do you bury your bodies Steve?" Steve met his gaze but stayed silent. "Is that where the hearts are going? To feed the fucking roses you bring me every week?"
"They did not deserve their hearts"
"Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick."
"Sweetheart, please."
"Please? Please what, Steve? What? What do you want from me? You are a serial killer!"
"All I want is to protect you. Everheart made you cry, she wanted to ruin your career. You creep of a godfather? He had you kidnapped and almost killed to get to your inheritance. Hammer and Vanko wanted to hurt you and end your career because of jealousy, and Sunset Bain made you fall in love with her simply to steal you manuscript. And this," he marched to the table where Ty was laying, "this despicable man is the reason you wake up with nightmares. He's the reason you flinch if I move to fast near you. How can I let any of them live when I know that they wanted to hurt the person most precious to me?"
And the sick thing was, Tony understood, He understood why Steve did it. Steve was a killer, but he was a killer who wanted to protect people who couldn't protect themselves. He killed for the innocent...and for Tony. He didn't know what to think. He knew it was wrong, that this whole thing had messed him up deeply. But this was Steve. The same Steve that wouldn't kill spiders, he'd pick them up and take them out. The same Steve that was always aware of his strength and size and did his best to not hurt people or intimidate them. The same man that treated Tony as if he was made of glass. He thought about leaving, because he knew without a doubt that Steve would let him go, would never hurt him, even if he went to the police. But just the thought of walking away from Steve made him want to die.
"The FBI is after you." Steve's gazed shifted a bit and he shuffled in place. "What?"
"Um, do you remember Agent Romanoff?"
"The red head? Yes, why?"
"She's married to my best friend."
"Bucky?"
"Yes."
"...So do both of they know what you do?"
"...Bucky is my partner, in literal crime." He joked flatly.
"So this whole time, she's known it's you and she's been covering up for you?"
"Clint, too."
"This is insane." Tony shook his head.
"Tony, I know this is a lot to process. You can take all the time you need. You can walk out and go to the police or walk out and never speak to me again. I just need you to know that I love you and that I will always love you. No matter what." Steve walked slowly towards Tony as he spoke and Tony closed his eyes as he was pulled into Steve's arms.
"I love you too." Steve hugged him harder and Tony thought back to all the love Steve showed him, the gentle way he held him. The way he loved him. Then he thought long and hard about the people that had died and a crazy thought jumped into his head.
They deserved it.
Tony clung harder to Steve.
"Steve?"
"Yes? How long will this take? When can we go home?" Steve gasped and clutched Tony tighter to him.
"Sweetheart, are you sure?"
"Steve, kill my ex, then take me home."
Steve laughed and pulled him in for a kiss.
'Well,' Tony thought, 'at least now I'll have a good source for my books."
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