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The weather outside is frightful

Summary:

“I can’t believe this!”

Steve paused, his hand hovering over the piece of firewood. Was that—?

“Of all the idiotic, selfish—“

The last of the words were cut off by the wind, but that was definitely a voice.

Steve frowned. The voice was too clear to be coming from a truck or a car, which meant they must be on foot. He looked at the heavy fall of the snow. No one should be out in this.

Or, Tony is an omega in distress, and Steve is just the alpha-in-shining armour he needs.

Notes:

I hope you enjoy!

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

“I can’t believe this!”

Steve paused, his hand hovering over the piece of firewood. Was that—?

“Of all the idiotic, selfish—“

The last of the words were cut off by the wind, but that was definitely a voice.

Steve frowned. The voice was too clear to be coming from a truck or a car, which meant that whoever it was must be on foot. He looked at the heavy fall of the snow.

No one should be out in this.

He took the firewood inside, adding a few pieces to the fire to tide it over, and dropping the others in the basket. Then he changed his short coat for a thicker one, and grabbed his walking stick. He stepped onto the porch, pulling the zipper up to cover his neck and keep the flakes from falling down his back. Then he pulled the cabin door closed behind him and headed out into the snow.

He walked down the back of the yard, walking carefully as the drifts got deeper. His ears were pricked for sound. The voice hadn’t sounded far away but the mountains could be deceiving. The wind could carry sounds from further away, and Steve might have to consider going back for his truck, if he could even drive safely in this.

He might have to anyway - the snow was starting to fall thicker and faster, the forecasted storm starting to settle in.

He’d been walking for about ten minutes and was considering if it was time to turn around when finally he heard the voice again, this time much closer.

“How is there no goddamn signal out here?”

There!

Steve hurried towards it, pushing through the snow-laden branches and stepping out into a clearing where a figure was pacing at the edge of it, arms wrapped around their torso to fight off the chill.

Steve opened his mouth to call out, when they turned around to face him, and he froze.

The man was beautiful.

He looked at Steve, jumping slightly as he registered someone else in the clearing and Steve shook off his surprise to loosen his posture and make himself give off a vibe he hoped seemed non-threatening.

“Hey there.”

The man looked at Steve suspiciously. “Hello.”

“I’m Steve Rogers, are you ok? It’s snowing pretty hard out here and you’re pretty far from town.”

The man looked unsure for a moment. Then a particularly cold wind whipped through the trees making him shiver. He sighed, seeming to come to a decision, and walked closer to Steve.

The wind blew again as he got close and this time there was something else on the air. A sweet smell that made Steve’s inner alpha perk up in interest.

An omega.

An unbonded omega.

But more importantly, an unbonded omega in need of help.

“I’m Tony,” the omega said, holding out a hand for Steve to take in greeting. “I think I might be stranded.”

Steve’s mouth quirked in amusement. “You think?”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Yes alright, I am stranded, and I’m in need of some assistance.”

“Well, that’s something I can help with. Are you out here by yourself or do I need to look for some other people?” He ran through the supplies he had at home. He could accomodate a few more at a stretch if he had to, depending on how long the storm lasted. 

Tony scoffed, body tight with tension. “Oh no, just me. That moron is long gone.”

Steve frowned in confusion. “Gone?”

“He hightailed it out of here on the snowmobile he brought me out on.” Now that he mentioned it, Steve could see fresh vehicle tracks leading away from the clearing.

“He just left you out here?” Steve asked horrified and Tony snorted.

“Well, I’m glad someone knows that wasn’t appropriate courting etiquette” He rolled his eyes. “He thought he saw a bear, so he just hopped on the snowmobile and took off. Didn’t even think about whether or not I might like to be not eaten by a bear.”

Steve couldn’t believe it. To leave anyone out in this was ridiculous - there was a storm coming and it was cold, very cold.

But especially to abandon an omega you were courting? One whose safety you were responsible for when you were accompanying them? What kind of alpha did that?

Steve felt his ears heat a little. Especially one as handsome as this.

“It wasn’t even a bear after all that, just a rather bewildered deer staring at me, and definitely judging me for my taste in courtship acceptances,” Tony continued, expression turning self-deprecating and Steve felt the need to reassure him.

“I don’t know, folks ‘round here are pretty friendly. I bet that deer was just offering a sympathetic shoulder,” Steve offered, pleased when the omega’s mouth curved in a smile. Then Tony shivered.

What he was wearing was definitely more aesthetically focused - no doubt chosen for a courting occasion rather than for practical wear for mountain hiking - but fine enough for a clear day when snow was thin on the ground. It was nowhere near good enough for the conditions now.

“Oh sorry, let me—“ Steve shrugged off his jacket, offering it to Tony who hesitated for a moment, before seeming to decide he’d rather not freeze. He tugged it on, and Steve pushed back the flutter of pleasure at seeing such a pretty omega wearing his clothes.

He was here to offer aid, and that’s what he was going to do. It didn’t matter how attractive or funny his rescu-ee was. “Come on. My cabin is a few minutes walk away, and I’ve got a fire going.”

Tony still looked a little wary, understandable given the situation he found himself in, but he must’ve decided that he had a better chance with Steve than the weather because he gestured for Steve to lead the way.

They didn’t talk much on the walk back, the snow getting heavier and Steve focusing on following his tracks back even with the low visibility.

When they finally reached the cabin, Steve was feeling the cold himself, and he ushered Tony into the warmth as he grabbed more firewood to see them through. He was pretty sure they were going to be stuck overnight at the very least and the last thing he wanted was to run out.

When he finally let himself go inside, kicking the snow off his boots, the warmth hit him like a wave. He sighed, body shaking with it, and he saw Tony hurry over to the fire to warm himself up.

The omega was already looking a lot better, colour returning to his skin and the shivering gone from his slim frame.

Steve headed for his bedroom, changing quickly into a henley and his warmest sweats and grabbing a thick jumper and some flannel pyjama pants for Tony.

As he walked back into the room, Tony’s eyes flitted to his. The omega was…a little tense, Steve realised and he was careful to keep his posture open and welcoming. “I’ve got some clothes for you if you want to get changed. It might not feel like it yet, but the stuff you’re feeling is probably damp and it’ll need hanging up to dry.” He held out the pile to Tony who considered it for a moment, then nodded.

“Thank you. Is there somewhere I can—?”

Steve nodded, pointing over his shoulder. “Yeah, bathroom’s the second door on the left. There are towels as well if you want to clean up. Be my guest.”

Tony gave him a small smile before he moved past Steve down the hallway, the bathroom door clicking shut behind him. Steve went to the kitchen, pouring some milk into a pot and putting it on the stove. He was glad he’d done his last grocery run on Friday - it meant he had plenty of supplies for hot chocolate and some cookies that he poured onto a plate.

By the time Tony came back into the living room, Steve had a steaming mug waiting for him and the omega brightened. “Is that for me?”

Steve nudged it closer on the table. “I hope you like it.”

Tony curled up on the opposite end of the couch, cradling the mug in his hands and looking much cosier in Steve’s slightly oversized clothes. The omega took a sip, making a surprised sound. “Holy fuck that’s good.”

Steve snorted, and the omega looked a little embarrassed. “Ah, sorry, I mean—“

“No, no, it’s flattering” Steve said, waving him off with a grin. “And I’m a big believer in honesty.”

Tony smiled back. “So, when can we head to town? Surely we need to head out before the snow gets too deep?”

“We have to wait it out. Might be a day or two at least.” Steve pointed at the way the drifts were already forming against the porch. “We’re not going anywhere, it’s way too dangerous. Visibility is shot, and if we got caught on the way down the mountain we’d freeze.” He bit his lip. “Hopefully your date made it down in time.”

Tony’s expression was shocked. “Days?!” He groaned, rubbing the palm of his hand against his eye. “I should never have let that idiot bring me out here.”

He looked so frustrated that Steve couldn’t help but reach out to pat his arm. “Sorry you’re stuck, but you’re safe here, and as soon as it clears I’ll get you to town so you can call for a pick up.” He rubbed a hand awkwardly over his neck. “Ah, was your chaperone in town or—“

Tony cleared his throat, looking a little awkward. “No, we— well, it’s not our first courting date. Not even close. My parents think Tiberius and I are all but bonded so when he requested this little outing they figured it wouldn’t do any harm to let us have a little alone time. Jarvis - my chaperone - is staying about half an hour away.”

Steve felt the disappointment slam through him, and he fought to keep it off his face. It was stupid; He didn’t even know Tony, had absolutely no reason to think Tony might be interested in him at all. But the idea that this pretty omega was all but promised to some coward who would abandon him in a snowstorm made Steve feel almost nauseous.

“So it’s serious?” He asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Tony snorted. “Well not so much now that he left me to be bear bait I don’t think.”

Steve couldn’t help the huff of laughter, and Tony’s eyes danced in amusement. “So what about you, Mr Mountain-Man-Alpha? Are you courting?”

Steve couldn’t help the blush. “No, I’m not much for courting. I didn’t used to be big like this, I was kind of scrawny and most omegas weren’t interested.”

Tony looked him over, and Steve felt his face heat even more. “With a handsome face like that I’m sure you were a heartbreaker even then Alpha Rogers. But what’s stopping you now?”

“I don’t really meet a lot of people out here. But I love being out on the mountain. It’s so wild, and free. I came out here when I was struggling after my discharge and I never looked back. I couldn’t imagine packing up and moving to the city, so it’s pretty slim-pickings for company.”

“Discharge? You were in the military?” Tony’s eyes flicked to his. “Stark Industries does military contracts. I’ve been involved in building some of the newest defence equipment.”

That was a surprise. Tony was clearly smart, but not many omegas would be in a position to work for one of the world biggest military contractors. Steve shot him a little salute. “Captain Steven Rogers, 107th. Two tours. I got out about three years ago.” He gestured to the mountain view outside his kitchen window. “I came out here because I needed to learn who I was again, and I don’t regret a single moment.”

Tony took another sip of his drink, looking at the fire. “This thing with Ty, the uh, courtship. It was our 7th date and I think Ty thought this might be the date.” His skin was flushed. “But I wasn’t sure. He’s—I don’t know. He seemed fine on paper, you know? A nice alpha my parents liked. Good family. But I don’t know.” He sighed, picking at the blanket on his lap. “I got the feeling he thought I’d make a nice bit of decor for his perfect life when my father inevitably gave him a good job at the company. The knotting was just a bonus.”

That made Steve bite back a growl. Even in the short time he’d known Tony he could tell the omega was brilliant. Tiberius thinking of him as just some prize told him everything he needed to know about the alpha, and really, he’d better hope he never met Steve or he’d show him what a real alpha was like.

Tony let out a heavy sigh. “I know it seems harsh, but I think my father believes it’s the best option. If I were to go to some other alpha, I would be their’s and there would be nothing he could do to look after me. If I bonded with Tiberius, an ambitious alpha my father can offer a position to in the company he runs, he can ensure I’m being treated well, since Ty’s career would depend on it.”

“A lot of omegas join their alphas at work though, wouldn’t it at least let you stay and keep working at the company?”

“Ty has made it abundantly clear that his expectation is that I would stop working for R&D and essentially become his glorified secretary.” Tony’s tone was bitter and frustrated. “So my father may see it as a safe option, but for me it’s more of a gilded cage.”

Steve could understand that. He’d chosen the army and then he’d chosen this. He couldn’t imagine having that autonomy taken away.

“I get that. I love being a ranger. I protect the park and manage the animal populations here. It’s pretty physical which I enjoy, but I also assist with the scientific investigations we have running, so I’m always kept busy. I can’t imagine giving that up.”

“Investigations?” The omega perked up at that. “There are scientists here?”

Steve nodded, throwing another handful of vegetables into the pan. “Doctor Banner is the lead, he lives in town. He’s looking at the effects of climate change on the park’s ecosystems, and ways of using the park to generate green energy.”

“That sounds amazing. I’ve been trying to convince Stark Industries to put more research into renewable energy but the board is pretty old school so they’re not biting. I have this idea where we could—“ Tony cut himself off abruptly. “Sorry, Ty’s always telling me not everyone wants to hear my ramblings, I don’t want to bore you.”

“No, no, I want to hear it,” Steve said, giving Tony an encouraging smile. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up so you might have to be patient with me, but I want to hear it.”

Tony’s surprise made irritation hum through Steve’s body. Why seek out an omega so clearly talented and intellectual when you planned to just stifle it? What an ass.

“If you’re sure…” Tony started and Steve grinned.

“I am, tell me how you’re going to save the world.”

Tony’s smile felt like it lit Steve up from the inside.

The omega was smart, like crazy genius smart, and his enthusiasm for the subject made him practically glow. Steve found himself getting lost from time to time, only for Tony to loop back and make sure he was along for the ride. It sounded just like the sort of thing Dr Banner would be interested in, and Steve told him so.

“You think?”

“Definitely. Maybe I could introduce you to him, might be a great exchange of ideas.”

“Maybe.” Tony’s smile was soft but tinged with something else, and Steve knew that Tony was thinking of when the snow had cleared and he had to return to his real life, not this cosy little bubble they’d found themselves in.

Steve could understand that. If he hadn’t rescued Tony he was sure the omega never would’ve looked twice at him. It was just luck that he got to have him for just this short time.

 


 

Their exile stretched into a second day and Steve got to know Tony more and more.

It was easily the best time Steve had ever had trapped in a storm.

Tony was funny, and sweet, with a biting wit and a competitive streak for card games that only rivalled Steve’s own. It was like trying to hold a conversation with live wire, and all Steve could do was be dazzled by the sparks.

He didn’t think he’d ever spent this much time in an omega’s company that wasn’t his Ma or a friend, and he realised that it would be all too easy to get used to this.

He loved his job, and his cabin, and his friends in town. But he did get so lonely.

He spent most of his time travelling the park during the day, coming back to an empty house every night. When it got too much he'd go into town for a visit, try and push back the ache. But it wasn't the same as having someone to share his home with, someone to come home to.  

He wanted Tony to stay. The thought pushed its way in as he watched Tony gesture wildly at the cheap sci-fi film they’d found on cable, getting more and more outraged the more the scientist character spoke.

Steve had laughed more than had since before he’d shipped out the first time, and it made him feel light and easy. Right, like being a park ranger did, like he was destined for it.

He’d made up the couch for Tony to sleep on so that he could stay warm by the fire, and he’d already gotten used to waking out in the mornings to see Tony curled up and relaxed in sleep, his head buried in the pillow. It was endearing, and Steve couldn’t help the flutter in his belly at the sight of him.

He didn’t think he was alone in his affection either. More than once he caught Tony staring at him while they baked cookies or watched a movie, the omega flushing bright red and looking away each time.

He felt like he could stay right in this moment forever and be happier than he’d ever been, and maybe, just maybe, he could make Tony happy too.

But the snow was slowing now, and soon Steve would need to pack up the truck and drive him down to the town. He thought about saying goodbye and it made his chest ache.

Maybe Clint at Hawkeye’s Diner would give him some free pie to drown his sorrows.

He was pretty sure Buck would just call him an idiot for missing his shot.

He probably was an idiot.

Because he couldn’t help but think of what Tony had said. He was looking for freedom and purpose just like Steve, he wanted to use his mind and his skills, and he wasn’t going to do that with some coward who was just looking to climb the corporate ladder.

But out here? Steve could do better.

He had no doubt Dr Banner would be interested in what Tony had to say, and he was always looking for help given all his interns were short term - most young aspiring geniuses only wanted a few months experience, they weren’t looking to settle down in the middle of nowhere. The town would welcome him too, and Tony seemed like he needed more friends who could support and look after him, not use him for favours.

Plus, Steve was self-sufficient too. He wanted a partner, a companion, not some pretty thing to do his laundry and all the cooking.

Tony could be happy here. Really happy.

Steve just needed to take a chance.

But he had to wait. He wasn’t going to be the same kind of scummy alpha as Tiberius Stone. He was in charge of keeping Tony safe, and he wouldn’t jeopardise that with any kind of declaration. He couldn’t stand the idea of making Tony uncomfortable or feeling like he had to keep Steve happy to make sure he got back home.

So he would wait until they were back in town.

 


 

On the third evening, Steve made lasagne. 

Tony had mentioned it was what his chaperone made him whenever he needed cheering up, and he’d wanted to do something nice. It was Bucky’s Ma’s recipe from when they were kids, and it never failed to impress.

Tony had taken a nap, but he’d woken up to the smell of it cooking and joined Steve in the kitchen. He looked warm and sleepy, and Steve couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to do this every night.

“Hey there.” His voice was a low rumble, and Steve had to duck to open the oven to cover for the heat crawling up his neck. “What’s cooking, good looking?”

Steve huffed a laugh. “That was terrible.” He couldn’t fight the smile though.

“You love it,” Tony shot back, pulling up a stool at the counter top. “But really, what’s going on in there chef?”

“Lasagne. You said it was your favourite?”

Tony’s face softened then. “That’s really sweet Steve.”

Steve tried not to blush. “Maybe I’m just a sweet guy, you ever think about that?”

“I hope the poachers and ne'er-do-wells you chase down in the park don't find out. Your hardass reputation would be ruined.”

Steve rolled his eyes. He should have known bragging to Tony about his ranger exploits would come back to bite him. He had the feeling Tony was going to mock him forever for getting too cocky and letting slip about the time he’d gone up against a goose.

“That would be a shame.”

Tony sat quietly for a moment before he spoke again. “Do you ever get lonely out here, Steve?”

Steve paused from where he’d been grating more cheese. He hadn’t been expecting that. “I—yeah. Yeah I do.” He gave Tony a look. “I know it sucks that you’re stuck, but it’s been really nice having company.” He swallowed, looking down at his hands. “Especially your company.”

He didn’t see Tony’s reaction to that but he saw the omega shift out of the corner of his eye. “You’re a good guy Steve, and you have a lovely life out here to offer. Any omega would be lucky to have you." He cleared his throat. "Maybe you should think about finally courting?”

Steve could feel a shift in the air, like the moment was stretching out in front of him and saying the wrong thing could make it snap. He opened his mouth to say something, when suddenly the lights went out and they were plunged into near darkness.

The flickering glow of the fire was the only light left.

“What happened?” Tony asked, sounding a little worried and Steve got to his feet.

“The snow must’ve knocked out the power.” He leaned over to grab his torch out of the drawer. “I’ll go take a look. If it’s no good, I’ll see about the generator.”

The omega opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to change his mind. “Ok.”

Steve paused, waiting to see if Tony might say more, but when he stayed silent, he pulled on his boots, jacket, gloves and scarf, grabbed his tools and headed out into the snow.

It was cold. Bitterly cold. Especially in contrast to the warm, cosy space he’d been occupying with Tony for the last few hours. If he was honest, the fire was only a small part of the reason he’d felt so comfortable.

The snow drifts were deep, and Steve nearly sunk as he battled his way to the breaker box. The wind was howling in his ears and he wished he’d grabbed his hat. He grumbled as he chipped away at the ice, cursing once again that he hadn’t managed to get the electrician out to move it inside so it didn’t freeze over before the first big storm of the season. When he finally got it, he realised that one of the connections had broken in the cold, a rusted part finally giving up under pressure.

Shit. That was something he didn’t have the expertise to fix.

He was about to close the box and head inside, when he suddenly felt a hand at his elbow and he turned with a jump.  Tony stood there looking determined, cheeks already red from the chill.

“You ok?” Steve asked, confused as to why he’d left the warmth of the cabin.

“What’s the problem?”

Steve gestured at the box. He wasn’t sure it was salvageable if he was honest. “Broken parts,” he called over the wind, “I don’t know what to do.”

Tony pushed closer, and Steve instinctively moved to block him from the wind. “Hold the torch.”

Steve wasn’t sure what he hoped to do, but he knew an order when he heard it. He held the light on the box, lifting the heavy toolbox when Tony gestured to it. He stepped closer to help him dig through, and had to bite back a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold when Tony’s back pressed up against his chest.

And maybe it was just the cold, but it felt like, for a moment, Tony shifted closer into his hold.

Tony pulled a few bits and pieces from the kit, clipping and twisting things that were mostly blocked from Steve’s view. Finally he made a little cheer of victory and flicked all the breakers back on. A line of light across the snow told him the power was back on.

Tony turned, giving him a grin and Steve felt a smile spread across his own face. “Come on,” he said, nearly shouting now. “Back inside before your ears fall off.”

Tony obligingly followed their deep footprints back through the snow and Steve carried the tools back, offering his hand to Tony when the snow got too deep, enjoying feeling Tony’s fingers curled around his.

He took Tony’s coat and his own, shaking them out the door and putting their boots outside before the snow clumped on them began to melt, pushing Tony ahead of him as they made it over the threshold.

“Where did you learn how to do that?”

Tony looked a little embarrassed as he reached out to tug Steve’s scarf and gloves off and took them to dry by the fire. The gesture wasn’t one Steve had ever had anyone do but the care Tony took warmed him faster that the fire.

“Engineering’s my thing, I know my way around household electrics.”

Steve frowned. “Why didn’t you just say you know a hell of a lot more about it than I do?”

Tony sighed. “It’s not…seemly for an omega to show up an alpha.”

Steve’s eyebrows just about shot off his forehead, because that was the dumbest thing he’d ever heard. And Tony’s voice had taken on that tone that told him exactly where he’d gotten that from.

“That guy doesn’t know the difference between a bear and a deer, why on Earth are you still letting him get in your head?”

Tony stared at him for a moment then burst out laughing. “Oh my god, you’re right. You’re absolutely right. Fuck that guy.”

Steve couldn’t help joining him, Tony’s laugh too infectious not to drag him along with it. They laughed until they needed to fight for breath and Tony slumped against the couch.

Steve pressed a hand against his side where he was starting to cramp. “You know what? I think that saving the day deserves some garlic bread with that lasagne, what do you think?”

Tony grinned. “I think that sounds good.”

 


 

By the fourth morning the snow was down to little flurries and the forecast reassured him it was safe to take the chance. He couldn't wait any longer, even though he wished they could have just one more day. 

Even Tony seemed a little glum, more than Steve would've expected for someone who was finally able to get his life back.

After a cosy final breakfast, he loaded Tony into his truck, and set off, trying not to feel too hopeful when Tony gave his cabin one last longing look.

He listened to Tony hum along to the crackly radio as they drove, the journey passing far quicker than it usually did. It felt like no time at all before they were in town, and Tony was using the phone at the general store to call his chaperone.

As they waited, Tony insisted on picking out some supplies for Steve to take home to make up for all he’d eaten. Steve accepted the supplies, despite his arguments that he’d been more than happy to share what he’d had with Tony, because the omega seemed to need the distraction.

By the time his chaperone arrived, Steve was restocked for at least two weeks.

“Well, I guess this is me,” Tony said as he finished paying, and Steve looked up to see an SUV pull up outside the store.

He felt a twinge of panic. They hadn’t had enough time. He wasn’t ready.

A man in a suit stepped out of the car and walked towards them, somehow looking polished and tidy, despite the good foot of dirty snow on the ground. “Tony! My dear boy, I was worried sick.”

“Jarvis!”

He watched as Tony hugged the man, the relief clear on both of their faces. “I told your parents that Tiberius Stone was a waste of space, but do they listen to me? No.” He leaned back to check Tony over. “Are you alright?”

Tony smiled at him, affection clear in his expression. He turned so he could point back at Steve, and Steve realised he was still standing on the pavement. “I’m fine. Steve found me and looked after me.”

“Then it would seem the Starks owe you a great deal.” Jarvis gave him an interested look, scanning over his body as if checking every detail. Steve had the feeling he was being carefully measured, and he wasn’t one for being underestimated. He forced himself to loosen up so he could step forward and hold out his hand to Mr Jarvis.

“It was nothing. Just doing my job.”

“Steve’s a park ranger,” Tony explained. “He lives in the sweetest cabin and he cares for all the nature in the park and helps out with scientific research.”

Jarvis looked amused now, a slight twitch of his mouth giving him away. “That all sounds very charming.” Then he sighed. “I’d love to hear more, but your parents are worried sick. I need to get you back.”

“Oh.” Tony’s shoulders slumped, and he turned his big, beautiful brown eyes on Steve. “Then I guess this is goodbye.”

Steve felt his heart clench like it was in a vice. This couldn’t be it, because he could already see a future in which they could be so happy. He couldn’t stand to lose it now. He wanted to speak but his tongue felt too clumsy in his mouth.

“Well. It was nice to meet you, Alpha Rogers. Thank you again for your help.” Tony gave him a sad little smile and Steve hated how he’d retreated to polite formality. “Jarvis, shall we—“

“Wait!”

Steve stopped forward, hand grabbing Tony’s sleeve. Lightly, easy to break if it was unwanted.

Tony looked up at him in surprise.

“I’d like to court you.”

The words burst out like they’d been waiting his whole life to escape and Steve couldn’t look away from Tony’s eyes. They were watching him so carefully, like Tony couldn’t believe what he’d heard. Steve held his gaze, not wanting there to be any confusion about what he wanted.

Jarvis cleared his throat and they both seemed to realise they were frozen in the moment. Tony let out a breath, body leaning shyly towards Steve. “I thought maybe you weren’t going to ask.”

Steve scuffed his boot in the gravel. “I wanted to make sure you were safe first. I didn’t want you to think you had to accept just because I was your ride out of the mountains.” He straightened up, putting his shoulders back and trying to latch onto the confidence he felt when he was in his ranger’s uniform. “But now that your Mr Jarvis is here, I’d like to throw my hat in the ring. May I court you, Omega Stark?’

The pleased smile lit Tony up, and Steve felt the happiness pulse through him. “I accept your courtship Alpha Rogers.” He looked over his shoulder at Mr Jarvis who raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps you’d like to start now by taking me to breakfast?”

Steve couldn’t help the joy bubbling up inside him as he held out his arm for Tony to take. “It would be my pleasure.”

Notes:

I'm taking liberties with both the snow and the electricity, so please suspend your disbelief XD