Work Text:
5 times Tony stole Steve’s hoodies (+1 time Steve stole Tony’s)
i. Accident
The first time it had happened, Tony barely realized what he had done.
After a long night of fighting aliens that rain down from the sky — again — you don’t really pay too much attention to what clothes you put on. You simply shower, change, and then proceed to pass out in your bed. So, really, when you think about it, it’s the alien’s fault. Had they not been so persistent about taking over the world and controlling mankind, Tony might actually have been able to function properly the night before.
However, he wasn’t able to. And, that’s what led to this mess of a morning.
Honestly, it’s not a big deal at all. He’s only wearing Steve’s hoodie, where’s the harm in that? Never killed a person to wear their boyfriend’s clothes. Besides, they’ve been dating for months now, and Tony’s pretty sure it’s in the job description.
So, it shouldn’t be a big deal that he's wearing it.
But . . .
Sitting with his arms crossed over his chest, Tony lets out a long sigh. Thoughts are racing through his head so fast, he can’t even take a second to breathe properly. Most likely, he’s over thinking all of this. The hoodie isn’t important in any way to Steve, so why would he be mad if he saw Tony wearing it? He won’t, exactly.
Exactly.
“Ugh!” Tony groans, flipping around in his bed to smush his face into his pillows, cutting off the sound.
The hoodie is blue, though that colour is starting to fade with frequent wash, and it’s now turning into white. There’s also a single tear near the bottom, which Tony can’t for the life of him figure out where it came from. And, it smells. Not in a bad way. In a marvellous way. Which, okay, sounds creepy. But, really, if you got a whiff of the thing, you would totally understand him. It smells of apples and . . . sunshine somehow. It smells like Steve. Like home.
It makes Tony feel safe.
Which makes him feel like a loser.
“I’m the worst,” Tony mumbles into the pillows before adjusting the way he lays so his chin’s resting up. His dark brown eyes travel to the windows, peering outside at the bright, sunny day. Down in the city he can see construction going on everywhere, fixing the mess they made the previous night.
If he can fight aliens, he can get up and make himself coffee.
Probably.
Obviously, he could just take off the hoodie.
But . . .
It’s just so . . .
Warm. And home. And safe. And safe. And safe. And SteveSteveSteve—
“I’m pathetic,” Tony states before finally, finally pushing himself up into a seated position on his bed. He pulls his eyebrows together, lips pursing. A look of pure confidence flashing across his face. “I’m pathetic and a loser and I’m going to make myself some coffee.”
After getting that all settled, he swings his legs over the side of his humongous bed. The moment his socked feet hit the hardwood floor, he wants to climb back into bed and sleep for a few more hours, but he can’t put this off any longer. He really needs his coffee. Tony Stark doesn’t function without it. A world without coffee is hell.
Swallowing down his pride, Tony confidently marches towards the elevator, crossing his arms back over his chest once inside. He grumpily glares towards the ceiling, as if J.A.R.V.I.S. is judging him. “Communal floor, please.”
“Why, of course, sir,” the AI responds instantly, closing the doors with a light click. “You will be delighted to know coffee has been made, and breakfast has—”
“Yeah, breakfast, whatever,” Tony interrupts, rolling his eyes as he leans against the back wall. “Who made the coffee?”
“Dr. Banner, sir.”
“He makes the best,” Tony whines, folding over in defeat. Well, he definitely can’t chicken out now. “Who’s up?”
“Everyone is currently up, and in the communal kitchen as well as the living room. Most are talking to each other, while others drink their coffee in silence.”
“You mean the others are acting like fools while Bruce drinks his coffee and Steve cooks everyone breakfast.”
There’s a brief pause. “Captain Rogers is currently making eggs while lecturing Mr. Barton and Ms. Romanoff about how they should not be running around on the kitchen island. Thor is giggling beside Dr. Banner who is drinking coffee.”
“Of course,” Tony chirps, a fond smile on his face nonetheless.
The elevator doors open up a second later, and Tony sees the ends of the scene J.A.R.V.I.S. had described playing out. It seems Steve has convinced the two spies to get off the counter, and Thor’s laughter has died down into a wide smile. Bruce is still sipping his coffee, though.
The two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents have taken seats next to Thor, and were whispering to one another. Now, however, they’re looking Tony’s way. In fact, everyone is looking Tony’s way, except for Steve, who’s still cooking breakfast.
The moment the elevator dinged, signalling the doors of the elevator closing once more, all attention was on him. Now, he feels even more self conscious than he originally had. Natasha has a smirk on her face, mirroring Clint’s. It makes a shiver run down Tony’s spine. Thor, on the other hand, looks confused for a split second before realization dawns on his face, and he smiles lightly. Bruce, on the other hand, seems anything but fazed. He glances at Tony, immediately recognizes the hoodie, and looks back down at his coffee.
“Uh, good morning,” Tony says nervously, heading towards the kitchen. Usually people hide out in their rooms after missions, but since it was a smaller one, everyone gathered around. “How is everyone this fine day?”
“Good morrow,” Thor greets, his small smile turning gigantic. “I slept well after our triumphant success! I feel as though next movie night will not be interrupted by aliens again, and we will finally finish the great film Shrek!”
“That’s great, buddy.” Tony scratches the back of his neck. “I’m happy you enjoyed Barton’s weird ass movie choice.”
“Hey!” Clint exclaims, dramatically dropping his jaw open. “That’s rude!”
“Whatever, Bird Brain,” Tony shoots back with a smile, rounding the corner so he’s facing the rest of them. He’s on the same side as Steve, but the super soldier hasn’t seen him yet.
“Oh, yeah?” Clint glares. Slowly, however, that look turns mischievous. It seems Natasha predicts what he’s going to say before he says it, because she immediately starts admonishing him. “You think my movie is weird? What about you stealing Steve’s clothes, huh?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “You two have fun last night?”
“That burn was not very good,” Thor says, shaking his head. “Surely you can do better than that, we already know they are in love.”
In love?! Holy shit, these fools.
“Tony?”
Fuck.
Slowly, the billionaire genius turns around to face his boyfriend. Tony feels his whole body go rigid and tense, but still he lets Steve wrack his eyes over him. Those blue iris’ start from his head to his toes, taking in the sight of a very disheveled Tony. The look on his face turns into something soft and . . . fond?
When he looks back, the rest of the group are — or at least pretending — to have a separate conversation. So, he turns back to Steve.
“I—” Tony starts, voice a whisper before he cuts himself off so he can clear his throat. He shrugs. “I can take it off if you want.”
Steve takes a step forward, brows furrowing as he shakes his head. “Wha—?”
“I really don’t mind,” he continues, staring at the floor. “Really, I’d understand. I mean, why would you want me wearing your stuff? It’s weird and—”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Steve interrupts, placing his hands on either side of Tony’s shoulders which immediately catches the genius’ attention. He looks up at the blonde, face reddening in embarrassment and a bit of shame. “Tones, no. I— I actually like it, honest.”
“You do?” Tony questions, completely baffled by what he’s hearing. Why would Steve like it? Why didn’t he weirded out and try to get Tony to take it off?
“Yeah, you look cute,” Steve compliments with a warm smile on his face. Before Tony has the chance to shove his boyfriend away in embarrassment, a hand is cupping his face. “I’m sorry if anything I did made you nervous about wearing this. You can wear anything of mine that you want.”
Tony’s eyes widen. “Really?”
“Of course, Tony.” Steve sighs with a knowing look on his face. Leaning in, he presses a kiss to Tony’s forehead, lingering there for a moment before pulling away. “I—”
He, what? Tony will never know because his family is a group of hooligans.
They all — not including Bruce — begin over exaggerating gags of disgust, and boo at the couple. Both Steve and Tony pull away to give unimpressed looks to them all. The genius’ fades, however, when he sees Bruce’s apologetic look paired with his warm smile. The scientist has always been the most supportive of the super couple. In fact, he was the first person to find out. He said that day to Tony, in private, that they just made sense together. Tony is starting to believe that more and more each day.
“Alright, alright!” Steve rolls his eyes with a smile. “I’ll finish making your breakfast.”
Before Steve gets the chance to turn around again, Tony grabs ahold of his shoulder to stop him. Quickly, he stands up on his tippy toes to give Steve a firm kiss on the cheek.
Even though that action is met with even more groans and gags, he doesn’t regret doing it when he sees the way Steve blushes and smiles.
ii. Cold
To be fair, Tony had told Steve he could set the temperature to anything he wanted. And, since he runs hot, it makes sense that he would turn it down low rather than high. However, what he did not expect was to be curled up in bed, arms wrapped around his middle as he teeth chatter. In hindsight, he should have seen it coming, but he assumed Steve knew it would be cold for Tony, even with two blankets. It seemed he didn’t realize this, however.
Glancing over, Tony lets out an annoyed huff when he sees Steve peacefully curled up in a ball next to him. Normally, it would make Tony smile, but he’s far too cold for that right now. Instead, he brings his hands up to his mouth, and blows on them in hopes that he’ll feel a bit warmer. Unfortunately, it does not work. Heaving a sigh, Tony, with shaky arms and legs, pushes himself out of bed. He searches in the dark, trying to find anything that could keep him the least bit warm. To Tony’s great relief, he finds a hoodie on the ground.
On closer examination, Tony finds that the hoodie isn’t his, but his boyfriend’s hoodie. Tugging it over his head out of desperation for warmth, Tony lets out a sharp breath. The hoodie is soft and comfortable, a deep red colour and not as worn out as Steve’s blue one. Breathing in the familiar smell of Steve, Tony feels a tired smile grow on his face. He crawls back under the covers, trying not to let himself feel too ridiculous about how relaxed that smell makes him feel. Tony’s new to this whole stable relationship thing. He’s still getting used to sharing his emotions with Steve. This, however, is something he’ll never admit to doing. Becoming obsessed with Steve’s hoodies is rather embarrassing.
Tony doesn’t expect Steve to wake.
“Mm,” Steve hums as he turns in his sleep. He reaches up to rub at his eyes, yawning loudly into the darkness of the room. “You ‘wake?”
Tony laughs at how tired Steve sounds, placing a hand on the blond’s shoulder. “Go back to sleep.”
Frowning with his eyes still closed, Steve reaches out to close both his hands over Tony’s own. “Your hand’s shaking,” he states, leaning down to press his lips against the genius’ scarred knuckles in a way that spreads butterflies in Tony’s stomach. “Are you cold?”
“Just a little.” Tony tries to laugh it off, but it comes out more strained than he means it to.
Finally cracking his eyes open, Steve looks down at Tony to find his boyfriend trembling slightly in his hoodie. “Oh my God, Tony,” he says, reaching a hand up to cup Tony’s cheek. “Why didn’t you tell me? Or ask J.A.R.V.I.S. to turn up the temperature?”
“You like it cool,” Tony states, giving a shrug.
“Yeah, but I’d really prefer you weren’t too cold,” Steve replies, looking up at the ceiling the way he does whenever he talks to the AI. Tony finds it completely adorable. “J.A.R.V.I.S., could you please turn up the heat?”
“Right away, Captain.”
Sighing, Steve shakes his head at Tony. “Please don’t put my comfort over yours. Especially considering the heat won’t bother me whatsoever.”
Tony gives Steve a wavering smile, teeth still chattering slightly. “No promises.”
Letting his hand trace down from Tony’s cheek and onto his arm, Steve half smiles. “I see you found my hoodie.” Tony knows for a fact that Steve feels him tense at the statement, but doesn’t comment on it. Instead, he simply leans forward and kisses Tony on the forehead. “You look adorable in it. You should wear it more.”
“Yeah?” Tony whispers, letting himself sink into Steve’s gentle touch. “It’s not . . . weird or anything?”
“Not at all,” Steve tells him, tugging the man forward so his head is resting on the blond’s chest.
“Sorry about . . .” Tony trails off, giving a laugh that sounds more like a puff of air. Slowly but surely, he feels his bones thawing. “. . . everything. I don’t know why I make things difficult.”
When Steve shakes his head, his chin scratches the top of Tony’s hair. “No need to apologize, doll,” he says quietly. “But, just promise me to try and be more vocal about your needs, alright? This doesn’t work if you just agree to what I say even if it’ll make you uncomfortable.”
“I know, I’m sorry.”
“That’s alright. And stop apologizing.”
“So—”
“Anthony. Stark.”
“Damn, the full name, that’s kinda hot.”
“Go to sleep.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.”
iii. Fight
Tony should have known that sooner or later Steve would reach his breaking point. He should have never let himself believe that Steve could deal with how Goddamn clingy he is in a relationship. Steve’s the first man he’s ever truly loved, which means the clinginess was even worse. When dating Tony, slowly everything becomes revealed to the other person. His insomnia, his nightmares, his clingy tendencies, his non stop rambling. And, everyone reaches their point eventually where they decide they can’t do it anymore. Yesterday night was Steve’s, Tony knows it.
It had been a regular Tuesday. They had a bad guy to take care of and for the most part the team was working well. However, Steve didn’t agree with one tactic Tony came up with considering he didn’t run it by any of them before doing it. Which, okay , Tony can get why that would make Steven angry. However, to be fair, he had a feeling the Captain wasn’t going to agree to it if he knew what it was.
It’s been a day since Steve has spoken to him, he said he needed some space after checking to make sure Tony was okay. Tony knows exactly what Steve means by space, it’s what they all mean. It means that he’s finally reached the last straw with Tony, that the final shoe has dropped and he’ll leave him. This is what the genius has been worried about constantly. Not only because he loves Steve so strongly, but also because he has a feeling he’ll be kicked off the team, and there’s no way he can handle losing both Steve and the Avengers on the same day.
Pulling Steve’s hoodie closer to his body with his one arm that currently isn’t broken, Tony sinks further down into his couch. Every part of him is screaming to get down to the lab, or even to lay in bed. But he hasn’t been able to do anything but sit completely still since the argument. He hasn’t been able to eat, sleep, talk, or move . Vaguely, he’s aware how unhealthy it is, but considering he’s going through a pre-breakup wave of emotions, Tony feels as though he deserves some laziness.
“Captain Rogers is requesting access to your floor,” J.A.R.V.I.S. informs Tony.
“Let him in,” Tony replies quietly, staring intently at the elevator doors.
The doors open with a ding almost immediately and Steve steps through, wearing his casual clothes, a tight long sleeved shirt and jeans. The blond man wears too blank of an expression on his face and it deeply frustrates Tony that he cannot read it. “Hi,” he says, walking over and sitting opposite Tony on the couch. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” Tony mutters, looking down at the cast on his arm. “Done with your space?”
“I thought it was time to talk, now that we’ve both been able to cool off,” Steve replies, not ratifying Tony’s sarcasm with any of his own. When he’s angry, Steve always keeps himself calm, and it drives Tony insane. He doesn’t yell, he doesn’t say mean things and it throws Tony off guard every single time. “Does that sound good?”
Scoffing, Tony rests his broken arm over his stomach, shrugging his shoulders jerkily. “Whatever you want, Cap’n,” Tony states, swallowing thickly and praying that Steve can’t tell how fast his heart’s beating with that superhearing of his. “Let's get this over with, then.”
Furrowing his brows, Steve leans back a little. “Get it over with?” he asks, tone careful as it always is with Tony. As if the genius deserves any gentleness, any kindness at all. “What do you mean, Tony?”
“Please, no need to be coy,” Tony responds, sniffing as he looks over at the wall, unable to make eye contact with Steve. “Dragging it out is pointless.”
“Dragging what out?”
“Stop acting like you don’t know.”
“I don’t know, Tony,” Steve says softly. He runs his eyes over Tony for the first time since he’s walked in and the corner of his lip twitches. “You really like my hoodie’s, huh?”
Shoulders tensing, Tony feels his mouth go dry, stomach churning as he ducks his head low, trying to think up excuses. “I-I’m really sorry about this,” he stammers out. “I’ll take this off right away. I know you definitely won’t want me wearing this considering—”
“Hey, whoa, slow down,” Steve interrupts, scooting forward on the couch. His hands both purposefully — because Steve never does anything by accident — facing up, like he’s trying to show Tony he’s unarmed. It pisses the billionaire off more, especially when it eases some of his anxiety. “Considering, what ? Dragging what out? Tones, please tell me what you think is happening right now.”
Grimacing, Tony swallows over the huge lump in his throat and finally forces himself to meet Steve’s eyes. The blond man looks utterly confused, eyebrows drawn in this kicked puppy way that makes Tony feel incredibly guilty. “You’re breaking up with me,” he says, because it’s true, there’s no way he could stand to stay longer.
“That is not at all what’s happening,” Steve tells him, tone serious and firm, the way it gets when he’s talking to the team and really wants them to listen. He gets even closer on the couch, close enough that Tony could reach out and touch him if he wants, but far enough that he could also get up and leave. “Tony, I want to talk about what happened yesterday. We had a fight, and I wanted to come and apologize.”
Tony lets out a breath, completely confused and frustrated. “Haven’t you had enough?”
“Enough of what, doll?” And Tony hates how sweet Steve’s voice is right now. He doesn’t deserve it, doesn’t deserve to be called that, doesn’t deserve the patience he’s being shown when all this started because of something he did.
Vaguely Tony gestures at himself, his broken arm, and at the hoodie. “Enough of my fucking bullshit.”
“Tony, I’ll never have enough of you,” Steve says, so sincerely Tony wants to believe it. “Not if I lived a hundred more lifetimes. It’ll never be enough, but I won’t take what time I have with you for granted. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me, and I won’t be leaving you after one fight.” Letting out a sigh, face less confused and more understanding, Steve slowly reaches out to take ahold of Tony’s unharmed hand. “I’m sorry, I should have been more clear about what I meant by space. I didn’t think it would be productive to talk to you when I was feeling so mad and hurt. We’d had a long day and sometimes I think you just need a moment to collect your thoughts. But, that’s all it was. I was just angry and I didn’t want to take it out on you considering the only reason I was mad was because you risked your life to protect us, again .”
“So . . .” Tony begins, holding his breath. He doesn’t want to have to get Steve to repeat himself, but he’s not entirely convinced he’s not dreaming right now. “We’re— you— it’s not—”
“I’m not ending things, Tony,” Steve repeats, squeezing Tony’s hand gently. “I’m sorry for the other day, I shouldn’t have been mad at you. I need to trust that you know what you’re doing out in the field. I just worry ‘cause I kinda like you, you know.”
“Any one of you would have done the same thing,” Tony says, and Steve nods in agreement. “If you had thought of it.”
Instead of getting pissed like Tony expects him to, Steve just laughs, reaching his other hand up to cup the genius’ face. “You’re right,” he says. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
“I’m, uh, sorry too,” Tony adds. “For worrying you, and for not going over my plan with you first. I know that, uh, I know you guys just want to make sure I’m being safe.”
“That’s okay,” Steve replies, caressing Tony’s cheek softly. “How’s your arm feeling?”
Tony half shrugs, still blinking in surprise at the turn of events. He really didn’t expect Steve to react like this. “It-It’s fine. A little sore.”
“Mm,” Steve hums, reaching to pick up the casted arm. He places kisses on it, ignoring Tony’s flustered protests. Then, he reaches into Tony’s — or, well, his own — hoodie pocket and pulls out a marker. Steve always keeps pencils, markers and erasers in his pockets in case he gets the urge to draw. He glances at Tony. “Can I sign it?”
Nodding, Tony gestures to his cast. “Have at it, Capsicle.”
Steve signs his name with a heart.
iv. Lonely
Tony hates when Steve leaves on missions.
All he does is sit around worrying about him and wishing for him to come home. Every time before he leaves, Tony has to hold back tears. It’s completely embarrassing. Before Steve he was never really the type of person to cry in front of, well, anyone, but especially not his partner. Steve just brings it out in him with all his healthy communication bullshit. One time Tony actually had been crying, and Steve once again proved him wrong by just promising to be safe and giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. If it had been any of the other people Tony has gone out with, with the exception of Pepper, they would have made fun of him. Never Steve. Steve says crying is good for you.
Twisting the fabric of Steve’s purple hoodie between his fingers, Tony stares at his phone, waiting for his boyfriend’s call. Every night, if he can, Steve will call Tony, update him on the mission and assure him that he’s okay. Tony’s just grateful it’s not one of the missions where Steve’s not supposed to have any outside contact. Those are truly torturous. At least when Tony goes on business trips Steve knows he — probably — won’t die.
Tony pulls the hood up, letting the smell of Steve take over as he shuts his eyes. He sits on their bed with his back pressed against the headboard, the sounds of the TV playing in the background. Though, he has absolutely no clue what’s playing. All Tony knows is that he’s grateful Clint and Natasha are out there to protect Steve.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Within a second, Tony answers the phone, turning his neck far too fast. He winced, rubbing the spot that hurts, but even now he can’t keep a smile off of his face. “Steve?” he says in greeting.
There’s a light chuckle through the phone, almost as familiar as Tony’s own, and his heart warms. “Hey, Tony, waiting for my call, huh?” Steve asks. “Do you miss me or something?”
“Not at all,” Tony lies, crossing his arm over his chest. “How are you? Are you okay? How’s the mission? Are Clint and Nat okay?”
“I’m fine, Clint and Nat are great,” Steve begins, not making a comment about Tony’s endless questions. “The mission’s going good. We don’t think it should take us more than two weeks.”
“You’re fine?” Tony questions. “Clint and Nat are great, but you’re fine ?”
There’s a sigh that crackles through the phone. “I’m great, Tony.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
“Well, I am. I’m great.”
“I think you’re lying.”
“Well,” Steve begins, “maybe it’s because I’m not with you.”
Tony can’t help but smile at that, deciding not to bug Steve any further. “Good answer, Mr. Rogers.”
“So.” There’s a hint of teasing in Steve’s voice now and Tony has a feeling this will be his pay back. “You wearing one of my hoodie’s right now?”
“And what if I was?”
Tony can hear the smile on Steve’s face. “Which one?”
Scoffing, Tony sinks back further into the pillows behind him. “I did not confirm or deny whether or not I even am wearing your hoodie,” he says. “Not everything is about you.”
“Is it the purple one? That’s the one I was wearing last.”
“Yeah, well.” Tony shrugs even though Steve can’t see him. “I like your smell.”
“Oh do you,” Steve says, practically giddy. “Wow, Mr. Stark, what a thing to reveal to me.”
Groaning, Tony squeezes his eyes shut in annoyance. “Great, you’re gonna hold this over my head forever, aren’t you?”
“No, of course not, doll,” Steve assured him. “I’d be a hypocrite. I like your smell too.”
“Gross.”
“Hey, you said it first!”
v. Love
It was just a normal day.
Tony was watching the news, while Steve was drawing next to him. When the blond had come in, he hadn’t even commented on Tony wearing his hoodie, not like he used to at the beginning of their relationship. Now, however, after six months of dating, it’s become a very regular thing.
From the way Steve continues to look over at Tony, the genius can tell that he’s drawing him. He both loves and hates it. He loves it because Steve is an amazing artist, and he doesn’t make Tony seem at all like the monster he feels like he is when he draws him. And he hates it because he loathes the attention being on him. It makes him feel self conscious. He gets nervous to move or to breathe.
“I hope you realize that you’re obsessed with me,” Tony comments, pulling his knees up and hiding the bottom of his face in Steve’s hoodie. “I’m not that pretty, stop drawing me.”
“Can’t because you’re so pretty,” Steve says, continuing to sketch. “Doesn’t matter if you hide your pretty face, I have it memorized.”
“Lucky you, then,” Tony mumbles into the fabric. “Actually maybe I should apologize. Must not be a very nice image to have in your head all the time.”
Rolling his eyes, Steve turns his pencil over to erase a mistake he made before continuing to draw, scratching lightly against the page. “Don’t say that,” he replies. “You’re not supposed to annoy people you care about.”
“Actually, I think it gives me every right,” Tony counters, starting to flip through channels when they bring him up. “What’s the point of anything if we can’t annoy the people we love most? It’s just how it works. Should have read the fine print before—” The dazed look on Steve’s face is what has Tony stopping mid sentence. He almost asks Steve what’s wrong, but after replaying what he just said in his head, he knows exactly what that look on his face is for.
Love.
He said he loves Steve.
Fuck.
“I-I— I didn’t mean—” Tony cuts himself off, because that would be a lie. He did mean it. He loves Steve more than he loves anyone. The blond man just stares and Tony wants to scream. “I— Steve—” Blowing out a harsh breath, Tony grips the arm on the couch and shuts his eyes. There’s no going back. “I love you, Steve. I do. I’m sorry—”
In a second, the air is knocked out of Tony. Steve has tackled him to the ground. The two men are now wedged between the couch and the coffee table, Tony on his back and Steve overtop of him. The blond man is pressing kisses all over the burnet’s face, and honestly Tony is completely lost right now. Tony hasn’t told anyone he loves them for— God , he doesn’t even know how long.
“Why—” Steve kisses his forehead. “—are you—” He kisses his cheek. “—sorry?” Finally, he places a kiss on Tony's lips. “I love you too. So, so much.”
“You— you do?” Tony tilts his head, peering up at Steve with pinched eyebrows.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Steve says, frowning down at his boyfriend. “I love you. How can I not? You’re the smartest, kindest, most amazing person I’ve ever met. Every day I get to call you my boyfriend, I'm grateful. I love you.”
“I love you so much, Steve.”
Tony can’t wipe the smile off his face for at least four days. The rest of the Avengers are extremely nauseous.
+ i. Hurt
Steve’s whole body is in pain. Turns out, getting body slammed by a ten foot tall alien isn’t fun. At all. Now, he’s forced to lay in a hospital cot until he heals. Which is a torture of its own considering how worried and fussy Tony’s being. He doesn’t blame him, if the roles were reversed he’d be the same way, but still. He watches as the brown eyed man walks around the room, making sure everything is perfect and that Steve is as comfortable as he can be in this state. Honestly, the only complaint Steve has is that it’s a little chilly in the room at the moment, besides that everything is fine.
Steve doesn’t do well with the cold. Generally, nowadays he doesn’t get cold very easily, his body runs rather warm. The rest of the Avengers call him a furnace. However, when he is cold, it’s bad. He shakes, he’s constantly on the verge of a panic attack and he can’t get the image of the ice out of his mind. The cold is just a reminder of that horrible day. When it’s snowing out, it’s easy to avoid, but in times like these, when it’s completely unavoidable, he feels trapped just as he had that day.
Frowning, Tony reaches out to brush a piece of Steve’s hair back. “Cold?” he whispers, making a sympathetic noise in the back of his throat when the blond man nods. Tony knows him better than any one, and it can honestly be unsettling at times. It’s like he can read his mind. “Anything I can do?”
“Um . . .” Steve trails off, giving a jerky shrug as his teeth chatter. “Turn up the heat?”
“J.A.R.?”
“On it, sir.”
Carefully sitting beside Steve, Tony brings his legs up so he’s laying sideways next to his boyfriend, still with a concerned expression stuck on his face. “Anything else?” he asks.
Steve pauses, looks down at the hoodie Tony wears, then back up at the brunet. Right now, Tony feels awfully warm, so the idea of cuddling up in something of his doesn’t sound so bad. He’s never been one to steal any of Tony’s clothes. Tony’s definitely that boyfriend in their relationship. “Oh . . .” Steve begins, tilting his head a little, biting the inside of his cheek. “Could I . . . could I borrow your hoodie?”
Without a word, Tony smiles softly and reaches to tug his hoodie off. It leaves his hair messy, and if Steve weren’t so cold he’d run his hands through Tony’s hair to straighten it out. Right now, however, he just stares lovingly at the genius, appreciating how adorable he looks like that. Tony is incredibly gentle as he pulls the hoodie over Steve’s head and brings his arms through the sleeves. When Tony jostles his wounds, he murmurs a quiet apology and kisses Steve’s head.
In all honesty, the pain is completely worth it. He finally gets what Tony’s been saying all along about stealing his clothes. The hoodie . . . it smells . . . it smells like home . It makes him feel warm and safe. It’s as if Tony’s arms are constantly wrapped around him. Shutting his eyes, Steve lets out a content sigh, ignoring the way his boyfriend laughs quietly at him.
“I’m going to start stealing your clothes.”
“Great, so I’ll show up places with clothes too big for me and you’ll start showing up with clothes too small for you. Quite a pair we make.”
“Well . . . we’ll definitely turn heads.”
“That we will, sweetheart.”