[ They have so many things that they just do naturally now, getting into the rhythm of it. And when the two of them do anything, somehow they just find something that works and stick with it. He knows Tony's not a big fan of routine, and Steve's not exactly the most spontaneous type of person, but it's also become so easy for them to find a compromise. ]
Alright, well, maybe you go first, and I'll go second.
[ Steve doesn't really need it, but he won't say no to Tony touching him in any regard, and he won't say no to Tony trying to spoil him good. He used to not want to have it reciprocated because he didn't see the point and he'd rather spend more of their time trying to work out Tony's many knots, but at some point he'd realized that it was like how Tony lets him get his towels for him and do his drying for him: it's just part of the charm.
And so, he dries himself off and gets dressed, drapes one of his shirts around Tony's shoulders both to keep him warm and because he looks so sweet wearing Steve's shirts.
He takes a seat on their bed, in their room, in their house which they'd built together, which reflected the both of them perfectly. The bed is so comfortable, handsome, well-made, sturdy. It's a joy to sleep in every night, and wake up in every morning. He looks over his shoulder and smiles over at Tony, beckoning him closer. ]
[It's a dangerous proposition and Tony already knows why it's being made. It very well might be likely that once Steve is done he will be a little puddle and with the way he is right now, he might drift. But that wouldn't exactly stop him from powering through so that he could pay it back to Steve. He just already knows how that'll go.
He doesn't see a point for him to get very dressed, since he's about to lie face down and let Steve work some wonders along his aching muscles. So he ends up drying off just a little more and then settling the towel around his waist. Although he does tug at the shirt suddenly over his shoulders, but doesn't slip his arms in.
Almost immediately, as if Steve has thrown a rope around him and pulled, he goes once they lock eyes. And maybe he shouldn't- okay definitely shouldn't, in a suddenly very full house of guests and Alice- but he settles over Steve, slotting into his lap as he kneels on the bed and then lowers to sit. He arms wrap lightly around Steve's neck and he's very deliberate, careful, slow as he kisses him. Not aiming to stir up trouble, for once in his life. It's something very sweet, maybe even just a touch needy. When they part he brushes his nose against Steve's.]
I'll be good in just a minute. [Promising with a quiet grin, kissing Steve again. Still with that same level of softness. He really is being good, he thinks. Just sometimes he can't really help himself.]
[ Steve did in fact, get dressed because he had somehow thought they were just going to do a little innocent massaging and then get some sleep, but of course he's more than happy to change what he thought were his plans when Tony gets in his lap, his arms automatically going to rest around the small of his back. Tony's so precious to him, and Steve kisses him soft and slow.
Many things have changed about Tony in the ensuing years after Thanos. Steve has become more gentle with Tony, has pulled back much more than he used to, though he's certain that frustrates Tony quite a lot. He knows it, but he doesn't want Tony to hurt. Certainly not for selfish reasons like Steve just can't help himself. But many other things have remained the same: Tony tastes the same, he kisses the same, and Steve wants him all the same as he ever did.
Tony informs him that he'll be good, and Steve will save it, he thinks, for when they come out of the other end of this. It just feels like with the regaining of all the population, they should have been able to celebrate sooner, but they really haven't. So when Tony's all healed up, they will. Whatever he wants: a vacation, some new suits, new beachfront property. Steve won't say no, and he won't have the heart to, he'll just be so happy to have Tony still.
But for right now, Tony's right. He claims another kiss first, before they both decide to be good. This time, he kisses a little bit harder, but reels back just before things can get too heated. ]
You might've gotten bumped down because of Alice, but you're still the second most beautiful thing I've ever had in my arms.
[ For a moment, Steve just holds him there, and lowers his head onto his heart, listens to that heartbeat that still hammers on defiantly. ]
[It might be frustrating but Tony understands it. Steve had always been that way, and especially when they first started. Tony had more than once goaded and even straight out tried to explain him being a little rougher was fine. Appreciated even. He misses it. He does. But he's also not an idiot. He knows what his condition is. And he'd never think to push the line that far, especially not when the outcome could be him actually getting hurt and then Steve never forgiving himself for it.
When he's better. He keeps promising himself that. But when he's better, if he gets everything he wants out of this, they'll resume life. And it'll be good.
A thought that's backed further when Steve kisses him a little harder, something he can't help the soft noise over. Miss might be too light a word, but it'll have to do for now. He leaves one arm around Steve, his other hand going into Steve's hair when he leans on him. His chest rumbles as he laughs lightly.]
Still haven't lost your romantic touch. [Teasing him. His hand moves through Steve's hair in a light few passes.] But, fine. I'd have to agree with you. We both got bumped when she was born. [They're definitely the most dad two men could be. He's not sure how he settled into it. It's almost a miracle. Steve, he thinks, had always been destined for that. With such a huge heart and so much love to give. Tony had taken a little more time to find it all. At least that's how he'd tell it.]
[ Steve doesn't mind playing second fiddle to Alice, who is both more beautiful than him and a more fun conversationalist by far. She's always got something so interesting and actually profound to say. It's no stretch of the imagination that she's Tony's daughter, because she takes after him in so many ways. And most certainly, she got his mind.
It is a miracle, that they got here. Some days Steve thought Tony would never want children, and so he'd have to write them off as a possibility. And sometimes watching Tony with Alice, his heart fills up to bursting with affection for the two of them. They're perfect together, his two favorite people in the universe. He can't imagine a life without either, and he's so glad Tony came around. Because if he had to put his money on it, he'd say being a father is one of the best things Tony would say he's ever done.
And, because Tony doesn't seem like he actually wants to get off Steve's lap, he'll take off his shirt and guide Tony's hands to his delts. ]
Can't get too sappy, Tony, we've got guests who have to deal with us in the morning.
[ He'd absolutely make like it was their honeymoon and fawn over Tony all day long even in front of their guests, if it was something that would make him feel better. But, he thinks that's unlikely, and what's more likely is that they'll get a little rest and Steve will wake up extra early to cook and they'll try to save Tony's life all day until they do. ]
[If it were up to Tony and they had no other responsibilities or duties, he'd probably never vacate the spot. Truly one of his favorites. So he's extremely pleased when Steve allows him to stay a bit longer, and even more so when all that beautiful skin is revealed anew to him. His hands already move to wander, but he appreciates the direction he's being given.
Working his fingers and palms into Steve's muscles as he rests down against him just a little more.]
I mean. It is our house. [Taking just a little mock-offense to the idea that he can't be with his husband as he pleases in their own home.] And anyone who doesn't know how we are by now might be willingly blind. [The two of them had always been obnoxious, Tony thinks, once they'd found their groove. Aside that, Tony never let other people's opinions define what he did, and even less so in how that presented in how he was with Steve.
He fans his hands along Steve's shoulder blades, digging in there just a little with a firm touch.] But they'll be in good company, at least. Alice has certainly gotten a lot more vocal about it lately. [As little kids tended to do when their parents had the audacity to smooch each other in front of them. He finds it funny, though. Which, of course, only makes him wanna do it more.]
[ It does feel good to have Tony's hands all on him, surrounding him, pushing into his muscle and trying to ease his soul through easing his muscles. Any aches and pains are quickly dispatched but he appreciates Tony nonetheless, who's incredibly sweet to him.
And, all right, maybe when he's not paying too much attention he lets out a little groan that sounds maybe just a tad dirtier than he means it to be. His eyes flutter shut and he thinks he'd better get started on Tony's shoulder rub too, but he'll work through the muscles in his back first, up the sides of his obliques. ]
Well, Alice doesn't get a say because if we didn't fall in love, she wouldn't be here.
[ Of course he understands that all kids will think their parents kissing is gross, but it's also quite necessary. And all in all, she'll appreciate someday that her parents are so in love after all these years, and have such a healthy relationship when she's older. He hopes they'll show her what a supportive and good partnership looks like. ]
[Tony drinks in each one of those little noises and knows he can't let them get to him too hard. He can't feed into them. Because if they can't get too sweet on each other, then they definitely can't let any sort of fire build. It's still nice, though. Made that much nicer when he feels Steve's hands moving up his back.
He can't help himself, either, arching just a little. Maybe made a little precarious due to his position, but he's sure he could lean all the way back into Steve's hands and Steve would still just hold him up. There's always been a deep level of trust there that has only grown more with time. Tony, at this point, puts every ounce of it in Steve and has even had his life saved by him.
Still. He can't seem to help his snort.] You try telling her that and I'm sure she'll have some snappy response to it. [Smart mouth, he thinks. Same as him. Some day he might really regret giving her that trait, or teaching it to her with the way they talk to each other sometimes. Right now it's cute and funny. It probably won't be when she's a teenager.
There's a knot that Steve catches with his hands after that that has Tony going a little boneless atop him with a punch of air out, just a quarter tinged with that good sort of pain, clutching to him. And it's just short of begging, breath drawn as he makes the request,] Get that one out, would you? [He doesn't want Steve to stop.]
[ Steve is very intimately acquainted with Tony's body. And even if it's a lot different than he remembers, he's still very much aware of every bit of it, because he can't possibly rely on Tony to tell him when something's wrong, and sometimes FRIDAY's sworn to secrecy. So Steve keeps a running tally of everything he notices about Tony's body.
And so, he knows that knot is there, he can feel that stiffness in his muscle, and he works towards getting it out, making sure his muscles feel pliant again. He knows that with Tony's line of work he tends to get a lot of them, and with all the stress lately, he surely has tons more for Steve to work out. ]
I can't be out-sassed by a five-year-old, Tony. I just can't.
[ But he says this affectionately, because he most certainly will be. She's just as quick as her dad is, too, so that sort of gives her the edge. ]
You'll have to have my back on that one.
[ Because Steve knows he's sort of old-fashioned and he knows he's going to fight with Alice about that when she's older, but Tony will need to mediate, since he's the cool, hip dad. ]
[Both his hands press flat against Steve's back then, almost pushing himself all the more into the way Steve is working his skin. A soft groan leaks out of him, just a little tightly tinged, brows knit while Steve is working so diligently.]
Always. Can't have her thinking she can talk back to us like that or we'll just end up with another me. [Well aware of who he is and all his faults at this stage of his life. He's tempered, these days, but he still runs his mouth when the opportunity arises.] If we're lucky she'll pick up all your sweetness and it'll balance her out.
[She'll be a good kid no matter what, this he has no doubts of. But. ...he already knows they're in for one hell of a ride when she starts hitting double digits. Steve's influence or not. He hangs on to Steve in a little tremble, another breath escaping him in a hiss as Steve finally gets the one that had been bothering him the most out. He really does go a little weak atop him then, arms just hanging over Steve's shoulders.] Mn, thank you... [Quiet but genuine praise as more tension just bleeds out of him.]
[ They definitely have different parenting styles, but not clashing ones, at least. And at the very least, they both agree there should be a delineation between being a parent and being a friend. They are Alice's friends, but they're parents first. ]
You can be sweet too, sometimes. Always with me.
[ So it's a good chance that Alice winds up skewing towards Steve's level of open generosity. But once she hits those teen years, he also knows that she'll doubtless wind up with lots of things said that she might not mean, or may not be able to communicate properly. He thinks not having someone on that front had made Tony a little bitter into his adulthood, and he doesn't want that for Alice.
Steve keeps working at it until he can feel Tony slump just a little over him. He isn't expecting a thanks, but he'll take it. He pauses then for a moment, just to hold Tony. ]
You're easy to be sweet to. And love. [It had always seemed to be the case. Especially as they'd first started falling in love. He'd found himself immediately wanting to do things for Steve, just to make him happy. Because Steve deserved that. He'll never forget how the way Steve lit up over that book in that donut shop had made him feel. It had been electric. It was probably right at that moment that he'd made a promise somewhere that he'd do anything for Steve. And they hadn't even confessed to each other they'd liked one another like that, let alone Tony confessing it to himself.
He settles a little more in Steve's lap, thighs squeezing against the side of Steve's. His arms drop, going beneath Steve's instead, pressing himself almost completely to him. Chest to chest as he works his palms along Steve's back.] How's this? [It's probably not the most conducive way for either of them to be giving the other one a massage but... it's them. So he's not really surprised it's ended up this way.
But he's at least a little honest, when his head drops to Steve's shoulder, and he admits,] Just a little hard to focus, when your hands are on me like that. [Never mind that it feels good. It's just always that way. His attention stolen away by allowing himself to feel every little way Steve's palms and fingers draw against his skin.]
[ This is not a position that's conductive to them getting any massaging done, but on the other hand, he can't possibly be mad about it when Tony's on his lap with his hands all over Steve's back, trying to make him feel the best he's ever felt. He'd never known a love like Tony's and he'd never want to from anyone else. ]
It's great. I love it when you touch me like this.
[ He leans into Tony and finds himself intoxicated by the scent of his skin and his radiant heat, tries so hard not to kiss his neck and get them both in a load of trouble. No, he'd promised he'd be good. Even Tony had promised he'd be good.
He starts work on Tony's shoulders, and focuses in on that, but it's hard to do so because he's distractingly attractive and the way he's touching Steve is doing everything for him. ]
[It would be only a little too easy to wind up, to build this, to give in. They've had to dial that a bit back, because Alice is always so near but they still have their moments. They can't seem to help but have their moments. Always drawn to each other. And when one starts... it always just seems inevitable.
He smiles into Steve's shoulder, feeling that slight slice of heat. Maybe he should have put clothes on, instead of straddling Steve in just a towel. There hadn't been the kind of intent behind it initially that there might be now.
And he shouldn't torture the both of them yet it just comes out of him anyway.]
Slow? [It's a delicate little purr, head tilted on Steve's shoulder, resting at the crook of his neck then, breath coming in short, warm draws against his skin. He uses just the tip of his fingers to touch gently down the length of Steve's spine.] I can go as slow as you need... [Tony promised he'd be good. He probably still will be. Maybe. He just can't help himself. For the exact same reason Steve's trying to pump the brakes.]
[ Steve can distinctly recall a time when he didn't always want Tony like this, but he can't actually remember the feeling. He can only recall it as a matter of fact, but he thinks about those old times where he used to have purely platonic or sometimes even negative feelings towards Tony, and even looking back now all the feelings he can conjure up are love and yes, lots of lust. ]
Tony, you didn't even put clothes on.
[ He holds onto Tony tightly, lays kisses underneath his jaw. They're not meant to go anywhere, but he still feels like they just might with the two of them like this. ]
You don't play fair.
[ He should stop. They have guests. Alice might awaken from a nightmare and come waddling in right this minute. Thankfully, FRIDAY's on Alice watch so they'll have ample opportunity for Tony to get under covers, but how are they supposed to face her when both of them are flushed and aroused?
He places a hand on Tony's chest and creates a tiny bit of distance. ]
[His head tips back at a sharp angle, unable to help himself. Giving Steve as much room to work with as the other needs. As much as Steve wants. And though his eyes close, hands pressing into Steve's back just to hang on almost, a grin warms his lips.]
Guilty. [He'll at least never deny what a menace he can be. Something that's only dimmed slightly due to the fact that they can't do whatever they want whenever they want. But that doesn't really stop him.
Which is why he's not surprised that Steve tries to even the both of them out. A huff that's somehow disappointed and amused all the same escapes him. He needs to respect the law here. To not try and coax more when he knows they can't have it right now. So he takes a deep breath to steady himself out and then brings his hands forward again.
He captures the side of Steve's face, tilting him into a very dutifully careful and sweet kiss. There's only a slight edge of heat but he really can't help that. Then when he breaks back, he promises,] When we're done. When I'm better. We'll let Alice have a sleepover at Morgan's. Full weekend. And then you and I are gonna revisit what it was like in Indonesia at the villa. [Tony will let Steve fuck the living daylights out of him on every piece of furniture they own, and he'll give it back tenfold, because don't they deserve that at this point? He presses his smile to Steve's lips but then backs off.]
Until then. I'll behave. But I want you to know how difficult that is. [Like he deserves a medal.]
[ They both deserve medals. Steve can hardly hold it together, and Tony can feel tenting in his shorts just exactly how much he can't hold it together at all. ]
Good, the girls will love that. And so will we.
[ He's working on Tony's arm now, because it sees a lot of damage and Tony's always making upgrades to the other one. Steve might as well fuss with the one he's still got that's flesh. He does like the metal one, but he feels like if anyone's going to work out its kinks, it'll be in code, not brute force. ]
God Tony, I don't think you understand how much I want you. It's like everything you do just sets me off.
[ But it's a good goal to work to. Once Tony gets better, then they'll have a whole weekend to themselves to give Tony's new body an endurance test run. Steve will try to be good, but they do have to break it in. ]
We could get the full experience, rent something out.
[ But staying at home near all the medical supplies and technology is also good, if they run into an emergency. ]
[Tony sits back a little more evenly on Steve's lap, lowering a bit. This has become a bit more than a shoulder rub but he instigated so that may be a little his fault. But he's also not surprised that Steve's wandering touch seems like it has so much ground to cover. His fingers flex, arm tensing just slightly underneath the touch before relaxing.
He's careful with his other hand, as he often has to be, touching along Steve's shoulder and towards the side of his neck. His smile is very telling as he watches him.]
Might be able to claim some innocence, then. If everything I do winds you up. [His hand slips up, touching along the side of Steve's face before metal fingers disappear into the length of his hair. He rests his forehead against Steve's then, eyes going half-lidded. And then in a smaller murmur he says,] I know. I want you pretty much every hour of every day, too. [And that's really never stopped being the case. Steve could sometimes just look at him from across a room and Tony would feel not only a flutter in his heart but just a heat. And it's been that way for so long that he can't imagine living life any other way.]
A cabin, maybe. Somewhere. We'll try not to break anything. [Which is never a guarantee with them, with how they get sometimes. He exhales soft and slow.] Why are your hands so good? [ An empty question while his mind is starting to become addled.] You really could've been the world's best masseuse, I think. Definitely lucky I'm the only one who knows that. [Luckier than lucky, at this point in his life.]
Pretty sure you and innocence are covers apart in the dictionary, Tony.
[ Somehow he knew when he'd offered that they'd wind up like this, but mostly because everything they ever did led to here. Is it any wonder? Years after they've been together and they still find the need to go at it like rabbits. But Steve feels lucky in that regard, too, that they're still as infatuated with each other than ever, that they're more in love than ever.
His eyes flutter closed when Tony whispers to him, and he swallows thickly, trying not to let him escalate but nearly failing at it quite miserably. He could give in, they could make it quick, but Steve wants that reward. He wants for them to be able to take their time, for him to lazily kiss all over Tony's body and only then, for that to turn into something else as they fall back into bed for maybe the third, fourth time that day. ]
They're only good because you're the one they get to touch. I wouldn't do this for anyone else.
[ He finishes up Tony's arm by massaging his hand, this lovely hand that is both strong and gentle, that has both created empires and cradled the smallest, most precious thing that ever was. ]
[He's really not even trying to be bad and he's still being bad. Maybe it's hardwired into him. Inescapable. Maybe it's just the way they are with each other. There is no solution. No roadmap to being good when all they seem to want to do is get lost in each other. But he doesn't want to wind Steve up more than he already is and they're getting a little too close to the line.
Tony's always felt like he's been far weaker in that regard. More willing to do anything just about anywhere. Break rules. Get exactly what he wants when he wants it- and when that's Steve there almost aren't any rules at all. Not to him.
The muscles in his hand flex, fingers stretching wide while Steve works there. But soon enough he laces them with Steve's, clasping him lightly, bringing the now joined pair up to his lips. Then he presses a few kisses to the back of Steve's hand, leaving a smile there after.]
And the rest of the world suffers, surely. [Tony had said more than once that he was the luckier of the two of them. That he was lucky Steve had not really been interested in any of the women on any of those terrible dating apps. That somehow they'd fallen into it with each other and not lost sight of that (except in one instance he would probably never talk about again if he didn't have to). Anyone could have had Steve. Steve would have filled out someone else's life the way he had Tony's and Tony would have been worse off for it, he's absolutely certain.
But there they are together. And he's grateful. Which is why the next words out of him are,] I love you. [Just a few more kisses to Steve's skin before he takes pity on the both of them, and actually does the right thing for once.] We should turn in. Before we both let this go where it's going.
[Because it is. Steve's turned on. So is he. It's just the way they are. Their very nature with one another. If they linger any longer it'll just happen, even if they don't mean for it to. And there's something wonderful about that, too. The way they crash and collide with each other. Unstoppable forces.]
[ Tony may think he's the lucky one, but Steve would disagree. Long ago they'd definitely had this discussion and came to a truce that they were both going to disagree because they were so in love that they were of course going to think the other had more options. And in the end, both of them knew that it was ever going to be the other one. There was no one else for Tony, and there was equally no one else for Steve.
They came together by either cosmic accident or divine intervention and Steve's still not sure which, but he still prays just in case it's the latter. They're still together because of a lot of hard work and compromise, and love. So, so much love that they took it and made a beautiful little girl who lights up their whole world. ]
I love you.
[ He feels like this might start taking a detour where it shouldn't, and then Tony actually stops them. ]
Hm. Well, I think you'll have to get dressed then, because you know I can't resist.
[ That's not even a joke or an exaggeration. Steve lifts Tony up so he's still kneeling but not sitting on his lap, and before he extricates himself to go get his clothes, he kisses Tony over the scars he'd originally had on his chest, the place where he keeps the keys to Steve's heart.
And then he goes to their dresser to pick out a cute pair of shorts for Tony, and comes back with them and more kisses, light and fleeting in nature. ]
Not the worst problem I've ever had. [Or a problem at all. That Steve has only ever shown the exact same level of deep desire has really been one of the highlights of his life. He wouldn't want either of them any other way. Wouldn't want this relationship any other way.
Though he does still, gently inhaling while Steve's lips are at his chest, runs his hands through Steve's hair. At this point, he can safely say he's never been loved by anyone the way Steve loves him. There's something mesmerizing about it. Something that always seems to settle the chaos in him just a little.
He'll put on anything Steve comes back with and attempts to do so but those little kisses are distracting. A few he grins through, a small bout of laughter, but finally he abandons his towel and gets that approximation of dressed. And even though he's soaked in a hot tub and been rubbed down, he already knows it might take him a bit to get his mind to quiet down enough for him to go to sleep. Not something he wants to bother Steve with. But there will be absolutely no slipping off to work without alerting him. Or Alice. Who always just seems to know when that's happening.
Pulling the covers back he gets underneath them, in his spot, and pats the one next to him in invitation.] At this rate, this early, I'll probably get up with you tomorrow morning. [What he actually is requesting here is that if he's still asleep when Steve's internal clock goes off at the same exact time it always has that Steve wake him up. He's not sure if it'll be honored.]
[ Steve tries to quiet down his body, who's indeed, just a little upset that it's not getting any tonight, but it'll play nice. He warms up Tony's side of the bed and then shifts over, holding him close, loosely at first. ]
We can make breakfast together, then. I won't make you run.
[ He might make Tony get Alice ready though. And Steve will wait for everyone to start working to do his workouts, and focus on hosting their guests and getting them anything they might need to get this working. He does feel a little useless still, but he knows what Tony will say and so he doesn't voice that concern of his.
And then he remembers Tony's other request, so he gets his arms wound around Tony and gives him a big bear hug, careful not to crush his windpipe on that ridiculously large chest of his. He's all too aware of how easily things could turn out for the worse. He was so afraid at first, of being too rough with Alice. When she was born, she was tiny, and fragile. Her bones hadn't even set yet. She'd reached out to hold Steve's finger as he sat in a chair searching the stars for her father, and he'd cried himself to sleep by her crib, attached to the bed but with the wall up, terrified that he'd roll over on her and not notice.
That seems like so very long ago, now. And those worries as far away from them as Tony was, now clutched to Steve's heart, where he belongs. ]
How's that?
[ He might've just survived the ice because he's so warm, and Tony will surely overheat like this, but as long as he's happy, Steve's happy. ]
[Steve lying down beside him would have been enough, he would've snuggled up right to him. Especially after what a day this has been, there would have been nothing he'd like to have done more- except maybe burn off some frustrations while lovingly fucking one another but they'll save it. Save it for when he can fully commit and the both of them have time to just lose themselves to one another.
But when Steve slots in and then pulls him in and then tight, Tony exhales slowly. Tips his head up into the hollow of Steve's throat, leaves one hand trapped between them, his other arm winding back around Steve over his hips. Just hanging on. It's grounding. Being held just a little too tight. In a way that he'll probably never be able to fully explain. There's just something about being weighted down by strong arms. Yet the ones that belong to one of the kindest, gentlest people he knows. And the only person he loves in the way that he loves Steve.
There's a protectiveness in it. Safety. Something that brings him back down from all the haze and anchors him to earth. Where he belongs. With his husband. And Steve is warm, always has been so warm. Sometimes the best person to cuddle up with when it's cold outside. There's been an ache and a chill in his bones lately that just dissipates when he's in Steve's arms like this.]
Perfect. [The small, honest answer comes while he's still soaking it all in. But then his lips shape into a lazy grin against Steve's neck.] You've definitely cornered the market on bear hugs.
[And Tony, forever lucky, that he owns the monopoly on them. ...okay well he shares with Alice but still. He's even happier for that.] I love you. [They probably won't keep like this all night and he feels tired but that's more a symptom of life at this point than anything else. He tries to quiet down and still, so that Steve at least can drift off. He's still expecting it to take him a little bit. Mind going just a little. Thinking. Of all the things he'd like to accomplish tomorrow. All the formulas and processes.]
[ He feels that exhale in his bones. Tony's had a long day, and he's had a long few months or however of keeping all these secrets to himself in an effort to not scare Steve, but he hadn't been successful at that. Still, it must have been stressful for him, and so Steve holds him tightly to himself. In a way, it's like he's telling both of them that he refuses to let go, he refuses to give up. He'll knock down all the doors to the Sanctum if he needs more time, he'll beg Hank for more Pym particles now that he's returned. He'll do anything to keep Tony, who has so much more living to do.
One time, when Alice was very young, she'd asked for a sibling. A big brother, she had requested. And Steve laughed it off and told her that might not be possible, but a younger brother wasn't out of the cards. It was so long ago, but he's reminded now. And once Tony's better, maybe they can be reminded again, but for now he focuses on the present, not the future. ]
I've been practicing. Have you been at the receiving end of Alice's hugs? Sometimes I'd wonder if it's not physically possible we're both her fathers.
[ Yes, definitely physically impossible, and it doesn't matter, anyway, because Steve will always be her father regardless, but it would be nice if they could have a child who they never needed to worry about getting sick, or breaking her bones.
Steve settles in to sleep, and though it'll take him longer than usual, he'll probably be out before Tony is, deep breaths and loud heartbeat steady there to guide him into a restful slumber. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Alright, well, maybe you go first, and I'll go second.
[ Steve doesn't really need it, but he won't say no to Tony touching him in any regard, and he won't say no to Tony trying to spoil him good. He used to not want to have it reciprocated because he didn't see the point and he'd rather spend more of their time trying to work out Tony's many knots, but at some point he'd realized that it was like how Tony lets him get his towels for him and do his drying for him: it's just part of the charm.
And so, he dries himself off and gets dressed, drapes one of his shirts around Tony's shoulders both to keep him warm and because he looks so sweet wearing Steve's shirts.
He takes a seat on their bed, in their room, in their house which they'd built together, which reflected the both of them perfectly. The bed is so comfortable, handsome, well-made, sturdy. It's a joy to sleep in every night, and wake up in every morning. He looks over his shoulder and smiles over at Tony, beckoning him closer. ]
no subject
He doesn't see a point for him to get very dressed, since he's about to lie face down and let Steve work some wonders along his aching muscles. So he ends up drying off just a little more and then settling the towel around his waist. Although he does tug at the shirt suddenly over his shoulders, but doesn't slip his arms in.
Almost immediately, as if Steve has thrown a rope around him and pulled, he goes once they lock eyes. And maybe he shouldn't- okay definitely shouldn't, in a suddenly very full house of guests and Alice- but he settles over Steve, slotting into his lap as he kneels on the bed and then lowers to sit. He arms wrap lightly around Steve's neck and he's very deliberate, careful, slow as he kisses him. Not aiming to stir up trouble, for once in his life. It's something very sweet, maybe even just a touch needy. When they part he brushes his nose against Steve's.]
I'll be good in just a minute. [Promising with a quiet grin, kissing Steve again. Still with that same level of softness. He really is being good, he thinks. Just sometimes he can't really help himself.]
no subject
Many things have changed about Tony in the ensuing years after Thanos. Steve has become more gentle with Tony, has pulled back much more than he used to, though he's certain that frustrates Tony quite a lot. He knows it, but he doesn't want Tony to hurt. Certainly not for selfish reasons like Steve just can't help himself. But many other things have remained the same: Tony tastes the same, he kisses the same, and Steve wants him all the same as he ever did.
Tony informs him that he'll be good, and Steve will save it, he thinks, for when they come out of the other end of this. It just feels like with the regaining of all the population, they should have been able to celebrate sooner, but they really haven't. So when Tony's all healed up, they will. Whatever he wants: a vacation, some new suits, new beachfront property. Steve won't say no, and he won't have the heart to, he'll just be so happy to have Tony still.
But for right now, Tony's right. He claims another kiss first, before they both decide to be good. This time, he kisses a little bit harder, but reels back just before things can get too heated. ]
You might've gotten bumped down because of Alice, but you're still the second most beautiful thing I've ever had in my arms.
[ For a moment, Steve just holds him there, and lowers his head onto his heart, listens to that heartbeat that still hammers on defiantly. ]
no subject
When he's better. He keeps promising himself that. But when he's better, if he gets everything he wants out of this, they'll resume life. And it'll be good.
A thought that's backed further when Steve kisses him a little harder, something he can't help the soft noise over. Miss might be too light a word, but it'll have to do for now. He leaves one arm around Steve, his other hand going into Steve's hair when he leans on him. His chest rumbles as he laughs lightly.]
Still haven't lost your romantic touch. [Teasing him. His hand moves through Steve's hair in a light few passes.] But, fine. I'd have to agree with you. We both got bumped when she was born. [They're definitely the most dad two men could be. He's not sure how he settled into it. It's almost a miracle. Steve, he thinks, had always been destined for that. With such a huge heart and so much love to give. Tony had taken a little more time to find it all. At least that's how he'd tell it.]
no subject
It is a miracle, that they got here. Some days Steve thought Tony would never want children, and so he'd have to write them off as a possibility. And sometimes watching Tony with Alice, his heart fills up to bursting with affection for the two of them. They're perfect together, his two favorite people in the universe. He can't imagine a life without either, and he's so glad Tony came around. Because if he had to put his money on it, he'd say being a father is one of the best things Tony would say he's ever done.
And, because Tony doesn't seem like he actually wants to get off Steve's lap, he'll take off his shirt and guide Tony's hands to his delts. ]
Can't get too sappy, Tony, we've got guests who have to deal with us in the morning.
[ He'd absolutely make like it was their honeymoon and fawn over Tony all day long even in front of their guests, if it was something that would make him feel better. But, he thinks that's unlikely, and what's more likely is that they'll get a little rest and Steve will wake up extra early to cook and they'll try to save Tony's life all day until they do. ]
no subject
Working his fingers and palms into Steve's muscles as he rests down against him just a little more.]
I mean. It is our house. [Taking just a little mock-offense to the idea that he can't be with his husband as he pleases in their own home.] And anyone who doesn't know how we are by now might be willingly blind. [The two of them had always been obnoxious, Tony thinks, once they'd found their groove. Aside that, Tony never let other people's opinions define what he did, and even less so in how that presented in how he was with Steve.
He fans his hands along Steve's shoulder blades, digging in there just a little with a firm touch.] But they'll be in good company, at least. Alice has certainly gotten a lot more vocal about it lately. [As little kids tended to do when their parents had the audacity to smooch each other in front of them. He finds it funny, though. Which, of course, only makes him wanna do it more.]
no subject
And, all right, maybe when he's not paying too much attention he lets out a little groan that sounds maybe just a tad dirtier than he means it to be. His eyes flutter shut and he thinks he'd better get started on Tony's shoulder rub too, but he'll work through the muscles in his back first, up the sides of his obliques. ]
Well, Alice doesn't get a say because if we didn't fall in love, she wouldn't be here.
[ Of course he understands that all kids will think their parents kissing is gross, but it's also quite necessary. And all in all, she'll appreciate someday that her parents are so in love after all these years, and have such a healthy relationship when she's older. He hopes they'll show her what a supportive and good partnership looks like. ]
no subject
He can't help himself, either, arching just a little. Maybe made a little precarious due to his position, but he's sure he could lean all the way back into Steve's hands and Steve would still just hold him up. There's always been a deep level of trust there that has only grown more with time. Tony, at this point, puts every ounce of it in Steve and has even had his life saved by him.
Still. He can't seem to help his snort.] You try telling her that and I'm sure she'll have some snappy response to it. [Smart mouth, he thinks. Same as him. Some day he might really regret giving her that trait, or teaching it to her with the way they talk to each other sometimes. Right now it's cute and funny. It probably won't be when she's a teenager.
There's a knot that Steve catches with his hands after that that has Tony going a little boneless atop him with a punch of air out, just a quarter tinged with that good sort of pain, clutching to him. And it's just short of begging, breath drawn as he makes the request,] Get that one out, would you? [He doesn't want Steve to stop.]
no subject
And so, he knows that knot is there, he can feel that stiffness in his muscle, and he works towards getting it out, making sure his muscles feel pliant again. He knows that with Tony's line of work he tends to get a lot of them, and with all the stress lately, he surely has tons more for Steve to work out. ]
I can't be out-sassed by a five-year-old, Tony. I just can't.
[ But he says this affectionately, because he most certainly will be. She's just as quick as her dad is, too, so that sort of gives her the edge. ]
You'll have to have my back on that one.
[ Because Steve knows he's sort of old-fashioned and he knows he's going to fight with Alice about that when she's older, but Tony will need to mediate, since he's the cool, hip dad. ]
no subject
Always. Can't have her thinking she can talk back to us like that or we'll just end up with another me. [Well aware of who he is and all his faults at this stage of his life. He's tempered, these days, but he still runs his mouth when the opportunity arises.] If we're lucky she'll pick up all your sweetness and it'll balance her out.
[She'll be a good kid no matter what, this he has no doubts of. But. ...he already knows they're in for one hell of a ride when she starts hitting double digits. Steve's influence or not. He hangs on to Steve in a little tremble, another breath escaping him in a hiss as Steve finally gets the one that had been bothering him the most out. He really does go a little weak atop him then, arms just hanging over Steve's shoulders.] Mn, thank you... [Quiet but genuine praise as more tension just bleeds out of him.]
no subject
You can be sweet too, sometimes. Always with me.
[ So it's a good chance that Alice winds up skewing towards Steve's level of open generosity. But once she hits those teen years, he also knows that she'll doubtless wind up with lots of things said that she might not mean, or may not be able to communicate properly. He thinks not having someone on that front had made Tony a little bitter into his adulthood, and he doesn't want that for Alice.
Steve keeps working at it until he can feel Tony slump just a little over him. He isn't expecting a thanks, but he'll take it. He pauses then for a moment, just to hold Tony. ]
Don't mention it, sweetheart.
Swap? You do my back, I'll do your shoulders?
no subject
He settles a little more in Steve's lap, thighs squeezing against the side of Steve's. His arms drop, going beneath Steve's instead, pressing himself almost completely to him. Chest to chest as he works his palms along Steve's back.] How's this? [It's probably not the most conducive way for either of them to be giving the other one a massage but... it's them. So he's not really surprised it's ended up this way.
But he's at least a little honest, when his head drops to Steve's shoulder, and he admits,] Just a little hard to focus, when your hands are on me like that. [Never mind that it feels good. It's just always that way. His attention stolen away by allowing himself to feel every little way Steve's palms and fingers draw against his skin.]
no subject
It's great. I love it when you touch me like this.
[ He leans into Tony and finds himself intoxicated by the scent of his skin and his radiant heat, tries so hard not to kiss his neck and get them both in a load of trouble. No, he'd promised he'd be good. Even Tony had promised he'd be good.
He starts work on Tony's shoulders, and focuses in on that, but it's hard to do so because he's distractingly attractive and the way he's touching Steve is doing everything for him. ]
But I'm gonna need you to slow down, honey.
[ For very obvious reasons. ]
no subject
He smiles into Steve's shoulder, feeling that slight slice of heat. Maybe he should have put clothes on, instead of straddling Steve in just a towel. There hadn't been the kind of intent behind it initially that there might be now.
And he shouldn't torture the both of them yet it just comes out of him anyway.]
Slow? [It's a delicate little purr, head tilted on Steve's shoulder, resting at the crook of his neck then, breath coming in short, warm draws against his skin. He uses just the tip of his fingers to touch gently down the length of Steve's spine.] I can go as slow as you need... [Tony promised he'd be good. He probably still will be. Maybe. He just can't help himself. For the exact same reason Steve's trying to pump the brakes.]
no subject
Tony, you didn't even put clothes on.
[ He holds onto Tony tightly, lays kisses underneath his jaw. They're not meant to go anywhere, but he still feels like they just might with the two of them like this. ]
You don't play fair.
[ He should stop. They have guests. Alice might awaken from a nightmare and come waddling in right this minute. Thankfully, FRIDAY's on Alice watch so they'll have ample opportunity for Tony to get under covers, but how are they supposed to face her when both of them are flushed and aroused?
He places a hand on Tony's chest and creates a tiny bit of distance. ]
no subject
Guilty. [He'll at least never deny what a menace he can be. Something that's only dimmed slightly due to the fact that they can't do whatever they want whenever they want. But that doesn't really stop him.
Which is why he's not surprised that Steve tries to even the both of them out. A huff that's somehow disappointed and amused all the same escapes him. He needs to respect the law here. To not try and coax more when he knows they can't have it right now. So he takes a deep breath to steady himself out and then brings his hands forward again.
He captures the side of Steve's face, tilting him into a very dutifully careful and sweet kiss. There's only a slight edge of heat but he really can't help that. Then when he breaks back, he promises,] When we're done. When I'm better. We'll let Alice have a sleepover at Morgan's. Full weekend. And then you and I are gonna revisit what it was like in Indonesia at the villa. [Tony will let Steve fuck the living daylights out of him on every piece of furniture they own, and he'll give it back tenfold, because don't they deserve that at this point? He presses his smile to Steve's lips but then backs off.]
Until then. I'll behave. But I want you to know how difficult that is. [Like he deserves a medal.]
no subject
Good, the girls will love that. And so will we.
[ He's working on Tony's arm now, because it sees a lot of damage and Tony's always making upgrades to the other one. Steve might as well fuss with the one he's still got that's flesh. He does like the metal one, but he feels like if anyone's going to work out its kinks, it'll be in code, not brute force. ]
God Tony, I don't think you understand how much I want you. It's like everything you do just sets me off.
[ But it's a good goal to work to. Once Tony gets better, then they'll have a whole weekend to themselves to give Tony's new body an endurance test run. Steve will try to be good, but they do have to break it in. ]
We could get the full experience, rent something out.
[ But staying at home near all the medical supplies and technology is also good, if they run into an emergency. ]
no subject
He's careful with his other hand, as he often has to be, touching along Steve's shoulder and towards the side of his neck. His smile is very telling as he watches him.]
Might be able to claim some innocence, then. If everything I do winds you up. [His hand slips up, touching along the side of Steve's face before metal fingers disappear into the length of his hair. He rests his forehead against Steve's then, eyes going half-lidded. And then in a smaller murmur he says,] I know. I want you pretty much every hour of every day, too. [And that's really never stopped being the case. Steve could sometimes just look at him from across a room and Tony would feel not only a flutter in his heart but just a heat. And it's been that way for so long that he can't imagine living life any other way.]
A cabin, maybe. Somewhere. We'll try not to break anything. [Which is never a guarantee with them, with how they get sometimes. He exhales soft and slow.] Why are your hands so good? [ An empty question while his mind is starting to become addled.] You really could've been the world's best masseuse, I think. Definitely lucky I'm the only one who knows that. [Luckier than lucky, at this point in his life.]
no subject
[ Somehow he knew when he'd offered that they'd wind up like this, but mostly because everything they ever did led to here. Is it any wonder? Years after they've been together and they still find the need to go at it like rabbits. But Steve feels lucky in that regard, too, that they're still as infatuated with each other than ever, that they're more in love than ever.
His eyes flutter closed when Tony whispers to him, and he swallows thickly, trying not to let him escalate but nearly failing at it quite miserably. He could give in, they could make it quick, but Steve wants that reward. He wants for them to be able to take their time, for him to lazily kiss all over Tony's body and only then, for that to turn into something else as they fall back into bed for maybe the third, fourth time that day. ]
They're only good because you're the one they get to touch. I wouldn't do this for anyone else.
[ He finishes up Tony's arm by massaging his hand, this lovely hand that is both strong and gentle, that has both created empires and cradled the smallest, most precious thing that ever was. ]
no subject
Tony's always felt like he's been far weaker in that regard. More willing to do anything just about anywhere. Break rules. Get exactly what he wants when he wants it- and when that's Steve there almost aren't any rules at all. Not to him.
The muscles in his hand flex, fingers stretching wide while Steve works there. But soon enough he laces them with Steve's, clasping him lightly, bringing the now joined pair up to his lips. Then he presses a few kisses to the back of Steve's hand, leaving a smile there after.]
And the rest of the world suffers, surely. [Tony had said more than once that he was the luckier of the two of them. That he was lucky Steve had not really been interested in any of the women on any of those terrible dating apps. That somehow they'd fallen into it with each other and not lost sight of that (except in one instance he would probably never talk about again if he didn't have to). Anyone could have had Steve. Steve would have filled out someone else's life the way he had Tony's and Tony would have been worse off for it, he's absolutely certain.
But there they are together. And he's grateful. Which is why the next words out of him are,] I love you. [Just a few more kisses to Steve's skin before he takes pity on the both of them, and actually does the right thing for once.] We should turn in. Before we both let this go where it's going.
[Because it is. Steve's turned on. So is he. It's just the way they are. Their very nature with one another. If they linger any longer it'll just happen, even if they don't mean for it to. And there's something wonderful about that, too. The way they crash and collide with each other. Unstoppable forces.]
no subject
They came together by either cosmic accident or divine intervention and Steve's still not sure which, but he still prays just in case it's the latter. They're still together because of a lot of hard work and compromise, and love. So, so much love that they took it and made a beautiful little girl who lights up their whole world. ]
I love you.
[ He feels like this might start taking a detour where it shouldn't, and then Tony actually stops them. ]
Hm. Well, I think you'll have to get dressed then, because you know I can't resist.
[ That's not even a joke or an exaggeration. Steve lifts Tony up so he's still kneeling but not sitting on his lap, and before he extricates himself to go get his clothes, he kisses Tony over the scars he'd originally had on his chest, the place where he keeps the keys to Steve's heart.
And then he goes to their dresser to pick out a cute pair of shorts for Tony, and comes back with them and more kisses, light and fleeting in nature. ]
no subject
Though he does still, gently inhaling while Steve's lips are at his chest, runs his hands through Steve's hair. At this point, he can safely say he's never been loved by anyone the way Steve loves him. There's something mesmerizing about it. Something that always seems to settle the chaos in him just a little.
He'll put on anything Steve comes back with and attempts to do so but those little kisses are distracting. A few he grins through, a small bout of laughter, but finally he abandons his towel and gets that approximation of dressed. And even though he's soaked in a hot tub and been rubbed down, he already knows it might take him a bit to get his mind to quiet down enough for him to go to sleep. Not something he wants to bother Steve with. But there will be absolutely no slipping off to work without alerting him. Or Alice. Who always just seems to know when that's happening.
Pulling the covers back he gets underneath them, in his spot, and pats the one next to him in invitation.] At this rate, this early, I'll probably get up with you tomorrow morning. [What he actually is requesting here is that if he's still asleep when Steve's internal clock goes off at the same exact time it always has that Steve wake him up. He's not sure if it'll be honored.]
no subject
We can make breakfast together, then. I won't make you run.
[ He might make Tony get Alice ready though. And Steve will wait for everyone to start working to do his workouts, and focus on hosting their guests and getting them anything they might need to get this working. He does feel a little useless still, but he knows what Tony will say and so he doesn't voice that concern of his.
And then he remembers Tony's other request, so he gets his arms wound around Tony and gives him a big bear hug, careful not to crush his windpipe on that ridiculously large chest of his. He's all too aware of how easily things could turn out for the worse. He was so afraid at first, of being too rough with Alice. When she was born, she was tiny, and fragile. Her bones hadn't even set yet. She'd reached out to hold Steve's finger as he sat in a chair searching the stars for her father, and he'd cried himself to sleep by her crib, attached to the bed but with the wall up, terrified that he'd roll over on her and not notice.
That seems like so very long ago, now. And those worries as far away from them as Tony was, now clutched to Steve's heart, where he belongs. ]
How's that?
[ He might've just survived the ice because he's so warm, and Tony will surely overheat like this, but as long as he's happy, Steve's happy. ]
no subject
But when Steve slots in and then pulls him in and then tight, Tony exhales slowly. Tips his head up into the hollow of Steve's throat, leaves one hand trapped between them, his other arm winding back around Steve over his hips. Just hanging on. It's grounding. Being held just a little too tight. In a way that he'll probably never be able to fully explain. There's just something about being weighted down by strong arms. Yet the ones that belong to one of the kindest, gentlest people he knows. And the only person he loves in the way that he loves Steve.
There's a protectiveness in it. Safety. Something that brings him back down from all the haze and anchors him to earth. Where he belongs. With his husband. And Steve is warm, always has been so warm. Sometimes the best person to cuddle up with when it's cold outside. There's been an ache and a chill in his bones lately that just dissipates when he's in Steve's arms like this.]
Perfect. [The small, honest answer comes while he's still soaking it all in. But then his lips shape into a lazy grin against Steve's neck.] You've definitely cornered the market on bear hugs.
[And Tony, forever lucky, that he owns the monopoly on them. ...okay well he shares with Alice but still. He's even happier for that.] I love you. [They probably won't keep like this all night and he feels tired but that's more a symptom of life at this point than anything else. He tries to quiet down and still, so that Steve at least can drift off. He's still expecting it to take him a little bit. Mind going just a little. Thinking. Of all the things he'd like to accomplish tomorrow. All the formulas and processes.]
no subject
One time, when Alice was very young, she'd asked for a sibling. A big brother, she had requested. And Steve laughed it off and told her that might not be possible, but a younger brother wasn't out of the cards. It was so long ago, but he's reminded now. And once Tony's better, maybe they can be reminded again, but for now he focuses on the present, not the future. ]
I've been practicing. Have you been at the receiving end of Alice's hugs? Sometimes I'd wonder if it's not physically possible we're both her fathers.
[ Yes, definitely physically impossible, and it doesn't matter, anyway, because Steve will always be her father regardless, but it would be nice if they could have a child who they never needed to worry about getting sick, or breaking her bones.
Steve settles in to sleep, and though it'll take him longer than usual, he'll probably be out before Tony is, deep breaths and loud heartbeat steady there to guide him into a restful slumber. ]