Being scarce isn't necessarily fitting in. (for like_a_gerbil)

[legacyofiron]

So, staying worked out in a lot of ways. It let him see Steve everyday and well, no one really mentioned that they hadn't really gotten him a room yet. No one really mentioned how close they were. But then, Tony only really sometimes talked to Rhodey and tried awkwardly to start a friendship with Vision. The voice was comforting when he finally started to let the other sit and actually talk. Vision carefully chose to talk about projects for now and sometimes Steve. But he never brought up Jarvis or more personal things unless Tony did it first. Which was rare.

Tony didn't go out with the Avengers except to fly the quinjet... and well, the quinjet kept taking a beating because sometimes the new Avengers were not as cohesive as they should be. Something Tony didn't talk about and simply drove the bus and fixed things when they were broken. After retooling Romanoff's cuffs after being shorted out, he fixed Falcon's pierced wing. Then he moved on to routine maintenance on War Machine because Rhodey was quite literally a soldier that neglected his armor in favor of working more. Tony did take a minute to point out the bad things Rhodey did to his piece of art before working on through the night.

Vision found him the next morning hammering out the metal plating from the quinjet so he could work on the stealth net only to stop as the other purposely pulled the hammer out of his hand mid swing. If he'd not been so exhausted and hyped on coffee, he probably wouldn't have let it go so easily. Instead he cut a narrowed look at the other. "You should sleep, Mr. Stark. I believe I can finish this for you. If... that is alright."

Arching a brow at him, he brushed his hands on his pants. "What time is it?"

"Close to three in the morning. I had thought you would stop after repairing Colonel Rhodes armor." Tony caught that twist to the word 'thought' and knew he meant 'hoped'. The only reason he didn't argue was because he didn't actually mean to stay up that late.

"You're right." And he did far too much in a short period of time for people he really didn't even talk to anymore. Holding his hands up, he moved to the work bench and pushed the tablet toward Vision. "It's all here... if you haven't already looked." Glancing up at him, he caught the vaguest of smiles that told him Vision already looked. It caused him to smile just a little. "See you later then."

"I'm sure Captain Rogers will be happy you are returning to bed." Tony snorted and kept going out of the room. He looked a mess. He smelled like the workshop and his gray pants looked like they were supposed to be black marble by the time he was done. Not that it stopped him. A hot shower sounded a little like heaven as he very slowly walked down the hall careful not to run into any of the other Avengers if he could help it.

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[like_a_gerbil]

Things weren't easy for Tony. No matter what Steve tried, it wasn't a smooth transition from one team to the other. Although he wasn't sure if it was Tony's expectations that caused those rough patches or if the new Avengers really had a problem with Tony. Sometimes he was tempted to ask but others... Well, it was probably better that he didn't know since he refused to let Tony go and they needed the new team.

He'd had a talk with Wanda, putting enough force into his voice that she realized that his position wasn't going to change. If she couldn't deal with Tony being part of the team, then she would have to find somewhere else to earn her second chance.

The rest of the team he doubted would have a problem with him. Rhodey was friends with Tony and both Sam and Natasha knew that he was one of the people that had caused Steve to become more grounded. Vision was trying, something that Steve appreciated.

Sometimes he worried, afraid that Tony was going to alienate himself but he also knew that working was the best thing for Tony as long as he didn't get too involved with his projects. Which was why Steve didn't go find Tony when he didn't come to bed.

Or why Steve really wasn't even trying to sleep.

Instead he was stretched out on the bed, sketchbook braced against his knee as he worked on a portrait. Occasionally, he'd look at his cell phone, checking to see if Tony messaged him. Eventually he got lost in his work until the phone buzzed and a text from Vision flashed on the screen.

Smiling, he set down the phone, glad that some things really hadn't changed. Adding a few finishing touches to the drawing, he waited for Tony to arrive, trying not to look too excited that his boyfriend was finally coming to bed.

[legacyofiron]

Running his hand through his hair, he knew it stuck up in multiple directions. After as many times as he'd done that one move, he was sure the oil helped with the self-forming properties. If he could look in a mirror, he might make a face at being so messy, but honestly, he just wanted to get back into the safety of their quarters. And no matter what anyone said (except maybe Steve), he would keep calling it their quarters.

Keying in the code, he frowned when the first attempt was wrong. His shoulders ached from working so long, so he really didn't try as hard as he should. But the second effort had the door coming open. What he'd not expected was Steve to be sitting up and waiting for him. Blinking a few times, he rubbed at the back of his head. "Hey... you're up late."

His brow furrowed a little. He partially wondered if Vision was sent by Steve or of the other simply woke Steve up. More like the second, because he caught little nuances of Jarvis and a peskier insistence in the android. Err... well, that's just what he would call it.

Moving across the room, he carefully leaned in and kissed Steve softly. He made sure not to get the mess on the bed as he smiled at him just a little. An expression turned a little sheepish by the fact he knew he was late. "Sorry... I just get going when I have projects lined up..."

[like_a_gerbil]

The first attempt at the door had Steve tensing slightly, automatically reaching for his shield before he realized that they weren't under attack. If they were, whoever was outside the door wouldn't be trying to use a code. Settling back against the pillows, he waited to see if Tony would remember the code or if he was too tired to get the numbers right.

Smiling when Tony realized he was awake, Steve set the sketchbook on the beside table. "So are you." Shrugging, he watched Tony move toward the bed, trying not to smile at how his boyfriend's hair was standing up in every direction. "Can't seem to sleep that well when someone's not here."

He kept his tone teasing so Tony wouldn't take it as an accusation. Steve knew that his boyfriend had projects that needed to be finished and that he had a tendency to work too hard. It was part of dating Tony and an aspect of his personality that Steve had accepted years ago.

Returning the kiss, he gently nipped at Tony's lower lip when they pulled away. "Nothing to be sorry for. I know the hours you keep. I just wanted to be awake when you were done." Leaning in, he kissed his boyfriend again. "Since I have no plans tomorrow, I figured sleep could wait."

[legacyofiron]

Grinning just a little as Steve kissed him, he fought the urge to reach up and play with the soft blond hair. He had enough grease in his own hair. No need to share that. "I'll try to do better." He never really had a real reason to go to bed till now. It was still rather new. The only reason he didn't argue with Vision was because of Steve.

"I really... really need a shower before I touch you." Shivering at the nip, he closed his eyes for a second. He didn't like the idea that he messed up Steve's night... but he still reacted instantly to the next kiss.

Leaning in, he returned it, a little deeper than before as he licked at the younger's lips. "Still shouldn't keep you up."

Leaning back, he stopped himself just short of touching his cheek and snorted. "No, really. I need to get cleaned up before I dare touch you." Arching a brow, he leaned back and rubbed at a sore shoulder, fingers sliding under the thin black sleeveless shirt as he turned. "As much as I like machinery... I don't want it in bed with me."

[like_a_gerbil]

"You don't have to do better." Steve knew that would lead to thoughts about Tony having to change for him when that wasn't true. He didn't mind Tony's work. It was just as much a part of Tony as drawing was to Steve. More so since he had the feeling that if his boyfriend stopped inventing and creating, he would break in some vital way. As long as Tony ate and slept, then Steve didn't worry. "You're doing the best right now."

Licking and nibbling at Tony's lips, he slid a hand underneath his boyfriend's shirt, trying to see if he could get Tony to touch since he seemed to think Steve would be annoyed by the residue of his work. "Last time I checked, I don't have a curfew or a bedtime. Stayed up because I wanted to. If I'd gotten tired, I would've kept you company in the workshop until I fell asleep."

Sliding his fingers along Tony's side, he grinned up at him before letting his boyfriend pull away. "What if I have that kind of kink?" Maybe not for the kind of machinery that Tony was thinking of but Steve did have a few fantasies that he wasn't sure would ever really be possible now. "I could help with the shower. If you want."

[legacyofiron]

"You are..." Tony huffed a laugh, ducking his head so that dark hair fell into his eyes from the previous awkward spikes. He could say so many things about what Steve was to him... "pretty amazing... you know that?"

It felt so utterly paltry in comparison to what he really felt about Steve Rogers... but no sonnets would be coming when Steve hand his hands going up under his shirt. Tony's mind blanked out and he gasped softly from the warmth of the other's fingers on his skin. For a moment, he pressed closer and only stopped himself as he reminded himself no grease in the sheets.

"Mm... I wouldn't mind if you did that." Probably end up curling up with Steve if he saw him doing that. Too irresistible.

Pausing just slightly to not lose the full feeling of Steve's touch, he felt something coil in his stomach. "I'd say you might want to elaborate on these kinks so we can do something about it..." And just saying he would shower with him had Tony's hand softly taking Steve's regardless of the oil and grease. Pulling it to his lips, he kissed the other's palm softly.

"I think... that's a fabulous idea." Letting go of his hand, he winked at him and turned while pulling the shirt off in one smooth movement.

[like_a_gerbil]

"I was thinking the same thing about you." It was something he thought before but now the feelings behind that thought were deeper. The emotions might have been similar before but Steve had refused to allow himself to consider more than just friendship until Tony had told him that things were over with Pepper. Now Steve could tell him how special he was without feeling guilty.

Grinning at Tony's reaction, he decided that it was close enough to his boyfriend forgetting his 'no oil in bed' rule even if he did want Tony to touch him. "I'd like it. It's soothing watching you work." And it would give Steve his favorite subject for drawing until he fell asleep.

"You said no machinery in bed." Which should give Tony an idea of what Steve's kink might be. He spent enough time staring at the Iron Man armor that it would have been embarrassing if Tony had ever noticed. Now, he wasn't sure about mentioning it since Tony hadn't wanted back in that role. "So it'll have to stay a fantasy."

One that he probably shouldn't have had about his teammate when he'd been sure that Tony was with Pepper but it had been difficult to resist.

His heart stuttered at the kiss, momentarily forgetting how to breathe when Tony peeled off his shirt. Not even waiting until he was standing, Steve began stripping. It didn't matter if he wasn't as graceful as he could have been. Tony wasn't watching. "No worries about getting me covered in oil if we're going to shower?"

[legacyofiron]

"Yeah?" A small almost pleased smile pulled at the corner of his lips. Dark eyes sparked with the idea of Steve actually enjoying watching him work. Heck... he would start to get less done the more he noticed Steve's eyes on him. Not necessarily a bad thing actually.

Tilting his head at the comment, he let it sink in a bit before he realized Steve must be talking about the armor. A red heat swept over his face and along his cheeks as he took a deep breath through parted lips. "If you mean what I think you mean... I have no issues on trying." Because the mental images of lightly manhandling Steve in the armor... god he might be dizzy soon.

Breathing in slowly, he pressed a hand to his chest for a moment to steady himself as he moved to the bathroom. Toeing out of his shoes, he next opened the fly of his pants and let them slowly ebb their way off his hips. "You're going to be covered in me in the shower... I'm okay with this."

The flirtatious tone was purposeful and purring as he looked over his shoulder and slowly pushed his boxers and pants off of his hips so they could slide down his thighs. He slowly ran his eyes over Steve and the already dark irises seemed nearly black with desire. "Unless you object, of course."

[like_a_gerbil]

Considering how much time he'd spent in Tony's workshop his friend should have realized that Steve liked watching Tony create. But then he remembered how Pepper had usually reacted to the time spent inventing and realized Tony probably expected disapproval, not interest. "Yes. I like watching you figure things out and the way you look when you're working with the consoles."

It was something that he could admit now that he would have only mentioned in an artistic context. He still partially meant it that way. The play of light and shadow was fascinating but it wouldn't have interested him as much if it hadn't been Tony that he was studying.

Somehow he managed not to blush when he saw Tony's reaction to that particular kink. It still surprised him that Tony could react that way since he'd assumed that his boyfriend was more - uh - imaginative than Steve. "I wasn't sure since you haven't worn it in awhile." He wasn't going to say when Steve knew he'd worn the armor last. He didn't want that subject ruining their night together. "It's something I'd think of sometimes even when I knew I shouldn't."

Rolling his eyes, Steve began stripping off the rest of his clothes. He hadn't quite learned how to do it so it seemed sexy. Most of the time he still felt gawky like he'd been before the serum. At least he didn't stumble the way he would've back then. "Was that a set up for me to say something inappropriate?" He was thinking it. He just wasn't sure how Tony would react if he said it.

Following Tony to the bathroom, he shivered when he saw the way his lover was looking at him. "I'd never object to you wanting to be with me."

[legacyofiron]

The thought of Steve watching him while he worked and enjoying it really sent a warm thrill up his spine. Shivering a little, he smiled just a bit, happy with that thought in his mind. "I like your eyes on me." More than he really wanted to admit. He needed and wanted Steve to look at him. It made him feel alive... wanted.

His back arched slightly, unexpected. The thought of Steve Rogers thinking such things about his armor? Tony thought his brains may be melting out of his ears. Closing his eyes for a moment, he took a slow even breath. "You know if I did that... that's a whole new step of trust in the relationship..." Not that he would ever in his wildest dreams hurt Steve. But he also knew that was asking a lot of trust from Steve. "But God I'd love that... if you want it."

It made that look over his shoulder almost smoldering in heat as his lips parted for another breath. "I don't see anything we do as inappropriate, Steve..." Winking at him, he leaned over the tub to adjust the temperature of the water. He kind of hated the stock form of the rooms and plumbing in this place... but it had Steve and that was enough.

Reaching out and letting the water run over his fingers, he grinned. "Good to know." Flicking the shower on, he finally turned to face Steve and lifted a hand to beckon him. "Come here?"

[like_a_gerbil]

"If I spent more time in the workshop, would you get anything done?" He knew that Tony could become focused on a project but they were still new. There were times when both of them seemed to forget everything around them and just stare or want to touch. Which wasn't always the best considering the kinds of things Tony worked on. Steve didn't want to be the cause of an accident just because he wanted to stare at Tony for a few hours.

"It might also mean we shock the team." Everyone knew but that didn't mean they wanted to walk in on them making out in public areas.

"No it wouldn't. I trust you to be careful every time we go on missions together." Even if Tony hadn't went with them as Iron Man lately, he could change to past tense. He didn't want Tony thinking that trust had been broken just because Steve was referring to the past. Cupping Tony's cheek, he grinned almost shyly. "Yeah, I want it. When you're ready." He wouldn't push when he wasn't sure how Tony felt about the armor.

Padding into the bathroom, he fought back a smile when Tony winked at him. Steve hadn't really expected that when they got together that Tony would be able to get him turned on and put him at ease all the time. The first couple of times he'd been nervous but he'd realized that there wasn't any reason to feel that way with Tony.

"After all the jokes about 'language' I'm being more careful about what I say." Not that his boyfriend would tease him about that when they were naked. He'd probably like it if Steve talked dirty.

Walking over to the shower, he caught Tony's hand and kissed his palm, waiting to see what his lover had in mind.

[legacyofiron]

"That is a good question. Would I?" Chuckling softly, he hummed a soft sound after it in thought. "I think I would have to find out. I've never really attached your looks to anything more than curiosity in the past... Now I know that it could be more. That could be problematic." Nodding sagely, he huffed a tiny laugh and sent the man he was so crazy in love with a small smile.

"True. Making out in public is not conducive to your team." Maybe that would keep him in line. The smile faltered as he considered that it being him would be the real reason...

Not now. He wouldn't worry about that now. "I promise you... I will never hurt you. Not like that." Never in bed and never with that kind of trust. He didn't want any future he had to raise his hand against Steve, but he knew for a fact he could make that promise. "I'll see what I can do, darlin'... I just need to get some things shipped in. We'll see." He winked at Steve and grinned.

Rolling his eyes at the 'language' comment, he mused that he would rather like to hear if Steve could talk dirty. That... would be an astounding moment to experience.

Turning at Steve's approach, he watched Steve kiss his palm and exhaled slowly. His fingers curled a little about Steve's before he stepped closer into his space and pressed his other hand to his chest. Splaying his fingers over Steve's skin, he lowered his eyes to watch as his hand smoothed down the younger's chest and over his abdomen. "Sometimes I just want to spend hours touching and kissing every inch of you..."

[like_a_gerbil]

"It wasn't always like that. I tried to hide it since I thought you weren't available." It still felt odd talking about that aspect of Tony's relationship with Pepper. He was grateful that his boyfriend had her in his life but it didn't seem right to discuss the unrequited love he'd felt for Tony when Steve had thought they were a couple. "But now it might be distracting. We'll have to try and see." It might work out or they might end up having sex in the workshop. Neither choice seemed like a bad option...

He knew that Tony had doubts, ones that Steve doubted he'd completely understand but he'd do everything he could to try to lessen them. "Our team." Tony might not officially be an Avenger but his work kept them safe. That meant he was part of the team even if he never wore the armor again. "And they'd probably freak out if they saw us. It'd be like walking in on their parents."

Butterflies caught in his chest when Tony agreed to have the armor - or something approximating it - brought in. That act was just as much a gesture of trust as Steve letting Tony manhandle him with the armor. He knew that Tony was trying to distance himself from Iron Man but he was still willing to indulge that fantasy for him. "I know you'll figure it out. Even if we just pretend, it's the idea of it." He'd like to be able to let go completely but even the illusion of it would be erotic.

Looking down at his boyfriend, he smiled softly, muscles twitching slightly beneath Tony's fingers. "Then you should." He could still make sure that Tony felt good while Tony drove him crazy. Leaning in, he kissed Tony deeply, licking into his mouth just long enough to leave his boyfriend dazed before gently tugging him into the shower. "Before we run out of hot water."