and tony cannot 每 will not 每 argue with that word or tone of voice, not ever. he nods wordlessly and gives steve a push. steve acquiesces and lets go of tony＊s hips, toeing his off and reaching down to pull off his socks. he doesn＊t appear to think twice about pulling his shirt over his head, tossing it aside and then reaching for the button of his jeans. tony＊s mouth goes dry as steve pushes them down his thighs and then shimmies out of them, kicking them off and then turning to crawl up the bed. god, he＊s all tight muscle and glorious expanses of skin, begging for tony to map each line and space with his mouth. he resists the urge though, watching as steve climbs under the covers and settles on his side, on the left side of the bed.

god, but that man is beautiful.

steve sighs, pulling at his pillow, eyes already closed. ※get in,§ he murmurs, and who is tony to deny that request. he＊s glad steve is lying on his left side because it means he＊s facing tony. not that he＊d beplaining about getting to get to see the glorious expanse of steve＊s back and shoulders, but right now he wants to be able to see his face, to catalogue every breath andmit every flicker of his eyelids to memory.

tony unbuttons his own jeans and kicks them off and then, feeling slightly like he＊s in a dream, goes around to the other side of the bed and climbs in. he leaves his shirt on, concious of both the arc reactor and the fact this is the first time they've done anything like this. ※you got a tablet anywhere?§ he asks as he shifts, edging closer to steve.

※nightstand,§ steve mumbles back.

tony twists around and then falters. he＊s spotted the tablet but that＊s not what＊s caught his attention; the tablet is half underneath a sketchbook, and the sketchbook is open. on the top page is a trio of sketches done in what looks like green felt pen; one is a snapshot of steve fighting what appears to be a version of himself; the second is a small kid with a stripy shirt and scuffed knees who looks suspiciously like a little version of steve; the final is a profile of tony, smiling gently and warmly.

his eyes feel far too warm. he debates asking steve about the drawings now, but steve is already breathing deeply and evenly. instead, tony carefully pulls the tablet out from under the sketchbook, settling back against the pillows, half sitting and half reclining.

he means to read, to check in on some data for the stress capabilities for the new suit, but he can＊t. he＊s got steve right there next to him, and tony can＊t stop looking at him. god, over the past few months he＊d thought he＊d lost steve in more ways than one, and now he＊s got him right here next to him.

he remembers the conversation they＊d had when they＊d talked before he＊d left for la; steve＊s careful words and his own honest reply.

＆and if i don＊t want?＊

＆then you don＊t get.＊

tony＊s eyes flick to steve again, and his heart aches at how peaceful he looks. he reaches out, brushes his fingertips lightly along steve＊s jaw for a moment.

※you want, you get, rogers,§ he murmurs, a smile on his lips that he doesn＊t think is going to go anywhere anytime soon.

steve wakes up just as the sun is setting. the blinds haven＊t been drawn over the windows and the last of the light is casting an orange glow over the room, long dark shadows stretching across the carpet and bed. it＊s peaceful and warm and quiet, and he doesn＊t want to break it.

he blinks slowly, eyes on the form that＊s lying next to him. tony is asleep; he＊s lying on his back with a tablet held loosely in his hand, resting against his chest. his other arm is resting loosely over his stomach, and his breathing is steady and easily audible as he breathes through his parted lips.

steve doesn＊t think. he doesn＊t question or second guess. he just shifts closer, lifting himself up on his elbow, and as he does his bare legs brush tony＊s under the blankets and a shiver goes through him. his eyes flicker over tony＊s face, taking in all the details that he＊s noticed but never stopped to appreciate before. the dark of his eyelashes lying against his skin, the soft bow of his upper lip. objectively, he＊s a handsome man; steve＊s always known and acknowledged that. but now it＊s more; he＊s here and he＊s steve＊s and that means he can act on these new feelings that are simmering pleasantly under his skin.

he wonders how any other steves across the multiverse discovered this just like he has, and then he decides he doesn＊t give a damn, leaning over and brushing his mouth over tony＊s.

tony stirs, making a rough noise in the back of his throat. he shifts atop the mattress, shoulders inching back and chest lifting towards steve＊s, and steve feels want uncurl warm and fluttering in his belly. it＊s something he＊s not felt in so long, and it disconcerts him a little how strong it is; it＊s as if now he＊s realised exactly what he and tony can have, all the barriers are toppling like towers of cards.

steve kisses him again, catching his lower lip between his own, slowly tipping his head back and gently breaking the contact. tony moves again, lifting one leg so it bends at the knee, foot flat on the mattress. he also lifts his head from the pillow, chasing after steve＊s mouth with his own. steve indulges him with another gentle kiss; it＊s all he can manage before he has to pull back, overwhelmed by sensation and emotion.

※you drew me,§ is the first thing that tony says, before he's even opened his eyes, words gentle puffs of air against steve＊s chin.

※i did,§ steve confirms, eyes flicking to where his sketch book lies on the nightstand. tony's eyes open slowly, and he just breathes out, not replying for a long while. he blinks up at the ceiling, expression inscrutable when he finally speaks.

※do i read into that?§

※depends what you＊re reading,§ steve says, pulling back a little. he shoves his pillows up and out of the way against the headboard to rest his elbow on the mattress, propping his head on his fist. he feels physically fine now he＊s had some rest, though is still a little shaky after witnessing the fighting between him and tony across the multiverse. even the memory of it makes him want to grab tony and haul him close, promise him that he＊ll never be t