Exile

“” ‘’  —

Memory is not in the head

only. It’s midnight, 

you existed once, you exist

again, my entire skin

sensitive as an eye, 

imprint of you

glowing against me, 

burnt-out match in a dark room.

—Margaret Atwood

Steve stared at his reflection and sighed. Even in his nicest button-up shirt, he still looked like the help. 

Howard had said that there wouldn’t be a dress code. 

But Steve knew how Tony threw parties. 

“You look lovely, doll.” Jamie was sitting on the bed trying to distract Peggy from her party dress. 

Steve blushed. He still wasn't used to that. “Y-You're sure you want to go?”

Jamie shrugged. “I just want to be with you.”

Steve felt as if he might float away with all the butterflies flying in his chest. 

Peggy pouted. 

“She really doesn’t like her dress,” James commented. 

Steve sighed. “She cant’ wear a onesie. Everyone’s gonna be guzzied up.”

“Not everyone’s a baby.” James kissed the top of her peach-fuzz head. 

“Guess you’re right,” Steve said. He really didn’t want to deal with a cranky Peggy tonight. 

James freed Peggy from her itchy party dress, and the baby cooed in triumph. 

“She’s got you wrapped around her little fingers,” Steve said handing him the yellow onesie with bees and flowers. 

Jamie blew a raspberry on Peggy’s tummy. 

Peals of laughter filled the apartment. 

“I can think of worse masters,” Jamie said softly. 

Steve frowned. Sometimes, he felt an ancient sadness around James. 

James didn't talk about the war. He didn't even talk about it in Sam’s VA group. 

Steve had worked with enough veterans to know that he wasn't ready to open up yet, but he also knew that he wouldn't start healing until he opened up. 

“C’mon, let’s get this party started.” Jamie grinned. 

Steve grinned back. “You’re sure you want to go?”

“I go where you go, Punk,” Jamie replied. 

They held hands as they walked towards the Stark Tower. 

A Stark Galla was always over the top. 

Steve always felt out of place, but at least he wasn't alone anymore. 

“Stevie, my boy!” Howard exclaimed jovially. 

“Look at you! You look even older than yesterday,” Steve joked. 

Howard laughed and grinned cheekily at Steve. “And is this your boyfriend?”

Steve blushed. “Um, this is uh James.”

“Nice to meet you!” Howard squeezed James' hand as he shook it. 

The two Alphas stared at each other for a moment. 

“You’ve been good for Stevie,” Howard finally said. 

“It ain’t hard to be good to someone,” James said simply. 

Howard smiled. "I like him!”

Steve wrapped his arm around Jamie's waist. “He’s mine!”

Jamie pressed a kiss atop Steve's head. 

“You make sure this one has some fun,” Howard said grinning at James. “He’s too serious.”

James nodded. 

“I’ll try to catch up with you guys later, but I’ve got to posture to all the rich fuddy duddies.” Howard sighed dramatically. 

“He’s always like that,” Steve explained. 

James’ mouth quirked. “I like him.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Course, you two would get along.”

James’ lips hovered near Steve's ear. “I really liked that you called me yours.”

“Well, you are.” Steve stood on his tippy toes and kissed his jaw. 

“You wanna dance, doll?” Jamie asked. 

Steve grinned. “I’d love to."

“I was asking the little princess.” Jamie chuckled. “But I’ll dance with you too, honey cheeks.”

Steve giggled. 

“Steven!” Thor boomed from across the room.

James startled a bit at the loud noise. 

“It is good to see you again," Thor greeted Steve warmly. 

“I’m gonna give this girl a dance,” James said softly.

Steve watched James twirl around with Peggy in his arms.  

James was a natural dancer. 

“You and your pup appear to be in good health,” Thor commented. 

“We are. My uh boyfriend’s seeing to it.” Steve still wasn't used to saying that.

“I am happy for you, my friend.” Thor grinned. 

Jamie and Peggy walked back over. 

“Would you watch the little one?” Jamie asked. “I want to take this one out on the dance floor.”

Thor grinned. "It would be my honor.”

James literally swept Steve off his feet. 

Steve had never been good at dancing, but he felt like he was flying in James’ arms. “How did you learn to dance?” 

“M-My ma,” James whispered. 

“Did she teach you like this?” Steve asked stepping on his toes.

Jamie grinned and danced with him as if they were lovestruck boys.  

When they had returned to Thor, Steve took a few shaky breaths. 

James frowned. “I’ll get you some water.”

Steve smiled gratefully. Rocking Peggy back and forth, he waited for James to return.

“Didn’t realize Dad invited the help,” Tony drawled. 

Steve tensed uncomfortably. “It’s his birthday; he can invite who he wants.”

Tony glared at him. “Why’d you bring the pup? Didn’t realize you trained them that young.”

“I can’t afford a sitter,” Steve growled. 

“Shouldn’t have had her then,” Tony growled. 

James stepped between the threatening Alpha and his Omega. “Is there a problem here?”

“Nah, we’re old friends. Aren’t we, Stevie?” Tony’s voice was laced with venom. 

James settled his arms around Steve. 

“And you are?” Tony asked. 

“I’m his,” James said. 

“He’s used goods,” Tony said. 

Jamie grinned. “I didn’t know I was that good.”

Tony sputtered. 

Steve burst into laughter. 

Tony stormed off.

“Thank you,” Steve whispered. 

James kissed his cheek. “He shouldn’t have talked to you like that.”

“I’m used to it,” Steve admitted. 

“You shouldn’t be." James hugged him tight. “You wanna dance again?"

Steve shook his head. “Honestly, I just wanna go home and cuddle."

Jamie smiled softly. “Then that’s what we’ll do."

“Ugh,” Steve groaned. “The Howlies won’t forgive me if I don’t at least drop by.”

“You’re exhausted, doll.” James frowned. “And you’ve got work tomorrow.”

Steve sighed. “Let’s go home."

***

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