A Poisoned Touch

All those years ago, the first time he’d been to visit Asgard, there had been talk of handfasting. A wedding between him and Thor. And now… well now it was happening. 

Or, the first of three versions would be happening. 

Never in his life growing up in Brooklyn could he ever have predicted he’d become so important that three separate wedding ceremonies would be planned for him. And even now it seems ridiculous. But it’s his life, for better or worse, and he’s a prince, about to marry a prince, all while being a celebrity. Lord did he hate being a celebrity. At least he was able to convince people (see: Tony) that his wedding on Earth would be simple. It was the only one he had any amount of control over and he wanted it simple. 

He’d also argued to have this be the first, and thankfully Thor and the team had been on his side, because for all that they enjoyed poking fun at his princely status, they did understand how much of a curveball that had been for him. 

In the past two years so much had happened. Steve had buried Shield, he’d found out that Bucky was alive, he’d found Bucky with the help of Heimdall and then again with the help of Eir, he’d helped Bucky get well again. All that while he was traveling to his true home world every few months to keep in contact with Minister Atmos so that he could help facilitate the rebirth of the planet now that the infinity stone that had been poisoning it was gone. 

That was part of why it had taken so long to actually plan a wedding, well that and the fact that once he’d learned he’d have to go through it three times, he’d freaked out enough that poor Thor had eventually asked if he wanted to forgo the handfasting completely and just “live in sin as Tony has said.” 

“My love, you are thinking too much again.” Thor leaned into his space and kissed him softly before manhandling him to sitting on the god’s lap. “What is going on in that head of yours?” 

“Honestly?” Steve asked, from where he’d borrowed into Thor’s shoulder. 

“Always.” 

“Considering grabbing Buck and Nat and eloping.” Steve admitted. 

“Ah, is Tony demanding too much again?” 

“It’s not even his wedding!” Steve said. He pulled away, not leaving the arms that circled him, but so he could see Thor’s face. “It doesn’t matter how many times I say simple , he just keeps steamrolling me.” 

“Perhaps it is time to get Pepper involved. She is always able to stall him when he goes too far.” Thor offered. 

“I thought of that, but then I hate that I have to ask for help for something like this.” There was a whine to his voice that he hated, but the stress was really getting to him. And besides, Thor had made him promise he didn’t have to pretend to be strong all the time. 

“The Lady Pepper would never think you were bothering her, you are aware. Do not tell Tony, but I believe you are her favorite.” Steve laughed and curled back into Thor’s body, letting the larger man cuddle him. 

“You’re right.” He talks into skin that always smells like the air after a thunderstorm, “I know it. I’ll talk to her when she gets in tonight.” 

“Until then, I’ll protect you from Stark.” Thor promised.

“'Ank oo.” He mumbled. The safety of Thor’s arms always lulled him to sleep. 

When he woke, he heard voices. He didn’t want to leave the warmth and safety, but he recognized Buck’s voice so he pulled away. His wings ruffled and then settled when Thor ran a large palm over them. 

“Mornin’ sleepyhead.” Buck grinned at him. 

“Hey, you’re back. How was the mission?” 

“Nothing to write home about. Nat killed a man with a shoelace and I beat Clint’s long range best by accident.” Steve laughed. 

“Oh, Clint is gonna be pissed.” 

“Well he shouldn't have broken his arm trying to prove to Spidey that he was as flexible as a teen.” Bucky gloated. 

“True, true.” Steve finally slid off Thor’s lap to full stretch, one of his wings accidentally smacking Bucky in the back of the head. 

“Watch it pal.” 

“Sorry.” He pulled them back tight. “So, you staying here tonight or heading back to your palace?” 

“I figured I’d stick around. Thunder boy tells me you’re having issues with Start again and I figured I'm back up for when he gets pissy cause you’re gonna talk to Potts.”

“Aww, Buck, my hero.” Steve fluttered his eyelashes wildly, making Bucky laugh and Thor pull him close again. 

“That’s my job description, ain’t it?” He smirked, but then the smirk left his face completely and a look that Steve knew well replaced it. 

“What?” Steve asked. Curious what sort of mess his best friend was about to get them into. 

“Hey Thor, get your brother here?” Bucky asked, as his fingers flew over the phone he’d pulled out. 

Thor closed his eyes and the electricity that was always there, just under his skin, grew and his eyes went white. The light show left as quickly as it had arrived. “It is done.” 

“What’re you thinking Buck?” 

“I’m thinking that you absolutely do not want any hoopla, and that I happen to know that Clint is ordained. And…” He checked the alert on his phone. “Nat, Clint and Sam are on their way.” 

“Okay…” Steve wasn’t sure how all those things added up, until the bit about Clint finally settled. He grinned. The tiny feathers at the tips of his wings fluttered. “Really?” 

“Yeah, no eloping without us. But, we can do this right here, right now. No muss, no fuss.” 

“Thor? Is that okay?” It sounded perfect to Steve, but he wouldn’t do it if it wasn't enough for his guy.

“I think that considering there will be much fuss on Asgard and Naenia, that this sounds perfect. A quick ceremony and then perhaps we can order out for the pizza.” 

“I think that sounds lovely.” The three men turned to find Pepper standing in the doorway. 

“Are you sure that it doesn't undermine what you and Tony had started to plan?” Steve worried. 

“It is not about what Tony or I think, Steve. It is about you. So if this is what you want, we can have the paperwork expedited. And i can get the pizza ordered.” She offered him a soft smile. Steve really did appreciate her very much. 

“Then yes. I would love to get married today.” 

“As would I, elskan.” Thor told him, before pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

“Oh, finally. It is a good thing that Mother will arrive momentarily.” Four sets of eyes swung to find Loki lounging on the low couch by the windows. 

“It is so creepy how you just appear.” Pepper told him. “But as always it is good to see you, Loki. Did you say Queen Frigga would be arriving soon as well?” 

“Yes Miss Potts. Thor’s message was basically an urgent beacon and mother wanted to come check on him and Steve.” 

“Oh, it will be nice to see the Queen again.” Bucky grinned at Loki. The pair of them had become thick as thieves just like Steve had predicted, and Queen Frigga had a soft spot for Bucky. 

The elevator opened and Sam and Nat came out, and then Clint followed close behind, dressed in the nicest clothes that Steve had seen him in outside of when they were all forced to dress up for galas. The purple cast only made it better. 

“Steve-o. I hear I get to marry you and Thor today. I can't wait to shove it in Katie-Kate’s face that getting ordained wasn’t useless.” Clint dropped a bag and pulled out a binder. “I have simple vows and elegant vows, so whatever you two want, I can make it happen.” 

“Wow, Clint. Thanks. And simple, I'd wager.” Steve stood and looked around the collection of his favorite people. “I’m gonna go put on at least, nice pants and a button down. Be back in a few?” 

“Tony will be ready in about twenty minutes. I made him leave the lab and go shower.” Pepper looked up from her phone just as the Bifrost lit up the balcony.

“And that will be mother. Thor, you should go put on something a bit more elegant than that Spongebob t-shirt.” Loki told his brother. “I’ll sit with mother until you two are ready.” 

“As you say, brother.” Thor stood and ducked down to kiss Steve quickly before he ambled off toward the elevator. Steve watched him go before Nat quirked an eyebrow at him and remembered that he was supposed to be going too. He caught Thor before the doors closed and he heard their friends laughing. 

It didn’t take long for him to get ready. He didn’t fuss over the clothes too much and his feet stayed bare. He did do his hair how Loki had taught him. After a quick check in the mirror, he grabbed the ring he’d bought for Thor and he headed back down. 

In the common room, Thor stood with his mother, the pair of them looking golden as usual. His hair had been braided and the shirt he wore was wine red and a particular favorite of Steve’s. Sometimes he couldn’t believe just how lucky he was. 

“You ready Steve?” Nat walked over and just like she’d said all that time ago, she wore a suit. It was deep pink and the shirt was white. She looked amazing. 

“You look beautiful, Nat.” 

“Thanks Steve. I know Bucky went to change too. It’ll be me and him for you, because I don’t care that he’s your bestie from long ago, you promised.” She winked and he let one wing wrap around her a bit. 

“I did. And who aside from Loki is standing with Thor?” 

“Pepper.” Nat said with a grin. “Tony is pouting about the rush job, so Thor asked Pepper. You should have seen her. She blushed so prettily.” Steve could easily imagine it. 

“Well that's great. I like that we’re both even, one lady and one guy. It’s got a nice symmetry to it.” He just hoped that Tony got over it quickly. 

“Alright, if everyone is here…” Clint stood in front of the giant window. He looked respectable in a way that Steve hadn't expected, even if he was still grinning sort of goofy like. 

“I’m here, I’m here.” Bruce stumbled out of the elevator and rushed over. “Sorry, traffic was terrible.” 

“It’s okay Bruce, we would have waited for you.” Steve told him. 

“But since we don’t have to, let’s do this.” Tony snarked. Steve shot him a look but his friend was sitting there looking innocent. 

“One moment. Let me make the area a bit more… celebratory.” Loki waved his hand and a row of golden chairs appeared for the small group to sit and two tall vases of white roses book-ended Clint. “There we go.” 

“If you would take your places, there'll be no walking down the aisle here.” Clint said with a smile. Nat and Bcuky stood by Steve and Loki and Pepper, who must have changed while Steve had, stood next to Thor. 

“Welcome. By the power vested in me by the internet, I’m here today to marry this super soldier to this god.” Clint started. A round of groans mixed with laughter spilled through the room. “I kid, I’m here with the absolute privilege to bring our friends peace and happiness with each other.” 

Steve took Thor’s offered hand and listened as Clint talked them both up before telling them it was their turn for vows. Steve took the ring he’d had for nearly a year, and slipped it on Thor’s finger. 

“With this ring I promise to be your shield. To stand before you if needed and by your side if wanted. Today I choose you and I will continue to choose you for the rest of our long lives, in peace and in battle.” Steve didn’t cry, but it was close. 

When it was Thor’s turn, he slid a ring on Steve’s finger. “With this ring, I promise to hold you always, to fight by your side always, to love you always.” 

“You may kiss the groom.” Clint clapped. “Ow, fuck. Sorry.” 

Steve didn’t pay him any mind. He was too busy kissing his husband.