First Date
Tony was currently chatting to a mother from their pack, holding her baby as she unpacked some clothes she had enough time to grab. Tony was blowing raspberries on the baby's cheek, laughing as the little thing squealed in joy as she grabbed Tony's finger, trying to chew on it like a toy but with no luck. Her gums were too soft to do any real damage, which made her cry. "Oh, honey, it's okay!" Tony cooed and rocked the baby up and down, attempting to comfort her. She stopped crying, but clung to Tony for dear life "Here sweetheart, go back to your mama." He smiled, passing the baby girl to her mother as he waved goodbye to them both.
Bucky whistled, crossing his arms as he checked Tony up. "Damn, Stevie." He bit his lip. "You sure you're not interested in that girl I tried to set you up with two months ago? You two would look nice together." he smirked, laughing at once with his wolf. "Leave me the little baker, what about it?"
Steve rolled his eyes "Just because you're bi doesn't mean you get pick of everyone, I have to remind you of that every time." He chuckled. "Aaand I'm alpha now so yeah, that one's mine." He smirked and walked over to Tony. "Hey Tony, this is Bucky."
"What's up, doll?" Bucky asked in a low voice, struggling so hard not to get the world's smuggest shit-eating grin on his face as he put out his hand. "What's your name? Something as beautiful as you, I'm sure."
Tony blushed and offered Bucky a shy smile, shaking the man's hand. "Um, it's-it's Tony. I assume you're the one who put me to sleep?" He asked, which made Bucky wince apologetically.
"Yeah, sorry about that, baby doll. Shame I messed up such a pretty face." Tony laughed, red dust still sprinkled on his face. Bucky was funny, he'll give him that.
"Bet you say that to all people you knock out."
"How do you think I keep charges off my back?"
"Um, anyway." Steve gave Bucky a pointed look. "Wanna help with the kids? I need to talk to Tony."
"Yeah, yeah." Bucky took a piece of paper from the nearest agents and wrote his number on it, handing it to Tony with a wink. "Call me if Stevie here doesn't deliver, sweetheart." He said before leaving, taking some pups with him.
Tony blushed, giving Bucky a soft "Bye!'' As he walked away. Now alone with Steve, he nervously played with his fingers "Um, so, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well... Um, to be honest I usually tend to lose people to Bucky, but I'll ask anyway..." he seemed nervous but he reminded himself that he was the Alpha now, he could do this. "I um... I was wondering... If you still wanted to... Have that dinner?" He had meant it to sound confident but he sounded completely nervous.
Tony blinked, wearing a puzzled look on his face. Still, he nodded, a smile plastered on his lips "Yeah, sure! When do you think you'll be free?" He asked, hoping he reassured the man in any way. He didn't know why Steve seemed so nervous over a simple dinner. "I was thinking we could have a picnic, actually," Tony said excitedly "In a park, maybe? So we can play with Peter after! I think he'd like the open, to run around, you know?"
Steve raised a hand. "I'm sorry to derail your plans... But um... Like I said I would like to do a proper restaurant, and... With it being a um... Just me and you, I think it would be better to leave Peter here with his Aunties." Steve explained.
"Oh!" blushing furiously, Tony's eyes widened as realisation washed over him. He hated how oblivious he was at times. "Oh you meant THAT type of dinner." He shook his head, telling himself to reply already. "Yeah, I'd love to go, if you want to take me."
Steve smiled. "I was thinking tonight, if you're up for it...? Or I could always call Bucky back, I'm sure he'd be happy to talk more." he chuckled, but the other man could see that that had happened before judging by how nervous Steve seemed at the flirting Bucky had been doing.
Smiling softly, Tony gently took one of Steve's hand into his own, squeezing it tenderly, and, despite his embarrassment, he looked directly into Steve's eyes, wanting the man to know he was sincere "I'd rather talk with you." He smiled "Yes, Bucky's cute and yes, charming, and I'd like to know him more, but he's not the one I like. Not in the way I like you."
Steve blushed fully and rubbed the back of his neck. "Really...?"
"Yeah!" Tony nodded. "You don't have to worry. Really, Steve. I like YOU ok?"
Steve nodded "I like you too... Tell you what, I'll give you an hour or so to get ready, and I'll come by to get you later."
"Oh, that's gonna be a new record, " Tony chuckled, but his eyes were soft and apologetic as he said the next words "Steve, I wanted to say, I'm really sorry for that time with Peter... I shouldn't have interrupted you. It was your business, and I butted in. I'm very sorry."
"I may have overreacted..." Steve cursed his wolfs temper. "I'm sorry too, but I'm happy you understand my boundaries... most people don't have that courtesy. Peter loves you, which I'm glad about, I just think there are a few things I need to be in charge of..."
"I understand." Tony nodded, tone gentle. "You also respected me, so I think it's only right. Though, that's just only one boundary I know about you, I think, but I guess we'll get better at talking if this evolves." He chuckled "but... I get you have things you want to be in charge of. I just hope one day I'll be able to help you with them so it doesn't fall on your shoulders alone."
Steve nodded, happy Tony had accepted what he'd said. "I'll see you in about an hour, ok?"
Tony blushed, finally letting Steve's hand go as he stuttered. "Y-yeah, I'll see you! Can't wait!" He smiled, clumsily running into a door. "You-you have to open this first, I forgot!" he laughed awkwardly, as he ran away, while cursing at himself. Steve's wolf watched him through Steve's eyes, only one thing on it's tongue 'I want.'
'I know, but don't get too overboard too quickly, that's not how humans do things.' Steve told his wolf and himself. 'Don't want to scare him off'
The mother Tony helped chuckled as she held her baby close, eyes following Tony as he ran away. "He's a cute one, isn't he? Really kind, too. Those are rare." she winked at her Alpha. She turned serious again. "Alpha." she sighed, rocking her baby, who started crying again. "When are we going to go? I don't think they'd be too happy with us staying here forever..."
"We won't be staying here forever, and Steve is fine. No need to call me Alpha. We'll have to stay here for a while, but hopefully soon we can leave..."
"Yeah." she nodded, voice soft and worried as she brushed her daughter's hair away from her eyes, "I just hope we'll have somewhere to be once we do."
"Of course we will, there's a nice spacious park I know, I think it would be great. It's also closer to the humans, and there's a forest nearby for hunting. We just need to deal with the others first..."
"My husband left me some money when he died..." she admitted, barely above a whisper. "It should be enough for us to build a cabin or house in the woods. We can't always stay in our wolf forms, Steve... It takes away from our humanity, I think." she shrugged, eyes downcast on the ground, afraid she'll be scolded for suggesting when she wasn't asked. "Like you said, we're humans too. Half, but still."
"I know, I really wasn't suggesting we stay in wolf form." Steve chuckled. "And don't feel bad about speaking up, I'll want feedback from all of you." he sighed. "I know it will take a while to get used to this new setup... But I want to be a good Alpha. Trust me, I find the human parts of ourselves just as important. I'm not like the last Alpha, times have changed and we all must as well."
"You're not like him." She whispered. "We... We were good pack-mates. But he wasn't a good leader." Looking down, she got a small smile on her face as she said; "My mother used to say 'men who are stuck in the past are destined to relive it. And so will you if you follow him'." a dark chuckle escaped her as she kissed her daughter's forehead. "If only she knew how right she was..."
"There's nothing to worry about in terms of following the past, we are never going to follow those old rules. The kids will be safe and we all with thrive without following what our Uncles have said." Steve reassured, rubbing the top of her arm. "Now, I have a date to get ready for." He smirked and headed to the door.
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"I have a date to get ready for, and I'm not ready! " Tony shouted into the phone to Pepper, while digging in his closet "Pep, I'm a disaster, I need your help. I don't have anything to wear!"
"Your closet is literally a clothing store."
"That's not the point, Pep, please!" Tony groaned, burying his face into his hands.
"Just wear whatever makes you comfortable, Tony." she sighed, feeling fond exasperation grow inside her chest. "How about a dress? You bought a cute blue one last week, right? Just dress like that."
Steve had told tony he didn't mind the dresses, even saying Tony would look cute in one, so maybe it wouldn't be too bad...? Right?
"No, it wouldn't be, dum dum." Pepper laughed. Asking how she knew what he was thinking about, Pepper smirked. "You spoke out loud, Tones. Chill. Dress how you like, and if he doesn't like it, drop em."
Tony nodded and thanked her, looking down at his dresses and spotting the little blue number he'd recently gotten.
Taking a big breath, Tony put the dress on, taking a look at himself in the mirror. The dress itself wasn't long, but wasn't short, either. It reached Tony's mid thighs, it was baby blue in colour, making his tanned skin stand out. He froze when he heard a knock on the door. "Okay Stark..." he took a deep breath as he hopped down the stairs of his home. "This isn't the scariest thing you've ever done."
Steve stood leaning against the doorway, flowers in his hands, he looked from the wall to Tony and his eyes lit up, a small genuine smile planting itself on his lips.
Tony's blush could have put tomatoes to shame as he played with his fingers, smile shy and unsure as he whispered, barely audible; "Hello." He nodded, eyes lightening up when he saw the flowers Steve was holding. "Um, are those for me?"
"No they're for the lovely little kitty I saw down the road." He smirked. "Of course they're for you, silly." He paused, stopping once again to take in the view. "You," He stepped forward, placing a small kiss on Tony's cheek. "Look lovely." He smiled, softly, easing the others nerves. "I know a great little place, if you're ready to go?"
"I'd love that." Tony's voice was a bit higher as he said it, recovering from being kissed. Clearing his throat, he asked in a barely audible tone as they stepped out of Tony's apartment building, heading towards wherever Steve lead them to. "Steve...? Can I-would it be ok if I held your hand?"
Steve smiled and silently took the other man's hand, leading him to the restaurant. "Would it be rude if I asked you a question?"
"Depends on what the question is." Tony said quietly with a smile as they entered the restaurant, and Tony tried really hard not to feel like every pair of eyes was on him, but he was failing.
"You look beautiful." Steve reminded him, whispering in his ear as he took the other man's coat. "Trust me."
'Don't blush, no, bad Tony, stop it.' Tony's smile was crooked, but it was still something he supposed. Clearing his throat, Tony thanked Steve for getting his coat as they sat at a table "T-Thank you, Steve, that's really sweet of you to say. You too." he added softly "What was the question?"
"Um, in terms of the dresses..? Nothing bad, trust me. Is it like Loki, where he'll change between female and male, or is it strictly male and you just enjoy dressing in female clothing?" he asked hesitantly, trying his best to show that whatever the answer was he was open to it.
Tony stayed quiet for a minute as he thought it over before answering. "I just like wearing dresses, honestly." he shrugged, but a blush was still persistent on his face. "I don't identify in the same way Loki does. I'm still a man, only one that wears heels sometimes." he chuckled. "They just make me feel...Pretty, that's all."
Steve grinned, happy no offence was taken. "That's completely fine with me. What do you think looks good?" he looked down at the menu, seeing what meat they had.
"My date, but the the pasta looks pretty nice too." Tony replied softly, pouring some water in a glass for himself. "Oh yeah, I've been meaning to ask. Besides hunting, do you have anything else you enjoy doing? I didn't get the chance to ask on that dinner we had."
"I actually enjoy, and don't laugh, drawing... I love illustrating and art and all that stuff, I love looking after the kids of course, I enjoy my work with S.H.I.E.L.D, doing some good, and I like my pack." Steve replied, drinking some water himself.
Tony listened, absorbing every word with interest. They placed their orders as the waiters came over and he turned back to Steve; He was impressed and intrigued that a hunter would have a hobby such as drawing and art, but if anything, it made Tony even more interested in the man. Still, he could see Steve was a bit embarrassed by this, and Tony decided it won't be on his watch. "It's awesome you found a hobby you enjoy." he said with a soft smile "What's your favourite thing about drawing?"
Steve let a smile creep onto his face, he never really got to talk about his hobbies. "The lines... How they all just come together to create something... Ya know?"
Tony nodded "I get what you mean. It's really magical, to me, watching something come to life." he sighed with a grin on his face as they orders arrived. Twirling the pasta on his fork, he asked; "Have you ever thought of pursuing a career as an artist, though?"
"It's more of a hobby." Steve smiled. "I enjoy cooking as well, as you've seen."
"And tasted!" Tony smiled. "You're a one-man package, aren't you?"
Steve smiled. "How's the pasta?"
"It's good." Tony nodded. "How's your food?" At the confirmation that it was satisfactory, Tony continued, tone taking a shier tone "Um, now that you mentioned hobbies... My friend gave me some tickets for an event next week. Maybe you'd like to go? With me? If you want?"
Steve nodded excitedly. "I haven't been to an interesting event since i was five! I went with my... dad." His excited tone softened as he spoke of his father. "You would have gotten along." He took another sip of his drink. "So um... I'm pretty nervous about the next question I'm going to ask and it might be a bit forward..."
Tony's eyes were warm as he looks at Steve. He smiled when the blonde's voice softened when talking about his father. It was clear he loved his parental figure a lot "Sounds like a good guy." with a half smile, Tony put his fork back on the plate, abandoning the food for a while. "If you're comfortable with talking about him, I'd love to know more."
"Well, I guess my question can wait a little while." Steve smiled. "My dad was... a great guy. He taught me everything I know, he was so patient about it all, he listened to my questions and didn't immediately reprimand me when I got something wrong... He taught me my peoples history, the family tree, all about foraging and hunting... I was TERRIFIED of him finding out I liked art... But when he saw my drawings, he took me to the art gallery..."
"You're right, he sounds like he was a wonderful person." 'nothing like what I've got' Tony thought, but quickly reprimanded himself. This isn't about him, it was about Steve. His daddy issues could wait. "You're very lucky to have had such supportive parents in your life." Tony smiled genuinely. "I'm glad they took care of you, Steve. I'm sure he'd be proud to see his son has become such a good father to his own son."
"He was amazing, but I wouldn't say supportive parents, my mum left the group when I was a pup." He shrugged.
Tony frowned "pup?"
Steve cursed himself but played it off normally. "Yeah, that's what my dad always called me, I call Peetee that sometimes too." He chuckled. "Just means kid."
Tony chuckled, accepting the answer. "Man, now I see where Peter gets the wolf fever!" getting a gentler tone of voice, he said. "I'm sorry... about your Mom."
Steve shrugged. "I didn't really know her, to be honest..." he began asking Tony questions then, to change the subject. He always worried about Peter, also not growing up with a mother.
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"Right." Tony nodded "So, what was your question from earlier?"
Steve paused, taking a sip of his drink. "My question is... And I'm gonna try not to sound too cheesy when I say this, I know we haven't known each other for very long, a week probably isn't enough time to say this... But... Talking to you and hanging out with you and seeing how you are with Peter I just... I feel like I've known you a lot longer..." He began, being careful with his words.
Heart beating faster and faster, Tony felt like he almost couldn't breathe. Was Steve going to ask what he thought he was going to ask? Tony hoped so. Tony craved for it to be. Noticing the man's hands began to shake, Tony reached to take them into his own, lacing their fingers together. "S-Steve, I feel the same way with you," he started, voice shaky "I just, I like you so much and there are so many amazing things about you that make me feel like I'm the luckiest guy in the world for just being able to share the same air as you. The way you're with Peter, with your family and friends, how caring you are, your kindness towards me and so many others, I just...I'm just crazy about you. I know it might sound insane but maybe we could-"
"-Your check, sirs." the waiter interrupted their moment, settling the check on the table with a raised brow.
Tony smiled, trying not to show how irritated he was. He sighed, knowing the man was just doing his job. Eyes settling on Steve again, he shrugged half-heatedly. "I guess it's time to go, " He murmured, taking out some money to pay for both of them. "Here, this one's on me." winking at Steve, he grinned. "Don't even say anything. I want to treat you."
Steve sighed, a small smile appearing. "It was MY idea to bring YOU out for a meal considering the last two times have been at your place." Steve reminded him as he finished off his water. Wolf culture was very much courtesy though, so if the other member wanted to pay they could. The stubbornness usually meant that they ended up splitting the check though.
"Yeah, but I want to spoil you a little." Tony shrugged, as he paid for the meal. Standing up, he offered his hand to Steve "Do you want to go pick up Peter and watch a movie at my place?"
Steve took his hand, sighing as they left the restaurant. "Right, seriously I need to finish what I was going to ask..."
"You can ask anytime, " Tony assured him, squeezing his hand in comfort. "I'm not going anywhere, promise. There's no rush."
Steve sighed. "Tony... Let me do this."
Tony took a big breath, nodding his head. "Yeah, yeah, sorry, go ahead."
Steve stopped them both walking at a bench and sat down with him, taking both of his hands. "Tony..."
"I'm here." Tony whispered, proving his point by gently tightening his hold on the man's hands. Warm brown eyes stared into blue ones, and Tony could barely hear the noise of New York around them over the wild thumping of his heart. "I'm here, Steve. Ask me."
"Tony..." he took a deep breath. "will you... Be my... Boyfriend...?"
Tony didn't even realise he was hugging Steve until cold air brushed against his arms from his coat falling off as the brunette jumped in Steve's arms, wrapping his arms around Steve's neck. Happiness blossomed in his chest and he barely could contain his excitement. Yes. Yes. In this life and every other. "I'd love to!" he whispered, "I'd love to be your boyfriend."
Steve smiled and softly lent close, stopping and looking into the other man's eyes. "May I...?" he asked, his hand softly resting on Tony's cheek.
"Yeah." Tony gasped quietly, hand too caressing Steve's cheek, hands gently cupping the man's face, almost like Steve was going to disappear any second now "Please do."
Steve closed the distance and tentatively kissed the other man, so soft it sent shivers down Tony's spine, he hadn't thought that Steve would be this gentle, but it was perfect for their first kiss.
'My hear feels warm' Tony thought as he kissed Steve back softly, silently wondering how he lived without the sensation of warm lips pressed against his and scruffy beard scratching his face. Kissing Steve was like floating on water. Like this, Tony had no worries, and nothing and no one existed but the man that made his heart jump out of his chest. He couldn't help but wonder if Steve felt the same with him 'is this how it feels?'.
Steve couldn't have imagined a better kiss taking place, his heart was doing back flips at Tony accepting him. Now there was just the issue of the... Other side of him that needed to be accepted. But that could wait for now.
'He is ours,' Steve's wolf decided and growled in satisfaction when Tony accepted them, opened his arms for them, letting them do what they wanted. He could feel fondness and warmth blossoming for the human that was soon to be his mate. He had to be their mate. 'Mate.'
'Not yet, we can't rush things, Tony isn't a wolf, he's a human.' Steve reminded his wolf, still enjoying the kiss.
'No matter.' the wolf insisted 'he is our mate. I can feel it. You need to claim him already. He belongs with us. He's perfect for us.'
'shush' Steve grumbled to the wolf, before breaking the kiss with Tony. He watched Tony's dopey smile, and chuckled. "Was that ok?"
Nodding, Tony came closer, resting his chin on Steve's shoulder, nose brushing against Steve's neck, closing his eyes, feeling a wave of peace wash over him "It was perfect. Just perfect." Purred Tony, ''There's more where that came from. Just for reference."
Steve chuckled, happy that Tony was happy.
Pulling away from the embrace, Tony stood up from the bench, beaming up at Steve. "You're my boyfriend!" He said like he couldn't believe it.
Steve laughed "Yes I am, if you still want me." He joked.
"Of course I do!" Tony grinned. "If you want me, too."
Steve laughed "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't. Do you want to head back to S.H.I.E.L.D?"
Tony nodded, taking Steve's hand into his own as they started going. "Yeah, it's getting kinda late. It's almost curfew, right? I don't want Pete to tire himself out." a grumbling noise coming for Steve's stomach made him chuckle "And I have to get home so I can make dinner for my boyfriend, so we better hurry."
Steve nodded "Peetee knows when to sleep, he would have been asleep in the day, remember? Night school..."
"Oh, yeah, you mentioned that." Tony nodded back, resting his head on Steve's shoulder as they walked, smile getting wider when Steve wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him a bit closer. "Thought Pete's really hyper, I can't imagine him sleeping during the day if I'm being honest. Him running around the house playing till he drops is what comes to me." he chuckled fondly.
"We don't need as much sleep as most people so we only really sleep for a few hours unless we're really tired."
Tony chuckled "I can't help but think of a puppy when you say it like that. Or a baby wolf."
Steve chuckled. "Does sound similar"
"Speaking of baby wolves." sighed Tony, a bit discouraged. "I can't find that pup I found in park. I've searched everywhere, but I can't find him. Do you think he ran when Bucky, uh... Paid us a visit?"
Steve looked at him "I didn't see him even before Bucky came round... Maybe he got out? I'm sure he's fine, puppies are territorial, if he wasn't ok he'd have come back to yours by now. He probably found his mother and is long gone..."
Tony pouted a bit, looking at the ground "I hope he did. It's too bad thought, I wanted to adopt him. He was really adorable, reminded me of Pete a lot."
"It's for the best if the pup found his mother." Steve reminded him.
"Yeah, you're right and I know that." Tony sighed. He knew that it was for the best. "I hope I'll see him again someday, though."