Chapter 1
Two days before his thirtieth birthday and his friends were still trying to convince him to do something special about it. He had explained, numerous times, that he didn’t want to celebrate it and would rather just work through the day. They had taken it upon themselves to try and plan a party and even tried to get someone to cover Steve’s 24 hour shift that day – but he still refused.
Even as a kid he didn’t care about his birthday, never understood why some people wanted the world to shut down to praise them for something that literally everyone had.
So here he was, sitting in the station at the end of his shift, listening to his friends do their best to convince him to at least get a drink to celebrate.
“I don’t drink, Nat,” he said, ignoring the eye roll the red head threw at him.
“We’re not asking you to get shit-faced, just a drink to celebrate!” Clint offered as he sat next to Natasha on the couch.
“Come on Steve, the stars have aligned for this! You have no responsibilities, Sharon offered to take your shift, what actual excuse do you have?” Sam asked as he finished cleaning their station before the next medics came in.
“Guys, really, I appreciate it. But I would really rather work,” Steve said after giving the three some pointed eye contact. His friends collectively groaned but didn’t press the matter any further, especially when they were no longer the only ones in the station.
“What are you homos talking about?” Brock Rumlow said as he made his way to join the group, followed by his partner Kyle who laughed loudly at the man’s question.
“Steve’s turning 30 in two days and doesn’t want to get a drink with us,” Clint explained as Steve felt himself fume a little.
To be fair, no one knew.
Steve himself had been fighting with who he was for the last 29 years, so it wasn’t like Rumlow was targeting him specifically. He was an asshole with zero sensitivity who regularly threw homophobic slurs around cause it’d get the occasional laugh. Not from his friends, who at the most would offer an amused smile towards the guy. But other medics and EMTs at the station thought he was hilarious – and so it made it cement his idea of staying in the closet. Plus his life was complicated enough at the moment, and if he’d survived 29 years of not telling anyone his true self…well…he could always keep it in a little longer.
“Sounds like what you need Rogers is to get laid,” Rumlow said with a laugh. “A drink could help you loosen up enough to actually talk to a woman. God knows how long it’s been since you stuck your dick in a nice piece of ass.”
“Shut the fuck up Brock,” Nat said exasperatedly. “Your fragile ego is literally suffocating the entire room.” She got up and grabbed her stuff to head out.
“Looks he’s not the only one who needs to get laid. Happy to lend you my services, Romanoff,” Rumlow sneered at her as she offered him a middle finger in response.
“Watch it Rumlow,” Clint said as he also got his stuff to leave.
“I’m teasing!” Brock offered. “Can’t take a joke…”
“I think it has to be funny, to be considered a joke,” Sam offered as he finally stood up and stretched to go home.
“What crawled up your collective asses? Tough shift?” the man asked more sincerely as Sam waved and made his exit. Steve took pity on the guy, and seeing as he was the only one left, felt kinda obligated to answer.
“Nah, just long,” he offered as he stood up and stretched.
“So you’re really not doing anything for your birthday, huh?”
“Just working,” Steve said with a small smile.
“Isn’t the kid gone? You should take advantage of that and have fun for once, Rogers. I’m serious, I’ll be your wingman if you need help finding some good pussy.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m just working that day. Have a good shift man,” Steve said as he made his way out, thinking maybe Rumlow wasn’t as shitty as he thought.
And then he heard the gay jokes at his expense as the door closed.
He felt his phone vibrate throughout the night and opted to not check it, glad for the distraction as Sam continued explaining to him in detail how the prequels somehow ruined the sequels of whatever franchise he was talking about. He was glad Sam was his partner, only offering the man a “happy birthday” and paid for coffee. He nodded along and smiled until they got a call from dispatch.
MALE, LATE 30s, INTOXICATED, SUFFERED BURNS FROM A 'FLAME THROWER' AND CUTS FROM BROKEN GLASS
Steve hit the sirens as they made their way to the given location.
“Holy shit this is the Stark Mansion,” Sam said as they both stared in awe of the building. Steve parked the ambulance in the front entrance as the two grabbed their gear and the stretcher.
“Stark? Where do I know that name from?” Steve asked as Sam shot him an unimpressed look.
“Tony Stark? Billionaire playboy? You’ve probably seen him on magazine covers in the grocery store, Mr. Lives-under-a-rock.”
“Focus Wilson,” Steve said playfully as they made their way to the top floor. The elevator doors opened upon a rather extravagant party, minus the music as the crowd broke away for the paramedics to come through. A tall and slim blonde made her way to them, introducing herself as Pepper Potts – the one who made the call.
“This way gentleman, our friend Jim suffered some burns and cuts from broken glass thanks to Mr. Can’t-hold-his-liquor!” she finished with a yell in the direction behind them as they stopped in front of the man sitting on the ground. Sam squatted down next to the patient as a loud slurred voice responded to the woman.
“HEY! I----I wasn’t the one who broke the glass!” yelled the short brunette who made his way into view. Steve immediately became distracted at the sight of the beautiful olive-skinned man stumbling his way over to the group. He recognized him from the magazines, hair a little messy from drinking but still rocking a well tailored suit.
“You were exactly the one who broke the glass by playing with your stupid robots when you’re drunk!” Pepper exclaimed, snapping Steve out of it as he helped the man with the cuts as Sam worked on the burns. He heard her escort the guests out of the room to give them more privacy.
“Hey, Pepper thas-not cool. His robots aren’t stupid,” the equally drunk but very calm patient said.
“Yeah Pepper! You’re not being very nice right now,” Mr. Stark said with a pout as he stumbled to sit by his friend’s side; suddenly aware of the blonde in front of him.
“Fuck me sideways, are you a real paramedic? There’s no way you don’t moonlight as a stripper,” the brunette said as Steve felt his ears turn red, embarrassment burning brighter when he heard Sam snort next to him.
“Anthony! Where are you manners? I’m sorry mister medic, ignore my very rude friend who is clearly more concerned about getting laid than his friend he ALMOST KILLED!” the man said as he winced in pain as Sam finished up the bandages.
“You’re just jealous cause you’re straight and boring. And I did not almost kill you! Okay? DUM-E almost killed you,” the brunette said as they heard a chirp come from somewhere in the room. “You sir are in timeout and therefore shall remain silent!” he yelled at no one in particular.
“I’m going to put you in timeout for being such a nuisance!” Pepper said as she made her way back into view. “He’ll be alright, right?”
“He’ll be fine, but he does have the option to be taken to the hospital if he wants to,” Sam said as Steve pointedly avoiding making eye contact with anyone.
“Minor burns and cuts, we gave him some pain meds so he should be fine,” Steve said finally looking at the woman and offering a smile – praying his voice sounded as confident as it did in his head.
“I can’t decide if you’re a knight in shining armor or an angel from heaven,” the brunette with a well cut goatee said as he stared dreamily at the blonde.
“Please tell me you haven’t been hitting on the nice paramedics,” Pepper said as she stared at the ceiling.
“Just the one! No offense handsome,” Mr. Stark said to Sam, “I’ve just got a thing for blondes, Pepper can vouch for that.”
“And yet I won’t.”
“Keep it in your pants man,” James said as Sam helped him stand.
“I really am sorry about this, he’s drunk and well…I’d say he wasn’t usually this candid but then I’d be lying,” she said as she moved to smack the back of the brunette’s head.
“Ow! Hey! What do you expect of me when an Adonis shows up in my house?” the brunette said, smiling as he heard Sam laugh next to Steve. He shot his partner a glare and was disappointed when the man just kept smiling.
“I expect you to behave yourself,” the exasperated woman said as she offered Steve another apology. “Can I show you gentleman to the door before a harassment lawsuit gets filed?”
“We’ve dealt with plenty of horny drunks before ma’am,” Sam said as he gathered his equipment, getting a laugh from the injured man and a scoff from the brunette.
“We were celebrating! What you guys don’t have a reason to celebrate?” Mr. Stark said accusingly.
“Actually, it’s his birthday today,” the traitor friend replied, not looking at all bothered when Steve sent another glare his way.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” the brunette said as he quickly stood up and threw his hands in the hair. “Why are you spending it working? Come on, I’ll fix you a drink.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stark but we should be getting back,” Steve said even as he felt his cheeks warm at the implication.
“Leave the poor man alone Tony, they need to get back to saving people,” the burnt man said with a sigh as he sat comfortably in a nearby chair.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” Sam said as Steve quickly followed him back to the elevator, blushing the entire way as he heard the man shout after them.
“I hate to watch you leave but I love to watch you OW PEPPER!”
“You should take it as a compliment man,” Sam offered as they pulled in to the station. “He’s not bad looking himself.”
“I’m not interested in men, Sam,” Steve said coolly as he got out of the ambulance.
“I didn’t say you were, just that it’s not a bad thing that one of People’s “Sexiest Men Alive” said you were attractive,” Sam said as he led the way into the station.
“Who are you guys talking about?” Clint asked as he ate some grapes on the couch.
“No one,” Steve said as he moved to sit next to him.
"We got called to the Stark Mansion...and Tony Stark was hitting on our Steve. I’m telling him to take the compliment,” Sam said matter-of-factly as he went to grab his food from the fridge.
“That dude’s hot Rogers, that is definitely a compliment,” Clint said nonchalantly as Nat nodded in agreement next to him.
“Hit on by a billionaire? Not too bad of a birthday, right Steve?” she said with a smirk as Sam made his way back into view; holding a trey of cupcakes lit up with candles.
“Speaking of birthdays…” Sam said with a smile as he placed the trey on the table between them. “Happy thirtieth man.”
They sang him happy birthday, passed around cupcakes and continued berating him about not celebrating. Not even when he got off at 8pm later that evening; he never understood how anyone has energy to go out and drink after a 24 hour shift.
Around 6pm he got a call from the station that flowers and balloons had arrived for him. He and Sam had just dropped a patient off at the hospital when his curiosity got the better of him. Sam smiled as they made their way back to the station, running ahead of Steve to check the note himself. He let his friend read the note as his inspected the bouquet of wild flowers.
“Hope I didn’t ruin your birthday, let me treat you to coffee sometime to apologize for my drunken behavior – TS. He even left his number,” Sam said impressed as he handed Steve the note and looked up at the blue balloons. Steve read it over several times as he furrowed his brows in confusion.
Just then Brock and his partner Kyle entered the station and immediately noticed the display for Steve.
“Oh shit, does Rogers have a secret admirer? What’s her name?” Rumlow asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.
Sam opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off when Steve spoke up and lied.
“They’re from Joey, nothing to get excited about.” He avoided eye contact with Sam as the two men lost interest and went to the couch to lounge. He finally looked over at his friend and offered a snappy, “what?”
“I didn’t say anything,” Sam said as he brought up his hands in surrender.
“I just don’t want any shit from Rumlow, is all,” Steve explained quietly. “Not like I’m going to call the guy.”
“Hey man, I didn’t say anything. Do what you want.”
“Thank you.”
“But you’re chicken shit if you don’t call him,” Sam whispered under his breath.
“Sam!” he whispered harshly, “I already told you I’m not gay.”
“So you’ve said,” Sam quipped back, brown eyes challenging Steve’s blue until the blonde eventually looked away. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder as he continued ignoring his friend. This was not a conversation he wanted to have right now, especially at the end of his shift in front of homophobes.
“Sam,” Steve whispered, unable to form any other words. Luckily their radios went off and had them distracted by a call. When they got to the ambulance, he steeled himself to face his partner and friend as he started the engine.
“Look, I’d appreciate it if –”
“– Hey man, I’m sorry. I overstepped. I’ll drop it, okay?” Sam offered kindly as Steve smiled at him in appreciation. He figured it would be for the best, anyway. He wanted to just get through his birthday so he could sleep all of this off.
Three days later and Steve’s staring at the note in his hand as he sits in his kitchen. It was his day off and he was thankful for that as he sipped his coffee and thought his life over.
He had a few weeks left to have the place to himself and debated back and forth whether he should throw the note out or not. For all he knew, it was just a nice gesture from an incredibly handsome billionaire. Nothing to read into or make any assumptions from.
But he did hit on Steve and offered to take him to coffee…to apologize for hitting on him.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Seriously. It’s a phone call.
And you’re a grown man.
When’s the next chance you’ll have time to yourself like this?
You don’t even have to tell anyone at work.
Worst case scenario, you get some free coffee out of it.
Best case…well let’s not get our hopes up.
He stared at the note in one hand and noticed his cell phone had materialized in the other. He looked back and forth between the two for several moments longer.
Finally, he unlocked his phone and dialed the number, pressing the green button before he could chicken out.
He suddenly prayed for voicemail, realizing he hadn’t rehearsed to say anything should a human actually pick up.
The universe was not in his favor, as the line clicked and he heard a polite “hello?”
“Yeah, hi, this is um…Steve Rogers?” he closed his eyes tightly at his verbal inabilities, “the paramedic?”
"Steve! Hey I’m so glad you called, I was starting to think I’d scared you off.”
“No I…I just called to assure you there wasn’t any need to apologize, Mr. Stark,” he clenched his fists and wondered if punching himself in the face would be heard clearly over the phone.
"Mr. Stark was my father, please – call me Tony.” He felt himself relaxing at the words, able to hear the purr in the man’s voice that felt like a small wave rolling over him.
Steve couldn’t control his smile as he replied, “fine, Tony. There’s no need to apo–”
"– oh please, I was incredibly inappropriate! Pepper lectured me for an hour about my behavior. Look, I owe you one. I offered coffee but honestly, I’d much rather buy you a drink...” There was a teasing in his voice that brought the pink out in Steve’s cheeks.
“I don’t drink,” he said without thinking, as it was always his automatic response but now seemed kind of rude in the moment. He didn’t have time to cringe as Tony continued talking unfazed.
“Coffee date then, what about tomorrow morning? Does that work for you? There’s this darling little café near your station – meet me there at 10?”
“I didn’t say this was a date Mr. Stark,” Steve said, rolling his eyes fondly and smiling more than he has in weeks.
"Of course not. Just two incredibly attractive men getting coffee together. Shit, gotta run, Pepper has murder eyes, see you tomorrow!”
Steve felt a little bit of conversational whip-lash as he suddenly heard some beeps from his phone followed by silence. The smile stayed plastered on his face as the realization of what happened sunk in.
He pushed away any doubts and for just this moment, let himself be happy.
They were the only two customers in the café, making Steve think Tony had somehow done that on purpose. A polite young woman took their order as Steve did his best not to stare.
“I have to say, I’m kind of surprised you came. Thought maybe you’d chicken out,” Tony said as he leaned back against his chair.
“Or maybe you’re not as intimidating as you think you are,” Steve said, little surprised with his sass but rolling with it. Tony simply continued smiling, though it was starting to look a little predatory as the brunette crossed his legs.
“Well well well, beauty, brawn's and brains? You really are too good to be true.”
“Mr. Stark –”
“–Tony.”
“Tony , I should be straight with you…”
“I would counter the opposite…” Steve felt his blush spread to his ears and a smile quickly spread across his face.
“Look, I…” here Steve faltered in confidence. Luckily the waitress came back and gave them their drinks, Steve talking the opportunity to take a sip; and a deep breath to allow him to gather his thoughts.
“Thanks for the coffee, and the company, but honestly my life is just a little complicated right now…”
“Are you breaking up with me Steve?” Tony asked with a sly smile as he took his own sip of coffee. Steve couldn’t help but laugh a little at that, wondering why he was fighting the warmth in his chest just sitting near this man.
“Come on, you can’t tell me you came all the way down here just to be polite? You’re clearly not after my money, unless this is some elaborate scheme…which I admit is working.”
“No, I do just fine as a paramedic.”
“I’m sure you do,” Tony said as Steve’s face once again burned. “What made you want to do that, by the way?” He took a breath and was thankful for the change in topic.
"I uh…liked helping people and knew it was something that was stable.” Tony stared unimpressed at him for a moment before actually scoffing.
“What?” Steve asked defensively.
“I don’t doubt you’re good at your job and enjoy it, but it’s obviously not what you want to be doing – right?” the brunette asked as he ordered himself another cup.
“What makes you so confident about that?”
“Well, for one thing you were completely distracted on the job – something I thankfully got to witness first hand…” Steve felt the shred of anger dissipate into laughter, enjoying hear Tony’s laugh join in. “Come on Steve, what was your dream job as a kid? Surely you didn’t want to be dealing with flammable drunks and horny billionaires?”
“Are those two mutually exclusive? I was actually surprised you didn’t also catch on fire…”
“Not the point! Come on, what did little Stevie wanna be when he grew up?” He took a moment to look at the brunette, finding it easier and easier to talk to him. And be near him. And imagine him without the well tailored suit.
“Why don’t you start? Did you always want to be a spoiled celebrity?”
“Spoiled implies I always get my way, and I don’t always get my way. Just…most of the time. And no I didn’t always want to run a fortune 500 company, numerous charities, or serve on the board of several non-profits. I did however dream of making robots, which is partly what I do in R&D. Also advanced weaponry for the military which is how my father started the company…I’m sorry am I boring you? Cause I’m boring myself just saying that.” Steve laughed easily with him, finding it easier to answer his original question.
“I wanted to be an artist,” he admitted before he lost the nerve. “I always loved drawing and painting as a kid…” his gaze drifted thinking back to that time. “Bucky used to call me “Picasney,” mix between Picasso and Disney.” He smiled at the memory, not realizing he had stopped talking until Tony brought him back.
“Who’s Bucky?” the brunette asked gently. Shit, Steve thought to himself.
“Oh…my brother, he uh…he died a few years ago,” Steve said, always feeling that pang in his heart when he said it out loud.
“I’m sorry to hear that, sounds like he was a good brother,” Tony said fondly. Steve looked back into those dark brown eyes and smiled appreciatively, nodding in response.
“You think I could ever…commission you for something?” the brunette asked with a smirk.
“Are you thinking of something inappropriate?” Steve shot back with a furrowed brow.
“…well I am now!” Tony said blinking in surprise, getting a laugh from the blonde. “No but seriously – depending on how good you are – I know plenty of spaces that could use some color. I would, of course, have to see your work before making any offers.”
“That makes sense…”
“Yeah so should we head to your place so I can see a few samples of your work or…?” Steve felt himself blush again as Tony just smiled wolfishly at him.
“Sorry, I don’t put out on the first date,” Steve apologized sarcastically. Tony simply smiled coolly back at him.
“Thought you said this wasn’t a date?” the brunette asked innocently. Steve’s jaw snapped shut and panic began to set in. “I’m sorry, you’re just very easy to tease. Like you said, this isn’t a date. Just two friends getting to know each other. I’d apologize but honestly I’m not that sorry, you’re even cuter when you blush.”
“Mr. Stark…”
“Tony.”
“Right, Tony, sorry. I just…like I said my life’s a little complicated right now…”
“Life’s always complicated, Steve. Doesn’t mean you should devoid yourself of fun.”
Steve honestly didn’t have a response for that, always using excuses to not put himself out there. Except now he really didn’t have one…and was currently sitting across from an incredibly attractive man who looked like he could see past Steve’s blue eyes and into his soul.
“Look, I’m sorry, I’m in no way trying to pressure you. For all I know you’re just an incredibly handsome straight man who was too polite to turn me down. Or, I did read the situation right, but you’re right and life’s too ‘complicated’ for you right now. Either way, I came here to apologize and now realize I’m not doing a great job of it…”
“You’re right…” Steve muttered, avoiding eye contact with the man.
“…about which part?” he heard Tony ask skeptically. Steve finally made eye contact again, taking another deep breath before continuing.
“You…read the situation right. I didn’t come down here to get free coffee or to try to lead you on or anything. I…” here he lost his words again. Why on Earth his brain couldn’t catch up to his heart was beyond frustrating.
“I’d like to see you again,” Steve said with as much confidence as he could muster, looking back into those chocolate brown eyes. Tony simply smiled back at him as the waitress brought the bill.
They ended up staying at the café for another hour and half, chatting away like they’ve known each other for years. And strangely enough, it feels like that even if he barely knew the man. It wasn’t until Tony’s phone went off several times in a row that either noticed the time or how late it had gotten. Tony generously paid the staff and thanked them for the privacy as the two made their way outside into the sunshine.
“So, can I buy you dinner sometime soon?” Tony asked as his car pulled up without anyone driving it.
“Well, you paid for the coffee, it’s only fair I pay for dinner,” Steve offered with a smile.
“You free Saturday evening?”
“I work until 8pm, but I’m off Sunday if you’re okay with a late dinner?” Tony’s predatory grin reappeared, looking like he wanted to make an inappropriate joke but quickly shook himself from it.
“Yeah, just…text me when and where and I’ll be there,” Tony said with a small smile as he stared at Steve a moment longer.
“Alright,” Steve confirmed, “then…it’s a date.” Tony’s smile grew as he nodded a goodbye and walked back to his car. He caught Steve staring, laughing a little before getting in.
Steve watched him drive away, wondering what he had gotten himself into.
He brought a change of clothes to shower and change into at the station, hoping none of his coworkers would notice. If Sam noticed, he didn’t say anything and just wished him a goodnight. He counted himself lucky no one else saw him.
Steve chose a quiet Italian restaurant that he hoped wouldn’t be crowded or draw any unwanted attention to Tony. He was already there waiting for Steve, having reserved a little booth in the back.
“Hello handsome,” the brunette said with a smile.
"Hey, sorry I’m a little late, our last patient was a little…difficult,” he said with a smile as he sat down and grabbed the menu.
“Not a problem,” he said as the waiter came forward to take their drink order.
They talked until closing time, Steve feeling his heart grow as they chatted easily into the late hours of the evening. He could probably draw Tony from memory, the somehow round and chiseled jaw line, the long eyelashes shielding the dark chocolate eyes, or the way they crinkle when he laughs, and those plump pink lips, which Steve didn’t notice he was practically gawking at until Tony pointedly licked said lips and smiled when he again made eye contact with him.
“I asked if you wanted to get out of here,” Tony said in a lower octave that had Steve glad he was already sitting down.
“I…” he faltered for the umpteenth time.
Now or never, Rogers.
“You know…I didn’t really get to enjoy the view last time I was at your mansion…”
They manage to get to Tony’s car without bringing any attention to themselves. There weren’t many people around, but Steve suddenly felt self conscious actually considering what would happen if someone saw him get in the car with THE Tony Stark. Those thoughts quickly slipped from his mind as Tony placed a gentle hand on his knee the ride to his mansion.
Steve wasn’t technically inexperienced in the bedroom, it had just been a while. Like…’ten years’ been a while. Like he’s only had the one partner in college who was equally inexperienced. He did, however, teach Steve how to give a pretty good blow job. Oh, Frederick.
His mind snaps back to the present when Tony attacks his lips the second the elevator doors closed. Steve suddenly takes initiative and pushes Tony back against the wall, gripping his shoulders and kissing him like his life depended on it. Tony let out a pleased little moan that had Steve quickly pushing their bodies together, each party seeing how excited the other was. Steve moved his hands from the man’s shoulders, down his back and gripped that perky little ass he’s been dreaming about for days. The shorter man let out another little moan that sent a shiver down Steve’s spine.
When the elevator doors dinged open, Tony once again took control and shoved Steve back into his entrance-way. They continued kissing as they also began taking off each other’s close, Steve only now realizing how badly he’d wanted this.
Needed this.
When they made it to the bedroom, they were both left only in their underwear…and Steve’s nerves began to set in again.
“Tony…”
“…yeah, keep saying my name, gorgeous.”
“Tony wait,” he said, taking a moment to hold him at shoulder’s length; and couldn’t help smiling when the brunette immediately pouted.
“Never mind, can we just…go kind of slow?” Steve asked, not letting his hands move from the man’s body. Tony’s demeanor suddenly changed, his brows furrowed with concern as he cocked his head to the side.
“Steve, are you a virgin?”
The blonde puffed out a laugh and dropped his hands to his sides.
“No, it’s just…” his cheeks blushed as he continued, “…been a while.”
Tony’s eyebrows raised, a teasing grin spreading across his face as he asked, “how long is a while?”
Steve’s nose scrunched up as he thought about it.
“Like…a decade?”
Tony’s jaw immediately and comically dropped, looking instantly offended on Steve’s behalf.
“Ten years?! Oh my god! That is…injustice in its highest form! A travesty! Well…it will be quite the challenge to assist you in playing catch up. But dammit that is a risk I am willing to take,” Tony said seriously, smiling at Steve when he snorted in laughter.
“How about,” the shorter man said as he gently grabbed Steve’s arms, pushing him back onto the bed, “you just let me take care of you tonight?” Steve fell back onto the enormous mattress, smiling as Tony crawled over to straddle him.
Tony returned the smile, leaning down to whisper in his ear “how does that sound, big guy?” A moan escaped the blonde’s lips before he brought his hands up to give Tony the filthiest kiss he could come up with.
Coming down from the most mind-shattering orgasm took him a while, but he was thankful for the steady weight on his chest slowly bringing him back to the land of the conscious.
“Fuck me,” Steve said in amazement.
“I just did,” Tony said defensively. Steve’s chest rumbled with laughter, increasing when the sexy man on top of him joined in.
His laughter died down at the realization of what this all meant.
Fuck…he was already head over fucking heels for this man.
He brought his arms to wrap around Tony, pulling him somehow closer into his embrace as the brunette snuggled his head into his neck.
They spent all of Sunday together; Steve actually found it painful to leave him that evening, knowing he had work Monday morning and needed to go to bed early.
By Monday afternoon, Natasha had cornered him in the station’s supply closet.
“Who is it?” Natasha asked.
“Who’s what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, who is it that you’re dating?”
“Why are you assuming I’m dating someone?”
“Dude…you giggled earlier. You showered after your shift was over Saturday, meaning you went out. Which you never do, which all leads me to believe you’re acting funny because you got laid and I wanna know who.”
He took a moment to mock glare at the witch slash detective, wondering if he was ready to actually answer that question. Tony had explained gently that this relationship would be led by Steve, he gets to steer how publicly this will all go. At least, what they both had actual control over. Tony helped him feel more comfortable in his own skin, which made Steve feel more feelings than he thought possible for another person. It was followed by a lot more sex – as Tony had proclaimed he was a man of his word. But Natasha was his friend, and maybe he owed her the truth.
“I…had one date…with…Tony Stark.”
Her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, before a giant grin spread across his face.
“I knew it!” she cheered, immediately quieting when Steve flapped his arms in panic. “I freaking knew it,” she whispered in triumph – Steve unable to hide his smile in the shared excitement.
“Clint owes me $50.”
Panic shot its way up Steve’s spine.
“Who all participated in that conversation, Romanoff?” he gritted out.
“Hey, chill, Rogers. It was just me and Barton in the truck. Technically, there was a patient in the back but he was unconscious,” she said with a smile. Steve felt himself unhinge from her words, tension slowly leaving his body. He took a deep breath, remembering that she was not a threat – and was in fact a friend.
“Sorry, it’s just…I’m not exactly ‘out’ and…fucking Rumlow –”
“–you let me worry about Rumlow, okay? Steve…I think it’s great you found someone. And for the record, you’re not alone in…this. You should know…I’m…bi,” she confessed.
Her honesty warmed his heart, and gave him the courage to return the favor.
“Hi bi…I’m…gay,” he said, finding himself smiling at the words finally spoken aloud…and then quickly joining in on her laughter. The door to the closet suddenly opened revealing Clint, who looked confused at the two laughing in a closet.
“What’s going on in here?”
“Close the door,” Nat encouraged as his confused expression scrunched his face up more, closing the door behind him and crossing his arms over his chest. Natasha looked over at Steve, giving him the opportunity to decide how they’d answer. He smiled back at her before turning back to Clint.
“Apparently you owe Nat $50,” he said with a small smile. Clint’s expression morphed from confusion, to anger before quickly returning the smile.
“Damn I really thought you were too scared to call him,” he said as he fished some cash out of his wallet and handed it over to Natasha.
“So everyone can tell I’m gay?” he asked, wondering how much the other medics knew.
“Just those who know you best,” Natasha reassured him, making Steve realize what he should probably do.
“I think I owe Sam an apology, I’ll see you guys later,” Steve said, relief washing over him as he made his way back to the common room. He found Sharon and Sam sitting next to each other, laughing over something before turning to smile at seeing Steve join them.
“There you are Rogers! What the hell man you said you’d buy me lunch,” Sam said accusingly, and without any ire as he also sported a huge grin.
“You’re right, come on. I’ll let you pick the place,” Steve said, extending his hand to help Sam off the couch. The other man quickly obliged, letting Steve pull him up before they both offered a quick bye to Sharon and made their way out of the station. There was a sandwich shop two blocks from the station and Steve didn’t have to ask the man to know where he’d choose to eat.
He looked around them, making sure no one was around before stopping Sam with a hand on his shoulder.
“Hey I…I owe you an apology,” Steve said. Sam’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he waited for Steve to continue.
“I…did end up calling him. We went out Saturday.”
Here’s the thing, he’s known Sam for a long time. He was the one who helped him become an EMT and studied with him to become a paramedic. He’d always been kind, occasionally calling Rumlow out for being ignorant and never before tried to pressure him to date – unlike his other coworkers. Sam knew his situation better than anyone, having been there for Steve more times than he ever gave him credit for. So really, he shouldn’t have been nervous, but there was still that flutter of anxiety creeping up inside of him.
“You know what’d be an even better apology? A gift from your billionaire boyfriend, you’ve seen how old my car is right?” Steve threw his head back in laughter, smiling at his friend who had joined him, wondering momentarily if he was teasing or not.
“I’m happy for you, Steve,” Sam said a little more seriously, moving to clap the blonde on his shoulder.
Another wave of inner peace rolled over him, so incredibly thankful for his friends who made this so much easier on him.
Their second date was a private tour of a prestigious art exhibit, followed by a “quick ride” on a private jet to a Thai restaurant. Steve chastised him for spending so much money, assuring him his presence was “spoiling him enough.” He remembers Tony’s face scrunch up adorably, apparently he wasn’t used to not showing off to impress his dates.
Their third date was at Steve’s apartment, the blonde insisting he cooked for the man – who sounded incredibly giddy over the phone at the prospect. Turns out it wasn’t even for the easy access to the bedroom…Tony confessed no one had ever cooked for him before. The thought made Steve sad, and so he made sure the man had dessert to go along with his meal.
Their fourth date was a mutual agreement to see a movie. Steve still wanted to be careful and avoid any pictures being taken – reassuring Tony it was an ‘out thing’ rather than a ‘Tony thing.’ And they seemed to get away with it, Tony driving them back to his mansion as the two continued looking around for lurking cameras. Steve of course spent the night, loving the way he gets to wake up with Tony as the little spoon in his arms.
The brunette started to stir, stretching a little in Steve’s embrace before pointedly pushing his ass back into the blonde’s crotch. Steve smiled as he kissed his way down the man’s silky hair to the back of his neck.
“Good morning,” Tony said, voice cracked with sleepiness.
“Mornin,” Steve returned moving to kiss the side of his cheek. He started to extract himself, his bladder demanding so, smiling when he heard Tony groan in protest. “I’ll be right back,” he assured him, kissing him on the cheek again as he moved off the bed and into the bathroom.
When he came out, he smiled again at seeing Tony sitting up in bed, adorably rubbing his palms against his eyes to get rid of the sleepiness.
“Your phone’s been blowing up,” the brunette said after a yawn, reaching over to grab the phone on his bedside table to hand to Steve. He saw him glance at the screen, cheeks turning pink when he noticed Steve noticing him.
“Sorry you just, have a lot of missed calls from ‘Joey’,” Tony tried to say nonchalantly, though his voice wavered that gave away his insecurity. Steve took the phone from him, checking the messages and groaning loudly.
“Shit,” he muttered to himself, holding the phone to his ear to listen to the voicemails. His phone beeped to indicate low power, Steve cursing under his breath again with frustration.
“Everything, okay?” the brunette asked apprehensively.
“No…apparently our picture was taken last night…” Steve said angrily at the realization of the lack of privacy. The truth is he knew this was inevitable, but the other voicemails is what pissed him off.
“I have to go,” Steve said as he moved to put his clothes back on.
“I’m…I’m really sorry Steve,” Tony said sadly, causing the blonde to stop in his tracks. He walked over to Tony’s bed and sat next to him, smiling at him as he rested his hand on Tony’s knee.
“You have nothing to be sorry for, this isn’t your fault,” he assured, looking into his eyes. Tony gulped in uncertainty and looked away, causing Steve to gently grab his face in his hands, leaning down to kiss his lips.
“I’ll call you later,” Steve whispered against his mouth before kissing him again. And a few more times until Tony returned the smile. Then Steve got up, finished getting dressed and smiled before heading back to his apartment.