It's Christmas
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and in the blink of an eye it was finally Christmas eve.
Tony was overjoyed, bouncing around like a child waiting for Santa. He had gone full out on Christmas this year. Celebrating it with his boyfriends and his friends and fellow teammates.
The Christmas tree was standing proudly at about 12 feet high, fully decorated with all the decorations money can buy, which for Tony, is a lot. But in between those ridiculously expensive ornaments you could find a stocking Steve had sown, a star that Clint had made out of origami, Sam’s attempt at a clay Santa and some more hand-made decorations made by yours truly, the Avengers.
Tony was way too pumped to really fall asleep that night, but had allowed himself to be pulled into bed by his boyfriends anyway. Choosing to put his excitement on hold for the comfort that overtook him, warm and surrounded by his boyfriends. Safe. It had become his spot, sandwiched between two super soldiers. Just how he liked it.
These last few months had been the best months of Tony’s life. And he’d once spent two months on Antarctica studying a black alien matter that the government didn’t want you knowing about. So it really said something.
These last month’s he’d learned that he gained two true best friends. People he already trusted made it clear they could also be trusted with Tony’s every thought, every whim and unconditional love, knowing they’d return everything in full.
Everything was perfect.
And that’s another reason why Tony could not wait for Christmas to come already. He knew that with his boyfriends on his side, nothing could go wrong.
After his mind went over everything again, Tony finally managed to close his eyes, feeling his heartbeat slowing and his muscles relaxing. He dozed off, only be awoken again when sunrays his his eyelids.
Registering the break of day, Tony jumped out of bed, calling out behind him, “I’m making pancakes. See ya in a bit.”.
“How is he awake yet? Normally it takes like a pot of coffee…” Bucky grumbled, rolling closer to Steve and nuzzling his neck.
“Christmas, that’s how.” Steve muttered back in response, pulling Bucky closer and enjoying his warmth.
“I hope he likes our present.” Bucky hummed.
“Of course. He’ll love it.” Steve said, self-assured. He pecked Bucky on the lips before burrowing deeper under the covers and into Bucky’s arms.
They allowed themselves to enjoy each other’s company and warmth for a few more minutes before Steve untangled himself from the mess of limbs, rolling over and smiling, “Come on, can’t let out prince charming wait.”
“Alright.” Bucky groaned, rolling out of bed and waddling over to their shared dresser.
“Where are the sweaters?” Bucky asked, looking in the dresser.
“Here. Don’t get them dirty.” Steve warned, handing him a red sweater.
They both dressed in their sweaters and sweatpants before walking into the kitchen, smelling pancakes already.
“Hmm, that smells good.” Bucky moaned.
“It looks good too.” Steve hummed, looking at Tony in the kitchen, who was only dressed in his underwear. He was busying himself making more batter, a stack of pancakes already sitting on the counter.
“Finally. Was afraid you’d fallen asleep on me. Here, first batch’s ready.” Tony said as he turned around. He froze in the middle of his movement, his eyes roving over the sweaters that his boyfriends were wearing. “What are those?” Tony asked with amazement, “You guys look adorable! Where’d you get that! Can we make that our merch?” Tony rambled, looking at the soldiers in red sweaters. On the front of them were knitted hearts with their names in it.
“Nope, these ones are just for us. And you.” Bucky said, pulling out one more sweater and pulling it over Tony’s head.
“Fits perfectly.” Steve commented.
“This is so cute.” Tony hummed, petting his sweater because of its softness, “Now eat. Pancakes are growing old.” He laughed, washing his hands before taking his place (once again) in-between the soldiers.
“They taste amazing, Tony. And Merry Christmas.” Steve said, kissing Tony softly on his lips.
“Yeah, Merry Christmas, doll.” Bucky said, kissing him too.
~
“Can we open the presents now?” Clint asked, sitting on the couch and staring at the presents under the tree, trying to unwrap them with his eyes.
“Not yet. Wait till everybody’s here.” Steve said.
“Who’re we waiting on?” Bucky asked.
“Tony and Natasha, but they’ll be right here.” Steve answered.
Everyone made some sort of noise in agreement. They all patiently waited for the last two members to make their appearance. Steve looked around the circle of friends. Of family. Besides Steve, there was Bucky, Clint, Bruce and Sam. He smiled and grabbed Bucky’s hand.
The elevator door opened and the pair stepped out, “What’s up?” Tony asked casually.
Clint squinted his eyes, “You’re late. For presents. On Christmas day.”
“So? Let’s begin!” Tony said cheerful, walking over to Steve and Bucky.
“Everything okay?” Steve asked.
“Yes, great. Everything’s great.” Tony responded.
“Who’s first?” Bruce asked, looking at the pile of presents with names on them.
“I suggest we all get a present for ourselves and open it at the same time. Is that okay?” Sam suggested.
Everyone agreed and started digging around for their presents. Everyone sat around, patiently waiting for everyone to grab a present. Finally everyone held a gift and the unwrapping began. Pieces of paper, loose strings and bows flew through the air, were put down each other’s shirts or got shoved in corners.
“I love this fucking thing!” Natasha exclaimed, holding a katana.
“I can get you some lessons if you want. She’s named Colleen Wing, you’ll like her.” Tony offered, happy Natasha liked her gift.
“Woah, man. Is this what I think it is!?” Sam asked, looking with bewilderment at his present still laying inside the big box.
“Yeah,” Tony hummed, “I redesigned it. You can test it soon. Careful though, I may have added a few extra’s I think you’ll like.” Tony explained while Sam was looking overjoyed at his new set of wings.
Clint stood up and unfolded his new bow, “Amazing! It’s so light.” Clint flipped the bow between his left and right hand, “But really, black and purple?” Clint said, giving Tony a look.
Tony smiled, “It suits you.”
“Thanks, Tones.” Clint sincerely smiled.
“Tony, what is this for?” Bruce asked, showing a key dangling from his finger with a Hulk action figure as a keychain.
“It’s an action figure, Bruce.” Tony answered sarcastically.
“What’s the key for?” Bruce clarified.
“It’s for a lab. Your own lab. It has all the tech and toys I know you’ll love. I’ll show you soon.” Tony explained, ending with a wink.
Bruce’s eyes grew bigger, “You got me a lab? Jeez Tony, that’s a bit much, don’t you think?”
Tony waved his comment away, “You’ll be doing us a favor with your work.”
“Thanks.” Bruce said, smiling shyly.
“Tony, you didn’t get me a lab too, did you?” Steve asked, dangling a key from his finger too, a Captain America action figure hanging next to it.
“Would you want one?” Tony asked, smirking, “But no, it’s for a studio. It’s downstairs so you won’t really be needing the key, but it’s more of a symbol.”
“A studio?” Steve asked, tilting his eyebrow.
“Yes, dummie. For your art. You can paint, draw, whatever you want.” Tony explained.
Steve’s eyes lit up, “Oh really? That’s amazing Tony! Thank you.” Steve said, crushing Tony in a big hug and kissing him on the cheek.
“It’s nothing.” Tony said, blushing.
Bucky gasped, “Is that a-.. So am I an-? Wow.” He said as he took out what looked like a costume.
“It’s tailored to fit you. And yes, you are an Avenger now. Congrats, baby.” Tony grinned, noticing the redness in Bucky’s eyes. He knew what it meant to him, to no longer be a remnant of a horrid past, but to be a symbol of hope. Of a fight for freedom. To be an Avenger.
“It’s amazing Tony! It looks so cool, can’t wait to try it on!” Bucky exclaimed, looking at the dark fabric.
“Tones, you’ve outdone yourself, but I think now it’s time for your present.” Steve said.
“It is? Yay!” Tony exclaimed smiling.
“It’s a shared one, from all of us. Be careful with it.” Bucky said, grabbing the last box from under the tree and carefully putting it down. The box whined at them.
Tony tilted his head and carefully opened the box before his jaw dropped and his eyes grew big.
He looked down into the box and squealed, “Oh my! Is that a-? Is that mine?” He asked as he lifted a puppy out of the box.
“Oh gosh, you are adorable!” Tony cooed at the puppy, who had started licking Tony’s face.
“It’s a Giant Schnauzer. His kind is known for its intelligence, kindness, loyalty and how strong willed they are. Sound familiar?” Steve asked, petting the puppy.
“It’s a he by the way.” Bucky informed, “And he is yours. He needs a name too.”
“God, he’s adorable. Your fur matches my hair color.” Tony cooed at the puppy, hugging him close to his body.
“You like him?” Clint asked.
“I love him! And I think I’ll name you… Peter! Yeah, it suits you.” He said, scratching behind the dogs ears.
“Guys, this is an amazing gift. Thank you all so much!” Tony exclaimed. “Best Christmas, ever.”
~
Christmas had passed in a flurry of hugs and trying out presents. After the grand tour, including a lab, a studio, a fitting room and the training room, everyone seemed happier than ever with their gifts.
Tony now had Peter by his side, every hour of the day. The puppy was adorable, as all puppies tend to be, and proved himself to be a smart one too. Little Peter was already learning tricks.
“Peter! Come eat.” Tony called as he put down a bowl of puppy food on the floor.
He heard the puppy bark once in response before running over towards the bowl and starting to inhale his food.
“Good boy.” Tony said, petting him before taking place at the table next to his boyfriends.
“Hungry?” Steve asked as he put a plate in front of him.
“Yes, starving. Please tell me Bucky hasn’t touched the food. I don’t want food poisoning. Again.” Tony deadpanned.
“I’m sorry!” Bucky’s shoulders drooped. He’d apologized a million times already, “But no I didn’t.” Bucky said "Steve wouldn't let me..."
“Rightfully so. Thanks, Stevie.” Tony said, kissing him sweetly on the cheek.
“I love you guys so much. You know that, right?” Tony asked after they all sat down.
“Yes we do. And we love you too.” Bucky said.
“Yeah, we love you, Tony.” Steve followed.
“Good, ‘cause really I love you.” Tony repeated, smiling happily.
The trio exchanged loving looks, which were interrupted by a bark from Peter, asking for attention.
“And we love you too.” Tony cooed as he petted Peter.
The end.