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Tony took one seething look at Steve’s misty eyes and Barnes’ retreating form. Anger, regret, vengeance, and the failure to pursue what was meant to be something enthralling and tantalising were all lost to him. He surged forward and courted chaos.
He blasted his metal arm off, the arm that choked his mom, fury like no other seared through his blood. It consumed him with wrath and craved to wreak havoc and devour obstacles in his path. He did what he never wanted to do, like ever. Not the way he wanted it to happen.
Wrath faded and trepidation consumed him. He grabbed the staggering soldier, and bit down hard on his neck, marking him. A sharp tingling sensation erupted on his neck, James Barnes appeared knocked out of his surroundings; he could not see past the smoke; something or someone was standing at the end of the dark tunnel; he kept walking, and there he was, the one he had been waiting for decades; glacial brown eyes glowered at him without mercy; he purred for mercy and engulfed the brunet, biting down on his sweaty, blood-tainted neck; something between them sealed and forged them together.
The reaction and connection were instant. Red strings erupted from the brunet’s little finger, and black glowing strings erupted from the soldier’s little finger; they intertwined and circled around each other, merging.
Their soulmate bonds were complete, Tony snarled in approval, and the seed of vengeance and rue within him sprouted and ached to implant itself like a sharp thorn inside the blond, aghast man’s heart and pierce it deeper until it broke him.
“Tony, what have you done?” Steve yelled in surprise, worry, and rage, running towards them with his shield in his hand. It was not Tony who hit him. The soldier moved, grabbed Steve by his neck, and choked him. Steve was taken aback and grief-stricken as he stared at his best friend, and his gaze flickered over to his lover in pain.
Tony hid the initial shock and anger and disappointment flooding through their shared bond, he blinked at Barned and focused his gaze on Steve’s pale complexion.
Tony this, Tony that, Tony, Tony, Tony. Tony was fucking done with this.
“I knew what he meant to me when he tried to shoot me in the face.” Tony recalled fondly, the soldier winced and whined in his throat, Tony spared him no glance, his eyes were fixated on Steve’s pained blue eyes, “I didn’t act on it because of what we had.” He shrugged and opened his empty hand to show there was nothing left between them. Steve’s betrayal has cost him two important people in his life. He deserved every second of it.
“What would hurt the self-righteous captain the most?” Tony mocked, tipping his head with a mirthless chuckle. His heart ached though, “Ripping him off the people that mattered the most to him.”
“You mean a lot to me, Tony.”
“Just not enough to confide with me about my parent’s death.”
Steve winced, and his face turned pale, “B-Barnes, that’s enough.” Tony said softly, and the soldier threw Steve away, and he hit the wall and slid down, bleeding from the temple. Tony averted his eyes away from the wounded man, his heart clenching painfully. Knowing Barnes could feel him too, he toned down his emotions.
“I was sparing us both a heartache.” Steve wheezed, holding himself up and planting the shield on the ground for support.
“You were just saving yourself the trouble of being confronted over your morals.”
“Tony, please.”
“There’s nothing left between us.”
“Leave Bucky with me.” Steve pleaded.
“He can stay if he wants,” Tony spat viciously, despite the protests that rose to the tip of his tongue.
“Sorry, Stevie,” Bucky said without any remorse in his voice, then turned away from his friend to stand beside Tony, his hand bleeding and wounded. Tony swallowed and looked away from the pain he had caused his soulmate. He can feel it in the bond between regret, self-loathing, pity, anguish, kindness, and anger. Tony, if not for the bond, would have thought the soldier wasn’t capable of any of these emotions. Tony nodded to himself.
Tony understood Barnes was feeling sorry for his friend; he doesn’t want to leave him behind; his words and face might be a blank mask, but the emotions coursing through their bond never lie.
“You can stay back with him.” Tony wanted to prove a point and he did just that, he showed Steve, he could throw him away, he didn’t want to take Barnes away with force, how different would he be then… he shuddered internally at that thought, and he did bond with him out of spite, anger and to protect the man with his miserable disposition. Tony shook the bitterness unfurling and consuming him at that moment. Tony wasn’t HYDRA.
He felt a rough hand grab his shivering one reluctantly, he shouldn’t have disabled his arm gauntlet, he looked down to see Barnes holding his hand, his eyes full of worry. Damn the bond and its emotions. Overwhelmed and flustered Tony looked away, and grit his teeth.
“I shouldn’t have done what I did to you, but what use are you if you’re dead?” Tony’s words caused both the super-soldiers to wince and freeze. He ripped his hand away from Barnes’s warm fingers, unwilling to see the pain, worry, and regret in them. He got his revenge and he didn’t kill his soulmate. He counted it as a win.
Tony turned and left them both in the bunker; he saw the king of Wakanda, greeted the man, and walked away, notifying Jarvis to send for backup. Snow showered him with gentle flakes kissing his hair; a nest of snow settled over his brown mane; he stayed in the snow; the heat and high from the battle kept him awake. He could fly, but his suit was damaged, and Tony wanted to reach faster and stay with Rhodey. The thought of his wounded friend knocked him down another spiralling lane of fury and grief.
He noticed another presence come to stand beside him, but he ignored it; he wanted to hold Rhodey and hug him. He missed him. He wanted to make sure Peter was safe. He was the reason they were both in danger. Tony sniffed and withheld a sob.
A warm hand caressed his hand, and Tony sighed internally. Steve Rogers was the most annoying, persistent man.
“What do you want, liar?”
“You don’t mean that.”
“You wish.”
“Bucky told me how you really felt back there. Your emotional connection with him and all.” Steve said, his hand resting next to Tony’s, he didn’t grab it, worried Tony would hit him in the face.
Tony was starting to regret his spontaneous actions, and Barnes was a tattletale and a liar. Speaking of him, there was a tug through his bond, ‘Notice me'. Tony turned to notice Barnes standing next to T’Challa; he was looking between Steve and Tony, and there was something indescribable in the stormy eyes. Tony focused on the bond, but he was met with an onslaught of emotions that perplexed him: relief, melancholy, jealousy, and something tender. Tony wasn’t sure to whom it was directed; probably his best friend, he concluded bitterly.
“Go back to your friend, Rogers.” Tony spat, and Jarvis notified him his quinjet would arrive in a few minutes. Tony sighed in relief. He wasn’t sure he could tolerate being in the presence of his ex-lover and killer-turned-soulmate. Tony had come to Siberia for a different life-changing moment—when had things ever worked his way?
“Bucky wants to come with you,” Steve admitted.
Tony whipped his head around to stare at the blond idiot. “Why would he want to come with me? I almost killed him a few minutes ago.” Tony controlled his loudly thudding heart. Barnes wanted to come back with him.
“We all acted on our emotions,” Steve confessed, and he acknowledged Tony was acting on his suppressed anger and betrayal.
“This doesn’t change shit, Rogers.” His Quinjet landed, and Tony activated his suit and took off, but not without glancing at Barnes, “You’re coming or going to stand there and mop in the snow, lone wolf.” He felt immense satisfaction when Barnes sprinted down the snowy path to board with him inside the Quinjet; he decided he could almost forgive him for the hug he had given Rogers before boarding inside Tony’s jet.
Tony didn't linger on the tiny wave of bitterness in their bond; it slithered back and faded away when they both took off from the bunker. Barnes wasn’t bitter anymore? His head ached and pain gripped him tightly; his body struggled and begged for rest. It wouldn't do well to dwell on Barnes' confusing, conflicting feelings at this glacial, unsteady moment.
Tony didn’t spare the blond man so much as a glance, he took off, his heart beating wildly. Rhodey, please be okay.
Once they were alone, he cornered Barnes and pushed him against the glass surface, Barnes grunted and allowed himself to be slammed back, face devoid of any emotions, “Why did you come with me Barnes, what stunt are you both pulling now, wasn’t the lying and breaking my heart enough?”
Something dark flickered in the grey eyes, Barnes opened his mouth and closed and opened it again, but he couldn’t say anything, Tony pushed him away and turned. Barnes was tugging harder on their bond with anguish, and Tony’s head started to pound.
“You’re dumb for a super soldier, Jarvis will end your life if you try anything funny here,” Tony said, removing his suit completely, he breathed in relief, his cheeks still hurt from the fight, his body ached, and his muscles protested, Tony wanted to sleep the whole day, but not before he visited Rhodey. When Barnes failed to respond, Tony turned around to see him clenching his jaw in pain, eyes shut. His arms.
“I don’t regret blasting off your arm.” Tony wasn’t going to lie, Barnes would know if he did, why bother?
“I know, I deserved it.” Barnes rasped through gritted teeth. Tony looked away. He could feel the bond calling to him; his soulmate was in pain, and Tony was supposed to soothe him. He wasn’t going to. He didn’t bond for this. He bonded with him to hurt Steve.
‘Tony, you’re a liar’, his heart hissed at him.
And he felt satisfaction and a little bit of regret when he saw the pure look of horror and anguish on Steve’s face. No one gets to mess with Tony's emotions and not feel his wrath; his father wasn't the better man; his mom, on the other hand, was the one who loved and cared for him apart from Jarvis. Steve had no right to keep that from him. Fuck that blond, self-righteous man.
“Why did you lie to him?” Tony was aware of Steve’s actions, and one thing their bond was best at was never hiding the emotions, no matter how bitter and putrid the emotions changed. Tony had been gleeful when Barnes hurt Steve, yet he had lied to Steve, saying that the brunet had regretted everything that transpired inside the bunker. “Why did you hurt Rogers?” Tony couldn’t control himself. The questions kept spilling.
“I-” Barnes cleared his throat, sweat blooming on his forehead, “I didn’t think it was okay for Steve to hide the truth from you.”
Tony quirked his brow as Barnes sounded more understanding and reasonable than Rogers.
“I didn't want him doing something he'd regret, you were hurting when he betrayed you, it was painful for you both.” He wasn’t wrong, Tony wanted to harm Rogers more than he wanted to hurt Barnes. “Hurting him, hurt you too, I can see the ache in your heart when he was wounded.”
“Shut up, Barnes.” Tony blinked his glistening eyes, rapidly. He had loved Steve; betrayal, still bitter on his tongue, made him hate him more, but it did hurt the part of him that had once held, hugged, and embraced Captain America as a man, as a lover. Tony felt the familiar bitterness pouring through the bond from Barnes; he kept his gaze away from the wounded soldier, clenching his jaw shut. It was too much. Did Barnes feel bitter about leaving Steve behind?
Two super soldiers with perplexing feelings were way too much Tony.
“Steve and I are nothing anymore, it’s over, you can go to him if you’re that bitter.” Tony was not one to keep his mouth shut.
Barnes looked at him dumbfounded as if Tony was not understanding something so simple and apparent, “Stevie is like my brother, he would understand why I wanted to come with my soulmate, he had one before he went into ice. We spoke about it.”
Tony remembered her, his aunt, was Steve’s soulmate who had moved on with life and bonded with some other man. Sensing his resentment through their bond, Barnes spoke again. To distract the billionaire.
“I want to stop running and hiding, I will surrender.”
Tony nodded and turned away to look at the darkening azure sky. They were nearing New York, exhaustion weighed him down, and he withheld the yawn threatening to spill from his mouth. Barnes was an enigma and Tony at that moment was not in the mood to understand or comprehend his agenda.
“Jarvis, notify Pepper. I will be bringing Barnes along; he is coming of his own accord.”
Tony nodded off, still clinging to his bond in case Barnes was lying about his stance. He can easily sense his resentment through his emotions if tried to attack Tony, but nothing of the sort transpired.
When Jarvis woke him up a few hours later, Barnes was standing behind him, battered and wounded. Tony sighed and walked down the Quinjet. “Let’s get your hand patched up, then we can decide on your accommodations and how to talk to the government.”
Rhodey was admitted to a private hospital with the highest security the state could offer. Pepper was waiting for them at the entrance, she quickly got them both inside a VIP elevator and motioned for them to enter a room, inputting a passcode for it.
“What were you thinking bringing in the most wanted criminal here!” Pepper screamed as soon as the door slammed shut. Tony groaned and stood there, listening to her, Barnes stood behind him equally stunned and scared of her. Pepper was a force never to be messed with, she sighed at last and told Tony the doctor had signed an NDA and would help with Barnes’s arm.
“I’m sorry, Pepper.” Tony pouted, Pepper crossed her arms, “He is going to surrender, he’s also my soulmate. I couldn’t leave him with the rogues.” Pepper’s jaw dropped at that, she stared at Tony with a disapproving glint in her eyes.
“Tony, no.”
“Tony, yes.” Tony rubbed the back of his neck; Pepper grunted and threw her hands in the air.
“How do things like this happen to you!”
“Fate loves me a lot,” Tony bitterly clenched his jaw.
Barnes cleared his throat, feeling awkward and out of place. Both Pepper and Tony looked at him and glared, he looked away almost pouting at being shushed.
“He’s in a lot of pain, take him first. I want to see my honeybear.”
Tony didn’t meet Barnes’ questioning eyes at the moniker; they might have bonded, but they were never going to be lovers or normal soulmates. Barnes will be treated for his physical and psychiatric condition, and Tony will help in removing the codes, nothing more, nothing less, he vowed to himself.
The brunet didn’t realise he was giving in already, a few hours ago he didn’t want to care about the soldier’s wounds or state, but he was already planning for his treatment.
Rhodey was awake and sat on his bed, his leg heavily bandaged, and rested on the bed carefully. Tony rushed to him and cupped his face in his hands, sobbing, “Rhodes, my sweet flakes.” Rhodey smiled at him softly leaning into the touch, “Tones.”
When he heard about Rhodey’s medical condition, Tony sat beside him on the bed, “I will get you on your feet soon,” he promised and fed him freshly sliced fruits, “You trust me?”
“More than anyone, you know it, Tony.” Tony needed that affirmation after the lack of trust and betrayal was still fresh in his mind. He recounted the events of the bunker to Rhodey, who looked murderous, “I will kill that man, Captain or not.”
“I bonded with Barnes.” He tried to cushion the hurt and impact of the pain he felt back then.
“What the fuck, Tony?”
“He’s, my soulmate,” Tony defended them both; Rhodey raised his eyebrow at that, but couldn’t understand his friend’s sinister motivation to hurt his ex-lover.
“Damn, that must’ve hurt Captain.” Rhodey was not sure how to feel about Tony’s decision about his choice; revenge or not, Barnes was not in any state to be a good partner for Tony. Both men were ticking time bombs. Tony shrugged and smirked, “Barnes came with me.”
“Wow Tony, you are scary.” He sighed, “You both need to work this out if you’re serious about it.”
“Barnes isn’t in any state to play boyfriend or soulmate with me.” Tony quipped, “And I don’t need a lover. I’m done with that crap.”
“Don’t you think it’s unfair towards Barnes?”
“I asked him to stay with his friend if he wanted!”
“Yeah, after permanently forming an emotional bond with an emotionally unstable man, you expect him to make rational decisions?”
“Who’s side are you on Rhodey-pie?” Rhodey kissed his head and hit him on his knee. Tony winced openly, and felt himself shrink under his friend’s sharp gaze, “I should’ve stopped with his arm; I was so angry, Rhodey, Steve, that fucker.”
“Don’t hold Sergeant Barnes accountable for Captain’s crimes, Tony.”
Tony knew. Rhodey was reasonable, he wanted the best for Tony. Tony pouted and nodded. “I need time before I can apologise to him.”
Rhodey knew Tony was hiding vital information, but he trusted Tony to tell when the time came. Tony wouldn’t recklessly bond with someone permanently.
“That’s understandable. I love you, Tony.” Rhodey kissed his head again, “I will stand beside you.” He promised Tony. Tony sniffed and hugged him gently, avoiding hurting his friend. “You need to sleep, honeybear. I will come back tomorrow.”
He tucked him in and left the room, closing the door behind him. The duo outside the door caused him to freeze and stare at a hurt Barnes and a bewildered-looking Pepper.
“W-What?”
“Barnes suggested we check on you—something about you being sad.”
Tony rolled his eyes fondly and gazed at the man in question, his heart speeding up at the genuine worry behind the stormy eyes, “Rhodey won’t be able to walk like before; it was too much and I was the reason.”
“He would do it again for you, Tony.” Pepper said softly, her eyes full of warmth and gentleness, “Take Barnes with you to the doctor, he refused to enter the room unless we checked on you first.”
Pepper gave him the directions and left them alone for privacy, understanding Barnes needed Tony alone with him, she notified Jarvis to keep a close eye on them both and inform her in case one of them thought it was a good idea to punch the other.
“Barnes, you need to stop acting like this.” Tony hissed and grabbed the man by his good arm and dragged him towards the private room, “You’re still bleeding and your wounds are open.”
The brunet didn’t know he was diving deeper than he initially intended to with the soldier. And James Barnes wasn’t making it easy for Tony to stay away from him, being so kind and thoughtful. His oath was slipping through his fingers like the finest sand of the desert.
“One moment you were happy and the next you were very really sad,” Barnes explained like it was the most normal thing to do, after being forced into a bond with a man who fights in an iron suit, to care for him because of the said bond and seek him out when they both were landing punches and trying to kill each other hours ago.
Tony couldn’t answer, he stared at Barnes unblinking. No one cared for him apart from his close friends. Not even the Avengers. This man barely even knew him.
“After decades of being brainwashed, hated, and treated like a killing machine, the first time I find someone who wants to bond with me, even if it’s out of revenge and pettiness, I wanted to be there for you, because of what you are on the inside.”
For the first time, Barnes sounded angry and pissed, Tony felt like the man had slapped him in the face, he wilted and growled.
“You don’t know anything about me!”
“I can feel you enough to know you didn’t regret bonding with me!”
Tony fucking knew that, despite being annoying with Steve, he didn’t regret accepting Barnes as his soulmate. He wasn’t sure why. He didn’t know why he didn’t push him away when Barnes marked him back. Probably they both were messed up in the head and played with by the people working for HYDRA. Or the trauma they had been through? Tony doesn’t fucking know! He just thought fate having a reason for choosing Barnes as his soulmate was not that bad considering this furious, innocent man had not done anything consciously to hurt or betray him... James annoying Barnes…
Tony backed him against the wall again, the corridor was empty and dark, and they stood breathing heavily, “Stop this!” Tony spat, “I can’t love you; I can’t give you what you want.”
Barnes stared at him, his eyes shimmering. Was it Stevie? He wanted to yell back; it was on the tip of his tongue, but Tony didn’t let him, scared of what could be ripped between them before it could bud and bloom.
“What I can give you is, your freedom, a home and everything else you want to try in this new timeline.” Tony’s hold on him slackened, “I took your right away from choosing me as your soulmate willfully, I know it cannot be with others and soulmates are destined from birth, but still, the choice to bond with me was taken away from you, I forced it on us.”
Barnes opened his mouth, but Tony placed his finger on his lips; he froze and stared at Tony. “Soulmates are supposed to be destined lovers for life; we were meant for each other, and under different circumstances, we would’ve worked. I don’t know. Maybe not. But given our history and my history with your friend, I’m sorry, Barnes. All I can offer is your freedom of mind, and anything you want to do in life after your trial, I will support you. Even if you want to pursue someone else.”
Tony didn’t believe his words, the deepest, hidden part of him would break if he saw Barnes fall into someone else’s embrace. Tony felt their bond press in on him and it pushed at him to console Barnes, he forced himself to control that urge. The handsome super-solider looked like he wanted to punch Tony’s face.
Barnes glowered at him and pushed Tony away, saying, “Take me to the doctor.” Tony swallowed harder and tried not to dwell on the grief pouring through their bond as it tried to drown and choke him; his lungs burned with the vicious force of it. He hurt him. He kept hurting his soulmate. Revenge on Steve wasn’t worth this, so Tony closed his eyes and inhaled shakily.
The oath he vowed to himself slid and hit the ground. Tony had been too focused on the inundating emotions from him to feel his resolve break a little.
Friendship is a good thing. Tony reasoned with himself: it was only fair to heal him and help him; Tony was the reason he came along to surrender; Tony was the one who exposed their tied destiny; Tony was the one who broke his arm, but still had no regrets on the latter, that arm was a curse.
They didn’t talk to each other when Barnes was admitted to his room; the doctor, Cho, smiled at Tony and nodded at him.
She started by disinfecting his wound and numbing his arm. Barnes stayed still, eyes fixated down, glaring at the floor; he looked like an overgrown grumpy kid throwing a tantrum. Tony kept a close eye on him for the doctor’s and his sake. Barnes was still a danger to them.
Cho was one of the best scientists out there for assisting Barnes with his new arm. And yet, when Tony noticed her lingering touches on his bare biceps and reedy fingers tracing his nape, something inside Tony snapped. He would rather work alone to make a new arm for Barnes; he was sufficient. He huffed. He wasn’t going to reflect on the bitterness behind his eyes when he hated how she touched him, this would be the last time he’d let someone else touch him this way.
James felt the rush of poignant emotions through the bond and sent a soothing vine of ardour to curl around Tony’s body and caress him with it. Tony’s body sagged in relief, and stiff shoulders melted with the gentle wave of the bond consoling and embracing him. His eyes found Barnes from across the room, he wasn’t looking at him, but there was a flush to his ears and scarlet bloomed on the arch of his cheeks. Tony bit his lips, looking away, warmth spreading inside him.
Did Barnes know Tony was feeling jealous? He hoped not. He enjoyed the quick consolation every time Tony was feeling down. No one was that considerate.
Barnes, despite spending decades being someone’s puppet, was more humane and understood Tony better than Steve ever did. Something about the line of thought felt like a punch to his gut.
His newly formed bond sang to him violently.
Reach, protect, embrace, love, lifelong.
Fate decides your soulmate. Destiny is beautiful. Give him a chance.
These words wrapped around his mind, playing continuously in a loop; his head started to ache, pounding in his head got louder with each passing second, and the room started to blur; Tony couldn’t breathe; he heaved and grabbed the nearest table, his mouth parted, falling apart in silent gasps; he felt a warm hand embrace his shoulder, pulling him towards a broad, sturdy body; he rested his head against it, listening to the steady beat of the heart, and calmed himself. The tremor in his hands slowly stopped, and he was able to focus on the voice near him.
“Tony. Tony.” It was Dr Cho. Her voice was filled with worry, and she was gripping his hand and rubbing circles on it. “Breathe with me,” she said, and he did, breathing slowly, in and out, in and out. Soon the haze in his mind lifted, and the first thing he took notice of was that he was resting on Barnes’s body and that Cho was holding his hand, helping him through his panic attack.
“Sorry.” Tony lifted his head, rubbed his face, and, succumbing to exhaustion, he yawned, “Barnes’ hand.” His hand made a funny gesture to indicate he was asking about the treatment, and Cho smiled at him.
“He’s patched up and about his new arm.” She didn’t want to impose, but it was obvious she wanted to help. Tony didn’t want to snap at her for touching his soulmate inappropriately; she doesn’t know what Barnes means to him. She almost, unknowingly, caused him to panic over his soulmate leaving him for some pretty woman.
“I will be building his new arm.” His voice was firm and there was a sharpness to it that made Barnes edge closer towards him, Tony kept his gaze on her and smiled, he knew Barnes can feel the heat and acridity through their bond, but he was too loathe to care at that moment.
What does Barnes mean to you, Tony?
Tony ignored the voice in his head and thanked her for the quick assistance. Not everyone would help someone like Barnes; he was innocent, yet it was his hands that had been used to commit all the murders, including those of his parents. Tony pushed those words to the back of his head and focused on Barnes’s hand; it looked better now, bandaged and no longer bleeding. It made him sigh with relief.
“Thank you, Cho. I mean it.” He did mean every word of it; she was quick to answer their call and rush to their aid and also evoked uncalled jealousy in Tony.
Cho gave him a quick hug and offered to help with anything new that came up. “I will contact you if I mess up again,” he smirked, and Tony bid her goodbye. With only Barnes and him alone in the room, Tony felt his body heat up.
“You are impossible.”
That wasn’t something he was expecting the soldier to say to him.
“Excuse me?” He looked mildly affronted and bared his teeth at the tall man, crossing his arms across his chest and tapping his shoes on the floor.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t stalk me if I went on a date with someone?” Barnes asked him, and there was a mischievous glint in his dark eyes like he had the upper hand in the room. Tony didn’t like it. Something was merging, their bonds grasped tighter, and the scarlet and obsidian gripped, bloomed together, and tugged them closer.
“Only to ensure she wouldn’t take advantage of you!” Tony sounded defensive, he couldn’t control the flush and burning ears. Bravado eluded him.
“I was popular back in the day. I went on dates.” Barnes countered with a smile in his voice, tugging at Tony’s heartstrings.
“I get it, old man; you are very experienced.” Tony blenched at the bitterness in his tone and turned away from him. This was a dangerous zone, and Tony would very much like to walk away as fast as he can. He walked out of the room, ignoring the chuckles behind him. Stupid handsome, broody man.
“We are going to my compound, and you will have your floor.” Tony walked towards the elevator, saying, “Next week we need to talk to the government about your pardon.”
“My pardon?”
“It wasn’t you who did all those murders.”
“But it was my body that was used for it.”
“Same as my weapons used to murder thousands, it wasn’t me, even though my family business was the reason.” Tony yipped, “Or the time I created a murder bot which was meant to save the people I loved!”
“That is not the same!” James groaned.
“We both were used by bad men, Barnes.”
Barnes didn’t talk for the rest of the journey to the compound, but Tony could feel the lingering gentle echoes through their bond, and he held onto it dearly.
Happy opened the door and stared at them both without blinking. Dumfounded and aghast he waited for Tony to talk. Tony winked at him.
“Pepper told me about it, I thought she was kidding.”
Tony slid inside and waited for Barnes to get inside, with both of them seated, their thighs almost touching, he didn’t want to make the super soldier uncomfortable, so he promised Happy they could talk about it back in the compound with some fresh coffee in his system, Happy relented and drove silently. If Happy had noticed the intense tension between them and their thighs pressing tightly together despite the seat being long enough for them to sit on the corner of it, he didn’t comment on it. He definitely didn’t notice the blush on Tony’s cheeks!
With food in their bellies, Happy was filled in on the events of Siberia, and he was allowed to take the rest of the day off.
James was presented with a large penthouse as Tony showed him around the place, and he stared at the brunet like he had gone insane, “This whole floor is mine?”
“Yeah, this floor is for you; Jarvis is available to monitor the entire compound 24/7; if you need help or anything else, he will help you.”
“You sure you’re comfortable with me being alone in your compound in an entire floor?”
“Jarvis isn’t just an AI, and I have three of my kids with me all the time, they’d kick your ass.”
Tony was shocked to feel the cutting, putrid, thorny vines grip at him through their bond, he shuddered and glowered at Barnes, “What was that for?”
“You and Stevie have three kids?”
Tony’s face twitched and he laughed like he hadn’t before; he giggled breathlessly until his stomach ached and then when he saw the mildly irritated countenance on his soulmate’s face. Tony straightened up and inhaled steadily, chuckling gently, he winked at him. “I’m talking about the three robots as my babies that I built, old man.”
Oh. James hid behind the locks of hair covering his face, unable to hide the flush of embarrassment. “Three?”
“We can have more if you want!” Tony joked.
James choked on air and rushed to his room Tony had told would be his bedroom, “I’m going to wash up.” He yelled and shut the door, controlling his loudly hammering heart.
“Come meet the kids afterwards; they’ll be thrilled to see you!” Tony called out loudly, chuckling. Once Barnes was out of sight, he heard the sound of the shower and hot water hitting his soulmate’s body, making his own body squirm. Tony gulped and turned away; Barnes was naked a few steps away from him, and he didn’t want things to get awkward.
They were getting into a gawky flirting level, and he needed to keep his guard up. Barnes’ friend broke him and left his heart ripped open, “Jarvis, keep a close eye on him, if anything, anything at all happens, notify me immediately and activate protocol winter soldier.”
Tony hoped it would not come to that. But it never hurts to be alert. He slumped on his maroon chaise longue inside his workshop, sleep dragging him deeper into darkness. Siberia took a heavy toll on his body, mind, and heart.
He didn’t come out of his workshop for the rest of the following day, but he monitored Barnes through his hologram display and told Jarvis to keep an eye on Barnes while the tall, super soldier rested and enjoyed his privacy after years of running and hiding, that man deserved some peace and sleep. He had gone through all the files pertaining to the winter soldier this time with a different angle as soon as he came back, Tony’s stomach twisted.
He got down to work on something he had his mind on before his thoughts start to collapse and roll down to confound him more.
He was woken the next day by Barnes knocking on his workshop door, carrying breakfast and a small smile. Tony opened the door and enjoyed the smell of freshly baked pie and coffee. “You made this?” Barnes nodded and told him about Jarvis helping him to use the internet and navigate through it. “Cooking calms me. And you didn’t come out of your room for a whole day.”
His little robots too joined in helping him, full pun intended, well, being a helping hand to Barnes.
“Working here in my workshop, along with my robots around me, calms me,” Tony said they were on a civil basis of sharing information, and Tony wanted to be honest with him. So far, things have been amicable, their bond pushing them both to understand and get intimate.
“They’re good company.” James agreed; he hid the fact that butterfingers had broken a set of ceramic bowls.
The rest of the week passed by in a similar manner, Barnes would show up with one of Tony’s favourite dishes and a pumpkin spiced latte, and each time a different design was drawn on it, it was cute, thoughtful and Tony didn’t have the heart to reject the kind gesture.
Tony spent most of his time in his workshop. Pepper and Barnes had gotten closer over the week. Odd. They talked in hushed voices and Barnes has been preparing his meals and Tony’s favourite coffee. And Tony understood how he learnt about Tony’s taste. Pepper has been feeding him Tony’s interests in food and desserts. He wasn’t sure if he should be offended or endeared. He decided to go with the latter.
**
“Sir, Sergeant Barnes is looking for you.” Tony wiped his mouth and opened his eyes, squinting, the room was plunged into darkness, he requested Jarvis to turn on the night lamp, with the dim light, his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, the clock in the room read it was six in the morning, he had slept for twelve hours. “Jarvis! Did he eat anything last night?”
“Yes sir. Ms Potts showed up last evening, and they had dinner. And had a serious discussion.”
“That must have been eventful.” Tony rubbed his face, sobering up.
“She briefed him on his scheduled court hearing.” Jarvis said, “It was scheduled for Monday aka today at 11 a.m., sir.”
Tony ignored the reprimand in his AI’s tone.
“Shit! I need to get ready.” Tony pushed the blanket DUM-E placed on him last night, “Let him in, Jarvis.”
A nervous-looking Barnes walked inside, hair tousled and sleep hanging heavy on his dark eyes; his pyjamas, which Tony had instructed Jarvis to accommodate in his closet, large shirt hung loosely on his shoulder, his collarbone a stark contrast to the scarlet satin shirt he wore, and just above the milky patch of skin lay the soul mark Tony had left a few days ago. It was large and bruised, and the skin was still red and sensitive. Tony’s mouth went dry. Barnes looked ready to be ravished, and Tony would let him ravish him after he had his fill with the super soldier.
James felt the crushing, carnal desires flood their bond and stood by the door, staring at Tony through hooded eyes, pupils widening, lust filling the grey eyes. “We have to prepare for my trial today.” He reminded the smug, lush-laden brunet. Despite his enhanced, super soldier serum enabled body craving for intimacy.
New bonds elevated the emotions, and heightened them, Tony read about it. He needed to control his urges if he were to be a good friend to the tall one. Tony’s lower body ignored it of course. He was a man after all. Barnes was handsome and prepared Tony’s favourite burgers better than many food joints. He drew various tiny hearts on Tony’s latte as well, sweet.
“Yeah.” Tony stood up, the lust in his eyes thickening as he closed the distance between them, hands wrapped around Barnes’s still body, Tony nuzzled his nose against the mark, and the warm puff of air against the sensitive patch of skin tickled the super soldier, who squirmed under the attention. “We should prepare you,” warm lips enclosed around the mark, nipped gently, James hissed and bared his neck, warmth flooding them both. “Show them who you truly are, James.” His name fell as a plea more than a statement, possessive and salacious, James’ lip parted in a wordless gasp.
“Tony, you don’t want this.” James’ hand moved up and held Tony by his shoulder, he couldn't push him away, and he didn’t want to either, but he desperately wanted Tony to be sure of where they stood before there was anything remotely intimate between them. His body burned with a searing desire to hold him closer until they both melted and moulded as one.
Tony stilled in his hold and rested his head against his shoulder. His body sagged and his head cleared; he blinked and pushed himself up to look into the dark eyes, “Sorry, I lost control.” James offered him a small smile in lieu of an answer; Tony accepted it and stepped away, his hand still lingering on James’ clothed abs. Boiling desire simmered down slowly, still lingering behind their heated skins.
“I’ll get ready and meet you in the kitchen on the second floor.” Tony panted, hands still gripping James’s T-shirt, James pressed his lips closer to Tony’s closed, fluttering eyelids, heated breath ghosting the tender skin, Tony let out a high-pitched whine. “Tony, you’re making this harder for me, petal.” Tony bit his lip hard enough to draw blood; he peeled himself away with an effort he didn’t know he needed, the hardest battle between lust and sanity.
James could feel the regret and longing through the bond, he clenched his jaw as he walked through the corridor leading to the elevator, his heart heavy and his mind heady. They had a long way to go. Tony was impulsive and reckless and wore his heart on his sleeve. James didn’t want to be the person who took it and broke it; he wanted to be Tony’s home, his confidant, and the person Tony wanted for the rest of his life. It might be the bond or it might be him, but James knew he wanted to be something other than being someone’s tool and killing machine; he wanted to live his life in this new world; he has been given a second chance, and he grasped it tighter. Fuck HYDRA. Fuck anyone who comes between him and his freedom and his personal life.
Tony promised to be with him through his new life and the choices he made, and James hoped that one day Tony wouldn’t be an onlooker but would be someone who was more than just an observer in his life. Frustrated and unable to find the right words, James punched the second floor on the elevator panel. He would worry about it after his trial.
He sat down with his pancakes, cream, and freshly sliced fruits. Ms Potts had helped him last week by showing him around the kitchen and also warning him about Tony’s coffee machine. ‘Be very careful with it. He would bite you if you broke it.’
James filled two cups full of hot coffee and filled Tony’s plate with portions of bacon, omelettes, and pancakes on another plate. Tony walked into the room in his three-piece suit. James almost dropped his coffee cup, his mouth wide open as he admired the view. Tony cleans up REALLY well.
“Can I call you James from now on?” Tony asked shyly, taking the chair next to his and smiling at him as he accepted the cup. He took an appreciative sip and moaned. “Missed this.” Eating inside his workshop wasn’t the same.
“You can, Tony.” He didn’t point out that Tony already moaned his name in the morning. James enjoyed having to listen to his name on his lips; Bucky was something everyone from his old days used. His first name, used by Tony, felt more personal, and he liked the sound of it.
“Good, snowflake.”
Monikers are palpably pleasant. James hummed and dug into his huge stack of pancakes. Tony poured him syrup while he cut his pancake. Tony also added more cream to his next stack of pancakes and watched him eat heartily, smiling all the while adding more bacon slices to James’ plate.
And that’s how Happy walked in on the weird couple, enjoying breakfast, for the very first time in his years seeing Tony play a male wife while Sergeant Barnes blushed and ate mumbling together, their conversation hushed and oddly intimate. Candles and roses were the only things missing from the table.
“Is this a soulmate thing, or will I have to put up with you both giving each other heart eyes every time I’m with you both?”
Happy’s voice broke the magic between them, Tony guffawed and glared at his friend. “We were discussing his court trial.” Happy had the gall to look smug and he wasn’t buying it, “Sure, Tony.”
Tony rolled his eyes and stood up, clearing the plates, Happy watched Sergeant Barnes walk beside him, as they washed the dishes in quaint sync and silence, Barnes washed and Tony dried them.
Do they realise they have a robot to do this for them? Happy wouldn’t be surprised if Tony hid this from Barnes so he could spend time with his new soulmate. Or both knew and wanted to enjoy mundane, domestic bliss. Why Tony wanted this was beyond him. Barnes was the captain’s close friend, and Rogers was Tony’s ex-lover. Their legend, the captain, was going to be really upset with them. This could ruin their future Avengers field works. It wasn’t his place, but he’d stay with Tony; he hadn’t seen him this happy and carefree. Even with Captain Rogers, Tony was trying too hard to please him and the rest of the Avengers. But now he behaved the same way he did with Rhodey and Pepper. Happy wanted Tony to be around someone who wanted him for him, not for his money or brain. Rogers did love his friend, but they fought every other night; they spent more time rekindling their love than keeping it constant.
If Barnes tried anything rash, Happy knew they’d break his neck before he took his next breath; it wouldn’t have to come to that. Pepper was a spitting dragon, Rhodey was strong, and Happy would try to take down a super soldier with DUM-E or U helping him, he winced and wondered if he should ask Tony for some suit if it came to that. Well… They aren’t strong, it’s the thought that counts. Anything for Tony.
“Are you plotting my death, Happy?” Tony chuckled at his friend’s ridiculous albeit supposedly, deadly mien. Sergeant Barnes looked nervous, adjusting his shirt and hair. Tony turned away from Happy and did something, and Sergeant Barnes was relaxing and breathing normally. Happy couldn’t believe this was the same winter soldier that faced the entire Avengers alone. This man looked gentle, kind, and lost. Somehow, Tony was able to anchor him.
Wow. All this over a week?
Happy looked away and walked towards the door. He was going to spend the rest of the day gossiping with Pepper. Rhodey was going to get filled in on the juicy details real-quick later through their call. He couldn’t wait.
Tony pulled him closer and hissed, “Not a word to Pep or Honey Bear.” Happy smirked and wiggled his brows. Tony slumped in his seat, giving up.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get this sorted.” Tony consoled the miserable-looking James, he nodded and exhaled shakily, clutching his one good arm tightly.
The trail was, well, a mess. Tony yelled, threatening to withdraw from helping the council with his iron legions. They came to a compromise and pardoned James Barnes, he was to immediately go through treatment to get the words removed, and every session was to be recorded and presented to the council as proof if required. And he wasn’t allowed to leave the country for the next two years. And he cannot leave the compound without permission or without an escort accompanying him until his treatment is complete and he has been deemed no longer a threat to anyone, including himself. Tony looked at James. James nodded and accepted the terms, his eyes glistening. Something shifted between them after the trial. Something profound blossomed in their bond.
Tony and James hid the emotions they both held at the moment; their bonds sang a tender melody that drove them insane to be in each other’s embrace. Tony couldn’t wait to head back home.
As soon as the door to the penthouse fell shut, Tony rushed and hugged James; the super soldier froze and melted into the embrace, and he hugged him back fiercely, shoulders shaking with unbidden emotions. "You did it, James." James didn’t want to kiss him yet. Not while both their minds were still a mess; he wanted to take his time and understand where they stood. Tony had told him the previous day he couldn’t love him, and he knew the reason behind it was Steve and their history. A hug wouldn’t count as something romantic or intimate, Tony and James both reasoned with themselves.
“We’re starting your B.A.R.F. treatment later this week; you will have your privacy. I will only submit the recording if anything goes wrong; otherwise, it is staying put on my disk.” Tony promised him. “I will not be present with you, to make the process more comfortable for you, I mean without me messing with your head with our bond and all.”
“Tony, breathe. I get it.” James said.
“You’re going to have to live through the memories again,” Tony susurrated, and through their bond, James felt the agony and fear behind them. He hushed the brunet and kissed his hair. Tony felt selfish at that moment. James was the one that needed comfort, not him. “Sorry, I should be the one consoling you.”
“Hey, what are experienced old men there for?” James joked, Tony chuckled and bit his shoulder playfully, and James was reminded of Ms Potts’s words. Tony is a biter. “You look younger than me, James.” James got a pat on the head, and he was mollified under the decadent physical touch after decades of famish.
Tony spent that night making a temporary arm he had been working on for James until the metal one was ready.
The next morning when James knocked on the door with DUM-E carrying the food along with him, Tony stood up and hugged him tightly.
Tony was nervous and buzzing with excitement. “Tony, you, okay?”
Tony shook his head, “I’ve got a present for you.” James smiled brightly and looked at Tony expectantly, Tony motioned for U to bring the arm he had made last night and said, “I’m sorry for the way we started off as soulmates, this is my peace offering to you.”
Tony sat a dumbfounded James on the sofa and attached his arm, saying, “You are to come to me if you feel any discomfort; this is a prototype I’ve been modelling ever since we came back from Siberia. I didn’t know how to say sorry for biting, ahem, boding with you.”
“I bit you back. We’re even.” James joked and flexed his fingers; it didn’t hurt, but it did feel weird.
He had in fact forgiven the short brunet, and James felt like he could breathe normally ever since they arrived back without running and chasing. He enjoyed the calm and protection Tony provided.
**
“I’m back!” Tony visited Rhodey a few days later. Hands full of fruits and chocolates, Rhodey loved them.
“Tony,” Rhodey wiggled his brows, and the brunet groaned and dropped the chocolate box on the table beside his bed.
“So, Happy told you?” He got an affirmative shrug and a mirthful snort. Tony slid down next to him, “How’s your leg?”
“It feels numb for most of the time; kudos to the painkillers.” Tony inhaled deeply and grabbed his hand and said, “I’ll start with your leg prototype along with James’s arm.”
“Speaking of which, Tony tell me the truth.”
“I already did!”
Tony grabbed a banana and peeled it. Taking a big bite, he spoke with his mouthful.
“Tony, I know you better than anyone else.”
“So, you told him you both wouldn’t work out, and you are feeling things for him after that. And you’re having lingering affection for his best friend because you never got closure?”
Rhodey rubbed his temple, and an impending headache was bound to hit him, “Why did you bond with him, Tony? This isn’t you. Revenge isn’t the only reason, is it?”
Tony hesitated, Rhodey hugged his friend closer, “Tony, it’s me.”
“Remember Slokovia?” Rhodey’s heart sank, nonetheless, he nodded gravely.
“I hated Wanda when she messed with my head. The things I saw—I was the reason we lost our universe, the Avengers died, and I held a dying Steve in my arms, his blood covered in my hands—made me responsible because I couldn't save him. It broke me, Rhodey. Beyond words. Petrified me.” Rhodey rocked him, comforting his friend. Tony’s body trembled as he continued, “Then I saw my soulmate, my destined; he was the winter soldier, suffering a similar fate, and worse. It snapped something inside of me. But he got away from us.” Tony grabbed the blanket lying on the bed and clutched it. “In the bunker, when I saw the video, I saw scarlet; I lost control, and until I blasted the arm off, I was raging. Once that abomination that hurt my mom was gone, the fog in my head lifted, and I saw my soulmate broken and staggering, and I claimed him. Fear and selfishness made me a bit aghast. Steve and others would take him from me. I wanted to hurt Steve and steal Barnes from his clutch. Initially, I wanted to call off my plan to save him and only seek revenge, but I didn't think my stand would waver so fast, and my notion changed as I got to talk to him and know him more.”
Rhodey understood, he listened to Tony in silence, “I wanted to be the one to protect him, even if it meant just as a friend or enemy.” Tony sniffed, “It didn’t matter to me, I wanted him to heal and have freedom. I knew if he was hidden or on the run with Steve, he would be shunned and hunted by the government. I didn’t regret our bond, he followed me because of it. I was relieved.” Tony choked and went quiet.
“You wanted to persuade him with the bond and get a pardon for him?” Rhodey asked, eyes wide, “How did you think the council was going to agree?”
“I am Iron Man,” Tony said, giggling mirthlessly. “No, I wasn’t expecting it to fall into place. I guess there was a reason fate chose us both. As a man of science, I find it stupid and it doesn’t make sense, but as an egotistical person with selfish motivations, I think it worked in my favour. After that video, I wanted to hurt him, and Steve even more, but hate is corrosive and James was a victim like me to HYDRA’s mind rapes.”
Rhodey hugged him tightly now, “Tony. You are not selfish. You are far from that. Your methods are flawed, but your intentions are good, which is probably why your soulmate chose to stay with you.”
“I’m no different from HYDRA.” Tony uttered his innermost fear, he received a whack to his head and another fierce hug, “How could compare yourself to those scums? You’re providing Sergeant Barnes with treatment, a new arm, a new home, his freedom.”
Tony shook his head. Rhodey spat firmly, “I know the way you chose to bond was wrong, you should apologise to him. And, what are you going to do about Rogers?”
“I did, but I want to prove it to him, I'm really sorry to him. Steve on the other hand... I don’t know. I won’t forgive him easily.”
“Is he the one stopping you from getting close to Barnes? Let go of him, Tony. He made you miserable. Barnes came with you, you're bonded and that’s unfair to Sergeant, Tony.”
“I almost kissed James, but he stopped me. He wants to do this right. I want James to be in his right mind and still want me, honey bear.”
“Fair enough.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a call from the compound. “Jarvis?” Tony asked, wiping his eyes dry, his voice still choked up and muffled, “What’s wrong?” Was it James? Did he get hurt or went back to Steve? Tony didn’t want to know the answer; his heart was already unsteady, broken, and weak, and this would be the final nail in the coffin binding his heart inside and causing it to break beyond repair. Worse than Steve’s betrayal.
“Sir, it’s Sergeant Barnes. He wants to talk to you; he sounds very distressed.”
Tony sat up quickly upon hearing it and nodded, his eyes wide and worry filling him.
“Tony?” came the weak, worried whisper. Tony melted.
“James, is everything all right?”
“I should be the one asking you that!” came the yell, his bellowing voice cracking at the end. Tony and Rhodey froze and looked at each other confused. “I can sense your distress through our bond in case you’ve forgotten.” Tony was made aware by James, yet again of their permanent bond. Tony swallowed. He had forgotten about his spiralling emotions and their impact on the super soldier.
“Sorry, I was talking to Rhodey about his treatment.” Tony lied and grimaced when he received a shake of the head from his friend, ‘Later.’ He mouthed silently to Rhodey.
“Come home straight after that.” That was all James said. It didn’t sound like a command, but an aching plea.
Tony felt himself yearn, and he felt him through their bond and noticed how tender, melancholic it was at that moment. “I will come home, James.” He promised, and his soft voice and gentleness in it made the super soldier accept, and he moved away from the screen.
“Sergeant, I will notify you when sir arrives.” Jarvis was talking to James, his usually monotone voice was brimming with fondness, respect and understanding. Tony couldn’t wrap his mind, he cut off communication and slumped.
“What the fuck just happened?” Rhodey stared at him perplexed; he couldn’t wrap his mind around the subtle display of intricate feelings those two held for each other. There was explicitly something budding between the soulmates.
“I guess his enhanced abilities have more effect on the soulmate bond we share, it’s affecting him. Even with long distances between us, I couldn’t sense anything until I focused on the bond, unlike him.”
“Or, he was focusing on the bond the whole time you were gone.”
“Don’t make me feel guiltier than I already am,” Tony whined and closed his eyes.
“He sounds nothing like Rogers. And he seemed genuinely distressed over you.”
“All the more reason he deserves better. That damn video and bunker, it ruined everything.”
Rhodey had enough of that. He held Tony and turned him around to face him. “Okay, let us get this shit together, together?” Tony nodded.
“You wanted to save him from the start, that video messed up your plans but you’re back on track now.”
Tony nodded.
“You never wanted a relationship with him, just wanted to help him, since you were under the assumption Steve was the one for you until you went to Siberia?”
Tony nodded slowly.
“Steve’s betrayal and the video, evoked revenge and fury, your bonding seems unfair, Barnes deserves better than you because you have a crush on him now?”
Tony inhaled deeply and shrugged. “I’m confused, honeybear. James leaves me breathless and longing the moment we are in the same room, I’m scared that it’s just our bond’s doing. I want him to be cherished for more than just a bond.”
Tony looked distressed and looked at Rhodey like a child, “You care for him deeply, Tony. Bonds make you impulsive, and you both didn’t act on it and stopped.” Tony looked at his lap, overthinking, Rhodey shook his head.
“To me, it sounds like Sergeant Barnes understands you better than you understand yourself, Tony. He didn’t hold it against you; he didn’t stay back with his friend for a reason.”
“He said he understood me by the emotions I felt back then in the bunker,” Tony remembered. “We barely know each other.”
“Give him a chance.” Rhodey liked Barnes already, mayhap the fates are right about this, “Give yourself a chance for a better relationship.”
“He is gentle, handsome, and makes amazing coffee and bacon. Draws little hearts on my latte. Cooks my favourite food daily. No one’s done that for me, platypus.” Tony pouted. “And, damn, that body,” Tony whined and grunted, feeling his body heat up. Wantonness licked at his skin.
“Please leave before he comes breaking down the door, assuming I am doing nasty stuff with you through your bond.” Rhodey pushed Tony out of his bed. Tony threw the banana peel into the waste bin and gave his friend a flying kiss.
“If you like him. Break it off completely with Steve.” Tony heard before he closed the door behind him. Easier said than done; he didn’t want to waste time tracking down the rogues. Much less arguing with Steve about how they weren’t an item. He’d rather focus that energy on building things for James, just to see that shy smile on his handsome, iridescent face.
Conversation with Rhodey had ignited the part of the events of Siberia he had buried in his mind.
Tony walked towards the elevator and activated his suit; once he reached the roof, he took off. As he flew across the city to reach his soulmate, various enamouring, constricting thoughts boggled him. He had initially wanted to save him and be done with him, but later, he wanted to break him when he learned the truth; he wanted revenge when his friend broke Tony’s heart; and now he wanted something more and more tender when he had barely known him for a few days. He sped up because he wanted to reach home and hold him closer than anything else.
Tony, spiralled down the steep road of conflicting emotions that had him staggering with each step he took when he reached the compound. Oddly, unknowing to him, he had let James join him on the messy journey, picking him up when he tripped. The metal door opened alerting Jarvis, Tony had arrived. He was welcomed by a large body crashing into him and lifting him up. Tony secured his legs around his sturdy waist, and large hands anchored his body closer, and his nose was filled with lemon and vanilla. With the whiff of James’ shampoo and body wash, he inhaled deeply, relaxing; nothing mattered; revenge; anger; confusion. Only one mattered and filled his mind and soul: James Buchanan Barnes.
“Missed me, snowflake?” Tony asked breathlessly, hugging him.
“Yeah, I did. And this is just two good friends hugging each other,” James said when he let Tony climb down. Tony rolled his eyes at his choice of words. He deserved it, so he let it slide, just that one time.
“Let’s go have dinner. You’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow.” Tony dragged him to their kitchen, he wanted to eat something homemade. Pepper filled him in on James’ interest in cooking and he had been asking her about Tony’s favourite dishes. Tony was not going to lie; his soulmate spending time with Tony’s friends, finding out what he preferred, and cooking it for him, was very endearing and made him swoon. James had moved here a few days ago, and he was winning over everyone around Tony, first Pepper and Happy, then Jarvis, and his robots.
James had prepared him a table full of Tony’s favourite, chicken, pork, pie, sandwiches and various doughnuts as desserts. In the centre of it was a single red rose dipped in water. It looked so romantic. James stood next to the table, countenance masked with calmness, but the bond mirrored his heart and his ebbing waves of worry.
Friends. Just friends. Tony calmed himself. What James needed was someone to help him through the treatment, not a messy soulmate like Tony, who piles on with his paradoxical affection and just messes him up more.
Liar. His mind mocked him.
“James. This is perfect.” Tony susurrated affably and sat down, taking in every dish, he might be a billionaire, but nothing beats a table full of food prepared with care and selfless affection. He could feel the bond twist from anxiousness to serenity. Tony smiled to himself. James was an open book. All it took was a little compliment to appease James, and Tony would never take him for granted; he wanted to protect that side of his soulmate.
James sat opposite him, and Tony took his hand in his and kissed the palm tenderly, “Thank you.” James bit his lips and nodded.
Tony will wait until his treatment is over. Until he was sure they both wanted to be with each other for more than their bonds and fate.
**
James emerged from his treatment with his face darkened with fear, his hair sweaty and unruly, and his lashes wet and stuck together. Tony’s heart ached, and he stood silently outside. He felt everything James felt… fear, wrath, determination, blankness, regret, loneliness, loss, and despair. Gentle buds emerged and unfurled, blossoming as their bond strengthened with warmth, amour and ardent acceptance.
James stared at Tony once he was out, eyes wide and blank. Tony opened his arms, and James slumped against the small frame, exhaling shakily; tremors shook his frame; and the brunet held him firmly, unwavering in his hold.
“I can find Steve.” Tony offered despite the way his heart clenched painfully at the thought of seeing the blond again, he would tolerate a few minutes of his presence if it meant James can be with someone familiar. James shook his head. Tony sighed in relief.
“You need some rest, and we can order pizza. How about that?” James’ hands around his shoulder and waist tightened; he kissed Tony on the head and pulled away, “Sounds good, Tony.”
Tony turned towards James’ room, but James grabbed his hand and stopped him. “Mine then?” Tony asked. James smiled thinly and said, “Yeah, I don’t want to be alone in my room.”
James in his room felt more personal, and friends do sleep in the same bed, Tony convinced himself, albeit the salaciousness their bond vibrated with from both of them.
“I haven’t been here much, not since I came back from Siberia, spending most of my time in my workshop.” Tony unlocked his room inputting his passcode, “You’ve been warned.”
It was a mess. Steve’s side of the bed and closet were still filled with his clothes and things. Tony kicked a raiment out of his way and rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed, saying, “Sorry, with the way we both ended things. I forgot about this.”
“Jarvis please request DUM-E to help me with cleaning up the bed and the floor.” Tony, despite being a genius, forgot Steve’s lingering presence in their room in the form of his memories and possessions. He inhaled deeply.
While they waited for Tony’s robot to arrive, James didn’t pry, but he looked around and took a photo that sat on the table, it was Tony with the other Avengers. It didn’t look like a happy picture. Tony’s smile was miserable and timid. He kept the photo back and looked at the half-open closet; going by the large shirts and pants, that must be Stevie’s side of the closet. James shut down the bitterness as soon as it crawled out. Steve wasn’t the one Tony was with. Steve didn’t matter, or so he hoped. He loved his friend as a brother, but he wasn’t the same kid he knew back then. He was deceptive and lied for convenience. James wondered if he was the real reason or if it was Steve protecting himself from breaking the news to Tony, it bewildered him what stopped his friend from spilling the truth to Tony. However benevolent the reason was, it was morally wrong in James’ eyes. Steve was in the wrong in that aspect.
The familiar sound of DUM-E entering the room made James smile fondly at the little robot; he joined him along and they cleaned the room while Tony made calls with some members of the council to update them that the first day of treatment had gone successfully.
Tony slid into his bed and patted the large space next to it, smirking. James chuckled, thanked DUM-E, and sat on the bed, “Are you sure I can sleep here, you know after...” he motioned to Steve’s clothes and his notebook, pencils, and other things still occupying the drawers another half of the room.
Tony became disquieted and opened the duvet; James slid it over his body, and they lay supine next to each other; the distance between them was loud and obvious. When the silence shifted from prickling pines to raining hail, Tony broke the uncomfortable glacial moment by saying, “Honey Bear says I need to have a clean breakup.”
James, who had been focusing his dark eyes on the ceiling, turned his head and gazed at Tony’s face. “What do you want to do, Tony?”
Tony shifted and faced James, cushioning his cheek on his elbow, their faces inches apart. James' entrancing stormy eyes, no longer blank but brimmed with emotions, tugged at him, “I want that as well. But I’m not ready to see him yet.” Tony’s eyes shifted between the alluring eyes to supple lips. The silence between them settled to serenity, no longer a stormy unease.
“Do you want to end it or? You did say you just wanted to be friends with me.”
Tony looked at James like he’d grown two horns and gone insane. Inundating disbelief and a heady wind of misplaced scorn assaulted James through their bond, “Tony, cut it out.” He barked at Tony without an actual bite to his tone.
Tony moved closer, his hand coming to rest on James’s hip. He punched him there gently and said, “If you think you can use that as an excuse to fool with other men or women, I’m hitting you with my repulsor. Again.” Tony’s warning was light-hearted and jovial, but James gulped at the intensity behind the whiskey eyes, “If I wanted, I could’ve found out where he is.” Tony confessed, “Thoughts of seeing him in person hadn’t crossed my mind, I was too focused on you to bother with anyone else.” He edged closer; their bodies touched and rubbed, sharing body warmth Tony swallowed past the lump in his throat.
“Am I distracting? Should I move to Pepper’s house or somewhere else?” James was only joking.
Tony, apparently, too caught up with incensed despair, crawled over fully, climbing James, he sat on the warm body, as he scowled at the super soldier, “I will search the ends of the earth and find you, snowflake.” An oath. A threat. A plea. James grabbed Tony’s hips their duvet kicked aside and his body vibrated with desire he hadn’t felt in decades, “You’re a beautiful menace, Tony.” He tightened his grip. His gaze locked on him. “You don’t want us to just stay friends; I can see you craving for me, every time you look at me.” Tony lowered his body, lying atop him, and hid his face in the crook of James’ neck. The taller of the two asked, “What is stopping you?”
Tony stayed quiet for a while, breathing softly, his breath sending shivers down James’ spine, “I want you to want me when you are fully recovered. And I want us to want each other for who we are, not because we’re soulmates. I have so much to tell you, show you after your treatment gets over.” James can accept that; it sounded reasonable. He wanted that for them as well. But he wanted confirmation; he was new to these sorts of things.
“We’re staying friends until then?” James asked, Tony, nodded, and despite the sensuous bellow through their bond, he willed himself to calm down.
“I’ve never desired anyone the way I crave for you, James. But I want this to work if we were to go beyond our bond and tragic past.”
James’ breath hitched at the bold declaration. His eyes glimmered at Tony’s illuminating countenance.
“I need closure with Steve. I want us to start with a clean slate. It should be us, not our bond that compels us. I lost control and almost kissed you the other day.”
“Anything you want. Let’s take our time, Tony.”
He expected the usual criticism and how unreasonable Tony was. Not this. Not with this soft smile, understanding and tenderness.
“I don’t deserve you.” The dark part of Tony, his pessimistic ego, made him feel like an asshole for being overly possessive and clingy.
“None of that now, petal.” James tsked.
“I know it’s too much to ask; you are allowed to be with anyone you want. I took your right to choose our soulmate bond. If it doesn’t work out between us.” Tony mumbled, his voice muffled by James’ shirt, as he nibbled on, “If you really want to be with someone else, and if you find the right person. I wouldn’t let my recklessness stop you from pursuing your happiness.”
Tony didn’t stop at that, he rasped, voice choked up, “I mean it, James. If someone makes you happy, I will back off. Else, I’m stealing you away.”
Their bond vibrated with grief, loneliness, and bereavement. James snaked his arm around Tony’s body and embraced him impossibly close to his. Tony sounded like a cornered, affrighted puppy yearning for affection, and James wanted to kiss him senselessly, make him forget his painful past, and fill him with nothing but James and his kisses. Until all Tony could think and breathe was bliss and the feeling of being wanted, stuffed with James’ illimitable love for him.
“Tony… for a genius you’re dumb.”
Tony bit his shoulder in retaliation.
“I wouldn’t waste time finding out what food you enjoy and cooking for you every meal if I wanted to pursue someone else. Even if we fight in future, we can take it slow and talk it through.” James said, “I come from a time where we show affection through our simple actions, this is me wooing you. And I hate it when you think so low of yourself.”
Tony pushed himself up, and despite James' protests, he acquiesced, slacked his grip, and snuggled gently, cupping James’s face and whispering, “You’re wooing me?”
He nodded. “If anything, I’m jealous of Stevie. Even your honeybear.” James confessed in the dimly lit room, blood rushed to his cheeks, scarlet blooming in them. James wanted him, despite how clingy he was and despite his past misdeeds. Tony threw the old oath away and took a new one. Cherish, love, protect. James Buchanan Barnes, what are you doing to me?
“Aww, look at you flushing like a newly blooming flower.” Tony bopped his nose with his finger, his left hand cupping the cheeks, and sparks ignited between the couple. James’ tongue playfully licked the pad of his finger, and Tony’s face heated up; he didn’t remove his finger.
“Sir.”
“Not now. Jarvis.” Tony groaned, and James’ laughter vibrated through their connected bodies. Jarvis knew they appreciated his intervention. Slow steps.
“Our pizza is here, Tony.” James kissed the finger touching his nose. Reluctantly, Tony pushed himself up, dragging James with him, and together they exited the room. Sensor-enabled lights lit up as they walked down the stairs, heading to the kitchen. James enjoyed having Tony’s hand intertwined with his; he didn’t alert the brunet, basking in the warmth.
**
James’ next treatment ended very badly, he came out staggering, eyes bloodshot, face pale, hands shivering. Tony stood frozen when he took a look at the tall man. “James.” He whispered softly, throwing his hands around his shoulder. James flinched. Tony didn’t move, he stood still and said, “Push me away if it’s too much.”
“Howard was my friend.” James sobbed. Tony couldn’t hold it in anymore; he had held onto his anger and suppressed blues until they broke a dam of emotions, and he wailed along with his soulmate and hung onto him for dear life, “You didn’t do it, love. It wasn’t you.”
They stood by the door for what felt like hours. Tony rocked them gently, and James sniffed faintly, “Tony, I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too, James, for what they made you do.” Incensed on his soulmate’s behalf, Tony pressed his lips on the bearded jaw, lips lingering longer than necessary, “I want you to know, I never blamed you for what happened to them. I was angry, but it was misplaced back then.”
Tony pulled James along with him to another room, next to his bedroom. In the middle of the room was a slipshod pillow fort; it was large enough for a nuclear family to sit. James looked at it perplexed, and his grey eyes went wide with titillating brightness in them, reflecting the little lights adorning the top of the fort. He looked enthralling. Tony, even without their bond’s emotions, knew he wanted to kiss and protect him.
“Let’s get in.” Tony tugged him inside the fort, smiling widely like he hadn’t done in days. James nodded, and together they crawled inside the fort and sat on the floor covered with thin pillows. Next to the large, fluffy pillows stacked for resting their heads, there was a small teakwood table containing James’s favourite saltwater taffy and cookies Tony baked with his bot babies.
“Tiny Iron Man and Winter Soldier Cookies?” James asked in disbelief. Tony giggled and took one, opening the wrapper, “Our bot babies helped me. Happy helped a bit too!” Tony sucked at proportions, and Happy had to get involved to prevent James from suffering a bad stomach ache. Tony wasn’t going to admit that.
"Safe to eat then." James dove when Tony threw a pillow at him, smiling, the prickling pain in his chest now a dull throb. James was grateful for the presents. He probed at his bond, it was filled with warm elation and quietude.
**
James’ next session wasn’t as bad as the one with Howard and Maria, but he looked broke and didn’t talk to Tony for hours. Tony sat with him, observing their bond, there was a constant flicker of regret and sadness. Tony’s heart broke.
He offered him warm milk, and James drank it, the silence stretched between them. Tony sat with him, their thighs pressing together.
“Tony.” James finally said. Tony grabbed the good, warm, sweaty hand in his and kissed each finger tenderly, “I’m here,” Tony whispered back. “Take me to our fort.” James keened.
They spent the rest of the evening inside Tony’s pillow fort, cuddling and making hushed promises. James basked in the attention and warmth, he enjoyed the kisses, as they moved from his head to his cheeks now.
**
The following one ended up with both of them falling into bed right after the treatment, with Tony peppering kisses all over his face. James cupped his face when Tony was done and kissed his forehead, lips lingering warmly, breathing him in.
“Your final session is next month.” Tony couldn’t wait to take him out; he wanted to show him his favourite person, Peter. Tony hadn’t asked him to come to the compound until James was comfortable; he didn’t trust the council to use something as simple as Peter visiting James and Tony as James being a dangerous man.
**
Weeks passed by, and on the day of his final day of treatment, James bounced with nervousness and excitement.
With his files sealed with approval, he was allowed to leave the compound without escorts, but he was to be closely monitored for the first few weeks for PTSD and other side effects that decades of HYDRA had caused him to do using his body and to his mind. It wasn't just the triggers getting removed; they needed to be completely safe to be around him. James understood where the council was coming from, and he agreed to their conditions.
He came out of the room, with a wide smile. Finally, James was able to breathe freely without mere words controlling his mind and emotions, but something was amiss when he came out of the room. Tony wasn’t around.
He focused on his bond and felt nothing but wisps of tranquillity. Tony wasn’t in any imminent danger, but it was weird of him to not be with James when they were finally free to talk about their bond, whatever that was between them.
He ran up the stairs and noticed Tony’s room was ajar, the bed unmade. Odd. He walked inside, taking in the abrupt departure and Tony’s PJs thrown across the bed. He sat on the bed and controlled his breathing; worry started to eat him up from the inside; fear gripped his throat, and he choked and wheezed. He grabbed the water jar and poured himself a glass of water. Something was balled up and thrown across the table. A burner phone lay beside it. Curious and affrighted for Tony, he wondered if it was a threat letter. Gulping down the water, he grabbed the balled-up paper and opened it.
James read it multiple times, hot anger thrummed through his veins. For the first time in his life, James wanted to smack Stevie across his face. The letter was long and tiresome; some of the sentences in it gave him a migraine.
Did he want to get back with Tony?
We acted on our emotions, Tony. I only hid it from you because I was scared of losing you. You would’ve gotten angry and hurt an innocent, brainwashed man. Tony, I did what was best for all three of us. Bucky has been pardoned, and I’m thankful to you. I miss you, Tony. Give us a second chance, like you allowed your soulmate to be in your life as a friend.
Stevie thought he had the right to keep the truth about someone’s parent’s death because he felt like they weren’t worthy enough to handle the truth. And it was based on a plausible assumption? Tony did get angry and hurt James, but the man was living a life of lies and was traumatised for years over it as well… to keep it from him and allow a HYDRA bastard to expose the truth to break them apart? Stevie, you played right into HYDRA's game. James thought bitterly.
Tony had been nothing but understanding towards James; under different circumstances, if the truth were revealed, anger would've been undeniable, but the situation would’ve been different. Tony wasn’t given a chance to mourn over the real cause of his parent’s death because he was too busy fighting two super soldiers, one of whom betrayed him while the other was the one who killed his parents.
James was incensed on Tony’s behalf. He wanted his soulmate next to him, to hug him, he yearned to kiss him, body throbbed to cuddle with him. James wanted him like his next breath.
He crushed the letter and dropped it back on the table. He took the burner phone and checked, only Steve’s name was under contacts.
Was Tony searching for Steve? Will they get together?
James heard Jarvis’ worried yells. He breathed deeply, controlling his fear of losing the only one he wanted in decades, who possibly abandoned him for someone who had hurt him before. Wasn’t James’ love and loyalty enough? He threw away his friend and followed him. He would never regret it. But Tony deserved better than he thought he wanted to settle for. James tugged at his hair. Why do you always run and jump inside the fiery pits, Tony?
“I’m okay, Jarvis.”
“Sergeant James, wait for Sir to come home and you shouldn’t have read it without him around here.” Jarvis’s tone was gentle and he rebuked James like a father chiding a son. Shame filled him. He did pry into Tony’s private letter without his permission. In his defence, he was worried it was a threat, not a love letter.
“Please don’t tell Tony about this. I don’t want to add more stress to his plate.” Jarvis promised him he wouldn’t notify Tony, albeit hinting at James, to be honest with his feelings about the letter later.
At first, he wanted to go to their romantic stop, their messy, warm, Pillow Fort, but he couldn’t bring himself to get around the fond memories they shared there; it was too much, right after everything, and the letter was a slap in the face.
James headed down to Tony’s workshop and dropped on the pillows. Hugging Tony’s pillow to his face, he inhaled the familiar scent of Tony; they’d been sleeping on Tony’s bed or inside the pillow fort ever since his treatment started. It barely smelled like Tony on the workshop sofa, nonetheless, he inhaled the faint scent of metal and musk, he hugged it close to his chest, sniffing in the dark room, his heart aching and longing for him.
**
Tony landed on the empty balcony and got out of his suit. It was noon, and the lack of noise from inside the room made him perk his ears and listen; he heard shuffling feet and a yelp.
He knocked on the door and waited for him to open it.
“You’re here!” came the excited yell. He was engulfed in a hug almost immediately; he chuckled and hugged back. “I missed you, Mr Stark.”
“Me too, kiddo, where is she?” Tony pulled away and noticed the feline perched on the bed, licking her paw. “Hey there, princess.” He called her. She stopped her grooming and took one look at him. She landed on her feet gracefully and came closer to stand by his feet. He kneeled down, and she jumped and sat on his shoulder, letting out a small meow.
“She scratched my face,” Peter pointed at the red mark on his cheek, and Tony understood the previous noise was the work of the little furball.
“She’s sassy but harmless.” Tony defended her, all the while smiling softly at Peter. Peter pouted and went back to sitting on his bed in Indian style.
“Will you be taking her back? I’ll miss her.”
“You can visit her anytime you want, his treatment is over today,” Tony promised. That got him a brilliant, wide smile and excited nods. Redonkulous, oversized puppy, Tony thought fondly. His little kid.
**
James was on his knees; blood filled his mouth; he yelled, but nothing happened; there was no noise; the floor was painted with his blood, crimson tainting the wood. His heart was being squeezed by an iron fist, he couldn’t breathe, and he begged for the ache in his chest to stop. He wanted to go back to when they were in each other’s arms, stomachs full, hearts soaring, cheeks flushed from the innocent kisses littered on them.
He lifted his wounded arm to reach out to the retreating form, "T-tony." No response, he screamed again more loudly, his voice finally taking octaves higher, the blurry form turning to look back at him—it was a faceless, dark mass and that wasn’t Tony— James gasped and yelled again, this time with a mix of affright and a tumultuous screech.
Someone was walking towards him from the opposite direction of the creature. Opulent, translucent countenance beamed at him; earthtone rich eyes held his gaze with affable love and understanding in them. His effete, wobbly legs stood up and moved in the direction of the silhouette; he fell into the open arms. He was home.
“James, I’m here sweetie.” Came the caressing mellow; he was being held in safe, warm arms, the sweat bleeding from his face wiped with utmost softness. James opened his eyes to fall into Tony’s concerned look and whimpered, “Fuck, bad dream.” He realised his bond was quiet and muted when he dreamed, he had wanted Tony even then, and he brought him back home from the painful nightmare where a faceless Tony left him. Fuck, James felt both relieved and scared at the same time because of his bone-deep emotions for the brunet.
“I’m here now.” Tony kissed his sweaty curls of hair, and he pulled his soulmate closer, careful, strong hands snaking themselves around James’ large frame. James’ mind was floating among clouds, his body anchored by Tony’s steady hold, he could feel whispers of tenderness through their bond, “Where did you go, Tony?”
“I’ve got a present for you.” There was a smile in his voice, James was not sure if he heard him right, he squeezed his eyebrows together and scowled at his soulmate. If by present he meant Steve, he was going to land his old friend quite a few punches. But it wasn’t the super soldier. A tiny meow came from somewhere down the sofa, close to the table. James sat up, Tony rousing with him.
He looked down, and his eyes went wide with a blissful peel of chuckles. The familiar blue eyes stared at him. “Alpine!”
“I had gone to fetch her. She missed her dad.”
Tony had not only read through James’ files that HYDRA had kept, but he had also requested that Jarvis locate the places he was last seen hiding before he encountered the Avengers. That was how he came across the famished white feline; she was in the battered building where James had been hiding. Peter helped take her to the vet and get her spayed and vaccinated. Peter had taken good care of her, sending selfies with the little one along with goofy memes.
She plopped herself on James’ lap, meowing at him sadly. James soothed her with rubs and scratched and cajoled his little girl. After she deemed him forgiven, she got down and went to sit on the bed Tony had gotten her, when she moved in with Peter, curling her body and closing her eyes to catch some well-deserved sleep.
James sighed with contentment and moved quicker than fashionably normal; he cupped Tony’s face and pulled him closer kissing him with wanton fervour. Tony, taken by surprise, started and moaned. The breathless, carnal rush of wind swept through their bond and lunged at him, pleasantly knocking him off his feet. Tony, crazed with weeks of longing, pushed the taller onto the bed and threw himself into the kiss. James’s hand groped his plump flesh, tugging his body closer towards his rigged, heated body. Pliable and touched, his heart went for Tony’s lingering, soothing, gentle touches as they tasted each other, “Wanted to do this ever since we discussed having more robot babies.” Tony said between kisses, initiating another open-mouthed filthy, wet kiss. James' teeth grazed and bit his lower lip, nipping and abusing the tender flesh between his sharp teeth, eliciting moans from the brunet.
With the sun dipping down the horizon and darkness swallowing them both, Tony blinked lazily as the moonlight filtered through the tiny gap between the drapes, licking at James’ hair, ebony hair glowed and Tony licked his lips, interlocking their fingers together. James looked ethereal, an appeasing serenity settled over them. As Scarlet and onyx erupted from their fingers to merge and collide sensually, their soulmate threads glowed together, gripping each other and forging into a single string. “This hasn’t happened before,” Tony gasped. “It’s a single thread now.”
Previously braided soulmate threads were permanently combined. Their mutual, ardent affection for each other alleviated the bond to finally bind. It couldn’t have been possible without the genuine, selfless emotions they held for each other.
“Thread of fate,” James mumbled lazily, kissing the tip of Tony’s nose. Tony purred and stared at him, eyes full of adoration and desire.
“My treatment is over and I don’t want to be just friends,” James said after a while, pulling Tony down to throw his leg over his thighs, he pressed his mouth to Tony’s palm, “And I want to know if you still want me, Tony.” He pushed the trepidation and memories of the letter and phone to the back of his mind. He pursued the man of his dreams and nightmares.
Upon hearing his confession, Tony’s dark eyes glistened. He crossed the bridge without a second thought, “More than anything, Hotcakes.” Tony tried the new moniker, and he was rewarded with a rumbling grunt and another wanton mind-blowing kiss.
A few hours later, with their backs aching from the uncomfortable position, they moved to their fort of pillow haven, and Tony let his robot kids and Alpine stay in his other room, next to theirs.
“Not that I didn’t love having your body draped over mine; I didn’t want to wake up with either one of us on our butts on the floor,” James murmured, kissing Tony’s neck, the brunet in his arms purred palpably, baring his neck for more. “You and Alpine act the same.”
Tony giggled in exasperation, tugging on the long brown lock and twirling it around his finger he pulled hard, and James hissed in pain and groaned when Tony's body resting on his pressed insistently. “Me or our cat, choose,” Tony asked playfully, tugging at his hair insistently and rolling his hips. James moaned and decided his daughter wouldn’t hate him for choosing her other dad.
When Tony got loud and whined as James rubbed, rutting eagerly against him, he applied more force. Fuck, they weren’t going to last, James hadn’t been with someone in literally decades, and Tony hadn’t been with anyone for months, not even his ex. Not since the day his sexy soldier pointed a gun at his face.
“Your bot kids and my princess are in the next room, Tony.” James didn’t stop assaulting his neck, licking at the soulmate mark, eliciting more purrs and whines from him.
Tony pouted, “How about my bedroom?” James, scared of what might happen between them if they broached the topic of Steve's letter and phone, shook his head and hugged Tony, crushing him with fierceness.
“Fine, we can sleep here. If I wake up cranky feeling unsated, you are to be blamed.” Tony wasn't the least bit angry, he loved sleeping atop James. His personal, favourite, body-sized, super soldier pillow.
Wrong thing to say, the next moment, he was rolled and supine he looked at the looming man, his eyes thundering and storms evoked by Tony’s provocation, “You are not going to catch any sleep.” James promised darkly.
“You’re extra sexy when you look murderous.” Tony gasped, his lip falling apart from the large bulge rubbing against his semi-hard dick. James was big, really big. Sergeant Barnes and his commander in his pants are going to be the reason for Tony’s hole constantly feeling empty without him filling it with commander Barnes.
“Commander is excited,” Tony smirked, his hand sliding down between their connected bodies to rub the large, warm, twitching member. His other hand tugged the soft mane harder, snaking around James’ shoulder and pulling him closer for more kisses.
“Commander? You are naming my dick now…” James didn’t know if he should laugh or enjoy Tony’s monikers. He did moan loudly when Tony rubbed his dick insistently, his tongue tasting the mark on his neck that he had left in the bunker; it was sensitive to his touches, and James felt himself grow harder. Breath catching in his chest, he heaved heavily wanting more.
“Your physical stature is proportionate to your sexual endowment. Large and thick.” Tony bit his lower lip, the brown in his eyes bleeding dark and ebony, licking at the surface. “Sergeant Barnes, I’m at your mercy,” his old title on Tony’s tongue was powerful and James growled. Tony batted his thick lashes, pupils widening, their bond was vibrating loudly with roars of a carnal downpour.
‘Well played my sweetest petal.’ James pounced on him.
He ripped and tore Tony’s pants down, squelching the protests about being his favourite pants with a deep-seated kiss and dragging the offensive raiment out of Tony’s wanton, ready-to-be-ravished body.
James dragged his tongue along Tony’s lower lip, taking it between his teeth, he bit down hard, drawing blood. Tony thrashed in pleasure from the heavy body pressing against his, thick pulsating dick rubbing his naked thighs through rough jeans; he whimpered, bare, sensitive skin enjoying the roughness, snaking his legs around James’s waist, anchoring himself while James pinned him down rolling his hips sensually, marking blossoming hickeys along his throat, all the way down the sensual path leading to his parted shirt, olive skin flushed, heated, while waiting for James to mark and claim his prize, staking his claim.
“James, sugarplum,” Tony warned, but it fell on deaf ears. Biting down hard on the exposed skin, James ripped the shirt apart, and Tony keened in exasperation at the loss of his shirt. Not really; he made a show of it. He enjoyed this seductive raging side of his soldier, soulmate.
James reached his most-awaited destiny when the dusky pebble stared back at him, the tender bud ready to be licked and nipped. With a heated puff of air tickling the nipple, he dove and licked the puckering nip. It hardened under his careful, thorough ministrations, and he sucked it between his lips and tasted Tony. Tony threw his head back, his hand grabbing onto James’ sweaty mop of chocolate curls. He tugged and whimpered, one hand finding the hot nape. Pushing James’ face to his nipple further, James allowed himself to be manhandled by his petal, sucking and biting the flesh with more fervour.
His hip moved, meeting Tony’s thrusts. He wanted to touch Tony without clothes, but, baby steps. They have more to talk about before they can get all the way together.
“Babe,” Tony urged him to focus on his other nipple. James bit the sore, swollen bud one last time, then moved to the other one, which he had been massaging between his fingers, and sucked on it, eliciting a contented sigh above him. Tony gasped, and his thrust got erratic, “I’m close, James.”
“Come for me, wildflower,” James said between his sucking. His hand, which had been toying with the already abused nipple, moved south to grab Tony’s leaking dick through his boxers to pump him, and his name fell wantonly from Tony’s lips, “J-James, I’m…”
He pulled away from the hardening nub, replacing it with Tony’s mouth, and he kissed him open-mouthed, spitting and teeth clashing, “Tony, lovely flower.” Tony let out an inaudible gasp, cumming inside his boxers, and James felt the wetness seep through the thin material.
He plunged his hand inside the soiled boxer to gather the cum between his fingers and pulled his hand out to suck on his slick, sticky fingers, tasting Tony. Tony, eyes wide, pupils fully blown out, face flushed pleasantly, came down from his high and watched in fascination, eyes darkening with lust, as James pumped himself against Tony’s bare thighs, all the while licking Tony’s cum from his fingers.
“Fuck, my beautiful flower.” James groaned and came inside his pants, slumping against his soulmate; Tony grabbed the slick fingers and tasted himself and moaned; James growled and grabbed him by his hips to kiss him filthily on his lips; they kissed, tasting Tony’s cum between their tongues.
Coming down from his high, he noticed their soulmate bond; it sang to them with elation, a thin string of onyx and crimson glowing in the dark room.
“Did you?”
“No, I was focused on you to pay attention to our emotions through the bond,” Tony admitted, too lazy to move and grab the towel to wipe their messes.
James nodded, but he was too caught up with Tony to pay attention to their soulmate bond. He took one good, hooded look at Tony’s neck, collarbone, and chest, and it was littered with scintillating reddish purple marks. The possessive side buried deep inside of him pranced in haughtiness and rumbled in approval. He licked the soulmate bond on the sweaty, flushed skin, and Tony keened and went boneless.
“You’ve blossomed beautifully under my touch.”
“Yours,” Tony mumbled, eyes falling shut, exhaustion taking over his body. James’ eyes went wide and darkened, and he pressed his lips against Tony’s closed lids gently and said, “I’ll protect you, my pretty flower.”
Tony woke up in strong, warm arms, holding his body against a firm, broad chest. James was asleep, breathing deeply. Tony’s clothes were changed, as were James’. He was in his boxers, and Tony was in his pyjamas sans his shirt. Their naked upper bodies heated up with hours of sharing body warmth.
Tony blushed and his eyes raked over the spilling silky chocolate locks across the pillow. James’ face was soft, the rough edges of his jaw begging to be kissed; who was Tony to deny such an ethereal beauty? He peppered kisses across the beard, enjoying the roughness. James roused, humming deeply. Tony chuckled. Kissing along the arch of his cheeks all the way to his temple, his lips stayed there, enjoying the steady, gentle pulse throbbing beneath his lips, James alive and safe in his arms. Tony wanted nothing more than to freeze the moment and live in a loop for eternity. Kiss, cuddle, coitus, sleep.
Tony purred, kissing his eyes, moving to his nose, where he bit down playfully, earning a poke to his hips, and kissed him on the lips, James blinked open, eyes fluttering like a pretty butterfly. Giggling, Tony pecked him on his lips, James kissed back, grabbing Tony, and he lifted him off his body, “Babe, I need to brush.”
“You’re warm; you're my favourite pillow.” Tony shook his head, pushing James down on the bed. Sitting on his soulmate’s hips, he pouted.
James laughed heartily and said, “Your stomach seems to think otherwise.” Tony’s stomach grumbled again, this time more loudly. Tony groaned and rolled out of bed, but not before pressing a quick kiss on the plump lips. James let him go, eyes flicking down to enjoy the supple rack. Two thick, plump apples jiggled as Tony walked. Fuck.
“He’s a vixen in human form.” James rumbled, adjusting his boxers.
James sat Tony down, handing him his coffee with a thick latte covered with a small heart with a tiny T drawn inside it. Tony blushed and took a picture of it, sending it to Rhodey, he drank it heartily, enjoying the aroma. James hid the soft smile, behind his coffee mug, “Jarvis wants me to look up culinary courses online.”
Tony looked up from his phone, eyes twinkling with approval, “That sounds good, love.” His phone dinged with an incoming message, “Do you want to?”
“I enjoy cooking; wouldn’t mind opening a diner or cooking for you more dishes daily.”
“Rhodey says he’s jealous of me,” Tony smirked and showed him the text message from Rhodey in response to Tony’s message with the picture of his latte. James pulled Tony by his chin and pressed a sweet, lingering kiss on his wet lips.
“Our kids would approve of you cooking for me daily. Healthy food and all that.” Tony whispered breathlessly, James has been stealing his breath away recently, to which they heard Jarvis snort in the background with approving links to available courses James can join sent to the phone Tony had given the super soldier. Tony rolled his eyes but nonetheless liked his bot kids’ and Jarvis’s approval of James in his life. It lit a fire inside of him, setting his heart ablaze with love for these new emotions. He pulled at their bond; it was purring with elation and endearing calmness.
James’ eyes glinted at the mention of ‘our kids’.
“So… what are we now, Tony?” The hesitance and hopefulness in his eyes were a heavy punch to Tony’s heart; he never wanted to see that forlorn mien on such a beautiful face.
Tony’s blush deepened, “Do you want to be the other dad to my kids, snowflake?” His answer was a deep kiss with a rumbling purr from his boyfriend.
“We are already Alpine’s parents, Tony.”
“You did say you wanted more than three kids, there you go, we have four now.”
**
James was dragged blindfolded into the workshop, he laughed and accepted DUM-E and Butterfingers guiding him inside. Alpine sat perched on his shoulder, meowing loudly.
He heard clattering noise and Tony cursing under his breath. He stayed quiet, listening attentively to the brunet sauntering towards him. Their bond was serene, and excitement from Tony poured into it. James was rewarded with a hug and a lingering pat on his ass.
“Alpine wasn’t the only gift I had in mind, winter waffles.” Tony purred seductively, kissing him on the cheek. When the blindfold was removed, he was greeted with a new metal arm tied with red and black ribbons on it. Tony was holding a rose in his other hand.
“It…it looks magnificent, Tony.” It did look regal and lethal. Knowing Tony, James was sure the man must have added multiple enhancements to the arm, lending it more power—probably on par with his Iron Man suit, an overprotective flower, James thought fondly.
“My lover deserves the best.” James threw himself at Tony, hugging him fiercely. It got him a disapproving hiss from Alpine, who jumped down and sauntered off to sit on the nearby table.
**
Tony was scowling, and his foul mood dimmed the brightness of the room. Beside him sat a large man with long blond hair; he was eating and talking to the brunet animatedly. Tony shook his head and said something back; the large man seemed taken aback, and his countenance turned to concern.
James peeked inside the room, Thor and Tony barely paid him attention, “What happened Jarvis?”
“The rogue Avengers are wanted back, there's a new invasion threat, and Thor came bearing gifts in the morning along with the bad news.”
James’ good mood vaporised instantly, and his stomach dropped. He turned away from the door and asked, “Jarvis, will he be back here?”
Jarvis hesitated, but he spoke with equal bitterness, “Captain and the others will be back to the compound if Sir approves, with limited floor access, and they aren’t allowed to enter the workshop or other floors, only the one designated for them with increased security.”
“I and Tony haven’t discussed the letter,” James said, tremors coursing through his body weighing him down, and Jarvis implored him to sit on the nearby sofa. James flopped down on the sofa, his heart heavy.
“Do you trust him?” Jarvis asked.
“Yes. But my competition is the freaking Captain America, Jarvis. I was a brainwashed killing machine until a few months ago.”
“If I may?” Jarvis’ tone was gentle and reassuring, and James nodded for him to continue, He sought out Jarvis’s opinion on various occasions, and the current issue wasn’t any better, “From my personal observation, Sir has been happy and himself around you, you are good for him Sergeant Barnes.”
James let out a sharp exhale, his eyes falling shut, he basked in the words from Tony’s favourite person, Jarvis wasn’t done with him, but he continued, “You have been healing well, and he makes you happy and safe.”
“He gave me a home and a second chance at happiness, Jarvis,” James confessed, his cheeks blooming with blood rushing them. “I’m no longer a criminal but a pardoned man with my history of convictions erased.”
“You were innocent, James.” His name in Jarvis’ gentle voice sounded like a guardian consoling him, James sniffed and nodded, “Thank you, Jarvis.”
It wasn’t Tony that woke a sleeping, James; he sat up affrighted, his new metal arm ready, and said, “Woah there, It’s me, Rhodey.”
James dropped his hand, giving Tony’s close friend an apologetic smile. Rhodey nodded and took a seat next to him on the loveseat beside the sofa.
“Heard the bad news from Jarvis,” Rhodey started, James winced and nodded. “I don’t want them near Tony either.”
James knew that. Rhodey, along with Pepper, Happy, and the bots, were fiercely protective of Tony. Pepper wasn’t easy to get along with initially; he was threatened if he hurt Tony in any way, she would annihilate him.
“I know you were Rogers’ close friend.”
James’ face darkened at the mention of that punk’s name; the memories of that awful letter threatened to resurface, so he swallowed it down.
“He isn’t our main problem, there is an awful witch we need to be careful around.”
When Rhodey was finished, James was practically fuming—how dare Steve let a HYDRA-trained woman near Tony? After she had mind-raped the Avengers? Forcing Tony to suffer from the consequences to date. James knew Tony was the reason Ultron was born, but nobody told him Wanda was the main trigger behind it.
“You have my word, I will annihilate them if they breathe wrongly near Tony.”
Rhodey laughed good-naturedly at this threat and patted him on the shoulder, “You and me Pal. But let’s not get bloody; we will ensure they aren’t near him.”
Rhodey knew Tony’s soulmate was the right choice. The man would end anyone who looked wrongly in Tony’s direction, honestly, a sentiment he shared with him.
That was the way Tony found them—with Alpine perched on James’ lap, talking excitedly with Rhodey-Bear, Tony choked on thin air and rushed towards them, his heart fluttering happily.
“Honeybear!” Tony greeted his friend with a smooch on his cheeks, and Rhodey laughed heartily while hugging him. Through their bond, Tony felt mirth and affection. He pulled away from the hug and gazed at his lover. James’ fond countenance knocked him off balance, and he landed on his lap, kissing him on the lips, “My sweetcakes.”
When the kiss got way too long, Rhodey cleared his throat, Alpine was affronted with the way she was being ignored, she rubbed her head against Rhodey’s lap, and he picked her up, rubbing behind her ear, listening to the tiny purrs of approval.
“Your parents are ignoring us both,” he heard her meow back, acknowledging their rudeness.
Tony’s worst fear was coming true; he felt insanely affrighted. James circled his hands around Tony’s waist, and he pulled him closer, deepening their kiss, and pouring his assurance and ache through it, “We’ll get through this, petal.” James promised between kisses. He wasn’t going down without a fight, even if it meant kicking his old friend’s ass.
“I want you to know, you are my precious person.” Tony susurrated, bopping their noses together, affection pouring through their bond, it was glowing and vibrating with the immense tremble of profound emotions.
Tony pulled away, playing with James’ hair; he smiled; the amore in his eyes was too bright and burned with an intense feeling, and James willingly fell into it like a moth to a flame. Entranced and belonged.
“Tony, Thor is here.” Tony sighed and looked away from James’ alluring, stormy eyes.
“Good friend, Tony, is this the human you talked about?”
Tony nodded, entwining his fingers with James’s large ones, and he said, “He’s my soulmate and lover.”
“Mates for life!” Thor roared with excitement. Alpine hissed at the loud noise, giving Thor a disapproving glance.
In a way, they were mates for life. Tony chuckled. James kept a possessive hand around Tony’s waist. “James this is my friend and colleague, Thor.”
“He's very good-looking and taller than me,” James pouted and glared at the blond man. Thor laughed at his words and pointed, “I have a mate, Jane.” That caused the brooding super soldier to slacken his hold on Tony’s waist. Tony hid his smile. James was often an overgrown puppy.
“What are your thoughts on the return of the rogues back to this compound?” Tony did not expect James to ask Thor. He bit his lips, tightening his grip on James’s hand.
“They were in the wrong. I was once like them, doing things as I pleased. Our actions have consequences, and innocents can be hurt. With great power comes great responsibility.”
James appeared pleased with the answers; he stretched his hand out for Thor to shake hands, and the Norse god shook with vigour and excitement coursing through him. Tony shook his head, smirking at Rhodey. Rhodey winked back. The more allies the better.
**
Tony got busy remodelling the compound, enhancing security, and putting Tony's secure anti-rogue shield in place. James started attending his culinary classes. With both of them busy, Tony felt the sharp tingles in his bond and rushed to his soulmate’s room to find him on the floor, wailing.
Tony slid over and sat on Bucky's lap, his shirt thrown down, bare and exposed, and hugged him closer. It was one of those days when James was having a hard time. “When you claimed me back, I was shocked and elated. I guess I didn't expect you to want someone broken like me.” James looked angered by Tony’s words.
He kissed the large scar across Tony’s chest to prove him wrong. James enjoyed kissing the scar that reminded him of Tony’s bravery in the cave. Every night they slept in each other’s arms, James’ gentle kisses and tender touches were Tony’s weakness, and he was using them to win the battle. Tony felt incensed and dragged him by the hair, causing the man to hiss and glower, and he kissed the soulmate mark on James’ neck affectionately, nipping at the skin.
“You think low of yourself; I’m allowed to say the same!” Tony felt petty, but James needed to know he was important to Tony.
Tony’s mouth was covered by James’ angry, rough teeth-gnashing kiss. “You aren’t allowed to.” James spat.
“This is a two-way street, James. I cannot bear to hear you speak lowly of yourself either.” Tony hissed, his lower lip bleeding, “Meet me in the middle, baby.”
Their argument ended up with Tony naked, James in his boxers, Tony’s cum messing both their stomachs, James using his cum as lubrication to pump his dick, Tony pulled the offended boxer down and replaced James’ hand with his pumping the thick, pulsating member, watching his soulmate, throw his back, eyes rolling behind his back as he came for Tony.
A shrill sound from the burner phone rang for the very first time in weeks. Tony froze, his face flushed and grimaced; he tried to ignore it, but the phone kept ringing. James groaned, stretching his hand, and picked up the phone and put it on speaker, raising his brow at Tony. Tony gulped and looked at James. Their bond was not bitter or painful. Rather too calm and silent for Tony’s comfort.
“Tony, it’s me. Steve.” Came the quick voice. James rolled his eyes and glanced at Tony. “What do you want, Rogers?” Tony said, with worry bubbling in his pit.
If Steve was pissed at the tone, he masked it well and chirped, “We are coming back to the compound in a few days, I was hoping to talk to you before that.”
“Anything you want to say should come through Jarvis or a scheduled meeting.”
“Don’t be like that, Tony.” Steve reprimanded him. Tony cast his eyes low, old anger simpering and kindling his insides. Their bond was starting to rumble with bitterness.
James dragged his finger along the white ropes of cum from Tony’s stomach and twirled it between his fingers, sucking on it, his hooded eyes dragged Tony out of his languishing stance. Tony moaned lowly, eyes darkening his dick throbbing and twitching with interest.
“What was that?” Steve asked, Tony had almost forgotten him.
Tony wiggled his brows, and James smirked back in response.
“You’re sweet and innocent Bucky was kissing me.”
Steve choked and coughed, “What? I thought you wanted nothing to do with him romantically.” His accusing tone should’ve made Tony feel guilty, but he was way past that.
“He is my soulmate and he is perfect, cooks for me.”
Steve was silent for a while, “I will come back and we can talk about this.” Before Tony could reply, the call ended.
“How long?” Tony asked, lips thin, a wry smile stretching on them.
“For a while, it was your privacy, I wanted you to tell me on your own.”
“Well, Rogers ruined that for me.”
“Were you planning to?” There was no judgement in his voice, but rather an intense need to understand Tony’s reason.
“I was. But with your treatment, your arm, and Rhodey getting his leg fixed, Steve's letter wasn’t in the front of my mind, nor was it important.”
“He wants to get back together with you.” James pouted and looked away.
“I would be stupid to let you go, snowflake. Mates for life remember?”
That brought a blooming, shy smile on James’ countenance, Tony giggled leaning down to kiss him throwing the phone on the table.
**
Rogues were brought back to New York, and Tony didn’t bother to welcome them or look at them. He had notified Jarvis to show them to their designated floor in the south wing. All the while verifying the newly placed protocol for security was in place.
They were prohibited from entering the zones which weren’t authorised, the doors had biometric recognition enabled. Oh, and some good old electric shock for those who try more than three times to enter a room they weren’t permitted.
“He’s here,” Tony told James, throwing his leg over his lip, eating popcorn as they watched Star Trek. “I’m not interested in talking to him,” James said, eyes focused on the large screen. Tony couldn’t fault him for avoiding Steve. Tony was doing the same, which pissed off the blond man.
It was over a week, and Thor told them the invasion can happen any day, they had to be on high alert all the time. He wanted to kick the rogues out as soon as possible, the quicker the threat was eliminated the better.
**
Tony had made one small error in his protocol; he had forgotten to delete or override the old one where Steve had permission to their shared bedroom back when they were together. The small brunet had forgotten Steve wasn’t the righteous man he once thought of him.
With James in their pillow fort, sleeping, he looked cute. Tony told him he needed to check on something when the alarm on his floor sent him an alert to his phone. He was unwilling to let James face the rogues, Tony can handle it.
He made a quick check, the corridor was empty, and his suit was on standby, Tony made a beeline to his bedroom only to gasp and freeze. Steve stood by the bed, staring out of the window.
Steve turned to smile at him, and Tony crossed his arms and waited for an explanation.
“I missed you, Tony.”
Tony swallowed the lump in his throat, “Steve, you lied, you betrayed, you stabbed me where it hurt the most.”
The strong sadness ebbing through their bond startled James awake. He noticed the space beside him was empty.
“Sir is with Captain in his bedroom.” Jarvis alerted the distressed James.
Back in the bedroom…
“Please… You forgave Bucky!”
“That’s because he wasn’t in his right mind and was forced to murder his friend and his wife.”
Steve shuddered at the reminder, he took fast steps and stood close to Tony, but Tony stood his ground.
“And you knew what you were doing when you hid my parent’s death from me!” Tony bellowed, “TEAMMATES DO NOT KEEP THINGS FROM EACH OTHER, CAP. LIAR AND HYPOCRITE.”
Before Steve could kiss or hit the brunet, he was punched in the face by a thunderous-looking James. Steve staggered and fell to the floor, holding his hurt nose and a purple bruise that was just beginning to bloom. He looked at Bucky like he had grown two horns and four arms.
“That felt good,” James said. “Punk, when someone says no, learn to respect that.”
“James, fuck, sweetie, I love you.” Tony threw himself into the arms of his lover, and he was lifted and twirled around. Tony allowed himself to be carried out of the bedroom. "Pack your things and leave the room, Rogers. My lover doesn’t like seeing your stuff in our bedroom." Tony quips viciously.
Steve wiped his bloody nose, incensed and humiliated.
**
The news of Rogers getting punched in the face was spreading quickly among the rogues. Jarvis deleted Steve’s access to Tony’s room.
The scarlet witch tried to get Tony cornered and was found hanging on the wall with a knife pinning her shirt to the wall.
Clint wasn’t any better, he lost a tooth or two when he spoke wrong of Tony, “He must have whored himself to Barnes.”
As soon as their mission was over, the rogues all but fled from the compound, Steve had tried to talk reason with James and Tony but was turned away by Jarvis threatening to file a restraining order against him.
**
“I love you, petal,” James murmured, hitting the sweet spot deep within Tony, the brunet arched his back, moaning loudly, whimpering James’ name every time his prostrate was punched by the thick dick.
“I love you too, my precious.” Tony thrashed when James picked up speed, hammering into him, Tony came with a loud yell, spilling all over his chest, and James followed him with deep, long thrusts.
“You promised me two more rounds, Tony.” Tony pouted but he wasn’t going to deny multiple orgasms and mind-blowing sex with his soulmate.
“Give it to me, hotcakes.”
**
Peter was buzzing with barely concealed excitement when he was invited to the compound. He hugged Tony and gave Alpine her favourite treats. And touched James’ arm and squealed at the new shining arm, “Looks so cool, Barnes, Sir.”
“Call me James, kiddo.”
Peter looked at Tony and gave him a thumbs up, he approved of this tall, handsome man. Tony laughed and dragged them both to their living room, Tony’s robots were assembled, holding cookies, chocolates and other dishes James had made over the weekend for Peter.
Peter tasted them and beamed in delight, “Tastes so good.” James let the kid hug him, looking at Tony, who smiled warmly. James relaxed and hugged him back. Peter pulled away to hug Tony, Tony kissed his head fondly.
DUM-E and U were fighting in the back, for the next in line to get a pat from James with his metal arm and wrestle with him. James let them win, he was a better man than fighting with the bot kids. Butterfingers was next to alpine, feeding the feline her creamy treat.
“Fifth one?” Tony asked wiggling his brows.
Five kids? James shrugged and let Peter enjoy the cookies, which had Spider-Man, Winter Soldier, and Iron Man shapes.
“As many as you want, petal.” James kissed Tony’s head, holding him by his waist, as he watched the bot kids, their kitten, and Peter seated on the floor, chattering, fighting and eating. Jarvis cleared his throat in the background, he didn't want to be left out.
Tony had everything he wanted. He was home in his soulmate's embrace. He was happy and he would die before letting anything bad happen to them. Little did he know, James was thinking the exact words.