Archive of Our Own

The Stark Tower was among one of the biggest in New York City. The bright and large letters at the top of the tower always lit up the night sky, while keeping up an impressive display during the day. Steve hardly found it difficult to locate the building. It was relatively new, but he knew the streets of his home fairly well. It wasn’t hard to track down the right address once Steve knew the streets around the building.

He was dressed in his best suit, ready for his consultation with the leaders of Stark Industries. Though he was a bit nervous, Steve never doubted his painting skills, and he was sure he was going to impress his possible customers.

Steve walked into the lobby of the Stark Tower with his portfolio in hand and headed to the receptionist with the best smile he could offer.

“Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked, not bothering to look up from the computer screen as he typed away. “Or are you here for the prosthetic conference?”

“I had an appointment with Miss Potts,” Steve explained. “I’m the artist she contacted about a mural.”

“Name?” 

“Steven Rogers.”

“Ah, yes, you’ll want to take Elevator three up to floor forty-five.” There will be someone there to direct you further.” they said, pointing to where the elevators were.

"Thank you." Steve bowed slightly before heading to the elevator he was directed to. He honestly didn't expect to be let deeper into the building without an escort, but maybe Stark was very trusting of his building security.

Reaching the forty-fifth floor, the blond stepped out of the elevator and took in his new surroundings.

There was a beta man sitting behind a desk, looking bored. But he looked up at Steve, and then at his computer before nodding, “Mr. Rogers? Have a seat, Miss Potts will be right with you once she’s back from lunch.” he gestured to a row of comfortable looking chairs.

"Thank you, I hope I didn't arrive too early," Steve said while sitting down, checking his watch.

“It’ll be a nice change of pace for her, I’m sure. Mr. Stark  is always running late and she’s taken to just hunting him down instead of waiting for him to show up for meetings.” the man shrugged.

"Well I hope I'll make a good impression, then."

It didn’t take long before the elevator opened again and the click of heels approached Steve. The CEO of the company smiled and held out a professional hand in greeting. “Mr. Rogers, so good of you to come all this way.”

Steve shook her hand and smiled. "Thank you for contacting me. I hope I didn't rush you through your lunch."

“Not at all.” she smiled and gestured for him to follow her, “I treated myself to a nice lunch out.”

"The weather is nice enough for it. I haven't bothered to explore any of the new food places yet," Steve said as he followed Miss Potts "just moved into my new apartment, and I just decided to get groceries instead of eating out."

“It’s a good way to save money after a move.” She agreed, “But after this project I doubt you’ll be hurting for the money.” she opened a door and gestured him inside.

“You sound so confident in my skills, I’m flattered,” Steve said with a smile, going through the door.

“I’ve seen your work, Mr. Rogers, I didn’t reach out to you because I had doubts. Have a seat.”

Steve sat in a chair across from what was most likely Miss Potts’ desk. He set  his portfolio to the side. “I do thank you for contacting me. I’ve been waiting for my big break for a while.”

“I’m sure. You’re working in a very competitive field that has just as much reliance on luck as it does on skill when it comes to the question of success.” She smiled, moving around to sit in her chair. She was about to add more when the door opened again with a bang.

“Sorry I’m so late, Pep! I lost track of time, and…”

“You’re only a little late, actually.” Miss Potts said with amusement.

The man in the doorway was covered in grease and sweat, his hair a mess of curls pushed back by a pair of safety glasses, and his jeans and black tank top made him look so very out of place in the clean modern look of not just the office, but all the spaces of the tower Steve had seen so far.

He frowned, confused as he glanced at his watch, “You told me ten thirty on the dot...it’s one-oh-seven…”

“Yes, this meeting was scheduled for one.”

The man gasped, clutching at his chest as if wounded, “You lied to me?”

“I only adjusted what I told you so that I wouldn’t have to hunt you down and drag you up here by your ear again.” She said simply.

“The scandal! Being lied to by the honorable Pepper Potts!”

Steve tilted his head as he looked the newcomer over. Though he was dirty, and small, he was actually… not that bad looking, though Steve didn't really recognize him until he remembered a recent magazine cover with Tony Stark on it. Blinking, he sat back a little.

“Mr. Stark, I presume?” the alpha asked.

“Oh, yes, hi! Just call me Tony.” Mr. Stark grinned, offering a handshake with his grease-stained hand.

“Tony, this is Mr. Steven Rogers, the artist from Brooklyn I told you about.” Miss Potts said.

Steve gladly took Tony’s hand and smiled as he shook it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tony.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, handsome.  Sorry about the mess,” He gestured to all of himself, “I’ve been working on something new. It wasn’t playing nice. But hey, lucky you, getting to see the real Tony Stark the press forgets must actually exist because there’s no way I’m going to be productive in a suit and expecting to stay perfectly groomed. Very few people get to see me like this.” 

He smiled and moved to sit down in the chair next to Steve, only to be interrupted.

“Oh don’t you dare get grease all over my nice furnisher, Anthony. Go fetch your dirty stool of shame from the closet!” Miss Potts said.

Tony sighed but gave in, moving to the closet and pulling out a simple stool that he pulled over to the desk. Apparently Tony dirtying up Miss Pott’s office had happened enough times for her to require such an option.

“I’ll consider myself lucky for seeing the real Tony Stark, then.” Steve smiled as Tony got the stool, and he looked back at Miss Potts. 

“I’ll autograph your biceps if you want because wow.”

“Tony.” Miss Potts sighed.

Steve chuckled. “It’s okay, I get a lot of comments similar to that. Being an army veteran and continuing to work out has that effect on people for some reason.”

“Tony’s reputation comes from somewhere.” she said, “This is a tame, but still inappropriate , example.”

Tony pouted at her, “I’m allowed to have fun, Pepper.”

“We’re here to commission the man, not have you tempt him into a scandal.”

“Me? Involved in a scandal? Never!”

She gave an unimpressed look. “Must I remind you of just last week with that model from France?”

“We didn’t even do anything!” Tony pouted.

"You won't have to worry about a scandal," Steve reassured. "Painting is my entire life now. I'd rather be focused on it most of the time, though I do enjoy admiring cute omegas from time to time."

“Admire away.” Tony grinned, spreading his arms wide to present himself.

“You aren’t cute.” Miss Potts said, mostly to try and get them (Tony) back on track.” And you smell like grease and dirt.”

Would you rather I have showered and been even later to this meeting, Pep?”

“Anyway.” she said, turning back to Steve, “We’re interested in having you paint a mural in the main lobby. Something that celebrates what Stark Industries is all about.”

"Sure. Would you like to look at my portfolio to get an idea of what my work is like?" Steve asked.

“I won’t need to look, but Tony should. He’ll be talking you through some of our projects for inspiration, though you’d have to sign a nondisclosure agreement before we get to that. We have some projects we haven’t announced yet that may come up. Tony may end up launching into too much detail.”

Tony sighed, “I know how to keep my own work secret.”

“In normal settings, yes.” she agreed, “This isn’t that.”

“Bull it isn’t!”

She gave him a look. “Tony, I know you. You’re always bursting to launch yourself into sharing that overwhelming passion you have for robotics and engineering. You’ll have a fresh set of ears to talk off once things get settled and the commission contract is drawn up. You most definitely will go into more detail than Mr. Rogers needs to create the mural, so it’s best to have him sign before you are set loose on him. Now, how about you start looking over his portfolio while I discuss business.”

“So bossy…”

“It’s what makes me good at my job.” she said smugly before turning back to Steve, “I trust you’re fine with signing the basic NDA? You’ll be able to mention that you have a commission with us, just not any specific details regarding what Tony may show you or tell you about unreleased projects.”

"Of course," Steve said. "Working with a big client such as Stark Industries always guarantees NDAs."

“Great.” She pulled out the basic NDA and passed it over to Steve to read over and sign. There was also a post it note with a large sum written on it. “This is also our offer for this project. We’d pay you half once all paperwork is signed, and then the rest once you have finished.”

Tony sighed, “Someone going to gimme the arty folder to look at while you two do the paperwork? I still haven't seen any of this guy’s work, you know. I trust you, Pep, you know I do, but I think I should get a taste of the guy before I open my wallet.”

"I think you'll like my work," Steve said while handing over the portfolio. "Feel free to make any comments. I love hearing feedback from people."

“I think you’ll find it’s more of a feat to get me to shut up if I’m doing anything other than working in my lab.” Tony grinned with a wink as he took the portfolio and flipped it open to start looking through the samples of art Steve had put together.

Steve smiled and looked back at Miss Potts. "The payment looks very good to me," he said while signing the NDA. "I look forward to learning more about the company."

“I look forward to seeing your art work every day when I come to work.” she smiled.

“THIS STYLE!” Tony suddenly interrupted a few minutes later, dropping the portfolio onto Pepper’s desk, and covering the paperwork Pepper was talking Steve through so that they would both be protected should something happen, not that it would.

The portfolio was flipped open to some sketches Steve had been playing around with. Or rather, they were some loose-leaf papers that had somehow gotten tucked away in the portfolio and weren’t meant to be there. They were unfinished and still showed some of his blocking and guidelines, the forms still a slight mess of strokes waiting to be cleaned up, and color being blocked in with highlighters.

Steve blinked and looked at the sketches. "You like the looser style? It's not my usual style, but I do dabble in more abstract from time to time."

“Yes, it reminds me of—” Tony paused, looking around as he realized he was in Pepper’s office, and not his lab, “JARVIS, bring up project twenty-two-B.”

“Of course sir.” a disembodied voice stated before a projection lit up over the desk and Tony reached out and actually started interacting with it, digging through the virtual file and pushing things aside before finally finding a 3D image of a hand, guides and measurements still in place around it.

“This is an upgrade I’ve been working on for hand prosthetics. It's still in its infancy and you can see how it kinda looks like those sketches you made. The next render won’t have all these lines at all, but this stage….it still has all the potential in the world. It has room to grow and develop into something great. There’s no restrictions of problems to work around yet. It’s simply possibilities, as all projects are in the beginning. And that is what I want to think of when I see the mural you’re going to paint! Endless possibilities for innovation, for the future. You could perfectly render my newest completed project in the painting, but that will soon be outdated. With this style,” Tony tapped Steve’s sketches, “it will always speak to the future while also honoring the past and present.”

"That's a great start to an idea for this mural," Steve said. "I'll start working on sketches as soon as I get home today."

“Great! Oh, let me show you some of our other projects. Gotta make sure you have more than just a hand to pull inspiration from.”

Steve chuckled. "Should you show them here? Or down in your lab? I want an authentic experience to get the most inspiration."

“I can take you to my lab, just remember not to touch anything unless I say so. Also, it’s mandatory that any new visitors greet my babies, Dum-E and U. They crave affection.”

"No touching, got it," Steve confirmed with a nod. 

“Don’t get carried away, Tony, and do not blow up the artist.”

Tony gasped, “I’d never!”

“You set James on fire last time he visited.” 

“That was only twenty percent my fault.” the omega insisted, “And besides, why would I destroy such a work of art as this guy? Unless I’m taking him apart with my mouth I just want to admire him!”

“Stop being inappropriate.” She sighed, “I’m so sorry about him, Mr. Rogers.”

Steve just chuckled and smiled. “It’s fine, getting this kind of attention isn’t all too uncommon for me. I don’t mind.”

“It’s still a sexual harassment lawsuit in the making.” she groaned, “I’d put a leash on him but then the press would come up with some new inappropriate scandal as to why he’s being treated like omegas in the olden days…” she shook her head.

“I don’t mind collars and leashes, you know. They can be fun.” tony hummed, hopping up to his feet, “Anyway, lab time, Mr. Artist?”

“Please, just call me Steve,” the blond alpha said before standing. “Lead the way.”

“I’ll be down shortly with the payment contract.” Miss Potts said as Tony lead the way out of the office and to the elevators so they could go to the lab.

“So,” Steve started once they were in the elevator, “what’s it like being an omega on top of the world?”

“Oh, you know, it’s a constant battle for the respect I am owed as an absolute genius with three doctorates, two masters, and a few just for fun throw-away degrees in various fields, with the people I work with who thinks this is no place for an omega because omegas are supposed to be submissive and small and soft-spoken, not loud and smarter than the alphas, and if they are they aren’t supposed to show it. Alpha pride is so easily bruised—no offence. —They all wish I was an alpha like my dad so they don’t feel bad for being outsmarted by an omega. And I’m sure you expected me to just say it’s great and leave it at that, but I tend to talk too much so this is what you get.” Tony laughed. “Honestly, if I could just drop the whole board meetings and crap like that and just sit in my lab working, that’d be great. But ‘no, Tony, it’s important to know what’s happening in your own company. You can’t just lock yourself up with your robots every day. ’ or so Pepper informs me.”

Steve chuckled. "I hardly expected this all to be easy for you. From what I've heard about you, you've more impressed me than anything. Your inventions are amazing things, in fact, one of the prosthetic models you designed helped my best friend after he lost his arm while we were deployed overseas. We joined the army right out of high school."

“Oh yeah? That’s great! I mean, not that your friend lost an arm, that’s horrible, but it’s great to have that confirmation that veterans in need are getting the Stark tech I donate to help make their lives a little better after all that stuff overseas beats them down. I still get a lot of backlash for closing Stark Industries' weapons department in order to open the medical tech department. I just want to help make the world a better place but so many people think I’m just too soft. Uncle Obie—uh, not my real uncle, he just was always like an uncle to me as a kid—he’s not happy with my changes to the company. I know he’s just worried but it wears me down when he keeps bringing up wanting to reopen the weapons department, you know? So it’s nice to hear that my changes are out there helping people.”

"Sounds to me like you'd rather help people than bomb them."

“Exactly. My only regret is that it took me so long to realize it and actually take the steps towards change for the company.”

“Well, you have control now, and I think that’s what really matters.”

“Well, it’s a work in progress. Some members of the board just don’t want to let go of how things ran before I started making changes, and they fight me at every turn. It’s exhausting.”

“That’s shitty, excuse my language. You’re the owner, the board should be listening to you.”

Tony leaned up against Steve, clasping his hands and batting his eyes, “But I’m just a little omega, what do I know?” he mocked in a way that made it clear he complained about this pretty often, probably to his closest friends.

“Can you growl?” Steve suggested. “Most alphas I know would think twice about crossing an omega growling at them threateningly.”

The omega blinked up at Steve as if the thought had never occurred to him before, “I...omegas can do that and have it be effective and not….laughable to alphas?”

“Sure. When I was in the army, there were actually several omegas enlisted with us. They could come up with a mean growl, and they’d use it often when we’d spar.”

“Hu...maybe I’ll try that next time…”

"I don't think it would hurt. Might be surprising, but it'd be in your favor."

“I’d practice right now with you, but I feel it’d come out too much like a purr right now. I’ll practice with Pepper later.” 

They finally arrived at Tony’s personal lab, the door sliding open automatically to admit them and the lights flickering on.

“Ah, welcome to my favorite place to spend time, Mr. Rogers. Custom designed for maximum productivity.”

Steve looked around in wonder with wide eyes, impressed by the amount of tech lying around, waiting to be tinkered with by the master himself. 

“You have quite the collection of projects,” he commented with a smile.

“Yeah. most are just fun things for myself in this lab. I keep most of my Stark Industries work in the development lab where my employed engineers can do their part more easily. But I can bring up the files in here where it’s less likely that we’d end up in the way of hard workers.

“It’s nice that you have your own work space. I know I always like to have a space separate from everything else that I can be creative and not worry about things being in my way.”

“Well, when I own the building, it’s easy for me to make sure I have my own personal lab...and penthouse.” Tony grinned, walking around a table and patting a robotic arm with a claw that  opened and closed at him in a surprisingly affectionate way. “Yes, yes, Daddy’s back. He brought a friend.” he then turned to pet another robotic arm that had a fire extinguisher, “I know he’s hot but no douching Daddy’s friend unless he’s actually on fire.”

Steve looked at the two robots, who turned to him in what seemed like interest. “So these are your… babies? I assume?”

“Yes! Dum-E’s my oldest, and U’s a good few years younger. He still has trouble knowing when to and when not to use the extinguisher.”

“They both seem quite sentient. And fond of you.”

“Well, I programmed them to learn and develop, so the older they get, the more sentient they seem.” Tony said fondly.

“Amazing. Learning robots, I thought that was only a thing in sci-fi movies.”

“If you want sci-fi, you should meet JARVIS. I’m still working out a few things in his code, but once I do, he’ll be running the entire building—and my home in Malibu. Right now he’s only running this lab as a test run. Isn’t that right, J?”

“It is as you said, sir.” a refined voice with a British accent responded from the speakers overhead.

Tony grinned.

Steve looked up to find the course of the voice. "JARVIS is… like HAL 9000? The AI from 2001 A Space Odyssey?"

“Yes, only less inclined to suddenly go evil on everyone.”

"Good," the alpha smiled. "In that case, nice to meet you JARVIS."

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Rogers.” JARVIS responded.

“So, J, Pepper hired him to paint a mural in the main lobby. Bring up some of the funner designs for him to draw inspiration from. He’s already signed an NDA, so no worries on any of that.”

“Of course. Here’s a few projects that are likely to inspire your artistic endeavors for this commission, Mr. Rogers.” JARVIS said as files suddenly opened in a projection over the table.

Loads of designs suddenly filled Steve's field of vision, each one unique and accompanied by pages of digital notes, most of it mathematical equations. As if Steve couldn't already be more impressed by the omega's work, he found himself nearly speechless at Tony's own creative works. Sharp lines and smooth curves littered the designs in ways that got Steve's artistic mind working overtime.

"These are… incredible," he finally spoke while pulling out a small sketchbook. "You came up with all of these?"

“Yup! Oh, except this one. The initial idea was one of my employees, but I helped refine it. Anyway, feel free to make reference sketches or whatever you need to do. I’ll be right over there working on an upgrade. Oh, and this is all interactive. You can move things around, enlarge them, whatever. Like this.” Tony said, showing Steve how to interact with the projections.

"I don't know how, but you keep impressing me more and more. Everything you do, it's amazing."

“I am amazing, thank you for noticing.” Tony grinned, “Do you need a pencil or something? I’m sure I have one somewhere around here. Paper, too if you didn’t bring any blank sheets or anything other than your portfolio.”

"I have a sketchbook… however it seems I have forgotten a pencil." Steve smiled sheepishly at Tony. "Mind if I borrow one?"

“Sure, uhhh…” Tony said looking around.

“Top center drawer of your desk, sir.” JARVIS said helpfully.

“Right, thanks, J!” Tony walked over to the desk that was shoved in a corner and buried under boxes that were labeled different MIT projects. He opened the drawer and grabbed a mechanical pencil, holding it up in victory. “Got it! Oh, and you can also use this.” He also grabbed the chair that sat at the desk, wheeling it over to Steve to hand both items over.

"Thank you," Steve said with a smile, rolling the chair to a position he had the most views of the projected designs. "Don't hesitate to ask me anything, of course. I want this mural to be perfect."

“I’m sure it will be.” Tony smiled up at him.

The mural was nearly finished, and Steve was feeling quite proud of it. He had put in another long day of standing on scaffolding and rolling paint onto a wall, and he had to admit to himself that he really needed a break from just painting and going home to order take out for dinner. The last section he had to paint needed just a few more strokes from the roller, and then he would be free to do as he pleased. Perhaps he would take a walk in Central Park, or maybe go to Times Square and admire the lights as the sky grew dark.

As he thought about what he’d do once he was free from the painting, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket, silently letting him know that he was receiving a call.

Sighing, and giving up painting for the day, Steve put down the paint roller and pulled out his phone, not bothering to look at who was calling before answering.

"Steve Rogers speaking," he said, as if answering a work phone and talking to a potential client.

“Hey Steve.” James Rhodes’ voice responded with a laugh, “You do realize I called your personal phone number you gave me, right? I would have been confused if it wasn’t you who picked up. Like, shit, man, the guy gave me a fake number and I wasn’t even trying to get a date out of him when we met at the veteran's pub.” he joked.

"Oh, hey James," Steve said, smiling. "What's up man? I just finished painting, so good timing."

“I was just wondering if you were free tonight. I’m having a couple of friends over to play cards and maybe some Mario Cart as well. I thought you could probably use some more friends since you’re new to the area, and this would be a good opportunity. Plus there’ll be beer.”

"Oh trust me, I'm not new to the area. But… I could go for friends and drinks. Been getting tired of just painting and then going straight home."

“Great! I’ll text you my address. Don’t worry about bringing anything, I won a bet and tonight’s being funded by my friend, Tones, which means he’s bringing the good pizza and not just the Hot and Ready stuff.”

 "Free food I'm down for any time." Steve chuckled. "I'll head over as soon as I have everything packed up."

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”

Steve hung up and pocketed his phone before closing up paint cans and washing roller and brushes with him on the scaffolding. In little time he was back on the floor and throwing his jacket on to brave against the slightly chilly New York City air. By the time he was outside Stark Tower, the address to James’s place had been sent to him, and getting into his car, he drove to the location given to him.

Traffic was not quite as good as Steve would have hoped, but he eventually did arrive at James’s place, ringing the doorbell near the front door so his presence could be known to his host.

“Steve! You made it.” James grinned, patting his shoulder as he stepped aside to let the artist in, “Go make yourself comfortable. We have a few more people coming, yet. Tones is busy fucking with my TV and gaming set up, so just ignore the legs poking out from behind the TV stand.”

Steve laughed. “No problem. I’m gonna grab some water if you don’t mind.”

“Sure, man. Cups are in the upper cupboard to the right of the sink.”

“Thanks.” With a destination, Steve headed to the kitchen and helped himself to a glass of water. He went to the living room with it, sitting down and watching the pair of legs sticking out from the TV stand.

“You really need to let me set you up with a better system, Honeybear.” a muffled voice was saying from behind the TV setup, as if whomever was speaking had something held in their mouth.

“What I have works just fine, Tones.” James sighed.

“Fine isn’t good enough—hand me my soldering iron.” a hand appeared, outstretched and wiggling impatiently.

“Why do you need a soldering iron to plug in the Nintendo system?”

“Hu?” A mess of dark curls poked out, and a screwdriver fell out from being pinched between Tony Stark’s teeth, “That thing’s been set up. I’m just improving your built-in sound system.”

Steve’s eyes widened as he realized who it was tinkering with the entertainment center. “Mr. Stark? You’re here?”

Tony blinked over at Steve then snapped his fingers, “Ah, hot artist alpha!”

“Yeah, just the guy who is painting that mural for you… what are you doing here?”

Tony pointed to James, “That’s Rhodey bear, my best friend from college.”

“So… he invited you here for food and games?”

“He roped me into funding the food and beverages, so he only invited me for the games. So how do you know  Rhodey?” Tony asked, slipping out from behind the entertainment center.

“Tony, do not go forgetting you’ve torn my TV apart and leave it like that.” James groaned. “God, you got wires spilling out the back like you gutted the thing!”

“Give me a minute! I want to know how you know hot arty guy!”

“James and I met at a veterans pub,” Steve explained. “We started swapping stories and got pretty close. Eventually we just gave each other our numbers and started meeting outside of the pub.”

“And Honeybear didn’t tell me he has a new hot friend?” Tony pouted at James.

The man sighed, rolling his eyes, “I’m having regrets—”

“You should!”

“—that I brought him into your madness at all.” James finished firmly.

“He was already here! ...Kinda. He’s been in my personal lab so it counts!”

“I was let in to get inspiration for the mural,” Steve confirmed. “Amazing stuff.”

“And for some nice eye candy for me to look at for a while.” Tony said shamelessly.

“Wow, it’s like you have completely lost all sense of shame.” James said.

“This guy’s—look at him! You can’t blame me for wanting to drool on those shoulders!”

Steve chuckled lightly. “I mean… if I am allowed to say, I did let my eyes wander a bit while in the lab…”

“Well, I do have a lot of good looking robots.” Tony grinned.

“Yes, many of them did catch my eye, because I'm so invested in robotics,” the blond joked.

“Oh no, don’t encourage his flirting.” James groaned.

“You’re the one who now has two friends who are attracted to each other.”

“Oh boy…” James groaned and turned to go into the kitchen to grab a beer. “Don’t forget to put my TV back together, Tony!”

“So, on alpha, sexy alpha,” Tony purred, ignoring James and moving over to plop himself right into Steve’s lap, “I got this gala party thingy I am required to attend in a few weeks. Terribly boring and stuffy. Mind being my date? We can be bored out of our minds together.”

Steve blinked and went stiff for a second when Tony jumped into his lap. “Uh… I’m not really a fan of parties. Too many people for me, but… I might be willing to go with you.”

“You won’t have to worry about anything. Just smile and let me hang off your impressive arm for a few hours. I’ll even make sure you have something to wear that doesn’t have paint splatters on it.” Tony teased, eyeing a mess of dried paint that had found its way onto the shoulder of Steve’s shirt.

The alpha looked down at the paint and sighed. “Sorry, I thought this shirt was clean when I changed into it before coming here.”

“You say sorry as if you aren’t talking to a guy who still has a grease stain on his pants from an incident earlier today.”

“Well, I try not to let work come with me to hang out at a friend’s place, but I guess I can’t help it sometimes.”

Tony shrugged, his finger rubbing the paint splotch on Steve’s shirt. “I kind of like it.”

“Yeah? Well, if you came to watch me work once in a while, you’d see more paint splattered all over my clothes.”

“I’ve wanted to but Pepper keeps telling me to let you do your thing.” Tony pouted.

“You wouldn’t be bothering me. Company would be nice, actually.”

“Well then, maybe I’ll go down tomorrow to watch you work some before we go out to get some lunch on me?”

“I like the sound of that,” Steve smiled. “I usually take my lunch at 12:30. Is that a good time for you?”

“I’m my own boss. Only Pepper-dictated meetings can get in my way.” Tony said, pulling out his phone to mark down the time so he’d have a reminder.

“Fantastic. It’s a date then?”

“Yup! Any preferences on the food?”

“I like a good classic burger. I’m kind of a plain Jane when it comes to being adventurous with food.”

“I know just the place.” Tony smiled. “Oh and I am counting it as our first date. The gala can be our second.”

"Sounds perfect," Steve said. He smiled and dared to fluff up Tony's hair a bit.

Tony chuckled and leaned in to kiss Steve’s cheek before getting up, “Better get back to that TV before Rhodey yells at me again.”

“Right, don’t want him to yell at us for getting to know each other,” Steve agreed with a chuckle.

“You can do that after my TV is finished with whatever Tony’s doing to it!” James called out.

Steve laughed. “Right, I won’t disturb your mechanic.”

“No, please don’t. Something might catch fire—again.”

“One time, just one time and that was in college!” Tony whined.

“You set my bed on fire.”

"I'm guessing that was a result of a science project gone wrong," Steve said.

“He was attempting to use spare computer parts to rig up a way for us to reheat food since our microwave mysteriously disappeared a few days earlier—which I still think was Tony cannibalizing it for parts to build Dum-E.”

“You can’t prove or disprove my supposed involvement in the disappearance of that thing.” Tony said.

"I guess as long as no one got hurt. Though I'm sure the fire alarms went off," Steve mused.

“Nope, not that time.” Tony said, “I took the battery out of the annoying thing. It’d go off when I was soldering next to an open window! Something I had to do a lot back then.”

The blond laughed. "Did you ever get scolded for tampering with school property."

“Course not, I made sure to put the battery back in before any inspection was done. But I was banned from working on projects in the dorms after that. Not that I listened to the restriction.”

"I'm not surprised somehow. At least you still had lab access."

“Yeah, kind of hard to ban me from the places I’m required to be granted access for the classes my dad was paying good money for me to take.”

“Oh no, what’s Tony doing to your TV?” a new voice spoke up from the door.

“Something about the sound system, I think.” James shrugged, stepping aside to let the man in.

The new guy was another omega with dark curly hair, though he seemed more reserved than Tony was. He also was wearing glasses that he pushed up his nose as he looked at Steve. “Who’s the new guy?”

“Hi Brucie-bear! That’s my new boyfriend!” Tony spoke up.

Sam rolled his eyes, “Tony asked him out on a date right before you arrived. I think ‘boyfriend’ is a bit strong of a word to use so soon. At least wait until after the date when you have a better idea at dating compatibility.” he shook his head, “Bruce, this is Steve Rogers, a friend I met at the Veteran’s pub. He’s an artist who recently moved to Brooklyn. Steve, this is Doctor Bruce Banner, biochemist and nuclear physicist with Stark Industries.

"It's nice to meet you, Bruce," Steve greeted warmly.

“Good to meet you, too.” Bruce nodded, shrugging out of his jacket and hanging it on the coat rack by the door before moving over to sit down in the recliner, “Welcome to the craziness of our little circle of friends. Tony’s not the only energetic one that livens things up, you’ll find. My fiancé is just as loud.”

“When’s he coming by?” Tony asked, “Normally he comes with you.”

“He got held up at work. His last client of the day needed extra breaks.” Bruce said before looking at Steve again with a smile, “Donald Blake, though most people who knows him just call him Thor. He’s a tattoo artist. Owns the shop Odinson’s tattoo and piercings with his siblings. As an artist yourself, I’m sure you can relate to projects taking longer than anticipated, even if your canvases don’t move around or need food and bathroom breaks.”

"Of course," Steve said. "Artistry takes time, moving canvas or not."

“I think you’d get along well with Thor.” Bruce nodded with a smile.

“Since he’s a fellow artist, I think you’re right. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“He shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Why don’t you sit down and relax while you wait,” James suggested. “You work too hard sometimes, just like Tony.”

“I resent that.” Bruce smiled, “One, I’m already sitting, and two, unlike Tony, I know how to take a lunch break without people and robots reminding me over and over.”

“Do you and Tony ever have lunch together?” Steve asked Bruce.

“Sometimes, if neither of us are trapped under a deadline or huge issue on a project.”

“Does that happen often? Being under a deadline?”

“Oh yeah. It’s never ending, it seems.”

“I understand the pressure of being under deadlines,” Steve sympathized. “Hopefully your projects aren’t too hard on you.”

“Well, they aren’t impossible, at least.”

“A good challenge, but never impossible to see through to the end.”

A short while later, another knock at the door caught James’s attention, and he went to open the door once more. This time was the boisterous fiance of Bruce at the door, a large, joyful smile on his face.

“Rhodey! Good to see you again, friend!” Thor said excitedly as James, or Rhodey as everyone was calling him, let him in.

“Good to see you too, Thor,” Rhodey greeted. “Bruce is on the couch.”

“Splendid!” Thor turned to the living room and approached the couch, his smile seeming to get wider and wider. “I’m here Bruce,” he crooned while shoving his nose into his omega’s neck.

Bruce smiled, leaning into the large alpha and pressing a kiss to his jaw, “Glad you could make it.” he teased. “This is Rhodey’s new friend Steve, and uh, I guess Tony’s proclaimed him as his new boyfriend, so he’ll likely be in the group more often from now on.”

Thor looked up at Steve and held out his hand. “Wonderful to meet you Steve!”

“Likewise,” Steve said, shaking Thor’s hand. “I hope it’s not too much of a bother that I’m here.”

“Not at all,” Thor reassured. “I love meeting new friends, especially if an old friend has taken an interest.”

“Can’t blame me!” Tony said, finally crawling out from behind the TV with his tools and putting things away, “The man’s too hot to not try to court! Plus he seems really sweet. I don't get sweet alphas that often. Mostly find the jerks. Or the jerks that pretend to be sweet. But I’m not worried of that since Rhodey already likes him enough to invite him over, and Rhodey always has a good sense about these things.”

“Yes, if only you’d listen to me more often when I warn you a guy’s a jerk.”

“Well if this one is as sweet as you say,” Thor said, “then I should think there would be no problem with jerks anymore.”

“That’s the hope.” Tony said, moving over to plop himself back down into Steve’s lap.

Steve smiled at Tony, then looked at Thor again. “I don’t usually run into jerk alphas. Most take a look at me an decide to not mess with me, especially if I wear one of my old army shirts.”

“Ah, sadly it is usually the omegas of the world who see more of the jerks. I pity the jerks who can not know what it means to earn an omega’s affections. They’re truly missing out on such beauty.” Thor said

"They certainly are," Steve agreed. "I was a soldier alongside some of those types of alphas unfortunately. Real dickheads."

“Well, Brucie-bear certainly got lucky with finding Thor, and I’m hoping I did too with you.” Tony purred at Steve.

"Don't worry, I'm far from being an asshole," Steve reassured with a smile.

“Ah, only time can tell for certain. But I’m open to trusting you on that for now.”

"I'll show you, you'll see. Starting with our first date. I'll buy lunch, you don't worry about it… Even though a lunch won't be financially devastating for you."

“You sure? I was the one to ask you out...and I even let you choose the type of food and you chose something so….normal. Most of the past people I’ve invited out to eat always choose someplace pricy…”

“Why would I want something pricy? I just want your time, to get to know you, not fake something to impress you.” Steve smiled. “I want to be genuine.”

Tony looked over at Rhodey, “Is this guy real? Am I dreaming? Pinch me, Platypus!”

Rhodey rolled his eyes and gave a sharp swat to the back of Tony’s head with his fingertips, earning a surprised “ow” from the omega.

“Welcome to finding the rare non-gold-digger in your dating life, rich boy.”

“I’m just a simple artist,” Steve said. “I don’t require a lot. Just give me a pencil and some paper and I’m happy.”

“What about mind-blowing sex?”

Steve’s eyes widened. “I mean… I’ve not… I don’t…”

“Good lord, you’ve got the poor guy tongue tied,” James said with a sigh.

“It’s adorable.” Tony smiled. “Don’t worry, alpha, Not like I’m going to drag you off to bed right away. I know what my reputation in the media says, but I don’t actually sleep with anything that moves. I like to have a few dates first.”

Steve let out a quick sigh of relief. "Sorry, I don't think I've ever had an omega be so forward with me like that before."

“I’m a spoiled brat. I never learned how to be shy. Dad never let me be shy, even as a tiny little thing just learning to walk.”

“I’ve seen you drunk. You’re still a tiny little thing just learning to walk.” Rhodey shot over at him.

“We would prefer not to have spoiled tiny Tony show up before Steve has a chance to get used to normal spoiled Tony,” Bruce said with a smile.

“Excuse you, I’m always tiny! I wear platforms to make the alphas think I’m taller.” Tony said, kicking his leg out to point at his shoe.

“You’re shorter?” Steve asked, looking at Tony’s shoes. “Not that that’s a bad thing of course, I just didn’t think that you’d wear platform shoes.”

“Yup, even when grouped with only omegas, I’m the shortest of the bunch. Look.” He kicked off his shoes and hopped to his feet, arms spread wide. “I’m smol and adorable.”

Steve couldn’t help the dorky smile that formed on his lips as he looked at Tony. “You sure are. Quite adorable, if I was to dare to say so.”

“Do dare. I like it...unless I’m dealing with the alphas on the board. Then no. I’m intimidating and in charge!”

“Hell you intimidate me already. I mean you’re the owner of a huge company. I’m just a simple painter.”

“Privilege of being born to rich parents, I guess, but I’m not trying to intimidate you, I want to be adorable to you.”

"Well you've already succeeded at that, I assure you. Seeing that you're even smaller helped that."

Tony gave a little happy dance before plopping back into Steve’s lap, ignoring his shoes that were still where they had fallen.

“Well, should we start this evening off before the food arrives and we get distracted again by passing out food? It is set for delivery, after all.”

“We are all here.” Bruce nodded.

Steve wrapped his arms around Tony and smiled. "Let's go, then. I haven't played Mario Kart in ages, so I'm ready to get my butt kicked."

“Hope you can manage to stay on Rainbow Road with me in your lap, because I’m not moving.” Tony said with a wiggle.

Steve had never been a huge fan of sticking around large crowds and looking pretty for them. Even in the army, when locals would swarm him to thank him for his service, he was never really comfortable. Steve was in his element when he was alone with his art supplies. So, being dolled up and presented at a huge gala, normally he wouldn't do it.

However, in the recent days, Steve had gotten much closer to Tony, and being the supportive guy that he was, Steve of course wanted to be by Tony's side, being his bodyguard and his support to lean on when things got rough.

Tony had, as promised, ordered Steve a tux to wear and had it delivered to Steve’s apartment the day before the gala so that he’d have it to get ready. Tony also had promised to pick him up, and judging by the limo that had pulled up to the curb outside Steve’s apartment building, it seemed that promise had come through as well.

Tony got out of the back of the limo in an omega style tux of his own, a hint of glitter in the threads of fabric to make him stand out when the light hits it just right, a bright red tie, and a pair of sunglasses on his carefully makeuped face. He strolled into the building and up to Steve’s floor, grumbling about the broken elevator the whole way before pausing at Steve’s door, pulling out his phone to double check he had the right one. Then he finally knocked.

Steve wastes no time getting to the door, fully dressed in the tux Tony had gotten for him. He smiled when he saw Tony after opening the door. "Hey, Tony, I hope the broken elevator didn't cause too much trouble for you."

“I was forced to walk up three flights of steps, Steve! Who’s your land lord? I need to talk to them about meeting me fix and upgrade the thing!” Tony whined before taking off his sun glasses and smiling, “But the view up here is totally worth the climb. Wow, you clean up nice, Rogers.”

Steve smiled wider. "Thank you. You look stunning." The blond grabbed his keys and exited his apartment, locking it behind him. "Alright, I think I'm ready to go."

“Good, because Happy isn’t thrilled about these narrow streets while driving the limo. He’s eager to get back to more limo-friendly traffic or whatever.” Tony said, slipping his arm through Steve’s and guiding him back down the steps.

"Only you would bring a limo to pick up your date." Steve smiled and grabbed Tony's hand while they walked.

“To be fair, this is the dreaded gala date and not us going out for burgers.” Tony laughed, “I’m expected to show up in a limo with a nice piece of arm candy. Which, by the way, there has already been gossip about as people try to predict who I’m bringing. They all guess models and celebrities, though. So they all will be losing their bets.”

They got down to the car and a man who had to be Happy, opened the door for them to get in.

"Wait until everyone finds out your eye candy is just a simple painter," Steve said while getting in the car, thanking Happy.

“More like my arm candy is my actual boyfriend whom I’m courting. You accepted those chocolates I got you on our first date!”

"Of course I did. I couldn't not accept them. I am pretty into you, after all."

Tony grinned and kissed Steve’s cheek with enough care not to leave an obvious lip gloss print behind. “I’d make out with you like a teenager right now but we both need our hair to look nice when we arrive.”

"Maybe later, when we can sneak off and find somewhere no one can find us," Steve suggested.

“Hopefully.” Tony nodded, “Or we get the chance to bow out early and go back to one of our places—preferably mine as I have a working elevator.”

"Even though I knew I'd be with you this evening, it would have been impossible to clean my apartment before you arrived and make it look like I didn't live in filth. Besides, your place might be more comfortable for you anyways, having familiar things and all."

“Oh, I expect your place to be cluttered with paint stuff. It’s fine.” Tony shrugged, “And eh, I use a little side room off my lab to sleep most of the time, so my penthouse isn’t as soaked in my scent as you’d think.”

"You don't sleep in a proper bedroom?"

“I kind of...work until I pass out?” Tony admitted, “Oh and there’s times where I forget about my heat cycle and I just… go into heat suddenly and there is no way I’m going to do a heat walk up to my penthouse with the amount of alphas that work in my building. They do not need to know when I’m dripping wet with heat. That kind of vulnerability is only ok for close family to witness...or mate once a mate is in the picture.”

“I see… but surely it can’t be healthy for you to just work until you pass out. You still need proper sleep, Tony.”

“Eh, Pep and JARVIS...and sometimes even Rhodey makes sure I eat at least…”

“Well thank god for them, but you really do need sleep. Not getting proper sleep can harm your health severely. I’d hate to see you suffer because of your habit of not sleeping properly.”

“Worried, alpha?” Tony leaned into Steve’s space, “You’re welcome to drag me to bed if you want. I’ll even give you an access card to my lab.”

Steve flushed a little. “I… I do care about your health. I want to see you happy and healthy, of course.”

“Well, you make me happy, and you think sleep makes me healthy so the obvious solution would be to sleep with you!”

“Wow, yes, I… yes, sleeping with me… sleeping in the same bed as me. Yes.” Steve cleared his throat, suddenly feeling warm.

“Have I told you lately how cute it is when you blush and get all shy? Of course I meant actually sleeping. But I’m not against the idea of sitting on your knot, either. You know, when we’re both feeling ready for that step.”

“Sorry, I… misinterpreted, clearly.” Steve cleared his throat. “I’m not usually one to take that train of thought, but…” 

“But I’m extremely sexy and you can’t help but wonder what kind of panties I wear?”

“I have to admit… and I hope this isn’t weird… I have let my mind wander a time or two…”

“Currently, it’s a thong.” Tony winked, “Maybe later you’ll get the chance to confirm that claim.”

Steve smiled and chuckled lightly, rubbing his neck. “We’ll see how we are after this gala first.”

“I did say ‘maybe’.” Tony nibbled his ear gently before sitting back in his seat.

“Maybe,” Steve repeated, moving a bit closer to Tony and grabbing his hand to hold.

Tony smiled, squeezing his hand, “Remember, there’s going to be lots of cameras and shouting when we arrive. Just smile politely and I’ll get you through as quick as I can.”

“Not a problem. You know these things better than I do, so I’ll follow your lead.”

“I just want you to be ready.”

“I know. As long as I get to stay right by you, I’ll be just fine.”

“You will. I won’t abandon you to the wolves.”

“You’re too kind,” Steve said. “But who knows, maybe the paparazzi will be interested in the cool, up and coming artist who is more than likely dating Tony Stark.”

“Oh, they’ll definitely be asking about you. If anything, I’ll only give them the base facts. Your name, and the fact that you’re my date. They want to know more? They can google you. Unless you want to say more.”

“I wouldn’t mind it being known that I’m a painter,” Steve said. “Could get more people to look me up.”

Tony nodded, “Noted.”

Only a short distance was left before the limo arrived at the gala. As soon as the car was parked, Steve was noticing all the flashing cameras pointed directly at the car.

“That’s… a lot of cameras,” he commented while getting ready to exit the car.

“Yeah, it can be a bit overwhelming to someone new to this type of thing. That’s why I told you to just stick close and smile while I get us through as fast as possible. Ready?”

Steve nodded. “As I’ll ever be.”

“Alright.” Tony tapped his knuckle on the window to signal for it to be opened and it was, a gloved hand appearing to help Tony out first to be greeted by the flashing cameras and the noise of the crowd mixed with the calls from reporters. He stepped to the side to give Steve room to get out as well.

Steve stepped out after Tony, straightening his tux jacket before offering his arm to the omega.

Tony beamed at him, accepting his arm before guiding him further down the aisle of cameras so that his limo could pull away to make room for the next arrival.

“There are a lot more cameras here than what I saw in the car,” Steve said, smiling as Tony guided him through the crowd.

“Overwhelmed?”

“Not really… Not yet anyways.” Steve looked at Tony and smiled. “I’m doing better with you here.”

“Good, because it can be hard to scoot our way through to the doors.”

“That’s alright. The longer I get to stay next to you, the better I’ll be tonight.”

Tony smiled up at him and guided him along, stopping them when he had to play nice and give a few words to some overly persistent reporters asking him about his date and sometimes some Stark Industries things.

But finally, they made it inside and Tony took a moment to pause and look Steve over again, “Still surviving?”

Steve nodded. “Yeah, I think the hard part is over. The rest of the night should go smoothly.”

“And drama-free, with any luck. There’s two of my exes here who both love to stir up crap and antagonize me. I’ll be trying to avoid them fully.”

“Oh well if they try anything your ex army bodyguard eye candy will ward them off.”

“My hero, chasing away Hammer and Stone for me.” he chuckled, “But for now, I believe I see Pepper and Rhodey! Let’s go attach ourselves. Safety in numbers, and all that.”

“Oh yes please. Familiar faces would help me feel even better.”

Tony lead Steve over to where his two closest friends were, pausing along the way only to take two flutes of champagne from a waiter’s tray, handing one to Steve and sipping his own.

“Tony, Steve!” Rhodey said when the couple got closer. “Glad to see you two made it.”

“Good to see you again, Rhodey,” Steve said, shaking the other man’s hand with a smile.

“We barely made it past the vultures, but we’re here.” Tony joked, giving Pepper a hug. “How long do we have to stay?”

Pepper rolled her eyes, “You know you should stay for the majority at least, Tony.”

“At least I’m here to keep you entertained,” Steve told Tony.

“And you have other friends here,” Rhodey added.

“And me, though I’m disappointed if you are only here to whine like a child, Anthony.” a man said, appearing behind Steve and Tony.

Tony turned around, “I’m not.”

“Good. It’s good to see you again as always, Miss Potts, Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes.” the man nodded before turning his gaze on Steve. “I don’t believe we have met?”

“Obie, this is my date, Captain Steven Rogers. Steve, this is my Uncle Obie I believe I’ve told you a little about?”

"Yes, you did." Steve offered his hand to the older man, putting on a fake smile. "Nice to meet you, Sir."

“It seems you have me at a disadvantage, as Tony has spoken about me to you, but has not in turn spoken about you to me.” Obadiah said, returning the hand shake.

Tony rolled his eyes, “You have been too busy to listen to me ‘babble about unimportant things that do not in any way affect the future of Stark Industries.’ as you have told me every time we have spoken over the last few weeks. If you had allowed it, you would have been informed that I have been dating again, and that Steve here is said boyfriend.”

"From what we've heard, Steve is far better than any of Tony's exes," Pepper spoke up. 

“I don’t know, that young man Stone had been quite the catch.”

Tony sighed, “I know Dad wanted me to mate with Justin, and you wanted me to mate with Ty, but both those guys really were not good at treating me right. Steve does.”

“Oh, and what does he bring to the table? Assuming he isn’t just another gold digger looking to take advantage of a lonely, rich omega?”

“Steve isn’t interested in my money, company, or social status.” Tony defended. “He likes me for me.”

“And the money, status, and company are all just cherries on top, I’m sure.”

“Obi, you’re really crossing a line right now.” Tony said, crossing his arms.

“I couldn’t care less about Tony’s money or fame,” Steve said. “I like Tony, he makes me happy, and I like when he watches me paint. I may just be a simple artist, but that doesn’t mean that I’m desperate to get some money. Tony is sweet and kind, and I love that about him.”

“A starving artist, then.”

“Pretty sure he’s not starving. Pepper commissioned him for the mural in the main lobby of the tower. That’s how we first met, and I’ll have you know, I made the first move.” Tony huffed.

“It’s true,” Pepper said, defending Tony. 

“I make enough money myself through commissions,” Steve said. “Again, I don’t care about Tony’s money.”

The man sighed, “Time will tell, I suppose. Just don’t cry to me when things break apart again.”

“Puh-lease. I go to Pep and Rhodey for crying into ice cream tubs like a movie stereotype omega when my heart’s broken, and I doubt it’ll be the case this time! They both actually approve of this one!”

“We’re going to be supportive when our friend gets a nice alpha for once,” Rhodey said.

“Be happy that I’m happy!” Tony nodded, hooking his arm through Steve’s and pulling him closer.

Obadiah hummed and chewed on his lip. "Well alright then… but there will be some alphas who won't be happy that I promised you'd get a dance with them. Seems like you won't be available for those."

"I won't prevent Tony from dancing with who he likes, Steve said. "But his exes might not be getting the chance they were hoping for…."

“Yeah, no, Ty and Justin both are a firm no. Anyone else I could politely dance with so long as it’s not so many people that I end up neglecting my actual date.” Tony said firmly. “I didn’t drag my boyfriend here so he can stand by the wall hoping for some time with me.”

"If you have no other goals other than to try and make Tony feel guilty, I suggest you move along," Rhodey said sternly.

Obadiah raised his hands and smiled. "Hey, I'm not trying to start anything here. I just thought Tony would like to know who is here, that's all."

"Sure," Pepper sighed. "Please, let us enjoy the party, and we'll be sure to stay out of your way so you can make big deals with people."

Once Obadiah walked off to disappear into the crowd, Tony sighed and turned to smile up at Steve, “Sorry about him. He’s been kind of like an overbearing parent ever since I lost my parents. I think he forgets I’m not a teenager anymore.”

"It's alright," Steve said, smiling at Tony. "As long as he doesn't think he can force me away."

“I’ll throw a tantrum if he tries.”

"Don't worry, I won't let him separate us. You're stuck with me."

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll be stuck together quite satisfactorily.”

Rhodey groaned, “No knot comments at fancy gatherings, Tones.”

Steve flushed but smiled all the same. "As long as you're happy, Tony."

“As long as we’re both happy, Steve.” Tony smiled before sipping his drink.

“I’m always happy when you’re by my side. When you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“I’d be happy if you were happy to encourage Tony into a healthier lifestyle. He forgets to eat and sleep like a functioning human being.” Pepper said.

Tony pouted at her, “I eat.”

“Coffee doesn’t count.”

“I did tell him that I wished he slept better,” Steve said. “But maybe I can convince him to sleep in a proper bed more often if I offered cuddles or something like that.”

“Might work part of the time, but you might just have to drag him away from his lab other times.” Rhodey said, “I’ve done that a few times. Just threw him over my shoulder and carried him up to his room and sat there until he finally let himself settle in for the night.”

“Wow, I thought that was just between us two, Honeybear.”

“Of course not. The Tony Stark inner circle shares information on how to take care of Tony Stark. Steve’s now part of the group.”

“I have to say that’s fair,” Steve said with a shrug. “If I’m dating you now, I should know how to put you to bed.”

“I’m not a kid…”

“No,” Pepper agreed, “but you aren’t great at the self care thing.”

“I’m seeing three people who only want the best for you.” Steve patted Tony’s hand. “I want to help, not hinder.”

“How about we go dance, instead?”

“I’m up for a dance, sure.”

“Great!” Tony took Steve’s drink and set it aside with his own before he took Steve’s hand to lead him out onto the dance floor.

A big smile filled Steve’s face as he let himself be led by Tony, his heartbeat maybe speeding up just a little bit. “You seem eager to dance,” he said once the two of them were on the dance floor and moving to the music.

“Must be my dance partner.” Tony smiled up at him. 

“Hell of a dance partner then.” Steve winked.

“You think so?”

“He must be. Otherwise I doubt you would have asked to dance.”

Tony laughed, stepping in a little closer to Steve, just because he could.

Steve stayed quiet for a bit while they danced, holding Tony close and smiling. When he spoke up again, it was to comment about the music. 

“You know, I kind of guessed that big galas like this would have… different music. I mean the piano classical music is nice of course, but i thought maybe there’d be a whole orchestra here.”

“There is, sometimes.” Tony shrugged. “Are you a fan of orchestra?”

Steve nodded. “Sometimes, yeah. I find myself actually liking music from the 40’s and 50’s more than most modern stuff.”

“Good to know. I’ll have to have JARVIS put together a playlist you’ll enjoy for some of the times you visit me in the lab while I’m working.”

“I think that would be wonderful. I blame my grandparents for my taste in that music. They listened to it all the time when I was around them, so I ended up liking it.”

“If you have any favorites in particular, you can mention them to J. He’ll add them to your play list. I’ll admit, I don’t know much about old music. My parents listened to it but I always listened to the modern stuff.”

Steve smiled. “Well, I’ll have to show you some of my favorites. I find they’re the best to dance to, when you have the right dance partner.”

“Oh yeah? Know the old dances to the old songs, too?”

“Maybe. You’ll have to get to know me more to find out.”

“Or you could take a bribe of kisses?”

“I suppose I could be persuaded.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll be sure to do so where it’s appropriate to do so.” Tony smiled.

“Perhaps one tonight would be appropriate?” Steve asked, a slightly hopeful tone to his voice.

“I suppose we can risk not being appropriate for one kiss right now.”

“No fear of paparazzi taking a photo out of context?”

“There’s always that chance anywhere we go outside private areas.” Tony shrugged. “I’m used to them, so it’s up to you if you want to risk that.”

“I don’t think I mind too much about my own reputation. Besides, it could be fun to let the whole world know that you have someone who’s interested in you.”

“The whole world is interested in me in one way or the other. It’ll be more that I’m interested in you.” Tony smiled, tilting his head back in anticipation of a kiss on the dance floor.

Steve smiled, closed the distance between them, and kissed Tony softly in the middle of the dance floor.

Tony smiled and pressed up into the kiss to return it without pressing for it to go deeper before letting it come to a soft end. 

“Well, that’s one. I’ll give you the rest later.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Steve said, ignoring the remaining flashes from cameras that had suddenly gone off during the kiss.

Tony hummed happily, eyes locked lovingly on Steve, “I’m already counting down the minutes.”

“I’m sure you are. Unfortunately we just got here, and I’m guessing you’re expected to be here a bit longer.”

“You are unfortunately right. It’s tragic.” Tony chuckled.

"At least you're not alone here. I imagine that would get boring pretty fast."

“You’re right about that. I always prefer working in my lab or going on our cute little burger dates.”

"Well maybe we can grab some burgers on the way back to the tower tonight."

“We could do that.”

"If you're not too tired from dancing around with me a lot."

“Of course not. Nothing says we can’t eat in the car, you know. We don’t have to walk into a burger joint in our fancy tuxedos to show off. We can just hit a drive through.”

Steve smiled. "Don't worry, you can admit when you're tired. I'll carry you when you do get tired."

"Oh, the press would love that if I asked you to carry me out of here.” Tony chuckled.

"Maybe we should show them and everyone else that we're together then," Steve dared to say.

“Think we already did with that kiss, but I’m not opposed.”

"Well, if you get tired or your ankles get too weak, I'll carry you away."

“I’m sure I could come up with some excuse if I want my big strong alpha boyfriend to carry me out of here.” Tony chuckled.

"I'm sure you could. Rolled your ankle, felt too uncomfortable around other alphas, had a bit too much to drink, all possible excuses."

Tony laughed, “All of which has happened at least once to me before.”

"Well, let's not try for all three at once, because I know that would be extremely uncomfortable," Steve said.

“It just might...being drunk, I am more easily intimidated by overbearing alphas, and in my attempt to get away I could trip and hurt my ankle.”

"Well, I'll do my best to prevent those pesky alphas from closing in on you with a twisted ankle."

“Might need a stick.” Tony joked.

Steve laughed. "A big stick. They won't mess with us if they see I have a big stick."

“But you might also attract a bunch of dogs.” Tony chuckled, “I hear dogs like to play with sticks.”

"I guess they do, don't they? Well, I'm sure they'd be willing to protect an omega like you as well."

“You think so?”

"Yeah. Who wouldn't want to protect someone as special as you?"

“Sappy alpha.” Tony chuckled, resting his cheek on Steve’s shoulder as they danced.

They danced to the music through a few songs, simply enjoying their time together and ignoring everyone around them. It was nice, and the first event Tony’s had to go to that he wasn’t already a little more than buzzed. Maybe part of his drinking problem had more to do with boredom than he originally thought. He knew a good part of it was a way to cope with stress or to escape from emotions, but Steve was making it easier on him to not drink too much, just by being at his side.

Steve was good for him like that, it seemed.

Happy and content, Tony didn’t even notice when another alpha approached and tapped Steve on the shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?”

Steve. Turned to look at who had tapped his shoulder, pausing his and Tony’s dance. “I’m sorry, but we are dancing right now,” he said as kindly as he could muster. “Maybe the next song?”

“You’ve been dancing with Tony for a long time. You’re a good looking alpha, I’m sure you wouldn’t have troubles finding a new dance partner.”

“I’m sure I wouldn’t, but I am Tony’s date for the night.”

“His...date.” the man frowned.

“Yes, my date. Not just for tonight, either. We’ve been courting properly. And no, I’m not going to dance with you if your plan is to hand me off to your boss because he’s actually the one wanting to dance with me, but he knows I’d sooner knee his groin than accept a dance invite from him.” Tony huffed.

"I'm sorry, I'm assuming you're one of Tony's exes," Steve said. "If you wanted to dance with Tony, perhaps you should have taken the advantage earlier in your life."

Tony chuckled, “No, he’s the personal assistant to one of my exes. I’m guessing Ty forgot I’ve met him while we were together, or he assumes I am quick to forget the little people he doesn’t properly appreciate.”

"I see." Steve bowed his head towards the assistant. "My apologies then. But Ty had better come up with a different approach to earn a proper dance with Tony. Otherwise he can forget about getting a dance."

"You don't think he deserves a dance anyways, especially since you have danced with Tony all night?" The assistant asked.

"The way I see it, he's an ex of Tony's for a reason," the blond alpha responded.

“Not to mention when I dated him he wouldn’t let me dance with others, so why should I dance with him when I’m dating someone else?”

"He happens to want to talk about a business deal," the assistant said."

“Ah, see, he doesn’t need a dance with me for that, not to mention that my dear Pepper should be in on any such conversation as she handles a lot of that kind of thing for me. Why don’t you direct him her way and I can finish up my dance with Steve and not have to get close to the guy.”

The assistant frowned. "I… will let him know that." Without any more words, the assistant turned and left, leaving Tony and Steve alone again.

"Ten bucks says that Ty guy will still come over here and demand a date," Steve said with a sigh.

“Ten million says you’re right.” Tony sighed, “Sorry I have a few crazy exes that won’t let things go. They’ll continue being an issue when they want to be.”

"It's alright, none of it is your fault. They're more than welcome to feel intimidated by the fact that you're dating a good alpha."

“He doesn’t need a good alpha, he needs a strict alpha who knows what’s best for him.” a new voice stated.

Tony groaned, dropping his head into Steve’s chest, “Go away, Justin.”

Steve turned his head to the new visitor, yet again, and blinked. "Why would a strict alpha be better for him? Restricting him would only hinder his amazing talents."

“It’s not healthy for an omega to be allowed to indulge so much in their little hobbies or pretending they can do an alpha’s job. Especially when they are particularly fragile to begin with like Anthony is.”

“Go away.” Tony said with a tiny growl, but Justin ignored him.

“Justine Hammer, by the way.” he said, offering a handshake to Steve.

Reluctantly, Steve shook Justin's hand, though he offered no smile. "Captain Steve Rogers. And I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. Tony is a phenomenal omega, smarter than I'll ever be. Who am I to stand in the way of his success?"

“Has he told you about his heart condition? Or the fact he was unable to carry our baby to term? His success in playing with his robots only risks his health. That’s why he needs an alpha to control him, to limit his little games in the lab.”

Clenching his jaw, Tony pulled away and left the dancefloor, making his way over to the bar to grab something stronger than champagne.

Steve called out to the omega, but when Tony kept walking, Steve sighed and turned back to Justin. "Look, I know we've just met, but that was rather unkind to say to my date. You're working to make a terrible first impression for yourself "

“I just know what is best for him. His father had wanted him to settle down with me, but he rebels like a teenager, even now. His other ex, Tiberius, would have also been a good match for him, but again, he rebelled. If you are next in line, I just want to make sure you’re on the same page, and that you will do what needs to be done, otherwise I don’t think we can allow you to continue seeing our little omega.”

Steve frowned. "I'm sorry, last I checked it was illegal to physically own an omega. So he's not yours, or Tiberius', or that Obadiah guy's. Tony is his own person and a hell of a lot more intelligent than probably both his exes combined. It's his decision what he wants to do with his time, skills, and body. Law makes it so. So unless you'd like to fight an army captain on this, I suggest both you and Ty back off from Tony. He chose me, not you two."

“Shame. I had high hopes for you when I looked you up. I assumed a war hero would know better. Well, enjoy your time with our Anthony while you can. It won’t be lasting.” Justin smiled as if he were wishing the man a good evening and not low-key threatening him before he turned to walk off.

Steve growled and highly considered chasing after Justin, but he knew that Tony was hurting more, and he needed comforting and reassuring. Sighing, the alpha started his search for Tony, and luckily he found the omega sitting at the bar with a glass in hand amongst the crowds of people loitering about. Steve had become familiar with Tony's drinking problem, and he had been thankful to see the omega not drink so much whenever he was around. But clearly what Justin had said had upset Tony greatly, and seeing the omega in a heap at the bar made Steve's heart sink.

Gently putting a hand on Tony's shoulder, Steve took the empty seat next to the omega, and solemn expression on his face.

"Hey, are you alright?" Steve asked gently once he was seated.

“Nope, I’m just a hopeless omega with a weak heart and a dead unborn baby, apparently.” Tony muttered into his mostly empty glass. He tipped it back, draining the rest before setting the glass down a little too hard on the counter, his knuckles white as they gripped the now empty glass. “Bastard never lets me forget that pain. Loves to remind me.”

"He's an asshole for doing so. He has no right to remind you of the pain you had to go through when he experiences none of it himself." Steve scooted closer and put his hand over Tony's. "You're far from a hopeless omega, your exes just can't see that. They're too blinded by power and greed to realize how great a person you really are, how special your talents are."

Tony worried his lower lip as he looked down into his empty glass, “My therapist says it wasn’t my fault…” he muttered, “She says it’s important that I remember that when I want to blame myself for losing my baby… He used to hit me...even when knowing I was pregnant, and it’s not my fault he did that, even if he tells me it was my fault… Should have pressed assault charges but I was too afraid…” He sighed and pushed his glass away from him before looking up at Steve, “Can we go home before I down more of those? I’m supposed to be quitting the whole drunk thing… Pepper’s probably already seen and has her disappointed face on…”

"If you really want to go home, sure. I don't want you to feel worse than you already do." Steve leaned in to nuzzle Tony and croon slightly. "We can go tell Pepper what happened before we go, so she isn't disappointed."

Tony nodded and reached into his pocket to pull out his phone to text Happy to bring the car around, his hands shaking, causing him to fumble and fail his passcode to unlock the phone a few times before he got it.

Steve put his hand on Tony's once more and smiled at the omega. "It's going to be okay, Tony," he reassured. "I'm here, I'll keep you safe."

Tony looked up at him and nodded, “Can you text Happy for me? I’m not sure my words will come out in any known language right now…”

"Of course. Would you like me to just text Pepper as well? That way we can go right to the car."

Tony nodded, “Yeah, probably a good idea. Lets us get out of here before another ex swoops in…”

Steve nodded, and after sending texts to both people, he helped Tony up from the bar and held the omega close to his body. "Come on, let's get you safely home. We can put on a movie, have some snacks, and forget all about your exes. Sound good?"

“Sounds great if we get fluffy pajamas to replace these suits?” Tony asked.

"Absolutely. You can get into the fluffiest pajamas you can find, and I'll hold you close so you know that your exes are asses and they never deserved you in the first place."

Tony gave a small, weak smile and pressed into Steve’s side, pointedly ignoring Obadiah as they passed the man on their way out.

Happy was standing outside the limo, ready to open the door for the two of them once they got close enough. “Everything okay?”

“Pesky emotions and stuff.” Tony shrugged, “Thanks for coming back early to get us.”

"We want to go to a clothing store or something similar," Steve said while getting in. "Wanted to get some pajamas to change into when we get back to Tony's place."

"Not a problem," Happy said. 

Tony tumbled into the back of the limo and once Steve followed, he tugged Steve into a seat and slipped into his lap. “Sorry about how this date turned out.”

"There's no need to apologize," Steve said, wrapping his arms around Tony. "What's important is that you're away from bad people, and I'm here now to keep you safe."

p you safe.”

“I still had hoped we’d have a nice evening all the way through despite knowing Ty and Justin would be there. I should have known better.”

“If I didn’t know any better, it was like they were trying to run you off.”

“Not quite. They want my company and money to add to their own companies and fortunes, oh, and to push me to be the stereotypical barefoot and pregnant omega that only leaves the nest when the alpha overlord wants to show off of ye olde times.”

“Well you’ll never be forced to be a stereotype as long as you’re with me. I’m sorry that they tried to force you to do that.”

“Well yeah, I wouldn’t stick around if you did try to make e do that, but I’m pretty sure you won’t. You’re nothing like those jerks.”

“I wouldn’t be caught dead treating you like they treated you. If I ever started acting like them, dump me immediately.”

“That, and Rhodey and Pepper would have a few things to say to you. They can be scary.”

“I believe it. But I promise I’ll do my best to not be an asshole alpha. You deserve someone to treat you right for once.”

“Boss, we’re outside a shop as requested.” Happy said through the privacy window.

Steve smiled and looked at Tony. "Let's go get some cozy pajamas, okay?"

Tony nodded and fumbled to find his wallet, which he had not taken into the gala with him. “Ah, found the money access thing!” he said, holding it up.

The alpha laughed and opened the door. "Good, we wouldn't be able to get pajamas without it."

Tony finally cracked a small smile and climbed out after his alpha.

It was late, and many shops had already closed for the night, so for the first time in his life, Tony found himself standing outside a 24/7 Walmart. He blinked dumbly up at the building, “Never been to one of these before. I thought this was just a grocery?”

Steve chuckled. "Nope, the glory of a retail store. Anything you could ever want is inside. Come on, I'll make sure you don't get lost."

“Hu.” Tony attached himself to Steve’s arm as they walked in side for what he was now deeming ‘the quest for the softest jammies’, since apparently there would be pajamas hidden away in a sea of—everything.

Walking inside, there were hardly any customers shopping, mainly employees were walking around, going about their jobs with rather bored expressions. At least where Tony and Steve had walked in, the clothing department was close by, so it didn't take long for Steve to direct the omega towards the pajamas area of the omegas' section.

"I don't know if we'll find anything matching, but at least a lot of these pajamas are soft and will probably satisfy what you're looking for."

“As long as we’re both soft and cuddly once we change.” Tony said, digging through the rack of pajamas, looking for the softest one in his size, regardless of color. Sure, red was his favorite, but they seemed limited in choices already, so why bother with worrying about color.

Ultimately, he found a pair of blue pajamas with black trim that felt like a cloud—or, rather what people imagine clouds to feel like based purely on visual contact. It’d be off-putting if clothing felt like damp air. 

He pulled his choice off the rack and rubbed the sleeve of it to his cheek before looking up at Steve, “Now you.”

The alpha smiled and nodded, leading Tony a bit further away to the section of pajamas for alphas. "You know my size, wanna pick out some for me? So they're soft for you as well."

“You’ll let me dress you?” Tony asked, running his fingers over the rack to get an idea as to which section had the softest options. None of them were as soft as Tony’s chosen pair, and the colors available were quite limited compared to the omega section. While the omega section had a full rainbow to choose from, the alpha section seemed to consist of dark green, black, grey, and navy blue. Though there was some maroon as well. And, well, maroon was close enough to the bright red Tony loved, so he pulled out a decently soft pair of maroon pajamas and held it up to Steve.

Steve took the pajamas and looked them over. "They're definitely softer than anything I usually wear. You like this pair?"

Tony nodded, “Best out of what this place offers. They need to work on their color selection for alphas. It’s so limited! I mean, so is the omega section once you start looking at the sizes, but at a glance they have many options.”

"I agree. Maybe we can splurge on some more expensive pajamas in the future." Steve pulled Tony close and nuzzled him. "But for now these are perfect. Wanna get some snacks while we're here as well?"

“Yeah, I’ll be making sure you have a wardrobe ready at my place, and I have one at yours for any staying over needs we have. But for now, we have these, and yes to the snacks. We left before they served dinner so I only have alcohol in me right now.”

"Well let's get something to settle that alcohol then." 

Once again, Steve led Tony through the store and to the grocery side where they would find all the snacks they wanted. Steve insisted on at least getting something more filling and nutritious for Tony so it wouldn't just be alcohol and junk food in his stomach, but other than that, he let the omega pick out whatever he wanted to snack on after that. Cookies, crackers, nuts, they grabbed perhaps a little of everything. And if they didn't eat it all that night, there was always the next day, which was a Sunday, so neither of them had to necessarily work until Monday. Having a weekend for just the two of them was sounding nicer to Steve the longer time went on. Sure, the gala hadn't gone completely as planned, but Steve still got to spend time with Tony, and they had shared a kiss in front of a ton of cameras. Staying out of the public eye for a day would give the reporters a great day to come up with wild theories and stories to post as soon as they could.

Tony clutched a big bag of cheddar popcorn to his chest and smiled up at Steve, “Ready to go?”

"Yeah," Steve replied just before they had paid for their things and were ready to leave the building. "Let's go before Happy gets too worried about us."

Tony nodded and led the way (with some directional help from Steve) to the checkout where he paid and helped gather their bags before heading back out to the limo.

“Let's go home, Happy.” he said, digging a massive candy bar out of one of the bags to hand to his driver.

Happy smiled and took the candy bar. "Yes sir. We'll be home shortly."

Settled into the car, Steve wrapped an arm around Tony's shoulders and sighed lightly, watching the lights of Walmart's parking lot fall away and be replaced by the tail lights of many cars rushing to get nowhere fast.

Tony leaned against Steve, snuggling in as best he could in the back seat of the limo while in their suits.

Once they pulled into the private parking garage of Tony’s tower, Tony stumbled out and lead the way up to his penthouse apartment at the top where he was quick to shed his fancy clothes so he could pull on his new pajamas. Immediately, the omega felt himself relax and calm some of the lingering anxieties from the confrontation with Justin.

Steve wasn't quite as fast to remove his suit, but he had to admit he was much more comfortable in the red pajama pants and plain white tank top that replaced the suit. Being away from the flashing lights and loud noises of the gala instantly made Steve feel more in his element.

Walking over to Tony, the alpha smiled. "Feel better now?"

“Mmhm,” Tony said, grabbing a couple of his nesting blankets to drag over to the couch where they could set up a comfortable area to snack, cuddle, and watch movies. “Will be perfect once we’re cuddling. Want to set up our snacks while I get the nest situation situated?”

"Of course. I hardly know how to make a proper nest anyways." Steve chuckled and started unloading all the snacks and situating them on the nearby coffee table in a neat pattern so that salty and sweet were on both sides of the table, both within reach of both alpha and omega.

Tony shuffled around, building them a miniature nest that would keep them both warm and comfortable, then he settled into it, waiting for his alpha to join.

When the nest was finished and Tony was in it, practically inviting Steve to get in, the alpha carefully stepped into the nest and settled down next to Tony, a smile on his face. "Now this is more what I'd call a date."

Tony grinned and snuggled into the alpha, “What do you want to watch? I have access to practically everything.”

"Well, what would be an appropriate movie for a date? Romcom? Hallmark Christmas? Comedy?"

“You realize it’s autumn, right? We haven't even had Halloween or Thanksgiving yet! Let's save the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies for after Thanksgiving stuffs us like the turkey we eat. But we can do some Romcoms. JARVIS, bring up something along those lines, will ya?”

“Of course, sir.” the AI said as the TV flickered on automatically.

"Your technology still amazes me," Steve said as he moved over to Tony. "I mean you made a fully functioning AI. That alone testifies how amazing and smart you are."

“I try.” the omega purred, nuzzling his nose into Steve’s neck.

"You're exes are dead wrong about you," Steve whispered, leaning into Tony's affection.

“Hope so, I want to be a good omega but don’t want to give up robotics for it.”

"You are a good omega. The best, in fact, and it's because of your skills in robotics. Screw what Justin said, you don't need to be controlled or forced to have a family when you're not ready for it. You're entitled to just as much freedom as every alpha you've ever come into contact with."

“Justin didn’t like me using birth control. He always hid it from me right before my heats hit. I wasn’t ready for being a parent, but he didn’t care. I wanted to wait until after I was out of college before thinking of having pups.”

"I'm so sorry, Tony," Steve crooned softly. "If I had known you when you were in college, I would have tried to stop what he did to you."

“I might not have even noticed you back then. I was a little bit of a rich-boy jerk. Rhodey helped with that of course, since he was my roomie, and living together really kick-started our friendship, but yeah.”

"Still, I would have found some way to stop it. You were more focused on your education, I'm sure. And if you weren't well… I still would have respected you a lot more than he did. He's an asshole."

“Yeah, he is...and you’re super sweet.” Tony purred, pressing a kiss to his jaw.

"I care about you, Tony. I know I can't fix what happened in the past, but I want you to help you have a better future at least." Steve hugged Tony close, kissing the top of the omega's' head.

“A baby on agreed terms, not forced? Assuming we get that far of course.”

"If you want, then yes. And all that comes before that as well." Steve smiled slightly at the end of his sentence.

Tony nodded and curled tighter around the alpha with a smile.

Steve said nothing else as he and Tony continued to cuddle through the movie JARVIS had chosen for them. Occasionally one of them would move to grab a snack, but for the most part the two just remained in a cuddling position, so only enjoying being together at home rather than at the gala where paparazzi and exes lurked about. Here at home it was better, warmer, happier. And to Steve, perhaps home didn't just mean the place he lived anymore. Home was Tony curled up with him on the couch watching a movie and simply enjoying each other's presence.

Though he truly missed his best friend, Steve found himself happier than he had been in quite a while, and he caught himself thinking that he would be happy staying with Tony for the rest of his life. That thought put a smile on his face while he cuddled Tony closer and closed his eyes.

By the time the movie ended, Tony had fallen asleep on Steve.

Wearing their pajamas already, Steve decided it was a good time to just go to bed for the night. So as carefully as he could, Steve picked up Tony from the nest and carried him to the omega's bedroom, setting him on the bed gently before pulling back the covers and tucking in the omega. Once Tony was under the covers, Steve got in the bed behind him and wrapped his body around the omega. After a stressful time at the gala, all Tony needed was some peace and quality care from a proper alpha, and Steve was determined to make the omega feel safe for once.

-End-