Steve nodded slowly, forcing himself to take his time with his food. “They’re a little sore still, but nothing that isn’t tolerable. I”ll probably want to sleep again for a little while after I eat.”
Tony nodded, eating as he listened. “I’ll get the heavier blankets so it’s easier to rest. I can run you a hot bath and I can massage you so you can relax more.” he offered. HE knew all the tricks to get his husband recovered faster by now, and he wasn’t afraid to use them. “Come now, finish eating and I’ll start the bath for you.” he washed his plate and walked around to kiss Steve.
Steve sighed softly as Tony’s fingers slid through his hair and he leaned in to kiss him softly. “And I will never regret bonding with you either, Tony,” he answered. “You mean everything to me. I love you so very much.”
Tony smiled at the words too much trouble. He’d had to convince Bucky for over three months that he had no intention of leaving Steve. Most of that was just looking out for his mate, keeping him warm and always letting Steve curl into him no matter where he was. Tony was happy when the big brunette had said he was fine with the proposal, and now Tony was one step closer to having everything he had ever wanted [and honestly hadn’t known he did]. He kissed back and smiled as he moved to pull Steve against him. “I love you, too. More than anything.”
Steve nodded slowly. “I thought the orphanage said they had a family lined up for her. They sounded perfect. She was so excited the last time we were there to see her…” He’d wanted to take her home the first time they’d met her, but they’d been told another family ahd already expressed an interest in her. If the family had backed out, she’d have been devastated.
“The father couldn’t pass the background check. The worker on Melanie’s case called me. She knew we were interested and wanted us to come see her. She says she can put a rush in the paperwork and Mel can be oirs by Christmas.” Tony answered, walking over to run a hand through Steve’s hair. “What do you say? Get a present and go make her smile?”
“Not an intern.” Lucas snapped back, rolling his eyes as he made himself comfortable on the chair, feet flying up to rest on the table top just to irritate Stark. A small measure of rebellion for the insult. “Lucas Wolenczak, resident Tech Support for the Seaquest.” Seaquest was the military’s pride and joy, a self-sustaining submarine that could neutralize militant threats but was mostly designed as a scientific research vessel. “You got your first degree from MIT when you were sixteen right? I’m working on my third.” His mouth twisted into a smug smirk, leaning back in the chair while he stared at Tony.
Tony rolled his yes. “So telling me your credentials is supposed to…what? Get you on my good side?” he asked, pausing to smack the kid’s feet off his desk. “And you’ll respect my workshop or you can go back to your little seapod. SHIELD isn’t paying me enough to babysit.” he said sharply.
Steve laughed softly. “I’m guessing it did. He wasn’t all that thrilled at the way our bonding happened. He didn’t blame you or anything; he was just worried that at some point we’d both have regrets or something. I’m glad he didn’t give you too much trouble over proposing to me.”
Tony nodded. “I’m well aware. But he knows as an alpha, we just know when we find our mate.” He moved to kiss Steve gently. “I know I didn’t know how to go about courting, but I’m glad I learned how. I’m glad I didn’t totally scare you away after that one incident.” He reached up to run his hand through blonde hair. “But I swear I will never regret being bonded with you.”
“You… you made a special request?” He was intrigued. “Should I go change clothes then so we can head over there?”
Tony gave a small smile, shaking his head. “You don’t have to get fancy. But remember Melanie? The little brunette that reminded you of Barnes? The little nine year old?” he asked. Looking for Bucky had taken a toll and even through that Steve insisted on helping the kids. Tony had noticed Steve bonding with the little girl and he enjoyed the way Steve seemed so relaxed around the kids.
themusechronicles 