By Fairest Blood
Chapter Four
For the first time since he had returned from the ice Steve slept with no nightmares. Slipping into a deep comfortable REM sleep in his new boyfriend's arms. There was a lot to sort out between them still, but for now the comfort of each just being there was enough. Coulson was back, and they had found each other. What could be more perfect?
Late morning sun shined through the window before the soldier woke woozyily and hung over. He groaned as the light hit his throbbing head. Strong arms cuddled him back down onto the bed, rubbing his temples until the pressure abated. He slipped in and out of sleep as the other man worked at relieving his headache, murmering barely intelligable content noises.
"You know sooner or later they are going to come looking for their Captain?" Phil murmered in his ear, kissing down his neck.
"Too early!" Steve groaned.
"Its midday Steve." He retorted.
"I don't care, still too early!" He groaned, snuggling down more firmly on the other man's chest.
Phil stroked down his babys back all sexily, "You can't stay in bed all day, get up and get dressed."
"But I don't wanna." He whined back, "Its comfy and warm here."
"Not if I get up its not." Coulson commented.
Steve sat up to look him in the eyes, "You wouldn't do that would you."
"I might if you don't get up soon." He commented dryly, "After all I have my funeral to explain and Fury to deal with yet."
"Don't leave me!" Steve murmered.
Phil stroked his hair, "I do have to go baby, I stayed until you woke just like you asked me to. I will be back very soon, I promise you, and we can do whatever you want to."
Steve pulled him in for a long last embrace, "I'll be waiting."
Coulson dressed quickly and kissing him one last time, bid him goodbye and disappeared to slaughter Fury.
Rogers got out of bed and showered, he found clothing laid out for him when he came back to the room. Simple jeans, boxers, tee shirt in his size, Tony really did think of everything. He dressed, brushed his hair and made his way downstairs.
He found his way to the kitchen where Stark was cooking eggs and bacon. He dropped a mug of coffee infront of the solider and went back to the frying pans. "Hung over are we?" Tony asked jokingly, "Are you hungry yet or do you need to throw up a few more times?"
"I wasn't sick was I?" Steve asked trying to leaf over the big gaps in his memory from the night before.
"You were up half the night with your boyfriend looking after you. Next fake funeral try and keep your wits about you a little more. At least my kissing lessons came in useful for something." Tony commented, he put a plate in front of the solider, "Try to keep something down even if its just toast."
"You know about Coulson?" He asked surprised as he sipped the strong black coffee.
"I saw you two all cuddled up in bed together explore each others mouths." Stark laughed, "And him taking really good care of you. I'm happy for you both, you deserve this and so does he."
"You don't mind us being unconventional?" He asked worried.
"Steve I kissed you in the lift, this is a brave new world of free love and self expression. Not your repressed 1940's anymore. No one cares if you are gay, straight or whatever. Well most people anyway, and those who do aren't worth knowing. Answer me this, do you love him and does he love you?"
The soldier blushed stirring the eggs around on his plate. "I do, and I think he does as well."
"Then screw what anyone else thinks as long as you two are happy. If you ever need anyone to talk to or advise you, I'm always here. Hell you can keep your room here if you like as well." Stark offered.
"You really mean that?"
"You are family now, and hell not like I don't have the room. Now eat your breakfast its going cold." He scowled.
Steve smiled and started tucking into the meal. "Thanks, its nice to fit in finally. Waited a long time, over 70 years to find a place were I can actually be me and not have to hide it anymore."
Stark had to take a breath then and busy himself over the stove to stop himself getting unusually emotional over the confession. As he sat down he squeezed the older man's shoulder. "Well you have a home now, and you never have to hide again."
The moment passed with a nod from each and they finished their meals in silence. The soldier had a good appitite finally, that was good to see.
"What are you doing until your boyfriend gets back?" Stark asked as they loaded the dish washer.
"Erm go to the gym I guess or go for a run." He shrugged.
Tony looked taken aback, "That's your idea or fun? To exercise?"
Steve shrugged, "What else is there?"
Tony laughed, "Oh hunni its time you had an education of this bright new future, follow me!"
Looking bemused, the soldier followed wondering what was going to happen.