Not much to say here about this chapter. I already know you'll enjoy it. I'm sorry it took a bit longer. I wanted it to be perfect, but I think I did alright. Also, this one may be just a little bit dialogue heavy. You'll see why soon enough. Well, let's get on with the show!
The date was October 8th, 2017, and Tony Stark was nervous as hell. Today was the day that Tony Stark was going to marry Steve Rogers. And Tony was nervous.
Looking back on the last few years, Tony really didn't have a reason to be. Steve had been nothing but an angel from the moment he moved into the tower a few months after the Battle of New York. He was there to take help care for Carter when he was a baby. He was there for Tony when he had nightmares, or when the arc reactor hurt too much. Steve was always there. Steve was the one who made the first move that started their relationship. And it was a bit of a bold move. When Steve kissed Tony after the fight with Killian and told Tony he was an ass for almost dying, Tony knew he could never let the other man go. From that point onward, Steve and Tony had been committed to each other 100%. It made Tony think back to a conversation they had had a few weeks ago while they were getting their wedding paperwork in order for Pepper.
The two lovebirds had been sitting at the kitchen table getting all the paperwork done while the kids were at school. The sun was out, and it was nice and warm in the room. They mostly worked in silence, just enjoying each others company while they finished up all the work Pepper had sent. They had been trading a few jokes, so Tony wasn't all that surprised when Steve spoke up.
"You know what Tones, I've been thinking." Stated Steve as he reached over and took Tony's left hand in his idly fiddling with the engagement ring adorning his fiancé's finger.
"You know I love it when you think baby." Purred Tony.
"I want to take your last name." Well… that caught Tony off guard.
"What!?" was all Tony could say. He wasn't too sure if he had heard him correctly.
"I want to take your last name," repeated Steve. "I don't want you to take mine. I don't want to hyphenate. I want to take yours. You and the kids all share a last name. I think it's time I do too."
Tony really didn't know what to say, and that was a rare thing. Normally Tony would have something witty or smart to add. But not then. No, Tony Stark didn't have the words to tell Steve how much that meant to him, so he settled with actions. Tony launched himself into Steve's arms and kissed the man within an inch of his life. They ended up having to finish the rest of the paperwork later that night.
So yes, there was very clear evidence that Steve loved Tony. That he cherished Tony and the little family they had made. When Tony was having one of his more off days, when even his ESA Curie wasn't helping, Steve was always there to lend an ear and to give comfort. And Tony was always there for Steve when he was having one of his bad days. They worked together like two gears in a machine.
But even with all the evidence that Steve loved him and would never leave him, it didn't stop Tony's crippling self-doubt from clouding his thoughts. When you're told from a young age that you're unworthy of love, it takes a while to start believing the opposite.
So, that was what lead Tony to currently be pacing the room he was in while half dressed in his suit. He was only wearing his black pants and a white dress shirt. Everything else was on the bed. They still had an hour before the actual wedding, so Tony was in no rush to dirty up his suit. He was sweating and nervous and really didn't want to get his suit all sweaty and embarrass himself so bad that Steve would leave him all alone to raise two kids.
"Dad! He's not going to just leave you to take care of two kids by yourself! Stop thinking that! Everything's going to be fine. I already had this talk with Papa. Please stop freaking out or I'll get Nana to deal with you!" shouted Peter as he shook Tony's shoulders. Oops, had he said that last bit out loud?
"Ok. Yeah. Don't need your Nana yelling at me." Commented Tony.
"Daddy, please stop being scared." Said Carter. The kid was cool as a cucumber. "I'm going to go get Uncle Rhodey." And with that Carter ran off down the hall to grab the man in question. Peter continued to be exasperated with his Dad.
"Tony! Cut it out right now!" shouted Rhodey as he entered the room and closed the door. He walked over and held Tony in front of him. It was the first good look Tony had gotten of his brother all day. Rhodey was all dressed up in his formal military regalia, medals of honour included. He looked so put together, while Tony looked the opposite.
"Listen here Tones. Steve is not going to leave you. He is madly in love with you. Now, you are going to finish getting dressed. You are going to walk down that aisle. You are going to make Steven cry tears of joy, and you are going to get married. What you do after during your honeymoon is up to you. Just don't do anything too annoying because I'm the one watching your crazy kids while you're away. You hear me?" asked Rhodey. Tony just nodded and allowed Rhodey and Peter to help fix him up while Carter played on Tony's phone.
By the time they were done, Tony looked amazing. Rhodey, probably by using witchcraft, had managed to wrangle Tony's curly hair into some semblance of order. Peter had helped him pin the red boutonniere to Tony's black suit jacket. Underneath the jacket was a dark tan vest and matching tie. Sitting visibly on top of everything were the dog-tags that Steve had given Tony all those years ago. Tony very rarely took them off.
Once Tony was all dressed and good to go, it was time to finish getting the kids ready. Both boys were dressed in matching black tuxedos with red vests underneath. Tony just had to take a few candid pictures of his kids. They just looked so cute.
Soon it was time to get the show on the road. Rhodey, Tony, and the boys took their time walking down the hall to the ballroom where the ceremony would be held. Tony and Steve had decided to have the whole wedding at the compound. It was just safer that way. They wouldn't have to worry about reporters or anti-LGBT protesters there. Still, they did leak a fake wedding date.
"You ready Tony?" asked Rhodey as they approached the doors.
Tony just cracked a small smile, trying not to let his nervousness show.
"Let's go get married."
MTHS
Steve was already waiting patiently at the altar while Tony and the boys were waiting just outside the room. He was fidgeting a bit out of nervousness. To keep occupied, Steve took the opportunity to take a good look around the room he was about to be married in.
The entire room was done up in fall colours. The reds and golds were part of the reason why they had chosen a fall wedding. It just seemed to fit them so well. There were absolutely beautiful flower and silk arrangements that lined the aisle that Laura had done up for them. The altar itself had a stunning flower arch done up in rows of burgundy carnations and dark blue forget-me-nots.
Steve continued to look around the room as he took in those in attendance. It was not going to be a large Italian wedding like Maria Stark would have wanted by any means. In fact, it was quite small. The Avengers were there, of course. So were their kids. All three Barton kids and little Cassie Lang were there dressed up all nice at their parent's insistence. Also in attendance were Jim and Maggie Paxton, Scott's ex-wife and her husband. They had become good friends over the time Scott had become a member of the team. Sitting near them was Hope Van-Dyne. Tony had to invite his childhood friend and fellow superhero. Thor had stayed for the wedding just as he'd promised. He had brought along Jane and Darcey. They had managed to get a hold of Nick Fury and Maria Hill, who were enthusiastic to attend. That was after Fury got over the whole shock of the situation. He just couldn't believe that Tony was finally getting married. Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan were right up there at the front. They had known Tony for such a long time and supported him that they deserved that place of honour. Also right in the front row was Mama Rhodes. She had helped Tony though some of the worst times of his life. In Steve's mind, she had earned her spot right up front 100 times over. Right off to the side were DUM-E, U, and Butterfingers. Both Tony and Steve agreed that the bots had to be there. They were family too.
Steve looked at those closest to him. Bucky was standing there beside him. He was Steve's best man. Nobody contested that. The two had been through hell and back to get to this moment. They were just upholding an old promise. Back when they were kids, Bucky and Steve promised each other that they would be the best man at each other's weddings. And when Steve makes a promise he holds to it. Sam was also up there at the altar. He would be officiating the whole thing. When Tony and Steve had been discussing who would marry them, Sam had overheard and had gotten himself ordained before telling his two friends that he would marry them. Everyone found the situation both funny and sweet. Sam and Bucky were also dressed in their old military uniforms.
Things were just about to begin, and Steve took that opportunity to take stock of his appearance. He too was wearing his old military uniform with all his medals pinned on straight. His hair was neatly combed and the beard he'd been growing since February was neatly trimmed. Tony loved his beard, so Steve decided to keep it. It made him look more distinguished and wiser. Steve hadn't been self-conscious of his body in a long time, but now he couldn't help feeling a little out of it. Steve just hoped that Tony would like how he looked on their special day.
The music started, and the doors opened. First to enter and walk down the aisle was Rhodey… carrying a basket of rose petals. Yes, Rhodey was their flower boy. Clint had suggested it as a joke and it just kind of stuck. It was just too funny. When Rhodey agreed to do it, it just made everything better. It also solved the problem of Cassie and Lila fighting over who got to be the flower girl.
Once Rhodey had reached the altar, it was time for Tony and the boys. They had decided that the boys would be walking Tony down the aisle. Mama Rhodes just wasn't mobile enough. So, they decided to let the kids do it. After all, this day was about them becoming one big family.
So, Tony and the kids began to walk down the aisle. Carter was perched on Tony's hip and Peter had his arm wrapped around Tony's like he was escorting his father. When Steve first laid his eye on Tony, he cried. Tony just looked so stunning. There was a shy smile on his face and he was just glowing. Steve couldn't take his eyes off him. Tears were running down both their faces, but their smiles gave away all they were feeling.
When Tony got to the altar, both kids gave him a hug. Steve ruffled Peter's hair and gave Carter a little kiss on the head before Tony set him down and the boys went to go stand by Rhodey and Bucky. That was when Steve took Tony's hands in his and got a good look at his soon to be husband. There was just so much love flowing between the two of them. Neither could take their eyes off of the other. Steve smiled and whispered, "I love you" and Sam took that as his cue to begin.
"Dearly beloved." Announced Sam, "We are gathered here today to rejoice in the union between our two friends, Tony and Steve. Two amazing people who have saved our asses many times over." A chuckle passed through the room. "Today is a day to celebrate love. It's a day to celebrate becoming a family and all the amazing things that come with that. Now, Tony and Steve have written their own vows. Steve, if you will." Sam gestured at Steve to begin. Steve nodded but never took his eyes off Tony.
"I believe everything happens for a reason. Everything from me lying on my enlistment papers to crashing that plane into the ocean. That all lead me to you, Tony. I felt so lost when I woke up in this new century, and you did everything you could to make me feel welcome. Even after our frankly disastrous first meeting you put your trust in me and fought to keep us all safe. You gave me a home and a family. Things I'd never thought I'd get to have. You and our kids make life worth living. I love you so much Anthony, that I can't even begin to put it all into words. No matter what happens, remember I love you." Steve's voice cracked and hitched the entire time he was saying his vows. He tried to pour meaning into every word as he smiled at Tony and held his hands tighter.
Tony was next, and after getting a nod from Sam, he began.
"If you had told me back 10 years ago that I would be marrying Captain America and that I would have two amazing kids, I would have told you, you were crazy, and I probably would have gone off to get a drink. Looking back at everything that's happened over the past 10 years, I wouldn't change a thing. Because every step lead me here. I have friends and an amazing family. And through all the hardships, I had you, Steve. And…" Tony's breath hitched, and he desperately tried to blink back tears. "Man, I promised myself I wouldn't cry and here I am crying." There was a snicker that went through the room, but Tony just smiled. "And Steven, You gave me your heart even though I can be tough to deal with and sometimes a bit of an ass. Steven, you forever have me, body, heart, and soul. No matter what happens, remember I love you." Both men were smiling and crying and everything was just so beautiful.
"Alright, the rings please." Said Sam. Rhodey and Bucky passed the rings to Tony and Steve. The rings themselves were beautiful. Tony had forged them himself using a gold-titanium alloy for the base with a Yinsinium stripe in the middle. Peter even helped make them and that just made the rings that much more special.
"Alright, Steve please repeat after me." Steve nodded and looked Tony in his big brown eyes.
"I, Steven Grant Rogers."
"I, Steven Grant Rogers."
"Take thee, Anthony Edward Stark."
"Take thee, Anthony Edward Stark." Steve's voice was beginning to crack with emotion.
"As my lawfully wedded husband."
"As my lawfully wedded husband." Steve choked on the word husband. It was finally happening. He was getting married.
"To have and to hold. In sickness and health. For rich or for poor. In times of peace and in alien invasions."
"To have and to hold. In sickness and health. For rich or for poor. In times of peace and in alien invasions." Steve couldn't help but chuckle at that last line. They all had a great sense of humour.
"With this ring, I wed thee."
"With this ring, I wed thee." And with that, Steve slid the ring onto Tony's left hand. They were just one more step closer to being officially married, and Steve was over the moon with excitement.
"Alright, Tony, repeat after me. I, Anthony Edward Stark."
"I, Anthony Edward Stark." Tony was still trying really hard not to start bawling.
"Take thee, Steven Grant Rogers."
"Take thee, Steven Grant Rogers." Brown eyes met blue and the tears flowed freely.
"As my lawfully wedded husband."
"As my lawfully wedded husband."
"To have and to hold. In sickness and health. For rich or for poor. In times of peace and in alien invasions."
"To have and to hold. In sickness and health. For rich or for poor. In times of peace and in alien invasions." When Tony spoke these words, he really meant it. They'd been through a lot together and come out the other end stronger than before.
"With this ring, I wed thee."
"With this ring…" Tony's voice cracked, "I wed thee." Tony slid the matching ring onto Steve's left hand. Both men were smiling like loons and only had eyes for each other. Tony and Steve weren't the only ones with misty eyes. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
"By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you Husband and Husband. You may now kiss!" announced Sam.
The room applauded and there were a few catcalls as Tony grabbed Steve's lapels and Steve's hands found their way to Tony back as they sealed their marriage with a kiss. It was single-handedly the best kiss that they had ever shared. It was both sweet and tender and full of passion. They poured every ounce of love they could into the kiss. It was perfect.
"You still taste like coconut and metal." Smiled Steve once they pulled apart. There were still tears in both their eyes and goofy smiles on both their faces. Steve rested his forehead on Tony's and gave him another peck on the lips.
They were no longer Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, the famous playboy and the man out of time. They were Anthony and Steven Stark, Avengers and family, and they couldn't be happier. Carter and Peter joined their parents in a group hug. They were all together now. Nothing could tear them apart.
Everyone came to congratulate the couple as they made their way outside to take pictures. There where a lot of pictures of just Tony and Steve. It was their wedding after all. They took some with their kids. Carter and Peter were smiling and giggling the whole time. There were some with Tony, Rhodey, and Mama Rhodes as a family. Steve and Bucky got some photos together. Some nice ones that weren't taken during a world war. They took a bunch with all the Avengers. With everyone all dressed up, it was the teams only formal photo. They got some candid photographs of all the kids playing in the grass with the dog. The whole time, Tony and Steve were smiling and whispering endearments to each other. They were so ridiculously sweet, and Clint made some fake gagging sounds at how cute they were.
The reception hall at the compound was done up beautifully. It held the same fall motif that the wedding hall did. There where beautiful leave and flowers covering the walls and tables. The tables themselves were lined in white linen with red and blue stitching at the bottom. Once everyone was seated at their tables, it was time to begin the reception.
They had a wonderful sit-down dinner with a wide variety of food. It was just part of the perks if getting married as a billionaire. Everyone was laughing and joking and just generally having a good time. Even Nick Fury was joking around with the kids, telling them stories of when he was a young agent. The kids loved his stories and it gave the adults time to share their own jokes and stories.
After dinner, Rhodey and Bucky gave their best man speeches. Both took it upon themselves to tell stories of all the stupid things Tony and Steve had gotten up to when they were younger. It was all in good fun and the speeches were full of love. Even so, they made the room laugh.
It was soon time for the first dance. Tony and Steve had a bit of a hard time choosing the song. Between the two of them, none of their favourite pieces of music were really "first dance as a married couple" material. It was Peter who came to the rescue. Peter tended to listen to more indie music and had just the perfect song. It was a cover done by Sleeping at Last of the song Everywhere I go. It just fit perfectly with Tony and Steve's relationship.
So, when the beautiful piano notes started, Steve lead Tony out onto the dance floor. Steve had his arms wrapped around Tony's hips while Tony rested his rams on Steve's shoulder. They swayed together to the music and sometimes moved around the room, never letting go of each other. There where many whispers of "I love you", as Tony ended up laying his head on Steve's chest. Steve, in response, rested his head on top of Tony's. For the entire dance, they were in their own little world.
Soon after everyone else joined in on the dancing. It really helped having FRIDAY act as their DJ. Tony and Steve danced with their kids. Mama Rhodes even got up to dance with her boys. Everyone was smiling and laughing. The air was light with love and everything was amazing.
Towards the end of the night, it was time to cut the cake. Well, there wasn't really a cake to cut. Tony and Steve had opted to go with little red, gold, and blue cupcakes because in Tony's words, "Their just so cute Steven. We need to have little cupcakes!". There was also a wicked dessert table filled with all sorts of chocolates and candies. The kids went nuts.
Around 10:00 it was time for Steve and Tony to take their leave. They were taking one of the spare quinjets to Tony's private island for their honeymoon. They were taking the quinjet because that thing would get them there in a good half hour and would allow them more time for some *other* activities. They were looking forward to some much-needed alone time.
"Alright you two, you promise to behave for your Uncle Rhodey and your Nana, alright." Said, Steve, as he hugged his kids' goodbye.
"We promise." Chorused both kids.
"Now, we're only going to be gone for a week so try not to get into too much trouble." Said, Tony, as he made sure Rhodey had everything he needed to know to care for the kids.
"We'll only call you if the world decides to end." Smiled Rhodey as he gave Tony and Steve a hug.
Soon after the newlywed couple were walking towards the jet with a few bags of beach clothes. Another reason they chose to ride in the quinjet was so that FRIDAY could take over the controls, so they could *relax*.
"Well, shall we depart Mr. Stark?" asked Steve with a smirk once they boarded the jet.
"I think we shall, Mr. Stark." Smiled Tony as he shared another kiss with his husband.
His husband.
Just the sound of that was music to Tony's ears. He was married to the love of his life and couldn't be happier.
I really hope you all liked this chapter. It was super fun to write. I really wanted to get it done sooner but I had a bit of a stint in the emergency room. Don't worry, I'm getting everything sorted out. Writing this story and the few others on my page are like, one of the few things that keep me sane nowadays. On that note, keep your eyes open for the NSFW ending to this chapter that should be up in a few days. We are also now officially in the big lead up to IW. There are two more regular chapters before IW starts. Keep a close eye on my endnotes because they'll give you clues on what details you should be paying attention to. I can't wait for you all to read what I've planned out. Until next time -Shadows.