Pint-Sized Revelations: Hospital Edition
Notes: Written for the 167 word, "Aww - there be snuggles", challenge. And if you squint, you'll see the snuggles! Pulling into the homestretch with this little drabble experiment. I hope you've enjoyed.
Steve traced Tony's bangs, willing his eyes to open. The machine in the corner assured the world he was alive, but an ache in Steve's chest still throbbed every time he thought of the blood dripping down Tony's forehead.
There was so much Steve hadn't said to Tony, out of fear, out of stupidity. He had loved him since before Hydra entered the tower, exploding himself and the world as they knew it.
He had meant to say the words, meant to declare them over dinner or whisper them into his ear at night. He had meant to shout it from the rooftop after battle and tell their entire team. He had meant….but now—the skin under his fingers was cold and dry. Steve couldn't help himself as he lifted Tony's arm and situated his body over his own.
He spread his body heat into Tony and willed him awake so that Steve could say the three words he had meant to say a hundred different times.