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Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 338


Sleeping Soundly (Beside You)


Steve was sitting on the sofa in the communal common room, book open on his lap. He was waiting for Tony to come home, because Tony always needed cuddles after the events Pepper forced him to go to whether he'd admit it or not.

Sure enough, when the elevator slid open, and Tony walked in, his indigo suit still in perfect condition despite Tony's messy hair and tired eyes, he looked exhausted.

Steve watched him kick his shoes off and didn't reprimand him for not straightening them, and then moved his book, just in time for Tony to slump down beside him. Steve raised his arm for Tony to get comfortable, and then ran gentle fingers through Tony's hair.

"How are you doing, sweetheart?" he asked, smiling slightly when Tony melted beneath his touch.

"I just want to go to bed," Tony mumbled. "Come and cuddle with me?"

"Sure." Steve helped Tony up and then followed him back towards the elevator. "Do you want hot chocolate or something to eat?"

Tony shook his head. "Sleep and cuddles and sleep."

Steve chuckled. "I can do that."

Since Steve often endeavoured to get Tony into a healthy sleep pattern, it was a familiar pattern to the two of them to get ready for bed. Steve had found that nothing settled Tony more than a warm body beside him—he thought it made Tony feel safe, and Steve was honoured that Tony trusted him so much.

Steve couldn't pretend that he didn't sleep better beside Tony than he did on his own as well.

"Hmm," Tony hummed happily as he got comfortable against Steve's side. "Steve pillow is the best pillow."

Snorting, Steve pulled the covers over them and snuggled close. "Go to sleep, you can tell me about the gala over breakfast."

"Pancakes?"

"With blueberries and chocolate chips, yes."

"You're the best."

"Uh huh. I know."

Steve closed his eyes, and stroked a hand up and down Tony's back until he knew Tony was asleep before he dropped off himself.


Written for:

Advent: Item: Book

Holiday Crackers: Joke: "I just want to go to bed."

Stocking: 40. Milk Frother: (color) indigo

Big Dinner Bash: Goose: Shoes

Insane: 71. Endeavour