Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 568


The Green Monster


"Are you kidding me?" Tony demanded, face and tone absent of their usual humour as he glared at Steve. "I was talking to her about an article she's writing about women in power—which in case you've forgotten Steve, is the whole point of us attending the event!"

"And talking to her means that you have to have your hand on the small of her back, does it?" Steve asked angrily, eyes flashing. "It means you have to let her fake laugh and put her claws all over you, right in front of me?"

Tony rolled his eyes. "As opposed to doing it behind your back? You—"

"Well, how do I know you haven't been?" Steve interrupted.

Tony froze, hurt welling up inside him as he stared at his boyfriend. Steve was panting with emotion, but his eyes were wide and Tony could tell her regretted his words the moment he'd said them.

But he'd still said them.

Turning away, Tony hightailed it to his lab, ignoring Steve calling his name.

"Lockdown and blackout, Jay," he requested softly, when the glass doors slid shut behind him. "I don't want anyone in."

"You've gotta stop moping around, Pal, it's been three days. Just talk to him," Bucky implored.

He was sitting at the kitchen table with Steve, slicing up an apple while he tried to talk some sense into his best friend. This really had been going on long enough.

"He won't talk to me," Steve replied. "And I don't blame him. I said awful things to him, Buck."

"Why?" Bucky asked, arching his eyebrow.

Steve felt the skin on the back of his neck heat, and he knew he was blushing. "I was jealous," he mumbled. "I just… Tony's so charismatic, you know? It's no surprise that people are drawn to him, but it makes my blood boil when I see people touching him."

Bucky's lips tilted up in a small smile. "Tell him that. He'll understand, Stevie."

Tony sat on the balcony, watching the snowfall. He loved the first snow of the year, loved to see it blanketing the city.

It made everything look so… pure.

"I owe you an apology."

Tony turned his head to see Steve leaning in the doorway. Tony nodded, gesturing for Steve to join him.

"I never believed that you'd think I would cheat on you," Tony said softly. "I thought I'd proved that I'm not the person I used to be. That you could trust me. Maybe I misunderstood, but—"

"You didn't," Steve rushed to assure him. "I trust you, Tony, I do, I swear. I'm so sorry, baby. I just… I see these people with their hands on you and it makes me cringe because… well, I don't like other people touching you."

Tony blinked. "You were jealous? Of Christine? Really?"

Steve sighed but nodded. "It's not that I don't trust you, Tony. It's just… I guess I don't like to see other people thinking they can touch what's… mine."

He flushed, embarrassed by his possessiveness, even as Tony leant into him.

"But I am yours," Tony pointed out. "You just need to remember that. It doesn't matter what anyone else tries, I'm yours, Steve."

Steve hesitantly wrapped his arms around Tony, relaxing into it when Tony didn't pull away. "I'm sorry. I'll do better."

Tony pressed back against Steve's chest. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Tones."


Written for:

Advent: Emotion: Jealous

Holiday Crackers: "Are you kidding me?"

Stocking: 4. Playing Cards: (dialogue) "I owe you an apology."

Big Dinner Bash: Sweet Potatoes: Arguing

Christmas Party: 11. Snow

Insane: 80. Misunderstood