—
One month later.
If someone was to ask how they got here they probably wouldn't be able to narrate the whirlwind romance that had swept them up. Now here they were waking up together in Stark's unnecessarily large bed in his unnecessarily large penthouse. The genius had an arm wrapped around his still sleeping partner. He gazed down at the man with a smile, thinking about how the last month had completely changed his life.
He was contemplating this when he noticed that Steve was beginning to stir so he dropped a kiss on the man's forehead. It made him think back to the first time he woke Steve up and the man had been so defensive. This time, Steve's eyelids fluttered open and he smiled.
Good morning, he signed after freeing his arms from the thick duvet.
Good morning. Good dreams?
Steve smiled and nodded before burying his head into the crook of his partner's neck. He was too sleepy to plough through a conversation right now. They hadn't exactly slept much since being together.
Tony laughed and extracted himself after a quick kiss, Breakfast?
You read my thoughts!
No, I heard your stomach rumble, Tony pulled the man out of bed and dragged him through to the kitchen. He liked to make eggs for them in the morning and Steve always loved his cooking.
They stood together, mostly in silence as Tony cooked their breakfast. Steve leant his head against the smaller man's shoulder and watched him. Occasionally, Tony would think of something and turn slightly so Steve could read his hands or, if stirring, he would slowly mouth words to his partner but that was prone to miscommunication.
Tony plated up and led them over to the table. Once he'd placed the food down, he signed, Enjoy!
Better make the most of this, Steve answered.
The billionaire froze with his fork halfway to his mouth. Blinking, his mouth opened and closed while his mind suddenly went blank for signs. More than ever he wished he could speak. Eventually his brain caught up.
Make the most of this? What?
Steve frowned and moistened his lips quickly. He seemed confused about Tony's confusion.
Yeah, I just meant that this isn't going to last forever. Steve signed uncertainly, People tend to get bored of me pretty quickly. Soon enough learning sign, the special efforts, the inability to speak... Nobody I've ever been with has found me worth the sacrifice. There was a moment of silence before Steve continued, But I get it... I don't know what it's like to be in a relationship where I can hear, you do.
Steve was visibly upset, he kept his eyes down on his food and Tony knew full well that not looking up was a defensive technique he employed. He knew he had to dispel this nonsense but he didn't even know where to begin. Maybe subconsciously he was missing hearing someone's voice, hearing them say his name, feeling like he couldn't engage in group conversation without interpreting for Steve. But he didn't want to believe that he could leave Steve because of that. He wanted to believe that he liked Steve more than any of those assholes that would dump him because of his deafness.
Tony reached across the table to tap Steve chin up, Well fuck those guys. You're worth everything and more. I promise.
Steve rose and peered down at his lover, Please, just think everything over properly before you make promises like that. I'll give you time to think about it.
The blond man's then left. He packed his things from Tony's room and left the tower. The genius didn't try to stop him or convince him otherwise; he could see that Steve had been hurt one too many times to just throw out a promise he didn't know if he could keep. He wouldn't ask for the man back until he could be certain he could stand by it.
-4 days later-
Clint scoffed, "I don't know where you got the impression that I'm your agony aunt."
Tony rolled his eyes but knew that Clint wasn't blowing him off. Dark brown eyes pleaded with the man, "I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision."
Shrugging, the archer learnt back against Tony's plush couch, "Well, do you want him back? And feel like you'd never hurt him? I mean, he's not proposing marriage... he just wants stability." The sentiment was slightly ruined as Clint shovelled a handful of chips into his mouth. The crumbs bounced down his chest and onto the couch.
Tony sighed but that is pretty much what it felt like. Mr non-commitment being asked to commit. He just wasn't programmed for it.
"I suppose..." He bit his lip as he pondered. He opened his mouth to continue. He wanted to tell Clint of all the good times together. Of how Steve would often wake up early and bring Tony his favourite coffee back from his morning runs or how when they were arguing over which film to watch Steve turned the light off so he 'can't see Tony shouting at him anymore' which made Tony laugh for 2 hours. Steve would teach Tony new signs and pretend not to know curse signs. That's without mentioning the lazy mornings in bed which would turn into lazy days in bed doing nothing but making love and signing to each other; Tony particularly enjoyed hearing about Steve's upbringing 70 years ago. Tony didn't even realise the smile that had emerged onto his lips until Clint threw a cushion at his face.
Clint laughed, "I think you knew the answer all along."
Tony was ready to go out and find Steve when suddenly Clint's cell rang. He watched him answer it curiously.
"Fury? Oh yeah, Stark's right here with me. Okay? 10 minutes. We're on our way." He hung up and looked up at Tony, "Get the suit."
—
Steve had barely looked at him the whole time which wouldn't have been unusual if they hadn't embarked on their relationship for the last month. Previously to properly meeting Steve he would have been more than happy for the man to just keep out of his way. He knew that Steve was upset that it had taken him so long to decide on their relationship. He clearly imagined it would only be bad news.
"Okay," Natasha called from where she was flying the plane, "We are over the landing spot. All out! See you in a couple of minutes."
One by one they jumped from the jet, Tony taking off in the suit, Thor flying off too whilst the others used parachutes. He watched them drop down below where he was hovering before zooming off to kick some bad guy butt.
40 minutes in and they were slowing down. Somehow the latest villain had a seemingly endless supply of bots that were doing a pretty good job of kicking their ass. The whole team had gathered near the Main Street to try and amalgamate their fighting power. Stark and Thor we're taking them out as they fell from the sky whilst Clint, Hulk, Natasha and Steve took care of the ones already on the ground. They looked exhausted but were still trying hard.
Suddenly, a large chunk of metal, probably from the concealed mothership, shot passed him, plummeting to Earth at a mind boggling speed. He called out over the intercom to warn those below them.
"Look out! Shit storm coming to land!" He watched as Hulk, Clint and Natasha all peered up and dashed away from the falling debris.
Steve, on the other hand, was mid-hand to hand combat with a bot. His eyes were solely focused on disabling the bot in his arms. He didn't hear the metal plummeting towards him, now only meters away.
"Steve!" Tony screamed as he shot towards Steve hoping that he'd at least be able to push him out of the direct line of impact.
The loud crash shook through him and confirmed that he was too late. From beneath the panel he could see the mangled body of his partner tinted in dirt and blood.
"Steve!" The screams were distorted by the sobs already wracking through his body, "Steve, no! Please no!"
The team rushed over in time to see Stark rip the debris from the body and catapult it behind them. He lifted the limp body into his arms and sobbed over the man.
Natasha touched his arm, "Get him to medical immediately. I think he's still breathing!"
—
Days later
Steve had always read that when people woke up in a hospital the sound of beeping machines, nurses shoes squeaking or the voice of a crying loved one was always what greeted them from unconsciousness. For Steve, it was the sharp smell of disinfectant that let him know where he was. He could also feel a hand grasping his tightly which reassured him since he had yet to figure out why he was in hospital.
The bright lights forced him to close his eyes after an attempt to see the world. He squinted against it and opened them again only to come face to face with Tony Stark. The billionaire was hovering over his bed anxiously.
The man's lips were moving rapidly and it looked like he was calling to someone in between talking to Steve. In that moment Steve bet himself that Tony had talked to him the whole time he'd been in hospital despite his lack of hearing. Although, on reflection, somewhere in his subconscious he had a vague memory of someone manipulating his hand to form letters from the sign alphabet like a code. If he had been more conscious then he would have heard of the device that Tony had begun to develop which looked like a smart watch and would turn anything said on the intercom into text so he could be alerted to danger.
Steve's eyes struggled to follow Tony's lips as they moved at an impossibly fast pace but amongst the silence he could see, I love you. The billionaire stared deep into his eyes.
Moments later a nurse came skidding around the corner; clearly responding to Stark's frantic calls. She peered down at Steve and smiled to him. He prepared to tell her that he was deaf so couldn't understand her when she suddenly raised her hands.
How are you feeling, Mr Rogers?
Steve blinked at her dumbstruck. He couldn't even respond due to how overwhelmed he was.
She smiled, Do you feel any pain?
At that, the hero couldn't stop himself and a tear dropped from his eye. It escaped over his lashes and fled down his cheek. He couldn't even bring himself to wipe it away. Tony's face floated behind the nurse, his eager to please eyes open wide as he watched. A genuine smile was brightening up his face.
It's okay, sweetie. Where's the pain? The nurse pressed as she misinterpreted his crying.
No pain, He could still feel some type of pain medication thrumming through his veins, I can't believe I can understand you. How?
Her smile tightened her cheeks into little apples, Your boyfriend here, sweetie, got me in especially. Said you didn't like not being able to talk or listen in medical environments. Which I totally get!
At this point, the tears were streaming down Steve's cheeks but he didn't care to stop. The mix of relief and pure happiness was just a perfect tear triggering concoction. Although, he didn't doubt that the pain medication probably had a hand in it.
The nurse left after checking his vital signs and explaining everything she was doing all the way through. As she talked him though each of his injuries she didn't draw attention to the constant tears. She placed a button in Steve's hand and told him to press it if he needed her. He nodded gratefully.
After she went he turned to Tony, I don't know if I'll ever be able to thank you. You didn't need to do all of this. Go out of your way for me.
No, I did. You're worth each and every sacrifice and any ass who can't see that is just a dick. Anything you ever need or any special help you want I'll get for you. You're worth it all because nothing is worth not having you. And I'm a dick for not realising that sooner. I'm sorry, I love you.
Steve peered down at his lap for a moment and swallowed thickly. For a brief moment Tony thought he'd screwed it all up and had missed his only chance with Steve but suddenly the man looked up at him and grabbed his hand.
Steve steeled his resolve and spoke. It was the first time he'd shown Tony his deaf voice. The words were distorted and difficult to make out but Tony recognised them immediately.
"I love you, Tony."
Now it was Tony's turn to cry as he leant in and kissed Steve. He held the man gently to avoid touching his battered body but the kiss transferred all the emotion Tony couldn't say and didn't even know how to begin describing.
I love you.
